Shopping for teenagers at Christmas can be tricky. As a mom, I know that finding something they’ll genuinely enjoy is more important than buying a pile of inexpensive items just to fill a stocking. Teens have their own tastes, hobbies and fashion preferences, so I like looking for little gifts that feel personal while staying…
A recent Edmonton investigation is a reminder that online safety can extend beyond what children say and share online. Location information can potentially connect an online interaction to a child’s real-world whereabouts. Police in Alberta are urging parents to review their children’s social media location settings after an investigation involving two youths who were allegedly…
Sport can be a wonderful part of childhood, helping children stay active, develop confidence, and learn how to work with others. From organized team sports to swimming, gymnastics, and recreational activities, being active can also give children a valuable sense of independence and achievement. Unfortunately, injuries can happen, whether your child competes regularly or simply…
Halloween makeup can take a costume from simple to impressive. A little face paint can turn a child into a tiger, skeleton or superhero, while glitter and fake blood can add the finishing touches to a Halloween costume. But before picking up the first colourful makeup kit you see, take a closer look at what…
We’ve all seen the heartwarming DNA test commercials: someone discovers unexpected roots, or long-lost relatives finally meet. It’s no wonder millions of people have mailed in saliva samples or cheek swabs hoping to learn more about where they came from. But a DNA ancestry test is more complicated than colourful ethnicity charts might suggest. Your…
In recent years, teen vaping has become a growing concern for parents, educators, and health professionals. While traditional cigarette smoking among youth has declined, the popularity of e-cigarettes and nicotine vaping products has created a new challenge. Because many vaping devices are small, discreet, and easy to hide, parents may not realize their teen is…
If your refrigerator calendar looks anything like mine, it is probably covered in colourful sticky notes marking upcoming birthday parties. Between school friends, sports teammates, neighbours, and cousins, the invitations can quickly add up. For years, many parents have felt pressure to keep up with bigger and more expensive birthday gifts. However, the true magic…
