Genetically modified foods are a mystery
It sounds like the stuff of science fiction – yet it’s entirely real. Genetically modified foods are surprisingly common, yet most of us have barely a rudimentary understanding of what they are. And most of us would be shocked to
Get set for preschool
When summer winds down back-to-school preparations are beginning, even for parents with young preschoolers. Finding the best childcare options, preparing children for starting at or returning to daycare or kindergarten, and re-establishing
Five key messages to share with students
The great thing about being a student is that every school year brings with it the opportunity for a fresh start—a chance to begin again. However, for some children leaving the past behind can be difficult. So this month I'm
Opening shell that surrounds shy students
Back to school is often a time of excitement and enjoyment for children anxious to meet new friends and participate in activities. However, for some shy children the anxiety of returning to school can be a nightmare.
Robert Coplan, C
Teach children to be smart shoppers
Back-to-school shopping is a major event that retailers hope to cash in on. Why not make the annual ritual an educational experience that teaches your child sound money management skills?
Catering to pre-schoolers
Michael & Jello: It Must be Jelly, ‘Cause Jam Don’t Shake — For really little kids, during the drop-in centre years, the usual ‘‘Row Row Row Your Boat’’ circle-time tunes are fine. But what about
Books that will bring on the boys
Boys like adventure stories with lots of action, some death-defying thrills and maybe a little humour. All of these elements are present in this handful of well-told stories.
Shane Peacock narrates the Boy Sherlock H
The Ex marks the spot for families
Canadian National Exhibition — Our annual farewell to summer event is about more than the midway and the food building. The CNE this year has some great events for kids and families. Of course, the young set alwa
Doane sings for kids
Melanie Doane: A Thousand Nights — Mainstream adult music makers are trying their hands at kids’ fare these days, and it’s a welcome trend. Especially when they bring their high standards to the recording, as
Weird and wonderful talent on the street
BuskerFest — The only thing similar to the artists at BuskerFest and those not-so-talented dudes who sometimes strum guitars on street corners is that they both work outside. But this event brings the top outdoor performers from around th
Questions that baffle us
Someone much wiser than I often tells me that one of the most important aspects of being a parents is taking time for our own relationships. Since that “someone” is my mother-in-law, I'm actually allowed – in very specific situations
Even little girls play to win
Girls aren't any less competitive than boys. But the strategies they use to compete are a little more subtle. That's the key finding to come out of a study conducted by psychologists at Emmanuel College in Boston, Massachusetts and publish
Ashley Tisdale as nerd girl
Picture This (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer) — She’s blonde, she’s pretty and she can sing, hence Ashley Tisdale is everywhere. And she’s starring in her own movie (which she actually helped produce). She plays Mandy
Back to home school
Even if you homeschool throughout the summer, there are things to get ready at the beginning of the traditional school year. This is the time of year new curriculum materials come out, and let’s face it, everyone needs a deal
See the circus through art
The Circus Comes to Town (Toronto Reference Library) — A lot of art and entertainment helps us escape the everyday. And when you see this collection of posters, pamphlets, books and artefacts celebrating c
A dietitian wades into the food fight
Ask any group of parents whether their children are ‘good’ eaters and you’re likely to get a collective eye-rolling groan. One may be struggling to please a picky eater, another may be trying to combat a child’s weight problem and
Pick what’s on your plate
City dwellers often don’t have the space to grow their own fruits and vegetables, let alone the time that it takes to cultivate them. A small plot or containers filled with herbs or a tomato plant or two are as
Bikes aboard
Timmy Salama hands his bike up to an orange-vested Bike Train loader. The 10-year-old has just returned from a couple of hours cycling around Niagara Falls with his mother and father. It’s his first trip to The Falls and he’s
Same dream in High Park
A Midsummer Night’s Dream (High Park) — Complain all you like that CanStage keeps remounting the same play for its annual High Park outdoor showing. Be even more annoyed that ahdri zhina mandiela urban-inspired version is being totally
The ugly side of the beauty business
My two daughters – aged five and 10 – routinely return home from birthday parties with goodie bags stuffed to the brim with lip-gloss, nail polish, body glitter and “perfume”. Putting aside for the moment my concerns that they’re
