School Year Resolution for Helicopter Parents: Back Off
While parental involvement is key to a child’s success in school, at what point does a participating parent become a smother mother (or father)?
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
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
Understanding the four stages of learning
Our children learn new things every day at school, and we often do the same at home or work. But have you ever stopped to consider exactly how we learn a new skill? While it may not be something to
And baby makes
I never really considered myself a consumer…until I had a baby. Babies, coming into the world as they do naked and apparently needing a whole lotta gear, sent me to the mall more often than I care to remember. And
Different ways to define success
Final report cards are almost here, and with them comes an excellent opportunity to reflect upon and celebrate the growth and success your child has achieved at school this year. But what does success look like? Is it just about
The 4 R’s of positive discipline
Discipline is different from punishment because it teaches children to learn from their mistakes rather than making them suffer for them. In fact, imposing suffering actually shifts the focus from the lesson that needs to be learned to who
Rock a Bye Baby
When planning your babies nursery, parents never forget the crib, change table or beautiful décor, but hey do often skip over a comfortable chair or glider. A glider is often an after thought once the baby has arrived and the
Laptops for kids
Now that laptop computers are outselling traditional desktop computers, it’s a good possibility that your kids will try to sell you on the idea of getting them a laptop. But typical laptops can be expensive investments, most especially w
Toddler timeouts get thumbs down
Australian Researchers Give Toddler Timeouts A Thumbs Down: They Don't Change Toddler Behavior or Ease Maternal Stress – Sending your toddler for a timeout so he can reconsider his behavior doesn't increase the odds that he'll behave any
Now hear this
Do you sometimes feel like your six-month old is hanging on your every word, imploring you to continue the conversation? It's not your imagination. Your baby is fascinated by every sound that leaves your mouth. You could be reading the
Honesty and father/son relationships
Question: I want to be really honest with my kids since my own parents weren’t with me. How much should I share with my kids about my past?
The procrastinating child
Do your kids take forever to do simple homework? Keep putting off studying for tests, or working on long-term projects? Is getting them to clean their rooms a huge struggle? If this sounds familiar, you may have a procrastinator in
Winter Skin Care for Baby
The Canadian climate is tough enough on grownups' skin, let alone the tender skin of young babes. Here are some tips on protecting your baby's skin at a time of year when "dry skin" takes on a whole new meaning.
My Baby is Mobile
As a parent it is very important to educate yourselves on what is a hazard to your children. You will be surprised at the number of hazards you children can be exposed to.
Stair Gates
Choosing the right gate for your home is very important. Install it before your child starts crawling and don't be shy about mounting gate hardware on your wooden stair posts.
Golf show caters to kids
The next best thing to being able to play golf is a making the rounds at the Toronto Star Golf & Travel Show at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, February 29-March 2. In its 19th year, this is an event
Cool boosters appeal to big kids
It’s been more than two years since Ontario expanded its child car seat laws to include children up to age 8 or until they weigh 36 Kg (80 lbs) or measure 145 CM (4 foot 9 inches) tall. Since that
