Am I the only one who gets annoyed when watching a movie or television show and a character says something along the lines of: “I promise, we’ll bring him back alive.” If it were me, the last thing I’d want to hear from the police is a promise to do something that is truly out of their control. I get …
Won’t refuse ‘catch-up’ dollars, but this is no educated solution
On Oct.20, the Ontario’s provincial government announced the “Catch Up Payments” plan. Unfortunately, most parents of school-aged children still haven’t heard about the $200 to 250 dollars available through a simple online application process. According to its press release, the Ministry of Education’s “Plan to Catch Up,” is “to keep students in class learning for the entirety of the school …
Learning to let a child go
Parenting is a series of moments of holding on tight and letting go. This week my baby girl left for the University of Toronto, and I’m reflecting on the rollercoaster of parenting that has led to this point. How do you hold on tight enough, but not too tight when you love someone more than you love yourself? They say …
‘Respectful communication’ with children — not cursing — is damned good parenting advice
I was the guest on a podcast recently about parents who curse. This got me reflecting on how I dealt with cursing in my house, and what the message was that I was trying to get across to my kids. As a writer, corporate communications trainer, and keynote speaker (about the power of words and positive self-talk), I spend a …
Talking to teens about money makes good sense
My son asked me what is the biggest way that I have saved money over the years. My first thought was not the correct answer, which my daughter actually offered. The beauty of this conversation is that not only do I feel that my teens are financially aware, but that they have learned some of my tips along the way. …
2020 not such a bummer of a year after all
Dear 2020, You’ve been getting a lot of flak, but I want to say that I see method in your madness, and I am choosing to focus on the positives you’ve brought us. Firstly, I’d like to thank you for an even closer bond with my teens. I didn’t think it was possible, but our quarantine time strengthened us as …
Homeschooling is no April Fool’s joke
I’ve seen people writing on social media that, with current school closures, perhaps parents will value teachers more and understand the issues that teachers are striking for. For all of us who are trying to keep our children learning while they are off school, this may indeed be correct, but we are in the minority, or so my teens are …
Keep door open for kids’ ‘difficult’ questions
When do you have “the” talk with your kids? What content do you include without overwhelming them? Is there a setting that makes it less awkward for everyone? Who should initiate it? It’s not like we can consult the parenting handbook/user manual we get when we have kids. Which talk is “the” talk anymore? It’s not just the birds and …
‘Parental alienation’ inclusion may ease needless pain
On May 25, the World Health Organization (WHO) included “parental alienation” as a “caregiver-child relationship problem” in ICD-11, the International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision. ICD-11 comes into effect on Jan. 1, 2022. This new term is described on the WHO website as: “Substantial and sustained dissatisfaction within a caregiver-child relationship associated with significant disturbance in functioning.” While that sounds nebulous, …
9 to 5 doesn’t work with women today
When you’ve asked someone how things were going, how many times do you hear the answer “Busy?” How many times have you yourself provided that answer or spiced things up a little but adding “Things are good … but busy?” We’re racing towards something, and sometimes I wonder if it’s one big heart attack for all of us. I can’t …