As the crisp autumn air settles in and the leaves begin to change, fall brings with it a season of new routines, cozy family moments, and community connection.
In this issue of YEG Parents Magazine, we’re celebrating the many ways families in Edmonton can make the most of the season from preparing for back-to-school transitions and exploring local fall activities, to highlighting resources that support parents year-round.
Back to School for Kids with ADHD
Back-to-school season can be both exciting and stressful for most families, but for kids with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and their caregivers, back-to-school is often met with extra challenges. As a parent of a child with ADHD, I’ve learned that transitioning from an often-flexible summertime schedule to a very structured one at school can be difficult.
Don’t Slack on School Snacks
Navigating the Teen Years
Snacks are an essential part of a child’s diet, yet many snack ads aimed at children promote options that are far from healthy. Cookies dipped in chocolate, sugary pastries, and chips high in salt and fat taste good but do little to support lasting energy or health. Instead, these snacks often lead to energy crashes that leave kids feeling sluggish and unfocused.
Setting Boundaries and Guiding Independence
As your teen journeys towards adulthood, their desire for independence and exploration of boundaries is a normal and necessary developmental stage. By establishing clear limits, parents can minimize negative risk-taking, provide a crucial sense of security, and help their teens find a healthy balance as they mature socially and emotionally.