Articles

“How is a peeled banana the thing we’re crying about?” It’s a question I have heard countless times from parents. Sometimes it is a banana. Sometimes it is the wrong cup, the toast cut the “wrong” way, or a shirt that suddenly feels impossible to wear. The details change, but the question is always the same. How could something so small lead to such a big reaction? The answer is that most of the time, it isn’t actually about the banana. By the time a child reaches that moment

For some people, the decision to have a baby begins with excitement. You imagine the announcement, think about names, picture a nursery, and quietly wonder what your future child might be like. Then one month passes. Then another. Suddenly, something you expected to happen naturally can begin to occupy more of your thoughts. Pregnancy announcements may bring complicated emotions. Well-meaning questions from friends and relatives can become difficult to answer. And advice that

You've built a career, travelled, experienced life's unexpected turns, or perhaps already raised children who are becoming more independent. Then, in your 40s, life presents another chapter: you're having a baby. For some women, pregnancy in their 40s is carefully planned after years of waiting for the right time. For others, it comes after fertility challenges, a new relationship, or as a wonderful surprise. Some are becoming mothers for the first time, while others suddenly

The first day of school is often filled with excitement, a new backpack, fresh school supplies, and the promise of new friendships. But for some families, the excitement is accompanied by uncertainty. They wonder if their child will receive the support they need, whether teachers will understand their unique challenges, or how they will navigate a system that can sometimes feel overwhelming. For Edmonton mother Katie, those questions became very real when her son, Nate, was d

There is something special about fall in Edmonton. The days can still be warm enough for outdoor adventures, the river valley begins to turn golden, and then suddenly the season shifts to harvest festivals, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and Halloween fun. Whether you're looking for a big family outing or something you can do close to home, fall offers plenty of ways to make memories together. Here are some of our favourite ways to make the most of fall in and around Edmonton.

Every August, parents prepare their children for a new school year. They buy backpacks, replace shoes that no longer fit, label school supplies, and gradually settle back into routines after a summer that often looks very different from the months ahead. These are all important parts of preparing for school. As a Canadian Certified Counsellor and Certified Child Life Specialist, I've learned that children are preparing too. Their preparation just looks a little different. By

Between homework, extracurricular activities, dinner, bath time, and the inevitable request for “just five more minutes,” getting children to bed at a reasonable time can be one of the biggest challenges of the school year. But sleep isn't simply downtime. Getting enough quality sleep supports a child's learning, memory, mood, behaviour, physical development, and overall well-being. As families settle back into school routines, establishing a healthy bedtime can be just as im

The alarm buzzes, breakfast is half-eaten, someone can't find their shoes, and a backpack is sitting by the front door, still unpacked from yesterday. Sound familiar? For many families, the school year begins with the best intentions, but busy mornings and hectic afternoons can quickly become overwhelming. The good news is that small, consistent routines can transform stressful days into smoother ones. Children thrive on predictability and establishing healthy morning and aft

Welcoming a new life into the world is a beautiful journey filled with excitement, questions, and sometimes a little uncertainty. If you’re expecting or planning to grow your family, having the right support and information can make all the difference. I want to share some valuable pregnancy resources and support options available in Beaumont that can help you feel confident and cared for every step of the way. Finding the Right Pregnancy Support in Beaumont Pregnancy is a ti

In a city as diverse and vibrant as Edmonton, food is more than nourishment, it is culture, identity, and connection. For many families within the African and Caribbean communities, access to culturally familiar food can be a challenge. The Afro-Caribbean Food Bank is working to change that by creating a space where food security meets cultural dignity. Founded to address food insecurity while honoring cultural needs, the Afro-Caribbean Food Bank provides essential groceries

What you need to know. Period. helps families build comfort with period talks The What you need to know. Period. program is an inclusive period literacy program developed by The Endometriosis Network Canada. The educational program is all about getting people talking about menstrual health. It’s not a secret that some of us get a period, but there is a lot of misinformation out there about menstruation. As parents and caregivers, we can work together to demystify periods for

With changing routines and more time outdoors, summer is the perfect opportunity to reset and build healthy eating habits for the whole family. Children tend to be more active in the summer months, which means their bodies need consistent fuel to keep up. Instead of focusing on rigid meal plans, aim for balance, variety, and flexibility. Start by embracing seasonal foods. Fresh fruits and vegetables are more accessible and often more affordable during the summer. Berries, wat

Summer is finally here, and those warm, sunny beach days are calling for you! If you’re looking for sandy shores and clear water, there are a few kid-friendly beaches close to Edmonton that make for a fun and memorable day trip. I’ve taken kids to all of them; each has its pros and cons. Here’s a helpful guide to beaches near the city that are worth the trip. Gull Lake – Ebeling Beach Day Use Ebeling Beach in Aspen Beach Provincial Park would be my first pick for toddlers and

As families across Canada start planning summer outings, whether it’s a trip to the airport, a day at the zoo, or simply navigating busy public spaces, there’s a small symbol that can make a big difference: the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower. You may have seen it before. A green lanyard with bright yellow sunflowers. Simple, subtle, but powerful. The Sunflower is a globally recognized symbol for people with disabilities that may not be immediately visible. This can include aut

I wasn’t diagnosed before my first pregnancy. I interrupted, talked too much, and tended to hyperfocus. I thought it was just my personality, but with pregnancy and parenthood, daily tasks and organization became overwhelming. I needed help. My ADHD diagnosis allowed me to understand the support I needed to be the mom I wanted to be, shared Lara. For many pregnant people living with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), pregnancy can feel like a perfect storm. It i

As a solo, but somewhat adventurous parent, I have done several cross-country road trips with my son in our campervan. From Edmonton, we’ve driven to the East Coast (twice), up north to the Yukon and into Alaska, and we drive to Vancouver Island twice a year. Were there meltdowns? Yes. Does he get bored? Of course. Did we create memories that will last a lifetime? Absolutely! All those kilometres on the road with baby, turned toddler, turned school-aged kid have taught me wha

Summer in Edmonton is something families look forward to all year long. After months of cold weather and busy routines, the warmer season offers a chance to slow down, reconnect, and explore everything our city has to offer. The good news? You don’t need elaborate plans or expensive trips to create a memorable summer. Start with the basics: local parks, splash pads, and green spaces. Edmonton is home to one of the largest urban park systems in North America, making it easy to

Being a modern dad often means balancing the demands of a career with the needs of your family. The expectation to show up fully in both areas can feel constant. The encouraging reality is that balance is achievable, and it begins with making intentional choices every day. Redefine Balance Work life balance is not about dividing your time evenly. It is about focusing on what matters most in each moment. There will be times when work requires more attention and others when f

The Magic of Narrative Drawing Prompts To Get Kids Drawing Again Fostering Analog Creativity In A Digital Age: The Power of Drawing There was a time when drawing lived more naturally inside childhood. Kids drew on sidewalks with chalk, filled restaurant placemats with imaginary worlds, and covered the backs of homework sheets with creatures, maps, inventions, and endless versions of themselves. I remember it, I was there! Much of that drawing practice emerged from boredom,

And why trusting support early can change everything for a child’s confidence and learning Having worked with parents for the past decade, and as a mom of four, I’ve come to realize something about parenting: parents think in loops. Ever heard someone say, “You’re cycling”? Parents cycle constantly - myself included. We research, compare, and overthink. With the best intentions, we seek opinions from teachers, doctors, therapists, family members, social media, and even comple