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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

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

While summer is often portrayed as carefree and relaxing, many parents experience the opposite. With kids home from school, disrupted routines, and increased responsibilities, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The truth is, summer burnout is real, and it’s more common than many parents admit. One of the biggest challenges is the loss of structure. During the school year, days are naturally organized. In the summer, that structure disappears, leaving parents to fill the gaps. Cre

Kids need a third place. A place beyond home and school. When young people have a safe and supportive third place, outside of home and school, they can find connection, belonging and community. The BGC Canada openly promote “a third place for kids”, highlighting the importance of that space and how local BGCs provide it for children and youth. Why Kids Need a Third Place Young people need the next safe place with trusted adults that they can rely on. They need a place that w

Hello and Happy Spring, YEG Parents and families! As parents, navigating the world of cannabis can feel overwhelming, especially with the evolving understanding of its compounds, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). To make informed choices, it’s essential to know how these substances interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), its development and its implications for adults and children. What is the Endocannabinoid System? The endocannabinoid system is a cru

Choosing childcare is one of the most important decisions parents make. Whether returning to work, pursuing education, or seeking social enrichment for a child, families in Edmonton and surrounding communities have several options to consider. Licensed daycare centres are a popular choice. These facilities are regulated by the province and must meet specific standards for safety, staffing ratios, and programming. Centres often provide structured daily schedules that include p

I am one of those people who rinse out bread bags and hang them from the cupboard door handles so I can reuse them later. I procrastinate, but eventually rinse out the empty peanut butter jar, and our recycling bin is mostly a kid’s craft supply box that migrates throughout the house. Like most families, we care about the planet. Like most families, we are busy, and the tasks of daily life can feel like a whirlwind. I get that the idea of living sustainably and teaching it to

Family traditions are more than just fun activities or seasonal routines they’re the threads that weave generations together. Whether it’s baking cookies, lighting candles, or bundling up for a snowy walk, traditions give our children a sense of belonging, identity, and stability. They remind us that in a busy world, the moments we create together matter most. As the snow fell softly outside, you found yourself wondering: What will my children remember most about our family?

What Is Colic? Colic is a term used when a baby cries excessively or appears very fussy without an obvious cause. While all babies cry, colic is typically identified when a baby cries for more than three hours a day, at least three days a week, for three weeks or longer. It often begins within the first few weeks of life, with crying episodes commonly occurring in the evening or at night. In otherwise healthy infants, crying usually increases from birth and peaks around six w

The path to future success is paved in the early years. Research consistently shows that a child’s brain is most adaptable and responsive to intervention before age six. This period is often called the critical window, where targeted support for developmental challenges (whether language, motor skills, or emotional regulation) can literally change a child's entire trajectory. Early intervention isn't just helpful; it is the single most important factor in lessening the impact

Whether you drink alcohol or not, your kids are going to see it. Alcohol advertisements are all over tv, magazines, billboards and online. People are drinking in restaurants, at concerts and sporting events, in parks, even at the movies now. Children see people drinking on tv and in movies and the radio isn’t booze-free either. People are constantly talking or singing about drinking alcohol. With all this exposure, it’s natural for kids to be curious about alcohol. When it co

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. When setting these boundaries, remember that involving your teens in the rule-making process is key. This collaborative approach fosters

For the first few months, babies spend most of their lives sleeping. There’s not much sweeter than snuggling with your sleeping baby, but when it's time for parents to get stuff done or get some sleep, make sure your baby is as safe as possible by following Canada’s safe sleep guidelines. The reasons safe sleep guidelines exist are tough to think about and a parent’s worst nightmare. The good news is that following safe sleep guidelines teaches us many ways we can reduce the

There are many issues around cannabis and pregnancy, such as fetal development and pregnancy outcomes with maternal use of cannabinoids, breastfeeding considerations and the differences between medical and non-medical cannabis.

When parents receive the news that their child has a disability or chronic illness, it marks the beginning of a unique journey.

Mean kids aren't just a middle-school problem. The trouble has trickled to the youngest grades.

Let’s just get the bad news out of the way first: sleep will forever change once you have a baby. Managing infant sleep is important to getting a good night’s sleep ourselves, but it is often a bit of trial and error. According to the La Leche League, infant sleep is different from the way we sleep as adults and is a developmental process that changes over time. So it is completely normal that most newborns will sleep a lot but in shorter two to three hour bursts both day an