Articles

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

YEG Parents Magazine, we are shining a light on a global movement that is making a profound difference: The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower. Making the Invisible Visible Not all disabilities are visible. For many members of our community, living with a non-visible condition such as autism, chronic pain, ADHD, or sensory processing disorders can make navigating public spaces a daunting experience. Without a visual cue, it can be difficult for others to understand that someone mi

In many open-concept homes, the great room fireplace feature wall becomes the natural focal point. This element anchors the entire space and sets the tone for the surrounding kitchen and dining areas.

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

The journey to parenthood does not look the same for everyone. For many Alberta families, fertility challenges are part of that journey. The good news is that today there are more medical and supportive options available than ever before. Infertility affects approximately one in six couples in Canada. Causes can include ovulation disorders, low sperm count, hormonal imbalances, endometriosis, age-related factors, or unexplained infertility. The first step is typically a refer

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

You may come across the word preeclampsia during pregnancy — at a clinic, in a prenatal class, or while scrolling online, and it’s normal to wonder what it means. In simple terms, preeclampsia is a pregnancy condition linked to high blood pressure that healthcare providers watch for throughout pregnancy (and sometimes after birth). It can often be found early through routine checks, and there are clear next steps if concerns come up. Learning about preeclampsia — what it is,

Redefining Mother's Day, local brunch/gift ideas, and self-care. In the world of parenting, Mother’s Day (the second Sunday in May) often arrives with a heavy side of pressure. Between the Pinterest-perfect brunches and the expectation of a "relaxing day" that somehow still involves managing everyone’s schedule, many moms end the day feeling more exhausted than celebrated. This year, we are calling for the "Mother’s Day Shift" a move away from the performance of the holiday a

While juggling work, family, and everything in between! Healthy, glowing skin plays a big role in that confidence. While it’s tempting to fill your bathroom cabinet with endless creams and serums, sometimes the best skincare secret is to get back to basics and embrace nature’s simple remedies. Our skin works hard every day, facing everything from harsh weather to lack of sleep. But with a few mindful habits and natural tweaks, you can help your skin look refreshed, radiant, a

After all the holiday spending, creating a family budget might sound overwhelming but it’s one of the most important tools you can use to stay on top of your finances, reduce stress, and plan for the future. Whether you're managing daycare costs, groceries, or saving for family vacations, budgeting helps you take control of your money instead of letting it control you. The good news is most of what you need to start is already at your fingertips. Here's a simple step-by-step

By Émy Roberge & Anick Bérard You’re pregnant, feeling sore and feverish. You reach for the Tylenol®, then hesitate. Can I take this while pregnant? If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common question healthcare providers hear. The good news is pregnant people have safely used acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol® and many store-brand pain or fever relievers) for decades. According to organizations like the Society of Obstetricians and G

Winter in Edmonton brings colder weather, shorter days and can impact our mental health. If you’ve noticed you and your family feel tired, stressed and moody during these cold, dark months, you’re not alone. The winter blues, also known as seasonal affective symptoms, are common in northern climates. According to Doris F. Ryan, Registered Psychologist, spending time outdoors as a family can significantly boost mood and strengthen physical and mental well-being during the win

The holiday season is one of the most magical and hectic times of the year. Between school concerts, shopping lists, family gatherings, and endless to-do’s, it’s easy for parents to feel overwhelmed. The good news? With a little planning, a dose of perspective, and a focus on what really matters, you can create a season that feels joyful instead of stressful. Here are some simple, practical tips to help your family navigate the busy holiday season with a bit more calm and a l

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?

Folic acid is particularly important before and during early pregnancy, as it supports early fetal development.

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