From keeping up routines, to making contact with new teachers, there are many things families can do to lay the groundwork for a more positive school year ahead.
Kids can gain developmental or social benefits from extracurricular activities, but time for free play, relaxing and family bonding also matter for individual and family wellness. Girls playing street hockey in Victoria, B.C., in May 2017.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito
Researchers with expertise in parent-child relationships and child development offer 5 tips about how parents or caregivers can find a balance between children’s structured and unstructured time.
It is OK for kids to feel bored. In fact, boredom can help children to develop a number of important skills.
Parents with ADHD may have challenges, but also strengths, particularly when their child also has ADHD. In these families, parents may have more empathy and tolerance for their child’s difficulties and may be able to play more effectively with their child.
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Parenting with ADHD presents unique challenges but also strengths. By using strategies for managing ADHD, and seeking resources when needed, parents can create a positive and fulfilling family life.
Mindfulness means being attentive to those around us and not just ourselves.
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For over 20 years, I have researched and treated children sleep problems. The research suggests changing sleep patterns over the summer break does not have to be a problem.
Nickola Overall, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau
A study has found parents with high levels of ‘hostile sexism’ showed less warmth and were less engaged with their child, were less sensitive to their child’s needs, and were more controlling.
Women favour seeing the same health provider throughout pregnancy, in labour and after they have their baby – whether that’s via midwifery group practice, a private midwife or a private obstetrician.
People who hold higher levels of hope will be less likely to experience symptoms of depression. Shared hopes are also important for expectations of national and international futures.
Whether to be harsher or more lax, drinking can affect parenting.
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Even parents who don’t drink much throughout the year may have a few extra eggnogs at a Christmas party or beers while watching the Super Bowl. And that has implications for how they treat their kids.
New research shows one in four Australians think physical punishment is necessary to properly raise children. And one in two parents (across all age groups) reported smacking their children.
Too few Canadian fathers take parental leave. That’s because parental leave is framed as an employment policy rather than as care/work policy that promotes greater sharing of both paid and unpaid care work between parents.
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If more Canadian fathers are to harness the benefits of parental leave and remote work, we need to design employment and care policies in ways that recognize every family’s unique needs.
People protesting against inclusive sexual orientation and gender-identity policies in schools are seen next to protestors supporting such policies in Saskatoon, Sask. on Sept. 20, 2023.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Heywood Yu
In the wake of transphobic protests, the ‘rights’ of parents are being falsely positioned in opposition to the rights of transgender and non-binary children rather than focusing on supporting families.
Working together, we can create a positive holiday experience for our children.
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Holiday traditions involve expectations that can be especially challenging for parents post-divorce or post-separation. Proactive planning helps.
Sexual extortion occurs when an individual is coerced, deceived or pressured into having their sexual or nude photos or videos released online unless they provide money or additional sexual images.
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The tragic case of a 12-year-old boy who experienced sextortion highlights the importance of practical advice for parents on having conversations about sex, sextortion and healthy device habits.
Experts say the rise in far-right ideologies globally and social media influencers like Andrew Tate have impacted school age students.
Host Vinita Srivastava explores why racist, homophobic and sexist attitudes are increasingly showing up in school-age boys – and what we can do about it.
Professor, Canada Research Chair in Determinants of Child Development, Owerko Centre at the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary
Assistant professor, School of Psychology, Scientist, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, L’Université d’Ottawa/University of Ottawa