Are your children quickly outgrowing their clothes?

Are your children quickly outgrowing their clothes?Learning from the pros Learning from the Pros interviews professional entrepreneurs who are currently in the trenches growing their businesses. Through insightful conversations, we unpack their common business challenges and identify the lessons every business owner needs to learn so they can accelerate their own business growth. Learning from the Pros is produced by Amplomedia…

No ‘one-size-fits-all’ model addresses the needs of today’s school children

A new approach to school-based social, emotional, and academic intervention needed

No ‘one-size-fits-all’ model addresses the needs of today’s school childrenAs children, families, and school staff settle into another school year, there is growing concern about the impact of COVID-19 on the development of children and youth and the subsequent increase in the need for specialized assessment and intervention services. Perhaps it is time to consider an alternate approach to school-based social, emotional, and academic…

Beware the psychological risks for kids in youth sports

Here are a few psychological risks parents should look for

Beware the psychological risks for kids in youth sportsWhen people ask me what I think about youth sports today, I often say there’s “too much adult in youth sports.” When adults are heavily involved in youth sports, ego-and-greed-based decisions and activities are sure to be part of the environment. Win-at-all-costs (WAAC) and profit-at-all-costs (PAAC) mentalities and policies are increasingly part of the youth…

Making a strong case for more phys-ed in Canadian schools

Students with daily activity requirements are physically and emotionally healthier and perform better academically

Making a strong case for more phys-ed in Canadian schoolsJosh Fullan is the executive director of Maximum City, a national education and engagement organization based in Toronto. He recently wrote a compelling opinion piece on the need for more physical education in schools for The Globe and Mail. Fullan outlines the physical, mental and academic benefits of regular exercise. He emphasizes the academic and…

Study challenges the link between obesity and junk food advertising

Banning junk food advertising may have little effect on reducing obesity

Study challenges the link between obesity and junk food advertisingA new study from the University of Alberta challenges the notion that advertising junk food is at the root of the obesity epidemic. Growing up in a low social-economic environment is more of a precursor to obesity later in life than junk food advertising, according to the report, with adults who grew up in a…

Affordable child care remains uncertain for many Ontarians

$10-a-day child care plan least efficient, most expensive and complex way to tackle affordability

Affordable child care remains uncertain for many OntariansThe rising cost of living is doing a number on family budgets. In response, the federal government recently released its “affordability plan” that includes the previously announced child-care fee reductions under its Canada-wide $10-a-day plan. In May, some Ontario families had expected to see reduced child-care fees and a partial refund backdated to Apr. 1.…

Father’s Day: A father’s role continues to evolve

When fathers are actively involved with their children, the children thrive

Father’s Day: A father’s role continues to evolveThe first Father’s Day was observed in Spokane, Wash., on June 19, 1910. Since then, the role of a father has evolved to include greater participation in a child’s day-to-day life. According to the Library of Congress Wise Guide, Sonora Dodd gets the credit for the day on which we honour fathers. Dodd’s father –…

Canada has its own baby formula problem

Its largest baby formula plant ships all its products to China

Canada has its own baby formula problemParents of toddlers are concerned about baby formula shortages due to a combination of factors. A major recall in the United States affecting the top manufacturer of baby formula, coupled with supply chain challenges, has made things difficult for parents. In the U.S., some parents are driving hours just to get the right product for…

Subsidizing public childcare centres is the wrong approach

Subsidize parents instead

Subsidizing public childcare centres is the wrong approachIn order to increase access to daycare services, the Quebec government recently announced the creation of 14,000 new subsidized daycare spaces over the next two years. But with 51,000 children on the waiting list for subsidized child care, there is not a single space available. And despite the government's good intentions, even this modest increase…