Benefits of Team Sports with Dr. Cassidy Preston, Mental Performance Coach
Benefits of Team Sports with Dr. Cassidy Preston, Mental Performance Coach With warm weather rolling in, kids are itching to get outside and back to their favourite sports. We know that participating in team sports can positively impact children’s health and provide social benefits. We spoke with Dr. Cassidy Preston, Mental Performance Coach who has partnered with Sport Chek to share his insights on character-building benefits, like teamwork, resilience and leadership, that go beyond the sport for kids that parents should know about. Q: Why is it important for kids to participate in team sports, and for families to prioritize playing together? A: Prioritizing team sports as a kid can provide health, social and character-building benefits that go beyond the sport itself. Some of those skills include: Building social connections and communication skills Working with team members and leadership skills Developing healthy habits around exercise, sleep, and nutrition Fostering life skills such as confidence, resilience, and focus Q: What are the psychological benefits of participating in team sports programs? A: Research shows it can have a positive impact on people outside of the traditional sense of the sport. Psychological benefits of team sports may include:Stress reliever and a sense of purpose Social connections and a sense of belonging Feeling of competence and confidence as they develop Q: What are the life-long values and habits that sports teach children, that they can take into adulthood?A: Team sports provide life-long values that you can bring well into adulthood, from leadership and communication to teamwork and physical health. I’ve partnered with Sport Chek because they believe in the valuable life lessons kids learn beyond the field. Lessons like sportsmanship, communication, resilience, determination and leadership – all skills you can take beyond a sports game and into your everyday. Other examples include:Social Connections Character-building skills Time management skills Q: How can parents help prepare their kids for team sports? A: As parents prepare for the upcoming sports season this summer, whether it be baseball or soccer, there are a few ways to help prepare your kids:Don’t over-focus on the external results like winning and rankings, instead, prioritize the mental skills sport that your child can develop through sport Help manage expectations about the range of results and develop a growth mindset by encouraging effort and normalizing failure as part of the development process Make sure fun is not tied to just the results, but rather focus on the enjoyment of the game itself; the
Gift Ideas for Moms Who Embrace Self-Care and Self-Love
Gift Ideas for Moms Who Embrace Self-Care and Self-Love by Frances Go Celebrate Mother's Day by spoiling the special women in your life with the gift of pampering. Explore our curated selection of luxurious skincare, hair care essentials, cozy sleeping kits, and rejuvenating spa getaways. Show her just how much she's cherished and appreciated with these thoughtful tokens of affection. Care BasketCraft a skin care and hair care treasure trove just for her, filled with goodies that reflect her unique style and cater to her skin's needs. Handpick her favourites or choose products highly recommended for her specific skin type. RecommendationsSkin Care: Hydrating Facial Mask by Dr. Jart, Advance Anti Aging Program by Vivier Hair Care: Lush Super Milk, Gisou Mini Honey Infused Hair Oil, The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density Ultimate Sleeping KitAn embodiment of care and comfort tailored to her. Picture her sinking into dreamland with the help of a delicate lavender bed spray, the gentle embrace of a weighted blanket, fresh, crisp sheets, a soft eye mask, and other sleep-enhancing delights. RecommendationsLavender Vanilla Bed Spray from Bath and Body Works, Dream Away Weighted Blanket, Aroma Diffuser with essential oils, Beji Bed Sheet Set, Sunrise Alarm Clock A Spa Getaway Crafted to sweep her into a realm of tranquillity and personal exploration, whether through an intimate overnight getaway or a tranquil day retreat. Provide her with the opportunity to envelop herself in the comforting embrace of nature, allowing her to seek solace and rediscover inner harmony. RecommendationsElmwood Spa Package, Scandinave Blue Mountain, Thermëa Spa Village
5 Gift Ideas for the Mom Who Seems to Have It All
5 Gift Ideas for the Mom Who Seems to Have It All by Frances Go Have you ever found yourself thinking, 'What do you get for a mom who already has everything?' It's a common challenge, but don't worry! There are plenty of ways to show her how much you care. Whether it's a heartfelt gesture, a personalized gift, or just spending quality time together, there's always something special you can do to make her day. We've compiled these gift ideas for you to try: Craft a Personalized PhotobookCompile cherished memories from recent family adventures or the past year into a stunning photo book, offering her a timeless keepsake she'll treasure forever. Pour Your Heart into Handwritten LettersExpress your deepest emotions and appreciation through heartfelt letters, letting her know just how much she means to you. Share stories of special moments you've shared and the impact she's had on your life. These personal touches will make your gift truly memorable. Gift of RelaxationEase her stress by giving the house a thorough tidy-up, allowing her to unwind without the worry of chores weighing on her mind. Consider adding small touches like fresh flowers or lighting her favourite scented candles to create a tranquil atmosphere she'll appreciate. It's these thoughtful gestures that show her just how much you care.Breakfast Fit for a QueenKickstart her day with a decadent breakfast served in the comfort of her own bed, a thoughtful gesture showcasing your culinary skills and love. Quality Time TogetherPlan a special outing with Mom, because no gift compares to the gift of time. Whether it's a scenic picnic or trying out a new hobby together, create unforgettable moments that'll stay with her forever.
How to Cope with Your Empty Nest
How to Cope with Your Empty Nest By Favour Jonah One minute, we hear the sound of children's laughter echoing through the halls, and then suddenly it fades into a lingering emptiness. A calm understanding sets in—our children are all grown up. Parenthood, once characterized by a hectic schedule of early weekend practices, school concerts, birthday parties, and field trips, shifts into a new period of tranquillity known as empty nesting. Empty nesting is defined as a period of transition when children are prepared to move out and start living independently. It could also mean an empty house without the children present. This may happen when they go to college, leave their parents' house, relocate to a different city or country, or begin a family. Suddenly, the home seems quieter, and there is a feeling of change as parents adjust to life without their children always around. For Danielle Miller, a Toronto-based mom who just went through the empty nest stage, the change was emotional and difficult. Reflecting on being a mother of two amazing boys, she acknowledges that her daily life was centred around her sons' schedules and activities. "When they departed for university, I found myself struggling with feelings of emptiness and doubt." Similar to Miller, a lot of parents experience strong emotions during this stage, which can make it challenging for them to cope. Over time, it impacts not only their self-relationship but also their relationships with others, particularly with their significant others. Tim Albert, a father of one, and his wife, Jules, residing in Mississauga, found it challenging to reconnect with each other after their child left the nest. "We were often unsure of what to do most times," he revealed. We reached out to Krista Huyer, a certified psychotherapist who focuses on supporting individuals, specifically women, in navigating healing and empowering themselves to enhance self-esteem, to learn more about empty nesting and how it impacts people, as well as coping mechanisms to adapt. Understanding Empty Nesting Huyer believes that empty nesting goes beyond a quiet house; it signifies a significant change in family dynamics that results in a sense of something being absent. “Nesting is such a natural human instinct for us to create a home, not just a home, but a safe space for the children,” she says. "When this home that we've created doesn't have what we had filled it with, that's going to feel unfamiliar for people, and perhaps create
10 Teen Slang Words You Need to Know Now
Teen Language Decoded: 10 Teen Slang Words You Need to Know Now By Favour Jonah Have you ever observed how every generation has its own unique way of communicating? It's a distinct code of words that characterizes their identity, commonly known as slang. The Evolution of Slang Once considered very cool, Millennials' slang is now preserved like old records in an archive. Just as we're starting to adjust, Gen Z arrives with a new set of words to communicate and connect with their peers. Making matters even more interesting, we now have Gen Alpha (children born from 2010 onwards), bringing their vocabulary to the table and keeping us engaged. Modern Teen Slang If you find yourself in a conversation with tweens or teens, you might feel completely lost. Sometimes, you may need to grab your phone and look up slang on Google to stay current with the conversation. But why not flip the script and be the parent who's not only informed but also speaks their language? With some help, you can effortlessly join those conversations like a pro—or even throw in a playful tease using their lingo! So, here's your updated teen slang cheat sheet for 2024. Bussin If something's "bussin," it's not just good – it's great! This positive term is all about describing something truly awesome and outstanding. Skibidi This word may sound mysterious, but people use it to sound cool rather than to convey a specific meaning. It often appears in a negative context to describe something bad or evil. Its origin traces back to the phrase "skibidi toilet," inspired by a viral video meme of a man’s head in a toilet. People frequently add phrases like "skibidi ohio rizz" or "skibidi ohio sigma rizz" to enhance its charm. Rizz To have "rizz," means to be good at flirting. It's not just about charisma; it's about effortlessly charming others with smooth pickup lines. A "rizzler" is someone who at flirting, a professional in flirting. Ate This is used to praise someone for doing something exceptional. It means someone did a great job. For example, "She ate and left no crumbs" means she did something amazing. Yes! "Left no crumbs" is another slang. People normally pair it with the word "Ate." Do it for the plot This phrase is all about seizing the moment and being the main character of every narrative. It's like saying, "Take control of your life and make the most of it." It's a motivational phrase to inspire people