Starved For Perfection: My Struggle With Male Anorexia
I was 20 when I developed anorexia. It came in quietly and completely unnoticed at first. I was in my first year of college and I had a huge crush on one of my classmates. I got the classic love-sick puppy symptoms. Butterflies in my stomach, lost in a haze of romantic daydreams and literally unable to eat anything.
4 Things I Wish I Knew Before Moving Out for University
4 Things I Wish I Knew Before Moving Out for University By Iris PeñaLiving on your own for the first time while navigating university/college comes with newfound responsibility for teens. I remember the feeling of excitement to start a new life, but being unaware of the level of responsibility that lay ahead. As a fourth year student who moved three hours from home, there were many experiences I learned from. If your teen is heading off to university, support the transition with these helpful tips that would have saved me stress, money, and time.Embrace the NewIf your teen is shy, I understand how intimidating it can be to start school not knowing anyone. I was once in that position. The orientation week of activities to welcome and introduce first year students helped me get out of my shell. I even met a life-long friend! Encouraging your teen to attend their school’s orientation week can be extremely beneficial. Not only do they get a taste of campus life, but they can also meet friends before school begins. Talk to your teen about these benefits on how attending will slowly ease them into their new student life.Student Life BalanceIt’s normal to get sucked into the fast-paced world of school, but it's also important to remind your teen to maintain a balance of school and time for themselves. I learned the hard way that when your mind is stressed, you cannot focus properly. Helping your teen find a relaxing outlet to calm their minds from a busy day is essential for their mental health. A calm mind will increase their focus and performance in school. Advise them to fit some “me time” into their schedule - whether that’s in the morning before class, at the end of the day, or on weekends. After a full day, I went to yoga classes in the evening. Many schools offer free access to their gyms or fitness classes. Explore these options with your teen. Other calming outlets that I discovered are reading before bed instead of scrolling on the phone, baking sweet treats, and journaling to release thoughts and feelings kept inside. I also admire creative outlets, such as colouring with Coco Wyo books or art activities with friends. Cheap art supplies such as canvas, paint, and clay can be found at the Dollar Store. Some fun art de-stressors I tried were painting, scrapbooking, and making clay magnets.Easy
Aurora Browne on Laughter, Time Management, and Swearing in Song
Aurora Browne is a huge presence in Canadian comedy for over 25 years, working the improv and sketch circuit and she's the proud mother of a teenaged son. Her television credits include hosting The Great Canadian Bake-Off and being a cast member of the hit comedy sketch show Baroness Von Sketch, which blew up in Canada and America, garnering praise from actor Michael McKean as well as musicians Tegan and Sara.
How to Help Your Teen Get A Job: A Parent’s Guide
How to Help Your Teen Get A Job: A Parent's Guide By Cassandra JesikIf you’re wondering how to help your teen get a job, you’re not alone. Entering into the working world is a big milestone. It’s a chance for them to earn money, build responsibility, and gain real-life experience. In 2025, job applications are mostly digital, which has changed some of the rules of the game. That’s where your support comes in!Explore Teen-Friendly JobsWhen someone doesn’t have work experience, it can be difficult to know what you’re good at and what you’d actually like to do. You can help your teen pinpoint what kind of job they’re looking for by asking questions, like: What do your friends or teachers say you're good at? If you could get paid to do something fun, what would it be? Industries that often hire teens include:Retail & Food Service – Cashier, barista, fast food worker Recreation & Hospitality – Camp counselor, lifeguard, hotel staff Tutoring & Childcare – Babysitter, tutor, coach Seasonal Work – Amusement parks, holiday retail, landscapingAsk AroundOld-school networking still works! It can be uncomfortable, especially for shy teens but networking is a lifelong skill that will serve them well. Encourage your teen to ask:Friends and family Teachers or school counsellors Local businessesParent Tip: If your teen is nervous about speaking up, help them practice what to say with a simple script like, “Hi, I’m looking for a part-time job—do you know if anyone’s hiring?” Rehearsing builds confidence, and the more they do it, the easier it gets!Do Some ResearchA little research can go a long way. Start with online job sites like Indeed, which list entry-level roles alongside more advanced positions. If there’s a specific company your teen admires, encourage them to visit the company’s website and check the “Careers” page for openings. Government programs like Young Canada Works and Canada Summer Jobs are also great resources. They fund opportunities specifically for young adults ages 15–30 and are a reliable way to find real, paid work experience. Parent Tip: Bookmark a few trusted job sites and explore them together. It’s a good opportunity to teach your teen how to spot red flags and avoid job scams!Make a ListNow that you’ve done some research, help your teen rank job opportunities by their level of interest. They’ll want to keep an open mind and apply to many different places to help their chances of finding