Author: inbetweenmagazineca

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6 Back-To-School Essentials For All Ages By: Iris Pena Summer is wrapping up and parents are scrambling to prepare for the back-to-school season. Whether you're sending your teen off to university or your little one to daycare — we got you covered with these must-have essentials for all ages.  ASUS ROG Strix OLED MonitorThe ASUS ROG Strix OLED Monitor is the ultimate upgrade for your tech-savvy teen! With a wide range of connectivity options and compatibility that easily integrates with all their devices — they will love using this for tackling homework and fun gaming.  Stop by any Best Buy Canada store or visit bestbuy.ca to pick up the ASUS ROG Strix OLED Monitor, along with all your back-t0-school essentials.  Need some inspiration? Best Buy also has a back-to-school guide online to start the year with products sure to make the grade!  Ninja Crispi Portable Air Fryer & Cooking SystemWill your teen be sharing a dorm kitchen with limited space? The Ninja Crispi Portable Air Fryer & Cooking System is the perfect cooking tool for them to bring along; an all-in-one system, designed to nest inside each other. All of the accessories are also dishwasher safe for easy clean up. From an air fryer pancake breakfast to frozen chicken fingers for dinner, the durable glassware can handle extreme temperature changes, fit for every meal!  Check the Ninja Crispi off of your back to school checklist --   ninjakitchen.ca.  Lodge Vest and Elba Jacket from Canada Goose Keep your teen warm and cozy this upcoming fall season with Canada Goose! This lightweight, windproof, and fully packable Lodge Vest features a drawcord at the hem to customize the fit. A perfect addition to your teen boy's cool outfits during those chilly walks to morning classes. For your teen girl, Canada Goose has a stylish option; a soft and ultra-light fabric Elba Jacket that features cinched cuffs, and a drawcord bubble.  Shop online or in store at Canada Goose for a new back to school wardrobe.  New La Vie En Rose BraThe new La Vie en Rose bra will have your teen girl stepping into the new school year with confidence and support. School activities require many movements. This lightly lined contour bra offers full-coverage with soft foam cups to keep her comfortable all school year long!   Huggies Little Movers 360 Diaper PantsDrop your little one off at daycare with Huggies Little Movers 360 Diaper Pants.  Effectively designed to keep

Celeb Profile

Miss Governor’s Drew Olivia Tillman: Inspiring Teens to Dream Big By Iris PeñaDrew Olivia Tillman, a 19-year-old actress and singer, is inspiring young people to follow their dreams with confidence and authenticity. She has appeared in hit shows such as This Is Us (NBC), Mixed-ish (ABC), and FBI (CBS). Tillman now returns to Netflix’s sitcom Miss Governor in part two of season one. The series follows Mississippi's first Black lieutenant governor and her family. Tillman plays Lola Dunkerson, the daughter of newly elected Lieutenant Governor Antoinette Dunkerson (Terri J. Vaughn).Connecting With the CharacterBy playing Lola Dunkerson, Tillman gained insights that helped her grow both on and off screen. The role challenged her as an actress and revealed new layers of personal strength and awareness. Identity and public perception are two key themes Tillman explored through Lola. “It really taught me not everything is what people may think, and to just stay true to myself and know who I am,” Tillman shared. “I didn't want to lose myself in the public eye and lose myself in the commentary of what people think.” She admires Lola’s confidence and her ability to command attention. Tillman uses her character as inspiration to strengthen her own self-assurance. “Sometimes with me, I fall victim to imposter syndrome; feeling like what I get, maybe I don't deserve it or maybe I didn't work hard enough. I try to remember that what is for me is for me and what I worked hard for, I do deserve,” Tillman expressed.Breaking Out of Her Shell Lola’s role demands both strength and vulnerability. Instead of waiting for confidence to come, Tillman steps on set ready to break down walls. Filming brought many firsts—it was her first time working without her parents, her first time stepping into adulthood on set, and her first time building new professional relationships on her own. “Sometimes, I like to be the quiet person in the room taking it all in, but I had to get out of that and break out of my shell, so that I could play this character,” Tillman recalls. “I had to get close with my cast members and really feel the script, get into my vulnerable side with it, and not be afraid.”Creating an ImpactAt just nine years old, Tillman performed in Truth the Musical, a production celebrating Sojourner Truth’s life. It was her first chance to combine singing and acting. The audience’s response amazed her and

Teen Life, Teens Drugs/Alcohol

Dusting: A Dangerous Teen Trend Hiding in Plain Sight By Cassandra JesikTeens are ‘dusting’ - and it has nothing to do with chores. Instead, kids are inhaling the chemicals inside cans of aerosol duster or keyboard cleaner to get a quick high. This dangerous fad is one every parent should have on their radar. It can lead to serious health issues such as heart problems, brain damage, and, in some cases, even sudden death.How Teens Use Aerosol Sprays to Get HighThe trend, known as dusting, is a form of inhalant abuse that’s quietly making its rounds on social media and in peer groups. These aerosol products contain dangerous chemicals which are never meant to be inhaled. The effects hit fast: Dizziness, hallucinations, and a brief sense of euphoria.Why Dusting Is So DangerousVideos on social media might make trends like dusting seem harmless and even “silly.” It’s important for teens to understand that just because influencers or peers are doing something, doesn’t mean it’s safe. Experts warn that longer-term use can cause serious health issues. Earlier this summer, 19-year-old Renna Kay O’Rourke of Arizona tragically died after dusting. Her family has since spoken out against this social media trend to warn others. Another reason dusting is so dangerous is the sheer accessibility. Teens can grab these products at the store or order them online, making experimentation far too easy. While inhalant use is less common than vaping or using cannabis, teens may be more willing to try dusting simply because it’s a household product and they underestimate the risks.Signs Your Teen May Be DustingEmpty or hidden spray cans Chemical smells on clothing or breath Burns or irritation around the mouth or hands Sudden mood changes, slurred speech, or disorientationHow to Talk to Talk to Your Teen About Dusting The best approach is having an open conversation with your teen:Asking what they’ve heard about dusting Sharing the risks in a calm, straightforward way Reminding them that “household” doesn’t equal “safe”The Bottom Line for Parents Above all, let your child know that they can come to you without judgment. Teens don’t experiment with inhalants because they want to hurt themselves - they do it out of curiosity, peer pressure, or because they think it’s less risky than other drugs. By staying calm, connected, and informed, you give them the best chance at making safer choices.

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4 Skincare Products to Brighten Your Skin This Fall Season By: Iris PeñaFall is just around the corner! Time to prepare for the changing season. Cooler temperatures and low humidity can lead to dry skin and that unwanted dull complexion. Luckily, Vivier has the perfect solution –  cruelty-free skincare products to brighten your skin! HEXAM ($62 CAD)One crucial thing that is needed for fall (and for ALL seasons!) is an effective cleanser. As the temperatures drop, the air can cause your skin to become sensitive and in need of some TLC. Hexam is the answer to your prayers! A gentle, medical-grade cleanser that gets rid of all the gunk (dirt, oil, and environmental impurities), while avoiding stripping your skin. This holy grail is formulated with hexamidine, an antimicrobial and antibacterial agent that purifies pores without drying your skin. Perfect for sensitive or reactive skin. Get ready for the emollient properties that leave you with extra soft skin all season long. Lexxel ($124 CAD)Dreading the flaky and itchy skin that fall brings? Fight off the itch with Lexxel — a soothing moisturizer with hexamidine and avocado oil. Your skin will thank you for the gentle moisture that protects against chapping, cracking, and roughness.  Lexxel provides the hydration you deserve, while relieving itching and calming irritation. It's fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, which is ideal for dry or sensitive skin. Ultra Hydrating Mask ($86 CAD) If you suffer from dehydrated skin during the fall, Vivier has your back! Treat your skin to this Ultra Hydrating Mask with vitamin E, sweet almond extract, and shea butter. Let your skin indulge in its maximum hydration effect. Enter the new season with a youthful glow – the mask reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles to make your skin appear healthy and firm. Weekly use of this nourishing mask will maintain softness and suppleness. Ditch the tired skin, and embrace your glow up!Age-Defying Body Lotion ($96 CAD) From rushed mornings to late-night chaos, the Age-Defying Body Lotion is there to hydrate your skin every step of the way. Formulated with peptides and antioxidants, this silky smooth remedy visibly firms and tones the skin for a fresh fall look. Your skin doesn’t have to suffer through seasonal changes. The right skincare routine and products will keep you radiant as the leaves change!

Products they'll love, Teen Life, WORK WITH US

Walmart's Back to School Must-HavesAs the joys of summer turn into moving out for post-secondary school, Walmart has all of the essentials to kick off your teen’s year right. From stationery and gadgets, to dorm room must-haves and apparel. Bring on the new school year with style and confidence! BIC Extra Smooth Pastel Mechanical Pencils with Erasers, 24-Count Pack  ($7.98 CAD)    BIC Extra Smooth Pastel Mechanical Pencils are the perfect addition to every student’s pencil case. Its smooth, dark writing with medium point (0.7 mm) is ideal for writing study and lecture notes. The high-quality lead provides smudge free writing for neat homework. Reebok Paige Backpack with Coin Pocket ($34.97 CAD)Lightweight, durable, and built to last, the Reebok Paige Backpack is ready for every school year. It features a spacious interior, exterior zip, mesh pockets, and a handy coin pocket. It is also water-resistant for a safe and secure place to hold your teen’s lunch, notebooks, technology and many other important school essentials. Jetstream Insulated Lunch Bag (7.88 CAD) This cute and stylish lunch bag features a roomy compartment to hold all the yummy snacks, insulated lining to keep food fresh, and a wipeable interior for easy clean up. Comes in 6 fun colours and designs — because every student deserves a little lunchtime cheer! Mainstays 2PK 24 oz S/S Chug Bottle Pink ($19.88 CAD) Hydration is one of the most important things students must maintain in order to function effectively throughout school. Mainstays' 2-pack stainless steel water bottles will keep your teen refreshed all year long. A durable, BPA-free bottle, leak-proof lid, and sweat-proof design. From the lecture room to the library, to work or the gym, this bottle will keep drinks cold for hours. Mainstays PL Strawberry Cushion (21.97 CAD) This adorable strawberry cushion offers a super soft and extra cozy touch to your teen’s new dorm! Made from durable fabric and 100% recycled polyester filling.BLACK + DECKER 12 Cup Programmable Coffee Maker in Stainless Steel (59.98 CAD)Coffee is a college student’s best friend, especially during those 8 am classes. The BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker allows your teen to make fresh coffee during early mornings or for late night study sessions. The convenient features are a gamechanger: Sneak-A-Cup Technology (fill your cup before brewing ends), the 12-Cup Duralife glass carafe, and a washable brew basket. Mainstays 2-Slice Toaster with 6 Shade Settings and Removable Crumb Tray ($9.98 CAD)Students can make delicious sandwiches for lunch with the Mainstays 2-slice

Education, Teens and Tech

How to Help Your Teen Use ChatGPT as a Tool—Not a Shortcut By Iris PeñaIn this day and age, AI is a growing source that surrounds us. ChatGPT is an AI tool that has become popular among teens, especially as a way to help them with schoolwork. Although AI is a helpful tool that students can use, many teens are growing too dependent on it and are using it for more than just support. According to a Pew Research Centre study, 26 percent of teens 13 to 17 use AI to help with their assignments. It's important to understand the effects of AI on students, how your teen is using it, and how to teach them to not to rely on it completelyKnow the risks of AI dependency AI dependency can negatively affect your teen’s learning. They can ask ChatGPT to solve a problem and get the answer in a blink of an eye without doing the work for themselves. This takes away from the learning process. In fact, research from 2024 by KPMG found that over two thirds (67 percent) of students confessed they're not learning as much and they also said they claim generative AI as their own work. This can be particularly harmful. Not only is it an ethical dilemma, but it can also impact their grades.  AI is not always as reliable as teens may think. In June 2025, CTV News reported that Ed McHugh, a business and marketing professor at Dalhousie University, noticed many students had cheated on an assignment. He could tell that AI did the work for them. In the assignment, the students had to watch a video regarding a man named Adam Smith. The answer from many students was not about the right Adam Smith because there was also an economist from the 18th century named Adam Smith. This indicates how AI can provide inaccurate or misleading information when not used properly. Understand your teen's needsIn order to help your teen manage their AI use, you need to understand what they primarily use it for. A 2023 study by edtech company RM Technology found that students use AI to do their physics work, science tests, draft and write essays, solve numerical problems, make art, etc. Talk to your teen about their usage and try to discover together if they might be overly dependent on it. If necessary, subtly monitor their homework to see if it reflects

Opinion, Teen Life

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

Celeb Profile, Parenting Experience

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.

Education, Parenting Experience

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