10 Strategies for Keeping Kids Off Screens This Summer
10 Strategies for Keeping Kids Off Screens This Summer by Katherine Johnson Martinko Summer is the best time to give kids a digital reset. You’re out of the regular routine and there are numerous ways to keep busy without relying on devices. What follows is a rough plan for helping your family have a screen-free summer. By the time fall rolls around, your kid will be recharged and ready to cope with the digital deluge that school brings. Talk About Screens Talk to your kid about why it’s important to reduce screen time and what you hope the entire family will gain from the experience. They don’t have to like it or agree. Just be transparent and consistent in your approach, and acknowledge that boredom can be a powerfully creative state. Confiscate the Devices “Out of sight, out of mind,” as the saying goes. If you make devices temporarily inaccessible, kids will be more inclined to find other activities. Much of the allure of handheld devices lies in their accessibility and the ease of distraction. When that option disappears, it opens the door to other creative endeavours. Sign Up for Activities See if there are sports camps, art classes, or music lessons offered in your community. Having an activity that gets kids out of the house each day goes a long way toward filling time and fueling enthusiasm, especially if friends join. Prioritize Outdoor Time Send your child outside every day. It doesn’t matter what they do, whether it’s reading or art, lying in a hammock, visiting a skate park or BMX track, meeting friends for basketball or soccer, practicing on a trampoline or pogo stick, or going for bike rides; the point is to normalize being outside. Use a tracker like those created by 1000 Hours Outside as motivation. Engage in Microadventures The concept of microadventures is delightful—doing outdoorsy things between 5 p.m. and 9 a.m. Often, we wait for bigger chunks of time to plan things like hikes, camping, and stargazing, but then they never happen. If we can squeeze in these activities during the week, they help us feel refreshed. Take your kid on some microadventures this summer. Put Them to Work Assigning household chores keeps kids busy and reduces parental workload. Put them to work doing dishes, laundry, and vacuuming. Outdoors, let them handle weeding, watering, and cutting grass. Older kids can tackle jobs like repainting, cleaning gutters, and washing windows. Get Them Cooking Cooking is a fundamental skill that everyone should
How to Talk To Your Kids About Divorce
How to Talk To Your Kids About Divorce by Dr. Eri Nakagami, Ph.D., LCSW Talking to your kids about divorce is one of the most painful and difficult conversations you’ll face. When you know that you will be separating or divorcing, it’s important to talk to your kids before they hear it from someone else. Work with your spouse to decide how you will inform them. Plan what you will say to your children Collaborate with your spouse on when, how, and what you will tell your kids. Plan to tell them on a day that allows for some family time, like a weekend. Do not have this conversation just before school or bedtime or on a holiday or other special day. Consider using a mediator, therapist, or divorce coach if it’s difficult to collaborate with the other parent or the two of you aren’t able to agree on how you will have the conversation with your children to help you work out the details. Be united Talking to your children together may be hard, but it lets your kids know that you’re committed to working together as their parents. It’s also important that your children hear this news at the same time and directly from the parents, not from anyone else that may have heard it first. If your kids are of different ages, plan to share the basic information with all your kids together. Then, during a separate conversation, follow up with the older children. Once again, seek help from a professional if you cannot have this conversation together. Avoid blaming You may feel that you want your children to know the “truth” (i.e., “Mom had an affair,” or “Dad is leaving us.”) but avoid the temptation to assign blame or say whose “fault” this is. This will cause your children to feel caught in a loyalty bind which is not healthy for them. The “truth” is less important than providing the support and reassurance that your children need. Try to use the “we” word when you are explaining the decisions that have been made. Addressing the “why” It is not important nor appropriate that you provide specific details about why you are divorcing. However, your kids will want to know why this is happening and may press for information. Although you don’t want to share details of a personal nature, be prepared to give some type of general explanation without blame. Remember that these are grown-up problems
Unlocking Creativity: How Canvas Prints Can Inspire Your Child’s Artistic Side
Unlocking Creativity: How Canvas Prints Can Inspire Your Child's Artistic Side As parents, we all strive to nurture our children's creativity and encourage their artistic expression. But let's be real for a moment – sometimes that artwork can really stack up, and you can run out of ideas for putting it on display. So if you’ve got no more room on the front of your fridge, and you’re looking for a new way to showcase your kids’ masterpieces, maybe you could think about turning them into awesome canvas prints? Get ready to dive into the world of custom prints and discover how they can boost your child's artistic side and create unforgettable family moments too. Let's go! Why Canvas Prints? If you’re thinking of turning your children's artwork into wall art features, canvas prints should be at the top of your list. There are loads of wall art formats available these days, but canvas prints still stand out – for several reasons. Not only are they a fantastic choice creatively, they’re also incredibly budget-friendly. You might be surprised to learn that many discount printing companies offer canvas prints starting at less than $10. So you can showcase your child's art in a stunning professional way without breaking the bank. Second, prints on canvas are arguably the most versatile wall art format for any decor scheme. With their slim construction and borderless design, canvas prints blend seamlessly into any space. Whether your style is modern, traditional, or eclectic, these prints will complement your interior aesthetic. And canvas prints are available in a wide range of sizes, so you can choose the perfect size for your space. Canvas prints offer a fantastic opportunity to incorporate your child's artwork into your home decor. Imagine the joy of having a whole gallery wall filled with their colorful creations. It adds a personalized touch to your living space, making it truly unique and representative of your child's artistic journey. You can mix and match different prints, create themed arrangements, and renew the artworks occasionally to keep things fresh. A Fun Family Journey Turning artwork into canvas prints isn't just about the end result; it's about the journey as well. Involve your child in the process of selecting, scanning, or photographing their artwork to create the prints. Make it a fun family activity where you share stories and memories associated with each piece. This bonding experience creates lasting memories and strengthens the connection between you
Mother’s Day 2023: Spoil Mom with these 9 Unforgettable Gifts
Mother's Day 2023: Spoil Mom with these 9 Unforgettable Gifts by InBetween Magazine Let's face it: moms have superpowers. They're the unsung heroes who juggle a million things at once, and somehow, they still manage to keep everything running smoothly. With Mother's Day just around the corner, it's time to recognize their extraordinary efforts and make them feel like the superstars they are. To help you achieve favourite child status (we won't tell your siblings!), we've compiled a list of nine unique and thoughtful gifts that'll have your mom raving for days. Lego Wildflower Bouquet: Unconventional Blooms Swap the traditional bouquet with a playful twist! Gift your mom with the Lego Wildflower Bouquet set, a delightful blend of nature and creativity. This building set includes eight different species of wildflowers, offering endless customization with 939 pieces and 16 adjustable stems. And unlike any other traditional blooms, this lasting masterpiece won't ever wilt. Shop your blooms here. Kinka Izakaya Experience: Foodie Bliss for Mom Whisk your mom away on a culinary adventure at Kinka Izakaya. With their limited-time Mother's Day menu from May 12th-14th, she can indulge in mouth-watering dishes like Beef Shabu Salad and Salmon Oshizushi, and satisfy her sweet tooth with Matcha Tiramisu. To top it off, Kinka Izakaya offers a gift card promotion: get 15% off in-store gift card purchases of $50 or more from May 1st-14th. Your mom will enjoy exceptional service, delectable food, and a beautiful ambiance, making this Mother's Day one she won't forget. Click here to avail your discount. Dans un Jardin Mother's Day Gift Set: Luxurious Pampering Help mom unwind and indulge with the Dans un Jardin Mother's Day Gift Set, all packaged in a beautiful ivory organza bag. Featuring a Hibiscus shower gel and body cream, a Cranberry handmade soap, and an exfoliating washcloth, this luxurious ensemble is a spa day waiting to happen—right in the comfort of your own home. The Hibiscus body cream, made with 95% natural ingredients, will leave her skin feeling soft and delicately scented, while the shower gel offers a refreshing blend of citrus and floral aromas. The artisan soap boasts a gourmet, fruity scent and glycerin for hydration and protection. Order your set here. Skechers Hands-Free Slip-ins™: The Ultimate Mom Shoes Upgrade mom's wardrobe with the stylish and functional Skechers Hands-Free Slip-ins. These shoes feature an exclusive Heel Pillow, Stretch Fit, and Touchless Fit design for effortless comfort. The Air-Cooled Memory Foam cushioned insole will make her feel like she's walking on
Prom 2023: 3 Tips to Suit Up Your Teen for the Big Night
Prom 2023: 3 Tips to Suit Up Your Teen for the Big Night Prom season is here, and the quest for the ultimate suit is well underway! Now it’s time to dust off some old-school promo photos and reminisce on the good ole’ days. This milestone can be thrilling for parents and teens alike. But between organizing day-of details, finding a corsage, and securing the perfect look, prom planning can often be stressful. Thankfully, Tip Top is the one-stop shop for all your teen’s prom needs. This makes it easier for prom-goers (and their parents!) by offering an extensive selection of suit styles and colours at unbeatable prices. Something for everyoneEveryone deserves to shine at their prom. Whether it’s a bold pink suit, a solid bowtie that matches their date’s look, or a pair of fun “Class of 2023” socks, Tip Top’s wide range of options guarantees a look to suit anyone’s unique flair.Great picks for a great priceProm shopping doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, Tip Top's premium suits are not only more affordable than rentals but also allow shoppers to keep (and re-wear) these stylish ensembles. Plus, with bundles like “buy the jacket get the pants for free,” prom shopping has never been more accessible.The perfect fitParents, we've all learned from previous prom seasons that a flawlessly tailored suit remains timeless. Tip Top’s in-store tailoring service ensures that prom-goers are guaranteed to leave feeling happy and comfortable with their custom fit, poised to revel in the unforgettable evening. Not to mention, they will now be prepared for future events where they can flaunt their distinctive style. Prom shopping doesn’t have to be stressful. Tip Top is helping to make this shopping season as seamless as possible with many different styles, sizes, and looks, all at affordable prices. Embrace this opportunity to bond with your teen and create lasting memories as you embark on the quest for the perfect outfit!
Jordyn Curet on Her Recipe to Success in Pursuing Her Passions
Jordyn Curet on Her Recipe to Success in Pursuing Her Passions By Arianne Granada In a world where most teens are struggling to find their footing as they come of age, Jordyn Curet has already carved out her path in life by establishing herself as a talented actor and singer. Despite being only all of 14 years old, she’s making waves in the entertainment industry and is racking up a growing list of impressive credits under her belt. Her talent has taken her to the big screen with roles in various TV shows and movies, including Disney series Bizaardvark to the acclaimed film Marriage Story, alongside Hollywood A-listers Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver. Her most recent portrayal as Shamiah in the ABC sitcom Home Economics has further propelled her career, garnering her widespread recognition for her exceptional acting chops where she plays daughter to Caitlin McGee’s Sarah and Sasheer Zamata’s Denise, as the couple struggles to make ends meet in their family. Catching up with the young star in our recent interview, Curet lets us in on her journey in the industry thus far, her love for music and acting, and her aspirations for the future. Tell us about how you started out in the industry. I actually started acting when I was only 18 months old! At first, I did some simple print work modelling for clothing brands like GAP and Skechers. But it wasn't until I was around seven years old that I really got into acting. My mom waited until I expressed interest in it, and once I started, I realized it was something I was truly passionate about. It all started with musical theatre, which I fell in love with when I was around six. I just thought acting was so cool and fun, so I kept at it. I booked my first Target commercial and that led to more commercial gigs. And then came my big break — I landed a role on Bizaardvark with Olivia Rodrigo, who was an amazing co-star. That experience really helped launch my career with Disney, and I've been working with them ever since. I've gotten to work on some really fun stuff, and one of my favourite experiences was getting a big screen role in Marriage Story with Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver. You’ve been in Home Economics since 2021, playing Shamiah. Can you give us some insight into what she’s like? Shamiah is a really sweet girl who values
3 Products to Spring Clean Your Self-Care Routine
3 Products to Spring Clean Your Self-Care Routine By Arianne Granada Do you feel it? That warm, fresh breeze that signals the peak of spring? There's nothing quite like soaking up the sun and taking in the stunning greenery all around. Bees are buzzing, birds are chirping, and flowers are blooming—which means it's also time for allergy season! As we spend more time outdoors and are exposed to environmental stressors like pollen and UV rays, it's crucial to keep ourselves in tip-top shape. With spring comes unique challenges, and it can be tough to prioritize our own self-care amidst the hustle and bustle. That's why we've curated the ultimate spring self-care guide for you. This features tips and products to help busy parents like you feel refreshed and rejuvenated this season. Don't worry, we won't make you do any crazy yoga poses or run a marathon (unless that's your thing, of course!). So, grab a cup of tea and get ready to indulge in some well-deserved *me time*. Spruce up your oral care If you're looking to up your oral health game this spring, Listerine Cool Mint Mouthwash is a must-have. Not only does it provide longer-lasting fresh breath, but it also reaches parts of your mouth that you miss when brushing and flossing. It's a powerful weapon that's been shown to kill up to 99.9% of germs that cause bad breath, plaque buildup, and gingivitis. Plus, it's been proven to destroy 5x more plaque above the gumline than flossing alone. So, if you want to give your mouth the ultimate spring clean, add Listerine Cool Mint Mouthwash to your routine. Trust us, your teeth and gums will thank you for it! Revitalize your skin Spring's not all fun and games. It can also bring environmental stressors that can take a toll on your skin. Lontreau's Game Changer Global Antioxidant Serum can help you step up your spring self-care game by offering broad-spectrum protection against free radicals, infrared rays, and blue light. This lightweight serum packs a punch with its 9 types of antioxidants that help energize and hydrate your skin at the cellular level, thanks to its key ingredients: BVE and REX. BVE is a 100% animal-free collagen technology that restores elastin in your skin and stimulates collagen production. This results in firmer, more youthful-looking skin. Meanwhile, REX is a biomimetic ingredient that acts like a second skin, protecting your cells from urban pollution and blue light. It's like a superhero
5 reasons to bring your teen to The Office Experience
5 reasons to bring your teen to The Office Experience by Angelyn Kwek In the immortal words of Michael Scott: “Oh my God, it's happening! Everybody, stay calm. Stay f**king calm!” That’s right, The Office Experience has landed in Toronto. Following its successful staging in Chicago and Washington D.C, the widely-acclaimed sitcom brings its immersive fan experience to our shores where you can make like a Dunder Mifflin employee and re-live your favourite moments from the show. Between its iconic one-liners and pride of place in pop culture, everyone from Boomers to Gen Z can certainly relate despite the series having ended its run over a decade ago. In fact, the enduring hilarity of the show is such that we couldn’t resist a visit ourselves. So we moseyed on down to Yorkdale mall, dutifully scrawled our names on our complementary staff badges, and became employees for the day at Scranton’s most renowned paper company. It’s from personal experience when we say you’ll want to bring your teen (and other assorted household members) to The Office Experience to level up family sitcom night. We give you five reasons why you ought to go ASAP as possible: The Memory Lane You start off reminiscing the finest displays of tomfoolery this century has ever seen, courtesy of Jim Halpert. See the original props and costumes right after stepping foot into Scranton Business Park, from the infamous ‘Stapler in Jello’ to a display case dedicated to achievement certifications—Creed’s fancy plaque declaring him a genuine survivor of the 1960s, anyone?—and the all-important Dundie Awards. Facilities ReviewTake a minute (or ten) at Dwight’s Caffeine Corner before entering the Dunder Mifflin office where the entire set has been recreated, right down to the industrial grey carpeting. Try your hand at being a receptionist at Pam’s desk, or gun straight for branch manager by claiming Michael’s seat so you can issue orders while waving around your ‘World’s Best Boss’ mug. And if you’re invested in WUPHF.com, be sure to pop into Ryan’s closet. Picture DayThere are photo ops aplenty, with a handful of designated spots where you can commemorate iconic scenes with your picture taken by the pros. You’ll be given a card with a handy QR code to capture your re-imagining of Kevin’s Chili Spill, the Office Olympics, and even your dance moves as you shimmy down the aisle at Jim and Pam’s wedding ceremony. After which you can revisit your antics whenever you like and download them
Spencer MacPherson on ghosts and growing pains in Paramount+’s new teen drama, School Spirits
Spencer MacPherson on ghosts and growing pains in Paramount+’s new teen drama, School Spirits by Angelyn Kwek Landing the bad boy character in a high school drama might be the breakout role for many a young actor, but Spencer MacPherson isn’t your run-of-the-mill rookie. The 25-year-old has been in front of the camera from a tender age, starring in shows that run the gamut from young adult dramas and comedies such as Reign and Degrassi Next Generation to emotionally heavier and grittier titles including American Gothic, Northern Rescue and American Gods. Indeed, that would be why his steely blue eyes look so familiar — odds are you’ve caught the young lad on your TV screen at one point or another, seeing as MacPherson has been on the scene since he was 14. No stranger to the entertainment industry, it’s only natural the Toronto native is now conquering the streaming platforms for his next big project, starring as ‘Xavier Baxter’ on Paramount+’s latest mystery drama School Spirits. Acting alongside an ensemble cast comprised of Peyton List, Kristian Flores, Milo Manheim, Kiara Pichardo, Sarah Yarkin, Nick Pugliese, and Rainbow Wedell, the show follows ‘Maddie’ (portrayed by List) who is stuck in the afterlife with a group of other students and decides to investigate how she disappeared. Despite the familiar trappings of high school as the backdrop of the series, the show is more nuanced and layered than your typical teen drama. With creators Megan Trinrud and Nate Trinrud at the helm, elements across drama, comedy, mystery, and the supernatural are woven into an intriguing narrative that casts a new light on high school life and being a teenager. In a similar vein, ‘Xavier’ isn’t just the bad boy but also boyfriend to ‘Maddie’, who has to confront his own demons—as well as being a suspect in her disappearance—as the series progresses to reveal that there’s more than meets the eye to his character. Without spoiling the plot (much), we got talking with MacPherson on playing a ghostly ‘bad boy’, his personal experiences at high school, and what it means to tackle stereotypes and be your most authentic self. School Spirits is described as a young adult drama-mystery series with a supernatural twist. What are some of the themes the show explores when it comes to being a teenager and navigating high school? The feeling of being unseen and unheard is something I know I felt as a highschooler and a common feeling at
5 Egg-cellent Ideas to Celebrate Easter with the Family
5 Egg-cellent Ideas for this Long Easter Weekend By Rachel Naud Want to have an egg-cellent Easter? Whether you’re hosting family and friends or just hanging with the fam, we have some ideas you and yours will surely want to hop to! Choco-licious Easter Treats Easter just isn't Easter without a chocolate bunny! Who doesn't love starting their day with a sweet treat? Lindt's chocolates are the perfect way to make your Easter celebrations even more magical and fun. Lindt's GOLD BUNNY is a must-have for any Easter basket or as a prize for the ultimate egg hunt champion. This charming chocolate bunny is sure to put a smile on the faces of everyone in your family. You can also use chocolate as décor for your Easter Brunch place settings and the Floral Edition of the Lindt GOLD BUNNY look stunning adorned with colourful flowers and accented with a red ribbon and gold bell! And, for an extra special touch, you can even visit select Lindt Chocolate Shops to customize your Lindt GOLD BUNNY’s with a name or special Easter greeting. Visit a Lindt Chocolate shop near you or shop online at lindt.ca for all of your Easter chocolate needs! Hoppy Treats for EveryoneWho says bunnies have to have all the fun at Easter? This year, let's throw some hippos into the mix with Healthy Hippo candy! This candy is not only delicious but it's also sweetened with Monk Fruit, making it a healthier choice for you and your family. This candy also won't stick to your mouth, so you can enjoy every bite without any funky aftertaste. Plus, Healthy Hippo candy doesn't contain sugar alcohol or stevia, which can sometimes upset your stomach. There’s also a flavour for everyone’s taste whether you like sweet, sour or even fizzy! Check them out at healthyhippo.ca Easter Gift Hunt Made EasyWhen it's time to hop into Easter gift shopping for the little ones in your family, the Toys R Us Easter Shop is where it's at! They've got all the fun gift ideas you need, from basket builders to outdoor toys that will keep them entertained all long weekend. Get ready for some outdoor fun in the sun with the Unicorn Horns Sidewalk Chalk or The Primo Foldable Scooter, complete with colourful LED light-up wheels. And for some indoor excitement, the Smashers Mega Light Up Surprise Egg by ZURU has over 25 surprises, including slime and fizz volcano explosions! Don't miss out on the