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Is Post-Secondary Education Worth the Cost? By: Iris Peña In an era of rising tuition costs and an evolving economy, an essential question lingers: Is post-secondary education still worth the cost in Canada? The Canadian Scholarship Trust Foundation (CST) and Dr. Nathaniel Barr’s new report responds with a clear answer – post-secondary education provides strong benefits despite the burden of student debt. Peter Lewis, President and CEO of CST, shares his insight, findings from the research, and advice for parents — speaking both as an industry leader and as a parent himself.Career and Income Benefits of Higher Education An individual with higher education is more likely to earn a higher income throughout their lifetime and enjoy greater career stability. Research also shows that post-secondary education offers some protection against economic downturns. While it doesn’t guarantee security, it often acts as a buffer during challenging times.Health and Social Benefits of Higher Education Beyond financial benefits, higher education contributes to shaping critical aspects of life. “When you look at the body of evidence, you can see that having a higher education produces better health outcomes, produces longer lifespans, produces individuals who are more civically engaged,” Peter Lewis, President and CEO of CST, said. University graduates typically live up to eight years longer compared to those who didn’t finish high school. Although this isn’t universal, graduates are more likely to make healthier lifestyle choices, such as being less likely to smoke. From a social perspective, they are also more involved in their communities and more active in charitable giving.The Hidden Weight of Student Debt in Canada The average student debt for a university graduate is about $28,000 for a bachelor’s degree. For community college graduates, the average is closer to $15,000. This debt can heavily impact the start of adult life.Financial and Mental Health Strain “I would say that the most concerning trend we've seen is that sort of persistently, stubbornly high rate of debt for students who are graduating out of university at the moment,” Lewis explained. According to the report, high debt levels are tied to multiple concerns, including mental health challenges. The study refers to this as a “bandwidth tax,” which contributes to higher levels of anxiety and depression.Life Milestones Delayed Debt also forces many young adults to postpone important milestones. For instance:29% delay buying a home 20% delay starting a business 15% delay having childrenAnabelle Hsiao, a fourth-year computer science student, says she feels pressure to pursue a

Education, Expert Advice, Parenting Experience, Teen Health/Fitness, Uncategorized

8 Signs You May Be Low in Iron By Dr. Jennifer Zelovitzky, MDDid you know that February 13 was World Anemia Day? It often goes unnoticed as it’s overshadowed by the romantic celebrations of Valentine’s Day just a day later. Luckily, raising awareness about iron deficiency and anemia doesn't have an expiration date—so let’s talk iron. Iron is a vital mineral that helps fuel your body with oxygen. Without enough of it, you could experience adverse health effects like fatigue, weakened immunity, and organ damage over time. But knowing whether your iron levels are just right is not that simple: symptoms of iron deficiency are often subtle—you or your teen may be experiencing a deficiency without even knowing it. If left untreated, iron deficiency can worsen and lead to serious health issues. That’s why it’s crucial to be aware of the signs of iron deficiency early on to prevent any further complications. Being low in iron doesn’t automatically mean anemia, a condition in which the number of red blood cells is lower than normal. First, let’s define both: Iron deficiency occurs when your body doesn’t have enough iron stored. Iron is stored in a protein called ferritin, which is measured in the bloodstream. Iron deficiency anemia goes a step further: low iron results in fewer healthy red blood cells, which means less oxygen circulating through your body. While both conditions are serious, anemia requires more immediate medical attention because it directly affects your body's ability to deliver oxygen. The good news? There are ways to prevent and manage both iron deficiency and anemia, such as eating iron-rich foods, taking iron supplements, and staying ahead of the symptoms, which can help keep your levels in check and your body functioning at its best.Signs You May Have Low Iron Feeling drained? Dizzy? Dealing with brittle nails? These could all be red flags that your iron levels are low. Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia are more common than you might think, especially among teens and women. If any of these sound familiar, it might be time to check your iron levels:Feeling tired all the time (even after a good night’s sleep) Dizziness or lightheadedness Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity Pale skin or dark circles under the eyes Brittle nails that break easily Hair thinning or shedding more than usual Cold hands and feet Frequent headachesWho’s Most at Risk for Low Iron? The body absorbs certain types of iron differently. Some

Expert Advice, Products they'll love, Teen Life, Trending

Christmas Gift Ideas for the 3 T's: Toddlers, Tweens and Teens by Rachel Naud    There are so many gift ideas on the market, it can be overwhelming choosing the right one for the 3 T's in your life – toddlers, tweens and teens!   After all, you want to hit all the key elements to a fun toy for the littles — one that appeals to their sensory, creativity and development! And tweens and teens? Pick the wrong gift and cue the eye rolls! Parents need help navigating this tricky season of gift giving and we are here to help!   For ToddlersWe love this toy, coming out of Moose Toys, because it combines everything I loved as a child – the comfort of a stuffed buddy with the scent of your favourite frozen treat!  This toy is like magic! The Cookeez Makery comes with everything children need to mix and create a surprise frozen treat. First, they mix the ingredients. Then, using the dough mould and decorations, kids can make their own Freezy Cake. Next, pop it in the fridge and shut the door. In 20 seconds, kids will hear a "ding". It's time to open the fridge and meet a new friend. Wow! A shivering and deliciously scented plush toy that's interactive to play with. There are three deliciously scented friends to choose from, including Strawberry Unicake, Minty Polar Bear and Tiger Berry Ripple!  This cool gift is undoubtedly going to be hot this season and you can grab it at most major toy retailers! And also, for the little ones who are a fan of Bluey – the adorable Blue Heeler, The Tile Town Bluey Heeler Home is a gift that will keep them engaged and entertained as they can build Bluey’s home!   For TweensWhen choosing a gift for your child, you want something that they will not only like in that moment but something that will keep them engaged for years to come. This year, parents and gift-givers can find amazing gifts for kids at Staples Canada that they can feel good about giving.  With the Staples Kids Learn + Play collection, Staples is giving parents gifting options that inspire young minds, spark curiosity and will keep them engaged far beyond the day they open the box. You can find gifts for kids of all ages from brands you love and trust, including LEGO, Crayola, Play-Doh and more. And if you can’t get to a Staples

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4 Places to Get Your Last-Minute Christmas Gifts by Rachel Naud   This year, if you’re asking Santa for more time to get your shopping done, we’re here to help! We know between finishing up work, school concerts, holiday parties and decorating, finding time to shop can be impossible. But if the days have slipped away from you and you just realized you have more shopping items to pick up than days left before Christmas, we've got you covered with some last-minute gift ideas for everyone on your list!   Children BelieveAs parents of teens, we always want to instill the value of giving back every holiday season. Sometimes this means dropping random gift cards in strangers’ mailboxes and sometimes this means researching different charities to give back to and deciding on one together.  If you have a teen coming home from university, we're sure you're excited to get in the kitchen and cook for them and share a delicious and nutritious meal together. And while we may take this for granted, there are many children who go hungry. In fact, every 10 seconds a child loses their life to malnutrition  — that’s over 3 million a year! That’s why, this year, it's a good idea to support Children Believe and its initiative to support children in communities that need it most by purchasing school meals. We also love this as a gift idea for that person who values helping others in need, as you can make a donation in their name!  Canadians are very giving people and even despite the current economic climate, a survey conducted by Children Believe found that 3 in 4 Canadians would choose to actively purchase a gift to help others and make a difference. Check it out here.HomeSense  This is the time of year when we’re often getting together for cocktail parties, dinners and parties. If you’ve ever hosted a holiday soiree, you know how much work it is, which is why it's nice to bring a gift to the hostess and host of the party to show my gratitude and appreciation. It's always fun to find gifts that are unique and that the hostess will love — and use! — long after everyone goes home for the night.  The first place to go to find some amazing gifts is HomeSense because you can pick up some quality décor and entertaining essentials at amazing prices. And the best part? You don’t have to sacrifice

Education, Expert Advice, Products they'll love, Teen Life, Trending

17 IKEA Dorm Essentials for Your Teen by Arianne Granada   Sending your teen off to university? It’s definitely a bittersweet milestone. It’s **the** time for excitement, new beginnings, and a little bit of stress—especially when it comes to creating a comfortable and personalized dorm room. You want their new space to feel like a home away from home, but let’s be honest, it can be a bit of a challenge. This is where IKEA steps in. With their recent $80 million investment in lowering prices, you can find everything your teen needs to create a cozy, stylish, and functional dorm room that won’t break the bank. Here are some of our best IKEA finds to help your teen get their dorm ready for the school year.   For a Restful Night’s Sleep A good night’s sleep is crucial for any student’s success. Here’s a range of sleep essentials that ensure your teen gets to recharge after a long day.  DVALA This soft 100% cotton sheet in light gray offers breathable comfort that only gets better with each wash. It's a must-have for staying comfortable during late-night study sessions and/or early-morning classes.STJÄRNBRÄCKA If your teen tends to get warm at night, this light-warm duvet is their new best friend. It features a lyocell and cotton blend that keeps away moisture, ensuring a dry and cozy night’s sleep.ROSENSKÄRM & RUMSMALVA Whether they’re side or back sleepers, these pillows offer tailored support with memory foam technology to relieve pressure and enhance comfort.   For Keeping the Chaos Under Control A tidy room is key to a clear mind. IKEA’s smart storage solutions make it easy to keep everything in place.  RÅSKOG This versatile utility cart can fit into the smallest of spaces. It’s perfect for storing anything from textbooks to toiletries and can be easily moved wherever it’s needed.SKUBB Time for your teen to maximize their closet space. This hanging organizer with six compartments helps them keep clothes and accessories neatly tucked away.BAGGMUCK Protect dorm floors from mud, dirt, and moisture. This easy-to-clean shoe tray is absolutely perfect for those rainy days.GÖRSNYGG Perfect for under-bed storage, this storage case helps keep seasonal clothes or spare linens clean and dust-free.   For Building a Home Away From Home More than just a place to sleep, your teen’s dorm room should feel like a personal sanctuary. IKEA has plenty of options to help them add personality to any space.  FLOTTILJ This sleek dark blue lamp is perfect for both late-night study sessions and creating a cozy ambiance.TVERSTED Here’s a helpful

Education, Expert Advice, Products they'll love, Teen Life, Trending

Two Kid-Friendly Eco-Activities that Will Help to Combat Summer Learning Loss by Dr. Sarah Habibi   The long hot summer is starting to wind up. Our kids have been at home away from their traditional learning environments for many weeks. While this break is necessary for children, it’s also helpful to keep them stimulated during the summer months. You can do this with hands-on, fun activities that help to combat ‘learning loss’ — the loss of knowledge and skills due to the long breaks away from the classroom.  Sounds valuable, right? It seems I'm not the only parent who could use a few tips and tricks for getting started! More than half (56 per cent) of parents are tired of this yearly struggle, almost all (94 per cent) want their kids to learn more about science, and more than three-quarters (81 per cent) are looking for activities that will keep their kids’ minds stimulated.    To support parents on the quest for engaging in summer activities rooted in science, I have applied my scientific skills in partnership with Maple Leaf Foods and the kids’ conservation organization, Earth Rangers. Together, we’ve developed the Future Farmer Mission which is available free of charge via the Earth Rangers app. Why not log on and discover the many exciting and interactive eco-activities that can turn your kids into Future Farmers?    Discover the Future Farmer Mission The Future Farmer Mission, which includes the two eco-activities outlined below, will introduce kids to regenerative agriculture and sustainable farming practices. Regenerative agriculture, also called ‘climate-smart agriculture’ is a farming practice that aims to improve the land by keeping the soil healthy. A big aspect of regenerative agriculture includes composting, increasing biodiversity, and rotating crops throughout each season to ensure the soil gets a mixture of vital nutrients. Regenerative agriculture practices aren’t just for farmers, they can be applied right at home and it’s a worthwhile eco-activity for kids! This practice teaches them that changes to how we grow our food can help sustain Canada’s food supply for years to come. Read on for two Future Farmer activities that can help you get outdoors, learn, and connect with your kids:   Activity 1: Make a DIY CompostComposting is an aspect of regenerative farming that helps the health of our soil. Composting uses decomposed organic matter, often found in old plants and food scraps, to give the soil back vital nutrients it needs to grow. It also helps to reduce your

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Finding Japan—and other cool things—in San Francisco by Rosalind Stefanac   Whether it’s the anime films now readily accessible on streaming services like Netflix, or the uber-cool street fashion made popular by celebrities this side of the world, Japanese culture is an ongoing interest for my teenage son these days. So, when I got an opportunity to visit a Japanese-inspired neighbourhood in San Francisco, California, we could visit over a long weekend instead of trekking across the world, I knew I had to check it out. Best of all, we discovered so many other cool teen and tween-appropriate sites and activities in this dynamic and culturally diverse city. Here are some highlights.   Where to stay Japantown in San Francisco is one of the oldest and only still thriving Japanese neighbourhoods in the US. We stayed at boutique Hotel Kabuki which is ideally situated for exploring the scene by foot. It’s also right beside the Japan Center, a shopping complex bustling with Japanese food stands and retail shops for teens and tweens to explore. The area hosts many festivals throughout the year too, including the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival in May (which we got to check out) and the Nihonmachi Street Fair in August.  From Japantown it’s easy access to Chinatown—the first and largest in North America—which features delicious eats and a bustling Friday night market that happens throughout the year.   What to doPark yourself at the parks: An abundantly lush green city with a temperate climate rarely rising above 24C or below 7C, San Francisco has 3,400 acres of city parks ideal for exploring by foot or bike. We started at the Gardens of Golden Gate Park which includes the on-theme and Instagram-worthy Japanese Tea Gardens. But we especially enjoyed the Sales Force Park in the middle of downtown San Fran. This 5.4-acre, plant-filled rooftop oasis is located 70 feet up above the Grand Hall and is a perfect place to escape the city hustle. There’s even a venue up top for live music and children’s activities throughout the day. While downtown, you’ll likely catch site of one of San Fran’s self-driving cars too, which have been operating commercially since last year.    On our way to check out the infamous Golden Gate Bridge, we stopped in at Presidio, a former military post-turned-national park site that blew us away. It features the Tunnel Tops, a 14-acre space located over and around the tunnelled city parkway that leads to the bridge. There is