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
4 Tips to Suit up in Style for Prom This Spring
4 Tips to Suit up in Style for Prom This Spring Prom season is here, and for many teens, it’s a few weeks away. To help teens get ready for one of the biggest nights of their lives, Cynthia Florek, Creative Director at Tip Top goes over the latest prom fashion trends for 2024, and shares tips on how to find the perfect prom outfit! Prom season is here, and for many teens, it's just a few weeks away. To help teens get ready for one of the biggest nights of their lives, Cynthia Florek, Creative Director at Tip Top, goes over the latest prom fashion trends for 2024 and shares tips on how to find the perfect prom outfit! Here are four fashion trends and tips for Prom 2024: Captivating in ColourTrending prom suit hues, both fresh and reimagined, are all the rage this prom season and are sure to turn heads, including a beautiful light blue reminiscent of the 80s but with a fun and fresh feel. Must-Have MonochromaticNothing screams put-together like a monochromatic suit – matching your prom date is also a plus! Some trending colors from Tip Top for the perfect monochromatic look include rust, wheat, or seafoam. Sleek Hollywood StyleIs Hollywood-style your inspiration? A dapper and sleek black suit made an appearance in the 90s and on the red carpet. You can't go wrong with a classic black suit, but you can turn it up a notch with dazzling accessories or even opt for a Burgundy Jacquard Tuxedo to turn heads. Pairing Chic Patterns A fun 70s pattern is a sure and effortless way to add dimension to your look – pair a chic in-season floral-leaf tuxedo jacket or a timeless paisley bow tie and pocket square for a unique look. When it comes to prom attire, it's not all about the dresses. This season, there's a refreshing twist in the air as teens opt for standout suits that promise to steal the show. From sleek monochromatic ensembles to bold bursts of colour and patterns, the options are endless. Embracing this trend allows teenagers to make a statement on prom night, exuding confidence and style that will undoubtedly make for unforgettable memories. So, why should prom dresses get to have all the fun? It's time for suits to take center stage and give young adults the chance to express themselves in a whole new way. There’s also no need to break the bank to suit
Door County Packs Fun for the Family
Door County Packs Fun for the Family by Rosalind Stefanac We’d never heard of Wisconsin’s Door County — a stretch of coastal towns on a peninsula between Lake Michigan and Green Bay. But after only a few days of hiking, biking and eating our way through this scenic spot in the Midwest, Door County has earned a top spot on our list of favourite family destinations in the U.S. Here are four reasons why we’ll be going back the very first chance we get. It's good for a week or a long weekendOnce you fly into Green Bay, driving the 70-mile stretch from the southern part of the peninsula to its northern tip takes a little more than an hour, but there are days of biking and hiking trails, beaches and bluffs to explore—along with shops, museums and good eats. The area has more than 300 miles of shoreline with limestone bluffs and beaches, along with five state and 19 county parks. Be sure to take your teens and tweens on a guided tour at Ridges Sanctuary in Bailey’s Harbor, Wisconsin’s oldest non-profit nature reserve. This relaxed two-hour tour really is suitable for all ages, and our engaging guide made sure we caught all of the fascinating nature elements along the way. Between June to October, you can apply to spend a week in the lighthouse on the property too! You can take a ride across Death’s DoorDoor County was named after the sometimes treacherous water passage that lies off the peninsulas’ tip where Lake Michigan and Green Bay meet, aptly named Porte Des Morts or Death’s Door. Provided the weather accommodates, take the 30-minute ferry to cross this scenic passage from Northport Pier to Washington Island, the largest of the County’s outlying islands. There you can take a dip at Schoolhouse Beach made up entirely of smooth, white pebbles. Or take a stroll through the fields of Fragrant Isle with more than 30,000 lavender plants. There is even a café and gift store with all kinds of lavender-infused products, including fragrant cookies and lattes. From here, take a short ferry ride to Rock Island to tour Pottawatomie Lighthouse, the oldest in Wisconsin. This pedestrian-only state park has 10 miles of hiking trails. It also has an impressive boathouse completed in 1929 that’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Just be sure to pack your drinks and snacks as few options are available on
Empower Your Teen: 6 Strategies for a Successful School Year
Empower Your Teen: 6 Strategies for a Successful School Year by Jennifer Gershberg Ask any college professor how their students are doing, and I guarantee you’ll hear some entertaining – and anxiety-provoking - stories. It's a revelation for parents that despite the increasing challenges of college admission, students nowadays are less equipped in terms of competencies, mental health, and time management. I've dedicated the past eight years as a professor at the University of Maryland’s Smith School of Business, teaching the core Business Law course to 400 students each year. I have watched and listened to my students’ experiences and have concluded that student success ultimately requires a village. Most of the work, of course, is up to the students. But this post will focus on what parents can do to help optimize their kids’ success in college and beyond. You should know that I am also the parent of three teens, so I fully understand the challenges associated with raising them! Let's dive into a few key objectives with this article. First, I’ll describe the college landscape today and will identify challenges that your child may face once they get to college. There are things that we can all do to help prepare our kids before they get to college – even for the high school kids who are getting all A’s. It's a common scenario – I frequently come across bright students who aced all their classes in rigorous high schools but still find themselves grappling with some prevalent issues once they transition to college. Once I have described what my colleagues and I are seeing, I will give you some ideas on ways you can help support them. So what is happening in college today? To be blunt, students’ anxiety is spiking and their academic performance is sharply declining. It’s interesting and a bit surprising because college has become so hard to get into, so you would think that the students are all doing great – but quite the opposite is happening. My colleagues and I, across universities, agree that students tend to be more anxious, less focused, and less tolerant of ambiguity than even a few years ago. The research is consistent with our observations: studies report that 60% of college students today have a mental health diagnosis, 1/3 have an anxiety disorder, and 8/10 Gen Z’ers admit that social media distracts them from school and studying. I think these findings
5 Ways to Financially Recover from Post-Holiday Spending
5 Ways to Financially Recover from Post-Holiday Spending By Sarjae Irving How much did you plan on spending this holiday season? How much did you actually spend? Did you know that close to one-quarter of the Canadian population overspend during the holidays? A recent report from Madeinca.ca shared that Canadians were most likely to overspend by up to $100, with 27% of consumers falling into this group. 19% of consumers overspend between $101 and $200 while 16% of people overspend by $401-$500. Surprisingly, many Canadians go over the budget they set for themselves by $1,000 with 7% of consumers in this category. We connected with Shannon Kennedy, from Consolidated Credit Union, an expert in personal finance and a champion for financial literacy. Kennedy provided an engaging discussion about holiday spending and financial management. INBETWEEN: How much do Canadians typically overspend at Christmas? Kennedy: On average, Canadians typically spend between $1,400-$1,600 on gifts, travel, food and experiences over the holidays. While budgeting is personal, and the amounts spent and allotted by each individual vary, we can certainly see how these amounts impact Canadians and their finances. INBETWEEN: When January rolls around, the bills come in. How can Canadians stay on budget or create a budget to get back on the financial track? Kennedy: It can certainly be overwhelming to examine your finances following the holidays, and perhaps some overspending, here are some steps that Canadians can take to help get their finances back on track following the holidays: Contact your local bank or credit union and speak to a financial expert. This can help you create a customized debt repayment plan. Working with a financial expert is free and will help you see things from a different lens than you may have – plus, they are experts for a reason, they’ll have tons of knowledge to share with you. Set realistic financial goals. I always say that budgeting and debt repayment is like a diet: if you’re too restrictive, or set unrealistic financial goals, you’re likely to fail. Establish SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound) goals to make your plan more achievable, and bite-sized so it’s not so overwhelming. Prioritize essential expenses and distinguish between essential and non-essential expenses. Prioritize necessities like housing, utilities, groceries, gas, and debt repayments. See if there are other areas (such as eating out, online shopping or subscriptions) where you can cut back – even if the cutback is only temporary. Track your
Crave Original NESTING Brings Laughter and Love Just in Time for the Holidays
Crave Original NESTING Brings Laughter and Love Just in Time for the Holidays by Sarjae Irving A new Toronto-based series, NESTING, is set to be released on Crave on December 22, just in time for the holidays! The series was inspired by the stars and creators, Anna Hardwick and Rosa Labordé, and their personal story. NESTING is an eight-part, short-form, provocative, funny, and unflinching web series that explores fertility, friendship, the housing crisis in Toronto, and a mysterious little thing called love. According to Hardwick and Labordé, the name NESTING is derived from the desire to fertilize, as birds do in a nest. “It’s everything, the desire for a home, a family, and just feeling safe,” Labordé says in an interview with InBetween Magazine. In the series, the two had no house, no partner, and no baby. On the bright side, they have each other! Hardwick & Labordé, who are actual friends and not just on screen, display their connection in the search for a community in Toronto. “Both of us are from the Ottawa region, so the search for a community in Toronto is really big for us and also amazingly is what the show is all about, an extension of creating community” Comedic Quest for Family and Home In each episode, they clumsily and comically set out on a hunt for a baby daddy to fertilize their drying-up eggs, all while searching for affordable housing to nest in, so they can co-parent in their version of a family. Throughout each episode, Labordé idolizes the concept of a “Tiny House” movement, which highlights some of the differences between the two. When asked about this concept, Labordé said, “Today, we have a housing crisis that is so acute that I wish people would acknowledge that it’s problematic and is making people’s lives challenging.” As an alternative solution, Labordé believes that tiny houses would be great. Slowly and surprisingly throughout the series, Hardwick & Labordé’s platonic friendship begins to feel romantic. Hardwick and Labordé both have traits that support the other. Hardwick is a fashion stylist who loves clothes and is an extrovert — the risk-taker in the friendship. Labordé is a poet and often more reserved. However, she has bad financial management. With all things considered, the two hold each other accountable and grounded. NESTING is intended to suit a wide target audience within and outside of Toronto, anyone who craves love, friendship, and family. Emmy
Navigating the Holidays After Divorce: 3 Steps to a Fresh Start
Navigating the Holidays After Divorce: 3 Steps to a Fresh Start by Sarjae Irving While Christmas is often filled with joy, love and family celebrations, it can get complicated when navigating a new divorce. Every Hallmark movie might idealize the holidays as a picture-perfect season but the reality is separation is a part of many Canadians’ lives. Still, this doesn’t mean you still can’t have an amazing Christmas with your family — it’s just that the transition from shared household to divided festivities requires proper planning to ensure a positive experience for all involved. Here’s how. Be Proactive The first tip on navigating the holidays is to take a proactive approach and create a schedule, says Dr. Vinita Puri a Toronto-based registered Social Worker, Accredited Family Mediator, Coach and Consultant with expertise in educational training and group facilitation. “Preparation and mutual respect is key when creating an effective co-parenting schedule, especially around the time of the holidays,” she says. The schedule could include sharing the actual holiday, for instance, one parent gets the child on Christmas Eve and the other on Christmas Day or alternating the holidays each year. Another tip is to practice self-care. “You’re also trying to navigate loss, pain, and grief. Self-care is extremely important when going through divorce and even more so stressful around the time of the holidays,” says Dr. Puri, who also encourages newly divorced parents to set expectations. “This way, the child/children are aware and understand that this is the new reality,” she says.“It may be difficult, but these steps can be taken to ease the transition, along with surrounding yourself with loved ones and creating new traditions.” Plan to attend or not The concept of honour and shame may be a cultural factor that newly divorced parents take into consideration when it pertains to invitations to holiday events that involve both parents. In essence, there is still a lot of stigma and shame around divorce in many communities. “If divorced parents are a part of the same circle where people accept that divorce is normal and that people may no longer be compatible, the divorce should not be a hindering factor of whether to attend a holiday event,” says Dr. Puri. She further emphasized that once the divorced parents themselves are willing and able to control their emotions, she would encourage both parents to attend and/or continue to host holiday gatherings. Practice Self-Care When trying to navigate the holidays as a newly
Why you should make gifting for good your next holiday tradition
Why you should make gifting for good your next holiday tradition The holiday season is a time to reflect on the year behind us and also think ahead to new possibilities. As we consider what we’re grateful for, it can bring us joy to give back to others. The generosity of heart and opportunities to pay it forward are important parts of life, no matter what stage we’re in. Raising kind kids who want to make a difference in the world is a rewarding aspect of parenthood. One way to engage the family in giving back is to include the kids in choosing causes to support. Why not start a holiday wish list that goes beyond material things and inspires giving gifts that have the ability to change lives for children just like yours? Coming together in the holiday spirit and making a commitment to others can be the start of a feel-good tradition that is educational, grounding and even bonding – a win-win scenario! As parents of tweens and teens, we want the best for our kids, which extends to parents all around the world. Education is the most empowering and inspirational gift for children of all ages, but unfortunately, access to education isn’t always equal. Canadian charity, Children Believe, plays a part in the lives of more than 1.2 million children and youth worldwide. Each year, it releases a specially curated Believe Book with plenty of Gifts for Good Inspiration, starting at just $25. Each item is designed to help children and their families overcome barriers to education, something that not only changes their lives – but opens their world of opportunities, too. To inspire your family’s Gifts for Good choices, here are three examples that help children choose their own life path, dream fearlessly and be a voice for change: Empowering Girls From inspiring girls to pursue STEM education to helping young women become leaders within their communities, there are many ways sending a girl to school can have a big impact. Educated girls who are actively in the classroom invest 90 per cent of their income back into their children’s health, education, and communities. These girls are also three times less likely to marry before the age of 18 compared to girls with no education. Through curated workshops and resources, girls are equipped with the tools they need to succeed and change their world for the better. Life-changing Livestock Did you know that one of
5 Halloween Activities to Enjoy With Your Teen Around Toronto
5 Halloween Activities to Enjoy with Your Teen Around Toronto by Arianne Granada As October's crisp air settles in, it's time to kick off the spooky season. Don’t worry if your teen insists they're too grown-up for costumes and trick-or-treating—there are plenty of ways for your family to dive into the Halloween spirit together. These Halloween activities can make for awesome parent-teen date nights. So, if you're on the hunt for thrilling alternatives to the classic trick-or-treating, you're in for a treat. Here are 5 Halloween activities around Toronto and the GTA for you and your teen. Casa Loma: Legends of Horror Perfect for Teens and Fun Family Halloween Night Imagine stepping into history with a dash of the supernatural at Casa Loma's "Legends of Horror." This isn't your typical haunted house; it's an immersive theatrical wonderland. This October, Casa Loma will be transformed into an eerie playground. You and your teen can stroll through a 2km trail, winding through the castle's hidden tunnels and the darkest corners of the estate. During this hour-long adventure, you'll find yourselves immersed in meticulously designed sets in gardens and chambers, where characters come to life right before your eyes. The grand finale is a jaw-dropping 3D projection on the castle's exterior to make the story seamlessly blend in with the castle walls. Location: Casa Loma - 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto (Entrance at Walmer and Davenport) Dates: September 29 to October 31, 2023 Tickets: Get yours here Pumpkins After Dark in Milton Fun Family Halloween Night When it comes to family-friendly Halloween fun, Pumpkins After Dark in Milton is an absolute must-visit. Imagine over 10,000 hand-carved pumpkins illuminating your path as you walk through this mesmerizing outdoor experience. Located at Country Heritage Park in Milton, this event runs from September 23 to October 1, offering a perfect opportunity for a family outing to ignite that Halloween spirit in your teens and yourself. Location: Country Heritage Park, Milton Dates: September 23 to October 1, 2023 Tickets: Grab yours here Canada's Wonderland: Halloween Haunt Thrilling Parent-Teen Date Night If you're in search of a thrilling night out with your teen, Canada's Wonderland has just the ticket—literally. They transform the amusement park into a scream park during their annual Halloween Haunt, complete with seven spine-chilling mazes, terrifying scare zones, and hundreds of monstrous creatures lurking in the shadows. This year, don't miss the new additions: "Dark Ride," a maze set in an abandoned carnival attraction, and "Trick or Treat Street," a twisted Halloween street party. The entertainment
5 Reasons to Visit Croatia With Your Kids
5 Reasons to Visit Croatia With Your Kids By Rosalind Stefanac With a population of only four million, Croatia may be relatively tiny compared to other countries, but it packs a punch as a vacation destination. Situated in southeastern Europe, Croatia has gained popularity as a tourist hotspot for excellent reasons. Whether it's exploring Roman ruins, hiking alongside waterfalls, or plunging into its crystal-clear, azure sea, Croatia offers enough natural beauty and kid-friendly activities to keep the whole brood engaged. Our first visit to Croatia took place when my sons were little. Upon returning as teenagers, they relished the opportunity to do some exploring on their own while we savoured the breathtaking scenery. Here are some of the reasons why Croatia stands out as a top choice for family travel: Swimming in the Adriatic Sea Croatia boasts an extensive coastline along the stunning Adriatic Sea. This body of water is renowned for its calm currents and warm temperatures, making it an ideal destination for activities like swimming, snorkelling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and diving. Sailing is a popular pastime, or you can opt to rent a motorboat and explore the local islands yourself. We joined an all-day fishing boat excursion where the boys were able to jump off the rails and swim and snorkel at their leisure. The crew even prepared a fresh fish lunch using their catch of the day. While on the northern coast's island of Mali Losinj, you might even catch a glimpse of a dolphin or two. Just be sure to pack water shoes (or buy them there) as stone beaches are the norm throughout Croatia. Island hopping Although Croatia often touts itself as the "land of 1,000 islands," it actually boasts 1,244 islands, islets, and rock formations, of which 48 are inhabited, and one has a heart-shaped configuration (my personal favourite!). The island of Cres is the largest and well worth exploring, but be sure to add Kornati National Park to your list, too. This cluster of 89 uninhabited islands, islets, reefs (and cliffs) are perfect for exploring on a day trip. This is island hopping at its best. Hiking through waterfalls and mountains Croatia offers a multitude of hiking and biking trails of all levels. Near the capital city of Zagreb, you'll discover numerous marked hiking trails leading up to the Sljeme peak on Medvenica mountain, which stands at 1,035 meters above sea level. We also ventured to Krka National Park on the coast, renowned