Dusting: A Dangerous Teen Trend Hiding in Plain Sight
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.
Walmart’s Back to School Must-Haves
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
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
Christmas Gift Ideas for the 3 T’s: Toddlers, Tweens and Teens
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
17 IKEA Dorm Essentials for Your Teen
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
9 Must-Have Back-to-School Essentials for Every Family
9 Must-Have Back-to-School Essentials for Every Family by Rachel Naud If there’s one thing everyone in the family wants this September, it’s to look and feel cool going into the new school year. Those starting fresh in a new school will want to make a great first impression, while others will want to impress their friends now that they’re reunited after a summer away! These suggestions are sure to make the grade for everyone in the family—from tots to teens! Keep Daycare Days ComfyWhile our littlest family members may not be hitting the halls this September, many babies and tots will be heading to daycare as the rest of the family goes back to work and school. You'll want to make sure they are also packed with all the supplies and essentials they’ll need while away from home. Huggies Skin Essential diapers are ideal for transitioning to daycare. They are Huggies’ newest product designed to protect against the top two causes of diaper rash—moisture and runny mess. They are crafted for baby’s sensitive skin, dermatologist-approved, and fragrance-free! You can find them at Loblaw banner stores like Shoppers Drug Mart and Real Canadian Superstore! Find Your Personal Style Trends may come and go, but one thing remains constant across generations—every tween and teen wants to express themselves by decorating their belongings to reflect their personal style. Fresh school supplies offer a perfect blank canvas for students to make their mark. Students will love StickerYou’s vinyl stickers for decorating everything from binders and lockers to water bottles and more!StickerYou offers trendy, unique designs that are durable, waterproof, and dishwasher-safe. Most importantly, they are sure to make a statement! Shop them in-store at Walmart Canada! Create a Fall Style Capsule One of the best parts about going back to school? Getting that new fall wardrobe! Today, it’s even more fun with SHEIN, which is launching an exciting pop-up activation at the CNE on August 29, August 31, September 1, and September 2. The CNE is often the last hurrah before school starts, making this a fun way for teens to prep for school and get excited for the year ahead! Adorned with a graffiti-inspired design in the signature "brat green" hue, the truck’s exterior will showcase SHEIN’s colourful, street-style aesthetic, complemented by splashes of hot pink.Whether your teen wants to get some new ‘fits or shop for cool items for their dorm, SHEIN has what they need to get back to cool this school
Two Kid-Friendly Eco-Activities that Will Help to Combat Summer Learning Loss
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
Benefits of Team Sports with Dr. Cassidy Preston, Mental Performance Coach
Benefits of Team Sports with Dr. Cassidy Preston, Mental Performance Coach With warm weather rolling in, kids are itching to get outside and back to their favourite sports. We know that participating in team sports can positively impact children’s health and provide social benefits. We spoke with Dr. Cassidy Preston, Mental Performance Coach who has partnered with Sport Chek to share his insights on character-building benefits, like teamwork, resilience and leadership, that go beyond the sport for kids that parents should know about. Q: Why is it important for kids to participate in team sports, and for families to prioritize playing together? A: Prioritizing team sports as a kid can provide health, social and character-building benefits that go beyond the sport itself. Some of those skills include: Building social connections and communication skills Working with team members and leadership skills Developing healthy habits around exercise, sleep, and nutrition Fostering life skills such as confidence, resilience, and focus Q: What are the psychological benefits of participating in team sports programs? A: Research shows it can have a positive impact on people outside of the traditional sense of the sport. Psychological benefits of team sports may include:Stress reliever and a sense of purpose Social connections and a sense of belonging Feeling of competence and confidence as they develop Q: What are the life-long values and habits that sports teach children, that they can take into adulthood?A: Team sports provide life-long values that you can bring well into adulthood, from leadership and communication to teamwork and physical health. I’ve partnered with Sport Chek because they believe in the valuable life lessons kids learn beyond the field. Lessons like sportsmanship, communication, resilience, determination and leadership – all skills you can take beyond a sports game and into your everyday. Other examples include:Social Connections Character-building skills Time management skills Q: How can parents help prepare their kids for team sports? A: As parents prepare for the upcoming sports season this summer, whether it be baseball or soccer, there are a few ways to help prepare your kids:Don’t over-focus on the external results like winning and rankings, instead, prioritize the mental skills sport that your child can develop through sport Help manage expectations about the range of results and develop a growth mindset by encouraging effort and normalizing failure as part of the development process Make sure fun is not tied to just the results, but rather focus on the enjoyment of the game itself; the
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
10 Teen Slang Words You Need to Know Now
Teen Language Decoded: 10 Teen Slang Words You Need to Know Now By Favour Jonah Have you ever observed how every generation has its own unique way of communicating? It's a distinct code of words that characterizes their identity, commonly known as slang. The Evolution of Slang Once considered very cool, Millennials' slang is now preserved like old records in an archive. Just as we're starting to adjust, Gen Z arrives with a new set of words to communicate and connect with their peers. Making matters even more interesting, we now have Gen Alpha (children born from 2010 onwards), bringing their vocabulary to the table and keeping us engaged. Modern Teen Slang If you find yourself in a conversation with tweens or teens, you might feel completely lost. Sometimes, you may need to grab your phone and look up slang on Google to stay current with the conversation. But why not flip the script and be the parent who's not only informed but also speaks their language? With some help, you can effortlessly join those conversations like a pro—or even throw in a playful tease using their lingo! So, here's your updated teen slang cheat sheet for 2024. Bussin If something's "bussin," it's not just good – it's great! This positive term is all about describing something truly awesome and outstanding. Skibidi This word may sound mysterious, but people use it to sound cool rather than to convey a specific meaning. It often appears in a negative context to describe something bad or evil. Its origin traces back to the phrase "skibidi toilet," inspired by a viral video meme of a man’s head in a toilet. People frequently add phrases like "skibidi ohio rizz" or "skibidi ohio sigma rizz" to enhance its charm. Rizz To have "rizz," means to be good at flirting. It's not just about charisma; it's about effortlessly charming others with smooth pickup lines. A "rizzler" is someone who at flirting, a professional in flirting. Ate This is used to praise someone for doing something exceptional. It means someone did a great job. For example, "She ate and left no crumbs" means she did something amazing. Yes! "Left no crumbs" is another slang. People normally pair it with the word "Ate." Do it for the plot This phrase is all about seizing the moment and being the main character of every narrative. It's like saying, "Take control of your life and make the most of it." It's a motivational phrase to inspire people