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
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
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
New York Christmas: 5 Ways to Capture the Holiday Magic with Your Teen
5 Ways to Capture the Holiday Magic in NYC with Your Teen by Rachel Naud Picture this: you and your teen stepping into a winter wonderland right in the heart of New York City — it's the start of a holiday adventure like no other. As a parent, you're on a mission to make this trip not just enjoyable but downright unforgettable for both you and your teen. The key is to craft an experience that resonates with them, creating moments they'll look back on with a smile. Here are 5 places to create an unforgettable family holiday at the Big Apple. See the Tree: Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Behold the splendour of NYC's cherished Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. Lit daily from 5PM to midnight, this magnificent tree comes to life during its grand lighting ceremony on November 29th, setting the stage for festive joy. On Christmas Day, its radiance brightens the city for a whole 24 hours, and the magic lingers until January 13th at 10PM. The tree is adorned with 50,000 multi-coloured LED lights and crowned by a spectacular three-dimensional 900-pound Swarovski star, designed by architect Daniel Libeskind in 2018. When to Experience the Magic:Daily from 5AM to midnight until January 13 at 10PM. View the live national broadcast “Christmas at Rockefeller Center” from home on NBC, on November 29th, 8PM EST. Stay in Style: NH Collection New York Madison Avenue Selecting the right accommodation can set the tone for your entire trip. NH Collection New York Madison Avenue, nestled on the historic Madison Avenue, offers more than just a place to rest. This 100-year-old red brick building not only encapsulates the essence of New York's advertising legacy but also boasts modern luxury with a serious Mad Men vibe. Awarded the title of Luxury Travel Advisor's 2022 "Most Instagrammable Hotel" in North America, the hotel blends avant-garde design with a prime location, placing you within walking distance of iconic landmarks such as the Empire State Building, Times Square and Central Park. Before you and your teen begin your day exploring, fuel up at Serafina Restaurant with its elaborate European-style breakfast buffet, complete with freshly baked pastries, meats, cheeses and fresh eggs made to order. In the evening, this is the place for delicious pasta and pizza, with portions to please any hungry teen. Afterwards, sit at the MAD Bar & Lounge and sip on a cocktail themed from the 50s and 60s while your teen instagrams his
Nurture Your Teens’ Digital Wellbeing on TikTok This School Year
Nurturing Your Teens' Digital Wellbeing on TikTok This School Year: Tips and Tricks from an Expert by Tracy Elizabeth As a former educator, a mother and TikTok's Head of Family Safety & Developmental Health, I know firsthand what it’s like to face the evolving challenges of raising children in today's media-saturated world. As a parent, I find real comfort in and take pride in being part of TikTok's infallible commitment to fostering a safer and more positive online environment for all families. At TikTok, my team and I are constantly working to implement evidence-based policies that prioritize the safety and positive development of the teens who use our platform. In our collaborations with trusted partners, such as the Digital Wellness Lab, the Technology Coalition and Thorn, we continually ask ourselves important questions: How can we protect teens while allowing their creativity to flourish unchecked? What tools can we provide to parents and caregivers to empower them in guiding their teens' digital experiences? How can we share our knowledge with parents and caregivers of teens to ensure they, too, feel confident about our platform? To that end, here are five things parents and caregivers can do to nurture their teen’s well-being on TikTok. Know the rules, use the tools Teens will be teens, and today’s teens tend to use social media. If you don’t already have a TikTok account, set one up and learn how to use it together. Our digital Guardian Guide gives parents and caregivers an overview of TikTok and the many tools and controls we’ve built into it to keep our community safe. Put the ‘talk’ in TikTok Adolescence is a time for exploration, and teens are naturally curious about different communities and connecting with a variety of topics. Rather than having them go it alone, be part of that exploration! Try hosting candid family conversations about the ways in which your teen engages online, including and beyond TikTok. This will help bolster their sense of digital citizenship and empower them to be mindful of their own safety on the internet. Pair up! Family Safety Mode links a parent's TikTok account to their teen's and makes it possible to guide their digital well-being. With Screen Time Management, parents and caregivers can limit how much time their teen can spend on the app each day. It also lets parents and caregivers limit who can send messages to their teen, turn direct messaging off altogether, and restrict the appearance 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
Mental Health and the Back-To-School Transition
Mental Health and the Back-To-School Transition By Emmett Wells, LCSW, Clinical Director at Embark Behavioral Health in Greenwood Village, CO The back-to-school season marks a significant shift in the lives of children and young people. As students return to the structured academic year this fall, they not only face the demands of coursework but also the responsibility and social pressures. Amid the ongoing youth mental health crisis in the United States, it's crucial for families to communicate and lean on each other. This transition can bring both positive and negative effects. It offers opportunities for growth and learning but can also trigger mood swings, heightened anxiety, and depression in young individuals. To effectively support adolescents during this crucial time, parents and caregivers must adapt to the unique challenges their children may encounter. Active Listening and Relationship Building During this back-to-school transition, active listening is crucial. Parents and caregivers should be prepared for conversations that might be challenging for their children. This could include discussions about academic stress, social dynamics, or personal struggles. By actively listening and creating a safe space for dialogue, caregivers can nurture a secure caregiver-child relationship. This relationship provides a foundation for adolescents to express their thoughts, feelings, and concerns without fear of judgment. It's within these safe spaces that young people are more likely to open up about their struggles, making it easier for parents to provide the support they need. Cultivating Positive Habits for Youth Mental Health Positive habits play a pivotal role in the mental well-being of anxious or depressed youth as they return to school. These habits not only help in managing academic and social responsibilities but also serve as valuable life skills. Establishing routines that incorporate healthy practices is an excellent starting point. These routines can include consistent sleep schedules, balanced nutrition, and regular exercise. Such practices contribute to physical well-being, which, in turn, positively impacts mental health. Encouraging children to participate in after-school activities aligned with their interests and passions can foster a sense of community, providing much-needed emotional support and a sense of belonging. Moreover, dedicating time to develop coping skills is essential. Adolescents should be equipped with effective strategies for managing stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges. This can include mindfulness exercises, deep breathing techniques, or seeking professional guidance when necessary. Parental Engagement and Adaptability Parental involvement in a child's education is a delicate balancing act. Encouraging independence while offering support can establish healthy boundaries without becoming overly involved. As adolescents
Top 5 Tips for a Smooth Back-to-School Transition
Top 5 Tips for a Smooth Back-to-School Transition by Rachel Naud No matter what age your child is, there is one universal fact when it comes to back to school—every student wants to look and feel their best for the new school year! If your child wants to get back to COOL, we have some suggestions sure to make the grade. Smart Shopping at Walmart Canada We all know back-to-school season can get expensive, which is why we always turn to Walmart Canada for their back-to-school essentials. Here, you can find everything you need in one convenient location, with a wide variety of options and budget-friendly prices. If your teen is embarking on their academic journey, these items have consistently been part of our shopping list. Essentials like Post-its and Scotch Brand products have come in handy over the years. Scotch Magic Tape can be a lifesaver when unexpected accidents happen like your pet dog getting hold of your teen’s homework! Post-it Super Sticky Notes—on the other hand—are versatile for flagging textbook pages or leaving notes around the house. Add a bit of excitement to your back-to-school preparations with the Noted by Post-it collection. It's like a treasure trove of cool designs and accessories, where you can create a unique and curated vibe. What's even better is that these items can really set the stage for a successful school year! Back-to-School Stylish Essentials Whether you have a tween or a teen, one thing is for certain–everyone wants to look and feel good for back to school. Many students have found Under Armour backpacks to be a reliable choice throughout their school years. These backpacks are not only stylish but also built to handle heavy textbooks and gym gear, making them a practical choice for parents. Their Hustle Sport Backpack is water-resistant and has a durable bottom. It also has a laptop sleeve, which is perfect for going to and from class. New shoes are also a must for back-to-school and these Unisex SlipSpeed Mesh Training Shoes have a pretty cool convertible heel thing going on! It's a game-changer, allowing you to easily switch from training to recovery mode. No need to lug around an extra pair of shoes, which is a total win, especially for students with early morning or after-school practices. Also, why not grab a treat for yourself too? The Under Armour Essential Oversized Crew fleece sweatshirt offers a super cozy and soft fit. Its oversized design
4 Wellness Tips to Give Your Teen Before They Move to College
4 Wellness Tips to Give Your Teen Before They Move to College Moving out for college is both exciting and scary for you and your teen. You might feel thrilled to see where life takes them, but also a bit nervous about their new life living alone. At the same time, your kid is looking forward to independence, yet they might have some concerns too. Previously, we provided advice on how to support your second-year college student living away from home, including tips on cleaning and preparing meals. Now, what advice can you offer to a first-time dormer, especially regarding their health? If you have a soon-to-be dormer, here are a few wellness tips you can share with them. Watch their portion sizes All parents want their children to eat well. However, that doesn't mean giving them free rein. After all, there's something called the "Freshman 15," which refers to the weight gain college students may experience in the first year due to lifestyle changes. This can be especially common among dormers who often resort to convenient yet unhealthy foods. Ignoring this issue could lead to more significant problems, like becoming overweight and its impact on overall health. Luckily, your kid can avoid this by simply being more mindful of their meal portion sizes—a habit encouraged by sustainable weight loss plans. By doing so, they can still enjoy their favourite foods while keeping track of what they eat. For example, if they notice they've been consuming too much fried food lately, it's a good sign to include more fresh fruits and vegetables in their meals. Additionally, they can focus on eating until they're no longer hungry rather than eating until they feel full. This way, they can maintain a healthier lifestyle without feeling deprived. Move their body College life is always busy with classes to attend, papers to pass, and presentations to make. Despite this, it's essential to remind your kid about the importance of regular exercise to keep their physical health in check. The best part is they can choose the type of exercise they enjoy the most. If dancing to music is their thing, they'll be glad to know that it not only brings joy but also helps build strength, improves mood, and enhances memory. On the other hand, if relaxation is more their style, yoga is a great option. It's low-impact and can improve balance and flexibility. The best part is they can do both
3 reasons why your teen should spend less time on social media
3 reasons why your teen should spend less time on social media by Isabel Tennant Social media seems to be an unstoppable force these days. Children and teenagers of all ages often have access to a wide range of online content. While there are many good aspects to this relatively new phenomenon, it's important for a parent or caregiver to be aware of the potential risks. Children’s brains undergo critical changes during their adolescent years, and their experiences during this time play a major role in shaping them as they become adults. With the impacts of social media just beginning to be understood, here are three reasons why you shouldn’t feel bad about limiting your teenager’s social media usage. Self-esteem It's tough to find an unfiltered and genuine image online. Photos posted on social media are often edited to enhance beauty, presenting a distorted reality to teenagers. For them, this presents a challenging juxtaposition between how they truly look and how they think they should look. Obsessing over perceived flaws and seeking validation through likes and followers can negatively impact their self-esteem. This often leads to mental health issues such as anxiety, body dysmorphia, and eating disorders in teenagers. Research suggests that teens don’t have to cut out social media use entirely to start feeling more positive about themselves. In fact, one study found that reducing consumption by just 50% brought about major improvements in the teenage participants’ self-esteem. Other healthy ways to boost your teen’s self-esteem include encouraging them to spend time working on their hobbies and meeting up with their friends away from screens. It’s a good idea to give your teenager plenty of positive reminders about their personal achievements and attributes to help them focus on what makes them special as a person. Access to age-inappropriate content Online content is difficult to monitor, and teenagers can easily stumble upon inappropriate videos and websites. Content creators have even been known to hide explicit and disturbing content amidst seemingly innocent videos. Because of this, it's important for parents to know how to keep their children safe online. One way to limit the risks of your child seeing things that may distress or confuse them is to set parental controls. Yes, your teenager wants the freedom to use social media as their friends are doing, but balancing their desire for freedom with a safe online environment is crucial. It’s important to keep communication with your teenager open and ensure they feel