Actor Dan Payne’s Judgement-Free Philosophy on Parenting and Mental Health
Actor Dan Payne's Judgement-Free Philosophy on Parenting and Mental Health By Tanishq Desai From John Tucker Must Die to Watchmen - Dan Payne has over 100 credits in the form of television features or indie films to his name. Apart from being a full-time husband, father and actor who actively advocates for mental health, the Mulligans heartthrob talks about his upcoming feature film, Corrective Measures, alongside Bruce Willis and Michael Rooker. Tell us about your new movie, Corrective Measures. “Well, it’s a big step up for me! I got to work with a couple of guys that I consider to be legends and icons — Bruce Willis and Michael Rooker — so I did a little happy dance the moment I found out that it was happening. And I also get to play a character that I’m not used to. He’s an ex-military vigilante, which is kind of far away from the loving-nature-doting-husband type of roles that I’ve played! This project is on a way bigger scale too. It’s Fox Tubi’s first original content release and I’m honoured that I get to be a part of it.” You play Walter Arthur Locke (aka Payback). Tell us about your character and what drew you to him? “So Corrective Measures is a graphic novel turned into a movie and Sean Patrick O'Reilly who directed, wrote and executive produced this did a magical job of making it a fun story and a great ride to be on. My character, Payback, is an ex-military guy, and some things happened to him that put him on a pretty strong vigilante path of revenge. But he ends up in one of the state-of-the-art hidden octane penitentiaries where all the main bad guys of the world get stuck. Now we’ll have to watch the movie to know if he ends up there on purpose but he’s got a pretty strong vendetta against criminals. When a radio magnetic pulse goes out over the world, it gives some people superpowers, kills the rest and some get mutated because of it. But this gives us a little good vs. evil because the good people put their powers to good use and the bad tend to go to evil, which eventually leads them all into this prison so you understand how it can get when there’s a bunch of superheroes and badasses put together. It can get messy.” Coming back to you working with some icons in this
7 Tips to Understanding Your Teen
7 Tips to Understanding Your Teen By Ishank Katyal Dealing with a teenager has always been the most complicated and challenging part of parenting—the significant change in brains and hormones, not to mention the impulsiveness and emotions that teens build after turning 13. External factors including academic pressure, peer pressure, social media, and many other problems adolescents face every day can affect them both mentally and emotionally and might restrain their relationship with their loved ones. Here are some of the tips which might help you understand your teen better: 1. Listen to them Your teen will listen to you only when you’re a good listener. It requires a lot of energy and patience, but it is a key tool for improving your relationship with them because it builds trust and helps them gain self-confidence and self-esteem. 2. Avoid asking too many questions Kids become more uncomfortable when you keep asking them questions and it feels like an interrogation rather than a healthy conversation. Ask only those questions which are relevant to the situation, otherwise, they could get irritated and be hesitant to share their problems. 3. Give them space Just like adults, teenagers also need some privacy and space from the people around them. Try to approach them not as a parent, but as an individual and learn to respect their privacy. Avoid barging into their room whenever you please and teach them the value of privacy and personal space. 4. Make sure they’re not addicted to their electronics Do they find it difficult to put their phone down while studying or doing any important work? Try to limit their screen time (no matter how much they fight for it!) to give them a break from social media and the Internet. This helps them to learn to be in the moment and can foster some great conversations. Even a small gesture like putting their phones away and joining you for a walk can go a long way in bolstering their moods. 5. Treat your teen as an individual Yes, they may take after you or your spouse, but your teen is their own person, with their own beliefs and opinions. Letting them express what they think and feel without judgement will help boost their self-esteem while fostering a great relationship. It can also make for some excellent dinner conversation. 6. Be honest with them One of the best things you could do for your teen is to be honest. A positive parent-child
6 Spring Budget-Friendly Activities Your Teen will Love
6 Spring Budget-Friendly Activities Your Teen will Love By Jessica Pinzón Spring is a great time to get outside and explore! We featured several spring events to enjoy in a recent article. But, finding new activities and events can be challenging if you're on a budget. The good news? There are plenty of things to do in and around Toronto that won't break the bank that you and your teen will enjoy. We featured 6 FREE activities you can enjoy around your neighbourhood. 1) Cherry Blossom Trees Perfect for their Instagram feeds and TikTok videos, your teen will love seeking out the sakura trees, more commonly known as cherry blossom trees. This year, you can see them in different traditional parks in Toronto and the GTA.When: Late April and May Where: High Park, Broadacres Park, Centennial Park, John P. Robarts Library at the University of Toronto, Toronto Island Park and Trinity Bellwoods Park. More information: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/cherry-blossoms/ 2) Street by The Beltway The Beltway's new exhibition brings exciting activities to the streets of Toronto with free art installations, performances, conversations and events. When: From May 26th Where: Under Toronto's Gardiner Expressway and the surrounding area. More information: https://the-bentway.prezly.com/this-summer-the-bentway-takes-on-the-street 3) Pedestrian Sundays at Kensington Market Pedestrian Sundays return to the market streets of Kensington Market with outdoor events, open patios and fun for the whole family. When: From May 29th Where: Kensington Market More information: https://kensingtonmarket.to/festivals/ 4) Free Don Valley Guided Walks It’s one of the best times to enjoy nature, share with family and participate in the cultural activities in Don River Valley Park. When: During the whole spring Where: Don River Valley Park More information: https://www.evergreen.ca/evergreen-brick-works/active-living/don-valley-guided-walks/ 5) 36 questions that lead to loving Toronto A new interactive exhibition at the Myseum of Toronto invites us to fall in love again with our city through an interactive and fun journey of 36 questions. When: Wednesdays to Saturdays from 12 - 6 pm Where: Myseum of Toronto 401 Richmond Street West, Studio LL01 More information: http://www.myseumoftoronto.com/programming/36-questions-that-lead-to-loving-toronto/ 6) Other outdoor activities If you and your teenager love outdoor adventures, here are 3 exciting activities to enjoy outdoors: Visit Scarborough Bluffs, discover waterfalls such as Devil's Punchbowl and Webster's Falls at Hamilton or go canoeing in the National Urban Park. When: During the whole spring Where: Toronto and GTA More information about spring outdoorsy budget-friendly activities: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-gardens-beaches/scarborough-bluffs/ https://tourismhamilton.com/hamilton-waterfalls-guide https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/on/rouge/visit
5 TV Shows to Watch with Your Teens
5 TV Shows to Watch with Your Teens By Sophie Lim As your teens become more peer-oriented than parent-oriented, you may find opportunities to spend time with them are fleeting. That's why picking a show that you can sit down and watch together is a great way to get in some quality time without the pressure of those one-on-one conversations. This doesn't mean you can't talk, of course! Picking a topic you see on screen is a great way to segway into some eye-opening conversations. Looking for some suggestions? We've got 5 TV shows that you and your teen will love. Never Have I Ever(Netflix)- RomCom If you and your teens are fans of teen romantic comedies, “Never Have I Ever” can fulfill your taste. It is a story of a first-generation Indian-American teen girl, Devi, who’s dealing with the recent loss of her father and tries to look cool at school. Co-creator Mindy Kaling’s childhood inspired Devi’s character(Maitreyi Ramakrishnan). The episodes focus on how Devi navigates her issues about identity, friendship, school and romance entering her sophomore year. It would be better to watch with mature teens who can handle a little bit of sex talk as the show includes some. Stranger things(Netflix)- SF “Stranger Things” is a sci-fi drama that happens in ‘80s Indiana. If you are craving 80s nostalgia, the show will take you back to the 80s. The story is about a group of pre-teen friends who find an upside-down world, supernatural creatures and a secret government agency while trying to find one of their dear friends. It is interesting to see its authentic multi-genre style combined with grown-up, thriller, horror, and adventure tale genres. Better suited if you and your teen like scary and gory vibes a la Stephen King. His Dark Materials(Apple TV, Crave)- Fantasy HBO created an adaptation of a 20th popular fantasy trilogy, “His Dark Materials.” It is a fantasy story that follows the life of Lyra, an orphan in a parallel universe world, and is based on the imagination of a parallel world where all humans’ souls manifest as animal companions called daemons. Searching for a kidnapped friend, Lyra(Dafne Keen) discovers an alternative universe beyond the Northern lights and a mysterious phenomenon called Dust. Though some critics argue some significant pieces of the book plot are missing, it will offer outstanding visual elements and magical stories for fantasy lovers. Kim's Convenience(Netflix, Amazon prime)- Comedy Sometimes you just want to have a
Video Games for Teens: Our Top 5 Picks of Each console
Video Games for Teens: Our Top 5 Picks of Each Console By Arianne Mae Granada noob no more—ever wondered about what video game is the best fit for your teen? With the pandemic forcing us to stay cooped up inside, adults and teens alike have reached for their gaming consoles for some sense of escape. This caused the gaming industry to witness massive growth during the past two years. Video games have always been part of a teen’s life — but not all video games are created equal. Some are tailored to certain gaming consoles to provide your teens with a more unique experience. Whether your teen has developed an interest in world-building games or he/she gravitates towards fantasy action adventures, there will always be a video game suited for your teen gamer’s taste and platform. Spare them the video game talk and don’t even sweat about the research because we’ve rounded up our top picks of video games for teens. #1 Sony PlayStation Video Games Game title: Spider-Man: Miles Morales Available in: PS4 and PS5 Age restrictions: 13 and up Game description: Inspired by the 2018 animated film Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse, this action-adventure game is about teenager Miles Morales following the footsteps of his mentor, Peter Parker, into becoming his very own Spider-Man. With trouble underway in his hometown, Harlem, it’s up to you (or your teen, rather) to save the neighbourhood! Spider-Man: Miles Morales is another fine addition to the plethora of superhero games that are making a resurgence in the past few years. This one is guaranteed to tickle that web-swinging itch. #2 Xbox Series X Video Games Game title: Halo Infinite Age restrictions: 13 and up Game description: The latest installment in Master Chief’s saga has been nothing short of mind-blowing. Taking place well after the events of Halo 5: Guardians, Halo Infinite aims to end the informal “Reclaimer Trilogy” in style. Halo Infinite has brought back nostalgia adorned with all the newest bells and whistles. Open world Halo? Yes, please. #3 Nintendo Switch Games Game title: Ring Fit Adventure Age restrictions: 7 and up Game description: Work up a sweat while traversing various dungeons to defeat the bodybuilding dragon named Dragaux. This exercise role-playing game makes use of real physical activities using a Ring-Con Accessory that senses the player’s movements. Think it’s time for your teen to get moving? This game may just be it. #4 PC Games Game title: The Sims 4 Age restrictions: 12 and up Game description: This timeless classic has only gotten
3 Fresh Spring Mocktails to Enjoy With Your Teen
3 Fresh Spring Mocktails to Enjoy With Your Teen By Nicole Abaca Spring is here and it's a great time to enjoy a bunch of activities to enjoy with your teens. If you want to stay closer to home, there's nothing better than sipping mocktails on a sunny day in your backyard! Creating mocktails bartender-style with your teen is not only a fun activity but a good opportunity to bond with them. We featured our four favourite recipes to make spring mocktails with your teen! We recommend using pretty glasses, fancy straws and decorations to recreate that “grown-up cocktails” vibe. Strawberry Slush Out of this world, delicious! Ideal for an outdoor lunch. Ingredients: 1 (16 ounces) pack of frozen whole strawberries. ½ cup water. ¼ cup lime juice. ¼ cup light blue agave nectar (see Tip) ⅛ teaspoon salt. Lime slices for garnish. How to: 1) Add all the strawberries, water, lime juice, agave nectar and blend. 2) Add the ice and blend until it is smooth as you like it. 3) To make it bar-quality, decorate your glass! Wet the rim of each glass with a lime wedge around it and invert the glass to coat the rim with either salt or sugar. Tip - Light blue agave nectar can be found near other sweeteners in the grocery store. - Instead of salt, you can use sugar for the glass rim. Fruity Aqua The perfect one to choose if your teen is inviting friends over. Ingredients: Fresh lemon slices. Fresh lime slices. Fresh orange slices. Cranberries. 2 cups of cranberry juice. 2 cups grape juice. 1 cup orange juice. 1/2 cup lemon juice. 4 cups San Pellegrino sparkling mineral water OR lemon-lime soda. How to: 1) Add the Cranberry juice along with the grape, orange and lemon juice. 2) Once mixed, add the fruit slices. 3) Place the pitch in the fridge and let it chill for 1 hour minimum. 4) Before serving add the sparkling or mineral water. Tips: - You can use a non-alcoholic wine instead of cranberry juice. - If you prefer a sweeter sangría, use soda. If you prefer a less sweet sangria, use sparkling mineral water. Summer Sunrise This mocktail is the easiest to prepare. You might want to replace your morning orange juice with it. It’s the perfect match for any type of brunch. Ingredients: 4 to 6 ounces of orange juice. 1/2 to 1-ounce grenadine to taste. Orange slice for garnish. How to: 1) Fill a tall glass or a pitcher with big chunks of ice. 2) Add orange juice leaving a little room at the top. 3) Pour grenadine over the juice (slowly). Don’t stir it. It will sink to
5 Reasons Why Your Teen Should Get a Summer Job
5 Reasons Why Your Teen Should Get a Summer Job By Ishank Katyal Getting a summer job is a rite of passage for a lot of teens. It's the stage of life that can bridge the gap between childhood and adulthood. Working is important for your teen, as it gives them real-world experiences that they won't find in the classroom. Beyond some financial independence, there are other benefits for teens when it comes to working. Here are 5 reasons why your teen should get a summer job. 1. Work Ethic Summer jobs help teenagers explore their work habits, goals, and motivation. Apart from that, they also allow them to learn about proper time management and deal with consequences as they move towards adulthood. 2. Responsibility Teens are mostly used to being directed by their parents and teachers, but working alongside their boss and colleagues is different. Summer jobs expose teens to new duties and challenges, which will make them learn the value of income and help them grow into responsible adults. 3. Getting to know themselves Most teens are indecisive about their future careers, but if your teen starts a job outside of their interest, this could serve as an opportunity for them to learn some brand new skills and become more committed to their goals. 4. Self-Esteem Building self-esteem is the most important part of growth. According to American scholar, Jeylan T. Mortimer’s 2005 research paper, high school students who work part-time or full-time jobs have more confidence than those who don’t. These jobs force teens to step out of their comfort zones and test their capabilities to help them to boost their self-esteem. 5. Financial Literacy Having a summer job and earning money can be a golden opportunity to learn personal finance basics. It helps teens learn the value of money and how to distinguish between needs and wants. You can find more advice on how to teach your teen financial literacy here. Tips to Help with the Job Search Job searching can be a frustrating and overwhelming experience for your teen. That is why it’s important for you to guide them to find a suitable summer job by understanding their goals (like saving up for their own car or buying the newest iPhone model). Having such goals will help them focus on their struggle or even know their areas of interest, strengths, and weaknesses. You can help your teen prepare for the interview by giving them some tips and helping them master
10 Spring Events to Enjoy with Your Teen in Toronto
10 Spring Events to Enjoy with Your Teen in Toronto By Jessica Pinzón Spring is here, and Toronto is full of fun events for families and friends. Whether you live in the city or planning a visit, there's no shortage of fun to be had in Toronto with your teen! We hand-picked a list of 10 spring events you and your teen will not want to miss. 1. Robert Lepage’s The Library at Night Located at the Lighthouse ArtSpace at Yonge Street, Robert Lepage's The Library at Night is an immersive virtual reality sensory experience that will introduce you to the most iconic and mythical libraries throughout history. Open now until May 29 Age Restrictions: 14+ Buy your tickets here Basic ticket: $39.99 VIP ticket: $59.99 Location: Lighthouse ArtSpace Toronto(Toronto Star Building) 1 Yonge Street 2. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Based on a new original story by J.K. Rowling: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, this epic play comes to Toronto to bring a magical and fun adventure for everyone—teens and adults, alike. The story of this play takes place 19 years after the main events of the Harry Potter books/films. Age Restrictions: 8+ Premiere date: May 31, 2022 Buy your tickets here Tickets from $69 Location: CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre 244 Victoria St, Toronto 3. Canada’s Wonderland Canada's Wonderland kicks off its 2022 season with fun-filled programming, a large water park and lots of activities for the whole family, including 17 exciting roller coasters. Age Restrictions: All ages Opening day: April 30 Buy your tickets here Tickets from $39.99 Location: 1 Canada's Wonderland Drive, Vaughan 4. Activate Game Centre Activate is a new arcade-style gaming center in Burlington and Scarborough with 11 interactive rooms and an extensive active gaming installation. You can play in groups of three to five people, challenging you physically and mentally. Age Restrictions: 12+ Book a date here Location: 2030 Appleby Line, Burlington 1980 Eglinton Avenue East Toronto, Scarborough 5. Toronto Blue Jays Game The Toronto Blue Jays 2022 season kicks off with exciting games for the whole family. The new Major League Baseball season starts this coming April 8. Age Restrictions: All ages Buy your tickets here Location: Rogers Centre 6. Toronto Comic Arts Festival Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Toronto Comic Arts Festival from June 17-19 with an amazing schedule that includes in-person and virtual events. Age Restrictions: All ages Buy your tickets here Location: Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street 7. Superfresh - New Asian Night Market A huge Asian market with food and beverages from different corners of Asia will open at the Annex Food Hall at Bloor Street West in
5 Tips to Improve Bedtime Routine for Teens
5 Tips to Improve Bedtime Routine for Teens By INBETWEEN Magazine When bedtime rolls around, our bodies and minds are often tired from the long day. However, this doesn’t always translate into a good night's rest. Especially for teenagers who are still developing, it’s important to implement a healthy routine at night to set them up for a positive, focused day. Here are 5 effective tips to improve bedtime routine that will get your teen to sleep better. 1. Take a Relaxing Bath or Shower While some teens prefer a morning shower to wake up, researchers have found that bathing in warm water at night helps them sleep better. By heating your body up an hour and a half before bedtime, you are allowing your mind to relax while your body adjusts to the ideal sleep temperature. Encourage your teen to take a shower in the early evening to see if this gives them a sounder sleep. 2. Reduce Screen Time It’s no secret that late-night screen time poses significant problems when trying to fall asleep. The blue light emitted from digital screens pushes our internal clock back and keeps us awake longer. For some, the solution would be to put their devices down 1-2 hours before bedtime. However, this may not be practical for everyone; especially teenagers, who spend an estimated 9 hours on their screens each day. A more feasible solution is looking into a pair of glasses with blue light protection, which serves to block the blue light rays and keep our internal clocks regulated. Not only can these be helpful at night, but wearing them throughout the day can reduce eye dryness and headaches. For a tech-savvy teen, these may be worth looking into. 3. Avoid Excess Liquid Too much liquid before bedtime can cause frequent interruptions that keep you from a deep sleep. Repeated urination in the middle of the night is known as nocturia, which in most cases is preventable. In the hours leading up to bedtime, try to limit your teens' food consumption, as it increases water intake. The more water they drink before falling asleep, the higher the chances they will get up in the middle of the night. Stopping eating at a reasonable time and consuming only the necessary amount of water, can aid in a sounder, uninterrupted sleep. 4. Create a Comfortable Sleep Environment Comfort can come from many factors including lighting, bedding, and temperature. The light turns our brain
8 Boredom-Busting Ideas for March Break
8 Boredom-Busting Ideas for March Break A lot of families may have opted to stay close to home for March Break but that doesn’t mean there’s still not loads of fun to be had! Editor-in-Chief, Rachel Naud has some ideas to make March Break the best break yet. IN TORONTO This is what I call “Fish and Dish.” Going to the Ripley’s Aquarium is always a special outing so I say make an afternoon of it! It’s also a wonderful spot if the weather is yucky and wet and cold. No teen can resist the Planet Jellies exhibit for an Insta-worthy or TikTok moment! It’s so stunning. Plus, it’s always fun to take the moving sidewalk through the Dangerous Lagoon and see all the sharks swimming above you. I don’t care how “chill” your teen is, that’s just a cool experience that will challenge any eye roll! So, here is my suggestion. Don’t just meander the aquarium and go home. Afterward, do what I call “Fish and Dish.” After you’ve seen all the beautiful fish and underwater creatures, go for lunch or dinner at a nearby restaurant and challenge your kids. Tell them they have to come up with one fun fact that they learned at the aquarium: the person with the best answer gets to order dessert that they don't have to share with anyone! Get ALPACAN (AND HIT THE ROAD)! Alpaca Farms make for a great day visit! Perfect for the animal-loving family, you and your family can get up close with these cozy creatures and walk and feed them. My family and I drove to Beaverton, Ontario to Forget Me Not Alpacas and it was so much fun! You get there and dozens of Alpacas come out to greet you. You can feed them and pet them – their wool is so amazing! And let’s face it – Alpacas with their crazy hair and teeth make for fun social media shoots! So, even if your teen doesn’t seem to be into it, I guarantee you’ll catch them taking a pic or video or two! In addition to Alpacas, there are beautiful Great Pyrenees dogs, some chickens and even a duck! I’ll tell you, on the way there, my son was a typical teen – sitting in the back seat, listening to his AirPods in his own little world. After an hour with the Alpacas, he was chatty and joking! And we were