In this month’s episode, Janet explores the topic of neurodiversity in children with Dr. Barbara Muskat, a clinical social worker and professor at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto. Dr. Muskat has worked in a variety of settings in her 40 years as a social worker including 20 years at Integra, an agency that specializes in addressing the psychosocial needs of children with learning disabilities and being past director of Social Work at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. Janet and Dr. Muskat discuss how the perception of neurodiversity has changed over t ..read more

In this month’s episode, Janet speaks about the relationship children have with their bodies, and other people’s bodies, to help parents and caregivers better understand what’s normal behavior and what’s not. Janet talks about how infants and children are infinitely curious about their bodies, how children explore their bodies and compare them to parents, siblings and peers. She also points out how important it is to not shame children for their natural curiosity but to ensure their behaviour is spontaneous and doesn’t involve any threat or coersion. She also highlights what is considered norm ..read more

In this month’s episode, Janet speaks with Dr. Barbara Fidler, a clinical developmental psychologist, who has been practicing for over 35 years and has an independent practice in Toronto. A large part of her practice is working with parents and children in separation/divorce. She provides a range of services including therapy with couples and families, consultations, family mediation and parenting coordination. Also, she is an author and provides training to mental health professionals, lawyers and the judiciary. Janet and Barbara discuss the complexities of involving children in mediation ..read more

In this month’s episode, Janet speaks with Blake Pearson M.D. who is a practicing family physician and internationally recognized leader in the field of cannabinoid-based medicine. Dr. Pearson has educated over 1000 fellow practitioners around the world and has focused his Southwestern Ontario-based practice on cannabinoid medicine, treating patients from across Canada with a range of complex conditions. Janet and Dr. Pearson discuss how he came to start treating children, how the legalization of cannabis has both helped and complicated its use in a medical context, and what his hopes are for ..read more

In this month’s episode, Janet speaks with Michael Blugerman, social worker, psychotherapist and the director of Children's Resource and Consultation Centre of Ontario, a licensed adoption agency since 1980. Janet and Michael discuss how international adoptions have changed since the 80s, extended kinship programs that are now in place to prioritize homing children with family members, the importance of a child's adoption story and the challenges experienced by inter-racial adopted families. If you would like to learn more about the Children's Resource and Consultation Centre of Ontario then ..read more

In this month’s episode, Janet speaks with Jose Acosta the principal of Burrows Hall Junior Public School in Toronto about some of the ways he approaches mental health at his school and the types of challenges his students experience. Janet and Jose discuss his role as the principal, how he approaches mental health challenges in the classroom, the various ways they support their students (including the Catch program), and the huge impact COVID has had on everyone. If you would like to find out more about Burrows Hall Junior Public School, you can visit the Toronto School Board website here ..read more

In this month’s episode, Janet talks to Jeffrey Schiffer, the Executive Director of Native Child and Family Services of Toronto. This organization strives to provide a life of quality, well-being, caring, and healing for children and families in the Toronto Native Community. Janet and Jeffrey talk about how Native Child and Family Services of Toronto was founded, the services they provide, the differences between them and other agencies, and the importance of keeping Native children near their cultural and community ties. If you’d like to find out more about Native Child and Family Services To ..read more

In this month’s episode, Janet talks to Paul Rogers the President of Ontario Track 3 Adaptive Sports Association, a charitable organization that provides skiing opportunities for children and teens with physical and developmental disabilities. Janet and Paul talk about how children with physical and mental disabilities benefit from their programs and the importance of making sports accessible. If you’d like to find out more about Track 3 you can visit their website here.  ..read more

In this month’s episode, Janet is talking about what mentalization is and why It matters? Janet covers the concept of mentalization, its importance to children and adults, and why it is essential for the development of friendship, intimacy, social intelligence, and mental health. If you’d like to find out more about this subject please read our article on collaborative therapy or visit our website ..read more

In this month’s episode, Janet talks with Ane Lemche, a psychologist and child counselor with Save the Children about how to talk to kids about war and the conflict in Ukraine. Save the Children is a child rights organisation that works around the world – every day and in times of crisis – to ensure children grow up healthy, educated and safe. During the episode, Janet and Ane discuss how you can provide support and reassurance to your child when approaching the discussion of war, including how refugees are treated in neighbouring countries and factors like the importance of community and frie ..read more