From guest blogger, certified nutritional practitioner Barb Handy  When my son started school, I dreamed of all the cute handmade Mother’s Day cards and adorable handprint artwork. I wasn’t fully prepared for how sick we would all be. As soon as we started feeling better, he would come home with a new virus. Sounds familiar? As a trained nutritional practitioner, I knew there was a natural way to keep us healthier through the next winter season and recover faster the next time we got sick. One of the best ways to support your family’s immune system is to support the gut microbiome. Eighty ..read more

Psychedelics, or plant medicine, for healing trauma are all the buzz these days, yet they remain a mystery to so many of us. I had my first psychedelic experience (a guided ceremony with a healer) at the age of 52 (if you don’t count that “unbeknownst to me” experience in university where I drank “tea” at a party and spent the whole night hiding in the bedroom under all the coats). Fast-forward three decades, and my life was upside down. I felt out of alignment with who I was as a person and what I was meant to be doing—nothing felt good anymore. I was working all the time, and all the joy and ..read more

Psychedelics for healing trauma are all the buzz these days, yet they remain a mystery to so many of us. I had my first psychedelic experience (a guided ceremony with a healer) at the age of 52 (if you don’t count that “unbeknownst to me” experience in university where I drank “tea” at a party and spent the whole night hiding in the bedroom under all the coats). Fast-forward three decades, and my life was upside down. I felt out of alignment with who I was as a person and what I was meant to be doing—nothing felt good anymore. I was working all the time, and all the joy and happiness were zapp ..read more

From entrepreneur and mom Lexi Miles Corrin When it comes to raising kids, it takes a village. It always has and it always will. I am certainly no exception. With four kids now four years old and under (including a set of 10-month-old twins) I have absolutely no shame in admitting I have help—a lot of it, actually. Find your village I believe it’s time we normalize asking for help in all the ways we need. Think about it: not that long ago, there was a literal village, a community of families living together or close by supporting each other so the village as a whole could thrive. There wo ..read more

March Break is just around the corner, and it's the perfect time to create lasting memories with your little ones without breaking the bank. Toronto and its surrounding area offer an array of fun-filled activities that are not only enjoyable but also free! From exploring the great outdoors to indulging in cultural experiences, there's something for every family to enjoy. So, pack some snacks, grab your adventure hats, and get ready to embark on a week of exciting escapades in Toronto that will keep both you and your kids entertained without spending a dime (except on snacks, of course ..read more

By Nicole Boucher Imagine walking down a familiar road home. You know this road so well; you’ve dressed in proper footwear and appropriate clothing, smiling and sharing pleasantries as you pass familiar faces. You feel safe and calm and know where you’re going. Now imagine your route is closed, you have to take a new way, an unfamiliar way, a road you’ve never taken before. It is a road that is unpaved and difficult to navigate, without another person in sight. It is a longer route, much more challenging than any you’ve taken before. You are unprepared, you are alone, and you don’t know how yo ..read more

From our 2024 resident scholar Wendy Gordon, speech-language pathologist and founder of Words with Wendy Do you have concerns about your child’s speech and language development? Can others understand what your child is trying to say? Is your child getting frustrated if they can’t communicate what they want? Whether you are a new parent or a seasoned veteran, here are five expert techniques to help promote clear speech and expand language skills. Use your mouth Hold objects up to your mouth so that your child can visualize how the sounds are made. Get down on their level, gain their attention a ..read more

It’s December! And we’re gearing up for family time. Lots and lots of it. Or not….Your choice! Although, sometimes, it doesn’t feel like a choice, does it? Your parents want to see the baby. Your in-laws expect things to be the same as they always were. You feel as though you must comply and just figure it out, even though your life since baby arrived has changed. Moon+Gem recently shared a reel poking fun at some of the things that Boomers say. We all know logically that advice shared by parents of previous generations mean well, but often, it doesn’t land, and can feel super invalidating! S ..read more

Whether you need those last little things for the kids, your partner or even yourself (we know we're often stuck doing our own stockings), here are a few ideas that everyone will love. Legacy is not only something you leave behind; it is what you leave inside others. Legacy By Kim has some adorable headbands, beanies, stickers and journals that your kiddos, tweens and teens will love. Legacy By Kim Headbands, from $28.95; Beanies, from $44.95; Journals, $39.95; and Stickers $4.   Unlock the secret world of Lilly Esther with this fantastic book bundle! Get all three books from the s ..read more

From guest blogger Lisa Zeltzer Just shy of age seven, my son, Charlie, delivered the musical performance of a lifetime as a scrawny Maui in his community theatre production of Moana. He stood grinning in his oversized costume, holding his final pose with such conviction and confidence that my husband and I teared up. Born to perform We knew this kid was meant for the stage. By the age of four, he was strumming his uke and delivering impassioned renditions of heartbreaking songs like Pearl Jam’s Last Kiss for the neighbours. As an athlete, he finished last in every race and preferred distracti ..read more