Kids

Everything you need to know about kids and toddlers, including behaviour and development, sleep, potty training, preschool, and how to handle picky eaters.

What if e-learning doesn't work for your kid?

What if e-learning doesn't work for your kid?

If online school is here to stay, are there any e-learning tips for parents to encourage antsy kids to stay at their computer screens? We asked the experts.

Jessica Leeder

A glimpse at what school might look like next fall for Canadian students

A glimpse at what school might look like next fall for Canadian students

B.C’s resumption of classes has given the rest of the country a chance to see how schools may function in the age of COVID-19.

Hamdi Issawi, Maclean's

Age-by-Age Guide to Getting Your Kid to Talk to You

Age-by-Age Guide to Getting Your Kid to Talk to You

We don’t need to be our kids’ best friends, but it’s nice to hear about their day. Here’s what to do when it comes to getting your kid to talk to you.

Claire Gagne

Don’t worry, your child’s learning doesn’t stop just because they’re not in child care

Don’t worry, your child’s learning doesn’t stop just because they’re not in child care

Research shows children's learning never actually pauses. They'll continue to make meaning of their world as they think, question and play at home.

Jeanne Marie Iorio

Sorry, She Thinks She's A Cat—Why Some Kids Are Obsessed With Role Play

Sorry, She Thinks She's A Cat—Why Some Kids Are Obsessed With Role Play

Having your preschooler morph into a creature for hours on end can be frustrating. Here’s why some kids are obsessed with pretend play.

Jessica Leeder

Does your kid still wake up in the night? This could be why

Does your kid still wake up in the night? This could be why

Biology, psychology and environment can all influence their patterns— and could be the reason for sleep problems in children.

Adam T. Newton

We tried the 3-day potty training method—and it was intense

We tried the 3-day potty training method—and it was intense

One mom shares the highs and lows of toilet training her toddler over a long weekend, boot-camp style. Find out how it worked.

Caroline Starr

Ontario's back-to-school plan ignores a glaringly obvious problem

Ontario's back-to-school plan ignores a glaringly obvious problem

Asking parents to prepare for half-time school in September is not a viable school reopening plan.

Kalli Anderson

26 rotten jokes for kids that are actually kind of funny

26 rotten jokes for kids that are actually kind of funny

A lot of jokes your kids recite are less than exciting. But we promise, these zingers will give everyone in the family a chuckle.

Lindsay Parker

Toddler, I love you but please leave the baby the eff alone

Toddler behaviour

Toddler, I love you but please leave the baby the eff alone

You’re wonderful, my precious firstborn. But please get the hell off the bed and away from me and the tiny sleeping baby, for the love of all that is holy.

Claire Lawrence

When to switch your kid from a car seat to a booster

When to switch your kid from a car seat to a booster

Does your kid look like they’re going to burst out of their car seat? Though there is no specific "booster seat age," there are other requirements to meet.

Cara Smusiak

What to do when your toddler hates their high chair

Toddler behaviour

What to do when your toddler hates their high chair

Some toddlers hate their high chairs and protest being at the table. How should you react? Here's how to get through meals without a power struggle.

Ariel Brewster

The COVID-19 pandemic is remapping childhood—and the effects may linger

The COVID-19 pandemic is remapping childhood—and the effects may linger

We don't know what this crisis might mean for kids psychologically and emotionally. Some researchers are trying to look ahead.

Sarmishta Subramanian, Maclean's

How to update your kid’s bedroom for every age and stage

How to update your kid’s bedroom for every age and stage

Your home evolves along with your kids, especially when it comes to bedroom design. Experts weigh in on how to change your kid's bedroom at different ages.

Claire Sibonney

How Do I Safely Remove a Splinter?

How Do I Safely Remove a Splinter?

Not sure how to remove your kid’s nasty splinter? Paediatrician Dr. Dina Kulik shares how to safely get rid of slivers and prevent infection.

Dr. Dina Kulik

Why this dietitian says you should serve dessert WITH dinner

Why this dietitian says you should serve dessert WITH dinner

If your kids are obsessed with sweets, the solution may be to serve dessert with dinner.

Cara Rosenbloom

6 Ways to Protect Your Kids' Eyes From Screens

6 Ways to Protect Your Kids' Eyes From Screens

Screens can have some negative effects on kids’ eyes, but there are things you can do to reduce the harm.

Jill Buchner

An age-by-age guide to disciplining your kid

An age-by-age guide to disciplining your kid

What's the best way to discipline a toddler? And what do you do when your kid won't listen to you? Here is an age-by-age guide to disciplining children.

Cheryl Embrett

Why you shouldn’t panic if your kid won’t eat vegetables

Why you shouldn’t panic if your kid won’t eat vegetables

You don't have to freak out if kale, carrots and even cucumbers are on your kid’s no-eat list. But there are some things you should know.

Cara Rosenbloom

How to prepare your kid for the coronavirus nasal test

How to prepare your kid for the coronavirus nasal test

What does it feel like? How long will it take? Will it hurt? How can I get my kid to stay still? Here's how to prepare for the coronavirus test for kids.

Claire Gagne