A new study reveals how the pandemic affected kids and how parents can help.

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

Kids

We rounded up the 70+ best Labour Day deals on baby and kids products, including newborn essentials, toys and games, apparel, footwear, furniture and more.

Best Labour Day deals on baby and kids products

deals

Shopping

Amazon is offering steep discounts on tech ahead of the new school year. We’ve got all the details!

Back to school

Family

Let us help navigate daily life with your growing family, with everything from kids’ craft and activity ideas to advice on discipline and birthday party inspiration.

Education

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Bigger Kids

Setting up an ipad for kids is simpler than ever—while keeping parents in the driver’s seat.

Our exhaustive guide will help you make every school day run as smoothly possible.

“Three to five minutes of breath work or meditation in the morning can be the difference between a stressful school transport and an easy one—no matter how the kids behave.” 

- Renée Zavislak, M.S., M.A

“Waking your child up gently and allowing them a few minutes to transition from sleep to wakefulness can set a positive tone for the day.” 

- Dr. Brittany Steindl, doctor of Physical Therapy

“I like to be woken up with motivation. For example, if there is something fun happening that day, I usually get up right away.” 

- Eloise, 12

What makes a good day? “Candy and swimming.” 

- Genevieve, 8

“A great morning starts with the girls waking up happy and energized. If we can get through breakfast with smiles and maybe even a little dance session, I know the day is off to a fantastic start.” 

- Joseph Tito, @thedaddiaries.ca, father of five-year-old twins

What’s a sign that your day will be great? “Random dance parties or our 10-year-old scrambles eggs for us.” 

- Cindy Marie Jenkins, mom of a 7-year-old and 10-year-old

“Parents who get stressed over lateness only add to their kids’ school anxiety, which will only perpetuate resistance in the morning.” 

- Renée Zavislak, M.S., M.A, licensed family therapist

“A good teacher is kind and accepts your ideas.” 

- Edie, 9 (and a half)

“I believe a successful school day happens when every student feels successful in one aspect of every day; that they feel seen and valued in the classroom.” 

- Adrienne Gear, teacher and literacy consultant, Reading Power Gear, ltd.

“Talk to your kids. Read to your kids. Build a sandcastle or make a mudpie with your kids…Provide your children with a wealth of simple, everyday experiences that build their self-confidence and help them experience small memory moments that they can bring into the classroom.” 

- Adrienne Gear, teacher and literacy consultant

“Involve your child in packing their lunch. I often see students open their lunch bags and slump in their chairs in disappointment. Those are the lunches that get picked over or thrown out.” 

- Nicole Brown, teacher-librarian, Brampton, Ontario

“Often kids don’t have more than about six or seven minutes to actually consume their lunch at school, which sounds wild but it's true.” 

- Nishta Saxena, registered dietitian

“As much as possible we try to do the same things at the same times each day. As a teacher and parenting coach, I know that kids thrive when they have structure and routine so we try to provide that as much as possible."

- Lauren Tingley, mom of two, elementary school teacher and Certified Discipline and Guidance Coach

“Home is a safe zone, therefore, all the emotions and the less-socially-accepted side can come out without fear of being judged.” 

- Kathryn Ross, mom and teacher in Toronto

“It's okay if your child has a large and robust after-school snack and a smaller dinner.” 

- Nishta Saxena, registered dietician and pediatric and family nutritionist

“We get homework done asap. It’s better to just get it out of the way. Yes, he’s a bit tired from school, so we still chill out for an hour or so after school. But before TV or video games, we get homework done.” 

- Jenn Cox, mom of an 11-year-old

“What makes doing homework easier? Having no homework.” 

- Cameron, 11

“Most school nights we sit together, although I wouldn't say the kids sit down the whole meal, so sometimes we do Mad Libs to keep them at the table.” 

- Cindy Marie Jenkins, mom of a 7-year-old and 10-year-old

"Try to create a nice ambience. Put on music, light a candle in the middle of the table. Simple touches can go a long way to making mealtime feel like a nice experience instead of a chore.” 

- Nishta Saxena, registered dietician and pediatric and family nutritionist

"After a long day of parenting, facing a 45-minute bedtime routine is brutal."

- Renée Zavislak, M.S., M.A, licensed family therapist

"By creating a predictable and sensory-friendly bedtime routine, parents can help their children settle down more easily and get a good night's sleep."

- Dr. Brittany Steindl, doctor of Physical Therapy

"What makes me excited for tomorrow? Going on a field trip!"

- Mila, 7

 "I promise that an early bedtime without technology will be life-changing. When your child can wake up on time, feeling rested, it will completely transform your mornings."

- Lauren Tingley, mom of two, elementary school teacher and Certified Discipline and Guidance Coach

Encouraging independence in my tween is just as scary for me as it is for him.

Parenting

Effective strategies to help students smoothly navigate the transition from leisurely holiday breaks to a structured classroom routine.

Homework

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School

From handling first crushes and anxiety to when you should start music lessons and talk about Santa, learn all about how to support your school-aged kids. 

School-age

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We found all the best gifts for 9 year old boys with great picks for every style and budget.

Best Gifts for 9 Year Old Boys

Gifts

We found all the best gifts for 6 year old boys on your list. From active toys to sensory fidget items and art gear, there's something for every kid.

Best Gifts for 6 Year Old Boys

We’ve enlisted the help of two seasoned professionals who will guide you through the art of how to get period blood out of clothes from start to finish.

Menstruation

Every parent dreads the teenage years, but they don't have to be a nightmare. Learn to navigate this complicated time with tips on teen health and behaviour.

Tween and teen

First Period kits are like a period survival kit for anyone who menstruates with everything you need to get through your cycle.

First period

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Does It Matter What Your Child Reads?

Reading

We tried, tested and rated all the best kids wagon options. We loved models of varying designs, sizes, weights and price points.

Bigger Kids

Anxious Kids? Pandemic Lockdowns Could be to Blame

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