Let Them Play

Let the children play: 4 reasons why play is vital during the coronavirus

Let the children play: 4 reasons why play is vital during the coronavirus

Adults sometimes trivialize play when we say children are ‘just playing’ or when we use play as a reward for when the so-called ‘real work’ is done.

Christine McLean

An Age-by-Age Guide to What Your Kid Can (and Should) Do Right Now

An Age-by-Age Guide to What Your Kid Can (and Should) Do Right Now

From letting your toddler choose her own snack to getting your tween to do laundry, these responsibilities will help them grow into capable adults.

Lola Augustine Brown

This new urban adventure camp will teach your kids how to navigate the big city

This new urban adventure camp will teach your kids how to navigate the big city

For parents who may be hesitant to let their kids roam around a big city on their own, City Scouts is a stepping stone toward their kids' independence

Kevin John Siazon

When can you leave your kid unsupervised?

When can you leave your kid unsupervised?

Leaving kids unsupervised is a legal grey area. From flying alone to babysitting, here's how independent kids can be across Canada.

Kyle Edwards, Maclean's

Raising Independent Children: How it’s Different in the Digital Generation

Raising Independent Children: How it’s Different in the Digital Generation

Four families talk candidly about trying to strike that balance between letting their kids be independent and keeping them safe.

Today's Parent

The technology trap: Should you give your kid a smartphone?

The technology trap: Should you give your kid a smartphone?

Parents are turning to devices to keep tabs on their children, affording the youngsters much-needed independence. Do the benefits outweigh the risks?

Aaron Hutchins

We need to stop worrying and just let our kids play

We need to stop worrying and just let our kids play

Kids want to play with real tools, to jump from heights, to make up their own minds about what's dangerous and what's not. So what are we so afraid of?

Stephen Marche

10 amazing playgrounds that let kids take risks

10 amazing playgrounds that let kids take risks

From zip lines to mudslides to DIY forts, some of the best playgrounds across North America let kids really go wild. Here are our 10 favourites.

Adriana Parente

Why helicopter parenting can be a sign of privilege

Why helicopter parenting can be a sign of privilege

For some moms and dads, hovering is just not an option. Why are their peers so quick to judge them?

Bee Quammie

I am not overprotective—I am a mom who lost a child

I am not overprotective—I am a mom who lost a child

When a child dies, you lose the choice to be a carefree, free-range mother. Here's why one mom wants the indictment of helicopter parenting to stop.

Heather Hamilton, as told to Kate Rae

My son broke his arm but I'm not going to sue

My son broke his arm but I'm not going to sue

No one wants to see their kid hurt. But life is full of risk, and what is childhood without playing on the monkey bars at the park?

Charlie Gillis

Understanding the stats behind your kid's safety

Understanding the stats behind your kid's safety

Media accounts of abductions and accidental child deaths can be alarming. Fortunately, statistics remind us of all those who make it home safe and sound.

Terra Ciolfe, Maclean's

How did good parenting become a crime?

How did good parenting become a crime?

Parents get visits from family service workers over complaints they let their kids play in the backyard. Have we taken this safety thing too far?

Aaron Hutchins

Why our kids should take risks—sometimes even (slightly) dangerous ones

Why our kids should take risks—sometimes even (slightly) dangerous ones

Protecting our kids from all potential risks isn't doing them any favours. Here's how to embrace risky play (safely) without losing your mind.

Stacy Tornio