FOR PARENTS CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF RAISING A TEEN & YOUNG ADULT
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
YOUNG LOVE
HOW YOUNG IS TOO YOUNG TO TIE THE KNOT?
HOW THE DRUG
FENTANYL
IS KILLING OUR YOUTH
RATTLING YOUR ROUTINE
WAYS TO DEAL WITH YOUR KID'S VISIT OVER
MARCH BREAK
CRIMINAL MINDS JOE MANTEGNA ON RAISING HIS AUTISTIC DAUGHTER
GETTING REAL WITH ABC’S EXTREME WEIGHT LOSS CO-HOST
HEIDI POWELL GETTING FIT WITH YOUR TEEN
inbetween FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
HEIDI POWELL
27
INSIGHT 6 10 MINUTES WITH... Joe Mantegna 9 RAISING DAD Marching to the beat
of your teen’s drum
INFORM 12 HEALTH & LIFE NEWS
18
14 ASK THE EXPERT Kimberly Moffit
on dealing with family fighting
15 MARITAL BLISS OR MARITAL MISS? When is too young to marry?
FLYING SOLO
18 FLYING SOLO How to decide if it’s
time to let your teen fly on their own 22 BREAKING BAD Fentanyl.
The drug that’s killing our teens 25 RETURN OF THE BOARDER
How to deal with your teen’s visit home for spring break
INSPIRE MARITAL BLISS OR MARITAL MISS?
Mom of four, fitness trainer and EWL co-host Heidi Powell 32 FITNESS IDEAS
GO WILD ON A CANADIAN SAFARI
36
How you and your teen can get fit together
INDULGE 36 GO WILD! For an unforgettable
getaway, take your teen on a Canadian safari
40 TEN THINGS I WISH I KNEW WHEN I WAS YOUNGER
with actress Miriam Shor 42 POPS OF PINK Fresh shades
of blush for spring
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POWELL PHOTOS BY ALLISON TYLER JONES.
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27 THE POWELL PACT
RACHEL NAUD ART DIRECTOR
CAROLINE BISHOP MANAGING EDITOR
SHANDLEY MCMURRAY FASHION EDITOR
JORDANA HANDLER WEBSITE MANAGER
VICTOR CHARD EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
ERIN HESSELINK CONTRIBUTORS
ONTRIBUTOR
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
PETER CARTER, SANDRA GONSALVES, ERIN HESSELINK, SAMANTHA KEMP-JACKSON, SHANDLEY MCMURRAY, KIMBERLY MOFFIT, ALYSON SCHAFER, MIRIAM SHOR, MARYAM SIDDIQI, MELONY TEAGUE, AGNES WYWROT Copyright 2016 INBETWEEN Magazine. All rights reserved. All images, unless otherwise noted, are from iStockphoto. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher.
The publisher accepts no responsibility for advertisers’ claims, unsolicited manuscripts, transparencies or other materials.
MARYAM SIDDIQI is an award-winning editor and writer whose work has appeared in newspapers and magazines across the country. She is also the founding editor of La Carte, a quarterly travel magazine that focuses on what’s new and next in destinations around the world. On page 36, she writes about Canadian safaris and why they’re a great trip to take with your teen.
MIRIAM SHOR is an actress and singer who has appeared on the The Good Wife and The West Wing. She originated the role of Yitzhak in the off-Broadway production and film, Hedwig and the Angry Inch. She currently stars in the TV Land series, Younger. On page 40, Shor answers “What would I tell my younger self?”
SAMANTHA KEMPJACKSON—aka “Multiple Mayhem Mamma”—is a parenting writer, blogger, frequent media commentator and mother of four kids ranging from age six to 30. On page 15, Jackson tackles the tricky topic of young marriage and what to do if your teen wants to walk down the aisle.
INBETWEEN
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from Rachel
PHOTO BY AGNES WYWROT/VYV PHOTOGRAPHIC
KEEPING YOUR WORD WE’RE AT THE TIME OF THE YEAR when our New Year’s resolutions have far expired. But, when you think about the promises you made to yourself, have you kept your word? Keeping your word is something Heidi Powell is passionate about. The weight loss expert, author, co-host of ABC’s Extreme Weight Loss and cover girl for this issue of INBETWEEN chatted with us about just that. Whether it’s promising to work out or following through with a punishment for your teen—your word is the law. Read why it’s so important on page 27. If you vowed to get fit this spring, we’ve got some great fat-burning moves on page 32 to try with your teen! And with spring comes spring break and the return of your out-of-town college student. To ensure everyone is on the same page about expectations, read expert Alyson Schafer’s advice on page 25. If your teen is travelling solo this spring break, we have tips on how to handle that milestone, too. Don’t miss it on page 18, as well as some inspiring travel experiences for your teen. Travelling together? We also have some breathtaking
Canadian safaris that any animal-loving family will adore on page 36. Speaking of love: How young is too young to get married, and what should you do if your teen is thinking about tying the knot? Check out our answers on page 15. Also not to miss: our hardhitting story on the drug fentanyl and how it’s killing our children. Read all about it on page 22. We hope we’ve kept our word in producing a publication that’s inspiring, entertaining and enlightening. Drop me a line any time with your thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you. ■
rachel@inbetween.ca
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insight 10 MINUTES WITH...
JOE MANTEGNA 6
INBETWEEN
On CBS’s Criminal Minds, Joe Mantegna plays an FBI agent who analyzes the country’s most twisted criminals, anticipating their next moves before they strike again. In reality, his job is much harder. Here, he talks about juggling Hollywood with family life, including raising his autistic daughter. by melony teague
PHOTOS: LEFT, COURTESY OF JOE MANTEGNA. RIGHT, MONTY BRINTON/CBS
If Joe Mantegna had a shelf in the garage for his achievements, it would be full. He’s appeared in countless movies and theatre productions, played agent David Rossi on Criminal Minds for 10 years, won a TONY award, earned numerous Emmy nominations and worked as a writer, producer and Joe Mantegna as David Rossi on CRIMINAL MINDS director. But it doesn’t stop there. Mantegna’s proudest accomplishment is being dad When your daughter was diagnosed with autism, to his two daughters: Mia, 28 and Gia, 25. However, there wasn’t really a lot of information out there. life hasn’t always been smooth sailing—his daughter How did you cope? Mia was diagnosed with autism when she was just We found out that Mia had autism in the 1990s. two-and-a-half years old. Mantegna sat down with There wasn’t much going on at the time in terms of INBETWEEN to chat about life with autism, being a support, but you find out [what it is] and delve into dad and his successful career. it. Something changed along the way and there has been more attention to autism and there have been You’ve had such a successful career; were your parents strides in the medical field, but it doesn’t change the supportive of your choice to go into acting? fact that she has it. It’s like when I was a kid and polio My parents’ approach was the best. They did not encourwas a big deal. Everybody was trying to avoid getting age me or discourage me but they supported me. Going polio until they found a cure, but that didn’t help the into the arts is so difficult. If a person really has a paspeople who already had it. Someday they will discovsion for it, be supportive and encouraging. They need to er a cure for autism, too, through research, but as of find their way. It’s really their journey. today, autism is something we just need to deal with. My mother is 100 years old and I’m sure at this point she doesn’t even know what I do for a living and, How do you react to people who don’t understand in a way, that is probably a good thing. My parents what it’s like to be a parent of an autistic child? never really understood the whole entertainment Well, I think I am beyond that. It doesn’t matter. industry but it doesn’t matter because they supportNobody gets a free ride in this life. That is something ed me. They would have supported whatever I decidthat we, as a family, deal with and, of course, the cired to pursue in life. I think the best thing that they cle of people that surround us and it is OK. It is just did is that they were there. another aspect of life. I am not asking people to
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10 Minutes With
understand. It is one of those things, and [some] people who have met my daughter and interact with her often say, “I get it because I have a family member affected by autism.” I just hope that people nowadays are understanding and have more acceptance now that autism is more prevalent. Mantegna with his family
From your perspective, now that Mia is grown up, is autism more difficult to live with as a child than it is as an adult? When you are young, you are protected and nurtured and cared for. As an adult, it is a little trickier. Some people are more able to function independently, but in my daughter’s case, she does need some kind of help. She’s like a stranger in a strange land in many aspects, and she is going to be an adult for more years than she was a child, so it is something we have to consider for the future and when I am not here. That’s life.
Family is obviously important to you. How did your family life influence your career choices? We made many decisions based on family life. The decision for me to do series television was greatly influenced by that. It was a conscious decision as my children got older. When they were little, they travelled with us when we travelled the world. We did this as a family, especially considering my eldest daughter’s condition. It was vital because it was more important that we were all together. Not like, you know, daddy goes off for a month or two to make a movie, leaving my wife to handle things. We made the choice to travel together and it was great. When they got older, that became more difficult with them going to school and they had their own
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lives. I had a great career in theatre on Broadway, movies and television. The movie aspect of it was taking me here, there and everywhere without any sort of logic. I could finish a movie in Moscow one day and start another movie in Toronto the next day. But over 10 years ago [when my daughters were teens], I made a conscious decision to redirect my career choices. I geared my career for a lifestyle that would keep me home and I have been fortunate to be on the cast of Criminal Minds. I’ve been coming home every night. I love that. I have no regrets. I don’t ask myself what my film career would have been like if I stuck with it. What was the most important life lesson your parents taught you that you will pass on to your daughters? That is a good question. My mother is 100 years old and the reason she got to be 100 is that she lives life on a very even keel. There were no tremendous highs or lows. In other words, she cruised through life nice and easy and I tried to take that lesson through life. My father had a tough life medically and physically and died fairly young, but cruising through life…I would like to emulate that—not get too wound up or too wound down. ■
Raising Dad
MARCHING TO THE BEAT OF
YOUR TEEN’S DRUM
What a bunch of teenage unicyclists taught me about quality time with my teens and eating giraffe meat. by peter carter
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Raising Dad
Giraffe recipes.
That’s what we were talking about. How does one dress, cook and serve giraffe? What if one of your guests insists on getting the neck? Would you serve it on the world’s longest skewer? Is there, in fact, much meat on a giraffe? They’ve always looked pretty lean to me, though I’ve never been up close to one. Carter’s teens riding unicycles in the parade Another item up for discussion: is giraffe meat Kosher? These were the questions that occupied us as nearby school gym to practice their skills on we whipped around the streets of Milton, Ont., one wheel. a few years ago, getting ready to unicycle in the Just what does one do at a meeting of unicySanta Claus parade. clists? They play basketball, hockey and even comIn my van were not two, not three, but four mempare horror stories—all on one wheel. Sometimes, bers of the Toronto Unicycle Club (TUC), as well as they arranged cross-country unicycle trips. me and my older brother, Ed. I’m not making any of this up. Our chosen topic of conversation: giraffes as food. Let’s skip forward a bit to today. Despite spending I realize there exists an outside chance that right hours trying to master the unicycle, I still can’t ride now you’re thinking, “Of course you were talking one. It’s far more difficult than a bicycle, obviously. about giraffe as food. That’s what everybody does With a bike, you can fall over to one side or the other. just before they ride unicycles in a parade.” A unicycle offers the rider the unique experience of But for those of you who don’t ride unicycles being able to fall at any one or all of the 360 degrees and/or eat giraffes on a regular basis, a word of of his operating circle. explanation. For that, we need to rewind a bit. Plus, you have to keep pedalling on a unicycle to When my daughters, Ewa and Ria, and son Michel avoid face-planting. You can’t coast like you can on were in their teens, they embraced the unique sport a bicycle. The upside to one-wheeled riding is that of unicycling. Before long, I found I was living with your hands are free in case you have to do somethree avid unicyclists who’d joined the TUC. Once thing else, like, say, juggle. (Almost all members of a week, my kids and other avid unicyclists met in a the TUC can, in fact, juggle while they ride.) At
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“this might sound weird, but i love my kids and love being with them. not only do i love them, but i actually like them, too. how out there is that?” the risk of being mildly ‘vehicle-ist’ here, I’m going to venture that, as a group, unicyclists skew toward the eccentric. After happily ferrying Ewa, Ria and Michel and watching their meetings every week, I became quite knowledgeable about unicycling. Who knew? Anything that kept me in touch with my teenagers, I embraced with fervour and, on many occasions, one, or all three, would say, “Sorry Dad, but can you drive me to ……(Fill in the location and time)?” I would answer—and still answer—“with pleasure!” And I mean it. This might sound weird, but I love my kids and love being with them. Not only do I love them, but I actually like them, too. How out there is that? I loved hearing what music they preferred and I liked listening to them talk to each other and their friends. I guess you could say they taught me a lot. That said, now we can get back to giraffe cooking. The fourth unicyclist in the van was a young, charming and hilariously fast-talking man named Chaim. I had seen him at meetings but had never spoken at length with him. In Milton, Ont., I asked what he did when he wasn’t unicycling. “I’m a Kosher food inspector,” he said. He had barely finished pronouncing the ‘tor’ in ‘inspector’ when my brother Ed piped up to ask, “So is giraffe meat Kosher?” At the very same time as I was mentally slapping my forehead and thinking, ‘Oh for Pete’s sake, Ed.
Do you rehearse embarrassing me and the kids or do you do it spontaneously?’ and Chaim responded with, “Oh, so you know the discussion.” Apparently Ed’s line of questioning was a hot topic in the world of Kosher food inspecting. The Kosher-ness of giraffes has been a subject of serious debate recently and Chaim was the opposite of offended. He felt energized by the question. Turns out giraffe is Kosher. Google “Are giraffes Kosher?” and you’ll find a fascinating discussion. You’ll also find lots of giraffe recipes, including one that calls for jalapeño banana sauce. Why am I telling you all this? Because moments like that are golden. They’re behind us now since I never have to drive the kids and their buddies anywhere anymore (they’re much too old for that now) and I miss them something awful. I liked it when they still relied on me to get them places. It meant we had time together. And they sure took me to a lot of places I never would have otherwise been—like the seat of a unicycle. ■ Peter has four brothers, four sisters, one wife, two daughters and a son, the last three of which all recently graduated from teenagehood with all their limbs and sanity intact. According to Carter: “If you can’t use your family as a petri dish for life, what else you gonna do with ’em?”
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inFORM
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR YOUR TODAY AND THEIR TOMORROW
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TOO MANY FRIENDS CAN BE
BAD FOR YOUR HEALTH Having more than 300 friends on Facebook could be causing your teen unwanted stress, say researchers at the University of Montreal and the Institut universitaire de santé mentale de Montréal. According to their recent study, which measured each subject’s cortisol levels while they interacted with online friends, those with more than 300 connections had higher readings of this stress hormone than those with fewer contacts. It’s not all bad, though; those who interacted with their friends in a positive way (i.e. liking friends’ pictures, leaving positive comments and having healthy conversations) were able to decrease stress. Taking a week off from Facebook is another way to cut down on tension, found researchers at the Happiness Research Institute in Denmark. Those who took time away from Facebook felt happier and more satisfied with their lives, said researchers.
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News Briefs
JUST SAY NO TO
ENERGY DRINKS NOT SO SWEET DREAMS Energy drinks could be making teens more susceptible to Type 2 diabetes, found a study by the Alberta Children’s Hospital. During the study, researchers gave each teenaged participant a shot of either sugar-free caffeinated or decaffeinated 5 Hour Energy. After 40 minutes, everyone was given a high-calorie dose of sugar. Those who had the caffeinated shot scored 25 per cent higher on insulin and glucose readings, leading researchers to conclude that energy drinks impede a teen’s ability to metabolize sugar and can lead to short-term insulin resistance. For those who are already at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, downing these drinks could accelerate the disease.
If you want quality shut-eye, you might want to put down that doughnut. According to researchers at the New York Obesity Research Center and Institute of Human Nutrition, if you have a high sugar and saturated fat intake, you’ll sleep lighter and have more sleep arousals. According to researchers, even one day of eating high amounts of fat and less fibre can influence sleep quality. However, fixing your tossing and turning could be as easy as eating more protein, more fibre and less saturated fat.
RISKY DRIVING Eighty-one per cent of teens consider aggressive driving to be dangerous, but 36 per cent of them do it, found a new survey by Liberty Mutual Insurance and Students Against Destructive Decisions. The survey, which poled 1,622 Grade 11 and Grade 12 students and 1,000 parents, found that despite the fact that only 16 per cent of parents believed their teens drive aggressively, 71 per cent of teenagers have sped, one in five doesn’t wear a seatbelt and many are ignoring road signs and participating in road rage accidents. ■
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Expert Advice
ASK THE EXPERT with Kimberly Moffit
Q. I have a great relationship with my 16-year-
old son but he constantly fights with his father. The constant arguing stresses me out to the point where I’m considering leaving my husband to get away from it all. I don’t want to break up my marriage, but what else can I do?
A. IT’S VERY NORMAL FOR YOUTH, especially during their Kimberly Moffit is one of Canada’s most experienced relationship experts and provides practical advice about parenting and psychological topics. She’s a regular speaker for Queen’s University’s MBA and Women in Leadership Programs, and a frequent lecturer at the University of Waterloo. Kimberly also makes regular TV appearances on shows including CTV’s Canada AM, CBC’s The National, City TV News and Global TV’s Morning Show.
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teenage years, to fight with their parents. However, in some cases, this can be exhausting and emotionally difficult, especially for those who simply want harmony and peace in the home. These years can also be very difficult on marriages! From a developmental perspective, teenage children have now developed individual personalities, goals, values and ideals, and some of these will be fundamentally different from your own. Your best option in this situation is to use your son’s conflict with your hubby to help him learn. Instead of getting stressed out and leaving the situation during their next fight, try taking your son aside and trying to dissect the argument and what actually happened. Ask him, “How do you think you could have reacted differently?” or “What were you trying to achieve?” Arguments can be producHave a question tive if they are thoughtful and respectfor kimberly? ful, and your son may also appreciate info@inbetween.ca your attempt to help resolve things! Good luck! ■
CONNECT WITH US
Young Love
OR MARITAL MISS? Young love can be infectious with its smiles and hearts and happiness. But when it comes to marriage —and its added reality of money and personal stress—how young is too young to get hitched? by samantha kemp-jackson
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Young Love
Ah, young love.
Equally romanticized in both the popular media and timeless classics, the idea of a love so strong, so enduring, so right is something that has become the basis of many childhood and adolescent fantasies. Travis Dyk, who lives in Ancaster, Ont., found the love of his life early and at 24 is now engaged to marry his fiancée, Carlie*, who is 19. Both are thrilled with the prospect of tying the knot and see their upcoming nuptials as an opportunity to enjoy each other, to grow together and to spend as much time together as possible. Age was not a factor in the decision to get married, says Dyk. The mutual feelings that they’d found “The One” was the driving force behind their choice to tie the knot. “I wouldn’t say it was a conscious choice of [me thinking] ‘I want to get married young as opposed to when I’m older,’” says Dyk. “I fell in love with my girlfriend and knew I wanted to spend my life with her… She felt the same way about me. Since we both felt this way and discussed it for a few months, we decided to make the commitment.” While his decision to marry may be looked at as suspect by those who believe that waiting is the way to go, Dyk doesn’t see any issues with making this life choice at 24. And he’s riding on a wave of support from his family and friends. “My parents raised me to be independent, and to be able to think for myself, so they trust my judgment when it comes to making decisions for my life,” he says. And his young bride? Dyk says she, too, has her
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parents’ support. In fact, both of her sisters were also married at the same age. But with Statistics Canada reporting in 2012 that 43.1 per cent of marriages are expected to end in divorce before a couple reaches their 50th anniversary—an increase from 39.3 per cent a decade earlier — can a young marriage survive? NOT THE NORM Dyk’s decision to get married young is increasingly atypical in this day and age. Between 1972 and 2008, the average age for newlyweds increased from 22.5 to 29.1 for women and from 24.9 to 31.1 for men. By 2011, the average age of Canadians getting married for the first time was 31 for men and 28 for women. In fact, according to Statistics Canada, marriage on the whole is becoming less popular, at least amongst the younger generation. Reasons for this trend towards singlehood can be attributed to things such as increased career focus, higher financial goals and the ease with which people are able to delay parenthood, especially women.
THE CHALLENGES Family therapist, Gary Direnfeld, understands firsthand why marriage is so difficult, particularly for younger people. As a former host of the popular Canadian television program Newlywed, Nearly Dead, Direnfeld attributes a number of factors that make marriage between teens and young adults so challenging. One of the key areas of contention for young married couples, he believes, is trying to find oneself within a marital structure when the youngsters haven’t yet had the opportunity to grow up. “Part of the difficulty in maintaining and contributing to a marriage while at a young age is the fact that each person’s life course or vocation hasn’t been formed yet,” Direnfeld notes. Entering into a marriage when both parties are lacking essential life skills such as the inevitable stresses of running a household on a finite budget, mortgage payments and interest rates and, of course, the introduction of children can result in added stress, not to mention a greater reliance (emotionally and financially) on parents and family for support, he says. These young married couples haven’t established their careers and therefore don’t have the financial stability that older couples may have. As money has often been cited as one of the main reasons that couples fight, separate and divorce, being financially secure is something that any couple considering marriage should take to heart. SUCCESS RATE According to Direnfeld, those aged 25 to 35 have the most successful marriages. The reason? They’re old enough to have made gains in their careers and personal goals, but young enough that they
are not too set in their ways. For Dyk and his fiancée, age is irrelevant. They’re in love and they’re getting married—soon. “We have friends who are married already, and they’ve been supplying us with all their wedding magazines and wedding ideas,” he says. “Let the planning begin!” While many young couples, like Dyk and his fiancée, might be raring to move full speed ahead, what can parents do if they don’t approve? Not much, says Direnfeld. SAVE YOUR OBJECTIONS Although you may see their wedding photo as a doomed painting on the wall, Direnfeld says outright objecting to the marriage will do more harm than good. Instead, he suggests asking questions in lieu of expressing your opinion. “Rather than stating your concerns directly, ask questions such as, ‘How have you prepared for...’ or ‘What are your plans for...’” he says. “Your questions are to get them thinking about what may be involved from a view of curiosity and not judgment.” And even if they don’t come up with the answers you’d like and decide to walk down the aisle anyway, the best thing you can do is walk along beside them. “Support is often the better choice,” says Direnfeld. “That way, your child and their spouse see you as neutral and hopefully approachable, should the need arise. Remember, in the end, you want a good relationship to not only be available to provide support, but to also enjoy the grandchildren, should they have kids.” ■ *Not her real name
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Travelling Solo
FLYING When is it time to let your teens travel on their own? by sandra gonsalves
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Toronto mom, Michele Presse, was
caught off-guard when her 14-year-old son, Cole, said he wanted to travel alone to California. As much as she trusted him, she worried about what could go wrong on a solo trip like this—things like him getting injured, lost or mugged. Presse and her husband had allowed Cole to go on supervised school trips to Quebec, Ottawa and New York. They were all great successes. This trip, however, was more nerve-wracking. For the first time, Cole would be travelling unsupervised to an unfamiliar airport before catching a bus to the home of one of his friends. After much discussion, and a bit of negotiating, Presse agreed to let her son go, but he had to promise to communicate with her often. Letting your teen hit the road solo can be scary. But if your teen is pleading with you to let her travel on her own, here are some tips to keep her safe
while offering you some peace of mind. IS YOUR TEEN READY TO TRAVEL SOLO? Toronto-based parenting expert, Jennifer Kolari, says kids who have a good relationship with their parents are more likely to be ready to take their first unaccompanied steps on a plane. Ironically, she uses the analogy of taking a first flight to describe the process of letting go. “When they are 11 or 12, you are flying the plane and they are sitting beside you and watching you. As they get older, you gradually hand them the controls until one day you take your spot in the control tower and allow them to fly solo, knowing that you are there if they need you,” Kolari says. That said, there are kids who can manage a solo trip at 16 and others who can barely function at 20. As we all know, kids’ personalities and
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Travelling Solo
“there is very little the canadian government can do if you are caught with drugs overseas. you need to be very strict about this discussion with your kids before they go.” organizational skills vary. According to Kolari, the safest age to send your teenager into the world alone would be about 17 or 18—the year before they head off to university. TRUST AND CONFIDENCE Allowing your kid to travel alone will boost his feelings of independence and increase his abilities to be responsible. In order to let go of him, however, there has to be a good amount of trust in your relationship. If your son is a compulsive liar, you may want to rethink the situation. If he is old enough to travel, your teen should be beyond consequences, says Kolari. Outlining the penalties of his mistakes (such as drinking, spending too much money, etc.) could lead to trouble when he heads off to university. If he hasn’t been gradually exposed to freedom and given the opportunity to make good choices on his own, how can you expect him to excel at doing so? “You want [your kids] to intrinsically change their behaviour because it’s the right thing to do,” says Kolari. If he messes up, tell him you are disappointed in him. This way, you put the responsibility of his actions back on him and give him the chance to reflect on it. SAFETY Have your teen do research before she heads off, suggests Kolari. Let her Google and draft a list of the safest spots in the town where she’s visiting.
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Download a language app and read up on the culture so she knows what to expect. Another must: have her memorize emergency numbers, as 911 won’t work overseas. Teenagers have a tendency to have a bright and, often times, unrealistic view of situations, so providing them with ugly scenarios (i.e. having a stranger offer them a ride or steal their luggage) and suggesting how they can fix them is a good safety approach. ALCOHOL AND DRUG USE Face it, your teen is likely going to have a drink (or many) when he’s away. It’s up to you to warn him about the dangers of drinking too much so you can minimize the consequences. Tell him to make intelligent decisions if he decides to drink—like delegating a buddy who agrees not to drink and look out for him. Also, remind him that if he does drink to do so responsibly, on a full stomach, to know his limits and to never leave his drink unattended. Using drugs is another risk teens face when travelling without your supervision. It’s essential to warn your child about the dangers of drug use to his health and overall well-being. Getting caught with drugs in some countries can result in the death penalty. According to Harm Reduction International, a drugfocused NGO, there are 32 countries that currently impose the death penalty for drug smuggling. “There is very little the Canadian government
can do if you are caught with drugs overseas. You need to be very strict about this discussion with your kids before they go,” says Kolari. COMMUNICATION Asking your kid to contact you daily isn’t a bad thing. In fact, it may help you sleep a bit better at night. Kolari suggests a quick text, selfie or even an emoticon (hopefully not a beer glass) to prove that she’s safe and ease your worries. Kolari also recommends getting the phone numbers of your kid’s travelling buddies as well as the hotel or organization arranging the trip. If they miss a day of getting in touch, try not to freak out or call the authorities. The whole purpose of this adventure is to help kids become more independent and responsible. Go easy on them when you hear from them the next day, but be sure to tell them that you were worried. If you haven’t heard from them in 24 hours, it may be time to do some investigating. Despite Presse’s worries about allowing Cole to travel on his own, she says her son returned to Toronto happy, tanned, more mature and far more responsible than he was before he left. For Cole, the chance to travel alone sent him on a journey to independence. ■
STILL NOT SURE
ABOUT SENDING YOUR TEEN TO CANCUN FOR A WEEKLONG PARTY? Why not choose a destination where your teen can build self-esteem and character, boost confidence and give back to the local or global community instead of playing beer pong by the pool? “Our kids suffer from ‘affluenza’ (overexposure to wealth and privilege) so it’s good for them to see how lucky they are,” Kolari says, as she advises parents to send their teens on trips that enhance leadership skills, empathy and compassion. If your teen is interested in the environment and preservation, the organization seaturtles.org offers specialized tours to assist in leatherback turtle conservation or green turtle research in Costa Rica. For more intense volunteer opportunities, teens can choose from faith-based excursions to the Caribbean and Asia at theroadlesstraveled.com where they can replant coral reefs in Bonaire or build orphanages in the Himalayas or visit metowe.com for trips to Ecuador where they can explore the culture of indigenous peoples, learn about women’s rights, help communities build essential facilities or visit the Amazon rainforest to examine plant medicines. No matter where they go, encourage your teen to keep a journal and take lots of photos because trips like these can create life-changing memories.
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Fentanyl
BREAKING
BAD FENTANYL
The drug that’s killing our teens. by shandley mcmurray
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E
DEN LAL WAS 14 when she tried marijuana. Before long, the Calgary-based teen was using it every day to escape her tumultuous life. Her father was convicted of molesting her older sister and her mother struggled through poverty and alcoholism while trying to raise four kids. It wasn’t long before the high from marijuana wasn’t strong enough to mask Lal’s pain, so she turned to more powerful drugs including fentanyl, an opioid that’s killed 665 Canadians between 2009 and 2014, according to the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse. During her worst moments of drug addiction, Lal would disappear from home for days, sleeping on various people’s couches, in crack houses or on the street. “Her disease ended up taking over every moral, value and boundary she ever had,” Lal’s mother, Vanisha Breault, explains. “It was heart-breaking. Every single day I waited for ‘that call,’ the one phone call every parent fears.” Breault isn’t alone in her fear. Here’s what you need to know about fentanyl and what to do if your teen is trying it. WHAT IS FENTANYL? According to Darryl Power, senior executive peer counsellor at the Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre (AARC), fentanyl is “one of the most powerful drugs on the street and it is also a lethal chemical.” Used traditionally as an anaesthetic and to treat chronic pain, it’s 100 times more potent than morphine and 40 times more toxic than heroin. A mere two mg is enough to kill someone.
WHO’S TAKING IT? “This drug is spreading like an epidemic,” Power says. “It isn’t really considered a party drug because, like other opioids, it is a downer.” More often, kids use it alone or in small groups, often at someone’s home. While some take it knowingly, Power and other leading experts from the Fentanyl Urine Screen
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Fentanyl
“parents need to be able to talk to their kids, spread awareness and feel confident with their information about the dangers associated with recreational drugs.”
WHAT CAN YOU DO IF YOUR CHILD IS USING DRUGS? Drug addiction can happen to anyone, says Power. “We see families from all walks of life at our centre, and they are good people that love their children.” If you suspect your child has a problem with drugs, talk to them and seek help immediately. “There are many services available, but many parents are waiting for something catastrophic to happen before they will admit that there is a real problem,” he says. By then it is often too late.
Study (FUSS) and the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse, believe fentanyl is being cut into pills on the black market, meaning people who think they’re taking oxycodone or another drug are unknowingly taking a mix containing fentanyl. A 2015 study by the BC Centre for Disease Control found that almost 29 per cent of the drug users they surveyed tested positive for fentanyl, nearly three-quarters of whom reported not having used it recently.
CAN PARENTS PREVENT DRUG ABUSE? While parents can’t prevent addiction, they can encourage kids to make the right decision by providing an open and honest environment that promotes good communication, says Power. “Parents need to be able to talk to their kids, spread awareness and feel confident with their information about the dangers associated with recreational drugs. Parents also need to establish firm consequences for drug use,” he says. If that doesn’t prevent your kids from using, there may be a bigger problem behind their addiction, suggests Power. That’s a clear sign that it’s time to get help. Lal went to two sessions of rehab at the AARC but, last July, Breault received the call she had been dreading. Lal had suffered a near-fatal overdose. “By the time the ambulance got to her, she was blue. She was dead,” Breault recalls. Luckily, the medical staff was able to save Lal’s life and Breault fought to have her readmitted for treatment at the AARC. Breault, who has been sober for a few years now, continues to fight for the health and safety of now 17-year-old Lal who is still struggling to overcome the powerful addiction. “Seeing my [Eden] today is the greatest message to me to never give up, to never stop believing and to know that freedom and recovery are possible,” says Breault. ■
HOW CAN YOU TELL IF YOUR KID IS ON FENTANYL? According to Power, fentanyl users will appear tired, have low energy levels, sweat and nod off in a reduced state of consciousness. “They may also respond slowly while communicating, have very dilated pupils and appear really out of it,” he says. As with other drugs, parents should look for signs such as a change in mood, behaviour and attitude. Drug users usually spend less time at home and prefer to isolate themselves when around family. They’ll also become less interested in hobbies or activities they used to love. Items such as straws (some kids crush and snort the pills), rolled bills, pill crushers, syringes, nail files and a green residue (fentanyl tablets have a green dye) are also clues to look for.
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March Break
RETURN
BOARDER OF THE
Is your teen home for March Break? Here are tips to help you deal with his return. by alyson schafer
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March Break
MARCH
break will see many teens foraging their way back home after being away for months at school. And, although it’s always exciting to see them, it can also be an adjustment after enjoying a quiet, kid-free house in their absence. Along with the joy of their arrival comes loud music, squealing friends, a drained hot water tank and incessant demands for rides to the mall. Unlike parents whose kids live with them yearround, moms and dads of boarders no longer have a daily routine that revolves around a teenager. These parents have the luxury of cooking the food they want, when they want. They don’t have piles of laundry to contend with and when they put something down, they can find it days later in exactly the same spot. However, when the kids come home, the routine—of both parents and teens—can be disrupted. Sure, change is good but it can also be trying. To survive a seamless March break, here are some tips to make the visit a good experience for all. PREPARE YOURSELF MENTALLY Remind yourself that change is coming and think about why you value these visits. An attitude of gratitude goes a long way in keeping us focused on what is good while distracting us from the small hassles of disruptions to our daily habits and routines. Look at family photos and remember you are about to lay down more family memories.
PLANNING: Pull out a calendar and pencil in the week’s activities. Does your teen want to see a movie, go shopping or have friends over? Work his planned events around your scheduled activities. You could also ask him for a list of food he’s craving. Months spent eating school food have probably left him pining for Mom’s lasagna. HELPING: Be clear about your expectations when it comes to your teen pitching in around the house. She probably doesn’t have assigned chores the way kids living at home do, but she still needs to know that she will be expected to contribute. This is the time to assign her chores for the week such as taking out the garbage, making her bed or clearing away the dinner plates. Being clear helps teens understand expectations. COMMUNICATING: Sharing a space isn’t always easy. Talk to your teen about curfews and bed times —you may want things to quiet down by 10 p.m. while your teen may want to sleep in till 11 a.m. the next day. Discuss how you’ll share the bathroom and car, as well as any other potential problems you can anticipate. The more prepared you are, the less likely you’ll be to run into major arguments. Soon, your teen will be heading back to school and you’ll feel that familiar tug on your heart as you wave goodbye. Enjoy the quality time you have with him now and try not to stress over little things. Your routine will return soon enough and you’ll go back to missing your child from afar. ■
HAVE A MEETING Once your teen has arrived and unpacked, host a family meeting. Serve tea, cookies, hot chocolate— whatever it takes to make everyone feel comfy, then talk about the week ahead. Not sure what to discuss? Here are a few topics to hone in on:
Alyson Schafer is a family therapist and one of Canada’s most notable parenting experts. She is the resident expert for HuffPost Parents and The Marilyn Denis Show. Alyson is also the bestselling author of Breaking The Good Mom Myth, Honey, I Wrecked The Kids and her latest, Ain’t Misbehavin. She is an internationally sought out speaker and you can find her free parenting tips and workshop information at www.alysonschafer.com.
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inSPIRE LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE
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POWELL PACT
THE
Fitness trainer Heidi Powell has energy we’d like to bottle. Co-host of ABC’S Extreme Weight Loss, Powell juggles four kids, an impressive fitness regimen and a multitude of jobs. The key to her success: she keeps to her word. by rachel naud The Powells love to hike together
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Heidi Powell
Chris and Heidi Powell try to stay on the same page when it comes to parenting
NO
MATTER WHAT TIME of day you channel surf, you’re likely to come across a reality weight loss show. A bunch of toned, gorgeous fitness gurus take overweight couch potatoes through gruelling workouts in an attempt to thin them down and teach them the basics of healthy nutrition. Been there, done that. Right? Not necessarily. ABC’s Extreme Weight Loss (EWL) may strive to shrink its participants, but it also offers something that you don’t often see in reality TV—reality. Perhaps it’s because its hosts, Heidi and her husband, Chris Powell, aren’t your typical trainers. Their compassion is authentic; their passion is undeniable; their commitment is unwavering. The friendships they make with the show’s participants are real and they run deep. “We still keep in contact with a good majority of our
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participants,” says Heidi, who can also add weight loss expert and transformation specialist to her resume. Over the past six years, she and Chris have spent every holiday with at least one of their participants. “Bruce from season four spent Thanksgiving with us and stayed the week,” she says. “[The participants] really do become our best friends and a lot of them actually work with us because nobody understands a journey of transformation like they do.” When the show started six years ago, Heidi played a supportive role, staying mostly in the background. Over time, she’s come happily to the forefront, winning over viewers and clients alike with her toughlove tactics and soft heart. No stranger to tough times, Heidi talks openly about her earlier divorce and struggles with an eating disorder. She’s proud of being “perfectly imperfect” and shares everything from her embarrassingly
gnarly feet to her love for a Starbucks Morning Bun on her blog, the show and social media. While she may have gnarly toes, there’s certainly nothing wrong with Heidi’s perfectly toned physique. Her muscular frame and rock hard abs are a reflection of hard work and a true dedication to health and fitness. As if hours in the gym weren’t gruelling enough, Heidi’s also found time to co-pen a new book with Chris called Extreme Transformation: Lifelong Weight Loss in 21 Days while still working on EWL. Oh, and she’s also a mom to four kids: Matix, 11, and Marley, 9, from her first marriage and Cash, 4, and Ruby, 2, who she has with Chris. How does she do it all? We chatted with Heidi about how she juggles a hectic schedule with a blended family. THE REALITY OF MARRIAGE EWL is so appealing on many levels—one of which is the inside look viewers get of Chris and Heidi’s personal relationship. On air, they’re like most couples—they laugh, they cry, they get on each other’s nerves, they have an argument and then they get over it. Unlike most couples, they share not only a life, but a career. Although some couples may cringe over the idea of working with their spouses, Heidi says the fact that she and Chris were best friends before they got married has been a major bonus. “Chris and my relationship actually started with helping people and working together. I always respected who he was and his compassionate and kind nature. He has always made me want to be a better person. So that’s kind of how love grew between us,” she says. “Working with him is the most natural thing ever. We’re getting to accomplish dreams and do something we’re both passionate about. It brings us much closer
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Modern Heidi Powell Family
“if we say we’re going to punish our kids, the worst thing we can do is not follow through,” she says. “your word becomes nothing to them.” together....not that we don’t occasionally need a couple of days apart. You know what they say; absence makes the heart grow fonder.” Another thing “they” say? Opposites attract. For the Powells, this is true in both their business and parenting styles. “We’re so different,” Heidi admits. “He’s such an ideas guy. He’s such a dreamer, such an innovator. If he’s alone, he’s not going to be doing anything because he’s dreaming all the time, and his ideas are incredible. I am the doer. I kind of bring him back to reality and I show him what we can do. So he tells me where he wants to go and I kind of lay out the path for him. We’re really a great team that way.” THE REALITY OF RAISING KIDS At home, the Powells echo the sentiment they strive to portray to their participants on the show—keep the promises you make to yourself. When it comes to raising kids—keep the promises you make to them, especially if it’s a punishment. “If we say we’re going to punish our kids, the worst thing we can do is not follow through,” she says. “Your word becomes nothing to them. They don’t trust what you say and they know what they can get away with. And, although you may feel bad for following through with a grounding or time-out, they crave consistency. We all do, as a matter of fact. That’s how we learn and that’s how we grow into strong individuals.” While Heidi admits she’s more regimented in her parenting styles than Chris, she says the two of
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them have learned to form a united front when it comes to dealing with conflict with their kids, even when they disagree. “Chris and I have both learned that if we’re not on the same page, even if we disagree, the kids will sense a weakness,” she says. “When that happens we’ll come to an agreement, and figure it out behind closed doors, and then go forward united.” For the Powells, being united is extremely important, especially given that the two older children have another parent to turn to: her ex-husband, Derek. THE REALITY OF BLENDED FAMILIES Heidi met her first husband, Derek, when she was just 19. They married young, had Matix and Marley and divorced when the kids were small. Although Heidi admits they went through years of hurt feelings, they were able to rebuild the friendship and now co-parent in a cohesive and even friendly way. “Every few months, we don’t agree on something and we both get a little bit heated,” she says. “But we get over it really fast. We never let the kids see or be in the middle of our little disagreements. Ever.” Powell says when it comes to making a blended family work, letting go of your pride is key. “Drop your own selfish intentions and your egos and so much beauty can happen,” she says. “Derek has flaws, I have flaws, Chris has flaws. But if we choose to focus on the fact that Derek is an incredible dad and a good person in general, our relationship is just going to be that much better. Derek will feel
BOOK COVER COURTESY OF ALLISON TYLER JONES
appreciated and he’s going to work with me and I’ll want to work with him.” And with the teen years just around the corner, there will be plenty of work to do. TEENS IN TRAINING With her oldest on the cusp of teen-hood, Heidi is frank about her concerns over what can be a tumultuous stage of parenting. “I just hope [Matix] doesn’t follow the crowd,” she says. “I hope he finds the strength and the courage to be a leader. He’s so talented and has so much potential. I just hope we’ve given him enough love at home that no matter what he does—good or bad—he knows that we’re always here to love and support him.” When it comes to her eldest daughter, Marley, Heidi fears what impacted her as a young girl—body image. Heidi remembers being very aware of her body at Marley’s age and she worries about Marley’s potential to fall into an eating disorder like she did. “I remember being in gymnastics and seeing girls smaller than me. You take note of that kind of stuff,” she says. “When I was about 14, it spiralled into a pretty severe eating disorder that lasted through my early 20s. Those were the darkest years of my life.” If she sees any of the same signs in Marley, Heidi promises to open up to her daughter about her own experiences so Marley can learn from her mistakes. For now, Heidi says she’ll continue to build up her self-esteem with the truth—all bodies are different. And that’s perfectly OK. “Last year [Marley] started going to gymnastics wearing shorts or leggings over her leotards,” Heidi says. I told her, ‘Just because so-and-so’s legs appear smaller than yours doesn’t mean you’re any less healthy or any less beautiful than she is. It’s about
how strong we are.’” Another way Heidi keeps her kids strong—both physically and mentally—is through team sports. She says sports are a great way to teach discipline, team work and commitment to her kids, but they’re also a great self-esteem booster. “Matix plays football and, I have to say, it’s probably made the biggest difference in his outlook,” she says. “He feels valuable, his peers look at him and they see value in each other. It really has improved Matix’s self-esteem. Marley’s gymnastics has as well with her accomplishments hitting her aerials and back handsprings. It just makes her feel so good about herself.” PERSONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS When it comes to her own accomplishments, Heidi should feel nothing but proud. Not only is she going into the sixth season of EWL, but she’s seen her book become a success. “This book is like our baby,” she says. “[Chris and I] wrote it together and I have to say it is by far the most inclusive book, and the most thorough guide to true transformation. We included everything in it— meal plans, recipes and workouts—so that if anyone picks up this book, they can create their own transformation at home without a doubt.” That’s a strong claim. But if there’s anything we’ve learned from Heidi, if she says it, she means it. ■
WIN! WE’RE GIVING AWAY
10 COPIES OF CHRIS AND HEIDI POWELL’S NEW BOOK, EXTREME TRANSFORMATION: LIFELONG WEIGHT LOSS IN 21 DAYS! Enter at inbetween.ca/contests.
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5TOWAYS GET
MOTIVATED TO MOVE Fitness guru Heidi Powell on how you and your teen can get fit together. Plus some must-try exercises to do at home!
GETTING A TEEN to turn off his electronics can be akin to asking a lion to share his dinner. Asking a teen to relinquish said tablet in favour of a jog? Insanity, right? Not according to Heidi Powell, ABC’s Extreme Weight Loss trainer and transformation specialist. Exercising lowers our risk of diabetes, cancer, heart disease, stroke and depression, she says. Problem is: most teens are getting much less exercise than we did in our younger years. It’s up to us to fix that. Here are five tips that Powell promises will have us all (parents included) off the couch and into the fit zone in no time.
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Fitness Ideas
STEP OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE. Ask your kids what activity they want to do. Don’t cringe if they suggest something you feel uncomfortable with—even if it’s belly dancing. Bonus points if they choose an activity they already love; they’ll be able to teach you some new skills. TAKE A HIKE. Let your teen choose a trail, gear up (you’ll want comfy shoes and maybe a few layers to keep warm) then head out. Not only will everyone get a good workout, but research has shown that spending time in fresh air, surrounded by nature,
UP THE FAT-BURN WITH THESE 5 IDEAS.
increases energy in 90 per cent of people. Fresh air is also shown to reduce stress and even boost your immune system. Another bonus: your teen may learn to love nature! GO SHOPPING. While browsing the mall may not seem like exercise, a recent study conducted at the London School of Economics found that people who walked briskly for 30 minutes regularly were slimmer and had lower BMIs than those who did other forms of exercise (or none at all). Try to up your pace as you wander the mall to help increase your daily
three and eight miles. Sign up with your teen, her friends and some of their moms. There’s nothing better for a total body burn than running, and relay races help you achieve your fitness goals while learning to work as a team under some pretty tiring but super fun conditions. 2. BOOST YOUR METABOLISM.
1. RAGNAR RACES. An all-day,
all-night running relay race, Ragnars have become so popular that there’s sure to be one near you. Teams split the running so each person gets about three turns to run between
Metabolic missions are a huge part of Powell’s transformation program. Here’s how they work: choose three or more exercises (i.e. burpees, squat jacks, commander push-ups, mountain climbers, lunges and
planks). Do a certain number of reps of each or do each exercise for a set amount of time. The best thing about these exercises? They burn a ton of calories in a short time (only a few minutes) so they’re easy to fit into even the busiest of days. Record your time and see if you can beat each other! 3. TAKE A DIP. Swimming is an uber effective whole body exercise with the bonus of being low impact (which means it’s great for those of us with sore joints or arthritis). Think laps are boring? Try pool-based exercises instead. For one
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Fitness Ideas
step count and get your teen closer to the 60 minutes of recommended daily activity. TRAIN TOGETHER. Sign up for a 5K, 10K, halfmarathon, marathon, triathlon, difficult hike, swim, pretty much anything—the possibilities are almost endless. Then train together. You’ll be amazed by how much your fitness levels will improve, not to mention your relationship. We’re talking about quality bonding time here. As we all know, our kiddos grow up way too fast, so enjoy their undivided attention while you can.
of my favourites, partner up. While one partner swims six pool lengths, the other must tread water (add an extra challenge by keeping your hands in the air). Try to get
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USE THE SCREEN TO YOUR ADVANTAGE. We all know teens love their technology. Why not use them to get in an extra workout? Turn commercial breaks into exercise breaks. Do a certain number of moves (i.e. 20 squats, lunges, burpees, sit ups or push-ups). Have a competition to see who can do the most reps of an exercise or time each other running up and down the stairs or around the ground floor of the house. Anything will do, as long as you’re all being active during those annoying breaks. As for video games and tablets, try out the Wii Fit or one of the fun fitness games available through Apple TV. ■
through 10 rounds each. When treading gets difficult, feel free to use the side to assist…just keep moving. Have a running race in the water to see who’s the fastest and Google some teen-friendly pool games (like water dodge ball or handstand competitions). Get creative in the water and you’ll have so much fun you won’t even realize you’re burning calories. 4. GET YOUR GROOVE ON. Pop in a Zumba DVD and be wowed by your teen’s favourite moves. Shake your hips in time with the music and you’ll be sweating in no time. Dancing can
improve your balance as well as your mood and, if you do it vigorously enough, you’ll get your heart pumping and calories burning. Not a fan of Zumba? Crank up some tunes and have a dance off in the living room. 5. BURPEE TABATA: Set the
clock for four minutes. Do 20 seconds of work (burpees) followed by 10 seconds of rest. Repeat eight times for the duration of the four minutes. Make a game out of counting reps with your team. Combine the number of reps with your teen for a grand total, making this a team effort!
THE ULTIMATE MOVE THE BURPEE
You can’t beat it. It’s a total body burner and a Powell Pack fave. Here’s how to do it.
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2
3
Jump back to a plank position. Squat down and place hands on the ground just inside your feet.
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6
Begin with feet shoulder width apart.
COURTESY OF ALLISON TYLER JONES
4 Jump forward with feet outside your hands.
Jump up and touch your hands overhead.
TIP: When performing burpees, you may get down to
Perform a push- up.
the ground however you choose, but your chest and thighs must touch the ground during the push-up, and your feet must leave the ground and hands reach overhead at the top of the movement. ■
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inDULGE
FOSTERING YOUR HEALTH, BODY AND RELATIONSHIP
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GO WILD!
The annual reindeer migration is a sight to behold
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PHOTO COURTESY NORTHWEST TERRITORIES TOURISM
For an unforgettable getaway, take your teen on a Canadian safari. by maryam siddiqi
Canadian Safari
AT THIS TIME OF YEAR, when the snow refuses to melt and you’re fed up with wearing layers, you’re probably dreaming about heading south for a beach vacay. But instead of soaking in the sun, why not explore some adventures in your own backyard? If you have animal-loving teens, Canada offers escapades that span the country and give even the most luxurious of African safaris some stiff competition. Whether you spot a grizzly, marvel over some moose or are amazed by some bison— it’s sure to be a family holiday you’ll talk about for years to come.
ROOT FOR REINDEER IN THE NORTHWEST TERRITORIES You’ll have to head way, way north for this epic adventure, but it’s worth the trek to the Arctic Circle to watch the annual reindeer migration near the town of Inuvik, N.W.T. Every spring, Henrik Seva, also known as the “Tundra Cowboy,” wrangles 3,000 reindeer across the frozen Mackenzie River ice road to Tuktoyaktuk, an Arctic hamlet that is the herd’s calving grounds. It’s a magical sight—the herd resembles a sea of antlers walking, prancing and galloping their way across the frozen tundra. This year, the herd is expected to make the crossing during the first week of April. That’s at the same time as Inuvik’s annual Muskrat Jamboree, a weekend-long festival that celebrates the changing of the seasons and includes drumming, dancing, dog sledding, and, of course, food. destinationinuvik.com Majestic reindeer
Spot Grizzlies in B.C.
GO GAGA FOR GRIZZLIES IN BRITISH COLUMBIA A temperate rainforest runs more than 400 kilometres along the north and central coasts of our western-most province and it’s home to lush forests, vibrant waterways and grizzly bears— lots of them. You may even catch a glimpse of the Kermode spirit bear, a black bear notable for its white fur. The best viewing seasons are spring through fall, when the bears are hungry after hibernation, chasing food through the grasslands and streams. Great Bear Lodge, near Port Hardy, B.C., is an intimate eight-bedroom floating property that immerses guests into the terrain and places a priority on seeing these furry beasts. Stays run two to seven days and include two grizzly viewing sessions per day, guided by a wildlife biologist, nature walks and boat excursions, meals and rain gear (if needed), plus a float plane trip to and from the lodge. From $1,390 per person for a two-day tour, greatbeartours.com
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Canadian Safari
Thanks to rehabilitation efforts, the bison population has boomed in Alberta Matane Wildlife Reserve is home to moose
BRING ON THE BISON IN ALBERTA Only 50 kilometres from the centre of Edmonton is Elk Island National Park, home to the largest population of four-legged mammals in North America. This includes a large population of Plains bison. At the turn of the 20th century, there were only a few hundred of these animals left in North America, so the population’s rehabilitation to more than 400,000 has been remarkable. The best vantage points can be found north of the Yellowhead Highway from the Elk Island Parkway, and while the animals are out and about year-round, they’re especially active during their mating period; late July to early August. Don’t be surprised if you get caught in a bison traffic jam as they cross the park’s land. pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/ab/elkisland/index.aspx
MINGLE WITH MOOSE IN QUEBEC Encompassing almost 1,300 square kilometres, Matane Wildlife Reserve in the eastern part of Quebec is known as a haven for wildlife, but perhaps most notable is its moose population—according to a census in 2012, there were 33 moose per 10 square kilometres in the park. During July and August, the park hosts late afternoon photo safaris, touring guests through the reserve to watch—and capture on (digital) film—these majestic animals in their natural habitat. The park also boasts 100 kilometres of hiking trails, and accommodation can be found via campsites, cabins or the Chic-Chocs Mountain Lodge. Photo safari $35.50 for adults, free for children 5-17 years old. sepaq.com/rf/mat
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Seeing whales swim free is an unforgettable and moving experience
GET WILD ABOUT WHALES IN NEWFOUNDLAND May through September is prime whale-watching season along the coastlines of Newfoundland and Labrador, and there is plenty to see—22 species of whale, in fact, including sperm, blue, orca, and the world’s largest population of humpbacks. The province also has its fair share of ways to see these amazing mammals, from boat tours to sea kayaks. There’s even coastal hiking in 15 hotspots along the east coast. Time your visit in April and May and you’ll likely spot icebergs floating south from the Arctic along Iceberg Alley, which skirts the eastern shore of the province. newfoundlandlabrador.com/ThingsToDo/WhaleWatching ■
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Miriam Shor
10 THINGS I WISHED I KNEW WHEN I WAS YOUNGER If you could press rewind on your life, what would you tell yourself? Here, actress Mariam Shor shares her top pieces of advice that she would impart on her younger self. by miriam shor
40 INBETWEEN
On TV Land’s hit show, Younger, Miriam Shor portrays demanding boss, Diana Trout, head of marketing at the fictional powerhouse publishing firm Empirical Press. Surrounded by budding publicists 20 years younger, her character is constantly reminded of the age gap between herself and her colleagues. As she often gives words of wisdom to her fictional inferiors, we asked Shor what she would tell her younger self today. Pass it along to your own teens. If they won’t listen to you—surely they’ll heed some star advice. Miriam Shor as Diana Trout.
• DRINK MORE WATER. • TRAVEL. If you want to go somewhere, go.
It’s only going to get more expensive and more difficult later. • DON’T WAIT FOR HIM TO CALL. Go out.
Have fun. See friends. Watch paint dry. Literally anything else is time better spent. • DON’T BE SO SELF-CRITICAL. Instead,
give yourself a break. Do the best you can. • IF YOU HAVE AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE OR EVEN JUST A GREAT DAY, WRITE ABOUT IT.
I promise you’ll want to read about it later. The tough times stay with us. It’s the good times that can get fuzzy. So jot that sh*t down! • DON’T DIET. If you want to eat healthy,
eat healthy. Diets are crap. • TRUST YOUR MOM. You are gorgeous.
Yeah, she’s biased but, seriously, what is the downside of thinking you’re beautiful? • IF SOMETHING IS HARD BUT YOU KNOW YOU SHOULD DO IT, DO IT. This is a skill that
takes practice. If you master it, you’re golden. • CAUTION IS USEFUL. Fear, not so much.
Don’t let fear stop you. • THERE’S THIS LITTLE COMPANY CALLED STARBUCKS Buy. Stock. NOW. ■ The cast of Younger
INBETWEEN
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Final Thrill
POPS
PINK
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Celebrate spring and brighten your blush with a fresh new shade.
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INBETWEEN
YOUR TODAY. THEIR TOMORROW.
FOR PARENT S CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF RAISING A TEEN &
YOUNG ADUL T
FEBRUARY/MA RCH 2016
YOUNG LOVE
HOW YOUNG IS TOO YOUN G TO TIE THE KNOT?
HOW THE DR
FENTANYUG L IS KI LLING OUR YOUTH
RATTLIN YOUR G ROUTINE WAYS TO DEAL W H YOUR KIIT S VISIT OVD' ER
MARC BREAKH
CRIMINAL MINDS JO MANTE E ON RAISINGNA
HIS AUTI G IC DAUGHTST ER
GE WITH AB TTING REAL WEIGHT LOC’S EXTREME SS CO-HOST
HEIDI POWELL GETTING FIT WITH YO UR TEEN
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