CityParent – Greater Toronto Area: Includes Halton, Peel, York and Durham – November 2024
The see-and-do magazine for preschoolers!
Chirp magazine is made for little hands and growing minds. The engaging stories and early-learning activities in Chirp inspire young children to make their first attempts at reading, writing, and creating.
Stories
• Science Experiments
• and more!
The lively hands-on magazine for grade-schoolers!
Chickadee magazine fosters curiosity and imagination while satisfying a student’s thirst for knowledge through a variety of engaging activities and stories.
A must-read for preteens!
OWL gives students access to information in a fun, age-appropriate, and engaging way, highlighting STEAM to promote a passion for learning and discovery.
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Leo Racioppo leo@mediaclassified.ca
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Mary Racioppo
EDITOR
Amanda Pereira
ACCOUNT MANAGER S Gina Pappas gina.pappas@mediaclassified.ca
All submissions from interested parties will be considered. Please submit to the editor at editorial@mediaclassified.ca
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TERMS AND INDEMNIFICATION
FEATURED Stuff
Yoto:
FEATURED Stuff
Feltman Brothers Fall Collection
FEATURE Why Won’t You Sleep?! Teaches parents how to help their super alert children fall asleep
FEATURE
Color Me Menopausal Normalizes menopause in a humourous and engaging new activity book
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up front
TEACHING OUR KIDS ABOUT REMEMBRANCE DAY
On the 11th month, of the 11th day, at the 11th hour, our country is silenced.
Remembrance Day is a ceremonial day to reflect not only on the significance of this day, but also how we can teach its meaning to the younger generation. Remembrance Day is about honouring those who served and sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy today. But how do we communicate this important message to our children in a way that resonates with their understanding and emotions?
Children are naturally curious, and this is an opportunity to teach them about the history of service, bravery, and the value of peace. By using age-appropriate conversations, stories, and even creative activities, we can introduce them to the importance of gratitude and respect for those who have given so much. Schools, families, and communities all play a role in shaping how we pass on this legacy.
The symbolism of the poppy on Remembrance Day is a great way to introduce the topic.
The red poppy has become one of the most recognizable symbols of Remembrance Day. Its origin as a symbol of remembrance dates back to the outcome of World War I, inspired by the poem “In Flanders Fields” by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae. In the poem, McCrae describes poppies growing between the graves of soldiers who died in battle in the fields of Flanders, Belgium. These
delicate flowers, flourishing amidst devastation, came to represent both the sacrifice of those who fought and the hope for peace in the future.
The tradition of wearing poppies on Remembrance Day began in 1921, initially promoted by the Royal British Legion and similar organizations across the Commonwealth. The poppy represents our remembrance of those who gave their lives in conflict, and it serves as a visual reminder of the price of war and the importance of peace.
Each year, people wear poppies leading up to Remembrance Day on November 11 to honour veterans, fallen soldiers, and those affected by war. Funds raised from the sale of poppies also support veterans and their families. The simplicity of the poppy and its deep meaning make it a powerful way for individuals and communities to show their respect and ensure that the sacrifices of past generations are never forgotten.
Encouraging children to learn about the significance of the poppy is a great way to help them understand the values of courage, sacrifice, and remembrance in a way that they can grasp. Whether it’s through crafting poppies, learning the history behind them, or participating in a local Remembrance Day ceremony, the poppy remains a symbol that connects generations in reflection and gratitude.
Mary Racioppo Editor-In-Chief, City Parent
Why won’t you sleep?!
TEACHES PARENTS HOW TO HELP
THEIR SUPER ALERT CHILDREN FALL ASLEEP
People are full of parenting advice and tips, especially when it comes to developing sleep routines. Parents are often given tons of advice on the best methods and techniques to help their little ones fall asleep, like leaving them to cry themselves to sleep, but when these methods don’t work, it’s the parents who are usually blamed, shamed and left feeling like they’re failing.
Macall Gordon, a research specialist in infant mental health, sleep advice, parenting culture, and a certified Gentle Sleep Coach with a master’s degree in psychology from Antioch University in Seattle, Washington, understands this challenge all too well. Her own two children, now adults, struggled with sleep. Through her own experiences, Gordon found that children with certain temperaments didn’t respond to common sleep routines.
She’s spent years researching the connection between a child’s temperament and sleep. Over the years, she’s surveyed hundreds of parents of children between six months to five years of age and has found that children who are more intense, sensitive, and alert have a significantly harder time with every aspect of sleep.
Gordon has cowritten a new book with Kim West, a family therapist and sleep expert, about temperament and sleep. Why Won’t You Sleep?! provides a refreshingly new and positive approach to understanding the challenges of developing sleep routines for highly alert children.
WORDS BY LORRAINE PELLEY
Unlike other books that tend to focus only on the difficult traits, risk factors, and long-term negative outcomes of temperament and sleep behaviours, Why Won’t You Sleep?! emphasizes the many positive traits temperamental children have that were often overlooked or not thought of like perceptiveness, empathy, persistence and a sense of fairness. Gordon and West’s book covers everything parents need to know about temperament and sleep.
Why Won’t You Sleep?! provides insightful steps and techniques to help parents develop a plan to help their children develop manageable sleep patterns. They provide timetested strategies for children between three months to three years and three to six years of age. Gordon and West also reveal simple changes parents
can make to their child’s routine and environment that doesn’t require parents leaving the room to let their little ones cry it out to help children fall asleep.
Why Won’t You Sleep?! offers parents real answers, support and encouragement as they learn about their child’s temperament and how it affects their ability to sleep. Gordon and West share coping mechanisms parents can do to get through the challenging times and, most importantly, remove the blame and shame that parents often face. They discuss the importance of self-care and remind parents that raising a child is a marathon, not a sprint.
Why Won’t You Sleep?! provides evidence-based information to parents who struggle with their highly reactive children’s sleep routines. By the
end of the book, parents will not only have a better understanding of everything involved in making sleep happen for alert children, they will have the confidence and knowledge to develop their own routines for their children.
Like her coauthor, Kim West is not only an expert in the field, but she has also raised an alert child who struggled with sleep. Known as the Sleep Lady, Kim West has a background in mental health and has helped thousands of families globally to teach their children how to fall asleep. Since 2010, she’s been training Gentle Sleep Coaches internationally, and is the author of five other books.
Why Won’t You Sleep?! is available this November at all major retailers as well as online at Amazon, Indigo, Barnes and Noble, Bookshop and Bam! Books a Million.
Cirque Kalabante
Rapunzel
Cosima Grunsky
Color Me Menopausal NORMALIZES MENOPAUSE IN A HUMOROUS AND ENGAGING NEW ACTIVITY BOOK
For women going through perimenopause and menopause, it can be a challenging and emotional journey. With the mood swings, body changes, brain fog, hot flashes, and countless other symptoms that creep up, it’s easy to feel like you’re running through a storm without a map or guidebook to help you navigate through this unfamiliar territory.
Adding to the unknowns of the midlife change, there are few resources and conversations about everything a woman goes through when she’s perimenopausal and menopausal, so it’s easy to feel abnormal or like you’re the only one experiencing the effects of this natural change.
Shirley Serban, a former primary school teacher and principal from New Zealand, has found an engaging and humorous way to talk about perimenopause and menopause. A few years ago, shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic locked down most of the world, she wrote the Menopause Rhapsody, a comical parody of the famous song Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen. Soon after writing the song, she decided to create a video and share it with friends and family on YouTube. Unknowing that the general public could also see her video, she was surprised to find out that it quickly went viral.
Using her sense of humour and her own personal experiences, Serban has opened the conversation about “the great change,” and suddenly millions of women all over the world realized that others were also experiencing mood swings, hot flashes, leaky bladders,
WORDS BY LORRAINE PELLEY
and countless other symptoms that are commonly associated with perimenopause and menopause.
Serban has now written a unique and entertaining survival activity and colouring book: Color Me Menopausal. The 96-page activity book is filled with colourful artwork and interactive puzzles, brain busters, mazes, quizzes, and a wealth of information about perimenopause and menopause that all women will easily relate to.
The opportunity to create this book came two months after Serban left her education career when she saw a post from Quarto looking for
someone to write a menopause book. The company was familiar with Serban’s Menopause Rhapsody and other YouTube videos and was delighted to have her write the book.
Color Me Menopausal is filled with beautifully illustrated and interactive pages such as:
• Colouring and drawing pages
• Memory games, including Spot the Difference
• Mazes
• Word searches, word scrambles
• Brain buster puzzles and fill-in-theblanks
• Quizzes
• Tips and valuable information about perimenopause and menopause
The book is funny, engaging, relatable, and most importantly, normalizes the signs and symptoms that happen during this natural part of aging.
Color Me Menopausal is the first book Serban has written under her own name. Outside of her education career, she’s been writing freelance for several years and has ghostwritten books for other people and organizations. Writing stories, parodies, articles, and other content is something she’s always enjoyed doing, and she especially enjoys writing products that allow her to showcase her funny, comedic side.
Along with her popular Menopause Rhapsody, Serban has created other videos about menopause, cats, and other relatable topics. All her videos can be found on her YouTube channel.
The colourful and vibrant illustrations for Color Me Menopausal were done by Veronica Carratello, a highly respected freelance illustrator, comic book artist, and well-known author living in Italy. Along with adult activity books, she illustrates children’s books, magazines, and comics. She also teaches graphic novel studies at the Academy of Fine Arts and Media in Novara, Italy.
Just in time for the holidays, Color Me Menopausal is available starting November 12 in hard copy and e-book format. Readers can purchase their copy online or in-store at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Indigo, and other major retailers.
family fun PLANNING
WITH WINTER HIKES
WORDS BY ANDREW HIND
Ontario’s landscapes are transformed into a magical new world when under a blanket of fallen snow – soft, hushed, pure, and magical. Our province is blessed with a wide range of provincial parks and conservation areas where you can trudge off along a trail to enjoy it. No matter your fitness level, your interest, or your age, there’s a trail for you.
But a successful winter hike begins even before you leave the warmth of your home, especially when you have kids in tow. It begins with preparation.
The most important thing to consider is clothing
You don’t want to be cold nor do you want to overheat, so you want to regulate what you wear. You want to be able to layer-up and strip layers off as necessary. The basic requirements for a comfortable walk include long johns for warmth,
windproof items to protect you from the biting wind, good-quality boots that are both insulated and waterproof, and a hat and gloves to prevent heat loss.
It’s advisable to stay away from cotton and jeans. Neither are insulated, and cotton holds moisture against the skin, usually under the arms and joints, which will make you colder as you sweat. Wool is far better.
Purchase a day hiking pack to bring along essentials. This is at least one litre of water per person (you can get dehydrated in the cold as quickly as in the heat) and snacks for nourishment – granola bars, chocolate, beef jerky, dried fruit, and trail mix are great options. Experts always recommend a first aid kit.
Research the trail you’ll be taking so you know the length and duration of the hike. This is important for two reasons. One,
to ensure it is within the ability of your child and not too long of a trek that they lose interest – patience fades before endurance. Second, to guarantee you are back at your vehicle well before sunset.
Familiarize yourself with the trail before heading out and bring along a paper map. Do not rely on your phone as batteries drain quickly in the cold. Additionally, because your phone may run out of battery or lack reception, always tell someone exactly where you are going.
For longer walks of more than a couple of hours or so in duration, you will likely want to bring along some additional emergency supplies. Experienced hikers always tell you to prepare to stay out longer than expected. A fire-starting kit, extra socks, and a rain jacket that fits over your winter coat in case of a change of weather are good ideas.
Now that you’ve prepared properly, bundle up, put on some warm boots, maybe even strap on snowshoes or cross-country skis, and head out to the trails for a memorable family adventure.
A SUCCESSFUL WINTER HIKE BEGINS EVEN BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE WARMTH OF YOUR HOME, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU HAVE KIDS IN TOW. IT BEGINS WITH PREPARATION.
FELTMAN BROTHERS
FALL COLLECTION
Feltman Brothers, founded in 1916 in New York City, is celebrated for its high-quality, classic children’s clothing. Known for hand-embroidered designs, the brand quickly became popular for its timeless styles and meticulous craftsmanship.
Despite changing fashion trends, Feltman Brothers has stayed true to its vintage-inspired roots, remaining familyowned and committed to quality. Today, the brand continues to thrive, blending its heritage with modern retail methods.
Feltman Brothers’ clothing remains a symbol of tradition and elegance, cherished across generations for over a century. Newborn to 8T 100% Cotton.
Pricing varies available at feltmanbrothers.com. Visit their website see more from their collections.
travel planning TIPS TO MAKE OVERNIGHT STAYS FUN FOR KIDS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
Travel is a common component of celebrating the holiday season. In 2022, AAA estimated that 112.7 million people would journey 80 kilometres or more away from home between Dec. 23 and Jan. 2. It stands to reason that a similar number of people will find themselves on the road, rails or in the sky this year as well.
Holiday travellers recognize there is much to coordinate to make travel comfortable and convenient during this busy time of year. The holiday season is an especially exciting time of year for children, so special attention can be afforded to youngsters who are making holiday journeys as well. Holiday hosts can employ these strategies to ensure kids have as much fun as their adult travelling companions.
Share your Wifi password
Kids spend a lot of time on their phones and tablets. Parents may police those hours during school days, but during holiday breaks there
may be more free reign. Hosts can alert their guests to the Wifi router name and password so that kids will be able to jump online without missing a beat.
Plan activities for all.
Children may feel left out if adults gather for drinks and chit-chat. Hosts can avoid such an outcome by
organizing activities and engaging in conversations that everyone can be involved in. Game night, family movie sessions with snacks, or something similar can keep kids entertained.
Accommodate all kids
Children are bound to have more fun when other kids are around. If possible, make room for as many kids
as you can. The kids can camp out in the living room or share a bedroom if space is limited. Creature comforts might be what adults are looking for, but the more kids the merrier applies to the youngsters.
Offer some comforts reminiscent of home
Young children may be out of sorts sleeping away from their familiar spaces. Hosts can plan ahead and leave out some dolls, stuffed animals, a night light, or other creature comforts in spaces where kids will be sleeping.
Relax the rules
Just as kids may have more freedom with using their devices, hosts can relax the rules of the house while guests are staying over. Let your own kids and your guests’ children stay up a little later and plan to offer a nightly dessert.
Overnight stays are part of holiday travel, and there are many ways to make staying over more enjoyable for children.
Participate/ Donate/ Sponsor/ Challenge
ou r leis u r e
For more information contact us: madd.ca | info@madd.ca
LEARNING WITHOUT BOUNDARIES
Every Saturday, one hour virtual classes from 9am-4pm, September to June, we can draw the line from pass to success. 647-725-3938 ww w.reidmountdiscover y.ca
When kids know better, they do better. Whether your child needs to catch up, keep up or excel, our team works to improve your
gift guide
Moose Toys
Transforming Plane Playset!
$89.99 available at Walmart, Toys “R” Us, and Amazon
Little Live Pets: My Really Real Puppy Patches
Meet Patches the Beagle, the newest lifelike puppy from Little Live Pets!
$69.99 available at Walmart, Toys “R” Us, Indigo
Masdel Magic Bag – Two New Signature Editions (Unisex Designs)
$31.99 magicbag.com
MRBeast Lab Mutators
Perfect for MrBeast fans!
$34.99 available at Walmart, Toys “R” Us, and Amazon
Cookeez Makery
Freezy Cakez
Children blend and shape their “ice cream” layers using the provided tools.
$49.99 available at Walmart, Toys “R” Us, Indigo
Feltman Brothers Holiday Collection
Pricing varies. feltmanbrothers. com.
PERFECT GIFTS FOR EVERYONE
MRBeast Lab Swarms
$7.99-$29.99 available at Walmart, Toys “R” Us, and Amazon
Yoto
Yoto is an interactive, screenfree audio platform for kids, that promotes creative play and learning.
$99.99 -$149.99 available at yotoplay.com
LEGO GROUP – 2024
Advent Calendars For all ages.
$39.99 and $59.99, available where LEGO products sold.
Magic Mixies Pixie Supremes
$84.99 available at Walmart, Toys “R” Us, and Amazon.ca
Masdel Magic Bag Warmy The Masdel Magic Bag
$16.99 & $24.99 available at magicbag.com
Magic Mixies Minis
Collect up to 90 tiny Mixies, each with a special reveal. $7.99$14.99 available at Walmart, Toys “R” Us, and Amazon
Let’s Bake by Gail Sweeny
This delightful collection features a variety of cakes, cookies, pastries, pies and more.
$30.00 available on amazon.ca
Stomp Rocket®
$24.99 – Ages 5+ Available on at your local toy retailers.
LEGO® DREAMZzz™ $24.99-$259.99 Ages 7+ available at LEGO.ca
PERFECT GIFTS FOR EVERYONE
Check our online Gift Guide for additional details on these products.
LEGO® Group Super Mario™
Prices vary per set. Ages 6+
LEGO® Disney ™ Stitch
This beloved character is perfect for both play and display. $94.99 Ages 9+ available at toysrus.ca
Drinkmate OmniFizz
Carbonate water, juice, wine, and more at home.
$129.99 available at amazon. ca and bestbuy.ca
The Mindfulness Journeys Coloring Book-by Mario Martín
$12.95 available on anywhere books are sold
Nintendo For kids and the young at heart! Prices vary.
Olang
Warmth, comfort, and style in harsh winter conditions.
$260-$335 available at olangcanada.com
Thomas and Friends, My First Train Table
$49.99 Ages 18m+ available at toysrus.ca
Vtech Go! Go! Smart
Wheels Checkered Flag Motorized Track Set Ages 18m+ available at toysrus.ca
MrBeast Lab Mutators
$34.99 Ages 5+ available at toysrus.ca
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks R/C Mega-Wrex™
$84.99 Ages 5+ available at toysrus.ca
Bluey Hammerbarn
Shopping Centre
Experience four exciting levels of hardware store adventure!
$99.99 Ages 3+ available at toysrus.ca
Nerf Gear Up Pack
Get ready for an exhilarating active-play experience!
$39.99 Ages 8+ available at toysrus.ca
Lite-Brite Super Bright HD
Enjoy a dazzling display with 12 LEDs and 1,000 colourful mini-pegs! $39.99 Ages 6+ toysrus.ca
LEGO® City Transporter Truck with Sports Cars
$129.99 Ages 7+ toysrus.ca
Pac-Man Arcade Pinball
Experience the classic PacMan vibe.
$79.99 Ages available at toysrus.ca
hoofit!OLANG
GET READY FOR WINTER AND GIVE THE GIFT OF WARMTH THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!
Olang boots are premium winter footwear designed to provide warmth, comfort, and style in harsh winter conditions. Known for their advanced technology, these boots feature a unique anti-slip outsole, ensuring excellent grip on icy surfaces. With water-resistant materials, thermal insulation, and luxurious interiors, Olang boots keep feet dry and warm even in the coldest temperatures. Whether you’re exploring the outdoors or navigating icy city streets, Olang offers both functionality and fashion, making them a trusted choice for winter adventures. Made in Europe since 1990 with cleated or not cleated non-slip bottoms and many styles to choose from.
Calixa in Cuoio
Zaide in Talpa
Spoke in Rosso
GET THE POPCORN OUT! FROM OLD TO MODERN DAY CLASSICS
It Takes Two (1995)
By Warner Brothers
Alyssa, a melancholic wealthy girl, and Amanda, a spirited girl who lost her parents, cross paths at a summer camp and uncover a startling truth - they are mirror images of each other. Both girls harbour concerns for their respective caregivers. Alyssa’s father, Roger, is on the verge of marrying a fortune hunter, while Amanda fears being separated from her compassionate social worker, Diane, if a heartless family adopts her. Determined to bring happiness to their loved ones, the girls hatch a plan to swap identities and ignite a love connection between their caregivers.
Rugrats In Paris (2000)
By Paramount Pictures
When the animatronics Stu Pickles has designed for Euro-Reptarland malfunction, the Rugrats crew take an unexpected trip to Paris. As if malfunctioning animatronics wasn’t enough, Coco, the manager of the park, develops an interest in single father Chas, prompting his son, Chuckie, and his friends to spring into action!
A Bug’s Life (1998)
By Walt Disney Pictures
Flik, a creative ant, is constantly causing trouble for his colony with his inventive ideas. Unfortunately, his most recent blunder involved destroying the food supplies that were meant to appease the menacing grasshopper, Hopper. Now, Hopper is threatening the ants with complete destruction unless they gather twice the amount of food. Determined to save his colony from annihilation, Flik embarks on a journey to recruit brave warriors who can defend them.
By Paramount Pictures
In this hilarious animated comedy, Tommy Pickles is on a mission to take his baby brother back to the hospital. Why? Well, his not-so-friendly friend, Angelica, has convinced him that once the new baby arrives, his parents won’t care about him anymore. Determined to prove her wrong, Tommy and his pals set off on their adventure. However, things take an unexpected turn when they find themselves lost in the woods and encounter a mischievous gang of escaped circus monkeys.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968)
By Warfield Productions
During their unauthorized absence from school, Jeremy and Jemima, two mischievous siblings, cross paths with the enchanting Truly Scrumptious. She becomes captivated by their widowed father, Caractacus Potts, and his eccentric creations, which include a peculiarly loud rebuilt car named Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
The Rugrats Movie (1998)
WHAT’S UNDER THE COVERS THIS MONTH
Quail Trail
By: Bonnie Kelso
Roxie, a curious quail chick, ignores her rule-bound leader, Topknot, and ventures off on her own. Lost and unable to remember the call to reunite with her group, she learns the importance of listening.
Leo is absolutely obsessed with doodling using his favourite pink marker! Whenever his mom and mama aren’t paying attention, he seizes the perfect moment to bring some life to the dull, gray scrapyard. Adding a touch of pink to the crumpled convertible, the magnetic crane, and even the family cat would be absolutely fabulous!
Big Bear and Little Bear are all set for their adventure, gathering the essentials before they head out: clothes, fishing poles, scones, and a book. While their fishing plans are uncertain, one thing is guaranteed - a cosy nap in the hammock at the end of the day.
Regina Grey, the Recess Genius, is the ultimate problem solver for any situation, from sibling fights to missing pens. But when no one signs up for the talent show, even Regina is stumped. With her unique skills and attention to detail, she always finds a solution to keep the show going.
From cheetah spots to soaring like an eagle, this rhyming picture book captures the boundless love a parent has for their child. Experience a day filled with laughter, messes, and bedtime snuggles, as a parent’s unwavering love shines through.
By: Carmela LaVigna Coyle, Illustrated by Kevin Rechin
In this playful twist on the classic folk tune “The Cat Came Back,” a minor nuisance quickly escalates into a full-blown disaster as one tumbleweed multiplies into ten, then twenty, and soon thousands. Granny and her two grandchildren struggle to clear their farm of the stubborn weeds, but their efforts only make things worse.
at portprep.com https://portprep.com/programs 519-803-2539
YOTO
THE LEADER IN CHILDREN’S AUDIO
The acclaimed children’s audio platform, known for the Yoto Player and Yoto Mini, has recently launched the complete series of Harry Potter™ digital audiobooks with all 116 hours of the cherished narration by Jim Dale. This enchanting collection is available for download. Yoto cards can be purchased individually or in various bundles, making it easy to immerse children aged seven and older in the magical world of Harry Potter like never before.
The Yoto cards featuring the Harry Potter series can be purchased on the Yoto website yoto.com. You can buy them individually or in specially priced bundles. These cards are crafted to integrate perfectly with the acclaimed Yoto Player 3rd Generation and Yoto Mini (2024 Edition), as well as through the complimentary Yoto app.
Also available in Multipacks and bundles
Harry Potter: The Complete Collection, $314.99 – run time 116hrs 23mins
Harry Potter: Books 1-3, $104.99 – run time 29hrs 10mins
Harry Potter: Books 4-7, $209.99 – run time 87hrs 13mins
Player 3rd Generation $149.99
Mini (2024 Edition) $99.99
Cards
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, $38.99 – run time 8hrs 18mins
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, $38.99 – run time 9hrs 3mins
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, $38.99 – run time 11hrs 49mins
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, $58.99 – run time 20hrs 36mins
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, $58.99 – run time 26hrs 29mins
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, $58.99 – run time 18hrs 32mins
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, $58.99 – run time 21hrs 36mins
Yoto
Yoto
Single
mental health PLAYSPACE IS A GAME-CHANGER
Starting a new school year, especially for those under 18, can be filled with heightened stress levels. Whether it’s the pressures of academic success, exposure to social media, bullying, including cyberbullying or dealing with anxiety and depression, kids are overwhelmed with mental health challenges.
According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, approximately 20 per cent of Canadian youth are affected by a mental illness or disorder.
However, in Canada, only 1 out of 5 children receive appropriate mental health services.
Why?
Engagement is a part of the challenge, as many withdraw from therapy before achieving the expected benefits. Unfortunately, with the rise of online therapy, therapists haven’t had the tools to engage their young clients in a virtual setting until now.
PlaySpace (PlaySpace.health) is the initiative of a Toronto-born company. It’s a first-of-its-kind digital platform that makes therapy sessions more engaging and fun for children, adolescents and neurodivergent adults.
Nicky Seligman, a certified child life specialist and child and adolescent counsellor practicing in Toronto, Ontario, says, “One major barrier to providing effective mental health care for children is the lack of engaging tools in virtual therapy. Children learn, understand, and process their emotions through play, and traditional online therapy lacks the tools, like art supplies, games, stuffed animals, and
WORDS BY MARYLENE VESTERGOM
fidgets, that help children feel safe to open up. During the pandemic, I struggled to make virtual therapy as effective as in-person sessions.”
Is PlaySpace a game-changer?
“With virtual therapy on the rise, PlaySpace offers interactive, playbased therapy online, revolutionizing my practice by mimicking in-person therapy and removing barriers like geographic limitations and long waitlists. PlaySpace empowers therapists to easily offer children engaging and effective mental health care online.”
Seligman points out that parents and educators can also help their kids by incorporating these strategies.
Encourage emotional expression
“It’s essential for children to have a safe space to express their feelings, as children often struggle in silence because they do not have the language to describe how they are feeling or the courage to bring it up.
Parents and educators can normalize and validate their feelings and invite these tough topics into conversation, as it helps children learn that these are normal human experiences that they can work through together.”
Establish routines
“Children thrive with routines, consistency, and predictability,” says Seligman. “Establishing before and after school routines can help children feel safe and prepared. In the morning, this may look like
reviewing their daily schedule, checking in on emotions, and engaging in a special goodbye ritual. In the afternoon, a consistent person for pick-up and discussing the highlights and lowlights from the day can create a sense of routine and connection.”
Opportunities for control
“As a school-aged child, you’re often told what to do all day long! Parents and teachers can support children’s mental health by giving them choices to feel more in control at school and home. Allowing free choice and offering different coping mechanisms in the classroom can reduce anxiety and build confidence.”
What signs should parents and teachers look for to identify children who may be struggling with their mental health?
“Watch for changes in behaviours and habits, such as sleep, eating, socialization, academic performance, attentiveness, and emotional control.”
In a blog posted on Harvard Health Publishing, Claire McCarthy, MD, a primary care pediatrician at Boston Children’s Hospital and senior faculty editor at Harvard Health Publishing, said, “Mental health is as important as physical health. We must understand that. If a child has a fever or a persistent cough, parents react – they pay attention and seek help. But if a child seems sad or irritable or less interested in activities they used to enjoy, they tend to think of it as a phase, or teen angst, or something else that can be ignored. The mental health of our children is crucial.”
McCarthy goes on to say, “Pay attention and take what you see seriously. If your child is showing signs of anxiety or depression, call your doctor. Don’t put it off. If your child talks about harming themself or others, get help immediately, such as by going to your local emergency room. In this situation, it’s better to overreact than underreact.”
playspace.health health.harvard.edu/blog
Nicky Seligman
MILES THE LABEL
Miles the Label is thrilled to introduce their new collections, Medieval Miles and Enchanted Autum Collection. These collections blend whimsical medieval and enchanted playful designs with colourful patterns. With Miles the Label, kids can explore a magical world of fantasy and creativity every day. For more style choices visit milesthelabel.com
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1. Knight Print on Off-White Shirt – $52, Lichen Green Cowl Neck Cardigan –$78, Jet Black Corduroy Boy’s Pants – $48
2. Fire Breather Top – $32, Cement Colour Block Hooded Sweatshirt – $46
3. Dragon Print on Cement Sweatshirt $42 (Also available in matching set) Cement Joggers – $36, Girls Fairy Print on Birch Sweatshirt – $44, Girls Fairy Print on Birch Leggings – $26
4. Magic Wand Print on Cloud Blue Terry Dress – $42
5. Vine Print on Plum Top – $38 (Also available in matching set), Vine Print on Plum Leggings – $26
6. Golden Crown on Birch Top – $34.00
WHY CHOOSE PICKERING COLLEGE?
“It is a supportive community that while encouraging the pursuit of academic excellence it strives to ensure our youth develop social responsibility, strong character, leadership skills, empathy, compassion and provides tools they will need to be valuable contributors to society.” – Current PC parent Visit us online to learn more: www.pickeringcollege.on.ca/cityparent
FLYING SQUIRREL TRAMPOLINE PARK Embark on an exhilarating journey of fun and excitement at Flying Squirrel Trampoline Park, proudly serving Whitby and Hamilton. These two fantastic destinations offer an unforgettable experience for all ages. Explore a world of interconnected trampolines, boundless leaps, and laughter that knows no limits. Dive into foam pits, engage in friendly dodgeball battles, and experience the thrill of slam dunks in gravitydefying zones. Looking to celebrate a special occasion? Look no further! Flying Squirrel Trampoline Park is the perfect venue for unforgettable birthday parties. You can host an action-packed celebration that your child and their friends will talk about for years to come. With attentive staff, a vibrant atmosphere, and a commitment to safety, these parks ensure that every birthday party is a smashing success. Experience the joy of bouncing, laughter, and shared memories at Flying Squirrel Trampoline Park in Whitby and Hamilton. facebook.com/FlyingSquirrelWhitby | facebook.com/flyingsquirrelhamilton
OAKVILLE CENTRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
The Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts is in the heart of downtown Oakville located in Centennial Square (130 Navy St.), nestled in by the Sixteen Mile River and picturesque Lake Ontario. With 497 seats, the Oakville Centre is an intimate theatre presenting multi-disciplinary artists in music, comedy, drama, dance, spoken word and film. The Centre is also home to outstanding community artists such as the Oakville Symphony, Burl-Oak Players, West End Studio Theatre and many more! For tickets, memberships, or further information, please visit our website. boxoffice@oakville.ca | oakvillecentre.ca
Hamilton
289-309-5332
Whitby
289-732-5327
flyingsquirrelsports.ca
THE OAKVILLE SOCCER CLUB has been providing a positive soccer experience to the community of Oakville since 1972. The Club delivers year-round soccer programming for all ages and skill levels, starting with our youngest soccer stars (2 years-old), and progressing all the way to Adult League (ages 18+). Along their soccer journey, players can enjoy recreational or competitive levels of the game following OSC’s Player Pathway! Currently, registration is open for Youth Winter Soccer (Ages 2-18) and P.A. Day Camps! Spaces are filling quickly! Sign up today to lock in your spot for soccer fun! oakvillesoccer.ca | info@oakvillesoccer.ca
Pickering Museu M Village Nestled on the banks of Duffins Creek, Pickering Museum Village is the largest open-air museum in Durham Region. It consists of 19 heritage buildings, gardens, and orchards. Pickering Museum Village is a community hub where people come together to learn, share stories, and build relationships through progressive, fun, and vibrant experiences. Upcoming programs include: Pickering Fairy Tours, 1830s Apprentice Cook, Swag Making Workshop, A Storybook Christmas Tour, and Polar Plushie Workshop. Registration for our programs is required in advance. You can purchase tickets at online or by phone 905-683-8401. pmvbookings@pickering.ca | pickeringmuseumvillage.ca
905.683.8401 @pickeringmuse
guardians of wild
Open year-round, your Toronto Zoo is always a great place to visit, with something for everyone to explore, learn and enjoy! Fall in love with some of your favourite animals surrounded by picturesque scenery, situated in the heart of the beautiful Rouge National Urban Park.
Plus, all winter long you can watch animals enjoy the cooler temperatures, and play in the snow! Grab a hot chocolate or visit one of our five indoor tropical pavilions to warm up!
Join us as we celebrate our 50th year of saving and protecting wildlife and wild spaces. Plan your visit today at torontozoo.com
