parenting Archives — Thrifty Mommas Tips

Summer Survival Activity Pack

Paula — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 12:06:00 +0000

Summer vacation is right around the corner for many of you and might have already started for some depending on where you live. Boredom Busters Now that summer has officially arrived, it won’t be long before the kids are bellowing for something to do. I’m bored. Amuse me. I mean I am paraphrasing here but you know exactly what I mean. While we all cherish those long, sunny days and the break from the school-day hustle, every parent knows the boredom bug usually makes its appearance within the first week. So what’s a mom or dad to do? Well, maybe you have them booked in solid summer camps and activities all season long. Nothing wrong with that. (Other than the cost actually.) What Does Summer Survival Look Like for You? And maybe on a few of those days you pop by online resources like this site to print out some activity pages. Road Trips? Whether you are prepping for a long road trip, looking for quiet activities to balance out the high-energy outdoor play, or simply need a sanity-saving tool for those unpredictable rainy afternoons, I have exactly what you need. Summer Activity Pack to the Rescue I am thrilled to introduce the Ultimate Summer Survival Activity Pack—a substantial, 25-page treasure trove designed to keep little hands busy and creative minds engaged. This is a thoughtfully curated collection packed with everything kids love. From brain-teasing word searches that sharpen those observation skills to intricate colouring pages perfect for mindful downtime, and open-ended drawing prompts that spark the imagination, this pack is designed to be your go-to resource for the summer or even just for a couple of weeks. Survive and Thrive I know how hard it is to balance keeping kids entertained while managing your own busy schedule. That’s why we’ve taken the guesswork out of “What can I do now?”—just print, play, and watch the boredom melt away. Summer survival should also be enjoyable and maybe even creative and fun. In fact, I bet years from now if you ask your kids what they remember from the summers of their childhood, at least one of them will say that road trip to the cottage up north. Or maybe it’s do you all remember that time we were rained out camping and we sat in the tent or trailer and played cards and did word games all weekend? After all, summer doesn’t need to be perfect and you shouldn’t just need to survive it. Have some fun and hit pause and turn the negatives into positives when able. Grab Your Activity Book Are you ready to grab your copy and make this summer the most creative one yet? By now I think you know exactly what to do here. Click on the link above and save it then print it out. These are for your personal use only. You may not republish. Thanks for reading! Believe me I know that the start of the summer especially for working parents can be rough. The transition is chaos and trying to work with kids underfoot is challenging. BUT that said, summer also tends to fly by and it is the best season to get outside chasing long sunny days at the beach or building core memories with a camping trip that will warm your hearts well into February when the snow and ice feels embedded deep in your bones. I have so many other summer printable activities to try and a few ideas of things you might want to do this year as well. Here’s a tool that can help you get started. Summer Bucket List Use this summer bucket list to prioritize the best summer activities that you plan to do and want to ensure you do not miss a moment of the fun. Check out my Road Trip Activity Book for those days when you are in the car or the van for hours on end Happy Summer!

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My New KURU Summer Sandals

Paula — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 13:10:04 +0000

Summer is right around the corner and that means after a brief spring cleaning stint, I am now fishing out all of my summer attire. And taking stock of my shoes too. I am a firm believer that good shoes matter. I wasn’t always that way and couldn’t always afford good quality footwear. This season, summer 2026, is all about these pain free Kuru summer sandals. I received product for consideration on Thrifty Mommas Tips. My opinion is all my own and it is truthful. When I was younger there was nothing I loved more than high heels with a matching outfit. But the shoes I wore then were far from comfortable. Functional, meh? Not so much. They were all about finishing a curated look. In high school I had a part time job at the mall in a clothing store and I ran with the cute looks then which completely spilled over into the school hallways. Oh, I still have a few pairs of gorgeous colourful stunning pumps and wedges, but at this age and stage of life I am much less inclined to suffer for fashion. I’d much rather have something cute and fashionable that doesn’t hurt my back, my legs, my hips, my feet, my calves. This season my Kuru summer sandals are going the distance with me and supporting health and wellness as well as fashion. What I Love About Kuru Summer Sandals This year my style is easygoing but functional for summer events and the interviews I have going on. Last year, I sprained my ankle while in Boston helping my brother out, watching my niece. Not going to lie that ankle took a long time to heal. Summer swimming helped with rehab. Then during ski season in February a snowboarder collided with me and I hit my shoulder and hurt my lower back and that somehow also became an ongoing ache in my left hip. But it was also winter boot season so there are limits to what you can do with that really. As long as your feet are warm and dry when there’s 3 feet of snow on the front lawn, that’s about the best you can hope for in an Ontario winter. Treat Your Feet My ankle, well that’s pretty much 95% better one year later. Swimming and at home physio helped. Finally, my shoulder has returned to its normal range of motion. My hip and back still have a little bit of residual aching and stiffness at times. So, here’s the thing. I am trusting Kuru this season because they are just that comfortable and their KURU Feel Better Promise™ guarantees that my feet (and yours) feel better in 91 days or you get your money back. Kuru shoes are actually shoes that can 100% claim to improve some common foot and pain issues. So basically, if you have back pain, bunions, flat feet, heel pain, hip pain, plantar fasciitis or a host of other conditions, these will help make you feel better. Any remaining leftover pain or occasional stiffness will definitely be better than it was last year with these summer sandals. A Summer Standout The Kuru Loma Jarvi is a standout in the summer collection in my opinion, blending a classic fisherman-style platform with advanced comfort technology. I chose a versatile toffee sand colour that pairs effortlessly with everything from casual jeans to vacation dresses. The design is elevated by a 56mm lift, making me look way taller than I am (don’t dislike that at all) while providing a stylish silhouette without sacrificing the stability needed for all-day wear. These sandals cradle your foot and your arch perfectly. The cushioned cork footbed is more comfortable than anything I’ve worn in years. Pairing these with cute sundresses and my denim jacket for cool days. Kurosole Technology What sets these sandals apart is the patented KURUSOLE technology, which is engineered to dynamically to flex and hug your heel with every step. The responsive design helps protect the natural cushioning of the feet, which makes them perfect for anyone who needs relief from foot or back pain. The cork footbed and adjustable multi-straps ensures a secure, ergonomic fit that adapts to the movement of the foot. Whether heading to a summer brunch, taking a summer vacation to Europe or hitting an out of town event these are perfect. Finally cute shoes that don’t hurt your feet. Kurosole KURU Shoe Features KURUSOLE Heel Protection: The patented tech hugs and cushions your heels to absorb shock and ease joint strain. (I know this is true. You can feel it the second you put these on.) These are my new Kuru summer sandals: Shoes with Benefits Since receiving these and integrating them recently into my day to day, I see benefits. My hip doesn’t hurt and my foot is so comfortable in these. Kuru has a range of women’s and men’s shoes, runners and sandals. There are some boots too but I have no interest in anything wintery at the moment. The Range of Styles The new arrivals and slip ons have my full attention now as well because if these Loma Jarvi sandals are this comfortable imagine how great it would be to wear these slip ons daily. Also how cute is the regular Loma as well. The colours are FAB. Basically I have a running Wishlist of Kuru footwear that I want to try next. (Hello, Pineapple Coda? SO cute.) I suspect you will have the same issue once you start trying them and wearing them on a regular basis.

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Pause the Panic Card Deck to Help with Anxiety

Paula — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Watching your child navigate the world with a heavy heart can be one of the toughest parts of parenting. Eventually they all hit an age where life stops being all about playgrounds and starts being about performance. That shift can be jarring. For many families often, and indeed for ours, age nine seems to be a significant turning point. This is the point often when little kid worries transform into something more complex, often peaking during those high-pressure teenage years. This was definitely the case in our family. I’ve written about our struggle with childhood anxiety before here several times. Our story was published in Today’s Parent several years ago. Over the years, we spent many hours working through cognitive behavioural therapy, art therapy, play therapy, talk therapy and more. With medications, therapy and physical tools, we are finally in a much better space. But it took time. Pause the Panic Card Deck Our kids struggle with separation anxiety and general anxiety disorder. Panic and anxiety attacks were a thing we dealt with on the regular. School was frequently where the panic manifested itself and where the anxiety spilled over. Relationships, grades, future planning all made my daughter’s panic and anxiety worse. Thankfully for a bit of time she could rely on a resource social worker (high school) who seemed to understand anxiety. Tests and Exams Performance starts to be a huge part of daily living for almost every high school student. Sure some sail through without a whole lot of worry, but few escape completely unbothered by grades, post secondary planning and even choosing a career. One of the most intense arenas for the anxiety/ panic struggle is testing and the school exam. While a little bit of “healthy stress” can sharpen focus, for a child with anxiety, an exam isn’t just a test of knowledge—it feels like a threat. Why Exam Season is a Perfect Storm Exam anxiety is a unique beast because it combines several “triggers” into one high-stakes week. The buildup is a lot and around here there are also several periods of standardized tests for EQAO. The what if I fail worry is often a near constant thought. There is the fear of the unknown: What if the questions are impossible? What if I study the wrong thing? Then, there is the physical toll. Anxiety doesn’t just live in the head; it lives in the body. By the time a teen sits down at a desk, they might already be dealing with a racing heart, shallow breathing, or a stomach in knots. When the body is in “fight or flight” mode, the prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain responsible for memory and logic—effectively goes offline. This is why a child can study for hours and then feel like their mind is a total blank the moment the paper is turned over. But What If? Exam anxiety makes everything feel urgent. Your brain shifts into “what if I fail?” mode. Your body reacts like it’s danger – even though it’s a test. These cards help you: Finally, there’s the weight of perceived expectations. Even if we tell kids that “grades don’t define you,” they are living in a culture that often suggests otherwise. For a teenager, the pressure to succeed can feel overwhelming. What Actually Helps? Moving through these years requires a toolbox that focuses on regulation rather than just “studying harder.” Here are a few strategies that can shift the energy: A Thing We Do Here One regular thing that helps my older daughter is a grounding technique that involves the senses. There are many ways to do this one but basically it requires the person to pause and find something you can see, touch, hear, smell and taste. You can 5,4,3,2,1 it or do 3 of each or we’ve even done a single one for each of the senses. (Five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell and one that you can taste or do three of each see, touch, and then deep breaths.) Both of my kids are constantly working on anxiety and the tools that help them both manage symptoms are always evolving. Anxiety over a lifespan changes as you grow. Lately, with some support from medication and the constant toolkit that we have always had since 6-8 years old, we have a better grip on symptoms. I mean this current timeline is actually a hard one for every single person at every age. Introducing: The Pause the Panic Card Deck We know that in the middle of a “brain fog” moment, a child isn’t going to remember a 20-minute lecture on mindfulness. They need something tactile, quick, and easy to follow. That is why I am sharing the Pause the Panic Card Deck. It’s a printable resource designed specifically for those “red zone” moments. Each card features a simple, science-backed grounding exercise or a cognitive reframe a student can keep in their pocket, pencil case, or taped to the front of a notebook. Give them back a sense of agency when they feel like they’re losing control. While you can’t take the exams away, you can give them the tools to walk into that room feeling a little more steady.

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Still Life: Ten Crime Stories

Paula — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 13:51:51 +0000

I received gifted product for consideration here. Post contains affiliate links as a service to readers. Listen, I am a fan of escapist fiction. Thrillers, romance, mystery, psychological thrillers – these are my go to. It has been a while since I picked up a book of short stories. So, when Still Life: Ten Crime Stories arrived for consideration, I was excited to pick up this collection of stories. After all, short stories are the perfect length before bed or for a quick read in the middle of the day. And who doesn’t love crime stories? There’s an art to a good short story no matter what the genre. The magic is in the right combination of stories woven together to make a collection that transports you somewhere else, or one that makes you think. The arrangement matters. ANDERS, Criminal Code 3:7 There is a solid start here with a crazy but super current take on life as a rookie cop. ANDERS, Criminal Code 3:7 is a police officer fresh out of the academy. He is overly keen and volunteers to support in a fast moving investigation with seemingly good intentions. Thinking that this will further his career, he neglects to examine whether he is truly ready for the challenge. Very quickly Anders learns first hand the deadly consequences of prejudice and how biases colour your actions. Imagine being a law enforcement official right now in any city where people are 24/7 armed with cell phones. Amateur live streamers and videographers are around every corner and on each street. Anders tanks his career immediately which kind of caught me off guard as was no doubt the author’s intention. IDA Criminal Code 12:1 and Lillan Criminal Code 15:7 If the first story catches the reader off guard and grabs your attention then the second IDA Criminal Code 12:1 and third story Lillan Criminal Code 15:7 tugs at your heart. IDA and Lillan are both slightly heartbreaking stories about young women. One has a serious issue with aggression and the other is trapped in a dysfunctional family with her addict mother. In time, a catalyst forces her into foster care. Anne of Penal Law on Narcotics Section 1 Anne of Penal Law on Narcotics Section 1 is a powerful story about a mother who refuses to believe the truth about her son’s drug addiction. Similarly, Anne refuses advice and even ignores her husband’s stance on when enough is enough. Her marriage dissolves when she chooses her son above all else defending him and advocating for house release. Eventually, when that house arrest arrangement deteriorates, she commits the same crime her son is being prosecuted for basically. In the final story that’s part of this collection, a man extends a helping hand in defiance of state restrictions, keeping a refugee safe from the harsh Swedish winter and deportation. From the press release: STILL LIFE: Ten Crime Stories (Other Press Trade Paperback Original; released 3/31/2026), offers ten sharp, deeply human stories exploring how people from all walks of life can end up on the wrong side of the law, regardless of their intentions. Internationally bestselling author Malin Persson Giolito is celebrated for her knack of bringing readers nuanced explorations of law and order, crime, and morality. With her unique voice in Swedish literature, Malin Persson Giolito sheds light on the lives of people through ten thought-provoking emotionally charged stories. She delivers a poignant portrayal of 2025/2026 society and life in general. When Good Intentions Fail Even actions driven by good intentions may still be considered criminal in the eyes of the law. This collection underscores the reality that the legal system doesn’t always get it right. About The Author Malin Persson Giolito is a power-house of Swedish crime fiction, best known globally for her 2016 breakout novel Quicksand. Quicksand was adapted into a hit Netflix series. I’m currently reading this one because it kicks off with a bang and I love that kind of attention-grabbing start. Malin Persson Giolito uses legal realism in her writing to shine a light on morality and societal failures. With her background as a lawyer and her experience at the European Commission, she writes with authority and expertise. Why It Resonates Malin Persson Giolito uses her singular voice to bridge the gaps between different tiers of society. She masterfully illustrates a haunting truth: good intentions can still be criminal. By highlighting how the legal system often fails to protect the vulnerable, Still Life: Ten Crime Stories serves as a compelling thriller and a social critique. This is a collection that asks the reader to examine the concept of justice. I received this advance copy for consideration here. My content is truthful. The post contains affiliate links as a service to readers.

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Why Dream Pairs Boots Are My New Obsession

Paula — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 14:03:00 +0000

Is there anything more “Canadian” than the eternal struggle of finding shoes or boots that actually look cute but won’t leave you sliding across a frozen Tim Horton’s parking lot? I’ve spent years cycling through boots that are either “industrial-tundra-chic” or “fashionable-but-frozen.” Product was provided for consideration and affiliate links are included as a service to readers. I make a small commission via qualifying purchases. The last pair I had were great and a well known brand, don’t get me wrong, but sexy they were not. Fashionable, NO. Functional only and I feel like there’s space for both function and fashion in the winter. So, discovering Dream Pairs boots this month was magical for me. My Favourite Boots But this season, I finally hit the jackpot with Dream Pairs boots. Honestly, I’m a bit late to the party, but now that I’m here, I’m not leaving. I received four different styles—boots, runners, some mid calf boots and indoor, outdoor slippers—and they have all become my daily winter uniform. In fact, I loved some of these so much that I already grabbed a second pair of indoor outdoor slippers as a gift for my daughter who was already a big fan of the brand. “I trust that Dream Pairs are good quality.” 1. The Suede Boots: A Winter Game-Changer Let’s talk about the Suede Winter Boots first, because they were the biggest surprise. Usually, I’m wary of suede in our slushy winters, but these have been incredible. They are lined with the softest fur that honestly feels like a hug for your feet. Even on those mornings where the wind chill makes you want to stay in bed, these keep my toes genuinely toasty. The best part? They don’t have that “heavy” feel of traditional snow boots. They are stylish enough to wear with leggings and a cute oversized sweater for a coffee date, but sturdy enough to handle a trek through the snow to get the mail. These are my new apres-ski boots. Perfect for the run from the van to the lodge or the run down the street to the mailbox or the mall. Pro Tip: If you’re in Canada, I recommend a quick spray of suede protector just to keep them looking pristine against the salt, but they are treated prior to purchase. The quality of these for the price is unbeatable! 2. The Runners: From the Gym to the Grocery Store Next up are the Nortiv 8 women’s walking shoes. We are all picky about sneakers—they need to be supportive, not overly expensive but also extremely comfortable. My feet, knees and back demand good support. These are so sleek and lightweight. I’ve been wearing them for my indoor workouts, but I can see these transitioning into my favourite “running errands” or walking shoes. They have a cushioned sole that makes it feel like you’re walking on clouds, which is a lifesaver when you’re navigating the gym or any errands you need to do. Plus, the breathable mesh means my feet don’t overheat when I’m dashing around and working out. 3. The Slippers: The Ultimate Indoor-Outdoor Hybrid Finally, the Dream Pairs Fuzzy Indoor-Outdoor Slippers. These are the MVP of my house winning the winter right now. We have hardwood floors on the main level of our house that get freezing in the winter, so slippers are a non-negotiable. What I love about this pair is the durable rubber sole. I can wear them while I’m making breakfast, and then walk right outside to take the recycling to the curb without having to swap shoes. They have a plush, luxurious feel that reminds me of high-end brands, but at a fraction of the cost. These are actually the warmest indoor outdoor shoes or slippers that I have ever had. 4: The Knee High Pull On Full Boots In numerous colours, these knee high pull on full boots are actually mind blowing. Love the style and the height. Love that there are several pairs of boots with wide calf fit options too if that’s what you need. And when these arrived and I spied the soft inner lining plus the pockets in the boots, I squealed for joy. I mean pockets in boots? Life altering fashion meets function. My Fave Features of These The Hidden Pocket: Perfect for stashing cash, key, or card, these women’s dress boots come with an inner pocket. These knee-high boots offer both style and function. Comfortable Height: With a 0.5-inch heel, these cute boots are ideal for long walks, shopping trips, or all-day wear. Sizing and Shipping Shopping on Amazon Canada can occasionally feel like a gamble and buying shoes, boots or clothing can be hit or miss for sizes. That’s my biggest issue sometimes, but the shipping was fast and the sizing was spot on for all of these. When I saw how much I was wearing my indoor outdoor slippers, I knew I had to get a pair for my daughter. It was either that or she was going to end up owning my pair. Just as an aside, my daughter, Payton says these are everywhere on campus and frankly the ease getting them on and off is a big deal for her due to arthritis. Why I’m Gifting Them Too It’s rare to find a brand that hits that sweet spot of: If you’re looking to treat yourself or need some trendy fashionable boots that you know will actually get used, check out the Dream Pairs storefront. Your feet (and your wallet) will thank you!

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Small Santa, Big Heart: My Little Santa Claus

Paula — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 02:52:30 +0000

What happens when Santa Claus is the one in need of a gift? When young Magali meets a tiny, lost Santa on Christmas Eve, she discovers that the greatest holiday magic comes from compassion in My Little Santa Claus. I received product for consideration. Amazon affiliate links are included in this post as a service to readers. Any purchases made via the links within result in compensation. Available in English for the first time, this rediscovered gem, My Little Santa Claus, by beloved author-illustrator Gabrielle Vincent is a masterclass in simple storytelling through kindness. If you know me, or spend any time here at all or on any of my social channels then you know why I would want to feature this adorable book here. Seasonally appropriate, this cute beautifully illustrated tale is charming and sweet. It rewards the reader, or the buyer, whether that is Mom, Dad, or grandparents with gorgeous drawings and a heartfelt message. The Specs: Themes: Generosity, empathy, and the joy of giving. Perfect for: Ages 3–8 (and anyone who believes in holiday magic). The Vibe: A timeless bedtime story that feels like a warm hug. The Length: 32 pages, hardcover Now in English First published in French in 1994, My Little Santa Claus showcases Gabrielle Vincent’s signature blend of sensitivity, humour, and warmth. This timeless story captures the hearts of both young and old, making it a perfect read for children who believe in the magic of the holiday season. Author Bio Gabrielle Vincent, the pseudonymn of Monique Martin, was born in Brussels in 1928. She was a talented painter who began her career working primarily in black and white mediums such as ink, charcoal and pencil. In the 60s she shifted to colour and water colours, pastels and oils. She was best known for her Ernest et Celestine series. Published in 2025 by Rocky Mountain Books, this is the first English translation of Mon petit Pere Noel. My Little Santa Claus is the perfect last minute gift. Order now on Amazon: My Little Santa Claus. Looking for other ideas still? Then don’t miss this post roundup of whimsical gifts for girls or this 101 gifts for car guys and car girls.

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Whimsical Girl Gifts for Christmas

Paula — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 20:02:14 +0000

This is a collab with my daughter Payton, the queen of whimsy in my house. As a member of the oldest daughter’s club and someone who is chronically online, I feel it is my duty to help those who don’t know what to buy for the girl in their life. Stick with me and I will help you find the perfect Christmas gift. You’re welcome in advance. But also, if you hate anything here on this roundup of whimsical girl gifts I abdicate all responsibility. I broke this out into shopper personas, so if you know anyone your daughter, sister, bestie or girlfriend, who fits these categories then please dig in. The Collector Girl, you know who you are. Your room or living space is covered in TikTok vines and cherry blossoms. You adore whimsical girl gifts and you live the vibe. Chefy Chef Homebody The Music Girlie Makeup and Beauty Lover Outdoorswoman The Host or Hostess Pin this post for later: Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! There are so many great ideas here. Hope you find one that fits the girl in your life. If you do, come back and let me know!

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So Where’ve I Been for the Last Year?

Paula — Mon, 14 Mar 2022 12:50:00 +0000

So Where’ve I Been this last year? Two years ago this week we were practically standing at the door ready to roll on our trip to Vermont I was writing here 3-4 times a week, a regular contributor to CBC Parents and Content Coordinator at Neighbours of Sunningdale. But the pandemic upended a lot of that. Travel ground to a standstill two years ago this week and that was that. What is a travel writer without the ability to travel? I pivoted fast to writing about pandemic parenting and that worked for several months. Frankly, that first year just being able to keep paying the mortgage was a big accomplishment. So, what about the last year though? For sure several of you have most likely noticed me writing less frequently. That’s because I took a new job as Digital media account manager at a digital media and marketing agency close to London, Ontario. (Side note: reach out of you need any marketing, communications or digital media/ social media marketing needs.) You can find me at 31st Line Strategic Communications. My New Occasional Office While a large portion of the last year has been remote work still, there was a chunk of summer and fall where I was in the office a couple days a week. That was actually pretty enjoyable and as you can see here some of my office colleagues are a whole lot of fun. None of us know what next year brings, but as lockdowns and the travel forecast clears I hope to share many more adventures with you again soon. And I hope to be able to return physically to the office again soon as well. To New Adventures I am still writing, but mostly I do that at work in the context of the campaigns that I manage. This year we have traveled in Canada and I am enjoying that of course too. Quebec is always a hit for us as a family in any season and ski season this year was no exception. Recently we returned from Mt Tremblant, which is the spot where we learned to ski many years ago, so it holds a special spot in our hearts always. The trails and the snow were both exceptional this season. Here’s to being able to share a bit more travel here this spring and summer. What Have You Been Up to? Are you planning any adventures? Did you make a career change during the pandemic?

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Why I am Celebrating Finishing the Pandemic School Year

Paula — Sun, 25 Jul 2021 19:15:45 +0000

Kudos to all the university, college and high school kids who finished this challenging pandemic school year. Here’s why I am celebrating that achievement. Pandemic learning was a huge challenge this year as was school in general. Socially, I feel like we haven’t given our kids enough credit for getting through the volatile and discombobulating pandemic school year they just had. Imagine being a teen or even an elementary child adapting to all of the stress and change that’s been thrown at them this year. If anything, I am surprised so many kept going to the very end of June. What I am Celebrating Last month, my oldest daughter finished her first year of university done during a pandemic and my youngest finished grade eleven. I know many of you parents know what I mean when I say well that was a year like no other. This past school year was chaos to say the least. Many high school students went back and forth all year. Two to three months in class and then boom back to at home remote learning through no fault of their own. Then when Covid-19 numbers dipped again some slid right back into the classrooms where smaller numbers of kids had been in cohorts. Finally, back to school and whoops suddenly Wave 3 of the pandemic hit in Ontario. The Only Constant Was Disruption The pandemic school year was nothing if not disruptive. At times, we nearly gave up here on high school because the pandemic school year was more than uphill especially since all supports vanished and suddenly I was basically doing the IEP here while juggling a full time job too. Ontario students of all ages had a year like no other. Parents did too. I know how hard that was and think it’s worth noting. Parents and students made the greatest sacrifices this academic year. But it’s over. Now let’s stay safe this summer, wear masks and get your second vaccines so school can return to some version of normal in September. We all owe that to kids and families in Ontario. For my University Student What a first year it was! She was literally on campus three times, two of those times were in the fall of 2020 for a social distancing paint night with masks on, to pick up something from the campus bookstore and join a study session. She hasn’t physically been on campus at all in 2021. Learning from home started as a huge adjustment and it was lonely at first but over time and by second semester it was clear she found a rhythm. Our University Year While people often took jabs at college and university students for spreading the virus, and there were numerous outbreaks in residences at Western University, this was not our experience. I don’t think a lot of students actually fell into the partying irresponsible group. The actual lived experience of many university and college students was pretty hobbit like and anxiety provoking. A lot, like Payton, were home learning all of their subjects from a corner of their bedrooms all year. Some students made it physically on campus two to three times to buy books or get their student activity card printed. Anxious Moments Anxiety impacted sleeping. My oldest worried often. So working on school all day in her bedroom was not conducive to restful sleep at night. And Yet They Adapted While it took several months for Payton to find her footing, she eventually did. Pandemic learning was less than ideal, but still she did it. By semester two I noticed a change mentally. She was reluctant and a bit depressed in September. As in, this is not what I signed up for but by January she was in the groove. Honestly, I was proud that she was making the best of it. Meanwhile in High School Here in our school district and province they segmented students into cohorts for consistency and size of classes. My youngest went to school some weeks for a whole two days, four hours each day. Ridiculous. For the rest of the week, classes occurred on Microsoft Teams or via Zoom style remote learning. By the end of the year they had given up. So, I decided we could drop the last course entirely. For a kid who loves sports, conducting all the sports at home online was a huge hurdle. It just wasn’t going to end well. My kiddo with FASD is a black and white thinker, and that’s part of the disability. So, doing sports without the team portion of it in person was a non starter. But We Did It So ultimately while both experiences were very different, we did it. We made it through the school year. Some of us emerged a little stronger and wiser and maybe more resilient. Some parents lost jobs as a result of the need to teach. Believe me, this is nothing I would wish on any parent or student. But here’s to making it through! ONWARDS to the Fall I am hopeful September is an entirely different and consistent school experience. Our kids deserve it and need it. Frankly, we do too.

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Eight Ways to Teach Gratitude and a Gratitude Jar Craft

Paula — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 15:30:00 +0000

Gratitude is a funny thing. It’s hard to teach at times, but such an important value to hold close for life. Without gratitude life can ring hollow. For me, gratitude ties in closely with mindfulness. That’s why I like this gratitude jar kids’ craft idea for families. I’ve talked about self esteem before and self esteem crafts that help kids to grow more self esteem, but what about gratitude? How do you build a sense of gratitude from a young age that permeates a lifespan? Eight Ways to Show Gratitude Here are several ways to help build gratitude in kids as they grow. Model Gratitude Talk about the things YOU are grateful for as a parent. This can be a simple way for kids to understand that there are many things to be grateful for daily. I find that this works in conjunction with mental health. It is also a bonding activity in some ways. When my kids were tiny I would often state: I am so grateful we adopted you and that would support positive adoption language as well. All good things. Share Something Sweet Giving helps kids and adults feel good about themselves and also it can help to show and make gratitude concrete. So bake those cookies, cupcakes or brownies and deliver them to a neighbour. Watch them light up. You get the distinct feeling of baking something nice and sharing something sweet with a neighbour. Share Your Time Volunteer together. Look for chances to give back to your community. You can also model this by volunteering yourself as an adult. When you communicate to kids that this is just part of being a member of a community they are more inclined to understand that over the lifespan and find ways to give back as well. List Five Things You Are Grateful For Each Night One of my daughters does this thing before bed sometimes where she comes in to see me and gives me a hug and then recounts five special things about the day. I enjoyed taking a walk with you. I’m grateful for seeing the neighbour’s dog and having the chance to pet it on our walk, etc. You get the idea. This small thing helps lift us up before bed. Some people do this daily at dinner as a family. It is also a trick the kids learned at camp one year. We love it. Start a Gratitude Journal Remember your childhood diaries? Well, a gratitude journal is a little like that, but by stating the positive things every day in the morning or at night and creating your own positive little journal, you can help to create and explore positive grateful sentiment. I like this idea because it is a positive space for everyone. Obviously kids and teens have their own version of this and it is simple to do. Mine is sometimes on my phone and occasionally I use this space to explore gratitude as I did here – 85 Things I am Grateful For. These are often very simple daily details but they make me smile. Scooter Kid for instance and Mindy the dog. Draw, Create, Make Something Beautiful Art has many therapeutic benefits. One of my kids is very much tiny making art as a therapy tool, so you can also help elevate someone else with this. Draw something and post it in your window to brighten the neighbourhood or paint a picture and deliver it by mail to a relative you haven’t seen recently. Pay a Compliment Show gratitude and share some joy by simply eating a kindness forward and paying someone a compliment. My youngest daughter is excellent at this. They tell random strangers how much they love their nails or hair or simply say have a great day. It all helps and the positive smile is rewarding. Make a Gratitude Jar Craft This gratitude jar craft is a great craft for families. Here’s how to make yours. Gratitude Jar for Kids You can do this gratitude jar craft a couple of different ways. Print these two sheets out and make it a fun little two dimensional drawing activity. Or, go get a mason jar and make it a fully hands on gratitude activity that resonates. I veer towards hands on here because that’s the kind of thing that’s always spoken to my kids. We’re a hands on kind of family. It’s how the kids learn. Finding Gratitude How do you find gratitude or how do you show gratitude? Sometimes I write down things I am grateful for. When things seem overwhelming I give that a lot of work. There are many days when it’s hard to find any reason to be grateful for anything especially during the pandemic, but doing these every week or even periodically can help to shift your mindset. That helps everyone in my family and I hope it helps yours too. Don’t Miss These Other Craft Ideas

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