It was 2012 when Tyla Savard realized her daughter, Carrissa, had a serious substance use disorder. Carrissa was struggling with fentanyl - something Savard didn’t even know how to spell, to try to find information on the Internet. “It didn’t matter” she said. “There was no information.” Carrissa … [Read more...]
If Jessica Simpson Can’t Wear That, What Exactly Should Moms Dress Like?
What exactly does a mother look like? For 14 years, I’ve been asking myself this question. This week, I find myself asking the question yet again because recently Jessica Simpson created quite the stir when she posted an Instagram photo of her doing the unthinkable…given that she’s a mother of … [Read more...]
I Put My Kid In An Uber Without Me And Here’s What Happened
A couple of weeks ago, the Toronto Star printed an article about a father in Vancouver, who allowed four of his children, ages seven to 11, to take public transit to school. The father, Adrian Crook, told the paper that he spent two years "training" his children to take the 45-minute public transit … [Read more...]
If My Daughter’s Bra Strap Is Distracting You, It’s Your Problem
As the start of the school year quickly approaches, so will the ongoing debate about ‘dress codes.’ Sometimes I feel like the only mother of a teenage daughter who doesn’t give a sh*t about what my daughter wears to school or, for that matter, when she’s not in school. In fact, sometimes I even … [Read more...]
Hangovers And Parenting Are A Terrible, Horrible Combination
I’m pretty sure I’m sober now. Like 92 percent sure. I am sure, however, that hangovers and parenting are a terrible combination. Horrible! The worst! The problem mostly comes down to having a kid (or worse, more than one kid) who have no respect for requests like, ‘Please don’t talk.’ Or, … [Read more...]
The Politics Of Prom (And What On Earth Is A Promposal?)
Prom has always been an exciting, if fraught, experience. You need to buy the dress. You need to get your hair styled. You wonder if your boyfriend, even though he’s been your boyfriend for months, will ask you to Prom. You need to figure out how to get there. Most teens think it will be the Best … [Read more...]
Not An Old Person’s Disease: I Was Diagnosed With Juvenile Arthritis At 18
When most people think of arthritis, they think of it as an ‘old person’s disease’. Yet more than 24,000 Canadian children live with arthritis. Children and teenagers can be affected by arthritis in many forms, and it can cause joint inflammation, stiffness, and affect a child’s growth. Often, … [Read more...]
8 Tips For Having A Quickie When The Kids Are Home
Nothing squashes a passionate sex life like having children. With romance on the mind this Valentine's Day, parents may be wondering when they’ll get some alone time. A healthy sex life helps keep intimacy alive in your relationship—but what if you can't get a night alone? When it comes to sex … [Read more...]
How I Ended Up Hospitalized Because I Didn’t Get the Flu Shot
I don’t remember much of March 2016. Quite frankly, I don’t want to either. It was one of the most traumatizing months of my life. I was so sick for, literally, the entire month. I blame only myself. While I always ensure my children get the flu vaccine, personally, I didn’t think it was such a … [Read more...]
Bra Shopping With Your Daughter: Tips For Being A ‘Supportive’ Mom
Possibly one of the most embarrassing, brave, and daunting questions a preteen girl can ask her mother is to go bra shopping. The other day, my 12-year-old daughter asked me to take her bra shopping. “I need to get fitted,” she said, all-knowingly. I was taken aback. Not because she needed bigger … [Read more...]