In a great many places in the world, education means being able to do more than simply survive. It is security, opportunity, and a way to lift whole families out of the poverty cycle. It means literacy, and the ability to advocate for oneself and one's community. Education is enabling. Poverty is a … [Read more...]
Are you ready? Latest study about condom use.
When you were growing up did you ever have that conversation with your parents about sex? I certainly didn't. It may be because my parents weren't comfortable and probably didn't know how to approach the topic. But times have changed since we were in university... or have they? Certainly access to … [Read more...]
ASD and High School
Ever since my son was diagnosed with Aspergers I worried about high school. Elementary school was hard enough with all the academic and social issues - how the hell would he survive High school? I started doing some research when he was in grade 4 and I surprised to find that there were … [Read more...]
French Immersion: The Pros and Cons
In the summer, I took my kids to a French bakery for their favourite croissant and pain au chocolate. My son ordered in French, and the girl at cash was charmed. This is his fifth year in French Immersion at a Toronto public school, and his language skills are increasingly strong. … [Read more...]
Are Teacher’s Actions re Bill 115 Disrespectful?
This is a guest post written anonymously by an UrbanMoms reader and educator.Last Friday, I took my two sons to the TDSB Cross Country Fun Meet at Earl Bales Park. As a parent at one of the many TDSB schools where teachers have chosen to boycott all activities outside of the delivery of curriculum, … [Read more...]
Meet the Parents
No, not that meet the parents (although I will admit it is one of my favourite funny movies). No, this is about an altogether different kind of Meet the Parents. It's the time of year when school boards across the country organize the first Parent-Teacher Conference of the year, formerly … [Read more...]
Registered Education Savings Plans (RESP’s) and Why You Want To Have Them
We all want the best for our children, and part of that is preparing them for their future after high school. If you're hoping for them to get post-secondary education, then you know that school/college/university costs money. A lot of money. Student loans are an option, possibly a necessity, and … [Read more...]
Sex: A Tell All Exhibition
I was in Ottawa for Race Weekend and decided, in between running, to take in some exhibits at the city's diverse museums. I could tell you how wonderful the Van Gogh exhibit at the National Gallery of Canada was, but I'm pretty sure you'd be able to figure that one out on your own. The … [Read more...]
Language and Linguini
If you are wondering why I took Italian lessons this past Fall - think for a moment about how beautifully I will converse while I am here Going back to school in any capacity is a reminder of how we can learn to see ourselves differently at any age or stage of our lives. I want to go to Italy … [Read more...]
Hangin’ With Mr. D (How A Working Dad Supports His Family)
Before Gerry Dee became one of the country's hottest comedians, he was a teacher. So when I sit down with him, my first question is about schools. Private or public? "This is my theory: there's great kids at public schools and there's great kids at private. There's bad kid at … [Read more...]