Grandparent time…
Looking to spend quality time with little ones? Here’s how:
• Attend a community event – Regardless of age, there’s a sense of excitement and the opportunity to bond when attending something together: watching a local sports team, a neighbourhood theatre production, or a library’s story time.
• Share your hobby – Are you a gardener? Do you knit, or crochet? How about painting or carving? Teaching a new skill is a wonderful contribution to their development.
• Head in the kitchen – Cooking is a valuable life skill, and measuring, stirring, chopping and baking are wonderful ways to pass down favourite recipes and experience new flavours.
• Play a game or read – If you’re looking to have fun, create lasting memories and have a little healthy competition, try tackling board or card games together. Also reading out-loud is always a great way to share stories.
Moving? Helping kids cope
Major transitions can cause stress for parents and kids alike. Smoother transitions may happen if you:
• Keep it positive. Frame the move as a new adventure.
• Communicate openly. Don’t leave them guessing.
• Keep your routines as familiar as possible.
• Encourage kids to explore their new environment with you.
Landmark autism study
A molecular path that leads to autism has been discovered. Researchers found that the gene that causes myotonic dystrophy – a genetic condition that creates progressive muscle weakness – also causes autism spectrum disorder. Their findings will impact future diagnosis, prevention and treatment.
Source: Nature
No safe amount
After reviewing more than 70 studies, the link between processed meat and cancer, heart disease and diabetes is clear. Elevated risk associated with sugar-sweetened beverages and trans fats were also deemed dangerous, even in small quantities.
Source: Health Insider
Zero dose kids
1.4 million children in the Americas missed routine vaccinations in 2024. A startling increase caused by lack of access not choices.
Source: WHO
Are they old enough?
Implementation for “social media” access is bumpy. Most social media companies already require users to be 13 years of age or above, but this is rarely the case. When asked to verify their ages many kids and teens will just input a fake birthday that aligns with age restrictions. Risks come from poor parental controls with lost sleep, reduced physical activity, anxiety or depression along with feelings of envy, frustration or anger.
Best advice:
1) Keep your eye on what your kids are joining with parental controls or teen accounts
2) Never share personal information
3) Ensure password privacy
4) Be mindful and review postings
5) Check privacy settings
6) Report any cyberbullying or inappropriate content.
Who are Mars & Murrie?
Fun fact: M&Ms are named for the son of the Mars Company founder, Forrest Mars and Bruce Murrie, the son of the Hershey Chocolate president. The rest – they say – is history.
Image: iStock. Mars Incorporated. Miguel Marmolejos Fernández, Pexels. Shutterstock.
