Author Archives: Maureen Harris, RN

About Maureen Harris, RN

I have been working as a Public Health Nurse for many years. I enjoy working with families and supporting them along their parenting journey. I’m passionate about promoting a healthy active lifestyle for families. When not working, you can often find me hiking the beautiful trails in Halton Hills with my family.

Why should I vaccinate my young child against COVID-19?

Posted on August 2, 2022 by Maureen Harris, RN

On July 14th, Health Canada authorized the use of the Moderna Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine in children 6 months to 5 years of age. For many of you, this comes as a big relief. With many pandemic restrictions lifted and people no … Continue reading →

Posted in Babies, Children & Tweens, Parenting, Keeping Your Baby Safe, Keeping Your Toddler & Preschooler Safe, Keeping Your Child/Tween Safe | Tagged COVID-19, COVID-19 vaccine, immunization, infant, toddler | Leave a comment

Why we need to stop forcing our children to hug

Posted on December 12, 2016 by Maureen Harris, RN

Last updated: December 6, 2024 It’s the holiday season and that means lots of visits with friends and family. This can also lead to an awkward situation: relatives (ahem, grandparents!) and others who expect automatic hugs and kisses from children … Continue reading →

Posted in Children & Tweens, Emotional Well-Being & Mental Health for Your Child/Tween, Keeping Your Child/Tween Safe, Keeping Your Toddler & Preschooler Safe, Parenting, Parenting Your Child/Tween, Parenting Your Toddler & Preschooler, Play, Growth & Development, Toddlers & Preschoolers | Tagged body image, children, families, grandparents, healthy body image, healthy sexuality, hugging, manners, personalities, preschoolers, relatives, Safety, temperament | 3 Comments

Why you need to stop rushing your preschooler

Posted on November 14, 2016 by Maureen Harris, RN

Do you feel like you’re always in a hurry, rushing your kids around? Have you ever stopped and wondered how this affects your child? I was recently walking through a park, when I noticed a grandmother with her young granddaughter. … Continue reading →

Posted in Parenting, Parenting Your Toddler & Preschooler, Play, Growth & Development, Toddlers & Preschoolers | Tagged balance, child, child development, children, curiosity, development, early learning, explore, family time, grandparents, imagination, learn, Mental Health, play, preschooler, rush, stress, toddler, transition, unstructured time | 2 Comments

Books and beyond: Raising readers

Posted on October 24, 2016 by Maureen Harris, RN

Do you remember your first library card? I do. I was so excited to have my very own piece of ID – something I didn’t have to share with my brothers or sister. I used it religiously. That card opened … Continue reading →

Posted in Babies, Children & Tweens, Parenting, Parenting Your Baby, Parenting Your Child/Tween, Parenting Your Toddler & Preschooler, Play, Growth & Development, Play, Growth & Development for Babies, Preparing for Kindergarten, Toddlers & Preschoolers | Tagged books, child, child development, children, early literacy, family, family time, kids, library, library program, literacy, parents, preschooler, preschoolers, read, reading, school, toddler | 1 Comment

Potty training: Is my child ready to start?

Posted on August 30, 2016 by Maureen Harris, RN

There’s nothing that strikes fear and anxiety in a parent quite like the words “potty training”. This stage of development often conjures up a range of emotions. Whether you refer to it as potty training, toilet training, or toilet learning … Continue reading →