HaltonParents

Start a conversation with your kids about smoking

Posted on May 31, 2013 by Cynthia Lindsay RN

“Mom have you ever smoked”? This was my son’s question to me. I was glad he asked. I’ve always encouraged “ask me anything”. I’d rather my kids get the information from me. It allows me to add my values to the discussion. You just never know what they are hearing in the school yard. And so our conversation started…

It’s never too early or late to start a conversation about smoking or tobacco products, like chewing tobacco. As their parent, you are the most influential person in their lives – yes even when they are tweens or teens!

Here are some tips to help you start the conversation with your kids: Continue reading →

Posted in Alcohol, Tobacco & Drugs, Children & Tweens, Keeping Your Child/Tween Safe, Keeping Your Teen Safe, Parenting, Parenting Your Child/Tween, Parenting Your Teen, Teens | Tagged chew, chewing tobacco, child, cigarette, conversation, Physical Health, school health, Smoking, talk, teen, tips to help kids not smoke, tobacco | 4 Comments

Safety First: Hockey Canada bans hitting in peewee hockey

Posted on May 28, 2013 by Cynthia Lindsay RN

I just posted Prevent Concussions and Take Care of that Awesome Brain yesterday as we enter Safe kids’ week. And now I’ve just learned of the big news that Hockey Canada has banned hitting in the peewee division starting this upcoming season.

Carolyn Emery, a physiotherapist and associate professor at the University of Calgary praises the decision: “This policy change will prevent at least 5,000 injuries and over 1,500 concussions in 11- and 12-year-old hockey players next season”. Emery authored a 2010 study that found that body checking is linked to a threefold higher risk of concussion and other injuries among 11- and 12-year-olds. Continue reading →

Posted in Children & Tweens, Emotional Well-Being & Mental Health for Your Child/Tween, Keeping Your Child/Tween Safe, Parenting, Parenting Your Child/Tween | Tagged concussions, hitting, hockey, hockey canada, injury prevention, Keeping Your Baby Safe, no more hitting, Physical Health, safe kids week | Leave a comment

Prevent Concussions and Take Care of that Awesome Brain!

Posted on May 27, 2013 by Cynthia Lindsay RN

It’s Safe Kids Week and this year’s focus is on concussions in children. There has been some much needed attention to brain injuries recently because of Sydney Crosby’s concussions. I’m glad to see that he has recovered, but not without many struggles. His experience has actually helped me become more educated on concussions and a better trainer for my daughter’s hockey team.

Concussions are very worrisome, because you can’t see them! You don’t see the swelling or the bruising… and kids have a hard time describing their symptoms. It can be simply an “I feel weird”. Continue reading →

Posted in Children & Tweens, Emotional Well-Being & Mental Health for Your Teen, Keeping Your Child/Tween Safe, Keeping Your Teen Safe, Keeping Your Toddler & Preschooler Safe, Parenting, Parenting Your Child/Tween, Parenting Your Teen, Teens, Toddlers & Preschoolers | Tagged brain injury, child, concussions, hockey, injury, parents, Physical Health, return to play, safe kids week, school, sport, symptoms | 4 Comments

Hop on the walking school bus!

Posted on May 23, 2013 by Andrea Scott RN

So a couple of days ago I was on Twitter for HaltonParents, y’know, minding my own business, when I stumbled upon this CTV News report, that asks “Are we DRIVING our kids to unhealthy habits?” The report says, “Fewer kids commuting by bike, foot, report finds.” This video sums the report up nicely:

Continue reading →

Posted in Children & Tweens, Parenting, Parenting Your Child/Tween, Parenting Your Teen, Preparing for Kindergarten, Teens, Transition to High School | Tagged 2013 Active Healthy Kids Canada Report Card, bike to school, community, developmental assets, drive to school, physical activity, Physical Health, safe neighbourhood, school, school health, walk to school, walking school bus | 2 Comments

The TV actually turns off?? COOL!

Posted on May 21, 2013 by Paula D'Orazio

I am not a perfect person. It follows then, that I am not a perfect mother. My children watch TV. Not as often or as much as some other kids I know (for some shallow reason I felt the need to say that) and, as per household rules, never at supper time. But on occasion, it has happened; more often than I care to admit. In fact, it happened yesterday…my kids watched TV! The horror!!

Continue reading →