Author

Kristi York

Browsing
In Uncategorized

The Social, Educational and Organizational Skills Your Child Needs by 8th Grade

No Comments

Every kid is different and matures at their own pace. That said, there are some basic school-related skills that should be in place by the time your child enters Grade 8. Here is a review of essential skills needed by 8th grade, for today’s young teenager — plus some useful tips to help develop them. Social Skills Needed by 8th Grade Young people with strong social skills are better prepared to build positive relationships, meet new friends, navigate unfamiliar situations and manage peer pressure. The social world of preteens and teens is a complex one, and you want your child to feel as confident and comfortable as possible. Verbal communication. They should be able to choose suitable words and comments for the situation, while speaking a confident tone of voice. Awareness of non-verbal communication. At this age, they likely understand that body language can also send powerful messages. They will…

by
Keep Reading
In Parenting

Tips for Washing Baseball and Soccer Gear Like an All-Star

No Comments

Any youth sport coach will tell you that a dirty uniform is a beautiful thing — a sign of true effort and hustle. As the parent, however, your hard work begins after the game, to get that uniform bright and clean again. To help you out, we’ve compiled some tried-and-true ways to keep your child’s jersey and other associated gear in great condition all summer. Here are some field-tested tips for washing baseball and soccer gear. How to wash a baseball or soccer uniform Your child’s team-issued uniform likely includes a jersey, hat, pants or shorts, and socks. There may be additional pieces such as a warm-up shirt or other spirit wear. Without the official uniform, your young athlete can’t go on the field. As such, all pieces should be treated with extreme care during the washing process to avoid any damage, shrinking or discoloring. Here’s a step-by-step game plan for uniform…

by
Keep Reading
In Summer Camp

7 Eco-Friendly Ways to Prepare for Summer Camp

No Comments

As you prepare for the summer camp season, here are some tips to help you become more environmentally responsible and save money by reducing, reusing, and recycling! By following these simple tips, you can positively impact the environment, and bonus – keep costs down! So, whether you’re packing for your kids to head off to summer camp or not, please keep our environment in mind. With a little effort and some eco-friendly camp prep, we can all work towards a more sustainable future. Give an old backpack new life. Empty out your child’s trusty school backpack or dig out an extra one from a previous year. Pre-treat any unsightly spots with stain remover and run it through a cold-water cycle in your washing machine. Hang it outdoors in the sun to dry. Spruce up the zipper pull with a keychain-style accessory or a personalized bag tag. The backpack’s makeover is…

by
Keep Reading
In Summer Camp

Day Camp Registration Tips

No Comments

Summer is the season for kids’ day camps, but the day camp registration season starts right now. We’ve got the tips you need to secure a spot in the coveted camps on your wish list. How to find day camp options in your area Start with an online search where you type in “[your city] kids day camps.” Begin researching as early as possible, as popular camps may sell out quickly. Instead of settling for the same old camp as last year, investigate camps that are hosted by: Your city or municipality A nearby university or college The local community center, public library, or YMCA Kids’ activity program providers such as dance, gymnastics, martial arts, theatre, art, or computer coding Birthday party businesses, such as indoor trampolining, pottery painting or LEGO building Common field trip destinations, such as children’s museums, zoos or nature centers Youth sports associations, including team sports,…

by
Keep Reading
In Parenting

How to get kids dressed for winter and not lose your mind

No Comments

My kids have many strengths, but speed is not one of them. This is particularly true in the winter, when it’s time to put on snow pants and boots, along with a jacket, hat and mittens. They… are… slow. You may have experienced a similar push-and-pull dilemma on a hectic morning. It’s tempting to simply push the boots onto your child’s feet and pull them out the door with you. On the other hand, we know that as parents, we’re supposed to be empowering them to be self-sufficient. So, how do you promote independence but still get out the door on time? Here are some kid-tested tactics to add to your daily routine. How to organize kids’ winter gear Organization is key to manage kids’ winter apparel and accessories. Think like a kindergarten teacher and apply these strategies: Put it in its place. Whether you use hooks, cubbies, drawers or…

by
Keep Reading
In Uncategorized

Laundry Tips for Staying Organized

No Comments

Laundry. It never ends. Six years ago, I wrote a Mabelhood post about the incessant burden of laundry and how I was considering giving up clothes entirely to save my time and sanity. Unfortunately, the nudist lifestyle didn’t pan out, and here I am — still constantly sorting, washing, drying, and folding clothes. I have even more washloads now, as my kids and their clothing have gotten bigger (and smellier). The laundry struggle is real, and we’re all in the same sweat-soaked, ketchup-stained boat. With this in mind, I have compiled some tips to help maximize your laundry organization and efficiency. Embrace a new laundry mindset It’s time to accept the fact that laundry is a constant in your life. As parenting author and mom of six Dawn Meehan put it: “I don’t have laundry day. I have laundry life.” The great news is: we are not living in pioneer times.…

by
Keep Reading
In Mom Moments

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Your Pelvic Floor, But Were Afraid to Ask

No Comments

The term “pelvic health” refers to a growing practice within physiotherapy. For physiotherapist Erica Gambarotto, it’s a specialty that was born out of personal experience. Originally trained as an orthopedic physio, Erica became alarmed by the drastic changes in her body while pregnant with twins. “I was running to the washroom all the time, amongst other embarrassing bodily malfunctions,” she recalls. “I started taking professional courses in pelvic physiotherapy, initially with the goal of treating myself. Turns out, it is a fascinating area of study, and I haven’t looked back.”

by
Keep Reading
In Parenting

Hockey Tournament Survival Guide: How to Keep Organized on Tournament Weekends

No Comments

It’s been on the calendar for weeks: the big hockey tournament weekend. Whether local or out of town, organizing everything can feel like a Zamboni-sized task. Don’t worry, though — we’ve got team-tested tips to help you with the hockey tournament weekend: organization & survival. The tournament experience can be as smooth as freshly flooded ice with a little planning. Hockey tournament weekend survival: gear organization First and foremost, you need the team uniform. Your safest bet is to bring anything and everything that has the team logo on it: the ‘home’ jersey, ‘away’ jersey, ‘alternate’ jersey, and so on. Pack plenty of extra clothes, especially undershirts and socks. And, if your young all-star’s equipment is getting a little smelly, check out our tips on washing and disinfecting it before they hit the ice. You don’t want to arrive at an out-of-town tournament with only one elbow pad. Take a…

by
Keep Reading
In School

Homework Tips for a Smooth School Year

No Comments

Back-to-school means the return of the dreaded “h-word”: homework. Don’t worry, though — we’ve got three “s words” to help you through it (and no, it doesn’t include the one that immediately comes to mind). For Homework tips to make the process more efficient and less painful, try using the three S’s: schedule, space, and support. Schedule – How to create a homework schedule  It’s helpful to establish good habits and a regular homework routine right from the start. You know your child best, so customize the timing by asking the following questions: Are they best suited to tackle their work right after school, before they get caught up in their free time activities? For example, once they get rolling on something fun, will it be a huge battle to transition them back into a school mindset? Would they benefit from a bit of time to decompress and regroup first?…

by
Keep Reading