Balancing the needs of our families and ageing relatives

Plan ahead with your parents while they're healthy. Photo: Katarzyna Bialasiewicz

Those of us who are caring for kids at home while also looking after parents or loved ones with increasing needs are often referred to as the “sandwich generation.” According ... Read More

Ukraine presents an empathy teaching moment. Photo: istockphoto.com/Ruslan Lytvyn

MomSense

Talking to kids about Ukraine

By Liz Farrell

Just when the world was start-ing to feel a little more normal — Covid numbers were declining, and mask mandates were being lifted — the conflict between Russia and Ukraine wa... Read More

Children can learn “if you win don’t rub it in, if you lose don’t make excuses.” Photo: monkeybusinessimages

MomSense

Life lessons in youth sports

By Liz Farrell

We spent the last several weeks mesmerized by the winter Olympics. We watched every night together as a family, each of us having a favorite sport, event, or athlete we were cheer... Read More

The pandemic has taken a toll on our children. Photo: Prostock-Studio

MomSense

The side effects of the pandemic on our children

Academic, social, and mental challenges continue

By Liz Farrell

We are a month into the new year and already 2022 feels like Groundhog Day. While I am trying to stay positive and optimistic, it is the kids whose patience and resiliency seem to... Read More

Learning a hobby is one option to experience something new. Photo: ZoneCreative

MomSense

Fun and simple resolutions for kids

Small things can make a difference for them and parents alike

By Liz Farrell

One year my son asked about New Year’s resolutions and why people have them. I kept it light and positive and refrained from telling him how many people make them but don’t ac... Read More

Amid the busy times, take a moment to nourish yourself. Photo: Viktor_Gladkov

MomSense

Creating stress-free holidays

How to enjoy the season and bring joy to yourself and others

By Liz Farrell

I am not sure there is such a thing as stress-free holidays, but if the pandemic has taught us anything, then it is O.K. to slow down and be super intentional about where we ... Read More

Start the habit of gratitude early. Photo: Fizkes

MomSense

Gratitude: How to help children make it a habit

By Liz Farrell

If ever there were a year to feel grateful, it may be this year. It has been a tough year and a half, but the pandemic has given us a new appreciation for things big and small. Th... Read More

Learn to listen more than you speak with your teenager. Photo: Fizkes

MomSense

Communicating with your teen

By Liz Farrell

I used to think the toddler years were hard until we had teenagers. Toddler years are taxing physically, but the teen years can be challenging in a different way. Teens are final... Read More

Make sure your child has a comfortable, properly fitting mask. Photo: Epix images

MomSense

Keeping our kids safe and in school

By Liz Farrell

With all the promise a Covid vaccine brought, who would have ever thought we would still be worrying about keeping our kids safe as they begin a new school year? We know so much m... Read More

Learning the art and science of conversation is important. Photo: Daisy-Daisy

MomSense

Social skills 101

Casual conversation not only builds confidence but also boosts our mood

By Liz Farrell

Have you noticed that since the world began to reopen, our social skills have needed a tune up? I think we all got used to talking to the same people and not doing much. We also g... Read More

Unstructured downtime helps kids relax and rejuvenate. Photo: monkeybusinessimages

MomSense

Slowing down summer: Fighting the urge to overplan

By Liz Farrell

This moment in time is one we worked hard for, but also one that truly feels like it would never arrive. For now, most of life has returned to pre-Covid normal with summer camps a... Read More

Be sure your children are ready to return to their in-person social life. Photo: monkeybusinessimages

MomSense

Helping kids navigate reentry into normal life

After months of remote schooling, resuming activities can be challenging

By Liz Farrell

There are hopeful signs all around us of a more normal summer. Vaccination numbers continue to rise while cases of Covid decrease. There is also hope for the opportunity for those... Read More

It’s time for some well-deserved time and space to recharge for Mom. Photo: Tetmc

MomSense

Taking care of Mom

By Liz Farrell

Over the past year, the pandemic has affected every group of Americans, and even with the lower case numbers and increased vaccinations, many are suffering from economic or mental... Read More

Even with vaccinations, precautions will be necessary to keep loved ones safe. Photo: Choreograph

MomSense

Vaccines bring hope for grandparents

By Liz Farrell

I never thought I would see my parents so happy to get a shot, but this wasn’t just any shot, this was a dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. For them, and soon all of us, this shot b... Read More

The times don’t just shape you, you can shape the times. Photo: SyhinStas

MomSense

Defending our city: Three things I want our kids to know

By Liz Farrell

Last month I wrote about finding hope in 2021, and I have had to remind myself several times about finding that hope. I love this city, there are so many things that make it great... Read More

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