Did you know that splashing in the swimming pool, hitting the ski trails or going for a skate can actually increase the size of your child’s brain? Research has found that when people exercise new neurons are created in their brains which, over time, actually increase the brain’s size. According to the Oxford Learning website, exercise also brings more blood to the brain which helps neurons regenerate. It stimulates the hippocampus, which … [Read more...]
Most children today could use a break. An unscheduled day to follow that little voice inside that prods towards what makes them happy, creative and fulfilled. But too much unscheduled time can lead to idleness, boredom and even brain drain. When school is out how can you find a balance between keeping your child’s mind active and letting them just be? It is possible to give your children time and space to explore who they are, but stimulate … [Read more...]
Ask any employer and she will tell you that one of the main skills she seeks out in potential staff is work ethic. But can we teach children work ethic? If so, how? Here are some ideas: Send a positive message about work (this means no complaining in front of the kids about a long day at the office!). Instead, talk about when you had to work hard for something, or about what attracted you to your profession. Show kids that work can be … [Read more...]
Childhood anxiety is a very real and powerful condition that should be taken seriously. It goes beyond fear where there is a known direct cause. A child with anxiety feels there's a constant threat around the corner and that something is going to go wrong. This negative mindset can have a significant impact on social interaction and education. Children with anxiety issues tend to be very creative and have vivid imaginations, which are … [Read more...]
It’s no surprise that learning a second language opens up the range of jobs available to a graduate, or makes it easier to travel the world (or your own country) and interact with people from different cultures. But did you know that learning a second language benefits your child’s brain and can improve her language skills in her mother tongue? Consider this: The Impact of Second Language Education study found that second language … [Read more...]
Is your child having trouble in school? Is homework-time becoming a battlefield? Maybe you don't feel that you have the knowledge to help your child on particular subjects. A professional tutor can help your child gain the confidence and skills they need to be successful in school. Watching your child struggle with math problems or read or write reports can be hard and it's about more than just grades. You can see their confidence level drop … [Read more...]
The Ontario Greenbelt is the world's largest. It spans across 1.8 million acres of working countryside, from the Greater Golden Horseshoe to the tip of the Bruce Peninsula. According to the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, it's a key part of the government's plan to manage growth, build a sustainable green economy and protect the environment, which will help build prosperous and more liveable communities. Much of our existing … [Read more...]
Do you fear that your son’s reading skills aren’t progressing as quickly as they should? If so, it’s important to recognize that it’s normal for boys to acquire literacy skills at a different rate than girls. It’s also important to relax, since creating stress or pressure about reading is only going to make it less enticing for your son. Set your fears aside and let your creativity takeover! Here are some tips to spark your imagination … [Read more...]
Martial arts have been demonstrated to promote healthy behaviour in kids by giving them strong, energetic bodies, focused minds and a fun outlet for their natural abundance of energy. Read on to learn how martial arts can help your child. First of all, exercise tires a child out. It allows her to burn off excessive energy in a positive way, oxygenates her body and circulates her blood, so she’ll feel great physically. This goes a long to … [Read more...]
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental health problems among young children. A neurological condition, signs often appear in preschool as developmentally inappropriate behaviour and continue as the child grows, impacting social interaction and educational learning. Symptoms of ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. A child with ADHD has difficulty concentrating and tends to lose interest … [Read more...]