Lisa Van De Geyn, Deputy Editor of ParentsCanada

Kids LOVE days away from the classroom with their teachers and fellow students—that goes without saying. But is a learning experience disguised as a vacation with parents and siblings in tow just as fun? Educational trips, or edutrips, are definitely cool, and there are plenty of reasons to plan one the next time you travel with your brood.

Using a weighted blanket is just like swaddling a babe or being hugged tight, and they’ve been touted for their treatment or help with insomnia, mental health issues (depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder), restless leg syndrome, Alzheimer’s and even cerebral palsy in adults, and have even shown some positive results with those on the autism spectrum.

The whole “we need to talk about your changing body” talk isn’t necessarily easy (or comfortable, or pleasant) for parents. (Us included.) Don’t worry— we asked a paediatrician for some help.

There's lots of ways to give, from monetary donations to sharing your time. Read on for tips on making charity a family affair. 

Here's how to know if you've bitten off more than you can chew. 

Deputy editor Lisa Van De Geyn speaks to a child psychologist and potty-mouth parents (*raises hand*) to answer this %#$&*@% question.