ParentsCanada

In our ParentsCanada series finale, hosts Katie Dupuis and Jason Thomson reflect back on the experts they’ve chatted with and what they’ve learned along the way as parents and co-hosts. Everything from modelling behaviour, to showing weakness, to listening and connecting more, to why failure is important. And despite how much you prepare, the universe may very well laugh at your plans! Thanks for being along for the ride.

In recognition of Black History Month, we talk to Che Marville about how parents can discuss racism, diversity and inclusion with their kids. Che was the first social science researcher at the Ontario Science Centre and is now a writer, coach, and a mom. She discusses why it’s important to have ongoing conversations with our kids about race and how Canadians can celebrate Black History Month in a positive and nourishing way.

As parents, February 14 becomes more about Paw Patrol Valentine cards and chocolate kisses than it does love and romance. If you’re looking to rekindle the connection you once had pre-kids, don’t miss our conversation with Kat Kova. She’s a Registered Psychotherapist who specializes in sex and couples therapy. Kat talks to us about how COVID is affecting our connections with each other, how to rekindle that spark, and why love is an action.

Blending a family can often feel like a high wire act. So, when two (families) become one, how do you meet the needs of different family members, while creating an environment of love and unity? Alicia Robertson, a coach at Lemonade Life, talks to us about the importance of discussing values and goals, how to have effective communication and why you should bring the kids into the conversation when blending family life.

Finding time for ourselves can feel like as much of a dream as going to the bathroom without interruption. As parents, it’s easy to push our own needs to the bottom of the list. We spoke to author and mom, Karma Brown, who found one hour a day in her taunt day to make her dreams of writing a novel a reality. She reveals how parents can still harness the latest research in time management and goal-setting between diaper changes and preparing dinner to focus on themselves.

"The new normal" ushered in by the pandemic has become, well, normal by now. COVID-19 has handed us so many challenges, including increased anxiety, excess stress and numerous emotional and mental health issues. Leisse Wilcox chatted to us about the importance of a positive mindset and how a shift in perspective can help you and your kids not just manage but thrive. Mindset coach, mom of three, Leisse is also the author of To Call Myself Beloved: A Story of Hope, Healing, and Coming Home.