As a parenting group facilitator, many parents/caregivers have asked me "will praising my child spoil them or feed their ego?" Actually, praising children nurtures their growing brain with positive attention, love and reinforces that you believe in them while fostering self-motivation in your child. There are key ingredients to praising effectively which apply to both… Continue reading A recipe for praise
Category: Parenting
Simple and delicious peach recipes
Calling all peach enthusiasts, it is that time of year again- Peach Season! If you are like me, your taste buds have been tickling at the thought of juicy mouth-watering peaches. Peach crisp, peach pie, peach jam, peach mango salsa, savoury or sweet you just cannot get enough of them. Peaches are a good source… Continue reading Simple and delicious peach recipes
FASD: Reduce the risk
Alcohol and pregnancy – a topic that has been around for generations and many people have different opinions on. This is discussed in our prenatal programs, and common questions asked are: "Isn't it OK to have a glass of wine or cider on a special occasion during pregnancy?" "One drink won't hurt, right?" "My mom… Continue reading FASD: Reduce the risk
Postpartum psychosis – A treatable illness
As a Public Health Nurse supporting new parents after the birth of their baby, I'm worried when I hear phrases like "I think someone is trying to take my baby; I just can't settle down; I haven't slept in 48 hours; my mother shakes my baby when she's holding her; I'm a bad mother and… Continue reading Postpartum psychosis – A treatable illness
Taco Salad: A quick and balanced dinner
There are days I come home tired but as a parent, still need to think of a healthy dinner to prepare for myself and my family. This is my 'go-to' quick, nutritious, no-cook meal that is ready in under 30 minutes. I use this salad as my protein filling, but also have chopped lettuce, tomatoes,… Continue reading Taco Salad: A quick and balanced dinner
Can I breastfeed if my baby is teething?
Your baby's first teeth will usually begin to appear between 8 to 12 months. Some signs that your baby is teething include: Increased drooling Swollen gums A tooth visible below the gum Irritability Trouble sleeping Trying to bite, chew, and suck on everything Rubbing her face Rejecting food or breastfeeding Remember: High fever, severe diarrhea… Continue reading Can I breastfeed if my baby is teething?
Quick & healthy snack recipe: Baked Plantain Chips
Looking for new snack recipes to prepare for the family? Here is a plantain chip recipe that is very simple to make as a side dish or a snack. Have you eaten plantains before? A plantain looks like a banana but is generally larger and is usually cooked before eaten. When it is ripe, it… Continue reading Quick & healthy snack recipe: Baked Plantain Chips
How can heat affect fertility or pregnancy?
I've had many parents ask me about whether it is safe to practice hot yoga or use hot tubs when pregnant or trying to get pregnant. You've probably heard about the effects of extreme heat on the body such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, but extreme heat can also affect your chances of getting… Continue reading How can heat affect fertility or pregnancy?
Masculinity: What messages are we giving children?
"Boys don't cry!" "You throw like a girl!" "Why is that boy playing with dolls?" As adults, there is potential to fall into gender stereotypes very easily. I've reached out to our Sexual Health Promoters to share their expertise on the importance of talking with children about society's gender stereotypes. Here's what they shared: By… Continue reading Masculinity: What messages are we giving children?
Pesticide safety during pregnancy
In the summer, there may be more pests, weeds or fungi in your living spaces. If you choose to use pesticides in or around your home, it is important to use them responsibly and safely. Here are a few tips I share with participants at our prenatal programs, to help protect expectant parents and their… Continue reading Pesticide safety during pregnancy
