A good babysitter is like gold dust. In fact, finding a good babysitter is like panning for gold. You have to sift through a lot until you find a gem. And doing this has become much easier with the arrival of the babysitter app. Gone are the days when you...
Key takeaways for caregivers Parent-based applications (apps) are an emerging trend for helping parents and caregivers create stimulating early home learning environments for their young children. New evidence shows that a digital app-based intervention can boost parents’ self-efficacy for supporting their child’s development in the first 1,000 days. Researchers need...
If you’re solo mumming without dad in the picture, it is likely you will have been asked the question: “Where is my Dad?” Even if you have your answer all prepared, kid’s can still struggle with the fact that dad’s not on the scene. They might see their friends dad’s...
As a child growing up in the ‘80s, I was bombarded with messages about “stranger danger.” Imagine my surprise, then, when a stranger arrived at the door of my second-grade classroom to take me away, and no one seemed to think it strange. I obediently rose from my small desk...
Mothers are the foundation of our lives, they are the actual foundations of the homes that we crave to move into at the end of the day. As a matter of fact, and also as our mothers say, we think they do not need anything, they do not go through...
I’ve been married. I’m divorced. And I’m lucky enough to have fallen in love again. I love the guy. I really do. But, however hard I try, I can’t share a bed with him. It’s a taboo topic. Surely, if you’re bang in love (and banging), sharing a bed is...
By Louise Kinross Click here for October’s BLOOM! Here are some quotes to pique your interest: -From a professor at Virginia Tech and amputee: “The desire to see technological development and fixing as THE solution to disability allows people to continue to build and justify a world that is inaccessible,...
Some time ago, I came down for breakfast and discovered a curious stack of bottles in the kitchen. It was a resolute stack. It knew it wanted to be there. I knew I didn’t want it to be there. One was a vitamin bottle, another an allergy pill bottle, and...
Sydney, one of Australia’s most beautiful cities, entices visitors from around the world with its stunning coastline, iconic landmarks, and captivating nightlife. As the sun sets and the night curtain rises, this city comes alive with a new energy and vibrancy, offering countless entertainment options for those who come to...
As a single mum, juggling the responsibilities of work and parenting can be overwhelming, especially when Dad is away. It’s essential to find ways to ensure the safety and well-being of your little one, even when you can’t be physically present all the time. That’s where the baby monitor comes...
When thinking about hobbies and activities that can help parents bond with their children, it might be fair to assume that coding isn’t necessarily the first thing that comes to mind for the majority! Whether you like it or not, the old school pastimes like playing catch and doing jigsaw...
Have you ever wondered how much water to consume while expecting a baby? Your body needs water, and being pregnant makes it even more crucial. Pregnancy alters your body, so drinking more fluids each day benefits you and the baby. But it can be challenging to know what norm to...
A crucial aspect to consider when expecting a child as a solo mum, is preparing financially for maternity leave. When most expectant mums start preparing for their maternity leave, they often focus on planning for the baby’s arrival. Things like buying cots, prams, adorable baby clothes, and a myriad of...
Peopling is hard. Peopling with strangers is harder. When you’re neurodivergent, every social situation can feel like a slow-moving catastrophe of missed cues and faux pas. As my husband and I stepped into the hotel for the Horror Writers Association’s annual StokerCon gathering, disaster seemed to loom. I faced three...
By Louise Kinross “Lizzy, you have a magical light that shines from you and draws kids into a halo of safety.” That was written by a parent to describe Lizzy Luff, a therapeutic recreation specialist who works on Holland Bloorview’s complex continuing care unit. Lizzy first came to our hospital...
A student came to me feeling angry and frustrated. “I can’t help it!” she cried, “My brain is awful.” These words pierced my heart. She felt like her ADHD was a problem. And she isn’t alone. I’ve heard far too many neurodivergent kids say similar things about themselves. The path...
So you want to become a teachers aide, but have no idea what to do or what the job entails. This article is for you. Before we look at the steps involved in becoming a teachers aide, lets look at what its like to actually work as one. After all...
By Louise Kinross Against Technoableism: Rethinking Who Needs Improvement critiques the idea that technology is a magic bullet that can erase disability. The book is written by Ashley Shew (above), a philosopher of technology and professor at Virginia Tech who became an amputee after cancer treatment. “Technoableism is a belief in the...
Christmas traditions are a really important of part of the festivities for many families. So, if your family has recently separated and you are navigating your first Christmas as single parent, you may be feeling a little lost. Yet, rather than see it as a time of loss, why not spin...
