Sibling squabbles...or is it more than that?

Photo by Getty images, courtesy Today's Parent

Recently, I took my six-year-old daughter to a friendship course, aimed at helping kids her age proactively identify and deal with "friendship fires" instead of just shrugging off or ignoring issues that arise with friends. She hasn't had much trouble with her buddies, but when she mentioned that one of her older friends was bossing a group of them around on the playground at recess, I thought, well, maybe we do need some guidance. I figured it wouldn't hurt to equip both her and me with skills to address such situations before we have to tackle any "mean-girl" scenarios that are bound to arise as she gets older.

What's interesting to note is how we're so quick to respond when we feel like other kids might be making our kids feel bad, but when it's our own kids making each other feel bad, we're a little slower to respond. Some parents barely respond at all, letting siblings just sort it out among themselves. While this can work to certain degree, often, it ends badly. And for some, it can end really badly when one sibling gets bullied by another. Imagine having to live with your bully! I address the topic of sibling bullying for Today's Parent magazine.

Tofino Good Times

The weather in Alberta is gorgeous right now! High 20s in early May! Amazing. It's got me thinking about summer fun like camping and road trips. We'll probably take our usual trek into BC. Ah, BC. Such a lovely place.
In particular, Tofino on Vancouver Island is one of my favourite spots. I had the good fortune of visiting last year at this time, and it was literally, a breath of fresh air. Fresh ocean air, that is. Staying right on the beach at Pacific Sands Beach Resort was an incredibly lovely treat; just quiet and relaxing. (Did I mention I was sans kids?! lol) Here's a rundown of what's worth checking out in Tofino from my story for Avenue Calgary.

Maui, A Place You Can't Visit Too Many Times

View from Humuhumunukunukuapua'a restaurant at the Grand Wailea resort

Last fall, I embarked on a trip to Maui--one of my favourite places on earth. Sure, we had been there a number of times already, but honestly, I couldn't wait to get back. Besides, every time we go, we always discover something new and fun to do. This time, we found Leoda's, an absolutely delicious resto along the side of the highway that you probably blow by several times. Well, it's definitely worth making the stop.

It was also the first flight for my then nearly-two-year-old son. My husband was having total anxiety about it leading up, but my son did amazing on the flights. My husband, not so much. So who's really the weakest link? lol

Anyhow, have a boo at my Maui story in last month's Avenue magazine; aimed at those who have frequented the island before.

Aloha!

Reinventing a Magazine

I've recently joined forces with an awesome writer/editor friend who has cleverly launched The Writing Department; a crack team of writers for every possible need. We've been helping ACAD reinvent its magazine, Catalyst, which has reminded me just how interwoven and organic the magazine publishing process can be. Words and pictures working together to create meaningful stories. It was great getting back to the nitty gritty of putting together a magazine. Here's a look at the issue we put together.

Grief, A Tricky Beast

Photo by George Webber

Last Sunday would have been my mom's 63rd birthday. It's still hard for me to believe she's not here anymore. Losing her was the hardest thing that's ever happened to me. The grief was and continues to be overwhelming sometimes. But the grief also makes me more empathetic and compassionate towards others who have lost. That's why I was so intrigued by a roadside memorial that I frequently passed on the highway. Not so much by the memorial itself, but by the woman that was often present there. And so I connected with Kim Thomas, who lost her son Brandon on that spot three years ago. I hope that one day she can find some solace. Here's my piece about Kim for Swerve magazine. Thank you also to George Webber for always being so tender to his subjects and taking beautiful photos.