Several years ago, I took notice of a new Toronto Star columnist – Uzma Jalaluddin. In her bi-monthly column “Samosas and Maple Syrup“, she wrote (and still writes) about the daily struggles, annoyances, observances and hilarity that she encounters while raising her kids, going to work and attempting to write. Her life seemed to be…
In recent years, a lot has changed: technology has become more advanced and society has adapted in many ways. Yet, at the same time nothing has changed, many of us relate to each other in the same way, live our lives in the same way and dream in the same way. Much like this, our…
Once upon a time, I took my four-year-old to the mall to run some errands. When he told me he was hungry, I decided to conduct a bit of an impromptu social experiment: I handed him a twenty dollar bill and told him to buy himself some lunch. On that day, I was a social…
My daughter’s birthday is in July. This year, as in the past and hopefully as in the future, family and friends arrived at our house on the holiday weekend to partake in our annual barbecue, eat cake and watch our little angel tear open the gifts she most covets – gift cards and cash. Afterward,…
It goes without saying that it’s difficult for any parent to come to terms with the fact that their child may in fact be a bully; or at the very least, may be engaging in bullying behaviour. Bullies don’t always take the form of out-and-out ringleaders. In fact, more often than not, bullying behaviour is…
As I anxiously sat there listening to the elementary school principal address all the parents, I couldn’t believe that this day had come. I tried to remain positive and smile even though I wanted to run out of there. My eldest was about to start school and this was an “introduction” designed by the school…
“. . . Nothing worth having comes without some kind of fight – – Got to kick at the darkness ’til it bleeds daylight.” – – Bruce Cockburn What we do know is that the darkness does not discriminate. It can seep in and get the better of any one of us – the young…
Which of my three children do I love the most? The answer to this question will vary – depending on who you ask – and whether or not one of them is currently banned from electronics when you do the asking. Forget about the middle child getting a bum rap – it’s the parents that…
Our ability to feel compassion is what makes us human – it’s just about the only thing that differentiates us from the disgusting slugs I carefully mince my way over on the morning sidewalk. And despite what the bleeding hearts within society will have you believe, compassion is not always a simple, straightforward, clear-cut or…
Here’s the thing – regrets can be futile, uninspiring, pessimistic. If only, I wish, I should have can ring through your mind on a constant loop if you let them. But they can also serve their purpose. They can be used as a positive resource – to help guide others who may be going down…
