Myopia means your child can see things up close, but distant objects, like the classroom board or a friend across the field, look blurry. It often creeps in quietly, and because kids don’t always know what “normal” vision looks like, they may not mention anything. That’s why regular eye exams are so important, even when everything seems fine.

Myopia is on the Rise

More children are developing myopia than ever before, which can affect their ability to focus in class, their confidence, and how much they enjoy reading or playing sports. The good news? Catching it early and managing it properly can make a real difference.

Meet Essilor Stellest Lenses

If your child has myopia, Essilor Stellest lenses offer an innovative way to help slow its progression. Using H.A.L.T. (Highly Aspherical Lenslet Target) technology, these lenses manage how light enters the eye to help slow eye elongation, which is one of the main causes of myopia progression. Clinical studies show they can slow myopia progression by an average of 67%*.

Helping Kids See Clearly

As parents, we do our best to help our kids thrive, from balanced meals to bedtime routines. Their eyesight deserves that same care.

Book an eye exam, and if your child has myopia, ask your eye care professional about Essilor Stellest lenses, a smart, science-backed way to help them see clearly today and protect their vision for tomorrow.

*Compared to single vision lenses, when worn by children at least 12 hours per day every day. Bao, J., Huang, Y., Li, X., Yang, A., Zhou, F., Wu, J., Wang, C., Li, Y., Lim, E.W., Spiegel, D.P., Drobe, B., Chen, H., 2022. Spectacle Lenses With Aspherical Lenslets for Myopia Control vs Single-Vision Spectacle Lenses: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Ophthalmol. 140(5), 472–478. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2022.0401.

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That’s how I managed to drag myself with my then-husband to the gym for 6am daily for the better part of a year, pre-pandemic. “Fighter training” was my first step in improving my relationship with exercise however the pandemic, and then my daughter’s illness, and then the rest of the crushing events of the past couple of years, completely wiped me of the ability to do much at all. Pounding a heavy bag and going how-ever-many rounds that particular morning’s workout entailed used to be the hardest thing I’d do that day. And just like that, simply existing was painful. I didn’t have it in me to physically hurt also.

Thanks to my faithful canine companion, I still got out every day. I walked. In silence. Straight out of an ’80s music video with frozen tears streaming down my cheeks during the frosty winter months and a baseball cap pulled over my eyes on sunny days since I’m worried about the sun and aging now. Eventually the silence became too silence-y but making playlists felt impossible. AND being of my advanced age I realized I needed to step up my fitness regime but felt powerless (ha!) to actually lift weights. I was down bad and literally crying at the boxing gym once a week but thankfully sweaty enough so no one really noticed.

Luckily, the nice folks at Peloton got in touch in the spring and asked if I wanted to try their app. They had just added kettlebell workouts which are super handy if you don’t have a lot of space for workout gear storage (or a bike, or a treadmill). I kinda hated working out at home so the idea of Peloton didn’t really appeal. But since now realizing the importance of fitting in exercise however I can, the app helps me find workouts that are suited to doing just that.

I met with Peloton’s Andy Speer. He shared with me some tips for kettlebell training (like using a 20lb kettlebell, when I would only ever use a 10) and about the importance of integrating fitness into one’s daily life…

Andy Speer:

“You asked if is it better to do three days of 30 minutes or five days of 10 minutes. Ideally, you set aside a daily routine. Right. And I always say the more extreme example is better to go to the gym for an hour and a half on Saturday and Sunday and then not during the week. Or do 20 minutes a day during every day.

A little more extreme example of what you do, which is better, I would say, be more consistent with it. Shorter workouts. When you work it into your routine, you’re less likely to skip it.

It’s much more beneficial for both your physical and your mental health. Even if it’s 20 minutes a day to make it happen to get in there. And then within that 20 minutes, maybe two days a week, you do a kettlebell routine that’s like a little bit more strength oriented, maybe a little bit more demanding. One or two days a week, maybe you’re gonna do, you know, put your cardio in and then maybe one day you just do like mobility and core work.”

For me, finding time to exercise felt like just another thing on a never-ending to-do list. That’s why we went so early in the morning. And now I’ve started looking at exercise not as something I should do, but something I deserve to do.

Reframing Movement as Self Care

Somewhere along the way, exercise got tangled up with guilt: If I didn’t do a solid 45-minute workout, did it even count? If I wasn’t sore after, was it a waste of time?

But exercise doesn’t have to be punishing to be powerful. Now I live beside the boardwalk and walk consistently every day. I love the Peloton guided walks. There’s music I didn’t have to think about selecting and moods I can choose between. There are mindful outdoor walks, outdoor after-dinner strolls, and my favourite: Kirsten Ferguson‘s Intention Setting Walks. Never before have I heard a trainer be so vulnerable while leading a workout. For someone who is navigating a great deal of life changes, Kirsten’s words are so validating and inspiring.

So if you think you just don’t have time to work out, you’re not alone. So maybe the real shift is to stop thinking of it as a workout at all. Think of it as self-care. As soul maintenance. As an act of kindness toward the only body and the only self you have.

Because when we move we feel better and we show up better—for ourselves and everyone else.

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How to Teach a Kid to Ride a Bike:
The First Step

The first step is to ensure they’re ready to take on the task of learning to ride a bike. Have they shown interest in riding? Have they asked to ride a “big kid” bike? Follow your child’s lead with regards to readiness, because if you push them before they’re ready they may not have a good experience. If they seem confident on a tricycle or bike with training wheels, consider making the transition to a proper two-wheeler. Generally speaking, children around the age of four have the balance and dexterity required to manage a bicycle.

How to Teach a Kid to Ride a Bike:
What Kind of Bicycle is Best?

Next, be sure their bike is sized properly for them. A quick trip to the local bike shop should take care of this, but most youngsters are around 14 or 16 inches bike size-wise. You want the seat low enough that they can comfortably touch the ground with their feet and legs straight while sitting on the seat.

If possible, opt for a bike that brakes by pedalling backwards, as young riders can have difficulty managing hand brakes. A balance bike comes without pedals and can help kids get the hang of balancing before adding in pedalling, if you desire. And remember, safety first! Ensure your little one has a properly fitted helmet before heading out on the pavement.

How to Teach a Kid to Ride a Bike:
Getting Started

Once you’re confident that your child is ready and has the right gear, it’s time to hit the trails — or, parking lot. Find a spot that isn’t too busy, where the terrain is relatively flat. An empty parking lot, a paved school playground, or a flat, well-trimmed field are all good options. While you’re holding the bike, have your little one practice pushing the pedals backwards to stop, and placing their feet on the ground.

Once your child is comfortable standing with their bike, continue holding it (the back of the seat is a good spot) and have them pedal forwards. Ask your child to look ahead where they want to go, rather than down at the ground in front of them. This helps ensure they steer as straight as possible. Run alongside holding the bike as your child pedals until they’re balanced and at a good pace. Then, let go! Allow them to stop when ready, or, if (when) they take a tumble. Repeat the process until your child gets the hang of it.

Part of learning how to teach a kid to ride a bike is figuring out how to keep them motivated when they struggle and fall.

When your little one takes a tumble, try not to get too upset, but offer reassurance and encouragement to get back on the bike and try again. If your child just isn’t ready to try again, that’s OK! End the lesson and try again another time. Some kids pick the skill up in just an afternoon, while others require a week or even longer to get the hang of it.

Riding should be a fun experience, so if it’s not or it becomes too stressful, end the lesson or consider hiring a professional for some help. (Here’s a Calgary-specific place!) If your child really isn’t interested, don’t sweat it — simply try again when they’re a little bit older. With a bit of persistence and a lot of practice, your child will be riding a bike in no time!

Can Bike Canada has a list of resources online for provincial laws, as well as places for kids to learn if they seem to need extra assistance. And once your littles are comfortable and confident on their own two wheels, check out our lists of bike paths for families in Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary, and Vancouver.

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Here’s what every parent should know about heatstroke in babies and kids and how to keep them safe while still enjoying the sunshine:

What Is Heatstroke?

Heatstroke is the most serious heat-related illness and it happens when the body overheats and can’t cool itself down. In children, this can happen more quickly than you think. Most at risk are babies, whose sweat glands aren’t fully developed.

It’s a medical emergency that can lead to organ damage, brain injury, or even death if not treated immediately.

Symptoms of Heatstroke in Babies and Children:

The signs can come on fast and may include:

• Hot, red, dry skin (no sweating)
• High body temperature (above 40°C or 104°F)
• Rapid heartbeat
• Confusion or disorientation
• Lethargy or unresponsiveness
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Rapid, shallow breathing

In infants, look for:

• Fussiness that doesn’t subside
• Flushed skin
• Fewer wet diapers
• Lethargy or limpness

If you notice any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately.

How to Prevent Heatstroke in Babies and Children

Thankfully, heatstroke is preventable with a few simple precautions:

1. Never leave a child in a parked car—even for a minute

Even with the windows cracked, the temperature inside a car can skyrocket in minutes. According to the Canadian Paediatric Society, a child’s body temperature can rise three to five times faster than an adult’s.

2. Dress for the weather

Light-coloured, breathable clothing (think cotton or linen) helps keep kids cool. For babies, a single layer is often enough, especially if they’re in a stroller or carrier.

3. Offer water frequently

Children may not ask for water, so offer it often… even if they say they don’t feel thirsty. For babies under six months, continue breastfeeding or formula feeding on demand.

4. Stay shaded and time outdoor play

Plan park visits and outdoor time for early morning or late afternoon when the sun isn’t at its peak. Use beach umbrellas, hats, stroller shades, and seek out natural shade.

5. Watch for overheating in carriers or strollers

Check your baby’s back, neck, and chest often to make sure they’re not hot or sweaty. Take breaks and remove them from the carrier when possible.

6. Use fans or AC when indoors

If you don’t have air conditioning, spend time in public places that do. Malls, libraries, and community centres are great places to beat the heat, especially during heat waves.

What to Do If You Suspect Heatstroke

If your child shows signs of heatstroke:

• Call 911 immediately. This is a medical emergency.
• Move them to a cooler place. Indoors with AC is best, or a shaded, breezy outdoor spot.
• Cool them down. Remove excess clothing and apply cool (not cold) water to their skin. Use a fan if available. If the child is conscious and able to drink, offer small sips of water.
• Do NOT give medications. Medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen don’t help reduce internal body heat and can be harmful in this situation.

Summer Safety

Babies and children are especially vulnerable in the heat. But, with a little planning, you can keep them safe and still make the most of summer. Think shade, hydration, and early warning sign re. And if in doubt, cool them down and seek help. Better safe than sorry!

Bookmark this article for summer, share it with your parent crew, and stay cool out there.

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Summer’s quintessential quencher, watermelon, can not only hydrate but also balance your electrolytes with its mineral content. According to Medical News Today, one cup of watermelon contains 17% of Vitamin A, 21% of Vitamin C, 2% of iron and 1% of your calcium needs for the day. More watermelon benefits are that contains thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6, folate, pantothenic acid, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, choline, lycopene and betaine. It’s safe to say that watermelon is summer’s superfood.

Delicious on it’s own, you can also incorporate watermelon into your summer snacks and meals. Here’s a few ideas:

• Make watermelon water by blending one cup of cubed watermelon and adding to one litre of water.
• Freeze cubes to suck on (great dog treats too!)
• Use watermelon to make gazpacho in place of tomatoes. Check out a few recipes at watermelon.org
• Make watermelon salsa (recipe below). It pairs well with corn chips (and a Riesling, just saying) but watermelon salsa is also a refreshing addition to grilled fish, chicken or pork.
• Slip a slice of watermelon into a grilled cheese. Trust me, it’s delicious!

Any fruit or vegetable will help hydrate you to beat the heat, but there is something special about watermelon juice running down your forearms that brings you right back to summer camp days. Those watermelon benefits go beyond nutrition.

Watermelon Salsa Recipe:

This is a high-nutrient, low-sodium salsa to serve in place of tomato salsas with bread or corn chips. It is also great as a topping for grilled chicken, fish, or pork. And when you are done with that application, blend it and serve it as gazpacho.

Makes: 4-6 servings
Takes: 10-12 minutes

You’ll Need:

• 1 cup diced seedless watermelon
• 3/4 cup diced strawberries
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves
• 2 Tbsp diced seeded jalapeño chili pepper
• 1 Tbsp lime juice

Directions:

Toss all ingredients together gently in a bowl. Chill in fridge at least one hour before serving.

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