Also called school aversion and school phobia, related episodes can negatively affect families’ lives. Our Happiness Formula columnist helps us sort through the whys – and possible fixes The back-to-school season is an exciting time for many families, but […]
The Happiness Formula
Just around the riverbend
Who says you have to travel to find adventure this summer? Warm weather and sunny days beckon us outwards, outside and outdoors. Whether setting up a tent in the backyard (practice makes perfect!) or scoping out a cycling route along […]
Finding beauty
We all have an innate ability to recognize something beautiful, our Happiness Formula columnist writes I agree with the phrase “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” The word “beauty” has a definition — the quality present […]
Anticipation for the nation
In the words of singer-songwriter Carly Simon: ‘We can never know about the days to come, but we think about them anyway’ I’ve always seen “anticipation” as such a positive word: full of hope and happy expectation. Though the […]
Joy required
In building a lifelong relationship with books and reading, the desire has to come from within, writes our Happiness Formula columnist “I gotta read this book for school.” “I don’t want to. It’s boring.” “Daddy doesn’t read books so […]
Learning to let go
When her youngest son left for school outside of Ontario, our Happiness Formula columnist willed herself not to be overprotective. It’s paid off Whether it’s starting junior kindergarten, heading to summer camp, going to college, moving out with friends, taking […]
The beach
Kita Szpak shares one of her favourite ways to while away an Ottawa summer’s day An early riser, I make my way to Britannia Park. Little traffic and extensive free parking this time of day are a bonus. Depending on […]
Three steps to feeling good
Caring for yourself is not a once-in-a-while endeavour We often hear the phrase: “You can’t take care of anyone else unless you first take care of yourself.” This speaks volumes as far as parents and caregivers are concerned. Today, the […]
People of influence
Be careful what you say—your choice of words is affecting your children’s attitude towards money Given today’s uncertainty around job security, rising food and housing costs as well as infrastructural instability, you parents and caregivers feel added pressure on yourselves. […]
Holiday homecoming
Having a loved one walk through the door is the most joyful part of the season The holiday season and homecomings go hand-in-hand. Whether you’re coming from school, another city or another country, who of us hasn’t experienced travelling […]