Family Matters
Family Matters
Global News / Curiouscast
Family Matters is a conversation sparked by parents, for parents, where we explore the issues that matter to you and navigate the challenges we all face. We are not experts but rather every day moms learning by trial and error. Our biggest hope for is that you walk away feeling a little more informed and above all – understood…like we get you because we’re in it too. Host Laurel Gregory is an award-winning journalist who has worked in Canadian media for 16 years. The mother of two co-created Family Matters in 2016 in order to create a reliable source of information to both educate and entertain parents. She secretly envies parents who raised children prior to the information age and is confident that – big or small - a walk in the woods and a good night’s sleep cures all. Producer Christine Meadows has been with Global Edmonton for a decade, minus the 2 years spent on maternity leave with her boys. She is constantly navigating balance in her life as a working mom who loves her boys but also loves her “me time”. She fears screen time is going to be her biggest life regret and is still trying to ditch social media after-hours to be more present
COVID-19 SYMPTOMS IN KIDS AND TIKTOK PARENTING ADVICE
New research out of the University of Alberta is helping shed light on the telltale symptoms of COVID-19 in children. Dr. Joan Robinson specializes in pediatric infectious diseases and joins us to share the findings and offer up her big takeaways for parents and school administrators. Also on this episode, time-strapped moms and dads are turning to Tiktok for advice. A rise in therapists, psychologists and counsellors are now sharing their tips on social media. The list includes Jax Anderson. She is a mental health therapist and a Tiktok celebrity with more than 10 million likes. She shares her journey to TikTok, and we also have some advice for parents before scrolling.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 30, 2020
18 min
Coping with Cuts
Parents can feel helpless during youth sport tryouts but there are ways to support our children from the sidelines. We take a look at research out of the University of Alberta that suggests a cooling-off period before families discuss a team cut.  Dr. Kacey Neely is behind the project and shares her advice for parents. Also on this episode, why many hockey organizations are bringing in hired help to handle tryouts. Companies like HockeyEvaluations.com. Owner Justin Reynolds offers insight into how the process of professional evaluating works and why his staff will never know the names or history of the players on the ice. We also hear from John O’Sullivan. He is a longtime coach and founder of the Changing the Game Project. He argues there are some benefits to having some inside information on players before team selection.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 23, 2020
21 min
The Gift of Free Time
Did the pandemic overhaul the over-scheduled kid? For blogger and father-of-two Casey Palmer the answer is yes. He calls it a “weird, tarnished, silver-lining” for his family. He joins us to share his biggest takeaways. Plus, we hear from child psychologist Jody Carrington on how to spot an over-scheduled child. And later, Joanne Lalonde Hayes from More Time Moms has some advice before refilling the calendar.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 16, 2020
20 min
The Gender Divide in COVID-19
New research suggests the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the so-called 'motherhood penalty.' Many Canadian mothers are clocking the equivalent of two full-time jobs caring for their children. McMaster University’s Clifton van der Linden calls the results “shocking”. He walks us through the findings plus takes a look at the impact the pandemic has had on fathers. Also on this episode, Kinia Romanowska shares her tips for working mothers trying to find balance. She is the founder of Pros&Babes, a mentorship service.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 26, 2020
20 min
Families Growing Closer
With families spending more time together than ever, you may think it could cause problems. But an ongoing University of Calgary study has found the pandemic is having a mostly positive impact on the family unit. We take a look at the study and find out if the same could be said for relationships with friends and extended family. Bloggers Frankie Nelson and BJ Barone join us to talk about the impact the COVID-19 outbreak is having on their household. You can find out more about them, by checking out their website, Family is About Love. What if you’re on the other side of this study, and you and your family are struggling to keep the peace? Registered psychologist Tammy Auten Dye shares her advice for couples who at a make or break point in their relationship. Auten Dye is one of the speakers at The Institute of Child Psychology’s Children’s Mental Health Conference in November 2020.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 19, 2020
18 min
After-school Meltdown
For most parents, the after-school meltdown needs no explanation. But knowing what it is and knowing how to handle the emotional eruption are two very different things. Registered psychologist Dr. Vanessa Lapointe joins us with some advice on how to handle the tears, tantrums and silent treatment the end of the school-day can bring. You can connect with her through her website, just click here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 12, 2020
20 min
Postpartum Depression in a Pandemic
The stress of COVID-19 on pregnant women and new mothers is showing. Researchers at the University of Calgary have found rates of postpartum anxiety and depression are rising, from 15% pre-pandemic to more than 20% now.  Researcher Gerald Giesbrecht joins us to talk about the study and how we can help new mothers. Also on this week's episode - Sarah Wallace describes her struggle with postpartum depression and the long and dark journey to finally finding help. You can connect with Sarah through Instagram, just click here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 5, 2020
29 min
Parents vs Grandparents
As a parent, you’ve likely had a moment where you caught yourself sounding like your own mom or dad, but that doesn’t mean you parent exactly like them. In fact, new data out of the University of Michigan suggests nearly half of parents and grandparents butt heads over everything from treats to screen time. One of the polls co-directors Sarah Clark walks us through the results and shares the biggest triggers for disagreements. And later, registered psychologist Tammy Schamuhn offers up some communication strategies to keep the peace and resolve conflict.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 21, 2020
18 min
Spotting Separation Anxiety
School is back in session across the country. For many parents this marks the first time in six months that they have been away from their children for an extended period of time. A new school routine amid a pandemic can cause separation anxiety for both kids and adults according to Janine Halloran, a mental health counsellor and the founder of Coping Skills for Kids. She shares her advice for spotting anxiety in your child and offers up some strategies for helping the entire family cope with this new normal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 14, 2020
17 min
Back to School in Optimal Health
They say only focus on what you can control. But in a pandemic that’s easier said than done, especially when it comes to back to school. After months of staying close to home and social distancing, the majority of Canadian students are returning to the classroom. We bring in the experts for advice on what you can do at home to hopefully make this school year a healthier one. From diet, to sleep and emotional wellbeing. Our guests are family therapist Alyson Schafer, behavioural sleep specialist Dr Lisa Medalie, researcher Dr Jim Kellner, and Canadian paediatrician Dr Raphael Sharon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 31, 2020
22 min
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