Author: Jaime Neefs

For many children in early-years programs, learning happens at play centres—themed play areas with a specific focus. Here’s how to create simple play centres at home.

The Active for Life fortune teller inspires movement, from balancing on one foot to catching a ball to crab-walking.

From parking lots to playgrounds, children will play anywhere they get the chance. They can’t help it—play is part of kids’ DNA. It’s important for parents to keep kids safe and coach them on how to assess the risks around them. This challenge is made easier by sharing little “hacks” that set age-appropriate limits for children … Continued

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released new guidelines on “physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep for children under five years of age.” Specifically, it provides recommendations for sedentary screen time, suggesting no more than one hour per day for children ages two to four. The guidelines were developed by a WHO panel of experts … Continued

“Back when we were kids…” Do you ever catch yourself telling stories to children about how play used to be? The freedom and friendships of the outdoors, and playing all day until the lights came on, were staples of childhood. It seems like forever since that kind of free play lived in neighbourhoods, and according … Continued

About once a year a sharp pang of regret hits me. It’s most likely to strike on one of two occasions: in the winter after a big snowfall or out on the lake at a summer cottage. The two situations are vastly different, yet both stir up similar feelings of regret, embarrassment, and frustration. So, … Continued

Early results from groundbreaking research hoping to understand the effects of screen time on kids’ brains are now available. The verdict? Children’s brains are growing older, faster. Basically, MRI scans of kids “who use smartphones, tablets, and video games more than seven hours a day” (Cooper, 2018) show premature thinning of the brain’s cortex, according … Continued

Fast is fast. And Kendall Coyne Schofield is certainly fast. Making history as the first woman to ever compete at the NHL All-Star Skills Competition, Coyne Schofield demonstrated her speed and skating ability in the Bridgestone NHL Fastest Skater event. She placed seventh of eight skaters, which included event champion Connor McDavid, who edged her … Continued

With these creative ideas, a cardboard box will become so much more than that to your kids! It’ll serve as a play prompt for hours of fun.

Try one of this fun football alternatives

Some of Canada’s top athletes share why it’s important to be physically active with your kids.

Picnic play ideas for the whole family

Multi-sport camps keep the focus on fun

The long days and warm nights of summer make playing outside a breeze, and there are so many ways families can have fun outdoors together. But playing in the summer sun doesn’t come without risks. It’s important for kids to have fun while: Sun safety is for everyone, and teaching your child to be “sun … Continued

Use loose parts to unleash your child’s creativity

Explore your neighbourhood as a family

Study shows the multi-sport approach builds physical literacy

Canadians “could do a better job” says John Cairney

Listen to author of “The Gutsy Girl” discuss her book

Climbing will debut at Tokyo 2020

Pull on some layers, grab a toque, and take a whiff of that pumpkin-spiced air. Cool but comfortable autumn weather invites your family to be active outdoors!

Parents need to help make a positive sport atmosphere

Let’s take a moment to appreciate dogs! For children, dogs can be a source of confidence as they learn to move and develop their physical literacy.

The Canadian is back to competing in ski cross and aiming for the Winter Olympics