2001

S5.E1 ∙ Episode #5.1

Tue, Sep 23, 2003

Our Feature Report showcases new immigrant families and the enormous pressure placed on them when they move to a new country. Often, they don't speak the language and don't have the support they had back home. Children straddling two cultures is the focus of this week's feature report. Featuring immigration researcher Dr. Mehrunnisa A. Ali. Our Reality Check segment reveals what it's like having your mom over your shoulder. Christine Diakos comments on the pros and cons of living with her mother and sharing responsibility for her daughter. Our How-to segment deals with breakouts. Dealing with acne as a teenager can be emotionally difficult. This how-to examines ways to help parents understand what teens go through and how to help them deal with acne. Featuring Dr. Loraine Manzig of the Toronto Acne clinic. Teenagers learn how to feel good about ALL the things that make them unique. Video Diary about Hockey Family, the Franklins. In this week's video diary, we meet a true sports institution: the hockey family. Dad Mark has played the game all his life. His young son and daughter share his passion and Mom Margie cheers them all on. Their shared passion for the game keeps the Franklin family close and connected.

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S5.E2 ∙ Episode #5.2

Tue, Sep 30, 2003

Our Feature Report ventures into the world of girls and sports. Today, more than ever, girls are being cheered on as they race toward center ice or down center court. While the physical benefits are obvious, there are lots of other good reasons to keep your daughters involved in the game. With pediatrician Dr. Miriam Kaufman and former US national Hockey team member and coach Stephanie Boyd. Reality Check examines throwing up. David Hoffert gives up the "icky" side of your little kids throwing up. This How-to examines selecting glasses. One in four Canadians need glasses, but sometimes it's difficult to tell whether your child needs them or not. This how-to shows you what signs to look for to determine if glasses are needed. Featuring optometrist Dr. Catherine Chiarelli, a specialist in children's vision. This Video Diary shows us the trials and tribulations of raising twins. The Davies/Dempsey family made a star appearance on Planet Parent two years ago. Back then, they recorded their chaotic early days with newborn twin boys. We decided to check back with Joe and Carla to see how the family is surviving the twin toddler years.

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S5.E3 ∙ Episode #5.3

Wed, Dec 31, 2003

This Feature Report highlights Super Moms. There isn't just one good way to be a great mom. You'll meet two moms who cope in very different ways. Featuring psychotherapist Dr. Linda Ennis and Andrea O'Reilly, associate Professor of Women's studies and the president of the association for research on mothering at York University. Hanging out with Bruce Mohun, an Uncool Dad, on our Reality Check. In our How-to segment, learn to stay fit and socialize. We join a group of salsa loving moms learning how to stay fit and socialize post-baby. The benefits of staying social after birth are discussed with family therapist Sara Dimerman and Jennifer Torres, "salsa babies" instructor. Our Video Diary highlights grandparents raising grandkids - Patrick Smith adopted his granddaughter Fallon at the age of 63 to save her from being put into a foster home. We lent Patrick our camera to record his experience of parenting, the second time around.

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S5.E4 ∙ Episode #5.4

Sun, Feb 29, 2004

This Feature Report examines parent coaches. Cars, computers and even video games come with how-to manuals but, that which is most precious to us, our kids, arrive manual free. Since many parents are looking for expert advice, a new industry called parent-coaching has emerged. Coaches offer tips, strategies and moral support for a price, and many parents say it's worth it. Featuring parent coach Alyson Schafer and child psychiatrist Dr. Susan Bradley. Our Reality Check talks tweens and make-up. Mom Leslee Vivian debates what is age-appropriate when it comes to makeup and her tween daughters. The How-to segment discusses sharing a nanny. We visit two families and learn about the economic and emotional benefits of sharing the same nanny. During our Video Diary we spend time with the gifted daughter and the special daughter. Every member of a family brings their unique talents and abilities to the table and in the Malik family that couldn't be more accurate. They have two daughters. One is in a gifted program and the other has special needs. In this week's video diary, a glimpse into the bond between these two sisters and how they inspire their parents.

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S5.E5 ∙ Episode #5.5

Tue, Sep 30, 2003

Our Feature Report opens the doors to kids and modeling. Have you ever thought your adorable child could be a model? Before you drag them off to photo shoots and auditions, you should check out this story. The world of modeling isn't always picture perfect. We interview agent Ann Sutherland, Network Studio's owner Vangie Sipidias, psychologist Dr. Jennifer Mills, parents of working child models and pediatrician Dr. Miriam Kaufman. Our Reality Check explores a mixed birthday party. Jasmine Miller wonders about impact, as her son gets ready to celebrate his 13th birthday with a mixed party. She says that he's going over to the "dark side" and becoming a teen. The How-to segment focuses on teaching kids to cook. Teaching your children to cook with renowned Toronto chef Susur Lee and educational gourmet cooking teacher Sybille Hamilton. This Video Diary explores teen stress. While parents usually complain about being too busy, teens can also feel stressed out. Saron Gebresellassi is only 16 but is so overwhelmed that she needs to schedule time just to relax. We lent Saron our video camera to see if we could keep up with her.

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S5.E6 ∙ Episode #5.6

Tue, Sep 30, 2003

Our Feature Report on music and learning. Getting your kids to practice music can wear down even the most devoted parent. If you're considering whether it's worth it, this first story should be music to your ears. Recent studies suggest that kids knowing their do-re-mi's can have a positive impact on their ABC's. Featuring Susan Purdy: artist, musician and "Learning through the Arts" teacher, as well as Angela Elster of the Royal Conservatory of Music. In Reality Check, we show how to let your child fail. Ralph Benmergui sounds off on why letting your kids fail is not being a bad parent. You have to let them learn from their own mistakes and can't always be there to pick them up when they fall. Our How-to segment talks about visiting a new mom. When a baby is born, everyone wants to come and visit, but often it's too much for the new mom. This segment offers tips on the etiquette of visiting. Featuring midwife Elizabeth Brandeis. Here are some do's and don'ts when it comes to the postpartum visit. Witness the powerful Video Diary of a hearing impaired teen. Talking to your teen can be challenging at the best of times. For the Mosher family it's even more daunting. Their daughter, 14 year old Aleks was born profoundly deaf. Though, as you'll see in this week's video diary, Aleks is determined that the sound of silence won't slow her down.

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S5.E7 ∙ Episode #5.7

Tue, Sep 30, 2003

Feature: Self Injury Teens around the world have found a disturbing way to deal with feelings of depression and stress. It's called self-injury, and those who do it find ways to hurt themselves -by cutting their arms with a razor blade or hitting themselves until they bruise...all to forget their pain. Experts say we should be very concerned since it's addictive and can be contagious. Featuring Dr. Dorothy Haswell and BJ Thom of S.A.F.E. (self-abuse finally ends) Canada. How to: Lose the Soother: We'll show you how to lose the soother, with family therapist Sara Dimerman. Some things to remember - be gentle and try to empathize. Show them other ways to find comfort; and lastly, be patient and don't give in. Video Diary: Dad's labour day - the Long Family Long gone are images of Dad in the waiting room waiting to hear about the birth of a new baby. Today's dads are right in the middle of the action. They make great birthing coaches, and Chris Pugh is no exception. We gave Chris our video camera to record the impending birth of his second child. On this week's video diary, having a baby, through Dad's eyes.

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S5.E8 ∙ Episode #5.8

Tue, Sep 30, 2003

The image of the wicked stepmother is conveyed to us in films, TV shows and probably most potently in the classic tale of Cinderella. How much reality is there in the myth of the evil step-mom? Planet Parent met up with some real life step-moms, therapist Dr. Erika Horwitz and psychotherapist Christine Bellini to separate the fact from fiction. Reality Check: Baby as Exercise Tool New Dad Steve Pratt has discovered an amazing side benefit from having a baby. He can use the baby as barbells. How to: Hold a Family Meeting How-to hold a family meeting with Karen Skinulis; parent educator and co-author of three books including Practical Parenting and Parent Talk. Here are some tips to keep in mind about holding a weekly family meeting: set an agenda, keep it business-like and get a consensus. Video Diary: Daughter off to University - the Maliks Graduating from high school is a rite of passage for teens. For many, it means moving away from home and family to take up residence at university, but what happens when the whole family decides to come along? As Ayesha Malik tells us in this week's video diary, home is where the heart is.

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S5.E9 ∙ Episode #5.9

Fri, Oct 31, 2003

For years, educators worried about girls under-performing in math and sciences. Schools actively addressed that lagging achievement with great success, but now the boys are falling behind and schools are scrambling to bridge this gender gap...again. We interview teachers, a school principal, boy drop-outs and renowned author Dr. David Booth of O.I.S.E.. Reality Check: Parent Teacher Meeting Every parent feels a little stress prior to their parent/teacher meeting, and James Murdoch, father of 2, is no different. How to: Deal with kids hating school How to deal with kids who don't like going to school, with child psychotherapist Rosalind Kindler. If your child needs help enjoying school, here are some tips. Find out the reason -Is the problem at school or more about leaving home. Offer reassurance - Sometimes a child simply needs to know you're there. Get the school involved by having the teacher work with the student. Video Diary: Homework assignments - the Gianopoulos family Most parents feel pressured by the amount of homework that their kids are bringing home, but when you've got four kids to deal with, it can be overwhelming. We gave the Gianopoulos family our video camera for a week to record the trials and tribulations of a family in homework hell.

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S5.E10 ∙ Episode #5.10

Fri, Oct 31, 2003

You know the parent to-do list. Make lunches, check homework, get kids to practice. But what about your partner list? Like spending a little romantic time with your spouse? Well, studies show parenting can get in the way of your love life, but there is some good news! There are simple strategies to help bring back that lovin' feeling. Featuring registered sex therapist Joan Marsman. Reality Check: Zen vs. Mess Benita Rowley talks about balancing the Zen décor she wants versus the mess she and her young daughter live with and the benefits it brings. How to: Become a babysitter Today's how-to follows a teen as she takes the St. John's Ambulance babysitter course. Here are three key points to bear in mind: Have your child take a babysitting course provided by a reputable agency like St. John's Ambulance. Have your tween babysit younger siblings or practice with children of relatives. They could become a mother's helper initially, before venturing out on a solo job. Tell your tween to learn everything they can about the individual child they will be babysitting; peanut allergies, asthma or any other condition a child may have must be clearly identified. Video Diary: A Filipino beauty pageant contestant - the Verendia Family There are many ways that immigrants stay in touch with the country and culture they left behind. In Kris Verendia's case, she reconnected with her heritage when she entered a Filipino beauty pageant. We lent Kris our video camera to take us behind the scenes as she explores both her culture and her sense of self.

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S5.E11 ∙ Episode #5.11

Fri, Oct 31, 2003

Being honest with your parents is often difficult for teens, and if your teen is gay it can increase the confusion for both of you. What do you do when your child tells you he or she is gay? Your reaction is important and can affect your child forever. That's the focus of this week's feature report. Reality Check: Stay at home mom Julie Roper on the hazards of being a stay at home mom. How to: Wear your backpack properly We'll show you how to teach your child to wear their backpack properly with chiropractor Dr. Effie Katsis. When packing up your child's backpack, remember to make sure the pack is the right size and weight for your child. Pack it properly by distributing the weight evenly. Wear it correctly with both shoulder straps on and fitting snugly. Following these steps will prevent your backpack from becoming a pain in the neck. Video Diary: Our new baby sister- The Marvin Family Many families are turning to international adoption to expand their families. But for the Marvin's, the decision was quite unconventional. Their own children were almost grown and weren't too sure about having a new baby sister. Now, today they agree that Madison has given the family something it never knew was missing. We lent the Marvin's our video camera to record life with Madison.

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S5.E12 ∙ Episode #5.12

Fri, Oct 31, 2003

Faith. For many people, it's the filter they use to examine everything in their world. For others, it's a celebration of tradition once a week, or on holidays. Whether you're deeply religious or not, when you have a child, faith is something you think about. Introducing children to spirituality is the focus of this week's feature report. Featuring renowned parenting expert and author Barbara Coloroso. Reality Check: the Drug Talk Jasmine Miller has the other big talk with her teenage son. How to: Work at home with kids We'll give you some guidelines on a way to share your home life with your work life. Featuring Barbara Moses, consultant and author of The Good News About Careers: How You'll Be Working in the Next Decade, Career Intelligence and Career Panning Workbook. In order to work successfully from home you must have a designated workspace, be a disciplined self-manager, and most important of all, be flexible. Video Diary: Weekend vs Weekday Parenting - the Agro family You'd think that the weekend is a time for parents to relax and wind down from a busy week at work. Wrong. For many, weekends are just as hectic. Paul and Karen Agro would agree. We gave them a video camera to record the differences between their weekday vs. weekend parenting.

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S5.E13 ∙ Episode #5.13

Sun, Nov 30, 2003

For many kids... and parents...the transition years from pre-teen to young adult can be filled with conflict. Boundaries are tested, identities are developed and rules are frequently broken, all in the name of independence. So, how do you deal with your kid when they're breaking the rules? That's the focus of this week's feature report with child psychiatrist Dr. Bruce Ballon. Reality Check: Daughter leaves for University Eve Drobot takes us through her preparation for an empty nest as her daughter prepares to head off to university. How to: Deal with a Spirited Child Social worker Joanne Gallagher gives the Stewart family some advice on dealing with their spirited child. Here are some techniques for dealing with your spirited child. Have the timeouts take place in the same room as you. This way the child won't feel ignored. Be consistent with your rules. Instead of focusing on your child's negative behaviour, highlight their positive actions. Video Diary: Split shift parenting - the Kondo Family How does a family cope when both parents have high-flying careers? Chiki and Steven Kondo work for the airlines, and scheduling their work life around their home life is almost rocket science! When one parent is in the air the other must be grounded, or a babysitter is needed for their twin toddlers. In this week's video diary, the balancing act of split shift parenting.

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S5.E14 ∙ Episode #5.14

Sun, Nov 30, 2003

Up to 40% of today's marriages are likely to end in divorce - leaving about 100,000 Canadian children affected each year. We hear from teens having experienced divorce and how it affected them, as well as from family mediator Risa Mlotek and divorce researcher Rachel Birnbaum. Reality Check: Off to the Mall Christine Diakos shows us the perils of taking a 3 year-old to the mall. How to: Get your kids to sleep Developmental pediatrician Dr. Golda Milo-Manson gives some advice to the Whyte family on getting their 6 year-old to go to bed and stay there! Some tips to keep in mind. It's crucial to have a bedtime routine, a child has to learn how to go to sleep on their own and while a bedtime routine is important, so is the wakeup time. Keep the time they get up as consistent as possible. Video Diary: Boy Scout Mom - the Walcots Every year, millions of kids worldwide are introduced to roasted marshmallows, campfire songs and the accomplishment of earning badges through the Scouting program. These magical moments wouldn't be possible without the dedication of the parents who become leaders. We gave Deirdre, one hard working leader, a video camera to show us why she enjoys every Scouting minute. Deirdre told us Scouting programs across the country are always looking for extra volunteers. So check it out.

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S5.E15 ∙ Episode #5.15

Sun, Nov 30, 2003

It's addictive, it fills the halls and yards of schools, and teenagers both spread it and get bitten by it. Gossip. The chatter about who's easy and who sucks up to teachers is innocent and fun, right? Well, for some, gossip is a dark enemy that can hurt feelings - and even ruin lives. In this week's feature report we talk to several teens as well as psychologist Dr. Ester Cole and youth counselor Donna Reid. Reality Check: Old people and babies Steve Pratt walks us through his comparison of his father Courtney and his baby daughter, Cedar. How to: Get your kids to play alone Author and parenting expert Barbara Coloroso along with daycare owner Alyson Chapman talk about the benefits of solitary play and how to get your child to enjoy playing on their own. When you want to encourage solitary play, create a space where children can be messy. Don't over-schedule your child's day. Furthermore, show your kids that you enjoy your own solitary time. Video diary: Working with your parents - the Bissoon/Silveira Family They say that the family that plays together, stays together, but what about the family that works together? Adam, Nathan and Lucas are brothers and work part time at their parent's restaurant/café. We lent them our video camera to see what life is like when your employer is Ma and Pa.

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S5.E16 ∙ Episode #5.16

Wed, Dec 31, 2003

Parlez-vous Francais? Do you have a language tucked into the corner of your mind that you learned as a child? For the most part, parents who have another language try to pass it on to their children. Though some worry that this may be confusing at an early age. So we went to find out what teachers, tutors, parents, bilingual children and professor of psychology Dr. Ellen Bialystok have to say about the gift of a second language. Reality Check: Food fights It's the battle of the dinner table as David Hoffert deals with his son's specific food requests. How to: Deal with Kids stealing With family counselor Leena Augimeri (Ms. Augimeri chaired a task force which led to the development of Canada's first protocol for children under 12 in conflict with the law. She also participated in a U.S. study sponsored by the OJJDP investigating the issue of very young offenders.) Here's a quick summary of the steps to take to stop your child from stealing. Have your child define what stealing is. Have them return the item they stole and apologize to the owner. Assign a work chore or remove a privilege as a consequence for their actions. Stealing is a hard problem to deal with, but if you stay calm and follow these steps your kid should get the message. Video Diary: Bar Mitzvah - the Hecker/Sherman Family According to Jewish tradition, when a child reaches the age of thirteen he or she can be officially welcomed into their congregation. First this child must spend many months studying for the big day while mom turns into an event planner preparing for a big celebration. Karen Hecker and her husband Jamie Sherman, along with their three sons, recently experienced this great event when their eldest son had his Bar Mitzvah.

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S5.E17 ∙ Episode #5.17

Wed, Dec 31, 2003

Today's families come in many different colours, shapes and sizes, but when Mom comes in a wheelchair there are some special challenges. There are also real rewards. For Lisa Jones and her two young daughters living with a disability closes some doors but opens others. Featuring child psychiatrist and specialist in families with disabilities, Dr. Arlette Lefebvre. Reality Check: Dad Surrounded by Girls Bruce Mohun highlights the ups and downs of being the only male in the family and what he's learned about women from his wife and daughters. How to: Reward Children for good behaviour Our how-to will teach you the proper way to reward children for good behaviour with child psychotherapist Rosalind Kindler. Whether you are rewarding for good grades or simply for good behaviour, there are some points to keep in mind. Reward for completing a task, not as an incentive to complete it. Encourage children with more than material rewards -hugs are good - and reward based on the individual capabilities of your child. Video Diary: Teen Driver's License - the Wilkins Getting your driver's license is a rite of passage for most teens, and it's what Stephanie Wilkins wants more than anything. So, she's been taking lessons and is anxious to pass the big test. We lent Stephanie our camera to record this momentous time in her life!

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S5.E18 ∙ Episode #5.18

Wed, Dec 31, 2003

Used to be, a pregnant woman was anything but sexy. Their expectant belly was concealed under a shapeless shift; it was almost immodest to be seen in public. Now, moms-to-be are really out there. They're strutting their stuff and getting downright brazen about baring the big bulge and they're finding new ways to celebrate this special moment in time. Featuring photographer Helen Tansey who specializes in taking photos of pregnant women, Maihyet Burton, the owner of a maternity clothing store and pregnancy studies expert Jennifer Musial. How to: Deal with a teens messy room Carefully treading your way though the minefield of the teen's messy bedroom. Featuring clinical psychologist Willa Litvack. So what can a parent do to keep a clear head when it comes to a teen's messy room? Cleaning a teen's room is your LAST resort. It can be construed as a breach of trust and an invasion of their privacy. Remember it is a phase. Chances are it will last until they have a place of their own. Finally, this is your teen's space; they need to feel confident that it is their private sanctuary where they can be themselves. Video Diary: Widower - the Stahmer family The death of a parent is a tragic circumstance, especially when the children are very young. For Ulf Stahmer, this became a reality when his wife of 6 years died after a diagnosis of brain cancer. She became ill only 8 weeks after giving birth to her second son. Linda Racine was a singer and actress. Now, their children, 5 year old Jasper, and 20 month old Quinn must face life without their mother. We gave the family a camera for a week to see how they're coping with life after her death.

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S5.E19 ∙ Episode #5.19

Sat, Jan 31, 2004

Do you make a point of eating dinner together as a family? With everyone's crazy schedules, many families are simply too busy to sit down to supper. When families stop eating together- are they losing out on more than a hot meal? On this week's feature report we ask if the family dinner is still relevant? Featuring psychologist Pamela Paris, parents and restaurateurs Roberto & Lucia Martella and the hectic Treen Family. Reality Check: The "in" house Maie Pauts tells us why she's chosen to let her daughter and her friends use her house as the "in" house or the house to "go to". How to: fit your kids for shoes The proper way to make sure your little ones put their right foot forward - comfortably. Featuring podiatrist Dr. Robert Chelin and Cerissa Abbott the owner of "Petit Pied". Here are a few tips to keep in mind when buying shoes for your child. Measure both feet and always buy for the bigger foot. Make sure there is room in the shoe for the foot to grow and remember little feet grow quickly, so have them measured several times a year. Video Diary: Colombian teen and her mom- the Ortiz family When Diana Ortiz' stepfather was kidnapped and disappeared four years ago in Colombia, her family fled to Canada. Diana was 14 and began high school in a foreign land. Now, on the eve of her high school graduation, we lent Diana our video camera to share her feelings on her new life here.

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S5.E20 ∙ Episode #5.20

Sat, Jan 31, 2004

When it comes to parenting styles, do you and your partner always agree? Arguing about parenting is one of the biggest sources of conflict in a marriage. Today, we'll meet Devin Govindasamy & Sylvia Whiteside and Kevin & Donna Brockerville, two couples who struggle with this issue but are working to keep things on track. Featuring family mediator Risa Mlotek and psychotherapist Christine Bellini. Reality Check: Making babies laugh Steve Pratt and his wife Lisa are suffering from a serious addiction that they have to feed as often as possible -making their baby daughter Cedar laugh. How to: on Trampoline Safety The number of backyard trampolines has grown five-fold yearly in North America since 1990 with an estimated half-million purchased last year in the United States alone. We offer a primer on safety issues you should be aware of before you bounce away into the sunset. Featuring orthopedic surgeon Dr. Erin Boynton and Brenna Casey, member of the Canadian Olympic trampoline team. Remember to keep trampolining fun and safe. Never over crowd the trampoline. The children should always be six years of age or over. Ensure the trampoline has proper safety gear, but be cautious because safety nets can create a false sense of security. And finally, adult supervision is essential. Video Diary: Super Fan - the Hashmi family In the music world, there are groupies and there are fans. The narrator and star of today's video diary is 16 year old Tara; serious music fan who spends a lot of her time following local bands, going to concerts and learning about the music industry. Through her eyes we see where this passion for music takes her and how her parents handle it.

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S5.E21 ∙ Episode #5.21

Sat, Jan 31, 2004

A hundred years ago, the average family had NINE people in it. NINE! Well, the family unit is shrinking. Today, the average couple has less than 1.5 kids and the rate is dropping. In fact, big families are now the exception. This week - we look at the differences between life in a big family versus a not-so-big family. With professor and author (The Making of the Modern Family) Edward Shorter, and psychologist, Pamela Paris. Reality Check: Mom surrounded by boys Charmain Emerson highlights the ups and downs of being the only female in the family. How to: Help Children cope with a move Family therapist Dr. Sandy Shiner gives advice on what steps parents can take to help their kids deal with a move to a new house. To help your child conquer the anxieties of moving, listen to your child's concerns and address them accordingly. Get your child involved right from the beginning, this way they won't be shocked by the sudden change of environment. Visit the new neighbourhood, your child may find some new friends Video diary: Big Brother - the Granahan /Espinosa Family Our next story is about a young teen who has been struggling for a very long time with what it means to grow up without a father. His father left him to move back to his homeland of Cuba. Ryan was devastated, but he's triumphed and armed with the Planet Parent video camera, he'll show you how he's doing.

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S5.E22 ∙ Episode #5.22

Sat, Jan 31, 2004

After years of marriage, kids and then a divorce, the idea of dating can be intimidating, but being divorced and dating doesn't have to be an ordeal. In fact, according to couple and sex therapist Joan Marsman, dating can be good for parents and kids alike. The question isn't whether you should start dating again but how to make it work for the whole family. We offer 7 tips to dating with kids and hear dating moms Leslee Vivian and Janet Rouss along with their kids' views on the topic. Reality Check: Advice from a non-parent Derek Miller imparts some words of wisdom from the non-parent perspective. How to: Deal with your child's first rock concert 14 year old Adriana is preparing to go to her first concert with her friends. Her mother, Barbara, gets some advice from Today's Parent columnist Teresa Pitman on how to help prepare both of them for this momentous event in every teen's life. Remember this - talk to your child about the possible safety issues and how you would like your child to handle them. Keep the lines of communication open -you shouldn't be further than one phone call away. Relax and accept the fact your child may be turning out to be just like you! Video Diary: Extreme Parenting - the Garbutt/Becker Family Good parenting can be a challenge any day. But if your child has developmental or medical problems, every day can feel like you're climbing Mount Everest. Vicki Garbutt calls it "extreme parenting" and she speaks from her own experience.

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S5.E23 ∙ Episode #5.23

Sun, Feb 29, 2004

They want jeans, DVDs, and enough cash to hang out with their friends. So, part-time jobs for students can be a savior - for parents' wallets and teens' social lives. Studies suggest students with part-time jobs are less likely to drop out, unless they work too much. But how much work is too much? We talk to working teens, their parents, school counselor Joan Timmings and Ann Douglas, author of Family Finance: The Essential Guide for Parents and The Complete Idiot's Guide to Raising Money-Smart Canadian Kids. Reality Check: Perfect Grandchild Proud grandmother Sharon Hampson (Sharon, Lois & Bram) talks about her "perfect" grandson. How to: Deal with Piercings The ins and outs of this popular teen accessory, with body piercer Amy Tigani, clinical psychologist Willa Litvack and pediatrician Dr. Marvin Gans. So, if it becomes an issue, here's some advice on how to deal with teen piercing. Don't just say no. Ask yourself why it's a problem and share your insight with your teen. Parenting is forever, share your reasoning with them even if they don't agree. Use punishment as a last resort. Ask yourself what will it accomplish. Video diary: Living in 2 places - the Cobb Family Some people can only dream of living in the countryside, but for the Cobb/Duff family, it is their reality... most of the time. While Mom and daughter Terra keep the home fires burning, Dad spends most of the week in the city working. It means a constant adjustment but for this family, it's worth living in two places

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S5.E24 ∙ Episode #5.24

Sun, Feb 29, 2004

If you're in a crisis with your kids, where do you go to for advice? Do you hit all those expert books out there or do you turn to your family and friends? In this week's feature report, we meet the O'Grady and Needler families who get help and information both ways. Featuring parenting expert and author Barbara Coloroso. Reality Check: Kids are Mean Benita Rowley on the peril to her self esteem when her child tells the "truth" a little too truthfully. How to: Talk to teens about sex Sexual health educator Kim Martyn takes some of her own advice talking to her daughters. Here are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to talking to your teenagers about sex. Be patient and keep the conversation light and humorous. Use age appropriate language and the correct terms. Books are a good way to open up the topic and television can be used to keep a dialogue going around values. Video Diary: Parent Test - the Willard and Ruddell families You know how you can test drive a new car? Wouldn't it be great if we could test drive being a parent? On this week's video diary, we take Amy, one very single woman and drop off two rambunctious kids on her doorstep. She has one day to find out what it's really like to be a mom. Will it change her mind about wanting her own?

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S5.E25 ∙ Episode #5.25

Sun, Feb 29, 2004

The relationship between mothers and daughters can be the closest of bonds. But during the teen years, it can also be the most explosive. Especially when disagreements over clothes, boys and curfews turn a household into a battleground. Today on Planet Parent, we meet 2 moms and their 2 daughters and how they're managing through those turbulent teen years. Featuring psychologist Dr. Pamela Paris. Reality Check: Home movies David Hoffert explores his obsession with being a Dad who's armed with a video camera! How to: move from the crib to the bed How to move from the crib to the bed with Karen Skinulis; parent educator and co-author of three books including Practical Parenting and Parent Talk. When you're ready to move your child from crib to bed, some points to remember are: one, look for signs of readiness in the child, make it his choice. Two, get the child involved. Move his toys over, build the bed together. Three, realize your child might need more reassurance, read that extra story at bed time assure him you're there when he calls. Video diary: Teen Diary on the Prom It's prom time! Such a milestone moment has to be perfect in every way. The dress, the hair, just the right shoes...but Sharlini and Khogu have to worry about a lot more than that. They're organizing their high school prom and have to create a night to remember for 300 others! We asked them to record it all with our video camera.

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S5.E26 ∙ Episode #5.26

Sun, Feb 29, 2004

It's hard enough being a teen -- It can be even harder when you're adopted. Trying to fit in and feel like you belong when you're coming to terms with the past can be a challenge. For some, the why and how of their adoption never becomes a burning issue. For others, the teenaged years can be a time for painful questions with too few answers. We speak with parents and teens as well as youth counselor Donna Reid. Reality check: Can't pick kids friends Ralph Benmergui's reality check explores why you can't pick your kids' friends even if you really want to! How to: Get your child to be active We give parents some tips to get their children up off the couch and into shape. Featuring Michelle Brownrigg, the executive director of the foundation for active healthy kids. When getting your kids active and healthy remember it's important to really know your child's abilities and strengths. Find ways to build activity into your everyday life and be a positive role model to them. Video Diary: Update on Teen Parents - the Perryman/Mark Family Crystal and Kevin PerrymanMark taught us a thing or two about beating the odds when we first met them a year and a half ago. The high school sweethearts became high school parents. When we caught up with them, they had a NEW baby and a new plan for their future. We decided to check back with Crystal and Mark to see how they're doing.

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