The Family Calendar Comeback, the Hidden Cost of Saving Money and the Designer Dorm Room Trend

What's up this week: 

• Parents are divided over “Watch this!”

• The new “mini” way of giving an allowance

• How to know when a bargain isn’t really a bargain

• Why some families are ditching their digital calendars

• The viral fidget toy doctors are warning parents about

• How dorm rooms became designer showcases

• The surprising number of hours you’ll spend as the family chauffeur this fall

Also known as applauding every backflip and cannonball, rediscovering the kitchen calendar and wondering why the hell soccer practice needs to be 40 minutes away.

Editor, ParentsCanada

Why Some Parents Are Choosing to Ignore “Watch Me” Moments

"Mom! Dad!” Watch this!"

It's practically the soundtrack of summer. But Australian comedian Em Rusciano has sparked a surprisingly heated parenting debate after admitting she doesn't always stop what she's doing every time her son wants an audience for another jump, flip or cannonball.

Her argument? Kids don't need applause for every accomplishment, and learning to entertain themselves—or feel proud without someone cheering—is a skill every kid (and frankly, adult) needs to learn. Others disagree, arguing those little "watch me" moments are really bids for connection.

Like most parenting debates, there probably isn't one right answer. Some moments deserve our full attention. Others can wait until we finish vacuuming the living room.

Is The Weekly Allowance On Its Way Out?

For generations, receiving an allowance meant the same thing: a set amount of money, handed over once a week.

Now more families are experimenting with "micro-allowances"—small payments tied to specific jobs or extra responsibilities. Wash the car? A few dollars. Weed the garden? Another few. The idea is to help kids connect effort with earnings while building real-world money skills.

Not everyone is sold. Some parents worry that paying for every chore turns family responsibilities into a transaction rather than a contribution.

Whether your kids earn a weekly allowance, get paid for extra jobs or are still lobbying for both, the bigger lesson remains the same: Learning how to earn, save and spend wisely should start long before they get their first paycheque.

👉 Is helping around the house just part of being a family, or do you think it’s okay to pay kids for going the extra mile? Two ParentsCanada writers face off on this hot topic.

“Hyper-Value” Parents May Be Going A Little Overboard

Finding a good deal has practically become a competitive sport. (If you’ve ever watched people throw down on the reality TV couponing shows, you know this is true.)

Researchers are calling today's budget-savvy moms and dads "hyper-value parents"—people who compare prices across multiple stores, stack coupons with loyalty points, chase flash sales and don't think twice about making three stops to save a few dollars.

But there's a catch. Driving across town, making multiple shopping trips and spending hours searching for the lowest price doesn't always save money in the end. Once you factor in gas or transit fare, time and the temptation of impulse buys, that "deal" can start looking a lot less impressive.

Sometimes the smartest purchase isn't the absolute cheapest one—it's the one that saves your budget and your Saturday.

👉 If you’re ready to shop smarter and not harder for back to school, tap through for practical ways to cut costs without having to chase deals.

The Family Calendar Is Going Analog…Again

Remember when every family had a giant calendar hanging in the kitchen?

After years of colour-coded apps, shared calendars and endless notifications, some parents are making the switch back to paper. Wall calendars, dry-erase boards and magnetic planners are making a comeback because everyone can see them at a glance—no syncing, passwords or "I didn't get the notification."

Digital calendars are great, but they only work if everyone actually checks them. If your family schedule feels more chaotic than coordinated, the old-school solution might be worth another look.

👉 A calendar is only half the battle. Discover this one simple habit that can help to keep your family’s schedules, paperwork and to-do lists from feeling out of control.

The Fidget Toy Warning Every Parent Should Know

Squishy toys are everywhere, but one viral trend involving a specific brand — NeeDohs — has doctors urging parents to have a important conversation with their kids.

Kids have been microwaving the gel-filled squishy toys after seeing videos online. But when heated, the toys can burst unexpectedly, spraying hot gel that can cause serious burns requiring a trip to the ER.

Let kids know that sensory toys should never be heated, frozen or altered in ways the manufacturer didn't intend. It's one of those conversations you’ll be glad you had (and hopefully your kids will tell their friends, too).

👉 Accidents happen—even without dangerous viral trends. Use our handy guide to make sure your family has a well-stocked first aid kit.

Dorm Rooms Have Gone Full-On HGTV

Gone are the days of tossing a comforter on the bed, sticking some posters to the wall and calling it a day.

Today's students are arriving on campus with mood boards, carefully curated colour palettes, coordinated storage bins and enough LED lighting to be seen from space. Some are using room-planning apps or even consulting interior designers to create their space before they've picked up their keys.

Of course, a beautiful dorm room isn't a requirement for a great first year. But if your teen suddenly has very strong opinions about bedding, rugs and throw pillows, don't be surprised. Dorm rooms have become a form of self-expression—and social media has only fuelled the trend.

 👉 Our editor, Katie, has strong opinions on the designer dorm room trend. Tap through to read why she’s not buying into the move-in season craze.

Parent Taxis, Get Ready To Start Your Engines

Enjoy these slower summer days while they last.

Once September arrives, so does the familiar routine of driving kids to school, soccer, dance, music lessons, birthday parties…rinse, repeat. One recent survey found parents spend the equivalent of nearly 15 full workdays each school year behind the wheel.

It's enough to make anyone rethink the family schedule before registration season gets into full swing.

As you map out the months ahead, it might be worth asking one question: Does every activity still make sense? Sometimes the best way to reduce the stress of the school year isn't finding a faster route—it's taking one less trip.

👉 When an after-school activity starts to feel more like a full-time commitment, it may be time to reassess. Here’s how to navigate that decision.