Living off the beaten track is a great way to unplug from modern life and reconnect with nature. Rather than spending their days walking on sidewalks, your kids will get to play in woodlands, run up hillsides, and chase unsuspecting bugs around your yard. This improves their health and boosts their well-being.

Rural life can be just as fulfilling and lucrative as urban life today. Most children can attend remote schools, meaning they can still access top-quality learning from home. Similarly, you can work from home while living in the countryside and earn the same salary that your friends in the city bring home.

However, working remotely does mean you have to prioritize connectivity and safety when making decisions about your home. You’ll need a reliable, stable connection and should take steps to protect your family when living outside of the city limits. This will help you create a secure environment where your kids will thrive and will ensure that you can become just as productive as your office-bound peers.

Safety

Moving to the countryside may sound like a great way to avoid crime and shield your children from the chaos that comes with urban living. However, there has been a surge in rural crime in recent years. While it’s impossible to pinpoint why, exactly, crime is on the rise in rural areas, some suggest that heightened stress due to the pandemic is continuing to play a role.

You don’t need to convert your home into Fort Knox to feel safe while living in the countryside. Instead, take sensible measures to protect your family while improving your connectivity and saftey. Invest in an alarm system and set up some motion-sensor lights. If you want to appease your children and bolster your safety, consider getting a dog who will act as a natural deterrent for any potential burglars.

You can speak to your kids to ensure that they know how to stay safe when playing in the great outdoors, too. For example, if there’s been heavy rainfall, consider teaching your children about mud safety. While exposure to bacteria and bugs may strengthen their immune system, your kids should know not to put mud anywhere near their mouths or open wounds. Some mud is contaminated with toxic chemicals and tetanus bacteria, meaning children should exercise at least a little caution before diving into the first puddle they find.

Connectivity

Living away from the city means you’ll need to forgo some of modern life’s simple pleasures. You probably can’t order a macchiato on Uber Eats and you may struggle to find cell service while hiking in the great outdoors. However, before you make the move, you need to ensure that you have a stable, reliable internet connection. When shopping for WiFi, consider different types of internet for rural areas, including:

• DSL: DSL internet is connected via phone lines and has been on offer since the 1990s. Just be aware that DSL can be slow compared to more modern forms of internet, and will offer download speeds between 1.4 – 15 Mbps.

• Fiber: Fiber is not available in most rural locations. But, if it is, it is almost certainly your best option. As federal funding expands to rural infrastructure, expect to see more fiber availability in your area.

• Fixed Wireless: Fixed services broadcast from towers into a receiver in your home. This is similar to cellular networks, but typically offers greater WiFi speeds as you are not “sharing” the network with all the other phones in your area. This means you can expect speeds between 20 -50Mbps while working from home.

• Satellite: As long as your home has clear access to the southern sky, you can use satellite internet. Providers like Viasat boast speeds of up to 150Mbps, but you will have a cap on the amount of broadband that you can use per month.

Finding the right broadband provider for you is crucial if you want to prioritize connectivity and saftey while living remotely. You may need to pay a little more to receive the fast speeds you need, but emergent technology like fiber broadband is expanding quickly and will connect more rural communities in the coming years. This can even improve the health and security of your family, as fast WiFi allows you to connect remotely with healthcare providers and emergency services.

When able, you can consider Non-WiFi solutions to in-home devices, which can also improve security.

Protecting Your Health

Living out in the countryside can be a real boon if you struggle with conditions like asthma or find that the noise of the city adversely affects your mental health. Switching to the slower pace of rural life can help you stay active year-round, too, as you’ll be in the perfect position to take up new activities like gardening, hiking, skiing, or cycling.

However, you’ll need to take some proactive steps to protect your health, too. Being proactive is crucial, as you’re further from emergency support services when living away from big cities or towns. Get started by installing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms that will alert you to problems quickly. This may mean you need to replace existing alarms, as carbon monoxide alarms should be replaced every five to seven years. You’ll need an alarm on every floor and should place carbon monoxide detectors outside every sleeping area.

You can also take steps to protect your child when at home by locking any doors that would give them access to yard equipment, padding sharp corners, and limiting their access to some areas of your outdoor space. This will give them plenty of room to roam without putting them in any peril.

Take advantage of online courses or certification renewal that are convenient for remote dwellers.

Conclusion

Switching to remote work can be a boon for you and your family. However, you’ll need to invest in reliable broadband and should take steps to protect your family from common rural threats. This will improve your connectivity and safety while offering peace of mind when the kids go out to play in the countryside.

About the Author
Katie Brenneman is a passionate writer specializing in education, mental health, family lifestyle and online safety. When she isn’t writing, you can find her with her nose buried in a book or hiking with her dog, Charlie. You can follow her on Twitter.

Comics have long been a male-dominated medium, with female comic book characters often relegated to the role of damsels in distress or love interests. However, over the past few decades, there has been a growing movement to create more diverse and empowering representations of women in comics.

The inclusion of strong, complex, and multidimensional female superheroes has had a significant impact on readers, particularly young girls, who are able to see themselves reflected in these powerful heroines.

The importance of gender representation in media cannot be overstated, as it plays a crucial role in shaping the perspectives and aspirations of comic book heroines. When children and adolescents are exposed to diverse and authentic portrayals of characters, it helps to broaden their understanding of the world and their own place in it.

The Importance of Representation in Media

The importance of representation in media, particularly for young readers, cannot be overstated. When children and adolescents are exposed to diverse and authentic portrayals of characters, it helps to shape their understanding of the world and their own place in it. This is crucial in challenging gender stereotypes and providing female role models that inspire and empower young readers.

Positive Role Models for Young Readers

The presence of strong, complex, and multidimensional female characters in comics can have a significant impact on young readers, especially young girls. These female characters serve as positive role models, showcasing qualities such as bravery, intelligence, and leadership, which can inspire readers to believe in their own capabilities and potential.

Challenging Gender Stereotypes

Comics have traditionally been a male-dominated medium, with women comics characters often relegated to limited roles or stereotypical portrayals. However, the increasing inclusion of diverse and empowering female characters in comics helps to challenge these gender stereotypes, broadening the perspectives and experiences that young readers are exposed to. This, in turn, can have a profound impact on their own self-perception and understanding of gender roles in society.

By providing young readers with a more diverse and authentic representation of women in comics, we can inspire and empower the next generation to challenge gender norms, pursue their passions, and see themselves as capable of achieving greatness, regardless of their gender.

Female Comic Characters: Empowering Portrayals in Comics

Throughout the history of comics, there have been numerous iconic female characters who have inspired readers with their strength, resilience, and heroism. From Wonder Woman’s unwavering determination to fight for justice and equality, to Catwoman’s cunning and resourcefulness, these characters have paved the way for more diverse and empowering representations of women in the medium.

Iconic Heroines: A Legacy of Strength

The legacy of powerful female superheroes in comics is undeniable. Characters like Storm from the X-Men, who commands the elements with grace and authority, and Leia Organa from the Star Wars universe, who leads the Rebel Alliance with unwavering courage, have captured the imaginations of readers for generations. These iconic heroines have set the standard for authentic and complex portrayals of women in the comic book industry.

Modern Depictions: Diversity and Authenticity

In recent years, the comic book landscape has seen a surge of diverse and authentic representations of female characters. From the dynamic and multifaceted Kamala Khan (Ms. Marvel) to the trailblazing Riri Williams (Ironheart), these modern depictions of female superheroes have challenged gender stereotypes and offered readers a more inclusive and empowering vision of the comic book universe. The growing diversity in comic book representation has been a significant step towards ensuring that all readers, regardless of gender, can see themselves reflected in the powerful and inspiring characters they love.

FAQ

What is the significance of strong female characters in comics?

The inclusion of strong, complex, and multidimensional female comic characters has had a significant impact on readers, particularly young girls, who are able to see themselves reflected in these powerful heroines. Comics have long been a male-dominated medium, but the growing movement to create more diverse and empowering representations of women in comics has been crucial in challenging gender stereotypes and providing positive role models.

How have iconic female comic characters inspired readers?

Throughout the history of comics, there have been numerous iconic female characters who have inspired readers with their strength, resilience, and heroism. From Wonder Woman’s unwavering determination to fight for justice and equality, to Catwoman’s cunning and resourcefulness, these characters have paved the way for more diverse and empowering representations of women in the medium.

What are some examples of modern depictions of female comic characters?

In recent years, comics have seen a surge in diverse and authentic portrayals of female characters. These modern depictions challenge gender stereotypes and offer a wide range of representations, from powerful superheroes to complex and multifaceted characters who defy traditional expectations. This diversity in comic book representation has had a profound impact on young readers, providing them with a wealth of inspiring role models to look up to.

How has the impact of representation in media shaped the understanding of young readers?

The importance of representation in media, particularly for young readers, cannot be overstated. When children and adolescents are exposed to diverse and authentic portrayals of characters, it helps to shape their understanding of the world and their own place in it. Seeing themselves reflected in the powerful and empowering female characters of comics can have a significant impact on young readers, inspiring them to embrace their own strength and potential.

Skateboarding, once a counterculture activity that emerged from the fringes of society, has evolved into a mainstream sport with a dedicated community and a presence in the Olympics. In Canada, this transformation is vividly evident. From urban streets to professionally designed skate parks, skateboarding is thriving.

Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a newcomer looking to dive into this exhilarating sport, this guide will navigate you through the vibrant skateboarding scene in Canada.

The Rise of Skateboarding in Canada

Skateboarding in Canada has undergone tremendous change throughout the years. Skateboarding, which was first popularized by surfers in the 1960s as a technique to simulate surfing on land, swiftly grew in popularity among young people. The sport’s rebellious roots gave way to a more structured and organized community, resulting in the establishment of skateparks and schools across the country. Finding the correct guidance is critical for beginning learners.

Fortunately, Canada has various skateboarding schools and lessons for all ability levels. The National Skateboarding School is a well-known institution that offers extensive training. It offers classes that cover basics for beginners as well as advanced methods for experienced skateboarders. The school’s professional instructors ensure that students not only learn the technical skills but also understand the culture and history of skateboarding.

Many local skate shops and community centres also offer skateboard lessons. Alternatively, you can find skateboarding lessons near you by exploring online resources such as skateboarding club websites or personalized coaching.

Exploring Local Skateparks

Skateparks are the core of the skateboarding community, offering skaters a safe and controlled setting to perfect their skills. Canada has a large number of world-class skateparks, each with its own set of characteristics and obstacles.  Here are the well known local skateparks:

1. Vancouver Skate Plaza, British Columbia

Located under the Georgia Street Viaduct, the Vancouver Skate Plaza is one of Canada’s first and most famous skateparks. Designed to mimic urban street skating, it features a variety of ledges, rails, and stairs, making it a favourite among street skaters. Its central location and community vibe make it a must-visit for skaters in Vancouver.

2. CJ’s Skatepark, Ontario

CJ’s Skatepark in Mississauga, Ontario, is the largest indoor skatepark in Canada. Spanning over 28,000 square feet, it offers a plethora of ramps, bowls, and street elements suitable for all skill levels. It’s also notable for its inclusive programs, catering to individuals with disabilities, thus promoting a diverse and welcoming skateboarding community.

3. Le TAZ, Quebec

Le TAZ, located in Montreal, is a massive indoor skatepark and BMX facility. Covering an area of 120,000 square feet, it features everything from beginner-friendly zones to advanced street and vert sections. Le TAZ also hosts numerous events and competitions, making it a hub for the local skateboarding scene.

4. Shaw Millennium Park, Alberta

Calgary’s Shaw Millennium Park is the largest outdoor skatepark in North America, offering over 75,000 square feet of skateable terrain. It includes a variety of bowls, half-pipes, and street obstacles. Open 24/7, the park is a focal point for skaters in Calgary and frequently hosts community events and competitions.

Search for local skateboard parks in your area.

Safety and Inclusivity in Skateboarding

Safety is paramount in skateboarding, especially for beginners. Wearing appropriate protective gear, such as helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads, is essential. Many skateparks and schools emphasize safety in their lessons, ensuring that skaters learn to fall safely and understand the importance of protective gear.

From the streets to modern skate parks, skateboarding in Canada provides a varied and diverse experience. Whether you want to explore local skateparks or just immerse yourself in skateboarding culture, Canada has everything for you. Embrace the ride, and you’ll discover a community and a passion that transcends the sport itself. Skateboarding in Canada is not just about the tricks and the thrills; it’s about the freedom, the friendships, and the unforgettable experiences that come with it.

Social media provides constant entertainment in the form of short videos and a continuous feed of new posts. Many people, especially children, struggle to put their devices away and focus on more important things. As a parent, you’ve probably had unsuccessful arguments about turning the phones off at the dinner table.

There are ways you can help your kids break these habits. Use these tips to improve your child’s focus in the digital age.

Challenges for Kids in the Digital Age

The latest technological advancements are impressive, but they also have a few drawbacks. When young kids use phones, tablets or laptops for extended periods, they often deal with things like:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Lack of concentration
• Social withdrawal

Your child can avoid these symptoms if you help them balance their online hobbies with real-world activities. Finding that balance may seem impossible when screen time has been a standard part of your child’s day for a long time. Here are a few ideas you can try at home to change that.

Ways to Improve Your Child’s Focus

Improve your child’s attention span with these simple ideas that any parent can use. With time and patience, you’ll find the right screen time balance for your youngster’s routine.

1. Set and Enforce Tech Boundaries

Gentle boundaries are the first way to reduce your child’s tech usage and improve their focus. Start by cutting their screen time by 10 minutes and gradually increase it each day. If you replace their digital fun with other things like entertaining family games, playdates or bedtime stories, they’ll have an easier time with their new routine.

2. Inspire Their Outdoor Creativity

When the weather is nice, encourage your kids to get creative outside instead of using their computers or tablets indoors. They might not head outdoors on their own because they don’t feel inspired. If you draw chalk art on the driveway together, invent games or take turns on a new swingset, they won’t feel as frustrated without their screens.

3. Change Their Environment or Routine

When your kid needs to concentrate on their homework, try placing them in a quiet environment. People often find what’s happening around them more distracting than phone notifications.

If this change doesn’t work, try playing ambient noises while your child wears headphones. Videos playing classical music, crowd murmurings or rain storms might direct their full attention to the task at hand while the headphones shield them from potential distractions.

Daily routines also play a significant role in a child’s attention span. Having a consistent healthy diet, for example, can improve their focus, energy levels and academic performance. If they feel more energized during the day, they might be more likely to engage in physical activities, rather than going straight to video games or social media for entertainment.

4. Break Responsibilities Into Steps

People break away from responsibilities when those tasks feel overwhelming. Imagine checking your calendar and seeing that you must complete a large project by the end of the day. You might take a deep breath and visit your workplace’s kitchen for some coffee to delay that much focus time.

Kids feel the same way about their own responsibilities. If you find that’s when they struggle with their concentration the most, try breaking your child’s chores into smaller steps. Instead of telling them to clean their room, ask them to organize a single corner. After that corner, they can move on to the next one. Tiny breaks between each smaller task increase children’s focus compared to working on a tough project for extended periods.

5. Model Good Tech Usage

Kids absorb important life lessons just by watching people. Your little one pays attention to your habits even when you think they’re not looking. Any child will notice if their parent is scrolling on their phone all day while telling them not to spend too much time on the internet.

Model healthy tech usage by limiting your screen time around your child, too. The new restrictions on their gaming or videos won’t feel like a punishment if you follow the same rules. Your new concentration-boosting routine will become a positive lifestyle, making it easier for them to abide by your rules as their attention span improves.

Feel Confident Parenting in This Digital Age

Use these tips to improve your child’s focus without permanently banning technology from your home. There’s a healthy balance somewhere in the middle. It’s up to every parent to find the best balance for their family, so give yourself time to try new things and make adjustments as needed.

Author bio:  Cora Gold is the Editor-in-Chief of women’s lifestyle magazine, Revivalist. She strives to live a happy and healthy life with her family by her side.
Follow Cora on Facebook and LinkedIn.