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Back to School Fears
By Samantha Alvares, Age 10
Hi! My name is Samantha, and I’m 10 years old. I want to tell you something a lot of kids feel but don’t always say out loud: going back to school can be a little scary.
All summer long, I was swimming, riding my bike, and eating popsicles. I didn’t have to wake up early or worry about homework. But now, school is starting again—and my tummy feels funny just thinking about it.
I worry about things like:
Will my friends still like me?
What if I don’t like my new teacher?
What if I forget my locker code or can’t find my classroom?
What if the schoolwork is super hard this year?
My mom says everyone feels nervous sometimes—even grown-ups! That made me feel better. She told me the best way to make the worries smaller is to talk about them. So I talked to her, and I talked to my big sister too. They both gave me great advice.
My sister said, “Just be yourself. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to try your best.” That really helped me. And my mom said I could write down all my worries and turn them into goals. So now, instead of “What if I forget my locker code?” I say, “I’ll practice my code a few times before school starts.”
On the first day of school, I still felt nervous. But then something amazing happened. I saw my best friend Emily in the hallway, and she smiled at me and waved. I smiled back—and just like that, the fear started to melt.
By lunchtime, I had already met my new teacher (she’s really nice), found my class, and learned a fun game in gym. And guess what? I even made a new friend named Jordan who likes the same books I do.
Now I know it’s okay to feel scared about new things. But it’s also exciting. School means new friends, new things to learn, and fun times ahead.
So if you’re feeling scared too, it’s okay. You’re not alone. Just take a deep breath, talk to someone, and remember—you’ve got this!
Let’s make this the best school year ever!
Questions Parents Might Ask About
Children and Seniors
Q: What’s the best way to support my toddler’s language development? A: Talk, sing, and read with them every day. Engage in back-and-forth “conversations,” even if it’s just babbling. Naming everyday items (“This is your shoe!”), Repeating new words and using expressive gestures all help language bloom naturally.
Q: How much physical activity should my child be getting each day? A: Children aged 6 to 17 need at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity daily. Activities like running, biking, dancing, or team sports help promote healthy growth and emotional well-being.
Q: Are there signs I should watch for if my child is struggling emotionally? A: Yes—look out for mood changes, withdrawing from friends or hobbies, frequent headaches, or sleep issues. Gentle conversations and support from professionals can help guide them through these emotional hurdles.
Q: My teen seems constantly tired—is that normal? A: It’s common, but often due to lack of sleep. Teens need 8–10 hours nightly. Screen time and busy schedules often interfere. Creating a healthy sleep routine and limiting devices before bed can restore balance.
Q: My child seems addicted to their phone and online games. What should I do? A: Start with gentle limits—screen-free time during meals, before bed, or in nature. Swap some screen time for activities like music, cooking, or volunteering. Most importantly, stay connected emotionally; tech often fills a need for distraction or reassurance.
Q: My child uses AI tools to help with homework—and the teacher says it’s okay. Should I be concerned? A: If it’s approved, great! AI can help with research, spelling, or understanding concepts. Just make sure your child is learning—not just copying. Encourage them to explain things in their own words and apply what they’ve learned independently.
Q: What’s one overlooked health concern for older adults? A: Dehydration. Seniors often don’t feel thirst the same way. Encourage regular sips of water and water-rich foods like melons or soups. Watch for signs like dry mouth and fatigue.
Q: How can I support cognitive health in aging parents? A: Mental stimulation is key—reading, puzzles, and conversations help keep minds sharp. Daily movement, social interaction, and diets rich in omega-3s and antioxidants also play a big role in preserving cognitive function.
Q: Which nutrient is vital for bone health in both children and seniors? A: Vitamin D! It helps the body absorb calcium—essential for growing bones and preventing conditions like osteoporosis later in life. Safe sun exposure and fortified foods make a big difference.
If any of you have a question or two, feel free to email the Editor at allasalutemagazine@gmail.com
Subject line: Att: Editor Q&A and A
Imagine you’re trading PokΓ©mon cards with your friends. You give away a shiny Charizard, but your friend only gives you a regular Pikachu. That doesn’t feel fair, right? Well, something similar is happening between countries—but instead of trading cards, they’re trading things like cars, clothes, and food. This is called international trade, and right now, it’s a bit messy.
Let’s break it down together.
A tariff is like a fee or tax that one country charges another when it brings in goods. For example, if Canada wants to buy oranges from the United States, the U.S. might say, “Sure, but you have to pay a little extra.” That extra cost is the tariff.
Recently, Donald Trump, the President of the United States, decided to raise tariffs on many countries, including Canada. He says it’s to protect American businesses and make trading more “fair.” But many people—including Canadians—feel these tariffs make things harder, not better.
Canada didn’t just sit back and accept these changes. In fact, something exciting happened: Canada got a new Prime Minister—Mark Carney!
Mark Carney used to be a big boss at banks in Canada and England. He’s super smart with money and understands how the world works. Now, as Prime Minister, he’s helping Canada stand strong and make smart choices.
One of his big ideas is to support Canadian businesses and help people buy more things made right here in Canada. That way, we don’t have to rely so much on other countries, especially when they’re charging us high tariffs.
What Is the “Buy Canadian” Movement?
This is where things get really cool. Across the country, people are joining a movement called “Buy Canadian.” It’s like a team effort where everyone tries to buy things made in Canada—like maple syrup, winter boots, toys, and even ketchup!
Why is this important?
It helps Canadian workers keep their jobs.
It supports local businesses and families.
It makes Canada stronger and more independent.
It shows national pride—like cheering for Team Canada in the Olympics!
Even stores are joining in. Some have special signs that say “Made in Canada” so shoppers know what to choose.
Since Mark Carney became Prime Minister, Canada has started making some big, positive changes:
Canada is working with other countries to make sure trade is fair and respectful. Mark Carney is using his experience to talk with leaders and find peaceful solutions.
The government is giving support to small businesses so they can grow and compete. That means more jobs and more cool Canadian products.
By promoting the “Buy Canadian” movement, Canadians are learning how powerful their choices are. Every time someone buys a Canadian-made backpack or snack, they’re helping their country.
Buying local means less shipping and packaging, which is better for the planet. Canada is also working on green energy and climate-friendly policies.
You might be thinking, “I’m just a kid—what does this have to do with me?”
Well, a lot!
You can ask your parents to buy Canadian-made snacks or clothes.
You can learn about where things come from and how they’re made.
You can talk about these issues in school and share ideas.
You can be proud of your country and help make it better.
Even small choices—like picking a Canadian apple instead of one flown in from far away—can make a big difference.
COOL AI Helpers for Homework all Canadian!
Samantha Alvarez Age 10
Hi friends, after I wrote my first article for Alla Salute, I had many requests for a second one.π
Do you ever feel like your homework is really hard? Or maybe you just wish someone could help you when you're stuck? Guess what, there are some super cool computer helpers called AI, which means Artificial Intelligence. That’s a fancy way of saying smart computers that can help you learn and do school stuff! I usually use my notebook to do my homework and even my teachers say it's ok oh and my parents too!
Let me tell you about some awesome AI tools that kids in Canada (like us!) can use to get help with homework. π
Khanmigo is like a robot buddy from Khan Academy that helps with homework. If math is tricky, Khanmigo can explain it in a way that makes sense. It can also give you fun writing ideas and answer questions when you're curious. It’s like having a smart friend who loves school!
TeachMateAI was made for teachers, but kids can use it too. It makes school stuff way more fun. You can use it to help with your homework or even to make studying easier. It’s like a teacher in your notebook or laptop!
Eduaide.AI also helps teachers, but guess what? It can help you plan your study time and check your work. It’s great when you want to make sure you did your homework right. Thumbs up for Eduaide!
Curricumate.AI is a big helper for teachers, but it also gives kids cool activities and makes learning fun, not boring. It helps you understand what’s going on in class—even the hard stuff! I like to use this even to pass my time when I'm bored.
There are even more helpers out there! Check these out:
Mathway: Helps you solve math problems step by step.
Grammarly: Checks your spelling and grammar when you're writing.
Quizlet: Lets you study with flashcards and fun games!
AI is awesome, but remember:
Don’t just copy answers. Learn from the AI, then use your own words.
If you don’t get how to use it, ask your teacher or parents to help.
Always have fun learning! Learning can be cool when you’ve got help.
So next time you’re stuck on homework, don’t worry! Try one of these AI helpers. They’re like superheroes for your schoolwork.
Happy learning, and don’t forget to smile while you study! ππ
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