Expert Advice From Helpmesara

In this podcast Sara Dimerman chats with Simon Zelcovitch, a Toronto graphologist, about handwriting analysis and how he can help you. Over the course of this episode you will learn more about: Graphology and why people want to have hand writing analyzed Some more common strokes and styles of writing (e.g. size, slant) that almost always depict certain characteristics in a person Whether analysis varies depending on age, gender and hand preference How teaching a student to write a certain way can affect his or her behaviour  

Sara Dimerman in conversation with Sarah Chana Radcliffe. Over the course of this episode you will learn more about: Why the start of school is a particularly anxious time for kids, parents and teachers Tips to ease anxiety and make the transition back to school easier After how long a period of adjustment should a parent be concerned and when to seek professional help  

Sara Dimerman in conversation with Una Wright. Over the course of this episode you will learn more about: How parents can establish a relationship with their children (before they are teens) so that they will feel safe to open up and communicate with them Some of the fundamental building blocks when creating a foundation from which a parent/teen relationship is ideally created The difference between daily communication eg how was your day? versus communication about bigger issues eg bullying, depression and low self esteem Effective tips for helping to empower teens to find their voices and why some teens lose their voices or maybe never find them Some of the biggest concerns/issues that youth are dealing with today  

Sara Dimerman in conversation with Andrew Rodie. Over the course of this episode you will learn more about: The pros and cons of selling and buying cars privately Why not just go through a dealership if that's the safer route? What can go wrong when buying or selling a car privately What one needs to do in preparation for a private sale or purchase How people can protect themselves to reduce or completely eliminate risks when buying or selling a car privately  

Sara Dimerman in conversation with Dr. Paul Saunders. Over the course of this episode you will learn more about: Whether there has been a change in the kinds of foods (and environmental triggers) that children have shown sensitivity to over the years What signs and symptoms to watch for as indicators of sensitivity Whether these symptoms differ depending on the age, race or cultural background of the child The earliest age at which children show food and environmental sensitivities and what these may be attributed to Whether or not parents can take any preventative measures to minimize these sensitivities from occurring Whether certain children may be predisposed to sensitivity and why Whether it is wise to completely avoid certain foods at different stages of development or if avoidance heightens sensitivity Whether diets that are gluten free or dairy free, for example, are fads or if there is true merit to avoiding foods that contain these ingredients Where a parent can go to more properly assess their chi

Sara Dimerman in conversation with Samuel Waldner. Over the course of this episode you will learn more about: The definition of alcohol addiction Some signs to watch out for that social drinking, for example, has become a problem Whether alcohol addiction is typically an inherited or learnt behaviour The most common ways to treat this addiction The importance of finding a therapist who has specific training in alcohol addiction when seeking help The consequences of alcohol addiction on other relationships Whether alcohol addiction is easily treatable  

Sara Dimerman in conversation with Christine Hoheisel. Over the course of this episode you will learn more about: Ways to cut costs as a family such as: Clipping coupons - where to get them and how to organize them so that they are readily available when you are. Reward and points programs - what works best and how to make the most of them. Ways to enjoy travel while sticking to your budget How to model cutting costs to your kids and ways they might respond to these measures  

Sara Dimerman in conversation with Fiona Roche. Over the course of this episode you will learn more about: What sex addiction means Signs of sex addiction Whether or not this is primarily a male related addiction Types of assessment used when determining if someone has a sex addiction Whether this is typically an inherited behaviour? or learned? The most common ways to treat this addiction and predictors for success The consequences of sex addiction on a couples' relationship Whether or not it's a good idea for spouses to receive concurrent support Whether sex addiction is more prevalent now than in previous years and if so, why Where research into sex addiction is headed  

Sara Dimerman in conversation with Joey Dimerman. Over the course of this episode you will learn more about: What events or conditions might prevent one from earning an income? Whether or not most people have a rainy day fund set aside in case this occurs? How else one can plan ahead in the event of an accident or catastrophic illness The probability of someone being so ill or disabled that he or she is unable to earn an income The difference between disability and critical illness insurance What 'return of premium' means and how an insurance policy can also function as forced savings  

Sara Dimerman in conversation with Les Kotzer. Over the course of this episode you will learn more about: At what age or stage of life one should consider creating a Will and why What words such as executor, estate, assets, guardians, probate tax & power of attorney mean Whether do-it-yourself Wills are good enough. Why or why not? Whether or not you need a lawyer with special training to write your Will How often and when Wills should be revised and why What happens to your property and assets if you die without a Will in place What happens to your children if you die without a Will in place  

Sara Dimerman in conversation with Nia Vardalos. Over the course of this episode you will learn more about: Nia's honest and heart moving account of the journey towards adopting their daughter The importance of grieving the loss of what might have been Whether the internet is a good place to begin when researching adoption The bumpiest spots on the road to adoption The ecstasy and challenges once a child has been adopted Why Nia chose to write Instant Mom and how it is helping other families navigate through the adoption process  

Sara Dimerman in conversation with Dr. Tiffany Chow. Over the course of this episode you will learn more about: The age at which adult children typically find their roles with their parents beginning to reverse Age related factors that influence this change in role Other special circumstances that might accelerate this role reversal (eg alzheimers, dementia, stroke) The difference between dementia and alzheimer's disease The age at which older adults typically need more care Encouraging geriatric assessments and with whom? What to do when an aging parent is resistant to or in denial about needing extra help Why its best to avoid certain words such as "dementia" when talking to an aging parent Support services for aging parents and their adult children Whether our communities/provinces are well equipped to deal with mental and physical changes for our aging population The importance of getting extended family involved in caring for an aging parent/relative What to look for when exploring options for increased

Sara Dimerman in conversation with Marc Saltzman. Over the course of this episode you will learn more about: How technology has evolved over the past decade Gadgets and gizmos that are particularly appealing to children? teens? adults? Whether males or females are more drawn to technology than the other gender Why there is such a fascination with technology today How technology has enhanced our lives and how it has made them more difficult Whether or not there is a correlation between violent video games and aggressive behaviour How and why parents should set limits on children and technology Where technology is headed Pause: Get out of the Game is an informational campaign targeted at teens with the purpose of raising awareness about the dangers of video game addiction. As a way of speaking their language, the creator of this game encourages teens to download and play this game so as to understand the impact of addictive video game playing on their lives.. It mimics the life of a video game addict as they

Sara Dimerman in conversation with Alison Tedder and Diane Flacks. Over the course of this episode you will learn more about: Whether children being raised in same sex relationships typically see themselves and their family structure as being different to their peers How children may voice their feelings and how same sex parents can prepare for their questions How acceptance from extended family eg grandparents, impacts on the adult children and grandchildren, for example Whether male same sex parents have a more difficult time with societal expectations and stereotypes than female co parents Whether and how school administrators and teachers accommodate for the difference in family structure within families of children being raised by same sex parents How same sex parents can advocate on behalf of their children and family to raise awareness -within schools and communities - and offer suggestions for change if necessary Local and national supports for same sex parents raising children  

Sara Dimerman in conversation with Henry and Valerie Kerr. Over the course of this episode you will learn more about: Their life stories When Henry discovered his creative talents Henry's prolific poetry writing skills How they re discovered love in their late eighties and nineties respectively how love has enhanced their lives The secret to remaining vital, nimble minded and interested in all that life offers Learning to live life to its fullest and maintaining a positive attitude  

Drinking & Driving is a deadly mix. Certain times of the year we especially need to be reminded of this. Drinking alcohol on one's own time in the comfort of one's own home is your business. However, if we drink and drive, others can be affected. MADD Canada is one of the best known organizations of it's kind in Canada. They aim to support people who have been victims of impaired driving and to educate us about the lethal consequences of driving while impaired. Please listen to this podcast, no matter your age, because drinking and driving crosses all age barriers. However, if you know a youth that drives, please especially encourage him or her to listen too. You can save lives. Sara Dimerman in conversation with Denise Dubyk. Over the course of this episode you will learn more about: When, where and why was MADD Canada created? By whom? Mission statement? Aside from the obvious, why is it never a good idea for people to drive while impaired? What are some warning signs that you may have had a few too ma

Sara Dimerman in conversation with Melanie Gross. Over the course of this episode you will learn more about: The physical and emotional benefits to clearing your clutter The side effects of disorganization/clutter The most challenging aspects of clearing your clutter and why Nature versus nurture - are some people predisposed to being disorganized or is this behaviour learnt? Whether change is typically permanent after your clutter is cleared Some simple tips to get you started and to help your children get organized  

Sara Dimerman in conversation with Dr. Tara Sermer. Over the course of this episode you will learn more about: How a family can come together in making the decision to become a pet owning family Some of the key factors to consider when deciding to bring a pet to live in your home Red flags that your home or family may not be pet friendly Making an informed decision about the right breed of dog or cat for your family Whether dogs and cats can co exist. Less commonly owned domestic animals Helping children and adults cope with the loss of a pet. Resources/where to go to to do more research on owning a pet. Dr. Sermer also recommends: TV show: CMT Pick A Puppy Book: Cesar's Way by Cesar Milan. Book: Perfect Puppy in 7 Days: How to start your puppy off right by Dr. Sophia Yin Book: Before & After Getting Your Puppy by Dr. Ian Dunbar  

Sara Dimerman in conversation with Cherie MacLeod. Over the course of this episode you will learn more about: Signs and signals that may indicate your child is attracted to same sex peers The age at which children typically show attraction to one sex over the other The best way to approach your child if you think he or she is gay or lesbian What reaction to expect from your child after being approached Whether it is typical for a child to approach his or her parents with the awareness of a difference in sexual orientation Understanding/exploring sexual diversity and identity, e.g. bisexuality, transgender, transsexuality, pansexuality Why some children are more comfortable questioning or expressing their differences openly Common parental reactions when his or her child "comes out" How a parent can best support his or her child How parents can find support for themselves and their children  

Sara Dimerman in conversation with Janyce Lastman. Over the course of this episode you will learn more about: Why  parents sometimes feel that their children's needs are not being met at school The difference between public versus private schools What parents can do when they disagree about which school their children should attend The factors/issues that parents often don’t consider but should when choosing a school The pros and cons of changing schools or school systems – and the  best (or worst) time to do so Some things parents might not typically think of doing that could help improve a difficult situation at school –  social, academic or behavioural Some of the more common conditions that require accommodations at school, e.g. learning disability Some other less obvious conditions that may require special attention, e.g. anxiety, conduct disorder Options for teens who  don't fit  regular high school programming Some newer or non-traditional options parents might consider for students who wish to contin