A novelist, picture book writer and native New Yorker, John is a graduate of Syracuse University and the children's media graduate program at Centennial College. When not staring at his computer monitor, you'll most likely find John sipping tea watching British comedies, or in the kitchen, taking a stab at the technical challenge on the most recent episode of 'The Great British Baking Show'.
It’s not easy to tell a loved one that they need to make changes to their lifestyle. Even if deep down, it’s a message they need to hear. There is a time, a place, and a way to share this with them, and it must be done with love and support. Taking them by surprise […] More
The prospect of seeing a doctor can weigh very differently on different people. Most people don’t give it a second thought when going for a routine check-up, and in an emergent situation, they will rush to an emergency room, knowing they will be in good hands. That being said, when some people are told they […] More
As children grow up, there is an expectation that their responsibilities around the house will grow. This includes helping with cleaning, cooking, and other housekeeping and chores. That being said, children should still be allowed to be children, so parents shouldn’t rely on their children to be the sole cook or cleaner in the house. […] More
When most people receive good or exciting news, they usually can’t wait to share it with others. However, for many reasons within and beyond their control, sometimes they are forced to sit on this news before they can share it with anyone. Including their nearest and dearest, as not everyone is as good at keeping […] More
We always want to help our family when they need it. Even if it can often feel like an obligation, we do it nonetheless, with the mindset that they would do the same for us. However, even if we don’t help out our family for pride and glory, it’s still nice to have at least […] More
“When ya gotta go, ya gotta go!” It is one of life’s greatest inconveniences, and just about everyone on earth wishes that wasn’t the case. No matter how hard we try, we simply cannot control when we need to relieve ourselves. More often than not, this might come at a time when we are not […] More
We often find ourselves telling someone that you “bet” they can or can’t do something, or do or don’t know something. However, one should never throw a bet out too casually, especially if you don’t know the person you’re talking to quite well. They could very well not only take you up on that bet […] More
If everyone had complete and utter control of their emotions, the world would be a much happier place. Yet, as we all know, no matter how hard some people may try, no one has absolute control over their emotions. There are some people who, despite their best efforts, have little to no control. Often resulting […] More
“Kids will be kids”. A fairly common turn of phrase that might be too liberally used. Of course, children should by all means enjoy their childhood, and not be too beholden to responsibilities and commitments they will one day have to endure in adulthood. That being said, being a child is not an excuse to […] More
Not everyone defines who they consider family purely by those with whom they share a blood relation. Many consider their closest friends to be family and might even have healthier relationships with them than with those who share their DNA. Of course, lines need to be drawn when it comes to family. As sometimes you […] More
Chances are, you and your domestic partner aren’t always going to take up the same hobbies. Most couples don’t give this much thought, happily partaking in their new or longstanding hobbies while their partners enjoy theirs. The only time a partner’s hobby could prove to be an issue is when they chose to bring it […] More
Pablo Picasso once famously quipped: “Bad artists copy. Good artists steal.” True as that may be, it’s still never a good feeling to see someone take credit for work that you had done… or an idea that was yours. Of course, stealing another person’s work or idea could permanently affect your relationship with that individual, […] More
