Finding Viable Work From Home Opportunities As New Parent - Landmark Transportation School Bus Driving Option

Being a new parent is not always what you expect and there is definitely no job description. Every baby is different and unique which is why motherhood can be so scary, fun, terrifying, exciting, and rewarding all at the same time!! What is especially challenging as a new parent is making the difficult decision to quit a full-time job to be home with your children and finding ways to supplement income.

As a stay at home parent myself an entrepreneur, I am always approached by fellow mommy friends wondering how I made it work.  My response is always to weight out the options and costs of going back to work full time vs. staying home to raise your children and perhaps supplementing your income with some viable work from home options on a part time basis. And when I say to "weight out the costs", I mean the REAL COSTS in all areas (not just money).  Things like quality of life, health, exercise, eating out, commute times, etc. should ALL be considered as “costs” when making this decision.

For me, the decision was an easy one as going back to work full-time in agencies as an event planner meant a +3 hour commute each day from Newmarket to Toronto and back, long days, evenings, weekends, travelling, putting 2 kids in daycare full time (both of whom are special needs), likely having to hire a housekeeper, eating out more, quality of life differences that I wasn't going to sacrifice and all for only MAYBE $300 a week extra after factoring that all that all in!  I’m hearing about more and more moms in a similar situation as mine.

The trick, however, is finding those tried and true income potentials that *actually* earn money (a-hem MLM's :) and provide flexibility for parents.  Well my friends, I think I FOUND IT!    School bus driving part time with a local transportation company like Landmark is your local income supplementation option.   I'm happy to share with you the inside scoop on how it all works so that you can feel comfortable in the decision-making process on if this opportunity could work for your family. 

Training & Requirements

If you carry a driver’s license, enjoy children and have a decent driving record; getting your license to be able to drive a school bus is no problem at all.  Landmark does the required training for you, right at their offices!  The training consists of 5-10 business days of onsite training.  You will also need :

• Your Driver Abstract ( 3 years un-certified).  Can be ordered online for only $12
• Ministry of Transportation Medical for professional driver license - not covered by OHIP.  Most doctors charge from $50 to $125 for this document
• Vulnerable Sector Screening (Police check) as you will be working with kids.  Cost is about $65 and the company will reimburse you once hired.    Some moms may have one of these already if they volunteer at school, etc. already!

Once complete, you are all set.  Note that the initial training does require that you find childcare as children are not permitted at the training sessions themselves.

Hours

If you are a stay at home mom with an infant/ toddler / preschooler OR even a parent with kids in school full time, this is the opportunity for you!  Hours for school bus drivers are extremely family friendly!  Depending on the route that you are assigned, typical start times range from 6:30-9am.  You then get the day to yourself to tend to your home, get dinner sorted, run personal errands etc.  You are required back for your after school run at around 2:00-4pm.  You get to be home for your family obligations and dinner with a breeze by 4:30 usually! 

Flexibility 

Working as a School Bus Driver for Landmark is as family-friendly as you can get!  Here's why!

·         you only work 3-5 hours per day

·         you get to bring your kids to work with you

·         you get assigned routes as close as possible to your home

·         the route pick up / drop off times work perfectly around kids' sleep schedules and family routines

·         a back up system is in place in case of unforeseen emergencies, sickness, vacation time, etc. 

·         you can keep the bus at home with your or at another designated, local, parking location.  For our York North Chapter members, Landmark is conveniently located right here in Newmarket area!

·         You will have all the school holidays, summer, winter holidays off

Pay

Of course it all boils down to the moola :)   I am happy to report that School Bus Drivers with Landmark are paid a very fair $18.50/hour.  A typical shift earns you about $80 a day, which is approx. $400 per week or $1600 per month!  That is a mortgage & car payment for many of us!  Where else are you going to earn that kind of money with your kids in toe and while still tending to your families needs??? 

How To Get Involved?

Want more info?   You can feel free to contact Landmark directly at:

Cassie

Recruitment Office

C: 289-221-0822

O: 905-888-7290 ext. 147

24 Cardico Drive (Woodbine Ave & Stouffville Rd)

L4A 2G5

www.landmarkbuslines.com

Landmark is also showcasing these opportunities at some upcoming local events as follows:

Paws in the SARC Aurora Event on Wellington St.  

Saturday May 11,  10am-6pm  

Sunday May 12 10am-4pm   

Come by and say hello~   Free event

Sunday June 2^nd. Aurora Chamber Street Festival 

Free event  11am-5pm

Study title:Scaling up psychological treatments for perinatal depression and anxiety: Examining the acceptability, feasibility and effectiveness of non-specialist providers from a multi-stakeholder perspective.

What is this study about:This study will look at your opinions and perspectives about non-specialist provider (delivered psychological treatment for maternal depression and anxiety symptoms. Non-specialists are individuals without formal training in mental health care (e.g., nurses or peers).  The purpose of this study is to examine patients’ and health care professionals’ perspectives of the relevant challenges and enablers of non-specialist delivered psychological treatments for maternal mental health.

What will you have to do: You will participate in one individual interview (approx. 30 minutes, and no more than 45 minutes).

Where will the study take place:  Telephone and in person options available 

You can participate if you are:

• Age 18 years or older
• Have had at least one experience (session) of a ‘talk therapy’ or psychological treatment when pregnant or up to 12 months post-childbirth  
• Have a healthy fetus or a healthy baby discharged with you at home
• Must live in Canada

As a thank you: You will receive a $20 gift card to Shoppers Drug Mart after your completed interview.

If you are eligible and wish to participate or learn more: please send your preferred contact information (e.g., phone or email) to:

Sasha Lemberg-Pelly (Sasha.Lemberg-Pelly@sinaihealthsystem.ca)
or Dr. Daisy R. Singla (daisy.singla@utoronto.ca).

Many thanks!

ISSUE : Maternal depression is a significant risk factor affecting the healthy development of babies, children and youth.

The relationship between maternal mental health and child health outcomes is well documented and research is continually demonstrating the importance of early detection and treatment of maternal mental illness in early childhood developments^1,2,3. Maternal depression can impair the maternal/child bond and result in delayed physical, social and cognitive development with long term implications for physical and mental wellbeing and related health outcomes^2,3,4. Mothers who are struggling with their own mental health concerns may find interaction with their child in this capacity more difficult and thus delay or impair this vital component of early brain development.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines maternal mental health as “a state of well-being in which a mother realizes her own abilities, can cope with normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully and is able to make a contribution to her community”². When confronted with mental illness, many women are unable to function in a way that allows them to contribute at a level that is consistent with WHO definitions. Maternal depression is the second leading cause of disability among women globally² and estimates suggest that up to one in five women will struggle with a mental health complication during the perinatal period.

It may surprise you to learn that:

● It is estimated that up to one in five perinatal women will suffer from a maternal mental illness. This prevalence makes mental illness the most common complication of the perinatal period, and a significant public health concern.

● Not only are women affected by poor mental health but impacts are felt directly by their partners, family, friends and community. When left untreated, mental illness can have a direct impact on early childhood development outcomes.

● Exposure to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), of which parental depression is one, can result in high levels of toxic stress on a child’s developing brain that can result in a greater likelihood of poor mental and physical health outcomes later in life⁵.

BACKGROUND

Many mothers experience a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder. In 2017, a study in the Canadian Medical association journal looked at suicide among new mothers and found that 1 in 19 maternal deaths in Ontario is attributed to suicide^6,7. Making suicide the fourth leading cause of death for perinatal women in Canada⁷. 1 in 19!!!

Because of stigma and leaving the onus on the mothers to reach out for help, only 15% of mothers who experience a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder (PMAD) receive professional treatment ⁸. Some countries, such as the UK, Australia, USA, all have a Maternal Mental Health Strategy & screening program in place. Canada instead leaves the responsibility on new mothers to reach out for help. They may not know to reach out for help if they do not know they are experiencing a PMAD, or they may be afraid of the stigma associated with a PMAD.

If we want to support children and youth, we must start with mothers and ensure that they are healthy. When moms thrive, babies thrive. If we want to turn the tide on some of our biggest challenges with children and youth we need to focus on preventing them by having a strategy for supporting Canadian mothers and increase maternal mental health.

CONSIDERATIONS

Based on research, current trends, and new knowledge, we need to act now and put a plan in place to screen mothers for PMADs to prevent the loss of life, lessen the effect on children and youth, and decrease the high economical costs for something that can be prevented by early detection, and simple interventions. We need a plan in place to identify the mothers who are at risk and get them into treatment whether that is peer based support groups, medication, counselling, or hospitalization.

Consider this:

• Maternal depression and anxiety is a stronger risk factor for child behavioral problems than smoking, binge drinking, and emotional or physical domestic abuse⁹.
  
  
• More women will suffer PMAD than there are new cases of breast cancer diagnosed annually ¹⁰.
  
  
• More women will suffer from Postpartum Anxiety and Depression in a year than the combined number of new cases for men and women of Tuberculosis, Leukemia, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, Lupus, and Epilepsy.
  
  
• Depression during pregnancy and the immediate postpartum period is the most concerning time and has the biggest effect on the developing brain⁵.
  
  
•  It has been estimated that the cost for untreated mother/child unit is up to $150,000 with 72% of the cost allocated to the child¹¹. 
  
  
• It is estimated 85% of mothers do not receive treatment, so the economic cost to Canada is approximately $11 billion dollars. This can be reduced to approximately $5,000 if we screen and treat.
  
  

This is an excerpt from the brief presented at the Great Canadian Health Care Debate at the National Health Leaders Conference, June 2018. See the full brief here.  

REFERENCES

1. Evans, J., Melotti, R., Heron, J., Ramchandani, P., Wiles, N., Murray, L. and Stein, A. (2011). The timing of maternal depressive symptoms and child cognitive development: a longitudinal study. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 53(6), pp.632-640.

2. Rahman, A., Surkan, P., Cayetano, C., Rwagatare, P. and Dickson, K. (2013). Grand Challenges: Integrating Maternal Mental Health into Maternal and Child Health Programmes. PLoS Medicine, 10(5), p. e1001442.

3. Sohr-Preston, S.and Scaramella, L. (2006). Implications of Timing of Maternal Depressive Symptoms for Early Cognitive and Language Development. Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 9(1), pp.65-83.

4. Jones, C., Jomeen, J. and Hayter, M. (2014). The impact of peer support in the context of perinatal mental illness: A meta-ethnography. Midwifery, 30(5), pp.491-498.

5. Lebel, C., Walton, M., Letourneau, N., Giesbrecht, G., Kaplan, B. and Dewey, D. (2016). Prepartum and Postpartum Maternal Depressive Symptoms Are Related to Children’s Brain Structure in Preschool. Biological Psychiatry, 80(11), pp.859-868.

6. Nasser, S. (2017) 1 in 19: New study shines light on reality of suicide among new Ontario moms, moms-to-be. CBC news. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/mothers-suicide-ontario-study-1.4267417

7. Grigoriadis, S., Wilton, A. S., Kurdyak, P. A., Rhodes, A. E., VonderPorten, E. H., Levitt, A., … Vigod, S. N. (2017). Perinatal suicide in Ontario, Canada: a 15-year population-based study. CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association Journal = Journal de l’Association Medicale

8.  Patterns of Depression and Treatment in Pregnant and Postpartum Women Angela Bowen, RN, PhD1 ; Rudy Bowen, MD, CM, FRCP2 ; Peter Butt, MD, CCFP3 ; Kazi Rahman, MBBS, MS (PhD Candidate)4 ; Nazeem Muhajarine, PhD5, 2012

9. Knitzer, J., Theberge, S., & Johnson, K. (2008). Reducing Maternal Depression and Its Impact on Young Children. Retrieved from http://www.nccp.org/publications/pdf/text_791.pdf

10. Stone, K. (2010). How Many Women Get Postpartum Depression? The Statistics on PPD | POSTPARTUM PROGRESS. Retrieved May 17, 2018, from http://www.postpartumprogress.com/how-many-women-get-postpartum-depression-the-statistics-on-ppd

11. Bauer, A., Parsonage, M., Knapp, M., Iemmi, V., Adelaja, B., & Hogg, S. (2014). The costs of perinatal mental health problems. Centre for Mental Health. /doi.org/10.13140/2.1.4731.61

Sometimes the best road trip adventures are those planned as an afterthought. Our family was en route to Lake Placid for a pre-thanksgiving adventure with another family. As any good road tripper knows a midway stop is a must. Not only to refuel, recharge and stretch but to also expand the adventure.  We decided to stop at the midway point and explore Brockville. Our plan was a quick bite to eat and a walk at the waterfront. What should have been an hour stop turned into three hours of exceptional tourist time!

A 3-hour drive from our home in Stouffville, Brockville is one of the oldest communities in Ontario and sits quaintly on the St. Lawrence River in the Thousand Islands Region of Eastern Ontario. The beautiful limestone buildings, waterfront vantage points, and immense charm encouraged us to stay longer and to regret not having more time to explore.

We started our adventure with a walk along the harbor and onto Blockhouse Island. The harbor had several yachts that looked like tall ships which pleased our kids, I mean what kid doesn't love a boat.  Jutting out onto the St. Lawrence River the island had walking/biking trails, a beautiful fenced in playground, a cafe, well-maintained restrooms and large Muskoka chairs which were an excellent backdrop for the perfect tourist photo.  Every angle was a gorgeous view of the St. Lawrence or upstate New York to the south. The sunny but cold weather certainly helped illuminate the beauty all around us.

From Blockhouse Island we walked over to Canada's first railway tunnel. Renovated and repurposed as a tourist destination and part of Brockville's trail system the tunnel incorporates a fully programmable LED system. The tunnel comes to life with music and lights creating an intoxicating visual history of the tunnel and its importance to Canadian History. Mineral deposits, ground waterfalls, and original hatches and construction details are present. The kids loved the colors, the music and of course the sound of a train whistle in the background. The tunnel was interesting for us adults as well. The height and expanse of it, the historical plaques that allow you to gain a deeper appreciation and of course the lights and music were pretty cool too! Who doesn't love a good tragically hip tune?

The tunnel pops you out uphill from the waterfront, and again the views of the waterway, city hall and the harbor are stunning. We walked downhill towards the main street. There was a great selection of shops and restaurants. Feeling hungry and ready for a rest we opted for The Union Jack Pub. The reviews stated it was kid friendly with home cooked food and a local watering hole. Check, Check and Check. The interior while modest and in keeping with its name was comfortable and had plenty of space for our group of 10, strollers included. The service was excellent and best of all KIDS ATE FREE! And it was a very generous meal with a drink included. Our meals were delicious and the price point perfect. It was nice to support a local business and for that business to accommodate a large group, including 6 kids which are never an easy task and with no reservation.

With full bellies and great memories, we loaded back into our vehicles to continue on our way. Of course with a mental note to return again and stay longer.

Brockville was a delightful surprise, and her shores sure were gorgeous.

It was suggested that when we return, we should experience the Aquatarium, cruise the 1000 islands by boat, explore Hardy park and return to the harbor area for some more delicious food and hopefully see a tall ship! 

We are thrilled to be supporting the Funtastical fundraiser for SickKids Foundation. We hope to see lots of Life With A Baby families at the event. The line-up of entertainment is incredible and there will be lots to do. Plus it's indoors!!! You don't have to worry about the weather. We have special LWAB rates for up to 4 and up to 6 people. https://www.funtastical.ca/ Join us for this amazing family event and make a difference in the lives of sick children.

Up to 4 people use this link! 4 tickets for just $30

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/funtastical-family-event-in-support-of-sickkids-hospital-tickets-54680740567?discount=lifewithbaby4for30 

Up to 6 people use this link! 6 Tickets for just $40

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/funtastical-family-event-in-support-of-sickkids-hospital-tickets-54680740567?discount=lifewithbaby6for40 

Life with Baby Exclusive - This full weekend is designed by women, for women to help you unwind, leave stress behind and focus on calm!

Immerse yourself in a cozy & natural cottage setting located only 2 hours from Toronto with roaring indoor and outdoor fires, crisp country air and like-minded women seeking a break from

the chaos. This weekend is all about escaping life's ups and downs and preparing yourself with self-care, self-love and self-awareness.

The weekend includes 2 cozy side by side cottages (shared and select single accommodations available), all healthy meals and snacks, including one chef catered dinner, yoga and meditation,

nature walks, exercise, life coaching workshops, health focused seminars with essential oils (covering mood, sleep, fears, confidence, etc.), DIY's to take home and special swag bags. ~~~

Group: 16 women - 3 single spots available (single bed but room is shared), all others are double or quad occupancy (shared beds so grab a friend and cuddle up!)

Please Etransfer to save your spot:theoilgirls@strattco.com

$275 - Early bird - if booked April or $300 - Regular fee - if booked in May

Get updates through our Facebook event https://www.facebook.com/events/2171576163156771/

Summer Camp promo for Life With A Baby members - $719 + HST

Your Kids Of Canada North Entire Overnight Camp Experience Includes:

* All Meals, Accommodations, Transportation & Baggage, Laundry, Snacks.

* A 3:1 Camper: Staff Ratio which provides each camper with lots of personal attention.

* All staff are Police Screened and are Certified in First-Aid & CPR or NLS Life Guard Certified.

* Interactive Cabin Groups, Camper-Choice Programming, Friendships & Memories and much much more!

* Weekly Themes & Spirit Days in addition to our daily Levels, Focus and Performance Periods. These types of programs provide our campers with the opportunity to choose their desired area of fun, development and improvement throughout their weekly stay at camp. And, let’s not forget all of the traditional cabin group activities that campers will do with their Bunkmates!

* All Overnight Camp Sessions are a 1 Week Stay, 7 days and 7 nights, campers may extend their stay at any time!

* A huge variety of Sports, Recreation, Leisure and Camp programming including Inflatable Water Park, Canoeing, Kayaking, Swimming, Pedal Boats, Stand-Up Paddle Boards, Hiking, Orienteering, Nature Programming,

Campfires, Video & Photography, Fishing, Arts & Crafts, Drama, Dance, Music, Landsports, Soccer, Basketball, Baseball, Beach Volleyball, Culinary Creations, Ball Hockey, And much much more!!!

* SAFETY is #1! Our lifejacket policy requires that all campers & CIT’s wear a life jacket during all water activities.

Contact:

Cory Shiner

Camp Director

Kids Of Canada Summer Camps

Kids Of Canada North Overnight Camp

416-891-4(FUN) 4386

www.kidsofcanada.com

info@kidsofcanada.com

coryshiner@rogers.com

Happy Nannies Canada facilitates the immigration of Filipino nannies into Canada so families can live more enriched lives. Our nannies and elderly caregivers are trusted and trained. Part-time or full-time nanny, live-in nanny or live-out, Happy Nannies Canada will find the perfect fit for your family's needs.

Employing your own nanny is a cost efficient way to ensure your child gets one on one dedicated attention, eats a balance diet, is well cared for and has all their personal needs met in the comfort and safety of your home.

We match families with nannies from the Philippines through Canada's Temporary Foreign Worker Program. Our nannies receive extensive training and are highly qualified.

What Makes Us Different?

We truly believe that happy nannies equal happy families.

Service and support continues even after your nanny arrives at your door, to ensure as smooth a transition as possible for your family. Our goal is for families to establish likeability and trust early in the relationship.

Happy Nannies Canada supports both families and nannies. Our heart-centred approach helps our Filipino nannies smoothly integrate into Canadian culture. We provide our nannies with ongoing support and opportunities to socialize outside of work. This helps them feel a sense of belonging and satisfaction in their new lives away from home.

As expert immigration consultants, we navigate government programs and process applications on your behalf, making the process of hiring nannies from the Philippines simple for you.

Exclusive for Life with a Baby members only. You get a $500 discount when you get a Happy Nanny from Happy Nannies Canada. 

For a limited time only. 

Valid until July 31, 2019

Call/email us now to avail of this discount.

Email: ask@happynanniescanada.ca

Website: www.happynanniescanada.ca

Phone: 647-874-8586

We are very excited about our Moms night out Pre-Mother's Day Comedy Show & Dinner.  Dress up in whatever makes you feel fabulous and join us for an evening of fun and laughter. 

Join us for a memorable night out with dinner and a show with comedian, Kate Davis at the Thornhill Golf & Country Club.

Limited spots are available! Grab your girlfriends and get a table for a special rate.

Do you have a small business? Have something that would be a good fit to share with moms? Register for the Business Mama rate which includes a table and dinner. 

REGISTER AT A Night Out : Pre-Mother's Day Comedy Show & Dinner

About Kate Davis

A speaker, writer, comedian, actress and mother of three, Kate Davis has the unique ability to find humour in any situation.

Theatrically trained in England, Kate returned to Canada to a successful run on Canadian stage and through the many stages of motherhood found a passion in comedy.

A five-time nominee at the Canadian Comedy Awards and star of her own hour-long comedy special on CTV and the Comedy Network, Kate has appeared on Breakfast Television, Star TV, Toronto 1, Prime, WTN, TVO, CBC Radio One “The Debaters” and The Mom Show.

Through a reinventive outlook, Kate created successful parenting with humour workshops. These have transformed to the full range of presentations, exploring the positive effects humour on life. From the corporate world to the bedtime story, Kate’s insight and vision reveals the healing thread of humour.   https://katedavis.ca/keynote-speaker-katedavis/bio/

Pricing
$65/person or $500/table of 10
Business Mamas:
$100 includes display table (bring your own)
$150 includes display table (we provide)

REGISTER AT A Night Out : Pre-Mother's Day Comedy Show & Dinner

We've been getting requests for more weekend events and we are happy to have some upcoming events on the weekends that the whole family can enjoy!  There are events across various areas. We hope you can join the event in your area. 

On Saturday, March 30th, we'll be celebrating 11 years of Life With A Baby Programming. We have two featured events at just $10/per person for the whole family to enjoy.  

First, at 11am, we have a family dance party with Monkey Rock Music! Kids under 1 are free.

 This event is perfect for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.  Get your dancing shoes on and join us for the ultimate family dance party with Monkey Rock Music.

Register & Learn more at https://www.lifewithababy.com/event-3318810

Then, at 1:30pm we have a family magic & Illusion show with Magic Dan. We are very very excited to be bring Magic Dan out for a special LWAB event.  This March it's 11 years of LWAB programming and we'd love to celebrate with you! 

Join us in Toronto on Sunday March 31st for a Toddler Time at SkyZone 

Toddler Time is a great shared experience for child and parent. A time for your little ones to discover the joy of being active, bouncing under the supervision of their parents, and without interference from the big kids.

9-10 am Jumping

10-11am Snacks are provided,(juice, cookies, fruit platter, yogurt) but you are welcome to bring your own. 

Register & Learn more at https://www.lifewithababy.com/event-3306492

On Saturday, April 6th, we have our annual mom to mom sale & Fun Day. This is a free event. Register and learn more here https://www.lifewithababy.com/event-3213926

On Sunday, April 21st in Vaughan, we are hosting the Spring Fling & Easter Brunch. Limited spots. Register and learn more at  https://www.lifewithababy.com/event-3260558

Also, on Sunday, April 21st in Newmarket we are hosting an Easter Brunch. Register and learn more about the Newmarket event at  https://www.lifewithababy.com/event-3167715

Join us in Aurora on Saturday, April 27th for a Music & Movement Class (Fee for kids only, adults are free). Register & Learn more at  https://www.lifewithababy.com/event-3303404

We hope to see you sat our weekend events.

LWAB Team