For some troubled teens, teen boot camps have been the much-needed answer to their self-destructive behaviour. When other options like grounding, revoked privileges, detentions, family counseling, one-on-one therapy, even self-help and parenting books yield no decrease in the harmful habits of troubled teens, families have turned towards teen boot camps across Canada as a radical solution. Read more
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 North Toronto, Toronto; Vancouver; Calgary; Online
Our coed summer sports camps are geared toward kids ages 4-18 of all abilities and skill levels. From beginner to elite, there is a camp option for everyone. Improve Your Skills & Have SERIOUS FUN at Sports Camps Canada! Read more...
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City of Toronto - Specialty Plus Camps Bathurst Manor/Clanton Park, Toronto; Brampton
Looking to enjoy nature and being outdoors, these camps are for you! Camp Naorca & Camp Claireville both provide fun, hands-on opportunities to discover the hidden wonders and importance of Toronto’s parks and gardens. Read more...
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 Harbourfront, Toronto
Since 1979, Harbourfront Centre Camps have fostered an inclusive learning community that encourages long-lasting connections to contemporary arts, culture and ideas. . Read more...
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 Deer Park, Toronto; Davisville Village, Toronto; Annex, Toronto; Online
Cutting-edge Direct Instruction and academic support centre in Toronto offering 1-to-1 individual support for students K-12, innovative group classes and standardized test preparation for SSAT, SAT, and ACT. Read more...
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 Minden
A central Ontario summer camp for families and children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Read more...
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 Venture Academy Summer Program for Troubled Teens Kelowna; Barrie; Red Deer
Supportive & therapeutic environment for struggling students. Assessment, educational support, life skills and outdoor activities. Earn school credit, acquire skills & stay safe! Read more...
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 Lawrence Heights, Toronto; Online
Focused on developing social skills, emotional/self-regulation and self confidence. Programs are interactive, skills, and strength-based, consisting of games, team building; role-plays, art, discussions, take-home tasks. Read more...
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 COVID-19 alert: Temporarily closed Sharbot Lake
An amazing summer camp experience for campers with special needs. All the fun of camp, with supportive and experienced staff to give your camper the summer of their life! The focus is on fun first! Read more...
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 Burlington; Hamilton; Online
Girls Wellness & Leadership programs, with prof. coaches, chef's and trainers. Featuring Yoga/Pilates, Outdoor Adventures, Confidence & EI Activities, Meaningful Art, Leadership Games, Relationship Building, and More! Read more...
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 GTA Photography Classes : Camps Ottawa; Downtown East, Toronto; Illinois
Photography & Video Camps for kids (8-12) & teens (13-18). Campers learn from award-winning photographers & apply their new skills on daily field trips. Give your child the BEST SUMMER EVER! Read more...
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 Mississauga; Online
STEAM BOOTCamp GTA.Animation,Game,Coding,Architecture,Robotics,UI/UX Graphic,WEB Tech,Fashion Tech,DRONE Engg,AR/VR Tech.STEAM ahead with your Career-Goals, Join Technology,Engineering & Design InnovationCamp at Thinnox! Read more...
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Both a day camp and an overnight camp, offering exciting programs such as horsemanship, swimming, high ropes, climbing wall, archery, campfires, tomahawks, and many more. Excellent Leadership Camps available for teens. Read more...
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 Bloor West Village, Toronto; Online
Blend of 5 flavors in our Kids Coding & Robotics Camp in Toronto! Learn to Code, Learn to build: Robotics & Circuits, Outdoor play:Logic Games & a field trip to a tech company! Never a dull moment in our camps & programs Read more...
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 Ontario Educational Leadership Centre Washago; Online
Leadership training for students in Grades 6-12 in the arts, athletics, French language sports, SHSM, school leadership and more. Leadership courses are facilitated by qualified Ontario Teachers. #WeLead Read more...
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 InterVarsity Pioneer Camp Ontario Huntsville
An award winning Christian summer camp in Muskoka for ages five to 17 featuring dozens of awesome activities, teen programs in leadership development and wilderness adventure & unforgettable experiences for every camper! Read more...
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 InterVarsity Circle Square Ranch Big Clear Lake Hamilton; Huntsville; Land O' Lakes Tourist Region
Circle Square Ranch is a life changing Christian summer camp for kids and teens ages 6-17. We offer a wide range of activities including horseback riding, water sports and ropes. Your summer adventure starts here! Read more...
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 COVID-19 alert: Temporarily closed Minden
Kandalore is the finest traditional summer camp in Canada, providing the best of both canoe tripping and in-camp activities. Specialized leadership programs for 16 and 17 year olds. Read more...
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 COVID-19 alert: Temporarily closed Temagami
Wilderness canoe adventures with heart & meaning in boys, girls and all-gender programs. Trips weave together challenge, community & confidence to connect youth to the land, each other, and their own unique spirit. Read more...
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 Ottawa
A leadership program, where teens develop civic leadership skills, learn about Canadian institutions, meet famous and accomplished Canadians, and explore exciting career options Read more...
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 McMichael Children and Youth Art Camps and Programs Vaughan; Online
The McMichael provides an unmatched backdrop for children, youth and family programs. For details on Children's Camps, Art Classes, Accessible Studio Workshops and Family Days, visit mcmichael.com today! Read more...
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 Mississauga; Downtown West, Toronto; Markham
The fastest growing STEM camp in Toronto and the GTA, offering programs in Robotics and AI, Coding, Programming, Advanced Math, Practical Science, 3D Printing and Modeling. Read more...
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 Alberta (1); British Columbia (1); Canada (1); New Brunswick (1); Ontario (1)
Outward Bound Canada provides challenging adventures in the outdoors across the country that develop self-respect, awareness of others, interpersonal skills, and a sense of accomplishment. Read more...
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 La Have; Online
Artech is the Ultimate Creative Technology camp specializing in Game Design, Animation & Coding. Virtual camps, fully interactive for kids 7-17. With this initiative we are able to reach kids virtually anywhere! Read more...
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 Montreal
Supercamp is an ACQ-certified day camp providing over 20 arts, science, sports and learning-oriented programs. Most importantly, our camp is over 80 employees devoted to creating memories to last a lifetime! Read more...
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 COVID-19 alert: Temporarily closed Temagami
An experience kids love. A family parents trust. Wabikon is sleepover camp for boys and girls ages 6-17. Campers from around the world feel like part of the family and enjoy activities on a challenge-by-choice basis. Read more...
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 Ontario (7)
With a mixture of sports, arts, and nature based programs, you are sure to find the perfect camp or program for your child! High Five and OCA Certified. Visit www.king.ca for more information. Read more...
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 The Second City Training Centre Leslieville, Toronto; Downtown West, Toronto; North Toronto, Toronto
Come play improv games and write sketch comedy! Learn to think on your feet, meet new friends and have fun!This will be the best summer ever! Read more...
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 Markland Wood, Toronto
Arts-focused camps, classes and workshops supporting a creative learning environment where children, teens and families are encouraged to explore and enrich their lives through the arts. Read more...
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 COVID-19 alert: Temporarily closed Temagami
Wilderness canoe-tripping camp based in Northern Ontario, paddling Ontario, Quebec, and the Territories. A strong tripping program is complemented by caring staff, community focus and a diverse in-camp program. Read more...
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 Ontario Tech University Summer Camps Oshawa; Online
Explore unique science and tech programa at Ontario Tech, including LEGO , Makerspace, Coding, Minecraft. Family Camps. Camps will require minimal parent support once the camp site has been successfully accessed. Read more...
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 Burlington; Online
Sylvan STEM Camps are high quality, low ratio camps with LEGO Robotics, Coding, Science Experiments, Engineering builds and more hands-on STEM activities. REMEMBER Effective summer tutoring is also available for JK-Gr.12 Read more...
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 Hamilton
Learn to ride English on well trained horses. Daily riding lessons, theory & practical in the barn, arts/crafts, team building and of course a few camp traditions. Year round lessons with all weather riding facilities. Read more...
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 Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue; Montreal; Huberdeau
A unique team sports camp, simulating the career of professional athletes! Sports include: ice hockey, flag/touch football, basketball, soccer, baseball, ball hockey and much more! Read more...
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 Oakville; Mississauga; Online
We offer a selection of summer camps and teaching acting, dancing and singing - with a performance at the end of every week! High quality lessons, low teacher to child ratio, child protection policy and more. Read more...
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 The Laird House Adventure Camp Brampton
We offer eco-friendly sports camp/year round programs for youth 8-14. Created & taught by Certified Ontario Teachers they include: gardening, re-cycling natural resources, basketball, beach volleyball, badminton & more! Read more...
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 Renfrew; Ottawa
We are a small camp with a spectacular community of campers and staff. We focus on having a great time building interpersonal skills and connecting with each other in a fantastic natural setting. Read more...
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 COVID-19 alert: Temporarily closed London; Leamington; Port Severn
The YMCA of Southwestern Ontario offers two amazing overnight camps for campers aged 5-16 - YMCA Camp Queen Elizabeth (CQE) in Georgian Bay Islands National Park and YMCA Camp Henry in Point Pelee National Park. Read more...
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 Oakville
Innovative programming with a focus on STEM. Summer camp, after school, birthdays and more. Courses for all ages in coding, game design, circuitry, toy engineering, the arts, VR, robotics, 3D printing, cooking and more! Read more...
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 Vancouver
A multi-disciplinary paddling club offering recreational and competitive camps and after-school programs for kids of all ages and abilities all year round! Read more...
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 Brain Power Enrichment Programs Vaughan
With more than 30 years of success, Brain Power is an innovative leader in enrichment education for bright and gifted students. Brain Power is a transformative model for what gifted education should be about in the GTA. Read more...
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 Ottawa
The University of Ottawa Gee-Gees pride ourselves in offering a wide variety of bilingual sport camps to youth in the Ottawa and Gatineau area. Read more...
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 COVID-19 alert: Temporarily closed Hamilton; Oakville
YMCA of Oakville camps are found at several locations across the community with activities including swimming, day trips and more. Learn more! Read more...
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Choose active and fun Neighbourhood day camps close to home, with themed weeks and out trips, OR a traditional outdoor day (or overnight) experience at Camp Otonabee with ropes, paddling, nature hikes, swimming and more Read more...
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 Oakville; Online
At Sylvan of Oakville, we have STEM Summer Camps, STEM Club, tutoring in JK-Gr. 12 math, reading, and writing, as well as SAT/ACT prep courses. Read more...
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 Mississauga; Milton; Online
Robotics and coding after-school, weekend, competition, and summer camp classes that are virtual classes for students from Grade 2 to 12. Serious STEM learning with a unique curriculum and wholesome support system! Read more...
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 Ross Creek Centre for the Arts Canning
SummerArts combines the best of camp with the best of the arts, with great food, a full rec schedule, campfire, and of course a core of incredible arts programming, all on a beautiful campus overlooking the Bay of Fundy. Read more...
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 Dovercourt Park, Toronto; Wallace Emerson, Toronto
Creative technology camps to engage your kids & teen. Topics include Robotics, Inventions, Minecraft & Video Game Programming. Read more...
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 International; Jasper; Montreal
Kids in the Spotlight is an evidence-based performing arts organization helping children and youth develop self-confidence, social skills, and harmonious relationships with family and friends. Read more...
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 Rouge, Toronto
Located at the Toronto Zoo, Zoo Camp offers unique adventures to stimulate kids' interest in the natural world. Go behind-the-scenes at Canada's largest zoo. Read more...
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 Temagami
Wabun offers unparalleled wilderness canoe tripping experiences for adolescents. Read more...
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 Rexdale, Toronto
A nature-focused exploration and adventure camp set within a beautiful urban green space. This hands-on camp helps children foster an appreciation for the the many wonders of the natural world. Read more...
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 Sharbot Lake
Founded in 1924, Oconto is a traditional girls overnight camp located on the beautiful shores of Eagle Lake north of Kingston, Ontario. Over 20 activities are offered on 80 acres of land and 2km of shoreline. Read more...
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 Orillia; Midland
The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka offers a variety of values based camp programs through our day, family, leadership and overnight camps throughout the Simcoe, Muskoka and Parry Sound regions. Read more...
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 Ajax; Guelph; North Toronto, Toronto; Online
A unique summer experience, Where Sports Meets Education and campers get to engage in both STEM Learning & Basketball or Soccer Development. Each week we offer a unique experience for continued growth and engagement. Read more...
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 Quebec (5)
Montreal, Laval and Beaconsfield's #1 Lifestyle Summer day camp! We blend fun, education & specialty training in arts, academics and sports! Weekly program for kids ages 3 - 15! Registration is open in November for 2020! Read more...
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 Bancroft
Cedar Ridge Camp is a wonderful place where campers have the opportunity to get outside and develop friendships. Read more...
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 Bloor West Village, Toronto; East York, Toronto; Minden
Get outside this summer and discover your full potential! As Ontario's leading nature connection organization, our outdoor day and overnight camps empower kids to explore nature, try new things and build resilience. Read more...
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 Vancouver; North Vancouver; Online
Customized and creative week-long camps that help students (grades 3-5) with learning disabilities develop new skills through fun, hands-on camp programs with a high instructor and camp counsellor to camper ratio. Read more...
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 Picton
A traditional Christian Camp, located in Prince Edward County just across the lake from Sandbanks Provincial Park. Read more...
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 COVID-19 alert: Temporarily closed St Lawrence, Toronto; Downtown West, Toronto
Explore opera through our innovative and engaging programs created for kids and families! Read more...
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 Torrance
We provide a fun program for campers who want to gain independence, interact with nature, make friends with new people, and develop leadership skills. Overnight canoe trips are a staple that make for the best adventures! Read more...
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 Haliburton; Online
Medeba Summer Camp is an overnight camp that uses adventure and community to provide the best week of your child's summer! We provide a full range of traditional and extensive adventure activities to choose from. Read more...
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 Interlochen Center for the Arts Michigan; Online
Immersive summer arts camp for music, visual arts, theatre, film, dance, and creative writing. Multi-week programs for grades 3-12 and one-week instrumental institutes for high school students. Read more...
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 Minden; Moore Park, Toronto
Kilcoo has an earned reputation as one of Canada's foremost traditional summer camps. Boys come to Kilcoo to enjoy the activities, to gain confidence in themselves, to learn to work with others and to "just have fun"! Read more...
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 Arrowsmith School Cognitive Intensive Program South Hill, Toronto; Online
The Cognitive Intensive Program strengthens the Symbol Relations cognitive function. Strengthening this area means a more powerful and positive capacity to understand, participate in and contribute to the world. Read more...
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 Mill Bay; International; Rothesay; Ottawa
Exciting academic summer camps for 12-17 year olds in British Columbia, New Brunswick & Ottawa. BCCA accredited. Combination of inspiring academic learning, activities & trips. Computer Science & Medical Studies camps Read more...
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 Markham
If your child can ride a two wheeled bicycle without assistance, we can teach them how to ride a DIRT BIKE! Fully comprehensive program focusing on FUN & SAFETY Read more...
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 Toronto Islands, Toronto
Mobile Doc Shop Summer Camp - Day Camp - Toronto Islands. A documentary film making camp teaching the use of smartphones to produce films. The camp includes Recreation time - frisbee golf, walking tours, and team sports. Read more...
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 Bridle Path, Toronto
A Toronto DAY camp offering 20-25 Daily Activities, Baseball and Basketball Camps, LIT/CIT,*"4' Heated Inground Salt Pools*w/daily lessons-WEEKLY CARNIVAL, Gymboree & ROSE REISMAN CATERING! LOW RATIOS! Call 416.444.9595 Read more...
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With little luxury in the barracks, “tough love” attitude from the drill sergeants, and military-style physical conditioning, teen boot camps are often used as disciplinary measures when a troubled teen has committed a particularly offensive act or as a way for parents to make their teen appreciate their home life. The experience is not easy, so before you send your troubled teen to a boot camp, you need to decide if all other options have been exhausted, and that your teen will be able to make it through the grueling demands of the program. Fortunately, it is likely they will. Researchers have found that 75%-95% of teen boot camp participants completed the course, and many displayed improvements in reading and math skills, even found jobs after leaving the boot camp facilities.
In the United States, "troubled teens" has become its own privatized industry, and this includes teen boot camps. In Canada, however, the government pays much closer attention to schools and camps that deal specifically with troubled teens. Therefore, Canadian families can rest assured that those who instruct at teen boot camps across the country are respected professionals who have the training to deal with upset teens that most parents lack. This can also include educators, psychologists, drug counselors, and vocational trainers, who are more and more frequently being added to the staff at teen boot camps as longer-term, more rehabilitative programs become evermore popular. As always however, it is important to ask each program about their philosophy, curriculum and learning, financial aid and accreditations. A useful list of questions to ask is available here.
The decision to send a child to such an intimidating environment as a teen boot camp must be made carefully, but there are definite benefits that a teen can reap from their experience there:
Their fitness increases
A tangible benefit is an improvement in fitness and health from the physical exercises a teen must complete with the rest of the group and the nutritional food they’re given.
They can escape their harmful environment
Teen boot camps are drug-and-alcohol free zones, and the complete removal of these dangerous temptations can often cut harmful habits permanently. Also, without the negative influences of friends or significant others a troubled teen may have acquired no longer wield control over a teen’s behaviour, leaving room for a councilor’s supportive advice.
They develop self-worth and confidence
Teens at boot camp are given many difficult tasks to accomplish, and giving up when the going gets tough is not an option accepted by drill sergeants. Teens are constantly pushed to their limits, far beyond what they ever thought they could accomplish. The completion of daily tasks, culminating in finishing the entire program, results in newfound feelings of pride and self-respect, which often leads to higher motivation to reflect on their passions and feelings, set goals for their future, and make wiser choices in their home life. The process of accepting and facing their past mistakes, as is essential in the success of a teen boot camp, is also helpful in a teen moving forward in their life post-camp.
They learn mutual respect
While a troubled teen may be self-centred at home, teen boot camp forces them to work in a team setting. This new environment not only helps forge lasting friendships, it lets the participants know they are not alone in their problems. They learn to build trust and rely on others to supplement their weaknesses, which is something many troubled teens find difficult. But most importantly they learn how their actions affect those around them, and appreciate the feelings of others.
They gain a new perspective
Being catapulted so far out of their comfort zone at a boot camp makes a teen realize what they love about being at home. They recognize the love of their family, and the privilege they have to live with freedom and independent thought. At a teen boot camp, teens can reflect on their current situations from a new perspective, which can lead to a much happier, more appreciative family life at home.
