Best of 2025: Maclean’s Top Family Stories

In 2025, Canadian families formed into countless configurations—and Maclean’s was there to document them all. By far, the most popular piece in this category was Richard Kelly Kemick’s charming memoir about why he and his ex-wife still live together (spoiler: it has nothing to do with housing costs). Also hitting a nerve this year was Claire Gagné’s story about why Gen Zers are moving back home—and show no signs of leaving. We also heard from parents tackling all the modern complexities of child-rearing: Suzanne Wexler bravely defended screen time, while Kayla Huszar described her failed attempt at gentle parenting. Here, our top 10 stories about family life from 2025.

NO. 10

Let the Kids Play This Summer

Over-scheduling and screens are making kids anxious and aggressive. They need to let loose.

By Hannah Beach

NO. 9

Canada’s Student-Absenteeism Epidemic

One way to stop kids from skipping school? House calls by teachers.

By Paul W. Bennett

NO. 8

Give Canadian Kids $10,000 at Birth

Children are expensive. Government-managed investment accounts would give everyone a leg up.

By Joe Canavan

NO. 7

In Defence of Screentime

My kids’ digital lives are rich, exciting and inspiring. Why am I supposed to keep them away from screens again?

By Suzanne Wexler

NO. 6

Why Aren’t Gen Zs Using Condoms?

Condom use among youth is in free fall. A Canadian sex-ed expert explains why.

BY Katie Underwood

NO. 5

Why iPad Babies Have More Tantrums

It’s a vicious cycle: media meltdowns create more media meltdowns

By Caroline Fitzpatrick

NO. 4

Teach Kids Digital Nutrition

Screentime limits aside, we should help children discern between healthy and junky content

By Kaitlyn Regehr

NO. 2

Why Gen Z Will Never Leave Home

Thanks to soaring housing costs, a generation of twentysomethings are still in their childhood bedrooms. A portrait of family life with no empty nest.

By Claire Gagné