In this episode of The Hall Pass Podcast, Jen and Brian tackle one of parenting’s biggest villains: boredom. Or is it? In a world of colour-coded calendars, back-to-back activities, and constant stimulation, they make the case that boredom isn’t a failure of parenting—it’s a gift.

Jen and Brian unpack what really happens when kids have nothing to do, and why those quiet, “I’m bored” moments are often where creativity, resilience, and independent thinking begin. They explore how unstructured time helps students learn to problem-solve, take initiative, and get comfortable with uncertainty—skills that matter far more than memorization in a future built on innovation.

The conversation also takes a playful but honest look at modern parenting guilt and the urge to overcorrect our own childhoods by overmanaging kids’ schedules. Are we helping our kids thrive, or are we accidentally robbing them of the chance to figure things out on their own?

If you’ve ever felt the urge to fix boredom the second it appears—or wondered whether you’re doing enough—this episode might just change your mind. Sometimes the most productive thing a child can do… is absolutely nothing.

In this emergency episode, Jen and Bri unpack the 2025 EQAO results — focusing especially on math, where about half of students meet expectations. They take you through the history and purpose of the EQAO assessment, clarifying what it measures (and what it doesn’t), and analyzing the latest data with an eye toward what it means for your child and Ontario’s schools.

Jen and Bri dig beneath the headlines to highlight areas where students have shown progress, and where challenges remain. The math scores, in particular, raise concerns about whether current supports and strategies are enough to help all students succeed. They also discuss how EQAO fits into the bigger picture of education policy and classroom learning.

As part of their deep dive, Jen and Bri hold the Ministry of Education accountable by giving them a grade on how they’re responding to these results and supporting Ontario students. Is the ministry stepping up to the challenge, or falling short?

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or just someone who cares about the future of Ontario’s education system, this episode will give you the insights you need to understand the EQAO results beyond the numbers — and ideas on how we can work together to improve learning outcomes.

If you want to make sense of these results, understand the system behind them, and hear an honest assessment of where Ontario stands, tune in now.

Full results available here: https://www.eqao.com/results/

Progress reports are more than just a checklist or a grade snapshot—they’re a window into your child’s learning journey. In this episode, Jen and Bri break down what progress reports actually measure, why they matter, and how they fit into the bigger picture of your child’s education in Ontario schools.

You’ll learn how to read between the lines of those comments and marks, what questions to ask your child’s teacher, and how to use this information to support your child’s growth—whether they’re thriving or facing challenges.

Jen and Bri also explore common misconceptions about progress reports, and offer practical tips on how parents can turn these reports from just paperwork into powerful tools for collaboration and advocacy.

By the end, you’ll feel confident navigating progress reports and ready to take meaningful next steps to help your child succeed.

Because progress reports aren’t just about looking back—they’re about moving forward, together.