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Just The Two Of Us
Just this past weekend, my husband took boy1 and boy2 away for the weekend, leaving me with kidlet3, our daughter. It wasn’t until they actually left that I realized this was the first time in her 3...
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5 Picture Books To Encourage Creativity in Children
These fun picture books are sure to get your children’s creative juices flowing: 1. Not A Box by Antoinette Portis: A cute rabbit encourages young children to create imaginary worlds while sitting in...
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Easing Those Back-To-School Jitters With A Story (or Two)
Children’s picture books can help to reassure children about starting school or going to a new school. Here are a few of my favourites: 1. The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn: This has to be my very...
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Ordinary Days
I love that my kids are growing up in Ottawa. It is a great city for families – so much to do and experience. Part of me wants my kids to experience it all – the festivals, the concerts, the museums....
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10 Discipline Tips from ‘Simplicity Parenting’ Author Kim John Payne
Last week, I attended a talk here in Ottawa given by Simplicity Parenting author Kim John Payne. His new book, The Soul of Discipline will be coming out early next year. Here’s what I took away from...
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Why make more time for free play in 2014?
Why is unstructured play important for kids of all ages? Unstructured play is play that does not involve any guidance from adults. Many parents (myself included) find it challenging to provide...
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4 Tips To Encourage Unstructured Play:
Last week I wrote about the importance of unstructured playtime. It sounds all well and good but the reality of our busy schedules doesn’t always allow time for free play. Plus, let’s be honest, it’s...
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Things I Actually Miss
A few days ago, my youngest turned 4. When she was born, her oldest brother had just turned 4 and her other brother was not yet 2. Needless to say, life was pretty chaotic during those first couple...
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Canadian Kids Get a D- in…
A study released this week reveals that the overall physical activity levels of Canadian kids are lagging behind those of children from other nations. Really? But we’re ‘crazy Canucks’. Stereotypically...
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The Story Of My Boy And His Silly Putty
Our second boy is a touchy-feely kind of kid. You know the kind: he doesn’t stop moving (like ever), seems to be constantly fidgeting, and when he encounters something new, the first thing he does is...
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THE TOY PARADOX
What Is The Toy Paradox? The more toys children have available to them, the less they play with them (and the more they seem to be underfoot!). Why Is This? Too many toys are overwhelming for children....
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Your Fidgety Child
Is your child fidgety? Does he/she seem to be unable to sit still for long periods of time? Do you worry that he/she may have the seemingly pervasive ADHD? My middle-born child is always moving....
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Risky Business – Allowing Your Children To Take Risks
There’s been a lot of buzz around the term ‘free-range parenting’ lately. Last week, A Maryland couple came under investigation for negligence after letting their kids walk home alone from a...
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The Importance of Roughhousing
Since they were very young, my two sons have enjoyed roughhousing with each other. These days, especially after school (when I know they’ve used up a lot of energy trying to sit still and follow...
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The Overstimulated Child
Many parents worry about whether they’re giving their children enough extra-curricular experiences. But kids need downtime too. It’s all about finding a balance that’s right for your child. What is...
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TIME TO BRING BACK THOSE OLD-SCHOOL OUTDOOR GAMES!
Remember the games you used to play as a kid outside? Spring is the perfect time to teach your own kids some of those forgotten favourites! Here are some of my favourites. They require very little...
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