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Hay Lofts and Dead Rats…Parenting on the Farm
In a few days, we will pack up our trusty minivan and haul the kids across the province on a multi-stop, 7day road trip (God help me). Our ultimate destination is my parents’ farm in southwestern...
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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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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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5 Winter Activities to Get Your Kids Outside!
Sputtering towards spring? Yeah, me too. But I know things go a lot smoother around here if we get outside for a bit. So I’ve rounded up 5 winter activities that are sure to get your kids excited...
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8 Tips to Help You Win the War Against Toys
Is your play kids’ playroom a hodgepodge of lost board game pieces and Happy Meal figures? Do you feel like you will snap if you step on one more (insert swear word of choice here) Lego piece? While a...
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March Break Boredom Busters!
March break is here! It is a welcome break from the routine and we always look forward to it. Inevitably, though, there is always a day or two in there that makes me wish I had planned an at-home...
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5 Types of Toys Your Kids Actually Need:
There is an overwhelming variety of toys on the market. It’s easy to get overwhelmed when trying to pick out a new toy, whether for your own child, or someone else’s. A few toys from each of the...
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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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8 Reasons Why Just Play Toy Rental Just Makes Sense
When I tell people about JPTR, I often get the following response: “Why would I want to bring more toys into my house?!” (A sentiment I can certainly understand.) Just Play Toy Rental is not about...
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8 Classic Toys You’ll Want To Share With Your Kids
Some classic toys from your own childhood make great gifts for today’s kids. They’re also a good excuse for you to play with them again. So what makes a particular toy stand the test of time? Toys are...
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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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WINTERLUDE WITH KIDS – A FEW TIPS
Winterlude is the National Capital Region’s annual winter festival that celebrates the best of winter. This year, it runs from January 20 – February 16, 2015. This festival attracts hundreds of...
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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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Road Tripping With Kids: 11 Simple Tips
Are you heading out on a family road trip this March Break? Both my parents and my in-laws live at least 3 hours away, so over the years I’ve learned a few things about road tripping with kids. 1 –...
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Save Your Sanity This March Break With This Simple Tip:
March Break is here! Like most everyone, we definitely look forward to March break. It’s a welcome respite from homework, making lunches, getting up early and getting out the door on time. Even...
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