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Christmas gift ideas that aren’t toys
What if this year, we gave children Christmas gifts that are not toys? Whether in a more responsible approach towards the wallet, the environment or by wanting non-material gifts, discover our ideas for Christmas gifts other than toys. Christmas is just around the corner and you start to think about the organization, the decoration and the gifts! A quick walk into the little kids’ room is enough to realize that it is already invaded by a mess of toys! Often expensive, plastic, noisy, they are quickly abandoned, replaced by the next one...
read more8 Must-Read Halloween Books, From the Spooky to the Cute
Here’s a sweet idea to celebrate Halloween that doesn’t involve sugar galore: Grab some flashlights, gather your family, cozy up, turn off the lights…and open up one of these great Halloween books. Fear not: Even kids who are wary of Halloween’s scarier side will find a story on this list that won’t make them fret. 1. Bean’s Night By Sarah Hines-Stephen Ages: 1-3 This sweet story about a little black cat that runs chases strings, and hides give parents plenty of opportunities to act out action words for curious toddlers. 2. Ghosts in...
read moreSummer: The Picnic Essentials Checklist- All You Need to Be Prepared
Summer is coming and eating outdoors during the summer months is not only a treat but a fun adventure for little ones! Children of all ages love it: For infants, it’s a chance to watch the leaves blow in the breeze. For toddlers, it’s a chance to look around and explore. For older children, it’s a chance to bounce after a ball between bites of something yummy. If you’re like us, though, every so often you might wind up at the park missing something crucial, be it spoons for fruit salad or napkins to help clean up after eating. That’s why we...
read more20 Activities That Are Actually Doable If You’re Working From Home With a Toddler
Here we are, home with the kids—still. No, we can’t go to our regular fun or make-it-through-the-day places. Can we really keep this up? Absolutely. And it doesn’t need to be stressful. Keeping it simple is the secret to making it work for everyone. The key to a successful extended period of time at home is balance. Rest is equally important to outside play. Fun activities are equally important to everyone (including parents) as having alone time. Make time for each of these types of activities to ensure everyone is weathering...
read moreSupport Children (and Yourself) During the COVID-19 Outbreak
The coronavirus outbreak has changed many things about our daily lives. But even during this uncertain time, it’s a sure thing that our children are still learning, growing, and developing. Everyone can help support a child’s healthy development (and it may even help relieve your stress!). Just a few minutes and some simple, free activities from Center on The Developing Child ( Harvard University) can make a difference. 1- Practice “Serve and Return” Practice “serve and return,” or back-and-forth interaction with your little...
read moreNo Brush Required! Paint a Masterpiece with Mother Nature
When you think of painting, you probably think about using a brush (or fingers perhaps). But nature can provide a new way to create a masterpiece. In this art project, twigs, bark, pine cones, or the floppy branch of a spruce tree become brushes; they create incredible textures on paper. Take a walk, gather your supplies, and see what nature inspires! Materials: Branches, twigs Pinecones Wheat stalks Leaves Flowers Washable tempera paint in a variety of colors White construction paper or heavy paper DIRECTIONS: This is a great art...
read more5 Children’s Books Starring: BUNNIES!
Easter is just around the corner! In honour of the season, we’ve put together a book list featuring the main stars: bunnies! Curl up with your little one outside in the sunshine and explore these hoppin’ good reads. 1- Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt Age group: Infants (0–1 year) Pat the Bunny is one of the first touch-and-feel board books ever created for infants, and April is the perfect time to explore this classic baby book featuring a bunny friend! 2- Are You My Cuddle Bunny? By Sandra...
read moreFrom Chaos to Calm: Creating Space for Mindfulness
Learn why mindfulness matters for kids. Right now, everything happening outside your home can be overwhelming for everyone in your family. When you need to destress, you might go for a run, call a friend to vent, or just take some alone time. Children need to decompress too, but they don’t always have the skills (yet) to regulate their emotions. When kids can practice mindfulness (noticing feelings, naming emotions, or asking for help with coping skills), they’re strengthening a critical part of their brain that links directly to improved...
read moreHappy Bonding at the Dinner Table
While it’s unlikely you need family mealtime chit-chat tips (especially if you have a chatterbox on your hands), the evening meal is still a great time to practice being present with each other. After all, in our modern world of iPhones and iPads, life is chock full of distractions—like really full—and unplugging from the gadgets for dinner is the perfect way to focus on what’s really important. Family mealtime need not be an everyday occurrence—life is busy—but when you can make it happen, make the most of it! 1. Bond by telling...
read morePositive Parenting: Alternatives to “No”
When it comes to parenting young children, it can be easy to fall into the habit of using the words “no” and “don’t” on repeat. Children, after all, do a lot of things we don’t want them to do—drawing on walls, for instance, or going for a ride on the family dog. Using “no” as the sole approach to communicating boundaries and limits can lead to frustration for all. Hearing a regular chorus of “no” and “don’t” can leave children feeling frustrated with themselves and the adult who is trying to manage their behaviour. However, sometimes parents...
read moreA guide to disciplining your kid
“Discipline is about guiding and teaching our children — it’s not about punishment or anger,” says Scott Wooding, a child psychologist in Calgary and author of The Parenting Crisis. “It’s simply a way of helping kids learn right from wrong, and keeping them safe.” Here are some strategies to keep your kids on track. How to discipline your toddler Where they’re at: Your little guy isn’t whining, fussing or having temper tantrums to manipulate you or make you angry, says Elizabeth Pantley, author of The No-Cry Discipline...
read moreEaster chocolate cornflake nests recipe
Skill: Easy Cost: Cheap Prep: 50 mins Make: 12 Eater is coming so close! These little nests make great gifts for the children’s teachers and are perfect for kids’ parties at any time of the year- just decorated with sugar sprinkles, or even mini eggs during Easter season. You can also press the mixture into one large round tin and then top with marshmallows and a few candles for a bigger birthday cake. This is one recipe that you can happily let the children make by themselves – but be prepared for lots of messy hands and faces! Perfect for...
read moreChild Care Subsidy Changes in July 2018
8 min read From 1 July 2018, The Government Child Care Subsidy makes early learning more affordable for many Australians. The below guide is provided to help break down the benefits for you and your family. There are three means tests that will be applied to assess your eligibility for the Child Care Subsidy: 1. Combined family income The table below shows the percentage of child care fees the Government will contribute based on a family’s combined gross income: Combined annual family income^ Subsidy rate Up to $66,958 85% Over...
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