All dolled up: playing in a doll universe
Nine-year-old Trinity Ann was an only child until last year, when her baby sister Tesla was born. It was Darcy and Audrey who kept her busy – she would bathe and feed them, sing and read to them.
Sleepover madness
It also just so happened that this year we had fewer family functions, so we’ve had a long, fairly relaxed, mostly uneventful vacation time. Until the sleepovers. The idea was a good one in theory.
Goals worth achieving
I want my children to know how to weigh the cost of a goal, to consider the sacrifice that it will require, and then to do the things that are really important to them.
Age appropriate viewing
When I’m deciding whether to take my kids to a movie, I don’t ask, “What’s the rating?
The Gift of Giving
This Christmas, our three kids were introduced to something new. They were asked to buy or make something for each other.
First day of snow
I’m not sure why the first day of true snow is a disaster every year, but it is.
Make some time to be a maker this Christmas
A craft that my sons and I create fresh each year utilizes gumdrops as the medium for wintery scenes with figures resembling elves and Santa.
Ready, set, Kids’ Run Club is a go
For many kids, getting the blood pumping is more likely to result from playing an intense video game than shooting hoops or riding a bike. Certainly, today’s youth are not the most active generation ever.
A cure for anaphylaxis the goal of SickKids program
A cure for anaphylaxis is possible according to the team of immunology and allergy experts who lead SickKids Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Program.
Not your Mama’s salt dough ornaments
Remember the salt dough ornaments you made in preschool? Well, the projects one can create with salt dough have come a long way, baby.
Believing the lie
One of my frustrations as a parent is when children convince themselves of an untruth so throughly that they act as though it’s true.
Taking responsibility
I got every parent’s favourite call yesterday – the one from the principal where you get asked to come by the office for a little chat about your kid – that call.
Three kids on a plane
So I’m taking three kids under 11 years of age on a plane trip to Georgia.
Don’t Do Your Homework
So I don’t make my kids do their homework. I confess that it causes ongoing, low-grade conflict with their teachers, but I have my reasons.
How to doggy-train your toddler
For many when they picture their “perfect” family, they envision a partner, children and the family dog, a loveable, happy-go-lucky four-legged family member who will be a best friend to the children.
Teachable Talents
When my daughter was in Grade 4, a proud tear sprang to my eye when her teacher, known to be a stern taskmaster, declared: “Rebecca has something that can’t be taught – motivation.”
Community Halloween
I don’t know how many neighbourhoods have an outdoor street party each year with live music and dancing and family costumes.
In it together
My wife will likely be taking a year’s leave of absence from her current job to be the director of a local non-profit community organization.
