The birthday party makeover
A children's birthday party doesn't have to mean gifts galore, loot bags full of goodies, and enough wrapping paper and packaging to fill your family's recycling bin and trash can to overflowing. There are all kinds of things you can
Rough and tumble kids’ reality show
In the Real World (YTV) — We’ve already had a reality TV show a la American Idol on Canadian TV (The Next Star), and now Apartment 11 Productions has put together a show in the style of Th
Family Day Traditions
With this being only the second annual Family Day on Monday, February 16, it’s not likely that your family has established any hard and fast traditions yet.
Young role models: Notes from the Camp Director
Parents intending to send their kids to camp sometimes have difficulty accepting the idea that a teenager can fulfill the role of leader, teacher or surrogate parent. This is understandable as many parents did not have an opportunity to att
Free clubs for kids at Golf Show
The golf course is increasingly a place for family time as more and more children are coming into the game that has traditionally been more of an adult pursuit. Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2009, the Annual Golf and Travel
Valentine’s Day romance for couples with kids
(MS) Most couples will tell you that having children is a blessing. Children expand the family and open up the household to joy and laughter. Children do require a lot of time and attention, though, which can sometimes get in
Local pooch stars as Toto
The Wizard of Oz (Fallen Rock/Isabel Bader Theatre) — For seven years, the guys from Fallen Rock Productions have been making theatre for two reasons: to entertain families, and to raise money for charity. Not your typica
Mom’s dance night out
Bring your girlfriends for a City Parent Mom Club Mom’s Night Out, Zumba Dance Party at Annex Dance Academy, Oakville. Sweat and dance to great music and learn awesome easy-to-follow moves in a fun party atmosphere.
A camp you can trust
Over the past decade, 'trust' has been gaining special attention as one of the most important ingredients of family life, and it plays a critical role in ensuring and enhancing family peace of mind.
Seasoned songwriter creates noteworthy CD
Maggie G: Around the House — Toronto musician Maggie G (aka Margot Glatt) is a longtime producer of adult records and writer of kids’ music for TV. She’s now turned her skills to making a full-length CD, and
Music for the holidays
Leah Salomaa: Under a Winter Star — Toronto’s Salomaa specializes in recordings aimed at families, not just kids. I was able to test out her new holiday CD in the perfect setting: a weekend in a house overflowi
Puppetmongers work their magic
Bed & Breakfast (Puppetmongers/Tarragon) — For 19 years, Ann Powell and brother David have brought their amazing puppeteering talents to the Tarragon over the holidays. This year, they’re reviving thei
Petty’s Cinderella cranks up the comedy
Cinderella The Sillylicious Family Musical — For 13 years, Ross Petty has been producing holiday pantomime-style shows for Toronto families. And the experience really shows: the entertaining moments keep coming a
Making the Holiday’s Relaxing
Taking your baby to visit her grandparents over the holidays can be a wonderful experience, and seeing your toddler running around laughing and playing with his cousins after a holiday meal is always heartwarming. But changes in surrounding
Shoe museum puts the boots to cold with sock drive
Beginning on World Kindness Day, the Bata Shoe Museum will give everyone a chance to show their kindness by giving the gift of warmth. From November 13 to 30 the Bata Shoe Museum will be launching its first annual fundraiser,
Sillylicious family musical
Cinderella, the Sillylicious Family Musical (Ross Petty Productions/Elgin Theatre) — Ross Petty takes no prisoners: at least when it comes to taking the fairytale classics, tossing in a little drama and drag, mus
A new, kinder, kind of divorce
In an interview in Alberta Venture magazine, Karen Stewart was asked what would be her “advice to anyone about to divorce”.
Old-fashioned radio play
It’s a Wonderful Life (Canadian Stage/Bluma Appel) — The Frank Capra film is an annual holiday tradition in many homes. People don’t just watch it for Jimmy Stewart: it’s a great story that celebrates relat
Grandparents raising grandchildren
"When you are a Grandparent, starting to parent again, you don’t fit anywhere. The friends you had before, as much as they try to support you, realize very quickly you are no longer able to do the things with them
Play features acrobatics on ladders
Ghosts and Ladders (Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People) — The new season is getting underway and Lorraine Kimsa and this show promises to be action-packed and dynamic — perfect for those who don’t like s