So much of parenting is about teaching our kids, whether directly or indirectly. It’s something you’re never NOT doing, and we all have wins and fails. There are the big things—respect, safety, responsibility, gratitude, kindness—and then the little things, like teaching them how to make a bed or … [Read more...]
Screw The Summer Learning—This Break, I’m Letting My Kids Just Be Kids
Another school year has come to an end. I remember the last days of school fondly. We’d all scream “no more pencils, no more books!” The last day of school was always the best day ever. Sure, we’d maybe miss our friends and teachers over the summer but that final moment of leaving the school on … [Read more...]
How I Turned My Life Around With A Paintbrush
When you’re young, it’s all about coloring, gluing, splashing paint across the canvas in all directions, learning how to write and read with the help of fantastical bedtime stories and singing with all your heart. But somewhere along the way, we stop being encouraged to create and express ourselves … [Read more...]
One Step Forward, Three Steps Back: Is It Impossible To Do What’s ‘Right’ For Our Kids?
Confession: I'm not a perfect mom. In fact, sometimes it feels like there's a lot I have yet to learn. Take, for instance, my oldest son. He's in Grade 2 and his printing is messy. An occupational therapist met with him for an assessment and then called me in to meet her. Apparently, I haven't been … [Read more...]
Prepping for the Summer Break
Summer is almost here. Yay!! The artwork and school projects are coming home from the classrooms in a steady stream. And the countdown is on. I know it's a time for camps and sleeping in. A time for late nights and endless splashing around in the sprinklers but I'm still incorporating some (just … [Read more...]
The Way They Play – Part IV
Lately in the mornings she pads through the house still in her pajamas with an iPad in her hands, asking me if she can use it. It's not really a question though, since she's already sitting down, turning it on.She: Can I go on Youtube?Me: Yes, okay.I wander away to do other things, and when I … [Read more...]
Tolerance and An Open Mind
I created UrbanMoms and I still, seven years later, feel passionate and protective of this space and the community. We have grown and changed but, at the core, our values are still the same - Your Voice. Your Place. My goal was always to represent the diversity that is Canada. I wanted to give a … [Read more...]
other people’s words-passing the baton
"Parenthood is the passing of a baton, followed by a lifelong disagreement as to who dropped it" Robert Brault … [Read more...]
Becoming Self-Aware
I've learned a lot since becoming a Dad. I've learned how to change diapers, and how to swaddle a child, and how to hide peas and carrots in pasta by mashing them up so they are imperceptible. At the very least, I've learned what any parent will learn when they have their … [Read more...]
Learning vs Distraction: The Power of Toys
On Thursday, I was invited to participate in a Round Table discussion at Indigo. The purpose of the morning was to examine the role that toys play in our households, while also taking a look at some of the hot new books and toys for kids right now. The event was moderated by Kathy Buckworth, … [Read more...]