Toronto Parent Info

Small Business Workshops With Daycare

2010-01-20T11:02:00.001-08:00

Have you ever thought about going into business for yourself or want to improve your business and marketing plan? The Busy Genie in the Royal York and Bloor area in Etobicoke will be providing workshops on weekends (with daycare) and evenings on the following topics:

Marketing Savvy on a Budget for Small Business
Website Design/Creation for Small Business -- If your small business still doesn't' have an online presence or if the website you have is in need of a makeover, this is the workshop for you. Start the new year with your own cutting edge website that's easy to maintain and grow as your business grows.

Mom Entrepreneurs To Be -- How To Workshop
Have a business idea that you would love to get off the ground? Need daycare provided while you talk with our expert panel of speakers? The Busy Genie and Marketing4Moms can help. To learn more about Marketing4Moms visit our web site www.marketing4moms.com

To indicate your interest please e-mail info@marketing4moms.com or info@thebusygenie.com

These Are A Few of my Favourite Things

2010-01-19T07:17:00.000-08:00

Guest Blogger: Kathy Buckworth - Author of "Shut Up & Eat: Tales of Chicken, Children & Chardonnay”

The other day my daughter asked me how Valentine’s Day started. She’s in Grade 5 so starting to worry a little bit about the message she sends when she hands the boys (and the girls) in her class a Hannah Montana valentine which says something about making cool music together. So I explained that traditionally Valentine’s Day had been a day when male secret admirers gave their female crushes a card, rose, or small gift, and signed an anonymous note declaring their devotion and love. Eventually it became a greeting card company gold mine with everyone from boyfriends and girlfriends, husbands and wives, grandparents and grandchildren, students and teacher and kids-to-kids getting in on the action. It’s not an understatement to say as a result, it’s become a little less significant. Particularly once you get 32 of them, all addressed to “Classmate”. (And seriously, which one of you Moms started attaching nut-free chocolates and pink pencils to the cards – enough already!)

But it did start me thinking that while I do love my family, and my friends, and even the occasional sales clerk who convinces me I look good in those pants, that there are some inanimate objects I would like to issue Valentines to instead, this year.

My crock pot. Seriously. Who else cooks dinner for me while I work, run kids to hockey and spend 10 or 60 minutes on Twitter

The inventors of pre-cooked bacon, bagged salad and frozen garlic bread. And the “flash-freeze” process.

The clothing manufacturers who decided that a size 10 is all-of-a-sudden a size 4. Well will you look at that! I guess I can have that cheese plate after all.

My beloved BlackBerry, Seamus. He’s the only one of my children who knows when to stop making so much noise (okay I can turn him off, granted), gives me information I can use (versus “I haven’t changed my underwear in three days”), and never drinks all my diet Pepsi, steals my chocolate or refuses to put his boots/protective covering on

The mirrors they seem to have in fitting rooms and hotels. I know you deploy the “skinny” mirror but it still counts. I carry that image in my head all day, even if others don’t. So there.

So this Valentine’s Day, do the right thing – help your child with their cards – it’s worth the price of social acceptance, but think about sending an anonymous one too - maybe to that fabulous new shoe that looks great and doesn’t hurt to wear. No taped-on chocolate required.

Kathy Buckworth’s latest book “Shut Up & Eat: Tales of Chicken, Children & Chardonnay” is now available for pre-order on amazon.ca and at Chapters Online.

Look for the book in bookstores on March 21st.

Visit www.kathybuckworth.com and follow Kathy on Twitter

Daycare Drama from Dad's Perspective

2010-01-18T13:19:00.000-08:00

Written by Jason Darby who will have a regular Dad's column (read more about him below!)

I suppose that daycare drama may be a touch misleading, but let me tell you, the first day of daycare was certainly a touch traumatic…for me! I barely slept the night before Lyla, my one year old baby girl was slated to start daycare. My anxiety was based upon the fact that ideally, I would have much rather had my wife stay home and raise her full time. I had grown so used to that being the case that leaving her in the morning became routine for me. Unfortunately, this was simply not financially feasible. I just do not make enough money to support us all. Sad but true….

We had however found what I considered to be the most ideal situation; Monday with Grandma, and the rest of the week with a close friend and daycare provider of ours who has a daughter that is 6 weeks younger than our daughter. She would be getting as close to 1 on 1 attention as we could hope for, while still socializing her with other children her age. Yet still, I was losing my mind over it. How was she going to react? Did she even realize what was about to happen to her? Did she realize that we would be as potentially upset as she might be? (BTW, she just walked from our washroom to the first linen closet, approximately 15 feet!!!!) Notice I am speaking in semi hypotheticals as this thought process took place BEFORE she even started daycare.
Paranoid? Perhaps a bit, but I chalk it up to how much I love my little girl, and how I want her to be happy no matter what.

I dread the mid day phone calls where I can hear her screaming in the background, crying inconsolably. I fear that she may close up and not embrace the change, stunting her development as she waits by the door all day long until we come to pick her up. I fear that she grows to resent me as I am the one who drops her off in the morning, leaving her in unfamiliar territory. Bear in mind that the woman who is taking care of her is amazing and I trust her implicitly. I felt it was important to point out that I was not just leaving Lyla with some monster who I have no faith in. I have 100% confidence in her abilities to act as a daily caregiver; I just have less than 100% confidence in myself to be able to transition smoothly.

At this point, I have yet to even touch on my biggest fear; what if she never wants to leave daycare? What if she starts to prefers the daycare provider to us? What if she forgets about us? I never thought this would be so hard for me to get used to. I mean, I was never really home with her all day, everyday. I have been leaving her every morning since two weeks after she was born, yet I find myself back on January 20th 2009, teary eyed, walking away from a door, leaving my little one behind while I go off to work. Literally counting the seconds until I can run back to her, scoop her up in my arms and give her a big hug and a kiss. Will 5 o’clock ever come????

Jason Darby is a sports blogger, musician and most significantly the proud father of a beautiful 1-year-old daughter. He currently works in the academic publishing industry and is working on a book about the Maple Leafs and the pilot for a sitcom currently titled “The Shop”. He spends much of his spare time watching the Detroit Tigers with his little girl. Come back often to read his musings on raising a child from a father’s perspective. You can leave comments for him here and on twitter. His account is Twitter.com/darbyjason

Parents feel lack of Support

2010-01-18T10:35:00.000-08:00

They say it takes a village, but a survey of 2,500 Canadian parents has found that only a quarter feel they have a high level of support from their community when it comes to raising their children.

"The challenges for parents have never been greater, yet they do not experience the support they need," says Carol Crill Russell, senior research adviser with Invest in Kids, which conducted the detailed online survey in early 2007.

She says the findings are critical because mothers and fathers who feel valued and encouraged in what they consider the most important job of their lives make better parents.

"Parenting behaviour is strongly related to the support they feel," she says.

The full report will be released in the next couple of months, but Crill Russell shared some highlights Friday at a Toronto symposium on early childhood.

Invest in Kids, a non-profit devoted to research and public education, has done studies showing that the more parents feel confident and the more they understand child development, the more positive their behaviour towards their kids. They are more inclined to praise, laugh and play with their children than scold, punish or shame them.

Crill Russell notes that income and education made no difference.

The latest survey, which included a cross-section of parents from different regions, social classes and ethnic backgrounds across the country, underlines that community supports are also key.

It asked parents about the support they received from four sources: their partners; their own parents; other family members and friends; and the neighbourhood community.

Among its findings:

* Only 26 per cent of mothers and 27 per cent of fathers felt a high level of support from their neighbourhood communities. This referred specifically to intangibles, such as whether they felt welcome, had somewhere to turn for help or had caring neighbours.
* Parents who had used six or more local programs or services in the previous year – anything from parent and tot drop-ins to swimming lessons, libraries or playgrounds – felt more supported by the community and were 60 to 75 per cent more likely than other parents to report using positive behaviours with their children.
* Only 44 per cent of dads and 43 per cent of moms said they felt highly supported by their partners.
* Other family members and friends were the largest source of support for mothers and half reported high levels of support that led to more positive parenting behaviour.
* Roughly half (55 per cent of mothers and 46 per cent of fathers) felt highly supported by their own parents.

Read more

Help for Haiti

2010-01-18T10:28:00.000-08:00

Content courtesy of World Vision

World Vision is on the ground right now in the Haitian city of Port-Au-Prince, helping families and children devastated by the 7.0-magnitude earthquake Tuesday afternoon. Your donations are vital to the relief efforts and are needed today.

Every dollar makes a difference and now if you give a donation to the Haiti Earthquake victims through World Vision, by February 12th, it will double in impact due to a generous contribution from the Canadian Government.

With an international response team flying in from around the globe to assist, our relief efforts are underway. World Vision Haiti is now distributing emergency supplies to families and children struggling to deal with this catastrophic disaster.

World Vision has been working in Haiti for over 30 years, helping an estimate 300,000 Haitians each year to overcome poverty through providing access to education, improved access to food and clean water and improved nutrition as well as helping families with improved medical care. Now, more than ever, your help is needed to help families in Haiti and let them know they are not alone in this emergency. To donate: http://www.worldvision.ca/give-a-gift/Pages/EarthquakeinHaiti.aspx

Emergency kits help provide things like tarps, blankets, soap, towels, personal hygiene items and cooking utensils at $55 per family. Please note these costs are estimates due to the urgency of the situation, and may vary.

Bunch and City of Toronto WinterCity Festival

2010-01-17T14:19:00.000-08:00

Content Courtesy of Bunch Family
Partner of GTA Parent

Saturday, January 30, 2-5 PM The Guvernment
$12 for grown-ups, $10 for kids in advance.
$14 for everyone at the door while supplies last.
Free for non-walkers.

You’re invited to year three of Toronto’s most famous family event, where kids and parents spend a feel-good afternoon at a downtown club, shaking it on the dance floor side-by-side. It’s Bunch Family Dance Party WinterCity and at this year’s True North Edition, created specially for WinterCity 2010, Toronto families will mix it up with dancing yetis and polar bears, while an indoor storm rages and DJ Fase spins hot tracks for cold weather. Expect to see icebergs, northern lights, moose and a breakdancing Mountie. Bring your kids and your wildest dance moves.
Tame a yeti!

Make a snowstorm!

Dance with bears and Mounted Police!

Learn about the Canadian Arctic!

Create beautiful, glowing Northern Lights!

Dance yourself silly!

*A portion of your ticket will be donate to the World Wildlife Fund to help keep the North ice cold!

A New Guest Blogger - Kathy Buckworth, Author of Blackberry Diaries

2010-01-14T06:56:00.000-08:00

It's a new year, and while I’ve given up on making any formal resolutions (or “lies” as I now call them) I have to admit that there is plenty of room for improvement in many aspects of my life. A few pounds to lose, one more work out, a carrot instead of a brownie, turning my glass of wine into a glass of water (this is nothing short of a miracle, trust me folks).

But the one thing I really have to work on year round is a little tougher. I’ll admit it. My name is Kathy, and I have a bad attitude. Not towards everything, but many things which I’ve been feeling a bit badly about. These things include but are not limited to:

School concerts: Have attended approximately 27 of them. 24 of them have included a 10 minute orchestral version of “Chariots of Fire”. Is my grimace showing? Is there blood actually running out of my ears?
Children’s full length animated movies. Have watched everything from Snow White to Shrek to Pokemon, Digimon – basically since before famous people starting doing the voices. They are boring and all have the same “play nice or get burned” message. Oh, plus the mother usually dies.
Oprah and all of her creepy offspring – Rachel Ray, Dr. Phil, Dr. Oz – actually it’s not these actual people I dislike. It’s the way their fans take every piece of their advice (pulled squarely out of their, well you know) as gospel. If I hear one more fitness instructor say “Dr. Oz says do 20 Kegels a day!” I’m going to lose it. Like he’s ever done ONE
People who own technology which is either more advanced than what I have, or less advanced than what I have. The former are trend-sucking idiots, and the latter are techno-peasants. Not sure why I feel so strongly about this. Started with my iPhone/BlackBerry feud.
Parents who talk about their children’s competitive sports achievements, constantly. Yes, I know I complain about competitive sports constantly, but it doesn’t mean I have to like listening to you brag about it constantly. We all need to shut up about it.
People who talk about how busy they are…over a 20 minute coffee at Starbucks or every day on Twitter. It’s been my experience that the busiest people are actually just the biggest procrastinators. Except maybe Tiger Woods.
Parents with children younger than my own who either give me advice on how to deal with teenagers, based on their own teenage experience (in which they were the teen, I might add) or how they simply know how their own children will react when attacked by the hormonal tidal save. They just know. I have to remain secure in the knowledge that this too, will bite them, just as it did me, smile and carry on.

Upon reflection, I have realized that I’m not really intending to adjust my attitude all that much, from an internal perspective, but given that I’ll be attempting to repress some of my previously unrestrained reactions, I think I can just count that as one more work out, don’t you?

Kathy Buckworth’s latest book, “The BlackBerry Diaries: Adventures In Modern Motherhood” is available everywhere. Visit http://www.kathybuckworth.com/ for more articles and read Funny Mummy every month.

List of schools in Toronto (Public) that will get all day kindergarden in Fall 2010

2010-01-12T05:37:00.000-08:00

Content from Parent Central

Premier Dalton McGuinty is announcing Tuesday that almost 600 elementary schools across Ontario, including 71 in Toronto, are getting full-day kindergarten come fall in the first phase of a provincial program.

But the province is not yet funding full-day kindergarten for the following four schools, despite the Toronto District School Board's recommendation that they be included in the first phase:

* Humber Valley Village JMS
* Lanor JMS
* Presteign Heights ES
* Queen Victoria Jr PS

The following schools will receive full-day kindergarten – which is optional – starting in September:

Agnes MacPhail PS

* Albion Heights JMS
* Alexmuir Jr PS
* Ancaster PS
* Bala Avenue CS
* Bendale Jr PS
* Birch Cliff PS
* Birch Cliff Heights PS
* Broadacres JS
* Cherokee PS
* Chester Le Jr PS
* Churchill Heights PS
* Cliffside PS
* Cordella Jr PS
* Crestview PS
* David Hornell JS
* Dennis Avenue CS
* Dundas Jr PS
* Ellesmere-Statton PS
* Elmbank JMS
* Ernest PS
* Fairglen Jr PS
* FH Miller Jr PS
* General Brock PS
* George Anderson PS
* George B Little PS
* Glen Ravine Jr PS
* Greenholme JMS
* HA Halbert Jr PS
* Harrison PS
* Harwood PS
* Heather Heights Jr PS
* Highland Creek PS
* HJ Alexander CS
* Inglewood Heights Jr PS
* Iroquois Jr PS
* Islington JMS
* James S Bell JMS
* JG Workman PS
* King George PS
* Kingslake PS
* Lillian PS
* Lord Lansdowne Jr & Sr PS
* Market Lane Jr & Sr PS
* Mary Shadd PS
* Military Trail PS
* Muirhead PS
* North Bendale Jr PS
* Pape Avenue Jr PS
* Parkdale Jr & Sr PS
* Parkfield JS
* Pauline Johnson Jr PS
* Portage Trail JCS
* Rene Gordon ES
* Second Street JMS
* Silver Springs PS
* Sloane PS
* Stanley PS
* Summit Heights PS
* Terraview-Willowfield PS
* Terry Fox PS
* Tom Longboat Jr PS
* Twentieth Street JS
* Wellesworth JS
* West Glen JS
* West Rouge Jr PS
* Westmount JS
* Weston Memorial Jr PS
* Wexford PS
* White Haven Jr PS
* William G Davis Jr PS

Tree Art

2010-01-11T14:25:00.000-08:00

Parenting Tip: Be silly. Be creative.
This is my husband Rob's tree art. We build forts, he builds tree art. He is hoping to become a very fancy highly paid tree artist.

Really Cool Fun

2010-01-11T14:07:00.000-08:00

Parenting Tip: Challenge your child's imagination

My son and I went to a park near where we live. To be honest, the park play structures are not very good so we rarely go to this park. They are old and outdated which is a common problem with many parks in Toronto. However,it is a beautiful setting along the mimico creek, so we decide to check out the new winter beauty. My son told me that the activity we did that day was his "berry most favourite thing to do." Guess what it is?

Exploring the outdoors in search of forts to hang out in. We found an old fort with wood stairs hammered into a tree and a roof attached (likely really old and not something I would do or use but neat to see for a kid), plus, we built one of our own.

Part of the fun was looking for natural areas that just looked like forts. This is great for your child's imagination. In total we must of spent 3 hours outside that day. Neither of us got bored. Really cool fun.

PS- This picture was taken a day later, we took dad to see it. The game was for him to find the fort (by playing a game of hot and cold). He did find that fort (although he can't find anything around the house, but that is another story). The hockey stick pictured here is the fort flag. We were all really proud that day. We built a fort.

How walkable is your neighbourhood?

2010-01-11T12:55:00.000-08:00

Parenting Tip: Plan activities that involve exercise- you will save time not being at the gym!

I came across this really interesting web link called "How walkable is your Neighbourhood?" http://www.walkscore.com/

I was disappointed in my score ( I live in Norseman/Sunnylea area of Etobicoke - near the Kingsway). It was only 45! Below average. I do find this a little funny because I can walk to:

shopping
movies
subway
parks

However, my neighbourhood could use some improvements. We could use a little more of everything. In my opinion, Bloor West (where I scored 66) has a fantastic selection of things to walk to. I miss it just a little but is only a short drive away (LOL).
Find out your score.

Ice, Ice Baby

2010-01-11T11:39:00.000-08:00

Parenting Tip: Trust your spouse more often.

This winter we have waited quite some time for snow. So much so that when it finally came I truly felt like a kid again. I discovered how much I love sledding in -25 weather (just wear your snow pants, hot pockets and scarfs !). My son felt that I was a hero - out there in the cold, racing up the hill. It is a great way to get exhilarating exercise (something that treadmills just can't give you).

Given that I was pregnant last winter I was excited to have some cold thrills again, ones that were not permitted last winter. My husband Rob also decide that this was the year we had to have a backyard rink. I had been telling him for years I didn't want a backyard rink. I said "it will ruin the grass". "It will be a sloppy mess".

However, I saw how much fun our son had this year going to the skating rink with his dad. I decided that I had to loosen up and live a little. I thought I wasn't going to skate myself because up until now skating has ranked pretty low on my favourite things to do. But then I watched how much trouble it is to make a rink. By the way, according to my sister, it doesn't ruin your grass, she is a landscape architect , she says it makes your grass greener. At first the harsh realities of rink making frustrated me. I would be at home with our two kids (one a baby) and we would be busy trying to get stuff done before Christmas and then Rob would say "gotta water the rink". I would laugh at first but after days on end I thought "for gosh sake get this over with already". It was not easy, it takes tremendous patience (Yes, Rob has lots of patience for ice) and your hose freezes a lot. But Rob discovered doing laundry helps unfreeze it - so he has been doing more laundry. I like that.

He also was supported by our facebook friends, every Canadian can't help but support him. Skating is our tradition. What is more canadian then making your own rink. Guess what? When it was finished I actually felt excited to skate. It reminded me of when I was a little kid, skating on our cottage river. I love how old childhood memories come to light when you are having fun.

Guess what I learned now that the skating rink is up and running? THAT I LOVE PLAYING HOCKEY. There is something to be said about hitting pucks against a wood board to get your aggression out. I LOVE IT. Rob has been teaching me how to shoot a stick, and I AM ACTUALLY LISTENING. Not just nodding and pretending to listen to him. I think this hockey/rink thing could be great for our marriage. Our son thought tonight we were the coolest parents ever because we went out for an skate after dark (after dinner even!). We took an old lamp as our flood light (the hockey puck broke the bulb but better than a window I say!). When our son got sick of skating Rob pulled him around in a circle on the sled which got lots of giggles. Then we took our baby and gave him a whirl around the rink in his exercise stroller (don't worry grandmas - it wasn't minus -25, it was a balmy -6). He can't talk yet. But I think he liked it a lot. Ohh and we took time to do a few snow angels as well. If you want to learn more about building your own rink visit http://homeandgarden.homes-extra.ca/Homes/2005/11/15/1307974.html Don't see your own personal skating rink in your immediate future? Try and outdoor skating rink in your community. This web site highlights outdoor skating rinks in Toronto: www.cityrinks.ca , Outside of Toronto, visit your local City Parks and Recreation web site.

Parent Education Network offering Parenting Classes and Workshops

2010-01-11T11:21:00.000-08:00

Parenting Tip: Challenge yourself to learn new things. Knowledge is power.

I volunteer (and soon to teach) for a fantastic not for profit, charitable organization called Parent Education Network. Here are some of their upcoming classes. Their web site is

www.parenteducationnetwork.ca

POSITIVE DISCIPLINE FOR PRE-TEENS AND TEENS-6 week course

Tuesdays: January 19, 26 & February 2, 9, 16; 23, 2010, 6:30 -8:30pm
Location: Runnymede Community Church
60 Colbeck St. (Runnymede Ave. & Colbeck St.) - Upstairs
P.E.N. Members $90, Non-members $100
To register please call 416.255.8969

YOU CAN’T MAKE ME - POSITIVE DISCIPLINE FOR
YOUNG CHILDREN -6 week course
Tuesdays: January 19, 26 &; February 2, 9, 16 & 23, 2010, 6:30 - 8:30pm
Location: The Busy Genie Play & Learning Centre
2885 Bloor St. West (Bloor St. & Prince Edward Dr.)
(2 blocks east of the Royal York Subway Station)
P.E.N. Members $90, Non-members $100
To register please call 416.255.8969

SOCIAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AND PEER PRESSURE IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
1-Evening workshop
Thursday, January 21, 2010, 7-9pm
Location: The Busy Genie Play & Learning Centre
2885 Bloor St. West (Bloor St. & Prince Edward Dr.)
(2 blocks east of the Royal York Subway Station)
P.E.N. Members $10, Non-members $15
To register please call 416.255.8969

GLAD TO BE A DAD –1 evening information session (Free)
Tuesday January 18, 2010, 6-8pm
4 Villages Health Care Centre
1700 Bloor St. West (Bloor St. and Keele St.)
Multi-Purpose Room (MPR)
For information please call Mikhe’al Ben-Moodie
Community Health Worker
416-604-0640 X 4124

March Break -March 15-19

2010-01-10T06:39:00.000-08:00

I can't believe March Break is around the corner? Here are a list of good camps to consider, as they have a great variety in both selection and age range:

Harbourfront Centre
Mississauga Recreation and Parks
(TIP: look at all local Recreation Departments for great camps at an affordable price)
YMCA
Have any great suggestions? Send them in the comments section.

Looking for a directory that list a variety of camps? Try Help! We've Got Kids

The 11th Annual Spring BabyTime Show - April 30 to May 2, 2010

2010-01-06T17:47:00.000-08:00

The Ultimate Event for Pregnancy, Birth, Baby and Toddler.

Shop, learn and have fun all within one vibrant place celebrating parenthood.

Discover new and interesting parenting products, the latest gear, maternity clothing, parenting tools, places to go and services.

Try and Buy the latest in big and small items including nursery furniture, strollers, gear, clothing and that little something special!

100's of great products and services to buy including lots of new product launches at the BabyTime show!

Talk to the experts. Get real advice and answers to your questions. Make small dreams come true and introduce your toddler to their favourite characters at the BabyTime show!

Here are some tips so that you make the most of your visit:

•There are ATM’s on the street level of the facility, however, to avoid line ups at the ATM’s we would recommend coming fully prepared.

•Some of the companies exhibiting will be able to take debit and credit card payment.

•If you are coming by car…please look under the directions tab for parking lots closest to Hall 5.

•Bring all of your nursery measurements …this helps when you are shopping for those big items and gives you a good idea what will work for your family.

•Refer to your showguide handed to you as you enter the show…it has our event schedule and great information.

Parenting Trends - What's Hot and Not!

2010-01-05T19:09:00.000-08:00

Content Courtesy of Toronto Star

WHAT'S IN:

"Bad Parents"

They're writing books, launching blogs and detailing their worst childrearing moments on confessional websites. Partly it's a backlash to the information overload and conflicting directives from parenting experts over the past decade, not to mention competitive parenting and the pressure to be perfect.

Ayelet Waldman got the ball rolling with Bad Mother: A Chronicle of Maternal Crimes, Minor Calamities, and Occasional Moments of Grace. But you knew it was hip to be bad when parenting website Babble.com invited readers to submit confessional essays and the feature was an instant hit.

The problem with the moniker? It's generally not the truly bad who are disclosing their transgressions. Mostly the sins involve things like buying non-organic baby food, yelling on occasion, or being messy housekeepers.

Who wasn't happy to see the end of Supermoms, Slacker Moms, helicopter parents and all those other poses? But is this supposed to be an improvement?

Plugged-in from birth

Applies to both the adults and the kids. There are websites for babies to play with that don't require a mouse to keep them entertained (www.kneebouncers.com, www.weeweb.com), iPhone apps for kiddies bored in the car or doctor's waiting room, and netbooks for the young. Leapfrog has a device lets preschoolers pretend to text. What do you expect from kiddies whose first view of Mom is updating Twitter through labour and delivery?

The semi-homemade movement

It's a way to impart homecooked TLC with half the work (eg. a rotisserie chicken used for a chicken pasta, or icing and adorning a store-bought plain cake). We all know by now that family meals are good for everyone and often a rare opportunity to connect. But even with the best of intentions, it's hard for multitasking parents to do it all from scratch. Call it a sensible saw-off.

Preconception planning

Even the What to Expect When You're Expecting authors have upped the ante for wannabe moms with a book on what to expect before you're expecting. The focus is now on diet, exercise and even financial preparation as soon as the idea of conceiving is on the horizon. Medical professionals are talking about it and pregnancy and childbirth educators in Toronto are incorporating it into their teaching and many experts now suggest pregnancy should be considered a 12-month rather than a nine-month event.

The daddy shift

Father involvement has been booming over the past decade, with more Canadian dads taking advantage of parental leave and launching dad support groups. More recently, stay-at-home dads are gaining ground, especially with more men losing jobs than women as a result of the economy. Books such as Partnership Parenting by Kyle Pruett and Marsha Kline Pruett stress both parents need to recognize and respect that they do things differently. And that's good for the kids.

WHAT'S OUT:

Paranoid parenting

Free-range kids are what it's all about among the enlightened. You know, the ones allowed to bike to the corner store, walk to school alone and even ride public transit without mommy. New Yorker Lenore Skenazy came under fire when she let her 9-year-old travel by subway alone and then wrote about it in the New York Post. The overwhelming response led to a blog and a book. And added momentum to the growing notion among the latest wave of parents that over-coddling kids does more harm than good.

Traditional baby food

The strict ritual of rice cereal and pureed sweet potatoes is but a distant memory. More relaxed parents are letting baby lead the way. Sometimes that means homemade applesauce from locally grown organic apples; other times, it's whatever your wee one decides to grab off mom's plate. Baby-led solids, by which infants over six months suck and gnaw at hunks of broccoli or mango, is gaining ground. And for older children, stealthy parents sneak the healthy stuff (mashed veggies) into food where kids can't detect it.

SUV strollers and other overpriced designer gear

Just mention the word stroller and pedestrians, subway riders and store patrons - especially the childless - start frothing. They take up more room than a Ford Explorer! Watch out where you're going? And why do you need to pack enough for three weeks when you're going to pick up milk? Frugal parents are also losing interest in fancy diaper bags and designer baby duds.

Overpraising

Goodbye to the self-esteem movement based on the notion that praising your kids will make them achieve more.

Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman warned about the perils of blanket praise in NurtureShock. Outspoken personal finance writer and coach Larry Winget warns in his new book, Your Kids Are Your Own Fault, that your kid is not special - except to you. And proclaiming their brilliance and exceptionality only sets them up for failure down the road.

Baby Einstein and all its brainy sidekicks

Uh-oh. Maybe those videos didn't make your baby smarter after all. Baby Einstein had to offer parents refunds for making such claims. Experts say TV for babies is not an enhancing experience. And forget Mozart and flashcards. Instead, simple, durable toys that promote imaginative play and are eco-friendly (no tainted lead or overpackaging) are now on the birthday list.

Mom Entrepreneurs - Moms supporting Moms.

2010-01-05T19:07:00.001-08:00

Are you a mom thinking about starting your own business? Or do you already have an established business? If you answered yes to either one of these questions then you should visit Marketing4moms.com. It is a great web site dedicated to Mom Entrepreneurs. We offer job opportunties and marketing ideas, support and encouragement. Learn more today!

Robin Hood: The EnvironMENTAL Family Musical

2010-01-04T12:39:00.001-08:00

A Ross Petty Production A family musical that targets your funnybone! Featuring the stars of Canadian Idol, Royal Canadian Air Farce, The Sound of Music, and We Will Rock You. Check the website for show times. Ticket Prices: Adults $79.00 - $69.00- $59.00 Children (12 and under) $55.00 Family 4 - Pack $220.00 www.heritagetrust.on.ca www.ticketmaster.ca For more information contact: Phone: 416-872-5555 Address: Elgin Theatre 189 Yonge Street Queen Street & Yonge Street

Planning on some Outdoor Ice Skating in Toronto? CityRinks.ca has all the info!

2009-12-27T10:40:00.000-08:00

Lace up your skates and check out this web site for all the info you could ever need to go outdoor ice skating in Toronto -
http://cityrinks.ca/wiki/wiki.php?n=ListOfRinks.FrontPage

Story Book Magic at Casa Loma

2009-12-27T10:28:00.000-08:00

Monday, November 30, 2009 to Sunday, January 3, 2010

Inspired by famous children's storybooks from around the globe like Jack and the Bean Stalk, Hansel and Gretel, Aladdin and Pinocchio, award winning magician Lawrence LaRouche and Majinx present a dazzling world of spectacular illusions that bring these classic stories to life.
Showtimes: 10:30, 11:30, 12:30 2:00* & 3:00*

*These shows do not occur from Monday to Thursday between Nov. 30 and Dec. 17

Prices: Adult (18-59) - Storybook Magic $18.50
Includes Admission, Storybook Magic Show, Peter Pan Storytelling and Capital Improvement Surcharge.

Senior (60+) - Storybook Magic $12.50
Includes Admission, Storybook Magic Show, Peter Pan Storytelling and Capital Improvement Surcharge.

Youth (14-17) - Storybook Magic $12.50
Includes Admission, Storybook Magic Show, Peter Pan Storytelling and Capital Improvement Surcharge.

Child (4-13) - Storybook Magic $10.50
Includes Admission, Storybook Magic Show, Peter Pan Storytelling and Capital Improvement Surcharge.

Count down to the New Year at the Toronto Zoo with the wild animals!

2009-12-23T14:09:00.000-08:00

Thursday, December 31st
6:00pm to 9:00pm (doors open at 5:30pm)

Special Animal Visits & Keeper Talks
Great Entertainment
Great Food

This family-fun event starts 2010 off right with lots of great music, entertainment, animal visitors and more. The fun begins at 6pm and runs until 9pm when we have our very own Kids Countdown.
Click here for the New Year's Eve Entertainment Schedule

Front Entrance, Indo-Malaya and African Rainforest Pavilion open for event. Please note due to the AFRICAN RAINFOREST PAVILION REFURBISHMENT PROJECT some animals in this pavilion will be off display, including Mandrills, red river hogs, pygmy hippos and meerkats.

Please note this is an outdoor event, space is limited and we cannot guarantee tickets will be available night of event.
Tickets purchased after Sunday, December 13, 2009 will need to be picked up Thursday, December 31, 2009 between 10am and 8pm at Guest Services.
Maximum 10 tickets per purchase.

ROM for the Holidays

2009-12-23T14:00:00.000-08:00

Royal Ontario Museum celebrates the Holidays!

Starts: December 26, 2009 - Ends: January 3, 2010

There's so much for families to do at the ROM this holiday season! As a Holiday Gift to Our Visitors enjoy special extended hours and half price admission after 4:30 pm* from December 26 to January 3. During this special offer the Museum will remain open until 8:30 pm every evening and is open until 9:30 pm on January 1. Please note: family activities end at 4:30 pm daily.

For more information contact: 416-586-8000 or visit ROM's web site

Ginger Bread Cookie Recipe

2009-12-22T06:40:00.001-08:00

I never bake. Well, I do sometimes but I am not good at it and I only do it for the benefit of my children and to hopefully save me from embarrassment. Let me explain... I remember when I was five years old and living in a small town. I was a school and the local newspaper came to our classroom to ask us about what we cook/bake with our parents. I proceeded to explain how my mother and I bake cakes. I further explained that we open the box and dump the ingredients into a bowl and bake. My mother was mortified. This was the 70's.

Anyway, fast-forward to 2009 and I am going to attempt to make ginger bread cookies with my kid. Here is the recipe if you want to give it a try:

Gingerbread Men
2-3/4 cups (675 mL) all-purpose flour
2 tsp (10 mL) baking soda
2 tsp (10 mL) cinnamon
1-1/2 tsp (7 mL) ginger
1-1/2 tsp (7 mL) cloves
1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt
1 cup (250 mL) butter
1 cup (250 mL) brown sugar, lightly packed
1/4 cup (50 mL) molasses
Combine first 6 ingredients. Stir well to blend. Cream butter, brown sugar, and molasses together thoroughly until light and fluffy. Add dry ingredients gradually to creamed mixture, mixing well. Chill dough for easy rolling. Roll dough 1/4? (6 mm) thick on floured board. Cut with gingerbread cutter or other favourite shaped cutters. Place on lightly greased baking sheet. Bake at 350?F (180?C) for 10-12 minutes, or until set. (Time will depend on size of cookies.) Cool and decorate as desired.

Makes about 15 cookies.

Cultural Christmas!

2009-12-21T10:03:00.000-08:00

Colborne Lodge in High Park
Colborne Lodge Drive 416-392-6916

Christmas in the Park
Begins Saturday, November 21 - Tuesdays to Sundays, Noon to 4 p.m.
Special Hours: December 24 & 31, Noon - 3 p.m.
Discover the magic of Christmas in the winter wonderland surroundings of High Park and enjoy a tour of Colborne Lodge, the picturesque home of the founders of High Park, which is decorated for a Victorian Christmas. You will discover festive traditions, decorations and foods enjoyed during the 19th century in Toronto. Toast the season with a glass of hot mulled cider by the wood stove and nibble on special holiday treats. Holiday admission prices apply. Adults $5.71*, Seniors/Youths $3.81*, Children $3.33* (*plus applicable taxes)

Gibson House
5172 Yonge Street 416-395-7432

Holiday Season Tours at Gibson House
November 21 to December 23
Tuesday to Sunday - Noon to 5 p.m.
Enjoy a peaceful moment during the rush of the holiday season. Come back to the gentler, quieter era of 1851 at historic Gibson House Museum, where visitors are welcomed by costumed staff for a tour. Children may play in our Discovery Gallery. Adults $5.48, Seniors and Youths $3.10, Children (2-12 yrs.) $2.62 (plus applicable taxes)

Mincemeat, Pomanders and Paper Chains
Saturday & Sunday, December 19 and 20 - Noon to 5 p.m.
Join in the celebrations of Christmas of long ago! Enjoy the sights and aromas of traditional holiday foods being prepared in the open hearth kitchen. Children can help in the kitchen, make a holiday themed craft or enjoy activities in our Discovery Gallery. Adults $5.48, Seniors and Youths $3.10, Children (2-12 yrs.) $2.62 (plus applicable taxes)

Mackenzie House
82 Bond Street 416-392-6915

A Victorian Toronto Christmas
Begins Tuesday, November 24 -
Tues. to Sun., 12 to 4 p.m.;
Sat. & Sun., 12 to 5 p.m.
Special Hours: December 24 & 31, Noon to 3 p.m.
This festive season step back in time to Victorian Toronto and experience the magic of a traditional Christmas in an 1859 row-house. Escape from the hustle and bustle while you enjoy a sample of mulled cider and a biscuit in the warmth of the historic kitchen. Discover the story of how families celebrated Christmas in 19th-century Toronto as you tour the Mackenzie home that is dressed in greenery for the holidays. Adults: $5.71*, Seniors/Youth: $3.81*, Children: $3.33* (* plus applicable taxes).

Write a Letter to Santa Claus
Begins Tuesday, November 24 and runs until Thursday, December 24
Tues. to Sun., 12 to 4 p.m.;
Sat. & Sun., 12 to 5 p.m.
Special Hours: December 24, Noon - 3 p.m.
Children love writing to Santa Claus to tell him about their Christmas wish lists. We invite your child to go back to an earlier time when writing to Santa was still new. He/She may select either a card or Christmas stationery that has been printed on our 1845 printing press, then write a personal message with old-fashioned pen and ink. Drop the note to Santa into our magic post box and it will go straight to the man himself! Included with admission.

Santa Stories
Sunday,December 20, 2 to 2:45 p.m.
Gather in the Mackenzie's cozy family room and listen to Christmas tales from the Victorian era. Pre-registration and pre-payment required. $8 plus applicable taxes, includes cider and cookies in the historic kitchen. Please call 416-392-6915 for further details.

Kids' Krafts
Tuesday, December 29 to Sunday, January 3
Tues., Wed., Sat. & Sun.: 12 to 4 p.m.,
Thurs.: 12 to 3 p.m., Closed Friday
Bring the family to visit the last home of Toronto's first mayor, William Lyon Mackenzie, then enjoy some time with your youngsters, printing in the recreated printshop and doing an historically-based activity. Please call 416-392-6915 for further details. Included with admission.

Todmorden Mills Museum
67 Pottery Road 416-396-2819

A Regency Christmas in the Valley
Sunday December 20 from noon to 4 pm;
Tuesday, December 23 from noon to 4 pm;
Wednesday, December 24 from noon to 3 pm.
Discover the simple pleasures and décor of a Regency-era Christmas at Todmorden Mills. Our early 19th-century historic homes are decorated for the season with lovely evergreen garlands. Discover the history of the "kissing bough" hanging in the Helliwell parlour, decorated with cornucopias full of sweets and candles. Sample a period dessert and create your own Christmas decoration using a traditional felting technique. Adults: $5.24 plus applicable taxes; Children: $2 plus plus applicable taxes; Youth/Seniors: $3 plus applicable taxes.

Read More on City Of Toronto Culture Page

Parenting Classes in West Toronto

2009-12-16T16:41:00.000-08:00

POSITIVE DISCIPLINE FOR PRE-TEENS AND TEENS-6 week course