2-1-1 Day
February 11 is 2-1-1 Day. It is also a good time to remember that you can easily connect to the right community and social services by dialing 2-1-1. Continue reading
February 11 is 2-1-1 Day. It is also a good time to remember that you can easily connect to the right community and social services by dialing 2-1-1. Continue reading
1150 Bank St
Ottawa ON K1S 3X6
613-733-3993
info@3littlemonkeys.ca Continue reading
Christmas is coming up really quickly, and a lot of moms and dads are still wondering what to get for their kiddos. While the kids and teens probably have plenty of items on their wish lists, it can also be … Continue reading
by Andrea Simmons
Pets enrich our lives and are as much a part of the family as your mom, dad, sister or brother. However, before you bring home your own pet, you need to know if the time is right, and you need to know how to choose the best pet to add to your current family. Continue reading
As a representative of the dad community, Canadian Dad blogger Chris Read is here to help guys out in their quest to provide mom with the perfect day for Mother’s Day, May 8.
Assignment: Get your whole family ready for the start of the new school year. Deadline: Tuesday, September 3, the first day of school for most Ottawa kids. (Aim for a gold star!) Continue reading
For countless generations, mothers have cared for their children with muslin. aden + anais® takes this tradition one step further with cotton muslin (bamboo coming soon!). Designed to be worn over baby’s pyjamas to eliminate loose blankets, these sleeping bags help to ensure a peaceful night’s sleep. Continue reading
ANGELCARE® Video and Sound monitor AC1100 Giving you the peace of mind you need. The world of parenting is just a little easier, just a little more reassuring with the AC1100. As the most versatile baby monitor by Angelcare, … Continue reading
Local teacher’s new book celebrates traditions and family time.
101-A Malvern Dr.
Nepean, ON, K2J 2S8
www.barrhavenccc.org Continue reading
Brown Bear Day Care
1079 Carp Rd.
Stittsville, Ontario, K2S 1AS
(613) 831-0774
Brown Bear Day Care
1572 Main St., P.O. Box 395,
Stittsville, Ontario
K2S 1A5
(613) 831-2272
e-mail brownbear_daycarecr@bellnet.ca Continue reading
Buying a stroller is similar to buying a car… it takes a lot of research and comparison shopping before you can decide. There are so many different options, brands, and types of strollers out there today. We wanted to review … Continue reading
For toddlers to teens, camping can be a great family experience
By Heather Cameron Continue reading
Move over, spuds. Next time the fam damily is craving mashed potatoes, shake up the dinner fare by using cauliflower instead. Continue reading
By Cathy Lumsden Now’s the perfect time to pat yourself on the back for all the amazing things you do with and for your children. It’s typical to discuss the sleepless nights, the worry and stress, and the hopes and … Continue reading
401 Smyth Rd.
Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L1
www.cheo.on.ca
Main: (613) 737-7600 Continue reading
Talking to your kids about divorce
Calm concerns by being prepared and talk when you’re ready
By Heather Cameron Continue reading
by: Nina Potvin-www.ottawavalleymoms.com
I am really glad I chose to stay home with my kids. As they grow older, I am truly appreciating the time I get to spend with them each week, no matter how tough it gets some days! Continue reading
Chores help kids feel valued and develop important life skills. Parenting expert Alyson Schafer offers tips to get them helping out willingly. Continue reading
2 MacNeil Court, Kanata, ON, K2L 4H7
Phone: 613-592-4636 Fax: 613-592-9146
http://communitychildcare.ca Continue reading
It's magic for your family when you create in the kitchen together. Not sure where to start? Here are some great ideas to get your family in the foodie mood.
What do you get when you put a baby, a toddler, a teenager, a couple of hip young parents and three… ahem… slightly older parents in two vehicles and travel about 1000 miles? You guessed it: The March Break … Continue reading
It’s perfect weather to enjoy warm, hearty meals. This family-friendly version of roast beef is super easy and always a hit with the kids. Prepare it in less than 10 minutes, stick it in the crockpot to cook for the day – and you’re done. Continue reading
Remember the refined sugar and fat from holidays sweets? The deep-fried, fatty and processed appetizers? The alcohol? As a result, our bodies are overloaded with toxins. That being said, anybody can be toxic at any time of the year due to poor eating habits, stress or their environment. Continue reading
By: Tricia Duggan, Ottawa Valley Moms
As my son gets older, his need for independence grows. It’s fun to watch him explore his environment, tackling new and exciting adventures every day. With this new-found independence comes a very strong opinion. Continue reading
Radian R120 The RadianR120 is a highly versatile car seat that could be the only seat you’ll ever need. It comfortably seats rear-facing children from 5-45 lbs, forward-facing children from 22-65 lbs in 5-point harness, then converts to a booster … Continue reading
The New Diono Rainier is the ultimate in car seat safety with new extra deep side walls providing complete side impact protection taking Diono car seats to a whole new level. Continue reading
By Lynn Rees Lambert
Photos by John Major
By now, Analisa Love-Tedjoutomo has her routine down cold. Make that routines, plural, that take the 14-year-old figure skater from ice rink to classroom to dance floor in a sequence of scheduling that would make most others dizzy. For this girl, it’s all part of a journey she envisions with a focus that is skate-blade sharp. Continue reading
By Brandy McDevitt and Melanie Roet, registered dietitians and co owners of TummyThyme Fibre is the part of plant foods that our body does not fully digest. Fibre has been shown to promote bowel regularity and softness, help … Continue reading
Looking for one last kick at the holiday can-do? Kingston and the 1000 Islands offer huge opportunities for fun via an itsy bitsy road trip. This lovely, historic, waterfront region is a gorgeous getaway destination with tons of attractions to … Continue reading
On your mark. Get set. Go … outside and stay out to play as a family. Join the David Suzuki Foundation for its Fall Family Challenge. Continue reading
As the kids say, “SWEET!”
The best part of a family dessert night is enjoying what you make. Recipes should be simple and easy. When everyone contributes, time flies and the results will put a smile on your face. Continue reading
Helping Parents Adopt a Healthier Lifestyle for Kids with Weight Issues
Worried about your child’s weight and health? There are reasons parents are uneasy. Loads of kids — nearly one in three in Ontario — are dealing with excess weight or obesity, meaning they’re at a higher risk for medical problems, bullying, self-esteem issues and depression. Continue reading
It’s that time of year… Summer’s coming, the temperature’s rising, the kids are outside, and the water beckons
Heather Cameron writes about water safety and much more Continue reading
No internet, cable TV or home phone service?
It’s no disaster Continue reading
How’s this for creative thinking? The Ottawa Catholic School Board has put on its institutional thinking cap to come up with some pretty compelling and positive options to appeal to different types of learners. Continue reading
Taking your little one out during the cold winter months can be a challenge thanks to snowsuits and hats and mitts — but the work doesn’t end there. Continue reading
Baby, it’s cold outside. You might be going a tad stir crazy if you and the kids have been cooped up indoors. So get moving, eh? It’s time to come out of hibernation, kick up your heels and enjoy some special winter activities. Continue reading
Go on an adventure, find your way and explore and play. It’s easy with Garmin, whose products are user friendly and built to last. Check out these featured Garmin navigation systems and sports watches: Continue reading
Gather Your Friends, Share Quality Time and Get Some Shopping Done Too
By Doris Ohlmann Continue reading
1714 Montreal Road
Ottawa (Gloucester), ON
K1J 6N5
Telephone: 613-742-5500
Fax: 613- 742-7500
Email: info@gccs.ca Continue reading
By Pam Dillon
Heather McIlquham is a typical teen. The bubbly, active 15-yearold is a Grade 10 student at South Carleton High School and when she’s not in class she enjoys jujitsu and swimming. She also likes to sing and hang out with her friends.
What’s not typical about Heather is that she has celiac disease (CD), an autoimmune disorder that is estimated to affect about one in 133 people. Continue reading
Do you or somebody in your family need to live a gluten-free lifestyle? Then you don’t want to miss Gluten Free Utopia. Slated for Saturday, April 5, at the National Library and Archives, 395 Wellington Street, it will showcase more than 50 regional vendors specializing in all things gluten-free. Continue reading
Grandperson in Training is a new feature detailing the latest chapter in the life of award-winning columnist Lynn Rees Lambert. by Lynn Rees Lambert So this is what it’s like to be an almost grandparent. Yes, at long last, our … Continue reading
Grandperson in Training is a new feature detailing the latest chapter in the life of award-winning columnist Lynn Rees Lambert. by Lynn Rees Lambert So this is what it’s like to be an almost grandparent. Yes, at long last, our … Continue reading
Four Ways to Make your Child Love Saving Money By Jeannine Fox Most of us don’t flinch when we spend less than $10, but irresponsible spending habits like these have led us into the current economic crisis. To turn our situation around, … Continue reading
One of the best parts about cooking healthy food is when you make something that tastes like it should be bad for you. Continue reading
If you’re in the baking mood I have a great list of delicious and healthy Christmas baking recipes that you’ll be eager to make and share this Christmas season. The best part? You can tell people they’re healthy, and they won’t believe it! Continue reading
Do Your Kids Do the Fly-By?
They fly by the fridge, the freezer or the cupboard, grabbing as they go…
How do you get them to grab for the healthy stuff? Take a balanced approach Continue reading
Christmas Exchange Program is a Local Tradition
by Rebecca Stanisic Continue reading
Three great finds from Fisher Price for the holiday season. Continue reading
by Cathy Lumsden Relationships are one of the main cornerstones of happiness. So why do I often hear there isn’t time for connecting with others? At the end of the day, relationships are what life’s all about. We … Continue reading
Tips to beat seasonal bugs.
By: Barb Duncan Continue reading
Sheela Chandrashekar has spent over three decades nurturing Indian classical dance | by Bhavana Gopinath Continue reading
By Barb Duncan
In the summer between Grade 9 and Grade 10, Sara Cameron* registered for a learn-to-run program. Pretty soon, she was covering five kilometres with ease. “She talked about trying a half marathon,” her mom, Liz, recalls. Continue reading
It can be overwhelming enough to keep track of which food and drinks are healthy, and now I’m talking about your cookware too. I feel the same frustration when I hear about yet another common food, drink or everyday item that’s no longer considered healthy or safe to use. Continue reading
Have you ever heard the expression, “It takes a community to raise a child?” Before having our son, I heard it a lot from friends and family. I shrugged it off not realizing how much this would play a role … Continue reading
Relax. Your child. will. not. start high school while still in diapers. Although parents sometimes lament that dry undies—day and night—might never come about, sooner or later youngsters are ready, willing and able to do their own toileting. Continue reading
Every family should have a fire escape plan for every room in the home and also a backup plan in case the main exit is blocked. Continue reading
Keep Baby Warm this winter with the JJ Cole Bundleme Collection. JJ Cole brings you the Original Bundleme! With a plush inner faux shearling and luxuriously soft outer thermaplush™, your baby will enjoy maximum warmth and comfort. • use with … Continue reading
By Nina Potvin www.ottawavalleymoms.com
Don’t get me wrong, it would be great to cuddle up by the fire some days, but it would be more rewarding after draining some of the kids’ energy on outside activities. Continue reading
Reigniting the spark in your relationship helps to strengthen the family bond
by Lisa M. Petsche
Once the kids are settled in bed, order your favourite takeout food and enjoy a candlelit dinner …
Tell The Youngsters it’s a Birthday Party, Especially Canada’s Birthday Party, And They’ll Show You How to Celebrate Continue reading
The Leading Note Foundation Hits a High Note in Ottawa, by Bringing the Joy of Music to All Children
By: Pam Dillon
The annual Christmas holiday serves up a feast of teachable moments outside the classroom. Besides the concerts, crafts and activities at school, valuable learning opportunities pop up in the community and right within the family. Continue reading
Dear Dad:
You’re pretty sick… er sweet, so after you open the homemade cards, and enjoy the kid-prepared – and shared – breakfast in bed, let us take you out for some family Father’s Day fun on the town Continue reading
The Value of Chores — and Some Tips on How to Get Them Done
By Heather Cameron Continue reading
I love mustard. Do you? There are a few reasons you should make mustard your condiment of choice: Continue reading
By Alan Viau
Making nutritious school lunches the kids will eat is a challenge. The solution involves whatever they can or will eat, as long as it’s healthy. However, what they decide to put into their lunch bags might surprise you! Continue reading
One of the tricks to healthy baking is to find a natural, unrefined sweetener to substitute for refined sugar. Ripe bananas, unpasteurized honey, coconut palm sugar, real maple syrup and dates are my top choices. Continue reading
A few weeks ago I discovered the True North Salmon Company, a North American company that sells hormone and antibiotic-free, sustainably caught, farmed Atlantic salmon. Continue reading
The countdown is on for March Break. In just days, students will be off school for a week. YIKES! What are you going to do? Just because they get a break, it doesn’t mean you do. Continue reading
Chocolate has also been linked to a number of health benefits, particularly reduced risk of heart disease. Read on for some delicious chocolatey recipes that will bring smiles to the whole family. Continue reading
20 Katimavik Road, Units 1, 2 & 3
Kanata, ON K2L 4A2
613-592-0401
info@minimuffinspreschool.ca Continue reading
All You Really Need is Two More Sets of Hands and Another 24 Hours in the Day, Right?
Well, since you can’t have that, how about a little extra organizational help instead? Continue reading
This coming weekend, you’ll be granted the opportunity to show all the mothers in your life how special they are to you. But depending on their personal preferences, finding the perfect gift to express your gratitude can be difficult. Instead … Continue reading
by Sherri Telenko
Tour the world, roam with dinasours and ancient beasts and discover space, science and nature – Ontario Museums have it all. Continue reading
You never know what careers kids will choose. As the result of a musical upbringing, two of our kids are involved with the Glenn Gould School production of the opera Don Giovanni. Continue reading
by Danielle Donders
Manotick is a wonderful place to visit in any season, but it’s an even better place to raise a happy family. Continue reading
by Loukia Zigoum
When I got married and my husband and I were looking for a new house to buy, I never imagined we’d go east. However, we quickly fell in love with the neighborhood of Chapel Hill in Orleans, and now, ten years later, I can’t imagine living anywhere else. Continue reading
“A lot of myths and misunderstanding about the best way to position a baby still exist, and we hope this guideline will lay the debate to rest,” says nurse practitioner Elyse Maindonald, who led the panel of experts that created the guideline. Continue reading
Below is some must have nursing gear for mom. The basic necessities to make mommy and baby feeding go smoothly. Nursing Pillow Specifically designed to support both Mom and baby during breastfeeding, the My Brest Friend nursing pillow is the … Continue reading
Are you capable of killing impatiens with just a glance (plus full sun and zero water)? You, too, can flex your green thumb and—slowly, carefully—transform your grass into a garden. Mary Ann Van Berlo of Master Gardeners of Ottawa-Carleton provides expert answers to common questions. Continue reading
294 Elmgrove Ave.
613.722.8698
www.ottawagymnasticscentre.ca Continue reading
By Stephen Johnson
My son, David, loves animals. He dreams of visiting the Amazon Rain Forest or the Great Barrier Reef. Unfortunately, our pocketbook does not extend as far as his imagination so we visit places closer to home to see animals. One spot that I thought would be a hit with David was Parc Omega. Continue reading
90 Harmer Ave North, Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 0T9
p. (613)793-6618
e. Joanne@parentsupport.ca
w. http://parentsupport.ca Continue reading
by Barb Duncan
After months of anticipation, you can wind up feeling a little nonplussed when your due date comes and goes. The baby’s room is complete, you’ve washed, folded and counted the sleepers numerous times and everything is ready— except Junior. Your little one may be rocking and rolling in your tummy, but there’s no indication he or she is about to come out to play. What do you do now? Continue reading
I came across an article today titled “When to Mediate a Playdate”. It really hit close to home, as I went through a phase were I was avoiding play groups at all costs. As the kids got older, I found the play dates became more and more difficult, and I was left feeling frustrated. Continue reading
Before you start in on the potty project, you may want to look for these signs that your child is ready to go. Continue reading
The EZ Fold Stroll ‘N Trike™ is designed to fold in one easy step so you can store or take it anywhere. This 4 in 1 trike is a great grow-with-me trike offering the many features and fun for kids 9 months to 5 years. Continue reading
1318 Wellington Street West
Ottawa, ON K1Y 3B7
Canada
Tel: (613) 798-5437
http://www.redchairkids.com Continue reading
by Cathy Lumsden As September settles in, many people have mixed emotions about the end of summer. Some love getting back to routines and schedules while others dread them. When I was in high school and university I would be … Continue reading
Doing the classic family road trip this summer? Yay for you. This handy checklist will help you pack smart and get off to a good start. Take It -Medications. -Identification and/or passports. -Money, credit and debit cards, and/or traveller’s … Continue reading
Montreal – with the Kids? Well yes. It’s trés cool
By Stephen Johnson
Photos by Stephen Johnson and Sandra Garrido Continue reading
by Stephen Johnson We had a rocky adventure in Sudbury, Ontario—and so can you. I am not referring to any family misfortune or extreme sports, mind you. I’m talking about our son’s interest in geology. Like a lot of kids, … Continue reading
Woo Hoo! We’re on the way, we’re on the way on the way to… The Summer Road Trip
Kelli Catana tells us how to survive and enjoy Continue reading
By Allison Davis
Whoever made up the phrase “sleep like a baby” obviously got lucky. The truth is that most babies don’t sleep through the night. In fact, many toddlers don’t either. Here are some ways to help you out. Continue reading
Buying a snowsuit for a little one this winter? Here are some tips to keep in mind: Continue reading
By Alan Viau
Is the thing we put in a babies’ mouths called a soother or a pacifier? Frankly, it really doesn’t matter as long as it calms them down. Sometimes it’s called a thumb. Continue reading
By Kelly Barry, R.D.
Get your family on a lifetime track for living well. By establishing healthy habits now, you can reduce your family’s risk for chronic illness down the road Continue reading
An ingenious children’s shoe that stays on securely, slips on easily over other clothing, and protects little feet and dangling ankles from inclement weather. Stonz Booties and are versatile enough to be worn both outdoors and indoors throughout several weather seasons. A must-have item for Canadian parents. Continue reading
An Opportunity for Learning
By Richard E. Bavaria, Ph.D. Continue reading
Gift ideas for Mum, Dad and kids Continue reading
by Chris Read “Go ahead, jump! I promise I will catch you.” She heard the words she wanted to hear and took the four-foot leap off the water trampoline and into my arms like the brave kid I … Continue reading
Teaching your teen to drive can be a nerve-wracking experience at the best of times, but throw in our winter weather and you might be tempted to hide your car keys.
Compiled by Heather Cameron Continue reading
The other day I bought an awesome new kitchen gadget: the OXO Julienne Peeler (available at The Bay for $10.99). It works like a regular peeler, but the blade is serrated to form long, skinny strips of whatever you’re peeling. Continue reading
by Kathy Buckworth
Trying to power up when your batteries are dead
by Pam Dillon By a fireplace in the Holland family’s west Ottawa home, there’s an artwork that is as compelling as it is fitting. In oil on canvas, freestyle skier Alexandre Bilodeau’s gold-medal performance at the 2010 Vancouver … Continue reading
How’s this for a fun night out? Shenkman Arts Centre’s Richcraft Theatre will be transformed into a nightclub next Friday, February 7, when two Ottawa bands hit the stage. Continue reading
DpR Natural Baby Diaper Ointment Babies Bottoms Rejoice DpR Natural Baby Diaper Ointment has plant based ingredients that allow the skin to breathe properly, while providing soothing and regenerative properties to reduce skin irritation in the diaper area. Additional highlights … Continue reading
Skip the jelly beans, as well as most things nutty, hollow, solid chocolate or cream filled
By Pam Dillon
At W.O Mitchell Elementary School.
The biggest, most elaborate, most colourful brand-name play castle or ride-on toy will sit gathering dust while the little dudes have a blast with cardboard. Now, an Ottawa school is taking the idea a big — and wonderful — step further. Continue reading
Should you take vitamins or supplements on a regular basis? Lauren weighs in. Continue reading
Everyone is interested in detoxing at this time of year. You’ve overdone it over the holidays, and want to rid your body of built-up toxins. I’ve put together an awesome smoothie recipe that includes fresh, raw ingredients that will do the trick. Continue reading
By Jessica Hoover
After months of hard work, your teen finally has a license and is ready to embark upon the first leg of automotive ownership. How do you help your teen choose their first car? The following offers a few important tips that should help you and your teen not only find a great first car, but also to drive it safely and economically. Continue reading
Understanding Motor Development
By Doris Ohlmann
“Come on, come on, you can do it,” my four year- old son squeals as he wiggles a colourful, stuffed snake toy at his creeping little sister. She has been trying to keep up with him all afternoon as he trails one toy after another in front of her like a tantalizing prize to be won if she reaches him before he turns and, with a giggle, leads her in another direction. Continue reading
by Caroline Wissing
photos by John Major
For most of us, the holidays are a busy time of year, taken up with decorating, baking, buying and wrapping gifts, cooking, and generally making spirits bright. But imagine if your family celebrated two different holiday traditions. Continue reading
How the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board is leading the way to creativity and innovation
By: Jane Daly
Continue reading
You’ve celebrated birthdays, graduations and many milestones in your home over the last few decades with your family. These are memories that you aren’t quite willing to let go but, as you get older, you cannot maintain the upkeep of … Continue reading
When Ally and Bobby Montminy first arrived at Upper Canada Village during their 2011 summer break, they knew it was going to be an unforgettable week. Continue reading
It’s a Family Health and Safety Issue. Know what really bites? Frostbite, hypothermia and realizing, a half an hour after your kids hopped on the bus, that they’ve forgotten their mitts or snow pants in the hall closet. Continue reading
By Alan Viau
Father’s Day gifts always seem a little awkward. They tend to fall into four T categories: Ties, Tools, Technology and Treats. Continue reading
It was what they call one of those “teachable moments.” I looked over at my son, just a couple of feet away, as the wok he was holding burst into flames. WHOOSH! Continue reading
The holidays are a time for family, celebration, presents, and travel. Seasonal gatherings can take you across the country or just a few miles from home. Even if your holiday destination is just an hour or two away, the … Continue reading
According to Pew Research, 60 per cent of working moms say it’s difficult for them to balance work and family, and 40 percent say they feel rushed almost constantly. It probably comes as no surprise how stressful it can … Continue reading