Nurture

The day I told my husband we were having twins, he froze and didn’t say a word for a week. We already had a six-year-old daughter, so we both knew how hard it was going to be, with twice the diapers and bottles. We knew it would be a lot to juggle, and it was.

As a born and raised planner, I had my life figured out early on: Finish school; get married; establish my career; have a baby. It seemed so simple. How things actually turned out: I got married a year before a major career switch, started a new program and had a baby during my second year of

Holiday gifting should be full of joy and excitement as you watch your children open bright-colored packages tied up with bows. It’s a wonderful feeling as their faces light up with surprise and pure happiness as they open each new toy, game, bicycle, or electronic device. But sometimes, holiday gifting can be stressful, expensive, and

When my firstborn was six months old, and my maternity leave was only half over, I went back to work—not because I wanted to, but because my career as an elementary school teacher was on the line. I had spent three years chasing teaching’s golden trophy, a permanent contract, and if I didn’t get back

‘Tis the season for giving and receiving. But isn’t it nice when you can find a holiday gift that does a little something extra? From providing meals to supporting girls in developing countries, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite gifts that give back this holiday season. 1. Hand Knit Dolls Photo: Cuddle+Kind Each doll

Just about every expectant mom has some worries about what’s to come. What will labour be like? How do I install a car seat? What’s a swaddle? Can I actually do this? The list of things to stress about is endless. So you’d think it would be smooth sailing once you’ve had one child and

The things on this list are small, easy to pack and total lifesavers. My husband and I have travelled to more than 20 countries and crossed the Atlantic seven times with our two sons, which means I’m slightly obsessed with packing—especially packing light. Sure, there are the obvious things you need, like tablets and extra

Jennifer Pinarski asks other parents for advice on how to talk to young children about the significance of Remembrance Day. Peace is when you smile at someone and make the world a tiny bit brighter Peace is when you hear a baby laugh, or give a hug to the hurt— Excerpt from a poem by

These handy tips will make your slow cooker easier to clean, faster to use and even turn it into the life of the party. A slow cooker fills the house with mouth-watering smells and has dinner ready and waiting at the end of the work day. When used correctly, the slow cooker can be the fairy

Purchasing the right car seat involves striking a balance between your kid, your car and your lifestyle. Depending on your child’s weight and height, your options are infant (or “bucket” seat), convertible and booster. (We’ll talk about all-in-ones, too.) All car seats legally sold in Canada will have the National Safety Mark sticker, which means

For much of the pandemic, while without childcare and school, we left our city apartment and went to my parents’ house in the suburbs to stay for an indeterminate amount of time. My husband and I slept in my childhood bedroom, while our kids, 3 and 5, shared a queen bed in the next room. We

My entire adult life, I forced my body to stay the exact same size. My ideal was 120 pounds, and I clung to this magic number as if I had been flung into the sea and it were my life preserver. Since shedding about 15 pounds of “puppy fat” at age 18 (I’m 42 now)

Getting up to speed on federal politics probably wasn’t on your Summer 2021 bucket list. But with Canadians heading to the polls on September 20, it’s critical for parents to understand what’s at stake this election—and how the outcome will shape your family’s future. No time to do the research, you say? We get it—you’re

This study shows that parents with math anxieties inadvertently make the situation worse for their kids. Math-haters of the parenting world rejoice! According to this study, parents who struggled with math should take a step back and not assist with their kid’s homework. Isn’t that great news? I was a terrible math student. I dreaded

A tax credit wouldn’t have helped me when I was stuck on 12 waitlists. It won’t help the mother struggling to pay fees each month, or the parents whose daycare closes overnight. Canada has never been closer to having an accessible, affordable child care system. Eight provinces and territories have signed deals with the Trudeau

There will come a day when you no longer have to wipe anyone’s bum, EVER AGAIN. Watching your baby scrunch up their face while tasting veggie puree for the first time is adorable, and seeing the sense of accomplishment they feel after taking their first steps is one for the books. These major developmental baby

“You know,” I said to my husband this summer as we sat on a friend’s dock,  stealing some much-needed time away together. “If I don’t make it—” “Hold on,” he tried to interrupt.  “No, Mark, please, just let me say this. If I end up not making it, and you eventually move on—which I’m OK

In 2011, Jennifer Venner chose to completely upend her life at home to end a toxic codependant relationship. Now at the age of 47, she is finally living the life she has always wanted to live. When my two kids were little, I felt I had to inhale every moment with them. Every time they

With Halloween fast approaching, I realized I’m more than a little behind on the kids’ costume prep. I’m terrible at Halloween. This is supposed to be the fun part, right? Spooky decorations, cool costumes, and candy overload. How could any parent fail at Halloween? I always start out with the best of intentions. This year,

Once the border opens on Nov. 8, fully vaccinated Canadians—including those with mixed vaccines—will be allowed entry. This article was published on October 27. As the border situation is always evolving, please check with Canadian and U.S authorities’ sites for the latest information before travelling. On Nov. 8, the U.S. reopens its land border, welcoming