• Parenting

    Five Easy and Free Sensory Play Activities for Kids

    January 23, 2012 - By 

    With an increasing number of kids who have sensory processing disorder or sensory issues related to brain injury, concussion or autism, there’s a lot of new knowledge about sensory play and sensory activities. We started reading up on sensory play and sensory processing disorder years ago when Ainsley was first diagnosed.     Depending on whether your child is sensory seeking or sensory avoiding any one, or all of these may appeal to them.   FIVE EASY SENSORY PLAY ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS     Fill a sink with warm water and soap suds. Have them wash things. Toys, dolls, dishes.…

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    Wordless Wednesday #special needs

    January 18, 2012 - By 

    How happy is this girl? My daughter wanted a bubblegum machine for Christmas. It was the top of her list. And it was the one thing that she jumped for joy over when opening. See, it combines two of her favourite things – money and gum. It cost Santa about $12 from Sears and it has brought her more joy than a toy that might have cost me $200. Sometimes simple things are so worth it. (Side fact – did you know that gum and the act of chewing is an organizing activity for your brain. True – it helps…

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    Games Night and Families

    January 14, 2012 - By 

    Our family has always been into playing games together. My kids love to play Rush Hour and Road Block and other Think Fun games on their own. Together we often get Jenga out and enjoy challenging each other and connecting with each other one on one. I know a lot of friends and family members have dedicated Game Nights for that very reason. Connecting without the need to check a TV, a Nintendo, or a cell phone. There’s a lot to be said for that. My youngest child has always loved this time, especially. She asks all the time to…

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    Friday Finds and Events Jan. 13th Weekend

    January 13, 2012 - By 

    Well here is the headliner today – if you love Monster Jam race over to the John Labatt Centre any time after 12 pm today to get a select number of tickets remaining for $1. Yes. $1. We got ours free because my daughter won some from the London Public Library reading contest we do every year at this time. See you there!  Also Cats is on by OKTC at the Spriet Family Theatre in Covent Garden Market. Oh and The Food and Wine Show at the Western Fair. So much to do, so little time! Now for the deals…

  • family - Parenting

    Schools of Thought On OverCrowding and Education #ldnont

    January 11, 2012 - By 

    Schoolhouse image from creative commons, copyright Caitlyn Willows There’s a school of thought out there that goes something like this: well, you make do with what you’ve got. And that should be good enough, right? Wrong. I don’t buy it. This is not a picture of our school, but it is a symbol of what that phrase stands for to me. If we all made do with what we’ve got there would never be any progress and our kids would all still be sitting in one room schoolhouses with no heating and doing math on tiny handheld slates. Guess what?…

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    Totsy

    January 10, 2012 - By 

    Kids can be extremely expensive, so when I come across a deal that helps you save money, I like to share. I`m nice that way. Totsy offers busy Moms and Dads access to brands at great prices. The market is geared to children upto age seven and you can save upto 80 % off regular prices. But there`s more than clothing. Prenatal care products, baby gear, travel accessories, bedding and bath, toys, DVDs, and educational materials are just a sampling of a selection that promises only the best in quality and designer brands. Totsy is 100% eco-friendly: Totsy is the…