family
Families are all shapes, sizes and colours. The content here about parenting tries to reflect the various ways that families are built in the 21st century. Whether you are a single parent by choice, a divorced mom or dad, coparenting or a family that struggled with infertility and eventually conceived via IVF, there are a few common threads. We all want the best for our children and our family, no matter how big or small. Parenting is the hardest job yet by far, but it can also be the most rewarding too. Here's what we've learned. We hope it helps on those days when you are contemplating how you can keep going.
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Eight Ways to Teach Gratitude and a Gratitude Jar Craft
Gratitude is a funny thing. It’s hard to teach at times, but such an important value to hold close for life. Without gratitude life can ring hollow. For me, gratitude ties in closely with mindfulness. That’s why I like this gratitude jar kids’ craft idea for families. I’ve talked about self esteem before and self esteem crafts that help kids to grow more self esteem, but what about gratitude? How do you build a sense of gratitude from a young age that permeates a lifespan? Eight Ways to Show Gratitude Here are several ways to help build gratitude in kids as they grow. Model Gratitude Talk about the things YOU…
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My Oxygen Mask and Life During a Pandemic
Huddle up real close. I have something to say regarding life this past year. But wait just a moment, my oxygen mask is askew. Put Your Own Oxygen Mask on First You know on airplanes before takeoff when the flight attendants give you that safety demonstration? Oh, I know you are supposed to be listening, but honestly a lot of us have zero interest in the safety demo when we just want to get to where we are going. Right? Lately, I have been reflecting on that simple statement – please put your own oxygen mask on before securing others. Hunting for My Oxygen Mask Ever since the second lockdown…
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Easy Fun Five Senses Sensory Scavenger Hunt + Printable
A sensory scavenger hunt is perfect for so many kids. Whether they are sensory seekers or avoiders, there’s a little something for any child here. Some of you by now are aware that my kids have a fair number of sensory issues. So sensory stuff here is second nature. And I am sure that you know that we love scavenger hunts. My oldest would literally still do this actually. She is the crafty kind of kid who lives to get outside exploring and then brings what she has found indoors to build something crafty or creative with it. I am always up for a walk, so that works for me.…
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Valentines Date Night Conversation Cards
Well, here we are again. Today, I refuse to say anything about how things sure are different this year. I am getting tired of hearing that worn old story. Aren’t you? Instead, I am letting these Valentine’s Day Date night conversation cards speak for themselves. Set up a virtual date, or perhaps an in person date night this year. Plan out a lovely meal and maybe get the kids involved, if you have them. After they go to bed, get these cute date night conversation starters out and do something romantic and just a bit different. Looking for Ideas? Here are a few ways to make the most of Valentine’s…
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Fun Things to Do for Valentine’s Day with Kids + Valentine’s Cards Printable
This Valentine’s Day has potential to be a downer. Pandemic holidays are a bit of a challenge that way. But, it could also just as easily be memorable depending on how you spin it with the kids this season. And depending on your own outlook. So, here are a few fun things to do this Valentine’s Day with kids. Oh and stick to the very end of the post for some sweet free Valentine’s cards that you can download easily now. Six Fun Ways to Enjoy Valentine’s Day with Kids this Year Baking or Cooking Together Make some scrumptious and simple cupcakes or chocolates for Valentine’s Day and the kids…
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Adorable Magician Writing Prompt for Kids
Here’s to your little writers and content creators. Let’s celebrate and nurture the creative souls with this Magician Writing Prompt Printable Activity. Easy Indoor Activities for Creative Kids First, if your kids are hunting for activities that are quiet and indoors this winter, then here’s a thought. Why not offer up some writing prompts to get them creating content? Writing is a great way to express imagination while exploring literacy through spelling and grammar. And second of all, this Magician Writing Prompt is simple and fun. Who doesn’t adore magic and magicians? Writers Will Write One millliiiiooooooonnn years ago, in grade school, I discovered a love of writing. Obviously, I…
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Best London Christmas Lights to See Now (Have a Drive Through, Socially Distant New Year!)
So where are the best London Christmas lights that are safe to see from the car? Are they still open? Can you make that part of your New Year’s Eve tonight? Read the information below to find out. Obviously parades and the holiday season went virtual this year around Ontario and in many places throughout Canada. But, what about New Year’s Eve? And what about social distancing? Good news. There are still a few London Christmas lights and homes to drive by and enjoy. Check out some of the Best Drive Through London Christmas lights and holiday light displays before they end! Drive Through London Christmas Lights (And Surrounding Area)…
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My 2020 Christmas Gift Guide – Celebrate With Me
Happy Holidays! My 2020 Christmas Gift Guide is ready to share. I couldn’t be happier to spread some joy this year and share a few of my favourite things with you. My 2020 Christmas Gift guide contains affiliate links. At no extra fee to you, I receive a small commission off of purchases made via qualifying links. I received product and compensation in some cases for features in this guide. Well, here we are almost at Christmas and this year I am doing a few things differently. One thing I am doing is shopping slowly and in chunks to spread out the cost. We definitely have a budget to stick…
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Cute Children’s Christmas Letter to Santa Writing Prompt
I think we can all easily recall that time during childhood when we believed wholeheartedly in magic and in Santa Claus. Back before pandemic was even a word in our daily vocabulary, as children we wrote at least one creative and joyful letter to Santa each year. Dear Santa Letter Writing an annual letter to Santa was something I looked forward to for weeks before Christmas. It was my chance to plant suggestions in my home, and send them directly to the North Pole. As an adult, I have enjoyed many years of creating that illusion for my kids. I kept that tradition going for years longer than it actually…
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Ten Reasons Harry Potter Movies are the Best to Binge on Right Now.
By Ainsley Schuck Note from Paula: This Harry Potter movies post is by my daughter Ainsley. We have been Potterheads for years. But, during the pandemic the kids have asked to watch the Harry Potter movies from start to finish repeatedly. So, I have asked them several times why Harry Potter movies right now? Post contains affiliate links as a service to readers. I may receive a small commission via qualifying purchases. Why Harry Potter Movies are Perfect to Binge on Right Now Near the start of the pandemic the kids were asking to watch Harry Potter movies so often that I finally broke down and bought the boxed set.…
