From The Editor
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Andrea Tomkins andrea@capitalparent.ca
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arenting is one of the toughest jobs around. It is rewarding and challenging, and can leave parents so worn out they have little energy left for themselves. So when it’s time to grab a bite to eat, it’s no wonder that many families hit the drive-thru. It’s cheap, and it’s easy, and best of all, there are no dishes to wash. But there are other options. Have you ever taken your toddler out to a restaurant that has silverware and linen on the table instead of crayons and paper placemats? This is the idea we’re exploring in Capital Parent this month. It might seem overwhelming, and as you’re sitting there surrounded by a pile of shredded napkins you may wonder what possessed you to bother trying, but taking your kids out to dinner is well worth the effort. One of the best things my husband Mark and I did as parents was to regularly take our daughters out to eat when they were toddlers. We started simple, with breakfast at our local diner. It’s fast, cheap, the coffee flows freely, and there’s always something on the menu for everyone. We also used our restaurant outings as a way to socialize with other families. We got smart and started making “dates” with families that had children of similiar ages. It was a great way for the kids to get together, brush up on their restaurant manners, and for the parents to feel like they’re getting out of the house.
Parenting Blogs We Love: A Little Bit of Momsense
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uthor Rebecca Stanisic describes her blog as “a little bit of everything.” A Little Bit of Momsense (http://bitofmomsense.com) is indeed a hodge podge of parenting life, part of the reason we enjoy our visits so much. We don’t know what will greet us when we click through, but we do know that it will be meaningful and relevant to Ottawa and the parenting space in which we live. Rebecca’s posts are often about being a mother in Ottawa. She also shares crafty projects she’s undertaken with her two young kids, shopping deals, family travel ideas, and more. Rebecca likes to cook and bake with her kids, and her tried-and-true recipes are worth bookmarking - there’s a recent one for homemade ranch-style dressing we really like. Serving up a hot dinner every night isn’t easy, and the recipes she shares are healthy, filling, and family friendly. We think you might like them too! 4 APRIL 2013 | w w w . c a p i t a l p a r e n t . c a
This month, regular CP contributor Paula Roy asked some local restauranteurs – who also happen to be parents - to get their take on dining out with young kids. Etiquette expert Cecilia Pita shares some of her top sanity-saving tips in regards to the fine art of table manners. And last but not least, we asked you - our fellow Capital Parents - what restaurants you frequent with your children. The answers may surprise you!
Thanks for reading,
PUBLISHER Mark Sutcliffe mark@greatriver.ca EDITOR Andrea Tomkins 613-238-1818 ext. 279 andrea@capitalparent.ca CONTRIBUTORS Lynn Jatania Cecilia Pita • Paula Roy Ottawa Public Library
COPY EDITOR Judith van Berkom GRAPHIC DESIGN & PRODUCTION Sarah Ellis sellis@greatriver.ca
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Noteable Quotes “Andy and I have had our family trip booked to PEI this summer since August. Almost a month after we returned from our trip last year, we booked again, this time for two weeks. Now you may think I’m crazy for even bringing this up, but seriously, not a day goes by when we don’t talk about it. It’s not as though it’s some magical portal that transfers us into a non-tantrum, nosibling-fighting universe – but holy cow, there is a touch of magic to how we all end up feeling when we are there. Is it because we are together, just the four of us? And the kids have so much extra attention? Is it because the food is amazing and often not cooked by me? Because the chores and work are typically
minimal and when possible left in Ontario? Why does the pace feel so different? Maybe it is a magical place. We are so excited, and I guess it’s good to have something to look forward to. But I’m daydreaming a little too often about it now… is it the place I’m thinking of, or the pace? Whatever the case, none of us can wait.”
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