ParentsCanada magazine - Spring 2017

REAL TALK

REAL CHOICES REAL LIFE

SPRING 2017 $4.95

WINNING ISN’T EVERYTHING

OR IS IT? the

NAP GUIDE

BETTER SLEEP FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

GO GREEN

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SPRING RECIPES TO TRY NOW!

ARE YOU SUFFERING FROM

FOMO? YOU’RE NOT ALONE HOW COMFORTABLE ARE YOU WITH NUDITY AT HOME?

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IS FOMO AFFECTING YOUR PARENTING STYLE?

SPRING 2017

FIRST & LAST 4

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EDITOR’S LETTER Doesn’t the first time feel great?

LIFE IS LIKE A LOAD OF LAUNDRY Feel like your life is permanently set on the spin cycle? You’re not alone.

H E A LT H 16

R E L AT IN G 20

UP FRONT PARE NTING 7

TRENDING NOW...

Books by musicians, Canadian favourites and your alone-time plans.

ASK THE EXPERT What are tonsils and adenoids and why are they such a pain?

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TIME OUT Nelly Furtado talks environmental issues, we share green products and get you ready for the gym.

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HELP ME SARA How do you explain to your children that winning isn’t everything?

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TOUCHY SUBJECT Is parent nudity appropriate in front of the kids?

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NEED IT, WANT IT, GOTTA HAVE IT Show your Canadian pride!

FOMO Is fear of missing out affecting your parenting style? If so, social media is probably playing a role.

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THE NAP GUIDE Sleep is a fundamental part of development. A regular nap routine can be helpful (for you and the kids!).

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D E V E LO P I N G CHILDHOOD CHAPTERS 32

BABY Hips don’t lie: What exactly is hip dysplasia and how is it treated?

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TODDLER Imagine that: Encourage your little one’s creative side through play and pretend.

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PRESCHOOL They grow up so fast: How fast is too fast?

Understanding precocious puberty.

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SCHOOL-AGE Staying afloat: Life with a reluctant swimmer.

SPRING GREENS One of the best things 38 about spring is the delicious produce that comes with it.

COOK ONCE/EAT TWICE Chicken thighs and roasted veggies for dinner, and leftovers become a yummy curry.

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TWEEN Babes in blush: When your kid wants to start wearing makeup.

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NAPPING BENEFITS THE WHOLE FAMILY.

CHEW ON THIS Enjoying a plant-forward diet, two cookbook reviews and new foodie products.

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HIT THE GYM WITH THESE MUST-HAVE PRODUCTS.

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FRESHEN UP YOUR RECIPES WITH SPRING GREENS.

REAL TALK

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HAS YOUR LIFE BECOME A LOAD OF LAUNDRY?

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REAL CHOICES REAL LIFE

SPRING 2017 $4.95

WINNING ISN’T EVERYTHING

OR IS IT? the

NAP GUIDE

BETTER SLEEP FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

26 20

Shutterstock

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GO GREEN

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SPRING RECIPES TO TRY NOW!

ARE YOU SUFFERING FROM

FOMO? YOU’RE NOT ALONE

12 HOW COMFORTABLE ARE YOU WITH NUDITY AT HOME? PC_COVER_SPR17_2.indd 1

Looking for a quick read? Check out the trivia along the bottom of every page, courtesy of The Bathroom Readers Series & All-time Great Canadian Quotations.

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editor’s letter

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FAMILY LIFE Take it all off! Or should you keep it all on? Writers Liz Hastings and Vanessa Grant battle it out: is nudity appropriate in front of your children?

Page 12

Have a nap, says sleep expert

Dr. Nicky Cohen. Proper sleep habits, including napping, can help the whole family. Page 16

Feels like the first time.

Don’t miss out! Is fear of missing

out (or FOMO) affecting your parenting style? Writer Mathew Lajoie says it’s natural to want to keep up with the social media pressure to be the perfect parent, but what can be done about it? Page 20

Dive right in. For some kids,

swimming is the source of fear and stress. Kristi York offers some useful advice on helping your kids feel comfortable in the pool. Page 37

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As I sat down to write my very first editor’s letter for my very first issue of ParentsCanada as its editor, I was stumped. What to write about? As I considered my options, I reflected upon how awkward it can be to do things for the first time. And how frustrating.

I guess this is what life is like for my five-year-old daughter, who is basically trying something new every day – spelling words, putting her face under water or cutting with a knife. With a naturally aprehensive child, these tasks are often accompanied by a furrowed brow, red face, crossed arms and teary eyes. Attempting something for the first time can be intimidating, and when you aren’t immediately successful, the frustration hits, along with the feeling of “I can’t do this”.

That feeling of frustration? I know it well. It caused me to, at age 17, jump out of the car in the middle of the road as my dad taught me to drive a stick. It’s the feeling that nearly made me throw my club into a pond during my introduction to the game of golf.

But if you can get past those fears, push forward and use the ol’ “practise makes perfect” method, succeeding at something for the first time is a wonderful feeling. And I am jealous of my daughter, who gets to experience that every day, whether on a large or small scale. As adults, we rarely get that feeling.

Seeing the smile on my kiddo’s face as she conquers a task for the first time is pretty amazing.

The other day she successfully did up the dozen dome buttons on her onesie pajamas. This might seem like a simple task, but those little white buttons are a tough go for her tiny fingers.

And, after taking what seemed like an eternity to get dressed for bed, she appeared in front of me – silent, but beaming. I looked at her, my eyes questioning her behaviour.

“I did up ALL my buttons ALL by myself!” she exclaimed proudly. She ran over to me and with a hug around my waist, looked up and said, “Well, almost all of them. I can’t do up the top one.”

It was good enough for her and good enough for me. I congratulated her on a job well done and she skipped off to bed, happy, proud and with a sense of satisfaction. She loves the praise she receives and I’m more than happy to dole it out in spades. It’s tough to conquer the firsts; accolades are well-deserved and necessary to boost her self confidence.

So that is my first editor’s letter.

How did I do?

$4.95 SPRING 2017

REAL TALK

REAL CHOICE S

REAL LIFE

ISN’T WINNINGNG EVERYTHI

OR IS IT? the

P NA GUIDE

BETTER SLEEP FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Amy Bielby, Editor Follow me on Twitter and Instagram at @amylynnbielby

EN GO GRE SPRING

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RECIPES TO TRY NOW!

ARE YOU FROM SUFFERING

MO? NE FO YOU’RE NOT ALO BLE ARE YOU WITH

HOW COMFORTA

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NUDITY AT HOM

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Amy Bielby

EDITOR

Amyb@ParentsCanada.com Angela Rotundo DIGITAL EDITOR Julie Van Rosendaal FOOD EDITOR

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ART DIRECTOR

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Contributors Lise Varrette, Dr. Janine Flanagan, Sara Dimerman, Liz Hastings, Vanessa Grant, Janice Biehn, Dr. Nicky Cohen, MathewLaJoie, Rosie Schwartz, Shallon Cunningham, Bonnie Young, Kristi York, Amanda Bloye

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Christine T. Chambers, PhD., RPsych DEPARTMENT OF PEDIATRICS AND PSYCHOLOGY & NEUROSCIENCE, IWK HEALTH CENTRE, HALIFAX

Pediatric-pain.com Dr. Nicky Cohen

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“DON’T BELIEVE I USE

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YOU’RE RIGHT. I USE NEW HEAD & SHOULDERS.” Now you can finally have hair that’s soft to the touch, full of life and free of visible flakes* thanks to the NEW Tri-Action formula.

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No nonsense parenting ideas that really stick

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TRENDING NOW

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Noteworthy BOOKS

Musicians are putting down the instruments and turning their musical talents into lovable children’s tales.

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FLYING SOLO

Imagine this: you have three whole hours all to yourself. How would you spend this time wisely?

I would like to just watch my favourite reality show and take a nice, relaxing bath without little ones opening up the door to peek on me.

–AMY I would love to watch a grown-up movie or get a pedicure.

–AMY GROOM MYSELF. –MONIKA

Shutterstock/© Paul McKinnon/a katz/ Paul Keeling/ Jaguar PS/ Tinseltown

Footloose Written by Kenny Loggins and Dean Pitchford Illustrated by Tim Bowers Moondance, $24 Chances are you’ve cut footloose once or twice to this classic song. And now it’s back, in all its earworm glory, but with new lyrics just for kids. As a dance party kicks off at the zoo, the animals slip on their dancin’ shoes and let loose! If you’re in the mood to move, too, then you’re in luck; each book comes with a Footloose CD, perfomed by Kenny Loggins himself. Although, don’t be surprised if your child is embarrassed by your dance skills.

When You’re Feeling Sick Written by Coy Bowles Illustrated by Andy Elkerton Doubleday Books, $18 If laughter is the best medicine, then your kiddo will be on the mend after reading this funny picture book. Coy Bowles, usually found performing with the Zac Brown Band, has created a silly story filled with advice about conquering those days when you’re feeling icky. Coy wrote the book after his mother fell ill and he spent time with her in the hospital.

Seeing young patients facing their own battles, he decided that if a silly story might help a sick child, then he would put it on paper.

Almost a Full Moon Written by Hawksley Workman Illustrated by Jensine Eckwall Tundra Books, $22 Based on Hawksley Workman’s Christmas song of the same name, Almost a Full Moon is an enchanting story of a boy and his grandmother who make a bottomless pot of soup that welcomes friends and family into their cabin. The words and illustrations combine to create a warm, cozy experience. It is the first book from the Canadian singer/songwriter (with more to come, hopefully!).

If I have three hours all to myself I like to do things I can’t enjoy when interrupted by my kids. For example, read a book, go on Facebook, enjoy a quiet cup of coffee, have a peaceful shopping trip... That being said, when I do have time for myself I normally end up catching up on laundry and chores.

–MICHAELA HONESTLY, I HATE TO SAY IT, BUT I WOULD CLEAN. –SANDRA I’d like to say take a trip to a spa or hairdresser, but I’m never organized enough to book ahead. So I’ll say go for a walk or meet a friend for tea.

–MAIRI

Knit, knit, knit!

–PENNY

Oh

CANADA!

CANADA IS TURNING 150! OUR READERS VOTED ON THEIR CANADIAN FAVES.

Favourite band 1ST PLACE:

Favourite female artist: 1ST PLACE:

Favourite male artist: 1ST PLACE:

Tragically Hip, 41%

Sarah McLachlan, 52%

Bryan Adams, 39%

2ND PLACE:

2ND PLACE:

2ND PLACE:

Hedley, 17%

Serena Ryder, 14%

Michael Bublé, 30%

Favourite actor: 1ST PLACE:

Favourite actress: 1ST PLACE:

Ryan Reynolds, 39%

Rachel McAdams, 60%

2ND PLACE:

2ND PLACE:

Ryan Gosling, 33%

World’s largest comic book collection: The U.S. Library of Congress has more than 10,000.

Ellen Page, 17%

FIND MORE READER FEEDBACK AND IDEAS Page 10 .... Winning & losing Page 12 .......................... Nudity Page 37 .................. Swimming .com

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Ask the expert

“

SAY,

Tonsils and adenoids are two different tissues but are both part of the body’s defense/immune system that help fight germs and prevent against infection. Tonsils are located at the back of the throat on either side of the tongue. Adenoids are located behind the nose on the back wall of the nasal cavity. They are not visible when your regular doctor examines the nose and mouth.

Their purpose is to grow during the first years of life to filter and fight germs that commonly enter through the mouth and nose (especially in infants and toddlers). They decrease in size around age seven years. In their efforts to block infection to vital organs (heart and lungs), tonsils and adenoids unfortunately can get infected.

BY DR. JANINE FLANAGAN

“

UP FRONT PARENTING

Tonsils and adenoids play a key role in the immune system. So what happens when they get infected?

WHEN INFECTION HITS Sore throats get infected by viruses or bacteria.

It is important to note that throats can be sore from other causes including post-nasal drip, throat clearing or dryness (often caused by sleeping with the mouth open). Your doctor will examine the throat, and best practice is to do a throat swab (rapid tests can be done with results in 10 minutes) to determine whether it is a bacterial infection (usually strep throat) or viral. In both cases, anti-pyretics, fluids and soft foods, pasteurized honey for children older than one year, salt water gargles and room humidifiers can be used for supportive care. However, if it is a bacterial tonsillitis, antibiotics will also be given. Untreated bacterial infections can lead to

complications that can affect the heart (rheumatic fever), kidneys (glomerulonephritis) or nervous system (PANDAS).

Enlarged adenoids due to infections can disturb a child’s quality of life by interfering with breathing while awake and asleep, and by blocking a small tube between the ears and throat that can subsequently cause frequent ear infections to develop. Mouth breathing can lead to dental and gum problems. Severe snoring and poor sleep can lead to behaviour problems and school difficulties.

Currently, tonsils and adenoids are not removed simply for recurrent infections. Trials of saline sprays, nasal steroid sprays and antiinflammatory drugs are often tried first, well before surgery is considered.

WHAT IF SURGERY IS NEEDED?

Over time large tonsils can lead to difficulty swallowing and breathing difficulties. Symptoms of enlarged tonsils include: › acute sore throat (dry, scratchy, itchy, painful) › fever, nausea › tummy pain › sore neck › pain when swallowing › refusing to eat or drink

Signs of infected adenoids include: › snoring › restless sleeping › sleep apnea (when a child stops breathing for a few seconds) › mouth breathing › nasal voice › speech problems › recurrent ear infections

If complications arise with tonsils and adenoids, the next step is a referral to an ENT for surgical consideration. Children are usually between the ages of two to six years.

Surgery for tonsils (called a tonsillectomy) is performed when the tonsils interfere with breathing or because of complications like abscesses, heart, kidney or neuropsychiatric problems. Surgery for adenoids (called an adenoidectomy) is considered if obstruction causes ear infections and hearing loss, or when obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is suspected.

OSA means your child goes through long pauses between breaths followed by a gasp of air. The pauses are caused by the adenoids obstructing the air passage. Untreated OSA can lead to increases in blood pressure affecting heart function and decreases in growth hormone levels affecting growth and development. We are seeing more OSA due to rises in childhood obesity.

Potential complications from surgery, which need to be weighed against the potential benefits, include bleeding, infection, dental injury or taste disturbance. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns or questions.

Janine Flanagan is a pediatrician at St. Joseph’s Health Centre and The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto.

Shutterstock/© narikan

Scratchy throat? Nagging cough? Read more at ParentsCanada.com/sorethroat

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Insects do not have lungs.

UP FRONT PARENTING

Time out

THAT’ S W HAT

Said.

SHAPE Hit the gym with this must-have fitness gear.

N E L LY F U R TA D O Pop star Nelly Furtado grew up on Vancouver Island surrounded by nature and the ocean, so environmental conservation has always been her passion. She recently lent her support to the launch of Purclean laundry detergent and the World Wildife Foundation social media campaign #countfornature to share ecotips. She lives in Toronto and has a 13-year-old daughter.

I actually do laundry and clean as a way to spread good energy in my house. It’s like a meditation for me. I write songs while I do it, too.

I drive a hybrid car that helps me save a lot of gas. I recycle and donate a lot to Habitat for Humanity. I even make my own cleaning products. When I was a housekeeper at the Robin Hood Motel, I spent a lot of time cleaning. People tend to use their favourite brands, so that’s why I was really happy to see that Tide now has an eco-friendly laundry detergent that is 65 percent biobased.

I probably went to the gym more before when I wasn’t cleaning my house, because cleaning takes energy, but it can be a great workout! The monastic element of cleaning your house is true. There’s a feeling of satisfaction that can come from that, and mindfulness, too. Because, you’re like, I don’t know if I want my space to be like this, how am I budgeting my time so that it can be different?

We often as parents get caught up in helping our children have every possible opportunity. But if we just give them a moment to exhale, they can work on other strengths, like developing their friendships. In their boredom they might start playing around in the kitchen, learn how to make a smoothie. My daughter has definitely had times in her life when she’s been overscheduled, but when we start to experiment with fewer commitments, other things open up. The world won’t end if our children don’t get every opportunity.

As told to Janice Biehn

ROCK YOUR WORLD

For more fun with famous parents go to ParentsCanada.com/celebrities

Go Earth friendly!

Under Armour Mid-Crossback Sports Bra This super comfy bra is perfect for medium-impact activities like cycling and weight-training.

Available at underarmour.com, $40

Pinch Provisions Fitness Kit Pop this in your gym bag and always be prepared. Includes 15 items, such as earbuds, dry shampoo and blister balm.

Available at Indigo, indigo.ca, $29

Columbia OutDry Extreme Eco Jacket Made from dye-free fabric (which saves 49 litres of water compared with dyed jackets) and recycled materials (including 21 plastic bottles), this waterproof jacket is perfect for outdoor adventurers.

Available for women and men. $280 at select Columbia stores and columbiasportswear.ca.

EcoCube Start a mini indoor garden quickly and easily. Select your cube (lavender, sunflowers, strawberries, basil), add water and watch it grow! $10 at Indigo and indigo.ca.

Lou Gehrig’s nickname during the 1920s: Biscuit Pants.

Skechers GOtrain Hype Lightweight, but with plenty of support, these affordable runners are ideal for cross training activities or fitness classes (and are oh so comfy!).

Available at Skechers, skechers.com, $65

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UP FRONT PARENTING

Help me Sara

T HR O UG H T H E AG E S PRE-SCHOOL

Most pre-schoolers do not play competitive games with others. Their play is mostly side by side, on their own, or more creative play with an adult that lends itself towards collaboration and having fun.

So, there may not be too many opportunities to experience winning or losing at this young age. Young children will observe their older siblings and parents, and model the art of losing based on what they see.

YOU WIN SOME, YOU LOSE SOME

How do we get our kids to realize that winning isn’t everything?

BY S A R A D I M E R M A N

be a better way of helping her develop a more realistic approach when playing competitive games.

No one likes a sore loser and its normal to be concerned about how winning every time may not give your child the opportunity to work through the negative emotions she might experience and show when she doesn’t win.

As a parent, acknowledging the loss, normalizing the feelings associated with not winning and talking about why someone doesn’t always win, are some of the ways to help your children on their journey to mastering the art of losing.

On the subject of why one doesn’t always win, you may want to help your child understand that when they play with someone older than themselves – an older sibling, friend or yourselves, for example – that they are at a disadvantage. Help them understand that the combination of advanced brain development and experience may make it more difficult for them to play opposite that person. Suggest other ways to balance things more fairly. If an older and younger sibling are playing a competitive game for example, giving the younger child a head start before the game begins or having two children play against one adult would create a fairer playing ground.

You may also suggest games of luck, rather than skill, when playing a game with your child. That way, both you and he are assured of an equal chance of winning.

Another option is to consider having more collaborative, than competitive games, around for you to enjoy together.

These, along with a few competitive games that allow you to help you child navigate through managing her emotions when losing, are a good idea too.

Sara Dimerman is a psychologist, author and parenting expert in the Greater Toronto Area. Read more at helpmesara.com.

SCHOOL AGED

When children enter school, they are exposed to many situations in which competition is clear. Whether through comparing grades, competing at sports or through game playing, school aged children are able to clearly distinguish a loss from a win.

At this age, you can begin to expose your child to more of the grey areas in competition. For example, even though his friend may have scored the winning goal, point out how hard your child worked as a team player or played his personal best. In other words, help him understand that just because someone else has won, doesn’t mean that he is a loser.

TEENS

If you have helped your child manage his emotions around competition and how to be a good sport during his younger years, your teen will more likely be able to identify his personal strengths and acknowledge that while others may be more skilled at succeeding in certain areas, that he may be just as good or better at others. And that even when he doesn’t place on top, that he’s not a failure.

For more helpful tips, go to ParentsCanada.com/ playtime

H E R E ’ S W H AT PA R E N TS H A D TO SAY A B O U T W I N N I N G A N D LO S I N G When it comes to competition, how important is winning?

WINNING IS EVERYTHING:

9

%

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20%

51%

20%

IT’S IMPORTANT. I LIKE TO WIN, NOT IMPORTANT AT ALL. WHY PLAY IF BUT IT ISN’T AS LONG AS I YOU DON’T THE MOST HAVE FUN, I’M WANT TO WIN? IMPORTANT FINE. THING.

When my kids lose, they are still happy. It’s all about the time together with friends, and more observing personal performance and effort. – SEAN

We try to emphasize to our kids the importance of trying over the actual result. – DARIA Losing in a sportsmanlike manner, that’s as important as winning. But I don’t want my kids to take losing too lightly, either. Not everyone gets a trophy.

And shouldn’t. – CHRISTINE

Your eyes produce about a teaspoon of tears every hour.

Shutterstock/© Dojo666/ mimagephotography

One of the age-old dilemmas that parents face is whether or not to let their children win every time they play a competitive game with one another. They hold themselves back from winning for a variety of reasons, including trying to avoid the meltdown that often follows a child’s losing to someone else. Parents also often choose to let their child win because they feel that the win will bolster his self esteem, or help the child feel the thrill of a victory.

So, the reasons that parents often choose to let their children win may be well intentioned. However, upon further reflection, parents often ask me whether in fact, letting their child win is all good.

For example, you may realize that when your child plays games with other children, even older siblings, and especially depending on the other child’s skill level or luck, your child will not always be the winner. You may have already experienced what it’s like to mop up your child’s tears and console her when she loses. And if she’s not used to losing, the pain of not winning may be even harder. So, you may want to consider how helping your child develop a thicker skin, learn how to be a gracious opponent, and acknowledge that not every game will lead to a win, may be more helpful life skills.

Children who know their own strengths and how to focus on their personal best, often develop a healthier sense of self-worth than those who always need to win in order to feel good about themselves. If you encourage your children by mentioning the effort, improvement and interest that they are showing in developing a skill, they are more likely to develop the desire to continually improve that skill rather than focussing on how they compare to others.

Even though a win may offer a temporary burst of elation, but you may be giving your child a false sense of security that every game will lead to a victory. So, experiencing a combination of winning and losing may

F R E S H N E S S T H AT WO R K S H A R D E R , B E C A U S E Y O U H AV E TO

© Procter & Gamble 2017

WO R K H A R D E R TO G E T A H E A D .

STRESS TESTED FOR WOMEN

UP FRONT PARENTING

Touchy Subject

BIRTHDAY SUITS

Do you think it is appropriate to be nude in front of your children?

LIZ HASTINGS :: I’ve never been comfortable around nude people. When we built our house, I pictured a giant bay window with a Romeo and Juliet balcony off of the master bedroom where we would drink champagne naked with no rear or side neighbours.

However, just a week after we moved in, I found myself crawling from the shower, military-style on my elbows, to the laundry room to find a towel, so as not to be seen by the non-existent neighbours.

I have friends who shower with and in front of their kids, or wander around the house naked and my first thought is, ew! I think that should end when the child is old enough to poke and prod and when they start asking the same questions over and over while giggling.

This behaviour by parents should only exist before kids have familiarized themselves with the anatomically correct body parts. Once they comfortably understand how everything works and its function, it’s time to get dressed.

“It’s important to be intentional regarding nudity at home when kids are older than three,” says Dr. Deborah Gilboa, founder of AskDoctorG.com. “In order to teach kids privacy, and respect for their own bodies and others’, we need to talk about these issues and model the behavior we want to see in them.”

Let’s use this opportunity to teach our kids about personal space, boundaries and their right (and ours) to privacy. I reccommend Julia Cook’s book Personal Space Camp, which helps to explain boundaries.

Teaching kids to be comfortable in their own skin is certainly a parenting priority for all of us but do you know what’s even more comfortable than skin? Cashmere.

VANESSA GRANT :: TRUTH: There is nothing sexy about a naked mom sitting on the toilet trying to have a quick pre-shower pee while her toddler tries to stuff wads of toilet paper between her knees. Thigh, elbows, belly, breasts, bum.

Neither the scene nor the parts on display are extraordinary. And neither of us is or should be embarrassed.

My boys (four and almost two) are used to being partially or fully naked at home.

Having their bums wiped, getting changed and taking baths are just as mundane as eating breakfast or brushing teeth. And that goes for their parents, too. I’m not arguing that parents should be naked in front of their children to prove a point about what real bodies look like before they’re exposed to Photoshopped ads, thigh gaps and angels in lingerie, (although that’s a convenient side effect). I think that having your kids see you naked is good because it’s real and true.

We are all naked underneath our clothes and I’d guess that the majority of the time we are in a state of undress there is absolutely nothing sexual about it. I’m not going to hide behind the shower curtain if my four-year-old comes into the bathroom as I’m toweling off.

I’m not going to send him away if he follows me to my closet when I go to change. And I’m not going to change the subject when he asks why women wear bras or why I don’t have a penis, because these are not taboo questions. These are simple, everyday things that kids should learn. The province of Ontario put a curriculum into place last year mandating that Grade 1 students learn the anatomically correct words for all body parts.

I hope that as my boys grow older, they’ll come to understand the idea of private parts without embarrassment. They’ll choose not to follow me into the bathroom, but won’t be traumatized if they open the door while I’m peeing. I hope they’re proud of their bodies, both clothed and naked because our bodies are incredible. Mine created (with my husband’s help), carried and birthed two amazing people.

Expert Advice

ARE YOU COMFORTABLE BEING NUDE IN FRONT OF YOUR KIDS?

There’s a great difference between walking naked from the bathroom to your bedroom after a shower versus potentially embarrassing your children by sun bathing naked on your deck with neighbours looking in. Feeling comfortable enough to reveal your body, imperfections or not, around the house for brief periods of time will likely help your children feel that there is no shame in doing so.

If you’re not comfortable with this type of appropriate nudity at home, consider that this may have something to do with the degree of comfort your own parents showed you, along with the age, gender of your child and way in which they respond to your being naked, are certainly worthy of consideration when choosing to be naked or not in front of them.

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It’s fine.

Our bodies are natural.

23%

Getting caught in the shower is OK. No nudity outside the bathroom!

Everyone needs privacy.

Cover up!

37%

40% Embarrassing your kids? You aren’t alone.

Read more at ParentsCanada.com/kidssay

Canada’s oldest dance company: The Royal Winnipeg Ballet.

Shutterstock.com/©Toddy1979

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Nap GUIDE THE

By Dr. Nicky Cohen

Naps play an important role in a child’s physical and emotional development.

Children who don’t nap well are often more irritable and fussy (and that’s putting it politely). They are prone to difficulty concentrating, poor attention spans and tantrums. Plus, a child who doesn’t nap well means less time for parents to have a break and accomplish their own daily tasks.

There is evidence that “sleep begets sleep” in some young children. That is, the better rested they are, the more easily sleep comes. However, that is easier said than done. Tackling naptime problems is a great way to instill proper sleep habits.

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A section of northern Canada (near Hudson’s Bay) has the lowest gravity of any place on Earth.

Shutterstock.com

SLEEP IS A VITAL PART OF CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT. HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW, FROM A TO ZZZZZZ.

Optimal sleep environment GO DARK | Aim for at least a 9/10 in terms of darkness.

BE QUIET | Use low-level white noise (a constant and even sound) if needed.

Ensure white noise is away from a child’s crib or bed and is not too loud.

Infants

Figuring out daytime naps can be an exhausting task in itself.

Here’s how to get started.

(3–12 months)

STAY COOL | Don’t overdress your child for sleep. Bedroom temperature should be on the “cool side of comfortable”.

AVERAGE NAPPING: 2–4 hours

› THE ROUTINE: Total sleep – including day sleep – can vary greatly in early infancy. Unfortunately for tired parents, many newborns tend to cat-nap – that is, they sleep for short periods of time. Until three months of age, follow your baby’s lead in terms of when your baby wants to sleep. This is usually after one to two hours of being awake.

Many young infants are not able to self-soothe to sleep or fall asleep independently. It doesn’t hurt to offer a helping and comforting hand. Feeding, rocking or holding your little one as they nod off can really make a difference.

THE ROUTINE: At three months of age, full-term babies can start to learn to fall asleep on their own, including for naps. By this age, a more predictable sleep/wake cycle should be developing – babies should be napping three to four times a day, usually after about two hours of being awake.

By four to five months, babies should be napping three times a day and can be awake for two hours before their first nap and two and a half hours before their second and third nap.

Having a short naptime routine in place by this age can help cue to your baby that sleepy time is coming. A routine can be five to 10 minutes long and may include a feed (if needed), a diaper change, and song or book in low-level lighting.

Infants continue to need three naps a day until six to nine months of age. Many six-month-olds are ready to sleep after two to two and a half hours of being awake if they are having three naps a day, and after two and a half to three hours if they are napping twice a day. Usually by seven or eight months of age, the late afternoon nap is dropped and bedtime is moved earlier (to 6:45 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.).

› THE COMMON PROBLEM: You have a two-month old who rarely naps during the day and you’re about to lose your mind.

› THE COMMON PROBLEM: Your six-months-old’s daytime sleep is erratic. He has four or five cat-naps and only sleeps for 30–40 minutes at each nap. This leaves no “me time” during the day.

› THE SOLUTION: The frequency and duration of naps vary widely child to child. Unfortunately, very short naps and long naps – and everything in between – are normal.

To start, ensure that your baby’s sleep environment is conducive to sleep (see sidebar). Additionally, you might try experimenting with letting a young infant self-soothe to sleep, which may prevent the development of future sleep problems. This experimenting involves putting your baby down tired, but awake, and seeing if your baby can fall asleep on their own. At this young age, if crying lasts for more than several minutes, pick your baby up and try again at the next sleep period. Hopefully, your little one will get the hang of it and fall into a good routine.

› THE SOLUTION: At six months of age, naps should be limited to three times a day. More opportunity to nap can lead to difficulty falling asleep and short naps. The importance of keeping a baby awake long enough between sleep periods is to increase his drive to sleep so that he is ready (that is, tired enough) for a nap.

To eliminate cat-napping, ensure daytime wake windows (amount of time awake before a nap) are age appropriate. Also, learning to fall asleep on his own is important so that when he has an early waking during his nap he can put himself back to sleep. If he continues to cap-nap after he starts to fall asleep on his own, and he is not getting sufficient day sleep, you can try giving him a chance (for 15–20 minutes) to see if he can put himself back to sleep.

Newborns (0–3 months)

AVERAGE NAPPING: varies

Dream on: Studies show that only eight percent of dreams are about sex.

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RELATING

FOMO

FEAR OF MISSING OUT

BY M AT H E W L A J O I E

NOT ONLY ARE YOUR FRIENDS EXPERIENCING LIFE TO ITS FULLEST, SO ARE THEIR KIDS. AND THANKS TO SOCIAL MEDIA, YOU’RE GOING TO HEAR ALL ABOUT IT.

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DON’T LET FOMO CALL THE SHOTS.

World’s longest -running sports TV show: Hockey Night in Canada, on air since 1952.

As if parenting wasn’t challenging enough,

Shutterstock/© Rawpixel.com

millennial parents now have to worry about FOMO (fear of missing out) parenting. Bred through our social media culture, FOMO parenting has parents feeling anxious about how they are raising kids through online social comparison with their child-rearing cohorts.

With clusters of moms and dads curating only the best parenting moments for social media, personal pages have become highlight reels for families.

Daily feeds are inundated with pictures and posts about the successes, milestone achievements and advantages that today’s kids are experiencing, leaving parents with a new anxiety level about the job they’re doing at home. To some, social media and its amplification of reality can function as a constant reminder of self-imposed shortcomings, generating more questions than answers about how they are raising children.

“As a mother of two I can certainly relate and speak to the overwhelming influence that social media has had on my experience as a parent,” says Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. mom Sarah Finn. “I am admittedly a perfectionist by nature. My perfectionism isn't driven by the need for approval or recognition from others, but rather, it is an internal pressure I impose on myself, which is definitely amplified by the influence of social media.

“My impression of what a good parent looks like has been significantly fuelled and reinforced by the photos, comments, links and articles that flood my news feed on a daily basis,” Sarah says. “For someone like me, who is constantly ‘should-ing’ all over myself, having a constant feed of suggestions as to what I should be doing can create more harm than good.”

Calgary father of two Anthony Ricci says he actively avoids engaging in Facebook parenting groups, with the primary motive being his outlook on some members. “Many parents think that child-raising is a competition,” he says, admitting that as a new father he was initially drawn to pitting his parenting against other’s online. “Early on there was some pressure I felt [through social media] to enroll my son in every activity possible.

After talking it out with friends, and another year of maturing as a parent of two children, I feel less and less societal pressure to raise my kids a certain way.”

So, is all of this online social comparison bad?

What is the deeper consequence of social media in modern parenting beyond keystroke connections and simple sharing?

According to social media psychologist and Psychology Today contributor, Dr. Pamela Rutledge, online social comparison can function positively or negatively for parents. And how parents filter information into their lives plays an essential role in determining the impact of social media on their parenting.

Dr. Rutledge explains that taking in informa-

tion online about the experiences of other parents and comparing them to your own can help lay a social foundation among new peers with children.

“Things like social comparisons are normal as it is essential to our physical and psychological wellbeing to be able to navigate the social environment effectively.” In other words, if one is to successfully co-exist with fellow parents it’s good to have a road map. Moms and dads leverage information to better relationships and gain useful insight into what works and doesn’t work for other parents.

Comparing yourself through Facebook or Instagram becomes problematic when you take cues from other parents for selfish reasons. “It gets complicated when parents want to be seen as a good parent by their social groups,” says Dr. Rutledge. When you give in to FOMO parenting and act to level your child’s experiences with that of other children for external gratification, rather than the well-being of your child, you can lose your authority and make misguided family decisions.

It’s normal and understandable to want to be viewed as a good parent by peers. Acknowledgment reinforces success in an important job that takes time, patience and love. But social media and the volume of information available have skewed the reality of what makes a good and successful parent. “Social media can apply pressure when people want to make sure their children have ‘all the advantages’,” says Dr. Rutledge. Because of this, parents become extra sensitive to what others are doing to ensure their kids aren’t left behind. “As usual, people are creating a new level of worries on top of all the other anxieties we have every day,” adds Dr. Rutledge. “Now when people

Screenplay-writing rule: one page of script equals one minute of screen time.

get information – however they receive it, on or off line – they have to consider if they are giving into FOMO parenting [if and when they act on it].”

And here’s my two cents: This current era is one of easily accessible information and sharing.

And in the whirlwind uncertainty of parenting it is alluring to search externally for a beacon to help navigate the uncharted adventures that loom ahead. Although it’s reassuring to study other’s parenting maps, it is essential to rely on your own compass to guide parenting decisions.

Remember that people are in control of the information they publish online. Don’t believe the hype. Parenting is complicated, and every success is preceded by challenge. This is what makes parenting difficult and rewarding at the same time. Take the parenting experiences of others for what they are; other’s parenting experiences.

Filter out the urges to FOMO parent and follow what’s posted online. Take in what’s useful and consciously make your decisions for your family: not for anyone else.

A good parent to one child looks different than a good parent to another. There is no universal blueprint. There is no true measurable level of perfection. But outside of these variances in parenting approaches, a successful parent is one who is present and makes an honest effort.

Your friend’s kids may be having experiences that yours aren’t. Who cares? If you focus on that, instead of taking the cues from your own kids, you will be the one who is missing out.

Mathew Lajoie is a freelance writer and creator of YOUAREdadTOme.com. He enjoys being active and spending time outdoors with his wife and son.

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EATING

Chew on This CO O K B O O K

noo K

by BONNIE YOUNG

ASK A DIETITIAN I keep hearing the term “plant-forward diet”.

Is this the current term for vegetarian or vegan diets?

ROSIE SCHWARTZ, REGISTERED DIETITIAN, RESPONDS:

such as lentils and chick peas, and nuts and seeds.

These all offer an array of health benefits as they’re packed with a wide assortment of much needed nutrients, many of which are in short supply for the whole family. They also provide an arsenal of weapons against ailments such as high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, both of which are now affecting younger age groups –even some older children.

Fibre, potassium and various phytochemicals (meaning phyto for plants) are just a few diseasefighters found in these foods.

A PLANT-FORWARD DIET SUPPLIES BENEFITS FOR PLANETARY HEALTH AS WELL, AN ISSUE THAT CERTAINLY AFFECTS OUR YOUNGSTERS’ FUTURES.

But choosing more plant-based options is not just for personal health. A plant-forward diet supplies benefits for planetary health as well, an issue that certainly affects our youngsters’ futures.

Consider that livestock production is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gases and climate change. Cattle not only use tremendous amounts of fresh water, but their manure also increases water pollution due to various unwanted compounds, including nitrogen, phosphate and illness-causing bacteria, seeping into ground water. Plants such as pulses, on the other hand, have a low carbon footprint and use just one-tenth to half of the water of other proteins. They also promote sustainability as they enrich the soil they’re grown in.

But incorporating meatless meals does require some care in menu planning. Simply dropping meat from the lineup can leave your family shortchanged.

Nutrients such as protein along with vitamins, such as vitamin B12, and minerals, like iron and zinc, are important for growing children. Look to incorporate selections such as pulses in favourite dishes in place of meat.

Instead of pasta with meat sauce, add lentils or white beans to the sauce (pureed if you initially want to hide them until your youngster’s tastes adapt) and make the pasta whole grain.

Include garlic and onions in the sauce and add a vitamin C-rich vegetable or fruit, such as red peppers, citrus fruits, or berries, to the meal to boost absorption of minerals like iron.

Rosie Schwartz is a consulting dietitian in private practice in Toronto and author of The Enlightened Eater’s Whole Foods Guide (Viking Canada). Read more at rosieschwartz.com.

For more on healthy eating go to ParentsCanada.com/nutrition

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New England Open House Cookbook

by Sarah Leah Chase With a foreword by Ina Garten (my culinary hero), I felt in good hands from page one of this beautiful cookbook and, in fact, each of the five recipes I tested have become part of my permanent repertoire.

Pan-Seared Hanger Steak (p. 201) with it’s delicious and super easy pan sauce paired perfectly with Crispy Potatoes with Garlic and Rosemary (p. 257). And for dessert – a wonderful Chocolate Amaretti Torte (p.

341) – my hubby’s new favourite! This book will make you want to jump in the car and take a road trip to New England.

Short of that, if you love good, reliable recipes (with a bit of whimsy sprinkled throughout), try this wonderful tribute to all things New England.

The Mom 100 Cookbook

by Katie Workman Katie Workman’s fun and irreverent voice is a delight as she takes us through 100 familiar and foolproof meals. She integrates ideas on “What the Kids Can Do”, so you can get little hands involved in meal prep. She also offers “Fork in the Road” sidebars, offering suggestions on how to keep dishes simple for kids, and how to build on those dishes for more grown-up tastes. Her "Make Ahead" and "Cooking Tips" create a resource that you will turn to again and again. Recipes run the gamut from snacks to soups to meals.

I love her recipe for House Pumpkin Seeds (p. 40) – a great snack that is customizable to personal tastes. This book deserves a place in every busy mom’s kitchen.

When John Molson began brewing in 1786, a bottle of his beer cost five cents.

Shutterstock/ © Adisa/ © DnD-Production.com

A plant-forward diet is about the movement towards including more plant-based foods and fewer animal ones in your everyday eating. While vegetarians (those who may consume dairy products and or eggs) or vegans (those who eat no animal products at all) would be included in this eating style, plant-forward eating doesn’t mean you need to shun meat entirely. It’s really about going for an increased number of meatless meals while filling your plate with more whole plant foods such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables along with pulses,

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EATING

Some of the first signs of spring are edible. Those shoots of green emerging from a thawing ground – spinach, chard, kale, herbs and baby lettuces – offer a taste of what’s to come. Leafy greens of all kinds are among the healthiest foods we can eat, and are more versatile than you might think. Whether you grow them in your garden or buy them by the bin, keep them fresh by tucking a paper towel into their container or bag to help absorb excess moisture.

BY J U L I E VA N R O S E N DA A L

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P H OTO G R A P H Y BY S H A L LO N C U N N I N G H A M

A housefly's taste buds (located on its feet) are 10 million times as sensitive as yours.

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◆ HERE ARE A FEW NEW WAYS TO USE THOSE TENDER LEAVES – EVEN WHEN THEY START TO GET TOO LIMP FOR A SALAD.

Did cookies wear them down? Cookie Monster originally had pointy teeth.

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Spring Greens and Almond Pesto Once you see how easy it is to make pesto, it’ll be tempting to make a jar or two anytime you have surplus greens on hand. Almonds make it more affordable than pine nuts, which can be pricey. Toss pesto with pasta, spread it on pizza or eat it with a spoon.

2 loosely packed cups (500 mL) fresh basil, baby spinach, baby kale and/or arugula 1/2 cup (125 mL) whole almonds, toasted and coarsely chopped 1/2 cup (125 mL) freshly grated Parmesan or extra-aged Gouda 1 garlic clove, crushed salt and freshly ground pepper good-quality extra-virgin olive oil

Combine the greens, almonds, Parmesan and garlic in the bowl of a food processor; pulse, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed, until well blended.

Season with salt and pepper.

With the motor running, pour in the oil until the mixture starts to move around the bowl more smoothly, and has the consistency you’re after. (It could be thicker or thinner, depending on your taste.)

Refrigerate up to a week, or freeze up to 6 months.

Makes about 1 cup.

PER TABLESPOON (made with 1/3 cup olive oil): 78 calories, 7.3 g fat (1.3 g saturated fat, 4.9 g monounsaturated fat, 1 g polyunsaturated fat), 2 mg cholesterol, 1.2 g carbohydrates, 2.1 g protein, 0.5 g fibre.

Cream-poached Salmon with Greens Cream as a poaching liquid for salmon is simple but indulgent – it makes a luxurious sauce, but you still get the benefit of omega 3-rich salmon and a healthy dose of leafy greens. If you like, add a splash of wine before you pour in the cream.

4 3-oz (85 g) salmon filets salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste canola or olive oil, for cooking 1/2–3/4 cup (125–185 mL) heavy (whipping) cream, a squeeze of lemon 1 loosely packed cup (250 mL) baby spinach

Set a heavy skillet over medium-high heat and season the salmon with salt and pepper. Drizzle some oil into the pan and set in the salmon; cook for a minute or two, until the fish starts to turn opaque on the bottom.

Pour the cream into the pan around the salmon, add a squeeze of lemon and the spinach, cover and cook for 5 minutes, or until the fish is firm, the edge flakes easily with a fork, but the thicker middle is still moist. Add a little extra cream if it has cooked down too much and the pan seems dry.

Serve over rice or quinoa. Serves 4.

PER SERVING: 254 calories, 16 g fat (7.6 g saturated fat, 5.3 g monounsaturated fat, 3.2 g polyunsaturated fat), 99 mg cholesterol, 1 g carbohydrates, 22.4 g protein, 0.2 g fibre.

Spring Greens Soup Soup is the perfect vehicle for wilting leaves (which are less suitable for salads). If you’re not quite ready to use your limp greens, pop them in the freezer and add them frozen to your soup pot.

In a medium pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of oil CURRY & CILANTRO with the butter. When the foaming subsides, sauté the DEVILLED EGGS, AND CRAB & onion for 4–5 minutes, until soft. Add the garlic and CHIVE DEVILLED EGGS cook for another minute.

canola or olive oil, for cooking

Add the greens, stock and basil and cook for 20–25 minutes, or until the vegetables are very soft. Cool slightly, season with salt and pepper, and puree using a hand-held immersion blender right in the pot, or carefully transfer to a blender in batches and pulse until smooth. Serve hot, drizzled with some cream, crème fraîche or yogurt, if you like. Serves 4.

2 tbsp (30 mL) butter (optional) 1 medium onion, peeled and chopped 1 garlic clove, crushed 2 cups (500 mL) chopped broccoli or cauliflower 8 loosely packed cups (2 L) baby spinach, chard, kale or other greens, tough stems discarded 4 cups (1 L) chicken or vegetable stock

PER SERVING: 231 calories, 5.3 g fat (1.1 g saturated fat, 2.8 g monounsaturated fat, 1.4 g polyunsaturated fat), 7 mg cholesterol, 32.7 g carbohydrates, 16.6 g protein, 9.5 g fibre.

1/4 cup (60 mL) torn fresh basil (optional) salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste heavy cream, crème fraîche or yogurt (optional)

Green Goddess Dressing Keep the mixture thicker for dipping fresh veggies, or thin it a little more to drizzle over salad. .

1/2 cup (125 mL) mayonnaise 1/4 cup (125 mL) sour cream or plain yogurt 1/4–1/2 cup (125–250 mL) buttermilk or cream 1 loosely packed cup (250 mL) Italian parsley (discard large stems) 1/2 loosely packed cup (125 mL) fresh cilantro (discard large stems) 1/2 loosely packed cup (125 mL) arugula (optional) 2 tbsp (30 mL) capers, in a little of their brine 1 garlic clove, peeled salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Combine all the ingredients in a blender and pulse until perfectly smooth. If the dressing seems too thick, thin with a little water or more buttermilk or cream.

Makes about 1 1/2 cups.

PER TABLESPOON (made with yogurt and buttermilk): 36 calories, 3.6 g fat (0.6 g saturated fat, 0.9 g monounsaturated fat, 2.2 g polyunsaturated fat), 0 mg cholesterol, 0.5 g carbohydrates, 0.3 g protein, 0.1 g fibre.

Julie Van Rosendaal, FOOD EDITOR

For more delicious recipes, visit ParentsCanada.com/food

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The only CFL player with his own line of cereal: Doug Flutie (Flutie Flakes).

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EATING ›

cook once /eat twice

Spring CHICKEN One of the easiest ways to get dinner done in a hurry is to cook it all in one pot – or spread it out on a rimmed baking sheet to roast in the oven. Chicken thighs require little prep and will cook through in about 30 minutes; while the oven heats, chop potatoes, squash, cauliflower, broccoli or Brussels sprouts – let dinner be dictated by the season. Slide it into the oven and dinner’s done with only one pan to wash.

BY J U L I E VA N R O S E N DA A L

SHEET PAN ROASTED CHICKEN THIGHS AND VEGGIES 6–8 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs diced potatoes, cauliflower or broccoli florets, sliced or diced squash, whole or halved Brussels sprouts, trimmed green beans or asparagus, or other fresh vegetables canola or olive oil, for cooking fresh or dried thyme, to taste salt and pepper, to taste Preheat the oven to 425˚F. Lay the chicken on a parchment-lined sheet and pat dry with paper towel.

Spread the veggies around the chicken, holding back fragile ones, like green beans, asparagus, tomato or zucchini (these veggies can be added to the pan halfway through the cooking time). Be careful not to crowd the pan too much – you want everything to roast, rather than steam.

Drizzle the chicken and veggies with oil and gently toss around with your hands to coat. Sprinkle with thyme, salt and pepper.

Roast for 30 minutes (turning the vegetables once if you think of it), or until the chicken thighs are golden and cooked through, and the juices run clear. Serves 4–6.

TURN LEFTOVERS INTO A QUICK CURRY

Chop leftover chicken and vegetables, and bring to a simmer in a skillet with a can of coconut milk, some chopped cilantro (if you like it) and spoonful of curry paste (to taste, depending on the type and heat level of the paste).

Cook until slightly thickened, and serve over rice. If you don’t have quite enough chicken and vegetables left over, add a few extra veggies or a can of chickpeas.

For more leftover ideas go to ParentsCanada.com/quickmeals

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Prohibition wasn’t repealed in P.E.I. until 1948.

Skin loves oil.

Try oil to cleanse. Oil dissolves makeup, washing it away without stripping the skin of its natural goodness. To learn how Lipidol is using oil to pioneer a fresh new way to look after skin, visit lipidol.com. Available at fine retailers across Canada.

BABY ›

development SIGNS OF HIP DYSPLASIA CAN BE HARD TO DETECT. HERE’S WHAT DR. CHARLES PRICE SAYS.

What is hip dysplasia and who is at risk?

BY A MY B IELBY

My mom thinks it is hilarious when she tells people that I didn’t have my first bath until I was three months old. I don’t think it’s that funny. I also don’t find my baby pictures all that humorous. I was unable to have the oh-so-cute newborn shots done because my legs were spread eagle, due to a cast.

I was born with a dislocated hip. While hip problems are somewhat common in newborns, only one or two in a thousand will have a completely dislocated hip (I knew I was special). The other hip issue is typically hip dysplasia.

According to Dr. Charles Price, Director at the International Hip Dysplasia Institute, hip dysplasia occurs when the ball and socket are not in the correct alignment.

“This may range from loose ligaments and a slightly loose hip joint all the way to a completely dislocated hip. Babies may be born with hip dysplasia, but some cases develop and worsen after birth,” says Dr. Price. “Approximately 10 percent of hip dysplasia cases are the loose or dislocated type that occur in babies, and the other 90 percent are shallow sockets without looseness that are found later in life.”

Breech babies, children with a family history of hip problems, and first-born girls (oddly enough) are more at risk of hip dysplasia than other kids.

Jane Humberstone of Edmonton, gave birth to Hannah nine years ago. “She was perfection to me,” says Jane. “The doctor saw something else. Hip dysplasia. One bad hip, maybe two. At six days old we brought our beautiful

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baby girl to the hospital for an assessment. We came home with her wrapped in a pink Velcro harness. She’d be in it 24 hours a day, for six weeks.”

A harness or brace is the typical treatment for dysplasia, which will hold the hips in the joint until they grow and develop for a few months. For Jane, This was not how she had imagined bringing her baby home. “With my Hannah’s legs splayed out, I couldn’t cuddle her close to me.

Breastfeeding felt awkward, not intimate. Bath time? Gone.

Sponge baths only, on account of the brace.”

The good news is that five out of six dysplasia cases are fixed by the brace. However, if it doesn’t do the trick, a cast may be required. For hip dysplasia that continues into the walking age, surgery may be needed to repair the ligaments and socket.

Luckily for Jane and her daughter, surgery was not needed. Hannah did require a new brace several times, but before age one, the brace was off and she began to walk. “We hoped that by putting our baby in a harness she wouldn’t have to go through the pain of surgery later in childhood,” says Jane. “It’s a much bigger deal, with casts and time away from activities and school. Or worse, pain as an adult.”

Nine years later, Jane and Hannah celebrated when doctors told them the treatments had worked and that no surgery would be required.

To prevent hip dysplasia: › Avoid tight swaddling with the thighs and legs bound together. › Have regular appointments with your pediatrician for examinations as your child grows. This is especially important during the first six months of life because pediatricians are trained in techniques to detect this common condition. › Babywear with the infant in the “M” position.

This is healthy for hip development because the hips are flexed and spread in the “spread-squat” position that supports healthy hip development.

Learn more about your baby at ParentsCanada.com/Baby

Octopuses have no bones.

Shutterstock/© wavebreakmedia

Hips don’t lie

Mild dysplasia is difficult to detect by examination.

Completely dislocated hips are also difficult to detect before three months of age.

Pain is almost never present until adolescence. Dislocated hips don’t spread apart like normal hips so the parent may notice difficulty with putting on a diaper. Sometimes the hip can clunk in and out of the socket when the thighs are spread to apply a diaper.

One thigh may be shorter than the other if one hip is dislocated and the other is not. Buttocks creases may be uneven when one hip is dislocated. Hip dislocation doesn’t delay walking, but a toddler with dislocated hips will sway side-to-side more than toddlers that don’t have a dislocated hip.

Parents who think their child has an unusual limp should discuss this with their pediatrician so he/she can complete a more thorough examination or do imaging studies such as ultrasound or x-ray.

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He’s ready for anything.

TODDLER ›

behaviour

So are you, with new ready- to-drink nutrition.

Imagine that Nurture your toddler’s creative side.

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BY AM Y B IELBY

I often wonder what is going through my daughter’s brain. I remember watching her when she was two years old, wandering around the house naked. (OK, she was wearing a bib tied around her waist and white socks.) carrying a softball and a backscratcher. She dressed the softball in a necklace, “scratched” all the “dirt” off it “to make it clean” and then wrapped the backscratcher in a piece of cloth to “keep it safe”. This process took about 20 minutes and as I watched, I thought: The imagination and creativity in a toddler’s mind is amazing.

While creative play may seem to be just that – play – it is so much more. By participating in creative activities, every child is learning and developing.

Marianne Anderson has been an early childhood educatior (ECE) for over 10 years and is currently the area director for Kids & Company childcare centres in Toronto.

She says, “Creativity allows for open-ended questions and dialogue that impacts the growth of language development in toddlers, who are just beginning to learn verbal and nonverbal ways to communicate. Creativity also helps connect new concepts with one of the more relatable areas of development – creative play. We have seen creativity act as a big link to early learning and development overall.”

In other words, it’s time to play. And parents need to be involved in the process. This doesn’t mean you have to set up elaborate creative work stations in your home (although, those are kind of cool), it means involving kids in your own everyday creative experiences

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(like baking, cooking or gardening) and encouraging their own activities. Provide the materials for creativity – art supplies, dressup clothes, blocks, instruments or even old cardboard boxes – and let them do the rest.

“Do not limit children,” says Marianne. “Let go of the fact that some things will take time, explanation and patience, of course. Inviting children into the kitchen or to help with tasks do hold us back from just doing it faster on our own, but by excluding children from this experience, we forget that children are constantly absorbing information.”

Expose your children to different situations and mediums for inspiration. A box of crayons is a good start, but here’s how to go further: › You know that “garbage” in your house, like toilet paper rolls, yogurt containers, cardboard boxes and plastic juice bottles? To a child, these are robot pieces, forts and instruments. Keep them, clean them and hand them over. › Old purses, wallets, shoes and clothes are the wardrobe for playing house or putting on plays. Hang on to discarded items for when the creative mood strikes. › Have a dance party. That means you dance, too. Make up silly moves and copy one another.

Kick things up a notch by singing or playing your own music. › Experiment with colour. Water, snow or shaving cream plus a little food colouring is a recipe for creative fun.

Get creative with your kids!

Visit ParentsCanada.com/crafts

Most popular jukebox song ever: Crazy, by Patsy Cline (1962).

Shutterstock/© debasige

Enfagrow A+® every day toddler nutritional drink is an easy way to add nutrients to your toddler’s regular diet—including DHA (a type of Omega-3 fat).

Her brain will never grow as fast as it does in the first 3 years.

In fact, 85% of brain growth is completed by age 3.

Now is an important time for brain-nourishing DHA*.

DHA is a type of Omega-3 fat and an important building block of the brain.

But most foods toddlers eat may not have DHA. Enfagrow A+ is an every day toddler nutritional drink that has DHA. It has 26 nutrients to help support normal growth including iron, calcium, protein, vitamins C and D and a fibre blend†. It’s also doctor recommended. And because it can be served with a meal or as a nutritious snack, it’s an easy addition to your toddler’s regular diet.

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Enfagrow A+ is a nutritional supplement. Not intended for infants under 12 months. * DHA, an Omega-3 fatty acid, supports the normal physical development of the brain, eyes and nerves primarily in children under two years of age. † GOS and polydextrose ‡ MJN calculation using Nielsen MarketTrack, Stage 3 segment; Total Children’s Nutritional Supplement Market (Canada $ sales) © 2017 Mead Johnson & Company, LLC

PRESCHOOL ›

puberty

GIRLS VS BOYS

Precocious puberty is a medical condition in which kids mature earlier than normal.

BY A N G ELA ROTUNDO

Olivia Bennett*, now four years old, has always been tall for her age. She excels with learning and vocabulary, and has a creative imagination. In most ways, she’s very similar to her classmates in JK, but it’s not uncommon for Olivia to be mistaken for a much older child. Her parents, James* and Clarissa* never suspected anything concerning her rapid development (since her birth), but a simple doctor’s visit changed that.

“When Olivia was three, we took her to the doctor because of a nagging cough and cold that wouldn’t go away,” says Clarissa. “Our pediatrician brought to our attention Olivia’s breast development (which we just assumed was baby fat) and ordered some blood work.”

It turned out that Olivia’s hormone levels were in the normal range for a 12-year-old girl. A bone density test also showed that Olivia had the bone density of a six-year-old. After a referral to the endocrine unit at SickKids Hospital and a few more tests, Olivia was diagnosed with precocious puberty (PP).

Precocious puberty is a medical condition (most common in girls) where puberty starts outside of the range of normal puberty and moves quickly. When most girls begin puberty between seven and 13 years

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of age, what could cause such an early start?

SYMPTOMS & TREATMENTS For the majority of girls, causes for precocious puberty can include brain injuries, an infection (such as meningitis) or an imbalance in the thyroid gland that triggers the onset of puberty ahead of schedule. Signs or symptoms (most often) include breast development, a rapid growth spurt and/or mature body odour.

Dr. Jean-Pierre Chanoine is a clinical professor of Pediatric Endocrinology at British Columbia (BC) Children’s Hospital and has worked with and treated many families over the years regarding some of the risks associated with precocious puberty diagnoses.

“Girls who tend to start their puberty earlier have less time to grow,” says Dr. Chanoine. Once precocious puberty is diagnosed, the goal of treatment is to stop or even reverse sexual development, rapid growth and bone maturation. Normal puberty includes a final growth spurt, after which girls mostly stop growing. If that growth spurt starts too early then it ends early, too, and a child will have fewer growing years in total.

If your child’s doctor determines that treatment is necessary, the most

common medication is known as GnRH analog, a modified form of one hormone that starts puberty. “It’s a treatment that works quite well (and requires) an injection once every three months,” says Dr. Chanoine.

HOW TO COPE Coping with a toddler’s medical condition would be challenging for any parent, but it can be particularly difficult explaining a medical condition like precocious puberty to a child under the age of five.

“You certainly can explain to your daughter why her body is changing, and that it is just happening earlier than other girls,” says Dr. Chanoine.

Talk to you doctor if you suspect your daughter may be experiencing puberty too soon and give her a simple, truthful explanation about what’s happening.

“My advice to other parents going through this is to stay strong for your child,” says Clarissa. “They are going through something they don’t necessarily understand, but as Olivia gets older I think she’ll begin to realize that not everyone grows at the same rate and that’s OK.” *Names have been changed.

Symptoms for girls: › breast development › pubic or underarm hair development › a growth “spurt” › start of menstruation (her period) › acne › “mature” body odor Symptoms for boys: › enlargement of the testicles or penis › pubic, underarm, or facial hair development › rapid height growth › voice deepening › acne › “mature” body odor Who is at risk?

According to the Mayo Clinic, the following factors can increase the risk of precocious puberty: › being a girl (girls are more prone than boys) › being African American (compared to other races) › being significantly overweight or obese › being exposed to sex hormones (through estrogen or testosterone found in adult ointments or creams)

Learn more about puberty ParentsCanada.com/growingup

Tarantulas live for up to 20 years.

Shutterstock/© Microgen

They grow up so fast

Just like normal puberty, the symptoms vary for girls and boys with precocious puberty.

Note: Precocious puberty is quite rare in boys under the age of six, so be sure to talk to your doctor if you might suspect anything out of the ordinary.

fears

SCHOOL AGE

SINK OR SWIM

As it turns out, plenty of kids are scared to dive right in to swimming (get it?).

Staying afloat How to help your reluctant swimmer.

Shutterstock/© Romrodphoto

BY KRISTI YORK

Melanie Oliver* of Cambridge, Ont. used to get a sinking feeling when her son Wyatt* would bring home an invitation to a friend’s pool party. “He always asked me to come up with an excuse why he couldn’t go,” she says. “He was too embarrassed to admit he couldn’t swim as well as the other kids.”

Swimming was a struggle for Wyatt from the start. “He was fearful and did not trust himself or the instructors,” Melanie remembers. “He would not release his muscles or let his body float. He just seemed to panic and sink.”

Although Melanie persisted with the lessons, Wyatt’s progress was slow and he remained hesitant in the water.

It caused further problems when he was unable to pass the swim test at a summer camp and had to sit on the pool deck during the aquatic portion of the day.

According to Barbara Byers, Public Education and Research Director for the Lifesaving Society, kids who are natural risk-takers will typically progress more quickly in swimming, whereas cautious types may need more time.

“It’s really more mental than physical, and it depends on the child’s temperament,” Barbara says. She recalls witnessing this with her own children: “One of them was fearless, while another was more of a ‘thinker’ who liked to be in control. For him, the notion of going underwater and not being able to breathe was unsettling.”

Communicating with kids about swimming and water play is tricky because of the inherent mixed messages. Of course, it’s meant to be a fun and enjoyable activity, but we also have to be extremely vigilant about safety. In the interest of drowning prevention, the Lifesaving Society operates

Swim to Survive, a national school-based water safety program for Grade 3 students that teaches the skills needed to survive an unexpected fall into water. The program’s three key elements are recovering from a deep-water entry, treading water for one minute, and being able to swim 50 metres.

As the eight- and nine-year-olds attend the Swim to Survive sessions, Barbara notes that there is a wide range of swimming proficiency among the students. “We try to dial down the pressure and encourage the participants to progress at their own pace,” she says. “The swim instructors are well-trained and have supportive ways of assisting kids who may feel apprehensive.”

In Wyatt’s case, private lessons helped improve his skills, but he remained reluctant to swim without a flotation device. Melanie remembers a major turning point when he was playing in a pool with some friends. “They were playing a game where they tried to take away each other’s pool noodles,” she recalls. “Wyatt was trying so hard to keep up, and when he lost his noodle it was a ‘sink or swim’ moment.

He found the courage to swim, and afterwards he was so proud.”

As with any physical skill, such as skating or riding a bike, some kids will have a natural aptitude for swimming without much instruction or prompting. Others may take a little longer to grasp the movement patterns and the mindset needed to work with the water, rather than against it. If your child is in this category, try to remind them (and yourself) to be patient and go with the flow. *names changed

My six-year-old was afraid to swim. We got a pool, and then two weeks later, he’s in there like a dirty shirt. For reals. But I know this isn’t an actual solution. Just luck for us. I think that he wasn’t confident in his abilities, but he did enjoy swimming (usually just attached to me like a barnacle), and once he figured out he could keep himself afloat, he was good to go. However, he still will not take swimming lessons. I think he had a bad experience at a swimming lesson, and now will not go back.

–ERIN H. My five-year-old has been very tentative with swimming. She had to repeat the first level of lessons.

I found she tended to not pay attention in class when it wasn’t her turn to try a skill, and when it was her turn, she would get upset.

We asked her to listen and watch the other kids so she would know what to expect. Luckily she’s had some fantastic instructors who encouraged her without forcing.

We have always tried to convey the importance of learning to swim even if it isn’t a favourite activity.

–REBECCA T. My seven-year-old is just learning to swim and often just needs some empathy. I let her know that it is really hard learning to breathe, put your head under water, and move your arms and your legs all at the same time in a certain pattern. I focus on the things she has succeeded in and say, “That’s OK, we’ll get there” on the ones she hasn’t. I let her know about my weaknesses in swimming, and that some things took me a long time to learn as well. FInally, at the end of every class, I tell her how proud I am of her for trying her hardest.

–SUNSHINE H.

Learn more about school age issues at ParentsCanada.com/school

Cuttlefish eyes have W-shaped pupils.

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TWEEN ›

beauty

Babes in blush

What to do when your tween wants to wear makeup.

BY AM ANDA BLOYE

A deep conditioner that melts into hair, leaving nothing but smooth.

©2017 P&G

DO take time to talk Whether you want it to or not, wearing makeup can alter your appearance, so it’s a good idea to have a conversation with your daughter about the concept of beauty and how wearing makeup could influence the way she’s viewed by others.

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In British Columbia, it is illegal to kill a sasquatch.

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DO share the golden rule When it comes to wearing makeup less is more, especially for tweens. With relatively blemishfree skin, a little bit of mascara, BB cream and tinted lip balm can go a long way. Teach your tween that she doesn’t need much to achieve her desired look. If you don’t feel confident with the material, consult a friend or family member to show your tween the ropes. A one-on-one with a makeup artist at Sephora, MAC or even Shoppers Drug Mart is a great place to start.

With a little guidance, Jaime is now confident in Emily’s makeup-related decisions. “Since explaining to Emily that she needs to only use very little product and that she wash her face properly, it’s been fine,” says Jaime. “Emily’s respectful enough of her face not to layer it on – she’s actually very good at applying.”

DO respect the rules of others Though makeup use is allowed in her home, Jaime recognizes that this is not the norm with all of Emily’s friends and has taught her to be respectful of friends and family members who may not yet have the same freedom. “My sister has a daughter the same age as Emily and she isn’t allowed,” says Jaime. “So Emily and I have also had conversations about what’s acceptable outside of home and what isn’t.”

DO watch for skin reactions With first applications, watch for allergic reactions or even acne breakouts. Put the makeup on hold for a while or switch products if skin irritation occurs.

Shutterstock/© bikeriderlondon© Nataliia

PANTENE 3 MINUTE MIRACLE

When Jaime Volk’s daughter Emily, 10, began to show an interest in wearing makeup, the Oakville, Ont. mom was set against it. “It all started when Emily wanted to wear makeup and could do so at her dad’s house,” Jaime said.

“Originally, this was not allowed at my place.”

Jaime was not alone in her struggle with Emily. With Instagram, Twitter and YouTube, tweens have easy access to the wealth of knowledge that today’s beauty gurus possess.

Gone are the LipSmackers-and roll-on-glitterwearing tweens of our generation. In our place are 10-, 11-, and 12-year-olds who know how to score the perfect cat eye and contour with precision.

In fact, a 2012 survey conducted on behalf of Renfrew Center Foundation, a US-based non-profit charitable organization dedicated to advancing the education, prevention, research, advocacy and treatment of eating disorders, found that 58 percent of girls between the ages of 8 and 18 wore makeup and of those girls, 65 percent started wearing makeup between the ages of 8 and 13. Another study by NPD Group, a US-based consumer research company, found that purchases of staple cosmetics like mascara, eyeliner and lipstick made by tweens nearly doubled from 2007 to 2009.

Though some parents may argue that the tween years are too early to allow a child to wear makeup, others support the change, seeing it as a rite of passage into life as a teen.

Challenged with different rules at different homes, and the easy accessibility of beauty products, Jaime changed her mind, allowing Emily to wear makeup, but with some restrictions. “Girls these days are far older than I ever was at that age. It’s tough when stores like Justice sell the makeup, kits and so on,” says Jaime. “So I do allow it in some quantity.”

If you give your tween daughter (or son) permission to wear makeup, here are a few tips to help the transition go smoothly:

©2017 P&G

Selena Gomez

Spring has sprung in the city As we say goodbye to winter and get as much last-minute fun in the snow as possible, we also welcome spring, in all its sun-filled, flowerblooming glory.

Compiled by Angela Rotundo

Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts 130 NAVY STREET, OAKVILLE Various dates oakvillecentre.ca There’s something for everyone at the Oakville Centre. Need plans for March break? Then take the family to see Lightwire’s Moon Mouse on Monday March 13 at 1:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. Spend a Sunday afternoon at the Elephant & Piggie’s show on March 26 at 1:00 p.m. Don’t miss your chance to meet Fred Penner on Sunday April 30.

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Ontario Science Centre

Burl-Oak Theatre Group

Hockey Hall of Fame

770 DON MILLS ROAD, TORONTO ontariosciencecentre.ca There’s a lot to see and do for all ages at the Ontario Science Centre! From February 8 to May 7 find out how all living things – including humans – are machines built to survive in Biomechanics: The Machine Inside. From house-building to musicmaking, KidSpark’s engaging science activities will be sure to please the whole family! Ticket prices and exhibit dates vary.

TORONTO, ONT. www.botg.ca Burl-Oak Theatre Group is offering its first musical performance to celebrate their 40th anniversary. The timeless classic Oliver will include a cast of over 40 people and a large production crew. Oliver runs from April 18 to 23, 2017 at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts with tickets selling for $33 each.

Show times are 8:00 p.m. each night and 2:00 p.m. on Sunday.

30 YONGE STREET, TORONTO, ONT. www.hhof.com What could be more Canadian than a family trip to the Hockey Hall of Fame? There’s so much to see and do. Watch hockey’s first 3D film – Stanley’s Game Seven combines a stunning mix of original live action, computer generated 3D animation, and classic archival footage of some of the most renowned playoff moments in Stanley Cup history.

The Changing Face of Hockey – Diversity in Our Game exhibit

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shutterstock.com/© Vira Mylyan-Monastyrska

AboutTOwn

abou wn

abou wn pays homage to the pioneers who confronted discrimination from the hockey world through their perseverance, talent and courage.

Kids three and under are free, while general admission is just $18!

Canlan Sportsplex Mississauga MISSISSAUGA, ONT. canlansports.com/Mississauga The FLASHFIT Kids PD camps are designed to introduce fun sports and games that will create a base for life-long enjoyment of physical activity and teamwork. Sports and activities range from soccer, volleyball, ball hockey and dodgeball. Or how does pilates and yoga sound?

There is also a wide range of themed-activities available – something for everyone! Session dates include February 17, June 12 and June 30, 2017. Price is $55/ day for kids age 5–12.

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The Sony Centre TORONTO, ONT. sonycentre.ca With Cirkopolis, Cirque Éloize presents a show that combines the worlds of circus, dance and theatre. Performing within an inventive stage design and accompanied by an original musical score and video projections, twelve acrobats and artists transforms the stage into a virtuosic circus spectacle for the whole family. Your family won’t want to miss this show! Ticket prices start from $39. Group discounts are available.

March 1–18, 2017

TIFF Kids digiPlaySpace February 18 – April 23 TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX, 350 KING ST. W. tiff.net With 23 installations from eight countries, digiPlaySpace showcases the evolution of play

.com/Toronto S P R I N G 2 0 1 7

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For more great places to eat, shop and have fun with your family in your neighbourhood check out ParentsCanada.com/toronto

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Fun Always Focused on Spontaneous Fun

Four Three deserving families.

Four Three heartfelt stories.

Four Three random acts of fun. ® ®

NIAGARA FALLS

Make room for a little fun.™

Watch Bob and Linda's beautiful story

5950 Victoria Avenue, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3L7 www.nfcourtyard.com/RandomActsOfFun • #RandomActsOfFun

The ACURA OF OAKVILLE

Family Series LIGHTWIRE’S MOON MOUSE

MARCH BREAK! Monday, March 13, 2017 at 1 p.m. & 7 p.m.

Recommended for ages 5-10

ELEPHANT & PIGGIE’S WE ARE IN A PLAY!

Sunday, March 26, 2017 at 1 p.m.

A Kennedy Center commission based on the Elephant & Piggie books by Mo Willems Recommended for ages 4 and up

FRED PENNER

Sunday, April 30, 2017 at 1 p.m. & 3:30 p.m.

Recommended for ages 3 and up

The Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts Box Office: 905-815-2021 OakvilleCentre.ca groups@hhof.com

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abou wn MARKETPLACE

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR MARCH BREAK!

Coming SOON

Our Summer Issue DON’T MISS THE BEST OF THE SEASON IN THE CITY!

MARCH 1 – 18 BLUMA APPEL THEATRE 27 FRONT STREET EAST

1-855-872-SONY (7669)

sonycentre.ca

MEDIA PARTNERS:

A SONY CENTRE AND CANADIAN STAGE CO-PRESENTATION

For advertising inquiries contact Kim Magill at Kimm@ParentsCanada.com

HOCKEY &

LEARN TO SKATE CAMPS March Break & All Summer Long Full & Half Day | Ages 4-12 Locations in Oakville, Etobicoke, York, Scarborough & Oshawa icespo s.com/camps 44

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abou wn

abou wn in the 21st century. Kids can play with robots, learn to code and explore artistic possibilities through light and movement. STEM-based activities for ages three to 13 will inspire creativity and encourage problem solving.

Your children will have so much fun, they won’t even realize they are learning! $11 on weekdays, $13 on weekends.

Munschtime!

April 17 – May 14 YOUNG PEOPLE’S THEATRE, 165 FRONT ST. E. youngpeoplestheatre.ca Recommended for ages four to eight, this 50-minute play is based on the beloved tales of author Robert Munsch (including Murmel Murmel Murmel and Love You Forever. YPT will offer two American Sign Language (ASL) Shadow Interpreted Performances during this run, as well as two “relaxed performances” which are well-suited to young audiences and have been established to welcome people who will benefit from a more relaxed performance environment, including people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Far Enough Farm Open year round, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

CENTRE ISLAND centreisland.ca/far-enough-farm The farm is open 365 days a year, but in the springtime, you never know what new friends will be born into the Far Enough family. With over 40 species of farmyard animals and exotic birds, this unique petting farm gives kids (and parents!) the chance to get up close and personal with adorable critters. Check the website for birth announcements! The best part, it’s free for the whole family. Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch on the island.

Spadina Museum Year round 285 SPADINA RD. toronto.ca Don’t miss Our Journey: An Art Map of Canadian Identity, Discover the stories and artworks of several members of Canada’s First Nations communities, and also the members of Spadina’s Austin family. Ask about the March break and summer camps!

Get outta TOwn Blue Mountain Resort COLLINGWOOD, ONT. bluemountain.ca Whether you’re a skier or just want to enjoy the last minutes of this year’s winter wonderland, a trip to Blue Mountain in Collingwood has lots to offer. Kids will love the daily Village scavenger hunts starting at the Clock Tower or at the Village entrance. Tour the village in a horse-drawn wagon, running weekends from M.J. Byrne’s Irish Pub. Try your hand at the thrill ride Ridge Runner or skating on the Mill Pond at the steps of the Westin Trillium House. Enjoy the snow before the spring thaw hits!

Courtyard Marriott Niagara Falls 5950 VICTORIA AVENUE, NIAGARA FALLS, ONT. nfcourtyard.com Just minutes from Niagara Falls, Clifton Hill and major Niagara Falls events, Courtyard Marriott Niagara Falls Hotel is an ideal choice among Niagara Falls getaway destinations.

The Kids Love Niagara package includes four (2 adult and 2 children) “Ultimate Fun Passes” which include admission to fun-filled attractions such as the Niagara Skywheel, Movieland Wax Museum, Dinosaur Park and more. Courtyard Marriott is one of the few family hotels in Niagara Falls who offer such complete Niagara Falls packages that let you explore the spectacles of the city during your family vacation.

The Big Freeze

OntarioScienceCentre.ca/Camp

January 21 – April 17 ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS, 680 PLAINS ROAD WEST, BURLINGTON rbg.ca Talk about a cool exhibit! When did the ice age start? Is it over now or will the ice return? And what happened to all those ice age mammals?

All of these questions are answered this winter at RBG. Children can experience the ice age marvel at the mega-sized animals, participate in family-friendly activities and learn about the effects the ice age had on our environment.

While you’re there, check out the beautiful indoor gardens (and stroll around outside to see the spring blooms!). Adult admission: $16, children under four are free, ages four to 12, $9.

For more fun in the city go to ParentsCanada.com/Toronto

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COMIC Relief

BY L I Z H ASTI N GS

Life is like a load of laundry.

I think it was around the trillionth load when I realized my life had become a load of laundry.

In no particular order I have washed several golf balls and tees, a diaper, four tubes of Chapstick, note paper, candy wrappers, beads, bands my kid promised she would wear on her braces, permission forms for school field trips and most recently (though no one is claiming them) someone’s collection of maple tree keys.

Even before bringing my first baby home, I was prepping for a lifetime of laundry.

But I was (naively) excited. I smelled, cuddled and smiled at the sweet, soft onesies, bibs and socks before adding them into the load. Special baby soap, hot water, swirling, bubbling, humming, success. I’d daydream over who would wear these adorable, huggable outfits.

I don’t feel this way anymore. My washing machine settings eerily reflect my real life.

AGITATOR

This one really resonated with me as a new Mom. Things felt saggy and uncomfortable immediately after giving birth and I hesitantly pressed that button, almost angry at the parallel to my own life, longing for the day I could just choose the “Normal” cycle, but that seemed a galaxy away.

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Agitator: It’s not a cycle, but I can relate to the agitator. I sometimes think if I were to become a professional wrestler my name would be “The Agitator” and I would have dirty baby clothes pinned to my shoulders and my hair would be in a messy bun. The Agitator arrives with that false sense of euphoria – the one in which you think you’ve done all of the laundry in the house. A quick scan and you realize there’s nothing left to wash or fold.

There’s five seconds of deafening silence before the JAWS music starts quietly playing in your head as you creep down the hall to your kids’ rooms to find inside-out pants with the underwear still attached, wet towels on the floor, pajamas, socks, sheets and maple keys all requiring a wash.

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RINSE

This cycle is for those rare days moms get to bathe ourselves.

It’s ironic that we spend all of our waking hours washing and cleaning for our new baby but spend so little time cleaning ourselves – you know, with actual water and soap.

And maybe that’s why it’s so clearly marked “rinse” – to remind us to go and do just that.

FRESHEN UP

SPIN

When you feel your day completely unraveling, you’ve entered the spin cycle. The baby’s crying, you’re out of diapers, your partner just texted to say he’s going to be late flying home from their five-star work junket because U2 kept coming back on stage for encores (oh, poor him!) and you realize you’ve washed a dirty diaper with the “good” tablecloth.

DRAIN

I’ve never tried this cycle on my dryer, but you have no idea how close I’ve come to climbing in there and seeing what might get spit out. Sometimes I wonder if I might have Stockholm syndrome.

I hate doing laundry so much, but when I catch the dryer the second it stops, I let the warmth of the clean clothes envelope my body and I lay there in a pile of soonto-be-soiled clothes, fabric softener sheet clinging to my sleeve like a patch of energy, giving The Agitator the boost I need to go and start dinner.

NEW MOM

There should be a new mom cycle.

It would hand you a hot drink, give you a hug and just for fun, let you press the “Normal” button.

Drain? Dang right I’m drained!

Jaws Jr.: The spined pygmy shark grows to be only 15 cm long.

Shutterstock.com/© Evgeny Atamanenko/ © wavebreakmedia

BULKY/ LARGE

THIS TEENY, TINY CUP WILL PUT DOWN YOUR BIG, BAD COUGH FOR A LONG, LONG TIME.* DAYQUIL COUGH. FOR LONG-LASTING COUGH RELIEF. *For up to 8 hours. To ensure this product is right for you always read and follow the label.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children. © Procter & Gamble, Inc., 2017

Introducing Similac® Advance® NON-GMO* FORMULA.

Moms asked. We listened.

We’re proud to now offer Similac® Advance® Omega-3 & Omega-6 non-GMO.* Our newest formula continues to provide galactooligosaccharides, omega-3 and omega-6, and lutein, a nutrient babies can only get from breast milk or Similac® Advance® Omega-3 & Omega-6.†‡ Trust the nourishment you’ve come to expect from Similac®.

* Ingredients not genetically engineered. † Excluding inherent sources. ‡ Prior to the introduction of solid foods. © Abbott Laboratories, Limited