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JANUARY 2015 | FREE | CapitalParent.ca | Ottawa’s Parenting Toolbox
WINTER WONDER Snowshoeing 101, early lessons in money management, & more!
From The Editor One of my goals as editor is to share some ways to make busy lives run a little smoother and to give some fresh perspective on this parenting gig. What to do, where to go – it’s way too easy to fall into a rut! This is why we chose to run a story about snowshoeing on the cover this month. It may seem daunting, but it’s actually a very fun and inexpensive family outing. (If you haven’t tried it yet, you’ll have to trust me on this.) Perhaps 2015 is the year you promise to get your finances in better shape? Allowance is a great place to start teaching kids about money management, and as Sarah Niman points out on page 7, it’s never too early to begin. And in the interest of economizing in the New Year, Paula Roy shares some great tips about meal swapping on page 8.
ANDREA TOMKINS andrea@capitalparent.ca
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Do you make New Year’s resolutions? I am on the fence about their usefulness, but in January 2014 I decided to take charge of my health and I made a few easy promises to myself. My children were the motivating factor. I didn’t like knowing that I couldn’t keep up with them, and I certainly didn’t like feeling tired all of the time. So, I made a few small changes. I started eating a regular, healthy breakfast for starters. I bought a pedometer and started tracking my steps. I also made a better effort to take my vitamins, and drink more water. (I have to confess, I wasn’t able to stick that one out, so I’m trying again this year!) I also started a line-a-day diary. After having used it a full year, I can honestly say that it’s the one healthy habit I didn’t think would make a big impact, but it has. It’s gives me a moment of meditation before I go to bed. The space for each day is small, so there’s no feeling of intimidation about filling a big sheet of paper, or the pressure of good penmanship. I can squeeze in two sentences, maybe three if I push it out to the margins. It forces me to take a moment to pause and reflect on my day. At one point I realized I have the power to decide how I’m going to remember my day. Committing the day to paper is a way to pay tribute to the good things. It’s up to me. Will I jot down the spilled milk, or the glorious sunset? I choose the sunset. Wishing you and your families a wonderful New Year,
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Cover Story
faves
PUBLISHER Mark Sutcliffe mark@greatriver.ca EDITOR
>Water infuser This fruit infuser water bottle from terra20 fits perfectly with my resolution to drink more water and stay hydrated. I like adding a few slices of lemon to the core, for freshly flavoured water all day long. Available in stores and online at terra20.com for $19.
Andrea Tomkins andrea@capitalparent.ca twitter.com/capitalparent CONTRIBUTORS Jason Haug • Lynn Jatania • Marcia MacQuarrie • Sarah Niman • Misty Pratt • Paula Roy • Kate Settle COPY EDITOR Judith van Berkom CREATIVE DIRECTOR Tanya Connolly-Holmes 613-238-1818 ext. 253 creative@greatriver.ca
>Sparkup Magical Book Reader Sparkup Magical Book Reader allows parents and caregivers to create audio recordings in any language, of any illustrated children’s books. The Reader simply clips it to the top of a book and records the user’s voice while tracking each page with a tiny camera. The camera later recognizes the images and plays back the recording for each page. This is a great way to keep far away relatives connected with the kids in their lives, and help get reluctant readers to enjoy some additional reading material at bed time. Available on Amazon.ca for $99.99.
DESIGN & PRODUCTION Regan Van Dusen regan@greatriver.ca Jamie Dean jamie@greatriver.ca ADVERTISING Alison Stewart 613-238-1818 ext. 226 alison@obj.ca CAPITALPARENT is published by
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Mark Sutcliffe PRESIDENT Michael Curran V.P. SALES Don Mersereau don@greatriver.ca
>The Mutts Diaries
Who’s on the cover? It’s Noah Settle, age 7! Congratulations to Hannah Richemond, pictured here with Matthew Stus and their son Logan. They are Capital Parent Facebook followers who won passes to see Toopy and Binoo at Centrepointe Theatre and VIP access to a special meet and greet! Want a shot and winning some great stuff too? Make sure you follow us at facebook. com/CapitalParent. facebook.com/CapitalParent |
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Oh, how my family adores the funny and gentle adventures of best friends Mooch (a cat) and Earl (a dog), and all of their friends. These comics have wide appeal, especially for animal lovers. You’ll find yourself reading them again and again,. It’s a great little book to give as a gift too. Available at chapters.indigo.ca for $10.
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FINANCE Jackie Whalen 613-238-1818 x250 jackie@greatriver.ca OFFICE LOCATION: 250 CITY CENTRE DRIVE SUITE 500, OTTAWA K1R 6K7
capitalparent.ca Capital Parent Newspaper is a monthly publication. 15,000 copies of each issue are printed and distributed across Ottawa, wherever families are found.
CARING FOR KIDS
New Facebook page answers your questions BY JASON HAUG, PROGRAM & PROJECT MANAGEMENT OFFICER, OTTAWA PUBLIC HEALTH
Parenting is both an easy role and a very challenging one. It can be easy because kids are so very easy to love. They can be absolutely hilarious, and can inspire us to be better people. On the flip side, parenting can be tough. Not only is it 24/7, but children grow and change constantly. All of us have questions as we are faced with new situations and challenges. Ottawa Public Health has recently launched a “Parenting in Ottawa” Facebook page (facebook.com/ ParentinginOttawa), which is staffed by a Public Health Nurse, Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Every day a new topic is posted to kickstart the conversation, but questions from caregivers are more than welcome. Here are some examples of the awesome questions we have received so far from our Facebook fans: Q: How do I get my 4-year-old to eat more vegetables? We’ve been having major issues with constipation, and have been told to get him to eat more vegetables, but for the life of me, I can’t get him to eat them. He eats a fair amount of fruit, but no veggies. A: Such a great question; one we get over and over. It is true
Christa Poirier is one of the nurses behind Ottaw a Public Health’s new Facebook page. PHOTO BY JASON HAUG.
that veggies pack a lot of fibre and can help with that tricky constipation. Drinking water is very important too! Vegetables go with all meals of the day. Here is the link to our web site where you can find information on picky eating, packing veggies into meals, and family tips for healthy eating: ottawa.ca/en/residents/ public-health/healthy-living/ eat-well. If he is refusing veggies, try hiding them in every day foods. Mashed up squash or sweet potato hide well in mac
and cheese. Veggies blended in the food processor can hide easily in spaghetti sauce, chili, and taco meat. Also, as he grows, his tastes will change so what he does not like today may be his favorite in a month – keep at it! ~ Christa Poirier, RN Q: My baby is 13 months; when he is supposed to start talking? A: Thanks for your great question. Around 12 months, babies usually use three or more Continued on page 5
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THIRD TIME’S THE CHARM
Living in a winter wonderland BY LYNN JATANIA
A
s a parent, there’s not much you really, truly want for your kids. To be healthy. To be kind. To be happy, maybe. And this: to hate winter as much as you do. Okay, it’s not that I hate-hate winter. There are a few good things – the way the stuff in the green bin freezes, for example, so there’ s little danger of maggots. The way you can drop your kids off at school in your jammies, hiding the evidence beneath snow pants and a long coat. The way you can always count on a cheerful, pretty, white Christmas, while other major Ontario metropolises are still having to look out the window in despair at their brown, dead, weed-filled lawn. But overall, there’s not much to love about the season that smothers us for a good six months of the year. I hate being blinded every time I come inside by fogged up glasses, and it’s worse when they start to clear with little round circles in the centre so I look like one of Gru’s Minions. I hate the sensation of sitting in a cold car, rocking back and forth trying not to touch the freezing upholstery, begging the heater to kick in soon,
4 JANUARY 2015 | C a p i t a l P a r e n t . c a |
no, SOONER THAN THAT. I hate having to take an extra fifteen minutes every single time I leave the house – which, with kids in school and multiple activities, is several times a day – to put on the boots, the coat, the hat, the mitts, the scarf, the other scarf, and those icons of true fashion, snow pants. Sure Ilsa can talk the big talk about the cold not bothering her anyway, but she’s never been outside in an ear-flapped toque, frantically shovelling a driveway with six inches of snow in it while late for a doctor’s appointment. Winter is all fine and dandy when you have superhuman hathead-resistant hair and a Royal Snow Shoveller to take care of business for you. But as befits the sometimes cosmic joke that is parenthood, I have been gifted with children who love winter. Who can’t wait for that first snowfall. Who excitedly cut the tags off of this year’s snowpants in October and wear them around the house in breathless anticipation. Who sometimes complain about summer, with all its tender warmth and long days and bare feet, because that’s just so annoying. Let us compare perfect winter days, shall we?
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The child version: Wake up, have cookies in snowflake shapes for breakfast. Build a snowman outside with Mommy. Have a snowball fight outside with Mommy. Go sledding with Mommy. Break for a hot chocolate lunch. Make snow angels with Mommy. Build a snow fort with Mommy. Eat snow for dinner; after dinner, watch Frozen before bed. Repeat daily until spring; consider a move to Nunavut to extend the season. The Mommy version: Wake up, have coffee for breakfast. Put on warmest socks, slippers, PJs, and robe. Curl up on couch in front of a roaring fire, crack open box of Oreos, tune in to The Game Show Network. Imagine winning a trip to faraway warm destination, while keeping abreast of the latest in medication for heart conditions, mail order pet care items, and important class action lawsuits. If feeling generous, allow the children a turn with the TV to watch Frozen before bed. Repeat daily, not emerging from couch cocoon until you can safely leave the house in flip-flops. Seems like there’s a bit of a problematic mismatch here. I know, you can’t expect your kids to be little
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copies of yourself, and that’s actually part of the fun. My introverted self has grown to love the ongoing chatter of my extroverted daughters. My sports-adverse body has actually enjoyed bike rides and tag at the park with my energetic kids. My style-challenged wardrobe has benefitted greatly from advice from my little seven-year-old fashionista. But asking us to bond over winter? Not even Olaf himself is cute enough to make me want to actually put on the Frankenboots and trudge out there to see him up close. “I can zoom in with the camera just fine from this side of the patio doors, honey!” I call from the kitchen, where I’m hovering near the stove in a sweater, leg warmers, and my “indoor gloves.” But I guess all that snowy enthusiasm has worn me down, because this year I caved – if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. I’m all signed up for ski lessons with the youngest – I predict cold toes and broken bones, while my three children are almost dizzy with glee that I’ll be joining them in the frigid outdoors. Who knows, though – if it turns out all that winter exposure gives me hair like Ilsa, it may be worth it. Do you wanna build a snowman?
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FAMILY MATTERS
When should children start using toothpaste? Read on to find out what Ottawa Public Health has to say about the issue.
Continued from page 3 words, can follow one simple direction like “sit down”, use gestures to communicate like waving and shaking head “no”. Each baby will develop at their own pace so these are general guidelines. If you would like some more ages and stages information, check out the First Words web site at firstwords.ca and look under the “Parents” tab. ~ Christa Poirier, RN
Q: Is a portion size (of fruits, meat, etc) the same as an adult? Does it change by age? A: A portion size in Canada’s Food Guide is the same for adults as it is for children. However, children’s stomachs are much smaller and they get full more quickly. The Food Guide has recommendations for each age group as a daily total so portions can be split up over two meals. Health Canada talks specifically about this with suggested menus for children. Check out this site: hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/food-guide-aliment/ choose-choix/advice-conseil/child-enfant-eng. php ~ Christa Poirier, RN Q: We’ve had some colds and flus in our house recently, as well as pink eye. I’m always wiping down surfaces and disinfecting toys, but I’m concerned about using harsh chemicals around my 9-month old. Are there natural alternatives that are as effective in killing germs?
veggies? Kids not eating their fruits and parents ests sugg lth Hea lic Pub wa Otta up. give t shouldn’
Q: When should I start using toothpaste? My son is 3.5 and hates it. A: Start using fluoride toothpaste at three years of age. Use a very small amount and make sure your son does not swallow. Practice spitting ahead of time to see if he is ready. It may take a few different flavours to find one that he likes. This one may take some persistence. ~ Christa
A: ‘Tis the season! Hard plastic toys can simply go in the dishwasher with no heat cycle. Easy! As for surfaces and sanitizing, a hydrogen peroxide product will work well. Day care facilities use a simple bleach solution of 5ml bleach to 2.5 litres of water to disinfect toys: submerge in the solution, rinse, and let air dry. However, if you worry about exposure, perhaps sanitize before you go to bed to lessen exposure and give the chance for the product to dry. Thanks for the great question. ~ Christa Poirier, RN Check out the Parenting in Ottawa Facebook page at facebook.com/ParentinginOttawa. For more information visit ottawa.ca/health or call 613-580-6744 (TTY: 613-580-9656). JANUARY 2015 5
ACTIVE FAMILIES
Snowshoeing 101 BY MISTY PRATT
W
inters can be long in Ottawa, but there’s no better way to gain an appreciation for the white stuff than to take up an easy and affordable winter sport. For centuries, fur traders and trappers used snowshoes to get around in areas of deep snow, following the example of the snowshoe hare, whose oversized feet helped them move quickly over top of the snow. Now a national pastime, snowshoeing is an easy recreational sport that doesn’t cost much and can involve the whole family. Caitlin Patrick, born in Ottawa and recently relocated to Newfoundland, found that babywearing and snowshoeing was the perfect winter activity for her young family. “We rented snowshoes from a local store and joined up with a group of parents on Facebook for weekly treks around the city,” says Patrick. Her son, 7 weeks old at the time, got to enjoy the fresh air while napping in a carrier. As babies grow into toddlers and then preschoolers, getting them dressed and into snowshoes can seem like a daunting task. “For us, the problems came when they had to go alone. I’m not sure what a good age is, but kiddos get tired on snowshoes, and both mine find it easier to walk in boots, even in deep snow,” says Danielle Lapierre, a local Ottawa mother of two. If children are small enough, parents may find it easier to pull them in a ski sled, or pulk. These handy sleds can be rented for $20/ day from Trailhead, and would be perfect for babies or young children. If your child is too big for a pulk, but still young enough to get tired, do a trial run to see how far you can get. Take your snowshoes to a local park or ravine, and create games to get the kids moving (“next one to that tree wins a prize!”) Also consider checking out some of the National Capital Commission’s Greenbelt trails. Go to ncc-ccn.gc.ca for handy trail maps. Once your children are old enough for longer treks, you will definitely want to check out Gatineau Park’s 57 kilometres of snowshoeing trails. A day pass is now required to use the park, which costs $17/day for a family of five. Season’s passes go for $145, or $125 if you purchase one before December 15. Several of the longer trails have shelters, each equipped with a wood stove and picnic tables. Rest areas with fire pits are also located along some trails. Two smaller trails depart from the visitors’ centre, which would be perfect for younger children. As with any winter activity, make sure 6 JANUARY 2015 | C a p i t a l P a r e n t . c a |
Scouts Canada’s top 10 winter survival tips for a safe and unforgettable winter camping getaway Snow, ice, below zero temperatures and lots of shoveling can bring about dreams of flying south and indoor activities. Rather than hibernate through the duration of the season, why not embrace the winter and enjoy all it has to offer?
5. WATCH FOR SNOW BLINDNESS:
Scouts Canada’s youth flock to campgrounds in the winter to enjoy everything Mother Nature has up her sleeve. These young outdoor experts know that the best way to fall in love with winter is to be prepared.
By sharing the adventure with others, you can combine food and gear, and you’ll have support if you have an emergency.
Keep these tips in mind no matter what winter activity you’re taking on, whether it’s camping, sledding, skiing, or snowshoeing. 1. THINK “ONION” WHEN GETTING READY TO HEAD OUT:
Snowshoeing is a great way to explore the outdoors, and it’s easier – and cheaper - than you think. PHOTO BY KATE SETTLE
everyone is dressed warmly. There’s nothing worse than heading out for the day and coming home early due to frozen toes. Keep in mind that snowshoeing takes some effort, and you will most likely sweat. Breathable layers will come in handy, as well as a backpack or sled to carry any clothing that needs to be removed. Purchasing snowshoes for the entire family is an investment, so you may want to consider renting first. Snowshoes can be rented at: • Mountain Equipment Coop (mec.ca) Kids’ snowshoes are $6/day and adults are $12/ day. You can also rent sleds here too. • Trailhead (trailheadpaddleshack.ca) Kids’ snowshoes are $6/day and adults are $12/day. • Gatineau Park Visitor Centre (ncc-ccn. gc.ca) Kids’ snowshoes are $5/hour and adults are $7/hour. Day rates are available. Most importantly, have fun! You may not be able to complete a 15 km loop right off the bat, but the kids will definitely remember the snow, the adventure, and perhaps the hot chocolate you’ll be enjoying at the end of the day. facebook.com/CapitalParent |
Onions have layers! Layering is important, and having the ability to get in and out of layers easily will help you to regulate your body temperature and avoid sweating. 2. BE PREPARED: Camping in the winter requires greater caution than in other seasons. For example, hazards may be hidden under the snow. Be cautious on ice, especially near running water. Always pack essentials, such as an emergency kit, water and snacks. 3. KEEP EVERYTHING COVERED: Wind chill can make or break any outdoor activity. Stick to sheltered areas. Any exposed skin results in a significant amount of body heat loss. Waterproof material is key. Purchasing a quality pair of boots, parka, mittens and hat is best for keeping warm.
Sun reflecting off the snow strains your eyes, causing nausea and headaches. Wearing sunglasses will help reduce glare. 6. ALWAYS BRING A FRIEND:
7. STAY HYDRATED: With all the clothing on your back and trucking through the snow, you expend loads of energy and your body needs water to function better. Dehydrated people are more likely to get hypothermia. A good Scout tip: store your water bottle upside down in your pack; water always freezes from the top. 8. DON’T FORGET TO EAT: Have a proper breakfast to start the day off right and carry plenty of food and snacks. Protein bars, hearty soups, chili are all great choices. Calories are needed for your body to create heat. 9. SHARE YOUR PLAN: Let others know where you’re going, and when you plan to be back. A good online resource is: adventuresmart.ca/tripplan/ tripplan.php. 10. COTTON KILLS:
4. CHECK THE WEATHER:
Cotton fabric is made from a plant, so it soaks up water and holds on to it. Wearing cotton in the winter will make you wet and cold. It’s a good idea to dress in wool or synthetic layers from head to toe, and from your base layer to your outer layer.
Winter conditions can be tricky and snow squalls are dangerous. Weather can go from cool to cold very quickly, especially when the sun sets.
Go ahead, unleash your inner adventurer, load up your gear and travel into the great white north this winter!
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FAMILY MATTERS
Early lessons in finance BY SARAH NIMAN
Advertisers bank on luring kids with bright packaging, familiar cartoon characters and beguiling commercials. Soon the kids begin with choruses of, “Oooh, I want that” and “can I please, please, please have that now?” They look up to your exasperated face, offering their nicest smile to try and seal the deal. A hasty retreat from the toy aisle with a stern, “not now” may suffice, but there is a way to curtail these unwanted whining episodes at the store.
amount equivalent to age, where, for example, an eight-year-old receives $8 per week. Tying allowance increases to birthdays eliminates inter-sibling squabbling about who gets more money. Some families give a monthly amount, and track earnings on kid-friendly spreadsheets. There are plenty of downloadable allowance charts available online. Another decision to make is whether to let kids spend the money as they see fit, or require that a portion be saved for long-term goals, and/or charitable giving. Having separate jars for each category and giving allowance in small change can become a real-life math lesson and an exercise in saving and giving. CHORES OR NO CHORES? Opinions differ here. Some parents set house chores as an expectation, not an option tied to allowance. Others give a list of chores to be completed each week, with a reward of payment. A compromise between the two might be offering a set allowance each week, separate from everyday chores, with the option to earn more by doing extra work around the house.
Inara Galbreath counts her TE SETTLE pennies. PHOTO BY KA
It might be time to sit down with your kids to talk about money. Giving kids money, and the skills to manage it, is an important step in raising kids who will grow up to become smart spenders and savers. Enter allowance. “To experience money, children need to first get their hands on some,” writes Canadian financial guru Gail Vaz-Oxdale. It’s important for parents to agree on what they hope to achieve when they introduce allowance. Giving kids money, and the responsibility to spend and save it, can develop patience, thrift, independence and generosity. WHEN TO START? Begin when conversations naturally unfold about how we buy things, and where money comes. Generally, parents and finance experts agree that anytime between age five and seven is appropriate. If they can keep their money in a safe place, and keep track of how much they have earned, they can begin to handle their own money. “The earlier money management becomes a practiced concept, the better,” writes Vaz-Oxdale. HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH? Parents should consider their own financial resources, the cost of living in their area, and their comfort level. Many families use an
CONSISTENCY IS KEY However parents opt to run allowances, the key to success is consistency. If your child spends their allowance and still badly wants something, it can be tough to witness their disappointment. Saying “no” reinforces the value of saving. If they fail to hold up their end of the bargain and don’t earn their allowance, if that is an expectation, then they don’t receive payment. Both adults and children rely on predictability and common expectations when dealing with money. NEGOTIATING On the other hand, neither parents nor kids should feel bound by the arrangement. Sit together regularly to discuss what may or may not be working, and leave room to make changes, as required. “At twelve or so, your child’s need for money begins to rise dramatically,” writes Vaz-Oxdale. “This is a good age to re-evaluate the allowance system you’re using, and to introduce the concept of a spending plan.” A relationship with money is life-long, and has the power to be a source of stress. Sitting together to talk calmly about expectations, saving and spending, introduces children to healthy ways to communicate about money. For more information, check out the kids and money section of Gail Vaz-Oxdale’s blog at gailvazoxlade.com, or her book, Money Smart Kids.
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T
here’s something about January that inspires austerity in many forms. After the excess of the holiday season, budgets are revisited and food is often simpler. One sure-fire way to save both time and money on your wintertime food expenditures is to organize a ‘fill the freezer’ exchange. A freezer food exchange operates in a similar fashion as the popular Christmas cookie exchange, where you make multiple dozens of one kind of cookie then gather with friends, possibly over a glass of wine, to share your creations. The best part is everyone takes home a wide assortment of tasty treats. Here are a few tips I’ve learned about savoury food swaps. First off, you need to do some advance planning. Your neighbour’s eight-bean casserole might be delicious, but if your kids won’t eat it, it’s probably not the right dish for an exchange. It’s a good idea to have all participants meet (although a Facebook chat works as well) to propose and select recipes that are agreeable to all, with minimal duplication. At the same time, you should roughly calculate a per-serving cost to ensure that each cook is spending approximately the same amount for ingredients. Plus, it’s nice to have a diverse selection of meals, ranging from casseroles to pasta dishes to soups and stews. When evaluating recipes for made-inadvance meals, look at the ingredients and consider how they will fare after weeks or even months in the freezer. Cooked barley holds up really well to freezing, as do lentils and chickpeas; pasta should be cooked to just under al dente for best storage. It’s also a good idea to have some of your freezer meals fully cooked (just reheat and serve) while others can be ready-to-cook. Next up, be firm about respecting any important dietary restrictions. If you need dishes prepared in a peanut-free kitchen, for example, don’t assume that everyone understands how essential this is. The same applies to lactose intolerance, celiac disease and other food allergies. Make sure everyone in the group does not confuse critical food issues with dislikes. Suggest that all participants provide their recipes when you gather to share the prepared meals; if a new dish is a hit with your family, it will enable you to add it to your regular repertoire. Encourage cooks to include suggestions for any side
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dishes that would complement their frozen dishes. Examples might be ‘serve with warm, crusty bread’ or ‘goes well with Caesar salad’. Packaging is important as well. Containers should be compact and sturdy so they can be stacked efficiently in the freezer. Consider purchasing foil pans with cardboard lids at a dollar store; these come in several sizes and the lids are perfect for labelling with ingredients and reheating instructions. Zippered freezer bags or inexpensive, reusable plastic storage containers are two other options. Depending upon the culinary interests of your friends, you may want to consider a different kind of freezer-filling activity. The host can provide several different marinades while guests can bring their own protein. The meat can be tucked into
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sturdy zipper bags with the marinade and frozen until needed. A few ideas to get you started: flank steak bathed in delicious soya, sesame and ginger, or buttermilkbrined boneless chicken thighs ready to be battered in cornflake crumbs and baked to crispy perfection. If you like the idea of a frozen food swap but aren’t sure how to organize one, consider a service like SupperWorks, which has three locations in the Ottawa area. Visit with a group of friends and enjoy the convenience of having all ingredients purchased and prepared so all you have to do is assemble meals according to the recipes you’ve selected from the SupperWorks menu. Not only do you take home your creations, they do all the cleanup!
FREEZER-FRIENDLY CHEESEBURGER CASSEROLE You will need:
Casseroles are easy to freeze, and perfect for swapping with friends!
1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef 1 medium onion, diced 1 green pepper, minced 2 cups sliced mushrooms 1 28-oz can diced tomatoes, with juice 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1 teaspoon dried oregano Salt and pepper to taste. 4 cups broad egg noodles 1 1/2 cups grated cheddar
In a large skillet, brown beef over medium heat, stirring occasionally to break up clumps. Increase heat to medium high; add onion, green pepper and mushrooms and cook for five minutes, stirring. Add tomatoes and their juice, Worcestershire sauce, red pepper flakes, oregano, salt & pepper. Bring to a boil, lower heat to low and simmer, uncovered, while you bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook egg noodles for 5 minutes; drain. Put cooked noodles in freezer containers and top with beef mixture. Sprinkle cheese over top and freeze. To serve, thaw and reheat 30 minutes, uncovered at 350F.
Do you have a favourite recipe to swap or freeze for later? Send it to editor@capitalparent.ca and we’ll add it to the web version of this article at capitalparent.ca
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Top toy picks
parENtiNg BloGs
we Love
BY MARCIA MACQUARRIE, THE NOISE ON TOYS
Domestique Manager BY LYNN JATANIA
A
ngèle Lafond knows her way around a budget. She’s got three kids and a busy household to run, and she’s always on the lookout for ways to do things smarter, easier, and, where possible, cheaper. And as a professional accountant in her day job, she’s got the skills and ingenuity to make it happen On her personal blog, Domestique Manager (domestiquemanager.com), she’s got a cheerful and funny voice that brings you solutions to your everyday problems. Our absolute fave is her Life Hacks series – posts that turn awkward life moments into easy solutions. Want to eat cheaper in restaurants? Want to get a pedicure in ten minutes and Meet Angèle Lafond, the author of Domestique at a fraction of the cost at home? Manager (domestiquemanager.com) Want to read up on dishwasher logistics to save unloading time? Well, that last one might be too much for the frazzled parents among us, but it’ll at least have you thinking about all the little ways you can save time and energy – and we all know how every little bit counts when you’ve got wee ones at home. In between solving the world’s domestic problems, Angèle is a busy, involved member of the blogging community. Her blog is the place to go for info on upcoming events and bloggy conferences, and some great ideas on working effectively with brands. Add to all that her delightful adventures in parenting three little girls – her commentary on the Frozen frenzy, tales of homework with a reluctant Grade 2 student, and thoughts on being a Good Mother are charming and oh-so-true – and she’s in said kitchen trying to follow my instrucone busy lady. tions because I’m slightly anal-retentive We’ll definitely excuse her minor coffee addic- about where things go? Think the Griswolds tion – especially if it means she finds the energy to meets the old lady who lived in a shoe.
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Our testers loved playing store with the Teaching Cash Register (3+, Learning Resources). Parents loved that this free style play is also an engaging way to introduce them to the coins and bills that make up our currency. But this toy also offers other ways to learn about money, like naming coins fed into the coin slot (works with real money, too), so even preschoolers can begin to recognize and identify pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters. In our favourite game, kids are given an amount, say $1.43, and challenged to insert a combination of coins to equal it. Kids can also practice basic math with a flash card mode that quizzes them at three levels of difficulty. For families who prefer a non-electronic board game experience, Money Bags (7+, Learning Resources) is a great alternative where kids count coins
earned for various chores as they race to finish with the biggest allowance. Visit thenoiseontoys.com to read more about these and other great toys.
VISIT ONE OF OUR MANY OTTAWA LOCATIONS 809 Bank Street
Her blog is the place to go for info on upcoming events and bloggy conferences, and some great ideas on working effectively with brands.
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Noteable Quote keep sharing life gems on her blog. Soon we’re sure to have this parenting thing all figured out together. I don’t know how you do things in your household but in mine everyone helps put away the groceries. We’re a large (ish) family – 3 kids, 3 cats, 2 adults. Our weekly grocery bill is anywhere from $200 – $300 dollars depending if we need to fill up on diapers, wipes, toiletries, and general household supplies. Toilet paper is expensive, y’all. Did I mention that this large (ish) family lives in a small (ish) house? I’ve seen ensuite bathrooms bigger than my kitchen. 5 people
While I can’t change the size of my kitchen I can attempt to mitigate the chaos. It all starts at the supermarket. I place my items on the belt in groups of items, each group being separated by empty space. Each group represents a shelf, cupboard, or area said items are to be stored. Pasta shelf, breakfast shelf, snack shelf. Kitchen freezer versus basement freezer. Upstairs bathroom, downstairs bathroom. Ingredients for that night’s dinner. Once we’ve brought in the bags I become a traffic director sending kids and husband to freezers, bathrooms, and pantries with bags in hand.
Read the rest of this post and other life hacks at Domestique Manager (domestiquemanager.com/ tag/lifehacks).
(in the Glebe shopping district)
mr st i g g yw i n k l e s . c a
613-234-3836 Bayshore Shopping Centre 100 Bayshore Drive 613-721-0549 Rideau Shopping Centre 50 Rideau Street 613-230-8081 Place D’Orleans 110 Place D’Orleans Blvd 613-834-8988 315 Richmond Road
(in the Westboro shopping district)
613-761-6055
s! ie t r a p y a d h t ir b We do 613-482-4029
www.ottawa.madscience.org JANUARY 2015 9
FAMILY FUN Great River Media is thrilled to welcome a new addition to the family! Meet Sarah Ellis and Bruno Avard, and their first baby Tristan Aimé Avard. He was born on November 21, and we just love how Tristan is in a little milk coma in this shot!
SEND US YOUR PICS We’d like to see your BEST family photos and selfies! Submit your favourites and you might see one or two in a future issue. For more details go to capitalparent.ca
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Freezing DECEMBER 18, 2014 TO JANUARY 4, 2015
Freezing is a fun, family musical playing at the Gladstone Theatre which has all the playful ingredients of a fractured fairy tale: a queen, princesses and a nasty villain mixed with lots of song, dance, and laughter. It promises to be terrific entertainment for all ages. For ticket and show times go to thegladstone.ca.
New Year’s celebration DECEMBER 31
Everyone is welcome to come celebrate New Year’s Eve at TD Hogmanay ’14, the third annual Scottish Hogmanay at Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne, adjacent to the new TD Place. The evening starts at 6 p.m. inside Aberdeen Pavilion, with an indoor ceilidh, with Scottish dancing and music, the Glengarry Pipe Band, Scotch tasting, skating and fireworks at midnight. The little ones get to celebrate Scottish New Year at 7 p.m. with a full countdown, face-painting, and colouring on the Scottish Wall of Fame. For information go to facebook.com/ScottishSocietyofOttawa.com.
Alight at Night UNTIL JANUARY 3
Bundle up the family for an evening stroll through 10 JANUARY 2015 | C a p i t a l P a r e n t . c a |
this picture-perfect postcard setting at Upper Canada Village. Close to one million lights adorn the heritage buildings, trees and fences, creating a one-of-a-kind magical backdrop for its annual Alight at Night Festival. Hop on board a life-size Toy Train and enjoy holiday music including carolling at Christ Church, festive dining, shopping and other seasonal surprises at this winter wonderland. For more information go to uppercanadavillage.com
Bob the Builder’s Winter Wonderland Trip JANUARY 3 - 12 Bob the Builder™ and his Can Do Crew are setting out on a road trip, and he needs help to “pave” the way! Head over to the Children’s Museum and help build a miniature winter wonderland village, using paper cutouts, classic toy roadway sets — and, of course, Bob the Builder™. It’s free with regular museum admission. For dates and times go to historymuseum.ca.
Mary Poppins JANUARY 10 Catch one of Disney’s classic films on the big screen at the Ottawa Family Cinema. It promises to be supercalifragilistic! To refresh your memory: A magical nanny comes to work for a banker’s unhappy family. Mary Poppins is a kind of Super-nanny who flies in with her umbrella in response to the request of the Banks children and proceeds to put things right with the aid of her rather extraordinary magical powers. Considered facebook.com/CapitalParent |
N H E N N R E T E R F
A N D E B E H F I B L
D N R F R E C I S U S
F RO R L Y E A S E Z Z Z S E E NR A L A DWO OHR Z P G OB S
AVALANCHE SLIPPERY SLUSH FRIGID FREEZE
Disney’s greatest achievement by many, the movie combines songs, color and sequences of live action blended with the movements of animated figures. One showing only! For info go to familycinema.ca.
Kindergarten Information Night JANUARY 15
Will your child be starting Kindergarten in September 2015? This is a free evening of info gathering at Nepean Sportsplex is designed to help parents decide which school board will best suit their child and family before registration begins. There will be a panel of representatives from the four main school boards in Ottawa: OttawaCarleton District School Board, Ottawa Catholic School Board, Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est, Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario. Each will speak about their school board and there will be a question and answer period. A speaker will also talk about getting involved in your child’s school and share some tricks and tips about being actively involved in your child’s education. To register, do a search for the event on eventbrite.ca.
KICK IT - A DANCE CLUB FOR KIDS JANUARY 17
Back by popular demand! Centrepointe Theatre presents Kick IT- a dance club for kids. The Centrepointe Studio Theatre will once again be converted into a hoppin’ afternoon dance club for four-to-ten-year-olds – a place where kids can let loose and show off their moves or even learn new ones from our enthusiastic in-house dance crew,
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D I G I R F N R F N R
S L E Z Z Y V N P L Y
T Y F L R F O E A L PW L P R I I O A L H S S B UR E SWL E O I
avalanch slippery slush frigid freeze snow frosty blizzard frozen snowdrif
SNOW FROSTY BLIZZARD FROZEN SNOWDRIFT
The Dance Xperience. Kids are free to get creative on the dance floor with the best top 40 bangin’ beats from Dynamix Productions and get crazy in the Flashpoint Photobooth. While the kids are bustin’ a move, adults can visit the Big Kids Coffee Bar. Tickets are available only at the Centrepointe Theatre box office or by calling 613-580-2700. Please note all children must be accompanied by an adult. Both adults and children require tickets for admittance. For information go to centrepointetheatre.com.
Beethoven lives upstairs JANUARY 20
This performance at the National Arts Centre is part of the TD Family Adventures series. An exchange of letters between young Christoph and his uncle reveals that a “madman” has moved into the upstairs apartment of the boy’s Vienna home, and it’s Beethoven! This story is told through excerpts from more than 25 of his bestloved musical works. Don’t miss the free learnand-play activities in the lobbies organized by the Friends of the NAC Orchestra! The fun begins 45 minutes prior to each concert. For tickets and information go to nac-cna.ca.
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Make This Your Family's Winter Tradition!
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