Capital Parent April 2014

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Earth Day: it starts in the closet!

Roses are red...

It’s National Poetry Month

page 11

page 13

13thannual

CAPITALPARENT & Kids Show

SEE PAGE 7 FOR DETAILS

APRIL 2014 | FREE | capitalparent.ca

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY!

It’s party time!

PHOTO BY SARA MCCONNELL

Eco-friendly birthdays, great places in Ottawa to host a party, & more!

BCS Summer Language Camp A residential summer camp for boys and girls ages 11–16 53 years r of summe fun!

June 29 – July 26, 2014 Classroom instruction in English or French Bilingual sports and recreational programmes Small classes with students from around the world

www.BishopsCollegeSchool.com Summer@BishopsCollegeSchool.com · (819) 566-0227 ext. 210 • Sherbrooke, QC

ANDREA TOMKINS andrea@capitalparent.ca

THERE IS MORE GREAT STUFF ONLINE AT

capitalparent.ca!

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From The Editor I’m so pleased with this jam-packed issue of Capital Parent Newspaper. First, you’ll find lots of information about Kidsfest, which is taking place on April 5 and 6 at the EY Centre. If you’re attending, here are my top tips: (1) Bring the stroller if your kids are easily tuckered out. EY Centre is very stroller friendly, and if you think you’re going to need it, bring it. (2) Wear your walkin’ shoes, because there’s a lot to see and do. I’m a big fan of the Kratt Brothers, Ray’s Reptiles, Funatorium Explorium, and the Junkyard Symphony, and I can’t wait to see them all. (3) Carpool! Pack the mini-van with your BFF (Best Family Friends) and save a few bucks on parking. (4) Take your time and HAVE FUN. April seems to be a month full of birthdays, and so with that in mind, Gwen Leron shares a few thoughts about hosting greener birthday parties on page 6. Earth Day also takes place in April, and Sarah Niman’s piece on page 11 might change your approach. Lynn Jatania’s column this month is all about the typical – and humorous – birthday-party-related struggles many parents deal with every year. April is also National Poetry Month, and Margaret Kirkpatrick from the Ottawa Public Library is sharing some of her favourites in the library column on page 13.

Happy April, and I hope to see you at Kidsfest!

Cover Story Who’s on this month’s cover? It’s Andrew Jacob Tremblay, and this photo was taken at a “cake smash” to commemorate his birthday. Have you heard about cake smash parties? It’s the latest thing; a rite of passage that’s usually done for a first birthday. It can inspire some very fun photos too.

We asked photographer Sara McConnell – who took the photo on the cover and offers cake smash photo sessions in her home studio – why the idea of the cake smash resonates with her. Here’s what she told us: “What I love most about the cake smash sessions is watching the baby’s reactions to the cake and how they go about the ‘smash’ process. Every single baby

is different in their approach and it’s always fun to see whether they jump right in, delicately poke a finger, taste the icing, and their facial expressions to the taste and feel of the icing.”

Thinking of hosting a cake smash on your own?

Go for it! It’s a lot of fun. Lay a clean sheet down under both cake and kid, choose vanilla over chocolate, and go easy on the icing. Remember, whatever your child is wearing will probably be covered in cake and icing, so choose the outfit wisely. Most importantly, don’t forget to make sure your camera batteries are charged! Got cake smash photos to share? We’d love to see them!

Email your favourites to editor@capitalparent.ca.

PUBLISHER Mark Sutcliffe mark@greatriver.ca

editor ’s

faves

EDITOR Andrea Tomkins andrea@capitalparent.ca CONTRIBUTORS Lynn Jatania • Jason Haug • Gwen Leron • Sara McConnell • Sarah Niman COPY EDITOR Judith van Berkom

>FAMILY TECH Ultra lightweight and portable, the Samsung Chromebook is a great second computer for the family.

Our Chromebook has been deemed the homework computer (both at home and at school when needed) and I always use it to refer to recipes while making dinner.

Available at Staples.ca.

>A SWEET FIND This is good chocolate, for many reasons! Fair Trade, organic and peanut free (!), Camino’s milk chocolate Easter bunny will be hitting retail store shelves across the country, just in time for Easter.

Available at Ten Thousand Villages, Herb & Spice on Bank St., Shoppers Drug Mart, Sobey’s, and online at camino.ca.

>WICKEDLY WHITE Wicked Cool by Tom’s of Maine is a new natural toothpaste for children 8+. This fresh new alternative is made without dyes, saccharin or artificial flavors, and has just the right amount of minty freshness for kids.

Available at select drug stores across Canada.

We’d like to stay in touch with you Sign up for Capital Parent’s email newsletter to get the latest news, events, profiles & tips for Ottawa’s on-the-go need-to-know families.

It’s free!

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CREATIVE DIRECTOR Tanya Connolly-Holmes 613-238-1818 ext. 253 creative@greatriver.ca DESIGN & PRODUCTION Sarah Ellis sarah@greatriver.ca ADVERTISING Mike Beard 613-238-1818 ext. 270 mbeard@obj.ca

CAPITALPARENT is published by

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Mark Sutcliffe PRESIDENT Michael Curran CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Donna Neil V.P. SALES Terry Tyo 613-238-1818 ext. 268 terry@greatriver.ca OFFICE LOCATION: 250 CITY CENTRE DRIVE SUITE 500, OTTAWA MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. BOX 3814, STATION C OTTAWA, ONTARIO K1Y 4J8

capitalparent.ca

CARING FOR KIDS

Healthy habits for families on Earth Day

BY JASON HAUG, PROGRAM & PROJECT MANAGEMENT OFFICER, OTTAWA PUBLIC HEALTH

E

very year on April 22, we celebrate Earth Day – the largest environmental event in the world. Usually when people talk about Earth Day, they associate it with recycling and picking up garbage. These are great places to start, but they are not the only things we can do.

Earth Day is the perfect time to think about what changes we can make on a daily basis that make this world a little bit greener, cleaner, and healthier. It is about reducing our carbon footprint. This includes thinking about things like the amount of fuel we use in our cars, the amount of energy we consume, and what products we choose to purchase.

REDUCE FUEL BY USING YOUR OWN One of the best ways to reduce your family’s carbon footprint is to change the way you get around. Making actual footprints will reduce your carbon footprint. That’s right! Walking for short trips instead of using the car is one of the best ways to cut back on fuel and pollution.

Think about the many trips we make every day: to work, school, or to the grocery store. How many of these are short trips? Ottawa Public Health recommends walking for short trips of 2 km or less. A trip of 2 km is about 30 minutes of physical activity, which can help adults reach the recommended 150 minutes of actvity needed each week. Children aged 5 to 11 years should be getting 60 minutes of physical activity per day.

One way school-aged kids can squeeze in more physical actvity is by walking to school. If walking alone is an issue, consider organizing or joining a walking school bus (walkingschoolbus. org). A walking school bus is a group of children who walk to school together with one or more supervising adults. This idea helps keep kids safer and gives them some much-needed social time.

Another way to boost physical activity while also being a bit greener is to reduce screen time.

Consider implementing an electronics-free day

once a week and replacing that screen time with a fun activity such as skating, swimming at the local pool, or going for a bike ride.

EATING GREEN MAKES THE WORLD GREEN According to the David Suzuki Foundation, livestock production accounts for 70 per cent of all agricultural land use and occupies 30 per cent of the land surface of the planet. How about introducing Meatless Mondays into your weekly menu plans? One great way to make sure you are eating mainly plant-based foods is to follow Canadas Food Guide. Most of your daily servings should come from two plant-based groups: vegetable and fruits as well as grain products.

Eating local produce is also another way to keep things a bit greener. “Food miles” refers to the distance food has to travel to get from the farm to your plate. The fewer miles your food travels, the less fuel is used and the fresher your food will be.

Ottawa families can celebrate Earth Day by joining a community organization called Hidden Harvest (ottawa.hiddenharvest.ca). Hidden Harvest encourages residents to plant fruit and nut trees on their property and share the harvest with local food banks. Not only does this teach kids important food skills, but it also shows them a way they can give back to their community.

Gee-Gees sPORTs CamPs aRe a sTeP abOve The ResT J A convenient downtown location J Free before and after childcare J Morning snack and daily lunches included J High-quality sports instruction from Gee-Gees

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For more information, visit ottawa.ca/ health or call 613-580-6744 (TTY: 613- 580-9656). You can also connect with OPH on Facebook (facebook.com/ottawahealth), Tumblr (ottawahealth. tumblr. com), Twitter (@OttawaHealth) and on Pinterest (www.pinterest.com/otthealthsante).

J Recreational swim sessions J Bilingual camp setting

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THIRD TIME’S THE CHARM

Home is where the party is

BY LYNN JATANIA

M

y son turned 11 last month, and although we never thought we’d get him to loosen his grip on a day when he is destined to receive a lot of new LEGO, it seems he’s finally turned a corner. No more big bash; we’ve moved on to just having “a couple of guys” over for a “hangout.”

It’s a shame, because after years of hosting three celebrations a year, we now have the Home Party down to a science.

Sure, we’ve done our share of offshore partying – fantastic places where the staff run the show and you just have to show up with a cake and some loot bags – but nothing quite beats the drama, stress, and sheer hurricane force of a party at your own house, does it?

First, you’re going to have to pick a day. I know, you’ve got gymnastics on Saturday mornings and ski lessons Sunday afternoons, and the weekend before is a holiday weekend and the

weekend after there’s a Girl Guide camp.

Really, your best bet is to just point randomly at the calendar and call it booked.

I mean, will the guests even know what month it is, let alone when their buddy’s birthday actually falls? I think not.

Now, it does help create a party atmosphere if you can get some other kids to come. I like to make invites on my home computer featuring internet-pilfered images of a) lots of cake, b) various superheroes and TV characters, and c) plenty of toys, because it’s all about the marketing. What kid isn’t going to beg to attend your shindig, if they think they’ll score some sweet swag and maybe get a selfie with Captain America? They’ll be rushing to RSVP. I know all those fancy handmade decorations on Pinterest look enticing, but really, the kids are not going to notice.

Here’s what I recommend to jazz up the place: get yourself some helium balloons.

Balloons are so festive, and give the whole place a flavour of “decorated” without you actually having to do much at all. If you get them on little weights, you can even

put them in strategic places where they will soon become the focus of Bozo the Clown-style bopping games. Talk about getting that party STARTED. You’ll definitely need some food. You can go healthy or treaty – no judgement here – but do try to avoid stuff that stains when ground into a carpet. Exception: always have a glass of red wine handy. You will not need to ask why.

You’ll want to have some games and activities and stuff, but tread lightly here, because games with a “winner” play well at age 8 but cause endless heartbreak at age 5, and the last thing you need on your hands when you’re trying to get red wine out of the carpet and keeping eager fingers out of the loot bags is trying to teach a dozen preschoolers about the concept of Being A Good Sport.

Looking for party-related crafting tips?

Glue at your own peril; paint, and you’re a better person than I am.

Always, always, have a video in your back pocket.

Try to get another parent or an older

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kid to take pictures while your kid opens her gifts. That’s so you can keep both hands free for breaking up the frenzy. Trust me, the gift opening segment of the party is going to take a LOT less time than you think. A LOT. If you can get your kid to throw out a thankyou or two during the mayhem, you’ve officially won The Birthday Games.

A cake of some sort is expected.

We’ve had fancy bakery cakes with handmade fondant jungle animals on top. We’ve had noxious blue Thomas the Tank Engine slabs from the grocery store and cupcakes made from a mix with store-bought 100% artificial icing. Let me tell you this: it’s all just a big pile of sugar to a kid. So cake selection really comes down to just one thing: what

do you personally want to eat as leftovers?

Because it’s going to be breakfast for the next week, and you may as well pick out your favourite flavour. Also: don’t forget candles, because fire and children are always a fun mix.

Last but not least, there must be loot bags – gotta make good on that invitation marketing, right?

I like to hand out a LEGO set to each kid, because if there’s one thing I’ve learned from this parenting gig, it’s that you can never have too much LEGO, and guests who disagree can always sell their set on eBay for a nice profit.

And of course, every guest helps tidy by taking home a balloon – way to get that party ENDED. Final step: collapsing on the couch in victory. It’s a piece of cake!

need “someYou’llfood.definitely You can go

healthy or treaty - no judgement here - but do try to avoid stuff that stains when ground into a carpet. Exception: always have a glass of red wine handy. You will not need to ask why.

”

APRIL 2014 5

Green up your birthday party!

BY GWEN LERON

B

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50 Vaughan Street, Ottawa, ON K1M 1X1

irthday parties are an exciting event in a child’s life. They are turning a year older, they get to celebrate with friends and family, and open presents. These are the things that come to mind when we think about birthday parties, but have you thought about the waste they leave behind? With Earth Day coming up this month, this is a great time to contemplate how we plan our children’s birthday parties and maybe find a way to work in some options that minimize waste.

When it comes to planning an eco-friendly birthday, one may assume that it’s difficult and expensive, but that doesn’t have to be the case.

With a little creative thinking, you can put together a greener party that will involve less trash at the end of the day and save money too. Having your children involved in the planning will also make them more receptive to some of the ideas involved. Here are four ideas to get you started: SEND ECO-FRIENDLY INVITATIONS Nowadays, there’s no pressing need for paper invitations that will be thrown in the recycling once the information has been recorded. Paper is nice, but you can opt for sending invites online with evite.com or punchbowl.com.

BUY REUSABLE DECORATIONS AND REUSABLE PARTY DISHES Party decor can be used over and over again and will save you money in the long run. Google “DIY

eco party decor,” for some great project ideas such as fabric buntings and cloth party napkins you can decorate yourself with fabric paint. If you are not the DIY type, a great source for eco-party decorations and tableware is greenplanetparties.com.

GO GIFT-FREE For most kids, gifts may be a tough thing to give up, but with some explanation, many will understand and even come to appreciate the reasoning behind the no-gift decision. A good compromise might be to only have gifts from family and no gifts from friends. Another option is to ask invitees for a donation to a charity or cause near and dear to your family’s heart. Echoage.com is an earth-friendly, charity-based party planning service that is worth checking out.

OPT FOR ECO-FRIENDLY LOOT BAGS (or don’t have goodie bags at all) The kids really won’t miss loot bags, but if they are really important to you, consider giving earthfriendly items such as healthy homemade treats, seeds they can plant at home, or an ecocraft that was the result of a party activity.

Instead of loot bags, how about sending each child home with a cupcake or healthy homemade treat?

LOOKING FOR A NEW PLACE TO HOST A BIRTHDAY PARTY? FOR THE REPTILE FAN: • Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo (raysreptiles. com) has birthday party packages that ooze awesomeness for kids of all pages. Party packages include a feeding demonstration and handson learning.

FOR THE BUG COLLECTOR: • The Canadian Museum of Nature (nature.ca) has the best collection of creepy crawlies to observe at eye level. The basic party package includes a DIY tour of the permanent galleries and use of the lunch area. To commemorate the occasion, send kids home with gummy worms and a bug collection kit.

FOR THE MOVIE BUFF: • The Rainbow Cinema is the

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cheapest ticket in town. After the fun is over, the loot bag could include gift certificates to the movie theatre or DVDs of a fave flick.

FOR THE CHEF: • It’s so nice to leave the clean up to someone else sometimes, isn’t it? The birthday parties at the PC cooking school (pccookingschool. ca) are all hands on, and there are a few different themes from which to choose.

FOR THE SPORTS FAN: • How about celebrating a birthday at a Ottawa 67s game (ottawa67s. com)? This party package has some sweet surprises too: your child’s name is announced to the crowd and a photo is displayed on the video board. The deal includes pizza and beverages too. What a score!

13thannual

CAPITALPARENT & Kids Show

Aprilth h 6 t 5 & 9a.m. - 5p.m. e tr en Clan Y E vd Bl ds Up 99 48

OVER 70 EXHIBITORS IN EDUCATION, RETAIL, TRAVEL, HEALTH & WELLNESS & FUN!

BU Y YO UR TIC KE TS NOW AT K I D S F E S TOT TAW A .C A

WELCOME TO KIDSFEST 2014

PARENT, I would On behalf of the team at CAPITAL ual Kidsfest Ottawa, like to welcome you to the 13th ann nt. Over the last a CAPITALPARENT Newspaper eve ng to both our few years we have really been listeni our passion to exhibitors and visitors who share in for all ages. With create a truly family friendly event year’s show and this in mind, we hope you enjoy this your family for look forward to welcoming you and many more years to come.

Sabrina Tedesco

KIDSFEST SHOW MANAGER GREAT RIVER MEDIA

THANK YOU TO OUR VALUED PARTNERS

APRIL 2014 7

2014 EXHIBITORS

STROLLER PARKING 237 336

133 232

115 214

217

113 212

112

323

RETAIL ROW

LEGO BUILD

117 216

215

321 420 319 418

414

532

419

524

417 415

520

215

Académie de la Capitale acadecap.org

413

516

409

PLAY ZONE

309 408

201 300

301

118

203

415

117

Camp Merideth Chelsea centremeredith.ca

Canadian Museum of History historymuseum.ca

Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo

405

EXIT

401

319

Music for Young Children

The Children’s Place 212 childrensplace.on.ca

myc.com

Ottawa Academy of Martial Arts oama.ca

309

228

101

Ottawa Catholic School Board ocsb.ca

Ottawa Fire Services 133 ottawa.ca/en/residents/

capitalcity501st.ca

Children’s Wish Foundation

Ottawa International 225 Children’s Festival

childrenswish.ca

Conseil des ecoles catholique 106 de Centre Est (CECCE)

ecolecatholique.ca

EXIT

401

308

408

112

321

NCE

ENTRA

supperworks.com

The League of Super Heroes theleagueofsuperheroes.com

Tennyson Street Travel tennysonstreettravel.ca

110

Costco

Tiny Hoppers tinyhoppers.ca

emergency-services/fire-services

Univeristy of Ottawa Childhood 205 Cognition & Learning Laboratory

socialsciences.uottawa.ca/ccll

ottawachildrensfestival.ca

114

Ottawa Museum Network

113

129

405

131

214

Usborne Books usbornebooksathome.ca

ottawamuseumnetwork.ca

Ottawa Provincial Police

WonderWorks Destiny wonderworksonline.com/destiny

opp.ca

cepeo.on.ca

230

SupperWorks

Capital City Garrison 501st

532

raysreptiles.com

sciencetech.technomuses.ca

Conseil des ecoles publique 323 de l’est de l’Ontario (CEPEO)

514

PLASMA CARS

518

209 308

203 302

EXIT

522

GYRO GYM

RETAIL ROW

EDUCATIONAL AREA

INSPIRATION STAGE

EDUCATIONAL ALLEY

INFO

101

526

311 410

205 304

530

528

211 310

207 306

530

421

110

106

115

223 322

116

114

227 326 225 324

121

Canadian Science & 216 Technology Museum

HEALTH & WELLNESS

SPIDER CLIMB

118

231 330

SPEED STACKS

129 228

MAIN STAGE

233 332

NURSING STATION

131 230

EXIT

235 334

TRAVEL PAVILION

ADVENTURE ZONE

RAY’S REPTILES

135 234

Pedalheads

Your Creative Locket - 304 South Hill Desgins

pedalheads.com

yourcreativelocket.com

costco.ca

CST Consultants

Primerica primericacanada.ca

cst.org

Desjardins Financial Security

209

207

131

Pro-Care After School Centre procarecentre.ca

EXIT SAMPLES

Old Dutch Foods Nutrisoya

desjardins.com

Elmwood School

Scholar’s Choice scholarschoice.ca

elmwood.ca

Investors Group

Scouts Canada scouts.ca

investorsgroup.com

Knowledge First Financial

Sunlife Financial & 302 Investment Services

knowledgefirstfinancial.ca

sunlife.ca

Ottawa Children’s Choir

Ottawa Children’s ChoeurChoir d’enfants d’Ottawa Choeur d’enfants d’Ottawa

Plan to succeed. | May 24 | 7PM SaturdaySaturday | May 24 | 7PM

Whatever your plans, our personalized approach to financial planning can help Dominion-Chalmers United | 355 Cooper Street Dominion-Chalmers United Church | 355Church Cooper Street make them a reality. Let me help you provide for the people you care about… for an audition ortickets, to purchase contact Anna at now and over time.

To sign-upTo forsign-up an audition or to purchase please tickets, contact please Anna at info@ottawachildrenschoir.ca or (613) info@ottawachildrenschoir.ca (613) Saturday, April 26th 9 a.m.

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2014 Auditions 2014 Auditions th 9AM st 9AM Anna ToSaturday, sign-up for an audition or to purchase tickets, please contact at th st April 26 – 1PM & Saturday, May 31 – 1PM Saturday, April 26 9AM – 1PM & Saturday, May 31 9AM – 1PM ™ Trademark owned by IGM Financial Inc. and licensed to its subsidiary corporations.

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Ann Hill CPCA Consultant (613) 742-8018 www.annhill.ca

annm.hill@investorsgroup.com

MAINSTAGE SCHEDULE SATURDAY RAY’S REPTILES UNDER THE CANOPY - ANIMALS OF THE RAINFOREST FEATURES A VARIETY OF SPECIES OF ANIMALS FOUND IN THE RAINFOREST AROUND THE WORLD.

9:30a.m.

PUPPET TAMER TIM WILL ENTERTAIN AUDIENCES WITH HIS UNCOOPERATIVE PUPPETS & CIRCUS STUNTS.

10:30a.m.

RAY’S REPTILES

12:30p.m.

PUPPET TAMER

1:30p.m.

KRATT BROTHERS THE AMAZON ADVENTURE EVENT, CHRIS & MARTIN WILL SHARE ANECDOTES WITH THE CROWD FROM THE CREATURE ADVENTURES THEY HAVE EXPERIENCED.

2:30p.m.

JUNKYARD SYMPHONY

11:30a.m.

KRATT AUTOGRAPH CHRIS & MARTIN SIGN AUTOGRAPHS BY THE MAIN STAGE.

3:30p.m.

Now Offering

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JUNKYARD JONNY & JUGGLING JOE PROVIDE FULL TIME ENTERTAINMENT WITH THEIR UNIQUE INSTRUMENTS.

Also offering summer camps, birthday parties & play classes.

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APRIL 2014 9

MAINSTAGE SCHEDULE SUNDAY RAY’S REPTILES

RAY’S REPTILES

MIKE THE KNIGHT

MIKE THE KNIGHT

9:30a.m.

“BE A KNIGHT, DO IT RIGHT!” THE HEROIC MIKE CONJURES UP THE EXCITEMENT & ENCHANTMENT OF MEDIEVAL TIMES INTO THE LIFE OF THE MODERN PRESCHOOLER.

10:30a.m.

Did you know that Mothercraft Ottawa has a full day kindergarten program?

1:30p.m.

Our alternative full day kinder program offers:

2:30p.m.

PUPPET TAMER

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arent facebook.com/CapitalP tOTT @capitalparent #kidsfes

PUPPET TAMER

12:30p.m.

• Maximum class size of 20 children with a 1:10 educator to child ratio.

• Hands on, play based learning to inspire and maximize your child’s potential while learning at their own pace.

• Daily French instruction with a dedicated French educator.

• Curriculum based outings to museums, concerts, libraries, theatre and community activities.

• Swimming lessons, Zumba, yoga and hip hop are all part of our curriculum.

• Dedicated classroom space in a safe, secure environment in the Westboro neighborhood.

• Nutritious hot lunches and 2 snacks are provided daily.

This is all part of our unique year-round program, which includes programming during the summer months, Christmas and March Breaks.

For more information & registration please call

613-728-1839 EXT. 241

CALLING ALL LADIES! OTTAWA’S LARGEST

Consignment Sale

WOMEN’S & KIDS CONSIGNMENT

SALE!

2 W E E K E N D S T O S H O P • S E L L S M A R T . S H O P S AV V Y

Hot Tots & Hot Mamas are the latest trends in selling consignment. It’s 2 weekend events showcasing Ottawa’s best second-hand women’s & children’s clothing, items & accessories.

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• DON’T MISS OUT!

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT OUR WEBSITE

HotTots.ca facebook.com/HotTots

ADMISSION IS $2 OR FREE WITH A NON-PERISHABLE FOOD/CAN DONATION!

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MARCH 29-30, 2014 EARL OF MARCH S.S KANATA APRIL 12-13, 2014 RA CENTRE OTTAWA

FAMILY MATTERS

Earth Day awareness begins at home

BY SARAH NIMAN

K

ids of any age can help clean their room, but there seems to be a universal disdain for the chore. We all recognize the sounds: a whine, the exaggerated exhale, the drawn out, “but mo-ohhhhhhm!”

Motivation is in especially short supply with days growing longer and warmer. If only there was a way to turn this dreaded job into a rewards system, one that doesn’t cost a dime.

Earth Day (April 22) gives us a chance to clean out closets and start a conversation about where things go when we are finished with them.

Open up the window to let the fresh air in, and get some empty laundry baskets: it’s sorting time.

Little hands can help sort torn clothing, older kids can separate outgrown and worn-out items.

Broken action figures, ripped books, scratched DVDs—purge it all. Rather than opening a trash bag and throwing it all in, kids can divert waste from the landfill in a number of ways.

If a toy, book, shirt or other item is still in good condition, it can be donated to a number of places that will resell it or pass it on to other families. The Youville Centre dispenses baby items, kids clothes and toys to single-parent families in need. The Salvation Army and the Society of Saint Vincent

de Paul thrift stores sell them at low prices to those who cannot afford items new. Value Village buys donated items from charities that will drive to your door to pick things up. All you have to do is call the Canadian Diabetes Association or the Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy to schedule a pick-up.

You can also forge alliances with neighbours, friends and family and offer your second-hand clothes to those with kids right behind yours in age.

If you’d prefer to teach your little entrepreneurs about business, you could involve them in consigning their items. Many Ottawa neighbourhoods have consignment stores that will sell your hand-medowns and give you a portion of the proceeds.

Using the City of Ottawa’s online Waste Explorer, you can learn how to sort broken and worn-out items for recycling, sparing the garbage bin. Depending on the material, it can be recycled in the regular blue box pickup, or collected at special household waste collections, held throughout spring and summer.

On June 7 and 8, put your unwanted items

When we include our kids in our efforts to make good use of our unwanted things, we raise them to be conscious of their environmental footprints.

PHOTO BY SARAH NIMAN.

on your curb for Ottawa’s citywide give-away weekend. Make a “free” sign out of a piece of cardboard, tape it to your items, and let your neighbours help themselves to old books, movies, kitchen gadgets, and unwanted gifts.

Some parents may have the inclination to take a DIY route instead. Involving kids in crafty upcycling projects can extend the life of well-used items. There are a number of online tutorials for turning T-shirts into bags and art smocks, oxford shirts into dresses, and baby onesies into hats. Ottawa mother Susan Markus turns old T-shirts and bed sheets into yarn she then knits into stuffed animals. She then sells the toys through her Etsy shop (look for SuzieQTee) and Tickled Pink in the By Ward Market.

Helping kids understand what happens next in the consumer chain is the hidden reward for clearing out closets. Making real-life connections fosters a greater sense of responsibility and awareness about why it matters. At the very least, a cleared space may be more likely to be kept clean by easily distracted kids.

Ottawa’s waste ends up in one of two landfills: the Trail Waste Facility or the Springhill Landfill in Osgoode. If our waste patterns remain the same, Springhill will be full by 2018, and Trail by 2035.

When we include our kids in our efforts to make good use of our unwanted things, we raise them to be conscious of their environmental footprints. And hey, if all else fails, an after-dinner ice cream for a hard day’s work has been known to turn even the biggest skeptics in the under-12 crowd.

Sarah Niman is a writer, wife, and mother of four.

She blogs at www.cureforboredomiscuriosity.com.

Find it online, fast!

The Youville Centre: youvillecentre.org The Salvation Army: salvationarmy.ca Value Village: valuevillage.com Canadian Diabetes Association: diabetes.ca/clutter Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy: ofcp.ca/used_clothes.php City of Ottawa Waste Explorer: tinyurl.com/pazu7hh

APRIL 2014 11

ParENtiNg BloGs

we LOve Healthy Mumma

BY LYNN JATANIA

S

hauna Ironside understands. She knows that when you become a parent, your own needs often go on the back burner – who has time to worry about health and fitness when you’re barely getting three hours of sleep a night and busy monitoring the food intake and bowel movements of several other small bodies? But at her blog, Healthy Mumma (healthymumma.com), Shauna has tons of great advice and tips for working a little (low pressure!) healthful living into your busy life.

Health and wellness is always at the forefront of Shauna’s mind, as her day jobs include athletic therapist and osteopath. But her blog isn’t cold and clinical – it’s personal, warm, and gently encouraging. Expecting your first baby? Shauna’s got the goods on all the equipment, training, and personal support you’ll need – be sure to read her essential guide to breastfeeding prep. Just gave birth? She’s got a series on dealing with post-partum incontinence – frank advice that you won’t find many

other mommies talking about. And we just love her ideas on using kiddie toys for exercise – fun, funny, and easy enough that parents at any stage will be encouraged to get down on the floor and get a little active.

Her best inspiration, however, comes from her personal experience with her own baby boy, who recently turned a year old. She admits it’s hard to fit workouts into her schedule, to get enough rest, and to actually sit at the table to eat. But she still tries to carve out a little time for herself – both for her own sake and that of her son. It’s a place we’ve all been, and with Shauna leading the way, maybe we’ll all climb our way back to being Healthy Mummas.

the dark winter days, but I know that my lack of exercise has also played a role.

This time last year and into the spring, I was doing a heck of a lot more than I am now. I was committed to my three swim sessions and a postnatal fitness class once or twice a week. I even got in a run every now and then. And in the lovelier, warmer weather, I walked daily with B. Everywhere. I’d walk while he napped in the buggy. I’d walk to visit my parents. I’d walk to and from exercise class. I walked and walked. And walked some more.

To be fair to myself, life was a little different back then. B was smaller, more portable, less mobile and could sleep anywhere – like through an entire exercise class. And I wasn’t working like I am now. So there are some big changes that I’d say have legitimately conflicted with my exercise regime, but this is not an excuse for the measly two hours (max) that I am getting in these days.

1 It’s time to get GMSElemAdGR14.pdf real.

Noteable Quote I know my body needs more. My sanity needs more. The last few months I’ve been feeling kinda Blah - with a capital b. I think it has been a combination of not eating well enough, shifting hormones as B started nursing less, and

Read the rest of this post and more at Healthy Mumma (healthymumma.com).

2/23/14

MeetPM Shauna Ironside of Healthy Mumma.

2:44 PHOTO COURTESY OF ANDREW GEDDES, UNION ELEVEN PHOTOGRAPHERS.

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A Child’s Garden of Verses,

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The Tale of Custard the Dragon,

by Ogden Nash. Illustrated by Lynn Munsinger.

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Ages 3-8 Nash’s words paint wonderful images and Munsinger’s illustrations add to the words. Belinda is a brave role model, and Custard is a green and purple dragon who finds his hidden reserve of strength.

My Mother Goose: A collection of favorite rhymes, songs, and concepts,

by David McPhail.

Ages 2-5 McPhail’s delightful illustrations match perfectly with these Mother Goose rhymes; classic rhymes to be read and shared together.

Wee Rhymes: Baby’s First Poetry Book,

by Jane Yolen. Illustrated by Jane Dyer.

Ages 2-5 A book illustrated by Jane Dyer is a book worthy of sharing with someone special. This collection of poems written by Jane Yolen (with some by Mother Goose too), follows a child’s day from waking up (“lying cozy in your crib”) through to playing, eating, reading, and bedtime (“Good night, sleep tight. Happy dreams till morning light.”)

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“

oUR family

When you’re curious, you find lots of interesting things to do. - Walt Disney

caleNdaR April Fool’s Day APRIL 1

Looking for a fun prank to play on your family? We’ll be posting some of our favorites at capitalparent.ca, so look for them online the week of March 24. Got one to share?

Email it to editor@capitalparent.ca and we’ll add it to the list.

Earth Day APRIL 22

There are many great family activities you can do for Earth Day! Check out the official website at earthday.ca for some inspiration.

Stars on Ice APRIL 27

Parenting workshop APRIL 1

Bestselling author and psychologist Dr. Maggie Mamen (psychologist and author of The Pampered Child Syndrome) will be talking about confident parenting at 7:00 p.m.

– 9:00 p.m. in the Ashbury College Theatre (362 Mariposa Avenue). Admission is free, though donations to the Ottawa Food Bank are encouraged.

Edible Arctic Festival APRIL 3 – 7

This uniquely Canadian event at the Canadian Museum of Nature gives us a glimpse into the far north and engages all of our senses, including taste! There will be Inuit storytelling, an Arctic craft fair, a food fair (bannock, muskox and Arctic-berry jam!) as well as cultural performances. See nature.ca for more information and admission info.

For the first time ever, Stars on Ice will include performances by members of the Canadian Olympic figure skating team. Hot from the Olympics, this is a great opportunity to see Patrick Chan, and Tessa Virtue & Scott Moir.

For more information go to starsonice.ca.

Game on!

APRIL 27

We are big board game fans here at Capital Parent, and this event sounds like a lot of fun. Game & Groove at Centrepointe Theatre gives families a chance to try out some new board games (or enjoy some old favourites!) and groove to some funky beats on a Sunday afternoon. Tickets are available at the box office or by calling 613-580-2700. For more information go to centrepointetheatre.ca

”

Top toy picks

BY ANITA GRACE

With Make Clay Charms from Klutz, kids create cute, colourful charms to attach to the included bracelet. The kit comes with everything crafters need, including easy to follow instructions, finishing glaze, shaping tools, and charm loops.

Testers gave this toy the top Children’s Choice Award in 2014. Retailing for less than $25, it makes for a great birthday present for kids 8 and up.

To see other award-winning toys, visit toy-testing.org.

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WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Kidsfest, the Capital Parent & Kids Show APRIL 5 & 6

editor@capitalparent.ca

in’s Nursery art M Established 1964 S

SEND US YOUR PICS We’d like to see your BEST family photos! 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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We’re so excited about Kidsfest 2014! There is a lot of great stuff in store for Ottawa families: the Kratt Brothers, Mike the Knight, Little Ray’s Reptiles, Funatorium Explorium, and much more. For details go to kidsfestottawa.ca.

DO YOU KNOW OF AN EVENT THAT CAPITAL PARENTS WOULD LIKE TO HEAR ABOUT?

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