FamilyLife - June 2018 by Lawrence Ambrocio

25 Best Animated Films

3 ways to make kebabs

Prep for a sibling

FamilyLife Neat & Clean

June 2018

June Contents

ADVICE

ORGANIZE

FEATURES

17 Why I Run

35 Controlling the chaos: Tips to a clutter-free home

47 25 best animated movies for kids

25 Preparing Kids for Another Sibling 29 The New Parent's Guide to Picking a Pediatrician

FOOD 77 3 simple kid-friendly kebabs

35 IN EVERY ISSUE 14 Editor's Letter 82 Last Look

ON THE COVER Photography by Corbis

Family Life ‐ June 2018

FamilyLife EDITOR IN-CHIEF Pamela Hayford EXECUTIVE EDITOR Suzanne Moutis CREATIVE DIRECTOR Karen Paddon EDITORIAL OPERATIONS & ASSISTANT BUSINESS MANAGER Olga Goncalves Costa TEST KITCHEN FOOD DIRECTOR Soo Kim SENIOR FOOD ASSOCIATE Stina Diös CONTRIBUTING FOOD SPECIALISTS Donna Borooah, Cara Tegler ART DEPUTY ART DIRECTOR Lena Diaz ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR Sarah Big Canoe CONTRIBUTING ART DIRECTOR Leanne Gilbert PRODUCTION SPECIALIST Genevieve Pizzale EDITORIAL SENIOR FEATURES EDITOR Megan Howard FEATURES EDITOR Mary Levitski COPY EDITORS Debbie Madsen Villamere, Stephanie Zolis EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Marianne Davidson, Sarah Dziedzic HOME & GARDEN HOME & STYLE DIRECTOR Ann Marie Favot DESIGN EDITOR Morgan Lindsay ADVERTISING SALES, TORONTO SENIOR DIRECTOR, MEDIA SOLUTIONS, TRANSACTIONAL Jérôme Leys KEY ACCOUNT DIRECTORS, NATIONAL ADVERTISING SALES David Garby, Andrea McBride, Akta Sharma ADVERTISING COORDINATION TEAM LEADER Maddie Belanger ADVERTISING COORDINATION MANAGER Janice Clarke NATIONAL SALES REPRESENTATIVES Cathy Ellis, Gary Forshaw, Joanne Landry, Delainie Salvatore, Vanessa Watson DIGITAL NATIONAL SALES REPRESENTATIVES Paul Cummins, Gwen O’Toole, Tony Vigario, Joanna Woodman SALES ASSOCIATE Patricia Mixemong MARKETING & CREATIVE SOLUTIONS BRAND MANAGER Mieka Jansen SENIOR STRATEGIST Stephanie Mediati STRATEGIST Jeremie Marcoux PROJECT MANAGERS Janine Short, Kathryn Walsh ART DIRECTOR Suzanne Lacorte

Family Life ‐ June 2018

Editor's Letter

Summer Splash Welcome, summer! To usher in this most wonderful time of the year, here’s my A-to-Z list of things we’re looking forward to in your home. Air conditioning: because it can get hot! Blueberries— and fresh fruit—yum! Concerts: While I’m looking forward to many, I’m most excited for Erasure as I’ve never seen them live. Dinner: so much easier in the summer! Easy: Summer laundry is easier because the clothes aren’t as bulky—and no school clothes! Flipflops: I’d wear them all year if I could. Grill: Fire it up for a simple and tasty meal. Hot: Nothing beats a hot summer day. Ice cream—because, ice cream. July 4th: a fun celebration. Ketchup: on a grilled burger. Lemonade stand: I love to stop by and purchase from kids in the neighborhood. Margarita: They’re always good, but everything seems to taste a tad better during the summer. Nights: Like they sing about in Grease, enjoy those “summer ni-ights.” Ocean: Our family vacay this summer is a week at the beach, and I can’t wait. Pool: best place to be on a hot summer day. Quick: Why does summer seem so much shorter than the other seasons? Relax: Take time to unwind during the summer. Simple: The unstructured, nowhere-to-be-at-any-certain-time days of summer are the best. Tan: Yes, I wear my sunscreen, but I do enjoy getting a tan. Umbrella: Keep it handy for a summer storm. Vacation: If you don’t have one planned, do it! Even a weekend away is good for the soul. Water: Ocean, lake or pool, one of my fave places to be is next to the water. eXciting: Summer brings great adventures. Yard: Often you’ll find me in a hammock swing in the backyard. Zilch: the number of boring days in summer. Happy summer in your home! And, Dads, Happy Father’s Day!

Pamela Hayford Editor In-Chief

June 2018 - Family Life

Advice

Why I Run

By STEPHANIE LOUX

Family Life ‐ June 2018

Advice I have been training for some longer races lately and have had more time to contemplate why I run. Why do I run? Why do I run so far, so many miles or so often? Why is it a priority for me each week? My dad has been giving me a hard time about running away from my kids, but the thing is, it's not too far from the truth! I have been lucky to live out my dream of being a stay-at-home mom to our children for seven years now. Parenting is so fun and rewarding but it really is exhausting and overwhelming at times. I was a mom first and runner second. Not in the lovely way of saying that I put motherhood before my running (I do), but because I was not a runner until my first baby was about 9 months old. I was active in high school and participated in various sports, even intramurals in college, but I was not on the track or cross country team. Sometimes I would become motivated to run around the block, and my dad joked that I had completed my bi-annual run. Fast forward to marriage, moving to a new city and away from anyone we knew, and I bought a jogging stroller hoping that shelling out that much moolah would motivate me to get out and get back in shape. On top of buying the stroller for motivation, I also had a 1-year-old golden retriever that needed exercise. I specifically had wanted a dog that would require me to exercise, even if it was walking every day. Another motivating factor for me then, that continues six years later, is registering for a race. I need that kick in the rear. The slightly competitive part of me wants to be able to finish without walking, to not feel like I'm dying and to try not to be last. Running is effective and quick exercise for the busy mom working around everyone else's schedule. Even 20-30 minutes is sufficient time to get some miles in before moving on with the rest of your day. It's also a pretty reasonable amount of time to expect your baby or child to be happy in the stroller before you reward him with a park/snack/cartoon. (As for the time to get out the door and become presentable after your run, that's another story!)

June 2018 - Family Life

Running with my children has helped me focus in on being a healthy role model to them as well. I want to demonstrate that exercise can be fun and not a dreadful part of life. It also motivates me to keep going even when it's challenging. I want to teach them that Mommy can do hard things and so can they. When running on trails with bridges, I trained my stroller riders to “cheer for Mommy!" every time we went over a bridge. Hearing "You can do it Mommy!" or "Go, Mommy, go!" in their sweet, tiny voices is always encouraging. Running has helped me reestablish my identity as a SAHM. I have something else to talk to adults about other than how many diapers I changed or how frustrating today's nap time was. That aspect also has helped with my overall confidence in myself. Exercise makes you feel better thanks to all the happy endorphins flowing, it helps you appreciate your body and feel better in your mommy skin. It also shows me hard work can pay off and I can do hard things! Those happy endorphins also help me be a better mommy. I feel accomplished and ready to face the rest of the day. My kids know the rule that running makes Mommy happy. I am not above bribery either; they also know that letting Mommy run = fruit snacks! Running helps me with goal setting too. My first goal was to finish a 5K race. I moved on to finishing a 5K race after each baby we had (generally within the first year). When there was a greater space between our second and third babies, I set a new goal of running a 10K. The further I pushed myself, the more I wanted to see how far I could go. I then signed up for the Heartland 30K Series in KC that included three 10K races within a month's time. I was able to train and complete that when my third baby was only 5 months old (and after my third c-section). I only mention that because it proves that you can do things you set your mind to. My first 5K with a 9-month-old was a HUGE accomplishment to me, so to see how far I had come over the years was pretty amazing. Last year, my youngest turned 2 years old, so I set my eyes on my first duathlon race; I wasn’t properly equipped for the triathlon, so this was a great alternative. It took a lot of training but was so satisfying to accomplish. Thanks to being in pretty good shape from that race, I went ahead and registered for my first half-marathon. I was able to complete that last September and finally earn my silly 13.1 car sticker that had seemed to mock me over the years.

Advice

Running helps me center myself in a meditation kind of way. Now, not every run is a peaceful experience these days, especially when I take my whole parade with me (two kids on bikes, stroller and dog, currently). But thankfully I have a supportive husband who gives me time to run occasionally throughout the week and gives me time to do a long run on the weekends. I look forward to the 5-plus-mile run! Running solo is peaceful. I have time to think without being interrupted or distracted by my darling cherubs. I can listen to music I enjoy instead of pacifying my kids with the Disney station on Pandora Radio.

Music is another part of my identity that is so nice to reconnect with. What type of music do I like? What are my favorite current bands? Which concerts should we get a sitter for and go on a fun date to? I also started listening to podcasts while running last summer, which has been a fun change of pace. This is also a time I think of all my favorite people and pray for them. Simply time to think. This is truly one of the best gifts running offers me. Another key part of that is time away from notifications on my phone. I do run with my phone but I'm physically doing something and listening to music, so it's a time I set away from distractions. I write this only to encourage anyone with an inkling to run to actually give it a valiant try. Try for a month or sign up for your first 5K. Running truly has been a blessing to me, and I hope to pass the joy along.

June 2018 - Family Life

Advice

Preparing Kids for Another Sibling By JULIE COLLETT

Family Life ‐ June 2018

Advice Adding a new baby to the family makes for a time full of excitement and joy. You probably get loads of advice on all things baby, but what about preparing the children you already have for the new little one? Many different factors can contribute to how smooth a transition you have when adding a new baby to the household, such as the ages of your other children and how far apart they are, other life events going on and more. No matter what is going on around you though, a few tips and tricks can make the introduction as painless and fun as possible!

A great option for older children is talking about and sharing pictures of them as babies. Ashley, a Kansas City mom with two boys, ages 7 and 8, says, “Sibling rivalry is an ongoing process in our house with two boys 15 months apart, but having a baby now gives them both a good opportunity to be big brothers at the same time, which is special for them to bond over. We have walked through both of their births and looked at pictures together. We have talked a lot about what made them special as babies and how every baby is different.”

The first, and probably most important no matter the age of your children, is to include and involve them as much as possible. You want them to feel pride and excitement over the new baby, not resentment or bitterness. At the time our fourth baby was born, we had 6-, 4- and 2-year-olds. I took each of them on a little date to pick something for the new baby. Each took great pride in choosing the special item (although there were lots of reminders about not shopping for ourselves!) and was excited to show everyone once we got home. Even now, the older kids ask, “Is that the blanket I picked out?” or “Is that the toy I got?” The gift has meaning to each of them and eventually will to our baby as well!

Older children also can have input on designing the nursery and helping to put it together. Keep in mind if you need to move a child out of the room where the baby will sleep, be sure to do so several months in advance. This can help keep jealousy or resentment at bay.

I also shared with the older ones how big the baby was at different stages through the pregnancy and what was developing on the baby when. They were able to come to two sonograms—so special to have them involved in such a cool experience! Allow your older children to ask questions, express curiosity and help with things whenever possible. Children can get diapering supplies, help bathe the baby, put clothes away or even read or sing to the baby. For younger children, purchasing a baby doll and a few accessories can make the transition smoother. This gives your youngster a chance to mimic what you are doing and stay “busy” while you are tending to the baby. Your family can expect changes in routine once the new baby arrives, so prepare in advance. Becca, a Lenexa mom, started bedtime routines with Dad more often with her older ones. What a great way to involve Dad and help him feel important too!

June 2018 - Family Life

For children of any age, checking out library books about being a big brother or sister or even purchasing a few to have on hand can be helpful. And don’t forget a fun big brother or sister t-shirt too! Plan the schedule so your other children have quality one-on-one time after Baby’s arrival too. Becca says, “Our oldest got to spend a lot of extra time with Dad once the baby came, but I also made sure he had time with just me.” Adding a new baby to the household brings many emotions. Try as much as possible to be patient, flexible and willing to let your children in on the process. You’ll soon have the pleasure of watching sibling relationships blossom!

Advice

The New Parent's Guide to Picking a Pediatrician By LAUREN GREENLEE

Family Life ‐ June 2018

Advice Congratulations! You are about to have a baby. The hospital bag is packed, the birth plan is written up and now it’s time to find a pediatrician. At minimum, your child will be at the pediatrician’s office some 15 visits before the age of 5, so it’s to your advantage to put some time and energy into finding the right one. As renowned pediatrician Dr. Bill Sears says, “Medical care is a partnership between parents and pediatricians. You owe it to your child to find a good partner.” Your baby will be seen by the pediatrician in the hospital shortly after birth, so it’s important to have one in place prior to delivery. Dr. Elizabeth Musil, MD, a pediatrician at Olathe Health Pediatrics-Olathe Medical Park, shares, “A pediatrician will come see you and your new baby in the hospital, typically within 24 hours of birth, and then each day until you are discharged. We will answer your questions, see how feeding is going, and examine the baby to make sure they are healthy enough to go home.” Pediatricians all go through rigorous medical training and are certified through the American Academy of Pediatrics. As such, they are equipped to assess the health of children from birth through adolescence. This does not mean, however, that they all have the same approach or philosophy toward health care. Evaluate what you’re looking for in a doctor as you begin researching and interviewing physicians—which ultimately means interviewing yourself first. Are you a first-time parent looking for a pediatrician who will not only give medical advice but also help you navigate various parenting philosophies? Or are you an established parent, confident in your parenting approach, just looking for a like-minded doctor? Are you willing to make a trek for a quality professional, or is proximity a higher priority? Do you or your child have any special accommodations that need to be taken into account? For instance, if your child has a medical condition, a pediatrician with a specialization in that condition can be very reassuring. Likewise, if you have a strong position on breastfeeding, circumcision or vaccinations, finding a pediatrician that supports you in your goals will serve you well.

June 2018 - Family Life

Once you have those pieces in place, ask those you respect—friends, family, coworkers and neighbors—for referrals. You quickly may find one name rises to the top. But if you don’t, you always can inquire at your OB/GYN office for a list of recommendations or do a quick search to see which members of the American Academy of Pediatrics practice nearby (and remember to check the state’s medical board to see whether any candidates’ names have been written up for disciplinary actions). When you have a handful of names, schedule the interviews. Doctors expect to be interviewed but their time is limited, so be prepared to ask your high priority questions first. Find out right up front by phone whether a pediatrician is taking new patients and also accepts your insurance (after all, nothing is more frustrating than finding Dr. Right only to realize your insurance is all wrong). Inquire about the practice and the doctor’s background. If you like what you hear, arrange an appointment to meet the doctor in person and ask additional questions. “Prenatal visits are a great way to meet your child’s pediatrician and see the office before they are even born. It’s meant to be a casual meet-and-greet so you can let the pediatrician know what you’re looking for (if you know) and for them to talk you through questions/concerns you have,” adds Dr. Musil. The following is a guide of questions to help you throughout the interviewing process.

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Advice For the Pediatrician Where did you attend medical school? Where did your residency take place? Do you have any specializations? How long have you been practicing? Is this a solo or group practice? If it’s a solo practice, who fills in when you are not available? If it’s a group practice, how many other doctors would we potentially see and how often would we be able to see you? What hospitals do you work in conjunction with? How do you respond to patients outside of visits? Will our first appointment be at the hospital after the baby is delivered or at the first checkup? About the Practice What are the hours of operation? Is there any evening or weekend availability? Is there same-day availability? How far in advance do well visits need to be scheduled? What tests can be performed in-house and what needs to be done elsewhere? Are there additional charges for services such as medication refills, support calls after hours or initial visits? For Yourself How quickly were you able to schedule the interview? Were you on hold for a long time when scheduling the appointment (or in subsequent phone calls)? Is the office clean? Did the waiting room appear kidfriendly? Are there toys or books available? How long did you have to wait in the waiting room? Are the office staff and nurses friendly and helpful? Did your appointment feel rushed? Was the doctor receptive to your concerns or priorities?

June 2018 - Family Life

Arrive early for the appointment to get a feel for the office. Ask other parents in the waiting room what they like or dislike about the practice. Likewise, ask the office staff what the protocol is for handling children with contagious diseases. All too commonly, childbirth classes or parenting books recommend first-time parents ask whether or not a doctor’s office has both well-visit and sick patient waiting rooms. The reality is most offices do not provide separate rooms because, in practice, it just doesn’t work (for starters, no one wants to sit in the sick room). Ideally, the waiting room should be reserved for well visits, while sick children are expedited to examining rooms (preferably through a separate entrance). Some parents may be reassured by a certain type of a doctor. A young female pediatrician, for instance, may seem very comforting, whereas an older gentleman may give off a wise grandfatherly disposition. Some parents take comfort in knowing that their child’s doctor is also a mom or a dad, combining both medical skill and parental insight. Because a relationship with a pediatrician can last into a child’s teens, you may wish to take into account gender (as a child ages, he/she may feel more comfortable with a doctor of the same gender). But, in the end, go with your gut. You’ll be sharing very personal concerns throughout your child’s visits. It’s important to feel those fall onto the ears of a trusted source. Dr. Musil sums it up by stating that “choosing a pediatrician is a big deal and we are all honored that you trust us with your child’s care. I highly recommend scheduling those prenatal appointments. It’s great to get to know someone in a low pressure environment and figure out if you’re going to click.”

Organize The front hall With everyone coming and going in a rush, your front hall can get messy in minutes. Avoid coming home to a headache by using smart storage for what only truly belongs here.

Controlling the chaos: Tips to a clutterfree home Smart tricks and easy tips to conquer the mess and create a clutter-free home.

Family Life ‐ June 2018

Organize

Basket case Give each family member their own basket for essential accessories. Label them or choose a unique colour for each person. Storage basket, $8, Bouclair.com

Get hooked Two levels of hooks provide easy access for both kids and grown-ups to hang coats. Be sure to stagger the hooks so little ones can reach their allotted spots, without having to duck under Daddy’s jacket. Hooks, $6 each, Urbanoutfitters.com

Top shelf Challenged by a narrow entryway? Store your shoe collection in a shallow, wall-mounted shelf. The top shelf doubles as a spot for keys, wallets, hats and mittens. Trones shoe storage, $60 (3-pack), Ikea.com

Bench warmers If you’ve got the room, a bench by the front door creates a comfy spot for taking off shoes. Even better? Find a bench that doubles as a storage unit. Bench, $631, Crateandbarrel.com

June 2018 - Family Life

Organize

The bathroom For smoother mornings, a few simple organizational strategies can ease traffic congestion in this shared space. (Especially if the bathroom rush begins before your first cup of coffee!) Tip: Only essential items that you use every day, like toothbrushes and hand soap, get to live on the countertop.

Shampoo solution Eliminate the messy jumble of shampoo and bath gel containers by putting a wallmounted dispenser in your shower. Triple soap dispenser, $90, Bedbathandbeyond.ca

Boxed in Take the pressure off toiletry storage by giving everyone their own caddy to store in their bedroom closets. Basket, $16, Kitchenstuffplus.com

Toy trouble Keep rubber ducky and other bath toys handy by storing them in a mesh bag attached to the tub wall with suction cups. Bath toy storage, $26, 3sprouts.ca

June 2018 - Family Life

Cabinet purge Edit expired makeup and bath products every three months. Humidity affects pharmaceuticals, so kick them out of the bathroom and store them in a dark, dry space —safely out of a child’s reach—elsewhere in your home. Creative containers Use containers to store little things like cotton swabs. A mini-Lazy Susan under the sink will keep all your essentials just a quick spin away. Shelf life Install adjustable shelving around pipes to maximize space under the sink.

Organize

The kitchen This may be the heart of the home, but with all the cooking, eating and homework happening here, it often becomes a dumping ground for everyone’s stuff. Ban the junk drawer Turn your junk drawer into a home-utility drawer in five easy steps: 1. Empty it. 2. Sort like with like. 3. Add a drawer or cutlery organizer with compartments. 4. Put necessary items back in, giving each category its own space. 5. Get rid of the rest! Tip: Create an easy art gallery for your kids’ masterpieces with just a piece of string and clothespins.

Step it up Use shelf risers in cupboards and pantries to double storage capacity for your dishes.

Paper zone Use binders to create your own reference books, with recipes, takeout menus, info on kids’ activities and more.

Variera shelf, $8, Ikea.com

Martha Stewart Home Office binders, $13 each, Staples.ca

Fridge central The front of the fridge is the perfect place to put your message board, calendar or chore chart. Fridge chalkboard decal, $36, Wallcandyarts.com

June 2018 - Family Life

Special bulletin Reserve the bulletin board for time-sensitive items, like event tickets, birthday invitations and that form you need to fill out for pizza day. Martha Stewart Home Office message board, $14, Staples.ca

Organize

The play zone Anyone who has ever stepped on a piece of Lego knows that toys had better be easy for kids to clean up or it’s never going to happen. Create kidfriendly shelving and containers that keeps storage at their fingertips. Cull the collection With every holiday and birthday, kids seem to acquire more loot. Take some time every three months to edit out what they’ve outgrown or lost interest in. Tip: Take photos or have your kids draw pictures of what needs to go in each bin.

Hanging out Mount a hanging organizer on the back of a door or directly on the wall—stuffed animals in particular look adorable peeking out of the pockets. Over-door storage, $55, Potterybarnkids.ca

June 2018 - Family Life

Right-size your container Keep things with small pieces in separate containers from large ones to avoid the ultimate messmaker—the toy bin dump! Trofast storage combination, $99, Ikea.com

Seats as storage Organize with double-duty furniture like storage ottomans. Easy for little fingers to open, they’re ideal for stashing away everything from blocks and Barbies to dinky cars and dinosaurs. Storage ottoman, $28, Walmart.ca

“Summer means happy times and good sunshine. It means going to the beach, going to Disneyland, having fun.” – Brian Wilson

Family Life ‐ June 2018

25 best animated movies for kids It's movie night and we know exactly what you're going to watch—one of these awesome animated movies for kids. Whether you're in the mood for a comedy, musical or an adventure, there's something here for everyone.

1. Coco This vibrant Disney/Pixar movie is inspired by Mexico’s Day of the Dead and it won not one but two Oscars, for Best Animated Film and Best Song in 2017. Miguel is a young boy forbidden by his many relatives to play music, but he yearns to become a musician. He’s magically transported to the Land of the Dead, and through various adventures learns about his family and its enduring love and traditions. Prepare yourself because you will cry during this movie—a lot!

Family Life ‐ June 2018

2. Wall-E There’s not much dialogue, especially during the first half of this Pixar flick, but kids will still be captivated. Wall-E (which stands for waste allocation load lifter Earth-class) is the last robot on Earth. His main job is picking up leftover trash from a bygone era, but he discovers a new passion when he meets a female robot named EVE. They go on an exciting galactic adventure that leaves kids with an important message about preserving our Earth.

June 2018 - Family Life

3. Frozen How could the movie that has captivated every youngster not make our list? Anna and Elsa, voiced by Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel, are sisters and total opposites. For one, Elsa is a snow queen cursed to turn anyone and anything to ice. She hides away from the world while outgoing Anna yearns to meet new people and open the doors to their mostly closed kingdom of Arendelle. When Elsa freezes Arendelle, she flees to the mountains. Anna goes after her with a quirky and loyal crew made up of kooky snowman Olaf, mountaineer Kristoff and a lovable reindeer. Be warned: every song will get stuck in your head.

Family Life ‐ June 2018

4. Cinderella Disney knows how to magically weave a tale! Cinderella tells the story of a sweet young woman who falls in love with a prince. But there are also spirited mice friends, a bumbling hero dog, a fairy godmother, beautiful songs and an evil stepmother, all of which will enchant you. Kids will love watching the birds and mice make Cinderella’s dress for the ball, and later when the animals come to rescue Cinderella from the attic before the prince’s footman leaves without her trying on the glass slipper.

June 2018 - Family Life

5. The Little Mermaid In this Disney flick, we head under the sea, where a young mermaid named Ariel longs to become human after falling in love with a prince. So Ariel makes a deal with the evil sea witch Ursula. In exchange for Ariel’s melodious singing voice, Ursula grants her legs so she can find true love on land. This movie is brimming with incredible songs and features a great cast of characters including Ariel’s pal Flounder the tropical fish and Sebastian the crab.

Family Life ‐ June 2018

6. Kubo and the Two Strings A vengeful spirit is after young Kubo. As he tries to escape it, he meets with Monkey (Charlize Theron) and Beetle (Matthew McConaughey), and together they help him finally unlock the secrets of his past—and reveal the true story of his legendary samurai father. Along the way, he will need to use his magical two-stringed instrument as he battles monsters and spirits.

June 2018 - Family Life

7. Happy Feet Mumble (voiced by Elijah Wood) is a young emperor penguin with a sweet life in Antarctica, but he has a problem. While all the other penguins can woo a mate with their melodic singing voices, Mumble can’t hold a tune. Enter his happy feet. Kids will love watching him tap-dance his way to love and acceptance.

Family Life ‐ June 2018

8. Tangled This empowering take on the classic Rapunzel fairy tale is a must-watch. Mandy Moore voices the sassy, smart princess who yearns to leave her boring life in the tower. When she escapes with an outlaw named Flynn Rider, she finally learns the truth about her real family, what she’s capable of and that her strength has no limit, with or without her beautiful hair. A fierce girl-power story for all ages!

June 2018 - Family Life

9. Toy Story The first of the Toy Story movies introduces kids to young Andy and his beloved toys. There’s a funny T-Rex, Woody the sheriff and a wiener dog, Slinky (to name just a few). When Andy receives a fancy new toy for his birthday in the form of spaceman Buzz Lightyear, Woody—Andy’s former favorite toy—gets a tad bit jealous. Later, the toys must band together to save Buzz and stick with Andy as his family moves to a new house.

Family Life ‐ June 2018

10. My Neighbor Totoro In Japan in 1958, a young girl named Satsuki (voiced by Dakota Fanning) and her family move to the countryside because her mother is ill. In the new home, magical creatures reveal themselves and lead Satsuki to a forest filled with more fantastical excitement. A giant rabbit-like animal named Totoro is the “keeper of the forest,” and he helps her as she navigates a world of change and gets used to her new surroundings and life.

June 2018 - Family Life

11. Peter Pan Based on the timeless book by J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan is a film made for kids who don’t want to ever grow up. One night, Pan flies into the London flat of the Darling family, where Wendy and her two brothers reside. He and his fairy friend, Tinkerbell, take the children back with them to Neverland, a place where kids never have to grow up. Here, they meet mermaids, the Lost Boys, Princess Tiger Lily—oh, and they must conquer Captain Hook.

Family Life ‐ June 2018

12. My Little Pony: The Movie (2017) All of your kids’ favorite ponies trot their way through this charmer. Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Rarity head out to stifle a dark force that’s trying to take over Ponyville. On their way to stopping the power-hungry Storm King (played by a fabulously mischievous Liev Schreiber) they learn what it means to be true friends.

June 2018 - Family Life

13. Moana With a genius score by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Moana takes kids on an epic journey and teaches them an important lesson about self-reliance and honoring one’s identity. Moana is a teen itching to see what’s beyond her native island and worried about her people’s survival. On a daring mission, she meets the demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson), a very greedy crab and a host of other creatures.

Family Life ‐ June 2018

14. The Lion King Young lion cub Simba wants to follow in his king-of-the-jungle father’s footsteps (cue song). But when his father dies in a stampede, Simba must fight his evil uncle Scar and take back his rightful kingdom. Unforgettable characters like meerkat Timon and warthog Pumbaa will delight the whole family—and who can forget that great feel-good song “Hakuna Matata”? It really is a wonderful thing.

June 2018 - Family Life

15. Finding Nemo Lovable and naive Nemo is a young clownfish who yearns to explore the world beyond his home shell. When he swims too far from his father, Marlin, and is captured by a diver, Marlin must set out on a desperate search to find his son. Meanwhile, Nemo must dodge a shark and other dangers. He also meets a humorous—and lovable—blue fish named Dory (voiced by Ellen DeGeneres), who suffers from short-term memory loss.

Family Life ‐ June 2018

16. Inside Out Riley is 11 years old and enjoying life as a Midwesterner when she learns her parents are moving the whole family cross-country. Cue the emotions! Riley has trouble with the massive change and suddenly its Anger, Fear and Disgust who are calling the shots, while Joy and Sadness try to help her get to the other side of this megatransition. It’s a powerful movie and might be a tearjerker for more sensitive kids (OK, and adults, too).

June 2018 - Family Life

17. Ratatouille Remy is a Parisian rat who loves to eat. But, unlike other rats in his pack, he won’t eat just anything. He’s picky about his food and dreams of becoming a famous chef. Luckily for him, he ends up in a sewer directly underneath one of the City of Light’s best-rated restaurants. Here, he meets Alfredo and, as a team, they both begin to realize their aspirations.

Family Life ‐ June 2018

18. The Lego Movie Emmet is a generic Lego figurine who always does what he’s told. One day, he’s mistaken for a “special” Lego and ends up on the adventure of a lifetime—and a quest to foil an evil tyrant’s (voiced by Will Ferrell) plot to rule the world. Laugh-out-loud jokes (some seemingly geared toward adults) make this a good one to watch as a family. And of course there’s that song, “Everything is Awesome!”

June 2018 - Family Life

19. Zootopia Judy Hopps is the first bunny rabbit to become a police officer in Zootopia, a city filled with all manner of animals. When a new case hits her desk and she needs help from sneaky fox Nick Wilde, things get interesting and, at turns, very funny. Characters like a sloth that works the desk at the city’s Department of Motor Vehicles and a notorious crime-boss shrew will make you and your kids laugh yourselves silly.

Family Life ‐ June 2018

20. Puss in Boots Puss in Boots is probably best known from his turn in Shrek, but here he gets his own adorable feature film, and he shines (and makes you want to run to the nearest pet store and find an orange tabby to bring home!). Along with Humpty Dumpty and Kitty Softpaws—whom he meets after a feline dance-off—Puss goes on a quest to steal a goose that lays golden eggs.

June 2018 - Family Life

21. Aladdin Aladdin steals food so he and his monkey buddy, Abu, can survive. One day, he discovers a magical lamp, and when a genie (voiced by the amazing Robin Williams) pops out and offers him three wishes, his life is forever changed. Some might say it’s a whole new world. Can he finally get the beautiful Princess Jasmine to fall in love with him? Or will the evil Jafar get to him first?

Family Life ‐ June 2018

22. Monsters, Inc. Monsters Incorporated is a successful factory where monsters are trained to scare kids for a living. Two employees—Sullivan and his best pal Mike Wazowski—accidentally let in a little girl from the human world and things start to go very wrong very quickly. A great script with witty jokes and a lot of heart make this a perfect family film.

June 2018 - Family Life

23. The Incredibles In this Pixar flick, former superhero Mr. Incredible is living a regular (read: dull) life since the government banned all superpowers. Thankfully, he is called out for one last adventure. His mission? Capture and defeat a power-hungry robot. When trouble hits, he’ll need the help of his wife, Elastigirl, and his truly incredible kids. Be sure to check out the sequel on the (Last Look, pg.82)

Family Life ‐ June 2018

24. Shrek Filled with edgy (and a lot of potty) humor, this movie follows ogre Shrek’s journey to save his swamp home and all his fairy-tale friends, and to rescue Princess Fiona. Filled with side-splitting shenanigans and backed by a terrific cast, Shrek will please kids and adults alike.

June 2018 - Family Life

25. Bambi Bambi is a baby fawn just learning about his world. Along the way, a young doe (Faline) draws Bambi’s attention, as do new friends Thumper (a bunny) and Flower (a skunk). Tragedy strikes Bambi’s seemingly peaceful forest life, causing him to learn a deep lesson about the danger of hunters. Overall, though, a carefree forest life complete with colorful characters will delight young kids.

Family Life ‐ June 2018

Food

3 simple kid-friendly kebabs Kids prefer to eat with their hands, so why not play to their strengths? These three quick kebab ideas are easy, full of flavour and fun to nibble on. Photography by ERIK PUTZ

Family Life ‐ June 2018

3 simple kidfriendly kebabs

Kids prefer to eat with their hands, so why not play to their strengths? These three quick kebab ideas are easy, full of flavour and fun to nibble on. Photography by ERIK PUTZ

Sweet Chili Chicken Sticks Cherry tomatoes + chicken + asparagus Cut 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts into 1-in. cubes. Coat with 1 tbsp soy sauce in a bowl. Cut 4 asparagus spears into pieces. Alternately thread cherry tomatoes, chicken and asparagus on skewers. Oil grill. Barbecue over medium, lid closed, until chicken is cooked through, 3 to 4 min per side. Brush with 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce.

Family Life ‐ June 2018

Korean Beef Sticks Sirloin beef + green onions + shiitake mushrooms Cut 500 g top sirloin steak into 1-in. cubes. Combine with 1/4 cup soy sauce, and 2 tbsp each sesame oil, honey and minced ginger in a bowl. Marinate for 30 min. Cut 3 green onions into pieces and remove stems from mushrooms. Alternately thread beef, onions and mushrooms on skewers. Oil grill. Barbecue over medium, lid closed, until beef is done to medium, 3 to 4 min per side.

June 2018 - Family Life

Strawberry Shortcake Large marshmallows + pound cake + strawberries Cut pound cake into 1-in. cubes and hull strawberries. Alternately thread 16 large marshmallows, cake cubes and strawberries on skewers. Oil grill. Barbecue over medium, rotating occasionally, until grill marks form, 5 to 6 min. Drizzle with 1/2 cup melted milk chocolate chips. Tip: Preheat barbecue to medium. Soak 10 skewers in warm water for 20 min before grilling to prevent skewers from burning.

June 2018 - Family Life

Last Look

Movies

Incredibles 2 June 15 The Incredibles and Frozone (Samuel L. Jackson) battle the Underminer. They prevent him destroying City Hall but are unable to stop him robbing a bank and escaping. The collateral damage outrages the government and prompts the shut down of the Superhero Relocation Program, denying the Parrs and other superheroes financial assistance. Violet's love interest Tony Rydinger discovers her superhero identity, causing agent Rick Dicker to erase his memory of her.

Courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures & Pixar

June 2018 - Family Life