TP - Winter 2021 by Lawrence Ambrocio

WINTER 2021

THE BEST TOYS OF THE YEAR! with Mastermind Toys, our official play partner

12 ed w fun uC ith to tw ati an ys p. ist on al 73

PAGE 38

Every kid grows up thinking they can change the world. We’re counting on it.

All young Canadians should have the chance to reach their highest potential. That’s why we’re helping remove financial barriers and investing in their future, Canada’s future. Over the last five years, we’ve offered nearly 1,800 scholarships to youth attending post-secondary education. And since 2017, we’ve awarded 300 grants to organizations making a difference in the lives of thousands of youth.

Through the Ted Rogers Scholarships and Community Grants, we’re supporting youth as they continue their education and develop the skills to succeed, lead, and make their dreams possible. Learn more at Rogers.com/GenerationPossible.

Contents NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 VOL.38 ISSUE 5

still a fun milestone. Here’s how to prepare for your visit to the photographer.

20. ESSAY At a crossroads I knew without a doubt that my family was complete as soon as I had my second baby. But once I weaned him, my certainty became murky. Then, an unplanned pregnancy turned everything on its head.

FEATURES 38. THE 2021 ULTIMATE TOY GUIDE The business of play is hard work—that’s why we turned to the experts! We asked real Canadian kids to test out hundreds of new toys to help us create this roundup of the very best toys of the year.

22. PARENTING “You should be grateful!” Telling kids how thankful they should be doesn’t make them feel actual gratitude. Here’s what does work. 24. SHOPPING How to buy a car seat With so many models, price points and safety features, shopping for a car seat can be overwhelming. This primer will help.

STEPS&STAGES HAPPY&HEALTHY 9. NEW STUDY A glimmer of light Vaccinating children against COVID-19 will have a huge impact on our ability to get back to normalcy—and we’re closer than ever to that happening.

10. NEED TO KNOW Quick and easy What parents should know about rapid COVID tests.

time and money when shopping for kids’ stuff at the drugstore.

ADVICE&REAL LIFE 12. KIDS’ HEALTH A new parents’ guide to the pharmacy aisle Seven tips and tricks that’ll save you

todaysparent.com November+December 2021

15. HELP+HACKS Say cheese Even if you’re not planning a big trip soon, that first baby passport is

32. PREGNANCY All the ridiculous comments people make when you’re pregnant— and how to respond. 33. BABY Does too much time in a bouncer seat or activity centre cause “container baby syndrome”?

WARDROBE ON COVER: DESI: (SHIRT) ZARA, RHY: (DRESS) TUCKER & TATE, (LEGGINGS) O’S AND OAKES, ATLAS:(HAT) HUNTER HOPPER, (PANTS) O’S AND OAKES, (SHIRT) NORDSTROM KIDS, KINGSTON: (SHIRT) HUNTER HOPPER , (CARDIGAN AND PANTS) O’S AND OAKES

17. DISCIPLINE It’s a big deal to them When your kid is melting down, you go into fix-it mode. Here’s what actually helps. (Spoiler: Minimizing their sadness doesn’t.)

COVER CREDITS Photography by RAINA + WILSON Wardrobe by LISA WILLIAMS Prop styling by JESS ANDERSON Art direction by EMILY VEZÉR

34. TODDLER How to transition your toddler from napping to quiet time. 35. PRESCHOOL Why some kids seem to prefer adults over other kids. 36. SCHOOL AGE What it could mean if your kid hates going to school.

FOOD&FAMILY 75. FOOD NEWS Cozy up with hot cocoa After a day of tobogganing, kids will love customizing their own hot drinks.

Since 1946, the Key Tag Service has been protecting your keys and supporting our essential programs for amputees.

77. EASY MEALS Sugar, spice and everything nice Whisk up some festive cheer with these classic cookies. They’re perfect for holiday gifting—if your family doesn’t get to them first!

TIPS&TRICKS 82. THE LIST Happy New Year! 10 fun ideas for celebrating at home with little kids—even if they can’t quite make it until midnight.

In every issue 7. Letter from Kim

Jeanne

Celebrating years

Order key tags online – free.

22 November+December 2021 todaysparent.com

1 800 250-3030 waramps.ca

Kim Shiffman

PRODUCTION Production Manager Pat Danaher Digital Colour Specialist Nicole Duplantis

Editor-in-Chief ST. JOSEPH COMMUNICATIONS

Emily Vezér Art Director EDITORIAL Deputy Editor Jessica Pollack Senior Editors Ariel Brewster, Sadiya Dendar,

Simone Olivero (on leave) Associate Editor Kevin John Siazon Contributing Editor Claire Gagné Copy Editor Kelly Jones Proofreader Janet Morassutti Interns Laura Dalton, Stacey Nguyen

Chairman + CEO Tony Gagliano Vice-Chairman John Gagliano President & Publisher, SJC Media Ken Hunt Vice-President, Content & Creative Maryam Sanati Managing Director, Consumer Revenue Allan Yue Managing Director, Research & Consumer Insights Clarence Poirier Managing Director, Marketing Nadine Silverthorne Director, Customer Success Terry Smith Director, Production Maria Mendes Managing Director, Branded Content Sasha Emmons Head of Business Development Jason Maghanoy Director, Marketing Sponsorships Jessika Fink ADVERTISING

ART Contributing Designer Colleen Nicholson In-House Photographer Erik Putz

Managing Director, Sales Tracy Miller tracy.miller@stjoseph.com Sales Manager Susey Harmer susey.harmer@stjoseph.com

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES terry.smith@stjoseph.com SUBSCRIPTIONS 833-632-0833 / service@todaysparent.com EDITORIAL editors@todaysparent.com

TODAY’S PARENT, ISSN 0823-9258, established in 1984, is published six times per year by St. Joseph Communications, 15 Benton Road, Toronto, ON, M6M 3G2. Contents, Copyright 2021 by St. Joseph Communications, may not be reprinted without permission. SUBSCRIPTIONS: Subscription rate in Canada: 1 year, $15 + applicable taxes. U.S. print subscriptions: 1 year, $45. Foreign subscriptions: 1 year, $75. All subscriptions payable in Canadian funds. For any queries, call 833-632-0833, email service@todaysparent.com or write: Today’s Parent Circulation, 15 Benton Road, Toronto, ON, M6M 3G2. EDITORIAL: Today’s Parent receives unsolicited materials (including letters to the editor, press releases, promotional items and images) from time to time. Today’s Parent, its affiliates and assignees may use, reproduce, publish, republish, distribute, store and archive such submissions in whole or in

part in any form or medium whatsoever, without compensation of any sort. This statement does not apply to materials/pitches submitted by freelancers in accordance with known industry practices. All editorial-related material should be sent to the Editor, Today’s Parent, 15 Benton Road, Toronto, ON, M6M 3G2 or editors@todaysparent.com. MAIL PREFERENCE: From time to time, other organizations may ask Today’s Parent if they may send information about a product or service to some Today’s Parent subscribers, by mail or email. If you do not wish to receive these messages, contact us in any of the ways listed above. Publications mail agreement 40070230. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: PO Box 179, Stn Main, Alliston, ON, L9R 1V5. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada. Printed in Canada by St. Joseph Communications, Print. ST. JOSEPH COMMUNICATIONS CAN BE REACHED AT 15 BENTON ROAD, TORONTO, ON M6M 3G2

You can’t always count on sheep.

Those nights when tummy aches keep toddlers awake, moms and dads know where to turn. Formulated with Chamomile and flavoured with Linden Flower, Kolik Sweet Dreams combines the digestive relief of Kolik with a time-tested, herbal sleep aid in every loving spoonful. When your bedtime routine isn’t enough, Kolik Sweet Dreams takes care of the rest.

What parents trust when children fuss. Use as directed.

www.kolikgripewater.com

LETTER FROM KIM

Editors’ Picks Here’s what the editors of Today’s Parent have on our lists.

LEAPFROG ON-THE-GO STORY PAL, $37 “This will be perfect for my nephew, who loves story time but doesn’t love si ing still.” —Kevin John Siazon, associate editor

THE JOYS OF TOYS VTECH MARBLE RUSH ULTIMATE SET, $73 “My son likes building, especially when his eﬀorts lead to something he can actually play with, so this marble rush set is deﬁnitely on my list.” —Jessica Pollack, deputy editor

PHOTO: CARMEN CHEUN MAKEUP+HAIR:WENDY RORONG PLUTINO GROUP

CREATIVITY FOR KIDS SENSORY BIN, $30 “My four-year-old will be so into the sea life sensory bin, which comes pre-stocked with kinetic sand, water beads and plastic sea creatures.” —Ariel Brewster, senior editor

GLOBBER NL 205 SCOOTER, $150 “I like that this scooter is adjustable and folds up for easier storage. My kid will love the kickstand.” —Kim Shiffman, editor-in-chief

THE ANNUAL INFLUX of toy catalogues has begun, and there’s nothing cuter than watching your kids grab one out of the mailbox and flip through the pages, pencil in hand, to mark their favourites. In (yet another) year of weirdness, disappointment and loss, helping them create their wish list and visualizing their joy as they frantically rip through the wrapping paper might be what gets you through the stress of your holiday to-do list. (Or it might be locking yourself in the bathroom to scroll Instagram. Whatever works!) But if you’ve been at this parenting game for more than a minute, then you know that not all toys are created equal. That’s why, every year, Today’s Parent offers our readers a roundup of not just the new toys of the year, but the best new toys of the year. How do we know they’re the best? We test them! Our experienced editors play with dozens upon dozens of the year’s new releases all summer long (side note: best job ever, right?). But more importantly, we ship samples to a diverse group of Canadian families and get their feedback, too. The result is a list of more than 100 new toys that kids came back to again and again. This year, we’ve made your life even easier. Every single item on our list is shoppable at one store: Mastermind Toys, the official play partner of Today’s Parent. (Bonus: It’s Canadian-owned and led by a badass female CEO who’s shaking up her

industry.) Shop online or in person at one of its 69 stores across the country. Now that my oldest is 13, the “toys” on his Christmas and Hanukkah list (we celebrate both) skew a bit older and include things like an Apple Watch and video games. But to see what I’m eyeing for my eight-year-old, as well as what the other editors of Today’s Parent are pondering for their little ones, check out our picks (at left). Then call your kids over and flip to page 38 for the full list. No matter what you celebrate, we wish you a happy, healthy holiday season, full of toys, but more importantly, love.

TWEET ME @SHIFFER

TODAY’S PARENT MAKES A GREAT GIFT! Simply hover your phone’s camera over the QR code to purchase a gi subscription for as li le as $12.

November+December 2021 todaysparent.com

DIGITAL HEALTH SOLUTIONS The FreeStyle Libre 2 flash glucose monitoring system± is for adults and children ages four and up living with diabetes. Here’s how it simplifies diabetes management. A discreet sensor the size of a toonie is worn on the back of the upper arm and is replaced every 14 days. A simple swipe with a smartphone and the FreeStyle Libre 2 appØ provides a current glucose reading, an eight-hour history and trend arrows showing where their glucose levels have been, where they are in real-time and where they are going.

DIGITAL HEALTH TECHNOLOGY AND TYPE 1 DIABETES Diabetes Awareness Month places a spotlight on the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin—and the ways diabetes management has continued to advance.

Optional glucose level alarms signal when glucose levels go above or below the target range—so the user can take appropriate action. Remote monitoring with the LibreLinkUp* app lets parents know what their child’s glucose levels are—even if they’re not with them. Elimination of almost all finger pricks.¥

CREATED FOR

IT’S NOT UNUSUAL for parents of children diagnosed

“By far, the most important advancement in diabetes

with type 1 diabetes to wake their kids a few times a

management in the past 100 years is sensor-based

night to poke their fingers to check the child’s glucose

glucose monitoring,” says Dr. Karen McAssey, a

levels. “Sugar levels go up and down when you have

Hamilton-based paediatric endocrinologist.

diabetes, and when a child is sleeping and they go

“These digital health tools give parents real-time

low… well, that’s a real worry,” explains Diane Rhodes,

information about their child’s glucose levels and

a certified diabetes educator in Moose Jaw, Sask.

where levels are heading, day or night,” says McAssey.

Thankfully, with advancements in diabetes care,

“This is accurate, actionable information that leads

there are digital health tools available today that can

to better treatment and management decisions about

simplify and improve the management of type 1

insulin, nutrition and activity.”

diabetes—both for kids and their parents.

The goal is to keep glucose levels in target range

About 33,000 school-aged children in Canada have

as consistently as possible and “when you are wearing

type 1 diabetes, according to the Canadian Paediatric

a flash glucose monitoring device,” says Rhodes, “you

Society. “Type 1 diabetes can be diagnosed at any age,

tend to spend more time in the safe range. There’s no

but the most common age for a person to receive a

doubt that the more children and adults who use these

type 1 diabetes diagnosis is between 10 and 14 years.

devices, the less we’ll see long-term complications

However, it can be much younger, and we’ve had people

from diabetes.”

The FreeStyle Libre 2 flash glucose monitoring system is indicated for measuring interstitial fluid glucose levels in people aged 4 years and older with diabetes mellitus. Always read and follow the label/insert. ØThe FreeStyle Libre 2 app is only compatible with certain mobile devices and operating systems. Please check the website for more information about device compatibility before using the app. *The LibreLinkUp app is only compatible with certain mobile devices and operating systems. Please check www.librelinkup.com for more information. ¥Finger pricks are required if readings do not match symptoms or expectations. ^Data on file, Abbott Diabetes Care, Inc. ±

© 2021 Abbott. FreeStyle, Libre, and related brand marks are marks of Abbott. Product images are for illustrative purposes only. This article was paid for by Abbott, a manufacturer of diabetes care products in Canada. ADC-43244

coming to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) for support when their child is not even two,”

says Dr. Sarah Linklater, chief scientific officer at JDRF. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas doesn’t make insulin or makes very little. Signs and symptoms

of the condition can develop over days or weeks, and the most frequent symptoms are increased

“BY FAR, THE MOST IMPORTANT ADVANCEMENT IN DIABETES MANAGEMENT IN THE PAST 100 YEARS IS SENSOR-BASED GLUCOSE MONITORING.”

— Dr. Karen McAssey

Kids with diabetes can’t eat sugar. Children with

type 1 diabetes need a balanced diet that meets their nutritional requirements, and there are no restrictions—

that includes sugar. The key is to effectively monitor glucose levels and match insulin to the number of

thirst and frequency of urination. Children might also

People sometimes think that a type 1 diabetes

have an increased appetite alongside unexplained

diagnosis means a poorer quality of life, but that just

Insulin therapy “fixes” everything. Sensor-based

weight loss and reduced energy.

isn’t the case—especially with how far science has

glucose monitoring and insulin delivery systems are

come. Here are three myths, and the truth for those

tools that lessen the burden of management, but

significant developments in diabetes management.

living with diabetes:

there is no cure. Experts support accessibility to

Most recently, the new era of diabetes technology

Children with type 1 diabetes have limited life

diabetes management devices for all as well as

has introduced wearable technology like insulin

choices. Absolutely not, say the experts. Children

continued research toward finding a cure.

pumps and flash glucose monitoring devices like

can do everything they dreamed of doing before

Be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist if the

Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre 2±, which eliminates the need

the diagnosis. Speak to your diabetes healthcare

FreeStyle Libre 2 flash glucose monitoring system

for almost all finger pricks¥ and makes regularly

team and contact organizations like JDRF for

is a suitable option for the person living with diabetes

checking glucose levels easier than ever^.

resources and support.

in your family.

Since the discovery of insulin, there have been

grams of carbohydrates in a meal.

Happy&Healthy Latest studies, family wellness, better living

Ouchie! Learn all the ways to make needles pain free at todaysparent. com/nopain TH E Y R E A LL Y WO R K !

PHOTO: STOCKSY

A GLIMMER OF LIGHT Vaccinating children against COVID-19 will have a huge impact on our ability to get back to normalcy—and we’re closer than ever to that happening.

Thanks to super contagious COVID-19 variants like Delta, almost all Canadians need to be vaccinated if we ever want the pandemic to end (and OMG, can it please be over already?). But we’ll never get there without putting shots in little arms. When it’s your child’s turn, pick up a topi-

cal anaesthetic (like Emla cream) that temporarily numbs the skin, resulting in a magically painless prick. And consider the results of a recent York University study: Researchers found that the best way to comfort a distressed kid post-jab is to calmly hold them for the first minute, then use

reassuring statements only after your child has relaxed a bit. But what if it’s you who’s the most fearful? If you’re on the fence about vaccinating your kid, avoid social media, where the echo chamber can be deafening, and speak to your healthcare provider for up-to-date information.

November+December 2021 todaysparent.com

HAPPY&HEALTHY Need to know

E GA M E R! NG A H C

QUICK AND EASY

Rapid COVID tests can be done at home and provide results in as little as 15 minutes. Here’s what parents need to know. REMEMBER WHEN the only way to get your kid a COVID test was to stand in a long line and wait days for the results? Rapid tests are changing that. With a rapid test, you can know if your kid has COVID in just 15 minutes. Then you can confirm it at a testing centre, as well start notifying contacts and isolating, which limits further spread of the virus. HOW DO RAPID TESTS WORK? Rapid antigen tests identify the presence of specific protein markers in your body, which indicate a COVID infection. They work best when you have high levels of the virus (which may or may not result in symptoms). On the other hand, PCR tests, which are considered the gold standard, detect the virus’s genetic material. HOW ACCURATE ARE THEY? False positives are rare. If the test says your child has COVID,

they most likely have COVID. False negatives are more common, because the accuracy of the result depends on how infectious you are. This means that just because your child tests negative one day doesn’t mean they won’t test positive the next—and they still would have been contagious the day before. HOW DO YOU DO THE TEST? Rapid tests aren’t as invasive as the original nasal swab. You insert the swab only about a centimetre into the nose and rotate it gently, following the directions on the package. Then you put it in a tube containing the buffer liquid and add some drops to the kit’s reader strip, which looks a bit like a dollar-store pregnancy test. Follow the included instructions to learn how to interpret the results. WHERE CAN YOU BUY THEM? Availability is changing by the day. At press time, most parents were buying them online (for example, at rapidtestandtrace.ca or haventesting.com) or getting them at their workplace through free federal or provincial programs. —Bonnie Schiedel

New&Improved need to look cute when you’re giving birth, but we still love this new labour and delivery gown, designed for fashion and function. So and comfy, it features quick-open snaps in the front (for skin-to-skin and feeding), and down the back (for fetal monitoring and an epidural). The Toronto-based label also oﬀers chic pieces for maternity and nursing. $80, sondaythelabel.com

Duckish 2-in-1 Baby Shampoo & Body Wash Bar Simplify your baby’s bath time with this two-in-one bath bar, formulated especially for a baby’s delicate skin. Fragrance- and sulphate-free, the bar, which was created by a Halifax mom, cleans and moisturizes with coconut-based cleansers and shea bu er. One bar lasts about 75 washes and replaces three 16-ounce plastic bo les. Love it! $10, duckish.ca

Cybex Sirona S This convertible car seat takes your li le one from birth to 65 pounds and is the only one on the market that goes from rear-facing to forwardfacing using just one hand. The seat can do a 360 -degree swivel on its base so you can turn it toward the door while strapping your baby in. $730, cybexonline.com

When you’re growing a baby, you need signiﬁcantly more iron in your diet to make extra blood for you and your pending arrival. Unfortunately, many pregnant women aren’t ge ing what they need. A study of 44,552 expectant mothers in Ontario by researchers at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto showed that half of the women had low levels of iron, and one in four were severely iron deﬁcient. Ask your doctor or midwife to check your iron levels if they haven’t done so already. NEW STUDY

todaysparent.com November+December 2021

PHOTO:STOCKSY

Sonday the Label Labour & Delivery Gown There’s no

B C B Get one full year of Chatelaine—8 issues—for just $20. That’s 50% off the cover price. Who doesn’t love getting mail?

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HAPPY&HEALTHY Kids’ health

7 tips and tricks that’ll save you time and money when shopping for kids’ stuff at the drugstore. BROWSING THE PHARMACY AISLE can make a parent’s head spin. The multitude of options for things like pain relief, sunscreen and first aid is overwhelming, and it can be hard to know you’re purchasing the best thing for you kid—and not buying something you don’t need. Keep these tips in mind the next time you’re shopping.

1. DON’T BE AFRAID OF STORE BRANDS Well-known brands will catch your eye, but store-brand versions of medications like Tylenol and Advil have the same active ingredient (acetaminophen and ibuprofen, respectively) and usually cost anywhere

todaysparent.com November+December 2021

2. THE RIGHT FORMULATION MATTERS... Buying different versions of medications for every member of the family will clutter up your medicine cabinet, but it’s essential for things like pain and fever meds, allergy treatments and anti-nauseants, since these are all formulated for kids’ ages and weights, says Calgary paediatrician Peter Nieman. The same goes for vitamins—it’s important to buy the ones marked “children’s.” 3. ...EXCEPT WHEN IT DOESN’T On the other hand, when it comes to sunscreen, it’s not essential that you opt for the one that says “kids” (a handy thing to know when the adult version is on sale and the kids’ version is regular price!).

ILLUSTRATION: RYAN SNOOK

A new parents’ guide to the pharmacy aisle

from $2 to $4 less. “In Canada, we have good quality control. They are similar products and they’re going to have similar efficacy,” says Grant Anderson, a pharmacist in Rocky Mountain House, Alta. Anderson says he often recommends the generic option to parents in his store. “The only thing that might be different is the filler or how they’re made.”

Kids’ health HAPPY&HEALTHY

What’s more important to keep in mind when it comes to sunscreen shopping is that most dermatologists recommend that children wear mineral sunscreen, which uses zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to physically block the sun’s damaging rays, rather than a chemical sunblock, where chemicals are absorbed into the skin. Speak to your doctor before using any sunscreen on babies younger than six months. 4. CHECK EXPIRY DATES Busy drugstores aren’t likely to have expired products on the shelf, but always check the date anyway. If you know you aren’t likely to use up a product quickly, look to see if another brand has a longer shelf life. This is especially true if the product is on sale, because it might be discounted to ensure it sells before it expires.

5. LEAVE SOME ITEMS ON THE SHELF UNTIL YOU NEED THEM Some products are best kept stocked at home at all times, but others should be purchased as needed. Keep acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen, a topical antibiotic like Polysporin,

adhesive bandages and a thermometer on hand. But only pick up allergy meds and anti-nausea tablets when your kid needs them; otherwise, they might expire before you use them up.

6. SKIP WOUND CLEANERS You may recall your parents cleaning your cuts with hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol. But you’re actually better off simply rinsing the wound with water, then using mild soap to clean around the wound, if necessary. Follow up with a bandage. 7. GET ADVICE ABOUT NATURAL PRODUCTS Get the OK from your kid’s doctor before buying “natural” products such as melatonin, probiotics and echinacea. (Nieman, for one, doesn’t discourage children from using them if the parent is administering them responsibly and believes they work.) Then, ensure the product doesn’t negatively interact with any other meds your child is taking. “People think these products are natural so therefore they’re safe, but they can still interact with prescription and over-the-counter medication,” says Anderson. —Lisa Kadane

Red alert! Experts say it’s best to leave these products on the pharmacy shelves. Medicated teething gels: Benzocaine, the active ingredient in medicated oral painrelief gels, can cause a rare but serious condition called methemoglobinemia in kids. Companies have started marketing benzocaine-free teething gels for babies, but they are sold next to adult versions that contain it, so be sure to buy the right one. Cough and cold medicines: Health Canada says kids under six should not take

over-the-counter cough and cold medicines because they have not been shown effective and there is a risk of overdosing or double dosing on medications. For kids over the age of six, it’s important to read ingredient labels to make sure you are not double dosing. For example, do not give acetaminophen if you’re also giving a cough and cold medicine that contains acetaminophen. Benadryl: Contrary to popular belief, Benadryl is not the best antihistamine for kids thanks to its potentially harmful side effects. You’re much be er off choosing a non-drowsy option like Claritin or Allegra instead, says Calgary paediatrician Peter Nieman.

November+December 2021 todaysparent.com

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Advice&Real Life Expert help, genius hacks and first-person stories

Hire a pro You’ll need two 50 mm by 70 mm photos taken in person by a commercial photographer within the past six months.

DON ’T TRY TH AT HO IS M E!

PHOTO: ERIK PUTZ

SAY CHEESE Even if you’re not planning a big trip soon, that first baby passport is still a fun milestone, and you’ll always cherish the (often funny!) pic. Here’s how to prepare for your visit to the photographer.

1 DROP CLOTH Some photographers take the shot from overhead, with your baby lying on a white sheet. You could also drape your baby’s car seat or bouncer seat with a white sheet that blends into the studio’s backdrop, too.

LAYER UP If the photographer needs your infant to sit up, dress them in a shirt over a onesie. Crouch behind the stool and slide your hands under the shirt but over the onesie, so you can support their torso without appearing in the shot.

EYES WIDE OPEN Even sleepy newborns need to be awake, with a neutral expression. (You can’t smile for passport pics either, but they make some exceptions for babies.) Try to go post-nap, or try waking your baby with a loud toy.

September+October 2021 todaysparent.com

NEXT-LEVEL BABY MONITORS Good news for every parent who has ever thought, “I wish my baby monitor could…”: That day is now here! The latest LeapFrog baby monitors offer a wide range of useful features for parents who want real-time info on what’s going on in baby’s room, so asking for an upgrade is totally justifiable. Consider these cool features: Crisp, clear colour night vision (no more spooky black-and-white video)

Baby registry 2.0 What you need for your baby shower registry when you’re getting ready for baby number two.

Screen with five-inch colour display and sharp 1080-pixel high definition 360-degree pan, tilt and zoom, and built-in wide-angle viewing up to 110 degrees, so you can take in the whole room or use the 8X zoom Two-way, talk-back intercom so you can say “night night” to a kiddo who needs a little soothing (without an oh-so-exciting visit)

Experienced parents know that their second or

that are ready for the new arrival. Similarly, if your

third (or fourth…) child will get to love some of the

existing crib mattress has seen its share of bodily

same items that their older sibling did, but are also

fluids already, this is a good time to replace it.

Up to 1,000 ft (304 m) of range on the portable parent unit

some new gear of their very own, too. Here's what

Health and personal care items

A temperature sensor, to check if the room is too hot or cold

you'll need to include when you're creating a gift

Rectal thermometers and snot-suckers (nasal

registry for the friends and family members who

aspirators) are really the kind of thing to be used

want to welcome the new baby.

by one person only! Now that you know your

wise enough to realize that the new addition needs

Audio to play soothing sounds and lullabies, and a multi-colour nightlight to softly illuminate a dark room

favourite go-to diapers, diaper creams, lotions,

Double stroller or stroller board

massage oils, baby washes, shampoos and other

Depending on the age gap between the new baby

personal care items, you can add these to your

and your other child or children, this will be a

wish list.

Long-lasting battery and 15 hours of video streaming

much-needed gamechanger. Look for customiz-

able configurations that work with your family’s

White noise machine

needs and ages. Another option is a stroller board,

Soothing, consistent white noise (or pink noise,

also known as a ride-on board, glider or buggy

like the sound of rainfall) in your baby’s room can

board, which attaches behind a stroller’s rear

help minimize the sounds of a busy house when

wheels so your toddler can stand on it and hold

they’re sleeping. And, if your kids will share a

on to the stroller’s handle.

room, a noise machine can help your older child snooze through the baby’s snuffles and babbles.

Bottle nipples, soothers, teethers, toddler cutlery and sippy cups

Leapfrog LF815HD 5-in. WiFi High-Definition Video Monitor, $199, leapfrog.com

Be sure, however, to check that audio levels are within safe parameters for young ears.

Babies and toddlers tend to chew like beavers, so anything that was used by big brother or sister

Baby carrier

should be replaced with something fresh.

If you didn’t use one the first time around, you’ll

need one now to help keep your hands free for

Car seat

parenting the rest of the household while keeping

Check the expiration date on your current infant

your baby cozy and close.

car seat, usually located on a label on the side. If

you need a new one, or will need a new one soon,

Gift cards for services

now’s the time to update it.

No doubt, this is a gift for the whole family. Think:

Leapfrog LF925HD 5-in. WiFi High-Definition Pan & Tilt Monitor, $259, leapfrog.com

meals, diaper service, dog-walking service or

Wash cloths, bibs and crib mattress

housecleaning. What will make those early

It’s nice to have unstained wash clothes and bibs

frazzled days go a bit more smoothly?

CREATED FOR

Discipline ADVICE&REAL LIFE

It’s a big deal to them

PHOTO:STOCKSY

When your kid is melting down, you go into fix-it mode. In an excerpt from the new book How to Talk When Kids Won’t Listen, authors Joanna Faber and Julie King reveal what actually works. (Spoiler: minimizing their sadness doesn’t.) WHY IS IT THAT WHEN WE TRY TO CALM KIDS DOWN, they sometimes get more worked up? Our intention is to be soothing. To teach them that this tiny bump in the road of life can be driven over without crashing the entire vehicle into a ditch. It will be OK! But the message they hear is a different one: “You can’t have what you want and I don’t care, because your feelings are not important enough to bother about.” Now the distress is doubled—added to the original disappointment over

November+December 2021 todaysparent.com

ADVICE&REAL LIFE Discipline

the missing granola bar is that lonely feeling you get when you realize nobody cares that you’re sad. It’s true that for adults a granola bar ranks way down on the scale of global disasters. But for a disappointed kid, that missing treat is just as upsetting as any of the petty disasters that befall us grown-ups during the day. Your annoying coworker constantly uses your pens and doesn’t replace them? Stop complaining. It’s not a big deal! Your friend shared your personal health problems with the whole neighbourhood? You’re overreacting. Don’t be so sensitive. The mechanic overcharged you to repair your transmission; it broke down again a week later and he wouldn’t give you a refund? Hey, that’s life! No use getting upset about it. Don’t get mad at us. We’re just trying to help you by explaining why you’re wrong to feel bad. It’s pretty infuriating when our own disappointments, admittedly insignificant in the grand scheme of things, are summarily dismissed. When someone tries to calm us down by minimizing our troubles, we end up feeling worse—and we may even direct a fresh wave of irritation at the person who is trying to help. We desperately want to give kids some perspective. They can’t go through life falling apart over every little thing. It’s part of our job to help them learn what’s important and what’s not, isn’t it? But the timing is wrong. When you’re upset because your new shoes were stolen at the gym, that’s not the moment you want your friend to remind you to be grateful you have feet. And when you lose your feet to gangrene, you don’t want your friend coming over the day after the amputation to remind you that you’re lucky because there are people who don’t have legs. No doubt that will be a helpful perspective at some point in the future, but for right now you’d probably appreciate a little sympathy instead of a pep talk. We may understand intellectually that we shouldn’t try to talk people out of their misery in their moment of distress. But we still have a powerful urge to minimize or dismiss negative feelings, both for our kid’s sake and for our own. When kids relate their tales of woe, we naturally try to convince them it’s not that bad. They respond by dialling up the intensity to convince us that it is indeed that bad. We react with frustration, and before you know it everyone involved is sucked into an escalating spiral of irritation. The more we try to douse the flames, the hotter they get. It turns out, we’re pouring gasoline on the fire instead of water. OK, fine, so it’s not helpful to try to get kids to look at the bright side or to tell them that they should suck it up and stop whining because their problems aren’t so bad. Now what? Sit on the couch with noise-cancelling headphones? We

todaysparent.com November+December 2021

present to you a set of tools you can grab when a child is in emotional distress. TOOL #1: ACKNOWLEDGE FEELINGS WITH WORDS Instead of arguing that the child is foolish, or wrong, or rude, or overreacting, stop and ask yourself: What is this feeling? Is she frustrated, disappointed, angry, annoyed, sad, worried, scared? Got it? Now show your child you get it. What we’re looking for is the kind of thing you’d say with genuine emotion to a friend with whom you truly empathize. “That sounds scary.” “Oh, how disappointing!” “What a frustrating situation!” “It sounds like you’re really annoyed with your ________ (brother/teacher/friend) right now.” TOOL #2: ACKNOWLEDGE FEELINGS WITH WRITING There’s something about the written word that makes a kid feel like she’s being taken seriously. Even children who are too young to read are often delighted to have their thoughts written down and read back to them. The writing may take the form of a list—a wish list, a shopping list, a list of worries or grievances. TOOL #3: ACKNOWLEDGE FEELINGS WITH ART Art can be a powerful tool when strong emotions are in play. And the good news is, you don’t have to be an artist. Stick figures will do just fine! Sometimes children will want to jump in and show you their sad or angry feelings with the help of a pencil, chalk or crayons. Even Cheerios have been employed to create a sad face that lets kids know we understand how they feel. TOOL #4: GIVE IN FANTASY WHAT YOU CANNOT GIVE IN REALITY When a child wants something that’s impossible to have, our temptation is to repeatedly explain to them why they cannot have it. “I already told you, we can’t go swimming now, honey, the pool is closed for the day. There’s no use crying about it.” These kinds of exercises in logic seldom persuade a youngster to accept reality. She’ll cheer up more quickly if you say, “Oh, I wish the pool would stay open all night. We could go swimming in the moonlight!” Next time you find yourself wanting to jump in with a dose of cold, hard reality, take a moment for whimsy instead. Tell your child you wish you had a magic wand to make a bathtub full of ice cream appear, you need some robots to help with cleanup, it would be great to have a clock that freezes time so you could have a hundred more hours to play. TOOL #5: ACKNOWLEDGE FEELINGS WITH (ALMOST) SILENT ATTENTION Sometimes just a sympathetic sound is enough. Resist the urge to lecture, ask questions or give advice. Instead, simply listen with ohs, ughs, mmms and ahs!

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ADVICE&REAL LIFE Essay

At a crossroads I knew without a doubt that my family was complete as soon as I had my second baby. But once I weaned him, my certainty became murky. Then, an unplanned pregnancy turned everything on its head.

“THE EMBRYO IS LODGED IN YOUR RIGHT TUBE,”

the OB/GYN told me. I looked down at the silver-zippered black leather boots peeking out from his scrubs. “It’s big—about five centimetres. You’ll need to go in for surgery today.” For a week, I’d been waiting to hear if my surprise IUD-defying pregnancy was miscarrying, ectopic or viable. We were two weeks into a global pandemic shutdown, and the world vibrated with uncertainty. “So you’ll remove the pregnancy?” I asked. “And the tube,” he said. I burst into tears. “If you’re done having kids,” he offered, “we can remove both tubes.”

todaysparent.com November+December 2021

I cried even harder. The tears made no sense. Dan and I were done having kids, weren’t we? It was back to the original two-existing-kids plan, with the added bonus of a forever, ironclad birth control solution! I should have been relieved. But your heart pretty much drowns out your head when you’re losing a pregnancy, body parts and—possibly—your entire reproductive system. I had not been prepared to consider: No more kids. No going back. The End. I’d been saying I was done ever since my second, Charlie, arrived. While my first year as firsttime mom had elated me, two kids under two had toppled me. Between breastfeeding, toddler tan-

PHOTO: DAN BORSLIN

When Calgary’s Sky England, mom of Charlie (le ) and James, heard moms of three say they couldn’t imagine their lives without their third born, the comments aﬀected her in ways she hadn’t expected.

Essay ADVICE&REAL LIFE

trums, a seemingly endless sleep-deprived haze and, sometimes, forgetting how to feed myself, my body literally withered away, dropping to a weight I hadn’t been since I was 15. I felt low, exhausted and lost—and pathetic for feeling so swamped by my own two children and the infinite chores that accompanied them. When my first-born, James, turned three, and Charlie turned one, I felt like I’d arrived somewhere. I sold all the baby things. I weaned Charlie, freeing up my spent body from another living creature for the first time in four years. Never doing that again! I thought (and said out loud many times). But my initial triumph turned murky as the boys grew. I’d stare at mothers with new babies strapped to their bodies and think, I’m not one of them. As eager as I had been to leave baby life behind, I had unwittingly entangled my identity with the idea that I was a “new” mom. At two, Charlie would still nestle his head on my shoulder at bedtime while I sang to him, and I’d realize: I’ll never hold my own baby again. Never again know the weight and smell and transcendent intimacy of these moments. I’d hear moms of three say things like, “Last night, I looked at my third-born and just couldn’t believe I’d ever considered not having him!” Or, “I decided to have three because I felt like I had all of this love waiting to be discovered.” I knew the comments weren’t about me. Of course those moms were in love with their new babies. But didn’t I also have love waiting to be discovered? The things they said lodged in me like shrapnel. My feelings bewildered me. Did I really want another kid? Or was it, as a friend suggested, that, “Maybe we’re evolutionarily programmed to always want more kids.” Had I subconsciously subscribed to some archaic patriarchal bullshit about losing my purpose now that I had borne my children? Or was it simply that something I had looked forward to all my life was now over? I settled into a quiet, lonely grief. Most days, I could choose not to hear it. A little piece of me secretly clutched onto a thread of possibility that we could still—maybe!—have another one. Why did it feel so heartbreaking to close the door on having kids? And why was I so unprepared for (and confused by) these emotions? I asked Calgary psychologist Maria Schmid these questions, and she pointed out that our traditions that focus on women—bridal and baby showers—celebrate beginnings. It makes sense that that’s what we anticipate. When we’re done having kids, our perception of ourselves changes. “We must navigate the expansion and contraction of ourselves in relation to who we thought

My feelings bewildered me. Did I really want another kid? Or was it simply that something I had looked forward to all my life was now over?

we were, what we expected to become and the reality of who we are,” she said. She added that when women don’t firmly “close the door”—be it mentally or physically—they “can be tormented for years, never truly letting themselves feel complete or enough.” That torment was very much my company as the boys neared five and three years old. Then the pandemic hit. Then I found out I was pregnant. It was wild. Miraculous. Until it wasn’t. After the OB/GYN delivered the news, Dan figured out a plan for the kids and drove me to the hospital. He walked me to the day-surgery desk but was allowed no farther. I left his coat damp with my tears, then followed a nurse to a hospital bed in a little nook, where I cried and shivered in my hospital gown. I was lucky and I knew it. Five pregnancies had yielded two kids who were at home, waiting for me. I was no stranger to the struggles, losses and raw hearts of hopeful parents. I thought of my wee embryo; had it travelled just inches farther, I would be at home, frightened and giddy. When I thought about losing both tubes on top of the pregnancy, something primal happened in my body. My stomach turned. Tears poured out of me. I decided, alone there in my hospital bed, that I’d keep that tube. Eventually, someone wheeled me down the hall and left me in the middle of another room, where I wept and wept. Nurses and doctors walked by, pretending not to notice. Finally, four women gathered around me—the anesthesiologist, the surgeon, the nurse and the resident. They told me they’d put me to sleep and intubate me. They’d empty my bladder. They’d remove the pregnancy, the tube, the IUD. “And will we be removing both tubes?” the surgeon asked. I shook my head and whispered, “No.” It was the tiniest comfort as the women rolled me into the OR, pressed an oxygen mask over my face and a needle into my arm. I looked up at the enormous UFO lights, waiting for the relief of a drug-induced sleep. More than a year has passed since that day. I realize now that I was grieving our loss, The End, that day. Though I kept that tube, I’m not holding on to the idea of another child anymore. Just because I’ve processed the grief doesn’t mean I don’t feel it. It’s leaving behind what was once ahead of us. It’s wondering if I’ll remember the feeling of Charlie’s little arms reaching around my neck when he hugs me good night . It’s that the kids are getting older and so are we all. We will never be this exact way again. So when I hear the grief, I hold it in my hands. I listen. —Sky England

November+December 2021 todaysparent.com

ADVICE&REAL LIFE Parenting

“You should be grateful!” Unfortunately, simply telling kids how thankful they should be doesn’t make them feel actual gratitude. Here’s what does work.

todaysparent.com November+December 2021

the same as cultivating it. Here’s how they recommend approaching the topic. DITCH THE EXPECTATIONS Telling kids to show gratitude isn’t an effective way to get them to do it. Instead, they sense the judgment or the pressure fuelled by our preconceived ideas about how they should behave, says Emily Edlynn, a clinical psychologist in Illinois. “It’s hard to preach gratitude,” says Laura Greenberg, a registered psychotherapist in Toronto. While parents should encourage kids

ILLUSTRATION: KIM SIELBECK

LAST HOLIDAY SEASON, RAMSEY HOOTMAN planned an activity for her sevenyear-old’s Cub Scout den. Because of COVID-19, the group had to forgo its traditional carolling and toy drive. Instead, Hootman had arranged for the kids to make cards for seniors at a local assisted-living facility. Unfortunately, the kids weren’t interested. “I had a really hard time getting any of them to participate,” Hootman says. She eventually persuaded her sons to make a few cards but felt disheartened by their lack of enthusiasm. Leading up to the project, Hootman had talked with her children about how lucky their family was to be together and how important it was to help others who weren’t able to see loved ones. Why didn’t her kids seem to be thankful? We all want our children to appreciate the good things in their lives—perhaps never more so than now. But experts say that asking children to show gratitude isn’t

Parenting ADVICE&REAL LIFE

to take part in different experiences—from volunteering to donating toys—we need to let go of any expectations that kids respond a certain way to these activities. Gratitude is a feeling that comes from the inside, Greenberg says, “so we can’t just tell someone to be thankful and that person becomes thankful.”

MAKE SPACE FOR ALL EMOTIONS Lindsay Holly, a licensed clinical psychologist and assistant professor at Marquette University in Wisconsin, says embracing gratitude can be hard for kids—especially “when what they’re experiencing is a lot of loss right now of things that they used to have,” like the ability to socialize freely without worrying about things like hand sanitizer and masks. But kids don’t have to choose between being sad and being thankful. “Both are real, both are important and both are useful emotions to have and to talk about,” says Holly. When our kids are upset, we tend to jump to “fix-it mode,” says Greenberg. But if we allow ourselves to be present in those tough feelings with our children, we’ll help them understand that all of their emotions are valid, even the uncomfortable ones. Over time, this practice enables kids to develop emotional self-efficacy— the ability to tolerate and cope with different feelings—and become receptive to gratitude. MODEL THANKFULNESS Children are constantly observing us, says Edlynn. Rather than telling them how we’d like them to feel, we can be role models in expressing our own gratitude. That might mean sharing what brings us joy during the pandemic. For example, you might say to your kids, “Even though I’ve missed seeing a lot of people this year, I’m really grateful that I’m still able to meet up with a friend to walk our dogs.” RECOGNIZE THAT KIDS’ PERSPECTIVETAKING SKILLS ARE DEVELOPING Let’s say your kids complain that school is boring now because of pandemic restrictions. Your knee-jerk reaction might be to remind them how much worse some other kids have it. This type of perspective-taking is a skill that kids are still developing. Children learn mainly through experiences, so talking about something in that abstract way might not sink in. Along these lines, Hootman now realizes why the card-making project didn’t resonate with her kids: They couldn’t see or otherwise interact with the seniors they were supposed to be helping. We can encourage our kids to practise perspective-taking by asking them open-ended questions. Greenberg suggests saying something

like, “I was reading about so-and-so. What do you think it would be like for that person?”

REMEMBER THAT GRATITUDE ISN’T A FIX FOR NEGATIVE FEELINGS For kids and adults alike, some amount of anxiety and depression is considered “normative” right now, says Holly. While being thankful can potentially help us feel better, gratitude interventions alone aren’t likely to alleviate anxiety and depression. If children are experiencing intense symptoms, “the recommendation would certainly be to seek out professional forms of therapy,” says Holly. Gratitude is valuable in itself, but it’s not a cure for negative emotions—nor does it need to be. There are benefits to embracing gratitude, says Greenberg, “but there’s also the power that comes from learning to accept the negative feelings that you have.” —Gina Rich

4 ways to say thanks with a craft Grateful kids are happier, more compassionate and engaged. These simple projects can help them get in touch with their thankful side. 1. “Lucky me!” jar This is like the kid version of a gratitude journal. Decorate a jar with photos of things they’re grateful for (like their puppy or their family). Each evening, your child can write down (or dictate what you should write) something they’re grateful for that day, then fold the paper and toss it into the jar. They’ll amass a collection of happy memories that they can read (or have you read) whenever they need a li . 2. Secret Santa with a twist Ask your child to draw a picture,

design a cra or help you bake cookies for someone they care about. Your kid can then leave the present by the person’s front door, ring the bell and run away (alert the person that you’re coming so they won’t be alarmed). Kids love making a stealthy delivery! 3. Homemade coupons Help your child brainstorm and design coupons for fun shared experiences, such as a coupon for a game of tag for a sibling or a trip to the garden centre to help pick out annuals for Mom.

4. Silver lining posters Identifying silver linings in disappointing situations teaches gratitude. Your daughter lost the hockey game, but she made a new friend. Your son’s dance class got cancelled, but the last-minute museum trip ended with ice cream. The silver lining can become the theme of a poster. A er they’re done painting or drawing, pull out your silver gli er glue so they can add a literal silver lining with a hopeful phrase or whimsical design. —Lisa Fields

November+December 2021 todaysparent.com

ADVICE&REAL LIFE Shopping

BU Y I N G GUIDE

HOW TO BUY A CAR SEAT Shopping for a car seat can be overwhelming with so many models, price points and safety features. Whether you’re in the market for a seat for your babe, toddler or big kid, here’s how to make sure every ride is a safe one.

CONVERTIBLE CAR SEAT

INFANT (OR BUCKET) CAR SEATS Infant car seats are designed for preemies and babies weighing at least two kilograms (four pounds) and can be used until they reach the seat’s weight or height limits— usually 14 to 16 kilograms (30 to 35 pounds)— or if your baby’s head sits 2.5 cm (1 inch) below the top of the car seat. Infant car seats are only installed rearfacing, which is the safest position for protecting your baby’s head, neck and back in the case of a sudden stop or collision. Opt for a seat with an easy-to-read recline level indicator—there are a variety of types

available, ranging from a simple sticker to a bubble. This will help you to adjust your baby’s car seat to an optimal angle, so their chin stays off their chest, allowing for unobstructed breathing. No one plans to have a small baby, but the car seat you choose should have features to accommodate one just in case. Look for a seat with a harness that includes a low setting, to create minimal distance between the harness and the crotch buckle,

todaysparent.com November+December 2021

says Katherine Hutka, president of the Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada, health promotion specialist at Child Safety Link and a mom of two. The harness straps should be at or just below your baby’s shoulders to help prevent them from sliding up toward the top of the car seat in the case of a sudden stop or accident. “We don’t want the straps to be floating up around their ears,” says Hutka. “It puts them at greater risk of injury.”

PHOTO: CARMEN CHEUNG

PURCHASING THE RIGHT car seat involves striking a balance between your kid, your car and your lifestyle. Depending on your child’s weight and height, your options are infant (or “bucket” seat), convertible and booster. (We’ll talk about all-in-ones, too.) All car seats legally sold in Canada will have the National Safety Mark sticker, which means they’ve been tested and deemed safe. The “safest” car seat for your child is one that is compatible with your vehicle and has been correctly installed.

ing for as long as possible because it’s the safest position. Depending on the model, some forward-facing car seats are made for children weighing up to 30 kilograms (65 pounds). If your car’s headrest is interfering with installation, check your manual to see if it is safe to remove. The top of the car seat must rest flush against the seatback. Check with your local retailer or chat with representatives online about store return policies so you can test the features and check for vehicle compatibility. If you can try before you buy, do it. The five-point harness should be easy to adjust as your little one grows—straps should be positioned at or just above the shoulders so your kid is protected in case of a collision. This will also help them sit straight and tall. As with infant rear-facing car seats, refer to the manual to see if any recline is allowed. If so, check the angle indicator to ensure your child is angled properly for their weight and height. Some convertible car seats may boast a steel-reinforced frame, rather than a plastic one, but try not to pit them against each other. “All of the car seats sold in Canada meet incredibly high standards,” says Hutka. “We can’t say one is better than the other. What’s most important is that they’ve all passed rigorous Canadian safety testing.” In other words, it’s your choice, and vehicle compatibility is key.

HIGH-BACK BOOSTER SEAT

Infant car seats can be installed with the detachable base and carrier using your vehicle’s universal anchorage system (UAS), but you can also install the carrier on its own using just the seat belt when you’re r unning a quick erra nd in Grandma’s car, renting a vehicle or hopping in the back of a cab. Since the seat is detachable, you can carry your baby around in it or click it into the stroller, when needed.

INFANT (OR BUCKET) SEAT

CONVERTIBLE CAR SEATS These car seats are typically used the longest, as they’re designed to take children from rear-facing to forward-facing. Once your child outgrows your car seat’s maximum rear-facing limitations or weighs at least 10 kilograms (22 pounds) and is at least two years old, you’re able to turn the car seat around so they can ride forward-facing. But experts like Hutka recommend that children travel rear-fac-

BOOSTER SEATS Kids can transition to a booster when they’ve outgrown their forward-facing convertible car seat and weigh at least 18 kilograms (40 pounds) and are at least four years old. But behavioural maturity also has a lot to do with whether they’re ready to sit safely in a booster. Kids should be able to sit tall and with their bum at the back of the seat for the entire ride—even when they’re napping. “The seat belt is only going to protect your child if they’re sitting correctly, so they have to be ready,” says Hutka. If your child has outgrown their current five-point harness seat but isn’t behaviourally ready, she recommends purchasing another five-point harness seat that can hold a taller, heavier kid, which will help prevent them from leaning forward, slouching, unbuckling and grabbing the door handle, for example.

November+December 2021 todaysparent.com

ADVICE&REAL LIFE Shopping

There are three types of boosters: a car seat that converts to a booster, a high-back booster and a backless booster. A properfitting booster is one that comfortably positions your kid’s knees over the edge of the booster and vehicle seat. Experts at Consumer Reports recommend a high-back booster because it offers optimal seat belt positioning over your kid’s strongest bones—over the shoulder and in the centre of the collarbone, and across the pelvis (upper thighs). Some models even offer side-impact protection and head support if your kid takes a snooze. The majority of high-back booster models convert to a backless anyway, so you can make the adjustment when your kid is ready. Backless models are easier to transport from car to car. BUYING USED A used car seat can be more affordable and convenient than a new one, but only when purchased from a trusted source, like a family member or friend—not from a public marketplace. The car seat is only safe if it’s never been involved in a collision and if it isn’t expired. You can reference the Child Passenger Safety Association’s used car seat checklist to make sure the car seat in question is still safe. ARE ALL-IN-ONE CAR SEATS WORTH IT? These car seats are tempting as a money saver since they’re designed to fit children from their infancy to their booster days. The experts at Consumer Reports say these seats are safe—but have some limitations. For example, when your child is an infant, you lose the convenience of being able to carry them around in their bucket carrier or snapping them into your stroller. Parents tend to favour the infant carrier, Hutka says, since they can buckle up their baby in the house before going out to the car. “You have time, it’s warm and you have ample space,” she says. Also, as your little one outgrows their forward-facing convertible days, they might actually be socially and developmentally ready to move on from the car seat they’ve been sitting in for years to a backless booster.

tem (UAS). This means you can install a car seat using the vehicle’s lower anchor bars, which can be found between your vehicle’s seat cushion and seatback. Your owner’s manual will indicate their exact locations. Never install a car seat in a front seat—the force of passenger airbags could da mage the ca r seat a nd injure your child. Car seats are always installed in the back seat where there’s a shoulder and lap seat belt available. Need help? Reach out to your manufacturer with questions or read reviews from trusted sources like trained car seat technicians. You can also get in touch with a technician virtually or book an appointment to have your seat professionally installed.

GET TING A SECURE FIT Look for features that make it easier for you to adjust the car seat correctly every time, like mechanisms that make tightening a breeze, level indicators that are easy to read for proper angling, and harness designs that make adjustments simpler. Securing or making adjustments to your car seat should be intuitive, but dog-ear important pages in your car seat and vehicle manuals for easy referencing—your future self will thank you.

INSTALLATION BASICS All vehicles made in Canada after 2002 are equipped with a universal anchorage sys-

todaysparent.com November+December 2021

Safety features are constantly evolving and can vary. Features like built-in seat belt lock-offs are good to have, as they’re designed to hold the seat belt in a fixed spot to help you achieve a tight installation. There are also a variety of types of seat belt lock-offs (levers, latches and clips) and different ways to thread the seat belt based on car seat positioning—refer to your car seat’s manual for when and how to use them. You’ll know you’ve got a secure fit in either a rear-facing or forward-facing position by grabbing both sides of the car seat where it’s attached to the car and, with the strength of a firm handshake, giving it a good tug from side to side and front to back—it shouldn’t wiggle more than 2.5 cm (1 inch). —Linda Nguyen

Best practices Five ways to ensure a safe and smooth install.  If you can, try before you buy. Some car seats fit be er in some vehicles than others. There are many different variables when it comes to achieving a good, secure fit. Try a floor model, if possible. Many retailers don’t allow returns on car seats.  Purchase within your budget. A pricier car seat with the latest, most innovative features doesn’t make it more safe. If it’s not a good fit with your vehicle or you

can’t get a proper install, it’s not going to keep your child safe. Look for the National Safety Mark; it’s proof that the car seat meets Canadian safety standards.  Register your car seat. When it comes to your kid’s safety, be the ﬁrst to know if something is wrong. Manufacturers will only use your information to contact you in case of defects or recalls. If you purchase used, re-register the car seat under your name.

Read the manuals. Become familiar with your car seat’s manual and your vehicle’s manual so you understand their capabilities. This will make installation and adjustments easier.  Research extras. Experts advise against using a er-market products, like harness pads, car seat covers or seat protectors, because these items could change how your car seat performs in a crash.

Blue stars means it’s time to snooze..

. .and yellow sun means it’s time to spring out of bed.

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Capture the Memories CREATED FOR

Even though your phone is full of photos of your kids, it never hurts to have more. Photographs are one of the best ways to capture holiday memories that will last a lifetime. The right shot and outfit are paramount for at-home snaps, but it can be tricky to wrangle little ones. To help you cross “stress about holiday photos and looks” off your list, we gathered professional tips and some of our favourite holiday-inspired styles from Carter’s | Oshkosh. Read on to learn how to capture the moments that matter with looks that won’t quit.

Christmas Morning Surprise Take a few test shots the night befo re and remove anything cluttering your frame— think a bulky chair, the blanket that always ends up on the floor or the toy bin. 2-Piece PJ Set, $18-$20; Fleece Nigh tgown, $20 (available in sizes 12M-14).

BEEN TO A CARTER’S | OSHKOSH LATELY? Stylish seasonal looks abound. Outfitting newborn to size 14 (and even some adult sizes for that quintessential family PJs shot), Carter’s | Oshkosh is your one-stop shop for holiday outfits, gifts from Grandma and baby’s first Christmas. Swoop into a store or shop online for all your holiday needs from party outfits, comfortable and on-trend everyday clothes, sleepwear, cold-weather accessories, parkas and snowsuits (you had an outdoor shoot planned, too, right?). To get these looks and more, visit cartersoshkosh.ca.

Holiday Party Don’t strive for perfection or force it; kids only agree to a certain number of shots. Keep the ideas simple and let kids be themselves. Maintain a light and casual mood for the best group snaps. Holiday Fashions, $16-$42 (available in sizes NB-14).

Matching Pyjamas For indoor shoots, choose the brightest time of day. Face the window and avoid direct sunlight. Try scheduling your shoot between breakfast and lunch, navigating any late-morning naps and avoiding hunger pangs. Matching PJs (newborn to adult), $16-$42 (available in kids' sizes NB-14 and adult sizes XS-XXL).

Baby’s First Christmas

your angles. Don’t be afraid to work od, or stand trip a of e tag van ad Take to get the ir cha a or on the couch Using flash h! flas no And t. sho t perfec 2-Piece ct. effe sh will create a har Set, $20 ts Pan it ysu Bod y lida Ho M). (available in sizes NB-24

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The de Pencier Family

Steps&Stages Pregnancy / Baby / Toddler / Preschool / School age

Win win! Quiet time gives you peace while your kid practises solo play. WE LOVE IT!

Toddler:

How to transition from napping to quiet time

PHOTO: STOCKSY

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November+December 2021 todaysparent.com

STEPS&STAGES

All the ridiculous comments people make when you’re pregnant— and how to respond. P RE G NC Y NA Put a pin in it Wish you could clap back with a pointed response but not sure you have the chutzpah? Grab a couple of sassy pregnancy pins to a ach to your bag or jean jacket lapel. They say things like, “No uterus, no opinion” and “Yes, I’m STILL pregnant.” Visit etsy.com and search “funny pregnancy pin.”

BABY

TOWARD THE END of my pregnancy, I sat down to a sushi lunch with a friend. The teenage waitress delivered my bento box with a side of judgmental sass: “Should you really be eating here?” she asked, eyeballing my stomach. I wish I’d said, Should you really be offering unsolicited advice on a topic you clearly know very little about? or As long as your kitchen is clean, Health Canada says I’ll be fine or even The North American ban on sushi during pregnancy is considered a racist insult in Japan. Instead, I meekly thanked her, albeit sarcastically, and filed the incident among many more irksome comments I’d received over the past nine months. The fact is, most pregnant people hear all sorts of ridiculous and insulting remarks, and it can be hard to know how to respond. Here are some of them—and how to deal. “OMG, LOOK AT YOU! YOU’RE HUGE!” Variations on this gem include the “ready to pop!”

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assertion (at six months, not welcome) and the old “are you sure there’s only one in there?” Uninvited commentary on your bigger-thanbefore body is so common and ubiquitous that Amy Morrison, the brain behind the hilarious website Pregnant Chicken, compiled a full list of clever pregnancy comebacks to “You’re gigantic!” Among them, “Holy shit, you too!” and “It’s actually a litter of puppies.” If that kind of sarcasm isn’t your jam, Morrison suggests you bite your tongue just a bit and go with something a little less combative (but that still gets the point across), like “I know, it’s almost like I’m growing a whole baby or something.” “THIS PROBABLY WON’T HAPPEN TO YOU, BUT HERE’S MY DEEPLY TRAUMATIC BIRTH STORY.” Comedian Kate Davis remembers her pregnancy being marred by too many unwanted oversharers’ birth stories—all nightmares, naturally. “One person told me she had a 62-hour back labour with surgical lance that turned into an emergency C-section and it took eight weeks to recover,” recalls Davis. She wanted to scream, “Keep it to yourself!” but she found herself frozen “like a deer in headlights,” she says. A better plan is to offer a dash of sympathy and ask for a conversation rain check—postdelivery, please and thank you. “IS THAT [COMPLETELY ACCEPTABLE HUMAN ACTIVITY THAT YOU’RE DOING NOW] EVEN SAFE?” Do not ask Evanka Osmak, co-host of the popular podcast “Moms in the Middle” and an anchor on Sportsnet, if it’s OK that she works out while pregnant. One stranger at the gym made the grim mistake when he approached her mid-work-

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out and asked, “Should you be lifting weights?” She took the high road and politely explained that her doctor had given her the go-ahead rather than saying what she was really thinking (Maybe you should be lifting weights! Your gut’s bigger than mine!). For moms somewhere in the middle (see what I did there?), you could try a passive-aggressive “You know, I actually should! But thank you so, so much for your concern.” “YOU POOR THING, YOU LOOK ABSOLUTELY EXHAUSTED.” It might be true—pregnancy insomnia is a thing, and so is peeing every 90 minutes all night long— but nobody appreciates hearing it. “I was frequently told I looked too tired to be out,” recalls writer Sarah Sahagian. Her retort? “I’m sure I’ll be even more tired when the baby arrives, so I’m enjoying pub trivia while I still can.” Lots of us have circles under our eyes to begin with, and yes, baby on board might make them worse, but worse still is all that and feeling like you look terrible. You can get revenge in the best possible way by admitting you are tired, in fact—and promptly asking for a favour. “TRY TO ENJOY IT! PREGNANCY IS THE EASY PART!” Newborns are very difficult and exhausting, it’s true. But for some women, including Workin’ Moms actor Jessalyn Wanlim, pregnancy is extraordinarily difficult, too. Not to mention stressful, given her history of multiple miscarriages. Actually, my back hurts, my feet ache and I haven’t slept in days, she’d bark back—but only in her mind. In response to a comment like this, consider trying Kate Davis’s comeback: “If this is the easy part, I give up!” —Rosemary Counter

PHOTO:STOCKSY, ILLUSTRATION: VÉRONIQUE JOFFRE

PREGNANCY

STEPS&STAGES PREGNANCY

Does too much time in a bouncer seat or activity centre cause “container baby syndrome”?

PHOTO:STOCKSY, ILLUSTRATION: VÉRONIQUE JOFFRE

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THE INVERTED METAL “V” in the middle of my living room separated my life as a parent into two eras: the before–Jolly Jumper times, and after. Before-JJ, I bounced my colicky baby on a yoga ball for hours, cramming granola bars into my mouth with one hand. Post-JJ, I could sit and enjoy a whole sandwich while his delight at moving his own body beamed straight into my heart. These short breaks were vital to my mental health as a new mom. Eventually, though, guilt would chip away at my bliss. My friends and I cheekily called Exersaucers and activity centres “circles of neglect,” even though we used them so we could unload the groceries or pee, while knowing our babies were safe. Despite the jokes, I knew I shouldn’t leave my son in the jumper for very long—I’d heard it wasn’t good for his little body. But how much was too much? I didn’t know that there’s an actual label for this particular anxiety—container baby syndrome. It’s a serioussounding term that’s been floating around parenting circles for the last few years.

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While neither the Canadian Paediatric Society nor the American Academy of Pediatrics defines the term, the American Physical Therapy Association describes it as “a collection of movement, behaviour and other problems caused by a baby or infant spending too much time in a container.” Stephanie So, a paediatric physiotherapist in Toronto who’s been advising parents on kids and healthy movement for more than 30 years, isn’t sure what to make of the label. “It sounds a bit negative,” she says. But parents do need to be aware of the importance of offering infants safe opportunities to move freely and practise new skills, like rolling and crawling. The most infamous side effect of excessive time in a containment device is plagiocephaly, or flat spots on the head. (You may have seen babies wearing specially fitted helmets to correct this.) A baby whose head is always turned to one side in a bouncer seat, for example, can develop tightness and decreased range of motion in the neck muscles, or torticollis. The delayed development of skills like rolling, crawling and walking can also occur if your baby is always strapped into a car seat or Exersaucer. Does this mean parents should avoid containers altogether? “Absolutely not,” says Dina Kulik, a paediatrician at Kidcrew Medical, a paediatric clinic in Toronto. When used safely, she says, “15 minutes, two to three times a day—if the baby enjoys it—is fine.” In reality, all parents need a safe place to put their baby down at times. Sometimes a container can even be a safer choice: “For things like cooking a meal, it just isn’t practi-

cal or safe to have kids on us or underfoot,” says Kulik. Before trying out new equipment with your infant, check the manufacturer’s recommendations for developmental readiness; your little one might need to have core strength or be able to hold up her own head before she’s ready for a high chair or Jolly Jumper, for example. So the physiotherapist, says her “device advice” for parents is all about moderation and practicality. Car seats and strollers, for example, are a must for transportation, but be sure to position your baby’s head and neck so they line up with their spine. That positioning is also important with bouncers, vibrating seats, rockers and swings. Some floor chairs, like Sit-Me-Up or Bumbo-type seats, can put the baby in a position “where their pelvis is tipped back, which isn’t optimal for their posture,” explains So. She adds that babies also don’t need to practise jumping or bouncing— something with a more stable surface, like an Exersaucer, would be her preference. Even better, she says, is a playpen or simply putting your baby on the floor, which allows them to move around but still stay safe. “I encourage parents to use a blanket, or get a foam mat, to create a safe place on the floor,” says So. (You may need to add a play yard or baby fence.) “At this point in a baby’s development, they should be on the floor as much as possible, doing tummy time and learning to roll, crawl and pull up.” But in the end, pragmatism wins: If it’s a choice between using an Exersaucer for a few minutes or being a parent who never gets to eat or use the washroom, the container wins every time. —Jen Cutts

November+December 2021 todaysparent.com

STEPS&STAGES

How to transition your toddler from napping to quiet time. TO D D LE R

BABY

“I ONLY HAVE to make it to naptime” was my refrain every single morning when I was juggling a baby and a toddler. Amid the diaper blowouts, unending tantrums, and tears from all three of us, the one thing I could count on was the midday snooze. Until, that is, my son stopped napping. I panicked. How was I going to survive without a break? Enter Quiet Time. Though it might seem impossible at first, this is where a nap-resistant toddler can be taught to spend an hour or so quietly playing on their own in their room. For a cranky or over-stimulated kid (or parent), it can feel like hitting the reset button. “Explain to kids that quiet time is something our bodies need,” says Susie Allison, a former teacher and the creator of the popular Instagram account Busy Toddler. She notes that screen time can be a part of quiet time, but it shouldn’t be the sole focus. “Unstructured free

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play totally by themselves, independent of an adult, is the most beneficial type of play,” she says. After quiet play, she lets her kids watch a show before launching into the rest of the afternoon. My son started out doing 15 minutes of solo time in his room. I brought up a highly coveted box of train tracks, left some library books open on his bed, pulled out a puzzle, then closed the door and crossed my fingers. Back downstairs, I checked the video monitor: The train tracks were a hit, and he sat on his bed looking through some books. The next day, he did 20 minutes, and then 25, until we were at an hour. A solid, beautiful hour, followed by 30 minutes of TV. It wasn’t an instant success, and the number of times I wanted to give in and rely on Netflix was embarrassingly high, but I knew I needed to play the long game. IS MY TODDLER READY? There are a few signs, says Rosalee Lahaie Hera, a Toronto sleep consultant. Perhaps they’re resisting naptime altogether, or they do a long snooze in the afternoon but then take forever to fall asleep at night. “This is a sign that their drive to sleep is too low at bedtime and their sleep needs are decreasing overall. Switching to quiet time can help them settle more easily later.” Your toddler may drop their nap as early as two and a half years old, though it ranges widely, says Lahaie Hera. “Most kiddos are either resisting their nap, or pushing bedtime later as a result of their nap, by age three.” It can take a few weeks for kids to adjust to no nap; try to do an earlier bedtime for a while. SAFETY FIRST So how do you make this magical hour hap-

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pen? First up: Toddler-proof the space. “Go through your child’s room and make sure it’s ready for them to be in there successfully and safely by themselves,” Allison says. Anchor furniture, secure any cords and remove any choking hazards, like Lego, from the bedroom. “The goal is to have an environment that the child can be both independent and safe in,” she says. WHERE TO DO IT My kids now do downtime separately, in their rooms, but Allison says that this can vary from house to house. “That might mean children in their bedrooms alone or siblings together in a playroom,” she says. VISUAL TIMERS Allison also recommends using a visual timer. “Time is very abstract to kids. A sand timer or a countdown clock helps them understand how long they’re going to be in this setting.” BOOKS AND AUDIOBOOKS I always start quiet time by reading—similar to our bedtime routine, to remind my kids that they’re going to be slowing their bodies down. Katherine Boyes, a mom of two kids in Ottawa, swears by audio books. “We have a very energetic oldest kid and the only time he slows down is with an audiobook,” she says. “He goes up to his room and quietly creates his own worlds with toy cars and planes while he listens.” BE FIRM AND CONSISTENT “If quiet time is important to your family, then you need to keep working on it,” says Allison. “That might mean walking your child back to their room and having firm conversations about the expectations, but don’t give up. It’s won’t happen on the first day, but they will begin to understand this new routine.”—Lindsay Zier-Vogel

PHOTO:STOCKSY ILLUSTRATION: VÉRONIQUE JOFFRE

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STEPS&STAGES PREGNANCY

BABY

Why some kids seem to prefer adults over other kids. P RE S CH O OL

PHOTO:STOCKSY, ILLUSTRATION: VÉRONIQUE JOFFRE

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WHEN HE WAS three, Alex* used to start each morning of daycare by asking his teacher how she was and what she did the day before. “He was really interested in her life,” recalls his mom, Erin Gray.* Less interesting to him were his peers, with whom Alex struggled to connect. He mostly interacted with his teachers or played solo. But this preference for hanging out with the daycare staff over other preschoolers didn’t worry Gray, who says Alex was verbally advanced for his age. “We just laughed and said, ‘That’s our kid.’” Georgia Miller, an educator who specializes in children’s mental health and is based in Edmonton, says it’s not uncommon for kids to prefer adults to other kids. Some, like Alex, are cognitively ahead of their peers so they find adults more stimulating. Others may have anxiety or a lack of confidence in social situations, and playing with a trusted adult feels safer and easier. “Children get to direct the play, there is no sharing involved and they get the control and power,” says Miller.

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When it’s something more Consistent preference for adult company can sometimes be a sign of a sensory or anxiety disorder, particularly when accompanied by extreme anger, meltdowns and other disproportionate reactions to social situations. Challenges with social skills can also be one of the many characteristics of being on the autism spectrum, although autism spectrum disorder is usually accompanied by other symptoms, like lack of eye contact and repetitive behaviours. Another sign that the behaviour could be something that needs more support is when a child appears as though they lack empathy.

While it’s not a major red flag if your kid isn’t a social butterfly, it is important to encourage them to play with kids their own age, because it helps them learn how to selfregulate, interact with others and make decisions, says Lisa Seward, a Toronto-based child and parenting coach who specializes in socialization. “Play is how they learn how to navigate their world.” Most neurotypical kids are ready to learn this around age three, as they move past the toddler parallel-play phase. If your preschooler doesn’t naturally gravitate toward their peers, you may have to help them out. Here’s how. EMPHASIZE STORIES AND ROLE PLAYING Miller suggests reading books that feature themes of friendship and positive play. “Have your child guess what the character is going to do as well as what they should do,” she says. Adults can also act out “real life” and model appropriate behaviours. For example, parents can prepare kids for arguments over who gets which toy by acting out that scenario and modelling how to problem-solve. GET OUT As much as possible, give your kid opportunities for same-age interaction, like trips to the park and short playdates, says Seward. You might need to give prompts to help your preschooler mingle with others their age, however. For example, says Seward, while at a play-

ground, if you notice kids playing a fort game, you could say, “I think the kids are in a fort. Maybe take your jacket off and see if they need a flag.” Once your kid has joined in, take a step back— but later on, praise them for interacting with others. ENLIST THE TEACHER To help your kid interact with others at school, talk to the teacher to see what they do to encourage social exchanges in the classroom. Let them know this is a concern of yours and ask what you can do at home to help support your kid’s interaction in the classroom. FOLLOW YOUR KID’S LEAD Learning to interact with peers is a crucial part of preschool development, but just as important is honouring your kid’s boundaries. Seward notes that if an attempt at peer playing isn’t going well, “take a break and then try again later.” BE PERSISTENT BUT ALSO PATIENT With the right guidance and support, most preschoolers will eventually begin playing with their peers as they start to feel safer and create more positive interactions with other children, says Miller. Indeed, Gray reports that some of Alex’s peers have now, at age six, caught up with him verbally and he is able to crack jokes with them, though he still also enjoys a good conversation with an adult. —Lindsay Kneteman *Names have been changed

November+December 2021 todaysparent.com

STEPS&STAGES

What it could mean if your kid hates going to school. SC H O OL AGE

BABY

IN GRADE FOUR, Rebecca Lee’s daughter, Devan*, hated going to school and complained of stomach aches a lot. Devan’s father often let her stay home when she was at his place (Devan’s parents are divorced), while Lee didn’t, and this inconsistency made it even more difficult for Lee. Devan was too big for her to literally drag out of bed, so the Toronto mom often found herself at a loss for how to get her child to school. Reluctance to go to school is common in kids ages five and six, as they’re adjusting to kindergarten and grade one. But it can also kick in again around ages 10 and 11, when there’s a significant jump in academic expectations coupled with an increase in abstract-thinking ability, both of which can make kids more anxious about grades and social dynamics. There are, of course, also COVIDrelated rules and expectations that could be contributing to the problem. For some kids, masks and social distancing

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have become no big deal, but for others, they can be anxiety-inducing or just plain annoying. To get out of going to school, your kid might say she’s sick, throw a tantrum or even become physically aggressive.“It’s really distressing for the whole family,” says Michele Kambolis, a child and family therapist in Vancouver and author of the book Generation Stressed. “Not only are parents deeply concerned about their child, but it makes it very difficult to cope with the day-to-day functioning. Parents might have to take time off work, and other siblings might be late for school or not make it there at all.” Even though you’re frustrated, keep calm and make sure empathy is your first response, says clinical psychologist Marjory Phillips. “Don’t say, ‘Here we go, I’m going to be late for work again,’” because that just locks you into a power struggle with your kid. “Instead, say, ‘It looks like you’re having a hard time this morning. Are you worried about something at school?’” Make sure your kid isn’t overtired. It’s tricky to budget enough time for sleep in a busy week, but kids between ages six and 12 need nine to 12 hours a night. If your child is sleeping well but the battles persist, try to sleuth out the core issue. “It could be that academic expectations are hard. Or your kid might be having difficulty with a friend or is feeling bullied,” says Phillips. Kids can have a tough time articulating what’s going on, so ask the teacher if she’s noticed anything. Maybe she can give your kid a fun, useful task he enjoys (like taking the attendance list down to the

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office) or arrange for a teacher he likes to meet him at the door each morning. If your kid’s anxiety is related to something short term—say, an upcoming test or a challenging math unit— they might just need some coaxing, extra support and help making a game plan to get through the rough patch. For bigger issues, like bullying or academic difficulties, seek support within the school—then let your kid

? Did you know? Some kids who regularly complain about going to school may benefit from a psycho-educational assessment, which could uncover a learning disability. “Sometimes very bright children can have gaps in their learning that lead to anxiety and school avoidance,” says Michele Kambolis, a child and family therapist in Vancouver. know you’ve done so. “Reassure your child that you’re going to help solve that problem,” says Kambolis. The earlier you intervene, the faster you can help your child get back to learning. Talk to your family doctor about your child’s well-being, and ask about a referral for a mental health assessment. What about letting your child take a “mental health day” every once in a while? “You know your kid,” says Phillips. “If you think it’s in their best interest, then that’s reasonable.” Just don’t let staying home become a persistent avoidance tactic. —Claire Gagné *Name has been changed

PHOTO:STOCKSY, ILLUSTRATION: VÉRONIQUE JOFFRE

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The world has changed. Our commitment to youth remains the same Youth entrepreneurs and artists are the spark driving a better future for us all. Since its inception, more than 1 million young people have participated in the Fondation Michaëlle Jean Foundation’s programs - contributing their creativity and skills to create lasting change and build vibrant, inclusive communities. This year, although the pandemic brought its own set of challenges, the Foundation seized an opportunity to hold virtual discussions dedicated to social justice and education, through a digital edition of our National Black Canadians Summit. The FMJF is committed to amplifying youth-led solutions, allowing young entrepreneurs, artists and changemakers to reach their full potential.

“Words can’t explain how I am feeling. I am very humbled, and I want to say this foundation is going to change many lives all over the world.” – Benjamin Kwofie, a young Toronto-based entrepreneur featured in our “Arts Save Lives” campaign

Let’s continue the conversation around youth entrepreneurs throughout the month of October. Our next virtual event, on October 26, focuses on redefining entrepreneurship and employment to be an inclusive space for all. Stay up to date with National Black Canadians Summit events, and help us continue to support young people across the country by visiting our website www.fmjf.ca

Together, we are stronger!

DONATE: https://fmjf.ca/ Since its creation 10 years ago, the Fondation Michaëlle Jean Foundation‘s (FMJF) initiatives have transformed lives and revitalized communities across the country. Help continue to support the mission of the Foundation by donating today at www.fmjf.ca

THE 2021

ALL TOYS ARE AVAILABLE IN-STORE AND ONLINE AT MASTERMIND TOYS.COM

Paw Patrol Marshall’s Transforming City Firetruck p. 54

Jamie & Jumper p. 65

Pokémon Trainer Guess: Kanto Edition p. 60

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WARDROBE: RHY: (DRESS) O’S AND OAKES, (LEGGINGS AND SHOES) ZARA KIDS, KINGSTON: (TOP AND BOTTOMS) TUCKER & TATE, DESI: (OUTFIT) H&M KIDS, ATLAS: (TOP) ZARA KIDS, (BOTTOMS) O’S AND OAKES

ULTIMATE TOY GUIDE

The business of play is hard work—that’s why we turned to the experts! We asked real Canadian kids to test out hundreds of new toys to help us create this roundup of the very best of the year. PRODUCED BY SADIYA DENDAR + KEVIN JOHN SIAZON PHOTOGRAPHY BY RAINA + WILSON WARDROBE STYLIST: LISA WILLIAMS PROP STYLIST: JESS ANDERSON DESIGN BY: COLLEEN NICHOLSON ART DIRECTION: EMILY VEZÉR

Playdate Friends Washable Dolls p. 40

NL 205 Scooter p. 66

Gund Kissy the Animated Penguin Plush p. 42

Animal Collection Sets p. 51

Choppin’ Fun Learning Pot p. 45

November+December 2021 todaysparent.com

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BABY AND TODDLER

MANHATTAN TOY

Playdate Friends Washable Dolls Need a bestie? How about three? Nico (featured here), Ellis and Alex each come with stylish threads and a cute coordinated companion. The easy-remove outﬁts promote motor development and nurturing skills, and the cool fashion can’t hurt when it comes to ﬁnetuning kids’ own style. Plus, the dolls are 100 percent washer- and dryer-safe. $35 each

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In partnership with Mastermind Toys OFFICIAL PLAY PARTNER OF TODAY’S PARENT

TRIED & TESTED

“This toy will be with us for a long time. It’s both plush and full of lights and sounds to keep baby soothed and entertained. My four-yearold learned all the songs and would sing them to her sister even when we didn’t have the fox on hand— so sweet!” Simone, mom of two

VTECH

Twist & Explore Caterpillar Squirmy-wormy babies will find a fond friend in this bendy cri er. Each of its twistable segments offers a different stimulation. Spin his rings, shake his beady bo om or press his heart to light up and play more than 30 phrases, songs, sounds and sayings. $16

MANHATTAN TOY

Playground Adventure This cool treehouse-themed activity centre is divided into four quadrants, and there’s plenty for little hands to explore. The wooden playground includes an abacus track, ﬁve bead runs, spinners, 20 gliders and even a springy bear riding a dinosaur, all expertly designed to encourage cause-and-effect learning with a side of motor skill development. $160

VTECH

Soothing Songs Fox More than just a cute face, this friendly woodland cri er is here to help your baby self-soothe, playing more than 50 peaceful lullabies, melodies and popular kids’ songs. Her heart glows, casting a so light that fades in and out to match her nature sounds, phrases and music. If you’re looking for a distraction, Fox’s crinkly ears, so tail and ribbon tags should do the trick. $19

November+December 2021 todaysparent.com

AGE

SPIN MASTER

Gund Kissy the Animated Penguin Plush

PEACEABLE KINGDOM

Get Up for Pup Toddlers will have so much fun playing this moving and grooving game that they won’t even notice they’re learning to listen and follow directions. Each player ﬂicks the spinner then draws a card to reveal an action to perform—like dancing, jumping or crawling—that they must do while feeding the dogs stuﬀed bones. $25

SKIP HOP

Kissy the Penguin loves to dole out love to her friends. Press her feet and she’ll sing a song and move her wings. The so , huggable bird is ready to teach, too. She’ll li her wings to her beak to blow kisses and your li le one will be sure to mimic her. $55

Celestial Dreams Activity Gym Manifesting good galaxy vibes, here’s a super squishy, quilted play mat with high-contrast colours and a supportive crescent-shaped pillow for optimal tummy time. There’s lots to explore, with a removable shooting-star mirror and ﬁve hanging toys, including a musical metallic star, a rattling raccoon teether and crinkly snow owl. $120

TRIED & TESTED

“Aidan loved this from day one; he loves to kiss and slobber all over it.” Hamida, mom of one

TRIED & TESTED

GLOBBER

Explorer Trike 4-in-1 Kids as young as 10 months and as old as five years can put their pedals to the, uh, sidewalk with this adjustable three-wheeler. This sturdy bike is the only one of its kind on the market. Its metamorphosis looks like this: An infant trike with a five-point harness and canopy easily transforms tool-free into a guided trike, then a training trike and finally a balance bike. We love sustainability and a good evolution. $180

“Great toy and so simple to put together. We take it with us on day trips since it’s light and easy to travel with.” Joanna, mom of one

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In partnership with Mastermind Toys OFFICIAL PLAY PARTNER OF TODAY’S PARENT

JANOD

Sweet Cocoon Multi-Activity Baby Walker

HAPE

Whale Music Fountain

Out of the way! There’s lots to learn and do with this beautiful wooden walker that supports early steps and conﬁdent cruisers. Need a minute to sit? It’s got a maze, noisemaker knob, metal xylophone, drum and twisty gears to play with. Parents will love the quiet rubber wheels and the felt mat bo om that muﬄes the sound of crashing blocks from the shape sorter. $100

Deep-sea bathers will have a whale of a time with this musical tub toy. Play the ﬁve colourful leviathan fountains like the keys of a piano, orchestrating your own symphony, or watch the water spray and dance to a pre-programmed tune. $50 TRIED & TESTED

MATTEL

“Lucy loved the giant eyes, flashing lights and marbles. Marlo liked pulling the little guy apart and figuring out how each piece worked. It’s rare to find a toy that both kids can enjoy.”

Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Ultimate Learning Bot Four-in-one sounds like a tall promise, but here’s what you can expect from your new robot friends: Bot One likes to spin and twist, Bot Two makes balls pop, and Bot Three loves a good chase. To create Bot Four, stack them all together and you’ll have an eye-spinning robot ready to host a dance party and share sounds and phrases. Three diﬀerent modes of play mean you can choose which level best suits your child’s age and ability. $70

Rachel, mom of two

SKIP HOP

Zoo Sweet Scoops Ice Cream Tray Your li le one will love scooping up these sweet treats. The 10-piece ice cream set nestles into a rainbow serving stand with three cones and six stackable mix-andmatch scoops that change colour and reveal sprinkles and swirls when dunked into water. The unicorn scoop is like the cherry on top. $16

B. TOYS

Mini Woofer Dog Guitar And who is this li le cutie? A mini guitar with three musical modes that play riﬀs, fun songs and special puppy tunes. Easy for wee hands to hold and explore, this guitar strums new songs while helping your baby develop their cognitive and musical skills. $20

November+December 2021 todaysparent.com

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0+ TRIED & TESTED

“The imaginative play with this toy has been so fun. Not only do the kids ‘take your order’ and build and cook the pizza, but they also pretend to be delivery boys. It has no plastic, which is another huge plus.” Sarah, mom of three

VTECH

Touch & Explore Activity Table Busy toddlers have met their equally active match in this sit-to-stand table. Packed with activities to encourage number, animal and colour recognition, it’s got a phone, alligator xylophone, shape sorters and 90+ sounds, melodies and phrases. The detachable tabletop is perfect for ﬂoor play before li le ones graduate to standing height. $52

LEAPFROG HAPE

Perfect Pizza Playset

Touch & Learn Nature ABC Board

Who’s up for pizza? You’ve got your choice of toppings when it comes to this foodie-inspired playset featuring a mix of wooden and felt textures. Start with the base, add some cheese and then garnish with your faves: pepperoni, mushrooms, tomatoes, peppers and more. The pizza oven doubles as a delivery box, so once it’s ready, just slice and serve. Ciao! $30

This touch-sensitive wooden board is actually a sustainably made toy tablet that teaches kids about nature. Weather, ABCs, 123s, animals and conservation are on the docket with seven engaging lessons presented on a light-up LED screen. $32

JANOD

Kubix 40 Blocks Letters/ Numbers Aesthetic and educational, this set is complete with 40 wooden blocks painted with le ers and numbers. They are fun to stack and clank, or to match with the 36-piece puzzle (that can be used as a play mat once assembled). It’s a two-in-one learning adventure. $50

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In partnership with Mastermind Toys OFFICIAL PLAY PARTNER OF TODAY’S PARENT

LEGO

Duplo Barn, Tractor & Farm Animal Care Whew, there’s lots to learn and do on the farm! Build a barn, tend the coop, till the ﬁelds with the tractor and care for a host of animals (like a pig, sheep, rooster, cows and more). The perfect setting for freerange imagination, this 97-piece set has so much to build and discover. Our fave part? The strawberry stand! $80

LEARNING RESOURCES

Spike the Fine Motor Hedgehog Rainbow Stackers

TRIED & TESTED

MANHATTAN TOYS

Deer One Soft Book This animal-themed activity book is filled with woodland whimsy. Made from padded fabric, it folds out flat for a cozy play mat to upgrade tummy time. Your babe will be kept busy with an array of textures to explore, like a peek-a-boo crinkle leaf, discovery mirror, pop-out bunny, squeaky mushroom and textured corner. The fabric loop affixes to strollers for stimulation on the go. $22

“There are sweet illustrations and an adorable toad stool that’s perfect for little hands.” Rachel, mom of two

Ready to stack? Spike is. The hedgehog’s colourful core is sized just right for small hands to grasp, and his spiky cups can be piled horizontally or vertically. He’ll help to develop ﬁne motor and sensory skills and build on number, shape and colour recognition. Plus, Spike loves a splash: Take him in the bath for some water fun. $18

VTECH

4-in-1 Learning Letters Train All aboard the learning train! Today’s lesson is le ers. Kids can sit on the caboose of this ride-on train, push it along as a walker, pull their educational locomotive or play on the ﬂoor exploring 13 double-sided alphabet blocks. They’ll never get bored with the interactive play panel (it has more than 270 songs, sounds and sayings), a travel book, turning gears and popping beads. $73

LEAPFROG

Choppin’ Fun Learning Pot Culinary arts training starts early with this interactive cooking pot that recites recipes, oﬀers encouragement and mimics the sound of boiling water. Hone your knife skills by “cu ing” the food on the chopping board; then set the temperature and give it a stir before ladling out your ﬁve-star meal into the bowl. Bon appétit! $26

November+December 2021 todaysparent.com

AGES

3-5

PRESCHOOL TRIED & TESTED

“Awesome toy! Heavyduty with lots of great functional details. Really sturdy and very cool.” Nicholas, dad of two

BRUDER

CAT Excavator Bit too young to operate a real Cat vehicle? This lifelike toy is the next best thing. The fully functional excavator arm operates via a manual lever and is up to the challenge of demanding tasks and gruelling sandbox terrain. It has a removable shovel, shatterproof plastic cab windows, functional doors and genuine chain-link treads. Need to do maintenance? The two engine hatches open, no sweat. $100

todaysparent.com November+December 2021

In partnership with Mastermind Toys OFFICIAL PLAY PARTNER OF TODAY’S PARENT

RAVENSBURGER

Marvel Eye Found It! Card Game A new spin on the mega-popular Eye Found It! franchise, this game will have you travelling from Asgard to Wakanda and in between. Thoughtfully illustrated cards contain hidden objects that players must scramble to ﬁnd from the hand they’ve been dealt. $12

VTECH

KidiZoom PrintCam Whoa, is that a digital camera that kids can point, click then instantly print? Yeah, it is. Have a blast printing black-and-white pics with comic strips, in panorama and with fun frames. Flip the lens and take a selfie or print a card that you can colour in and give to your BFF. You can also shoot movies and play games. It’s like the ’90s, only way cooler. $94

MATTEL

Barbie Fast Cast Clinic This set has everything Barbie needs to run her own medical clinic. Exam table? Of course. An X-ray machine, cast- and bandage-making moulds and crutches? Yes. There’s even a gi shop where you can ﬁnd a treat to help cheer up patients. $75

November+December 2021 todaysparent.com

AGES

3-5

TRIED & TESTED

“This toy held Rafael’s attention the longest. It was easy for him to put together, disassemble and pack away with each use.” Chantal, mom of two

STORYTIME TOYS

Fairytale Moderns: Book + Toy Playsets Classic stories come to life in this multi-dimensional book-playset hybrid. This is not your regular pop-up book! Kids can build stories both physically and through imaginative play with characters and props made from sturdy yoga mat foam and card-stock parts. Enough storytelling? Fold it flat for another day. Look for an assortment of tales to build out your set. Maybe Jack scaled the beanstalk to spy on the wolf that’s been bothering Red Riding Hood. $20 each

HASBRO

Star Wars Galactic Snackin’ Grogu

Thinking Kits Tornado Spin Art The tie-dye trend continues! Check out this hand-powered art machine that uses a simple spinning motion to create colourful pictures. Clamp a piece of paper down on the spin plate and squirt in paint to create a funnel of fun and a unique masterpiece. $20

todaysparent.com November+December 2021

What’s be er than Baby Yoda? Snacking Baby Yoda. The galaxy far, far away’s cutest character, Grogu, has quite the appetite. Put some food to his mouth and listen as he adorably smacks his lips. He’ll let you know if something is yucky or yummy and will raise his hands up when he wants to be held. Grogu blinks, and he moves his ears, head and arms. When the Force activation is on, look out for an iconic move that fans will love. $130

In partnership with Mastermind Toys OFFICIAL PLAY PARTNER OF TODAY’S PARENT

HASBRO

furReal GoGo My Dancin’ Pup New year, new interactive pup! Pulling up with sweet dance moves and over 50 sounds and reactions, GoGo is a white fluffy lapdog that wants to show off her moves. Press the dance bu on on her leash to get the party started. GoGo will stand up and shake her stuff along to five songs. Wanna walk? So does GoGo. Press the walk bu on and she’ll bob her head while strolling along and chiming in with fun barks and happy pup noises. $80

KID MADE MODERN

GLOBBER

Primo Foldable Lights Scooter Cruising in style is always on the agenda for this easyto-tote scooter with neon light-up wheels—now with a wider anti-slip deck for be er balance and an extra-large brake to help make your child’s ﬁrst scoot a stable one. Plus, it folds down with a quick bu on press. $100

STEAM Fuzzy Stick Sculpture Set Who knew that 155 fuzzy sticks, 116 assorted plastic beads, 60 paper tubes and a wooden pegboard could spark so much creativity? Your li le dreamer will love the ﬂexibility of this cra -meetsengineering kit that encourages kids to use critical and creative thinking and to sharpen their ﬁne motor skills. $25

SPIN MASTER

Kinetic Sand Sandisfactory Set Get ready to play with kinetic sand in ways you never have before. The Zen-inducing sensory-box star can be moulded into colourful designs using one kilogram of sand. More than 10 tools give licence to ﬂow, cut, mix and rake four diﬀerent hues into two moulds. Don’t think of the satisfying possibilities, simply create them. $25

HASBRO

Play-Doh Great Baking Book Set Tighten those apron strings and put kids to work make-believe baking the sweetest works of art. The confection-inspired PlayDoh kit includes a 14-page guide, cookie and doughnut moulds, stampers, ice cream cones, scoops, a sprinkle-maker and more. The world is their cherry pie with the 20 two-ounce Play-Doh colours. $65

November+December 2021 todaysparent.com

AGES

3-5 TRIED & TESTED

“It’s well worth treating your kids to three floors of dollhouse living space that they can play with together.” Claire, mom of two EDUCATIONAL INSIGHTS

PaperCraft Sweet Boutique Imagination and a few coloured pencils is all that a fashion lover needs to create some head-turning lewks. This compact designer’s boutique comes with 10 outfit pads, 40 reusable accessory stickers and 100 colour-in clothing pieces that will peel off residue-free so designers can create thousands of stylish combos on three double-sided dolls. Bonus: The box also functions as a studio—it’s important to flaunt your work. $20

LEAPFROG

On-the-Go Story Pal

MATTEL

An adorable screen-free bunny is happy to hop in and help with story time. The portable speaker with headphone jack has over 65 tales, poems, songs and lullabies to choose from. We love the bedtime timer, which automatically turns off once the desired number of stories have been read. Kid keen on your voice? Record up to 10 minutes of song or story. $37

Barbie is over-the-top in all the right ways, and the latest iteration of her iconic estate is the most customizable yet. She’s upgraded the amenities to include a lush lawn, a barbecue that doubles as a dessert station, and panoramic city views from her three-level pad. The pool slide can be moved and reconﬁgured endlessly. Barbie also took up DJing during the pandemic and practises her spinning skills in the party room’s light-up booth. Accessibility rules, so there’s room for four, including a wheelchair, in the new automated elevator. $250

Barbie Dreamhouse

todaysparent.com November+December 2021

In partnership with Mastermind Toys OFFICIAL PLAY PARTNER OF TODAY’S PARENT

JANOD

Story Train Firefighters It’s go time at the imagination station and two firefighters are ready to board the train and perform heroic acts, like fighting fires and saving ki ens with their telescopic ladder. $20

MAGNA-TILES

Animal Collection Sets New wildlife themes collide with these clear and pa erned magnetic tiles that kids just love. The imagination-nurturing animal series captures life in the humid jungle, on an African safari and in the deep-freeze of the Arctic. Builders can construct habitats and learn about the variety of creatures that call the diﬀering landscapes home. $70 each

MATTEL

VTECH

Hot Wheels Color Reveal

Switch & Go Velociraptor Jet

The Color Reveal coating on these Hot Wheels cars washes off when you dunk ’em in water to unveil their slick paint jobs. Want to try a different look? Give ’em a swish in hot water for a fancy new style—but don’t worry, an icy cold bath will reverse it again. Now race forward and claim that checkered flag! $17

Is it a ﬁghter jet or is it a ferocious velociraptor? Trick question—it’s both! It’s easy to transform this sky-rocketing jet into a towering mechanical dino with an animated LED screen. Press a bu on to trigger voice lines and cool special eﬀects. $42

November+December 2021 todaysparent.com

AGES

3-5 PAPO

Savannah Set Isn’t it cool how diverse the planet is? With this buildable, three-dimensional, handpainted playset, kids can journey to the African savannah. A lifelike lion, lioness and cobra can give a tour of their turf. There’s a lot to check out. Why not lounge under an acacia tree, drink from the watering hole or poke around the rocky landforms? $60

MGA ENTERTAINMENT

LOL Surprise! OMG Sports Two, four, six, eight, who do we appreciate? The latest LOL Surprise dolls! Two athletes are competition-ready with cheer and gymnast looks, complete with sparkly poms, spinning ribbons and 20 surprises per pack. $45 each

WOWWEE

Pop2Play Indoor Slide Up the ante on indoor fun with a low-mess, durable cardboard structure that can hold up to 50 pounds. Simply pop up the StrongFold slide and have fun climbing up and swooshing down. It’s easy to fold flat and stash under the couch or behind a bookcase. $40

TRIED & TESTED

“We absolutely love this slide! I am still shocked with how sturdy it is, and how easy it is to set up and take down.” LEARNING ADVANTAGE

Katy, mom of three

Koala Walla Bing Bang What do koalas love to eat? Eucalyptus, of course! Wally the Koala needs a hand reaching his fave snack at the top of a tall tree. Players need to work together to help coax him to the tippy-top, but be careful: He might get scared and slide down the trunk. Be er catch him before he goes bing-bang! $20

todaysparent.com November+December 2021

In partnership with Mastermind Toys OFFICIAL PLAY PARTNER OF TODAY’S PARENT

PEACEABLE KINGDOM

With a Cherry on Top The ice cream–themed counting game pits players against each other, having them compete over who can complete their banana split with the most scoops the fastest. The sweet treats are topped with scratchand-sniff cherries, of course! $17

MANHATTAN TOY

Bunny Hop Mixer The best-looking mixer that you ever did see is this 10-piece bunny-themed kitchen set made from wood with whimsical painted details. Burgeoning bakers will be whisked away with a tilt-head mixer, bowl, rolling pin, spatula and all of the ingredients needed to bake up something sweet. Just twist the toadstool to spin the wooden mixer blades. $56

GLITTER GIRLS

Malu Doll with Paddle Board Malu is ready to ride the waves! The 14-inch doll is geared up and ready for a day of surf and sand. Safety comes first, so she wears her life jacket over her on-trend pineapple-printed swimsuit. The sand can get hot, but thankfully she’s got slides that are easy to slip on and off. $40

LEAPFROG

LeapLand Adventures There’s no web connection needed to embark on the educational quests in Letterland, Numberville, Shapetown and Colour Springs. Just hook up the controller to your TV with the HDMI game stick and USB power cable to unlock 150 learning challenges that kids can master at their own pace. $42 November+December 2021 todaysparent.com

AGES

3-5 MATTEL

Barbie Extra Dolls These dolls are EXTRAvagent in their style and lifestyle choices. Each of the new Barbie Extra dolls—and their coordinating pets— encourages kids to get creative with their own selfexpression. Some of our fave accessories? The gli er, sunglasses, neon faux fur and hairstyles that dare to be diﬀerent. A er a day of shopping, Barbie Extra loves to invite her friends over to her newly reno’d Dreamhouse. Slay, Queens! $40 each

LEARNING RESOURCES

Coding Critters MagiCoders: Skye the Unicorn Say hi to Skye! A mythical creature with a magical discovery to share, Skye will teach eager preschoolers how to code with a special spellbook and wand (no screen required!). She can light up, dance and complete fantasy trials. Ready for a challenge? Design your own codes using problem-solving and critical thinking. $50

CREATIVITY FOR KIDS

Sensory Bins Big, exciting possibilities lurk beneath the play surface of each of these three self-contained sensory bins. Your young explorer’s ﬁne motor skills will develop with each dig, scoop, si and brush. What’s hiding in there? Depends on your set, but it could be dinos, skeletons, sea creatures, rocks or a whole construction zone. $30 each

SPIN MASTER

Paw Patrol Marshall’s Transforming City Firetruck There’s an emergency and Marshall is all ﬁred up in his new rescue vehicle, modelled a er the movie. Flames are up against an extendable ladder with 360-degree spins, rescue slide, water cannon projectile launcher and a trampoline net to break falls. You’ll know this pup is on his way when you hear the sirens and see the ﬂashing lights. $70

todaysparent.com November+December 2021

In partnership with Mastermind Toys OFFICIAL PLAY PARTNER OF TODAY’S PARENT

THINKFUN

My First Math Dice

TRIED & TESTED

We crunched the numbers and found that this prekindergarten math-prep game is not only fun, it’s also really good at introducing early arithmetic concepts like greater than and less than, basic addition and number recognition. How to play? Roll the dice and stack colourful chips, winning confidence with every correct answer. $20

“There’s more than one way to play and both kids had fun!” Elizabeth, mom of two

COROLLE

Mini Corollines A wee version of the classic baby doll is here. Just eight inches tall, this sweet babe is lightweight and easy to transport, and oui, she’s subtly fragranced with that signature sweet vanilla. $20 each

KIDKRAFT

Taverna Play Kitchen Streamlined, stylish and ready for Instagram, this kitchen has faux marble counters, minimalist Scandi-inspired cabinetry and a pretty patterned backsplash. Function matches looks with a fridge and icemaker, oven and gas range, a sink with a gooseneck faucet, and a chalkboard for important snack memos. Waiting for the budget reveal! $270 November+December 2021 todaysparent.com

In partnership with Mastermind Toys

AGES

ALL OFFICIAL PLAY PARTNER OF TODAY’S PARENT

5 8

8 PLAYROOM ESSENTIALS Missing some basics? Here are our picks of classic toys to outfit a fun and fab room.

1. Casdon Dyson Cord-Free Vacuum Fine, we’ll say it—vacuuming is fun with a Dyson. Modelled a er the brand’s best-selling cordless model, this mini vacuum isn’t just for pretend play— it actually sucks up small bits of dust and debris! Colourful balls whirl around in the canister, and the nozzle shortens to help you reach the dust bunnies’ favourite hiding spots. $50

2. Kid Darts Safety Tip Dart Board Enjoy the thrill of darts but eliminate any risk of danger and the wall holes associated with traditional sharp-ended darts. The whole family will love the

challenge of sending so -nosed darts into the 16.5-inch board. Who has the best aim? Make sure you keep a tally of bull’s eyes. $25

3. Door Jams Over-the-Door Basketball Hoop Pump up the jam (and the ball) with this swishy set. The durable and sha erproof bracket easily ﬁts over a door so kids can practise hand-eye coordination, dunking and shooting hoops in the comfort of their own bedroom. $45

4. Celestron PowerSeeker 50AZ Telescope Greetings, aspiring astronomers! A no-tools-

todaysparent.com November+December 2021

required telescope is a low-stress foray into the world of astronomy. Put your eye to the Barlow lens for a close-up view of the stars and planets. Download the included so ware to help identify more than 10,000 objects and print maps of the sky. $100

5. iDance Party Ball with 2 Microphones The karaoke-obsessed won’t want to miss out on this compact singing machine that syncs up via Bluetooth to any smartphone, tablet or laptop. The booming speaker includes a light-up disco ball that projects colours on the walls and ceiling and dual microphones—

with an echo function—for those powerful duets. $70

6. Wash-Up Kitchen Sink Toy dishes deserve a scrub and rinse just as much as real dishes do. Fill the basin with water and turn on the tap. Wow, there’s a real stream coming from the spout! Grab the washing brush and squirt some “detergent” to tackle the mess, then stack the plastic cups, knives, plates and forks in the rack to dry. $27

7. Lanka Kade Dinosaur A–Z Wooden Jigsaw Puzzle This brachiosaurus is working all of his angles. He’s a chunky upright jigsaw puzzle, sure. But he’s

also a teacher, encouraging alphabet retention— both recited and by sight —and colour recognition. This puzzle is all roar and no snore. $30

8. Art Easel with Chalkboard and Magnetic Whiteboard This sturdy stand has a magnetic whiteboard on one side (ultra-organized Type A’s will love making lists on this) and a chalkboard on the other. The dowel up top comes with a roll of paper so your li le artist can get started. When paint is the medium of choice, simply pull the paper down and get to work dunking your brush into the three no-spill paint cups. $90

10 NEW BOOKS

AGES 5–8

FOR YOUR KID’S LIBRARY

Aaron Slater, Illustrator By: Andrea Beaty & David Roberts Aaron wants to become a writer and loves listening to stories. But he’s struggling: Every time he tries to read, the writing just looks like a bunch of chicken scratch. So how will he ever relay his own stories without using words?

AGES 7–10

Cat Kid Comic Club: Perspectives By: Dav Pilkey Class is back in session for Flippy, Molly, Li’l Petey and, of course, the 21 baby frogs as they take turns sharing their adventures and wacky comics. This time, the pupils learn that not everyone shares the same point of view, and the baby frogs must decide whether they can stick together even when their opinions are miles apart.

AGES 4–8

AGES 0–5

What Do You Say, Little Blue Truck? By: Alice Schertle & Jill McElmurry Beep! Li le Blue Truck is saying hello! This interactive book introduces young readers to the friendly farm animals that the beloved truck meets around the countryside. Press the sound bu ons to hear how they’ll respond.

AGES 4–8

The Smart Cookie By: Jory John & Pete Oswald We’re all smart in our own ways. Some people are clever. Some are creative. In this book, Cookie ﬁnds out that having all the answers and ge ing good grades aren’t the only ingredients for success; you can modify the recipe and add your own special blend.

Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem By: Amanda Gorman & Loren Long When we join our voices together, big things can happen. Poet and activist Amanda Gorman—known for her powerful poem at President Biden’s inauguration—takes kids on an enlightening lyrical journey that shows when we work together, we have the power to create change in our communities and around the world.

AGES 5–8

An Elephant & Piggie Biggie! Volume 4 By: Mo Willems Best friends Gerald the elephant and Piggie the pig share ﬁve of their engaging tales in one big collection. The unlikely duo ﬁnd themselves in all sorts of silly situations and must learn how to navigate friendship faux pas, broken toys, bullying and jealousy.

AGES 4–8

AGES 6–9

It Fell from the Sky By: Terry Fan & Eric Fan

Narwhal & Jelly: Narwhal’s School of Awesomeness

Thursday started out like any other day until something fell from the sky. None of the insects are sure what it is; some guess it’s a gumdrop while others think it’s an egg. It landed near Spider’s house, so it’s obviously his. But is that fair or does this mysterious thing belong to the community?

Mr. Blowﬁsh has come down with a cold and needs to cancel class for his school of ﬁsh. Thankfully, besties Narwhal and Jelly have volunteered to be substitute teachers. Their lessons are a li le unconventional but there’s plenty of exciting learning in the four new stories.

By: Ben Clanton

AGES 8–12

Pax, Journey Home By: Sara Pennypacker & Jon Klassen A year a er Peter and his pet fox, Pax, last saw each other, Pax has a li er of kits and Peter is an orphan. When one of Pax’s kits becomes very sick, he knows he has to ﬁnd the only person he trusts to help.

AGES 9–12

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Big Shot By: Jeff Kinney The school ﬁeld day didn’t go well, so Greg has called it: He’s retiring from sports. But then, with a bit of prompting from his mom, he decides to try out for the worst basketball team. Will he be able to come out a winner?

November+December 2021 todaysparent.com

AGES

5-7

LITTLE KID

todaysparent.com November+December 2021

RED PLANET GROUP

Squeakee the Balloon Dino Half balloon, half dinosaur, the B-Rex (get it?) is programmed with more than 70 sounds and movements. Play tug-of-war, have a tickle ﬁght, feed him a bone and don’t forget to cuddle—he’ll nuzzle right up! He can also throw down some solid dance moves and rip an impressive toot. Who knew a balloon could be so multifaceted? $90

In partnership with Mastermind Toys OFFICIAL PLAY PARTNER OF TODAY’S PARENT

KLUTZ

My Cat Mermaid & Friends What’s that under the ocean’s surface? A mystical cat mermaid and her besties, a narwhal and seahorse. You’re in charge of bringing them to life with this tiered craft kit that starts with simple lacing then dives into stitching and stufﬁng the three felt friends. $27

VTECH

KidiZoom Smartwatch DX3 More than just a way to tell time— though it’s good at that, too—this multilingual watch has a flashlight, a camera for selfies, games and a messaging system. But it’s not just fun and games: Parents can set daily reminders for their kids and switch to “school mode” to ensure they’re focused in class. $73

TRIED & TESTED

LEGO

“I loved picking the music and then making the people do crazy dance moves!” Isa, 7

VIDIYO Robo HipHop Car Build this hip hop–loving robot’s car (which doubles as a digital stage), then use the free VIDIYO app to scan your minifigures and learn their personas. Think of it as a casting call because next, you’re going to produce, direct and have the minifigs star in your own music video. Complete challenges and share videos with your friends. $40

November+December 2021 todaysparent.com

AGES

5-7 PLAYMOBIL

Volkswagen Beetle

TRIED & TESTED

Beach call! Strap your surfboard and luggage to the roof rack and roadtrip your way along the winding ocean highway of your imagination. Modelled after the classic Bug, this old-timey car will hit grandparents right in the feels with its iconic curved fenders and sleek nostalgia. Meep, meep. $60

“Our whole family was obsessed with this classic VW Beetle. Parents will appreciate the charming vintage toy and accessories, and kids will love all the little details, including a miniature suitcase, roof rack with surfboard, and cooler that ﬁts tiny bottles of soda.” Claire, mom of two

ASMODEE

Pokémon Trainer Guess: Kanto Edition Think you’re ﬂuent in all things Pokémon? Put your knowledge to the test with this guessing game. The computerized trainer will tell you to think of a Pokémon and then ask you questions to reveal clues to exactly which character you were thinking of. Wowzers! $30

SPIN MASTER

Orbeez #Challenge Playset How it started: a TikTok challenge. How it’s going: a choose-your-own viral adventure. As a fan of the squishy beads, you can create your own challenges, like funnelling the Orbeez or placing your phone beneath the plastic bowl and capturing the bouncy beads falling in slow motion. The set comes with 2,000 Orbeez and six tools. Imagination not included. $35

EEBOO

Pretend Play: World Traveler Passports, please! A refresh on an award-winning classic, this box of imaginative prompts is your ticket to, well, anywhere. Will you visit the pyramids or maybe the Taj Mahal? Be sure to send a postcard if you do—there are 10 included, along with play postage, a world map, luggage tags and two passports. $22

VTECH

Marble Rush Ultimate Set Stop flicking your marbles across the floor. Instead, build a complex course and watch as they shu le their way through an intricate track filled with daring stunts, a cone that plays music, a spinning Ferris wheel and an impressive catapult launcher that sends marbles soaring. $73

todaysparent.com November+December 2021

In partnership with Mastermind Toys OFFICIAL PLAY PARTNER OF TODAY’S PARENT

PLAYMONSTER

Koosh Sharp Shot Take everything you know about classic target-shooting games and picture it as interactive and colourchanging. Then add squishy, flingable Koosh! To play, simply hang or prop the five-target game board. Choose one of three games; play solo or compete against someone else to see who can rack up the most points before time runs out. $50

WOWWEE

My Squishy Little Dumplings Wrap your hands around these palm-size cuties and squeeze! More than a satisfying stress reliever, each squishy dumpling has a unique personality and over 50 adorable sounds and light responses when you shake, tickle, toss or dress them. $20 each

TRIED & TESTED

“You can even throw them and they can help you with anger.” Edie, 5

KID MADE MODERN

Paper Mache Cupcake Papier mâché is fun, but the mess it creates leaves something to be desired. Skip the slop and go straight to decorating this tasty-looking preformed papier mâché cupcake using acrylic paint. Let the cupcake dry, then stick on felt confetti, gummy bear beads and fuzzy stickers. $25 November+December 2021 todaysparent.com

AGES

5-7 CRAFT-TASTIC

Make Your Own Mermaid Potions

TRIED & TESTED

Your magical deep-sea apothecary awaits you. Using special mermaid ingredients and a bit of your own conjuring, mix up nine fantastical recipes to create six shimmering potions and three special vial necklaces. When you’re done toiling, store it all in a special elixir cabinet. $25

“My son spends lots of time building from the booklet and also from his imagination. He comes back to this toy almost daily.” Soheila, mom of three

MGA ENTERTAINMENT

Tobi 2 Director’s Camera If your kid loves taking selfies, playing games and making movies with fun filters, this HD camera is a great fit. The nearly three-inch screen, tripod and auto timer help with content creation. Plus, there are over 40 animated backgrounds, a voice changer, a comic book creator and editing software. So, see you on YouTube? $120

KROEGER

K’Nex Classics 300 PC Building Tub Endless possibilities and fun await! Blossoming builders can perform a creative flex by constructing towers, monsters and abstract sculptures while picking up skills like problem-solving and spatial awareness. $45

todaysparent.com November+December 2021

In partnership with Mastermind Toys OFFICIAL PLAY PARTNER OF TODAY’S PARENT

Techcraft Paper Circuit Racer An electric circuit motor is tucked inside this assemble-it-yourself paper race car. It will propel your newest whip along the drag. But to make it really zoom, put on your critical thinking cap and get to work building the paper track. $18

SPIN MASTER

Hatchimals Pixies Crystal Flyers Popstar In case you didn’t know, flying pixies come from sparkly crystal eggs. To hatch yours, li off the prism top and release the pre y pixie from her shimmering base. Let your hands become her soundstage, as they guide her flight by cupping them beneath the sensors in her feet. She’ll soar around the room, ready to perform for her fans. $40

LEARNING RESOURCES

Gears! Gears! Gears! TreadMobiles Colourful gears, wheels and treads become anything your li le engineer can imagine with a bit of creativity. The STEM-themed kit oﬀers build suggestions, like a conveyor belt and tank, but can be transformed into whatever your tyke musters up. $40

3DOODLER

HASBRO

Start+ Essentials 3D Pen Set

Beyblade Burst Surge Speedstorm Motor Strike Battle Set

Calling all aspiring artists, inventors and architects! This unique tool provides threedimensional creative fun without the expensive printer. All you have to do is draw your vision using the no-heatneeded innovative pen. It’ll squeeze out quick-hardening plastic, leaving you with your very own 3-D creation. $70

Ba le strategists are needed for this supercharged variation of Beyblades. It’s the ﬁrst motorized arena ever and there’s a whirling disc— called a Motor Vortex—that’s waiting to give your spinning tops a boost. $90

November+December 2021 todaysparent.com

AGES

5-7 LEGO

City Family House Check out this new listing for an eco-friendly home with serious curb appeal. The modern three-level spread houses a family of four— plus a cute Labrador retriever—and puts green living at its core with an electric vehicle and roo op solar panels. Hang out in the hobby room with a guitar, get gaming in the family room or grab your stick for a friendly round of pickup hockey on the roadway. $80

RAVENSBURGER

Super Mario Labyrinth Mario, Luigi, Peach, Yoshi and company have le the screen and found their way to a game board. The only problem is that they’re lost in a maze and need your help to escape. On your turn, move the maze tiles to create new routes to exit, blocking opponents who stand in your way. $40

SPIN MASTER

Purse Pets Bags should be able to carry your essentials, but they don’t need to be boring. Part fashion moment, part interactive friend, Purse Pets blink and respond to touch with 25 sounds, reactions, games and songs. Which of the three styles will you choose? $35 each 64

todaysparent.com November+December 2021

CREATIVITY FOR KIDS

Sunflower Garden Did you know that planting these towering stalks can help save the bees? Equipped with everything a young horticulturist needs, this kit has a ﬂowerpot with saucer to decorate, sunﬂower seeds, po ing soil and a notebook to track the journey from seed to bloom. Bonus: The harvested seeds make a great snack. $20

In partnership with Mastermind Toys OFFICIAL PLAY PARTNER OF TODAY’S PARENT

PLAYMOBIL

T-Rex: Battle of the Giants Worlds are colliding and once-extinct dinosaurs are now clad with tricked-out armour as they join forces with humans to ﬁght a common enemy: giant projectile-throwing robots. Yikes, right? The playset includes two ﬁgures, two dinosaurs, a ba le robot and everything they need to duel it out. $110

FUNKO GAMES

Dr. Seuss Merry Grinchmas! Do you recall how much the Whos down in Whoville like Christmas? (Hint: A lot! So don’t let the Grinch ruin it.) While they snooze, he’s slinking around and it’s up to you to stop him from stealing their presents. Make your way around the board with the aim of collecting more points than the Grinch, but hurry, Christmas morning is coming. $25

IMPORTS DRAGON

SpyX: Spy Wrist Talkies Every spy knows that a walkie-talkie is a workplace essential. Stay in touch with these hands-free communicators that look like regular digital watches. Lift up the bezel and stay connected via the built-in speaker and mic. Need to discuss sensitive information? Press the buttons to send your fellow agent messages in Morse code. $25 TRIED & TESTED

“My boys were really pleased with this toy! They loved that the walkie-talkies were wristwatches and made their ‘spy games’ that much more authentic. The secret roll-up note compartment was an added bonus.” Samira, mom of two

GLITTER GIRLS

Jamie & Jumper Neigh, girl! Meet Jamie, a 14-inch poseable doll, and her BFF, Jumper, a saddle-ready horse. Jamie loves to ride Jumper and the two pals trot their stuﬀ all over the rodeo! Their style is always on point, with accessories that can be swapped with any of the other dolls in the line. And can we talk about Jumper’s pink gli er hooves and pre y mane streaks? Giddy-up! $60

November+December 2021 todaysparent.com

AGE

BIG KID

GLOBBER

NL 205 Scooter Safety and speed are aligning. This expertly engineered scooter has excellent shock absorption and built-in front suspension, which give riders a comfy and safe experience. The adjustable T-bar can be set to three different heights to grow with your child, and its sturdy aluminum deck makes it the perfect ride for urban sidewalks and spaces. Plus, it’s got a kickstand! $150

todaysparent.com November+December 2021

In partnership with Mastermind Toys

MATTEL

TRIED & TESTED

Crossed Signals

“Super fun to play competitively with siblings and parents!”

A feat of hand-eye coordination, this fast-moving game is highly addictive. Two controllers light up with arrows or an “X.” Players must quickly shake the controllers for “X” or move them in the direction of the arrows. The four game options enable solo or team play, with points doled out for speed and accuracy. $25

Gillian, mom of two

OFFICIAL PLAY PARTNER OF TODAY’S PARENT

RAVENSBURGER

Raya’s Journey: An Enchanted Forest Game Raya, the heroine of Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon, is pu ing her spin on the decades-old family fave Enchanted Forest. Players roll the dice, taking turns moving across the board and matching cards to ﬁnd Raya’s friends. Wanna win? Collect the most friend cards. $35

CRAFT-TASTIC

All About Me Empower Flower A flashy-fun work of art as unique as you are is waiting to bloom. Personalize your fleur with 250 strips of paper boasting words and phrases that are designed to pump you up, like “quirky,” “joyful” and “team player.” Fill the shakerbubble centre with metallic confetti for extra pizzazz. Love that for you. $25 November+December 2021 todaysparent.com

AGE

ELENCO

Snap Circuits Discover Coding This box of over 30 Snap Circuit parts is designed especially for entry-level learners. Click electrical connectors into place on the board then use the app to communicate with your circuit, instructing it to turn on lights, control sounds and ﬁre up a motor. The full-colour project manual lays it out in a clear and engaging way. $100

todaysparent.com November+December 2021

THAMES & KOSMOS

Exit: The Cursed Labyrinth Uh-oh! It looks like you got lost in an impenetrable labyrinth during a tour of a historic castle. First, this is why you shouldn’t wander away from the tour group. Second, a gargoyle has climbed over the gate toward you. Be er work as a team to decode the clues on each card and make your great escape from the maze’s tall walls. $21

In partnership with Mastermind Toys

BLUE ORANGE GAMES

WOWEE

Taco Hat Cake Gift Pizza

Style Squad Hype Hair Floral Frenzy

What a frenzy! In the new birthday-themed version of this fast-paced game, players must recite the ﬁve title words in order while illustrated cards get dealt on the table. As soon as a card matches one of the repeating words, hurry up and slap the deck. You don’t want to be last! $15

OFFICIAL PLAY PARTNER OF TODAY’S PARENT

Do your locks resemble Rapunzel’s? Probably not. But you can unlock those hair goals with this squadin-a-box. Adorn your strands with over 250 ﬂowers and jewels using the Hype Hair applicator that clicks and sticks your new signature look. $30

TRIED & TESTED

LEGO

Friends Heartlake City Shopping Mall Let’s go, besties, we’re going shopping! This three-storey mall—with a moving escalator—has everything you need for a day of retail therapy. A photo booth for iconic selﬁes? Check. A food court to grab some noodles and bubble tea? Obviously. Shops teeming with toys, games, musical instruments, makeup and more? Duh. When you run out of cash, visit the ATM. There’s even a changing station for your baby brother. Comes with six characters and loads of accessories. $140

GRIDOPOLIS GAMES

Gridopolis Inspired by a classic, this game can be best described as Checkers with a three-dimensional twist. It’s a build-as-you-go family hit that will never be played the same way twice. Don’t get too conﬁdent if you’re ahead, because the gameplay is open-ended and your opponents can tweak the layout, leaving you blocked or kinged. $50

“My son really enjoyed playing this game and so did I. The pieces are sturdy and there are endless conﬁgurations. Bonus: It doubles as a simple building toy for his brother.” Katy, mom of three

EDUCATIONAL INSIGHTS

Artie Max Joining the right and le sides of the brain, Artie Max is a cute li le coder who loves to draw. The bopping bot is ﬂuent in ﬁve advanced coding languages, but even beginners can illustrate with simple instructions and develop their skills. A er you’ve completed the code, watch Artie glide markers across the paper to create *voila* works of art. $100

November+December 2021 todaysparent.com

AGE

RAVENSBURGER

Escape Puzzle Kids Bring home the thrill of an escape room with these 368piece puzzles. Each one begins with an enchanting story that sets up the mystery. Oh, BTW, the image on the box isn’t an exact match to the richly illustrated puzzle that you’re building. Be er pay a ention to those clues! Available in Museum Mysteries, Jungle Journey and Amusement Park Plight. $25 each

DANAWARES

Studio Creator 2

KLUTZ

Tiny Ceramics Studio Put on your clogs* and throw on an apron; it’s time to handbuild bi y vessels on a teeny wheel. Using air-drying clay and mini moulds, you’ll skip the tedious kiln-ﬁring and wheelcentring, focusing instead on sculpting, pinching, painting and glazing your works of art. *Clogs not required, but they do add to the vibe. $27

Influencers in training, take note: We’ve got all the ingredients for viral content. Start unboxing to reveal a large green screen for creating professional backgrounds, an adjustable LED ring light with varying colour modes, and a book of tips and tricks. Just add a dash of personality. $60

HASBRO

Bulls-Eye Ball Game This bouncy twist on classic skee-ball brings the arcade to your living room. Instead of rolling the balls up a ramp, you’re launching them oﬀ a super-springy trampoline. Aim for the targets to score big! Can you hit the bullseye in all ﬁve game modes and get the most points? $32

todaysparent.com November+December 2021

TRIED & TESTED

“This is a great game for any family game night!” Nick, dad of two

In partnership with Mastermind Toys

HASBRO

Nerf Elite 2.0 Flipshots Flip-16

TRIED & TESTED

It’s important to be prepared for anything when you’re in ba le. Two eight-dartcapacity spring-barrel chambers are locked and loaded. Fire your ﬁrst round then use the slide to reveal darts in waiting. But that’s not the only cool part: The dualstage trigger gives operators the option to blast single or double darts at a time. *Raises white ﬂag.* $63

“My son loves Nerf blasters, and has a lot of them, but this one is hands down the biggest of the lot. He was so excited to use it and it only required minimal assembly. The ﬂipping action is cool and something we’ve never seen before.” Tariq, dad of two

OFFICIAL PLAY PARTNER OF TODAY’S PARENT

KidzLabs Wind Powered Racer The future of racing is at your ﬁngertips with this build-yourown aerodynamic racer set. Eager drivers want to know how it gets up to speed? A motor that really zips by transforming wind into kinetic energy. Zippy-ki-YAY. $20

HASBRO

Monopoly Builder The econ-themed board game that’s been around for over 80 years has a fun new twist. Instead of just buying property, players physically construct it by stacking buildings onto Monopoly Island. Of course, there are classic conundrums and life events—ugh, adulting is rough—that get in the way as you race to stack the diamond penthouse. $35 November+December 2021 todaysparent.com

interactive toys every kid will want for Christmas Gifts that bring smiles and fun with an educational twist are always the holiday goal for parents. Unwrap these 12 interactive picks that can help with the development of colour and word identification, memory, first steps, counting, reading, writing, hand-eye coordination and so much more. Hours of play (while learning) await!

2 3

and spinning gears. As first steps hap-

4. LeapFrog Blue's Clues & You! Play

coin button help with counting. Cheer-

1. VTech Hover Pup™, 9-36 months

pen, toggle between two speeds that

& Learn Thinking Chair, 2+ years

ful music plays as the cart is pushed

A toy to nurture your babe’s develop-

trigger happy songs and melodies to

Hmm, what does Blue want? Take a

along, luring all who love a frozen treat.

ment from floor-crawler to free-range

match your tot’s pace. $53, toysrus.ca

seat in Josh’s chair and use your six-

$52, amazon.ca

BABY

totter, the hoverboard-cruising pup

page Handy Dandy Notebook to hear

has two learning buttons and over 65

clues, play games and crack the case.

6. LeapFrog Count-Along Basket &

songs, sounds, melodies and phrases

Just like in the show, you can open

Scanner, 2+ years

Mailbox and read letters from Blue and

Going to the grocery store, need any-

to teach feelings, numbers, counting

TODDLER

and gross motor skills. The cool canine

3. LeapFrog 100 Words Books™,

Magenta. The thinking chair is receptive

thing? This handheld basket morphs

can accommodate floor play, dance

18+ months

to movements, playing sounds and

into a rolling cart for easy schlepping

parties and is always down for a game

Regular books are great, but sometimes

phrases when your toddler stands up,

and can be filled with eight included

of follow-the-leader. Available exclu-

it’s nice to have an extra storyteller in

sits down and raises the seat for storage.

food items. The scanner has learning,

sively at Walmart. $42, walmart.ca

your arsenal, especially for independent

$63, walmart.ca

talking and game modes to assist your

play. Featuring 100-plus age-appropri-

super shopper with counting and learn-

2. VTech Stroll & Discover Activity

ate words, small scholars can touch

5. LeapFrog Scoop & Learn Ice

ing about each item as they fulfill the

Walker, 9-36 months

words on each page to learn topic-

Cream Cart™, 2+ years

included lists. Can’t wait until they can

Engaging and ready to roll with your

specific facts, listen to songs and hear

Eager entrepreneurs are ready to take

help meal prep! $45, walmart.ca

child’s ever-evolving stages, this flashy

French pronunciation. Look for the titles:

your order! The magic scooper recites

walker incorporates learning and music

100 Words About Places I Go™, Learning

the colour and flavour of each ice

7. VTech Learn & Grow Farm™,

modes. Start by removing the activity

Friends® 100 Words Book™ and 100

cream scoop and topping. Six order

18 months-4 years

hub’s panel for floor play with a light-up

Animals Book™ to get you started. $23

cards help build sequencing skills and

Imagination knows no bounds as kids

piano, shape sorter, cellphone (hey girl!)

each, walmart.ca

memory, while the syrup pump and

get to assume the role of farmer, driv-

ing a tractor to pick up supplies like

party, so put on music and she’ll glow

10. LeapFrog LeapStart 3D Learning

that can be played solo or with up to

wood and hay for the silo. The interac-

and dance. Ask her to play something

System, 2-7 years

four other people. Parents’ fave feature?

tive animals—a cow, cat, donkey and

and she’ll sing one of eight tunes.

The interactive 3D-like animations that

The over-the-door set folds down for

chicken—make sounds and relay fun

Tuckered out from a day of play, boop

pop out of the pages feel like magic.

compact storage. $47, indigo.ca

facts. Three light-up buttons can prompt

her nose, tuck her legs under her and

This learning system plays host to a

imaginative play with suggestions like

sing her a lullaby. She’ll get snuggly

library of 25+ books (each are sold

12. VTech KidiZoom Creator Cam,

“take the animals to the wash bay.”

and extra sweet. $70, toysrus.ca

separately) and is an ideal toy for audi-

5+ years

tory and visual learners. With growth in

Aspiring YouTubers will love this HD,

Their shower is under the barn floor, if you were wondering. Available exclu-

9. VTech Get Ready for School

mind, the activity books span learning

special-effects video camera with tripod

sively at Toys R Us. $42, toysrus.ca

Learning Desk, 2-5 years

levels covering everything from math,

and selfie stick. There are 20-plus

There’s a lot to know before starting

reading, problem-solving and more with

animated backgrounds that can be

school. Check out this five-in-one inter-

a stylus to help at each stage and en-

used with the green-screen fabric.

active, work-from-home desktop that

courage proper writing grip. Available

On-camera editing makes it easy to

has a projector for tracing, an LED

in green or pink. $63, indigo.ca

finetune your footage before uploading

LITTLE KID 8. VTech Ivy the Bloom Bright

writing pad with a stylus, five activity

Unicorn™, 4+ years

pages to practise numbers and letters,

11. VTech KidiGo™ Basketball Hoop,

cable. Available in pink or red. $84,

Magic lovers will adore striking up a

a clock with moveable hands and a

5+ years

amazon.ca

friendship with Ivy. The winged unicorn

music player. Flip it up and it becomes

There’s nothing but net and playful

sings, talks and sparkles. Her new

a chalkboard and art station. It even

competition with this basketball hoop.

besties can press a magic wand to

comes with a stool. Also available in

The interactive scoreboard keeps track

change her eyes, horn, wings and

pink. Available exclusively at Walmart.

while encouraging players to shoot

flower colours. Ivy’s the life of the

$84, walmart.ca

their shot with five built-in game modes

to the computer with the included USB

CREATED FOR

trust noun. /trəst/ Firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something.

(Also: conﬁdence, certainty)

Print is Trust.

To mark its 65th anniversary, SJC launched a campaign asking: what is print to you? We received dozens of unique words (Comfort, Indelible and Influence to name a few), 13 creative submissions from our staff (check them out at the URL below!) and through the prize packs, supported 25 Canadian independent bookstores. Thanks to all our staff, clients and magazine readers across Canada for participating and sharing in today’s power of print.

St. Joseph Communications is proudly celebrating 65 years of print.whatisprinttoyou.ca

Food&Family Easy meals, nutrition, news, tips

WE LOVE IT!

2 3

Tasty toppers Move over, marshmallows! Try crushed cookies, candy or chocolate. Or how about a caramel drizzle?

PHOTO: ERIK PUTZ STYLING: CAITLIN DOHERTY

5 7

COZY UP WITH HOT COCOA After a day of tobogganing, kids will love customizing their own drinks at a DIY hot chocolate station. Budding baristas can experiment with flavours and toppings. (Tired adults, may we suggest a café mocha?)

1 DANDIES VEGAN PEPPERMINT MARSHMALLOWS, $4, DANDIES.COM 2 GOURMET DU VILLAGE PINK HOT CHOCOLATE MIX, $8, GOURMETDUVILLAGE.COM 3 PURDYS HOT CHOCOLATE, $8, PURDYS.COM 4 SNOWMAN MARSHMALLOW

DRINK TOPPER, $12 (6-PACK), INDIGO.CA 5 GOURMET DU VILLAGE WHIMSICAL MARSHMALLOWS, $6, GOURMETDUVILLAGE.COM 6 PC HOT CHOCOLATE BOMBS, $4 (5-PACK), PRESIDENTSCHOICE.CA 7 PURDYS PEPPERMINT BARK, $18, PURDYS.COM

November+December 2021 todaysparent.com

WATCH THE PITCH TO SAVE LIVES. Angels Den 2021 – it’s bigger than ever. Tune in for the excitement as St. Michael’s Hospital’s top scientists pitch their breakthrough research ideas to a panel of celebrity judges and jurors. Winners will go home with the Keenan Award for Medical Discovery and the Odette Award for Health System Innovation, two of the top medical prizes in the country. Then you get a say. Vote for your favourite team to win the Canada Life People’s Choice Award.

Join us on November 18 from 7-8 p.m. to find out who wins $500,000 in funding for life-saving research. Visit angelsden.ca

Joe Mimran, Lead Judge

Tracy Moore, Judge

Samantha Yammine, Judge

Easy meals FOOD&FAMILY

SUGAR, SPICE AND EVERYTHING NICE Whisk up some festive cheer with these classic cookies. They’re perfect for holiday gifting—if your family doesn’t get to them ﬁrst! RECIPES BY THE

CHATELAINE KITCHEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY

ERIK PUTZ FOOD STYLING BY

ESHUN MOTT PROP STYLING BY

MADELEINE JOHARI PRODUCED BY

SADIYA DENDAR

November+December 2021 todaysparent.com

FOOD&FAMILY Easy meals

EASY SUGAR COOKIES PAGE 81

todaysparent.com November+December 2021

Easy meals FOOD&FAMILY

CHOCOLATE AND CANDY CANE SHORTBREAD SQUARES PAGE 81

+ CANDY CRUSH:

To break up candy canes, place in a heavy-duty resealable zip-top bag, then crush with a rolling pin.

FOOD&FAMILY Easy meals

CLASSIC GINGERBREAD PAGE 81

todaysparent.com November+December 2021

Easy meals FOOD&FAMILY

EASY SUGAR COOKIES

MAKES 24 COOKIES PREP 25 MIN; TOTAL 55 MIN

2⅓ cups all-purpose ﬂour ½ tsp baking powder ½ tsp salt 1 cup unsalted bu er, at room temperature ¾ cup granulated sugar 1 large egg 2 tsp vanilla 1. Position rack in centre of oven, then preheat to 350F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment. 4. Whisk flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside. 3. Beat butter with sugar until fluffy in a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium-high, 2 to 3 min. Beat in egg and vanilla, 30 sec. Gradually stir in flour mixture until just combined. 4. Scoop out 2-tbsp portions of dough and roll into 1½-in. balls. Arrange on baking sheets, 2 in. apart. Dip the flat bottom of a drinking glass in flour, then press down each cookie to flatten to ¼ in. thick. 5. Bake, one sheet at a time, until cookies are just golden, 14 to 16 min. Let stand on sheet for 2 min, then transfer to a rack to cool completely. Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 1 month. Per cookie 143 calories, 2 g protein, 16 g carbs, 8 g fat, 58 mg sodium.

CLASSIC GINGERBREAD

MAKES 90 TO 95 COOKIES PREP 20 MIN; TOTAL 1 HR 30 MIN

3 cups all-purpose ﬂour, divided 4 tsp ground ginger 1 tbsp cinnamon ½ tsp allspice ½ tsp salt ½ tsp baking soda ¾ cup unsalted bu er, melted ¾ cup lightly packed brown sugar 1 egg ½ cup fancy molasses 1. Whisk 2 cups flour with ginger, cinnamon, allspice, salt and baking soda in a medium bowl. 4. Beat butter with brown sugar in a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium, until fluffy, 2 min. Beat in egg and molasses. 3. Using a wooden spoon, gradually stir in flour mixture until just combined. Stir in remaining flour, ¼ cup at a time, until dough is no longer

sticky but still soft. Divide dough into 4 portions. Shape each into a ball, then flatten slightly into a disc. Wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate until chilled, at least 30 min. 4. Position rack in centre of oven, then preheat to 350F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment. Roll out 1 disc of dough on a floured surface until ⅛ in. thick. Cut into shapes using desired cookie cutters. Transfer to prepared baking sheets. 5. Bake until deep brown around edges and firm to the touch, about 7 min. (Larger cut-outs may require more baking time.) Transfer cookies to racks to cool completely. Cool sheets slightly between batches. Repeat with remaining discs. Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 1 month. Per cookie 40 calories, 1 g protein, 6 g carbs, 2 g fat, 21 mg sodium.

CHOCOLATE AND CANDY CANE SHORTBREAD SQUARES

MAKES 24 COOKIES PREP 25 MIN; TOTAL 55 MIN PLUS COOLING TIME

HOMEMADE ROYAL ICING PREP 10 MIN; TOTAL 10 MIN

3 egg whites ¼ tsp white vinegar 5 cups icing sugar, si ed 1. Beat egg whites and vinegar in a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium, until foamy. Gradually beat in icing sugar on low until combined. Increase speed to high and beat until icing is dense and thick but still foamy, 3 to 7 min. 2. Beat in 2 to 4 tbsp cold water to thin icing out to desired consistency. Transfer to a piping bag ﬁ ed with a very small plain tip to decorate cool cookies.

ICING TIPS: 2 cups all-purpose ﬂour ¾ cup icing sugar ⅓ cup rice ﬂour ¾ tsp salt 1 cup cold unsalted bu er, cubed ¼ cup crushed candy canes ¼ cup mini milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips 1. Position rack in centre of oven, then preheat to 300F. Line a 9 × 13-in. non-stick metal baking pan with parchment, with overhanging edges on all sides. 4. Whirl flour with icing sugar, rice flour and salt in a food processor until combined. Add cubed butter through the feed tube while pulsing until dough just comes together. Dough will be slightly crumbly. Transfer to prepared pan, along with candy canes and chocolate chips. Stir gently to combine. 3. Press dough over bottom of pan. Use the flat bottom of a measuring cup to press down on dough and smooth top. Score the surface into 24 squares, about 2 mm deep. (Cookies will be easier to cut.) Prick dough all over with a fork. 4. Bake until top is just golden, 30 to 35 min. Cut shortbread into squares while still hot. Lift parchment and place on cooling rack for cookies to cool completely. Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 1 month. Per cookie 140 calories, 1 g protein, 16 g carbs, 8 g fat, 1 mg iron, 65 mg sodium.

• Cookies should be cooled completely before any royal icing is applied. • Add sprinkles or other decorations while icing is still wet. • To outline a cookie, use icing that is toothpaste-like in consistency: stiff, but still easy to pipe. • To “flood” your cookie (that is, fill the inside of the outlined cookie with more royal icing), thin out your icing with a touch of water until it drips easily off a spoon. The consistency should be similar to honey: thick, but still thin enough to spread to the edges. Top should be smooth. • Use a toothpick to pop any small air bubbles. • Let cookies sit at room temperature until royal icing hardens completely, preferably overnight.

November+December 2021 todaysparent.com

TIPS&TRICKS The list

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 10 fun ideas for celebrating at home with little kids. MAKE A DIY BALLOON DROP All you need is balloons, an old tablecloth or plastic sheet, painter’s tape to secure the sheet to the ceiling, and long pieces of hanging ribbon that can be pulled to dislodge the tape. It’s a 20-minute job, but do it early in the day to help build anticipation. CREATE A SIGNA2 TURE MOCKTAIL FOR THE KIDS Give it a long and important-sounding name and drink it in your fanciest glassware. (Opt for plastic wine glasses if your kids can’t be trusted.) WATCH AN 3 ON-DEMAND COUNTDOWN Netflix has special episodes of kids’ shows that feature a New Year’s Eve countdown that’ll have your kids fully believing it’s midnight. Previous years’ shows have included Boss Baby, Skylanders Academy and All Hail King Julien. Ring in the new year at the time of your choosing! SET UP A PHOTO 4 BOOTH Hit your local art supply store and buy a roll of craft paper—this will be the backdrop for your photo booth, and your kids can spend some time decorating it. Raid your house for silly props and hats or buy a pack of swizzle sticks and cut out moustaches to glue or tape onto the sticks. MAKE IT FANCY 5 Send everyone to their closets to pick out the

“Mama, what’s New Year’s Eve?” Explain the holiday to wee ones by telling them it’s the year 2021’s birthday.

very fanciest clothes they own—parents included! Your night will feel special and fun if you get dolled up for it. HAVE A DANCE 6 PARTY Create a playlist that includes favourite grown-up and kids’ tracks. Turn off the lights and use glow sticks and flashlights to set the mood. Have a dance contest with candy as a prize—and then declare everyone a winner.

todaysparent.com November+December 2021

DO A “FAVOURITES” NIGHT Eat your family’s favourite meal and desserts, wear your favourite outfits, watch your favourite TV shows and read your favourite books. Take turns doing a mix of everyone’s favourites. PLAY GAMES 8 (VIRTUALLY) WITH FRIENDS Search “minute to win it games” online and pick a few to try. Drop off supplies at friends’ houses,

then Zoom with everyone while the kids play the games. Wrap it up with an 8 or 9 p.m. countdown. HANG WITH THE 9 BRITS Livestream the countdown from London, England, and celebrate at 7 p.m. The kiddos won’t know the difference! TRY A LATE NIGHT 10 See if your kids can make it to 12 a.m. this year! Just set a rule: If you cry and get fussy, it means you’re ready for bed.

PHOTO:STOCKSY

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BRING ON THE BEST TIME OF YEAR CARTERSOSHKOSH.CA | SIZES NB-14

TP - Winter 2021

Articles inside

PRESCHOOL

BABY

THE LIST

EASY MEALS

TODDLER

PREGNANCY

HELP+HACKS

NEED TO KNOW

Letter from Kim

SHOPPING

PARENTING

ESSAY

DISCIPLINE

KIDS’ HEALTH