CityParent – Greater Toronto Area: Includes Halton, Peel, York and Durham – May 2023

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Mary Racioppo

EDITOR

Amanda Pereira

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up front

The weather is warming up, which means that it’s time to ditch those indoor activities and get some fresh air. There are plenty of fun ways to pass the time as a family this spring, so I’ve rounded up some of my favourites:

Go for a walk:

A stroll around the neighborhood is a great way to spend an afternoon with kids. It’s easy on the joints, and it doesn’t require any special equipment or planning. Or you can add a scavenger hunt and make a list of outdoor items they might find or even spot, like a child on a bike, or an elderly person strolling along with a cane. A butterfly or a red robin. The list is endless.

Play in the dirt:

Kids love getting their hands dirty, and playing in the mud or sand is one of their favourite ways to do it! This can be as simple as kicking around leaves, or you could even make your own sandbox out of an old shoe box. Better yet, gardening is an enriching activity for kids that can teach

them a lot about nature, such as how to plant and nurture different types of plants and flowers.

A rock hunt:

After the planting is all done, create a section and call it the rock garden. Kids love rocks. Have them search and collect ones they can paint to place in their new garden. Get them a watering can, they also love going out to care for their little plants that they’ve been watching grow.

Take photos:

Get out your camera and snap some pics! Your kids will love being part of capturing memories like these for years to come. If you have an older child, you could even ask them to take pictures of their siblings. The kids will love seeing the pictures later, and it’s a great way to get them involved in something fun you can do together.

Every season has its own unique experiences, but spring offers an opportunity for the kids to shed bulky clothes in favour of shorts and tees and feel the sunshine on their skin – something they haven’t felt since fall!

Mary Racioppo Editor-In-Chief, City Parent

SPRING IS IN THE AIR, AND THE KIDS CAN’T WAIT TO GET OUTSIDE!

sunbum

SUMMER LOVING HAD ME A BLAST

Protect your family from the harsh of the Sun Rays.

We all love summer and the sunshine that comes with it. It’s important not to leave home without being protected. Carry Sun Bum everywhere because Sun Bum has you and your family covered.

1. Sun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Stick $16.99

2. Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Face Lotion $25.99

3. Baby Bum Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 Fragrance Free $19.99

4. Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Continuous Sunscreen Spray $25.99

5. Baby Bum Mineral Spray SPF 50 Fragrance Free $19.99

Every day, the potential of bright children goes unnoticed and undeveloped. In fact, 60% of bright students underachieve based on their potential and grow at a slower rate than their peers.

For over 30-years, families have trusted our team of PhDs and experts to provide challenge, stimulation, community, inspiration and fun to high-potential students. Our Language Arts, Public Speaking, and Math & Problem Solving programs are highly engaging!

We are thrilled to share that Brain Power Enrichment Programs has a campus at the beautiful Prosserman JCC Campus in North York!

For more information, please email us at info@brainpower.ca

let’s grow BRING THE GARDEN INDOORS

WORDS BY MARYLENE VESTERGOM

Landscaping – indoors? Why not. Now’s your chance to accentuate your home’s personality and décor by adding houseplants with a landscaping plan in mind.

Matthew Warden, Manager of the Sheridan Nurseries in Toronto, agrees, but where do you begin? “The first question we ask is what kind of lighting do you have?” says Warden.

“Light plays the most significant factor. In fact, the windows in our houses naturally filter infrared light which is an important part of a plant’s development. That’s why it’s important to provide plants with the proper lighting conditions for the best success,” says Warden. “If you want height, plants like bamboo palm, dumb-cane would be a great choice. And when it comes to the champion of low light, you can’t go wrong with the ZZ plant. Put it in a closet, come back two weeks later, it will look the same. And if you’re looking for something for a coffee table or lowfloor plant, “the ever-famous peace lily, and Chinese evergreen – all do well in low light.”

Your indoor landscaping plan is no different from your overall design plan. Don’t forget to incorporate plants of various heights to create interest and include a composition of leafy and flowering plants. The cactus makes a great indoor plant and creates a wonderful focal point in a room.

There are other things your nursery needs to know to help you build your indoor garden. For instance:

• Do you have young children or pets?

• What kind of look are you trying to achieve?

• How high or low are your ceilings?

• Do you need a floor plant or a plant as an accent?

• Are you trying to hide something?

• What’s your budget.

As for care and maintenance, Warden points out the biggest mistake people make, is when they’re watering, they water all at once.

Instead, Warden suggests to first, aerate the soil by loosening it. This way, when you water, the water goes into the middle of the plant, and the roots absorb it.

Watering tip: Once you’ve established a feeding schedule, stick to it. Don’t fuss over your plants. Plants like their independence.

And while you’re at it, why not add a windowsill herb garden and let

your kids embrace their tiny green thumbs? Whether you start with seeds or starter plants, imagine their surprise when they see their herbs grow. Now, instead of having to buy herbs at the grocery store, they get to pick them from their very own garden and be a part of making a simple meal magical by adding fresh basil they grew.

Who knows, maybe you will encourage a budding chef, gardener, or botanist? At the very least, you will help them understand where their food comes from and let them participate in the meal-planning process.

This spring, think basil, rosemary, sage and mint. All are perfect ingredients for many recipes and are easy to grow.

As for their care, two things to keep in mind; “Most herbs like to be on the dry side when it comes to watering,” says Matthew, “so ensure the soil is dry between waterings, and the more you pick them, the more they’ll grow.”

The kitchen is the ideal location as it usually has the best light. You’ll also want to maintain good airflow, “this will prevent spider mites, as these will appear when the room is too warm and dry.”

And when that herb garden becomes a jack-in-the beanstalk –find a patch outdoors for that tiny green thumb in your family.

For more ideas, check your local nursery’s expertise and the gardening tips from Sheridan Nurseries. sheridannurseries.com

mayCOOL THINGS

Medela Freestyle Hands-free Breast Pump

It features ultra-lightweight, comfortable, and discreet collection cups provides hands-free pumping with a portable pump motor. The Medela Collection cups feature proven technology, allowing for faster milk removal than traditional breast pump shields. Optimize output and comfort. Lightweight, hands-free Collection Cups weigh 2.7 ounces (76 grams), and the full system gives you breastfeeding support. Connects with the parent favourite Medela Family™ mobile app, to track pumping sessions, battery life and freezer supply. $499.99 CAD available at medelastore.ca with free shipping, Amazon, Babies “R” Us, and Walmart.ca

CYBEX LEMO

The CYBEX LEMO highchair is an ideal addition to any growing family in Canada. It boasts a contemporary minimalist design and is available in five chic beech wood muted colours, including Stone Blue, Pearl Pink, Suede Grey, Stunning Black, and Sand White. The award-winning LEMO furniture concept that grows with your child. This innovative design transforms into an everyday chair that can be used for many years to come. From three years to 99 years, the LEMO adapts to your child’s changing needs. Yes, you read that correctly - this chair can be used from infancy to adulthood! $449.95 CAD available at Canadian retailers Agatha Boutique, West Coast Kids, Snuggle Bugz, Baby Enroute and Clement

Lego Icons 2023 Land Rover Defender 90

Land Rover celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2023 with LEGO® ICONS Land Rover Defender 90. This replica is faithfully re-created from the 1983 model and features functioning steering, suspension, and accurate interior details. Choose from two ways to customize a Land Rover Estate or add accessories and gear for epic offroad adventures. With the two-in-one format, brick and car enthusiasts alike can build and display the road-ready model before activating adventure mode, adding accessories like the roof rack, engine snorkel, off-road front bumper, working winch, side rails, toolbox, a fire extinguisher, traction plates, etc. 18+ 2336 pcs.

$329.99 CAD Available at lego.com

Shark Air Purifier 3-in-1 MAX

My Figures by Playmobil

With PLAYMOBIL’s My Figures, children learn about inclusivity and diversity through an overarching message: Be Creative, Be Unique, Be Colourful. PLAYMOBIL’s first playsets include figures in individual parts, so children can use their imaginations to create a world that reflects their own experiences and ideas. The interchangeability of My Figures play sets allows for more than 1,000 different configurations of figures! Currently, My Figures offers four core playsets: Horse Ranch, Island of the Pirates, Rescue Mission, and The Magic Dance. Each set includes: 6 My figures, arms, legs, bodies, and accessories can be swapped. All available skin colours for each figurine. Play scene with various accessories. Children can mix and match their existing My Figures with any of the 4 core playset themes, as well as the PLAYMOBIL My Figures surprise bags.

$49.99 CAD available at playmobil.ca, and amazon.ca

Refresh your home with a click of a button this spring. Powered by Pure Air Microforce, the Shark Air Purifier purifies up to 1000 square feet quickly, efficiently, and quietly with added purified heat and purified fan modes. The HEPA filtration system captures 99.98% of airborne particles. In addition:

ANTIMICROBIAL COATING: Protected with Microban® to reduce bacteria growth on the HEPA filter surface. CLEAN SENSE IQ ™

TECHNOLOGY: Real time air quality results & readouts. ALL DAY, ALL SEASON: Clean air, whether you are heating or cooling for year-round clean air confidence.

$549.99 available at sharkclean.ca

summer GET READY WITH PETIT LEM

Summer is just around the corner and Petit lem has you and your baby covered with their summer collection. Made with 89% recycled polyester and 11% elastane. Available at petitlem.com

Pineapples on Sunset Long Sleeve One-Piece Swimsuit –$48.00

One-piece features UPF 50+ protection, shoulder flutters, and a long zip to make getting dressed and dried quick.

Pineapples on Sunset Reversible Sun Hat – $30.00

Taupe Striped One-Piece Swimsuit for Women – $70.00

A plunging back and added support along the chest, the suit has a comfortable fit that gives you plenty of freedom to play with the kids or relax by the poolside. Made from recycled materials, the bathing suit has built-in sun protection so it’s gentle on skin.

Navy Raglan Rash guard and Submarine Swim Shorts Set –$54.00

This playful rash guard set features a pair of navy trunks with yellow submarine print, and a long-sleeved rash guard to match. A zip down front, the rash guard can easily be pulled on and off when wet or dry, while the trunks have a simple elasticated drawstring waist. Recycled fabric with built-in sun protection.

Available 0m-24M

Sailboats on Dusty Blue Short Sleeve Swim Romper – $40.00

This “Yacht” themed swim romper is a one-piece suit that will keep them comfortable in and out of the water as they play. With built-in UPF 50+ sun protection. With short sleeves and a zip along the front.

This reversible sun hat uses our playful pineapple print and a color block on the other side. Made from recycled nylon, the hat is waterproof and made with built-in UPF sun protection. With a wide lip, the hat will protect little eyes with laces on either side of the hat that can be gently tied under their chin to keep the hat in place. Built-in UPF 50+ sun protection Sizes 0-24M

Summer Gingham One-Piece Swimsuit – $44.00

This gingham print screams for a summer of fun! Features flutter trim along the straps and is made from eco-friendly, recycled nylon. With built-in UPF 50+ sun protection.

Available 0m to 6 years old.

Taupe Striped Long Sleeve OnePiece Swimsuit – $48.00

One-piece features UPF 50+ protection, shoulder flutters, and a long zip to make getting dressed and dried quick. This vintage style swimsuit is available in sizes 0m to 6 years old.

Taupe Striped Swim Trunks for Men – $70.00

These swim trunks are made with a 4-way stretch, an elasticated drawstring tie, and built in UPF 50+ sun protection.

baby wear

NEST DESIGN

In celebration of Nest Designs’ 10th anniversary, we’re excited to share some of our favourite bedtime ritual tips and tricks to help make your little ones feel a little cozier, calmer, and more connected to you. The quality of our sleep has a profound impact on our health and happiness.

Swaddle Sleep Bag

By limiting the startle reflex, this wearable blanket keeps your baby warm and keeps them sleeping through the night.

Sleep Bag

Swaddling can be phased out after your baby outgrows the need for it. Sleep Bags by Nest Designs prevent kids from kicking off their blankets in the middle of the night!

Sleep Suit

You can introduce a sleep suit to your child when he or she becomes more active. The Sleep Suit has feet to allow your child to move freely while wearing it. When your toddler begins to walk, this is a much safer option than a sleep bag.

TOG Rating

All sleep bags and suits come with a TOG rating (Thermal Overall Grade) is an industry measurement for a product’s insulation-telling you the warmth of a particular item.

How to Choose the Right TOG

A variety of factors help determine the right TOG for a Nest Designs sleep bag or sleep suit.

• The temperature of your child’s room.

• The clothing they wear at bedtime.

• Your little one’s overall temperature.

“Come check out Archery Circuit — home of Toronto’s premiere arena for blacklight combat archery!

We also offer glow-in-the-dark Nerf Battles and Dodgeball — Two of the most popular past times for kids of every age! With over 100+ Nerf blasters to choose from, you will certainly have a BLAST when you play with us!

Check out our website to book a spot at our drop-in sessions for kids ages 7+ EVERY FRIDAY DURING SUMMER (JULY AND AUGUST)

The Regular Price is $35+tax for 3 Hours of Activities.

WHAT’S UNDER THE COVERS THIS MONTH

How To Do Parenting with Confidence

By Vanessa Kahlon, MA

Parenting is both rewarding and challenging. Children are different, so what works for one may not work for another. The most important thing is to be open to what our children can teach us. In this book, you will learn powerful mindfulness-based practices that will help you connect with your child, as well as tips on how to deal more effectively with difficult emotions. In addition to teaching children essential social-emotional skills, you can enjoy parenting more by teaching empathy, self-regulation, and gratitude. Age: Adult. Independently Published. Pages 158. Price $22.95 CAD

Let’s Build a Dam!

By Daniel Fehr and illustrated by Mariachiara Di Giorgio

Hilarity ensues when siblings set out to build a simple dam. Three siblings build a dam. They build their dam stone by stone until it attracts the attention of fishermen, pirates, and even the King. There are no limits until Noah wants his stone back. With each page, the children’s imaginations also grow. This picture book about sibling friendship and the boundlessness of imagination will delight children as they point out the changing details on each page. Ages 4-8 . Published by NorthSouth Books . Pages 32. Price $26.95 CAD

The Emotionally Intelligent Child: Effective Strategies for Parenting Self-Aware, Cooperative, and Well-Balanced Kids

By Rachael Katz and Helen Shwe Hadani

The authors maintain that children and their adults gradually gain a broader, more nuanced understanding of the world through words, pictures, and stories. Emotional children benefit from books when they can explore their feelings through characters and settings, allowing them to safely reflect on their own experiences and emotions. Age Adult. Published by: New Harbinger Publications. Pages 232. Price: $24.56 CAD

Sherlock Bones and the Curse of the Pharaoh’s Mask

By Tim Collins and Illustrated by John Bigwood

The clues behind a cursed Pharaoh’s Mask will test Sherlock Bones and Dr Jane Catson’s wits and courage! In Egypt, a valuable mask is stolen from an ancient feline king’s tomb. Ancient curses, hidden traps, and puzzles await the pair as they uncover the truth. There will be colourful characters and a centuries-old secret to discover. A reader solves puzzles while reading Buster’s Sherlock Bones fiction series, deepening their engagement with the story. Adding puzzles to the classic detective story makes it more dynamic and enjoyable.

Age 7-9. Published by Buster Books. Pages 192 . Price $12.99. CAD

The Mother Load: Surviving the Daily Grind Without Losing Your Ever Loving Mind

By Meredith Ethington

Meredith shares tips and advice for every moment of motherhood in The Mother Load – the good, the bad, and the ugly. With raw, honest anecdotes, Ethington captures motherhood in all its glory-at times funny, at times heartbreaking. She never shy’s away from discussing the more difficult topics of motherhood. Ethington helps mothers reflect upon their own journeys as mothers when motherhood feels like an uphill battle. As a mother, Ethington shares the lessons she has learned along the way, including the importance of self-care, balance, and grace. Ages: Adult. Published by: Dexterity. Pages: 256. Price: $25.99

The World’s Worst Time Machine

By Dustin Brady and Illustrated by Dave Bardin

The World’s Worst Time Machine tells the story of Max and Ava, two best friends who build a time machine in their basement. As they test it out, they are transported to different points in history, including the age of dinosaurs and the future. While travelling through time, the characters encounter a series of misadventures and must use their cleverness and bravery to get back home. Young readers and their families will enjoy The World’s Worst Time Machine thanks to its fast-paced plot and engaging characters. Age: 7-11 . Published by Andrew McMeel Publishing. Pages 192. Price $12.99

incurable hope

A MEMOIR AND SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR COPING WITH A LOVED ONE’S ADDICTION IS A POWERFUL STORY ABOUT A MOTHER’S EXPERIENCES WITH ALCOHOL ADDICTION

WORDS BY LORRAINE PELLEY

Parents of a child with an addiction go through a very painful journey that is almost impossible to understand by those who have never experienced the trauma firsthand. With no playbook to help parents navigate through the world of addiction, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and isolated.

Author Lisa Gennosa is all too familiar with the anguish and struggles that come from helping a child battle addiction and dealing with a system that is not always prepared to help individuals fairly and respectfully. In her new book, Incurable Hope: A Memoir and Survival Guide for Coping with a Loved One’s Addiction, she shares her own personal story about her son Tyler’s addiction to alcohol.

In its simplest description, this book is a story about a mother’s love for her son and the very real emotions and challenges that she and her family face while trying to help her only child over come his addiction to alcohol and understand his and their own trauma.

Gennosa’s son, Tyler, was introduced to alcohol at a very young age. After a brutally devastating event, Tyler turned to alcohol as a way to cope. For over 10 years,

Gennosa and her husband watched helplessly as his addiction spiraled out of control and took them all on a journey through nine rehabilitation centres, numerous hospital visits, incarcerations, homelessness, job loss, and serious health issues. Throughout her ongoing efforts to try to help Tyler, Gennosa never wavered in approaching her son’s addiction with love, empathy, support, compassion and caring.

Gennosa holds nothing back as she bares her sole openly and honestly while discussing the different events and emotions

she and her family faced. Her memoir does not sugar coat her struggles or the people and situations she and her family were forced to deal with. While writing about addiction, Gennosa is also very candid about her own feelings and often questions her decisions while trying to help her son. Her actions are easily relatable to most parents who are motivated by the natural instincts to help and protect their children.

Gennosa has seen the good and bad in a system that can far too easily forget that the person suffering from a substance use disorder is a human first and not just another ‘drunk’ or ‘addict’. Tyler was and always will be her son first and foremost. This story is about that unbreakable bond between mother and son and how alcoholism affects their life and relationship. Incurable Hope: A Memoir and Survival Guide for Coping with a Loved One’s Addiction is a very real and very human story of alcohol addiction and a mother’s endless battle to try to help her son.

In her book, Gennosa conveys a message of understanding, hope, empathy, resiliency, and a reassurance to other parents that they are not alone. Throughout her own journey she learned that while she and her family have gone through so much emotionally and financially,

addiction does not define them. Today, her son has been sober for almost a year. He and his girlfriend are still together and building an alcohol free life.

Incurable Hope: A Memoir and Survival Guide for Coping with a Loved One’s Addiction is written as part memoir and part resource guide to help other parents navigate through an overwhelming system. Gennosa provides a list of resources and explains different terms in language that is easy to understand. She has also dedicated an entire chapter to addressing and understanding trauma.

The official book launch is April 25. It is currently available on Amazon in hard copy and eBook format. The audio version will be available in the coming months.

THIS STORY IS ABOUT THAT UNBREAKABLE BOND BETWEEN MOTHER AND SON AND HOW ALCOHOLISM AFFECTS THEIR LIFE AND RELATIONSHIP.

family fun

FORT IN THE FOREST: FORT WILLOW

WORDS BY ANDREW HIND

We’re all familiar with Toronto’s Fort York, but less than an hour north of the GTA one finds another fortification, the 1812-era Fort Willow, which offers an entirely different experience.

When war was declared in 1812, America confidently predicted a quick conquest of Canada. That wasn’t to be the case, but the US Navy did seize control of Lake Erie and thereby cut British lines of communications with her isolated forces on Lake Huron and points further west. With most of her forces tied up fighting Napoleon in Europe, retaking control of the lake was not an option for Britain in the short term.

To skirt American naval supremacy on Lake Erie, the British took advantage of an overland route from Toronto to Lake Huron that had been used for centuries by First Nations and fur traders. It traveled north from Toronto to Holland Landing, where supplies and people boarded boats to traverse Lake Simcoe to the site of modern Barrie. There, the Nine Mile Portage led through the wilderness

to Willow Creek, which fed into the Nottawasaga Rover and hence into Lake Huron at Wasaga Beach.

To protect this route, Fort Willow was built on the western end of the Portage. For several years it housed a sizable garrison and a dozen buildings, including log homes, a barn, smithy, warehouses, and two blockhouses, all surrounded by a log palisade.

The British army abandoned the fort after the war’s end. Fort Willow was soon forgotten, and the forest inevitably reclaimed the site.

Today, the fort has bee partially reconstructed by the Fort Willow Improvement Group, conforming to exacting archeological specifications. The site is surrounded by a towering palisade. Inside, the foundations of buildings have been marked out with logs, and numerous signs and maps have been erected on site detailing the history of the fort and what artifacts ongoing archeological work has uncovered. There’s a replica bateau, a 45-foot-long rowboat of the kind used by the British during the war. Several such boats were

built on this spot and used on Willow Creek and the Nottawasaga River. Elsewhere, if you look hard enough, you’ll spot 200-year-old defensive trenches.

Seeing the palisade through the trees for the first time is sure to spark young imaginations. They’re free to explore at their own leisure, as there are none of the crowds or restrictions one usually experiences a historic site. Even if the history doesn’t sink in, kids will surely embrace the wilderness setting and welcome the exercise.

Extend your visit by descending a set of stairs to a compacted screengravel walking trail that follows an old rail-line. Follow it for a length through the tranquility of the natural setting. Then return to Fort Willow and sit at a picnic table with a picnic lunch.

Fort Willow Conservation Area is open year-round and there is no admission charge. Dogs are allowed, though must be kept on a leash.

Fort Willow Conservation Area is 14kms west of Barrie. Take Highway 90 west, turning right at Grenfel Road. You’ll spot the conservation area on the left.

A baby friendly play date for moms

A fr pla fo r moms

Enjoy the newest Hollywood movies in a baby-friendly environment

Perfect outing for moms with babies 0-12 months of age

• Watch the movie with your little one in a car seat beside you or snuggled in a carrier

Dads, grandparents and friends welcome.

gift guide

PERFECT GIFTS FOR MOTHER’S DAY

369 Manifestation Journal

By Berni Johnson

Learn how to use the Law of Attraction.

$22.95 Published by Ulysses Press

Available on amazon.ca

Hamilton Beach® Convenient Craft Rapid Cold Brew and Hot Coffee Maker

You can start her morning off strong by brewing a smooth cold brew in six minutes or a hot cup of coffee in three minutes.

$94.98 Available at walmart.ca

Magic Bag – Lavender Extended

Aromatherapy Wrap Spa Chic

Give Mom a break. A relaxing Spa treatment at home

$30.49 CAD

Available at Shoppers Drug Mart, Walmart, well.ca and other retailers

Once Upon a Rind in Hollywood

By the Editors of Ulysses Press, Photographs by Rachel Riederman

Enjoy delicious cheese boards, charcuterie platters, and moviethemed snack recipes in this punfilled cookbook. $26.95 Published by Ulysses Press available on amazon.ca

The I Heart Trader Joe’s Air Fryer Cookbook

By Rita Mock-Pike

Enjoy delicious recipes with Trader Joe's® products and your air fryer!

$26.95 Published by Ulysses Press

Available at Indigo.ca

Hamilton Beach® Belgian-Style Flip Waffle Maker

Let Mom know how much you love her with waffles.

$59.98

Available at walmart.ca

Hamilton Beach

6 Speed Stand Mixer

Make Mom's life a little easier this Mother's Day.

$135.98

Available at walmart.ca

Hamilton Beach Egg Bites Maker

Surprise Mom with breakfast in bed.

$49.99 CAD Available canadiantire.ca

Hamilton Beach Compact Glass Kettle

Perhaps this is more Mom’s cup of tea?

$49.99 CAD Available at bestbuy.ca

Magic Bag – Lavender

Aromatherapy Mask Spa Chic

Give Mom some time-out in the comfort of her own home.

$21.99 CAD

Available at Shoppers Drug Mart, Walmart, well.ca and other retailers

Magic Bag Heatable Slippers Spa Chic

From the original inventors of heatable slippers, enjoy comforting warmth.

$29.99 CAD Available at Shoppers Drug Mart, Walmart, well.ca and other retailers

Poise Pots

Make life easier for moms. Poisie Pot is the first and only 3D self-watering planter.

Prices Vary from Size & Style Available at posiepot.com

PERFECT GIFTS FOR MOTHER’S DAY

Check our online Gift Guide for additional details on these products.

The Mother Load: Surviving the Daily Grind Without Losing Your Ever Loving Mind Tips and advice for every moment of motherhood.

$25.99 published by Dexterity

Available on amazon.ca or get the Kindle edition for $9.99

Riona

Riona has launched brand-new styles in colours that really pop. Price $39.99-$59.99 CAD Available in stores at Bentley or online at riona.com

This is J Gift Mom with the softest, and coziest Bamboo Jammers weekend lounging

Prices Vary

Available at thisisj.com

Gold Metal Watering Can "Gold-metal" award winner, this handcrafted traditional watering can holds 0.95 gallons of water

$34.99

Available at RONA stores or online at rona.ca

Stand-Out Planter

Mom will be thrilled to add interest and elegance to her garden.

$69.99

Available at RONA stores or online at rona.ca

Decorative Plant Holder

Add simple elegance to Mom’s Garden with this black and white plant.

$39.99 Available at RONA stores or online at rona.ca

Cast Iron Dutch Oven Ivory 5L by OUI

Exclusive to Indigo, comes a musthave cast-iron Dutch oven by OUI.

$99.99

Available at Indigo stores or online at chapters.indigo.ca

Ridged Ceramic Serving Bowl, Ivory by OUI

Exclusive to Indigo. The low ridged ceramic serving bowl greets you with warmth and authenticity.

$29.99

Available at Indigo stores or online at chapters.indigo.ca

ENFINIGY Thermal Carafe by ZWILLING

Whether it's morning, noon, or night, the ZWILLING ENFINIGY Thermal Carafe keeps coffee hot for hours.

$440.00 Available at zwilling.com

STAUB Stackable by ZWILLING

Staub

ZWILLING N S7 Piece Knife Block Set

$900 CAD

Available at zwilling.com

ZWILLING NOW S features a toneon-tone colour scheme. Choose from Blueberry Blue, Lime Green, Granada Red and now Rose Apple Pink. $500 CAD

Available at zwilling.com

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Evangel Pentecostal Church

1450 Rebecca St, Oakville ON

SPACE IS LIMITED! Register at ww.artshine.ca/pages/kids-camps

Summer camp hours run from 9:00am–4:00 pm. Extended care is not available. Profits for this summer camp are redirected to families in need within Halton region.

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ARTSHINE CAMPS When school’s out, a little one’s energy to create is still abuzz! Artshine Camps has got solutions for the budding artist in your family. Camps run from 9:00 am-4:00 p.m. and are open to kids in JK – Grade 6. Before and after-care is not available. 3 French immersion camps are available at the Evangel Pentecostal Church – 1450 Rebecca St, Oakville ON. Instruction will be given primarily in French, with all care provided to include the children for whom French is a second language. Each day will also include outdoor games (weather permitting). Pack a bottle of water, a nut-free lunch, two nutfree snacks, a hat, and weather-appropriate clothing. Participate in programs like Contes et Féérie Summer Camp, Woodland Creatures Summer Camp and/or Superheroes and Manga Summer Camp. manager@artshine.ca | artshine.ca

ARCHERY CIRCUIT is offering activities camp sessions every Friday in July and August. Kids participate in all our activities at a special camp rate, and they get to play and meet new friends. They will be hosting archery tag, nerf, dodgeball and ping pong activities throughout the programs. See you there!

416.662.8828

BAYVIEW SCHOOL OF BALLET INC. Bayview School of Ballet Inc. understands that every student’s journey in dance is unique. Whether you are a new student or a long-standing member of our studio, our summer program is designed to help you achieve your dance goals and propel your journey forward. This summer program is an excellent opportunity for students of all levels to maintain and advance their technique during the summer months. With a focus on enhancing memory skills and reducing the risk of future injuries, students are encouraged to stay active, fit, and engaged in their dance practice. For beginners, our program introduces the basic movements of classical ballet, establishing a foundation for future dance training. Our preprofessional group takes part in a highly supervised ballet summer intensive program that focuses on refining their technique, enhancing their strength, as well as developing their choreographic abilities. bsbballet@gmail.com | bayviewballet.com

BRAIN POWER When we say we can inspire students during the summer holiday period, we REALLY mean it. Our curated summer series features only-at-Brain-Power experiences that will blow your mind! Gain a competitive edge for independent/private schools and university admissions or for transitioning into International Baccalaureate programs. Build critical-thinking and language skills through language arts programs that explore philosophy and politics, as well as sociology, psychology, and other disciplines. Harness the power of creativity by honing the art of writing with a published author and Gemini award nominee. Become a strategic mastermind under the guidance of a chess master. Learn about how geniuses really think and how they produced their ideas from a PhD-level expert on geniuses and much, much more!

info@brainpower.ca | brainpower.ca

416.222.5111 bsbballet@gmail.com bayviewballet.com

905.303.5457

26 CITY PARENT | May 2023 cityparent.com FEATURED | CAMPS

info@brainpower.ca brainpower.ca

CAMP STEAM CANADA Let their inner awesome shine at Camp STEAM Canada! A summer day camp offered in Kingston, Kitchener, London, Mississauga and Ottawa, Camp STEAM offers programming with coding, robotics, Minecraft, 3D printers and more. Campers learn lifelong skills about ways to approach problems and create solutions by exploring different perspectives from all STEAM areas and applying them to a particular activity or project. They’ll learn how views from all these disciplines can be used to solve a problem in a unique way – their way! Register now at campsteam.ca support@campsteam.ca | campsteam.ca

226.214.2050 campsteam.ca

CAMP TOURNESOL , winner of BEST Summer Camp – Toronto Star Reader’s Choice 2022, provides superior French summer camps across 11 campuses in the Greater Toronto Area, as well as virtual camps across North America, to thousands of campers each year. Established in 2001, we ensure the development of a rich vocabulary through our fun programs for a wide variety of ages and levels. Camp Tournesol counselors are dynamic and engaging French speakers who create a nurturing atmosphere to naturally motivate our campers to speak French. Our camps are specifically designed for second language learners to express themselves in French in a fun and judgment-free environment with a variety of exciting activities.

info@campt.ca | campt.ca

CANADIAN PARENTS FOR FRENCH ONTARIO Our FREE CPF Virtual French Programs run from May 8 to Aug. 25, 2023. Learning sessions are designed for children from SK to Grade 12 who live in Ontario and are enrolled in an FSL program. Sessions run for 45-minutes, every weekday for 2-week long sessions before the next one starts. That means 10 sessions at 45 minutes/ session = 450 minutes = 7.5 hours of fun French learning outside the classroom! Highly qualified French Second Language (FSL) Teacher Candidates run these programs. We thank the Ontario Ministry of Education for funding these engaging and accessible programs where children can participate in Frenchspeaking activities with others their own age. Pssst: we also heard this: THEY ARE FUN! For more information, visit our website at on.cpf.ca or contact us at: info@on.cpf.ca | on.cpf.ca

905.366.1012 info@on.cpf.ca on.cpf.ca

DEARCROFT MONTESSORI Founded in 1968, Dearcroft is Oakville’s original Montessori School. Now celebrating over 55 years, Dearcroft is excited to grow in the community and offer three locations in Oakville. Our experienced staff takes great pride in offering a warm and engaging environment for students. We are pleased to offer new families our exceptional Montessori educational programs, where the curriculum is tailored to meet the needs of each student. Dearcroft Montessori School offers programs for Toddlers (18 months-3 years), Casa (2.5 years- 6 years), Junior Elementary (grades 1-3), Senior Elementary (grades 4-6), and Junior High (grades 7&8).

info@dearcroftmontessori.com | info@dearcroftrebecca.com info@dearcroftmontessoritc.com | dearcroftmontessori.com

EXPLORER HOP is a Toronto-based international educational hub that empowers youth with Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship. Students (grades 1-12) learn investing, money management, and entrepreneurship. Interactive online options are also available in English, Mandarin, French and Spanish. INVESTING PROGRAMS : Starting from age 11, kids learn all they need to know to start investing. Learn how the stock market works, participate in virtual global investment challenges, and continue to master mutual funds, global finance and more. ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMS : Kids launch their own revenue generating businesses. They learn product development, marketing, operations, financial management and sales. All campers will create their own store. MONEY MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS : Learn about money today! Starting from age 7, our programs are designed to be age appropriate and fun!

hello@explorerhop.com | explorerhop.com

KNOWLEDGE MAKES CENTS Money skills are life skills. Financial knowhow, navigating the world of saving and smart investing are skills that should be nurtured from a young age. The value of a dollar is often lost in the material “wants” that surround us in our modern world. At Knowledge Makes Cents, we’re raising generations of money-savvy children in a fun-filled environment. Your kids will learn the value of a dollar and where it comes from. As we continue to build on these values, we instill a greater understanding of how they can invest in their future and why they would want to. Our personal finance programs for K-12 students are fun, interactive, age-appropriate, and relevant. We teach essential skills for a successful future.

info@knowledgemakescents.com | knowledgemakescents.com

289.872.7050

hello@explorerhop.com explorerhop.com

THE OAKVILLE SOCCER CLUB has been providing a positive soccer experience to the community of Oakville since 1972. The Club delivers year-round soccer programming for all ages and skill levels, starting with our youngest soccer stars (2 years-old), and progressing all the way to Adult League (ages 18+). Along their soccer journey, players can enjoy recreational or competitive levels of the game following OSC’s Player Pathway! Currently, registration is open for Youth Summer Soccer (Ages 2-18) and Summer Camps! Spaces are filling quickly! Sign up today to lock in your spot for a summer of fun!

oakvillesoccer.ca | info@oakvillesoccer.ca

905.882.3130

PHOENIX VOLLEYBALL offers weekly beach volleyball camps and afterschool beach clinics at Ashbridges Bay in the Beaches. Full and half day camps are available. The afterschool programs run from 4:30-6:15 p.m. or 6:30-8 p.m. The program content will focus on developing basic technical skills, motor skill development and team play in a fun and healthy environment. All coaches are certified, and all Phoenix programming is sanctioned with the Ontario Volleyball Association.

phoenixvolleyball.ca | katrine.ivey@phoenixvolleyball.ca

416.710.3349 phoenixvolleyball.ca

POWER SOCCER offers dynamic and enjoyable soccer camps and programs that since 1996 are completely focused on player development. Soccer programs are available for players of all skill levels from beginner to advanced/ competitive players. We offer year-round co-ed programs, as well as girls only classes for children ages 4 to 15 years old. Register for our weekly soccer schools, Winter Break, March Break, summer, and PA day camps. In our programs, players will work on shooting, passing, receiving, dribbling, movement with and without the ball, positioning and more! Plus at our Summer Camps, we have a Power Soccer “Olympics” and “World Cup” each week! Participants at our camps will also receive a “Power Pack” (jersey and hat), plus a Player Report detailing their progress, strengths, and areas to improve on. Camp registration is available for full days, half day mornings or afternoons. We also offer extended care with early drop-off and late pickup.

info@powersoccer.ca | powersoccer.ca

416.425.6062 powersoccer.ca

REIDMOUNT DISCOVERY SCHOOLS Since 1994, Reidmount Discovery Schools has dedicated its enrichment program to elevate student knowledge every Saturday. With nine locations across Southern Ontario, Reidmount Discovery Schools will be able to help improve your child’s grades, self-discipline and confidence. We provide the knowledge, skills and values required to thrive in a rapidly changing world, and prepare our students for higher education with qualities of confidence, discipline, eagerness and empathy. We offer English, Writing, Mathematics, Semester Math, Science, Drawing and Coding to students from kindergarten to Grade 12, virtually and in person. All new students will sit for an assessment and be placed according to their capability. Students can accelerate upon the recommendation from their teachers. Our curriculum follows the guideline from the Ministry of Education and is slightly advanced. Like all good schools, academics are our fundamental priority. It is our goal to make education an uplifting experience.

647.725.3938

info@reidmountdiscovery.ca | reidmountdiscovery.ca

THE ROYAL CITY SOCCER CLUB is celebrating our 30th annual summer camps this July and August as the #1 grassroots soccer day camp in Canada. Our program is designed to offer a soccer focus in the morning with a leisure swim and camp activities in the afternoons. All children aged 5 to 13 are encouraged to register for full day or morning sessions at any of our locations across Toronto, York, Peel, Durham, Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville and Milton. We offer early drop off and late pickup times with additional extended care times available($). Our camps operate during for 9 weeks in July and August. To register or for more information call 1-800-427-0536 or visit us at info@royalsoccer.com | royalsoccer.com

1.800.427.0536 info@royalsoccer.com royalsoccer.com

SAFARI ZOO CAMP Ideal for the future Animal Care professionals and adventurers ages 6-17. Join Safari Zoo Camp on a wildlife adventure, waking up to the sounds of the wild from your cabin onsite at Jungle Cat World. Learn to care for animals from around the world, venture to offsite excursions, trying spelunking, and climbing. Enjoy camp activities like, arts and crafts, campfire, movie night, and wildlife photography. SZC helps to develop meaningful connections with like-minded peers and foster an admiration for the natural world around us. Founded in 1995 and located approximately one hour east of Toronto, campers are given the opportunity to learn about and care for atrisk species from around the globe, all while making lifelong camp memories with friends.

info@zoocamp.com | zoocamp.com

905.983.8217 3667 Concession Rd 6 Orono L0B 1M0 info@zoocamp.com zoocamp.com

SENECA HILL PRIVATE SCHOOL Welcome to Summer Camp at Seneca Hill, where fun and learning come together! Our camp is designed to provide an unforgettable experience for children aged 4 to 12 years old. With weekly STEM workshops, themed days, summer skills prep, and plenty of active outdoor time, games, crafts, activities, and sports, our camp is the perfect way for your child to spend their summer. Our weekly hands-on STEM workshop is a great way to introduce your child to science, technology, engineering, and math in a fun and engaging way. Each Friday is a special themed day where children can dress up and take part in themed activities, games, and crafts. Our summer skills prep will help your child stay ahead of the curve, ensuring they are well-prepared for the upcoming school year. For more information and to register: senecahill.ca/2023summercamp | senecahill.ca

416.499.8789 33 Overland Drive North York, M3C 2C3 senecahill.ca

ST. GABRIEL CHILD CARE CENTRES Come learn, share, laugh and grow with us at St. Gabriel Child Care Centres, where we celebrate the child. It has been our pleasure and privilege to have provided quality early learning and care in Woodbridge for over 32 years and we look forward to where our journey will take us next. Our curriculum and philosophy are based on the four foundations of learning: well-being, expression, engagement and belonging. We believe that all children are naturally curious and capable learners who are worthy of our trust and support. Our programs focus on the individual needs of the child, in a warm and positive environment. We follow the child’s interests, inquiries and are collaborators in learning and play with your child. We encourage children to express their feelings, expand their learning by asking open ended questions and support their problem-solving skills and self-regulation development with guidance and modelling. info@ stgabrielchildcare.com | stgabrielchildcare.com

TORONTO KIDZ offers a wide range of camps at 8 locations in Toronto for kids ages 5-12. Our KIDZ Camp for our younger campers follows a weekly theme such as pirates, dinosaurs, animals, etc. – while our JUNIOR Camp for 9–12-year-olds, focuses on topics such as leadership, survival, wacky science, and more. All our programs include a weekly field trip to one of Toronto’s attractions and a full day park day. Our programming consists of the perfect mix of indoor and outdoor time. We spend time outdoors each day exploring nearby parks and splash pads. Additionally, we explore the city on our field trips! Indoors, we play games, get creative with arts & crafts, and learn exciting new things related to the weekly theme! We truly care about each camper’s experience and build long-lasting relationships with our camp families.

Campers@torontokidz.ca | torontokidz.ca

CAMP VIBE For over 20 years, ViBE Dance & Fitness Studio has provided yearly dance instruction and camp programming to kids of all ages, abilities, and levels. Camp ViBE operates for 9 weeks of the summer throughout July and August. Campers are introduced to many different dance styles where they build confidence, improve their fitness, create friendships, and have tons of fun! In addition to dancing, campers ages 4 to 13 enjoy other activities such as arts and crafts, beading, obstacle courses, fitness, cartwheels with CARTWHIRLER and so much more! Don’t miss your chance to “feel the ViBE” this summer! Register for one week or one day at Camp ViBE! Everyone belongs at ViBE!

vibe@vibestudio.ca | vibestudio.ca

905-763-8423 vibe@vibestudio.ca vibestudio.ca