I discovered a healthy and convenient snack the other day - Dole 'Squish Em's. They are sugar - free and 100% percent real fruit and berry purees in a convenient travel pack. Half fruit box, half apple sauce. They are also low choke risk (watch the cap though) and don't need to be refrigerated until after they are opened. Of course they aren't cheap, but they are the perfect summer snack to throw in the pack or diaper bag and take on the run.
Have you got a convenient 'go to' snack idea? Share in the comments section.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Three Days Left to Enter The Contest for the Gingersnap Gift Certificate
Don't forget to sign up as a Follower to get your name in the hat for the June prize, a $50 gift certificate for Gingersnap on Water Street.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Children's games: Who Knows...
I found this Who Knows Whose Nose game at Chapter's and our toddler loves it. It is the only game I have found for children as young as two.
Have you got any games, bought or homemade that work with children as young as two or three? Share your ideas in the comments or submit by email. I'd love to hear about them.
Have you got any games, bought or homemade that work with children as young as two or three? Share your ideas in the comments or submit by email. I'd love to hear about them.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Free: Teddy Bear Picnic REMINDER
Mark your calendars, the annual Teddy Bear Picnic on the lawn of the Arts and Culture Center is Friday, June 25th. This event is lots of fun for kids of all ages... just be sure to bring sunscreen and a span worm umbrella! Get there early to reserve the best span-worm free spot... well there were span worms last year anyway.
If you have a summer event or activity you want to share, send it to me! I am hoping the weather will soon actually be nice and that my evenings will be spent enjoying it, so I may not be huddled around the warm glow of my computer as much. The events and activities and new posts may be a little thinner until September, so if you have something to share like a recipe, activity or an idea, if you want to write a guest article, recommend a children's book or worthy parenting book, if you just have a rant or a favourite birthday activity.... bring it on... comment or email.
I will still try to have a monthly contest too, so if you have an idea for a prize you would like to see... maybe a pedicure instead of a kids item? Let me know about that too and I can see what I can do!
If you have a summer event or activity you want to share, send it to me! I am hoping the weather will soon actually be nice and that my evenings will be spent enjoying it, so I may not be huddled around the warm glow of my computer as much. The events and activities and new posts may be a little thinner until September, so if you have something to share like a recipe, activity or an idea, if you want to write a guest article, recommend a children's book or worthy parenting book, if you just have a rant or a favourite birthday activity.... bring it on... comment or email.
I will still try to have a monthly contest too, so if you have an idea for a prize you would like to see... maybe a pedicure instead of a kids item? Let me know about that too and I can see what I can do!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Funky Lunch
These sandwiches are cute - but do they work? So far, in my experience, the harder I try to make food seem fun the more my child resists. Our biggest successes have been when we just put the food in front of him and let him decide when he wants to eat it.
This week on the third try, corn on the cob! Woo hoo! A vegetable!! So far he is almost a complete fruititarian so I am thrilled with this. I predict potatoes will be the next achievement...!
This week on the third try, corn on the cob! Woo hoo! A vegetable!! So far he is almost a complete fruititarian so I am thrilled with this. I predict potatoes will be the next achievement...!
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Local Dad: Chris
Happy Father's Day everyone! Today's featured St. John's dad is Chris! If you are a dad who wants to submit some responses for our June celebration of fathers, find the questions here.
Occupation: Musician/College Instructor
Age: 39
Number of children and ages: Two boys: Maxwell (5yrs) and Russell (8 months).
When you were a teenager and you thought about your future life what did you think and how does the reality match up? Part of me thought I’d be a rock star by now. In my early thirties, however, I realized that after 15 years living hand-to-mouth from here to Ontario I had no clue about the music business and that I could no longer handle the vast, ambiguous universe I constantly envisioned every time I thought about it. Just playing locally and not taking it so seriously has been a great relief to my body and mind. But I knew from a young age that I’d be a parent. The thought of being alone at seventy with nothing but a legacy of hard drinking, watching Clint Eastwood movies and sleeping in has always terrified me. I am so happy with my present life that I pinch myself every day. I would not change a thing.
What is the hardest thing about being a Dad? Consistently being a good role model. They watch you constantly and listen to every single word you say. It’s high-pressure. You want them to be better than you, to not take on your negative traits. So you have to rail against your own flawed nature in order to give them something positive to emulate.
What is the best thing about being a Dad? Waking up to the boys, and coming home to the boys.
When you think about your parenting style, what words would you use to describe it? Compassionate but firm.
All new parents get advice (sometimes more than they want!). What was some advice that you appreciated and would pass on to others, or alternatively, what was the worst piece of advice you ever got? Best advice I ever got was from my parents: “Enjoy every minute when they’re young because it goes by in a flash.” I remind myself of this fact every day. I can’t think of any bad advice I received. I just think it’s bad for parents of young children to give prospective or imminent parents advice anyway; the only advice I ever really heeded came from my own parents who raised three boys. What do parents of young children really know anyway? We’re all winging it. My cousin and his girlfriend just had a baby, and while we chat a lot, I refrain from giving any advice. Everyone has to figure it out on his/her own. However, I did tell him to mind his own business when it came to the breastfeeding debate, and to go to the basement when the public health nurse came over.
What is the one thing you wish someone had told you before you became a father? Probably the severe extent to which my sleep would suffer. There’s no denying that young children can wipe you out. Oddly enough, however, they only wipe you out when you’re trying to act like you did before you had kids – napping, boozing, staying up late. This stuff goes out the window unless you’re iron man. You wanna feel a hangover? Have a five-year-old play the Operation board game next to your bed at 7am. ZZZT! ZZZT! ZZZT!
What kind of grown-ups do you hope your children will become? I would like them to be caring, empathetic, rational, open-minded, funny, logical, and courageous. I hope they see the beauty in art and nature. I want them to stand up for themselves and to have integrity. Don’t back down from the bully. You teach people how to treat you.
How do you keep a sense of balance in your life considering the demands of parenthood, career and/or other pressures? I always make sure I take an hour or so for myself at the end of the day, even if it’s just surfing the net or strumming a guitar. Without a sense of self, you can’t be an effective parent. You can’t lose yourself in your kids to that extent. They need to see that you respect your individuality. In turn they will cultivate that in themselves.
What do you do to ‘get away from it all’? I fly fish for salmon in the summer, which gives me time to remove myself from everything and reflect. I also travel for gigs sometimes, and I use that as an opportunity to sleep in and recharge. Sometimes I drive over to Chapters and just roam the aisles, looking for something good to read (usually war history these days for some odd reason). Most times, however, I just retire to my music room and play my guitars when I feel overwhelmed with all the diapers, peanut butter, laundry, crying, and bath water.
Do you think there are different pressures and expectations for fathers as opposed to mothers? If so, what are they? Fathers have it way easier. The mother is the primary caregiver, no matter how much we men try to fool ourselves. Dying soldiers on the battlefield do not cry out “dad.” The moms are putting in the hours rocking, soothing, and just being the tender parent. Dads are many times in a supporting role: Washing dishes, doing laundry, cooking, and running to the drug store. Regarding expectations, I think it’s fair to say that we are expected to provide and be the breadwinner, even though in this day and age that is usually a shared burden. Even so, a man is pressured to bring home the bacon, and rightly so. I have a hard time respecting a father who won’t do what’s necessary to provide for his children, no matter how unpleasant or degrading that job might be. Suck it up, Dad.
By the way - you can get Chris' wife's perspective here.
Occupation: Musician/College Instructor
Age: 39
Number of children and ages: Two boys: Maxwell (5yrs) and Russell (8 months).
When you were a teenager and you thought about your future life what did you think and how does the reality match up? Part of me thought I’d be a rock star by now. In my early thirties, however, I realized that after 15 years living hand-to-mouth from here to Ontario I had no clue about the music business and that I could no longer handle the vast, ambiguous universe I constantly envisioned every time I thought about it. Just playing locally and not taking it so seriously has been a great relief to my body and mind. But I knew from a young age that I’d be a parent. The thought of being alone at seventy with nothing but a legacy of hard drinking, watching Clint Eastwood movies and sleeping in has always terrified me. I am so happy with my present life that I pinch myself every day. I would not change a thing.
What is the hardest thing about being a Dad? Consistently being a good role model. They watch you constantly and listen to every single word you say. It’s high-pressure. You want them to be better than you, to not take on your negative traits. So you have to rail against your own flawed nature in order to give them something positive to emulate.
What is the best thing about being a Dad? Waking up to the boys, and coming home to the boys.
When you think about your parenting style, what words would you use to describe it? Compassionate but firm.
All new parents get advice (sometimes more than they want!). What was some advice that you appreciated and would pass on to others, or alternatively, what was the worst piece of advice you ever got? Best advice I ever got was from my parents: “Enjoy every minute when they’re young because it goes by in a flash.” I remind myself of this fact every day. I can’t think of any bad advice I received. I just think it’s bad for parents of young children to give prospective or imminent parents advice anyway; the only advice I ever really heeded came from my own parents who raised three boys. What do parents of young children really know anyway? We’re all winging it. My cousin and his girlfriend just had a baby, and while we chat a lot, I refrain from giving any advice. Everyone has to figure it out on his/her own. However, I did tell him to mind his own business when it came to the breastfeeding debate, and to go to the basement when the public health nurse came over.
What is the one thing you wish someone had told you before you became a father? Probably the severe extent to which my sleep would suffer. There’s no denying that young children can wipe you out. Oddly enough, however, they only wipe you out when you’re trying to act like you did before you had kids – napping, boozing, staying up late. This stuff goes out the window unless you’re iron man. You wanna feel a hangover? Have a five-year-old play the Operation board game next to your bed at 7am. ZZZT! ZZZT! ZZZT!
What kind of grown-ups do you hope your children will become? I would like them to be caring, empathetic, rational, open-minded, funny, logical, and courageous. I hope they see the beauty in art and nature. I want them to stand up for themselves and to have integrity. Don’t back down from the bully. You teach people how to treat you.
How do you keep a sense of balance in your life considering the demands of parenthood, career and/or other pressures? I always make sure I take an hour or so for myself at the end of the day, even if it’s just surfing the net or strumming a guitar. Without a sense of self, you can’t be an effective parent. You can’t lose yourself in your kids to that extent. They need to see that you respect your individuality. In turn they will cultivate that in themselves.
What do you do to ‘get away from it all’? I fly fish for salmon in the summer, which gives me time to remove myself from everything and reflect. I also travel for gigs sometimes, and I use that as an opportunity to sleep in and recharge. Sometimes I drive over to Chapters and just roam the aisles, looking for something good to read (usually war history these days for some odd reason). Most times, however, I just retire to my music room and play my guitars when I feel overwhelmed with all the diapers, peanut butter, laundry, crying, and bath water.
Do you think there are different pressures and expectations for fathers as opposed to mothers? If so, what are they? Fathers have it way easier. The mother is the primary caregiver, no matter how much we men try to fool ourselves. Dying soldiers on the battlefield do not cry out “dad.” The moms are putting in the hours rocking, soothing, and just being the tender parent. Dads are many times in a supporting role: Washing dishes, doing laundry, cooking, and running to the drug store. Regarding expectations, I think it’s fair to say that we are expected to provide and be the breadwinner, even though in this day and age that is usually a shared burden. Even so, a man is pressured to bring home the bacon, and rightly so. I have a hard time respecting a father who won’t do what’s necessary to provide for his children, no matter how unpleasant or degrading that job might be. Suck it up, Dad.
By the way - you can get Chris' wife's perspective here.
Friday, June 18, 2010
More kid friendly food for busy moms
I recently wrote about the new PC Angus Sliders and Mini buns and how they are perfectly kid-sized... well on my latest grocery trip I found the cutest little fresh pasta nests at my local Dominion store. Just right for toddler suppers and lunches because the cook in a jiff (2-3 min in boiling water) and the portion is just right. Put a dollop of your favourite sauce on top and - bon apetit!
I am usually a big cook and like to do everything from scratch, but in the summer, and with a busy 9-5 or sometimes 9-6 job, these conveniences can be a life saver.
And in case you were wondering, Loblaws is not sponsoring me ;)
I am usually a big cook and like to do everything from scratch, but in the summer, and with a busy 9-5 or sometimes 9-6 job, these conveniences can be a life saver.
And in case you were wondering, Loblaws is not sponsoring me ;)
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Music for Munchkins in St. John's
This looks like a cool new music program for young children in St. John's. Your own song and your own CD!! What a great idea and wonderful momento of your child's musical talents.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Got children's gear you want to clear?
I have posted a few items on the Good Gear page and have sold a few lately too. So if you have some items you'd like to get out of your way, send me the description, price, and contact info and a picture or link if you want to.
I know there are lots of other places to post items for trade and sale, so I hope to keep the items good quality and good condition on this page and give St. John's Toddler readers the advantage.
I know there are lots of other places to post items for trade and sale, so I hope to keep the items good quality and good condition on this page and give St. John's Toddler readers the advantage.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
AC Hunter Library Summer Children's Activities 2010
FREE event happening at the A.C. Hunter Children's Library in the Arts & Culture Centre on Wednesday, June 16th at 3:30pm.
- a Wonderbolt Circus performer;
- Wandering Brush face painters; and
- great games and activities like Safari Elimination and Bug Bingo!
The celebration will launch the St. John's Libraries' Summer Reading Club, Destination Jungle. Designed to be fun-filled and child-centric, the Summer Reading Club empowers children and families to make reading a part of their lives.
For more information about the celebration, or the Summer Reading Club, please call Beth Maddigan at 737-3974.
See more library events on their web site
- a Wonderbolt Circus performer;
- Wandering Brush face painters; and
- great games and activities like Safari Elimination and Bug Bingo!
The celebration will launch the St. John's Libraries' Summer Reading Club, Destination Jungle. Designed to be fun-filled and child-centric, the Summer Reading Club empowers children and families to make reading a part of their lives.
For more information about the celebration, or the Summer Reading Club, please call Beth Maddigan at 737-3974.
See more library events on their web site
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Local Dad: Alan
Today's local dad is Alan. We are celebrating dad's this month in honour of Father's Day. Have a read and if you know a dad who might want to join in and share his experience, get the questions here and have him send them in.
Occupation: Musician and Actor
Age: 41
Number of children and ages. One child. Henry. Will be 4 on the 4th of July.
When you were a teenager and you thought about your future life what did you think and how does the reality match up? I thought I would be a teacher in a High School somewhere around St. John’s. I hoped to be in a touring band, but I never imagined I would actually get to play music for a living.
I think I would have been happy enough teaching, but I would not trade this for anything.
What is the hardest thing about being a Dad?
Being a dad who travels as much as I do is hard on the head. There is the loneliness of being away and the heavy heart of missing a first step or word or whatever. There is also the guilt of leaving your wife to be a single mom and to deal with all the parenting and running of the house while you are gone. If musicians could make a lot of money from selling CD’s I’d be home a lot more. But the reality of the current music business is that almost all the dough is in touring. That said, touring is also a great love of mine.
And that irony, for me, is the hardest thing about being a Dad. I love my family and son like any dad does, but I don’t love anything I do for a living any less that I used to. It is a constant struggle for balance.
What is the best thing about being a Dad?
Teaching a boy to pee off the deck at the cabin.
When you think about your parenting style, what words would you use to describe it?
Casually terrified. Trying to let him live his own life and resist the urge to clothe him in bubble wrap so he does not get hurt. I’ve never done this before and I’m used to practicing. But this, the biggest job you’ll ever have, comes with no dress rehearsals.
All new parents get advice (sometimes more than they want!). What was some advice that you appreciated and would pass on to others, or alternatively, what was the worst piece of advice you ever got?
Best piece of advice was that all this newborn stuff is temporary. The sleepless nights etc, all pass in time. Don’t get too frustrated with it.
I’m lucky to be surrounded by smart considerate people. Have not really gotten any terrible advice, except “you have to buy the wipe warmer”. It is truly a useless piece of kit. Wipes do not need to be warm.
What is the one thing you wish someone had told you before you became a father?
I wish I had realized how becoming a parent changes your schedule and environment in such practical ways. There’s much talk about the spiritual nature of becoming a parent, but far too little about practical stuff like your motorcycle is a poor mode of transport for your toddler. Or how your house is not your entertainment center anymore. A little guy lives, sleeps, eats, and plays in that house; beer caps on the floor is now a potential matter of life and death.
What kind of grown-ups do you hope your children will become?
More like his Mom. She’s smart and nice and hardworking and friendly.
How do you keep a sense of balance in your life considering the demands of parenthood, career and/or other pressures?
See #6 above. Balance is the most important element in Family Life, and the hardest thing for a guy like me to achieve.
What do you do to ‘get away from it all’?
Our cabin a couple of hours out of town. No TV, no internet.
Do you think there are different pressures and expectations for fathers as opposed to mothers? If so, what are they?
If there are any, I am not aware of them. My wife probably is.
This last question is an open one – if you feel there is something you’d like to add that doesn’t fit into the questions I have written – here’s a chance to add and answer your own question.
Have kids. It’s the only decision you can be certain you won’t regret.
Occupation: Musician and Actor
Age: 41
Number of children and ages. One child. Henry. Will be 4 on the 4th of July.
When you were a teenager and you thought about your future life what did you think and how does the reality match up? I thought I would be a teacher in a High School somewhere around St. John’s. I hoped to be in a touring band, but I never imagined I would actually get to play music for a living.
I think I would have been happy enough teaching, but I would not trade this for anything.
What is the hardest thing about being a Dad?
Being a dad who travels as much as I do is hard on the head. There is the loneliness of being away and the heavy heart of missing a first step or word or whatever. There is also the guilt of leaving your wife to be a single mom and to deal with all the parenting and running of the house while you are gone. If musicians could make a lot of money from selling CD’s I’d be home a lot more. But the reality of the current music business is that almost all the dough is in touring. That said, touring is also a great love of mine.
And that irony, for me, is the hardest thing about being a Dad. I love my family and son like any dad does, but I don’t love anything I do for a living any less that I used to. It is a constant struggle for balance.
What is the best thing about being a Dad?
Teaching a boy to pee off the deck at the cabin.
When you think about your parenting style, what words would you use to describe it?
Casually terrified. Trying to let him live his own life and resist the urge to clothe him in bubble wrap so he does not get hurt. I’ve never done this before and I’m used to practicing. But this, the biggest job you’ll ever have, comes with no dress rehearsals.
All new parents get advice (sometimes more than they want!). What was some advice that you appreciated and would pass on to others, or alternatively, what was the worst piece of advice you ever got?
Best piece of advice was that all this newborn stuff is temporary. The sleepless nights etc, all pass in time. Don’t get too frustrated with it.
I’m lucky to be surrounded by smart considerate people. Have not really gotten any terrible advice, except “you have to buy the wipe warmer”. It is truly a useless piece of kit. Wipes do not need to be warm.
What is the one thing you wish someone had told you before you became a father?
I wish I had realized how becoming a parent changes your schedule and environment in such practical ways. There’s much talk about the spiritual nature of becoming a parent, but far too little about practical stuff like your motorcycle is a poor mode of transport for your toddler. Or how your house is not your entertainment center anymore. A little guy lives, sleeps, eats, and plays in that house; beer caps on the floor is now a potential matter of life and death.
What kind of grown-ups do you hope your children will become?
More like his Mom. She’s smart and nice and hardworking and friendly.
How do you keep a sense of balance in your life considering the demands of parenthood, career and/or other pressures?
See #6 above. Balance is the most important element in Family Life, and the hardest thing for a guy like me to achieve.
What do you do to ‘get away from it all’?
Our cabin a couple of hours out of town. No TV, no internet.
Do you think there are different pressures and expectations for fathers as opposed to mothers? If so, what are they?
If there are any, I am not aware of them. My wife probably is.
This last question is an open one – if you feel there is something you’d like to add that doesn’t fit into the questions I have written – here’s a chance to add and answer your own question.
Have kids. It’s the only decision you can be certain you won’t regret.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
How to get your kids to eat...
I picked this up on Amazon this month and after the first chapter I wish I had bought it when my kid was still a baby. I thought it wouldn't apply until my child was old enough to resist my cooking, but the book actually starts out right with breast and bottle feeding.
As with all parenting books, I expect there will be a few useful nuggets and a lot of overwrought anecdotes, but this one is striking me as more practical and less annoying than the last one I read (see the book club posts about Raising a Self-Disciplined Child.)
I'll keep you posted on how it goes as I get further along. Any ideas for new book club books and maybe a better way to make the book clubs intereactive?
As with all parenting books, I expect there will be a few useful nuggets and a lot of overwrought anecdotes, but this one is striking me as more practical and less annoying than the last one I read (see the book club posts about Raising a Self-Disciplined Child.)
I'll keep you posted on how it goes as I get further along. Any ideas for new book club books and maybe a better way to make the book clubs intereactive?
Friday, June 11, 2010
BBQ night in St. John's - Baby Burgers!
I don't know about you, but the weather is awesome today so we are going to be grilling tonight. I discovered that Presidents Choice has mini burgers called sliders and mini buns too, perfect for toddlers and little kids. The nutritional info looks comprable to any other frozen burger and the kid size makes them irresistable. I brought them to a kids birthday party last week and they seemed to go over well with the kids. Tip: don't cook them too long because they are so small they cook FAST.
If you have a clever idea about kids food or anything else you would like to share, submit a comment or an email.
If you have a clever idea about kids food or anything else you would like to share, submit a comment or an email.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
The Rooms: Summer Family Fun
Come along for all the fun of our family fun drop-in programs and explore all the new and interesting things The Rooms has to offer the whole family each week!
Summer Family-Fun Programs
Sunday, June 20, 2 – 4 pm
Family Animation Workshop: Humanimation at The Rooms
Get the whole family involved in the fun of creating a stop-motion animated short film in celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the Nickel Independent Film Festival and St. John’s Days. Join the fun as The Rooms team of animateurs directs workshop participants in a series of poses using The Rooms levels and stairs as a dramatic backdrop.
The stop-motion animation created at the workshop will be screened the following week as part of the children’s matinee at the Nickel Festival, on Saturday, July 26 at 1 pm at the LSPU Hall. For more information on the Nickel Independent Film Festival, please visit: http://www.nickelfestival.com
A Full Week with Punch and Judy, Monday July 5 - Friday July 9, 2 pm
The Uprising: A Punch and Judy Puppet Show Retelling the Events of The St. John’s Irish Uprising
Kids and adults of all ages are in for a unique treat when you take in this creative retelling of the Irish uprising of the 1800’s through the creative styling’s of Punch and Judy.
Summer Family-Fun Drop-in’s Every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon, 2 - 4 pm from July 13 to August 19
Tuesday, July 13, 2 – 4 pm
Water & Ice
Get inspired by Tara Bryan’s exhibition of icebergs On Ice: Tara Bryan, and learn how to use watercolour paints and masking techniques to paint your own icebergs.
Thursday, July 15, 2 – 4 pm
Beothuk Baskets and Amulets
Bring the whole family along to learn how to bend birch bark into a handy basket or decorate a pendant just like the Beothuk who lived in Newfoundland so long ago.
Tuesday, July 20, 2 – 4 pm
Oil & Water Paper Printing
There will be tons of fun when you learn how to make and marbleize paper and explore how oil and water work with and against each other in this artful exploration of movement and colour.
Thursday, July 22, 2 – 4 pm
Inuit Fun and Games
Here’s your chance to meet some people from Labrador and find out how they’ve been having fun for hundred’s years in The Big Land.
Tuesday, July 27, 2 – 4 pm
The Rooms with a View
Come and be inspired by the works of art in our Small Spaces…Big Art exhibition and then create your own art, inspired by our spectacular views.
Thursday, July 29, 2 – 4 pm
Story Time at the Rooms
Join friends as we gather for a family-fun storytelling session. Would you like to share your favorite story – but puzzled about where to begin? We’ll help you sort through the pieces!
Tuesday, August 3, 2 – 4 pm
Water & Ice
Get inspired by Tara Bryan’s exhibition of icebergs On Ice: Tara Bryan, and learn how to use watercolour paints and masking techniques to paint your own icebergs.
Thursday, August 5, 2 – 4 pm
Beothuk Baskets and Amulets
Bring the whole family along to learn how to bend birch bark into a handy basket or decorate a pendant just like the Beothuk who lived in Newfoundland so long ago.
Tuesday, August 10, 2 – 4 pm
Oil & Water Paper Printing
There will be tons of fun when you learn how to make and marbleize paper and explore how oil and water work with and against each other in this artful exploration of movement and colour.
Thursday August 12, 2 – 4 pm
Inuit Fun and Games
Here’s your chance to meet some people from Labrador and find out how they’ve been having fun for hundred’s years in The Big Land.
Tuesday, August 17, 2 – 4 pm
The Rooms with a View
Come and be inspired by the works of art in our Small Spaces…Big Art exhibition and then create your own art, inspired by our spectacular views.
Thursday, August 19, 2 – 4 pm
Story Time Treasure Hunt
A Treasure Map will help you find your way to clues to stitch together the pieces of the story.
All summer family-fun events are included with the cost of admission to The Rooms. Parents or guardians must remain with their children (12 years and younger).
Summer Family-Fun Programs
Sunday, June 20, 2 – 4 pm
Family Animation Workshop: Humanimation at The Rooms
Get the whole family involved in the fun of creating a stop-motion animated short film in celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the Nickel Independent Film Festival and St. John’s Days. Join the fun as The Rooms team of animateurs directs workshop participants in a series of poses using The Rooms levels and stairs as a dramatic backdrop.
The stop-motion animation created at the workshop will be screened the following week as part of the children’s matinee at the Nickel Festival, on Saturday, July 26 at 1 pm at the LSPU Hall. For more information on the Nickel Independent Film Festival, please visit: http://www.nickelfestival.com
A Full Week with Punch and Judy, Monday July 5 - Friday July 9, 2 pm
The Uprising: A Punch and Judy Puppet Show Retelling the Events of The St. John’s Irish Uprising
Kids and adults of all ages are in for a unique treat when you take in this creative retelling of the Irish uprising of the 1800’s through the creative styling’s of Punch and Judy.
Summer Family-Fun Drop-in’s Every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon, 2 - 4 pm from July 13 to August 19
Tuesday, July 13, 2 – 4 pm
Water & Ice
Get inspired by Tara Bryan’s exhibition of icebergs On Ice: Tara Bryan, and learn how to use watercolour paints and masking techniques to paint your own icebergs.
Thursday, July 15, 2 – 4 pm
Beothuk Baskets and Amulets
Bring the whole family along to learn how to bend birch bark into a handy basket or decorate a pendant just like the Beothuk who lived in Newfoundland so long ago.
Tuesday, July 20, 2 – 4 pm
Oil & Water Paper Printing
There will be tons of fun when you learn how to make and marbleize paper and explore how oil and water work with and against each other in this artful exploration of movement and colour.
Thursday, July 22, 2 – 4 pm
Inuit Fun and Games
Here’s your chance to meet some people from Labrador and find out how they’ve been having fun for hundred’s years in The Big Land.
Tuesday, July 27, 2 – 4 pm
The Rooms with a View
Come and be inspired by the works of art in our Small Spaces…Big Art exhibition and then create your own art, inspired by our spectacular views.
Thursday, July 29, 2 – 4 pm
Story Time at the Rooms
Join friends as we gather for a family-fun storytelling session. Would you like to share your favorite story – but puzzled about where to begin? We’ll help you sort through the pieces!
Tuesday, August 3, 2 – 4 pm
Water & Ice
Get inspired by Tara Bryan’s exhibition of icebergs On Ice: Tara Bryan, and learn how to use watercolour paints and masking techniques to paint your own icebergs.
Thursday, August 5, 2 – 4 pm
Beothuk Baskets and Amulets
Bring the whole family along to learn how to bend birch bark into a handy basket or decorate a pendant just like the Beothuk who lived in Newfoundland so long ago.
Tuesday, August 10, 2 – 4 pm
Oil & Water Paper Printing
There will be tons of fun when you learn how to make and marbleize paper and explore how oil and water work with and against each other in this artful exploration of movement and colour.
Thursday August 12, 2 – 4 pm
Inuit Fun and Games
Here’s your chance to meet some people from Labrador and find out how they’ve been having fun for hundred’s years in The Big Land.
Tuesday, August 17, 2 – 4 pm
The Rooms with a View
Come and be inspired by the works of art in our Small Spaces…Big Art exhibition and then create your own art, inspired by our spectacular views.
Thursday, August 19, 2 – 4 pm
Story Time Treasure Hunt
A Treasure Map will help you find your way to clues to stitch together the pieces of the story.
All summer family-fun events are included with the cost of admission to The Rooms. Parents or guardians must remain with their children (12 years and younger).
Monday, June 7, 2010
The Family that Eats Together... Eats Together
I had this idea that we would try whenever possible to sit down as a family for dinner. It is an important part of family life to me. It is the one time in the day when we can all stop, sit down and share the events and ideas of the day together before it is time for our child to go to bed. We are managing to pull it off most nights, but it is a feat of planning recipes ahead of time, timing our child's meals so he is hungry when we are, and me and his Dad getting home at a reasonable time so we can coordinate the preparing of the meal and the minding of the toddler duties.
The effort is so worth it in the end. Not only is it nice to enjoy a half hour or so together at the table we have also seen a bonus side effect that our child is more curious to try new foods. I can't say that this wasn't part of my agenda, it was. I thought that maybe, if we all sat together and our food wasn't too strange for him, he might be curious about what we have on our plates. Well it is paying off, this week he asked for spaghetti and loved it , even with the olive and anchovy flavoured sauce and he spent a good five minutes playing with a 'leaf,' (lettuce) sometimes biting it and some times just playing. We don't cajole him, we let him decide what he wants to try and we provide him with an alternative we know he likes, but I am pleased with the fact that this approach seems to circumvent his natural inclination to reject things on principle just because we offered it to him. When he thinks it is his idea, he is much more open minded. So the bonding ritual of family dinners will be a priority in our house for as long as our son is under our roof.
The effort is so worth it in the end. Not only is it nice to enjoy a half hour or so together at the table we have also seen a bonus side effect that our child is more curious to try new foods. I can't say that this wasn't part of my agenda, it was. I thought that maybe, if we all sat together and our food wasn't too strange for him, he might be curious about what we have on our plates. Well it is paying off, this week he asked for spaghetti and loved it , even with the olive and anchovy flavoured sauce and he spent a good five minutes playing with a 'leaf,' (lettuce) sometimes biting it and some times just playing. We don't cajole him, we let him decide what he wants to try and we provide him with an alternative we know he likes, but I am pleased with the fact that this approach seems to circumvent his natural inclination to reject things on principle just because we offered it to him. When he thinks it is his idea, he is much more open minded. So the bonding ritual of family dinners will be a priority in our house for as long as our son is under our roof.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Local Dad: Geoff
Occupation: Props Master for Republic of Doyle
Age: 41
Number of children and ages: 1 Boy aged 5
When you were a teenager and you thought about your future life what did you think and how does the reality match up?As a teenager I'm sure I thought I would be wealthy, just not in the same ways that it turns out that I am. But as for continuing on the path that I set out upon as a teenager, I think my reality still pretty much follows that path.
What is the hardest thing about being a Dad? Not saying fuck, reading the same book 500 times in one month, and constantly being punched in the stomach during the current superhero phase.
What is the best thing about being a Dad?
Lego, video games, pixar movies, candy, visits to the toystore, all come with their own justification now. That and the laughter, and the love.
When you think about your parenting style, what words would you use to describe it?
Laid back yet deeply involved. I try to offer choices whenever possible and encourage my son's exploration and safe discovery of solutions to problems he encounters.
What kind of grown-ups do you hope your children will become?
Self sufficient, skilled, moral and happy. And good at caring for aging Dad and Mom.
How do you keep a sense of balance in your life considering the demands of parenthood, career and/or other pressures? Balance? It's an ongoing, ever evolving, struggle to feel remotely balanced, but it does teeter back and forth with some careful planning and looking for or planning events that serve the entire family's interest.
What do you do to ‘get away from it all’?
Leave town and head for as far away from it all as I have time to get. Be that backwoods camping or a walk in Pippy Park. Or if stuck downtown, go to a loud rock show at a small bar.
Do you think there are different pressures and expectations for fathers as opposed to mothers? If so, what are they?Well certainly being a dad to a son means that I am expected to do a lot of the “boy” stuff with him. Video games, physical play, technical toys...but that's mostly my son pressuring me.
This last question is an open one – if you feel there is something you’d like to add that doesn’t fit into the questions I have written – here’s a chance to add and answer your own question.
I just do my best to find things that entertain my interests while providing for the needs and interests of my son. I am a DIY kinda guy who hacked an old 486 computer running Win 98 to play 80's arcade games and SNES classics. I installed a firepole in my house, I renovated my boy's room building a loft style bed using parts from an old pump organ, my childhood ikea bunk beds and our old front door. I painted a volcano spewing lava over the radiator in his room, flames around the window, and bubbles and lightning bolts on the wall. While he was a baby I built us a folddown changing table in the bathroom, a sidecar bed next to ours while he was still breastfeed, and a queensized bed/crib when he moved to his first room. I try to talk to him as a person not a child and involve him in as many decisions as possible. I encourage him to learn and teach what he shows interest in be that computers or swimming, reading or bike riding, beating Super Mario World 3 or climbing trees in the park.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Kid Friendly Recipe Goldmine
I came across these Canadian Living Recipes for Kids the other day and thought I would share. 65 kid friendly recipes all in one place!
I made the breakfast cookies and they were very good and not too sweet despite all the honey called for.
I made the breakfast cookies and they were very good and not too sweet despite all the honey called for.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Healthy Kids Day at the YMCA
YMCA Healthy Kids Day
Healthy Kids Day is a free community event celebrating the healthy growth and development of children and strong families. Kids and families join us for free healthy activities!
Date: June 6, 2010
Time: 9:00 - 11:00 am
St. John’s Y
34 New Cove Road
709-754-2960
Mount earl Y
25 Holden Street
709-748-1082
Activities:
•Climbing Wall (Mount Pearl Y)
•Bouncer Gym
•Indoor Play
•Healthy Snacks
•East Rock Crew
•City Stars (St. John’s Y)
•FEASt (St. John’s Y)
YMCA Healthy Kids Day serves as an opportunity for YMCAs and YMCA-YWCAs to:
•Demonstrate their support for their community and their commitment to improving child health and supporting families.
•Develop community partnerships working towards the goals of building supportive networks, speaking out on child health, and education on healthy lifestyle choices
•Provide the community with options and information on programs, support and services available from various organizations in their community.
•Establish the event as a reliable annual avenue for education and celebration in the community.
•Showcase YMCA programming
The YMCA-YWCA of Northeast Avalon would like to thank the Wellness Coalition for supporting YMCA Healthy Kids Day.
Healthy Kids Day is a free community event celebrating the healthy growth and development of children and strong families. Kids and families join us for free healthy activities!
Date: June 6, 2010
Time: 9:00 - 11:00 am
St. John’s Y
34 New Cove Road
709-754-2960
Mount earl Y
25 Holden Street
709-748-1082
Activities:
•Climbing Wall (Mount Pearl Y)
•Bouncer Gym
•Indoor Play
•Healthy Snacks
•East Rock Crew
•City Stars (St. John’s Y)
•FEASt (St. John’s Y)
YMCA Healthy Kids Day serves as an opportunity for YMCAs and YMCA-YWCAs to:
•Demonstrate their support for their community and their commitment to improving child health and supporting families.
•Develop community partnerships working towards the goals of building supportive networks, speaking out on child health, and education on healthy lifestyle choices
•Provide the community with options and information on programs, support and services available from various organizations in their community.
•Establish the event as a reliable annual avenue for education and celebration in the community.
•Showcase YMCA programming
The YMCA-YWCA of Northeast Avalon would like to thank the Wellness Coalition for supporting YMCA Healthy Kids Day.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
The Children's Centre
Looking for a childcare centre with a sense of community and a place where you can participate in your child's learning experience? The Children's Centre is the place. A cooperative, parent-run facility with 40 years of non-profit child care expertise, The Children's Centre philosophy is about learning through play and incorporates aspects of Montessori, Waldorf, whole child, and child-lead learning.
And guess what - there is still space available! For information visit the Children's Centre online.
In the interest of transparency I will let you know that my child is registered to attend the Children's Centre, but I would love to hear about other children's care centres and preschools and am happy to post testimonials from parents as well as advise people if there is space available.If you are connected to a chidcare centre that you feel deserves some profile and you want to share your thoughts, by all means tell me about it.
And guess what - there is still space available! For information visit the Children's Centre online.
In the interest of transparency I will let you know that my child is registered to attend the Children's Centre, but I would love to hear about other children's care centres and preschools and am happy to post testimonials from parents as well as advise people if there is space available.If you are connected to a chidcare centre that you feel deserves some profile and you want to share your thoughts, by all means tell me about it.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
$50 Gift Certificate for Gingersnap Children's Store
This month's prize is a $50.00 gift certificate donated by Gingersnap children's store on Water Street in St. John's.
Gingersnap offers a variety of kids products including toys, clothes and other fun stuff. They have some funky onesies and TV shirts with awesome slogans and logos for hip kids.
Check out Gingersnap on Facebook and sign up as a Follower of St. John's Toddler to have your name automatically entered in the prize draw.
Thanks to Janet and Gingersnap for the prize!
Gingersnap offers a variety of kids products including toys, clothes and other fun stuff. They have some funky onesies and TV shirts with awesome slogans and logos for hip kids.
Check out Gingersnap on Facebook and sign up as a Follower of St. John's Toddler to have your name automatically entered in the prize draw.
Thanks to Janet and Gingersnap for the prize!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Local Dad: Adam
This month in honour of Father's Day we are celebrating St. John's toddler dads with a series of profiles. Today's Local Dad is Adam . If you know a dad who should be profiled let me know or just have him send me the answers to this questionaire.
Occupation: Information Manager for oil and gas company
Age: (if you want to share?) 26 for the 13th time
Number of children and ages: Two boys 3 and 1 and another (gender unknown) on the way in July.
When you were a teenager and you thought about your future life what did you think and how does the reality match up?
In terms of family I am where I thought I would be, I expected to marry (for love at that!) and have a couple of children. All that has happened with the best result I could have imagined although a little later in life than I expected. When I was younger I expected to have reached this point as a family man at a younger age. There are pros and cons to it but if this is the route that I had to take to get here then I have no regrets.
What is the hardest thing about being a Dad?
The loss of almost all personal time whether it be just trying to get out the door, take care of chores around the house, pursue personal interests or spend time with my wife.
What is the best thing about being a Dad?
Watching the boys develop, seeing their personalities evolve while at the same time seeing them mimic their influences like their parents, grandparents or each other. They can be funny as all get out. Seeing their excitement and joy when I get home at the end of the day is pretty good too!
When you think about your parenting style, what words would you use to describe it?
Overall it has been relaxed while not overly permissive and I hope instructive yet fun. I don’t get easily worked up about things but there are also rules to follow, I try to teach them values but also want to instil in them a sense of fun in everything they do. Sometimes I fail miserably and other times I see that it’s working. The key thing I have found is to keep it simple – when our first child was born a good friend of mine also became a first time father. We were talking on the phone one night sharing in each other’s joy and worry over this whole new world we had found ourselves in. He asked me whether or not I ‘worried’ to which I replied “sure, all the time” and he responded similarly. I asked him what he worried about to which he replied “you know, whether they will grow up happy, will I have enough money to support them and get them through university, will he find love etc.” My reply was: “Hell I’m just worried I’m going to hit his little head off the door frame when I carry him around” So again I try to keep it simple, take care of the basics and the foundation will be there for the big stuff.
All new parents get advice (sometimes more than they want!). What was some advice that you appreciated and would pass on to others, or alternatively, what was the worst piece of advice you ever got? Something that that my wife picked up and I’ve reminded myself of several times is that when the kids are unhappy, acting out, crying etc. is that most of the time its our fault (the parents) we didn’t feed them in time, we had them in the car too long, didn’t put them down for a nap at the right time. Kids are all about the fundamentals: sleep, eat, let me play and gimme some love and they are generally pretty good. Stray from that and it can easily go off the rails. So when I’m getting frustrated at their misbehaviour or their latest meltdown I have to remember to ask myself what I may have done wrong. If I honestly haven’t screwed up THEN it’s their fault!
The other two things I would add is 1) if something is working for you all then it can’t be all bad and 2) if the baby is happy - DON’T CHANGE ANYTHING.
In terms of the worst piece of advice…I got to a point where the child-advice books started driving me crazy because they never once gave a clear cut answer on ANYTHING! The straw that broke the camel’s back was some book whose answer on a behavioural question was do such and such a thing and one of three results will occur: 1) the child will change 2) the child will slightly change 3) the child will not change. The book went into the recycling bin after I read that last piece of ‘advice’. I reached a point where I thought y’know I’m a reasonable, intelligent person, I can figure this out…and if I’m wrong their mother will tell me.
What is the one thing you wish someone had told you before you became a father?
I’ve been sitting here for a while trying to think of something but can’t, I’ve been fortunate to have excellent role models (some to show what NOT to do) in family and friends and so far haven’t had any unexpected negative surprises that I wish I had prepared for. Knock on wood.
What kind of grown-ups do you hope your children will become?
I have the same hopes I expect most of us do: that they are happy, find love, have passion for what they do (jobwise or other), are successful in the important ways (not just financially etc.) are respectful of the world around them and bring something to the table literally and figuratively. A tall order for sure but it is achievable.
How do you keep a sense of balance in your life considering the demands of parenthood, career and/or other pressures? I try to make time for both my spouse and me. Whether it’s simply taking a hour at the end of the day to relax or going out to socialize with friends or the occasional night out. You have to have time for yourselves but it’s tough to do (see Question 6). Include babysitting money in your monthly budget…
What do you do to ‘get away from it all’? I drink. Seriously though I play music, do home improvement projects, spend time with friends. Just mix it all with a little wine and I’m good to go.
Do you think there are different pressures and expectations for fathers as opposed to mothers? If so, what are they? I haven’t experienced them distinctly although my wife and I have quite easily slipped into the traditional roles as dad goes to work and mom stays home with the kids. I think that my wife experienced some of these pressures more directly especially when our first child was born and there were some initial difficulties in breast feeding. That is obviously not a pressure I’m going to experience but beyond some of the practical expectations (she CAN breastfeed and I AM the provider financially) we share the responsibilities and thus the pressures and expectations. Perhaps not equally but we still share them.
This last question is an open one – if you feel there is something you’d like to add that doesn’t fit into the questions I have written – here’s a chance to add and answer your own question.
Thinking about parenting styles I find that while generally speaking my wife and I are similar there are noticeable differences that pop up. The thing I keep reminding myself and hope she does too is that one is not necessarily wrong and the other not necessarily right, they are just different. I wouldn’t describe it as a gender difference or experiential difference…it’s just different.
After reviewing my answers it sounds like I’m trying to be a model of reason etc. but the probable reality is that we are all flying by the seat of our pants and have no idea what we are doing. Some of us are meeting that particular challenge and others are failing miserably. Hopefully the bulk of us are the former not the latter.
Occupation: Information Manager for oil and gas company
Age: (if you want to share?) 26 for the 13th time
Number of children and ages: Two boys 3 and 1 and another (gender unknown) on the way in July.
When you were a teenager and you thought about your future life what did you think and how does the reality match up?
In terms of family I am where I thought I would be, I expected to marry (for love at that!) and have a couple of children. All that has happened with the best result I could have imagined although a little later in life than I expected. When I was younger I expected to have reached this point as a family man at a younger age. There are pros and cons to it but if this is the route that I had to take to get here then I have no regrets.
What is the hardest thing about being a Dad?
The loss of almost all personal time whether it be just trying to get out the door, take care of chores around the house, pursue personal interests or spend time with my wife.
What is the best thing about being a Dad?
Watching the boys develop, seeing their personalities evolve while at the same time seeing them mimic their influences like their parents, grandparents or each other. They can be funny as all get out. Seeing their excitement and joy when I get home at the end of the day is pretty good too!
When you think about your parenting style, what words would you use to describe it?
Overall it has been relaxed while not overly permissive and I hope instructive yet fun. I don’t get easily worked up about things but there are also rules to follow, I try to teach them values but also want to instil in them a sense of fun in everything they do. Sometimes I fail miserably and other times I see that it’s working. The key thing I have found is to keep it simple – when our first child was born a good friend of mine also became a first time father. We were talking on the phone one night sharing in each other’s joy and worry over this whole new world we had found ourselves in. He asked me whether or not I ‘worried’ to which I replied “sure, all the time” and he responded similarly. I asked him what he worried about to which he replied “you know, whether they will grow up happy, will I have enough money to support them and get them through university, will he find love etc.” My reply was: “Hell I’m just worried I’m going to hit his little head off the door frame when I carry him around” So again I try to keep it simple, take care of the basics and the foundation will be there for the big stuff.
All new parents get advice (sometimes more than they want!). What was some advice that you appreciated and would pass on to others, or alternatively, what was the worst piece of advice you ever got? Something that that my wife picked up and I’ve reminded myself of several times is that when the kids are unhappy, acting out, crying etc. is that most of the time its our fault (the parents) we didn’t feed them in time, we had them in the car too long, didn’t put them down for a nap at the right time. Kids are all about the fundamentals: sleep, eat, let me play and gimme some love and they are generally pretty good. Stray from that and it can easily go off the rails. So when I’m getting frustrated at their misbehaviour or their latest meltdown I have to remember to ask myself what I may have done wrong. If I honestly haven’t screwed up THEN it’s their fault!
The other two things I would add is 1) if something is working for you all then it can’t be all bad and 2) if the baby is happy - DON’T CHANGE ANYTHING.
In terms of the worst piece of advice…I got to a point where the child-advice books started driving me crazy because they never once gave a clear cut answer on ANYTHING! The straw that broke the camel’s back was some book whose answer on a behavioural question was do such and such a thing and one of three results will occur: 1) the child will change 2) the child will slightly change 3) the child will not change. The book went into the recycling bin after I read that last piece of ‘advice’. I reached a point where I thought y’know I’m a reasonable, intelligent person, I can figure this out…and if I’m wrong their mother will tell me.
What is the one thing you wish someone had told you before you became a father?
I’ve been sitting here for a while trying to think of something but can’t, I’ve been fortunate to have excellent role models (some to show what NOT to do) in family and friends and so far haven’t had any unexpected negative surprises that I wish I had prepared for. Knock on wood.
What kind of grown-ups do you hope your children will become?
I have the same hopes I expect most of us do: that they are happy, find love, have passion for what they do (jobwise or other), are successful in the important ways (not just financially etc.) are respectful of the world around them and bring something to the table literally and figuratively. A tall order for sure but it is achievable.
How do you keep a sense of balance in your life considering the demands of parenthood, career and/or other pressures? I try to make time for both my spouse and me. Whether it’s simply taking a hour at the end of the day to relax or going out to socialize with friends or the occasional night out. You have to have time for yourselves but it’s tough to do (see Question 6). Include babysitting money in your monthly budget…
What do you do to ‘get away from it all’? I drink. Seriously though I play music, do home improvement projects, spend time with friends. Just mix it all with a little wine and I’m good to go.
Do you think there are different pressures and expectations for fathers as opposed to mothers? If so, what are they? I haven’t experienced them distinctly although my wife and I have quite easily slipped into the traditional roles as dad goes to work and mom stays home with the kids. I think that my wife experienced some of these pressures more directly especially when our first child was born and there were some initial difficulties in breast feeding. That is obviously not a pressure I’m going to experience but beyond some of the practical expectations (she CAN breastfeed and I AM the provider financially) we share the responsibilities and thus the pressures and expectations. Perhaps not equally but we still share them.
This last question is an open one – if you feel there is something you’d like to add that doesn’t fit into the questions I have written – here’s a chance to add and answer your own question.
Thinking about parenting styles I find that while generally speaking my wife and I are similar there are noticeable differences that pop up. The thing I keep reminding myself and hope she does too is that one is not necessarily wrong and the other not necessarily right, they are just different. I wouldn’t describe it as a gender difference or experiential difference…it’s just different.
After reviewing my answers it sounds like I’m trying to be a model of reason etc. but the probable reality is that we are all flying by the seat of our pants and have no idea what we are doing. Some of us are meeting that particular challenge and others are failing miserably. Hopefully the bulk of us are the former not the latter.
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