Thursday, June 30, 2011
Teddy Bear Picnic Rescheduled!
Good news, the Teddy Bear picnic is rescheduled for August 12, 2011 at Bannerman Park. Better odds on weather in August too!
Canada Day activities
Botanical Garden
July 1, noon - 4 p.m. and July 3, 10 a.m. - 4 pm
A variety of Canada Day crafts, stories, activities, nature hikes and excursions to Oxen Pond to feed the ducks will be provided throughout the day. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
City of St. John's
The city will be holding Fireworks as usual and at Confederation Hill there is a something called The Hebron Project Kid Karnival with games of chance, prizes, face painting, balloon sculptures, tattoo parlours, bouncy castles, mascots, scavenger hunts and more at 12:30 PM
For other activities - see the schedule..
July 1, noon - 4 p.m. and July 3, 10 a.m. - 4 pm
A variety of Canada Day crafts, stories, activities, nature hikes and excursions to Oxen Pond to feed the ducks will be provided throughout the day. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
City of St. John's
The city will be holding Fireworks as usual and at Confederation Hill there is a something called The Hebron Project Kid Karnival with games of chance, prizes, face painting, balloon sculptures, tattoo parlours, bouncy castles, mascots, scavenger hunts and more at 12:30 PM
For other activities - see the schedule..
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Getting dirty
Who knew it was International Mud Day? Me, thanks to Twitter. Who said Twitter wasn't useful? In the meantime, it is the perfect day for this post:
I love gardening and I am introducing my child to the joys of getting your hands dirty each time we go into our backyard. We collect snails, we pull up weeds, we admire the flowers and we dig holes for new plants. I have discovered one of the best and least expensive backyard toys is a bag of gardening soil dumped somewhere for your child to play in. It is 'clean' (until the neighbourhood cats come and find it) and a great place to play with trucks and diggers and toy animals and buckets and shovels. Once they get bored with it you can add water, make mud, and the fun starts anew! When they are finished you can turn it into your flower beds and voila, recycled!
Speaking of dirt and mud, here's a link with plenty of mud-related child-friendly activities
I love gardening and I am introducing my child to the joys of getting your hands dirty each time we go into our backyard. We collect snails, we pull up weeds, we admire the flowers and we dig holes for new plants. I have discovered one of the best and least expensive backyard toys is a bag of gardening soil dumped somewhere for your child to play in. It is 'clean' (until the neighbourhood cats come and find it) and a great place to play with trucks and diggers and toy animals and buckets and shovels. Once they get bored with it you can add water, make mud, and the fun starts anew! When they are finished you can turn it into your flower beds and voila, recycled!
Speaking of dirt and mud, here's a link with plenty of mud-related child-friendly activities
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Clothing Swap
I have been working on a July Children's Clothing Swap venue and I am hoping to be able to do the swap in mid-July. If you want to be on the mailing list send me an email by July 3rd. If you want to know more about how they work read this post from the last one. Basically the idea is to sell, swap, and give away children's clothes you no longer want and get some new-to-you clothes in return.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Birthday party dilemma
‘Birthday’ is the search term that brings the most people to my blog. I used to wonder why, but with each passing year my immersion into motherhood has helped me understand: Birthday's have changed.
When I was a child, a birthday party was a gathering of family and close friends. Usually there were no more than 8 kids and their parents. It was held at home and there were hot dogs and fries or a pepperoni pizza. The party might be in your backyard on a nice day or (if you were really fancy!) you might have your party at a playground or at the local swimming pool. Usually you had homemade cake, and if you were lucky it might have a Barbie stuck in the middle or be the shape of a car. Everyone played a game of pin the tail on the donkey or musical chairs. You opened your presents and you gave out loot bags. Everyone went home happy, well, someone always ended up in tears, but doesn’t every good party end that way? I have very fond memories of those parties.
These days’ birthdays are not so simple. Parents of school-age children tell me they feel obligated to invite their child’s entire class to their birthday party. The sheer size of these parties is quite possibly why there is an entire industry based around children’s birthday parties since very few homes can pleasantly accommodate 25 or 30 elementary school children. From bouncy castles to kid-friendly party buses, the list of children’s birthday party activity choices continues to grow, as does the price. I have been told $300 dollars is a reasonable price to pay for a party. And that doesn’t include loot bags, or the cake, or your child's gift! For children who’s birthdays involve pony riding one year and renting a hockey arena the next year, there must be a sense of ‘how can we top last year’s party?’ for the poor parents.
Before you protest - I am no party–pooper! I love to plan parties with creative themes and decorate and all that stuff. I adore the fabulous cakes and the creative bakers that populate my Facebook page with pictures of their amazing cakes and cupcakes on a daily basis. My own son’s first birthday was a grand affair; he shares the day with his grandfather, so we made a big deal of it that first year. And I do think birthday parties should be fun, exciting and memorable. But, as we all know from experience, children's birthday parties can be over-stimulating, frustrating, and stressful too.
I have been told by parents who are deeper into the birthday party culture than I am (my child is not yet three), that many parents no longer join in the festivities, but drop their kids at the party as if it is a sitter’s. A couple of people have also told me they are relieved their children have summer birthdays so they can avoid having to hold these all-class parties by default. I count myself lucky to be in this group.
I recently read an essay in my cousin’s book, Planting Dandelions, that was thought-provoking (as is much of her book). Like me, she lamented the loss of the home birthday party and she bemoaned humungous event-style parties, but she also said something that I myself have thought; whether they are a guest or a host, home birthday parties are an opportunity for children to learn about proper social behaviour. Not in a Miss Manners way, but in a people-won't-think-you-are-a-rude-jerk-when-you-grow-up way. There is so much to learn at a birthday from sharing and self-restraint to coping with disappointment and jealousy.
I guess all I am rambling about here is that I am going to try to mindful about my child's birthday parties and try to create celebrations that are fun and stress-free for both children and parents. I hope they will make my child feel special and loved and that he will remember them fondly, whether there are two friends or twenty, whether we had a fancy cake or a homemade lopsided one, a bouncy castle or a game of pin the tail on the donkey.
What are your thoughts on children's birthday parties?
When I was a child, a birthday party was a gathering of family and close friends. Usually there were no more than 8 kids and their parents. It was held at home and there were hot dogs and fries or a pepperoni pizza. The party might be in your backyard on a nice day or (if you were really fancy!) you might have your party at a playground or at the local swimming pool. Usually you had homemade cake, and if you were lucky it might have a Barbie stuck in the middle or be the shape of a car. Everyone played a game of pin the tail on the donkey or musical chairs. You opened your presents and you gave out loot bags. Everyone went home happy, well, someone always ended up in tears, but doesn’t every good party end that way? I have very fond memories of those parties.
These days’ birthdays are not so simple. Parents of school-age children tell me they feel obligated to invite their child’s entire class to their birthday party. The sheer size of these parties is quite possibly why there is an entire industry based around children’s birthday parties since very few homes can pleasantly accommodate 25 or 30 elementary school children. From bouncy castles to kid-friendly party buses, the list of children’s birthday party activity choices continues to grow, as does the price. I have been told $300 dollars is a reasonable price to pay for a party. And that doesn’t include loot bags, or the cake, or your child's gift! For children who’s birthdays involve pony riding one year and renting a hockey arena the next year, there must be a sense of ‘how can we top last year’s party?’ for the poor parents.
Before you protest - I am no party–pooper! I love to plan parties with creative themes and decorate and all that stuff. I adore the fabulous cakes and the creative bakers that populate my Facebook page with pictures of their amazing cakes and cupcakes on a daily basis. My own son’s first birthday was a grand affair; he shares the day with his grandfather, so we made a big deal of it that first year. And I do think birthday parties should be fun, exciting and memorable. But, as we all know from experience, children's birthday parties can be over-stimulating, frustrating, and stressful too.
I have been told by parents who are deeper into the birthday party culture than I am (my child is not yet three), that many parents no longer join in the festivities, but drop their kids at the party as if it is a sitter’s. A couple of people have also told me they are relieved their children have summer birthdays so they can avoid having to hold these all-class parties by default. I count myself lucky to be in this group.
I recently read an essay in my cousin’s book, Planting Dandelions, that was thought-provoking (as is much of her book). Like me, she lamented the loss of the home birthday party and she bemoaned humungous event-style parties, but she also said something that I myself have thought; whether they are a guest or a host, home birthday parties are an opportunity for children to learn about proper social behaviour. Not in a Miss Manners way, but in a people-won't-think-you-are-a-rude-jerk-when-you-grow-up way. There is so much to learn at a birthday from sharing and self-restraint to coping with disappointment and jealousy.
I guess all I am rambling about here is that I am going to try to mindful about my child's birthday parties and try to create celebrations that are fun and stress-free for both children and parents. I hope they will make my child feel special and loved and that he will remember them fondly, whether there are two friends or twenty, whether we had a fancy cake or a homemade lopsided one, a bouncy castle or a game of pin the tail on the donkey.
What are your thoughts on children's birthday parties?
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Water Balloon Bowling
Here's an idea for warm weather days that was sent to me by reader Michelle back in thecold, dead arms of winter when I couldn't bear to post it! So here's hoping the warm days will soon be upon us.
What you need:
What you need:
- Bag of deflated/unused balloons
- Old emptied and cleaned out plastic water or soda bottles
- Water
- A warm day! :)
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Signal Hill Tattoo
Depending on your kid this could be really exciting or really scary. You be the judge!
July - mid-August (TBD)
During the Signal Hill Tattoo the sound of musket and cannon fire boom across St. John's like ghostly echoes from bygone days. This exciting battle re-enactment, performed by the Royal Newfoundland Companies from July to early August, commemorates the final battle of the Seven Years' War which was fought on Signal Hill, September 16, 1762, between the British and the French.
Held Wed., Thurs., Sat. & Sun. weather permitting.
Website: www.signalhilltattoo.org
July - mid-August (TBD)
During the Signal Hill Tattoo the sound of musket and cannon fire boom across St. John's like ghostly echoes from bygone days. This exciting battle re-enactment, performed by the Royal Newfoundland Companies from July to early August, commemorates the final battle of the Seven Years' War which was fought on Signal Hill, September 16, 1762, between the British and the French.
Held Wed., Thurs., Sat. & Sun. weather permitting.
Website: www.signalhilltattoo.org
Where in the Library...?
Where in the Library.... Is Sadie the Sea Serpent?
Location: A.C. Hunter Children's Public Library
Start Date: Tuesday, June 28, 2011
End Date: Friday, September 2, 2011
Event Details:
Each week this summer, Sadie the Sea Serpent will find a new place to hide in the library. Every time you find her, you can enter your name for a special prize draw. Draw will be done on September 6th, 2011.
Ongoing, June 28th to September 2nd. Drop in anytime during opening hours.
For more information about this Event, Please contact:
A.C. Hunter Children's Public Library at (709) 737-3953
Location: A.C. Hunter Children's Public Library
Start Date: Tuesday, June 28, 2011
End Date: Friday, September 2, 2011
Event Details:
Each week this summer, Sadie the Sea Serpent will find a new place to hide in the library. Every time you find her, you can enter your name for a special prize draw. Draw will be done on September 6th, 2011.
Ongoing, June 28th to September 2nd. Drop in anytime during opening hours.
For more information about this Event, Please contact:
A.C. Hunter Children's Public Library at (709) 737-3953
Friday, June 24, 2011
cancelled!- teddy bear picnic
UPDATE: The Teddy Bear Picnic was Rescheduled for August 12th.
The Teddy bear Picnic was cancelled for today at Bannerman Park from 2-4 PM and will be rescheduled - more info to come...
The Teddy bear Picnic was cancelled for today at Bannerman Park from 2-4 PM and will be rescheduled - more info to come...
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Recapturing the 'magic'
This is a fantastic article and recipe by one of my favourite food writers, Michael Ruhlman about recapturing your pre-child romance and cooking a great meal. Who doesn't love roast chicken? ;)
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Wonderbolt Circus camps
Wonderbolt Circus is accepting registations for it's summer camps for kids six and up. A little older than toddler, but perhaps you have or know a child old enough to attend?
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Bugs for dinner
Dessert was gummi worms. Had to keep with the bug theme.
Just a reminder - I am on Facbook now. I will post links to the blog and tips etc... there and we've been having some good discussions there as well that you might want to join.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Photo Contest Winner
The winner of the photo contest is Heather C. My sister drew her name from a virtual 'hat' this morning.Thanks so much to everyone who entered. There were even more entries for this contest than for the Sharkey's contest! I will try to do another contest before the summer is over.
If you are interested in having family photos taken and would like my sister's contact information, send me an email and I can help you connect.
If you are interested in having family photos taken and would like my sister's contact information, send me an email and I can help you connect.
Celebrate Summer with a book!
Celebrate Summer: St. John's Reading Club Launch Party at the A.C. Hunter Children's Public Library
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Event Details:
Join your friends at the library for a morning of prizes, games, and activities. Be entertained by a circus performer and Discover Music! Children of all ages, accompanied by an adult, are welcome.
For more information about this Event, Please contact: A.C. Hunter Children's Public Library at
(709) 737-3953
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Event Details:
Join your friends at the library for a morning of prizes, games, and activities. Be entertained by a circus performer and Discover Music! Children of all ages, accompanied by an adult, are welcome.
For more information about this Event, Please contact: A.C. Hunter Children's Public Library at
(709) 737-3953
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Father's Day
Happy Father's Day everyone. You may recall that last year I did a series of features about local dad's so I have included a link if you'd like to have another look.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Father's Day pictures
Here's a picture from a series my sister took of me and my son that I am going to give my husband for Father's Day tomorrow.
St. John's Day Events
Here is a list of all kinds of St. John's Day activities, many of which are family-friendly.
Enter soon...photo contest ends Sunday!
Win a private family photo session!
Details and fine print:
Send me an email at stjohnstoddler at hotmail dot com to enter for a chance to win a private photo session with Katherine Pittman. Put 'Photo Contest' in the subject line.
Katherine is my sister, who has recently returned to Newfoundland from Vancouver where, among other things, she worked as a wedding photographer. Katherine has been shooting "on the side" for about 20 years and in an effort to promote her work here in St. John's she is offering a prize for my blog that includes a minimum two-hour photo session for you/your family and a disc of selected images after the shoot.
Details and fine print:
Pregnancy photos, couples, kids, up to 4 family members per shoot.
Katherine does retain the right to use images for her promotional blog/portfolio. Photo session to take place in family's home or at an agreed-upon outdoor location.
Draw date: June 20th.
Draw date: June 20th.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Small pleasures
Last Saturday, despite the chill in the air, we all put on our coats and went for a walk with our dog. The dandelions had all turned into white balls of fluff, and as much as we might hate them in our lawns and flower beds, in this field they were beautiful. Sometimes I forget that for them, especially at this age, every day is an adventure, every day is full of firsts. Toddlers are like aliens exploring and trying to make sense of the planet we live on. As each month passes my son's interactions with the world around him change so dramatically that sometimes something can be done for the first time twice! When next Spring rolls around and the dandelions have turned to puff balls again and I show him how to blow the little parachutes into the air it will be the first time for him all over again. Seeing things through his eyes has really helped me appreciate the amazing in the every day and the joys of the little things.
What small pleasures have you enjoyed lately thanks to the perspective of a toddler in your life?
Thursday, June 16, 2011
The Rooms Family Fun - Summer
The Rooms has a calendar posted of family events and activities taking place throughout the summer. Here is the link, but I will be posting reminders closer to the specific days for each activity.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Summer at the Library - register tomorrow!
There is lots going on at Newfoundland Libraries this summer, below is a sample from the AC Hunter Library. All activities appear to have the same registration date: TOMORROW. So get yourself registered.
This is just a few, there are lots more activities, too many to list, so check it out yourself and peruse the calendar.
Summer Family Storytime
Location: A.C. Hunter Children's Public Library
Start Date: Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Event Details:
A half hour of books, rhymes, felt stories and more.This program is open to children between the ages of 0 and 5 and their caregivers.
Wednesday, July 6th,10:30-11:00
Pre-registration is required. Registration begins June 16th.
***Because space is limited, you may only register for 2 Family Storytimes this summer. You can be placed on the waiting list for the others.***
Other dates for Family Storytime are:
Thursday, July 21st, 2:30-3:00, Wednesday, August 10th, 2:30-3:00 and Thursday, August 25th, 10:30-11:00
Pre-School Pirates!
Pirate games, puzzles and stories.
Wednesday, July 13th, 2:30-3:15
This program is for Children aged 3-5 who have not started Kindgergarten yet . An older-version of this program (for children who have completed Kindergarten and higher) will be offered on Thursday, July 7th, 2:30-3:30 OR Wednesday, July 20th, 10:30-11:30. Pre-registration is required. Registration begins Thursday, June 16th.
***Because space is limited, you may only register for 2 Pre-School Programs this summer. You can be placed on the waiting list for the others.***
Undersea Adventures!
Come under the sea for an hour of games, puzzles and stories.
Thursday, July 14th,10:30-11:30 OR Wednesday, July 27th, 2:30-3:30
This program is for Children who have completed Kindergarten or higher. A pre-school version of this program (for children aged 3-5 who have not started Kindergarten yet) will be offered on Thursday, July 28th, 10:30-11:15) Pre-registration is required. Registration begins Thursday, June 16th.
For more information about these Events, Please contact: A.C. Hunter Children's Public Library at
(709) 737-3953
This is just a few, there are lots more activities, too many to list, so check it out yourself and peruse the calendar.
Summer Family Storytime
Location: A.C. Hunter Children's Public Library
Start Date: Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Event Details:
A half hour of books, rhymes, felt stories and more.This program is open to children between the ages of 0 and 5 and their caregivers.
Wednesday, July 6th,10:30-11:00
Pre-registration is required. Registration begins June 16th.
***Because space is limited, you may only register for 2 Family Storytimes this summer. You can be placed on the waiting list for the others.***
Other dates for Family Storytime are:
Thursday, July 21st, 2:30-3:00, Wednesday, August 10th, 2:30-3:00 and Thursday, August 25th, 10:30-11:00
Pre-School Pirates!
Pirate games, puzzles and stories.
Wednesday, July 13th, 2:30-3:15
This program is for Children aged 3-5 who have not started Kindgergarten yet . An older-version of this program (for children who have completed Kindergarten and higher) will be offered on Thursday, July 7th, 2:30-3:30 OR Wednesday, July 20th, 10:30-11:30. Pre-registration is required. Registration begins Thursday, June 16th.
***Because space is limited, you may only register for 2 Pre-School Programs this summer. You can be placed on the waiting list for the others.***
Undersea Adventures!
Come under the sea for an hour of games, puzzles and stories.
Thursday, July 14th,10:30-11:30 OR Wednesday, July 27th, 2:30-3:30
This program is for Children who have completed Kindergarten or higher. A pre-school version of this program (for children aged 3-5 who have not started Kindergarten yet) will be offered on Thursday, July 28th, 10:30-11:15) Pre-registration is required. Registration begins Thursday, June 16th.
For more information about these Events, Please contact: A.C. Hunter Children's Public Library at
(709) 737-3953
Teddy Bear Picnic!
UPDATE: as you know the original date below was cancelled due to weather - it is now rescheduled for Friday, August 12th, 2011 at noon in Bannerman Park. Watch my facebook page for updates in case it is postponed again.
For all of you who have been wondering: According to the City of St. John's web site the Teddy bear Picnic is on June 24th, 2011 from 12:00 noon - 2:00 pm at Bannerman Park
Sponsored by the Bannerman Park Foundation. Bring picnic and bear!
NOTE: This is a new location and is part of St. John's Day activities.
For all of you who have been wondering: According to the City of St. John's web site the Teddy bear Picnic is on June 24th, 2011 from 12:00 noon - 2:00 pm at Bannerman Park
Sponsored by the Bannerman Park Foundation. Bring picnic and bear!
NOTE: This is a new location and is part of St. John's Day activities.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Busy Town Game
With the many rainy days this June has brought, we have been trying some indoor activities to help pass the time and to help distract our son from wanting to watch TV.
There are a few games we have been playing lately including the Curious George Discovery Beach game I noted in an earlier blog post and another one called the Busy Town Board Game based on Richard Scarry's books. It is is really well-suited to our son's personality as he loves cars and the game involves 'driving' pieces around the town in search of objects. He sometimes is interested in trying to actually play the game, but often we just use the board as a backdrop for his own pretending and roll playing with his cars and animals.
Another game we have that he enjoyed when he was smaller was Who knows whose Nose which involves matching animal faces to their noses.
Have you got any rainy day games to share?
There are a few games we have been playing lately including the Curious George Discovery Beach game I noted in an earlier blog post and another one called the Busy Town Board Game based on Richard Scarry's books. It is is really well-suited to our son's personality as he loves cars and the game involves 'driving' pieces around the town in search of objects. He sometimes is interested in trying to actually play the game, but often we just use the board as a backdrop for his own pretending and roll playing with his cars and animals.
Another game we have that he enjoyed when he was smaller was Who knows whose Nose which involves matching animal faces to their noses.
Have you got any rainy day games to share?
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Summer fun
The City of St. John's activity guide is online now and contains program information as well as pool schedules. I found it very difficult to find pool schedules online other than the Aquarena. If anyone knows a link, please send it along.
Incentives
After I took the picture I thought: this looks either really cute or really weird. Poor little piggy...
What are your mealtime tips and tricks?
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Clothing Swap Redux
If you are interested in participating in the second St. John's Toddler Clothing Swap and have not yet got your name on the mailing list send me an email soon! You can find the email address under the Contact Tab.
And please note, you do not need to have children's clothes you want to sell or swap to come! If you are just looking for children's clothes or you know a pregnant or new mom who is looking for an inexpensive way to prepare for the arrival of their little one, the swap is a great thing to check out.
I will be announcing a location, date and time soon.
And please note, you do not need to have children's clothes you want to sell or swap to come! If you are just looking for children's clothes or you know a pregnant or new mom who is looking for an inexpensive way to prepare for the arrival of their little one, the swap is a great thing to check out.
I will be announcing a location, date and time soon.
Friday, June 10, 2011
School Travel Planning Initiative
I didn't hear about this when it launched, probably because I don't have a child in school yet. However it was on CBC radio last week and I was quite interested in how significantly different this province is from others in Canada in terms of how many children walk or bike to and from school. I think they said 12% compared to 40% and the weather was not a factor as they said the numbers are much higher in frigid places like the Yukon.
St. John's seems to have a very 'car-oriented' culture. Metrobus struggles for ridership and you don't see as many bikes as you do in other cities. With all the walking trails available it is strange that we don't see more people using them to get to and from work and school while plenty of people do use them for leisure walking. It also reminded me of some of Lenore Skenazy's points about parent's being fearful of letting children walk to school due to the 'kid snatchers lurking in bushes' and the infinitesimally small chance of someone actually snatching to your kid. Your kid probably has a higher chance of being injured in a car accident on the way to school than being kidnapped walking there.
I guess another part of all this is how many of us have neighbourhood schools anymore? It seems many of the smaller neighbourhood schools are being closed in favour of larger centralized ones where children are bussed in. That's a shame too.
Anyway, I thought I would share this link from the launch. Some interesting things to consider as we look towards our children's upcoming school years.
St. John's seems to have a very 'car-oriented' culture. Metrobus struggles for ridership and you don't see as many bikes as you do in other cities. With all the walking trails available it is strange that we don't see more people using them to get to and from work and school while plenty of people do use them for leisure walking. It also reminded me of some of Lenore Skenazy's points about parent's being fearful of letting children walk to school due to the 'kid snatchers lurking in bushes' and the infinitesimally small chance of someone actually snatching to your kid. Your kid probably has a higher chance of being injured in a car accident on the way to school than being kidnapped walking there.
I guess another part of all this is how many of us have neighbourhood schools anymore? It seems many of the smaller neighbourhood schools are being closed in favour of larger centralized ones where children are bussed in. That's a shame too.
Anyway, I thought I would share this link from the launch. Some interesting things to consider as we look towards our children's upcoming school years.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Monsters!
Another wonderful recommendation from a reader! I think this one will be on Santa's list this year.
I've been meaning to send you this book for a while. We got it from the library and it is one of the best designed books I've seen. The pages are cut so that the monster slowly appears until you get to the middle and as the child says goodbye to the various monster parts, his features disappear too. Must have cost a fortune to print but it's really clever.
Michelle
I've been meaning to send you this book for a while. We got it from the library and it is one of the best designed books I've seen. The pages are cut so that the monster slowly appears until you get to the middle and as the child says goodbye to the various monster parts, his features disappear too. Must have cost a fortune to print but it's really clever.
Michelle
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Al fresco a la toddler
My post title contains Italian, French and English words which is actually quite fitting since diversity is the subject of this post. On nice days in St. John's you have to take full advantage becuase you never know when you will see the next one. If I were mayor, I would declare civic holidays for every day that was above 20 degrees in St. John's. Seriously.
Anyway, one of the ways we take advantage of nice weather is to dine outside and what I have discovered is that the novelty of eating outside seems to counter act my toddler's opposition to trying new things. Whether it is salad, corn on the cob, hamburgers, or pesto pasta, my toddler has a much more adventurous palate when we eat in our backyard or have a picnic in the park.
To a lesser degree this tactic works inside as well, when we have meals away from the dinner table, like a picnic on his bedroom floor or at the kitchen counter, he'll tend to try more diverse things as well. It was at the counter that we discovered his love for grape tomatoes, for instance.
What sorts of tricks and tips do you have for encouraging your child to try new foods?
Anyway, one of the ways we take advantage of nice weather is to dine outside and what I have discovered is that the novelty of eating outside seems to counter act my toddler's opposition to trying new things. Whether it is salad, corn on the cob, hamburgers, or pesto pasta, my toddler has a much more adventurous palate when we eat in our backyard or have a picnic in the park.
To a lesser degree this tactic works inside as well, when we have meals away from the dinner table, like a picnic on his bedroom floor or at the kitchen counter, he'll tend to try more diverse things as well. It was at the counter that we discovered his love for grape tomatoes, for instance.
What sorts of tricks and tips do you have for encouraging your child to try new foods?
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Toddler Games
I just bought the Curious George toddler-friendly game called Discovery Beach at Chapters and it is great! It is actually simple enough for my almost-three year-old to understand and fun enough to be enjoyable for a good 30 minutes or more. Highly-recommend.
Reminder - we are on Facebook!
If you haven't already heard and joined I now have a Facebook page for St. John's Toddler. It will give you previews of blog posts and help promote various blog events and activities. So now you can follow on Twitter, Facebook, or here, the old fashioned way, on the blog.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Victoria Park Summer Program
From the Friends of Victoria Park web site:
Many fun activities and a whole lot of boisterous playing goes on every summer in Victoria Park during the FOVP's Summer Day Camp Program.
The 2011 Summer Program
•When: July 6th to August 24th
•Time: 9:00am to 4:00pm; Monday to Friday
•Suggested donation: $70.00 for a single child or $120.00 for 2 children from the same family.
•Registration period: June 15th and 16th from 6:00pm to 8:30pm at the Poolhouse in Victoria Park.
How to Register - visit the web site here.
Many fun activities and a whole lot of boisterous playing goes on every summer in Victoria Park during the FOVP's Summer Day Camp Program.
The 2011 Summer Program
•When: July 6th to August 24th
•Time: 9:00am to 4:00pm; Monday to Friday
•Suggested donation: $70.00 for a single child or $120.00 for 2 children from the same family.
•Registration period: June 15th and 16th from 6:00pm to 8:30pm at the Poolhouse in Victoria Park.
How to Register - visit the web site here.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Botanical Garden Weekend Programs 2011
Sunday Morning Birdwatching:
8 a.m. every second Sunday.
Offered by the Friends of the Garden. FREE! Meet in the Parking Lot.
Sunday Morning Nature Hike:
Every Sunday at 10 a.m.
Explore Newfoundland barrens, boreal forest, or bog as you hike one of our nature trails with education staff. Learn about Newfoundland plants and animals while you enjoy plenty of fresh air and exercise. The nature trails are not wheelchair accessible.
Fee: General admission. (Free for members of the Friends of the Garden). This program is not suitable for groups wishing to book a program at the Garden and is intended for members of the general public, including families with young children.
Meet the Critters:
Be sure to drop by the classroom at 2 p.m. to meet our critters, including Squirt the red-eared slider turtle, giant African snails and more. Learn all about their far-away native habitats and find out why some of these visitors don't always make good pets for everyone.
Duck Feeding, Story Time & Crafts:
Join education staff for a story time, some crafts of a hike to Oxen Pond to feed the ducks. This program is available between 2-4 p.m. on Sunday afternoons.
8 a.m. every second Sunday.
Offered by the Friends of the Garden. FREE! Meet in the Parking Lot.
Sunday Morning Nature Hike:
Every Sunday at 10 a.m.
Explore Newfoundland barrens, boreal forest, or bog as you hike one of our nature trails with education staff. Learn about Newfoundland plants and animals while you enjoy plenty of fresh air and exercise. The nature trails are not wheelchair accessible.
Fee: General admission. (Free for members of the Friends of the Garden). This program is not suitable for groups wishing to book a program at the Garden and is intended for members of the general public, including families with young children.
Meet the Critters:
Be sure to drop by the classroom at 2 p.m. to meet our critters, including Squirt the red-eared slider turtle, giant African snails and more. Learn all about their far-away native habitats and find out why some of these visitors don't always make good pets for everyone.
Duck Feeding, Story Time & Crafts:
Join education staff for a story time, some crafts of a hike to Oxen Pond to feed the ducks. This program is available between 2-4 p.m. on Sunday afternoons.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Big Boy Bed Part 2
For those of you who were offering advice on 'big boy beds' - we went with a toddler bed. For a couple of reasons:
Cost: inexpensive to buy (Costco) and gets us another year or so of use out of his crib mattress (which is a good one) as well as the wool duvet and flannel crib bedding I splurged on.
Size: As his current room is small, I felt that taking up as little space as possible was a good choice now, since our house doesn't have a rec room or finished basement his bedroom is also his play room. We are considering moving him to a larger room in a year or so and then we will look at a larger bed.
I also liked the idea of the side rails and his ability to climb in and out of it on his own.
Cost: inexpensive to buy (Costco) and gets us another year or so of use out of his crib mattress (which is a good one) as well as the wool duvet and flannel crib bedding I splurged on.
Size: As his current room is small, I felt that taking up as little space as possible was a good choice now, since our house doesn't have a rec room or finished basement his bedroom is also his play room. We are considering moving him to a larger room in a year or so and then we will look at a larger bed.
I also liked the idea of the side rails and his ability to climb in and out of it on his own.
Survey for Children's Entertainment Centre
I recieved an email with a request to help spread the word about a survey. I thought you might be interested in participating so here it is:
Hello,
My name is Karina Zavala, as a mother of twin boys I find that there is a need for an activity/entertainment centre for young children in the city. As such, I have been thinking of opening a children entertainment centre. What I mean by this, is a space large enough to offer an indoor playground, different activities/classes
for children, and services for the parents while they watch their children. In order to determine if there is a need for this type of service, and to obtain more information about what parents would like to have, I am conducting an on-line survey that will take about five minutes to complete. Here is the link.
Thank you !
Hello,
My name is Karina Zavala, as a mother of twin boys I find that there is a need for an activity/entertainment centre for young children in the city. As such, I have been thinking of opening a children entertainment centre. What I mean by this, is a space large enough to offer an indoor playground, different activities/classes
for children, and services for the parents while they watch their children. In order to determine if there is a need for this type of service, and to obtain more information about what parents would like to have, I am conducting an on-line survey that will take about five minutes to complete. Here is the link.
Thank you !
Friday, June 3, 2011
St. John's Farmer's Market
First day of the season - Saturday, June 4th!
Good point, Hasmik (see comments below), here is a link with lots of info
Good point, Hasmik (see comments below), here is a link with lots of info
Plant Sale
Perfect timing given yesterday's post about gardening with kids. Whether it's veggies or flowers, kids can learn a lot in the garden.
FRIENDS OF THE GARDEN PLANT SALE
June 4, 10am - 12pm
This popular annual fundraiser is sponsored by the Friends of MUN Botanical Garden. Come early for a good selection. A limited variety of garden or outdoor plants including heaths, heathers, rhododendrons and some perennials will be available. Help the Friends help support MUN Botanical Garden. Plant lists will not be available until Saturday, June 4
FRIENDS OF THE GARDEN PLANT SALE
June 4, 10am - 12pm
This popular annual fundraiser is sponsored by the Friends of MUN Botanical Garden. Come early for a good selection. A limited variety of garden or outdoor plants including heaths, heathers, rhododendrons and some perennials will be available. Help the Friends help support MUN Botanical Garden. Plant lists will not be available until Saturday, June 4
Thursday, June 2, 2011
It's Gardening Time--With Your Kids!
Today I am featuring a guest post from Vegg on the Rock blogger, Veggie Daddy. If you are interested in writing a guest post about an issue or topic you are interested in let me know!
It's Gardening Time--With Your Kids!
Studies show the earlier we expose our children to fruits and vegetables, which seem all but alien to today’s youth, the more likely they are to eat them. This also goes for children who help prepare the food in the kitchen. They are more likely to try the meals they help make. And getting our children to participate in actual gardening practices will give them a better understanding of where our food originally came from, historically speaking.
“You mean not all food comes from a package? You don’t say!”
I do say. I know it’s hard to believe, but the human race has been consuming non-packaged food without any artificial colors or flavors for more than 5000 years. Yes, food used to, and sometimes does now, actually come from gardens. And the food was actually real! Strange, but true...
This morning, my own little Granola Girl, through a mouthful of mango, pineapple, and mandarin orange salad (not canned by Del Monte, soaking in corn syrup) asked me if the food she was eating was real. "You're darn tootin' it is!" I said (also through a mouthful of mango, pineapple, and mandarin (see satsuma) oranges. (They're at Cost-Co, go get some now. Hurry, before they're gone!)
It's Gardening Time--With Your Kids!
Studies show the earlier we expose our children to fruits and vegetables, which seem all but alien to today’s youth, the more likely they are to eat them. This also goes for children who help prepare the food in the kitchen. They are more likely to try the meals they help make. And getting our children to participate in actual gardening practices will give them a better understanding of where our food originally came from, historically speaking.
“You mean not all food comes from a package? You don’t say!”
I do say. I know it’s hard to believe, but the human race has been consuming non-packaged food without any artificial colors or flavors for more than 5000 years. Yes, food used to, and sometimes does now, actually come from gardens. And the food was actually real! Strange, but true...
This morning, my own little Granola Girl, through a mouthful of mango, pineapple, and mandarin orange salad (not canned by Del Monte, soaking in corn syrup) asked me if the food she was eating was real. "You're darn tootin' it is!" I said (also through a mouthful of mango, pineapple, and mandarin (see satsuma) oranges. (They're at Cost-Co, go get some now. Hurry, before they're gone!)
Last Sunday, May 29th, the Rabbittown Community Garden, an urban gardening project by the Community Garden Alliance through FEASt had their garden season opening. Community gardens are the perfect way to introduce your little ones to the wonders of seeding and planting. Many people don’t know how to grow a garden or don’t have enough land to grow a garden, so this is an amazing hands-on opportunity to start learning the ropes. The Rabbittown garden is on Graves Street across from Pizza Empire.
There are a variety of free workshops throughout the summer both through theMemorial Community Garden Pippy Park Family Garden
There are a variety of free workshops throughout the summer both through the
Monday October 3rd: Putting the Garden to Bed - Sarah Crocker
Additionally, the Pippy Park Family Garden
Finally, I'd like to send a thank you out to Erika for giving me the opportunity to contribute to this great blog. Sometimes it's very difficult to learn what to do with our kids and she is providing this town a great service indeed.
And if you're looking for great new recipes or tips on how to get those kids of yours to chow down on some good foodstuffs, please check out my blog at veggontherock.blogspot.com.
And if you're looking for great new recipes or tips on how to get those kids of yours to chow down on some good foodstuffs, please check out my blog at veggontherock.blogspot.com.
Eat B(right),
Veggie Daddy
"Food, nutrition and health information for a culinary transformation."
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Cakes and more cakes
Here's another local cake baker to check out - Sugar Rush Unique Custom Cakes, this is a Facebook link.
Fluvarium June Kids Club
"New Beginnings”
What is a fry? Where do tadpoles come from? Do dragonflies really live in water?
Come and discover the life cycle of our freshwater friends!
Saturdays & Sundays at 1:30pm
June 8 - 26, 2011
Program runs approx. 45-60 minutes
Preregistration is recommended
Fluvarium Kids Club Weekend Programs
Have you heard? Kids ages 5–10 and their families are invited to join Fluvarium Kids!
Receive updates, collect stickers, and earn a Fluvarium Kids Fresh Water Friends certificate when you attend sessions in four different months!
This Fluvarium Kids program is Family Fun and includes an outdoor component, game, story and craft!
Fluvarium Kids programs are complimentary with admission.
Ask about our Annual Family Pass for only $35!
For more information contact:
Denise Hennebury - 754-3474 - dhennebury@fluvarium.ca
What is a fry? Where do tadpoles come from? Do dragonflies really live in water?
Come and discover the life cycle of our freshwater friends!
Saturdays & Sundays at 1:30pm
June 8 - 26, 2011
Program runs approx. 45-60 minutes
Preregistration is recommended
Fluvarium Kids Club Weekend Programs
Have you heard? Kids ages 5–10 and their families are invited to join Fluvarium Kids!
Receive updates, collect stickers, and earn a Fluvarium Kids Fresh Water Friends certificate when you attend sessions in four different months!
This Fluvarium Kids program is Family Fun and includes an outdoor component, game, story and craft!
Fluvarium Kids programs are complimentary with admission.
Ask about our Annual Family Pass for only $35!
For more information contact:
Denise Hennebury - 754-3474 - dhennebury@fluvarium.ca
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