How to encourage your reluctant swimmer

Communicating with kids about swimming and water play is tricky because of the inherent mixed messages.

One parent learns to embrace her inner hockey mom

Cold mornings at arenas and weekend tournaments weren’t part of this parent’s reality, until she agreed to help out.

How to make the most out of play time

Freestyle play has many benefits for kids, but it doesn’t always come naturally to grown ups.

Lay the foundation for an active life

In today’s society, participation in physical activity isn’t very high on the daily list of priorities, even though we all know the amazing benefits of heart-pumping activity like increased fitness, reduced risk of chronic disease, and improved mental health and well-being.

Keep your child visible and safe in all conditions

Janice Biehn, Editor of ParentsCanada, recently tested out a new product perfect for Halloween!  The Albedo100 Reflective Sprays are designed to keep your child visible and safe in all conditions.  Not only are they safe for your child, but also odorless, rain resistant and easy to wash off.

Our Unstructured Summer Time

I encourage my children to read, play, create and activate their thinking on their own terms and based on their own interests. Katie now 12 enjoys volunteering at the pool and reading, Andie 10, researches and creates experiments in the kitchen while Beckett 8 enjoys swimming, reading and playing outside. When I do find a book or an activity that all three children can enjoy, I am quick to add it to our home library or toy room.

Summer Rules! A double entendre.

My own kids are in a few week-long camps later this summer and are really looking forward to them. Other than that, during the day, it's me, and them, and only 90 minutes of screen time allowed.  So here we are, already three weeks into summer, and I've decided we need to establish a few other summer "rules" as well. These are as follows...

Great Summer Reads

Whether you’re on the beach, sitting by the pool, relaxing inside on a rainy day or snuggling before bedtime, a book is the perfect accessory. Here are a few summer must-reads for the whole family.

Summer Assignment: EXPLORE YOUR WORLD!

Keep kids active, engaged, and learning all summer long, with fascinating nonfiction books from Nat Geo Kids. These summer boredom-busters are filled with fun facts, compelling photography, creative ideas, and interesting activities to nurture kids’ curiosity about the world and all that’s in it.