GTA Parent - For Toronto Area Parents with Parenting News, Reviews & Things to Do in the GTA

Rock Out This March Break Concert for Royal York Road Nursery School in Etobicoke

2010-03-10T22:33:00.001-06:00

March Break Concert Flyer 2010

Mabel's Label's Blogger Contest

2010-03-09T13:01:00.000-06:00

Write a post on your blog in response to the following hypothetical situation: Electrical storms are going to wipe out the Internet (perhaps forever). You have one day left to write about your passions: what do you want to say to the blogosphere in 300 words or less?
Link your post back to Mabel’s contest site at www.blogcontest.mabel.ca and tag it "Mabel’s Labels BlogHer ‘10 Contest".
Email the link to your post to blogcontest@mabel.ca along with a contact phone number and email address.

Entries will be accepted from February 22nd, up to and including 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) March 15th, 2010. Finalists will be notified April 12th, with the grand prize winner announced on May 1st, 2010. Please see rules and regulations then start writing!

Oh Canada: A Moment shared between a Father and Daughter

2010-03-09T12:47:00.002-06:00

I was so happy to have shared Canada’s Gold Medal win yesterday with Lyla. I am doubtful she had any real idea of what was happening but there she was bouncing on my knee throughout the game as we took home the Gold Medal. Wearing her Team Canada Maple Leaf, and matching sweatshirt, clapping when we clapped, saying “Uh OH” when we did and screaming along with us in celebration once Sydney Crosby buried the OT winner. As we celebrated in the living room with our guests, she was in my arms hugging me for all she was worth. As I have said before, sports is a very strong bonding experience between parents and children and very few things can create the feeling of camaraderie that sports can build, and this was a moment like no other. When she reads about these Olympics, and given Canada’s record setting performance, I am fairly confident she will, she will ask me where she was when this happened, and I’ll be more than happy to tell her. On a side note, we just bought a house on the weekend with a big backyard, perfect for a hockey rink. Who knows, maybe one day my little girl will help Canada bring home the gold and people will take to the streets celebrating her achievements. A bit far-fetched, I realize, but at least for today, I am proud to have shared my love of sports with Lyla through an event that explemplified sportsmanship, perseverance and some of the bravest performances I have ever witnessed. When I looked at her and told her that we had just won the biggest game in our countries history all I could think as I looked into her beautiful blue eyes is how proud I am to be a Canadian and how lucky I am to get to raise my daughter in such a great country.

$5.00 Off Yo Gabba Gabba Live

2010-03-09T12:09:00.000-06:00

My son and I are going to the Yo Gabba Gabba March 16th concert . We're both pretty excited. Me because I get to go downtown and into a nice theatre and my son because he gets to rock out!

Anyone want to join me?

To get $5.00 please enter the special code "MUNO".

My Blog - Moms Inc. on Urban Moms!

2010-02-20T07:36:00.008-06:00

I now have a blog site for you to read on Urbanmoms.ca, my site is called Mom Inc. and it is about trying to balance my busy life. Mothers who run their own businesses will especially be able to relate. Leave me your comments and your web site too! I love to hear about what you do!
My first blog was called "Bee Does Books" ( Bee is my nick name). It was hosted on Geocities. Anyone remember Geocities?Back then it was cutting edge. I think it was the first blog site around before it was even called "blogging". At the time, it was really fascinating to find out who else was reading the same books as me and their take on it. I was in awe of the virtual connection I felt with like minded strangers. Fast forward 10 years later,... I started blogging about being a new mom. It was hugely healing for me because I had postpartum depression and writing was my therapy. Read more

Sending BC My Love. - We still love you.

2010-02-19T22:33:00.000-06:00

Three Tips to Cut Childhood obesity

2010-02-19T22:23:00.002-06:00

Content Courtesy of Toronto Star

If you're a parent feeling helpless over the barrage of bad news about kids' expanding waistlines and declining health, here's some news you can actually use.

According to a U.S. study released Monday, young children have a much lower risk of obesity if they have three routines in place: regular family dinners, limited television and adequate sleep.

While the findings aren't surprising – experts have long been calling for less screen time and healthier eating habits to prevent the epidemic of overweight kids and teens – the new study is the first to look at the cumulative effect of these measures on young children, the authors said.

They examined 8,550 preschoolers and found kids in households that followed all three routines had a 40 per cent lower rate of obesity than children in homes where none of the routines was practised.

Parent Tested Toys

2010-02-19T21:55:00.002-06:00

Author Alyson Schafer on being a Modern Parent

2010-02-19T21:54:00.000-06:00

Kathy Buckworth, Funny Mommy - Loves Lists

2010-02-19T21:02:00.007-06:00

My name is Kathy, and I am a list freak. In fact, if you read my column regularly, you’ll know that I’m Queen of the Bullet Point. It’s how I often write, it’s how I usually talk, and frighteningly enough, it’s the way I think. Here’s why. In bullet form. Oh be quiet.

I like to do things in a logical sequence. Doing what’s due first, and working my way through. If I know one child will freak out more by getting his ice cream second and not first, he gets it first. Yes it’s playing favourites. We all have them. Even your mother did.
If we are having people over, I clean the house in the order of the rooms they are going to most likely be in. Follow me here. The front hall, the hallway leading to the kitchen (everyone hits the kitchen first – some never leave), through to the dining room, the living room, around the corner and into the bathroom. Normally there are kids in my family room so sensible people avoid that – and because there are kids there, I can’t really be expected to keep that room clean anyway, can I? And I don’t go anywhere near the upstairs bathroom as that is my kids’ primary receptacle. Besides, if someone needs to go to the bathroom that badly that they race upstairs, they’re not going to notice the mess, now are they?
Like most Moms, my days range from the ridiculously busy and overscheduled to the mind-numbingly boring and monotonous. Having a “list” in my head allows me to trick myself into thinking I’m getting things done and moving down a path of accomplishment. This, versus feeling like I’m a hamster on a wheel or Mom in a mini-van secured to the house with a stretchy cord that allows it only to circle back and forth between the schools, the hockey arenas and the inconveniently located playdates.
I have four kids. I do things in order to make sure no one gets missed. For example, when I’m serving dinner, I always put out their plates of food in order, from youngest to oldest. That way, the younger ones’ meals start cooling faster than the older and the younger ones like my cooking and the older ones don’t so I can get compliments first and complaints second. My oldest daughter has begged me to serve her first but I just can’t do it. She’s going to complain about that vein in the chicken again.
With 18 years of parenting experience under my belt, I’ve discovered that things that seem like a big deal really aren’t when you work through the logical consequences, step by step. For example, some Moms might get upset if their child wears the same t-shirt for four days in a row. After all, here’s what might happen that’s bad…okay, no I can’t think of anything. Really. Here’s what good thing could happen – less laundry for you. Step 1: Wear the shirt until dogs start licking it for snacks, Step 2: Put it in the laundry with the one other shirt you wore this week. Perfect.Frankly most of my days are spent working through lists to get me to the end of the day, where I can start compiling the next one for tomorrow. Now excuse me while I check off “Write column” and add “Buy chicken.”

Kathy Buckworth’s latest book “Shut Up & Eat: Tales of Chicken, Children & Chardonnay” is available on March 21st at bookstores everywhere. Pre-order your copy today and visit www.kathybuckworth.com for details on book signings and events.

MTV Canada - Small Foot

2010-02-19T20:04:00.002-06:00

My son cracks up over this. It is really cute and created by my friend Adrian Carter of Shark Teeth Films.

MTV Canada "Smallfoot - Music" from Shark Teeth Films on Vimeo.

How to Talk so Kids Will Listen- 1 Evening Workshop

2010-02-18T21:34:00.002-06:00

Course: How To Talk So Kids Will Listen – 1 Evening Workshop

Date: Monday February 22, 2010

Time: 6:30pm – 8:30m

Location: The Busy Genie Play & Learning Centre

2885 Bloor St. West (Bloor St. & Prince Edward Dr.)

Cost: Members $10, Non-Members $15

In This Workshop: You’ll learn how to express your anger without being hurtful and use alternative to punishment.

Also, engage your child’s willing cooperation while setting firm limits and still maintain goodwill.

For details on how to register visit: Parent Education Network

Green Scenes - Daily Animation Workshop & Week Long Camp

2010-02-16T16:34:00.001-06:00

Daily animation workshops and a week-long camp

NFB MEDIATHEQUE
March 15 through March 21

Green Scenes is a series of hands-on animation workshops for children aged 6 to 14 years old and their parents. Workshops are offered twice a day, at 10 AM and 2 PM. Sign up today for only $5 per child. Parents can join the fun at no extra cost. Call 416-973-3012 to reserve a spot today!

MONDAY, MARCH 15 Take out the Trash! Getting rid of garbage used to be easy! Help get the recycling and organics to their proper collection bins. (3D clay)
TUESDAY, MARCH 16 Aquatic Adventure What will you find under the waves… is it something that belongs in the water? (pixillation)
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17 One, Two, Three… Grow! There’s no need to wait… these trees will rise before your eyes! (painting on glass)

THURSDAY, MARCH 18 Car Free and Carefree! Taking public transport is good for the environment. Animate your subway adventure! (3D clay)
FRIDAY, MARCH 19 Gone Fishing Reel in some fishy friends, or maybe some bizarre deep sea creatures! (paper cut-out)
SATURDAY, MARCH 20 Lettuce Animate! Grow your own food in our animated garden. (3D clay)
SUNDAY, MARCH 21 Race Against Time Help the polar bears find their way to safety before their ice floe melts! (3D clay)

Looking for a more in-depth animation experience? Sign up for our WEEK-LONG GREEN SCENES CAMP for children aged 8 to 14. From Monday to Friday (9 AM to 4:30 PM), participants will work in teams to create their own original animated film. Your film will premiere on the BIG SCREEN on Friday afternoon at the NFB Cinema! (Limited enrolment. $275 per child. Pre- and post-care available at an additional cost. Call 416-973-7114 or e-mail m.matthews@nfb.ca for details.)

Family Day Activities in Toronto - GTA

2010-02-14T06:35:00.001-06:00

Content Courtesy of Child's Life Family Day Weekend EventsCelebrate Family Day all weekend long this year at the Ontario Science Centre. Special programming includes, Jump for your Heart! Watch as some of Canada’s top jump-rope teams demonstrate their champion skills and techniques. Other interactive demos that promote healthy living will be offer throughout the weekend, included in Science Centre admission.

February 13, 2010 to February 15, 2010
Ontario Science Center, 770 Don Mills Road, Toronto
website

Toronto's Kidsfest - Family Day WeekendBring the kids out to Kidsfest and enjoy some of North America's Largest Indoor Inflatables. Play laser tag, rock climb, shop at our children's marketplace. Laugh, bounce, scream, but most of all have fun! Visit our website for a complete list of rides and stage show information.

February 13, 2010 to February 15, 2010
International Centre
website

Valentine’s Day at Casa LomaLet Cupid take aim at your heart! Bring your Valentine to Casa Loma for an intimate afternoon learning the noble art of archery. Certified archery coach Shawn Adams will make this a fun Valentine’s Day that you both won’t soon forget. Age: 14+. Registration required.

Sunday, February 14
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto
$31 + GST/person. Register at 416-923-1171 ext 205.
website

Family Day at Fort YorkDrop in for a tour of the Fort and learn about Toronto’s beginnings including our part in the War of 1812. Get warm by the fire of the open hearth in the 1826 historic kitchen and enjoy a cup of old-fashioned hot chocolate. At the fort there is a great deal of green space to run around in and a number of period buildings to explore. Regular admission applies.

Monday, February 15
10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Fort York National Historic Site, 100 Garrison Road
website

Family Day Fun at Casa Loma: Family Archery!Drop in for a tour of the Fort and learn about Toronto’s beginnings including our part in the War of 1812. Get warm by the fire of the open hearth in the 1826 historic kitchen and enjoy a cup of old-fashioned hot chocolate. At the fort there is a great deal of green space to run around in and a number of period buildings to explore. Regular admission applies.

Monday, February 15
1:00pm to 4:00pm
Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto
website

TIP: Visit your local Municipality Parks & Recreation Web Site for affordable, fun to do ideas. Many Cities have great events planned.

How safe is it to exercise during pregnancy?

2010-02-14T06:20:00.003-06:00

Franklin Live at the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga

2010-02-07T12:52:00.003-06:00

Words from GURU Jane Nelson, Positive Discipline

2010-02-07T10:35:00.004-06:00

Dad Web Sites?

2010-02-07T09:57:00.004-06:00

I went looking for "Dad" web sites today - I couldn't find anything local or good so I asked my husband what he thought would be good and this is what he came up with. Here is a sampling. This is Andrew Dice Clay style stuff... anyone remember him?

"No, I’m not a pessimist. At some point the world shits on everybody. Pretending it ain’t shit makes you an idiot, not an optimist."

"Can we talk later? The news is on … Well, if you have tuberculosis, it’s not gonna get any worse in the next 30 minutes. Jesus."

Content courtesy of Shit My Dad Says

Fun in the Snow - Colouring Snow Activity

2010-02-07T08:50:00.000-06:00

March Break -March 15-19 Events

2010-02-07T08:37:00.001-06:00

Content Courtesy of Child's LifeBrick Bros. CircusSchool Performances. Pre-March Break school performances For K - grade 6

Guaranteed to stimulate imagination and spark creative thinking, the Brick Bros. Circus is a complete tongue-in-cheek, minature one-ring circus, performed by highly-trained building bricks in itty bitty sequined costumes. See bricks do tricks in one of the silliest shows on earth! See the acrobatic Bildovitch Family, the breathtaking Madame Brikaskova, Brikko the Clown and much more. This show takes the definition of puppetry to its logical extreme, with the most inanimate of objects performing in the most active form of theatre.

Mar. 10, 11 & 12, 2010
10:30 am and 1:30 pm each day
Puppetmongers Studio, 401 Logan Ave. unit 219, Toronto
$10 (1 free adult ticket with each 10 purchased)
website

2010 Monster Energy® AMA Supercross SeriesThe only international race stop on the 2010 Monster Energy AMA Supercross race schedule comes to Rogers Centre. As the premier off-road motorcycle racing series in the world this is your chance to see all the great champions in action.

Saturday, March 13. 2010
Rogers Centre
website

High School Musical 2: On StageHIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2: ON STAGE features all the songs from the movie, including “What Time Is It”, “You Are The Music In Me”, “Gotta Go My Own Way” and “Bet On It”, as well as the un-aired “Humuhumunukunukuapua'a”.

Wednesday, March 17 to Sunday, March 21
Toronto Centre for the Arts, Studio Theatre
Tickets $18 (Ticketmaster)
website

Extreme Footwear!
March Break Madness at the Bata Shoe MuseumTall and teeny, strange and pointy, we’re pulling out all the extremes for March Break 2010! Kids can take part in all our extreme-themed arts and crafts including decorating an extremely tall cookie, painting an extremely teeny clog and creating an extremely cool shoe fridge magnet! Go on a treasure hunt for extreme footwear in the Museum galleries. Also, pitch in and help us decorate an extremely giant moccasin and take part in our extremely huge shoe project which will be part of a collective collage!

March 15th - 19th, 2010
Drop-in, 11am-4pm
Bata Shoe Museum
Special March Break Pricing - $8.00 per child and $8.00 per adult accompanying a child participating in the March Break Program. Family rates do not apply, but book ahead to get a special rate for groups of 10 or more. To pre-register call 416-979-7700 x 242 or email programs@batashoemuseum.ca
website

Winter Fun Activities Around the GTA

2010-02-07T08:32:00.004-06:00

Content Courtesy of A Child's LifeMarkham Museum WinterfestFun and excitement for the whole family! Celebrate Family Day at the Museum; skate, snow-shoe, build snowmen, build and paint ice blocks and try your aim against our targets! There will be lots of activities, crafts and great food as well.

Monday, February 15, 2010
10am to 4pm
Markham Museum, 9350 Hwy 48 (just north of 16th Ave.)
website

Richmond Hill Winter Carnival 2010Welcome to our 42nd year! A weekend of affordable fun and entertainment featuring pancake breakfast, live music, dog show, hockey skills clinic, ringette, amateur band contest, face painting, colouring contest and more! Organized by volunteers to celebrate the community of Richmond Hill in a welcoming atmosphere.

February 5, 2010 to February 7, 2010
Mill Pond, Richmond Hill
website

Newmarket Winter Carnival 2010Indoor fun at the Newmarket community centre and Fairy Lake Park! Family Bingo, Kids Fun Room, Children's entertainers and more. Indoor Fun: Starting at 8:00 a.m., Pancake breakfast, family bingo, face painting, Harvo the Clown, Caroline's Caricatures, children's activities and more. Outdoor Fun: Starts at 10:00 a.m. Horse drawn wagon ride, pony rides, Nokiidaa Trail Guided Hike, variety of children's games and more, Train ride on Tim Hortons Express (owned and operated by Town of Newmarket).

February 6, 2010
Newmarket Community Centre and Fairy Lake
website

Barrie Winterfest & Festival of IceNamed one of the Top 100 Festivals in Ontario, Winterfest is a great way to celebrate the winter season with adventures the whole family will enjoy. Outdoor activities include a polar bear dip, horse-drawn wagon rides, dogsled rides, mini-tube run, lumberjack shows, and more. Winterfest also features a giant snow slide and ice maze. The Festival of Ice features 300 pound blocks of ice carved into spectacular, themed sculptures. The February Blues Festival features great music in venues throughout Barrie and neighbouring communities. The Barrie Film Festival presents thought-provoking films at the Screen One Reel Stories Fiilm Series. Warm-up at the MacLaren with a tour of the gallery and fun family activities. The Barrie Public Library celebrates Mardi Gras with storytime and drop-in crafts. The community comes alive with winter fun and celebration - don't miss it!

February 6 & 7, 2010
Downtown Barrie - Memorial Square & Heritage Park
website

Aurora Arctic AdventureBundle up and take in some great outdoor activities such as dog sled rides, snow shoeing, skating, live entertainment and so much more.

February 15, 2010
Aurora Town Park
website

Ajax WinterfestThe Town’s Winterfest will be heaps of fun, so bundle up and enjoy frosty festivities for the whole family! Activities include: professional ice carving demonstrations, ice skating, dog sled rides, horse drawn wagon rides, snow painting, childrens games, arts and crafts, and more!

February 7, 2010
11:00 am to 4:00 pm
McLean Community Centre, 95 Magill Dr., Ajax
website

WinterCity FestivalToronto’s award-winning WinterCity Festival returns for its seventh year, offering a city-wide celebration of culture, creativity and cuisine. Ignore the cold and snow and get out and celebrate all that Toronto has to offer in the winter. The city will be bursting with culinary experiences, fantastic free entertainment at Nathan Phillips Square and a showcase of Toronto’s vibrant arts scene. 3 festivals in 1. WOW! Series at Nathan Phillips Square: FREE! Beat the cold with a spectacular fire installation, gravity-defying aerial dance performances, ice sculptures and themed skating parties. Warm Up Series at Toronto Attractions: Five special performances and events produced by Toronto-based artists and institutions.

January 29 to February 11, 2010
Various venues in Toronto
website

Vaughan Celebrates WinterfestThe City of Vaughan’s 21st annual Winterfest presented by TD Canada Trust will feature celebrated children’s author Robert Munsch for a special story telling concert on the outdoor stage and autograph signing session. Other stage entertainment will include “Best of Both Girls”, a tribute to Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus. Winterfest will also feature an autograph signing session with Toronto Maple Leafs goalie, Jonas “The Monster” Gustavsson. A free outdoor and indoor Kidz Zone will be highlighted by free midway rides, face painting courtesy of Bell, horse-drawn wagon rides, Messy Hands crafts bus, pizza making workshop sponsored by Pizza Nova, Little OBIE CN Safety Train Rides, pleasure skating and much more.

February 7, 2010
Starts at 10:00 am
Vellore Village Community Centre, 1 Villa Royale Avenue, Woodbridge
website

Some Helpful Parenting Book Titles

2010-02-07T07:43:00.003-06:00

Has your Child Been Bullied or Bullied?

2010-02-07T07:35:00.003-06:00

Shake, Rattle & Roll

2010-02-05T06:19:00.004-06:00

Maybe I was naive but I thought it would be a slower process, however Lyla seems bound and determined to start walking “full-time” and over the course of one weekend I listened to her speech start to evolve from dictatorial type rants of sharp sounds and yells to the makings of words. It seemed like only last week that she would sit in her high chair as if giving an address to the masses; barking what seemed like orders at her Mom and myself. Confident and determined to get her point across as every good leader does. The only problem was that she was completely incoherent. What do you expect; she is barely a year old?
This weekend however, she began to soften her tone into words, albeit it simple ones. You could hear her saying “Hi Daddy”, “Hi Muma”, and even the beginnings of ”Memere”. Anytime you say “Hi Lyla”, she answers, “Yaya”, smiles and laughs. In many cases she snorts and makes her patented scrunchy face. Don’t ask me why, but she thinks this is hilarious.

What I find most astounding though is the rapid progression from crawling 90%, walking 10% to the exact opposite, walking from one end of the hall to the other, stopping in the middle to do a little bit of dancing. She dances like the Honky Tonk Man, (remember 1980’s WWF?) arching her back and waves one arm over her head, the other arm down low. Another variation is the “chicken wing” in which she waves her arm like a chicken. Sorry, I have no wrestling or pop culture reference for this move. It is uniquely hers.

As I watch her play and dance, I am reminded that all too soon she will be running then driving, and who knows what else. She walks towards me with her arms outstretched and the excitement of reaching me is almost too much for her to bear. One day she will be pushing me away, wanting to hang with her friends, not her Daddy. I know I am probably getting way ahead of myself, but this is one of the hardest things about being a new parent; the realization that one day they will walk away from you.

What’s my point? I guess today it is a simple one. Enjoy every moment you have with your kids because as cliché as it sounds, they grow up so fast and this learning stage is one of the most beautiful and amazing things I have ever experienced!

Jason Darby is a sports blogger, musician and most significantly the proud father of a beautiful 1-year-old daughter. He currently works in the academic publishing industry and is working on a book about the Maple Leafs and the pilot for a sitcom currently titled “The Shop”. He spends much of his spare time watching the Detroit Tigers with his little girl. Come back often to read his musings on raising a child from a father’s perspective. Please leave comments for Jason on this blog! You can also reach Jason on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/darbyjason

DJ Skates at Harbourfront

2010-01-27T18:03:00.000-06:00

Put the beat into your blades! In celebration of Skate Culture, every Saturday night from Dec. 5, 2009 to Feb. 13, 2010, Harbourfront Centre will be hosting some of the country’s best DJs on The Rink. From hip hop to house and everything in between, DJ Skate nights offer something for everyone. Find out first-hand why the Toronto Star included our DJ Skate series as one of their “175 reasons to love Toronto.”
For More info on who is spinning the records go to the site