With my oldest just a few years away from his high school graduation, his college education is at the front of my mind. And that means I’ve already started to look into potential financial solutions that will ensure he can get the education he needs for future success. Financial aid is not something only students …
3 Questions to Ask Your Student’s College About Financial Aid Read More »
Children are curious little things, and once they start exploring, the house can be filled with accidents just waiting to happen. If you have a little one in the house, you may already have added some safety features like baby gates and outlet covers. But childproofing your home can be a big job, and it …
Does my kid need glasses? As a parent, it can be hard to know if your child might need glasses, especially when they’re young. Kids often don’t realize anything is wrong with their vision, so it’s up to us, as parents to keep an eye out for signs they might be struggling. There can be …
Reading is a complex, meaning-making process. There are so many things occurring as we read: recognizing letters, sounds, and words, acknowledging spacing, identifying how punctuation changes a sentence, comprehending story lines, making and confirming predictions, and so much more. Given the complexity of this process, teaching children to read can seem like an overwhelming task. …
Around 9.4 million children in the U.S. and 850,000 children in Canada have additional or special needs, with some of the most common causes being cerebral palsy, autism, dyslexia, ADHD, and epilepsy. If your child has just been diagnosed with an additional need, you may initially feel overwhelmed about where to start in terms of treatments, …
Parenting a Child with Special Needs Confidently Read More »
For far too long, science, technology and math fields were dominated by men, and while times are changing now, women still tend to face stigmas in those careers. Women often get paid less for the same work, and face professional hurdles that men do not. And additional problems can trickle down from the workplace, affecting …
3 Top Features of the Best Coding Classes for Girls Read More »
There are a lot of challenges to being a parent, and one of the biggest has to be finding just the right child care. Whether you’re searching for full-time daycare or just occasional child care for date nights, making sure you’ve chosen the right childcare provider isn’t easy. If you’re wondering how to choose a …
Any parent knows that raising kids isn’t easy. Trying to teach them all the essentials for living a happy life can feel downright overwhelming at times! But it’s important to remember that a lot of what kids learn comes not from teaching, but from watching the way parents live their own lives. That means by …
For some, writing is as effortless as breathing, but for others, every word is a struggle. And if you have a child in middle school or high school that struggles with writing, it can have a major impact on their grades. So, what can you do to help? These seven writing tips for kids are …
There is good news for parents and kids living in Saskatchewan. As of June, about 90,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine are available to students ages 12 and up, across the province. Previously, vaccines were only available for youth 16 and up. Nearly half of the Canadian population has received at least one dose of …
Preparing Kids for a Normal Return to School in Saskatchewan Read More »
In the age of digital information, it’s not unusual for family members to take turns using the family computer. While parents may use the computer to shop, complete work, or watch their favorite TV shows, children may use it to watch their favourite educational or entertainment videos, or play online games. Additionally, families often use …
If there’s one challenge I’ve had from the very beginning with my preschooler, it’s sleep. He’s always been incredibly active, and at almost four, still almost never sleeps through the night. Constantly being woken up in the middle of the night by my son obviously takes a toll on my own sleep, and after so …
Sign Up for the FREE Better Nights, Better Days At-Home Sleep Program for Children Read More »
Growing up in a small town meant that I didn’t have very many schooling options. So, it wasn’t until my own boys were older and living by a large city that I learned choosing a school for your child can be unbelievably challenging. Will my kids be happy? Are the teachers good enough? Does it …
Giving birth is something that never loses its wonder. Every newborn is unique, and while they all need the same basic care, they often show a lot of personality in those early days, too. But when your new baby looks or acts in a way you don’t expect, it can be easy to panic and …
Five Unusual, Yet Common Health Conditions in Newborns Read More »
If there’s one thing that I have lots of experience with when it comes to babies, it’s breastfeeding. All three of my boys did extended nursing to some degree, and there were times when I felt like breastfeeding took up the majority of my day. And all that experience taught me one very important thing…breastfeeding …
Get Breastfeeding Tips and Advice From the New Medela Family Newsletter Read More »
If you’re used to a big Easter celebration, your plans this year might look a bit different than in years past. But that doesn’t mean it has to be any less fun! There are lots of ways you can still have a special Easter at home this year with the kiddos. Here are ten ideas …
When it comes to homeschooling, organization is one of the main keys to success. Without a clear and concise plan of how you will approach the day, homeschooling can turn into a nightmare. When you establish a routine and create order in your classroom, the hours simply fly by. On the other hand, leaving things …
5 Homeschooling Organization Tricks Every Parent Should Know Read More »
Having a baby is one of the most enriching experiences in a woman’s life. But for a new mom, the joy of becoming a mother is usually accompanied by many doubts, fears, and worries, especially in the first months of a baby’s life. Babies are vulnerable. Besides crying, they have few ways of expressing their …
The time right before your due date is simultaneously the most exciting and nerve-racking time of your life. Your life is about the change forever! After you get through all the nerves of actually giving birth, you have to think about all the things you need to prepare for your little one. A nursery, tons …
Whether you’ve transitioned from an office job to at-home work recently, or you’ve had one of the many online jobs for stay at home moms for some time, you’ve probably discovered that working from home with kids can be a challenge! There are a lot of benefits to working from home. You can save on …
Going to university is a big change for a student. While most of them will enjoy the independence of university life, the lack of enforced structure and routine can leave a few baffled. And juggling lectures, practicals, assignments, projects, and extra-curricular activities can be emotionally draining. Things can become particularly difficult if one suffers from …
5 Ways to Emotionally Support Your Child While They’re At University Read More »
Organization is never something that came naturally to me. It took years of work and encouragement from my very organized husband to really embrace the organized way of life. But now that I have, I see the value of organization, and I want to help my boys develop the same skills early on, so they …
Having our homes at a comfortable temperature makes the space better for the whole family, but it can be especially important for a growing child. As most pediatricians will say, “If the parents feel that the room is hot enough to need an air conditioner, then the child is even hotter!” The mechanisms of thermoregulation …
How to Choose the Best Air Conditioner for Your Child’s’ Room Read More »
With my oldest starting high school this year, I’ve realized that his post-secondary education is just around the corner. And in Canada, that’s an expensive prospect! The average cost of a four-year university degree in Canada is just under $80,000 in total, and like most parents, I don’t want my son crippled by student loans …
Teenagers can be difficult; there’s no doubt about it! And when it comes to gift shopping, it can be challenging to choose something that they will like, especially as their interests can change so rapidly. As a mom to a fourteen-year-old, I’ve had to get a little more creative when it comes to choosing the …
Tips and Tricks For Choosing the Best Gifts for Teenage Boys Read More »
It goes without saying that reading is one of the most important skills a child will ever learn. And while reading aloud to your little ones is a great way to help develop literacy, it actually has many other benefits that you might not know about! From developing a deeper emotional intellect to honing teamwork …
How Reading Aloud To Your Children Helps Build Life Skills Read More »
In an age when kids spend so much time in front of screens, board games are an often overlooked opportunity for learning. From basic life skills like fair play and taking turns to more complex learning concepts specific to certain games, board games are something that can benefit both parents and kids in so many …
It’s 2020 and in this modern age, almost all devices are connected to the internet…that’s just the way it is. It’s inevitable that our children are going to be using the internet on their laptops, tablets, or mobile phones for something or the other. Not only are kids using the internet for their studies and …
The first year after having a baby is a whirlwind of new experiences and growth, so it’s only natural most parents want to make a big deal out of their baby’s milestone first birthday. But what do you get for your precious little bundle of joy? With so many choices for little ones today, it …
Six Fun and Useful Gift Ideas for a One-Year-Old Child Read More »
With a son that’s entering high school next year, I’m already looking ahead to preparing him for university. So many of the people I graduated with were ill-prepared for university life, and I don’t want my son to be in the same situation! That’s why I’m trying to ensure that he has the skills he’ll …
Tips For Supporting Your Children Preparing for University Read More »
I’m a passionate reader and because of that, I’ve always been equally passionate about reading to my boys. Since the day they were born and even before that, I would read my favourite books from my own childhood out loud to them. And while I mostly started reading to them because I enjoyed it, I …
One of the highlights of a new baby is choosing the perfect name, and it’s something that takes a lot of careful consideration! Whether you prefer a unique, new name or a classic, historical name, deciding on just the right name among the many baby boy and girl names is no easy task! If you’re …
As parents, one of the greatest truths about raising kids is that they learn from what they see us do. Raising healthy, happy and well-adjusted children isn’t about what we tell them, it’s about how we model our behavior to set an example for them. Our kids learn a lot from us; they learn how …
4 Important Lessons We Can Teach Our Kids About Self Care Skills Read More »
Disclosure: I have partnered with YMC and TELUS and have received compensation for this post. All opinions are my own. In June, our family celebrated a milestone that I’ve been anticipating all year…we officially have a teenager in the house! I’ll be honest; I’ve been nervous about my oldest son Zack’s teen years for a …
Getting Your Teen a Smartphone? Five New Ways TELUS Helps Keep Families Connected Read More »
So, you’ve decided to have a baby. Congratulations! Raising a baby is a wonderful experience, but it can also be expensive. Going through all those diapers alone costs a fortune in the first couple of years! But don’t worry, because there are plenty of effective ways to cut expenses here and there. Caring for your …
Whether you’re a new parent or a proud mama of a few beautiful babies, your title as a stay-at-home mom comes with all the perks you would assume it would (plus more than a few headaches). Staying home and caring for little ones can be one of the most rewarding decisions a mom can make. …
Tips for Bringing Out the Best Stay-at-Home Mom in You Read More »
There’s nothing more exciting than learning that you have a child on the way. And things get even more exciting when you discover you are carrying twins! As much fun as babies are, handling twins (or a newborn and a toddler) can be a daunting task, since both will still need lots of that motherly …
When I was a young teenager, I went through some pretty shy and awkward years. And eventually, in an effort to fit in, I ended up starting smoking. It was a terrible decision that cost me money and damaged my health for over a decade, but ten years ago I quit for good and never …
It’s been a long time since I had a baby in the house, and I have to admit I had forgotten just how exhausting having a baby was when I gave birth to my new little bundle of joy. As cliché as it sounds, I actually fell asleep in a bowl of cereal one morning! …
New Parent 101: How to Stay Well-Rested with an Infant Read More »
In our house, May and June is sports season. And I have to say that it’s one of my favourite times of the year! Even though the month is incredibly busy, there’s something so energizing about watching my boys play their favourite warm-weather sports as the baby plays on a blanket in front of me. …
My Favourite Mom Essentials for Children’s Summer Sports Read More »
Disclosure: I am part of the PTPA Media Brand Ambassador Program with Philips Avent and I received Compensation as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own. It’s hard for me to believe that almost a year has gone by since I first held my brand new baby …
Tips and Items to Help Baby Explore the House Safely Read More »
Disclosure: I am part of the PTPA Media Brand Ambassador Program with Philips Avent and I received Compensation as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own. Through raising and breastfeeding three babies, I’ve been lucky that none of my boys have suffered too much from colic. Aside …
Baby gear has come a long way over the years, and that’s especially true of baby bottles. The standard bottle has evolved from a clunky and somewhat dangerous glass bottle to a lightweight and shatterproof plastic design with an infinite number of specialty shapes, nipple designs and sizes. While some women do manage to stick …
Tips and Advice on Choosing the Best Baby Bottle for Your Little One Read More »
When I was a child, my mom’s birthday parties were known for being amazing. They were always at home, never the arcade or restaurant parties some of my friends had. And my mom always cooked all the food and planned all the games herself. As a parent myself, I loved throwing the same types of …
Make Your Child’s Birthday Extra Special with Netflix Birthdays-on-Demand Read More »
No matter how old your kids get, you’ll never stop being their mom. So naturally, when that bittersweet milestone finally becomes a reality (yes, I’m talking about college or university), you’ll sleep better at night knowing that you’ve equipped them with the tools and the advice they need to succeed. Of course, kids can be …
Moms Know Best: University Student Care Package Essentials for Your Kids Read More »
Disclosure: I have partnered with YMC and Mabel’s Labels/ Bear Paws and have received compensation for this post. All opinions in the post are my own. The new school year is almost here and that means it’s time for me to stock up on my must-haves for keeping my house and my boys organized throughout …
Help Your Family Enjoy an Organized School Year with 4 Simple Tips Read More »
In our house, spring is sports season. And it’s a time we take pretty seriously! In fact, three out of every five weekdays are spent either on the soccer field or the baseball diamond, with practices and tournaments in between as well! While it can sometimes be hard to get kids interested in a team …
Three Ways Team Sports Build Life Skills for Children Read More »
This post is part of the YummyMummyClub.ca and NUK Canada Simply Natural #SimplyNatural sponsored program. I received compensation as a thank you for my participation. This post reflects my personal opinion about the information provided by the sponsors. As the oldest of five children, I had plenty of exposure to babies…and the work that they …
Having a Baby? Always Say Yes to These Offers of Help! Read More »
As adults we tend to understand the importance of giving back to the community and the different ways we can go about it. For kids, however, it can be a hard concept to grasp. If you’re looking to teach your children about the importance of giving back, but you’re not sure how to broach the …
How to Teach Kids the Importance of Giving Back to the Community Read More »
Combining décor and functionality is hard enough, but adding kids into the mix makes home design feel almost impossible. Maintaining a clean space, providing comfort and adding safety features are just a few of the ways you can make your home more kid-friendly. Keep these facets in mind and transform your home into a safe, …
As adults, we often joke about wanting to be a kid again, but the truth is it can be hard to navigate childhood. They desperately want to be older and do things that are out of their reach, and processing their feelings when we turn them down can be difficult. They have so many emotions …
Understanding what motivates your child in the first place to head out onto the pitch, field, or ice rink can help you better determine how to improve the experience for them. Keeping your little one motivated as time drags on, practices get harder, and competition gets tougher can be a difficult task, but with a …
4 Tips to Help You Motivate Your Child in Sports Read More »
The Rio 2016 Olympic Games have kicked off with a bang and I have to admit that watching Penny Oleksiak win Canada’s first medals of the games (and its first medals in women’s swimming in the last twenty years!) has resulted in my being glued to the television as I go through my day. Whether …
Have a puppy or are considering one? Congratulations! Getting a new puppy is a very exciting time for everyone in your household, but certain steps should be taken to properly introduce children to their new furry family member. After all, you and I both know that children and puppies alike are notorious for being very …
7 Tips for Introducing Your Child to a New Puppy Read More »
One of the things I love about having kids is getting a glimpse into the way their minds work. When my oldest son was about four years old, he created an imaginary friend named Tixer. Tixer, Zackary told me, was a ghost from the olden days that had come to live with us. Tixer was …
Lying, Imagination and Teaching Kids Life’s Lessons Read More »
Even though every parent knows that keeping babies properly secured in a car seat is important, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that three out of every four car seats are installed incorrectly. I know that I often wondered if I had properly secured my boys’ seats in the car and also questioned when …
4 Car Seat Safety Tips Every Parent Should Know from a Child Passenger Safety Expert Read More »
One of the things that always amazes me about being a parent is how many different stages my boys have already gone through. From the helpless days of infancy to the days of testing their independence, it’s no small job keeping them safe sometimes! While I haven’t been through every life stage and season yet, …
Three Tips for Keeping Children Safe Through Life’s Seasons and Stages Read More »
If there’s one thing that I’ve struggled with as a parent, it’s setting reasonable chores for my boys. I’m not a fan of cleaning so it’s taken me years just to be able to set a reasonable schedule for myself, never mind monitoring anybody else! But at the same time, I know my boys are …
Reading Eggs provides a comprehensive range of online reading lessons and e-books that teach kids ages 3-13 the literacy skills needed for a lifetime of reading success. Over 90% of parents using Reading Eggs report a noticeable improvement in their child’s reading skills because the program makes learning phonics and basic reading skills fun. Your …
Learn to Read for FREE with a 4 WEEK Trial of Reading Eggs! Read More »
Your children are the most important part of your life, and keeping them as safe as possible is a constant in any parents’ day-to-day routine. Your house is the place thought to be the safest for your precious bundles, but in fact, homes can be filled with more potential hazards than the outdoors. And a …
Safety First: 5 Tips For Childproofing Your Home Read More »
Summer vacation may have just begun, but I like to get prepared for the next school year early so that I can enjoy the summer stress-free. For me, part of back-to-school preparation means helping my boys keep their gear safe at school and fortunately, with a little help from Master Lock, that’s no problem at …
Three Tips for Keeping Your Kids’ School Gear Secure this September Read More »
Maybe it’s because I live in a province that’s known for harsh winter weather, but as far as I’m concerned, there is nothing more wonderful than being outside once warm weather has arrived in Saskatchewan. In fact, for the last two weekends I’ve been in the back yard relaxing in a lawn chair reading almost …
Top Three Ways to Spend Time Outside with Your Baby this Summer Read More »
Jason Priestley may be best known for his role as teen heartthrob Brandon Walsh, but these days he has plenty of other work keeping him busy. From his guest appearance on Package Deal to directing his first full-length feature to publishing his memoir, there’s always a lot on the Vancouver-born actor’s plate. Even so, he …
Jason Priestley on Diaper Bags, Clean Water and the Magic of Parenthood Read More »
If there’s one thing I love, it’s a good debate but to really develop an interesting conversation, a great topic is essential. As a mother, I have a lot of opinions when it comes to parenting and recently I learned about a fun new debate and discussion site that’s full of great topics called Discuss. …
Talking about Whether Kids Should Use Tech Before They Can Read on Discuss.fm Read More »
When I gave birth to my oldest son, I was determined to breastfeed right from the beginning. My mom had breastfed all five of her children, sometimes for quite extended periods, and I didn’t even really consider not doing the same. I think I assumed it would be easy because it always looked so easy …
Challenges and Solutions Using Bottles After Long-Term Breastfeeding Read More »
Every hockey parent knows that it’s not just a child that makes sacrifices in order to play on a team, it’s the parents too! From early morning practices to long drives to games to hours spent in a cold arena cheering on your child, it’s no small job being a hockey parent! But it can …
Survive Being a Hockey Parent with Tips from Olympians’ Moms and McDonald’s Canada Read More »
The day my oldest son was born, my days of sleeping in until noon ended forever. But it wasn’t just my own sleep that became an issue once I had children. I had to learn about the baby sleep schedule of my boys as well. And understanding the sleep needs of a newborn is no …
Baby Sleep Schedule – Three Tips to Help Your Baby Sleep Better Read More »
One of the things I love about my mom is that she always answers honestly any question that’s asked of her. Once when I was about eight, I asked her if we were poor. She just looked me in the eye and said yes. (But no, we wouldn’t have to sell our house and live …
I often say that I think of the New Year as a time to set goals rather than resolutions. My goals change every year. Sometimes a goal gets renewed for another year. But the most important thing is taking the time to evaluate and see how I can create the best life possible for myself …
When I was a young newlywed and ready to start a family, I knew that I needed to make sure my body was healthy and able to handle the strain of pregnancy. I limited processed foods and sugar in my diet, ate plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and took a multi-vitamin every day. And …
I have always been a woman that loves to be on the go and having children didn’t change that at all. Even when my boys were just newborns, I took them out on long walks around the neighbourhood or out to local mom and baby events. It let me get out of the house and …
Three Diaper Bag Essentials for a Mom on the Move Read More »
It’s only natural for moms to be excited about the little ones’ (or no-so-little-anymore ones’…) birthdays. These annual milestones are a reminder of the amazing people our kids are turning into and how much they’ve grown, learned and changed since the last birthday. And that’s certainly a cause for celebration! But…it’s all too easy to …
Anna’s Budget Tips-How to Save on Kids’ Birthday Parties Read More »
I had the pleasure of meeting life coach Caird Urquhart at a press event last October and I was very impressed by her down-to-earth approach to life, work and family. We chatted recently and she very generously agreed to share her knowledge with Mommy Kat and Kids readers through this fabulous article. We all want …
Life Coach Caird Urquhart Shares Five Tips for Raising Teenagers to Be Successful Read More »
It doesn’t take long for your little ones to realize that the green paper in your wallet has a special ability to get them things. Before long, they start wondering what it is and how it works. If you want to help your kid out in a big way, teaching them the basics of how …
Helping Your Child Discover the Basics of Money Management Read More »
Becoming a mom is a life-changing event. It’s the moment which the bulk of a woman’s attention moves from herself to her child forever. While it’s incredibly easy to get completely caught up in the joys (and trials) of raising children, it’s so important for us women to remember that we need time to celebrate …
One of the biggest challenges as a parent is finding moments for “me” time. Some parents feel that there simply aren’t enough hours in the day to take time for personal indulgences and some even feel guilty about spending time enjoying themselves instead of caring for their family. But taking that time out for you …
With the holiday season coming down upon us, we consider this time of year as a time to reflect on all of our experiences – both good and bad – from 2012. Some of us will have experienced new additions to the family, or get to support extended and surrogate families with their coming little …
Bringing a smile to your kids’ faces doesn’t have to cost a penny and will likely leave you with a big grin that lasts all day as well. Here are a few free ways to surprise, delight, and completely crack your kids up! 1) Do Something Silly! Mom and Dad could swap clothes before coming …
Anna’s Budget Tips-Five Free Ways to Make Your Kids Smile Read More »
In about a month, I’ll be featuring a review of Bad Mommy by Willow Yamauchi on my site. In the meantime, Willow wants to let you know about her own Bad Mommy revelation and encourage you to embrace your own inner badness: I have a confession. I am a Bad Mommy. It’s OK, I’m good …
Feeding a toddler is nothing if not interesting! Whether you’re trying to convince your picky princess to try a new food or are dealing with a fussy son’s tendency to throw most of his food on the floor, adventurous doesn’t even begin to cover the experience. But this isn’t just the time when children learn …
Tips for Feeding Your Toddler from Earth’s Best Organic Read More »
Many parents want to know how to manage anger in their children. Maybe your child acts out and is belligerent, and you’re at a loss to help him control those feelings. Not only is it upsetting to see, it impacts the entire family. But here’s the truth: Whenever we want to manage someone else’s feelings, …
Calm Parenting: Anger Management in Children and Teens Read More »
If your baby falls asleep on his or her own and consistently sleeps through the night, this article isn’t for you. This article is for parents of nap resisters and bedtime fussers, of late-night wakers and early risers. In other words, it is for most parents of most babies. For you, here are five steps …
When I was a child, I had problems with bedwetting. I was a very deep sleeper and I simply didn’t wake up when I needed to use the bathroom. It was frustrating for me and, of course, for my mother, but most of the time it didn’t really affect my day-to-day life. Then one day …
It can be incredibly hard to determine if your child has a learning disability, but an innovative new online tool is helping to take the guesswork out of diagnosing learning conditions such as dyslexia. I recently ran through the screener myself to see what I thought and I was pleasantly surprised by how thorough the …
The Lexercise Screener Free Online Dyslexia Test Read More »
