Activities for Kids on a Hot Day

Never have board games been more fun in my house then this week of hazy, crazy, blazy heat.  "Mommy wanna play Monopoly?" "Mommy wanna play Connect 4?" we enjoyed a slew of mad-playing-board-gamin'. 

And then of course, when Mommy had to go do Mommy things (like changing diapers and feeding babies) the kidz wanted e-activities.

"Can we watch tv?"
"Can we play on your tablet?"
"Can we make cookies?"

I don't mind screen time nor supervising kids' cooking.  However, neither are really appealing at 2pm on a hot summer day.  Let's get away from the screens and hot ovens...

Well kids...why don't you...

<li>run through the sprinkler
<li>read a book
<li>draw a picture
<li>listen to music
<li>dance in the living room
<li>play with your toys *insert kid groan here*
<li>draw a hopscotch game outside
<li>swing (we have the swingset outside remember)
<li>play in the shade
<li>swim in the pool
<li>make popsicles
<li>stamp
<li>colour
<li>play go fish

Summer is the season to disconnect from screens and hot ovens.  *she hypocritically typed from her laptop* C'est la vie.

Free Summer Activity - West 49 LRN2SK8 TOUR PRESENTED BY DISNEY XD

Free and fabulous: This summer West 49 has big plans to continue being part of that first skateboarding experience for Canadian kids. West 49 is pleased to announce West 49 LRN2SK8 Tour presented by Disney XD.
Starting this June (2011) and running through to September 2nd The West 49 LRN2SK8 Tour presented by Disney XD will be making 30 stops at West 49 locations across Canada (mall parking lots) offering an amazing program targeting beginner skaters age 5 and up.

The ½ day program will include the following elements:  mock-classroom lessons where trick description (Tech Deck Trickology 101) and the history of skateboarding will be reviewed, Build-a-Board Workshop learning how to install bearings and apply grip tape and small group lessons aiding in individual progression execution and analysis will be taught with skate-educated seasoned riders providing the lessons. 
 
This program is FREE to kids aged 5 + across Canada and you can register online starting June 1st, 2011 at http://www.west49lrn2sk8.com/. Each location offers two sessions 10am - 12pm & 1pm - 3pm with free skate being offered at 3pm.


*Helmets are mandatory. Helmets and skateboards will be available for use during the programs.

FREE Wiggles Performance at Chapters Bayview Village

INDIGOKIDS PRESENTS: “THE WIGGLES! BIG BIRTHDAY!”


THE EVENT: The Wiggles are in Toronto for The Wiggles! Big Birthday! party. North American Tour and fans of the acclaimed foursome can enjoy a FREE sneak peek as they perform live in-store. Please note that this is a performance, not a book signing.

Wristbands are being handed out tomorrow Tuesday, July 5, 2011 at 9:30am. Quantities are limited, for more details, please visit: www.chapters.indigo.ca/storeevents/

THE SHOW: Wednesday, July 6th, 2011; 3:30pm

THE WHERE: Chapters Bayview Village

2901 Bayview Avenue #132, Toronto, ON

TELETOON Most Awesome Summer Tour & GIVEAWAY

TELETOON brings kids across the country a cavalcade of family fun with the annual TELETOON Most Awesome Summer Tour.

"From a life-sized puzzle challenge based on the hit TELETOON series Johnny Test to Total Drama World Tour karaoke performances from the latest series of the ever so popular Total Drama franchise, the TELETOON Most Awesome Tour gives kids and parents a fun and interactive experience with TELETOON through a bunch of wacky activities and entertaining challenges," said Karen Touma, Director, Marketing, TELETOON Canada inc.

Mark your calendars because the TELETOON Most Awesome Summer Tour will be in Toronto on the following dates:

• Scotiabank Buskerfest, Toronto, ON
  Thursday, August 26 to Friday, August 27 from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  Saturday, August 28 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  Sunday, August 29 from 11a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
  
• The Ex, Toronto, ON
  Thursday, September 3 to Sunday, September 6 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

For more details about the TELETOON Most Awesome Summer Tour, including the complete Tour schedule, please visit www.teletoon.com/tour.

GIVEAWAY!
THE WHAT: A TELETOON prize pack (estimated at 95$ retail value)

TELETOON Most Awesome Summer Tour T-Shirt

TELETOON Beach Towel

TELETOON Backpack

TELETOON Shoe laces

TELETOON Wristband

THE ENTER: Answer in the comments section - this basic skill testing question:

25 + (10 x 2) - (10 ÷ 2) = ________

THE RULES: (because life has rules)
*Giveaway only open to Canadians
*one entry per day

Parent Club Shares: Especially for Kids! - I Love London Photo Contest

Looking for a cool summer family activity? Check out the I Love London Photo Contest.

This contest came on my radar via @JourneyWoman (a loverly lady with a loverly website journeywoman.com)

The I Love London photography contest is powered by Tourism London (Ontario). (Contest eligibility up to 12 years old PLUS great prizes and an overall great family activity).

Though I don't live in London, we happened to drive through a few weeks ago on a family road trip. I told Thing 1 and Thing 2 about the contest and they were super excited (1. because it's a contest for kids and 2. because getting to use my digital camera is a huge treat!).

We stopped in London (at a Tim Hortons), grabbed a much needed snack, and each of the kids' had a chance to take pictures. They took pictures of the grass, of cars, of the road, of signs (don't you love the enthusiasm of kids?).

They weren't looking for the "perfect picture" or the picture that would WIN...they took pictures of the moment. They weren't interested in lining up the lighting or perfect smiles...they took the pictures of London...the way they saw it...at their level...in both fine detail and in grand overview.

They had such pride in their pictures and enjoyed the open air of London (a very nice stop when driving from Toronto to Detroit!).

Sharing the camera duties with kids is a good thing. It encourages responsibility (don't drop it please!), pride (can I see MY pictures?) and interest in the world around them (look at the geese!).

The London contest closes Aug. 31, 2010 - I encourage you to drop by London - share your camera with your kids - and enter. Because as I learnt...capturing the moment...well it makes a memory.

Kid's Photography Contest details: http://www.londontourism.ca/I-Love-London

Toronto Public Library - Free French Programs

En Français
Programmes gratuits pour enfants
ÉTÉ 2010

Veuillez appeler directement la bibliothèque (numéro de téléphone à droite) pour avoir des renseignements d'inscription sur chaque programme.

Âge 3 à 5 ans
Histoires Bilingues (Inscription requise)
Burrows Hall (Est), jeudi du 8 juillet au 5 août, 14h

Âge 5 à 10 ans
Musique et Contes d’Afrique-Njacko Backo
Bridlewood (Est) mardi 10 août, 14h
Théâtre interactif avec les Productions CNG
Albion (Ouest), mercredi le 7 juillet, 14h30
Cliffcrest (Est), mardi 13 juillet 14h

Don Mills (Nord/Est) jeudi 22 juillet, 14h
Malvern (Est) vendredi 9 juillet, 14h

Tante Caroline et sa marionnette Noisette
Bloor/Gladstone (Sud-Ouest), mercredi 28 Juillet, 10h
Fairview (Nord) mardi 27 juillet, 14h
Maria A. Shcuhuka (Ouest), mercredi 28 juillet, 14h
Parliament (Sud), mardi 27 juillet, 10h

Danse en français avec Danse-Partout
Mimico (Ouest), vendredi 20 août, 10h30
Sanderson (Sud) mardi 13 juillet, 10h30

Quel Fouillis! avec Mireille Messier
Danforth-Coxwell (Sud/Est) mardi 20 juillet, 14h
Woodside Square (Est) mercredi 21 juillet, 14h

Chansons traditionnelles du Québec et de la France avec Philippe Flahaut
Richview (Ouest) lundi 12 juillet, 14h15
S.Walter Stewart (Sud/Est) vendredi 16 juillet, 14h

Programme musical Interactif avec Grace Morisson
Main (Sud) mardi 6 juillet, 10h30
Comment est ton sens de l’odorat? Amuse-toi tout en le développant
Dufferin St-Clair (Sud/Ouest) mardi 6 juillet, 14h

Pour de l’information générale, appelez au 416-395-5762 www.torontopubliclibrary.ca

When Kids Almost Drown - Water Safety

This week we were invited to a friend's pool. They have a shallow end. Thing 1 didn't want to wear a life jacket (and following suite - neither did Thing 2) - however there were noodles to keep them afloat and they had taken a few swimming lessons in the past year. There were the only kids in the pool and I was right there. I was right there.

Towards the end of our swim...I sat on the edge of the pool to dry off and prepare their towels. For some reason - perhaps it was the sudden quiet - or the lack of splashing - or a mother's instinct, I looked at the children...

Both heads were underwater, no noodle in sight, Thing 1 had her mouth open and was screaming but only bubbles were coming out. I stood up and froze for just a second. I couldn't believe my eyes.

Our friend (who was in front of me) jumped in and pulled them up. Thing 2 had lost the noodle - had grabbed on to Thing 1 - Thing 1 couldn't hold up the weight of Thing 2 and was just far enough that she was on her tip toes in the shallow end (and a bit more than an arms's reach from the ledge).

It scared the crap out of me. It scared them too. It was a big lesson for all of us.

I know I won't freeze again. The reality that kids drown in seconds hit home (and that they don't make a sound when they do). Water wings will always come to the pool with us. Water is fun - but it is also dangerous. Thank goodness - the grown-ups were right there.

Parent Club Review: Poly To Go

The What:
Poly To Go - a portable antiseptic spray for parents on the go - just in time for summer

The Why:
40% of cuts occur outside the home - Poly To Go give caregivers the protection they need - as they need it. Poly To Go helps to treat cuts, scrapes and burns - preventing infection and speeds healing.

The REVIEW:

This pocket sized antiseptic spray came just in the nick of time. This mom threw it in her portable 1st aid kit (which previously contained only Band-Aids) and forgot about it for a day or so. Then, Thing 1 took a spill on the tail-end of a long bike ride.

The Poly To Go was easy to use and had no sting. It was fan-ta-bu-lous! The compact size is perfect for carrying and the product inside absolutely effective.

Parent Club rates Poly To Go as a summer-family-essential. Great for the cottage, family field trips or to have just around the house.

Poly To Go is available NOW in Canadian drug stores and retail outlets. CLICK HERE a printable $3.00 off coupon for Poly to Go (Canada only)

Getting ready for camp

Here are a few tips to get reluctant younger kids camp ready (note this is regarding day camp)

• Talk with your kids about the activities, schedules, etc...but don't harp on it. Camp can be intimidating so there is no need bring it up every 5 minutes. Be casual - kids will take their cues from you.
  
• Don't hang around during the drop-off. Be fast people! The longer you stay - the more tears will fall. Walk away. The camp staff will re-direct your child.
  
• Pack well. Extra underwear never hurt anyone.
  
• Eat well. Healthy, fun snacks make camp a bit more fun.

Armpit Fudge

As posted, tweeted and promised here is Armpit Fudge. The recipe comes via Loblaws cooking camp - it is so loverly easy and kids (well my kids) like the armpit part just as much as the eating.

Armpit fudge is great for the cottage, camp or birthday parties (birthday party post alert - coming next week)

Armpit Fudge (serves 10)

1/2 package cream cheese (4oz)
2 cups icing sugar
1/2 cup cocoa
2 tbsp butter
ziplock snack bags

Mix cream cheese,cocoa and butter in a large bowl. Add in icing sugar a bit at a time to blend well.

Once mixture is blended spoon (2 tbsp) into individual ziplock bags. Seal tightly.

Then - armpits at the ready - squish the contents of the bag to warm and mix smooth.

You can eat it "as is" or cut a corner of the baggie and let the kids pipe the fudge onto naked cupcakes for decorating.

For a birthday party - make ahead and store in fridge until ready

Parent Club tip: Bug Bites

Calamine lotion and itch medications are easily available at drugs stores for itch relief. However, there are many natural - chemical free - options to help children deal with insect bites. Here are a few good tips...

First off, apparently; Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a natural bug repellant.

Baking Soda made into a paste will help relieve bee stings.

Rub the inside of a banana skin
to a mosquito bite. However, note - banana scents do attract bees (that's a catch 22 isn't it?!)

Tea Tree oil helps bites, stings, scrapes & cuts and other skin irritations.

Vinegar is also a great natural remedy to insect bites.

Remove a stinger by scraping it out with a finger nail (or a credit card works too). Squeezing the stinger will cause more venom to be released.

TD Summer Reading Club

This year’s TD Summer Reading Club theme, LOL (Laugh Out Loud) is designed to encourage the enjoyment of reading amongst children. All participants receive a FREE reading kit containing a colour poster, sticker sheet, and a logbook to keep track of their progress. To encourage participation, many local libraries will offer reading games, challenges and discussions, book-related crafts, author visits and storytelling sessions.

This is the 13th year TD has partnered with the Toronto Public Library to bring the reading club to children. TD has pledged $2.7 million investment to continue the program into 2011. In fact, the reading club is offered by libraries across the country - not only Toronto.

The program is available in English and French; a great incentive to continue language education outside of the classroom. The program is targeted to kids 4-12 years of age.

What kinds of books are age appropriate? Look at Oprah's Kids Reading List, the 2007 Governor General's finalists for children's literature or check out chapters.indigo

The Mini Chair - Mega Fun

Found this interesting Canadian Made Kid product in the latest yummymummyclub.com newsletter.
The Mini Chair Kit by Elia Fun. This is activity will appeal to toddlers, children and/or tweens as an independent project or family fun. The chair blends functionality with fun. Scribble, paint, colour or decoupage; hours, if not days, of fun can be had. Not just another cardboard box; this chair can actually support up to 200 pounds.

The Elia website has many suggestions on how one can decorate this chair. Specifically, we LOVED the idea of pasting pictures on the chair to make a memory collage. Great gift idea for a baby shower, birthday or a start of summer gift.

The reversible mini chair (which comes with 6 sticker sheets) is made of 100% recycled materials. 5% of sale profits go to charities supporting children and the environment. Available for purchase on the Elia Fun website at $29.99 each (shipping via FedEx to the Toronto area is approx. $16.00).

Wagon's HO!

When shopping for a kid's wagon (you've seen the little red or green wagons in the parks) there are some things to keep in mind.

Seat belts. Radio flyer and the lower priced walmart wagon have adjustable seat belts. Step 2 and Little Tikes have not.

Cup holder. Two is better - one is good. Some have snack holders on the opposite side of the wagon - that's a good thing.

Handle. Important! Make sure the handle can fold underneath the wagon so that you can get it in the back of your mini-van.

Sturdy wheels. Of course.

Bike lock. Sounds weird but if you attach a bike lock where the handle and the wagon connect you can park n' lock the wagon at the park, at a fair, on the street. So many wagons get stolen and they are also a bit cumbersome to take inside the local store. An inexpensive bike lock is really handy to keep on the wagon.

Sign up date for Toronto Progammes

The sign up dates for city of Toronto programmes is coming upon us. Programmes include reasonable summer camp solutions, swimming lesson, general interest courses, sports and art programmes.

If you haven't rec'd your FUN GUIDE - go to a local civic centre or community centre soon as the sign up dates are in early March. Most spaces fill up quickly so act now!