Being Active and exercising is key to a healthy and happy lifestyle. Etobicoke provides many outdoor and indoor opportunities to get fit and have fun. Here are some tips to consider.

• walking - for Cardiovascular- Why do it? Walking has been shown in studies to be associated with many health benefits including lower rates of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.
  

• Running - For Cardiovasular - Why Do It? The best workout for calories burned per minute over all other activities.
  
  
• Yoga - For Flexability - Why Do It? Studies have sohown that yoga significantly improves flexiability, balance and muscular strength and endurance, giving you the ability to exercise longer.
  
  
• The Squat - For Strength Building - Why Do It? The squat is rated as one of the most effective exercise for toning legs.
  
  
• The Crunch - For Abs - Why Do It? Increase power and strength in your torso and help elleviate back pain. Strong ab musles help maintain good posture.  Best ab exercises as rated by American Council on Exercise are: The Bicycle Crunch, Hanging Knee Raises and Stability- Ball Crunches.
  
  
• The Lunge - For Strength Building - Why Do It? Research shows that lunges rival squats as the ultimate lower-body excercise to tone glutes, quads and hamstrings.
  
  
• The Push Up - for Strength Building - Why Do It? Requires no equipment and conditions the chest, shoulders, triceps while demanding core muscle activation.

Content courtesy of Best Health - Readers Digest

eyJanuary-March2010calendar

Now open with limited runs.
256 Centennial Park Rd.

All skiers and snowboarders of any age must have a valid Snow Pass and proper ski and snowboard equipment.

All participants must wear helmets

Thursday - Men's & Women's Night 
Friday - Teen Night
Saturdays -Family Night
For more information call 311 or visit online

Working in this economy is stressful and tough enough. But, parenting is a tougher job. And, when you are doing both, finding ways to maintain close relationships and open communication with your children is very important. Here are 7 simple ways that don’t take up too much time, after all things considered:

1. Say “I Love You” Tell your children you love them every day -- no matter the age. Say those words and mean it, even on trying days or after a disagreement. A simple "I love you" goes a long way.

2. Create a Special Bedtime Routine Reading a favourite bedtime book is a routine that young children will remember throughout their life. Once children start reading, have them read a page, chapter, or short book to you.

3. Let Your Children Help You Let them help with house chores, finding items on your grocery list, unloading groceries, etc! Parents sometimes miss out on opportunities to build closer relationships by not allowing their children to help them. Choosing which shoes look better with your dress lets a child know you value her opinion. Of course, if you ask, be prepared to accept and live with the choice made!

4. Play Time Play with dolls, ball, sing songs, or whatever. It doesn't matter what you play, as long as it involves you! Let the kids see your silly side.

5. Eat Meals Together More Often Than Not Turn the TV off. Eating together sets the stage for conversation and sharing. When schedules permit, really talk and enjoy one another.

6. Respect Their Choices You don't have to like their mismatched shirt and skirt and socks. However, it is important to respect those choices. Children reach out for independence at a young age, and parents can help to encourage those decision-making skills by being supportive and even looking the other way on occasion. After all, it really is okay if a child goes to daycare with a polka dot shirt and striped shorts.

7. Make Them a Priority in Your Life Find some one-on-one time. Whether it is a walk around the neighbourhood, a trip to the mall to do nothing but look around, or a movie night with just the two of you, it is important to find some one-on-one time. Although it is more of a challenge the more children in a family, it is achievable.


Hanna Guerra is a Certified Life Coach and Owner of The Busy Genie Play and Learning Centre located at 2885 Bloor St. W. It is an indoor playground, party centre, and tutoring centre. Hanna and her staff are committed to help make family lives easier. Visit their site at www.TheBusyGenie.com.

Have you heard of the book called Toronto Fun Places? If not, please check out their web site and consider purchasing their book at Chapters/Indigo. 

I love this book because every weekend we try and go some where new and interesting, even if just a new park. This book takes the guess work out of it. They even have a section called Strolls Around the Subway which is really cool. My oldest son loves to take the subway. In fact the first time I ever took him the ROM he told me the highlight for him was the subway ride (a bit hard to take considering the price for us all to go but he had just turned four and loved the sound of the floors at the ROM more then the actual exhibits).

Also don't forget to check out their web site as well. It contains additional options not mentioned in the book (the book gets updated every few years).  Locations include Toronto activity ideas (including great tips for free stuff) as well as ideas for outside of the City. Each suggested activity includes appropriate age for children which is really helpful.

For more information visit here

Have you ever been to the Help! We've Got Kids Web Site or purchased a copy of their annual guide at Chapters/Indigo? Well, if you haven't you should. The print guide is really helpful. When I was planning and organizing for my pregnancy I used it religiously to find the best places to buy baby stuff. I have also used it to plan my son's birthday parties. Their web site is fantastic too. A  feature I like on their web site is the coupons... they offer discounts to a number of recreation programs, daycare registration sites, shopping and much more... check out what services and programs you can save on.

The coupons are the icing on the cake! For more information visit their web site. 

Get your Seasonal Pet Pictures through Etobicoke Humane Society

Check out this interesting blog written by a teacher who has given herself the quest to visit 99 Toronto libraries in one year. Her blog gives you interesting info on all of Toronto's wonderful libraries. Here is the link: http://c-raine.com

Girls Respect Group

Check out the deal for the upcoming viewing of Whip It at the Kingsway Theatre on Wed. October 28 - 1 pm - details

Check out movie times at www.etobicokesouth.com

Have you started your holiday shopping? (I cringe at the thought!)... Check out the details on the annual Samko Sale.

My son and I attended the "Respect"Weekend Family Festival today. I was really impressed with the activities and events they had on this weekend. They had a fun area for lego building, lots of crafts and two music performances - all with a "Respect the Enviroment Theme". All for free. The staff are fantastic and the customer service is great. To find out more about the Harbourfont Centre visit this link. Distance from Etobicoke: 10 minutes from QEW/Gardiner. Accessible by TTC via subway and streetcar.

I just got back from the ROM to see the Vanity Fair Photo Exhibit. I really enjoyed it. I paid $11 for my ticket- Price of a movie! You can visit the ROM on Fridays, from 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm for $11 - a real steal. For more info on prices visit here.

Personally, I find the price of culture these days so expensive. So finding a deal like this makes me feel better about our society in relation to the arts. Culture should be available to everyone regardless of your economic situation. I find the prices of these activities expensive to say the least- it makes me sad to think that there are children who because of cost are not exposed to the arts. On my journey to the ROM via subway I noticed that there is an organization advertised called Arts for Children of Toronto. I would like to see this type of program available in all schools! Really neat. Anyway, check out the ROM on Friday nights. Don't be alarmed by the line up - it goes really fast although the membership sales lady is awfully tempting with her lure of "don't stand in line and buy a membership" - which by the way costs $139 for a family/year. Also, I should mention that ROM also does have a program called Royal Ontario Museum’s Community Access Network (ROM CAN)- which provides free tickets to communities and individuals who may not otherwise visit the Museum. The United Way Toronto distributes tickets through its network of health and social service agencies. The Institute for Canadian Citizenship distributes Museum family passes to new Canadians during citizenship ceremonies each month, as part of its Cultural Access Pass Program.

Check out the Geox Shoe Sale Details here

Please vote for my entry of Etobicoke South into Royal LePage's Great Neighbourhood Contest. If I win Royal Le Page will donate funds to a local Women's Charity. I would love to support Women's Habitat in Etobicoke South.

To vote (and you can vote once a day) please go to the following link:
http://neighbourhoods.royallepage.ca/entry/1523992?offset=0&sort=&page=0

Check out the Loot Lady's web site at lootlady.com
and also see her new blog at www.lootlady.blogspot.com
for party planning ideas and more!
The Loot Lady Toy Store & Showroom
is located at
3029 Lake Shore Blvd West
Toronto ON, M8V 1K5
(between Islington & Kipling)

The Norseman Junior Middle School Fun Fair will be on

Saturday, September 19th 2009 from 11am to 3pm.

Location: 105 Norseman Street

This years Fun Fair will include:

Bouncy Castle
Fire Truck (12 - 1pm)
Food
Bake Sale
Silent Auction
Craft Sale
Games
Cotton Candy
Car Wash
Karate Demo and more!

More info go to : http://www.njmsauction.com/2401.html

Registration for fall and winter general programs, December camps, fall skating and fall swimming lessons starts at 7 am on:

Saturday, September 12, 2009

I hope that everyone gets into the programs of their choice! Best of luck to you all!

Lamp September -December 2009

Come celebrate the Humber River with Family Fun, Food and Entertainment

Etienne Brule Park
Saturday, September 19th
10 am to 2 pm
(BBQ at 11 am)

More details at www.trca.on.ca

Saturday, September 12
10 am - 6 pm
432 Horner Ave (Kipling/Brownsline)

• Kids fun zone
• Games
• Carnival
• Kids Karaoke and more!

Looking for some family fun on the weekend of September 12 and 13th...?

Come out to the Taste of the Kingsway Festival

For details visit: http://www.etobicokesouth.com/2009/09/taste-of-kingsway-festival.html

KINGSWAY THEATRE - ETOBICOKE
3030 Bloor St. West

Wednesday August 26th 1:00pm
(doors open at 12:30pm)

"The Proposal"

When high-powered book editor Margaret (Sandra Bullock) faces deportation to her native Canada, the quick-thinking exec declares that she's actually engaged to her unsuspecting put-upon assistant Andrew (Ryan Reynolds), who she's tormented for years. He agrees to participate in the charade, but with a few conditions of his own.

Starring: Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds, Mary Steenburgen, Craig T. Nelson, Betty White

http://www.myspace.com/proposalmovie

Mary’s Playland in The Kingsway is now The Busy Genie Play & Learning Centre! Its new owner, Hanna Guerra, is a mother of two young children and knows first hand the trials and tribulations that parents face and children struggle with.

As the head genie, Hanna wants to help make family lives easier by providing a fun and safe indoor playground with sitter service, party centre, and a learning centre specializing in French programs, specialized visual math training using abacus, and homework clubs -- with after school pick up from area schools.

Parents and guardians can also now enjoy a new cafe lounge with free WIFI! Visit www.TheBusyGenie.com for more details on programs and services like movie nights and event planning. Receive 10% off birthday parties when booking 45 days in advance! Drop in to meet the new staff and instructors at their Open House on September 2nd and 3rd from 6 pm to 8 pm!

I want to promote my message of community globally! Check out my new blog to inspire others to share why they live in a FUN community. Here are my principals to a FUN Neighbourhood. Please share my site with everyone you know! Community counts.

What are fun neighbourhoods?

Feeling connected and being apart of your community and neighbourhood gives you a great sense of security. When you know your neighbours and interact with your community you encourage positive change and provide a safe place for your family to live. I think fun neighbourhoods consist of:

1. Children playing actively on their street and in local parks.

2. Children and parents volunteer in their communities in order to stay connected, improve and enhance their communities.

3. Neighbours communicate with each other through get togethers, conversations, e-mails, ratepayers association meetings etc. and at local events such as garage sales, parks, community parties, local restaurants, school functions and more.

4. Neighbours know what resources are available to them through communication with local community groups, local government and other organizations (daycares, recreation centres, libraries etc). Neighbours are advocates to ensure adequate resources exist and they make a point of sharing what is available in their neighbourhoods.

5. Local government and neighbours promote and participate in active lifestyles and protect the outdoor environments that provide these opportunities. Neighbourhood members work to have greater access to trails, open spaces and other active living resources.

6. Fun neighbourhoods celebrate diversities and artistic pursuits.

Sliver Blades Skating Club will be having their In-Person Registration on Saturday September 12, 2009.

For the third year Monique will be filling backpacks for children at the Women's Habitat. This year they would like to expand this project and offer bags to the children who attend groups at the shelter. This means I need about 35 bags which doubles our numbers from previous years. I would like to meet this goal, so more than ever I will need your help.

If you would like to participate, please let Monique know by e-mail so that she is aware of what items will be coming in. The plan is to put the backpacks together the week of August 17th. If you are part of a group you may want to mention this project to them and create a small collection of items. Also, this is a nice project to have your children help out in picking items as you shop for their back to school needs.

We will need all of the following items. Please consider purchasing items that are age neutral ie, preferably no Dora, Cars, Hannah Montana...

Backpacks, pencil cases, lunch boxes
lunch snacks- drink boxes, packaged goodies
pencils, pens, markers, pencil crayons, highlighters...
paper, notebooks, duotangs, binders...
glue, scissors, padlocks, erasers...
All donations are GREATLY appreciated, even one pack of pencils will help put a smile on a kid's face this September!

Let me know if you have anything to donate and Monique will arrange to pick up at your convenience. Email Monique at lifeoncardigan@yahoo.com

With the Toronto Strike on I am finding my choices for affordable fun limited to say the least.... so I decide to trade in my one day pass for Ontario Place and convert it to a season pass. It cost me an extra $25 per person (cheaper if you buy more) - which basically pays for itself after one additional visit. Plus you get six parking vouchers ($5.00). Parking is $12.00 so the cost with 2 vouchers is $2. Note: during CNE (which you get free admission to) the parking goes up to $20 ... so save some parking vouchers for that if you choose to go my route with a season pass. So back to the fun.... well, I have to say it is a good deal of fun for everyone. I get to walk around and get exercise in a beautiful setting, my son gets to go on rides (good for kids up to 8 or so) with little wait time and there is a water park. Indoor fun? They got that too... there is an indoor playarea (for smaller kids but my son loved it) as well as as a few games areas and the Cinisphere for movies. We saw the dinosaur one today and it was really good. All for free. I think it is a great deal. For more info visit http://www.ontarioplace.com
Time to travel from Etobicoke: 15 minutes

On Sunday, during a rain pour, we headed to the AGO. I was impressed with their offering. $45 for 2 adults and up to five kids. We had family visiting so it was perfect. Note: children under five are free. You can also get a family yearly pass for $120. So you may be wondering what does a four year old do there? Well, I was impressed by the interpretation my son had of the art he saw. He was intrigued. Would he stay happy for hours? No. But... on the weekends when we went there is a great children's room where you can do all kinds of "creating". He loved it and so did the kids we were with. For more info check out www.ago.net. Time it took to get to AGO from Etobicoke: less then 25 minutes.

I would like to send a quick note out about Frank at Salon Moda located in Stonegate Mall (Berry Road/Parklawn). He is a stylist and does a great job on my child's hair. He totally puts my son at ease and always asks him what he would like but he clears it with me first! I am impressed by his customer service and the inexpensive price.

Kingsway Theatre

I went for a walk along the Lakeshore today and passed by the Loot Lady store. The store caught my son's attention so we decided to stop in and see the place.

Carol (aka "The Loot Lady") and her husband Bob were very friendly and showed us around their store. Carol indicated to me that she has over 25 yrs experience with children and toys as an ECE college teacher, daycare supervisor and party playground owner. Her store is absolutely beautiful and award winning.... They have just won the "Gem of the Lakeshore" award this year. Loot Lady has also just been featured in the Shoestring Shopping Guide. I went to their web site tonight and was impressed by the long list of customer appreciation notes regarding their service, quality of loot bags and speed in which they are delivered.

In store, there are well priced toys and a huge assortment of items for party bags. If you want to buy a gift for a birthday party they provide free wrapping (always helpful for busy parents!).

This is a family business and certainly worth checking out... You can visit online at their web site http://www.lootlady.com/ or in person at the store - 3029 Lakeshore Blvd. West.

Okay, so this is my second post about Farmer's Markets. Another great cause, another day of the week...Wednesday (Stonegate Farmer's Market is on Tuesdays).

Would you like your child to be prepared for school this coming September? Sarah Aly is an Ontario Certified Teacher in both the Primary and Junior levels.
She can help promote your childs intellectual growth in a fun and
stimulating style that adapts to individual learning styles and needs.
Contact Sarah at sarah.alyrigby@utoronto.ca

>

The Stonegate Farmer's Market which is located at the parking lot of St. James Humber Bay Church at Parklawn and Berry Road is a great outing for you and the kids. Every Tuesday from now until October 6 between 4-7 pm you can buy your local produce. You can teach your children about farming and get your shopping done at the same time! Kids will enjoy the display of food and the fact they are outside. The Humber Bay Library is right next store so you also incorporate a visit to the library as well. Here is an affordable outing and best thing is that you are supporting a local community organization "Stonegate Health Centre". Stonegate assists the community and provides services for children as well (including drop in programs). For more information visit:
http://www.stonegatefarmersmarket.ca/

We went for an outing to the High Park Zoo the other day and discovered that the gates to the zoo were closed. Could the animals be striking? Where do they go during the strike? Do they picket as well? Inquiring minds want to know.

TIP: If you are going to Adventure Playground remember that you can't get to it by walking through the zoo. Park on the other side close to the playground, off of Parkside Drive.

How have you been holding up during the strike? LEAVE YOUR COMMENT ON THE PAGE BY CLICKING ON THE ENVELOPE FOLLOWING THE POST.

Remember that our neighours to the west in Mississauga are still open for business... they have great wading pools. My friend just went to one at Lakefront Promenade Park. They call it the Pirate Park because the splash area has pirates????? Go check it out.
http://www.mississauga.ca/portal/residents/aquatics

Is your child bursting with creative energy? Are you looking to inspire and develop these interests in your child? SmartART Camp can provide a comfortable, hands-on learning environment for children 6 years and older.

SmartART is a local, community-based art school run from a home based studio. The goal of programs is to integrate creative work into students daily lives.

SmartART aims to inspire students, following their enthusiasm, passion and imagination while teaching basic and more advanced artistic skills and techniques. Children are encouraged to explore various media including clay, papier mache, drawing from nature and expressive painting. Each day allows for an hour of physical activity and an hour of socializing.

Class sizes (1 to 8 ratio) are small to provide the best learning experience with individual interests and learning styles taken into account. Age groupings are: 6-9 years and 10-12 years.

Camps run in July and August in one week increments.
July 13 to 17 or August 16 to 21 , 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily; $280.00 per student.Students supply their own lunch. Refreshments provided. Recreational swim is also provided.

What SmartART skills will my child learn?
-fine motor
-gross motor
-communication
-socialization

Can I just say that the staff at the Children's Centre of LAMP are absolutely amazing. Everyone is friendly, accommodating, and best of all--- amazing with the children they serve! I was so impressed with the program I have my son registered in (for free) . TIP - LAMP has sat elite locations across Etobicoke. I had never been to LAMP headquarters before this week and now I wonder why I didn't go earlier! I am taking a class for my little baby boy as well and I totally look forward to it. LAMP is great. Check it out- you will be extremely impressed. http://www.lampchc.org/familyprograms/

Decided to take my son to the Mimico Library today for some new books. I like to going to different libraries for variety in books and a change of scene. I was really impressed with the Mimico Library. The librarian was really helpful. She gave me some info on local programs (there is an Ontario Early Years Location here) and enrolled my son into the Summer Reading Club. She really inspired my son with her description of program and the ``Spy`` theme. The more you read the more you have a chance to win prizes and stickers for each book you read... just the incentive for my guy!

Across the street is a nice park with new equipment. It was the perfect outing, easy and fun. I am a fan!

For more information on the Mimico Library visit the Lakeshore Library Blog.

If you are looking for something to do with your children this summer, especially now that the City is on strike then you may want to consider the Stonegate Health Centre Children's Drop In Programs. Located in the Stonegate Plaza on Berry Road off of Parklawn Road, this not for profit centre has a variety of indoor and park programs to consider.

If so check out our latest blog - http://www.etobicokeeats.com/
Bobby is our food and drink guy.... as a parent he will give you the low down on family friendly places to eat. He writes about the local places and encourages your comments and reviews. If you would like to contact Bobby send an email to etobicokeeats@gmail.com Cheers!

I would like to talk about two reason's why I think we are lucky to live in Ontario.

1. Ontario Telehealth Service : available 24/7, I cannot tell you how many times that has helped me.
   
   
2. Ontario Early Years Centres: We are so lucky to have free programs for our children to go to which are of such high quality. Too bad there wasn't as many high quality daycares in Etobicoke. But that is another story.
   

This year a number of Ontario Early Year locations are doing "Toys in the Park" program. It is a drop in program for anyone who happens to be in the park. On Thursdays from 9:30 am - 11:.30 am they are at Lorahill Park (one amazing park at Islington and Norseman area) and it is also at Sunnylea Park on Fridays at the same time. There are Toys in the Park programs in South Etobicoke, the ones I have mentioned are just a few. Check out this PDF which contains this and many more programs for July and August.

Check out the web site Attractions Ontario - Coupon Section for savings on many local attractions - you can also buy tickets online in one area.

I just went to the Science Centre with my family and it was a blast from the past fused with all kinds of new and interesting things to do and see. There is an astronomy show in a mini planetarium which my four year old said was "super cool". There is a fantastic play area for toddlers and young children which parents will think is really neat and kids can't get enough of - they even have a mini supermarket store for children to play in. I think the Science Centre is one of the most educational/fun places to visit in Toronto. There is parking,plenty of washrooms with nursing stations and the staff are extremely helpful. I can't say enough about the place. PS- Yes I did fulfill my childhood dream of touching the static ball. PSS- Starting June 9th receive 20% off Science Centre Admission. If you are keener - you could even buy the family pass - pays for itself after 2 visits.

Have you ever tried to search on the internet for recreation programs in Etobicoke? It is not exactly easy is it? I have created a new site focusing on recreation programs. Recreation is my passion. I have worked for a local municipal recreation department for many years and I can tell you for sure how much recreation means to children. It helps them to form meaningful relationships, learn new skills and most importantly it starts the important life lesson of how to get along with others - cooperation, respect and taking turns! Also, it keeps children active and out of potential trouble (with other less positive activities), especially as they get older. Many recreation departments have bullying policies in relation to their programs to protect children from getting hurt, both emotionally and physically.....good policies to have in this day and age.Also, many municipal recreation department have subsidy funds available to help children participate ... so that all children can play regardless of their income levels. Tim Horton's has a camp fund for children as does the Toronto Star (Fresh Air Fund) and the City of Toronto has programs called ARC and Welcome Policy. If you are in a position where you think you can't afford to send your children to summer programs please check these sources to see if they can help. If you are in a position to help... think about donating to these funds. Also, did you know that recreational swims are free in the City of Toronto?

I was looking at my calendar recently, preparing for the summer ahead, and saw the note I made in there about 6 weeks ago to book the room on July 3rd for my son’s next birthday. Consider the details here – it is only now June, so I planned on booking the room back in April – and my son’s birthday is not until the end of September!

However, in today’s cut-throat birthday party planning world, being six months ahead of the game is a requirement. Gone are the “Ms. Manner’s” days of allowing 6 weeks for party planning. And the older kids get, the more elaborate the party required, which means more planning.

Stage One Birthdays - The Home Party
We started our party repertoire with family gatherings, that always turned into large gatherings, but were home based and casual none the less. Someone would contribute this, someone else that, and so on; before you knew it a party was made. At this stage it was more about the adults socializing than the babies / kids. The ratio of adults was larger than kids!
As more friends of the boys became involved, we moved to the world of indoor play spaces, utilizing our local Recreation Centres. The large space of the multipurpose room is perfect for crawling babies and toddlers, with minimal things to get into. It is also great to have a time limit, it keeps things rolling, and is perfect to minimize overstimulation, not only for the birthday person, but the parents of the birthday boy or girl!

Stage 2 - Indoor Playgrounds
We eventually moved to the “indoor playground” once we had a friend base with only a small percentage of babies or toddlers who could get run over. At this point too, we find more parents just want to drop off their child for the party, versus hanging around. Again, the time limit is great, and of course not having the mess to deal with is a nice bonus. The odd time we’ve tried the outdoor park party, and have been lucky enough to have had ok weather! It is the problem though, as much as it’s nice to be outdoors, to have fresh air and ample space for running, I always feel if you are counting on the weather, it’s more than likely NOT going to co-operate!

Family Gathering - Part B of Stage 2
And as grandparents always want to be involved in a birthday, and are rarely interested in hanging around an indoor playground with a group of screaming kids, we usual throw in a family gathering that is much more low-key.

Theme Parties & Attractions
My sons have also attended a spectrum of parties, from parties with insects, parties with themes, parties with scientists, and so on. Another alternative we’ve liked is having a birthday at a large attraction: the birthday person picks one friend, and one location, and we celebrate that way. It’s more focused family fun than the larger party.

Bottom Line
I don’t think they have ever come away unhappy from ANY party though – so for kids, I think it is really more about a PARTY than anything else! That does nothing to ease my stress as an organizer though, who wants nothing more than to make the birthday celebration of one of the people I love most in this world a perfect day for them! Even if I did forget the forks for the birthday cake at my last son’s birthday party – imagine, 14 kids, chocolate cake, and no forks! My son loved it, however, and declared it, “the best birthday ever!”.

Guest Blogger - Kristine Quan, Kristine is a busy and organized mother of two boys who
writes a blog for "Our Kids" Web Site on parenting

A recent study concludes that our children are not getting enough outdoor time.

The study, of nearly 1,400 10- to 12-year-olds, found that 37 percent typically spent a half-hour or less being active outside. Few were outdoors for two hours or more on a typical day.

On the other hand, researchers found, many children devoted at least two hours per day to the TV or computer screen, with 49 percent of boys and 36 percent of girls doing so. (NEW YORK -Reuters Health)

Does this hit home with you and your family?

I know with my oldest son it can be really challenging finding a balance between school (yikes he is only in JK), my need to get stuff done around the house and the ever seducing allure of TV, movies and just chilling in the house. Ronan longs for rainy days...

But I try.... we walk to school, to the babysitters, we walk to the park, we play at the park, we bike (first on the back of Dad's bike and now slowly on his own), we hike and we walk to Bloor Street and the Library (well maybe not as often as we should).

Do you find yourself worried to let your children outside without you there? Well you are not alone... Read the Toronto Star article about "Free Range Kids" and take our poll (right hand side).
But what is the right age? Share your feedback with us.

I also read an article this winter about Active Kids Club- they advocate active childhood in the great outdoors in all kinds of weather. Their belief is that we as parents have the power to ensure this for our children. Children have the right to be exposed to the great outdoors from a early age. The great outdoors can be everything, from more hardcore activities like skiing to just playing in your backyard or your local park.

What can Active Kids Club do for you? They provide information and hopefully inspire parents and children about what one can do outside in all seasons. They believe in using nature to expose children with “safe risk” outside in all kinds of weather.

So my neighbours - I challenge you to get out with your children. Yeah, it is easier now with the warm weather but....... when it rains ask yourself why can't we put on our raincoats/boots and splash in the rain? (I bought my first grown up rainboots when my first son was two). Then when winter comes again remember you too can throw on the long johns and snow pants to make a snow angel with your kiddies.

What can you do now? Get out there....to the park, make a network with your fellow neighbours to meet with other families and plan fun activities... In the Norseman community we have soccer in the park and baseball (all just non organized- drop in).

Another idea - 5peaks Trail Run - Races for the whole family -

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Children's Challenge	1 km	$5.00
Sport Course	4.95 km	$40.00
Enduro Course	12.3 km	$40.00

My friend and crazy non stop organizer - Probir is running with his two sons and he has recruited my family.... Probir is looking for other other families to join and picnic after the event. Interested? Email Probir at probir@grinningdog.com - Ohh and he is also a half marathon leader at the Running Room, Kingsway should you want to train for one of those ...

I read the The Little Paper and find it to be very handy. They have a web site which features a Summer Guide

The guide is broken down by recreation type (drama, music, arts etc) and there is a description of the camps with ages included. Good reference to consider. The Little Paper is available for free at libraries and other community facilities.

Check out the Help! We've Got Kids Summer Fun Guide. This site is extremely helpful in planning for your summer activities and your "Staycation" this summer! For details visit http://www.summerfunguide.ca/greater_toronto_area.html


A really neat feature to the web site is the coupons... they offer discounts to a number of recreation programs, daycare registration sites, shopping and much more... check out what services and programs you can save

I have used the directory to shop for baby gear (they have everything under the sun listed!). I have also planned my son's birthday party using the directory. Honestly, it has to be one of the most extensive resources I have ever come across. The coupons are the icing on the cake!

Yesterday, as I was picking my son up from the Arts Centre where he does his guitar lessons, I saw they were putting up their poster for summer camp. “At least we are organized this year!” the man smiled at me. “Last year, we didn’t get the notice up for our camp until two days before!”

Physical activity reduces stress, strengthens the heart and lungs, increases energy levels, helps you maintain a healthy body weight, helps you to do better in school, and it improves your outlook on life!

The average child watches 26 hours of TV each week, and this doesn’t include time spent on the computer or playing video games! Try to reduce the amount of time you spend watching TV and replace it with time being active. The next time your favourite TV show is on, compromise by trying to keep active during the commercial breaks with these activities:

• Captain Push 'n Crunch - Challenge yourselves to do as many push ups as you can during one commercial. For the next commercial, challenge yourselves to do as many crunches as you can. Continue to alternate between push-ups and crunches for the remainder of the commercial break.


• Step to it - During the commercial break, walk up and down the stairs once before returning back to the TV.


• Happy Hearts - When the commercials begin, get out of your seats and try to sustain activity for the entire commercial break. Try marching or jogging on the spot, jumping jacks, or stepping side to side.

1. Children learn through play and develop social intelligence
   


2. Children make new friends
   


3. Children discover new skills and interests
   


4. Children stay active and this helps with overall health and reduction of stress
   


5. Last but not least... CHILDREN HAVE FUN.

Canadian Family Magazine July 2007

Our experts at the Canadian Camping Association suggest asking whether a day camp offers:

1. Accreditation, meaning the camp abides by the standards of its provincial camping association
   
   
2. A good adult-to-kid ratio at all times (e.g. one adult for every six campers for six-to-eight year olds; the same or higher for field trips or swimming)
   
   
3. Healthcare, first-aid and special needs training and resources
   
   
4. Waterfront/swimming first-aid equipment, plus certified NLS lifeguards
   
   
5. A child-centred camp philosophy that focuses on learning skills, boosting confidence and fun
   
   
6. Clear behaviour management and bullying policies
   
   
7. Experienced, trained and criminal-record free counselors, with 40 per cent or more returning from last year
   
   
8. An opportunity to tour the facilities and meet the counselors
   
   
9. A daily schedule (including rainy-day alternatives) and an outline of supplies your child will need
   
   
10. A day-time contact number to reach your child or her counselor in an emergency
    
    
11. Openness to parent volunteers, help or visits (this will give you a feel for the camp’s resources, supervision capacity, supply levels, etc.
    
    
12. Healthy lunches for a fee, or an outline of snacks and food to bring