Enjoy this shoulder month! Ways to enjoy and things to do in November

Take advantage of no plans

Between labour-intensive back to school season, Thanksgiving, Halloween and December holidays, it’s busy. But November is a great time to enjoy the downtime. Bundle up and take a family hike. Get takeout from your favourite place, just because. Watch a marathon of movies in your pjs. Read a new book. The options for enjoying an unscheduled month are endless.

Play hooky

Give yourself and the kids a break and take the day off and do something together. Take advantage of the off-peak hours to go shopping when it’s not crowded. Make something together. Go skating or biking. Revel in the newness of just being together on a school/work day.

Get a head start

Baking holiday cookies is way more fun when you’re not rushed. Find some recipes that freeze well (as most cookies do) and do some batch baking with the kids. Have a cookie tasting and allow everyone to take notes on each variety made and proclaim their favourites. It’s fun to be interactive when you’re not trying to cram five hours of baking into two hours when you’d rather be sleeping.

Decorate for the holidays early

Why not make the most of the last few months of the year by enjoying the heck out of the holidays? Who says we need to wait until December to decorate? Put up the tree, deck the halls, grab the music, shop and wrap and bake and do everything else that brings you and your family joy. You deserve it.

Enjoy shopping

I absolutely adore shopping for gifts for people… but only because I do it in November. I take my time to browse online and am able to make purchases calmly, whether material or experiential, that I think work for people. I enjoy it and I don’t overspend because I’m frantic. I can even involve the kids in a shopping expedition if we avoid malls and stores in December and instead visit them in November.

Get outside

Sure, the fall foliage may be past its peak or gone, but November weather can be quite lovely! Blizzards and icy weather haven’t usually descended yet, there are no bugs, and it can be a great time to go for a hike, bike or zip line. You’ll see the landscape in a different way and get in some heart-healthy exercise before (and after) the calorie bombs of the months that sandwich November.

There are really plenty of things to do in November, and it’s truly a fantastic time to enjoy the relative peace and quiet. You may even find yourself creating some new family traditions to make it one of your favourite months of the year.

The post In Praise of November: Fun Family Things to Do Together This Month appeared first on SavvyMom.

And that can be tough for others to see and not feel envious. Posts of beach vacations, neighbours enjoying amazing block parties, families joining up for special events with a gaggle of kids in tow. It can spark a feeling of nervous unease in the onlookers… shouldn’t I be doing all these things as well? Why doesn’t my street have a block party? I’d love to go on a vacation without my kids! Or even (dun dun dun) why wasn’t I invited? Or why was my kid excluded?

Yes, parents, families and friends still form cliques and post all about their exploits just as well as their tween and teen brethren. And reading such posts can sometimes elicit feelings of envy, or FOMO.

But rather than allowing this to be a negative association, there are ways to treat it as a positive – to allow it to be the kick in the behind that might be required to help you achieve some of your goals – think of it as a vision board channelled through social media!

Here are some ways to get control of FOMO and make it work for you:

1. Volunteer:

If you’re feeling FOMO because you don’t yet have a network of parent friends in your neighbourhood, volunteer at the school or attend parent council meetings. It can be a great way to connect with the parents of your kids’ friends and classmates, plus you’ll learn more about what’s going on at the school. And then when it comes times for school events, you’ll know a lot more people. Good for you, great for the kids.

2. Be the Organizer:

Let’s face it – sometimes, if you want to live on the type of block that has an awesome street party every year, you may have to be the one to organize it. Hopefully, this will inspire others to help and take turns, but that’s not the reason to do it – and don’t expect that to be the case. Volunteering to do something like this should come from a desire to do it, not from feelings of guilt. If you want a tradition, start one and enjoy the process. And then enjoy the event for what it is, not for the photo opportunities it provides.

3. Suggest Something:

I was feeling blue this winter looking at social media posts of online friends heading off on trips with friends, sans kids. I was down in the dumps and desperately wanted to do something with my friends, just like in my 20s. I don’t have a friend group in my neighbourhood with whom I could go on such a trip – we aren’t close enough, and schedules just don’t allow. But I do have awesome friends from high school, and I reached out to them to see if we could organize a weekend getaway. Understandably, two could not work in a weekend away without kids, but two others were open to the idea and we’ve started to discuss plans. They might not develop into anything, but the mere fact that it is a possibility is glorious.

4. Remember All the Things You Do Have:

Fear of Missing Out is often about focusing on what you don’t have, or aren’t experiencing. But what about all of the things you do have? In my case, I get to go away with my mom and sisters every December for an overnight to a spa or village. I have a super supportive yoga community. Wonderful cottage neighbours. Just because my “haves” look different than what I see on social media, doesn’t mean they are any less valuable. When you start to look at the wealth of relationships and experiences you have or have had, social media starts to seem fairly irrelevant.

5. Do the Next Thing:

Introverts, this may apply to you. With hectic schedules and horrible weather, it’s super easy to only do things with our immediate family or to cocoon up. And that’s fine – most of the time. But it’s also important to do things without the kids in tow, or even your partner. So do the next thing. Things are opening up again. Go to book club, or yoga, or CrossFit. Flex your logistics muscles and get kid coverage to head to the spa or beach with friends. Make it to the next Paint Night or potluck. Being with different people without our kids may energize us in ways that help fill our patience tanks and stoke our energy levels, even though at the outset it may seem as though this event is an obligation or hassle to plan for.

6. Check Your Goals:

Finally, return to what your actual goals, values and desires are. If spending time with your immediate family is most important to you, then don’t worry about what you see on social media – do what is right for you. Or if you believe in building a strong, connected neighbourhood, then work on that. Support the clubs, organizations and outings that are aligned with your own personal interests and values, not just because everyone else is doing it. When you notice people, events or groups that you look up to, or that fill you with positive energy, attach yourself to those endeavours – no matter what it looks like on social media.

By testing out what we value, we can abandon FOMO and instead set goals and dedicate our time and energy to events and people that we feel good about. And that can turn FOMO into JOMO – a joy of missing out.

The post How to Deal With FOMO: When Parents Get It, Too appeared first on SavvyMom.

Hello, summer. We’re glad you’re here.

Best Family-Friendly Local Toronto Beaches

Balm Beach (near Wasaga Beach)

With the picturesque Blue Mountains in the distance, this Georgian Bay beach has glorious white sand and shallow water, and there is so much fun to be had! There’s an arcade, go-karts, and beach shops, if the kids are into that, but there’s also enough untouched nature for the more wild and free.

Distance from Toronto: about 2 hours

Muskoka Beach Park (near Gravenhurst)

This one is good for the sporty set, with baseball diamonds and tennis courts, as well as picnic tables and swimming. It makes a great setting for a family reunion (intergenerational baseball and tennis are super fun!). And make sure to visit The Bakery in Gravenhurst for Chelsea buns or butter tarts for a sweet beach day treat.

Distance from Toronto: about 2 hours

Kelvin Grove Park (near Bracebridge)

We love the historic walkway in this park-like beach, as well as the playground and boat launch. Pack a picnic for feasting at the picnic tables there, or pick up the entire picnic (amazing lattes and gourmet doughnuts included) from Oliver’s Coffee in Bracebridge or Gravenhurst.

Distance from Toronto: about 2 hours

Image via lakeheadu.ca

Couchiching Beach Park (Orillia)

This lovely spot really has it all, from a sandy beach to band shell, flower garden, concessions, and a miniature steam railway! There’s enough space in this 14-acre park to walk, sit on the grass, or take a look at the Champlain monument (teachable moment of the history variety, right here). Fern (the ultimate Ontario family resort) is nearby if you decide to make a night (or two) of it.

Distance from Toronto: about 1.5 hours

Sandy Lake (Buckhorn)

The sheltered cove along Sandy Lake has a lovely sandy bottom. Its shallow depths and warmth are perfect for wading, splashing, and frolicking kiddos. It’s also a lovely spot to try out the kayaks or the paddleboards. We love how the water has a turquoise hue that makes us feel like we’ve landed in the Caribbean for the day.

Distance from Toronto: about 2 hours

Image via thepeterboroughexaminer.com

Lakefield Beach (Lakefield, north of Peterborough)

Lakefield Beach on the Otonabee River is large, sandy, well-maintained, and wonderful for swimming. It’s across from a park and a marina and there are beach volleyball courts, too. Don’t miss Stuff’d in Lakefield for ice cream and other treats!

Distance from Toronto: about 1 hour, 40 minutes

Turkey Point (southwest of Brantford)

Turkey Point Beach is tailor made for young kids—two miles long, shallow and with loads of sand bars. Turkey Point Provincial Park has hiking trails and is the only provincial park with its own golf course, so the whole family can give the sport a try! There is zip lining at Long Point Eco Adventures nearby as well as a marina and lots of great restaurants.

Distance from Toronto: about 2 hours

Cobourg Beach (Cobourg)

Cobourg is known as one of the prettiest towns in Ontario, and Cobourg Beach is certainly one of the prettiest beaches, especially with that awesome boardwalk! This is a beach like the ones seen in the movies—white sand, long beach, yummy canteen refreshments, plus a waterfront festival on Canada Day, and yes, a splash pad. It’s also easy to walk into the town for some more delicious treats, like at the Buttermilk Café (best pancakes ever).

Distance from Toronto: just over an hour

Port Stanley (south of London)

There is so much going on in Port Stanley we may need to stay a night or two! Kids will love seeing the fishing boats returning, and the historic tourist train is certainly a hit! There’s also summer theatre and great hiking. The beach feels like a resort, with bars, concessions, water sport rentals and a harbour walkway. And yes, there is great ice cream too at Broderick’s, all decked out in ’50s malt shop style.

Distance from Toronto: just over 2 hours

Memorial Park Beach (Meaford)

This is a nice, quiet beach with more than 2,000 feet of shoreline. The kids love the playground and mini golf, and everyone loves the stunning nature and views afforded by Meaford. Make sure you schedule a visit to nearby Perogie Palace for lunch!

Distance from Toronto: about 2 hours

The post Best Family-Friendly Toronto Beaches appeared first on SavvyMom.

Much to the dismay of the dentist, I found myself nodding vigorously at the ensuing conversation about lying to our kids. Yup, I’m guilty of it too.

This causes me much angst, as I truly value honesty. I get so upset with my children when they lie. But that’s hypocritical of me, as I do it too. As I ponder how I’ve dipped my toes into the sea of falsehoods I realize the magnitude of my lies. And the reasons for the deception certainly vary.

There are the lies that I somehow think help me to parent better, like when I told the children that I can review the video footage from the security cameras to find out who said or did what when mediating a fight between them.

And then there is the falsehood that their toothbrushes are linked to my phone via an app that tells me about how often and for how long they brushed their teeth.

Then there are the lies of convenience – no, the candy store is closed. No, I don’t have the ingredients for chocolate chip cookies. These lies don’t come out all the time – sometimes I gather up my energy and tell the truth and “explain” things with my best parenting wisdom and patience. Other times, though – when I’m tired, stressed, or have already “parented” a million times that hour, the lie slips out as a defence mechanism. It ain’t pretty, but that’s survival.

Some lies are to preserve magic and innocence, of course. Santa, the tooth fairy, the Easter Bunny, that darn Elf on the Shelf – these are all lies. Elaborate, costly lies that we utter in the name of making childhood somehow more full of wonder. We’re ok with those lies – so really – can’t we be similarly fine with the lies that buy us busy, exhausted parents a reprieve from the requests, fights, questions and checking up?

Of course, the biggest lies of all are the ones that aren’t funny at all. When I brightly tell my kids that I always look on the positive side, and don’t allow myself to get anxious about illness, disease, or death – that’s just a big fat lie. Of course I think about horrible things, from death to illness, all the time. I can worry myself sick about it. I can imagine truly horrible things happening – and yet that doesn’t help these little souls. So I lie and tell them that everything is going to be ok (it may, but not forever). I lie and tell them that nothing bad is going to happen (eventually, something bad will happen to them. It’s inevitable). I tell them that Canada is a safe and caring place (it is – sometimes) and that we are fortunate to be safe, happy and healthy (not a lie).

I do lie to my kids – but lately, I’ve been holding myself more accountable. Recently, I’ve tried to be more honest and do my best to explain the reasons for my answers and actions. I try to convey the range of factors that can affect a decision to a request (e.g., we can’t go to the candy store because we already had a treat today, or there isn’t enough money in the budget for more new books today). I endeavour not to lean on an easy lie. But I also don’t judge myself too harshly when it happens.

Parenting is hard. Adults aren’t perfect. Sometimes we hit a home run with parenting. Other times, it’s not so pretty. I don’t think I lie with evil intent, or with malice. I actually do it because I want my kids to be happy, healthy and strong – and sometimes that means safeguarding some of my time and energy (and budget) to be a happy, healthy and strong parent to them.

So please don’t beat yourself up if, like me, you sometimes fib. We’ll all get better eventually, and we might even fess up to our falsehoods. And even if we don’t, our kids will realize – when they’re older, say – that Disney World is hardly ever closed.

The post Is Lying to Kids Ever OK? I Lie to Mine appeared first on SavvyMom.

Here are our favourite leak-proof water bottles for kids and yes – we might as well stock up, because losing a water bottle is unheard of, right? RIGHT?

Best Leak-Proof Water Bottles for Kids

Skittle Mini Water Bottle

At 300 mL, this smaller bottle is a good bet for little handles – not everyone can lug a jug. We adore the patterns, colours and spherical tops.

from $50 – Buy Here

CamelBak Eddy+ Water Bottle

Some kids just love a straw in a water bottle – just help them practice closing it all the way to make the bottle leak-proof. Added bonus with straws – they make a bottle spill-proof.

$22 – Buy Here

Contigo Kids Autospout Water Bottle

Great patterns – those dinos? So cute – and a design that works well for school, sports or adventure. If you’re looking for more animal options, this water bottle also comes in unicorns, sharks and sloths – now there’s a menagerie we can get behind.

from $30 – Buy Here

Takeya Actives Insulated Water Bottle

This water bottle tops the charts for good reason. Spout lid, manageable 22 oz size, and array of on-trend colours? We predict a hit (and our bet is on the blush colour as the most popular of the year).

$40 – Buy Here

Brita Filtering Water Bottle

If the kids don’t love the taste of school water – or even tap water from home – the in-bottle filtering system of this offering is a sure-fire way to encourage hydration.
$25 – Buy Here

Stanley Iceflow Flip Straw Tumbler

Stanley is threatening to topple the rankings, dethroning faves such as Yeti and Hydro Flask. With a fab design and amazing colour combos, we can see why.

from $38 – Buy Here

Yeti Rambler and Chug Cap

There’s a reason the Yeti brand has such a loyal following – they really are that good. This one is a bit pricey, so perhaps best saved for the kid who doesn’t lose things. We recommend the addition of the chug cap for easy drinking.

$40 – Buy Here

Hydro Flask Standard Mouth 18 oz

Still popular, still with good reason – room for ice cubes, totally spill-proof and super sturdy – this one’s not just about good looks, although it has got that going, too.

from $40 – Buy Here

Oxo Tot Twist Top Water Bottle

This might just be their first “real” water bottle, and it’s perfect for the transition. The twist lid keeps the straw clean when not in use and the entire bottle leak-proof. The lid is easy to clean in case smoothies are the drink of choice. Let them carry their own beverage thanks to the carrying handle.

from $20 – Buy Here

Nalgene Sustain Narrow Mouth Water Bottle

Yup, we’ve been a fan of Nalgene since our own school days. Now as parents, we’re thrilled that the cap is always attached to the bottle via the handy carrying loop, and when actually screwed on, the bottle is totally leak-proof. We also dig the bevvy of colour combos at the ready. If the kids prefer a wide mouth, that’s also an option.

from $20 – Buy Here

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