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We first travelled with my sons when they were ages 2 and 4 – and since then, they’ve been on an airplane 38 times.
I think we have this “travelling with kids” thing down pat.
Of course, we’ve learned a few lessons along the way! Travelling with children requires a heightened level of planning and organization (if you think it could go wrong, it probably will) and when it comes to vacationing over the winter months, it’s even more important to be prepared.
If you’re planning family travel around the holidays or in the new year, here are a few of my tried and true tips for travelling with young ones!
1. Don’t ignore a runny nose (for too long). I know, we’re told not to run to the doctor for every little thing. But if you’re travelling with young ones, especially in flu season, it’s better to have them checked out at home (or even abroad) to properly diagnose and treat the ailment. In one instance, I ignored the onset of cold systems and decided to fly with the boys, only to have Ryder clutching his ears and howling with pain for the entire flight. We had him checked out when we landed – you guessed it, ear infection. Had I taken him to the doctor before we departed, I could have saved time, money and most importantly, protected him from a painful experience. If you think your child is sick, don’t take chances! …
What is your 
It gets better. Last week, I hosted a very special Mom’s Night Out for some of my favourite Toronto influencers! With very special instructions for how to make it to the North Pole (it’s a secret, after all) we gathered for a night of food, girl talk and merriment. …
I’ll never forget my baby’s first cold.
Since 1996, Ross Petty Productions have been producing what they call “Fractured Fairy Tale Musicals” at Toronto’s Elgin Theatre. The shows are firmly in the old English pantomime tradition, incorporating many of that style’s elements — broad comedy, winking asides that break the “fourth wall”, audience participation, and, of course, a man in a dress. (
Bring your photos and your stories that celebrate the real side of parenting. Look beyond the image and revel in the authentic, unpolished everyday moments. Be inspired and inspire others in return. And most importantly, #stopCOMPAREnting.
Now, I know you’re probably zeroing in on my adorable niece in her “Peaches n Cream Barbie”-inspired dress, but I really want you to look behind her, and take a peek at the gorgeous 
We’re working on changing that. Using simple techniques to encourage a more seamless morning routine, the boys and I have been able to get more out of our time together before school. Curious? I thought you might be! I’ve partnered with Minute Maid to provide you with some easy tips and tricks to start out smart! …
In fact, according to 
My boys are equally excited about the spookiest day of the year. They’ve been asking to wear their costumes daily (“for the last time, NO!”) and we’ve already planned out our trick-or-treating route. And, like every mom getting her kids ready for a night of Halloween fun, safety is a top concern. …
Now I don’t want to jinx it, but I think I’ve got a little reader on my hands. Ryder has recently taken a greater interest in books, and after visiting Universal Orlando last month, he’s now officially curious about Harry Potter….
This year, I’ve decided go rogue and swap our traditional turkey for a savoury beef pot roast. Of course, since I’m already switching things up, why not do something super special? Thanks to my friends at 
1. Replace all expired and soon-to-expire medications. The middle of the night is not the time to discover that your child’s fever-reducing medicine expired last month. Use back to school time as a reminder to check the expiration dates of all prescription and over the counter medicines, as well as items such as rubbing alcohol and sanitizer, antibiotic ointments and allergy medications. …
It’s a great time to be Canadian.
“Excited to have them there in the crowd,” Oldershaw said in a 
Wait a second – “You don’t trust me?” I asked, pretending to be hurt. “No,” he answered. “You always say you’ll do things and then you don’t. You told me we could go to the park if I cleaned my room, and when I finished cleaning my room you said it was too late. You told me I could have a popsicle when I finished my dinner, and when I finished it you couldn’t find any in the freezer. You’re always lying.” …
1. The Kids Are Alright. If there’s one thing I fear most… even more than hairy spiders, confined spaces or hairy spiders in confined spaces… it’s a gaggle of children, running around and screaming. I think that’s why I shy away from the traditional backyard parties or playground celebrations; it causes me too much stress to oversee kids while they work through a sugar rush. If you’re like me and would prefer for kids to look but not touch, a Cineplex Popcorn Party is the answer. You decide a) if you want to rent out a party room before or after the movie, and b) how much time you spend in the party room during your allotted time slot, if you go that route. The rest of the time, kiddos are comfortably ensconced in a movie theatre, munching on delicious snacks while being heartily entertained.
So, I began researching 
In fact, well-rested children have improved hand-eye coordination, which impacts fine motor skills and development. Conversely, basic skills like crawling, walking, running, and climbing can be affected by lack of sleep. Children that are tired can be more irritable, hyperactive, and oppositional. Even more troubling? Behaviour problems have been linked to sleep deprivation. …