#PampersParents

Thank You, Mom.

August 21, 2016 By Lena

Today, I’m a little emotional.

As the 2016 Olympic Games come to a close, I’m thinking about the highlights from the Games. The women’s 4×100-metre freestyle relay team, including Penny Oleksiak, the 16-year-old sensation from Toronto. Brianne Theisen-Eaton and Andre De Grasse, more-than-ever household names thanks to their medal-winning performances. Olympic gold in high jump, individual trampoline, freestyle swimming and wrestling.
win It’s a great time to be Canadian.

I’m also thinking about the parents of Olympians. I’m thinking about the moms and dads who’ve supported our athletes in the pursuit of their dreams. I’m picturing the early morning practices and the late night physiotherapy sessions. I’m thinking about the fierce hugs and pep talks; the emotional words of encouragement, the calm words of comfort. I’m wondering how many times they waited by the phone for their child to call, saying they have safely arrived.

But that’s what parents do. It’s the job we signed up for. …

Baby on Board… Baby on Plane! Mark Oldershaw’s Packing List

August 17, 2016 By Lena

“Mark Oldershaw bringing young family to Olympics despite Zika threat,” reads the headline. “Canadian canoeist ‘confident’ that situation in Rio under control.”

Travelling with a baby, despite what you’ve read and what you’ve heard, is never as easy as it sounds. There are mini meltdowns and major tantrums. You may (will?) experience delays, cancellations and the dreaded plane descent. And if you’re really, really unlucky, a diaper blowout. Or two. (Always pack an extra set of clothing!)

But does that deter millions of parents from travelling with their young ones? Not on your life. Family travel offers a wealth of experiences and the memories made will last a lifetime (at least for mom and dad!). And for Mark Oldershaw, a third generation Olympian and the fifth member of his family to compete at the Games, family travel means having his infant daughter cheering him on in Brazil.
Mark Oldershaw dad “Excited to have them there in the crowd,” Oldershaw said in a phone interview with the CBC, as part of a sponsorship with Pampers.

Now, while some athletes had expressed reservations about going to Brazil, with some even pulling out of the Games, the Oldershaw family’s plans did not change.

“We know that the COC and International Olympic Committee is very on top of it and making sure that it will be safe for athletes,” said the native of Burlington, Ontario. “I’m very confident it will be safe for me and Annamay (his wife) and (his daughter) Josephine.” …

Babies 101: The Importance of Healthy Sleep.

July 5, 2016 By Lena

Last week, I shared information about my collaboration with P&G as they support Canadian athletes at the 2016 Olympics in Rio. Over the next two months, I’ll continue to spotlight Mark Oldershaw, a third generation Olympian, and his partnership with Pampers – the only brand I’ve never cheated on.

Today, I’m speaking to parents of little ones. We know that well-rested children learn more rapidly. Their attention, memory and decision-making abilities are all directly impacted by their sleep patterns; particularly, their ability to have an adequate night’s sleep.
Reid_arms 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. …

Thank You, Mom: Road to Rio 2016

June 29, 2016 By Lena

It takes a special kind of heart. It calls for fierce determination. An unwillingness to give up; a remarkable resilience, a selflessness marked in integrity and profound in perseverance.

Thank you, Mom.

Because it takes someone strong to make someone strong, this year, I’m pleased to partner with P&G as they support Canadian athletes at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, and celebrate the strength of moms who helped get them there.

Need a tissue? Don’t worry, I’ll wait. I understand.

Of course, my introduction could have also pertained to any one of our Canadian Olympic hopefuls; an immeasurably focused group of athletes vying for gold at this summer’s Olympic Games. …