Sticking with a resolution to hit the gym will make you happier – and a better parent, James Gordon writes For parents, the holiday season always seems to pass at an especially frenetic pace. In addition to the usual […]
James Gordon
The cadet life
Participants get the abilities needed to excel in a potential military career – or just learn confidence and useful life skills Confidence and leadership abilities may come naturally to some, but that doesn’t mean the rest of us […]
Make a teammate, not an adversary
Staying engaged with your child’s education – and implementing suggestions – lets teachers know that you’re interested in your child’s progress The start of the school year brings with it a lot of excitement at the prospect of new […]
Finding their tribe: James Gordon talks to stay-at-home dads about getting out, avoiding isolation and being in good company
As anyone who has stayed home to care for children can attest, being a full-time parent can sometimes feel very isolating. This is especially true for stay-at-home dads. Unfortunately, “traditional” views in Western society hold that the father of […]
Fatherhood allows opportunities for reflection: Columnist James Gordon recognizes his own dad’s sacrifices now that he has boys of his own
Becoming a father puts a lot of things into perspective. Stuff that seemed so important, even all-consuming, when you were younger sort of melts away, replaced by this new, little being in the centre of your life. Material […]
Secondary drowning: a crucial water safety issue
Summer means more time around water, so be aware of these life-threatening signs and symptoms My favourite thing to do with my sons when the weather starts to heat up is to take them swimming. It’s not even close. Parks […]
Kids act as a time machine for this Ottawa dad
I’ve spent a lot of time in hockey rinks over the past 10 years or so. As a hockey writer and sports editor at the Ottawa Citizen for the better part of a decade, I was at arenas almost every […]
Let’s be nicer to ourselves in front of our kids
Starting work again after a hiatus to care for kids can sometimes be a humbling exercise. In early September, after some 19 months of mostly making lunches for my two young sons, taking them to school or hockey or the […]
The Montessori difference
A child-centred environment, mixed-age classes, focus on freedom and personal responsibility, and activity-based learning are among the core tenets of the Montessori educational philosophy. James Gordon explains. Ask Montessori teachers and administrators what makes their educational strategies different from those […]
‘We realize how precious it is to be fully bilingual’
The benefits of a bilingual education are numerous, and some say in this era of globalization, it’s never been more important. James Gordon explains why learning French might be the right choice for your child. Most people in Ottawa are […]