Jon Willing’s most memorable family getaway? Good ol’ Gatineau Park The quality of family adventures should never be measured by distance travelled. Some of our best summer vacations with our son have been camping about 45 kilometres from our home. […]
Dad’s Corner
Staycation nation
After a childhood of holidays close to home, Chris Hunt dreamed of seeing the world, only to come full circle I didn’t travel much as a boy. Vacations were usually stay-at-home affairs as my family was on a limited […]
Fitbit, or a bit fit?
Recently, I went to see my doctor for the first time in about four years or so. I normally avoid doctors like the plague, if only because people with the plague are more apt to be found at a doctor’s […]
Stolen moments
One of the best bits of fatherhood advice I received was from a friend, a more experienced father, who applauded me for taking a couple of quiet minutes to run recycling to the garage. The praise wasn’t actually framed […]
The allowance debate: Con
“Teaching a child to be a contributing member of the family is more valuable at a young age than offering lessons on financial planning” — Jon Willing I have developed a contractual relationship with my five-year-old son. The terms of […]
The allowance debate: Pro
“In order to appreciate the true value of money, you have to start with a little something instead of nothing.” — Chris Hunt Last year, my 11-year-old son Riley asked his mother and I if he could have an […]
Winter of discontent
Batten the hatches! You don’t need weather to experience a cold front—just a child in his pre-preteen years Winter is coming. In fact, it’s been festering within my walls since the summer. One of the subtle truths I’ve learned about […]
Winter chic
Outdoor family fun has Jon Willing rethinking his cold-weather wardrobe I might get a second pair of snow pants this winter. Oh, I’m sorry. Are snow pants uncool? Somewhere around middle school, snow pants became a fashion faux […]
Confessions of an experienced dad
The ‘tutoring incident’ showed this dad columnist where his son gets his sense of humour I am not a good parent. This is essential information required to fully appreciate the events leading up to and directly following what has become […]
The kindergarten field journal
If someone in your home is starting school this fall, worry not My gosh, the sand. It will be everywhere. And just when you think every clump has been shaken out of your kid’s sneakers, an avalanche of tiny grains […]