Just for Parents

Photo Credit Tracey Tong

The Night Before Giftmas: A DIY holiday poem

Parenting Times did not receive any financial compensation for this piece.       We all love the twinkling lights, the merry music and most of all, the gathering of friends and family this time of year. While we are more […]

Wait Until 8th founder Brooke Shannon, left, and Jenny Perez, founder of Unplugged Canada have a dialogue at the official launch of Unplugged Canada at the Kay Meek Arts Centre in West Vancouver in 2024. Photo Courtesy Dyson Media

Kids, Unplugged

A smartphone-free nation takes a village – one built by a Canadian mom   Jenny Perez was in a love-hate relationship with her phone – “so helpful sometimes, but also a big distraction,” says the Vancouver-based mother of one. “I […]

Personalized glasses made with the Cricut Maker 4 prevented germy mix ups at the party. Photo Credit Tracey Tong

Your party, your way

Looking to add a personal touch to an end-of-summer bash? It’s easy with advanced planning, the latest gadgets and good friends When our daughter Millie’s 11th birthday party rolled around, we wanted to make the invite list large while keeping […]

Happiness Habits 613's Tamara Robinson, left, and Stephen Bierbrier. Photo Courtesy Happiness Habits 613

Happy together

A free grassroots community group is spreading a life-changing message   In a world dominated by screens, Ottawa residents Stephen Bierbrier and Tamara Robinson are rooting for face-to-face meetings and in-person connections. They want to remind everyone that happiness is […]

rigitte Dobrzanski at Key to Speech in Orleans. Photo Courtesy Brigitte Dobrzanski

Unlocking the door

Your child’s been referred to a speech-language pathologist. What happens next?   Communication is the essence of human interaction, says Brigitte Dobrzanski. But for some, that doesn’t come without effort and support.   That’s where speech therapy comes in—it can […]

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Little people, big sneezes

Parenting Times chats with Dr. Stephanie Liu, the Canadian family physician and the Instagram star behind The Life of Dr. Mom (@thelifeofdrmom) about managing your child’s seasonal allergies Ottawa Parenting Times: What are seasonal allergies and what time of year […]

AdventureSmart's Hug-a-Tree and Survive. Photo Courtesy SBO-OVSAR

A matter of survival

Getting lost in the woods can happen to anyone, says outdoor educator Sonia Vani, and can be avoided if one puts thought into preparation     Sonia Vani has enjoyed a feeling of “belonging outside” since childhood. “My parents encouraged […]

Campers from Richard Robinson's 2023 fashion camp. Photo Credit Francois Mittens

Catwalk style in Ottawa? You bet

Richard Robinson Fashion Design Academy offers young artists a unique camp experience Your young designer’s dreams of catwalks, high fashion and red carpets can come true right here in Ottawa. This summer, your fashion-obsessed child can attend the same school […]