Tracey Tong

Second chances

Buying and selling used gives new life to family essentials For generations, money-savvy parents have been outfitting their growing kids and their changing hobbies with gently used items. Buying and selling through thrift stores, garage sales and consignment shops stretches […]

Bella Smith, centre, competes in cheerleading. Photo Credit M. Caron

A worthwhile investment

While some intensive extracurricular activities can be all-consuming, parents are saying it’s worth the time and money Some months, Amanda DeGrace pays more for her three children’s extracurricular activities than for the mortgage on the family’s Ottawa home. Thirteen-year-old Dominic […]

Vintage Photo Credits. Photos Courtesy of CBC Still Photos Collection

Recreating magic

A documentary introduces a new generation of children to beloved Canadian icon Mr. Dressup through ‘The Magic of Make-Believe’ Photo Credits: Documentary Cover Art Credits: Amazon Canada Vintage Photo Credits: Photos Courtesy of CBC Still Photos Collection Tickle Trunk Craft Credits: Prime […]

Iva Stavri founded LingoStars during the pandemic. Photo Credit David Chang Photography

Virtual assistance

Online tutoring offers a flexible alternative for busy families Daniel Aram-Ali has received French tutoring in-person and online, and prefers the latter. The Ottawa resident works sessions with LingoStars Tutoring into his busy schedule—“and I can [do] my lessons from […]

The Enchanted Symphony

Treat yo’shelf

This holiday season, deck the family library with these new Canadian reads   Whether you’re seeking a stocking stuffer with substance or a new read to get your kids through the next snowbound day, our list of children’s books has […]

Editor Tracey Tong and her family: husband Kyle, and daughters Millie, left, and Ellie. Photo Credit Anastasia KrachkovskayaEditor Tracey Tong and her family: husband Kyle, and daughters Millie, left, and Ellie. Photo Credit Anastasia Krachkovskaya

From the editor

I enjoyed winters in Ottawa long before I became a resident. My dad and my uncle Andy spent their early adult years here, attending the University of Ottawa and Carleton University respectively. My parents were married here in 1977. After […]

Youth on a hike at Pink Lake In Gatineau Park. Photo Courtesy CWF

Learning outside the classroom

The Canadian Wildlife Federation’s WILD Outside program connects teens with the natural world As students prepare to head back into classrooms, teens with an interest in environmental issues may want to consider making room in their schedules for an outdoor […]