Family Room
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Family Room
June 2010
JUNE 2010
GEN FRESH
Getting our kids — heck, getting ourselves — to eat enough produce (Health Canada recommends four to six servings daily for children) can be tough. But you’re doing a pretty good job of it. Almost 70% of parents in a recent survey reported that their kids eat three or more fruits and veggies a day, with 25% reporting five or more.
Mommy, I’ve got your number
Sure it’s easy to take candy from a baby, but that baby’s no fool. In a study at York University in Toronto, researchers withheld a toy from children as young as six months, then measured their responses. If the researcher “accidentally” dropped the toy, babies remained calm. If the researcher withdrew the toy on purpose, babies looked away, frowned or became agitated. “Babies can tell if you’re teasing or being manipulative, and they let you know it,” says lead author Heidi Marsh.
Food for thought
In 2009, food banks served an average of 800,000 Canadians each month, 37 percent of them children. They expect similar numbers in 2010, as the economy remains slow. Which is why it’s a great time to help, especially from June 1 to 11, when Kraft Canada will match every dollar donated to Food Banks Canada, up to $150,000, in honour of Hunger Awareness Day on June 2. For more information, go to foodbankscanada.ca.
BRAIN SAVERS
Be sure your kids have properly fitted helmets: Head injuries are the leading cause of serious injury and death to kids on wheels, and helmets cut that risk by 85 percent. May 31 to June 5 is Safe Kids Week. For a guide to choosing the right helmet for everyone in the family, go to safekidscanada.ca.
GIMME GETS
Sometimes we decide it’s a No Manners Night. The kids can eat with their hands, put elbows on the table, and do stuff that’s normally off limits. You have to say “Gimme the milk!” not “Please pass the milk.” It becomes a contest of who can be rudest, with lots of potty-talk and pretend burps. It can be planned or something to do if the kids are having a hard time and we don’t have the energy to deal with it. They have fun and we save face.
– Stephen Kranabetter, dad of Connor, 7, and Mira, 5, Toronto
Children as young as three know the difference between brands, such as Coke and Pepsi.
TOPS FOR POP
Gifts for the dad on your list
“i luv U dad!” Preload an iPod with pics and tunes. iPod Touch, $219, store.apple.com/ca.
Dude, where’s my diaper? Two cool bags attach at the top. Babymel X2 bag, $119, rattleandstroll.ca.
Dress him up in your love. Ted Baker silk ties, $95, harryrosen.com.
Imprinted on his heart. Dimples personalized cufflinks, $195, dimplesforever.com.
Tell him he rocks! Create your own stepping stone for Daddy’s garden. You Design It Stepping Stone kit, $16.99, Michaels stores.
