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Maple Syrup Events and Sugar Shacks in Ottawa - SavvyMom

Maple Syrup Events & Sugar Shacks in Ottawa

It’s maple time! No matter how you feel about the cold, the maple season is the best part of the long, Canadian winter for many. And what’s not to love? The opening of the local sugar bushes and sugar shacks in Ottawa indicates that spring is just around the corner. Plus, the sweet maple syrup, maple candy, and other maple treats are hard to beat. Paired with many fun outdoor activities at local sugar bushes, it’s no wonder this is a popular annual tradition for many.

If you are excited for traditional maple experiences this year, many maple syrup producers and sugar shacks in Ottawa and the surrounding areas have been working hard to welcome families to enjoy outdoor visits, indoor dining, and maple bites during maple season.

Many of our local sugar bushes are happy to be welcoming visitors to their grounds, to explore and for meals. Most have hiking trails and outdoor areas open to visitors so you can make it a winter outing.

Here are some local maple syrup events and sugar shacks in Ottawa open for maple season:

Proulx Farm

A great choice for families in the east end (or anywhere if you want to take a drive), Proulx Farm is just 10 minutes east of Orleans. This year, tickets are once again required for their weekend visits (with a limited number sold). You’ll still be able to enjoy a pancake breakfast and maple taffy, then spend time walking around the farm to see the animals in the petting zoo, racing down their giant slide or strolling their trails. Visit the website for hours and reservation details.

Vanier MuseoPark

The maple trees received a reprieve this year and weren’t tapped, so once again the Vanier MuseoPark is taking their annual Sugar Festival virtual with various events taking place online from April 1st to 9th.

Stanley’s Maple Farm

Located about a half hour south of the Ottawa core, Stanley’s is a can’t-miss for their scrumptious food and beautiful outdoor space. They have updated their activities and while the pancake house is closed in 2022, there are still bites to eat around the site like mini donuts, deep fried pancakes, soup and maple baked beans. With your admission you can visit the animals, stroll the walking trails and enjoy more family fun activities. These activities are only available on weekends but no reservations are required.

Parc Omega

We love Parc Omega’ unique sugar shack. As you drive through Parc Omega to see the animals and feed them, make a stop along the way and walk (or snowshoe) to the maple sugar shack for some maple treats. Enjoy the skating rink when conditions allow (bring your own skates and helmets!) or participate in one of their many other winter activities (while also making time to see your animal friends of course!)

Temple’s Sugar Bush

Before enjoying your meal, take a leisurely stroll through the Temple’s Sugar Bush nature trail (it will take you about 15 or 20 minutes). However, you won’t want to miss their delicious food from the restaurant. Indoor dining has returned this year Wednesdays through Sundays (although there is no buffet, you can select your meal from their pancake menu). You’ll find more information about their menu and hours on their website.

Fulton’s Pancake House and Sugar Bush

Like other sugar bushes, Fulton’s has adapted and will welcome visitors to their stunning trails (to hike, snowshoe, or ski), which you can access with a site pass and of course their maple menu. While the restaurant remains closed, there are still other ways to get your fill of maple goodness. Their gift shop is a treasure trove of unique maple-themed products so you can leave with even more maple items.

Wheelers Pancake House

If you are craving pancakes (and who isn’t?) Wheelers is a great place to eat. They are currently open Tuesdays through Sundays for indoor dining by reservation only. After, play on the swings, take a stroller-friendly walk in the woods and visit the Maple Heritage Museum.

Sand Road Maple Farm

Located east of Ottawa (in Moosecreek) is the Sand Road Maple Farm. Enjoy a full pancake breakfast before wandering the trails. The restaurant days and hours are changing frequently (currently they are only open on weekends) and it’s first come first served (unless you are planning to go with a large group, then reservations are requested.)

7 Essential Table Manners for Kids - SavvyMom

7 Essential Table Manners for Kids

Table manners for kids was something important to instill in my children. And lately, while dining with our two older sons, my husband and I often look at each other in shock over the state of their terrible etiquette. Food is shovelled into mouths that remain open for conversation, napkins are frequently left folded on the table beside the dinner plates and we frequently enter into negotiations over which menu items will and won’t be eaten. In case you’ve forgotten, it pains me to admit that we aren’t sharing a table with two toddlers, but rather a pair of teenagers who seem to have forgotten EVERY SINGLE MANNER taught to them over the years.

It’s not surprising, really. All you have to do is Google ‘why does my teen act like a toddler?’ and you’ll find numerous studies supporting the fact that these adolescent years often mimic behaviours thought to have been left behind with the terrible twos (trust me, I’ve done it). It’s disheartening at times, but also just part of the growing up process, so we take the opportunity to reteach many of the things we felt certain were permanently embedded in their brains.

My children have been eating at the table with us from the time they were able to sit up, and family dinner is a regular ritual in our house. Beginning around age two, we’ve shown the kids how we would like them to eat, and while I didn’t think we’d need a refresher course for the teenage years, it turns out we actually need to continuously model the manners we want them to use, even when they stand taller than us. Here are my guidelines for good table manners. They may look a little different than yours, and if they do, I’d love to hear which rules you put into place at your own table.

7 Essential Table Manners for Kids

1. Saying please and thank you

This can be taught from the time kids can speak and is a basic no-brainer, as these words will be used everywhere from the playground to preschool, in addition to the dinner table. You will have to practice and give many reminders about the ‘magic word’ but it will payoff in dividends when you hear your kids ask someone to please pass them the milk without any prompting.

2. Using a napkin (cloth, please)

I’m a cloth napkin hoarder and probably could use an intervention to halt my many purchases, but I feel justified in having so many because we use them for every single meal of the day. Around age two we teach the kids how to put the napkin in the their lap, or tuck it into their shirt collar (my 13-year-old’s preferred method) if the food is particularly messy, and ask them to wipe their hands on it instead of their clothes (something we still work on today).

3. No talking while chewing

This is a challenging one to teach, especially when you have a table full of people competing to tell their stories of the day. In fact, some adults still struggle with the concept, so we just keep reminding them every time someone speaks mid chewing. Some people use a secret signal to let their children know they are talking with their mouths full, a concept I’ll likely try with my baby when he joins us at the table.

4. The one-bite rule

My kids, like many, were picky eaters as preschoolers and would often come to the table saying that something looked gross. We quickly nipped that in the bud with the one-bite rule. They must try a least one taste of everything on the menu, even if they feel confident they won’t like it. When we go to someone else’s house we call it a ‘thank you portion’ and they have to sample a small amount of everything to thank the cook for making them a meal (those negotiations I mentioned really come into play when putting this rule into practice).

5. Using utensils

Between the ages of one and two children can begin to hold a fork and spoon. While some will still eat with their fingers, naturally, it’s a great time to show kids how to hold their utensils properly and instil the importance of using them. I do still occasionally have to remind my big kids to keep their fingers out of their food, but it’s happening less and less these days, thankfully.

6. Thank the cook

My husband is so great at this and every night he’ll say something along the lines of, ‘Thanks honey, that was great!’ Happily, this is one area my kids don’t need work on as they almost always thank the cook and have been doing so since they were small.

7. No electronics

Last, but certainly not least, is the no electronics rule. This applies to kids and adults and is non-negotiable, even in restaurants. Having said that, if we are out eating and we linger for a long time at the table after the meal has been eaten (chatting with friends, etc.) the kids can pull out their phones, if they like.

Streaming in March for Kids - SavvyMom

What’s Streaming in March for Kids & Families

We’re on the cusp of warmer weather and easier ways to help get kids’ energy out during those long days. Until then, if you plan on spending time inside and in front of the screen with the family, you might as well make the most out of it, right? That’s where we’re here to help. Need some suggestions, especially heading into March Break? We’ve looked at the schedules from all Canadian streaming services and narrowed down the best TV shows and movies streaming in March for families.

Read on for 13 things streaming in March your crew can enjoy together this month.

What’s Streaming in March for Kids & Families

Streaming in March: The Mandalorian - SavvyMom

The Mandalorian (s3)
Wednesday March 1, Disney+

After a long wait, Mando (Pedro Pascal) and Baby Yoda finally return for a third round of adventures. This year the action continues to Mandalore, where the lead is on a quest for forgiveness for his past indiscretions. But he’ll learn that not even Mandalorians can agree on navigating the future, leading to new drama and adventure.

Odd Squad Streaming in March - SavvyMom

Odd Squad
Wednesday March 1, CBC Gem

If you’ve been looking for a fun way to get younger kids into math and problem-solving, Odd Squad has been a hit with the young crowd for a while. And now it’s available to stream on CBC Gem. The live-action comedy is about kid agents with cool gadgets and problems like doubling dogs and shrinking parents. The first 20 episodes drop at the beginning of the month, with the next 60 scheduled to release by March 22.

Karate Sheep - SavvyMom

Karate Sheep
Thursday March 2, Netflix

Not all sheep follow each other, as Trico is here to prove to kids everywhere. This sheep causes mayhem in his flock by sharing new ideas. The only problem? A lurking wolf is waiting to pounce!

Ridley Jones Streaming in March - SavvyMom

Ridley Jones (s5)
Monday March 6, Netflix

This curious (and animated) kid returns for a fifth season of adventures this month. Follow along on new journeys as Ridley protects the Museum of Natural History and its treasures within—even when they come alive at night.

School Spirits - SavvyMom

School Spirits
Thursday March 9, Paramount+

Older kids may get a kick out of this new Vancouver-shot series, which follows a teen girl stuck in the afterlife following her mysterious disappearance. Not only that but she’s stuck in high school, where a slew of other spirits are also trapped. The only difference is that she can communicate with the living, which sets her on a path to discover the truth and, hopefully, save them all.

Chang Can Dunk - SavvyMom

Chang Can Dunk
Friday March 10, Disney+

Sports and coming-of-age stories go together, so we have high hopes for this family film about a 16-year-old Asian American high school student named Chang. The five-foot-eight marching band member makes a bet with the school basketball star that he can dunk by Homecoming (and impress his crush along the way).

Gabby's Dollhouse - SavvyMom

Gabby’s Dollhouse (s7)
Monday March 20, Netflix

If you’re tired of watching the same cat-tastic adventures on repeat, you’ll be relieved to know a new season of this preschool series drops this month. This season is about travelling and pretending, two relatable things adults like to dream about too. Get ready for many brand-new adventures with lots of learning thrown in for good measure.

And Still I Sing - SavvyMom

And Still I Sing
Tuesday March 21, Crave

If you’re looking for something educational for older kids, we suggest looking into this doc from award-winning Afghan-Canadian filmmaker Fazila Amiri. It follows three women working for success in a world where women are not encouraged to succeed. The cameras hone in as these women prepare to appear on Afghan Star (a popular singing show in the vein of American Idol), with two young women on the verge of becoming the first-ever female winners just as the Taliban take over.

We Lost Our Human - SavvyMom

We Lost Our Human
Tuesday March 21, Netflix

This incoming animated series flips the switch on pet owners who are scared of losing their pooches: that’s because, in this world, all the humans are suddenly gone. Follow along with two pampered pet siblings, Pud and Ham, as they journey to the center of the universe to find their owners and put the world right again.

Macy Murdoch - SavvyMom

Macy Murdoch
Thursday March 23, CBC Gem

If you’re into Murdoch Mysteries, you may be pumped to get your kids into this tween-friendly spinoff about Murdoch’s great-great-great-granddaughter, 16-year-old Macy Murdoch (Shailyn Pierre-Dixon). When her grandfather is framed for a crime he didn’t commit, she and her friends travel back to 1910 to re-examine the clues.

My Kind of Country - SavvyMom

My Kind of Country
Friday March 24, Apple TV+

If your family is into country music and singing competition shows, mark the calendars for the debut of this new entry. The hybrid series aims to break down cultural and musical barriers in country music while inviting innovative contemporary artists to strut their stuff and show the world what they’ve got.

DoogieMD-SavvyMom

Doogie Kamealoha, M.D. (s2)
Friday March 31 on Disney+

If your family is into this reimagining of the prodigy doctor, be sure to catch her return when Season 2 drops later this month. Joining the crew for their sophomore run is ZOMBIES star Milo Manheim, who plays a street-smart teen named Nico who has spent years in and out of the hospital.

A Kind of Spark
Friday March 31, CBC Gem

This 10-part tween series hits the streaming circuit towards the end of the month, introducing families to Addie—a bright and sparky autistic girl who dreams of acceptance in a conservative community. As she protects herself and her sister from prejudice, they become entwined with two sisters from the 16th century, one of whom was accused of witchcraft. This one is based on the award-winning novel by Elle McNicoll.

kitchen spring cleaning

Spring Cleaning the Kitchen: 6 Things Most People Forget to Do

In order to convince myself that winter is indeed over, for good, I’ve been spring cleaning the house. My favourite area to tackle is spring cleaning the kitchen. It’s one of the most used areas in the house, quickly becoming cluttered and messy, and I find myself in there multiple times a day wiping down cupboards and washing dishes. I also take this time to do a few things that most people forget to do when they decide to give their kitchen a good scrubbing. They include…

6 Things Not to Forget when Spring Cleaning the Kitchen

1. Conditioning Wooden Spoons and Cutting Boards

Wooden cutting boards, spoons, and salad bowls need to be conditioned regularly, otherwise, they become dull and lose a little of their glossy lustre. Every year during spring and fall cleaning, I wash my wooden items with hot soapy water, dry each piece thoroughly, and then swipe on some mineral oil with a lint-free cloth.

2. Washing Reusable Grocery Bags

I don’t know about you, but I frequently forget to wash my cloth grocery bags even though I know they’re prone to harbouring harsh bacteria. Toss them in the washing machine before you begin spring cleaning the kitchen, and they’ll be ready for folding by the time you’re done your chores.

3. Decluttering the Toddler Plates, Cups and Cutlery Drawer

Those of us with toddlers likely have a collection of colourful plates, cups, and cutlery in need of decluttering. Recycle old sippy cups, and dispose of anything that’s frayed, cracked, or broken.

4. Sharpening Knives

This is a great time to give all of your knives a good sharpen. To begin, wash each of your knives in hot soapy water to remove any debris, and dry thoroughly with a clean towel. Using either an electric sharpener, honing steel, or sharpening stone, sharpen each of your knives, wipe on a tea towel, and return them to their place of storage. If you use a magnetic rack, give it a thorough cleaning before you replace the knives, and if you have a wooden knife block you may want to condition it with mineral oil first.

5. Descaling the Kettle

If you use your electric kettle regularly, there is sure to be some hard water scaling inside, which slows down the heating process. To clean, fill the kettle three-quarters full with equal parts water and white vinegar. Bring the mixture to a boil and then allow it to sit for 20-30 minutes. Dump the water and rinse the kettle a few times to remove all traces of the vinegar. Dry the inside of the kettle with a clean towel, or leave the lid open and allow it to air dry.

6. Freshening Up the Blender

I find after long periods of use my blender, food processor and Nutri-Bullet canisters all begin to look a little grimy, likely the result of hard water build-up on the plastic container. To clean them, I put a cup or so of water in each vessel, add a drop of dishwashing soap and a quarter of a coarsely chopped lemon. I let each machine run for a minute or more, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. Voila. Sparkling clean containers for your spring smoothies and soups!

Spring cleaning can take place any time of year, and the kids can help, too!

Baby Spring Forward Tips - SavvyMom

Spring Forward Time Change Tips

The end of daylight savings time used to be the best (pre-kids). One extra hour of sleep on the weekend?! Who doesn’t love that?!  A lot of parents now prefer to “spring forward” because their 5am riser will now be waking at “6am” (that makes it a little better right?). Daylight savings time is coming up, but don’t worry, this is the easier of the two time changes. How can you help your baby adjust to the new time? You have a few options:

Tips for the Spring Forward Time Change:

Adjust your schedule before the time change…

Three days before the time change you will move your little one’s schedule earlier by 15 minutes each day.  You will wake them up 15 minutes earlier than your regular wake up time and put them for their nap or naps 15 minutes earlier. Wake them 15 minutes earlier from the naps and then bedtime will also be 15 minutes earlier.  The goal is to shift them closer to the schedule as it will be when you spring forward. When you spring forward nap time will feel like it’s an hour early to your child but by adjusting slowly for a few days, your baby will have started to move towards the new schedule. Two days before the time change you will increase that to 30 minutes earlier than the usual wake up, nap, and bedtime. Finally, one day before, wake them 45 minutes earlier.  On the day of the spring forward, go with your regular schedule. For example, wake up at 6:30am, nap at noon, and bedtime at 7:00pm.

Adjust your clock and your schedule all at once

With this method, change your clocks before you go to bed on Saturday and wake up with the new clock.  Wake your baby at their regular time in the morning on the new clock. If your baby usually wakes at 6:30am then wake them at 6:30am on the new clock. It is true that 5:30am is now 6:30am so you will be waking them one hour earlier than they are used to,  but everything shifts one hour earlier. They might take a little longer to fall asleep at nap and bedtime because “technically” it is one hour earlier than they are used to – but they will adjust in a few days.

A few extra Spring Forward tips:

Make the room dark:
Don’t forget to darken up that room if you haven’t already! The sun will rise earlier and set later. You don't want to confuse your little one's brain about when it is time to sleep. Darkness cues melatonin, our sleep hormone, so darkening it up will help with falling and staying asleep. Remember that we are all different and we will all respond to
daylight savings time differently. The key is to be consistent with your schedule and your little one will adjust.

Keep it cool:
With the time change comes warmer weather. It is a great idea to look at your child’s sleepwear and decide if you need to make a change. Maybe you need a thinner sleep sack or lighter weight pyjamas. We all sleep better in cooler temperatures, so keeping the room between 20-22 °C / 68-72 °F is ideal.

Adults need to adjust their schedule as well:
It is very tempting to stay up later with this time change. It is very easy to convince yourself that even though the clock shows 11:00pm, it’s really only 10:00pm. The problem with this thinking though, is that you do not get the extra hour of sleep in the
morning. Stick with your regular schedule on the new clock! There has been some research that says that car accidents increase that first week after the time change. If you are feeling tired, make your bedtime earlier vs. sleeping in later.

Enjoy the brighter days ahead!

Kids Books for Women's History Month

10 Children’s Books for Women’s History Month

When I was growing up, history classes seemed to feature an endless stream of Great Men, and it was not until university that I discovered the exhilarating world of women’s history. March is Women’s History Month in Canada, and it’s a time to celebrate the impact that women have had in shaping the history of our nation and beyond. With that in mind, consider reading one of these 10 women-centred children’s books for Women’s History Month to your daughters (and sons!) at bedtime, to raise up the next generation of little feminists.

Looking for more ideas to inspire your kids? We share ways to acknowledge International Women’s Day with kids.

10 Kids’ Books for Women’s History Month

The A-Z of Wonder Women, by Yvonne Lin | Available here

This small hardcover book is a dictionary of short biographies of inspiring women, organized in the sequence of the alphabet—for example, Benazir Bhutto (1953-2007), first democratically elected female leader of a Muslim country, and Grace O’Malley (1530-1603), Irish pirate extraordinaire.

It Began With a Page, by Kyo Maclear and Julie Morstad | Available here

This picture book tells the story of the legendary children’s book creator Gyo Fujikawa growing up as a young Japanese immigrant in America, and how she turned to drawing to escape the isolation she felt among the white children at school and through the troubles of WWII.

Alis the Aviator, by Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail and Kalpna Patel | Available here

Here, children are introduced to Alis the Aviator, aka Dr. Alis Kennedy, one of the first Indigenous women in Canada to become a commercial pilot. Alis the Aviator walks readers through a list of important planes from history—once again, in the order of the alphabet.

Dr. Jo: How Sara Josephine Baker Saved the Lives of America’s Children, by Monica Kulling and Julianna Swaney | Available here

This beautifully illustrated picture book brings to life the story of Sara Josephine Baker, who is inspired to become a doctor after the tragic death of her father and brother. She became a trailblazer in the medical field, revolutionizing how doctors approach treating children and babies.

5-Minute Stories for Fearless Girls, by Sarah Howden and Nick Craine | Available here

Important and fearless women make their appearance in this collection of short stories, such as Misty Copeland, the first African-American principal dancer in the American Ballet Theatre, Viola Desmond, the civil rights activist whose portrait now graces our $10 bill, and Tanya Tagaq, an award-winning Inuk throat singer.

Malala’s Magic Pencil, by Malala Yousafzai and Kerascoët | Available here

Malala Yousafzai won the Nobel Peace Prize at 17 years old for her inspiring work advocating for girls’ education rights. In her first picture book, she introduces herself to readers and walks them through her childhood, hopes, and dreams.

Little Dreamers: Visionary Women Around the World, by Vashti Harrison | Available here

In her follow-up to the popular Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History, author Vashti Harrison celebrates the lives of women from around the world who were visionaries in their fields. It includes artists, scientists, and inventors such as Sister Corita Kent, a 20th-century American nun who created prints and watercolours to promote social justice, and Hypatia of Alexandria, an ancient Egyptian philosopher, astronomer, and mathematician.

A Computer Called Katherine, by Suzanne Slade and Veronica Miller Jamison | Available here

This picture book introduces children to Katherine Johnson (you may know her from the film Hidden Figures), the pioneering mathematician that worked for NASA, broke gender and racial barriers, and helped put the first American in space and the first person in the world on the moon.

Herstory: 50 Women and Girls Who Shook Up the World, by Katherine Halligan and Sarah Walsh | Available here

This hardcover tome features the lives of 50 women who shaped history, spanning the centuries from medieval military leaders like Saint Joan of Arc to 20th-century politicians like Indira Gandhi, the first and only female prime minister of India.

Our House Is on Fire, by Jeanette Winter | Available here

This picture book tells the story of teenage environmental activist Greta Thunberg who has inspired a worldwide student climate change movement.

6 Spring Veggies to Get Excited About - SavvyMom

6 Spring Veggies to Get Excited About

Spring. What an awesome season. Winter is (finally) subsiding, the days are getting warmer, the light stays around for longer, the birds are chirping, and the trees are starting to bloom. Spring is also the time when we say see-ya-later to heavy winter vegetables (we’re looking at you potatoes, squash, and beets) and say hello to the fresh and spring veggies that the season is all about. For a little inspiration, we’re sharing our favourite six spring veggies to get excited about. They don’t last long so start shopping!

6 Spring Veggies to Get Excited About

1. Asparagus

Asparagus is an excellent source of folacin, glutathione, and protein as well as thiamin and Vitamin B6. It also packed with rutin which is excellent for strengthening capillary walls. Asparagus actually trims itself in that when you snap it, it will break exactly where it should be trimmed – a little trick of nature. Asparagus should be stored standing up in water to maintain its freshness so avoid buying if it is just in bunches or the tray is dry. Look for stalks about six to ten inches in length that are a nice crisp, green. Stalks should be firm and the tips should be closed tightly. Avoid really thick stalks or stalks that are white at the ends as these tend to be very woody and much of the stems will go to waste. Asparagus is more versatile than most spring veggies as it can be served in many ways from soups to salads and as the perfect accompaniment for fish, poultry, and meats. It can also be prepared quickly and easily from a quick zap in the microwave to grilling. It also has a bright, distinct flavour with slightly bitter, yet pleasing undertones.

If your kids are reluctant, mention the pee smell thing. That alone might convince them to try it.

 

2. Radishes

Although most well-known for the small, round, red-skinned variety, radishes actually come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, colours, and even flavours. They can be small and round like a nut, or they can be fairly large and tube-shaped, like a carrot. They also come in a rainbow of colours, from deep reds to pinks and purples to stark white and black. And, as a cruciferous vegetable like broccoli (a well-known nutritional powerhouse), radishes have a host of health benefits, from helping to eliminate toxins from your body to fighting cancer and keeping you cool and hydrated all summer long. This is one of the most under-appreciated spring veggies, and you should be excited about it!

3. Rhubarb

Rhubarb is a gorgeous plant with its ruby red to pale pink stalks and bright green leaves. It is actually a vegetable but its lovely flavour is better suited to desserts so many think of it as a fruit. Rhubarb is a source of potassium, vitamin C, and calcium, and is also an anti-oxidant. Rhubarb is a great plant for your garden as it is quite robust. It will come back every spring and enable you to create yummy pies, crumbles, jams, and chutneys. But beware! The leaves of rhubarb are actually poisonous and should be discarded so only the stalks can be consumed. The stalks of rhubarb should be cooked before eating them. And if you often find yourself overrun with it, we have lots of great ideas for rhubarb.

4. Arugula

This list of spring veggies is a little misleading since Arugula is actually an herb. It has a wonderfully peppery flavour with a hint of mustard. It is also known as rocket. The smaller the leaves, the smoother and less bitter the flavour. Arugula has to be thoroughly soaked and cleaned as it can have a lot of grit like spinach. It’s packed with healthy nutrients including phytochemicals, anti-oxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It is also a powerful antioxidant that contains Vitamins A, K, and C. It is great for young women who are trying to get pregnant as it is an excellent source for folic acid.

5. Morels

You are forgiven for not having a clue what this is. Morels are a wild mushroom recognizable by their spongy, brain like appearance. They are sought out by mushroom enthusiasts every spring. They grow around many species of trees including apple trees so they can often be found in apple orchards. However, because there are both poisonous and edible versions, buy them at the grocers to be safe. Morels are low in fat and high in iron, Vitamin D, and phosphorous. Morels must be cooked before eaten as they can make you ill if you eat them raw.

6. Peas

Peas are an excellent source of folacin and contain Vitamins A and C, fibre, and potassium. They are a wonderful snack eaten raw when in season. Pair them with mint when in season and enjoy shelled or in the shell fresh off the vine.

Peas should be bright, deep green and the pods should be glossy. You rarely find them shelled as the pods protect them and are often delicious to eat. Store peas in the fridge in a plastic bag for several days but they are best eaten as fresh as possible. Add peas to rice and stews, in salads and soups, and in or out of their pods. Peas are easily grown at home and can be eaten right off the vine. If you have only ever had canned peas, you must try them fresh. Frozen peas are quite nice and can be enjoyed all year long.

Introducing Global Cuisines to Kids - SavvyMom

Introducing Global Cuisines to Kids

Exposing your kids to flavours from across the globe can be an exciting and enriching experience. Food is a basic necessity and it plays a vital role when it comes to culture and identity. As parents, we are constantly looking at ways to introduce our little ones to varied cultures and traditions. Introducing global cuisines to kids to will help expand their taste buds. It will also teach them about the diversity of cultures and traditions that exist globally.

Here’s how to introduce Global Cuisines to Kids

Mexican Food

Flavourful, colourful, and easy to put together. Mexican food is simple, and can be customized to suit everyone’s palate. For your little one, you can start with tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and nachos. These are safe foods that are packed with flavour. They are also great for picky eaters as they can be filled with a variety of ingredients like cheese, beans, chicken, and vegetables — or only one or two of the above. While Mexican food is known for its bold and spicy flavours, guacamole is a perfect example of a dish that can can have the fire toned down and can be served as breakfast, snack, or dinner. It pairs well with several meals.

Kids can also have fun making their own tacos or quesadillas by choosing their own fillings.

Black Bean Quesadilla Recipe:

You need:

  • 1 can of black beans
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon of cumin
  • Salt and pepper
  • 4 tortillas
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salsa (optional)

Preparation:

  • Drain and rinse the black beans. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the black beans, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes. Place a tortilla in the skillet, sprinkle cheese over one half of the tortilla.
  • Spoon the black bean mixture on top of the cheese. Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling and press down gently. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until cheese is melted and tortilla is crispy.

Japanese Food

Healthy and visual appealing is how Japanese food is described best. The bite-sized portions and colourful appearance will get kids to enjoy their mealtimes. Sushi, is a great way to introduce this cuisine to you kids. It can be made fun and interactive as they can help roll and assemble their own sushi rolls. Start with simple maki rolls filled with avocado or cucumber and work your way up to more complex rolls with fish and other ingredients. Another fun and healthy Japanese dish to make with kids is onigiri, a rice ball filled with savoury ingredients like grilled salmon or pickled vegetables.

Recipe: Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

You need:

  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons of honey
  • 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
  • 1 clove of garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper
  • Bamboo skewers

Preparation:

  • Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
  • Soak bamboo skewers in water for 10 minutes.
  • In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers. Brush the chicken skewers with the teriyaki sauce. Grill or broil the skewers for 5-7 minutes on each side, until fully cooked.

Indian Food

An amalgamation of spice, flavour, and aroma! You may think that Indian cuisine only has spicy stuff or bold flavours, however if you make the right choices you are in for a treat. Kids may enjoy butter chicken, a creamy tomato-based curry served with rice or naan. Another popular dish is samosas, crispy fried pastries filled with spiced potatoes and peas. For a sweet treat, try making gulab jamun, soft and spongy milk-based balls soaked in a sweet syrup.

African Cuisine

Diverse and bold, African cuisine varies greatly from region to region. One popular dish is jollof rice, a savoury and flavourful rice dish that is often served with chicken or beef. Kids may also enjoy trying injera, a soft and spongy bread that is commonly eaten in Ethiopia and Eritrea. For a sweet treat, try making koeksisters, a South African pastry that is fried and coated in syrup.

Middle Eastern

A shawarma will have your kids sing praises! Middle Eastern cuisine is full of bold and fragrant flavours. Most kids enjoy hummus, the creamy dip made from chickpeas, tahini, and olive oil, or falafel, crispy fried balls made from ground chickpeas and spices. For a main course, try making shawarma, a delicious wrap filled with marinated chicken or beef, fresh vegetables, and a tangy yogurt sauce.

Korean Food

As far as global cuisines go, Korean food has gained popularity in recent years, and for good reason. It’s full of flavour and often involves interactive dishes like Korean barbecue. One easy dish to start with is bibimbap, a rice dish with a variety of toppings like vegetables, egg, and beef. Your kids will probably also love Korean fried chicken, which is crispy and delicious.

Becoming a More Relaxed Parent - SavvyMom

Learning to Be a Relaxed Parent and Let My Kids Fall

Before you have a child, you think you know what kind of parent you’re going to be. I thought I’d be a totally relaxed parent and go with the flow. And it turned out my daughter thrived on structure. I imagined we’d spend hours playing with each other’s hair. Nuh-uh. That kid even looks at a brush and she screams.

Here’s where I really went wrong though… I thought I was going to let her be a blank slate, let her fall and fail and make mistakes and learn from them. But from the moment she was born, without really realizing it, I’ve been inadvertently preventing her from hearing her own inner voice that tells her to, “Go for it.”

Every time she tried to take a bigger step in the playground, my frown deepened in fear. Every time she got innocently curious and ran off to see something, I’d yell, “Watch out!” “Slow down!” or ‘Be careful!” The exact opposite of being a relaxed parent.

And as much as I hate parenting terms, I see now that I’ve been a helicopter parent. Since my hovering has been mostly around sports and physical challenges, maybe I don’t quite fit the stereotype. But in at least one area, the propeller blades on my helicopter are working overtime.

There’s a running joke among my friends that I never have to worry about the dreaded mid-day call from school. You know, that one where they’re calling to say your child fell doing something crazy in the playground? My daughter is so cautious she won’t attempt more than the first two monkey bars. And I’ve secretly been thrilled. So long as her timidity never held her back socially, I’ve been quite content not to have that extra worry on top of the usual ordinary parenting concerns.

But the more I started watching her at play, the more I started to hear my words echoing back at me: “Watch out, slow down, be careful.”

When my husband taught her to ride a bike, he said, “Stay straight, look ahead, you can do it.” It suddenly hit me that I was always telling her what not to do. I’m not saying I didn’t offer encouragement, or appreciate her success, but I may have reduced the accomplishment’s validation because I was too busy worrying to enjoy the moment and celebrate it with her.

I really became aware of all this recently during a hike with friends and their particularly adventurous sons. The kids were practically flying down the trail and I felt myself start to warn her to slow down. They were running down hills, and my mouth opened to caution her again. It was like an out of body experience—or a really bad after-school special—and I suddenly just got it. She was listening to her voice, trusting herself to take a chance, and I was about to ruin it. I braced myself, smiled, and watched with pride as she began to really explore her surroundings, climbing and moving with ease and certainty.

Since that day, I’ve been watching my beautiful, independent child really take chances, and while I may occasionally tense up when she decides to scale the playground wall, goes a little fast on her scooter, or finally, confidently reaches for that third monkey bar, I will force myself not to stand in her way. I’m babystepping my way to becoming a more relaxed parent.

I may never stop being a helicopter parent, but I will do everything I can to make sure she’s in the pilot seat.

What Do I Do When the Kids Get Bored? - SavvyMom

What Do I Do When the Kids Get Bored?

Boredom isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Kids need to learn independent play and boredom may be the first step to creativity. That said, there’s not much worse than kids who claim they are bored ESPECIALLY when it’s March Break and you didn’t get a chance to plan anything. Also, kids seem to get bored so easily these days. Here are some tips to teach kids how to manage boredom and how to stop yourself from whining back at them.

What to Do When Kids Get Bored

Give a head’s up

Before things go sideways, explain that you’ll do some things as a family and that they will have to entertain themselves at other times in the day.

Make a Schedule

Making a daily schedule can be helpful for everyone. With a shared schedule, kids don’t have to keep asking you to decide what is happening next.

Create a List of Ideas

Before they’ve even had the chance to get bored, create a What Can I Do list. Make a list of books to read, games to play, craft projects to create, stories to write, pictures to be drawn, puzzles or word problems to solve, and friends with whom to play (including their phone numbers). These activities can take place in a tent in the backyard or in a fort in the family room.

Teach Independence

Take the time to teach independent play. Start small (just a few minutes) each day and build it up as they become more capable.

Be Prepared

Plan a respectful response to the dreaded exclamation, “I’m bored!” Replying with, “If you’re bored with all of these toys around, I’m going to start throwing them away!” isn’t helpful.

Try one of these suggestions:

  • You may continue to be bored or you can find something to do from your list. I know you’ll make the right decision for you.
  • Perhaps your body and mind need some quiet time. Why don’t you check your list?

Often “I’m bored,” really means, “I need to be with you.” Acknowledge these feelings and teach them to ask for some time with you instead of whining about being bored.

Lastly, when our children are home all day, we cannot totally disengage. If we tell our kids, “You’ve got me for an hour before I have to make lunch,” then we need to provide undivided attention. Phones, screens, and other devices need to wait. We would expect the same of them. Multi-tasking our attention creates misbehaviour that demands our full attention. Set your family up for success and enjoy your time home with the kids. And when all else fails, here’s what’s streaming for kids this month.