The past few months have been challenging. We have a tween testing the parameters of independence, friends with terminal health issues and an unpredictable work schedule. Drifting away from each other only exacerbates the stress. The kids needed separation from unreasonable peer influences and we needed to pull our two boys back into our arms. Holding kids close can be tough when bullies, sports demands and homework pressure take over. We needed to reign everyone in and reconnect – get the little birds back in the nest for a while so that they could regain security and stay true to themselves.
Our family just returned from falling in love with the Viva Wyndham Azteca through Sunwing Vacations. While our getaways are usually complicated, this time we went to one place for the entire thing – sunwing.ca. Not only is Sunwing a full-service airline, but they provide transfers, evaluate hotels, ensure value in their excursions, and allow you to book everything in one place. Typically, it can take a few days to get acclimatized and relaxed as your vacation begins. We don’t want you to miss an ounce of pleasure or relaxation, so the kids and I put together a few tips and tricks that could help you milk every second of your getaway.
We all wistfully count every summer moment with our kids, knowing that there will be a time when there are no more long, lazy days. Sometime in August, though, a chorus of ‘I’m Bored!’ rings through the house. The blowup backyard wading pool has lost its intrigue and you are breaking all of your parenting rules by caving in to extending their gaming time on a daily basis. By now, camps are all full and also expensive. Take a deep breath, because there are some amazing options!
Robyn Cyr is one hip and awesome grandma. During the day she plays with her grandkids, aged 10, six and two, at the Salmon Arm Roots & Blues Festival. They romp in the bouncy castle and play games in the Family Fun Zone and pound on bongos, shake tambourines and dance in the interactive Playzone. Of course, there are drinks and treats from food truck alley afterward. Then the kids go home to the babysitter and Cyr gathers her husband, daughter and son-in-law.
March break starts next week and the worst is when you fall into travel pitfalls when you’re on a family vacation. I’ve got some great tips to help you avoid them and make sure your trip is smooth sailing (or flying!)
This post is sponsored by Bayer. To make sure these products are right for you, always read and follow the label.
I just love March break, there’s no school and we are free to travel with the kids and explore. I think they really do need the break! In all the excitement, it’s really important to make sure you’re prepared before you rush out the door. It’s all about contingency planning – think about the things that could go wrong and planning for them so you don’t waste a minute of your precious family time on common (and avoidable!) vacation fails. Whether you’re hitting the slopes or a water slide, make the most of your time off with these simple tips.
When was the last time you explored your own backyard?
Recently, I was invited to test drive both the 2018 Lexus NX 300 F Sport and the Lexus NX 300 Hybrid under the magnificent gaze of the snow-sprinkled hills of the Okanagan with Lexus Canada.
The more I see of my birthplace, I wish I had explored extensively and heard tons more stories from locals as I grew up. I am feeling abundantly thankful for Chevrolet Canada for inviting me to drive the amazing Traverse around the Bay of Fundy. Youth may be wasted on the young, but travel at any age is never a waste. Even in your own backyard. I vow to take as many road trips and holidays as I possibly can with my family in order to broaden our minds and strengthen our bonds. The kids will have to do the trek through New Brunswick and Nova Scotia with me in the future, because there is nothing like the Maritimes. Sociable!
Jill Amery is the publisher of Urban Mommies Media and was born and bred on the East Coast of Canada. Jill recently visited Halifax, Nova Scotia and takes us on a video journey around the Historic Properties (aka Privateer’s Wharf) to see all the sights and sounds of a busy East Coast city, and learn a little Canadian history as well!
Children have big dreams. Usually, these dreams seem so far-fetched that grow ups will say, “That’s impossible,” but the heart of a child knows better. Even if the youngest of my companions during a screening of the animated film Leap! could see all best friends Felicie and Victor really need is the courage and the faith to take a leap if they want to realize their dreams of reaching Paris to become a ballerina and inventor.
