I have been in the wonderful world of Early Childhood Education for 10 years now and although advances in research and technology have come to change our understanding of childhood development, one thing has not changed: Play. By nature, humans are born to play. Playing is instinctive and fundamental to our existence. Research indicates that… read more
The annual Montréal en lumière festival kicks off this week, with a free, fun outdoor scene for families at downtown’s Place des Festivals. There are some new features this year, including a giant interactive slide, children’s shows and costumed characters. Plus, the ferris wheel is back! Also outdoors, check out the Ste. Anne de… read more
A while ago, I received 5 telephone calls that sounded like this: Parent: “I need a tutor for my child.” Robin: “Okay, can you tell me what subject your child needs help with?” Parent: “He needs help with math.” Robin: “What types of difficulties does he have in math?” Parent: “He’s unmotivated and homework time… read more
Valentine’s day is fast approaching, are you ready? Perhaps you need flowers for your sweetheart, cupcakes for a class of 20, dinner reservations, or even a baby sitter for the big night? Fear not, Mummieslist is here to help! Valentine’s Day Savings Valentine’s Day is the holiday to celebrate love and romance; but by the… read more
Everybody’s Making Excuses Recently, I was listening to a mom complain that her daughter had not learned ANYTHING in school– FOR THE PAST FOUR YEARS! And guess what? She is convinced that this year will be the same. At the risk of sounding fed-up, I must admit that I do not blame this mother for… read more
Healthy eating is easier than we think! You don’t need to become a vegetarian nor a vegan to benefit from adding more whole grains, fruits or vegetables to your daily diet. While you might not know where to start, I’ve decided to include five easy tips to include in your daily lifestyle. Eat more carbs:… read more
It was 2 months before the due date of my third son. I was nesting away in the house by myself. I was trying to figure out if I was having another boy or a girl (we never found out) and if I should give all the boy clothes I’d been hoarding for 5 years away… read more
It dawned on me last night that I will be turning 36 years old in about a month’s time. It also occurred to me that a lady never reveals her true age, but who am I kidding, I’m no lady, I’m a Mommy! A real, honest-to-goodness, if-its-not-bleeding-than-you-are-okay kind of Mom! Nope, no lady here! … read more
Free Holiday Events in Montreal Fire on Ice The evening sky lights up with fireworks throughout the holiday season with themed Saturday night including Sleeping Beauty, Puss ‘n Boots, Alice in Wonderland and more. December 3, 2011 – January 7, 2012; Quays of the Old Port Skating at Beaver Lake Strap on your… read more
Hello Montreal parents! Does anyone else out there suffer from Seasonal Parenting Disorder? Signs and symptoms of SPD may include: *Lower back spasms due to daily snow pant struggles *Headaches due to debates with toddlers about the virtues of mittens vs. gloves *More headaches due to debates with older children about how they could have lost their… read more
Before I had my babies, I had such grandiose ideas about child-rearing. I didn’t understand why parents of young children were always complaining, tired and at their wits end. How could taking care of little kids be so difficult? Surely, they were doing something wrong. Funny how we remember our old ideas and opinions… read more
On January 17, 2012, Vanessa Percher aka “Veganessa” was interviewed the CBC Daybreak show to talk about the growing trend of Veganism in Montreal. Listen to a clip of the show here: vegan_private_chefs_2891424 Vanessa was also kind enough to share a vegan recipe with us, published in the Gazette last December. If you try this recipe, comment… read more
With mild temperatures in the forecast, it looks like a great weekend to head out to a winter carnival, or a play, or a workshop – there are lots of choices! Here are 5 ideas for what to do this weekend from the I Spy Montreal Weekend Guide. 1. Kirkland’s Winter Carnival hosts… read more
For most families, at this point in the school year, kid lunches are starting to get stale. Well not literally, but I’ll bet a lot of moms are starting to pack the same old boring lunches day in and day out. I love making lunches for my boys. For me, it’s a work of art…. read more
A few weeks ago I furtively checked online and found what I was looking for. Cleared my history to avoid detection by my husband and kids. I drove to my destination and parked in the back to avoid running into anyone I knew. Got out of my car furtively glancing around wishing I didn’t leave… read more
Parents, it’s winter carnival madness this weekend, with 10+ winter carnivals happening from Laval to Brossard. Temperatures look mild, and there’s sunshine in the forecast, so let’s attach our tuques! Go big: If you like the idea of the mega carnivals with tons of activities, head out for the last weekend of La Féte… read more
There’s a fresh batch of winter carnivals this weekend, including events in N.D.G., Montreal West, Dollard, Dorval, St. Laurent and T.M.R. If you want to make a day trip out of it, head for Repentigny’s Festival Feu et Glace, where there are extra bells and whistles, including fireworks and a ferris wheel. Other mega… read more
