Family

Let us help navigate daily life with your growing family, with everything from kids’ craft and activity ideas to advice on discipline and birthday party inspiration.

Why it's time to stop giving your kids plastic straws

Why it's time to stop giving your kids plastic straws

They are fun and bendy and make it easier to drink from a cup, but an estimated 57 million plastic straws are thrown away every day in Canada.

Alex Mlynek

The technology trap: Should you give your kid a smartphone?

The technology trap: Should you give your kid a smartphone?

Parents are turning to devices to keep tabs on their children, affording the youngsters much-needed independence. Do the benefits outweigh the risks?

Aaron Hutchins

25 best kids’ movies on US Netflix

25 best kids’ movies on US Netflix

Can’t find anything to watch with the kids? Here’s a list of the best family-friendly films on Netflix. Now just grab some popcorn and a blanket and get comfy.

Kristina Cappetta

How to feel like yourself again after having a baby

How to feel like yourself again after having a baby

Life has changed in a major way, but you can get back to feeling like yourself again—inside and out—with a little style, beauty and emotional self-care.

Today's Parent

6 top mineral sunscreens

6 top mineral sunscreens

It's time to switch to a mineral sunscreen. These new formulas blend in well, offer broad-spectrum protection and won't cause irritation. Bring on the sun!

Charlotte Herrold

We need to stop worrying and just let our kids play

We need to stop worrying and just let our kids play

Kids want to play with real tools, to jump from heights, to make up their own minds about what's dangerous and what's not. So what are we so afraid of?

Stephen Marche

10 amazing playgrounds that let kids take risks

10 amazing playgrounds that let kids take risks

From zip lines to mudslides to DIY forts, some of the best playgrounds across North America let kids really go wild. Here are our 10 favourites.

Adriana Parente

Why helicopter parenting can be a sign of privilege

Why helicopter parenting can be a sign of privilege

For some moms and dads, hovering is just not an option. Why are their peers so quick to judge them?

Bee Quammie

I am not overprotective—I am a mom who lost a child

I am not overprotective—I am a mom who lost a child

When a child dies, you lose the choice to be a carefree, free-range mother. Here's why one mom wants the indictment of helicopter parenting to stop.

Heather Hamilton, as told to Kate Rae

How did good parenting become a crime?

How did good parenting become a crime?

Parents get visits from family service workers over complaints they let their kids play in the backyard. Have we taken this safety thing too far?

Aaron Hutchins

How the Mark Zuckerberg backlash is for people who’re #ActuallyAutistic

How the Mark Zuckerberg backlash is for people who’re #ActuallyAutistic

As a Facebook user I’m furious at Mark Zuckerberg. As an autism mom, I’m furious at the people mocking him.

Alexandra Samuel

Tired mom beauty hacks put to the test: Part 2

Tired mom beauty hacks put to the test: Part 2

Mandy and Tiffany are back and putting more beauty hacks to the test. From ice rollers to DIY face masks, can these tricks really make us look less tired?

Today's Parent

Forget cereal—dietitians say pizza is a healthier breakfast option

Forget cereal—dietitians say pizza is a healthier breakfast option

Yep, a slice of that cheesy goodness in the morning is probably better for you and your kids than pouring that bowl of sugary cereal.

Kevin John Siazon

9 Forgot-About-Dinner Dinner Recipes

9 Forgot-About-Dinner Dinner Recipes

No dinner plan? No problem. These speedy last-minute dinner recipes won't even require a pit stop for groceries.

Chatelaine

How to make Calzones using store-bought pizza dough

How to make Calzones using store-bought pizza dough

Turning your pizza into a pocket means you can load it up with even more delicious toppings—and they won’t even notice if you sneak in some veggies.

Today's Parent

New study shows FASD rates in Canada higher than we thought

New study shows FASD rates in Canada higher than we thought

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder often goes undetected and untreated, but new research shows it’s surprisingly prevalent in Canada.

Valerie Howes

Budget travel: 12 ways to save money on your next family vacation

Budget travel: 12 ways to save money on your next family vacation

With a little bit of help, you can plan the best family vacation ever—and you won't have to break the bank (we promise!)

Barry Choi

This genius new Ikea product will instantly organize any room in your home

This genius new Ikea product will instantly organize any room in your home

If you can't seem to organize your whole life, at least the Ikea Skadis series can easily organize any room in your home.

Alexandra Gater, Chatelaine

Family wellness guide

Family wellness guide

Today's Parent

5 fun games to play at the park

5 fun games to play at the park

Try out these fun and active park games the next time you head out with the kids!

Today's Parent