7 Children’s Books I Enjoy Reading

Disclaimer: This post contains the cutest amazon affiliate links to board books for the little ones. 

Yes you read the title right! I’m not a kid but what’s a good read if the storyteller and the audience can’t both enjoy it? Who doesn’t love a good children’s book that captivates with rhyme, rhythm, cadence or just great pictures? So for World Book Day here 7 of my current favourite books to read to my kids:

1. One fish, Two fish, Red fish, Blue fish
Got this as a gift at one of my baby showers and it’s a good one! There’s so much silliness going on in this story -  I can’t get enough of it. I’m a sucker for Dr. Seuss and the silly rhymes and made up words.

2. Giraffes can’t dance
Gerald the Giraffe is such an endearing character, very graceful and wise under pressure. This story has a great message for Littles about not giving up because they’re not naturally good at something.

  

3. Cows In the Kitchen
These animals are all up to no good, they’re all over the house and up to no good. If you feel like your kids turn your house upside down you can definitely relate to this fun chaos.

4. Goodnight, God
Love this little book. For starters it’s basically a prayer; a beautiful kid sized prayer that’s very relevant and relatable.

5. The Gruffalo
I really like these stories about the ‘underdog’ (or in this case under mouse) characters who use their wit to outsmart much larger prey. Definitely a fun read and beautiful illustrations to show how it all plays out.

6. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
Hands down the book that really taught my 2 ur old the alphabet.  We actually discovered the video before the book. Highly recommend searching the song on YouTube. It’s so fun and catchy so if you get tired of reading the book you can always sing it. I already know the book by heart.

7. Circle of Friends 
Such a positive message about friendship and how friends should act. I expected nothing less from Sesame Street. This book also has such beautiful illustrations, that I often spend time just asking my little ones about different characters - which is great for building comprehension skills. I know I said 7 but we’re talking about favourite  books here...

8. Love You Forever
Robert Munsch does such a beautiful job telling this story of a bond between mother and son/child for life. This book gives all the feels. Loved it so much I bought a few copies to gift to other mamas.

What children’s books do you enjoy reading to your kids?

 

6 Virtual Canadian Adventures

Royal Ontario Museum

This post is specially for the Mamas and Papas who had a Canadian adventure planned this year. Since those adventures likely won’t happen the way we imagined, in 2020, here are 6 Canadian adventures you can have virtually! 💜 Each of these museums and art galleries offer inspiring  online collections – explore them in your mommy time alone or during family time with the kids in tow. You’re welcome!

1. The Art Gallery of Ontario
2. The Museum of Anthropology
3. The Vancouver Maritime Museum 
4. The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
5. The Canadian Museum of History
6. The Textile Museum of Canada

What Canadian (or non Canadian) adventure did you have planned for 2020?

Kid Approved Recipes

Have a little chef on your hands who always wants in on what you’re cooking? Here are 7 kid friendly and very customizable recipes, that the whole family can enjoy making. 

What’s the last meal your little chef helped with and what meal will you be tackling next?

DIY Hand Soap For Kids

In the haze of the early COVID 19 panic buying, I also needed bath soap for my babies and antibacterial hand soap for the entirety family. As stock was depleting at most retailers I started researching alternatives and stumbled upon Dr. Bronner’s soaps. I specifically got Pure Baby Castille soap as it’s the mildest version and would be best for my kids. It’s concentrated soap which is great as it means we can get several uses out of this. Here are the things we’ve used it for so far:

1. DIY hand soap for the kids and the entire family! We just poured a bit into an empty pump foam bottle and added some drops of tea tree essential oil to give it antibacterial properties. This has also helped to reduce the ashiness of our hands.

2. As a bath soap for the kids. This has been really helpful in clearing up a stubborn patch of eczema on my youngest that even the fancy baby eczema soaps could not budge.

3. This has made a great laundry detergent for rinsing my babies soiled cloth diapers and clothes. A little really does go a long way here.

What are some other uses you’ve found for pure castille soap? 

Breastfeeding During COVID-19

As mentioned in a previous post, I recently had a bout with COVID 19. During this period I did breastfeed and I did find that my youngest (under a year) was the least affected by any symptoms. Canada has not yet published any specific guidelines around breastfeeding while positive with COVID 19. However, the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) among others recommend that breast is still best. 

Are there any guidelines around breastfeeding during COVID-19 in Canada?

At this time, there are no Canadian guidelines published on COVID-19 and breastfeeding. Below are some resources, shared by Enfamil Canada in their recent newsletter to parents, that can help to inform your breastfeeding decision.

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued interim guidance on breastfeeding and COVID 19 (https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-special-circumstances/maternal-or-infant-illnesses/covid-19-and-breastfeeding.html)

• The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (https://www.rcpch.ac.uk/key-topics/covid-19)

• The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (United Kingdom) (https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/guidelines/coronavirus-pregnancy/)

• Dietitians of Canada (https://www.dietitians.ca/News/2020/Advice-for-the-general-public-about-COVID-19)

Guidance on breastfeeding and COVID-19 may change as knowledge evolves.  Whether and how to start or continue breastfeeding should be determined by the mother in coordination with her family and healthcare providers. 

 Are you a breastfeeding or soon to be breastfeeding mom? What are your thoughts on breastfeeding during this time?

4 Indoor Movement Ideas for Littles

No backyard or the weather outside is just not great? Here’s a quick back to basics list of 4 fun activities to keep littles preoccupied indoors. Print it out and put it up in case you run out of ideas.🤪You’re Welcome! What other indoor activities for littles would you add?