Parenting Resources


Feature Writer: Michelle Carchrae
Michelle Carchrae, Michelle Carchrae

Ever wished your child came with an instruction manual? Every child and every parent is unique, but we've got parenting resources to help you be a great parent, whether you're a mom or dad, married, single or co-habiting, stay-at-home parent or working outside your home. Here you will find information to help you develop your skills and confidence as a parent, including reviews of parenting books, how to find great childcare or set up a free childcare swap, balancing work and parenting and how to find parenting classes.

Of course, one of the biggest and best resources for parents is a supportive community of other parents, so stop in and add your voice to our discussions and check out our articles and blogs.

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Father and Son Reading, Stacy Braswell
feature articles
Michelle Carchrae

Physical Activity and Kids Health

In: Parenting Resources (general)

Children need fun, active adult role models to help them get physically active and stay healthy. more...

Career Options for Working Parents

In: Parenting Resources (general)

Trying to decide whether to go back to full time work or work from home when your baby arrives? There's a wide range of choices, so pick the one that is right for you. more...

Planning a Family Holiday

In: Parenting Resources (general)

For a family holiday that everyone can enjoy, choose a variety of activities, organize your paperwork in advance and don't forget to relax! more...

Flying With Children

In: Parenting Resources (general)

A collection of tips to help you travel by plane with children from newborn to school-age, with minimal stress and maximum enjoyment. more...

Choosing a School for Your Child

In: Parenting Resources (general)

Public, Private, Alternative and Homeschooling choices all have their own unique benefits and challenges, but one will fit your child better than the rest. more...

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Michelle Carchrae

May 5, 2008

Boosting Environmental Awareness

For urban children and their caregivers it can take a special effort to get into the garden and learn how our food comes from the ground, but the experience is essential.


I've recently started reading Barbara Kingsolver's new book, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle [Harper Perennial, 2008. ISBN 0060852569), and it's really gotten me thinking about the responsibility parents and caregivers have to teach our children about how the world works. This means going beyond teaching social graces and brushing teeth to ensuring kids have a working knowledge of where our food comes from (it's not just the grocery store) and how we get clean water (besides turning on the tap).

I was raised a city kid myself, and I remember very clearly one summer vacation when we went out to visit friends and family who lived out on the prairies. We stayed with a family who lived on a potato and cattle farm, and one afternoon we drove out to the field in the pickup truck. Our farmer friend hopped out, let us pick out a plant, and then he turned it over with his shovel. I was astounded to see potatoes lying there in the ground, waiting for us to pick them out.

Food comes from the ground! What a concept!

For families who live in rural areas, grow their own vegetables and drink water from their own wells these ideas might seem as plain as the nose on your face. But for growing numbers of children who spend their entire childhoods in urban areas, it is important for parents and caregivers to make a special effort to ensure that kids have opportunities to get their hands dirty and learn firsthand where food comes from. Whether you join a community garden, head out of the city to visit a working farm or befriend a neighbour with a veggie patch, the experience will help to develop your children's environmental awareness.

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