Looking for Childcare
A couple of months ago we began the process of looking for a part-time childcare space for Parker. It has been a far more difficult process than I had ever imagined. I have heard the news stories, read magazine articles and heard personal stories about the lack of affordable, suitable childcare in Canada but until I was actually looking I really didn’t understand the stress this places on parents.
I searched all the normal places: asked for referrals from friends, family, colleagues, etc. Went to
CCRR and asked for the listings in my area, searched the local newspaper for ads, searched
craigslist on a daily basis, and searched
Daycare Bear. I made what felt like a million phone calls to hear the same message over and over, “I’m sorry, I don’t have any spaces available for a child that age.”
When we did finally find two people with a space available we went to interview them and have a tour of the centre/home. However, neither of them was the right fit for us. One of them was only offering a four-day spot and we only wanted a three-day spot. Plus their hours of operation didn’t allow us any time for commuting, they were literally open the same hours my husband works. The other place was just an unacceptable space. There wasn’t much natural light, there was no separate napping area and a long list of things that needed to be fixed.
We felt pretty stuck and stressed out. I couldn’t go to work until we had found daycare for Parker and we couldn’t imagine sending him somewhere we didn’t feel 100% about. It also had to be affordable. I mean is there any point in working if I’m paying more than half my income for daycare? Not to me, anyways.
So after a few long months of searching and stressing, we sat down and worked out how much I would be bringing in if I worked part-time and how much daycare would cost. Honestly, even making decent money it just wasn’t worth it. We have now given up our search for childcare and I have decided to be a SAHM. I do want to work. I need that in my life, so I’m determined to make my career work for my family. I’ll tell you all about it in my next post.
I would love to hear how you found childcare or made the decision to stay home, please share.
~Sarah
Labels: childcare, SAHM, Sarah, working
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Potato Salad
With the warm weather comes picnics and with picnics potato salad. Try this twist on the old favourite and you'll be sure to delight your guests.
Potato Salad
Ingredients:
1.5-2 lbs Potatoes
1 Yam
1 Shallot, chopped
3-4 Celery Stalks, chopped
3 Tbsp red wine vinegar
1 Tbsp Sugar
2 Tbsp Dijon
1/3 Cup Olive Oil
Chopped Dill to taste
Salt & Pepper to taste
Directions:
Chop and cook your potatoes and yam. Meanwhile, chop the shallot and celery. Set aside. In a separate bowl whisk red wine vinegar, sugar, dijon, olive oil and salt & pepper together. Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl, add chopped dill to taste. This recipe can be served warm or cold, it tastes great both ways.
Enjoy,
Sarah
Labels: picnic, potato salad, Recipe, Sarah, warm weather
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On the Hunt for Kids Music
Parker loves music. He likes watching people play instruments. He likes playing his drums, and other little instruments. His favorite TV program is the episode of Sesame Street called ‘let’s make music’ with the group Stomp on it.
So I’m on the hunt for some good kids music that won’t drive me crazy. Here is what I’ve found so far:
The Beatles – there are some great tunes to jump around to with your toddler and some fun lyrics for your older child.
Rock-a-Bye Baby – great for infants, and back ground music. It’s like classical music but not. It is the instrumental (xylophone mostly) version of all your favorite songs. Anything from the Eagles to Tool has been Rock-a-Bye Babied!
For the Kids by Various Artists Volumes 1-3 – children’s songs by popular bands like the rainbow connection by Sarah McLachlan.
Snack Time by Barenaked Ladies – 24 fun songs that both you and your children will enjoy.
The Johnny Cash Children’s Album – if you are a Johnny Cash fan than this album is a must for you and your kids.
Family Time by Ziggy Marley – if you are a reggae fan than you should pick this one up.
My Backyard by Will – fun songs that your kids can relate to that you can enjoy signing along to.
Sing-A-Longs & Lullabies for the Film Curious George by Jack Johnson – Jack Johnson fans will enjoy this one as much as their kids. The songs have a lovely calming effect too.
Arms Up, Keep Moving by William Janiak – this one is fun if you are looking for an activity to get your kids moving. The songs are catchy and instruct you to move your body in different ways. Great for teaching kids their body parts in a fun way.
Let’s Play by Raffi – I never thought I’d listen to Raffi but I have to say I really don’t mind it. He is one of the few children’s performers that I can stand to listen to everyday. I particularly like this album.
Have you found any other albums I should check out? Please do let me know.
~Sarah
Labels: albums, children's music, music, Sarah
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Easter Family Fun!!
Colouring Eggs. A time–honoured tradition, colouring eggs is a great family activity and a way to help your kids express their creative side.
According to Wikipedia, “The egg was a symbol of the rebirth of the earth in celebrations of spring and was adopted by early Christians as a symbol of the resurrection of Jesus.” Today families often colour eggs as part of their Easter traditions. There are few ways you and your kids can colour eggs:
1.Use drops of different coloured dye in bowls of hot water and dip your eggs in with a spoon to make simple coloured eggs. This is a great way to teach kids about the primary colours and how colours change when mixed together. I remember many of the hideous creations I came up with while I was learning that lesson!
2. You can use markers to write messages and draw on white eggs or you can colour them first and then decorate them.
3. For more modern approaches you can apply stickers or use stencils to make “prettier” eggs but personally I love the old fashioned way.
As for keeping the wee ones entertained you can also organize one of these activities:
1. Of course there is always the Easter Egg hunt, where you hide chocolate eggs and jelly beans around the house or yard.. If you want a fun variation on this that takes a little more thought and is fun for older kids you could create a map or some clues that would lead the kids to little stashes (or the final motherload of candy) around the yard or neighbourhood.
2. Some Easter-themed races and games.
a. Raw egg toss. Kids stand a little bit apart and toss the egg, then they take a step away from each other, and then toss again, another step, and so on and so on until the final pair is left standing with an unbroken egg.
b. Egg on a spoon race. Have kids line up with chocolate eggs on their spoons. They have to race to the finish line but if they drop their egg they have to start back at the beginning.
c. Another race where they have to hop like bunnies to the finish line.
These are just a few ideas to get you thinking about the fun ways to spend time together at Easter. We hope you all have a great holiday!
~Laura
Labels: activites, Easter, eggs, games, holidays, races
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