Tag Archives: Julie Cole
A few months ago one of my children noted that I don’t have any hobbies. Then a couple of weeks ago, my 6-yr-old asked what I did in my spare time. I wasn’t convinced he understood the concept so asked what he did in his free time He replied that he enjoys playing tag. Clearly, he did understand. Considering I don’t have an abundance of this “spare time” he speaks of, I was left thinking hard on an answer. To buy some time, I asked what he thought I did in my spare time. He suggested perhaps I knit once everyone is in … Continue reading
Taking the Stress Out of the Holiday Season
Julie Cole in For the love of parenting, Just Between Us - 1 comment - posted on Dec 5th, 2012The holiday period is a lot of fun for families, but ‘tis also a season of stress for parents. This year, try to lower anxiety levels and enjoy all that this festive season has to offer. 1) Stressor #1 – Shopping • Be an organized shopper – know your budget, make a list, have coupons. Don’t be that frazzled mom with screaming kids wandering aimlessly through the mall. Know what you need and go get it. Have a plan and stick to it. • Shop off-season – Aunt Betty may mention in July about the lovely slippers she wants, so … Continue reading
Anti-Bullying Week – What’s Your Story?
Julie Cole in For the love of parenting, Just Between Us - 1 comment - posted on Nov 21st, 2012Bullying. What is there to say about it that has not already been said? And still, there is so much left to be done. When I was a kid, my little sister was getting bullied on the school bus by a big boy. She reported this to our brother, who was in high school. Back then, we problem solved this stuff in our own way. My brother took matters into his own hands and greeted the bully off the school bus one day after school. Those were also the days when dog owners didn’t clean up after their pets and, … Continue reading
Family Pets – To Go or Not Go There?
Julie Cole in For the love of parenting, Just Between Us - 4 comments - posted on Nov 7th, 2012I’ve always sworn that I wouldn’t get a dog. My kids have begged for one every day for as long as I can remember. They make a full-time job of it. My reasons for being immune to their pleas have been many: I don’t really like touching them because they’re – well, you know…ANIMALS. I have spent too long cleaning up human poop. Do I really want to add animal poop to my repertoire? I feel so emotionally attached and responsible for six little humans. Do I have the emotional energy to worry about another living creature? While kids make … Continue reading
Talking to Kids About the Amanda Todd Tragedy
Julie Cole in For the love of parenting, Just Between Us - 3 comments - posted on Oct 25th, 2012I don’t need to tell you about the Amanda Todd tragedy. All I can say is that when these high profile stories hit the media, it is an opportunity for parents to sit down with their kids and find some teachable moments woven within the tragedy. I sat down with my tweens and watched the video. Here is my advice about having the conversation: 1) Before giving them information, ask them what they already know. Even if your kids are not on Facebook or into texting friends, their peers are talking. Find out what they already know and use that … Continue reading
What My Kids Are Into (And How I Feel About It)
Julie Cole in For the love of parenting, Just Between Us - 4 comments - posted on Sep 26th, 2012People often ask what my kids are into and how I manage all the activities. Managing it all is a constant work in progress, but as far as current interests go, this is how it’s looking: Number One Son: 12 years old At the moment, his greatest love of all is Minecraft. His dream would be to either play Minecraft or watch Minecraft YouTube videos at all times. I think he’d even sneak on a pair of “Depends” to avoid bathroom breaks. As such, we have some screen restrictions in our family. During the school week there is no iPod, … Continue reading
Just Keep Swimming…. and Biking…. and Running
Julie Cole in For the love of parenting, Just Between Us - 1 comment - posted on Sep 12th, 2012My family spent a full week getting excited about doing a TRi KiDS™ triathlon scheduled for a Sunday this summer. Our kids have participated in triathlons for as long as I can remember. For a big family – a triathlon day is hectic, but a lot of fun! Enter the Friday night before the triathlon, when Daddy-o manages a bad run-in with a garage door. Without getting too graphic, I had to collect a little bit of him that was left behind in that door before driving him down to the ER. They put Humpty Dumpty back together again, but my “wing … Continue reading
The Right Book at the Right Time
Julie Cole in Book Blogaholics, Just Between Us - 2 comments - posted on Aug 15th, 2012Julie Cole is away this week. Our Guest blogger and book-loving mama Heather Wray talks about her favourite childhood books and how the right book at the right time can encourage children to become lifelong readers. When my grandfather was preparing to move into a retirement residence, he gave me a small trunk which held some of his most treasured possessions: my grandmother’s wedding dress, his silver baby spoon, and three 19th century volumes of The Works of Charles Dickens. Inside one of the books, in youthful fountain penmanship, is inscribed my great-great-grandfather’s name. Now you can walk into any … Continue reading