Parenting is a complex, multi-layered job and I do a lot better at it when I have a tidy home. Unfortunately, being human and all, I don’t always manage to keep it that way. But when things are in their place, I find I can think better, react to my kids less, and it’s a whole lot easier for my kids to keep things tidy themselves. But when a part of my home becomes a little clutter-hell, I want to go into avoidance. Not useful.

Here’s how I have learned to deal with it …

This unretouched photo shows our den, in an actual de-cluttered state

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This is not news: our children don’t get enough movement. In fact, none of us do. I’m sitting here typing on a keyboard, that, plus the phone, plus the car, plus reading various materials, plus the occasional meeting, pretty much summarizes my workday. At the end of the day I’m tired, so as soon as dinner is ready, I’m sitting again to eat it. Then, after that, I might watch a movie. If I am not careful, I may find I have been sitting for almost all of the time I am awake. That is just not healthy.

And it sets a terrible example for our children.

Shooting hoops is better than sitting.

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The Brews Fest was this weekend at Black Creek Pioneer Village. There was lovely fall weather, and lots of people, including many families, came out for the event. I took some photos, and here are a few …

Young and old came out the meet the brewers and learn something about craft beer at the Black Creek Brews Fest.

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My son has a PA day today. I have to admit, sometimes I dread these days because I’m going to have to juggle work and kids – not always my favourite combination! There is, of course another option: take the day off, or even just a part of the day, and do something together.

Viola is in charge of livestock at Black Creek Pioneer Village. If you see her, say hi!

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I’ve tried all the tricks for getting my kids to eat healthier foods. The simplest one is to just prepare something simple and put it near them without comment. I remember that if my parents asked if I wanted some apple, I would usually reply “no,” but as soon as my father started slicing his own apple, I wanted some. Carrots, apples, celery, orange slices, berries, cheese and healthy crackers, nuts, whatever. Just prepare it and serve it.

Works every time.

Apples just taste better if they were sliced by mom or dad

There are any number of approaches to how we introduce beer (or not) into our family life, but one thing is undeniable: beer is a big part of our culture, and it has been for a long time. The Brews Fest, which takes place at Black Creek Pioneer Village this weekend is a great way to learn more in a safe, family-friendly environment. I would encourage anyone to attend, with kids in tow, because it allows us to get past “Big Beer” and its advertising, and discover the real story of this delicious food.

Here's a shot of the brewers setting up for the 2008 Brews Fest at Black Creek Pioneer Village

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I was clearing out a drawer on the weekend and I found Alfie’s tag. Alfie was my daughter’s cat, but he had come to live with us because her apartment at the time was too small (she was in university). He was a very social and playful cat, and gave our own lively cat, Cheechoo a run for her money. Alfie was alway more daring than Cheechoo and wandered pretty far afield when he was outside. The kids and I long ago agreed that we would rather let our cats go outside and have a life, even if it meant there was a chance of something happening.

Cheechoo on the left. Alfie on the right.

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I found a great video someone made at the Battle of Black earlier this summer. Enjoy! (… and thanks for posting this kant88t!)

The Battle of Black Creek is an awesome thing to do for Fathers Day, so if you didn’t go this June, mark it in your calendar for next year!

A while back I innocently signed up for the “Clutter Control Club” Newsletter on the Canadian Parents web site (click on the link for “Clubs“).

I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Read more…

This is the end of the summer, and I find it helps get the school year off to a great start if we make a good weekend of it: the last hurrah of summer.  There’s lots for families to do around town, but I’d say that Labour Day Weekend is perfect for visiting Black Creek Pioneer Village.

The Mill at Black Creek Pioneer Village is the only working mill in the Greater Toronto area

Wander around the Village. See the authentic period homes and workshops. Take the tour of the Brewery (yes, kids can, too), or have a great lunch in the restaurant. It makes for a lovely afternoon out.