THE RECIPES

6 Fun Lunchbox Ideas to Beat the Winter Blahs

Winter can make everything feel a little…grey. Grey skies, grey slush, grey evenings. We’re turning the corner on more daylight hours but the days are still relatively short. For kids, heavy boots, layers of gear and the same lunch on repeat can make January and February feel like a slog. One easy way to boost kids’ moods is to shake up what’s in their lunchboxes. So, with that in mind, we’ve got fun and interesting ways to breathe a little life into the lunch hour. Because when winter drags on, even small surprises can go a long way.

Filled Pinwheel Sandwiches
These playful, layered sandwiches feel different enough to spark excitement, and they can be customized for any kid.

Ham and Cheese Muffins
Savoury muffins are a lunchbox sleeper hit. Make a batch on the weekend, or during a quiet weeknight, and you’ve got an easy grab-and-go option all week.

Easy Homemade Hummus
This creamy dip comes together quickly and keeps well in the fridge. Pair it with veggies, pita or crackers for a lunchbox that feels fresh even in the middle of winter.

Mini Meatloves
This is comfort food in lunchbox form. These teeny meatloaves are a tasty, protein-packed option to keep kids fuelled up until the final bell.

Homemade Bagels
If you’ve never had a homemade bagel, you’re in for a treat. Yes, they take a little planning but you can make them ahead of time, freeze extras and thaw them as needed. Plus, you can easily customize the flavours.

Mini Layered Taco Dip
Colourful, scoopable and just plain fun. Make this dip in an insulated container and send with tortilla chips for dipping, to break up the winter monotony.

THE POLL

How Much Do You Trust “Parent-Tested” Reviews?

We’ve long believed that real parent feedback matters more than marketing claims in ads and on commercials—which is why we’ve built programs around parent-tested, tried-and-trusted reviews. But we want to know how you really feel. When you see these labels on a product, do they boost your confidence or raise questions? Tell us: How much trust do you place in parent-led feedback on products and services?

TODAY’S POLL

Results from last week’s poll   

What type of meal planner are you?

🟨🟨🟨🟨🟨🟨 I plan out the whole week at once. (26.6%)
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 I know what I have on hand and can come up with a meal. (31%)
🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️ I basically just cobble random things together. (80.1%)
🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Meal planning? That’s a thing? (11.3%)

From our readers:

“I usually don't think about meals until the morning of...I love leftovers and hate food waste, so I have a lot of "bits" and frozen food from my garden that can make meals. I roasted a 6-pound chicken recently and it ended up being the focus of six meals (there are two of us), one being a hearty soup for our two tiny grandchildren at lunch.”

“[It] depends on the week! Sometimes I am prepared, sometimes I am not! I do [prefer] home-cooked meals but sometimes that doesn’t happen and sometimes I am tired of cooking. Let’s be real. I am a mom of two active kids and I plan as I go and some days/weeks I just can’t plan anymore.”

THE GRANDPARENTS

Should Grandparents Have a Baby Shower?

Grandparent showers are having a moment—and they’re not about stocking a dresser full of cute clothes or even getting duplicate gear for Grandma and Grandpa’s house. In this edition of Grandparenting Unfiltered, our columnist Kathy Buckworth makes the case for gifts that actually make life easier for hands-on grandparents and, by extension, new parents too. Think practical, thoughtful and genuinely helpful.

What you’ll find inside:

• Why “grandparent showers” are popping up, how they complement traditional baby showers and how to avoid overshadowing the parents-to-be

• Smart, non-obvious gift ideas that support grandparents in their new role

• Why services and support can be more valuable than another baby item

• Practical ways to help grandparents stay safe, prepared and energized

• How the right gift can mean more quality time with a new grandbaby

Click through for the full story.

THE QUESTION BOX

It Is Really, Really Cold Outside—How Do I Make Sure My Kids Are Safe?

If it feels like half the country is under a deep freeze right now, you’re not wrong. Much of Canada is dealing with dangerously cold temperatures, windchills that sting on contact and the kind of cold that turns a quick trip outside into a real risk for kids. When it’s this chilly, frostbite can happen faster than many parents realize—especially for kids who are too busy playing to notice numb fingers or burning cheeks.

Here’s what parents need to know to keep kids safe when winter weather turns extreme:

• Which body parts are most at risk for frostbite, including cheeks, ears, noses, fingers and toes

• The temperature cutoffs for outdoor play (and when kids should stay inside entirely)

• Early warning signs of frostbite that kids may not recognize or mention

• Dos and don’ts if frostbite is suspected

• How to dress kids properly for cold weather

• Winter prep tips for extreme cold, including power outages, icy walkways and getting stuck on the road

Canadian winters are long, cold and unforgiving—but a little preparation goes a long way.

Tap the button below to learn more.