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5 Easy, Awesome Treats to Make This Month

February can feel like a bit of a slog—it’s cold, it’s dark and spring still seems ages away (though Wiarton Willie says only six more weeks!). But it’s also the perfect excuse to hunker down and bake with your kiddos. From no-bake Nanaimo bars to PB&J banana bread, these five tasty treats are sure to keep everyone happily distracted.

Tap the titles below for details.

Chocolate and Vanilla Valentine’s Sugar Cookies
One dough. Two flavours. The sweetest treats for February 14.
Classic Nanaimo Bars
Uniquely Canadian (hailing from Nanaimo, BC!), these layered squares are both easy and impressive.
Wonderland Cookies
Chocolate chips, chewy caramel, salty pretzels…these cookies have all the flavours and textures you want.
PB&J Banana Bread
Is there a more iconic flavour profile than peanut butter and jelly? Maybe, if you add it to banana bread.
Rocky Road Blender Brownies
The secret ingredient? Beets. Just send the kids out of the room for that part!

SPONSORED

Cornmeal Egg Muffins with Veggies and Cheese

These savoury bites are part muffin and part omelette! Packed with scrambled eggs, zucchini and corn, they are full of flavour and great for an energy boost any time of day. Tap the button below to get the recipe.

SPONSORED

EAT WELL. LIVE WELL. with Canada Beef

For many households across Canada, beef is a kitchen staple (for so many great reasons!). But it can be tricky to know how to buy and use this ingredient. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Canada Beef to bring you everything you need to know about beef, from smart shopping tips to new ways to use different cuts of this versatile meat. Whether you're looking to stretch your grocery budget, demystify beef labels or get meal inspiration, we've got you covered. 

Ready to get cooking? Tap the button below for all the delicious details.

Do You Have a Favourite Child?

Okay, we know this is a touchy subject. No one wants to admit that they have any sort of bias to one child over another. But it’s really not as bad as it seems. A study out of Western University and Brigham Young University released last month confirmed that it’s actually extremely common for parents to naturally gravitate toward one child over another, for a number of reasons. Factors including personality traits, shared interests, who is more agreeable and easier to parent, etc. Birth order and gender also a play a part. (For more on the study, check out the full article here.)

An important note: If you know you feel closer to one of your kids, you don’t need to feel badly. You’re only human. But being self aware and putting in the effort to know and relate to all of your children will help to mitigate any negative impact to the family dynamic and to your relationships with your kiddos.

We’d love to know how parental favouritism plays out in your house. Weigh in below!

The results of last week’s poll:
Would you consider joining a "social parenting pod"?

🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ Absolutely. It sounds like everyone gets the help they need. (21.1%)
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Maybe, depending on who else was in the pod. (45.6%)
🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ Absolutely not. It's too much interference. (24.6%)
🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Other (8.8%)

Did you miss our story on social parenting pods last week? Check it out here!

How Can I Help My Kids Make Valentine’s Day Special for Everyone?

February 14 should be a love(ly) day for all kids, don’t you think? Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work out that way. For many children, this holiday can be a day they dread on the calendar. But you and your kids can help. Read on for ways to help your child be more inclusive and empathetic on Valentine’s Day.

• This one might seem like a no-brainer, but make sure your child writes a card for all of their classmates so no one is left out. Most teachers will provide a class list of first names to help.

• Consider helping your child to make Valentine’s cards instead of buying them at the store. This helps to level the playing field in terms of who can afford what.

• Check with the teacher before you send in treats. If your child’s school has a strict no-food policy, your little one will be disappointed. Or, if there are children with allergies in the classroom, they won’t be able to enjoy the snack with their friends.

For more ways to make Valentine’s Day a good experience for everyone, tap the button below.