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Search Results for: for the love of reading

Nature Play During COVID-19

April 16, 2020 by Creating Together

With everybody inside so much more these days due to social distancing and self-isolating, we’re all getting a lot less time outside. With a bit of creativity though, we can all get the outdoor dose that we need.

Getting children outside to enjoy time for free play in natural environments increases attentions spans, creative thought, and the desire to learn through exploration (https://www.asla.org/ContentDetail.aspx?id=39558). It also helps their motor, sensory, social and cognitive development – and is great for their general health and well-being (https://www.learningpotential.gov.au/the-benefits-of-outdoor-play).

In fact, “wilderness therapy” has emerged as an alternative treatment for behavioral and psychological problems in adolescents and teens. One study found that “wilderness therapy” was an effective treatment for teens suffering from attention deficit disorder, alcohol and drug addiction, depression, and other behavioral problems. Afterward, patients showed higher levels of confidence, better organizational and leadership skills, and exhibited fewer problematic behaviors (http://www.webpages.uidaho.edu/wrc/Pdf/howwildtherworks.PDF).

For more benefits of getting outside, you can check out Balancing Screen Time with Green Time.

For today though, we’d like to give you some resources to get you and your kids outside in ways that respect social distancing and keeps everybody safe. It has become clear that we all need new and creative strategies for connecting to the natural world, even if that may mean being indoors. 

Star Gazing

“If we can’t see the stars, how will we know our place in the universe?”

Trevor Hancock, a professor at the University of Victoria’s School of Public Health and Social Policy

Drops in air pollution have revealed awe-inspiring stars that suburban and urban dwellers would have never seen otherwise.  So set a star date for a bright night, bundle up, grab a blanket, and go see what the stars have to offer! Resources: International Dark-Sky Association, and How to Start Stargazing With Your Kids. For the top 10 books on stars, check out bookroo’s list here: https://bookroo.com/books/topics/stars or check out this great list on Stars, Planets and the Night Sky that you can order online from “Start with a Book”.

Get Reading! Bookroo’s top 10 books on stars…

Nature Window

If you can’t get outside, you can still experience moon watching, stargazing (if stars are visible), cloudspotting, bird-watching, and nature in general. Create a world-watching window or a nature window, set up a date, set up all your supplies, and get ready to observe! Things to consider bringing: your nature notebook, field guides (birds, stars, etc), binoculars, a telescope, and a camera – you could maybe even a sound recorder to capture the sounds of the natural world.

Make a Spring Nature Table

A spring nature table is a space in the home used for placing natural items that reflect the season. It is meant to be explored and used as a nature study aid in the home. Nature tables give children the opportunity to play with objects found in nature, helping them notice the little changes that happen when a season shifts, and connect with the natural world. They also create a sensory experience for the child, and can be used for pretend or imaginative play. Check out this lovely table by the Imagination Tree:

Spring Nature Exploration Table by The Imagination Tree

Consider what the season represents for your family’s culture, values, beliefs, celebrations. Then, go around your home with that in mind and you’d be surprised what you can find (rocks, leaves, sticks, acorns, pine cones, seasonal art and crafts, silks and candles in the season, fall books for kids, etc)! Put these together, and voila!

Nature Scavenger Hunt

Make a list of things found in nature around your garden, block, or a local trail. Then go out for a walk or hike with the family and see how many items you can find. The print shops are all closed due to COVID-19 so you’ll need to get creative – make a list on your phone or do some lists by hand. Looking for some ideas? Check these templates out here: https://www.freekidscrafts.com/summer-scavenger-hunt/

Family Bike Ride

According to Cycle Toronto, as long as you are not infected with COVID-19, symptomatic, or otherwise self-isolating. Riding a bicycle is compatible with physical distancing. In fact, the 2 metres (6 feet) is about the distance of a bicycle. According to the City of Toronto, we can only bike in groups if they are people we reside with, and at this point, city parks’ green spaces, including multi-use trails, currently remain open and accessible. Toronto has some really great trails to choose from as well, as per the interactive map here: https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/streets-parking-transportation/cycling-in-toronto/cycling-google-map/

Need some help planning your route? Check out this great article by Cycle Toronto: https://www.cycleto.ca/how-plan-your-bike-route

Tip: Plan ahead! Many of these experiences are also great as we gear up for Earth Day on April 26th!

Stay healthy and safe!

Filed Under: Family Playtime, Special Activities, Tips and Tools, What's On in Parkdale Tagged With: Nature Play

10 Self-Care Tips for Moms

July 13, 2019 by Creating Together

Are you looking for some tips to renew and replenish? You’re not alone.

While children are an immeasurable source of joy and love in our lives, being a caregiver comes with added stress. Often seen as a negative, it’s important to remember that stress is quite simply a reaction to a change or a challenge.

Each mother and caregiver may face unique stressors, but many demands of motherhood and the stressors experienced are basically universal. Time, finances, self-doubt, relationship demands, and loneliness are just some of the stressors at play.

What Impact Does Stress Have on our Lives?

In the short term, stress has its bonuses – it helps you be more alert, and have more energy to get things done. But long-term stress is another story, and can lead to serious health problems down the road.

Did you know that women are more likely than men to report symptoms of stress, including headaches and upset stomach? Women are also more likely to have mental health conditions that are made worse by stress, such as depression or anxiety.

Reference: 1

How to Get Stress Levels Down and Quality of Life Up

Below are some self-care tips to help keep your stress-levels down and your quality of life up:

  1. Sleep. Focus on “sleep hygiene” – simple practices that can help you get a healthy, restorative rest, regardless of the time spent in bed. This means skipping that late afternoon coffee, and creating a digital curfew of 2hrs before bedtime, and using a sleep mask.
  2. Journal. Take 20 minutes a day to write in a free-flowing stream-of-consciousness style. Notice feelings that are just under the surface.
  3. Easy Listening. Listening to relaxing music, a song with a strong message you need to hear, or even some rock and roll you loved in high school.
  4. Mindful Sipping. Make yourself a nice drink like chamomile tea, hot chocolate or juice and sip it slowly.
  5. Get Out. Schedule at least one uninterrupted hour with a close friend. Go out for coffee or a drink, talk on the phone, go out for dinner, or go for a walk together.
  6. Get Active. Go for a walk (High Park or the boardwalk along Lake Ontario are great choices), go to the gym (Masryk-Cowan has a free gym), or start a swimming routine.
  7. Savor. Choose something you’re going to savour instead of just doing it (taking a shower, riding the train, walking, chopping wood, or reading magazine).
  8. Meditate. Try dropping in for the free Sunday Meditation Group put on by Meditation Toronto at St. Paul’s Trinity Church on Bloor. If you can’t pick up the class, you can download this free mantra meditation album, or try this simple one: Close your eyes, breathe deeply, focus on your breath, and repeat “All sounds return to the breath, all thoughts return to the breath, all distractions return to the breath.”
  9. Try Something New: Go someplace in the hood you’ve never been before – a park, the beach, an art gallery, a new route to the grocery store.
  10. Get Support: Try signing up to a program designed to help women with coping, stress, and self-esteem, such as the Peer Learning and Empowerment Group offered at the local Parkdale Community Health Centre.

Looking for more? Check out our Calendar and come enjoy yourself at Creating Together. If you need somebody to talk to, our staff are here for you. If you need additional resources, ask about our resource library designed to help parents and caregivers with different need.

We’re here for you – you’re not alone.

Filed Under: Special Activities, Tips and Tools Tagged With: health, stress

Board of Directors

Our volunteer Board of Directors is committed to ensuring that Creating Together is well-managed and well-resourced in order to serve our community for years to come.

Creating Together Board of Directors 2024-2025

Nithya Priya

Nithyapriya, Mom of 2 kids who has been associated with creating together for almost 8 years now. It has been a great experience for me and kids. Kids have always enjoyed the space. I have joined the board hoping to be more involved with Creating together activities and the community. Presently, a stay at home Mom who loves cooking and going out for a nature walk. I have a worked in Information Technology for over 3 years.

Samantha Gualtieri

Sam is a developmental psychologist and researcher who works with children and families. She joined Creating Together to connect with the Parkdale community and is looking forward to helping the centre reach more families. Outside of work, Sam enjoys reading, practicing yoga and Pilates, and making art.

Visali Eswaran

Visali has been coming to Creating Together with her two children for years now. With a background in teaching, Visali first came to Creating Together as a newcomer and new mom. Creating Together has been the place where she met other mothers like herself and had the opportunity to chat with them. This is what motivated her to join the Board as a volunteer. Her family loves the space, circle time, and the celebrations at Creating Together, and her children love spending time with their friends there. Visali is currently the self-proclaimed Queen of her house: taking care of her super girls, passionate about cooking, learning new things, creating art, reading books, and spending time with her family. 

Christina Konecny

Christina has lived in Parkdale since 2008 and discovered Ontario’s EarlyON program and the Creating Together center in 2022 when her son was born. Having such an incredible community resource so close to home completely changed her experience of being a new parent. She is thrilled to give back to the place that has given so much to her and her family. Professionally, Christina is a Registered Early Childhood Educator, Senior Operations Leader, and Entrepreneur. She loves to travel, spend time in nature, and read novels. 

Julia T Carr

Julia has been part of the Roncesvalles community since 2017 and first connected with Creating Together during her maternity leave in 2022. As a first-time parent, she found the centre to be a welcoming and supportive haven—one that quickly became a daily part of life for her and her son. Grateful for the lasting impact the staff and programs had on her family, she’s proud to support Creating Together as a board member. Professionally, Julia works in marketing and specializes in strategic planning, sponsorships and events. She loves good coffee, exploring new neighbourhoods, and making memories with her family.


Interested in joining Creating Together’s Board of Directors?

If you are passionate about strengthening families and making a difference in the Parkdale community, consider supporting the Creating Together Family Resource Centre by joining our team as a volunteer member of our Board of Directors.

All board members must:

  • Have an interest in community work and in making a difference locally.
  • Be committed to supporting Creating Together and its mission “to support the healthy social, cognitive, emotional and physical development of children 0 to under 6 years and their families.”
  • Attend monthly Board meetings, whether virtually or in-person.
  • Participate in subcommittees (such as fundraising), presentations to funders, and other periodic activities.

The Board of Directors consists of up to 9 members drawn from various segments of the community. A variety of backgrounds, skill sets and perspectives are valued. The term of office is 1-2 years. Previous experience with Boards and non-profit organizations is an asset, but not required.

Board meetings are held monthly (excluding August and December), usually the third Thursday at 7:30pm, although this changes as necessary. Board members also participate in board committees and are involved in periodic strategic planning sessions and community events.

How to Apply

To apply, please complete submit a cover letter and current resume to creatingtogether@rogers.com

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Creating Together Parkdale Family Resource Centre

Our mission is to support the healthy social, cognitive, emotional and physical development of children 0 to 6 years and their families. We welcome children aged 0 to 6 years and their families/ caregivers to relax and connect with each other and with the greater communities through our many programs.
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Hours

MON 9:00am - 2:30pm
TUE 9:00am - 2:30pm
WED 9:00am - 2:30pm
THU 9:00am - 2:30pm
FRI 9:00am - 1:30pm
SAT 10am - 2:00pm (twice monthly)
SUN Closed

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Creating Together
1342 Queen Street West
Phone: (416) 537-1004
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Charitable Registration Number:
12947 6248 RR0001
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