As a realtor, I understand the importance of a warm and loving home. This Valentine’s Day, why not celebrate with a craft and recipe that brings the whole family together? With a little creativity and some heartwarming activities, you can make this Valentine’s Day unforgettable without leaving the comfort of your home. 

Craft: DIY Heart-Shaped Home Decorations 

Materials Needed 

- Cardstock or construction paper (various colours)
 - Scissors
- Glue or double-sided tape
- String or ribbon
 - Markers, stickers, and other decorative items 

Instructions

1. Create Heart Templates: Start by drawing different sizes of heart shapes on cardstock or construction paper. These will be your templates for the decorations.

2. Cut Out the Hearts: Carefully cut out the hearts using scissors. You can create a mix of large, medium, and small hearts. 

3. Personalize the Hearts: Let each family member decorate the hearts with markers, stickers, glitter, and other decorative items. Write sweet messages, draw patterns, or add photos of loved ones to make them extra special. 

4. Assemble the Garland: Once all the hearts are decorated, use glue or double-sided tape to attach them to a piece of string or ribbon. Space them out evenly and secure them firmly. 

5. Hang Your Creation: Find a cozy spot in your home to hang the heart garland, such as above the fireplace, along a staircase railing, or in the entryway. It will add a festive touch to your home and remind you of the love you share as a family. 


Recipe: Heart-Shaped Mini Pizzas 

Ingredients

- Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
 - Tomato sauce
 - Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
 - Pepperoni slices or other favourite toppings
 - Olive oil
 - Flour (for dusting) 

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the pizza dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. 
  2. Cut Out Heart Shapes: Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out mini heart-shaped pizza bases from the rolled dough. If you don’t have a cookie cutter, you can use a knife to carefully shape the dough into hearts. 
  3. Add Toppings: Place the heart-shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on each heart, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top and add your favourite toppings.
  4. Bake the Pizzas: Brush the edges of the dough with a little olive oil to help them turn golden brown. Bake the mini pizzas in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. 
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, let the pizzas cool slightly before serving. Gather around the table and enjoy your delicious, heart-shaped creations together. 


 Celebrate Love in Every Corner of Your Home

Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate love and togetherness at home. By creating heart-shaped decorations and enjoying homemade mini pizzas, you can make lasting memories with your family. As a realtor, I know that the true heart of a home lies in the moments you share and the love you cultivate within its walls. Happy Valentine’s Day!

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In today's fast-paced world, the concept of multi-generational living is making a strong comeback. More families are choosing to live under one roof, bringing together grandparents, parents, and children. This lifestyle offers numerous benefits, from financial savings to strengthened family bonds. In this blog, we'll explore the many advantages of multi-generational homes and why this living arrangement is gaining popularity. 

1. Financial Savings 

One of the most significant benefits of multi-generational living is the potential for financial savings. By combining resources, families can reduce the overall cost of living. Shared expenses such as mortgage or rent, utilities, and groceries can lead to substantial savings for all household members. Additionally, families can avoid the high costs associated with senior care facilities by caring for elderly relatives at home. 

2. Strengthened Family Bonds

Living in a multi-generational home fosters close-knit family relationships. It provides opportunities for family members to spend quality time together, share experiences, and support each other. Grandparents can build strong connections with their grandchildren, passing down wisdom and family traditions. Parents can benefit from having additional support in raising their children, creating a nurturing and supportive environment for everyone. 

3. Shared Responsibilities

In a multigenerational household, responsibilities can be shared more evenly among family members. Household chores, caregiving duties, and other tasks can be distributed based on individual strengths and availability. This collaborative approach not only eases the burden on any one person but also teaches valuable life skills and promotes a sense of teamwork within the family. 


4. Enhanced Emotional Support

Having family members close by provides a built-in support system. During challenging times, whether it's dealing with health issues, job loss, or personal struggles, family members can offer emotional support and practical assistance. This sense of security and belonging can improve mental and emotional well-being for everyone in the household. 

5. Improved Quality of Life for Seniors

For elderly family members, living in a multi-generational home can significantly enhance their quality of life. They can enjoy the comfort and familiarity of being surrounded by loved ones rather than living in an unfamiliar senior care facility. Additionally, seniors can contribute to the household by helping with childcare or other tasks, giving them a sense of purpose and fulfillment. 


6. Increased Safety and Security

Multi-generational homes can offer increased safety and security for all family members. Having multiple adults in the home means that someone is usually present, reducing the risk of accidents or emergencies going unnoticed. Seniors can receive immediate help if they experience health issues, and children benefit from the added supervision and care provided by their grandparents. 

7. Diverse Learning Opportunities 

Living with family members from different generations provides unique learning opportunities for everyone. Children can learn from the experiences and stories of their grandparents, gaining a broader perspective on life. Seniors can stay engaged and mentally active by interacting with younger family members and staying current with new technologies and trends. 


8. Efficient Use of Space

Multi-generational living promotes efficient use of living space. Larger homes can be fully utilized, preventing areas from going unused. Homeowners can consider renovating or reconfiguring their homes to create separate living spaces or suites for added privacy and comfort. This approach maximizes the functionality of the home and can even increase its value. 

9. Cultural Preservation 

For families with strong cultural traditions, multi-generational living helps preserve cultural heritage. Grandparents can pass down customs, languages, and traditions to younger generations, ensuring that cultural values are maintained and celebrated within the family. This shared cultural experience enriches the lives of all family members and strengthens their sense of identity. 


10. Flexibility and Adaptability 

Multi-generational homes offer flexibility and adaptability to changing family dynamics. As the needs of family members evolve, the living arrangements can be adjusted to accommodate new circumstances. Whether it's welcoming a new baby, caring for an aging relative, or providing temporary support during a transition, multi-generational homes can adapt to meet the needs of the family. 


The benefits of multi-generational homes are numerous and far-reaching. From financial savings and strengthened family bonds to enhanced emotional support and cultural preservation, this living arrangement offers a holistic approach to family life. As more families recognize the advantages of living together, multi-generational homes are becoming an increasingly popular choice. Embracing this lifestyle can lead to a richer, more fulfilling family experience, where every generation contributes to and benefits from the shared household

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Living in a small space can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can make your home feel larger and more comfortable. Whether you're in a cozy apartment or a compact house, maximizing your space is all about smart design choices and creative solutions. Here are eight proven tips to help you make a small space feel larger and more open. 

1. Use Light Colours

Light colors can make a room feel more spacious and airy. Opt for neutral tones like whites, beiges, and light grays for your walls, ceilings, and larger pieces of furniture. These colours reflect light, creating a sense of openness. You can add pops of colour through accessories like cushions, rugs, and artwork to keep the space from feeling too sterile. 


2. Embrace Multi-Functional Furniture 

In a small space, every piece of furniture should serve multiple purposes. Look for items like sofa beds, ottomans with storage, and fold-out dining tables. Multi-functional furniture helps you save space without sacrificing functionality. It's also a great way to keep your home organized and clutter-free. 

3. Maximize Vertical Space 

When floor space is limited, think vertically. Use tall bookshelves, wall-mounted storage units, and hanging organizers to make the most of your vertical space. This not only provides extra storage but also draws the eye upward, giving the impression of higher ceilings and a larger room. 

4. Use Mirrors Strategically

Mirrors can work wonders in making a small space feel larger. Place mirrors opposite windows to reflect natural light and create the illusion of additional space. Mirrored furniture and decor can also add a touch of elegance while enhancing the sense of openness in the room. 


5. Keep it Clutter-Free

Clutter can make any space feel cramped and overwhelming. Keep your home tidy by regularly decluttering and organizing your belongings. Invest in storage solutions that help you keep things out of sight, such as baskets, bins, and hidden cabinets. A clean, uncluttered space will always feel larger and more inviting. 

6. Choosing the Right Furniture Size

Scale is crucial in a small space. Oversized furniture can dominate the room and make it feel cramped. Instead, choose pieces that are appropriately sized for the space. Consider furniture with exposed legs, which can create a sense of openness and make the room feel less crowded. 

7. Let in Natural Light 

Natural light can make a significant difference in how spacious a room feels. Keep window treatments light and airy to allow maximum sunlight to enter. Avoid heavy drapes or dark blinds that block out light. If privacy is a concern, consider using sheer curtains or frosted glass instead. 


8. Create Defined Zones 

In an open-plan space, creating defined zones can help organize the area and make it feel larger. Use rugs, furniture arrangement, and lighting to delineate different areas, such as the living room, dining area, and workspace. This organization helps prevent the space from feeling chaotic and enhances functionality.


By implementing these eight proven tips, you'll transform your small space into a more open, inviting, and functional area. Remember, it's not about the size of your space, but how you use it. Embrace these strategies and watch your home become a sanctuary of comfort and style. 

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What You Need to Know about “Interest Free” Deals 

Next to your home and car, home furnishings represent the most expensive product purchases homeowners make. A mid-quality livingroom set, with sofa and two side chairs, can cost thousands of dollars. That’s why most furniture retailers offer “interest free” and “pay much later” deals to soften the blow. 

These are basically financing options. 

Say, for example, you want to purchase furniture for the rec room. The cost is $7,200. The furniture retailer may offer you a deal where you “don’t pay a cent” for six months. As long as you pay the balance within that time, no interest is charged. 

That sounds like a sweet deal. And it is. 

But, personal finance experts will advise you to tread carefully. If you pay off the balance within the “no interest” timeframe, you’ll benefit from the sweet deal, by having deferred the payment. However, if you fall behind on payments, you’ll be hit with a high interest charge. It’s often 20% or more. That can add hundreds of dollars to what you would have originally paid for the purchase. 

And, even if you paid down most of the balance within the no interest period, you can still get hit hard. Some “no interest” deals charge interest on the original financed amount — not just the remaining balance. 

The best advice, according to personal finance experts, is to read the fine print carefully and pay off the balance as promptly as you can. 

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The weather is getting a little cooler but that does not mean that family fun can’t be done in the Fall season.

Here are my top five family friendly activities that you can check out this Fall.  

NHL Centennial Exhibit At The Hockey Hall of Fame
The limited-time NHL Centennial Exhibit is a comprehensive tribute to the players and teams of the National Hockey League from 1917-2017. This exhibition pays homage to 100 years of NHL hockey, highlighting the most memorable players and moments in league history. The NHL’s 100 Greatest Players, as selected by an NHL-appointed panel are featured through treasured artifacts and video vignettes. This is a must see exhibit and it is only available until December 31, 2017.

Scarborough, Look Again!
Scarborough Museum has an outdoor exhibit which highlights people of Scarborough who have helped shape Canada over the past 150 years. Find out about the hidden heroes whose choices and voices have made an impact both in the community and on a larger scale.
This exhibit is presented as part of TO Canada with Love, the City of Toronto’s year-long program of celebrations, commemorations and exhibitions honouring Canada’s 150th birthday.
This is a must see exhibit which is free and is only available until October 31, 2017.

Brooks Farms Fall Fun Festival
For over a decade, Brooks Farms hosts an awesome Fall Fun Festival that gets bigger and better every year. You can go out and enjoy the beautiful autumn season Brooks Farms style! There are games, farm animals, an adventurous playground, a corn maze, farm market and so much more.
The Fall Fun Festival is on weekends and ends on November 5, 2017.

Cirque Du Soleil: VOLTA
For this new production, Cirque Du Soleil collaborated with international artist M83 as the composer and musical director, adding his epic space-age future pop sound to the VOLTA stage for the first time. The name VOLTA refers to a sudden about-face, a change in emotion or idea often used in poetry. It also speaks to the jolt of energy delivered through the show. VOLTA is Cirque du Soleil’s 41st original production since 1984, and its 18th show presented under the Big Top.
Sounds like another great production by Cirque Du Soleil and it will only be available until November 12, 2017.

Butterflies of India & South Asia at Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory
Discover thousands of freely flying butterflies in the Butterfly Conservatory, including a special exhibition of Butterflies of India and South Asia. Butterflies to look for include the Lime Swollowtail, the Blue Clipper, the Malay Cruiser, and many more. This special exhibition of free flying Indian and South Asian butterflies is in conjunction with Ornamenting the Ordinary: Crafts of South Asia, a travelling exhibit from the Royal Ontario Museum, on display in the galleries. This is on for a limited time until January 2, 2018 so you don’t want to miss it if you love butterflies.

There you have it, my top five family friendly activities to do this Fall! If you have enjoyed any of these events, feel free to leave a comment below on how it was for you and your family.
 

 

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Dovercourt Boys & Girls Club Empowering The Community For 60 Years

“To provide a safe and supportive place where children and youth can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, build positive relationships and develop confidence and skills for life.” – Dovercourt Boys and Girls Club

That is the mission statement to the Dovercourt Boys and Girls Club and it is an empowering one as they have been a pivotal part of the community that they serve.


So what does the Dovercourt Boys & Girls Club do?
They have programs and services for children and youth such as the After School Evening Drop in Programs and Saturday Program, Safe Walk, SMILE, Lifesaving Society Swimming Lessons, Kids Korner Daycare, Tots Program, KickStart Program, Teens Program, Summer Camp and PD Day/March Break/Holiday Camps.
These programs offer children and teens in the community the opportunity to access resources and supports to enable them to overcome barriers and achieve their positive potential life; no matter their economic, cultural and social backgrounds.


 
“I made a new friend” - Eden
There is always something new and exciting happening at the Dovercourt Boys and Girls Club, for example, they launched the Teaching Garden at Dovercourt Park. This garden is to provide children with a deeper understanding of where their food comes from. This program is not only teaching the entire process of gardening but it is also teaching life skills along the way! To learn more about this program, feel free to check out their latest newsletter for further details. 



The Dovercourt Boys and Girls Club offers so much for the community at a large. One particular event that they do that supports families is their Hamper event. This event is where they combine goods that a family would need over the holidays such as food into a hamper and then these are delivered to families in need in the community on Christmas Eve. It is such a great event and the whole community comes together to help out.
This organization does so much that the best way to see their impact is by volunteering and getting to know them at a deeper level. I know that I am always impressed with every interaction I have with them. It has been 60 years of hard work to ensure children and teens know that they can achieve anything.
“This year we are celebrating the achievement of serving our communities for 60 years. Every year, we work to be innovative in our programming that aims to stimulate growth and empowerment in our members, ages 4 to 17. We operate with our vision and core values in mind, and we hope our members leave our organization with a sense of belonging and purpose in society. You can support the Dovercourt Boys and Girls Club through donations or volunteering your time – we would love to meet you!”
– Sheldon Taylor, Executive Director, Dovercourt Boys and Girls Club



If you would like to learn more or would like to volunteer, please contact them as you won’t regret it! Make sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube to see their work in action and to see the lives that are touched by the work that they do.
I know that I am always touched to see the empowering of lives and the enriching of the community through the Dovercourt Boys and Girls Club. Thank you Dovercourt Boys and Girls Club for all that you do! 

 

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We are in the prime of summer as August has already started and many start squeezing in some more family fun before the start of the school year.

Here are my top five family friendly activities in Toronto that you can check out before the end of summer.  

Out of the Depths: The Blue Whale Story
This special exhibition is being offered by the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) located at 100 Queen’s Park in Toronto. This exhibit retells the tragic story of 2014 with the Blue Whale. You will be able to get a close up to one of the world’s most mysterious, and largest animals ever. Come face to face with the enormous eighty- foot skeleton of Blue, and discover the mind-blowing biology of blue whales; the humongous size of their heart, their unusual feeding behaviour, how they communicate and their evolution from land to see. This is a must see exhibit and it is only available until September 4, 2017.

Canadian National Exhibition (CNE)
This is a classic favorite and one that signifies the end-of-summer tradition. This year the CNE is open from August 18 to September 4 and it is gearing up for another fun-filled season.
There is always so much to do at the CNE such as the Midway games to the farm and Sky Ride. There are also great shows and food to try! You definitely don’t want to miss all that they have to offer this August.

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is located in the heart of downtown Toronto. It is a fairly new attraction in Toronto and it offers a facility that you can experience the undersea world in a safe environment. Their mission is “to provide a world class experience that will foster education, conservation, and research, while providing fun and entertainment for locals and tourists of all ages.”

There are 16,000 aquatic animals with North America’s longest underwater viewing tunnel with more than 5.7 million liters of water and over 100 interactive opportunities. You can also get up close and personal with three touch exhibits featuring horseshoe crabs, sharks, and rays. There is also daily dive shows every 2 hours. So you can say that there is a whole lot that you can do!

Canada’s Wonderland
Canada’s Wonderland is a 330-acre theme park located in Vaughan, Ontario, which is north of Toronto. The park first opened in 1981 as the first major theme park in Canada and remains as the country’s largest. There is so much to do there such as rides, games, live shows, street festivals, special events, food and much more. It truly is a wonderland that your family will love to do! 

Wildlife Rescue at the Ontario Science Centre
The Ontario Science Centre is located at 770 Don Mills Road in Toronto and it is offering an eye-opening, inspiring and wildly interactive experience for all ages called, Wildlife Rescue.
Journey to Africa and Indonesia at the Return to the Wild theatre and witness the dedicated efforts of caretakers who successfully raise and release young elephants and orangutans to the wild.
Explore the innovative ways used to capture, raise and release endangered species back to the wild in the Species Recovery Center. Experiment with puppets, costumes and other techniques used to teach young animals essential survival skills. Take a simulated flight on an ultra-light to guide young whooping cranes along their first migratory route. This is just a little bit of what you can do and learn through this unique experience and it is only available until September 4th.
 
There you have it, my top five family friendly activities to do in Toronto before the end of summer. Enjoy each day as the summer does go by quickly! 
 

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The Royal LePage Commitment to Women and Children in our Communities

“On any given day in Canada, 3,000 women (and their 2,500 children) are living in an emergency shelter to escape family violence”**

That is an alarming statistic but one that rings true in many of our communities. Violence against women and their children is a significant problem in all communities in Canada. This is why as a member of the Royal LePage Supreme team, we are proud to be working with women’s shelters and our national partners to provide safety and hope to women and children experiencing violence and abuse.

Royal LePage is committed to strengthen the communities where we love and work, Royal LePage is the only Canadian real estate company with its own charitable foundation. The Royal LePage Shelter Foundation is Canada’s largest public foundation dedicated exclusively to funding women’s shelters and violence prevention programs.

By supporting women’s shelters, the foundation is ensuring that women and children have a safe place to go to escape domestic violence. With their national partners, they are able to fund healthy relationship programs for youth and support programs that help women and children heal from their experiences of abuse and rebuild their lives.

Women’s shelters direct the foundation’s funding to meet their greatest needs and priorities. Funds are used to provide critical services such as: trauma counseling; job training and placement; emergency transportation to the shelter; play therapy for children; homework help for youth; renovations to existing shelters; and building new shelters. In some cases, the funds are used to help women and children after they leave the shelter and move into their own accommodations.

To make a meaningful difference at a local level, the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation matches Royal LePage offices with a women’s shelter in their community. Ours is the Redwood Shelter in Toronto. We are all passionate about the shelters that we are connected to and we help organize fundraising events such as the National Garage Sale that is usually held before Mother’s Day, a boat cruise and festivals. Also many of our realtors, myself included, donate a portion of the commissions when we help our clients buy or sell a home. All the support stays in the local community and because Royal LePage covers the administrative cost of the foundation, one hundred percent of the fund raised go towards supporting women’s shelters. Since 1998, the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation has raised more than $24 million. This past spring Royal LePage Supreme was able to raise over $6600 at our annual garage sale.

This cause is one of great importance to me as we are able to help families find their dream homes on a day to day basis and with each sale we are also helping those who do not have a safe and peaceful home through the Foundation’s funding.

If you would like to learn more on the research on family violence please visit, www.canadianwomen.org. If you would like to contribute and make a difference in the lives of the families affected by violence, please visit the secure donation page by clicking here. To check out what events might be happening in your area, click here.

Keep in mind that when using a Royal LePage Supreme realtor to assist you in selling or buying a home is also helping those who are affected by family violence. Please feel free to contact me if you want to get started.

**Canadian Family Violence: A Statistical Profile 2009, Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics, Statistics Canada, page 12**

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My Top 5 Patio Restaurants in Toronto
 

Summer is in full swing and that is when we start to see people enjoying the outdoors a lot more. In a busy city like Toronto, we have been seeing a lot more restaurants that offer the patio experience.

Here are my top five Toronto restaurants that offer good food, atmosphere and a patio that I suggest to give a try before summer comes to an end.

Gusto 101
Gusto (pronounced Goo-sto) means tasty in Italian is located at 101 Portland Street which is in the heart of downtown Toronto. Since opening their doors in 2012, Gusto 101 has been serving up modern takes on Southern Italian classics and has become a neighbourhood gathering place.
Some people may not know that this restaurant used to be a garage and they have transformed it into a restaurant full of architecture and design. Whether you’re craving the warmth of a wood-fire grill or a glass of wine on their rooftop patio, they do provide the exceptional. 

My favorite dish here is the Mafalde ai Funghai (portobello, porcini, oyster mushrooms, truffle cream sauce) with the Kale salad. A definite must try!



Bar Raval
Bar Raval features Gaudi-esque wood panels and a Barcelona feel to 505 College Street in Toronto and everyone has been loving it. The architecture design of this bar makes it a unique one in the city with an atmosphere that shifts from idyllic in the mornings to bumpin’ at night. You will be able to find great food and wines on the menu. Each dish is made with great care and addition with everyone loving each bite. This is truly evident as each dish goes back clean.  

This restaurant has given the neighbourhood a little piece of Barcelona with a Spanish tapas style in Toronto and the neighbours adore it. My favorite dish here is A La Parila Octopus. A must try!


 
Patria
Patria is an authentic Spanish tapas eatery located at 478 King Street West in Toronto and this neighbourhood is known as the “Fashion District”. Patria showcases an ever-changing selection of only the freshest fish, octopus and shrimp, sourced daily. The wine menu features an extensive list of Spanish labels imported exclusively to pair perfectly with every item on their menu.

There courtyard patio and large dining area offers the perfect setting for dinner or Sunday brunch.
My favourite dish here is any of the paellas which there are four to choose from.


 
El Caballito
El Caballito is located a short walk away from the Roy Thomson Hall, The Princess of Wales Theatre and the Toronto’s International Film Festival at 220 King Street West. El Caballito serves street-style Mexican cuisine along with the most robust selection of tequilas and margaritas in downtown Toronto.

They provide great service, food and their patio is like having a piece of Mexico right in your downtown backyard. My favourite dish here is the Baja-Style Fish Taco with a shot of Tequila.



Marben Resturant
Marben restaurant is a modern and industrial style venue which has a trendy vibe as soon as you walk in. It is conveniently located in the heart of the fashion district in Toronto at 488 Wellington Street West.

It has an eclectic menu that the locals love. Equally exciting, Marben has a lot of locally sourced fare and bespoke cocktails. Their rooftop patio also gives you a great view of the iconic CN Tower. This restaurant is yet another reason why Wellington Street West is the place to be.

My favourite dish here is the Johns Burger as I do love burgers. You don’t want to miss trying it when you visit!


 
There you have it, my top five restaurants with a patio in the heart of Toronto. They are all located in great neighbourhoods and offer an overall great experience.
 

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Five Tips To Prepare Children For A Move
Moving can always be disruptive to routines and change is always difficult for everyone especially so for children. Therefore, preparing your children for the move will help them cope better with the changes.
For this post, I decided to reach out to Momma Braga who is a Canadian mom blogger and was named the 2017 Blogger of the Year by The Baby Spot (Global Parenting Online Magazine) to get her advice on the subject.  

Here are Momma Braga’s five tips to prepare children for a move.  

Start the Conversation Early
It is important to start the moving conversation as soon as you decide to move. Give them time to get used to the idea if possible. Talk about the move often to reinforce that it is real and going to happen. Children (depending on their age) can react in fear for the unknown. Try to give them plenty of information about the move and encourage any questions. Answer them honestly and be prepared for a variety of reactions. Even if the move means an improvement in family life, kids don’t always understand that and may be focused on the frightening aspects of the change.

Involve the Children
Get your children involved in the planning as much as possible as it makes them feel they are contributing and being a good help in the house-hunting process or the search for a new school. Encourage their opinions and participation. Momma Braga would take her toddler to open houses to see how her daughter felt about the property. It worked as her toddler loved the one house that they fell in love with.   

Tour the New Neighbourhood
If you are moving nearby or even at a distance, plan a tour in the new neighbourhood. Show your children the new house and walk around the neighbourhood so they can get a feel for where they are moving to. This helps relieve any anxiety that they may feel. If you are able to plan a couple of trips before the big move it will be beneficial for your children and even for yourself.

Keeping Routines
Once you have moved try to get your children back into their familiar routines. It would be best to unpack their rooms first as this will help them settle and feel more secure in their new home.

Stay Positive
Remember to stay positive during the process as your children will feel your anxiety and fears of your own. Communicate with your children openly and honestly and everything will go into its place. With younger children you can make it really exciting for them about the move and act out the move with their toys. Positive play can do wonders with your little one.

Above all, a move can be challenging at times, but if you focus on working through the process together as a family it can bring you closer. Moving out of your comfort zones can help you learn a lot more about each other and it can end up being a fun process for all. If you have any questions on the moving process, feel free to connect with me as I would be happy to help.

Special thank you to Momma Braga for sharing her parentings tips and feel free to check out her blog at www.mommabraga.com
 

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