As a consumer, a marketer, and especially as a parent I am increasingly concerned about the type of advertising directed at kids. I realize we live in a world of consumption where everyone is considered a potentially valuable customer but we have a responsibility as a society to protect our children - our future. More than the quantity of advertising I am disturbed by the subtle, hidden messages. At least if the message is obvious you can address it head-on or have the opportunity to sensor it but what you don't see, your kids do. I have seen a... More »

Consumer Generated Media (CGM) is created by consumers. It is often inspired by relevant experiences or common interests. There are many different ways we generate media as consumers - through word of mouth, passing on emails, chat rooms, blogs, etc. If the message, product, or service resonates strongly with a certain group, these communications can be extremely powerful and viral.  Companies are finding it more and more difficult to control the message communicated about their products through advertising because consumers are making their opinions known. Today, consumers are very savvy and know what they want. Companies can participate in CGM... More »

Q: There's no question in my mind that I am the boss in my family and I think it's misleading when people use the term Democratic Parenting.  Could you comment? A: Parents often ask me to define Democratic Parenting, so I'm glad that you've brought this subject up.  In a recent workshop I was delivering another parent expressed a similar sentiment to yours and commented: "In a democracy everyone is equal, but in a family that's not really true."  If one were to look up the word democracy in Webster's dictionary one would find one of the following definitions:... More »

I was talking to Kath, another member of the urbanmoms.ca team, a few days ago.  We were chatting about our kids, the site, our busy lives and then we started talking about time. I know it sounds strange but it was a conversation that has been on my mind ever since. Kath was telling me about a picture her husband had taken of her when she wasn't paying enough attention to pose.  When they were reviewing the shots later she was shocked at what she saw. She was shocked at the lines on her face - when did I... More »

Click here to enter to win a Graco Booster Seat! Graco Children's Products Inc. has launched an awareness campaign in Ontario to help parents and caregivers prepare themselves for the upcoming booster seat legislation.  Did you know that starting this September children under 80lbs, up to 4' 9" tall and 4-8 years old are required to travel in a booster seat? The challenge here is awareness.  Many parents (and children) thought they were done with the booster seat long ago and may not be aware that, despite being in a "grown-up" seat for some time, their child is now required... More »

In this crazy world of technology and information overload, sometimes I forget to just relax.  I get so wrapped up in my busy day and fitting everything in that I forget to leave time for the unpredictable and the spontaneous.  It is often my kids who remind me of the value of the unplanned. Case in point, this weekend.  I was rushing to get us all out the door to go up north and was obsessing about some work I had left unfinished and the laundry I had left half done.  As I wallowed in my self-induced neurosis on... More »

Thank God for my friends.  I don't know what I would do if I didn't have anyone who could relate.  The other day in a brainstorming session at work I clapped my hands and cheered "Hurray!" when our group came up with a really great idea.  In my excitement I had slipped into Mommy mode.  There were a few strange looks and an uncomfortable pause at my innappropriate outburst but people moved on pretty quickly.  I, however, could not get it off my mind.  That is until I called my good friend, another working mom, and told her of my... More »