Summer is for Playing

Do you remember the summers of our childhoods? Many of us played with whoever was in our neighbourhood, finding sticks and stones to make up games, staying out until dusk when our parents called us in for supper or bedtime. Unfortunately, our kids are not growing up in the same way. I know, I know – a lot of that has to do with the very important safety of our children. But our kids are missing out on the fresh air, exercise and creativity of these times.

Our assistant editor, Melissa, recently told me of a book she read called Child’s Play by Silken Laumann (Canada’s three time Olympic medalist in rowing). It talks about rediscovering the joy of play in our families and in our communities. It inspired Melissa’s article “50 Free Things to Do Before You’re 12”. We challenge you to get out there with your kids to try running through a sprinkler, rolling down a huge hill or finding shapes in the clouds, amongst many other fun and crazy activities. Find them all on page 17.

If you’re looking for other ideas to fill your August, look no further than the rest of our beautiful issue. Cross something off your “I never thought I’d do that” list by running the runway at the London International Airport to raise funds for YMCA camp (find full details on page 9). Gather the family to cook over a fire – visit our Kid Zone (p. 12) to get camping recipes for trail mixes, S’mores and “leather chili”. Or make summer hydration fun with berry water and smoothie popsicles (more thirst quenchers are on page 14).

Lastly, don’t miss a very important article from our cover kid’s mom. She tells us that Solace’s home with his mothers and siblings is “built on a strong foundation, enriched with our Oneida Language and Haudenosaunee teachings.”  Read more on page 6 to be inspired by the strong role women play in their lives and to learn how love should be “so honest and true”.

 

Happy August to all and to all a safe summer! 

 

Sabina Manji, a lifelong Londoner, is an irrepressible entrepreneur, mother of a wonderful son, and also a committed volunteer.