The Intersection of Love and Family

February finds us at the intersection of love and family. It is the month of Valentine’s Day (the “heart” holiday) and Family Day (a day to do something special with your little brood). And boy, do those two words intertwine. It is through family that I find the purest, truest, most comfortable kind of love – the love that means “I am there for you” and “I support you”.

I really believe that both of these holidays represent something that should be celebrated every single day of the year. But they offer us great reminders to slow down, take a breath, and remember what’s really important in our lives – family and love are my top two!

Here’s what else I’m LOVING this month:

1. Our recipe for Valentine’s Day Marshmallow Pops (page 22)! Who can resist cloud-like marshmallows dipped in heavenly chocolate then rolled in fun sprinkles? Plus, this recipe is super-easy and kid-approved, of course!
2. “Where there is love, there is life.” This beautiful quote is from Mahatma Gandhi. Find out how our resident 11-year-olds weigh in on love this month on page 11.
3. Tips for beating the winter blahs! There’s been too much snow, ice and cold temps, and not enough sun for my liking (a typical Canadian winter!) But Frankly Fatherhood (p. 12) reminds us that “Our children’s mental health depends primarily on us and our outlook on those blah-inducing times.” This is important stuff parents!
4. Our 17th annual Captured Moments photo contest was a rousing success. Thank you so much to all who entered and to our sponsors who make this happen! We have chosen our 14 winners who will be professionally photographed this month to appear on future covers of The Mom & Caregiver. Photo shoot days are some of my favourites of the year – it’s so much fun to come up with fun concepts, watch our wonderful photographer at work, and meet fabulous local families.

We hope your February (and your whole year) is filled with the love of family, friends and all those who support you. We’re always here to provide our support too! The Mom & Caregiver is truly a place of acceptance, encouragement and love!

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