How to Care For Your Kiddo’s Teeth + An Important Teething Safety Notice: Oral Health Month With The Bloor Clinic Kids

Caring for your little one’s teeth can be really hard. Not all kids love to brush and floss, and knowing how to keep their smile healthy is difficult for parents. Especially as you navigate the exhausting world of teething. That’s why I’m so excited to team up with The Bloor Clinic Kids Paediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics for Oral Health Month this April.

With the help of one of their board-certified Paediatric Dentists, Dr. Regina Revuelta Perez, I’m answering 3 Frequently Asked Questions. Plus I’m discussing a very important safety notice for all parents with teething babes, and giving you one of my simple tricks for making teeth brushing fun for the whole family!

1. When Do I Need To Start Cleaning My Baby’s Teeth?

You can begin wiping your babies gums with a cloth (damp with water) wrapped around your finger at a few months old. This gets your baby used to having their mouth cleaned, gets parents in the habit of focusing on baby’s daily oral hygiene, and provides a clean environment for their primary teeth to erupt into. As soon as your baby’s first teeth arrive you should wipe their teeth and gums down with a wet cloth at least twice daily. Eventually you can switch to parent-led brushing with a paediatric size toothbrush (with water), and then supervised child-led brushing. Around 3 years old (or when your child can spit) you can begin using a small amount of toothpaste with fluoride. Even older children, who seem capable of brushing their own teeth, should be supervised and assisted to ensure all surfaces of the teeth are being cleaned properly. A lot of parents assume that baby teeth don’t matter because they will eventually fall out, but some primary teeth, like our molars, stay until around 12 years of age. So it’s very important to keep them clean and healthy.

2. When Should I Take My Baby To See The Dentist?

The Canadian Dental Association recommends the “assessment of infants, within 6 months of the eruption of the first tooth, or by one year of age. The goal is to have your child visit the dentist before there is a problem.” Meeting with a dentist can provide important education for parents, so they know how to care for their child’s teeth, and when to reach out with any concerns. It also allows children to get used to visits to the dentist.

3. Why Should My Little One See A Paediatric Dentist? *Includes Our Personal Experience

Paediatric dentists do an extra 4 years of specialist training, which makes them very well equipped to care for infants, children, and people with special needs. They are trained to work very quickly, something that’s important since most kids have little to no patience ;) They also have special sized equipment needed to assess and treat your little one’s small mouth and teeth properly.

When we took our son Ben (now 7.5 years old) in for his first dental checkup we went to our regular dentist. They did his cleanings for 5 years, however when it came time for x-rays we started having problems. Our initial dentist’s office didn’t have the appropriate size equipment for paediatric x-rays, and the large pieces would cause my son to gag and almost vomit. After several failed attempts to get the x-rays done I saw my son’s anxiety and fear about the dentist rising. I didn’t like the stress it was causing him. I was also feeling a ton of anxiety as a mom, because no successful x-rays had been done. I decided I needed to find a better option, so I reached out to The Bloor Clinic Kids, a new full service Paediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics clinic at Bloor & Islington.

The staff answered all of my questions, helped me get a predetermination done with our insurance company, and booked our 2 bid kids in as new patients within a few days. I was amazed that they were successful in getting all the x-rays we needed in just 1 quick appointment. Ben even raved as we were leaving the office “this is the best dentist ever!” I was so relieved that it went so well and that there wasn’t a single cavity for either kid. However, we did find out that our daughter Lucy is missing her adult incisors (which my dad and I are also missing, thank goodness for modern day dentistry!). We know she will have a very long dental journey ahead of her, so I’m very relieved to know that we have the amazing team at The Bloor Clinic Kids to help us along the way. Especially since they provide orthodontics on site too. It’s nice to know they’ve got us covered for it all. If you need some help with your little one’s smile reach out to their incredible team info@thebloorclinickids.com or (437) 774-8225. They will be more than happy to help answer all of your questions, and get your dental needs sorted out.

Teething ***IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE!***

Teething can be a long a hard process for some babies. Click here to read about 6 of My Favourite Teething Remedies. Please always remember that Orajel/Baby Orajel teething products should NEVER be used. The presence of benzocaine in these products can lead to a rare but fatal condition called methemoglobinemia (Health Canada Warning). In addition any local numbing agent could numb their throat making it difficult to breath, or increasing the risk of choking. There are many other remedies that can help with the discomfort of teething without being dangerous.

Finally, I want to share with you one of my parenting tricks that helps make teeth brushing fun in our home. We love to sing Brush Your Teeth by Raffi in a very jovial way. Our kids absolutely love it. Check it out if you don’t know the song. Wishing all the parents good luck brushing teeth tonight.

- Care

In This Post: The Bloor Clinic Kids Paediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics is located at 3250 Bloor St West Unit 112 in Toronto at Bloor & Islington. Contact info@thebloorclinickids.com or (437) 774-8225 with any questions.

*This is a sponsored post which means I was provided compensation and/or products/services for this post. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. I only partner with companies that I genuinely love and want to recommend.

Grow A Butterfly! Buy Your Caterpillars NOW for Junction Wings 2019 - Community Fundraiser

It’s officially spring, so that means it’s time to place our orders for Junction Wings 2019!! If you’ve never heard of this incredible community fundraiser, you need to check it out. Basically for $10 you get an adorable little caterpillar in a container with food and instructions on how to care for it. You take it home and watch it grow into your very own special butterfly. It truly is magic.

My family has been taking part in this fundraiser for several years, and every single year I am amazed at this process and how much our kiddos learn from it.

Check out my post from a few years ago for a super simple Ikea Hack Butterfly Habitat, so you’ll have the perfect home for your little friend to emerge into as a butterfly.

Don’t wait! Place your caterpillar orders by this Friday April 5th! ***ORDERS EXTENDED TO APRIL 8TH AT 5PM*** ( I always recommend buying a few, since some won’t work out. Think of it as a good insurance policy.)

Caterpillars will be available for pickup in the West End on Saturday May 11th & Wednesday May 15th. The pickup location and all details will be sent out via confirmation email with each caterpillar purchase. You can arrange for someone else to pick up your caterpillars on your behalf, but please let the Junction Project know in advance. Full Details & Buy Caterpillars

I hope you and your family enjoy this as much as mine does every year. Maybe it’ll become one of your spring family traditions, like it is in our home.

- Care

Tax Time Is Coming! Set up Your Small Biz Finances With Lina De Luca CPA + Wine & Wisdom Event

As a small business owner I know that accounting and taxes can be really stressful, but they should never hold you back from achieving your goals. For the first 5 years of my business I tried to do it all myself, but this year I have vowed to make some big changes. Now that my business and revenue streams are growing I desperately need some help putting larger longterm systems into place. Having a professional help me will free up my time so I can focus on what truly creates revenue in my business. I know there are so many mamas out there launching new ventures, so I thought I would share my experience. I hope it helps alleviate a little money related stress for the business mamas out there.

For this new phase in my business I’m so thrilled to be working with Lina De Luca, a CPA (Chartered Professional Accountant) with 10 years experience, and local Bloor West Mom. Lina and her adorable son Mikey have come to lots of my community programs, so I’m very happy to be working together. Lina mentioned to me that in addition to offering bookkeeping and tax services (for businesses and individuals), she is passionate about helping small businesses set up their bookkeeping and get organized, so they will be prepared when tax time comes around. Sounded perfect to me! Her program called “The Blueprint” is geared toward small business owners (or self-employed people). In it she designs an accounting process customized to your particular lifestyle and business needs. By automating as much as possible, Lina helps to reduce time spent, and bookkeeping costs, for businesses who don’t need, or can’t afford, full-time support. This is exactly the kind of help I was looking for, so it was a natural fit. Moving forward with Lina’s help has me so excited. It’s kinda funny what’s exciting when you’re a mom and small business owner ;)

If you want to meet Lina in person and ask her all your questions, Register Now for the upcoming Wine & Wisdom Seminar she’s co-hosting at Community Venue (708 Annette St) on February 27th. Along with three other professionals (Laroux Peoples: Wills & Estates Lawyer, Andrea Henry: Business & Partnerships Lawyer, and Cindy Marques: Financial Planner Investments/Insurance Broker), Lina will be discussing common mistakes made, and answering all of your accounting questions. Space is very limited, so don’t wait to Register. You’ll get some invaluable advice for your business, plus have the opportunity to network with an incredible group of professionals who can help support you along the way.

If you have questions but can’t make it on the 27th, simply Sign Up for a Complimentary 30 Minute Consultation Phone Call with Lina.

5 years into my business, the one thing I would say is that it’s worth investing in this type of help right from the start. Don’t wait like I did. It’ll just pile up and make more work for you in the long run.

Please comment with any questions below, and don’t hesitate to reach out directly to Lina. She really is an amazing person, and so genuinely excited to help you organize your money, so you can meet your business goals.

- Care

*This is a sponsored post which means I was provided compensation and/or products/services for this post. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. I only partner with companies that I genuinely love and want to recommend.

Summer Camp GIVEAWAY!!! Enter NOW for a Chance to WIN a Week at Westside FUN $400+ Value!

The polar vortex has finally left us behind and this brief warm spell of weather has me craving summer. Since I’m dreaming of summer bliss, I thought I would make one parent’s summer dreams come true. So I’ve partnered with Westside FUN Day Camp to give away a week of summer camp!! This giveaway is Valued at $390+HST! So if you have a little one 4 and up, don’t wait to ENTER! #sponsored

Last summer our big kids Ben and Lucy attended Westside FUN for 2 weeks each. They both absolutely loved it! I think the best part is that this camp offers such a wide variety of activities, so kid’s get to try out some new stuff, and don’t get bored doing the same thing over and over again every day. Plus, as a mom with pretty high standards, I was very pleased with the staff at Westside FUN. The counsellors always had the kids moving and having fun, exactly as summer camp should be. The kids came home absolutely exhausted every day, as evident by this photo of Lucy last summer passed out after a long day at Westside FUN.

A few weeks ago when I asked the kids if they wanted to go back to Westside FUN again this year, it was a resounding “YES!!” from both of them. Yay! Makes my mom job at a lot easier knowing they love where they spend their summer days.

So without further ado, I give you an Epic Summer Camp Giveaway valued at over $400!! Feel free to Enter all 3 ways to increase your chances of Winning!

1. To Enter Via My Blog: Simply Like this post & Comment below with your name and email (you must include your email so I can contact you if you win. If you prefer to keep it private, please comment with your name below and send me a quick email so I have your contact info.)

2. Head over to my Instagram and Enter!! ** Unlimited entries with tags!

3. Head over to my Facebook Page and Enter!! ** Unlimited entries with tags!

That’s it. So easy, and if you win, you can check one thing off your never-ending parent to-do list. You can thank me later ;)

Contest is open to all Canadians* 18+ and closes Thursday February 14th at 10pm EST** A winner will be chosen at random and contacted within 24 hours. *Westside FUN Day Camp is located in Toronto Canada. No travel or accommodation costs will be covered. Camp registration dates are subject to availability and age restrictions. Updated to Note: THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

Learn More about Westside FUN's Programs & Register Here. Please note that Westside FUN only runs programs in July, so space in their programs is Extremely Limited. Don't wait to register! Use code CARE for $25 OFF Westside FUN! Multi-week and sibling discounts are available, so make sure to check those out!

Good luck and let’s hope the groundhog was right. An early spring sounds pretty lovely right about now.

- Care

*This is a sponsored post which means I was provided compensation and/or products/services for this post. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. I only partner with companies that I genuinely love and want to recommend.

Join Me At The Total Mom Show + 2 Ways To WIN Tickets! + 15% OFF

As a busy mom it’s so easy to get caught up in placing our children’s wellness ahead of our own, and forgetting to give ourselves the time and attention we need to thrive. That’s why I’m so excited to be taking part in The Total Mom Show this February. An incredible local event that is geared toward educating, supporting, and celebrating Moms. Sounds pretty amazing to me!

There’s so much going on at this show that I thought I would break it down and give you all the details, plus a chance to WIN some tickets, and get a sweet discount!

The Total Mom Show is unlike any other out there for moms. The 2 day festival will feature immersive activities, expert speakers, vibrant panel discussions, and two interactive floors of local vendors focussing on all things mom. Participants can indulge in some epic pampering in the Face Forward Zone. Simply pre-book your appointment via the Total Mom Show App and enjoy a treatment at the show. Once you’re sufficiently relaxed you'll want to check out the Recipe For Life Zone for a variety of healthy and delicious eats. Then head over to the Mom Life Hacks Zone to learn how to make your busy mom life a little easier.

Another amazing part of The Total Mom Show is The Total Mom Pitch Contest! If you have a great business idea, or could use some help with your small business start up, you need to apply. The contest will take place on day 1 (February 9th) and will give 5 chosen applicants an opportunity to present a 5-7 minute pitch to a panel of successful entrepreneurs. The winner will receive a cash prize, as well as complimentary services from the amazing panel of judges. This is an incredible prize, so make sure to enter & let your mompreneur friends know, so they can apply for a chance to WIN!

Tickets to The Total Mom Show are on Sale, but don’t wait too grab yours! There are a limited number of VIP BAGS left + Limited spots available in the Face Forward beauty Lounge. Use Code @with_care15 for 15% off your ticket.

After telling you all these amazing things, I thought it was only fair to give away some tickets! I’ll be doing a giveaway for a pair of tickets (valued at over $100!) on my Instagram, so head over and ENTER for your chance to Win! Plus come to Movies for Mommies at the Humber Cinema on Monday January 14th (Aquaman) & 21st (The Upside) to be entered for a chance to WIN Tickets to The Total Mom Show. Movie starts at 1pm and doors open at 12:30pm.

Hope to see you on Monday at the movies, and at The Total Mom Show in February.

- Care

The Magic of Menstruation with Amanda Laird - Register NOW for the June Breastfeeding Cafe

How much do you really know about menstruation and your body? So many menstruating people don't truly understand their cycles and what's happening each month, so I've invited Amanda Laird the host of the Heavy Flow Podcast to join me at the June Breastfeeding Cafe for a talk about the Magic of Menstruation. 

In this talk, Amanda (a Registered Holistic Nutritionist), will unpack menstrual myths, explain why the menstrual cycle is a vital sign and teach you what you didn't learn in health class. She will also address every new mom's most burning question: "when will I get my period back?!"

This is going to be a good one! If you would like to attend the Cafe on June 5th at West End Mamas and learn all about menstruation Register Here. Remaining space is very limited in this FREE Community Event, so please don't wait to Register. If your plans change and you can't make it, please email care@with-care.ca so we can open up your spot to another community parent who would like to attend. **Please Note that this is a FREE Community event, but this month Participants are encouraged to bring a box of tampons or a large purse to be donated to the Period Purse.

Also, if you haven't listened to The Heavy Flow Podcast yet, I highly recommend it. You can check out the episode that I was a guest on, as well as tons of other amazing episodes here. Enjoy!

- Care

**After this month the Breastfeeding Cafe will be on summer holidays and will resume in the fall. 

The Ins & Outs of Family Estate Planning with Laroux Peoples: Video + Discount

Once you become a parent, planning for every possibility becomes important. That's why having a Will and Power of Attorney in place is so essential. We all hope that nothing happens to us until we're old and grey, but planning means that your family won't be left in a difficult position in the very rare chance that something happens to one or both parents.

If you don't have your estate planned, you need to Watch this quick video I made with Laroux Peoples, a local mom and awesome lawyer that specializes in Wills and Powers of Attorney. Laroux answers some of the frequently asked questions parents have about preparing their estate, and offers an amazing discount to my readers and clients. 

Plus, if you're in the Toronto area Register NOW to join Me & Laroux on May 1st at 9:30am for the May Breastfeeding Cafe at West End Mamas. Laroux will be talking about Future Planning: Wills & Powers of Attorney for Parents, and answering all of your questions. Remaining space is very limited for this FREE community event, so don't wait to Register. 

Laroux generously offers my clients 20% off their Wills and Powers of Attorney when they mention With Care. Plus she comes to your home when your documents are ready to be signed...aka...no need to pay for a babysitter or parking. Basically the best news ever. 

Follow the link to set up a FREE phone consultation with Laroux so you can get all of your questions answered and finally have this big one checked off the never-ending parenting to-do list. You're welcome ;) 

- Care 

**Please note this video and post does not constitute legal advice or establish a solicitor/client relationship by way of any information contained herein. The contents are intended for general information purposes only and under no circumstances can be relied upon for legal decision-making. Please consult with a qualified lawyer to seek advice concerning the specifics of your particular situation.

*This is a sponsored post which means I was provided compensation and/or product for this post. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. I only partner with products and services that I genuinely love and want to recommend. 

Mother's Day Mini Sessions at Movies for Mommies with Anchor Studio - REGISTER NOW!

This awful cold weather sure doesn't feel like spring, but in just a few weeks May will be here and it will be time to celebrate the best holiday of the year...Mother's Day of course ;) 

If you would love to get a beautiful photo of you and your little one, join me at Movies for Mommies this April. Anchor Studio Photography will be joining me at the theatre for 2 weeks to offer complimentary Mommy & Me Mini Photo Sessions. Appointments will be scheduled between 12pm-1pm on each day (April 23rd & 30th). Photo sessions are free and attendees have the option to purchase photos for $25/digital image (discounted packages for more photos are also vailable). **PLEASE NOTE: Sessions are reserved for Movie Attendees Only**

Space is very limited for these sessions, so please email care@with-care.ca ASAP to request a spot. Don't forget to let me know which day you prefer, April 23rd or 30th. If the date you prefer is full I will offer you a time on the other day, or a spot on the wait list. These sessions fill up very fast, so please don't wait!

*The movie being screened April 23rd is I Feel Pretty. The movie being screened April 30th is still TBD (I will update this post as it becomes available). If you would like to receive notice of our weekly screenings and special events please join my Movies for Mommies Humber Cinemas Newsletter.

- Care