Category: Modern Dad

Granary Road, Family Farm Fun Near Calgary!

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Granary Road Calgary is a unique destination (Map Link) that offers an excellent experience for families looking for a fun and educational day out. This attraction boasts a combination of farm, market, and educational components that make it a perfect outing for both children and adults. Our family recently visited Granary Road Calgary, and we were thrilled with the experience.

Upon arrival, we were immediately struck by the natural beauty of the surroundings. The attraction is situated on 36 acres of land that is surrounded by stunning views of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. We parked our car and made our way to the main entrance, where we were greeted by friendly staff who provided us with a map of the area and gave us an overview of what to expect.

We began our adventure by exploring the indoor market, which offers a variety of unique and locally sourced products. The market is filled with food stalls, artisanal shops, and educational exhibits that showcase the importance of sustainable farming practices. We were impressed with the quality and variety of the food on offer and ended up sampling a range of delicious treats, including fresh bread, gourmet cheeses, and locally produced honey.

After exploring the market, we made our way outside to the farm area, where we were greeted by friendly animals and knowledgeable staff who were eager to teach us about sustainable agriculture. We saw a wide variety of animals, including goats, pigs, cows, and llamas, and learned about the different roles they play in the ecosystem. We also had the opportunity to interact with some of the animals, which was a highlight for our children.

One of the unique features of Granary Road Calgary is the elevated walkway that winds its way through the farm area. The walkway offers spectacular views of the surrounding area and allows visitors to see the animals from a unique vantage point. We spent a lot of time exploring the walkway and taking in the stunning scenery.

After spending a few hours on the farm, we made our way to the outdoor playground area, which features a range of activities that are suitable for children of all ages. Our children had a blast exploring the playground, which features everything from zip lines to giant slides. We also took some time to relax in the picnic area, which is located next to a beautiful pond and offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the farm area.

Overall, our family had a fantastic time at Granary Road Calgary. The attraction offers a unique combination of fun, education, and natural beauty that is hard to find elsewhere. We left feeling inspired and educated about sustainable farming practices and the importance of supporting local agriculture. We highly recommend Granary Road Calgary to any families looking for a fun and educational day out.

Tips For Getting Kids Ready For School On Time

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As a parent, getting your child ready for school on time can be a daunting task. Mornings can be hectic, and it can be challenging to get everything done on time. However, with some planning and organization, it is possible to make the mornings more manageable. Here are the five best tips to get your child ready for school on time.

1: Establish a routine

Children thrive on routines, and establishing a regular routine can help them feel more organized and prepared for the day ahead. Set a regular bedtime and wake-up time, and stick to it even on the weekends. Establish a morning routine that includes time for breakfast, getting dressed, and packing school bags. When children know what to expect, they are more likely to be prepared and ready on time.

Children thrive on routines, and establishing a regular routine can help them feel more organized and prepared for the day ahead.

David Pierre

2: Prepare the night before

Preparing for the morning the night before can save a lot of time and stress. Make sure that your child’s school bags are packed, and their clothes are laid out the night before. Encourage your child to pick out their clothes, so they feel more in control and responsible for their routine. If your child takes a packed lunch to school, prepare it the night before, so it is ready to grab and go in the morning.

3: Use visual aids

Visual aids can be helpful in getting children organized and ready for school on time. Create a visual schedule that outlines the morning routine, including what needs to be done and when. Use pictures or drawings to help younger children understand the routine. Place the schedule where your child can see it, such as on the fridge or in their bedroom.

4: Limit distractions

Mornings can be full of distractions, such as TV, video games, or toys. Limiting these distractions can help your child focus on getting ready for school. Set rules about when your child can watch TV or play games and stick to them. If your child is easily distracted, consider having a designated homework and study area free of distractions.

5: Encourage independence

Encourage your child to be independent in getting ready for school. Teach them how to get dressed and brush their teeth on their own, and gradually give them more responsibility for their morning routine. As children become more independent, they feel more confident and empowered, which can help them be more prepared and ready for school.

Getting your child ready for school on time can be challenging, but with some planning and organization, it can be manageable. Establishing a routine, preparing the night before, using visual aids, limiting distractions, and encouraging independence are all effective ways to help your child be ready for school on time. By following these tips, you can make mornings less stressful and set your child up for success in their academic and personal life. Hopefully this helps! If you have any more great tips leave them in the comments below.

A Day Trip From Calgary: The Royal Tyrrell Museum In Drumheller

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As a parent, finding new and exciting experiences for our families can be a fun and rewarding adventure. If you are looking for a unique day trip for your family from Calgary, The Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller is an excellent choice. This museum is one of the world’s leading centers for the preservation and presentation of dinosaur fossils, with exhibits and programs that will spark the imagination and curiosity of both children and adults.

A Short Drive From Calgary

The drive from Calgary to Drumheller is a beautiful one, with stunning landscapes and picturesque views along the way. If you plan to leave early in the morning, you can pack a picnic lunch for your family and enjoy a scenic breakfast overlooking the prairies. Once you arrive at the Royal Tyrrell Museum, you will be greeted by a large dinosaur statue, a great photo opportunity for the kids.

The Beautiful Landscape of Drumheller

Something For Everyone

The museum has plenty to offer for kids of all ages. The exhibits are interactive and engaging, with life-size models of dinosaurs, fossils, and interactive displays that explain the history and evolution of dinosaurs. The museum is also home to the world’s largest dinosaur skeleton, which will amaze both parents and children. The staff is knowledgeable and helpful, and they offer educational programs that are both fun and informative.

As a parent, you might worry about keeping your kids engaged for the entire day, but the museum has plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained.

For younger children, the museum has a play area where they can dig for fossils, dress up in dinosaur costumes, and play with toy dinosaurs. The museum also offers guided tours that are tailored to children, which can be a fun and educational way to experience the museum’s exhibits.

As a parent, you might worry about keeping your kids engaged for the entire day, but the museum has plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained. In addition to the exhibits, the museum offers a variety of programs, including behind-the-scenes tours, workshops, and special events throughout the year.

There are plenty of fun and interactive thing to do at The Royal Tyrrell Museum

Before you leave, make sure to stop by the gift shop, where you can purchase unique and educational souvenirs to take home. The museum also has a small cafeteria, where you can enjoy a meal or snack before heading back to Calgary.

Overall, a day trip to the Royal Tyrrell Museum is an exciting and educational experience that will be sure to captivate your family’s imagination. It’s an excellent way to spend quality time together, learn something new, and make lasting memories. So, if you are looking for a fun day trip from Calgary, be sure to add the Royal Tyrrell Museum to your list.

Paternity Leave in Canada: What Every Father Should Know

David Pierre   ·  

Becoming a parent is a life-changing experience, I know it was for me. And those changes bring on both joy and responsibilities. For fathers, taking time off from work to be with their newborn child is integral to bonding and adjusting to the new role. In Canada, the law provides various options for fathers to take time off work for the birth or adoption of a child, including paternity leave. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of paternity leave in Canada, including your rights and benefits.

Paternity Leave in Canada

In Canada, the right to take time off work for the birth or adoption of a child is governed by federal and provincial laws. Under the federal Employment Insurance (EI) program, eligible employees can take up to 15 weeks of EI benefits for standard parental leave, which can be shared between both parents. Additionally, some provinces have their own laws providing for extended parental leave or other benefits.

To be eligible for EI benefits, you must have worked a minimum number of hours in the past 52 weeks and have a valid claim for EI benefits. To apply for EI benefits, you must provide proof of your paternity, such as a birth certificate or adoption order, and your proof of employment.

Rights and Benefits of Paternity Leave

The right to take time off work for the birth or adoption of a child is a fundamental right in Canada and is protected under federal and provincial laws. This means that your employer cannot discriminate against you or terminate your employment because you have taken paternity leave. Additionally, your job and benefits are protected while you are on leave, and you have the right to return to work at the end of your leave.

Under the EI program, eligible employees can receive benefits equal to 55% of their average weekly earnings, up to a maximum of $573 per week. These benefits are paid by the federal government and are intended to provide financial support while you are on leave.

In addition to EI benefits, some provinces have their own laws providing for extended parental leave or other benefits. For example, in Quebec, eligible employees can take up to 5 additional weeks of leave, while in British Columbia, eligible employees can take up to 8 additional weeks of leave.

Tips for Taking Paternity Leave

Taking paternity leave is important in supporting your family and bonding with your child. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your leave:

  1. Plan ahead: Start planning your leave as early as possible, including making arrangements with your employer and applying for EI benefits.
  2. Be open with your employer: Be transparent with your employer about your plans to take paternity leave, and discuss any concerns or questions you may have.
  3. Make the most of your time off: Use your time off to bond with your child and enjoy your family while also taking care of yourself and preparing for your return to work.

As a father in Canada, you have the right to take time off work for the birth or adoption of a child. By understanding your rights and benefits, and being proactive in your planning and preparation, you can make the most of your paternity leave and support your family during this exciting and challenging time.

Drumheller, AB – One Family, One Day.

David Pierre   ·  

Drumheller, Let’s Do This!

Try Drumheller if you’re looking for a great day trip from Calgary and don’t want to fight the crowds near the mountains. Drumheller has plenty of shops, restaurants, and attractions to keep everyone entertained. Also, if you’re driving from Calgary, it’s about 1 hour and 30 minutes, perfect for getting a car nap in if your kids still nap!

The Hoodoo Trails near Drumheller, AB, Canada

First Stop – The Hoodoos Trail

For my family, every trip to Drumheller starts at the Hoodoos Trail. What we like about this, compared to mountain trails, is how easy it is for everyone to wander all over the hoodoos and explore all the little details. Some days, my son and I make it to the top, and other days, we don’t make it more than 100m from the parking lot. Both of those are perfectly acceptable. I am not sure how the parking works. I know we’ve gone on the weekend and had to pay $5 (cash) to park, and most times, we’ve gone and parked for free. I don’t know when you have to pay and when you don’t, so maybe bring $5 just in case. Because, who has cash anymore, so you better be prepared for it. You’re going to want to make sure you have suitable footwear, as some spots can be tricky. Also, make sure to have sunscreen and lots of water, since it can be pretty hot on the Hoodoos in the summer. Another great location, but a bit more challenging for smaller children, is Horsethief Canyon. If you’re arriving at Drumheller along highway 570 from the southeast, you might also want to have a stop at the Atlas Coal Mine. I wouldn’t say this is the best location for kids, but it makes for some great photos, and you’ll get to see something you usually wouldn’t come across.

The Hoodoo Trail has something for all ages to explore
Hoodoos make a great picnic bench!

Downtown Drumheller

Once we’ve had our fill of adventure, we head into the town of Drumheller to walk around and check out all the quirky shops and all the local dinosaur statues and art. This part is fascinating if you have a Dinosaur lover in your home. I am into dinosaurs also, but I enjoy all the art shops in Drumheller. There are some quirky items that would be a conversation starter if they were on your coffee table at home! If you have a significant dinosaur lover in your home, check out the Royal Tyrell Museum. It has a fantastic collection of fossils and exhibits. We tried the Royal Tyrell Museum a few years back but found it to be a bit crowded and not worth the money with smaller children that have the attention span of an ant. When I spend a certain amount of money, I need to spend hours at a location to make it worthwhile. But, after about 45 minutes, my kids were tired of looking at fossils and wanted to leave. So maybe We’ll try again in a few more years when they can appreciate fossils and how much money it takes to look at them. So, for now, it is just as fun to get ice cream from the Jurassic Store across from the world’s largest dinosaur statue and walk around, far less expensive also! If you’d like to eat more than ice cream, there are lots of local restaurants near the world’s largest dinosaur; however, if your children are more into happy meals or DQ blizzards, you’ll find those also along the main highways that lead into Drumheller.

The World’s Largest Dinosaur in Drumheller, Alberta

Keep Exploring!

Anyway, Drumheller is one of our family’s favourites in the summer. Fewer crowds, easy to get around, and lots of exploring!