ParentsCanada

Your little one’s desire to pitch in is a major developmental milestone. The trick is finding ways to let toddlers help that also work for you—and setting yourself up for success in the process. If your toddler insists on stirring the pancake batter, unloading the dishwasher or carrying the grocery bag that weighs more than they do, congratulations: You have a helper on your hands.

Soulmate culture can make the everyday challenges of parenting, partnership and long-term commitment feel like signs you chose the wrong person. Relationship coaches Matt Hilliard and Carina Reeves explain why that’s not necessarily true. You're scrolling Instagram at 7 a.m., holding your coffee with one hand and trying to keep your toddler from climbing onto the counter with the other.

A little planning can turn hours in the car from a test of patience into some of your family's most memorable moments. Here are the smart road trip tips parents swear by. There’s something magical about a family road trip: the playlists, the roadside snack stops, the silly conversations and the unexpected discoveries along the way.

Loaded with melty cheese and traditional pizza toppings, this easy stromboli recipe is perfect for make-ahead lunches, after-school snacks or a fun family dinner. Some recipes work overtime, and this cheesy, topping-filled stromboli is definitely one of them. It’s hearty enough to serve for dinner, but it truly shines sliced up cold or reheated for lunchboxes and after-school snacks. Pair it with a little marinara sauce for dipping and don’t be surprised if there are no leftovers.

Rich, creamy and packed with fresh parsley, this comforting baked cheesy rice casserole is an old-school side dish that pairs beautifully with everything from roast chicken to grilled vegetables. Plain rice is a reliable weeknight side, but every once in a while, it deserves a little extra attention (a glow-up, if you will).

A handful of fresh vegetables, a simple sweet-and-savoury sauce and one pan are all you need to get this family-friendly ground beef and veggie stir fry on the table in 20 minutes. When the weeknight dinner rush hits, this quick ground beef and veggie stir fry is the kind of recipe you’ll be glad to have in your back pocket.

Parents are always looking for ways to make mealtimes more enjoyable, so we asked pediatric dietitian Bhavin Mistry for his favourite tips for families. Plus, he tells us why eggs are an excellent addition to any diet. Family mealtimes can be some of the most joyful moments of the day for both parents and kids—but they can also be some of the most stressful. Parents often wonder how they can make things easier, whether they need to shortcut mealtime prep or adjust habits at the dinner table.

Packed with protein and important nutrients, eggs can be a healthy first food for babies. Learn how to safely introduce eggs, from when to start to how to serve them. Eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein, essential vitamins and minerals that are crucial for the optimal growth and development of your baby.

As far as versatile, nutrition-packed ingredients go, eggs reign supreme. Name another food that can easily take centre stage in breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks—go ahead, give it a try. No? That’s what we figured. Add that eggs are also an affordable source of high-quality protein, and it’s no wonder that eggs are considered a staple in households around the world. Research suggests that meal planning can save you up to seven hours per week.