Little Tot Landing

Interfaith Family: Parenting with Mutual Respect

Join us for an insightful conversation with Steve Ghikadis as he shares his experience of raising children in an interfaith family. As a free thinker married to a Christian, Steve discusses the challenges and rewards of parenting with mutual respect for differing beliefs. He provides insight into how he and his wife, Cindy, navigate their distinct worldviews while raising their children, Nathan and Connor, to be free thinkers.
Explore the nine best practices for raising free thinkers and the importance of curiosity and empathy in fostering a respectful and open-minded environment for children.
Gain access to valuable resources and practical tips for bridging the divide between believers and non-believers, encouraging a respectful and enriching upbringing for the next generation.
Follow Steve on Facebook or Instagram. Steve is the Ambassador Program Director for Recovering from Religion, an ambassador for Sunday Assembly Detroit and is also a Humanist Canada officiant. Steve is currently working on his first book, “Midlife Musings from a Sarcastic Secular Humanist” and his other writings can be found on Medium.

Last-Minute Dinner Parties: Embracing Imperfection in Social Gatherings

You ever feel the stress of having people over when you just can't keep the tornado of your house under control? My cousin Keri and I often have this conversation - never having people over because we're so worried about what everything looks like. A few years ago we nodded sagely over an article titled "The Crappy Dinner Party" posted on thekitchn.com's blog - why couldn't we all just let ourselves off the hook and enjoy company no matter if we have loads of laundry piling up?
In this episode we discuss the importance of spontaneous gatherings without the pressure of perfection, covering the influence of social media, the anxiety that comes with letting go of planning, the epidemic of loneliness, the drop-in visits that are so rare these days and memories of our grandparents’ revolving-door home.
Whether you're a parent seeking adult conversation or just someone looking to reconnect with friends and family, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on the value of community and the joy of simple, unplanned get-togethers. Tune in for real stories, practical tips, and a reminder that sometimes, the best memories are made when we let go of the need to impress and just enjoy each other's company.

Summer Family Fun Through Board Games with Tammy Brochert of Everybuddies Place Game Cafe

Looking for ways to keep your kiddos entertained over the last three weeks of summer? We are big on board games in our family and so I was thrilled to talk with Tammy Brochert of Everybuddies Place Game Cafe in Amherstburg, Ontario. 
In the episode we delve into Tammy's favorite board games, including travel-friendly options and educational picks that teach kids valuable skills like math, science, and cooperation. Tammy also offers advice on managing game-time frustrations and shares creative ways to adapt game rules to keep everyone engaged and entertained.
Tammy also shares all of the cool events that are happening at Everybuddies Place Game Cafe. 
Happy listening! 

Summer Reading with Your Kids: Cultivating a Love for Books with Darrie-Ann Richard

Join me as I chat with Darrie-Ann Richard from River Bookshop in Amherstburg, Ontario, about fostering a love for reading with your kids during the summer months. Darrie-Ann shares insights on the importance of summer reading, creative ways to engage kids with books, and the exciting reading events hosted by the River Bookshop.
Discover how reading can be seamlessly integrated into everyday activities, the benefits of audiobooks, and how shared reading experiences can bring families closer together. Whether you're looking for tips to keep your kids reading or want to learn about the vibrant community programs at River Bookshop, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice.
Learn about River Bookshop's Summer Reading Challenge that motivates kids to dive into books and win a $50 gift card. Darrie-Ann shares her personal journey of encouraging her children to read and offers creative tips like family read-alouds and incorporating books into travel plans.
We also delve into the Junior Book Club, where kids ages 9-12 can explore different genres and discuss their perspectives in a lively, kid-led environment. Plus, get the scoop on the weekly story time sessions featuring diverse themes and guest readers, making reading a fun community event.

Snack B!#*h 🤭

Are you on soccer snack parent duty this week? Trying to figure out what to stash in the car for your summer road trips? Looking to up your snack game in general? Join me and Jill Moysiuk from Mom Said Duck who writes poems for moms who swear, moms who care, and moms who have messy hair! Jill reads her poem "Snack " (my absolute favourite one!) and we talk over our favourite snacks for all of summer's adventures!