Welcome to Episode 27 of On the Ground Parenting! In honor of Family Literacy Day on January 27th, hosts Sandy, Sam, and Kelly are diving into this year's theme: Make Mealtime Family Learning Time. While we often think of literacy as just reading books, the team explores how the kitchen is actually a rich environment for measuring, following instructions, and expanding vocabulary.

The hosts get honest about the "bedtime story fatigue" many parents feel and offer a brilliant alternative: reading at lunch. They also share creative ways to bring letters and words to the table, from playing with alphabet pretzels to the messy joy of writing names in spilled yogurt. Whether you are coordinating a multi-generational "baking day" or texting a collaborative grocery list, this episode highlights how simple daily routines can be transformed into meaningful learning moments.

To support the show and keep our programming free for all families, visit us at patreon.com/onthegroundparenting

On the Ground Parenting is a production of Muskoka Family Focus Parent Education Program.

• Parenting with the End in Mind: Consider what kind of 18-year-old you want to "graduate" from your home. This perspective helps guide daily choices and helps you avoid taking the "easy road" just to get everyone to bed.
• Preserving Dignity: Use a "litmus test" for your responses: if a partner treated you in a similar fashion, would you feel respected and your dignity remain intact?
• Identifying Core Values: Clarify your family values—such as a preference for thrifty, reused items or introverted activities—to help make clear choices about how to spend your time and energy.
• Building a Support Network: Align yourself with other parents and caregivers who have similar goals, which helps lighten the load and builds your personal resilience.

• Reputable Organizations: Connect with EarlyON centers (in Ontario) or local family resource centers that provide evidence-based skill building and reputable information.
• Parent Education Programs: Participate in courses that teach long-term strategies, such as those offered by Muskoka Family Focus, to learn things you didn't even know you needed to know.
• Direct Inquiry: If you don't have the words yet to search for help, reach out directly to the team at parented@muskokafamilyfocus.ca for keywords and resource recommendations.
• Community Connection: Join the On the Ground Parenting community on Patreon to engage with the hosts and other listeners. patreon.com/onthegroundparenting

This episode also serves as a special platform for the Muskoka Family Focus Parent Ed team to request support, either with a direct donation through Canada Helps, or by signing up for our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/OnTheGroundParenting.

Subscribe for a new podcast every Wednesday! Have a question, suggestion, or want to sponsor an episode of On The Ground Parenting? Send us a message: https://linktr.ee/onthegroundparenting

Welcome to Episode 25 of On the Ground Parenting and a very happy 2026! Hosts Sandy, Sam, and Kelly launch into the new year not with rigid resolutions, but with deep reflection and specific intentions. This episode provides a roadmap for listeners to navigate the fresh start of a new calendar year by examining what they carry with them and what they choose to leave behind.

The team shares a series of prompts designed to spark personal growth and family connection. From the emotional work of fostering independence in young adults to the physical act of decluttering 15-year-old cloth diapers, the hosts get honest about their own journeys. They also dive into what brings them true joy—whether it is snowshoeing a backyard labyrinth, learning a new instrument for pure fun, or the simple "awe and wonder" of watching a garden grow.

The conversation concludes with a focus on self-care and a lighthearted birthday shout-out to a fellow grandparent, Eugene Levy, inviting him to join the show and share his own "on the ground" grandparenting experiences.

Connect with Us

We would love to hear your New Year's intentions or your favorite "groaner" jokes!

To support the show and keep our programming free for all families, visit us at patreon.com/onthegroundparenting

On the Ground Parenting is a production of Muskoka Family Focus Parent Education Program. Happy New Year!