Toronto: The Savvy Guide to August

Don’t be a Debbie Downer and start stressing about ‘back to school’ already. With a few tips to ensure that you’re all set, you can relax and keep your summer groove on. 

DO
Make short list of must-haves for September (shoes, backpack, lunch bag, pencils, etc.)
Why? So you can relax and stop thinking that you have so much to do before school and/or regular programming gets back in session. 

GO
Swimming en famille
Why? It’s a great way to beat the heat. Just make sure to keep these safety tips in mind while you’re splashing away.

GET
Out and take some fun summer photos
Why? Because you’ll want to preserve every single, sunny, smiling memory.

PLAY
Hopscotch (here’s our savvy how-to)
Why? Because it’s a fun way to play outside with sidewalk chalk, get some exercise and teach your youngest ones about numbers.

READ
Everyday Play: Fun Games to Develop the Fine Motor Skills Your Child Needs for School by Christy Isbell
Why? It’s filled with simple, creative crafts and game ideas for little ones age two and up. Not only will they develop motor skills and more, but you’ll have an easy-access guide to keeping them occupied.

GREEN IT
Recycle your old cell phones
Why? Because you don’t want to contribute to the growing problem of e-waste. Rogers and Fido provide mail-ready recycling envelopes with a new phone purchase as part of their Phones-for-Food program and Bell gives $1 to the World Wildlife Fund for each phone sent back.

APP IT
Geocaching Intro
Why? It’s a great way to introduce your kids to geocaching while on the road, or even if you’re enjoying a relaxing staycation.

SURF
Some of our fave deal sites
Why? Everyone loves a deal, especially during back-to-school shopping time. And you may just be able to pick up a little back-to-school treat for yourself, as well.

HELP
By joining in Sunnybrook Hospital’s Labour of Love walk
Why? Because it supports the new Women & Babies Program facility at Sunnybrook. Children’s performers Barney and Markus will be joining in the 9 km walk, and it concludes with a carnival and BBQ as a thank you for your hard labour.

DEAL IT
The first 1000 SavvyMom readers to respond will receive a coupon for a free loaf of organic, sprouted-grain bread (containing no oil, dairy or preservatives) courtesy of Silver Hills Sprouted Bakery.
Why? Because with school coming soon, healthy, yummy bread may play a serious role in your kids’ lunches.

So as August arrives, savour the last days of summer before fall falls upon us.

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