Welcome to Ottawa Family Living!

Geared towards families with children of all ages, Ottawa Family Living, is a useful and practical resource to guide you through those all-important (and precious) child-rearing years. Published four times a year -- spring, summer, fall and winter -- it includes the latest information and inspiring stories about everything from trends in education and schooling options to city-wide, family-friendly activities, health tips and expert advice on the developmental years. Informative, inspiring and fun, Ottawa Family Living is your most reliable guide to making the best of family life in Ottawa. Be sure to check out every issue online!

• PARENTING  Keep it cheap on snow days

  Snow days are an inevitable part of the cold Canadian weather, giving kids a break from school and looking for things to do. Whether it's a blizzard, extreme cold, or high winds that keep them cooped up in the house, planning ahead for snow day activities can be a sanity saver for parents.

• PARENTING  From diapers to dollars: Calculating the cost of having a baby

  Raising a child to the age of 18 has skyrocketed in cost by about 40 per cent in the last decade to nearly $305,000, reports People Patterns Consulting.

• NUTRITION  Serve super-moist Asian crusted chicken

  Chicken is a popular choice for dinner that everyone loves. Try this Asian twist on the suppertime staple to keep dinners delicious and interesting.

• HEALTH  Eating disorders are increasingly identified in men

  Images promoting lean and toned bodies—plus the dieting and exercise to reach it—used to be aimed almost exclusively at women. Now, men are targeted intensively.

• PARENTING  How to spend quality family time in front of the TV

  Parenting experts tend to agree that spending time together doesn't always need to be trips to the movie theatre or a night out at the local steakhouse. Simple things such as going for a hike, bike ride, or playing catch in the park can be fun for all.

• PARENTING  Family Budgeting 101

  “A family needs a budget that everyone can follow,” said Dennis Tew, father of three and chief financial officer of Franklin Templeton Investments Corp. “Ensure you track expenses and plan for costs. This will help you save more and spend less.”