Let’s celebrate Quebec Family Week (May 13–19) by taking a moment to reflect on the importance of families, especially our own, where we can all enjoy a more balanced, happier lifestyle and where special needs for families are respected.  This year’s Theme is : “Let’s Focus on Quebec Families.”

This Family-Focused Quebec understands the importance of healthy families for society as a whole, acknowledges the need to share the financial burden of raising children and caring for ageing parents, and gives families the time and resources they need to be caring, nurturing, and supportive of younger and older generations.

These ideas are rooted in the belief that providing more financial support for family life as well as giving equal access to services adapted to family needs through all stages of life is the best way for all children to achieve their potential and for all seniors to have the support and care they deserve.

Did you know that?

• 95% of parents of children 0 to 5 say “they sincerely believe they have the skills needed to be good parents;”
• 85% of parents feel they are the most qualified people to determine what their children need;
• 93% are comfortable in their role as parents.
  But :
• 58% of parents of children 0 to 5 feel like they just running all day;
• 35% say they are physically exhausted by suppertime;
• 76% of parents work and in 59% of households with children, both parents work;
• 48% of children live in a household where at least one parent has a non-regular work schedule;
• 22% of parents who are not self-employed do not have access to work-life balance programming.

* Figures from a study conducted by The Institut de la statistique du Québec entitled “Mieux connaître la parentalité” (2013; French only publication)

Activities in the Outaouais area:

Itsy Bitsy Tots Playgroup:  Join us on Tuesday, May 14 at our Itsy Bitsy Tots Playgroup from 9:30 to 11:30 am!  For the month of May, we will do fun activities around our newest theme: “Spring is the Air!”  The Itsy Bitsy Tots Playgroup  is a FREE drop-in space for parents and their children aged 0-4. WHERE: Cégep Heritage College, 325 Cité-Des-Jeunes Blvd. in Hull in Room E120.Please make sure to RSVP by calling us at 819-777-3206 or email us at .

Self-Esteem and Healthy Body Image Workshop: Join us on Wednesday, May 15 from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM for free a presentation by special guest Mylène Dault, PhD Kinesiology of Silhouette Workshops.  Mylène will talk to us about how to build our child’s self-esteem and encourage healthy lifestyle choices to better help our kids celebrate their body and accept their individuality.  WHERE: Western Quebec School Board – 15, rue Katimavik, Gatineau (Aylmer sector).  Make sure to RSVP at 819-777-3206 or .

The Maison de la famille l’Étincelle is hosting some fun activities for the whole family on Sunday, May 26 from 10 AM to 3PM at l’école secondaire Des Lacs, 32 Chemin Passe-Partout, Sainte-Cécile-de-Masham, QC.

Here are some fun and free activities being organized by the City of Gatineau (French poster only; open to all families).  Simply click on the image to enlarge:Dimanche, 26 mai de 10h à 15h à l’école secondaire Des Lacs