How The Ontario Science Centre Made Me a Better Parent

I think most of us know what we should do to be successful in life.  Whether it’s in our career, in our diet, our finances or in our parenting.  Most of us KNOW what we should do, but we often forget.  Most of the time, we are unmotivated and uninspired to put forth the effort.

We get too busy “existing”  and we forget to LIVE.

I love when a reminder comes into my life about something that I love and miss.  I love science.  I love exploring with my kids.  I love letting kids be kids.  Kids don’t need to think like boring adults.

WIth scientist Russell Zeid at the Ontario Science Centre, Innovators Ball.

I’ll be honest, a lot of the time, I don’t feel like the engaged, excited parent I once was.  A lot of the times, I feel like a nagging mosquito that everyone tunes out.  I’m too busy telling the kids to clean their rooms or to do their homework or to help out and I forget those moments of necessary parenting are also great opportunities to learn and explore.

Folding the laundry BUT talking about how the clothes are made, where does cotton come from?  What did they use before sewing machines? Cracking eggs and exploring the texture and science behind why there is a yellow and clear part underneath that tough and delicate shell.

Almost every household activity has an opportunity to teach and explore with our kids.  I know we are busy, I know we don’t all have time to bring out the microscope and examine the dust bunnies.  We have to make time to listen.  Kids are talking to us.  They’re exploring, often without us realizing it.  When your kid is popping the bubble wrap from a mail order and you’re trying to concentrate on writing an email,  you may want to carpe diem and join in.  What is making the popping sound?  How are the bubbles in the plastic?

Critical thinking and asking why breeds successful adults who can create, design and problem solve.

There is a place in Toronto that knows all of this,  The Ontario Science Centre.  The Science Centre  satisfies children’s hunger for wonder.   A place that encourages touching, feeling and most importantly asking how, why, when, what and where.

I was reminded once again of the magic of the Science Centre when I attended the 2015 Innovators Ball.  It is their biggest fundraiser of the year and it was magical.  Honestly I think the lines between science and magic are getting blurrier and blurrier.

Notice the appetizers served on a conveyor belt!!

There were three outstanding presenters.  One on the future of human computer interaction: think Jarvis from Ironman.  One on Virtual Reality by my new favourite Youtube stars: ASAP Science (teachers show your students these videos EVERY DAY!) and one with mind blowing music.  Mike Tompkins uses only his voice and technology to “play” ALL the instruments.  His music is featured in my highlight vlog from the event.  Take a watch and listen (WATCH TIME 2:44).

My date for the night, Alessandra Ferreri, described the evening as "being inside someone's brain".  We had such a great time.  Thanks again Science Centre!