DecarloMatano Blog

  Eid is such a joyful occasion for families.  The day often begins with morning prayers at the local masjid, children dressed in their new outfits and they are full of excitement.  Once everyone returns home, the rest of the day can unfold in simple, meaningful ways.  There are so many easy activities you can do with children. From making Eid cards or decorating small treat bags, to reading favourite Eid stories together.  Baking cookies together to share with neighbours, friends or family is a thoughtful way to share joy. Of course, Eid is the perfect time to encourage acts of kindness and gratitude, such as preparing donations or contributing to local food bins.  Not all of these activities need to happen on Eid day itself.  Many can be done in the days leading up to Eid, helping children build anticipation and to understand the spirit of giving. Kids of all ages enjoy arts and crafts and Eid is a special time to bring out their creativity.  Th...

  Ramadan will be here soon and it's a beautiful time of year to gently introduce your little ones to the spirit of this sacred month.  Even with babies and toddlers, creating a simple Ramadan atmosphere at home helps them feel included and allows them to become familiar with the blessings of this special time.  Small, low energy touches can make a meaningful difference from adding simple decor to a child's space to building a cozy routine around Ramadan-themed board books and quiet activities.  These gentle moments help lay the foundation for positive memories they'll carry with them as they grow.  Simple Ramadan Decor Ideas for Little Ones Choose a small area in your home.  A shelf, a corner of the playroom, or even a basket add a blanket and pillows to turn the area into a Ramadan-themed cozy reading spot for your little one.  You can include a few Ramadan board books, a plush crescent moon or star for quiet time activities, and simple wall art to ...

  A diaper bag is one of the most important pieces of baby gear.  It comes in many sizes and styles but no matter the bag, what truly matters is how it's packed. When organized well, a diaper bag can make outings such as: appointments, short trips, or visits with family and friends much easier and less stressful. A well packed diaper bag helps you stay organized and reduces the chance of forgetting essential items.  As a mother of two and now a grandmother of three, I've learned that having a reliable bag is important.  This checklist is not exhaustive as every family's needs are different and those needs change as your baby grows.  Here's the list. Diapers          The obvious essential. Pack enough for your outing plus one or two extras.        Diaper Wipes Perfect for diaper changes, sticky hands, and quick clean ups. Travel packs are great for saving space. (unscented wipes are good)  I made this crocheted ba...

  Winter brings shorter days, chilly weather and plenty of snowy mornings.  All of which, for parents, can make outings with a little one feel like a big adventure. Whether you're bundling up for quick walks, appointments or, family visits, the season can feel long when you're trying to keep baby or toddler warm, entertained, and well fed.  In this post, we'll share easy winter activities for babies and toddlers including outdoor winter fun activity, and simple indoor fun to help make the most of the season. Outdoor Adventures with Purpose Bundle up your little ones and head outdoors for a winter walk with intention.  Before stepping out, create a simple checklist of things to look for while on the walk.  For example, snow, animal tracks, bird sounds, leaves, pinecones, or anything unique to your area.  Frame it as a chance to appreciate Allah's beautiful creation, helping even the youngest children to notice the wonders around them. A walk to the library o...

  Eat of the good things which we have provided for you. Surah Al Baqarah 2:172 There are so many benefits for making your own baby food. For one thing, homemade baby food is freshly made from scratch from seasonal fruits and vegetables. The food is preservative free and rich in nutritional value. It is very convenient as you would be able to make batches ahead of time, store in jars, and thaw when needed. Plus, making your own baby food lets you choose exactly what goes into your baby's meals ensuring that all ingredients are halal , fresh and, safe. Finally, it's budget friendly because you can use ingredients including halal meats available in your kitchen. In this post, we'll explore when to start baby food, key ingredients, preparation basics, storage tips. and easy recipes to get you started. When to start solid foods? Most babies are ready to start solid foods around six months of age, every child develops at their own pace. The key is to look for signs of readiness....

    October is Islamic History Month, and many libraries will be showcasing Islamic books. This makes it a perfect opportunity to discover stories for learning and celebrating identity. While reading is an activity we treasure all year long, this month is a reminder to explore new titles, share them with your children, and strengthen their Islamic values. Reading together has many benefits. It encourages bonding, builds language skills, and provides gentle transitions for winding down before bed. As both an adult educator and a grandmother, I’ve spent years teaching, exploring how people learn, and engaging young minds.  Now I’m doing the same for my own granddaughters. This blend of professional and personal experience allows me to select children’s books that nurture early learning, ignite curiosity, and encourage an appreciation for Islamic values. In this blog, I’ll be reviewing three board books for younger children that you may find at your local library. These b...