TOTS Family Brand Story – TotsFamily.com
Where It All Began
TOTS Family was founded in 2013 by parents who wanted to share real-life family experiences—both the wins and the challenges—with other caregivers navigating similar journeys.
What began as a small, personal blog quickly grew into a collaborative platform shaped by contributors who understood family life from the inside out. From newborn care to school-age routines, from family meals to creative activities, TOTS Family has always focused on practical ideas families can actually use.
Our goal has remained consistent since day one: to support parents and caregivers with clear, experience-based content that helps everyday family life feel more manageable, informed, and connected.
A Growing Community of Contributors
As TOTS Family grew, so did the diversity of voices behind the content. Over the years, the site has welcomed contributors from many backgrounds—parents, caregivers, educators, creatives, and writers—each bringing their own lived experience to the topics families care about most.
This collaborative approach has allowed TOTS Family to publish content across a wide range of family-focused topics, including parenting, food, crafts, learning, home life, and family activities. Rather than relying on a single perspective, the site reflects the reality that families are not one-size-fits-all.
TOTS Family has also been referenced and shared by a variety of established platforms over time, reflecting the value readers have found in its practical, family-first approach to content.
Here are some comments from our readers who have found value in our content:
- Sarah shared, “I love how TOTS Family covers such a wide range of topics. It’s my go-to site for parenting advice!”
- Jason expressed, “The DIY projects are fantastic. My kids and I had a blast making the crafts!”
- Emily noted, “The recipes are both delicious and easy to follow. Thanks for making family meals fun and stress-free!”
Our Editorial Team
TOTS Family content is created and maintained by a collaborative Editorial Team made up of long-term contributors who have shaped the site through years of consistent publishing.
Rather than emphasizing titles or credentials, our Editorial Team reflects real-world family experience. Each contributor writes from lived experience, hands-on testing, and a deep understanding of the everyday realities families face.
Editorial Team Members
Ashley Mullen
Family & Parenting Content Contributor
Ashley has contributed extensively to TOTS Family, focusing on parenting topics, family routines, and practical guidance shaped by real-life experience raising children.
Jennifer Ripel
Food & Family Recipe Contributor
Jennifer is a long-time contributor to TOTS Family, sharing approachable, family-friendly recipes and practical kitchen guidance designed for busy households.
Jennifer Watson McDonald
Parenting & Family Life Contributor
Jennifer contributes content centered on parenting, lifestyle balance, and the evolving needs of families at different stages of childhood.
Melissa Potvin
Food & Everyday Cooking Contributor
Melissa shares practical cooking ideas and recipe content focused on simplicity, accessibility, and meals families can enjoy together.
Jennie Robertson
Parenting & Family Topics Contributor
Jennie contributes experience-based parenting content designed to help families navigate everyday challenges and routines.
Margaret Anne Darazs
Natural Living & Family Wellness Contributor
Margaret shares perspectives on family wellness, natural living, and mindful everyday choices.
Website: https://naturalchow.com/
Selena Robinson
Family Life & Educational Activities Contributor
Selena contributes content focused on learning through play, creative activities, and family-centered educational experiences.
Website: http://www.lookwerelearning.com
Tessa Weenink
Faith, Parenting & Family Life Contributor
Tessa brings a reflective, experience-based perspective to parenting and family life.
Website: http://www.aimedattheheart.com
Tiffany Haywood
Family Lifestyle & Home Life Contributor
Tiffany contributes content centered on family lifestyle, home life, and encouragement for parents navigating busy households.
Website: http://www.mrsteelovelifelaughter.com
Michelle Hancock
Parenting & Family Wellness Contributor
Michelle contributes parenting and family wellness content grounded in real-life family experience.
How We Create Content at TOTS Family
At TOTS Family, content is created with families in mind first.
Our articles are developed by members of the TOTS Family Editorial Team using real-life experience, hands-on testing, and careful research. Recipes and activities are tested in everyday family settings, while parenting and lifestyle topics are written to reflect practical realities rather than idealized scenarios.
When a topic involves health, safety, or child development, we clearly define the informational scope and reference reputable external sources where appropriate. Our goal is to help families understand options, ask better questions, and make informed decisions—not to replace professional advice.
Content is reviewed and updated regularly to improve clarity, accuracy, and usefulness as family needs and best practices evolve.
What We Cover
TOTS Family focuses on content that supports everyday family life, including:
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Parenting guidance from infancy through the teen years
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Family-friendly recipes and meal ideas
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Crafts, DIY projects, and creative activities for kids
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Learning through play, education, and school-age support
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Home organization, routines, and family budgeting
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Seasonal activities, holidays, and family traditions
Each topic is approached with practicality, clarity, and respect for the diversity of family structures and experiences.
Our Purpose
At its core, TOTS Family exists to remind parents and caregivers that they are not alone. Family life is complex, rewarding, and sometimes overwhelming—and having access to clear, relatable information can make a meaningful difference.
We aim to be a trusted resource families can return to for encouragement, inspiration, and ideas that work in real life.
Looking Ahead
As TOTS Family continues to grow, our focus remains on strengthening our connection with readers through thoughtful content, regular updates, and community-driven ideas. The site will continue evolving while staying rooted in the same values that guided its creation in 2013: honesty, practicality, and support for families at every stage.
About the TOTS Network
TOTS Family is part of the TOTS Network, which includes ThinkingOutsideTheSandbox.ca and other family-focused initiatives. Together, these properties support families, caregivers, and individuals through experience-based content designed to inform, inspire, and empower.
Contact us here for more details.