“I’m going to be on Treehouse!”
We had just sat down to breakfast at a restaurant the morning after our long shoot day in Toronto. Cameron, my two year old, was beaming with pride at our waitress.
“…with the Octonauts!”
If you’re not a Canadian, you might not quite understand the level of excitement that Cameron exuded in this one little sentence. Treehouse TV is a Canadian English cable channel with programming for preschoolers. Treehouse is our go-to channel whenever we need to distract the kids for a moment (or a little longer. Don’t lie – you do it too). Treehouse is the channel I know I can flip to in the middle of the night if one of my babies is sick and just needs to be distracted. And Treehouse is where some of Cameron’s favourite shows are.
We took a trip to Toronto a few weeks ago because Cameron and I had been cast to be in some commercials for Danone Danino yogurt. They needed a cute kid (check) and a Mommy Blogger (check) and I was more than happy to talk about childhood development during the experience of a lifetime.
I admit to feeling overwhelmed by the whole thing. Flying to Toronto for meetings and a twelve-hour shoot day with my two year old are not usually part of my daily routine. As someone who often prefers to be behind a computer screen, I had to step out, be confident, and keep shyness at bay for both myself and my son. If anything I have ever done required courage, this was it. I put myself out there to be judged on how I looked and what I could do. And I brought my toddler into it with me.
It is amazing how much strength and courage we can muster up for our kids. I always thought adults could handle anything, but adventures like this one has taught me it is all about perception. I couldn’t break-down because my little boy needed a hand to hold during these new experiences. I held it together so that I could push my little guy forward in his life.
Coincidentally, that relates to what I said in my scripts. We do so much to give our children a head start, even when we wish we could just hold them tight and keep them little forever. But when we let go and help them flourish, amazing and exciting things happen in their lives.
I really hope you’ll look for me on your TV. (I really hope the camera doesn’t add 10 extra pounds that I totally don’t need). I’m proud of what we accomplished on our trip to Toronto and the growing and learning that Cameron and I experienced together. I’m so proud of you, Buddy!
“Look Cameron! That’s you! On TV!”
I am super excited to be part of this with Danone Danino and Treehouse TV. It really was an absolute honour to be involved. To see the commercials you can tune in to Treehouse TV or find them online here. While you’re there, check out the super fun game that your little one can play! And don’t forget to pick up some Danino yogurt for your little one to help them grow up big and strong.
How do you encourage learning and development with your children?
About Laura O'Rourke
Twitter: corp2domestic
says:
I loved the commercial! I think you guys did an awesome job! :) I loved hearing you in person..or I mean through the computer!
Natalie recently posted..The Winter Blues
Twitter: mogrunt1
says:
Awwww, that’s awesome. That must have been quite a day. You’ve got a great voice and smile for TV, as does that beautiful boy of yours. Congratulations!
My wee lad will be having his commercial debut next month, but our involvement on set was only for a couple of hours. And it was exhausting! He fell sound asleep in the car on the way home from the shoot.
As for how I encourage learning and development – we do lots of things together (like baking, reading, and tidying the house) and we also encourage him to do things on his own (like getting the ketchup out of the fridge, brushing his teeth in the morning, setting the table or pouring his own drinks – using a liquid measuring cup as the stock container). The temptation is to do everything for our kids when they are little because they are slower or might make a mess, but seeing the Mogrunt’s joy at the things he accomplishes on his own makes up for the extra time.
Fearless and lovely and amazing.
LOVED THE COMMERCIAL! Wonderful :)
You and Cameron were so natural.
M.M recently posted..Parental Priorities
I love the commercial, and what an awesome experience to share with your little guy! Treehouse must be like our Sprout. Always on, always safe. :)
Twitter: rustilyn
says:
nailed it! :) you did a fabulous job! I’m going to be saying “Danone” now instead of Dannon – it sounds more fun ;) really though – you look & sound amazing, and Cameron is a natural (and adorable!)
Rusti recently posted..in a panic
Twitter: MrsMandiM
says:
That is SO COOL!! What an opportunity!!!
Mandi recently posted..Kisses From Katie
Twitter: AlisonSWLee
says:
So, so proud of you and Cameron!!
Alison recently posted..Dear Nutella
YAY! So completely over the moon for you!!
Galit Breen recently posted..A cookie decorating party for Valentine’s Day, on allParenting
You two are completely adorable!
Meghan recently posted..On solitude
Twitter: elainea
says:
I just love the commercials and that you put both of you out there like this! What a great opportunity! :)
I am blown away! Laura, you are such a natural and so is little C! You nailed that commercial. And I loved hearing your voice finally! Wow, I just cannot believe you’re an amateur actress–I think you have found a calling.
Rach (DonutsMama) recently posted..This Year