10 minute read
What to see and do in Halifax
Virtual field trips
Out and about Eyes on the sky
Before the pandemic, an excursion to the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 was a highlight of the school year for many local students. The historic site where so many people first arrived in Canada is closed until at least March, but continues to offer top-notch programming, including virtual field trips on topics like “Where are you really from?” and “Welcoming newcomers.”
pier21.ca/learn/museum/program-information#virtual
Spots like the Discovery Centre, Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, and Museum of Natural History are local family favourites, especially during March Break. While COVID-19 has made schedules and event details a moving target, many attractions are operating through the pandemic, marrying exhibits and activities with public health precautions. On their websites, you’ll find all the information you need to prepare for your visit. Plan on reduced hours, physical distancing, and mask wearing, and expect safetyminded changes to some regular exhibitions. Plan ahead and you’ll find an ideal escape for a blustery spring weekend. Feel safer at home? You’ll also find activities and resources aplenty on their websites: thediscoverycentre.ca, artgalleryofnovascotia.
ca, naturalhistory.novascotia.ca
From wild storms to sunny days, the weather endlessly fascinates many kids. If you have a budding meteorologist in your home, Environment Canada is always recruiting Weather Watchers, volunteers who “provide Environment Canada’s forecasters with up-to-the-minute information on severe weather events,” explains the website. “Thousands of individuals from all walks of life have been a part of this vast and valuable network of observers. Weather watchers provide an invaluable service not only to meteorologists, but also to their communities and the general public.” Visit the website to learn more and sign up. canada.ca/en/environment-
climate-change/services/report-severe-weather/watcherprogram.html
More than books
School projects, homework, hobbies, and personal interests of all sorts: while pandemic precautions have limited on-site options, Halifax Public Libraries remain busy helping kids learn and grow. On the organization’s website, you'll find a huge archive of at-home resources, including expert Q&As, fun projects, reading suggestions, games, videos, and more. halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/
explore/?programs=libraryonline-kids
A special plan
Creating a solid financial future with a trusted team
By Heidi Tattrie Rushton
When you have children, long-term financial planning needs to be a priority. But when you have children with special needs, who may require lifelong support, it’s even more important. Making a solid financial plan today can make all the difference in your child’s quality of life, now and in the future.
Brian Himmelman, president of Himmelman & Associates Financial Advisors in Halifax, says the biggest mistake many families make with their finances is “simply ignoring, delaying, or not planning for the future.”
He says the first step towards creating a financial plan for children with special needs is research. When you understand what challenges the child may face in the future, it’s easier to plan to address these issues and allocate resources accordingly.
The next step is to engage with professionals in the field and with supporting organizations, such as the IWK, government, community groups, non-profits, or specialized schools, to build a team of trusted resources. Connecting with other families who have “been there” (or are also in the process of planning) can also provide information and support.
Finally, Himmelman recommends consulting with a certified financial planner and looking into options such as the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). A professional will be able to guide a family through the available saving programs and help them to identify the best fit for their personal circumstances. Understanding and maximizing the benefits of the available programs can ease the strain.
“Families who design a plan for their child with a disability or special needs and successfully see that plan through are happier, more empowered, and are far less stressed than families who don’t,” says Himmelman.
Kirsten Lebelle works at Easter Seals Nova Scotia as a multiprogram coordinator. She agrees that helping children develop some form of independence early on, which could lead to a source of income, is an important part of financial planning.
“I believe that a person with disabilities who is taught from a young age that they can have adaptive independence, where they are able to earn an income on their own, is so important because they tend to flourish when they’re older and in turn, have more opportunities,” says Lebelle. “There are so many options out there for any child or adult to be able to have their own income that many parents do not know about … It could be at a social enterprise that is able to handle any form of disability, like New Leaf Enterprises, or at a job in a local store in their neighbourhood.”
Lebelle has a younger sibling who has autism and will need extra support throughout his life. When he was very young, her parents began teaching him life skills, thinking about what his life would look like as an adult.
While he still needs full assistance, through family guidance and involvement in local programs, he is learning to cook simple meals, ride a bus, and use a bank account.
“My brother is just entering the Achieve Program at NSCC and once he is finished, he will be working in a small craft business that he and his friends created during the pandemic. It was adapted by us to be able to handle the disabilities that he and his friends have,” she says. “(The NSCC program) allows them to learn on their own, and with their peers who are on the same playing field, and to grow and hone in on their interests.”
For families who have a child with physical disabilities, Lebelle says there are organizations that will help cover the cost of wheelchairs, walkers, or other adaptive equipment, either through loans or donations. Many of these support programs have long wait times, so advance planning is key to getting the financial support that is needed.
For Lebelle’s brother, the plan is for him to live at home with their parents until they can no longer care for him, then he will move in with Lebelle’s family where he’ll have his own bachelor apartment. This living arrangement will provide independence for him, with family support nearby when needed.
“We now have my brother’s future planned out and he has so much more freedom and independence than we could have ever hoped for,” she says. “If we had started planning this later in life, I don’t know that he would have everything in place to be independent and able to do the things he is doing now.”
For more information and a connection to resources go to our website ourchildremagazine.ca
Pursuing Passion
Show your kids there is always something new to learn
By Melanie Mosher Photography by Bruce Murray/VisionFire
Spring is a time of renewed energy, and often a time for goal setting. When we’re in the weeds of parenting, it’s sometimes difficult to carve out time for our passions, because we’re invested in nurturing our children’s passions. Taking time to hone a skill, learn something, and discover new passions or reconnect with old ones, is proven to be restorative.
Learning is a form of self-care and an opportunity for me-time. It improves brain function, increases self-esteem, and boosts creativity. In the process, you will be a student and a teacher, showing your child one can learn new things regardless of age.
The Alzheimer’s Society of Nova Scotia, under the category of brain-healthy tips, says on its website: “By constantly learning new things and challenging your brain throughout your life, you can help build your cognitive reserve. Learning a new language and taking up new hobbies are good examples of brain-challenging activities.”
Adult learning programs provided by the Canadian government, NSCC continuing education courses, local recreation centres, community organizations, online classes, and YouTube videos provide options for everyone.
Nova Scotia Health offers a wide range of wellness courses at no cost to participants. “Whether it’s a yoga class, education to help manage your chronic illness or an open board meeting, we encourage you to explore new opportunities for you and your loved ones to learn, grow and engage with your health,” according to the website. Offerings include yoga, nutrition, parenting skills, stress management, and assertiveness training.
Sixty-eight facilities are listed under the umbrella of HRM recreation, offering community programs at affordable rates. Although some courses have been adjusted during COVID restrictions, they include a wide variety of choices like dance, drawing, gardening, painting, and Zumba.
With the ease of Zoom, organizations like the Writers’ Federation of Nova Scotia offer more courses than ever, reaching an extended audience. Not having to consider travel, facilitators and instructors are able to share their knowledge from across the province. Participants from across the country are given the opportunity to be involved.
Clare O’Connor, children’s author and parent in Halifax, has participated in many workshops and courses.
“I want to demonstrate to my daughter that it’s important to pursue the things that really interest you,” she says. “It serves no one to have your energy depleted. The more excited I get about the things I am working on and learning, the more energy it gives me. More energy for her and for life,” says O’Connor.
Jillian Mosher, personal banker and parent in Dartmouth, studied for the Canadian Securities exam to become licensed to sell mutual funds with BMO, her current employer. These studies took place prior to COVID. During the pandemic she continued with online learning.
“I also took the Indigenous Canada course through University of Alberta last year,” says Mosher. “The securities exam was stressful since it was closely related to how far I could get with my current job. But completing the course and passing was incredibly satisfying. The Indigenous Canada course was an incredible eye opener for me. So much I didn’t know about the past and present.”
O’Connor shares her experience with her five-year-old daughter. “I also consider it good modelling for my daughter. She gets to witness me taking time to challenge myself and my brain in a different way. Then we can talk about it,” says O’Connor. A conversation that can be built around what they both learned in school.
Mosher’s daughter is 10. “She thought it was silly sometimes, me studying after working all day. I don’t think she had thought much about school and learning once you’re an adult. She certainly had zero interest to learn about equities and income funds, but the Indigenous Canada course started lots of conversation about discrimination and injustice,” says Mosher.
Finding time for yourself and taking time away from parenting can be difficult but it is important. “It’s all about juggling,” says Mosher. “After a long day at work and her having a long day at school the rest of the evening is typically us time. So, I had to find things that didn’t take away from that. I packed up my books and would take her to the beach with friends.”
Respecting one’s own needs is essential for parents. “I need to be creative. I need to fulfill that part of me, and it makes me a better parent,” says O’Connor. She also wants her daughter to know that all skills take learning. Writing a book or playing the piano doesn’t just happen, you have to work at it in order to learn the craft.
Maybe you want to learn how to cook new cuisine. Have you always wanted to paint, but never felt you could? Maybe you want to pursue new studies. With online learning options offered by reputable universities and colleges you can earn degrees and diplomas from the convenience of your own home.
Learn like a beginner and savour the feeling of new discoveries, studying alongside your children. Take the plunge and explore the options. The hardest part will be deciding where to begin.
