BC Parent Holiday/Winter 2015

holiday issue 2015 www.bcparent.ca

Indoor Winter Fun Posing with Santa

Winter ActivityGuide

The Greater Vancouver Food Bank (GVFB) is a non-profit organization with a mission to empower people to nourish themselves by providing access to healthy food, education and training. The GVFB assists over 28,000 people each week and is committed to its vision of accessible, healthy and sustainable food for all.

To learn how you can leave a legacy that will help provide food to thousands in need, please contact Heidi MagnusonFord at 604.216.2329 or heidimf@foodbank.bc.ca.

www.foodbank.bc.ca 2 bcparent.ca • holiday issue 2015

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bcparent.ca • holiday issue 2015 3

Letter from the Editor

T Carlie Parkinson

he winter months can be hard with the shorter days and cooler weather, but the spirit of the holidays always brings cheer to brighten the month of December. Once we’ve passed December 21st and the shortest day of the year, it’s hard not to feel positive about getting outside and enjoying winter activities.

In this issue, we’ve provided you with some tips on how to entertain your children on days you just can’t face the outdoors, and ways to make sure they are safe when they are taking part in winter activities.

Refer to the Winter Activity Guide to make sure you’ve got ways to keep your kids busy and burning off some of their endless energy.

For the holidays, we’ve provided you with some great, earth friendly gift wrap ideas and tips on how to get a great photo when your little one is posing with Santa.

Don’t miss the Holiday Event Guide for a reminder of some of the great places to visit this holiday season, and be sure to enter to win tickets to a few of them!

Happy Holidays and Enjoy the Snow!

Inside ...

5 Posing for Santa: Tips on How to Get a Good Photo 6 Indoor Winter Fun: 25 Ways For Kids To Get Their Ya-Ya’s Out 8 Holiday Event Guide 9 Contests

11 Winter Activity Guide 16 Parenting Resolutions for the Not-So-Perfect Parent

20 12 Fertility Tips to Increase Your Odds of Getting Pregnant 22 Dear Santa

18 Brown Paper Packages & Other Earth Friendly Gift Wrap Alternatives

10 Playing Nice in the Snow and Ice: Stopping Winter Sports Injuries in Their Tracks

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Publisher/Executive Editor: Carlie Parkinson Editor: Geoffrey Legh Advertising Design & Layout: Julie Cochrane

Holiday Issue 2015 Volume 24, Number 4

Contributors: Christina Katz, Malia Jacobson, Gayla Grace, Lara Krupicka, Pam Molnar, Dr. Beth Taylor MD FRCSC

Advertising Sales: info@bcparent.ca

BC Parent is published 8 times per year.

The Publisher reserves the right to omit advertising which is judged to be in poor taste or which does not conform to the concept of this publication.

Circulation: Gold Distribution

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Editorial Design & Layout: www.retrometrodesign.ca

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Mail Address: P.O.Box 30020, North Vancouver, BC V7H 2Y8 email: info@bcparent.ca www.bcparent.ca

Posing with Santa Bopomo Studio’s tips & tricks for helping your child relax and smile

o most adults, Santa is someone who brings cheer and happiness at Christmas. For our little ones, this is not always the case. To them, he is that large, strange man with a long white beard dressed in red. Surrounded by huge crowds, most Santa visits happen in malls or at events and make the experience even more overwhelming for children. Add in long line-ups and kids are exhausted before they even get close enough for a photo.

We asked, Saif Yousif, owner of bopomo, to give us some tips on how to get a smile from your little one when visiting with Santa.

T

Bring along your child’s favourite toy, stuffed animal or a musical instrument. This will help set the right mood and make them feel at home.

They can tell Santa about who they brought or just share this special event with their favourite friend.

1. Bring a Special Toy:

2. Use Distraction: Wave your child’s favour-

ite toy, play an iPhone movie/game, or sing a recognizable tune to your child while he/she sits on Santa’s lap. This may just do

the trick and make them forget who is sitting beside them.

Write a Christmas list that your child can bring and give to Santa.

They'll be so excited to tell Santa all about it.

Having a snack (or milk bottle) with you can help—hungry children are not happy ones.

7. Bring Snacks:

3. Bring a Wishlist:

4. Avoid Making Santa Scary: Keep your comments neutral and encouraging. Around Santa, avoid using phrases that create fear, such as “you will be ok, Santa won’t hurt you!” Instead, let your child know that “Santa is waiting to meet them and maybe read their wish list.”

5. Tell Stories: Talk about Santa photos in advance and tell them how much fun it is going to be. If they have not seen Santa before, introduce him slowly at home. For the older children, let them know that Grandma and Grandpa will love to have a nice photo of them with Santa.

6. Bring a Helping Hand: If possible, bring along your spouse or friend, ideally someone that can make your child laugh or help you make them feel comfortable.

8. Go to a Studio Session: Book a scheduled

mini session with Santa to make sure everyone is happy, and the timing fits your baby or child’s schedule. Consider Santa days at a local studio. The professional studio staff know how to get the best shots and do most of the work for you.

Don’t worry if the kids aren’t fully cooperating. Sometimes a shot of a frowning, crying or even sleeping baby/child can make a great portrait with Santa. Don’t shy away from capturing a variety of expressions that capture your child’s personality.

9. Personality is Everything:

10. If all else fails—bribe: Yes bribes work!

Plan a special outing or treat in exchange for your child’s cooperation. bopomo is an award-winning Vancouver photography studio that creates timeless memories with maternity, baby and family pictures and helps professionals and businesses make a lasting impact through headshots and commercial photography, www.bopomo.ca.

bcparent.ca • holiday issue 2015 5

Indoor Winter Fun 25 Ways for Kids to Get their Ya-Ya’s Out

By Christina Katz

W

hen the weather outside is frightful and you are fresh out of fun ways to keep kids entertained, turn to this list of ideas. The key is to stop thinking like an adult and to remember how to think like a kid. Once you accomplish this, who knows what kind of mischief you will help your kids dream up!

And while we are on the subject, why not forget your grown-up responsibilities for a little while and join the kids in some fun indoor activities? Your cabin fever will melt away like snow on a sunny day once you dive into one of these fun pastimes with your kids. Come on, parents. They will only be kids once.

1. Become a builder. Make a fort after lunch and then live in it until dinner.

2. Ready, set, duck! Ball up some clean socks, turn some furniture sideways, and have a sock-ball fight.

3. Fun with flour. Make something that involves kneading, like bread, rolls or pizza dough.

4. One-legged kangaroo. Spend an hour hopping on only one foot every time you 6 bcparent.ca • holiday issue 2015

have to move around the house.

5. Soften their falls. Put on layers of soft, stretchy clothes and play Twister in the kitchen.

6. Set a world’s record. See how long you can toss a soft ball back and forth without dropping it even once.

7. Stretch for it. Have a headstand or a handstand contest. Who is the straightest, who can last the longest, and who is the most poised?

8. Colourful awe. Look up group games that can be played with a silk parachute (note: also helpful in fort construction).

9. Strike a laugh. Take turns playing yoga teacher and making up silly yoga poses. Not laughing yet? Add in funny breathing exercises.

10. Let alter egos act out. Make sock or bag puppets, give them your quirkiest qualities, and then put on a puppet show.

11. Have a competition. Make a foursquare court in the basement or garage using painter’s tape and then take turns playing.

12. Find your inner Picasso. Tape large pieces of drawing paper up on the walls of

the basement or garage, spread newspapers on the floor, and create self-portraits with chalk pastels.

13. Play charades. Make sure the clues are appropriate for all ages. Or, if you prefer, try Pictionary instead.

14. Take that, Villan! Act out a scene from a family-favourite book. Look up some fight choreography online and stage a mockfight.

15. Climb, jump, and hop. Create an obstacle course in the basement or garage. Time everyone’s results. Then try to beat your best time. (See sidebar for more ideas.)

16. Mess around with beauty. Make facial masks out of bananas or avocado and take turns giving them to each other.

17. Get inspired. Watch The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe and then draw what you imagine you would find on the other side of your hidden doorway.

18. Bonsoir, Madame. Create a simple meal from a foreign culture like France, India or Africa with ingredients you have on hand.

19. Start a band. Make some music with either real instruments or whatever you can

create out of what you have on hand. For even more fun, try a marching band.

20. Musical fingers. Fingerpaint to different kinds of music. Let everyone choose a song and then compare the resulting images.

Which music helped to create the most inspired paintings?

21. Instant nostalgia. Make sparkly white play dough and then recreate the scene of your home in a snowstorm in miniature.

(Keep a can of instant snow on hand for just such an occasion, see sidebar.)

22. I say potato, you say potahto. Take potatoes, cut them in half and carve the cut ends into stamps. Then transform leftover brown bags into recycled wrapping paper.

23. Trashion passion. What’s in your recycle bins? Divide it up into two teams, mix in some plastic and paper bags, set a timer for one hour and see who can whip up some runway magic for a quick trashion runway show.

24. Lip-sync battle. Everyone picks their favourite tunes and then battles it out on whatever kind of “stage” you can create. For extra fun, video the numbers and cut some short clips together into a compilation.

25. Sculpture magic. Go through all of your

Stash These Supplies When Snow Days Are Imminent

Indoor Obstacle Course Ideas:

Fort-building kit (check Amazon) Parachute (double duty in making forts) Nerf products (for throwing in the house) Nutella (for crepe-making) Instant snow (for creating your home in miniature) Glitter (for adding to playdough and making sculptures sparkle) iTunes card (for lip syncing and finger painting to music) Twister Pictionary Foursquare ball Hacky sack Painter’s tape Chalk pastels Finger paints and coated paper Bananas Avocados Bag of russet potatoes

Throw a sheet over a string to create a crawl tunnel Over and under: string or masking tape stretched between walls or objects Pogo stick jumping Hula Hooping Stilt walking Balance beam Throw beanbags into buckets or pots Walk a lap while balancing large book on head Slalom on a too-small bike or scooter Jump rope Jumping jacks or push-ups Bounce a ball off a wall Spin around ten times Juggle a soccer ball or hacky sack with your feet or legs Balance something on a serving spoon Step from stool to chair to stepladder, etc.

Putt a golf ball into a plastic cup

art supply cabinets and drawers and pull out everything you can bear to part with. Be sure to include sticks, wire or string. Then see who can create the most original sculpture using supplies on hand.

Author, journalist, and writing coach Christina Katz has fond memories of getting snowed in for days when she was a kid. Her favourite activity was making obstacle courses in the basement.

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bcparent.ca • holiday issue 2015 7

Holiday Events Guide The holidays turn the Lower Mainland into a magical site. Look through the listings below to find some new events to attend or just be reminded of some classics. Use it as a checklist and see how many you can cross off this year!

special events Festival of Trees in Vancouver Nov 13–Jan 5 www.bcchf.ca/fot Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver (791 W. Georgia St, Vancouver) & CF Pacific Centre (701 W. Georgia St) All ages welcome. Come browse through the holiday display and cast a ballot for your favourite tree.

Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum Nov 21–Jan 1 www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca Festive lighting and decorations greet you at the entrance of the Village to give you a small glimpse of the spectacular display of history and lights awaiting inside. Special entertainment is scheduled throughout the season including theatre performances, community choirs, street characters and musicians. Enjoy family favourite activities including a craft for children, baking in the Farmhouse and, of course, visits with Father Christmas!

Vancouver Christmas Market Nov 21–Dec 24 www.vancouverchristmasmarket.com Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza All ages welcome, children under 6 are free.

Bright Nights in Stanley Park, Vancouver Nov 26–Jan 2 www.vancouver.ca/parks-recreationculture/bright-nights-train Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park Nov 27–Jan 3 www.capbridge.com/explore/ canyon-lights Re-capture the feeling of wonder and excitement of the holiday season and be amazed by the hundreds of thousands of lights throughout the park.

The suspension bridge, Treetops Adventure, Cliffwalk, the rainforest and canyon are transformed into a world of festive lights and visual enchantment.

Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain Nov 27–Jan 4 www.grousemountain.com/Christmas All ages welcome!

Hyatt Gingerbread Lane Dec 4–27 www.vancouver.hyatt.com Hyatt Regency Vancouver Fun for all ages.

Christmas at FlyOver Canada Nov 27–Jan 5 www.flyovercanada.com 604-620-8455 Children must be at least 102cm (40") tall to enter FlyOver Canada. Children (12 and under) must be accompanied by an adult or guardian (14 years or older). FlyOver Canada will transform into a magical winter wonderland this Christmas season. Join Santa on a magical flight across Canada and then end with a sneak peak of Santa’s magical North Pole!

Tiny Tots – Holiday Hooray, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Dec 4 and 5 www.vancouversymphony.ca/concert/ 15TOTS02/ Vancouver and New Westminster

Hi-Light Festival Nov 27–Dec 31 www.parkandtilford.com Park and Tilford, North Vancouver Polar Express – West Coast Railway Nov 28–Dec 20 www.wcra.org Heritage Park, Squamish Festival of Trees in Steveston Nov 29–Dec 31 www.exploresteveston.com Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site, Steveston Village A Dickens Christmas – Britannia Mine Dec 1–Jan 3 www.britanniaminemuseum.ca VanDusen Garden Festival of Lights Dec 1–31 www.vandusengarden.org Vancouver Hansel and Gretal: An East Van Panto–presented by The Cultch Dec 2–Jan 3 York Theatre, 639 Commercial Dr. tickets.thecultch.com or 604/251-1363 Ages 5+. An East Van Panto is back for its third year! Theatre Replacement steps way off the beaten path for this year’s edition with the weird and wonderful Hansel and Gretel. This production lures you deep into the East Van wilderness to deliver a fantastic holiday treat.

8 bcparent.ca • holiday issue 2015

James and the Giant Peach presented

by Carousel Theatre for Young People Dec 5–Jan 3 The Waterfront Theatre on Granville Island, tickets.carouseltheatre.ca or 604/685-6217 Ages 6+. The hit family musical James and the Giant Peach is back by popular demand! Together with Grasshopper, Ladybug, Centipede, Spider and Earthworm, James embarks on an extraordinary adventure. Carousel Theatre for Young People’s heartwarming musical celebrates what it means to find a home.

Christmas Finds at Kids Market, Granville Island Dec 5–24 www.kidsmarket.ca Find unique gifts, get everything giftwrapped and visit Santa! Or come on Sunday December 20th to visit Santa’s helpers Jack and Rusty.

St. Nick’s Day of Family Fun Sunday, Dec 6, 1–4 pm www.roeddehouse.org Roedde House Museum, Vancouver Recommended for ages 6 and up.

Roger’s Santa Claus Parade Sunday, Dec 6 www.rogerssantaclausparade.com Downtown Vancouver Chanukah in the City Sunday, Dec 6, 4 pm Outside Vancouver Art Gallery Christmas in Steveston Village Sunday, Dec 6 www.exploresteveston.com Santa arrives off the boat on Steveston

Public Wharf at 1pm. Free Santa hats.

Bring your camera and take a photo with Santa inside the Gulf of Georgia Cannery from 2–4 pm.

The Wizard of Oz at Gateway Theatre, Richmond Dec 10–Jan 3 www.gatewaytheatre.com It’s the fantastic journey you know and love brought to you by the awardwinning team who created last season’s holiday hit Crazy for You! Delight your little munchkins (and your munchkinat-heart!) with a trip “Over the Rainbow” at Gateway Theatre this holiday season, and rediscover this wonderful all-ages story.

A Traditional Christmas – Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Dec 10–20 www.vancouversymphony.ca/ concert/15SPEC05/ Various venues throughout the Lower Mainland.

Vancouver Winter Wonderland Dec 11–20 www.vancouverwinterwonderland.com PNE Forum Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker Dec 17–22 www.gohnutcracker.com All ages welcome.

Heritage Holiday – Fort Langley Historic Site Dec 19–Jan 3 www.parkscanada.gc.ca/fortlangley Escape the holiday bustle and make memories with your family and friends at the fort! Enjoy a traditional holiday atmosphere, crafts, and children’s activities.

22nd Annual Winter Solstice Lantern Festival at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden Dec 21, 6–10 pm www.vancouverchinesegarden.com Ages 3 and up.

Ballet BC presents the Alberta Ballet The Nutcracker Dec 29 (eve.), 30 (mat. & eve.), 31 (mat.) www.balletbc.com/performance/ the-nutcracker

Classical Kids Live! Gershwin’s Magic Key – Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Jan 10 (matinee) www.vancouversymphony.ca/concert/15KIDS03/

vacations Big White Ski Resort, Kelowna www.bigwhite.com Snow covered trees with twinkling lights, the sound of sleigh bells and the magical winter wonderland of Big White creates the perfect setting for an unforgettable Christmas vacation.

Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge, Grand Mound Washington Nov 28–Jan 3 www.greatwolf.com/snowland All ages welcome. Family-friendly event taking place throughout the entire resort. Great Wolf Lodge transforms into a magical winter wonderland, complete with spectacular decorations, visits with Santa, North Pole University activities and a life-size gingerbread house you can dine in!

Contests A Night at Canyon Lights Win a Canyon Lights family pass, hot chocolate vouchers for 4 and a holiday decoration for the tree.

Value: $150 Deadline to Enter: December 10th Enter at www.bcparent.ca

Win 4 seats to the hit family musical, James and the Giant Peach performance at 7pm on Saturday, Dec 12 at The Waterfront Theatre on Granville Island.

Tickets are not confirmed until booked through the CTYP box office.

Value: $96 Deadline to Enter: December 5th Enter at www.bcparent.ca

Win a family pack (2 Child & 2 Adult tickets) to any performance of Hansel and Gretel: An East Van Panto.

Like BC Parent on Facebook for parenting tips, fun family events, useful resources and relevant deals for families in BC.

BC Parent Newsmagazine

Hansel and Gretel lures you deep into the East Van wilderness to deliver a fantastic holiday treat. Performances run from December 2–January 3 Value: $115 Deadline to Enter: December 10th Enter at www.bcparent.ca

bcparent.ca • holiday issue 2015 9

Playing nice in the snow and ice: Stopping winter sports Injuries in their tracks

By Malia Jacobson

risp winter air, brisk exercise, and rosy cheeks; cold-weather activities like skiing, sledding, snowboarding, and ice hockey seem to epitomize wholesome winter fun. It’s true; these activities do promote fitness and allow kids to burn off pent-up winter energy. But according to Kevin D. Walter, M.D., Sports Medicine, parents are often shocked to learn about the dangers involved.

Why are winter sports so potentially dangerous? “Any time you have kids traveling down slick snow and ice at high speeds, there’s a risk of injury,” says Joe Guettler, M.D., orthopedic surgeon. Children are more susceptible to falls than adults, because their heads are relatively large in proportion to their bodies, and their center of gravity is higher, he says. And young bones have growth plates—areas of fibrous material where new bone is generated—that make them more prone to break than adult bones.

Don’t let fear of injury keep your family inside this winter. Some general safety precautions can help prevent injuries for all winter athletes, from casual sledders to daredevil snowboarders. To stay safe, all kids should wear proper protective gear—especially a well-fitted helmet—and play by the rules of their respective sport. Warming up for 10 to 15 minutes also reduces the likelihood of injury by preparing muscles, tendons, and ligaments for work.

To further protect your children from winter sports injuries, follow these sportspecific strategies.

C

Skiing

According to Walter, skiing-related injuries often involve the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Tears or injuries to this ligament are often painful and can put kids out of com10 bcparent.ca • holiday issue 2015

mission for the season. “I’m seeing more ACL injuries in young skiers these days,” says Walter. “Children are being pushed to play and train more aggressively at a younger age in all sports.”

Play it Safe: All equipment, including skis, boots, and bindings, should be properly fitted. Kids should avoid walking around too much in ski boots, as this can compromise their snug kit, and be extra attentive when getting on and off the ski lift, a time when many injuries happen. It’s also a good idea to end the day on an easier run to avoid skiing fatigued.

Sledding

Collision is the biggest injury risk for sledders, says Guettler. And collisions can lead to catastrophic head injuries. “Parents think of sledding as a relatively benign activity,” he says. “But there are real risks. Bones and ligaments—we can put those back together.

But a head injury can cause lifelong damage.”

Play it Safe: Because most collisions occur when sledders lose control of their sled, always choose a sled with a steering mechanism. Never allow sledding in wooded areas or near streets, and don’t allow children to walk across the sledding path. And helmets are a must.

Snowboarding

Because of the way snowboarders fall, knee injuries are seen less frequently with snowboarders than with skiers, says Guettler.

Upper body injuries are a bigger concern, particularly wrist fractures, he says. And, as with other downhill sports, head and neck injuries like concussion are a possibility.

Play it Safe: Along with a protective helmet, snowboarders should wear wristguards to protect against fractures. Kids shouldn’t

attempt tricks or runs that exceed their ability level—particularly late in the day when fatigue sets in. All gear, especially bindings, should be checked regularly.

Ice Hockey

With more than 500,000 young participants nationwide, hockey is one of country’s fastest-growing youth sports. Hockey helps develop hand-eye coordination and packs a vigorous cardiovascular workout, but its fast pace can set the stage for injuries to the head, mouth, limbs, and groin.

Play it Safe: Skating proficiency is vital to hockey safety. Young players should be able to confidently skate both forward and backward before suiting up to play. Protective gear is particularly important in this quickmoving contact sport. Never let your child play without a protective helmet, hockeyspecific shoulder, elbow, knee and shin pads, hockey pants with built-in padding (also called “breezers”), gloves, an athletic supporter or cup, and a mouthguard.

Taking a few extra minutes to stay safe is worthwhile, because winter sports are fitness boons for kids and families. Just ask Guettler, who skis regularly with his four young children. “Unlike other sports like football and gymnastics that relegate parents to the sidelines, winter sports allow families to have fun and stay fit together,” he says. “The positive family time and the fitness benefits certainly outweigh the potential risk for injuries.” And fewer winter sports injuries mean more winter fun for the entire family.

Malia Jacobson is an award-winning health and parenting journalist and mom of three. Her latest book is Sleep Tight, Every Night: Helping Toddlers and Preschoolers Sleep Well Without Tears, Tricks, or Tirades.

winter activity guide dance Boogaboo 604/266-3053, Vancouver www.Boogaboo.com Al Mozaico Flamenco Dance Academy 604/671-9182, Vancouver www.mozaicoflamenco.com Anna Wyman School of Dance Arts, West Vancouver 604/926-6535 info@annawyman.com www.annawyman.com The Arts Connection 604/241-0141, Richmond www.theartsconnection.org Ages infant to 16yrs Arts Umbrella 604/681-5268 www.artsumbrella.com AUUC School of Dance 604/254-3436 danceschool@auucvancouver.ca www.auucvancouver.ca Experience for yourself the joy and artistry of Ukrainian dance! Quality &

creative instruction in Folk-Stage, Ballet & Contemporary Dance. 85 years of arts programs reflecting a modern multicultural experience. Ages 3 to adult.

Dance Co 604/736-3394, Vancouver www.danceco.com info@danceco.com Dance Co provides unparalleled dance training for all ages and levels. Providing technique and performance while developing confidence and creativity.

Programs start throughout the year, for more information visit our website.

Dance Expressions 604/574-2277, Surrey www.dancexp.com dance@dancexp.com Douglas Ballet Academy - Dance Collective 604/420-0204, Vancouver www.douglasballet.homestead.com Gabriela’s Movement Studio 604/272-0607 www.movementstudio.ca Winner of the 2015 Richmond

Review’s Best of Richmond. Gabriela’s Movement Studio specializes in Ballet and Creative Movement and art classes for toddlers, preschoolers and the young child. Groups are small, allowing for more personal attention.

Ages 2-1/2 to 9.

Goh Ballet Academy 604/872-4014 info@gohballet.com www.gohballet.com Training institute of provincial champions in the Junior, Intermediate & Senior levels as well as International Gold Medal Award Recipients. Well balanced curriculum, RAD examinations & extensive performance opportunities. hz Ballet Classique 604/299-9698, Burnaby www.balletclassique.com Just for Kicks School of Dance 604/596-4161, Surrey North Shore Academy of Dance 604/987-3814 nsadinfo@gmail.com Ages 3–18.

Northwest Academy of Performing Arts 604/306-7390; www.NAPAdance.com Pacific Dance Arts 604/738-8575; www.pacificdancearts.ca Place des Arts Art Centre & Music School 604/664-1636, Coquitlam www.placedesarts.ca Place des Arts provides a warm, friendly learning environment where experienced, caring teachers offer instruction in the visual, performing and literary arts for all ages and abilities. Sept-June and fall, winter and spring session dance classes in ballet, jazz, hip hop, tap, dance sampler, contemporary and lyrical dance are offered for children, starting at age 3, teens and adults.

Port Moody School of Dance 604/936-0966 www.portmoodydance.com The Landing Dance Centre 604/325-8653 www.TheLandingDance.com 270 SW Marine Drive, Vancouver Ages 8 to adult

bcparent.ca • holiday issue 2015 11

winter activity guide Tri-City Dance Centre 604/523-6868, Coquitlam www.tricitydance.com

Arbutus Music Academy 604/736-8767 www.arbutusmusicacademy.com

years and upwards. Violin, Viola, Piano, Percussion, Flute, Cello and Acoustic Guitar

Vancouver Tap Dance Society 604/253-0293 www.vantapdance.bc.ca

The Arts Connection 604/241-0141, Richmond www.theartsconnection.ca

Delta Community Music School 604/946-1280, Delta

Oakridge Music Studio 604/321-1551 www.omusicstudios.com

Dominanta Music School 604/767-0949, Burnaby www.dominanta.ca

Pacific Academy for Music 604/944-0336, Port Coquitlam www.musicinstructor.net

Jean Lyons School of Music 604/734-4019 www.jeanlyonsmusic.com

Place des Arts Art Centre & Music School 604/664-1636 www.placedesarts.ca Place des Arts provides a warm, friendly learning environment where experienced, caring teachers offer instruction in the visual, performing and literary arts for all ages and abilities. Private music lessons run Sep. to June, and registration is open throughout the year. Fall, winter and spring session group classes are also available in a variety of instruments for children, teens and adults.

Vancouver Academy of Dance 604/231-8293 www.vancouverdance.com Vancouver Academy of Dance offers summer dance camps in ballet, jazz/lyrical, tap, hip hop, acrobatics, ballroom and Chinese Dance at their main location in Richmond.

Westside Dance Centre Ltd 604/736-1000 www.westsidedance.ca We offer great classes in Tap, Jazz, Ballet and Hip hop for kids as young as 3 years old, right up to adults.

music Allegro Music School 604/327-7765, Vancouver Allegromusicschool.com All ages. We provide studio or in-home lessons (no extra charge) in piano, voice and other instruments. University graduates. $23.50 and up. Classical or popular styles.

BC Conservatory of Music 604/299-2984, Burnaby www.bcmusic.ca BC Registered Music Teachers Assoc.

604/733-5531; www.bcrmta.bc.ca Visit our website to find a qualified registered music teacher. Be assured of knowledgeable, competent and qualified instruction.

Campos Music 604/325-0480; camposmusic.ca Ages 4+.

Carillon Music 604/591-1161 www.carillonmusicacademy.com Colourstrings Music & Movement Group Classes www.colourstringsvan.com 129 East 8th Ave, Vancouver Ages 3 months to 6 years. In age specific groupings children enjoy songs and games that develop a solid musical foundation. The more advanced classes introduce music reading and writing.

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12 bcparent.ca • holiday issue 2015

Jumpstart Music & Movement 604/317-8326 sing_dance_play@hotmail.com Newborn to 5 years Langley Community Music School 604/534-2848 www.langleymusic.com Long & McQuade Music Lesson Centres www.long-mcquade.com Music for Young Children 800/828-4334 www.myc.com Ages 3 to 9 yrs.

Music Teachers on the Go 778/882-7603 www.musicteachersonthego.com info@musicteachersonthego.com

North Shore Music Academy 604/925-3403, North Van

Prussin Music 604/736-3036 www.prussinmusic.com Prussin Music has been serving families since 1985. We offer instrument sales, rentals, repairs & lessons. Our teachers are enthusiastic and active in Vancouver’s musical community. We have lessons for all levels and all ages including summer camps and Suzuki classes.

winter activity guide Richmond Community Music School 604/272-5227 www.richmondmusicschool.ca Suitable for all ages, children and adults.

School of Music and Dance 604/951-3725, Surrey www.musicanddance.org Staccato Music Studios 604/421-3753 www.staccatostudios.com Steveston Music Centre 604/271-3545, Steveston Tom Lee Music 604/685-8471, Vancouver www.tomleemusic.ca At Tom Lee Music Learning Centre, you can enjoy excellent music education in a fun community atmosphere.

Students of all ages come together for a positive music making experience at our 7 key and satellite locations in Vancouver, plus 2 on Vancouver Island.

To register, please call 604/688-8929.

Vancouver Academy of Music 604/734-2301 www.vam.bc.ca Kodaly and Orff musicianship classes.

Suzuki violin, viola, piano, cello, and flute. Piano group class (ages 4–9).

Ballet (ages 31/2–18). RCM music history and theory. Private instruction in

piano, classical guitar, band and orchestral instruments.

Vancouver Children’s Choir 604/682-6363 www.vancouverchildrenschoir.ca Love to sing? Vancouver Children’s Choir auditioning now! Girls 8–16, Boys 8–12.

Call for an appointment.

VSO School of Music 604/915-9300 www.vsoschoolofmusic.ca The VSO School of Music offers: Joyful music learning and playing for all ages and abilities; Early years programs starting from 3 months old; Private lessons in classical, jazz and world music; Ensembles, masterclasses and performance opportunities; Exclusive association with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra; and flexible payment options.

The Violin ABC’s 778/896-5729 www.violin-abc.com Western Conservatory of Music 604/530-0317, White Rock

performing & visual arts The Arts Connection 604/241-0141, Richmond www.theartsconnection.ca

Innovative, world renowned music education based upon Kodaly, Orff and Dalcroze.

Music & Movement Baby to 7 years Playful singing games develop core music skills and literacy NEW french classes!

Cello — Guitar — Flute — Piano Percussion — Violin 5 yrs+ Unique coloured notation develops early music reading.

778-846-0127

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MAKE CREATIVITY YOUR SUPERHERO Inspiring classes for kids and teens VISUAL ARTS | DANCE | THEATRE

REGISTER TODAY!

artsumbrella.com bcparent.ca • holiday issue 2015 13

winter activity guide Arts Umbrella 604/681-5268 www.artsumbrella.com For more than 35 years, Arts Umbrella has proudly provided high quality education in visual, media and performing arts to children and youth throughout Metro Vancouver. Classes available for ages 2–19. Join our community where art comes alive!

Artspace Children’s Arts Centre www.artspaceforchildren.com Carousel Theatre for Young People 604/669-3410 www.carouseltheatre.ca CircusWest 604/252-3679 www.circuswest.com E.J.S. School of Fine Arts 604/596-4883 Gateway Academy for Performing Arts 604/247-4975 gatewaytheatre.com/academy academy@gatewaytheatre.com At Gateway Academy for Performing Arts, we believe in Creativity, Courage, and Connection! Established in 1991, our year-round acting, musical theatre, and performance training classes are for youth 6–18. Professional actors, directors, playwrights and choreographers

are engaged as instructors, teaching skills that enrich students in both performance and life.

In-Studio Art Classes – Marta Roberson Smyth www.martademaria.tumblr.com www.martademaria.com Mentoring children from six to sixteen with personalised instruction in small groups.

JCC Performing Arts School 604/257-5111, Vancouver Place des Arts Art Centre & Music School 604/664-1636, Coquitlam www.placedesarts.ca Place des Arts offers a wide range of skill building classes in the visual arts for all ages and in a wide range of media, including pottery and fibre arts.

The centre also offers classes in the theatre and film arts for children and teens, including teen Theatre and Musical Theatre performance companies.

Rainbow Art School Ltd. 778-317-8000 Classes available for ages 3–19.

StageCoach Theatre Arts Schools 1-877-787-8243 www.stagecoachschools.ca Sing, Dance, Act! For 4–18 yr olds.

The world’s largest part-time theatre

school network, with weekend schools across the Lower Mainland. We offer classes in Singing, Dancing and Drama every weekend alongside the school term as well as week long summer camps. Building confidence in young people since 1988! Come join the fun!

Schools are located in Vancouver Eastside/Westside, North Vancouver, Coquitlam, Langley.

Surrey Art Gallery 604-501-5566 www.surrey.ca/artgallery Preschool and up. Let out your creative side and fight the winter blues! Surrey Art Gallery offers over 25 classes this season. From preschool to adults, we’ve got something for you: painting, drawing, pottery, mixed media, pastels, and more. See you in the studio!

engineering and design concepts while having fun building with LEGO® bricks. Now offering After School Enrichment Classes, Camps and Birthday Parties. Ages 5–12.

Christianne’s Lyceum of Literature and Art 604/733-1356 www.christiannehayward.com The Lyceum encourages young people to see themselves as readers, writers and artists as they engage with abstract ideas and reflect on their own place in society. Programs include: bookclubs, writers’ workshops, literature and art classes and holiday and summer camps.

The Dizzy Whisk – Cooking Classes for Kids 778/998-3530; www.dizzywhisk.com Kimiko’s Japanese Kitchen – Cooking Parties for Kids, Families and Adults 604/727-5331 www.kimikoskitchen.wordpress.com Kids, ages 8–12.

Surrey Civic Theatres Box Office: 604/501-5566 (press 1) www.surrey.ca/theatre Vancouver Youth Theatre 604/877-0678; www.vyt.ca

specialty Bricks 4 Kidz 778/822-5672 www.bricks4kidz.com/vancouver Bricks 4 Kidz® provides programs that inspire kids to learn about architecture,

MEND www.bchealthykids.ca MEND is a fun, FREE, 10-week program that supports children and their families in becoming more active and healthier through interactive group sessions. Please visit www.bchealthykids.ca for a location near you.

Atlantis Swim Programs

Be Listed

Locations:

Vancouver (Arbutus Village) Vancouver (Jericho Hill Centre) Burnaby (Greentree Village)

Swimming lessons for kids 4 months and up From bubbles to butterfly

14 bcparent.ca • holiday issue 2015

atlantisprograms.com 604-874-6464

15th Annual Family Resource Guide The favourite year-round resource for parents.

For advertising and listing information EMAIL:

info@bcparent.ca

www.bcparent.ca On the stands April 1st, 2016 (Advertising deadline March 1st)

winter activity guide Sewing with Frances 604/433-1030 www.francessewingschool.com

The Edge Climbing Centre 604/984-9080 www.edgeclimbing.com

Vancouver Aquarium 604/659-FISH www.vanaqua.org

Grandview Skating Club www.grandviewskatingclub.com/ 3 and up. Grandview Skating Club is your one-stop “learn to skate” club! For beginners, Grandview offers CANSKATE, Skate Canada’s flagship learnto-skate program (all ages). For advanced skaters, Grandview offers STARSkate, Competitive, Test programs, off-ice training and hockey skills classes.

Fall/Winter sessions are at Trout Lake Community Centre, Spring/Summer sessions are at Sunset Arena.

sports Aquaventures Swim Centre 604/736-SWIM www.aquaventuresswim.com Award-winning program in tropical warm water.

Atlantis Swim Programs 604/874-6464, Vancouver www.atlantisprograms.com Swimming lessons for kids 4 months and up. Since 1986, Atlantis has been offering swim lessons to kids 4 months and up. Specializing in small class sizes (generally 4:1), warm water and exceptional instructors, they have helped thousands of children to be safe and competent in the water, so they can enjoy a lifetime of aquatic activities.

Jump! Gymnastics North Vancouver: 604/971-0513 and Yaletown: 604/568-9690 www.jumpgymnastics.ca Langley Gymnastics Foundation 604/532-1022 www.langleygymnastics.com

Pedalheads Bike Camps 1-888-886-6464 www.pedalheads.com Pedalheads® is a learn to ride bike program for kids 2–12. Located across Canada and specifically in the Greater Vancouver area, they have helped over 200,000 kids learn to ride. Offering a variety of levels from training wheels to trails, Pedalheads® offers half-day, all day and private lesson options.

Quantum Gymnastics Centre 604/465-9293, Maple Ridge www.quantumgym.com RBL Basketball 604/269-0221 www.RBLBasketball.ca Skill development, leagues, holiday camps for boys and girls from 5–15.

Programs in Vancouver.

Richmond Gymnastics Association 604/278-3614 www.richmondgymnastics.com

The Little Gym of Langley 604/539-2543 www.thelittlegym.com

popular sports: soccer, hockey, football, basketball, baseball, volleyball, tennis and golf. Sportball offers weekly programs, outdoor soccer, camps during school holidays, and birthday parties.

Come try a free trial class! See our website for a location near you.

UBC Active Kids Gymnastics 604/822-2027 www.outreach.kin.educ.ubc.ca/activekids 18 months–18 years. Run by the UBC School of Kinesiology, Active Kids provides developmentally appropriate recreational gymnastics, soccer, basketball, multi-sport, and physical literacy classes to participants of all ages and abilities.

Vancouver Phoenix Gymnastics 604/737-7693 www.phoenixgymnastics.com White Rock Gymnastics 604/542-0386 www.whiterockgymnastics.com

Richmond Olympic Oval 778/296-1400 www.richmondoval.ca

Club Aviva 604/526-4464, Coquitlam www.clubaviva.citysoup.ca

Marina’s Swim School 604/818-4650 www.marinaswimschool.com

Dynamo Swim Club 778/866-6604 www.dynamoswimclub.net

North Shore Equestrian Centre 604/988-5131; www.wecreateriders.com Ages 4+.

Sportball 604/688-3157 www.sportball.ca Sportball is a non-competitive sports program for children 16 months to 12 years. Children are introduced to eight

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bcparent.ca • holiday issue 2015 15

Parenting Resolutions for the Not-So-Perfect Parent

by Gayla Grace

I’ve been a parent long enough to realize that if I keep pressing forward and do the best job I can, my kids won’t be eternally scarred by my imperfections. onsidering the innumerable parenting books I’ve read and parenting workshops I’ve attended, I should be a perfect parent. I’m not. I’ve been a parent long enough, however, to realize that if I keep pressing forward and do the best job I can with a loving and sincere heart, my kids won’t be eternally scarred by my imperfections.

This year, instead of making resolutions about being a better parent, I decided to ponder a few resolutions on how to move past my imperfections and keep going on days I want to quit as a not-so-perfect parent. So, this year I commit to ...

C

1. Let go of the Mommy guilt. We all experience it from time to time. We do too much for our kids one day and the next day we do too little. One day we give them too much slack and the next day we nag them incessantly. Our parenting choices never seem right. Or maybe our thinking isn’t right.

Mommy guilt comes from the expectation that we need to be perfect. But... a perfect mom doesn’t exist. We can choose to let go of unrealistic expectations that keep us bound to guilt when we don’t measure up.

2. Forgive myself when I fail. A defeated parent doesn’t parent effectively. When we barrage ourselves with negative self-talk

16 bcparent.ca • holiday issue 2015

over a poor parenting choice, we continue down a negative path. Forgiving ourselves for less-than-stellar parenting moments allows us to begin again with a renewed mind and fresh perspective for our parenting challenges.

3. Seek out support from other moms on hard days. My neighbor is a single parent

with two school-aged children. She recognizes her need for help in juggling her responsibilities and seeks out other moms to assist with car pool or after-school care when the demands of her work schedule become overwhelming. Fellow moms understand the struggles of busy moms and are usually happy to help when asked.

the parenting strain takes over. It’s important to re-group and make time for self-care when we’re about to go off the parenting cliff. Balancing parenting demands with activities we can look forward to and enjoy alone or with others, creates a well-rounded parent who can more effectively handle the strains of parenting.

6. Remember that my kids love me, even on days I’m a not-so-perfect parent. Our

4. Listen to my heart on how to parent my child, instead of others’ opinions. It’s easy

kids don’t expect us to be perfect parents. If they know we are doing our best to care for them, emotionally and physically, they love us on our good days and our days that aren’t so good. I heard the reply of a young child recently when asked what he thought about his mom’s significant weight loss. “I don’t see her any different—I love her either way ‘cuz she’s my mom.”

to run to the phone and ask our best friend what to do when we’re facing a difficult parenting moment, but if we step back and listen to our heart while considering our options, we make better decisions. Taking into account our child’s personality (which we know better than anyone) will allow us to tailor parenting advice to our unique situations.

As you start a new year, do you have resolutions to consider as a not-so-perfect parent?

Do you need a mindset do-over that includes room for imperfection and second chances as a parent? Perhaps that’s the ticket to success this year on your not-so-perfect parenting journey.

5. Take time to run, or quilt, or whatever activity works for me to re-group when

As a freelance journalist, Gayla Grace loves sharing experiences to encourage other parents. She is thankful for her five children, who love her despite her not-so-perfect parenting.

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bcparent.ca • holiday issue 2015 17

by Lara Krupicka

here’s nothing like the fun of tearing at colourfully wrapped gifts to make a celebration exciting for a kid. The mere sight of a bow-bedecked box can elicit shrieks of delight.

And no wonder—a study by Daniel Howard of Southern Methodist University found that, due to positive association, recipients automatically feel more favourably about owning a gift when it has been wrapped. Which may also explain why the tradition of disguising gifts is such a longstanding one. Some date it back to 105 AD in China.

But for the environmentally conscious, this practice can be cringe inducing. How to please the birthday boy or girl and still care for the earth? Try one of the following options: 18 bcparent.ca • holiday issue 2015

The Sunday Funnies

For years thrifty folks have used full-colour Sunday comics pages for wrapping gifts.

The large newsprint pages fit most smaller packages, or you can use multiple spreads for a larger box. Save each week’s funnies to build up your wrapping stash. Or simply grab the current Sunday comics from your recycling bin.

Outdated Maps

Did you know that your car’s door pockets and glove box can be sources of giftwrap?

Cull any outdated maps and move them to your giftwrap bin. After a road trip, instead of discarding any maps collected, keep them to have on hand for the next celebration. The bright colour and larger size pages make for great gift coverings, especially for

guys. Or add a decorative touch to any present by cutting maps into strips and winding them around a pen or pencil to create curls.

Then tape a group of curls to the top of a wrapped package.

Retail Shopping Bags

Ever since Hallmark introduced the first handled paper gift bag in 1987, Americans have favoured presenting gifts in decorative bags. Instead of buying bags specifically for gifts, why not use the cute shopping bags from retail chains you frequent? American Girl and Vera Bradley’s shoppers with their vibrant glossy colours and braided handles make alternatives as nice (and often stronger) than the “real thing”. Be selective about which shopping bags you recycle and save the best for wrapping gifts. When a

gift-giving occasion arises, take a few minutes to cover the company logo or name on the bag with stickers or decorative paper scraps. Add tissue, or for an even greener filler use shredded paper, such as the shiny pages of last month’s magazine. Tie on a tag or add a card, and you’re set.

Empty Altoids® Tin

Care for a mint? If you have an Altoids® lover in your household, you have on hand the perfect gift card container. Simply wipe out the powdery residue from an empty Altoids® tin. Then paint the top and sides with a layer of acrylic craft paint, glue on some cardstock, write your greeting and insert the gift card. For a two-in-one gift, decorate the top with a refrigerator magnet instead—it will stick readily to the metal tin.

Fabric

Think outside of the box by using fabric to cover a gift. The Japanese originated the use of a fabric wrap during the Edo period (1608–1868). Furoshiki, as the colourful reusable cloth wrappers are called, began as a means for carrying personal items to the public baths, before being adopted as an allpurpose wrap. Create your own furoshiki out of any available cloth. Wrap a hand towel around bath toys. Buy a bandana in the recipient’s favourite colour. If you sew, pull scraps from your fabric bin and secure with a long fabric strip tied in a bow.

It's a Calendar. No, it's Gift Wrap Accessories If you appreciate artistic recycled gift packaging, tags, and cards, check out the Paper Source Wall Art Calendar. Enjoy twelve months of beautiful calendar spreads.

Then when the year ends, flip the pages over and cut out the templates for notecards, pillow boxes, and other gift wrappings. Purchase at your local Paper Source store or online at http://www.papersource.com/.

colour a design on it, or stamp images to decorate before taping around a gift.

Treasure Hunt

Instead of wrapping your gift, tuck a clue written on paper in a small bow-topped box instead. Create a series of clues, each one hidden in a location prompted by the previous clue. At the final location, hide the gift.

This works especially well for large and oddly-shaped gifts that are difficult to wrap or consume large amounts of paper.

Paper Grocery Bags

Next time you buy groceries, ask the bagger to use one or two paper bags in place of plastic or your reusable cloth bags. Kraft paper grocery bags can be cut open and turned inside out. Then have your children

Keep your eyes open for other alternatives to traditional paper giftwrap. After all, even sheets and rolls of giftwrap originated as an alternative to customary wrappings. In 1917 the Hall Brothers’ stationery store ran

out of tissue sheets commonly used for wrapping gifts. As a quick solution, they brought out decorative French envelope lining papers from their manufacturing plant and offered them for 10 cents a sheet.

Customers loved them and bought out the supply, both that year and the next. Thus Hallmark started the business of giftwrap, which has expanded now to a nearly $3 billion dollar industry.

Have fun trying new earth-friendly methods for packaging your gifts. You may surprise and amuse yourself as much as your recipient.

Lara Krupicka is a parenting journalist and mom of three who keeps plenty of old maps and Altoids® tins on hand for gift wrapping.

bcparent.ca • holiday issue 2015 19

12 FERTILITY TIPS

to Increase your Odds of Getting Pregnant Dr Beth Taylor MD, FRCSC Medical Director Olive Fertility Centre

A

re you are currently trying to get pregnant or thinking of trying in 2016? Here are some easy lifestyle changes you can make to give yourself the best chance of having a baby.

For Women 1. Take a prenatal supplement with at least

1 mg of folic acid. Folic acid helps to prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida.

2. Don’t smoke: Smoking can lead to miscarriage, premature birth, and low-birth weight babies, as well as negatively affect your fertility.

3. Cut back on alcohol: Alcohol is harmful to the fetus. So cut back when you start trying to get pregnant and stop from drinking as soon as you know you are pregnant.

4. Eat a healthy diet: Studies has shown that a Mediterranean style diet may increase the chances of getting pregnant—especially with women who have problems with ovulation or a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).Try to have at least 5–10

Are you are currently trying to get pregnant or thinking of trying in 2016?

20 bcparent.ca • holiday issue 2015

servings of fruits and veggies every day.

Choose whole grains and good fats like olive oil. Eat a variety of protein sources, such as beans, nuts, seeds, lentils, poultry, and meats.

5. Watch your weight: Women with a body mass index (BMI) of under 19 or over 32 have a lower chance of getting pregnant and an increased risk of miscarriage. If you are overweight, just losing 5–10 pounds can significantly improve your fertility.

6. Know when you are ovulating: Ovulation problems are one of the most common reasons for women having trouble conceiving. If your menstrual cycle is irregular or very far apart (a regular cycle is between 26 and 34 days) then you may not be ovulating regularly.

The easiest way to find out if you are ovulating, and the one I recommend to my patients at Olive, is to use an Ovulation Predictor Kit (OPK) where you pee on a stick and it measures a surge in the luteiniz-

ing hormone (LH) in your urine. The 12 to 36 hours from the time you test positive for ovulation is the best time to conceive. Ovulation predictor kits are useful because they tell you when you are about to ovulate so you can have intercourse before you ovulate.

The sperm will live in the body for approximately 3 days but the egg only lives for 24–48 hours, so it is important to have intercourse before you ovulate rather than after.

For Men

Men are constantly producing sperm and sperm production is very sensitive to environmental factors.

7. Don’t expose testicles to excessive heat: This includes hot baths, hot tubs, or

saunas. Also avoid tight clothing or working with a laptop on your lap. Continuous exposure to excessive heat can lower your sperm count.

8. Quit smoking: Smoking decreases sperm production.

9. Use prescription drugs with caution and stop using recreational drugs: Anabolic

steroids, marijuana, and some prescription medications may reduce sperm production.

10. Take your vitamins: Antioxidants such as vitamin C and E and coenzyme Q 10 can help improve sperm quality.

11. Watch your weight: You should aim for a healthy body weight as being either overweight or underweight can contribute to decreased sperm count and sexual function.

12. Use a sperm friendly lubricant: Artificial lubricants, oils, petroleum jelly, or glycerine can all reduce sperm function. “Sperm friendly” lubricants, such as Pre-Seed®, are the least likely to decrease your fertility.

What if my partner and I are following these tips and we still can’t get pregnant?

Even if you had no difficulty getting pregnant previously it might not be so easy this time for a number of reasons: • Your eggs, and to a lesser extent sperm, decrease in number and quality as you age • There could be some scarring from your previous delivery, especially if you had a C-section

• You may not be ovulating regularly The good news is that most fertility issues can be treated, and the majority of couples will go on to achieve their dream of having a baby. But how do you know when it’s time to get medical advice?

Talk to your doctor

• If you are under the age of 35 and have been trying to get pregnant for at least 12 months, or if you are over 35 and have been trying to conceive for more than 6 months, you should see a physician. A woman’s chance of getting pregnant decreases after 32, and the chances decrease significantly after age 37.

• If you have been diagnosed with a condition known as endometriosis, or have had a previous pelvic infection or sexually transmitted infection you are at increased risk of infertility.

• If your partner has a history of infection (e.g. mumps), injury or surgery on his testicles, difficulty with erection or ejaculation, or if he has been diagnosed with a sperm problem.

• If you have irregular menstrual cycles,

especially when they occur infrequently (every 2, 3 or more months apart) or those which occur less than 25 days apart.

• If you or your partner has a known health problem such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or a history of cancer treated with radiation or chemotherapy.

• If you have a family history of early menopause among the women in your immediate family (mother, sister), you too may be at risk of the same problem.

Remember that for the majority of couples who have difficulty conceiving, advances in medical treatment have made it possible for them to have a baby. In BC your consultations with a fertility specialist, as well as initial investigations for infertility, are covered by MSP. Dr Taylor is co-founder and co-director of Olive Fertility Centre. olivefertility.com. She is a Clinical Associate Professor at UBC, a staff member at BC Women’s Hospital and Vancouver General Hospital. Dr Taylor has expertise in all areas of reproductive endocrinology and infertility care.

쐍 procedure is the happiness of the child.”

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Limited space available in Kindergarten 쐍 for the 2014/2015 school year. bcparent.ca • holiday issue 2015 21

By Pam Molnar

Dear Santa, can’t believe another year has gone by. Is it just me or are the years passing faster?

I think I have been a pretty good mom this year. I have driven my kids to every social event, practice and friend’s house. My wallet has been an endless fountain of money for movies, frozen yogurt and senseless mall trips. I have clocked countless hours at soccer fields, basketball courts, softball diamonds and music auditoriums.

With a little help from our friend, Google, I continue to help with homework in sub-

I

jects I have long forgotten. Sure, I might have lost it a few times, but I live with teenagers, Santa. They are God’s version of the Elf on the Shelf—sent down to keep us in check, but if left without supervision, they get into mischief.

I know you are busy, so I will be brief.

To start, I need a few things for the bathroom—a sink that repels toothpaste, a splash free mirror and a never ending roll of toilet paper. Changing the roll is just too complicated for my family.

I’d like a copy of “The Busy Mom’s Exercise-Free Weight Loss Plan”. I heard it is hard to find, but hey, you are Santa. As a backup, I would be happy with a copy of “The Wine Diet” instead. Unlike other programs, I think I could really stick to this one.

Remember those electric bug zappers from years ago? If they make one for dog hair, I will take two! The dogs are older now so I can no longer claim the pile of hair is a litter of newborn puppies.

If you have a time machine in storage at the North Pole, I would love the ability to send a letter to my younger self. I could save her hours of unnecessary worry about career choices, raising children and neighborhood drama. I think that is what caused these “blond” highlights I keep finding in my hair.

If it isn’t too much trouble, I would like to have a whole week free of arguments about who rides in the front seat, who drank the last Gatorade and whose turn it is to do the dishes. This is the season of miracles, right?

Lastly, I would be thrilled to serve a meal that no one complains about. I’ve given up asking for a meal that everyone eats together before 9:00 pm. Our crazy schedule is something even Santa can’t fix.

Well Santa, I can hear my daughter beeping the car horn in the driveway. I have to start round two of my carpool. Travel safe. I’m sorry if the cookies are gone when you get here. The dogs eat anything left on the coffee table. Since I made them, it’s probably better that the dogs ate them anyway.

Love, Mom P.S. All I really want is to see the magic of Christmas morning in my teenagers’ eyes.

Pam Molnar is a freelance writer and the mother of three teens.

This is the actual letter she sent to Santa this year.

22 bcparent.ca • holiday issue 2015

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604-980-6040 604-437-4849 604-267-9022 604-731-8378 604-948-7007 604-599-6688 604-718-5629

380, Chemin Kings Ouest 7051, rue Killarney 5445 Baillie Street 5445 Baillie Street 785 49th Street 6887 132ème rue 8580 Kilgour Place

V7N 2L9 V5S 2Y5 V5Z 3M6 V5Z 3M6 V4M 2P3 V3W 4L9 V7C 3R1

M-7 M-6 M-6 7 - 12 M-6 M - 12 M-8

Pour plus de renseignements, communiquez avec la direction de l’école la plus près de chez vous.

bcparent.ca • holiday issue 2015 23

Holiday Shows $ECEMBER n s AM TO PM** **$ECEMBER ONLY TO PM

Visit Santa %VERY DAY %8#%04 3UNDAY $ECEMBER /N THAT DAY IT WILL BE A (OLIDAY 3HOW WITH 3ANTA S (ELPERS *ACK 2USTY

Gift Wrapping /UR CHARITY GIFT WRAP BOOTH IS OPEN FROM $ECEMBER n MIN DONATION PER GIFT BENElTTING 4HE %LIZABETH &RY 3OCIETY

Give a gift to less fortunate children #HOOSE A NAME FROM OUR 7ISHING 4REE AND BRING AN UNWRAPPED GIFT TO +IDS -ARKET BEFORE $ECEMBER

Rainbow Rewards 3AVE YOUR RECEIPTS FROM PURCHASES AT +IDS -ARKET AND FOR EVERY YOU SPEND EXCLUDING TAXES YOU RECEIVE A GIFT CERTIlCATE

REDEEMABLE AT OVER STORES IN +IDS -ARKET