BC Parent Education Issue 2012

education issue 2012 www.bcparent.ca

Independent Schools

Attachment Parenting

Kids & Chores

Locations in Vancouver and Richmond

CELEBRATING 17 YEARS OF DANCE EXCELLENCE

2012-2013 DANCE PROGRAMS NOW ACCEPTING REGISTRATIONS

Photo by: Darling Photography

s 0ROGRAMS FOR 0RESCHOOLERS TO !DULTS s "ALLET s *AZZ s (IP (OP s 4AP s -USICAL 4HEATRE s ,YRICAL s !CROBATICS s "REAKDANCIN s "ALLROOM s #HINESE $ANCE

Locations Richmond Locations in Vancouver and Richmond 쐌 (604) 231-8293 www.vancouverdance.com www.vancouverdance.com

C A N A D A’ S

L A R G E S T

P R I VAT E

S C H O O L

E X P O S

PRESENTED BY

november 11 THE WESTIN BAYSHORE INFORMATION SEMINARS: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM EXHIBIT HALL: 12:00 – 4:00 PM

get

50% off

ADMISSION TICKETS

register now 2 bcparent.ca • education 2012

SCAN USING YOUR MOBILE DEVICE TO REGISTER

ourkids.net/expo

inside ...

4 Big Sisters Study Buddy School support for young girls

6 Coping with Kids’ Clothing Conundrums 8 Independent School Listings 15 Kids & Chores To pay or not to pay?

16 Attachment Parenting for Everyone 19 Singing Lessons with a bad voice

20 Five Habits Every mom should break

22 Distracted Driver Modelling responsible behaviour

BC Parent Newsmagazine

Follow us on

http://twitter.com/bcparentmag

Publisher/Executive Editor: Forrest Phillips

Contributors: Judy Arnall, Janet Johnson, Lara Krupicka, Kelly Randall, Stephanie Vozza, Bev Yaworski

Mail Address: Sasamat RPO 72086 Vancouver, BC V6R 4P2

Advertising Sales: bcparent@shaw.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.

email: info@bcparent.ca www.bcparent.ca

Circulation: Gold Distribution

Canadian Publications Mail Registration No.251836

Editor: Geoffrey Legh Advertising Design & Layout: Julie Cochrane Editorial Design & Layout: RetroMetro Designs www3.telus.net/retrometro

Education Issue 2012 Volume 21, Number 6

bcparent.ca • education 2012 3

By Bev Yaworski s the school year progresses with new teachers and challenging subjects, some students may need extra assistance with their schoolwork. Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland is offering a unique mentoring program that focuses on school academics by providing girls between the ages of 7 and 17 years with positive, female mentors. This Big Sisters ‘Study Buddy’ mentoring program offers girls educational support and guidance by matching them in one-to-one relationships with volunteer adult tutors. For young girls experiencing low selfesteem, social isolation or a lack of enriching

experiences, a Study Buddy tutor provides caring support and friendship.

Vanessa Woznow has been a volunteer mentor matched with her Little Sister Melissa in the Study Buddy Mentoring Program since November 2008. “I really love working with young kids and I’m a big proponent of mentorship for young women.

When I looked into the Big Sisters program I felt I could make the time commitment required to meet at least once a week for a one-hour minimum with a Little Sister.

It’s become a tremendously rewarding experience.”

“I let Melissa know that I’m a constant in her life,” emphasizes Vanessa, “and that I’m there for her if she needs me. No matter what, I’m here to support her.”

4 bcparent.ca • education 2012

After undergoing an application, interview, reference and criminal record check and orientation process, Vanessa was matched up with 11 year-old Melissa. Four years later Melissa is now a thriving 15 year-old teen in Grade 10. “It’s really amazing to have seen her grow up. Melissa is a totally remarkable young woman. I see how much more outgoing she is in social situations and how excited she is about academic situations as well.” Our friendship is very important to me, and I feel I have grown as much as she has from our relationship.

Once a week, every Thursday, Melissa and Vanessa meet to work on various school projects. At first, they met mostly to work on math—because that’s the subject Melissa needed help with the most. Now, it’s other subjects too; such as an upcoming science or social studies test they will study for together. They even continued to meet during summer holidays to discuss a new book or play an educational game.

“I let Melissa know that I’m a constant in her life,” emphasizes Vanessa, “and that I’m there for her if she needs me. No matter what, I’m here to support her.” Vanessa arranges to pick Melissa up and they go to the library or a coffee shop to study and talk—depending on Melissa’s needs. Sometimes they attend an educational program, such as a recent career session by a female firefighter, or a social event for Halloween, or Christmas.

“What I love the most about the Study Buddy program is that you get paired with someone who is really fun to be with,” says Little Sister Melissa. “I would probably be drowning in work without Vanessa. It’s so much easier to understand my subjects with her help, especially math! Our time together is so much fun and I don’t know where I would be without her.” The program has been such a success with Melissa and her family that her twin sister also has a Study Buddy mentor.

“It’s important that girls have the necessary skills and support in order for them to benefit from all they are learning in school,” says Study Buddy Program Coordinator, Ivy Chiang. “Having confidence in one’s own ability to do well in school is a key part of a

Study Buddy Referral And Resources

Teachers, school counsellors, parents, guardians, and other professionals can refer girls to the Study Buddy Mentoring Program if the girl meets certain selection criteria (see “refer a little sister” at bigsisters.bc.ca). If these criteria are met, a referral form can be downloaded from the Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland website, completed by the referring person, and submitted to the Big Sister’s office. Once the referral is received, the parent/guardian and child will meet with a Big Sisters caseworker to assess the child’s suitability for the program, and her academic needs, and then participate in child safety training.

The girls referred to the Study Buddy Mentoring program have expressed, or exhibited, a need for academic assistance, yet are unable to access this at home or elsewhere due to family or financial constraints. They may also have a low level of engagement in their school, evidenced through absenteeism, lack of interest in school, or social insecurity.

Having confidence in one’s own ability to do well in school is a key part of a young person’s sense of self-worth.

young person’s sense of self-worth. The Study Buddy program is not just about getting good grades; it’s about mentoring girls so they learn valuable study skills, build up their confidence in their academic abilities, and discover an interest in learning, that hopefully lasts a lifetime.”

The original, largest and still the best network of performing arts schools in the world.

Big Sisters offers excellent support for participants in this program through ongoing resources such as a caseworker, educational workbooks, literature and special events. Study Buddy matches meet for one hour once a week for a minimum of six months. Big Sisters tries to match a young girl who lives near to the mentor’s home.

The volunteer mentor also communicatees with the Little Sister’s parent/guardian to schedule outings and arrange pick-up times.

They all work together to help the girl meet her academic goals and improve her educational performance and overall sense of selfesteem.

138 Study Buddy matches are active right now, and Big Sisters is aiming to provide over 200 girls with Study Buddy tutors in 2012. The organization is currently accepting referrals for girls, who are between the ages of 7 and 17 years, and is also welcoming volunteer adult mentors for the Study Buddy Mentoring program. For more information, visit: www.bigsisters.bc.ca or call 604-873-4525 ext. 300.

class New added, s e tim luding inc ays!

Sund

“YOUR CHILD’S CARE IS OUR FOCUS”

Nurturing and developing young people’s potential through dance, drama, and singing.

. . .COMMITTED TO . . .

For 4-18 year olds at weekends and summer camps

CE! N A D !

SING Winter Term Registration Now Open!

ACT NOW! DR. GARTNER, Certified Specialist in Pediatric Dentistry, with Irina and Alison

www.stagecoachschools.ca 1-877-78-STAGE (78243)

TOLL FREE

쐍

Vancouver Eastside/Westside Richmond Surrey 쐍 Victoria 쐍 Coquitlam 쐍 Langley

쐍 Building relationships with families 쐍 Promoting good oral health and well being 쐍 Providing quality preventative and restorative services 쐍 Creating a caring environment and a positive experience

219 – 179 DAVIE STREET, VANCOUVER

604-569-3669

www.tot2teendental.com bcparent.ca • education 2012 5

Coping with

Kids’ Clothing Conundrums

by Lara Krupicka

I

f you’ve ever left the house with a child wearing a super hero cape or princess dress, or if you’ve ever noticed your daughter’s socks don’t match as you’re dropping her at school or realized your son’s shirt was on backwards at the end of the day, you know the challenges of dressing kids. Whether it’s a matter of clothes not matching or getting your child to bundle up in cold weather, handling wardrobe issues can be sticky.

Here’s some advice from moms and experts on how to approach some common childhood “clothing conundrums”.

Mismatched clothes or socks

Multiple Wardrobe Changes

Blame Little Miss Mismatch for the popularity of odd clothing combinations all you like, there’s still the issue of what to do when your child tries to leave the house in plaids and stripes. Shari Braendel, fashion expert and author of Good Girls Don’t Have to Dress Bad, suggests leaving well enough alone. “This is their way of showing individuality. They’re experimenting with their creativity. It may be an attention-getting thing, but it won’t be attention-getting for long.” Braendel goes on to emphasize as long as doesn’t hurt them, there’s no reason to intervene.

Kids may go through periods of time where they change what they wear multiple times during the day. It might not seem to be a big deal to anyone but the person who does the laundry. Or it can become a big deal if it prevents them from getting out the door on time. Aside from taking all their clothes away (which may work as a last resort), what’s a parent to do?

“Sometimes too much choice can be overwhelming,” says psychologist Dr. Bobbie McDonald. “What I suggest, rather than giving them a completely open choice (or none

Inspire a class of Heart Heroes!

certified HeartSmart Kids™ Become a cer tified HeartSmart educator, educa torr, it’s it’s easier than e ever! ver!

Visit www.heartandstroke.bc.ca/heartsmartkids and complete the quick and convenient e-learning module to receive a FREE educator’s guide full of healthy living lesson plans, classroom posters, and annually renewable student workbooks.

For more info: T 604.730.7364 F 604.736.8732 Toll o Free 1.888.473.4636 Ext.364 E healthpromotion@hsf.bc.ca

6 bcparent.ca • education 2012

at all) is to choose two or three outfits and say, ‘It’s cold outside. Here are three outfits choices, or you can mix and match. So which outfit would you like?”

Colleen Sall, mother of two elementaryaged children, found a solution in selecting clothes the night before. “The biggest problem was there hadn’t been any planning in advance to make sure they had everything they wanted to wear to get out the door to school. So there were a lot of last-minute changes going on. That was a problem because everything looked okay and then all of a sudden they’d put on a sock and it had a hole.”

Now her children put out their entire outfits before they go to bed. They talk about what activities will be happening and what the weather forecaster calls for the next day.

“I give a range of what the temperature is going to be like. They may ask for clarification like, ‘Do I need a coat?’ My daughter doesn’t feel like she’s being bossed around with what to wear. She feels like she’s getting some pretty solid advice. The best part is that it’s become so automatic.”

Clothes that don’t “feel” right

Some children have tactile sensitivities that make it hard for them to feel comfortable in certain clothes. The seam on the end of the socks may irritate them, or how a pair of pants rides on their hips. These sensitivities can make it difficult for parents to get them dressed and out the door. But there are ways to overcome this.

“Those are real issues,” says Dr. McDonald. “A lot of times parents view that as their child being stubborn or rigid. Everybody is different.”

Dr. McDonald recommends taking the child along to try on clothes before buying them. “They can get a sense of does it feel itchy and scratchy or soft and comfortable.

It can really help when it comes time for that child to wear those clothes. Too often what happens is, parents want to buy the clothes, bring them home and the kid should like it. They set themselves up for failure.”

When children are very young, they often have little opinion on what clothes they like. As children get older and begin to assert their independence there may be a clash of opinions on what clothes are best.

Battles Over Clothing Choices

When children are very young, they often have little opinion on what clothes they like.

Sometimes they may have a favorite shirt or dress, but otherwise they wear whatever mom buys. But as children get older and begin to assert their independence there may be a clash of opinions on what clothes are best.

This issue happens most often at the clothing store while shopping for clothes. A parent may be used to picking out all the clothes they buy for their child. And one day that child begins to balk at mom’s selections. In turn, parents may object to clothes kids pick due to issues of appropriateness or revealing styles for girls.

“It’s a struggle for parents on the whole because a lot of times when a style is ‘in’ it’s tighter fitting, lower cut. You don’t want your kids dressing abnormal. You want them to fit in. But when you have different values of how you want them to dress and the current style does not follow those, it’s very frustrating,” says Melanie Wozniak, mom to three girls and one boy. “You want them to dress like their peers and fit in, but you don’t want to compromise your values.”

Wozniak says when her children ask to buy something she doesn’t care for, she redirects them. She tells them, “let’s go look at something else. Let’s find something cuter.”

Braendel suggests preparing before a shopping trip by discussing what they can and can’t wear. Make it clear what clothes you’ll allow. “Agree together ahead of time what the guidelines will be. Then instead of saying ‘you cannot wear this’, tell them what they can wear. Give them really positive things to look for when they shop instead of negative advice.”

Braendel notes an important concept when it comes to clothing issues and our children’s appearance, “What they put on is a reflection of who they are on the inside.

We need to understand our child is not a reflection of us. We think they are. So we’re the ones who get embarrassed. We just have to get over that.”

Dr. McDonald agrees. “It’s important to step past our own ego of what they should look like and let them have that freedom of expression. Because when we give that to them, it gives them a sense of self-confidence and self-empowerment.”

Lara Krupicka is a freelance writer and mom to three girls who have very different clothing tastes from hers.

DR. DELLA CHOW 2589 WEST BROADWAY (KITSILANO) OPEN MONDAY TO SATURDAY Our child friendly office has a great kids play area!

742.3937 WWW.DELLAOPTIQUE.COM

All Children should Have a Complete Eye Exam by Age 3 bcparent.ca • education 2012 7

independent school listings Student Gender

Grades

Class size

Enrollment Day/Boarding/Total

Bodwell High School and Bodwell Academy 955 Harbourside Drive, North Vancouver, BC 604-924-5056; www.bodwell.edu/highschool/

co-ed

8–12

17

200/160/360

Brockton School 3467 Duval Rd., North Vancouver, BC 604-929-9201; www.brocktonschool.com

co-ed

K–12

20

135

13,466–14,910

Brentwood College School 2735 Mt. Baker Road, Mill Bay, BC 250-743-5521; www.brentwood.bc.ca

co-ed

9–12

17

77/380/457

21,200/day 35,000/boarding

Children’s Hearing & Speech Centre of BC 3575 Kaslo St., Vancouver, BC 604-437-0255; www.childrenshearing.ca

co-ed

PS–2

6–8

28

rate varies per program

Choice School 20451 Westminster Hwy, Richmond, BC www.choiceschool.org

co-ed

K–7

16

n/a

12,995

Collingwood School 70 Morven Drive, West Vancouver, BC 604-925-3331; www.collingwood.org

co-ed

JK–12

15–20

1250

8,500-18,500

Core Education & Fine Arts (cefa) Abbotsford, Burnaby (2 locations), Langley, New Westminster, North Vancouver, Richmond Vancouver, West Vancouver, White Rock 604-708-2332; www.cefa.ca

co-ed

JK & cefababy

12-16

n/a

295–1,245/month

girls

JK–12

18-20

828

$17,475

co-ed

PS–7

15

127

7,300–8750

School Name

Crofton House 3200 West 41st Ave., Vancouver, BC 604-263-3255; www.croftonhouse.ca École Française Internationale de Vancouver 4343 Starlight Way, North Vancouver, BC 604-924-2457; www.efiv.org

8 bcparent.ca • education 2012

Cost per Year 8,200/local 11,200/international

independent school listings Student Gender

Grades

Class size

Enrollment Day/Boarding/Total

Cost per Year

Fraser Academy 2294 W. 10th Ave., Vancouver BC 604-736-5575; www.fraser-academy.bc.ca

co-ed

1–12

Max. 10

200

21,870–22,145

Fraser Valley Elementary School 20317 67 Ave., Langley, BC 604-533-5469; www.fves.bc.ca

co-ed

K–1

18

48

approx $23,980 (tax receipts issued)

Kenneth Gordon School 420 Seymour River Place, North Vancouver, BC 604 985-5224; www.kennethgordon.bc.ca

co-ed

1–9

15

121

19,950

Le Conseil Solaire Francophone de la C-B (SD No. 93, publicly funded French-language program) 180-10200 Shellbridge Way, Richmond, BC www.csf.bc.ca

co-ed

K–12

Varies

n/a

n/a

Madrona School Society 2050 West 10th Ave., Vancouver, BC 604-732-9965; www.madronaschool.com

co-ed

4–7 (full & part-time)

4 to 14

14

9,500

Marpole Bilingual Montessori School 1296 West 67th Ave, Vancouver, BC 604-266-1091

co-ed

PS–K

20

80

n/a

Meadowridge School 12224 - 240th Street, Maple Ridge, BC 604-467-4444; www.meadowridge.bc.ca

co-ed

JK–12

20

540

14,500

Mulgrave School 2330 Cypress Bowl Lane, West Vancouver, BC 604-922-3223; www.mulgrave.com

co-ed

PreK–12

20

840

5,000–16,300

School Name

Montessori Preschool in Dunbar We help preschoolers develop themselves to their full potential and to develop a life-long love of learning in a safe, stimulating, creative, and positive social environment.

OPEN HOUSE SUN. OCT. 28, 3-4 PM RSVP: 778-840-2659

쐍 Montessori curriculum plus gym, music, and crafts 쐍 Full-day Kindergarten available 쐍 helps children develop good social skills, independence, and concentration 쐍 experienced teachers and a great community of families

778-840-2659 (Laurie) www.monkeyseemonkeydo.ca

3200 West West 4 41st 1st A Avenue, venue, V Vancouver, anc a ouver, BC, Canada

bcparent.ca • education 2012 9

independent school listings Student Gender

Grades

Class size

Enrollment Day/Boarding/Total

Cost per Year

North Star Montessori 1325 East Keith Road, North Vancouver, BC 604-980-1205; www.northstarmontessori.ca

co-ed

PS–7

15

55

n/a

Pacific Rim Montessori Academy Richmond, Vancouver, BC 604-726-8428; www.pacificrimmontessori.com

co-ed

PS–7

20

n/a

4,150–7000

Pacific Spirit School 4196 W. 4th Ave., Vancouver, BC 604-222-1900; www.pacificspiritschool.org

co-ed

K–8

14

n/a

6,000

Richmond Jewish Day School 8760 No. 5 Rd., Richmond, BC 604-275-3393; www.rjds.ca

co-ed

K–7

15–20

80

Contact us for cost

St. George’s School 4175 West 29th Ave., Vancouver, BC 604-221-3890 www.stgeorges.bc.ca

boys

1–12

20

St. John’s School 2215 W. 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6K 2J1 604-732-4434 / 604-629-2458; www.stjohns.bc.ca

co-ed

K–12

14–22

354

16,120

St. John’s International School 300 - 1885 W. Broadway, Vancouver, BC 604-683-4572; www.stjohnsis.com

co-ed

10–12 with ESL program

15

100

13,500–14,400 (3 terms)

girls

ECE–12

15

237/103/340

Please contact Admissions Office

School Name

St. Margaret’s School 1080 Lucas Ave., Victoria, BC 250-479-7171; www.stmarg.ca

1040/120/1160

17,170 (BC: Day-Junior) 19,585 (BC: Day-Senior) 39,900 (BC: Boarding) 50,500 (Intl.: Boarding)

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

GI VE

YO U

RC ND HILD THE GIFT OF A SECO

E AG U G LAN

The ability to learn languages is highest between birth and age 6. Our French-English preschool program maximizes a child’s natural curiosity and ability to learn a second language during this important window of opportunity.

• Established in 1962 • Caring, experienced & highly qualified bilingual teachers • Bright, extra-spacious classrooms • Private indoor & outdoor play areas • Introduction to French, reading, math, science and nature, music, crafts • Educational field trips Accepting Wait List Applications for SY 2013-14 VANCOUVER BILINGUAL PRESCHOOL 949 West 49th Avenue (at Oak St.) Vancouver, BC V5Z 2T1 Phone/Fax: 604.261.1221 info@vancouverbilingual.com

10 bcparent.ca • education 2012

•

www.vancouverbilingual.com

independent school listings

Have BC Parent Newsmagazine delivered directly to your inbox.

Visit bcparent.ca to subscribe.

Marpole Bilingual Montessori (Est. 1985) Pre-School, Junior Kindergarten & Kindergarten Celebrating Over 25 years of Montessori Teaching in the Community Our enriched Montessori curriculum includes: The Phonetic approach to Reading & Writing, Mathematics, Geography, Science, Music, Art, French, Yoga and a variety of Cultural subjects. Children are required to wear school uniforms.

Visit www.bcparent.ca Read our new blogs… catch up on past issues… enter our contests and find out about great family events in the Lower Mainland.

We offer 2-1/2 hour and 3-1/2 hour programs for 2-1/2 to 5 year olds as well as an Extended day program for 5 year olds. Private English Tutoring and Afterschool Phonics classes are also offered.

1296 W 67TH AVE., VANCOUVER, BC V6P 2T2 FOR AN APPOINTMENT PLEASE CALL

Tel: 604-266-1091 email: bilingualmontessori@hotmail.com

Vancouver Montessori School (Est. 1972) 8650 Barnard Street, Vancouver V6P 5G5

604-261-0315 www.vancouvermontessorischool.com Preschool: For children 3-5 years of age Extended Day: For the 5 year old child Elementary: For children 6-12 years of age

Parent Meetings 2013 (RSVP): • Extended Day & Elementary Orientation – Feb. 7 at 7:00 p.m.

• Preschool Orientation & Registration – Feb. 7 at 7:00 p.m.

• Preschool Orientation & Registration – April 18 at 7:00 p.m.

THE MONTESSORI CLASSROOM A Child-Centered Community The Prepared Environment – Materials Which Invite Activity Practical Life – Skills of Daily Living Sensorial – Exploring The World Mathematics – From Concrete to Abstract Language – From Spoken to Reading and Writing Art, Music & Cultural Subjects – Integrated P.E. & Working Outdoors – The Natural Environment French – The Fundamentals of Expression and Comprehension A Montessori education provides your child with an integrated, individualized, and academically challenging program that meets his/her changing developmental needs from year to year.

Childhood happens once. A Montessori education ensures that your child will make the best of hers/his.

Please call us.

쐍 One of the best Montessori Schools on the North Shore with over 30 years experience. 쐍 Program begins at 3 years of age 쐍 4 year old extended day program 쐍 All-day Montessori Kindergarten 쐍 French, Mandarin and Music classes offered

TOURS AND CLASSROOM OBSERVATIONS AVAILABLE, CALL:

Montessori School

1305 TAYLOR WAY, WEST VANCOUVER

www.gatehousemontessori.com bcparent.ca • education 2012 11

independent school listings Student Gender

Grades

Class size

Enrollment Day/Boarding/Total

co-ed

K-12 (day) 8-12 (boarding) 8-10 (ESL)

18

680/238/918

$12,870 (Day) $35,260 (BC: Boarding)

co-ed

K–9

N/A

1500

No-charge

Shawnigan Lake School 1975 Renfrew Rd., Shawnigan Lake, BC 250-743-5516; www.shawnigan.ca

co-ed

8–12

15

58/387/445

18,800 day 34,900 boarding (BC Students)

Southpointe Academy 1741 - 56th Street, Tsawwassen, BC 604-948-8826; www.southpointeacademy.ca

co-ed

PS–12

15–20

460

7,000–9,900

Stratford Hall 3000 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC 604-436-0608; www.stratfordhall.ca

co-ed

K–12

16–22

460

11,532–15,760

Traditional Learning Academy 1189 Rochester Ave., Coquitlam, BC 604-931-7265: www.traditionallearning.com

co-ed

K–12

14

176

1,750–3,350

Urban Academy 101 Third Street, New Westminster, BC 604-524-2211; www.urbanacademy.ca

coed

JK–12 (Grade 12, 2012)

10–16

110

6,130–12,435 varies by grade

Vancouver College 5400 Cartier Street, Vancouver, BC 604-261-4285; www.vc.bc.ca

boys

K–12

20–32

1,065

6300

School Name St. Michaels University School 3400 Richmond Road, Victoria, BC 250-370-6170; www.smus.bc.ca SelfDesign Learning Community School District 008-Kootenay Lake PO Box 74560, Kitsilano RPO, Vancouver, BC 604-224-3663; www.selfdesign.org

̓

www.selfdesign.org

12 bcparent.ca • education 2012

Cost per Year

independent school listings

Children’s Classes

COUNCIL OF

in artist’s studio

IN B.C.

with

Looking for the best preschool education?

We offer the highest quality programs for children and their families

Marta Robertson Smyth

y

38 Award Winning Preschools in B.C. For the preschool nearest you

DRAWING

y

PAINTING

CLAY SCULPTURE

CALL FOR INFORMATION

604-254-0961

www.cpppreschools.bc.ca

or call (604)435-4430

Dream…

y

www.martademaria.tumblr.com

Achieve!

Offering a personalized academic experience, exceptional IB Programme, guaranteed small class sizes and a vibrant school community.

I dream of being a school counsellor and helping others to achieve their goals.

- Maddy, Grade 6 A non-denominational, co-ed Kindergarten to Grade 12 school

brocktonschool.com | 604-929-9201 | 3467 Duval Road, North Vancouver

bcparent.ca • education 2012 13

independent school listings Student Gender

Grades

Class size

Enrollment Day/Boarding/Total

Cost per Year

Vancouver Montessori School 8650 Barnard Street, Vancouver, BC 604-261-0315; www.vancouvermontessorischool.com

co-ed

PS-7

20

250

5,200–7,800

Vancouver Hebrew School 1545 W. 62nd Ave, Vancouver, BC 604-266-1245; www.vhebrewacademy.com

co ed

PS-7

12

Vancouver Talmud Torah 998 West 26th Ave., Vancouver, BC 604-736-7307; www.talmudtorah.com

co-ed

PS–7

18-22

500

8,000–10,000 (subsidies available)

Vancouver Waldorf School 2725 St. Christophers Road, N. Vancouver, BC 604-985-7435; www.vws.ca

co-ed

PS–12

20

300

1,200–11,000 (subsidies available)

West Point Grey Academy 4125 West 8th Avenue Vancouver, BC 604-222-8750; www.wpga.ca

co-ed

JK–12

22

945

11,000–16,600

Westside Montessori Academy 3075 Slocan St., Vancouver, BC 604-434-9611; www.westsidemontessoriacademy.ca

co-ed

PS–3

16

75

preschool: 4,750 grades 1-3: 8,350

girls

JK–12

16-20

656

16,500–17,400

School Name

York House School 4176 Alexandra St., Vancouver, BC 3274 East Boulevard, Vancouver, BC 604-736-6551; www.yorkhouse.ca

Preschool: 5000 K-7: 10,200

Note: Information provided is accurate at time of printing. Categories such as class size and cost are in many cases averages. Contact each school to confirm information.

Le français au CSF,

c’est bien plus qu’une langue !

Inscrivez votre enfant dans une des écoles publiques du CSF !

Depuis sa création en 1995, le Conseil scolaire francophone de la ColombieBritannique offre des programmes et des services éducatifs valorisant le plein épanouissement et l’identité culturelle des apprenantes et apprenants francophones de la province. Le conseil compte aujourd’hui plus de 4 700 élèves, 37 écoles publiques et dessert plus d’une centaine de communautés réparties dans l’ensemble de la province.

▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

14 bcparent.ca • education 2012

programme d’enseignement public de la maternelle à la 12e année; ▪ haut niveau de réussite scolaire; services à la petite enfance; ▪ portables pour tous; service de transport scolaire; programme d’anglais de qualité; ▪ programmes de musique, théâtre.

independent school listings

Kids & Chores To pay or not to pay

By Lela Davidson

S

hould parents pay kids for doing chores? On one hand, what better way to teach kids the value of a dollar than by compensating them the jobs they do? On the other hand, we’d like to raise responsible adults who do not expect to be paid for the simple tasks of everyday life. When it comes to kids and money, things can get complicated.

Should Allowance Be Tied to Household Chores?

Among parents who provide their children an allowance, some tie it to chores and others pay a set amount regardless of household tasks the child does. Many parents operate under a mixed model, requiring some baseline chores that must be done without pay—or at a set allowance amount—and designating others jobs as work-forhire, or paid in addition to allowance.

Separating allowance and chores is thought to teach that certain family responsibilities must be completed no matter what. While paying allowance contingent on completing chores might keep things simple, it can also create some unwanted results. Absent immediate cash needs, kids may choose not to feed the dog or take out the trash. And tying allowance to chores can train children to expect payment every time you ask them to empty the dishwasher.

By contrast, parents who tie allowance to chores—like a paycheck—argue that kids who are rewarded commensurate with effort learn how the world really works.

It would take a spreadsheet for me to keep things straight, but other parents have systems that work. Early childhood educator Rhonda Franz believes children should do chores because they are part of the family. Her children are still too young for an allowance, but that doesn’t mean they don’t pitch in. “Chores are done on a regular basis throughout the week. They are a routine expectation.”

She also acknowledges that rewards are sometimes in order. “We’ve come up with a few ‘above and beyond’ chores to allow our oldest to start earning money.”

Bottom Line: What is Allowance Used For?

The system parents use to distribute money to their children is only one side of the equation. The other key component is what kids are required to pay for out of their earned (or unearned) income.

Making their own choices about how to spend a finite amount of money forces kids to think about how much things cost, and sets up good fiscal habits for life.

Sara Tetreault is a frugal living expert whose techniques have been featured in the New York Times. She and her husband believe money management skills and the difference between wants and needs are best taught early in life. “Making mistakes or spending too much on an item is very different for a 12-year-old than it is for a 22-year-old,” says Tetreault. Every year each of her children receive a formal allowance review. They are assigned more chores and get raises. In addition, they get what Tetreault calls the “privilege” of paying for more items out of their increased income.

“When our kids were eight, they started with socks and underwear, gifts, and tithing at church,” says Tetreault. “Every year, necessities were added to what they were required to purchase.

Now, at almost fifteen and thirteen, they pay for all of their own clothing, except shoes.” Kids may want a new iPod, but if they also pay for their own jeans, they will soon learn to make tough choices.

Your kids may be too young to manage their own cash now, and you may not want a structured a system, but it’s never too early to start instilling good financial values. No matter your strategy, children will learn more by what you do than what you say. Teach them good habits today, and kids will be less expensive when they’re older. If you’re lucky, you’ll have some left over to pay an allowance to yourself—sometime around the year 2020.

Lela Davidson is the author of Blacklisted from the PTA (Jupiter Press, July 2011). Her writing is featured regularly in family and parenting magazines throughout the United States and Canada. She blogs about marriage, motherhood, and life-after-40 at After the Bubbly: leladavidson.com

bcparent.ca • education 2012 15

Attachment Parenting FO R

EVERYONE

By Judy Arnall Judy Arnall, co-founder and president of Attachment Parenting Canada, answers some common questions, explaining the theory and practice of this nurturing and respectful approach to parenting.

What is attachment parenting?

Attachment parenting has become the buzzword of the week but has been around for thousands and thousands of years. Exactly what is it? Attachment parenting is a parenting style that empathetically responds to a child’s direct and indirect needs. That is it.

The tools of attachment parenting are what have been featured in the media of late.

Extended breastfeeding, co-sleeping, and babywearing are some tools of attachment parenting that parents use to keep close to their children. However, many attachment parents also use bottles, strollers and cribs, but the fact that they are warm, nurturing and responsive to their children is the defining factor of whether they are attached or not. Attachment parenting does not include any form of sleep training, or letting babies cry it out. It also does not include punitive discipline such as spanking, time-outs, and consequences.

Evolution theory ensures that all parents are attached to their babies. It’s how babies are protected, nurtured, and properly cared for. When babies cry, all mammals rush to pick them up and comfort them. That’s the core of attachment. It’s often society, traditions and culture that tells parents to act 16 bcparent.ca • education 2012

opposite their instincts for attachment. Nurturing, responsive care is the only parenting style required for babies first year and beyond into childhood. Sure, co-sleeping and breastfeeding and baby carrying are nice to do, but for many personal reasons, parents can’t and don’t need to in order to be an attachment parent.

Parents need to respond with loving, nonsexual, appropriate touch daily and especially when their child is hurt, sick or upset.

5. Ensure Safe Sleep, Physically and Emotionally

Parents need to respond with empathy, and respect to their children’s nighttimes parenting needs.

6. Provide Consistent and Loving Care

Am I an attachment parent?

In response to questions such as “Am I an Attachment Parent?” Attachment Parenting Canada supports the eight ideals of attachment parenting from Attachment Parenting International. They are as follows: 1. Prepare for Pregnancy, Birth and Parenting

Every parent needs to be informed about the issues and options available in parenting and child development as their child grows.

2. Feed with Love and Respect

Feeding practices needs to encompass best practices in nutrition (breastfeeding) and socialization (bottlefeeding).

3. Respond with Sensitivity

Parents need to respond to their children’s needs with love, empathy, comfort, promptness and respect.

4. Use Nurturing Touch

Parental consistency of love, nurturing, empathy, warmth and firm expectations of ageappropriate behaviour produces the most favourable outcomes for children.

7. Practice Positive Discipline

Parents need to provide respectful, nonpunitive discipline and guidance that focuses on teaching and problem-solving.

8. Strive for Balance in Personal and Family Life

Parents need to provide balance in their lives and self-care so that they can be the optimal parent that also respects their own needs.

What does 50 years of research show about attachment?

Attachment is the emotional connection that occurs between child and parent. Parents need to respond to their children when they are sick, hurt, scared, tired, worried or

upset. This response should be nurturing— physical, verbal and emotional comfort.

Children who are comforted predictably, form trusting relationships with their parents and have the confidence to explore their environment. Children, who grow up trusting their parents, learn to trust other people in their relationships.

When children feel secure, they are more likely to become interdependent, and grow up equipped to face challenges, and to handle difficult situations.

Can anyone be the attachment person?

Attachment parenting doesn’t have to always be Mom. Any nurturing parent, sibling, relative or caregiver can be an attachment person. It’s easy to respond to a baby when he is happy and gurgling. However, one of the best ways to build the attachment relationship is by consistently responding to the child’s distress when he is sick, upset or hurt. By picking up the baby and cuddling, rocking, and soothing baby when he is sick, upset or hurt, fosters attachment and shows the baby that he has someone to meet his needs and respond to him. This helps devel-

op his empathy and response to other people as he grows. He learns how to create loving, respectful relationships.

The response should be the same consistent, nurturing, caring manner, most of the time. This may include the middle of the night or at times that may seem inconvenient to the parent or caregiver, but children have no concept of adult time. It’s critical for the mental and emotional health of the child to have their needs met in a timely manner. Of course, there are times that it’s impossible to respond to a crying baby, such as in the car, or perhaps when parents are at the end of their patience threshold, and need a cool down period. Parents need to make a safe choice and put the baby somewhere safe while they can get calm.

What is NOT attachment parenting?

Two modern parenting practices are not endorsed by attachment parenting. They are systemic sleep training and punitive discipline. Letting a baby cry-it-out in order to teach them self-soothing is tantamount to ignoring baby’s night-time emotional needs.

For young toddlers and preschoolers who are

Why count sheep when you can count belugas?

experiencing separation anxiety at bedtime, sleep training by ignoring the child, is not conducive to developing security or independence in the child. In fact, it can make the child clingier and they struggle with security issues and fears. A child that is responded to with parent support, comfort and closeness, has their needs for security fulfilled and will be sleeping more independently sooner than a child whose night time needs for comfort are ignored. In the area of discipline, mutual respect is the key. Parents should not do anything to their child that they would not do to another significant adult. Teaching, modeling, problem-solving, redirection, communication, child-proofing, and natural consequences are respectful ways to teach desired behaviour and would be used in an adult to adult situation. Spanking, time-outs, consequences and withdrawal of privileges are not respectful to adults or children.

Attachment continues to the teen years and beyond

As baby grows into a toddler, she will oscillate between attachment and independence

INFANT CIRCUMCISION TRUST OUR EXPERIENCE!

Dr. Pollock has safely performed over 35,000 circumcisions.

• Takes under 30 seconds • Virtually painless • BC’s most referred to circumcision physician (15+ years) OFFICES IN VANCOUVER AND NEW

Book a sleepover at our house.

Your kids will get a behind-the-scenes look at the nocturnal habits of marine life. They’ll nibble late night snacks and then head off to bed with the belugas. vanaqua.org/sleepovers | 604.659.3552

WESTMINISTER

604 –717– 6200 FOR MORE INFORMATION,INCLUDING A VIDEO, VISIT

www.circumcisionvancouver.com FOR NO-SCALPEL VASECTOMY VISIT

www.pollockclinics.com bcparent.ca • education 2012 17

Spanking, time-outs, consequences and withdrawal of privileges are not respectful to adults or children.

behaviours. If she is securely attached to a special person, she will be freer to explore her environment, knowing that she is safe and has a security person nearby to occasionally touch base with, when she is feeling vulnerable. This allows her to grow. Since the 1950s, studies by John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth have fostered the continued research on attachment and the results continually, consistently, prove the validity of attachment parenting necessary in the parent-child relationship. In the 1980’s, a U.S. physician named William Sears coined a term called “Attachment Parenting” that refers to a specific set of behaviours or tools that most people associate with “attachment”.

Attachment parenting doesn’t end when the child stops breastfeeding, co-sleeping, and being carried. All through a child’s school and teen years, attachment parenting beliefs and philosophies help build the important parent-child connection though empathic listening, support, mutually set rules, loving discipline, child-led independence, quantity of focused and unfocussed time together, and most of all, mutual respect.

Research shows that children, who have their security and dependence needs fulfilled and supported, grow into emotionally healthy and interdependent adults.

Attachment parenting is very close to mainstream parenting practices

More and more, attachment parenting is very close to today’s mainstream democratic parenting style that is promoted by most of Canada’s health organizations. For example, Canada’s national and provincial health organizations have adopted the WHO (World Health Organization) recommendations for mothers to breastfeed their children up to age two and beyond. There is no age limit on breastfeeding. Babywearing is extremely

fashionable right now and the sales of slings, wraps and carriers are big for both moms and dads. The only attachment parenting practice not supported by health organizations is bed-sharing with babies under the age of one. After one year, no organization will make recommendations on whether toddlers and older children should co-sleep with parents. There is no research to support a stop to the practice and families make their sleep choices based on cultural, family and society values. Past the breastfeeding, babywearing, and co-sleeping stage of babies, toddlers and preschoolers, attachment parenting is indistinguishable from most parenting best practice recommendations from Health Canada, Public Health Agency and provincial health organizations.

Judy Arnall is an international award-winning peaceful parenting speaker, and bestselling author of “Discipline Without Distress: 135 tools for raising caring, responsible children without time-out, spanking, punishment or bribery” and the new DVD “Plugged-In Parenting: Connecting with the Digital Generation for Health, Safety and Love.” She is also author of the new book, “The Last Word on Parenting Advice.” www.professionalparenting.ca 403-714-6766 or jarnall@shaw.ca Judy is also co-founder and president of Attachment Parenting Canada www.attachmentparenting.ca

Win 2 passes to the advance 3D screening of the

Saturday, November 10 Opens in theatres November 21 www.riseoftheguardians.com Enter at bcparent.ca Contest ends October 30 18 bcparent.ca • education 2012

Singing Lessons

By Janet J. Johnson

M

omma! Momma, come sing to me,” my four-year-old daughter called out from her bedroom. I walked into her room, sat down on the pink bedspread and scooted back against the headboard. Clad in her pink bunny pajamas, my daughter nestled in against me. She had a bad cold and a cough. Joining her in bed—I knew—was one way to get her to stay put. I pulled the blankets up snugly around her.

“Sing, Momma,” she demanded.

“Oh, honey, I don’t sing very well,” I said as I caressed her cool forehead, subtly checking for a fever. “How about you sing to me this time?”

She shook her head and waved around a book of nursery rhymes.

“I want you to sing, Momma. I like the way you sing.”

I knew she wanted to hear the rhymes sung, not read to her. So I “took the book and began to sing to her softly. “Jack and Jill went up the hill…” I began.

As I sang, she closed her eyes. After a bit, she was so still, I thought she had fallen asleep. Having finished both verses of the song, I remained still, so as not to wake her. My thoughts took me back to my own childhood.

“Mommy,” I had said to my mother, when I was a little girl.

“Sing to me.”

My mother had also replied, “I don’t sing very well. You don’t want to hear me sing.”

But despite her protests, my mother sang me lullabies, nursery rhymes and nonsense songs. How I had loved hearing her sing.

Although my mother told me she that didn’t have a good voice, I didn’t believe her. In fact, I knew she was wrong. I thought she sang like an angel. When my mom sang to me, everything in my little world was perfect.

The older I grew, the more my mother resisted. Though I don’t remember when, she eventually stopped singing to me altogether. I wonder now why I didn’t protest when that finally happened.

As I grew into what I thought at the time was a sophisticated pre-teen, I joined our elementary school choir. It was there that I developed a love of music and singing. During my middle years I could often be found in my bedroom with a hairbrush microphone in my hand. I imagined myself on a stage, singing to an adoring crowd. When I was in high school, I continued to sing in a choir.

Reality is often delivered through harsh words, and so it was for me. It happened while I was away from home, during my freshman year at college. I was practicing for a talent show with my roommates, Mary and Kim. We were singing around a battered, upright piano.

Kim turned to me in the middle of one of the songs and said, “Jan, can you sing a bit softer? You don’t have a very good singing voice.”

I was shocked and hurt. No one had ever mentioned that I didn’t sing well!

Mary quickly came to what I initially thought was my defense.

“Kim!” she said. “How can you say that? You can’t criticize someone because they have a bad voice!”

A bad voice? I finished our practice session that day singing ohso-softly, barely able to control my tears. We sang until I was able to slip away unnoticed. Later that week I secretly recorded myself singing. When I listened to it—I discovered—to my horror, that my roommates were right. I was a lousy singer. My voice grated on my ears. And from that minute forward, even alone in the car, I sang very quietly.

The next school break, I returned home. On Sunday I sat beside my mother in church. Remembering her telling me that she had a bad voice, I pretended to sing the first hymn, but listened instead.

To my surprise, I found that my angel mother didn’t have a good singing voice. It was just as she’d said it was. In fact, her voice sounded like mine.

I realized that day, that my mother had sung to me all those years, not because she could sing well, but because she loved me.

“Momma?” My daughter’s voice brought me back to the present. She rubbed her eyes and turned the page in her book. Tapping a picture of a large egg dressed in old fashioned clothing, she pleaded, “Sing this one.”

I nuzzled her hair and gave her a squeeze. “Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall—” She snuggled in closer, her head resting on my chest, and murmured, “You’re a good singer, Mama.”

I realized, looking down at my little daughter, for that one brief moment in time, I too, sang like an angel. bcparent.ca • education 2012 19

As moms, we tend to put a lot on our plates. In fact, it’s one of the reasons we often feel overwhelmed.

Instead of trying to take one more bite of responsibility, here are five habits every mom should break.

Anything you do for your children that they could do for themselves.

Kids grow up—fast. Sometimes faster than we realize. And before you know it, your child can dress himself, brush her own teeth and get his own snack. The job of a mother isn’t to be a personal assistant to your child; a mother’s job is to teach a child to become independent. That means showing a child how to use a vacuum, then letting them vacuum the living room. It’s not going to look perfect.

It might even get messy. But that’s when you show them how to clean up a spill.

Saying yes, when you really mean no.

Guilt, pressure and the fear of disappointing someone are common reasons why moms allow others to put extra helpings on their plates without saying, “No thanks, I’m full.”

Before you say yes, ask yourself these questions: • Am I saying yes because I would feel guilty if I said no?

• Is my gut reaction to this request “how can I get out of this?”

20 bcparent.ca • education 2012

• • • •

Am I saying yes because I am known as the mom who always says yes?

Am I saying yes because my friends have said yes?

Will this event bring stress to my family life?

When the event is done, will I be most glad that it’s over?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should not say yes to this request of your time. Remember, saying “no” also applies to your children. Saying no helps them understand that they can’t have everything they want.

If you’re not sure if you want to say yes or say no, don’t feel panicked into a definite answer. Reply with, “Thanks for thinking of me. I’ll have to check my calendar and get back to you by (give yourself a deadline).” If the person persists, then say, “If you need answer right away, I’ll have to pass so you can find someone else who is sure they are available.” Live with the decision—yes or no— in your head for the day and make your choice based on how you really feel.

When you tell a person no, remember that you don’t have to justify your answer. You’re just obligated to give them a polite one.

Making excuses for your child.

“He didn’t mean it. He just gets so excited sometimes.”

This is the excuse I received when a boy at our weekly playgroup clobbered my son over the head with a Little Tikes golf club. The boy’s mom then told her three year old, “play nice,” and continued on with the conversation she was having with another mother.

Seriously?

I don’t know if it’s the embarrassment that their child is not perfect or sheer laziness, but many parents make excuses instead of making their child take ownership of the action. The good, the bad and the ugly: children need to take credit and consequences for their actions. This is how we become responsible adults.

Not asking for help.

For whatever reason, moms often think they can and should do it all themselves. The simple fact is—whether the mom stays at home or combines work and family—moms need help. In fact, we’re better parents when we get it. You’ve heard the phrase, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Today’s ‘village’ expands beyond city borders. Whether it’s family, friends or an online community, moms need a network where they can find everything from support to hand-me-downs to advice… as well as a safe place to vent! This network—or mom village—is a great way to cope with stress.

Putting yourself last.

It’s no coincidence we saved this habit for last. Last is what moms do best. Instead, we let everyone else go first. We do without.

We take the broken one. Enough already!

Moms are often stereotyped as being frazzled and desperate.

And sometimes we are. We live in a world where we often spend more time taxiing kids from one after-school activity to another than we do taking care of ourselves. It’s important for moms to take some of the focus off of their children and put it back on themselves.

How do you do this? By taking yourself seriously. You are a mother, but you’re also a woman, wife and friend. It’s vital that you take care of yourself. If you feel good about yourself, you will do a better job as a parent.

Start by scheduling “me time” in your planner. Whether it’s a daily workout, a few minutes alone with a cup of tea or a monthly day of shopping or lunch with friends, when you commit to taking time for yourself you take the first step in reclaiming yourself.

If this seems impossible, refer to number four!

Stephanie Vozza is a freelance writer and lives in Rochester, Michigan with her husband and two boys. She struggles most with habit number four.

STUDY MU MUS SIC YOUR WAY Community Music School 604 527 5469

douglascollege.ca/ce/cms 12-245

FUN IN PRESENTING, CONFIDENCE IN SPEAKING, SKILLS FOR LIFE K-12 Private Speech Arts Classes

Call For Information 778-323-2448 West Vancouver www.vivavocespeech.com

bcparent.ca • education 2012 21

Distracted Driver

By Kelly Randell

O

ur oldest child turned 13 in July and is now desperate for a cell phone. Of course all his friends have one: their parents understand the need. His dad and I continue the debate… neither of us really sure of the outcome.

As we have this conversation I reflect on the importance of my cell phone. I wonder how I managed without it. This little piece of plastic has allowed me to have “hands free” parenting. I can be at the hair salon and still be available to help my daughter find her soccer shirt. When not at home I am always “a phone call away.”

I have a sense of security with this ability to be always in touch.

No nasty surprises await me. With my phone close, I am always available to meet my family’s needs: forgotten homework gets delivered, sick child is picked up. I admit my relationship with this phone is not always smooth. I have to hold onto it like I did my curious toddler, for a moment of inattention and it seems to disappear. How many times have I dug through my purse, frantically searching for that missing phone. It hides and I seek.

I have become hooked on this constant companion. It assures me that should tragedy strike, big or small, my precious children know I am just a call or text away. There are times when I wish I could really be “not available” but those are only fleeting moments.

Phone in hand I go forward in my day.

My son’s friends love their phones. They are constantly texting or reading texts. It has changed their ways of communicating, and it has made it instantaneous. In fact, they, like me, feel compelled to answer a text/message/call immediately. The return text takes precedent over meals, a discussion, a tennis game, you name it. Responding instantly is the new communication. But like a good many conveniences of modern life, it can become overly important.

When using a phone overrides common sense and safety, we are not in control any more.

Using a phone while driving is illegal in BC. We all know how often this law is broken. I have been guilty myself. Late to pick up my son from practice, I have grabbed the phone enroute to assure him that I was moments away. I will answer calls in the car and justify it by cutting them short. Still, on a 6 second phone call, I will cover the length of a football field. A lot can happen in that

distance. A lot more can happen with your head down texting.

This was the story about my relationship with my phone. Then I heard about Connor’s passing. Now I realize what a dangerous weapon this piece of ringing plastic can be. Connor was in a crosswalk when he was hit and killed by a driver who ran a red light. The driver was on his phone. Connor died instantly and his family has been left with the shock and grief of losing a child. His death happened on a visit to Portland. There are no laws banning the use of cell phones while driving in Portland. The driver received a small fine for being a “distracted driver.”

Even with laws we cannot control drivers’ decisions to either drink and drive, or text and talk on a cell phone, but we can make our own conscious choices. These choices will influence how our children behave when they are behind the wheel. These choices could allow a boy like Connor to life a full life.

Please join me in turning off the phone when you turn on the car. Talk to your kids about the dangers of driving while “distracted”, but mostly be a living example of responsible driving. Connor’s mother’s wish is that the story of Connor’s passing helps saves someone else’s life.

From Connor’s mother: Because Connor was killed by a “distracted driver” I know there is a purpose here in his choice of passing, so I am drawing much needed attention to this issue. If Connor’ s passing can leave a legacy of change, it will be…

If you could LIKE this page, and pass it on to others, I’d dearly appreciate it: http://www.facebook.com/JusticeforConnorJordon

~ marketplace ~

• Specializing

in Breastfeeding Bras, Clothing & Accessories • Breast Feeding Needs • Breast Pump Rentals & Sales

TEL: 604-818-4650, 604-6712603 11111 HORSESHOE WAY, RICHMOND 22 bcparent.ca • education 2012

1409 Commercial Drive Vancouver, BC

TAP JAZZ BALLET Hip Hop

255-0508

www.westsidedance.ca

3673 W. 4th Ave 쐍 604-736-1000

VASECTOMY No-Scalpel No-Needle No Metal Clips TRUST OUR EXPERIENCE! Dr. Pollock has safely performed over 15,000 vasectomies.

• Takes under 6 minutes • Virtually painless • BC’s most referred to vasectomy physician (10+ years) • Our Success rate is greater than 99.9%.

• Online registration saves you time – have a consultation and vasectomy in a single visit.

OFFICES IN VANCOUVER AND NEW

WESTMINISTER

604 –717– 6200 FOR MORE INFORMATION,INCLUDING A VIDEO, VISIT

www.pollockclinics.com FOR INFANT CIRCUMCISION, VISIT

www.circumcisionvancouver.com

Let your child’s dental visit be a positive experience.

Prevention and maintenance of good oral health is our focus.

LITTLE SMILES DENTAL CENTRE Dr. Jong Hyun Ban DDS, FRCD(C)

Certified Specialist in Pediatric Dentistry 3770 West 10th Ave Vancouver, BC

www.thelittlesmiles.com

(604) 222-2206

bcparent.ca • education 2012 23

C A N A D A’ S

L A R G E S T

P R I VAT E

S C H O O L

E X P O S

PRESENTED BY

INFORMATION SEMINARS

`

“HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST SCHOOL”

“HOW TO PAY FOR PRIVATE SCHOOL”

TIME: 10:30 AM TO 12:00 PM

MEET TOP PS-12 SCHOOLS

`

EXHIBIT HALL: 12:00 TO 4:00 PM

november 11 THE WESTIN BAYSHORE

SCAN USING YOUR MOBILE DEVICE TO REGISTER

get

50% off

ADMISSION TICKETS

register now

ourkids.net/expo