Kids Connection Summer 2016
Gracing our cover again this summer is the incredible work by now local photographer and digital artist Nikki Harrison. Nikki is renowned worldwide for her fantasy imaging contact her at www.nikkiharrison.ca On the cover, the beautiful and local : Vienna Notte
Magical Journeys Puppet Shows Story Time Music Stories and Fun Contact your local branch for fun events near you!
www.orl.bc.ca/branches
SUMMER, 2016
KIDS CONNECTION • PAGE 3
School is out, but reading is still in By ASHLEY MACHUM Kelowna Branch Children’s Librarian
School is wrapping up and so is all that homework. Children are eagerly awaiting the freedom of summer. With all that freedom it is hard to choose what to do and reading is not usually high in their priorities. Keeping kids motivated to read during the summer is crucial to their future academic success.Have no fear! The Summer Reading Club is here! All branches of the Okanagan Regional Library are busy preparing for the onslaught of kids. Kelowna Branch has been planning its annual Summer Reading Club (SRC) for kids ages 6 to 12 since January. Our goal is to keep kids reading through the summer and having fun at the same time. Joining SRC is completely free and easy. After registering at the library kids will receive a reading log, contest entries and a calendar with over 20 free programs to choose from (Circus Yoga, astronomy, the Kelowna Museums, tshirt painting, scavenger hunts, a magic show, clowns, and more!). Once children have finished their reading logs they are given a completion medal and they select a book prize of their very own.If prizes and contests are not enough to keep your child interested in reading, try something different. Graphic novels, magazines, nonfiction books, e-books, and audiobooks are awesome alternatives to traditional chapter books. It is important to realize that kids do not need to be reading textbooks during the summer. However, if that is what they want to read, do not pull it out of their hands! My tips for summer reading success are: • Let kids choose what they want to read • Set an achievable summer reading goal. • Read on the go (beach, family trips, etc.). • Have reading material readily available. • Read together as a family. Do not worry if you do not know what to read; our children’s staff can help you out. You can request your very own Custom Booklist! Follow the link on the main page of our website www.orl.bc.ca to our Custom Booklist request form. Tell us what type of book you would like and we will create a booklist just for you. We will email you a list of five book titles within a week. This service is for kids and teens, but parents can make a request on a child’s behalf. Here are some examples of books at the regional libraries. Tupa? A good one for children, though it’s not new, is Tupa? (GreatGrandmother/GreatGrand-father) by Modesta Betterton, illustrated by Sherry Hamilton and produced by Westbank First Nation and First Peoples Heritage and Culture Foundation. Tupa? is a collection of stories, songs, and a simple dictionary using both Syilx/Okanagan words as well as English.
In the Infinite in Between by Carolyn Mackler, five high school freshmen write letters to their future selves, to be opened at graduation. Five teens, four years, and an unforgettable journey chronicling high school life in the 21st Century. One assistant community librarian said her 12-year-old daughter recently read and liked the new book Finding Some-place by Denise Lewis Patrick. The weekend she turns 13, aspiring clothing designer Teresa Boone is separated from her family by Hurricane Katrina but, during the horrific storm and its aftermath, begins to find strength in herself. The Mission Branch’s Summer Reading Club began Friday, June 17. The Westbank Branch and Kelowna Branch’s Summer Reading Club registration started on Saturday, June 18. And Rutland Branch’s Summer Reading Club began on Saturday, June 25. Contact your local Okanagan Regional Library branch for more information. See you at the library and the beach this summer!
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INDEX
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3 School is out, but reading is still in.
6 Strong Kids Campaign makes 10-year-old happy.
13 How families manage in cramped quarters.
ON THE COVER The incredible work by now local photographer and world renowned digital artist Nikki Harrison. www.nikkiharrison.ca On the cover, the beautiful and local: Vienna Notte
CONNECT WITH US Kids Connection is published by The Daily Courier as a quarterly supplement to our paid newspaper. Vice President/Group Publisher Terry Armstrong 250-470-0721, Editor Doyle Pontenteau 250-470-0741. To be a part of our next issue contact Krista Frasz, Director of Advertising 250-470-0761 www.kelownadailycourier.ca
Want to send your child to summer camp? Ask fellow parents for their opinions on what local camps are best.
SUMMER CAMPS
Arts to sports to band; plenty to choose from Youth recreational programs and summer camps can bridge the gap in care between the end of school and the day when classes resume. Due in part to high demand, parents who want to place their kids in summer rec programs or summer camps should being vetting such programs and camps well in advance. The following are a handful of tips for moms and dads who want their kids to have fun and fulfilling summers. • Ask for recommendations. Speak with fellow parents and trusted friends about where they send their children. Personal recommendations can be helpful. Schedule appointments to visit camps that fall within your budget. Take your son or daughter along so he or she can get a sense of what camp will be like. • Explore all options. Camps come in more flavors than ever before. Certain camps may be faith-based ministries while others may focus on particular sports. Band camps and art camps may appeal to creative kids. Also, there are plenty of general-interest camps that offer various activities without narrowing in on any particular one. Parents may need to choose between a sleepaway camp or day camps, depending on which camp experience they want for their children. • Inquire about camp schedules. While many camps are flexible, day camps do not have the same level of flexibility as afterschool programs. Arrangements will need to be made if care is required after regular camp hours. Speak with camp staff to see which types of after-hours programs, if any, are available. • Determine your camp budget. As varied as program offerings may be, camps also can vary greatly with regard to cost. Subsidized camps may be less expensive than those offered by private companies. Day camps typically cost less than those that provide room and board. Find out if a particular organization subsidizes a portion of camp costs. Scouting programs often have a dedicated camp and may offer affordable options for scouts. Martial arts schools and dance centers frequently offer camp schedules. If camp seems out of reach, look into local summer recreation programs at parks or schools. Such programs may not be as extensive as those offered by camps, but they can quell kids’ boredom and keep children occupied during the day. In addition to camp, remember to plan for some free days so children can just enjoy some downtime. Such days can break up the monotony of a routine and provide kids and families time to relax together. — MetroMedia
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Making the most of summer festivals Summer is synonymous with many If it’s permissable to bring water onto things, including festivals. Music fans the grounds, bring enough to keep love the festival circuit because it gives everyone hydrated. In addition, bring them a chance to see many of their fahats and sunglasses as well as bug spray vorite musicians in a single place while to keep potentially pesky insects at bay. Explore transportation options. simultaneously enjoying the great outdoors. Foodies enjoy festival season beFestivals can attract crowds, and famcause they have the opportunity to try a ilies who want to avoid being stuck in variety of new foods in a single day or traffic should explore their options with weekend without having to travel far regard to getting to and from the festiand wide. vals they plan to visit. Use public transFestival season also tends to be famiportation where available. Public transly-friendly, providing families with nuportation can help families avoid pomerous chances to spend quality time totentially costly parking fees and relieve gether. Festival season is even more enparents of the stress of navigating trafAttending a festival can be fun for families. joyable when parents take the time to fic jams. If public transportation is not plan their visits so their Saturday or Sunday afternoons at festi- available, look for free or low-cost parking lots near the festival. C o n s i d e r t h e v i a b i l i t y o f s t r o l l e r s . Parents who typically vals go as smoothly as possible. Do your homework. Festivals tend to offer an array of enter- transport their tots in strollers may want to reconsider taking tainment and cuisine, and that can be a lot to digest all at once. strollers to summer festivals. Large crowds can be difficult to neParents can ensure they get everything they want out of a festival gotiate with strollers in tow, and parents may find strollers more by studying the festival schedule and offerings ahead of time frustrating than functional at popular festivals. If you must bring rather than arriving and trying to take in everything at once. a stroller, leave the large jogging stroller at home in favor of a Bring supplies. Conditions can be unpleasant during summer compact stroller that’s comfortable for kids and easy to push festival season, when rising temperatures and long lines can try through crowds. families’ patience. Bring enough sunscreen to ensure no one gets Summer festival season tends to be family-friendly, and parents sunburned, and explore the festival guidelines in advance to de- can take certain steps to ensure the summer holiday season is — MetroMedia termine what you can bring onto the festival grounds. even more enjoyable.
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YMCA
Ten-year-old is growing up strong thanks to Strong Kids Campaign As kids grow up, they are greatly influenced by the environments in which they are raised. This includes their home, community and society. Children who have access to nurturing, stimulating and safe environments have fewer difficulties and experience better health, learning, relationships and well-being. That is why for Aiden Houston, age 10, being a part of a community at the YMCA has made such a difference. “Aiden is a volunteer and member at the YMCA’s H2O location,” explained Aiden’s mom, Makenzie Houston. “Volunteering gives him a sense of purpose. He walks to H2O twice a week after school and is learning to be more independent and self-confident.” Makenzie was 16 years old when Aiden was born. As a single mother, she has worked hard to provide him with the best opportunities she could offer, but it hasn’t been easy. Thanks to local donors who support the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, Makenzie and Aiden are able to participate in Y programs and services they otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford. “Through the Y, Aiden has met friends, he has developed a passion for riding on H2O’s FlowRider surf simulator and he has some great role models to look up to,” said Makenzie.
A summer they’ll never forget!
Summer Camps, Child Care & Programs Three Locations: H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre, Kelowna Family YMCA & Mission Creek Alliance Church Register today—View your program guide at ymcaokanagan.ca
YMCA of Okanagan 250-491-9622
Financial assistance is available Charity Registration # 11924 0224 RR0001
Makenzie and Aiden Houston “I have also noticed a difference in Aiden’s happiness. He used to go to his grandparents every day after school and watch TV or play video games and would be grumpy and tired when I’d pick him up after work. Since he has been volunteering, he is proud of himself and a lot happier.” B.C. has the highest child poverty rate in Canada. Nearly one in five kids live in low-income households in the Central Okanagan alone. With numbers this high, it is necessary for community members to lend a hand. “We are so grateful for YMCA donors,” Makenzie said. “Being a part of the Y has been really good for our family.” The YMCA of Okanagan is a charity dedicated to the de velopment of strong individuals, families and communities in mind, body and spirit. Locally, the YMCA operates the Kelowna Family Y, H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre, employment centres in Kelowna, Summerland, Princeton, Penticton and Keremeos and child care facilities across Kelowna and West Kelowna. In 2015, more than 47,000 people in the Okanagan were pos itively impacted by the YMCA. Currently, one in five children and families enrolled in Y programs require financial assistance to participate. The YMCA of Okanagan is reliant on the support of our community to ensure Y programs and services are accessible t o t h o s e w h o n e e d i t m o st .
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How families can cut screen time Teach your children the importance of real face-to-face contact No matter where you look, screens are everywhere. The proliferation of easily portable tablets and smartphones means many people, adults and children alike, are never too far from the nearest screen. While that accessibility has dramatically changed the way many people live their lives, excessive exposure to screen time can produce a host of unwanted side effects. Steven Gortmaker, a professor of the practice of health sociology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, has studied the negative effects of excessive screen time on children since the 1980s. According to Gortmaker, such effects include higher rates of obesity among kids who watch too much teleSet goals for each member of the family to reduce their screen vision and difficulty sleeping among youngsters with access to small screens, such as the screens of smartphones. In addition, time, even rewarding those who reach their goals. Reducing screen time can improve overall health and help fama 2012 study published in the journal Psychiatry Research linked ily members reconnect with one another. screen time with impaired cognitive function in young males. — MetroMedia But adults are not immune to the effects of excessive screen time, either. Spending significant time being sedentary and staring at screens can increase adults’ risk for cardiovascular disease. An Australian study published in the December 2012 issue of the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that, compared with persons who watch no television, those who spend a lifetime average of six hours per day watching television can expect to live 4.8 fewer years. So what can families do to cut back on their screen time? While it likely won’t be easy to put down smartphones and tablets and turn off laptops and televisions, the following are a handful of ways for families to spend less time staring at screens. Remove televisions from bedrooms. Parents may find it impossible to gauge, much less control, how much time their kids spend watching television when youngsters have TV’s in their bedrooms. Though this will likely be met with considerable resistance, remove televisions from bedrooms in your home. Set a positive example for kids by removing your own bedroom television as well. Come kids’ bedtimes, make sure all devices, including smartphones and tablets, are left in common areas of the home rather than bedrooms so kids are not tempted to watch videos instead of falling asleep. Institute a “no screens” rule during meals. Many parents grew up in households that did not allow televisions to be on during meals, and while the times might have changed with respect to the technology, similar rules can still prevail today. A “no screens” rule during meals gives parents and their kids time to catch up, bond and foster stronger relationships. Do not use the television for background noise. Turn the television off when it’s serving as just background noise. If you need background noise, turn on some music instead. Log screen time. Logging screen time for each member of the family can provide an estimate of just how much time the whole family spends staring at screens. Encourage each member of the family to spend as much time being physically active as he or she spends staring at screens.
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Protecting the planet is a global responsibility that requires the cooperation of every man, woman and child. Many eco-conscious adults likely adapted their lifestyles over the last several decades, when the movement to live in a more ecofriendly way took off as more and more people recognized the importance of protecting the environment. Parents who want to instill that lesson in their children at an early age can do so in various ways. Turn time outdoors with your kids into teaching opportunities. The great outdoors provides a great opportunity to teach kids about the environment and how to protect it. If you like to garden, come planting season explain to your children that planting native plants benefits the environment because such plants have already adapted to the local climate, meaning they won’t need as much water to thrive as non-native plants. If you enjoy camping as a family, explain the importance of leaving nothing behind at your campsite. Parents can even volunteer their families for weekend park and beach cleanups, using these Choosing to ride bicycles rather than driving is one fun and simple way paroutings as opportunities to teach kids about the ents can teach their kids about the importance of reducing fuel consumption dangers of littering. and protecting the planet. Make recycling a priority at home. One of the Many communities already mandate that residents recycle, so easiest ways to get even young kids actively involved in proexplain to kids why recycling is the law. If your community does tecting the planet is to make recycling a priority at home. not have laws regarding recycling, recycle at home anyway, dropping your bottles, cans and other recycled items off at the local recycling center. Such centers may pay for recycled bottles and cans, and parents can incentivize recycling by giving kids any money the family earns through its recycling efforts. Use a water filter at home. Water filters also provide a simple way to teach kids about the value of protecting the planet. According to The Water Project, a nonprofit organization that provides reliable water proSuccess for ALL learners - today and jects to communities in sub-Saharan tomorrow Africa, bottles used to package water take more than 1,000 years to biodegrade. Parents can explain to kids that opting for water filters at home can drastically reduce human consumption of water bottles that are destined to end up in landfills, where Using a water filter or they will remain for centuries. When reusable water bottles traveling, fill up reusable bottles and will help reduce using plastic water bottles. travel mugs with water rather than buying bottled water during pit stops, explaining to kids how bringing your own water is helping the planet. Park the car and ride bikes more often. Another fun way to teach kids to be more eco-friendly is to stop driving everywhere and ride bikes when possible. Short car trips burn substantial amounts of fuel and put a lot of wear and tear on a vehicle over time, making the vehicle operate less efficiently. Rather than taking the car to run weekend errands, hop on your bike and PO BOX 4700 STN MAIN, take the kids along on theirs. Explain to them how a fun activiMERRITT, BC V1K 1B8 ty like cycling is also very eco-friendly because it reduces fuel consumption and does not contribute to air pollution. www.scides.org Parents who want to instill a love and respect for the environ1.800.663.3536 / 250.378.4245 ment in their kids can do so in various ways.
Flexibility and a Quality Education? You can with SCIDES! A fully funded online BC school open 12 mo/yr.
South Central Interior Distance Education School
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KIDS CONNECTION • PAGE 9
EDUCATION
Doing school your way: A great option for Gr. K-9 Parents play a very important role in their children’s (distance) education, especially at the elementary level. The goal is not only to have great educational opportunities for the students, but also to make it as easy as possible for the parents. That’s why SCIDES offers three different levels of support for elementary programs. A teacher will work with the parents to review and understand the learning standards in each curricular subject area for the school year. Then together, they choose one of the three program options best suited for the family’s individual needs: OPTION 1: Home instructors (the parents) work with a teacher to create a program submit a portfolio of learning each term to show development. OPTION 2: Home instructors will use a blend of SCIDES resources and their own supplies to supplement. The teacher will direct home instructors to submit work in a portfolio each term to show development. OPTION 3: Home instructors will use the only SCIDES materials teacher created supplements. The teacher will direct home instructors to submit work in a portfolio each term to show development. Those program options offer a lot of flexibility, and here are some concrete ways they could be integrated into your family. Consider your unique family situation in your learning portfolio. Many families who do school from home are in a very unique situation.
Some might run a farm or a family business that the kids get to help in. The learning outcomes of those experiences can be integrated into the curriculum, and students may/can receive credit for them. Create an overlap between different grade levels. Maybe you have a child in Grade 2, and one in Grade 5, and yet another in Grade 7. Doing different projects at the same time can be very challenging for the home instructor. Your teacher can help you design projects that all students can work together. One project with different challenges for each learner. Examples of integrated projects include but are not limited to: PE lessons, novel studies, art projects, and science experiments. Get creative with curricular funding. Offers up to $600 of curricular funding per child and school year, which can be used to achieve learning outcomes in creative ways. The budget could be used for sports or music lessons, for example. Talk to one of our teachers for other creative ways to use curricular funds to reach the desired learning outcome. On top of being available for home instructors and students when needed, SCIDES also offers support with providing the right tools for success. For a manageable deposit, SCIDES offers desktop and laptop computers, as well as graphing calculators. We don’t want anything to stand in the way of you considering this fantastic educational opportunity for your children. SCIDES — creating connections in all directions.
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Get your child’s vision checked As much as 80 per cent of classroom learning is visual, so ensuring children can see properly will help them reach their full potential. One in five children has a vision disorder. When visual skills are lacking or impaired, a child will need to work harder and may develop headaches or fatigue while attending school. Children who cannot see the blackboard or follow words in a book will struggle to achieve their full learning potential and can develop poor learning habits and sometimes a real aversion to school. You can’t assume your child has healthy eyes because they have passed a screening test or are not complaining. Not knowing any differently, many children accept poor vision and other eye ailments as normal. In certain cases, children may have one eye that is doing most of the work, hiding the fact that the other eye is not functioning properly.
It is recommend that infants have their eyes examined between six and nine months of age; children have their eyes examined between the ages of two and five, and yearly after starting school because vision changes can occur rapidly as they grow. At iSight Optometry, we are completely equipped to test your child’s eyes even if he/she does not know how to read. Vision screenings offered by family doctors and the school district are a great tool in detecting certain eye conditions, but a full examination of visual function and ocular health by an optometrist provides a much better indication of overall eye health. Many serious eye conditions don’t have any obvious symptoms. A thorough eye exam by an optometrist is the only way to know for sure. — iSight Optometry
Childproof your home New parents face a host of challenges upon bringing their newborn sons and daughters home, not the least of which is childproofing their homes so the newest additions to their families are safe and sound. Strategies employed when childproofing will change as youngsters grow up, but here are a few tips. • Install safety latches and locks on cabinets and drawers. Latches and locks can prevent access to a host of potentially harmful items. • Use anti-scald devices. Antiscald devices regulate water temperature and reduce the risk of kids being burned. • Use safety gates at stairways and in rooms that are off limits. • Attach bumpers to the edges of furniture. Bumpers can reduce the risk of injury when kids bang their heads on sharp furniture such as coffee tables or other items with hard edges.
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Make weeknight meals healthy and simple Households in which both parents work and kids have school and extracurricular commitments can get a little hectic, particularly on weeknights. Parents who want to prepare nutritious dinners may feel it’s impossible to do so without making elaborate, time-consuming recipes. But there are ways for busy, timestrapped parents to make sure weeknight dinners are both healthy and simple. S t o c k a h e a l t h y p a n t r y . When grocery shopping, purchase some healthy nonperishable foods that you can rely on in a pinch. Instead of stocking the freezer with unhealthy yet easily prepared frozen foods that are often loaded with saturated fat, stock your pantry with whole grain pastas. Whole grain pastas are lower in calories and higher in fiber and contain more nutrients than refined white pastas. And once water is boiled, whole grain pastas can be prepared in roughly 10 minutes. Rely on a slow cooker. One simple way to prepare healthy meals that won’t take much time to prepare each night is to use a slow cooker. Set dinner in the slow cooker in the morning before leaving for work, and by the time you arrive home each night you will have a fully prepared, healthy meal ready to be served. Make meal prep a family affair. Families who share the responsibility of making dinner on weeknights may find it easier to prepare healthy meals. Younger children may not be able to join in the preparation of too many dishes, but middle school and high school students can help out by chopping vegetables while their parents work on other parts of the meal. Preparing meals can take as much time, if not more, than cooking meals, so making meal prep a family affair can save a substantial amount of time.
Get your children involved in helping make dinner.
Cook meals in advance. Try preparing healthy meals over the weekend, then refrigerating or freezing them so they can be cooked on weeknights. If you plan to freeze meals prepared in advance, remember to remove them from the freezer the night before and place them in the refrigerator so they are thawed out when you arrive home from work to place them in the oven. Choose simple recipes. Trying new recipes is one of the joys of cooking. But trying new recipes on weeknights can be timeconsuming because cooks have yet to grow accustomed to each step in the recipe. When looking for new weeknight recipes, look for meals that can be prepared in five steps or less, leaving the — MetroMedia more complicated recipes for weekend meals.
GLC Vacation Bible School is a popular summer program for Children, Ages 3 through Grade 6.
July 11, 12, 13, 14 & 15 9 AM – 12 Noon Join us on: Jesus HIS-story
Cost: FREE! Activities Include Bible Lessons, Drama, Music, Art, Outdoor Activities, Healthy Snacks. Volunteer help welcomed!
Grace Lutheran Church
1162 Hudson Road, West Kelowna, BC V1Z 1J3
250.769.5685 • www.gracelutherankelowna.com Pastor: Ed Skutshek & David Wunderlich A member congregation of CALC and LCMC
S C A N M E
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SPORTS AND LEISURE
How to get kids into the grand game of golf Golf is a game of skill that can take years, if not decades, to master. Many golfers find their time on the golf course both rewarding and relaxing, even on those days when the fairways seem impossible to find. Though many players never swing a golf club until they reach adulthood, it’s never too early to hit the links. Some of the world’s most accomplished golfers, including four-time Masters champion Tiger Woods, began playing as toddlers, and many feel that getting an early start can lead to a more successful game down the road. Getting kids into golf is a great way for parents to bond with their children while enjoying the great outdoors. Golf can also be used to teach kids humility, sportsmanship and the importance of hard work. Thanks to the often frustrating nature of golf, parents may find it somewhat challenging to instill a love of the game in their youngsters. But there are ways to introduce kids to this wonderful game that kids might just play for the rest of their lives. Focus on having fun. Few, if any, golfers at your local golf course on a given weekend could say with certainty that golf has never frustrated them. The challenge of golf may be its most appealing characteristic to older players, but young kids can be easily overwhelmed by the challenges golf presents. By focusing on having fun instead of perfecting techniques, parents can get kids to look forward to their time on the links. The more fun kids have, the more likely they will be to embrace the game and its many challenges. Don’t put pressure on youngsters as they develop their games, but encourage them through their struggles and reassure them that you faced the same obstacles when you started playing. Hire an instructor with experience teaching children. Instructors with experience teaching children will understand the basics of the game and how learning those basics provides a great foundation for future enjoyment and success on the course. Instructors who have taught kids in the past also know that teaching youngsters the finer points of golf requires patience and encouragement. Ask a fellow parent or an employee at the club where you play to recommend an instructor for your child. And Due to time or work constraints, some parents may be unable to take their kids to a local golf course. Grandparents, though, take advantage of any kids’ courses your club offers. may be able to step in and teach their grandkids some of the sport’s finer points. Purchase the correct equipment. Even the best golfers are bound to struggle when using the wrong equipment. While it might be unwise to invest in especially expensive equipment for youngsters likely to grow out of it in a few months’ time, deals can be found on used kids’ equipment. Used kids’ equipment is typically subjected to less wear and tear than used equipment for adults, as kids tend to play less often and fewer holes than adults when they do play. But make sure to find correctly sized equipment that kids feel comfortable using. Play some holes. Instructors may teach kids the differences between the types of clubs and how to swing and putt. But golf is most fun when players are out on the links going from hole to hole. Instruction is important, but don’t forget to play a few holes with your child each week as well. Golf is a challenging game, but it’s one that can be enjoyed by athletes of all ages. — MetroMedia
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How families can manage cramped quarters Keep hosting duties to a minimum. Many men and women love to host friends and family, and that desire to host won’t subside simply because you live in a city. But even if you love to host, host more intimate gatherings so you are not forced to use your already limited storage space to store items, such as extra plates, utensils and drinking glasses, that you will only use every so often. Fewer guests means fewer items you need to store year-round. Go easy on the tots’ toys. Parents of young children know that kids’ toys take up a lot of space, and that’s space that many city dwellers simply don’t have. Rather than adding to youngsters’ toy stash each month, explain to them that space is limited and that some older toys will have to go before new ones can be purchased. Donate old toys and let kids know their items will be given to less fortunate youngsters, as that may make kids feel better about parting ways with their toys. Set a good example by showing kids when you discard or donate older items before replacing them with new ones. Think vertically. Single-family home owners may not need to make much use of the vertical space in their homes, but such is not often the case with apartment dwellers. Utilizing vertical space in an apartment can be as simple as buying some shelving units or bookcases. To be safe, keep items the kids will use on lower shelves so they are not tempted to do some climbing to reach their toys or books. Parents who choose the big city over the suburbs may need to make some sacrifices to make better use of cramped quarters. — MetroMedia
While raising children in an apartment can be cramped at times, it also comes with benefits, such as not having to mow the lawn.
Young parents living in cities face difficult decisions regarding their living arrangements. The suburbs versus city debate is one many young married couples have had, and that discussion is often prompted by the arrival of children. There are many reasons why city life might make more sense than living in the suburbs for young married couples. Living in the city may lead to far shorter commutes for working parents, and the availability of public transportation in cities may save parents the costly expense of purchasing their own vehicles. But city life may force families to cope with cramped quarters. Even the most spacious apartments may not provide the same square footage as single-family suburban homes. Parents who are committed to city living may need to get creative in order to live comfortably in apartments. Actively police clutter. Few things can make apartments seem more cramped than clutter. Unsolicited mailings, old magazines and unused kitchenware are just a few of the items that can make small apartments seem even smaller. Discard junk mail the moment you walk through the door, making a daily effort to keep kitchen counters and tables, coffee tables and other areas that tend to accumulate clutter clear of clutter. Reducing clutter also makes homes safer for young children, making it easier for them to navigate a home while reducing choking hazards.
Join our Swim Club Recruiting Swimmers for WINTER MAINTENANCE PROGRAM Oct. - April. Register in Sept. Summer Competitive Season May-August Highly qualified coaching for all abilities. Book your FREE swim trial today. Learn how you can become a part of our team. Ages 5+. *$5 insurance fee for swim trial that can be applied to summer registration fees
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Soaring with the eagles By PASTOR ED SKUTSHEK Grace Lutheran Church
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Once upon a time, a duck king established a kingdom. Under the direction of their king, the ducks built a beautiful city. As a gesture of love, the ducks built him a huge castle with a great dining hall. The king invited his subjects to his castle for a great banquet. After dinner, the king gave a speech. He declared that all ducks can float on water because they have been endowed with a perfect body covered with waterproof feathers. They can glide through the water and dive because of their webbed feet. They had also been given wings. He lamented that their disproportionately small wings caused most ducks to believe they could not fly with power and grace. However, he asked them to look at what they had accomplished. Together they had built a great city and castle. He declared they were able to accomplish all of this because they believed in themselves and worked hard. He challenged his subjects. “Believe in yourselves! You can do it! When you leave this place today, flap your wings, ride the wind and soar like eagles.” The ducks were moved by the king’s speech: “We believe! Today we will take off and fly like eagles.” The duck people were poised to flap their wings and begin living life in a new way. The castle doors were opened. All the ducks just waddled right through the castle doors, hurried home and went to bed. Is this just a silly fairy tale, or does it speak to some profound truths? Have you ever been praised for what you have accomplished at school, work, the playfield or in public service, and then urged to believe you could do even better, that you could fly like an eagle? Have you ever been so inspired by an other’s confidence in your abilities that you would dare to flap your wings and attempt to soar like Pastor Ed Skutshek says faith in Jesus an eagle? Did you then changes us. He gives wings to those who believe in him. look at your little wings, lose your nerve and just keep on walking? We all have. Though they may be small, we do have wings, and they were made for flapping and flying. We have been made to fly. However, belief in self does not inspire or enable flight. It is belief in the one who created our wings. The prophet Isaiah wrote: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles.” (Isaiah 40:31). The Lord gave us Jesus Christ who lived, suffered, died and rose from the dead for us. Faith in Jesus changes us. He gives wings to those who believe in him. His wings can lift us above conflict, and can give us the grace to forgive and to ask to be forgiven. His wings can move us to reach out to others with love and mercy. Are you passionate about flying? You and your children can meet Jesus at a church near you. He is waiting with open arms for you. In Christ, Pastor Ed Skutshek
SUMMER, 2016
KIDS CONNECTION • PAGE 15
Encouraging physical activity, such as kayaking, is just one way parents can disconnect kids from today’s online world.
Disconnect and get outside Families often look for fun things to do together, and few things are more fun than physical activity. Choosing activities that combine fun with physical activity is a great way to bond as a family and get healthy at the same time. Several organizations have stated that children need 60 minutes of play with moderate to vigorous physical activity every day. Parents know it can sometimes be hard to get kids to disconnect from their devices long enough to get out and play. But kids who are supported by their families or surrounded by others interested in physical activity are more likely to participate in such activities themselves. Families looking to get fit and grow closer can consider the following approaches to live healthier, more active lifestyles. G i v e g i f t s t h a t e n c o u r a g e a c t i v i t y . Both youngsters and adults are enamored with the latest gadgets, but tablets and video game consoles won’t do much to make families more physically active. In lieu of toys that promote sedentary lifestyles, give kids toys that encourage physical activity. Erect a basketball hoop in the driveway or go buy new bicycles for the whole family, resolving to go for a nightly ride together. Restrict TV time. Establish house rules regarding how many hours of television kids and adults can watch each day. Kids will follow their parents’ lead with regard to how much television they watch, so parents should be mindful of their own viewing
habits, resisting the temptation to plop down on the couch for several hours each night. Don’t turn on the television at night until the whole family has engaged in some physical activity. Walk or ride bikes to run errands. When running errands in town, take the kids along and walks or ride bicycles rather than drive. This is a great time for families to catch up, and walking or riding a bicycle is great exercise for adults and kids alike. Schedule physical activities for the weekends. When planning weekends, parents can schedule a physical activity for the whole family. Make time to go hiking at a nearby park or schedule a family basketball game in the driveway. Such activities are healthy, and they don’t have to cost a lot money, either. Volunteer as a family. Another way to get up and go as a family is to work with a local nonprofit or charitable organization. Sign the family up for monthly park or beach cleanup projects that get the family out of the house and moving. Or sign the family up to work at a local soup kitchen where kids can learn the value of helping others while staying on their feet. L e t k i d s p l a n a c t i v i t i e s . One great way to get kids excited about an active lifestyle is to let them plan family activities. Kids who are encouraged to come up with activities, whether it’s visiting the zoo or going kayaking as a family, are more likely to embrace those activities. — MetroMedia
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PAGE 16 • KIDS CONNECTION
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Our Lady of Lourdes: A safe, caring school Choosing a school for your child is an important decision, and parents are increasingly seeking out their available options. From Kindergarten to Grade 7, Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary School enrollment increased by nearly 80 per cent over the past 5 years, including both Catholic and non-Catholic families, indicating that people of all backgrounds are discovering the value of our school environment. At Our Lady of Lourdes, we are convinced that there are specific, definable attitudes and behaviors of students, parents, and teachers which contribute to a safe and caring community. We believe that: Every child has the right to receive a quality education. Every child has the right to learn in a safe, positive, and caring environment. Every child deserves to be treated with dignity in order to learn dignity. Every child must be taught with gentility in order to understand gentleness. Every child must be treated with patience, consistency and fairness. Every child must learn to take responsibility for his/her own behaviour. Our mission is to educate the whole child, in partnership with others, while fostering a relationship with Jesus Christ, to ensure our students become global citizens. Our children get exceptional education while learning morals, respect and self-worth. Our Lady of Lourdes School follows the B.C. curriculum guidelines and consistently ranks high on the provincial FSA (Foundation Skills Assessment) scores for Mathematics and Literacy. We also hold science fairs, which have produced winners from our school at the provincial level. Our teachers are passionate about sharing knowledge and developing the minds of our children. We have a Music Specialist on staff, and offer a full music and band program, as well as a strong Drama Program, led by a teacher experienced in musical theatre. Our French Specialist ensures that French language teaching is incorporated into the curriculum from Kindergarten to Grade 7. We value physical fitness, and hold various running events as a school community. Each year, we compete in volleyball, basketball, and track and field events. We have brought in visiting specialists in tennis, curling, martial arts, and dance to expand our variety of physical fitness offerings. Our school nurtures children to be global citizens through participating in many charitable activities throughout the year, so that social justice becomes part of their everyday nature. We are proud of how our children interact with others, whether on field trips, at sporting events, or just out in the community. Even with all these offerings, tuition fees at Our Lady of Lourdes remain the lowest of all independent schools in the Okanagan area. The total fee for two children enrolled is $4,250 per year. Our school welcomes families of all faiths, as well as those with no religious backgrounds looking for an environment that embraces morals, love, and respect for their children. We are encouraged by the enthusiasm of the new families who will be joining our school next year. They tell us that positive experiences from other parents and word-of-mouth are what led them to our school, and we are hopeful that you will consider us when exploring the best education alternative for your child. — Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary School
SUMMER, 2016
KIDS CONNECTION • PAGE 17
Inexpensive activities the whole family can enjoy Bowling alleys may offer discounted rates for children and lower rates during off-peak hours. Seniors may also be eligible for discounts, so bring grandma and grandpa along as well. Bumper bowling makes it possible for toddlers to join in the fun, too, so don’t be discouraged from bowling if your children are closer to preschool age than high school age. Festivals Many communities host weekend festivals that offer various family-friendly activities. One local example is Westside Daze. These festivals may focus on a particular town or city’s cultural history or offer wider appeal, such as an apple festival or a film festival for kids. These festivals tend to cater to families, offering games and possibly even rides kids will love. Adults, too, can enjoy such gatherings, as festivals often invite local restaurants and food and beverage merchants to set up booths and peddle their wares to hungry festival goers. Volunteering Volunteering provides a unique way for parents to bond with their children while instilling a sense of community responsibility in their youngsters. Volunteering does not cost a dime, and parents can choose activities they feel will teach kids while simultaneously providing an activity they can enjoy. For example, local beach or park cleanup programs can teach kids about the importance of protecting the environment while also allowing them to enjoy the great outdoors. Many communities offer a wealth of affordable family-friendly activities the whole family can enjoy. — MetroMedia
LAKEVIEW MARKET Serving Kelowna Since 1946 CORNER OF KLO & PANDOSY Hiking is just one of many inexpensive activities that families can enjoy together. Locally, hiking up Knox Mountain Park is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon together.
Family-friendly activities provide great opportunities for parents to strengthen the bonds they have with their children. But finding affordable, fun events the whole family can enjoy can sometimes prove challenging for budget-conscious parents. Few families can make it through a month without developing and adhering to a household budget. But even if money is tight, there are a host of affordable activities families can enjoy together. Hiking One of the best things about the great outdoors is that it’s often free to enjoy. Research local parks to find ones that offer age-appropriate hiking trails. Parents with young children should look for parks that offer more relaxing hikes with well-established trails that do not require any difficult climbing. If the kids are a little older, parks with more challenging, less-developed trails may suffice. Prepare lunches at home and enjoy a family picnic in the park. Many parks do not charge entrance fees, and packing your own lunches will save on meals. The only cost you might be on the hook for is the fuel it takes to get from home to the great outdoors. Bowling While bowling is not free, bowling remains a relatively inexpensive and family-friendly activity.
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PAGE 18 • KIDS CONNECTION
SUMMER, 2016
Finding family time in today’s fast-paced world Balancing professional responsibilities with commitments at home is challenging for many working parents, the majority of whom admit to feeling stressed about juggling work and family life. A 2013 survey from the Pew Research Center found that 56 percent of working mothers and 50 percent of working fathers find it difficult to balance their personal and professional responsibilities. While the same survey found that only 23 percent of mothers feel they spend too little time with their children, those figures doubled for fathers. Finding more time for family can seem impossible, especially as children get older and get more involved in school and extracurricular activities. Kids growing up and getting more active in school and in their social lives tends to coincide with parents advancing in their careers and taking on more responsibilities at work. But no matter how hectic family schedules become, parents and kids can work together to find more time for one another. C o m m i t t o n i g h t l y f a m i l y d i n n e r s . Family din- There are countless ways families can spend time together, such as playners do more than just ensure kids are eating healthy ing cards or making an afternoon snack together. One report found that, compared to teens who have fewer than meals each night. three family dinners per week, teens who ate dinner with their families five or more times per week were one a half times more likely to say their parents knew a great deal or a fair amount about what’s really going on in their lives. The report also found teens who say their parents know very little or nothing at all about their lives were one and a half times more likely to have used marijuana and one and a half times more likely to have used alcohol than teens who said their parents know a great deal or a fair amount about their lives. Nightly family dinners need not include elaborate meals, but parents who find time to have dinner with their children at least five nights per week may end up knowing their kids better and helping their sons and daughters avoid risky behaviors. I n q u i r e w i t h y o u r e m p l o y e r a b o u t t e l e c o m m u t i n g . Telecommuting can be very family-friendly, allowing parents to cut • Canskate Tots: out potentially lengthy commutes and spend more time with their 3-5 yrs children as a result. George Washington University in Washington, D.C. cites encouraging a better work-life balance for its em• Canskate 6 yrs + ployees in support of its telecommuting policy. The university • Canskate Youth: notes that employees who have a better balance between their personal and professional lives may benefit from reduced stress 8-12 yrs and stronger overall health, which benefits the university by re• Juniors ducing healthcare costs. Parents who want to find more time for their families should inquire about telecommuting. Even if it’s • Canpowerskate just one or two days a week, the benefits can be considerable for both employee and employer. CLASSES COMMENCE Move closer to work. Commuting consumes a considerable JULY 5, 2016 amount of time. For example, one report in 2011 found that the average commute in Canada was 25.4 minutes. The longest averREGISTER ON Line: age travel times were in Toronto (32.8 minutes), Oshawa (31.8 minutes) and Montréal (29.7 minutes). These average travel times (Visa, Mastercard only) do not reflect the experience of all commuters. For some, travel Please go to our website: times are considerably longer. In Canada, 17.2% of commuters usually took 45 minutes or more to get to work. By moving closwww.kelownasc.com er to their offices, workers can instantly create more time for their families and potentially save themselves considerable For further information: amounts of money. Phone: 250-764-6289 Parents need not reinvent the wheel to find more time for their family, which can greatly benefit kids and parents alike. Email: info.ksc@gmail.com — MetroMedia
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