Capital Parent January 2014

Volunteering with kids: it’s never too early to start!

Free things to do in Ottawa: these activities will keep your family busy all month long!

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JANUARY 2014 | FREE | capitalparent.ca

ALL ABOUT MONEY, HONEY!

PHOTO BY KATE SETTLE

Teaching kids about money Raising charitable children Great jobs for kids ... & more!

From The Editor

O

Andrea Tomkins andrea@capitalparent.ca

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ne of the challenges of putting together a publication like this one is that we have to plan each issue far in advance of what is actually happening around us. I’m writing this letter about our January issue and it’s actually not even Christmas yet. This can be a challenging concept to wrap your head around sometimes.

In this issue we are focusing on money as our January theme, an especially important topic given all the spending that tends to happen around the holiday season. (Honestly, I’m amazed my debit card hasn’t melted from overuse at this point.)

Although the issue of money can be hard to discuss as a family, it’s important to talk about it at home and teach kids about spending, saving, and giving. Establishing healthy money management habits early can prevent a lifetime of difficulty and heartache.

Our article about teaching kids about money is on page five. In it we share some helpful ideas and tips from the experts about allowance and chores, creating some healthy habits, and saving for post-secondary education. Lynn Jatania’s column offers some hilarious insight into her children’s wildly different attitudes towards money. I am betting you will be able to relate to at least one of them. And because charity is an important part of the

money story, Anita Grace writes about volunteering with kids. (She also shared a bit of personal reflection with us below.) In this issue we are also trying to instill a bit of work ethic by sharing some ways that kids can earn some cold hard cash of their own – whether they’re weaving, baking, or shovelling snow. And to ease the pressure on your wallets this month, Katharine Fletcher shares forty free activities around Ottawa. We hope you will stick it on your fridge and refer to it when you are looking for something new to do!

I was pleased to see that one of my own family’s favourite things to do made Katharine’s list: feeding the chickadees. There are a number of places around Ottawa to do this, but we’ve found they’re particularly brave (or maybe just really hungry) along the trails at Stony Swamp, southwest of Ottawa. If you’re lucky you may even attract a nuthatch or two.

Fill your pockets with black sunflower seeds (you can pick them up for cheap at bulk stores) and they’ll be eating out of your hand (or your hat!) in no time flat.

Wishing you and your family a very happy and healthy New Year,

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Cover Story WHO’S ON THE COVER? IT’S TESSA GALBREATH (8), AND SHE IS ALL BUSINESS!

Photographer Kate Settle shares some of her thoughts about this month’s photoshoot: “We got to have some fun (and stay out of the cold!) playing with money for the January issue of Capital Parent. We counted, shook, sorted and stacked. The girls, from a family of four siblings, were a joy to work with, and got completely into the spirit of things with banker costumes, and make believe shop. At home, my family uses ‘share, save, and spend’ jars, (with admittedly mixed success) and I brought those along to the photo shoot as a prop. As we chatted about how we use our funds, the girls easily identified the idea of sharing what they have as part of caring for their money, whether with their siblings or with people who have less. Money is such a burden for us adults, and it’s refreshing to see it in simple, unclouded terms.”

2 JANUARY 2014 | c a p i t a l p a r e n t . c a |

e she Miya has been volunteering sinc was about 20 months old.

CONTRIBUTORS Katharine Fletcher • Anita Grace Lynn Jatania • Jason Haug Kate Settle • Ottawa Public Library

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ADVERTISING Mike Beard 613-238-1818 ext. 270 mbeard@obj.ca

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EDITOR Andrea Tomkins 613-238-1818 ext. 279 andrea@capitalparent.ca

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PUBLISHER Mark Sutcliffe mark@greatriver.ca

I began volunteering with my daughter, Miya when she was about 20 months old. We visited seniors with advanced dementia at the Glebe Centre’s long-term care facility. Miya’s role was simply to play in the common area where residents could sit and watch her.

It was wonderful to watch her interact with the residents. She passed no judgment on anyone’s behaviour or abilities. She simply observed and took everything at face value.

If they wanted to sing to her, she’d listen. If they mumbled or stuttered, she’d still listen.

Pure engagement. For their part, they visibly brightened just seeing her. There was one gentleman who could rarely form coherent sentences, but when he’d see her he would often say, in a crystal clear voice: “beautiful girl.” All we had to do was show up and Miya made their day.

As she’s gotten older, our volunteer activities have evolved. She tests toys, joins shoreline cleanups, and comes with me to bring donations to the food bank. My goal is not to make these activities exceptional, but rather, as said by Erin Pollard, one of the parents I interviewed for my article on page 7, “it becomes part of her norm. This is what we do.”

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CARING FOR KIDS

It’s time to change the conversation

BY JASON HAUG, PROGRAM AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT OFFICER, OTTAWA PUBLIC HEALTH

F

at: a 3-letter word. It’s short, and seems harmless but we all know words can hurt.

As we look at New Year’s resolutions this time of year, we hear many people talking about being unhappy with the weight on the scales or needing to go on a diet. And with media images of people with impossible proportions, our children are exposed to a world that seems obsessed with being “thin.” But how does all this “fat” talk affect children?

As parents, it can sometimes be hard to know whether to bring up concerns about weight with our children. We don’t want to stigmatize our children but we also want them to be healthy. Although weight is a recognized risk factor for several chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, some cancers and osteoarthritis, it is only one indicator of health. Too much emphasis on weight can lead to negative self-esteem and the development of mental health issues. The question then becomes: what is more important – focusing on the “fat” and the “weight,” or focusing on the actual behaviours that contribute to improved health? Ottawa Public Health, like many other child health experts, believes that we should all focus on the latter. People who feel good about themselves and their bodies are more likely to have healthy self-esteem, adopt healthy attitudes, and live a healthier life. After all, fat is just that – fat. It does not define the qualities or behaviours that make up someone’s identity.

So how does this change the way we should talk to our children about their weight?

A parent’s role is important in a child’s ability to engage in healthy behaviours. Parents also have a strong influence on how children perceive themselves, and on how children behave. Being a good role model, and modeling healthy choices is the most important thing you can do. Watch how you talk about your own body image. Instead, talk about eating healthy foods, and how much better you feel when you are active.

Here are a few examples of how you can focus on health behaviours rather than weight: • Praise your child for making healthy food choices, such as choosing a vegetable or fruit as a snack.

• Express how much fun you have with your child when you are playing outside together.

• Avoid over praising your child on their appearance. but do comment on their other characteristics: how they are nice to their younger sibling, how creative they are, how they see positive things about their friends.

• Avoid criticizing your child’s appearance or making negative comments about your own or others’ appearances.

“People who feel good about themselves and their bodies are more likely to have healthy self-esteem, adopt healthy attitudes, and live a healthier life. After all, fat is just that – fat. It does not define the qualities or behaviours that make up someone’s identity.”

The more positive you are, and the less you engage in “fat talk,” the more your child will benefit, but don’t be afraid to talk with your child if they bring weight up. Just try to keep these key points in mind.

• Emphasize the benefits of better health.

• Identify that weight is one factor in health, but does not define their overall appearance.

• Let your child express their feelings about the issue. Be supportive and positive.

• Avoid the use of food as punishments or rewards. When using food as comfort, it can create negative associations with food, and possibly lead to control issues, such as binge eating, later in life.

• Offer to work together towards being healthier. Every family member can benefit from engaging in healthy behaviours.

Words do matter. Focusing on healthy behaviours instead of weight will help your child become a healthy and resilient adult.

Watch for next month’s OPH article, which will expand on an “eat well, be active, feel good” way of raising healthy children.

For more information, visit ottawa.ca/health or call 613-580-6744 (TTY: 613-580-9656). You can also connect with OPH on Facebook (facebook.com/ ottawahealth), Tumblr (ottawahealth.tumblr.com) , Twitter (@OttawaHealth) and on Pinterest (www. pinterest.com/otthealthsante)

GAMES THAT ARE FUN IN THE SUN CAN BE FUN IN THE SNOW! Winter in our region brings snow, cold winds and ice, but that doesn’t mean you need to stop being active outdoors. In fact, winter provides an excellent opportunity to adapt some of your favourite summer games.

With the added obstacles of playing in snow with winter clothing on, the games will be appealing and fun for people of all abilities. This winter, try snow baseball, snow soccer, snow ultimate, or your favourite summer game in the snow! healthyschools2020.ca

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FAMILY MATTERS

Gold Diggers of 2014 THIRD TIME’S THE CHARM BY LYNN JATANIA

W they money:

hen my kids were young, here’s what thought about

• SHINY. • Possibly tasty; a large sample is required to confirm the hypothesis.

• The bigger the pile the better, so a heap of pennies is obviously worth more than that lone quarter.

• Although, if the quarter is very shiny, the trade off may be worth it.

Once they got a little older, they got gifts of cash from generous relatives, and we trucked off to the store for a little shopping trip. There they learned that money can be traded for LEGO, and that more money means ALL THE LEGO. And thus began their secret plans to get a cat named Mr. Bigglesworth, attach lasers to the heads of sharks, and hold the world hostage for a billion dollars (or one hundred dollars, also considered an impossibly princely sum).

As parents, we tried to do the responsible, respectable thing. We sat the kids down, and had a talk about money. Save a little, give a little to charity, use a little for fun (but not too much fun). It’s simple math, really. And yet, the money talk went in the ears of three little heads, churned around,

and came out in three radically different ways. It never fails to amaze me how the same parenting approach gets twisted through the prism of each kid into something completely warped and unexpected.

You almost need little trading cards with their stats, specialities, and bottom line value to follow along.

you cover the tax?” If tears are involved, will his sisters be suckered into chipping in a few bucks?

Why, yes, yes they will.

Crystal Ball Prediction: The Ghost of Shopping Future says that he’ll end up a money hoarding millionaire, who still haggles at the grocery store over the application of a coupon for 30 cents off soup.

“Saving? That’s for chumps. And if there isn’t anything she wants right now, she’s more than happy to give away her hard-earned dollars to her brother, her sister, her friends at school, her mom, that guy on the corner, that lady in front of us in line at Canadian Tire, or the tired-looking serving girl at Tim Hortons. Easy come, easy go.”

The Kardashian: Our Middle Daughter Catch phrase: I just want what I want when I want it.

Profile: Let’s hustle, people! What do we have that we can sell? Artwork? Muffins? Too-small socks? Unwanted siblings? Give her your cast offs, your unwanted, your poor, and she’s ready to go door to door and turn them into gold.

Girl Guide cookies? Don’t make her laugh – three houses in and she’s sold her whole stash.

Community garage sale day? Child’s play; baked goods plus lemonade plus flyers handed out at school means she’s raking it in hand over fist. Just one problem: the stores are all full of lovely, lovely things for sale. She sees; she wants; she buys. Her room is a place where dollar store trinkets go to die. Saving? That’s for chumps. And if there isn’t anything she wants right now, she’s more than happy to give away her hard-earned dollars to her brother, her sister, her friends at school, her mom, that guy on the corner, that lady in front of us in line at Canadian Tire, or the tired-looking serving girl at Tim Hortons. Easy come, easy go.

The Scrooge: Our Oldest Son Catch phrase: Shopping is such sweet sorrow.

Profile: He wants the LEGO. He needs the LEGO. And yet, they will take his precious precious money if he actually buys the LEGO. “Will you buy some LEGO? Will you at least pay half? Will

Crystal Ball Prediction: People Magazine of 2044 will say that she made billions with her first start-up, sold it to Apple for a fortune, then just three years later was living in a rent-controlled, rat-infested apartment up to her eyeballs in LEGO. But on the plus side, she did in fact get ALL THE LEGO. The Warren Buffet: Our Youngest Daughter Catch phrase: Price is what you pay; value is what you get.

Profile: She’s effortlessly frugal, tucks cash away without thinking, and always has more than she needs. When she wants something, she saves up carefully, and watches for a good sale. When it’s charity time, she gives freely and still has tons to spare. Who knows where it all comes from – mining the wallets of her grandparents using her Super Cute Face? Running a secret dog walking organization during school breaks? Shrewd stock market investments? None can say, least of all her – all she knows is that there always seems to be a big pile of it around. And isn’t it just so shiny?

Crystal Ball Prediction: The Wall Street Journal of 2090 will surely have a story about a quiet schoolteacher who lived a quiet life, who passed away recently leaving her priceless art collection to the local orphanage and millions of dollars in investments to school-building organizations in Africa.

See? I just knew that the third time’s the charm.

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FAMILY MATTERS

Teaching kids about money

BY ANDREA TOMKINS

T

here are many milestones in our lives in which money plays a part. It begins with visits from the tooth fairy and a collection of coins in a piggy bank. When we are four or five we start to want things we see in the store. Then comes allowance, a first job, a first credit card, post-secondary education, a big purchase (like a car), and eventually, a home and a mortgage.

There are many money-related decisions that need to be made as we get older. So how can we teach our kids to be smart savers, and smart spenders? And how do we teach them good habits that will last a lifetime?

WHERE TO BEGIN

Many experts agree that it’s never too early to start educating your child about money. The road to good financial literacy begins as soon as they begin to understand numbers and counting.

Start early, advises Chartered Professional Accountant Robin Taub, the author of A Parent’s Guide to Raising Money-Smart Kids, published by the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada.

“It’s never too early to start educating your child about money, especially if he or she is asking about money or asking for things,” says Taub. “This tends to begin around age five. Take advantage of your kids’ natural curiosity to begin the conversation about money.”

At this stage, parents can help by teaching their children to count as well as basic addition. (“If mommy has one apple, and daddy has two, how many apples are there all together?”)

Parents can also introduce the different coins and their names and values, and show kids how to pay for things at the store. Making change is a tough concept to grasp at first, and they might not understand it until later, but the grocery store is a great place to teach children about money, and the value of a dollar.

ALLOWANCE AND CHORES

Some experts say allowance shouldn’t be tied to chores, that it’s a tool to teach kids about managing money, and not tied to housework they should be doing anyway.

Regardless of how allowance is handled at home, it is important to help your child focus on the fundamentals of managing money.

“First you have to earn money,” says Taub.

“Then you have choices to make about saving, spending, donating and investing.”

Many parents choose to divide their children’s allowance into three parts: spending, saving, and sharing. Taub suggests using a multi-slotted piggybank, often available at toy stores, but the same can be achieved using jars or envelopes.

Sherrie Guthrie, a vice-principal and Ottawa mother of three, says that saving is an important lesson to teach children.

Her daughters (10 and 8) are given $5.00/ week in cash and $0.25/week goes into their savings account. Her son, who is five, has $25 deposited into his savings account every week and receives “a toonie for the candy store after church each Sunday.”

Last year they decided – as a family – to save for a Christmas trip to Disney World. It took a year of saving and planning.

“We saved as a family for a common goal,”

It’s never too early to start teaching kids about money. Tessa Galbreath (8), likes the sound it makes as it fills up her piggy bank.

(And we do too!) PHOTO BY KATE SETTLE.

says Guthrie. “That is how we were able to pay for our trip — through savings.”

The best thing you can do is model good money habits. It might not be setting a great example if your kids see you max out your credit cards every month. Comparison shopping, budgeting, and saving up for gifts and larger expenditures are all great money management practices to share with kids. The holidays are a great time to talk about saving up and creating budgets.

Keeping good records of money saved, invested, or spent is another important skill for children to learn. Whether you use an app, a spreadsheet or a pencil and notebook, it’s a good idea to get kids in the habit of doing this early.

“Actions speak louder than words,” says Taub. “Kids are aware of how their parents manage money. Get your own financial house in order so you can lead by example.”

THINK AHEAD TO POSTSECONDARY YEARS

A Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) is a tax-sheltered plan that can help families save for a child’s post-secondary education.

“For the vast majority of Canadians, an RESP is the most effective way to create an education

fund that grows to offset the future cost of education,” says Ann Hill, a financial consultant with Investor’s Group in Ottawa.

Starting the savings early is key because it means you can reduce contributions and let time do the rest. According to Hill, by 2025, the total cost of four years of undergraduate education away from home may be between $75,000 and $100,000.

Setting up that RESP is a good first step, and it can be done at any bank. Unfortunately, some parents start saving money without having any real idea of how much they actually need.

According to Brien Marshall from Tradex in Ottawa, increases in tuition tend to be much higher than the general rate of inflation. And there’s more to post-secondary education than just tuition: the cost of schoolbooks, athletic fees, and student association fees also need to be factored into savings goals. According to Statistics Canada, these costs averaged $820 in 2011/2012, which was up 5.5% from 2010/2011.

Marshall suggests asking grandma and grandpa to contribute to your child’s RESP. Even a few dollars a month, starting from infancy, can make a big difference. There can even be multiple RESP’s in existence for a particular child as long as contribution limits are observed.

The conversation about money is a lifelong one and it has to start early. Parents should watch for opportunities in everyday life to discuss money with kids.

“You don’t have to schedule a family conference to have great conversations with your kids about money,” says Taub. “The trick is to recognize those ‘teachable moments’ and take advantage of them.”

Some additional resources for parents: Kids and money: making sure the message hits home getsmarteraboutmoney.ca Money milestones for kids: a timeline learnvest.com Money and Youth moneyandyouth.cfee.org JANUARY 2014 5

PARENT TO PARENT

Looking beyond the lemonade stand

T

here are lots of ways for kids to earn money, whether they’re saving for a special purchase or fundraising for a good cause.

Here are a few kid-friendly ideas that might suit your wee entrepreneur:

There are all kinds of little crafts that kids can make and sell. These teddy bear pencils were made out of pom-poms, scraps of felt, and googly eyes. Selling price: $1/pencil. Certain ones were even personalized for friends.

PHOTO BY ANDREA TOMKINS.

6 JANUARY 2014 | c a p i t a l p a r e n t . c a |

• Put that Rainbow Loom to good use! The biggest toy of the season could also be the season’s biggest moneymaker for the right person.

Bracelets can be sold for a few bucks a pop at a local craft fair. If you’re participating in a charitable fundraiser, you can also ask the school principal about selling bracelets at the next school event. No loom?

That’s ok. Bracelets can be made out of all kinds of household materials.

(Get some additional ideas online at capitalparent.ca!)

• Help them find a job as a pet sitter or dog walker. It’s a great gig as long at the “walker” is strong enough to control the “walkee.”

• Babysitting is a great money-maker, but younger kids might not be ready for that kind of responsibility.

A mother’s helper, however, is a great

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job for those who are a couple of years away from babysitting on their own.

A mother’s helper looks after younger children while the parent is still at home but busy with other tasks. It’s a win-win situation (especially for mom)!

• How about taking a job as a junior handyman or handygirl? Duties could involve driveway and sidewalk shoveling, garage cleaning, mailing letters, or taking out the garbage. This is where the big bucks are, but it can also be hard work.

• Get gardening! Snip the “babies” off the household spider plant and keep them in water until they take root. Sell them in pretty pots.

Major selling point: Spider plants are very good at purifying the air in your home.

• Baking! Almost everyone appreciates home-baked goods, especially those who don’t have the means – or the patience – to bake for themselves. Do note that the top moneymaking recipes don’t use a lot of expensive ingredients, such as nuts.

At the very least, baking for profit

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could be a very good math lesson!

See page 10 for some recipes.

Introducing your child to a child-founded charity might be the fire they need to fuel them into action, and Free the Children is a great example. It was founded in 1995 by a 12-year old named Craig Kielburger. He gathered 11 school friends to help raise awareness about child labour after he read a story about it in the newspaper. Today, Free The Children is an international charity with over 1.7 million youth involved in development programs around the world. Read more about Free the Children online at freethechildren.com.

FAMILY MATTERS

You’re never too young to volunteer

BY ANITA GRACE

W

hen teaching children about complex subjects like community engagement, poverty, and charity, words are not enough.

“Some of the issues in your neighbourhood and in society can be hard to grasp,” says Lil Krstic. And for those fortunate enough to not need the services, places like food banks may be abstract concepts “unless kids actually go and see and do,” says Candace Derickx.

Both Derickx and Krstic have taken their children to volunteer at local food banks. Derickx to the main distribution centre near St. Laurent, and Krstic to her local food bank, the Parkdale Food Centre (PFC).

“My kids have all really enjoyed the experience,” says Krstic whose children (ages 8, 11, and 13) help in a variety of ways, like stocking shelves, portioning out packages and filling bags.

“They’re understanding that not everybody has what they need to live comfortably.”

Parents who volunteer with their children say this is an excellent way to teach values like empathy and compassion. And fortunately there are several organizations in and around Ottawa that happily welcome participants of all ages.

“You’re never too old, you’re never too young,” says Erin Pollard. “You can give in whatever way you’re capable of giving.”

For Pollard’s youngest daughter Tessa, 3, this means feeding apples to animals at the Big Sky Ranch Animal Sanctuary in Kemptville.

“I want to set Tessa up with an understanding of life-long contribution,” says Pollard.

Every week, she and Tessa drive from their home in Westboro to the Ranch. “This is a chance to give back to the community, and not just inner Ottawa where we live, but to the greater world out there.”

When looking for volunteer opportunities for young children, Pollard has found that it’s important to find a place that “understands what the

expectations will be when you have a young child with you.” Young children have limited stamina and require full supervision from a parent or caregiver. But even the littlest ones should have some control of their experience and feel they are making meaningful contributions.

Lil Krstic praises the PFC for allowing her kids to feel like active participants. “[Executive Director Karen Secord] gives them a job and she gives them their space to pitch in.” Krstic has noticed that her kids take real ownership of their involvement and have developed better self-esteem.

Volunteering with children can also include one-time activities, such as community cleanups or participation in a research study at a university.

“We rely on having children from the community come in with their parents. It’s an integral part of our research,” says Cristina Atance, Associate Professor of Psychology at Ottawa University and Director of the Childhood Cognition and Learning Laboratory (CCLL). The lab is always looking for children between the ages of 3 and 5 to participate in 30-60 minute studies.

Nepean mom, Liz Eidsness, has periodically participated in studies at Ottawa University’s CCLL and Language Development Lab with her two children. “We keep going because I like to help if I can,” she said. She has also been impressed with the labs’ flexible schedules and well-run studies.

Babies can also be involved in programs such as Roots of Empathy, an international program that has infants and parents visiting classrooms nine times over the course of a school year. A trained facilitator coaches students to observe how the baby grows, develops and learns.

“The baby is really the teacher in the classroom,” says Ottawa Roots of Empathy program facilitators Terry Davies.

“Kids need exposure to be aware of issues around them,” says Hillary McVey, who has been volunteering with her son Grady since he was six.

She remembers being dragged along to activities with her mom when she was little. “I may not remember exactly what I did,” she says. “But I remember helping others.”

Tessa Pollard (3) volunteers at the Big Sky Ranch Animal Sanctuary in Kemptville (with mom’s help of course). PHOTOS BY ANITA GRACE.

Looking for a place to volunteer with your children?

Here are a few local organizations which will accept young volunteers.

Big Sky Ranch Animal Sanctuary bigskyranch.ca Children can accompany parents to help in a variety of ways with abandoned and surrendered animals.

Canadian Toy Testing Council toy-testing.org Children ages 0-14 can test toys and books during annual testing periods.

Cleaning the Capital ottawa.ca Families can participate in spring and fall community cleans across the city.

The Glebe Centre glebecentre.ca ‘Mom and Tot’ and ‘friendly visitor’ programs bring together young children and shut-in seniors.

Ottawa Food Bank ottawafoodbank.ca Children ages 6+ can help unpack and sort food on-site.

Advanced booking required.

Special events and off-site opportunities are also available.

Parkdale Food Centre parkdalefoodcentre.org Families can help in variety of ways, including packing and portioning food, baking, and preparing distributions.

Roots of Empathy rootsofempathy.org Infants and parents participate in 9 visits over a school year.

University of Ottawa’s Childhood Cognition and Learning Laboratory socialsciences.uOttawa.ca/ccll Children ages 3-5 years needed for 30-60 minute studies.

University of Ottawa’s Language Development Laboratory socialsciences.uOttawa.ca/ldl Infants 4-24 months needed for 10-30 minute studies on language learning.

JANUARY 2014 7

ACTIVE FAMILIES

Capital stuff to do with kids, and it’s all free!

BY KATHARINE FLETCHER

W

ho doesn’t like free outings after the hectic swirl of Christmas?

January is a great month to explore what Ottawa offers families. Whether you’re aiming to do something indoors, or outdoors, we’ve got you covered.

FREE STUFF TO DO, INDOORS

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From September to June, enjoy play-based activities (art, sand and water play, story and music time) at Ottawa’s Parenting and Family Literacy Centres. Ottawa-Carleton District School Board maintains the list of centres online at bit.ly/18BtGJl.

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Creative things happen at the Ottawa Art Gallery on Sunday afternoons from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Come and let your children explore their artistic, imaginative side. (www. ottawaartgallery.ca)

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The National Gallery of Canada always offers free admission to children under 12 and free admission for everyone on Thursday afternoons from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Do note that free admission applies to the NGC Permanent Collection only. (www.gallery.ca)

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Love people-watching, or plane-, train-, and bus-watching? Head to warm shopping malls, the airport, the VIA train station, the bus station where you can stay cozy and take in the bustle.

There are quite a few indoor play spaces around Ottawa. The ballroom at Ikea is sure to be a hit, not to mention the ones at area shopping malls. For instance, Place d’Orleans’ YM/YWCA Mini-Port (on the upper level near the food court), has a sitting area where parents can sip a coffee while watching their children play. There is also a separate toddler section as well as washrooms. (bit.ly/1aN9YdY)

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You’ll avoid the tourist season if you take a guided tour of the always-free Supreme Court of Canada, Parliament Hill or Rideau Hall. At Rideau Hall, reservations are required 48 hours in advance this time of year.

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Learn about space at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum; it’s always free for kids under 3 years old, and admission is free for the general public every day between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. You can see even more planes and tanks at Canadian War Museum, which is free on Thursdays between 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Do you know of any kids under the age of 13 who are doing something really SUPER in our community? Maybe the you know is a dedicated volunteer, or raises money for a local charity? Whatever it is, we want to hear about it.

SUPER KID

Send an email to editor@capitalparent.ca and let us know about your super kid!

Gaze at gigantic dinosaurs, learn about birds via interactive consoles, discover the wild world of insects and more at the Canadian Museum of Nature. Admission is free on Thursdays 5:00 p.m.

– 8:00 p.m. (nature.ca) Moove on over to the Canada Agriculture Museum, where entry is free for kids under 3 years of age. Stay cozy inside the cow barn in the middle of winter! You can pet the animals, watch dairy cows being milked. Admission is free daily from 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (bit.ly/1iKOP7E) A visit to the Canadian Museum of Civilization is free on Thursdays between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Visit the Children’s Museum where kids get passports that are stamped while visiting different countries. Explore inside an Egyptian pyramid, “sail” a huge ship – or let youngsters borrow a costume and star in their own play on stage.

Celebrate 2014, the Year of the Horse, by visiting Canada’s internationally renowned horses at the RCMP Musical Ride Centre. (bit.ly/5uSvYd) Two-year-olds and younger tots swim for free at many indoor pools such as Brewer, Pinecrest, Plant, and others (bit.ly/19QQdhS).

And, at Dovercourt Recreation Centre, kids swim free on Friday nights (www.dovercourt.org).

Learn about the history of Canada by exploring Library and Archives of Canada, which features special exhibits on the ground floor. (www. collectionscanada.gc.ca) Discover the secrets of Ottawa back when our city was called Bytown. Learn about Colonel John By, who oversaw the construction of the Rideau Canal. Admission on the first Sunday of the month is free (November to April), and on Thursdays from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (www.bytownmuseum.com) Creativity + imagination soar when kids put on a shadow play, perform scientific experiments about colours, or create a print of a Canada Science and Technology Museum artefact. Shows, storytelling and much more. From December 26 to January 5, entrance and all activities for kids are free! (bit.ly/qmu90M) Did you know you can get free admission passes to many Ottawa museums at the Ottawa Public Library? Tip: they are only available at select branches, and on express shelves only, meaning passes cannot be reserved. (biblioottawalibrary.ca) Speaking of libraries, OPL offer lots of free activities. For instance, on Saturday January 26, 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. you can take in Family Literacy Day Celebrations at the Nepean Centrepointe

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We have uke lessons, books, DVDs, cases, strings, a uke friendly staff and the best selection anywhere!!

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! s e i t r a p y a d h t r i We do b 613-482-4029

www.ottawa.madscience.org @capitalparent |

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Branch where there’s a bilingual storytelling performance for families by Sylvi Belleau. (bit.ly/11oHF3R)

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Voulez-vous pratiquer votre français avec vos enfants? If you and your kids aged six and under speak French, join Orléans-based family group fun and discussions, French only, at La Coccinelle. (lacoccinelle.com)

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Many community centres offer free programs. For example, the Glebe Neighbourhood Activities Group features free Starbucks Time for Baby Club (newborn – toddlers) January 10 to March 28 from 2:00 p.m.

- 3:30 p.m. Meet other parents and babies, sip a free coffee, and pick up tips on nutrition, music and play, and hear guest speakers too. (bit.ly/ RGlTR3)

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Attend free drop-in programs, find toy libraries, and more throughout the city at Ottawa’s Parent Resource Centres. There are crafts, dress-up corners, play kitchens, and large comfy sofas where parents can sit while kids play. From Alta Vista to Greely, Kars, Kinburn, Manotick, and more, you can easily find a network of support and friendship for parents and kids. (bit.ly/IdtBBr)

FREE STUFF TO DO, OUTDOORS

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Walk or skate the Rideau Canal’s 7.8 kilometres. Check ice conditions online and don’t forget, you can lace up at five heated chalets (Mackenzie King Bridge, Concord Street North, Fifth Avenue, Bronson Bridge, Dows Lake Pavilion). Bring a thermos of hot chocolate to help keep you warm. (bit.ly/1bOZQ1k)

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Until January 7, drive around Ottawa/ Gatineau to enjoy Christmas Lights Across Canada, where hundreds of thousands of multicoloured lights illuminate winter’s snowy darkness. It takes place every evening from 4:30 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. (bit.ly/18sEuFU)

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Head to urban parks and trails such as Vincent Massey Park, Central Park, or Jack Pine Trail with some handfuls of sunflower seeds and feed chickadees by hand. (The birds are particularly ravenous at Jack Pine Trail!)

☐

Visit local waterfalls such as at Rideau Falls or Hog’s Back to see the frozen, bubbly and often blue-coloured ice.

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Learn about the wildlife of Gatineau Park at the Visitor’s Centre, 130 Scott Road, Old Chelsea.

Tip: the Centre has a nice little lunchroom complete with picnic tables, where you can eat your lunch or snack inside. (bit.ly/Id3UAP)

On weekends, skate Ottawa’s most historic rink from noon to 5:00 p.m. at Rideau Hall. Canada’s third Governor General, the Earl of Dufferin, had it constructed in 1872. Pull on your skates in a “log cabin” complete with heritage photographs depicting what skaters used to wear: think long fur coats! (bit.ly/1hdqTus)

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Goulbourn Museum in Stittsville offers monthly Yap and Yarn sessions. Kids, beginners, and accomplished knitters are all welcome to join this informal knitting circle. (bit.ly/17UcCQi)

Or, skate one of the City of Ottawa’s 247 free outdoor skating rinks such as the Rink of Dreams at Marion Dewar Plaza outside City Hall. It is open daily, complete with heated hut, picnic tables, and benches. (bit.ly/IdnEVi)

y a d o t r u o t e t a v i r p r u o y k o Bo

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Starting January 31, experience the 36th annual Winterlude, Ottawa’s renowned winter festival. Kids love the snow mazes and ice slides at Jacques Cartier Park’s Snowflake Kingdom.

New this year is the exhibit Winter Memories: Wooden Cabin Village in Confederation Park. (bit.ly/1cQrzoJ)

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On January 31, bundle up warmly to watch the Winterlude’s ice-carving competitions. This day sees the One-Block Challenge from 8:00a.m. to 10:00 a.m. where professional and amateur carvers create their magic from a single block of snow.

Plus, there’s the 27th International Ice-Carving Competition, Friday, January 31, 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Grab an early dinner and visit after dark to see the sculptures sparkle amid the twinkling lights.

☐

Go for a hike or ski along the Greenbelt trails.

They’re perfect ski trails for kids because the terrain in this Ottawa urban parkland is almost flat and easy for beginners. (bit.ly/1eu2QnB)

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Wander the grounds around Parliament Hill and see how many statues wear tall “hats” of fluffy snow on their heads. Visit such notables as Queen Victoria, our first prime minister Sir John A. Macdonald, and see Queen Elizabeth astride her horse. Tip: bring binoculars so you can check out the ice formations of the Ottawa River from the top of the cliffs of The Hill. (bit.ly/17fXMDO)

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Look for animal tracks in the snow. Go on a hike, snowshoe, cross-country ski, or just head out into your back yard to look for tracks left by squirrels; chickadees and blue jays; deer; dogs or foxes; cats and other critters. Need a good place to look? Try Stony Swamp in the west end. (bit.ly/1eu3MZb).

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Explore colourful Byward Market. If you get chilled – head for shelter inside the Byward Market building. There are washrooms available here too. (www.byward-market.com)

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Go geocaching, using a GPS to find hidden treasures. Several family-friendly caches can be found in the city and National Capital Region. Geocaching offers great outdoor education and orienteering skills. (geocaching.com)

☐ ☐

Go sliding on approved City of Ottawa sledding hills. (bit.ly/12Mkhuf)

Take selfies with your kids with statues of famous folks (Queen Victoria on Parliament Hill), wild animals (grizzly bear at Sparks and Elgin streets), and Maman (the spider outside the National Gallery of Canada).

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Use the National Capital Commission’s free Decoding Art app – it’s free if you have a smart phone. Use it to find cool information about the artists who’ve created the city’s street art. (bit.ly/1bLy1JF)

☐

Cross-country ski through a rare peatbog on a boardwalk snaking through Mer Bleue’s incredible landscape of stunted evergreens and frozen marshland. Look for muskrat lodges – dome-shaped homes these creatures make, which stick out of the snowy surface of the wetland. (bit.ly/1c4Q5zp) Clip and keep our Inside and Outside lists – and check each activity off as you go. We invite you to share your fave free stuff to do with us too. Send an email to editor@capitalparent.ca and we’ll add it to our list online at capitalparent.ca.

Give a world of possibilities with the Ottawa Museum Network’s Connexion Card • • • •

Unlimited regular admission for the whole family for a full year Subscription to Connexion enews Exclusive invitations and events Discounts on select museum programs

Start your adventure at www.OttawaMuseumNetwork.ca

enefit from: b ts n e d tu s r u O hers ac • Excellent te s • Small classe chnologies te ve • Innovati d instruction • Differentiate ish values • Strong Jew

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KITCHEN INSPIRATION

Fundraising with baked goods, a recipe for success

B

ake sales are a wonderful way to earn extra pocket money, whether a child is fundraising for himself or for a bigger cause. It’s also a great way to spend a bit of extra time together in the kitchen.

If there’s no organized bake sale on the horizon, just pick up the phone. You never know. Maybe grandma will agree to a standing order of muffins!

CARROT AND APPLE MUFFINS

The carrot and apple in these muffins give them a natural mildly sweet flavour that’s sure to please kids of all ages.

Pro tip: The apple peel boosts the fibre in this recipe, so make sure to keep it on. When the apple has been grated, you’ll hardly notice it.

1 cup whole wheat flour 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1 cup finely grated carrot 1 cup grated apple 1 large egg 1 egg white 3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 2

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.

In a large bowl, combine wholewheat flour, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon. Stir in carrot and apple.

In another bowl, whisk together egg, egg white, applesauce and vegetable oil until smooth. Pour over dry ingredients and stir until just moistened.

Spoon batter into prepared muffin pan. Bake for 25 minutes, or until tops are firm to the touch and a tester inserted in the centre of a muffin comes out clean. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes.

Transfer to a rack to cool completely.

3/4 cup packed brown sugar 3 medium, very ripe bananas 3/4 cup buttermilk, 1% M.F. 3 tbsp canola oil 1 tsp vanilla 1 large egg, lightly beaten

3

4

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour 1 cup large-flake rolled oats 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking soda

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In a large bowl, mash bananas.

Using a wooden spoon, mix in buttermilk, oil, vanilla and egg.

Gently add dry ingredients to banana mixture and stir until just combined. Do not over-mix.

Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a tester inserted in the centre of the loaf comes out clean. Let cool in pan on a rack for 30 minutes.

Invert loaf onto rack, remove pan and let cool completely.

4

KIDS’ CARAMEL CORN

For a fast-selling bake sale item, pack this fun and tasty treat in clear bags and seal them with brightly coloured ribbon.

BANANA BREAD

This bread is good, and good for you!

The oats make this family-favourite recipe that much better by boosting hearthealthy fibre. Keep your banana bread nut-free if you’re selling it at school or to people you may not know.

3

MMMMMM... banana bread!

1 2

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Spray a 9x5x3-inch (2 L) loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray.

In a medium bowl, combine flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda and brown sugar.

w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m /C a p i t a l P a r e n t |

@capitalparent |

5 cups air-popped popcorn 2 cups multi-grain O’s cereal 1/2 cup bran cereal (not flakes) 1/2 cup broken unsalted pretzel twists 1/2 cup mixed dried fruit (apples, cranberries, blueberries, apricots, raisins) 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1/4 cup corn syrup 2 tbsp butter 1 tsp vanilla 1/4 tsp baking soda

p i n t e r e s t . c o m /c a p i t a l p a r e n t /

1 2

Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, combine popcorn, cereals, pretzels and dried fruit. If you are using large dried fruit (e.g., dried apple or apricots), chop into small pieces before adding to popcorn mixture.

In a deep saucepan, combine brown sugar, corn syrup and butter. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved and butter is melted. Increase heat to high and boil rapidly, without stirring, for 2 minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and baking soda; quickly pour over popcorn mixture and toss to coat.

Spread mixture evenly on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, or until popcorn is glazed, stirring twice. Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Break into chunks and let cool completely. Store in an airtight container until ready to divide into bags.

3

4

These recipes were developed by the Nutrition Resource Centre, Ontario Public Health Association, and are available at the EatRight Ontario website at www.eatrightontario.ca.

Search for “Bake it Up.”

PARENT TO PARENT

Sound advice… about raising charitable children

H

ow do you raise your children to be charitable and inspire them to give to others who may be less fortunate? It’s a big question, especially given how busy our lives can be once kids enter the picture. We turned to Facebook and asked fellow Capital Parents what kind of things they do to raise charitable kids.

Vivianne Leveille: “Lead by example... from little things like holding the door open for someone to providing food to those in need (i.e purchasing an extra item or two and placing them in the Food Bank bin on your way out of the store). Children mirror what you do, be the best reflection!”

Julie Coffee: “I’m actually not encouraging it at all. Hear me out ... children are encouraged so much at school to be charitable, they hear about the plight of people everywhere across all media, and their own families are often touched by cancer, mental illness, or other health crises. I am starting to believe that this can cause sensitive children to become anxious and less carefree. I want my kids to have a childhood that is as carefree as possible. Yet, my own daughter asked for no gifts for her birthday this year and instead only

wanted the other children to consider a donation to her charity of choice. It was her choice, so I obliged, but I never would have suggested it. There is plenty of time to “give back” and be charitable when they get older.”

Nat Hanson: “I hope we are instilling a bit of “together we can change the world” by being involved in the causes we care about and helping those in need ourselves. Giving of time, skills, caring, and love, to help is a reward in and of itself. And we hope leaving this place better than we found it.”

Misty Pratt: “Year round I try to teach my daughter empathy. If we see someone hurt we go to help. If I’m reading about a social injustice in the paper (or listening on the radio), I’ll talk to her about it in simple language. And this Christmas we sat down together with a World Vision catalogue and chose a gift for a child in another country.

We’re also putting together a Christmas hamper for a lower-income individual, which includes all the food he needs for the holiday season as well as a special gift. I want her to feel charitable not because we “should” but because she truly cares about other human beings.”

Pauline Bartlett Thomson: “I always tell them that when you do something nice for someone else, it will come back to you somehow, when you least expect it. And I try to let them put money into the Salvation Army pots and other spots.

That way they can see the charitable part.”

Don Cooper: “Show them compassion...don’t just talk about it. Your demonstration of care for others will teach them everything they need to know. The rest will follow naturally.”

Mike Reynolds: “We’ve started a family change jar to raise money for the Caring and Sharing Exchange and also have them helping out with our Letters from Santa fundraiser (they’re the letter deliverers).

Aside from that it’s like the others say, lead by example, smile at strangers etc.”

Follow us at facebook.com/ CapitalParent to connect with fellow parents and get the scoop about great family friendly events, recipes, and more.

bring the lesson home and give online

Sit down together as a family and click through the various options. It may spark some great discussions too.

Kiva

Kiva is a non-profit website that allows users to make micro-loans to entrepreneurs around the globe.

(Microfinance is a term used to describe financial services to lowincome individuals or to those who do not have access to banking services.) It’s easy, and fun to do. You go to the website, read the borrowers stories, and choose the one that speaks to you. Loans can be for as little as $25. The neat thing about Kiva is that you get progress updates throughout the life of your loan, and when it’s repaid, the money can be used to fund another loan, donated to Kiva, or withdrawn. For more information go to Kiva.org.

Plan Canada – Because I am a girl

Plan Canada’s Because I am a Girl movement is dedicated to empowering women and girls

worldwide by promoting gender equality and girls’ rights. The website (becauseiamagirl.ca) contains a wealth of information that you can review together as a family. Make a one-time donation, become a monthly sponsor, or get fundraising ideas and take action of your own.

UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund)

UNICEF advocates for children’s rights all over the world. UNICEF Survival Gifts (www.survivalgifts. ca) are a great way of spending charitable dollars squirreled away in piggy banks. The most popular gifts Canadians love to give are: water purification tablets, Plumpy’Nut® (therapeutic, peanut-based food that combats malnourishment), bed nets (insecticide-treated nets to prevent malaria), and blankets for babies, but there are many more. For more information go to www.unicef.ca.

A Christmas village of lights right here in Ottawa!

Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary Grades Before & after school supervisionElementary Grades Preschool, Kindergarten, Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary Grades Extended French program Before & after school supervision

Before & after school supervision

To register or arrange a school tour, please call or emailTo register or

Extended French program tour, please ca Extracurricular programs including: skating, gymnastics, Extended French program dance, science, jiu jitsu & violin principal@fernhillottawa.com Low student-to-teacher ratio Extracurricular programs including: skating, gymnastics, www.fernhillottawa.com Advanced preschool literacy Extracurricular programs including: skating, dance, science, jiu jitsuprogram & violin Diverse international student communityjiu jitsu & violin gymnastics, dance, science, principal@fe Low student-to-teacher 50 Vaughan Street, Flexible full & half day programsratio Low student-to-teacher ratio www.fernh Ottawa, ON K1M 1X1 Enriched curriculum: Music,literacy Art, IT, French, Spanish Advanced preschool program Advanced preschool literacy program

613.746.0255

613.74

Now accepting applications for Preschool to Grade 6 for the 2014-2015 arten, Elementary Grades school year

ol supervision

50 Vaughan St Ottawa, ON K1M 1X1

To register or arrange a school tour, please call or email

613.746.0255

principal@fernhillottawa.com www.fernhillottawa.com

To regis ter orON arrange a school 50 Vaughan Street, Ottawa, K1M 1X1 tour, pleasecall or email

Illumination Ceremony - Saturday, November 30, 5 p.m.

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Nov. 30 to Dec. 22 Cumberland Heritage Village Museum $7 per person / $18 per family 201311-601

Diverse international student community Diverse international student community Flexible full & half day programs Flexible full & half day programs Enrichedcurriculum: curriculum:Music, Music, Art, French, Spanish Enriched Art, IT,IT, French, Spanish

613-833-3059 ext. 221 ottawa.ca/cumberlandmuseum Facebook.com/cumberlandmuseum JANUARY 2014 11

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ACTIVE FAMILIES

BY LYNN JATANIA

Puzzling Posts

M

Meet Mike Reynolds of Puzzling Posts.

Photo by Garrett Elliott Photography.

ike Reynolds is a modern dad.

Read any post on his blog, Puzzling Posts (puzzlingposts. com), and you’ll quickly learn that his family means the world to him, and that he’s involved in every aspect of the lives of his two young daughters. As he and his wife slowly figure out this parenting gig, he fills his blog with thoughtful reflections, adorable memories, and plenty of fresh ideas on how to do family right.

Mike’s kids are especially lucky to have such a great storyteller for a dad. Mike loves to make up bedtime tales for the girls – usually stemming from a real life family event, but with a clear storybook feel – and to share his sweet yarns on the blog. As well, he’s fantastic at capturing little family moments – we love his charming “She Said What?” series, which takes a favourite preschooler phrase and explains what it really means. He’s assembling a beautiful scrapbook of family folklore, and inviting us all to peek in and nod in recognition.

It’s no surprise that Mike The Bard is

passionate about reading, too. He’s got some great book recommendations on his blog, and shares good ideas on how to encourage your children to get reading, including a Christmas advent countdown with books. Don’t worry, he’s not above a movie or two, as well – any good family films that come his way are sure to get a mention on Puzzling Posts.

All that, and a local slant too – Mike often posts insightful reviews of Ottawaarea events or businesses. You can pick up some great insider tips on how and where to shop local, learn about cool upcoming family happenings, and maybe even score a great giveaway.

It all comes together into one excellent package, a blog that paints a portrait of a loving, involved, enthusiastic dad. Now that’s one story we all can enjoy.

Noteable Quote

“My daughter and I were colouring one day and she was in charge of colouring Boots the Monkey’s boots. She strayed from the lines

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and looked up at me and said, ‘It’s ok that I don’t draw in the lines.’ She said it like she was defending what she thought was an error and it made me sad. I looked at my part of the page and, very adult-like, I had very meticulously coloured inside all the lines. I felt silly.

‘Not only is it ok to not draw in the lines,’ I started to explain, ‘but it’s actually better if you don’t.’ So I took my blue crayon and coloured all over my stupid inside the lines colouring.

Our picture looked better that way anyway and so did the smile on her face when she saw I didn’t care that Boots’ boot looked like a fur boot.

I’m a person who considers himself creative yet I always try to colour in the lines. I also always try to make sure my Christmas presents are wrapped meticulously with all the corners tucked in and the tape as invisible as possible. But why? My kids show their personality in everything they do because they don’t think about what they’re ‘supposed to do,’ they just do.”

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Register now for 2013/2014 School Year

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th14 r o N a t a n a K ning February 1 20 Ope

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JANUARY 2014 13

Top toy picks

top 5 books

best

1 E

veryone loves to laugh and have fun. Here are some books to tickle your funny bone during those cold January evenings. These are all available at the Ottawa Public Library for your reading pleasure.

BY ANITA GRACE

WHAT’S IT? is a non-competitive game

in which players try to guess what image is shown on a doodle card. Everyone works together to score points by coming up with matching answers. A great family game for 2-6 players, What’s It? works well for players of varying ages and abilities since spelling and counting are not required. Testing families with the Canadian Toy Testing Council

(CTTC) gave this toy a top rating and a Children’s Choice Award for kids ages 8+.

The CTTC volunteer toy testers have the important job of playing with toys and evaluating everything from design to play value, safety to durability. Their feedback is compiled in the annual Toy Report and available online at www.toy-testing.org.

Is Everyone Ready for Fun?

By Jan Thomas (Age 3-4)

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What could be more fun for a kid jumping on the sofa (except maybe jumping on the bed)?

These three cows are having a great time playing on Chicken’s sofa – much to the dismay of a very disgruntled Chicken. The illustrations in this book will have you laughing out loud, and feel good about the state of your own sofa.

I Ain’t Gonna Paint No More,

by Karen Beaumont (Age 3-7)

This budding artist just can’t help himself from painting everything, including himself. The rhyming text and colourful illustrations will have your kids asking to read this one over and over. The French translation of this book is also very good.

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This book is a collection of songs that are sung to the tunes of old favourites. The words and illustrations are hilarious. There are some equally funny sequels to this book called I’m Still Here In the Bathtub: Brand New Silly Dilly Songs and Mosquitoes Are Ruining My Summer: and Other Silly Dilly Camp Songs

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Take Me Out of the Bathtub: and Other Silly Dilly Songs,

by Alan Katz (Age 3-7)

613-234-3836 Bayshore Shopping Centre 100 Bayshore Drive 613-721-0549 Rideau Shopping Centre 50 Rideau Street 613-230-8081 Place D’Orleans 110 Place D’Orleans Blvd 613-834-8988 315 Richmond Road

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(in the Westboro shopping district)

613-761-6055

Cosmic,

by Frank Cottrell Boyce (Age 9-12)

This book is one of the funniest children’s books we have ever read. It is about an abnormally tall twelve-year-old boy named Liam Digby who is often taken for a grown-up. Because of this, he gets into all sorts of awkward situations such as being taken for a teacher on the first day of school; encouraged to take a Porsche for a test drive; and sent up into space. This is also an excellent book on CD.

Lego Play Book: Ideas to Bring your Bricks to Life,

by Daniel Lipkowitz (Age 7-12)

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For all the Lego lovers out there, here is a book that will help spark your imagination and provide some indoor fun on a cold January day. This children’s book provides ideas for Lego creations that can be built with just the bricks you might have on hand – no kits necessary. Themes they explore are fairy tales, micro worlds, animals, monsters and vacation locations.

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FAMILY FUN

U Y R A U N A J D T E

CALENDAR COUNTDOWN JANUARY FIREWORKS EVE

U A O T T E C N K U Y

C A AN A E WO NOC I DA T T Y S HA T GWR I WO B E A A E NC J L L O S E R Y E C

N D C A L E N D A R E

MIDNIGHT RESOLUTIONS CELEBRATION PARTY YEAR

OUR family

CaleNdaR Ring in the New Year, Scottish style

December 31 The evening starts at 6:00 p.m. inside City Hall, with an indoor ceilidh, Scottish dancing and music, and the Glengarry Pipe Band. For the little ones, there will be face-painting – Braveheart blue was a favourite last year – and colouring on the Scottish Wall of Fame.

There will also be skating on the Rink of Dreams and fireworks at midnight. At 7:00 p.m. – that’s midnight in Scotland – there will be a special countdown to the midnight bells so that families can celebrate New Year’s with their children. For more information go to www.thescottishsocietyofottawa.com.

The Sears Great Canadian CHILL

January 1 They say it’s the coolest event on earth, and we don’t doubt it. Take a plunge in icy, cold water at Britannia Beach to help Stop Kids Cancer Cold during the 4th anniversary polar dip in Ottawa. The Sears Great Canadian Chill provides a festive environment with non-alcoholic beverages including hot chocolate, as

IKEA in a neighbourhood called Pinecrest Park.

If there’s one thing they love, it’s snow! They ski downhill together during the winter months and the kids take lessons at Calabogie. The Turnau family has a tradition of inviting the neighbourhood over to skate on their backyard rink. They were happy that it was ready early this year! They are looking forward to Winterlude; skating on the canal and having fun on the slides at Jacques Cartier Park are some of their favourite things to do.

calendar countdown January fireworks eve midnight resolutions celebration party year OTOGRAPHY.COM PHOTO BY WWW.RAVENEYEPH

E C P R F E I A I NA T R C AO E S F R WV F L OC E U R Y OR K CWO S NO I DDMB

Paul, Micheline, Aaron (8) and Marieke (5) Turnau live in the west end of Ottawa near

well as snacks from local restaurants.

Proceeds go to the Sears Charitable Foundation and CHEO. You need to be at least 14 in order to participate. For more information go to thechill.ca.

2014 Canadian Tire National Skating Championships

January 9-15 Watch as the best skaters compete on the ice at this 100th anniversary event, which helps determine the senior competitors at the world championships and is the final qualification opportunity for athletes who will be named to represent Canada at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia. Watching the pros on ice is a great thing to do as a family, and might even inspire you to brush up on your own skating skills! For schedules and ticket information, go to www.skatecanada.ca.

The Hockey Sweater, at the NAC

January 11 This story is a Canadian classic, popularized by the NFB’s production (which you can watch at NFB.ca). For those who aren’t familiar with the story by

SEND US YOUR PICS

family snaps

We’d like to see your BEST family photos! Submit your favourites and you might see one or two in a future issue. For more details go to capitalparent.ca

I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the “triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear. ” - Nelson Mandela

Roch Carrier, it’s about a young boy who had to wear a Toronto Maple Leafs sweater in a hockey-crazed Quebec town where everyone was a Montreal Canadiens fan.

This show is narrated by the author and co-hosted by hockey legend Ken Dryden alongside an original score by Canadian composer, Abigail Richardson. (nac-cna. ca/en/orchestra/event/5197)

Nordic Sports and Traditions Day

January 25 Nordic Sports and Traditions Day at Rideau Hall will be taking place on Saturday January 25 from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. It’s a great opportunity to try your hand at some pretty cool outdoor activities. Last year’s event included dogsledding, kick sledding, and of course, skating on the historic rink. And it’s all free! (bit.ly/1iWi89Q)

In the Money, at the Canada Science and Technology Museum

Until February 16 In The Money explores the science of note-based currency, from the earliest paper money printed in China to the polymer material used for Canada’s new series of bank notes. This exhibition, produced by the Bank of Canada, highlights the initiative, inventiveness and skill that have made today’s bank notes easy to use and difficult to counterfeit. (www. sciencetech.technomuses.ca)

Snow, at the Museum of Civilization

Until September 2014 They say that what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger. Love it or hate it, snow is a major part of our lives.

This winter, it’s the subject of a new exhibition at the Canadian Museum of Civilization. Snow is the first exhibition of its kind in Canada, and it portrays the relationship we’ve had with snow since the arrival of the First Peoples in North America. Featuring 300 artifacts, Snow will provide greater insight into our connection with this essential element of the Canadian identity.

Part of the appeal of Snow is the contribution made by Canadians across the country who supplied the Museum with their own wintery photographs. The photos are prominently displayed in the hall leading to the exhibition and will become part of the Museum’s collections.

Check the website for kid-friendly snowrelated crafts and activities before you head out: www.civilization.ca.

We want to hear from you!

Do you know of an event that Capital Parents would like to hear about?

Submit your information to editor@capitalparent.ca.

Check party dates, details & availability online!

Dovercourt Recreation Centre

613.798.8950

www.dovercourt.org

Book Your Party Today

New this Fall: Floral Design Workshop for all ages

JANUARY 2014 15

“Education isn’t just about good grades.

It’s about him growing as a person.”

Learn more about a values-based education.

Kindergarten Registration

January 20-24, 2014 ...with continuing registration at any time Open to all!

Book a school tour. Witness bilingual instruction in our classrooms.

Visit our website for more information.

ocsb.ca/kindergarten-registration

Chairperson Ted J. Hurley

Director of Education Julian Hanlon