Top sledding hills & great winter activities in Ottawa
Healthy & sweet Valentine treats to share in class
pages 7 & 9
page 12
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PHOTO BY KATE SETTLE
FEBRUARY 2014 | FREE | capitalparent.ca
Happy Feet! It’s the DANCE & MUSIC issue Smart snacking for kids on the go Warming up to dance class Best instruments for kids
From The Editor
F
Dogsledding is one of the most uniquely Canadian things you can do during the winter. Read more about it on page 9.
Andrea Tomkins andrea@capitalparent.ca
There is more great stuff online at
capitalparent.ca! •Arts & crafts• •Kid-friendly activities• •Contests• •Recipes•
ebruary is a deceptively busy month, which hardly seems fair since we’ve barely recovered from the holidays. In fact, our family calendar looks like the victim of a Sharpie factory explosion: Valentine’s Day, Family Day, Winterlude, and this is amid the regular family kind of stuff… our list is long. The February issue of Capital Parent tackles a few of those calendar items in the hope that it makes your busy lives run a bit more smoothly. Katharine Fletcher shares some of Ottawa’s sledding hotspots as well as some helpful safety tips (page 7). Turn to page 9 for additional wintery activities in case sledding is not your speed. Parents may appreciate a couple of ideas in regards to Valentine’s Day treats to share in the classroom (page 12). Music and dance is the main focus of this month’s issue of Capital Parent. We’re not a very musical family. I don’t play an instrument and the only singing I do is in the car – by myself – so as not to damage anyone else’s eardrums. I may not be able to carry a tune, but I can certainly appreciate music and the importance of learning how to play an instrument at a young age. Studies have shown that learning music early is one of the best brain exercises there is, and can actually help protect the brain against dementia, even for those who don’t continue to play an instrument into their later years. Our youngest daughter is the only member of our family who plays an instrument at the moment, and she’s showing promise with her flute. It seems to
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Who’s on the cover? It’s Sophia Derouchie, Kaelee Ann Milsom, and Leia Kardaris. They’re all three years old and love to dance. Photographer Kate Settle shares some of her thoughts and insights about this month’s cover shoot: “Photographing three little dancing girls for Capital Parent this month was such a welcome change for me, although I’ll admit the frilly tutus and bows are a little out of my usual comfort zone as the parent of two boys! That said, children are natural movers and it’s one of my favourite parenting moments to watch the inhibitions melt away as children groove to music. When photographing children who are on the move, whether in dance, soccer or just running wild I think the best way to really save the spirit of the moment is to capture your child in action, rather than posed with perfectly pointy toes. You have to be quick - a fast shutter speed is a must, and lots of good light to help with that. Even then some motion blur is sometimes inevitable, and can add a real feel of movement to your photographs. Get down to their level, focus carefully, and let them freely do their thing. Then put down the camera and groove along with them!”
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PUBLISHER Mark Sutcliffe mark@greatriver.ca EDITOR Andrea Tomkins 613-238-1818 ext. 279 andrea@capitalparent.ca CONTRIBUTORS Katharine Fletcher • Anita Grace Lynn Jatania • Jason Haug Gwen Leron • Paula Roy • Kate Settle • Ottawa Public Library
COPY EDITOR Judith van Berkom CREATIVE DIRECTOR Tanya Connolly-Holmes 613-238-1818 ext. 253 creative@greatriver.ca DESIGN & PRODUCTION Sarah Ellis sarah@greatriver.ca
Cover Story
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be a great instrument for her, not just because she enjoys it, but for reasons I hadn’t thought of before. “I’m so glad I’m not playing the trombone,” she said as she was packing up for school one morning. “It wouldn’t fit in my backpack!” So true. When our kids were preschoolers we had regular dance parties. I set the kitchen stereo to go off at 4:00 p.m. and it became a signal for all of us to stop what we’re doing and move into the kitchen. We’d dance to whatever was playing, singing along if we knew the words, twirling and getting the sillies out before I had to start dinner. Sometimes it’s good to tap into a child’s interest in music and dance and kick it up a notch. Parents of preschoolers will find some welcome words of wisdom in Anita Grace’s article about introducing preschoolers to their first dance lesson (page 5). Gwen Leron spoke to parents and music instructors about music lessons (page 6), and perhaps it may convince you to enroll your kids in lessons too. If you need to hear some additional reasons why formal lessons are a good idea, flip to page 11 for our regular feature we call “Sound advice.” And to keep kids (and parents!) fueled up between lessons, Paula Roy shares some great tips as well as a recipe for no-bake Energy Bites on page 8. I hope you enjoy this month’s issue. Don’t forget that we love to hear from our readers! Send your feedback via email to editor@capitalparent.ca or via Twitter @capitalparent.
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CARING FOR KIDS
Home is where the healthy heart is BY JASON HAUG, PROGRAM AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT OFFICER, OTTAWA PUBLIC HEALTH
V
alentine’s Day is all about the heart. We can think about the heart in two ways: both as the organ that pumps our blood to keep us alive, and also as the symbol of emotions and feelings. For Valentine’s Day, here are some special ways to keep the heart healthy and happy.
EAT WELL
Why not eat a “red” coloured vegetable and fruit every day? Challenge yourself to include one red vegetable or fruit at one meal or snack each day of February. This could include things like pomegranates, red grapes, raspberries, strawberries, watermelons, red apples, or cranberries for fruits or tomatoes, red peppers, red onions, radishes, or red cabbage. For more information on daily vegetable and fruit requirements, please consult Canada’s Food Guide (www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ fn-an/food-guide-aliment/index-eng.php) While many of today’s families have hectic schedules, it is clear that making family meals a priority can have many health benefits. Eating well is not just about what you eat, but also about how you eat. A growing body of research is showing that eating together as a family has very positive effects on healthy eating and weight for children and teens. Home really is where the healthy heart is! In fact, studies show that when parents and children eat together, they are more likely to eat healthy balanced meals, and increase their intake of fibre and important vitamins and minerals. They are seen to eat more vegetables, fruit, calcium-rich foods, and drink less pop. This Valentine’s Day, be kind to your heart!
BE ACTIVE
Most children need 60 minutes of physical activity every day, and planning an active play date as a family is the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Let your kids pick out their favourite activities, ones that make their hearts beat faster. It’s important to choose physical activities you all can enjoy as a family. There are lots of opportunities to stay active in Ottawa during the winter months. It’s a great time to plan an outing to the Rink of Dreams at Ottawa City
Hall, to the Rideau Canal Skateway, or take a special walk to your local swimming pool or toboggan hill.
FEEL GOOD
Sleep plays a major role in how we feel and how our body works. Did you know that school-aged children need 10-11 hours of sleep per night. Preschoolers need 11-13 hours of sleep to stay healthy. Take time to create a bedtime routine that is both fun and relaxing. To celebrate Valentine’s Day, you can both get into your favourite pyjamas and read a special story together. Sometimes your child might feel sad; maybe his/her feelings were hurt when he/she did not receive as many Valentines as their friends did at school. It may be tempting to soothe their feelings with a chocolate heart or sugary treat. Instead, comfort your child with a warm hug and words of reassurance. Enjoying food for special occasions is fun and is part of healthy eating. Sharing some cinnamon hearts or a heart-shape lollipop on occasion will not make your child unhealthy. It is important to make the distinction between enjoying food in a social context versus using food to comfort, reward, or punish. Research shows that using food to respond to emotions can lead to negative food associations and disordered eating practice later in life. Just remember that children will often imitate things they see their parents doing. Having positive self-esteem and body image supports healthy activity and eating behaviours for both parent and child. Whether you decide to have a special dinner, do something fun outdoors as a family, or just share some cuddle time together, Valentine’s Day is the perfect day to express to your kids how much you care for them. Happy Valentine’s Day! For more information, visit ottawa.ca/ health or call 613-580-6744 (TTY: 613580-9656). You can also connect with OPH on Facebook (facebook.com/ottawahealth), Tumblr (ottawahealth.tumblr. com), Twitter (@OttawaHealth) and on Pinterest (www.pinterest.com/otthealthsante)
Pay some extra attention to your heart this Valentine’s Day!
As your child gets older, it becomes even more important to stay connected. This period of transition can be challenging, and it is important for your child to know you are always there for them. Check out Ottawa Public Health’s new “Have That Talk” mental health campaign for more information on how you can talk to your child or teen about mental health. The website is HaveThatTalk.com and it launches January 28.
Certified Pediatric Dentist Dr. Raj-Deep Mahal • No referral necessary • Accepting new patients & emergencies • Dental treatment provided in child-friendly atmosphere
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FAMILY MATTERS
Advanced Topics in Musicology THIRD TIME’S THE CHARM BY LYNN JATANIA
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ere’s one of my finer parenting moments. We’re riding in the van, me and my two daughters, plus one of my older daughter’s best friends. They’re playing a game in the back seat, singing or humming a tune while the other two guess. While my flesh-andblood children limit themselves to selections by The Wiggles, animated TV show theme songs, and excerpts from the High School Musical soundtrack, The Best Friend busts out “With or Without You” by U2. “You don’t know U2?” she asks, when my girls are stumped. “What’s a yootoon?” asks my youngest. At that moment I realized I’d lost it. My edge, my cool, my very youth. And worst of all, I was imposing my new soccer-mom Curious-Georgesoundtrack-loving sensibilities on my poor children, who were surely destined to future humiliation by not knowing what the term “mosh pit” meant. It was time for a musical education. We ditched the kiddie CDs and tuned the van radio to a variety of stations. We bombarded them with rock, disco, new wave, grunge. The kids were confused at first – all that variety, wailing guitars, so very many songs about love, and oh my – was that the occasional swear word? But we persisted in our quest for hipness, and they
soon glommed on to the Top 40 – One Direction was dreamy, Katy Parry was cool, and Carly Rae Jepson rocked their world. From there, we transitioned to YouTube videos of the Backstreet Boys (like glacier-bound prehistoric men, their cuteness flash frozen in time) and N*SYNC. My youngest, while watching the video of Bye Bye Bye, pointed out Justin Timberlake as her favourite; I smiled smugly at her superior taste. He’s everyone’s favourite, baby girl; A+ for you in Boy Band Pop 101. From there, we started Friday Night Dance Party, mixing in a few new iTunes purchases with some classic CD tracks. We figured that danceable is danceable, and that favourites of our youth had surely aged as well as our still-totally groovy selves (not throwing out my back during dance night taken as irrefutable proof that I can still shake my booty like I did when I was 20). But it was uncanny how well the kids were able to pick out the old from the new. Black Eyed Peas? Awesome. Green Day? Some of their newer stuff was… bearable, I guess. U2, who started it all? That’s a CLASSIC, Mom. SO. LAME. Soon, the world “classic” had a subtle whiff of four-letter word about it; the classic rock radio station was met with groans, the 80s retro station declared completely unacceptable. But at least they were developing their own taste, and while they were still car-seat chained into the back rows of the
van, I was still Dean of the radio buttons. It was the kids’ idea to add a used copy of Just Dance for the Wii to our Friday night parties. The game has demonstrated that a few tracks can elevate themselves above the dreaded “classic” label, including such legendary titles as Groove Is In The Heart, Pump Up The Jam, and that timeless tune of musical genius, U Can’t Touch
“My youngest, while watching the video of Bye Bye Bye, pointed out Justin Timberlake as her favourite; I smiled smugly at her superior taste. He’s everyone’s favourite, baby girl; A+ for you in Boy Band Pop 101.” This. Musical connoisseurs, that’s what we’re raising over here. The other day, in keeping with their gravitation towards one-hit wonders, I even caught the girls making their Barbie dolls dance to a repeating chorus version of Kids In America. (Youngest one: “Do we live in America, Mommy?” Me: “No… and next week we’ll be adding a Minor in Geography to our Dance
Night Musical Educational Program.”) So with Just Dance giving us a teeny little toe in the door, it was time to dial the clock back even further. We bought albums by the Beatles, James Brown, and Elvis Presley; I started seeking out my favourite old Hollywood movie musicals on Netflix. For extra credit, we even took a wee dip into the world of classical music, with Disney’s Fantasia and a live version of The Nutcracker. We’d come a long way from Toot Toot Chugga Chugga Big Red Car; it was time for our little pupils to graduate. With all the solemnity of handing over a graduate degree, we presented the older two with MP3 players; hand-medowns from our running days, they arrived preloaded with all our favourite albums from the 80s and 90s. No advice or suggestions offered; just headphones, the promise of a little more control over their musical car ride choices, and an extensive back catalogue of… well, we wouldn’t dare say classics, would we? Soon our oldest was declaring, tentatively, that this band Dee-peesh Mode was Not Too Bad, while the middle one kind of, maybe, thought whoever sang that song about Walking 500 Miles was Okay, I Guess, Sometimes. Success! There’s nothing like a proper education in the classics. Now about that Masters of Mosh Pit…
Buoyed by the support of their teachers and peers, Elmwood girls are empowered to strive for success. Each student receives a well-rounded education that prepares her for university and her future career, all the while developing strong character, confidence and a lifelong love of learning. Surrounded by excellent teachers and supportive peers, each girl is encouraged to challenge herself, find her passion and achieve her goals. Elmwood School is Ottawa’s premier school for girls from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12. Learn more about how we can inspire your daughter to reach her full potential—visit us during one of our upcoming admissions events:
t
t
Kindergarten Registration January 27 - 31 Winter Open House Wednesday, February 5 at 7:30 a.m.
Call (613) 744-7783 or email admissions@elmwood.ca to RSVP.
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ACTIVE FAMILIES
Helping tiny dancers warm up to dance class BY ANITA GRACE
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ast summer, Daryl Reasin’s two preschool girls were “crazy about dancing.” The Westboro mom recalls how they loved twirling around at home. So, as many parents do when they perceive a blossoming love of dance in their children, Reasin signed her daughters up for dance class – but the experience fell flat. “If I didn’t participate and hold their hands, they wouldn’t do anything,” says Reasin. “It was painful and kind of embarrassing.” She stuck through it, but is cautious about signing up for any more classes. Gabriel Wolinsky, Owner of Capital City Dance at Westgate Mall, knows that for preschoolers, dance classes can be “unnerving,” especially for those who have not previously been involved in structured group activities. He also knows that even if kids show a keenness for dance at home, they may not be ready for a class. At Capital City Dance, kids can try a class before making a commitment. Parents are also allowed to be in the room for the first session. But after that first class, parents are asked to leave. “If you have the parent in the class for too long, children lose focus,” Wolinsky explains. “The parent has the focus all the time at that age group. But we’re trying to capture the focus of the child in a different and positive way – so they can enjoy the class and enjoy the dancing.” Janice Crowe, Director at the Studio School of Dance in Nepean, agrees. “We ask parents to stay close by,” she says. “But we do close the door.” Angele Alain also had a child who was very shy and reluctant to participate in dance class. But Alain credits the fact that parents were not allowed in the room with her daughter’s success. “We only got to see them dance at the final performance,” she said. Without the distraction of parents in the room, every child participated. Alain had known the transition might be difficult, since she vividly recalls her own first experience with dance class at the age of four or five. “I have a memory of going and sitting on the bench and just being terrified,” she says. After a month of not participating, Alain’s mother informed her that if she did not join in the class, she would not get to have her birthday party. Reluctantly she slid over to join the group, but she suddenly had an epiphany. “What was I afraid of?’” Alain recalls wondering. From that moment on, she happily participated. Crowe recalls a reluctant three-year-old student who insisted her mother take off her shoes and keep them in the dance studio. (By three-year-old logic, if her mother wasn’t wearing shoes she couldn’t leave!) Crowe notes that she is “a fabulous dancer in a ballet company today.” As for tips on helping your child transition from spinning around the living room to learning the plié, Wolinsky says it can
help to involve children in structured group activities and to keep encouraging nonformal dancing at home. And never underestimate the power of a tutu. “Most kids like playing a part,” Wolinsky says. Dressing up can be integral to that. Crowe agrees. She’s noticed that even at a young age, “if they’re not dressed the same as the other kids, they may feel singled out.” She recommends parents make sure their mini-dancers have the right attire. But with those tutus flouncing around, boys may be unwilling to give dance a try. So Wolinsky suggests finding schools that offer classes in dances like hip hop or breakdancing, and which have male instructors or even male-only classes. These things can encourage boys to step over the threshold into dance. “The key is to motivate them to try new things,” he said, adding that dance is becoming more of a sport and is more physical than ever. For all children, regardless of gender, dancing can build coordination and strength. Also, allow some time to adjust. “Give your kids a chance to get used to the environment,” says Crowe. Usually within three weeks, they’ll be having a ball. Go to capitalparent.ca for instructions on how to make your own no-sew tutus. They’re perfect for dance class, or the costume box!
Alex Milsom (9), demonstrates one way to get boys interested in dance: look for schools that offer hip hop or breakdancing classes. PHOTO BY KATE SETTLE.
Top tips for success at dance class: 1
If you have the option, have your child try a class before signing up.
2
Encourage dancing at home.
3
Prepare your child beforehand, and letting him or her know exactly what’s going to happen. (“I’m going to drive you to dance class and we’ll go inside together, and I’ll come back and pick you up after it’s done.”)
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Never underestimate the power of a tutu. Leia Kardaris (3) and Sophia Derouchie (3), both love to dance. PHOTO BY KATE SETTLE. FEBRUARY 2014 5
FAMILY MATTERS
Setting a high note with kids & music lessons BY GWEN LERON
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or many of us, music lessons were a childhood rite of passage and rightly so, because taking music lessons as a child has many benefits. According to a 2013 study, children who take music lessons early in life perform better on certain tasks and also show differences in the connections between the motor regions of their brains. The study also concluded that children with music training develop a far better memory and vocabulary than children without such training, and the longer the child sticks with their music lessons, the greater the benefits. Sara McConnell signed her 8- and 5-yearold sons up for piano lessons as soon as they showed an interest in music. Their piano teacher comes to their home once a week to give private lessons and her boys look forward to their music time each week. “We chose a private instructor because I wanted someone who would tailor the lessons to their interests and make them a lot of fun,” says McConnell. Since her boys started music lessons, she has noticed several positive changes. “I think it has expanded their interests in hobbies and activities outside what is typical for their age group and has given them confidence in their ability to learn new skills. They love to play music together and experiment with making up songs and playing band. I love to see them explore this creative side and I want them to have the chance to explore as many interests as possible while they are still young.” Kathy Armstrong teaches African drumming at Baobab Community in Ottawa and
says that music, like any other art form, gives a voice for thoughts and feelings that may not be expressed in other ways. When it comes to encouraging creativity, Armstrong thinks that music develops multiple layers of awareness, working with imagery and metaphor, and offering models of adaptation and variation. “Music, and in particular, drumming, enhances creativity and encourages artistic expression through pattern recognition,” says Armstrong. “Children do not need to be “exposed” to music, they are naturally musical from birth, so it’s our responsibility to allow them to express themselves through music from a very young age and to continue to be surrounded by music as they grow and develop their identities. Creating an environment for this to happen will enhance their natural creativity and not hinder their connection to music.” Molly van der Schee wanted to give her son a different kind of musical experience. She didn’t want to go with traditional piano lessons, so she went on a hunt to find something a little outside the box and ended up signing him up for the African drumming lessons taught by Armstrong. “Drumming isn’t exactly a quiet, introspective kind of music, it is joyful and requires full on participation,” says van der Schee. “My son might not work up a sweat but he exercises his brain and I think he taps into a different way of learning. I think his confidence has grown. He is very proud of what he has learned so far.” TURN TO PAGE 10 for kid-friendly instruments that are a little offbeat!
Baobab ROOTS drumming class Open House November 2013 with Kathy Armstrong and Meaghan Cullen.
Whether you are looking for something traditional like the piano, or something a little different like ukulele or African drumming, there are several places in Ottawa that offer a variety of different musical experiences for your child: Baobab Community - baobabtree.org Ottawa Folklore Centre - ottawafolklore.com Kindermusik - kindermusik.com SuzukiMusic - suzukimusic.ca Monkey Rock - monkeyrockmusic.com Music for Young Children (MYC) - myc.com Ottawa Conservatory - ottawaconservatory.com
If you are interested in signing your child up for music lessons, KAthy Armstrong suggests the following:
1
Follow the lead of your child in terms of their interest and ability to be in a lesson/class setting. Starting too early, especially into formal lessons, can lead to frustration on everyone’s part.
2
Every child is different, but beginning very young with classes designed to foster a love of hearing and making sounds, and developing a sense of natural pulse is important.
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Let your child enjoy being a musician in whatever way makes him or her happy; going to concerts, participating in group classes,or jamming with family members or kids a little older than they are.
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When choosing an instrument for your child, smaller instruments that relate more to a child’s size are a good way to start, however, a class where they can sing, move, play simple percussion and make music with others is a fabulous grounding for any instrument that might come at a later age.
5
Having instruments around the house that they can experiment with is a good idea. Letting the love of music unfold and be expressed naturally over time is the best gift we can give our children.
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ACTIVE FAMILIES
Slip-slidin’ away on some of our favourite hills in Ottawa BY KATHARINE FLETCHER
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obogganing is a super parent-child bonding activity. Swooshing downhill with our kids, “laughing all the way,” goes a long way to building active, fun memories as a family. The City of Ottawa operates 56 sledding slopes; the National Capital Commission (NCC) has three in Greenbelt.
EAST OTTAWA
Fallingbrook Park, Princess Louise Drive and Falwyn Crescent, Orleans; two hills, one destination. One hill is a dry storm water pond. There are no obstructions and it’s a gradual slope. The second is an artificial hill with clear runs. Parking is available at Fallingbrook Community Centre. Green’s Creek Park, Green Creek Road. A large area offers a wide slope featuring many levels. Good runs have a nice broad run-off. Berms protect everyone from the creek; hay bales line berms at the bottom of the hill. There are outhouses and parking at P26. Loyola Park, Loyola Avenue. This run is good for older kids as there are some nice gradual slopes for the younger set as well as steeper sections for braver/older kids. This area is unlit and not recommended for evening sledding. Street parking is nearby. “Hidden Hill,” Jeanne D’Arc Boulevard at Tenth Line Road. This is a small hidden gem of a neighbourhood park that’s great for little children.
SOUTH OTTAWA
Mooney’s Bay Park, 2960 Riverside Drive. This is an open area with slight to steep slopes, with good visibility for all runs. Parking is available at Terry Fox Athletic Facility. Pro tip: this park offers many safe runs but be cautious of trees and lampposts. (All of which have been padded by the City.) It’s a good learning hill for parents, because this park affords the opportunity to explain potential hazards to older children. However, these kinds of obstacles serve to teach us all to look before we sled and plan our route.
WEST OTTAWA
Bayshore Park, 175 Woodridge Crescent. No obstructions at this large artificial hill featuring long run-offs; just a good long laughter opportunity for you and your child. Parking available. Bruce Pit (NCC Greenbelt) at Stoney Swamp. Broad medium-to-steep hill makes this run an Ottawa tradition. Unlit. There are outhouses and parking at P12. Conroy Pit (NCC Greenbelt) in Pine Grove Forest area. This lovely broad hill is fabulous for night sledding; it’s lit daily from 4:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. There are outhouses and parking at P17. Walter Baker Park, 100 Walter Baker Place (off Terry Fox Drive). Like Mooney’s Bay, this is a large park with an artificial hill that’s lit, and superior for tobogganing because of its nice long run down a medium-fast slope. The light standards are wrapped here, so again, alert your kids, then be safe while you fly down the hill! Parking nearby at the Kanata Recreation Complex.
Sled safely this winter!
Westboro Kiwanis Park, 411 Dovercourt Avenue. This short run down an artificial hill is great for beginner sledders. This is a small neighbourhood park, and parking is available at Dovercourt Community Centre. Pop inside to warm up with hot chocolate afterwards. There are many other hills to discover in Ottawa. You can find all 56 city-approved slopes – along
with handy maps – online at http://bit.ly/1gy1OHD. Do you know of a fun place to go tobogganing? Tweet your faves to @CapitalParent or send an email to editor@capitalparent.ca. Looking for more wintery fun? SEE PAGE 9 for more great, familyfriendly activities in Ottawa.
Some safety tips to keep in mind before you head to the hills: Practice safe sledding The City of Ottawa recommends wearing helmets while taking part in recreational activities like sledding, skating, skiing and snowboarding. For sledding and tobogganing, they recommend using hockey or ski helmets. Make sure you buy a helmet that fits now, not one to grow into, and look for ones that are CSA, CPSC-certified or marked “Snell.” (This is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to research, education, testing, and development of helmet safety standards.) Helmets should not tilt backwards or forwards, and be one-finger distance from helmet to eyebrow (in other words, not sitting too high or too low). When trying on a helmet, have your child shake his or her head up and down, and side-to-side. It should stay in place and feel snug and comfortable.
• Only slide on approved hills and heed warning signs. • Keep an eye on weather conditions. Hills may close with inclement weather. • Sled during the day so you have excellent visibility. Or choose a well-lit hill for some evening fun. • Dress warmly. This activity is “breezy” when descending slopes! Pro tip: wear a “tube” to protect cheeks and neck. These are especially useful for scarfaverse children. • Always wear bright clothing to increase everyone’s visibility, not only when descending but also when climbing up the hill. Pro tip: teach your kids to always ascend alongside (never on) the
sledding route. • Steep hills may seem like great fun but remember: they can be scary for youngsters so choose your slope wisely. Kids can find themselves unable to steer or stop and easily hurt themselves. Teach kids how to brake with their feet and how to roll off a sled if they find themselves losing control. • Always sit or kneel in a forward-facing position, never lie down face-first, foot-first, or on your back. • It’s a good idea to get in the habit of waving to the people at the top of the hill once a successful descent has been accomplished. (Consider this a small, “I’m ok” signal.)
• Use sturdy equipment, well suited to its recommended number of passengers. • Wear clothing that won’t catch or tangle. Tuck in scarves and mind those elastic “ties” on mitts and jackets so they don’t catch. • Be aware that snowboarding and/or mogul-making/usage isn’t permitted on some hills. • Because tobogganing is always “at your own risk,” ensure you use common sense and don’t use hills when they’re closed. • Wear a helmet – this is especially recommended for kids, but really, why not parents too? Head injuries can occur, not just while hurtling down a hill, but while climbing up too. FEBRUARY 2014 7
KITCHEN INSPIRATION
Snacks to go for busy kids STORY & PHOTO BY PAULA ROY
I
t’s a familiar drill to many parents – pack up the kids, dance gear or musical instruments then rush off to practices, recitals or lessons. An important piece of the afterschool, evening or weekend activities puzzle is how to squeeze nutritious snacking into our children’s busy schedules. They need fuel to help them perform, so
it’s important to make sure the snacks are both wholesome and appealing. Before dance, experts suggest snacks that are low in fat and fibre and contain a moderate amount of carbohydrates and protein. Because you want to be sure your child will actually eat the snack their body needs, it’s a good idea to stick with items that they enjoy, rather than using this as an opportunity to experiment with unfamiliar foods. A few examples of good pre-dance snacks include half a whole-grain bagel spread
No-bake energy bites are quick and easy to make, and provide a great source of energy for busy kids.
with peanut butter, honey or jam, a banana or fresh vegetable sticks and hummus. Another option is to give them a small container of their favourite dry cereal. Be sure to pack water as well as food and your budding ballerina or hip-hop star will be well energized. Depending upon the intensity of the dance activity in which your child is participating, they may need a post-workout snack as well. Protein is key here, but it doesn’t have to be meat based; nuts and dairy are great options too. Half a sliced apple – the Gala variety is great because the slices don’t turn brown like some others – along with some cubes of cheese would be a great after-dance snack, as would a handful of trail mix or a fruit and yogurt smoothie. Note that you can cube cheeses such as cheddar and freeze them in small containers that are ready to grab-and-go; similarly smoothies made in big batches and then frozen in serving-sized containers will thaw fairly quickly. Musical kids have a different set of snacking rules to follow. While music lessons are not as physically vigorous as dance practices, they do require that kids be fuelled for alertness and ener-
gy. Depending upon the type of music lesson, there are also some tips worth noting. For example, dairy products should be avoided before singing as they coat the throat and make it feel excessively phlegmy. Salty foods and caffeinated drinks are also not recommended as they dry out the vocal passages. For woodwind players (saxophone, clarinet, bassoon and oboe), dairy is also a no-no as it can damage the instrument’s reeds. Similarly, sugary fruit juices – particularly citrus – along with carbonated sodas are harmful to reeds as well as to flutes and brass instruments – these include trumpet, trombone, tuba and French horn – as they taint the saliva which, of course, gets sprayed by the player into the instrument. Foods that get lodged in the teeth such as popcorn and raisins can also pose a problem for any musical endeavour involving the mouth, whether you’re blowing or singing, so save those for after the lesson. So what options remain for the musical parent, chauffeur and snackpacker? Stick with something small like a handful of whole-grain pretzels or a little container of applesauce and be sure to provide plenty of water to rinse the mouth. If your child is playing on a stu-
dio instrument, as is often the case with piano lessons, you should check the studio’s policies regarding nut consumption as many do not want students showing up with allergen residue on their hands.
If you’re trying to expose your children to a variety of nutritious snacking options, consider creating a batch of yummy no-bake Extreme Energy Bites. They’re lightly sweetened with honey, making them a great alternative to commercial granola bars. They also freeze beautifully and can be adapted using your family’s favourite ingredients. So quick and easy to make, the kids can even do it themselves! Find the recipe online at capitalparent.ca.
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ACTIVE FAMILIES
Winter fun for kids of all ages
Hit the slopes!
BY ANDREA TOMKINS
I
f you’re not into skiing or sledding (did you catch the article on page 7?) and aren’t jetting away to some fabulous warm destination you may find the winter months a tough slog. Whether you embrace the cold or hate it with every fibre of your being, deep down inside you must know that the only way to get through winter is get out there and force yourself to enjoy it. At the very least, you’ll get some activity and your children will appreciate the company. So bundle up buttercup, and try one of these fun wintery activities with your kids.
BUILD A SNOW FAMILY
Have you ever tried blowing bubbles when the temperature dips below zero degrees? Try it! You might be surprised to see what happens.
This may seem self-explanatory, but we encourage you to think beyond carrot noses and pine-cone eyeballs next time the snow is just right. Think about adding scarves, toques, broomsticks, fancy tiaras… a little bit of imagina-
tion will add a lot of personality to members of your snow people. What about adding a snow dog with a leash? Or a snow cat?
HUNKER DOWN IN A SNOW FORT
Some toy stores sell handy molds for igloo-building, which are great, but a cleaned out recycling bin works really well too. If you choose to use a larger container, get dad in on the action. Having a little muscle will make the job go a little faster. Once it’s built, settle in for a mug of hot chocolate and enjoy the fruits of your labour.
SAY MUSH
Can you really call yourself a Canadian if you haven’t been pulled around by a pack of dogs? Dogsledding is possibly one of the most exciting Canadian adventures you can have during the winter months without hurtling down a hill at top speed. Fairmont Chateau Montebello (about an hour from Ottawa) offers up this unique winter experience for
guests and for daytime visitors. Dogsledding is up and running (no pun intended) until the snow melts, or mid-March (whichever comes first). Tickets can be purchased at the ski shop. For more information go to the Fairmont Montebello website at fairmont.com/montebello.
LACE UP THOSE SKATES
Dow’s Lake is a great access point for families. There’s a place to laceup, and you’re comfortably close to Beaver Tails. If the kids are too young to skate on their own, bundle them up and push them in the stroller or pull them in a sled. Check the NCC website for ice conditions before you head out, just in case. (bit.ly/199eaHb) If you’re keen to skate a little closer to home, check out the City of Ottawa’s list of indoor skating rinks (bit.ly/L8mSKW). It’s one of the cheapest winter activities to do as a family in a Ottawa. Admission is only $6.75 for two parents and two kids.
Any child in grade 4 or 5 (or who was born in 2003 or 2004) is eligible to apply for a SnowPass. It’s a great deal! The SnowPass allows kids in Grade 4 and Grade 5 to ski and ride three times at each participating ski area for only $29.95. For Ottawans, the closest hills include Calabogie Peaks Resort, Mount Pakenham, Camp Fortune, Edelweiss, Mont Cascades, and Ski Vorlage. It’s a great opportunity for kids to get out and do some downhill skiing or snowboarding. Applying for a SnowPass is easy. Visit the website at www.snowpass.ca, upload your child’s picture, enter your payment and their proof of age, and the SnowPass will be sent straight to your home. You can also pay a little extra to have your SnowPass sent to you via XpressPost so that you receive it sooner. Get the details on the SnowPass website.
Did you know that it’s mandatory for children aged 10 and under or weak skaters of any age, to wear a certified multi-impact helmet at all city of Ottawa public skating sessions at indoor arenas?
With themes like Summer Science, What’s Cookin’ Good Lookin’ and Art Attack, girls from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6 will experience unique challenges, develop new skills and make friends at Elmwood’s safe, active and fun camps!
March Break Camp: March 10 – 14
Summer Camps:
Weekly from June 16 – August 22 Camps run weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost is $290 per week and includes lunch, excursion or special guest, and a camp T-shirt.
Visit camp.elmwood.ca or call (613) 749-6761 for details and registration.
FEBRUARY 2014 9
FAMILY MATTERS
Thinking outside the box about musical instruments BY ANDREA TOMKINS
P
iano, violin, and guitar tend to be the kind of instruments that parents encourage their children to learn to play. Here are a few other options for kids who’d love to try their hand at playing music on their own but are keen to try something a little different. Maybe one of these instruments will appeal to your little musician?
TABLE HARP
Ukuleles are great instruments for kids. They’re light, portable, and perfect for small hands
Cue the angels! Full-sized harps are lovely to listen to, but just not a realistic choice for your young music lovers due to their size and cost. The table harp - also known as a melody harp or a lap harp – is a sweet little instrument. It’s very easy to play too. Just slide a special song sheet under the strings and pluck the string above each printed note. There is virtually no musical ability required to play a table harp, although musically challenged parents may have a tough time keeping it in tune. Recommended for children age four and up.
OCARINA
Legend of Zelda fans might recognize the pretty sound of the ocarina, a wind instrument that sounds flute-like but is more portable and a lot more affordable. Traditionally made from clay or ceramic, ocarinas are played by blowing into the instrument and covering or uncovering finger holes to produce notes. The word ocarina in the Bolognese dialect of the Italian language means “little goose.” Perhaps that’s a comment on this instrument’s funny shape. According to Wikipedia, the ocarina belongs to an ancient family of instruments that is believed to be over 12,000 years old. Ocarinas come in many shapes and sizes, but four hole ocarinas are best for beginners. Sheet music, fingering charts, daily exercises, and instructional videos are plentiful and can be found online. Children as young as five can learn to play a four-hole ocarina.
UKULELE
In some classrooms, the ukulele has
officially overthrown the recorder as the musical instrument of choice, and it’s easy to see why. Ukuleles are light, portable, and perfect for small hands. They’re pleasant to listen to as well, especially when a whole group is strumming along together. We recommend buying your “uke” in a dedicated music shop as a toy store ukulele might lack the quality of a good musical instrument. Inquire about a “soprano ukulele” as they’re smaller and better suited for younger students. Common wisdom is that children age 8 or 9 are the perfect age to learn to play, although many teachers bring ukuleles into the classroom much earlier. There are plenty of music and video tutorials online – which are great for motivated, self-directed learners – but it might be a good idea to sign up for lessons instead. Get a good recommendation for group lessons from your local music store (such as the Ottawa Folklore Centre) and your child will be “tip toeing through the tulips” in no time.
March Break Dance Camp March 10th - 14th,2014
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Westgate Mall, 1309 Carling Avenue, Lower Level www.capitalcitydance.ca • info@capitalcitydance.ca • 613-761-1515 Call to register & for more information. 10 FEBRUARY 2014 | c a p i t a l p a r e n t . c a |
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DIY
Make your own instrument using ordinary items around the house! Tambourine
Take two sturdy paper plates and decorate the back with crayons, stamps, or stickers. Staple them together. Use a hole punch to make holes around the circumference of the plates and tie jingle bells to the holes with colourful yarn. Shake to play!
Water xylophone
Fill sturdy drinking glasses or jars with varying amounts of water and food colouring, if desired. Note that different amounts of water result in different notes. To play, gently strike the glasses with a wooden spoon. Try experimenting with the amounts until you have the notes for a song you recognize, like Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.
PARENT TO PARENT
Sound advice… about music & dance lessons
W
e all know that music and dance lessons are great activities for children for many reasons – but we wanted to know what kind of lessons Ottawa kids are taking and how they’ve benefited. So we turned to Facebook to find out! Here’s what a few of you told us: Joy Kelly Mills: “My daughter has been taking dance classes (jazz, ballet, lyrical) at a studio for about three years. She is 12 now, and she loves it so much. Dancing has helped her with her self confidence and has been a great social activity for her. She has developed a real passion for stretching and choreographing her own dances. I hope she sticks with it… I was skeptical but she really wanted to sign up - I am so glad she talked me into it!” Mark Saunders: “Our girls have been in dance for 6 years and LOVE it. They are in the competitive dance team at Pointe of Grace Dance studio and it has been such an enriching experience. The mentoring with the older kids is remarkable and the discipline they have gained is extraordinary. And they are having so much fun! My son Aidan Saunders plays the ukulele. He has a couple of ukes and even has an electric ukulele.” Amanda DeGrace: “Monkey Rock music is fantastic! The class is full of fun, song, move-
ment and best of all interactive! My kids (ages 1 and 3) love these classes. They are introduced to musical instruments from all over the world and best of all there are so many songs that are familiar to the adults to sing along to.” Don Cooper: “Music since the age of 5... still going on... violin and piano for years, but expanded into guitar and saxophone as well. Dance for a few years as well. So worth it. It has built self confidence and discipline (daily practice builds patience in kids), and brought simple appreciation and happiness into all our lives. For music we have a teacher who comes to our house, which really saves on time. For dance, we went with Dance Alliance Ottawa, which was a great affordable school.” Mimi Golding: “Music and dance here ... Child Unit #3 - Violin through Music Box Studios and Valley Step Dancing through Pauline Brown’s School of Stepdancing (www.stepdancewithpauline.ca). She’s been in violin (her choice for her birthday prezzi last May after she saw a student teacher at her school do a presentation). Her teacher is marvelous and very very patient. How has she benefited ... she’s built on her blooming skills and has become more outgoing and confident, to the point that she’s applying for the school’s end-of-year show, instead of me sug-
gesting it. She’s learned to take a few more risks. In her words, she likes violin because she likes the instrument, and listening to the music, and she likes the challenge. She likes violin because other people don’t play it, and that’s what makes her a special person. She likes dance because she likes dance itself. It is pretty fun. And she likes dance because it is fast, so it’s pretty good for her. (I like it because we take the class together.) She took ukulele for a year, until her teacher moved away. What was really cool about that was that her teacher had encouraged her to write her own songs. My somewhat son takes piano. He’s been taking music for several years now because his mother wanted him to learn. He’s got a terrific ear, and learning the instrument has helped with his fine motor skills (writing is a challenge, typing is easier for him.) He really doesn’t love performing at recitals, though does like learning music from video games!”
Follow us at facebook. com/CapitalParent to connect with fellow parents and get the scoop about great family friendly events, recipes, and more.
Looking for a fun way to practice the piano? There’s an app for that! JoyTunes offers music-loving kids a series of free music apps that are activated when users play their own, real musical instruments. JoyTunes newest app, Piano Dust Buster 2.0, allows users to learn and play songs using their own piano or through the app’s virtual keyboard. The different game levels are actually musical lessons designed to develop a variety of important musical skills – from the production of a single note to the rhythm and timing of complete melodies. They can even compete with friends. Kids will find themselves entertained - and learning - at the same time. For more information go to: joytunes.com.
Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary Grades Before & after school supervision Extended French program Independant, non-profit co-ed school Extracurricular programs including: skating, gymnastics, dance, science, jiu jitsu & violin Low student-to-teacher ratio Advanced preschool literacy program
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Enriched curriculum: Music, Art, IT, French, Spanish
FEBRUARY 2014 11
KITCHEN INSPIRATION
Classroom treats to share on Valentine’s Day BY ANDREA TOMKINS
W
hether you’re the kind of family who purchases packaged Valentine’s Day cards for the class or makes them at home assembly-line style late the night before, many parents might agree that Valentine’s Day creates extra work at home during a very busy time of year. (We still think it’s worth it though!) But here’s the bigger question: do you send treats with the cards, or not? Parents are divided on the issue of sending treats alongside Valentine’s cards. Some parents embrace the candy and chocolate traditions that surround Valentine’s Day, while others are annoyed by the sudden influx of sugar. Regardless of where you stand on the issue, we recommend two things: asking your children’s teachers about their preferences, and sticking to your particular philosophy, whatever it may be. If you don’t like the idea of sending your child to school with two dozen candies, don’t. Who says Valentines need to be red? This Valentines orange is almost done. The next step involves decorating the tag with heartshaped stickers and glitter, and writing the recipient’s name on the back.
HEALTHY VALENTINE OPTIONS FOR THE CLASSROOM
Fruit makes a great snack to share with the class. Large navel oranges – like the one pictured at left – are a fun novelty but a crate of mandarins is more portable. They’re easy to
peel too. You can even Valentinify apples and bananas. (“You’re the apple of my eye” or “I’m bananas over you.”) Strawberries cut lengthwise are a fair approximation of a heart. You can spear a few on bamboo skewers too, although you may or may not want to point out the double meaning of skewered hearts. You can also cut heart shapes out of slices of watermelon and serve on a tray for a nice effect. Use a cookie cutter to speed up the process.
THE LESS HEALTHY
• •
• •
Snack sized candy bars, conversation hearts, a few Hershey’s kisses, hot lips, or cinnamon hearts can be tucked away in small baggies and distributed to classmates, but keep in mind that less is more. It’s not Halloween after all. It’s also a good idea to ask the teacher about any allergies in the classroom if you don’t already know about any food-related policies that may already be in place. Valentine’s Day flowers are fun to make with school-aged kids, and they’re easy to make too. (Pro tip: start early! If you start the card-making process a few days ahead of time, you’ll avoid the anxiety that comes with a looming deadline.) Begin by taking a trip to the store and picking up a bag of small lollipops. The ones with rounded tops work best for this one. • Go to capitalparent.ca and download the PDF
template and print it out on cardstock as many times as you need. You can also draw them freehand if you’re feeling creative. Cut out the flowers. Let the kids write the recipient’s name and decorate the flower with markers, stickers, or stamps. Alternately, you can also cut out green “leaves” and tape them to the lollipop stems and write the “TO” and “FROM” info there. Punch a hole in the middle of the flower and push the lollipop through. You’re done!
This sweet Valentine’s Day flower is easy to make for the classroom.
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Who are we?
We are a licensed nonprofit childcare agency who recognizes that not every family needs full-time, Monday to Friday childcare.
Where are we located? We have four locations. Central at 1150/1160 Carling Avenue: and, West in the Kanata North Business Park at 310/312 Legget Drive. What services do we offer?
From infants to school-age and then some. The “some” are our children with needs. We have continued care beyond the age of 12 and we strive to work with families who have greater challenges than a traditional family may have.
When are we open for care?
We operate 24 hours and 7 days a week. Our services are about your needs so we schedule the care you want for your family.
Why do we provide these services?
We believe that if your stress for flexible childcare can be reduced then the stress your child may feel from your anxiety over this may also be reduced.
We are different:
Quality and Service to the parent is as important to us as the work we do with your child on development and education.
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Testimonials:
“As parents we attribute much of Megan’s positive, confident and social spirit to TCP. Travelling with an oxygen cylinder, Megan was able to continue her routine by attending TCP. ” “Cindy & Steph have helped me so much with my irregular schedule. Kyandre has come so far in his development. He is signing more, and so close to walking. The staff has prepared him well for school. ”
PARENT TO PARENT
BY LYNN JATANIA
The Maven of Mayhem
A
Meet Amanda Jetté-Knox from The Maven of Mayhem
manda Jetté-Knox’s life is certainly full of mayhem – that’s what happens when you’re the mom to three boys, each with their own challenges, and still trying to figure out what you want to be yourself when you grow up. Luckily for us, Amanda is a maven at something else, too – laughter. In fact, many of her blog posts over at The Maven of Mayhem (www. themavenofmayhem.com) read like pitches for the next top-rated family sitcom. Her Adventures in Parenting can be sad, moving, tender, or just plain hard, but in the end, there’s amazing strength, warmth, wit, and most of all, love, to bring Amanda and her brood through to a happy ending. She says she’s shy in real life, but when she writes, her life is a wide-open book. No topic is off limits, be it her sassy running commentary on the neighbours walking by, her smart, shameless explorations of her own personality, or even her struggles with mental illness, her own and those of
her middle son. She makes everything light without being flippant, and despite having more parenting challenges than most, she manages to always find the heart and the funny bone. A blog post by the Maven is a complete story, and they all come together to tell a parenting tale that resonates. It’s almost impossible to read even a single entry and not feel like you absolutely know her – and trust us, you really, really want to know her. With her classic selfdeprecating tone of voice, a pinch of wacky and a healthy dash of moxie, the Maven is exactly the kind of firecracker you need to guide you through this thing we call life with optimism and cheer. It’s a long journey, but for every step backwards there’s always at least two steps forward, and Amanda is just the lady to point the way.
Noteable Quote Dear Boy Children From my Womb, I am trying to figure out how to have really good sex talks with you. And not just because that’s the type of discus-
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sion parents need to have with their kids because all the magazines and experts say we should. And not even because I think any previous sex talks have been lousy (I’m pretty sure they haven’t been. Have you met me?!). But lately, as you’ve gotten older and one of you is now dating and one of you is about to hit puberty and one of you is exposed to the mighty internet box and its confusing messages at a much younger age than I would like, I’m realizing I’m going to have to up my game a little. *hit’s gotten real around here. There is so much responsibility in raising a son. Maybe it’s different in some ways than raising a daughter, but it’s not without its challenges. I’ve learned so much about men while in the trenches of parenthood. You are far more sensitive and thoughtful than you let on by the time your voice deepens. You care deeply and you struggle with your own confidence issues. You definitely need a good female role model. I want nothing more than to be that role model.
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th14 r o N a t a n a K ning February 1 20 © 2004-2009 Viacom International Inc. The Backyardigans and all related titles, logos and characters are trademarks of Viacom International Inc. NELVANA™ Nelvana Limited. CORUS ™ Corus Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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FEBRUARY 2014 13
Top toy picks
top 5 books
best
BY ANITA GRACE
To find toys that can grow with children, parents often look for those with multiple interactive features that are increasingly complex. Testing families with the Canadian Toy Testing Council (CTTC) gave the B. Lively Woofer dog-shaped guitar a top three-star rating for its many play options. Young tots can make music simply by pressing buttons, while older children can learn to strum chords and pluck out tunes. Kids enjoy the quality sounds made by this brightly-coloured toy, and parents appreciate the volume control and auto shut-off.
1 F
ind these titles and other books, eBooks, music and DVD’s at the Ottawa Public Library. Your library card gives you free access to Freegal - songs from the Sony Music Catalogue and streaming access to classical and jazz through the Naxos Music Library and Naxos Music Library Jazz. Check it out at biblioottawalibrary.ca.
How to – Ballet: A step-by-step guide to the secrets of ballet, by Jane Hackett (Ages 7-10)
2
Giant Dance Party, by Betsy Bird (Ages 3-6)
Lexy loves to dance, but doesn’t like dance recitals. Stage fright makes her “freeze like an ice pop.” Her solution – become a dance teacher so she won’t have to perform! When five large, blue, fuzzy giants show up for dance lessons, Lexy rises to the challenge and teaches them her moves. But, what happens when giants get stage fright?
For information on this and other toys tested by the CTTC, visit toy-testing.org.
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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
This attractive volume is ideal for the new dancer and kids who love poring over books about ballet. Photographs of real children warming up, practicing positions and getting ready to perform are accompanied by brief descriptions outlining the moves and describing what it means to be a ballet dancer.
3
Jenneli’s Dance, by Elizabeth Denny (Ages 5-9)
Jenneli is a young Metis dancer, who is encouraged by her Grandma Lucee to enter a jigging contest at the local fair. Haida illustrator and animator Chris Auchter’s quirky illustrations add just the right amount of humour to this story about finding your place and your confidence.
There Was a Tree, by Rachel Isadora (Ages 3-6)
(in the Westboro shopping district)
613-761-6055
4
The familiar cumulative folk song “And the green grass grew all around, all around...” is given a beautiful African setting in this gorgeous picture book. Isadora’s collage artwork and fun rebus pictures give readers many different ways to approach the song. Music and lyrics are included.
When I Get Older: The story behind “Wavin’ Flag, by K’Naan (Ages 8-12)
Plan to succeed. Whatever your plans, our personalized approach to financial planning can help make them a reality. Let me help you provide for the people you care about… now and over time.
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The song “Wavin Flag” became famous at the 2010 FIFA World Cup and went on to become a universal song of hope and inspiration. K’Naan, the artist who wrote the song, shares his story of emigrating as a child from war-torn Somalia to Canada and how the power of poetry and song can make us strong. Kids will be able to relate and will definitely be inspired.
MP1766 (10/2011)
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FAMILY FUN
R E WO L F ME OU F R S A R E D I R R R I C E E OA UMN E T P F ND N I T N E L D F T G I F R R A L OV
C H O C O L A T E
F T T C T R V P L
ADMIRER GIFT CHOCOLATE FLOWERS CHERISH
VALENTINE CUPID ARROW LOVE FRIEND
OUR family
CaleNdaR The 36th Winterlude
edition
of
January 31 – February 17
There’s too much to say about Winterlude, and not nearly enough space to do it justice. It is the ultimate winter celebration – not to mention the pride of Ottawa – and much of it is totally free (which we love)! Skate on the Rideau Skateway, and enjoy ice carvings, shows, winter games, and more. Get the details and full schedule online at bit.ly/1dimWiB.
Winterlude Lunar Year Parade February 8
New
Celebrate the lunar New Year with Chinese lions, zodiac animals, drummers, and dancers in Chinatown. Warm up with dim sum or pho afterwards and help bring good fortune and ward off evil spirits! For details go to ottawachinatown.ca.
Valentine’s Day February 14 Heart-shaped pancakes, extra hugs and kisses, and breakfast in bed! (Oh wait. It’s on a Friday this year! Can we hold it back for a day?)
Kindness Week February 14 – 22
For one special week every year, the Ottawa Kindness Initiative asks Ottawans to choose to be kind. What will you do to commemorate? Get some ideas and share your stories of kindness on the official website at kindottawa.ca.
Funganza February 16
Shawn Phillips, Marie-Josée Klett and their eight-month-old daughter Elodie Phillips took advantage of recent fairytale
Valentine cupid arrow love friend admirer gift chocolate flowers cherish NDASAGE.CA. PHOTO BY AMANDA SAGE/ AMA
S L H S I R E H C
This event is definitely designed with families in mind, and we like the charitable component. Bring your kids for a fun afternoon at Funhaven, browse over 30 local family-oriented exhibitors, and check out a live show by the League
winter conditions to explore Mud Lake. The Gloucester-based family loves quality time outdoors, no matter what the season. When Elodie isn’t keeping her parents busy, Shawn runs design agency shift180 and Marie-Josée is a sports and family medicine doctor.
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are the weird people - poets, misfits, writers, mystics, “Blessed painters, troubadours - for they teach us to see the world through different eyes. ” - Jacob Nordby
of Superheroes and the Capital City Garrison. Admission to the show is free although regular price of the attractions still applies. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Children’s Wish Foundation. The first 300 participants will receive a goodie bag at the entrance. The event runs from 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and parking is free.
Family Day February 17
It seems a little silly, because all parents already know that every day is family day – at least in theory – but let’s put this day to good use and celebrate with a special activity anyway! Note that libraries, most malls and grocery stores are closed on Family Day, along with banks, beer, and liquor stores. Buses run on a reduced schedule as well. Most movie theatres, live performance theatres, museums, and galleries are open but we recommend double checking before heading out. Follow the Capital Parent Facebook page (www.facebook.com/CapitalParent) for special Family Day event listings as we get closer to the date.
dib and dob and the journey home February 17-22
The NAC presents this comic adventure
about two brothers who are lost and found. Dib and Dob – always arguing in their unique Twinspeak – must overcome obstacles and conquer their fears in order to find their way back home. (nac-cna.ca)
Eat cupcakes, help animals February 24
The Ottawa Humane Society has joined National Cupcake Day™ for SPCAs & Humane Societies, and is looking for volunteers to help raise funds by baking cupcakes in exchange for much needed donations for the animals. Can’t bake? No problem. You can make a donation online or visit one of the two Cupcake Lounge locations in Ottawa on February 24. Proceeds from cupcake sales will also help animals in need. Isn’t that sweet! For more information go to ottawahumane.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.
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It’s free! capitalparent.ca/ email-update/ FEBRUARY 2014 15
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