December 2011 Island Parent by Island Parent Group

The Resource Publication for Vancouver Island Parents

Island Parent December 2011

Ways to Give The Gift of Song Fabulous Finds Christmas Recipes

Great Gift Ideas

Holiday Happenings For the Birds: A Christmas Craft The Real Life Play House

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4636 Elk Lake Dr. 250.475.7600 Register NOW for Winter/Spring programs!

The City of Victoria offers a full schedule of drop-in skating sessions for all members of your family from beginners to seniors and everyone in between. Drop the kids off for an Everyone Welcome skate, or join them for a Family Skate. Skates and helmets are available for rental, or bring your own. Hockey fan? Drop-in for Shinny Hockey Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon. Full gear required. Visit www.victoria.ca/arena for schedule, fee and monthly Free Skates Information.

The Christmas Tradition Continues

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675 Belleville St. 250-480-4887 imaxvictoria.com

December 2011

Contents: December 2011 Articles

”A book is a present you can open again and again.” Mary Engelbreit

Best Christmas Pageant Ever

by Barbara Robinson

Home for Christmas

by Jan Brett

Llama Llama Holiday Drama by Anna Dewdney

Scrawny Little Tree

by Ed Mehler

Snowed Under by Serge Bloch

The Children’s Bookshop

New Books for Preschoolers to Young Adults Beacon & 4th in Sidney (Beside Tanner’s Books) 250-656-2345 Open 8am–9pm 2

Island Parent Magazine

Christmas Goodies .........................................................................................8 Holiday Happenings ....................................................................................10 ’Tis the Season for Family Learning .............................................................13 The Gift of Song...........................................................................................14 For the Birds ................................................................................................15 Green Christmas ..........................................................................................16 Ways to Give ................................................................................................18 Great Gift Ideas............................................................................................20 The Real Life Play House .............................................................................26 Songs of the Night Sky .................................................................................28 8 Tips to Help Kids Who Stutter ..................................................................29 Fabulous Finds .............................................................................................30 An Heirloom of Tears ..................................................................................40 Surviving the Teen Years ..............................................................................42

Columns Editor’s Note ..................................................................................................3 Dadspeak .....................................................................................................44 Healthy Families; Happy Families ................................................................46 Just Eat It! ....................................................................................................48 Book Nook ..................................................................................................50 Is There an App for This? .............................................................................52 New Parent Pages.........................................................................................56 Maternity & Beyond ....................................................................................61 Nature Notes ...............................................................................................62 Cut It Out ....................................................................................................64

Departments IPM Notes......................................................................................................4 Party Directory.......................................................................................24, 25 Family Calendar ...........................................................................................32 Around the Island ........................................................................................38 Family Services Directory .......................................................................54, 55 Preschool & Child Care Directory .........................................................58, 59 Business & Professional Directory................................................................60 Island Parent Magazine, produced by Island Parent Group Enterprises Ltd., is a monthly publication that honours and supports parents by providing information on resources and businesses for families, and a forum for the exchange of ideas and opinions. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher. Letters (max 250 words) should be emailed to the Editor at editor@islandparent.ca. No material herein may be reproduced without the permission of the Editor. Unsolicited manuscripts are welcome and should be emailed to editor@islandparent.ca. Island Parent Magazine is distributed free in selected areas. Subscriptions can be obtained by sending $28.00 (HST included) with your name and address to the address below. Canada Post: Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement 40051398.

Island Parent Magazine Suite A-10, 830 Pembroke St, Victoria, BC V8T 1H9 Tel: 250-388-6905 Fax: 250-388-6920 Website: www.islandparent.ca

Partner Website: www.kidsinvictoria.com On the Cover: Photo by Michelle Loewen Photography: michelleloewenblog.com or 250-661-2464

President, Publisher: Paul Abra Vice-President: Anna Abra Director, Production Manager: Mada Moilliet Editor: Sue Fast Advertising Sales: Paul Abra, Glenn Harbison Publisher’s Assistant: Linda Frear Bookkeeping: Elaine Francis Distribution: Anna Abra, Ted Dawe (Mid-Island) Founders: Jim Holland & Selinde Krayenhoff Production: Eacrett Graphic Design Printed at Island Publishers Cover printed at Hillside Printing ISSN 0838-5505

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25 Days & Ways to Make Merry This Month 1st. Celebrate the Christmas Light-Up at the Parliament Buildings from 4:30-5:30pm with carols and cocoa on the front lawn. 2nd. Salute the Sea of Lights Boat Parade, leaving Royal Victoria Yacht Club at 6:45pm, passing Cattle Point at 7pm, Willows Beach at 7:15pm, then back past Gyro Park at 7:45pm. Visit www.rvyc.bc.ca. 3rd. See the I.E.O.A. Truck Light Parade and Food Drive, leaving Ogden Point at 5:45pm, winding through Oak Bay, downtown and along Douglas Street to Western Speedway. Visit www.ieoa.ca. 4th. Make a wreath with a CRD Parks Naturalist at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park nature centre. Drop in from 11am-3pm. Visit www. crd.bc.ca/parks. 5th. Catch Carolling Week at City Hall where school choirs perform their favourite Christmas carols from noon-12:40pm. 6th. Enjoy Esquimalt Celebration of Lights in Esquimalt Plaza with a parade and Plaza light-up from 6-8pm. 250-412-8511. 7th. Ice skate ($2) at Centennial Square, MonWed from noon-5pm; Thurs-Sat, noon-8pm; Sundays, 11am-5pm; holidays, 11am-3pm. Skate rentals available on site. 8th. Try baking the winning recipe from our Christmas Goodies contest, Espresso Hazelnut Shortbread Cookies, on page 8. 9th. Be spellbound at Milner Christmas Magic, a family-oriented festival of lights, music and storytelling at Milner Garden. Bring a flashlight. Phone 250-752-6153. 10th. Enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas in Old Town and visit Santa (11:30am-4:30pm, Thurs-Mon) at the Royal BC Museum, open daily from 10am-5pm. Visit www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca. 11th. Christmas in the City at Christ Church Cathedral presents music, dance and spoken word from 2-3pm. $5 suggested donation. 250-838-2714. 12th. Attend the Salvation Army Toy Drive at the Royal Theatre and enjoy the Christmas concert featuring the Naden Band at 7:30pm. $7 + an unwrapped toy. Phone 1-888-717-6121. 13th. See Jim Carrey’s “The Grinch” at Christmas Starlight Cinema outside on the Harbour Patio at the Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort at 6pm. Donations accepted for Santas Anonymous. Visit www.deltavictoria.com.

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14th. Enjoy a Free Horse-Drawn Trolley Ride downtown. Saturdays 11am-2pm, Sundays 12-3pm. For route information, visit www. downtownvictoria.ca. 15th. Support Habitat for Humanity at the annual Gingerbread Build at the Inn at Laurel Point from 10am-6pm. Vote for your favourite and make a donation. Visit www.laurelpoint. com/news/christmas.

The Spirit of the Season Christmas in Old Town

Father Christmas Comes to the Royal BC Museum

Editor’s Note SUE FAST 16th. Feed the birds. For how-to tips, check out “For the Birds” on page 15. 17th. Watch A Christmas Carol in Market Square at one of two free performances at noon and 2pm. 18th. Get creative at Family Sunday from 24pm at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria with hands-on artmaking exploring the West Coast winter landscapes. Visit aggv.ca. 19th. Discover early Victorian Christmas traditions at Helmcken House Old-Fashioned Christmas, 12-4pm. Visit www.royalbcmuseum. bc.ca. 20th. Happy first day of Hanukkah. 21st. See the Live Nativity Scene, running four times nightly on Dec 21, 22 and 23 at 6:30, 7, 7:30 and 8pm at Topaz Park. Free. 22nd. Experience Christmas at the Castle, when Craigdarroch Castle is decorated for Christmas and featuring music, activities and children’s performances. Visit www.craigdarrochcastle.com. 23rd. Hop aboard The Christmas Express at the BC Forest Discovery Centre, from 4-9pm (train leaves every 20 minutes from 4:308:30pm). Visit Santa, dance to live music, and make a Christmas tree craft in the schoolhouse. www.discoveryforest.com. 24th. Marvel in the magic at Butchart Gardens at the 25th annual Magic of Christmas until Jan 6. You’ll find tens of thousands of coloured lights, seasonal decorations and an outdoor ice skating rink. Visit www.butchartgardens.com. 25th. Have a Merry Christmas!

Carol Along With the Carillon

Helmcken House Old-Fashioned Christmas

Make the most of your museum

OUR gift TO YOU. Buy one membership, get another at

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December 1 – 31, 2011* With a jam-packed 2012 exhibition schedule, it’s a great time to be a member! * See website for details.

December 2011

IPM Notes Gingerbread Build Christmas is here and Habitat for Humanity’s gingerbread houses are now on display at the Inn at Laurel Point. Revel in the delightful simplicity of annual traditions; no gaudy decorations or blaring carols here, just festive décor and the magic of gingerbread. Feast your eyes and nose on the creative inspirations constructed from gingerbread. More than houses, they are sculptures and unique works of art created by local chefs—professional, corporate and amateur. Vote for your favourite and make a donation to Habitat for Humanity Victoria. A spirit-rousing experience, the gingerbread build will leave a lasting impression and your mouth watering. From November 25 to January 2, 10am-6pm. For information, visit www.laurelpoint.com/news/christmas.

Consignment Holiday Toy Sale Victoria Kids Consignment is holding a Holiday Toy Sale December 3 and 4 at St. Joseph’s Elementary School Gym (Burnside W. & MacKenzie). This special holiday sale will be just like Santa’s workshop. You will be certain to

find toys, books, movies, CDs, exersaucers, games, puzzles, bikes, outdoor play equipment and more for infants to tweens. There will also be holiday-themed clothing, so snag your little one’s Christmas dress/outfit at a fraction of the original price. Admission to the Holiday Toy Sale is $1 which will go to the CFAX Santas Anonymous Christmas Hamper Program. Money raised will be used to purchase gifts for children in need. The Holiday Toy Sale runs December 3 from 1-6pm, and December 4 (half-price sale) from 9am-1pm. Purchases may be made with Visa, MasterCard, debit or cash. Visit www.victoriakidsconsignment.ca for more information.

St. John the Divine’s Christmas Pageant Children 12 years of age or younger are invited to be a part of the Christmas celebrations at St. John the Divine Anglican Church, 1611 Quadra Street. Sing with the children’s choir, or dress up and play a part in the Christmas pageant. No experience necessary and professional instruction is available. Rehearsals start Dec 4, so please reply by December 1. Phone 250-383-7169, e-mail admin@stjohnthedivine.bc.ca or visit www.stjohnthedivine.bc.ca.

Classical Christmas Concert Victoria Children’s Choir presents its Classical Christmas Concert on Monday, December 5 at 7pm at Christ Church Cathedral. Let holiday joy and youthful spirit fill your heart as the choir presents the 11 festive choral movements of Benjamin Britten’s “Ceremony of Carols.” As part of the celebration, choristers will also sing Britten’s “St Nicholas Cantata.” The rich harmonies, amplified throughout Christ Church Cathedral, promise an exceptional evening of song that will inspire warm holiday memories. Gather with friends, family, and the Victoria Children’s Choir for the perfect start to your month of holiday celebrations. The Victoria Children’s Choir is made up of girls and boys aged eight to 18. The choir sings a wide-ranging repertoire, with music from many countries, centuries and styles. The choir was formed in 2001, under the direction of Madeleine Humer, to provide local children with an opportunity to achieve musical excellence, and to share the joy of choral music with audiences on Vancouver Island and beyond. Concert tickets are available at the door or may be purchased at various locations. For more information, phone 250-721-0856 or visit www.victoriachildrenschoir.ca.

YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS HOLIDAY CAMPS 2012

Camps run December 19 – 23 and December 27 – 30 • West Shore Parks and Recreation • Greenglade Community Centre • Braefoot Community Association

van.island@sportball.ca

Island Parent Magazine

www.sportball.ca

250.590.4625

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Christmas Cinema Under the Stars Sit back, relax and escape to another world for an hour or two at the Christmas Starlight Cinema. Every Tuesday and Wednesday before Christmas in December, watch a free Christmas movie under the stars on the Harbour Patio at the Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort and Spa (45 Songhees Road). Bring your own blanket and lawn chairs and get in the seasonal spirit. Heaters outside will help keep you warm and you’ll find a kiosk selling hot chocolate and goodies. All movies start at 6pm. Donations are being accepted for Santas Anonymous. The movie line-up includes: Miracle on 34th Street (Dec 6), White Christmas (Dec 7), Jim Carrey’s The Grinch (Dec 13), Home Alone (Dec 14), A Christmas Carol (Dec 20), and It’s a Wonderful Life (Dec 21). For more information, phone 250-360-2999 or visit www.deltavictoria.com.

Family Christmas Sing Along For the Victoria Philharmonic Choir, the most magical part of its annual Christmas performance is when conductor Peter Butterfield invites children in the audience to come up front and sing the melodies of traditional carols, enfolded in the background harmonies of the 50-voice adult choir. This year’s concert is on Saturday, December 10 at 7pm, in the Church of St. John the Divine, 1611 Quadra Street. To make it easier for the little ones to participate, the first couple rows will be reserved for small children and their parents, though all seating is first-come, first-served. The concert portion of the evening features Vaughan Williams’ “Fantasia on Christmas Carols,” with special guests baritone Bernard Turgeon and cellist Pamela Highbaugh Aloni. David Stratkauskas provides the majestic organ accompaniment. Adults $20; children 12 and under accompanied by a ticket holder will be admitted free, but must have their own ticket. Advance tickets recommended, available from Ivy’s Books, Cadboro Bay Books, La Tavola Kitchenware boutique and Long & McQuade Music in Victoria, and Tanner’s Books in Sidney. Doors open at 6:30pm. For more information, visit www.vpchoir.ca.

Eagle Extravaganza The end of the salmon run is a signal to the Bald Eagles that it is time to return to Goldstream for their annual salmon feast. Record numbers of Bald Eagles have been

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Dec 7 Twiggly Wiggly Dec 14 HOORAY with Cory James Dec 21 Let’s Make Music & Move Dec 28 Tickles the Clown

December 2011

Theatre & Drama Classes • Specialized classes for children 4–12 years • Teen Classes and Performance Programs • Home Learner Drama Program • Private coaching and custom workshops available • Adult classes and coaching • Small class size • Professional teaching staff • Fun, supportive environment • Central location Registering now for Winter/Spring 2012 programs Classes begin Jan 3rd. Gift certificates available.

Ski & Snowboard Free With a Grade 4 & 5 SnowPass

250-386-8593

Grade 4 and 5 kids can ski and snowboard for free this winter, courtesy of the Canadian Ski Council. The Grade 4 & 5 SnowPass program offers Canadian school children enrolled in Grades 4 and 5, or born in 2001 or 2002, up to three free days of skiing or snowboarding at participating ski areas. The Grade 4 & 5 SnowPass booklet includes up to three ski-free coupons at each ski area, and discounts or rebates on lessons and equipment rentals. The SnowPass program also offers a “Tell-a-Friend” referral contest. Any SnowPass applicant who refers another child to the program will be entered into a draw to win prizes including Sport Chek gift certificates, ski/snowboard lift passes, and equipment and apparel. Grade 4 & 5 SnowPass applications are available online at www.snowpass.ca, through Grade 4 and 5 elementary school teachers, and at Sport Mart, Sport Chek, Sports Experts and Intersport stores across the country.

845 Fisgard St.

katerubin@telus.net www.katerubintheatre.com

Dr. Ellen Laine Doctor of Chiropractic

Care for Babies, Children, Women During Pregnancy and Families • • • • •

Headache, jaw pain Neck, shoulder and arm pain Upper back, mid back and low back pain Hip, leg, knee and foot pain May help with Colic, Asthmatic Conditions and Ear Infections • Posture and Spinal Checkups

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595-3989 6

returning to the park—up to 276 in one day—for the past three winters. This winter, from early December until late January, Goldstream Provincial Park’s Visitor Centre will be celebrating the return of the Bald Eagles with special programs and exhibits focusing on birds of prey. Keeping the Visitor Centre open at this time of year is due entirely to public support from donations at the door. School programs by donation occur throughout the week (teachers must book ahead). Check out the weekend and holiday activities, too—something for the kids when school is out. Don’t forget to make a track-print card or wrapping paper to take home for Christmas. Hot coffee and baked goods are available at the Visitor Centre, and the fire is usually lit for you to warm up by after a nice walk along the river. Open 9am-4:30pm daily (closed Christmas day). For more information, phone 250-478-9414 or visit www. goldstreampark.com.

Island Parent Magazine

Kaleidoscope Theatre’s 2012 Family Theatre Series Give the gift of theatre this holiday season with Kaleidoscope’s Family Theatre Series, four dynamic shows, perfect for the whole family. Mini Masterpieces (Jan 15), Hansel and Gretel (Feb 19), The Wizard of Oz (Mar 4), and The Three Musketeers (Apr 15), all

performed at the Metro Studio Theatre on select Sundays at 2pm. Get lost in the world of classic literature with Monster Theatre’s Mini Masterpieces: four short adaptations including Canadian Wonder Tales by Cyrus Macmillan, A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court by Mark Twain, Tales from the Arabian Nights, and Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter. What could be better than a fairy tale, told in song? Vancouver Opera’s Hansel and Gretel is brought to life in an enchanting English adaptation of Englebert Humperdinck’s full-length opera. A perfect introduction to opera for young audiences. Journey off to the Land of Oz with all of your favorite characters in Erewhon Theatre’s The Wizard of Oz. Adventure awaits you along the Yellow Brick Road; just as long as you don’t run into the Wicked Witch. The “nearly world-famous” DuffleBag Theatre’s The Three Musketeers has wowed audiences of all ages in theatres, festivals and schools across the country. A hilarious experience for all and perfect introduction to the classics. Tickets at the McPherson Box Office, 250386-6121. For more information, please visit www.kaleidoscope.bc.ca.

Cultivating Tomorrow’s Environmental Leaders Every day in communities across Canada, young people actively demonstrate their passion for the environment through the important work they do. They are emerging as tomorrow’s environmental leaders and advocates. Toyota Canada and the Toyota Canada Foundation in partnership with Earth Day Canada established the Toyota Earth Day Scholarship Program to help cultivate and nurture this environmental leadership. The scholarship encourages and rewards graduating Canadian high school students who have distinguished themselves through environmental community service, extracurricular and volunteer activities, and academic excellence. The Earth Day Scholarship is offered to students entering their first year of postsecondary studies in the discipline of their choice, to prepare themselves for the career of their choice. The scholarship grants 20 awards of $5,000 each annually, to be applied directly towards tuition and other educational expenses for the first year of post-secondary

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full-time studies in Canada. To apply, visit www.earthday.ca/scholarship. The application deadline is January 31, 2012.

A Very Vancouver Christmas If you are looking for a winter getaway that’s a little closer to home, look no further than a ferry ride away. Throughout December, the Vancouver Hotel Destination Association (VHDA)—which includes 29 hotels in the downtown Vancouver area—is recognizing the budget-conscience family through a unique tool for travelers. “A Very Vancouver Xmas” is a website that offers a family holiday adventure without the alarming price tag. Bustling with spectacular light shows and displays, mountain adventures, markets and trolley tours, Vancouver is the perfect place to visit at Christmas time. For a good source of free and inexpensive attractions, visit www.VeryVancouverXmas.com. With a hotel and activity booking system that allows reserving the best seasonal sights and accommodations with ease, the website has the best rates on hotels and events such as the Christmas Market and Bright Nights in Stanley Park. A Very Vancouver Xmas runs throughout December.

Ready to Rent BC Ready to Rent BC is an innovative program created to help families that are having trouble finding and maintaining affordable housing in Victoria’s tough rental market. The program offers a fun, friendly and accommodating learning environment that includes bus tickets to get to and from the course, childminding and a healthy snack. The course runs weekly over six weeks with two-hour sessions at convenient times and locations throughout the community. During the Ready to Rent BC course, participants set housing goals and make a commitment to reach those goals. They get help with rental applications, learn about budgeting and receive information about dealing with credit and credit ratings. They learn about the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords based on B.C. tenancy laws and are coached in how to present themselves to potential landlords. Plus they develop a list of references. Ready to Rent BC staff members are available for ongoing one-on-one support during and after the course. The program is available through the support of BC Housing, CRD Housing, United Way, Vancity, and Vancouver Foundation. To register, phone 250-388-7171.•

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December 2011

Christmas Goodies Thank you to everyone who entered our Christmas Goody Contest. The winning entry— Espresso Hazelnut Shortbread Cookies—in the draw for a $50 gift certificate is printed below, along with a few other sweet treats. To seem more of the entries, and to become a VIP member of the the Kids In Victoria/Island Parent newsletter subscribers’ list and be eligible for special contests and coupons, please visit www.islandparent.ca.

Espresso Hazelnut Shortbread Cookes Shortbread cookies: 11⁄4 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup butter, softened 1⁄4 cup cornstarch

1 cup hazelnuts, finely chopped 1⁄2 cup sugar 1 Tbsp of instant coffee, hazelnut or regular

With handPreheat oven to 350˚F. Measure all ingredients into a large mixing bowl. spatula. with bowl Scrape . blended until just held mixer at low speed, beat mixture 2 porinto dough Divide . blended well until beat ; medium to Increase mixer speed a lightly floured On hours. 2 for ate Refriger wrap. plastic in portion each Wrap tions. ng portion). surface, roll half of dough into a 9"x 6" rectangle (refrigerate remaini each strip cut then strips, long four into ise With a sharp knife, cut dough lengthw in the design ss criss-cro a mark lightly 1 knife, of side dull With . into six 1 ⁄2" squares ed ungreas an on shortbread squares, or make other designs. Place cookies 1" apart lightly until , minutes 10–12 for baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough. Bake browned. Cool cookies on rack. Dip cookies iin chocolate. Chocolate Dip: 1 cup semisweet chocolate morsels 2 Tbsp milk

1 Tbsp butter

tly to blend Melt chocolate in a double boiler or over very low heat, stirring constan Dip baked cool. to allow not do in butter and milk. Set over pan of hot water and sets, then te chocola until paper ent parchm or cookies into mixture. Set on wire rack 4 dozen about Makes week. one to up for er contain air-tight refrigerate Store in . cookies Sent in by Trisha B.

Hershey’s Kiss Cookies There’s a Christmas surprise in each

cookie!

1 cup of butter 1⁄2 cup sugar 2 cups of sifted flour 1 tsp of vanilla 1 cup of finely chopped nuts (pecans) 12–18 Hershey’s Kisses, dependin g on how large you make the cook ies Beat sugar, butter and vanilla unti l fluffy. Add flour and nuts and mix well. Using 1 tsp of dough per kiss, put 1 (unwrapp ed) kiss into dough ball and cover completely with dough. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 375˚F for 12 minutes. DO NOT BROWN. Sprinkle with conf ectionary sugar. Sent in by Pam M.

Island Parent Magazine

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Nutmeg Meltaways These are excellent for the holiday season—very festive tasting! 1 cup butter (no substitutes) 1 tsp vanilla 3⁄4 cup ground almonds, toasted 1 Tbsp ground nutmeg

1⁄2 cup sugar 2 cups flour 1 cup icing sugar

In a mixing bowl, cream the butter, sugar and vanilla together. Gradua lly add the flour, mix well. Stir in the almonds and shape into 1" balls. Place 2" apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake at 300ºF for 18–20 minutes, or until bottoms are lightly browned. Cool on wire racks. Combine icing sugar and nutmeg; gently roll cooled cookies in sugar mixture. Makes 3 dozen. Sent in by Charlene K.

Reindeer Crunchies This quick and easy recipe is more than 50 years old. It is still enjoyed every Christmas. cup cocoa 1⁄2 cup butter 1 cup coconut 1 tsp vanilla

1⁄2

by my family

cup milk 2 cups sugar 3 cups oatmeal

1⁄2

, oatmeal Boil the first four ingredients in a pan for 5 minutes. Stir in the coconut Makes 3 dozen. cool. to Allow nfuls. teaspoo by paper waxed on Place vanilla. and Enjoy. Sent in by B. Tritt

Here’s a recipe that is a favourite in my household. It allows for customizing by switching the nuts and dried fruit according to your preferences. Enjoy! 1 cup butter, at room temperature cup granulated sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract 23⁄4 cups all purpose flour 11⁄4 tsp baking soda 1 cup chopped nuts (I use almonds)

• Victoria’s first and only program to offer an interactive, activitybased and fun learning environment in French! • Weekly French classes for tots, children and adults • Toddlers get an early start speaking, understanding and playing in French • Our preschool classes are great for French Immersion kindergarten readiness!

Fruitcake Bars

1⁄4

Learn to speak, play and live in French through songs, stories, crafts, dance and rhymes

1 cup packed brown sugar 2 Tbsp honey 1 egg 1⁄2 tsp salt 1 cup dried fruit (I use raisins, apricots peel) 1 Tbsp rum or 11⁄2 tsp rum extract

Preheat oven to 375˚F. In mixing bowl, cream butter, sugars and honey. Add eggs, vanilla and rum/extract. In small bowl combine flour, salt and baking soda. Add to creamed mixture and stir till combined. Stir in fruit and nuts. Bake in a lined 9" baking pan for 35 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes in pan before slicing. Sent in by Kristy G.

• Ask about our classes designed specifically for students (and parents!) in French Immersion and Francophone programs • Unique French educational resources and merchandise • Tutoring, parties, camps and more

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December 2011

Holiday Happenings Ways to Make Merry This Holiday Season All aboard The Christmas Express at the BC Forest Discovery Centre. The Christmas Express runs December 9-11, and December 16-23 from 4-9pm (train leaves every 20 minutes from 4:30 to 8:30). Ride behind Samson, the museum’s 1910 steam train, through festive light displays and exhibits in the forest and on the trestle. Visit with Santa Claus, dance to live Christmas music, make a Christmas tree craft in the schoolhouse, watch the model train display and warm up with hot chocolate or a snack in Train Station Treats. In Duncan at 2892 Drinkwater Road. Visit www.discoveryforest.com or phone 250-715-1113. Butchart Gardens presents the 25th annual Magic of Christmas from Dec 1-Jan 6. The Gardens are dressed up with tens of thousands of coloured lights and seasonal decorations. Miles of fresh evergreen swags and wreaths, holly, ivy and winter berries

Island Parent Magazine

adorn the walkways and lamp posts. See the Twelve Days of Christmas displays

around the 307 sq. m. outdoor ice skating rink. Skate times run on the hour during admission hours and last for 40 minutes. Skate rentals available, children’s helmets on loan. Check the website for scheduled ice rink performances. Garden hours from Dec 1-Jan 6, 9am-9pm, except Christmas Day when the hours are 1-9pm. Kids can bring a paper snowflake to the visitor info centre to exchange for a hot chocolate coupon. Visit www.butchartgardens.com or phone 250-652-4422. Craigdarroch Castle is decorated for the Christmas season through the month of December. The rooms are presented in traditional Victorian fashion with original period toys peeking out from under the Christmas trees. There will be a variety of music, activities and children’s performances from Dec 14-31, including A Christmas Carol, Family Night, Visit With Father Christmas, and more. Closed Dec 25 and 26. Visit www.craigdarrochcastle.com or call 250-592-5323.

tucked into the landscape. Get into the Christmas mood with traditional carollers and the festive brass music. Take a whirl

Every year the Festival of Trees transforms the Fairmont Empress Hotel into a lush forest of beautifully decorated trees to raise funds for BC Children’s Hospital.

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Free Horse-Drawn Trolley Rides. Enjoy a classic downtown tradition with your family this holiday season. Every weekend, horse-drawn trolleys will circulate throughout downtown making it easy to take in all of the sights and sounds of the Christmas celebrations. The trolleys are free of charge, compliments of the Downtown Victoria Business Association. Two free trolleys will circulate on a pre-set route throughout the downtown with four stops at: Store Street and Chatham (in front of Ocean River Sports); Johnson Street near Wharf (in front of Willie’s Bakery); Langley Street at Bastion Square (across from Rebar); and Government Street at Fisgard (in front of CRD Plaza). Free trolley rides run Nov 26-Dec 18 on Saturdays 11am-2pm, and Sundays 12-3pm. For more information on entertainment in the downtown area, visit www.downtownvictoria.ca.

Pre-Primary School positive school experience for 3 to 5 year olds

Hands-On Home-Learning teacher support, expense budget and hands-on activities for home learners

Elementary School Middle School choice based learning with increasing challenges and self-directed opportunities in a multiaged setting

http://oakandorca.ca 250-383-6609

As sponsors of this event, local businesses, organizations and individuals decorate the trees—in a sometimes wacky, often irreverent and always beautiful fashion. This season, up to 75 trees are on display throughout the Empress until January 6, 2012. Come browse through a holiday wonderland and cast a ballot for your favourite tree. Port Alberni and Sooke are hosting their third annual Festival of Trees, in Port Alberni at the Best Western Barclay Hotel, and in Sooke at the Prestige Oceanfront Resort Sooke and SEAPARC Leisure Complex. Trees will be displayed until Jan 6, 2012.

3 certified programs where children learn at their own pace

Live Nativity Scene. The First Christmas, an outdoor Nativity pageant, features Wise Men from the east, Angel Gabriel, shepherds with flocks, an innkeeper, King Harrod with his soldiers, townspeople, Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus. This outdoor depiction of the Christmas story runs four times nightly on Dec 21, 22 and 23 at 6:30, 7, 7:30 and 8pm at Topaz Park, between Quadra and Blanshard. Parking is available at S.J. Willis school and the park’s lot off Quadra. Free. Market Square offers a variety of free seasonal entertainment that’s ideal for families. The Island Ukulele Players put a tropical twist on Christmas on Dec 3, 11:30am12:30pm. Tuba Christmas is on Dec 3 at 1-3pm. More than 60 tuba players come together to perform seasonal favourites in a big way. The Greater Victoria Concert Band fills the Square with holiday magic on Saturday, Dec 10 at 1-3pm. Also, come see www.IslandParent.ca

December 2011

Ginger-B’s big gingerbread house in Market Square courtyard. www.marketsquare.ca or 250-386-2441. Christmas in the Village at the Saanich Historical Artifacts Society on Dec 9-11 and Dec 16-18 is put on by the Vancouver Island Model Engineers. Ride the train, visit Santa, vote for your favourite display, and enjoy entertainment, storytime and refreshments. From 5-8pm. 7321 Lochside Drive. Milner Christmas Magic at Milner Gardens and Woodland in Qualicum Beach. Walk through twinkling trees glowing with dazzling lights, listen to live music and visit Santa. Storytelling and refreshments onsite; this is a perfect winter outing for families. December 2-4, 9am-11pm, and December 16-21, 5-8:30pm. Admission is by donation. For more information or enterainment schedule, visit www.milnergardens.org or call 250-752-6153. Enjoy a Performance. Dance Victoria presents The Nutcracker by the Alberta Ballet with the Victoria Symphony. At the Royal Theatre on Dec 2 and 3 at 7:30pm and Dec 3 and 4 at 2pm. Visit www.rmts.bc.ca.

The Naden Band Christmas Concert supports the annual Salvation Army Toy Drive. At the Royal Theatre on Dec 12, 13 and 14 at 7:30pm. Tickets are $7 plus an unwrapped toy at the door. Visit www. rmts.bc.ca.

The Peninsula Players present Robin Hood: A Pantomime. Based on the rivalry between Robin Hood and Sheriff of Nottingham, this performance is for the entire family. Audience participation will be required to ensure that good will eventually triumph over evil. For young and old alike. Various venues. Brentwood Bay The Centre Dec 9-11; Berwick Theatre, Royal Oak, Dec 16-18; Mary Winspear Centre Dec 21-23 and 27-29. Visit peninsulaplayers.bc.ca. Chemainus Theatre’s Countryside Christmas is a warm, laughter-filled holiday con-

cert runs until Dec 31. Meet the Cornwalls family in their country cottage on Christmas Eve as they share their family, holiday cheer and songs with you including classic Christmas songs, as well as songs from James Taylor, John Denver, Karen Carpenter and more. Visit www.chemainustheatrefestival. ca or call 1-800-565-7738. The Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular at the Cedar Community Hall on Dec 718 at 3pm and 7pm is an extravaganza of music, dance, lights and decorations, including a medley of 50s hits showcasing Buddy Holly and Richie Valens, along with Michael Jackson hits, songs from Dirty Dancing and Flashdance, The Nutcracker ballet, and many Christmas favourites. The Dec 13 and 14 performances are at 7pm at the Old Church Theatre in Courtenay at 755 Harmston Avenue. For info and tickets phone Port Theatre at 250-754-8550. The Port Theatre features a number of Christmas performances and concerts, including A Brassy Christmas by the Beacon Hill Brass and Malaspina Choir on Dec 3 at 7:30pm, the Shrine Fantasy Show on Dec 7 at 7pm, and Christmas Eve in Scotland by the Brigadoon Dancers on Dec 11 at 2:30pm. For details visit www.porttheatre.com, for tickets phone 1-800-710-7081.•

ALL DAY KINDERGARTEN? We’ve been doing it for 30 years at Selkirk Montessori! We also offer outstanding Montessori half-day kindergarten, preschool, elementary and middle school programs. Come to our Open House and see what makes us special:

For information, or to arrange a tour of our facility, call Penny Barner at 250-384-3414 or email office@selkirkmontessori.ca

WHEN :

Thursday, January 19 th

TIME :

5:30-8:30 pm

WHERE :

Selkirk Montessori School, 2970 Jutland Road (at the Selkirk Waterfront Development)

With an enriched program incorporating French, Japanese, Mandarin and Spanish language instruction, music, skating, swimming and rowing, Selkirk Montessori is an exceptional, affordable alternative in a diverse, caring school community.

MUSIC

LANGUAGES

Island Parent Magazine

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

www.kidsinvictoria.com

The Magic of Christmas

’Tis the Season for Family Learning he holiday season is upon us, which means that kids and parents get a muchneeded break from school and work. And while it’s a busy time of year and there’s always lots to do, families can keep learning in fun ways, which promotes family bonding while ensuring everyone’s mind is sharp come January. With Family Literacy Day around the corner on January 27, 2012, ABC Life Literacy Canada offers these ideas to encourage family literacy over the holidays and throughout the winter months: • Make a list, check it twice: As a family, write out your gift wish lists or come up with New Year’s resolutions. • Read a classic: There are so many classic holiday stories to choose from. Each night before bed, curl up together as a family and read Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas or The Night Before Christmas. • Holiday scavenger hunt: Create a list of holiday and winter-related items around your home. Give the list to your family and have them find all the items on the list. • Bake holiday favourites: Following a recipe is a great way to practice reading, comprehension and math skills. Bake holiday cookies, cakes or a gingerbread house as a family. • Sing holiday carols: Get together with your neighbours and go door-to-door singing carols. Singing encourages learning patterns of words, rhymes and rhythms, and is strongly connected to language skills. ABC Life Literacy Canada helps provide adults and families with access to the tools, resources and programs they need to improve their literacy skills. Nine million Canadian adults struggle with low literacy. For more information on Family Literacy Day, visit FamilyLiteracyDay.ca.

December 1st - January 6th

www.IslandParent.ca

Hot Chocolate for Children’s Snowﬂakes (details: butchartgardens.com/snowﬂake)

A family tradition

Find all Twelve Days of Christmas displays Skate on our outdoor ice rink Enjoy our Entertainment

Ride the Rose Carousel FREE Ride Day - December 1st only (Admission to The Gardens is required)

butchartgardens.com/christmas or call 250-652-5256

December 2011

The Gift

here are awful lullaby rock albums out there that use synthesizers to desecrate some of the greatest songs ever written, turning them into tinny, irritating remnants of their former selves. Fortunately, Rock the Cradle: Dreamin’ with Def Leppard isn’t one of them. The album is essentially a mellowed-out instrumental version of classic Def Leppard songs like “Pour Some Sugar on Me” and “Rock of Ages.” The range of musical instruments is a refreshing change in this genre. Two of the band members helped create this album, which is likely why the music’s basic integrity remains intact. It’s not your typical soothing lullaby album, but if you’re sick of nursery rhymes and other sickly-sweet kids’ music, this could be a welcome change. If you’re a Def Leppard fan you’ll reminisce about your glorious pre-parenting days as you rock your new boss to sleep. If you’re not a Def Leppard fan, just skip it. The company behind this album will be putting out similar ones by other artists soon so keep your weary ears open for something that’s more to your taste. Erin Skillen

Island Parent Magazine

of Song lip this CD into the car stereo and the older kids groan and desperately punch the stereo buttons for commercial radio, but the kids under nine get dream-bright in the backseat, eyes wide as the trees that whiz by their window. A rollicking, layered, fun, sensitive, smart, “homespun” (as Zanes puts it) 16 tracks, with outstanding musicianship and a deep rooted, dance-your-workboots-off feel. If you like old timey—banjo, uke, mandolin, appalachian harmonies—a little blues, swing, and Carribean rhythms, and you want your kids to know rich, simple, loving music, this one’s for you. Dance yourselves out of bed with “Wake Up, Baby,” groove down “In the Basement,” waltz across the living room to “I Don’t Need Sunny Skies,” then get soft shoe and thankful with “The Farmer is the One” (the driver in his hack will drive you there and back, but the farmer is the one who feeds us all), and finally drift off to the beautiful “Isle of Somewhere.” You’ll catch yourself driving and singing aloud, long after the kids have hopped out, calling, “Thanks for the ride!” Sara Shields

onsidering the title of Peter Alsop’s CD, Grow It At Home, one might assume a food theme, supporting a recent trend encouraging people to choose foods grown locally or growing their own food. This CD is about much more than food. Peter Alsop is an award-winning educational psychologist who writes children’s music with messages. The messages on Grow It At Home do have a strong environmental flavour in that Alsop sings about the importance of healthy food choices, having a garden, and recycling to protect the environment. His songs also convey other wisdom about how to be street smart in dealing with strangers, having good manners, and being courageous in standing up for yourself and others. Alsop says that his songs are about planting “seeds of peace in the world, about taking action and about standing up when something doesn’t feel right.” Grow It At Home has won a number of 2011 awards such as National Parenting Publications Gold. Recommended for ages 6+ and their families. Lori Webber

ilingual children’s musician Will Stroet’s CD Walk ’n’ Roll will get toes tapping this holiday season with high-energy songs including “Rockin’ in the Rockies,” “Full of Beans,” and “Speed Skater Tater Tot.” Reminiscent of Raffi, though with his own distinctive guitardriven sound, Stroet manages to strike a balance between keeping kids entertained and parents sane. The Vancouver-based singer is a two-time Western Canadian Music Award nominee with a background in teaching that lends itself to his music which is both engaging and educational. The 12 songs feature topics including sports, vegetables, animals, reading, friendship and booster seat safety. “Boost Me Up,” a song commissioned by the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, is dual purpose: not only will it make kids want to get up and boogie, but it will also make them want to get up and get into their booster seats when they hit the road, Jack. Stroet uses interesting rhythms and wordplay in his songwriting that will appeal to a range of ages. Mia Reid

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Christina Symons & John Gillespie

For the Birds A Christmas Craft

These easy birdseed stars are great gifts for kids, gardeners and naturalists. They add a wonderful decorative accent to a garden and provide food for our feathered friends during the winter season.

Materials (To make 6 stars): 28 g (4 packets) unflavoured gelatin; 1⁄3 cup cold water; 3⁄4 cup boiling water; 2 Tbsp corn syrup; 3 cups mixed birdseed; 6 moulds

1 2 3 4 5

Assemble the ingredients and grease each mould with cooking oil.

Dissolve gelatin in cold water. Bring remaining water to a boil in a medium-sized pot. Turn the heat to low and add the gelatin mixture, stirring to blend.

Is Your Child Struggling at School? Do you know a child who, as a preschooler, you considered brighter than average, maybe even extremely bright? Possibly you still see them that way. However, you were surprised to discover that at least some school work is overly difficult for them. They seem to work hard and not find success or maybe they try to avoid it altogether. These children make up a significant portion of the school population. The student struggles and doesn’t get the expected results. Parents and teachers do their best. Something doesn’t feel right but we can’t seem to solve it. If this is your child, there is a solution. These children can learn language arts and/or math. They just need the information presented to them the way they learn best. They need a teaching style that matches their learning style. It is possible to take the frustration out of learning language arts and math. If this is how you feel about your child, give me a call to discuss his or her needs with no obligation.

Add the corn syrup and birdseed. Stir well, over the heat, for two minutes. If the mix seems runny, add more birdseed until the liquid is fully absorbed. Cool slightly. Using a wooden spoon, press the mixture firmly into the moulds.

To make a hole, insert small sticks through the centre of the mould. Allow the moulds to dry completely, until the birdseed is firm to touch. This will take several days. Once set, remove the stick and release the shape from the mould

6 7

Thread a string or ribbon through the centre hole and tie.

Hang your birdseed stars in the garden, or present them as gifts.

Excerpted and reprinted with permission from Everyday Eden: 100+ Fun, Green Garden Projects for the Whole Family to Enjoy by Christina Symons and John Gillespie (Harbour Publishing Co. Ltd., 2011). www.IslandParent.ca

Karen Murdoch Therapeutic Tutor

778-430-3183 I can help your child December 2011

Braefoot Christmas Tree Sales & Recycling

Green Christmas ot a fan of the over-consumption and waste that typically characterizes this time of year? Me neither! Fortunately it’s perfectly possible to have a joyful holiday that treads lightly on the planet. Here are a few ideas to help your family go greener this season.

Partial Proceeds donated to Braefoot Community Centre

Trees of all sizes and species including Grands, Nordmans, Frasers and Douglas Firs will be available!

Decorations

Come early for a great selection!

Sales begin December 2nd in the Braefoot Lacrosse Box Saturdays & Sundays 9am to 9pm Mondays to Fridays 11am to 9pm

Tree Recycling at Braefoot January 1st & 2nd 9am to 4pm

1359 McKenzie Ave

Rachel Dunstan Muller

250 721 2244

www.abbysprouts.com Shop Online 24/7 • Free Shipping over $149 3 in 1 Trike to Balance Bike

• Gather natural decorations from your backyard. Make wreaths and swags from cedar, fir and holly branches. Collect pinecones to make tree ornaments or to use as a centerpiece. • Paint simple houses on small pieces of driftwood, and arrange them to form a West Coast-style Christmas village. • Get your kids to help you string popcorn and cranberries on thread for a natural tree garland.

Lighting • LED strings are now competitively priced with conventional holiday lights, but use only a fraction of the energy and last significantly longer. When putting lighting up outside, make sure you use lights rated for outdoor use. • Consider the demands being placed on our electrical grid at this time of year, and opt for a less-is-more approach. • Turn off seasonal lights at bedtime, or get a timer to do it for you.

Tree • A locally-grown tree is a solid environmental choice. As a bonus, an acre of trees on a Christmas tree farm remove up to 13 tons of airborne pollutants per year. A potted tree that can be replanted outside after the holidays is even better. Norfolk Pines are another option—they can live indoors year-round, and be reused for many Christmases to come. • If you live in an apartment or condominium that doesn’t allow cut trees, consider a “vintage” artificial tree from a thrift store or a grandparents’ attic. You’ll be helping to keep a pre-loved tree out of the landfill, and sidestepping the environmental costs of manufacturing a new one.

Cards Mom’s Night Out, Dec 8: RSVP Online Now Open Sundays 10–2, Mon–Sat 10–5

3011 Gosworth Rd 250 294 8978 (between Cedar Hill Rd & Hillside Ave)

Island Parent Magazine

• Enlist your kids to make greeting cards using recycled or salvaged paper and cardstock. Use the art saved from last year’s cards, or your children’s own artwork.

Gifts • Consider giving a few special gifts rather than many, less meaningful ones. • Fill practical needs—pyjamas and slippers make great gifts at this time of year. Socks and underwear can be good stocking stuffers along with more “fun” items. Sports equipment is another child-pleasing but practical idea. • You don’t have to shop at a mall to support the local economy. Consider giving gift certificates or passes for local services, attractions, recreational facilities, restaurants or entertainment venues. • To minimize the transportation-footprint of your gifts, visit Christmas craft fairs for locally-made items. Take it one step further and look for artisans who use recycled materials in their crafts. • Make your own gifts with repurposed materials. If you’re stuck for inspiration, just google “recycled gift ideas” for thousands of possibilities. • “Used” doesn’t have to be a dirty word at Christmas. Consignment stores are a great source for quality toys and clothing (believe me, your three-year-old won’t care where you shopped). Antiques and collectibles make special gifts for the people who appreciate them. If a computer or other electronic device is on someone’s wish list, a refurbished model purchased through a reputable business is by far the most environmentally-friendly way to go. • Reduce the number of gifts on your list by organizing a gift exchange for adult family members. Each person is assigned one other person, either by a draw or some other system. Set a mutually agreeable spending limit that respects everyone’s budget. • For the person who has everything, a donation to a charitable organization might be perfect. Give a Kiva Card (www.kiva.org), and your recipient will get to personally choose an individual from one of 60 countries to support with a micro-loan. When the loan is repaid, the funds can be re-loaned or withdrawn. It’s a gift that truly keeps giving! • If greed gets its hooks into your kids, inoculate them with a healthy dose of generosity. There are many opportunities to share at this time of year: contributing to a Christmas shoebox or stocking campaign, choosing a gift for someone from an angel tree, helping to cook or serve at a community dinner, sup-

www.kidsinvictoria.com

plying gifts to a homeless or women’s shelter, and the list goes on. Choose something appropriate for your family, and get your kids involved. Make it as hands-on as possible, and they won’t forget it.

Wrapping • Canadians generate a whopping 545,000 tons of waste annually just in discarded wrapping paper and shopping bags. Opt out of the waste by reusing wrapping paper and gift bags when possible, and saving ribbons and bows for future use. • Use the comic section, old maps or posters to wrap presents. • Make reusable gift bags from fabric scraps or reclaimed fabrics. • Reuse vintage cookie tins to package gifts.

Family-Friendly Cowichan

The Feast • You might be surprised by how much of your holiday dinner you can source locally if you make the effort. Vancouver Island farmers produce turkeys, cranberries, potatoes, brussel sprouts, dairy products, apples for pies, and a wealth of other delicious things. Your family can eat well, and support a local, sustainable food system.

Gifts for the Earth • Plant a tree to help offset the carbon footprint of your celebration. • Work off your turkey dinner by strolling around the block with gloves and a garbage bag to pick up trash. • Make edible ornaments for the birds and other wild creatures in your backyard. The Internet has lots of wildlife-appropriate recipes.

Post-Holiday Clean-Up • If you’ve planned in advance, you’ll have less holiday waste than your neighbours, and most of it will be recyclable. • Most communities on the Island have free or by-donation chipping services to keep Christmas trees out of landfills. The chips make great mulch for shrub beds. • Need to clear out space for this year’s gifts? Still-usable items can be donated for resale. • Return-it Centres will take unwanted computers, televisions and stereos for recycling. • Small appliances are now accepted at many recycling depots. Happy Holidays! Rachel Dunstan Muller is the mother of five, and a children’s author. Her previous articles can be found at www.islandparent.ca.

Hypno-Baby-Birthing™ Facilitator 170 Craig St, Duncan Phone: 250.597.0085 email: info@matmercantile.ca www.matmercantile.ca

All Natural Toys Unique Gifts for Expecting Parents, New Moms and Babes Gift Certificates Available

With any and all issues relating to Fertility Pregnancy through to Natural Childbirth including a Cohesive Family Unit

Danette Noble, RCH, CCHt Cowichan Valley Hypnotherapy Duncan 250 709 7380 www.cowichanvalleyhypno.com Hypno-Baby-Birthing™ will begin in the New Year, and space is limited! Group classes $325 per couple, Private classes available for $375 per couple. See website for more info:

www.birthwithhypnosis.vpweb.ca www.IslandParent.ca

December 2011

Ways to Give his season, don’t just ask what your children want to get for Christmas, ask how they want to give. When children are involved in the gift-giving process, they learn the joys of contributing and helping others. Whether your family can give time, clothing, food, gently used/new toys or cash this holiday season, there are many ways to help others. Here’s a sampling of charity drives, not-for-profit organizations’ wish lists and how your family can help an individual, family or group this season.

Create Your Own Ways to Give. Talk to your kids about the ways your family can help others in your community. Some ideas: Organize a Fundraiser. Rally friends, neighbours and family to organize a fundraiser—maybe a garage sale, bake sale or bottle drive—and donate the proceeds to an organization or local charity of your choice. Volunteer Your Time. Visit a senior’s home, remove ice and snow (or in this climate, rake leftover leaves), or gather a group to go carolling and spread holiday cheer throughout your neighbourhood. Through the C-Fax Santas Anonymous Toys, Games & Gifts Program, you can donate a gift to a child in need (names are provided through the Christmas Bureau). Pick a gift request listed on the paper bears hung on Christmas trees at Mayfair Shopping Centre, Hillside Centre and Westshore Town Centre, along with selected Royal Banks. Purchase the gift and volunteers will wrap and prepare packages for distribution to the children in time for Christmas morning. Toy drop-off must be done by December 14 in order for Santa to keep to his schedule. Through CanadaHelps.org, you can donate online to any registered Canadian charity. Search over 80,000 charities and make a donation that is safe, secure and private. If you don’t have a specific charity in mind, you can browse through categories such as Animals, Arts and Culture, or International, to name a few. CanadaHelps

Island Parent Magazine

is your one-stop-shop for giving that makes donating online easy and secure. In a few simple steps, you can: search for a cause (all Canadian charities are listed on the site); make a donation; set up a monthly donation to your favourite charity; start an online fundraising campaign; and give the gift of giving with a Charity Gift Card. Through CanadaHelps, you decide how much to give, who to support, when to give, how often to give and who gets your personal information. To make a donation, visit CanadaHelps.org. Free The Children, the international children’s charity and educational partner, is offering ways to give back to those in need through its Adopt a Village model. Implemented in countries including Ecuador, Kenya and Haiti, Adopt a Village is designed to bring sustainable change by meeting the basic needs of developing communities and eliminating the obstacles preventing children from accessing education. Adopt a Village is made up of four pillars crucial to sustainable community development: education, health care, clean water and alternative income. Give a gift that supports families living in impoverished communities overseas by helping them create a sustainable future. Gifts range from $25 to provide a health kit for a child; $50 to provide a goat or a pig to a family as a means of livelihood; to $150 to equip a classroom with school supplies, which are vital for a child’s learning success. For more gifts from Free The Children, visit www.freethechildren.com. The Great Gingerbread Build is a fun outing and raises funds for the Victoria Habitat For Humanity from November 25-January 2, 2012 at Laurel Point Inn. Come and view over three dozen gingerbread creations on display. For $2 you can vote for your favourite to win the People’s Choice Award. The categories are Amateur, Corporate and Professional Chef and have included such

creations as a paddle wheeler, winter village and a gingerbread house-for-sale. Habitat For Humanity’s mission is to eliminate poverty through home ownership. Homes are built with the help of volunteers and lowincome partner families. For more information, visit www.habitatvictoria.com. The Greater Victoria Animal Crusaders (GVAC) is a non-profit organization whose main mandate is to provide funding to spay and neuter abandoned and stray cats and dogs in the Greater Victoria area and assist low-income families with these costs. The organization is supported by volunteer help and donations that are tax deductible. To see the animals in need of adoption, help with the cost of spaying and neutering, or consider providing a foster home for an animal in need, please visit www.animalcrusaders.ca. Through The Land Conservancy of B.C. you can Adopt-an-Animal: a grizzly bear, cougar, owl, or salamander for a loved one for $40. The “new parent” receives an adoption kit containing a cuddly plush toy, a personalized adoption certificate and a booklet explaining how this symbolic adoption will help save the specific animal’s habitat and other special places in B.C. You will also receive a $40 tax receipt for every kit you purchase. Or you might like to give a gift certificate for Tea for Two at Abkhazi Gardens for $40 (no tax receipt for gift certificates). For more information, visit www.conservancy.bc.ca. Shop Me to We for gifts with a story and style with a purpose. Me to We is a social enterprise offering better choices for a better world, providing socially conscious and environmentally friendly clothes, books, fashion accessories and more. Half of Me to We’s net profit is donated to Free The Children while the other half is reinvested to grow the enterprise. So this season why not pick up an intricately beaded Me to We Artisans bracelet made by a local mama in one of Free The Children’s development communities in Kenya, or an inspirational children’s book from founder Craig Kielburger. When you purchase a book from Me to We, a child in a developing country receives a notebook. For more options from Me to We visit www. metowe.com/shop. The Mustard Seed Food Bank’s 13th Annual Spirit of Giving is from December 1-24

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at the Bay Centre. Bring donations of food items or funds to the Centre’s second level. Check out the silent auction on December 3 from 11am-7pm. For every $1 donated, the Mustard Seed can buy $2 worth of food (or more) for nutritional hampers. For more information, phone 250-952-5690 or visit mustardseed.ca/givesupport/foodbank/events. Pennies for Presents. Donate your pennies at one of the many drop-off locations throughout Greater Victoria and help support Mary Manning Centre, Threshold Housing Society, Victoria READ Society, the Young Parents Support Network and suicide prevention group, NEED2, through the annual Black Press fundraiser, Pennies for Presents, continuing until Christmas. Cash donations can be dropped off at Black Press head office, 818 Broughton St. and at the Goldstream News Gazette, 117-777 Goldstream Ave in Langford. For a list of businesses that are accepting donations, watch for notices in the Victoria News, Saanich News, Oak Bay News, Goldstream News Gazette and Victoria News Daily. World Vision has an online catalogue that allows you to give life-changing gifts to families in need throughout the world. A goat can bring lasting abundance to a hungry family, two hens and a rooster provide food and hope, honey bees and a beekeeping kit put a family in business, or you can help provide medicines or nutrition that will save children’s lives. There are many ways to give, and if you’d like to make a difference closer to home you can feed a hungry Canadian family for $30 or buy school supplies for a Canadian child in need for $25. To find out more, visit worldvision.ca/gifts.

Rediscover The Natural Choice...

Winter Warm Up Bring the family for an escape before or after the holidays. With three on-site restaurants, the #1 Spa in Western Canada, The Pines Gift Shop and family friendly accommodation, Tigh-Na-Mara offers something for everyone. IURP

$139

per night

Applicable taxes and gratuities are additional.

1155 Resort Drive, Parksville Vancouver Island 1-800-663-7373 www.Tigh-Na-Mara.com

The WWF-Canada Adoption Program offers the chance to symbolically adopt a threatened species and support critical work to protect nature at the same time. Funds from the adoptions are used to fight major threats like climate change and animal poaching, and to support WWF’s conservation efforts across Canada. Each adoption kit is $40 (for a single animal) and includes: details on the work this gift will help support, a personalized adoption certificate, a $30 tax receipt, a letter identifying you as the gift-giver if you adopted the animal for someone else, and a re-usable gift bag. Adoption kits are available online at wwf. ca or by calling 1-800-26-PANDA.•

www.IslandParent.ca

December 2011

Great Gift Ideas The following gift ideas come from some of our local merchants and businesses. To find out more about any of the businesses listed below, refer to the ads in this issue.

choose from! Each CD showcases different cultures from around the world. Thanks to an amazing charity program and great beats, Putumayo is loved by kids, teens and adults. $14.99 or 2/$25.

From Abby Sprouts Preschool: Wishbone Flip: Rock & Roll. The Wishbone Flip is a wooden rocking toy that easily converts into a ride-on car with no tools required—we love that it grows with the child. $149. Preschool: Wooden building blocks are a classic toy for good reason. Every child should have a set because they grow imaginations, teach numeracy and hand-eye coordination. $19.99-$69.99. Preschool: Green Toys Tea Set. Who doesn’t love a teddy bear tea party with juice all around? BPA, PVC and Phthalates free. Made in California from 100 per cent recycled milk jugs.

From Buddies Toys From Abra Kid Abra Preschool: Melissa & Doug Play Food. We now have felt pizzas, tacos or sandwiches that are safe, colourful and loads of fun. $22.99. Children: Ravensburger 100-piece jigsaw puzzles are our favourite puzzles. We have a great selection of puzzles for all ages. $9.99.

Preschool: Playmobil 1, 2, 3 My Take Along Noah’s Ark. The set’s larger rounded pieces are specially designed for toddlers. Plus, it comes with a handle so it can be taken anywhere. And it floats! $39.99. Children: 24” Spooner Boards replicate all of your favourite board sports in any location, season, or surface while improving core stability, coordination and balance. Made in the U.S.A. $49.99.

From Arthur Murray Dance School Preschool: Fun, energetic dance classes. If your preschooler knows how to walk, she is ready to learn the fundamentals of dance, musicality and coordination in a fun, easy way. $336. Children: See above. Juvenile/Teen: See above.

From Bellies In Bloom Maternity Preschool: Ergobaby Doll Carrier. A perfect choice for Ergobabies who have grown and can carry baby dolls of their own. A good choice for an older sibling when a new baby arrives. $31.99. Children: See Kai Run Shoes. This company has made a name for themselves on a philosophy of healthy, fit, quality construction and urban styles. Now in sizes newborn to 13. $36.99 and up. Juvenile/Teen: Putumayo CDs. 28 titles to

Island Parent Magazine

Juvenile/Teen: Perplexus Epic. Navigate the steel ball along the tracks. With gnarly new twists, turns and barriers, Perplexus Epic provides hours of challenging, three dimensional fun. $29.99.

www.kidsinvictoria.com

From Dreamland Kids Preschool: Wooden play food. Our extensive line of play food makes it fun for the little chef to slice, dice, cook and serve. With quality construction and attention to detail, our play food will prove tantalizing to cooks of all ages. $24 and up.

Abra-Kid-Abra

• Fantastic ideas for Christmas • Great selection of Melissa and Doug toys • Dress up for girls and boys • Fabulous fashions and accessories

Children: Wall decals. Flowers and faeries, cars and sports themes, peel-and-stick chalkboards. Will not damage walls and can be used on almost all walls, windows and mirrors. $11. Juvenile/Teen: Princess or Groovy Bed Canopy. What teen, or youngster who dreams of being a teen, wouldn’t want a bed canopy with star decorations or tie-dye patterns to make her room her own personal haven? $25 and up.

New & Used Toys, Clothing & Furniture 2024 Oak Bay Ave • 250 595 1613 www.Abra-Kid-Abra.com

Mon–Sat 9am–5pm Sunday 12–4pm

From Finn & Izzy Preschool: P’Kolino Chalk Table with benches. Functionally smart, stylish, contemporary design with reversible table top hides chalky mess, and under-the-table storage compartment quickly organizes art supplies. $125. Children: Munki Munki Perfect Pajamas. The perfect Christmas Eve attire! Sock monkeys in blue, garden gnomes in pink. Made of cozy flannel material that meets safety commission sleepwear requirement. $69. Juvenile/Teen: The Original Lava Lamp. The classic lava lamp is new again! Available in two sizes and multiple colours, they add a decorative, entertaining and relaxing addition to any room. $19 and $24.

From JamTots Baby & More Store Baby: Summer Infant 3 Stage Superseat. 360 degrees of floor time activity fun. Infant support seat and booster in one. Includes a removable snack tray and five playful toys. $69.95. Toddler: Baby Stella dolls, clothing and accessories. Delightfully detailed from her lifelike toes, belly button and plump tummy, to her soft fleece hair and embroidered features. Toddlers will love cradling, dressing, and caring for this baby. Doll $31.95; clothing and accessories start at $17.95. www.IslandParent.ca

Dance Course for Children

Ballroom / Latin Dance Course for Adults

• Small Groups • All Ages • Recitals • Covering a Variety of Dance Styles Every Friday @ 5:30pm starting January 6 21 weeks • $336

• Courses start any time • Couples and singles welcome • Personalized programs • Attend private, group and fun-filled parties • Choreographed wedding routines

Also offering Teenage Courses

2504 Government St #206 (corner of Bay) www.arthurmurrayvictoria.com

250 220 8426 December 2011

Preschool: Dino Adventure Rig. Made with recycled plastic and reclaimed wood, this rugged car playset is great for indoor or outdoor play. $34.99.

From Mothering Touch Preschool: Wheely Bugs are fun lady bug, bumblebee, pig and mouse shaped ride-on toys for the preschool set. Absolutely adorable. $89.95.

From Kool & Child (Nanaimo) Preschool: Pewi Bike. Pewi is a sleek walking buddy for 9 months and up and turns into the coolest ride-on toy for the 12- to 36-month-old. $69.99.

From National Geographic Theatre Gift Shop Preschool: 3-D Clay Casting Kits. Preserve forever the size, shape and lines of your child’s hand or footprint in 3-D. A keepsake you and your family will treasure for decades to come. $19.99-$34.99. Children: National Geographic Kids “Saving Planet Earth” CD Rom. Introduces kids to environmental concepts while having fun in an exciting engaging game environment. $24.99. Juvenile/Teen: Rock Their World. Break open geodes, fossils, petrified wood, meteorites and a National Geographic best-selling book Everything Rocks. Visually exciting and more fun than anything else on the market. $4.99-$14.99.

From Red Balloon Toy Shop (Duncan)

Children: Playmobil Secret Agent Headquarters. Top agent’s secret headquarters comes equipped with alarm system, control room LED map, multi-function spy vehicle, jet ski, prison cell with trapdoor and LED weapon. $99.99. Juvenile/Teen: Trigger! Slap yourself silly in this ridiculously fun new party game. Answer true or false to intriguing questions by slapping the target. Are you the quickest hand? $14.99.

Preschool: BathWorld by Wader. A German made bath or outdoor water activity table that fits across the bathtub, the BathWorld contains pumps, locks, boats, and lifts. $74.99. Children: Modello Art/Craft Activity. Building, colouring and learning fun while a child colours pre-shaped pieces of heavy cardboard with high quality felts (included). Once coloured, the pieces are assembled into models of cars, trucks and even a pirate ship. $9.99-$29.99.

From Lizzy Lee & Me Children: Piggy Paint non-toxic nail polish. Odorless, hypoallergenic, water-based, available in fun, vibrant colours. Juvenile/Teen: Over-the-knee socks, scarves, diaries, craft kits, stocking stuffers and spa gift certificates.

From Mall Monkeys Drop-In Fun Centre Preschool, Children: Purchase a Woodgrove Centre gift card to use at Mall Monkey hourly drop-in fun centre. A great gift idea for any parent.

Juvenile/Teen: Perplexus. Spherical labyrinth puzzle maze activity that some customers say can actually keep a teenager off the computer! $24.99.

From ROCKBEBE Preschool: DC shoes are built to last and trash (baby to youth size 7). Elastic, Velcro,

Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

From The Land Conservancy of BC

Preschool: Wegits Starter Set. A creative building set for ages 2 and up. Winner of many awards, and used in preschools. $25.95. Children: Snap-Circuits Jr. A perfect introduction to the world of electronics with 100 circuits to build. $39.95. Juvenile/Teen: Sound Tracker Robotics. A vehicle you build and control with sound commands so you can drive it around the house. $34.95.

Children: Adopt a Grizzly Bear for someone you love this holiday season. Give a home to B.C.’s wildlife. The new parent will receive a cuddly plush toy, adoption certificate, and an informative booklet explaining how this adoption will save grizzly bear habitat in B.C. $40 plus shipping. Juvenile/Teen: Adopt an Owl. Gift a “Hoot” for conservation this holiday season. Give a home to B.C.’s wildlife. The new parent will receive a cuddly plush toy, adoption certificate, and informative booklet explaining how this symbolic adoption will save our habitat in B.C. $40 plus shipping.•

From Tom Lee Music Preschool: Yamaha Music Program class. There are 5 levels of classes for children aged

www.IslandParent.ca

The “BEST” way to cloth diaper your child. We Supply Everything You Need (except the baby!)

HAPPY ISLAND DIAPERS are • Affordable • Environmentally friendly • Form fitted • Elasticized legs (non-latex) • Adjustable plastic snaps • No rinsing or soaking Ha

From Science Works

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2-10, all classes are conducted in a group of 10 or less. Please visit www.tomleemusic. ca/learningcentre for details. $17.50/class. Children: Piano lessons. We offer a variety of classes in both private and group settings. Rentals are available for beginners from our store. Yamaha group program also available. $25/30 minutes. Juvenile/Teen: Guitar lessons. We provide guitar and bass guitar instruction for private and group lessons. Rentals are available at our store for beginners. $20/30 minutes.

tuck-in laces, hi-tops, and more. You’re sure to find styles you love. Starting at $29.99. Children: Branded T-shirts: DC, Roxie, Billabong and Quicksilver. Solar powered colour-changing, organic cotton and sparkle holiday tees. Perfect holiday gifts and stocking stuffers, baby to youth size 16/XL. Starting at $15. Juvenile/Teen: Roxy dresses are perfect for the holiday, with pockets, bows, 3-tier dresses and more. Sizes to youth 16/XL. Gorgeous! Starting at $29.99.

Ask about our GREAT referral program

www.happyislanddiapers.com 1-866-922-7377

December 2011

Party Directory FUNTIME INFLATABLES 250-474-0597 Largest selection of inﬂatable fun on Vancouver Island ASK ABOUT OUR REFERRAL PROGRAM • 18 bouncy castles to choose from, detachable raincovers available • Obstacle courses • 10 interactive games for youth and adults • Combo bouncers • Carnival games and party packages • Fully insured Professional balloon decorating service now available

YOU’LL FLIP OVER OUR BIRTHDAY PARTIES * Greater Victoria’s newest, largest and cleanest facility with hassle free parking for you and your guests * * Large private party rooms * * Experienced Qualified Fun Coaches * * 3 Trampolines & 40ft Tumble Trac * * Awesome Foam Pit *

New soft serve ice cream truck available for events and ice cream socials

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Our great instructors will treat you to an action packed two hours of fun and fitness in our great facility! • 2 large decorated birthday rooms • Free T-shirt for birthday child, invitations for up to 10 children • The ONLY Inflatable Climbing Mountain with trampoline in town • Party Time now offered for many different groups (schools, daycare centres)

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Pool, Skate, or Soccer parties at Oak Bay Recreation Centre!

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for kids & families You provide the space and food… We’ll provide an hour of fun with puppet shows and play

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Bring your Grubs andparty Larvaeof Grubs and Larvae for a for a Bugtastic Adventure Bugtastic Adventure at the Bug Zoo! at the Bug Zoo! Party Room available! Call for Details: (2847) Party Room384-BUGS Available! or check the website: www.bugzoo.com www.bugzoo.bc.ca

631 Courtney St. 631 Courtney St 384-BUGS (2847) (Downtown ininNootka (Downtown NootkaCourt) Court)

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Party Directory ctoria Gymnastics Birthday Parties Your child and 9 of his or her friends will have an absolute blast at one of our action packed gymnastics parties. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s included? â&#x20AC;˘ We supply hats, napkins, table cover, streamers and balloons â&#x20AC;˘ Two Certified Instructors â&#x20AC;˘ Invitations â&#x20AC;˘ Trampoline â&#x20AC;˘ Foam Pit Fun â&#x20AC;˘ Gymnastics Games â&#x20AC;˘ Fun Music â&#x20AC;˘ NEW: 40 Foot Long Trampoline! Saturday & Sunday Afternoons

380-2442 Corner of Store & Pembroke www.victoriagymnastics.com

Mr. Tubbs Ice Cream Parlor & Family Fun Zone â&#x20AC;˘ 30 family oriented redemption games â&#x20AC;˘ huge prize counter â&#x20AC;˘ 2 fully decorated party rooms â&#x20AC;˘ foot-long hot dogs â&#x20AC;˘ 32 flavors of Island Farms Ice Cream

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Kids love to sing and dance, play instruments, and listen to stories. Book a 45 minute interactive party in your own home for up to ten young guests from ages 3-6... -6... and let the fun begin!

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December 2011

Janine Fernandes-Hayden

Musicalia The Real Life

Music Immersion for Babies & Children

Play House used to think that I was a good judge of character. I thought I knew my family and close friends well. I thought I knew myself. That was before I had children. Now, I am suddenly discovering sides of people and aspects of myself that I never expected. My mother sings. My brother loves to play with toy rockets. My friend Linda has a hidden talent for Halloween costume designing. It fascinates me to watch my husband interact with the children and to witness the essence of his soul surface. As for myself, my selfconsciousness and insecurities are being overcome as I approach my life in a more carefree manner. We adults have become like butterflies that have broken free from our cocoons to experience the world in a lighter way. It is the virtue of joyfulness made manifest thanks to the opportunity for play, a gift that my children have helped us to rediscover.

“Success does for children’s lives what sunshine does for stained glass!”

250-595-1040 2284 Cadboro Bay Rd www.musicalia.ca

Enter Our Online Contests Every month at Island Parent and Kids In Victoria you can enter to win some great prizes! Prizes include:

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Family Getaways Gift Certificates IMAX Passes Books, CDs and More

One entry per family per week.

Check out the prizes and enter the contests by visiting

www.IslandParent.ca or www.kidsinvictoria.com

Island Parent Magazine

Re-define Play What is play? Often, when we think about how we play with our children, the most obvious scenarios come to mind—playing at the park, going to the swimming pool, visiting the zoo, “doing” an activity. While these types of activities provide wonderful occasions for family time, it is important to realize that play need not be so structured or scheduled. When we view play within the confines of a narrow definition, it becomes one more thing that we add to our list of things to do, and that causes us guilt when it doesn’t get accomplished. Play is a state of mind, a way of simply being. In his book Play, Stuart Brown defines play as “an absorbing, apparently purposeless activity that provides enjoyment and a suspension of self-consciousness and sense of time.” Along a similar vein, Linda Kavelin-Popov in her book The Pace of Grace talks about the need for families to spend non-compulsory time together—time in which nothing is asked and nothing is required. My friend Rhonda loves to play with her children through poetry and silly

songs—the “improv goof around” as she calls it. Redefining play in this light has helped her to be a little less hard on herself for not fitting into the typical pigeonholes. Conceptualizing play more broadly can help to overcome what Kavelin-Popov calls the FOG, or fatigue, overwhelm and guilt, which often plagues our lives and hinders us from leading a more graceful pace.

Benefits of Play From an educational point of view, we know that play is an integral part of children’s lives and that it should not be dismissed. Stuart Brown suggests that play is a necessary prerequisite to the developmental process. It is a creative force that builds new neural connections for learning, encourages an arena for social interaction, and supports a low-risk outlet for uncovering and developing innate skills and talents. But above all, play is just plain fun that is often best had when it is shared. Play for our children and for ourselves is a chance for “re-creation.” It feeds our souls, provides us with the opportunity to honour our spirits and gives us the fuel to get through the challenging times. As my friend Rhonda says, “When all else fails, exercise your fun muscle!”

Act Your Shoe Size One morning I came bounding down the stairs dressed in my running gear, excited to make the most of a sleeping baby, my husband’s day off and a beautiful fall day. Noticing my hair in playful pigtails, my husband snickered as he remarked, “Who do you think you are, Pippy Longstocking?” His words got me thinking, “Why can’t grown-ups wear pigtails?” The answer to my question is likely the same as the reason why we don’t play as much as we should. Who would blame us, though, with negatively intended words such as childish and phrases like “Grow up” and “Act your age, not your shoe size.” However, when I hear my eldest daughter self-confidently bellowing out “The sun www.kidsinvictoria.com

will come out, tomorrow!” in a delightfully pitchy and off tune manner, I think that it might be fun to act my shoe size (or close to it) once in a while. Apart from its image of being inappropriate and unbecoming of an adult, many of us grow out of being playful because we simply don’t make the time for it in our over-structured and over-scheduled lives. One day while pushing her daughters on the swing set in their yard, my friend Odette was suddenly swept up by the contagious glee of the experience. She soon found herself as the passenger on the ride, hanging onto the ropes and sailing through the sky with her feet reaching for the clouds. A neighbour who had been driving by and who had caught sight of the moment, made it a point to call my friend later that day to express how wonderful and refreshing it was to see her playing, lamenting the fact that she herself spent more time telling her children what to do than having fun with them. She could not recall a time when she had actually played alongside them. We often lead separate lives from our children and playing with them can be a foreign concept. Yet, many of us can attest to the fact that the best Kodak moments emerge when we are playing together as a family.

Build a Real Life “Play House” My uncle recently built me an exquisite heirloom playhouse. It took him a year to painstakingly and lovingly craft it. I consider it one of my prized possessions and just the sight of it makes me feel like a kid again. Building a real life “play house,” something of genuine value in our family lives, need not take as much time and effort. Here are some ways that you can nurture a playful household: 1. Honour your play personality. Are you a joker? Perhaps you like to move? Maybe you share a kindred spirit with Dora the Explorer? Not scared of a bit of competition? Born an organizer? Does collecting float your boat? Got a flare for the creative? Can you tell a good story? In his book Play, Stuart Brown describes eight play personalities, suggesting that we all have a strong inclination for certain types of play over others. Ask yourself the question, “What is play to me?” An awareness of our personal preference is key in guiding our internal play compass and enabling us to experience true joyfulness. 2. Become a play expert. Be the jock you never were by kicking a www.IslandParent.ca

ball with your toddler. Crank up the tune on your iPod and dance with your children in the living room. While it is important to nurture our children’s aptitudes and interests, we tend to outsource many opportunities for play to “experts,” overlooking our “inhouse” skills, abilities and talents. You don’t need a degree to be a play expert. 3. Laugh! Humour and play often go hand in hand. Humour helps us to take a more discerning approach to our family lives. It has the power to placate and appease irritation and frustration and gives us the perspective to separate the wheat from the chaff. 4. Make the most of the time that you have. If in the midst of meal prep you find your child tugging at your pant leg and you have but a minute of time to spare, then make it the best minute that you can give. It’s all about quality, not quantity. 5. Open up space in your family schedule for play. Discriminate the important from the more important. Reassess extra-curricular activities and ask yourself the question, if they don’t enjoy it and you don’t enjoy it, why are you doing it? How can you make better use of that time to have some fun? 6. Accept the invitation. At five weeks old, my newborn gazed directly into my eyes and curled her mouth upwards into an unmistakable smile that could not be dismissed as gas. With delight, I was immediately drawn in. It didn’t matter that it was 2 o’clock in the morning. Sleep deprivation was going to win this round as I accepted the challenge to attract her attention with a myriad of popping and clicking sounds and ridiculous facial expressions. It was an offer I simply couldn’t resist and I’m glad I didn’t. It is important that we as parents remain connected to our light-hearted sides and that we nurture joyful and playful households. Just like players on a well-synchronized team, there are rules and there are boundaries, you win some, you lose some, but at the end of the day, fun makes all the difference to the true success of the team. Janine Fernandes-Hayden is an educator and Salt Spring Island mum of four children, aged 1, 3 , 5 and a newborn. She hosts a parent and kids radio show called “The Beanstalk” on Salt Spring Island airwaves at CFSI 107.9 FM or online at www.cfsifm.com.

is hosting their

2012 Second Annual Victoria

DYSLEXIA AWARENESS WORKSHOP MARCH 31, 2012 10am to 4 pm

Dyslexia Victoria Online has been featured on: “The Daily” on Shaw TV CHEK TV “Island 30” and in the Times Colonist Workshop registration and lunch fee: $85 Pre-registration includes a $10 discount! Please pre-register early – seating is limited

This interactive workshop will benefit: Dyslexics, parents of Dyslexics, tutors, teachers, special needs support staff, service providers and anybody curious about why Dyslexics think and learn the way they do. Some of the topics you will learn about: • Why countries like New Zealand, Australia, the UK and other parts of Europe believe Dyslexia is a “learning difference” rather than a learning disability. • How to recognize Dyslexia in children and adults, including checklists and simple screenings. • What teaching methods are appropriate and beneficial for Dyslexics in the classroom and home. • Why learning styles (Visual, Auditory or Kinesthetic) are so important to Dyslexics for successful learning. • How modern adaptive technology can assist Dyslexic students with reading, spelling, note taking and writing.

…or pre-register on our website www.dyslexiavictoriaonline.com click on the link on our home page called: “DYSLEXIA AWARENESS WORKSHOP IN VICTORIA, BC”

December 2011

Jerri Carson

Songs of the Night Sky ccording to NASA, the next total lunar eclipse will be on December 10. This means the entire moon will pass through Earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shadow and the moon will be a vibrant red during the total phase. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a fascinating sight, especially for children. One way to engage young children in the lunar eclipse is to sing songs and read books about the moon and the night sky. The moon has inspired many songwriters to sing of its mysteries so there are many songs and rhymes from which to choose. Another way to engage children in the lunar eclipse is to have them create a night sky journal when you go out at night to look at the sky. Encourage them to draw pictures of the moon and the star constellations such as the Big Dipper. While they are night gazing, introduce the popular song â&#x20AC;&#x153;Twinkle Twinkle Little Starâ&#x20AC;? and the wishing song â&#x20AC;&#x153;Star Light, Star Bright, First Star I see tonight.â&#x20AC;? Children love making a wish on a star.

See how many songs you can think of that incorporate the night sky, such as the fun nonsense rhyme â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hey Diddle Diddleâ&#x20AC;? with the cow jumping over the moon. Or what about â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wynken, Blynken and Nod,â&#x20AC;? the fantasy bedtime song about three fishermen fishing in the stars in a wooden shoe. The Moon asks, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Where are you going and what do you wish?â&#x20AC;? as the fishermen cast their silver and gold nets into the stars. Another bedtime song is the lullaby â&#x20AC;&#x153;I See the Moonâ&#x20AC;? which has a melancholy and dreamlike melody. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Aiken Drumâ&#x20AC;? is a popular folk song about a man who lives on the moon and his hat was made of cream cheese and he â&#x20AC;&#x153;played upon a ladle.â&#x20AC;? The lyrics are fun and descriptive. There are many CD recordings of this song at the public library. There are also songs that have familiar melodies but with different lyrics. For example, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Planet Songâ&#x20AC;? is sung to â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ants go Marchingâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a Little Rocket

Shipâ&#x20AC;? is sung to â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a Little Teapot.â&#x20AC;? The â&#x20AC;&#x153;Astronaut Songâ&#x20AC;? is sung to â&#x20AC;&#x153;If Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re Happy and You Know It.â&#x20AC;? Children enjoy these fun songs and they can be found by searching on Google or at the public library in the childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s music section. Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are completely safe to watch. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need any protective filters. You can watch it with the naked eye. However, binoculars or a telescope would help magnify the view and see the red colouration brighter. After a night of gazing at the sky, a classic story to ready before bedtime is Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown. The pictures are simple and soothing as the story introduces night-time activities to young children. Other favourites include Owl Moon by Jane Yolen and Papa, Please get the Moon for Me by Eric Carle. For North Americans, the eclipse will be in progress as the moon sets, with West Coast observers having the best view before moonset. Make this lunar eclipse a family event. Happy gazing! Jerri Carson is a primary music teacher for SD #61. She is a member of the CRD Arts Advisory Council. Jerri plays the cello in the Victoria Conservatory Cello Orchestra.

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WHERE GIRLS WHO WANT TO CHANGE THE WORLD BECOME WOMEN WHO DO.

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Island Parent Magazine

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8 Tips to Help Kids Who Stutter

While visions of seashells dance in your head…

In the Classroom:

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Don’t tell the student “Slow down” or “Just relax.”

Don’t complete words for the student or talk for him or her.

Help all members of the class learn to take turns talking and listening. All students—especially those who stutter—find it easier to talk when there are few interruptions and they have the listener’s attention.

Expect the same quality and quantity of work from the student who stutters as the one who doesn’t.

Speak with the student in an unhurried way, pausing frequently.

Talk with the student who stutters about needed accommodations in the classroom. Respect the student’s needs, but don’t be enabling.

Convey that you are listening to the content of the message, not how it is said.

Don’t make stuttering something to be ashamed of. Talk about stuttering just like any other matter.

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These tips and other resources can be found on the Stuttering Foundation’s website at www.StutteringHelp.org. www.IslandParent.ca

December 2011

Fabulous Finds

Mugz the Ice Cream Maker (On the Right Track) Add chocolate milk, yogurt or juice to the top. Put in ice and salt in the bottom and shake. It’s that simple! Enjoy personalized ice cream in just three minutes with your own Mugz Ice Cream Maker. Kids of all ages can enjoy a yummy ice cream or slushie and a science lesson, too. Choose your ice cream mugz style from Penguin, Polar Bear, Seal or Dog. Ages 4+

K’s Kids the Hungry Pelican (Playwell Enterprises) This cheerful, bold pelican is hungry! Feed the hungry pelican’s wide mouth with four plush seafood toys: shrimp, crab, octopus, and fish. Can be used as a stand-alone plush toy, or attached to crib for in-crib play. The hungry pelican is soft and welcoming with squeaky ears and crinkly wings. Ages 0-36 months

Khet 2.0 Laser Game (Lion Rampant Imports) This game combines lasers with classic strategy. Players take turns moving Egyptian-themed pieces that have two, one or no mirrored surfaces. All four pieces (pharaoh, obelisk, pyramid and Djed column) can move in several directions. Each turn ends by firing one of the built-in lasers, bouncing the laser beam from mirror to mirror. If the beam strikes a non-mirrored surface on any piece, it is immediately removed from play. The goal is to illuminate your opponent’s pharaoh, while shielding yours from harm. Ages 9 yrs+

Calico Critter Caravan Family Camper (International Playthings) Calico Critter families can spend happy vacations together travelling in their very own Caravan Camper with a well stocked kitchen, a bathroom, plenty of storage and room to sleep four. Over 35 accessories including a table, plates, cups, utensils, pots, pan, sleeping bags, and maps. Age 3+

Neighbourhood Toy Stores of Canada’s Top 10 “Tried & True” toys and games of 2011 30

Island Parent Magazine

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Intelliglobe (Pirie McKie & Associates Inc.) Intelliglobe is educational and entertaining. Touch the wireless Intellipen™ to the globe to play games and explore amazing facts about the world. The Intellipen™ features 1GB of updatable memory and plays spoken audio in 4 languages: English, Spanish, French and German. The included 48-page World Discovery Book also works with the Intellipen™ and features maps, world flags, landmarks, animals, dinosaurs, foods, explorers, moon maps, sky maps, and more! Ages 5+

Tomy Dino Constructables (International Playthings) Build a T-Rex, Triceratops, Brontosaurus and Mastadon, all with the ability to actually walk. Hook up different parts to the power pack, then turn it on and watch your creation move. Includes 18 chunky pieces. Requires 1 “AA” battery (not included). Ages 3 yrs+

Sock Monkey (Schylling) Classic, retro and cool. Sock monkey is a snuggly, lovable friend. Classic brown with red lips. Measures 50cm. Ages 2+

Piggy Paint Barn Box Gift Set (Stortz & Associates) Piggy Paint is specially formulated from natural ingredients and dries to a hard, durable finish. There are no toxic chemicals; it’s free of formaldehyde, toluene, phthalates, Bisphenol A, ethyl acetate and acetone. Say good-bye to harsh, smelly chemicals and hello to Piggy Paint. All ages

Knot, Smile & Cuddle

Perplexus Epic

(Alex) Make a soft smiley blanket with sleeves. Just knot together and add fleece fringe. Includes pre-sewn cuddle quilt, 42 fleece strips and easy instructions. Measures 96.5cm x 119.3cm. Ages 6+

(PlaSmart) You’ve mastered the Original. Can you beat the new Perplexus Epic? Navigate the steel ball along the tracks, through 125 barriers of varying difficulty as you try to defy gravity. With new twists, turns and barriers, Perplexus Epic provides challenging, three dimensional fun. Ages 6-10 years

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December 2011

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Family Calendar For calendar updates throughout the month visit www.kidsinvictoria.com UNTIL SUN DEC 4 A Celebration of Christmas at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. More than 500 Christmas Crèches from around the globe, each reflecting the belief of people in different lands, and in different languages, the birth of the Saviour Jesus Christ some 2,000 years ago. Free. Nov 28-Dec 2, 6-9pm; Dec 3, 10am-9pm; Dec 4, 1-6pm. 2210 Eastleigh Way, Sidney. Info, Barb Watters at 250-654-0616.

THURS 1 Preschool Storytime at Nellie McClung Branch Library. Preschoolers are invited to fun and interactive storytimes that will help foster early literacy development. Share enriching stories, sing songs, learn rhymes, and have fun playing with language. Parents and caregivers are welcome to participate. For ages 3-5. 10:3011am. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-477-7111 for more information. Christmas Light-Up at the Parliament Buildings. Bring your friends and family and come celebrate the lighting of the provincial Christmas tree on the front lawn. Festive children’s choirs, a carol band, hot cocoa and cookies. Free. 4:30-5:30pm. 250-387-8669.

FRI 2 First Friday Book Club at Sidney/North Saanich Branch Library. Discuss great books, meet new friends and enjoy snacks at the library. Our December book selection is The Invention of Hugo Cabret, just in time for the relase of the

movie Hugo. Ages 11-14. 4-5pm. To register, call 250-656-0944. CHEK Drive Thru at Accent Inns. All donations accepted including: new or used household items, non-perishable food, toys, clothes or money. All donations benefit the local community through work at the Stan Hagen Centre for Families (formerly Community & Family Services) on Quadra St. 5-7pm. 3233 Maple St. Sea of Lights Boat Parade from Gyro Park to Willows Beach. Parade starts from the yacht club, with the fleet passing Cattle Point at 7pm. Spectacular viewing at Willows Beach at 7:15pm where the Kiwanis serve free hot chocolate and cookies in the Willows Beach pavilion. At 7:45pm, the fleet parades past Gyro Park beach, where hot chocolate and coffee will be served. Event will be cancelled in the event of high winds. Details at www.rvyc.bc.ca.

SAT 3 Island Ukulele Players in Market Square. A delightful group of young ukulele players put a tropical twist on Christmas. 11:30am12:30pm. Free. Victoria Winter Farmer’s Market in Market Square. Shop from local farmers for your Christmas feast. Local poultry, meats, seafood, cheese, breads, salt, preserves and more. 11am-3pm. West Coast Winter at East Sooke Regional Park. There’s lots to explore along the seashore and through the forest trail of this wild West Coast regional park. Join a CRD Regional

Parks naturalist for an easy amble with your family to Iron Mine Bay and its sandy beach. Meet at the kiosk in the Pike Rd parking lot off East Sooke Rd at 1pm. All ages. 250-4783344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks. Tuba Christmas in Market Square. More than 60 tuba players from across B.C. and the Pacific Northwest come together to perform seasonal favourites in a big way. Kick off the holiday season with this fun-loving family tradition. 1-3pm. Free. Manga and Anime Club at Nellie McClung Branch Library. Calling all fans of manga and anime. Join this club to connect and share related interests with other fans. Read and discuss manga and anime and participate in activities such as manga-style drawing, Japanese-style crafts, cosplay discussion, the sharing of tips, trivia challenges and more. For ages 10-18. 2-3:30pm. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-477-7111. Annual Dickens Fair at James Bay Community School Centre. A festive afternoon/evening market for all ages with quality, juried, and affordable handmade creations, complimented by farm produce, meats, eggs, baking and seasonal greenery. Spinning and blacksmith demonstrations, and the Chicken Lady with her feathered friends. Children’s choir, magician and youth theatre performances. Hot drinks, soup and chili are available in the cafe. 3-9pm. 140 Oswego St. Deck the Hall: Winter Lights Festival at Saanich Municipal Hall. Kick off your holiday

For seasonal specials please visit www.islandfarms.com/hohoho 32

Island Parent Magazine

Made right, right here.

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season with a festive lights display and a variety of seasonal activities. Children’s Christmas Concerts, photos with Santa, horse and carriage rides, arts and crafts, seasonal entertainment, food and refreshments. 5-8:30pm. 250-475-5558.

at 7pm. Everyone welcome. $5/members; $9/students; $10/adults. For more information 250-598-3694.

MON 5 – FRI 9

I.E.O.A. Truck Light Parade and Food Drive. Parade starts at Ogden Point at approximately 5:45. Route goes to Oak Bay, back downtown and along Douglas St out to Western Speedway where Santa arrives by lighted truck at approximately 8:15pm. Info, www.ieoa.ca.

Carolling Week at City Hall. Join us for this festive event which showcases choirs from Victoria area schools performing favourite Christmas carols. Tune up your singing voice and join in, or listen and enjoy. Noon-12:40pm. Free parking vouchers available for Centennial Square or Johnson Street parkades.

SAT 3 & SUN 4

TUES 6

Victoria Kids Consignment Holiday Toy Sale at St. Joseph’s Elementary School gym (Burnside W. & MacKenzie). SAT 1-6pm; Half price sale SUN 9am-1pm. $1 admission to support CFAX Santas Anonymous. More details at www.victoriakidsconsignment.ca.

Esquimalt Celebration of Lights in Esquimalt Plaza. Parade, light-up of the Plaza, Memorial Park, Municipal Hall and library. Entertainment and refreshments (hot dogs, hot chocolate). 68pm. Free. 1153 Esquimalt Rd. 250-412-8511.

WED 7 SUN 4 Wreathmaking at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park. Join CRD Regional Parks naturalists in the spirit of the season to make a festive wreath. We’ll supply materials and instructions, you supply the creativity. Drop in any time and bring a mug for hot apple cider, and clippers if you have them. Food and money donations welcome (proceeds to a local food bank). Meet at nature centre at main Beaver Lake parking lot. 11am-3pm. All ages. 250478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks. ICA’s 40th Anniversary Celebration at Crystal Garden. Fun zone featuring giant puppets, face painting and a photo booth. Live performances and colourful exhibits detail ICA’s fascinating history. 2-4pm. Free. www.icavictoria.org.

MON 5 Victoria Children’s Literature Roundtable at Nellie McClung Branch Library. Looking for that perfect Christmas gift? Children’s librarians from the GVPL will tell us about their favourite children’s books. Enjoy storytelling by librarian Maureen Koch, mulled cider and cookies. Books will be for sale by Cadboro Bay Books and Tall Tales Books. Doors open

Children’s Fun Hour at Hillside Centre. 10am at the Food Court. Free. With special guest Twiggly Wiggly.

THURS 8 Winter Rhyme Time at the Sidney/North Saanich Branch Library. Bring your littlest ones to the library for a special winter-themed rhyme time. We meet in the Nell Horth Room. Stay for refreshments, social time and an easy winter craft. Ages 0-5. 10:15-10:45am. To register, call 250-656-0944.

SAT 10 Playing with Paper: Christmas Origami at Bruce Hutchison Branch Library. Learn the magical art of origami—paper folding pure and simple. Join local origami expert Stephen Tran for lessons in paper folding and experience the magic of turning a flat piece of paper into a three dimensional sculpture. For ages 8-18; parents welcome. 10:30-11:30am. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-727-0104 for more information. Christmas Storytime at Nellie McClung and Saanich Branch Libraries. Ho, Ho, Ho! Santa

and his helpers at the North Pole are busy preparing for his big journey south. Join us for festive stories, songs, a craft and a tasty holiday treat in anticipation of Christmas Day. For young children and their families; children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. Nellie McClung: 10:30-11:30am, 250477-7111; Saanich Centennial: 11am-noon, 250-477-9030. Register online at www.gvpl. ca or call for more information. Sleuthing With Skulls and Scat at Francis/King Regional Park. Drop in between 11am and 2pm and join in the sleuthing fun. Through displays and activities, use your finest detective skills to help uncover the clues that animals leave behind. Meet at the Francis/King nature centre off Munn Rd. All ages. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks. Solstice Stroll at Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park. Why do we sing about holly and ivy? What tales were told in the days of old? Enjoy the quiet forest of Witty’s Lagoon at this special time with CRD Regional Parks guest naturalist Joe Percival. Meet at the Witty’s Lagoon nature centre off Metchosin Rd at 1pm. All ages. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks. Greater Victoria Concert Band in Market Square. A grand performance by these accomplished musicians fills the Square with holiday magic. 1-3pm. Free. Hidden in Plain Sight: Hidden Compartment Books at Juan de Fuca Branch Library. Who says you shouldn’t cut up the books? In this class, we will use old books to create secret

We’re ready for you! Take the stress out of your next special event by choosing one of our beautifully prepared deli platters with the ﬁnest quality meats, fruits and cheeses. Perfect for entertaining, just ask our Deli staff and let us do the work for you! View our selection of delicious entertaining options at thriftyfoods.com Order by phone at 250.483.1666 Or 1.800.667.8280 Please note that we require 48 hours notice on all our platters.

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Dolce Vita Meat & Cheese Platter

December 2011

compartments, mp3/ebook reader holders and gift boxes. Fun to make and eco-friendly, these make great gifts. For ages 10-12. 2-4pm. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250391-0653 for more information.

Join Cinderella, Prince Charming and a host of amusing fairy tale characters for this delightful family performance. Victoria | Royal Theatre Dec. 27 + 28 + 29, 7:30 pm Dec. 30, 2:00 pm Tickets: 250-386-6121 | rmts.bc.ca

Ballet Victoria Paul Destrooper - Artistic Director - www.balletvictoria.ca

the gift of

music

Drop-in Christmas Crafts at Oak Bay Branch Library. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s December without a little (OK a lot) of sparkle and trim? We supply the materials and samples, and you supply the imagination and enthusiasm. Everyone welcome; children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required. 2-3:30pm. 250-592-2489. Family Holiday Skate at Archie Browning Arena. Join us for the public skate and head upstairs to the after-party Crowsnest Room for some tasty snacks, crafts and socializing. 2:305pm. $4 suggested donation. For more information or to reserve, jdrfevents@gmail.com.

SUN 11 Festive â&#x20AC;&#x153;Winter Wonderâ&#x20AC;? Crafts at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park. Drop by with family and friends to make fun and festive seasonal crafts and enjoy some hot spiced apple cider. Meet at the nature centre at the main Beaver Lake parking lot. Noon-3pm. All ages. 250-4783344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks. Christmas in the City at Christ Church Cathedral. A dramatic presentation involving music, dance and spoken word. It portrays a thoughtful approach to the inherent complexity and diversity of our urban population as we celebrate Christmas. 2-3pm. $5 suggested donation. 930 Burdett Ave. 250-838-2714.

MON 12 Stories at Fern. Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stories featured in the first hour. All welcome. 7:30-9:30pm. 1831 Fern St. $5; $3/students (includes tea and goodies). 250-477-7044. www.victoriastorytellers.org.

Something for everyone from babies to teens! Give VCM Gift CertiďŹ cates for fun and enriched childrensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; programs. Inspire a lifelong adventure with music.

Salvation Army Toy Drive at the Royal Theatre. Celebrate the holiday season with this annual Christmas concert and toy drive featuring the Naden Band. 7:30pm. $7 + unwrapped toy. 1-888-717-6121.

s &UN 'ROUP #LASSES s /RFF +ELLY +IRBY 3UZUKI s &AMILIES -AKING -USIC s -USICAL 4HEATRE s 0RO $ $AY 0ROGRAMS s )NDIVIDUAL ,ESSONS

Guysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Night Out Baby Time at Saanich Centennial Branch Library. Calling all babies and the men who love them. Join us for fingerplays, puppets, stories and songs. For dads, stepdads, fosterdads, granddads, uncles, and male caregivers with babies 0-15 months. 6:30-7pm. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-477-9030.

TUES 13

WED 14

*OHNSON s s WWW VCM BC CA 34

Island Parent Magazine

Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fun Hour at Hillside Centre. 10am at the Food Court. Free. With special guest HOORAY with Cory James.

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THURS 15 Drop-in Christmas Crafts at Bruce Hutchison Branch Library. See SAT 10 for details. Everyone welcome; children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required. 2-3:30pm. 250-727-0104.

FRI 16 Christmas Storytime at Bruce Hutchison Branch Library. See SAT 10 for details. For young children and their families; children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. 10:30-11:30am. Register online at www. gvpl.ca or call 250- 727-0104 for more information.

BC Transit’s

Santa Bus is Coming to Town

SAT 17 Winter Social at Emily Carr Branch Library. Drop in for warm cider and gingerbread and a story or two. Visit with staff and enjoy stories, children’s crafts, our wonderful collections, and our new art displays. Everyone welcome. 10am-noon. For more information call 250-475-6100.

Friday, December 16 and Saturday, December 17

Come ride the bus and meet Santa and Mrs. Claus

Winter Social at Esquimalt Branch Library. Drop in for warm cider and gingerbread. Visit with staff and enjoy our new art displays and our wonderful collections. Enter your name for a fabulous book prize package. Everyone welcome. 10am-noon. For more information call 250-414-7198.

Various routes – check website for schedule. Holiday Service also on the web.

Christmas Storytime at Central, Esquimalt and Oak Bay Branch Libraries. See SAT 10 for details. For young children and their families; children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. Central:10:30-11:30am, 250-413-0365; Esquimalt: 10:30-11:30am, 250-414-7198, Oak Bay: 2:30-3:30pm, 250592-2489. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call for more information.

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Drop-in Christmas Crafts at Emily Carr Branch Library. See SAT 10 for details. Everyone welcome; children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required. 10:3011:30am. 250-475-6100.

Victoria Regional Transit Commission Transit Info 250·382·6161 www.bctransit.com

ENTER TO WIN A Baby to Youth 16

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Just Cut Out Entry Form & Enter In Store! December 2011

A Christmas Carol in Market Square. Based on Dickensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; original script from his 1867 North American reading tour. Performed by Jason Stevens. Two performances at noon and 2pm. Free. Victoria Winter Farmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Market in Market Square. See SAT 3 for details. 11am-3pm.

â&#x20AC;ŚDiscover Buddiesâ&#x20AC;Ś a great little toy store!

2nd Annual Figgy Pudding Carolling Competition in Downtown Victoria. Carolers will sing for 15 minutes at three designated outdoor downtown locations, then return to Bastion Square for awards and a group sing-along. Everyone welcome. 1-4pm.

SUN 18 Family Sunday at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. Join us for performance and handson artmaking exploring the West Coast winter landscapes that captured the imagination of Emily Carr and her contemporaries. 2-4pm. 250-384-4171 ext. 0. 1040 Moss St. The Beloved at St. Andrewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Presbyterian Church. A fresh and diverse selection of choral works celebrating adoration in all its forms. Admission by donation. 3pm. 680 Courtney St.

Oak Bay Store 2533 Estevan Avenue, Victoria 250.595.6501

Sidney Store 2494 Beacon Avenue, Sidney 250.655.7171

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inspiring. Take individual lessons, join a fun group class, become a member of a choir or orchestra, and enjoy unique performance opportunities. The VCM advantage is our engaging learning environment with world class faculty and the most complete calendar of musical programs for all abilities and all ages. Our creative musical community welcomes you!

WED 21 Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fun Hour at Hillside Centre. 10am at the Food Court. Free. With special guest Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Make Music & Move. Drop-in Christmas Crafts at Central Saanich Branch Library. See SAT 10 for details. Everyone welcome; children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required. 2-3:30pm. 250-652-2013.

SUN 25 Merry Christmas from all of us at Island Parent Magazine.

WED 28 Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fun Hour at Hillside Centre. 10am at the Food Court. Free. With special guest Tickles the Clown. Mystery Creature at Lone Tree Hill Regional Park. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Riddle me, riddle me through the park. Find the answers before it gets dark!â&#x20AC;? Solve the riddles to find the clues hidden along the trail with a CRD Regional Parks naturalist. At the end, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll piece the puzzle together to discover who the mystery creature is. 1011:30am. All ages. 250-478-3344. www.crd. bc.ca/parks.

THURS 29

*OHNSON s s WWW VCM BC CA 36

Island Parent Magazine

Trail Tales at Coles Bay Regional Park. Winter is the time for stories. Find out how Raven tricked the Crow, where our Island chickadees came from, and much much more with a CRD Regional Parks naturalist on this storytellerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s walk through the woods. Meet at the informa-

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tion kiosk in the parking lot off Inverness Rd, off Adrmore Dr at 10am. All ages. 250-4783344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

ONGOING BABIES, TODDLERS & PRESCHOOL Parent/Tot Drop-in at Gordon Head United Church. A safe place where young children can play while parents in the community connect with each other. Lots of space and toys. Tea or coffee is available for caregivers, and a healthy snack for the children. Parents are responsible for the care of their own children. Mondays 10am-noon. For more info call the church office at 250-477-4142, or Maisie at 250-477-0388. Kindergym at the Burnside Campus Gym. Join us for a half-hour of free play in the gym using child sized sports equipment, balls, hoops, climbers and slides. Following free play is 15 minutes of organized game or physical activity based on LEAP/HOP and then 15 minutes of circle time. For toddlers (walking) to 5 years, their parents or caregivers. Drop-in program; parents do not need to register to attend. Tuesdays 9:30-10:30am. 250-388-5251. www. burnsidegorge.ca. Parent Tot Drop-in at the Burnside Gorge Family Centre. Come and enjoy a nutritious snack (coffee and tea for the parents) and free play and time to socialize in the family centre. We have lots of toys, books, dress-up clothes, puzzles and more. For infants birth to 5 years and their parents/caregivers. Parent participation required. Free. Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 10:30am-noon and Thursdays 6-7pm. 471 Cecelia Rd. 250-388-5251. www. burnsidegorge.ca. Toddler Art at the Burnside Gorge Family Centre. Come and get creative in the family centre. Crafts are designed specifically for toddlers and preschoolers. We provide the supplies, smocks and lots of soap—your child provides the creativity. Parent participation is required. Wednesdays 9:30-10:30am. For toddlers up to age 5 and their parents/caregivers. $2/family. 471 Cecelia Rd. 250-388-5251. www.burnsidegorge.ca.

CHILDREN Sea-Shirt Sundays at the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre. On the first Sunday of each month, create your own fish fashion. Be sure to bring a pillow case, cloth bag or t-shirt (or purchase a t-shirt from the centre) and your creativity. $2 donation for fabric paint. 1-4pm. 250-665-7511.

YOUTH Advance Reading Copy (ARC) Club at the Greater Victoria Public Library. Be the first to

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get all the new books. Get an exclusive copy of a book before it comes out in stores or hits the library shelves. Review it online and you get to keep the free book. For ages 13-18. For information contact teens@gvpl.ca. Friday Night Drop-In Night at “The Scene” Youth Centre. Come and register for a planned activity with old and new friends. Bring your ideas, and we will help you carry them out. 6:30-9pm. Free. For more info email youthrecbgca@shaw.ca or call 250-388-5251 ext. 254. 471 Cecelia Rd.

FAMILIES Skate Outdoors in Centennial Square. A great way to get out and enjoy the season as well as get some exercise to beat the holiday stress. Rink accomodates 70 skaters. Daily until January 2. $2. Skate rentals available. www. downtownvictoria.ca. Bear Wear at the Hotel Grand Pacific. Come out and vote for your favourite bear. All funds raised support the Queen Alexandra School Age Program. December 1-January 3. 463 Belleville St. 250-519-6955. Geocaching Adventures with the Geocaching Families of Victoria. Join us at www.meetup. com for details of our upcoming meetups and to RSVP. There is a small annual membership fee to help cover costs. Ready to Rent BC offers a free course to help find and keep a rental home. Six-week courses run at different times, days and locations. We help renters identify and deal with any barriers they may have to housing. Includes bus tickets, childminding and a healthy snack. To sign up, call 250-388-7171. readytorentbc.net. Harmonious Family Singers & Choir. A multi-cultural, inter-generational singing community that welcomes both individuals and family groups. All voices and ages welcome. First-timers are invited to try a no-audition session any Monday afternoon or evening. For details sing@harmoniousfamilychoir.com or 250-385-SING (7464). Parent Sports Drop-in at James Bay Community School Centre. Parents need time to have fun and get back in touch with their inner child. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 7-9pm. $3.50/person. www.jamesbaycentre.ca. Starlight Cinema Christmas Movies at the Delta Ocean Pointe Resort. Head down with friends and family to watch one of your favourite holiday classics. Heaters will be supplied, but bring your own lawn chair and blanket. Movies are free, but donations to Santa’s Anonymous are greatly appreciated. Tuesday and Wednesday 6pm, December 6 to 21. For more information visit www.deltavictoria. com. or call 250-360-2999.

The Victoria Good News Choir, directed by Louise Rose, welcomes new members. No auditions and no age requirements. For more information, 250-658-1946 or www. victoriagoodnewschoir.com. Come sing with us. You’ll have the time of your life! Weekly Bird Walk at Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary (meet in the parking lot). Every Wednesday and Sunday noon-3pm. Metchosin School Museum is open Saturdays 1:30-4:30pm and Sundays 11am-4:30pm. An original, one-room school house built in 1871, it is set up as a classroom with old wooden desks. Families can enjoy perusing the hundreds of artifacts on display. Free. 4475 Happy Valley Rd. Hillside Partners with Women in Need. Pick up a complimentary Women in Need (WIN) clothing bag at Customer Service and fill it with your gently worn clothing or fashion accessories. At your convenience, return your WIN bag to Hillside Customer Service. Hillside offers this donation service 365 days of the year. Genealogy in the Classroom is a web-based resource filled with student activities, teacher notes, charts and forms that can be used online or downloaded and printed. Free. www. victoriags.org/school.•

Send Us Your Stories! Island Parent is looking for articles for upcoming issues. Some of our best content comes from people just like you—Vancouver Island parents who are passionate about their families and are dealing with the day to day issues of raising children in our community. Share your experiences, your thoughts on a particular issue, your ideas on places to see or projects to do—anything related to parenting. Check our Writer’s Guidelines at www.islandparent.ca for specific information on submissions. We’d love to hear from you. Please email submissions to editor@islandparent.ca.

December 2011

SAT 10

Around the Island Visit www.IslandParent.ca for these and other events and resources for families from Cowichan Valley north to Campbell River and west to Tofino SAT 3

SUN 4

Children’s Expo 2011 at Comox Community Centre. Carnival Zone for the kids with a bounce castle, craft centre, bean bag toss, relays and more. Live entertainment and community group demonstrations. Educational and handmade gifts and on-site concessions. 10am-4pm. $3/advance or $4/at the door. 1855 Noel Ave. 250-339-2255.

Family Skate at Oceanside Place. Free admission and skate rentals. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Pond hockey is not available. 12:15-1:45pm. 826 W. Island Hwy. 250-248-3252.

Christmas Walking Tour in Chemainus. Prizes, snacks, live music, Santa, crafts and Shrek the Halls. 10am-4pm. 250-246-4977 for details. Santa Claus Parade in Parksville. Bigger and better than ever this year. 5pm. www.parksvillechamber.com.

TUES 6 Glow in the Dark Skate at Frank Crane Arena. Skate in our atmosphere of dimmed lighting and special effects. 6:30-8pm. Regular admission rates. Glow necklaces available for $2. 250-756-5200.

Island Parent Magazine

Old Fashioned Family Christmas at the Nanaimo Museum. Carols, historical toys, crafts, storytelling and treats. Children can make their own whirligig and paper doll to take home. Families can create felt stockings for personalized Christmas tree ornaments. Decorate traditional sugar cookies. Santa will be in his workshop. 11am-4pm. By donation. 100 Museum Way.

SAT 10 – MON 12 Bethlehem Walk in Parksville. 6-8:30pm nightly with additional procession on Monday from 9:30-11am.

FRI 9 – SUN 11 The Christmas Express at the BC Forest Discovery Centre. Be enchanted as you ride through our decorated forest on a 1910 steam locomotive. 4-9pm. Train leaves every 20 minutes from 4:30-8:30pm. See Holiday Happenings on page 10 for details. 250-748-9068. In the Nick of Time at ET Family Church, Nanaimo. Nicolas is a man who lives in dark and troubling times. He wants to help others, but is torn by the fact that doing so has led to prison time in the past. When he encounters people who really need his help, will he turn a blind eye, or will he do what he knows is right? 7pm nightly with 4pm matinee Sat & Sun. Free. 250-753-0258. www.etfamilychurch.com.

SUN 11 Christmas in the Village in Downtown Qualicum Beach. Breakfast with Santa at Bailey’s starting at 9am. Santa will then take you on a tour of Storybook Village from 11am-1pm. Photos with Santa and hayrides with Tiger Lily Farm from 1-3:30pm. Craft tables, face painting, entertainment, candy floss and popcorn fun for everyone. 250-248-2338. Family Skate at Oceanside Place. Free admission and skate rentals. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Pond hockey is not available. 12:15-1:45pm. 826 W. Island Hwy. 250-248-3252.

www.kidsinvictoria.com

TUES 13 Family Skate at Kerry Park Recreation Centre. Skate with Santa from 5-6pm, Pop Concert Skating Performance from 6-7:15pm.

FRI 16 Winter Wonderland Skate at Fuller Lake Arena. Christmas music, light show, games, prizes and more. $2 includes skate rentals. 250-246-3811.

FRI 16 – FRI 23 The Christmas Express at the BC Forest Discovery Centre. 4-9pm. Train leaves every 20 minutes from 4:30-8:30pm. See DEC 9-11 for details.

SAT 17 Little Town Christmas in Waterwheel Park, Chemainus. Follow the music to a magical winter wonderland. Family activities include live music, games, crafts and food. See Santa! 3-6pm. 250-246-1448.

SAT 17 – SAT 24 Christmas in the Country at Tiger Lily Farm. Come out for quality family fun and a pony drawn wagon or sleigh ride. You can visit the animals and enjoy some home baking. 1692 Errington Rd.

FRI 23 Winter Wonderland Carnival at the Cowichan Lake Sports Arena. Fire on ice, fire poi dancing, toboggan run, hot chocolate, kids’ games and a visit from Santa. Skating fun for the whole family 6-8pm. Info, 250-749-6742.

MON 26 – FRI 30 Winterwonderland 2011 at Frank Crane Arena. The arena will be transformed with a Rockefeller Centre theme. $2. Free skate and helmet rentals. 250-756-5200.

ONGOING PRESCHOOL LaFF at the Aggie is a drop-in family & friends resource program for children ages 0-6 and their parents, grandparents or caregivers. Play area, free clothing exchange, food programs, free coffee and tea. Monday to Friday, 9:30am-noon. $2 suggested donation (punch cards available). 250-210-0870, laffcoordinator@shaw.ca, www.familyandfriends.ca. Benny’s Buddies Drop-in & Play Group at Woodgrove Centre, Nanaimo. For children under five. Tuesdays near the food court. 9:3010:30am. www.woodgrovecentre.com.

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Family Frolics at Frank Jameson Community Centre in Ladysmith. Bring your parent or caregiver for open gym fun during this drop-in family fun hour. Soft toys, mini-trampoline, ride-on toys, hula hoops and more. For children 1-6. Tuesdays 5:45-6:45pm until the end of March. $1/child. 250-245-6424.

CHILDREN Children’s Holiday Art Showcase at the Nanaimo Art Gallery. Young artists in three different age categories from 5-8, 9-12 and 13-16 will have works of art displayed on a feature wall until December 16. Free. 900 Fifth St. 250-740-6350. Parent & Child Hockey at Cliff McNabb Arena, Nanaimo. A fun, non-competitive hockey time for children where their parents can play too. Please bring your own gloves, stick, and helmet with face cage. Pre-registration required. Sundays 2:15-3pm. $4. 250-756-5200.

YOUTH Spare Blox Youth Drop-in in Nanaimo is the ultimate place to be. This is a supervised space to hang out and chill. Open to those 12-17, it offers regular gym activities, video games, movies, foosball, air hockey and much more. Free, but you must register. 7-9pm. Mondays, Nanaimo District Secondary School; Tuesday, Oliver Woods Community Centre; Wednesday, John Barsby Community School. 250-756-5200.

TRANSITION SERVICES FOR FAMILIES

Looking for a way to ease the stress of being Separated or Divorced with Children? We help families avoid unnecessary conflict and tension while family members adapt to new family structures. Professional Services: • arranging the visits • Supervised Access Visits • flexible hours (including weekends) • Member of the Supervised Visitation Network (SVN) Worldwide • Registered Member of the Child and Youth Care (CYC) Association Phone 250-590-4114 Email info@tsconsultingvictoria.ca or find us online at

www.tsconsultingvictoria.ca

Rec Room at Frank Jameson Community Centre. Play pool, ping-pong, air hockey, foosball, surf the net, watch TV or listen to music. Tuesdays 3-6pm feature interactive events and Friday 6-10pm are drop-in with different activities planned. For 13-18 year olds. 250-245-6424.

FAMILY Free Sewing Classes at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Nanaimo. All skill levels welcome, from beginner to expert. Experienced volunteers are invited to come along to help newbies or just sew in a fun, friendly group. Lots of materials and ideas. For more information, email Val at vfroom@shaw.ca search Facebook for Nanaimo Sewing Mamas. 6-9pm. 4235 Departure Bay Rd. Christmas Magic at Milner Gardens. A family oriented festival of lights and magic. Santa will be here! Storytelling for the children, and seasonal music. Guess the number of teddy bears in the gardener’s cottage to win a prize. Bring a flashlight. Admission by donation. December 2-4, 9-11 and 16-21. 250-752-6153. www.viu. ca/milnergardens.•

Victoria & Vancouver Island 1-866-518-7287 Nanaimo 250-756-9794 Or online at: www.welcomewagon.ca

December 2011

An Heirloom of Tears

him to share his story with us or to keep it secret. He shared it with us right from the start. Right or wrong, I have followed in his footsteps and shared the horror with my own daughters all their little lives. How could I not? Despite having been born and raised in

’ve known this story all my life. My father was one lucky—tragic, but lucky—guy. Through the kindness and courage of others, my father survived the Holocaust. His mother and father were not so lucky, and they died, young and beautiful, in the concentration camps. Though my grandparents did not survive this brutal period of history, by miracle, some of their possessions did, and have slowly made their way to me via their only son, my father. In a small green trunk, I hold the physical memories of these two glamorous, intellectual, handsome people who, inadvertently, gave me life. My earliest memories are of waking before the rest of the family and standing in the living room, staring in awe at the framed portrait of my grandmother who, at the time she sat for the painter, was actually much younger than I am now. Our house stood under the Air Force flight path, and even at that tender age, I would quake when the jets roared past, certain the enemy was about to bomb us to smithereens. By two years old, I was already

relatively peaceful times, I have the Holocaust embedded in my every cell. To hide history from my children would be like waiting till they’re old enough to let them know my eyes are brown. I have spent my entire life thinking about the Holocaust, worrying about it, wondering

Jessica Duncan

aware of war, well versed on the family tragedy, emotionally scarred. That portrait of my grandmother has always hung on the wall. As I grew older, I became aware of other personal belongings that were somehow rescued from my grandparents’ home around the time they were carted away to the camps. When I reached adulthood, my father had his mother’s filigree diamond earrings turned into pendants so that my sister and I could each carry her memory around our necks. On my wedding day, my father presented my grandfather’s tallis, a Jewish prayer shawl, to use as our chuppah, a wedding canopy. When he presented the tallis, my normally composed, professorial father momentarily lost his words and was overcome with tears. No eyes were dry as he explained to our guests that the tallis had survived what his father had not. That was 15 years ago, and in the meantime, I have brought into the world two daughters of my own. My father, orphaned at age eight, learned parenting by guesswork. Nobody told

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how it could have happened and what exactly it was like for my family. I am troubled, as a mother, when I imagine my grandmother’s final thoughts about her young son as she fell asleep forever in the gas van. The Nazi atrocities provide me with a metre stick for measuring how bad things really are when life throws me a curve ball. I think to myself, “This I can live with!” as I compare my disappointments with how things turned out for my grandparents and yet, I am constantly fretful knowing that things do not always work out for the best. These incessant thoughts of the Holocaust have naturally influenced my parenting habits. Three generations on, the Nazis still have a powerful grip on my family. In my defense, I would like to think that I have not shared the gruesome details of my family tragedy with my daughters merely to terrify or sadden them. I can’t deny there is a strong element of victimhood, but I prefer not to dwell on this aspect. My father’s story is a story of good fortune in bad times. It is a story of kindness and courage, perseverance and pride. I feel proud and somewhat amazed to be alive despite Serbia being declared “Juden frei” in 1942. The Nazis ultimately failed in their mission to rid that country of Jews. My father and a small number of other Jews outwitted their persecutors and we are living proof. Two years ago we celebrated my eldest daughter’s bat mitzvah. During the celebration she wore my grandfather’s tallis as a reminder of her Jewish heritage and to honour her great grandparents. As I draped the prayer shawl over her delicate shoulders, I knew I was, in fact, passing the painful burden of the family tragedy onto the next generation. At age 12, my daughter was officially recognized as an adult in the Jewish tradition, but she and her sister will have to wait a few decades before I hand over my grandparents’ possessions. Until then, their inheritance will be the family stories. They are horrifying stories, but I trust my daughters will process them as best they can according to their level of emotional maturity. When the time comes to distribute the contents of my little green trunk, my grandfather’s tallis, this heirloom of tears, will go to my eldest daughter who will, perhaps, pass it on along with the stories to her own children. Jessica Duncan is a mother of two, a writer, and an educator. She moved to Victoria with her family to help care for her aging father who remains a powerful and positive influence in her life.

www.IslandParent.ca

FALCON

HOLIDAY CHRISTMAS CAMP

GYMNASTICS CENTRE 208 – 721 Vanalman Ave, Victoria

December 26 to 30 Monday through Friday Ages 5 – 14 Full Day (9–4) or Half Day: Morning (9–12) or Afternoon (1–4) We Have It All!

250-479-6424

www.falcongymnastics.com

Dress up! Act! Sing! Join the Fun

Are you 12 years old or younger? Help us celebrate Christmas this year at St. John the Divine Anglican Church, 1611 Quadra St. We’re looking for children who want to have fun singing carols or acting in the Christmas pageant. No experience necessary! For more information call: (250) 383-7169, or email admin@stjohnthedivine.bc.ca by December 1st. Check our website: www.stjohnthedivine.bc.ca

Notary Services The Shipley Group Providing Quality Legal Services to Victoria Families for Over 15 Years • Real Estate Transfers • Mortgages • Wills & Living Wills

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www.ShipleyGroup.net December 2011

Suki Davis

Surviving the Teen Years ome argue that there is no correlation between the time our children become teens and we, their parents, enter into middle age and come face to face with all its related adjustments. Grey hairs, reading glasses and a thickening around the waist could not be caused by those 13-year-old-plus aliens living in our house. Or could it? There is no one study that definitively arrives at the conclusion that this teenage stage is the cause of a parentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s demise, but there are many health studies that show how stress exacerbates any condition. So how can parents manage to keep their sanity, and their health, while their children traverse the teen years? 1. Understand that the children are having a brain transformation. The brain is changing more rapidly and dramatically in teen years than in any previous stage. Imagine yourself in a monsoon, trying to fly a kite with a crowd of

people watching from a dry room. That image is the teen years: a time of self-consciousness, challenges like never before, and a sense of self that is rather fragile. If someone asked you to load the dishwasher while you were out in that monsoon, you might just snap at them. 2. Take nothing personally. Our teens have fluctuating levels of hormones, to say the least. Really, they are like the water of a dam in a massive hydro-electric project. One moment, the levels are calm and the next, flood gates open and havoc ensues downstream. Yes, this may sound like an exaggeration but in the most blustery teen years for our son, I decided that I would just make sure that he was safe and then I would leave the room. 3. Nothing is achieved by voices raised in anger. Spitting fire and speaking negative words that may not be retracted can damage a relationship. The best words to say when

you feel the heat starting to rise are, â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is not good. We will talk when we are calmed down.â&#x20AC;? And then do it. When we are angry, our minds are actually unable to think and the reptilian mind inside of us just yells, â&#x20AC;&#x153;React, defend, attack.â&#x20AC;? 4. Talk about things. When tempers are settled, voices can be heard. Talk about your confidence in your teen to grow to be a responsible adult. Love him despite his undoings. 5. Play with your teen. Remember when you were a young parent, goo-ing and gaing at your baby, working so hard to elicit a smile or a giggle. You would draw them out, inviting them to play in the silliest fashion. Do it again! Even though your teen might smile uncomfortably and say, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ah, Mom!â&#x20AC;?, they love it. Teens miss the â&#x20AC;&#x153;coo-chee-cooâ&#x20AC;? of babyhood when it was only their smile that mattered. They forget that you are their biggest fan, their greatest advocate. Play in the silliest way with your teen. They secretly love it and, who knows, you may just delay the aging process with plain old humour and a sense of play. Suki Davis is a wife, mother, clown, teacher and writer based in Nanaimo. She loves children, especially cantankerous teens.

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Island Parent Magazine

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Greater Victoria School District #61 invites you to…

Welcome to School

Parent Information Evenings S.J. Willis Education Centre, Auditorium | 923 Topaz Avenue Learn more about our District’s exciting Kindergarten programs.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012 6:30 – 8:00 pm | General Kindergarten Information

Wednesday, January 25, 2012 6:30 – 7:30 pm | Early French Immersion Registration Information for Kindergarten & Grade 1 Entry We invite you to visit our website at www.sd61.bc.ca In 2011, our graduates received over $2.4 million in scholarships! www.IslandParent.ca

December 2011

Christmas Tradition n my family, we have just one major Christmas tradition that has persisted over the years. We only half-jokingly call it “pie night.” Loosely based on the traditional French Christmas Eve tradition of Réveillon—a dinner, and often a party, held the night before Christmas and New Year’s Day—pie night for us involves my family meeting at my parents’ place every December 24 to gorge on several kinds of pie and other treats, starting with the tourtière (or simply “meat pie” to us). Pie night was born out of necessity when my sister and I were kids. We always did our gift opening on Christmas Eve, because we would set off in the frigid early hours of Christmas morning for the three-hour drive to see our extended family. We still got a visit from Santa, of course, but somehow he knew to come early while we were out at midnight mass (an oddity, since midnight mass was actually around 8 p.m., as I recall). We would come home from our annual visit to our neighbourhood Catholic church to find a shocking display of packages under the tree (Santa was big on the “wow factor”—and still is). When my sister and I moved out and started our own families, gift opening on Christmas Eve became a convenient tradition; we’ve been able to spend the 24th with our parents and the 25th with our partners’ families. So we stuck with it, and the tradition continues to this day. Everything else, though, has changed over the years. As children are born, parents pass on, or siblings move away, other holiday traditions have become less defined. I like the ability to be flexible and just do what works, especially while the kids are young, but at the same time, I feel compelled each year to come up with specific holiday rituals that will endure. I’m drawn to the idea of an annual family skate on Christmas Eve, or an annual drive around town to view the Christmas lights,

Depuis sa création en 1995, le Conseil scolaire francophone de la Colombie-Britannique offre des programmes et des services éducatifs valorisant le plein épanouissement et l’identité culturelle des apprenantes et apprenants francophones de la province. Le conseil compte aujourd’hui plus de 4 600 élèves, 36 écoles publiques et dessert plus d’une centaine de communautés réparties dans l’ensemble de la province.

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Island Parent Magazine

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or an annual viewing of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” for example. Of course, we often do many of these sorts of things in any given year, but I haven’t really attached sense of tradition to them yet. Certainly the kids are content to do whatever Christmasy activities we decide to take part in each year. We almost always make it to the downtown Santa Clause parade, and sometimes catch the lighted

Dadspeak MIKE LOWE truck parade, too. We always pay a visit to Santa at the mall. Some years we do an advent calendar. So why do I care about labeling or defining something as a family tradition? I didn’t grow up with a strong sense of family history—in fact to this day I know very little about either of my grandfathers, who both passed away before I was old enough to know them. Traditions are supposed to bridge the past, the present, and the future; I want to establish something going forward that connects my kids, and eventually their kids, to their past. So here’s my plan: each year I’m going to try to add one new tradition to the holiday season. One year it might mean discovering something from my family’s history and finding a way to incorporate it into our annual festivities; another year it might be establishing something completely new that hopefully carries forward to future generations; and some years, I’m sure it will be something we do once and then forget about! The important thing as our family traditions evolve is to always know why they matter. It’s not just so my kids will have their very own pie night to share with their grandkids, it’s so they’ll grow up with the closeness of family as we create those traditions together.

Drive smart this holiday season. Making smart driving decisions and shifting our attitudes toward safe and courteous driving is something we can all be part of. If a driver is courteous to you on the road, wave and pay it forward. It makes a difference and helps keep our roads safe. Visit icbc.com/drivesmart.

Mike Lowe is a Victoria dad of a boy and a girl, and assistant producer of the Vancouver Island Baby Fair.

www.IslandParent.ca

December 2011

Taking Care of Your Mental Health Child, Youth & Family Community Health South Island Health Units Esquimalt Gulf Islands

250-519-5311 250-539-3099

(toll-free number for office in Saanichton)

Peninsula Saanich Saltspring Island Sooke Victoria West Shore

250-544-2400 250-519-5100 250-538-4880 250-642-5464 250-388-2200 250-519-3490

Central Island Health Units Duncan Ladysmith Lake Cowichan Nanaimo Nanaimo Princess Royal Parksville/Qualicum Port Alberni Tofino

250-709-3050 250-755-3342 250-749-6878 250-755-3342 250-755-7855 250-947-8222 250-731-1315 250-725-2172

North Island Health Units Campbell River Courtenay Kyuquot Health Ctr ‘Namgis Health Ctr Port Hardy

250-850-2110 250-331-8520 250-332-5289 250-974-5522 250-949-3100

www.viha.ca/prevention_services/

Island Parent Magazine

he media is full of health messages encouraging us to take care of our bodies by going for regular walks, drinking water instead of soft drinks for thirst, being smoke free, eating right and managing our weight. But how many of us give much thought to our emotional and mental well-being? This may be something we take for granted, as we have at times with our physical health, until an illness catches us by surprise. The reality is that one in five Canadians will have a problem with mental illness sometime in their life. Problems with mood and depression can affect up to 10 per cent of Canadians. Did you know that seasonal affective disorder is more common in northern countries where two to three per cent of the population may be affected? Another statistic that stands out is that 40 to 50 per cent of short-term disability claims in Canada’s largest corporations are related to stress and mental health issues, costing $30 billion a year in lost productivity. What is keeping the importance of preventing and treating depression from receiving the attention it deserves? Fear and stigma, still too common in our culture, can discourage an honest look at what is bothering us. Are we afraid we may lose credibility at work or that people may think we are weak-minded? Do we believe that feeling better is simply a matter of pulling oneself out of a slump through sheer willpower? Depression can affect people of all ages, educational backgrounds, income levels and cultures. The truth is that depression is not a character flaw but something that may require outside help and informed self-care. The causes of mood problems are varied. For some, there may be biochemical imbalances involved, requiring medical treatment. For others, a traumatic event or loss rocks a person’s world and shifts their sense of security. Family history can be a risk factor. And for mothers who are struggling with postpartum depression, isolation, sleep deprivation and/or relationship issues can

contribute to symptoms of depression. For depression that is linked to chronic, negative thought patterns, counselling may be helpful. How do you know if depressive illness is affecting you or someone you care about? A few of the signs to watch for are: feel-

Healthy Families; Happy Families C HILD Y OU TH & FAMILY C OMMU NITY HEALTH

FAITH THOMSON & MAUREEN BULLEN

ings of worthlessness or despair, changes in sleep patterns and/or appetite, poor concentration, difficulty making decisions, decreased sex drive, loss of interest in taking part in activities, withdrawing from others, sadness/grief, unreasonable feelings of guilt, tiredness and feeling overwhelmed, or thoughts of self-harm. The good news is that depression is treatable, and can often lead to increased self-awareness, personal growth and understanding for others. And while it is normal to have highs and lows in everyday life, a few positive changes in your thinking or lifestyle can help protect your mood from debilitating depression. Here are some simple, positive changes that help to maintain mental health:

Challenge Negative Thinking Negative self-talk can be insistent, loud and destructive. Negative thinking is unfair, unrealistic and often distorted. With depression you may be over thinking and focusing on your problems to the exclusion of everything else, magnifying more simple issues and downplaying accomplishments. For one week carry a pen and paper. Write down the stressful situation, what was going through your mind and what the negative thoughts were. Next to these comments write a more fair and realistic thought. For example: My baby is crying and www.kidsinvictoria.com

unable to be consoled (negative thought), I am a horrible mother (labeling). A good mother should be able to stop her crying baby (should). I can’t seem to do anything right (overgeneralization). A more realistic scenario would be “My baby does cry a lot (four to six hours a day), I’ve tried many approaches, but today I need some extra support.” Monitoring and labeling negative thoughts can help. More balanced thinking is a positive step to help you feel better.

Exercise Physically fit people are at less risk for developing depression, and regular exercise can reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. Exercise will give you more energy and help you sleep at night. Develop an exercise program, but first get a physical exam. Focus on enjoyment. Regular short periods of exercise (three to four times a week) are better than irregular long periods of exercise. Join a gym or your local recreation centre.

Set Personal Goals Set a manageable realistic goal for the week. It doesn’t need to be ambitious. Finish a book you started last summer, call a

friend you haven’t spoken to in a long time. Reaching your goal will build self-confidence and a sense of satisfaction. Writing down the goal with a time-line and telling others about your goal may increase your chances of success.

Treat Yourself Well With depression most people don’t do the things that normally keep their mood positive. Try bubble baths, light a candle, plant flowers, enjoy a warm mug of soup, read your favourite magazine, watch a sunset, pet your cat or dog, daydream, listen to your favourite music, enjoy some quiet time, read a cook book. Think of something that makes you feel good, and take a moment to indulge yourself.

Eat well When we are depressed our diet suffers. Some people overeat, but more common is a lack of appetite. Try snacking from the food groups, carry healthy snacks with you. Remember the Canadian Food Guide. If you are an emotional overeater you must first recognize it and then keep a food diary, noting each time you eat and whether it is out of hunger or for another reason.

Do One Thing at a Time When you are out walking with a friend or your baby, turn off the cell, stop the texting and stop making the “to do list.” Instead, enjoy the company of your friend or the wonderment of your child. Take in the sights, sounds and remember to “smell the roses” along the way.

Share Humour If you hear a funny joke or hear something that makes you laugh, share it with a friend.

Ask for Help Learning to set boundaries and say no is an important skill for mental well-being. Emotional support from family, friends, health professionals, your church or mental health services are all options. Maintaining mental health means finding balance in all aspects of life; social, physical, spiritual, economic and mental. Reaching the balance is a unique and lifelong learning process. Faith Thomson and Maureen Bullen are Public Health Nurses in Nanaimo/Ladysmith.

Want to find the perfect family home? Check out my Parent to Parent webpage at www.BriarHillGroup.com Let me find you the home that best suits your family! As a mother with two small children, I understand your family housing needs

Give me a call at 250-744-0775

JANE JOHNSTON, M.Ed. www.IslandParent.ca

December 2011

So This Is Christmas ...and what have we done? Another year over, and a new one just begun. So wrote John Lennon several decades ago, and his gentle introspection rings as true in today’s mixed up, muddled up, shook up world as it did in the world he was writing about. We want to define endings and justify time spent. We need affirmation of the fact that there is meaning in the way we have spent our hours and days. We all yearn for a beginning, middle, and ending. We want to be Frodo, with a fair, tidy, finish to the Quest. Life, however, is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans. As a result, our lists of goals may end up bearing little resemblance to the wild weave spun from the warp and weft of who and where we really are. Take stock of the plusses, the bonuses, the half-fulls, and the yes’s that came to you through the year, and let the other bits fade off into history. We need dark to have light, we need sorrow to know joy, but it’s important to keep ourselves facing the sunshine and remember that we are exactly where we need to be, right now.

Celebrate the season with friends and family by preparing a delicious meal. Much of it can be prepared ahead, to minimize any hosting stress. Boil and then mash up some creamy potatoes as a side dish, and pull some stashed shortbread from the freezer to round out your meal. Gather your loved ones around, share your best bits from the past year, and your plans and hopes for the upcoming year, but most of all, give thanks to be here, now. Peace be with you. Namaste.

Mani’s Bread 17⁄8 cups lukewarm water 1⁄4 tsp yeast 3 cups flour, plus one or two more to knead before baking 2 tsp kosher salt 1 Tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped 2 tsp lemon zest (lemon and/or rosemary can be substituted with chopped sundried tomatoes, diced olives, minced garlic, shredded Asiago cheese, chunks of blue cheese with diced

dried apricots, or whatever strikes your fancy) Stir all ingredients together, except the extra two cups of flour, in a cast iron pot.

Just Eat It! KATHY HUMPHREY Cover well with plastic wrap and a towel. Let sit on countertop overnight (12–16 hours). Turn out onto a well-floured countertop and knead in one or two cups of flour, as necessary to form a stiff yet pliable dough. Replace in pot, let rise for two hours. Preheat oven to 425˚F. Remove dough from pot, place pot in oven to come up to heat. Oil pot with olive oil, replace dough, and bake for 20 minutes with the lid on. Remove lid, bake for 20 more minutes (or until loaf sounds hollow when tapped on bottom). Cool on rack for 10 minutes. Enjoy!

Daube of Beef with Orange 1 large orange 1.5 kg stewing beef, cut into 2" cubes

“Mum, let’s go to Woodgrove.” FREE SANTA PHOTOS

As part of our 30th anniversary celebration, we’re giving away free, professional 5” x 7” photos with Santa every day right up to 3 pm on Christmas Eve. It’s a gift from our Woodgrove Centre family to your family.

LETTERS TO SANTA

Visit our Santa letter station located by our “Play Harbour” (near Toys R Us). All letters are sent straight off to the North Pole.

woodgrovecentre.com Become a fan.

Island Parent Magazine

Scrooge-free Christmas.

www.kidsinvictoria.com

11⁄2 cups red wine (can substitute 1 cup beef stock and 1⁄4 cup each orange juice and red wine vinegar for this) 2 Tbsp olive oil 1 tsp each salt and dried thyme 1⁄2 tsp pepper 1 bay leaf 3 cloves garlic, crushed 250 grams bacon, cut into 2" pieces 250 grams small mushrooms 8 carrots, sliced 4 small onions, quartered 1⁄2 cup all-purpose flour 21⁄2 cups beef stock 2 Tbsp tomato paste Cut long 1⁄2" wide strip of rind from orange. In large bowl, combine orange rind, beef, wine, oil, salt, thyme, pepper, bay leaf and garlic. Cover and let sit in fridge overnight (6–24 hours). Arrange 1⁄3 of the bacon over bottom of 5 or 6 litre casserole. Cover with half carrots and half onions. Reserving marinade, toss beef with flour to coat completely, arrange half over vegetables. Repeat layers, cover with remaining bacon. Stir stock and tomato paste into marinade, pour over casserole. Cover and bake in 325˚F oven, stirring twice, for three and a half to four hours, or until beef is tender. Discard bay leaf and rind.

Winter Holiday Programs for all kids in Victoria ages 5–14, including: Sports for Superheroes! Super-charged, super-power fun

Chocolate Extravaganza Bake some delectable treats for the holidays

Passion Sports Christmas Slam Camp A week of intensive basketball skill development Visit our website for information on these and other programs: www.smus.ca/winter, or call the Education Extension office at 250-370-6120.

Committee Salad 1 head red/green leaf lettuce 1 tin mandarin oranges, drained 1 avocado, chopped 1⁄2 cup celery, diced 2 green onions, chopped 4 Tbsp each sunflower seeds and flaked almonds, browned in 1 Tbsp butter Dressing: 1⁄2 cup olive oil 3 Tbsp red wine vinegar 1 Tbsp lemon juice 2 Tbsp sugar 1⁄2 tsp mustard 1 clove garlic, minced salt and pepper, to taste. In mini-blender or in small bowl, combine dressing ingredients. Whisk until well blended; set aside. Tear lettuce into bitesized pieces and put into salad bowl. Add mandarin oranges, avocado, celery, green onions, and nuts. Pour dressing over, toss to combine well, and serve. Kathy Humphrey lives in Victoria with her husband and two children. She tries to see cooking for a family not as a chore but as a creative outlet.

www.IslandParent.ca

Join us at the 6th annual First Night New Year’s Eve celebration! Enjoy live music by a local band as well as numerous activities including swimming, skating, arts & crafts, inﬂatable obstacle course, bouncy castle and a giant movie screen playing holiday classics. We’ll end the night with a Fireworks Finale at 9pm!

Tickets Now On Sale! By Dec 30th Adult Child/Student (6 - 18yrs) Child (0 - 5yrs)

$11 $7 Free

On Dec 31st Adult Child/Student (6 - 18yrs) Child (0 - 5yrs)

www.panoramarecreation.ca 250.656.7271

$15 $11 Free

Purchase your tickets at Panorama Recreation or Tanner’s Books in Sidney. December 2011

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year ecember is rife with contradictions. We get messages to simplify our celebrations and cut back on commercialism…and buy everyone on our Christmas list a new cell phone. It is a time for drawing close by the fire, curling up under a blanket with a good book, enjoying the company of family and close friends...and the heaviest time of double-booking, super-scheduling, and frantic over-socialising. It can be hard to keep in mind what really matters about Christmas and not get swept up in the stress-filled furor of trying to do everything bigger and better and all at once. To help get you back in the holiday mood, I’ve tracked down some delightful Christmas reads to share with your loved ones. Where better to begin than with the origins of Christmas itself? The Third Gift by Linda Sue Park (Clarion, 2011) brings new and beautiful perspective to the traditional Christmas story. Filled with exquisite pictures by Bagram Ibatoulline, The Third Gift tells the story of that most mysterious of the gifts given by the Three Kings—myrrh. In a Middle East richly evoked by Ibatoulline’s images, a young boy is learning his father’s trade of myrrh-gathering: the art of collecting the valuable resin by making small cuts in thorny desert trees and gathering the beautiful jewelled “tears” that form there. It takes great skill to know just where and when to cut to extract the rich resin, and it is a great source of pride to the boy and his family when he collects a tear of exceptional size—a tear that is later sold to three men who wish to give it as a gift to a newborn baby. The final image, of a small stable filled with people and animals, is familiar to us all: the story being told in this beautiful book is anything but. This is a wonderful read for 5+. Another rich retelling of a traditional tale is Jane Ray’s new take on The Twelve Days of Christmas (Candlewick Press, 2011). Ray’s vivid, engaging illustrations bring new life to the classic carol, as over the 12 days of Christmas a marvellous array of colourful, multi-cultural characters parades past and into the home of one very fortunate young woman. Lords prance across her rooftop and ladies dance in a barge along the canal that fronts her home, birdsong and music fill her house, and light and laughter fill her heart, as it does that of all those who read or sing

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along to this beautiful tale. An enchanting choice for 3+. If you’re feeling creative, why not make some of your presents Christmas Cooking (Usborne, 2001)? Children and adults will delight in the delicious, easy-to-make recipes that fill the pages of this light and friendly book

Book Nook MADDY SMITH by Rebecca Gilpin and Catherine Atkinson, which has everything from Crinkly Christmas Pies to Shining Star Cookies, as well as helpful wrapping hints for the delicious gifts. A mouth-watering read for 7+. Of course, no Christmas book selection is complete without a new story from the marvellous Jan Brett. Home for Christmas (G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2011) is the tale of Rollo, a mischievous young troll who runs away from home, determined to find somewhere better suited to his rambunctious tastes. However, after trying the life of everyone from an owl to a moose, Rollo begins to realize that there really is no place like home for the holidays—but how on earth will he get there? With Brett’s magnificent, Scandinavian-inspired illustrations and classically engaging text, this subtle examination of nature and the seasons is a wonderful celebration of family and a delightful read for all those 4+. At this time of year more than any other, we fight to keep in mind the people and things that matter in our lives and to celebrate the holidays with a sense of peace and ritual. As the year draws to a close, we find ourselves looking both backwards and forwards in time as we contemplate our past and gaze hopefully towards the future. It’s a time of reflection, a time of connection, and a time of celebration. This December, embrace the magic of the season, and of the moment, and revel in the comfort and joy that is Christmas. Maddy Smith is a children’s bookseller and an Islander born and bred; she reads, writes, and believes in the magic of a great book.

www.kidsinvictoria.com

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nkeys hourly While you shop, Mall Mo ins your erta ent tre cen drop-in fun old with rs children aged 3 to 11 yea es, gam s, toy r ula pop the newest cersize, dolls, trains, puzzles, dan more. movement activities and or just read Kids can do crafts, paint The Wii a book in the quiet circle. er, and the games, Fisher Price rac sure to be trampoline bouncer are a hit with all the kids.

December 2011

The Lighthouse Parent

Please, God, No More Onesies

An innovative program for parents who want to learn how their child’s brain develops from the womb to 18 years. Find out what the latest research says about attachment theory, brain plasticity and how you can joyfully connect with your child at every age and stage. For information on our wide range of courses visit www.1-up.ca 250 385 1114 info@1-up.ca 602 Gorge Road East Victoria, BC V8T 2W6

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Island Parent Magazine

Generously funded by the United Way of Greater Victoria and the BC Ministry of Children and Family Development

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…and other tales from a second-time parent o!” I shouted at the mailman as yet another package arrived from my mother. “No more onesies!” My mother, who hails from the east coast, loves nothing more that going to Frenchy’s, a ubiquitous second-hand store throughout Nova Scotia, and filling up garbage bags (garbage bags!) with kids’ clothes for next to nothing. “I couldn’t help myself!” she explained apologetically over the phone later that day, when I phoned to thank her/gently encourage her to start channeling uncontrollable shopping urges towards more charitable ventures. “It’s all just sooo cute!” Well, I suppose you can’t argue with that. There is something about teeny tiny clothes—those leather slippers all the babies wear nowadays, collared shirts that snap up at the crotch, and dear Lord, blue jeans with a 25cm waist—that makes people whip out their credit cards, no questions asked. While a first-time mom might receive these items at her shower with wide-eyed joy and emit a few squeals of delight at the adorable-ness of it all, it’s a different story the second time around. Now, I just see further infraction on my already limited storage space. We were given so many newborn clothes with our first that he never even got to wear them all—he quickly grew tall enough to eat the leaves off trees. The giver sees cute photo ops; I see a trip to Zellers to buy more of those Rubbermaid bins. Adding to my mountain of baby clothes just puts more strain on my sleep-deprived brain. And my marriage. I’ve been known to strip my children at the last minute before leaving the house in a desperate

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attempt to clothe them in the outfits given to them by the relative to whose home we were enroute. “The golf shirt covered in giraffes!” I have been known to shout up the stairs at my husband as he roots frantically through overflowing drawers. “Not ducks! GIRAFFES!” And mommy guilt? Let’s pile on a bit more of that, shall we? You imagine dear old Aunt Gladys, spending an afternoon picking out a sweet little outfit for your newborn. You imagine this just as you pull that very sweet outfit from the back of a closet, and realize with a sinking heart that it is approximately a third the size of your child. Oops. (In my defense, I told the relatives—when asked—that if they wanted to give the kids a gift, they could contribute to their RESPs.

Is There an App for This? CARLY SUTHERLAND As is typical of my relatives, they rolled their eyes at me and went shopping.) Some of these so-called cute clothes just torment a baby, who really wants to be wearing nothing other than comfy, warm, practical pajamas with feet anyway. Suspenders aren’t cute, or comfortable. They’re mean. No baby wants to look 75 years older than he really is. Also, suspenders are a potential strangulation hazard. Speaking of torment, have you ever tried to put a three-piece suit on a 10-month-old baby? I have! Then he pooped in it! And I had to take it off! And put it on! Again! I lost 14 litres of sweat in the process. I will take the pajamas with the single zipper anytime. (But thanks for the suit anyway, Grandma) And finally, that “Poops! I did it again!” onesie that once struck me as being sooo cute…well, see above. If I have a third child, and you really want to send a gift, laundry pick-up services are probably much more practical. But please God, no more onesies. Carly Sutherland was relieved to have another boy. Bedroom #3 can be designated storage, and her mother won’t be buying garbage bags full of pink onesies.

Five Directions Counselling Services Victoria Counselling Services for the Strength of Individuals, Families & the Community. Compassionate Counsellors here for you: Nancy Miller-Stone, BSW; MA (Pastoral Psychology); RCC Terence Stone, MA (Lit.); MSW; RCC Individual Work: Play Therapy (children 3–11) • Teens, Adults, Couples, Families Helping With: Understanding Anger; Life Transitions; Self-Esteem; Body Image; Eating Disorders; Addictions; Abuse; Stress; Communication; Empathy; Grief; Gender Identity. Group Work: Effective Co-Parenting around parental separation; Positive Discipline®; Parent-Child Relationship Enhancement®; Mother-Teen Daughter Relationship Enrichment; Parenting for Caring Fathers.

www.counsellingvictoria.ca www.IslandParent.ca

250 580 6031 December 2011

living). Our Host agency provides direct supports for those with Individualized Funding and Home Share service. Our family support program offers advocacy, conflict resolution, education, newsletters, workshops, support groups and a resource library. Please call 250-477-7231 ext 233.

Family Services Directory Association of Family Serving Agencies (AFSA) is a network of organizations, groups and individuals serving families. All agencies listed are members of AFSA. This directory is sponsored by BC Families in Transition (formerly the Separation and Divorce Resource Centre) is one of three non-profit agencies in North America that offers professional counselling, legal support and education for people who are having problems in their relationships. Each year we help 10,000 adults, children and youth through family changes, separations and divorces, remarriages, and complex family situations. Whether you wish to separate or remain together, call us at 250-386-4331 or visit www.bcfit.org to see how we can help. Some evening and weekend appointments available. Beacon Community Services, a community-based, non-profit social, employment and health services agency, serving Greater Victoria, Saanich Peninsula and the Southern Gulf Islands. Providing these services: child, youth and family services; a drop-in family resource centre; counselling; employment services for adults, youth and people with disabilities; home support; volunteer services and opportunities; community events; affordable, assisted living for seniors; referrals, information and resources; thrift shops. For Home Support information call 250-658-6407, for all other inquiries call 250-656-0134 or visit www. beaconcs.ca. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Victoria provides mentoring programs to children in schools and communities. Adult ‘Bigs’, and child ‘Littles’, build a friendship based on shared interests, respect, trust, and the magic of everyday moments shared with a friend. Everyone needs someone to laugh with, to share a dream with, and just to hang out. No special skills, money, or experience are needed to be a mentor to a child, just a willingness to spend time together, to listen, and to be a friend and advocate—in as little as one hour a week! The positive impact of mentorship lasts for a lifetime. Contact us at 250-475-1117, email main@bbbsvictoria.com, or at our website www. bbbsvictoria.com Boys & Girls Club Services offer after-school and evening social, educational and recreational program-

ming for youth at four locations. We also offer support to parents of teens (Parents Together) and run Adventure Based Learning programs at our Camp in Metchosin. For more information on all our programs visit our website at www.bgcvic.org. For general information on after-school and evening programs at our 4 Community Clubs please call 250-384-9133. Capital Families is a community-based, non-profit charity in the West Shore offering programs and services to children, families, youth and individuals. Programs are generally free of charge and focus on early childhood development, parenting education, counseling, outreach, food initiatives and youth activities. You will find drop-in or registered programs at the Family and Early Childhood Centre, REACH Young Child & Parent Centre, counseling services, behavioural support, parenting classes, information and referral, clothing exchange, and a variety of activities. Volunteers are always welcome! For more information call 250-391-4911 or visit us at 2764 Jacklin Road, inside the portable at the back of Ruth King School, in Colwood. www.capfamilies.org. The Child Abuse Prevention & Counselling Society/Mary Manning Centre is the primary provider of therapy and victim support services for children and youth in Greater Victoria who experience sexual abuse, physical abuse, and other serious trauma, or who may be at risk for sexual abuse. Therapy services include individual and group sessions for children and youth and group sessions for parents. Victim services include intake and referral, accompaniment and support for children and youth being interviewed by police, and court preparation and support for those testifying as victims or witnesses in criminal cases. No charge for clients. Contact: 250-385-6111 or admin@ marymanning.com. Community Living Victoria supports people with developmental disabilities and their families by providing residential services, day and community supports (supported employment, parent support and independent

Esquimalt Neighbourhood House Society. Our Family Services offer family resource programs with a focus on early childhood development and learning, parenting education and pre and post-natal services. Our Counselling Services are free to adults and youth (12-18 years); adult and short term clinical counselling is offered for acute mental health problems. For more information call 250385-2635 or visit 511 Constance Ave. in Esquimalt. Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria (ICA) Is an immigrant and multicultural service agency. Programs offered include cross-cultural counselling, parenting programs (child care available), family violence services, interpretation and translation, diversity workshops and training, ESL instruction, volunteering, BETWEEN youth program and youth tutoring. ICA presents the Luminara Victoria Lantern Celebration. 930 Balmoral Rd, 250-3884728, info@icavictoria.org, www.icavictoria.org. Learning Disabilities Association of BC, SVI Chapter, educates, supports and advocates for children and youth with learning disabilities and related conditions. Services include a public lending library, individual/group support for parents and children, professional/educational workshops for parents and professionals. Child and youth programs include: reading/writing, academic skills, social/ emotional skill development and Fast ForWord. 1524 Fort St. 250-370-9513. www.ldasvi.bc.ca. Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) provides programs and services to the military family community. Services include: 24 Hour Information Line, Deployment Information and Workshops, Short Term Intervention/Crisis Support, Welcome/Relocation Services, services for families with special needs and responsabilities and childcare services and support to parents. Exciting Volunteer opportunities available! Call the MFRC: 250-363-2640 (1-800353-3329) for information. www.esquimaltmfrc.com. NEED2 Suicide Prevention Education & Support provides www.youthspace.ca. A multi-portal website which offers youth support through live-chats, forums and/or from a professional counselor via e-counselling. This service is delivered by youth and adult volunteers and

Do you want to raise $500 or $50,000? Bid, Browse and Support ZZZ JRELG FD ÷ ,QIRUPDWLRQ FDWK\#JRELG FD We have worked with:

Strawberry Vale Preschool, Glenlyon Norfolk School, Camosun College, Capital Families, Cordova Bay Soccer, Rotary Club, BC Lacrosse, Tourism Victoria, Lions Society of BC, Victoria Children’s Choir, Santas Anonymous, Garth Homer Society, Help Fill a Dream, Curl BC, WIN - Women in Need, Vancouver Foundation - Superior Tofu Community Fund

7DNH \RXU IXQGUDLVLQJ RQOLQH ZLWK *RELG 2QOLQH $XFWLRQV s ZZZ JRELG FD 54

Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

staff. It is an alternative to phone based service for youth and young adults who are seeking emotional support and information for a variety of issues including mental health and addictions. www.youthspace.ca. Pa r e n t S u p p o r t S e r v i c e s S o c i e t y ( w w w. parentsupportbc.ca) provides support circles, parenting resources and referrals to all in a parenting role including grandparents raising grandchildren. Our training in peer group facilitation is open to the community. Support circles are free with child minding and transportation assistance available. Volunteers are always needed. Call 250-3848042; email parent-support@shaw.ca. Rainbows is a nonprofit society providing support groups for children who have suffered a significant loss in their lives by death, divorce or any other painful life transition. Rainbows is not counselling, we offer peer support with trained facilitators to help children work through a 24-week program. Rainbows is offered without cost to participants and is community funded. For info see www.rainbows.ca or email Rita Henderson at nicrit@shaw.ca or Sharon Tyler at waynetyler@shaw.ca.

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The Single Parent Resource Centre (www.singleparentvictoria.ca) provides support, education and resources for parents in the Greater Victoria area through free counselling, volunteer training for reception and peer helper positions, a mentoring program for single moms, and a support group for dads. The Centre also offers over 20 integrated life skills and parenting courses which are open to the whole community (fees are by-donation). Child care assistance is available based on financial need. The Centre provides a bread pantry and free clothing for single parents. Donations of gently-used clothing, small household items, books, and toys are very welcome every Monday and Wednesday. Centre hours are 9–4 weekdays. 602 Gorge Rd. East; call 250-385-1114 or info@singleparentvictoria.ca. South Island Centre for Counselling & Training is an affordable, non-profit, counselling agency serving individuals and families from all social, ethnic, and financial backgrounds. We help people with a wide range of issues including low self-esteem, depression, grief, marital and family conflict, abuse and spiritual direction. We also offer helpful “life” courses. For more information contact us at 250-472-2851; info@southislandcentre.ca. South Island Dispute Resolution Centre: www.dispute resolution.bc.ca 250-383-4412 Affordable/accessible Family Mediation/Coaching services. Create effective parenting plans, improve communication and understand healthy co-parenting options. Subsidies available. We also offer workshops for all ages on effective communication, anger awareness & conflict management skills. Victoria Epilepsy & Parkinson’s Centre supports families living with epilepsy by providing tutoring and one on one professional consultations to help your child to live up to their full potential. We offer epilepsy education workshops in private and public schools, and keep you up to date on the latest research about medications, lifestyle and safety for your child. Visit us at www.vepc.bc.ca to find out more, and to explore our bursaries for Camosun College. Calls are also welcome at 250-475-6677.

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Enter Our Online Contests Every month at Island Parent and Kids In Victoria you can enter to win some great prizes! Prizes include:

• Family Getaways • IMAX Passes

• Gift Certificates • Books, CDs and More

One entry per family per week.

Check out the prizes and enter the contests by visiting www.IslandParent.ca or www.kidsinvictoria.com December 2011

Pregnant? Pregnancy is a state of health. Midwives recognize what an extraordinary time this is in your life and we are available to support you through your childbearing year.

COVERED BY YOUR BC HEALTH CARE BC’s Medical Services Plan pays for midwifery care, including in-home check-ups in labour and after you’ve had your baby. You can self-refer to a midwife.

QUALITY CARE Studies show that midwifery clients have lower rates of episiotomies, infection, Caesarean sections, forceps and vacuum deliveries and newborns that require resuscitation.

CHOICE OF HOSPITAL OR HOME BIRTH CONTINUITY OF CARE COMPREHENSIVE CARE BREASTFEEDING EDUCATION & SUPPORT

Registered Midwives in Victoria: Uta Herold (Sooke) 778-425-0780 Deborah Little 250-381-1977 Luba Lyons Richardson 250-381-1977 Lorna J. McRae 250-380-6329 Jody Medernach 250-590-7605 Kim Millar Lewis 250-384-5940 Heather Nelson 250-380-6329 Jill Pearman 250-590-7605 Colleen Rode 250-386-4116 Angela Schaerer 250-384-9062 Valerie Simmons 250-589-3417 Beth Smit 250-384-5940 Ilana Stanger-Ross 250-590-7605 Julia Stolk 250-590-7605 Misty Wasyluk 250-380-6329 Deanna Wildeman 250-592-5407 Heather Wood 250-380-6329 Amy Brownhill 250-386-4116 Michele Buchmann 250-590-7770 We would be pleased to schedule an appointment to answer your questions about midwifery care.

Island Parent Magazine

Baby’s First Christmas efore we had our kids, my partner and I enjoyed the holidays but we did not give much thought to holiday traditions. Usually the biggest topic of discussion was where we would be to share in the festivities: his family resides in Ottawa and mine is right here on the beautiful West Coast. Once we had our daughter, we started talking about how we as a family would celebrate our own Christmas. My partner, who grew up with a tremendous amount of European influence, thought that we should pass his family’s tradition of believing in Kris Kringle, a sprite-like child with angelic wings who flew into children’s homes on December 24 delivering presents and a decorated Christmas tree. My family believed in the magic of Santa and his reindeer landing on the roof of our home and delivering presents down the chimney for us to open on Christmas morning. Before long, it became clear that our traditions and beliefs of our childhood were near and dear to our hearts and each of us truly wanted to pass on our own family’s traditions. We looked back with fondness on the Christmas traditions that each of our families followed, and decided we would take a few special rituals and beliefs to make it our own celebration. From simple things, such as opening just a single gift on Christmas Eve, to making homemade cookies and decorations, to the holiday menu, creating our own holiday traditions has been a very special part of our holiday season. If you are proud parents celebrating baby’s first Christmas, this is the year to start deciding what traditions you want to incorporate into your own festivities. Chances are high that you are tired and feeling overwhelmed with all that the season has to offer, yet you would like to somehow recognize and create special memories of your baby’s first Christmas. As the Christmas season is upon us, I am reminded of one of the most important things that I learned in the process of creating our own holiday traditions: we need so very little to bring us great joy and fulfillment. By keeping things simple and slow instead of rushed and harried, you will be able to create something meaningful and

special. In the midst of all of the shopping and busyness that goes on, remember to slow down, be mindful, and create with intent and purpose both with and for your family. Here are some examples of simple holiday traditions: • Make or purchase a “baby’s first Christmas” tree decoration. Local Christmas crafts fairs often have vendors that will personalize an ornament for you.

New Parent Pages DIANA HURSCHLER, BScN • Take and frame a family picture. You can start a year-by-year display of your family and add a new framed photo every holiday season. • Purchase a special holiday outfit for pictures and visiting. Consider consignment shops for that special outfit, and get more than one because babies love to spit up as soon as you dress them up! • Include a picture of the new baby in your Christmas cards to introduce friends to your newest family member. Simple and candid photos can be done in the comfort of your living room. Let baby play with something festive and baby safe—a shiny ornament, or Santa hat—and snap away as your baby giggles and explores. Upload your photo to a Web photo service, select a template, and grab your address labels. Some sites will even mail your cards for you—a great time-saver. • Start a tradition of exchanging one small gift the night before Christmas. • Consider beginning a special holiday scrapbook or journal that you will update each year. Record how you celebrated the season and include pictures and special mementos from each occasion. • Sing Christmas carols together and read books reserved for the season to your baby. Start a collection of children’s books

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and store in a basket or decorated box under the tree. • Volunteer/donate to a family in need at Christmas. Your baby won’t be able to participate in the good deeds yet, but you’ll start the “lead by example” idea early. • Honour your baby’s heritage by incorporating traditions from both sides of the family. Plan ahead so that the season is not filled with an overrun schedule and a tired, cranky family. Now that there is a new little person in your lives, you may be faced with the decision of how to share the visiting between grandparents and other extended family. Think things through and ask for input and ideas from your family so that the holidays run smoothly and hurt feelings are avoided. Where will you have the big holiday dinner? Where will you open presents? Would you like baby to wake up at home Christmas morning? If so, invite family members to come to you if you’re comfortable hosting. If not, make plans to see them later. Don’t forget to make time for naps and quiet playtime. Understand that all the fuss that comes along with the holidays can be overwhelming to a new baby. Be sure to allow for some down time. While visiting, expect that you may have to bow out early as it can be over stimulating for baby to be around so many people. Bring a blanket and small toys for baby to lie down away from all the action yet close enough so you can keep an eye on him and others can admire him. When in doubt, keep it simple. At the time of year that is the most full of consumption, marketing and consumerism, create moments and objects of ritual, creativity, love and connection as your gift to your family. As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “Since you get more joy out of giving to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness you can give.” Strive as a parent to keep your holidays simple, meaningful and full of love, family, and gratitude. I wish you and your family a very happy holiday season!

Family Lawyer Family law issues require sensitivity and flexibility. Our experienced lawyers have the expertise to manage and resolve your family law problems in a collaborative, non-confrontational manner, using mediation and excellent communication and negotiating skills to obtain the right outcome for you, resorting to litigation (the court room) only when necessary.

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Diana Hurschler RN BScN is a perinatal educator and certified breastfeeding counselor and has worked with pre- and post-natal families since 1998. She has just welcomed a third child into her family. Please send comments, questions and article ideas to diana@hurschler.com.

Beatriz Contreras

Larch St.

T.J.’S

(Under Sleep Country in the REAR)

December 2011

Preschool & Child Care Directory CENTRAL SAANICH

ESQUIMALT

Chrysalis Child Care .........................250-652-0815 A nurturing and stimulating environment for a small group of 3–5 year olds. Qualified ECE promotes learning through play.

CIARA Early Childhood Centre ........250-386-7369 Education and fun hand in hand. Exceptional care for little ones ages 12 month-5yrs in an inclusive centre with Christian values.

COLWOOD/LANGFORD Almosthome Childcare/Preschool ..250-391-7698 Quality childcare with a preschool curriculum/ kindergarten readiness program. Early Childhood Educators, spacious, natural setting. www.almosthomecare.com Goldstream Co-op Preschool..........250-474-3011 Parent participation preschool for 3 and 4 year olds. Qualified, experienced ECE. Mornings, afternoons and Tuesday drop-in program available. www.goldstreampreschool.org. HI5 Early Learning Centre................250-474-7324 We have spaces available for September, 2010. http://hi5earlylearning.com.com Jenn’s Little Bears ECE Centre .......250-478-8999 Jenn’s Little Bears provides a safe nurturing environment for children from infancy to kindergarten. We enrich children’s learning and development through a wide variety of activities. Miles of Smiles Licensed Child Care .........................250-298-7374 Dedicated to offering quality care where caring, learning, diversity, guidance and fun are the priority. www. milesofsmileschildcare.com Music Makers Child Care Centre ....250-294-3916 Offering an innovative environment that develops musical abilities and encourages a love of music. Our centre offers group care for children 2–6 as well as infant/toddler care for ages 12 to 36 months. Pussywillow Preschool ....................250-474-0656 Kindergarten Readiness Program. Ages 3 to 5. ECE staff. Enrichment activities. Est. 1995. www.Pussywillow-Preschool.com

La Pre-Maternelle Appletree Preschool .........................250-479-0292 French immersion preschool program. Small groups 30 months to school age. Licensed Christian centre/ ECE. 500 Admirals Rd. Simply Fun Childcare Centre ...........250-881-3958 A warm, loving, fun and nurturing place for children to grow and learn. We have spaces available for registration ages 2.5 to 12 in our Licensed Group Facility. We offer extraordinary childcare, before and after school programs and a preschool. Our teachers are extremely qualified with ECE training and have lots of experience. Call Brenda to set up a tour. Let your child’s light shine bright with us!

HIGHLANDS Lexie’s Little Bears’ Child Care Inc. ..................................250-590-3603 Located only minutes past Costco and Bear Mountain we are a Full day care center with a Learning Naturally Interpretation. 2 centers, 2 acres to play! www. lexieslittlebears.com

Carrot Seed Preschool .....................250-658-2331 Where children can wonder, discover, imagine, construct and learn through play. Spacious natural playground. www.carrotseedpreschool.com.

Lakeview Christian Preschool .........250-658-5082 Nurturing environment for 30 month to 5 year olds in a rural setting. Christian values emphasized. Licensed Cordova Bay facility with ECE teacher.

Recreation Oak Bay .........................250-370-7200 Fully licensed, qualified ECE Daycare and Preschool with play based learning. After school care also available.

SAANICH Arbutus Grove Children’s Centre ....250-477-3731 (Formerly known as Goosey Gander Kindergarten) Playbased, creative, active-learning programs: half/full day Preschool. www.arbutusgrove.ca. Cloverdale Child Care ......................... 250-995-1766 Come learn and grow with us in our preschool, 3-5 year old group daycare and before and afterschool care programs. www.cloverdalechildcare.com cloverdalechildare@shawbiz.ca.

METCHOSIN A Growing Place ...............................250-391-1133 Half day program (AM or PM) for 2.5-5 yrs. ECE educator, small class size. Our own petting farm. Summer program for July.

The Kid’s House ................................250-727-9671 Licensed family childcare in safe, nurturing environment with caring, experienced ECE. Full or part-time.

Metchosin Co-op Preschool............250-478-9241 Great balance of play, structured time, experimentation, art, outside play and more. Exceptional enriching program for 3-5 year olds. Fully inclusive. Flexible participation model. Reg. begins April 1, 8am.

Lakehill Preschool ............................250-477-4141 Nurturing, warm environment for children to learn through play, with qualified, experienced ECEs. Different levels of participation available. www.lakehillpreschool.org.

In the Garden Childcare Centre ......250-654-0306 New preschool as well as all day childcare and before and after school care. Amazing staff. A GREAT PLACE TO GROW.

OAK BAY Cordova Bay Preschool ...................250-658-3441 A bright and cheerful parent-participation preschool with a philosophy of “learning through play.” www. cordovabaypreschool.org.

Oak Bay Co-op Preschool .................250-592-1922 Children Learn Through Play in this parent participation school. Our bright facility is allergy-free with a large outdoor playground. www.oakbaypreschool.com.

Island Montessori House .................250-592-4411 Inclusive, integrated and nurturing preschool/ full-day kindergarten. Extended day available. www. islandmontessori.com

NORTH SAANICH CORDOVA BAY

Gonzales Co-op Preschool ..............250-727-1003 Children explore their imaginations through our varied learning through play environments and large natural playground. Our Reggio-Emilia inspired program focuses on art, nature and music. Join us! www.gonzalespreschool.com.

Emmanuel Preschool .......................250-598-0573 Children learn through play in our non-denominational Christian preschool near UVic. Bright attractive setting. www.emmanuelpreschool.ca.

Lambrick Park Preschool & Childcare ...........................................250-477-8131 Gordon Head’s only parent-participation preschool and childcare centre celebrating 40 years. Offering morning, afternoon and all-day preschool options, flexible participation model, and allergy protocol. www. lambrickparkpreschool.ca Monkey Tree Daycare ......................250-383-0347 10 mos to 6 yrs. Quality learning environment. Lots of outings. Excellent references. Over 20 years as a licensed family daycare. Montessori Educare .........................250-881-8666 Beautiful learning environments in Broadmead and Saanichton. 30 months – 5 years. Summer program available. www.montessorieducare.com.

Looking for child care? Taking care of children? Call your local Child Care Resource & Referral for free referrals and resources. Your community’s best source of child care information and resources. www.islandfamilyinfo.ca www.ccrr.bc.ca 58

Island Parent Magazine

Victoria & Gulf Islands: 250-382-7000 or 1-800-750-1868 Sooke/Westshore: 250-642-5152 • Cowichan Valley: 250-746-4135 local 231 PacificCare (Ladysmith north): 250-756-2022 or 1-888-480-2273 Funded by the Province of BC

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Preschool & Child Care Directory Neighbourhood Junior Kindergarten .250-479-4410 A morning reading readiness, language development pre-Kindergarten program for 4 year olds in Lakehill School.

Downtown Y Child Care Centre ......250-413-8869 Enriched program, for children ages 3-5 years, supporting healthy child development and future school success. www.victoriay.com.

Oakcrest Preschool ..........................250-472-0668 • Two fully qualified teachers, AM classes • No duty days, wide variety of parent jobs • www.oakcrestpreschool.org

Footprints Academy ............................ 250-590-5540 Licensed group daycare for 2.5 to 6 year olds. Open 6:30am–5:30pm. Weekly music and movement classes. www.footprintsacademy.ca.

Playtime Preschool ..........................250-383-3101 AM or PM preschool classes up to 20 hrs/ wk. Tillicum. Spacious facility, qualified ECEs. Let’s Talk About Touching Program. www. playtimepreschool.com.

Lansdowne Preschool .....................250-595-5223 A warm, caring and supportive atmosphere for children to play and discover. Parent participation. See our website for more information: www.lansdownepreschool.com.

Puddles & Paints Playschool ...........250-658-6573 “Leading the Way through Play!” ECEs. Near Lochside Elem. Licensed, curriculum/themes. wwwpuddlesandpaintsplayschool.com.

Nightingale Preschool and Junior Kindergarten ..................250-595-7544 – Taking children’s learning forward – One of Victoria’s leading preschools and Junior Kindergartens. Balanced approach to play and education. Programme supports literacy, numeracy. Visit www. nightingalepreschool.com. Fernwood.

Ready Set Grow Preschool ..............250-472-1530 A warm, caring, quality Learning Through Play environment. Gordon Head area with a highly qualified ECE. heosc@pacificcoast.net. Rogers Preschool .............................250-744-2643 Our preschool program supports your child's intellectual and emotional development through a learning through play philosophy. preschool.rcc@shaw.ca. St. Joseph’s Catholic Preschool .............................250-479-1232 ext 120 • A Christian child centre for 3–5 year olds. • A warm nurturing and challenging program • Offered by St. Joseph’s Catholic School. St. Margaret’s Preschool & Junior Kindergarten .........................250-479-7171 Our programme for 3 and 4 year old girls offers a nurturing and educationally stimulating curriculum provided by experienced ECE staff and specialist teachers. Our state of the art facility is located in beautiful environmental surroundings. www.stmarg.ca.

VICTORIA ArtsCalibre Academy .......................250-382-3533 Comprehensive programs for Preschool through Grade 5, delivering academic excellence through music, dance, drama and visual arts. Outstanding educators, locations and facilities. www.ArtsCalibre.ca Butterfly Corner ................................... 250-381-4845 Licensed family day care in James Bay. Since 1998. ECE. Ages 1–5. Full time. Fun & Educational. http://ButterflyCornerCreativeLearningCentre.com Castleview Child Care ......................250-595-5355 Learning Through Play & Experience. Licensed nonprofit, qual. ECE staff. Since 1958. Preschool and full-time care. www.castleview.ca Centennial Daycare ..........................250-386-6832 Providing quality childcare in the Burnside/ Gorge area for 30+ years. Snacks, lunches, Sportball and Music programs included. www. centennialdaycare.ca. Christ Church Cathedral Childcare.250-383-5132 ECE and specialist teachers provide an outstanding all day licensed junior kindergarten program in our spacious and welcoming facility, where children begin to learn for the adventure of life.

www.IslandParent.ca

Parkdale Early Childhood Centre ....250-382-0512 We offer quality care and positive experiences for children in our diverse daycare and preschool programs. Our rich curriculum includes music classes from the Victoria Conservatory of Music. parkdalechildcare@shaw.ca. Rainbow Express Daycare ...............250-382-2314 Enriched preschool style program in a daycare setting. Visit our website at www.rainbow-express.bc.ca.

Whale Spirit Early Enrichment Ctr ..250-590-3653 Providing high quality childcare with a preschool component. Learning through play in a supportive, nurturing and respectful environment. VIHA licensed; beautiful facility; incredible outdoor play area!

DUNCAN Angel Care Christian Preschool ........250-746-5919 A quality, enriched program for preschool children. Located in Queen of Angels Catholic School. Maple Tree Play House Licensed Family Childcare ..............250-746-5060 A daycare program that provides enriched outdoor play time and activities that build on a child’s intrinsic love of nature. Healthy meals and snacks are provided. mapletreekids@telus.net.. Parkside Academy Early Learning Centre ........................250-746-1711 Offering quality, literacy focused childcare for children aged 6 mos – 12 yrs; infant/toddler; 3–5, preschool, and after school programs at Alexander, Bench, Khowhemun and Tansor Elementary schools. Queen Margaret’s Preschool/ Junior Kindergarten .........................250-746-4185 Offering a co-ed enriched curriculum in a friendly atmosphere. Morning preschool/afternoon daycare. www.qms.bc.ca.

Ross Bay Preschool .........................250-383-7445 Positive/supportive program motivating children to learn and discover. Curriculum builds on interests of the children. www.rossbaypreschool.com

Sunrise Waldorf School, Kindercottage Preschool Nursery .....250-743-7253 A morning program for 3 and 4 yr olds in a warm natural atmosphere where wonder is nurtured and outdoor play is abundant. Details at www.sunrisewaldorfschool.org. Parent & Child programs also available!

St. Andrew’s Catholic Preschool .....250-382-3815 A place where children learn to love and love to learn. A warm and nurturing environment. A stimulating curriculum.

CHEMAINUS

The Sir James Douglas Preschool ..250-389-0500 Fun and creative licensed ECE program offering 3-5 year olds an opportunity to grow and develop life long skills in our supportive and structured environment. Arts and crafts, numbers and letters, snacks and hygiene, play time inside and out, dance, music and much more. Come grow with us in our bright and modern centre in Fairfield. Victoria Montessori ..........................250-380-0534 Unique, innovative learning environment combining the best of Montessori and Learning Through Play. Open yr. round. 30mths–grade 1.

VIEW ROYAL A Secret Garden Preschool .............250-380-8293 Program built on Christian values. Monthly themes, weekly topics and daily activities. asecretgardenpre school@shaw.ca Little Wonders Preschool (VROSCS) ..........................................250-744-2718 A creative and suuportive program that will prepare your child for a lifetime of learning! OSC also available. www.viewroyalosc.com. View Royal Preschool.......................250-479-8067 An exciting inclusive program in an exceptional care environment. Licensed 3–5 year olds. Outside play and themes enrich this program. viewroyalps@uniserve. com.

Cherry Tree Child Care Centre ........250-246-9195 Preschool program nurturing creative play and engaging learning activity. 30 months to age five. Qualified and experienced Early Childhood Educator. St. Joseph’s Preschool ....................250-246-3191 A Christian learning environment for 3–5 year olds. Active participation in the life of the school. Parental involvement.

QUALICUM BEACH Children’s Discovery Centre ............250-752-4343 Our program recognizes the uniqueness of each child and provides a nurturing, safe and creative learning environment. Preschool, Groupcare, Out of School care. ECE qualified staff. childrensdiscoverycentre @hotmail.com. Little Star Children’s Centre ............250-752-4554 Earth friendly academic early education inspired by nature. Preschool curriculum. Licensed group care. ECE instructors. littlestar@shaw.ca.

NANAIMO Nanaimo Parent Participation Preschool ..........................................250-753-1939 Experienced, caring and energetic ECE using learning through play in an enriched environment. www.nanaimopreschool.com.

December 2011

Business & Professional Directory Ad Directory

Guitar Lessons Acoustic, Classical, Electric Now accepting new students • Lessons for all ages, from children to seniors • Beginners welcome • Private and small group instruction offered • Afternoon and evening lesson times available Call Scott for more info:

250.382.6500 scottandrewsbrown.com

ART CLASSES • DRAWING • PAINTING • SCULPTURE • CARTOONING • PORTFOLIO PREPARATION Children & Adults • Day & Evening Classes Fabulous Results • Original Art for Sale Christmas Gift Certificates

Artistic Statement Gallery & School of Fine Art Call Joan in the Oak Bay Monterey Mews, #107–2250 Oak Bay Ave, 250-383-0566 www.artisticstatementgalleryandschool.com Now Registering for Second Semester

Social/Emotional Issues? Behavioural Problems? Developmental Delays? Through The Window Pane offers one-on-one use of expressive play techniques for children 3–8 years in a safe, developmentally appropriate, holistic intervention program. Sliding scale dependent on need. Quadra & Hillside area.

R. Waddington, BSW, RSW 25 years experience 250-216-3794 or messages at 250-629-6292

Island Parent Magazine

• Dyslexia Assessments with Teaching Solutions • Dyslexia Awareness Workshops for Parents and Care Givers • Telephone Support Service • Tutoring Children, Language Arts For more information please call, email or visit our website.

Phone: Office and Evening 250-715-3034 or Cell 250-815-0950 E-mail: thi.sales@dyslexiavictoria.ca www.dyslexiavictoria.ca

1Up: Single Parent Resource Centre..... 52 Abby Sprouts ............. 16 Abra Kid Abra ............ 21 Arthur Murray Dance Studio ......... 21 Ballet Victoria............. 34 BC Transit .................. 35 Beach Acres .............. 29 Belfry Theatre ............ 42 Bellies in Bloom ......... 61 Braefoot .................... 16 Buddies Toys ............. 36 Butchart Gardens ....... 13 Chatterblock .............. 10 Children’s Bookshop..... 2 Children’s Education Fund ...................... 64 Conseil Scolaire ......... 44 Cowichan Theatre ...... 62 Cowichan Valley Hypnotherapy ......... 17 Craigdarroch Castle ..... 7 Discovery School ....... 55 Dreamland Kids ........ IBC Dyslexia Victoria ......... 27 Ebus ......................... 52 Evergreen School ....... 17 Falcon Gymnastics ..... 41 Fiddlesticks ............... 61 Finn & Izzy ................ IFC First Metropolitan Church .................. 21 Five Directions ........... 53 Four Seasons.............BC Go Bid ....................... 54 Happy Island Diapers .................. 23 Hillside Centre ............. 5 Horne Lake Caves ...... 51 ICBC ......................... 45 IMAX ........................... 1 Island Farms .............. 32 Island Montessori ....... 52 JamTots ................... IBC Kaleidoscope Theatre ... 5 Kate Rubin Drama & Theatre ................. 6 KIV ............................ 23 Kool & Child............... 51 La Place French ........... 9 Ladysmith Parks ........ 51 Dr. Ellen Laine.............. 6 Lifestyle Markets........ 40 Lizzy Lee & Me ......... IFC Mall Monkeys ............ 51 Maria Montessori ....... 45

Matraea Mercantile .... 17 McBOP Law............... 57 Miles of Smiles .......... 55 Mothering Touch ............. 53, IBC Karen Murdoch, Theraputic Tutor ..... 15 Musicalia................... 26 Oak & Orca................ 11 Pacific Dance ............ 20 Paint Box ................... 57 Panorama Leisure ...... 49 Pemberton Holmes .... 47 Rainbow Express........ 19 Red Balloon .............. IBC Restart Computers ..... 29 Barry Robinson ............ 8 Rockbebe .................. 35 Royal BC Museum ....... 3 Saanich Commonwealth Place .................... IFC Saanich Recreation .... 11 Savvy Squirrel ............ 62 Scallywags ............... IFC School District #61 .... 43 School for Ideal Education............... 63 Science Works ........... 40 Self Design ................ 38 Selkirk Montessori ..... 12 Serious Coffee ........... 38 Sleep Sense .............. 13 Sportball...................... 4 St. John the Divine ..... 41 St. Margaret’s ............ 28 St. Michaels............... 49 The Land Conservancy .......... 47 The Shipley Group...... 41 TheatreOne ............... 51 Thrifty Foods.............. 33 Tigh-Na-Mara ............ 19 TJs ........................... 57 Tom Lee Music .......... 49 TS Consulting ............ 39 Victoria Conservatory of Music .......... 34, 36 Victoria Kids Consignment.......... 63 Victoria Midwives ....... 56 Victoria Recreation . 1, 53 VIHA.......................... 46 Vitamin Shop ............... 4 VIVA Choirs.................. 7 Welcome Wagon ........ 39 Woodgrove Centre ..... 48

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Sleep, Glorious Sleep ome wisdom imparted to me while I was pregnant: The reason babies left to â&#x20AC;&#x153;cry it outâ&#x20AC;? at nap time stop crying is because they understand theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re abandoned. Why cry if no one will come and rescue them? Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re quiet for the same reason kids in Russian orphanages are quiet. I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want my son to feel abandoned, and couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t imagine leaving him to cry alone in his crib. How hard could it possibly be to hold him when he fussed, then lay him down to sleep when he calmed down? The answer: very hard indeed. In Angusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first months he seemed to be tired most of the time-â&#x20AC;&#x201D;heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d yawn, rub his eyes and fuss and whine on an almost constant basis. But he wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t nap. He screamed the instant I put him in his crib. Sometimes heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d fall asleep in my arms when I breastfed him, but the moment I lay him down his eyes would pop open. All I could do to guarantee a nap was strap on the carrier and walk. This was less than ideal, but it was manageable because Angus slept at night. I could nurse him to sleep, and so long as I held him for 15 or 20 minutes after he drifted off, I could transfer him easily. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d wake up twice a night and nurse until he fell asleep again. When morning came, I never felt rested but I felt much better than I had right after he was born. And I expected things would get easier. Then, when Angus turned four months old, our nights hit an all time low. It began to take 30 or 40 minutes, sometimes an hour, of Angus suckling at my breast before I could transfer him. Sometimes heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d wake up half an hour later and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d have to repeat the process. Instead of two wake-ups at night there were four or five. And sometimes they were stay-ups. At 3 a.m., after nursing, Angus would fuss in his crib for an hour or more. To quiet him, we often resorted to the swing. The worst night, Angusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s patched-together sleep totaled three hours. Mike and I got less. I was no longer managing. I was angry. Not at my baby, but at the rest of the world. The well-rested mothers with sleeping children, the experts whose advice didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work for us, my husbandâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;who was excused from these nightduties by virtue of being breastless. Mostly I was mad at myselfâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;why couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t I figure this out? I wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t functioning, not as a mother, or a wife, or a human being. And Angus wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t doing much better. Surely his crying spells had something to do with his lack of sleep. When

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a friend mentioned sleep trainingâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;full fledged crying-it-out sleep trainingâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;I was ready to try it. I was ready to try anything. I gave myself two weeks, and I devised a nap routine: diaper change, story, bed, kiss on forehead, white noise machine on, leave the room. The night routine was the same, with the addition of a bath in the beginning,

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and nursing after the story. For two weeks, I would stay close to home and enforce three naps a day. I would not let Angus stay awake for more than two hours between wake-ups. He would sleep in his cribâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;not his swing, or the stroller, or his car seat, or the carrier. And when I put him in that crib and he started to cry, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d walk away. I felt hopeful, and embarrassed. Maybe Angus would start sleeping, but even if he did, would I tell anyone how we had achieved this? Would I admit to standing idly by as my precious child screamed his lungs out? The first night, Angus cried for 50 minutes. Mike paced the living room looking pained, I sat at the table with my head in my hands, sick to my stomach. I felt like a terrible mother. But then Angus fell asleep, and woke only twice through the night. Incentive to keep trying. Now, we are almost finished our second week. Things arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t perfect. Angus still cries before most of his naps, and they rarely last longer than 45 minutes. But heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s taking three most days. I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t schedule much, and dropin groups are a thing of the past. But nights make up for it. Angus rarely cries for more than two minutes before he falls asleep. And though he still wakes three times, he falls back to sleepâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;in his cribâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;as soon as he nurses. I have time to get things done during the day. My husband and I have evenings together. I feel rested. Best of all, my once irritable little baby rarely cries. Our home is a quiet place. Not as in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Russian orphanage quiet,â&#x20AC;? but as in peace and quiet.

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Laura Trunkey lives in Victoria with her husband and her son, Angus.

December 2011

COWICHAN THEATRE PRESENTS

Royal City Youth Ballet

The Gifts of Nature s we approach the season normally associated with gift giving, I have started to think about the many gifts I have been lucky enough to receive from nature over the course of my life. Some of these gifts were small, like a quick moment of peace outside my front door, escaping my howling child inside. Some of these gifts were momentous and life changing for me, such as the night my husband proposed to me under a cool winter sky. Unlike many gifts, there was never any question of returning them, and putting a monetary value on them is pretty much impossible. So here are, in no particular order, some of the best gifts I have ever received from nature.

Wonder

Friday, December 16 7 PM Saturday, December 17 1 PM

A magical full-length ballet that delights audiences of all ages

Tickets: $23 | Family (2 adult/2 children) $70 Delores Kirkwood OBC, Artistic Director

COWICHAN TICKET CENTRE 250.748.7529 2687 James Street, Duncan BC V9L 2X5

www.cowichantheatre.bc.ca

BIG Holiday Savings! toys gifts books clothes maternity groceries diapering and more!

Island Parent Magazine

Make the Savvy Squirrel Coupon Book your go-to-guide this Holiday Season! Pick up your Fall 2011 edition at participating stores or online.

I’ve had many wondrous experiences out in nature, but one that sticks out was seeing a live raccoon, in broad daylight, climbing a tree while I was presenting a program about raccoons. This might seem a bit mundane but any naturalist will tell you, the chances of seeing the actual animal that you are doing a program about are close to nil, unless of course the program is about pill bugs. I had to stop myself from jumping up and down with excitement and I believe that most of the kids in my program thought I was nuts. Of course, the highlight for them was then seeing the grey squirrel scurry away in fright from the raccoon and perform an astounding feat of acrobatics leaping to the next tree.

Calm Everyday life in a city, even a fairly small one like Victoria, can get noisy and hectic. I’ve often found that a hike into nature has left me feeling more calm and centered. Part of it is the sounds (no sirens, no cars), some of it is the sights (no billboards or concrete slabs), and some is the smell (no exhaust fumes). And if I’m really lucky I might get a taste of fresh berries picked straight from the source.

Family Focused, Local Savings.

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Escape As a parent, I, like most of us, have had a moment or two (thousand) of wanting to escape my beloved children. I came to the realization at a certain point that I should not feel guilty about these moments. Often after an escape into nature, be it for a quick hike up Mill Hill or a weekend camping with the girls, I have felt rejuvenated and ready to take up my role as a responsible mother once again.

The Victoria School for

Ideal Education Growing in wisdom for A lifetime of success • Meditation and yoga for children • Connecting children with nature • Enriched B.C. curriculum K – Gr. 6 • Personalized instruction

Nature Notes RENEE CENERINI

• After school care 2820 Belmont Ave

vsie@shaw.ca

250-383-6654 vsie.ca NOW ACCEPTING REGISTRATION FOR KINDERGARTEN 2012

Health Not being a naturally athletic person— sports are definitely not my thing—nature is a ready source of exercise for me. Living in Victoria offers countless opportunities for outdoor exercise year round, which is certainly part of the reason many of us choose to live in this beautiful part of the world. Be it a jog around Rithet’s Bog, a bike ride on the Galloping Goose, a hike up Christmas Hill, or a swim at Thetis, all these activities help me on my path to physical well-being.

Happiness Last but not least, is the gift of happiness. Life has many ups and downs but many of my happiest moments have been outside. It has often been that moment of reaching my hiking destination, where I thought, “Man, I feel good!” One of the advantages of getting older has been my increasing appreciation for these delicious moments. Selfishly, I want to keep receiving these gifts. Luckily for me and my children, nature demands nothing in return. The only gift I can give back is to care for nature and to teach my children, and the many children that visit me at Swan Lake, that to care for nature is to care for oneself. Nature will keep on giving.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

to You & Your Family from All of Us at Island Parent

Renee Cenerini is Program Naturalist at Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary.

www.IslandParent.ca

December 2011

Cut It Out!

Tips from Parent Educator Allison Rees of LIFE Seminars

In the Heat of the Moment hen you are upset, mad, furious or anxious your brain doesn’t work properly. You say things you wouldn’t normally say and think things that probably aren’t true. “My child is doing this just to bug me!” or “She’s so disrespectful.” You hear yourself yelling and part of your mind is saying, “Stop this, you are hurting her feelings.” The other part of your mind is saying, “Yes, but it feels so good right now.” We all go there, but if you are blurting out punishments and following through when your brain isn’t working, Cut it Out! We create all kinds of power struggles when we deal with our kid’s behaviour in the heat of the moment. We blurt out a consequence and hopefully, realize later that it was unfair and then…we back

down. That is better than thinking, “I said this so I better follow through.” Your child will respect you much more if you apologize for being too harsh. The best way to deal with this is to say you are upset and give yourself time to think about what to do. When you take this time you often realize that merely expressing a frustration and why you feel that way is enough. You might also find out what is going on for your child and what needs are frustrated in her.

Negotiating needs and using effective communication is healthy parenting. Managing your behaviour when you are upset is great role modeling. This is discipline. LIFE Seminars has two books available, Sidestepping the Power Struggle and The Parent Child Connection. See www. lifeseminars.com.

Kids Grow Fast. So Do Tuition Costs. Before your child grows another inch, start saving with Children’s Education Funds Inc. (CEFI). CEFI has the greatest selection of Registered Education Savings Plan offerings. It’s easy and very affordable. You can get started for under $10.00 per month! Keep saving - you’ll be surprised at how much you can accumulate. Add to your savings all the Government Grants, the “cash back” from your CEFI no fee MasterCard and the AIR MILES® reward miles. At CEFI, we are education funding specialists!

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Island Parent Magazine

VISIT WWW.CEFI.CA or call 1 (800) 246-1203

“Parent Tested, Parent Approved” www.kidsinvictoria.com

Find the Magic of Christmas at “The Best Toyshop in the Whole Wide World”

The Red Balloon Toyshop Quality Toys for the Enquiring Mind Downtown Duncan 250-748-5545

DECEMBER AT DREAMLAND KIDS

GREAT PLAY KITCHENS! NEW PUZZLES! FUN WALL ART! BIGGER CLEARANCE DISCOUNTS! IN-STORE FURNITURE SPECIALS! Come to Dreamland Kids and make your Holiday Dreams come true

DREAMLAND

KIDS 3194 Douglas Street Across from Mayfair Mall

Ph: 250 381 5437 twitter.com/dreamlandkids

MUSICAL THEATRE Upcoming Shows & Classes Bulby the Christmas Jackalope

The Evil Mr. H has stolen the Magical Snow Fedora from Princess Snowflake! Without the Fedora there can be no Snow! Join By Sasha Moriarty-Schieven Bulby, Princess Snowflake, and their friends Hop and Skip as they embark on an Dec. 17: 2:00pm epic journey to rescue the Fedora from the dastardly Mr. H and Dec. 18: 1:30pm & 3:30pm his Goblin lackey! Will good triumph over evil? Will Bulby and the gang rescue the Fedora? Find out in Bulby the Christmas A wonderful 1 hour show thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jackalope, and prepare for great family fun! perfect for a younger audience.

CLASSES!

YOUTH MUSICAL THEATRE CLASSES (Ages 7 - 14)

ADULT ACTING CLASSES Next Classes Start January 2012 This exciting, new musical version of Charlotte's Web brings a new dimension to E.B. White's beloved classic. With music and lyrics by Charles Strouse (Annie, 'Bye, 'Bye Birdie) and book by Joseph Robinette (national award-winning children's playwright) your audiences will thrill to a musical score which includes Eating, Wilbur the pig's humorous yet poignant song about growing up, Who Says We May 4-6 & May 11-13 Can't Be Friends, an enchanting duet between Wilbur and his newfound companion Charlotte, Welcome to the Zuckerman Barn, featuring all the story's unforgettable animals in a hand-clapping, toeBook by Joseph Robinette Music & Lyrics by Charles Strouse tapping hoe-down, and Summer, a haunting, nostalgic chorus number which evokes a time and place from everyone's childhood.

More Info at www.FourSeasonsMusicalTheatre.com