Island Parent December 2015

Island Parent Celebrating

28 Years

The Resource Publication for Vancouver Island Parents

December 2015

Holiday Happenings Gift & Book Recommendations The Gift of Song

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Contents

Winter Active Living Guide

Registration and Facility Informa tion ...........

Low-cost ........... 2 / No-cost Recrea Family and Special Events tion.....3 Early Childho ..........3 od ...........

Birthday Parties ........... ......... 4 to 6 School Age ................7 ......................

Youth........... ......................... 8 to 12 Adult ........... ...................... 13 to 14 Health and Fitness........... 15 to 26 Racquets .

27 to 30 ......................

Swimming .......................... 31 to 32 Skating........... ... 33 to 40 ...................

Arts ........... ...................... 41 to 44 Parks ........... ........... 45 Golf ........... ..............................46 ......................

Gift Cards and Passes ........... 47 .............

48

Introducing

FOOTGOL

F

at Cedar Hill Golf Cou rse

PARKS &

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saanichrec.ca IslandParent.ca

December 2015  1

Moss St. Market’s 

Contents: December 2015 Articles Towards a New Simplicity............................................................................... 6 Christmas Goodies.......................................................................................... 8 Cut Conflict.................................................................................................. 11 Holiday Gift & Book Recommendations....................................................... 12 Holiday Happenings..................................................................................... 14 Going It Alone…Together............................................................................. 18 Anticipating Advent...................................................................................... 19 Gift of Song................................................................................................... 20 Fabulous Finds.............................................................................................. 22

Columns Editor’s Note................................................................................................... 3 Dadspeak...................................................................................................... 30 Is There an App for This?.............................................................................. 32 Just Eat It!..................................................................................................... 34 Book Nook................................................................................................... 36 New Parent Pages.......................................................................................... 38 Maternity & Beyond..................................................................................... 44 Nature Notes................................................................................................ 46 Cut It Out..................................................................................................... 48

Departments

  

   Over 80 vendors! 

Cards, crafts, clothing, jewelry, purses, bags, toys, glass works, pottery, bath products, preserves, chocolates, baked goods, hot food, winter veggies, meats, fish, beer, wine, cider, and much more...

Sir James Douglas School & Fairfield Community Centre 1330 Fairfield Rd MossStreetMarket.com 2 Island Parent Magazine

IPM Notes....................................................................................................... 4 Party Directory.............................................................................................. 21 Family Calendar............................................................................................ 24 Around the Island......................................................................................... 28 Family Services Directory........................................................................ 40, 41 Preschool & Child Care Directory........................................................... 42, 43 Business & Professional Directory................................................................. 45 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 $35.00 (includes GST) with your name and address to the address below. Canada Post: Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement 40051398.

Island Parent Magazine

830-A Pembroke St, Victoria, BC V8T 1H9 Tel: 250-388-6905 Website: islandparent.ca Publisher/Owner: Mark Warner Editor: Sue Fast Sales & Marketing: RaeLeigh Buchanan Publisher’s Assistant & Sales: Linda Frear Distribution: Ray Cutts, Ted Dawe (Mid-Island) Founders: Jim Holland & Selinde Krayenhoff Production: Eacrett Graphic Design Printed at Black Press, Victoria Cover printed at Hillside Printing ISSN 0838-5505

On the Cover: Tristan and Nica K. (3-year-old twins) Cover Photo: Robin Bonner, Robin Bonner Photography, robinbonnerphotography.com

Follow Us on Facebook & Twitter facebook.com/IslandParent twitter.com/IslandParent IslandParent.ca

25 Days to Make Merry this Month Dec 1. Sing along with the Choirs in the Courtyard (Dec 1-12) at the Greater Victoria Public Library Central Branch’s acoustical courtyard where various choirs will perform their favourite Christmas carols from noon1pm. Visit gvpl.ca.

Dec 2. Make and mail Christmas cards while listening to seasonal CDs. Dec 3. Celebrate Christmas Lights Across Canada, the annual cross-country light-up at 7pm. See the giant sequoia sparkle when it is lit up with thousands of lights in front of the Parliament Buildings. Stay for hot cocoa and seasonal treats.

Dec 4. 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 rvyc.bc.ca.

Dec 5. Make a wreath with a CRD Parks naturalist at the Beaver Lake nature centre from 11am-2pm. Materials supplied. Bring a mug for hot apple cider, and clippers if you have them.

Suggested donation $5/wreath (proceeds to a local food bank). Visit crd.bc.ca/parks.

Dec 6. See the Sidney Sparkles Christmas Parade at 5pm along Beacon Avenue and then walk to the waterfront for the Sailpast, immediately following the parade. This two-for-one treat is a seasonal Sidney highlight.

And Happy first day of Hanukkah.

Dec 7. Support Habitat for Humanity during the 7th annual Gingerbread Build at the Inn at Laurel Point from 9am-9pm (until Jan 3). Vote for your favourite bear and make a donation.

Visit downtownvictoria.ca.

Dec 8. See “a ghost story for Christmas” at the Belfry’s 7:30pm showing of A Christmas

Carol with some of the best-loved Dickensian characters of all time. Visit belfry.bc.ca.

Dec 9. Bundle up and head for the Inner Harbour to watch Home Alone outside the Delta Ocean Pointe Hotel at 6pm. Movies are free but bring a donation for Santas Anonymous. Bring your own lawn chair and blankets to keep warm.

Dec 10. Visit the 15th Annual Bear Wear display at Hotel Grand Pacific, 463 Belleville Street, and vote for your favourite best-dressed bear. Proceeds benefit Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island.

Dec 11. Be spellbound at Milner Christmas Magic, a family-oriented festival of lights and music from 5-8:30pm at Milner Garden (Dec 4-6, 11-13, 16-20).

Dec 12. Bundle up for a Free Horse-Drawn Trolley Ride downtown. Saturdays noon-4pm, Sundays noon-3pm (until Dec 20). Visit downtownvictoria.ca.

Dec 13. Make one-of-a-kind Christmas wrapping paper and cards with a CRD Parks naturalist at the Francis/King nature centre from 11am-2pm. Materials supplied. Bring a mug for hot apple cider. Visit crd.bc.ca/parks.

Dec 14. Attend the Naden Band Christmas Concert at the Royal Theatre (Dec 14, 15, 16) at 7:30pm and help support the annual Salvation Army Toy Drive. $10, plus an unwrapped toy at the door. Visit rmts.bc.ca.

Dec 15. Experience Christmas at the Castle, when Craigdarroch Castle is ready for Christmas and boasting music, activities and children’s performances. Open from 10am-4:30pm. Visit thecastle.ca/events.

Dec 16. Bake and decorate a batch of homemade marzipan (see recipe on page 8).

Dec 17. Belt out Christmas tunes at the Christmas Carol Sing-Along from noon-1:15pm

The Christmas Tradition Continues

2 for $20

at St. Andrew’s Church, 680 Courtney Street.

Free admission.

Dec 18. Enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas in Old Town at the Royal BC Museum and visit Santa (Fri-Sun only, from Dec 4-6, 11-13, 18-20, 11am-3pm) to have your photo taken

Editor’s Note Sue Fast (by donation) and share your holiday wishes.

Museum hours: 10am-5pm. Visit royalbcmuseum.bc.ca.

Dec 19. Take a 90-minute Christmas in Old Victoria walk and learn how Christmas was celebrated during the days of Fort Victoria and the gold-rush era. Meet outside 26 Bastion Square at 2pm. For dates and times, visit discoverthepast.com.

Dec 20. Get creative at Family Sunday from 2-4pm at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria with hands-on artmaking inspired by the current gallery exhibit, The Artist Herself, self-portraits by Canadian historical women artists. Visit aggv.ca.

Dec 21. Discover one-of-a-kind works of art at the Bastion Square Holiday Pop-Up Market, noon-5pm. Visit bastionsquare.ca Dec 22. Discover the Christmas traditions of early Victorians at the Helmcken House OldFashioned Christmas, Dec 20-Jan 4 from noon4pm. By donation. Visit royalbcmuseum.bc.ca.

Dec 23. See the Live Nativity Scene, running four times nightly on Dec 21-23 at 6:30, 7, 7:30 and 8pm at Topaz Park. Free.

Dec 24. Marvel in the magic at Butchart Gardens at the 29th 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 butchartgardens.com.

Dec 25. Have a Merry Christmas!

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December 2015 3

Abra-Kid-Abra

Car Seats, Cribs, Play-n-Pak, High Chairs available for short term rentals • A great selection of books • Dress-up for girls and boys • Shoes…Pedipeds, Stride Rite and More • Rainwear and rainboots…TUFFO – MUDDYBUDDY, now up to size 5 Now Accepting Winter Consignment New & Used Toys, Clothing & Furniture Visit our new location: 2005 Oak Bay Ave • 778 265 5430

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Kate Rubin

Theatre & Drama Studio

IPM Notes Co-working & Childcare Working at home with kids? Need more flexible childcare options? Childcare is expensive. So is office space. Help find an affordable alternative. Check out the Co-working with Kids meetup froup or let organizers know if you’d be interested in a child-friendly co-working space. This meetup group is intended for those interested in creating a new alternative: combining co-working and childcare. Join the online conversation at meetup.com/meetup-groupUTNeCsIJ/.

Currently no meetups are scheduled, but you are invited to suggest a time that works for you, and bring along your kids.

TheDock, Centre for Social Impact (thedockvictoria.com), wants to make this happen. With enough enthusiastic members, the group hopes to start a child-inclusive co-working space. To express your interests and needs, vist meetup.com/meetup-groupUTNeCsIJ and click on the link to the Coworking with Kids survey.

17th Annual Spirit of Giving Step into a winter wonderland set under a canopy of twinkling lights surrounded by beautiful live fir trees for Christmas time in Centre Court at the Bay Centre. While you are there, help spread the holiday spirit to families supported by the Mustard Seed Food Bank. Drop off your financial or nonperishable food donations, or have your gifts wrapped at the by-donation wrapping station (until Dec 24). The Mustard Seed will receive 100 per cent of the profits. Stop by the mistletoe in Centre Court for a chance to win a $100 Bay Centre gift card. And make sure to visit the C-FAX Santas Anonymous Society’s Tree of Wishes (until December 15) at Centre Court. Special holiday wish cards, created by local children in need, adorn the tree. Choose a gift, shop for the child’s wish, and bring the gift back to the tree so it can be transported to the workshop for delivery to local children in need.

Other Tree of Wishes mall locations include Hillside Mall, Mayfair Mall, Wal-Mart at Uptown, and Westshore Town Centre. For information, visit cfaxsantas.com.

Annual Classical Christmas Concert Victoria Children’s Choir presents its annual Classical Christmas Concert on Monday, Dec 7, 7pm, at Christ Church Cathedral, 930 Burdett Ave. The crunch of snow, twinkle of lights, and whisper of the wind come alive in song at the Classical Christmas Concert. Hear the gentle nature of midwinter and celebrate the holiday season with a festive performance. The festive feeling is here again at the Victoria Children’s Choir’s popular Classical Christmas Concert. Eighty talented singers perform a variety of yuletide songs from around the world—this season featuring the beautiful, rare music that fills people with warmth and joy during long Scandinavian winters.

The Choir is joined by special guests from Denmark, The Irene Becker Trio, featuring the exclusive Canadian premiere of “In the Star, Sparkling in Darkness.” This new composition highlights the time of Advent and the Winter Solstice.

Enjoy the new, nordic, and delightfully noel music of the Classical Christmas Concert with its mix of flute melodies and youth choral sounds. Tickets are $20, general seating. Children age seven and younger are free. Purchase tickets online (eventbrite.ca), or by phone (250-721-0856). The Victoria Children’s Choir is made up of girls and boys aged eight to 18. The choir sings a wideranging repertoire, with music from many countries, centuries and styles. For more information, visit victoriachildrenschoir.ca.

Family Christmas Carol Sing-Along The Victoria Philharmonic Choir’s annual Christmas concert, on December 21 at 7pm, is a rare opportunity for children to experience great choral music and community singing in a family-friendly environment.

Conductor Peter Butterfield invites young singers to come up and join the 75 member choir for some traditional carols, the whole audience joins in on other songs, and the choir performs some beautiful pieces you’re not likely to hear at the mall, accompanied by organ and a brass section.

The concert will be at St. Mary’s Church (1701 Elgin Road) in Oak Bay. Doors open by 6:30pm, the concert starts at 7pm. Tickets are $20 regular, $10 student, and free for age 12 and under, are available from Ivy’s Bookshop, The Shieling, Tanner’s Books, Long & McQuade, online at vpchoir.ca, and possibly at the door.

250.386.8593 • KateRubin@telus.net www.KateRubinTheatre.com facebook.com/KateRubinTheatre

4 Island Parent Magazine

IslandParent.ca

Ski & Snowboard Free With a Grade 4 & 5 SnowPass Grade 4 and 5 kids (9- and 10-year-olds) can enjoy some free skiing or snowboarding this winter, courtesy of the Canadian Ski Council. The Grade 4 & 5 SnowPass program is back, offering Canadian school children ages 9 and 10 up to three free days of skiing or snowboarding at over 150 ski areas nationwide.

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. Just visit snowpass. ca, complete the online registration form, upload a photo, proof of age/grade, and pay an administration fee of $29.95. You only need to apply once for a SnowPass and it’s valid until the end of Grade 5. This means if you apply in Grade 4 the pass is valid for two years. Your child’s SnowPass will be mailed to you, giving you hundreds of ways to save this season. Or you can get an application form through Grade 4 and 5 elementary school teachers or at Sport Chek stores.

Ways to Give

Pile Up the Prezzies and help C-FAX Santa’s Anonymous deliver a pile of toys, trinkets, treats and treasures to kids of all ages. Drop off unwrapped gifts at Oscar & Libby’s in Market Square. For a list of needed gifts, stop by the shop or visit Oscar & Libby on Facebook.

Pancakes with Mr. & Mrs. Claus at Chateau Victoria’s Vista 18 on December 5 from 9-11:30am. Experience the true Christmas spirit at this annual by-donation (minimum $10/child; $20/adult) pancake breakfast with 100 per cent of the proceeds going to local families in need through the Times Colonist Christmas Fund. Reservations at 250-361-5660.

17th Annual Island Equipment Owners Association Truck Light Convoy Food Drive on Saturday Dec 5. Drop off food donations for Mustard Seed Food Bank at various points along the convoy route, NOT to the trucks while they are travelling. The convoy starts at Ogden Point at 6:30pm and winds through downtown, then Oak Bay, and finally, out to Western Speedway. For the route and details, visit ieoa.ca.

IslandParent.ca

Be a Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentor By becoming a mentor you can help a child succeed. Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) is seeking volunteers who are committed and consistent, willing to serve at least a year, but hopefully until a child graduates high school. Studies show that by doing so, the mentoring services help kids stay in school, avoid risky behaviour, and experience firsthand the importance of helping others in their community.

Professional staff will work with you, the child and the family throughout the course of the mentoring relationship to provide necessary training and support. Funding allows BBBS to carefully make and support more matches. Sometimes, the supply of volunteers and kids is greater than the necessary agency funding.

If you would like to volunteer as a Community Mentor (Big Brother or Big Sister), you can attend this month’s orientation session on Monday December 14 from 6-7:30pm at the BBBS office, 230 Bay Street (in Vic West). To confirm your seat in advance, phone 250-475-1117, ext. 40.

To find out if mentoring is for you, to use the self-assessment checklist, to fill out the application form, or for more information, visitbbbsvictoria.com.

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 returning to the park—up to 276 in one day—for the past five 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 on weekdays (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 brisk walk along the river. Open 9am-4:30pm daily (closed Christmas day). For more information, phone 250-478-9414 or visit goldstreampark.com/bald_eagles.htm.• December 2015 5

Rachel Dunstan Muller

Welcome to the amazing world of insects and spiders. Discover over 60 species of giant walkingsticks, alien-eyed praying mantis, huge horned beetles, hairy bird-eating tarantulas, glow-in-the-dark scorpions and Canada’s largest leaf-cutter ant farm. ALL LIVE, in a safe, friendly atmosphere. While in Victoria, be sure to crawl, fly or wriggle your way to this fascinating family adventure and great gift shop. Open daily.

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JOIN OUR FAMILY!

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6 Island Parent Magazine

Towards a New Simplicity W

hen I first started writing for Island Parent, my oldest daughters were 17.

They’re now 23, both married, and the eldest (by two minutes) is a mother herself.

Given the green message I’ve been preaching for the last six years, you can imagine my delight when my daughter informed me that she and her husband plan to keep Christmas as simple as possible. They have a clear vision for the holidays, and it does not include mountains of tinsel, wrapping paper, or stressful expectations. They’ve discussed and agreed on boundaries for gift giving, and respectfully communicated those boundaries with both sides of their extended family.

Their decision to simplify the season was inspired in part by the 30th Anniversary Edition of a book called Living More With Less. It isn’t a coincidence that the original edition, written by a Mennonite woman named Doris Janzen Longacre, had a similar impact on me at the same stage in life. The premise of both editions is that living simply is not only better for the planet and a fairer way to share its resources, it can also be a pathway to a richer life.

Shifting the holiday focus away from “stuff” has all kinds of rewards. The time my daughter and son-in-law might otherwise have lost in crowded malls or internet shopping will be spent playing board games, going for hikes, and having friends over for mulled cider and carols. In the days following Christmas their cozy home will not be overwhelmed with clutter, and they’ll have no budget-busting credit card bills to dread.

Will my almost-one-year-old grandson be deprived as a result of his parents’ plan?

Of course not! An avalanche of gifts would mean nothing to him at this age. He’d be as happy to play with the boxes as whatever came inside them. As he gets older (and is perhaps joined by a sibling or two), his parents will figure out an appropriate number of gifts to help make the day special. They’ll create their own traditions as a family, to celebrate Christmas in ways that are meaningful to them. And by starting early, they’ll

be able to manage future expectations much more effectively.

My adult children aren’t alone in their desire to live more simply than recent generations—both during the holidays and throughout the year. The members of Gen Y (born between 1977 and 1994) are more likely to think about sustainability and what “enough” looks like when making purchases and planning for the future. They want rich, fulfilling lives, but don’t necessarily believe that acquiring things is the answer. In their quest to make ends meet and manage their environmental footprint, many of them are revisiting the skills of their grandparents and great-grandparents. They’re learning to sew, to garden, to preserve and re-purpose. This is all great news for the planet.

Whatever our generation, most of us could benefit from some paring down. Ideally the journey towards simplicity starts with reflection, and then becomes a conversation with our partners, our children, and anyone else affected by our decisions.

Having these conversations in turn gives other people permission to start similar discussions.

If you’re interested in exploring the benefits of simplicity, you may find the following questions helpful. What do we value as individuals and as a family? Are we living according to those values? Whose expectations influence us? What would the ideal holiday look like if we weren’t trying to live up to external expectations? What does “enough” look like under our tree? What does it look like in our kids’ toy boxes and playrooms, or in our own cupboards, closets and garages? When we exceed “enough” in any area, what does it cost us in time, space, money and stress? How much would our lives be enriched if we chose less clutter instead of more?

Last spring I embarked on my own less-is-more experiment. I committed to Project 333, which involved paring down my wardrobe to 33 items, and committing to wear only those items for three months.

Undergarments, exercise wear, and pyjaIslandParent.ca

mas were exempt, but all other clothing including outerwear, jewellery, accessories and shoes counted in the final tally. While I’m no fashionista, I like clothes and had amassed far more than I needed, which made the initial sorting process difficult.

I was further challenged by the range of activities and events on my calendar. But after a few hours of trying on garments and separating them into piles, I’d managed to select a capsule wardrobe.

What does ‘enough’ look like under our tree? What does it look like in our kids’ toy boxes and playrooms, or in our own cupboards, closets and garages?

The founder of Project 333 suggested that I’d feel lighter if I took her challenge, that I’d have more time in the mornings, and feel less stressed when I looked inside my closet. All of this was true. Not only did I not feel deprived at any point, I was more appreciative of what I had. I’m sure I dressed better as well, since I’d sorted out (and given away) everything that didn’t fit, wasn’t a flattering cut or colour, or didn’t go with anything else. In fact the results were so positive, that I expect to continue living by these general limits indefinitely. By choosing a smaller wardrobe, I’ll have to think carefully about the fit, function and style of any replacement items. I’ll be better able to afford quality, and to pay attention to the ethics of how my garments are produced.

The conscious consumption principles of Project 333 can be applied to other areas of our lives. I will certainly be keeping them in mind as I choose Christmas gifts for my younger kids (ages seven and nine).

According to Simplicity Parenting, author Kim John Payne, children with tidy, uncluttered play areas are better able to engage in “deeper, creative and independent play.”

He advocates toys that are open-ended (ie. powered by imagination rather than batteries), are healthy for humans and the planet, and can be put away in five minutes. Sounds great to me!

For more inspiration, visit theproject333. com, or simplicityparenting.com.

Rachel Dunstan Muller is the mother of five, and a children’s author. Her previous articles can be found at islandparent.ca.

IslandParent.ca

WINTER HOLIDAY PROGRAMS A wide range of full and half-day programs for all kids in Victoria ages 5–15, including:

Passion Sports Christmas Slam Camp Four days of intensive basketball skill development

Magic of Winter

Turn your cheeks rosy with exhilarating outdoor activities

Holiday Baking (Intro & Advanced)

Expand your baking repertoire with fancy hors d’oeuvres, canapés, petits fours and other seasonal treats for the holidays

Visit our website for information on these and other programs: www.smus.ca/winter, or call the Education Extension office at 250-370-6120

FOR ALL KIDS IN VICTORIA AGES 5–15

smus.ca December 2015

7

Maple Leaf Leaf School of Ballet School of Ballet

VANCOUVER ISLAND PREMIER RUSSIAN BALLET SCHOOL VANCOUVER Artistic Director ISLAND PREMIER RUSSIAN BALLET SCHOOL

David Beales Artistic Director BolshoiBeales Ballet Academy David T.C.P, Society Russian Bolshoi BalletofAcademy BalletSociety Assoc.,of A.R.A.D T.C.P, Russian Ballet Assoc., A.R.A.D

wishes you a Merry Christmas

Christmas Goodies Thank you to everyone who entered the Christmas Goody Contest. Homemade Marzipan—the winning entry in the draw for a $50 gift certificate—is printed below, along with a few other sweet treats. To become a VIP member of the Island Parent newsletter subscribers’ list and be eligible for special contests and coupons, please visit islandparent.ca.

Homemade Marzipan Here is our favorite Christmas recipe for homemade marzipan. It is easy recipe for kids, plus very tasty. :)

a great fun and

11⁄2 cups icing sugar 13⁄4 cups almond meal or flour 1 teaspoon rose water 2 teaspoons almond extract corn syrup) Tbsp 2 te substitu 1 pasteurized egg white (can

For more information and registration visit 310 Henry Street Victoria BC Canada www.mapleleafballet.ca V9AHenry 3J2 Street For more information and registration visit 310 Victoria BC Canada www.mapleleafballet.ca V9A 3J2

. Add almond Process almond flour and sugar in a food processor for a few seconds more almond little a (Add e. combin to extract, rose water, and egg white and pulse a few times. knead and surface work a onto out Turn flour if it is too wet and sticky.) (keeps for ted refrigera and plastic in d wrappe be can n marzipa the At this point, of food drops few a mix and months!) or coloured and shaped. Divide into portions like shapes as Christm fun into Make colouring into each to make various colours. be can n marzipa the tively, (Alterna scenes. nativity or snowmen, trees, Santa, gifts, kids!) for easier is way rst fi the but g, colourin food with painted then and shaped first

Arianne T.

Christmas Tree Bark Our family Christmas treat tradition is easy, but scrumptious. Easy for kids to help and tasty to enjoy by all...unless you’re not a chocolate fan!

2–3 boxes of the Baker’s semi-sweet chocolate 1–2 boxes of Baker’s white chocolate a generous handful of crushed candy canes a generous handful of chopped almonds In two separate pans, melt both types of chocolate. Stir the crushed candy cane and chopped almonds into the semi-sweet. On a cookie sheet lined with waxed paper, spread the semi-sweet chocolate mixture then take a spoon and swirl in the white chocolate. Refrigerate until hardened, then break it up and enjoy.

Sarah D.

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

8

Island Parent Magazine

Whipped Shortbread 13⁄4 cup flour 1cup butter

cup icing sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla

1⁄2

ium speed for With an electric mixer, beat at med Cream flour and sugar into butter. cookies with ten Flat s and place on cookie sheet. few seconds. Form mixture into ball t shee from g . Cool before removin a fork. Bake at 325˚F for 10 minutes Erin R.

IslandParent.ca

Yule Log Cookies 1 cup graham crackers cup chunky peanut butter 1 cup nuts, finely chopped 1 cup melted butter 1⁄2

22⁄3 cups icing sugar 11⁄3 cups flaked coconut 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 lb chocolate

Combine graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, peanut butter, flaked coconut, chopped nuts and vanilla. Pour melted butter over mixture and stir well.

Shape into 2" logs and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, melt chocolate in double boiler. Once chilled, dip each log into chocolate. Let set on waxed paper or refrigerate to harden.

Brigitte T.

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1 egg beaten 1⁄2 cup graham crackers 2 tablespoons butter melted optional 1/4 cup walnuts

1 cup icing sugar 1⁄2 cup cocoa 21⁄2 cups coloured marshmallows coconut

paper pressing Mix first seven ingredients together in a bowl and put onto parchment in refrigerator roll Chill . coconut the into log roll and coconut Add into a long roll. till firm. Cut into thin slices with sharp knife.

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RAINFOREST EDUCATION For Preschoolers at Beaver Lake and Swan Lake

Mary Ann P. CHILDREN AGED 3-5YRS

Spiced Hot Apple Cider

EDUCATING CHILDREN OUTSIDE (ECO) PROGRAM

Easy and delicious! The perfect accompaniment for a cold day.

8 cups pressed apple juice/cider (not from concentrate) 1 tablespoon whole cloves 1⁄2 teaspoo n ground allspice

1 orange, cut into 1⁄2" slices 3 cinnamon sticks 1" piece of ginger cut into coin-sized slices

Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a boil and continu e boiling for 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes. Strain the cider before serving. Enjoy!

Carol M.

IslandParent.ca

ECO is an award winning preschool age full year program which incorporates elements of play based, place based, and experiential learning. Our qualified and experienced educators employ an outdoor immersive and emergent curriculum promoting development of the whole child.

January – June 2016

M, W, F Tu, Th

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$244/month $169/month

Please contact Jen Poitras at 250-475-7113 for more information and to register

December 2015

9

The Cridge Centre oers child-focussed care for all children from 6 months up to 12 years.

Infants and toddlers, part time or full time day care, nature preschool and school aged care are inclusive and aordable, with play based learning and an emphasis on outdoor free play.

Call us today to discuss how your child can grow and learn with us!

www.cridge.org/childcare or 250 220 8573 1307 Hillside Ave, Victoria BC V8T 0A2

Serving Greater Victoria since 1873...because love is the bottom line.

10

Island Parent Magazine

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Maxine Fisher

Cut Conflict E

very year during the holiday season, some of us have to prepare ourselves for the “difficult” aunt, uncle, brother, sister, child, in-law (insert appropriate relative here).

Old family feuds happen and we can end up taking an unwanted trip back in time to play our old familiar roles in the family.

Why does this happen? How can we change our reactions so that we are not caught up in this mess?

The first thing to realize is that if we are trying to be right in an argument, no-matter how right we believe ourselves to be, then the other person becomes wrong and both parties lose. Everyone feels bad. We all know that we cannot change the behaviour of another person no matter how hard we try, no matter how valid we believe our experience, no matter what we do.

One reason we have conflicts is because we believe another person needs to change and if they don’t we become frustrated. We cannot change someone else, but we can change our own expectations. An example of this is if we expect an extended family member to be respectful and kind to us even though they have always acted in an unkind and disrespectful manner, then we are setting ourselves up for disappointment. If this year we expect that they will probably act in the same way, and that we have chosen not to take it personally, things may go quite differently.

The next step is to plan the best ways to look after ourselves when conflict arises. When we can tell ourselves and really understand that it is not personal, it says more about the person on the attack than it says about us.

When we do not feel their behaviour as an injury, when we believe it is not about us but about their struggle, then choices open up, and a sense of well-being is ours.

As soon as we change our roles and reactions, things around us begin to change, too— often for the better. We can make this season brighter and more peaceful by changing our expectations and making better choices to look after ourselves.

Happy Holidays!

Maxine Fisher is a registered clinical counsellor and accredited music therapist who works with children, families and adults. She can be reached at 250-686-7582. victoria familycounselling.com.

IslandParent.ca

Children’s Music Classes Birth to 12 years

Have fun making music with new friends!

TROMBONE

Guitar Choir PIANO Violin Families Making Music FIDDLEUkuleleORFF Trumpet Cello THEORY Register today for January!

900 Johnson Street 250.386.5311 vcm.bc.ca/departments/childrens-music December 2015 11

Holiday

Gift& Book

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

From the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria Children: Fine Art Scratch and Sketch.

Create your very own museum, scratching all the way. For budding artists of all ages.

Peter Pauper Press, Inc. $12.99.

Children: Scratch and Sketch Nutcracker Art Activity Book. For magical, merry artists of all ages. Peter Pauper Press. $12.99.

Children: Island Santa by Sheryl McFarlane and Illustrated by Sheena Lott (local author and illustrator). Published by the Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island. $19.95.

Children: Drawing Projects for Children

by Puala Briggs. $24.95.

From the Children’s Treehouse Baby/Preschool: Learn to Dress Kitty, Learn to Dress Monkey. Get Kitty and Monkey dressed and ready to play. Young children will develop fine motor skills by practicing to button, snap, hook and loop, buckle, tie, zipper and more. Clothes are removable for learning how to dress and undress. Socks and lace-up shoes for fine motor skills. A well-loved friend. $49.99.

Children: Paulinda Super Dough. Soft, safe and clean with a silky smooth texture. Water based and does not stain. Comes in various small kits,

12

Island Parent Magazine

each building several characters. Build awesome dragons, big-eyed birds, and zippy friends. Air dries, but can be reused by adding water. $2.49-$10.99.

Juvenile/Teen: Laser Maze by Think Fun for 8 and up. A challenging game of logic and problem solving. Using mirrored pieces on the grid board according to challenge cards, the player must figure out where to put the pieces so they reflect the laser beam at the target. A great puzzle/logic game which also sparks an interest in science and optics. $39.99.

From Kool & Child (Nanaimo) Baby/Preschool: From PipSquigz for babies to Squigz and MiniSquigz for preschoolers, this colourful silicone construction system is great for creative construction.

Makes a great bath toy, too. $27.99-$59.99.

Children: Keva Structures. Let future architects and engineers discover their aptitude for building at an early age. What can you build with 200 pine planks? $64.99.

Juvenile/Teen: Snap Circuits. Snap Circuits makes learning electronics easy and fun. Build exciting projects, such as FM radios, digital voice recorders, AM radios, burglar alarms, doorbells, and more. $27.99-$159.99.

Adult: Swingy Thing. Colourful spinning flippers and dippers send you into crazy chaos as 52 exciting challenges get your hands and brain working together. $19.99.

IslandParent.ca

From Mothering Touch Centre Baby: Boon Bath. Includes innovative, stylish and modern Fleet Boats, Odd Ducks, Scrubbles, and Suction Cup Bubbles. $15$20.

Baby/Preschool: Sweet Grass Farms Farm Baby Baby Wash. Suitable as an allover cleanser, and also doubles as a mild shampoo. $11.95.

Baby/Preschool: Janod’s Story Box Farm. Designed in France, this 23 piece set includes everything you’ll need to create your own personal farm right in your playroom. With a farmer, farmer’s wife, cows, chicken, duck, pig, dog, sheep and other accessories, you’ll be jumping and wrangling in no time. Designed to be used during play as well, mimicking the look of farm house. The playtime possibilities are endless. $29.95.

From National Geographic Store— IMAX Theatre Baby/Preschool: Colour a Cape. Capes provide hours of fun to keep little ones busy.

Use 8 water-based markers to colour in the exciting designs. Styles include princess, pirate, fairy, and rocket man. $24.99.

Children: Smart Lab Squishy Human Body. This set includes transparent anatomically correct models of the human body.

Kids dissect squishy organs and glow in the dark bones, nerves and eyeballs. $39.99.

Juvenile/Teen: Metal Earth: Star Wars Collection. Laser-cut steel models from the legendary film series. Styles include R2-D2, Darth Vader’s Tie Fighter, and Han Solo’s Millenium Falcon. No glue or solder required. $22.99.

Adult: Adult Colouring Books. Filled with intricate designs and inspiring patterns, adult colouring books provide hours of stress relief and mental relaxation. Our

selection includes mandalas, flowers, paisleys and anatomy. $9.99-$24.99.

From Resthouse Sleep Solutions Juvenile/Teen: Single Set Organic Cotton Flannel Sheets. Organic flannel sheets are perfect for those cold winter nights. So soft and cozy. We have heard rumours Santa sleeps on flannel. $149.

Adult: Customizable Organic Body Pillow. Generously filled with organic wool kapoc, wool/latex, and shredded latex.

Organic body pillows are perfect for side sleepers who can’t find the “just right” spot. $168-$328.

From the Royal BC Museum Shop Children/Juvenille/Teen: Aliens Among Us: Invasive Animals and Plants in British Columbia by Alex Van Tol, Illustrated by Mike Deas. Would you know Dalmatian Toadflax if you saw it? This informative book arms young people with the tools to stop invasive species in British Columbia. $19.95. PB. 128 pgs.•

presents...

Mimi la Diva Malbouffa Sat Jan 30 1 pm Malaspina Theatre at VIU

Tickets $10 or 2/$18 250-754-7587 | theatreone.org Mid Island

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 islandparent.ca for specific information on submissions.

We’d love to hear from you.

Please email submissions to editor@islandparent.ca.

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December 2015

13

Holiday

Butchart Gardens presents the 28th annual Magic of Christmas Every year the Victoria Festival of Trees transforms from Dec 1-Jan 6, 2016. The Gardens sparkle with tens of thousands of coloured the Fairmont Empress into a lush forest of beautilights and seasonal decorations. Miles of fresh fully decorated trees to raise funds for BC Children’s evergreen swags and wreaths, holly, ivy and winter Hospital Foundation. Sponsors of this event, local berries adorn the walkways and lamp posts. See the businesses, organizations and individuals decoTwelve Days of Christmas displays tucked into the rate the trees—in a sometimes wacky, often landscape. Get into the Christmas mood with traditional irreverent and always beautiful fashion. carollers and festive brass music from 5-9pm. Whirl around This season, up to 75 trees are on disthe outdoor ice skating rink. Skate times run on the hour play throughout the Empress until during admission hours and are 40 minutes. Skate rentals Jan 5, 2016. Come browse through available; children’s helmets on loan. Garden hours from a holiday wonderland and cast a ballot Dec 1-Jan 6, 9am-9pm, except Christmas Day when for your favourite tree. Admission is free, the hours are 1-9pm. Kids 12 years old and though a $2 donation is suggested for every younger are invited to bring a paper snowflake vote. Nanaimo hosts the 2nd annual Festival they’ve made and exchange it for a cup of of Trees at Nanaimo North Town Centre hot chocolate in the Coffee Shop. (Limit until Jan 2, 2016. Sooke hosts its seventh of one per day). Visit butchartgardens. annual Festival of Trees at the Prestige com or phone 250-652-4422.

Oceanfront Resort and SEAPARC Leisure Complex from Dec 4-Jan 4, 2016. Visit bcchf.ca.

Christmas Starlight Cinema. Bundle up and bring your family down to the Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe to enjoy one of Victoria’s great Christmas traditions—Christmas The Christmas Express at movies under the stars on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the BC Forest Discovery Centre 6pm in December. The line-up: Dec 1 - A Christmas Story; in Duncan, running Dec 4-6, Dec 2 - Ice Age; Dec 8 - Elf; Dec 9 - Home Alone; Dec Dec 11-13, and Dec 18-23 from 4-9pm 15 - Polar Express; Dec 16 - It’s a Wonderful Life. (train leaves every 20 minutes from 4:30Movies are free, but donations to Santas Anony8:30pm). Ride behind Samson, the museum’s mous are appreciated. BYO lawn chair and extra 1910 steam locomotive, through festive light blankets, the hotel will supply heaters. If raining, displays and exhibits in the forest and on the trestle. movies will be held inside. 45 Songhees Road.

Visit Santa Claus, dance to live Christmas music, make For information, phone 250-360-2999. a Christmas tree craft in the schoolhouse, watch the model train, and warm up with hot chocolate in Train Station Treats. Santa will ride the first train, leaving at 4:30pm and then will 15th Annual Bear Wear be in the main museum for pictures in the lobby of the Hotel Grand and visits. 2892 Drinkwater Road.

Pacific in Victoria until Jan 3, Visit discoveryforest.com or call 2016. Visit the best dressed bears in 250-715-1113 ext. 23. town at this annual fundraiser, helping children and youth in need and their families on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.

All funds raised support the programs of Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island. In 2014, Bear Wear raised $28,000 for Island kids.

Admission is free, but for a suggested $2 donation, you can enter a draw to win your favourite bear. Vote as many times as you like—the more times you vote, the better your chances!

Phone 250-519-6935 or visit childrenshealthvi.org.

14

Happenings

Island Parent Magazine

IslandParent.ca

Canada’s National Gingerbread Showcase at the Inn at Laurel Point. Feast your

Santa

tc

IslandParent.ca

ed

BC Transit’s

Friday, December 18 and Saturday, December 19 Come ride the bus and meet Santa • • •

Santa bus stickers Candy canes Holiday music

Various routes – check website for schedule.

Holiday Service also on the web.

5232

nial Square for four weekends this holiday season, until December 20. See the lights of Centennial Square and downtown from 20 metres up. Rides cost $2; riders must be 2 years old and 36 inches tall. No rides in inclement weather. Fridays 5-9pm, Saturdays noon-9pm, Sundays noon-7pm. Holiday entertainment courtesy of the City of Victoria.

For information, visit downtownvictoria.ca

Historical Artifacts Society on Dec 4, 5, 6 and Dec 11, 12, 13 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. $10/car load. From 5-8pm.

7321 Lochside Drive. Visit shas.ca or phone 250-652-5522.

R u d olp h’s r

Santa Bus is Coming to Town

The Ferris Wheel will be back in Centen-

Christmas in the Village at the Saanich

fo r

no

Wa

h

Free Horse-Drawn Trolley Rides will circulate downtown on Saturdays (noon4pm) and Sundays (noon-3pm) until Dec 21, making it easy to take in all of the sights and sounds of the Christmas celebrations.

The four trolley stops are: Store Street and Chatham St. (in front of Ocean River Sports); Johnson Street near Wharf Street (in front of Willie’s Bakery); Langley Street at Bastion Square (across from Re-Bar); and Government Street at Fisgard Street (in front of CDR Plaza). Visit downtownvictoria.ca.

Father Christmas in Old Town at Royal BC Museum from Dec 4-6, 11-13, 18-20 (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 11am-3pm). Visit with Father Christmas in Old Town; have your photo taken, and share your holiday wishes. Photos by donation. Then take in the sights and sounds of Christmas long ago in Old Town. Marvel at the huge Christmas tree, visit the woodcobbled streets lined with festive garlands, and see the shops decorated with Christmas finery. Visit royalbcmuseum.bc.ca.

se

Bus

eyes and nose on creative inspirations constructed out of gingerbread. More than houses, they are sculptures and unique works of art created by professional and amateur chefs. This year’s theme: Family— in all its forms. Vote for your favourite. All funds raised support Habitat for Humanity Victoria, helping make affordable homeownership possible for low-income families living in the Victoria region. Until Jan 3, 2016 from 9am-9pm. Visit laurelpoint. com/christmas.

Victoria Regional Transit Commission Transit Info 250·382·6161 www.bctransit.com 5232_VIC BC Transit Island Parent Magazine Size: 4.75” x 6.75” OPEN HOUSE Insertion Date: December Saturday, January 23, 10am–1pm Reber Creative for BC Transit 250-383-5255

• preschool to grade 2 • before and after

school care

• small class sizes • supportive and

caring staff

• excellent academic

foundation

• Kodaly music

5575 West Saanich Rd (across from Red Barn Market) 250 592 4411 imhsenroll@gmail.com www.islandmontessori.com

program

• lovely rural location

connecting children to nature

December 2015

15

 New Kindergarten parents are invited to attend our popular Welcome to School Parent Information Evenings where you will learn about our District’s exciting Kindergarten programs and meet with educators from across the District.

P A R E N T M E E T I N G S: Early French Immersion

Coastal Kindergarten

General Kindergarten

Tuesday December 1, 2015 6:30-8:00 pm

Wednesday December 2, 2015 6:30-8:00 pm

Wednesday January 20, 2016 6:30-8:00 pm

S. J. Willis Education Centre 923 Topaz Avenue

James Bay Community School, Gym 140 Oswego Street

S. J. Willis Education Centre 923 Topaz Avenue

Questions?

Call 250-475-4120

Questions?

Call 250-384-7184 Or 250-382-5234

Questions?

Call 250-475-4220

The Greater Victoria School District is committed to each student’s success in learning within a responsive and safe environment.

16 Island Parent Magazine

IslandParent.ca

Enjoy a Performance.

The Polar Express: an IMAX Experience at the Royal BC Museum. Seeing The Polar Express on the biggest IMAX screen in Western Canada has become an annual tradition for many Vancouver Islanders. Settle into your seat and relive this inspiring holiday adventure. Get your ticket and climb aboard the Polar Express. Visit imaxvictoria.com.

Meet Me in St. Louis presented by the Victoria Operatic Society at the McPherson.

Playhouse on Dec 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12 at 8pm, and on Dec 6 and 13 at 2pm. Meet Me in St. Louis is a classic romantic musical comedy that focuses on four sisters on the cusp of the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. For tickets, starting at $21.75, visit rmts.bc.ca.

Dance Victoria presents Alberta Ballet’s The Nutcracker with the Victoria Symphony at the Royal Theatre on Dec 4 and 5 at 7:30pm, and Dec 5 and 6 at 2pm. This holiday classic takes audiences on a wondrous adventure with Clara, her Nutcracker Prince and the Sugar Plum Fairy. For tickets, starting at $29, visit rmts.bc.ca.

Victoria Symphony presents A Sentimental Christmas at the Royal Theatre, Dec 11 and 12 at 8pm and Dec 13 at 2pm. Join Victoria Symphony in sing-along-carols. For tickets, starting at $30, visit rmts.bc.ca.

The 2015 Naden Band Christmas Concert supports the annual Salvation Army Toy Drive. At the Royal Theatre on Dec 14, 15 and 16 at 7:30pm. Tickets are $10, plus an unwrapped toy at the door. Details at rmts.bc.ca.

Ballet Victoria’s The Gift at the Royal Theatre. The Victoria Symphony will whisk you away to a fantasyland where nothing exists except you, the music, and the wonder-filled story of The Gift, Ballet Victoria’s interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker at a family Christmas Eve party. Tickets start at $30. Visit rmts.bc.ca.

Music in Market Square. Enjoy a performance of holiday favourites by the Greater Victoria Concert band on Dec 5 from 1-3pm. On Dec 12, tap your toes to Tuba Christmas where more than 65 tuba players from BC and the Pacific Northwest will play much-loved Christmas songs from 1-3pm.

Cowichan Theatre presents A Merry Celtic Christmas Helmcken House on Dec 5 at 7pm, and then Ballet Victoria’s The NutOld-Fashioned Christmas cracker on Dec 12 at 2pm and 7pm. Family tickets at Royal BC Museum from (2 adults, 2 children) cost $76 and are available at Dec 6 (1-3pm), Dec 20-Jan 4, ctcentre.bc.ca.

2016 (noon-4pm). Step through Chemainus Theatre is staging Elf: The Musical the doors of the oldest house until Dec 31. Based on the motion picture of the in B.C., still on its original site, same name, Elf: The Musical invites you to see and experience what Christmas the world through the eyes of a child. Enjoy would have been like in Victoria over this modern take on festive music, energetic 100 years ago. Decorations, music dancing, physical comedy, and a charming story and first-hand accounts will take of finding the place where you belong. For tickets, you back to Christmas past. starting at $20.86, visit chemainustheatrefestival.ca.

Included with museum admission, or by donation.

For information, visit royalbcmuseum.bc.ca.

Milner Christmas Magic

at Milner Gardens and Woodland in Qualicum Beach.

Stroll through tens of thousands of lights, enjoy local musicians and storytellers, stop by Santa’s shop for a visit, pop into the Teddy Bear Cottage and try to count all of the old bears, and enjoy tea or hot chocolate in the tea room. Dec 5-7, Dec 12-14, and Dec 17-21 from 5-8:30pm (recommended entry by 8pm). Adults $5, children $2.50, families $12.

For more information and the entertainment schedule, visit viu.ca/milnergardens or call 250-752-6153.

IslandParent.ca

Live Nativity Scene. The First Christmas, an outdoor Nativity pageant, features Wise Men from the east, the 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. christmasnativity.ca.

Community Board Making our Community a Better Place to Live

1Up Victoria Single Parent Resource Centre 1-up.ca Art Gallery of Greater Victoria aggv.ca Child Care Resource & Referral childcarevictoria.ca Good Food Box thegoodfoodbox.ca Kaleidoscope Theatre kaleidoscope.bc.ca Royal BC Museum royalbcmuseum.bc.ca Silver Threads Service silverthreads.ca Victoria Children’s Choir victoriachildrenschoir.ca Victoria Conservatory of Music vcm.bc.ca Enquire about non-profit brochure or magazine distribution in Greater Victoria:

publisher@islandparent.ca December 2015 17

Tracey Robertson

Going It Alone...Together

E

very weekend for the past five months, my ex-husband, who now lives and works in Vancouver, comes to Victoria to be with our two boys. He takes them to their rugby and soccer games, he shops for school clothes and sports gear and—this is where things get a little strange—he stays at my house and drives my car and I leave to stay with friends, or to take a little trip somewhere, or sometimes I even treat myself to a hotel room downtown.

I’d like to say this was a carefully planned arrangement, that we spent months researching how best to keep things consistent and normal for kids during a breakup, but that wouldn’t be true. Like much of parenting, in times of crisis or otherwise, we stumbled upon the idea blindly—we had no real direction or alternative. And lo and behold, it mostly works.

When their dad comes to stay with them starting on Friday nights, I pick him up at the ferry, drive him to our house and pack my bag. Pretty seamlessly, like he always did, he picks up where I left off: doing laundry, buying groceries, making meals and tucking the

boys into their own beds in their own rooms each night.

This system is not conventional to be sure, and it confuses the heck out of our neighbours.

And it means the grown-ups have to behave like…well, grown-ups.

I hope in describing this I don’t sound like I have some superior moral insight because, really, I don’t. We’re lucky. We split fairly amicably after more than two decades and recognize that we have a lot of history together that neither of us takes lightly. We have two great kids who we will continue to parent together forever, regardless of our own life choices and partners. We try to be kind to one another, we communicate a lot and we recognize that this is what works for us…for now.

I’ve found in sharing our situation with others that we’re not alone, that for every heartwrenchingly bitter breakup, there is another that is shockingly civil: shared holidays and birthdays, new partners sharing parenting in respectful, even friendly ways, vacations and adventures together, if the conditions are right.

Which begs the question, and I hear it a lot,

isn’t an arrangement like this confusing for the kids? Don’t they think you are still together or will be again one day? I wondered that too at first: does all of this overlapping and “friendliness” send the wrong message? Will they think we are getting back together? So we approached it like we have every stage of this mysterious process—with honesty—explaining that we think it is easier for me to leave on the weekends than to uproot them and that despite our marriage ending, we will always be their parents, together, with a shared goal of happy, healthy kids.

The holiday season is approaching. Last year we had Christmas as we have every year for decades: together. Their dad stayed at our house, we all woke to stockings, gifts and my standard Christmas morning breakfast casserole, and the kids stayed in their pajamas, in their house, all day. Weird? Maybe. But I’m willing to be a little weird when it comes to what I think is best for the children. And more and more I’m discovering that we’re not the only ones—there are a whole lot of weirdo parents out there who are parenting together, positively, while living apart.

Tracey Robertson is a single and often frantic mother of two, struggling to find her way in this difficult and life-altering new role.

CONTEMPORARY MONTESSORI… you CAN have the best of both worlds.

Come see how current educational practice can be made more meaningful by the time-tested Montessori approach.

In addition to low student/teacher ratios and highly qualified staff for children from preschool to grade eight, we have talented specialists in music, languages, technology and physical education.

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

WHEN :

Thursday, January 21 st

TIME :

5:30 - 8:00 pm

WHERE :

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

Selkirk Montessori is an exceptional, affordable alternative in a diverse, caring school community.

MEETING THE NEEDS OF THE WHOLE CHILD

18 Island Parent Magazine

IslandParent.ca

Sandra Dennis

Anticipating Advent

W

hen our twins were only a few months old, a package arrived in the mail with a wondrous Christmas gift. It was a gorgeous advent calendar, an evergreen tree on a red felt background, crafted by my mother in Manitoba. Below the tree are 24 little pockets, each with a special surprise: a bell, a candy cane, a train, a sprig of holly with red crimson berries. Each has been lovingly handcrafted and sparkles with sequins and glitter.

The first several years, we held the kids up, helped them fish out the next ornament and affix it to the tree with the little red Velcro dot. Their eyes would light up when the tree appeared each December. We could see the surprises peeking out of their pockets as little hands reached up and pulled them out days in advance to see what was coming next. A little brother soon joined them in the Christmas tradition. Before we knew it, they were all tall enough to reach even the top of the tree as they would debate whether the angel or the star would grace the highest point.

Through the years there were minor repairs to a few of the ornaments and there were some new ones too, a set of trucks with the children’s initials, a rocking horse, a dog, even an ice cream cone! Each year it is lovingly packed away in early January to again await its unveiling in December.

As our teenagers entered into middle and high school we chose to give new meaning to the ritual and came to dub it the Thanksgiving tree. The person whose turn it was to place an ornament on the tree would first mention something that they were grateful for. This was fun and eye opening as parents—there were the usual things, of course, food, clothing, shelter, family and friends. It was great to listen to how many times teachers have been mentioned. They have expressed gratitude for the opportunity to travel, for good books, and the chances to be involved with music and drama. They appreciate their health, have praised the democratic society in which they live and generally recognized their good fortune.

As the kids have moved off to university the turn taking has been less even and sometimes two, or three or four days have been acknowledged at a time. One year our daughter was travelling and even managed

IslandParent.ca

to pick an ornament and give thanks via Skype from India. She gave thanks for living in North America with all of the rights and freedoms we have and that she enjoys as a young woman.

Last year we had two children living out of province and one could not come home for Christmas. Was that the year to discontinue the advent ritual? No. That wall would have been empty without the calendar and with the “advent” of so many technologies we can still hold tight to this tradition.

Island Parent Celebrating

on for Vancouver Island

The Resource Publicati

28 Years

Parents

5 December 201

Holiday Happenings Gift & Book Recommendations The Gift of Song

Please visit any of our valued partners to pick up your latest copy of Island Parent.

While the gift was ostensibly for the grandchildren I have come to realize that it was actually a gift of the heart from a mother to her daughter. It has been a tool with which to engage our children and enjoy the season with them. It has been a centerpiece of Christmas celebrations for over two decades. And when I look at it, complete with the handmade heart shaped gift tag that we still hang with it, it is like taking a moment out from the busy season to sit down and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate with my mom at Christmas.

Sandra Dennis is a physiotherapist and freelance writer and the mother of three young adults.

GREATER VICTORIA Greater Victoria Public Libraries Vancouver Island Regional Libraries Greater Victoria Recreation Centres Thrifty Foods All 25 Serious Coffee locations Island-wide Victoria Gymnastics Country Grocer Chapters Vitamin Shop The Bay Centre (info booth) Scallywags Royal BC Museum Buddies Toys Crumsby’s Market on Yates Market on Millstream Victoria Conservatory JamTots Lifestyle Market Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre

DUNCAN Duncan Mall (centre court) Indigo Red Balloon Cowichan Recreation Centre Cowichan Aquatics Centre Kinderbeez Duncan Tourist Information CHEMAINUS Chemainus Theatre SHAWNIGAN LAKE Community Centre LADYSMITH Ladysmith Recreation Centre NANAIMO Nanaimo Aquatic Centre Quality Foods Country Club Mall Regional Library – Boban Fairway Market Island Natural Health Foods Woodgrove Centre

For a complete list of where you can find a copy of Island Parent Magazine, go to

islandparent.ca 250-388-6905 December 2015

19

Party Directory

The Gift

of Song

I 250-896-5544

G Y M

FALCON

GYMNASTICS Birthday Parties

G Y M

N Celebrate your birthday with us!

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Our great instructors will treat you to an action packed two hours of fun and fitness in our great facility!

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A S T I C S 20

th

40 sary r Annive 2013 1973–

• 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)

Book Early: 250-479-6424

#208 – 721 Vanalman Ave

(Broadmead & Royal Oak Area)

www.falcongymnastics.com Island Parent Magazine

S T I C S

t has been a long time since I’ve held an actual CD in my hands (welcome to the world of digital), but I have to say it was a nice change to listen to a CD and my boys loved it. The CD package includes a lyrics booklet which is perfect for those people who constantly mess up the words (Ahem…ME).

The music is exactly what you’d expect from Bobs & LoLo. It contains an excellent collection of both new and classic Christmas songs, 15 in total. “Go Freeze” was an instant hit with my youngest. He responded with a resounding “Again!” when the song was over. High praise from a three-year-old!

Overall, there is nothing to criticize about this album. If you love Christmas music, and you love Bobs & LoLo, then you will want to add “Wave Your Antlers” to your holiday music collection.

Jennifer Roberts-Hall

A

ny way you choose to hike, you start by putting one foot in front of the other.

The Okee Dokee Brothers’ “Through the Woods: An Appalachian Adventure Album” is 15 original acoustic songs that follows on the success of the brothers’ award-winning, “Can you Canoe?” The set includes a fabulous DVD video field journal that captures their remarkable Appalachian Trail experience.

At times humorous and poignant, the brothers’ romp up mountain passes, through sunny glades, in fog and rain, and campfire circles. They meet local musicians, kids and adults, stomp a jamboree, and collect entertaining anecdotes of the region.

The brothers’ intelligent songs give their little listeners credit for a child’s innate sophistication. With original tunes and lyrics; and borrowed touches from traditional campfire-songster roots; the songs beg to be a shared experience.

Jean Oliver IslandParent.ca

Party Directory

Par-T-Perfect

ctoria

(250) 386-JUMP (5867) www.par-t-perfect.com • Indoor facility options for all your bouncy castle and inflatable requirements • Christmas and holiday events • At home/indoor theme parties, i.e. Teddy Bear stuffing, craft parties • Free gift for birthday child when you mention this ad • Costumed facepainters and balloon twisters, i.e. princesses, pirates, ragdoll style clowns • Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

Gymnastics

Birthday Parties

• Par-T-Pets are here!

Birthday Parties! :: Gym & Bouncy Castle, themed parties: creative kids, girl power and preschool parties from Princesses to Pirates! at Henderson Recreation Centre!

Call 250-370-7200

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

Call 250-595-SWIM (7946)

www.recreation.oakbay.ca

Come Fly With Us!

HASSLE FREE PARTIES for kids & families

Party sizes up to 18 kids We supply table top cover, napkins, hats, streamers and balloons

You provide the space and food…

Optional character

We‛ll provide an hour of fun with puppet shows and play

Two certified instructors and a host Optional character

Gymnastics games and music

250 472 3546

Optional character

www.puppetbooth.homestead.com

Free t-shirt

Optional character

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~ Laser Tag ~ Human Hamster Balls ~ Booger Wars ~ Video Game Theatre ~ U:Launchers ~ Foam Party

We bring the Fun2U!

Birthdays, school funfairs, fundraising, festivals, teen groups, church groups, summer camps, sports teams, corporate groups

Call Alicia 250-661-2219 Email games2uvictoria@gmail.com Global @ www.g2u.com Facebook @ Games2u Victoria IslandParent.ca

Foam landing pit and 40' long trampoline Party participants can win a FREE month

Available Saturday & Sunday Afternoons Optional character

Corner of Store & Pembroke

www.victoriagymnastics.com

250-380-2442 December 2015

21

Fabulous Finds Make Your Own Snow Globe Do-it-yourself snow-globe making at its easiest. Design your own magical snow globe—shape and bake the clay, assemble, add glitter and shake. Don’t worry about leaks—the double-seal system gives each snow globe a beautiful, displayworthy finish. Ages 6+

Yookidoo Submarine Spray Station So much fun, you won’t want to get out of the tub. This musical bath toy pulls water through the submarine to the diver spray head so your little one can play with the water activity centre or have a mini shower.

Lots of clean times ahead. Ages 12 months+

Twilight Buddies Natural Lab A starry night and a puppy to snuggle with…what could be better? This ultra-plush puppy is soft, cuddly and designed to help ease your little one’s fear of the dark by projecting a starry night sky onto the ceiling and walls. Sweet dreams are on their way.

Ages 0 months+

Neighbourhood Toy Stores of Canada’s Gold Star Toys and Games of 2015 22 Island Parent Magazine

IslandParent.ca

Mixed by Me Putty It’s all up to you. Create your own custom putty with this kit from Crazy Aaron’s Puttyworld. With colour-concentrated and special-effects putties, you can make the combos you want.

It doesn’t dry out, so get set for putty that lasts forever!

Ages 8+

What children want most from you this Christmas...money cannot buy!

Get outdoors and PLAY! Pickles to Penguins What’s the connection between…pickles and penguins? Bees and balloons? Guitars and jars? You have to think fast in this quick-thinking, picture-linking party game to try to figure it out. Lots of loud and goofy fun. Ages 8+

Happy Holidays!

From our family to yours!

Lexie & Derek Biegun

Straws & Connectors Neon What’s your next bright idea? With 175 straws and 125 connectors in neon colours, you’ll be creating forts, boats, rocket ships, igloos and more.

You probably won’t need the idea guide, but it’s included anyway.

Ages 4+

Photo: Tasha Cline

RC Snap Rover Calling all junior electronics buffs! Assembly is definitely required with this educational, non-soldering RC electronic snap circuits kit from Elenco. Snap the rover together and drive it everywhere, day or night. Ages 8+

It came without ribbons, it came with out tags!

It came without packages, boxes or bags! ~ The Grinch

www.lexieslittlebears.com Infant/Toddler

778-432-3600 3–5 Years

250-590-3603 IslandParent.ca

December 2015 23

December 2015

Generously Sponsored by and

Family Calendar For calendar updates throughout the month visit IslandParent.ca TUES 1 – FRI 4 50th Annual Carolling Week at Victoria City Hall, Antechamber. Bring out the joyful spirit of the season by listening—or even singing along—to Christmas carols performed by Greater Victoria schools and special guests.

Complimentary tea, hot chocolate, oranges, and candy canes will be served. downtownvictoria.ca/christmas.

TUES 1 – SUN 6 Annual Nativity Exhibit at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Sidney. More than 700 separate nativity sets displayed in a reverent and spiritual setting. A quiet and peaceful way to get into the true spirit of the season with the birth of Jesus Christ as the focus of the season. Free. 2-9pm daily. 2210 Eastleigh Way. nativityexhibit-sidneybc.org.

TUES 1 – SAT 12 Choirs in the Courtyard at Central Branch Library. Treat yourself to an early afternoon seasonal sampling of Victoria’s choirs in the courtyard, one of the city’s sweetest acoustic spots. Details and times for specific choirs at gvpl.ca.

THURS 3 Christmas Lights Across Canada at the Parliament Buildings. Join special guests and children’s choirs to celebrate the annual cross-country light-up. The giant sequoia on the front lawn of the Parliament Buildings

24 Island Parent Magazine

will be illuminated with thousands of lights, followed by hot cocoa and seasonal treats for everyone. 7pm.

SAT 5 Pancakes with Mr. & Mrs. Claus at Vista 18.

Help local families with 100% of proceeds going to the Times Colonist Christmas Fund.

Admission by donation (minimum $20/ adults; $10/children). Experience the true Christmas spirit by helping those less fortunate. 9-11:30am. Reservations required. Call Yvonne at 250-361-5660.

Wonderful Wintry Weather at Esquimalt Branch Library. Celebrate wintry weather with tales of snow and forest friends. Songs, rhymes, and a delectable edible craft of gingerbread cookies included. For ages 3-5.

10:30-11:30am. Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

Wreathmaking at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park. Join CRD Regional Parks naturalists to celebrate in the spirit of the season and make a festive wreath. We’ll supply the 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. Suggested minimum donation $5/wreath (proceeds to a local food bank). Meet at the Beaver Lake Nature Centre off the main parking lot. 11am-2pm. All ages.

BC Transit #70 or #72. 250-478-3344. crd. bc.ca/parks.

Merry Kissmas in Market Square. Share the love with a kiss or a hug under the city’s biggest mistletoe. Bring your loved one, family, friends, or pet. For a $5 donation to United Way, get your photo taken under the giant mistletoe hanging from the main gate archway. Your photo will be posted to United Way’s Facebook page for a chance to win a trip to Seattle aboard the Victoria Clipper. Need someone to hug or kiss? Ginger-B, the gingerbread mascot, will be there for awesome Kissmas photo ops.

Noon-3pm. 560 Johnson. marketsquare.ca.

Music in the Square at Market Square. Enjoy a grand performance of holiday favourites by the Greater Victoria Concert Band. 1-3pm. Free admission. 560 Johnson. marketsquare.ca.

Deck the Hall Winter Lights Festival at Saanich Municipal Hall. School Christmas Concerts, photos with Santa, horse and carriage rides around the Saanich Hall, seasonal entertainment on the plaza, food, and refreshments.

Free. 5-8:30pm. 770 Vernon Ave. 17th Annual Island Equipment Owners Association Truck Light Convoy & Food Drive starting at Ogden Point. Owners decorate their trucks and heavy equipment to create this exciting annual spectacle of light. The convoy starts at approximately 6:30pm and heads to the Western Communities via Blanshard and Government Streets. Drop off points along the route will collect food for the Mustard Seed Food Bank. ieoa.ca.

26th Annual Lighted Ship Parade at the Inner Harbour. After the Truck Light Convoy passes

IslandParent.ca

the Inner Harbour, the Lighted Ship Parade begins. Decorated ships dazzle as they circle the Inner Harbour, competing for the title of Most Festive Boat. On shore, warm up with a mug of mulled wine or apple cider, browse the artisan market, and enjoy live music, a visit from Santa Claus, a kids’ colouring booth, and snacks to nibble on while watching the boats.

All profits from drink sales will be donated to the Victoria Cool Aid Society. 7:30pm.

SUN 6 Christmas Paper-printing at Francis/King Regional Park. Join in the spirit of this special time of year with a CRD Regional Parks naturalist at the Francis/King Nature Centre.

Sip hot apple cider and make wrapping paper.

Recycled paper, lino blocks and other tools will be used to create gorgeous (and ‘green’!) paper creations. Make cards, one-of-a-kind paper, and spend some winter wonder-time with your family and friends. Meet at the Francis/King Nature Centre off Munn Rd. 11am-2pm. All ages. 250-478-3344. crd.bc.ca/parks.

MON 7 How to Use the Computer at Victoria Disability Resource Centre. Covers a number of topics related to the computer including basic computer skills, using social media, online skills, and computer safety. 817 Fort St. Contact 250-595-0044 or email jessica@ drcvictoria.com to register.

Victoria Children’s Literature Roundtable at Saanich Centennial Branch Library. Meet author Robert (Lucky) Budd, co-author of the beautiful Northwest Coast Legends series, Raven Brings the Light, Orca Chief, and Cloudwalker. Robert will tell us about the creation of these books with Roy Henry Vickers.

Doors open at 7pm. Browse the School House Teaching Supplies and Children’s Bookstore table before the meeting begins at 7:30pm.

VCLR is open to the public. Members free; $5/ drop-in; $4/students. For more information, call 250-884-1346.

WED 9 Christmas Storytime at Central Saanich Branch Library. Ho, Ho, Ho! Enjoy a festive storytime, 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. 10:30-11:30am.

Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

Wee Winter Ones at Francis/King Regional Park. Bring your little one to celebrate winter with a CRD Regional Parks naturalist. Your child will explore the winter woods using their senses and look for creatures enjoying the winter season. We will visit the Francis/ King Nature Centre for story-time, puppets, and exploration. 5 years and under. 1-2:30pm.

250-478-3344. crd.bc.ca/parks.

THURS 10 Christmas Storytime at Bruce Hutchison and Central Branch Libraries. See WED 9 for details. For young children and their families; children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. 10:30-11:30am. Register at gvpl. ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

FRI 11 Job Club Workshop at Victoria Disability Resource Centre. Emphasis on peer support consisting of a group of like-minded people looking for work. Learn how to write an appropriate resume and cover letter, nail an interview, how and when to discuss your disability with an employer, and what to expect on your first day on the job. 1-3pm. 817A Fort St. Call 250-595-0044 or email jessica@ drcvictoria.com to register. More information can be found at drcvictoria.com.

SAT 12 Tuba Christmas in Market Square. More than 65 tuba players from BC and the Pacific Northwest come together to play much-loved Christmas songs in a big way. 1-3pm. Free.

560 Johnson. marketsquare.ca.

TM

Drop-in Christmas Craft at all Greater Victoria Public Library Branches. What’s December without a little (okay, a lot) of sparkle and trim? The library supplies 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. 2-3pm.

Holiday Open House at all Greater Victoria Public Library Branches. To celebrate the holidays, and to say “thank you” for using and supporting the library this year, the library will have free festive refreshments. Drop by for a treat and a chat. 2-4pm.

SUN 13 Christmas Paper-printing at Francis/King Regional Park. See SUN 6 for details. Meet at the Francis/King Nature Centre off Munn Rd. All ages. 11am-2pm. 250-478-3344. crd. bc.ca/parks.

MON 14 How to Use the Computer at Victoria Disability Resource Centre. See MON 7 for details.

817 Fort St. Contact 250-595-0044 or email jessica@drcvictoria.com to register.

Stories on Fern Street. The Victoria Storytellers Guild welcomes you to hear and tell stories.

For people who love to tell stories, for people who love to listen, for people of all ages. Tea and goodies. Doors open at 7:15pm, stories start at 7:30pm. 1831 Fern St (park on Begbie).

Talking Turkey

The turkey is truly the talk of the table at many family celebrations.

Our selection of juicy, succulent and delicious Grade “A” Turkeys including Free Range and Organic options are sure to delight your dinner guests.

Once you’ve selected the centerpiece of your feast, visit thriftyfoods.com for fantastic recipes and cooking tips.

Customer Care: 1.800.667.8280 · Visit thriftyfoods.com

IslandParent.ca

December 2015 25

TUES 15

rhymes, and songs that celebrate the season.

Stay and make a simple winter-themed craft.

All ages welcome. Drop in any time between 10:30-11:15am. 250-656-0944.

Naughty and Nice at Emily Carr Branch Library. Who’s been naughty and who’s been nice? Join us for songs and stories about Christmas cheer. For young children and their families. This program will occur before regular opening hours, and all children must be accompanied by an adult. 9:30-10am. Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

Santa Scoot in downtown Victoria. Santa rides a scooter! A parade of Vespas and vintage scooters will be making their way through city streets collecting donations, then rallying at Market Square for a pizza party. $1 from every pizza sold at Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria will go to charity. Come see the bikes and enjoy a pizza. 11am-2pm. 560 Johnson. marketsquare.ca.

$5; $3/students. 250-477-7044. victoriastorytellers.org.

Wonderful Wintry Weather at Oak Bay Branch Library. See SAT 5 for details. For ages 3-5.

10:30-11:30am. Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

THURS 17 Christmas Carol Sing-Along at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church (Sanctuary). Join a downtown Christmas tradition: a hearty sing-along accompanied by organ, violin, and vocal presentations, and complete with hot apple drinks and cookies. Free. Noon-1:15pm.

250-384-5734.

SAT 19 Special Winter Storytime at Sidney/North Saanich Branch Library. Join Virginia for stories,

SUN 20 Family Sunday at Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. Enjoy an afternoon of exploring hands-on art making for the whole family. 2-4pm. 1040 Moss St. 250-384-4171.

TUES 22 Special Winter Storytime at Sidney/North Saanich Branch Library. See SAT 19 for details.

All ages welcome. Drop in any time between 10:30-11:15am. 250-656-0944.

SUN 27 Christmas Hill Holiday Hike at Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary. Need to burn off some holiday calories? Swan Lake

Christmas Break Camps

Join us for an exciting Christmas Break!!!

Cowichan Aquatic Centre 2653 James Street 250.746.7665

Register Online at www.northcowichan.ca

Make this their best year ever with Tutor Doctor.

• Convenient, Comfortable One-to-One Tutoring at Home • Expert, Screened, Well-Matched Tutors • Tailor-Made Program for Every Student

CALL (250) 802-5256

vancouverislandtutors.com 26 Island Parent Magazine

naturalists will lead a two-hour hike up Christmas Hill and show you the view from above. Warm refreshments will be served at the Nature House following the hike to reward your effort. Meet at the Nature House.

Admission by donation. 1-3pm. 3873 Swan Lake Rd. 250-479-0211.

ONGOING BABIES, TODDLERS & PRESCHOOL Good Morning Storytime at Sidney/North Saanich Branch Library. Bring your littlest ones to the library for stories, songs, rhymes and lots of movement. For 0-5. Thursdays until December 17, 10:15-11am drop-in.

CHILDREN Toddler Art Drop-in at Burnside Gorge Community Centre. Explore your creative side.

Each week features a different craft designed with the preschooler in mind. Smocks and soap provided. Creative activities can be messy, so please dress children appropriately. Parent participation required. 9:30-10:30am. $1/child.

FAMILIES Christmas in Old Town at the Royal BC Museum. Savor the sights and sounds of Christmas long ago. Visit the wood-cobbled streets laced with festive garlands and see the shops decked with seasonal finery. Included in museum membership. Visit with Father Christmas Saturdays and Sundays in December, 11am-3pm (photos available by donation). Old Town open until January 2. royalbcmuseum.bc.ca.

Young Parent Drop-in at the YM/YWCA. The Y Young Moms Program hosts a free breakfast and drop-in for young parents in the community. Come enjoy a hot meal, socialize with other young parents, enjoy a kids’ craft, let your little one explore the fully equipped playroom, or have a look in the ‘free store’ for gently used children’s items and household supplies. 10am-noon. Call 250-382-1004 for more information.

Ferris Wheel in Centennial Square. Catch a ride on the Downtown Victoria Business Association Ferris Wheel and see the dazzling holiday lights. Children must be two years of age and at least 92 centimeters (3 feet) tall.

Fridays 5-9pm; Saturdays 1-9pm; Sundays 1-7pm until December 20th. downtownvictoria.ca/christmas.

Recyclistas Bicycle Repair Classes at Recyclistas Bike Shop. Affordable classes twice weekly. Learn how to safely and effectively fix, maintain and rebuild bicycles. Thursdays 4-7pm, and Saturdays 1-4pm. $25/adults; $13/ youth 10-18. Pre-register by calling 250-4188867. recyclistas.ca.•

IslandParent.ca

Around the Island

Visit IslandParent.ca for these and other events and resources for families from Cowichan Valley north to Campbell River and west to Tofino TUES 1

SUN 13

Dad’s Night Out: Free Skate Night at Oceanside Place Arena. Dads, bring the kids and enjoy a free skate together on the pond. Sponsored

by Building Learning Together. 6:30-7:30pm.

250-248-3252. rdn.bc.ca/recreation.

Children’s Book Reading with Roger Brunt at Merridale Ciderworks. Bring your family for an afternoon of festive storytelling and holiday celebration. Author Roger Brunt will read his latest children’s book Erskine the Elf Goes Home. Make an evening of it with the Orchard Light Up. Kids get a free cookie and an adventure through the orchard as they follow the lights and candy canes on a search for faeries. Storytelling and Orchard Light Up are free; additional costs apply for beverages and meals in the bistro. 1230 Merridale Rd. 250-743-4293.

Glow in the Dark Skate at Frank Crane Arena.

Skate in an atmosphere of dimmed lighting and special effects. Regular admission. Glow necklaces available for $2. 250-756-5200.

FRI 4 Nanaimo Community Home Learners (NCHL) Monthly Meet-up at Oliver Woods Community Centre. Resource library, gym time, and parent support. $5 drop-in fee/family or $20 year-long membership. nanaimocommunityhomelearners.org.

SAT 5 Frozen Swim at Ravensong Aquatic Centre. A certain princess will be making an appearance at the pool. Come enjoy games, crafts, and frozen fun with this theme swim. 10am-noon.

250-752-5014. rdn.bc.ca/recreation.

FRI 11 Underwater Santa at Cowichan Aquatic Centre. Are you tired of those same old Santa pictures? Come make a new Christmas tradition and get your picture taken with Santa and his elves under the water. Enjoy holiday cheer and festive games. 6-9pm. Photos taken for 20 minutes at 6pm, 7pm, 8pm and 8:45pm. $5.75/adult; $2.75/child. 2653 James St. 250-746-7665.

TUES 15 Glow in the Dark Skate at Frank Crane Arena.

Skate in an atmosphere of dimmed lighting and special effects. Regular admission. Glow necklaces available for $2. 250-756-5200.

SAT 19 Breakfast with Santa at the Cowichan Aquatic Centre. Santa is stopping by for a brief visit before he starts his long journey. Each child will receive a picture taken with Santa and get to make a Christmas decoration with the help of Santa’s elves. Breakfast: 10-11am; swim with Santa and his elves: 11am-1pm. $5. 2653 James St. 250-746-7665.

SUN 20

the skate. 2-3:30pm. Regular admission rates.

250-248-3252. rdn.bc.ca/recreation.

Dunk with Santa at Nanaimo Aquatic Centre.

Bring in the holidays and swim with Santa… or try to dunk him in the dunk tank. 3-5:30pm.

250-756-5200.

MON 21 Santa’s Helper Swim at Ravensong Aquatic Centre. Join in reindeer pool games and a visit with Santa. Drop the children off (8 years of age or older if unaccompanied by an adult) and take the afternoon off or relax in the pool with your children. Reduced admission rate. 1:304pm. 250-752-5014. rdn.bc.ca/recreation.

TUES 22 Winter Wonderland on Ice at Oceanside Place Arena. Grab a friend and head to the arena to celebrate the holidays with a free skate.

Free admission and skate rentals courtesy the Youth Recreation Strategic Plan. 7-8:30pm.

250-248-3252. rdn.bc.ca/recreation.

SAT 26 – WED 30 Winter Wonderland at Frank Crane Arena.

The arena will be transformed into a Quebec Winter Carnival theme. This is a “toonie” skate session with all skate and helmet rentals free.

Everyone welcome. 250-756-5214.

THURS 31 New Year’s Eve Family Celebration at Oceanside Place Arena. Play pond hockey, make a craft, listen to music and more. End the evening with a balloon drop and countdown at 8pm.

Admission and skate rentals free with a ticket (available starting December 1 at Oceanside Place Arena and Ravensong Aquatic Centre).

Food will be available to purchase. 5-8pm.

250-248-3252. rdn.bc.ca/recreation.

Frozen Skate at Oceanside Arena. Skate on a frozen Winter Wonderland in your favourite “Frozen” costume, plus make crafts, play games, and receive a frozen treat at the end of

Maxine Fisher M.Ed., RCC, MTA

Counselling for Children, Families & Adults Over 20 Years Experience (Music Therapy Also Available)

Stress & Trauma (Acting Out) • Parenting • Family Transitions Physical & Learning Disabilities • Relationships • Individuals Skype & Phone Sessions Available M.Ed. | Registered Clinical Counsellor | Accredited Music Therapist

Call Today for a Complimentary 10 minute phone consultation Call 250-686-7582 maxinefisher@shaw.ca victoriafamilycounselling.com 28 Island Parent Magazine

IslandParent.ca

ONGOING PRESCHOOL Mornings with LaFF at the Aggie. Staff and participants create play-based learning stations to explore and enjoy. Bring food to share and make a healthy snack together while making new friends. Monday to Friday, 9:30am-noon. $2 suggested donation per family. familyandfriends.ca.

Family Storytime at Cowichan Library, Duncan. Bring the whole family for stories, songs, rhymes and fun. For ages 0-5. Tuesdays 10:3011:30am. 2687 James St. krumohr@virl.bc.ca.

FAMILY Drop-in Science Studio at Departure Bay Eco School. At Nanaimo Science and Sustainability Society’s Science studio, kids are encouraged to explore the many interactive displays and activities. Activities include: 8 foot marble wall, 2,000 KEVA blocks, kid-friendly microscopes, wind tunnels, a high-powered air field, math puzzles, sign-out activities, and more. For safety purposes, children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. $4/child; adults free.

Tuesday-Thursday 10am-noon; Thursdays 3-5pm; Saturdays 9am-noon. Schedule subject to change, so please check nanaimoscience.org for most current schedule.

COMPREHENSIVE FAMILY DENTISTRY family centered practice extended hours evenings and weekends the latest equipment and caring staff request an appointment online

saanichdentalgroup.com 119–1591 McKenzie Ave, Victoria

250 477 7321

info@saanichdentalgroup.com

Victoria’s favourite dentists believe a healthy smile starts early. Free first visit for children under 5.

Christmas Magic at Milner Gardens. Santa, live Christmas music in the Milner House, a Teddy Bear cottage, storytelling in the Milner House, outdoor refreshments, and more. 5-8:30pm, December 4-6, December 11-13, and December 16-20. 2179 West Island Highway.

Winter Wonderland on Ice at Oceanside Place Arena. The elves have been busy transforming the arena into a Winter Wonderland. Special lighting and decor, along with a touch of holiday magic will make you feel as though you’re skating on an outdoor pond under the light of the moon and twinkling stars. Come for a variety of public skate sessions from December 15-31. Free skates on December 20, 12:15-1:45pm, and December 27, 12:151:45pm and 2-3:30pm. 250-248-3252. rdn. bc.ca/recreation.

Parksville Lion’s and Save-On-Foods Free Family Skate at Oceanside Arena, Parksville.

Free family skating Sundays. Free admission and skate rentals. Children must be accompanied by an adult 19 years or older. Sundays 12:15-1:45pm, December 6, 13 and 20. 250248-3252. rdn.bc.ca/recreation.

Lions Free Skate at Frank Crane Arena. Every Sunday noon-1:30pm. 250-756-5200.•

IslandParent.ca

December 2015

29

Christmas e icious Dl

Pheffernouse Latté

!

.SALTED CARAMEL LATTÉ .TURTLE MOCHA .EGGNOG LATTÉ .GINGERBREAD LATTÉ Nov 12, 2015 - Jan 1, 2016

Serious Coffee locations can be found throughout Vancouver Island and in Powell River �o �nd one near �ou go to� seriouscoffee�co�

Enter Our Online Contests Every month at IslandParent.ca you can enter to win some great prizes!

Prizes include: • Family Getaways • Gift Certificates • IMAX Passes • Books, CDs & More One entry per family per week.

Check out the prizes and enter the contests by visiting

IslandParent.ca 30 Island Parent Magazine

Hoops Hullabaloo

W

hen kids get to a certain age they start quitting—they drop music lessons, sports, extracurricular activities. It happens around Grade 6 or 7, and I know this because that’s when our oldest daughter stopped running cross country, quit the school band and stopped playing softball.

She tried to quit piano too, but by then my wife and I had caught on and insisted she continue.

Our other two girls are now reaching that same age and so my wife and I are vigilant.

Just as school started this year, we sat each of our three girls down for a brief talk about the sports and extra curricular activities they were going to do this year. We pulled them aside, one after the other, closed the family room door for some privacy and discussed what each wanted to do this year.

Along with hip-hop, cross-country, piano and swimming, our nine-year-old, Vivian, told us that she wanted to play basketball.

This was a surprise because after the Women’s World Cup, she’d become obsessed with Hope Solo and I’d imagined she’d want to play soccer. Almost every day throughout the summer, she’d pulled me into the back yard the moment I came home from work and I’d take shots on her using a make shift goal we’d set up. When it came time to choose though, she wanted basketball.

My wife had tried to get Vivian into night league basketball last year, but it’s not the easiest sport to join. We weren’t able to simply register online or contact someone to get assigned a team, we had to find a team on our own. It felt like some kind of secret society where you have to know someone to get in. We phoned and emailed, we contacted the league, we contacted coaches, but last year all the teams seemed to be full and Vivian didn’t get to play.

This year, we started early. My wife made a few phone calls, and soon enough, Viv was on a team, but that team never got enough players. They ended up folding into another team which was going to practice a half

IslandParent.ca

hour drive away. My wife started again, a campaign this time—emails and phone calls until we found a second team. They’d already set their practice schedule: 3:00 p.m. on Wednesdays at a gym 10 minutes drive from Vivian’s school. Unfortunately, none of Viv’s classmates wanted to join which meant we had no carpool options. It also meant Vivian wouldn’t have any friends on the team, but she’d been out dribbling a basketball at night and we’d made a big

Dadspeak Daniel Griffin deal of insisting our kids each play a team sport this fall. I asked if she’d consider soccer.

She said no, she wanted to play basketball.

We signed her up.

On the days I have to take Vivian to practice, I leave my office for a late lunch, hop on my bike, ride home, pick up the car, collect Vivian, drop her at Oaklands School, return the car so my wife can get it to pick her up, jump back on my bike and peddle back to work about an hour later. It’s one of those juggling acts that’s become common in our world of highly organized play.

Fortunately, Vivian’s loving basketball— she loves her team mates, she loves her coach and she loves the game. So far she’s scored one basket and her team’s won one game, but the best part of any game I’ve seen had nothing to do with either of these things.

Last week after Viv finished one of her shifts, she ran around the side of the court, came over, hugged her older sister, her mother and then me and without a word ran back over to the bench to wait for her next shift.

I’ve watched all three of our kids play a lot of sports over the years, but that’s the first time anyone’s stopped mid-game to give out hugs. Maybe there’s something different about basketball.

Daniel Griffin is the father of three children and the author of Stopping for Strangers (Vehicule Press, 2012), a collection of short stories about parents, children, brothers and sisters.

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December 2015 31

The Mechanics of Tradition

S

ince becoming a mama I have new respect for traditions. It has proven so much more difficult than I anticipated to come up with family traditions that work for us, and to uphold them. And the responsibility! The weight of tradition feels like a very important one. After all, what we do year after year will stay with our kids forever and will create either very good memories, or very embarrassing memories—maybe both.

Traditions come to a peak around the holidays, and while there are many cultural norms we expect at this time of year, I’ve learned that traditions are as weird and wonderful as each family. My husband and I have experienced more than a little head-butting in the process of finding our holiday rhythm.

32 Island Parent Magazine

When I was a child, there were simple, but reliable, expectations. My father dragging home a much-too-large Christmas tree, then spending six hours draping tinsel from each branch, my mother spending Christmas Eve in a frantic last-minute shopping spree, then staying up all night wrapping gifts. We went to church before opening presents. We always had ham and instant mashed potatoes for Christmas dinner, since neither of my parents knew how to cook. We wore the tissue paper hats from the Christmas crackers, and we listened to my dad’s Boney M. holiday record. These things were the same, year after year, and they seemed perfectly natural, although the hats did get embarrassing as we got older.

My husband came with his own set of traditions, some familiar, others foreign to

me. His father also would drag home a toolarge tree, his mother was a tinsel fanatic.

His parents owned a Boney M. record, too. Past these points, however, we might as well have grown up on different planets.

His family ate real potatoes, his mother always finished her Christmas shopping in August, if not in July. They neither went to church nor donned tissue hats. And my husband recalls an odd tradition of his own

Is There an App for This?

SARAH MILLIGAN in which he, as a small boy, sucked the paint off Christmas lights—a fact which I found disturbing and which may account for some strange personality quirks he has, but that’s beside the point.

Attempting to forge a set of family traditions for ourselves, we put all these things on the table and tried to mash them together. We agreed that tissue paper hats

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were unnecessary torture. I drew the line at sucking on Christmas lights, he insisted on real potatoes. After a heated discussion, all we were left with was: Get a very big tree.

Avoid tinsel at all costs.

Buy a Boney M. CD. Not much Christmas to go on. Clearly, we were going to have to dig a little deeper.

We considered adopting the standard holiday routines. Chestnuts, carolling, and fruitcake seemed too corny. Sleigh rides, too difficult what with needing horses and snow.

We tried gingerbread houses one year, but that proved disastrous—collapsing roofs and hyperactive kids high on royal icing.

I began to fear that our family traditions would amount to arguing over which corny holiday movie to watch, hardly the perfect Christmas I imagined giving my kids.

Thinking back, I realized my own childhood traditions looked nothing like a textbook holiday, either. We did not sit by an open fire, or knit things, or leave cookies for Santa, or roast turkeys. In fact, none of our family traditions were even created on purpose; rather, they were habits, the natural mechanics of family life, which became traditions by default. They were far from picturesque and seem a tad bizarre in hindsight. Yet to my siblings and I, these imperfect rituals became unshakeably associated with Christmas.

So what makes a good tradition, anyway? It must be something we can rely on year after year, something we equate with the aspect of family. And according to my childhood, it helps for a tradition to be slightly ridiculous and embarrassing to at least one member of the family, although perhaps those last two factors are optional.

As for our family, perhaps we don’t need to try at all, for traditions will grow, over time. Our rituals will likely look strange to an outsider, but they will be special for us, and they will become part of the unique foundation on which our family is built.

With any luck, our children will grow to appreciate whatever traditions we inflict upon them, And someday, I feel certain they will call us asking to borrow the Boney M. CD. Sarah Milligan lives on Vancouver Island.

She is grateful to her children for the joy they inspire, not to mention the endless writing fodder.

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December 2015 33

St. Joseph’s Elementary School 757 West Burnside Road 250 479 1232 www.stjosephschool.ca

St. Joseph’s Elementary School has limited space in all Josephʼs Early Learning Centre grades (K–7), as well as space in our licensed Group Day Care and Preschool Program.

Applications are available on-line or W. Burnside Rd. 250-479-1237 from the school office. St. Joseph’s offers a rigorous academic www.stjosephschool.ca program in a Catholic Christian atmosphere.

announce that our Early Learning Centre is now ng full time daycare for children who are 3 andUs! 4 Come Grow With cations are available on-line or from the Early ce. St. Josephʼs offers an excellent program in a tmosphere. are 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM. For additional information an Clifford at 250-479-1237.

34 Island Parent Magazine

Joy to the World

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ne of my favourite songs when I was a little girl was about joy, loudly, cheerfully, and inclusively wishing it for all creatures—fishes, you and me—everything on the whole beautiful Earth. We are barraged with a similarly-themed song at this time of the year, piped at us in shopping malls, elevators and coffee shops, which of course when heard sends me trekking down memory lane. Life is short, and yet I am often surprised at how long ago some things actually happened which, in turn, gives context to how much we can pack into a year, a month, a week, or a day.

I started writing this column with a great deal of joy when my daughter and my son were small. I loved the opportunity to blend two of my passions, ranting and cooking, and to see my work printed out for real people to see. Now my daughter and my son both vote, and cook food to eat alone, or to share with family and friends. Those are two small things among the many others they perform as strong, loving, kind, intelligent and allaround wonderful people who happen to be adults. I won’t say that my job there is done, but it’s much less hands-on than it used to be.

The world has grown and changed as well.

Hello, Internet! If one wishes to learn how to do anything, one must simply type the question into a handy search engine and hey, presto—up comes a list of potential answers.

“How do I make yeast donuts?” “Kale and white bean soup” “What is a brassica?” Add this to the preponderance of cooking shows on TV and, well, honestly, your friendly neighbourhood recipe columnist begins to feel a wee bit redundant.

This is natural: to everything there is a season, the circle of life, and it’s a good thing.

It’s time now for me to say so long, and thanks for all the fish. I have no recipes for this last column—and you have everything that I ever had to offer. And if you need anything else (Sparkle Peppermint Elf Cookies? Peanut Butter Mice? Gingerbread Castles?) please remember that Pinterest has more files than I could dream of packing into this old kitchen.

If not quantities and methods, I do have some final words, thoughts, dreams and suggestions to re-share. First, and most important, perhaps: love is the answer. It sounds simple, it sounds, perhaps, like the

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reiteration of a vision from a smoked-out seer or sage, but really, it’s true. Love doesn’t want to harm, hurt, or spread any kind of negativity. Love only wants to share joy and happiness. It’s not always easy to be the change but someone has to, and why not you, now? Everything else follows from this.

The Magic of Christmas

December 1st - January 6th

Just Eat It! Kathy Humphrey Through the years I have spoken of the value of family time, usually in the kitchen, as that tends to be my realm, but location is secondary. Being together, as a family (and “family” means far more than it does on TV, or in the old classic stories: we love, we are family!) is crucial for well-being on all levels.

Children need to feel connected, before they head out into the world, as do we all.

Think small, think local, and know where what you eat comes from. Food costs a lot, and sometimes buying the fancy food from local markets costs even more. That’s true.

My concern is that not staying as local as possible in our choices may be even more costly in the end, with the effects of transport on the environment and also the degradation of the quality of the food as it’s moved through time and space. This is one of those “do what you can but please don’t feel bad” things: awareness is key.

Above all, be happy and hopeful. I feel as if I’m spouting the Desiderata here, but the truth is we live in a beautiful world (and come on, Victoria—in the best part of it, whoot, whoot!). Despite all of the stuff in the news, life is still very good, and I feel blessed to be here and be breathing. If I were the king of the world, then I would make a lot of big changes involving chucking things like war, and strongly discouraging pollution and mean-ness, and spend more time loving. As it happens, the shoulder tap for that particular role hasn’t fallen on me yet, so I'm still here, waiting and pontificating.

In the meantime, thank you all, everyone, for everything. I have loved my time with Island Parent, and you, and I hope that you have, too. Live long. Prosper.

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.

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December 2015 35

Beyond Knowledge “Imagination will take you everywhere. ”

– Albert Einstein

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f asked, most people will agree that imagination is a positive and important trait. And yet it isn’t really celebrated in our society. No awards are handed out for the best imagination. No child is celebrated for superior daydreaming skills. Few opportunities exist for kids who have wild imaginations to show off their special trait.

However, imagination—which lets us picture things that aren’t actually there—is the most important component to creation, to invention and to genius. Albert Einstein, Leonardo DaVinci and Walt Disney struggled with reading and writing but their imaginations were boundless. Of course, not every child with a great imagination is a genius, but often those who do have strong imaginations aren’t the model students, don’t quite fit the status quo and might not have an opportunity to shine.

Enter the wonderful world of literature where authors, having strong imaginations themselves, have created stories and characters that can fuel and foster those young imaginative spirits out there and present inspiration for them.

Perhaps the best ode to imagination I have ever found is in Michael Ende’s The Neverending Story. The book’s young protagonist is chastised for daydreaming. However, it is his daydreaming that leads him on an

adventure and forces him to consider the line between reality and imagination. He must find a way to live in both realms, discovering that imagination is sometimes more linked to reality than we think. Heroes appear in unlikely places in this story, and characters with big hearts and big quirks populate this fantastical world. The movie is a classic in its own right, but the book is wonderful and is still in print. Read it. Watch it. But be forewarned: it is over 30 years old. Still, it is a timeless family classic.

One of the most famous icons of the imaginative mind in Canadian literature is Anne Shirley of Anne of Green Gables,

by L.M. Montgomery. Anne’s imagination isn’t exactly universally embraced. While Mathew Cuthbert, her adoptive father, finds her tendency for daydreaming and dramatics endearing, Marilla, her adoptive mother, certainly has little patience for it.

Even Anne gets frustrated with herself when she indulges in her imagination and gets herself in difficult situations. Anne doesn’t quite fit the standard for the perfect young lady of the time with her mind bouncing along and her tongue following. Yet it is her imagination that fuels her life, her thirst for books and knowledge, and is the cornerstone of her spunky personality, the very same personality that has made her

one of the most loved Canadian characters in Canadian literature for over a century.

The concept of imagination is also widely explored and celebrated in picture books.

What Do You Do With an Idea, by Kobi Yamada (Compendium Inc, 2013) is a brilliant celebration of what can happen when we nurture our imaginations. In it, a boy, sketched in black and white, has an idea that he tries to ignore. Worried about what

Book Nook paisley aiken other people will think, he tries to pretend the idea isn’t there, but he just can’t deny that he feels better when his idea is around.

And so he lets it grow. And it grows. And it tells him, “It is good to have the ability to see things differently.” Finally his idea bursts into something new and becomes part of his life, just as the book’s illustrations explode into full colour. What Do You Do With an Idea is encouraging and uplifting and will get your little readers keen to keep those wonderful, wacky ideas pouring from their imaginations.

Younger children seem to accept their imaginative worlds so easily. In Not a Stick (Harper Collins, 2007), writer Antoinette Portis shows how pretending can feel so real it may just be so. A stick is only a stick if we say so, but it can be so many other things.

Isn’t that the case with all art and invention?

What else can we see from a simple thing?

Celebrating the power of imagination gives kids the encouragement to keep imagining. What could become reality if we just imagined hard enough?

I can’t write an article about imagination without referring to the oh-so-brilliant Oliver Jeffers. In Imaginary Fred, (Harper Collins, 2015) Jeffers teams up with Eoin Colfer (who wrote the not-to-be-missed Artemis Fowls series). They explore the challenge of maintaining an imaginary friendship when a real friendship develops, again with the characters trying to find a way to exist in both the make-believe and real worlds. What they discover is that it may not be as tricky as one would think.

The world-renowned neurologist, the late Oliver Sacks, wrote, “Creativity…involves the power to originate, to break away from the existing ways of looking at things, to move freely in the realm of the imagination, to create and recreate worlds fully in one’s mind—while supervising all this with a critical inner eye.”

The ability to nurture and support ones imagination is the key to developing a happier, more successful and full life and world.

From it comes art, literature, philosophy and invention. We must celebrate and nurture our children’s imaginative worlds. And until we come up with a way to reward children for exemplarily daydreaming, I say thank goodness there are so many rich and wonderful stories, characters and books that can help us encourage our children’s brilliant minds!

Paisley Aiken reads extensively to her three energetic young boys. She is founder of The Story Studio Writing Society, a charity that grows kids’ relationship with literacy.

December 2015

37

When to Take Baby to the Doctor Healthy Families, Happy Families

Child, Youth & Family Public 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 250-709-3050 Ladysmith 250-755-3342 Lake Cowichan 250-749-6878 Nanaimo 250-755-3342 Nanaimo Princess Royal 250-755-3342 Parksville/Qualicum 250-947-8242 Port Alberni 250-731-1315 Tofino 250-725-4020

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 250-902-6071

O

ccasional illness and fevers are to be expected, especially at this time of year as we head into cold and flu season. Sometimes it is hard to distinguish normal fussiness and mild illness from a more serious problem. An occasional illness is usually nothing to worry about in an otherwise healthy baby, but sometimes it is best to contact the doctor. Trust your instincts. If you think you should contact the doctor, do not hesitate—it is better to be sent home with reassurance from medical staff than delay getting attention because you are not sure if your baby really needed help. Don’t hesitate to see your child’s doctor if you notice any of the following signs and symptoms: • crying inconsolably (different from the evening fussiness; nothing can stop the crying) • listless or limp, little or no energy, baby sleeps longer than normal, and may be difficult to wake for feedings. When awake, baby seems drowsy and does not pay attention to visual stimulation or sounds.

• swelling of the soft spot on the top of baby’s head (fontanelle) • purple blotches on skin, or any other type of rash • difficulty breathing: baby does not have a smooth and even pattern of breathing, but if it seems like the baby is struggling to get air in or breathing rapidly that warrants a 911 call • refusing feeds, either breast or bottle • vomiting (not spitting up) or diarrhea (a baby’s stool is normally soft, but diarrhea in babies will be very watery) • appears to have trouble swallowing, liquids draining out of mouth and drooling excessively • fever (babies three months and younger).

Mild fevers are common and usually harmless, but contact your doctor if your baby has any elevated temperature. Normal body temperature is 36.5˚C to 38˚C (armpit/ axillary); 35.8˚C to 38˚C (ear/tympanic). If

your baby is older than three months you may decide to treat the fever symptoms if necessary with acetaminophen (based on their weight) and make sure they are drinking plenty of fluids. You do not need to treat every fever in an older baby—it is the body’s way of fighting an infection—as long as your baby is drinking and does not seem too uncomfortable or lethargic.

It is important to note that one of the first signs of illness in babies is a change in their cry. You may notice a difference in the duration or sound of the cry. If your baby is active when awake, feeding well, and can be comforted when crying, small differences in crying are normal. Crying is a baby’s only way of communicating. Over time, babies develop different cries depending on what they need—food, sleep, diaper change or a snuggle—and parents learn to understand their baby’s cries and respond accordingly.

Usually parents are able to quiet their baby’s cries by providing what he needs and close physical contact. However, some babies begin to cry inconsolably. Colic (crying lasting three hours or more at some stage in a 24-hour period, usually in the evening) and inconsolable crying only differ in the demeanor of the baby while awake at other times. If your baby had quiet, wakeful periods during that day and has no other signs of illness, the crying is likely a bout of colic.

A baby who becomes very irritable, fretful, and fussy, with long crying periods outside of his normal fussy time, this may indicate that he is experiencing discomfort of some sort which could be related to something like a viral or bacterial infection.

If you do decide to access medical attention, either at your doctor’s office or emergency care, please be prepared to help the medical staff understand what is happening with your baby. Expect questions about: • Medical history: Does your baby have any known allergies? Are your baby’s immunizations up to date? Does your baby have any medical conditions?

www.viha.ca/prevention_services/

38 Island Parent Magazine

IslandParent.ca

• Your pregnancy and the birth.

• Changes in baby’s feeding/bowel movements: Any changes in eating and drinking patterns? Number of wet and soiled diapers over the last 24 hours?

• Changes in your baby’s temperature: When did you last take your baby’s temperature?

• Medication: Has baby had any medication? What was given? How much? And when?

New Parent Pages

2373 R O S S TOW N R D, N A N A I M O

Opening Night: 7:30 pm December 18 Evenings: 7:30 pm December18-20, & 26-30 Matinees: 1:30 pm December 19, 20, 26, 27 New Year’s Eve: 9:00pm All Tickets $16, New Year’s Eve $25 Tickets available at 250-758-7224 or nanaimotheatregroup.ca All productions subject to change.

Directed by Ian Matthews & Sheila Coultish Musical Direction

by Nikita Towe Produced by Tatjana Hayes

Diana Hurschler, BScN • Your main concerns: This may sound obvious, but if you have a concise description of your specific concerns, the staff will be able get a better understanding quickly.

As a parent, you likely have a built-in “sixth sense” when it comes to judging whether your baby is experiencing mild illness versus something more serious. Most often this instinct will come as a thought along the lines of “something isn’t quite right with my baby.” Listen to your gut instinct and access medical attention whenever you feel this way about your baby’s health.

From my experience, these illnesses seem to crop up at night time just when the doctor’s office is closed. A great resource to use if you are just not sure is the 24-hour nurse hotline at 8-1-1. By calling 8-1-1, you can speak to a health services representative, who can help you find health information and services, or connect you directly with a registered nurse, a registered dietitian or a pharmacist. Any one of these healthcare professionals on the other end of the phone will help you get the information you need to manage your concerns about your baby.

By Ian Matthews Peggy Harris & Sheila Coultish

FIRST NIGHT New Year’s Eve Family Celebration Join us for our 10th annual First Night New Year’s Eve celebration! Enjoy an evening of live family entertainment that is topped-off with a spectacular fireworks display! Other event activities will include swimming, skating, face painting, and fun on our inflatable bouncy castle Tickets On Sale Early Bird Rates Dec 1st

December 1st - 21st Family* Adult (19yrs+) Child(6 - 18yrs) Child (0 - 5yrs)

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$50 $16 $12 Free

at Panorama Recreation Centre & Greenglade Community Centre

250.656.7271 www.panoramarecreation.ca for more event details.

Diana Hurschler, RN BscN, childbirth educator, certified breastfeeding counselor, has been helping families in their childbearing years and beyond since 1998. Diana is the proud mama of four little ones. Email diana@hurschler.com.

IslandParent.ca

December 2015 39

Family Services Directory our Parents Together program and parent workshops.

For more information on all programs and services visit bgcvic.org or call 250-384-9133.

HappyBaby Sleep Solutions helps families create healthy sleep habits in babies and children so everyone is well rested and happy. Sukkie Sandhu, M.Ed., has worked with hundreds of families locally in Victoria and worldwide. Sukkie is a Registered Clinical Counsellor so the cost of a sleep consultation may be covered under your extended medical plan. For more information visit www. happybabysleepsolutions.com or call 250-857-1408 for a FREE evaluation. Let’s get started!

The Canucks Autism Network (CAN) provides yearround, high quality sports, recreational, social and arts programs for children, teens and young adults living with autism, while building awareness and providing training through community networks across British Columbia.

CAN currently offers Soccer (ages 5-15), Swim (ages 4-15), Physical Literacy (ages 4-11), Family Events and Camps on Vancouver Island. To learn how you can join, please visit canucksautism.ca/join or email info@ canucksautism.ca.

HeadWay Victoria Epilepsy & Parkinson’s Centre supports families living with seizures by offering parent workshops three times a year, educational presentations in schools and community groups as well as providing tutoring sessions and one-to-one professional consultations to help your child live up to their highest potential.

Keep up to date with the latest research about treatments, lifestyle, and safety issues for your child. We can be reached at headwayvictoria.com, or you can reach the Epilepsy Program Coordinator directly at 250-475-6677.

CHOICES Adoption & Counselling is a licensed, professional, non-profit agency that provides services to adoptive parents, birth-parents, and adoptees. CHOICES arranges adoptions domestically and internationally. We are committed to providing a comprehensive, clientcentered adoption service which best meets the needs of everyone in the adoption constellation. Please contact us at choices@choicesadoption.ca, or call 250-479-9811 for further information.

Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria (ICA) is a service agency for immigrants and refugees. Programs offered include cross-cultural counseling, parenting programs (child care available), family violence programs, employment services, interpretation and translation, diversity workshops and training, ESL instruction, volunteering, youth programs and tutoring, as well as intercultural arts programming. 930 Balmoral Rd, 250-388-4728, info@ icavictoria.org, icavictoria.org.

Countryside Preschool is a cooperative preschool where our qualified ECE provides stimulating instruction to develop your child’s social and cognitive skills. Families build a network of support through our parent-participation days. Classes are in session Sept–June; Tues–Thurs; 9am–1pm. Flexible registration options available. Visit our FREE Stay ’N Play sessions for caregivers and tots, Mondays, 10am–noon. Visit countrysidepreschool.org or call 250-652-3424.

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. 1562 Fort St, Victoria, BC V8S 5J2. Ph 250-370-9513. Fax. 250-370-9421. ldasvi.bc.ca. knowyourrights.ca.

This directory, sponsored by Thrifty Foods, features not for profit agencies and organizations serving children, youth and families.

1Up, Victoria Single Parent Resource Centre (www.1up.ca) provides support, education and resources for parents in the Greater Victoria area through free counselling, volunteer training for peer helper positions, a mentoring program for single moms and a support group for dads.

The Centre also offers a variety of integrated life skills and parenting courses which are open to the whole community (fees are on a sliding scale). The Centre provides free toys and books, a clothing room and bread pantry for single parents. Donations of gently-used clothing, small household items, books and toys are welcome. Hours are Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 9-4, Wed: 12-7. 602 Gorge Rd. East; call 250-385-1114 or info@1-up.ca Beacon Community Services is a community-based non-profit agency providing social, employment, and health services to Saanich Peninsula, Greater Victoria, and Southern Gulf Islands residents. Beacon offers: 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 250658-6407; for all other inquiries call 250-656-0134, or visit beaconcs.ca.

Beacon Community’s Employment Services. Beacon Community Services provides a full menu of employment services to the Saanich Peninsula, Southern Gulf Islands.

We have been helping people find work since 1982! Our programs build on a client’s strengths and resolve barriers to securing and maintaining employment. Furthermore, we work in tandem with our employer network to support those residents looking for work. If you need help finding a job or need employees please pay us a visit! It’s FREE. 9860 Third St, Sidney, 250-656-0134, beaconcs.ca.

Boys & Girls Club Services offer after-school and evening social, educational and recreational programming for children and youth at 5 locations (Colwood, Langford, VicWest, Central Saanich and Esquimalt) and summer camps both in Esquimalt and at our Outdoor Centre in Metchosin. We also offer support to parents through

40 Island Parent Magazine

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Family Services of Greater Victoria (formerly BC Families in Transition) is a non profit agency that has been serving families since 1978. We provide a full range of services to the whole family in supporting their relationship and through separation and divorce. Counseling, mediation, legal information and a range of group programs are available for children, youth and adults on a sliding fee scale.

Call us at 250-386-4331 or visit fsgv.org. We can help.

Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) provides programs and services to the military family community including: 24-Hour Information Line; Deployment Information and Workshops; Short Term Counselling, Crisis Support or Intervention; Welcome/Relocation Services; Childcare and Family Support Services; Assistance for Families with Special Needs and Responsibilities. Excit-

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ing Volunteer opportunities available! Call the MFRC: 250-363-2640 (1-800-353-3329) for information or visit esquimaltmfrc.com.

Power To Be provides inclusive nature-based activity programs for youth and families living with a barrier or disability who need support to access recreation and their community. We create year-round programs to fit participant needs through activities such as kayaking, rock climbing, hiking, canoeing and more. Visit powertobe.ca or call 250-385-2363 to get involved.

Rested Development Sleep Consulting. I am educated in ALL sleep-training methods and together we use a method that best suits YOUR family and values. My services are unique in that I use an integrative approach to sleep using healthy sleep foundations including: emotional well-being, nutrition, breastfeeding, family dynamics, child temperaments, sleep environments, sleep/wake windows, sleep associations, and developmental milestones, in conjunction with sleep training. For more information please visit resteddevelopment.com or call 250-937-0996 for a free 15 minute consultation.

Sooke Family Resource Society (SFRS) provides Family Resource Programs including: Prenatal Education and Outreach, Parent-Tot Drop-In Groups, Parent Discussion Groups, Family Support Groups and Outreach, a Toy and Book Lending Library, and Kingfisher Preschool. SookeWestshore Child Care Resource and Referral services, as well as all-ages counselling services are also provided

by SFRS. Services are provided from the Child, Youth and Family Centres in both Sooke and the Westshore.

Call 250-642-5152 for more information or visit our website at sfrs.ca.

SFRS’s Welcome Home Program is looking for homes that can support adults diagnosed with a disability looking to gain further independence. The livingsituations are varied and unique and can include living within a family home or a suite in the family home. The needs of the individuals are varied, dependent on the disability, but can include relationship building, life skills, meal prep, etc. For more information, please call 778-433-2023 or go tosfrs.ca.

Sooke-Westshore Early Years Centres provide information to families about children and family services, supports, child development and parenting. The Early Years Navigator will assist families with referral information for local early years programming, child care, public health, special needs intervention services, and social supports. The Sooke-Westshore Early Years Centres are hosted by Sooke Family Resource Society and located at the Child, Youth, and Family Centres in both Sooke and the Westshore and can be reached at 250-217-9243.

Additional information can be accessed at sfrs.ca/earlyyears-centre.

Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society (VIRCS) supports immigrants and refugees living in Greater Victoria. Services are free and include one-onone counselling, parent education workshops, youth life skills classes, a preschool program, art therapy, language classes and academic support, employment help, computer classes and fun community events like free yoga, tai chi, dance and cooking classes. Visit us online at vircs. bc.ca or phone 250-361-9433.

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Emmanuel Preschool

Emmanuel Preschool

2121 Cedar Hill Cross Road (by entrance to UVic)

Openings forHill 2013–2014 2121 Cedar Cross RoadClasses! (by entrance to UVic) Children through ininclusive, our all inclusive, Children learnlearn through play in play our all non-denominational Christian preschool. non-denominational Christian preschool.

Great facility; outdoor play area a gym rainy for day play!

Great facility; outdoor playand area andfor a gym Two teachers with ECE certification plus assistant teachers to day play!

Twochildren. teachers with ECE certification helprainy with special needs plus an assistant help with special needs A competent and caringteacher teachingtoteam! children. A competent and caring teaching team!

Opportunities: Classes for 2015–2016: Mon / Wed / Fri morning class Mon/Wed/Fri morning class Tues / Thurs morning class Tues/Thurs morning class 5 mornings a week

5 mornings a week Phone 250-598-0573 Phone 250-598-0573 preschool@emmanuelvictoria.ca preschool@emmanuelvictoria.ca www.emmanuelpreschool.ca

www.emmanuelpreschool.ca

New Kids Dentist

Dr. Anita Gadzinska-Myers

is a Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Dentistry and has a Fellowship in Special Needs Dentistry for children • Accepting new patients now (infants to teenagers) • Referral not needed • Member of Cleft Lip and Palate Team

Special Services:

short wait list • intravenous sedation • hospital dentistry • nitrous oxide

Victoria Pediatric Dental Centre 206–1830 Oak Bay Ave

www.victoriapediatricdentalcentre.ca

250-383-2133 December 2015 41

Preschool & Child Care Directory CENTRAL SAANICH Chrysalis Child Care................................ 250-652-0815 A nurturing and stimulating environment for a small group of 21⁄2–5 year old children. Qualified ECE promotes learning through play. chrysalischildcare.ca.

Countryside Preschool........................... 250-652-3424 Learn through play at our co-op preschool for 2.5–5 yr olds! Big classroom, beautiful playground, nurturing ECE:countrysidepreschool.org.

Colwood/LANGFORD Goldstream Co-op Preschool................. 250-474-3011 Learning Through Play for 3 and 4yr olds! For registration information go to our website: goldstreampreschool.com.

Jenn’s Little Bears................................... 250-478-8999 A safe nurturing environment for children from infancy to kindergarten. Our Infant and Toddler Program enriches each child’s development while our 3-5 Program prepares children for kindergarten. Two separate buildings allow each age group space to grow!

Leap Forward Childcare......................... 250-818-9225 2758 Peatt RD. Licenced group childcare for children ages 6 months to 5 years old. Offering fulltime and part-time care. Open 6:30am-5:30pm. For more information please contact Amber: info@leap forwardlangford.com, leapforwardlangford.com.

Miles of Smiles Nature Junior Kindergarten.................... 778-265-4374 Come See Why Learning In Nature Rocks! Reggio Influenced Philosophy ages 3-5. Have Your Child Become a Nature Detective Today! Email mosnjk@hotmail.com.

RIA Early Learning Centre...................... 250-590-0781 3307 Wishart Rd. The REGGIO WAY – A New Approach to Children’s Learning – Designed for Ages 3 to 5.

CORDOVA BAY Carrot Seed Preschool............................ 250-658-2331 Where children can discover, imagine, construct and learn through play. Wondrous natural playground. carrotseedpreschool.com.

ESQUIMALT Ciara Early Childhood Centre................. 250-386-7369 Education and Fun Hand in Hand! Exceptional care for ages 1-5yrs. Inclusive nature inspired kindergarten readiness program with Christian values. Facebook.com/ CiaraEarlyChildhoodCentre.

Island Kids Academy Esquimalt............. 250-381-2929 High quality child care (ages 1-5). Preschool curriculum offered within a warm, caring all-day program. Character development using the Virtues Project. Access to community programs including swimming, skating, Victoria Conservatory of Music. Part-time spaces available. islandkids.ca.

La Pre-Maternelle Appletree Preschool.. 250-479-0292 A French Immersion Program. 30 months to school age.

Licensed Christian centre. prematernelleappletree.com.

Highlands Lexie’s Little Bears.................................. 778-432-3600 Only seconds past Luxurious Bear Mountain our HIGHLY reputable Nature Program will not disappoint! Our NATURAL outdoor environment provides an experience like no

Child Care

Resource & Referral www.islandfamilyinfo.ca www.ccrr.bc.ca 42 Island Parent Magazine

other…in our own rainforest. Located on 2 acres of treed forest land, your child will learn and grow in NATURE! Our Brand NEW Infant/Toddler centre is tranquil and serene.

All the furniture, shelving and some toys have been hand crafted using the trees on our own property! Programs for 3 to 5’s and for Infant/Toddlers. Spaces avail. NOW! Visit our Facebook blog, and website at lexieslittlebears.com.

Call for more info.

Bee Happy Montessori House................ 250-516-6191 Childcare and pre-school based on Montessori approach which meets each child’s need, according to individual development and learning styles.

METCHOSIN

Camosun College Child Care Services......250-370-4880 Quality licensed facilities on both campuses providing children, newborn to 5 years, with rich early learning experiences in a learn through play environment. camosun. ca/childcare.

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.

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

Metchosin Co-op Preschool................... 250-478-9241 Come visit our stunning natural outdoor playspace, and see how our inclusive, play-based program allows parents to grow and learn alongside their children. Exceptional ECE staff provide a warm and enriching experience for 2.5–5 yr. olds. Come Grow With Us! EST. 1960. Reg. begins March 1 @ 9am. metchosinpreschool@gmail.com.

Cloverdale Child Care.................................250-995-1766 Full time daycare 3-5 year olds. Preschool–register now for September 2015. 3 year olds Tue/Thur 9:00-1:00. 4 year olds Mon/Wed/Fri 9:00-1:00. cloverdalechildcare@ shawbiz.ca. cloverdalechildcare.com.

West-Mont Montessori School............... 250-474-2626 Preschool Montessori instruction in a beautiful natural environment in Metchosin. Ages 30 months and up. Providing a balanced approach to incorporating Nature, French, Music and Art into a complete educational program. Be a part of a community devoted to the development of the whole child. Open House: Thursdays 9-11 am. west-mont.ca.

North SAANICH In The Garden Childcare Centre............. 250-654-0306 A GREAT PLACE TO GROW. Offering preschool, full day care, before and after school care for children aged 2.5 to 12 years old. Open all year.

OAK BAY

Forest House Childcare Academy............. 250-881-1975 ECE Licensed, Full Day in home Childcare Program for children 30 months – 5 years. An enriched, unique environment to inspire and nurture child directed learning and critical thinking skills, through in-depth and on-going study of nature and the power of play. foresthouseca.com.

Full o’ Beans Preschool.............................. 250-360-1148 We offer ‘learn through play’ programming designed to foster your child’s natural curiosity and imagination. Flexible scheduling, 2.5 and 4 hour programs, qualified staff.

Registration is ongoing! saanichneighbourhoodplace.com.

Hoof Beats Preschool & Childcare............ 250-588-2583 Licensed HighScope program fostering learning through nature, farm life, and horses! 3-6 yrs. Year round. hoof-beats.ca.

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

Island Montessori House........................ 250-592-4411 Inclusive, integrated and nurturing Preschool and Kindergarten programs. Located in a lovely rural setting with a focus on nature and outdoor environmental activities such as gardening and composting. islandmontessori.com.

Gonzales Co-op Preschool..................... 250-727-1003 Children use imaginations in a Learning through Play classroom and natural playground. Reggio-Emilia inspired, focus is on art, nature and music. Nurturing, highly qualified ECE and ECE assistant. Parent participation options. Allergy aware. gonzalescooppreschool.com.

Lakehill Co-op Preschool....................... 250-477-4141 Where children’s development is nurtured through a child centered inclusive, play based program. Come visit our natural outdoor playground and meet our loving qualified ECE team. Multiple Levels of participation available, please enquire. lakehillpreschool.org.

Recreation Oak Bay................................ 250-370-7200 Fully licensed, ECE Daycare, Preschool and Nature Preschool. Play based, child led learning. Afterschool care available.

Lakeview Christian Preschool/Daycare.. 250-658-5082 30 mths to Kindergarten entry. Small group. Experienced teacher. Full time and part time spaces. Mornings only or full day. Monthly DROP IN STORY HOUR. For information please e-mail lakeviewschol@shaw.ca.

Sundance Playschool.............................. 250-590-9955 Group daycare for ages 3–5, centrally located off Fort. Offering an exciting ECE program in a lovely character house with a maximum of 16 children for a focus on individual attention. Great yard and gardens with lots of outdoor activities. Spaces coming available July 1st.

SAANICH Arbutus Grove Children’s Centre........... 250-477-3731 Formerly known as Goosey Gander Kindergarten. Half Day and Full Day Preschool Programs. Children’s learning is supported and nurtured through inquiry, exploration, play and creative expression. arbutusgrove.ca.

Lambrick Park Preschool & Childcare.. 250-477-8131 Gordon Head’s only parent-participation preschool and childcare centre. Flexible options, play-based learning and outdoor play. Allergy friendly. Celebrating 40+ years. lambrickparkpreschool.ca.

Little Readers Academy.......................... 250-477-5550 An enriched learn-to-read program for your 3-6 year-old!

Reading, Writing and Math. Half-day, weekend and evening sessions available. oxfordlearning.com.

Montessori Educare................................ 250-881-8666 Beautiful learning environment in Broadmead and Saanichton. 30 months to 5 years. Open all year around. Summer program available. montessorieducare.com.

Looking for child care? Need help with subsidy forms?

Taking care of children? Need child care training?

Your community’s best source of child care information and resources.

Victoria & Gulf Islands: 250-382-7000 or 1-800-750-1868 Sooke: 250-642-5152 Westshore: 250-391-4324 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

VICTORIA

Oakcrest Preschool................................. 250-472-0668 A welcoming, nurturing environment with a large, bright facility. Learn through play with 2 caring ECEs. oakcrestpreschool.org.

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. ArtsCalibre.ca

Pacific Christian School – Pre-School... 250-479-4532 Your child will love the playful, safe environment and caring staff at PCS Pre-School. Come and explore Educational Excellence to the Glory of God. PacificChristian.ca Puddles & Paints (Nature Daycare)........ 250-658-6573 Introduce your children to the natural world around them!

Surrounding them with nature and animals, we build on their curiosity while exploring the outdoors! On 10 acres of parkland the children lead the way towards environmental awareness! With a new ART STUDIO, and weekly lessons from the Vic. Academy of Music... your child’s day will be FULL of wonder and NATURE. Strongly influenced by Reggio. Visit our facebook page for pics of our studio, and handmade toys!

Rainbows & Dreams Preschool.............. 250-479-1966 Small classes for 3-5 yr olds in a safe nurturing environment. Children learn through play and fun–developing a sense of confidence, independence and creativity. Highly qualified ECE teacher.

Ready Set Grow Preschool..................... 250-472-1530 Inside Hillcrest Elm. in Gordon Head, we help children transition to Kindergarten. Licensed Preschool with highly qualified, warm ECE. heoscmanager@gmail.com.

Rogers Child Care Centre....................... 250-744-2343 Trusted High Quality Non Profit Care since 1991. Year Round Early Learning and Out of School Care. For more info go to rogerschildcare.com.

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.

Babies to Big Kids Childcare......................250-590-2722 949 Fullerton Ave. Licenced group childcare for children ages 6 months to 11 years old. Offering full-time and part-time care. Open 6:30am-5:30pm. info@babies tobigkids.com, babiestobigkids.com.

Castleview Child Care............................. 250-595-5355 Learning Through Play & Discovery. Licensed non-profit, qual. ECE staff. Since 1958. Preschool and full-time care. castleviewchildcarecentre.com.

Centennial Day Care............................... 250-386-6832 Providing quality childcare for 35+ years. Nature inspired, play based program. Brand new “green” building, central location. centennialdaycare.ca.

Christ Church Cathedral Childcare and Junior Kindergarten......................... 250-383-5132 ECE and specialist teachers provide an outstanding all day licensed program for 3-5 year olds. NEW location: 1670 Richardson opens March 2015. cathedralschool.ca.

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

Lansdowne Co-op Preschool................. 250-370-5392 An extraordinary learning environment for families with young children. Parent participation. lansdownepreschool.com.

St. Margaret’s School.............................. 250-479-7171 For girls from Junior Kindergarten (ages 3-4) to Grade 12.

Unique STEM-focused curriculum with outdoor exploration, art and music. stmarg.ca.

Nightingale Preschool and Junior Kindergarten Ltd.................. 250-595-7544 We offer education through creativity and play, providing rich learning experiences through a well sourced and stimulating indoor and outdoor environment. Early years reading programme. nightingalepreschool.com. New Arts/ Drama programme – September 2015 – Kidsworks.ca.

Strawberry Vale Preschool..................... 250-479-4213 Programs for kids 3-4 at “The Little Red Schoolhouse.” An opportunity to be actively involved with your preschooler’s education. strawberryvalepreschool.org.

Parkdale Early Childhood Centre........... 250-382-0512 ECEs offer the highest quality care and positive learning experiences in our daycare and preschool. Full time or part time. Call for a tour or visit us at parkdalechildcare.ca.

Wiseways Preschool & Daycare............. 250-477-1312 Quality, fully licensed, Christian preschool/daycare for 3–4 year olds. Experienced team of ECEs. Spacious facilities include large playground and indoor gym. Subsidized fees welcome. Call for a tour. wisewaysvictoria.com.

Rainbow Express Daycare...................... 250-382-2314 Enriched preschool style program in a daycare setting.

Visit our website at rainbowexpressdaycare.com.

SIDNEY Acorntree Preschool............................... 250-686-1408 Balanced indoor/outdoor program, designed to stimulate natural curiosity and foster empathy and compassion towards others. We believe in the importance of both child and teacher directed activities. acorntreepreschool.ca.

Adel’s Play N Discovery House.............. 250-655-4888 Licensed childcare, 3-5 years, Reggio Emilia inspired.

Mon–Fri, 7:30am–5:30pm. 2146 Beacon Avenue W. adelplayndiscovery.ca, adelina.gotera@gmail.com.

Positive Path Early Learning.................. 250-655-7244 Located near the library and Sidney School, our program has earned a stellar reputation for quality child care and is growing as fast as the children we care for. Space is available for your child to embark on a journey of active exploration and discovery, enjoying a natural outdoor playground and an expansive indoor learning space. Experienced educators foster a lifelong quest for knowledge and guide children with Christian values and virtues. positivepath@shaw.ca.

Storyoga Preschool................................. 778-679-4004 Embracing and empowering children exactly as they are.

Storyoga Preschool is a nature and yoga based program located in Sidney, BC. storyoga.com.

IslandParent.ca

Ross Bay Preschool................................ 250-383-7445 Positive/supportive program motivating children to learn, discover and grow through play. Daily outdoor time, special guests and community events! rossbaypreschool @shaw.ca.

The Sir James Douglas Playschool....... 250-389-0500 Fun, creative and educational ECE program for 3-5 year olds to grow and develop life long skills. Come play and learn 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–K. victoriamontessori.com.

VIEW ROYAL Island Kids Academy View Royal........... 250-727-2929 High quality child care (ages 1-5). Preschool curriculum offered within a warm, caring child care environment.

Character development using the Virtues Project. Access to community programs including swimming, skating, Victoria Conservatory of Music. Part-time spaces available. islandkids.ca.

Little Friends Childcare Center.............. 250-479-8423 Infant/Toddler........................................... 250-479-9796 For a creative learning environment. Licensed group facility. Infants/Toddlers/Preschool. littlefriendschildcare.ca.

Little Wonders Preschool (View Royal OSC)..................................... 250-744-2718 A creative and supportive program that will prepare your child for a lifetime of learning! Out of School Care is also available for school aged children. viewroyalosc.com.

A Secret Garden Preschool.................... 250-380-8293 Program built on Christian values. Monthly themes, weekly topics and daily activities. asecretgardenpreschool@ shaw.ca.

View Royal Childcare.............................. 250-479-8067 Preschool structured, high quality childcare. Victoria Conservatory of Music classes. Part time spaces available.

2.5-5year olds. viewroyalpreschool@live.com.

View Royal Preschool.............................. 250-479-8067 Exciting inclusive program in a safe and exceptional care environment. 3-5 year olds. Outside play and themes enrich this program. viewroyalpreschool.com.

Mill Bay / Cobble Hill Cedar Montessori..................................... 250-710-9007 A beautiful rural setting where children are lovingly supported to learn at their own pace within a stimulating Montessori environment.

Starchild Centre........................................ 250-929-3240 Infant/toddler 3 to 5 daycare combines the best of Montessori and Waldorf. Our 9 acre hobby farm enables each child to have a garden plot, participate in planting tree, feeding animals, and other outside adventures. starchildcentre.ca.

DUNCAN Parkside Academy.................................... 250-746-1711 Providing high quality early learning and care from infancy to 12 years of age, in a stimulating, respectful, nurturing, nature based environment with fully educated and passionate early childhood educators. Visit parksideacademy. ca or find us on Facebook.

Queen Margaret’s School......................... 250-746-4185 Early Childhood Education Program. Co-ed nurturing curriculum to develop the whole child. Healthy snacks and lunch provided. qms.bc.ca.

Queen of Angels Early Learning Centre... 250-701-0433 We believe that the development of the whole child (physically, socially, emotionally, cognitively, and spiritually) encourages each individual to develop to their full potential. We offer an enriched full day program for 3–5 year olds based on Kindergarten readiness.

Sunrise Waldorf School Preschool........... 250-743-7253 A warm, nature-based Waldorf rhythm where wonder is nurtured. Led by Waldorf trained ECE teachers. sunrisewaldorfschool.org.

Chemainus St. Joseph’s Preschool........................... 250-246-3191 An enriching preschool program allowing children to grow as individuals in a safe and nurturing Christian environment.

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. Licensed preschool, group care and out of school care. Early Childhood Educators. childrensdiscovery centre.ca. childrensdiscoverycentre@hotmail.com.

Little Star Children’s Centre................... 250-752-4554 Mother, Daughter owned and operated. Earth friendly preschool education inspired by nature. Infused with fun and creative daily yoga practices! Licensed group care.

Enthusiastic ECE instructors. littlestardaycare.ca

Port Alberni John Paul II Catholic School.................. 250-723-0637 “Where children grow and learn through play.” We provide a program that will inspire development physically, socially, emotionally, cognitively, creatively and spiritually.

December 2015 43

Holiday Overload O

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IslandParent.ca 44 Island Parent Magazine

A

ngus loves Christmas. In our house, Christmas carols get sung in July. Any man with white in his beard looks like Santa Claus. And Angus is Santa’s number one fan—he loves writing to Santa, planning our Christmas Eve Santa-treat menu, imagining the inevitable present delivery.

He never has any particular requests for gifts other than “toys” or “books,” but he’s delighted to rip into packages addressed to him. He loves making Christmas crackers, and cracking crackers, and wearing the hats found in Christmas crackers. He loves decorating, and undecorating and redecorating the Christmas tree on a daily basis the entire month of December. He loves our decadent Christmas breakfast, and though he rarely has more than a couple bites, he claims to love pumpkin pie. Christmas-time is amazing, and Christmas Day is the best day of all.

The only downfall of the Christmas season is, well, Christmas. So much excitement stuffed into one day is overwhelming. Angus is a sensitive kid, and he’s most comfortable when life sticks to his routine. As awesome as Santa is, men in red suits with white beards are essentially strangers, and strangers are people to be wary of. A special breakfast at our house is great, but a breakfast with company is a once-a-year occurrence, and so it’s hard to concentrate on eating, and then hard to get through the morning when you haven’t eaten. Presents are wonderful, but after a couple of unwrappings it’s impossible to process what is actually being received. And usually when Angus escapes, he chooses to play with something that he owned the day before.

Angus spent his first Christmas screaming, but he was six months old then and that was his standard response to life. We took his swing to Granny’s house and he slept through dinner, which was a nice respite for the rest of us. At 18 months, the idea of Christmas had crystalized a bit. There was playing in wrapping paper. There was a walk around the neighbourhood mid gift-unwrapping to calm the meltdown. We have had two Christmases since then, and it’s become clear that Christmas without a meltdown (or two, or three) isn’t Christmas around these parts.

IslandParent.ca

We’ve scaled back a lot of the other holidays. Easter is a two-child egg hunt in the yard. Stickers. Graham crackers shaped like bunnies. At Halloween the route is short and the “Halloween fairy” swoops in overnight and exchanges most of Angus’s candy for a book. But it’s hard to scale back Christmas:

Maternity & Beyond Laura TRUNKEY No tree? No stocking? I don’t think so. No continuous stream of holiday music? That I would consider, but Angus knows enough carols by heart that a “broken” CD player would not be an obstacle. And as for gifts, Angus has three sets of grandparents. That’s all I’ll say about that.

But we do the best we can to make things calm. Presents from out of town grandparents get opened before Christmas, to reduce the pile on Christmas Day. The jolly fat man has learned not to go overboard. After brunch (and a post-brunch fix of regular food), there’s quiet time. Guaranteed Santa will bring books to cuddle up with on the couch. Chances are good Angus’s stuffies are also wanting his company in the refrigerator box cave. Once we head to Granny’s for dinner, there’s always the ability to bundle up and stroll around the block if things get overwhelming. And though a highlight of my young Christmases was staying up with my cousins well past bedtime, we’ll head home at a reasonable hour so that Angus can sing himself to sleep with Christmas carols—his routine from November to at least March.

On Boxing Day we’ll take it easy. Angus will start to play with his new presents. He will also talk non-stop about how wonderful Christmas was. All tears will have been erased from his memory of the event.

From ours too, for the most part. Because despite its difficult moments, the chance to experience Christmas through a child who believes in the magic of the season is such an incredible gift.

With that said, I wish you all a merry, and peaceful, holiday season. Or is that an oxymoron?

Laura Trunkey is mother to the amazing Angus and the author of a forthcoming short fiction collection from House of Anansi. Email laurajtrunkey@gmail.com.

IslandParent.ca

Island Business & Professional Directory What is more important than your child’s education?

Nothing.

Orton-Gillingham is a completely different method of teaching literacy skills using visual, auditory, kinesthetic and tactile senses to those students with Dyslexia.

One-on-one and group lessons available.

Tutoring is now available online. Using online tools, qualified students are able to enjoy excellent quality instruction in the comfort and privacy of their homes, anywhere in the world! Some restrictions apply.

C. Heather Robertson Therapeutic Language Tutor

c.heather.robertson@gmail.com

250.508.8197

Art Classes • Drawing • Painting • Sculpture • Cartooning • Portfolio Preparation for College or University

Ongoing Registration Ages 5 & Up Day & Evening Classes Emphasis on Technique – Fabulous Results

Artistic Statement Gallery & School of Fine Art Call Joan at 250-383-0566

www.artisticstatementgalleryandschool.com

Advertise Your Business or Service in Island Parent Contact us today at 250-388-6905 or sales@islandparent.ca

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December 2015 45

Noisy Neighbours

Take your creativity out of the box.

The lovely but loud Steller’s Jay

Time for you and your family to discover your sense of curiosity and wonder. Register now for Winter Studio Classes at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. Join our encouraging artist-instructors in the studio, galleries and gardens for classes and workshops suited for children, teens and adults.

A

s I enjoyed a lovely autumn mid-day walk around Swan Lake, I noticed a variety of bird sounds around me.

Ducks quacking, geese honking, hummingbirds buzzing, songbirds chirping and… what was that HORRIBLE noise? Stopping me in my tracks was a harsh shack, shack, shaak that was definitely not music to my ears. Looking up into the trees, I found the culprit, our very own provincial bird, the Steller’s Jay. Not to be confused with the Blue Jay (pet peeve of many naturalist’s including yours truly), the Steller’s Jay is the only crested jay in the West and was named after Arctic

Register at aggv.ca/art-studio, or phone 250.384.4171 ext 0, or in person at the Gallery.

2015-11-26 10:32 AM

Photo: Jason McLean

AG816_IslandParent.indd 1

explorer Georg Wilhelm Steller, who apparently discovered this bird on the Alaskan coast back in 1741. Dark blue and black overall, some populations have more or less white striping on the head or throat. With its long straight black beak and distinctive black crest, this bird is easy to identify once you know it. Like other jays, Steller’s Jays are bold, inquisitive, smart and, as previously noted, NOISY. I’ve had some encounters with Steller’s Jays before. A few years ago, a pair set up their nest in a cedar in my back yard and proceeded to raise the noisiest children (except perhaps my own) that I had ever 46 Island Parent Magazine

IslandParent.ca

encountered. Demanding feeding from both parents, these babies had big voices and were not afraid to use them. I empathized with their poor parents, solitary nesters with no family supports to give them a break when the little ones were screeching yet again.

Luckily for them, I suppose, the young only remain in the nest for 17 to 21 days and with only one brood per year to deal with, they get to enjoy (one can imagine) the rest of the year as empty nesters.

Turns out they have a variety of calls beyond the ones I heard during my walk.

Nature Notes

Get Holiday Ready!

Black Friday Deals

RENEE CENERINI Some notes are more suggestive of a hawk and they have been known to mimic calls of other birds including that of hawks and loons. However, nothing that you’d want to record to use as relaxing background music for your next yoga class.

These birds can be quite bold, especially in campgrounds, and feed both in trees and on the ground. The ones here at Swan Lake have been having a field day with the bumper crop of Garry oak acorns, having strong enough beaks to enjoy the nutty bounty. They are omnivores however and apparently enjoy a wide variety of animal fare including frogs, snakes, eggs and the young of other birds, and many kinds of insects, while also enjoying pine seeds, fruit, and of course, those tasty acorns. A veritable gastronomical buffet which may include your picnic if left unguarded.

It is possible to attract Steller’s Jays to your bird feeder by putting out peanuts or other large seeds and nuts, as well as suet.

They may even start hogging your feeder and taking away large numbers of seeds but keep in mind, they are likely taking them away to their secret stash in order to get through the winter. While they may not be the best singers, they are attractive, whimsical birds that are a lot of fun to observe and admire.

Renee Cenerini, Program Manager at Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary, finds walking in nature to be therapeutic, energizing, and often, a source of inspiration for Island Parent articles.

November 27 – 30

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December 2015 47

Cut It Out!

Tips from Parent Educator Allison Rees of LIFE Seminars

Cutting Down the Ex

A

child can become alienated from one separated parent for reasons of his own, for example, if that parent is overly critical or abusive towards the child. But a child can also become alienated from a parent if the other parent makes it a condition of her love for the child. If you are talking about the other parent, Cut It Out! It takes a lot of self-discipline and awareness to stay on top of this. Even an angry frown or non-verbal sounds of disapproval can speak volumes. If Mom is sobbing to her son about how mean Daddy was to her, the boy may well become scared of his dad, even though his dad is no threat to him. If Dad is telling his daughter about how Mom spent all his money and lives a chaotic lifestyle, in order to keep her dad’s approval the girl will become indignant on her dad’s behalf and will view Mom with Dad’s eyes.

It is important not to poison your

children against the other parent, no matter how you feel about that person. Your child deserves to have the love of both his parents, and this may be possible even if the marriage didn’t work. Your child deserves his own relationship with the other parent, and there should be boundaries of privacy around that relationship, as long as the child is not being abused. If your child talks about Daddy yelling at him, don’t jump to conclusions; just listen and help him figure out how to deal with it assertively. Don’t add your own anger to what the child feels or take over your child’s experience.

It is also important for you not to deny your child’s own perceptions of the other parent, even if you are trying to defend that parent against your child’s criticism. Some parents feel it’s always important to tell children that the other parent loves them even when it’s becoming evident that it isn’t true. Don’t make excuses for your ex.

Sooner or later the child will have to face

the reality of a poor relationship with that parent, if that’s what it is, and come to her own conclusions. Don’t distort the facts to protect the child; it will only backfire in the end. Respect your child’s perception of reality and the boundaries of her relationship with the other parent.

LIFE Seminars has two books available, Sidestepping the Power Struggle and The Parent Child Connection. See lifeseminars.com.

Programs for the whole family!

January-April 2016

Activity Guide Now available now at www.westshorerecation.ca or in person at Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre REGISTRATION BEGINS Thursday, December 3rd at 6 AM

www.westshorerecreation.ca www westsh horerecreation ca | 250-478-8384 48 Island Parent Magazine

IslandParent.ca

Chelsea and Sam will go on 15 date nights this year • A value of more than $275 for...

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Holiday Fun Celebrate the Holiday Season at these great programs and events: Winter Carnival Fun Swims Skate with Santa Winter Break Adventure Camp Extreme Gingerbread House Workshop

Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre

For more information: 250.361.0732

Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre

Register online at: victoria.ca/recreation

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