December 2018 Island Parent by Island Parent Group

Island Parent Celebrating

Years

The Resource Publication for Vancouver Island Parents

December 2018

Junior Superheroes of Victoria

Gift Ideas

GIFT-GIVING MADE EASY!

Curiosity • Diversity Exploration • Nature Play-Oriented Learning

Half Day & Full Day Early Learning Programs

TOYS • BOOKS • CLOTHING • SHOES • STROLLERS • CAR SEATS SLEEP AIDS • FURNITURE • SKINCARE • DIAPER BAGS

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778•265•5651

Across the street from Hillside Centre

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250-477-3731 arbutusgrove.ca

Transforming disability into ability. At Discovery School, learning disabilities are transformed into valuable skills and abilities. Students work at their own pace in small classes, with focused, individualized instruction. • Experienced, highly-qualifi ed teachers • Ongoing assessment, evaluation & feedback • Improves organizational & study skills • Boost confi dence, independence & responsibility • Nurturing environment based on Christian values • For students in grades 1 – 12 • Individual Education Plans • Low student/teacher ratio

Enrolment is limited. For more information or to arrange a tour, visit www.discoveryschool.ca, call Sherri Ko at 250-595-7765 or email principal@ discoveryschool.ca

I belong here, feeling welcome. Registration Now Available! Book early for best selection. saanich.ca/alg ACTIVE LIVING GUIDE

Effective January to June 2019

Cedar Hill Recreation Centre G. R. Pearkes Recreation Centre Gordon Head Recreation Centre Saanich Commonwealth Place

250-475-7121 250-475-5400 250-475-7100 250-475-7600

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December 2018â&#x20AC;&#x192; 3

18 Holiday Happenings

Moss St. Market’s

24 th annual Features

HOLIDAY MARKET

Columns

10 Junior Superheroes 13 Holiday Gift Ideas 16 Jerri Carson:

5 Sue Fast: Editor’s Note 22 Sarah Milligan:

Is There an App for This?

Canada Set to Christmas Music

26 Laura Trunkey:

17 Sonja Yli-Kahila

Embrace Choice & Reduce Stress

18 Holiday Happenings 25 Ways to Give 36 Kelly Cleeve:

38 Emillie Parrish: Cooking With Kids 40 Greg Pratt: Dadspeak 42 Cindy Knott:

To Medicate or Not to Medicate

Moss St. Market

Saturday and Sunday Dec 8+ 9, 10am to 4pm Over 80 vendors! Cards, crafts, clothing, toys, jewelry, purses, pottery, glassworks, woodworks, bath products, preserves, chocolates, baked goods, hot food, winter veggies, treats, oils, wine, cider, and much, much more... Sir James Douglas School & Fairfield Community Centre 1330 Fairfield Rd MossStreetMarket.com 4 Island Parent Magazine

47 Szara Turpel & Helen Preboy: Committed Parenting In Every Issue

Editor editor@islandparent.ca

Island Parent Magazine 830–A Pembroke Street Victoria, BC V8T 1H9 250-388-6905 islandparent.ca

Healthy Families, Happy Families

44 Christina

Van Starkenburg: Book Nook

Island Parent Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Party Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Family Calendar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Family Services Directory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Preschool & Child Care Directory . . . . . . . . . . . 48, 49

Sue Fast

Maternity & Beyond

Linda Frear

50 Erica Van Dyk: Nature Notes

54 Allison Rees: Cut It Out!

RaeLeigh Buchanan

Jim Schneider

Office Manager & Sales sales@islandparent.ca

Advertising Consultant raeleigh@islandparent.ca

Publisher publisher@islandparent.ca

Design & Layout Eacrett Graphic Design

Printed by Black Press

ISSN 0838-5505

Next Issue:

January

Advertising Booking Deadline: December 12

Island Parent Magazine, published by Island Parent Group Enterprises Ltd., is a monthly publication that honours and supports parents by providing information on resources and businesses for Vancouver Island families. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher. No material herein may be reproduced without the permission of the publisher. Annual mail subscriptions (12 issues) are available for $35 (GST included). Canadian Publication Mail Product Sales Agreement 40051398.

On the Cover

Mikayla R (9). Photo by Ali Roddam, Bellaphoto.ca

IslandParent.ca

25 Days to Make Merry

ooking for things to do to get you into the holiday spirit this month? Then look no further. Here’s a list of family-friendly festivities… Dec 1. Watch the Lighted Truck Convoy & Food Drive, leaving Ogden Point at 5:45pm. Route and times at ieoa.ca. Dec 2. See the Sidney Sparkles Christmas Parade,5pm, on Beacon Avenue, followed by the Lighted Sail Past at 6pm. Visit peninsulacelebrations.ca Dec 3. Support Habitat for Humanity at the Parkside Hotel’s Gingerbread Showcase from 9am-9pm. Visit habitatvictoria.com. Dec 4. Stroll the Festival of Trees at the Bay Centre, supporting BC Children’s Hospital. Visit tourismvictoria.com. Dec 5. Get crafty at the Christmas Card Making Workshop at Ocean Pointe Resort from 6-8pm. Visit tourismvictoria.com. Dec 6. Bake Christmas cookies. Dec 7. Salute the Sea of Lights Boat Parade, leaving Royal Victoria Yacht Club at 6:30pm. For route and times, rvyc.bc.ca. Dec 8. Bring your camera, and take free photos with Santa at Hudson Market from noon-3pm. Visit victoriapublicmarket.com.

Dec 9. Celebrate the season at Royal BC Museum’s Wonder Sunday: World Celebrations from 1-3pm. Included with admission. Dec 10. See the Naden Band Christmas Concert at the Royal Theatre, 7:30pm. $10, plus an unwrapped toy. Visit rmts.bc.ca. Dec 11. Hear GVPL’s Choirs in the Courtyard, Central Branch at 1:30. Visit gvpl.ca. Dec 12. Check out Toys ’n’ Teddy Bears of Christmas Past at the Sidney Museum from 10am-4pm. Visit sidneybia.ca. Dec 13. Be entertained at CBC Radio and Our Place’s Christmas Carol. First Metropolitan Church, 932 Balmoral Rd at 7pm. Dec 14. Take in Christmas in Old Town at Royal BC Museum. Royalbcmuseum.bc.ca. Dec 15. Make recycled cards and crafts at the Beaver Lake Nature Centre, 11am-2pm. Materials included. Visit crd.bc.ca/parks. Dec 16. Attend Family Sunday, 2-4pm, at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria with hands-on artmaking projects. Visit aggv.ca. Dec 17. Find 12 of 40 gingerbread houses hidden in shops throughout Sidney for a chance to win a prize. Visit sidneybia.ca. Dec 18. Watch Polar Express at IMAX Victoria, 6:15pm. Visit imaxvictoria.com.

Dec 19. Be spellbound at Milner Christmas Magic, 5-8:30pm, in Qualicum Beach. Dec 20. Get Festive at Helmcken House Old-Fashioned Christmas, Dec 17-31, noon-4pm. Visit royalbcmuseum.bc.ca. Dec 21. Sing along to the Sound of Music at the Vic Theatre, 7-9pm. All ages welcome. Visit victoriafilmfestival.com.

Sue Fast Editor’s Note Dec 22. 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 23. Bundle up for a Free HorseDrawn Trolley Ride downtown. Sat and Sun 11am-3pm. Visit downtownvictoria.ca. Dec 24. Marvel at the Magic of Christmas at Butchart Gardens. Enjoy carousel rides, thousands of coloured lights, seasonal decorations, and children’s activities. Until Jan 6. Visit butchartgardens.com. Dec 25. From all of us at Island Parent Magazine, Happy Holidays!

Creating beautiful smiles New patients always welcome Call or email us today and our dental team would be happy to assist you with an appointment

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December 2018 5

Island Parent Notes Lullabies For Big Eyes

Blue Beads & Blueberries Sat. Feb. 9 1pm VIU’s Malaspina Theatre

$12

2 for $20

250-754-7587 | theatreone.org Mid Island

Humeira Studios • Counselling Services: Individual & Groups • Day Camps: Pro-D days • Life Skills Training • Open Art Studio • Blissful Relaxation Program

Professional referrals required 250-889-1863 humeirastudio@gmail.com www.humeirastudios.com 6 Island Parent Magazine

This month, Vancouver Island’s own The Kerplunks release their already awardwinning “Lullabies For Big Eyes” album, a 65-minute lullaby opus. The “Lullabies For Big Eyes” project began in 2015 when some of The Kerplunks were having sleep troubles and were drawn to research the experience. They were particularily interested in the classic waking themes that run beneath most people’s sleep troubles and invited collaborators Marc Atkinson and Corwin Fox to write with the band. They interviewed over 40 people while writing thealbum and discovered a thread between stability, health, security, worth and fear. The album was created for both kids and their heavy-lidded adults. “Lullabies” has already won the Parent’s Choice Silver Award, and has garnered nominations for the Western Canadian Music Awards, the International Songwriters’ Competition and the Internationallyacclaimed Independent Music Awards. Visit thekerplunks.com to purchase Lullabies For Big Eyes or visit your favourite streaming or downloading service.

porting local and international Rotary Club projects. For information visit oakbay.ca.

The Snowman Comes to Town

Who knows about The Snowman? This year marks the 40th Anniversary of this oscar-nominated, magical animation for children, told entirely through coloured pencil illustrations and beautiful music. The short film is loved by millions around the globe - even in countries where snow has never fallen. Showing on December 4 at 7:30pm, The Snowman will be screened as part of a family holiday concert in the magnificent Christ Church Cathedral, with the music performed by the VSO School of Music Sinfonietta and guest soloists. Tickets are $19 general admission so if you’re looking for the perfect nostalgic holiday event for your music-loving little one, or whole family, visit thecathedral.ca.

Blue Bridge Sings Christmas

Blue Bridge Theatre Sings Christmas on Dec 6-8 at 8pm, and on Dec 9 at 2pm, featuring your favourites from classic Christmas movies and musicals. Join the cast before the show (at 6:30-7:30pm for evening shows; 12:30-1:30 for the Sunday matinee) for a holiday mix and mingler with wine from Cherry Point Winery and Oak Bay Merrython The Annual Oak Bay Merrython is a seasonal nibblies. For more information friends’ and family favourite for getting visit bluebridgetheatre.ca or phone 250everyone in the holiday spirit. At Henderson 382-3370. Box Hours are noon-4pm Recreation Centre, 2291 Cedar Hill X Rd Wednesday-Saturday. Tickets $30/$25 with on Sunday Dec 2, you can participate in a special youth price of $15. an 8km/4km Run/Walk, starting at 10am. There’ll be a Kids 1km Run/Walk at 11am Mothering Touch Book Launch (meet at the chip trail entrance at 10:55am). Drop by Mothering Touch (975 Fort Make sure to drop by for the bouncy castle Street) on Saturday December 8 from for children in the Gym from 10:15-11am. 6-8pm for the book launch of Dissident Bring a non-perishable food item to support Doctor: Catching Babies and Challenging Runners for Compassion. All proceeds sup- the Medical Status Quo by Doctor Michael

Annual Classical Christmas Concert

Victoria Children’s Choir presents its annual Classical Christmas Concert on Monday, Dec 3 at 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. Ninety singers perform a variety of yuletide songs from around the world—winter carols, traditional music, new compositions, and sing-a-long songs from Canada and around the world. Listen to familiar tunes—some as they were first heard in Medieval times and others made new in settings by modern composers. Guest Artist, Josh Layne, will join the Concert Choir to perform John Rutter’s “Dancing Day” with harp accompaniment. Tickets are $20, general seating. Children age seven and younger are free. Purchase tickets online at eventbrite.ca, or by phone at 250-721-0856. The Victoria Children’s Choir is made up of girls and boys aged eight to 18. The choir sings a wide-ranging repertoire, with music from many countries, centuries and styles. For more information, visit victoriachildrenschoir.ca. IslandParent.ca

Klein. Dr. Klein—a dissident doctor, family physician, neonatologist, pediatrician, activist, maternity care researcher, teacher, supporter of family-centred maternity care and midwifery—will talk about and then sign his new book, Dissident Doctor: Catching Babies and Challenging the Medical Status Quo. Dr Klein has had a long and distinguished career in the US, Montreal and finally in Vancouver. He is Professor Emeritus of Family Practice and Paediatrics at UBC and a Member of the Order of Canada. Books will be available for purchase. Stop by for an evening of lively discussion. Admission: free.

O Christmas Tea

Fans of Monty Python, Mr. Bean, and Dr. Seuss will delight in a rollicking Christmas romp through a world steeped in tea, as James & Jamesy present their uproarious holiday-themed comedy, O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy at Victoria’s Royal Theatre on December 13 and 14 at 7:30pm. After writing a letter to Santa requesting tea, the duo must deal with the catastrophic repercussions that come from having their wish granted. Audience members of all ages join them in their action-packed quest to save the world, ever finding innovative and

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hilarious solutions to keep them, and their hopes, afloat in a sea of tea. Aaron Malkin, who plays James, added that the duo will be incorporating more of the vibrant fun, meticulous choreography and playful Christmassy adventures that sold out houses last year. Ticket prices: $34.75 adult, $24.75 student. For more information, visit jamesandjamesy.com.

Nanaimo Theatre Group’s Christmas Pantomime

The year is 1190. The place is Sherwood Forest. Robin Hood and his VERY Merry Men have a disagreement with Nottingham’s Nutty Sheriff over the collection of taxes. They feel the idea of taking from the poor and giving to the rich should wait another eight centuries. Robin meets and falls for the beautiful Maid Marion, starting a chain of events that has Nottingham Castle in an uproar. Can Robin Hood and his VERY Merry Men rescue the princess and bring peace to the beloved forest? Journey back to Merry Olde England to find out. Tickets: $16. Shows are at the Bailey Studio, 2373 Rosstown Rd, Nanaimo, December 20-23 and 26-29 and December 31 at 7:30pm. There are five matinees (December 22, 23, 26, 29 and 30) which

begin at 1:30pm. For tickets and more information visit nanaimotheatregroup.ca or phone 250-758-7224.

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 Spirit of Giving mall locations include Hillside Shopping Centre, Mayfair Shopping Centre, and Tillicum Shopping Centre. For information, visit cfaxsantas.com.

December 2018 7

Tea for Tutu

Abra-Kid-Abra

• 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 • Children’s clothing up to age 12

Car Seats, Cribs, Play-n-Pak, High Chairs available for short term rentals Now Accepting Consignment New & Used Toys, Clothing & Furniture Visit our new location: 2005 Oak Bay Ave • 778 265 5430 Bleiddyn del Villar Bellis Artistic Director Fellow & Examiner CSC-CICB Enrico Cecchetti Final Diploma

VAB offers a FREE weekly dance class for boys 7-11. Now in it’s 3rd year, BOYS CAN DANCE is a positive way for boys to get interested in dance!

Photo credit: David Cooper

FREE Class: Boys Can Dance!

Now - June 2019 Still accepting registration! 250-590-6752 admin@victoriaacademyofballet.ca victoriaacademyofballet.ca

8 Island Parent Magazine

Tea for Tutu is Ballet Victoria’s favourite seniors program for creating community. The program delights seniors and children with 45 minutes of free ballet performances in a community atmosphere with tea donated by sponsors Thrifty Foods, Serious Coffee, and Daniel Vokey of Patisserie Daniel. Tea for Tutu is an opportunity for the audience to enjoy a preview of the upcoming performances and to interact with the dancers. The program for each event includes: • an introduction to Ballet Victoria’s dancers • the story of the creation of the new work • a preview of the upcoming production • mingle with the dancers • tea and refreshment The venue is Kirk Hall, 680 Courtney Street from 2-3pm. This month’s performance: The Gift on Dec 11 and 12. Fully wheelchair accessible with reserved space for easy drop off and pick up by car. For parking reservations, call two weeks in advance. For reservations and other questions email attendance@balletvictoria.ca or phone 250-380-6063.

Pass It Around

For one single discounted admission of $30 you can visit 8 of Victoria’s cultural and heritage sights. These include Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, BC Aviation Museum, CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum, Craigdarroch Castle, Emily Carr House, Maritime Museum of BC, Robert Bateman Centre, and Wentworth Villa. When you visit one or more of the member sites you support local heritage conservation and interpretation. If you are visiting as a tourist, learn about the culture and ancestry of B.C’s capital. As a local, delve deeper into your city’s past. The $30 discount pass saves more than $20 in adult admissions, so don’t pass it up, Pass It Around. Passes are only available at Tourism Victoria Visitor Centre and Wentworth Villa. For more information, visit passitaroundvictoria.ca.

#ArriveAndShop in Downtown Victoria

The DVBA, BC Transit, City of Victoria and Modo are again offering #ArriveAndShop, a toolkit that highlights the various transportation options for everyone to get and stay downtown. The partnership with the DVBA, City of Victoria, and Modo is intended to encourage people to enjoy the holiday season

while choosing sustainable transportation options—to take Transit, join Modo, take advantage of designated bicycle parking or shop in the evening when it’s less busy, and any other means to make parking easier. Along with sharing different transportation options, the toolkit highlights some of the ways businesses can help ease the pressure on parking and other transportation issues. The toolkit is available at downtownvictoria.ca/arriveandshop.

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 to do. Don’t forget to make a track-print card or IslandParent.ca

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.

Ski and Snowboard Free With a Grade 4 & 5 SnowPass

The Grade 4 & 5 SnowPass is back, offering Canadian school children up to three free days of skiing or snowboarding at each of over 150 ski areas nationwide. 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 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 including taxes. 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.

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 first-hand 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. To find out if mentoring is for you, to use the self-assessment checklist, to fill out the application form, or for more information, visit bbbsvictoria.com.• IslandParent.ca

December 2018 9

Here’s a Sneak Peak at the…

Junior Superheroes of Victoria

2019 Calendar M

eet some of the 2019 superhero crew, Vancouver Island kids who are ﬁghting their own extraordinary battles with life-changing medical conditions, transformed into superheroes thanks to the Superheroes of Victoria. All proceeds from the $14.95 cost of this action-packed calendar go towards Help-Fill-a-Dream Foundation.

…aka Mr Fantastic, Int rod uc ing Cameron panion dog) aka The and Jim (Cameron’s com t the world with patien Thing. Cameron faces ur. mo hu of se sen l rfu we determination, and a po onic pain and fatigue Just 15, he lives with chr a conditions including from multiple health e rem ext ses cau t er tha connective tissue disord y an o int h etc str can flexibility. Mr Fantastic e, lov uld t Cameron wo shape, a superpower tha se days when it’s too tho on o Leg to reach his . painful to get out of bed

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Introducing Char lee… aka Spider -Gwen. When sh air on her trampo e’s flying through line, Charlee is as the free as Spider-Gw is a fighter and a wa en! This 6-year-o rrior, facing a debi ld litating condition bravery. Recurre with courage and nt respiratory pa pillomatosis caus ways; it has led to es growths in the nearly 50 surgica airl procedures for Ch emergency admiss arlee, and frequen ions. She’s been lef t t with just a whisp her superhero spiri er for a voice, bu t speaks loudly th t rough her happy, enthusiastic manne r. IslandParent.ca

’s no stopping Captain America Introducing Jordan…aka Captain America. There Jordan doesn’t even need that! once he has his super-soldier serum but 4-year-old through a Leukemia diagnosis, a Jordan has been an unstoppable force powering ns of chemotherapy. Despite licatio bone marrow transplant, and the lasting comp crawl, walk and run again, to ed learn has n spinal compression fractures Jorda de brings joy to everyone around you can’t hold him back! His superhero attitu adversity. him, and sets an example for us all when facing

he Junior Superheroes Calendar proj ect brought together together man y artists, all of whom volunteered thei r time and skills. Victoria artist Elai ne Kao took each of the superheroes and turned them into animé char acters. The animal alter-egos make up the cover art and also appear through out the inside pages of the calendar. You can purchase a calendar at many Vancouv er Island locations and online. All proc eeds go to Help Fill A Dream. For deta ils, visit helpfilladream.com/order-calend ar.

IslandParent.ca

December 2018

MEAT, CHEESE AND

Try our entertaining trays for the holidays. Order in-store or online. THRIFTYFOODS.COM/ENTERTAIN

Eat happy 1.800.667.8280 12â&#x20AC;&#x192; Island Parent Magazine

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Holiday Gift Ideas

To help you choose the perfect gift for everyone on your list— from the littles to the bigs—here is a comprehensive guide to this year’s have to haves...all from local businesses, to boot! To find out more about each business, please refer to the ads in this issue. From The Kerplunks

Preschool: Lullabies For Big Eyes is The Kerplunks’ new release. It is good for all ages from baby to adult. Over 1 hour of sleepy atmospheric tunes to carry you and your loved ones into a peaceful dreamland. Lullabies has already won the Parent’s Choice Silver Award and has many significant nominations. Visit thekerplunks.com for easy purchase.

From Kool & Child (Nanaimo)

Preschool: Reindeer Puppet by Folkmanis. This beautiful reindeer puppet is magical in any season. With a festive halter and moving mouth, this puppet is perfect for telling winter tales. $44.99. Children: Plus-Plus Construction. One shape—endless possibilities. This Danish construction system appeals to all ages. From mini

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tubes to classroom sets, there’s a kit for everyone on your list. $9.99 and up. Juvenile/Teen: Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty. Is it a toy, a stress reliever or science experiment? So many sizes and varieties to choose from. Colour changing, magnetic, glow-in-the dark and more. $4.99 and up. Adult: Family Pieces Puzzles by Cobble Hill Puzzles. 350 Piece puzzles perfect for family night. With three different sizes of pieces, people of different skill levels can work different sides of the puzzle at the same time. $19.99.

From Momease

Baby: The Padraig Cottage Baby Slippers handmade in B.C. with pure wool. Dyed and crocheted by hand. Extra soft sheepskin lining and tough leather soles for long lasting comfort. The Baby Slipper has the elasticity to stay put without being overly constrictive on young growing feet. Newborn to toddler sizes. $32.00+. Baby: Skip Hop Explore & More 3-Stage Activity Centre. Easy to assemble, with toys

that can be positioned anywhere for baby, it features a 360-degree rotating seat that turns and stretches for bouncing. Discovery Window lets baby see their feet while they play. As baby grows, activity centre converts for easy cruising—ultimately becoming a clean, sturdy table for colouring, playing and more. $169.99. Toddler: Farm Hoppers Bouncy Toy. Will keep your little one amused for hours—and wear them out for bedtime. These inflatable bouncy animals are whimsically fun, and brightly coloured with soft, easy-to-grip ears or horns for children to hold while they bounce around. Made from a high quality, BPA-free plastic, and can help with core muscle development as well as coordination skills while having fun. Pump included. $35.99.

with this unique set of 7 colourful Spoolz. Ages 10 months +. $34.99. Baby: Pipsquigz Loops. Introducing two new members to the pipSquigz Family. Building on the popularity pipSquigz, Fat Brain has added new textures, colours, and yes, loops. The ends suction making them ideal for high chairs, restaurants and airplanes. Ages 6 months +. $14.99.

From National Geographic Store—IMAX Theatre

Child: The Hape Toys Gourmet Kitchen. An all-in-one wooden kitchen that inspires mini chefs to cook everywhere and everything. Encouraging collaborative and creative play, the Gourmet Kitchen can be combined with the Hape Gourmet Fridge, food and other cooking accessories for the complete “mini chef” experience. $159.99.

From The Mothering Touch Centre

Baby: Whirly Squigz. Ages 6 months + Stick’em, spin’em, whirl’em. Big, bright, and full of tactile fun. The suction cups stick to any smooth surface, making them perfect for home, travel, and bath time. Little ones will love taking this toy out for a spin over and over again. Set of three. Ages 6 months +. $29.99. Baby: Spoolz. Simple design stacks up into endless possibilities. Stack them from big to small. Balance them, roll them, arrange them any way you want. Tactile exploration becomes a creative adventure

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Children: Trans Truck Transforming Construction Vehicles. Half awesome action figure. Models include bulldozer, cement mixer, excavator, crane and dump truck. Set combines to make one huge figure. $22.99. Children: Soapstone Carving Kits. Designed and made by local carvers, studio stone kits will inspire creativity in up & coming artists. Kits contain everything you need to make your own soapstone carving. $32.99. Juvenile/Teen: IMAX BluRays and DVDs. Over 25 titles on for 50% off. Coral Reef Adventure, Dolphins, Hurricane on the Bayou, and Dinosaurs. Something for everyone. BluRays regularly $29.99; DVDs regularly $24.99. Adult: IMAX Victoria Annual Pass. Where will you go this year? It could be almost anywhere. Unlimited documentaries in 2D and 3D. $5 Hollywood films and exclusive perks. $51.25.

From Royal BC Museum

Children: Aliens Among Us by Alex Van Tol, Illustrated by Mike Deas. Learn all about invasive species in BC with this fun illustrated guide. Perfect for young scientists and nature lovers. PB. 128 pgs. $19.95. Adult: Family Membership to the Royal BC Museum. Flash your membership card

and the Royal BC Museum is amplified. Gain year-round access to the muesum and its feature exhibitions. $125.90.

From Sutubra Naturals and Organics

Baby & Mom: Shoosha Truly Organic. We have a large selection of natural and organic skin care by Shoosha that helps with stretch marks for mom and skin irritations for mom and baby. $17-$30. Children: Suncoat water based nail polish, the most natural nail polish on the market. virtually no odour, free of harsh chemicals, and peels off with ease. Lasts a couple days on the fingers and longer on the toes. $12-$19.

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Adult: The Lost Words book. Beautifully written and illustrated book showcases 20 nature words, including otter, raven and acorn that were removed from the Junior Oxford Dictionary in 2007. $40.00.

From Thistle & Wren

Baby: Modern Baby Knotted Sleeping Gowns. Gorgeous bamboo blend fabric, fold over scratch mitts, and a long knotted gown for easy 3am diaper changes. $42. Baby/Toddler: Eiffel & Eyre Knits. Bonnet—hand made in Vancouver, inspired by the classics and vintage heirlooms made with a wool blend or 100% alpaca these bonnets are perfect for newborns, all the way to past 3 years. $37-$39. Adult: Heirloom Carrier in silk. Beautiful Sunset and Granite colours, in silk matka, Adult: Voluspa Rose Collection can- a linen like, hand-loomed silk, these ring dles. Relax in your home with our new slings are both durable and breathable and rose collection from Voluspa. Scents of rose petal ice-cream, rose milk, bergamot rose, and much more. These hand-poured candles are never tested on animals, free of harsh chemicals, and are a coconut wax blend. $18-$33 Adult: SeaFlora series for men. Skin care regime complete with Marine Kelp Cleanser, Splash Toner/After Shave, and Marine Kelp Face Cream. Keep your face feeling cleansed, hydrated, and nourished this winter season with these all natural products containing local provide unbeatable elegance. Created to seaweed from Sooke, BC. $122 for set. pass down through the family and allow all to experience the joy of little snuggles. $220. Adult: Salt & Sage Jewelry. Mala From Swan Lake inspired bracelets infused Nature Sanctuary Preschool: Animal Finger Puppets, Folk- with reiki + home to manis. Adorable collection of finger puppets different properties that represent animals that can be found at according to their Swan Lake such as owls, frogs, bunnies and respective gemstone. Choose more! $8.50-$16.50. Children: Wild Swans book, Xan the one based off Gresham Knight/ Charlotte Gastaut. An of instinct/gut orphaned princess must free her brothers feeling and the from a magic spell in this striking adaption gemstones will help guide you of the classic Grimm fairy tale. $12.99. Juvenile/Teen: Forestation Board Game. with a daily reAn action-space strategy game for ages 10 an minder of their inup that has players create and sustain a for- tention $35-40. est teaming with flaura and fauna. $59.99. IslandParent.ca

From Victoria Bug Zoo

Baby/Preschool: Finger and hand puppets. From one-finger ladybug puppets to whole-hand hermit crabs, our arthropod puppets will make you wish you had more fingers. $4-$35. Children: Bug Collecting Kits. Inspire a future field biologist. Various collection kits include nets and other collecting devices, binoculars, magnifying glasses and viewing containers. $5-$10. Juvenile/Teen: Starter microscope sets. For the budding young scientist, a first glimpse through a microscope can reveal a world of wonder. $15.99. Adult: Attracting Beneﬁcial Bugs to your Garden by Jessica Walliser. This refreshing book delves into the fascinating relationships between insects and plants and will help you make your own insect-friendly garden. $31.95. 240pgs.•

December 2018

Canada set to

Christmas Music

Every family has their December holiday traditions. Decorating the tree, lighting candles, hanging lights, and sending Christmas cards are just a few popular traditions. Another tradition that everybody enjoys is singing and holiday sing-along books are perfect for getting your family into the holiday spirit.

oliday sing-along books use a familiar Christmas melody and the pictures illustrate the words of the song. Also, sing-along books provide an excellent way to combine the benefits of reading as well as singing. Engaging young children with picture books of well-known songs accelerates their oral language development and enhances vocabulary development. These books are also great for the whole family to read and sing along together. Here is a list of Canadian holiday sing-along books to make your festive season special.

Canadian Jingle Bells by Troy Townsin Learn about each province and territory with Santa as he travels across Canada in his sleigh on Christmas Eve. This book is a charming Canadian rendition of the traditional winter holiday song, “Jingle Bells.” Have fun singing along at the chorus, “Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way, from Victoria to Halifax, across the Hudson Bay!” This colourful book will definitely begin a family discussion about all things Canadian. See a herd of moose in Dawson City, whales swimming beside a BC Ferry, cowboys riding bulls in Alberta and a sealskin canoe in Nunavut. If you have small sleigh bells, they are fun to ring at the jingle bell section of the piece, while singing “It’s Christmas time in Canada, so Merry Christmas, EH!” 16

Island Parent Magazine

The Twelve Days of Christmas in Canada by Ellen Warwick Travel along with Juliette and her “crazy Canuck cousin” Theo as they take a whirlwind trip across the country: from Newfoundland, to New Brunswick, Saskatoon, Winnipeg and finally Victoria. Along the way Juliette gets wacky Canadian gifts like nine sled dogs howling, six Mounties marching, and a loon in a maple tree. The words are easy to sing to this popular Christmas carol tune and as you sing, you learn facts and historical information about Canada from coast to coast.

Deck the Halls, A Canadian Christmas Carol by Helaine Becker “Make your True North Christmas jolly” as you sing along with porcupine and other Canadian animals as they decorate for the holidays. That means caribou in pompom hoodies, bear cubs gathering logs, otters caroling, Sasquatch wrapping presents and moose singing in a choir! There is lots of merriment while singing to this traditional Welsh winter song. Colourful watercolour illustrations are amusing and full of delightful detail as you sing through the story. For added fun, encourage your kids to clap at the “Fa la la la la” section of the song. As an added bonus, there is a piano music score at the back of the book, so not only can you sing along, but you can play the music, too.

Jerri Carson

A Moose in a Maple Tree by Troy Townsin This is another book by Troy Townsin and it is based on the English folk melody “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Townsin substitutes Canadian iconic symbols in this cumulative song such as the maple leaf, beaver, moose and the polar bear. The original “five golden rings” is now “five hockey sticks.” With colourful illustrations, this book is fun to sing for the whole family. Jerri Carson is a retired music teacher. She now spends her time playing the piano and cello. IslandParent.ca

Embrace Choice & Reduce Stress H

ow often do you truly embrace choice in your life? As parents, we can sometimes feel we have endless responsibilities and too much to do. We get to the end of the week and feel completely drained. When we focus on getting everything done on our To-do List, and meeting everyone else’s needs without doing anything for ourselves, life can feel exhausting. Looking back on your week, how many times did you choose to engage in an activity that truly energized you, uplifted your spirit, and brought you pleasure and enjoyment? If the answer is less than five times, you may be in need of Personal Time. Everyone deserves to have time for themselves to spend doing activities they enjoy. This is what gives us energy to tackle the rest of our tasks. Sometimes, though, we forget that we can choose how we spend our time. We may feel pressured to do things we “should” be doing, or so we don’t disappoint someone else. Have you filled your schedule with more than you want to take on? Have you said “yes” to events or obligations that feel drain your energy? Is there anything in your schedule that you could remove and release, or an request you can decline in order to clear space for rest, relaxation or enjoyment? We often make decisions based on what we perceive other people’s needs to be so that we don’t disappoint, upset, anger, or sadden them. In so doing, we can make decisions that are not aligned with our true desires, our health, or our well-being. Saying ‘yes’ all the time to other people’s requests can be exhausting and stressful, and not allow us the time we need to rest, recuperate, and recharge. Our lives are often already busy and we make them even busier by taking on too much. Yes, we all have certain obligations in our lives, and we can’t just skirt everything and go play all the time—although wouldn’t that be fun! However, we can take control of our schedules, and do less so that we can live more. When we allow ourselves to have choices in our lives, we open up surprising posIslandParent.ca

Wensley Family Realtors® Wishing you a wonderful holiday season!

sibilities. If we admit when we don’t have the energy, resources, focus, or heart to take on a request, we demonstrate true compassion and love for ourselves—and for others. When we do give of ourselves, and do so whole heartedly, we come from a place of love and can bring more than when we come from a place of depletion.

Sonja Yli-Kahila We can all make choices in our lives. We can choose how we want to react to our experiences in life, and we can choose to search for happiness and joy even when circumstances don’t turn out the way we had hoped. In choosing to respond to situations in a light-hearted way, seeking to find love and joy, even if we feel triggered or upset, we will feel calmer. This is not an easy practice, but with repetition and patience, we can learn to bring calm even to challenging situations. Trust that there is enough time to complete what is important. Allow yourself to say “yes” to your heart’s desire, and “‘no” to bring more calm into your schedule. Choose to search for silver linings. When you are in a challenging situation, try to focus your attention on a more positive feeling. For example, ask yourself what is funny or good about the situation. The most challenging experiences are often the best stories, and also the best teachers. Be open to learning from the hilarity of life. And trust life. If you say “no” to someone’s request, trust that there is someone else equally capable of engaging in that activity, and that it might just be the right thing they need to energize their spirit. Here’s to peace, love, and calm.

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Sonja Yli-Kahila is a mom of two young girls, and a certified health coach and nutritionist at Rejuvenize Health Coaching & Nutrition. She can be contacted at Sonja@Rejuvenizehealthcoaching.com. December 2018 17

Holiday Happenings Butchart Gardens presents Magic of Christmas from Dec 1-Jan 6, 2019. The Gardens sparkle with tens of thousands of coloured lights and seasonal decorations. Miles of fresh evergreen swags and wreaths, holly, ivy and winter berries adorn the walkways and lamp posts. Marvel at the Twelve Days of Christmas displays tucked into the landscape. Get into the Christmas mood with traditional carollers and festive brass music from 5-9pm. Whirl around the outdoor ice skating rink. Skate times run on the hour during admission hours and are 40 minutes. Skate rentals available; childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s helmets on loan. Garden hours from Dec 1-Jan 6, 9am-9pm, except Christmas Day when the hours are 1-9pm. Kids 12 years old and younger can bring a hand-crafted paper snowflake and exchange it for a cup of hot chocolate in the Coffee Shop. Visit butchartgardens.com or phone 250-652-4422. Father Christmas in Old Town at Royal BC Museum from Dec 1-2, 7-9, 14-16 (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 wood-cobbled streets lined with festive garlands, and see the shops decorated with Christmas finery (until January 9, 2019). Visit royalbcmuseum.bc.ca.

Ways to Make Merry This Holiday Season...

18â&#x20AC;&#x192; Island Parent Magazine

IslandParent.ca

Canada’s National Habitat for Humanity Gingerbread Showcase is at the Parkside Hotel & Spa’s atrium (810 Humbolt Street). Feast your 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: “There’s No Place Like Home.” Vote for your favourite—if you can choose just one! All funds raised support Habitat for Humanity Victoria, helping bring strength, stability, and independence to families living in need of decent, affordable housing. On until Jan 6, 2019 from 9am-9pm. Visit habitatvictoria. com/gingerbread-showcase.html. Celebrate the Annual Festival of Trees in support of BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. The Festival will be decking the halls of The Bay Centre, transforming it into a lush forest of hand-decorated trees. As sponsors of this event, local businesses, organizations and individuals decorate the trees—in a sometimes wacky, often irreverent and always beautiful fashion. This season, trees are on display throughout The Bay Centre until Jan 7, 2019. Vote for your favourite tree. Admission is free, though a $2 donation is suggested for every vote. Sooke hosts its annual Festival of Trees at the Prestige Oceanfront Resort and SEAPARC Leisure Complex until early January. Visit bcchf.ca/fot. Enjoy a classic downtown tradition with your family this holiday season. Free Horse-Drawn Trolley Rides running Saturdays and Sundays (noon-2:30pm) until Dec 24, horse-drawn trolleys will circulate throughout downtown, making it easy to take in all of the sights and sounds of the Christmas celebrations. The trolleys are free of charge, compliments of the Downtown Victoria Business Association. Two trolleys will circulate on a pre-set route throughout the downtown with four stops at: Store St. and Chatham St. (in front of Capital Iron); Johnson St. near Wharf St. (in front of Willie’s Bakery); Langley St. at Bastion Square (across from Re-Bar); and Government St. at Fisgard St. (in front of CRD Plaza). For more information on entertainment in the downtown area, visit downtownvictoria.ca. Holiday Events at Market Square. Come check out the Nerdy Days of Christmas Craft Fair on Saturday Dec 1 and Sunday Dec 2 from 11am-4pm where you’ll find nerdy treasures in the silent auction and you IslandParent.ca

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Hotel Grand Pacific in Victoria from 10am5pm until December 27. While passing through the hotel lobby on your way for cookies and cocoa, be sure to enter the raffle for a chance to win WestJet tickets or a two-night stay package at Hotel Grand Pacific. Also in the lobby, there’s festive fun for the kids. Find colouring sheets for the holiday colouring contest for kids, which runs December 1-25. Proceeds will Bundle up and bring your family down support Children’s Health Foundation of to Christmas Starlight Cinema at the Vancouver Island. Visit islandkidsfirst.com. Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe to enjoy one of Victoria’s great Christmas tradi- The Christmas Express at the BC Forest tions—Christmas movies under the stars Discovery Centre in Duncan, running 13 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 6pm in nights over four weekends, Dec 1-2, Dec December. The line-up: Dec 4, A Christmas 7-9, and Dec 14-16 and Dec 19-23 from Story; Dec 5, Ice Age; Dec 11, Elf; Dec 12, 4-9pm (steam train leaves every 20 minutes Home Alone; Dec 18, Polar Express; Dec from 4:30-8:30pm). Ride behind Samson, 19, It’s a Wonderful Life. Movies are free, the museum’s 1910 steam locomotive, but donations to Santas Anonymous are through festive light displays and exhibits appreciated. BYO lawn chair and extra in the forest and on the trestle. Visit Santa blankets, the hotel will supply heaters. Claus, dance to live Christmas music, make If raining, movies will be held inside. 45 a Christmas tree craft in the schoolhouse, Songhees Road. For information, phone watch the model train, and warm up with hot chocolate in Train Station Treats. Santa Christmas at Hudson Market (until 250-360-2999. will ride the first train, leaving at 4:30pm December 24) has everything you need for under the tree, and on the table. You’ll find Warm up with Cookies & Cocoa in the and then will be in the main museum for local artisans selling their goods, plus the Pacific Dining Room and Lounge at the pictures and visits. 2892 Drinkwater Road. can visit with Santa. Entry by donation with proceeds going to Victoria’s Hospitals Foundation. Celebrate Tuba Christmas on Saturday Dec 8 from 1-3pm. Tuba players from all over BC and the Pacific Northwest come together to play much-loved Christmas songs in a big way. Enjoy Music in Market Square on Saturday Dec 15 from 1-3pm. The Greater Victoria Concert Band presents their gift to you; a free concert of favourite holiday tunes. For more information, visit marketsquare.ca.

delicious food at the permanent vendors. Santa will visit the Market from December 1-15 from noon-3pm and there will also be a free Gingerbread decorating station on the same dates. There will also be a Christmas Toy Drive on December 2 from 11am-3pm benefiting CFAX Santas Anonymous. Free donuts for every unwrapped donation.Visit victoriapublicmarket.com.

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Visit bcforestdiscoverycentre.com or call 250-715-1113. 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. Helmcken House Old-Fashioned Christmas at Royal BC Museum from Dec 17-31 (noon-4pm). Step through the doors of the oldest house in B.C., still on its original site, and experience what Christmas would have been like in Victoria over 100 years ago. Decorations, music, and first-hand accounts will take you back to Christmas past. Free with museum admission or by donation. For information, visit royalbcmuseum.bc.ca.

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The holiday’s are alive with quintessential Victorian spirit at Craigdarroch Castle. Travel back in time to a Christmas season 125 years past when you step into the National Historic Site during the month of December. See Jason Steven’s popular one-man production of Charles Dickens’ 1843 classic, A Christmas Carol, set in the Castle’s Dance Hall. Performance will be held December 14 and 15 at 7pm and December 19 to 23 at 6pm and 8pm, and is suitable for ages 13 and up. Tickets are $25 for the public ($23 for members). Patrons are invited to arrive early and tour the Castle. For event tickets or more information, visit thecastle.ca. Milner Christmas Magic at Milner Gardens and Woodland in Qualicum Beach. Celebrate the season with this outdoor Christmas light show for the whole family. Over half a kilometer of lit and decorated trails with Santa, live Christmas music, Teddy Bear Cottage, Story Telling in the Magnolia Room, Camellia Tea Room, outdoor Refreshment Stand, and two gift shops. Nov 30-Dec 2, and Dec 7-9, and Dec 14-19 from 5-8:30pm (last entry at 8pm). Adults $5, children $2.50, family $12. For more information and the entertainment schedule, visit www2.viu.ca/milnergardens or call 250-752-6153.• IslandParent.ca

koolandchild.com Kool Toys & Teaching Tools

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The Particulars

22 Island Parent Magazine

ll kids are particular about one thing or another, sure, but there are days when I am completely in awe of how spectacularly particular my own children can be. The combined volume and variety of their particularities is purely baffling, especially since their father and I are generally relaxed, un-particular people. How did we end up with such a quirky crew?

mis-matched, but in a particular order, which is clear only to her. By contrast, my middle son has never been particular about food, so long as there’s plenty of it. But he certainly has his own brand of particularities. As a toddler, he was particular about pants—in that he never wanted to wear them—and about a myriad of issues relating to the care and keeping of all his tiny trucks, cars, trains,

My eldest was the first to assert her desire to be particular, and continues to lead the way for her siblings. As a toddler she was particular about all kinds of things, but notably her tastes in food, preferring all meals to involve bread, cheese, or some combination of bread and cheese. As for vegetables, she would eat them only if served frozen and shaped, by me, into little squares on her plate. With age, she has grown less particular about the vegetables, but more particular about bizarre things such as: books, which can ONLY be placed face down on her nightstand; stuffed animals, which must be placed on her bed in a particular arrangement—one that rotates according to the day of the week—and socks, which always must be

blocks, pet rocks, and so forth. By preschool, he had resigned himself to wearing pants, but was still extremely particular about their required level of comfort, and consequently developed a rigorous testing process—still in use to this day—eliminating 99 per cent of the pants on offer in North America. Sock bumps, scratchy tags, and the exact placement of every LEGO piece in his room continue to be particular issues for him today. As for my youngest, she seems to have carefully observed the particular-ness of both her older siblings and taken the pursuit to an entirely new level. She is particular about literally everything—from which foot goes first when she climbs into her car seat, to which colour of comb may be used IslandParent.ca

on her hair (and how, and when) and just exactly how her socks should be tucked over her pant legs, or else un-tucked over her pant legs, depending on the day’s mood, and the exact order in which her markers must be kept, and how her cheese is shaped and her apple slices are cut and the precise temperature of water, as regards bathing and drinking, along with everything else a person could possibly be particular about. Basically, she’s in self-imposed training for the Particular Olympics.

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Sarah Milligan Is There an App for This? Keeping up with all these particulars is nothing short of exhausting. And I still don’t understand how we ended up with children so extremely particular, when, as I mentioned, their father and I are both easy-going, flexible people. I thought about this as I went about my daily errands; I had plenty of time to think, since I was taking a particularly windy route around the city to avoid certain areas of road work I dislike driving through on the grounds that the pavement is currently too bumpy. Besides, I had to stop at three different grocery stores; the first, one for a particular brand of almond milk which is somehow smoother than the other kinds; the second, for my favourite tea and a particular type of cereal, which is cheaper at that particular store; and the third for the rest of the groceries, because the produce always seems to be fresher there, and because the carts there are less annoying to drive. It occurred to me around the time I stopped to get myself a coffee—an extrahot half-sweet hazelnut coconut milk latté—that maybe, actually, I am more particular than I think. And so, the next time I am waiting in quiet exasperation as my youngest gets out of the van to re-climb into her carseat in order to put the correct foot first, I will try to remember that we all have our own quirks, the things we are particular about, that make life feel just right. Things would probably get too dull otherwise. S arah Milligan lives on Vancouver Island. She is grateful to her children for the joy they inspire, not to mention the endless writing fodder. IslandParent.ca

December 2018 23

The Lost Words is authored by Robert Macfarlane and illustrated by Jackie Morris. It is a book combining acrostic spell-poems with exquisite illustrations intended to restore the relevance of words from nature to ensure they are, not lost at all but instead, lovingly remain to future generations of children for years to come.

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“I was at a loss for words when I learned about a beautifuly illustrated book which told the story of common nature words made extinct from the print version of the Oxford Junior Dictionary,” said Kathleen Burton, executive director of Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary. “The book illustrates words that are far from being extinct - many of the plants, animals and birds described can be seen at the Sanctuary today.”

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24 Island Parent Magazine

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Ways to Give

his season, don’t just ask what your children want to get for Christmas, ask how they want to give. When children are involved in the gift-giving process, they learn the joys of contributing and helping others. Whether your family can give time, clothing, food, gently used/new toys or cash this holiday season, there are many ways to help others. Here’s a sampling of ways to give. Create Your Own Ways to Give. Talk to your kids about the ways your family can help others in your community. Some ideas: Organize a Fundraiser. Rally friends, neighbours and family to organize a fundraiser—maybe a garage sale, bake sale or bottle drive—and donate the proceeds to one of the following organizations or another of your choice. Volunteer Your Time. Visit a senior’s home, help with snow removal (or in this climate, rake leftover leaves or clean gutters), or gather a group to go carolling and spread holiday cheer throughout your neighbourhood. Through the C-Fax Santas Anonymous Tree of Wishes program, you can donate a gift to a child in need. Choose a gift request listed on the Santa Bear tags hung on Christmas trees at Mayfair Shopping Centre, Hillside Centre, Walmart Uptown and Westshore Town Centre. Purchase the gift and volunteers will wrap and prepare packages for distribution to the children in time for Christmas morning. Toy drop-off should be done by December 16 in order for Santa to keep to his schedule. Visit cfaxsantas.com. Victoria Women’s Transition House Society’s Christmas Hamper Program helps women who are taking steps to live free of their abusive or violent relationships. Wish List items include: gift certificates that meet the personal needs of women and their children during their stay at the Transition House, personal care items such as feminine hygiene products, shampoo, and seasonally appropriate clothing, and New Home Start-up Kits to help women set up their new living arrangements once they leave the shelter. For a full list of items plus ways to donate, visit transitionhouse.net. IslandParent.ca

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His Own Boss

very year, Angus comes home with a WITS badge. Walk Away, Ignore, Talk it Out, Seek Help. It’s the way kids are taught to respond to being teased on the playground or in the classroom. There wasn’t a WITS program when I was a kid, but the advice was pretty much the same. I remember the skits put on in assembly: “Please don’t do that, you’re bothering me,” the teas-ee would say. And then a second time: “Please don’t do that you’re bothering me.” And then a third: “Please don’t do that you’re bothering me.” And finally, the kicker: “I’ve asked you three

The Civic Orchestra of Victoria civicorchestraofvictoria.org Joe Music joemusic.ca Lori Frank Mediation & Consulting lorifrankmediation.com Phoenix Theatre phoenixtheatres.ca Royal BC Museum royalbcmuseum.bc.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 26 Island Parent Magazine

times and now I’m going to get a duty.” A duty was a playground supervisor—the heroes in the bright orange vests who were supposed to make our problems go away. I didn’t follow this advice. It wasn’t that I was never teased—my last name is very closely related to the most notable feature on an elephant, plus it rhymes with a lot of

things. It was obvious, however, that in the wild jungle that is the school playground, “please don’t do that, you’re bothering me,” would never fly. Nor would walking away. Most kids know this instinctually. Even so, I have repeated the WITS acrostic to Angus many times. Just ignore him, I have said. Just walk away. Tell your

You’re not my boss! teacher. Because weren’t those the right answers? Wasn’t it best to be on the same page with the “experts” who already had this stuff figured out? Angus has had a hard time fitting in this year at school. This is something I have expected every year, but which hadn’t previously materialized. In kindergarten, he knew half his class from preschool and his best friend—and fierce defender —was there to thwart anyone who got in his way. In Grade 1 he went to school in a magical oasis where I never heard a child say anything unkind to anyone (seriously). Now reality has set in. Kids get teased, and Angus, my delightful but awkward child, will get teased more than others. At the end of October, a couple of boys told Angus to pull his pants down, and he did so, pants and underwear dropped to his knees. According to Angus, there were other kids around. They were laughing at him and he didn’t know what to do, so he just did what he was told. This was not at recess, but in the classroom while the teacher was looking elsewhere. Mike and I found out about the situation from a late-night email when Angus was already in bed. To say we were upset is an epic understatement. That I had to wait until Angus’s 5:30 a.m. wake-up to drag more details from him was excruciating. IslandParent.ca

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Google introduced me to Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson, founder of the PEERS clinic at UCLA. PEERS offers social skills training to kids with ASD. Laugeson and her team don’t tell kids to ignore teasing because she says there is no empirical evidence that this strategy works. Ignoring and walking away, she says, can be reinforcing for the teaser, and makes the teas-ee appear weak. Instead, PEERS teaches kids comebacks: short statements they can deliver to show (or pretend) that the teasing doesn’t bother them. After Angus’s 5:30 a.m. wake-up, he recounted the situation in detail and we talked about things he could say if someone asked him to do something inappropriate again. “You’re not my boss,” is what he decided on. We roleplayed with me as the teaser until his retorts were loud and clear and delivered with just the right amount of attitude. Either unfortunately, or fortunately, when I snuck into his classroom the next day I came across a repeat of the scene and got to watch Angus in action. The disdain as he spoke was even better than during our practice. He seemed strong and selfpossessed. The other child walked away; Angus didn’t have to. I would love to say that this was the end of it, but of course it isn’t. Angus has gotten mileage out of this phrase. Also, “what-ever,” which is his practiced response when someone insults him. But he’s more comfortable recounting the situations now—they are not tragedies, just one or five of the many things that happen each day at school. He’s learning to be resilient, and until I can turn his world into a magical oasis, I’ll settle for that.

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While I waited I turned to my good friend Google, demanding it solve my problem. Clearly the advice I was giving Angus wasn’t working, but what was the right advice? How could he defend himself in a way that would stick?

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

December 2018 27

Family Calendar

For calendar updates throughout the month visit IslandParent.ca

D ecember Our Generous Sponsors

SATURDAY

Pictures With Santa Noon at Victoria Public Market at The Hudson 1701 Douglas St #6 Victoria & CRD Bring your little one, and your camera, and take some photos with Santa. You, and your kids, will be able to Santa Shuffle Fun Run & Elf Walk sit on Santa’s knee and tell him your Christmas wish, 10am at Vic West Community Centre along with snapping a few pictures with him. Santa 521 Craigflower Rd Lace up your running shoes and come for a day of will be set up on the Upper Level of the Market, in family fun to raise money for local Salvation Army front of Bumble and Hive Play Centre. By Donation initiatives. Registration opens at 8:30am. Entry facebook.com/events/1749136025212130. info@ Fees Vary (Individual, Group, Family) santashuffle. victoriapublicmarket.com. ca. 250-386-3366. susanne_reul-zastre@can. salvationarmy.org. SATURDAY ST

38th Annual Dickens Holiday Fair 10am at James Bay Community Centre 140 Oswego St Two large rooms with over 70 local artisans; a café and a children’s play area. $2. Children under 12 free. jamesbaymarket.com/dickens-fair. 250-381-5323. dickens@jamesbaymarket.com. Cookie Decorating Noon at Victoria Public Market at The Hudson 1701 Douglas St #6 Bring your kids to decorate their very own Gingerbread Man. Cookies, icing and candies will all be provided for free. Donations accepted for CFAX Santas Anonymous. Cookie station will be set up in front of the Community Kitchen. Free. facebook.com/events/316333142493167. info@victoriapublicmarket.com.

AND SUNDAY

Santa Bear will be taking pictures with everyone. Bring down an unwrapped toy, and in exchange you will receive a delicious doughnut. Donations benefiting CFAX Santas Anonymous. By Donation. facebook.com/events/177315913175426/ info@ victoriapublicmarket.com.

What’s That Evergreen 1pm at Francis/King Regional Park Come take a closer look at the survival strategies of our local evergreen plants. With a CRD Regional Parks naturalist, you’ll learn common species and what keeps these plants green year round. Meet ND at the Francis/King Nature Centre off Munn Rd. 5+ years. Free. crd.bc.ca/parks. 250-478-3344.

Victoria & CRD Nerdy Days of Christmas Craft Fair 11am in Market Square 560 Johnson St Nerdy crafts, art, cards, gifts, totes, soaps, and so much more. Fun for the whole family. 100% of proceeds goes to Victoria Hospital Foundation, Victoria General Hospital NICU. By donation.

SUNDAY

Craigflower Elementary Holiday Craft Fair 9:30 at Craigflower Elementary School 2766 Admirals Rd Free admission, refreshments available, proceeds support Craigflower students. facebook. com/events/2153568628029252. 250-384-8157. margaret.gwyn@gmail.com.

TUESDAY

Victoria & CRD

Victoria & CRD Christmas Toy Drive 11am at Victoria Public Market at The Hudson 1701 Douglas St #6 Help make sure that all of the children in our community have a gift to open on Christmas morning.

Wonderful Wintry Weather 10:30am at Central Branch Library 735 Broughton St Celebrate wintry weather with tales of snow and forest friends. Enjoy songs, rhymes and a paper craft. For ages 3-5. Register online, or call for more information. Free. gvpl.ca. 250-940-4875.

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This winter we challenge you to do something fun, learn something new, and grow into the best possible version of you.

Re�is�� r�� De�� 3r� 250-478-8384 | westshorerecreation.ca 28 Island Parent Magazine

IslandParent.ca

Nanaimo & Area

SATURDAY

Glow in the Dark Skate 6:30pm at Frank Crane Arena Skate in an atmosphere of dimmed lighting and special effects. Regular admission. recreation. nanaimo.ca. 250-756-5200.

Victoria & CRD

Tracks and Traces 1pm at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park Become a nature super sleuth. Join a CRD Regional Parks naturalist to explore the evidence and investigate clues left behind by animals. There is no fee for this program, but you must pre-register by December 5 as space is limited. 5+ years. BC Transit #70, #72 or #75. Free. crd.bc.ca/parks. 250-478-3344.

Dad’s Night Out Skate 6:45pm at Oceanside Place Arena 830 W. Island Hwy Dads, bring the kids and enjoy a skate together on the pond. Sponsored by Building Learning Together. Free. rdn.bc.ca/recreation. 250-248-3252. Cookies and Crafts Open House 2pm at Greater Victoria Public Library Branches To celebrate the holidays, and to thank everyone WEDNESDAY TH for supporting your library, each branch will have free festive refreshments for all, and crafts for kids. Victoria & CRD Come in for a treat and a chat. Drop-in event. Free. gvpl.ca. 250-940-4875. Wee Winter Ones 10am at Francis/King Regional Park Bring your little one to celebrate winter with a CRD Scuba Santa Regional Parks naturalist. Children will explore the 2pm at Panorama Recreation winter woods using their senses and look for crea- 1885 Forest Park Dr tures enjoying the winter season. Visit the Francis/ Come and get your photo with Santa… underwater. King Nature Centre for storytime and exploration. 5 Change up your holiday photos this year with a fun years and under. Free, but you must pre-register by twist. Christmas theme is optional. Bring your festive November 30 as space is limited. crd.bc.ca/parks. clothing or matching outfits for the whole family. Masks/goggles provided. panoramarecreation.ca. 250-478-3344. 250-656-7271.

A water adventure you don’t want to miss. The lifeguards are going to bring out all the pool toys for you to enjoy. From the rope swing to the snake to the dino ribs, there will be water play for everyone. Regular admission. rdn.bc.ca/recreation. 250-752-5014.

SUNDAY

Victoria & CRD

Christmas Pageant 10am at St. Luke Cedar Hill Anglican Church Cedar Hill Cross Rd at Cedar Hill Rd Come for a Family Christmas pageant. Take part in the action of the first Christmas. Experience the FRIDAY TH Holiday Bird Count Training miracle of Jesus’ birth. Sing carols and participate 9am at Island View Beach Regional Park in the pageant if you wish or simply sit back and Nanaimo & Area Join guest bird expert, Geoffrey Newell, to learn take in what is happening around you. Everyone your song birds and ocean ducks, cormorants, Welcome. Free. stlukesvictoria.ca. 250-477-6741. Handmade for the Holidays Craft Market grebes, loons, and seabirds. Good for beginners st.lukes@shaw.ca. 5 pm at Nanaimo District Secondary School and advanced birders alike. Meet at the grassy 355 Wakesiah Ave Nanaimo-Ladysmith Schools Foundation is bringing area adjacent to the picnic shelter off Homathko Mystery Creature back its popular holiday craft fair for the third year. Rd. 12+ years. Free. crd.bc.ca/parks. 250-478-3344. 10am at Mount Work Regional Park Solve the riddles to find the clues hidden along the If someone on your list would appreciate a unique trail with a CRD Regional Parks naturalist. Then piece handmade gift, check out “Handmade for the Holi- Nanaimo & Area the puzzle together to discover who the mystery days.” By donation nlsf.ca. nlsfevents@gmail.com Splish Splash Swim creature is. Meet in the Durrance Lake parking lot 1:30pm at Ravensong Aquatic Centre off Durrance Rd, off Willis Point Rd. 5+ years. Free. crd.bc.ca/parks. 250-478-3344.

BRING OUT THE

IslandParent.ca

December 2018 29

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.

4th Annual Pyjama Prance Fun Run/Walk 9am at Rainbow Kitchen, Esquimalt United Church 500 Admirals Rd Pyjama Prance Community Fun Run/Walk through Esquimalt with a Pancake Breakfast, prizes, music & a whole lot of fun. By Donation. facebook.com/ pyjamaprance. 250-661-6550. pyjamaprance@ gmail.com.

MONDAY

Victoria & CRD Celebrate the Season: Stories at Fern 7pm at Fern Street 1831 Fern St. All ages welcome. Doors open at 7pm; stories start at 7:30pm. $5; $3/members. 250-727-3097.

MONDAY

TH TO WEDNESDAY

Victoria & CRD

Naden Band 40th Anniversary Christmas Concert 7:30pm at Royal Theatre 803 Broughton St The 40th Anniversary Naden Band Christmas Concert is spectacular. Support The Salvation Army Toy Drive and bring an unwrapped toy. Guest Performers: The Pierre Schryer Duo & The Canadian College of the Performing Arts. $10. rmts.ca. 250-386-3366. susanne_reul-zastre@can.salvationarmy.org.

TUESDAY

Victoria & CRD Wonderful Wintry Weather 10:30am at Oak Bay Branch Library 1442 Monterey Ave Celebrate wintry weather with tales of snow and forest friends. Enjoy songs, rhymes and a paper craft. For ages 3-5. Register online or call for more information. Free. gvpl.ca. 250-940-4875.

SATURDAY

Victoria & CRD Forest Festivities 11am at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park Join CRD Regional Parks naturalists in the spirit of the season. Make recycled cards, crafts, and a small green swag with Scoth broom. The CRD will supply material and instructions, you supply the creativity. Drop in any time between 11am and 2pm at the Beaver Lake Nature Centre with your family and friends. BC Transit #70, #72, or #75. Free. crd. bc.ca/parks. 250-478-3344. 30 Island Parent Magazine

IslandParent.ca

tuesDay

MP Johns Holiday Skating Party 10am at Oceanside Place Arena 830 W. Island Hwy Join your friends for an everyone welcome skate on Winter Wonderland Ice. Free admission and skate rentals courtesy MP Gord Johns. Free. rdn.bc.ca/ recreation. 250-248-3252.

victoria & CrD

Cowichan valley

Winter Wonderland @ Kindergym 9:30am at Greenglade Community Centre The Kindergym space will be transformed into a lovely winter wonderland. Wintery activities and crafts, along with free play. 1-5 years with parent. panoramarecreation.ca. 250-656-7271.

Winter Wonderland Skate 5:30pm at Fuller Lake Arena Christmas music, a special Christmas light extravaganza, prizes, decorations and more. Includes skate rentals. $2/person. northcowichan.ca. 250-2463811. arena@northcowichan.ca.

Breakfast with Santa 9am at Greenglade Community Centre Come for a festive breakfast with Santa. Pancakes and fruit will be served, and Santa will be kicking around for photos. 1-5 years with parent. panoramarecreation.ca. 250-656-7271.

underwater Santa 6pm at Cowichan Aquatic Centre Come make a new Christmas tradition and get your picture taken with Santa and his elves. Preregistration required. Photos are taken for 20 minutes at 6pm, 7pm, 8pm and 8:45pm. Regular admission. northcowichan.ca. 250-746-7665. aquatics@northcowichan.ca.

Todd Sjogren and Tony MacAulay Toy Drive Skate 2pm at Oceanside Place Arena 830 W. Island Hwy Bring a donation and skate for free. unwrapped toys, cash and cheque donations accepted and will be donated to the SOS. Free. rdn.bc.ca/recreation. 250-248-3252. Starlight Skate 7pm at Nanaimo Ice Centre An opportunity to come out and enjoy our soft light “stars” and passive LED glow lights. This is a great time for families after dinner, or that “night out” with friends. Regular admission. recreation.nanaimo.ca. 250-756-5200.

nanaimo & area Winter Wonderland Teen Skate 7pm at Oceanside Place Arena 830 W. Island Hwy Grab a friend and head to the arena to celebrate the holidays. Admission and skate rentals are free, courtesy of RDN Youth. 13-18 years. Free. rdn.bc.ca/ recreation. 250-248-3252.

FrIDay

nanaimo & area

nanaimo & area Coast Capital Free Skate 3:45pm at Nanaimo Ice Centre Skate and helmet rentals included. Free. recreation. nanaimo.ca. 250-756-5200.

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December 2018

SATURDAY

Victoria & CRD

Dunk with Santa 3pm at Nanaimo Aquatic Centre Show Santa how good you are at swimming…or show him how naughty you can be by trying to dunk him in the dunk tank. Regular admission. recreation. nanaimo.ca. 250-756-5200.

Winter Holiday Storytime 10:30am at Mary Winspear Centre 2243 Beacon Ave Join Virginia for stories, rhymes and songs that MONDAY celebrate the season. Stay and make a simple winter-themed craft. All ages. Free. 250-656-0944. Victoria & CRD

Cowichan Valley

admission and skate rentals courtesy Tim Horton’s. Free. rdn.bc.ca/recreation. 250-248-3252.

TUESDAY

Victoria & CRD Family Christmas Service 10am at St. Luke Cedar Hill Anglican Church Cedar Hill Cross Rd. at Cedar Hill Rd A family Christmas service, with carols, readings and communion. Everyone Welcome. For more information, call 250-477-6741, e-mail st.lukes@shaw.ca or visit stlukesvictoria.ca. Free. stlukesvictoria.ca.

Child Friendly Christingle Carol Service 4pm at St. Luke Cedar Hill Anglican Church Breakfast with Santa Cedar Hill Cross Rd. at Cedar Hill Rd 10am at Cowichan Aquatic Centre A special Christmas Eve Service for children and for Stay after breakfast for a photo and swim with the people of all ages. A time to remember the birth WEDNESDAY TH jolly guy and his elves. Breakfast is 10-11am, swim of Jesus, to sing carols of thanksgiving and to be with Santa is 11am-1pm. $5/advance; $7/person at the reminded to carry the light of Christ (Christingle) into Nanaimo & Area door. northcowichan.ca. 250-746-7665. aquatics@ the world. Everyone Welcome. Free. stlukesvictoria. northcowichan.ca. ca. 250-477-6741. st.lukes@shaw.ca. Boxing Day Skate 1pm at Oceanside Place Arena Nanaimo & Area Nanaimo & Area 830 W. Island Hwy Join your family and friends for a Boxing Day skate. Holiday Swim Christmas Eve Skate All three ice surfaces will be open. You can enjoy 1:30pm at Ravensong Aquatic Centre 1pm at Oceanside Place Arena skating around on Winter Wonderland, or playing 737 Jones St 830 W. Island Hwy pond hockey. Regular admission. rdn.bc.ca/recreCome for the annual holiday swim. Join in reindeer Get into the Christmas spirit and enjoy a skating ation. 250-248-3252. games and a visit with Santa. Regular admission. session on Winter Wonderland. The special displays rdn.bc.ca/recreation. 250-752-5014. and lighting will make this a family favourite. Free

32 Island Parent Magazine

IslandParent.ca

FrIDay

tH to sunDay

Grandparent I S L A N D

S U M M E R 2 0 1 8

victoria & CrD Here & There

Ballet Victoria’s “The Gift” 7:30pm at Royal Theatre 805 Broughton St A young girl’s Christmas adventure with magical dolls, a snow queen, fairies, flowers and a white dragon! Immerse your whole family in a fun-filled winter wonderland with Tchaikovsky’s enchanting Nutcracker score performed by the Victoria Symphony. Tickets starting at $30. balletvictoria.ca. 250-380-6063. info@balletvictoria.ca.

monDay

10 Things to Do with Your Grandkids

Celebrating Family Heritage

Pick up a copy of

Island Grandparent Available wherever you ﬁnd Island Parent

victoria & CrD First Night New Year’s Eve Family Celebration 5pm at Panorama Recreation 1885 Forest Park Dr Family activities including swimming, skating, fun on the inflatable, hamster balls, laser tag and more. Evening ends with a firework display. panoramarecreation.ca. 250-656-7271. nanaimo & area New Year’s Eve Family Celebration 5pm at Oceanside Place Arena 830 W. Island Hwy Celebrate New Year’s Eve family style. Enjoy the last skate of the year on Winter Wonderland, join the family fun pond hockey, make a craft, listen to great entertainment, and join in the early countdown at 8pm. Food will be available to purchase during the event. Free admission and skate rentals courtesy Tim Horton’s, Parksville. Tickets are required, and are available starting December 10 at either Oceanside Place Arena or Ravensong Aquatic Centre. Free. rdn. bc.ca/recreation. 250-248-3252.

ONGOING PresCHool victoria & CrD Good Morning Storytime Thursdays 10:30am until December 13 at Sidney All Care 2269 Mills Rd Bring your littlest ones to this library program for stories, songs, rhymes, and lots of movement. Ages 0-5. Drop-in program. 250-656-0944.

IslandParent.ca

December 2018

Young Parent Weekly Drop-in Thursdays 10am-noon at Kiwanis Family Centre. Come and 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. Staff available to help with information about relevant local resources, advocacy and counselling support, help with paperwork, and parenting support. 250-382-1004. nanaimo & area

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

CHIlDren victoria & CrD

saanichdentalgroup.com 119–1591 McKenzie Ave, Victoria

Saturday Breakfast Club Saturdays at Munchkinland Family Place, Parksville Come for songs, stories and breakfast. Suitable for families with children 6 and younger. Free. until December 22, 9:30-11:30am. View all BLT programs at oblt.ca.

250 477 7321

info@saanichdentalgroup.com

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

Museum Tots Saturdays 11am at Maritime Museum A weekly program introducing children 2-5 to the fun world of museum learning. New theme each week, allowing children to learn through crafts, play, games, song, and dance. $5/child. 250-385-4222.

FamIly victoria & CrD

FRED PENNER Legendary Canadian Children’s Performer

SUN FEB 10 | 2:30 PM

SAT MAY 4 | 7:30 PM uvic.ca/farquhar | 250-721-8480 |

Island Parent Magazine

UVicFarq

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Circles A safe, supportive place to meet others in a similar situation and to share information and resources. For information about groups near you, call 250384-8042. Province-wide toll free information and support line at 1-855-474-9777 or email grgline@ parentsupportbc.ca. parentsupportbc.ca. Parent Support Circles Parenting isn’t always easy. Sometimes it helps to talk things through with other parents. At the Parent Support Services Society of BC, they believe that every parent is the expert of her/his own family. For more information about groups near you, call 250-3848042 or 1-877-345-9444 or visit parentsupportbc.ca. Choirs in the Courtyard December 1-12 at Central Branch Library Enjoy a seasonal sampling of choirs from Greater Victoria in one of the city’s sweetest acoustic spots. Drop in. gvpl.ca for dates and times.

@UVicFarquhar

IslandParent.ca

Gingerbread House Challenge December 1-31 at Panorama Recreation 1885 Forest Park Dr Get together with your family, friends, teammates and coworkers to kick off the holidays by building a gingerbread house to benefit CFAX Santas Anonymous. panoramarecreation.ca. 250-656-7271. Photos with Santa 1 pm December 1-25 at Hotel Grand Pacific 463 Belleville St Bring the whole family downtown to have your photo taken with Santa. Carollers, hot chocolate and cookies in the hotel lobby. Pick up a colouring sheet. Holiday colouring contest for kids runs until December 25. By donation. islandkidsfirst.com/ holiday-2018. rsvp@islandkidsfirst.com. Cookies and Cocoa 10am at Hotel Grand Pacific 463 Belleville St Each day during the holiday season, festive cookies and hot chocolate will be available by donation in the Pacific Dining Room and Lounge. In the hotel lobby, enter the raffle for a chance to win WestJet tickets or a two-night stay package at Hotel Grand Pacific. islandkidsfirst.com/holiday-2018. rsvp@ islandkidsfirst.com. Nanaimo & Area Drop-In Science Studio Tuesdays 3-4:30pm at NS3 Science Studio. #101-4355 Jingle Pot Rd Build Lego creations, then program them to move using drag and drop software. Students can also explore the many hands-on science exhibits and experiments including: making boats for the water table, building KEVA block towers, designing marble wall tracks and pulleys, discovering the force of air in the air field, creating flying creations to test in the wind tunnels, and more. $10/child. Ages 6+. No preregistration necessary. Schedule subject to change, so please check nanaimoscience.org for most current schedule. 4355 Jingle Pot Rd. 778-971-6893. Parksville Lions and Save-On-Foods Family Skate Sundays 12:15-1:45pm December 2-16 at Oceanside Place Arena Pond hockey is not available during this session. Children must be accompanied by an adult 19+. rdn.bc.ca/recreation. 250-248-3252. Winter Wonderland December 26-30 at Franks Crance Arena Take a moment and escape to Winter Wonderland with this year’s candyland theme. Loonie skate sessions with free skate and helmet rentals. Everyone welcome. check recreation.nanaimo.ca for schedule.• IslandParent.ca

Enter to Win Santa’s Sack You can win the entire sack of great prizes courtesy of:

Butterfly Gardens: Fun One Day Pass (admission for up to 5 adults) Flying Squirrel: 2 passes good for 1 hour of jump time Sutubra: Moom Classic Organic and 100% Natural Hair Remover Mothering Touch: 10-punch card for drop-in yoga and activity classes for pregnant and new parents Sailor Jack: Tuffo Muddy Buddy Island Circus Space: Gift Card Curvalicous Boutique: Woman’s wallet and a Style Stick Thistle & Wren: Beba Bean Knitted headband in pink, size 6-12m and a Krickets Brand Floral Lined Hoodie/Jacket size 3-6m The Goodie Bags: A special Goodie Bag filled with select gifts Kool and Child: Playmobil 123 Pirate Ship (ages 18 mos and up) Island Parent: Books for the whole family

To enter, please visit islandparent.ca Contest closes December 14th December 2018 35

To Medicate or t n e r a P d Islan on for Vancouver Island

Celebrating

The Resource Publicati

Years

Parents

December 2018

Junior Superheroes of Victoria

eas Holiday Gift Id

Please visit any of our valued partners to pick up your latest copy of Island Parent. GREATER VICTORIA Thrifty Foods Fairway Market Real Canadian Superstore Save-On-Foods (except Westside) Lifestyle Market Country Grocer (Esquimalt & Royal Oak) Quality Foods Market on Yates & Millstream Western Foods Recreation Centres Public Libraries Serious Coffee Victoria Gymnastics SOOKE Western Foods Village Foods Seaparc Recreation DUNCAN Thrifty Foods Save-On-Foods Real Canadian Superstore 49th Parallel Public Library

y son has ADHD. I’ve known, subconsciously, since he was little. At first, I wrote it off as exuberance. He is a happy, lively child. I used to say he was either sprinting or sleeping; there simply was no in between. People would remark that they envied his energy. When he began school, I wondered if his lack of focus was because he has a late birthday. Some of the other kids had been five years old for months and my son was only four when he began kindergarten. Of course he was not as school-ready as they were. As he grew older, school became a struggle and his self-confidence took a dive. I waited to see if any of his teachers would bring forward the suggestion that he had attention difficulties. They didn’t. Instead, they

have tried to assure them that everything would be fine. However, when it came to my own child, I was paralyzed. Would my son go through school with a stigma attached to him? Would medicating him change his radiant and energetic personality? I try to keep our diet natural and healthy. We are organic, holistic and I rarely even dole out an aspirin. Now I need to feed him three pills per day? The choice was uncomfortable, to say the least. I lost many nights of sleep, contemplating our options. Then, by chance, I attended a professional development seminar educating teachers about ADHD. The speaker, himself, has an ADHD brain. He was undiagnosed and un-medicated until his 30s. He claims that Ritalin saved him. He

used words such as “unfocused,” “social,” and even “lazy.” I would sit with him for hours each night, encouraging him as he cried while trying to complete the work he failed to finish that day at school. I supported him with words of affirmation, re-directed his focus to the task at hand and became frustrated when it was too overwhelming for both of us. It was obvious, yet I struggled to admit it. But finally I could no longer deny it. My son has ADHD. I am a teacher. I can easily spot ADHD in other children and have used the utmost sensitivity to counsel other parents. I have listened to countless parents agonize over the decision to medicate their children and

described his impulsive ADHD behaviour and said that it felt as if he were failing 100 times per day. His friends would be frustrated. His teachers, exhausted. His parents, exasperated. Imagine living each day knowing that your behaviour is irritating to those around you, is causing you to fail, wishing you could improve, but knowing that you cannot control it. I flashed back to a student, who was in my class several years ago. He had a fairly severe case of ADHD. I had spent many hours teaching him strategies that would help him focus. Some days (moments) those strategies were successful and some days (moments) they were not. Halfway

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

islandparent.ca 250-388-6905 36

Not to Medicate

Island Parent Magazine

IslandParent.ca

through the year, his parents decided to try medication. One day, after several weeks into the trial, he exclaimed, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ms. Cleeve! I love my pills!â&#x20AC;? When I asked him why, he remarked that he â&#x20AC;&#x153;didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t suck at everything anymore.â&#x20AC;? It broke my heart to know that was how he previously felt and simultaneously warmed my heart to know that he was now finding success.

Kelly Cleeve

G3111 HearthGate Finlayson St.

3045â&#x20AC;&#x201C;C Douglas St., Victoria, BC V8T 4N2 250-386-2229â&#x20AC;&#x192; www.tjskids.com

Larch St.

Entrance off Larch St.

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Kelly Cleeve is a passionate educator with 14 years experience. She is a graduate student at the University of British Columbia, a wife and a mother of two beautiful boys.

The Kiddies Store

I decided to give medication a try, but first, sat down with my son to explain the situation. I told him that having an ADHD brain is like having a super power. His brain takes in way more information than the average person. He is able to perceive many things around him that the rest of us may not even notice: sounds, lights, shadows, textures. All of this information actually makes him smarter than most! The problem is that his brain becomes overwhelmed with this barrage of sensory information and cannot decide what is important to focus on. The medication would help him to do just that. I am happy to report that my son is now thriving. The medication has not robbed him of his vivacious appetite for life, but has simply helped him find a sense of calm, when he needs to. He is responsible, helpful and is no longer failing all of his classes. For the first time ever, he enjoys school. His self-esteem has skyrocketed. I was worried that he may feel embarrassed or labelled by his ADHD. However, recently, he was watching a movie with his best friend and a character made a comment about ADHD. My son replied excitedly, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hey! Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what I have!â&#x20AC;? and his best friend answered, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cool!â&#x20AC;? I breathed a sigh of relief and acceptance. When my son becomes older, the choice to continue taking his medication will fall to him. I will support him no matter what he decides. However, in this moment, watching him excel, I feel confident that I made the right choice.

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December 2018â&#x20AC;&#x192; 37

Comfort & Joy

Hygge and the art of getting cosy

here’s a reason why so many win- yourself to get out of bed, let alone go ter celebrations centre around the out for a walk along the beach or a stroll winter solstice—the longest night to the playground.

comfort and joy. A big part of the hygge concept is to experience the relative discomforts of the cold, dark and wet weather in order to receive the joy of coziness upon returning to the warmth of your home. The term has been commercialized in the past few years to suggest that you can bring the feeling of hygge into your home by, say, decorating in blue and white with candles and tea cups. However, hygge isn’t an object that you buy in a store, it’s a feeling that you create for yourself and others. It comes from simple actions that celebrate our winter season. Here are a few easy and effective ways to create hygge in your home: Spend time outside no matter what the weather. As an all-year cycling family, I can tell you there is nothing cozier than coming in from a cold, wet cycle ride home. Light a few candles. If you have young children, even having a few candles burning on a table out of reach will evoke a feeling of calm comfort. Make a warming tea. See the following recipes for a homemade tea latté. Turn off your phone, laptop and other screens. Listen to some calm music instead.

of the year. The sky is dark, the weather is cold and wet. It’s hard to motivate

Spend time with your kids reading, playing board games or drawing. Social Yet, it is the perfect season for hygge. connections leave us feeling whole and Hygge is the Danish word for giving satisfied. And connecting with those we love is an essential part of hygge. In the darkness of a winter’s night, what more could you wish for? Here are two recipes that will leave you feeling warm and cozy. Involving your children in the cooking process will not only teach them basic cooking skills, it will also heighten the hygge of the meal.

Winter Holiday Programs December 22, 2018 to January 4, 2019

A range of full day programs for all kids in Victoria ages 5–15 including: December 22–24

December 31–January 4

Passion Sports Winter Elite Camp

Cloudy with a Chance of Snowballs

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

38 Island Parent Magazine

Regardless of the weather, this camp has the recipe for a joyful start to the New Year

Winter Stew with Dumplings Stew Ingredients: 2 Tbsp olive oil 2 Tbsp butter 1 medium onion, diced 2 carrots, diced 3 celery stalks, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1⁄ 4 cup of flour 5 cups of broth IslandParent.ca

1 cup of cooked chicken breast (cubed) or 1 can of chickpeas drained 2 bay leaves 11⁄2 tsp sage 1 tsp thyme 2 tsp rosemary, crushed 2 Tbsp soy sauce 1⁄ 2 tsp ground black pepper 1⁄ 2 cup frozen peas 2 Tbsp fresh parsley Salt to taste (about 1⁄2 tsp depending on the saltiness of your broth)

Emillie Parrish Cooking With Kids Dumpling Ingredients: 2 cups flour 2 tsp baking powder 3⁄ 4 tsp salt 2 Tbsp melted butter 3⁄ 4 cup of milk 1. Heat the olive oil and butter in a

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large pot. Add the onions and sauté for 5 minutes. Then add the carrots, celery and garlic, and sauté for another 2 minutes. 2. Stir in 1⁄4 cup of flour and cook for another minute, then pour in the broth, stirring constantly so the flour is mixed in. 3. Add the chicken or chickpeas along with all the herbs and spices. Simmer for 15 minutes, while you make the dumplings. 4. To make the dumplings, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. Add the melted butter, then the milk, mixing until just combined. (You don’t want to over mix the batter). 5. Add the peas and the parsley to the stew. Taste the broth, then add salt as needed. 6. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter onto the simmering stew. Cover and leave the pot to simmer with the lid on for 15 minutes. 7. After 15 minutes, check if the dumplings are cooked by inserting a toothpick into the centre of the largest dumpling. It should come out clean. If it’s not cooked through, then cover and continue to cook for another 5 minutes. 8. Serve immediately, giving everyone a dumpling with a large spoonful of stew.

Vanilla Rooibos Tea Latté Ingredients: Rooibos tea bag or 1 tsp of loose rooibos in a tea brewer 2 tsp honey 1 cups water 2 cup milk 1 tsp vanilla extract Sprinkle of cinnamon 1. Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a small sauce pan. Add the rooibos tea and allow to steep for 5 minutes. 2. Add the milk and honey, and simmer for another 5 minutes. 3. Remove from the heat, remove the tea bag and whisk vigorously for a minute to froth the milk. 4. Add the vanilla. Pour into 2 cups and top with a sprinkling of cinnamon. Snuggle up and enjoy, hygge style!

Emillie Parrish loves having adventures with her two busy children. She lives in Victoria and is the author of the fermentation-based blog fermentingforfoodies.com.

December 2018 39

Now accepting applications for 2019/20 for all preschool programs

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’ve been rather fascinated recently with the idea of things working out as they’re supposed to as far as this whole “having kids and helping them become adults” thing goes. It’s sort of hard to explain without sounding like I’m dipping my toes into “everything happens for a reason” spirituality—I’m not—or spending some time getting acquainted with that legal weed—I’m not—so work with me here. As my daughter enters what I guess are her preteen years, I’m more bemused than annoyed by any sort of fast-talking ugh-stop-being-an-annoying-dad dismissiveness. I’m actually a bit intrigued by it; some of the behaviour comes from media and peer influence (okay, most of it) but I also wonder if it’s just the natural order of things.

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40 Island Parent Magazine

The other day, I was talking with her about an upcoming birthday party, joking that I would stay there with her to embarrass her. As she rolled her eyes at me I couldn’t help but chuckle to myself, as this is the kid who for the longest time would most certainly demand that I stay at birthday parties with her. Also, holy crap: looks like I’ve got a Saturday afternoon free if anyone wants to get a beer! Oh, wait, scratch that, still got the other kid. It makes sense, though, as our girl grows up and slowly but surely gets ready to take on the world by herself. At some point, dad’s not needed at birthday parties—hold on a second, just got something in my eye here—just like dad won’t be needed when she’s apartment hunting, when she’s going IslandParent.ca

for a job interview, when she’s being an adult in general. Lots of adults seem to find it necessary to grab me by the shoulders, stare me in the eye, and bark at me, “They grow up so fast, don’t they?” while I stare at them with a puzzled look in my eyes. This, honestly,

Greg Pratt Dadspeak happens on an alarmingly regular basis. Yeah, man: time flies when you’re stressed out and every day is about 20 hours long with a million things to do. And it’s not like I don’t agree, in a sense. But while I agree that it’s unfortunate that time flies, I don’t agree that it’s somehow bad that they’re growing up so fast. They need to grow up fast, after all. They’ve only got about 18 years to learn all this stuff: from flossing properly to what to wear at a job interview, from sorting the recycling to being polite to strangers. We’ve got to work pretty quick to get it all done. I don’t even know if it’s true or not, but I love that old animal-kingdom imagery of some bird throwing its baby off a cliff or whatever it is to teach them how to fly. I mean, dropping my kid off at a birthday party doesn’t really have the same consequences if things go south, but it’s kind of what we’re all doing to varying degrees: getting the little ones ready to be on their own. It’s not happening too fast. It’s happening as it should. I understand the sentiment, because I don’t want it to end either, and the thought that it will one day actually horrifies me. It horrifies me because I, like any parent, don’t exactly relish the idea of that first night when the kid has moved out and is sleeping in their new apartment. But it’s how things are. Things are happening as they should, and, yeah, the march of time is relentless and brutal, but it appears to me like everything is on track to happen when it should, as it should. The kids are alright, after all. And, yeah, they do grow up fast, and, to be honest, it breaks my heart, too. But I don’t think they grow up too fast. I think they grow up just right. Greg Pratt is the father of two children and a local journalist and editor. His writing has appeared in, among other places, Today’s Parent, Wired, Revolver and Douglas. IslandParent.ca

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Christmas Eve Family Service Dec 24, 4:30 pm A Paper Bag Christmas

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Also on Dec 24: Carols in the Candlelight: 7:30 pm (Brass quintet at 7 pm) The Magic of Wonder: 11:00 pm

December 2018 41

Separation Anxiety 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 250-544-2400 Saanich 250-519-5100 Saltspring Island 250-538-4880 Sooke 250-642-5464 Victoria 250-388-2200 West Shore 250-519-3490

ost infants go through a stage when they suddenly react with hesitation and fear to strangers or people they do not see every day. Parents have a key role to play in helping their children learn to cope with new experiences. Up to the age of around six months, most babies can be left with others and held by strangers without any protesting. However, at around six months of age, they may not like to be separated from their parents or may react with hesitation or fear to people they do not see every day. This can involve several different reactions from crying, to screaming, to clinging or refusing to separate from a parent. Separation anxiety usually reaches a peak soon after a child’s first birthday and disappears by the time the child is twoyears-old. Many things can cause infants

Triple P—the Positive Parenting Program, provides the following tips for helping you manage separation anxiety: • Spend quality time with your child. Infants cope better with new challenges when they have lots of warm, caring and enjoyable experiences with their parents. Look at, talk to, smile at and hold your child whenever you can. • Where possible, minimize separations. When you are home, try to have your child close by while you do your daily activities. When you must leave the room, either wait for your child to follow if they are able, talk so your child can hear you are near by, or pick your child up and take them with you. • Let your family and friends know what to expect. Let them know that your child is going through a shy phase and sug-

to react with anxiety, including unfamiliar adults looking at, speaking to, or trying to hold or play with them. It can also occur when there are loud, unfamiliar noises, or if parents attempt to leave their child with unfamiliar caregivers. Losing sight of their major caregiver can cause upset as your child doesn’t know how long the separation will be and cannot form a picture of their parent in their mind. It is normal and a sign of change in your child’s social development.

gest that they try to approach your child slowly by smiling, talking or offering something to play with. Do not force your child to be held by someone they do not want to go to as this can make the situation worse. • Give your child time to become comfortable with others. When your child meets someone new, let them stay close to you until they show you they are ready to explore, move around the room or be held by someone else. Do not try to force them

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

250-709-3050 250-755-3342 250-749-6878 250-755-3342 250-755-3342

Port Alberni Tofino

250-731-1315 250-725-4020

250-947-8242

North Island Health Units Campbell River 250-850-2110 Courtenay 250-331-8520 Kyuquot Health Ctr 250-332-5289 ‘Namgis Health Ctr 250-974-5522 Port Hardy 250-902-6071

viha.ca/prevention_services/ 42 Island Parent Magazine

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to mix with others. They will, when they are ready. Take some familiar things, such as a favourite toy or blanket into a new place to help your child feel safe and secure. • Respond to your child if they are upset. Infants can get more anxious when parents ignore their distress. The more anxious the child feels, the more likely they are to cling to their parents. If your child starts to cry when being held or spoken to by another adult, hold your child until they are calm. You will often be able to settle your child by simply picking them up, cuddling and speaking calmly and warmly to them. Do not criticize your child for not wanting to go to another adult.

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• Stay calm when your child is upset. Avoid becoming tense and anxious yourself as your child needs calm, confident, relaxed parenting when they are upset. • Let others you trust mix with your child. Try not to be too protective. Infants need lots of changes to meet and mix with others in familiar places. Experience will teach your child that you are still nearby and available, even if your child is with someone else. • Be consistent when you must leave. Find a phrase that you can always use to let your child know you are going away, such as “bye-bye for now.” This can help your child learn that you are going away but you will return. You can also choose a phrase when you return, such as “here I am,” so that your child knows the separation is over. Anxiety is a normal part of child development. As your child gets older and learns that you always come back to them, they will learn how to calmly separate from you and mix with others. For more Triple P tips and ideas for all ages and stages of development or to find Triple P services in your community, visit triplepvip.ca or Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/TriplepVIP.

Cindy Knott has worked for over 30 years supporting children and families in Manitoba and now in British Columbia. She is currently the Vancouver Island Triple P Coordinator and an adoption social worker. IslandParent.ca

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December 2018 43

Home for the Holidays M y children aren’t school-aged yet, but I’m betting—if children haven’t changed too much since I was in school—teachers are probably struggling to hold their students’ attention right about now. This time of year, the promise of presents and time off school might be a little distracting. Unfortunately, once kids are off school, the holidays might not be as rosy or fun as they are expecting. There are still siblings to bicker with, toys—new and old—to fight over, feelings to feel, and parents to annoy. Thankfully we have books. We can bury ourselves in stories so that we don’t have to deal with other people for a bit. Or we can read and learn how to better express how we are feeling or maybe even understand how our actions affect others. Here’s a list of books that explore familial relationships and other emotionally stressful things you might have to deal with over the holidays. The first book is Tooth by Leslie Patricelli (Candlewick Press, 2018). In Tooth a little baby gets his first tooth, and then a second, and then two more. It’s painful, uncomfortable, and a little bit exciting. The story also covers dental hygiene to remind little children that it’s important to both brush and floss their teeth. Finally, the little boy talks about things he is and is not allowed to bite. For example, he can bite food, but not friends. The simple pictures and bright backgrounds in Tooth are perfect for little children. While this book might seem like an odd one in this mix, it’s here because my oldest really did get his two front teeth for his first Christmas. And as almost anyone who has dealt with a teething child can attest, it’s an emotional time. For ages 0 to 2. Copy Cat which is both writ-

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ten and illustrated by Ali Pye (Nosy Crow, 2018), deals with relationships between friends; although, it also has a lot to say about sibling relationships. In this book Bella wants to be just like Anna. So she does the logical thing and copies everything Anna does. When there are two identical toys, Anna is okay with being copied. But when there is only one, she tells Bella to stop being such a copycat and walks off in a huff to play by herself, leaving Bella to figure out what to do on her own. If your children are forever arguing over toys or one is unintentionally annoying the other by copying everything they do, then this book is a good one to read with them. It will help the copied child realize that their sibling might be doing it just because they love them so much, and show the copying child how annoying it can be and that it is okay to play by themselves sometime. For ages 3 to 7. Another book that deals specifically with sibling relationships is What Are You Doing, Benny? by Cary Fagan and illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton (Tundra, 2019). This beautifully illustrated book follows Benny’s little brother as he tries to convince his older brother to let him play with him. But every time Benny’s brother asks to join, Benny says “No.” Eventually Benny’s little brother heads back to his room and starts to play by himself. But, unlike Bella, Benny’s brother uses his toys to act out the interactions he has with his older brother, and Benny sees. This story perfectly captures the loving and annoying ways siblings interact with one another. Like Copy Cat, What Are You Doing, Benny? is a great story to read through to help your children know their actions impact each other. For ages 3 to 7. If your children come and ask you for something to do, you can always direct them to Michael Rosen’s classic tale We’re Going on a Bear Hunt: Changing Picture Book (Candlewick, 2018). As you read through the book you can turn your home IslandParent.ca

into forests and blizzards that need to be walked through to find a bear. Or if you’d rather just sit and enjoy the story, this version has tabs on most of the pages so your child can change the pictures Helen Oxenbury drew. For ages 3 to 7. If you want to remind your child about everything that you do for them in an effort to get them to listen to you at least once, you can read them either Great Job, Mom! or Great Job, Dad! both of which are written and designed by Holman Wang (Tundra, 2019). Each book is a standalone poem that celebrates everything that moms or dads do for their families from carpenter to art curator.

Christina Van Starkenburg Book Nook If your child is intrigued by the pictures, Wang includes a little section at the back of each book that explains how he made all of the felt scenes. For ages 3 to 7. Hopefully, you and your family have lots of peace and happiness over the holidays. But if your children are getting on each other’s nerves—or yours—you can always take some time to read stories that can teach everyone the words they need to express what’s bothering them so you can go back to having a fun holiday.

LEARN TO MAKE CHANGES FOR A HEALTHIER FAMILY

Join other families with children ages 8-12 who want to be on a healthy weight and healthy lifestyle path. Build skills to: • Support your family’s health and quality of life • Eat healthy and be more active • Promote positive mental and social health To find out more about this FREE 10 week program: 1-888-650-3141 familyhealthyliving@uvic.ca www.familyhealthyliving.ca

NEXT PROGRAM JANUARY 2019

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Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/familyhealthylivingprogram Follow us on Twitter: @famhlthyliving Follow us on Instagram: @familyhealthylivingprogram

The Freya-Sophia Waldorf Store Beautiful selection of books, organic wool clothing, wooden toys, silks, dolls, cards, prints, painting and handwork supplies. STEINER BOOKSTORE: Extensive Selection of Inspiring Books and Resources ~ For Children, Parents, Teachers, Carers and Homeschoolers 250-597-4763 ~ Located in the Sol-Centre, 5380 Hwy. 1, Duncan, BC Regular Hours: Monday - Saturday 10 - 3; Closed Sundays. Additional hours for December: Thursdays and Fridays 10 - 6; 10 - 3 Dec. 23rd & 24th Find us on Facebook@freyasophiawaldorfstore - Follow us on Instagram

Christina Van Starkenburg is a freelance writer and mother of two young boys. You can read about their adventures at thebookandbaby. com. IslandParent.ca

December 2018 45

Family Services Directory

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 happybabysleepsolutions.com or call 250-857-1408 for a FREE evaluation. Let’s get started!

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

1Up, Victoria Single Parent Resource Centre (1-up.ca) provides support, education and resources for parents in the Greater Victoria area through free counselling, volunteer training, a mentoring program for single moms, and a support group for dads, as well as a variety of integrated life skills and parenting courses which are open to the whole community, with fees on a sliding scale. For single parent members, the Centre provides free toys and books, a clothing room and bread pantry. Donations of gently-used clothing, small household items, and toys are welcome. Hours: Mon., Tue., Thu., Fri.: 9–4, & Wednesdays: 12–7. Location: 602 Gorge Road East. Phone: 250-385-1114. Beacon Community Services is a communitybased, non-profit agency dedicated to helping people and improving lives on southern Vancouver Island and the southern Gulf Islands. Beacon thrift shops fund important LOCAL community services and programs. Beacon also offers: child, youth and family services (including the Peninsula Early Years Centre and child care); counselling; employment services and training for people of all ages; home support care; volunteer services and opportunities; affordable housing/care/supports for seniors and people with disabilities. For Home Support, please call 250-658-6407. For other programs: 250-6560134. beaconcs.ca. Beacon Community Services Employment Programs. Beacon Community Services offers a full menu of employment services on the Saanich Peninsula and Gulf Islands. We’ve been helping people find work since 1982! Our programs build on a person’s strengths and resolve barriers to finding and keeping employment. We also work with our employer network to support job seekers. Need help finding a job? Need employees? Contact us for FREE assistance! 9860 Third St. Sidney. 250656-0134. 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 our Parents Together program and parent workshops. For more information on all programs and services visit bgcvic.org or call 250-384-9133. 46 Island Parent Magazine

children, youth and adults on a sliding fee scale. Call us at 250-386-4331 or visit fsgv.org. We can help.

Canucks Autism Network (CAN) provides yearround sports and recreation programs for children, youth, young adults and families living with autism. Programs in Victoria, Nanaimo and Cowichan Valley include Intro to Physical Activity, Intro to Soccer & Basketball, Swim, Skate, Social Events (fall, winter and spring), Overnight Camp (summer), and Family Events (year-round). For more information, visit canucksautism.ca.

Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria (ICA) is a registered charity and nonprofit helping individuals and organizations to connect across cultures. Programs offered include immigrant and refugee services, parenting programs, employment services, interpretation and translation, diversity workshops and training, English language training, volunteer placements, youth programs and tutoring, seniors groups, and inter-cultural arts programming. CHOICES Adoption & Counselling is a licensed, Located at 930 Balmoral Road, 250-388-4728 info@ professional, non-profit agency that provides icavictoria.org, icavictoria.org. services to adoptive parents, birth-parents, and adoptees. CHOICES arranges adoptions domesti- LDABC The Learning Curve (previously The cally and internationally. We are committed to pro- Learning Disabilities Assn.) supports, educates and viding a comprehensive, client-centered adoption advocates for children with learning disabilities and service which best meets the needs of everyone related challenges. Individual and group support, in the adoption constellation. Please contact us at education and consultation is available for children, choices@choicesadoption.ca, or call 250-479-9811 youth, parents, caregivers and professionals. Please visit our website @ ldasvi.bc.ca or call us for more infor further information. formation or to book an appointment: 250-370-9513. Dialogue and Resolution Services (DRS) is the South Island’s only non-profit specializing in alter- Sooke-West Shore Early Years Centres provide native conflict resolution for both civil and family information to families about children and family matters. Offering quality, professional mediation, services, supports, child development and parentcoaching and parent coordination in a supportive ing. The Early Years Navigator will assist families environment for families, co-parents, co-workers with referral information for local early years proand neighbours, DRS works with clients to help gramming, child care, public health, special needs them create lasting, effective solutions. DRS also intervention services, and social supports. The offers its flagship “Communicating through Conflict” Sooke-West Shore Early Years Centres are hosted workshop series quarterly both days and evenings by Sooke Family Resource Society and located at throughout the year. Find us at 250-383-4412 or the Child, Youth, and Family Centres in both Sooke and the West Shore and can be reached at 250dialogueandresolutionservices.ca. 217-9243. Additional information can be accessed at sfrs.ca/early-years-centre.

Family Services of Greater Victoria

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

Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society (VIRCS) supports immigrants and refugees living in Greater Victoria. Services are free and include oneon-one 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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Committed Parenting

greatness, they know they can be and do anything they put their mind to and that they are caring human beings out to make their difference in the world. 2. I don’t want to be an angry, scary or too-busy parent that is missing all the important stuff right in front of me. I don’t want my kids to be ashamed or hold back here you are, lying in bed and about to to drift off to sleep. But you can’t. parts of themselves. I don’t want my family Moments of the day play like a movie reel on repeat: that moment you to be artificial or holding grudges.

raised your voice at your child…that moment your child stomped off with “that” look, letting you know their disdain…that moment you hear yourself saying, “Just one minute, I’m busy! Can’t I just finish this?!” So there you lie, waiting for blissful slumber, yet filled with regret, questioning your parenting skills and knowing that’s not how you wanted it to go. And if you really think about it, there are too many of these nights. How come it looks so easy for everyone else?

Hold on! Before you get going down that familiar road, as we all have been known to do, consider instead what you think this whole parenting gig is actually about? Take five minutes, grab a cuppa and ask yourself these questions: 1. What really matters to me as a parent? 2. What don’t you want for yourself as a parent, for my child(ren), and for my family? 3. What do you want for yourself as a parent, for your child(ren), and for your family? The answers to these questions are what parenting is about for you, and it is unique to each of us. These are our answers to the questions: If you asked me, Helen, a mother of four children ranging in age from nine to 18, and an occupational therapist who works with families with multiple needs, here’s what I’d say: 1. What matters to me is that all kids, including my own, are heard, loved and cherished. That they are compassionate, IslandParent.ca

caring and bodacious. That they live the biggest lives possible, problem-solve and thrive no matter what life throws at them. 2. What I don’t want is a grumpy, reactive adult leading the charge. I don’t want my kids to be left with negative messages that have nothing to do with them and everything to do with me. I don’t want my family to be an uptight, disconnected and directionless mess. 3. I want to be satisfied. I want a big, bold family who loves extravagantly and says what they need to say, for everyone to feel heard and do what is important to them, to contribute to the world. I want us all to thrive, dream big and to live life to the fullest, always with a background of connection and love. And if you asked me, Szara, a mother of five boys, ranging in age from eight to 19 (my youngest with autism and complex needs), and a life coach, here’s what I’d say. 1. What matters to me is that my kids know they are loved, they know their

Szara Turpel & Helen Preboy 3. I want to be proud as a parent, to be patient, kind, and to provide a safe space for them to discover and develop. I want my children to be heard and seen and celebrated for who they are. I want fun, love and connection and healthy communication in our family. What are you committed to? That’s your mission statement as a parent. Here is ours: I, Helen, am committed to being present in each moment for the good, bad and ugly! For us all to be heard, loved and connected. For us to be engaged, unfettered and thriving. I am committed to be partners in this grand old life, a guide and the best sidekick ever. I, Szara, am committed to celebrating each other and living to the fullest. I want to provide a loving, supportive environment where everyone is free to be their whole self and has a voice. I am committed to ensuring all children are heard, witnessed, and connected to their greatness and the limitlessness of life. What about you? Post your commitment somewhere you will see it. Create a routine to manifest it each day. This isn’t about being perfect or beating yourself up. This is a place to stand, to come from and give you access to actions—and a place to return to when you don’t know where else to go. This is your way. This is committed parenting. Helen Preboy and Szara Turpel are the proud mummas of—between them—nine kids. They believe families should be seen, heard and loved, and be inspired by who they are and what they are up to. They are the founders of CommittedParenting.life.

December 2018 47

Preschool & Child Care Directory If you’d like to be listed in the Preschool & Child Care Directory, please email sales@islandparent.ca Colwood/LANGFORD

Licenced group childcare for children ages 12 months to 5 years old. Open 6:30am-5:30pm. Leap Forward Dance School offers weekday and Saturday dance classes for children ages 2 and up. 2758 Peatt Road, Langford

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

Highlands

SAANICH Nestled on 4 acres of lush west Coast forest ,our Award winning, Nature based program will not disappoint! While firmly embracing the Reggio-Emila (Italy) Philosophy our dedicated team of educators use the environment as the third teacher as we encourage your child throughout their day. Our purpose built facilities have been handmade using the trees from our forest. We have recently expanded to our new Spirit bear Lodge located right next door! Programs for Infants/Toddlers and PreKindergarten children.

• Half day and Full day Preschool Programs • Children’s learning is nurtured and supported through exploration, discovery, play and creative expression 3905 Haro Road, Victoria BC

250-477-3731 arbutusgrove.ca Award of Excellence in Child Care

lexieslittlebears.ca

250-818-9225 info@leapforwardlangford.com

250-590-3603

www.leapforwardlangford.com

Coastline Montessori Childcare............... 250-881-6318 Experience an educational hands on learning environment for infants, toddlers and preschool age. Half-day program offered. Located in Langford off Latoria Rd. coastlinemontessori@shaw.ca.

METCHOSIN

CORDOVA BAY

West-Mont Montessori School.................250-474-2626 Exceptional preschool Montessori instruction in a beautiful natural environment. Ages 30 months and up. Providing a balanced approach to incorporating French, Music, Art and Nature. Stop by and experience what it is like to be part of a community devoted to the development of the whole child. Open House: Thursdays 9-11 am. west-mont.ca.

Carrot Seed Preschool.............................250-658-2331 Where children can discover, imagine, construct and learn through play. Wondrous natural playground. carrotseedpreschool.com. Cordova Bay Preschool........................... 250-658-3441 A bright and cheerful parent participation preschool with a philosophy of learning through play. 4 yr olds - M/W/F 9:151:15; 3 yr olds - T/Th 9:15-12:15. cordovabaypreschool.org.

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). Enriched Curriculum. Includes Music Classes and Character Development using the Virtues Project. Wait list being taken. Islandkids.ca. La Pré-Maternelle Appletree Preschool......250-479-0292 A French Immersion Preschool Program. 30 months to school age. Licensed Christian centre. prematernelleappletree.com.

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.

Metchosin Cooperative Preschool................................. Play Explore Learn and Grow in beautiful rural Metchosin. Morning programs available for 3 and 4 year olds. Contact our ECEs at metchosinpreschool@gmail.com.

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. Now offering Infant and Toddler Care.

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

• Licensed 2.5 hr and 4 hr programs, flexible part-time classes • Qualified ECEs offer play-based programs that stimulate curiosity and imagination and support optimum growth and development. Supported spaces available. • Indoor and outdoor programming, community visitors and special activities provide opportunities for learning through play and exploration. Fullobeans.ca 250-360-1148 saanichneighbourhoodplace.com

Island Montessori House.....................250-592-4411 Inclusive, integrated and nurturing Preschool and After School Care programs. Lovely rural setting with a focus on nature and outdoor environmental activities. islandmontessori.com. Lambrick Park Preschool & Childcare........ 250-477-8131 Gordon Head’s parent-participation preschool and childcare center. Flexible hours M-F 9am-3pm & drop-ins offered. Play based learning and outdoor play. Allergy friendly. Celebrating 40 years. lambrickparkpreschool.ca. Oakcrest Preschool................................ 250-472-0668 A welcoming, nurturing environment with a large, bright facility. Learn through play with 2 caring ECEs. oakcrestpreschool.org. 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. St. Joseph’s Early Learning Centre.............. 250-479-1237 A Christian childcare centre offering daycare and preschool programs for 3-5 year olds. Children learn through playbased and emergent curriculum in a warm and nurturing environment.

Looking for child care? Need help with the Affordable Child Care Benefit? Taking care of children? Need child care training?

Child Care

Resource & Referral Funded by the Province of BC

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

48 Island Parent Magazine

Call your local Child Care Resource & Referral for free referrals and resources. Victoria & Gulf Islands: 250-382-7000 or 1-800-750-1868 Sooke: 250-642-5152 West Shore: 250-391-4324 Cowichan Valley: 250-746-4135 local 231 PacificCare (Ladysmith north): 250-756-2022 or 1-888-480-2273

vancouverislandccrr.ca ccrr.bc.ca

IslandParent.ca

Pre-School Junior Kindergarten PaciﬁcChristian.ca 250-479-4532 Educational Excellence to the Glory of God Wiseways Preschool & Daycare........... 250-477-1312 Established, quality, licensed, Christian centre for 3-5 year olds. Experienced ECEs, cheerful spacious facilities, large playground. Subsidized fees welcome. Call for a tour. Wisewaysvictoria.com.

VICTORIA

VIEW ROYAL Island Kids Academy View Royal.............250-727-2929 High quality child care (ages 1-5). Enriched Curriculum. Includes Music Classes and Character Development using the Virtues Project. Wait list being taken. Islandkids.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. Full/part-time spaces available. viewroyalpreschool.com.

Queen of Angels Early Learning Centre...... 250-701-0433 Our Centre is a lively, happy place for 3-5 year olds where children are encouraged to be confident, independent learners in a nurturing and safe environment. Sunrise Waldorf School Preschool..............250-743-7253 In a warm environment, this nature and play-based program enlivens and nurtures the growing child. 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.

Nanaimo

DUNCAN

ASPENGROVE SCHOOL

Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12

v Comprehensive programs for Preschool through Grade 8 v Delivering academic excellence through music, dance, drama and visual arts v Outstanding educators, locations and facilities

Learn more today! 250-390-2201 AspengroveSchool.ca

N A N A I M O ’ S J K -12 I N T E R N AT I O N A L B ACC A L AU R E AT E W O R L D S C H O O L

www.ArtsCalibre.ca 250.382.3533 Castleview Child Care............................. 250-595-5355 Learning Through Play & Discovery. Licensed non-profit, ECE staff. Since 1958. Morning or full-time care. castleviewchildcarecentre.com. Centennial Day Care............................... 250-386-6832 Exceptional childcare and education 35+ years. Nature inspired, play based program. NEW central, “green” building. 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. Spacious, renovated facility with a huge backyard in Fairfield. cathedralschool.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. Arts/ Drama programme. kidsworks.ca. Rainbow Express Daycare....................... 250-382-2314 A nurturing environment for children to learn through play and discovery in a natural setting. ECEs and specialist teachers. rainbowexpressdaycare.com. Close to city centre.

International Montessori Academy of Canada................................................. 250-737-1119 Offers an enriching environment for preschool children 2-4.9 years with potty training. Nurturing young minds, keeping the spirit free. intmontessori.ca. 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.

Qualicum Beach Children’s Discovery Centre.....................250-752-4343 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.

-Bellaphoto-

Ross Bay Preschool.................................250-383-7445 Our positive and supportive program motivates children to learn, discover and grow through play. Contact us for a tour of our little blue school! 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.

maternity.newborn.family www.Bellaphoto.ca ##127 5th st. Courtenay

IslandParent.ca

December 2018 49

Winter is Coming…

Bee Prepared! T

hink back to our warm summer months. The times spent outside cycling through Beacon Hill Park, dipping your feet into the Haro Straight at Willow’s beach, or hiking around Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary were all great ways to spend a summer’s day. The long days and warm evenings drew everyone outside to enjoy our spectacular West Coast weather. The summer is also the most active time for animals, especially the busy bee. There are over 450 different kinds of native bee species found here in Victoria. Some live as social insects in a colony, while many more are actually solitary bees, living alone and relying on their own resourcefulness for survival. Whether these bees live in a collective hive, or alone in a burrow in the ground, every species of bee has their own way of preparing for the winter ahead.

Island Parent Magazine

IslandParent.ca

Our most well-known solitary bee is the orchard mason bee. These metallic greenblue bees are extremely effective pollinators that have adapted to working in our cool climate, flying in chilly and even drizzly weather. These bees survive the winter as young adults in a cocoon. During the summer, the female bees determine the sex of each egg, laying females at the back of the tunnels and males closer to the entrance.

Erica Van Dyk Nature Notes

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When the pollen mixture is completely eaten by the larva, it then spins a cocoon and slowly metamorphosizes into an adult bee. Once the transformation is complete, the adult bee within the cocoon sits motionlessly until the following spring when the temperature rises. The male bees emerge first, feed on nectar, wait for females to emerge from other nests, mate and then die.

What a life! The females carry on, laying eggs and pollinating flowers for four to six weeks before dying themselves. These hibernating cocoons are vital for the speciesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; survival for the next year. Even social bees survive the winter by waiting in a motionless state. Towards the end of the summer, a bumblebee queen will IslandParent.ca

December 2018

S T A G E S Performing Art School since1980

Call 250-384-3267 Email us at: stagesdance@shaw.ca Or visit our website: www.stagesdance.com

n a D e m Co

s U h t i W ce

• Offering classes for Teens and Pre-Teens in Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical, Tap. Musical Theatre, Acrobatics & Hip Hop, in a non-competitive atmosphere. • Not sure which class to take? Try a Drop-In: No hassle, No Obligation. 52 Island Parent Magazine

IslandParent.ca

lay her last brood of eggs, containing an additional number of queens. Once these queens emerge as adults, they will mate and then find a safe place to hibernate for the winter. They often look for small, protected places, such as the bottom of flower pots or holes in the ground. As the queens neither eat nor work, they burn little to no energy as they hibernate all winter long. The rest of the bumble bee colony does not survive the winter, but the species does continue in the spring. The warm temperatures wake the queen and she emerges to find a new hole for the hive and begins to lay eggs for a new season.

eat honey and metabolize this into glycogen; an important fat that serves as a long term energy reserve. The bee’s fat layers are loosely packed masses of soft tissue found in the spaces between organs, also helping to keep the bee warm. When outside temperatures reach 18 degree Celsius, the worker bees begin to cluster together around their queen. This cluster of bees within the hive conserves heat by diminishing the surface area from which heat can be lost. Once the temperature drops to 14 degrees Celsius, the cluster creates a compact outer layer of relatively quiet bees and an inner core where workers move about. These active

While bumblebees survive by hibernating, honey bees remain an active colony throughout the cold season. When autumn comes and flowers and pollen become scarce, the honey bee queen and the hive begin the winterizing process. The female worker bees eject all of the unhelpful male drones from the hive to conserve the vital honey stores which is used to provide energy reserves throughout the cold winter months. Open holes in the hive are then sealed with propolis, a mixture of saliva, bees wax and tree sap, to stop cold air from coming inside. The queen begins laying a new type of worker bee, known as “super” or winter bees. Typical summer worker bees live and work for approximately 15 to 40 days. Winter worker bees will live up to 140 days, supporting the queen throughout the winter season. Once her winter bees are laid, the queen will then stop laying eggs over the winter, but continued to be cared for and fed by the workers. To prepare their bodies for the harsh season ahead, super bees eat a massive amount of pollen which is stored in their bodies as vital proteins and fats. They also

bees will shiver, creating heat and keeping the hive at an adequate temperature. All this work actively draws on stored energy resources within the worker bee’s body and from stored up honey, but in the spring time, the remaining small hive will venture out once again, collecting nectar and pollen from the early blooms and prepare for another busy season. We can learn a lot from the bees including how to handle winter. For some of us, the chilly weather ahead is encouragement enough to get cozy, catch up on our rest, and eat a little more than we normally would. So go a head and take some cues from the bees: eat up, store away some tasty treats, and find a cozy place to nap and some friends or family to cuddle up with. In the meantime, all of us at Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary wish you a warm and safe winter season.

IslandParent.ca

Erica Van Dyk is a Program Naturalist at the Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary and invites you to the Nature House to come check out the educational honey bee hive!

Advertisers Directory 4Children............................................................ 43 Abra Kid Abra...................................................... 8 Arbutus Grove................................................. IFC Atomic Vaudeville.......................................... IFC Ballet Victoria.....................................................51 BC Transit............................................................ 27 Bellaphoto..........................................................49 Brown Henderson Melbye.............................51 Butchart Gardens..............................................19 Butterfly Gardens.............................................35 Childhood Obesity Foundation...................45 City of Victoria................................................. IBC Community Farm Store...................................45 Discovery School........................................... IFC First Met United................................................. 41 Humeira Studios................................................. 6 IMAX.....................................................................20 Island Circus Space........................................... 9 Island Montessori.............................................40 Kaleidoscope.....................................................23 The Kerplunks................................................... 27 Kool & Child........................................................21 Lifestyles.............................................................32 MacDonald Realty............................................. 17 Momease.......................................................... IFC Moss Street Market............................................4 Mothering Touch.................................................7 NIL TU,O..............................................................30 Oak and Orca..............................................18, 32 Pacific Coast Swimming.................................23 Red Balloon........................................................ 43 Royal BC Museum....................................... 9, 33 Saanich Dental...........................................34, 40 Saanich Recreation.............................................3 Selkirk Montessori...........................................39 Serious Coffee.................................................. 37 Skam......................................................................21 Smart Tutor.......................................................... 41 Stages.........................................................52, IBC St. Margaret’s.................................................... BC St. Michaels University School.....................38 Sutubra................................................................. 31 Swan Lake..........................................................24 Theatre One........................................................ 6 Thistle & Wren....................................................19 Thrifty Foods............................................... 12, 29 TJ’s The Kiddie Store...................................... 37 Tom Lee...............................................................45 Uvic Farquhar.................................................... 34 Van Island Psychological Services.............54 Victoria Academy of Ballet.............................. 8 Victoria Bug Zoo................................................51 Victoria Children’s Choir................................22 Victoria Gymnastics......................................... 43 VIHA.....................................................................42 Welcome Wagon............................................... 17 Westmont Montessori...................................... 41 Westshore Dental............................................... 5 Westshore Parks & Recreation....................28

December 2018 53

• What will you do and when? • What’s next? Note, these questions aren’t disguised as lessons. They are short and simple enough that it leaves room for the child to dig into their inner resources. They are the expert of themselves and what might work and and putting their experience into words how they feel about things. for them is the art of practicing unconditional love. Perhaps that is all you ever need to do. Don’t you feel better when someone just listens without taking over your issues? When there needs to be an idea Cut It Out! and a decision followed by action, it is better to pull out the child’s ideas. You can do this by asking simple questions. You can also practice coaching when This should never come before allowing the expression of feelings, but when there it comes to resolving family issues such is that pause, that release, you can coach as getting out of the house on time or participating in chores. If kids are able instead of taking over. Get curious and try asking simple ques- to contribute their own ideas, you win tions, giving your child time to think of cooperation—the action or process of working together for the same end. answers: • What about this really matters to you? • Tell me more about this? • What has worked for you before? LIFE Seminars has two books available, Side• What could this look like? stepping the Power Struggle and The Parent • What else? X 10 Child Connection. See lifeseminars.com.

Coach Don’t Fix G iving advice and fixing children’s problems might just dumb kids down. When kids are upset with whatever might come up in their lives, we can support them without taking over. Sure, we might have some ideas—and that can be helpful—but if you look at the bigger picture, learning to problem solve and develop confidence in this ability is part of living an empowered life. Advice giving is rarely helpful. As a matter of fact, it can be downright insulting. “Of course I thought of that already!” or “Why didn’t I think of that?” This can make a child feel inadequate. Also, we all want to experience autonomy, to make our own choices rather than being told what to do. Many kids feel resentful because they don’t have room to do this. Being present for kids when they are experiencing emotional upset is loving behaviour. Listening to their feelings

54 Island Parent Magazine

Allison Rees

IslandParent.ca

It’s Arena Season! • Learn to Skate Lessons for ages 2-12 years • Everyone Welcome Skates • Family Skates • Parent and Child Ice Play • Power skating for youth and adults

Join us on the ice and get active! victoria.ca/arena | 250.361.0732

S T A G E S Performing Art School since1980

Come Dance With Us

ses Clas l o ho .. e-S c angels. r P e t im ittle • Offering classes for Teens and Pre-Teens in Jazz, Day or the l f Ballet, Lyrical, Tap. Musical Theatre, Acrobatics

& Hip Hop, in a non-competitive atmosphere.

• Not sure which class to take? Try a Drop-In: No hassle, No Obligation.

Even the littlest angel can dance

Call 250-384-3267 Email us at: stagesdance@shaw.ca Or visit our website: www.stagesdance.com

JOIN US FOR AN OPEN HOUSE: November 23, January 30, February 15