February Island Parent

Island Parent Celebrating

27 Years

The Resource Publication for Vancouver Island Parents

February 2015

Confessions of an ‘Elder Primate’ Motherhood at 42 Empowering Kids with Our Trust Superwoman Got Her Pink Slip Letting Go of Being the ‘Perfect Parent’ Helping Children understand Death Make Something! teaching Our Kids to Be Creators, not Just Consumers

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Island Parent Celebrating

27 Years

on for Vancouver Island

The Resource Publicati

Parents

February 2015

Confessions of an ‘Elder Primate’ Motherhood at 42

Empowering Kids with Our Trust Superwoman Got Her Pink Slip Letting Go of Being the ‘Perfect Parent’ Helping Children Understand Death Make Something!

Be Teaching Our Kids to sumers Creators, Not Just Con

Educatio&n Schools Educational Services

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Island Parent Magazine

Contents: February 2015 Articles Make Something! ........................................................................................... 8 Confessions of an ‘Elder Primate’ ................................................................. 10 Empowering Kids with Our Trust ................................................................ 12 Bilingualism & Children’s Beliefs ................................................................. 14 Schools & Educational Services .................................................................... 16 Helping Children Understand Death ............................................................ 23 Superwoman Got Her Pink Slip.................................................................... 26 Creating a Good Sleep Environment............................................................. 34 Child Care Referral ...................................................................................... 35

Columns Editor’s Note .................................................................................................. 3 Dadspeak ..................................................................................................... 36 Healthy Families, Happy Families ................................................................ 38 Just Eat It! .................................................................................................... 40 Book Nook .................................................................................................. 42 Is There an App for This? ............................................................................. 44 New Parent Pages ......................................................................................... 48 Maternity & Beyond .................................................................................... 52 Nature Notes ............................................................................................... 54 Cut It Out .................................................................................................... 56

Departments IPM Notes...................................................................................................... 4 Party Directory....................................................................................... 24. 25 Family Calendar ........................................................................................... 28 Around the Island ........................................................................................ 33 Family Friendly Cowichan & Mid-Island ..................................................... 45 Family Services Directory ....................................................................... 46, 47 Preschool & Child Care Directory.................................................... 50, 51, 52 Business & Professional Directory ................................................................ 53 Island Parent Magazine, produced by Island Parent Group Enterprises Ltd., is a monthly publication that honours and supports parents by providing information on resources and businesses for families, and a forum for the exchange of ideas and opinions. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher. Letters (max 250 words) should be emailed to the Editor at editor@islandparent.ca. No material herein may be reproduced without the permission of the Editor. Unsolicited manuscripts are welcome and should be emailed to editor@islandparent.ca.

Island Parent Magazine is distributed free in selected areas. Subscriptions can be obtained by sending $32.00 (includes GST) with your name and address to the address below. Canada Post: Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement 40051398.

Island Parent Magazine

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

On the Cover: Kalla G. (5) Cover Photo: Erin Wallis, Erin Wallis Photography, erinwallis.com

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How Do I Love Thee?

...and 36 other questions designed to foster love

O

kay, you ready?” I unfold my list of questions and spread it out on the table in front of me. My husband, Barry, nods and takes a bite of his dinner, a tasty chicken tikka masala that, because we have the house to ourselves for the first time in roughly 20 years, is a bit more elaborate than what I might normally cook mid-week. But I’m glad I got carried away slicing and dicing and that the table is set with candles and wine.

As Barry chews, I explain to him that there are 36 questions on my list and that if he isn’t in love with me now—after 26 years of marriage—he will be by the time we finish…the questions, anyway, not necessarily the tikka masala.

The 36 questions on my list are the same ones psychologist Arthur Aron had various strangers ask each other in an experiment designed to prove that intimacy and, in turn, love can be accelerated through a specific series of questions. In the experiment, a heterosexual man and woman sit face to face and answer a series of increasingly personal questions. Then, as a final part of the experiment, they stare silently into each other’s eyes for four minutes.

The result: six months later, two participants were married.

Granted, Barry and I are already married, but the questions have made me curious.

They aren’t ones we would normally ask each other—and when I glanced at the list earlier, I thought, if asked to, we’d likely be able to predict each other’s answers—but, after reading about Aron’s findings, I’m intrigued. And if nothing else, his questions will make for unusual dinner conversation.

Barry eyes me suspiciously and takes another bite of his meal.

I smooth the paper and begin.

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“Given the choice of anyone in the world, whom would you want as a dinner guest?”

Without hesitating, except to swallow, he replies “You.” I raise my eyebrows.

“No, really. C’mon.” He’s playing it safe, I know. I am, after all, the one that just cooked his dinner. “Anyone else. Dead or alive.”

He glances at my questions.

“Where does it say ‘dead or alive?’”

“It doesn’t,” I say, waving away his question with my hand, already altering the list to suit my interests.

He answers. With several possibilities. Then I do, too—not able to settle on one answer, either—and we move on to the next question.

And the next. And then the next, taking more time to elaborate than we first thought we would. Before long, we are happily lost in the questions and conversation.

I first heard of Aron’s experiment in a recent New York Times article, “To Fall in Love With Anyone, Do This,” by Mandy Len Catron. For the article, Catron re-created the study with a university acquaintance. Though not complete strangers—and sitting across from each other in a bar, not a lab—Catron and her colleague spent an evening passing her iPhone back and forth, alternately posing each question.

Barry and I are doing the same thing—minus the phone—with my printed list.

What would constitute a “perfect” day for you?

Do you have a secret hunch about how you will die?

If a crystal ball could tell you the truth about yourself, your life, the future or anything else, what would you want to know?

Is there something that you’ve dreamed of

doing for a long time? Why haven’t you done it?

If you knew that in one year you would die suddenly, would you change anything about the way you are now living? Why? Before we know it, two hours have passed, the bottle of wine is empty, and the candles are

Editor’s Note Sue Fast almost out. It’s nearly midnight when we hear the front door open—signalling one child’s return—and we’ve still got 12 questions left, not to mention the four-minute stare.

I give Barry a quick glance—three minutes and 59 seconds short of what’s required—and reluctantly fold up my list of questions. We vow to return to the final 12 questions another time, even though the first 24 have confirmed what we already knew from the start—and from the day we each said “I do.”

The questions, more engaging than “Did you pay the phone bill?” and “What do you want for dinner?” reminded us, as Catron wrote, “what it means to bother to know someone, which is really a story about what it means to be known.” Not only did our answers surprise each other, but we surprised ourselves.

“We all have a narrative of ourselves that we offer up to strangers and acquaintances,” writes Catron, “but Dr. Aron’s questions make it impossible to rely on that narrative.”

As for Catron and her colleague, they did fall in love. But she is quick to point out that they likely would’ve anyway—with or without the 36 questions.

For the complete list—to try out on family, friends, neighbours, and strangers—visit nytimes.com/2015/01/11/fashion/no-37-bigwedding-or-small.html?_r=0 Happy Valentine’s Day.

February 2015 3

IPM Notes National Sweater Day On February 5, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) wants you to lower your heat and put on your favourite sweater to take action against climate change and work towards a sustainable future. Join Canadians across the country fighting climate change by conserving energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Heating accounts for 80 per cent of residential energy use in Canada, and is a significant source of emissions. If every Canadian lowered the heat by just 2ºC this winter, greenhouse gas emissions would be reduced by 4 megatons—equivalent to shutting down a 600 mega watt coal-fired power station. So lower the heat, wear that sweater, and make the world a better place for your grandchildren. For more information, visit sweaterday.com.

Vancouver Island Parenting Conference Spend Saturday February 7 from 8:30am4:30pm honing your parenting skills at the conference “Mental, Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Well-being.” Some of the topics include: Love, Fear, and Shame in Educa-

tion, and Parenting for a Peaceful World, both presented by Robin Grille; The New Science of the Teenage Brain, presented by Gary Anaka; Self-Regulation Is Now the Predictor of Social and Academic Success, presented by Dr. Richard Stanwick; and Beyond Hooking Up, Hysteria, and Hype: Realities of Youth and Sexuality in 2015, presented by Jennifer Gibson.

The conference will take place at Spectrum Community School, 957 Burnside Rd West. The $100 fee includes lunch and refreshments. All conference materials will be provided on a complimentary memory stick. As space is limited, registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, visit vipc.ca.

Bigleaf Maple Syrup Festival The sap will soon be flowing from Bigleaf Maple trees on the West Coast, and syrup makers from the area are sharpening their drill bits in anticipation. At the BC Forest Discovery Centre’s annual Bigleaf Maple Syrup Festival from February 7-9 (Family Day), from 10am-4pm, visitors are invited to participate in mini-workshops facilitated by experienced maple syrup producers, including tapping demonstrations, presentations, and displays. This year’s event features

cooking with local maple syrup, and maple foods will be available. The festival features a maple syrup competition with judging by celebrity chefs from Vancouver Island. The evaporator will be running all day so visitors can savour the warm maple aroma of sap and see how syrup is made. The train will be running every half hour.

For more information, visit enertelligence. com/bcforestdiscoverycentre/wordpress/.

LEGO Brick Festival in Sidney Check out Sidney Family Days—a LEGO Brick Festival on February 7, 8 and 9 from 10am- 4pm each day throughout downtown Sidney. Sidney will have activities on all three days of the Family Day weekend and each day Sidney restaurants and businesses will be open to welcome families. The theme this year is “Marine” and back once again is Robin Sather, Canada’s only LEGO professional, who will build a 6' Seaspan tugboat. Sidney’s Star Cinema will be showing the LEGO Movie and the Victoria Film Festival is hosting Jammies & Toons at 3pm on February 9 at the Charlie White Theatre (Mary Winspear Centre).

On February 7 at 10am, the Sidney Museum opens its doors to hand out the LEGO Brick Festival scavenger hunt maps. The

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Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre will feature underwater LEGO bricks and the Sidney Pier Hotel will host an interactive LEGO brick display by VicLUG. The fun continues Sunday February 8 in the same locations with all the same activities as well as the start of a Seaspan tugboat LEGO build. Certified LEGO professional Robin Sather will start constructing his masterpiece in the building on the waterfront at 9891 Seaport Place (AKA the Gracepoint Police Station).

On Monday February 9 all the fun activities continue. The Mary Winspear Centre will also have LEGO play areas for all ages, and a community open house where families can learn about the activities available to family and youth in the Sidney area. Enter your completed treasure map at the Sidney Museum for your chance to win a prize. For more information, visit distinctlysidney.ca/ section-events

Family Day Jammies & Toons Remember waking up at the crack of dawn to sneak downstairs for Saturday morning cartoons in your pjs and munching on your favourite cereal? Well for one day only, the Victoria Film Festival presents Jammies & Toons, Saturday morning cartoons on Family Day, Monday February 9 at 11am! Perfect for kids of any age: wear your favourite pyjamas and get a bowl of cereal. “Song of the Sea” is an animated adventure for the whole family from the Academy-nominated director of The Secret of Kells, running at the Vic Theatre at 11am.

For those who prefer seeing a movie in the afternoon, 3pm to be exact, there’s The Boy and the World— the hit film of the Annecy animated film festival—at the Charlie White Theatre in Sidney. Using marvellous rhythms of music and visuals rather than words, this is a story for all ages. Its star is Cuca, a simple and small country boy. One day, a train takes away his father to the city and Cuca must bring him back home. But when Cuca finds a world at war with itself, it’s an explosion of colour to tease and delight the senses. Can he survive it all? The Boy and the World also runs at the Vic Theatre a 6pm. Tickets $7. For more information and tickets, phone 250-389-0444, email boxoffice@victoriafilmfestival.com, or visit victoriafilmfestival.com.

Sibling Preparation for a New Baby Amidst the excitement of preparing for a new baby, Sibling Preparation is a workshop

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at Mothering Touch, 975 Fort Street, that offers a unique opportunity for families to celebrate the new brother or sister, answer their questions and prepare them for the journey ahead.

Topics will include: what babies like, what babies need, how a big-brother or big-sister can help with the baby, and how life will change and what can be done to make that okay. Depending on parents’ preferences, a video may be incorporated into the workshop. The class is on Friday February 13 from 5-6:30pm and will end with making a craft for the baby. For more information and to register, visit motheringtouch.ca.

The 14th Annual Maple Sugar Festival du Sucre d’Érable The largest bilingual festival on Vancouver Island runs February 13-15 at the Beban Auditorium located at 2300 Bowen Rd in Nanaimo.

In February of every year, Nanaimo pulsates with the rhythm of the Maple Sugar Festival du Sucre d’Érable. This bilingual festival is a one-of-a-kind event inspired by eastern Canada’s sugar shack traditions.

Over the course of three days, festivities will include educational presentations, performances by a diverse range of entertainers, and authentic traditional French Canadian food fare, notably the decadently sweet sugar toffy on snow. Come to Nanaimo and discover the Festival’s truly special ambiance, the joie de vivre, and the warm hospitality.

The Festival runs Friday, February 13 from 4-8pm, Saturday, February 14 from 9am-8pm with the official opening ceremony at 12 noon, and Sunday, February 15 from 9am-4pm. Admission: $7/adult, $6/member (with membership card), $5/student, $3 / children 6-11 years of age, and under 6 are free. For information, including an event schedule, visit francophonenanaimo.org.

Think Pink for Anti-bullying Day Pink Shirt Day, or Anti-Bullying Day, is on the fourth Wednesday in February every year. This year, that will be on February 25.

Now in its eighth year, Pink Shirt Day, a public awareness campaign about bullying spearheaded by CKNW and promoted locally by Boys & Girls Clubs, has grown into a national movement. Last year, over 2,500 official pink shirts were sold on Vancouver Island alone, and thousands more people wore pink clothing to show their solidarity for the campaign.

February 2015 5

IPM Notes Pink Shirt Day is aimed at uniting people in a movement to change people’s attitudes towards bullying. It teaches young people that we need to be more accepting of differences and that we cannot stand by and watch as bullying occurs around us. Schools, police departments, businesses, politicians and youth groups across Vancouver Island are using this day to raise awareness of the negative effects of bullying and show that any form of bullying will not be tolerated in their organization.

You too can join the sea of pink. Take this opportunity to address the issue of bullying with your children or teens by wearing pink, planning an event or activity, or just having an intentional conversation.

Boys & Girls Club also sells Pink Shirt Day pins for $5. These pins let you show your support for anti-bullying in the workplace and all year round. To order your pins, phone 250-384-9133. You can order your shirts throughpinkshirtday.ca or find tips, activity ideas and planned events by contacting Boys & Girls Club through bgcvic.org.

All proceeds from the sale of pins and a portion of the shirt sales will support Boys & Girls Clubs programs that provide safe, supportive places, where every child is listened to, respected and valued in an environment of inclusion and acceptance.

Wigs for Kids On Friday February 27, children’s hair salon Lizzy Lee & Me, in conjunction with BC Children’s Hospital, is hosting Wigs for Kids, a cut-a-thon fundraiser in aid of children who, for various medical reasons, have lost their hair and would benefit from a wig. The event will take place at the Shelbourne Plaza Lizzy Lee and Me Salon (3655 Shelbourne St) from 3:30-7:30pm.

Hair for donation must make a pony-tail 12" or longer. Children and adults can donate their hair, but it must be natural hair (never coloured or permed). $30 with a restyle and photo. Proceeds from regular haircuts will also be donated to Wigs for Kids. If you want to raise more money, pledge are sheets available at the salon. For information or to book an appointment (required), phone 250-590-5568 or email info@lizzyleeandme.com.

6 Island Parent Magazine

Dads Make a Difference Do you want help to be the best dad you can be? The Dads Make a Difference program in Duncan is a support system that helps dads to connect with each other and learn how to develop positive relationships with their children. Participants receive information on the importance of dads’ involvement in raising healthy children, from newborns through to teenagers. Hosted by the West Coast Men’s Support Society, this free program is held every Tuesday from 6-8pm at Suite 213, 80 Station Street in Duncan.

Program topics include: • Supporting the development of positive parenting skills • Exploring the important role discipline plays in your child’s life • Discussing fathering and your newborn • Supporting a healthy relationship to your partner and mother of your child • Developing skills, strategies and approaches for working dads vis-a-vis family life • Exploring how dads can improve upon their relationship with their partners or expartners and extended family.

To register for the program, contact the West Coast Men’s Support Society at 250597-2801 or email info@westcoastmen.org.

For more information, visit westcoastmen. org.

Support for Those with Learning Disabilities The Learning Disabilities Association of BC South Vancouver Island (LDA-SVI) works with students with learning disabilities to assist their learning and help them reach their potential. LDA-SVI currently offers support through academic skills programs, reading and writing programs, and social skills programs.

Some of the skills that can positively impact the lives of those with LD are: • Self-awareness. An understanding of their strengths and weaknesses (we all have them!). Helping people with LD to recognize their strengths and providing accommodations for their challenges is important for their learning, self-worth and overall well-being.

• The ability to compartmentalize their disability so they see it as just one aspect of themselves. Think about your own strengths and weaknesses. Now imagine if your identity was largely based on what you can’t do.

• The ability to make mistakes. Successful learners are willing to try new things and problem solve. It is crucial that children are taught by example that mistakes are an opportunity to learn, not a sign of failure.

• Tolerance for frustration. The ability to set goals and stick to it despite setbacks.

Learning can be fun but it can also be challenging at times.

• Presence of a support network. Never assume a child knows who they can talk to if they need help. Talk with your child about who they can go to for help in their care facilities and schools.

• Emotional coping strategies. As with anyone who is experiencing difficulty, children with LD require knowledge and skills to cope with anxiety and frustration and reduce the impact of stress.

For more information about how LDASVI can help your child, visit ldasvi.bc.ca.

HealthyFamilies BC HealthyFamilies BC (www.healthyfamiliesbc.ca) is an online resource for family health and wellness information. Whether you are looking for healthy eating tips, programs and supports for becoming more physically active, or information about healthy lifestyle initiatives where you work, live and play, HealthyFamilies BC features articles and parenting resources directed toward children of all ages. From ensuring your baby has the best possible start, to breastfeeding resources and strategies for coping with challenging behaviours, HealthyFamilies BC offers up-to-date information and practical tips for protecting your family’s health and well being. Online tools include: Breastfeeding Buddy, an easy and educational tool designed to help you and give your baby the very best start in life; Shopping Sense, a fun, interactive tool that provides you with access to useful information, tips and videos on how to make healthy, budget-wise shopping choices at the grocery store; Sodium Sense, a tool that illustrates which food items are higher or lower in sodium to help you make healthier eating choices in real life; Sugary Drink Sense to help you determine the amount of sugar you might be drinking; and The Workplace Check, an assessment tool for employers to check how their company is doing on workplace health. For information, visit www.healthyfamiliesbc.ca or email healthyfamiliesbc@gov.bc.ca.

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Victoria Kids Consignment Spring Sale Turn the items your children no longer need into money in your pocket. The Victoria Kids Consignment Spring Sale will be April 10-12 and organizers are looking for sellers with kids’ clothing, toys, books, games, baby gear, sports equipment and more. Every consignor with Victoria Kids Consignment (VKC) earns 60 per cent of the sale price of their items. Consignors who volunteer during the sale can earn as much as 70 per cent. You set your prices and VKC sell your items for you.

Participating in a Victoria Kids Consignment sale is easy. Register online, enter your items into the online inventory and tagging system, prepare your items and drop them off during your prearranged check-in time.

VKC sells your items over the weekend while you relax. You can choose to collect your unsold items at the end of the sale or let VKC donate them to a local charity for you. Seller payments are processed within 3 days after the sale.

Seller registration is now open and will remain open until 11pm on April 7. Register and find all the details at VictoriaKidsConsignment.ca.

If you own a family-friendly local business, having a vendor table at the next Victoria Kids Consignment sale is a great opportunity to get your products or services in front of moms, dads, grandparents and kids. Visit VictoriaKidsConsignment.ca/ Vendor-Info to reserve your space today. All sales are held at Eagle Ridge Community Centre located at 1089 Langford Parkway.

Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do It! Did you know that in Canada, 31.5 per cent of children are classified as either overweight or obese. These children are at increased risk for Type II Diabetes, high blood pressure, low self-esteem, and decreased perceived quality of life.

MEND (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do It!) is a free healthy 10-week lifestyle program for families with 7-13 year olds who are above a healthy weight. It empowers children and families to become fitter and healthier. It is a place for the entire family, a chance to meet new friends, and an opportunity to receive support families need to make healthier choices. The next session is on Tuesdays (6-8pm) and Saturdays (9:30-11:30am) from April 16-June 25 at Colquitz Middle School, 505 Dumeresq St. in Victoria. For more information and to register, phone 250-475-5412.• IslandParent.ca

February 2015 7

Rachel Dunstan Muller

Make Something!

Teaching our kids to be creators, not just consumers

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8 Island Parent Magazine

was a proud and grateful mama this last Christmas when all five of my children presented me with handmade gifts. From the first of my 22-year-old daughters, I received a beautiful purse stitched from reclaimed woollen fabric. It was the perfect size, and even featured a pocket for the cell phone I’m always losing. Her twin sister crocheted comfortable slippers for everyone in our family. From my 20-year-old, I received a lovely watercolour seahorse mounted in a re-used frame. My eight-year-old was understandably proud of the bookmark and beaded bracelet she made for me. Not to be outdone, my six-year-old had asked his father to help him make several simple wooden ornaments before the big day.

Such productive creativity may seem a little retro now, but it was the norm for most of human history. For millenia our ancestors produced everything they needed with their own hands: clothing, shelter, tools, baskets, pottery, even boats. As civilizations rose, many people began to trade or purchase what they needed from specialized craftspeople. Handcrafted goods gradually gave way to manufactured ones with the advent of industrialization. Over the last few decades we’ve completed the outsourcing process: almost all of our ‘stuff’ now comes from overseas factories.

The upside to all this outsourcing is obvious: as consumers we have an unprecedented selection of cheap things with which to furnish our homes and fill our closets. But that’s the downside as well. Manufactured goods are now so cheap that we can afford to accumulate far more than we need—at a much higher rate of consumption than our planet can sustain. We pursue quantity over quality, and the excess clutters our lives and overflows into our landfills. Sadly, there are environmental and social consequences at every stage of the process.

Which brings me to the value of teaching our kids to be creators as well as consumers.

When children of any age make something with their own hands, they are empowered.

They learn skills which can be built on and applied to increasingly complex projects.

They get a taste of self-reliance. They gain

an appreciation for the effort that went into their particular creation, and to other items like it. They learn to be resourceful—to use what they already have or can access for free in innovative ways. In other words, they reclaim a tiny bit of what was lost when we started relying on offshore factories to provide for us.

Teaching kids creative skills doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult—no matter what your own skill level happens to be. Here are some principles that have worked for my family: Start young. Children have a built-in desire to explore the world, and that translates into an innate creativity. Feed that natural creativity by letting your kids play with raw materials as soon as they can safely manipulate them: finger paints, felt and fabric scraps, playdough and modelling clay, lengths of yarn, scraps of wood, paper from the recycling bin. Give them access to more sophisticated tools and materials as they grow into them.

Think creatively about craft supplies. Craft kits tend to be expensive and over-packaged, and don’t foster true creativity the way more open-ended materials do. Cheap or free craft supplies are everywhere, if you know where to look. Start with your own recycling bin—newspaper and cardboard make great painting surfaces, and can be manipulated into all kinds of interesting three-dimensional objects and structures.

Local grocery or liquor stores are great sources for boxes. The heavy cardboard dividers inside many liquor boxes are a particularly wonderful material. If you are crafty yourself, you probably already have a wealth of leftover materials to offer your kids. If not, ask a crafty friend to save their scraps of cloth, yarn or wood. Thrift stores are also good sources for fabric, felt and other supplies. Search online for recipes for homemade playdough, clay and even edible finger paints. Look to nature for even more creative possibilities. Plant materials can be used for natural fabric dyes. Driftwood and seashells can become mobiles and sculptures. In her new book Common Threads, Vancouver artist Sharon Kallis provides detailed instructions for weaving kidsinvictoria.com

simple baskets using blackberry vines and other invasive plants available in our area.

Learn with them. You don’t need experience or natural talent to explore a new craft with your child. Watch a YouTube tutorial or how-to DVD to learn a new skill together, or ask a friend to give you and/or your child some pointers. My oldest daughters learned to knit and crochet from two of their aunts.

After a decade of experimentation, they can now make all kinds of complex things without patterns.

When children of any age make something with their own hands, they are empowered.

They learn skills which can be built on and applied to increasingly complex projects.

Emphasize process over product. Nothing shuts down creativity like criticism, even if it’s intended to be constructive. I am continually amazed by my six- and eight-year-olds’ bold drawings and fantastic three-dimensional creations. The secret lies in their lack of inhibition. They don’t feel pressured to produce perfect “art”—they’re having far too much fun exploring the possibilities of colour, pattern, and form. Watch your own self-talk as well. Just because you haven’t acquired a specific creative skill doesn’t mean you couldn’t learn it with time and effort. You’ll set a fabulous example for your kids if they see you persevere to learn a new skill from scratch. And remember: creativity itself is a skill. Like any other, it gets easier with practice.

Keep them inspired. Bring home craft books from the library, and picture books illustrated with mixed media. Visit museums, galleries and artisan workshops together. Watch for creative community events. Attend live theatre. Carry a sketch book on your next urban walk or nature stroll. To keep your kids engaged, continue to introduce more challenging tools and mediums as they grow.

Have fun! If your kids aren’t interested in a particular creative pursuit, don’t force it.

Creativity isn’t meant to be a chore.

Happy creating!

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

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February 2015

9

Allyson Whiteman

Confessions of an ‘Elder Primate’ Motherhood at 42

I

have a confession to make.

I was 42 when I had my first child. I also had graying hair. There is a long explanation about how I came to be 42 and pregnant for the first time, but that is not the story I want to share here. What I want to share is the story of my experience being an older mom and how sometimes labels get in the way.

It begins in a doctor’s office early on in my pregnancy. I was informed that I was an “Elder Primate.” This surprised me as I was absolutely sure I was not an ape! As it turns out, an Elder Primate is a medical term used to describe a woman over 35

3-5 yrs Pre-primary School

who is pregnant for the first time. Although there were no actual problems with my pregnancy, the Elder Primate status gave me a high-risk pregnancy standing. This meant that more procedures were offered to me as my pregnancy went along. For example, the doctor wanted to do weekly non-stress tests starting at my 36th week of pregnancy.

When I asked why, I was informed it was because of my age. I asked the doctor if there was any indication that I or the baby were having difficulties. The answer was no, so the doctor and I were able to agree that if I had not delivered before 40 weeks I would

have a non-stress test at that time like most other pregnant women do regardless of age.

I confess that navigating my way through the medical system was tough at times. I had to keep checking about whether I really needed a procedure or if it was being suggested based on my age.

As I moved through my pregnancy, my body continued to do all of the wonderful things that a pregnant body does and soon it was time to buy a bigger bra because I could no longer fit into my pre-pregnancy ones. Off I set to a maternity shop to make my purchase. I walked into the shop and over to the sales counter where I said that I needed to buy some bras. The salesperson behind the counter said to me “this is a maternity shop.” The unspoken message was “You don’t belong here.” I was stunned and not sure how to respond. “I am pregnant,” I said. “Show me,” she responded.

So I unzipped my winter coat and revealed my growing baby. “Oh, how exciting,” she exclaimed and quickly ushered me into a change room without acknowledging the inappropriateness of her first comments.

I confess that being an Elder Primate was tough on my ego at times.

In August of that year, our beautiful son

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was born healthy and amazing. As soon as I could, I took him for walks in his stroller.

Now, any of you who have actually done this know that a newborn in a stroller attracts a lot of attention. Curious people would stop me so they could have a peek and comment on how sweet he was. “You must be such a proud grandmother,” they often said. I will confess, I did correct them. This was my long awaited child and I was proud to be his mother. “I’m his mother,” I would say. After an awkward moment I would usually hear “Oh really, how wonderful.”

“Yes it is,” I would reply. As this experience continued to repeat itself, I felt frustrated at not being recognized for who I was.

Like a lot of new mothers, I wanted to do the things for my son that would help him to be happy and healthy. For me that meant I went to different baby groups with him.

Not only were they good for him, they were good for me too. Well, eventually they were.

In the January following his birth, I attended the first session of a baby group. Like most baby groups, there was a lot of chat among the people there regarding the babies ages, and sleep and eating habits, although I found there wasn’t a lot of chatting with me. Between that session and the next I had had the grey parts of my hair coloured as a way of freshening myself. I felt dingy being at home exhausted and constantly covered in the foods my son was trying out. When my son and I returned to the baby group the next week I was included in the conversations a lot more. I marveled at what a difference the change in my outward appearance had seemed to make and I confess that fitting in felt really good.

I have one final confession to share from my experience as an Elder Primate. When my son is racing towards me to run into my arms, I am filled with awe, wonder and love for this little person. It is in that moment I realize that this is the commonality between all parents, the thing that reaches across age and universally connects us all.

These moments of being filled with love that knows no limits. Our love for our children makes us far more similar than we are different and reminds me that labels are just that, labels, and are often more useful on clothing.

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IslandParent.ca

February 2015 11

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Empowering Kids with Our Trust

T

he other day my seven-year-old bounded off the school bus, checked both ways when he crossed the street, and threw his arms around Maple, his tail-wagging dog.

While I held onto Maple, my son took his younger sister’s hand and we started our short five-minute walk home along one of the busiest stretches on Pender Island. As we neared our corner, I breathed a sigh of relief. Our street was quiet and in a beautiful sunny valley, but its entrance was on a sharp curve at the bottom of a steep hill. I’d seen more accidents here in my 11 years than I cared to remember.

“You know Mom, I think I’m big enough to walk home myself now,” said Sam. I was struck dumb. I thought about those occasions when he was too busy thinking about big things to watch for traffic, like the day a dump truck came barreling towards us and I had to direct him into a pile of hay on the shoulder of the road. Or the odd vehicle that, after the driver had seen us at the last minute, skidded at the foot of the hill, scattering loose gravel.

“But I love meeting you at the bus stop,” I said.

And it was true, but I knew in the next year or so I’d have to stretch my boundary, for his sake.

This brought up feelings of trust. If all goes well in the parenting world and our children are loved and have their basic needs met, then their innate trust grows. We on the other hand must guide them from our experiences and hope our teachings are enough. Then we must let go.

A few years ago Sam decided he wanted to climb trees. I stood at the bottom while he clambered up a Douglas fir in our backyard.

“How far can I go?” he asked.

Without hesitation I answered back, “Just listen to your body.” I was relieved when he stopped halfway up. He later told me that he wanted to keep going but his stomach felt strange. Trust is defined as having the reliance, integrity, strength, ability, and surety of a person or thing. I think Sam and I were both empowered that day.

I suspect there are going to be many more of these examples in the coming years. We all had those “near misses” or “growth experiences” in our adolescence and I think that every child deserves freedom to explore and learn their independence. But how do we stop from projecting our trust issues on them when we fear for their safety? I once witnessed a teenager asking to borrow his parents’ car keys. The mother was hesitant.

She didn’t think it was a good idea on ac-

A few years ago Sam decided he wanted to climb trees.

I stood at the bottom while he clambered up a Douglas fir in our backyard. ‘How far can I go?’ he asked. count of it being a dark and rainy night and that his friend lived down a steep driveway.

Her son grew more annoyed and reluctantly handed over the keys. It was easy to relate to both sides. Psychological Projection can be summed up as having uncomfortable thoughts or feelings that we put on others when they are actually our own emotions.

There are all kinds of examples; many of us do this without even being aware of it in order to reduce our anxiety.

Perhaps rephrasing our answers would help inspire our children to seek our trust in them. What if we hand over the car keys and say to them, “You are a good driver and I trust you. I know that you’ll navigate the roads safely on this dark and rainy night.”

Or, “I feel confident that with a little more practice, you can walk home from the bus stop alone.” Not only would it validate them, it would also project our belief in them and in the end they may just want to prove us right.

Sarah Conley lives on Pender Island with her husband and two children. Her passions include writing, gardening, and raising her family. kidsinvictoria.com

IslandParent.ca

February 2015  13

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Bilingualism & Children’s Beliefs K

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ids exposed to two languages have different expectations than those who are monolingual, according to a recent Concordia University study.

Most young children are essentialists: They believe that human and animal characteristics are innate. That kind of reasoning can lead them to think that traits like native language and clothing preference are intrinsic rather than acquired.

But a recent study from Concordia University suggests that certain bilingual kids are more likely to understand that it’s what one learns, rather than what one is born with, that makes up a person’s psychological attributes.

The study suggests that bilingualism in the preschool years can alter children’s beliefs about the world around them. Contrary to their unilingual peers, many kids who have been exposed to a second language after age three believe that an individual’s traits arise from experience.

For the study, psychology professor Krista Byers-Heinlein and co-author, Concordia undergraduate student Bianca Garcia, tested a total of 48 monolingual, simultaneous bilingual (learned two languages at once) and sequential bilingual (learned one language and then another) five- and six-year-olds.

The kids were told stories about babies born to English parents but adopted by Italians, and about ducks raised by dogs. They were then asked if those children would speak English or Italian when they grew up, and whether the babies born to duck parents would quack or bark. The kids were also quizzed on whether the baby born to duck parents would be feathered or furred.

“We predicted that sequential bilinguals’ own experience of learning language would help them understand that human language is actually learned, but that all children would expect other traits such as animal

250-383-5125 | 912 Vancouver Street | www.cathedralschool.ca 14 Island Parent Magazine

kidsinvictoria.com

vocalizations and physical characteristics to be innate,” says Byers-Heinlein.

She says she was surprised by the results.

Sequential bilinguals did, in fact, show reduced essentialist beliefs about language— they knew that a baby raised by Italians would speak Italian. But they were also significantly more likely to believe that an animal’s physical traits and vocalizations are learned through experience—that a duck raised by dogs would bark and run rather than quack and fly.

“Both monolinguals and second language learners showed some errors in their think-

Inspired to Learn Guided by Character Empowered to Lead

‘Monolinguals were more likely to think that everything is innate, while bilinguals were more likely to think that everything is learned.’ ing, but each group made different kinds of mistakes. Monolinguals were more likely to think that everything is innate, while bilinguals were more likely to think that everything is learned,” says Byers-Heinlein.

“Children’s systematic errors are really interesting to psychologists, because they help us understand the process of development. Our results provide a striking demonstration that everyday experience in one domain—language learning—can alter children’s beliefs about a wide range of domains, reducing children’s essentialist biases.”

The study has important social implications because adults who hold stronger essentialist beliefs are more likely to endorse stereotypes and prejudiced attitudes.

“Our finding that bilingualism reduces essentialist beliefs raises the possibility that early second language education could be used to promote the acceptance of human social and physical diversity,” says ByersHeinlein.

For more information about the study, visit Concordia University’s psychology. concordia.ca/

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February 2015 15

Schools & Educational Services I

n the following pages you will find a range of educational resources from preschool to post-secondary. For more information about these programs, please refer to the advertising in this issue.

Preschools

Arbutus Grove Children’s Centre has a long history of providing outstanding early learning programs to the Victoria community.

We previously operated as Goosey Gander Kindergarten before moving to our new 1.4 acre site with a large natural playground surrounded by urban forest, located in the UVIC area. We offer half- and full-day preschool programs for 3 & 4 year olds and a small after school program for K-Grade 1 students attending Frank Hobbs. Each child’s sense of wonder, curiosity and innate desire to learn is nurtured and supported through inquiry, exploration, play and creative expression. arbutusgrove.ca or 250-477-3731.

ArtsCalibre Academy. There’s a reason why the first years of a child’s life are considered “formative”—they truly form the person, and profoundly influence the path and quality of the rest of their life. We believe

that Fine Arts are the perfect vehicle for this formative process. Through our structured but fun program of music, dance, theatre and visual arts, children not only absorb these and all academic subject with enthusiasm and ease, but they also develop the creativity, confidence and social skills to successfully apply them throughout their future. It’s this philosophy and comprehensive program that sets us apart from every other preschool.

It’s the Art of Preschool. ArtsCalibre.ca.

250-382-3533.

Carrot Seed Preschool. We provide a wonderfully rich, inclusive environment for children to play, explore and “live in the moment,” so they can grow into independent and self-directed individuals. We have a large and natural play space which gives them the room needed to engage both big-muscle and fine-motor skill exploration. There are lots of opportunities for imaginative play,

and we love to change our materials to expand that play. We encourage curiosity in children. We help guide them as they seek out answers and encourage them to “ask why” as much as they like. Our teachers pay close attention to the interests of the children, and provide the environment and materials needed to support their curiosity.

250-658-2331.

Christ Church Cathedral Childcare & Jr. Kindergarten. ECE and specialist teachers provide an outstanding all day licensed program for 3- and 4-year-olds. New location next to St. Matthias in Fairfield opening Spring 2015. cathedralschool.ca.

250-383-5132.

Emmanuel Preschool is a welcoming and inclusive Christian preschool, where students with special needs have the support of two additional teachers. Our morning classes are offered either two or three days

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16 Island Parent Magazine

kidsinvictoria.com

Maple Leaf School of Ballet Vancouver Island’s Premiere Russian Ballet School Recreational and Pre-Professional Programs Ages 3 to Adults Vaganova Technique World Class Faculty Master Classes International Summer Intensive

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

18 Island Parent Magazine

per week. Both programs are for 3 and 4 year olds and include stories, games, singing, arts and crafts, science activities, free play (indoors and outdoors) and some field trips.

Each class is licensed for a maximum of 20 children and has two licensed and experienced Early Childhood Educators. Our staff strive to teach and model Christian attitudes and values, and to maintain a warm, caring and safe environment. For more information, visit emmanuelpreschool.ca. 250-5980573 or preschool@emmanuelvictoria.ca.

Full o’ Beans Preschool, at Saanich Neighbourhood Place, is a licensed Early Learning and Care program for your preschoolers aged 3 to 4. Believing that play is an essential tool for learning, qualified Early Childhood Educators offer play-based programming designed to stimulate your child’s natural curiosity and imagination. Children enjoy many classroom activities in addition to having access to our playground, nearby parks and the amenities of the Pearkes Recreation Centre where we are located.

Field trips, community visitors and special activities round out our calendar, providing opportunities for learning through play and exploration. Call 250-360-1148 for information.

Island Kids Academy. An enriching experience for children, providing an invaluable support for working families. Children participate in a nurturing, safe environment where they are free to choose activities that support their individual development and learning. Island Kids incorporates the Virtues Project, which focuses on universal virtues (respect, kindness, understanding, appreciation, enthusiasm), using teachable moments to learn how to practice these in everyday life. Preschool curriculum is offered within all-day care, ensuring that children are well prepared for life-long learning. Community programs such as swimming and music education are offered.

Local, environmental and global awareness are a focus within our business practice and programming. Part-time and full-time spaces are available. 250-413-7429 Island Montessori House School. Dr. Maria Montessori developed the Montessori method of education with the understanding that each child has a natural desire and ability to learn. The staff of Island Montessori is committed to providing a rich, safe, developmentally appropriate and caring environment, and to establishing rapport with each and every child. Our child-centred program promotes a sense of well-being, confidence

and independence. Individual and group activities foster growth in all areas of development. We are proud to have children in our school from a variety of economic, ethnic and religious backgrounds, as well as a whole host of abilities and special needs.

Our rural location at 5575 West Saanich Road is beautiful. islandmontessori.com.

250-592-4411.

Lansdowne Preschool is a parent run preschool operating since 1954. Our focus on parent involvement smooths the transition from home to school while creating a supportive parent community. We are committed to learning through play. Whether in our indoor classroom full of art, tactile play and creativity, or our outdoor classroom with its large sandbox, rock garden and water play areas, our exceptional ECEs act as guides, encouraging the students’ sense of wonder and curiosity. Free drop-in Mondays, 2:30pm-4pm. Open House January 31st, 10am-noon. lansdownepreschool. com. 250-370-5392. Carnarvon Centre, 2801 Henderson Rd. Miles of Smiles Nature Junior Kindergarten.

Come See Why Learning in Nature Rocks!

For Ages 3-5. Reggio Influenced Philosophy Child Led Learning. Register Now for Limited Spaces. An amazing opportunity for children to fall in love with nature IN nature! “Tell me and I’ll forget, show me and I may remember, involve me and I’ll understand” Chinese Proverb naturejuniorkindergarten.com.

Nightingale Preschool and Junior Kindergarten. We are passionate about quality in Early Years Care and Education and aim to provide this in a stimulating atmosphere with a creative curriculum. We pride ourselves on our ability to encourage each child’s individual development through play, interaction, living, example and teaching.

These principles shape our philosophy towards childcare and are brought to life in a fun, exciting, healthy and educating way by our team of quality childcare professionals.

Our commitment to families is to provide a learning environment which promotes the highest quality childcare, nurture each child’s individual qualities, needs, potential and growth. Above all, we aim to make learning fun! nightingalepreschool.com E-mail or phone to book a tour: Tel: 250595-7544.

Oak and Orca Pre-primary School is a licensed facility offering bioregional programming for 3- to 5-year-olds. Founded on twelve years of experience in quality instruction for children, the pre-primary kidsinvictoria.com

offers an early learning curriculum based on child-directed learning, individual awareness and choice. Natural learning is supported through investigation, experience and play. Relationships take priority for teaching time, where a focus on needs helps create harmony and self awareness. Regular out trips connect youngsters with the natural world, while at the school they enjoy experiences in science, math, language and more.

Located in the Hillside area, the program is run by an ECE and certified teachers. Info: oakandorca.ca; 250-383-6609.

Strawberry Vale Preschool. Do you want an opportunity to be actively involved with your preschooler’s education? Would you like to participate in the classroom where you can watch your preschooler’s confidence grow? Are you looking for friendships with families that have similar educational values? Join our caring community of parents and passionate educators who encourage your child to explore their own interests and try new experiences. Strawberry Vale’s program fosters your child’s independence, creativity, and curiosity. Seasonal themes engage your child and encourage a passion for nature and an understanding of the world. Participating in a cooperative preschool provides a foundation for successful life-long learning. Open House dates throughout February; See website for details. strawberryvalepreschool.org.

Vancouver Island Co-operative Preschool Association (VICPA). Co-operative preschools are special and unique. Early childhood educators and parents work together on education programs that emphasize “Learning Through Play”. Visit one of our 14 co-operative preschools located on Vancouver Island and the surrounding Islands to discover how these schools strengthen families and communities. Co-operative preschools provide educational and creative play activities in half-day programs to children aged 3-5 plus orientation and education programs to parents/caregivers. Classes are small, warm, and nurturing, providing children with considerable individual attention and time to “Learn Through Play”.

Members of VICPA are listed at vicpa.org.

Schools

ArtsCalibre Academy. Imagine a school… where music, dance, theatre and visual arts are infused into all aspects of an outstanding curriculum. The result is a learning process in which students experience, explore, exercise, and express themselves in order to truly understand and remember. Our structured IslandParent.ca

but dynamic program consistently exceeds the B.C. Ministry of Education’s Curricula for Kindergarten to Grade 5. Dedicated, highly qualified educators, excellent facilities and central Oak Bay location, which is also home to our Junior Kindergarten. We also offer Preschool for 3 and 4 year olds within the Cedar Hill Recreation Centre’s beautiful new Fine Arts wing. ArtsCalibre. ca. 250-382-3533.

Christ Church Cathedral School (CCCS) is Victoria’s Anglican Elementary and Middle School, welcoming students from all backgrounds. CCCS offers before and after school care, a wide range of extra-curricular programs, small class sizes, high calibre learning in math, science and technology, a strong focus on fine arts and progressive athletics programs. Weekly chapel service and seasonal performances are held in beautiful Christ Church Cathedral just a few steps away. Through focused encouragement of personal responsibility, self-discipline, community service and engaging learning opportunities with dedicated teachers, CCCS helps children realize their true potential. cathedralschool.ca. 250-383-5125.

The Conseil scolair francophone de la Colombie-Britannique (CSF), also known as BC’s Francophone School District (SD No 93) was created in 1995 to serve Francophones across the province. Since its creation in 1995, the CSF offers educational programs and services geared towards the growth and cultural promotion of the province’s Francophone learners. An active partner in the development of British Columbia’s francophone community, the Conseil has presently in its system, and distributed across 78 communities in the province, over 4,350 students and 38 schools, which includes 21 homogeneous schools. For more information visit www.csf.bc.ca (604)-2142600 or 1-888-715-2200, info@csf.bc.ca.

Is your child struggling in school? Does your child require an individual program with adaptations/modifications, and deserve it to be presented by a trained, qualified teacher in a low student ratio classroom?

Are you looking for a school with a quiet, nurturing, Christian atmosphere that encourages academic development, perseverance, responsibility, and organizational skills? Look no further! For thirty-seven years Discovery School has been providing these services for struggling students. The school offers grades 1-12, follows B.C. curriculum, is Ministry inspected, and is the only school on the island providing this

special education. Find more information at discoveryschool.ca or call 250-595-7765.

Each child holds our attention at Glenlyon Norfolk School (GNS), an independent day school that is a humble, caring, and thriving community. As one of only eight IB World schools in Canada offering all three IB programs, GNS is proud of its unique ‘IB Advantage’: a 21st-Century education which educates the whole child and creates global thinkers. Our strength lies in meeting students where they are and in providing them the skills and opportunities to explore who they will become. GNS is now accepting applications for September 2013. Financial assistance is available. Call 250-370-6801 or visit w3w.mygns.ca.

Lighthouse Christian Academy is an independent school from grades K-12. The teachers, students and parents work together to create a safe and inclusive environment for all. This allows the freedom to be comfortable with who we are, both in the classroom as well as on the playground. A safe environment means that students are able to enjoy the reason we are here…to learn.

If you would like to see your child thrive in a school where teachers believe in striving to help students reach their full potential, then we would encourage you to visit lighthousechristianacademy.com to learn more.

Oak and Orca Bioregional School is an affordable option for Kindergarten to grade 11 in the Hillside area. The BC curriculum is offered in an individualized format through practical, engaging, child-directed learning.

The ungraded program uses independent learning logs, conferences and workshop choices to provide children with the structure they need to learn at their own pace.

Regular field trips encourage connections with the natural and cultural heritage of our home place. As part of a community of learners, children are able to communicate effectively, think and act creatively, and develop into responsible ecological citizens. Join a unique learning community!

Call if you are curious about child-directed learning and bioregional education. Info: oakandorca.ca; 250-383-6609 or 1-888383-6619 outside of Victoria.

Pacific Christian School: Educational Excellence to the Glory of God. PCS nurtures students in Christ-like living, critical thinking and joyful service to be faithful citizens in God’s world. PCS is committed to a Christian program of instruction helping children gain a true Biblical perspective of who they are, and prepares them for a life of dedication and service to God. By February 2015 19

developing a sense of goal-directedness, coupled with skills of self-discipline and self-evaluation, children will be equipped to develop their talents and gifts to their fullest God-given potential. Quality academics, athletics and more. Accepting registrations for pre-school to grade 12. PacificChristian. ca. 250-479-4532.

Royal Oak Middle School (ROMS) is a dynamic and vibrant learning community that meets the needs of students throughout the city. Royal Oak is a 21st century school that provides students in grades 6, 7, and 8 unique opportunities to engage in their learning and promotes the development of each student’s potential. Academics, Athletics, Fine Arts and Applied Skills, French and extra curricular activities are the foundation curriculum that builds confidence and promotes personal and global responsibility. We value all parents/guardians and the larger school community and the role they play in the lives of our students as lifelong learners. royaloak.sd63.bc.ca.

At St. Margaret’s School, we seek to empower each girl to set her own course and shape her own dreams. Tucked away on 22-acres in Victoria, SMS is an international centre for girls’ learning where your daughter can be herself, build confidence, and be a leader. SMS teachers and our unique environment offer rich resources and challenges to support each girl’s development as a student, an individual and a global-minded citizen. Our traditional academic program from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 is supported by experiential programs and a focus on service to engage students in learning beyond the classroom. Enjoy the benefits of a small school from personalized programming to high participation in athletics, extensive extracurricular opportunities, and our tight-knit community where each girl is known and driven to achieve. For more information including scholarships, visit stmarg.ca or arrange a tour: 250-4797171 or admissions@stmarg.ca.

Spring Break is coming and when students want to tackle something new and exciting, the Spring Break programs at St. Michaels University School offer plenty of ways for young people to be engaged and entertained.

From baking to sports to animation, holiday programs are diverse and engaging. The Passion Sports team also returns with more sell-out elite basketball camps. The Spring Break Programs at St. Michaels University School are open to all children in Victoria ages 5 to 17 and appeal to a wide range of

20 Island Parent Magazine

interests. For information on any of these exciting programs, visit our website at smus. ca/spring or call(250) 370-6120.

The Victoria School for Ideal Education. The Ideal School has doubled in Size to make room for your children. This one-of-a-kind little school offers holistic education from kindergarten to grade 8 in a nurturing, stress free environment. The twice a day children’s meditation coupled with the study of nature and the laws that keep us in tune with the natural world have attracted families from all over the Victoria area. Within this framework we cover the BC curriculum and all our teachers are BC certified. “The depth of care for each student, the level of personal support provided, and the degree of empathy displayed, all contribute to a family-like atmosphere and encouraging school setting for students.” (Quote from the BC Ministry of Education inspection report, Oct. 2013.) Phone 250 383 6654 to arrange a tour. Website: vsie.ca. Phone: 250-383-665. email: vsie@shaw.ca.

West-Mont Montessori School offers innovative, personalized Montessori instruction in a beautiful natural environment for students in Preschool to Grade 8. The Montessori program adapts to students from Preschool to Middle School, providing a balanced approach to incorporating nature, French, music, and art into a highly enriched curriculum. For details about our programs visit west-mont.ca, or stop by our campus in Metchosin and feel what it is like to be part of a community devoted to the development of the whole child. Open House every Thursday 9-11 am. West-Mont is located at 4075 Metchosin Road, Victoria, BC. Tel: 250-474-2626.

Distributed Learning

Hands-On Home-Learning For a Sustainable World, offered by Oak and Orca School, provides K-9 distributed learning opportunities, and is beginning the first phase of offering choice-based high-school in Sept.

2015. This certified program weaves local and global perspectives into a supportive foundation to help a student discover her/ his own learning path while satisfying the BC curriculum. Through regular communication, certified teachers are accessible to support families in creating their own educational programming. Hands-on, youth-centered activities are available to supplement and enrich what parents naturally offer and to cover the basics. Parents are provided with the guidance they need, without pressure. The program is free and

includes an expense budget to help meet educational needs. Info: oakandorca.ca; 250-383-6619 or 1-888-383-6619.

Mid-Island Schools/ Education Services

A Dwight education is unique. Every student benefits from Dwight’s three pillars: a personalized approach to learning, a focus on community and building a global vision. Igniting the “spark of genius” in every child is woven into the tapestry of daily life at Dwight School Canada—in classrooms, science laboratories, the dance studio and sports field. On the shores of Shawnigan Lake, our school offer three programmes – ESL, BC Ministry and the International Baccalaureate (IB) and is home to a vibrant group of diverse students ranging from grades 6 to 12. We offer daily bussing, weekday and full boarding options. Contact: 250-929-0506; admissions@ dwightcanada.org.

Evergreen. Thirty-one years ago, a small group of parents in Cobble Hill were looking for an alternative learning environment for their children. Ideas were shared, plans were made, and Evergreen Independent School was established. This small community school currently enrolls 108 students.

Registrations are being accepted for Junior Kindergarten to Grade 7, as well as for the Evergreen Explorers, a new and tremendously popular Friday morning program for 3 year olds. There are many unique aspects of Evergreen that attract families. Small class sizes, innovative teaching, and multi-grade classrooms enhance individual learning and create positive socialization across the grade levels. The parents and teachers of Evergreen Independent School are committed to a philosophy that develops the full potential of each child. Visit evergreenbc. net for more info.

Nestled in a wooded landscape, St. Joseph’s Catholic Elementary in Chemainus offers faith-enriched education to children from preschool through grade 7. Skilled educators provide a safe and caring environment, and nourish each student academically, physically, spiritually and artistically.

St. Joseph’s offers music and band programming, specialist teachers for PE, and K-7 French instruction. On-site preschool and before and after school care is available. St. Joseph’s is an inclusive school, welcoming students of all backgrounds and abilities.

Affordable tuition. Financial assistance is available. Please call 250-246-3191 for

kidsinvictoria.com

more information, or to arrange for a tour of St. Joseph’s school.

At Queen Margaret’s School we create accomplished life-long learners who make positive impacts on the world. We offer a co-ed Early Childhood Education Program, co-ed Junior School (Kindergarten-Grade 7) and an all girls Senior School (8-12, boarding and day). Our picturesque 27-acre campus in the Cowichan Valley is home to Canada’s only optional on-campus equestrian English riding program. QMS’ equestrian centre provides training opportunities for recreational riders and elite equestrian athletes alike. As a globally-minded community, QMS provides enriched educational experiences and unique programs that prepare students for university, for higher education, for life. Discover at QMS. Visit qms.bc.ca Sunrise Waldorf School (SWS) teaches the BC curriculum in the inspired, holistic, Waldorf way enhanced by Handwork, Woodwork, Music, Strings, Movement, French, Plays, Gardening and Seasonal Festivals. Students learn and grow on our beautiful, rural seven acre campus. SWS is located south of Duncan in the Cowichan Valley and attracts families from all over the globe, who have relocated to enroll their children at our Waldorf school. Founded in 1980, SWS offers programs from early childhood through class eight. SWS is the only full member school of the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA) on Vancouver Island. 250-7437253, sunrisewaldorfschool.org.

Vancouver Island University Master of Education in Educational Leadership. The M.Ed. in Educational Leadership provides a program of preparation for aspiring formal and informal school leaders. Grounded in the rich educational leadership literature supplemented by extensive faculty expertise and experience, the program provides a balance of research, policy and practice.

Graduates of our program will have demonstrated the knowledge, skills and attitudes of successful leaders. All programs are offered as cohorts with strong Faculty support. Graduates are fully qualified to pursue doctoral studies.

Vancouver Island University (VIU) Master of Education in Special Education. VIU’s M.Ed. in Special Education embodies an innovative approach to the field of Special Education. Grounded in current research and evidence–based practices, our program challenges each educator to critically examine historical and contemporary Special Education policies and approaches to IslandParent.ca

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

saanichdentalgroup.com 119–1591 McKenzie Ave, Victoria

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

February 2015

21

formulate a best practice specific to her/his own context. Faculty bring their expert knowledge and extensive experiences to guide, support and maximize student learning in each part of the program. All programs are offered as cohorts with strong Faculty support. Graduates are fully qualified to pursue doctoral studies.

Parent Education

Sprott Shaw College. Are you looking for a career that can make a difference in a child’s life, contribute to the well-being of families, and advance the future of education in our province? The need is always growing for qualified educators in licensed childcare centres, care homes and special education facilities. Sprott Shaw has responded by providing a quality ECE program that will supply you with the necessary training to succeed in this field. sprottshaw.com. 250384-8121 in Victoria or 250-754-9600 in Nanaimo.

Educational Services & Programs

Mad Science® Vancouver Island offers exciting science programs for schools, communities and individuals. Our after-school program this year, Spy Academy, explores the science in the work of detectives and spies. In a series of six weekly lessons we immerse children in a hands-on environment of exploration, fun and learning. Children experiment, question, and build a take-home toy to share what they learned with others.

Our programs include Birthday Parties & Camps. Check madscience.org/vancouverisland and Book on-line any time. Available in the Victoria area, Duncan, Nanaimo and Comox-Courtenay. Call 1-888-954-6237 for information.

The READ Society provides remedial support in reading, writing, mathematics and study skills for children and youth.

Professional teachers conduct recognized assessments and develop individual plans to address specific skills gaps. We use diverse teaching approaches to capture student interest, increase confidence, and build skills.

When you choose READ, you are supporting your child and you are contributing to literacy initiatives across our community.

As a local non-profit, we offer tuition support for low-income households. We offer classes from Monday-Thursday afternoons in three locations: Victoria, Colwood and Sidney, and on Tuesday and Thursday in Sooke. Call us to book assessments and

22 Island Parent Magazine

classes: 250-388-7225. Learn more at readsociety.bc.ca.

Sylvan, learning should be personal. As the leading provider of supplemental education services in North America we have been serving the Island for 28 years. Our exciting new system Sylvan Sync combines 21st Century technology with our established individualized learning programs and the expertise and professionalism of our certified staff to provide each student with a unique personalized learning program to meet his or her specific needs. When your child just isn’t getting enough out of the classroom, you need someone knowledgeable whom you can trust to help guide and engage your child—someone with insight and experience. You can count on Sylvan. sylvanlearning.com Total Learning Services (TLS) is a unique tutoring service in Victoria. TLS is dedicated to improving quality of life through effective clinical reading programs for children, teens and adults (age of clients: 5-50). The reading process can be a frustrating struggle for my clients; most times it is affecting their daily lives. As a reading specialist, I use strategies that make the reading process fun and easy. Achievement testing is done to determine the areas of the reading process which are of the greatest concern. My programs have changed the lives of many.

Pediatrician recommendation. For your free consultation, contact Brenda Osadchy, B.Ed. M.SpEd. 778-440-0997 or totallearningservices2014@gmail.com.

Tutor Doctor provides one-on-one in-home tutoring for all ages and in all subjects.

Our tutors are subject experts, carrying BC teacher certification and/or degrees in their subject specialty. Tutor Doctor prides itself on making that magic match, with tutor selection made according to the unique learning style, personality and academic needs of the student. And since tutoring takes place in the family’s home, it moves at a pace comfortable for the student, in an environment free of peer pressure and distractions. Call Tutor Doctor today for your free in-home consultation. 250-802-5256.

WestShore Centre for Learning and Training is a School District #62, school of choice providing innovative educational opportunities for youth and adults in the Western Communities. We offer programming that strives to meet the diversity of needs required in our fast paced and technology driven workplace and world. WestShore Continuing Education provides training and certification for

a variety of employment sectors as well as fast track programs designed to complete the Dogwood Adult Graduation program.

WestShore’s Distributed Learning division (JDFDL) provides on-line and paper-based courses as self-paced options to students.

WestShore’s Alternative Education School (Byte) provides dynamic cohort programs for youth focusing on strength-based and co-operative learning opportunities.

Other

Literacy Begins at Home with Family Literacy Fun. Developed by ABC Life Literacy Canada, with support from Natrel, Family Literacy Fun offers parents a collection of learning activities to help develop children’s literacy skills, while keeping their own skills sharp. Activities are focused on learning together and include games, songs, crafts, recipes, yoga exercises and more! Learning together as a family builds the foundations for lifelong learning and is key in developing literacy skills. It’s never too early or too late to talk, sing and read with your children.

Available online for free at FamilyLiteracyFun.ca and lireetjouerenfamille.ca.

Maple Leaf School of Ballet is Vancouver Island’s Premiere Russian Ballet School.

We offer unique premium ballet classes for Children, Youth, and Adults, using the Vaganova Training Method at its core.

With the Pursuit of excellence in mind, we maintain a happy and positive learning environment for all of our students, helping young dancers reach their full potential following the guidance of our world class faculty, using the teaching methods laid out by the world renowned institutes: Bolshoi Ballet Academy, and Vaganova Ballet Academy. Maple Leaf School of Ballet has the prerequisites to lead dancers into their professional dance careers.

The Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society assists in the settlement of immigrants and refugees in Victoria by assisting them to overcome barriers. Our Newcomer Wraparound Support Program is for newcomers facing complex barriers towards settlement and integration. The free educational workshops we offer include a preschool, literacy classes for youth, and many workshops for adults and seniors.

Childcare is provided, and you can join any time. For more information or to register contact Haixia at 250-361-9433 ext 241, email haixia@vircs.bc.ca, or stop by our office at 637 Bay Street. We look forward to meeting you!•

kidsinvictoria.com

Emillie Parrish

Helping Children Understand Death

N

othing can prepare you for the death of a loved one. Though we knew that my fatherin-law was dying, it didn’t feel real until my husband picked up the phone and heard the news of his death. We were instantly distressed, and it was impossible to hide the news from our children. However, we also didn’t know what to say to our children, nor how to offer them the reassurance that they needed.

Dealing with death is not simple. Grief is comprised of a number of feelings, including sadness, anxiety, guilt and irritability. Your life is changed forever, as you suddenly have to learn how to live without that person.

Not only are you forced to deal with the emotional issues, but there are so many other details to contend with. We had to make travel arrangements, and help plan the funeral and interment. My husband had to publicly express his feelings through the eulogy and obituary.

There were endless amounts of paperwork, and a lifetime of possessions to sort through.

Our two young children were lost in the turmoil.

I wasn’t sure how to talk with them about what was going on. I looked for advice everywhere. I wanted a simple plan or a checklist to tell me how to help my children cope. I couldn’t think for myself because I had too many other things to do, and I was struggling with my own feelings.

In the end I realized that there isn’t a onesize-fits-all solution for coping with death because grief is different for everyone.

K-11 Alternative School

I also learned that death is a natural part of life, and it is fine for children to be exposed to it. Depending on your cultural traditions, it is also fine for children to attend a funeral. They will not be spared from the effects of grief if they are somehow sheltered from the direct experience of the funeral.

Toddlers and babies. Though toddlers and babies won’t actually understand what is going on, they will be affected by the moods of everyone around them. My toddler started having trouble sleeping, she restarted her bedtime colic, and was unusually cranky and clingy during the day. She needed reassurance from her parents, yet we were both too anxious ourselves to provide it.

What worked for me was to be extra gentle with her. Though I couldn’t give her the calm demeanour that she needed, I did provide the comfort of my presence. We moved her crib into our room, and I started using the carrier around home. We also had playdates with her favourite people to give her a chance to have fun with happier people.

Young children. My son was old enough to understand death, and the loss of his grandfather. Yet he wasn’t able to verbally express any of his feelings or concerns. His sleep and behaviour both deteriorated. He became scared of the dark, was easily upset over small disappointments, and had a few uncontrollable tantrums.

Again, we tried to be extra gentle and understanding. Within reason, we let him act and feel whatever he wanted, and tried not

to get frustrated by his unusually demanding behaviour.

We got several books out of the library about death. My favourite was The Grandad Tree by Trish Cooke, which talks about death as a natural part of a life cycle and explains that loved ones are never really gone if we remember them.

We also had several discussions about death. We felt that it was important to reassure him that none of his other grandparents were going to die soon and address any other fears he may have around death. We made a point to talk about how we were feeling, and why our feelings may be causing us to act differently. Though he didn’t always seem to participate, I know it was important for him to be acknowledged in this way.

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

Kids’ Books on Death & Grief The Tenth Good Thing About Barney by Judith Viorst When Dinosaurs Die: A Guide to Understanding Death by Laurie Krasny Brown Help Me Say Goodbye: Activities for Helping Kids Cope When a Special Person Dies by Janis Silverman The Heart and the Bottle by Oliver Jeffers The Dead Bird, by Margaret Wise Brown Gentle Willow: A Story for Children about Dying by Joyce C. Mills I Miss You: A First Look At Death by Pat Thomas The Next Place by Warren Hanson Snowflakes Fall, by Patricia Maclachlan Missing Mommy, by Rebecca Cobb Duck, Death and the Tulip, by Wolf Erlbruch Goodbye Mousie, by Robie Harris The Invisible String, by Patrice Karst

An empowering multi-age learning community: - child-directed learning & choices

The joy of learning - naturally.

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

- compassionate communication - hands-on/minds-on math & science - prioritized environmental education - regular field trips & nature awareness

February 2015 23

Party Directory

& The place online where parents and grandparents get information about their community for their family: Read current and past issues of Island Parent Magazine.

Visit our Marketplace to find businesses, programs and services that cater to the little person in your life.

Looking for that special something you had when you were a kid? Check out our classified ads.

Want to see what’s up today or this weekend?

View our calendar of events.

Whether it’s dance lessons, parenting workshops, fun days and festivals, what’s happening at your local rec centre or community events—Kids In Victoria has it all!

Maybe you are looking for something to engage your mind or perhaps need a little bit of advice. Well we have that too on our community forum.

Receive Island Parent & Kids In Victoria e-newsletter for updates and exclusive contests.

Action-Packed Birthday Parties Supervised • 2–8 Yrs

It’s about skills, not scores.

Go to www.sportball.ca for schedules & information Call us: 250 590 4625 Email: van.island@sportball.ca

Hassle Free Parties for kids & families You provide the space and food…

You can also enter our monthly and photo contests.

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

Come be part of our community at

250 472 3546

kidsinvictoria.com

24 Island Parent Magazine

www.puppetbooth.homestead.com kidsinvictoria.com

Party Directory Home of Victoria’s Original Princess Party.

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

Party sizes up to 18 kids

Call 250-595-SWIM (7946)

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We supply table top cover, napkins, hats, streamers and balloons Optional character

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

• Indoor facility options for all your bouncy castle and inflatable requirements • School fairs/festivals and picnics • At home/indoor theme parties, i.e. Teddy Bear stuffing, craft parties • Free gift for birthday child when you mention this ad • Costumed facepainters and balloon twisters, i.e. princesses, pirates, ragdoll style clowns • Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

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

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• 2 large decorated birthday rooms • Free T-shirt for birthday child, invitations for up to 10 children • The ONLY Inflatable Climbing Mountain with trampoline in town • Party Time now offered for many different groups (schools, daycare centres)

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Gymnastics games and music

Funtime Inflatables Vancouver Island’s #1 choice for party rentals

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We offer the largest selection of inflatables on Vancouver Island—trust your party or special event to the experts—the original bouncy castle company, serving Vancouver Island since 1990.

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February 2015 25

Shannon K. Auringer

Superwoman Got Her Pink Slip

Family Workshops Comics Drawing with comics artist Gareth Gaudin.

February 1 I 1 – 4 pm I $35 per person

Moccasin Making Moccasin making and its history with Lindsay Delaronde.

Part 1 April 15 I 5 – 7 pm Part 2 April 22 I 5 – 7 pm $45 per person for both days

Letting go of being the ‘Perfect Parent’

Marmot Dissection & Illustration

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Marmot dissection with RBCM staff and illustration with Aimee van Drimmelin.

May 3 I 1 – 4 pm I $30 per person Ages 8+, for Kids and Adults

Pre-K to Grade 12 Grammar

Reading Study Skills

Writing Homework

Math French

Reading is to learning what breathing is to living Call today, or visit oxfordlearning.com Victoria 203-1595 McKenzie Ave. Victoria, BC, V8N 1A4

250.477.5550

victoria@oxfordlearning.com

26 Island Parent Magazine

uperwoman is on vacation. Well, to be more accurate, she’s on permanent leave.

She used to maintain a very prominent position in our home. Every day, she’d make all the meals, drive the children back and forth to school and their various activities.

She’d do the laundry and shopping. As if that wasn’t enough, she also kept the kids’ and family’s photo scrapbooks up to date, she made everyone’s Halloween costumes, decorated and undecorated for every holiday, made sure birthday parties went off without a hitch and even canned preserves.

Then she hit the wall.

As you may have guessed, Superwoman was me a few years back, when I was married and my children were young. I had completely bought into the ‘Superwoman Syndrome’ of thinking that I had to do it all in order to be a successful parent and wife.

Don’t get me wrong, most of the things I was doing, I wanted to do. I enjoyed the personal satisfaction of making photo albums and meals from scratch. I was hooked on the ‘Best Mommy Ever’ look I saw in my children’s eyes when I succeeded with some amazing Martha Stewart creation.

What I didn’t enjoy was the constant race against time. The forever battle and downto-the-wire timing to get everything done and still have the energy to be emotionally available to my family. I didn’t enjoy the fact that I had no time to do anything for myself. I honestly didn’t even see the signs that I needed ‘me time’ in such a bad way.

Resentment burrowed in my marriage undetected because my husband was able to recognize his need for time away and took kidsinvictoria.com

it. What little time we had left as a couple, I spent thinking about what else I had to get done. Even my relationship had become a task to complete.

Then the inevitable happened. My marriage came to an abrupt and unwelcomed end after 13 years and sent me hurdling into what was the harsh reality of single parenting. I struggled for the first year to maintain the level of ‘getting things done’ that I had always accomplished.

The result was me being emotionally and physically exhausted and failing miserably at everything I tried to do. It was time for Superwoman to hang up her cape and for real-life Mama to step up to the plate.

Real-life Mama took a bit of work to get situated in her new position in the family home. There was that nasty little self-realization that had to take place in order to even get started. I can’t do it all and that’s okay. I not only had to say it, but I had to believe it, too. I realized that life wasn’t going to come to a screaming halt if I didn’t hand-make every Christmas card.

I learned that it’s okay to take a walk on the beach alone, go to yoga class and have friends that weren’t linked to my children.

It was actually healthy to have a bit of autonomy. I came to terms with the fact that it was acceptable to only sign up for what I could realistically handle and let the rest go.

The result of being kind to myself and giving Superwoman her pink slip was a happier and much more balanced home.

My children were more relaxed and this Mama was able to laugh again. By kicking Superwoman to the curb, I gave my children the best gift I could have ever given them.

Not the gift of getting things accomplished, but instead a mother that put them first by admitting she was only human and that sometimes, somethings had to be let go in order to maintain a more harmonious life.

It was unfortunate that it took the end of our first family to realize that the priority wasn’t how many checks were on my life list, but instead what our quality of life was.

Now in our new family, we do better and are better. We’ve slowed down our life and take more time to just know and appreciate each other. We have never been happier since the day Superwoman retired and we’re confident she’s never coming back.

Shannon K. Auringer is a freelance writer who resides in Victoria with her three amazing children and boxer dog. More of her work can be found at www.skauringer. com or follow her on twitter @skauringer.

IslandParent.ca

Confident girls.

Inspiring women.

Discover the benefits of an all-girls education: RAISING CONFIDENT & COURAGEOUS GIRLS With expert speaker JoAnn Deak, PhD

Feb 19, 7pm | Register online

OPEN HOUSE See our campus in action, and take a student-led tour.

Feb 20 | 9–11am & 1–3pm

ST. MARGARET’S SCHOOL REGISTER NOW FOR KINDERGARTEN 1080 LUCAS AVE, VICTORIA 250.479.7171 | WWW.STMARG.CA IP_SMS_FEB2015_K+spot.indd 1

Spaces Available Book now for a tour!

1/9/2015 3:50:33 PM

• preschool to grade 2 • before and after

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program

• lovely rural location

connecting children to nature

February 2015 27

February 2015

Generously Sponsored by and

Family Calendar For calendar updates throughout the month visit kidsinvictoria.com SUN 1 Look Who’s Talking at Devonian Regional Park. All creatures need to communicate—they just have different ways of doing it. Come and explore the why and how of animal communication. Be prepared to have some fun as you learn to hoot, sing and call your way through the forest. Meet at the kiosk in the parking lot off William Head Rd at 1pm. All ages. BC Transit #54 or #55. 250-478-3344. crd.bc.ca/parks.

up. 3:30-4:30pm. Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

SAT 7 Family Fun Hike at Thetis Lake Regional Park.

Enjoy a walk in the park with your family to celebrate Family Day weekend. Join a CRD Regional Parks naturalist and discover the beauty of this wooded parkland. Meet at the main parking lot at Thetis Lake at 1pm. All ages. 250-478-3344. crd.bc.ca/parks.

FRI 6

SAT 7 – MON 9

Registered Baby Time at Emily Carr Branch library. This program will occur before regular opening hours. Learn songs, rhymes and fingerplays to use with your baby every day.

For babies 0-15 months and their caregiver.

9:30-10am. Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940GVPL (4875) for more information.

Lego Brick Festival in Downtown Sidney.

Activities on all three days of the Family Day weekend. Scavenger hunt, interactive Lego display, Canada’s only Lego professional, will build a 6' Seaspan tugboat, Lego play areas for all ages, draw boxes and door prizes.

Lego Stories at the Sidney/North Saanich Branch Library. Use the library’s Lego to build your own creation. Each meeting will explore a different theme, and your creation will be displayed for the next two weeks. Ages 5+ years. Registration required. 3:15-4:15pm.

World Beat Drumming: African Drums and Percussion at Juan de Fuca Branch Library.

Celebrate Black History Month by learning to play authentic African drums and percussion. Presented by Matthew Hodgins from Drumming Solutions. For ages 5 and

MON 9 Love a Slug or Snail at Francis/King Regional Park. Learn about some of the slugs and snails that live on the forest floor and join CRD Regional Parks guest artist-in-residence Joanne Thomson on this fun creative program to make your own slug or snail using acrylic clay. There is no fee for this program, but you must pre-register as space is limited. To reserve a spot, call 250-478-3344 by February 6th.

10am-noon. crd.bc.ca/parks.

Par-T-Perfect Open House Fundraiser at Pearkes Arena. Experience a glimpse of the

services Par-T-Perfect offers. Four inflatables, face painting, balloon animals, glitter tattoos.

Games2U will have activities for the older kids. Fun for the whole family. Silent auction to help support Sponsors for Kenya build their school. Money raised will support KidsFUNd, an organization which helps kids participate in sports and rec centre based activities. Door prizes. $3/donation per family. 2-4pm.

TUES 10 Be My Valentine at Juan de Fuca Branch Library. Wear Valentine’s Day colours and enjoy stories, songs, rhymes, songs and a fancy Valentine craft. For ages 3-5. 10:30-11:30am.

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

FRI 13 Registered Baby Time at Emily Carr Branch library. See FRI 6 for details. For babies 0-15 months and their caregiver. 9:30-10am. Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

Valentine Storytime at Tillicum Centre. Wear Valentine’s Day colours and enjoy stories, rhymes and songs. Library staff will be situated adjacent to Cellicon and The Source. For young children and their families. No registration required. 10:30-11am.

SAT 14 Valentine Cards and Cookies at Esquimalt Branch Library. Create a beautiful card to

We’re part of your

healthy life.

28 Island Parent Magazine

kidsinvictoria.com

celebrate Valentine’s Day. Join the GVPL for stories, games and a fancy cookie craft. For young children and their families. 10:3011:30am. Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940GVPL (4875) for more information.

Kids Mega Sale at Pearkes Rec Centre. Gently used baby and children’s clothing, toys, equipment and maternity. From 9:30am-12:30pm.

3100 Tillicum Rd. kidsmegasale@gmail.com.

SUN 15 Winter Wondertime at Mill Hill Regional Park. What are the animals up to in the winter forest? Bring your young ones on a winter wonder time adventure to find out. Join a CRD Regional Parks naturalist to look for raccoon winter food, find a good spot for hibernation, and play animal games in the forest. Meet at the kiosk in the parking lot off Atkins Ave at 1pm. 8 years and under. BC Transit #50 or #53. 250-478-3344. crd.bc.ca/parks.

MON 16 Go Away Big Green Monster! at Oak Bay Branch Library. Join us for Ed Emberley stories, songs, a craft and a short film: “Chicken Little”.

For ages 3-5. 11:30am-12:30pm. Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

Victoria Children’s Literature Roundtable at Saanich Centennial Branch Library. UVic’s Professor of Slavic Studies, Megan Swift, will give a presentation on “The Magic of the Russian Fairy Tale”, introducing some of Russia’s most captivating fairy tale characters, including the child-eating witch Baba Yaga, and the maiden-snatching Koschei the Deathless. She will talk about how magical fairy tales were banned after the Russian Revolution and replaced by a new kind of magic. Doors open at 7pm; browse the Schoolhouse Teaching Supplies book display table before the meeting begins at 7:30pm. VCLR is open to the public. New members and drop-ins welcome.

Members free; $5/drop-in; $4/students. Phone 250-940-4875, ext. 869.

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

For people who love to tell stories, for people who love to listen, for people of all ages. Tea and goodies. Doors open at 7:15pm, stories start at 7:30pm. 1831 Fern St (park on Begbie). $5; $3/students. 250-477-7044. www. victoriastorytellers.org.

TUES 17 Wee Winter Ones at Francis/King Regional Park. Bring your little one to celebrate winter with a CRD Regional Parks naturalist. Your child will explore the winter woods using their senses and look for creatures enjoying the winter season. We will visit the Francis/ King nature centre for story-time, puppets, and exploration. 5 years and under. There is no fee for this program, but you must pre-register as space is limited. To reserve a spot, call 250478-3344 by February 16. crd.bc.ca/parks

THURS 19 Raising Confident and Courageous Girls at St. Margaret’s School. Parents with daughters won’t want to miss hearing from this expert in optimal learning for girls. JoAnn Deak, PhD, will speak to parents about nature vs. nurture, and new research suggesting the pliability of a girl’s innate confidence in the first two decades of life. Dr. Deak brings 30+ years in education and psychology to her current work as a consultant, and is a renowned speaker both in Canada and internationally. 7pm. 1080 Lucas Ave. For full details and to register online, visit stmarg.ca.

FRI 20 Open House at St. Margaret’s School. Come see the campus in action. Drop in from 9-11am and 1-3pm to take a student-led tour, meet with faculty and staff, and find out why girls thrive here. Now’s the time to register for Kindergarten for fall 2015. Visitors to the Open House are also invited to see a special guest speaker and expert in girls’ learning, Dr. JoAnn Deak. 1080 Lucas Ave. For full details, visit stmarg.ca or call 250-479-7171 to set up a private tour.

TM

Registered Baby Time at Emily Carr Branch library. See FRI 6 for details. For babies 0-15 months and their caregiver. 9:30-10am. Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

Year of the Sheep at Saanich Centennial and Esquimalt Branch Libraries. Gung Hay Fat Choy! Wear red and welcome Chinese New Year at the library with stories and crafts about sheep and the story of the Chinese zodiac.

For ages 5-12. Saanich Centennial: 10:3011:30am; Esquimalt: 2:30-3:30pm. Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

Stamp Scavenger Hunt at Bruce Hutchison Branch Library. Join local stamp enthusiasts for an introduction to stamp collecting. Be prepared to be amazed at how many stamps you’ll see at one time. You’ll hear about stamps, stamp clubs, library resources and participate in a stamp treasure hunt. For ages 5-12.

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

Going Batty at Francis/King Regional Park.

Drop in between 11am and 2pm and join a batty world with CRD Regional Parks naturalists. Make a ‘bat button’, enjoy a ‘bat walk’ through the park at 11:15am or 1pm. Meet at the Francis/King Nature Centre off Munn Rd. All ages. 250-478-3344. crd.bc.ca/parks.

Electronic Clicking Bugs at Nellie McClung Branch Library. Assemble your very own electronic clicking bug. Decorate it, then

Strip Loin Steaks with Sautéed Lobster Strip Loin Steaks are one of the finest cuts of beef.

Add succulent lobster and you have a decandent, delicious meal for any season.

Visit thriftyfoods.com/recipes for tasty ideas.

Customer Care: 1 800 667 8280 • www.thriftyfoods.com IslandParent.ca

February 2015 29

let the sumo match or fashion show begin.

Inspired by Makerspace Victoria. For ages 10-12. 2:30-3:30pm. Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

Lego at the Library at Juan de Fuca Branch Library. Listen to stories and have fun with the library’s Lego. Bring you own Lego for a takehome project. For ages 7-10. 2:30-3:30pm.

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

Lego Stories at the Sidney/North Saanich Branch Library. See FRI 6 for details. Ages 5+ years. Registration required. 3:15-4:15pm.

SAT 21 Drumming up Stories at Oak Bay Branch Library. Calling all drummers. Try your hand at the African Djembe with Canadian percussionist Matthew Hodgins from Drumming Solutions. For ages 6-9. 2-3pm. Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

Owl Prowl at Mill Hill Regional Park. Owls are amazing birds. Join CRD Regional Parks guest naturalist David Allinson for this exciting adventure into the dark woods to look for and call owls. 7-9pm. There is no fee for this program, but you must pre-register as space is limited. To reserve a spot, call 250-478-3344

by February 20th. 8+ years. BC Transit #53. crd.bc.ca/parks.

Jump into the adventure and let friendship fill each day.

Experience a world of discovery, all with an amazing staff.

AN ENJOY THE BEST OF A CANADI WEST-COAST SUMMER!

SUN 22

SUMMER CAMPS FOR ALL AGES!

www.qwanoes.ca 1-888-997-9266

LIFE LIKE NO OTHER!

Nightingale Preschool and Junior Kindergarten Ltd Our Aim: • To make the early years of your child’s life as enjoyable, rewarding and positive as possible.

• To develop children’s natural curiosity and confidence so they leave our preschool as inquisitive explorers who love to learn.

www.nightingalepreschool.com Phone or e-mail to book a tour: Tel: 250-595-7544 E-mail: nightingalepreschool@shaw.ca 30 Island Parent Magazine

Who Gives a Hoot at Swan Lake Nature House. Who glides silently, can turn their head almost completely around, and can cough up a wicked hairball? Whoo-who-who? Drop in any time from noon to 3pm and explore the wonderful world of owls through games, stories, crafts and hands-on exploration. Admission by donation. 3873 Swan Lake Rd. For more information, call 250-479-0211 or visit swanlake.bc.ca.

Booksmack at the Royal BC Museum. Get Booksmacked on Wonder Sunday. Two GVPL librarians and a museum programmer will spend half an hour speed reviewing tons of great kids books about amazing animals. Be prepared for a lively event. No registration required. 1-1:30pm.

Big, Tall, Short, Small at Francis/King Regional Park. This park features Douglas fir trees and cedar lowlands, as well as plants so tiny they’re easy to miss. Which are most important to the forest? Walk along with a CRD Regional parks naturalist and decide for yourself on this exploration of nature’s big and small.

Meet at the Francis/King Nature Centre off Munn Rd at 1pm. 8+ years. 250-478-3344. crd.bc.ca/parks.

THURS 26 ”Smile” Book Club for Tweens at Central

kidsinvictoria.com

Branch Library. Smile if you enjoyed reading Smile and other graphic books by Raina Telgemeier because you’re invited to a special book club. Come to the library for discussion and activities inspired by these popular books.

For ages 10-12. 3:30-4:30pm. Register at gvpl. ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

Reconnect... with nature, family, friends, colleagues, yourself

FRI 27 Registered Baby Time at Emily Carr Branch library. See FRI 6 for details. For babies 0-15 months and their caregiver. 9:30-10am. Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

Rediscover

the Natural Choice for your next getaway

SAT 28 French Storytime for Kids at Esquimalt and Oak Bay Branch Libraries. Enjoy a French language storytime with the Victoria Chapter of Canadian Parents for French (CPF) and learn about French resources GVPL has to support emergent readers. Perfect for French Immersion families! Coffee and cookies will be served. For ages 5-8 and parents or caregivers. Esquimalt: 10:30-11:15am; Oak Bay: 2:30-3:15pm. Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

from

139

$

february

Enjoy overnight packages for families, couples and corporate retreats

Winter Warmup Curl up in a Spa Bungalow

from

149

$

march

Family Fun Kids stay free!

Spring Saver Spa Bungalow + resort credit

Tax and gratuities are additional

1155 Resort Drive, Parksville, BC

1-800-663-7373 or 250-248-2072

TIGH-NA-MARA.COM

ONGOING BABIES, TODDLERS & PRESCHOOL Drop-in Storytimes for Babies, Toddlers, Preschoolers & Families at the Greater Victoria Public Library. Caregivers are welcome and encouraged to participate. Storytimes are free and drop-in. Please come early to find a space.

For a complete schedule of drop-in programs, visit gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

Good Morning Rhymetime at Sidney/North Saanich Branch Library. Bring your littlest ones to the library for stories, songs, rhymes and movement. For 0-5. Thursdays January 22-March 5, 10:15-11am. Please register at 250-656-0944.

CHILDREN Reading Buddies: Little Buddies at Bruce Hutchison, Central, and Saanich Centennial Branch Libraries. Does your child need a little help with reading? Reading Buddies provides reading practice, literacy-based activities and fun with volunteer teen Big Buddies. Please notify us in advance if your child is unable to attend a program. Winter/Spring session runs on Saturdays from February 21 to April 11, 2-3pm or 3:30-4:30pm. For children in Grades 1-4. Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

Lego Mania Challenge at Tillicum Centre. The 6th annual Tillicum Lego Mania Challenge is March 14-15. Registration begins February 11.

IslandParent.ca

GNS.

The advantage starts at ages 3, 4 and 5…

To learn more about the advantages of a Glenlyon Norfolk School education, call now to reserve your spot in one of our Interactive Student Guided Tours during our upcoming OPEN HOUSE. When:

Friday, February 20 between 9:00 and 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 and 2:30 p.m.

Where: 1701 Beach Drive

Junior Kindergarten to Grade 5

801 Bank Street Grades 6 to 12

To register for an Open House Tour, please contact admissions@mygns.ca or call 250.370.6801

www.mygns.ca

•

250.370.6801 February 2015 31

Over 100 contestants ages 5-14 will showcase their Lego masterpieces for a chance to win Lego prizes. The theme this year is “The Great Outdoors”. Meet Lego Certified professional, Robin Sather, and watch him build a giant Lego outdoor scene. Children under 14 who are not contestants will have a chance to try out the mini build area. The Victoria Lego Users Group (VicLUG) will be on hand with some of their Lego creations. Prizes for the top three entries for ages 5-8 years, and 9-14 years 2pm, Sunday, March 15. Come to the lower level of Tillicum Centre during regular mall hours to see an exciting Lego exhibit. tillicumkids.com.

PBSA 2015 Spring Season Registration. The 2015 Spring Registration will be open from January 15 through to February 15. With no guarantee of a roster spot after February 15, don’t delay in getting registered for this upcoming season. For more information, contact registrar@pbsa.ca. pbsa.ca.

We offer four licence group childcare programs: • Infant Toddler • Multi-Age • Three to Five • Before and After School Care

We Offer a Full Meal Program Music classes taught by a Royal Conservatory Teacher.

Movement classes taught by a Royal Academy of Dance teacher.

250-590-2722 info@babiestobigkids.com • 949 Fullerton Avenue

www.babiestobigkids.com

Come See Why Learning in Nature Rocks!

Ages 3–5 "Tell me and I'll forget, show me and I may remember, involve me and I'll understand" Chinese Proverb Reggio Influenced Philosophy Child Led Learning Registrations Now Being Taken for Limited Spaces

Open House: Saturday, February 21st, 11am–3pm mosnjk@hotmail.com www.naturejuniorkindergarten.com 32 Island Parent Magazine

YOUTH Teen Writing Contest at the GVPL. Enter your original poem, short story, or something in our “random” category! Create something new or polish up something written for a school assignment. If your entry is selected by the judging panel, you will win a gift certificate for the store of your choice, up to $100 for first prize! For Grades 7-12 and home learners of equivalent age. For more information visit gvpl.ca/teenwritingcontest or email teens@ gvpl.ca. Contest runs until March 25.

Reading Buddies: Teen Volunteers at Bruce Hutchison, Central, and Saanich Centennial Branch Libraries. If you like working with children, enjoy reading, are a fluent English speaker and want to help emerging readers, the GVPL needs you. Reading Buddies teen volunteers mentor children in Grades 1-4 with reading practice, literacy-based activities and fun. GVPL provides training and, upon completion, a reference letter outlining your volunteer hours. First-time volunteers must attend a Big Buddy Training session too. Don’t forget to bring your Teen Volunteer Referral Form. For ages 13-18. Winter/Spring session runs on Saturdays from February 21 to April 11, 1:45-3pm or 3:15-4:30pm. Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

GVPL Teen Slam Poetry Team at Central Branch Library. Interested in spoken-word poetry? Come for regular coaching with past City of Victoria Youth Poet Laureate Morgan Purvis-Bellamano and experiment with words and rhythm, then watch or participate in the Victorious Voices High School Slam Championships. For ages 13-18. Wednesdays February 11 to April 1, 4:30-5:30pm. Register at gvpl. ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.•

kidsinvictoria.com

Around the Island

Visit IslandParent.ca for these and other events and resources for families from Cowichan Valley north to Campbell River and west to Tofino TUES 3

MON 16

Dad’s Night Out Free Skate Night at Oceanside Place Arena. Bring the kids and enjoy a free skate together on the pond. Sponsored by Building Learning Together. 6:30-7:30pm.

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

School’s Out Everyone Welcome Skate at Oceanside Place Arena. School is out, but skating is in from 1:30-3pm. Regular admission.

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

Glow in the Dark Skate at Frank Crane Arena, Nanaimo. Skate in an atmosphere of dimmed lighting and special effects. Regular admission rates; glow necklaces $2. 6:30-8pm. 250-7565200. nanaimo.ca

SAT 7 Doctor Seuss on the Loose Family Swim at Ravensong Aquatic Centre. One fish, two fish, red fish blue fish come and enjoy an afternoon family swim. Thing one and thing two will be providing fun activities and rhymes just for you. 10am-noon. 250-752-5014. rdn.bc.ca/ recreation.

TUES 17 Glow in the Dark Skate at Frank Crane Arena, Nanaimo. Skate in an atmosphere of dimmed lighting and special effects. Regular admission rates; glow necklaces $2. 6:30-8pm. 250-7565200. nanaimo.ca

FRI 20 DJ Pizza Teen Swim Night at Ravensong Aquatic Centre. Come to Ravensong for a pool party with your friends to jam with a DJ and eat pizza. For 13-18 year-olds. 7-9pm. Free courtesy of the RDN Youth Recreation Strategic Plan. 250-752-5014. rdn.bc.ca/recreation.

SUN 8

WED 25

Family Play Day at Oliver Woods Community Centre. 9:30am-noon.

Sno Cone Swim at Ravensong Aquatic Centre.

Join the lifeguards for fun in the pool and a tasty sno cone treat. Everyone welcome. 6:308pm. Regular admission. 250-752-5014. rdn. bc.ca/recreation.

MON 9 BC Provincial Family Day Swim and Skate at Ravensong Aquatic Centre and Oceanside Place Arena. Free admission to both centres courtesy of Quality Foods. Free swim from 10am-2pm; free skate from 1-5pm. 250-7525014 or 250-248-3252. rdn.bc.ca/recreation.

Family Day Swimming and Skating at Nanaimo Aquatic Centre and Nanaimo Ice Centre. Swimming: noon-4pm; public skating: noon-3:15pm; stick ‘n puck: 12:15-2:30pm.

SAT 14 Super Saturdays at the Campbell River Art Gallery. Drop-in art making program. All materials provided. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. 1-3pm. Admission by donation. 250-287-2261.

Valentine’s Skate at Oceanside Place Arena.

Bring your valentine and compete for sweet prizes. Everyone welcome. 2-3:30pm. Admission is 2-for-1 if you wear red. 250-248-3252. rdn.bc.ca/recreation.

IslandParent.ca

SAT 28 Super Saturdays at the Campbell River Art Gallery. Drop-in art making program. All materials provided. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. 1-3pm. Admission by donation. 250-287-2261.

ONGOING PRESCHOOL Parent and Tot Drop-in at the HUB at Cowichan Station. Come for songs, organized games, and free play with balls, parachutes and more. This is a wonderful opportunity for parents and young children to connect with other families in the community. Free. For more information, email kids@cowichanstation.org.

LaFF at the Aggie. A safe play-based learning environment for families and caregivers with children newborn to age 6. Reading centre, craft area, Brio train station, and snack table.

Indoor car and toy riding area. Monday to Friday, 9:30am-noon and Thursdays 12:151:45pm. $2 suggested donation per family (punch cards available). 250-210-0870, laffexecutivedirector@shaw.ca, www.familyandfriends.ca.

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

Adventures in Early Literacy at the Ladysmith Resource Centre. A parent-child, fun-filled program designed for children ages 3 to 5 years. Participants learn and have fun doing crafts, games and singing. A book is read, lunch and snacks are provided. 9:45-noon.

Space is limited, so call 250-245-3079 to get on the list. 630 2nd Ave.

CHILDREN Junior Lifeguard Club at Nanaimo Aquatic Centre. Build lifeguarding skills, shadow lifeguards, participate in fun competitions, learn about first aid, participate in community events, develop leadership skills and more.

For children 8-13-years-old. Saturdays noon1:30pm until December 13. Regular admission rates. 250-756-5200.

YOUTH The Youth Zone in Ladysmith. A fun and safe place to hang, meet new friends and enjoy games tables, internet kiosk, TV, movies, board games, karaoke and more. Play sports in the gym, do homework, Energized leaders will challenge you to try new activities. Mondays, 3-6pm in the Rec Room (girls only); Wednesdays, 3-5pm in the gym; Fridays 6-10pm in the Rec Room or gym. Free. 250-245-6424. www.ladysmith.ca.

Youth Drop-in in Nanaimo. The ultimate place to be. This is a supervised space for youth 12 to 17 to hang out and chill. Regular gymnasium activities and more. Program is free, but please register using barcode 134870. 7-9pm until May 27. Monday: Nanaimo District Secondary School; Wednesday: John Barsby Community School.

FAMILY Family Frolics at the Community Centre, Ladysmith. Bring your parent or caregiver for open gym fun. Burn off some energy with soft toys (balls and nerf-type games), mini-trampoline, ride-on toys, hula hoops and more. Tuesdays, 5:45-6:45pm. $2 suggested donation/family.

250-245-6424. www.ladysmith.ca.•

February 2015 33

Emmanuel Preschool over 35 years of nurturing children in our community

Open House!

Saturday, Feb. 21, 9:30-11:00am or contact us for a visit Sept-June Learning through creative play Two licensed, experienced Early Childhood Educators Warm, fun, non-denominational Christian learning environment.

2121 Cedar Hill Cross Road 250.598.0573

www.emmanuelpreschool.ca preschool@emmanuelvictoria.ca

34 Island Parent Magazine

Sukkie Sandhu

Creating a Good Sleep Environment P

lanning for the arrival of a baby puts all parents-to-be in full-on baby mode. Research time. Along the way, you may notice just how many new “gadgets” and “gizmos” there are on the market for babies. Look, a swing that moves and jiggles. How cute are these flashy mobiles and crib aquariums? Or what about the light projector that shines moons and stars on the ceiling? The list goes on—hours of entertainment for baby to enjoy. But what happens when it comes to baby’s bedtime?

Sure all of these accessories can keep your baby amused for hours, but when it comes to bedtime, baby needs some quiet time. All of the toys and trinkets have a time and a place, but they should not be in your baby’s bedroom during sleep times. Try to keep your baby’s sleep environment simple. The less sleep distractions, the better.

So how can you create the best sleep environment for your baby? Here are a few tips: 1. Lighting. Rather lack of lighting. That’s right, babies sleep better in the dark. Your newborn has been in pitch dark for nine months already! In scientific terms, darkness helps babies to develop their circadian rhythms, and it’s those rhythms that regulate their sleep/wake cycle. Melatonin, a hormone that’s mainly produced in the dark, helps to maintain this sleep/wake cycle. So say goodbye to nightlights, and hello to black out blinds.

2. Temperature. Babies like it cold. Surprised? I don’t mean freezing. The ideal room temperature is between 17˚ and 20˚C. If you notice your baby’s hands and feet are on the colder side during sleep, don’t panic because that is normal. Use the tried-andtrue method of checking the temperature of your baby’s abdomen or neck. Too warm?

Take off a layer. Too chilly? Add a layer.

Rid your baby’s crib of extra blankets, thick sheets and bummer pads (as per sleep safety guidelines). A simple sleep sack that’s breathable is all you need.

3. Toys. Remember, less is more. A small teddy bear or stuffy is OK, but try to keep distractible items out of the crib. Distractionfree leads to boredom. Boredom leads to sleep. Sleep leads to a happy baby.

4. No TVs or Electronics. Just think, how many of your friends that have TVs in their rooms go to sleep at a reasonable time? But Grey’s Anatomy is on! I just wanted to check the sports highlights. Of course, it may not be a problem now, but when your baby turns into a child and then a teenager, consider the pros and cons when they beg for a TV or computer in their room.

Try to keep your baby’s sleep environment simple.

The less sleep distractions, the better.

5. Noise. Do you have creaky hardwood floors, a loud dishwasher, maybe a barking dog on your block? Do you remember the last the time you were almost asleep and then BANG—something woke you up? It’s way harder to get back to sleep once you’ve been startled awake. Have you thought about a sound machine? They can help block out background noise which can lead to peaceful sleep for your baby.

6. Room Decor. It’s exciting as a parent to create a beautiful space for your baby to come home to—so go for it. But just don’t go wild and crazy. Remember to keep it simple and calm.

Sukkie Sandhu is a licensed Sleep Sense Consultant at HappyBaby Sleep Solutions.

She offers families individual support and guidance to get their babies and children sleeping well. Contact Sukkie at sukkie@ happybabysleepsolutions.com, phone 250857-1408 or visit happybabysleepsolutions. com.

kidsinvictoria.com

Catherine Carter Clark

Child Care Referral

L

ooking for child care can be a daunting task full of mixed emotions. Whether by choice or necessity, finding affordable, quality care can be overwhelming. Some families are fortunate to have relatives or friends that are willing to assist with this role. Others, though, by circumstance or distance apart, cannot rely on this type of arrangement.

So where to turn if this is the case for you?

One place to start is at your local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCRR) program where you’ll find information on quality care and a child care referral based on availability in your community. The CCRR will not recommend a child care program.

However, by sharing information on quality care, a CCRR consultant can help families make the best choice based on their needs and what feels right as a family.

The CCRR can also help families with child care subsidy applications, including filling out forms, providing information, and complimentary faxing to the subsidy office.

Child care includes licensed and unlicensed options. Licensed programs include: group care, family child care, preschool, multi-age child care, in-home multi-age, occasional care and group (out-of-school care). For more information on licensed child care programs check out the Island Health licensing site at viha. ca/mho/licensing/child_care_facilities.htm.

Unlicensed child care options include: License Not Required (LNR), in child’s own home (also referred to as nanny, au pair or babysitting), and Registered License Not Required Care (RLNR). One resource that offers detailed information on licensed and unlicensed child care options is the Parents Guide to Selecting and Monitoring Child Care in BC at health.gov.bc.ca/library/publications/ year/2009/Parents’_guide_child_care.pdf Your local CCRR can also provide information on the different types of child care available in your community. If you are interested in staying home with your family and love to be around children, you may be interested in opening a home daycare. CCRR staff offer support and information to those that would like to open a licensed family child care and can help with the start up of a Registered License Not Required (RLNR) program where a provider can care for no more than two children or one sibling group, plus your own children, in your own home.

IslandParent.ca

License Not Required (LNR) providers are encouraged but not required to register with the CCRR. RLNR care can be an appealing option for family members such as grandparents offering child care to grandchildren. By registering as an LNR with your local CCRR program, you are agreeing to meet required health and safety standards of care.

Some of the important criteria that a RLNR provider agrees to include: • current first aid training • character references • physicians report on physical and emotional capacity to care for children • a minimum of 20 hours of family child care training plus a commitment to take at least two child care workshops per year • anyone over the age of 12 living in the RLNR home including the provider will complete a criminal record check • at least one support visit per year and a Health and Safety visit by CCRR staff to ensure standards continue to be met.

Child care subsidy rates for a RLNR child care setting are higher than if you are not registered with the CCRR as an LNR in recognition that criteria has been met to enhance the level of quality care. For more information on Child Care Subsidy, check out the Ministry of Children and Family Development Child Care Subsidy site at mcf. gov.bc.ca/childcare/subsidy/index.htm?WT. svl=Body All child care providers who are members of the CCRR have access to a lending library with resources and toys that can enhance child care programs. Providers also have access to training opportunities through the CCRR, and newsletters full of ideas and information about child care.

For more information on how to become a registered LNR provider, or to enquire about child care referrals and other child care related questions, contact your local CCRR in person, by phone or via email and/ or web referrals where available. For more information, visit islandfamilyinfo.ca Catherine Carter Clark, MEd, BA, ECED, is the regional coordinator for Vancouver Island CCRR and—as a parent—understands the angst and excitement involved when searching for quality child care.

Learning

Through Play

Discover our parent-operated cooperative preschools where children (and their parents) learn through play.

Victoria Cordova Bay Preschool

cordovabaypreschool.org

Countryside Preschool

countrysidepreschool.org goldstreampreschool.com

Goldstream Preschool Gonzales Preschool

gonzalescooppreschool.com lakehillpreschool.org

Lakehill Preschool Lambrick Park Preschool

lambrickparkpreschool.ca

Lansdowne Preschool

lansdownepreschool.com oakbaypreschool.com

Oak Bay Preschool

Call (250) 655-3333

Sidney Preschool Strawberry Vale Preschool

strawberryvalepreschool.org

Outside Victoria Errington Preschool erringtonhall.bc.ca/preschol.htm Gabriola Island Preschool www.gabriolapreschool.org Call (250) 753-1939

Nanaimo Preschool Salt Spring Island Preschool

saltspringcooppreschool.com

www.vicpa.org February 2015 35

and calling our three daughters Princesses, telling them what a great adventure it was.

He helped the wait staff and paid for a meal for a single mother who had two kids with her. He only lived 20 minutes away and

Stranded

W

e drove to Calgary to visit family over the holidays, but only made it halfway before the Trans Canada shut down and stranded us in the mountains.

No announcements told us the highway was closed and our cell phones weren’t getting service so for a good half hour we just sat in the car hoping traffic would start up again.

After a while I got out to stretch restless legs. A truck pulled up and the driver rolled down his window. “A car crash closed the highway up ahead,” the man told me. “They need to wait for the coroner. We could be here all night but just around that bend is a diner and a gas station.”

I figured if we were going to be stuck all night, better to spend the night in a diner.

And if we’re going to be stuck in a diner, we may as well get there quick and try and get a table so I pulled out of the line of cars and followed the truck.

The diner was already crowded and rumours were circulating about what had happened and how long we’d be stuck. The

cashier was telling anyone who’d listen that we had no chance of leaving before midnight. It was only four o’clock. Snow was still falling. Right then the thought of turning around and racing for the nine o’clock ferry and our own warm beds seemed pretty appealing.

A table came free, and as we settled in, my wife asked our three daughters if we should vote on whether to carry on or turn back.

Vivian’s face quivered. “I want to see my cousins.” She barely whispered the words and a tear rolled down her cheek.

Being stranded seems to magnify certain personality traits. Right up until the end, the cashier kept insisting we’d be stuck all night. The family at the table opposite us spent the entire time plotting and planning, trying to find alternative routes and nearby hotels that might still have beds. There were also folks that remained bright and cheery throughout. Richard was the man who’d stopped to talk to me while we were sitting in traffic. In the diner, he kept dropping by

Dadspeak Daniel Griffin could have just gone home but he seemed in his element, happy to be helpful in a crisis.

I’m not sure what it says about our family’s personality traits, but the first thing we did was order food. After eating, Tessa got out a book, Evelyn bought a People Magazine, Vivian played with the iPod she got for Christmas and my wife started knitting.

I watched the Team Canada vs. Germany World Juniors game on TV. We ordered dessert and then tea. We wanted to keep ordering so we wouldn’t lose our table. By the time the hockey game ended, our hopes of pushing through to

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Located in Downtown Victoria, one block north of the Empress Hotel.

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36 Island Parent Magazine

kidsinvictoria.com

IslandParent.ca

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Calgary were faint and we started to think about where we might spend the night. I overheard a woman at the table next to ours say they’d opened up the community centre in Revelstoke. We had no cell phone access, but those who did kept saying all hotels were full. I brought the news back to our table: “Kids, if we can’t find a hotel, at least we can sleep at the community centre.”

“A community centre?” Evelyn said.

“Like on the floor?”

Richard overheard and stepped closer: “I can’t believe your luck, Princesses. Revelstoke has the best community centre. In the morning you can go for a swim, climb the rock wall. Did you bring your swim suits?”

Cars started getting back on the road at around 9:30 p.m. We put on Macklemore’s The Heist, one of our favourite road trip CDs, and followed the tail lights of the car ahead of us. It was slow going. It took almost an hour just to get to Revelstoke.

As everyone had warned us, the hotels were full but one concierge directed us to a church that was helping billet people.

They put us in touch with a man named Larry who had a couple of spare beds in the basement. I called Larry using my wife’s cell phone. He said to come on over and gave me directions. I set the phone down and told everyone we had a place to stay.

Strangers were taking us in.

From the back seat, one of the kids said, “What if he axe murders us?”

“He’s not an axe murderer,” I said. “He goes to church.”

I heard a sound from the phone just then and realized I’d not yet hit the end button.

My wife picked up her cell phone. “Hello, Larry?” She paused while he spoke. “We’re looking forward to seeing you,” she said.

Larry and his wife couldn’t have been kinder. They were generous and welcoming.

They gave us beds in their basement, we all had a good night’s rest and in the morning we thanked them, exchanged addresses and were on our way.

In a time when children hear a lot about “stranger danger,” it was great for our kids to see how important the kindness of strangers can be.

Larch St.

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(Under Sleep Country in the REAR)

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February 2015 37

Work, Play, Learn!

H Healthy Families, Happy Families

Child, Youth & Family Public Health South Island Health Units Esquimalt Gulf Islands

250-519-5311 250-539-3099

(toll-free number for office in Saanichton)

Peninsula Saanich Saltspring Island Sooke Victoria West Shore

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

Central Island Health Units Duncan 250-709-3050 Ladysmith 250-755-3342 Lake Cowichan 250-749-6878 Nanaimo 250-755-3342 Nanaimo Princess Royal 250-755-3342 Parksville/Qualicum 250-947-8242 Port Alberni 250-731-1315 Tofino 250-725-4020

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

250-850-2110 250-331-8520 250-332-5289 250-974-5522 250-902-6071

www.viha.ca/prevention_services/

38 Island Parent Magazine

ave you heard about Health Promoting Schools?

There’s something exciting happening in Vancouver Island school communities and in schools around the world called Health Promoting Schools. Health Promoting Schools brings together students, parents, school staff and community to work together on healthy eating, positive mental health, or physical activity. Why? So that students have the best opportunity to learn and be healthy every day.

Healthy students are better learners.

Island Health is involved in a four-year project, funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Innovation Strategy for Achieving Healthier Weights, to bring Health Promoting Schools to eight schools across the Island in Campbell River, Port Alberni, Ditidaht, Nanaimo and Victoria.

Each school has a Public Health Nurse or Community Nutritionist and a Community Builder. Together with the school principal, staff, students and parents, they make up the Healthy School Team and use an online tool to help the school in the development of their School Action Plan.

The School Action Plan outlines steps that can be taken to support the health of the school community, looking at Social and Physical Environment, Teaching and Learning, Healthy School Policy, and Partnerships and Services. When these areas are addressed simultaneously, schools create school cultures that go beyond the classroom and into the school community; the combined results ultimately support students.

“We are already seeing the healthy approach at the school leaking in to the community” – School Principal.

Some schools are developing welcoming spaces to eat, play, and rest—a chance to be quiet to take a break from the busy day.

Others are offering yoga and mindfulness through the Yoga4Classrooms® program and/or increasing parent participation by offering after-school drop-ins or providing healthy options to fundraising.

Parent engagement is vital to Health Promoting Schools as parents have a key role in supporting children to form lifelong healthy habits. Parents and students are encouraged to get involved in the school and at home (see following ideas).

Health Promoting Schools help make your child’s school a healthy place to work, play and learn.

The Health Promoting Schools program is on Facebook and Twitter @HPSProgram.

Healthy Families, Happy Families C hild Y outh & Family Pub lic Hea lth

Amanda ClarkE & Areli Hermanson

Parents: Get Involved!

Pay a visit to your child’s school!

• See, hear and experience what your child’s school looks, sounds and feels like.

Is the playground well used? Do students have a clean, comfortable space to eat and meet? Are teachers, students and their peers working together?

• Ask for a copy of the school’s wellness plan or healthy schools policy. It may include Guidelines for Food and Beverage Sales or Play Before Lunch initiatives.

Talk to the principal and/or the PAC and ask what you can do to help.

• Volunteer! Perhaps you can support your school’s “walking school bus” or school garden or support healthy fundraising events. Get involved in the school’s anti-bullying efforts.

• Offer to investigate outside sources of funding to improve options for physical activity.

• Be an advocate for healthy schools.

Do things together as a family.

• Plan and make your next meal together. Have your kids help out with grocery shopping. Talk about reading food labels on the items or products you buy. It’s all health education!

• Rain or shine, get your family moving.

Take a walk, go for a bike ride or, visit the local recreation centre. Looking for some new ideas? Call the Physical Activity Line, toll free, at 1-877-725-1149 or visit physicalactivityline.com/ Help your child get enough sleep.

• Have your child go to bed at the same time every night and wake up at the same time every morning so they are alert and ready to learn.

Amanda Clarke, Project and K* Coordinator, Health Promoting Schools and Areli Hermanson, Site Coordinator, Island Health.

kidsinvictoria.com

Baseball Player Divisions (Age as of Dec 31/15) Blastball Tball Mini's Rookies

Ages 2-4 years Ages 4-5 years Ages 5-7 years Ages 7-9 years

Baseball Player Divisions (Age as of Apr 30/15)

Minors Majors Intermediate

Ages 7-11 years Ages 9-12 years Ages 11-13 years

Softball Player Divisions (Age as of Dec 31/14)

Minors Majors Juniors Seniors Big League

Ages 7-11 years Ages 9-12 years Ages 13-14 years Ages 15-16 years Ages 17-18 years

Girls! Girls! Girls! Softball

Hampton offers a recreational spring program for all skill levels, and an opportunity to play on a competitive summer team for those participants of the spring season. Many Hampton girls advanced to the 2014 World Series!

Registration Dates and Times

January 17 & 18 & 31 2015 February 1 and 7 & 8 2015 Saturdays and Sundays from 12 to 4 PM Wednesday February 11 2015 6:30 to 9 PM Register at the Hampton Clubhouse on Tillicum Rd across from Burnside Plaza.

For Registration fees as well as more dates check: www.hamptonlittleleague.org To Register please bring:

 Player Birth Certificate  Care Card  3 different pieces Address ID  $100 Uniform deposit cheque  Debit, credit, chq & cash accepted

Blastball Baseball for underage Little Leaguers!

Entry level for team sport. No equipment required! Bring your friends, make your own team!

Player’s receive: hat, team picture & yearend award. Games will be 45 minutes in length, on Saturday mid April thru June except long weekends.

Registration is $50.

Challenger Baseball

“Where everyone is a winner” The Challenger program, established as a division of Little League so boys and girls with special needs, ages 4 to 20 may enjoy the game of baseball along with the millions of other children who participate in this sport.

Player’s receive: hat, team picture and a yearend award. Games will be 90 minutes in length, Saturdays mid April thru June except long weekends. Registration is free.

For more information contact Kristen: klakay@shaw.ca

Hampton Little League is proud to offer a recreational spring program and for those ages 9 and up, the opportunity to earn their way onto tournament teams with more competitive summer ball play.

Being a part of Hampton is more than just sports, we are a community! We hold several special events each season for all members such as Fun Day; Pitch, Hit, & Run; Dance; Coach & Manager Ball Games; Player Development Clinics; etc. and we offer free training for Youth and Adult Umpires.

We love to host tournaments, such as the Minor BB May long weekend Tournament, Girls SB Canadian Championships as well as interlocking games and Minor SB Jamborees!

We are an all inclusive organization - something for everyone!

Kidsport & payment options available - NO PLAYER WILL BE TURNED AWAY BECAUSE OF FINANCES!

Our Contact Information: www.hamptonlittleleague.org or before April 250 361-9614 IslandParent.ca

February 2015 39

Bowls Full of Health

B

ack when my daughter was two years old, I made her separate meals. At the time she tended to prefer mac ’n cheese (simmer down: homemade) or beans on toast. I was pregnant with my son, my husband and I liked to eat the occasional spicy dish, and it seemed like the easiest route.

Ah, the road to eternal kitchen slavedom is paved with trips down the seemingly easy route! (Ditto the road to endless nights of broken sleep, but that is another story).

The scales fell from my eyes about a month before Number Two cruised on in: would I end up preparing three, or eventually even four different dishes each night? I took my daughter on my lap and coached her through her Bunnikins bowl of Turkey-Artichoke Heart Casserole (not very tasty, actually, and never made again), and the rest is history.

There are food allergies, and there are intense food hatreds (remember, many children’s tiny taste buds are exquisitely sensitive, and textures can play a much more important role than with adults’ sometimes jaded palates) but otherwise kids really can eat most foods. Food can be fun, mealtimes not always so much. Mama Fork and Baby Fork were frequent players in our suppertime journeys. Oh yes, and the giraffes who loved to eat broccoli trees, and that very clever fork helicopter as well!

One-dish meals, built to suit, are a meal option that allows diners to adapt to their tastes, within the cook’s parameters. Let me explain. There is a base of brown rice, or farro, or quinoa, or soba noodles, or Udon. There are vegetable options, such as raw grated beets and carrots, shredded red cabbage, baked yam slices, roasted

beets, sliced avocado, diced tomato, various sprouts. Then there’s a protein, think sauteed or baked tofu, grilled fish, chicken or beef, or a gently poached egg. A nice bed of greens—spinach, kale, arugula, you name it—and whichever condiment from the self-propagating selection you likely have in your fridge and cupboards (sauerkraut or kimchi are a couple of my favourites).

Line a bowl with the greens, then top with the grain. Add the rest, to taste, and drizzle a dressing over top, and enjoy! There is a big benefit to having children chose their own portion sizes, within reason: they learn to properly evaluate their hunger and the quantities necessary for satisfying it.

Respect for the work put into preparing a meal, for the food itself (the labour put into producing it), and responsibility for choices are all tangental conversational topics here as well, of course. I’ve put out some suggestions here, but there are no limits to what can go into a bowl—think pasta, topped with choices of veggies, protein, a tomato sauce and some grated Parmesan, or a Mexican-inspired version. Let’s send Happy Helicopter into a well-earned retirement!

Glory Dressing cup nutritional yeast 1⁄3 cup tamari 1⁄3 cup water 1⁄3 cup cider vinegar 2 Tbsp tahini (or natural peanut butter) 2 cloves garlic, minced 11⁄2 cups vegetable oil Combine yeast, tamari, water, cider vin-

egar, garlic and tahini in blender. Whirl until well-combined. With motor on low speed, gradually add vegetable oil, continuing to mix. This will last, covered in fridge, for up to one week.

Just Eat It! Kathy Humphrey

Peanut Sauce 1 x 414ml tin coconut milk 1⁄3 cup peanut butter 3 cloves garlic 2 red chilis juice of 1 lemon (equals about 2–3 Tbsp lemon juice) 1⁄3 cup soy sauce 1⁄3 cup water 2 Tbsp brown sugar 1 Tbsp sesame oil Combine all of the ingredients in a food processor. Whirl until creamy and smooth.

Keep refrigerated for a month, but note that it thickens and so will need to come to temperature before being used.

Tahini Goddess Dressing

1⁄2

1⁄2

cup tahini cup apple cider vinegar 1⁄4 cup soy sauce 1 Tbsp lemon juice 1⁄2 tsp salt 3 cloves garlic 1⁄2 cup water 1⁄2

Play Paves the Way at Carrot Seed Preschool!

Discover a place where children can

• Wonder • Discover • Imagine • Construct and Learn… through Play!

40 Island Parent Magazine

Open House

February 7th 10am–2pm 813 Claremont Ave, Victoria 250 658 2331

www.carrotseedpreschool.com

Check our website and Kids in Victoria for future open house dates.

kidsinvictoria.com

2 Tbsp dried parsley (or 1⁄4 cup fresh, chopped) 1 Tbsp sugar (can substitute liquid honey) 1⁄2 cup vegetable oil Combine all ingredients except for vegetable oil in a blender. Whirl together until blended. With blender on low, slowly drizzle vegetable oil in, until mixture is smooth.

Add more water if needed to reach desired consistency.

Miso Dressing 11⁄2 Tbsp miso paste 2 Tbsp rice wine vinegar (preferably unseasoned) 11⁄4 Tbsp liquid honey 1 Tbsp minced fresh ginger 1 Tbsp sesame oil 11⁄2 tsp lime juice 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds Combine in small bowl and whisk till blended.

Garlicky Farro 1 cup uncooked farro, rinsed 2 teaspoons olive oil 2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced 1⁄4 teaspoon sea salt In a medium saucepan, mix the rinsed farro with at least three cups of water (enough water to cover the farro by four or five centimetres). Bring water to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer, and cook until the farro is tender but still slightly chewy. (Pearled farro will take around 15 minutes, unprocessed farro will take 25 to 40 minutes.) Drain excess water and stir in two teaspoons of olive oil, the garlic and sea salt.

Baked Yam Slices 1 yam, peeled and cut into 1⁄2" slices 1–2 Tbsp vegetable oil pinch of salt, if desired Preheat oven to 375˚F. Place yam slices in single layer on baking sheet. Brush with vegetable oil. Bake, checking often and flipping partway through, for 30–45 minutes, or until fork-tender.

Kathy Humphrey lives in Victoria with her husband and two children. She tries to see cooking for a family not as a chore but as a creative outlet.

IslandParent.ca

DOES THIS SOUND FAMILIAR?

Do you know someone who has big dreams but feels held back even slightly by academic or social diffistruggled culties? academically, having I was a brightlearning student who

“I always had big dreamstoofrely what life would consist of. Iyet hadexpending this constant feeling that I had onmy coping mechanisms extra effort all the parts of the puzzlecontinually but my hands how put the puzzle together. This created to didn’t makeknow up for mytodeficits. a lot of frustration and sadness. Through this program I feel that my hands are starting to know where to put the pieces. Building a puzzle seems to feel much better than just carrying it around.”

The Arrowsmith Program at Eaton Arrowsmith School and Eaton Cognitive Improvement Centre Victoria enables students with mild, moderate and severe learning difficulties to identify, intervene and strengthen the weak cognitive capacities that affect learning rather than accommodating for such deficits. The result – an independent future where students can dare to dream again.

Morning, afternoon and full day programs available for children and adults.

www.eatonarrowsmithschool.com www.eatoncognitive.com 250-370-0046 #200 3200 Shelbourne St, victoria, BC Admissions inquiries: 1-844-264-8327

Contact us at admissions@eatoneducation.com for more information and to arrange a visit. www.eatonarrowsmithschool.com/eaton-arrowsmith-academy

Curiosity • Diversity • Exploration Nature • Play-Oriented Learning

Register Now for September 2015

3905 Haro Road, Victoria BC

250-477-3731

arbutusgrove.ca

DWIGHT SCHOOL CANADA

Igniting the spark of genius in every child

Personalized Learning | Community | Global Vision

We welcome you to visit us or to spend a day as a Dwight student.

Grades 6 - 12 Weekday Boarding available Diverse Extra-Curricular Program Summer Leadership Academy

Email or call: admissions@dwightcanada.org | 250.929.0506 www.dwightcanada.org February 2015

41

Not Just for Girls

M

y son recently spotted L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables lying on the table and asked who it was for.

I told him that I had bought it for his cousin.

“But Mum,” he said, “we haven’t read it yet.” Perhaps somewhat inappropriately I responded that I thought it might be a little ‘girl-like’ for our house of boys. Wide-eyed and shocked he exclaimed, “Mum! There is no such thing as girl books and boy books.”

Too true and when I actually stopped to think about it, the Anne I remembered from my childhood reading is, in fact, very similar in personality to my spunky, imaginative son. That same night we cracked the book and my son’s eyes twinkled in delight at the dramatic, expressive and very talkative Anne. We both loved reading the book.

This got me considering what other books have been marketed to girls, but in fact have a more universal appeal. Likely, in most cases, they were thought to be books for girls simply because of a strong female protagonist and perhaps an emphasis on character rather than plot. However, there is no reason why our boys shouldn’t read books with strong female leads, and though some may not love the tendency towards a slower paced narrative, others just may be intrigued and moved by the range of brilliant characters and their tales, even if they are girls.

The Little House on the Prairies series sprang immediately to mind. I was amazed when I re-read it as an adult at some of the stories and how strongly it has been marketed towards girls. It is filled with building, engineering, and wilderness survival. There is so much in it that would appeal to any youngster who dreams of making his or her way through the forest with a hatchet as their sole companion.

The Secret Garden, by Francess Hodgson Burnett, is hardly a wilderness adventure story. It is about empathy, friendship and the healing power of the outdoors, which are great themes for any kid, male or female.

Mary, the protagonist, is a selfish and spoiled child who is suddenly orphaned and sent to live with an uncle. Alone and in isolation she seeks solace and amusement in the outdoors and eventually becomes stronger and more capable, both physically and emotionally because of it. She soon discovers that the strange cries she has been hearing are coming

from a sickly boy, her cousin. She resolves to bring him to the gardens, where his mother had found great joy, and eventually he too gets better.

Book Nook PAislEY aiKen The Diary of A Young Girl, by Anne Frank is another book that can get overlooked by boys, despite its universal themes. I’d bet any child, boy or girl, will feel empathy, hope and struggle reading Anne’s story hiding from the Nazis with her family. Bored, hungry, unable to make noise and terrified for her life, Anne must navigate her coming of age years in a context few can imagine.

Rooftoppers, by Katherine Rundell, was published in 2013 by Simon Schuster and it reads like a classic. Girls will love this courageous and defiant protagonist, Sophie.

But so will boys. Sophie, is a young orphan who travels to Paris in hopes of finding her mother, a cello player who was thought to have drowned. In her search she meets other orphan children who live hidden from the world—in the trees and on the tops of the city’s rooftops. It is through the other children that she discovers how to delight in pleasures such as sausages cooked on the roof and birds that flutter above the rooflines. Sophie is determined to maintain hope and keep dreaming, never ignoring a ‘possible.’

As you meander through the bookstore or library, focus on whether a book is well written, has strong characters and an interesting story and forget whether that character is male or female, or how the publisher has chosen to market the book. For a book worth reading will be neither a ‘girl book’ or ‘boy book’ as my son said, but will stretch your reader in a plethora of ways.

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

kidsinvictoria.com

IslandParent.ca

February 2015  43

4

Aquarobics. Watch a lot of Shark Week to instill a healthy fear of water. When you hit up the beach/pool, your child will cling to you in terror. This is really the perfect workout as there is a ton of cardio involved, and the panic sweats induced by your child constantly pushing your head underwater will rinse off without you even noticing.

The No Excuses Fitness Plan™

A

h, the trenches of parenthood. So many things fall by the wayside during this time in one’s life. Take, for example, maintaining a reasonably updated style, the ability to sustain adult conversations (particularly when the topic is current events), and watching a full-length movie in its entirety without falling asleep. What I’m really thinking about, for the purposes of offering my parenting genius in this column, is exercising.

There was a time when I enjoyed a jog or the odd yoga class. Then there were The Stroller Years, when I didn’t have time for formal exercise but I still had some degree of control over the pace at which I could travel.

Since the onset of ALL BY MYTHELF, however, I suddenly have two little people who travel at a glacial pace trailing me at all times, and there is simply no cardio involved when you must stop to examine a puddle/ rock/cigarette butt every 14 seconds. So I’ve compiled a list of ways to stay in tip top shape without the luxury of time, planning ahead, coordinated outfits, or a babysitter.

You can thank me later.

1

Resistance training. Refuse to purchase Mini Wheats or other such desirable goods at the grocery store in order to induce a fit. Remove your child at the peak of their tantrum. This will set up the G-force. The

strength required to keep them from kicking over the cat food display and/or head butting you in the process will amount to bench pressing approximately 600 pounds.

If you are at Costco on a Saturday, this is a bonus, as you may have to travel an extensive distance with said thrashing child in order to reach your car.

Is There an App for This?

2 5

Weight loss through sweating. This can happen in a range of situations, but there are two main types: embarrassment and panic. You can bring your child somewhere that has a lot of overweight people, and have him ask them if they are all pregnant.

Enter the embarrassed sweats. Or you can slack off in the organization department, which might result in phone calls regarding missed pediatric appointments that required an 18-month wait. Enter the panic sweats.

3

Sprinting. Neglect to ask your child if they have to use the toilet before leaving the house. When they say, “I HAVE TO GO!” in the middle of the mall/sidewalk etc., lift them by the armpits and run frantically in search of a washroom. You may also get some bonus embarrassment sweats if you don’t make it in time.

CArlY sUTHErlAND

Wrestling. All you have to do here is leave the house.

Wintertime is ideal, as there are so many more pieces of outerwear involved and your child is more likely to be sitting in front of a screen, which puts then into a particularly stubborn zombie state. Here are the steps. Wrestle them away from the screen. Wrestle them into their outerwear.

Wrestle them into their car seat.

I suppose #6 could just be give up until everyone moves out. But that wouldn’t be very inspiring, now would it?

Carly Sutherland has no business blaming her lack of personal fitness on her children (she was hardly a triathlete in a previous life), but they are currently too young to object.

Fall and Winter Classes…

Expand your skills, build your confidence and find the joy in learning!

Nationally recognized Level B Academic Assessments After school remedial learning classes, starting at 3:30 p.m.

Language Arts, Mathematics, study skills and higher-level Math and Science All READ Teachers are BC Certified Locations: Colwood, Sidney and Victoria

Call 250-388-7225 for information about our services and schedules Check out the website: www.readsociety.bc.ca 44

Island Parent Magazine

kidsinvictoria.com

Family-Friendly Cowichan Valley & Mid-Island

Celebrating 30 Years!

Hello Baby!

An “Instructional Lecture” by a First Time, Semi Competent Father Written and performed by Lucas Myers

Cowichan Aquatic Centre 2653 James Street 250.746.7665

Discover Fun

Now Register Online www.northcowichan.ca

With Our Spring Break Day Camps!

- Globe and Mail

March 19-22 Malaspina Theatre at VIU

For anyone who is going to be a Parent, is a Parent, has a Parent or knows a Parent.

Evergreen Independent School

Mature Content.

Age 18+

TICKETS $23-28 | Students $15 Buy tickets for both shows and save! www.porttheatre.com | 250-754-8550

Balanced education combining academic excellence and individual development.

K– e7 r o d i Gra Jun in the heart of Cobble Hill

“Meyers is brilliant!”

Submit your event for our Please call 250-743-2433 or visit us at

www.evergreenbc.net

Around the Island Calendar

St. Joseph’s Elementary School - CHEMAINUS DEVELOP

“My time at St. Joseph’s School helped instill the moral, ethical, spiritual and family values that I have drawn on throughout my life.”

BUILD

“I will never be able to adequately express my gratitude and thanks for what St. Joe’s has meant to our family. Being part of a different educational system gives me a greater appreciation for the commitment, sacrifice and love that makes St. Joe’s the school it is.”

CALL NOW FOR SEPTEMBER ENROLLMENT

UNDERSTAND

NOW ACCEPTING REGISTRATIONS FOR 2015–2016 DAY CARE, PRESCHOOL, K–7, BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL CARE

9735 Elm Street, Chemainus 250 246 3191 sjc@cisdv.bc.ca www.stjosephselem.ca IslandParent.ca

if you have an event for families from Cowichan Valley north to Campbell river and west to Tofino, email us at

events@islandparent.ca

by the 10th of the month (for the following month’s event). islandparent.ca kidsinvictoria.com February 2015

45

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

1Up, Victoria Single Parent Resource Centre (www.1-up.ca) provides support, education and resources for parents in the Greater Victoria area through free counselling, volunteer training for reception and peer helper positions, a mentoring program for single moms, and a support group for dads. The Centre also offers over 20 integrated life skills and parenting courses which are open to the whole community (fees are on a sliding scale). Child care assistance is available based on financial need. The Centre provides a bread pantry and free clothing for single parents. Donations of gently-used clothing, small household items, books, and toys are very welcome every Monday and Wednesday.

Centre hours are 9–4 weekdays. 602 Gorge Rd. East; call 250-385-1114 or info@1-up.ca.

BC Families in Transition (formerly the Separation and Divorce Resource Centre) is one of three non-profit agencies in North America that offers professional counselling, legal support and education for people who are having problems in their relationships. Each year we help 10,000 adults, children and youth through family changes, separations and divorces, remarriages, and complex family situations. Whether you wish to separate or remain together, call us at 250-3864331 or visit www.bcfit.org to see how we can help.

Some evening and weekend appointments available.

Beacon Community Services is a community-based non-profit agency providing social, employment, and health services to Saanich Peninsula, Greater Victoria, and Southern Gulf Islands residents. Beacon offers: child, youth, and family services; a drop-in family resource centre; counselling; employment services for adults, youth, and people with disabilities; home support; volunteer services and opportunities; community events; affordable assisted living for seniors; referrals, information, and resources; thrift shops. For Home Support information call 250-658-6407; for all other inquiries call 250-656-0134, or visit beaconcs.ca.

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Island: Soccer (ages 5-15), Swim (ages 4-15), Family Events and Camps. To learn how you can become a member, please visit canucksautism.ca/join or call 604-685-4049.

Beacon Community’s Employment Services.

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

Community Living Victoria supports people with developmental disabilities and their families by providing residential services, day and community supports (supported employment, parent support and independent living). Our Host agency provides direct supports for those with Individualized Funding and Home Share service. We also provide Autism Services for youth between 13 and 19. Our family support program offers advocacy, conflict resolution, education, newsletters, workshops, support groups and a resource library.

Please call 250-477-7231 ext 233.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Victoria is a nonprofit organization that provides mentoring programs for children and youth between the ages of 7 - 17.

Adult volunteers (“Bigs”) are matched with children (“Littles”) based on shared interests, respect and trust. No special skills or experience are needed to be a mentor to a child, just a willingness to be a friend and commit to being a consistent, positive adult role model. Make a BIG difference in the life of a child in as little as 1 hr./week. Contact us at 250-475-1117 or visit bbbsvictoria.com or ‘LIKE’ our page at facebook. com/bbbsvictoria.

Esquimalt Neighbourhood House Society. Our Family Services offer family resource programs with a focus on early childhood development and learning, parenting education and pre and post-natal services.

Our Counselling Services are free to adults and youth (12-18 years); adult and short term clinical counselling is offered for acute mental health problems. For more information call 250-385-2635 or visit 511 Constance Ave. in Esquimalt.

Boys & Girls Club Services offer after-school and evening social, educational and recreational programming for children and youth at 4 locations. We also offer support to parents (Parents Together) and programs at our Outdoor Centre in Metchosin. For more information on all programs and services visit bgcvic. org or call 250-384-9133.

The Canucks Autism Network (CAN) provides yearround, innovative, high quality sports, recreational, social and employment related programs for individuals and families living with autism, while building awareness and capacity through community networks across British Columbia. The Canucks Autism Network currently offers the following programs on Vancouver

HeadWay Victoria Epilepsy & Parkinson’s Centre supports families living with seizures by providing tutoring and one-on-one professional consultations to help your child live up to their full potential. We offer a parent workshop three times a year as well as education presentations in schools and community groups. Keep up to date with the latest research about treatments, lifestyle, and safety issues for your child.

We can be reached at www.headwayvictoria.com, or you can contact our Epilepsy Program Coordinator directly at 250-475-6677.

Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria (ICA) is a service agency for immigrants and refugees.

Programs offered include cross-cultural counseling, parenting programs (child care available), family violence programs, employment services, interpretation and translation, diversity workshops and training,

Maxine Fisher M.Ed., RCC, MTA

Counselling for Children, Families & Adults

Over 19 Years Experience (Music Therapy Also Available) Stress & Trauma (Acting Out) • Parenting • Family Transitions Physical & Learning Disabilities • Relationships • Individuals M.Ed. | Registered Clinical Counsellor | Accredited Music Therapist

Call Today for a Complimentary 10 minute phone consultation Call 250-686-7582 maxinefisher@shaw.ca victoriafamilycounselling.com 46 Island Parent Magazine

kidsinvictoria.com

ESL instruction, volunteering, youth programs and tutoring, as well as intercultural arts programming.

930 Balmoral Rd, 250-388-4728, info@icavictoria. org, icavictoria.org.

Learning Disabilities Association of BC, SVI Chapter, educates, supports and advocates for children and youth with learning disabilities and related conditions.

Services include a public lending library, individual/ group support for parents and children, professional/ educational workshops for parents and professionals.

Child and youth programs include: reading/writing, academic skills, social/emotional skill development and Fast ForWord. 1652 Fort St, Victoria, BC V8S 5J2. Ph 250-370-9513. Fax. 250-370-9421. ldasvi.bc.ca. knowyourrights.ca Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) provides programs and services to the military family community including: 24-Hour Information Line; Deployment Information and Workshops; Short Term Counselling, Crisis Support or Intervention; Welcome/Relocation Services; Childcare and Family Support Services; Assistance for Families with Special Needs and Responsibilities. Exciting Volunteer opportunities available!

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

Parent Support Services Society (parentsupportbc. ca) provides support circles, parenting resources and referrals to all in a parenting role including grandparents raising grandchildren. Our training in peer group facilitation is open to the community. Support circles are free with child minding and transportation assistance available. Volunteers are always needed.

Call 250-384-8042; email parent-support@shaw.ca.

New Kids Dentist

Dr. Anita Gadzinska-Myers

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

Special Services:

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

Victoria Pediatric Dental Centre New Location: 205–1830 Oak Bay Ave

g We’re Movin

250-383-2133

www.victoriapediatricdentalcentre.ca

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Knock-Kn

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Knock-Kn

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Knock-Kn

Learning can happen at any time.

For more great ways to

#4 Tell knock-knock jokes together share 15doing Minutes of Fun while the dishes.

with your family, visit

Learning can happen at any time. For more great ways to share 15 Minutes of FunFamilyLiteracyDay.ca with your family, visit FamilyLiteracyDay.ca

Sooke Family Resource Society (SFRS) provides #4 Tell knock-knock jokes together Family Resource Programs including: Prenatal EducaTell knock-knock jokes together while doing the#4 dishes. tion and Outreach, Parent-Tot Drop-In Groups, Parent while doing the dishes. can happen at any time. For more great ways to share Discussion Groups, Family Support Groups and Learning Out15 Minutes of Fun with your family, visit FamilyLiteracyDay.ca Learning can happen at any time. For more great ways to share reach, a Toy and Book Lending Library and Kingfisher Swing Into Spring 15 Minutes of Fun with your family, visit FamilyLiteracyDay.ca Preschool. Sooke/Westshore Child Care Resource and Gymnastics Camp Referral services are also provided by SFRS. Services Mornings/Afternoons are provided from the Child, Youth, and Family Centres Full Days/Half Days in both Sooke and the Westshore. Call 250-642-5152 March 16–20 for more information or visit our website at sfrs.ca.

Falcon

Gymnastics Centre

South Island Centre for Counselling & Training is an affordable, non-profit, counselling and training agency serving individuals and families from all social, ethnic, and financial backgrounds. We help people with a wide range of issues including low self-esteem, depression, grief, marital and family conflict, abuse and spiritual direction. We also offer helpful “life” courses. For more information contact us at 250-472-2851; info@southislandcentre.ca or visit southislandcentre.ca.

IslandParent.ca

For more information call 250-479-6424

Falcon Gymnastics presents:

Swing Into Spring Gymnastics Camp 2015 Ages 51⁄2–14 years ~ 9am–4pm, 9am–12pm or 1–4pm We also have: Best Birthday Parties in town!

Best gymnastics and most affordable classes!

208 – 721 Vanalman Ave, Victoria, BC V8Z 3B6 250-479-6424 www.falcongymnastics.com info@falcongymnastics.com February 2015 47

vigorous walks with friends, swimming and going for hikes with my family.

Be Your Own Valentine

P

arents are conditioned by society to be tireless caregivers for their children, but what your child needs most is a well-rested and reasonably balanced parent. Chronic fatigue and stress can result in disease, chronic headaches, mental health issues, weight gain and relationship troubles.

One of the best things you can do for your children and family is to reduce your stress by regularly taking time out for self-care.

Self-care is not about having that third glass of wine or lounging on the couch with a box of chocolates or going for a day at the salon because you work hard and you want to treat yourself. Yes, most definitely, these activities can be wonderful in the moment, but they do not provide a lasting feeling of well-being. Choose activities based on how you will feel afterwards. If you are not sure what self-care means to you, sit down with a journal and take a self-guided inventory.

What do you enjoy doing? What activities

2. Healthy eating.

Ask yourself, “What would really nourish me right now?” before you decide what to eat. Tired and stressed parents will often crave carbs and sugary snacks to keep

make you feel most alive? When do you feel the tension release from your neck and shoulders? What activity gets you in “the zone” and makes time pass without you noticing? What makes you laugh? Think about self-care not as something you need to add to your to-do list, but rather it is about cultivating a relationship with yourself.

Once you answer those questions, you will have an idea of which activities to implement into your plan. If you are not sure where to start, here are some ideas for self-care that can reduce stress in just a few minutes a day.

1. Exercise.

Now this is a tricky one for all those tired parents out there. I know that exercise can be the last thing on an exhausted parent’s mind because it seems too tiring. But research shows that getting your body moving can in fact give you more energy and can also ward off depression. My favorites are yoga,

New Parent Pages Diana Hurschler, BScN their energy up. But this type of eating will send you into a vicious cycle of sugar highs and crashes. I find if I start the day eating protein, it helps me maintain steady blood sugar levels and has a huge impact on how I feel later in the day. Plan ahead and keep the fridge and pantry stocked with lots of healthy staples: hummus, a variety of nuts and nut butters, fruit/veggies, garbanzo and black beans for salads and dips. I also always carry bags of almonds and dried apricots and a bottle of water with me in my bag or the car.

3. Spend time with friends.

REGISTER NOW FOR 2015–2016!

Heartfelt face-to-face connection is key to lowering stress hormones and keeping perspective. Friends who are also parents will help you feel not so alone in your parenting journey because chances are high they will understand exactly what you are going through. Friends who are not parents will help you remember your life before babies.

4. “10-Minute Blitz.”

Strawberry Vale Preschool Play Based Preschool Programs for Kids 3–4

Join Our Great Preschool Community!

48 Island Parent Magazine

www.strawberryvalepreschool.org

I set a timer for 10 minutes and tidy the house as fast as I can. I usually enlist my partner and even our children. It is truly amazing what you can accomplish in such a short time and it does not feel like a monumental task. Blast the music! The deal is that once the timer goes off, we are done. I know that cleaning house is not generally considered self-care, but hear me out. I started this routine when I was an overwhelmed new parent. All advice given at the time was along the lines of “leave the laundry” and “your housework can wait” and “who cares if you have dishes in the sink and crumbs on your floor—just take care of the baby.” Pretty soon, my house became an enormous disaster. It was not kidsinvictoria.com

Emmanuel Preschool

good for my well-being to see this mess so I decided that it actually was self-care to 2121 Cedar Hill Cross Road (by entrance to UVic) tidy up. A couple of “blitzes” a day keeps Openings forHill 2013–2014 2121 Cedar Cross RoadClasses! (by entrance to UVic) the mess away.

Emmanuel Preschool

Children through ininclusive, our all inclusive, Children learnlearn through play in play our all non-denominational Christian preschool. non-denominational Christian preschool.

It is a good idea to plan for breaks in Great facility; outdoor play area and a gym for rainy day play!

Great facility; outdoor play area and a gym for your day rather than trying to recover from Two teachers with ECE certification plus assistant teachers to rainy day play. Two teachers with ECE certification exhaustion. Many parenting experts recom- help with special needs children. plus an assistant help with special needs A competent and caringteacher teachingtoteam!

5. Pause and rest.

mend sleeping when baby sleeps, but I know from experience that this can be very tough to do. If you find it hard to sleep during the day, try to have a break with your feet up and a tea in hand while baby is sleeping.

children. A competent and caring teaching team!

Opportunities: Classes: Mon / Wed / Fri morning class Mon/Wed/Fri morning class Tues / Thurs morning class Tues/Thurs morning class 5 mornings a week

5 mornings a week Phone 250-598-0573 Phone 250-598-0573 After dinner, make it a priority to relax preschool@emmanuelvictoria.ca preschool@emmanuelvictoria.ca and unwind. Although tempting, it is not www.emmanuelpreschool.ca

6. Prepare for sleep.

a time to get hours of housework done. It is time to let the busyness of the day fall away. Bathe your little one and snuggle down for one last feeding before bed. Try to keep lights low, music soft, screens off.

www.emmanuelpreschool.ca

Matinees for KIDS! Saturdays & Sundays at 1pm

7. Family dinner.

Although this may not seem like selfcare, I find it helps me feel grounded and connected to share a meal with my family.

Family dinners also help lower stress levels, allows us to connect with each other and share details about our day. Getting into a dinner routine now will set expectations for future as your children grow.

Once you implement your self-care plan, you will discover that there are many benefits to making self-renewal a priority. Practicing self-care (and ultimately starting to embrace self-acceptance) has helped me to feel that everything will be okay, no matter what happens. And ultimately, this underlying anchoring sense of peace and well-being is what we are all seeking, is it not? You will likely feel better equipped to manage the challenges of child rearing once you start taking care of you. Not only that, your kids will have an excellent role model for what it looks like to care for themselves as they grow older. This February 14, be your own Valentine and do something nice just for you. Happy Valentine’s Day!

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

IslandParent.ca

February 2015 49

Preschool & Child Care Directory CENTRAL SAANICH Almosthome Childcare/Preschool......... 250-590-7666 Quality childcare with a preschool curriculum/kindergarten readiness program. Experienced Early Childhood Educators. Nurturing environment for ages 21⁄2 to 5 years old. www.almosthomecare.com.

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

Colwood/LANGFORD Almosthome Childcare/Preschool......... 250-590-7666 Quality childcare with a preschool curriculum/kindergarten readiness program. Experienced Early Childhood Educators. Nurturing environment for ages 10 months to 5 years old. www.almosthomecare.com.

Caring Touch Daycare............................. 250-478-4886 A warm, loving, fun family daycare in a safe, nurturing environment. Infant/toddler care for ages 1–5 years.

Goldstream Co-op Preschool........................................

Learning Through Play for 3 and 4yr olds! For registration information go to our website: www.goldstream preschool.com.

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

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

Miles of Smiles Nature Junior Kindergarten.................... 778-265-4374 Come see why learning in nature rocks! Reggio Influenced Philosophy for ages 3-5. Have your child become a nature detective today! www.naturejuniorkindergarten.com

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

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

Child Care

Resource & Referral www.islandfamilyinfo.ca www.ccrr.bc.ca 50 Island Parent Magazine

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

OAK BAY

La Pre-Maternelle Appletree Preschool................................ 250-479-0292 French immersion program. 30 months to school age.

Licensed Christian centre. www.prematernelleappletree.com.

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

Simply Fun Childcare Centre.................. 250-881-3958 A warm, loving, fun and nurturing place for children to grow and learn. We have spaces available for registration ages 2.5 to 12 in our Licensed Group Facility. We offer extraordinary childcare, before and after school programs and a preschool. Our teachers are extremely qualified with ECE training and have lots of experience. Call Brenda to set up a tour. Let your child’s light shine bright with us!

Highlands Lexie’s Little Bears.................................. 778-432-3600 Only seconds past Luxurious Bear Mountain our HIGHLY reputable Nature Program will not disappoint! Our NATURAL outdoor environment provides an experience like no other…in our own rainforest. Located on 2 acres of treed forest land, your child will learn and grow in NATURE! Our Brand NEW Infant/Toddler centre is tranquil and serene.

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

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

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

West-Mont Montessori School............... 250-474-2626 Preschool Montessori instruction in a beautiful natural environment in Metchosin. Ages 30 months and up.

Providing a balanced approach to incorporating Nature, French, Music, and Art. Stop by and feel what it is like to be part of a community devoted to the development of the whole child. Open House: Thursdays 9-11 am. www. west-mont.ca.

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

Creative Child.......................................... 778-679-0076 At Creative Child, you will find a place of quality learning and care for a small group of young children in a beautiful Montessori-inspired setting. www. creativechildcentre.com

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

Kindred Spirits Children’s House.............. 250-590-6966 Now accepting registration for a small group of 2.5–5 year olds in a purpose built Montessori classroom. The prepared environment stimulates and engages the children at their own pace with hands on, size, age and developmentally appropriate materials. www.kindredspiritschildrenshouse.com Oak Bay Co-op Preschool........................ 250-592-1922 Children Learn Through Play in this parent participation school. Our bright facility is allergy-free with a large outdoor playground. www.oakbaypreschool.com.

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

St. Christopher’s Montessori School.................................. 250-595-3213 A beautiful, warm environment, steps from beach and park in Oak Bay. We offer an enriched Montessori program – half days for 3 and 4 year olds and half or full day Kindergarten. www.stcmsoakbaybc.com.

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

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. www. camosun.ca/childcare.

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

Cloverdale Child Care.................................250-995-1766 Full time daycare spaces available for 3-5 year olds starting Sept. 2014. Preschool spaces available Sept. 2014 for 3-year-olds Tuesday & Thursday 9am-noon. www.cloverdalechildcare.com. cloverdalechildcare@shawbiz.ca.

Looking for child care? Need help with subsidy forms?

Taking care of children? Need child care training?

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

Victoria & Gulf Islands: 250-382-7000 or 1-800-750-1868 Sooke: 250-642-5152 Westshore: 250-391-4324 Cowichan Valley: 250-746-4135 local 231 PacificCare (Ladysmith north): 250-756-2022 or 1-888-480-2273 Funded by the Province of BC

kidsinvictoria.com

Preschool & Child Care Directory Full o’ Beans Preschool............................... 250.360.1148 Opening September 2013. We offer ‘learn through play’ programming designed to foster your child’s natural curiosity and imagination. Flexible scheduling, 2.5 and 4 hour programs, qualified staff. Registration is ongoing!www. saanichneighbourhoodplace.com.

Island Montessori House........................ 250-592-4411 Inclusive, integrated and nurturing preschool, kindergarten, Grade 1/2 program. Located in a lovely rural setting.

Extended day available. www.islandmontessori.com.

Lakehill Co-op Preschool....................... 250-477-4141 Where children’s development is nurtured through a child centered inclusive, play based program.

Come visit our out natural outdoor playground and meet our loving qualified ECE team. Multiple Levels of participation available, please enquire. www.lakehillpreschool.org.

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

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

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

Montessori Educare................................ 250-881-8666 Beautiful learning environments in Broadmead and Saanichton. 30 months – 5 years. Summer program available.

Special needs are welcome. www.montessorieducare.com.

Neighbourhood Junior Kindergarten..... 250-479-4410 Oakcrest Preschool................................. 250-472-0668 A welcoming, nurturing environment with a large, bright facility. Learn through play with 2 caring ECEs. www.oakcrestpreschool.org.

Puddles & Paints (Nature Daycare)........ 250-658-6573 Introduce your children to the natural world around them!

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

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

Ready Set Grow Preschool..................... 250-472-1530 Caring, quality licensed Learning Through Play environment. In Hillcrest School, Gordon Head. Highly qualified, warm ECE. heosc@pacificcoast.net.

Rogers Child Care Centre....................... 250-744-2343 Trusted High Quality Programs since 1991. Early Learning and Out of School Care. www.rogerschildcare.com.

St. Joseph’s Catholic Preschool.................................... 250-479-1232 ext 120 • A Christian child centre for 3–5 year olds.

• A warm nurturing and challenging program • Offered by St. Joseph’s Catholic School.

St. Margaret’s School Early Learning Centre............................. 250-479-7171 Junior Kindergarten for girls age 3 and 4. Nurturing, playbased curriculum with art, STEM and outdoor exploration.

Specialist teachers.­New LEED-certified facilities on 22acre parkland near Quadra and McKenzie. Half or full day options. www.stmarg.ca.

IslandParent.ca

Strawberry Vale Preschool..................... 250-479-4213 Programs for 3 or 4 year olds at “The Little Red Schoolhouse.”

Choose between full or partial parent participation. www. strawberryvalepreschool.org.

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

Victoria Nature School............................ 250-588-3303 A nonprofit community based organization. Their licensed preschool, running out of the forest and beach at Mt Douglas Park, offers full-day and half-day programs for 3-5 year olds with Monday-Friday options. The VNS forest school philosophy focuses on fun, child-led, inquiry-based education.

Visit www.victorianatureschool.com for more information.

Contact: Bonnie Davison.

Moss Rock Preschool............................. 250-382-2065 Join our ECEs in our play based licensed preschool which builds on the intellectual, social and emotional growth of the children through a pedagogy of listening and relationships. www.fairfieldcommunity.ca

Wiseways Preschool & Daycare............. 250-477-1312 Fully licensed Christian preschool for 3 and 4 year olds.

Designed to meet the needs of the whole child. Subsidized fees welcome. www.wiseways.lambrick.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

VICTORIA ArtsCalibre Academy.............................. 250-382-3533 Comprehensive programs for Preschool through Grade 5, delivering academic excellence through music, dance, drama and visual arts. Outstanding educators, locations and facilities. www.ArtsCalibre.ca Babies to Big Kids Childcare......................250-590-2722 949 Fullerton Ave. Licenced group childcare for children ages 6 months to 11 years old. Offering full-time and part-time care. Open 6:30am-5:30pm. info@babies tobigkids.com, www.babiestobigkids.com.

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

Cedar Daycare......................................... 250-479-2032 Community oriented, NFP Child Care facility. Wide variety of activities offered including the use of a private outdoor pool during the summer months. Licensed ECE educators devoted to nurturing children aged 30 months – 5 years. www.cedardaycare.com.

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 in our spacious and welcoming facility in James Bay. www.cathedralschool.ca.

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

Nightingale Preschool and Junior Kindergarten......................... 250-595-7544 – Taking children’s learning forward – One of Victoria’s leading preschools and Junior Kindergartens. Balanced approach to play and education.

Programme supports literacy, numeracy. Visit www. nightingalepreschool.com. Fernwood.

Parkdale Early Childhood Centre........... 250-382-0512 ECEs offer the highest quality care and positive learning experiences in our daycare and preschool.

Full time or part time. Call for a tour or visit us at www.parkdalechildcare.ca.

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

Visit our website at www.rainbowexpressdaycare.com.

Ross Bay Preschool................................ 250-383-7445 Positive/supportive program motivating children to learn, discover and grow through play. Daily outdoor time, special guests and community events! www.rossbaypreschool@ shaw.ca The Sir James Douglas Playschool....... 250-389-0500 Fun, creative and educational ECE program for 3-5 year olds to grow and develop life long skills. Come play and learn in our bright and modern centre in Fairfield.

Victoria Montessori................................. 250-380-0534 Unique, innovative learning environment combining the best of Montessori and Learning Through Play. Open yr. round. 30mths–grade 1. www.victoriamontessori.com.

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

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

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

Little Friends Childcare Center.............. 250-479-8423 For a creative learning environment. Licensed group facility. Infants/Toddlers/Preschool. www.littlefriends childcare.ca.

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

Quails’ Nest Daycare............................... 250-721-2342 At-home licensed daycare near VGH; multi-aged; all families welcome. Play-based environment promoting social, emotional, physical growth. Art, songs, story-telling, puppet shows, daily walks. $835.00 quailsnestdaycare. weebly.com.

Continues next page

February 2015 51

Preschool & Child Care Directory continued View Royal Preschool.............................. 250-479-8067 An exciting inclusive program in an exceptional care environment. Licensed 3–5 year olds. Outside play and themes enrich this program. viewroyalpreschool@live.com.

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

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

DUNCAN Maple Tree Play House Licensed Family Childcare..................... 250-746-5060 A daycare program that provides enriched outdoor play time and activities that build on a child’s intrinsic love of nature. Healthy meals and snacks are provided. mapletreekids@telus.net.

Queen Margaret’s Preschool/Junior Kindergarten................ 250-746-4185 Offering a co-ed enriched curriculum in a friendly atmosphere. Morning ECE/afternoon daycare. www.qms.bc.ca.

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

Sunrise Waldorf School Preschool........... 250-743-7253 A warm, nature-based rhythm where wonder is nurtured. www.sunrisewaldorfschool.org.

Chemainus Cherry Tree Child Care Centre............... 250-246-9195 Preschool program nurturing creative play and engaging learning activity. 30 months to age five. Qualified and experienced Early Childhood Educator.

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

Qualicum Beach Children’s Discovery Centre................... 250-752-4343 Our program recognizes the uniqueness of each child and provides a nurturing, safe and creative learning environment. Preschool, Groupcare, Out of School care. ECE qualified staff. childrensdiscoverycentre@hotmail.com.

Little Star Children’s Centre................... 250-752-4554 Earth friendly preschool education inspired by nature.

Kinder-Prep classes. Licensed group care. ECE instructors. www.littlestardaycare.ca. littlestar@shaw.ca.

Thimbleberry Childcare........................... 250-752-8342 A place for preschoolers to seek out adventure and exploration in a natural environment. A magical forest of 20 acres right on our door step.

Thimbleberrychildcare@gmail.com

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.

52 Island Parent Magazine

Character Study

A

ngus has a lot of books. There are books in every room of our house, also books in the car and books stashed at Granny’s. There are so many books that the shelves in Angus’s room require rotations: Mike and I pull the books off and stash them in the closet, replacing them with the ones that are stashed there currently. Angus has books that were mine and my brother’s, and even a couple that were my mum’s. He always has a pile of library books. He has gifted books, and way too many acquired directly by me. It is a fact that I am unable to leave a second-hand store without taking a “quick peek” at the kids’ book section.

Though Mike and I often purge the books, more always arrive to replace the ones we have managed to smuggle away.

We read to Angus a lot. Angus also reads to himself (sometimes made up stories to correspond with the pictures, sometimes the exact words on the exact right pages, since his favourites are memorized). We have books on CDs. And we have CDs with books—because in Angus’s mind the only thing better than listening to music is listening to music while staring at the lyrics.

The “special bag fairy” slips two books into Angus’s Dr. Seuss bag every evening, and before every nap. She is a necessary part of our sleep routine, selecting from Angus’s shelves books that are an appropriate length.

Translation: Yes, I realize your Curious George Treasury is one book, but I want you asleep before 10 p.m. The Halloween fairy took Angus’s candy and replaced it with something he was much more thrilled about: a Richard Scary dictionary. Even Santa was in on the act. But then, he had to be. Books were what Angus asked him for.

It’s not that Angus doesn’t like to do other things. He certainly does. He loves the park, his bicycle, Lego, trains. But after he does anything else he’ll need to cuddle up on the couch and read for a bit.

Is there such a thing as too much reading? I’m not sure I’m the right one to ask.

It is likely that Angus’s obsession is genetic.

Certainly I spent a great deal of my childhood similarly engaged. And I still read every day. I can’t sleep at night unless I read beforehand.

But all this time embedded in stories has had an unusual effect on Angus. It’s turned him into a character. I don’t mean this in the way you might assume: that he’s an interesting individual, though of course he’s that also. I mean that in the numerous skits and conversations that take place in our house—

Maternity & Beyond Laura TRUNKEY between miniature Thomas trains, bathtub stickers, and stuffed animals—Angus always has a distinct dramatic role. Sure, his stuffies talk to each other, frequently, on all manner of topics, but they also talk to Angus. And he responds. For instance, take this recent exchange: I’d like to sing Christmas carols, said Socrates (the sock rabbit). I want to sing regular songs, said Angus.

I have not added these “saids.” They were part of the conversation. In fact, they are generally part of the conversation. Not that Angus always uses said. Frequently he is inspired by his books to spice up his dialogue tags a bit. In the past 24 hours I have also heard: peeped Angus, said Angus in a soft voice, said Angus excitedly.

Sometimes Angus is a character in his own life, too. The last time I told him it was time to go to the grocery store he replied: I don’t want to go shopping, said Angus.

It’s a quirk, and one that I personally find endearing. But it may be a sign that 30 read-a-louds a day is a bit excessive, that there is such a thing as too many books. It may be, but then again maybe not. Beside, I don’t really have time to consider it right now. I’ve got a book to read.

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

kidsinvictoria.com

Ad Directory Abra Kid Abra............. 12 Arbutus Grove............. 41 Artistic Statement......... 8 Arts Calibre Academy............... IBC Babies to Big Kids....... 37 Camp Qwanoes.......... 30 Carrot Seed Preschool................ 40 Cathedral School......... 14 Cinecenta................... 49 Conseil Scolaire............ 7 Discovery School........ 56 Dr. Joslin, Dr. Morin & Associates.......... IFC Dwight School............ 41 Eaton Arrowsmith........ 41 Emmanuel Preschool.......... 34, 49 Erin Wallis Photography............ 11 Evergreen School........ 45 Falcon Gymnastics...... 47 Family Literacy Day..... 47 Full ’o Beans.............. 12 Glenlyon Norfolk......... 31 Hampton Little League................... 39 IMAX............................ 4 International Nannies.................. 11 Island Catholic Schools...................BC Island Farms............... 28 Island Kids Academy... 11 Island Montessori........ 27 KIV............................. 24 Lansdowne Preschool................ 32 Lifestyle Markets......... 10 Lighthouse Christian Academy................ 49 Mad Science.............. 34 Making Tomorrow Conference............. 21 Maple Leaf Ballet........ 18 Miles of Smiles........... 32 Mothering Touch........... 5 Nightingale Preschool................ 30 North Cowichan Parks...................... 45 North Island Distance Education................ 55 Oak & Orca....... 4, 10, 22

IslandParent.ca

OCEAN 98.5............... 17 Oxford Learning.......... 26 Pacific Christian......... IBC Queen Margaret’s School.................... 15 READ Society.............. 44 Royal BC Museum...... 26 Royal Oak Middle School.................... 55 Saanich Dental........... 21 Saanich Recreation....... 1 School for Ideal Education................ 14 Scouts Canada.......... IBC Serious Coffee............ 37 Sprott Shaw............... IFC St. Joseph’s Chemainus............. 45 St. Margaret’s School.................... 27 St. Michaels University School...................... 9 Strawberry Vale Preschool................ 48 Sunrise Waldorf......... IBC Sylvan Learning.......... 13 Theatre One............... 45 Thrifty Foods............... 29 Tigh Na Mara.............. 31 Tillicum Centre........... IFC TJ’s The Kiddies Store...................... 37 Tom Lee Music........... 30 Total Learning Services.................... 8 Tutor Doctor................ 15 Van Island Cooperative Preschool Assoc...... 35 Vancouver Island University.......... 16, 43 Victoria Kids Consignment........... 43 Victoria Pediatric Dental..................... 47 Victoria Russian School.................... 48 Victoria Symphony of Music................. 54 VIHA........................... 38 Vitamin Shop................ 3 Welcome Wagon......... 18 West-Mont School...... 14 Westshore Centre for Learning.............. 9

Island Business & Professional Directory Is your child a unique learner? Are you wondering how to best support your child and their learning?

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Smart Tutor Referrals.com Professional In-Home Tutorial Support

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Join the Conversation at Kids In Victoria & Island Parent

Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter February 2015 53

shown that those spending time walking in the forest have lower blood pressure, feel more vigour, are more focussed, and have strengthened immunes systems.

Of course, moving and getting fresh air is good for your health. In the forest, however, there is more to it than just fresh air and exercise. Trees, and in particular conifers such as our Western red cedar and our firs,

Forest Bathing & Timber Tonic

D

o you sometimes feel a little frayed around the edges from too much work and too little rest? Are you feeling tired and lethargic, overworked, underappreciated and just down right glum? Do you wish you had more energy for your family, your friends and your life? No need to fret. Take Timber Tonic! Timber Tonic gives you more energy, more focus, and a better outlook on life. Derived from nature, piped directly to you from our local forests, guaranteed to lift your spirits and boost your immune system, Timber Tonic is the solution for your health and your spirits.

And folks this product is FREE!” Sound familiar? It is what an infomercial might sound like if you wanted to sell people on a simple walk in the forest. Now let me introduce you to forest bathing. And before you ask, yes you can forest bathe fully clothed.

In Japan the practice of taking in the forest atmosphere, or ‘forest bathing’ is a cornerstone of their preventive health care and healing, and is actually prescribed by some physicians. Called ‘Shinrin-yoku’ by the Japanese, the term was coined in the 1980s by a Japanese forester in reference to the beneficial experience of being in nature, and in particular, lush forests.

While many of us realize that being in nature makes us feel good, scientists were so impressed with the perceived benefits of a forest walk, that in Japan they began to do studies to see if there was any scientific basis for these benefits.

And indeed there were. In 1990, people who walked for 40 minutes in the forest were compared to people who walked for 40 minutes indoors. The results showed that those who walked in the forest had lower levels of stress hormones. Other studies have

Nature Notes DEB THIESSEN have chemicals known as phytocides, which are released into the forest around them.

Exposure to these ‘tree emissions’ has now been shown to lower blood pressure, heart rates, and stress hormones. Voila! Timber Tonic. And it really is free.

It is ideal to take in the forest atmosphere with all your senses. That is what forest bathing is essentially. Smell the scent of the cedar boughs, listen to the gurgle of a creek or the bubbling song of a wren, feel the air

The Mischievous Adventures of the Rascally Rhythm sunday, march 8, 2:30 pm royal theatre

Maestra Tania Miller, conductor / Corey Rae, “Rascal” Maestra Tania needs your help in trying to catch an imposter!

You can’t see him, or touch him most of the time, but often you can hear this tricky fellow. Who is this pest who is always changing his disguise? We call him the Rascally Rhythm. He makes boys and girls dance to the music when they are supposed to be sitting still and behaving themselves! Isn’t that naughty of him?

Maestra Tania wants you to help her catch him once and for all! Will you help her?

Come early for the VS Instrument Petting Zoo and other activities starting at 1:30pm in the lobby. series sponsor

concert sponsor

media sponsors

victoriasymphony.ca or call 250.385.6515 54 Island Parent Magazine

kidsinvictoria.com

on your skin, notice the colours around you, taste a water droplet on your tongue.

Really be in the forest. And while you are experiencing the beauty of your forest walk, the trees are happily giving you a shot of ‘timber tonic’ phytocides.

There are plenty of lovely lush forests here in the Capital Region. One of my favourite places for forest bathing is Francis/

King Regional Park in Saanich. It’s a good place to start the practice of taking in the forest atmosphere. Walk along the trail to Heritage Grove, and bath in the magnificent old-growth Douglas-fir trees, some of the tallest in the region. There is also the universally accessible Elsie King loop trail.

Try the accessible trail in the more open forest on the nature house side of the park one day and then compare it to being in the deeper coniferous forest on the other side of the road. Which do you prefer? Whatever forest you choose, you are certain to come home from a forest bath rejuvenated in both spirit and body. The nature doctor says: “Take a walk in the forest, and call me in the morning.”

Deb Thiessen is a park interpreter with CRD Regional Parks. Join her on guided outings in the many parks throughout the region crd.bc.ca/events.

IslandParent.ca

February 2015 55

Cut It Out!

Tips from Parent Educator Allison Rees of LIFE Seminars

Feel Like a Failure?

C

hildren often misinterpret the words, the meaning and the mood of another person. Some children struggle much more with this and can be highly sensitive to any perceived violation. When this happens they can get triggered and go into the attack mode. They might swear at you and tell you they hate you, get physical and even throw things across a room. If you feel like a failure, you really need to CUT IT OUT! A child’s trying behaviour can easily send the most patient parent into reactive mode.

When this happens you might threaten, impose consequences, yell back and get aggressive, too. Staying calm feels impossible in the heat of the moment even though you know it would help. What’s more frustrating is that you are doing so many great things as a parent and then in that one instance, you feel like you’ve blown it. This is hard on your self-esteem and you must give yourself some compassion!

If you have an explosive, sensitive child who has difficulty with “self-regulation,” you won’t find much comfort with your peers

who have children with different temperaments.

Instead, you may feel inadequate and think that somebody else can do a much better job.

This, most likely, isn’t true. You are parenting a tender heart! You have to be super human.

What to do: • Take a few deep breaths and tell yourself, “He is dealing with his feelings the only way he knows how right now. I will keep him safe.”

• Avoid teaching, lecturing, or threatening to inflict a consequence.

• Stay present without engaging verbally—he can’t hear you.

• Watch for triggers. What sets him off?

• Use “time in” where you sit with him later and share your feelings, thoughts and concerns.

This might sound like, “When you were hitting and swearing, you felt overwhelmed and really angry. I was feeling concerned for you. I didn’t want to lose my temper, too, so I worked hard on breathing and keeping you safe.”

• Develop trust so he knows you are concerned for him and want to help. He must fall into your relationship rather than fight against it.

• Try to figure out what he needs during

those difficult times, come up with a strategy together: time alone, a hug, headphones with music? Get creative.

• Notice his amazing behaviour in a sincere and specific way when it shows up. This might be when you are together without siblings or other kids. Shining in your presence reminds him of who he really is when there is no stress.

• Now, pat yourself on the back—keeping your cool is doing something.

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

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-qualified teachers • Ongoing assessment, evaluation & feedback • Improves organizational & study skills • Boost confidence, independence & responsibility • Nurturing environment based on Christian values • For students aged 7 – 18 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 56 Island Parent Magazine

kidsinvictoria.com

Educational Excellence to the Glory of God

Call for a tour today!

Teaching the BC curriculum in the inspired, holistic, Waldorf way. Enhanced by French, Strings, Handwork, Plays, Gardening and Seasonal Festivals.

Check Out Your Place in the PCS Community Today

Try finding this on a searc Grades 1-8|Kindergarten Preschool|Parent & Child

PacificChristian.ca 250-479-4532 Facebook.com/YourPCS

www.sunrisewaldorfschool.org 250-743-7253|Located in the Cowichan Valley

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Live the Joy of the Gospel

Island Catholic Schools Dedicated staff are committed to educating the “whole” child in Christ-centred communities of learning. They strive to help students reach the highest levels of development by providing exceptional learning opportunities that stimulate growth in knowledge, skills, attitudes, behaviours and personal values in line with Catholic beliefs.

St. Joseph’s (Pre-School to Grade 7) 9735 Elm St, Chemainus 250-246-3191 www.stjosephselem.ca

Queen of Angels (Pre-School to Grade 9) 2085 Maple Bay Rd, Duncan 250-746-5919 www.queenofangels.ca

St. Joseph’s (Pre-School to Grade 7) 757 W Burnside Ave, Victoria 250-479-1232 www.stjosephschool.ca

St. Patrick’s (Kindergarten to Grade 7) 2368 Trent St, Victoria 250-592-6713 www.stpatrickselem.ca

St. Andrew’s Regional High (Grade 8–12) 880 McKenzie Ave, Victoria 250-479-1414 www.standrewshigh.ca

John Paul II (Kindergarten to Grade 8) 4006 8th Ave, Port Alberni 250-723-0637 www.jp2nd.ca

Call today for registration information K to 12, Pre-school, Day Care, Out of School Care for September 2015!

250-727-6893 or visit www.cisdv.bc.ca