Family Resource Guide 2017

Island Parent Family Resource Guide Celebrating

29 Years

A N N UA L

OCTOBER 2017

Over 900 Listings from Victoria to Parksville

Experience the precision of customized vision

Everything for Baby...and Beyond!

Dr. Joslin, Dr. Morin & associates Doctors of Optometry

STroLLerS • HigH cHairS • car SeaTS • SLeep aidS carrierS • SWingS • cLoTHing • SHoeS • ToyS • booKS pLayardS • SKincare • diaper bagS • furniTure

1581 Hillside ave, Victoria

778•265•5651

Across the street from Hillside Centre SHOP ONLINE AT MOMEASE.CA!

Langford: #105–814 Goldstream Ave 250‐474‐4567 www.langfordoptometrists.com Sooke: #5–6726 West Coast Rd 250‐642‐4311 www.sookeoptometrists.com

New Patients Welcome

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All academic subjects!

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Curiosity • Diversity Exploration • Nature Play-Oriented Learning

Half Day & Full Day Early Learning Programs

math4mevictoria@gmail.com

CALL TODAY:

250-589-9995 Royal Oak Shopping Centre

#104–4475 Viewmont Ave, Victoria,

BC V8Z 6L8

math4me.ca

3905 Haro Road, Victoria BC

250-477-3731 arbutusgrove.ca

Supporting local at Thrifty Foods spans beyond the thousands of products locally grown and produced for our stores. Local is about people. Local is about supporting our partners and neighbours in communities across BC. We’re proud to showcase our local partners and their stories.

Source local Eat happy thriftyfoods.com

Customer Care: 1.800.667.8280

Connect with us

Pregnant?

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

Covered by Your BC Health Care BC’s Medical Services Plan pays for midwifery care, including in-home check-ups in labour and after you’ve had your baby. You can self-refer to a midwife.

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

Creating Community

W

hen it comes to parenting, there’s no shortage of advice. Trying to conceive? There’s an app for that—well, the timing part of it anyway. Can’t think of a suitable name for your new bundle? Why not give one of the many online baby name generators a whirl. Not sure when to introduce solids?

Chances are, someone in the grocery store line-up would be more than happy to offer their opinion, not to mention a recipe or two.

The trick—amidst the never-ending and often unsolicited advice—is to trust your gut, to tailor your parenting techniques to your children’s needs, and to develop your own trusted support network and community. One thing’s for sure, parenting is easier, more rewarding and enjoyable with support from, and connection to, community.

You’ll find that community—other parents, childcare providers, teachers, health care professionals, family-centred businesses and services, and many other kidfriendly comrades—in the pages of this year’s Family Resource Guide.

You’ll also find resources for new parents along with information on family support, education, classes and programs, health and wellness, legal and financial services, family fun and entertainment, party planning, retail products, family restaurants and food markets, overnight camps and family travel. There are articles on topics including the importance of spending time outside, teaching your kids how not to get lost, the “stuff” to help get you through tough times, going from hiatus to hired, recognizing and surviving postpartum depression, and creative uses for leftovers.

Thinking about helping your kids find a job? Read The Paper Route for an inside peek at one family’s process. And for listings on birthday party ideas and things to do, check out the Party Directory and the calendar of Annual Family Events.

We hope the listings, articles and resources in this guide—along with Island Parent’s monthly magazine—help you in your job raising healthy, happy kids. Keep this issue on hand so you can refer to it throughout the year. And for a comprehensive list of where you can pick up a free copy of Island Parent every month, visit islandparent.ca and click at the top of the home page “Where to Pick-Up a Copy.”

Here’s to creating community—for our children and for each other.

Choice of Hospital or Home Birth Continuity of Care Comprehensive Care Breastfeeding Education & Support We would be pleased to schedule an appointment to answer your questions about midwifery care.

midwivesinvictoria.ca 4 IslandParent.ca

Sue Fast

Linda Frear

RaeLeigh Buchanan

Mark Warner

Editor editor@islandparent.ca

Office Manager & Sales sales@islandparent.ca

Advertising Consultant raeleigh@islandparent.ca

Publisher/Owner publisher@islandparent.ca

Design & Layout Eacrett Graphic Design

Distribution Ray Cutts & Ted Dawe

Printed by Black Press

ISSN 0838-5505

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

Next Issues:

NOVEMBER & ISLAND GRANDPARENT

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Advertising Booking Deadlines: October 19 (November) November 22 (Island Grandparent)

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

On the Cover

Photo by Chelsea Warren Photography, chelseawarrenphotography.com

Family Services of Greater Victoria

We Have Moved!

We are now part of Victoria’s New Social Innovation Centre at

1004 North Park Street

(Between Cook and Vancouver)

þ Individual, Couple and Family Counseling þ Parenting Coaching þ Relationship Referee þ Parent­‐Teen Mediation þ Specialized Children’s Therapy Services þ Caught in the Middle þ Divorce and Separation Legal Information and Mediation þ Parenting with a New Partner þ Parenting After Separation

250.386.4331 www.fsgv.org

On the Cover

Family Resource Guide 2017/2018 5

OTHER IMPORTANT NUMBERS

Important Phone Numbers

Emergency Fire, Police or Ambulance. . . . 9-1-1

South Island (Greater Victoria, Saanich, Sidney, Westshore, Sooke) POLICE (NON-EMERGENCY)

East Sooke. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-642-4411

Central Saanich. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-652-4441 Esquimalt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-414-7126

BC Association of Family Resource Programs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . frpbc.ca Child Find BC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-888-689-3463 Options Pregnancy Centre 4-855 Caledonia Ave. . . . . . . . . . . 250-380-6883

HealthLink BC HealthLinkBC.ca. . . . . . . . . 8-1-1 Sooke (East Sooke, Jordan River, Otter Point, Highlands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-474-1773 Port Renfrew, Shirley) . . . . . . . . . 250-642-5241 Langford. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-478-9555 Help Line for Children . . . . . . . . . . 250-310-1234 Esquimalt.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-995-7654 Metchosin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-478-1307 Kids Help Phone. . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-668-6868 Oak Bay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-592-2424 North Saanich. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-656-1931 Saanich. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-475-4321 Oak Bay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-592-9121 Sidney (includes North Saanich, Willis Point) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-656-3931 Victoria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250-995-7654 Western Communities (Colwood, Highlands, Langford, Metchosin, View Royal). . . . . . . . 250-474-2264

Otter Point. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-642-6211 Saanich. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250-475-6111

Poison Control Centre. . . . . . . . 1-800-567-8911 Provincial Eating Disorders Awareness Campaign jessieslegacy.com . . . 604-988-5281 Sexual Assault Crisis & Information Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-383-3232

Sidney. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-656-2121

The Representative for Children & Youth Sooke. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-642-5422 rcybc.ca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-476-3933 Victoria. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-384-1122 Vancouver Island Crisis Line. . . 1-888-494-3888 View Royal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-479-7322 Women’s Transition House. . . . . . 250-385-6611

FIRE (NON-EMERGENCY) Central Saanich. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-652-4444

AMBULANCE (NON-EMERGENCY

Colwood. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-478-8321

All areas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-727-2400

Galemys Far

Make sure your children know to call 911 for Emergency Police, Fire or Ambulance

October

by day is

7, 8 & 9, 14 & 15, 21 & 22, 28 & 29

1100 am - 4 pm

Spookier Fun Nightly 6-10 pm Oct 13th to 15th, & Oct 18 th to 31st

Kid Friendly Come and ride in the Cow Train!

Ride the Cow Train!

Hayrides to the Pumpkin Patch Corn Maze • Kids Games • Train Rides Petting Farm • Haunted House Face Painting • Live Entertainment

info@galeyfarms.net • 4150 Blenkinsop Road • 250-477-5713

6 IslandParent.ca

Listings

4 Welcome

6 Important Phone Numbers New Parent Resources 8 South Island 9 Cowichan Valley 10 Mid-Island 11 Gulf Islands

FEatures 12 Laura Hope: Time Out(side)

22 Erin Skillen: The Stuff to Get You Through 30 Colleen Davis: From Hiatus to Hired

Family Support 14 South Island 19 Cowichan Valley 20 Mid-Island 21 Gulf Islands

34 Ashley Degraaf:

Education 24 South Island 27 Cowichan Valley 28 Mid-Island

48 Emillie Parrish:

Classes & Programs 40 South Island 44 Cowichan Valley 45 Mid-Island Health & Wellness 52 South Island 52 Cowichan Valley Legal & Financial Services 54 South Island 54 Cowichan Valley Family Fun & Entertainment 56 South Island 58 Cowichan Valley 59 Mid-Island

I Will…

38 Rachel Dunstan Muller: The Paper Route An Apple a Day

50 Areli Hermanson Move Over Leftovers

53 David Leach: Fault Lines 55 Diana Hurschler: Postpartum Depression

68 Serena Beck: Teaching Kids Not to Get Lost

70 Allison Rees: Growling & Snarling

Party Planning 60 South Island 60 Cowichan Valley 60 Mid-Island Retail Products 60 South Island 62 Cowichan Valley 63 Mid-Island Family Restaurants & Food Markets 64 South Island 64 Cowichan Valley 65 Mid-Island Overnight Camps Family Travel 66 66

In Every Issue Party Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34, 35 Annual Family Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Family Resource Guide 2017/2018 7

New Parent Resources

Dandelion Midwifery 709 Connaught Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-590-7770

South Island

The Midwives Collective 107-1120 Yates St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-590-7605

Midwifery Care 547 Michigan St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-592-5407

Mothering Touch Centre 975 Fort St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-595-4905 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . motheringtouch.ca Midwifery Services of Victoria Prenatal classes taught by certified childbirth 2000 Beach Dr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-592-0099 educators. Pre- and post-natal yoga and fitness, MATERNITY/FERTILITY breastfeeding education, parenting the newSooke Midwifery born, baby groups.

West Coast Fertility Connections westcoastfertility.ca. . . . . . . . . . . . 250-589-3270 2050B Townsend Rd . . . . . . . . . . . 778-425-0780 Sooke Family Resource Society Prenatal Victoria Midwifery Group Program sfrs.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-642-5152 35 Cambridge St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-381-1977 DOULAS Victoria Doula Directory . . . doulasofvictoria.ca West Coast Midwives BEST BABIES PROGRAMS 2823 Dysart Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-384-5940 VIDA Doulas vidadoulas.ca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-661-2544 Esquimalt Neighbourhood Western Communities Midwifery House. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-385-2635 ext. 203 287 Stewart Ave. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-589-3417 Peninsula Best Babies MIDWIVES 2410 Malaview Dr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-655-5300 Access Midwifery & Family Care PRENATAL SERVICES Saanich Neighbourhood Place 208–2951 Tillicum Rd . . . . . . . . . . 250-380-6329 Best Babies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-360-1148 Aboriginal Prenatal Support Birthways Midwifery Service 231 Regina Ave. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-384-3211 Sooke Family Resource Society 2254 Belmont Ave. . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-384-9062 Best Babies Program. . 250-642-5152, ext. 237 Birthright Victoria Community Midwifery Care 515–620 View St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-380-0305 Victoria Best Babies 130 McPhillips Ave, Salt Spring. . . 250-537-2243 Camosun College. . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-370-3550 1240 Gladstone Ave. . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-381-1552 Cook Street Community Midwives Victoria Native Friendship 101–1005 Cook St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-386-4116 Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-384-3211 WestShore Best Babies. 250-217-6787 ext. 204

PUBLIC HEALTH (VIHA)

Find Your Music!

Esquimalt 530 Fraser St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-519-5311

Centrally located Caring and nurturing environment Kindermusik Suzuki Program Ensemble Classes Individual Lessons RCM Exam Preparation Theory and Musicianship Award Winning Youth Choir Spring Break Musical Theatre

8 IslandParent.ca

Over 40 usic m f o s r yea n our i s n o s s le ity! n u m m co

250 754 4611 ncmusic.ca

Gulf Islands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-539-3099 Peninsula 2170 Mt. Newton X Rd. . . . . . . . . . 250-544-2400 Saanich 3995 Quadra St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-519-5100 Saltspring Island 1-137 Crofton Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-538-4880 Sooke 104-2145 Townsend Rd . . . . . . . . . 250-642-5464

Vancouver Island Victoria 1947 Cook St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-388-2200 Baby Fair . . . . . . . . vancouverislandbabyfair.com

Options Pregnancy Centre 4-855 Caledonia Ave. . . . . . . . . . . 250-380-6883

Vancouver Island Multiple Birth West Shore Origins Supporting People Separated By 345 Wale Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-519-3490 Association . . . . . . . . . . vimba234@hotmail.com Adoption originscanada.org . . . . . 250-419-1200

BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT

Victoria Pregnancy Centre 112-826 North Park St. . . . . . . . . . . 250-380-6883

La Leche League of Greater Victoria llc.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-727-4384

Welcome Wagon welcomewagon.ca.. . . . . . . . . . . . 1-866-518-7287

NEW PARENT SUPPORT

ADOPTION SUPPORT

Cowichan Valley DOULAS Cowichan Birthwise.. . . . . . . . . . .250-748-8493

Aboriginal Infant Development Program Adoption Support Program 231 Regina Ave. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-384-3211 2400 Arbutus Rd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-721-6751 BC Association of Family Resource Programs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 604-738-0068

Adoptive Families Association of BC bcadopt.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-877-236-7807

Cowichan Childbirth, Prenatal & Doula .cowichanchildbirth.com. . . . . . . . . 250-510-0805

MIDWIVES

Choices Adoption & Counselling Services 100–850 Blanshard St. . . . . . . . . . . 250-479-9811 Cowichan Midwifery Group 164 Station St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-709-2040 Family Services of Greater Vancouver 1616 West 7th Ave. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 604-736-7613 The Cridge Young Parent Outreach Program 1307 Hillside Ave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-995-6421 This dynamic service for young parents, parentsto-be, and their children offers support, mentoring and advocacy to young parents as they endeavor to have healthy babies, develop their parenting skills, and pursue their education and employment goals.

Greater Victoria Down Syndrome Society. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-479-7450 Infant Development Program 3970 Haro Rd2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-477-1826 International Nannies & Homecare Ltd. internationalnannies.com . . . . . . . 250-383-9566 Island Parent Magazine 830A Pembroke St. . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-388-6905 Island Parent Online. . . . . . . . . . Islandparent.ca Peninsula Best Babies Program 9860 Third St, Sidney. . . . . . . . . . . 250-656-0134 Oyaco Products Inc. oyaco.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-866-272-7864 Tender Care Nannies & Manpower Services Ltd. 410-620 View St.. . . . . . . . . . 778-432-2073

Family Resource Guide 2017/2018 9

PUBLIC HEALTH (VIHA) Duncan 675 Canada Ave. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-709-3050 Lake Cowichan Health Unit 58 Cowichan Ave. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250-749-6878

NEW PARENT SUPPORT Aboriginal Infant Development Program, Duncan 5768 Allenby Rd. . . . . . . . 250-746-6184 Margaret Moss Health Centre, Duncan 675 Canada Ave. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-709-3050 Sundrops Centre for Child Development, Duncan 5856 Clements St. . . . . . . 250-746-4135 Y Young Moms Program . . . . . . . 250-382-1004

Mid-Island MIDWIVES/DOULAS Born Healthy 630 2nd Ave, Ladysmith . . . . . . . . 250-245-3079 Jennifer Hewko, Registered Midwife 5A Allsbrook Rd, Parksville . . 250-250-248-2482 Mid-Island Midwifery, Nanaimo 2506 Maxey Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-741-1294 or 350 Stewart Ave. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-716-1366

PRENATAL SERVICES Crisis Pregnancy Centre of Nanaimo 1717B Kerrisdale Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . .250-714-2191

PUBLIC HEALTH (VIHA) Campbell River Public Health 200-1100 Island Hwy. . . . . . . . . . . . 250-850-2110 Ladysmith Health Unit 224 High St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-755-3342 Nanaimo Health Unit 1665 Grant Ave. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-755-3342 Nanaimo Princess Royal Family Centre 260 Irwin St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-755-3342 10 IslandParent.ca

Parksville/Qualicum Health Unit 249 W. Hirst Ave. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-947-8242 Port Alberni Health Unit 4227 6th Ave. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-724-1315 Tofino and Ucluelet Public Health and Coastal Family Place, 265 First St. . . . . . . 250-725-4020

NEW PARENT SUPPORT Aboriginal Infant Development Program, Nanaimo 668B Centre St. . . . . . . 250-470-2348 Central Vancouver Island Crisis Society, Nanaimo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-754-4447 Family Resource Association, Parksville 198 Morison Ave, d69fra.org. . . . . 250-752-6766 Hands On Prevention & Education Centre, Gabriola Island 790 North Rd. . . 250-247-8730 Healthy Beginnings Ladysmith, Nanaimo. . . . . . . . . . . . 250-755-6230 Island Parent Magazine 830A Pembroke St, Victoria. . . . . . 250-388-6905 Island Parent Online. . . . . . . . . . IslandParent.ca Ladysmith Association of Family & Friends. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-245-6424 La Leche League, Nanaimo 409 Belmonte Place. . . . . . . . . . . . 250-754-5853 La Leche League, Parksville . . . 250-954-2922 Nanaimo Infant Development Program 1135 Nelson St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-753-0251 Welcome Wagon. . . . . . . . . . welcomewagon.ca

Nurturing young minds. Keeping the spirit free.

Gulf Islands

International Montessori Academies of Canada

MIDWIVES/DOULAS Salt Spring Midwifery. . . . . . . . . . 250-537-2243

PRENATAL SERVICES Gulf Islands Early Years giearlyyears@shaw.ca. . . . . . . . . . 250-653-4465

Preschool Kindergarten/elementary Strong Montessori academics/small classes French immersion/art and science

IMAC Montessori Academy

2375 Koksilah Road, Duncan 250-737-1119 www.intmontessori.ca Family Resource Guide 2017/2018 11

Time Out(side)!

Spending #octoberoutdoors

J

ust over one year ago I realized how important nature is in my life. I was less than a week into new motherhood, recovering from a long labour and a C-section, and the only fresh air I had breathed was that from the hospital doors to my car.

Getting outside seemed like an insurmountable goal. It wasn’t just the physical pain of recovering from surgery, but it was all the unknowns related to taking my son outside for the ďŹ rst time. How many layers did he need? Would he be too hot? Too cold? Was it too sunny outside for a newborn? What if he got hungry?

12

IslandParent.ca

O

On that first outing, it took my husband and me all morning to get ready. Yet when we finally stepped outside into the crisp, fresh air and the sharp autumn light, I felt that was all I needed to get me through my recovery and journey into parenthood.

Laura Hope In the months that followed, my relationship with nature came into focus. Not only did I feel the need (and desire) to get outside with my son as often as possible, but I also crystalized my commitment to doing all I can so my son inherits a healthy, safe, livable planet.

This October I’m putting that commitment into action by participating in October Outdoors, an action-based campaign organized

by Sierra Club BC. October Outdoors is the environmental equivalent of Jump Rope for Heart. Participants commit to completing a daily outdoor activity every day for the month of October and gather pledges to support their action.

All funds go to Sierra Club BC, an organization doing the big picture work of defending nature and confronting climate change.

(Full disclosure: I’m happily employed by Sierra Club BC).

I know that kids today are spending less time outdoors than their parents did and that, because of this, their mental and physical health are suffering. I know that pediatricians are now recommending zero screen time for children under the age of two, but I can’t deny that my son is mesmerized by my smart phone because he sees me staring at it too often throughout the day.

I also know that a childhood spent in nature sets up a lifelong commitment to defending the natural world, and gives children the best chance at success by improving mental and physical health. I want that for my son.

Sometimes it still seems like a lot of work to get outside with my son and I ask myself the same questions I did a year ago: Is he dressed right? Will he get hungry? Did I pack everything he needs? But when I remind myself of how the simple act of going outside benefits my son, myself, and my planet, it doesn’t seem so difficult. That’s why I’m committing to get outside with him every day in October, rain or shine. By doing so I

OPENING FA LL 2 01 7 PENING FAL L 2 01 7

know I’ll be setting my son up for a lifelong relationship with nature, I’ll be giving him better physical and mental well-being, I’ll be modeling to my friends and family the benefits of getting outside, and I’ll get to raise funds for an environmental charity while I’m doing it.

You have undoubtedly noticed some of the benefits of time spent in nature with your children, so why not make it a commitment for at least one month? Commit to 31 days of outdoor time with your family and I guarantee you will all be happier and healthier for it.

There are so many wonderful activities to do with children on Vancouver Island, but even simply walking to the nearest park, staring at the clouds from your backyard, or finding the nearest stand of trees and letting your child play will make a difference.

Let October be the month you make a difference for your family and our planet. And be sure to share photos of yourself outside using the hashtag #OctoberOutdoors.

Learn more and sign up to take the challenge at sierraclub.bc.ca/OctoberOutdoors.

Laura Hope is a communications specialist with Sierra Club BC.

PCFSA Centre for Wellbeing

PCFSA Centre for Wellbeing

& Therapy Programs: Youth & Families Family Counselling Inclusive Model Counselling • Children, Youth Outreach • Parent Teen Youth Crime ReductionMediation & Exploitation•• Adult Substance Use & Intimate Relationship Abuse Family Inclusive Model Counselling • YouthAffordable Outreach •Counselling Parent Teen Youth Employment Training • Seniors • Email Counselling for Youth

Mediation • Affordable Counselling Fee for Service counselling also available for Children, Youth & Adults

West Shore Child, Youth and Family Centre

Pacific Centre Family Services Association will be re-locating to our newFamily Wellness Centre 250.478.8357 West Shore Child, Youth and Centre at 324 Goldstream Avenue in Colwood.

345 Wale Road, Colwood BC 250.478.8357

www.pacifi ccentrefamilyservices.org 345 Wale Road, Colwood BC

Pacific Centre Family Services Association is dedicated to maintaining outstanding services for the people we work with through education, counselling and creative programming.

www.pacificcentrefamilyservices.org

To request service please contact us at

250.478.8357

For more information about our programs and to find out about our move to the Wellness Centre on Goldstream Avenue please check our website at

pacificcentrefamilyservices.org Family Resource Guide 2017/2018 13

Is Your Child’s Face Developing Well?

Does your child breathe through his/her mouth?

Does your child suffer from allergies?

Does your child have any oral habit such as thumb or finger sucking?

Does your child have an untreated tongue tie?

Does your child have crowded teeth?

Family Support South Island COMMUNITY CENTRES

Does your child have jaws that seem too far forward or back?

Beacon Community Services 9860 Third St, Sidney. . . . . . . . . . . 250-655-5313

Early Intervention can have far reaching benefits.

Blanshard Community Centre 901 Kings Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-388-7696 Braefoot Community Association 1359 McKenzie Ave . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-721-2244

Straight Teeth the Natural Way

Myobrace® treatment focuses on addressing the underlying causes of poor facial and dental development and can unlock your child’s healthy growth and development.

HOW MYOBRACE® WORKS • Promotes breathing through the nose

Before

• Corrects tongue positioning • Retrains the lips and cheeks • Corrects poor swallowing habits

After 6 months

Saanich Dental Group Free Consultation: 250-477-7321 info@saanichdentalgroup.com (for children under 12)

Preschool Spaces Available

Burnside/Gorge Community Centre burnsidegorge.ca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-388-5251 Esquimalt Neighbourhood House 511 Constance Ave. . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-385-2635 Fairfield Gonzales Community Association fairfieldcommunity.ca. . . . . . . . . . . 250-382-4604 Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group 1240 Gladstone Ave. . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-381-1552 French Community Centre 2-1218 Langley St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-388-7350 Inter-Cultural Association 930 Balmoral Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-388-4728 James Bay Community Project 547 Michigan St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-388-7844 Oaklands Community Association 1-2827 Belmont Ave. . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-370-9101 Saanich Neighbourhood Place 3100 Tillicum Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-360-1148 Sooke/Westshore Early Years Centre sfrs.ca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-217-9243 Victoria Immigrant & Refuge Centre 637 Bay St, 3rd Floor. . . . . . . . . . . 250-361-9433

• before and after

Victoria West Community Association 521 Craigflower Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . 250 590-8922

• small class sizes

YM-YWCA of Greater Victoria 880 Courtney St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-386-7511

school care

• supportive and

caring staff

• excellent academic

COUNSELLING

• Kodaly music

Discovery Youth and Family Substance Use Services Island Health 2nd Fl–530 Fraser St. . . . . . . . . . . . 250-519-5313

foundation

A local non-profit for all children (Since 1973) 5575 West Saanich Rd info@islandmontessori.com 250 592 4411 www.islandmontessori.com

14 IslandParent.ca

program

• lovely rural location

connecting children to nature

Dr. Allison Rees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-595-2649

Esquimalt Neighbourhood House 511 Constance Ave . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-360-0644 Life Dances Counselling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .lifedancescounselling .com Maxine Fisher, M.Ed., RCC, MTA victoriafamilycounselling .com . . . 250-686-7582 Men’s Trauma Counselling Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-381-6367 South Island Centre for Counselling & Training southislandcentre .ca . . . . . . . . . . . 250-472-2851 Victoria Counselling Service 420-1105 Pandora Ave . . . . . . . . . .250-418-0550

Sit back, relax and let the beach take over...

GrIeF SUPPorT Circle of Friends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-384-9133 Compassionate Friends 1346 Ravens View Dr . . . . . . . . . . .250-478-9270 Learning Through Loss learningthroughloss .org . . . . . . . . . .250-413-3114 Origins: Supporting People Separated by Adoption originscanada .org . . . . 416-400-5730 Victoria Hopsice Bereavement Services victoriahospice .org . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-370-8868

PAreNT eDUCATIoN Children’s Health & Human Rights Partnership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CHHRP .org LIFE Seminars Parenting Programs Dr . Allison Rees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-595-2649

Treat yourself to a fun family getaway!

Feel at home in a two bedroom cottage with full kitchen and fireplace Private oceanfront property on sandy Rathtrevor Beach Indoor pool and hot tub, tennis, basketball and a kids’ playground Be sure to check www.BeachAcresFamilyFun.com for specials Parksville BC 1-800-663-7309

PAreNT SUPPorT 1UP Single Parent Resource Centre 602 Gorge Rd, 1-up .ca . . . . . . . . . . .250-385-1114 Dr. Allison Rees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-595-2649

RESORT The way life was meant to be…

twitter.com/BeachAcresResort facebook.com/BeachAcresResort

www.beachacresfamilyfun.com

Big Brothers Big Sisters 230 Bay St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-475-1117 Bridges for Women Society 320–1175 Cook St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-385-7410 Child Abuse Prevention/Mary Manning Centre 210–1175 Cook St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250-385-6111 Child Care Resource and Referral . . . . . . . . . . .vancouverislandccrr .ca Sooke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-642-5152 Westshore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-391-4324 Victoria & Gulf Islands . . . . . . . . . . .250-382-700 or . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-750-1868

Family Resource Guide 2017/2018

15

Family Caregivers’ Network Society 6-3318 Oak St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-384-0408 Family Services of Greater Victoria 899 Fort St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-386-4331 First Metropolitan United Church firstmetvictoria.com. . . . . . . . . . . . 250-388-5188

The perfect setting for your outdoor adventures!

Residential and Wilderness Camping for:

Camp

First Unitarian Church of Victoria 5575 West Saanich Rd. . . . . . . . . . 250-744-2665 Foster Parents Support Services 145-735 Goldstream Ave fosterhope.ca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-888-922-8437 Hulitan Family and Community Services Society. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . hulitan.ca 902A Caledonia Ave. . . . . . . . . . . . 250-384-9466

Explore

Home Instead Senior Care, Victoria 222-1595 McKenzie Ave . . . . . . . . 250-382-6565

Dream

Institute of Families for Child and Youth Mental Health familysmart.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-885-887-8004

Discover

Island Parent Magazine 830A Pembroke St. . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-388-6905 Island Parent Online. . . . . . . . . . Islandparent.ca Lighthouse Church. . . . . . . lighthousechurch.ca

Youth

Military Family Resource Centre esquimaltmfrc.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-363-2640

Adults

NIL/TU,O Child & Family Services Society niltuo.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-544-1400

Schools

Pacific Centre Family Services Association, Colwood & Sooke youthtalk2@pcfsa.org . . . . . . . . . . 250-478-8357

Teams 3202 Young Lake Road, Sooke, BC www.campbarnard.ca

Parent Support Services Society of BC (PSS) parentsupportbc.ca. . . . . . . . . . . 1-877-345-9777 PSS offers support circles for those in parenting roles (including grandparents). Circles operate in many diverse communities. Parenting workshops and volunteer training also available.

Contact us about a circle near you.

Community Living Victoria

The Representative for Children & Youth rcybc.ca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-476-3933

If you are a family raising a child with developmental disabilities or autism, we can connect you to resources, information and services that meet your child’s needs.

Sooke Family Resource Society sfrs.ca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-642-5152

Autism Services offers: · 1:1 Behaviour Intervention · Social Skills Groups · Day Camps – winter, spring and summer breaks · Specialty Camps – computer camps, physical literacy and more

Sooke Options for Community Living Association socla.ca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-642-6364

To learn more, contact 250-477-7231 extension 237 or e-mail Autism@clvic.ca Visit www.communitylivingvictoria.ca to explore our wide range of services.

16 IslandParent.ca

Communica Dialogue and Resolution Services Society, 102-2220 Sooke Rd. . . . . 250-383-4412 St. Barnabas Anglican Church 1525 Begbie St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-595-4324 Success By Six. . . . . . . . . . successby6victoria.ca

TS Consulting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-590-4114

pause and be refreshed with a complimentary overnight stay for two in a hotel or bed-andbreakfast.

UVic Family Centre 39208 Lam Circle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-472-4062 Victoria Immigrant & Refugee Centre 637 Bay St, 3rd Floor. . . . . . . . . . . 250-361-9433 Victoria Native Friendship Centre 231 Regina Ave. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-384-3211 Victoria Sexual Assault Centre 201-3060 Cedar Hill Rd. . . . . . . . . 250-383-5545 Young Parents Support Network 404–620 View St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-384-0552 WIN Administration Office 812 Cormorant Ave. . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-480-4006

SPECIAL NEEDS & DISABILITY SUPPORT

Canucks Autism Network canucksautism.ca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 604-685-4049 Providing year-round sports and recreation programs for individuals and families living with autism. Weekly programs and free family events offered throughout the year. Become a member to access programs.

Child & Family Counselling Association (Autism Program) 5–230 Menzies St . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-595-4423 Community Options for Children & Families 1595 Bay St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-380-6363

BeConnected Support Services beconsupport.ca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-727-3891

Family Support, Community Living Victoria 3861 Cedar Hill X Rd. . . . . 250-477-7231, ext. 236 Greater Victoria Down Syndrome Society gvdss.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-479-7450

Autism Services, Community Living Victoria. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-477-7231, ext. 237 BC Lions Society for Children with Disabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-386-0668

The Cridge Respite Resource Service 1307 Hillside Ave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-995-6412 This vital service keeps an up-to-date listing of people able to provide respite care and parents who need respite services for their child. If you are either a parent or a respite care provider, please contact us for more information.

The Cridge Respitality Service 1307 Hillside Ave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-995-6412 Our unique Respitality program provides parents of a child with disabilitiy with a chance to

HeadWay Victoria Epilepsy & Parkinson’s Centre headwayvictoria.com. . . . 250-475 6677 Supports families and children living with seizures.

Family Resource Guide 2017/2018 17

Need catch-up Needto to catch-up with work? withschool school work?

with school work?

Lifetime Networks lifetimenetworks.org . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-477-4112 Providing creative and inclusive programs welcoming people with disabilities, including a Continuing Education Program, Employment Programs, friendship building, personal support networks, fine arts, social events, cooking and independent living.

Little Steps Therapy Services. . . . 250-386-1171 Mosaic Learning Society Victoria 500 Admirals Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-382-0848 Pivot Point Family Growth Centre pivotpoint.ca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 778-410-2319 Power To Be powertobe.ca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-385-2363 Queen Alexandra Centre For Children’s Health, 2400 Arbutus Rd. . . . . . . . 250-477-1826 Ronald McDonald House. . . . . . . . . . . rmhbc.ca

Our qualified tutors develop individualized learning programs tailored to everyone’s unique learning style, to support learning in English, Math and Social Studies grades 1–12.

Proceeds go to subsidized programming

year round!

Available all year round!

Available year round! le all Availaball

Remedial Group Tutoring $50/hr Remedial 1:1 Tutoring Office: 306-620 View Street $60/hrView Street Office: 306-620 Tel: 778-676-3652 Level B Literacy Assessment Tel: 778-676-3652 Email: Admin@victorialiteracyconnection.ca $160.00 Email:www.victorialiteracyconnection.ca Admin@victorialiteracyconnection.ca www.victorialiteracyconnection.ca

306–620 View Street 778-676-3652 Admin@victorialiteracyconnection.ca www.victorialiteracyconnection.ca

Schizophrenic Society, BC Chapter 941 Kings Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-384-4225 Special Olympics victoriaspecialolympics.com. . . . . 250-477-7106 Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus Association of BC 4480 Oak St, Vancouver . . . . . . . . 604-878-7000 Victoria Brain Injury Society D & E, 830 Pembroke St. . . . . . . . . 250-598-9339 Victoria Society for Children with Autism VictoriaAutism.ca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 778-557-7749 Westshore Child & Youth Family Centre 345 Wale Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-391-4320

YOUTH SERVICES Island Sexual Health Society Clinical Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-592-3479 Community Ed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-388-2202 Parents Together Program . . . . . 250-384-9133 PFLAG of Greater Victoria. . . . . . 250-385-9462 Youth Clinic 533 Yates St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-383-3552 547 Michigan St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-388-7841 Young Parent Support Network 2541 Empire St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-384-0052

18 IslandParent.ca

Youthspace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . youthspace.ca Text to. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 778-783-0177 Chat based intant messaging service on website, or through text.

Victoria Youth Empowerment Society 533 Yates St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-383-3514

Cowichan Valley COMMUNITY CENTRES Shawnigan Lake Community Centre 2804 Shawnigan Lk Rd . . . . . . . . . . 250-743-1433

COUNSELLING Canadian Mental Health Association 371 Festubert St, Duncan. . . . . . . . 250-746-5521 Central Vancouver Island Crisis Society, Cowichan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-748-1133 Community Options Society, Cowichan 200 Cowichan Way . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-748-0232

Saanich Schools (SD63) Ready, Set, Learn Open House

introduce

yourself

Parents and preschoolers (3 years and up) are invited to visit their neighbourhood school.   

Participate in hands-on learning activities.

Tour your neighbourhood school.

Learn about community resources available to support families.

Wednesday, October 25, 2017 3:15 — 6:00 pm Join us at your neighbourhood school.

Brentwood Elementary 250 652 3996 Cordova Bay Elementary 250 658 5315 Deep Cove Elementary 250 656 7254 Keating Elementary 250 652 9261

KELSET Elementary 250 655 4648 Lochside Elementary 250 658 5238 Prospect Lake Elementary 250 727 3314 Sidney Elementary 250 656 3958

Cowichan Family Life. . . . . . . . . . 250-748-8281 Duncan Mental Health & Addiction Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-709-3040 South Vancouver Island Assessment & Resource Service, Duncan 305–394 Duncan St. . . . . . . . . . . . 250-746-6900

PARENT SUPPORT Big Brothers Big Sisters, Duncan #1-60 Ingram St bbbscowichan.ca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-748-2447 Child Care Resource and Referral islandfamilyinfo.ca. . . . . . . 250-746-4135 ext. 231 Cowichan Family Life Association 2C–2753 Charlotte Rd. . . . . . . . . . 250-748-8281 Parent Support Circle Shawnigan Lake. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-384-8042

SPECIAL NEEDS & DISABILITY SUPPORT BeConnected Support Services beconsupport.ca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-727-3891

Every success for every child www.sd63.bc.ca

We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Education.

LC Lakeview S Christian School LCS is a Christ-centred kindergarten to grade 9 school where children are encouraged to know Jesus, serve others, and succeed academically.

250.658.5082 | 729 Cordova Bay Road Victoria www.LakeviewChristianSchool.ca Family Resource Guide 2017/2018 19

Child Development Centre Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Association ctra.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-746-1028 1135 Nelson St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-753-3521 District 69 Family Resource Association, Clements Centre Society 5856 Clements St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-746-4135 Qualicum Beach 198 Morison Ave. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-752-6766 Early Intervention Team 202–394 Duncan St. . . . . . . . . . . . 250-709-9022 Ladysmith Parks, Recreation & Culture 810-6th Ave. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-245-6424

YOUTH SERVICES

Ladysmith Resources Centre Association 721 First Ave. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-245-3079

Community Options Society Gabriola Community Centre. . . . 250-247-9291 200 Cowichan Way . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-748-0232

GRIEF SUPPORT

PARENT SUPPORT Associated Family & Community Support Services Ltd, Parksville 155 Weld St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-248-0076 Big Brothers & Big Sisters, Nanaimo #3-2350 Labieux Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . 250-756-2447 Child Development Centre 1135 Nelson St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-753-0251 Family Caregivers’ Network Society 526 Michigan St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-384-0408 Family Services of Greater Victoria 899 Fort St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-386-4331

Foster Parent Support Services Child & Youth Grief Support, Nanaimo 3D 132 Roberts St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-245-2622 1729 Boundary Ave nanaimohospice.com. . . . . . . . . . . 250-758-8857 Kw’umut Lelum Child & Family Services, Ladysmith Rainbows, Nanaimo 7973 Chemainus Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . 250-246-3336 COMMUNITY CENTRES 2221 Bowen Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-751-7888 NARSF Programs Ltd. Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Rainbows, Parksville (4-12 yr olds) 201–170 Wallace St . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-754-2773 Society, Nanaimo 345 N. Pym St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-248-3927 114-285 Prideaux St. . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-753-6911 Nanaimo Family Life Association Spectrum, Parksville (13-18 yr olds) 1070 Townsite Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-754-3331 Cherry Creek Community Centre, Port Alberni 345 N. Pym St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-248-3927 3720 Moore Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-724-1660 Nanaimo Mental Health & Addiction Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-755-3361

Mid-Island

S T A G E S Performing Art School since1980

Come Dance With Us

es lass C l hoo .. e-S c angels. r P e e t im ittl • Offering classes for Teens and Pre-Teens in Jazz, Day or the l f Ballet, Lyrical, Tap. Musical Theatre, Acrobatics

& Hip Hop, in a non-competitive atmosphere.

• Not sure which class to take?

Try a Drop-In: No hassle, No Obligation.

Even the littlest angel can dance 20 IslandParent.ca

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

Nanaimo Women’s Centre 285 Selby St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-753-0633

The Representative for Children & Youth rcybc.ca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-476-3933

Gulf Islands

Tillicum Lelum Friendship Centre Nanoose First Nations 111 Snaw-Naw-As Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . 250-390-0003 927 Haliburton St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-753-8291 PARENT SUPPORT Nutsumaat Lelum, Ladysmith Children Who Witness Abuse Counselling and 3947 Shell Beach Rd . . . . . . . . . . . 250-245-0994 Support Salt Spring Island. . . . . . 250-538-5569

SPECIAL NEEDS &

PacificCare. . . . . . . . . . . . vancouverislandccrr.ca DISABILITY SUPPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-756-2022 or 1-888-480-2273 Child Development Centre Parent Support Circles, 1135 Nelson St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-753-0251 Nanaimo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-468-9658 Footholds Therapy Centre, Nanaimo Parent Support Circles, footholds.ca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-585-4411 Parksville. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-468-9658 Island Deaf and Hard of Hearing Centre Parents Together Parents Line 205-55 Victoria Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-753-0999 20 5th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-754-9661 Nanaimo Brain Injury Society Princess Royal Family Centre 101-55 Victoria Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-753-5600 260 Irwin St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-755-7855 Nanaimo Unique Kids Organization Salvation Army Meal Program #2-5801 Turner Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . nuko.ca 505 8th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-754-2621

Dragonfly Child Care and Family Resource Centre, Pender Island dragonflycentre.ca. . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-629-3039 Family Place Community Services, Salt Spring Island. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-537-9176 Island Women Against Violence, Transition House Salt Spring Island. . . . . . . 250-537-0735 Mayne Island Early Childhood Society. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-539-2402 Strong Start BC, Early Learning for Families, Galiano Island. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-539-2261

Strong Start BC, Early Learning for Families, Mayne Island. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-539-2371 Snu Ney Muxw First Nations YOUTH SERVICES 668 Centre St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-740-2300 Strong Start BC, Early Learning for Families, Nanaimo Youth Services Pender Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-629-3711 SOS Child Youth & Family Centre, Parksville 290 Bastion St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-754-1989 245 West Hirst Ave. . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-248-2093 Strong Start BC, Early Learning for Families, Saturna Island. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-539-2472

Also Playing

WILD FLIGHT: CONQUEST OF THE SKIES 3D* ROCKY MOUNTAIN EXPRESS DUNKIRK: THE IMAX EXPERIENCE

*

& More *Will also play in traditional 2D format

250-480-4887 • imaxvictoria.com

Family Resource Guide 2017/2018 21

The Stuff to Get You Through

I

can’t say enough about my lovely friends and family who have supported me—and at times carried me—through the separation process. Having a support network of compassionate humans is indispensible. At the same time, there was also lots of “stuff” I leaned on too. And most of this stuff can be helpful in any challenging situation we face in life, not just divorce.

What follows is the stuff that helped keep me afloat. Yes, some of it is pretty female-oriented, but anyone going through a tough time can benefit from at least some of these things.

Before we dig in, just a note that some people will need professional intervention to deal with tough life circumstances that may have triggered mental illness. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength and essential

for the good of your family and yourself.

Speak with your family doctor to access the resources and support you need asap.

The Stuff

Part of my approach involved balancing out the negativity in my life with positive media content. I temporarily stopped watching the news and and heavy dramas and instead only allowed myself to watch comedies to try to boost my mood: 22 IslandParent.ca

Movies: “Bridesmaids” (over and over and over) “Bad Moms” “Sleeping with Other People” “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” TV: Any Louis C.K. Comedy Special “The Mindy Project” “Inside Amy Schumer” “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”

Once I was able to get on top of the worry, I could focus on the work I needed to do on myself. I sought to understand what had happened, take responsibility for what I could, and release the shame I felt about external factors I had no control over. I’m a hardcore book nerd and dove deep into many, many pages, so these are just my top picks:

Erin Skillen

Books: Daring Greatly and Rising Strong by My mind was greedy and wanted a lot Brené Brown The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho of time for worry. After awhile I was exWild by Cheryl Strayed hausted by it, and then I started drowning Splitopia by Wendy Paris it out. Some of the “noise” I chose was Yes Please by Amy Poehler inspirational, some introspective and some just made me get up and move. Never unAs I sought to shift the energy in my life, derestimate the power of exercise to make I challenged myself to stretch my boundaryou feel better. ies by trying new things and re-immersing myself in things I had abandoned years ago. Everyone’s list will be different, but this is mine: Activities: Horseback riding Dance classes Surfing Skydiving Circus classes Hiking Screenplay Writing Traveling Camping

Music: “Girl on Fire”—Alicia Keys “Ridin’ Solo”—Jason Derulo “The Greatest”—Sia “Run the World”—Beyoncé “Roar”—Katy Perry “Brave”—Sara Bareilles Podcasts: Dear Sugars Oprah’s SuperSoul Conversations

There is no easy way through dark times.

It’s a grieving process wrought with intense emotion. Using “stuff” to help you with your progress can be a powerful way to push through, challenge yourself and learn from a painful experience. When combined with your support network of friends and family, professionals like a therapist, family doctor and lawyer and your own determination to be happy again, you just may find that having some stuff on your side makes it all seem more achievable.

Erin Skillen is the COO of FamilySparks.com, an education company that helps parents navigate the toughest job in the world. She’s also a mom and a bucket list slayer.

Together w e a re Family

the cridge centre for the Family is about people: children, adults, seniors, survivors of brain injury, women leaving abuse, refugees and immigrants, families with children with special needs and young parents. the cridge centre for the Family is about connection, about building community and partnerships, and about belonging and being valued. the cridge centre for the Family is about being at home and feeling safe, about achieving goals and reaching potential. the cridge centre for the Family is about all of us, working together to care for the vulnerable.

Won’t you join our family?

www.cridge.org or 250 384 8058 1307 Hillside Ave, Victoria BC V8T 0A2 Family Resource Guide 2017/2018

23

Let my family show your family the way home

Choosing the right Real Estate Agent just got easier!

Education South Island PRESCHOOLS, CHILD CARE & OCCASIONAL CARE

Christ Church Cathedral Child Care and Junior Kindergarten Program, 1670 Richardson St cathedralschool.ca. . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-383-5132 ECE and specialist teachers provide an outstanding all-day licenced program for 3- and 4-yearolds in our bright, spacious and welcoming facility in Fairfield/Gonzales. You’ll love the huge backyard!

Chrysalis Child Care, Saanichton chrysalischildcare.ca . . . . . . . . . . . 250-652-0815

Amelia’s Place Family Childcare, Ciara Early Childhood Centre Salt Spring Island, Lindsey Cunningham 846 Phoenix St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-386-7369 ameiliaschildcare@gmail.com. . . . 250-538-7212 Cordova Bay Preschool cordovabaypreschool.org. . . . . . . 250-658-3441

As a 3rd generation Realtor, born and raised in Victoria, I am dedicated to providing the highest level of service and look forward to assisting you with all your Real Estate needs.

Paula Wensley

Office: 250-388-5882 Cell: 778-678-7387

Arbutus Grove Children’s Centre 3905 Haro Road arbutusgrove.ca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-477-3731 Formerly known as Goosey Gander Kindergarten. Half-day and full-day Early Learning Programs. Children’s learning is nurtured and supported through inquiry, exploration, play and creative expression.

Emmanuel Preschool 2121 Cedar Hill X Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . 250-598-0573

Pwensley@macrealty.com Paulawensley.com Bleiddyn del Villar Bellis Artistic Director Fellow & Examiner CSC-CICB Enrico Cecchetti Final Diploma

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8 95 55 16

2017 Fall Children’s Classes Photo credit: David Cooper

Ballet Classes for ages 3 - Teen Registration now open online.

Outstanding dance training by award winning faculty.

250-590-6752 admin@victoriaacademyofballet.ca victoriaacademyofballet.ca

24 IslandParent.ca

The Cridge Childcare Services 1309 Hillside Ave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-995-6516 Our quality daycare, preschool and out-of-school care programs offer an environment that is safe, stimulating, nurturing and responsive to every child.

ArtsCalibre Academy 3220 Cedar Hill Rd ArtsCalibre.ca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-382-3533 “The Art of Preschool”—an engaging, comprehensive program infused with music, dance, theatre and visual arts, giving children confidence and the social and academic skills to thrive in kindergarten and beyond. Excellent staff and outstanding facilities within the Cedar Hill Recreation Centre.

Full o’ Beans Preschool saanichneighbourhoodplace.com. . 250-360-1148 Gonzales Co-operative Preschool gonzalescooppreschool.com. . . . . 250-727-1003 In the Garden Childcare Centre. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-654-0306 Island Kids Academy. . . . . . . . . . . islandkids.ca 542 Fraser St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-381-2929 286 Island Hwy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-727-2929

Island Montessori House Babies to Big Kids Childcare 949 Fullerton Ave. . . . . . . . . babiestobigkids.com 5575 West Saanich Rd Daycare owner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-818-9225 islandmontessori.com . . . . . . . . . . . 250-592-4411 Kingfisher Preschool Bloom Montessori 101-1701 Island Hwy. . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-812-3137 sfrs.ca/kingfisherpreschool.html. . 250-642-5152 Lambrick Park Preschool Camosun College Child Care Services camosun.ca/childcare . . . . . . . . . . 250-370-4880 lambrickparkpreschool.ca. . . . . . . . 250-477-8131 Langford Montessori Carrot Seed Preschool langfordmontessori.com. . . . . . . . 250-857-5895 813 Claremont Ave carrotseedpreschool.com . . . . . . . 250-658-2331 La Pre-Maternelle Appletree Preschool 500 Admirals Rd Castleview Child Care castleviewchildcarecentre.com. . . 250-595-5355 prematernelleappletree.com. . . . . 250-479-0292 Leap Forward Childcare Centennial Day Care centennialdaycare.ca. . . . . . . . . . . 250-386-6832 2758 Peatt Rd leapforwardlangford.com . . . . . . . 250-818-9225

Victoria Montessori Lexie’s Little Bears’ Child Care Inc. 750 Front St 1931 Millstream Rd lexieslittlebears.com . . . . . . . . . . . 250-590-3603 victoriamontessori.com. . . . . . . . . 250-380-0534 Little Paws Preschool vnfc.ca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-384-3211

View Royal Childcare. . . . . . . . . . 250-479-8067

View Royal Preschool 279 Island Hwy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-479-8067 Mary’s Place Child Care Centre 4353 West Saanich Rd. . . . . . . . . . 250-727-0007 Westmont Montessori School 4075 Metchosin Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . .250-474-2626 Metchosin Cooperative Preschool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-478-9241 Wiseways Preschool & Daycare. . 250-477-1312 Miles of Smiles Licensed Childcare naturejuniorkindergarten.com. . . . . 778-265-4374

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Montessori Educare montessorieducare.com . . . . . . . . 250-881-8666 Conseil scolaire francophone de la ColumbieBritannique, #180-10200 Shellbridge Way, Neighbourhood Junior Richmond. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-888-715-2200 Kindergarten. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-479-4410 School District #61 Victoria Nightingale Preschool and Junior 556 Boleskine Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-475-3212 Kindergarten Ltd, 1340 Balmoral Rd nightingalepreschool.com. . . . . . . 250-595-7544 School District #62 Sooke 3143 Jacklin Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-474-9800 Oakcrest Preschool School District #63 Saanich 3738 Cedar Hill Rd oakcrestpreschool.org. . . . . . . . . . 250-472-0668 2125 Keating X-Rd . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-652-7300 School District #64, Salt Spring Pacific Christian School Preschool. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-479-4532 112 Rainbow Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-537-5548 Parkdale Early Childhood Centre. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-382-0512 INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS Preschool and daycare emphasizing learning through play with children of various ages in stimulating activities with educational materials.

We believe every child is unique and special.

Everyone welcome.

ArtsCalibre Academy Positive Path Early Learning. . . . 250-655-7244 4201 Tyndall Ave ArtsCalibre.ca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-382-3533 Rainbow Express Daycare Imagine a school where music, dance, theatre 433 Kingston St rainbowexpressdaycare.com. . . . . 250-382-2314 and visual arts are infused into all aspects of an outstanding curriculum. Academic excellence is Ready Set Grow Preschool achieved in a dynamic, engaging and safe enviheosc.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-472-1530 C M Y K ronment. Small class sizes, individualized educa68 35 2 2 Recreation Oak Bay tion plans, highly skilled and dedicated teachers, 8 95 Bee 55 16St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-370-7200 1975 excellent facilities and location.

Ross Bay Preschool . . . . . . . . . . . 250-383-7445 Christ Church Cathedral School 912 Vancouver St The Sir James Douglas Playschool cathedralschool.ca. . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-383-5125 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-389-0500 CCCS is Victoria’s Anglican Elementary and St. Christopher’s Montessori School Middle School for boys and girls. Small classes, 2619 Currie Rd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-595-3213 enriched programs, after-school care and a welcoming community.

St. Joseph’s Catholic Preschool 757 Burnside Rd West . . . 250-479-1232 ext. 120 Discovery School 4052 Wilkinson Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-595-7765 Storyoga Preschool storyoga.ca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 778-679-4004 Elizabeth Buckley School STEAMschool.ca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-995-6425 Vancouver Island Co-operative Preschool Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-598-2667

Mineral World and the Scratch Patch We are a unique, family-friendly attraction in Sidney.

Come in and see our:

● Scratch Patch area for Collecting semi-precious stones ● Earth Science Education Program ● Birthday Parties ● Educational Toys ● Fossils

● Minerals ● Unique Gifts ● Exquisite Jewellery Open seven days a week!

9808 Seaport Place Sidney, BC (250) 656-0791 www.sidneymineralworld.com

New Extended Hours!

Starting September 30 Monday to Friday 10am – 6pm Saturdays 10am – 5pm Sundays by appointment www.BelliesInBloomMaternity.com Royal Oak Shopping Centre, Victoria 250.479.0803

Family Resource Guide 2017/2018 25

Where we draw for the fun of it!

We offer drawing, cartooning and sketching classes for children and adults that help students improve their drawing skills while developing their own, unique style. · Daytime, after school and evening programs · Spring and Summer Camps · Weekend programs and workshops

Glenlyon-Norfolk School 801 Bank St (Admissions). . . . . . . .

801 Bank St (Middle Years). . . . . . .

801 Bank St (Senior). . . . . . . . . . . .

1701 Beach Dr (Primary). . . . . . . . .

Lakeview Christian School lakeviewchristianschool.ca. . . . . . 250-658-5082 KUMON Math & Reading 1560 Fort St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 778-746-3185 Maria Montessori Academy 214-3965 Quadra St. . . . . . . . . . . . 250-479-1800 1841 Fairburn Dr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-479-4746 115-963 Langford Parkway. . . . . . . . 250-516-2991 Oak & Orca Bioregional School 10091 Resthaven Dr. . . . . . . . . . . . 250-656-6696 2738 Higgins St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-383-6609 LDABC The Learning Curve Pacific Christian School ldasvi.bc.ca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-370-9513 671 Agnes St (Elementary). . . . . . . 250-479-9365 The Listening Program. . . . . . . . . . 418-951-9018 654 Agnes St (Secondary). . . . . . . 250-479-4532 Pivot Point Learning Centres Inc. Selkirk Montessori School pivotpoint.ca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-866-531-4544 2970 Jutland Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-384-3414 School Is Easy In Home Tutoring St. Andrew’s Regional High School schooliseasy.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-877-ITSEASY 880 McKenzie Ave. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-479-1414 Smart Tutor Referrals St. Joseph’s Catholic School SmartTutorReferrals.com. . . . . . . . 250-544-1588 757 West Burnside Rd . . . . . . . . . . 250-479-1232

2325 Central Avenue, Victoria

EDGE

778-265-2261

info@playfulpencil.ca

www.playfulpencil.ca

HELP YOUR CHILD with developmental, behavioural, learning or sensory processing difficulties reach their potential.

Learn how to help your child with our in-home neuroscience based music programs in just minutes a day!

“The Listening Program has restored harmony in our home and we all agree that it was the best purchase I’ve ever made. Thank you to all the people who developed this miracle program— you saved my son!” – Lacey, Lance’s Mom

St. Margaret’s School 1080 Lucas Ave. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-479-7171 stmarg.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . admissions@stmarg.ca Confident girls. Inspiring women. Junior kindergarten to Grade 12.

bookme.name/JostHealthWorx dougjost@me.com 888-283-6355 26 IslandParent.ca

Sylvan Learning Centre 1623 McKenzie Ave . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-477-3212 3145 Jacklin Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-590-6211 Proven results. Digital tablet technology. Innovative teaching techniques, motivational programs and the Sylvan Insight assessment continue to make Sylvan Learning the leader in personalized learning from K-12. Call today to find out more.

St. Michaels University School smus.ca 3400 Richmond Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-592-2411 Total Learning Services Jr. School 820 Victoria. . . . . . . . . . 250-598-3922 totallearningservices2014@gmail.com St. Patrick’s Elementary School See ad on page 42. . . . . . . . . . . . . 778-440-0997 2368 Trent St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-592-6713 Victoria German School. . . . . . . . 250-886-1420 Victoria School for Ideal Education 2820 Belmont Ave. . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-383-6654 Westmont School 4075 Metchosin Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . .250-474-2626

DISTRIBUTED LEARNING Hands-On Home-Learning for a Sustainable World. . . . . . . . . . 1-888-383-6619 Individual Learning Centre Broadmead. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-744-1174 Saanichton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-656-4042

Book your free Initial Listening Program Consultation to discuss your situation as to how The Listening Program may be able to help.

LEARNING CENTRES & TUTORS

250-370-6801 Access Speech-Language Services 250-370-6803 863 Cuaulta Cres 250-370-6802 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-474-6368 or 844-474-6368 250-370-6854 Alliance Française de Victoria . . . . afvictoria.ca

Juan de Fuca Distributed Learning 814 Goldstream Ave. . . . . . . . . . . . 250-391-9002 North Island Distance Education, Courtenay 110–1742 Cliffe Ave. . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-663-7925

Victoria Tutors, Inc. victoriatutors.ca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 778-432-3432 info@victoriatutors.ca Victoria Tutors matches in-home passionate, professional tutors with students of all ages, levels and subjects, in the Greater Victoria area.

We tutor grades 1-12, ESL students at all levels as well, Adult learners, college and university courses. Our tutors are qualified, experienced, referenced, interviewed, and police checked.

Call us—we can probably help!

Victoria Literacy Connection 306-620 View St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250-385-0014 Previously READ Society and Literacy Victoria, we continue to provide nationally recognized Literacy Assessments, individually designed Remedial Tutoring to reinforce school work and stimulate learning, sponsored literacy after school programming called Noisy Kids Reading Club, as well as our 1:1 Adult Literacy Tutoring .

Proceeds from our remedial program subsidize our free programming . victorialiteracyconnection .

PoST SeCoNDArY eDUCATIoN Camosun College camosun .ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-370-3550 Pacific Rim College 229-560 Johnson St . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-483-2119 Royal Roads University royalroads .ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250-391-2511 University of Victoria uvic .ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-721-7211

oTHer CISV Victoria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CISVvictoria .ca

Del ivering RESULTS ACE THE NEXT REPORT CARD WITH SYLVAN

We know academic results are important to you.

Sylvan students typically see up to two to three times more growth in their math and reading scores than if they hadn't come to Sylvan*.

Act now to take control of this school year. $100 OFF on enrollment.

Reading, Early Reading, Math, Writing, Study Skills, Homework Support & more!

Call Now: 1-800-EDUCATE

Offer valid at participating locations only. Cannot be combined with any other coupon or offer. Minimum purchase (40 hours) applies. Not applicable to camps or SAT/ACT Prep. Expires 06/30/18.

Mad Science madscience .org/vancouverisland . .250-391-1814 Maritime Museum mmbc .bc .ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-385-4222

Sylvan of Vancouver Island

1-800-EDUCATE

Victoria, Westshore, Nanaimo, Duncan

Cowichan Valley PreSCHooLS, CHILD CAre & oCCASIoNAL CAre

*See the complete Sylvan Field Research Results at SylvanResearchInstitute.com.

Year-round Getaway on Mayne Island with direct daily ferries from Swartz Bay

International Montessori Academy 2375 Koksilah Rd, Duncan . . . . . . . . 250-737-1119 Parkside Academy, Duncan . . . . . 250-746-1711 Queen of Angels Early Learning Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-701-0433 Queen Margaret’s School qms .bc .ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-746-4185 Shawnigan Lake Montessori 1979c Renfrew Rd . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250-743-6279

9 housekeeping cottages perfect for family getways 250-539-2463 • 1-877-535-2424 bluevista@bluevistaresort.com • www.bluevistaresort.com Family Resource Guide 2017/2018

27

Queen of Angels Catholic School 2085 Maple Bay Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . 250-746-5919

LEARNING CENTRES & TUTORS

Shawnigan Lake School 1975 Renfrew Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-743-5516 Sunrise Waldorf School Preschool 2148 Lakeside Rd sunrisewaldorfschool.org . . . . . . . 250-743-7253

SCHOOL DISTRICTS School District #79 2557 Beverly St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-748-0321

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS Brentwood College School 2735 Mt. Baker Rd, Mill Bay. . . . . . 250-743-5521

EDGE

Sylvan Learning Centre 215–80 Station St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-746-0222 Proven results. Digital tablet technology. Innovative teaching techniques, motivational programs and the Sylvan Insight assessment continue to Sunrise Waldorf School make Sylvan Learning the leader in personalized 2148 Lakeside Rd sunrisewaldorfschool.org . . . . . . . 250-743-7253 learning from K-12. Call today to find out more.

A fully certified Waldorf School established in The Math Teacher 1980. Our 7-acre rural campus is located in the themathteacher.xyz. . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-732-1597 Cowichan Valley, just south of Duncan. Programs include preschool, kindergarten, and Grades 1-8.

Mid-Island

Brookes School Canada DISTRIBUTED LEARNING 2371 East Shawnigan Lake Rd. . . . 250-929-0506 Hands-On Home-Learning for a Evergreen Independent School Sustainable World 3515 Watson Ave, Cobble Hill 2738 Higgins St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-383-6619 PRESCHOOLS & CHILD CARE evergreen.net. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-743-2433 Aspengrove School. . . . . . . . . . . . 250-618-2201 Navigate NIDES, Courtenay Queen Margaret’s School, Duncan navigatenides.com. . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-663-7925 Children’s Discovery Centre, qms.bc.ca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-746-4185 Qualicum Beach. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-752-4343

28 IslandParent.ca

John Paul II Catholic School, Port Alberni. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-723-0637

Aspengrove School, Nanaimo AspengroveSchool.ca . . . . . . . . . . 250-390-2201

Literacy Nanaimo 19 Commercial Dr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-754-8988

Little Star Children’s Centre, Qualicum Beach littlestardaycare.ca. . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-752-4554

John Paul II Catholic School, Port Alberni 4006 8th Ave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-723-0637

Nanaimo Unique Kids Organization #2-5801 Turner Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . nuko.ca

St. Joseph’s Catholic School, Chemainus 9735 Elm St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-246-3191 K-7 full BC curriculum in a Christian atmosphere.

French, PE, music specialist teachers.

School Is Easy In Home Tutoring schooliseasy.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-877-ITSEASY

St. Joseph’s Elementary School - CHEMAINUS

St Joseph’s Preschool, Chemainus 9735 Elm St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-246-3191 Vancouver Island Co-operative Preschool Association. . . . . . . . . . . . . vicpa.org

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

EDGE

DISTRIBUTED LEARNING CEAP School District #69 Home Learning Program. . . . . . . 250-954-3043 Hands-On Home-Learning for a Sustainable World 2738 Higgins St, Victoria. . . . . . . 1-888-383-6619

Sylvan Learning Centre 3260 Norwell Dr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-758-1526 Proven results. Digital tablet technology. Innovative teaching techniques, motivational programs and the Sylvan Insight assessment continue to make Sylvan Learning the leader in personalized learning from K-12. Call today to find out more.

Conseil scolaire francophone de la ColumbieBritannique, #180-10200 Shellbridge Way, Navigate Heartwood Learning Community Richmond. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-888-715-2200 navigateheartwood.ca. . . . . . . . . 1-800-663-7925 School District #68 (Nanaimo-Ladysmith) 395 Wakesiah Ave. . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-754-5521 POST SECONDARY EDUCATION School District #69 (Qualicum) 100 Jensen Ave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-248-4241

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS Arrowmith School, Qualicum 861 Hilliers Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-752-2722

LEARNING CENTRES & TUTORS

Vancouver Island University KUMON Math & Reading 900 5th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-753-3245 5–6421 Applecross Rd. . . . . . . . . . . 250-390-2411 2753 Charlotte Rd . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-743-3510 The Learning Clinic, Nanaimo. . . 250-591-0702

OTHER Chemainus Community Schools’ Association 3172 Garner St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-246-3588

Family Resource Guide 2017/2018 29

From Hiatus… to

Hired

A stay-at-home parent’s guide to professional development

S

o, your first parental leave is over and you’ve decided not to go back to work. Or maybe you’re still on leave and considering becoming a stay-at-homeparent. Good for you! It’s an exciting moment. It’s also scary. Not only are you forfeiting income and work friends, but you are also saying goodbye to part of yourself—your identity as a professional. The transition from traditional work to stay-at-home-parenthood can be tough—so can the transition back. Luckily, there are things you can do during your time off that will make the transition back to work a lot easier.

Here are some ideas:

1.

Know what you want.

You eventually want to get back to work—but doing what? Now is a good time to think about whether or not you want to stay in your field. If you’re considering a career change, there may be some pretty big issues to factor in, such as additional schooling, income and work hours. Be realistic about what you have the time and energy to do.

Don’t know what you want to do? Try reaching out to your alumni association to see if you can get free or discounted career counselling from your university or college, if you attended. If you don’t live close to your alma mater, other local post-secondary institutions may offer general career counselling to adults for a fee. There are also scads of free online career exploration resources to choose from and most regional libraries have a robust career section. Start by checking out some library books on how to determine your strengths and talents. Many come with assessments you can take by yourself or to a meeting with a career counsellor.

receiving more than an education

2.

Network.

Full-time parents can find it hard to make new connections, but there are some easy ways to build your personal and professional network.

Playgroups are fantastic opportunities to network. It’s not just parents that take kids to playgroups—you’ll also meet nannies, grandparents and babysitters, people who will be at different stages in their careers and may have experience in lots of professional arenas. The more regularly you engage with other caregivers—whether it be at birthday parties, preschool drop-off, PAC meetings, or playgrounds—the likelier they’ll be to share their job leads and connections with you.

Colleen Davis

3.

Speaking of connections, maintain your own.

Just because you no longer work for your previous employer doesn’t mean you shouldn’t keep in touch with your best work friends. Former colleagues may move on to other endeavours in fields that interest you, so they could be a valuable resource during your job hunt.

Social media is an essential networking tool. Follow companies that interest you on Facebook and Twitter so you can stay updated on job postings and changes in management. LinkedIn is designed for professionals and allows you to search for and share business opportunities. It is an excellent way to connect with colleagues, clients and potential business employers.

Spend a few minutes during nap time uploading your resume, adding personal and professional contacts and growing your network.

receiving more than an education

faith

community family

Christ centred, community focused education.

Preschool – Grade 12

Uncovering God-given talents in everyone.

Integrating new educational technologies.

Giving back through service learning projects.

Serving a diverse student body with extensive support programs, academics, athletic teams, trades and hands on apprenticeships for those near graduation.

Preparing youth for life beyond the school doors . . .

DREAMS LOADING....

sportsart art sports academics music music academics Get Connected!

sports art academics music Get Connected!

Learn more and stay informed Learn more and

These are just a few of the reasons you may want to join the DCS family

CALL FOR A TOUR TODAY! 250.746.3654 495 Beech Avenue l Duncan, BC, V9L 3J8 office@duncanchristian.com

www.duncanchristianschool.ca

stay informed

Get Connected!

Learn more and stay informed

4.

Stay current.

While you are changing diapers, cutting off crusts, and picking dried who-knows-what off the couch cushions for the umpteenth time, it’s likely that changes are taking place in your line of work. Keep on top of advancements, trends and major changes in your industry by attending conferences, conventions and seminars, if feasible.

If you don’t work in a specific field or are Family Resource Guide 2017/2018 31

considering a career change, then focus on updating your knowledge of Microsoft Office and the major social media platforms.

Look for suitable courses and workshops at community centres, university Continuing Education departments, and your local library. Can’t get away? Try an online learning website like Lynda.com, which you can now access for free through the Greater Victoria Public Library and Vancouver Island Regional Library if you have a valid library card.

5.

Know Your Perks as a Parent.

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

250 477 7321

info@saanichdentalgroup.com

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

32

IslandParent.ca

6.

Volunteer or work part-time.

saanichdentalgroup.com 119–1591 McKenzie Ave, Victoria

Leaving work to raise a child is not quitting. It’s a change in employment status that can have unique benefits. If you belong to a union then you may want to check your collective agreement to see what it says about leaving work to raise a child.

For example: I worked for the public service and, because I resigned specifically to raise a child under a certain age, I have access to internal job postings for six years after my last day of employment. When I return to work, I regain my seniority and vacation allotment. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your (former) employer or union to see if you have similar benefits.

It can be difficult to find the time and resources to volunteer or work when you have a small child at home. Unless you

Each note, a new friend to play with Classical Roots Contemporary Reach

EARLY CHILDHOOD MUSIC CLASSES AT THE VICTORIA CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC

DOWNTOWN VICTORIA

Inspire your child’s love for music with these fun, interactive, and educational classes. Age-specific sections embrace all facets of music education in an atmosphere of joy and discovery.

900 Johnson Street 250.386.5311

have easy access to affordable child care or your spouse works flexible hours, you’re going to have to get creative.

Volunteering is a great way to network, learn new skills and explore different professional fields. Typical volunteer roles range from board member of a non-profit organization, to concession manager for an amateur theatre company, to communications coordinator for a local charity. What you choose will depend on your interests and the amount of time you want to commit.

Most larger communities have a website dedicated to open volunteer opportunities where you can search based on the type of work you want to do and your availability (for example volunteervictoria.bc.ca, volunteercomoxvalley.ca).

WESTHILLS, LANGFORD

210 - 1314 Lakepoint Way 778.265.5355

Call or visit us online to discover our innovative collection of classes that will be the start of your child’s lifelong journey with music!

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7.

Work from home.

Working doesn’t necessarily mean sitting in an office. Is there something you can do from home? If you play a musical instrument then teach lessons during times that suit your (okay, your child’s) schedule.

If you work in communications or journalism you can freelance by, you know, writing articles for local parenting magazines. Or maybe start a blog about your adventures as a new parent. Try to capitalize on any skill, talent or expertise you have.

It’s a brave decision not to go back to work after parental leave, but a stay-athome parent can still keep a hand in the work world. A little nap-time professional development now and then will make it that much easier to eventually get back to the office, back to a paycheque, and back to…those free Timbits.

Colleen Davis is a stay-at-home-parent to an active toddler. In her spare time she reads, writes and does community theatre.

Little Steps Therapy Services offers the following services for all children: Little Learners therapeutic program for school readiness.

Connections therapeutic groups for school-aged children.

Clinical services including behaviour consulting, occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, physiotherapy, art therapy, music therapy, and feeding therapy.

Contact our offices at 250-386-1171 or by emailing admin@mylittlesteps.net Family Resource Guide 2017/2018 33

Community Board Making our Community a Better Place to Live Art Gallery of Greater Victoria aggv.ca Child Care Resource & Referral childcarevictoria.ca Goodlife Fitness Victoria Marathon runvictoriamarathon.com Kaleidoscope Theatre kaleidoscope.bc.ca Phoenix Theatre phoenixtheatres.ca Royal BC Museum royalbcmuseum.bc.ca Victoria Children’s Choir victoriachildrenschoir.ca Victoria Conservatory of Music vcm.bc.ca Enquire about non-profit brochure or magazine distribution in Greater Victoria:

publisher@islandparent.ca 34 IslandParent.ca

I Will…

A

thought occurred to me the other night.

It was a negative thought, but one that often pops into my head.

I was out watering plants after another challenging day with the kids, and after likely realizing I forgot to offer my visiting parents a glass of water with dinner—or even bring out the napkins—I had the thought again.

I will be a better hostess (or insert appropriate role here) one day.

I will remember all those details and courtesies.

My parents will come back right?

This thought comes and goes with a lot of aspects of my life, especially as I often feel stressed to the max juggling parenting and working and everything else that comes with life.

I have also thought numerous times: I will be a better runner again. I want to crush that half-marathon goal time I had and didn’t achieve last summer.

I will be a better friend again. Never again will I let a week go by before realizing I forgot to text so-and-so back.

I will be a better wife. I remember especially thinking this when the kids were babies and there wasn’t a lot of energy and time for date nights and intimacy.

I will be a better housewife.

I will be more organized.

I will be more efficient with work, one day.

I will…

That’s exactly where I needed to stop myself. I am just going to be me. That’s who I am now.

I have changed, maybe for the time being. Maybe not.

Why are we so hard on ourselves as parents? We have such high expectations about everything. Isn’t it silly to think we’re going to, for example, run the same way we did when we were younger (and probably more limber) and before kids came into the picture. That’s also just age coming into play.

Isn’t it awful not to be able to forgive ourselves for being forgetful from time to time? Again, that’s age coming into play (side note: my kids do play a big part in me spacing out and forgetting things I never would have in the past. I don’t know how and if it’s possible to prove this, but trust me).

Children have a huge impact on our lives, to say the least. On the flipside, I have always believed children shouldn’t be our entire universe. There was a you and there was your partner before you had children.

You are both important, too.

Ashley Degraaf Taking the time to take care of your health and treating yourself the way you did before is also important.

Working on the relationship with your partner is, too.

Trying to be the best friend you can be is also important. And if you are, your friends will understand if you have a few slip ups. The same goes for your family.

They shouldn’t judge you for that night you weren’t on your game at the barbecue.

Who needs napkins anyway?

In trying to find a happy medium, I have learned over the years and especially this past year that accepting change and being humble are the key to success and happiness in parenting.

Along with the books on breastfeeding, co-sleeping, baby’s first foods, first activities, etc., there should be more literature for new parents and couples thinking of conceiving about accepting the changes that come with parenting. We should start straight away on educating parents on what to expect and how to accept it.

It’s taken me almost six years to get to a place where I can shrug off the fact I’m not what I used to be.

So instead of beating myself up for neglecting my hostessing duties or not returning a text, I need to pat myself on the back for remembering to water the plants and for getting the kids tucked into bed—those are accomplishments in themselves.

Ashley Degraaf is a freelance writer based out of the Cowichan Valley. She enjoys channeling her inner momma while chronicling her daily adventures with her children.

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Annual Family Events

Visit IslandParent.ca for updated monthly event listings

2017/2018 Our Generous Sponsors

OCTOBER

2017

Childhood Stress & Anxiety: Building Resilience Workshops. Tailored for parents, caregivers, and educators supporting children ages 5-11 (K-Grade 5) who are experiencing stress and anxiety. All adults welcome. Free. 6-8pm, October 4, Victoria High School; October 11, Drinkwater School, Duncan; October 18, Braefoot Elementary; October 25, View Royal Elementary; November 8, McKenzie Elementary; November 22, George Bonner Elementary, Cobble Hill (6:30-8:30pm). Funded by the Eric Palmer Memorial Fund. ericfoundation.com. karenpalmer@shaw.ca. 250-888-5735.

Kid’s Mega Sale at Pearkes Arena. Gently used baby and children’s clothing, toys, equipment and maternity. 3100 Tillicum Rd. kidsmegasale@gmail. com. Facebook.com/KidsMegaSale. October 7, 9:30am-12:30pm.

Victoria’s Ultimate Hobby & Toy Fair at Pearkes Arena. Vancouver Island’s awesome toy and hobby show. Over 200 tables with action figures, vintage toys, models, trains, comics, Barbie, bears, Lego, video games, Star Wars, and much more. Local food vendors. Special guests. Free door prize entry with admission. Dress in costume for extra door prize entry. Silent auction for the MS Society.

3100 Tillicum Rd. October 15 9am-3pm. Early bird entry for the serious collector: 8-9am, $15. $5/ adults; kids free.

The Strength of Indigenous Early Years at Songhees Wellness Centre. KASP, the award-winning speaker and hip hop artist, hosts and performs at this unique gathering to showcase and celebrate the strength of traditional early years programs and resources on Southern Vancouver Island.

October 20 2-5:30pm. eventbrite.ca/e/thestrength-of-indigenous-early-years-hosted-bykasp-tickets-37260573378.

adapted for the stage by Kaleidoscope’s Artistic Director, Roderick Glanville, this classic story of the healing powers of love and family connection is as relevant now as it was when first published in 1911. November 4 and 5, 2pm. 250-383-8124. kaleidoscope.bc.ca.

Mozart’s Magnificent Voyage at the Royal Theatre.

Join Mozart and his son Karl as the journey back in time to Mozart’s childhood and into his great opera, the Magic Flute. Watch as Karl comes to know and understand his famous father with excerpts from his famous operas, symphonies and more. October 29, 2:30pm. 250-385-6515. victoriasymphony.ca.

Island Farms Santa’s Light Parade along Government St (from Belleville to Chatham St). Begin your Christmas Season in Victoria with the magical Island Farms Santa’s Light Parade! Floats and bands, entertainment and lots of fun for the entire family. Gather afterwards at Centennial Square for refreshments from Island Farms and witness Santa officially declare christmas in victoria open. Make sure to bring your donation for the Mustard Seed Food Bank. November 25, 4:45pm. 250-382-3111.

Swan Lake at Royal Theatre. Moscow Ballet’s traditional telling of the tragic Swan Lake story includes award-winning dancers, lavish costumes.

Victoria Children’s Literature Roundtable at Saa- Celebrate Russian ballet and the beauty of the nich Centennial Branch Library. Telling It Straight world renowned dancers. November 11, 3pm. (with a Few Curves): Writing Nonfiction for Children 250-386-6121. rmts.bc.ca. with Merrie-Ellen Wilcox, author of What’s the Buzz: Keeping Bee’s in Flight. October 21. Doors open at Anne of Green Gables at McPherson Playhouse.

7pm. $7/drop-in; members free.

The story is filled with unforgettable characters and brings the comical adventures of spunky redThe Magic Flute at Cowichan Theatre. An opera headed orphan Anne Shirley to life as she wins over for everyone. A magical recreation complete with her new family and the rest of Prince Edward Island dancing bears and giant flamigos. This singspiel with her spirit and imagination in this heartwarming (song-play) production is a perfect introduction to story about love, family, and home. November 24 & opera for the whole family. October 28, 9:55am. 25, December 1 & 2 8pm. November 26, December 250-748-7529. cowichanpac.ca.

3, 2pm. 250- 386-6121. vos.bc.ca.

NOVEMBER

2017

The Howl at Malaspina Theatre at VIU. Featuring Norman Foote. For families and children aged 5-12. The Secret Garden at McPherson Playhouse. Based October 14, 1pm. 250-754-7587. theatreone.org. on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, and

36 IslandParent.ca

DECEMBER

2017

JANUARY

2018

The Nutcracker at the Royal Theatre. Dance Victoria presents the Winnipeg Ballet’s performance of Nutcracker, a treasured holiday classic. December 1 & 2, 7:30pm; December 2 & 3, 2:30pm. rmts.bc.ca.

Mighty Maestro Returns at Royal Theatre. Pack your trunks. Mighty Maestro returns to take you on a tour of the instruments of the orchestra to discover the magical music musicians create.

Join us for a fun, interactive journey through the Popovich Comedy Pet Theatre at Cowichan The- world of the orchestra and don’t forget to come atre. Non-stop fun with a cast of talented cats and dressed up as your favourite superhero. January dogs rescued from animal shelters and transformed 28, 2:30pm. 250-385-6515. victoriasymphony.ca. into stars. The show is animated by a deep love of cats and dogs and a serious life-long commitment FEBRUARY to helping rescued pets. This is a fundraiser for the BCSPCA Cowichan & District Branch. December 9, Anastasia at Cowchan Theatre. A captivating per6:30pm. 250-748-7529. cowichanpac.ca. formance, this dramatic ballet is set to an original score by Russian/Canadian composer Ivan Barbotin The Nutcracker at Cowchan Theatre. A traditional and follows Anastasia through the ballrooms of holiday favourite. The Royal City Youth Ballet re- St. Petersburg, the Russian Revolution, captivity turns to the stage with its enchanting production. and beyond. February 7, 7:30pm. 250-748-7529.

From the moment the lights dim, Tchaikovsky’s cowichanpac.ca. iconic score transports you to a world of wonder where rascally mice are foiled by toy soldiers, and MARCH a blizzard of ballerinas reveals a magical kingdom.

December 15, 7pm & December 16, 1pm. 250-748- Steps in Cedar at the Royal Theatre. Three Ca7529. cowichanpac.ca. nadian choreographer premieres: Nina Menon’s interpretation of the poem Gita Govinda to music Peter Pan at McPherson Playhouse. Guest direc- by Mychael Danna, Peter Quanz’s rendition of “la tor Stephen Andrew presents the classic tale of Folia” with “1490”, “Steps in Cedar” inspired Emily the boy who never grew up. With a wink to the Carr’s lyrical portrayal of West Coast beauty drives audience and a lot of laughs for young and old, a world premiere by B. Monk. March 6 & 7, 7:30pm. this Peter Pan panto promises a playfully peppy balletvictoria.ca. production of perky performances. December 28-29, 7pm; December 30, 2pm. 250-383-8124. Pinocchio at the McPherson Playhouse. The spirit kaleidoscope.bc.ca. of a little boy is trapped inside a piece of wood and born into a strange world. On his quest to become The Gift at the Royal Theatre. A uniquely wonder- a ‘real boy’, his journey is fraught with danger and ful Christmas ballet to Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker tricksters that mislead Pinocchio on his path. March score performed by The Victoria Symphony. Join 10 & 11, 2pm. 250-383-8124. kaleidoscope.bc.ca. a flurry of dancing characters and a mischievous young girl who sparks an adventurous world of Presto Mambo! at Royal Theatre. Join Max, an unexpected wonders when she opens a present energetic, but impulsive young boy, as he discovers early, despite her uncle’s warning. December 28, the magical world of Latin rhythms and their power 7:30pm; December 29 &30, 2pm. balletvictoria. to communicate across cultures. With the help of ca. 250-386-6121.

Mambo the dog, the audience and the orchestra,

2018

2018

Max learns how to “dance” with the music. March 11, 2:30pm. 250-385-6515. victoriasymphony.ca.

MAY

2018

Peter Pan at the Royal Theatre. Peter Pan returns to celebrate Ballet Victoria’s 15th anniversary.

This was the company’s first performance and Paul Destrooper will choreography a new version with a contemporary twist on J. M. Barrie’s classic tale of the fearless boy who refuses to grow up. May 18, 7:30pm, May 19, 2pm. 250-385-6515. balletvictoria.ca.

July

2018

Canada Day celebrations at various locations on July 1. Check kidsinvictoria.com for events listing.

ONGOING Behind the Scenes at the Royal BC Museum. The museum has turned inside out with a year-long feature exhibition of B.C.’s amazing natural history. Get up close and personal with thousands of specimens you’ve never seen before, a separate virtual exhibition, and activities for the entire family. Free for members and children under 5. royalbcmuseum.bc.ca.•

Family Resource Guide 2017/2018 37

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The Paper route

A

few weeks before his ninth birthday, my son informed me that he was ready for a job. A real job, for real pay, out in the real world. I explained that B.C.’s Ministry of Labour frowns on almostnine-year-olds getting real jobs, but he and his 10-year-old sister would not be deterred.

They were ready to earn some money.

The two began brainstorming, and ran their ideas past me once they had a list. A lemonade stand? Not enough foot traffic on our semi-rural road. Raising hens and selling eggs? More work than their mother was willing to oversee at this point in time.

time. They would be exercising, while at the same time learning about responsibility and the importance of doing a job well.

They could work on their organizational skills, contribute to the community in a tangible way, and hopefully gain a sense of accomplishment. And since they would be sharing a single route, it would give them an opportunity to practice their interpersonal skills as siblings.

Their first day on the job started auspiciously. It was a bright summer morning, and the bundled newspapers were waiting by our front door when they woke. They

A garage sale? There wouldn’t be much to sell, since we’d just given away the surplus from a major pare-down.

“What about a paper route?” my daughter asked.

I called the circulation manager of our small local paper, and got the details. Yes, nine- and 10-year-olds could have paper routes with the permission and/or assistance of a parent. The pay was modest, but there were no collections, early morning delivery wasn’t required, and it was only a onceweekly commitment.

Like many families we tend to overfill our calendar, so I’m increasingly careful about what we take on. But a paper route had immediate appeal. Instead of being out of pocket for yet another extracurricular activity, my kids would be paid for their

ate a hearty breakfast, and plunged into their first task: folding each thick paper and securing it with a rubber band. After watching things proceed at a snail’s pace, I couldn’t stop myself from jumping in.

“Just this once,” I assured them, as I organized an efficient assembly line.

Our departure wasn’t quite as smooth as I’d hoped, but eventually we made it out the door. Sunblock? Check. Hats and hi-vis vests? Check. Water bottles and snacks?

Check. Everyone been to the bathroom?

Good. Sturdy footwear? No, you can’t wear flip-flops to deliver 65 heavy, flyerstuffed papers!

The kids loaded their bags into the back of our van, and we set off for the neighbourhood across the highway. I’d agreed in advance to provide transportation, and

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IslandParent.ca

From preparation to delivery, it took us three sweaty hours to complete the route that first day. Stomachs were grumbling and tempers were fraying by the time we returned home. But we’d added some helpful notes to our route map, and I assured my discouraged kids that they could be much more efficient the following week.

But efficiency isn’t really in the vocabulary of nine and 10-year-olds. By making adjustments to how they tackled the route, they managed to shave off some time in the weeks that followed. But I found myself struggling with impatience as I waited at every step of the process, waited for my kids to band the first half of the route, then move down their papers, waited for them to load the to the bottom so the kids could deliver the van, waited as they ambled slowly up and second half of their papers. The reality down each driveway.

My impatience finally spilled over one day wasn’t quite so simple, however. About half the houses on the long first block actually as I waited for my son to get his shoes on faced the alley behind the street, but this so we could leave—a task that was taking wasn’t clear to us until we’d nearly reached an inordinate amount of time. “Son, you the end of the block. In the meantime, my are the pokiest creature I know!” I said son and daughter had expended a signifi- with exasperation. His face fell, and I imcant amount of time ascending each steep mediately wished I could retract my words.

The paper route had turned out to be a driveway in the hot summer sun, searching for a front door or other logical place to significant amount of work—more than either of my kids had anticipated. And yet leave a paper. as grumpy as they might get when things to serve as a human pack-mule for part of the route. The kids would be responsible for the actual delivery of each newspaper.

The route—an elongated “u”—looked straightforward enough on paper. My plan was to park the van at the top of the “u” for

Rachel Dunstan Muller

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

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didn’t go smoothly, they’d never talked about quitting. They were both proud of the job they’d taken on, the responsibility it entailed, and the money they were earning.

My son had been feeling like a grown-up as he prepared for his route, and in an instant my words had deflated him.

I apologized, and then told both children how proud of them I was, and why. I asked if we could push the re-start button (which gets frequent use in our house), and we set off.

As it turns out, the paper route has been as much a learning experience for me as it has been for my kids. My son and daughter move at their own pace, no matter how I try to speed them along. But they get the job done, and that’s what matters. I’ve had to revise the time I mentally allow for the route, having consciously decided that this extra time is worth it. I’d like to say that I’ve developed the patience of a Zen master as the weeks have passed, but I’m still working on it—one flyer-stuffed paper at a time.

20

watersmart@rdn.bc.ca

Maxine Fisher M.Ed., RCC, MTA

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

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Call Today for a Complimentary 10 minute phone consultation Call 250-686-7582 maxinefisher@shaw.ca victoriafamilycounselling.com Family Resource Guide 2017/2018

39

Classes & Programs South Island ArT ProGrAMS Art Gallery of Greater Victoria Children’s Studio 1040 Moss St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-384-4171

Artistic Statement Gallery & School of Fine Art CLUBS & ACTIvITIeS 107-2250 Oak Bay Ave . . . . . . . . . 250-383-0566 Boys & Girls Club Services . . . . . . . . . bgcvic .org Fired Up Ceramics . . . . . . . . firedupceramics .ca 1233 Clarke Rd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250-652-3021 521 Craigflower Rd . . . . . . . . . . . . .250-686-9108 McTavish Academy Of Art 410 Macaulay St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-686-9107 1720 McTavish Rd McTavishAcademy .ca . . . . . . . . . . . 778-351-0088 626 Hoylake Ave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-478-0721 345 Wale Rd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-216-9583 Open Space 510 Fort St, 2nd Flr . . . . . . . . . . . . .250-383-8833 Girl Guides of Canada 938 Mason St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-383-1712 Poppet Creative 1508 Haultain St . . . . . . . . . . poppetcreative .com Navy League Cadets navyleague .ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-565-3344 .

Robert Bateman Centre Junior Nature Sketch Club batemancentre .org . . . . . . 250-940-3630 Royal Canadian Air Cadets . . . . . . .89pacific .ca Scouts Canada scouts .ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-888-726-8876 Victoria Sea Cadets . . . . . . . . . . 250-363-0864

2016 Child Care Award of Excellence for Leadership: Lexie Biegun

“I would rather sit on a pumpkin, and have it all to myself, than be crowded on a velvet cushion.” – Henry David Thoreau

Victoria Flying Club . . . . . . . . . . 250-656-2833

DANCe SCHooLS Arabesque Dance Studio dancearabesque .ca . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-595-3107 Boston Dance Collective 2750 Quadra Street . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-658-1818 Dance Unlimited danceunlimited .ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-361-3267 Leap Forward Dance School 2758 Peatt Rd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250-818-9225 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . or 778-265-5955 Lighthouse Academy of Dance lighthouseacademyofdance .com 934 Goldstream Ave . . . . . . . . . . . 250-595-8705 Maple Leaf School of Ballet 310 Henry St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . mapleleafballet .ca O’Brien School of Irish Dance obrienirishdance .com . . . . . . . . . .604-340-2370 Stages Performing Arts School 301–1551 Cedar Hill X Rd . . . . . . . .250-384-3267

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Inquiries: 250-590-3603

Victoria Academy of Ballet 716 Johnson St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-590-6752 Victoria School of Irish Dance victoriairishdancers .com . . . . . . . . 250-888-9421 Westcoast Academy of Performing Arts wapa .ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250-415-1477

DAY ProGrAMS (See also “Recreation Centres”) Autism Services, Community Living Victoria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250-477-7231, ext . 237

Bear Mountain Academy Programs 1999 Country Club Way. . . . . . . . . 250-744-2327 Boys & Girls Club. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-384-9133 Byte Camp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-661-3358 Canadian Forces Sailing cfsa.wordpress.com. . . . . . . . . . . . 250-385-8873 FUN Camps 600 Richmond Ave. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 778-712-2267

Presentingacademic the first Providing Independent School excellence, independence, Montessori High School andGraduates the love of in learning Canada! in a caring and supportive Come and discover the benefits environment in Victoria Montessori Education for 30 years. can over offer your child.

Glenlyon-Norfolk Marine Adventure Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-370-6852 Hands On Summer Camp HandsOnSummerCamp.com. . . . . 250-995-6425 Christ Church Cathedral School 912 Vancouver St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-383-5125

Our Students: are valued as unique individuals. are part of a close, caring community. are enthusiastic, self-directed learners. think critically. work collaboratively.

SMUS Education Extension Holiday Programs smus.ca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-370-6120 Tennis Kids KidsAtTennis.ca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-412-1406 Victoria Academy of Ballet 716 Johnson St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-590-6752 YM/YWCA 880 Courtney St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-475-3777

confident, enthusiastic, self-directed learners. They are ableo think critical-

1841 Fairburn Drive | Victoria | 250.479.4746 office@mariamontessoriacademy.net Pre-School to High School Education Tours available upon request.

DRAMA PROGRAMS Four Seasons Musical Theatre. . . fsmtheatre.ca Kaleidoscope Theatre 2780 Richmond Rd kaleidoscope.bc.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-383-8124 Kate Rubin Theatre skam.ca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-386-7526 One World Children’s Performing Company oneworldcpc.org . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-882-4339

GYMNASTICS Falcon Gymnastics Centre 208–721 Vanalman Ave. . . . . . . . . 250-479-6424 • Ongoing registration. • Classes for boys and girls. • Ages 20 months and up. • Beginner through advanced. • Teen and adult drop-in. • The best birthday parties in town. • falcongymnastics.com.

P umpkin Pie

C hai Latte

& P umpkin Spice Latte

Lion’s Pride Gymnastics 1060 Henry Eng Place . . . . . . . . . . 250-383-3547 Victoria Gymnastics Two Great Locations 2051 Store St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-380-2442 520 Mt View Ave, Westshore. . . . . 250-265-6414

Starts Sept 4

Pick up your copy of Island Parent at any Serious Coffee cafÊ 5P ÜOE POF OFBS ZPV HP UP TFSJPVTDPòFF DPN

Family Resource Guide 2017/2018  41

LIBRARIES

Does your child have difficulty reading?

• can’t read words just read earlier • letter reversal • symptoms of dyslexia • “sounds out” words but can not blend them correctly • confuses similar sounding words • avoids reading/poor speller I offer an effective program that works!

Call for more information or to arrange your individualized one-on-one tutoring solution.

Brenda Osadchy, BEd, MSp.Ed. 778-440-0997

totallearningservices2014@gmail.com

Greater Victoria Public Library . . . . . . . . . . 250-940-4875 (GVPL) Bruce Hutchison Branch 4636 Elk Lake Rd Central Branch 735 Broughton St Central Saanich Branch 1209 Clarke Rd Emily Carr Branch 101-3521 Blanshard St (at Uptown) Esquimalt Branch 1231 Esquimalt Rd Goudy Branch 119-755 Goldstream Ave Juan de Fuca Branch 1759 Island Hwy Langford Heritage Branch 102-1314 Lakepoint Way Nellie McClung Branch 3950 Cedar Hill Rd Oak Bay Branch 1442 Monterey Ave Saanich Centennial Branch 3110 Tillicum Rd

Recovery Centre

A Wildlife Experience for the Whole Family!

Eagles • Owls • Bears Hawks • Falcons • Ferrets Turkey Vultures • and More

Open to Public Viewing 9am–5pm, 7 Days a Week YEAR ROUND

Crystal Pool & Fitness Centre 2275 Quadra St victoria.ca/recservices. . . . . . . . . . 250-361-0732 Swimming lessons for all ages and abilities; 50m pool with waterslide, two kids’ pools and sauna/ steam rooms; full fitness facilities and wellness programs.

Esquimalt Parks & Recreation 527 Fraser St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-414-8500 Gordon Head Recreation Centre 4100 Lambrick Way . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-475-7100 Henderson Centre 2291 Cedar Hill X Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . 250-370-7200 Panorama Recreation Centre panoramarecreation.ca. . . . . . . . . . 250-656-7271 Pearkes Recreation Centre 3100 Tillicum Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-475-5400

Vancouver Island Regional Library Sidney-North Saanich Branch Recreation Oak Bay 10091 Resthaven Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . 250-656-0944 recreation.oakbay.ca. . . . . . . . . . . 250-595-7946 Sooke Branch Saanich Commonwealth Place 2065 Anna Marie Rd . . . . . . . . . . . 250-642-3022 4636 Elk Lake Dr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-475-7600

MUSIC

North Island Wildlife

City Centre Park citycentrepark.ca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-391-1738

Salt Spring Island Recreation 145 Vesuvius Bay Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . 250-537-4448

BC Registered Music Teacher’s Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bcrmta.bc.ca Drumwave Music School drumwavemusic.com. . . . . . . . . . . . 778-679-7985 Longhome Music tracylongpianolessons.com. . . . . . 250-384-0441 Mary Rogers Music Studio. . . . . . 250-744-9049 Music for Young Children®. . . . . . . . . . . myc.com Tom Lee Music #105-2401D Millstream Rd. . . . . . . 250-838-5222 Victoria Children’s Choir VictoriaChildrensChoir.ca. . . . . . . . 250-721-0856 Victoria Conservatory of Music 900 Johnson St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-386-5311 210-1314 Lakepoint Way. . . . . . . . . 778-265-5355

Save On Foods Memorial Centre 1925 Blanshard St victoria.ca/arena. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-361-0732 Passport to skating lesson programs for all ages and abilities; special events and theme skates; youth and sports programs; rental opportunities for ice/dry floor/meeting rooms.

SEAPARC Leisure Complex, Sooke 2168 Phillips Rd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-642-8000

Wildlife Adoptions Make Great Gifts!

Support your favourite NIWRA resident: visit us for more information or go to www.niwra.org

Guided Tours available for groups of 15 or more. Advanced booking required.

1240 Leffler Road, Errington 250.248.8534 niwra.org 42 IslandParent.ca

RECREATION CENTRES Archie Browning Sports Centre 1151 Esquimalt Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-414-7103 Cedar Hill Recreation Centre 3220 Cedar Hill Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-475-7121

West Shore Parks & Recreation westshorerecreation.ca. . . . . . . . . 250-478-8384 Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre and Centennial Centre offer a variety of programs for preschool-

ers, school age and teens, plus drop-in swimming, skating, child minding and more.

SCIENCE/NATURE BC SPCA spca.bc.ca/kids. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-388-7722 CRD Parks Programs. . . . . . . . . . 250-478-3344 Friends of Uplands Park friendsofuplandpark.org . . . . . . . . 250-595-8084 Gorge Waterway Nature House Gorge Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 778-265-5119

STAGES Performing Arts School since 1980

s e s s a l C e c n a D l o o nd up h

Pre -S cfor ages 12 months a

Greater Victoria Compost Education Centre compost.bc.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-386-WORM

s, To t C la s s e & t n e r a P , H ip H o p, t e ll a B , z Ja z la s s e s & C o m b,oBaClle t, Ta p &

Mad Science madscience.org/vancouverisland. . 250-391-1814 Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary 3837 Swan Lake Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-479-0211

z (w ith J a z h e a t re ) Mu s ic a l T

SKATING Oak Bay Figure Skating Club . . . . oakbayfsc.ca

For more information

Juan de Fuca Skating Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . juandefucaskatingclub.ca

SPORTS PROGRAMS

Even the littlest angel can dance

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

Boardworks Diving 4636 Elk Lake Dr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-479-0330 Fierce Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fiercejiujitsu.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-590-5065

Serving the Families of Vancouver Island for Over 23 Years

Gorge Soccer Association. . . . . gorgesoccer.ca Highland Pacific Golf 450 Creed Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-478-4653

The Kiddies Store

Island Swimming . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-479-3909

P I PA

Operation Trackshoes 3100 Foul Bay Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-721-2233 PISE (Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence) piseworld.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-220-2510

• Rear-facing for infants 4–35 lbs, up to 32"

Pacific Coast Swimming . . . . . . . 250-727-9243

• True lock™ installation makes set up swift and simple with rigid latch system

Royal Soccer Club royalsoccer.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-427-0536

• Ultra-durable lightweight shell—weighs just 7.7 lbs

Royal Victoria Yacht Club. . . . . . . 250-592-6113 Victoria City Rowing Club vcrc.bc.ca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-658-5331 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vcrcprograms@gmail.com Victoria Judo Club . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-886-0056 Victoria Junior Field Hockey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VictoriaJuniorFieldHockey.ca Victoria Sea Cadets . . . . . . . . . . . 250-363-0864

• Removable, full coverage two position and protective UPF 50+ canopy with flip out eyeshade • Lightweight carry handle is ergonomically designed to tote with ease • Premium micro knit fabric with certified Oeko-Tex fabric • Mesh Peek-a-boo window Finlayson St. Dougla s St.

3045–C Douglas St., Victoria, BC V8T 4N2 250-386-2229 www.tjskids.com

Larch St.

Entrance off Larch St.

T.J.’S

Family Resource Guide 2017/2018 43

Irish Dance Classes

Victoria Synchro . . . . . . . . . victoriasynchro .com Synchronized swimming combines swimming with music, dance, gymnastics and drama, and it’s a team sport . Beginner Synchro classes offered for school ages to adult . Email jennifervicsynchro@gmail .com for more information .

Offered in Victoria, Esquimalt, Langford, Sidney & Nanaimo Ages 4 years to Adults Beginners to Champions Recreational & Competitive

victoriairishdancers.com alisonpaladini@shaw.ca 250-888-9421

Victoria Youth Paddling Club . . . . . . . . vypc .ca Westshore Motocross Assoc. westshoremx .com . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-590-8088 World Cup Soccer Camp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . worldcupsoccercamp .com

oTHer CISV Victoria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cisvvictoria .ca

Home Studio: 734 Aldebury # 207

Join the fun of Irish dance classes!

Contact Us for a Free Class Today

Unplugged Play

Cowichan Valley CLUBS & ACTIvITIeS Boys & Girls Club, Duncan 2471 Beverly St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-748-1171 Girl Guides 321 Cairnsmore St . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-748-1052

DAY CAMPS BC SPCA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250-388-7722 KinPark Kid’s Camp, Duncan 360 Duncan St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250-748-8506

LIBrArIeS Vancouver Island Regional Library Cowichan Branch 2687 James St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-746-7661 Lake Cowichan Branch 38 King George North . . . . . . . . . . 250-749-3431

MUSIC ProGrAMS

Toys, games and puzzles for all ages Kool Toys & Teaching Tools

44

IslandParent.ca

#102 – 2517 Bowen Rd, Nanaimo 250.585.1778

koolandchild.com

Music for Young Children . . . . 1-800-828-4334

RECREATION CENTRES

Bring your family to our family.

Cowichan Aquatic Centre, Duncan 2653 James St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-746-7665 Cowichan Lake Sports Arena 311 South Shore Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-749-6742

We can take care of all your family’s legal needs: Real estate, incorporating your business, cohabitation and separation agreements, Wills, Powers of Attorney and other Estate Matters.

Cowichan Sportplex 5847 Chesterfield Ave. . . . . . . . . . 250-746-5666 Kerry Park Recreation Centre 1035 Shawnigan-Mill Bay Rd. . . . . 250-743-5922

browne associates

Shawnigan Lake Community Centre 2804 Shawnigan Lk Rd . . . . . . . . . . 250-743-1433

Full Service Law Firm

RIDING Alpine Stables alpinestable.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-743-6641

Mid-Island CLUBS & ACTIVITIES Boys & Girls Club, Chemainus 3172B Garner St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-246-5421 Boys & Girls Club, Ladysmith 730 3rd Ave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-245-8921 Boys & Girls Club, Lantzville 7-7221 Lantzville Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . 250-390-4001 Boys & Girls Club, Nanaimo 20 5th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-754-3215 Nanaimo Navy League and Sea Cadets 750 Fifth St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-753-3797 Royal Canadian Air Cadets 205 Collishaw Rd, Nanaimo. . . . . . 250-754-0076

Fiona Hughes

#109–1633 Hillside Ave 250-598-1888 info@browneassociates.ca www.browneassociates.ca Fun, Fitness, and Friendship for Life!

Programs for all ages!

Available At Saanich Commonwealth Pool & Juan de Fuca Rec Center

For more information: www.islandswimming.com Email: info@islandswimming.com

DANCE Nanaimo Contemporary Ballet. . . . . ncballet.ca O’Brien School of Irish Dance obrienirishdance.com . . . . . . . . . . 250-340-2370

DAY CAMPS BC SPCA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-388-7722

GYMNASTICS Flipside Gymnastics flipsidegymnastics.ca. . . . . . . . . . . 250-756-9102

Family Resource Guide 2017/2018 45

LIBRARIES

MUSIC PROGRAMS

Vancouver Island Regional Library Campbell River Branch 1240 Shopper’s Row. . . . . . . . . . . . 250-287-3655 Chemainus Branch 2592 Legion St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-246-9471 Hornby Island Branch 1765 Sollans Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-335-0044 Ladysmith Branch #3-740 1st Ave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-245-2322 Nanaimo Harbourfront Branch 90 Commercial Dr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-753-1154 Nanaimo Wellington Branch 3032 Barons Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-758-5544 Parksville Branch 100E Jenson Ave East . . . . . . . . . . 250-248-3841 Port Alberni Branch 4245 Wallace St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-723-9511 Qualicum Beach Branch #101–660 Primrose St. . . . . . . . . . . 250-752-6121

Comox Valley Youth Music Centre. . . . cymc.ca Nanaimo Conservatory of Music ncmusic.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-754-4611

Nanaimo Ice Centre 750 Third St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-756-5200 North Cowichan Parks & Recreation, Chemainus 2876 Fuller Lake Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-246-3811 Oliver Woods Community Centre 6000 Oliver Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-756-5200

RECREATION CENTRES

Beban Park Social Centre Ravensong Aquatic Centre 2300 Bowen Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-756-5200 737 Jones St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-752-5014 Bowen Park Complex 500 Bowen Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-756-5200 Frank Crane Arena 2300 Bowen Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-756-5200 Kinsmen Park Pool 5779 Alderlea St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-246-3811

RIDING Cowichan Therapeutic Riding . . . 250-746-1028

SCIENCE/NATURE

Morell Nature Sanctuary Ladysmith Parks, Recreation & Culture 810-6th Ave. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-245-6424 787 Nanaimo Lakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-753-5811 McGirr Sports Complex 6185 McGirr Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-756-1173 Nanaimo Aquatic Centre 741 Third St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-756-5200

Sports Navigate Performance Athlete Custom Education (P.A.C.E.) 2505 Smith Road Courtenay navigatepace.com. . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-663-7925

Looking for child care?

Taking care of children?

Child Care

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

46 IslandParent.ca

Call your local Child Care Resource & Referral for free referrals and resources.

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

vancouverislandccrr.ca ccrr.bc.ca

GIVE-A-$HEET You Can “Bridge People to Nature”

DID YOU KNOW...

Your donation to Phase II of the

“Bridges to Nature” Floating Boardwalk Campaign Will ~ no matter the size ~

* Each $heet of fiberglass decking will cost aprox $500 * Each $ection of the Phase II floating Boardwalk Project will cost aprox $5,000 $800,000 is required to span the lake

Make a Difference

Call 250.479.0211 or visit swanlake.bc.ca to donate

“Give-a-$HEET” and help Bridge People to Nature Today!

Family Resource Guide 2017/2018 47

An Apple a Day

If you don’t have a friend or a neighbour with an apple tree, then start exploring public spaces and playgrounds. You should be able to pick yourself a bushel full in no time.

F

all is the season of apples, and I recommend going apple picking. What better way Preserving Apples to teach your children about the origin of their food than to have them climb up a To save apples for winter eating, it’s tree and pick their very own apple. A fruit that is so ubiquitous in the grocery store is important to know what kind of apples just as abundant on our Islands. you have picked. If you know the variety of apple, then Google can help you figure out whether it is a cooker or a keeper. Otherwise, just experiment to see what works.

Storage Apples: These apples can be individually wrapped in newspaper and left somewhere cool (like a garage). They should last through to the spring without rotting!

The individual wrapping prevents one bad apple from spoiling the whole bunch.

Eaters: These apples are perfect for about two weeks after picking. I recommend eating them fresh or dehydrating them.

Alternatively, you could freeze them for baking, but they won’t have the melting sweetness of a cooker.

Cookers: These apples are super soft, mealy apples that are perfect for cooking.

The best way to store these are to slice them up and freeze them for cakes, pies, and applesauce.

Here are some recipes (beyond pie) that are perfect for fresh or frozen apples.

Children love to help with mixing, so hand them an apron and a wooden spoon, and get baking!

OAK BAY BICYCLES The Island’s Bike Shop

We have a huge selection of kids and youth bikes: run bikes, bikes with training wheels, coasters & freewheel, commuters, road & mountain bikes - used and new.

Come visit us and meet our friendly and professional staff in Victoria and the Westshore! We’ll find the right bike for all your family members!

We carry the biggest selecton of e-bikes on the island: Cube, Norco, Trek, Electra. Try it - for FREE! You can find more info about our Demo On Demand Program on our website. www.oakbaybikes.com 48 IslandParent.ca

Apple Muffins

Apple muffins are a delicious and healthy snack, especially if you use whole grain flour. Older kids could probably make this recipe all on their own, and younger children can help with measuring ingredients and mixing.

Dry Ingredients: 11⁄2 cups flour 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1⁄2 tsp ground cloves 1⁄2 tsp ground nutmeg 1⁄2 tsp salt Remaining Ingredients: 1 cup buttermilk or yogurt 1⁄2 cup oil 1 tsp vanilla 1 cup brown sugar 1 cup chopped apples 1⁄2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Directions: 1. Preheat the oven to 350˚F. 2. Mix the dry ingredients together, then mix in all the remaining ingredients.

3. Fill 12–24 muffin cups (depending on how large you want them).

4. Bake for 20–25 minutes (until a skewer comes out clean).

Emillie Parrish

Apple Cobbler

Apple cobbler is basically an easy version of an apple pie. While kids may struggle with making a light and tender pie crust, everyone can make a biscuit dough! Little kids really like cutting the butter into the flour with their fingers, so let them get messy and enjoy the art of cooking.

Apple Cake

I love this apple cake. It is so beautiful, rich and delicious that I feel like I’m on holiday in Italy whenever I eat it. If you think that’s an exaggeration, then it’s because you haven’t tasted this cake. This is an easy recipe that you can cook with your kids. Why not let them feel like a chef when they tell everyone at your next dinner party that they baked the cake.

11⁄2 cups flour 1 cup ground almonds (almond flour) 1⁄4 teaspoon baking soda 1 cup milk buttermilk or yogurt 1⁄2 cup honey 3 eggs 3⁄4 cup melted butter 1 tsp vanilla extract zest of one lemon 4 apples

Tickets $12 each or two for $20

250-754-7587 | theatreone.org

Biscuit Dough: 13⁄4 cup of flour 1 Tbsp sugar 1 Tbsp baking powder 1⁄4 tsp salt 6 Tbsp butter 1 cup milk Filling: 21⁄2 lbs apples (about 8 medium apples) 1⁄2 cup brown sugar (more for tart apples) 1 tsp cinnamon 1⁄4 tsp nutmeg 1⁄2 tsp cloves Topping: 2 Tbsp milk 3 tsp sugar

Sat. Oct. 14 at 1pm

VIU’s Malaspina Theatre

Mid Island

If You Are

Directions: 1. Preheat the oven to 350˚F. 2. Mix all the ingredients together except for the apples. Blend everything really well so that you have a smooth batter.

3. Peel, core and thinly slice the apples.

5. Pour in half of the cake mixture into the pan and cover with half of the apples in a nice layer.

6. Pour remaining cake mixture on top Directions: and top with remaining apples. It’s nice to 1. Preheat the oven to 375˚F. 2. Mix the flour, sugar, baking soda and arrange them in a circular pattern.

7. Bake for 50–55 minutes, until a cake salt. Cut in the butter until it is evenly distributed (you can do this with your fingers), tester comes out clean and the apples are browning. then mix in the milk to form a dough.

8. This is a very rich cake, I recommend 3. Mix the filling ingredients together and spread out in a medium-sized baking dish. serving it with whipping cream.

4. Put the biscuit dough on top of the apples, spreading it out as well as you can.

5. Brush the biscuit dough with milk, Emillie Parrish loves having adventures with then sprinkle on the sugar 6. Bake for 40–50 minute until the top her two busy children. She lives in Victoria and is the author of the fermentation-based blog is nicely browned. fermentingforfoodies.com.

7. Serve with cream or custard.

Moving Expecting a Baby Planning a Wedding A Grandparent A New Business/Executive Interested In a New Career

Contact Welcome Wagon Today!

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

Family Resource Guide 2017/2018 49

Move Over Leftovers...

There’s a new dish in town Healthy Families, Happy Families

Child, Youth & Family Public Health

E

ver wonder what to do with those last few portions of dinner, the sad-looking berries or apple slices, and the perfectly good fruit or vegetables that come home in your child’s lunch kit? Wonder no longer. Take the guess work out of leftovers by creating quick, ready-to-go meals and reduce food waste at the same time.

Here are a few ideas for oh-so-good leftovers.

If you have leftovers…

…Freeze them, blend them or have them for lunch or dinner the next day

Spaghetti sauce

• Sloppy Joes (chunky sauce on a bun served open-faced; you’ll need a fork, knife and napkin!

Pasta noodles

• Add to chicken noodle or other soup.

• Toss in a casserole dish with veggies and sauce, top with cheese, breadcrumbs and bake.

Chili

• Top baked potatoes with chili and cheese.

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

Roasted chicken and green salad

• Layer ingredients in a 1L container or jar to make a salad for the next day. Pack “heavy to light” from the bottom up—make chicken the bottom layer with veggies, grain (like couscous or quinoa), and top off with greens. Put dressing in a separate container.

Stir-fry (meat or veggie)

• Roll up leftovers in a tortilla for a grab-and-go wrap.

• Add to broth or canned soup with noodles or rice for a quick hearty soup.

• Toss together with eggs and whip up a tasty scramble.

Central Island Health Units

Fish

• Fish tacos: Chop some tomato, onion and cilantro; add a squeeze of lime.

Keep the mix separate from the taco shells until you are ready to eat.

• Deconstructed sushi: Mix rice, avocado, some seaweed snacks, cucumber or other veggie, and a dash of soy sauce.

Rice

• Make rice pudding with milk, egg, sugar, vanilla, butter, dried fruit and cinnamon—yum!

• Add to soup, stew or casserole.

Vegetables

• Roast them in the oven with olive oil or chop them up for soup or stew.

Fruit

• Freeze for smoothies, make muffins or as an ice cream topper.

Lentil loaf, vegetarian gravy, mashed potatoes, carrots, peas

• Shepherds Pie: Crumble leftover lentil loaf, diced up carrots and peas; mix with gravy and press in a pan. Top with mashed potatoes and bake in the oven.

Stale or dry bread

• Make breadcrumbs, croutons or bread pudding.

South Island Health Units Esquimalt Gulf Islands

250-519-5311 250-539-3099

(toll-free number for office in Saanichton)

Duncan Ladysmith Lake Cowichan Nanaimo Nanaimo Princess Royal Parksville/ Qualicum

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

Port Alberni Tofino

250-731-1315 250-725-4020

250-947-8242

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

viha.ca/prevention_services/ 50 IslandParent.ca

Tips for leftovers and lunch-box packing

• Food safety is key. Keep hot foods hot with a Thermos™ or other thermal container.

Lids should be tight—but not too tight—so the container can be opened when it is time to eat.

• Keep cold foods cold with an ice pack or frozen bottle of water.

• Discard unused leftovers after 2–3 days.

• Prevent sandwiches and wraps from getting soggy by packing moist ingredients away from bread, pita, tortilla and taco shells; use a divided lunch box or separate container or place lettuce directly onto bread or wrap to keep moist sandwich fill-

Areli Hermanson CH I LD YO UT H & FA MILY P U B L IC H E A LT H

ings and sauces from soaking in and making your ready-to-eat sandwich or wrap soggy.

• Keep freezer bags handy when unpacking lunches. Freeze uneaten fruit (you might have to cut out a bite or two) to add to smoothies another day. If the fruit is still in good shape, pack it in a lunch later in the week.

• If at the end of the day, the ice pack is still cold, freeze any uneaten cheese to shred as a topping for chili, lasagna or nachos.

• Uneaten crackers, bread and pretzels can be sent again the next day.

• Remember to pack any utensils you need and a napkin can be helpful too.

Making the most of leftovers— kitchen must-haves:

• Storage containers of various sizes for fridge or freezer • Labels or permanent marker • Plastic freezer bags • Ice packs • Thermal container • Clear, glass jars with lids; a “widemouth” canning funnel for no-mess filling.

Don’t do it alone. Recruit your kids to help in making school lunches and cleaning up after meals. Take them to the grocery store to help pick out healthy choices. Ask them what they would prefer: “Would you like an apple or a banana?” or “Tuna sandwich or wrap?” Have them help you make it, or if they are old enough, suggest they make it on their own. Making meals is a valuable life skill and kids who prepare or help to prepare their own lunch are more likely to eat it. Turning leftovers into quick, easy meals makes dollars and sense.

Areli Hermanson, RD, is a Public Health Dietitian with Island Health and the mother of two school-aged boys. She dreams of lunch kits coming home empty, clean and with the same number of containers that were packed!

Creative assistance provided by Janet Krenz, RD and Jane Barclay, RD.

Emmanuel Preschool 2121 Cedar Hill Cross Road (by entrance to UVic) Children learn through play in our all inclusive, non-denominational Christian preschool.

Great facility; outdoor play area and a gym for rainy day play! Two teachers with ECE certifi cation plus an assistant teacher to help with special needs children. A competent and caring teaching team!

Class Options for 2017–2018: Mon/Wed/Fri morning class Tues/Thurs morning class 5 mornings a week

Phone 250-598-0573 preschool@emmanuelvictoria.ca

www.emmanuelpreschool.ca

rethink. relearn. resolve Our conflict coaches and mediators will create an affordable, high quality, conflict resolution process that fits YOU— whatever your situation.

• Family Mediation for • separation • parent teen • adult siblings and elder care • youth reconnection • dialogue • re-entry mediation

• Civil Mediation for • businesses • co-workers • neighbours • co-ops • stratas

• Conflict coaching • Communicating through Conflict training • Specialized Communication training for your business or organization

To learn more, visit our website at

dialogueandresolutionservices.ca or call 250-383-4412 102–2220 Sooke Rd, Victoria BC V9B 0G9 | office@dialogueandresolutionservices.ca Funded by British Columbia, United Way, Victoria Foundation, City of Colwood, Victoria Family Court and Youth Justice Committee

10th Anniversary

GARDEN HOUSE FOUNDATION FUND CHARITY USED BOOK SALE Saturday, October 14 9am-3pm Sunday, October 15 9am-2pm BONNER SCHOOL, 3060 Cobble Hill Road, MILL BAY

20,000 books, 5,000 for kids Mostly 50¢ to $3 CASH ONLY Profits benefit families in crisis and animals in need through annual grants from the fund FOREVER www.gardenhousefoundation.wordpress.com

For more information call 250-743-4627

Family Resource Guide 2017/2018

51

TICKETS.UVIC.CA 250-721-8480 uvic.ca/auditorium

Health & Wellness South Island ACUPUNCTURE Oriri Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine oriri.ca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-886-8863

ALTERNATIVE HEALTH

DECEMBER 9 1:00 PM

iHealth ihealthroup.ca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-704-1178

DENTISTS Oaklands Dental 202-1581 Hillside Ave. . . . . . . . . . . 250-592-7874

THE OLATE DOGS Rescue Dog Circus winners of America’s Got Talent, 2012

April 8 at 2:00pm UVicFarq

ORCCA Dental Society orcadental.org . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 778-351-3393 Saanich Dental Group 119-1591 McKenzie Ave. . . . . . . . . . . 250-477-7321

UVicFarquhar

We bring the Fun2U!

Victoria Pediatric Dental Centre 206-1830 Oak Bay Ave. . . . . . . . . . 250-383-2133

HEALTH CLINICS St. Anthony’s Medical Centre 582 Goldstream Ave. . . . . . . . . . . .250-478-6242 Tillicum Mall Medical Clinic 14–3170 Tillicum Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-381-8112

MASSAGE THERAPY Remedy Wellness Centre remedywellness.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-590-5221

NATUROPATHIC Doctors Dr. Anke Zimmermann 304-2250 Oak Bay Ave. . . . . . . . . 250-590-5828

• Laser Tag • Hamster Balls • Castle Jumper • Bumper Balls • Inflatable Obstacle Course • And More Birthdays, Teen Lounge/parties, fundraising events for school groups, sports teams or Grad.

Book your holiday parties now!

Alicia 250-661-2219 games2uvictoria@gmail.com www.g2u.com Games2u Victoria 52 IslandParent.ca

Dr. Elizabeth Stimson ND 205-661 Burnside Rd E. . . . . . . . . . 250-884-2583 Juniper Family Health 314-1175 Cook St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 778-265-8341 Sage Clinic sageclinic.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-590-7809

Looking back, I shuddered at my own bad decisions and close calls as I’d lurched from adolescence toward adulthood. It’s a wonder I survived to have kids myself.

Perhaps my own mistakes made me who

Fault Lines

P

hilip Larkin’s “This Be The Verse”— the only poem I can still recite by heart—begins with the most cynical stanza in English literature: They [expletive deleted] you up, your mum and dad.

They may not mean to, but they do.

They fill you with the faults they had And add some extra, just for you.

Ouch. His poem only gets bleaker from there.

Becoming a parent is, of course, a counterargument to the pessimism of Larkin’s verse.

As moms and dads, we instead try to fill our kids with hopes and dreams, with knowledge and wisdom, with good humour and confidence. We build on what we’ve learned from our own parents and from their parents. When stumped, we borrow tips from books and magazines, we phone friends and family members, as we navigate the twisty road of raising healthy, happy children.

But let’s be honest. There are also sleepless nights, in the fallout of a nuclear tantrum, when we think Larkin might be right. We worry our kids’ inheritance will mostly include our own foibles and flaws. What emotional baggage do we slip into their lunch kits before we send them into the world?

This summer, I fretted over this question.

Our son had graduated from Grade 5 and was zooming toward middle school—the years I remember, not entirely fondly, as the Age of Awkwardness. Was he ready? Had we prepared him? My wife and I watched as he shed the booster rockets of parental oversight we’d installed with his first diapers. Were all systems go?

He’s still a boy, but more independent in his habits and tastes, more individual in his moods and manners. He ping pongs between needing attention and wanting solitude. One evening, he might curl up in his PJ’s for a bedtime cuddle; the next, he will mute the rest of the house behind his bedroom door and his headphones.

In the tiny cracks in his character I spy the crevasses of my own. We both share a chronic absent-mindedness: I’ve lost years of adult life looking for my house keys, my phone, documents of vital importance. I’ve nearly ambled into traffic while staring at the clouds. Over the years, our son has similarly scattered hats and jackets, baseball gloves and bats across the city and the country.

This summer, he went skim boarding with three buddies at Gyro Beach. As parents chatted, the boys hopped into a pair of kayaks and started paddling into deeper waters, a pair of life jackets between them.

Perched on the bow of a wobbly boat, my son wasn’t wearing one.

All the parents nervously shouted for the pirate crew to return to shore. No reply. I waded up to my waist in the cold Pacific to holler at them. Instead the boys paddled out to sea in a bubble of boyish bravado. Finally, a motor-boater zipped out to inform the rogue kayakers of their parents’ demands.

It was not a happy reunion back on shore. “What were you thinking?” I barked.

“Where was your life jacket?” Our son stared at his sandals. He’d forgotten.

The episode felt symbolic. There we stood, watching helplessly as our son launched toward the horizon, wondering if we’d taught him to navigate the choppy waters ahead.

David Leach I am, but I still can’t find my house keys.

And maybe there isn’t one—a key, that is. Maybe we can never find one magic way to unlock our kids’ pure potential and still tamp down the Pandora’s Box of our own flaws. But it usually works out in the end.

My own youthful forgetfulness likely added a few extra lines to my parents’ faces.

(Knowing karma, I’m sure to gain a few in the future, too.) But don’t listen to Larkin: those lines aren’t anyone’s fault but my own.

David Leach is the author of Chasing Utopia and the head coach of the Carnarvon Red Pandas.

O’Brien School of Irish Dance

Cadboro Bay, Esquimalt, Downtown Victoria and Duncan Recreational, performance and competitive classes Dance, dance wherever you may be….

www.obrienirishdance.com

Family Resource Guide 2017/2018 53

OPTOMETRISTS BC Association of Optometrists. . . . . . absee.ca Dr. Joslin, Dr. Morin & Associates 105-814 Goldstream Ave . . . . . . . . 250-747-4567 5-6726 West Coast Rd. . . . . . . . . . 250-642-4331

Cowichan Valley HEALTH CLINICS

Collaborative Family Law Group collaborativefamilylawgroup.com.250-704-2600 Legal Aid Legal Services Society 200-747 Fort St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-360-4516

Coleman Medical, Duncan MEDIATION Family Eyecare Centre 186 Kenneth St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-746-4102 BC Parenting Coordinators 749 Yates St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-383-2411 Margaret Moss Health Centre, Duncan Roster Society. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bcpcroster.com 675 Canada Ave. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-709-3050 Cox Taylor Barristers Solicitors Notaries PHARMACIES Matraea Centre, Duncan 3rd Flr, Burnes House Cadboro Bay Peoples Compounding Parmacy. matcentre.ca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-597-0085 26 Bastion Sq. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-388-4457 3825 Cadboro Bay Rd Millstream Medical Clinic victoriapharmacy.com . . . . . . . . . . . 250-477-2131 107–2349 Millstream Ave . . . . . . . 250-391-7554 Dialogue & Resoultion Services dialogueandresolutionservices.ca. 250-383-4412 Fairfield Peoples Compounding Drug Mart Valleyview Treatment Centre Conflict is a normal part of life. Navigate it suc15-1594 Fairfield Rd #27-1400 Cowichan Bay Rd, cessfully with conflict coaching, mediation, victoriapharmacy.com . . . . . . . . . . 250-598-9232 Cobble Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-743-9395 arbitration and communication training—effective strategies for separation and divorce, Fairfield Peoples Compounding Pharmacy parent-teen conflicts, conflicts about elder care 1282 Fairfield Rd PHARMACIES and more. email office@dialogueandresolutionvictoriapharmacy.com . . . . . . . . . . 250-595-5997 Valleyview Peoples Drug Mart services.ca.

Shelbourne Plaza Peoples Compounding 26-1400 Cowichan Bay Rd. . . . . . . . 250-743-1448 Patricia Lane Pharmacy patricialane.bc.ca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-598-3992 3643 Shelbourne St victoriapharmacy.com . . . . . . . . . . . 250-577-1881 South Island Dispute Resolution Centre UVic Campus Pharmacy UVic SUB, 3800 Finnerty Rd victoriapharmacy.com . . . . . . . . . . 250-721-3400

YOGA Fernwood Yoga Den 1311 Gladstone Ave. . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-590-4664 Iyengar Yoga 202–919 Fort St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-386-9642 Mothering Touch Centre & Birth Services 975 Fort St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-595-4905

OTHER Anaphylaxis Canada. . . . . . . . . pactvictoria.com

Legal & Financial Services

disputeresolution.bc.ca. . . . . . . . . 250-383-4412

South Island

FINANCIAL SERVICES

CREDIT COUNSELLING

Investors Group . . . . . . . . . . . . gavin.molloy@investorsgroup.com

TS Consulting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-590-4114

NOTARIES Lauren Nicole Stone 109-1633 Hillside Ave. . . . . . . . . . . . 250-415-3157

Cash Advantage cashadvantage.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-475-6267

Credit Counselling Society nomoredebts.org. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-888-527-8999 Island Savings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . islandsavings.ca

Family Eyecare Centre REAL ESTATE SERVICES familyeyecarecentre.com . . . . . . . . 250-383-2411 LAWYERS MacDonald Realty, Paula Wensley Brown Henderson Melbye Lawyers Taoist Tai Chi pacific.canada.taoist.org. . . . . . . . 250-383-4103 217-2187 Oak Bay Ave . . . . . . . . . . 250-595-2220 Paulawensley.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 778-678-7387 Royal LePage Connie Lebeau Tigh-na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort ConnieLebeau@RoyalLePage.ca. . . 250-891-6776 & Conference Centre, Parksville 1155 Resort Dr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-248-2072 Victoria Pilates Inc. Mattick’s Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-727-0075

Royal LePage Rosemarie Colterman & Tom Oak homewardbound.team. . . . . . . . . . 250-592-4422 Browne Associates Law browneassociates.ca. . . . . . . . . . . 250-598-1888 Local, family operated law firm; specialise in Estate Planning (Wills, Powers of Attorney, etc.), Real Estate, Matrimonial matters and Corporate law. Kid- and pet-friendly office. Home visits Real Estate Services available. Let us help clarify and solve your legal Re/Max Duncan, Melissa Collins issues. cowichanvalleyrealtor.ca. . . . . . . . 250-510-2729

Cowichan Valley

54 IslandParent.ca

Postpartum Depression

H

aving a baby is a life-changing experience. It is both physically challenging and deeply emotional.

Many new parents will feel joy and happiness, but they may also be worried and nervous about the responsibility of having a newborn. Soon after giving birth, you may find that you feel weepy and your moods can change from minute to minute. These feelings—known as the “baby blues”—are normal, and expected during the first couple of weeks after childbirth.

Up to 80 per cent of new mothers experience the baby blues, a reaction likely due to hormonal shifts that begin a few days after delivery and generally last no longer than two weeks. It is not unusual to feel sad, stressed, to cry or experience mood swings in the first few weeks after the baby is born. These feelings usually subside over several weeks, especially with understanding and support from your partner and friends, and as you see your baby grow and develop. The baby blues is not an illness and should subside without medical intervention by the time your baby is around two weeks old. Moms often feel better after getting rest and a helping hand with the baby. But if your blues—or those of someone you love—have lasted more than two weeks, read on.

Is it postpartum depression (PPD)?

Depression can affect both parents in the weeks and months after birth. There is no single answer as to why some new parents are affected and not others. Unlike the baby blues, postpartum depression symptoms continue beyond the first two weeks postpartum and are more severe.

A postpartum depression can start at any time during the first year of your baby’s life and can affect your mood dramatically and on a daily basis. Mood impacts the way people think about themselves, relate to others, and interact with the world around them. This is more than a “bad day” or “feeling blue.” Without supports and treatment, depression can last for a long time.

A busy and sleep-deprived mom experiencing PPD may deny even to herself that she is struggling emotionally, so it is especially important to be aware of warning signs to watch for. Symptoms may include: anxiety, lethargy, sleeping problems, confusion, frequent crying, guilt feelings, frightening thoughts, low self-esteem, eating problems,

decreased sex drive, mood swings, feelings of hopelessness, irritability, forgetfulness, and feelings of being overwhelmed. Some feel angry. People lose interest in things they used to enjoy and may withdraw from others. Depression can make it hard to focus on tasks and remember information. It can be hard to concentrate, learn new things, or make decisions. Depression can change the way people eat and sleep, and many people experience physical health problems. A mother or father with postpartum depression may not enjoy the baby and have frequent thoughts that they are a bad parent. They may also have scary thoughts around harming themselves or their baby. Although it is rare for a parent to make plans to act on these thoughts, this situation is serious and requires urgent medical care. If you believe that a loved one is in danger, do not hesitate to call 911 or your local crisis line.

What can help?

Postpartum depression is not generally a condition that you can treat on your own, but you can do some things for yourself that build on your treatment plan and help speed recovery.

• Avoid isolation. Discuss your feelings with your loved ones, health care provider or public health nurse. Tell someone you trust about how you feel. Call an understanding friend. Join a mom’s group for support.

You may be surprised at how many women experience similar feelings. Talking to other moms and dads can be reassuring. Meeting others in the same position will give you a chance to share skills and experiences, to realise you are not alone, and above all, to get some emotional and practical support.

• Rest as much as you can. The rigors of caring for a newborn 24/7 can leave you exhausted. Moms often cannot sleep when they want to, but it is still important to take rest breaks.

• Make healthy lifestyle choices. Include physical activity, such as a walk with your baby, in your daily routine—exercise has a positive effect on mood and sense of wellbeing. If even a brief excursion is too much for you right now, then just go outside, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and sit in the sunshine for a few minutes. It will help. Eat healthy foods, and avoid alcohol. Drink enough water.

• Have realistic expectations. Do not pressure yourself to do everything. Scale

back your expectations for the perfect household. Do what you can and leave the rest.

Ask for help when you need it. Accept help and support from your partner, family and friends. Try to share as many jobs around the house as possible. Allowing people to support you and your partner through this time will make things easier.

Diana Hurschler Where to Get Help

If you are experiencing any of the above signs, please seek help. Postpartum depression and anxiety can impact you physically and affect your emotions, thinking, and behaviours. Without treatment, postpartum depression affects both you and your baby.

A mother who is depressed for a long time can have difficulty bonding and caring for her baby, which can affect her baby’s sense of safety, security and love. Treating depression early will lessen possible long-term effects on both mother and baby.

Resources: Your health care provider or public health nurse HealthLink BC (dial 8-1-1) or toll free for hearing‑impaired at 1‑866‑889‑4700 Pacific Postpartum Support Society, toll free at 855-255-7999 or postpartum.org BC Mental Health Information Line, 1‑800‑661‑2121 All children deserve a healthy mom and all moms deserve a chance to enjoy their life and their children. If you are feeling depressed after having a baby, do not suffer alone.

The best help usually comes from a mix of support from health care providers, family, friends, self‑help, and community connections. Sharing your feelings and how you’re coping with parenthood can be daunting, but also helpful. Try talking with loved ones about your emotions after birth. You might also find it reassuring to talk to other new parents who will be experiencing many of the same emotions and challenges that you are. You are not alone.

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.

Family Resource Guide 2017/2018 55

Matinees for KIDS! Saturdays & Sundays

OCT 7 & 8 – 12:15 PM Spider-Man: Homecoming

All Seats

Oct 14 & 15 – 1:00 pm My Neighbor Totoro

$4.75

Oct 21 & 22 – 12:15 pm Beauty and the Beast

Family Fun & Entertainment South Island FAMILY FUN Affordable Hot Tubs & Saunas Ltd 4649 West Saanich Rd. . . . . . . . . . . 778-433-6786

Oct 28 & 29 – 12:45 pm The WizArd of Oz

All Fun Karts, Cages, Clubs & Camping at Western Speedway allfun.bc.ca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-474-1961

.com Student Union Building, UVIC | 250-721-8365

St. Joseph’s St. Joseph’s E

S

Elementary Schoollementary - CHEMAINUS chool

The Boulders Climbing Gym 1627 Stelly’s Cross Rd. . . . . . . . . . . 250-544-0310 Bumble & Hive Play Centre bumbleandhive.ca. . . . . . . . . . . . . 778-265-4466 City Centre Park, Playzone 1089 Langford Parkway. . . . . . . . . . 250-391-1738 Hatley Park National Historic Site 2005 Sooke Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-391-2666 Highland Pacific Golf 450 Creed Rd highlandpacificgolf.com. . . . . . . . . 250-478-4653

Traditional Values Affordable

250-246-3191 www.stjosephselem.ca

Family

Fashion

A nonprofit cooperative

1803 Cook Street

FESTIVALS & FAIRS Creatively United for the Planet Festival . . . . . . . . . . . .CreativelyUnitedForThePlanet.com

785 Pandora Ave

Festival de la francophonie francocentre.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-388-7350

WESTSIDE VILLAGE

Fringe Festival. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-383-2663

PANDORA AVE

160-174 Wilson Street

LANGFORD 129-735 Goldstream Ave

56 IslandParent.ca

Mattick’s Farm Mini Golf 5325 Cordova Bay Rd . . . . . . . . . . 250-658-4053 WildPlay Element Parks wildplay.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-595-2251

COOK STREET

Affordable fashion and more for the whole family.

Langford Lanes 1097 Langford Parkway. . . . . . . . . . 250-391-1738

Victoria Golf Club. . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-598-4322

RESALE SHOPS

YOUR ONE STOP RESALE SHOP

Hillside Sea Rangers Kids Club hillsidecentre.com/events. . . . . . . 250-595-7154 Great fun and adventure for children 5-10 yrs who are interested in the ocean and local marine life. Free activities include Beach Clean Ups, Ocean Side Discoveries and more.

womeninneed.ca

shop . volunteer . donate . empower

Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival gvpaf.org. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-386-9223 Pacific Rim Whale Festival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pacificrimwhalefestival.com

Rifflandia Festival. . . . . . . . . . . . . . rifflandia.com Saanich Fair 1528 Stellys X Rd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-652-3314 Shakespeare Festival. . . . . vicshakespeare.com Victoria Dragon Boat Festival 3651 Shelbourne St . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-704-2500 Victoria Independent Film & Video Festival 1215 Blanshard St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-389-0444

MUSEUMS BC Aviation Museum, Sidney 1910 Norseman Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-655-3300 Craigdarroch Castle Historical Museum 1050 Joan Cres thecastle.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-592-5323 Craigflower Schoolhouse & Manor 2790 Shoreline Dr . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-383-4627

Simply Downsizing

Move Management Staging | Interior Design Need help moving a loved one?

Overwhelmed and don’t know where to start?

Put your trust in SIMPLY DOWNSIZING and we’ll guide you every step of the way. We tailor our services to your needs, so you get to decide exactly how much help you want.

To find out more, call Renee now at 250-812-3759 or visit us online at www.simplydownsizing.com

Fort Rodd Hill & Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites of Canada 603 Fort Rodd Hill Rd parkscanada.gc.ca/fortroddhill. . . 250-478-5849 Come run, climb and go underground at Fort Rodd Hill. Then steer a ship, sound the fog horn and master the games inside Fisgard Lighthouse.

Royal BC Museum 675 Belleville St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-356-7226 Saanich Historical Artifacts Society 7321 Lochside Dr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-652-5522

NATURE CRD Parks crd.bc.ca/parks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-478-3344

Westmont Ad_SEPT2017_Island Parent_film1_OUTLINES.pdf

1

2017-07-11

9:56 PM

Galey Farms Corn Maze & Market 4150 Blenkinsop Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . 250-477-4450 Goldstream Park Nature House goldstream@naturehouse.ca. . . . . . 250-478-9414 Gorge Waterway Nature House Gorge Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 778-265-5119 C

Gulf Islands National Park Reserve 2220 Harbour Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-654-4000 M

Y

Horticultural Centre of the Pacific 505 Quayle Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-479-6162 CM

MY

Parks Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . parkscanada.gc.ca CY

Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea 9811 Seaport Pl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-665-7511 CMY

K

Victoria Butterfly Gardens 1461 Benvenuto Ave butterflygardens.com. . . . . . . . . . . 250-652-3822

Family Resource Guide 2017/2018 57

THEATRE & ART Art Gallery of Greater Victoria 1040 Moss St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-384-4101

Victoria Symphony #610-620 View St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-385-6515

SPORTS

Cowichan Valley

Flying Squirrel Indoor Trampoline Park Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre FAMILY FUN 2657 Quadra St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-382-3370 flyingsquirrelsports.ca. . . . . . . . . . . 778-404-1778 The Tube Shack, Cowichan River Harbourcats Victoria . . . . . . . . harbourcats.com Cinecenta cowichanriver.com. . . . . . . . 250-510-RIDE (7433) Student Union Building @UVic. . . . 250-721-8365 Dance Victoria. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-595-1829 ZOOS Four Seasons Musical Theatre. . 250-478-0329 Beacon Hill Children’s Farm

FESTIVALS & FAIRS

Islands Folk Festival Beacon Hill Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-381-2532 Intrepid Theatre Company Duncan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-248-8975 #2-1609 Blanshard St. . . . . . . . . . . 250-383-2663 Victoria Bug Zoo victoriabugzoo.com. . . . . . . . . . . . 250-384-BUGS Kaleidoscope Theatre MUSEUMS 3130 Jutland Rd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-383-8124 IMAX® Victoria in the Royal BC Museum OTHER 675 Belleville St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-480-4887 Navy Run, CFB Esquimalt Pacific Opera Society navyrunesquimalt.com. . . . . . . . . . 250-363-1008 pov.bc.ca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-382-4944 Oak Bay Bicycles . . . . . . . . . . . oakbaybikes.com Sooke Fine Arts Show . . . . . . sookefinearts.com Victoria Good News Choir University Centre Farquhar Auditorium victoriagoodnewschoir.com. . . . . . 250-658-1946 tickets.uvic.ca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-721-8480

BC Forest Discovery Centre 2892 Drinkwater Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-715-1113

Victoria Operatic Society #10-744 Fairview Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-381-1021

THEATRE & ART

NATURE The Raptors, Duncan 1877 Herd Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-746-0372

Chemainus Theatre 9737 Chemainus Rd. . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-565-7738

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 58 IslandParent.ca

Cowichan Theatre 2687 James St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250-748-7529 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cowichantheatre .ca

A WELCOMING COMMUNITY. AN OUTSTANDING EDUCATION. SURPRISINGLY AFFORDABLE.

Open House

Mid-Island

Friday, November 24th from 9 – 12

or contact us for your personal tour!

FAMILY FUN Tiger Lily Farms Barnyard & Trail Rides 1692 Errington Rd . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-248-2408 WildPlay Element Parks, Nanaimo 35 Nanaimo River Rd WildPlay .com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-888-716-7374

Christ Church Cathedral School

VICTORIA’S ANGLICAN SCHOOL FOR JR. K – GRADE 8

cathedralschool.ca | 912 Vancouver Street | 250 - 383 - 5125

FeSTIvALS & FAIrS Filberg Festival Comox Valley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-866-898-8499 Gabriola Theatre Festival . . . . . artsgabriola .ca

MUSeUMS Alberni Valley Museum 4255 Wallace St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-723-2181 Black Nugget Museum, Ladysmith 12 Gatacre St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250-245-4846 Comox Air Force Museum 19 Wing Rd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-339-8162 Courtenay Museum . . . . . . . . . . 250-334-0686 McLean Mill National Historic Site 5633 Smith Rd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-723-1376 Nanaimo Museum 100 Museum Way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-753-1821

NATUre Butterfly World 1080 Winchester Rd . . . . . . . . . . . .250-248-7026 Filberg Heritage Park 61 Filberg Rd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-339-2715

We wrote the book on Family Law. We wrote the book on Family Law. WeFamily wrote the book on Family Law. Family Law. It’s ALL we do.

Law. It’s ALL we do.

Really.

Really.

Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park Qualicum Beach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250-248-7829

Morrell Nature Sanctuary 787 Nanaimo Lk Rd . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-753-5811

Really.

Our services include and divorce, mediation, Our services include elder separation law, mediation, separation and divorce

North Island Wildlife Recovery 1240 Leffler, Errington . . . . . . . . . .250-248-8534

arbitration, adoption and parenting coordination.

Pacific Rainforest Adventure Tours rainforestnaturehikes .com . . . . . . .250-248-3667 Seaview Game Farm, Black Creek 1392 Seaview Rd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-337-5182

bhmlawyers.ca • • 217 217--2187 2187 Oak Oak Bay Bay Avenue, 595 2220 bhmlawyers.ca Avenue,Victoria Victoria • •Phone Phone250 250•595•2220 bhmlawyers.ca • 217 - 2187 Oak Bay Avenue, Victoria • Phone 250•595•2220

bhmlawyers.ca • 217 - 2187 Oak BayFamily Avenue,Resource Victoria Guide • Phone 250•595•2220 2017/2018 59

Abra-Kid-Abra

Tiger Lily Farm PARTY SUPPLIES/PLANNING 1692 Errington Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-248-2408 Lizzy Lee & Me 3655 Shelbourne St. . . . . . . . . . . . 250-590-5568

THEATRE & ART Chemainus Theatre 9737 Chemainus Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . 250-246-9800 Nanaimo Theatre Group 2373 Rosstown Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-758-7224

• A great selection of books • Dress-up for girls and boys • Shoes…Pedipeds, Stride Rite…and More • Rainwear and rainboots…TUFFO – MUDDYBUDDY, now up to size 5 • Children’s clothing up to age 12

Car Seats, Cribs, Play-n-Pak, High Chairs available for short term rentals Now Accepting Consignment New & Used Toys, Clothing & Furniture Visit our new location: 2005 Oak Bay Ave • 778 265 5430

Cowichan

Port Theatre, Nanaimo SCIENCE/NATURE 125 Front St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-754-8550 Mad Science Vancouver Island Theatre One vancouverisland.madscience.org. . 250-391-1814 theatreone.org. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-754-7587

Party Planning South Island ACTIVE PARTY PLACES Falcon Gymnastics 208–721 Vanalman Ave. . . . . . . . . 250-479-6424 Games2U g2u.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-661-2219 Recreation Oak Bay recreation.oakbay.ca. . . . . . . . . . . 250-595-7946

Mid-Island SCIENCE/NATURE Mad Science Vancouver Island vancouverisland.madscience.org. . 250-391-1814

Retail Products South Island

BABY SUPPLIES Victoria Gymnastics 2051 Store St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-380-2442 Bellies in Bloom Maternity 104-4489 Viewmont Ave . . . . . . . . 250-479-0803 ENTERTAINERS & CLOWNS

Come Ride With Us! Dirt Bike Birthday Parties

Momease Baby Boutique 1581 Hillside Ave. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 778-265-5651

The Puppet Booth puppetbooth.homestead.com. . . . 250-472-3546 Mothering Touch Centre & Birth Services 975 Fort St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-595-4905

MUSEUM/MOVIE IMAX® Victoria in the Royal BC Museum 675 Belleville St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-480-4887

TJ’s The Kiddies Store 3045C Douglas St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-386-2229

Bicycles

We supply everything: Bike • Gear • Riding Lesson

SilverCity 3130 Tillicum Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-888-3FAMOUS Oak Bay Bicycles . . . . . . . . . . . oakbaybikes.com

Kids’ Summer Camps (7–14)

SCIENCE/NATURE

BOOKS

Westshore Motocross Park

Mad Science Vancouver Island vancouverisland.madscience.org. . 250-391-1814

Bolen Books 111–1644 Hillside Ave. . . . . . . . . . . 250-595-4232

2207 Millstream Rd, Langford

Chapters Victoria Bug Zoo 631 Courtney St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-384-BUGS 1212 Douglas St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-380-9009 Punctuation Tips. . . . . . . . . punctuationtips.com

for ages 6yrs to adults over 30 bikes to choose from

No experience necessary

250 590 8088 westshoremx.com 60 IslandParent.ca

Orca Book Publishers orcabook.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-210-5277 School House Teaching Supplies 2014 Douglas St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-385-9030

CLOTHING Abra Kid Abra 2005 Oak Bay Ave. . . . . . . . . . . . . 778-265-5430 Baggins 580 Johnson St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-388-7022 Mothering Touch Centre & Birth Services 975 Fort St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-595-4905 P & D’s Closet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p-dscloset.ca Sailor Jack Family Consignment Store 424 Craigflower Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-382-5225 Sugar Sandwich Design Studio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . sugarsandwich.com This Kid Clothing Co.. . . . . . thiskidclothing.com Thistle & Wren 1292 Gladstone Ave. . . . . . . . . . . . 778-265-9736 TJ’s The Kiddies Store 3045C Douglas St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-386-2229 Victoria Kids Consignment victoriakidsconsignment.ca. . . . . . 250-514-4080 WIN Resale Shops 1803 Cook St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-389-2203 785 Pandora Ave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-361-9303 174-160 Wilson St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-412-0369

HAIR SALONS Lizzy Lee & Me 3655 Shelbourne St. . . . . . . . . . . . 250-590-5568

Come visit us in the heart of Cobble Hill!

HOME DECOR/FURNITURE TJ’s The Kiddies Store 3045C Douglas St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-386-2229

HOME RENOVATION West View Plumbing & Ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-886-2141

MATERNITY Bellies in Bloom Maternity BelliesInBloomMaternity.com . . . . 250-479-0803 Mothering Touch Centre & Birth Services 975 Fort St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-595-4905

Family Resource Guide 2017/2018 61

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS Tom Lee Music #105-2401D Millstream Rd. . . . . . . 250-838-5222

TOYS Discovery Toys toylady.ca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-477-9891

PHOTOGRAPHERS Belinda Fontes Photography belindafontes.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-885-0146 Chelsea Warren Photography chelseawarrenphotography.com. . 250-888-6372 Erin Wallis Photography . . . erinwallis.com/blog Fotoart Photography. . . fotoartphotography.net Images By Bethany . . . . imagesbybethany.com McKinnon Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . mckinnonphotography.com

Peek Photography & Design SHOPPING CENTRES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .madeyoupeek.com Broadmead Village Shopping Centre PR Photo Creations 777 Royal Oak Dr . . . . . . . . . broadmeadvillage.ca prphotcreations.com . . . . . . . . . . . . 778-433-1660 Hillside Shopping Centre Rebecca Joy Studios 1644 Hillside Ave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-595-7154 rebccajoystudios.com . . . . . . . . . . . 250-727-1453 Mattick’s Farm Rebecca Wellman Photography 5325 Cordova Bay Rd rwellmanphotography.com. . . . . . 250-480-8756 Mayfair Shopping Centre Ryan MacDonald Photography 3147 Douglas St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-383-0541 . . . . . . . . . . . . . ryanmacdonaldphotography.com Tillicum Centre Sarah Booth Photography 3170 Tillicum Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-381-7123 sarahboothphotography.com . . . . 250-882-0172 Uptown. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . shopuptown.ca Squishy Prints Photography Westside Village Shopping Centre squishyprints.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-634-3444 172 Wilson St Thayne Photography WestShore Centre thanynephotography.com. . . . . . . 250-812-4572 2945 Jacklin Rd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-474-3269 West Coast Portrait tofinophoto@gmail.com. . . . . . . . . 250-266-1094

SPECIALTY STORES

Mineral World & Scratch Patch PETS Michelle Cervo Photography 9808 Seaport Pl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-656-0791 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . michellecervo.com Furever Clean Dog Wash Soccerworld 602b Esquimalt Rd Nicole Israel Photography 831 Vernon Ave. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-475-3777 nicholeisraelphotography.com . . . 250-889-5639 . . . . . . . . . facebook.com/FureverCleanDogWash Island Pet Source The Light Within Photography thelightwithinphoto.com. . . . . . . . 250-589-2534 106-751 Goldstream Ave . . . . . . . . 250-590-4460

Rosemarie Colterman& Tom Oak Your Homeward Bound Real Estate Team!

With our daughters, Nicolia, Rhea & Alexis!

Providing exceptional residential real estate services since 2003: Professional Informative Client-customized Trustworthy & reassuring Celebratory!

Aw

62 IslandParent.ca

a rd

W in

ner

o: 250.592.4422 e: info@homeward.team w: homewardbound.team

OTHER Better Business Bureau 220–1175 Cook St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-386-6348

Cowichan Valley BEDS AND BEDDING Resthouse Sleep Solutions 126 Station St, Duncan Resthouse.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-597-REST(7378)

CLOTHING Kinderbeez, Duncan 2755 Beverly St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-748-2345 Matraea Mercantile, Duncan 170 Craig St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-597-0085

MATERNITY Matraea Mercantile, Duncan matraea.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-422-3003

PHOTOGRAPHERS

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

St. Josephʼs Early Learning limited space Centre in upper intermediate grades.

Ashley Degraaf Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ashleydegraaf.com 785 W. Burnside Rd. 250-479-1237 St. Joseph’s Catholic School offers a full academic program, including French and Music, in

a Catholic milieu that is rooted in the Gospel values Jesus taught and lived by. St. Joseph’s is Ashley Marston Photography www.stjosephschool.ca a school where students love to learn and learn to love, where the foundations for life-long . . . . . . . . . . ashleymarstonbirthportography.com

We are pleased to announce that Early Learning Centre is now learning areour deeply established, and where the tools for a purpose-driven life are provided

religious education and faith formation program that focuses on Catholic Christian McKinnon Photography open! We are offering fullthrough time adaycare for children who are 3 and 4 values and morality that set the parameters for an ethical life lived in the light of faith. mckinnonphotography.com. . . . . . 250-890-9222

years of age. Applications are available on-line or from the Early St. Josephʼs offers an excellent program in a Us! Come Grow With Catholic Christian atmosphere.

Hours of operation are 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM. For additional information please contact Susan Clifford at 250-479-1237.

Tony Colangelo Photography Learning Centre office. tcphotography.ca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 778-422-1422

TOYS

Red Balloon Toyshop, Duncan 158 Craig St theredballoon.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-748-5545

Unlock the

potential With professional, one-on-one, tutoring.

Mid-Island CLOTHING Huckleberry Baby Shop 9-3200 N. Island Hwy . . . . . . . . . . 250-585-5552 Kit n’ Caboodle, Nanaimo 36-1925 Bowen Rd . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-585-KIDS

1-on-1, In-Home, Professional Tutoring Math | Language Arts | Languages | Study Skills | Homework Support Call 250.544.1588 to learn more Enriching Young Minds in Victoria since 2002.

SmartTutorReferrals.com

Family Resource Guide 2017/2018 63

Planet Kids 1743B Comox Ave. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-339-3422 308-5th St, Courtenay. . . . . . . . . . . 250-871-7771 Pumpkin Pie Kids Wear 411A Fitzwilliam St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-754-3933

MUSIC STORES Tom Lee Music #10-6894 Island Hwy N. . . . . . . . . 250-390-2626

OTHER

Lifestyles Market #180-2950 Douglas St. . . . . . . . . . 250-384-3388 Chemainus DBA . . . . . . . . . . . visitchemainus.ca 343 Cook St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-381-5450 9769 5th St, Sidney . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-656-2326

Family Restaurants & Food Markets

PHOTOGRAPHERS Erin Wallis Photography, Campbell River. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . erinwallis.com

South Island

SHOPPING CENTRES

HOME DELIVERY

The Market On Yates, 903 Yates St. . . . . . . . . . 250-381-6000 On Millstream, 2401 Millstream Rd. 250-391-1110 Save On Foods . . . . . . . . . . . . saveonfoods.com Mt. Tolmie Market Unit A, 3517 Richmond Rd. . . . . . . 250-590-8460 Thrifty Foods thriftyfoods.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-544-1234

RESTAURANTS/COFFEE SHOPS Lucky Village Chinese & Japanese Restaurant 100 Aldersmith Pl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 778-406-2238

Island Farms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-360-5222 Woodgrove Centre, Nanaimo Pizzeria Prima Strada. . pizzeriaprimastrada.com 6631 Island Hwy North. . . woodgrovecentre.com Local Urban Bites. . . . . . . LocalUrbanBites.com 230 Cook St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-590-8595 Sustainable Produce Urban Delivery. . . spud.ca 1990 Fort St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-590-8599

TOYS/EDUCATIONAL SUPPLIES

Red Robin 800 Tolmie Ave. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-386-4440

Kool & Child, Nanaimo MARKETS The Roost koolandchild.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-585-1778 Country Grocer. . . . . . . . . . . . countrygrocer.com 9100 E Saanich Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-655-0075 The Children’s Treehouse Serious Coffee. . . . . . . . . . . . seriouscoffee.com 15-3200 N.Island Hwy. . . . . . . . . . 250-585-5990 Wendy’s Restaurants. . . . . . . . . . . . . wendys.ca

Journeys of the Heart is a “free-of-charge” 10 month (30 week) cultural early learning program for Aboriginal children ages 2–5 years and their families. Program structure and delivery is designed to provide opportunities to empower and contribute to positive cultural identity within Aboriginal children and their families.

There are spaces available this coming fall at Ruth King and Craigflower Elementary Schools.

For more information call

Sarah McDonald 250-384-9466 ex 251 64 IslandParent.ca

Cowichan Valley MARKETS Community Farm Store, Duncan 2-5380 Hwy 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-748-6227 Country Grocer, Cobble Hill. . countrygrocer.com Save On Foods . . . . . . . . . . . . saveonfoods.com The Old Farm Market, Duncan 5164 Francis St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-748-7141 Thrifty Foods Mill Bay Centre. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-667-8280

RESTAURANTS/COFFEE SHOPS Catrina’s Grill Mill Bay Centre. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-743-7277 Pioneer House Restaurant Whippletree Junction. . . . . . . . . . . 250-746-5848 Pizzeria Prima Strada. . pizzeriaprimastrada.com 14-1400 Cowichan Bay Rd. . . . . . . 250-929-4655 Serious Coffee. . . . . . . . . . . . . seriouscoffee.com Wendy’s Restaurant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . wendys.ca

Mid-Island MARKETS Country Grocer. . . . . . . . . . . . countrygrocer.com Thrifty Foods Nanaimo 650 Terminal Ave. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5801 Turner Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Parksville 280 E. Island Hwy. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Courtenay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Campbell River. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

250-754-6273 250-729-4950 250-248-8823 250-338-1383 250-850-3581

Chemainus Health Food Store 9738B Willow St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-246-9838 Lantzville Market 7201 Lantzville Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-390-4232 Save On Foods . . . . . . . . . . . . saveonfoods.com

RESTAURANTS/COFFEE SHOPS ABC Country Restaurant 6671 Mary Ellen Way. . . . . . . . . . . 250-390-4064 809 Island Hwy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-754-8171 Serious Coffee. . . . . . . . . . . . . seriouscoffee.com Wendy’s Restaurant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . wendys.ca Family Resource Guide 2017/2018 65

Overnight Camps

Travelodge Island Escapades adventurecampbc.ca. . . . . . . . . . 1-888-529-2567 travelodge.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-578-7878

BC Camping Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bccamping.org

Pioneer Pacific Camp Thetis Island. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-784-1415 RESORTS

Boys & Girls Clubs Wilderness Camp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-384-9133

UVic Vikes Alert Bay Lodge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-255-5057 govikesgo.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-721-8406 Beach Acres Resort, Parksville 1051 Resort Dr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-663-7309

Camp Barnard CampBarnard.ca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-642-5920 Camp Imadene Mesachie Lake. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-445-7575 Camp Narnia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . campnarnia.com Camp Pringle, Shawnigan Lake camppringle.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-743-2189 Camp Qwanoes Crofton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-888-99-QWANOES CanAdventure Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .canadventure.ca Coastal Bliss Adventures coastalbliss.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-896-9525 FUN Camps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . funcamps.ca Galiano Conservancy galianoconservancy.ca. . . . . . . . . . 250-539-2424

YWCA Hotel, Vancouver Outward Bound outwardbound.ca. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-888-688-9273 733 Beatty St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-800-663-1424

Family Travel CAMPGROUNDS

Strathcona Park Lodge . . . . . . . . 250-286-3122 Park Sands Beach Resort parksands.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-248-3171 The Haven haven.ca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-1-877-247-9238 Weir’s Beach RV Resort 5191 William Head Rd. . . . . . . . . . . 250-478-3323 Tigh-na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort & Conference Centre, Parksville 1155 Resort Dr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-248-2072 HOTELS Accent Inns Toll free. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-663-0298 NATURE Tigh-na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park & Conference Centre, Parksville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250-248-7829 1155 Resort Dr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-248-2072 Raincoast Interpretive Centre, Tofino 451 Main St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-725-2560

Supporting and helping our community to grow by offering: • Clinical Counselling

• Kids Summer Camps • Back to School support • Pro Bono Lawyers

• Community Events

• Customer Service Training • Christmas support through our Kettle campaign

The Salvation Army Stan Hagen Centre for Families 2695 Quadra St, Victoria BC V8T 4E3 (P) 250-386­-8521 (F) 250-386-8279 Executive Director: Pat Humble, pat_humble@can.salvationarmy.org For complete list of services: www.sashcf.com Check us out on facebook! www.facebook.com/sashcf 66 IslandParent.ca

Kye Bay Guest Lodge, Comox kyebay.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-866-658-6131

Pacific Sands, Tofino Pacific Playgrounds, Black Creek 9082 Clarkson Dr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 877-239-5600 Cox Bay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-565-2322

“No one can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start right now and create a new ending”

• Computer Literacy

Blue Vista Resort, Mayne Island bluevistaresort.com. . . . . . . . . . . 1-877-535-2424

The Land Conservancy of BC conservancy.bc.ca. . . . . . . . . . . . 1-888-738-0533 Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre, Tofino. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-726-7721

OTHER Mayne Island Community Chamber of Commerce. . . . . . . . . mayneislandchamber.ca Tourism Tofino 1426 Pacific Rim Highway . . . . . . 1-888-720-3414

Family Resource Guide 2017/2018  67

Teaching Kids How Not to Get Lost And what to do if they do

W

e had just arrived at the Cadboro Bay sand castle festival. It was our first time attending and I pulled my three kids aside to go over the rules: 1. Stay where we can see each other.

2. If you get lost, don’t move and stay where you are so I can find you.

3. You can ask another parent with kids for help, but stay put and don’t go anywhere with them. Tell them my full name and your full name.

When we’re out, I also tell the kids where I am going to be. I am sitting on the bench.

I am sitting on our blue blanket by this log.

This is where our stuff is.

Cadborosaurus’ eye. I asked her where John was. She didn’t know. He’d vanished. I tried not to panic as my heart raced. I picked up my two-year-old and started scanning the area. I didn’t see him. I started calling his name. Alicia went to check the pirate ship that we were on a few minutes before. He couldn’t have gone too far, I told myself. I scanned the crowd like I was searching for Waldo. He was wearing a red plaid swimsuit with a grey and blue striped tank top.

I spotted two adults who are also scanning the crowd. I looked down at their feet and saw John crying. They had a little boy too.

PHEW! John had sand and sparkles from his face painting in his eyes and couldn’t see

For myself, I note what each of the kids are wearing and tell them to note what I am wearing so we can spot each other (bright colours are your friend here).

That day at the festival, we enjoyed the beach and the park. My kids favourite is the Cadborosaurus so we made our way to the playground. My two oldest climbed into the monster’s eyes while my youngest tried to climb up, too. I turned to help her and when I turned back only Alicia was in the

me. He told the parents my name and that I was wearing a blue shirt and he stayed with them and they stayed right there with him. He was about 10 feet away from us.

I thanked them profusely and gave John a huge hug. After we left the event, I told him how proud I was of him for staying where he was and how scared we both were.

My six- and four-year-old know our address, but they don’t know our phone number. We only have cell phones, but we

*retired from law practice

Grow Along Babywear Made to Last!

Grow Along Pants, Tops & Rompers Cute, comfortable clothing for baby featuring adjustable cuffs, versatile styles and long-lasting fit

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Handcrafted in Sooke BC 68

IslandParent.ca

Serena Beck each wear a whistle to blow if they got lost.

They could also yell my name in addition to me yelling their name.

Some possibilities for prevention include the following: • Take a picture of your child so you know what she is wearing. If you’re panicking, you might not remember. For more tips on prevention, see missingkids.ca/ • Have your child wear a bracelet with your phone number on it (with number beads or you can purchase bracelets and add your information).

• Have your child wear GPS bracelets that alert your cell phone when your child is a certain distance away from you. We have the Joey Tag from joeytag.com and used it while we were in Hawaii. However, the range is only as far as your Bluetooth range on your cell phone. Our two- and four-year-old came to find us when their bracelets vibrated (letting them know they were too far away from us). Our phone was alerted as well.

• Create customizable temporary tattoos with your phone number. They are waterproof and sweat resistant available at Safetytat.com. I will use these when we are travelling.

• Create an ID kit with your child’s picture, height, weight and fingerprints. Our card is from the RCMP. Hopefully, I won’t lose any of my kids at crowded events again, but it’s good to be prepared for the possibility. The fear is still there, but I feel a bit better knowing my kids know what to do.

Serena Beck enjoys writing and collecting rubber duckies. aduckyaday.blogspot.ca

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are going to work on them learning our phone number next. It would definitely be tougher if our two-year-old was lost, but she does know our real names (not just Mom and Dad). When they are all older, I will try to designate a spot at an event to meet them if we are separated. However, for now they are too young to do that. We brainstormed some other ideas of what we could do if we are separated from each other. They could

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Family Resource Guide 2017/2018

69

Growling & Snarling

I

t is difficult when we see our children experiencing isolation because they either can’t stand up for themselves or because they lash out with too much aggression.

When a child is acting aggressively, he is often just protecting his personal boundaries. Animals set their interpersonal boundaries through growls and snarls. An animal is vicious if it actually bites, not if it just growls a warning. Yet we expect our children not to give these warnings. Shouldn’t children feel free to growl and snarl a little? They need permission to be able to tell other kids to back off and leave them alone.

Real aggression often comes out when a child is angry and doesn’t know how to express it or set a boundary with another

child. For example, one child may bother and provoke another until the other child lashes out. It’s important to teach your child to use words to express what he feels or wants: “Don’t touch my stuff,” “Don’t make faces at me,” and so on. We need to coach our children on how to express themselves verbally so that they don’t need to resort to physical threats and violence.

It isn’t enough for a child who is being provoked to make wimpy statements like “Please don’t do that,” or “That hurts my feelings.” These just invite further bugging or bullying. A child needs to be able to give the verbal equivalent of a growl or a snarl. This can be done without damaging anyone’s self-esteem.

What’s not okay? Physically assaulting another child when he hasn’t attacked you physically. Remember that physical assaults like kicking, biting, pinching and hitting often happen when the child has overwhelming feelings and doesn’t know what to say. Giving your child some strong words to use can make a physical attack

unnecessary. Strong words aren’t put downs of the other child but are focused on a clear message that represents your child’s boundaries. They are spoken assertively, not with too much aggression or with an injured tone.

Allison Rees Do a little practice at home: • Ask your child to show you confident body language.

• Come up with a few brief statements that your child can use.

• Learn snappy comebacks that have some humour.

• Take turns practicing different roles.

Role playing helps a child respond during stressful interactions. Rehearsing strategies provides them with a structure to hang onto.

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

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