September 2019 Island Parent

SEPTEMBER 2019

Vancouver Island’s Parenting Resource for 31 Years

The

Bustle of

Back-to-School What to Munch at Lunch

FALL Programs Guide

Everything you need for back to school!

Transforming disability into ability.

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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 in grades 1 – 12 • Individual Education Plans • Low student/teacher ratio

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778•265•5651

Across the street from Hillside Centre

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

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2

Island Parent Magazine

• Ride over a Mile of Rail! • Creek & Wildlife Tour • Corn Maze • Hayrides • Pumpkin Patch • Playground • Petting Farm

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Swan Lake christmas hill n a t u r e

s a n c t u a r y

science

3873 Swan Lake Road, Victoria, B.C. Canada, V8X 3W1 | www.swanlake.bc.ca | 250-479-0211

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September 2019  3

Ta b l e of C ont e nts

Features 10

The Bustle of Back-to-School

Easing the transition from summer to school.

Candace negm

12

Who Do You Want to Be?

…not ‘what do you want to be?’

14

Fall Programs

From art classes to wellness programs—and everything in between.

21

What to Munch at Lunch

The plan-and-pack guide to school lunches.

Kelly cleeve

32

Play Is for Parents, Too! The importance of adults behaving like kids.

Sarah seitz

In Every Issue 5

20

Fast Forward

Party Directory

36

Family Services Directory

Sue Fast

22

Kids’ Reads christine van starkenburg

38

Happy Families, Healthy Families Glenn drexhage

24

Family Calendar

32

Wht’s for Dinner Emillie Parrish

6

34

Need to Know

Dadspeak Greg Pratt

16

40

Preschool & Child Care Directory

46

Cut It Out! Allison Rees

42

Nature Notes Renee cenerini

44

Diversabilities Laura Trunkey

Mom’s POV kelly mcquillan

On the Cover Maisie W (6) Photo by Erin Wallis Photography, erinwallis.com

SEPTEMBER 2019

Vancouver Island’s Parenting Resource for 31 Years

The

Bustle of

Back-to-School What to Munch at Lunch

FALL Programs Guide

4 Island Parent Magazine

Jim Schneider Publisher publisher@islandparent.ca Sue Fast Editor editor@islandparent.ca Linda Frear Account Manager/Office Manager linda@islandparent.ca Kristine Wickheim Account Manager kristine@islandparent.ca 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. ISSN 0838-5505.

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

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Fa stfo rwa r d

The Juggle A

Tips to help you keep all of your back-to-school balls in the air

sk most parents about finding balance now that the new school year is here and chances are they’ll laugh and tell you there’s no such thing. More like a juggling act than walking a tightrope, back-to-school is all about trying to keep the various balls in the air.

To that end, here is a round-up of tips to help with the juggle.

• Keep everything you need to get out the door by the door so you can avoid that last-minute runaround when it’s time to go.

Hang jackets and backpacks on hooks and put a basket or box below each hook for shoes, hats, and other loose items.

• Have a different bag for every activity to keep your child and all of their stuff organized.

• Post a family calendar in a central location and maintain it regularly. To keep track of who is doing what, when, dedicate a different colour to each person.

• For back-up, download a family calendar app (such as Cozi or Google Calendar) to keep track of everyone’s schedules. Try the shared reminders and editable shopping lists, so you’ll never forget when it’s your turn to bring oranges to soccer practice.

• Use sticky notes. Don’t underestimate the power of a Post-It note to keep track of details.

• Designate a homework station. Stock it with the supplies kids’ll need to tackle assignments without having to first search for an eraser, felt pens or posterboard.

• Touch paper once. Sign and return forms that need to go back to school and note key information on the family calendar.

• For artwork and mementos, use a file box for each child with a folder for each year. Only include what you need to capture a typical year, such as your child’s school photo and a few art projects.

• Carpool or start a walking school bus.

Rally a neighbourhood group for morning drop-offs or a group of parents whose kids are on the same sports team.

• Make dinners ahead of time—better yet, freeze double batches. And whenever possible, pack lunches the night before.

• Designate a cupboard in the kitchen for a simple lunch system that organizes food so kids can easily pack their own lunches.

• Set your clocks 5 or 10 minutes ahead.

As silly as this sounds, it works.

• Enlist your kids’ help in tackling the family to-do list to create freedom, space, calm, and more time for connection.

• Start a ritual for the end of every school week, Friday night pizza, say, or Sunday morning pancakes.

• Set aside time to relax and reconnect.

As the saying goes: The days might be long, but the years are short.

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

Westshore Dental Centre

Mon – Thurs: 7:30 am – 7:30 pm Fri: 7:30 am – 5:00 pm Sat: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

152 – 2945 Jacklin Road • 250-474-2296 • www.westshoredental.com IslandParent.ca

September 2019 5

N e e DTO KN OW

Lantern Tour at Fort Rodd Hill Grab your coats and step back in time as Fort Rodd Hill opens its doors for an exclusive, after-dark guided tour on Saturday September 21. See the gun batteries by lantern light and eavesdrop on re-enactors in uniform going about the daily activities of garrison life. Take in the sights, sounds and smells of life at Fort Rodd Hill during the period of 1897–1956.

There may even be a few surprises along the way.

Guided tours leave every 15 minutes from 7–9:15pm.

This event is a fundraiser for the Victoria-Esquimalt Military Reenactors Association (VEMRA) volunteers. Tickets cost $13.90 per person and are available via Brown Paper Tickets starting September 1. For more information, visit pc.gc.ca.

4Ms

To help families promote healthy screen use in schoolaged children and adolescents, the Canadian Paediatric Association (CPA) recommends the following: MANAGE screen use.

Encourage MEANINGFUL screen use.

MODEL healthy screen use.

MONITOR for signs of problematic screen use at any age.

For a full list of tips and the CPS position statement, visit cps.ca

Tiny Stories Writing Contest For ages 13 and up. Can you pack vivid descriptions, original characters and surprising plot twists into a narrative of only 420 characters? Greater Victoria Public Library wants your tiny stories!

Contest runs from September 16 until 3:00 pm on October 28. Submit your entry at gvpl.ca/contests.

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Island Parent Magazine

IslandParent.ca

Play Hockey for the New All-Female Association new to hockey? victoria reign’s First Shift program provides the gear and introductory sessions at a low cost. For girls ages 5–20, all skill levels— beginners, recreational and competitive players. no hockey playing experience required. equipment loans available for those without equipment. grants and subsidies may be available based on financial need. visit firstshift.ca.

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

saanichdentalgroup.com 119–1591 McKenzie Ave, Victoria

250 477 7321

info@saanichdentalgroup.com

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

Plant a Tree September 25th is National Tree Day. Celebrate by planting a seedling or tree and encourage your local municipal and regional governments to protect and preserve trees.

For information on local events, visit The Community Trees Matter Network at creativelyunited.org.

975 Fort Street,Victoria

975 Fort Street, Victoria motheringtouch.ca 975 Fort Street, Victoria

motheringtouch.ca - 250-595-4905 motheringtouch.ca - 250-595-4905 250-595-4905

registrar@motheringtouch.ca

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September 2019

7

CADBORO BAY DENTAL

Now Open!

Located in Cadboro Bay Village

778-433-1888 cadborobaydentist.com We’re Accepting New Patients 3849 Cadboro Bay Rd. Victoria, BC

CBD_IslandParent.indd 1

CADBORO BAY

with ety for Children The Victoria Soci m Expo hosting the Autis Autism (VSCA) is Beban om 11am–3pm at fr 5 er ob ct O on in Nanaimo.

DENTAL Park Auditorium e: Highlights includ • Free admission tivities • Games and ac 2019-05-16 10:09:36 AM • Silent auction refreshments • Free food and incess Tea Party • Little Tales Pr tions ect with organiza nn co to ce an ch • A interthat offer autism and businesses . vention services ycvi.com. sit autismsociet For more info, vi

Parent-Child Mother Goose Program

In the Mother Goose Program, parents and young children between the ages of 0 and 4 come together to enjoy songs, rhymes and stories.

Each group of parents and children meets with two teachers once a week throughout the year. Together, parents and children in the program: • experience the spark of delight and magic that comes from enjoying a favourite rhyme or song • learn and retain a repertoire of rhymes, songs and stories • enjoy strengthened bonding These skills, pleasures and insights are taken home and shared with older children, grandparents, and other parents.

The whole family benefits.

For a list of programs in your area, visit nationalpcmgp.ca.

8 Island Parent Magazine

IslandParent.ca

BCSPCA’s Paws for a Cause Bring your pooch to Clover Point on Sunday September 8 for a day of family fun at the BC SPCA’s Paws for a Cause Walk, supporting Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre (Wild ARC) and the Victoria BC SPCA. Registration begins at 10:30am, with the 2km walk at noon. Enjoy entertainment and activities, all in support of our furry friends. The event features pet- and family-friendly activities, including a kids’ tent, dog games, live music and food. There are also Walk Bibs. Who are you walking for? Pick up and customize your walk bib at the registration tent on event day. People of all ages are asked to take up the challenge, form a team, ask family, friends, neighbours or a business to join in to support animals that need our help.

Learn more and pledge online by visiting walk.spca.bc.ca.

Lunchbox Tip:

To keep apple slices from browning...

Brush or dip sliced apples in lemon juice. Lemon juice—or any fruit juice containing citric acid—slows the enzymatic reaction. The downside to this is the apples may taste a little like the juice used.

Send your best lunchbox tips—or lunch and snack ideas—to editor@islandparent.ca and we’ll publish a selection of entries in an upcoming issue.

PSA for all soon-to-be kindergarten mamas...

Practice eating “school lunch” with your kiddo. Make sure they can open everything you send with them. Talk about not eating off of the table in the lunchroom!!!

Set a timer for 15 minutes and talk about how they may not finish eating and that’s ok. Practice packing everything back up and talk about what is trash and what should come back home in their lunch box. Kindergarten lunch is a big adjustment and your child’s teacher will be super appreciative if you have prepared them for the experience!

– from Julie New Harbaugh, Facebook

IslandParent.ca

September 2019 9

The Bustle of Back-to-School S

omehow the leisurely and stress-free days of summer have come to an end and the bustle of back to school is in full swing. Advertisements for school supplies are everywhere and the feeling of change is in the air. Gone will be the long warm summer days that afford sleep ins, evening family bike rides and jumping on the trampoline under the stars. The foreboding sense of rushing and hectic mornings looms. School days always feel a bit chaotic and micromanaged, where there never seems to be enough time to properly connect and it seems a race to shuffle the kids out of the house and chauffeur them to school on time. Being a busy mom of two, a small business owner and a military spouse has afforded me a significant amount of practice in the organization and planning realm. Here are some of the tips and tricks I use to keep on track with my family and my business during this busy time. My Top 5 tips for a slightly stress-free and somewhat smooth transition back to school:

1. Routine

Keeping a healthy routine for my girls and myself is critical to our emotional well-being as a family. My spouse is often gone for stretches of time with the Navy. Our household depends on routine for all the cogs to turn and everyone to feel their best. As a mompreneur I need to carve out time where I can focus on work. Ensuring that my family has routine gives me the time to focus on the work I need to complete. Having a routine helps mitigate behaviour, reduce anxiety and supports children to know their boundaries and expectations. Our routine includes: specific wake up time and morning routine (getting dressed, eating breakfast, hair and teeth, shoes and jackets, off to school), after-school routine (play-clothes, afternoon snack, outside/craft time), dinner routine (set the table, clear the table), playtime (either outside/inside), bedtime routine (bath, jammies, teeth, book, bed).

10 Island Parent Magazine

2. Sleep

Over the summer I let the kids stay up later and enjoy the warm evenings playing outside. I worry less about their sleeping routines and let them enjoy the long summer days. I started the back to school routine two weeks before the first day of school. The kids went back to their regular 7 p.m. bedtime, clothes were laid out for ease the next morning, alarms were set for their regular school get up time. This ensured they had ample time to catch up on their sleep and feel rested for the school day ahead.

3. Wake before they do

Getting up early affords me the opportunity to do the things I like to accomplish on my own. This may look different for you. I like to have a cup of HOT coffee without having to reheat it. I have time to check my work emails and complete specific businessrelated tasks. If time allows, I also like to do my work-out and get myself ready for the day. By taking care of myself first, I’m then able to focus on the kids without feeling distracted. I find that taking the time to focus on myself first puts me in a positive mood for the day and I don’t feel pulled between business tasks and home life.

IslandParent.ca

Serving the Families of Vancouver Island for Over 24 Years The Kiddies Store

4. Time Cues

Back-to-school shopping can be expensive. A smart and effective way to stretch your dollar, support our planet and get more bang for your buck is to shop consignment. Our city is chock-a-block full of fabulous consignment options for children. You’ll find lunch kids, backpacks, outerwear and all of their clothing needs for a fraction of the cost.

Candace Negm is a mother of two who finds passion and purpose in supporting Canadian entrepreneurs and curating the slow fashion movement at her boutique in Fernwood square, Thistle and Wren.

IslandParent.ca

* Muddy Buddies * Boots * Stroller & Carseat Weather Gear

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

Finlayson St. Larch St.

St.

5. Back to School Clothes Shopping

Rain Gear

Douglas

Giving my daughters time cues is an important part of how we communicate as a family. We have a family calendar that both my girls participate in. My eldest, who can read, relies on this calendar to know ahead of time what her week entails.

My youngest will go to the calendar and ask me to explain to her what activities are hers. We use time cues for all of our routines so we aren’t rushing. An example of a time cue is using the phrase “this first” and then “this next.” This lays out simple and manageable steps and tasks that kids can complete with success. For example: getting dressed, putting dirty clothes into the hamper, eating breakfast, brushing teeth, doing hair, putting on shoes and jacket and so on.

A simple time cue sounds like: please get dressed first and then put your dirty clothes into the hamper next.

As children get older you can build the cues as they are able to remember more tasks.

Entrance off Larch St.

T.J.’S

FAMILY SUNDAY Join us for another exciting season of hands-on fun for all ages!

Family Sunday happens every third Sunday of the month from October–June and often features special guests like storytellers, artists, performers or musicians.

NEXT FAMILY SUNDAY: October 20 | 2–4pm

1040 Moss St aggv.ca

September 2019 11

Who Do You Want to Be? I

t’s that time again. Time for new backpacks, inside shoes, neon pink highlighters and blue ball point pens. It’s time to pile our sunburnt children into the backseat of our cars and fight for a coveted parking spot at the local mall. We will listen to our child plead for a new Avengers lunch box and bargain for the sequined pencil case instead of the plain (cheaper!) black one. We will stand in line as the cashiers methodically tally our school supplies.

As the last few days of summer come to a close, we realize that we need to clean up our acts. Get back on track. Gone are the days of popsicles and potato chips. It’s back to whole grain, organic, grain fed.

(Gak! That doesn’t sound remotely satisfying.) Say good bye to evening cocktails by the fire pit. Say hello to green tea and sparkling water—and maybe the occasional pumpkin spice latté.

Kids, it’s time to get back to your regularly

12 Island Parent Magazine

scheduled bedtime. I know it’s still light outside, but school is here and you can’t stay up until 11 p.m. anymore. We haven’t read a single book all summer. Quick! Grab a book before your teacher figures out that you can no longer read and judges my neglectful parenting!

At the beginning of summer, it seems as if the weeks will stretch forever and we have nothing but time to play, relax and have adventures. Yet, every year, autumn surprises us, sneaks up on us, leaving our bucket list only half accomplished.

Though some weeks seemed to last a lifetime, with budgets stretched thin and patience worn even thinner, we look back on the last two months, wishing we had more time. More time with our families and our friends. More time to bask in the sunshine and enjoy late night conversations.

But now it’s back to rushed, hectic mornings. Back to home reading programs. Back to spelling lists. Back to making dinner in 20 minutes or less. Back to chauffeuring to soccer practice.

Back to organized chaos. But, it’s okay. After the first exhausting week, the new routine feels like a familiar pair of slippers.

We slide into it and carry on once again.

During the first few weeks of school, when our children wake up in the morning excited to rip the tags off their back to school clothes and strut their stuff on the elementary school runway, as they worry and dream about who their new teacher will be or which besties will be in their class, as our older children take on greater responsibility and prepare for the demands of high school, take a moment to remind your children that back-to-school is not only about these moments of nerves and excitement. It’s not about the colourful backpacks, the unused pencils, the coolest shoes, the hippest teacher.

Before your child goes back to school, take a moment to remind them that they are walking into a new beginning, a clean slate. Going to school is not about figuring out what you want to be when you grow up. It’s about figuring out who you want to be. Do you want to be the kid wearing the jeans everyone covets, or would you rather be the kind kid, the one who shows compassion to those who need it? Do you want everyone to be jealous of the binder you bought with the cute kitty on the cover, or would you rather be the helpful child who will go out of your way to encourage, to assist and to inspire? Do you want to be the student with the fruit-scented felt pens everyone wants to borrow, or the student who uses grit and determination, the one who never gives up?

Back-to-school is an exciting time. It’s busy. It’s thrilling.

It’s overwhelming. Let’s not get lost in the chaos. Let’s not lose sight of our priorities. While your children (and mine!) don their fanciest duds and appreciate their new school supplies, I hope you take a minute or two to initiate meaningful conversation about strength of character. Talk about it in the morning as you eat breakfast together or at night, when you tuck them in to bed. Who do you want to be? Encourage your child to set an intention for each day, each week, perhaps.

Perform an act of kindness. Help a class-

mate. Make a new friend. Give a compliment. Try something new. Don’t give up on the thing that’s been causing you challenge.

Without a clear intention, we are simply throwing darts in the air, not knowing where the target is. Without a goal, how will you know which path to follow, which mountain to climb?

So, I will ask you again, who do you want to be?

School is a fabulous place where our children are exposed to new ideas, new challenges, and new people on a near daily basis. It is the perfect environment in which our children will discover their academic and social limits and will either have the courage to grow, or will turn their backs in retreat. Having those meaningful conversations and letting them know that you believe in them will help them define their goals,

their dreams and their character. Reminding them to be brave will serve them in moments when something is challenging, when they’ve made a mistake, or when they need to stand up for what they believe is right. School is not only about grades, accomplishments and social status, it’s also about personal growth and character development. Knowing that my children will find themselves in situations which test this, I want to begin this year by reminding them that school, as Aristotle said, is a place which educates the heart as well as the mind.

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

September 2019 13

Fall Programs From art classes to wellness programs—and everything in between—our community offers many programs, resources and services for families. For more details on the following listings, please refer to the ads in this issue of Island Parent.

Art

ties to perform around the community especially and work ethic. With two performances each seaaround St. Patrick’s Day! See obrienirishdance.com son, exam and competition opportunities, there is Join us for Fall art classes in the Art Gallery of for more information or email irishdance@shaw.ca. something for every dancer. Registration is taken all season long online or in person and anyone Greater Victoria’s (AGGV) Studio to connect with cool new ideas, techniques and experiment with SKAM School of Performing Arts offers classes can participate in trial classes before registering. the creative process! Classes are for a wide range in acting, filmmaking, stagecraft, theatre creation, NEW LOCATION! University Heights Mall—upstairs of ages inspired by Gallery exhibitions. Register and more! Learn the joys of performance with starting September 2019. All programs and classes online: aggv.ca/art-studio; by phone: 250-384- professional teaching artists. We offer classes for will be held at this new location! wapa.dance.

4171 ext 0; or in person: 1040 Moss Street. For all levels, and classes are kept small for quality more information email studio@aggv.ca. See you instruction. At the end of each term, students have the opportunity to perform their work for an audi- Education Programs in the Studio! ence. For more information, call 250-386-7526, email kathleen@skam.ca, or head to skam.ca.

Childhood Obesity Foundation. Learn to Make Changes for a Healthier Family. Join other Dance/Drama/ Since 1980 STAGES Performing Arts School families with children ages 8-12 who are off the Performing Arts has offered professional instruction in jazz, ballet, healthy weight and healthy lifestyle path. This Ballet Victoria opens the season with Ballet lyrical, tap, musical theatre and hip hop for all ages free 10-week program involves fun activities and Rocks: four international choreographers rock and levels of experience; preschool to profes- opportunities to discuss different topics that help down memory lane with all new works. In De- sional. It is our goal to promote self-confidence, build skills to: support your family’s health and cember, The Gift, our magical version of The Nut- self-esteem, and fulfilment in each student. We quality of life; eat healthy and be more active; cracker, is accompanied by the Victoria Symphony believe that all students should have an equal promote positive mental and social health. To find to celebrate the Holiday Season. In March, more opportunity to learn in a safe, non-competitive en- out more about the Generation Health program world premieres with The Little Prince and a ballet vironment which fosters self-expression, a healthy visit generationhealth.ca. inspired by Elinor Dunsmuir. Closing the season, body, confidence, and encourages responsibility, Romeo & Juliet to Prokofiev’s extraordinary score discipline, inspiration, creativity and pride in their Island Montessori House School. Dr. Maria played by the Victoria Symphony will stir your soul. accomplishments. For more information, please Montessori developed the Montessori method of call STAGES at 250-384-3267 or visit our website education with the understanding that each child A must-see season! stagesdance.com. has a natural desire and ability to learn. The staff of Island Montessori is committed to providing a Kaleidoscope’s Performing Arts Studio prorich, safe, developmentally appropriate and carvides exciting and comprehensive exploration ing environment, and to establishing rapport with of fundamental acting techniques in a fun and each and every child. Our child-centred program safe learning environment. With over 40 years of promotes a sense of well-being, confidence and experience, discover why Kaleidoscope has been independence. Individual and group activities Victoria’s choice in professional theatre education for young people since 1974. Offering classes in act- Victoria Academy of Ballet is widely recognized foster growth in all areas of development. We are ing, musical theatre, film, and television and more. as a leading Canadian dance school. The Faculty proud to have children in our school from a variety Locations include Victoria, Sidney, Saanich, and of internationally qualified and award winning of economic, ethnic and religious backgrounds, the West Shore. More information and registration teachers are dedicated to giving children dance as well as a whole host of abilities and special experiences designed to develop imagination, needs. Our rural location at 5575 West Saanich Rd available online at kaleidoscope.bc.ca. musicality, kin aesthetic awareness and self is beautiful. For more information call 250-592-4411 The O’Brien School of Irish Dance offers both confidence. Students age 3 to Professional are or visit islandmontessori.com. recreational and competitive dance programs for assisted to develop to their full potential. VAB is children to adults. Registration is open all year for celebrated for its sense of community and dedicaclasses both in Victoria, Nanaimo and our new loca- tion to developing in students lifelong transferable Gymnastics tion, Duncan! Highly energetic classes taught with skills. Like us on FB victoriaacademyofballet.ca. toe tapping music. Dancers are taught the basics Victoria Gymnastics is celebrating its 40th of traditional Irish step dance and ceile dancing Westcoast Academy of Performing Arts offers year and enjoying the success of its two loca(group), as well as show steps similar to those seen fun, quality dance classes for ages 3+ in a general or tions—downtown and the newest location near in Riverdance and Lord of the Dance. Opportuni- pre-professional setting emphasizing confidence Royal Roads University in Colwood. We continue 14 Island Parent Magazine

IslandParent.ca

to provide quality artistic gymnastics for boys and quickly. Pre-competitive programs are offered at girls ages two through adult, beginner through Juan de Fuca and Saanich Commonwealth Pools. advanced. Our non-competitive achievement Sign up now for Fall 2019. programs provide children with a skill set advantage for all activities. We guarantee our 8 to 1 ratio, offer convenient class times and ensure certified instruction so that your child will excel in a well-structured, fun and safe environment. Visit victoriagymnastics.com.

Juan de Fuca Skating Club has exciting News.

We have developed a new Kinderskate program that is available for 3–6 year olds. Starting SepSuccess in music, success in life…a winning tember 2019 on Tuesday mornings (9:15–9:45am combination for your family. The Tom Lee Music and 9:50–10:20am). Our JDF Coaches are qualified Academy at Millstream Village offers professional, professional coaches who have a passion and friendly instructors, state-of-the-art teaching dedication in training each skater to achieve excelequipment, in-house performance hall with sound/ lence in their individual skating goals. They mentor lighting/stage, plus a wide range of private and skaters with patience, compassion, goal setting, group programs for beginner through to advanced reasonable expectations, and friendship. The musicians. Lessons available on piano, guitar, Club skates at the Juan de Fuca Arena and offers drums, bass, violin, voice, flute, ukulele, trumpet CanSkate, Power Skating, Star 1–5 & the “New” Star 6–Gold, Pre-Juvenile–Senior Competitive, and saxophone. Enrol today! 250-383-5222. and Synchronized Skating. For more information please visit jdfskatingclub.com.

This Fall, Recreation Oak Bay is trialing a new Swim Lessons & Family Drop-In swim on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 3–8pm. Shared space in the small pool and 2 lanes of the main pool will be allotted to family swimming fun. Balls, Mats, and the yellow slide will be available and the blue waterslide will be run at set times each swim. Bring the family and enjoy this new afterschool and evening family swim opportunity.

Music

Recreation

Capital Region Female Minor Hockey Association (CRFMHA) is a newly established program offering all-female hockey for girls age 5–20 in Capital Regional District. CRFMHA uses all 13 ice surfaces in CRD with a goal of delivering local programming. No experience necessary!

Competitive and recreational teams are named “Victoria Reign,” but we also offer beginner options. Free or low-cost sponsored programs are available for new players and equipment is available for loan.

Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre. Back to School can mean busy schedules for the family so don’t forget to make time for fun! We’ve made sure there’s something for everyone: Preschoolers: Tiny Toes Ballet, Art, Soccer, Swimming Lessons, Skating.

School Age: Ballet, Soccer, Home Alone, Music, Tennis, Swimming, Skating. Teens: Red Cross Babysitter, Lifesaving/First-Aid, Skating. Adults: Kayaking, Day Trips, Bootcamp, Dance, Swimming, Skating. You can register 24/7 with online registration for Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre programs!

Check it out at victoria.ca/recreation. For more information call 250-361-0732.

Join Island Swimming this Fall and let us teach your child how to be a great swimmer. Programs for swimmers from 6–18 focus on skill development and learning to compete in a fun and friendly environment. Our professional instructors and low swimmer to coach ratio mean your child improves

IslandParent.ca

Victoria Synchro Fall Registration. Synchronized swimming recreational classes start in October: Synchro Kids ages 4–6 Wed 4–5 pm, Synchro School ages 7–12 choice of Mon, Tues, Thurs or Friday evening classes. All classes participate in club water shows. Saanich Commonwealth Place.

It’s swimming combined with music, dance, gymnastics and drama and it’s a team sport! Fun, fitness and friends! Register online at victoriasynchro.com.

Westshore Basketball. Westshore Rain is a weekly Under 9-year old program inspired by Timbits Soccer and Hockey. Games-based skill development gives girls and boys the foundation they need to be successful at the next level.

Night League teams for U11, U13, U15 and U17 girls and boys welcome all players, regardless of experience or ability. Camps are offered by Westshore Basketball during Winter, Spring and Summer break. Competitively priced and featuring coaches from every level of play, camps continue player development throughout the year. For a Pacific Cheer Empire is a cheerleading training complete list of programs and registration, visit program owned and operated by the most expe- westshorebasketball.com. rienced coach/gym owner on Vancouver Island with almost two decades of experience. At PCE we offer competitive and recreational options for ages 3 years to adult and a place for all skill levels.

At PCE we believe in offering knowledgeable and safe instruction while making sure to stay true to Exciting new opportunities at West Shore the fun nature of the sport. For more information Parks & Recreation this fall. We are currently on programs please visit pacificcheerempire.com. taking applications for our Indoor Dry Floor for September through December 2019. Current Pacific Coast Swimming invites you to become uses include roller derby, soccer, figure skating a part of the PCS family this fall. For over fifteen dry land training, gymnastics, pickleball and years Pacific Coast Swimming has helped youth lacrosse. We will be installing 10,000 sq ft of acquire valuable life skills, such as teamwork, and a removable artificial turf field and 7,000 sq/ water safety, in a fun and encouraging environ- ft of a multipurpose Pulastic surface in early ment. The experienced coaches at Pacific Coast 2020. Contact our booking at arenabookings Swimming are devoted to seeing every athlete @westshorerecreation.ca for more information.• meet their potential by fostering excellence at each level of development. pacificcoastswimming.com 250-727-9243.

Oak Bay Figure Skating Club teaches the Skate Canada CanSkate program which is based on Sport Canada’s long term athlete development (LTAD) principles. Children as young as 3 years old are taught specific skills by professional coaches who are certified through the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP). Your child will not only have fun by being a part of this dynamic program but they will be prepared for virtually every ice sport. Registration is ongoing.

September 2019 15

M om ’ s P OV

How to Be Partners in Success Teaming up with your child’s teacher

W

e all want our kids to experience success, which can take many different forms. Along with nurturing and support from home, the time they spend in school is integral to cultivating the mindset and skills that will set kids up for adulthood and carry them through their lives.

I worked in public education for over a decade, both as a classroom teacher and a teacher-librarian. Several years into my career, I became a stepmom to

tips to help parents work as a team with teachers:

home behaviour goals by carrying them over into the classroom.

Set realistic expectations

Respect and kindness are key

Your child’s teacher is not their parent. Expecting them to use some magical teacher power to “make” your child behave better/read more/eat healthier/ feel better without support from you is not fair or realistic (although, it would be awesome). This might seem unnecessary to say, but ask any teacher to list some of

It should go without saying, but sometimes these get overlooked when you are concerned about your child or struggling to get through your own daily obligations. For example, arriving at the beginning of the school day and expecting to have a detailed conference right then and there about your child’s academic progress disrespects the learning time of the other children and puts the teacher in a difficult position. They want to listen to your concerns, but they also need to take attendance, help the class settle, sort out any issues that just happened on the playground before the bell, and start the morning’s lessons. Instead, make an appointment for a mutually convenient time when you can be heard and the teacher can give you their full attention.

Try to be specific

two ’tweens and my point of view was instantly broadened to include a parent’s perspective. It was enlightening, to say the least, and I know it improved my teaching practice. It also reinforced for me how important it is for parents and teachers to maintain good relationships.

I don’t mean a buddy-buddy, “let’s meet for coffee”-types of relationships, but those in which respect, kindness, and clear communication are prioritized.

When any of these elements breaks down it can make life difficult for everyone involved, including your child. So, with a fresh school year upon us, here are a few 16 Island Parent Magazine

the things parents have expected them to do and you’ll probably be shocked. In my experience I’ve had everything from parents begging me to stop their son from playing so many video games at home to a dad expecting me to tell his son for him that his grandfather had died. These things are hard, but they are your job as a parent.

That said, teachers are happy to offer suggestions of things you can try at home and to help support your child through challenges. They can connect you with experts and community resources and can even work with you to help reinforce

Your child’s teacher is responsible for keeping track of the progress (in multiple subjects) of up to 30 students, not to mention their social/emotional/practical skill development. Greeting them at the door on Meet the Teacher night in September with, “So, how is _______ doing?” and expecting a full, on-the-spot run-down of their progress in each subject to date is sure to get you a deer-inthe-headlights expression.

Teachers give ongoing feedback throughout the year both formally via report cards and assignment marks and informally (comments on classwork/activities via online portfolios such as Fresh Grade, emails, phone calls, or even handwritten notes on work or in planners).

Don’t be afraid to ask questions to clarify any feedback. Focused, clear questions will get you much more helpful, actionable responses. Teachers (including me) can have a horrible habit of falling into “eduspeak,” so if you’re not sure what a term or acronym actually means, please ask. It shows your engagement and reminds us to come out of jargon-land IslandParent.ca

and explain things in ways people outside of education will connect with.

A really good question is, “What does that look like?” For example, if you’re not sure of the most helpful way to be reading with your first grader, ask the teacher to model it with them while you watch.

Keep teachers in the loop

As teachers we see a side of your child that you might not, and vice versa. If there is a stressor at home, for example an unexpected event, big change, conflict, or loss, your child doesn’t stop processing it when they leave for school—they carry their feelings with them. They might seem fine at home and then act out or be otherwise affected in the classroom. Likewise, your child may react at home to something that has occurred at school.

A lot of things can happen “under the radar,” so if you notice your child acting differently or if they express a schoolrelated concern to you, teachers want and need to know, just as they communicate with you about things they notice.

Keeping each other informed means that you can help each other to support your child, whether it’s with solving a problem or processing an emotion.

Also, if you are having trouble keeping up with the teacher’s expectations for students, for example homework, it’s important to let them know. Maybe adaptations can be made to the workload, or they might have suggestions on how to make it more manageable. Plus, since good teachers are constantly working to improve their practice, feedback from parents is invaluable to that process. It’s entirely possible that your teacher, especially if they are new, doesn’t realize the stress that heaps of homework can put on families. The key point here is to never assume—have the conversation.

So whether your child is just (like mine) starting preschool this fall, or moving up another grade in elementary or high school, remember that teachers want to see your kids succeed just as much as you do. Remembering to put kindness, respect, and clear communication at the forefront of interactions with them will help you work together as a team to support your child in their learning journey.

Kelly McQuillan is a writer, musician, teacher and fledgling mother living in Comox, BC. kellymcquillanwriter.weebly.com.

IslandParent.ca

September 2019 17

W h at’ sfo r D inn e r

Bean Dip for School Lunch & Healthy Snacks

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ean dips and spreads are perfect for school lunches and after school snacks. Here is why you should consider adding them to your diet: • Kids love dipping. Give them a variety of different vegetables and crackers to dip.

• Dips are SO easy to make. Depending on the recipe, it can take less than 5 minutes to mix or blend all the ingredients.

• You can make a large batch of a dip in advance and freeze it in individual

containers for quick and healthy lunch.

Use straight-sided glass jam jars, plastic lunch containers or even freeze dips in an ice cube tray, then store the frozen cubes in a Ziploc bag.

• Homemade dips are a great way to make sure your kids are eating plenty of vegetables. If dipping a carrot stick into a batch of hummus isn’t your kid’s sort of thing, then add vegetables directly to the dip.

• Beans are a nutrient-dense food, high in protein and fibre.

The following three bean dip recipes are simple and can be made in less than 10 minutes. I recommend making a double or triple batch and freezing some for those days when you need a quick and easy option for lunch.

Mexican Bean & Salsa Dip (Total Time: 5 minutes)

This is a ridiculously easy dip. It is also incredibly delicious.

Serve it with slices of coloured peppers, cherry tomatoes and corn chips.

1 can of refried beans 11⁄2 cups of your favourite salsa Optional toppings: grated cheese, cilantro, chopped green onions, sour cream

1. Mix the salsa and the refried beans together.

2. Taste the dip and add more salsa, if you want.

3. This dip is delicious without any of the toppings, however, feel free to serve it with grated cheese, cilantro or sour cream.

18 Island Parent Magazine

Creamy Bean & Spinach Dip (Total Time: 15 minutes)

This creamy bean and cheese dip is similar to a spinach dip with added beans for protein. It’s important to use creamy white beans as it will add to the buttery flavour of the dip. I recommend using butter beans if you can find them. Otherwise white kidney beans or cannellini beans will work.

10 oz package of frozen spinach 3 green onions 1 can of white beans 1⁄2 cup yogurt 2 tbsp olive oil 1⁄4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1⁄2 tsp salt 1. Defrost and drain the package of frozen spinach.

2. Coarsely chop the green onions.

3. Drain and rinse the can of white beans.

4. Place the spinach in a food processor with the onions, beans, yogurt and olive oil.

5. Process everything together until smooth. Add a few tablespoons of water, as needed, to help with the processing.

6. Finish the dip by adding the grated Parmesan cheese, then add the salt, to taste.

Hummus (Total Time: 15 minutes)

Hummus is the classic bean dip. It is popular, which is why there are so many different types available in the grocery store. However, hummus is easy and inexpensive to make at home. Consider making large batches of hummus and freezing them in 500mL containers.

If you use dried chickpeas, soak them in water overnight, then boil them with 1 Tbsp of baking soda. The baking soda helps to breakdown the tough hulls, resulting in smooth and creamy hummus.

If you want to get some extra vegetables into your diet, then add cooked vegetables to your hummus. I’ve suggested IslandParent.ca

some more typical flavour combinations, but you could add 1 cup of cooked carrots, cauliflower, spinach or sweet potato during the processing. Just add pesto or roasted red peppers to mask the unusual flavour.

Hummus Ingredients: 2 cans of chickpeas 1⁄2 cup of tahini paste 1⁄4 cup of lemon juice 2 tsp garlic powder (or 2 cloves of fresh garlic) 1⁄4–3⁄4 cup of water 1 tsp salt, to taste Flavours: Pesto Sun-dried tomatoes (drained from oil and chopped into small pieces) Roasted red peppers Kalamata olives with the pits removed Toasted pine nuts Za’atar spice Fresh herbs like basil, parsley or chives 1. Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas.

2. Mix the chickpeas with the tahini, lemon juice and garlic powder in a blender or a food processor. I usually use an immersion blender.

3. Grind the chickpeas as much as possible.

4. When the mixture is too thick to grind, add a little of the water. Keep processing and adding water as needed.

The exact amount of water required will depend on how soft the chickpeas are.

The goal is it create a smooth dip. The hummus will become thicker when it’s refrigerated, so be sure not to make it too thick.

5. Flavours can be either added to the blending or chopped up finely and sprinkled on top. If you are adding pesto, olives or sun-dried tomatoes to the hummus then you may want to reduce the amount of salt. When blending flavours into the hummus, use about 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 cup of flavour.

6. Za’atar, pine nuts and fresh herbs are nice when sprinkled on top of the hummus then drizzled with 2 Tbsp of olive oil.

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

IslandParent.ca

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IslandParent.ca

What to Munch at Lunch

W

ith the start of a new school year, many parents are trying to help their kids get back into a routine, which includes packing a nutritious lunch. Involving your kids in planning and packing their own lunches for school can help improve their food skills, encourages them to try new foods, and may help decrease the chances that their lunch comes home uneaten.

According to the new Canada’s Food Guide, healthy eating is about more than just the foods you eat—it is also about where, when, why and how you eat.

Preparing meals together, such as school lunches, can help set the stage for a lifetime of healthy eating.

On the weekend, plan school lunches with your kids for the week ahead. Get their input on the foods that they like— including vegetables and fruits, whole grain foods, and protein foods—and involve them in grocery shopping. Keeping healthy options on hand, that your kids helped choose, will increase the chances of them making healthy choices.

At the store, ask younger kids about their favourite fruits or veggies, or have older kids help you read labels to make choices that are lower in sodium, sugars and saturated fat.

Encourage your kids to start cooking.

Support them, regardless of their age, by

Children ages 2 to 3 years can: • count ingredients • add ingredients to a bowl • wash vegetables and fruit

Children ages 3 to 4 years can: • • • • •

help gather ingredients mix ingredients in a bowl pour from measuring cups help make a sandwich or a pizza mash sweet potatoes or bananas

Children ages 4 to 6 years can: • set the table • stir ingredients together • use a children’s knife to slice: tofu soft fruits cooked vegetables

IslandParent.ca

teaching them simple food-related tasks.

Preparing packed lunches and making family meals together gives you an opportunity to encourage healthy choices and teach them important food skills, while also spending quality time together.

Visit Canada’s Food Guide recipes to get inspiration for healthy lunch-ready food ideas like tuna salad wraps, crunchy chickpeas, flatbread pizza, and fruit and yogurt parfaits.

When you teach your children basic food skills, remember to go over important kitchen safety rules. Show them how to properly use kitchen tools such as a grater, peeler or whisk. Use these age-specific ideas to help your little chef succeed in the kitchen.

Cooking with your kids can also be a great time to talk to them about food safety and preventing food-borne illnesses. Review important safety steps and encourage good habits, such as washing hands.

Don’t forget to consider your schedule.

Think about whether you can easily prepare items in the morning. If not, wash, chop or pack them the night before to make mornings easier. Choose what works best for you.

Children ages 6 to 8 years can: • • • •

crack and beat an egg toss foods together in a bowl make their own easy breakfast use basic kitchen equipment such as a blender or a can opener

Children ages 8 to 11 years can:

• use a knife to cut: tofu bread cooked meat easy-to-grip vegetables and fruit • make and pack their own school lunch • use the microwave and stove, with your help • prepare a fresh veggie or fruit platter

Pre-teens and teens can:

• follow more complex recipes • assemble and mix most ingredients • be in charge of making meals on specific days

Picky eating can be a challenge for parents in establishing healthy eating habits in young children. Some children hesitate to try new foods. The good news is that children are more likely to accept a new food the more often they are exposed to it. If rejected the first time, try offering unfamiliar foods again at future meals or snacks.

Other ways you can help overcome picky eating include following a routine, planning your meals and snacks, involving your kids in meal preparation, and enjoying a variety of healthy foods yourself. Kids are more likely to make healthy eating choices when the adults around them do too.

Kids sometimes complain about having too much or too little food in their lunch.

Sometimes they don’t eat their food at all. If this happens, try asking them about when and how they eat their lunch. It could be that they fill up on their snacks before eating their main meal, that the packaging may be difficult to open, or that they find the food either too warm or too cold by the time they eat it. Finding out the reason why they are not eating their lunch can help you pack healthy lunches they will enjoy and can help to decrease food waste.

Finally, remember to pack a reusable water bottle so that they can make water their drink of choice and refill it throughout the day.

For helpful tips on ways to encourage your kids to make healthy food choices at school, visit the Food Guide website at food-guide. canada.ca or subscribe to get healthy eating tips and recipes direct to your inbox.

September 2019 21

K I dS ’ R e a DS

Adventures in Math, science & Mindfulness

S

ummer has come to an end, which means many kids are starting school again. Some for the very first time.

It can be an exciting or a nervewracking time, an opportunity to see old friends and make new ones, a chance to learn new skills and discover new passions, and it can be fun or it can be drudgery.

To help you and your children start out on the right foot this year, I’ve found some books that highlight the excitement of school, the beauty of math, the mystery of science, and, for those who find this back-to-school process a bit overwhelming, the soul-refreshing peace of mindfulness.

In Your First Day of Circus School

by Tara Lazar and illustrated by Melissa Crowton (Tundra, 2019), the first day is a real adventure. This fabulous story covers all of the different aspects of going to school for the first time, such as being overwhelmed by the size of it, making new friends, and not finding a spot to sit on the bus—all of which are covered with a fun circus touch. If you have a nervous preschooler or kindergartener, this book might just be what you are looking for to show them that school can be fun. For ages 4 to 7.

In Spend It! by Cinders McLeod (Nancy Paulsen Books, 2019) Sonny learns all about wanting to spend his three carrots on three new toys: a rocket ship, a pogo stick, and a bouncy castle. His mom 22

Island Parent Magazine

If your children love the TV show by the same name, this is a great book for them to read. The short sentences with simple and repeated words make it easier for new readers to tackle themselves. For ages 4 to 6.

The main character in Count on Me

by Miguel Tanco (Tundra, 2019) has a passion that some might find unusual.

She loves math. She sees it everywhere and uses it all the time, like when she’s flying kites, skipping stones, and building block towers. She knows that not everyone sees the world she does, but she really wants to show that her passion is just as beautiful as everyone else’s.

doesn’t think that’s realistic because some of those toys cost more than one carrot each, so she asks him to choose his favourite. Choosing isn’t easy.

This is a great book to introduce young children to money management. The cute bunnies are easy for young children to relate to, and the fun illustrations and text will have them asking you to read the book over and over again. It is one of the Moneybunny books, which also include Earn It! Save It! and Give It! For ages 3 to 5.

Peg and Cat also like to do math, but they prefer to do math in the bath. In Peg + Cat: Math in the Bath by Jennifer Oxley and Billy Aronson (Candlewick Press, 2019), Peg and her Cat are sort of having a bath. Although, they spend most of their time counting how many people are in the tub, asking if there should be more or less, using maps to find the bath, and making a big splash.

At the end of the story she explains different types of mathematical concepts including fractals, polygons, and concentric circles. This is a lovely book to read to your child whether they love math and are worried that makes them weird, or they wonder when they will ever use math in the “real world.” For ages 4 to 7.

Science doesn’t happen just down here on earth though. Scientists also use it up in space to study stars, planets, and galaxies. Amazing Space: Go On a Journey to the Edge of the Galaxy by Raman Prinja and illustrated by John Hersey (Carlton, 2018) is an excellent book for the budding astronomer in your home. It is packed with brilliant illustrations and facts about supernovas, IslandParent.ca

Swimming is a Life Skill Let us teach your child how to be a great swimmer!

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the sun, moon, and planets. Prinja and Hersey also take you to the edge of the universe where you can learn about dark energy. For ages 7 to 9.

Going back to school can be stressful for some children. Since many children haven’t learned how to effectively deal with all of their emotions, going back to school can also be a stressful time for parents because they know they’ll have to deal with the afterschool meltdowns. If you find yourself in this place then you may want to pick up a copy of Sitting Still Like a Frog by Eline Snel (Bala Kids, 2019). It is filled with short stories, games and activities to help your child (and you) learn different mindfulness strategies. So when life becomes too much, you and your kids will have the skills you need to get through it. For ages 5 to 12.

Register online at www.islandswimming.com For more info: Email: info@islandswimming.com Phone: (250) 744-5536

The Freya-Sophia Waldorf Store Beautiful selection of books, organic wool clothing, wooden toys, silks, dolls, cards, prints, painting and handwork supplies.

STEINER BOOKSTORE: Extensive Selection of Inspiring Books and Resources ~ For Children, Parents, Teachers, Carers , Homeschoolers and Students of Life (SOL) 250-597-4763 ~ Located in the Sol-Centre, 5380 Hwy. 1, Duncan, BC CALL OR CHECK ONLINE FOR OUR SUMMER HOURS Find us on Facebook@freyasophiawaldorfstore - Follow us on Instagram

Christina Van Starkenburg lives in Victoria with her husband, their two little boys and their cat Phillip. Her first children’s book One Tiny Turtle: A Story You Can Colour was published recently and quickly rose to its spot as a #1 new release on Amazon.

IslandParent.ca

September 2019

23

SeptemberFamilyCalendar For more information and calendar updates throughout the month visit IslandParent.ca

1 Sunday Vintage, Retro & Collectible Show/Sale

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9:30am at Mary Winspear Centre End of summer show and sale. $5/person (earlybirds $20 at 8:30am). vintageretrocollectible.ca

3 Tuesday Glow in the Dark Skate

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6:30pm at Frank Crane Arena Skate in an atmosphere of dimmed lighting and special effects. Regular admission. recreation. nanaimo.ca

7 Saturday Amazing Race in the Parks

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At Englishman River Reg Park Discover roadblocks and detours that will put your team dynamics to the test. Fun challenges will leave you inspired to be in the outdoors. $15/ person; $40/group. rdn.bc.ca/recreation

8 Sunday What’s UP at Spider Lake

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10am at Spider Lake Capture the end of summer. Equipment, basic SUP skills, water safety and fun delivered by Paddle Canada certified instructors. $45/person. rdn.bc.ca/recreation

9 Monday

10 Tuesday V Emergency Preparedness Workshop V

Easter Seals Drop Zone 2019

10am at Manulife Building, 1175 Douglas St Rappel down the Manulife Building in support of Easter Seals and persons with diverse abilities.

Be a Hero and Change Lives. dropzonebc2019.ca

V Victoria & Area P Peninsula W Westshore

D Duncan & Area N Nanaimo & Area C Courtenay/Comox

1pm at Silver Threads Senior Centre 2340 Richmond Rd Are you and your family prepared for an emergency such as a power outage, winter storm, earthquake or tsunami? Learn about the hazards that can affect Victoria, what to include in your emergency kits, what you can do to protect your home from an earthquake, and how to reunite with your loved ones after a disaster. Free. VictoriaReady.ca. 250-920-3373. emvic@victoria.ca

endless possibilities

INDOOR DRY FLOOR BOOKINGS ARE NOW AVAILABLE We are now taking bookings for Indoor Dry Floor at West Shore Parks & Rec for September to December.

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Perfect space for‌ indoor soccer, pickleball, baseball, rugby, floor hockey, roller derby, special events, trade shows, and more.

New Artificial Turf and Multipurpose Space coming Jan 2020

M��� ďż˝nfďż˝ 250-474-8626 | 24  Island Parent Magazine

IslandParent.ca

14 Saturday Traditional Indigenous Storytime

V

10:30am at Bruce Hutchison Branch Library Join Surrounded by Cedar Children and Family Services for a storytelling group featuring traditional storytellers, art and songs. For children and their families. To register, email counselling@ sccfs.com. Free. gvpl.ca

Under the Surface

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10:30am and noon at Pipers Lagoon Park Come learn about the life surrounding and beneath the shoreline. Discover what that slimy stuff is that gets stuck between your toes. Meet at the picnic tables. 3-6 years. Parent participation required. Stay for a picnic after class. $10/person. recreation.nanaimo.ca

Starlight Skate

N

7pm at Nanaimo Ice Centre Enjoy the soft light “stars” and passive LED glow lights. Great for families after dinner. Regular admission. recreation.nanaimo.ca

Sandy Shore Explore

W

9:30am at Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park Join a CRD Regional Parks naturalist for an intertidal exploration and discover the strange and wonderful creatures that appear between the tides. Park at the main entrance off Metchosin Rd.

Meet at the Witty’s Beach kiosk at the end of the Beach Trail. All ages. BC Transit #54 or #55. Free. crd.bc.ca/parks

15 Sunday The Terry Fox Run

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9am at Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park Walk, ride or run 3.3km, 5km or 10km to support cancer research. Registration begins at 9am and run starts at 10am. No entry fee, and no minimum pledge. rdn.bc.ca/recreation

People, Plants & Places

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11am at Island View Beach Regional Park Enjoy this beautiful park with CRD Regional Parks naturalists and guest nature walkers and ethnobotanists Earl Claxton Jr. and John-Bradley Williams and see why Island View Beach is so special. Meet at the grassy area adjacent to the picnic shelter off Homathko Rd. All ages. Free. crd.bc.ca/parks

People, Plants & Places

P

1pm at Island View Beach Regional Park Enjoy this beautiful park with CRD Regional Parks naturalists and guest nature walkers and ethnobotanists Earl Claxton Jr. and John-Bradley Williams and see why Island View Beach is so special. Meet at the grassy area adjacent to the picnic shelter off Homathko Rd. All ages. Free. crd.bc.ca/parks

20 Friday DigiLab: Gamers Unite

V

4pm at Nellie McClung Branch Library Gather ‘round an old-fashioned board game, or play computer games among friend. This program is by teens, for teen. For ages 13-18. Registered.

Free. gvpl.ca

P

Lego Stories 3:30pm at Sidney/North Saanich Branch Library Listen to stories while you use the library’s Lego to create a masterpiece to put on display. 5+ years. Free.

Open House & Pizza Party

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6pm at Brentwood Teen Lounge & Central Saanich Boys & Girls Club Fun field games. Hang out space is open. Pizza and snacks will be served. Grades 6-9. panoramarecreation.ca

21 Saturday Baby Signs with Layla

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10:30am at Oaklands Community Centre 2827 Belmont Ave Provides parents with an overview of the Baby Signs® Program including the many benefits of signing, basic “How Tos” for teaching babies to sign, and many of the most useful signs through games, songs, and entertaining activities. $30. oaklands.life

Esquimalt Story Festival

V

10:30am at Memorial Park Stories, songs, drama, a StoryWalk, and more.

Promotes storytelling as a way to inspire children to use their imaginations, dream big and express themselves. Be part of the action as stories come to life. Everyone welcome. 10:30am-1pm drop in.

Free. gvpl.ca

IslandParent.ca

September 2019 25

Ongoing:

Preschool V

Baby Time Greater Victoria Public Libraries Learn songs, rhymes and fingerplays to use with your baby every day.

For babies 0-15 months. gvpl.ca

Greater Victoria Public Libraries Fun-filled stories, songs, rhymes and puppets. For young children and their families; children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult.

Drop-in. gvpl.ca

9:30am at Oaklands Community Centre Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Meet your neighbours and enjoy the informal family play space. Activity tables, circle time with instruments, and large toy collection. Coffee, tea and snack provided.

No playgroup on holidays. For 0-5 years. $3/suggested donation. oaklandscommunitycentre.com

9:30am Tuesdays at Oaklands Community Centre An introduction to art techniques, tools and materials. Enjoy a sensory exploration into the colourful world of art. All supplies included. Please

Saturdays 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre Join other families with children ages 8-12 who want to be on a healthy weight and healthy lifestyle path.

Build skills to: • Support your family’s health and quality of life • Eat healthy and be more active • Promote positive mental and social health

26 Island Parent Magazine

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Mondays 9:30am–noon at Aggie Hall, Ladysmith Play-based learning stations to explore and enjoy, including a reading centre, craft area, Brio train table, snack table and more. Meet other parents, health and social service providers.

250-210-0870

STARTING SEPTEMBER 28, 2019

To find out more about this FREE 10 week program: Ph: 1-888-650-3141 info@generationhealth.ca www.generationhealth.ca

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10am at Gordon Head Recreation Centre, 4100 Lambrick Way Tuesday, Thursdays & Saturdays. A movement program designed for children and their caregiver to play together. Balls, hoops, ride-on toys, climbers and mats allow children to creatively explore. Songs and circle time.

Get active together for life. $3/child. saanich.ca

LaFF Mornings V

Parent & Child Drop-in Art

Tuesdays 9:30am at Oaklands Chapel For parents and babies up to 9 months old. Discuss topics including nutrition, health, baby growth and development, family health and wellness, and the joys and challenges of parenthood. Childcare provided for older children. Registered. Free. oaklandscommunitycentre.com

Kindergym Drop-In V

Tiny Tykes Drop in Playgroup

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Parent & Baby Group V

Family Storytime

dress in clothes you can get messy in. For 2-5 year olds. $10/family. oaklandscommunitycentre.com

Learn to Make Changes for A Healthier Family COM E FI ND O UT M O RE

FREE Introductory Workshop Saturday, September 7, 3–5pm Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre Sign up by emailing info@generationhealth.ca

facebook.com/generationhlth

@generationhlth IslandParent.ca

Bleiddyn del Villar Bellis Artistic Director Fellow & Examiner CSC-CICB Enrico Cecchetti Final Diploma

W Bear Necessities

7pm at Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites Grab your coats and step into time with an exclusive, after-dark guided tour. See the gun batteries by lantern light and eavesdrop on re-enactors in uniform going about the daily activities of garrison life. $13.90/person. pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/bc/fortroddhill/activ/ calendrier-calendar

Mini-Golf Family Fun Day

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10am at Riptide lagoon Adventure Golf A fun-filled day on the mini-golf links. Live music, BBQ, and great family activities. $30/team of 4; $10/adult; $5/child. bgccvi.com

School’s Out Swim or Skate

Science Literacy Week

VAB offers a FREE weekly dance class for boys 7-11.

Now in its 4th year, BOYS CAN DANCE is a positive way for boys to get interested in dance!

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10am at Sidney/North Saanich Branch Library Celebrate some of the amazing local science educators as the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea presents hands-on marine science activities for the whole family to enjoy. Free. Drop in. virl.bc.ca or salishseacentre.org

Open House & BBQ N 6pm at Greenglade Teen Lounge &

1pm at Ravensong Aquatic Centre & Oceanside Place Arena Stay active on your day off from school with a skate or swim. Swim: 1-2:30pm; swim: 1:30-3pm.

Reduced rate admission. rdn.bc.ca/parks

IslandParent.ca

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1pm at East Sooke Regional Park We can co-exist with these magnificent forest dwellers. Join a CRD Regional Parks naturalist to learn about what a black bear needs in their life.

Meet at the kiosk in the Aylard Farm parking lot off Beecher Bay Rd. 5+ years. Free. crd.bc.ca/parks

Greenglade Community Centre Come chill with your friends. There will be burgers on the BBQ. Grades 6-9. panoramarecreation.ca

FREE Class: Boys Can Dance!

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Photo credit: David Cooper

Lantern Tour

Now - June 2020 Still accepting registration!

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

September 2019  27

22 Sunday

24 Tuesday

25 Wednesday

V Seasonal Safari

Rascally Raccoons 1pm at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park A CRD Regional Parks naturalist will lead you on a raccoon trail for a day in the life of these little rascals. Meet at the grassy area adjacent to the picnic shelter in the Filter Beds parking lot off Beaver Lake Rd. All ages. Free. crd.bc.ca/parks

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StoryWalk

10am at Beban Altrusa Playground Bring your favourite teddy bear or stuffy. Selfguided, interactive activity. Take home a scarf for your stuffy, and a book (one per child). Free. recreation.nanaimo.ca

23 Monday Pro D Day Swim & Skate 1pm at Panorama Recreation Bring your family and friends for swimming and skating fun, music, games and prizes. Helmets free of charge for skating. $2/person. panoramarecreation.ca

V Little Chefs—After School Snacks

10am at Francis/King Regional Park The leaves are turning yellow, and the air feels crisp. Animals know it is time to prepare for winter. Join a CRD Regional Parks naturalist and play games, look for leaves, and explore how bats, squirrels, bears and more are collecting food in the fall and preparing a winter spot to rest. There is no fee for this program, but you must pre-register by September 20 as space is limited. Free. crd.bc.ca/parks

Emergency Preparedness Workshop V

7pm at Fernwood Community Centre 1240 Gladstone Ave Childhood Stress & Anxiety: D Are you and your family prepared for an emergency such as a power outage, winter storm, Building Resilience Workshop earthquake or tsunami? Learn about the hazards 6pm at Maple Bay Elementary that can affect Victoria, what to include in your Tailored for parents, caregivers and educators emergency kits, what you can do to protect your supporting young children experiencing stress and anxiety. Register through eventbrite.ca. Free. home from an earthquake, and how to reunite with your loved ones after a disaster. Free.

P ericfoundation.com VictoriaReady.ca | 250-920-3373

Add your upcoming family events at islandparent.ca

Victoria Baby & Family Fair

September 28 & 29 Saturday 10 – 5 / Sunday 10 – 4 Pearkes Rec. Centre f pai ace nti n

www.peppapig.com

Prizes

g

Meet Peppa Pig and George

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6pm at Gordon Head Middle School 1671 Kenmore Road Tap into your inner chef. Introduce your child to basic cooking skills and nutrition tips while learning exciting dishes that can easily be recreated at home. All ingredients and supplies provided. $15. saanich.ca | 250-475-7100

s mal i n a n balloo diaper dash

s en

Sat & Sun 11:30-3:30

play z one

sory room

Peppa Pig © Astley Baker Davies Ltd/Entertainment One UK Ltd 2003.

Proudly Helping Make a Child’s Dream a Reality!

Stag e Pres entations

Baby-Fair.com @babyfamilyfairs #VicBFF19 28 Island Parent Magazine

5

$

at the door

children up to 12 FREE

BUY 1 REGULAR ADMISSION and bring a friend for free when you present this coupon Not to be combined with any other offer.

IslandParent.ca

26 Thursday Youth Life Skills Cooking: Lasagna

Ongoing: V

6pm at Gordon Head Recreation Centre 4100 Lambrick Way Learn safe knife skills and meal planning and gain hands-on experience cooking with fresh, local ingredients creating mealtime favourites. $10. saanich.ca

Hello Fall at Kindergym

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Children V

Museum Tots

Saturdays 11am at Maritime Museum 634 Humboldt St, Victoria A weekly program introducing children 2-5 to the fun world of museum learning. New theme each week, allowing children to learn through crafts, play, games, song, and dance.

9:30am at Greenglade Community Centre Come celebrate fall with a fall harvest party. Fall-themed activities and crafts, plus the usual free play fun. 1-5 years with a parent. panoramarecreation.ca

27 Friday DigiLab: Tech Time

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4pm at Central Branch Library Create and innovate with DigiLab’s tech toolkit, including Alienware laptops and Spheros. For teens, by teens. For ages 13-18. Registered. Free. gvpl.ca

Coast Capital Free Swim 7pm at Beban Pool Admission to pool only; weight room not included. Free. recreation.nanaimo.ca

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Parksville Lion’s and Save-On-Foods Family Skate

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12:15pm Sundays starting September 29 at Oceanside Place Arena Pond hockey not available. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Free admission and skate rentals. rdn.bc.ca/recreation

Also playing:

GREAT BEAR RAINFOREST MYSTERIES OF CHINA and more!

Located inside the Royal BC Museum • 250-480-4887 • imaxvictoria.com IMAX® is a registered trademark of IMAX Corporation.

IslandParent.ca

September 2019 29

28 sATurDAy

29 sunDAy

Disco Light Skate 7:30pm at Oceanside Place Arena Catch dance fever under the disco lights. The flashing lights and pumping music will take you back in time. Regular admission. rdn.bc.ca/recreation

Hawk Watch

N Open Gym Time: Grandparent and Child

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11am at East Sooke Regional Park Have you ever seen turkey vultures kettling? Join CRD Regional Parks and the Victoria Natural History Society for this annual migration event. There will be live raptor demonstrations and activities at Aylard Farm, which is accessible to all ages and abilities. For those who want to add in a hike, there are birding experts with spotting scopes at the viewpoint above Beechey Head. The hike up to the viewpoint requires sturdy footwear and includes a 15-minute trek up a steep and rocky trail.

Bring binoculars, water and a lunch. Drop in anytime between 11am and 2pm at the Aylard Farm parking lot off Beecher Bay Rd. All ages. Free. crd.bc.ca/parks

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9:30am at Gordon Head Recreation Centre 4100 Lambrick Way Introduce your little one to foundational movement skills to develop physical literacy. NCCP Certified instructors will help you find strategies to teach your child basic sport skills in a fun way using games, songs and positive reinforcement.

Free. saanich.ca

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Oh Deer

Noon at Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary, 3873 Swan Lake Rd Celebrate all the members of the deer family with crafts, games, and lots of touchable deer items.

Find out who’s who in the deer world, and learn about the wonderful adaptations that make them such a successful group of animals. Admission by donation. swanlake.bc.ca

Visit islandparent.ca for calendar updates and additions

Vancouver Island’s Largest Independent Toy Store

Toys, games and puzzles for all ages #102 – 2517 Bowen Road Nanaimo 888.390.1775

koolandchild.com 30

Island Parent Magazine

IslandParent.ca

Ongoing:

Family

Vic West Toy Library

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9:30am at HighPoint Community Church 949 Fullerton Ave Every other Saturday. Borrow toys, games and play materials on a regular basis. Current stock for ages 6 mos-12 years.

250-383-6290 | dawn@pointful.ca

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Circles A safe, supportive place to meet others in a similar situation and to share information and resources.

250-384-8042 | parentsupportbc.ca

Parent Support Circles Parenting isn’t always easy. Sometimes it helps to talk things through with other parents.

At the Parent Support Services Society of BC, they believe that every parent is the expert of her/his own family.

250-384-8042 | parentsupportbc.ca

Family Frolics

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Tuesdays 5:45pm at Frank Jameson Community Centre 810 6th Ave, Ladysmith Drop in right after work to burn off some energy and get ready for bed. Play with balls and tunnels, and run around and meet a new friend. 0-6 years.

250-210-0870

IslandParent.ca

September 2019  31

Play Is for Parents, Too!

O

n a recent family vacation to the Okanagan, my husband (who clearly felt our marriage was on solid-footing) squirted me repeatedly in the face from his bumper boat. As I laughed hysterically, I had an epiphany: I need more play in my life.

As parents, we cultivate incredible lives for our children.

We put time and effort into making sure they have activities and experiences that make them happy.

Personally, I get no kick out of watching my children bounce in a kindergym bouncy castle, swim in pee-filled public pools or go door-to-door selling Girl Guide cookies.

I’m not complaining—I signed up for it. But when the focus of your life centers around filling their buckets, it can leave your own feeling a little empty.

There are several stages for reclaiming yourself after having kids. You start with the smallest act of self-care when you have a newborn. Then, as the kids become more independent, you restore a few hours for yourself; a hobby resumed, books read.

But there’s another layer to reclaiming your old self and engaging in play is an important part of that.

Play is different than what we typically think of as selfcare. People throw around a lot of euphemisms of self-care; a candlelit bath, a girls weekend getaway, some leisure time

32 Island Parent Magazine

watching Netflix. While these things can relax you and relieve the pressures of daily life, they don’t typically elicit the feelings of vitality and aliveness. Play can do that.

Play comes in many forms: creative play, social play and just silly play. In his book, Play, Dr. Stuart Brown calls play a “state of being, purposeless, fun and pleasurable.” I know that in our home, just the simple act of turning the music up and having an impromptu dance party can elevate our spirits, erase the stressors of the day and foster connection.

Growing up, our blended family included children ranging from ages six to 16. There weren’t a lot of activities we could do together that would please everyone. But we had a small boat, and cruising and waterskiing created some of the happiest memories of my childhood. It was a way of engaging in play as a family. It connected us in a way that nothing else could.

During our vacation, we spent a day at the waterslide park. The cashier asked if I was buying two or four tickets and my first response was two because, after all, we were there for our kids. Like most of the other activities in our lives, our goal was to provide fun and excitement for our children. If we were planning the day around my idea of fun, we would be childless, driving from winery to winery in a convertible.

IslandParent.ca

New Programs Kinderskate (ages 3-6) Kids Twilights Synchro Team

FiFr

For information on registration and programs offered at Juan de Fuca Skating Club visit:

www.jdfskatingclub.com or e-mail

registration@jdfskatingclub.com

skatecanada.ca

But we were a long way from that dream. We were at the waterpark kiosk. That was my reality. I told the cashier to ring us up for four tickets. Might as well enjoy the waterslides too, I thought. Even though I couldn’t remember the last time I did something for the sole purpose of having fun.

I slipped and slid down those waterslides and when it shot me out at the bottom like a rocket with my hands in the air, I laughed and felt a familiar pang of joy that I hadn’t felt in years.

It’s never too late to develop your playful side. It’s the joke that you tell your child when they’re mad at you. It’s the game of frisbee in the park. It’s squirting each other on bumper boats.

Playfulness reminds us that we are worthy of pleasure and joy. I’m learning that play is the best antidote to an empty life-bucket.

Sarah Seitz is a working mother, wife and writer. She spends her free time cutting off crusts and uses good coffee and humour to get through the day.

IslandParent.ca

September 2019 33

DA D S PEA K

Three’s Company I write this with a six-day-old baby squirming on my lap. He doesn’t seem incredibly stoked to be sharing the real estate space with my laptop, so we’ll see how it goes.

(Live-feed update: 10 minutes just passed after me typing that first sentence, but now he has his soother and is sucking away peacefully.)

as a metaphor for all I didn’t know and wasn’t expecting with parenting: that cord looks way easier than it is and can take a couple snips to get through. It’s kinda sinewy and almost like you can feel ligaments or something as you...

Uh, yeah, it’s tough, even though it looks smooth and slimy.

Yes, since my last column, little Russell was born into this world, making a frantic race to the finish line at Vic General, punctuated with a humorous water-breaking incident in the elevator heading up to the delivery room—which immediately made me think of something that would happen in an episode of Three’s Company, for some reason.

Twenty minutes later, I had a pair of scissors in my hand and was preparing to cut the umbilical cord. As I’ve learned from previous births, that thing isn’t easy to cut. I’ve often used that

All of which sounds pretty gross, but babies are pretty gross! The meconium poop is still one of the gnarliest things I’ve ever seen a human being produce, and that weird feeling of having someone stare directly, intently into your eyes as they suddenly, seriously let out a huge fart is pretty unparalleled in the human experience. These are all wake-up calls: I’m 42 and just had my third baby. Can I handle it?

(Live-feed update: he’s fast asleep on me, and I’m doing some absurd coffee/laptop/baby acrobatics that would probably raise

34 Island Parent Magazine

IslandParent.ca

more than a few eyebrows from cautious parents across North America).

Anyway, yes, sure, I can handle it. I think.

There’s no denying that, like a lot of things in life, I’m kinda late on this. By the time this dude is eight, I’ll be 50!

(Live-feed update: my heart rate just spiked.)

But then again, I don’t think I would have been ready to juggle three kids much earlier than this point in my life.

Maybe I matured late—like a fine goddamn wine, not like a stubborn manchild, thank you very much—but it sort of makes sense now.

I feel like what I’ve learned since we started letting people know we were having our third is that a lot of parents want to have more kids but are scared to.

No one has said that to me outright, but lots have said that to me implicitly. They make jokes about more kids being more than they can handle, more than they can afford; they talk about how they can’t mentally deal with going back to the baby years. But then they get that look in their eyes and I think they kinda want another.

I hear them and feel their struggles on all the above concerns. But if you’ll notice, those are the same concerns with baby number one—“Can we afford it?”

“It will disrupt our routine?”— and number two.

Damn, man. We live in a city where real estate developers drink the blood of newborns if it means they can get another dollar out of the working class. None of us can afford anything at this point. I’m not entirely convinced I can afford this cheap Folgers coffee I’m currently drinking, and I’m pretty sure that’s the sound of me chuckling when people talk about paying for their kids’ post-secondary education. But we can get by. Don’t let those fears sway you too much. Three kids is amazing. We’re a “big family” now, and it’s great.

Anyway, I got through the cord in three snips. I was hoping to get that thing on the first try this time around, but nothing’s ever perfect. I’m just grateful that I had another chance.

Greg Pratt is the father of two children and a local journalist and editor. His writing has appeared in, among other places, Today’s Parent, Wired, Revolver, and Douglas.

IslandParent.ca

Register Online Now! PCE is the newest all-star cheerleading company and training facility in Victoria, BC!

Classes and programs for all ages and skill levels—call us today!

pacificcheerempire.com 250-516-0507 314 Wale Rd. Unit #210

The PREMIER Basketball program for GIRLS & BOYS. We develop players into some of the top school talent on Vancouver Island!

NIGHT LEAGUE Girls & Boys Teams - U11, U13, U15 All Players Welcome!

WESTSHORE RAIN U9 Basketball Club Weekly Skills and games for K-3 SCHOOL BREAK SKILLS CAMPS Belmont High School Girls & Boys Grades 3-8

REGISTRATION & INFORMATION www.westshorebasketball.com Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities Available

September 2019

35

FamilyServicesDirectory The Family Services Directory features not for profit agencies and organizations serving children, youth and families

1Up, Victoria Single Parent Resource Centre (1-up.ca) provides support, education and resources for parents in the Greater Victoria area through free counselling, volunteer training, a mentoring program for single moms, and a support group for dads, as well as a variety of integrated life skills and parenting courses which are open to the whole community, with fees on a sliding scale. For single parent members, the Centre provides free toys and books, a clothing room and bread pantry. Donations of gently-used clothing, small household items, and toys are welcome. Hours: Mon., Tue., Thu., Fri.: 9–4, & Wednesdays: 12–7. Location: 602 Gorge Road East. Phone: 250-385-1114.

people with disabilities. For Home Support, please call 250-658-6407. For other programs: 250-6560134. beaconcs.ca.

Beacon Community Services Employment Programs. Beacon Community Services offers a full menu of employment services on the Saanich Peninsula and Gulf Islands. We’ve been helping people find work since 1982! Our programs build on a person’s strengths and resolve barriers to finding and keeping employment. We also work with our employer network to support job seekers. Need help finding a job? Need employees? Contact us for FREE assistance! 9860 Third St. Sidney. 250656-0134. beaconcs.ca.

Canucks Autism Network (CAN) provides yearround sports and recreation programs for children, youth, young adults, and families living with autism, while increasing awareness and providing training in communities across BC. Stay up-to-date on programs, registration dates and events in Nanaimo, Cowichan Valley, and Victoria by signing up for CAN’s Vancouver Island newsletter: canucksautism. ca/newsletter. CAN also provides training and accessibility resources for many sectors, including sport, recreation, first responders, schools, and Beacon Community Services is a communitybased, non-profit agency dedicated to helping Boys & Girls Club Services offer after-school community spaces. Learn about customized training people and improving lives on southern Vancouver and evening social, educational and recreational solutions: canucksautism.ca/training.

Island and the southern Gulf Islands. Beacon thrift programming for children and youth at 5 locations shops fund important LOCAL community services (Colwood, Langford, VicWest, Central Saanich and and programs. Beacon also offers: child, youth and Esquimalt) and summer camps both in Esquimalt family services (including the Peninsula Early Years and at our Outdoor Centre in Metchosin. We also ofCentre and child care); counselling; employment fer support to parents through our Parents Together services and training for people of all ages; home program and parent workshops. For more informasupport care; volunteer services and opportunities; tion on all programs and services visit bgcvic.org or Dialogue and Resolution Services (DRS) helps affordable housing/care/supports for seniors and call 250-384-9133. people improve relationships through facilitating empathic communication in a safe, impartial and FamilyServicesprofile collaborative manner. We work with individuals, families, parents, co-workers, neighbours, community organizations, governments and those leaving incarceration. We continue to strive for equity and increased cultural competency, through life-long learning. DRS assists diverse clients to create lasting, effective solutions that support healthy connecialogue and Resolution Services has been serving the tion and build community. For affordable, ethical, communities of Vancouver Island since 1974. With our professional service, find us at 250-383-4412 or current organizational focus being on providing accesdialogueandresolutionservices.ca.

Dialogue & Resolution Services

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sible services. By building partnerships with other community agencies, providing a wide variety of client-oriented training projects and offering affordable mediation services we are “Changing the Culture of Conflict.” Although many of our programs are run off-site, we maintain our space on Sooke Road to provide a neutral place for mediation/coaching sessions and to house our administrative offices. We are also able to accommodate small groups in our board room.

We use a Collaborative Conflict Management approach, which is a constructive paradigm.

Working from the premise that everyone is doing the best they can in the circumstances they find themselves, we see disputes are problems to be solved cooperatively, dealing respectfully with inter personal relationships.

The way people deal with the dispute can go a long way to minimize the pain, cost and risk to the relationship and can bring energies to focus on the best possible outcome for all concerned. Skilled mediators can often deal with a dispute that has escalated to the point where the people involved may have lost sight of their objectives. By careful management, mediators can bring about a change in perspective, an increased understanding of the issues and an outcome satisfactory to all parties.

36 Island Parent Magazine

Family Services of Greater Victoria

Family Services of Greater Victoria helps children, youth, and adults manage the challenges of separation, divorce, or transition to a new family structure. Our highly qualified staff, working with other community agencies, provide information and practical or emotional support so people facing these challenges can make the decisions that are best for everyone. FSGV believes all individuals can find ways to move forward in their lives when family relationships have changed or are changing. Call us at 250-386-4331 or visit fsgv.org. We can help.

IslandParent.ca

Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria (ICA) is a registered charity and nonprofit helping individuals and organizations to connect across cultures. Programs offered include immigrant and refugee services, parenting programs, employment services, interpretation and translation, diversity workshops and training, English language training, volunteer placements, youth programs and tutoring, seniors groups, and inter-cultural arts programming.

Located at 930 Balmoral Road, 250-388-4728, icavictoria.org.

LDABC The Learning Curve (previously The Learning Disabilities Assn.) supports, educates and advocates for children with learning and behavior challenges. Individual and group support, education and consultation is available for children, youth, parents, caregivers and professionals. Please visit our website ldasvi.bc.ca or call us for more information 250-370-9513.

Linday Trowell—Creating Calm Within the Chaos. 18+ years experience as a behaviour support professional for caregivers and parents of children and adults with special needs. I understand the struggle that families face just to get out the door in the morning. I am trained in working with individuals with FASD, attachment difficulties, anxiety, trauma, autism, and much more. Individual and family counselling. Relaxed, non-judgmental support tailored for your individual needs. I help strengthen families and empower individuals. lindsaytrowell.com. #1023212 Jacklin Rd (located in Stillpoint Acupuncture Clinic). 250-217-4536.

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

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

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

IslandParent.ca

• before and after

school care

• small class sizes • supportive and

caring staff

• excellent academic

foundation

• Kodaly music

A local non-profit for all children (Since 1973) 5575 West Saanich Rd 250 592 4411

info@islandmontessori.com www.islandmontessori.com

program

• lovely rural location

connecting children to nature

LANGFORD STUDIO FALL 2019 LINEUP!

FILM ACTING CLASSES ADULTS • TEENS • KIDS • TINY TOTS

Produced by Jacqui Kaese

Adults in Film “Take 1 Classes”

SEPTEMBER 19 – Ongoing THURSDAYS Langford Studio | Ages 16+ Session 1: 6–8:15pm Session 2: 8:30–10:45pm

Adults Advanced “Take 2 Classes”

OCTOBER 16 – NOVEMBER 20 WEDNESDAYS | 6–9pm Langford Studio Ages 16+ (pre-approved by resume or IMDB profile)

Monthly Audition Clinics

SEPT 24 • OCT 22 • NOV 26 TUESDAYS | 6–10pm Langford Studio Ages 16+ (resume required)

Professional Teen Program

OCTOBER 7 – NOVEMBER 25 MONDAYS | 6–8:30pm Langford Studio Ages 12–16 yrs

Kids in Film

SEPTEMBER 13 – Ongoing FRIDAYS Langford Studio | Ages 8–11 yrs Session 1: 4–6pm Session 2: 6:15–8:15pm

Tiny Tots in Film SEPTEMBER 11 – OCTOBER 16 OCTOBER 30 – DECEMBER 4 WEDNESDAYS | 4:30–5:30pm Langford Studio Ages 4–7 yrs

REGISTRATION IS ONGOING | TEXT: 250-714-2555 • EMAIL: spotlight@shaw.ca www.spotlightacademyvictoria.com | 111–689 Hoffman Avenue, Langford, BC V9B 4X1 September 2019

37

H a ppyFami lies H e a lthyFami lies

Get Ready for Immunization Reporting

Healthy Families, Happy Families

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

250-519-5311 250-539-3099

(toll-free number for office in Saanichton)

Peninsula 250-544-2400 Saanich 250-519-5100 Saltspring Island 250-538-4880 Sooke 250-519-3487 Victoria 250-388-2200 West Shore 250-519-3490

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

250-709-3050 250-755-3342 250-749-6878 250-755-3342 250-739-5845

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

islandhealth.ca/our-locations/ health-unit-locations 38 Island Parent Magazine

A

s the summer sun wanes and the next school year starts, Vancouver Island parents will have plenty to prepare. In addition to replenishing school supplies and updating their children’s wardrobes, parents also need to know about immunization reporting that will be required for school-aged kids.

Starting in September 2019, parents and guardians will be expected to provide public health units with immunization records for students enrolled in the provincial school system. This provincial government policy, called the Vaccination Status Reporting Regulation, will apply to K-12 students in public and independent schools, along with registered homeschoolers.

Mandatory reporting increases public health’s ability to respond during an outbreak. It also prompts parents to ensure that their kids are up-to-date with their immunizations, and provides public health officials with an opportunity to connect with families about the importance of immunization for the health of their children and communities.

“There is plenty that parents can do ahead of time to prepare for the new school year and the reporting requirement,” says Dee Hoyano, Medical Health Officer at Island Health. “Parents should ensure they have an up-to-date copy of their child’s immunization record—it’s vital health information that everyone should have. Most importantly, we encourage parents to ensure that their children are immunized so they can stay healthy and happy, and also prevent others from becoming ill with a serious but preventable illness.”

Most parents already have immunization records at their public health unit; as a result, they are compliant with the upcoming reporting requirement and won’t need to do anything further. Parents or guardians whose children have an incomplete or missing record will be contacted by public health about providing their immunization information. If your children require immunizations, you’ll also receive information about where they can get them.

Steps you can take to prepare for the upcoming reporting requirement: • If you don’t have a copy of your child’s

immunization records, check immunizebc.ca/ tips-locating-immunization-records for tips on locating the information.

• If past immunizations were provided by another health care provider, such as a family doctor or pharmacist, contact them to request the information. Please note that parents of older children may not be able to request immunization records on their child’s behalf.

• If your children need immunization updates, check the immunization schedule for young children and school-aged children, available at immunizebc.ca/vaccineschedules.

• If you believe your child needs to be immunized, contact your local public health unit to book an appointment: islandhealth. ca/our-locations/health-unit-locations.

• You can sign up for appointment reminders at immunizebc.ca/reminders.

• Remember to bring your child’s care card or BC ID to an appointment. Also, please note that older children and youth under 19 are able to consent to medical treatment, such as immunization, on their own as long as the health-care provider is sure the treatment is in the child’s best interest and the child understands the treatment, its risks and its benefits.

• When you’re done, keep your immunization records in a secure location. You can also keep a digital record on an app, such as CANImmunize.

For more on the reporting requirement, please visit healthlinkbc.ca/vaccinationstatus-reporting.

Catching up on the catch-up program Earlier this year, the BC government launched a measles immunization catch-up program as part of an effort to ensure that all school-age kids—from kindergarten through Grade 12—were up-to-date with their immunizations. The voluntary program also helped parents prepare for mandatory reporting.

There have been measles cases reported in Canada and several countries are experiencing outbreaks. In BC, there were 29 lab-confirmed cases of measles from January to May 2019, including eight in the Island Health region.

IslandParent.ca

Children are among the most vulnerable to measles, a highly conis important to get immunized. Find out what they said at vimeo. tagious disease that spreads through the air. Symptoms include fever, com/343535226. runny nose, sore throat, cough, diarrhea and red eyes. After a few days a rash appears first on the face, spreads to the chest and then to Measles catch-up at Island Health by the numbers: • More than 5,300 measles immunizations administered to schoolthe entire body. Complications include pneumonia, brain inflammaaged children from January 1 to June 30, 2019 tion, convulsions, deafness, brain damage and death. If your child • More than 11,000 measles immunizations administered to all develops symptoms, please contact your health-care provider before people between February and June 2019, visiting their office so they can take precauWant more info? Here’s a listing which is double compared to the same time tions to prevent the transmission of measles of some helpful resources: period in 2018 to others.

• Call 8-1-1 for information anytime or visit • As part of the measles immunization The catch-up program was delivered by the healthlinkbc.ca catch-up program, public health officials have province’s health authorities, including Island • Learn about measles at immunizebc.ca/ reviewed student records and followed up with Health. The program offered immunization measles parents/guardians. More than 9,000 schoolclinics at schools and local public health units.

• For current measles updates, visit isaged children have their information in the As part of this outreach, Island Health conlandhealth.ca/measles-updates provincial immunization registry, an increase tacted parents of eligible children who were of 836 students from April 1 to June 30, 2019. not up-to-date for measles immunizations. Im- • You can also contact your local public health unit, visit islandhealth.ca/our• There are more than 93,000 students munizations were provided for those kids who locations/health-unit-locations for more in the Island Health region (kindergarten to had not begun or not completed their series. information.

Grade 12); about 24 per cent of them have not Families have embraced the opportunity to get completed their measles immunization series up-to-date on their immunizations and more • More than 1,000 hours of immunization clinics for K-12 chilthan 11,000 measles immunizations have been administered across dren from April to June 2019. the Island Health region since February 2019. Please see the end of this article for some key highlights.

Glenn Drexhage is a Population and Public For the latest update on the province’s measles immuHealth Advisor with Island Health’s Communications, nization catch-up program, please visit news.gov.bc.ca/ Planning and Partnerships team. He lives in Nanaimo releases/2019HLTH0109-001523. with his young family, and has a background in journalIsland Health talked to teens to get their perspective on why it

ism and communications.

Child Youth & Family P ublic H ealth

o'brien School of Irish Dancing Celebrating 25 Years Fall Re gist rat ion N ow Ope n Victoria - Cadboro Bay - Duncan

obrienirishdance.com irishdance@shaw.ca

IslandParent.ca

September 2019 39

Preschool&ChildcareDirectory Central Saanich

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

North SAANICH • one of the few parent participation preschools on the Peninsula • learning through play philosophy • a large, beautiful indoor and outdoor space • offering flexible 4 hour programs 1–4 days a week • a great community to join • visit us at www.countrysidepreschool.org

CORDOVA BAY

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

OAK BAY

Cordova Bay Preschool......................250-658-3441 A bright and cheerful parent participation preschool with a philosophy of learning through play. 4 yr olds - M/W/F 9:151:15; 3 yr olds - T/Th 9:15-12:15. cordovabaypreschool.org.

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

METCHOSIN Metchosin Cooperative Preschool............................

Play Explore Learn and Grow in beautiful rural Metchosin.

Morning programs available for 3 and 4 year olds. Contact our ECEs at metchosinpreschool@gmail.com.

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

Providing a balanced approach to incorporating French,

Island Montessori House................250-592-4411 Inclusive, integrated and nurturing Preschool and Before/After School Care programs. Lovely rural setting with a focus on nature and outdoor environmental activities. islandmontessori.com.

Oak Bay Preschool.............................250-592-1922 Oak Bay Preschool is a co-op preschool, using a play-based curriculum with qualified ECE and ECEA. We use a balance of indoor and outdoor classrooms to enrich your child’s preschool experience. Learn more at oakbaypreschool.com.

Lambrick Park Preschool & Childcare...250-477-8131 Gordon Head’s parent-participation preschool and childcare center. Flexible hours M-F 9am-3pm & drop-ins offered. Play based learning and outdoor play. Allergy friendly. Celebrating 40 years. lambrickparkpreschool.ca.

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

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

SAANICH

Island Kids Academy Esquimalt..........250-381-2929 High quality child care (ages 1-5). Enriched Curriculum.

Includes Music Classes and Character Development using the Virtues Project. Wait list being taken. Islandkids.ca.

La Pré-Maternelle Appletree Preschool.............................250-479-0292 A French Immersion Preschool Program.

30 months to school age. Licensed Christian centre. prematernelleappletree.com.

• Licensed 3 hr and 4 hr programs, flexible part-time classes • Qualified ECEs offer play-based programs that stimulate curiosity and imagination and support optimum growth and development. Supported spaces available.

• Indoor and outdoor programming, community visitors and special activities provide opportunities for learning through play and exploration.

Fullobeans.ca 250-360-1148 saanichneighbourhoodplace.com

Pre-School Junior Kindergarten PacificChristian.ca 250-479-4532

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

250-477-3731 arbutusgrove.ca Camosun College Child Care Services.. 250-370-4880 Quality licensed facilities on both campuses providing children, newborn to 5 years, with rich early learning experiences in a learn through play environment. camosun.ca/childcare.

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

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

St. Joseph’s Early Learning Centre........ 250-479-1237 A Christian childcare centre offering daycare and preschool programs for 3-5 year olds. Children learn through play-based and emergent curriculum in a warm and nurturing environment.

St. Margaret’s School Jr. Kindergarten... 250-479-7171 Apply now for our Early Learning (JK and Kindergarten) Programs. Early learning at SMS is a curriculum-based program for 3 and 4 year olds. admissions@stmarg.ca.

Looking for child care? Need help with the Affordable Child Care Benefit?

Taking care of children? Need child care training?

Child Care

Resource & Referral Funded by the Province of BC

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

40 Island Parent Magazine

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

Victoria & Gulf Islands: 250-382-7000 or 1-800-750-1868 Sooke: 250-642-5152 West Shore: 250-940-4882 Cowichan Valley: 250-746-4135 local 231 PacificCare (Ladysmith north): 250-756-2022 or 1-888-480-2273

vancouverislandccrr.ca ccrr.bc.ca

IslandParent.ca

The Sir James Douglas Playschool ....250-389-0500 Fun, creative and educational ECE program for 3-5 year olds to grow and develop life long skills. Come play and learn in our bright and modern centre in Fairfield. sjdoutofschoolclub.com.

Wiseways Child Care Centre.......... 250-477-1312 Established, quality, licensed, Christian centre for 3-5 year olds. Experienced ECEs, cheerful spacious facilities, large playground. Subsidized fees welcome.

Call for a tour. Wisewaysvictoria.com.

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

ViCToriA ❖ Comprehensive programs for Preschool through Grade 9 ❖ Delivering academic excellence through music, dance, drama and visual arts ❖ Outstanding educators, locations and facilities

Island Kids Academy View Royal ...... 250-727-2929 High quality child care (ages 1-5). Enriched Curriculum.

Includes Music Classes and Character Development using the Virtues Project. Wait list being taken. Islandkids.ca.

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

Centennial Day Care ......................... 250-386-6832 Exceptional childcare and education 35+ years. Nature inspired, play based program. NEW central, “green” building. centennialdaycare.ca.

Christ Church Cathedral Childcare .....250-383-5132 ECE and specialist teachers provide an outstanding all day licensed program for 2.5–5 year olds at our Fairfield and NEW Gordon Head (Fall 2019) locations. cathedralschool.ca.

Nightingale Preschool and Junior Kindergarten Ltd................250-595-7544 We offer education through creativity and play, providing rich learning experiences through a well sourced and stimulating indoor and outdoor environment. Early years reading programme. nightingalepreschool.com.

Arts/Drama programme. kidsworks.ca.

The River Preschool

JLC Victoria Japanese Preschool The only Japanese Immersion Preschool on the Island opens at Craigflower Schoolhouse. Offering the best environment for preschoolers to learn Japanese language and culture as natural as possible. jlcvictoria.com.

Please visit our website at

theriverpreschool.stbarnabaschurch.ca or email us at riverpreschoolvic@gmail.com.

You are welcome to visit us at The River Drop-in Playgroup on Wednesdays 10–11:30am at St. Barnabas Church Hall.

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

nAnAiMo

ASPENGROVE SCHOOL

DunCAn

Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 Learn more today!

250-390-2201 AspengroveSchool.ca

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

The first steps in your child’s education

QuALiCuM BeACH Call for more information today: 250.746.3654

International Montessori Academy of Canada ........................................... 250-737-1119 Elementary K–12. Offers an enriching environment for preschool children 2-4.9 years with potty training. Nurturing young minds, keeping the spirit free. intmontessori.ca.

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

at St. Barnabas Church is accepting registrations for September 2019. We are a Waldorf inspired and faith based new preschool in Victoria.

Sunrise Waldorf School Preschool ....... 250-743-7253 In a warm environment, this nature and play-based program enlivens and nurtures the growing child. sunrisewaldorfschool.org.

CHeMAinus

VieW royAL

www.ArtsCalibre.ca 250.382.3533

Queen of Angels Early Learning Centre 250-701-0433 Our Centre is a lively, happy place for 3-5 year olds where children are encouraged to be confident, independent learners in a nurturing and safe environment.

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

Children’s Discovery Centre.............. 250-752-4343 A nurturing, safe and creative learning environment.

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

Little Star Children’s Centre .............. 250-752-4554 Little Gems Infant and Toddler Care .. 250-228-5437 Mother, Daughter owned and operated. Earth friendly preschool education inspired by nature. Infused with fun and creative daily yoga practices! Licensed group care. Enthusiastic ECE instructors. littlestardaycare.ca

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

Nestled on 4 acres of lush west Coast forest, our Award winning, Nature based program will not disappoint!

While firmly embracing the Reggio-Emila (Italy) Philosophy our dedicated team of educators use the environment as the third teacher as we encourage your child throughout their day.

Our purpose built facilities have been handmade using the trees from our forest. We have recently expanded to our new Spirit Bear Lodge located right next door!

Programs for Infants/Toddlers and Pre-Kindergarten children.

Photo: Cheryl Cameron, Atelierista

IslandParent.ca

Award of Excellence in Child Care

lexieslittlebears.ca 250-590-3603

September 2019

41

N aTu R e N OTES

spot that Flying ‘V’

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here is something so captivating about seeing a large bird soaring overhead. Lately I’ve found myself craning my neck to follow the graceful swooping of one or many large birds, stopping in my tracks to just watch the majesty of their flight.

Whether it’s during a hike up Christmas Hill, a stroll in my Royal Oak neighborhood or a drive up the Malahat (as a passenger of course; I don’t stick my head out the window to glimpse a bird, well, not usually), I can’t resist the pull of stopping to look and wonder.

Late summer and early fall are perfect times to observe some of our large birds of prey such as eagles and hawks but most of the time, I am seeing vultures.

The word vulture may, for some folks, inspire disgust or even fear. We’ve all seen the classic Western films where vultures are circling, waiting for the hapless victims to collapse so that they can swoop down and peck at them. This bad rap is undeserved.

Vultures are not only harmless to people, they are quite important in the balance of nature, providing an important service as

nature’s clean-up crew, reducing the spread of disease with their ability to consume rotting meat that would make other animals ill.

There are two major categories that divide the 23 species of vultures found around the world. Those that are found in Europe, Asia and Africa are called Old World species and those which live in the Americas and the Caribbean are New World species. Despite their shared title the two are not closely related, in fact the latter are thought by many scientists to actually be more closely related to storks than raptors. However due to fulfilling the same ecological niche they are still categorized together.

Despite their raptor status, vultures eat mostly carrion (dead animals), only occasionally hunting live prey. Unlike most raptors they are unable to move their food due to weak feet and legs and blunt talons. They also lack power in their bills which is why you will often see them coming to feed after another predator has begun the process of opening up the carcass. Most vultures have

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heads and necks bare of feathers, which is important for reducing the spread of bacteria and parasites.

In the weird and gross but kinda cool fact department, vultures are known to urinate on their own legs, serving a twofold purpose, killing bacteria they may have picked up while feeding and cooling themselves on a hot day. Here’s another one for you: unlike other raptors, vultures have the unique defense technique of vomiting on an attacker, a behavior most common while nesting. This is also advantageous as it lightens their body weight to allow for easier escape.

Vultures tend to feed, roost and fly in groups making them far more social than most other raptors. These groups are commonly called a committee, but can be referred to as a venue or a volt as well. They migrate in groups of up to a hundred individuals, primarily soaring on thermal currents, which is why they are rarely seen moving long distances early or late in the day when temperatures drop.

Our one and only resident species of vulture on Vancouver Island, and in fact in all of British Columbia, is the Turkey vulture (Cathartes aura; the genus means “purifier” or “ecological cleaner”).

Nearly eagle-sized with a wing span of 6 feet, this majestic bird flies with its wings in a distinctive shallow V shape. Upon closer view, you may notice two-toned blackish wings and the lack of a distinct head. This is not because the vulture is headless! It is simply due to the fact that without feathers the head is quite naked, and appears quite small. As mentioned previously, this lack of feathers allows the head and beak to stay relatively clean and free of the gunk of rotting flesh. Most Turkey vultures are migratory, overwintering in Central and South America and then returning here to breed in the spring.

Vancouver Island and southern BC is the most northerly part of their range.

So the next time you see that graceful flying V overhead, I hope you’ll take a moment to appreciate the fact that they are not only using some amazing principles of physics (specifically lift, thrust and drag), have some gross but cool adaptations, are able to take advantage of some pretty great thermals, but they are also on the lookout for a rotten animal to take off our hands!

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September 2019 43

Divers Abi liti e s

Community Board Camp Pringle CampPringle.com

GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon runvictoriamarathon.com

Lindsay Trowell, Counsellor & Parenting Specialist lindsaytrowell.com

Mothering Touch motheringtouch.ca

Phoenix Theatre phoenixtheatres.ca

Royal BC Museum royalbcmuseum.bc.ca

Via Choralis viachoralis.ca

Victoria Children’s Choir VictoriaChildrensChoir.ca

Victoria Conservatory of Music

Brush & Floss

A

few months back, Angus’s dentist found a cavity in his tooth. Not just a cavity, but a rather significant hole. Where there’s one there are probably others, he said, though Angus wouldn’t allow hands or mirrors in his mouth any longer, so there was no way for him to tell for sure. Most kids with autism have sensory issues, and Angus has always been sensitive to things in his mouth. Our dentist wrote us a referral to a pediatric specialist. This was not Angus’s first dentist appointment, but it was the first one where he had allowed the hygienist to do a light polish on each of his teeth, and use the water tool to rinse them off. Previous to this appointment, the most teeth-polishing Angus had endured was about two minutes, after which he clenched his jaw and wouldn’t allow anything else to enter his mouth, the gritty mint-flavoured polish still coating the teeth the hygienist had managed to get to.

There was a stretch of time, after we purchased an electric toothbrush, when I had Angus brush his own teeth. This was supervised. If left to his own devices, Angus would suck off the toothpaste, swallow it, then hold the brush against his front teeth until the alarm beeped and announce he was done. Or, he would turn on the tap, hold the brush underneath it, then suck off the water—this performed on repeat for the full minute cycle. To prevent this, I sat with Angus in the bathroom. “Not just the front, the sides too. Other side. Now the top. No, you’re not done yet. Angus, put the brush back in your mouth. Back in your mouth, Angus.”

After the hole was discovered, I took over the evening brush. While Angus yanked his head away from me, moved his tongue to push the brush out of his mouth, clamped

his jaws down on the toothbrush so I couldn’t move it, grabbed for the handle, I’d try to maintain my calm. “This is important,” I’d remind him. “You don’t want another cavity.”

If brushing was a challenge, flossing was a nightmare. It is very difficult to floss someone else’s teeth, especially if they are actively trying to get your hand out of their mouth. With one hand, I’d need to pry his jaw open with my thumb hooked to hold his teeth down, my fingers clutching his chin. He would shake his head from side to side and try to clamp down on my fingers. I would like to say I never gave up, that I kept the toothbrush in Angus’s mouth until I was sure every tooth was thoroughly cleaned, then flossed between each and every one of them, but that is far from the truth. I often gave up. I’d hand the brush back to him and tell him to finish. I’d say, “we’ll leave flossing for tomorrow.”

Last week, the pediatric dentist managed to take x-rays. This involved a significant amount of repositioning and quite a few tears, but in the end she had success. She showed the x-rays to us on the computer screen, pointed out the cavity we already knew about, and then the rest of them. They were baby teeth, but likely would remain in his mouth for at least two more years. Something would have to be done about them—at the hospital, under anesthetic. It was possible one or more would need to be extracted.

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The more parents I talk to with kids with special needs, the clearer it becomes to me that guilt is a common feeling among us. Guilt, self-doubt, second-guessing. That doesn’t make it any easier. The dentist said Angus’s teeth were incredibly grooved, also they were very close together. It wasn’t a surprise he had cavities, she said. She suggested mouthwash, and capping the new molars. But when we left the appointment I was certain that I had failed my son. Did he really need to be independent with a toothbrush yet? I knew he did an inadequate job, so why had I ever handed over control of such an important task. Why didn’t I make him brush for two cycles each time—one done by me, the other by him? Why did I not insist on flossing his teeth every day?

Though Angus claims this is not true, some day he won’t live with me. There are things he’ll need to be able to do for himself. Cook a simple meal, do his laundry, brush his teeth. Knowing when he is ready to independently perform routine tasks is difficult. It involves guess-work and, at times, mistakes. I just have to trust that in time he’ll absorb all the most important lessons. That at 30, he won’t need to visit me twice a day with his toothbrush in his hand.

Remember: Diversabilities isn’t just about my kid, it’s about yours too. If you have an idea for a column, email laurajtrunkey@ gmail.com

Laura Trunkey is the mother of the amazing Angus, and the author of the story collection Double Dutch (House of Anansi, 2016). Find her at lauratrunkey.com.

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Pumpkin Pie Chai latte or spice latte

Starts September 3, 2019

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

AdvertisersDirectory Art Gallery............................................................11 Ballet Victoria....................................................43 Childhood Obesity Foundation....................26 City of Victoria................................................. IBC Capital Region Female Minor Hockey Association......................................31 Discovery School........................................... IFC Eagle Creek Dental............................................ 8 Erin Wallis Photography..................................35 Freya Sofia Waldorf Store..............................23 Galey Farms..................................................... IFC IMAX....................................................................29 Island Circus......................................................27 Island Montessori............................................. 37 Island Swimming...............................................23 Juan de Fuca Skating......................................33 Kaleidoscope.....................................................43 Kool & Child.......................................................30 Lifestyles.............................................................30 Momease.......................................................... IFC Mothering Touch................................................. 7 NIL TU,O............................................................... 8 O’Brien School of Irish Dance.......................39 Oak and Orca.............................................29, 33

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September 2019  45

CutitOut!

Teacher Care

T

hink about your child’s teachers. Somewhere in their decision to become a teacher, there was likely a part of them that wanted to make a difference. Perhaps it was a love of learning or for children. But did they have any idea of how much mental energy teaching would require?

For teachers, just as for parents, embracing what we have control over and what lies beyond our control is an important part of self-care. Just as parenting is no place for perfectionism, neither is teaching. Working with people, especially children, is a messy business. There are no pat answers and formulas that will deliver a perfect outcome in those moments when challenges erupt. Yes, some approaches work better than others and you discover this as you move through your experiences. You also know that what works with one child may not work with another. Even more difficult, what works with one child one day, may not work with that same child another day.

When you face challenging behaviours and unpredictable situations, you are making decisions in that moment. You jump in, putting your best foot forward. You call on your values, your experience and your heart and still, it may go sideways. Worse yet, you may have the panel of judges standing on the sidelines with their scorecards, real or imagined. This concern makes it difficult to say “good enough” when you need to or you will exhaust yourself.

Unlike parents, teachers do not have control over a child’s homelife or history. Various triggers contribute to difficulties, often making responses or consequences ineffective. This means that no matter what you do, challenges will continue until the triggers are identified and managed. Sometimes what is needed for a child to experience improvement is simple maturity.

So how do you protect your heart, your passion and your energy?

• Have boundaries around your time and availability.

• Get clear with what is actually in your control.

• Talk it out with good listeners.

• Turn off the monkey mind and end your day at a set time.

• Practice saying “good enough” even if your inner critic screams at you to do better.

• Pull out resources from colleagues, students and parents by asking coaching-type questions rather than being the expert and problem solver. “What could work?” “What else?

• Value self-care. What works for you? What else?

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

New for Fall 2019: Family Drop-iN Family drop-in in the pool during Swim Lessons at Recreation Oak Bay

Tuesdays & Thursdays 3-8pm Allocated space in the big pool and shared space in the small pool will be available for families to enjoy!

facebook.com/RecOakBay

Oak Bay Recreation Centre • 1975 Bee Street • 250-595-7946 • recreation.oakbay.ca 46 Island Parent Magazine

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FALL 2019 + WINTER 2020

Active Living Guide

Register for Fall 2019 and Winter 2020 programs now!

Online registration has never been easier: victoria.ca/recreation

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Septem

STAGES

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Performing Arts School since 1980

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Pre - le ange e t im itt Day or the l f

Come Dance With Us

• Offering classes for Teens & Pre-Teens in Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical, Tap. Musical Theatre, Acrobatics & Hip Hop, in a non-competitive atmosphere.

• Not sure which class to take?

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

STAGES Performing Arts School #301 1551 Cedar Hill X Rd Call 250-384-3267 Email us at: stagesdance@shaw.ca Or visit our website: www.stagesdance.com IslandParent.ca

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Victoria’s tics nas only gym rmitted e facility p poline m to use tra s for e surfac birthday parties!

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Gymnastics

Why Victoria Gymnastics?

Unlike other gymnastics clubs, our priority is non-competitive gymnastics where all students are treated equally.

Boys and girls, ages 2 through adult, beginner through advanced Morning, afternoon and evening classes seven days a week

Unlimited make-ups for missed classes Our ratio guarantee of a maximum of 8 students per instructor will provide your child with the individualized attention he or she deserves

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Trial classes available—start any time Monthly payments with no further obligation—cancel any time

Birthday Parties & Holiday Camps

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Proudly 100% Canadian owned and operated since 1980

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Your child’s progress is monitored daily, and every 3 months, each student is awarded a medal indicating his or her progress in our new proprietary 14 level, 1400 skill program.

We are a family oriented business. Classes are scheduled so that varying ages and genders can take part in different classes at the same time.

Our in ground foam pits are the safest in Victoria—foam cubes are suspended on top of a sprung net!

Consistent, safe and experienced coaching in a well structured, safe and fun environment— NCCP certification coaches and First Aid.

Downtown Victoria

2051 Store Street

250-380-2442

Celebrating 39 Years of Excellence!

victoriagymnastics.com

New In Westshore

520 Mt View Avenue

778-265-6414