March 2015 Island Parent

Island Parent Celebrating

27 Years

The Resource Publication for Vancouver Island Parents

March 2015

Spring Break Programs Green Spring Cleaning 5 Reasons Why Your Family Does Not Need a Pet A Sustainable Family Play Ball!

Family Getaways

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Island Parent Celebrating

27 Years

on for Vancouver Island

The Resource Publicati

Parents

March 2015

Spring Break Programs Green Spring Cleaning r Family 5 Reasons Why You Does Not Need a Pet ily A Sustainable Fam Play Ball!

Family Getaways

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

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

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

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

islandparent.ca 250-388-6905 2

Island Parent Magazine

Contents: March 2015 Articles Green Spring Cleaning ................................................................................... 8 Embracing Diversity ..................................................................................... 10 A Sustainable Family .................................................................................... 12 Play Ball! ...................................................................................................... 15 Spring Break Programs ................................................................................. 16 5 Reasons Why Your Family Does Not Need a Pet ....................................... 18 Family Travel ............................................................................................... 22

Columns Editor’s Note .................................................................................................. 3 Dadspeak ..................................................................................................... 28 Healthy Families, Happy Families ................................................................ 30 Just Eat It! .................................................................................................... 32 Book Nook .................................................................................................. 32 Is There an App for This? ............................................................................. 36 New Parent Pages ......................................................................................... 38 Maternity & Beyond .................................................................................... 44 Nature Notes ............................................................................................... 46 Cut It Out .................................................................................................... 48

Departments IPM Notes...................................................................................................... 4 Party Directory....................................................................................... 20, 21 Family Calendar ........................................................................................... 24 Around the Island ........................................................................................ 27 Family Friendly Cowichan & Mid-Island ..................................................... 37 Family Services Directory ....................................................................... 40, 41 Preschool & Child Care Directory.................................................... 42, 43, 44 Business & Professional Directory ................................................................ 45 Island Parent Magazine, produced by Island Parent Group Enterprises Ltd., is a monthly publication that honours and supports parents by providing information on resources and businesses for families, and a forum for the exchange of ideas and opinions. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher. Letters (max 250 words) should be emailed to the Editor at editor@islandparent.ca. No material herein may be reproduced without the permission of the Editor. Unsolicited manuscripts are welcome and should be emailed to editor@islandparent.ca.

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

Island Parent Magazine

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

On the Cover: Natalie I. (3) Cover Photo: Nicole Israel Photography, nicoleisraelphotography.com

FOLLOW uS ON FaCeBOOK & tWItteR facebook.com/IslandParent twitter.com/IslandParent kidsinvictoria.com

10

Spring Fling Things To Do

Take a kayaking tour at Fisherman’s Wharf in Victoria. Half price for families at the 4pm session, the Kelp Reef Family Tour is designed for children ages 7-12 and pairs smaller paddlers with stronger ones in stable double kayaks, and goes at a slower pace. Afterwards, get sushi or fish and chips at a dockside restaurant or feed the seals instead. Visit kelpreef.com.

Throw a pizza party. Gather your family and your favourite pizza toppings and enlist everyone’s help in preparing the ingredients for an assortment of personal pizzas or one big pizza for all.

Embark on a photo safari. Head for the hills or scan the city streets for subjects/objects of interest. Equip members of your group with a camera—be it box, digital, cellphone or video. Arrange a slide show on your TV or computer and host a screening.

Picnic at Fort Rodd Hill. A great place for kids of all ages, with lots of room to roam, Fort Rodd Hill offers a day’s worth of activities, all in one place. Along with the command posts, guardhouses, and barracks, there are three beaches, a lighthouse, spectacular ocean and mountain views, and 12 picnic tables located throughout the grounds. Visit fortroddhill.com.

IslandParent.ca

Host a neighbourhood garage sale. Spring cleaning and garage sales go hand in hand so if you find yourself with too much stuff this spring, gather it together, enlist a few neighbours to do the same, and schedule a neighbourhood garage sale. Enlist your kids and make it an annual family/community event.

Plan a holiday. Even if you can’t get away for a holiday right now, you can always plan one on paper.

Research where you’d like to go and what you’d like to do.

Bathe elephants in South East Asia? Tour of all the waterparks on the Island? Five blissful days kayaking through the Broken Islands? Visit the library and take out travel books. Drop by a Tourist Info Centre for brochures. Cut out magazine pictures and make a collage of all the places you’d like to see. The sky’s the limit; have fun, and start to make your holiday real—even if you won’t take one any time soon.

Attend the Pacific Rim Whale Fest. From March 14-22, the Whale Fest includes a week’s worth of family-friendly events including a performance by the Kerplunks at Family Day, cookie decorating and the Rubber Fish Race. Visit pacificrimwhalefestival.com.

Visit the goats on the roof. Head to Coombs to see the goats grazing on the grassy roof at the Old Country Market. After, duck inside and check out the emporium’s assortment of toys, gadgets, gifts, and yummy ice cream all under one grass-andgoat-covered roof. oldcountrymarket.com.

Editor’s Note Sue Fast Escape. Jump on your bike, grab the car keys or catch a bus and go somewhere new—a new neighbourhood, town, or the opposite end of the Island. When you get there, poke around and explore.

Pick up a copy of Island Parent Teens.

On stands now— and filled with valuable information, insights, and resources, along with words of wisdom/frustration/elation and support, Island Parent Teens will give parents of little ones a glimpse into the future. And it’s bright— not a glum, eye-rolling stereotype in sight.

Instead, you’ll find articles on the value of volunteering, getting your teen to talk, the truth about social media, teen sexuality, and youth health and safety. Island Parent Teens is available at rec centres, libraries, schools, health units and most places you pick up Island Parent. And it’s free!

March 2015 3

IPM Notes Ministry of Education Scholarships & Awards Review Bring your voice to the table at engage.gov. bc.ca/Scholarships. BC’s Ministry of Education has provided scholarships to high school students since 1987. There have been some changes over the years, but the Ministry is now conducting a comprehensive review.

The focus of the review will be to look at the current program and find innovative approaches to recognizing student learning and achievement, particularly in light of the new directions in BC’s education transformation. The first step is engaging students, parents, educators, and employers to gather feedback about modernizing the Grade 1012 scholarships and awards. To take part in the review, complete the online survey by March 10 at engage.gov.bc.ca/Scholarships.

You can also email your comments to Scholarships@gov.bc.ca or call 250-356-7561.

Tillicum LEGO Mania Challenge Registration is underway for the 6th annual Tillicum LEGO Mania Challenge on March 14 and 15 at Tillicum Centre. Over 100 contestants, ages 5-14 years will be

3-5 yrs Pre-primary School

showcasing their LEGO masterpieces for a chance to Win LEGO prizes. This year’s theme: The Great Outdoors. Meet Lego Certified Professional, Robin Sather, and watch him build a giant LEGO outdoor scene. Children under 14 years who are not contestants will have a chance to try out the mini build area. The Victoria Lego Users Group (VicLUG) will also be on hand with some of their fun LEGO creations. Prizes will be awarded for the top three entries for ages 5-8 years and 9-14 years on Sunday, March 15 at 2pm. More prizes will be given out during LEGO Trivia on Sunday, March 15 at 2pm. Drop by the lower level of Tillicum Centre during regular mall hours and see an exciting LEGO exhibit! For more information, visit tillicumkids.com.

Eat Well, Get Moving!

Eat Well, Get Moving! is a healthy weight promotion program for School Districts #61, #62, #63 and #64, as well as independent schools within these areas. The goal of the program is to encourage students to eat more vegetables and fruit and be more active.

Research shows that eating more vegetables and fruit and being more active are the most effective behaviours to help a person achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

The Eat Well, Get Moving! program takes place between February 1 and April 30.

Participants can start any time within the three-month period. Interested schools and teachers register their classes to participate.

Students are given Crunch & Go cards on which they track the number of vegetables and fruit they eat and the number of minutes of activity they do. At the end of each month, cards are collected for entry in a draw for prizes.

For more information and to register, visit fitinfitness.ca/shared_ewgm.html.

Visit a CRD Park Choose from a full slate of fun and informative CRD Parks programs this month.

Join a CRD Regional Parks’ naturalist to discover why so many people are picking up binoculars and heading to the fields and forests at Beginner’s Birding Basics (Mar 1, 9:30am-noon) a guided walk for those 12+ years at Island View Regional Park in Central Saanich; Celebrate Nettles (Mar 7, 1-3pm), a guided walk for those 5+ years at Francis/King Regional Park in Saanich; head for the hills for What’s Up, Who’s Out (Mar 8, 1-2:30pm) at this 5+ years guided walk at Mill Hill Regional Park in Langford; solve the riddles to find the clues hidden along the

A gentle learning opportunity for young children: - learning naturally through play

The joy of learning - naturally.

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- nature awareness and respect - compassionate communication - experience with math and science - exposure to books and language arts

250-480-4887 4 Island Parent Magazine

•

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trail with a CRD Regional Parks naturalist at Mystery Creature (Mar 10, 1-2:30pm) at this 5+ years guided walk at Mount Work Regional Park in Central Saanich; creep like a deer, jump like a cougar, and feel like a raccoon at Animal Adventures (Mar 11, 1-2:30pm), a guided walk for those 10 years and under at Francis/King Regional Park; and stay busy during Spring Break with all of the extra programs from Mar 10-20. To find out more and to pre-register (required for some programs), visit crd.bc.ca (or google Winter Nature Outings and Events Brochure).

29th Annual Pacific Rim Whale Festival Join the fun on the shores of Vancouver Island’s wild west coast at the 29th Annual Pacific Rim Whale Festival (PRWF) from March 14-22. Celebrate the arrival of upwards of 20,000 grey whales—often traveling within viewing distance of shore—on their northbound migration from the Baja Peninsula to Alaska’s Bering Sea and beyond.

Throughout Tofino and Ucluelet and around Pacific Rim National Park you’ll find an array of events. Bring your pets, favourite dolls, outrageous costumes or your float, and join the Parade of Whales and Wonders (Mar 14), get creative at the Cookie Decorating event at Common Loaf Bakery (Mar 18), drop by Ucluelet Maritime Kid’s Day (Mar 19), sign up for the 19th annual Chowder Chowdown (Mar 22), among other family-friendly events. Many of the activities are free, with the purchase of an PRWF Events Button.

It’s an all-out celebration of our coastal lives, featuring grey whale and marine life education, inspirational talks and interpretive walks, children’s activities, culinary events, First Nations cultural workshops, and more. For more information, visit pacificrimwhalefestival.com, e-mail info@ pacificrimwhalefestival.com or phone 1-250-726-7798.

TC10K School Team Challenge The TC10K and Island Farms have teamed up to offer cash prizes to schools participating in the teams category at this year’s TC10K on Sunday, April 26.

Three cash prizes of $1,000 will be awarded to school teams in the following categories: Fastest Team Overall; Most Team Members; and Best Team Spirit. All schools on Vancouver Island from kindergarten to Grade 12 are eligible to enter in either the Thrifty Foods 1.5K Family Run, or the TC10K run. Run or walk with more IslandParent.ca

than 15,000 others through the streets of Victoria in the 26th Annual TC10K. To register, visit tc10k.ca. For more information, phone 778-677-5RUN (5786).

Fossil Fair The Victoria Palaeontology Society will hold its 18th Fossil Fair on March 28-29 from 10am-4pm at the Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary, 3873 Swan Lake Road in Victoria. The Fossil Fair will display a rich and diverse variety of ancient fossil animals and plants from the Cambrian (550 million years ago) to the end of the last Ice Age (10,000 years ago). The fossils include dinosaur bones, ammonites, trilobites, corals, mollusks, insects, giant palm leaves and microscopic fossils.

The Fossil Fair is an educational experience for all age groups. The public is invited to bring in fossils for identification. Specific activities for children include a fossil scavenger hunt, fossil colouring and rubbings and looking through microscopes. Admission is by donation.

For information, phone Tom Cockburn at the Victoria Palaeontology Society, 250652-4267, email tom.cockburn2@gmail. com, or visit swanlake.bc.ca.

Turn Off the Lights on Earth Hour On Saturday March 28, from 8:309:30pm, hundreds of millions of people around the world will turn off their lights for an hour to demand action on climate change. But that’s just the beginning. Every hour, Canadians are taking small steps to lessen their impact on the environment.

From hanging your clothes to dry to taking transit to work, those small steps add up to huge changes for the better.

Earth Hour is about more than just turning off the lights. It’s also an opportunity to turn on young minds. Visit schools.wwf.ca/ to find out how to help students understand Earth Hour and the importance of taking action against climate change. There are many ways to mark and celebrate Earth Hour at your child’s school, from outdoor activities to lights-out events. Before you start planning for Earth Hour, remember to register your child’s school on EarthHourCanada.org so the school’s participation can be counted towards the Canadian total.

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (GRG) Support Line Parent Support Services Society of BC’s Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Line assists grandparents and other March 2015 5

SPRING BREAK March 9-20

All camps are Monday to Friday

Spring Into Action JDF GLLANGCOME ROOM

3-5 Yrs

9-11 AM

Mar 16-20 $80

94154

Little Chefs

JDF GLLANGCOME ROOM

3-5 Yrs

1-3 PM

Mar 16-20 $80

94155

Pre-School Musical CENTENNIAL CENTRE OAK ROOM

3-5 Yrs

9-11 AM

Mar 16-20 $80

93225

Sportball Camp

MULTI SPORT – JDF LOWER CLUBHOUSE

3-5 Yrs 6-9 Yrs

9 AM-12 PM 1-4 PM

Mar 9-13 Mar 9-13

$140 93741 $140 93742

3-5 Yrs 6-9 Yrs

9 AM-12 PM 1-4 PM

Mar 16-20 $140 93743 Mar 16-20 $140 93749

HOCKEY & LACROSSE – JDF LOWER CLUBHOUSE

Active Play Camp

Bring Back Play

JOHN STUBBS SCHOOL GYM

5-7 Yrs

9 AM-4 PM

Mar 16-20 $160* 93773

Mad Science

SECRET AGENT -JDF LOWER CLUBHOUSE

6-12 Yrs 9 AM-12:30 PM Mar 9-13 6-12 Yrs 9 AM-4 PM Mar 9-13

$123 93574 $205 93575

RED HOT ROBOTS-JDF LOWER CLUBHOUSE

6-12 Yrs 9 AM-4 PM

Mar 16-20 $220 93573

Horseback Riding CEDAR VISTA STABLES

6-16 Yrs 9 AM-12 PM 6-16 Yrs 9 AM-12 PM

Mar 9-13 $350* 93571 Mar 16-20 $350* 93572

Aspiring Young Artists CENTENNIAL CENTRE CRAFT ROOM

6-8 Yrs 9 AM-3:30 PM Mar 9-13 $160* 94553 9-12 Yrs 9 AM-3:30 PM Mar 16-20 $160* 93312

Funky Fashion Camp CENTENNIAL CENTRE SPRUCE ROOM

9-12 Yrs 9 AM-12 PM

Mar 9-13

$149* 93317

Pottery Camp JDF POTTERY STUDIO

9-12 Yrs 9 AM-12 PM 9-12 Yrs 9 AM-12 PM

Mar 9-13 $110* 93219 Mar 16-20 $110* 93220

Acting Out

JOHN STUBBS SCHOOL

6-12 Yrs 9 AM-4 PM

Mar 16-20 $180* 93569

GLEE Camp

CENTENNIAL CENTRE OAK ROOM

7-11 Yrs 12-3:30 PM 7-11 Yrs 12-3:30 PM

Mar 9-13 $99* 93507 Mar 16-20 $99* 93508

* Eligible for children’s fitness and arts tax credit.

www.westshorerecreation.ca 6 Island Parent Magazine

relatives raising a family member’s child to navigate complex services systems such as Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) and others. The support line helps grandparents find answers, assistance, and the resources they need to prevent or solve problems, and learn about benefits and other services that will support the whole family.

The Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Line is staffed by two part-time advocates with training in advocacy, social work, family law, and government services pertaining to kinship caregiving. They can be reached by phone at 1-855-474-9777 (toll free anywhere in B.C.) or by e-mail at GRGline@parentsupportbc.ca. The GRG Support Line is open from 11am-3pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

At all other times callers are encouraged to leave a voicemail message or send an email, which will be returned promptly.

According to Active Healthy Kids Canada, 63 per cent of Canadian kids’ free time after school and on weekends is spent being sedentary. As parents, we need to get our kids moving. To that end, ParticipACTION has plenty of ideas, tips and information on bringing more play into our children’s lives.

ParticipACTION has created the web-based Bring Back Play app to help parents recall the games that they loved to play, and to, in turn, teach their own children how to play.

The Bring Back Play app is full of classic, active games. These games include running games like What Time is it Mr. Wolf?, ball games like SPUD and Foursquare, and team games that have stood the test of time, such as Capture the Flag.

The web-based app is optimized for mobile use, so that parents can access the game ideas, and information on how to play, while outdoors with their children. The app can be accessed from any device that has an internet connection. For information, visit bringbackplay.ca.

Victoria Single Parent Resource Centre 1Up, the Victoria Single Parent Resource Centre (VSPRC), provides practical support, opportunities for growth, and a sense of hope for one-parent families across Greater Victoria. Guided by skilled and committed staff and trained volunteers, the centre offers services to create foundations for personal and community growth in a welcoming and non-judgemental environment. The centre

aims to help parents create stronger families and healthier children.

The VSPRC offers comprehensive life skills programs, workshops and support groups that typically run from September through June. For a schedule, visit singleparentvictoria.ca, or phone 250-385-1114.

Big Brothers Big Sisters The Big Brothers and Big Sisters Mentoring programs provide boys and girls with a role model and a friend to talk to and share the experiences of growing up. Through regular outings, a relationship is developed between the mentor and the mentee that is built on trust and common interests, and is supported by our experienced case-workers.

The result is a life-changing experience for both the mentor and the mentee.

The Big Brothers and Big Sisters Mentoring programs usually require two regularly scheduled outings a month, each of several hours, and a minimum one-year commitment.

The programs strive to: provide a role model and a friend for mentees; promote the importance of staying in school and maintaining healthy relationships with family and peers; instill trust and self-confidence in order to make healthy decisions; encourage leadership skills and independent thinking; and above all, make a difference while having fun.

To learn more about becoming a mentor or donating to the Big Brothers and Big Sisters Mentoring programs, phone 250475-1117 or visit bbbsvictoria.com.

Royal BC Museum’s Learning Portal Last month, Royal BC Museum launched the Learning Portal (learning.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca), a window into its collections that kids and adult learners can crack open no matter where they live in the province.

The Learning Portal is a dynamic and intuitive website, designed to appeal to the different ways students of all ages choose to learn, featuring video content, audio recordings, images and stories and articles.

Whether a visual learner, someone who wears headphones 24/7 or a lover of the written word, the Learning Portal offers plenty of ways for kids and adults to connect to BC’s human history and natural history.

The Learning Portal was designed with input from a diverse network of educators across BC, including teachers, librarians and staff from the Ministry of Education.

The Learning Portal features photos and

kidsinvictoria.com

bios about contributing researchers, collection managers, conservators, curators and archivists from the Royal BC Museum staff.

This gives users the opportunity to get to know the people behind the stories—and perhaps inspire a few young learners to someday work at a world-class museum.

The Learning Portal will continue to add rich multimedia content and new interactive features. The next stage includes the ability for learners to “pin” the most interesting articles, stories, videos and images to their own board, similar to Pinterest.

The Royal BC Museum bridges the stories of yesterday with today’s technology, the better to reach learners of any age, no matter where they live. Visit learning. royalbcmuseum.bc.ca.

1000X5: 1000 Books by Age Five Reading at home to preschoolers creates lifelong opportunities for children. 1000X5, Children’s Book Recycling Project is helping to expand this critical habit into more homes. The project collects book donations from lower island families for babies and preschoolers; volunteers clean, label and giftwrap. Gift bags are delivered to Strong Start Centres and community agencies where families monthly take home three quality books for each child. In seven years, 180,000 books have been distributed to homes with few books.

For the third consecutive year, ORCA publishers donated just over 7,800 new books to 1000X5—a very welcome boost to the books given away. 1000X5 thanks ORCA for its strong commitment to the community and to early literacy.

For Rotary, March is literacy awareness and enhancement month, globally and locally. Ten lower island clubs partner with 1000X5 to assist in reaching the current goal of sending 200,000 books into homes.

Their donations purchase books for babies—always in short supply through donations. Contribute by taking picture books for babies and preschoolers to any public elementary school in Greater Victoria, Saanich, or Sooke school districts. Share the gift of literacy that truly will make an important difference in many children’s lives.

Contact Eileen Eby at eileeneby@shaw. ca in Victoria School District, Daphne Macnaughton at dlmvictoria@shaw.ca in Saanich School District, or Denise Brown leahybrown@shaw.ca for more information or to make a financial contribution (tax receipts available).•

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

info@saanichdentalgroup.com

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

run, run, jump jump & & play play this this spring spring break! break!

Arts Arts •• Cooking Cooking •• Hockey Hockey •• Swimming Swimming Sports • Tennis Themes •• Sports • Tennis •• Themes •• && More!

More!

Oak Bay Recreation Centre 250-595-7946 NOW HIRING FOR SUMMER CAMP STAFF

IslandParent.ca

250 477 7321

Day Camps: Monday-Friday March 9-20

Henderson Recreation Centre 250-370-7200

recreation.oakbay.ca

March 2015

7

Rachel Dunstan Muller

Green Spring Cleaning I

used to think that other women had more hours in their days. How else were they able to juggle so many things, and still keep immaculate homes? There was one mother in particular with whom I frequently compared myself. She was a single mom with a full slate of responsibilities during the day, and two kids with demanding extracurricular schedules. And yet despite the demands on her time, her house was always clutter-free and squeaky clean when I visited—in stark contrast to my own home.

Only recently did my friend confide her secret. Our visits had always been planned; she’d had time to fly into a cleaning frenzy before I arrived. She focused on areas that would be seen, and hid everything else behind closed doors. The irony was that I used the same strategy whenever she visited, resulting in the same illusion.

I’ve had a series of liberating conversations recently, and learned that none of my friends are superhuman when it comes to housekeeping. Some—particularly those with the youngest children—have simply

8 Island Parent Magazine

dropped their standards. As long as everyone has clean clothing in the morning and a clear path to their beds at night, life is good. Most of us seem to occupy a middle ground: cleaning when the mood strikes or when guests are coming, and letting things slide in between. As for the parents I know who keep spotless homes? For the first, night-time cleaning is both exercise and therapy. The second pays for weekly housekeeping services.

Wherever we fall on the spectrum, chances are we’d agree that spring awakens a primal urge to freshen our families’ nests. In years past, I would have armed myself with half a dozen commercial cleaning products to satisfy this urge. I used to find their strong chemical scents reassuring—I equated them with effective germ and grime-busting. I’ve since learned there are much safer ways to approach cleaning. We don’t have to introduce highly toxic chemicals into our homes to get satisfactory results!

This year when the spring cleaning urge kicks in, be prepared with the following

kinder, gentler substances. They can be used on their own, or as ingredients in simple homemade cleaners.

White vinegar (aka acetic acid) is a wonder worker, serving as a fabulous natural disinfectant, deodorizer, and grease-cutter. Used full strength on counters, chopping boards, and inside the fridge, regular vinegar kills harmful bacteria like E. Coli, salmonella, and staphylococcus. It’s equally effective when used on bathroom fixtures. Diluted half and half with water, it’s a cleaning solution that will remove grease and neutralize odours from all kinds of surfaces. The same

The David Suzuki Foundation suggests that planet-conscious consumers look for EcoLogo or Green Seal certified labels, and avoid products which contain “chlor” compounds, fragrance, and triclosan. diluted vinegar solution is also a good glass cleaner, but only if you get rid of the waxy build-up left by commercial cleaners first. To cut through and remove this build-up, spray on a solution made of one part hydrogen peroxide and twenty parts water. To steam clean your microwave, fill a glass bowl with one cup of water and one quarter cup of vinegar, then heat the solution inside the microwave for four to five minutes on full power. Wait for the solution to cool, then use it to wipe the interior of the microwave.

Stains and splattered food should come away easily.

Google “vinegar uses” for more cleaning tips for every room of your house. Regular distilled vinegar is five per cent acetic acid.

For really challenging jobs, look for cleaning vinegars with six to twelve percent acetic acid available at some eco-friendly stores.

Baking soda is another cheap, non-toxic cleaning product. It’s mildly abrasive, which makes it good for scrubbing jobs—if you don’t mind adding a little elbow grease! To make a paste for stubborn stains on hard surfaces, mix one part water to three parts bakkidsinvictoria.com

ing soda. Apply paste to the stained surface and let stand for a few minutes before wiping or scrubbing away. To clear sluggish drains, pour in half a cup of baking soda, followed by one cup of white vinegar. The solution will start to bubble and foam quite impressively.

Follow immediately with a kettle of boiling water. Baking soda is also a good deodorizer, which makes it useful for a number of tasks in the bathroom and laundry area.

Castile soap is more expensive than the previous two ingredients, but still deserves a place among your eco-friendly cleaning supplies. Made of plant oils and completely biodegradable, genuine castile soap is free of petrochemicals, foaming agents, and harsh cleansers. It’s gentle enough to use as a non-foaming shampoo or body wash, and is an ingredient in many home cleaning recipes. For a good all-purpose cleaner, mix 1/2 cup liquid castile soap, 1/2 cup of white vinegar, 1Tbsp Borax, and 1 gallon of hot water. Keep a spray bottle filled with this solution, and store the excess in a larger container, like an empty vinegar jug. If you can’t find castile soap in the grocery store, look for it in your local health food store.

Borax (sodium borate) is a naturally occurring mineral salt that deodorizes, softens water, and removes stains, mould and mildew. Washing soda (sodium carbonate) is a non-abrasive cleaner with many of the same properties as Borax. Both should be available in the laundry and/or cleaning section of your grocery store. For a very effective scouring powder, mix borax and washing soda in equal parts. The two substances are eco-friendly when compared to many of the petrochemical ingredients of commercial cleaning products, but they should be used carefully and kept out of reach of young children and pets.

If you still prefer to purchase commercial products, be sure to read their labels. There are no standards behind the words “natural” or “eco-friendly”—manufacturers can use them as they wish. The David Suzuki Foundation suggests that planet-conscious consumers look for EcoLogo or Green Seal certified labels, and avoid products which contain “chlor” compounds, fragrance, and triclosan. Caustic drain cleaners and artificial air fresheners are particularly toxic.

Happy spring cleaning!

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

IslandParent.ca

March 2015 9

Camille McFarlane

Embracing Diversity A

few years ago we were having a play date at our house when my toddler had to go to the washroom. She was sitting on the potty with this curious look on her face. I could tell she was trying to figure something out in her head when she turned to me and said, “Mommy, why is my friend’s skin brown?” After I overcame my initial shock I took a deep breath and tried my best to explain this to my two-year-old.

That’s when the potty seat with Sesame Street characters caught my eye. “Well,” I responded, “just like how Cookie Monster has blue fur and Elmo has red fur, people have different skin colours.” Although a simplistic explanation, she accepted this and we began our first conversation about diversity.

At a very young age children notice differences between themselves and others. The differences can be small but obvious, like

short hair or long hair, girl or boy, glasses or no glasses, fast or slow, young or old.

Children are constantly classifying and trying to organize their thoughts. What they are doing is constructing knowledge. As children experience or observe something, they often take it to be true and file that information in their brain, to be accessed later on. As their first teachers, parents have a vital role in determining how their children learn about diversity. By normalizing differences­—whether in appearance, race, gender, age, ability or sexual orientation—parents encourage acceptance and understanding.

The other day, my daughter was talking about weddings when she asked me if two girls could get married and then have children. At three she already seems to recognize that in so many books and TV shows there is a certain common family structure, and

she is trying to determine what is right. I took the opportunity to talk about lots of different family structures: two moms, two dads, one mom and one dad, one parent, grandparent(s), parents who live in different homes, and families with adopted children. For most of these I was able to share examples from the people that she knows and cares about. This made sense to her and she quickly moved on to explaining in detail what it would be like to have her own wedding.

As a parent, the first step to helping our children embrace diversity is to reflect on our own prejudices and preconceived notions. Often we don’t even realize we have these prejudices, but they become apparent through our language and actions. By honouring children’s ideas and insights, discussing their observations about others, and promoting acceptance of all people, parents will help children understand that differences are to be celebrated.

Another way to promote diversity is through literature. There are many wonderful picture books for children that celebrate diversity and many are available at the Greater Victoria Public Library and Vancouver Island Regional Libraries.

Transforming disability into ability.

At Discovery School, learning disabilities are transformed into valuable skills and abilities. Students work at their own pace in small classes, with focused, individualized instruction.

• Experienced, highly-qualified teachers • Ongoing assessment, evaluation & feedback • Improves organizational & study skills • Boost confidence, independence & responsibility • Nurturing environment based on Christian values • For students aged 7 – 18 in grades 1 – 12 • Individual Education Plans • Low student/teacher ratio

Enrolment is limited. For more information or to arrange a tour, visit www.discoveryschool.ca, call Sherri Ko at 250-595-7765 or email principal@discoveryschool.ca 10 Island Parent Magazine

kidsinvictoria.com

Some of our favourites are: The Family Book, by Todd Parr, depicts a variety of different family structures in bright colours and simple text.

My Princess Boy, by Cheryl Kilodavis, breaks down gender stereotypes and builds empathy in readers.

It’s Okay to Be Different, also by Todd Parr, shows children that everyone is unique.

The Sneetches and Other Stories, by Dr. Seuss, encourages tolerance and acceptance through rhyming text and entertaining illustrations.

Whoever You Are, by Mem Fox, helps children understand how kids may look and sound different, but inside they are the same.

One Green Apple, by Eve Bunting, uses apples as an analogy for differences among people.

And Tango Makes Three, by Justin Richardson, is a true story of two male penguins at the New York City Zoo who are given an egg to care for and raise as their own.

Dancing in the Wings, by Debbie Allen, is loosely based on renowned dancer/ author’s childhood and shows children that being different can be a good thing.

The Skin You Live In, by Michael Tyler, grabs young readers’ attention with rhymes; the metaphors and figurative language, however, will inspire discussion among older readers.

Every Day is Malala Day, by Rosemary McCarney, is written from the perspective of girls around the world and the importance of education for all children.

If the World Were a Village, by David Smith, is a picture book for older children that shows what the world would look like if there were only 100 people in it.

These are only a few examples of the many books that celebrate diversity, but all are the starting point for wonderfully rich discussions with your children.

Kids notice differences. By embracing these differences with positive language, we prepare our children to understand and embrace society’s vast diversity. By helping our children understand that differences are what make us unique, parents can ensure their kids embrace diversity.

Camille McFarlane holds a masters degree in Educational Technology from the University of British Columbia. Previously a secondary teacher, she is now a stay-athome mom.

Cover Photo Contest For the 2015 Family Summer Guide or Kids’ Guide to Victoria & Vancouver Island Send us a colourful, clear photo of your kids or family enjoying a summer moment on Vancouver Island, and it may end up on the cover of this year’s Family Summer Guide or Kids’ Guide.

1st Prize: Main cover photo on the Family Summer Guide and $100 Gift Certificate to the business of your choice on Vancouver Island. Runners up: five or more runners up will receive two IMAX tickets and their photos will be featured on the cover of either the Family Summer Guide or Kids’ Guide.

Only digital submissions will be accepted. Send a maximum of three photos of medium or higher resolution. Photos must be colour shots of children or families in Vancouver Island locations.

Contest is open to Vancouver Island residents only. Entry deadline is Tuesday, April 7, 2015; winners will be notified by email by May 14. Winning photos become the property of Island Parent Magazine.

Send entries to: editor@islandparent.ca

IslandParent.ca

March 2015 11

Learning

Through Play

Janine Fernandes-Hayden

A Sustainable Family J

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

Victoria Cordova Bay Preschool

cordovabaypreschool.org

Countryside Preschool

countrysidepreschool.org goldstreampreschool.com

Goldstream Preschool Gonzales Preschool

gonzalescooppreschool.com lakehillpreschool.org

Lakehill Preschool Lambrick Park Preschool

lambrickparkpreschool.ca

Lansdowne Preschool

lansdownepreschool.com oakbaypreschool.com

Oak Bay Preschool

Call (250) 655-3333

Sidney Preschool Strawberry Vale Preschool

strawberryvalepreschool.org

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

Nanaimo Preschool Salt Spring Island Preschool

saltspringcooppreschool.com

www.vicpa.org 12 Island Parent Magazine

ust one of those days” has become the rule and not the exception in my life lately. Forget the list, I keep a pocket-sized “To Do” book. Like a game of Tetris, no sooner do I clear one line, when another stack of tasks come dropping down from out of nowhere. There is no buffer zone to deal with the unexpected. While I have systems, they don’t seem to be good enough.

Perhaps what I need is a meta-system. My mantra has become, “Tomorrow.” As in “Tomorrow…I’ll spend quality time with the children, I’ll clear the pile of unsorted paper by my printer, I’ll write more, I’ll yell less.” Unfortunately, tomorrow never seems to come.

I am coping. But coping means that I am always in response mode, influenced by the sways of my environment. I realize that my life is managed by strategies that are mere band-aid solutions, failing to address the deeper underlying prognosis: an unsustainable life.

What does sustainability look like for my family? As a first step, it involves shifting the way we see ourselves. We are not just people with individual wants and interests living under a common roof. Rather, we are a six-person system with interrelated needs, capacities and limitations. Within a whole, we influence one another with the choices we make. Living sustainably involves acting in a way that supports the well-being of the family as a unit, meeting our needs for today without compromising our needs for tomorrow. The ability to sacrifice becomes a key virtue for every member, as do flexibility, understanding and cooperation.

Living sustainably begs the question, what are we sustaining? Is it a way of life or a quality of life, a means or an end? Are we looking for strategies that support a current steady state, though it may be unhealthy for our families? Or, are we prepared to make a long-term investment towards a shared vision, equipped to face the fluctuations and curves along the path with resiliency and a growth mindset? If our choice is the latter,

we need to think with the end in mind and consider how we want our family to look years from now.

Picture Perfect Vision Growing sustainable families starts with a “vision,” a higher purpose or an end state expression of hope. For me, the vision for my brood is like the family photograph that I choose to send out with my Christmas cards or display proudly on my shelf. It tells others exactly who we are and what we are about, reflecting our shared values and philosophies.

A family vision involves looking towards a forecast for sunny skies. Without a vision, our sightline becomes obscured by FOG, or “Fatigue-Ovelwhelm-Guilt,” a term coined by Linda Kavelin Popov of The Virtues Project. We are left reacting blindly to that which is thrown at us. We become susceptible to the pull of external pressures.

Without knowing ourselves well, our actions reflect a need for approval and a desire to keep up with appearances.

Developing a vision is an activity to be undertaken together as a family, perhaps even made into a poster or banner that hangs on the wall or fridge. From the smallest to the tallest, everyone should be able to articulate what is important to his/ her family. The words you choose should be easily defined and understood—ask any member of your family what your vision words mean, and they should be able to come up with exactly the same definition; “Generous/caring/creative means…”

Once you have defined who you are and what you want, it is time to define family goals and corresponding strategies/structures that funnel down from your vision and make it achievable. As an example, a vision for my clan might be “Be A Close and Socially Responsible Family.” A measurable goal for the year could then be “to spend time as a family volunteering in the community.” A strategy flowing from that goal would be “Visit the local seniors’ home once kidsinvictoria.com

a week.” Accordingly, we would align the structures of our life, namely our schedule and our time, to make this happen.

What does your ideal family photograph look like? What size and style of frame defines the realities within which you live? Do the activities in your life and the ways you choose to spend your time reflect this image?

Time and Energy: Our Most Precious Resources Of all the resources I have, my time and my energy are my most precious. They are also my most limited. I often wish I could have more than 24 hours in the day. I have tried to do with less sleep by staying up late and/or waking at the crack of dawn, but it always catches up to me in ways that affect not only my physical and mental well-being, but also that of my family. Time and energy go hand in hand. Both become depleted when we are not mindful of how they are used.

The reality is that we simply cannot do everything. Organizing our families within a sustainability framework helps us to better discern where we spend our time and energy. Knowing our “Yes” makes it easier to

IslandParent.ca

manage our time and be more assertive with our “No.” We are better able to stand our holy ground, set boundaries and defend the choices and priorities that we have defined for our families.

As we become more confident and proactive about the ways in which we use our time and energy, we begin to regain that sense of homeostasis, or internal balance, necessary to keep ourselves and our families viable and renewed. Like a positive feedback loop, the more time we reclaim, the more charge we retain in our battery, the more effective we become. We grow in our awareness of what works and what does not. Strategies such as naptimes/downtimes/early bedtimes (for everyone!) are seen as money in the bank. We realize that other strategies such as multi-tasking are in fact ineffectual. Being busy in different directions only cancels out our efforts, leaving us with half finished jobs and a sense that nothing has been accomplished. By contrast, when we are able to carve out larger blocks of time to focus and succeed in one task at a time we gain a sense of achievement. Our appetite to do more is curbed and we feel content in the knowledge that we are enough.

Leading for Capacity “Capacity-Building” is another catchphrase in the field of sustainability. Simply stated, I ask myself: As a family, can we do what we are expecting ourselves to do? I think about what we need in order to build on our strengths, tackle challenges and recognize opportunities. It comes down to three mutually dependent elements: resources, skills and commitment.

Even with its time and energy well managed, my family cannot operate as a self-sufficient unit. It takes a village to not only raise a child but to raise a family. We need to be open to connections beyond our family that can offer support. Doing so requires the humility to ask for help when it is needed and to trust that we can rely on other people. When we are receptive to connecting to others in meaningful ways, we may also learn new ways of doing things that spare us the time and energy of having to re-invent the wheel.

The second element to capacity-building are the skills required to achieve your family’s vision. What is it that each member of the family brings to the table? What does our collective skill set look like? Where are the gaps? Taking the time to identify required

March 2015 13

2015

VCM Summer Academy

World Music Explorers July 13 -17 and/or July 20-24 • Ages 5-8

SEND YOUR CHILD ON A MUSICAL ADVENTURE! Experiment with movement, dancing and singing, play world instruments, and compose music using cutting-edge technology.

Registrants must have completed one year of kindergarten.

9:00am -12:00pm OR 1:00 - 4:00pm $150 per week

vcm.bc.ca/world-music-explorers • 250.386.5311

My kid could paint that.

Great! Join us this Spring for fantastic classes and Art Break camps in the Art Studio.

These programs are inspired by current exhibitions and cool ideas around connecting environmentalism, storytelling and activism with art! Camps are for ages 4 & 5 and 8–12, and classes are for a wide range of ages.

Register for classes online, in person or call 250.384.4171 ext. 0 beginning February 28 at 10am.

AG738_FamilySundays_IslandParent_R1.indd 1

Finally, every member of a family needs to feel committed to the vision.

Commitment grows when people can experience a sense of personal agency and feel genuine service to the cause. children jobs and chores, having them do things for themselves and implementing the ideas that they put forth makes them feel like they are a valued and important member of the team. Celebrating successes that reflect your family vision and using language that affirms and draws out potential also builds commitment and capacity.

Leading for capacity requires patience as we roll up our sleeves to mindfully mentor our children. With a growth mindset, we show understanding when we make mistakes, knowing that they are our best teachers. We recognize that commitment starts with us as parents. We show accountability by role-modeling the behaviours that align with our families’ expectations. In these ways, instead of dragging our children along, we walk with them, having them carry the torch and master the ways that it can be carried forward into the future.

Janine Fernandes-Hayden is an educator, trained Virtues Project facilitator, and Salt Spring Island mum of four children. She hosts a parent and kids radio show called “The Beanstalk” on Salt Spring Island airwaves at CFSI 107.9 FM.

| aggv.ca

14 Island Parent Magazine

skills and shortages is an important step that helps determine the most effective strategies.

Finally, every member of a family needs to feel committed to the vision. Commitment grows when people can experience a sense of personal agency and feel genuine service to the cause. As a leader, what do I need to do to help my children develop a sense of mastery and contribution? Do I provide them with opportunities to be independent, responsible and helpful in order to share the load? Can they use their creativity and initiative to take risks, find solutions and offer suggestions? Giving

2015-02-11 2:35 PM

kidsinvictoria.com

Play Ball!

I

t’s almost that time of year again. Soon, parents and kids will emerge from another cold winter in the local hockey rinks or hanging up their weather soaked soccer gear to finally dry out. In just a few weeks the spring sun will have dried up the ball diamonds, the bleachers will be freshly painted, and the snack bars will be open once again.

Thank goodness for ball games where a parent can relax in the sun with a cold drink and just enjoy the game. Not measured in minutes, periods, or quarters, an inning takes as long as an inning takes. Every community on Vancouver Island offers access to an affordable, well organized, nearby baseball and softball program. More and more, ball is becoming the activity of choice in preventing burnout from a child’s primary activity. And that’s not surprising given ball does not require a participant to be the biggest, strongest or fastest to make a positive contribution. While it can be a challenging sport, especially at the higher levels, playing ball is often recognized mostly for just hav-

IslandParent.ca

David Tonken

ing fun and enjoying the day. Who knows why? Maybe it’s the smell of hot food from the snack bar. Maybe it’s the warm sun on your face. Or maybe it’s just the sheer fun of chasing balls on the grass. Whatever it is, it is definitely great for both parents and kids.

There are few better opportunities to learn respect, discipline, self-control, truth, perseverance, and responsibility as an individual and as a member of a team. These are difficult lessons, yet they seem to flow naturally to kids who are introduced to baseball or softball at a young age. They learn to communicate with coaches and teammates, as well as to run, throw and catch. They learn to be gracious when winning and how to shake off a dropped ball, strikeout or loss.

Best of all, they learn all of that while just having a ton of fun.

The spring ball season runs from mid April through June. The entry-level program for ages five and six, called Rally Cap, features three teams on the diamond at the same time. One team bats, another

fields, and the third practices skills in the outfield. Teams rotate every 20 minutes, which serves to keep the kids engaged and the parents well entertained. At age seven and eight, kids progress to Tadpole, where four-inning games are introduced. The first two innings are player pitch. In the final two innings, a pitching machine is used to throw consistent, low speed strikes. Youngsters being introduced to ball at either level absolutely love the programs. Some kids have been known to sleep for several nights in their first team uniforms, received as part of the registration fees.

Whether you are in North Saanich, (pbsa. ca), greater Victoria, (victoriabaseball.com) or up Island (baseballnanaimo.com), there is a ball park near you. The only required equipment is a ball glove and batting helmet, which can last for years. All registrations are Kidsport supported, (kidsport.bc.ca) but are filling up fast. So shake off those winter blues. Come on out and meet the other families in your neighbourhood. It’s time to play ball!

David Tonken lives in Deep Cove on the Saanich Peninsula. He is a business consultant and volunteer director with the Peninsula Baseball and Softball Association.

March 2015 15

Spring Break Programs Ah, spring—a time of blossoms, breezes and Spring Break. There’s lots to do during the break as you’ll see from the following listing. For more information on any of these programs, please refer to the ads in this issue. Please refer to the Ad Index on page 45.

Have fun in the—dare we say it—sun!

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

Art Classes Drawing Painting • Sculpture Cartooning Portfolio Preparation • Day and Evening Classes • One or Two hour sessions • Technique Oriented • Ages 5 and Up

COMPLETE A PORTFOLIO COURSE – Ages 14 & Up, DESIGNED ESPECIALLY FOR YOU FOR ENTRANCE INTO: INTERIOR DESIGN, ARCHITECTURE, BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS, FASHION & MORE

Register Now for Ongoing Programs Artistic Statement Gallery & School of Fine Art Call Joan at 250-383-0566

www.artisticstatementgalleryandschool.com

16 Island Parent Magazine

Andrea’s Sew Easy. Are you looking for something different for your child to do during Spring Break? How about a Sewing Camp that they will treasure and enjoy for a lifetime? Andrea Bailey has been teaching children to sew from the age of seven, up to teens, for over 24 years! Small classes, maximum of 4. Camps are Monday to Friday, morning or afternoon. Call 250-592-7879 to sign up, or email at aseweasy@shaw. ca Testimonials at andreasseweasy.com.

Andrea teaches year round!

Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. Spring Classes and “Art Break” Camps are the ideal place for young people to explore visual culture, experiment with hands-on art making, and express their own creative vision! Students experience a full “art immersion” by visiting our exhibitions to inspire their own projects.

Register online aggv.ca/childrens-studio, in person at 1040 Moss Street, or call 250-3844171 ext 0. Registration begins at 10am on Saturday, February 28.

Boardworks Diving. Join one of Canada’s most successful springboard and platform diving clubs at Saanich Commonwealth Pool the Spring Break and learn how to dive in a fun and safe atmosphere. Boardworks OlymicGarten (5-9 yrs), FunDive (10-13 yrs), and Boardworks Jr (5-9 yrs) Diving Camps combine gymnastics and trampoline training with basic diving skills in the water for a fun introduction to diving. Visit boardworks.ca for more information or call us 250-479-0330.

Let your child experience everything you hope for them. Camp Pringle is more than just an amazing week of fun; our trained and screened leaders provide safe place for children to develop socially, mentally, physically and spiritually. Spring Break Camp for ages 7-12 at only $275 for three full days and nights with meals provided by

our dietary Chef Pat; you will love Camp Pringle. Visit camppringle.com for easy online registration or call 250-743-2189.

Christ Church Cathedral School’s Spring Break Program, “Lux Mundi,” provides a safe and exciting experience for your child.

We have a high supervision ratio, energetic and experienced staff, excursions every day, opportunities for new friendships and lots of laughs, plus all the facilities of Christ Church Cathedral School, including a full size gymnasium. Children learn and grow in a safe and enjoyable environment. The program runs from March 9-20. Spaces still available. Registration also open for summer 2015. Contact us at 250-383-5125 or email: luxmundi@cathedralschool.ca. cathedralschool.ca.

This Spring the City of Victoria offers a range of programs for everyone. Looking for ways to keep the kids busy and active over Spring Break? Try Adventure Camp or Girls Only Camp. There will be Spring Break Fun Swims everyday March 7-22 and Spring Break Toonie Skates Tuesdays, March 10 and 17, 1-3:30pm. Mom and Dad why not hire a personal trainer while the kids are in the pool? You can find more information on all our programs and services, as well as drop-in schedules, at victoria.ca/recreation or by calling 250-361-0732.

Four Seasons Musical Theatre Spring Break Camp, March 16th to March 20th. Come join us this March for Four Seasons Musical Theatre Spring Break Camp! Over the week we will teach the fundamental skills of stage acting, singing, and dancing as well as some skills for auditioning. Our goal is to foster confidence and success on the stage.

The camp will be held March 16-20th from 9am-4pm and are available for children 7-14 years old. For more details and registration visit our website fsmtheatre.ca. kidsinvictoria.com

Highland Pacific Golf Spring Break Camp.

Our camps are led by PGA of Canada Golf professionals with extensive experience teaching young golfers. Combine outdoor exercise with golf and learn the FUNdamentals and proper etiquette of the game.

Dress code: Shirts with sleeves, clean and tidy pants or shorts, and runners or golf shoes. What to bring? Snacks are provided each day; bring a water bottle and a jacket.

Visit highlandpacificgolf.com for more info, or see our ad on page 34.

The Nanaimo Museum is offering drop-in programs for children ages 5-12 during spring break. Admission is by donation and caregivers must be present for the duration of the program. The activities are from 1pm4pm and will take approximately one hour to complete. Monday, March 23: Blast from the Past; Tuesday, March 24: Coal Miner; Wednesday, March 25: Sail Away; Thursday, March 26: Chinatown; Friday, March 27: Shipwrecked.

Panorama Recreation Centre. Spring has sprung and we’re ready to have some fun!

With many exciting activities, Panorama has something for everyone this Spring Break. Try H2O Adventure camp, horseback riding or gymnastics. Blast off in our Mad Science camp or go for the gold with Sportball’s Soccer and Lacrosse Camp. Love to swim? We’ve got camps in the pool for kids ages 3-9 years. Try a bit of everything in our Sun-sational Camp, where you’ll play games and sports, do arts and crafts and a daily swim or skate. Live well, have fun! panoramarecreation.ca.

Recreation Oak Bay is your headquarters for Spring Break Camp fun! Join us at a variety of locations for themed activities, crafts, out-trips, swimming and more. Camps include, Sticks & Kicks, Around the World and Minion Mania! Have a blast at Oak Bay Recreation Centre with daily theme swims, fun on the ice or enjoy specialty, aquatic and sports camps. Check recreation. oakbay.ca or call 250-595-7946 to find the right camp for you!

Royal BC Museum. Aspiring shutterbugs can develop their skills by participating in a photography-inspired camp. Each weeklong session (Mar 9-13; Mar 16-20) will include a special visit from a Wildlife Photographer of the Year. Campers will learn about photo composition and storytelling, venture to Beacon Hill Park to capture dyIslandParent.ca

namic nature shots, explore the Royal BC Museum’s Natural History collection and have their work included in a mini-Wildlife Photographer of the Year inspired display.

No fancy camera needed, but campers need to be familiar with how their own camera works. royalbcmuseum.bc.ca Spring Break is coming and when students want to tackle something new and exciting, the Spring Break programs at St. Michaels University School offer plenty of ways for young people to be engaged and entertained.

From baking to sports to animation, holiday programs are diverse and engaging. The Passion Sports team also returns with more sell-out elite basketball camps. The Spring Break Programs at St. Michaels University School are open to all children in Victoria ages 5 to 17 and appeal to a wide range of interests. For information on any of these exciting programs, visit our website at smus. ca/spring or call 250-370-6120.

Spring is all about new beginnings… so don’t wait a moment longer to learn to play music! Playing an instrument is a richly rewarding lifetime asset. Now is the time to begin your musical journey at Tom Lee Music Learning Centre, where music is fun and learning is easy for all ages. www. tomleemusic.ca/learningcentre.

Victoria Conservatory World Music Explorers.

July 13-17 and/or July 20-24 for Ages 5-8.

This summer send your child on a musical adventure as they explore World Music through creativity, composition, movement and innovative technology. Discover the unique sounds of Brazil, Africa, Asia and beyond! We dance, sing, play instruments from around the world and use cutting-edge technology. Half-Day Camps 9am-noon or 1-4pm. Sign up online vcm.bc.ca/worldmusic-explorers or call 250-386-5311.

Spring Break fun at West Shore Parks & Recreation. Check out a variety of camps at Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre in Colwood and Centennial Centre in Langford.

Preschoolers will ‘Spring in to Action’ with camps for little chefs and mini performers.

Active Play and Sports camps offers school age kids a chance to get out and play, but if arts are more your thing check out Aspiring Artists, pottery and more. Visit westshorerecreation.ca or call 250-478-838 to register. West Shore Parks & Recreation, 1767 Island Highway, Victoria BC.•

Does your child have difficulty reading?

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

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

Brenda Osadchy 778-440-0997

totallearningservices2014@gmail.com

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

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

Gift certificates available!

631 Courtney St 250-384-BUGS (2847)

www.victoriabugzoo.com

March 2015 17

5 Reasons Jane Vermeulen

Why Your Family

Does Not A

Need a Pet

s a child, my family had many pets, including dogs, cats, house birds and chickens. We lived close to the beach so I also developed a love for both sea and land wildlife. Not surprisingly, I became a veterinarian. I am one of the few fortunate individuals who is able to live the childhood dream of savings animals. So, what I am about to write may be surprising to many readers: your family does not need a pet.

Several years ago, well before I had a child, I entered an exam room to provide a second opinion on a purebred puppy a pet owner had recently purchased. The owner already had one highmaintenance breed, so I was surprised to see that she was coming in with another puppy. She was also very pregnant and her toddler daughter was not thrilled to be accompanying her mom to the veterinary clinic. The puppy was clearly not healthy and would require surgical intervention to correct several of the congenital abnormalities. The owner then told me she was planning on showing and breeding the puppy. As she was talking, her daughter threw herself on the floor and began screaming. At the same time, the puppy started barking and urinated on the exam table. I started to sweat, my heart raced and the room started to spin as I imagined this woman’s life in the next few months with a puppy, newborn baby, active toddler and an older dog.

Once I had my son, I met so many parents who felt obligated to welcome a pet into their household. Families that did not have a pet already, but felt pressured to adopt a pet for the sake of their child. Literature states that pets will reduce allergies, increase your child’s compassion and teach responsibility. However, that assumes you have the emotional and financial ability to care for a pet, not to mention the lifestyle.

Right now, I have four cats and two chickens. Animals are my passion and my hobby. For many families, managing careers, childcare and elderly parents has created lives that border on chaos. A pet is intended to bring joy to a family, not just be another item added to an already lengthy “to-do” list.

18 Island Parent Magazine

kidsinvictoria.com

If you still wish for your child to be exposed to animals, there are numerous opportunities without the responsibilities of a family pet. I suggest the following:

Visiting family and friends with pets.

I no longer have a dog, but my son is lucky to have grandparents with dogs.

Failing that, offer to pet sit for friends who are vacationing. Consider it a trial for your family if you are thinking of introducing a pet.

1

Visit your local petting zoo.

In Victoria, we are fortunate enough to have the Beacon Hill Children’s Farm that allows children to interact with smaller farm animals. There are several other petting farms across Vancouver Island. Don’t forget to wash your hands afterwards!

2

K-11 Alternative School

Meet your meat!

Many people assume that as a veterinarian, I must be a vegetarian. I do eat meat, however, my husband and I made the decision to purchase primarily local meat.

We have asked the farmers if we can visit their farms to assess the conditions. My son is very young right now, so I am not sure how he will respond when he is older and begins to make the connection. But now he is being exposed to turkeys, pig and cows while we live in the city!

3

4. Allow your children to participate in ‘animal-based’ summer camps.

4

The SPCA and Wild Arc often run day camps that allow children to interact with suitable animals as well as learn animal care and animal welfare. You may discover that your child is old enough to help care for a pet in a meaningful way.

5

Remember to enjoy animals in their natural and urban environments.

We are surrounded by so much wildlife living on Vancouver Island. Over the summer, I took my son to Mount Washington and he was fascinated by the Whiskey Jack birds. Take time to discuss human and animal interactions. I do not allow my son to feed wildlife as it encourages inappropriate and unsafe behavior from wildlife. But, the expression on his face as he sees a new animal is enough interaction for me.

There may come a time when your family is ready to welcome a pet. When that time comes, the joys of a pet will far outweigh the time and cost required to provide proper care. Until then, enjoy your pet-free family and I hope to NOT see you in my exam room!

Jane Vermeulen is a wife, mother and veterinarian living in Victoria. Her days are spent either wrestling with her son or wrestling with an angry cat.

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

The joy of learning - naturally.

http://oakandorca.ca 250 383 6609

IslandParent.ca

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

March 2015 19

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

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

250 472 3546 www.puppetbooth.homestead.com

& The place online where parents and grandparents get information about their community for their family: G Y M

FALCON

GYMNASTICS Birthday Parties

G Y M

N Celebrate your birthday with us!

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

A

A S T I C S

40thsary

r Annive 2013 1973–

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

Book Early: 250-479-6424

#208 – 721 Vanalman Ave

(Broadmead & Royal Oak Area)

www.falcongymnastics.com

20 Island Parent Magazine

S T I C S

Read current and past issues of Island Parent Magazine.

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

Want to see what’s up today or this weekend? View our calendar of events.

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

Looking for that special something you had when you were a kid?

Check out our classified ads.

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

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

Enter our monthly and photo contests.

Come be part of our community at

www.kidsinvictoria.com

kidsinvictoria.com

Party Directory Home of Victoria’s Original Princess Party.

Magical

Whimsical

You’ll Flip Over Our Birthday Parties

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

Gymnastics

Birthday Parties Come Fly With Us!

250-383-FLIP

www.lionspridegymnastics.com Located in Langford

Party sizes up to 18 kids

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

250-889-9062

Optional character

Two certified instructors and a host Optional character

Gymnastics games and music

Par-T-Perfect

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

Free t-shirt

Optional character

Foam landing pit and 40' long trampoline

Optional character Optional character

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Party participants can win a FREE month

Available Sat & Sun Afternoons Corner of Store & Pembroke Optional character

www.victoriagymnastics.com

250-380-2442

Birthday Parties!

Funtime Inflatables

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250-474-0597

Vancouver Island’s #1 choice for party rentals

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

Call 250-370-7200

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

Call 250-595-SWIM (7946)

www.recreation.oakbay.ca

IslandParent.ca

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

www.funtimeinflatables.ca

March 2015 21

Nanaimo's downtown destination for Children’s Toys and Books Specializing in books for babies, toddlers, easy to read and kids to 12 years!

Playmobil, Brio & Thomas Trains, Folkmanis Puppets, Puzzles, Craft & Science Kits, Toys from Baby to Tween!

306–60 Commercial St, Nanaimo

250-714-0026

childtreehouse@hotmail.com

FREE PARKING, under the convention centre. Spots #80–91 for our customers.

Register Today!

March 16-19 Spring Break Camp July and August Summer Sleepover Camps Summer Day Camps CampPringle.com • 250-743-2189 • registrar@camppringle.com Under an hour from Swartz Bay with direct daily ferries to Mayne Island

Island hopping packages now available 9 housekeeping cottages perfect for family getaways

250-539-2463 • 1-877-535-2424 bluevista@bluevistaresort.com • www.bluevistaresort.com

Catch the Kye Bay Spirit

For an experience you’ll never forget!

• miles of safe sandy beaches • warm, safe swimming may–oct.

• explore the reef and tidepools • comfy seaside cottages • bed and breakfast

KYE BAY GUEST LODGE & COTTAGES Comox, BC, Vancouver Island www.kyebay.com 1-866-658-6131

22

Island Parent Magazine

Family Travel Best Holiday Stays offers vacation homes in Parksville, BC to meet all your holiday needs. Both Baker’s Beach Cottage and The Painter’s Nook are 3 bedroom 2 bathroom homes that are family and pet friendly is just on the outskirts of downtown. Young at Heart Cottage offers 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, is family friendly, and is just across the street from Rathtrevor Beach. Rates start at $135 per night.

Visit bestholidaystays.com or call 778679-0376.

Bring your family to Blue Vista Resort and start a new tradition. Located steps from Bennett Bay and the Gulf Island National Reserve with its beaches and shoreline walks on Mayne Island, this Tourism BC Approved Accommodation has been catering to families for over three decades. With nine individualized housekeeping cottages to choose from and a quiet lawn with barbecues, picnic tables and a children’s play area, this small family-run resort invites you to join a tradition many families have been enjoying for years. Cabins start at under $100/night. Visit bluevistaresort. com for rates and details.

Kye Bay Guest Lodge & Cottages has been a popular beach vacation spot since 1932. Kye Bay, located in the Comox Valley, offers miles of sandy beach with warm, safe, swimming May through Sept. The tidal pools are fun to wade in and explore, perfect for little ones. Hang out on the lawn or on the deck while the kids build a sand castle, skim board, or explore the beach for treasures. The cottages are rustic but updated, clean and comfy. The Lodge has many recent updates, come and

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enjoy our B&B, host a family reunion or special occasion. The cottages and the lodge all have fabulous views of the beach, ocean and mountains beyond.

Come join us for a vacation you will never forget! Toll Free 866-658-6131 or kyebay.com.

A celebration of the West Coast lifestyle, the Pacific Rim Whale Festival has been a huge success for 28 years! The 29th year will embody the festival’s core mandates to inspire, educate and entertain through workshops and events that focus on coastal traditions, talented artists, the unique local environment and the Spring return of the Grey Whale! With activities for all ages and interests, the festival will run for 9 days and feature over 50 events! pacificrimwhalefestival.com.

Park Sands Beach Resort is a familyoriented RV park and campground located downtown on the sandy shores of Parksville Bay beside the Community Park with its fabulous playground, water-spray park and BMX/skateboard park. Families have been coming here for generations to enjoy the wide expanse of sandy beach, the surrounding natural beauty, numerous recreation opportunities like hiking, biking and golf, and our central location, which makes for easy day trips to other Island destinations. parksands.com.

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

Spring Saver & Family Fun Family Fun Packages during Spring Break March 14 - 28, 2015 One or more nights stay in a family friendly accommodation kids stay & eat FREE* + $5 breakfast credit per adult + kid’s welcome amenity

Additional Spring Packages:

Spring Saver April 1 - May 31, 2015 | Easter Escape April 3 - 6, 2015 *some restrictions may apply

1155 Resort Drive, Parksville, BC

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

TIGH-NA-MARA.COM

Located in Parksville, Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort is an all season destination resort offering comfort and tranquility, handcrafted log accommodation units that are surrounded by 22 acres of forest nestled above 3 km of sandy beach and the warmest swimming waters in Canada. With family accommodation, two unique restaurants, an award winning spa, Free WIFI, indoor pool and fitness facilities plus the most extensive seasonal children’s recreational resort program on Vancouver Island, Tigh-Na-Mara is the natural choice or your next family getaway. tigh-na-mara.com. 1-800663-7373•

IslandParent.ca

March 2015 23

March 2015

Generously Sponsored by and

Family Calendar For calendar updates throughout the month visit kidsinvictoria.com SUN 1

SUN 8

Beginner’s Birding Basics at Island View Beach Regional Park. Discover why so many people are picking up binoculars and heading to the fields and forests in search of feathered fauna.

This program will introduce you to the basics of bird watching. Wear warm clothes and bring binoculars if you have them. Binoculars will be available for loan. Meet at the grassy area adjacent to the picnic shelter off Homathko Rd. 9:30am-noon. 12+ years. 250-478-3344. crd.bc.ca/parks.

What’s Up? Who’s Out? at Mill Hill Regional Park. Spring is here, and it’s time to head for the hills. Follow a CRD naturalist up Mill Hill, looking for early signs of spring along the way. Meet at the kiosk in the parking lot off Atkins Ave at 1pm. 5+ years. BC Transit #53. 250-478-3344. crd.bc.ca/parks.

WED 4 Financial Literacy for Youth: The Stock Market at Central Branch Library. Learn about money and personal finance in this by-youth, for-youth series featuring interactive activities and guest speakers. For ages 13-25. 7-8pm.

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

SAT 7 Celebrate Nettles at Francis/King Regional Park. Come celebrate spring with a walk with your family to explore for early spring greens such as nettles and other local treats. With a CRD Regional Parks naturalist, you will learn about stinging nettle’s many uses and benefits as well as how to harvest it, different ways to prepare it, and an opportunity to taste nettles. 5+ years. 1-3pm. $10/family + GST. Pre-registration required by March 6. Space is limited. 250-478-3344. crd.bc.ca/parks.

24 Island Parent Magazine

TUES 10 Splash, Bang, Whizz: Science is Fun! Listen to stories and participate in fun activities which will teach the scientific concepts behind the stories. For ages 3-5. 10:30-11:15am. Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

Mystery Creature at Mount Work Regional Park. Solve the riddles to find the clues hidden along the trail with a CRD Regional Parks naturalist. At the end, piece the puzzle together to discover who the mystery creature is. Meet in the Durrance Lake parking lot off Durrance Close, off Willis Point Rd at 1pm. 5+ years.

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

Story Buddies: Tween Volunteers at Juan de Fuca Branch Library. If you like working with children, enjoy stories, are a fluent English speaker, and want to help young children with early literacy skills, we need you! Story Buddies tween volunteers pair with young children aged 4-6 to make an original story book. The library provides the training and, upon completion, a letter outlining your volunteer hours. First-time

volunteers, please complete a Tween Volunteer Referral Form and make sure to register for a Story Buddies Training Session, too. For ages 10-12. 2:15-3:30pm. Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

WED 11 Animal Adventures at Francis/King Regional Park. Join a CRD Regional Parks naturalist on a family adventure, as you learn animal skills. Creep like a deer, jump like a cougar, and feel like a raccoon as we wind our way through the Francis/King forest. Meet at the Francis/King Nature Centre off Munn Rd at 1pm. 10 years and under. 250-478-3344. crd. bc.ca/parks.

THURS 12 Electronic Clicking Bugs at Central Branch Library. Assemble your very own electronic clicking bug. Decorate it, then let the sumo match or fashion show begin. Inspired by Makerspace Victoria. For ages 10-12. 2:303:30pm. Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940GVPL (4875) for more information.

FRI 13 Buzz about Bees at Francis/King Regional Park. A honey of a program fit for the royalty of the insect world. What’s the buzz about bees—are they really good dancers? Bee songs, bee crafts and some bee spit to taste. Join us and you’ll bee amazed, bee enchanted, and

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bee happy. Meet at the Francis/King Nature Centre off Munn Rd. 11am-2pm drop-in. All ages. 250-478-3344. crd.bc.ca/parks.

Story Buddies: Tween Volunteers at Bruce Hutchison Branch Library. See TUES 10 for details. For ages 10-12. 2:15-3:30pm. Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

Lego Stories at Sidney/North Saanich Branch Library. Use the library’s Lego to build your own creation. Explore a theme, and your creation will be displayed for the next two weeks. 5+ years. 3:15-4:15pm. Please register at 250-656-0944.

TUES 17 Stop, Look, Listen at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park. Use your senses to appreciate the wonders of the forest. Join a CRD Regional Parks naturalist and find what’s hidden on the “unnature trail”, meet a tree, and more. This is a great way for kids and adults to share nature together. Meet at the information kiosk in the Beaver Lake parking lot at 1pm. All ages. BC Transit #70 or #72. 250-478-3344. crd.bc.ca/parks.

SUN 15

Super Snakes at Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary.

Crafts, songs, and hands-on activities; fun for the whole family. Admission by donation.

Noon-3pm drop-in. 3873 Swan Lake Rd. 250-479-0211. swanlake.bc.ca.

Trail Tales at Coles Bay Regional Park. Find out how Raven tricked the Crow, where our Island chickadees came from, and much more with a CRD Regional Parks naturalist on this storyteller’s walk through the woods. Meet at the information kiosk in the parking lot off Inverness Dr at 1pm. All ages. 250-478-3344. crd.bc.ca/parks.

Storyteller Maggidah Shoshana Litman: The Wishing Well at Juan de Fuca Branch Library.

Celebrate World Storytelling Day with master storyteller Maggidah Shoshana Litman and be swept away with fun stories about what happens when you make wishes. For ages 5-8. 2:30-3:30pm. Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

MON 16

WED 18

Hooray for Hummingbirds at Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary. Crafts, songs, and hands-on activities; fun for the whole family. Admission by donation. Noon-3pm drop-in. 3873 Swan Lake Rd. 250-479-0211. swanlake.bc.ca.

Marvelous Mammals at Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary. Crafts, songs, and hands-on activities; fun for the whole family. Admission by donation. Noon-3pm drop-in. 3873 Swan Lake Rd. 250-479-0211. swanlake.bc.ca.

Electronic Clicking Bugs at Saanich Centennial Branch Library. See THURS 12 for details. For ages 10-12. 2:30-3:30pm. Register at gvpl. ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

Wilderness Skills for Youth at Thetis Lake Regional Park. What kind of plants are edible? What essentials do you need to survive in the wilderness? Learn the answers to these questions, along with CRD Regional Park naturalists as we explore the more remote areas of Thetis Lake. You will learn to identify edible plants, the ten wilderness essentials, and other skills needed for exploring further afield and leading groups in the outdoors. Prepare to be active and in forested areas. 13-18 years.

1-3pm. There is no fee for this program, but you must pre-register as space is limited. To reserve a spot, call 250-478-3344 by March 17.

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

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

Story Buddies: Tween Volunteers at Nellie McClung Branch Library. See TUES 10 for

TM

details. For ages 10-12. 2:15-3:30pm. Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

THURS 19 Gruffalo Puppet Show at Sidney/North Saanich Branch Library. A Gruffalo? What’s a Gruffalo? Walk into the deep dark woods with Mouse and find out all about the Gruffalo at our Spring Break puppet show. Suitable for all ages. 10:30-11:15am. Please call 250-6560944 to register.

Amazing Race at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park. Challenge yourself on this ‘skill-testing’ and fun jaunt through the forest. Drop by any time between 11am and 2pm and get the scoop from a CRD Regional Parks naturalist. Meet at the information kiosk in the Beaver Lake parking lot. All ages. BC Transit #70 or #72.

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

Marsh Madness at Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary. Crafts, songs, and hands-on activities; fun for the whole family. Admission by donation.

Noon-3pm drop-in. 3873 Swan Lake Rd. 250479-0211. swanlake.bc.ca.

Storyteller Maggidah Shoshana Litman: The Wishing Well at Esquimalt Branch Library.

See TUES 17 for details. For ages 5-8. 2:303:30pm. Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940GVPL (4875) for more information.

Story Buddies: Little Buddies at Oak Bay Branch Library. Make your own original book even if you can’t read or write yet! Story

With an inspiring selection of natural & organic items, we’re your destination for better food.

Customer Care at: 250.544.1234 or 1.800.667.8280 IslandParent.ca

March 2015 25

Buddies pairs young children with volunteer tweens for creative writing and illustration fun.

Your Big Buddy will write down your story and then you will illustrate it together. For ages 4-6. 2:30-3:30pm. Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

FRI 27

FRI 20

Fossil Fair at Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary. Who lived here millions of years ago?

Dinosaurs, trilobites, ammonites, enormous clams and sharks lived in the ancient tropical coral seas and palm tree forests that covered Vancouver Island. Paleontologists will share their personal fossil discoveries including many from this past year. Bring your family and your own fossils for identification. Kids can follow a scavenger hunt, or make fossil and dinosaur rubbings. 10am-4pm. Admission by donation. 3878 Swan Lake Rd. 250-479-0211. swanlake.bc.ca.

Spring Fling at Francis/King Regional Park.

Come and explore the sights, sounds and smells of spring. Join in the celebration with CRD Regional Parks naturalists for exhibits, crafts, activities—fun for the entire family.

There will be guided walks at 11:15am and 1pm. Meet at the Francis/King Nature Centre off Munn Rd. All ages. 11am-2pm drop in.

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

SAT 21 Salmon Saturday at Charters Interpretive Centre. There’s something fishy going on. Drop by between 11am and 2pm to check out the demonstration hatchery and the displays at the Centre with a CRD Regional Parks’ naturalist. Meet at the Charters Interpretive Centre off Sooke River Rd. 5+ years. 250-478-3344. crd.bc.ca/parks.

SAT 21 & SUN 22 Crafts for Tweens & Teens with Angel: Modern Macramé at Juan de Fuca Branch Library.

Learn basic macramé techniques and create your own simple macramé bracelet with Angel in this fun two-part workshop that won’t leave you tied up in knots. For ages 10-18. 2:30-4pm.

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

SUN 22 Ugh! A Slug! at Mill Hill Regional Park. Be it a banana or a licorice slug, stroll with a CRD Regional Parks’ naturalist to peek under fallen logs and leaves in search of these giant gastropods that are one of nature’s best recyclers.

Meet at the information kiosk in the parking lot off Atkins Ave at 1pm. All ages. BC Transit #53. 250-478-3344. crd.bc.ca/parks.

WED 25 Author Michelle Mulder: Every Last Drop: Bringing Clean Water Home at Oak Bay Branch Library. We turn on taps, but in some countries, children are responsible for finding and carrying home their family’s water. Join award-winning author Michelle Mulder as she shows how a simple question can grow into a fascinating non-fiction book or a novel. For Grades 4-6 and home learners of equivalent age. 10-11am. Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

Lego Stories at Sidney/North Saanich Branch Library. See FRI 13 for details. 5+ years. 3:154:15pm. Please register at 250-656-0944.

SAT 28 & SUN 29

SUN 29 Family Forest Tea Party at Francis/King Regional Park. Here’s an opportunity to bring the whole family along for a tea party in the woods.

Join a CRD Regional Parks naturalist for an interpretive tea tasting featuring some of our local plants. A short guided walk to see some of the plants growing in their native habitat will precede the tea-sampling. All ages. 1-3pm. $10/family + GST. Pre-registration required

by March 27. 250-478-3344. crd.bc.ca/parks.

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

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

Tinseltots Parent Babe Movie Matinees at the Odeon Theatre. Relax and don’t worry if your baby cries. Seat your baby on your lap or in a carseat on the seat beside you. Lowered volume for babies’ tender ears. Stroller parking in the theatre. Recommended for children under one year. Once a month on a Monday at 1pm. $5/ grownup. Subscribe to tinseltots@shaw.ca for information on date and movie to be shown.

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

CHILDREN Reading Buddies at Sidney/North Saanich Branch Library. Practice your reading with a

26 Island Parent Magazine

Big Buddy. Children in grades 2-4 are paired with teen volunteers to read books, play games and have fun. If your child would like to join the program, please fill out an application before March 16. Spring session meets on Tuesday afternoons, 4-5pm from April 7-May 12.

Lego Mania Challenge at Tillicum Centre.

Come for the 6th annual Tillicum Lego Mania Challenge March 14 & 15. Registration begins February 11. Over 100 contestants ages 5-14 will be showcasing their Lego masterpieces for a chance to win Lego prizes. The theme this year is “The Great Outdoors”. Meet Lego Certified professional, Robin Sather, and watch him build a giant Lego outdoor scene.

Children under 14 who are not contestants will have a chance to try out the mini build area. The Victoria Lego Users Group (VicLUG) will also be on hand with some of their fun Lego creations. Prizes will be awarded for the top three entries for ages 5-8 years, and 9-14 years 2pm, Sunday, March 15th. Come to the lower level of Tillicum Centre during regular mall hours to see an exciting Lego exhibit. tillicumkids.com.

PBSA 2015 Spring Season Registration. Late 2015 Spring Registration continues, but with no guarantee of a roster spot now that official registration has ended, so don’t delay in getting registered for the upcoming season. If you have any questions about registration, contact the registrar at registrar@pbsa.ca. pbsa.ca.

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

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

PBSA 2015 Spring Season Registration. Late 2015 Spring Registration continues, but with no guarantee of a roster spot now that official registration has ended, so don’t delay in getting registered for the upcoming season. If you have any questions about registration, contact the registrar at registrar@pbsa.ca. pbsa.ca.•

kidsinvictoria.com

Around the Island

Visit IslandParent.ca for these and other events and resources for families from Cowichan Valley north to Campbell River and west to Tofino MON 1 Parksville Lion’s and Save-on-Foods Free Family Skate at Oceanside Place Arena. Children must be accompanied by an adult 19 years or older. 12:45-1:45pm. 250-248-3252. rdn. bc.ca/recreation.

TUES 3 Dad’s Night Out Free Skate Night at Oceanside Place Arena. Bring the kids and enjoy a free skate together on the pond. Sponsored by Building Learning Together. 6:30-7:30pm.

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

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

SAT 6 School’s Out Everyone Welcome Skate at Oceanside Place Arena. School is out, but skating is in. 1:30-3pm. Regular admission rates. 250-248-3252. rdn.bc.ca/recreation.

SAT 7 Lunch for a Bear at Bowen Park Upper Picnic Shelter. The bears are just coming out of hibernation and are hungry after a long winter’s sleep. Learn what they eat, where they live, and how to make sure that they do not come visit us and what to do if you see one. 10-11am. $8/person. 250-756-5200.

SUN 8 Parksville Lion’s and Save-on-Foods Free Family Skate at Oceanside Place Arena. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 12:451:45pm. 250-248-3252. rdn.bc.ca/recreation.

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

MON 16 – FRI 26 Spring Break Swims at Ravensong Aquatic Centre. Leaders will be leading different games and theme-based activities on March 16, 18, 20, 24 and 26 from 1:30-4pm. Everyone welcome. Prizes will be awarded, and there will be fun for all ages/abilities for the young

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and young at heart. 250-752-5014. rdn.bc.ca/ recreation.

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

WED 18 Extreme No-Sweat Speaking at Oceanside Place Arena. Are you afraid to speak in front of a crowd? There’s a cure for that! Hosted by the Arbutus Toastmasters this half-day workshop can help you develop your presentation and leadership skills in a fun, friendly environment.

9am-1pm. $10/person. 250-248-3252 to preregister. rdn.bc.ca/recreation.

FRI 20 Youth Employment Workshop at Parksville Career Centre. Come join the Career Centre staff for a tailored employment workshop in the morning, followed by a Career Centre tour in the afternoon. Free with pre-registration.

9am-3pm. 250-248-3252 to pre-register. rdn. bc.ca/recreation.

SAT 21 Water Safety Survival Day at Nanaimo Aquatic Centre. Displays, water rescue challenges and fun activities for the entire family. 2-5pm.

250-756-5200.

THURS 26 ”Frozen” Skate at Oceanside Place Arena.

Skating, crafts and games all based on the “Frozen” movie. 1-3pm. Regular admission, all ages welcome. 250-248-3252. rdn.bc.ca/ recreation.

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

ONGOING PRESCHOOL Parent and Tot Drop-in at the HUB at Cowichan Station. Come for songs, organized

games, and free play with balls, parachutes and more. This is a wonderful opportunity for parents and young children to connect with other families in the community. Free. For more information, email kids@cowichanstation.org.

LaFF at the Aggie. A safe play-based learning environment for families and caregivers with children newborn-6. Reading centre, craft area, Brio train station, and snack table. Indoor toy riding area. Monday to Friday, 9:30am-noon and Thursdays 12:15-1:45pm. $2 suggested donation per family (punch cards available).

250-210-0870, laffexecutivedirector@shaw. ca, www.familyandfriends.ca.

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

Adventures in Early Literacy at the Ladysmith Resource Centre. A parent-child, fun-filled program designed for children ages 3-5 years.

Learn and have fun doing crafts, games and singing. A book is read, lunch and snacks are provided. 9:45-noon. Space is limited, so call 250-245-3079 to get on the list. 630 2nd Ave.

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

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

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

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

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

250-245-6424. www.ladysmith.ca.•

March 2015 27

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

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Island Parent Magazine

ads, you may think you’re pretty tough, pretty emotionally ready for whatever may come your way as a parent. Let me assure you: you are not. Once you make it through the chaos of the baby years—when sleep is at a premium and everyone’s nerves are frayed—and you think that things are going a bit smoother, you have sentences like this dropped at you, like a casual atomic bomb: “It sounds like she’s having a tough time at school, socially. She told me she just walks around the school by herself at lunch.”

Words spoken to me by my wife just the other night about our daughter. These two sentences actually brought me an incredible amount of pain. Attempting to be the stoic strong voice of, ahem, reason, I mumbled out a vague “I’m sure it’ll pass and she’ll be fine”—words I do half believe.

But the other half of me realized how she must feel at noon, wandering around the school, avoiding eye contact, blood sugar a bit low from not eating as much as she should have, and I felt real agony. Yes, I’m sure it will pass and she will be fine. Or, maybe it won’t and the incredible shyness will continue and we will need to do our best as parents to teach her to embrace the shyness, not try to get rid of it as if it’s some kind of illness.

Either way, no matter the end outcome or what it’ll be like in three years or 10 years or 30 years, I couldn’t stop putting myself in her shoes, thinking of my girl walking around the school at lunchtime by herself.

For a brief, fleeting half-moment, I considered finding myself walking past her school at lunch the next day to see what was going on, so fixated on this was I.

250-592-7879

or email aseweasy@shaw.ca

kidsinvictoria.com

Of course, I didn’t. That’d be totally weird and kinda psychotic of me. You do need to let things work themselves out at some point, and lesson number two for today is that your kid’s life works itself out without you sometimes, and that’s hard as hell, too.

You’re not there to tell them to not worry about other people, or to believe in themselves. You’re just not always next to your child as they go through life, and that hurts.

So, yeah, when my wife told me about our daughter, I played it cool, sliding into (the, admittedly, problematic) tough-guy-dad mode, acting as if no problem is too huge that it won’t just work itself out sooner or later. And I do actually half believe that. But

Dadspeak GREG PRATT the reality is instead of moving on to the next topic of conversation, my mind was already walking around the school with my girl, wondering what was going through her mind, wondering where she averted her gaze, wondering how she reacted if anyone said her name. Was her heart pounding? Was she sweating? I realized that my heart was pounding, and that I was sweating.

Empathy is a killer when you’re a dad, and until you know the sting of wondering exactly how your little one is going through whatever pain they’re going through out there in the world alone it’s a tough one to describe. Just be ready for it, and know that it hurts like nothing else.

Anyway, as it turned out, the next day she was back playing with her friends at lunch again. I asked her, casually, that night so I could find out what happened that day, bracing myself for her answer, very pleasantly surprised as she listed off the friends she was with, playing her lunchtime games. So, here’s another lesson, dads: things change fast with kids. Try not to worry so much, okay? At this rate, you’re going to give yourself a heart attack.

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.

Matinees for KIDS! March 7 & 8 The Fantastic Mr. Fox

Saturdays & Sundays at 1pm

March 10, 11, 12, 14 & 15 Disney’s Big Hero 6 March 17, 18, 19, 21 & 22 Guardians of the Galaxy March 28 & 29 Into the Woods

cinecenta

.com

Student Union Building, UVIC | 721-8365

Emmanuel Preschool

Emmanuel Preschool

2121 Cedar Hill Cross Road (by entrance to UVic)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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New Kids Dentist

Dr. Anita Gadzinska-Myers

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

Special Services:

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

Victoria Pediatric Dental Centre g We’re Movin

New Location: 205–1830 Oak Bay Ave

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All Seats $4.75

250-383-2133 March 2015 29

Eating Well at Work Healthy Families, Happy Families

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

250-519-5311 250-539-3099

(toll-free number for office in Saanichton)

Peninsula Saanich Saltspring Island Sooke Victoria West Shore

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

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

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

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

www.viha.ca/prevention_services/

30 Island Parent Magazine

E

ating well at work can be challenging for many working parents. Rushed mornings, shift work, missed lunch breaks and workplace celebrations can all lead to unhealthy food choices.

Whether you have a nine-to-five job or work shifts, eating well at work can help boost your concentration, productivity and energy level. It can also improve your overall health and well-being. March is National Nutrition Month and here are some tips from the Dietitians of Canada to help inspire you to make healthy eating at work the easy choice.

• Keep workplace events and common areas free of treats. Put out a bowl of fresh fruit instead and take turns refilling it.

• Don’t offer food at meetings. If you do, order better choices such as plain water, salads and wraps filled with veggies and protein like chicken, cheese, eggs or legumes.

Healthy Families, Happy Families C hild Y outh & Family Pu blic Health

JANE BARCLAY, JANELLE HATCH & JUSTINE WARDLE

Rushed Mornings Did you know that almost 40 per cent of Canadians skip breakfast? Breakfast gives your body and mind fuel to start the day.

A good breakfast can help you to focus and stay alert. When you skip breakfast, you may also miss out on some big health benefits such as less snacking, improved weight and appetite control, and better intake of key nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, potassium and fibre.

For most Canadians, time is the biggest obstacle to eating a healthy breakfast. You can beat the morning rush by planning and preparing breakfast in advance. Choose foods that are easy to grab ‘n’ go such as: • A home-baked whole-grain muffin, fresh fruit and a low-fat latte in a travel mug • A sliced hard-boiled egg, tomato and lettuce in a pita • A green smoothie made with frozen fruit, milk, plain yogurt and a handful of kale or spinach

The Workplace At work, you may be faced with many challenges that short-circuit your healthy eating goals. Meetings, celebrations or treats in the lunchroom can all cause you to overeat and make unhealthy food choices.

There are many ways to make your work environment a healthier place for you and your co-workers. Here are some ideas: • Celebrate everyone’s birthday together once a month. Did you know the average company of 100 staff adds eight slices of cake a month simply by celebrating each person’s birthday?

If you keep snacks at your desk, choose healthy foods like fresh or dried fruit, plain nuts or trail mix. Store foods in a drawer or cabinet so they are out of sight.

Lunchtime Packing a lunch is a healthy and budgetfriendly habit, yet only 37 per cent of Canadians do it on a daily basis. Many parents pack a lunch for their children, but don’t pack one for themselves.

A packed lunch doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming to prepare.

Make the most of your lunch break by trying these tips: • Pack lunches the night before.

• Keep it simple. Reheat leftovers such as soups, casseroles and stir-fries.

• Get up from your desk. Eating at your desk can lead to overeating.

• Take your time to eat your lunch.

If you choose to eat out, look for healthier food choices like grilled, broiled or steamed options, salads with dressing on the side, half portions and extra veggies instead of fries.

Avoid the Mid-Day Slump Snacking can be healthy if you’re hungry between meals. Choose small portions of nutrient-rich foods to keep you feeling energized and satisfied. Nutritious snacks include a piece of fruit and a handful of nuts, whole grain crackers with cheese, cottage cheese and fruit or veggies with hummus.

kidsinvictoria.com

Feeling a little tired in the afternoon? Here are some tips to avoid the mid-day slump: • Get moving! Stand up, do a few stretches or go for a power walk.

• Drink water to stay alert.

• Avoid excessive amounts of caffeine.

Caffeine can lead to sleep loss, the jitters, stomach upset and increased heart rate.

Many specialty coffee drinks are also loaded with calories, fat and sugar.

• Set your phone or computer to alert you to drink water and get up and move often.

Get hopping and book your mini-session with live bunnies today!

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Commuter Cravings Do you have a long commute? Before you head home from work, grab a healthy drink. Staying hydrated will help you feel refreshed and can help fight the munchies.

Sip on water, plain milk or decaffeinated coffee or tea. Caffeine can stay in your body for up to eight hours making it difficult to fall asleep at the end of your work day.

If you need a bite to tie you over until your next meal, pack portable and flavourful snacks that will hold in your lunch bag until the end of your workday: • Fruit and vegetables like an apple, grapes or carrot sticks • A small handful of trail mix with whole grain cereal, dried fruit, nuts and seeds • A homemade whole grain muffin • Roasted chickpeas and popcorn

Please call for more information

Colleen Boak 250-590-3506

www.roysphoto.com facebook.com/roysphoto

Shift Work Are you among the 30 per cent of Canadians who work shifts? Shift work can affect your body’s natural “internal clock” which controls your appetite and hunger. If you work nights, it may also be difficult to find healthy food and drinks in your workplace.

Before you start your shift, eat your main meal of the day. Pack a small meal, snacks and water to enjoy during your shift.

If you’re in a pinch and need to use a vending machine, reach for better choices such as fresh fruit, cheese and crackers, whole grain granola or cereal bars, nut, seeds and trail mix. Choose plain water, milk or fortified soy beverages over sugary drinks.

Learn More For more tips and tools on healthy eating at work, visit Dietitians of Canada, dietitians.ca.

Jane Barclay, Janelle Hatch and Justine Wardle are Registered Dietitians with Island Health.

Join Boardworks March 16 - 20 and learn how to dive!

Try our one week Spring Break diving camps at Saanich Commonwealth Place for children age 5 - 12.

OlympicGarten Camps for 5 - 8 year olds or FunDive Camps for 9 - 12 year olds.

FSMT Spring Break Camp March 16th to March 20th

Come join us this March for Four Seasons Musical Theatre Spring Break Camp! Over the week we will teach the fundamental skills of stage acting, singing, and dancing as well as some skills for auditioning. Our goal is to foster confidence and success on the stage. The camp will be held March 16–20th from 9am–4pm and is available for children 7–14 years old.

For more details and registration visit

www.fsmtheatre.ca IslandParent.ca

March 2015

31

Boning Up on Broth

B

eware the triumphant trumpeting of the trend tortoise, that person who, six to 24 months into a new (or newly resurgent) fad or notion, jumps in with both feet and firmly plants their flag.

This person is the one who is most fervent in renunciation of former practices, most evangelical in spreading the word, most passionate about whole-heartedly endorsing the entire practice. This person is me, your friendly neighbourhood columnist, on a relatively consistent basis. I am not alone, by any means, and the trend-trains that I am whole-heartedly jumping on are all about good. I just wish that I was ahead of the curve, just once.

Ah well, such is life, and this brings me to the wonders of bone broth, or stock, or whatever you and your grandmothers have been calling it for years. We always knew that it was good for you—a rich, fragrant

mug of savoury goodness poured into a big mug and sipped at slowly, but knowing isn’t the same as spouting facts to convince the doubters. New York now has trucks selling cups of bone broth to eager passersby—not something that Granny would have recognized, but an official stamp of trendiness, which explains my enthusiasm for the whole thing.

Bone broth is made by simmering bones for many hours, even days—tougher bones such as beef bones take longer to break down. The lengthy cooking process brings out more of the nourishing properties from the bones, breaking them down and releasing quantities of collagen and gelatin, and minerals such as calcium and phosphorus into the liquid. These all work together to help our bodies heal more quickly, to maintain healthy bones, and to keep our stomach happy. The nutrients offered by

broth are easy to digest—easier by far than pills, powders and supplements—which is restful for our often overly stimulated guts.

The broth is simple to prepare, and gives the additional benefit of a house that smells like a home while the bones are simmering away. When finished, the broth can be used

Just Eat It! KatHY hUmPhREY whenever a recipe calls for stock, broth or boullion, as well as sipped au naturelle for a quick pick-me-up, added to smoothies or energy drinks, used as a base for rice, porridge, or polenta. Get creative! There are two basic methods of preparing stock—white and brown. There are no right or wrong ways to prepare stock, and no wrong ingredients; it’s as stress-free to prepare as it is to enjoy when it’s all done.

Check Out Our NEW

Island Parent Teens Island Parent Teens is filled with valuable information, insights and resources, along with words of wisdom/frustration/elation and support.

You’ll find articles on the value of volunteering, getting your teen to talk, the truth about social media, teen sexuality and youth health and safety.

Island Parent Teens is available at rec centres, libraries, schools, health units and most places you pick up Island Parent.

32

Island Parent Magazine

kidsinvictoria.com

White Broth 5 pounds bones (this style of preparation is more commonly used with fish or poultry bones—you can use the leftover carcass from a roast chicken or turkey, as well) 2 Tbsp cider vinegar (optional: this is added to help draw minerals from the bones, but some find the taste too tangy) 1 onion, peeled and quartered 3 carrots, scrubbed or peeled (if not grown organically) and cut into chunks 3 stalks celery, broken into rough chunks 3 cloves garlic 1" piece of fresh ginger, peeled (optional) several stalks fresh parsley ground black pepper, to taste

5 pounds assorted bones (beef, lamb, pork, turkey wings, chicken backs) 1 onion, peeled and quartered 2 large carrots, scrubbed or peeled 3 stalks celery, washed and broken into chunks 2 Tbsp coconut oil 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar, optional 2 bay leaves 2 Tbsp black peppercorns Preheat oven to 425˚F. Place bones and vegetables in oven-proof pan (use your stockpot if it fits in the oven). Drizzle coconut oil and vinegar over, if using. Roast, tossing occasionally, for 30–40 minutes.

Transfer to stockpot (unless already there).

Add bay leaves and peppercorns, and cover all with generous amounts of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Simmer for anywhere from 12–48 hours. Cool, strain, and either refrigerate to use within one week, or freeze for later use.

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

IslandParent.ca

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Place all ingredients into a large stockpot, or crockpot. Cover generously with water.

Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.

Allow to simmer for 4–24 hours, noting that after 24 hours the chicken bones will be largely dissolved. Let cool, and then strain broth. Use as you would like, or keep in the fridge for about a week, or freezer for longer.

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March 2015 33

Series to Sink Your Teeth Into

S

ometimes one book just isn’t enough.

I love finding a series and an author that my boys and I love and can look forward to reading again, and seeing how the characters grow and change from book to book. Over the years we have found several series that we love. I find this especially wonderful as my kids get older and pickier with what they will read (okay, only my oldest is really like this). If I can find a book that really hooks him and there are several more in the series it is like a jackpot.

It means I get a couple of months without him saying that he doesn’t have anything to read, and moaning that he doesn’t like the books piled on his bedside table. A few of our successes include:

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

Take a swing at our Spring Break Camps: Juniors aged 9-14 March 9-13 & March 16-20 1pm-4pm daily $139 Bantam aged 5-9 March 9-13 & March 16-20 9am-12pm daily $139 No Clubs? No problem. Visit our website for more details. www.highlandpacificgolf.com

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250-478-4653

34

Island Parent Magazine

It took me months, perhaps even years, to talk my kids into trying Atermis Fowl.

There was something about the opening that didn’t appeal to them. But finally they gave it a shot and we hadn’t even reached the final chapter of the first one when they were begging to get the second book. Artemis is a child genius who also happens to have an aptitude for criminal activity. It is a fantasybased story that introduces readers to a host of fairies and other creatures. The story is peppered with a spectrum of wonderful characters that readers will come to adore.

There are witty one-liners throughout the

story that keep readers engaged. This series is suitable for the entire family.

Maze Runner by James Dashner.

This series is for readers who like actionpacked, adrenaline stories. There isn’t a chapter that doesn’t leave readers gasping

Book Nook PaISLeY aIKeN to find out what happens next. Dashner is a master of suspense. While the books aren’t heavy on character development, humour, or rich in description, they spin a good yarn.

This might appeal to kids who don’t think they like reading or who don’t think they have the patience for it. The protagonist is a young boy, Tom, who wakes up in a cage on a large field surrounded by a huge maze that traps a group of boys within. The boys have no memory of their lives outside the maze and are struggling to find a way out and a way to understand why and how they are there. There is a lot of violence, but it is mostly against mechanical beings called Grievers. The next book is even more gruesome and nail biting and there is a movie for those who can’t get enough.

yoou you

Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan

a place where

Percy is not new so may be familiar, but if he isn’t you have a treat to look forward to. This is a very well-written series that is plot driven but also has some wonderfully crafted characters, from magical creatures to strong heroines. The books will also happen to give kids a crash course in Greek mythology without them even realizing it.

The series starts with Percy at twelve years old discovering that he is a demigod, the son of Poiseidon. Percy has always struggled to fit in. He has dyslexia and a host of behavioural issues that he can’t quite control until he discovers that he isn’t an average ’tween at all. He spends the summer at a camp for demigods and discovers that there is a prophecy that seems to be determining his future. The series is suitable for any kids who enjoy Harry Potter. It can be intense but isn’t overloaded with violence and while there is a hinting at romance there is nothing explicit. There is a movie, but it doesn’t do the book justice.

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Cherub by Robert Muchamore This was one of those series that I wasn’t altogether sure I should be allowing my son to read. It has subject material way too mature for his eleven-year-old self, and gets more and more intense as the series goes.

However, with a host of cousins reading and discussing it, I thought he was being exposed already and really…he needed a summer book. The story is based on a group of orphans who are trained and hired as spies for a division of the British Secret Service. On the positive the 12 books absorbed my son for weeks. At times it was almost impossible to get him off the couch to do anything but read. He went into crisis mode if there was any overlap in time between ending a book and getting the next. So, I let him read on.

However, as the characters in the books get older, so does the subject material (cocaine trafficking, sex trade trafficking, tsunamis and romance) so consider yourself warned.

The Cherub series have sold over eight million copies and have gained positive reviews around the world. There are rumours of a film. If your child loves books that are filled with fast paced, page turning, can’t read fast enough kind of stories, this will likely hook them, but it may lead to some eyes opening that you’d prefer to stay shut for a time.

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

IslandParent.ca

It’s Spring Break @ Panorama Recreation NEW Wibit Infltable!

Check them out during our Everyone Welcome swims.

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Sun-sational Spring Break Camp Sportball Multi-Sport Camp Soccer & Lacrosse Camp with Sportball Falcon Gymnastics Camp Mad Science 3, 2, 1 Blast Off! Mad Science Secret Agent in the Field

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Horseback Riding Camp Creative Craft & Splash Camp H2O Adventure Camp Lifesaving Camp (Bronze Medallion & Cross)

www.panoramarecreation.ca March 2015 35

Anything You Say Early Care and Learning Programs for Preschoolers Our mission: to provide high quality, accessible early care and learning experiences in a

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Nurturing Registering Playful r fo Now r Environment Septembe • Licensed programs for 3 and 4 year olds • Part – time, flexible scheduling • 2.5 & 4 hour programs • Competitive rates, subsidy available • Qualified Early Childhood Educators Located at Saanich Neighbourhood Place, in Pearkes Recreation Centre For more information contact Saanich Neighbourhood Place 250-360-1148 ext 101 Corinne@snplace.org Saanichneighbourhoodplace.com

Welcome to Parenthood

Two Solo Comedy Shows in Repertory

Hello Baby!

Written and performed by Lucas Myers

March 17-22 Malaspina Theatre at VIU

“Meyers is brilliant!” -

Globe and Mail

Come see the second comedy!

Mature Content.

Age 18+

Mamahood: Turn and face the strange Written and performed by Nicolle Nattrass

TICKETS $15-28 Buy tickets for both shows and save: porttheatre.com | 250-754-8550 36 Island Parent Magazine

A

t some point in your parenting career, you come to the uncomfortable realization that you no longer enjoy the right to free speech. This has nothing to do with liberty and everything to do with the simple fact that children are now in your life, listening to everything—and I mean everything—you say. One would think this would be obvious from the start, but kids are so subtle that the confusion is understandable. You start out living with a tiny creature who needs cuddles and clean diapers, and is not likely to engage in conversation. Taken in by your baby’s seeming disinterest, you carry on speaking as usual, giving little thought to censorship, because hey, how much is a baby really listening to anyway?

In the meantime, your child is mentally storing every innuendo and inappropriate joke, until one day, out of the blue, he or she repeats a phrase you dearly wish they hadn’t overheard.

No one can be sure exactly when this begins, but a parent can never be too careful.

You see, children are like little sponges. But free from the constraints of social niceties, they are likely to say anything, to anyone, at any time. This leads to a high probability that they will repeat the worst things they have overheard you say, to the most easily offended person, at the worst possible time.

In other words, anything you say can and will be used against you.

For me, this revelation came when my young son called his unsuspecting grandmother a most unsavoury word—used in a sentence which was neither sensical nor grammatically correct, which he delivered with a lisp and the sweetest expression imaginable. This was my first clue that my sporadic use of a certain word, which I generally reserved for only the most dire situations—traffic mishaps and badly stubbed toes, mainly—was nevertheless having a profound effect.

Swear words are the obvious offenders, but you can get into trouble with the most innocuous conversations. Children, as yet unlearned in the ways of witty banter, take you at your word and interpret everything literally. This is why sarcasm, metaphor, similes, and puns are all best avoided. Hyperbole is especially risky. And don’t even think about trying a limerick. You must simply find a less-offensive-if-repeated-or-misinterpreted way to say things. For example:

Instead of: “Seriously, she’s the size of a house!” Try: “The baby in her tummy is growing very big.”

Instead of: “Don’t answer—she will talk my ear off!” Try: “Grandma likes to talk to me!”

Instead of: “He is being a giant baby.” Try: “Daddy is nervous about going to the dentist.”

Is There an App for This?

SARAH MILLIGAN Instead of: “%&$*#, that was a red light!” Try: “Oops!”

Above all, do not, under any circumstances, consider sharing your honest opinion with your child. Up all night between your teething baby and the neighbour’s yapping puppy? However tempting, do not mutter aloud what you’d truly like to do to the dog—unless, that is, you would enjoy hearing your preschooler inform your elderly neighbours of your plans to ship their Schnauzer to Timbuktu. Or worse.

When it comes down to it, your basic goal is to never say anything out loud that you wouldn’t mind your child repeating. This can take awhile to get used to, but luckily, it is quite easy to determine whether or not a particular phrase is appropriate. Simply close your eyes and imagine hearing your child shout it at the top of his or her lungs in a highly embarrassing public place—such as the family change room at the pool, or the library.

With practice, your language will eventually become so boring and parentlike that your children will tune you out completely—which is the goal of the entire process. Then, and only then, can you begin to slowly re-introduce bits of clever adult conversation. Because, after all, by the time you have mastered this they will be teenagers, and they’ll be the ones teaching you the coarse language.

Sarah Milligan lives on Vancouver Island.

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

Family-Friendly Cowichan Valley & Mid-Island Friends...

Life is better at the pool with them!

Cowichan Aquatic Centre 2653 James Street 250.746.7665

Now Register & Buy Maintain Passes Online www.northcowichan.ca

IslandParent.ca

SPRING BREAK ACT I VI T I ES • Monday, March 23 Blast from the Past • Tuesday, March 24 Coal Miner • Wednesday, March 25 Sail Away • Thursday, March 26 Chinatown • Friday, March 27 Shipwrecked!

1:00pm - 4:00pm

Admission by donation ~A FESTIVAL Nanaimo Event~

www.nanaimomuseum.ca

March 2015 37

know you could do better, things that are important to your family values and to your children’s health and well-being.

2. Adjust as necessary. When you feel guilty about something that needs to be

Parent Guilt

C

hances are you have managed to find at least one thing to feel guilty about since your baby was born. The various sources of guilt in the early days of parenthood can rob us of enjoying the moments with our little ones. In talking to other parents, I have realized that we all struggle with feelings of guilt from time to time.

Although guilt can have a positive role in helping us do our best, we need to learn to let go of excessive guilt so that we can be our best. A guilty conscience can bring you down mentally, physically and spiritually, and can affect every person in your family.

If we get caught up in the guilt, we can end up feeling like we are not doing a good job or that we are not good enough parents for our sweet babies.

The abundance of child-rearing advice out there can make your job as a parent easier, but at the same time, harder. While it is great that all this information is available, it sometimes ends up putting a lot of pressure on parents to have all the answers and to attempt to live up to unattainable

ideals. Ease up on yourself a little bit! Robin Grille, psychologist and author of Parenting for a Peaceful World urges all parents to redefine what a “good parent” is. “It is not so much about how often we get it right for our children, it is not about not making mistakes,” he writes. “Good parenting is about a willingness to acknowledge our errors and our lapses in empathy openly, and to be humble enough to apologize when necessary. Also, it is about maintaining an ongoing commitment to learning, healing and growing. If we enjoy our children for who they are and avoid taking ourselves too seriously, this goal is well within our grasp.”

Give yourself a break from guilt, starting right now. Recognize and let go of the unrealistic expectations you may have of yourself, take steps to change the things you can, accept those you cannot and enjoy those precious moments. Here is how to wrestle with the issues behind the guilt we face as parents: 1. Consider if your feelings of guilt are nestled in truth. These are the things you

New Parent Pages Diana Hurschler, BScN changed, do not dwell on it. Change it. It is important to remember that things do not change overnight. Take a step back and think, “Am I moving forward?” If you see that you have started those changes, even in the smallest ways, you are on the right track and there is no need to dwell on what is not perfect.

3. Recognize when guilt is brought on by unrealistic expectations. As a parent, it is hard not to feel you are always falling short of your own expectations—you may feel like your cooking is not good enough, your home is not tidy enough, you are not spending enough time with your partner.

Sometimes we feel guilty because we have

Summer Camps - Day, Overnight & Leadership Spaces available. Programs run from 5 to 19 days in length.

Financial Assistance is available through our Strong Kids campaign.

For details:

victoriay.com/campthunderbird

YMCA-YWCA

For more info:

registration@victoriay.com 250.413.8859 JOB #YOGV-16718 CLIENT: YMCA-YWCA OF GREATER VICTORIA PUBLICATION: ISLAND PARENT INSERTION DATE: TBD SIZE: 7.125" X 2.125" PREPARED BY: ECLIPSE CREATIVE INC. @ 250-382-1103

EFFECTIVE APRIL 1, 2015

Enjoy smoke-free outdoor public spaces in your municipality.

• Parks • Public Squares • Playgrounds • Playing Fields As well as a 7 metre smoke-free buffer zone around: • Windows • Bus Stops • Air Intakes • Doorways For more information: www.crd.bc.ca or www.viha.ca/news Or contact: 250-360-1450 or CleanAirBylaw@viha.ca

Clean Air Bylaw 3962

38 Island Parent Magazine

kidsinvictoria.com

unrealistic expectations of ourselves and this is a dangerous path to follow, because no matter how hard you try, it will not make you happy. During those early overwhelming days of parenthood, it is important to be realistic: if at the end of your day you and your baby are fed, happy and healthy, that is a big success. If you have done a load of laundry or put dinner on the table, that is a bonus.

4. Avoid comparing ourselves to other people or situations. Be who you are, and do not allow someone else to dictate what kind of parent you should be or in what activities you should be involved in. We were all created completely unique, so when we try to be something we are not, we will always be unhappy. There is no reason to feel guilt, because that is not who we are.

The key is to remember that there truly is no right way to raise a child, and that every baby and family is different so there are no cookie-cutter answers. Trust yourself to make the right choices for your child and family and that you are doing the best you possibly can.

5. Question if your guilt is founded on things that really matter. There is so much in the world we could feel guilty about, but most of it is unnecessary. Think about why you are feeling guilty. Do the results have serious negative and problematic outcomes?

In the big scheme of everything that goes on in life, does it really make a difference?

We need to learn to let go of the little things so we can have the energy to take care of and change the things that really matter. If you did not have time to do the laundry or your child had to miss music class, let it go.

Sometimes the day gets away from us or unexpected things happen that change the direction of our day. If you learn to let go of those things that do not matter, you and your family will be happier for it.

So often we give credit to our guilt by thinking that it is a sign that we are not doing something right. But, more often than not, it comes from our own expectations or what we believe others expect of us. In order to live in freedom, we need to let go of the expectations we have of ourselves and our lives, take steps to change the things we can, and try to enjoy every moment.

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

IslandParent.ca

MANIA Meet LEGO Certified Professional builder, Robin Sather, and watch him build a giant LEGO® outdoor scene!

MARCH 14–15, 2015

Register online at www.tillicumkids.com to be entered into the Tillicum LEGO Mania competition. As a contestant, you’ll have the opportunity to bring in your LEGO masterpiece featuring this year’s theme - The Great Outdoors. Visit us online for more details.

SPONSORED BY

www.tillicumkids.com Job TC-16607 Client: Tillicum Centre Publication: Island Parent Insertion Date: TBC Trim: 4.75" x 3.5" Prepared by: Eclipse Creative Inc. @ 250-382-1103

Why Pay for a Hotel Room When You Can Have a Whole House?

Best Holiday Stays offers 3 and 4 bedroom vacation homes in Parksville, BC at comparable rates to a hotel stay. Many properties are family friendly, pet friendly, close to the beach and other amenities. Three night minimum stay.

Discounted weekly rates available year round.

Visit

www.bestholidaystays.com and plan your family vacation today!

E: info@bestholidaystays.com T: 778-679-0376

Christ Church Cathedral School Jr. Kindergarten (ages 3 - 5) | K - Grade 8

An affordable independent school with exceptional results     

Small classes Outstanding Fine Arts & Athletic programs Proven academic record Before and after school care Downtown location

Call us to arrange your personal tour

NEW Childcare / Jr. K location Opening March 23 – 1670 Richardson St. Register now

250-383-5125 | 912 Vancouver Street | www.cathedralschool.ca March 2015 39

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

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

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

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

Some evening and weekend appointments available.

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

TM

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

Beacon Community’s Employment Services.

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

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

Please call 250-477-7231 ext 233.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maxine Fisher M.Ed., RCC, MTA

Counselling for Children, Families & Adults

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

Call Today for a Complimentary 10 minute phone consultation Call 250-686-7582 maxinefisher@shaw.ca victoriafamilycounselling.com 40 Island Parent Magazine

kidsinvictoria.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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.

Emmanuel Summer Programs 2015 Date

Camp

July 6–10

Little Friends Preschool Camp 9am–Noon Ages 3-5 $55

Hours & Fees

July 13–17 Dance, Music & Cheerleading 9am–3pm

Gr. 2–6 $98 July 20–24 Science & Soccer 9am–3pm

Gr. 2–6 $98 Aug. 4–7

Holiday Celebration Camp 9am–Noon Kind.–Gr. 3 $45

Aug. 10–14 ‘Everest’ Vacation Bible School 9am–Noon

Age 4–Gr. 6 $15 2121 Cedar Hill Cross Road at the Henderson entrance to UVic If you like Frozen you will love Everest!

Phone 250-592-2418 / Fax 250-592-4646

Please register according to your child’s grade this Fall.

Children must be 4 yrs old by Dec. 31, 2015 to attend the camps.

office@emmanuelvictoria.ca / emmanuelvictoria.ca

What did Socrates, Einstein, Mozart and da Vinci have in common?

Answer: They all had tutors.

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

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

Smart

Tutor

Referrals

250-544-1588

SmartTutorReferrals.com

Professional, 1-on-1, in-home tutoring in Victoria since 2002.

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

IslandParent.ca

March 2015 41

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Licensed Christian centre. prematernelleappletree.com.

Highlands Lexie’s Little Bears.................................. 778-432-3600 Only seconds past Luxurious Bear Mountain our HIGHLY

Child Care

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

reputable Nature Program will not disappoint! Our NATURAL outdoor environment provides an experience like no other…in our own rainforest. Located on 2 acres of treed forest land, your child will learn and grow in NATURE! Our Brand NEW Infant/Toddler centre is tranquil and serene.

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

Call for more info.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Full o’ Beans Preschool............................... 250.360.1148 We offer ‘learn through play’ programming designed to foster your child’s natural curiosity and imagination. Flexible scheduling, 2.5 and 4 hour programs, qualified staff.

Registration is ongoing! saanichneighbourhoodplace.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Looking for child care? Need help with subsidy forms?

Taking care of children? Need child care training?

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

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

kidsinvictoria.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Moss Rock Preschool............................. 250-382-2065 Join our ECEs in our play based licensed preschool which builds on the intellectual, social and emotional growth of the children through a pedagogy of listening and relationships. fairfieldcommunity.ca Nightingale Preschool and Junior Kindergarten Ltd.................. 250-595-7544 We offer education through creativity and play, providing rich learning experiences through a well sourced and stimulating indoor and outdoor environment. Early years reading programme. nightingalepreschool.com. New Arts/ Drama programme – September 2015 – Kidsworks.ca.

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

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

Visit our website at rainbowexpressdaycare.com.

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

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

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.

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

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

VIEW ROYAL

VICTORIA ArtsCalibre Academy.............................. 250-382-3533 Comprehensive programs for Preschool through Grade 5, delivering academic excellence through music, dance, drama and visual arts. Outstanding educators, locations and facilities. ArtsCalibre.ca

IslandParent.ca

Little Friends Childcare Center.............. 250-479-8423 Infant/Toddler........................................... 250-479-9797 For a creative learning environment. Licensed group facility. Infants/Toddlers/Preschool. littlefriendschildcare.ca.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enthusiastic ECE instructors. littlestardaycare.ca

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

March 2015 43

teachers rarely informed me of this, but each day after class I’d stand with a handful of other parents on the grass behind the parking lot while our kids played together.

I’d have the opportunity to see for myself.

As soon as I finished my whispered nocopying lecture and released Angus’s hand, he would race to join the other kids. And then he would imitate them. I would call his name, and he’d ignore me. I would trudge

Use Your Own Words!

S

peech came late for Angus, and it was hard. On all of us. Babies get good at expressing what they want in screams and cries, but by the time toddlerhood rolls around, demands are more specific. With only nouns at his disposal, Angus was often at a loss. Unfortunately, Mike and I couldn’t always decipher meaning. There was a lot of guessing, and subsequently there were a lot of tantrums.

The first phrases Angus learned he memorized from books and songs. All of a sudden he had strings of words at his disposal, and though they rarely fit the situation, he used them any chance he got. He’d race around the park behind a pack of loud children shouting: “terrible teeth!”…“the nut was good!”…“it’s a Gruffalo!” Occasionally some child would turn to him and demand, “What are you saying?” but usually his running commentary of nonsense was ignored.

Angus began speech therapy. Things started to click. Then, sometime before his third birthday, when he’d made huge headway and was becoming skilled at expressing himself in sentences of his own construction, he took up a language acquisition strategy I found mortifying. He became a parrot.

Last summer the parroting was at its worst. Every outing that put us in the

proximity of other children was a minefield.

Which was every outing. Every day. I grew to fear babies. They had a habit of crying, which meant Angus would soon be wailing too, and with stamina. Worse even than the crying was when Angus decided to follow a pre-teen tourist around the goat pen at the petting zoo, and “copy” everything he said in French. This was particularly distressing when the child became frustrated and screamed: “Maman, Maman, Maman,” on repeat. Of course my son did this also.

Every time we left the house I gave Angus a talk about copying. How kids don’t like it. How he was so good at using his own words now. How I was always so proud of him when he did. Yet as soon as he was released into kid kingdom he’d hone in on a particular child, proceed to follow him around, and mimic his every word.

Very occasionally this strategy was successful. There happens to exist a rare breed of children who enjoy being followed. Who love to hear their words repeated back to them. Part of me was thankful for those kids.

At least they appreciated Angus’s company.

Another part of me wanted to scream at them: Stop encouraging him!

The first weeks and months of preschool, Angus hadn’t shaken his parroting. His

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Maternity & Beyond LauRa tRuNKeY up the hill and remind him to use his own words and he’d squirm away and return to the fun. Angus was never discouraged. I felt discouraged often. Embarrassed also. Of all the less-than-favourable three-year-old behaviours that Angus demonstrated, this was the one I most wanted him to outgrow.

Four months away from four years old, Angus still likes to follow the lead of other kids. Though he doesn’t always think it’s necessary to abide by my directives, he welcomes instructions from other children.

But he imitates them much less. He uses his own words on a regular basis. And though surely most parents of preschoolers don’t celebrate when their children construct unique statements directed at other kids, I certainly do.

The phase is waning, but it’s not over.

Every time I suspect it is, Angus proves me wrong. This past weekend at the park, Angus raced up and down the slide with a little girl. She fell, hit her face and started to cry. Angus started to cry. She whimpered: I hit my nose. Angus wailed: I hit my nose!

And then he lay down and smacked his nose against the ground.

I looked at Mike. I expected his face to mimic my emotions—mortification at Angus’s behaviour, and at the fact that so many adults and children had witnessed it. But he just smiled and shrugged. Angus glanced at us. When he got no reaction, he picked himself up and climbed the slide.

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

kidsinvictoria.com

Ad Directory 1Up, Single Parent ..... 46 North Cowichan Parks 98.5 OCEAN ................ 1

& Recreation .......... 37

SPRING BREAK PROGRAMS MARCH 16 – 27

Andrea’s Sew Easy..... 28 Oak & Orca............ 4, 19 Arbutus Grove........... IFC Pacific Christian ........ IFC Art Gallery of

Panorama Leisure ...... 35

Greater Victoria ...... 14 Park Sands ............... IBC Artistic Statement ...... 16 Recreation Oak Bay...... 7 Ballet Victoria............ IBC Restart Computers ..... 28 Best Holiday Stays ..... 39 Roy’s Photography ..... 31 Blue Vista .................. 22 Royal BC Museum...... 23 Boardworks ............... 31 Saanich Dental ............ 7

Creative Chefs Passion Sports Basketball Amazing Race Byte Camp – 2D Video Game Design And much more…

For more information or to register, visit our website at: www.smus.ca/spring, or call 250-370-6120.

Camp Pringle ............. 22 Screen Actors Camp Qwanoes .........BC

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University School .... 45

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& Associates ......... IFC Tigh Na Mara ............. 23 Dwight School............ 35 Tillicum Centre........... 39 Eaton Arrowsmith ....... 47 TJ’s The Kiddies Emmanuel Baptist

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Church .................. 41 Tom Lee Music .......... 35 Emmanuel Preschool............... 29

Total Learning Services................. 17

18

In our large downtown studios kids can explore a four day And Lasting Friendships Friendships!! fun-filled camp discovering what it means to be on-set.

Recording Scenes, Commercials and Improvisation. Then enjoy an ‘end of camp’ pizza lunch before playback to the parents/friends Thursday afternoon. Some outside locations may be used.

Camps are supervised at all times.

Cost: $200 + gst = $210 *These are approx age groupings within a 4yr span

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smus.ca

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Preschool............... 45 Victoria Academy Highland Pacific Golf .. 34

of Ballet ................. 34

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of Music ................ 14

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Preschool................. 8 Victoria Pediatric Lifestyle Markets........ 19

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Mad Science.............. 32 Victoria Recreation .... IBC Maxine Fisher ............ 40 Victoria School for Miles of Smiles .......... 28

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Photography........... 41 WestShore Parks ......... 6

IslandParent.ca

GOLDSTREAMPRESCHOOL.COM

OPEN HOUSE

935 Goldstream Avenue 10am–2pm Our Cooperative Preschool Welcomes All New Preschoolers and Their Families to Come Meet Our Community!

Located in the lower level of Gordon United Church in Langford.

March 2015

45

The Bully of the Bog

S

Children aren’t born with a “How-To” manual. Our Lighthouse Parent courses are designed to help you discover how to deepen your connection with your kids and enhance your parenting.

The courses examine theories of attachment and attunement and developmental stages related to the age of your child/ren. Participants will also explore the connection between how you were parented and how you parent. Check our website www.1-up.ca for more detailed info on this and many other courses.

To register for any course or for more information call 250-385-1114 or email Cheryl@1-up.ca

46 Island Parent Magazine

pring has sprung and the landscape is coming alive. The tree branches are bursting to life with green buds, and flowers have made the journey from their deep winter beds. Below the surface of the water, life is stirring—amphibians are beginning to sense that the season is changing and the sun’s heat is making its way back into the waters and the soil. In a few short months our ponds will be teeming with new life, newt larvae and dragonfly nymphs, and of course tadpoles. On top of their scholarly pursuits of learning life’s skills, these little creatures are now in a battle for habitat and resources. Around here at Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary there is one contender unfairly equipped, bigger, stronger and without its natural checks and balances: the bullfrog.

The American Bullfrog has quickly become the king of the cattails in many aquatic neighbourhoods around Vancouver Island, so successful that it has actually wiped out large populations of our native frog species.

Originating from the eastern coast of North America, the bullfrog was pursued agriculturally in hopes that it would become a successful meat product. When the industry failed to take off due to cultural resistance, the animals on these farms were released.

Without a natural niche of predators and prey, this large amphibian quickly became a successful invader.

When it comes to snacking, the bullfrog does not have a small or picky appetite.

Growing up to 20 centimetres in length in body alone, they will eat almost anything that will fit in their mouth. Of particular concern is the impact they are having on the Red-legged frog and the Pacific chorus frog populations in our region. In addition to competing for resources, the American bullfrog also preys on these frogs, and their large tadpoles negatively affecting the survival rate of our native tadpoles with whom they refuse to share habitat and food.

Many of us who have migrated to Vancouver Island ourselves may have fond memories of pond side adventures as children where we practiced our own sneaking and hunting skills on this very animal. However, we can’t allow our nostalgia to fog up our logic. American Bullfrogs simply do not belong here. They are not intrinsically evil of

course, but are having a devastating impact on our west coast ecosystems.

Invasive species are no laughing matter, many of us on Vancouver Island are more than familiar with the forest choking effects of English ivy and prickly insistence of Himalayan blackberry. They are almost impossible to eradicate. The American Bullfrog, though widespread, is considered to be a different story. There are in fact many

things we can do to prevent the animal’s spread and continuing success.

To help encourage a rebound in our native frog populations, take a look over the list below at some of the steps we can all take to do our part in removing the American Bullfrogs from British Columbian ecosystems.

1. Inform yourself. Even if you do not feel comfortable taking direct action, spreading the word about proper Bullfrog etiquette can drastically help slow the spread of the species! Check out the following links for more info: env.gov.bc.ca/wld/frogwatch/ publications/factsheets/frogs/bullfrog.htm ibis.geog.ubc.ca/biodiversity/efauna/ Bullfrogs.html kidsinvictoria.com

ibis.geog.ubc.ca/biodiversity/factsheets/ pdf/Rana_aurora.pdf web.uvic.ca/bullfrogs 2. Never move wildlife. And we mean never! Wildlife, including bullfrogs, can be vectors for disease and moving them can

Nature Notes FRaNCIe mORGAN spread illness. In fact transporting wildlife is an offense punishable under the law, good reason to think twice.

Many people bring frogs to their properties to liven up backyard ponds. On top of the adults potentially leaving to find more favourable conditions, it is inevitable that they will reproduce and invade neighbouring wetlands.

3. Create conditions that favour native species. Restoring areas in your backyard or neighbourhood that were originally wetland or riparian areas to their natural and diverse state can help encourage native species to return, reproduce and succeed.

If you have a pond in your yard, try planting native wetland plant species that will provide protection for our less bold native frog varieties. Allow boggy areas in your yard to remain so, shallow waters are the preference of the Red-legged and Pacific Chorus frog for breeding and developing.

4. Bring in an expert. If you have a Bullfrog population on your property that is at risk of spreading, you can always bring in a professional to do the dirty work for you… yes a bullfrog eradication expert.

Though removal is not always shown to be effective on large and well established breeding populations, it can work well in small confined areas. You can visit Stan Orchard’s site for more information at bullfrogcontrol.com 5. Get to know and appreciate your local species. Biodiversity is the spice of life, learn what to look and listen for. Pick up a west coast amphibian guide, visit your local parks and nature centres, share your experiences with your friends, family and especially your kids.

Francie Morgan works as a Naturalist at Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary.

IslandParent.ca

DOES THIS SOUND FAMILIAR?

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

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

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

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

www.eatonarrowsmithschool.com www.eatoncognitive.com 250-370-0046 #200 3200 shelbourne st, Victoria, Bc admissions inquiries: 1-844-264-8327

The Victoria School for Ideal Education • Daily meditation

Contact us at admissions@eatoneducation.com for

more learning information and to arrange a visit.

• Nature based

www.eatonarrowsmithschool.com/eaton-arrowsmith-academy

• Individualized instruction • BC curriculum K – Gr. 8 2820 Belmont Avenue

250-383-6654 vsie.ca vsie@shaw.ca Come See Our Outdoor Classroom

Enroll Today

West-Mont Montessori Pre-School to Grade 8

West-Mont Montessori School 4075 Metchosin Rd, Victoria t: 250.474.2626 e: info@west-mont.ca w: west-mont.ca March 2015

47

Cut It Out!

Tips from Parent Educator Allison Rees of LIFE Seminars

Think It’s Funny?

W

ords carry tremendous power. They can elevate a sense of well-being in a child or they can be darts that pop through a child’s sense of worthiness.

While obvious verbal abuse can directly attack a child’s character and degrade him, there are more subtle forms that can be just as damaging. If you use teasing, sarcasm, insulting nicknames and subtle put downs, you better, CUT IT OUT! It isn’t funny and will chip away at your child’s self-esteem.

Some of us grew up with a lot of affronts to our well-being. Many of us drove in cars with the windows up while our parent smoked.

Some of us were spanked and ridiculed and that was normal. Others had way too much time alone and a lack of parental interest. If this was you, you might see that how you are raising your kids today is so much more loving and safer, but you also might have some blind spots. Do we really have to treat kids with kid gloves? The answer, when it

48 Island Parent Magazine

comes to their self-esteem and the words we use is an absolute YES. This doesn’t mean that we over-protect them from failure or taking healthy risks. It doesn’t mean that we spoil them by not giving them responsibility. It does mean that we take full responsibility at all times for what comes out of our mouths.

We can learn to be more sensitive by learning non-judgmental language and by opening up to the impact of the more subtle messages. After all, what do you have to lose by speaking in a more supportive way to a child?

Don’ts: • Don’t use sarcasm, kids don’t get it and most adults don’t like it.

• Never put a child’s character down by labeling him (stupid, selfish, rude…).

• Is your teasing supportive? If not, stop it, your words have an impact.

• Do not blame your child for your feelings, they belong to you.

• If your feedback is insulting, it is harmful.

Do’s: • Do notice a child’s positive actions and affirm him. “I noticed you waiting patiently while I finished my work.”

• Do discuss specific issues without bringing in the child’s character. “I’m concerned about messes being left in the kitchen after cooking.”

• Observe specific behaviour when giving feedback rather than using general terms.

“When I see you pull the cat’s tail…” vs.

“When you are being mean to the cat…”

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

kidsinvictoria.com

Spring Break Fun!

Register for Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre Programs online 24/7 at victoria.ca/recreation

at Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre and Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre

Camps

Spring Break Adventure Camp (6-12 yrs) Horseback Riding Camp (6-13 yrs) World Cup Soccer (6-12 yrs) Girls Only! (8-11 yrs)

Swim and Skate Fun Swims: Daily 1–3:30 p.m.

March 7–22

Spring Break Toonie Skates: Tuesdays,1–3:30 p.m.

March 10 and 17

Call 250.361.0732 or visit victoria.ca/recreation for program registration and information.

Give them a summer that lasts

forever!

Best Summer Ever!

Watch the video!

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family retreats open house June 6, 2015

ENJOY THE BEST OF AST CANADIAN WEST-COA SUMMER!

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LIFE LIKE NO OTHER!

Located on Vancouver Island, BC, Canada