May 2012 Island Parent

Island Parent The Resource Publication for Vancouver Island Parents

May 2012

Yo Mama!

Tips, Advice & Ramblings

Community Connections for New Parents Books for the Maternally Inclined

New & Expectant Parents

Products & Services

Anger Management Teaching Kids to Use Anger Skilfully Where the Wild Things Go Trials Go Trials of a Teenage Mom

children’s boutique

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“Students with restless minds and bodies – far from being cultivated for their energy and curiosity – are ignored or even stigmatized, with terrible consequences.”

These words are from Sir Ken Robinson, a leading thinker on education, creativity and innovation. He says we are educating people out of their creativity and that most education systems around the world are still modeled on the needs of the industrial age.

Robinson says many people who didn’t do well in school did well after school.

Sir Isaac Newton was an example of that. Newton was the greatest English mathematician of his generation. When he was young, he did very poorly in grade school and his teachers had no idea how to help him.

Your child may fall into the same category as Newton or some of today’s famous people who found school difficult. These include Adele, Christina Aguilera, Tom Cruise and Steven Spielberg.

Karen specializes in accommodating children’s unique learning styles.

Unlike regular tutoring, her method helps students overcome their fears and beliefs that math or language arts are too hard for them. Each child gains confidence as they become more and more successful in their weaker subject areas. Contact her today for a free assessment.

“Talent is often buried deep; it’s not lying around on the surface, but our education systems at the moment are still very focused on a certain type of ability, and the result is very many brilliant people are marginalized by the whole process,” Robinson says.

If your child is struggling at school, don’t wait.

Call Karen.

Contents: May 2012 Feature

Anger Management: Teaching Kids to Use Anger Skilfully............................ 16

Articles

Yo! Mama....................................................................................................... 9 Community Connections for New Parents.................................................... 10 Where the Wild Things Go............................................................................ 12 Books for the Maternally Inclined................................................................. 14 Products & Services for New Parents............................................................ 20 Dancing Scarves............................................................................................ 25 Trials of a Teenage Mom............................................................................... 26 Everyone’s Children...................................................................................... 30 Hostelling with Kids...................................................................................... 40 My Little Scooter.......................................................................................... 42 The Walk...................................................................................................... 43

Columns

Editor’s Note................................................................................................... 3 Healthy Families; Happy Families................................................................. 44 Dadspeak...................................................................................................... 46 Just Eat It!..................................................................................................... 48 Book Nook................................................................................................... 50 Is There an App for This?.............................................................................. 52 New Parent Pages.......................................................................................... 56 Maternity & Beyond..................................................................................... 60 Nature Notes................................................................................................ 62 Cut It Out..................................................................................................... 64

Departments

IPM Notes....................................................................................................... 4 Party Directory........................................................................................ 28, 29 Family Calendar............................................................................................ 32 Around the Island......................................................................................... 38 Family Services Directory........................................................................ 54, 55 Preschool & Child Care Directory........................................................... 58, 59 Business & Professional Directory................................................................. 63 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 $28.00 (HST included) with your name and address to the address below. Canada Post: Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement 40051398.

Island Parent Magazine

Suite A-10, 830 Pembroke St, Victoria, BC V8T 1H9 Tel: 250-388-6905 Toll Free: 1-888-372-0862 Website: www.islandparent.ca

Partner Website: www.kidsinvictoria.com On the Cover: Photo by Vivian Kereki Photography, 250-812-4466 or www.vivankereki.com

2 Island Parent Magazine

President, Publisher: Paul Abra Vice-President: Anna Abra Director, Production Manager: Mada Moilliet Editor: Sue Fast Sales & Marketing: Rod Holt Publisher’s Assistant: Linda Frear Internship Student: Tamu Miles Bookkeeping: Elaine Francis Distribution: Anna Abra, Ted Dawe (Mid-Island) Founders: Jim Holland & Selinde Krayenhoff Production: Eacrett Graphic Design Printed at Island Publishers Cover printed at Hillside Printing ISSN 0838-5505

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Tiptoe through the Snowdrops

I

www.IslandParent.ca

Luc plunks down in a chair and slips on his shoes. “We still can.”

Kate buttons up her sweater and nods. “Then let’s go!”

Editor’s Note Sue Fast Before I know it, we are all loaded into the car, my husband Barry included, driving through the neighbourhood, looking for flowers, cherry blossoms in particular. In an area so filled with cherry trees, and at the height of the season, it is surpisingly difficult to find any branches low enough to reach and public enough to not cause the neighbours any alarm.

There’s one! Too high. Over there! Too close to the house. What about that one? Nah. Magnolia!

There! Perfect.

Suddenly we are laughing at the absurdity of what we are doing, and the weeks of sadness since my mom’s death melt into a few minutes of hilarity. We imagine her delight at the comedy of our quest. When we have a bundle of branches, we drive back to my dad’s house.

Barry has volunteered to ride my mom’s bike to the seniors’ centre where we will lean it just outside the entranceway as a tribute to her love of bike riding. Though she never learned to drive a car, she did learn—in her late 50s—how to ride a bike. Up until a few years ago, she rode everywhere, becoming known in the neighbourhood for riding impossibly slow, taking corners and viewing gardens and sunsets at speeds that seemed to defy gravity and the laws of motion.

Barry sets off with my mom’s bike. The kids decide to walk the two blocks. I jump in the car, steady the daffodils and the cake, and pull away from the curb. When I reach the venue, I unload the car, leaving the cherry blossoms near the entranceway, and go inside to start decorating.

Soon, Barry is there to help.

Slowly, the room begins to fill with people, but there’s no sign of the kids. I hurry to the front door and pull it open just as the they come rushing inside. Outside the door, I see my mom’s bike leaning on its kickstand, her ever-present blue hat and woolen mittens draped over the handlebars. The basket is bursting with the cherry blossoms—interspersed, I see now as I lean outside, with a few extra handfuls of snowdrops, crocuses, and quince.

Happy Mother’s Day.

The exhibition is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York (www.amh.org), in collaboration with the Houston Museum of Natural Science; California Academy of Science, San Francisco; The Field Museum, Chicago; and North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh. © American Museum of Natural History. Image Courtesy of the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology.

step outside my parents’ house in Vancouver and close the door. It’s barely 6 a.m. and already, the sun is shining and starting to warm the morning air. The scent of cherry blossoms, spring flowers and the nearby seaside fills the gentle breeze and makes me stop. It’s the kind of day my mom would’ve loved—spring in full bloom—the kind of day that, when I was little, would’ve propelled her to get us both out for a long walk.

Back then, because my mom never learned to drive, we walked everywhere. And not that I needed any incentive to get going, but she always had some way of luring me along—the promise of seeing a neighbour’s cat, or one man’s curious collection of offbeat garden sculptures, or a chance to stop for a swim at the beach. I grew up knowing the names of most flowers we encountered and was always allowed to pick a handful—one or two flowers from a few of the gardens we passed—to bring home and put in a vase.

Today, I set out along one of my mom’s favourite routes, through her neighbourhood, past the gardens she loved, and along the waterfront. As I walk, I go through my mental to-do list.

Pick up cake.

Decorate.

Buy flowers.

Today is my mom’s memorial. And though I realize the importance of the day, of marking a life well-lived, a woman well-loved, I would rather be anywhere but back home—for this.

I keep walking until I realize that I’ve been gone for over an hour and need to get back. Along the way, I stop at a florist’s. It is too early in the season to find any of my mom’s favourites—lily of the valley, shooting stars, and sunflowers—so instead, I grab several bunches of daffodils and take them to the cashier. As I wait for them to be rung through, I imagine my mom standing beside me, shaking her head at the sight of me buying flowers when she (not to mention her neighbours) has a garden filled with beautiful snowdrops, crocuses, and quince.

At my parents’ house—my dad’s house—I put the flowers in a vase and go to wake up my three kids, Kohl, Luc, and Ali, and Kohl’s girlfriend, Kate. They have promised to help transport photos and memoribilia to the seaside seniors’ centre where the memorial is being held, and to help decorate the room.

One by one, they drag themselves from their beds and gather in the kitchen.

Kohl eyes the plastic-wrapped daffodils suspiciously. “You bought flowers?”

I nod.

“Why?” Ali leans in and gives them a sniff.

“We could’ve picked some.”

MAY 17 – SEP 16 Media Sponsors

Lead Marketing Partner

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CAMP DINOSAUR Budding paleontologists will discover how dinosaurs looked and moved, lived and died. Campers will spend lots of time in our feature exhibition as well as get outdoors to explore some of Victoria’s geological wonders. Ages 6 to 12.

Monday to Friday.

9 am – 4 pm July 16 – 20 August 13 – 17 July 23 – 27 August 20 – 24 July 30 – August 3 August 27 – 31

$224 per person.

10% member discount.

www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca May 2012 3

IPM Notes Fourth Annual Butterfly Ball The Queen Alexandra Foundation for Children (QAF) presents a sparkling gala celebrating daughters and their dads (granddads are welcome, too). All girls ages 6-16 and their dads or father figures are invited to attend the fourth annual Butterfly Ball on May 5 at 4:30pm at The Marriott Hotel Inner Harbour, 728 Humboldt Street. The evening includes a sumptuous dinner buffet, silent and live auctions of items for all ages, and dancing until 9:30pm. Dress to impress

and enjoy a wonderful evening in support of Island children and youth with special needs and their families. The Butterfly Ball is an elegant fundraiser to help QAF provide programs, services and initiatives for children and youth with identified needs and their families on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.

Tickets are $125 per dad and $75 per daughter and include a partial tax receipt.

Proceeds to the Queen Alexandra Foundation for Children. Space is limited. For more information and tickets, phone 250-5196955 or visit queenalexandra.org.

V I C TO R I A’ S

U N D E RWAT E R

A Q U A R I U M

AN AUTHENTIC UNDERWATER EXPERIENCE !

Live Dive Show every hour Aquatic-themed 490 BELLEVILLE ST. VICTORIA Gift Shop 250-382-5717 www.pacificunderseagardens.com

490 BELLEVILLE ST. VICTORIA 250-382-5717 • www.pacificunderseagardens.com 4

Island Parent Magazine

Vancouver Island Children’s Book Festival BookFest, Vancouver Island Children’s Book Festival takes place on Saturday May 5 from 10am to 2:30pm in downtown Nanaimo at the Diana Krall plaza and in nearby venues. Here’s a fun-filled magical day for kids ages 5 to 12. Join Mike Deas, Julie Flett, Michael Kusugak, Julie Lawson, Loris Lesynski, Martin Springett, Joan Betty Stuchner, Paul Yee and Werner Zimmermann as they enchant young and old with dynamic presentations that bring their books to life. Find out what happened after the Titanic went down, hear the true story of a Great Dane who adopted a Comox Valley fawn, learn secrets shared by a hen from Chelm and discover graphic novels that will entice even the most reluctant reader.

For $10, children get three sessions with some of Canada’s finest children’s authors, illustrators and storytellers. Family passes are available for $25. Adult admission is free but all adults need to be accompanied by a child. BookFest tickets are available through the Port Theatre at www.porttheatre.com or 250-754-8550.

These renowned authors and illustrators will be available for book signing following the last session. Bring your own favourites or buy books on site. Enjoy the energetic rhythms of the Jangano Marimba Band as well as face painting and bubbles at lunch time.

Free sessions for preschool children too young to attend BookFest will include musical storytime, a puppet show and a rhyme-time at the Harbourfront Library.

For more information visit www.bookfest.ca.

Time Out! Health and Wellness Time Out! Health and Wellness on Sunday May 6 from 10am-4pm is a day filled with speakers, exhibitors, community and fun to help moms relax and recharge. Some of the topics include: Meditation, Movement, Intention with Theresa Gulliver; Real Mom Nutrition and Diet Advice with Dr. Shalini Hitkari BSc, ND; Sun Savvy with Julie Atkinson, RN; and How to Guide: Create a Momma Time Out with Liz Zdunich. Come for an hour or stay for the day, whichever works for you. Loot bags (for the first 100 moms to arrive), door prizes, tea and coffee will be provided, and lunch and snacks will be available for purchase during the event.

For tickets, speaker schedules, exhibitor lists and more please e-mail mothermayi@ shaw.ca. www.kidsinvictoria.com

Carnation Campaign On May 9-12, hundreds of volunteers in Victoria and Duncan will take part in a tradition that began in 1976, the Multiple Sclerosis Carnation Campaign. The reason is simple: to end multiple sclerosis.

MS Carnation Campaign HOPE volunteers will show their dedication to finding a cure by selling carnations at several locations throughout Victoria and Duncan—on street corners, in malls and at other public spaces. In B.C. and the Yukon, volunteers expect to sell over 20,000 blooms to raise funds to support research and provide free supports and services in our communities.

Watch for your opportunity to exchange a donation for a carnation, or you can donate online at www.mssociety.ca.

The carnation is Canada’s oldest and most recognized symbol of hope in the search for a cure for multiple sclerosis. Many of the Canadians living with multiple sclerosis are mothers. Others, either children or adults, have mothers affected by this disease, and women are diagnosed with MS three times as often as men. That’s why every year the MS Carnation Campaign takes place on Mother’s Day weekend in May. May is also MS Awareness Month. For a list of activities taking place this month and for more information, please visit www.mssociety.ca.

Victoria,

support the men you love.

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Sunday, June 17, 2012 Royal Roads University To register, fundraise or donate, visit

Mother’s Day Paint-In & Craft Fair at Royal Roads On Sunday May 13 from 10am-4pm, you can drop by the 17th annual Mother’s Day Paint-In and Craft Fair at Royal Roads University located in beautiful Hatley Park National Historic Site and experience a community outdoor festival where more than 3,000 visitors are expected.

Enjoy local artisans who will feature hand-sculpted and painted glass art, organic seasonings, fudge, jewelry, pottery, garden stepping stones and home grown plants, among other things. Sparkle Shack is on site with extreme face painting, air brush body painting, and tatoos. Learn more from community leaders who will share Colwood’s heritage and community initiatives, power smart conservation tips and fun interactive activities.

Main stage entertainers include Soul 62, Mike Lefebvre and Perror Libres, Chikoro Marimba Band, Cynthia Davis Trio and the West Shore Community Concert Band.

The children’s zone will include Tickles the Clown, Daisy & Farmer Vicki, Twiggly Wiggly the Magic Clown, crafts with the West Shore Parks and Recreation staff, www.IslandParent.ca

FATHERSDAYRUN.CA and click on the ‘Victoria’ link.

All funds raised support Vancouver Island and Gulf Islands programs and services of The Prostate Centre.

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3/14/12 12:13:58 PM

dressmeuporganic.com 104–1028 Fort Street 250.590.4670

Handmade eco-baby linens, toys, clothing and award winning teethers.

May 2012 5

and a debut of the El Paso’s Train Station.

Children can take a ride on the train. Visit Hatley Castle, take a tour, visit the gift shop and museum. Enjoy the family-friendly concession set on the Terrace Lawn. For more information, visit www.hatleypark.ca.

Give Hope… Help Fill a Dream Mark May 13 on your calendar and take part in the 2012 Oak Bay Half Marathon.

Help Fill A Dream is the charity of choice for this annual event. Along with the Half Marathon, this event features a relay, a 5K, a 2K Challenge for children 14 and under, and a 400-metre Fun Dash for children 9 and under.

The Oak Bay Half Marathon starts at Oak Bay Avenue and Wilmot Place. After winding its way through the historic residential setting of Oak Bay, the course loops out and back along the scenic seaside route of Beach Drive to Loon Bay Park, with one gradual hill, making its way downhill to the finish line in Oak Bay. Get involved in several ways—join the Help Fill A Dream pledge team, cheer on your children as they participate in one of the two races for kids, volunteer (many positions available such as race pick-up, road marshals, water stations, bag check and refreshment tables) or sponsor a participant.

To register as a participant or a volunteer or for more information, please visit www. oakbayhalf.com.

Miracle Concert & Gala To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the David Foster Foundation, 16-time Grammy Award winner David Foster is returning to his hometown of Victoria, B.C., along with some special friends.

From Friday, May 25 to Sunday, May 27, David Foster will bring musicians Josh Groban, Kenny G., Ruben Studdard and The Canadian Tenors, along with celebrity guests including Muhammad Ali , Wayne Gretzky, Rob Lowe and Alan Thicke, to Victoria for the David Foster Foundation 25th Anniversary Miracle Concert & Gala at the Save on Foods Memorial Centre.

Join David Foster, along with members of the Victoria community, as they celebrate 25 years of helping families throughout Canada.

Ticket prices for the Miracle Concert range from $125 to $250, plus taxes and service charges. Tickets can be purchased through Select Your Tickets by calling 250-220-7777 or by visiting www.selectyourtickets.com. All proceeds from this 6 Island Parent Magazine

Miracle Weekend will benefit the David Foster Foundation.

The David Foster Foundation is dedicated to providing financial support to Canadian families with children in need of life-saving organ transplants. Along with helping families with their non-medical expenses, the foundation strives to increase organ donor awareness throughout Canada and the United States.

For detailed information on the 25th Anniversary Miracle Weekend, including hotel and ticket packages, full Miracle Weekend experience packages, and up to date information on additional performers and guests, visit www.davidfostermiracleconcert.com.

Selkirk Waterfront Festival Be captivated by the fun, food and festivities of the 2012 Selkirk Waterfront Festival on Saturday May 26 from 10am-3pm. See beautiful works from talented artisans as you wander the vendors’ market, tantalize your tastebuds with a variety of flavourful foods, dance and sway to the rhythm of the various entertainers, and thrill your wild side with the incredible carnival rides in the family fun zone. The international café will include traditional cooking from around the world. Authentic Italian pizza baked on-site in a wood-fired oven, Jamaican patties, and Belgian waffles will all be available.

There’s face painting, balloon twists, a tattoo station and a craft zone. Kids, families, and folks of all ages will have fun at this annual, free, family-friendly event that takes place along the Selkirk Waterfront.

Want to know more about the Selkirk Waterfront Festival? For a map, entertainment schedule, and other information, please phone the Burnside Gorge Community Centre at 250-388-5251 or visit www. burnsidegorge.ca.

Pole Painting in Fernwood Take part in the 2nd annual Fernwood Pole Painting Project on Saturday May 26 from 10am-3pm. You, your kids, your friends, and your neighbours are invited to paint a telephone pole as a permanent art piece for the neighbourhood of Fernwood.

The poles throughout Fernwood will be covered with colour and designs. Pick up your Pole Painting Kit, containing outdoor latex paint in a variety of colours, sponges, and materials to create a stencil for the pole, at 1313 Gladstone Avenue during the week of May 21 -25 between 9:30am-5pm. You are welcome to use these materials or bring your own (for example, brushes, smock, www.kidsinvictoria.com

etc.). Visit www.fernwoodnrg.ca to find a ‘how to guide’ for pole painting. If you would like to paint a pole, please e-mail polepainting@fernwoodnrg.ca.

World Partnership Walk As has been the ritual for 27 years, on the last Sunday in May—this year, May 27—hundreds of families will make their way to the Cameron Bandshell in Beacon Hill Park to participate in the 28th annual World Partnership Walk, Canada’s largest event in support of international development. Registration begins at 10am and opening ceremonies commence at 11am.

After a few words from the guest of honour, longtime friend of the Walk and BC Transit’s Corporate Spokesperson, Meribeth Burton, and a fun warm up, the group will make its way along Dallas Road to Clover Point, and back.

One hundred per cent of the funds raised are used to help communities in the poorest regions of Asia and Africa with initiatives in education and literacy, agriculture, clean water, and health care. Families in Victoria are an important part of this solution to global poverty.

The World Partnership Walk is a green initiative, so please bring your own water bottle and help us make this walk environmentally friendly.

Register at no cost at www.worldpartnershipwalk.com.

Confidence • Self Improvement • Poise • Exercise • Social Ease

Dance Course for Children • Small Groups • All Ages • Recitals • Covering a Variety of Dance Styles

• Courses start any time • Couples and singles welcome • Personalized programs • Attend private, group and fun-filled parties • Choreographed wedding routines

Every Friday @ 5:30pm starting June 1 14 weeks • $224

Also offering Teenage Courses 2504 Government St #206 (corner of Bay) www.arthurmurrayvictoria.com

250 220 8426

An independent, non-denominational camp

Parksville BC

Where adventure and imagination thrive!

• Forest Adventure • Outdoor Cooking • Narnian Dramas • Mask Making

• Archery • Swimming • Unique Programming • And so much more…

Summer registration on now!

Bike to Work Week Bike to Work Week (BTWW), from May 28 to June 3, encourages and promotes the use of the bicycle as transportation to work.

BTWW is for everyone—from cycling pros to brand new riders—so tell your family and friends. Join the 18th annual Greater Victoria Bike to Work Week. With events planned throughout the week, there are many celebration stations, great food, lots of fun, and thousands of dollars in prizes.

How do you win prizes? You need to be registered on a team or fill in a prize ballot form at a celebration station. Prizes are drawn daily, Monday to Friday during Bike to Work Week, as well as after the fact.

For information on BTWW registration, bike safety, and for other BTWW resources, please visit www.biketowork.ca/victoria.

Ballroom/Latin Dance Course for Adults

Girls & Boys, Ages 6–15 • August 5–11, 12–18

www.campnarnia.com Join us this summer for an amazing experience!

Glenlyon Norfolk School Marine Adventure Program Teen Marine Kayak Camps – Summer 2012 Ph 250-370-6852 Email dtyrrell@mygns.ca Day Camps: July 23–27, Aug 13–17

These popular camps (9:00–4:30) for children ages 11 to 12 cover all the basics in sea kayaking, with plenty of fun for the younger paddler. Cost: $255.00 + HST

Teen Barkley Sound: July 1–6 Teen Johnstone Strait: Aug 19–24 Two exciting sea kayak camping expeditions for teens ages 15–17.

Cost: $625.00 + HST

Discovery Camps: July 9–13, Aug 6–10

For ages 13 to 14, sea kayaking basics, rescues, games, and a three-day camping experience on Discovery Island.

Cost: $285.00 + HST

Ballet Victoria: A Midsummer’s Night Dream and Other Works Dance can be beautiful, emotional, funfilled, or dramatic. When Ballet Victoria presents A Midsummer’s Night Dream and www.IslandParent.ca

Offering marine adventure since 1995!

May 2012 7

This Spring: Seasonal Wear, Toys, Strollers, High Chairs, Exersaucers & More.

Call 250-382-5225 for a drop off time.

Same day appointments often available.

Happily Serving Victoria Families for Eight Years and Counting

424 Craigflower Road Victoria, BC V9A 2V8 www.sailorjack.ca

Monday – Friday 9:30 – 5:00, Saturday 10 – 5, Sunday Closed

formerly Island Dance Studio Ages 3 to Professional

Summer Programs 2012 Children’s Programs July 16–27 Ages 4 to 12 General Senior Program August 6th–24th Professional Senior Training Program August 6th–29th Ages 11 and up Artistic Director Bleiddyn Bellis FISTD (Cecchetti)

Dancer: Risa Kobayashi Bridge Program Graduate, 2011 Ballet Victoria Apprentice, 2011/12

643 Broughton Street, Victoria BC | 250-590-6752 |admin@VictoriaAcademyofBallet.ca

8 Island Parent Magazine

Other Works on May 31 and June 1 at the Royal Theatre, the audience can expect to see all of that and more as the company presents three world premiere in one night.

The evening opens with Vivaldi’s “Gloria”, a splendid choir work performed live by the Linden Singers under the direction of Garry Froese. It’s a celebration of the spiritual and mankind’s brotherhood, meant to bring the audience to seventh heaven.

New choreography by Gisèle Plourde’s, Royal Winnipeg Ballet Principal alumni, will follow. Set to selected Russian folks songs, hers is a quirky work filled with humour and the passion of Russian choir music.

The Linden singers will also fill the Royal with their lively rendition.

The second act will show off a cast of 20 plus dancers for an enchanting tale filled with Puck mischief, bickering lovers and frolicking fairies. Based on Shakespeare’s play, this original ballet will showcase Ballet Victoria’s trademark of surprising characters in magical costumes by designer Jane Wood, great music and sublime dancing.

Paul Destrooper choreography and the brilliant music of Mendelssohn will have you leave the theatre skipping and humming!

For more information, please visit www. balletvictoria.ca.

Grow a Row Lots of people are growing food in their backyards and in community gardens. There are stages in every garden when there are simply too many tomatoes to eat. Meanwhile, there are plenty of people in our community who don’t have access to this sort of wonderful fresh produce. The easy solution is to distribute extra produce from local gardens to local people who would like to eat it.

The Grow a Row project allows gardeners to help others in an innovative way while helping themselves by growing their own food. Visit www.vicgrowarow.org for more information on how you can take part in this initiative in Victoria. The Grow a Row program will be expanding throughout the Capital Region with the goal to encourage ' gardeners—experienced or beginner—to commit to donating an extra row of produce from their gardens. Gardeners will have access to convenient weekly drop-off locations where staff and volunteers will weigh all the fruit and vegetables and give it to local transition centres such as Our Place Society, school food programs and community food banks. For information, e-mail office@compost.bc.ca.• www.kidsinvictoria.com

Yo! Mama Top 10 Mom Blogs

according to Babble.com

Wisdom, Tips, Advice & Ramblings “The mother’s battle for her child with sickness, with poverty, with war, with all the forces of exploitation and callousness that cheapen human life needs to become a common human battle, waged in love and in the passion for survival.”

Adrienne Rich

1. Girls Gone Child (Babble Best), Rebecca Wolf (www.girlsgonechild.net) 2. The Bloggess (Funniest, Most Confessional), Jenny Lawson (thebloggess.com) 3. Her Bad Mother (Best Written), Catherine Conners (herbadmother.com) 4. Dooce (Most Controversial), Heather Armstrong (dooce.com) 5. Finslippy (one of the Funniest), Alice Bradley (www.finslippy.com) 6. Postpartum Progress (Most Useful), Katherine Stone (postpartumprogress.com) 7. The Girl Who (one of the Most Confessional), Monica Bielanko (thegirlwho.net) 8. The Pioneer Woman (one of the Most Useful), Ree Drummond (thepioneerwoman.com) 9. Amalah (one of the Funniest), Amy Corbett Storch (www.amalah.com) 10. Sweet Salty (one of the Best Written), Kate Inglis (www.sweetsalty.com)

Famous Adopted People: Aristotle • Bo Didley • Charles Dickens • Curtis “Cujo” Joseph • Debbi Harry • Edgar Allen Poe • Jeff Healey • John J. Audubon • John Lennon • Leo Tolstoy • Marilyn Monroe • Nelson Mandela • Richard Burton • Sarah McLachlan • Steve Jobs From Crib Notes: A Random Reference for the Modern Parent by Amy Maniatis & Elizabeth Weil. Chronicle Books, 2004.

You Know You’re a Mom When: • You can’t remember the last time you read a book without pictures in it • You’ve spelled out a swear word at a business meeting • You don’t think it’s unusual to have breast milk in the fridge • You can eat an entire meal with one hand • You think spitting on a stain and rubbing it is just as good as dry cleaning • You’ve changed shirts seven times in one day • You eat cereal whose main ingredients are chocolate chips and marshmallow bits From Baby’s First Tattoo: A Memory Book for Modern Parents

by Jim Mullen & Barry Blitt. Simon & Schuster, 2002.

Shouting things in a car Look! A Windmill! Look! A Cow! Is weird sans baby.

From Haiku Mama (because 17 syllables is all you have time to read) by Kari Anne Roy. Quirk Books, 2006.

www.IslandParent.ca

Beth Hayhurst Photography, 250-896-0766, www.bethhayhurst.com

Mom’s Apple Pancakes 2 eggs, beaten 11⁄2 cups of milk or vanilla yogurt 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp baking powder 1⁄2 tsp salt 1⁄4 cup sugar 3 medium apples, peeled and coarsely grated Flavourings (vanilla, cinnamon, or orange zest, for example) Confectioner’s sugar, for dusting 1. Mix the eggs with the milk or yogurt in a large bowl.

2. In a smaller bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar together.

3. Combine the wet and the dry ingredients and stir in the apples and whatever other flavourings you like.

4. Heat a thin layer of oil in a skillet over low to medium heat. Drop a large spoonful of batter into the pan and flatten it out a little (otherwise, you might have trouble getting them to cook in the center) and cook until golden brown underneath. Flip the pancakes and cook them for an additional two or three minutes.

5. Either dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately, or keep on a tray in a warmed oven until you are ready to serve them.

(Adapted from Smitten Kitchen, smittenkitchen.com)

May 2012 9

Community Connections for New Parents

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or some new parents, it might be a fitness class, for others a play group or maybe a local café for a cup of tea. Wherever “it” is for you, that place where you find a connection to other new parents can be as important to your well-being as love is to your baby’s. Here are a few places where you can meet other new parents.

Recreation/Community Centres Most centres offer free or nominally priced programs for new parents. Parent & Tot Drop-In (Burnside Gorge Community Centre 250-388-5251, Pearkes Recreation Centre 250-475-5400, Saanich Neighbourhood Place 250-360-1148, Military Family Resource Centre 250-363-2640); Mother Goose (Burnside Gorge, Fernwood); Dad’s Drop-In (Saanich Neighbourhood) are just some of the programs listed in spring leisure guides.

10 Island Parent Magazine

Exercise Classes Whatever your preferred method of exercise, chances are you’ll be able to find a class that’s geared toward new parents.

From pre- and post-natal yoga classes (Helga Beer, 250-370-0464, Iyengar Yoga Centre, 250-386-9642, Mothering Touch Centre, 250-595-4905, Moksana Yoga, 250-385-2105), to Parent & Tot swimming at your recreation centre, Parent & Baby Fun & Fitness at Mothering Touch (250-595-4905), baby-friendly boot camp at Life Force Systems (250-380-6947), and Frontrunner’s Running Moms conditioning program for parents with children in strollers (250-382-8181), these classes will help you get in shape and meet other parents.

Libraries The Greater Victoria Public Library offers programs for babies and toddlers and

their adults. Programs are free and drop-in.

At Baby Time (for babies 0-15 months and caregiver) you’ll learn songs, rhymes, and fingerplays to use with your baby. At Toddler Time (for toddlers 16-35 months and caregiver) you’ll hear stories, songs and rhymes, and see puppets. For children under 3 and their adults, try a Family Storytime.

For more info, visit www.gvpl.ca or phone your local branch. For library programs in other Island communities, check the Vancouver Island Regional Library website at virl.bc.ca.

Parks/Playgrounds With flowers blooming and temperatures getting warmer, May is a beautiful month to be outside, so load up your baby or young child and stroll on down to the park. Try joining Saanich Park’s free Preschoolers in the Park program on Friday mornings for playground time, circle time, and a guided nature/urban walk in neighbourhood parks.

For information, phone 250-475-5408.

Neighbourhood Houses Call the Neighbourhood House in your area to find out about drop-in programs and other opportunities for you and your child.

Beacon Community Services (various

www.kidsinvictoria.com

locations) 250-656-0134, Blanshard Community Centre 250-388-7696, Burnside Gorge Community Centre 250-388-5251, Esquimalt Neighbourhood House 250-3852635, Fernwood Community Centre 250381-1552, James Bay Community Project 250-388-7844, Military Family Resource Centre 250-363-2640, Saanich Neighbourhood Place 250-360-1148, Sooke Family Resource Society 250-642-5152.

Most drop-in programs are free or cost a nominal fee.

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Support for New Families

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The Mothering Touch Centre at 975 Fort Street offers Parent & Babies drop-in sessions 3 times a week: Tuesday afternoons, 1-2:30pm for newborns-4 months, Wednesday afternoons, 1-2:30pm for babies 4-9 months; Thursday mornings, 10-11:30am for babies and toddlers 9 months and up. $2. Phone 250-595-4905 or visit www. motheringtouch.ca.

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Programs are designed to promote the health of newborns and mothers in the urban Aboriginal community. The Slaheena & Aboriginal Parenting Programs include a Monday storytime, a Tuesday playgroup and Father & Tot group, seasonal crafts, and outdoor activities. Phone 250-384-3211 or visit www.vnfc.ca.

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Native Friendship Centre

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Support Circles Create your own (invite a few new parents and their babies over for coffee or tea and chit chat) or join a group that’s already formed. For example, Fernwood Community Centre’s Parent & Baby drop-in playgroup offers a relaxed setting where parents can nurture their babies through parent discussion, music and storytelling.

Mondays, 9:30-11:30am. Coffee, juice and snacks are provided. Suggested donation of $2. Phone 250-381-1552.

Online Connections Victoria’s active online communities offer a great way to connect with other parents, find out about what’s going on in your community, and discover local resources. At www.kidsinvictoria.com you can register to access the KIV community where you can join in or start discussions on any topic. For families in the Comox Valley, you can visit www.ourbigearth.com to find out about and sign up for NeighbourWood Walks to meet other families with young children.•

www.IslandParent.ca

May 2012 11

A variety of German language classes for children, youth and adults School year runs from September to June Early registration: May 31

To learn more please contact us: 250-886-1420 info@victoriagermanschool.org www.victoriagermanschool.org

Come Join the Fun

Register Now for Summer Camps & Lessons • Year round lessons for children and adults • Safe well schooled lesson horses with qualified instructors • Indoor and outdoor riding facility

250-652-1462

www.westsidestables.ca 12 Island Parent Magazine

Rachel Dunstan Muller

Where the Wild Things Go E

very now and then I like to take our wild things (ages three and five) into the wilderness. All right, maybe not the wilderness, but somewhere less tame than our backyard, or the beach around the corner.

I like to give them a real outdoor adventure occasionally, the kind that involves a little bushwhacking, a little exploration off the beaten track.

There’s a forested gully with a creek about a 20-minute walk from our door. It’s not fenced off, and there are no signs either identifying or forbidding access to it. It’s not marked on our map, but I assume from its particular location that the land belongs to our municipality. From the road it looks like any other stretch of trees—something we’re hardly lacking in these parts—but hidden within lies a very special world.

We took our children on an excursion into these woods recently, entering through a well-groomed but unmarked trail. It was amazing how quickly the sounds of civilization dropped away, replaced by birdsong and rushing water. The kids alternated between running ahead like eager puppies, then falling behind as they examined some new curiosity. I couldn’t help but appreciate their enthusiasm. They were fully engaged in the forest experience. They were explorers charting new territory, trackers looking for signs of animal life, botanists studying the vegetation.

Our first challenge appeared in the form of a steep path off the main trail, which led down to the creek. We were significantly dirtier at the bottom than we’d been at the top, but what’s a little mud when you’re on an adventure? The path continued to the water’s edge, and then ended.

We could have allowed the kids to play by the creek for a while, but the opposite bank was beckoning. There was no bridge, but there was a moss-covered log across the water not too far downstream. We did a quick assessment: the log was large and stable, but slippery. We were definitely going to get dirtier if we went over, and wet if we fell off. But as the drop was small and the

water was only knee-deep, we decided the rewards outweighed the risks. The children were in heaven as they scrambled on all fours above the rushing water. After all, playgrounds are meant to imitate the challenging terrain of the natural world. While there are some wonderful playgrounds out there, nothing beats the real thing!

We followed the creek upstream once we were across, towards the sound of a waterfall. It was slow going—over waist-high logs, through ferns that almost swallowed up our three year-old—but there were few complaints. We were on a quest, and everyone was having fun. After about 10 minutes we reached a small bluff with a view of the waterfall we’d been seeking. It was a magic moment, made more special by the obstacles we’d had to overcome to get there. www.kidsinvictoria.com

We would have continued deeper into the woods, but it was almost lunchtime and we’d neglected to pack food. To ease her disappointment, we appointed our fiveyear-old chief pathfinder on the way back.

She did an impressive job given the absence of a marked trail, and boy, was she proud!

There have been and will be many more adventures like this one in our children’s lives. I admit my initial motivation for taking them into the wild was selfish. I love the outdoors; my stress level instantly drops when I’m hiking a forest trail, or scrambling along the rocks at low tide. My kids are also happier when they’re outside, which translates into significantly less whining and fighting. And then there’s the delightful fact that they can’t tear the house apart if they’re not in it!

But there are some even more compelling reasons to ensure that our children have regular access to nature. It turns out that taking our kids (or sending the older ones) outdoors is one of the best gifts we can offer both them and the planet. First there’s the issue of our children’s wellbeing. In his book Last Child in the Woods, author Richard Louv argues that outdoor exploration and play are essential to a child’s mental, physical and spiritual development. Nature is where wonder is born. Nature is where our senses are fully engaged: we see, hear, smell, feel—even taste when the berries are ripe.

Nature also has an incredible capacity to reduce stress and to heal. One study cited

by Louv found that children with more access to nature had higher measures of self-worth and lower rates of behavioural misconduct, anxiety and depression than their peers with less access to nature.

Finally, ensuring that our children spend time in nature is essential in raising future environmental stewards. If they don’t form an intimate bond with the natural world, they’ll have little motivation to fight for it.

Investing in our children’s “wilderness” experiences is an investment in the planet.

A note about our adventure: while we were not in a park, we were on land that gets frequent public use and we would have respected any fences or private property signs. We were not in an ecologically sensitive area, and we were careful to minimize our impact on the vegetation. Finally, as we stayed within sight or sound of the creek at all times, we were not at risk of getting lost.

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

Congratulations to all the 2012 nominees and awards winners!

A big thank you to all of our sponsors and the many individuals that helped make this special event possible.

The Success by 6 Early Years Awards celebrates the businesses and people in the community that make a difference in the lives of families with children.

2012 nominees and awards winners: Favourite Free Service/Outing Greater Victoria Public Library (WINNER) Books for Breakfast StrongStart Centres Favourite Community Recreation Centre Esquimalt Parks and Recreation Centre (WINNER) Saanich Commonwealth Place Juan De Fuca Recreation Centre Favourite Family Restaurant Red Robin (WINNER) White Spot My-Chosen Cafe Favourite Park Willow’s Beach (WINNER) Beacon Hill Park Beckwith Park

EVENT SPONSOR

Favourite Family Attraction Imax/BC Royal Museum (WINNER) Shaw Ocean Discovery Play Zone Favourite Family Orientated Cafe Crumbsy’s Cupcake Cafe (WINNER) Spiral Cafe Caffe Fantastico Favourite Family Retail Store Thrifty Foods (WINNER) Bolen Books Buddies Toys Favourite Place for Parenting Information Island Parent (WINNER) Kids in Victoria Times Colonist Family 4-1-1

Favourite Preschool/ Childcare Belmont Preschool (WINNER) Nightingale Preschool and Junior Kindergarten Kiddie Capers Preschool Lambrick Park Preschool and Childcare Favourite Family Friendly Employer Saanich Municipality (WINNER) Thrifty Foods Government of British Columbia A person who makes a difference Kristan Koehn, Nightingale Preschool Teacher (WINNER) Dr. Norman Bull VIHA, Public Nurses BC Transit - Bus Drivers

MEDIA SPONSORS

AWARDS SPONSORS

SPECIAL THANKS TO

May 2012 13

Books for the Maternally Inclined Thanks to our intrepid band of reviewer mamas—Shirley Broback, Jerri Carson, Christina Holt, Carly Russell-Huntley & Lori Webber—who sought a quiet couple of minutes/hours here and there to tirelessly, uh, okay, gleefully read, and sometimes re-read, the following assortment of motherhood books.

Dear Mom: Everything Your Teenage Daughter Wants You to Know But Will Never Tell You, by Melody Carlson When I first received this book, I was excited to think that I might discover some new or different thoughts as to how my daughter was feeling. There were a few instances where I was able to ask my daughter some questions relating to the book and had some “enlightenment” as to things I was doing and wasn’t even aware of. The references to God and praying had no relevance at all to the book or to my life.

I don’t consider myself an expert on my daughter and her feelings, nor do I remember everything that I experienced when I was a teenage girl. I do, however, make it a point to talk to my daughter like she is a human being, and her dad and I have done that ever since she was a young child. Her opinion does matter.

There was a lot of complaining in this book about what Mom is doing wrong and very little about what she was doing right. What I would love to read is the mom’s response to all of these complaints. There were many references to leaving a child alone to work it out, but in the next sentence there would be references to making sure you try to be involved in the teenager’s life.

This is not a book I would recommend to parents who have active involvement in their teenager’s life. CH Lifelong Love: 4 Steps to Creating and Maintaining an Extraordinary Relationship, by Phyllis Koch-Sheras & Peter Sheras Lifelong Love is a self-help book that offers a commonsense approach to creating a satisfying and extraordinary relationship. The authors outline four steps that they believe will help you achieve lifelong love: commitment, cooperation, communication and community.

These four steps will lead to “couple power,” which is a couple that works together as a team.

Three couple personality types are identified: the romanticized couple, the traditional couple

and the self-focused couple. The authors offer an alternative style called the dynamic couple which is creative and flexible.

The book offers many exercises to create a loving relationship. As well, it reinforces important skills such as improving communication and tackling difficulties and daily challenges together.

One interesting activity they suggest is sharing your night dreams with your partner. They recommend having a dream journal for writing about your dreams. The authors believe that sharing dreams is a way to imagine the present and the future. After sharing dreams, they suggest that you create a joint vision for the future with your partner. Though the activity seems dubious, it might be extraordinary. And if a dream journal can help create an extraordinary relationship, then Lifelong Love has achieved its purpose. JC Some Assembly Required: A Journal of My Son’s First Son, by Anne Lamott & Sam Lamott Almost 20 years ago, Anne Lamott penned her classic memoir Operating Instructions, A Journal of My Son’s First Year. She now has another memoir about the first year of her grandson’s life. Written mostly by Anne, her son Sam Lamott adds his reflections on being a new father via conversations or emails with his mother. Sam has his mother’s gift of distilling life’s precious moments. The book is structured like a journal, with entries written almost daily, about the joys and fears of watching her son become a father while falling deeply in love with her grandson. Anne Lamott captures the romanticism of parenthood, but with such honesty that she doesn’t neglect the dark parts of life. Guided by her deep faith, and a hope only new babies can bring, she writes about life with a reverence that is poetic. Through her eyes as a newly minted grandmother, she details her first trip to India, the loss of a family member, and navigating the tensions between her son and his partner whose relationship always seems

ready to unravel. Whether you are a parent or grandparent, this memoir will make you riffle through your own memories of family life. LW Survival Mom: How to Prepare Your Family for Everyday Disasters and Worst-Case Scenarios,

by Lisa Bedford Parents have busy lives and juggle many responsibilities. Sometimes in the heavy traffic of our routines we are reminded that life is happening right now, whether or not the house is tidy, our kid’s hair is brushed or the meal plan is perfectly scheduled. While we plan for tomorrow, our happiness today also matters—for our sake and our kids’ sake. As the author says, “Being happy right now—not after the kids are grown and the mortgage is paid—is no small thing” In The Happiest Mom: 10 Secrets to Enjoying Motherhood, Meagan Francis provides great suggestions to reduce the stress and increase the Yes! in our lives. I particularly enjoyed reading about how to make a “Don’t do list” because there is so much empowerment and relief in learning to say No! to those added pressures that so many of us moms end up taking on.

From “Types of Friends Every Mom Needs” to “Six Ways Even Shy Moms Can Make Connections” or “Five Ways to (Nicely) Blow Off Busybodies,” it is clear that a big part of our happiness in life has to do with who we surround ourselves with. SB

Sisters Jen and Jess are experienced trained Professional Organizers.

250-590-7572 www.chaostocalm.ca

Overwhelmed? We help decide with you what is clutter and what systems are not working in your home, office or studio. Their specialty is helping people manage big shocking change in their lives. If you are downsizing or moving your place of residence, reorganizing your life after an accident, pre, post or in the middle of a divorce, revitalizing your business premises, or reorganizing your studio, garage or hobby space—then contact the Chaos to Calm Professional Organizing Team.

Jen and Jess will work with you to decide what possessions to keep, donate, sell or recycle. They can help you sell items on-line. They will set up and host garage sales, review your recycling system, and recommend new strategies to keep you organized with your paperwork, bills and records.

You might be thinking “I can do this by myself.” But experience shows that most people either don’t get started or carry through without the help, especially those with small children and aging parents.

Jen and Jess have a wealth of ideas and resources to help you get and stay organized in all aspects of your life.

Experience shows this can reduce feelings of stress and anxiety and sometimes improve your relationships.

Contact Jen and Jess at 250-590-7572 or check out their website at www.chaostocalm.ca. You can follow them on twitter and facebook too.

The Whole Brain Child, by Daniel J. Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson The premise behind The Whole-Brain Child is that we can help our children integrate the various parts of their brains so they can become happier, healthier and more emotionally aware of who they are. A book about brain science might sound intimidating, and possibly boring, but the authors manage to explain their revolutionary ideas in clear and often entertaining ways.

Each chapter gives an explanation, filled with analogies and examples, about the brain.

Readers learn brain strategies and how to incorporate those strategies with their children into daily life. The authors also include cartoon stories you can read to your children to help them learn the various strategies, along with other helpful tools for parents. There’s a Whole-Brain Child Refrigerator Sheet filled with daily reminders, and a Whole-Brain Ages and Stages chart to refer to as your child grows. The Whole-Brain Child is a thoroughly thought provoking, fascinating and relevant parenting book that I would highly recommend. CRH

www.IslandParent.ca

May 2012 15

Colleen Adrian

Teaching Kids to Use Anger Skilfully

M

y son usually loves to go to swimming class, so when he didn’t want to go today, I was puzzled. After some questions, I discovered that a child in his class had been splashing him in the face when he was fixing his goggles, and calling him names. When he told me that he wished he could turn the child into a frog, I knew it was time to have another talk about dealing with anger. In the past, it has seemed to help him when I explain my own view on what anger is and how he can use it skilfully.

Whenever we notice an urge to hurt someone, either physically or with words, it is usually a sign that we are angry. The purpose of anger is to give you a message, often about boundaries. You either need to set a boundary, or if you’ve already tried to, you need to try another strategy because it’s not yet working well enough to protect your interest or keep you safe. Anger is an emotional and physiological response that sends you a message about a perceived threat, and in many cases it even triggers a survival or “fight or flight” response.

16 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Anger can be seen as a gift if we learn to recognize it early. When we have a healthy relationship with anger, the emotional energy runs freely through our bodies without getting stuck. When it is expressed appropriately and used to assert a boundary for ourselves, it cues us to take action to protect our interests (for example, “That iPod belongs to me, please give it back”) and stay safe (“Stop hitting me”). In a healthy response, we are familiar with our own physical cues and as soon as someone infringes on our boundaries even slightly, we can assert our needs clearly, sometimes without even having to lose our temper.

Teaching our children how to feel their anger and use it skilfully, rather than to avoid or repress it because they feel guilty or scared of it, will be a helpful lifelong skill they can use for success in all their relationships.

If we repress anger, we begin to get areas in our body where the energy of anger gets stuck. In future, we become numb or desensitized to situations in which people are crossing our boundaries and we become less likely to notice. This is the body’s way of protecting us in situations that we are unable to change. However, when we are no longer as acutely sensitive to the anger in our bodies, we can then become less aware of the early physical signs. Physical signs can be unique to individuals, but often include increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, a knot in the stomach, tension in the shoulders, or a constricted throat. When de-sensitized, we may not notice we are angry until someone has significantly infringed on our rights, the situation goes on for a time, and then we explode. Other times, we keep the repressed anger under control, but when unexpressed, it seeks to escape and release the pressure valve on its own. It is just like trying to hide a large balloon by sitting on it; the more we try to keep it all contained, the more it bulges out in places where it is least expected. In everyday life, this can show up as general irritability toward others, or passive-aggressive remarks or behaviour toward those with whom we are angry or resentful. www.IslandParent.ca

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2207 Millstream Road, Victoria BC 250.474.1961 allfun.bc.ca May 2012 17

Play Registration now open!

2012 Summer Camps

Register online at

VikesCamps.com or call 250.472.4000 for more information

Basketball Dance Girl Power Hockey Mini Vikes

(full and half day)

Multi Sport Racquet Sports Run Jump Throw Soccer Speed & Agility Swimming Swim & Sport Tennis Track & Field Vikes Adventurers Vikes Summer Fun Volleyball Youth Leadership Development Before and after care is available.

250.472.4000 · VikesCamps.com

18

Island Parent Magazine

Teaching our children how to feel their anger and use it skilfully, rather than to avoid or repress it because they feel guilty or scared of it, will be a helpful lifelong skill they can use for success in all their relationships.

The following guidelines for teaching your child to use anger skilfully can be used for situations with peers or siblings, and can also be modified to fit with your own family values.

1) If you hear your child saying something unkind, or something that suggests he would like to hurt another, explore the possibility of anger with him. If anger exists, help him identify it, notice how it feels in his body, and remind him that it’s there to give him a message. When children hear that it has a purpose, sometimes their anxiety eases, and they switch from being indirect or covert

with their anger to being curious about the message. If you are able to do this with genuine curiosity, they usually sense your acceptance and support.

2) Listen to your child’s story about what happened to make her angry, asking questions to clarify the emotions she is feeling.

I often remind my son (and myself!) that anger is a big energy, and many adults still have not learned to manage it well—so it’s important to be patient with our children and ourselves while teaching and learning these skills. Sometimes there are other feelings along with the anger, such as hurt or disappointment if she feels let down by a friend. Acknowledge the feelings and then ask her questions to find out, “What is the message the anger is giving you about what you need and aren’t getting?”

3) Ask your child what he wants. What www.kidsinvictoria.com

www.IslandParent.ca

Summer Camps For: • Children • Youth • Families • Leadership

Visit our website for complete details on our exciting 2012 camps and the new Tier Pricing program. Tier Pricing allows you to decide what you are willing or able to pay for the Camp Pringle experience.

www.camppringle.com George Pringle Memorial Camp T/F: 250-743-2189 registrar@camppringle.com director@camppringle.com

2012 VCM Summer Academies Piano July 2-13 String July 2-13 Theory July 2-Aug 3 Guitar July 16-20 Vocal July 27-Aug 10 Flute Aug 14-24 Visit our website for summer music programs for all ages!

GI R E ST

TOD AY NL E !

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Colleen Adrian is a Victoria mom and health practitioner/educator who has been learning firsthand about working skilfully with anger in her family and her private practice. www. crystalclearliving.ca.

Swimming • Canoeing • Sailing • Ropes Course • Windsurfing • Hiking • Faith Exploration • Archery • Crafts • Out-trips • Games & Skits • Campfire • Nature Study • Cycling • Swimming • Canoeing • Sailing • Ropes Course • Windsurfing • Hiking • Faith Exploration • Archery • Crafts • Out-trips • Games & Skits • Campfire • Nature Study • Cycling • Swimming • Canoeing • Sailing • Ropes Course • Windsurfing • Hiking • Faith Exploration • Archery • Crafts • Out-trips • Games & Skits • Campfire • Nature Study • Cycling • Swimming • Canoeing • Sailing • Ropes Course • Windsurfing • Hiking • Faith Exploration • Archery • Crafts • Out-trips • Games & Skits • Campfire • Nature Study • Cycling • Swimming • Canoeing • Sailing • Ropes Course • Windsurfing • Hiking • Faith Exploration • Archery • Crafts • Out-trips • Games & Skits • Campfire • Nature Study • Cycling • Shawnigan Lake, BC United Church of Canada BCCA & UCC Accredited

O

would make him feel better, respected or safe in the relationship? When he is in the same or similar situation in the future, how would it look different? If he wants something that is infringing on someone else’s rights, such as to keep another child’s toy, then of course, a lesson about that is in order.

4) Brainstorm. What do you need to do to resolve the issue that has already taken place? Perhaps your child would like to talk with the person, express her feelings, and ask for what she wants in the relationship. What can she do to get what she wants and needs in the future—in the relationship in question, and in other similar situations? If a child is young or not very confident in speaking up for herself, she may need your support to do this. In our family, we have progressed from my getting down to the same level as the children, holding my son at my side, and speaking for him when he felt completely unable to do it, to standing nearby when he feels able to speak for himself—and we use variations of these strategies depending on the situation and how comfortable he is with the people involved. The more he sees me role model setting boundaries on his behalf and in my own life, the more confidence he is developing.

Lastly, accept—with compassion for yourself and your child—that you will do this again repeatedly, but with practice and encouragement you will begin to see your children taking on this skill and its underlying values with confidence and compassion, and it feels so worthwhile when they do.

Returning to the swimming story, we had a good talk about what happens when you keep anger in, and why you need to express it and set boundaries. The swimming infractions had occurred on more than one occasion, and he had not been confident enough to report them to the teacher when his own attempts to stop the other child’s actions had failed, so he had built up some anger inside.

We agreed that I would talk to the teachers so that they could watch more closely and be available to intervene and support him, and that he would work on saying “no” louder and getting help from the teacher at the time of an incident, if it recurred. Our strategies have been successful, and once again, my son loves to go swimming!

Summer Music for Kids Join us in a musical adventure! Summer Music Programs are the perfect way to enrich your child’s musical experience, explore new instruments and improve skills.

VCM offers a fun and inspiring community with fantastic educators and musicians. Don’t miss out!

Register now by phone, in person or online.

Junior Piano Academy: July 2-13 Junior Strings Academy: July 2-6 and/or July 9-13 Music Discovery Camp: July 16-20 and/or July 23-27

FUNDING PARTNERS:

900 Johnson • 250.386.5311 • www.vcm.bc.ca May 2012 19

Products & Services for New Parents Embracing family, wellness & community Natural Family Health Centre integrating professionals and services: • Midwifery Care • Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture • Naturopathy, Registered Massage Therapy • Nutritional Counseling • Counseling Therapy • Life Coaching • Natural Hair and Aesthetics • Boutique Mama and Baby Shopping • Community Classroom offering Education, Yoga, Fitness and more 170 Craig Street, Duncan 250-709-2040

www.matcentre.ca

To help you as you journey through the unique experience of being a new parent, check out the following listings and the corresponding ads in this issue.

Abby Sprouts offers a store where the research is done for you. You’ll find wooden toys with water-based paints, quality, North American-made cloth diapers, healthy lunch and kitchen gear from baby to adult, recycled plastic toys, locally made gifts and more. Our free cloth diapering workshop, newborn cloth diaper and trial rental kits and our in store help make getting started with cloth diapers easy. Visit abbysprouts. com or phone 250-294-8978.

Since 1982, Abra-Kid-Abra has been a fixture in Oak Bay, and we are now seeing the next generation of new moms and babies in our store. We sell both new and gently used clothing and accessories for your newborn

and up. Our new line of clothing includes organic Kushies layette in a variety of pastel colours. For those that prefer bright lively colours, the Sweet Peanut range will appeal to them. We have just received the Ringley organic teether and these are flying out of our store. Come and visit us with your addition and see what you can find. 2024 Oak Bay Avenue.

Bellies In Bloom Maternity. You’ll find a great selection of clothing and accessories for maternity, nursing and baby, many exclusive to Bellies in Bloom. Our bestsellers include Boob Design tops, hoodies and dresses for maternity and nursing, Bella Materna Nursing Lingerie, Bella Bands,

We are open Mother’s Day! Check out our website for sale details!

Victoria, BC 250 479 0803

www.BelliesInBloomMaternity.com

Saturday, June 9 2:00pm

Nanaimo German Cultural Hall

Sunday, June 10 2:00pm

Gabriola Island Community Hall

DVD Release Parties!

20 Island Parent Magazine

Tickets $10 (kids under 2 free) Available Kool & Child Nanaimo and Gabriola Artworks

Award winning children’s music! www.kidsinvictoria.com

Glamourmom nursing tanks, Maternal America jeans, and See Kai Run shoes for kids. Shopping for a baby shower? Find your unique gift here. Sign up for our newsletter or shop from home at www.BelliesInBloomMaternity.com.

Children’s Education Funds Inc. offers the greatest RESP choices—anywhere, with the utmost flexibility, long-term growth and return on investment. Whether you select our highest paying CET Group Plan or our flexible and affordable CET Achievers or CET Self-Initiated Plans, please be assured that we are here to serve all of your “education funding” needs. Please remember, we are education funding specialists—that is all we do at CEF! www.cefi.ca or call 1-800-246-1203.

Choices Adoption & Counselling Services is a licensed non-profit, non-sectarian adoption agency that has been involved in adoptions and family counselling since 1989. We offer a range of services to birth and adoptive parents throughout British Columbia and can assist adoptive families from several other provinces with inter-country adoptions. Whether you wish to adopt a child born in British Columbia or a child from another country, our experienced professionals will help you through the process. www.choicesadoption.ca.

Dress Me Up Organic. Naturally inspired, heirloom quality. We handmake beautiful organic cotton soft toys, Teething Bonbons®, linens and other items for your baby in our studio. Our carefully crafted products are ideal for your little ones and make perfect gifts. Gentle, natural and safe, our organic cotton toys are new takes on the classics that have delighted young children for generations. 104-1028 Fort Street, Victoria. 250-590-4670.

Finn & Izzy carries a variety of items for your baby that are innovative and stylish.

Clothing, shoes, toys, books and more. We are here to help you find baby’s perfect homefrom-the-hospital outfit, the most suitable Mountain Buggy or Maclaren stroller, or to help you register for your baby shower.

We offer a great selection of diaper bags for mom and dad, and crib bedding and artwork to welcome your little one home to their nursery. 2259 Oak Bay Avenue.

250-592-8168.

Happy Island Diaper Service is the best choice for cloth diapering for your baby. Our modern diapers and products make using our service easy and cost effective. Once a week, our pink van will come and pick up the soiled diapers and leave you fresh clean ones. There is no rinsing or soaking required, and we will supply you with everything you need right at your doorstep.

This is a great choice for your baby and for the environment. 1-866-922-7377. www. happyislanddiapers.com. www.facebook. com/happyislanddiapers.

Hip Baby offers modern, organic and sustainable products for your newborn to four-year-old. Thoughtful toys, organic clothing, natural meal-time and bath-time products and much more. Find a great selection of Canadian crafted products and many cloth diaper brands. We offer free monthly workshops on cloth diapering to show you how to choose your diaper system, put them on and care for them. Come with an open mind, and you’ll leave informed. www.hipbaby.com.

International Nannies & Homecare Ltd. Matching families and nannies since 1996.

Loving care for your baby when you can’t be there. Considering your childcare options when you return to work? Nannies

provide flexible and superior care in your own home. Processing times for nannies range from 5 months and up… so please plan ahead! Review nanny profiles at www. internationalnannies.com. Call us for a free nanny hiring guide at 250-417-3730.

Exclusively operated by former European overseas nanny.

Since 1944, Island Farms has been proudly producing quality dairy products made entirely from fresh BC milk. From our first horse-and-buggy stocked with milk bottles, to today’s wide range of wholesome products, we’ve built a reputation for good things from good people close by. We also play an active role in the communities we serve, sponsoring hundreds of family events and charities. Because at the end of the day, we’ve all got a family to come home to. www.islandfarms.com JamTots Baby & More Store. We specialize in cloth diapers and many other unique items for babies and children. Check out our large selection of puzzles and crafts and Melissa and Doug toys. We carry a variety of shoes, swaddles, sleep sacks, BOB and Britax strollers, and Britax Carseats. For mom, we have everything for nursing and a large selection of diaper bags and baby carriers.

Gift registry and gift cards available. Visit our website as most of our products are available online with fast shipping on the Island. 748 Goldstream Avenue, Victoria.

250-478-1737. www.jamtots.com.

Lexie’s Little Bears’ Child Care Inc. is a “nature” based program. Located on two gorgeous acres in the Highlands (yet only three minutes past Costco!). We spend the majority of the day in the elements exploring the forests and playing outdoors. We embrace the Reggio Emilia Philosophy in our centres, and create an amazing space for

Opening May 17

Also at the Royal BC Museum

Dinosaurs: Ancient Fossils, New Discoveries “Took my little son to see this and he sat in quiet awe through the whole thing... as did his dad. Stunning imagery for an equally amazing story...” - S. Cavanagh www.IslandParent.ca

250-480-4887 • imaxvictoria.com May 2012 21

your child to grow. Ages 1-6. Check out the pictures of our new “secret garden forest” and infant/toddler centre being created (license pending). www.lexieslittlebears.com.

250-590-3603.

The Matraea Centre is located in the heart of Downtown Duncan, directly opposite City Hall. Services available include midwifery care, Chinese medicine and acupuncture, naturopathy, registered massage therapy, nutritional counselling, counselling therapy, life coaching, natural hair and aesthetics, boutique mama and baby shopping, as well as a community classroom space currently offering prenatal education, prenatal and postnatal fitness, yoga, photography and more. www.matcentre.ca.

Matraea Mercantile, Duncan’s newest mama and baby boutique, is owned and operated by registered midwives Kate Koyote and Selina Boily. Our specialized products are local, natural, organic, and chosen for design excellence. From pregnancy through birth and postpartum, our products are stamped with the Midwifery Seal of Approval. We provide organic yoga and maternity clothing, cloth-diapering systems, birth kits, labour essentials, breastfeeding supplies,

books, organic kids clothing, organic teas and skin-care products, classes, workshops and more. www.matmercantile.ca. 170 Craig Street, Duncan. 250-597-0085.

Mothering Touch Centre is the comprehensive resource centre for new and expectant parents. We offer support through every stage of pregnancy and early parenthood: childbirth preparation, pre-and post-natal yoga, breastfeeding support, parenting classes, parent-and-baby groups, baby massage, and baby sign language. Our friendly staff inform and support parents and grandparents as they select cloth diapers, nursing bras, breastpumps and breastfeeding accessories and much more. Drop in for a chat, nurse your baby in our lounge, and experience the warmth of the Mothering Touch. 975 Fort Street. 250-595-4905. www.motheringtouch.ca.

Saanich Recreation classes for mom and babe allow parents and newborns to learn more about one another, establishing trust and routine. Once baby can walk, indoor and outdoor programs allow children to explore safely while caregiver oversees their play. Encouraging independence comes with drop-off programs, including full-year

preschools. All programs promote learning through play, and readiness for kindergarten via storytelling, dramatic play, circle time, art, music and physical skills. www.recreation.saanich.ca.

Scallywags Children’s Boutique is your local destination for all your new parent goodies.

Whether it is an organic onesie or kimono, a beautiful first dress, natural rubber soothers or stylish diaper bags, baby carriers or other accessories, we carry the best selection in town. We also have a great baby gift registry program. So stop by one of our two convenient locations, downtown or Broadmead Village, and our knowledgeable staff will help you make the best selection for your needs.

Sleep Sense Victoria believes that healthy sleep habits make for healthy happy children. I work together, either through private consultations or seminars, with parents to customize a sleep plan that fits for parents as well as meets the sleep needs of their child.

Let’s get your child sleeping well through the night and taking adequate naps during the day! Please contact Sukkie Sandhu at 250-857-1408 or email sukkie.sandhu@ sleepsense.net.

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Ages 12–17 • July 16–21

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Teen Acting Intensive

Ages 12–17 • July 30 – Aug 3

• Professional teaching staff • Fun, supportive environment • Small class size for quality instruction

Registering Now for Summer Programs

250-386-8593

845 Fisgard St.

katerubin@telus.net www.katerubintheatre.com

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Sportball Junior is the perfect introduction to Sportball for children 16-24 months old.

Children and parents participate in our eight core sports including hockey, soccer, tennis, baseball, basketball, volleyball, golf and football, along with creative games, songs, rhymes, stories, bubble time and much more. Although these programs focus more on exploration, children will be introduced to a different sport each week. Parents are encouraged to participate with their child and challenge them according to their skill level. sportball.ca. 250-590-4625.

Parents, have you heard that Thrifty Foods has a virtual store? We know you don’t always have time to get to the grocery store, so we’re ready to help you. You make the selections and your shopper chooses the best quality products and packages your groceries just like you would so they get to you in excellent condition. The convenience of Thrifty Foods Online Shopping is that you can shop any time of the day that suits you or your baby. Upon delivery of your groceries, our driver will accept payment at your door using a wireless terminal (VISA, MasterCard, Amex, or Debit). Visit thriftyfoodsonline.com and let us do the shopping for you.

Whether it’s diapers or decor, TJ’s The Kiddies Store is the place to go for all your baby needs. Welcoming your new baby into the world is a wonderful and challenging experience; so many decisions and so little time. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is ready to help make your decisions as stress-free as possible. Our selection varies from furniture sets to safety items and everything in between. TJ’s is also a great place for gifts—with a baby registry and many wonderful gift ideas, you will be able to find the right thing to make any new parent happy. We’re easy to find at 3045-c Douglas Street (enter off Larch St… we’re under Sleep Country). 250-386-2229.

Tony Colangelo Photography. Tony’s goal is to capture child and family portraits that will warm your heart every time you look at them. With a focus on great preparation and making sure that you have fun at the photo session, Tony consistently produces beautifully composed images that capture your true expression. Go ahead, capture the beauty of your life! For a no-obligation chat about your photography needs, contact Tony at 778-422-1422 or e-mail tony@ tcphotography.ca. www.IslandParent.ca

Licensed Child Care

Caring Learning Diversity Guidance Fun

Space Available Call for details 525 Pearkes Rd, Colwood 250 298 7374 www.milesofsmileschildcare.ca

• • • •

miles of safe sandy beaches warm and safe swimming may–oct. explore the reef and tidepools comfy seaside cottages

For an experience you’ll never forget

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

Special Guest of Honour

Meribeth Burton BC Transit Corporation Spokesperson WPW Emcee & Volunteer since 1997

Co-Emcees Sunday, May 27th at 11am Beacon Hill Park - Cameron Bandshell Register or donate online at: www.worldpartnershipwalk.com/victoria

Louise Hartland CTV News

Tess van Straaten CHEK News

www.facebook.com/WPWVictoria Thank you to Island Parent Magazine for your support.

May 2012 23

Sunday Afternoons Everyday Sun Hats Available in sizes from newborn to 5 yrs+ Now accepting Spring and Summer consignment

Abra-Kid-Abra

New & Used Toys, Clothing & Furniture 2024 Oak Bay Ave • 250 595 1613 www.Abra-Kid-Abra.com Mon–Sat 9am–5pm, Sunday 12–4pm

Next up in our Early Childhood Education Speaker Series:

Let’s Play Featuring Dr. Werner Liedtke, University of Victoria June 7, 2012 6:15 - 7:15 pm Free event, child minding available For more info, visit: www.stmarg.ca

ST. M ARGARET’S SCHOOL w w w.st m a r g.c a | (250) 479-7 17 1

Dance Music Art

Mark your calendar for September 29 and 30. The 6th annual Vancouver Island Baby Fair is happening at Pearkes Recreation Centre. We’ll have a full line-up of informative talks on the main stage, great shopping and resources, fantastic prizes, our popular photo contest, baby races and more for families ranging from pregnancy through preschool. Bring your kids and dance along to Bobs and Lolo both days at noon and 2pm. Visit VancouverIslandBabyFair.com for details.

Victoria Midwives. Midwives care for women throughout pregnancy, birth and for six weeks postpartum. Midwives offer personalized care and provide education and counselling that address the physical, emotional, and cultural needs of women and their families. Midwives offer a choice of birthplace either in hospital or at home.

Midwives provide breastfeeding support, ensure the mother is recovering from the birth, and monitor the baby’s growth. Midwifery care is covered by your care card. See our ad on page 56.

The Vitamin Shop. New and expecting moms need to know that diet is most important.

Unfortunately, food is not what it used to be, therefore it is also important to take a good multiple supplement along with other nutrients to assure that both baby and mom receive the right nourishment along the way.

Find the most comprehensive selection of everything you need for your pre- and postnatal good health at the Vitamin Shop, 1212 Broad Street. 250-386-1212.

Welcome Wagon’s New Parent Market reaches new mothers with greetings and congratulations personally presented at home after the birth of their babies. A package of pertinent information on civic and community services is presented, followed by a directory of our sponsors and token gifts from participating businesses and, where appropriate, printed invitations for the family to redeem at their place of business. We also do Baby Showers for expectant moms. There we provide civic and educational information. It is given to her before baby is born. For more information please visit www.welcomewagon.ca or call 1-866-518-7287.•

Annemarie Cabri

Summer half & full day programs at Glenlyon Norfolk School Info at www.CabriCreativeDance.com 24 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Jerri Carson

Dancing Scarves hildren love to move. Add colourful scarves and their movement becomes more exciting and fun. The room comes alive with colour as they twirl, swirl and leap with their scarves.

Indoors or out, scarf dancing encourages creative expression as well as motor skill development. Not only do children’s motor skills and muscles develop as they twirl and wave the scarves through the air, but also their visual awareness of their space increases as they move and glide around the room.

Dancing scarves can be any shape, and should be lightweight and sheer. Use scarves from your closet or you can cut your own scarves from lightweight fabric.

Also, check out your local thrift store for recycled scarves. Choose lightweight fabric such as nylon or chiffon or any fabric that will float gently when thrown into the air.

Choose bright colours such as neon red, hot pink, or sapphire blue, or let your children choose their favourites.

To begin scarf dancing, let your child free play and explore with the scarf. Play a variety of music with varied tempos as they move around the room. Encourage large circular arm movements, high and low stretches and side-to-side reaches. “La Danza Tarantella”

by Rossini and “Turkish Rondo” by Mozart are good pieces of music that offer a fast tempo. For a slower tempo, try “The Swan”

by Saint-Saens or “Moonlight Sonata” by Beethoven. Or play some of your favourite music such as pop, country and western or rock ’n’ roll. Float the scarf gracefully for slower music, and wiggle and wave it for quicker tempos. The potential movements are endless. Encourage your children to use their imaginations and make the scarves “dance” in time to the music. Scarf dancing is a perfect activity at a birthday party, especially outside in the yard, or at a play date with a friend. Follow the leader is a fun game to play with the scarves.

Add simple instructions to motivate the movements. For example, make your scarf

september 29 & 30

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Jerri Carson is a primary music teacher for SD #61. She is a member of the CRD Arts Advisory Council. Jerri plays the cello in the Victoria Conservatory Cello Orchestra.

Vivian Kereki Photography

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be “a tree swaying in the breeze,” “a bird soaring,” “a flag flapping in the wind” or a “kite flying high in the sky.” Try scrunching the scarf into a ball, tossing it into the air and catching it. Try spinning around or clapping your hands before catching the scarf. Another challenging suggestion is to drape the scarf over your shoulder and dance without it falling off.

Play pretend with the scarf. Drape it around your shoulders and pretend it’s a superhero cape as you fly around. Or, pretend you are a matador holding a twirling cape in front of an angry bull. Twirl the scarf high over your head to pretend it is a helicopter.

Now, fly your scarf like the sails of a boat or twirl it like a carousel. Encourage your child to come up with their own ideas.

Scarf dancing is enjoyable and invigorating. The movements as well as the visual colours will create happy memories for your child. It’s the perfect stepping stone for your child to become interested in other forms of dance such as ballet or jazz. Happy dancing!

Young Parents Support Network

VancouverIslandBabyFair.com

exhibitor registration on now!

www.IslandParent.ca

May 2012 25

Tamu Miles

Trials of a Teenage Mom M

y seventeenth birthday had just passed when I found out I was pregnant with my first child. I had already moved out of my mother’s house and had been living with my boyfriend for about a year. I was working at a local restaurant on Salt Spring Island where, for about a month, my boss and coworkers had watched me run frequently to the bathroom to relieve my stomach of its contents. Finally, my boss told me to go and get a pregnancy test. I thought he was crazy: I wasn’t pregnant. But his words kept nagging at me. Could he be right?

Soon I found myself sitting in my doctor’s office, praying that she would tell me that the test was negative and that I was free to, once again, go about living my life. But as soon as she walked back through the door, I knew the results. Suddenly my world as I

26 Island Parent Magazine

knew it came to an abrupt end. I was going to be a mother.

It wasn’t so much the reality that I was going to have a child that hit me so hard, though. It was the thought that I was going to have to tell my mother and the rest of my family, and that soon the whole island would know of my condition. The look on my doctor’s face only confirmed my suspicion that I was expected to feel ashamed for having put myself into the position of parenthood at such a young age.

That same look has dogged me for most of my children’s lives. They are now in their late teens and I am pushing 40, so I do not see it nearly as often. But when my children were little, I was always the young parent— when taking them to school, or to birthday parties, and even in restaurants, grocery

stores, or on the ferries. And everywhere I went, almost every conversation I had with other parents, there always seemed to be a barrier, an assumption that because I was a young parent, I didn’t really know what I was doing—I was still a child and should be treated as such. I was often excluded from conversations, people would openly stare, and teachers would tell me “Well, what parents normally do in this situation is…” as if my choices weren’t up to snuff.

On top of this, I was the only one of my peers to have a child at the time, and so after my son was born, I found myself feeling isolated and alone. I had no one to talk to except my mother and doctor. And my goals had changed. I no longer wanted to party on the weekends or go backpacking around the world. I wanted to be the best parent I could be. I wanted my children to know they were loved. I wanted them to be healthy, get a good education, and live in an inviting and warm home environment.

I wanted to, and did, make mostly good decisions on my children’s behalf.

Jacquelin Green, a pre-natal and family outreach coordinator at the Young Parent Support Network (YPSN), says that people can be highly critical of young parents. The non-profit resource centre was started 15

www.kidsinvictoria.com

years ago by a group of young parents, with the help of community professionals, to support young parents between the ages of 13 and 29.

Green says young parents often face the automatic assumption that they can’t possibly be good parents, and that in fact, they have found themselves in their current position because there is something wrong with them—for example, they have drug or mental health issues. However, Green, who

has been with YPSN for five years, says the young parents she deals with are amazing, and if given the chance, they blossom.

“They are so committed. And you know, everybody needs and deserves support.

[Young parents] are all looking to be good parents, they just need a supportive environment.” Green says the main issue she sees young parents dealing with is a general lack of support. “It can be awkward to be in a prenatal group of 35-year-olds if you are in your teens.”

Young parents need to be encouraged to have confidence in their abilities and have access to a safe, respectful environment in which they can ask questions and learn. The YPSN tries to accommodate these needs, says Green. It offers family support groups, programs, prenatal outreach, group facilitation training, a naturopathic clinic, and a free store. Green says that 98 per cent of the young parents they help are poor, don’t have adequate housing, have a limited education and no support base. YPSN helps young parents find child care, housing, legal advice, and employment. Most importantly, adds Green, YPSN provides a place where young parents can gather and share the challenges they are facing and celebrate the victories they have achieved.

For more information, visit YPSN online at ypsn.ca, or in person at 2541 Empire Street in Victoria.

Cathie Ferguson Photography

Young parents need to be encouraged to have confidence in their abilities and have access to a safe, respectful environment in which they can ask questions and learn.

Junior Kindergarten at Glenlyon Norfolk School

GNS is now accepting applications for the few remaining spaces in our afternoon JK class for September 2012. Our Montessori trained teachers would love to welcome your child into their happy classroom at the Beach where inquiring minds are guided through International Baccalaureate accredited curriculum units.

Specialist instruction in music, Mandarin, French and PE is also provided.

w3w.mygns.ca • 250.370.6801 Do your best through truth and courage

Tamu Miles attends Vancouver Island University. She has worked as arts editor for the Navigator Student Press. Tamu received the 2010 Myrtle Bergren Creative Writing Award and the 2011 Meadowlark Award for fiction. www.IslandParent.ca

May 2012

27

Party Directory FUNTIME INFLATABLES

HASSLE FREE PARTIES

250-474-0597

for kids & families

Largest selection of inflatable fun onVancouver Island ASK ABOUT OUR REFERRAL PROGRAM • 18 bouncy castles to choose from, detachable raincovers available • Obstacle courses • 10 interactive games for youth and adults • Combo bouncers • Carnival games and party packages • Fully insured Professional balloon decorating service now available

You provide the space and food…

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

New soft serve ice cream truck available for events and ice cream socials

250 472 3546

visit our website at

www.puppetbooth.homestead.com

www.funtimeinflatables.ca G Y M

FALCON

G

Birthday Parties

M

GYMNASTICS

Y

Celebrate your birthday with us!

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Newly Renovated Birthday Party Rooms

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8th

3 sary r Annive 2011 1973–

S T I

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

• 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

C

#208 – 721 Vanalman Ave

(Broadmead & Royal Oak Area)

www.falcongymnastics.com

S

N A S T I C S

YOU‛LL FLIP OVER OUR BIRTHDAY PARTIES * 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 *

250-383-FLIP

www.lionspridegymnastics.com Located in Langford

Birthday Parties! :: 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

,

musical

birthday parties Kids love to sing and dance, play instruments, and listen to stories.

Book a 45 minute interactive party in your own home for up to ten young guests from ages 3-6... and let the fun begin!

6

250.386.5311 • www.vcm.bc.ca

28

Island Parent Magazine

Organise wonderful parties conveniently delivered to your door!

Party Supplies for all occasions, themes and ages

1·866·503·4397

ip@greatlittlecelebration.com www.greatlittlecelebration.com

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Party Directory ctoria Gymnastics Birthday Parties

Your child and 9 of his or her friends will have an absolute blast at one of our action packed gymnastics parties.

What’s included?

• We supply hats, napkins, table cover, streamers and balloons • Two Certified Instructors • Invitations • Trampoline • Foam Pit Fun • Gymnastics Games • Fun Music • NEW: 40 Foot Long Trampoline!

Saturday & Sunday Afternoons

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Horse Play Parties

?

y New Bounc Castle on!

Coming So

School Fairs & Festivals Birthday Party Packages Booking Easter Now! Call

Our Cowgirl Slumber Parties Rock!

Pony Rides, Farm Animals, Facepainting, Games, Hay Rides

Cowboy Campouts u Cowgirl Slumber Parties Family Farm Getaways

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386-JUMP

A party you’ll never forget!

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Mr. Tubbs Ice Cream Parlor & Family Fun Zone • 30 family oriented redemption games • huge prize counter • 2 fully decorated party rooms • foot-long hot dogs • 32 flavors of Island Farms Ice Cream

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Action-Packed Birthday Parties

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Unforgettable theme parties, girl time packages or just some fun with your friends

Supervised • 2–8 Yrs 3655 Shelbourne Street, Shelbourne Plaza

250-590-5568 www.lizzyleeandme.com

It’s about skills, not scores.

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

May 2012 29

Aaren Madden

Everyone’s Children A

s a teen growing up during the Cold War, I remember feeling more than a little bitter about the world I was about to inherit and powerless to do anything about it. Sure, I marched in rallies and signed petitions, but was anybody paying attention? It seemed they weren’t, and life provided easy distractions, so I let it go. Now that I have kids of my own, though, that feeling has returned.

I worry for all of our children’s futures and sometimes curse the paradigm that I myself am a part of. Kids born today have shorter life expectancies than their parents due to increased rates of diseases from cancer to diabetes. With what we’re doing to the world economy, their quality of life is likely to decline as well. And let’s not even get started on peak oil or climate change.

How will we justify using up the water, squandering the resources, and depleting the farmland? It’s a massive ship we have steered off course.

True, many people are engaged in the

daunting task of turning it around. Some are well-known, and use their profiles for any number of causes, which, depending on your level of cynicism, can elicit a degree of admiration.

A couple of years ago, I met a woman in the ferry lineup to Saltspring Island and we started chatting about a certain celebrity. “I just…really love him,” I gushed. She nodded enthusiastically.

She was, it turned out, on her way to Saltspring Island to meet this same person and participate in a fundraiser for his cause.

She was thrilled and excited. I was beyond jealous. No, George Clooney hadn’t traded in Lake Como for a West Coast retreat. The object of our star-struck giddiness? Raffi.

Our devotion was—and remains—not due to an enduring love of “Baby Beluga” (or his admirable refusal to cash in on movie tie-in offers and other commercialization), but to Mr. Cavoukian’s acknowledgement of our collective responsibility toward the

planet’s children. He dares us to imagine a world population that embraces those children in every one of its actions. That has become the main focus of his work today, based out of the Centre for Child Honouring, which he started on Saltspring Island in 2010. The same year he released Child Honouring: How to Turn this World Around, an anthology he edited, ranging in authorship from Barbara Kingsolver to the Dalai Lama. The nonprofit centre hosts speakers, and acts as a communications hub for extolling the Child Honouring philosophy.

Raffi has said Child Honouring is built upon the simple notion that “the child is a whole person, worthy of respect.” This notion seems obvious enough, but as a society, do we really understand it? In our government policies, our environmental and political practices, it seems not.

“It’s not enough for that respect to be shown by one person, a caregiver or a family,” says Raffi. “I am calling on a culture of respect. Not only for one another—who I call ‘the child’—but also for Mother Earth, who births us.”

It’s not about permissive parenting or putting kids at the centre of the universe and creating unbearable egomaniacs. Rather,

Sooke Options for Community Living Association Providing individuals who live with developmental and physical disabilities opportunities for personal growth, independence and participation in their community.

We provide support to families through: a Children’s Life Skills Program an Adult Community Inclusion Day Program and Summer Kids Day Camps in-line with the abilities of the kids.

We do respite in home or in agency.

To donate, volunteer or participate please contact us at 250 642 6364 ext 244 or visit our website at www.SOCLA.ca 30 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

it’s an acceptance of the debt we all owe to children; as the old saying goes, we are borrowing the Earth from their children.

“It views how we regard and treat our young as the key to building a humane and sustainable world,” says Raffi. “You make the world work for the infant, and it works all the way on up. The reverse isn’t true.”

Imagine. A world where self-confidence trumps consumer confidence.

To many, this might seem rose-coloured, if not outright utopian. But I expect at its best, it’s a world with clean air, healthy ecosystems and food supplies, sustainable practices, proper housing, and iron-clad family-leave and childcare policies as cornerstones of good governance. Where tuition is actually affordable for university students, not to mention a place where teachers are deeply valued and treated accordingly in salary and policy. Sounds good to me.

How do we get there? Slowly—if our priorities dictate. But surely we can, with an adult population that respects young people enough to help them exchange bitterness and disengagement for hope and empowerment.

One organization that does just this is the aptly-named Power of Hope. Founded in 1996, it is a nonprofit with chapters in Victoria, Seattle and Kampala, Uganda, and it offers arts-based school-year programs and summer camps to youth between 14 and 18 years old. Adult mentors lead workshops and camps in visual arts, writing, spokenword poetry, dance, drama and music.

Power of Hope’s philosophy is based on the premise that young people—regardless of their circumstances—are an untapped resource for community renewal and social change. By acknowledging the creative potential of our youth, rather than treating them as problems to be solved, we may witness over and over again their remarkable transformation and inspired self-expression.

If we can create the kind of outlook in all our kids that makes them feel valued, we will be getting somewhere. That’s why we need organizations that support and acknowledge our collective responsibility toward the planet’s children. Those organizations, and individuals, can urge us to think differently and to provide our kids with the map, the compass and the confidence to take the wheel and brave the waters on this vast, conflicted yet beautiful ship.

For more information, visit childhonouring.org and powerofhope.org.

Island Children’s Festival May 12

See www.islandchildrensfestival.com for info

Accepting Enrollment for September Book now for a tour!

5575 West Saanich Rd (across from Red Barn Market) 250 592 4411 imhs@telus.net www.islandmontessori.com

•

preschool to grade 2

•

before and after school care

•

small class sizes

•

supportive and caring staff

•

excellent academic foundation

•

Kodaly music program

•

lovely rural location connecting children to nature

Aaren Madden is a Victoria writer and mother of two. www.IslandParent.ca

May 2012 31

May 2012

Generously Sponsored by and

Family Calendar For calendar updates throughout the month visit www.kidsinvictoria.com THURS 3 Guys’ Night Out: A Bedtime Storytime at Saanich Centennial Branch Library. Calling dads, stepdads, granddads and uncles. Bring the kids you love to a special storytime before they go to bed. Join us for stories, puppets, fingerplays and songs. Pajamas and a favourite stuffy or blanket are welcome, but optional.

For children newborn to 5 years. 6:30-7pm.

Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250477-9030 for more information.

FRI 4 First Friday Book Club at Sidney/North Saanich Branch Library. Discuss great books, make new friends and enjoy snacks at the library.

Ages 11-14. 4-5pm. To find out the April book selection, please call Virginia at 250-656-0944.

SAT 5 Giant Garage Sale at St. Andrew’s Regional High School. Craft and book tables, tupperware, and more. 9am-3pm. 250-727-6893, ext. 227.

Autism Resource Fair at the University of Victoria, Student Union Building. Connect with local service providers and businesses with autism related products. Expert speakers, children’s play zone, and parent’s pampering corner with free massages. 10am-3:30pm. Free.

3800 Finnerty Rd. 250-516-4234.

Island Savings Family Sport and Recreation Festival at the Pacific Institute for Sport Excel-

lence. Packed with dynamic, fun, interactive activities for the whole family. Information booths, interactive activities, sport demos, zipline and more. 10am-4pm.

Nature’s Inventory at Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park. Taking inventory in a store may not be much fun, but taking an inventory of nature can be a blast. Join forces with CRD Regional Park’s naturalists and the Metchosin Bioblitz team to explore the diversity of plants and animal life within Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park. Meet at the grassy area adjacent to the main beach at 10:30am or 1:30pm. All ages.

BC Transit #54 or #55. 250-478-3344. www. metchosinbiodiversity.com for more details.

Bang, Pow, Kaboom! at Emily Carr Branch Library. Calling all superheroes. Join us for an adventurous program about comics and graphic novels. Test your superhero skills with trivia and character drawing and learn how to create your own cool comic strip to take home. For ages 10-12. 2:30-3:30pm. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-475-6100 for more info.

SAT 5 & SUN 6 Gordon Head Studio Tour. Area artists welcome the public into their homes and studios.

Members will showcase a variety of work including original paintings and prints, stone and wood sculpture, fibre art, and pottery.

Maps available at www.gobc.ca or call 250658-4523 for more information.

Victoria Kids Consignment Sale at the Sheraton Hotel (behind Costco). Baby & children’s clothes, toys, gear and much more. Pre-sales Friday 5-7pm. Public sale Saturday 10am-4pm.

1/2 price sale, Sunday 10am-1pm. Admission and parking free. www.victoriakidsconsignment.ca for details.

SUN 6 What’s That? Ask a Nat at Island View Beach Regional Park. Come with your curiosity to explore low tide and all the marine critters it reveals. Borrow dip nets and ask a CRD Regional Parks naturalist to identify your treasures. Be prepared to get your feet wet (bring sandals or beach shoes). Meet at the picnic shelter on Homathko Rd, off Island View Rd any time between 10am and 2pm.

All ages. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

MON 7 Victoria Children’s Literature Roundtable at Nellie McClung Branch Library. Celebrate Canadian Children’s Book Week with touring storyteller Bernice Gei-Ying Hune. Her traditional Chinese tales are popular with children. Bernice tells spellbinding stories by Canadian author Paul Yee, as well as stories created from her own imagination. Sponsored

by Canada Council for the Arts. Doors open at 7pm. Browse the Cadboro Bay Books table before the meeting at 7:30pm. Open to the public. Members free; $5/drop-in; $4/student.

For more info, call 250-598-3694.

6 new favourites for sharing... or keeping for yourself.

Made right, right here.

32 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

TUES 8 Braefoot Family Fun Night in Braefoot Park.

A fun-filled evening of children’s activities.

Bouncy castle, Sportball, games, prizes, loot bags and more. BBQ by donation. 5:307:30pm. 250-721-2244.

FRI 11 Mom’s the Word! at Saanich Centennial Branch Library. It’s all about mom as we celebrate Mother’s Day during a lively program about M-O-M. In addition to enjoying songs and stories, you will also make a small gift to take home that will surely touch your mother’s heart. For ages 3-5. 10:30-11:30am. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-477-9030 for more info.

SAT 12 Winged Migration at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park. Celebrate the return of our feathered friends. Join CRD Parks, Rocky Point Bird Observatory and Victoria Natural History Society to learn about the journey that birds take from their summer and winter homes. This free drop-in event offers engaging activities for birders of all ages, expertise and abilities. Participate in guided walks, mist-netting demos, hummingbird and passerine banding demos, children’s activities and presentations.

9am-2pm. Meet at the filter beds parking lot off Beaver Lake Rd. BC Transit #70 or #75.

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

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

Quadra Village Day in Quadra Village. Enjoy fun all-ages activities. Starts with a pancake breakfast. Face painting, bouncy castle, obstacle course, Wii games, giant twister, hoola hoop games and Mother’s Day crafts. 9:30am1pm. Free. quadravillageday@gmail.com.

Island Children’s Festival at Island Montessori.

A day of music, art, food, and everything fun.

Headliner Fred Penner will take the stage, as well as a variety of multi-cultural artists and

children’s entertainers. Bring the whole family and participate in crafts and activities, and enjoy some of the best local food Vancouver Island has to offer. All proceeds go to support families who face educational barriers due to mental health challenges, disability, or poverty. 1-4pm. $5; children under 6 free.

5575 West Saanich Rd. heather.lejeune@ fantangroup.com.

SUN 13 Kindergym Mother’s Day Event at Panorama Recreation. What a great way to spend the morning with your mommy. Make her something special at the arts & crafts table.

9-10:30am. 1885 Forest Park Dr. 250-6567271.

17th Annual Mother’s Day Paint-In and Craft Fair at Royal Roads University. Artisans, fun interactive activities, main stage entertainment, children’s zone with entertainment and a debut of the El Paso’s Train Station… children, come take a ride on the train! 10am-4pm.

Mystery Creature at Gonzales Hill Regional Park. Solve the riddles to the clues with a CRD Regional Parks naturalist on this “skill-testing” quest atop Gonzales Hill. The panoramic view is breathtaking. Meet at the Denison Rd parking lot at 1pm. All ages. 250-478-3344. www. crd.bc.ca/parks.

Mother’s Day Concert at Playfair Park. Features Reynolds High School Orchestra playing favourites against a backdrop of beautiful rhododendrons. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy the free open-air concert. 2:30-4:30pm.

BC Transit #6.

FRI 18 Lego at the Library at Emily Carr Branch Library. If you like stories and building with Lego, join us for a storytime that’s sure to put a smile on your face. We’ll supply the Lego, and you can use your imagination to construct your own creation that we’ll display in the library. For a project that you can take home, please bring your own Lego. For ages 6-9. 2:30-3:30pm. Register online at www. gvpl.ca or call 250-475-6100 for more info.

Made fresh in-store daily.

Spicy Pulled Pork www.IslandParent.ca

TM

SAT 19 Mount Work-Out at Mount Work Regional Park. Join a CRD Regional Parks naturalist on this vigorous hike from marshy lowlands to rugged rocky outcrops. Bring a lunch, water, rain gear, and wear sturdy hiking shoes. Meet at the Munn Rd parking lot at 10am. 12+ years. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

SAT 19 & SUN 20 149th Annual Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival in Topaz Park. Great for the entire family. A full Scottish weekend with Tattoo, Highland Games and Ceilidh. For details and a full schedule, visit www.victoriahighlandgames.com.

MON 21 Victoria Day Parade on Douglas Street. Marching bands, floats, clowns and more. Fun for the whole family. 9am.

Stories at Fern. Featuring Victoria Storytellers and guests. For people who love to tell stories, and people who love to listen. All welcome.

7:30-9:30pm. 1831 Fern St (please park on Begbie). $5; $3/students (includes tea and goodies). 250-477-7044. www.victoriastorytellers.org.

FRI 25 Author Nikki Tate: The Legends of King Arthur at Juan de Fuca and Central Branch Libraries. The legends of King Arthur have

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May 2012 33

been fodder for storytellers for centuries.

Nikki Tate takes these old stories and gives them a new twist for contemporary audiences. The Marriage of Sir Gawain is one of her favourite stories. Prefaced with a quick reminder of who’s who and what’s happening in Camelot, Nikki will turn this and other tales of Camelot into theatrical renditions that are energetic, unbelievable, and awesome. For Grades 6-8 and homeschoolers too. Juan de Fuca: 10:30-11:30am, 250-391-0653; Central: 1:15-2:15pm, 250-413-0365. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call for more info.

Fourth Friday Book Club at Juan de Fuca Branch Library. Join Leah to discuss great books, make new friends, and enjoy snacks.

For ages 9-13, 3:30-4:30pm. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-391-0653 for more info.

SAT 26 Selkirk Waterfront Festival. A fun, familyfriendly festival. Live entertainment, rides, games and a vendors market. Free. 10am-3pm.

SUN 27 Pole Painting Project in Fernwood. Paint telephone poles as a permanent art piece for the neighbourhood of Fernwood. Outdoor latex paint in a variety of colours, sponges and materials to create a stencil for the pole

will be provided. 10am-2pm. Check www. fernwoodnrg.ca for more info, or email polepaint@ferwoodnrg.ca to participate.

Beginners Birding Basics at Island View Beach Regional Park. Ever wanted to bird watch?

This is the time of year when courtship and territory disputes fill the air with song. Learn what to look for, and how to use binoculars and field guides. Bring binoculars if you have them. A spotting scope is provided. Meet at the picnic shelter on Homathko Rd, off Island View Rd at 10am. 9+ years. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

World Partnership Walk starting at Cameron Bandshell, Beacon Hill Park. Take steps to end global poverty. This event is an excellent opportunity for kids to learn they can make a difference in the world. Registration begins at 10am, walk at 11:30am. Free. Please register online at www.worldpartnershipwalk.com.

Conservation Funk at Goldstream Nature House. Join RLC Park Services for a day to share in the love of nature and learn about different ways we can help conserve these unique ecosystems in our own day-to-day living. Local businesses, musicians and volunteers will lead you in an array of educational and musical adventures. The Conservation Funk will highlight the importance of the river and the estuary in the Park. 10:30am-2:30pm. For

more info, email goldstream@naturehouse.ca or call 250-478-9414.

10th Annual Bioregional Fair at Oak and Orca.

Fun activities, workshops, food and bake sale, and more. Everyone welcome. 11am-3pm, rain or shine. Free. Info, 250-812-8782 or email caroline@gatherings.ca.

Bee Day at Swan Lake Nature House. 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, bee experts and some bee spit to taste. Join us and you’ll bee amazed, bee enchanted and bee happy. Bee there or bee square! Noon-3pm.

Admission by donation. 3873 Swan Lake Rd. 250-479-0211. www.swanlake.bc.ca.

Information Session at Choices Adoption. A great way to start learning about adoption.

Find out about the process and programs available, both locally and internationally. A family will also be there to share their adoption experience. 2-4pm. 100-850 Blanshard St. 1-888-479-9811 or choices@choicesadoption.ca.

ONGOING BABIES, TODDLERS & PRESCHOOL Drop-in Storytimes for Babies, Toddlers, Preschoolers & Families at the Greater Victoria

Come along with Puck, the mischievous elf, as she creates confusion in the midst of beauty.

Live Choir - Linden Singers Victoria • Royal Theatre

May 31 & June 1, 7:30 pm Tickets: 250-386-6121 • rmts.bc.ca

www.balletvictoria.ca P AUL D ESTROOPER - A RTISTIC D IRECTOR - B ALLET V ICTORIA 34 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Public Library. Storytimes are free and drop-in.

Please come early to find a space. Caregivers are welcome and encouraged to participate.

For a complete schedule of programs, call your local branch or check out the library’s website at www.gvpl.ca.

Parent and Tot Drop-in at CPAC. An active group for fun and socialization. Program includes an open and interactive playtime, craft time, and storytime. Mondays 9-11am. $3.50/military; $4.50/non-military. 250-3631009 to register.

Parent/Tot Drop-in at Gordon Head United Church. A safe place where young children can play while parents in the community connect with each other. Lots of space and toys. Tea or coffee is available for caregivers, and a healthy snack for the children. Parents are responsible for the care of their own children. Mondays 10am-noon. Info, call the church office at 250-477-4142, or Maisie at 250-477-0388.

Kindergym at the Burnside Campus Gym. Join us for a half hour of free play in the gym using child sized sports equipment, balls, hoops, climbers and slides. Following free play is 15 minutes of organized game or physical activity based on LEAP/HOP and then 15 minutes of circle time. For toddlers (walking) to 5 years, and their adult. Drop-in program; parents do not need to register to attend. Tuesdays 9:30-10:30am. 250-388-5251. www.burnsidegorge.ca.

Parent Tot Drop-in at the Burnside Gorge Family Centre. Come and enjoy a nutritious snack (coffee and tea for the parents), free play and time to socialize in the family centre.

We have lots of toys, books, dress-up clothes, puzzles and more. For infants birth to 5 years and their parent/caregivers. Parent participation required. Free. Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 10:30am-noon and Thursdays 6-7pm. 471 Cecelia Rd. 250-388-5251.

Toddler Art at the Burnside Gorge Family Centre. Come and get creative with crafts designed specifically for toddlers and preschoolers. We provide the supplies, smocks and lots of soap—your child provides the creativity.

Parent participation is required. Wednesdays 9:30-10:30am. For toddlers up to age 5 and their parents/caregivers. $2/family. 471 Cecelia Rd. 250-388-5251.

With music composed specifically for Music Corner by Victoria Symphony composer-in-residence, Anna Hostman, this beloved story

by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry takes you to the distant planet Earth where the fox will remind you why your rose is not like all the others.

The Little Prince Saturday May 12 at 3:00pm VCM Children’s Concert Series Free pre-concert activities start at 2:30am at VCM Wood Hall Kids $12 / Parents $15 (siblings under 9 months free)

Drop-in Toddler Time at Lansdowne Preschool. A great place to play and discover. For children ages 0-4. Wednesdays 3:30-4:45pm (except March 14 & 21). 1468 Ryan St. 250595-5223. www.lansdownepreschool.com.

Good Morning Rhyme Time at Sidney Branch Library. Bring your littlest ones to the library on Thursday mornings for songs, rhymes and stories. Stay for refreshments and some social time afterwards. Ages 0-5. 10:15-10:45am in the Nell Horth Room, until May 24. To register, call 250-656-0944.

www.IslandParent.ca

FUNDING PARTNERS:

900 Johnson • 250.386.5311 • www.vcm.bc.ca May 2012 35

CHILDREN Canadian Children’s Book Week Smarty-Pants Contest at the Greater Victoria Public Library.

Do you love books and rock at contests? Do you think you know your Munsch from your Montgomery or your Heidbreder from your Horvath? Then don’t miss this opportunity to show off your Canadian kids’ book smarts and be entered into a draw for a prize pack of Canadian kids’ books. Leading up to the 2012 Book Week celebrations from May 5 to 12, go online to gvpl.ca/interests/kids-tweens and complete one of the age-specific book related trivia quizzes for kids, tweens or teens.

If you answer the questions correctly, you will automatically be entered into the prize pack draw. For more info about Canadian Children’s Book Week, visit bookweek.ca. Online contest runs till May 12. For ages 5-18. No registration required.

Summer

Fun

for

Everyone!

Holiday Programs for all kids in Greater Victoria, ages 5–18 including: • Passion Sports Basketball & Volleyball • Byte Camp • A Musical in a Week

• Tacky Tourists • Detective Kids CSI …And Many More!

For more information on our programs and to register online, visit www.smus.bc.ca/summer or call 250 370 6120

Programs Summer Holiday Challenge Programmes

Summer programmes for all kids in Greater Victoria ages 5 to 18, inc

For a complete list of programmes and to register, visit our web www.smus.bc.ca/campus/extension/chlg_summe or call our Education Extension office at 37

• Claymation movie production • Kayak b • Musical theatre • Summe

SMUS Admissions bw ad Island Parent May 2007 4.75” x 3”

reber creative

Horseback riding Lessons Therapy programs Camps & events nature & equestrian Jr. Kindergarten (Opening September, 2012) All welcome and no experience required to participate

250-588-2583 w w w. f o r w a rd e q u e s t r i a n . c a 6476 Oldfield road, saanichton, BC v8m 1X8 36

Island Parent Magazine

Sea-Shirt Sundays at the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre. On the first Sunday of each month, create your own fish fashion. Bring a pillow case, cloth bag or t-shirt (or purchase a t-shirt from the centre) and your creativity. $2 donation for fabric paint. 1-4pm. 250-665-7511.

YOUTH Canadian Children’s Book Week Smarty-Pants Contest at the Greater Victoria Public Library.

See above for more details. For ages 5-18. No registration required.

Advance Reading Copy (ARC) Club at the Greater Victoria Public Library. Be the first to get all the new books. Get an exclusive copy of a book before it comes out in stores or hits the library shelves. Review it online and you get to keep the free book. For ages 13-18. Info, teens@gvpl.ca.

Friday Night Drop-In Night at ‘The Scene’ Youth Centre. Come and register for a planned activity with old and new friends. Bring your ideas, and we’ll help you carry them out.

6:30-9pm. Free. Info, email youthrec-bgca@ shaw.ca or call 250-388-5251 ext. 254. 471 Cecelia Rd.

FAMILIES Geocaching Adventures with the Geocaching Families of Victoria. Join us at www.meetup. com for details of our upcoming meetups and to RSVP. There is a small annual membership fee to help cover costs.

Gorge Waterway Nature House is open to the public Sundays 11am-4pm until August.

Aquarium touch-tank, microscopes, interactive displays and friendly staff. All ages welcome. Admission by donation. 250-380-7585 or education@worldfish.org.

Ready to Rent BC offers a free course to help find and keep a rental home. Six-week courses run at different times, days and locations. We

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Joseph

help renters identify and deal with any barriers they may have to housing. Includes bus tickets, childminding and a healthy snack. To sign up, call 250-388-7171. readytorentbc.net.

and the

AMAZING

Harmonious Family Singers & Choir. A great way for families to sing, laugh and play together. Kids, teens and adults join voices.

All voices and ages welcome. First-timers are invited to try a no-audition session any Monday afternoon or evening. For details www.harmoniousfamilychoir.com or 250385-SING (7464).

Technicolor®

Animal Tales

by Mark

DuMez

Dreamcoat

Parent Sports Drop-in at James Bay Community School Centre. Parents need time to have fun and get back in touch with their inner child.

Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursday, 7-9pm. $3.50/person. www.jamesbaycentre.ca.

Cook Street Village Sing-a-long at the Cook Street Village Activity Centre. Lyrics on-screen and a piano/sax duo support the fun of singing for all. Tuesdays 10:30am-noon. $1.75 for members and $3.50 for non-members (memberships available). 380 Cook St. The Victoria Good News Choir, directed by Louise Rose, welcomes new members. No auditions and no age requirements. For more info, please phone 250-658-1946 or visit www. victoriagoodnewschoir.com. Come sing with us. You’ll have the time of your life!

Weekly Bird Walk at Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary (meet in the parking lot). Every Wednesday and Sunday, noon-3pm.

Metchosin School Museum is open Saturdays 1:30-4:30pm and Sundays 11am-4:30pm.

An original, one-room schoolhouse built in 1871, it is set up as a classroom with old wooden desks. Families can enjoy perusing the hundreds of artifacts on display. Free. 4475 Happy Valley Rd. Wonder Sunday at the Royal BC Museum.

Explore the Museum in a new way. Bring your family on the last Sunday of each month for activities and explorations inspired by different parts of the museum. Make crafts, join special tours, and let your imagination wander away with you. Suitable for children 3-12 years old, and is included with admission, or free with membership. www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca.

Hillside Partners with Women in Need. Pick up a complimentary Women in Need (WIN) clothing bag at Customer Service and fill it with your gently worn clothing or fashion accessories. At your convenience, return your WIN bag to Hillside Customer Service. As a proud supporter of WIN, Hillside offers this donation service 365 days of the year.

Genealogy in the Classroom is a web-based resource filled with student activities, teacher notes, charts and forms that can be used online or downloaded and printed. Free. www. victoriags.org/school.•

www.IslandParent.ca

lyrics by

music by

Tim Rice

Andrew Lloyd Webber

Based on tales by Aesop, Brothers Grimm, and Hans Christian Andersen

JUNE 15 TO SEPTEMBER 1

JULY 20 TO AUGUST 25

BROADWAY MUSICAL

PARTICIPATION KIDZPLAY

1.800.565.7738 chemainustheatre.ca Colin Sheen, Giovanni Mocibob, Holly Pillsbury u SeaShine Design u David Cooper Photography

Mini-Golf Mattick’s Farm

2 Challenging 18 Hole Courses Fun for All Ages • Groups Welcome

 Birthday Parties  Family Reunions  Church Groups  Clubs/Teams

For more info see: matticksfarm.com 5325 Cordova Bay Road • 250-658-4053 May 2012 37

Around the Island

Visit www.IslandParent.ca for these and other events and resources for families from Cowichan Valley north to Campbell River and west to Tofino Tues 1 – Mon 7

SAT 5

Youth Week features free events and activities at RDN Recreation and Parks. For the full schedule, visit www.rdn.bc.ca or call 250-248-3252.

BookFest in the Diana Krall Plaza, Nanaimo.

Children ages 5-12 can meet some of Canada’s finest children’s authors, illustrators and storytellers for fun-filled presentations. Tickets from the Port Theatre, www.portheatre.com, or call 250-754-8550. Info, visit www.bookfest.ca.

WED 2 Glow in the Dark Skate at Cliff McNabb Arena. Skate in our atmosphere of dimmed lighting and special effects. 6:30-8pm. Regular admission rates. Glow necklaces available for $2. 250-756-5200.

FRI 4 Free Teen Swim at Ravensong Aquatic Centre in celebration of Youth Week. Come get active, wild and wet with your friends. 11-18 years, 7-9pm. www.rdn.bc.ca or 250-752-5014.

Pro-D Day Jungle Book Swim at Ravensong Aquatic Centre. Come and enjoy a special swim with a jungle book theme. Everyone welcome.

1-3pm. Regular admission. 250-752-5014. www.rdn.bc.ca.

20th Annual Fire & Ice Street Festival in Qualicum Beach. Famous chili cook-off, ice carvers from across Western Canada, musical entertainment, kids zone with face painting, balloons, games and fun activities. www. fireandicestreetfestival.com.

MON 7 Youth Music and Ping Pong at Oceanside Place. Celebrate Youth Week with ping pong, prizes, food and music. 5-8pm. 250-248-3252.

SAT 12 Aquatic Special at the Nanaimo Aquatic

Centre. A session of games and other special themed activities. 2-4pm. 250-756-5200.

SUN 13 Mother’s Day Tea and Cake at Hazelwood Herb Farm, Ladysmith. Bring your mother for tea and cake. Try the refreshing herbal tea grown at the farm. Lots of seating under cover in the orchard. Free for mom; $3/other family members. 13576 Adshead Rd. 250-245-8007.

Queen for the Day at Ravensong Aquatic Centre. It’s your day, mum… go shopping in town while your children enjoy the pool, then relax in the hot tub and leave the entertaining to us. Free for all those hard working mothers.

Everyone welcome. 1-5pm. 250-752-5014. www.rdn.bc.ca.

WED 16 Busy Birds at Bowen Park Lower Picnic Shelter.

Spring is alive with the sounds of birds attracting mates, nesting, and feeding their young.

Through games and drawing, discover how the basic form of a bird tells us where they live and what they eat. Learn how to make a feeder that you can hang outside a window at home. 3-5 years. 10-11am. $8. 150-756-5200.

Glow in the Dark Skate at Cliff McNabb Arena. See TUES 6 for details. 6:30-8pm.

Regular admission rates. 250-756-5200.

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38 Island Parent Magazine

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www.kidsinvictoria.com

Aquatic Special at the Beban Park Pool. A movie and games in the leisure pool. 2-4pm.

250-756-5200.

SAT 26 Evergreen School’s Children & Apple Pie at Cobble Hill Hall & Fair Grounds. Mini-golf, games, silent auction, apple pies and other great food, entertainment, bouncy castle, face painting and more. 10am-3pm. Info, 250-743-2433.

Aquatic Special at the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre. A session of games and other special themed activities. 2-4pm. 250-756-5200.

SUN 27 36th Annual Qualicum Beach Family Day in Qualicum. Starts with Shriner’s breakfast, followed by a community parade at noon. In the afternoon, head to the Civic Centre fields for interactive games, climbing wall, bouncy castles, food, music, dancing and pony rides.

250-752-2300. www.qbfamilyday.com.

Family Day Swim at Ravensong Aquatic Centre. Come to the free swim sponsored by RBC. 10am-noon. 250-752-5014.

THURS 31 Through a Bug’s Eyes at Pipers Lagoon Park.

Why do plants have flowers? Learn how plants and bugs are closely connected through pollination. See firsthand through the use of UV light how insects, such as bees and flies, see flowers. Also discover how people can see differently through the use of the colour blind test.

For 3-5 year olds. 1-2pm. $8. 250-756-5200.

ONGOING PRESCHOOL LaFF at the Aggie is a drop-in family & friends resource program for children ages 0-6 and their parents, grandparents or caregivers. Play area, free clothing exchange, food programs, free coffee and tea. Mon-Fri, 9:30am-noon. $2 suggested donation. 250-210-0870, www. familyandfriends.ca.

CHILDREN

Spare Blox Youth Drop-in in Nanaimo. The ultimate place to be. This is a supervised space to hang out and chill. Open to those 12-17,

www.IslandParent.ca

FAMILY Our Feathered Friends at the Nanaimo Museum. Why are feathers important to understanding birds? Why do some remain close to home year-round and others migrate for thousands of kilometers? Answers to these questions and more. The exhibition’s display units and graphics provide an introduction to birds and birdwatching. Workshops and demos, try Origami, and even learn to prepare a meal for your favourite backyard bird. 10am5pm. $2/adults; $.75/child; members free.

100 Museum Way. 250-753-1821 or www. nanaimomuseum.ca.

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

Golden Shoe Hunt at RDN, Recreation and Parks. Take some time to explore the RDN’s 12 regional parks and 7 regional trails. Begin the hunt by collecting clues on the RDN website at www.rdn.bc.ca and you may find the coveted Golden Shoe. You can also find us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter. Free.

No registration required. April 13-May 18.

250-248-3252.

Free Sewing Classes at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Nanaimo. All skill levels welcome, from beginner to expert. Experienced volunteers are invited to come along to help newbies or just sew in a fun, friendly group.

Lots of materials and ideas. Info, email Val at vfroom@shaw.ca or search Facebook for Nanaimo Sewing Mamas. Mondays 6-9pm.

4235 Departure Bay Rd. Spring Sundays at Milner Gardens & Woodland. Come and watch the blooms as they unfold and stop in for a cup of tea or hot bowl of soup. Enjoy the woodland trails, and check out the ocean activity and the view to the islands and mainland with the viewing scope. By donation. 2179 West Island Highway, Qualicum. 250-752-6153.

Parksville Lion’s and Save-On-Foods Free Family Skate at Oceanside Place, Parksville.

Free admission and skate rentals. Children under 19 must be accompanied by an adult.

No pond hockey during Family Skate sessions.

Sundays. 250-248-3252.•

The “BEST” way to cloth diaper your child.

We supply everything You need (except the baby!)

Serving Vancouver Island since 2008

HAPPY ISLAND DIAPERS are • Affordable • Environmentally friendly • Form fitted • Adjustable plastic snaps • No rinsing or soaking pp

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YOUTH

Rec Room at Frank Jameson Community Centre. Play pool, ping-pong, air hockey, foosball, surf the net, watch TV or listen to music. Tuesdays 3-6pm feature interactive events and Fridays 6-10pm are drop-in with different activities planned. For 13-18 year olds. 250-245-6424.

an

Parent & Child Hockey at Cliff McNabb Arena, Nanaimo. A fun, non-competitive hockey time for children and parents. Bring your own gloves, stick, and helmet with face cage. Pre-registration required. Sundays 2:153pm. $4. 250-756-5200.

it offers regular gym activities, video games, movies, foosball, air hockey and much more.

Free, but you must register. 7-9pm. Mondays, Nanaimo District Secondary School; Tuesdays, Oliver Woods Community Centre; Wednesdays, John Barsby Community School.

250-756-5200.

Ha

FRI 18

Ask about our GREAT referral program

www.happyislanddiapers.com 1-866-922-7377 May 2012

39

Tina Kelly

Hostelling with Kids I

vacillated between being annoyed and intrigued. It was late. I was on vacation and I was trying to sleep, but the incessant wailing of the child in the next room prevented me from doing so. The walls in this 19th century Portland, Oregon home, converted into a youth hostel, were thin. By the early hours of the morning I was frustratingly still awake and wondering why travellers with young kids wouldn’t stay at a hotel adequately built to limit noise between rooms. It would seem the most courteous thing to do for fellow travellers. And yet, the idea of hostelling with kids also intrigued me.

Sleep eventually came for the child and her parents as well as for me and the next day I not only bought earplugs, but considered more closely the concept of hostelling with kids.

As a child, my family travels consisted of camping or a splurge on a two-star motel near Disneyland. Yet as an adult I’ve traipsed across 21 countries, staying in hostels in

many of them, and today I find myself advocating on the benefits of exploration and travel. The Hostelling International (HI) website has this to say about the benefits of hostel travel: “This kind of enriching experience encourages personal growth and cultural understanding and awareness.”

Why should this type of experience be limited to 20-something backpackers? No one can argue that exposing children from a young age to new ideas and other cultures, as well as providing them with a break from their routine through travel, can help develop strong, flexible, globally-minded and accepting members of society.

During my trip to Portland, I witnessed four different families, American and European, stay in private rooms at the hostel.

Other than the lower nightly rate ,compared to hotels, hostels offer another cost-saver and important benefit for many parents—a self-service kitchen. My sister-in-law believes the simple task of making breakfast

a must for her own family’s vacations. Use the kitchen to make sandwiches for a picnic lunch and return in the evening for a home cooked meal and the economical benefit increases.

Hostelling has two up on camping when considering budget travel options—it’s comfortable in any weather or season, and it doesn’t involve a carload of gear requiring set-up.

Hostel staff may be as in-the-know, or even more in-the-know, than the concierge at a five-star hotel. Remember, hostels are geared towards budget travellers and hostel staff are not only experts on where to get cheap eats, grocery store locations, public transit routes, dates and times for discounted admission to local attractions, but many hostels provide some form of free organized activity such as walking tours, live music, movie nights or shared meal nights. The latter is a great way for kids to experience dishes reflecting the cultural diversity of the other hostellers.

I’ve experienced hostels with homey perks including free bike rentals, morning coffee, and apple crumble or cake desserts. Hostel employees also know what local businesses offer discounts to membership holders.

outdoor environment has

Our

always piqued the curiosity of our students.

This fall, it becomes part of our Kindergarten program.

Come visit us for a sneak peek.

ST. M ARGARET’S SCHOOL w w w.st m a r g.c a | (250) 479-7171 40 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Another plus—hostels tend to be centrally located and in sought after destinations. In British Columbia and Alberta you can find hostels in Victoria, Tofino, Vancouver, Whistler, Penticton, Banff, Jasper, and Calgary, among other cities. Further afield, Europe and Australia have well established hostel

Hostelling has two up on camping when considering budget travel options: it’s comfortable in any weather or season; and it doesn’t involve a carload of gear requiring set-up. networks. All hostels are not equal, however, but this can be a good thing. Stay in a castle in Scotland, a lighthouse in the U.S., or a farm stay or jungle retreat in Malaysia. How about sleeping in a treehouse, an old prison, a tee-pee, railway car or boat?

In New Zealand, a stone house from the 1800s has been turned into a hostel with the child- or child-at-heart-friendly name of Hogwartz. Not all hostels offer private rooms or an ensuite bathroom, so check websites or call ahead to ask what types of rooms are available.

I imagine some parents are itching to shout, “But the point of a vacation is to not have to cook!” Point taken, but you don’t have to cook to experience hostel travel.

Just try it once. You might just find it a nice economical getaway that comes with an interesting assortment of perks that your kids will learn from and enjoy.

And the next time I plan on staying at a hostel, I’ll make sure my earplugs are packed.

HI memberships can be bought online at www.hihostels.ca. Adult membership is $35 plus tax and is valid for two years. Membership for age 17 and under is free. Note that though a membership is not required to stay in a HI hostel, it lowers your nightly fee and entitles you to other discounts from participating businesses.

Tina Kelly is the Visitor Experience Director at the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre in Sidney B.C. Her trip to Portland was, in part, to bring back some of the nostalgia of hostelling around Australia and New Zealand from 2007-2009. www.IslandParent.ca

Le français au CSF, c’est bien plus qu’une langue !

Depuis sa création en 1995, le Conseil scolaire francophone de la Colombie-Britannique offre des programmes et des services éducatifs valorisant le plein épanouissement et l’identité culturelle des apprenantes et apprenants francophones de la province.

Le conseil compte aujourd’hui plus de 4 600 élèves, 36 écoles publiques et dessert plus d’une centaine de communautés réparties dans l’ensemble de la province.

Inscrivez votre enfant dans une école du CSF !

Nos écoles publiques daNs l’île de VaNcouVer Campbell River École Mer-et-montagne École secondaire Phoenix École secondaire Carihi

250-923-3359 1102 South Alder 250-923-3359 400, 7th Ave. 250-923-3359 350 Dogwood St.

M-6 7-9 10 - 12

Comox Valley

École au Cœur-de-l'île

250-339-1848 566 Linshart Rd.

M - 12

Nanaimo

École Océane 250-714-0761 1951 Estevan Rd. M - 7 École secondaire de Nanaimo 250-714-0761 355 Wakesiah Ave. 8 - 12

Port Alberni

École des Grands-cèdres

250-723-5614 4645 Helen St.

M-6

Victoria

École Victor-Brodeur

250-220-6010 637 Head St.

M - 12

csf.bc.ca

May 2012

41

Shannon Szymczakowski

My Little Scooter

M

y son crawled at eight months and walked at one year of age. So when my daughter neared those same milestones, I eagerly anticipated similar achievements. Eight months passed and then a year and still no crawling.

Shortly after her first birthday, Ania became mobile. And, suffice it to say, it was not the classic crawl I expected.

She is a “scooter” through and through.

Sitting up, she uses her arms and legs to propel herself forward, sliding across the floor on her bottom. Her scoot definitely places her in the spotlight. Friends comment on how strong her abdominal muscles and upper torso must be, and we joke that she does not want to get her hands and knees dirty by crawling. One friend has even labeled it the “boot scoot” and says that we should film her scooting to

MOBY DICK HERMAN MELLVILLE’S

ADAPTED BY RODERICK GLANVILLE

“Glanville’s Moby Dick is an epic achievement.”

-David Lennam, Monday Magazine

“Glanville holds the audience with the intensity of his performance” - Adrian Chamberlain, The Times Colonist

THE AWARD WINNING ONE MAN SHOW RETURNS FOR A LIMITED TIME

May 18-19, 2012 ! Metro Studio Theatre IMAGE BY JEFFREY BOSDET

tickets available through the MCPHERSON BOX OFFICE 250.386.6121

SCHOOL MATINEE PERFORMANCES MAY 16-18.

CALL 250.361.0808 TO BOOK TODAY.

www.kaleidoscope.bc.ca

42 Island Parent Magazine

the “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” song sung by the country duo, Brooks & Dunn.

I sometimes question if I gave my daughter enough tummy time to help develop her upper body strength. My mother constantly asks me when Ania will crawl. I persistently tell her that the scoot is her crawl. It is all that she knows and it works for her. She is able to get from point A to point B. Not only that, but her scoot keeps my floors clean.

With a very active two-and-a-half year-old son, it is a blessing in disguise to be able to place my daughter down and know that she will not make it too far if I have to attend to his needs.

Some children never crawl, while others have their own version of the classic crawl. These range from the butt scoot, combat crawl, the bear walk (with arms and legs straight and bottom in the air, “walking” on hands and feet), the roll, to the crab crawl. My nephew for the longest time could only crawl backwards.

All children have their own internal timetable of physical development which guides them in knowing just the right time to pull themselves up and stand, and for how long to practice these abilities each day. We continue to assist Ania in her walking by practicing pulling up and cruising sideways using such household furniture as the couch and the coffee table. We regularly place toys just out of her reach to give her an incentive to try to move towards them.

As a late walker-to-be, Ania is more of a wait-and-see type as she is cautious and contemplative in comparison to her brother who is a risk taker and explorer. With her, we have noticed that part of the process is building her confidence to take those first steps. Often Ania will shriek if she finds herself in a compromising standing position that she is uncertain how to manoeuvre out of—sometimes she just needs to sit down. We continue to offer plenty of praise and encouragement with each attempt to stand and balance and take those first strides.

I know that one day soon, Ania will be walking and I will surely miss her scoot. So in the interim, my husband and I will capture her scoot on video in order to look back and remember it fondly. Ania will no doubt love to see her unique baby mode of transport in action in the years to come. For now, I am satisfied with waiting, watching, and enjoying the unfolding unique growth of my child as she follows her inner guide.

Shannon Szymczakowski, BSW, lives in Ucluelet with her husband and two children. She is thankful for life’s little moments that her children provide.

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Meribeth Burton

The Walk

M

y introduction to the World Partnership Walk (WPW) came in 1997. I was anchoring the 5 p.m. newscast at CHEK TV when Walk organizer Naz Rayani asked me to emcee the event. I said yes. I had no idea then that hosting a community event that was meant to generate funds and hope for the world’s poorest people would also generate lifelong friendships and hope in my own life.

The WPW is Canada’s largest annual event dedicated to raising funds and awareness to fight global poverty. Organized by volunteers in 10 cities across Canada, last year’s Walk raised more than $7 million.

With each of my 14 years as the emcee at the annual event, my commitment grew as we helped Naz and his committee flourish from a small cultural event to a must-attend community and family celebration.

Over the years, WPW has attracted some incredible guests of honour. One of my favourite memories is of Raffi, children’s performer and global humanitarian, singing on the WPW stage with my daughter Kennedy: “All I really need is a song in my heart, food in my belly and love in my family.”

Another highlight came last year when Naz Rayani was named the guest of honour. Two years ago, Naz suffered two serious strokes a few weeks apart. The man with the unstoppable spirit and determination for both the world’s poor and his community here at home, was down—and there were days, I feared, down for good. The recovery for Naz has not been easy but his “Insh’allah” (“God-willing”) mantra makes him an inspiration.

The speech he gave at last spring’s Walk was humble and hopeful, just like him. He raised more than $25,000 in pledges for his participation in the Walk. This year, I, as the Walk’s guest of honour, have impossible shoes to fill. But thanks to my friendship with Naz, I have learned a little about humility and a whole lot about the power of hope.

Please join me for the World Partnership Walk Sunday, May 29 at 11 a.m. in Beacon Hill Park. Join the Victoria Tots and Tykes team, or form your own team at www.worldpartnershipwalk.com.

Wanted:

Children to see their brains in action!

Dr. Holroyd and colleagues at the University of Victoria Department of Psychology are currently looking for children between the ages 8 and 13 who have a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder to participate in a study of ADHD. Participants will engage in game-like computer activities, paper and pencil tasks, and “brainwave” experiments where we will record the electrical activity of the brain!

The procedure is entirely safe, non-invasive, and most children enjoy being involved in a scientific experiment!

Scheduling is flexible and there is a small monetary compensation.

Thank you for your participation!

For more information, please contact Akina at 250 472 5014 or uvic.adhd@gmail.com

Meribeth is the obnoxiously proud mother of Kennedy, 12, and Sheridan, 3. She loves her new job as BC Transit’s corporate spokesperson but misses her TV clothing allowance.

www.IslandParent.ca

May 2012 43

Speech-Language Therapy …Now there’s an App for that!

Child, Youth & Family Community 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 250-755-7855 Parksville/Qualicum 250-947-8222 Port Alberni 250-731-1315 Tofino 250-725-2172

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 250-949-3100

www.viha.ca/prevention_services/

44 Island Parent Magazine

I

n this high-tech world, parents sometimes worry their children will fall behind if they aren’t using the latest educational enhancements, but with so many software choices available, where do you start? iTunes offers hundreds of apps for speech/ language therapy alone (apps are programs commonly used on portable hand-held devices like phones or tablets). For parents of children working with Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), choosing the right app can be overwhelming. Relax. You don’t have to “app-up” to ensure your child’s success.

As long as you practice the homework recommended by your child’s SLP on a regular basis, you’re giving your child exactly what they need.

If you do decide to check out the world of apps, keep in mind that there is no replacement for speech-language assessments or therapy with a qualified SLP. Although an app may claim to improve a particular skill, at this time there are few, if any, that have actually been proven to support such claims. Your first priority should be to follow the suggested homework from your SLP as these activities have been chosen specifically for your child.

Another factor to consider is that since these devices are new, the effects of longterm use by children has not yet been studied.

The best guidelines for now, when using tablet devices with your child, would be to follow the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations for screen time (for example, time spent in front of television and computer screens). Currently the AAP discourages any screen time for children under the age of two years. For children over two years of age the AAP recommends no more than one to two hours of quality screen time per day.

All media (television, computers and tablets) should ideally be used with an adult/ parent present. This is important from an SLP’s perspective since we know that communication development is dependent upon interaction. When using apps for speech therapy, adult participation is crucial since many apps don’t give the child feedback on the accuracy of their work…or the feedback provided might not be correct. Your child needs an adult involved to let them know if

their response was correct, and why.

The primary benefit of apps is convenience—they can be downloaded to a mobile device and you and your child can practice anywhere, anytime. For children, apps can be motivating; working on a tablet or phone is often considered a special treat.

Some apps also allow you to track how your child is progressing and you can share this information with your SLP. In general there are three types of speechlanguage apps. There are professional apps developed for use only by an SLP. The second

When using apps for speech therapy, adult participation is crucial since many apps don’t give children feedback on the accuracy of their work…or the feedback provided might not be correct. Your child needs an adult involved to let them know if their response was correct, and why. type includes apps that have been specifically designed for speech/language therapy and may be used by an SLP or a parent. Both of these apps have been developed specifically for use in speech-language pathology and cover many specific areas or skills including: articulation/phonology, assistive technology, fluency/stuttering, language, sign language, social skills and voice. The third type is the general education app (or games) that could be adapted to target specific speech/language skills.

Not all apps are created equal. As an SLP, I found there was limited information for professionals on how to choose apps and even less information for parents. With a large selection of choices available ranging in price from free to $99.99, it can seem overwhelming to find the right one for your child’s development. www.kidsinvictoria.com

The following are guidelines to keep in mind when considering the purchase of an app for speech/language therapy for your child: • Check with your child’s SLP for suggestions, but keep in mind that this is new

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technology and they may not be using apps yet. If your SLP is familiar with them, they might have a few suggestions on what to buy as well as advice on how to use the apps effectively. Even if your SLP hasn’t used apps yet, they may be able to tell you the specific skills, or search terms you can try to find appropriate apps for, to help with the particular skill that your child is working on. Here’s a link to a list of several apps available for use in speech-language pathology: www.speakingofspeech.info/ oversize/apps.doc • Make sure to read the app description to ensure the app applies to the particular skill that your child is working on. Look for apps developed by SLPs and keep in mind some apps may have been developed by individuals with limited or no knowledge of the field.

• Check the reviews of the app on the iTunes Store or Google Play, formerly known as Android Market (but remember that these reviews are often just based on opinion). You can also check out www.therapyapp411. com for reviews (primarily by therapy professionals) organized in a systematic manner that includes information such as benefits, cautions, and skills targeted.

• Look for apps with free trial versions.

This way you can try the app to see if it is appropriate, make sure that it doesn’t crash, and ensure it is easy to use.

May is Speech & Hearing Awareness Month. Speech/Language and Hearing resources for all ages can be found by selecting “Consumer Info” at www.speechandhearing.ca.

Sarah Frumento is a registered Speech-Language Pathologist working with preschoolage children at the Esquimalt Health Unit of the Vancouver Island Health Authority.

www.IslandParent.ca

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Meet Jeffrey.

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May 2012 45

S u m m e r Day C a m p s Friends, Fun, Adventure!

June 25 – Aug 30 7:30am – 6:00pm With outings every day, soccer, scavenger hunts, theme days and more, your child will build friendships and memories to last a lifetime.

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Supervised by qualified, caring, energetic staff in a licensed facility.

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Early drop off, late pick up and lunch available!

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250-391-1738 or www.citycentrepark.ca for info and to register 46 Island Parent Magazine

An Overprotective Dad? remember being in Grade 6 the year the Roots Clothing Company brought out their new leather jackets. They were pretty cool. No one in my school had one. Then one day, two brothers came to school wearing brand new Roots jackets. One red, one blue, and both with white leather sleeves. To me, those jackets were the ultimate status symbol and those two boys, the envy of us all.

Lesley and Kim, two of the more popular girls at school, asked the brothers if they could wear their jackets. A badge of honour.

How could the rest of us guys compete? No matter how good our marks were, or how well we played sports, we could not garner attention the way those jackets could.

Then, on the second day after the unveiling of the new coats, the brothers’ parents made a surprise visit to the school. Maybe they wanted to check on the jackets…after all, those garments cost about $200 at the time, which was a lot to spend on a jacket for an 11- or 12-year-old kid, even by today’s standards. The boys were mortified. Yesterday’s icons had become today’s pariahs.

None of us envied the brothers anymore.

Today we live in a different world. Parents are much more active in schools, and the presence of mom and dad at the school is the norm. Many of us know each other, and a large group of parents waiting in the school yard with their kids is common.

There are a number of very good reasons for this, obviously. It is a great thing to see parents involved.

In the middle of last year, however, I noticed that my presence was actually taking the place of something else. I wasn’t letting either of my daughters learn to work through the daily confusion, fear, happiness and struggle that can be life. I was becoming too much of a director, rather than a guide.

My protective instincts were switched onto overdrive, and I realized that I needed a longer term view of things.

There are many reasons for being what is considered today to be overprotective. Some parents try to control their child’s world bewww.kidsinvictoria.com

cause of a lack of control in their own. Fear of failure, or a fear of not succeeding, seems to register in most studies. This is not to be confused with parental involvement, which can be defined in this case as constructive interaction with a child’s learning process.

I decided last year that my girls were going to have to go it alone for the most part. I will be there to support them when it comes to learning, or excelling in whatever they choose to excel in, but when it comes to the daily grind of life, I can only be there

Dadspeak Frank o’Brien to listen to them and answer their questions.

This is a very hard thing to do. Even in today’s anti-bullying environment, the same things go on in the school yard as they did 20 years ago. Kids will argue, bicker, be BFFs one day and sworn enemies the next.

When one of my daughters comes home in tears because of something that was said at school, I find it’s better to talk with her about how to deal with it, rather than lace up the gloves and march down to the school.

Both of my girls are actually thankful for this. The few times I’ve mentioned going to speak with a teacher or the principal have been met with fierce protests by both of them. Further conversation usually tells me their reasoning and perspective on any given situation. I like to know how they are making decisions, and this is where I find the real joy of parenting. I am growing along with my girls. In many ways, they are teaching me.

Does my overprotective side ever rear its ugly head? Not often. I am sure many dads out there feel the same as me. Up until a few years ago, I used to compete in kickboxing.

I’m sure even in his sixties my dad had the urge to climb into the ring to make sure I was not hurt. It’s in our nature to want to protect our kids, but often, to best protect them we must let them learn to protect themselves.

Frank O’Brien is the father of Aideen and Megan, and husband of Amanda O’Brien.

He is currently working on a book about his experience in the restaurant industry.

www.IslandParent.ca

If you have kids… and you like camping… try Park Sands Beach Resort this summer!

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380-2442 Or Register Online At www.victoriagymnastics.com May 2012 47

Taking Down the Toxins

m

um, I can eat this play dough—it’s totally fine for me to eat, if I wanted.”

That’s what I self-importantly proclaimed when I was about seven years old.

“Hmmmmmmm?” my mother replied, her mind deep within the softened state of awareness familiar to mothers, midway between meditation and intervention.

“Non-toxic. It says on the label that it’s non-toxic. That means it’s OK to eat, if I ate some.” I proudly read the small cardboard canister’s bright lettering, secure in my vocabulary, and in the fact that our kitchen had alternative snack food, so it was unlikely that I would be driven to subsist on the crumbling red putty.

Dragging her gaze from the window, where her eyes had been tracing the steam rising from her coffee over her reflected image superimposed over the standard-issue lawn and hedge of our front yard outside, she said “Oh, wait a minute.” Words that have saved many an eager small child from rough learning experiences. “Toxic means poisonous, so yes, you’re right, the play dough probably wouldn’t kill you. All at once, that is. But

that doesn’t mean that it would actually feed you. It’s not meant to nourish your body.”

Small lesson, long ago. Nowadays, toxicity relates to much more in our everyday lives than the label on the play dough. Foods and beverages advertise their detoxifying qualities, we are urged to drink plenty of water to flush toxins from our bodies, and most of us could name at least three people who are on, or recently have been on, some sort of diet designed to release toxins from their bodies.

Whether it is heightened awareness to things that have historically affected our health, a preponderance of chemicals and additives laced throughout our food and landscapes, or an unsettling combination of the two, toxins are at the forefront of many health-related conversations. Some foods help our bodies to either get rid of environmental toxins, or to strengthen our organs to do the internal cleaning. Dark leafy greens, with all of their chlorophyll, help us to rid our bodies of residues of smog and herbicides. Lemon in water is a good boost to the digestive system (it’s good for the whole body to keep things moving along in there!),

as is any high fibre food: whole grains, fresh fruit, cabbage, beets, broccoli—the usual line-up. Less is more, as far as food goes.

Avoid pre-packaged and processed foods, eat fresh and local, drink water, and don’t eat the play dough!

Barley Water 1⁄4 cup pot barley 1 organic lemon, sliced honey, to taste, if desired 1 litre water Scatter barley into medium-sized casserole dish. Spread lemon slices over. Bring water to a boil, and pour over barley and lemon.

Allow to steep for at least two hours. Taste, stir in honey to sweeten, if desired. Strain, drink. (Refrigerate unused portions.)

Ginger Tea (soothing for those suffering from colds) one organically grown lemon one thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger, peeled water honey, to taste (optional) Place lemon and ginger in medium-sized saucepan. Fill with water, and bring to a gentle boil. Allow to simmer for about 30 minutes, then turn flame off. Stir in honey, if using. Strain, and drink either hot or cold.

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Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Shredded Salad 1 bunch kale 1⁄2 head broccoli 3 medium-sized carrots

St. Andrew’s Catholic Preschool Where children learn to love and love to learn

Just Eat It!

Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings for 3 and 4 year olds

Kathy Humphrey

Convenient Downtown Location

2 beets 1⁄4 cup raw pumpkin seeds 1⁄2 cup olive oil 3 Tbsp lemon juice 1 Tbsp white wine vinegar 2 tsp brown sugar 2 tsp Dijon mustard 2 cloves garlic, minced salt and pepper Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, sugar, mustard, garlic, salt and pepper.

Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Set aside. After removing and discarding thick spines, chop kale into thin strips and place in large bowl. Peel and grate broccoli stalk, finely chop florets, and add to bowl. Scrub and grate carrots, and add to vegetable mixture. Peel beets, grate them, and add to the rest of the veggies. Toss all vegetables well, pour dressing over, and then toss again to fully combine. Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds.

Allow to sit for a few minutes before serving to let the dressing’s flavours be absorbed.

Beet Soup one small onion, chopped 3–4 young beets 3 carrots 1 cup green beans 2 litres water, vegetable stock or chicken broth 1⁄4 cup fresh dill, chopped salt and pepper, to taste Bring stock to boil over medium heat.

Meanwhile, peel and chop beets and carrots.

Add to boiling stock with onion, and reduce to simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, then stir in beans. Simmer for another 5–10 minutes, until all vegetables are tender. Stir in dill, cook for two minutes (until wilted), and add salt and pepper to taste.

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Falcon

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Parent & Tot Gym Bugs School Age Recreational 18 mos – 3 yrs 31⁄2 – 5 yrs 51⁄2 – 14 yrs Half Days morning or afternoon camps, Full Day camps. For more information log on to our website at www.falcongymnastics.com We also have: • The best gymnastics and most affordable classes.

• The best Birthday Parties in town.

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250-479-6424 www.falcongymnastics.com

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.

www.IslandParent.ca

May 2012 49

Stand Up, Stand Out

I

t’s May, and spring is making itself felt with sunshine, warm breezes and a riot of colours as the Island’s flora comes into its own: tulips, trilliums, irises and peonies glow like so many richly scented jewels in gardens that have been transformed into living treasure chests; rhododendrons and azaleas erupt with hosts of ruffled blossoms like so many flower girls’ dresses; and everything that isn’t blooming is busy sprouting new shoots and leaves in a dazzling array of greens.

Of course, you can’t talk about gorgeous home-grown treasures without bringing up gorgeous home-grown talents. On that note, it is my very great pleasure to inform you that B.C.-born Ashley Spires, best-selling author/ illustrator of Small Saul (Kids Can Press, 2011), the wonderful yarn for 3+ about

a very un-pirate-like pirate who ends up teaching his shipmates a thing or two about what makes a good pirate a good person, and of the quirkily fantastic Binky the Space Cat (Kids Can Press, 2009) graphic novel series for 8+, has just released her newest pictorial prize. Meet Larf (Kids Can Press, 2012), a shy, gentle, lovable Sasquatch who lives a life of quiet anonymity with his pet rabbit, Eric. Larf is the only Sasquatch in the world…or so he thinks. When an ad appears in the local paper, claiming the upcoming appearance of a real live Sasquatch, Larf must summon his courage and investigate the claim, even if it means leaving the safety of his forest and travelling to the town of Hunderfitz to do so.

50

Island Parent Magazine

Spires’ illustrations are warm and fun, her characters instantly and absolutely endearing, and her stories a perfect marriage of the heart-warming and the amusing, managing to be culturally aware without being cynical or preachy. Following in the tradition of Small Saul, Larf is sweet, clever, inspiring, and a perfect choice for anyone who’s ever felt that they don’t quite fit in. 3+

out by their firmly prejudiced neighbours.

With witty, engaging illustrations and casually caustic prose, Duddle serves up a wonderfully funny reminder about the importance of tolerance and an open mind. 4+

Book Nook MADDY SMITH Speaking of witty and wonderful, we come full circle now and return to the wild West Coast for the marvellous Ms. Polly Horvath’s latest offering for 9+: Mr. and Mrs. Bunny—Detectives Extraordinaire!

(Random House, 2012.) Madeline is a sensible, resourceful girl growing up on Hornby Island with her hippie, sand-dollarjewellery-making parents Flo and Denis, who are, while charming, quite inept, leaving Madeline to sort out such technicalities as food and finances. But when Flo and Denis are kidnapped by the Grand Poobah and his band of foxes in an attempt to grow their evil empire, even practical Madeline is at a loss. Enter Mr. and Mrs. Bunny—Detectives Extraordinaire! Together with Madeline, the

As it happens, a further excellent title about the challenges of living an eccentric life has just arrived from across the Pond.

For the young rapscallions in your life I present a yarn which is guaranteed to appeal to landlubbers and seadogs alike: Johnny Duddle’s award-winning picture book The Pirates Next Door (Templar, 2012).

Matilda lives in the seaside tourist town of Dull-On-Sea, where the only things held in greater esteem than perfectly mowed lawns or fresh gossip are calm, order and quiet (and of course, high property values).

All this is quite upset by the arrival of the boisterous and piratical Jolley-Roger family, who are everything the adult citizens of this tranquil town cannot abide, and everything young Matilda has been longing for. At the hands of her new-found friend Jim Lad and his wonderfully off-kilter family, Matilda gets a crash course in pirate life. However, once the street is roused, even Matilda’s enthusiastic support may not be enough to keep the Jolley-Rogers from being driven

Bunnies set out to rescue her parents, solve the mystery, and save the day. But can a girl and two rabbits really manage to outfox these fiendish villains?

Horvath’s comic style shines in this wonderfully whimsical tail—I mean tale—of intrigue and daring, marmots and bonnets, goats and garlic bread, which is an absolute must-read for everyone fortunate enough to live (or wish to live) on the Gulf Islands, and for everyone who’s ever been a black sheep.

In an age where conformity is simultaneously denounced and encouraged, individuality celebrated and oppressed, the smallest www.kidsinvictoria.com

act of standing out is an act of courage.

This May, dare to disagree with others’

assumptions and stand out by standing up for something you believe in. You might find you believe in more than you thought.

Maddy Smith is a children’s bookseller and an Islander born and bred; she reads, writes, and believes in the magic of a great book.

SPRING 2012 PROGRAMS Outdoor Soccer Programs now available online for registration.

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www.IslandParent.ca

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May 2012

51

Oak Bay Parenting Sign up for our Gift Registry for all your baby needs!

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52 Island Parent Magazine

Dr. PJ Naylor at the University of Victoria is currently looking for parents with children aged 11 to 13 years to participate in a healthy eating study.

There is NO COST to participate but it will take about 12 hours of your time over 8-weeks.

To hear more, please contact: David Trill dtrill@uvic.ca or 250-853-3141

by Degree

I

am a student. I am devoting 25 years of my life to studying my discipline, at tremendous financial cost. My chosen field is challenging, unpredictable, and unglamorous. I will graduate with a wealth of interesting-butuseless knowledge, an exhaustive inventory of detailed case studies, and a drained bank account. Venturing out to launch a career, I suspect my super-education will qualify me for…absolutely squat.

If, like myself, you hold a Bachelor of Arts, you may find this story painfully familiar. But in fact, I’m referring to my studies at the great Institute of Parenthood. Desperately seeking to assign more credibility to my Lego®-, jam-, and Bob the Builder®-filled days, I’ve begun to view my efforts as credits towards my “PhD”—that is, my “Parenting-is-hard Degree.”

Now, a PhD is not to be taken lightly. Each child is a thesis project unto him- or herself, complete with a unique package of challenges and research material. There is no answer key; all courses are purely experimental.

The children are both the professors and the subjects. They do not offer extra tutoring.

In fact, most of the time they themselves are confused. Textbooks (parenting manuals) are available, and sometimes prove helpful when cramming late at night after the profs are in bed.

Over the years, I will face a diverse array of multi-faceted courses. In Three Under Six 101, for example, I will dissect and master tasks such as dressing a toddler while 10 months pregnant, wiping noses without Kleenex, and lap-sharing politics. Outdoor Activity 108 involves the theories behind coaxing reluctant children away from their iPads, with a special workshop on dodging soccer balls. In order to pass the exam in Advanced Meal Provision 302, I will have to purchase one week’s worth of groceries in 20 minutes flat—complying with Health Canada’s food recommendations and satisfying the discriminating and varied palettes of multiple picky eaters. I’m not sure what to expect in Teenage Angst and Drama: Laboratory, but I hear it is grueling.

Come graduation day—that is, whenever the kids have moved out—I will be fully qualified to publish a massive dissertation on the ins and outs of raising my family. And

www.kidsinvictoria.com

then what? The world will continue turning.

My dissertation will go on my mental shelf, where it will gather dust. My life’s work feels ground-breaking when I make such discoveries as sneaking puréed veggies into my kids’ ketchup. But in the grand scheme of things, such revelations will go unnoticed,

Is There an App for This?

SARAH MILLIGAN filed alongside the tomes of wisdom gathered by every parent before me. The kids will go off to explore the world, and I will return to being unemployable. This strikes me as one of life’s great travesties. Isn’t it a shame that a PhD has no value in the workforce? What possible benefit will breastfeeding-while-cooking provide on a resume? I imagine my next job interview will go something like this: “Well, no, I haven’t technically held a job in the past 20 years. But I can trim a preschooler’s hair without gouging an eye, and I’m pretty good at keeping pet caterpillars alive.”

It’s true that many of my hard-earned skills are useful only in the parenting arena.

But perhaps it’s less about achieving results, and more about developing character. My children have become my life’s project. Raising them has changed me, forced me to trust my intuition and inner wisdom. Thanks to this education, I have become more patient, more organized, more empathetic, and a better cook. I’m a better human because of it all, and I’d like to think I’m teaching my little ones how to make the world a better place, too.

Though my PhD studies may not be rewriting history, I can see the results of my late-night cramming sessions around me. I need to rest on my laurels and appreciate the sacred moment when everyone is eating their broccoli—it happened, once—and the beauty of a straight haircut produced by my own hands, which has yet to happen.

When the time comes for me to re-enter the workforce, I will somehow have to beef up my resume. In the meantime, I will continue working toward my PhD—it is, after all, the richest education I could possibly ask for.

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Champion Cowboys, Specialty Acts & More!!!

Dance: Luxton Hall, Sat 9pm, $18. Band: Montgomery County Rodeo Events start 2pm daily. Admission tickets at gate.

Adults $20 (14 and under free with adult).

OAP & Students $15 (up to 18 yrs). All prices include HST. Free Grounds Admission (Opens 12 noon daily) To: Vendors, Blacksmith, Antique Farm Equipment & Heritage Displays; Carnival Midway Rides (open Fri 3pm; Sat, Sun, Mon 1pm)

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Publication

Island Parent Magazine

Insertion Date

May 2012

Size

4.75 x 2.125

Colour

BW

Make the Savvy Squirrel Coupon Book your go-to-guide this Summer!

Pick up your Spring 2012 edition at participating stores or online.

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Client Contact

Moms & More Productions: Savvy Squirrel thesavvysquirrel@gmail.com

Design Contact

Amy Rutherford, Rather Good Design amy@rathergood.ca

Sarah Milligan lives on Vancouver Island.

She is grateful to her children for the joy they inspire, not to mention the endless writing material they provide.

www.IslandParent.ca

May 2012 53

Family Services Directory Association of Family Serving Agencies (AFSA) is a network of organizations, groups and individuals serving families. All agencies listed are members of AFSA. This directory is sponsored by TM

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 250-386-4331 or visit www.bcfit.org to see how we can help. Some evening and weekend appointments available.

Beacon Community Services, a community-based, non-profit social, employment and health services agency, serving Greater Victoria, Saanich Peninsula and the Southern Gulf Islands. Providing these services: 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 www. beaconcs.ca.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Victoria provides mentoring programs to children in schools and communities. Adult ‘Bigs’, and child ‘Littles’, build a friendship based on shared interests, respect, trust, and the magic of everyday moments shared with a friend.

Everyone needs someone to laugh with, to share a dream with, and just to hang out. No special skills, money, or experience are needed to be a mentor to a child, just a willingness to spend time together, to listen, and to be a friend and advocate—in as little as one hour a week! The positive impact of mentorship

lasts for a lifetime. Contact us at 250-475-1117, email main@bbbsvictoria.com, or at our website www.bbbsvictoria.com Boys & Girls Club Services offer after-school and evening social, educational and recreational programming for youth at four locations. We also offer support to parents of teens (Parents Together) and run Adventure Based Learning programs at our Camp in Metchosin. For more information on all our programs visit our website at www.bgcvic.org. For general information on after-school and evening programs at our 4 Community Clubs please call 250-384-9133.

The Child Abuse Prevention & Counselling Society/Mary Manning Centre is the primary provider of therapy and victim support services for children and youth in Greater Victoria who experience sexual abuse, physical abuse, and other serious trauma, or who may be at risk for sexual abuse. Therapy services include individual and group sessions for children and youth and group sessions for parents. Victim services include intake and referral, accompaniment and support for children and youth being interviewed by police, and court preparation and support for those testifying as victims or witnesses in criminal cases. No charge for clients. Contact: 250-385-6111 or admin@ marymanning.com.

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.

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.

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, ESL instruction, volunteering, youth programs and tutoring, as well as intercultural arts programming and the Diversity Health Fair. 930 Balmoral Rd, 250388-4728, info@icavictoria.org, www.icavictoria.org.

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

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

Child and youth programs include: reading/writing, academic skills, social/emotional skill development and Fast ForWord. 1524 Fort St. 250-370-9513. www.ldasvi.bc.ca.

Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) provides programs and services to the military family community. Services include: 24 Hour Information Line, Deployment Information and Workshops, Short Term Intervention/Crisis Support, Welcome/Relocation Services, services for families with special needs and responsabilities and childcare services and support to parents. Exciting Volunteer opportunities available!

Looking to Buy or Sell a Home?

Check out my Parent to Parent webpage at www.BriarHillGroup.com Let me find you the home that best suits your family!

As a mother with two small children, I understand your family housing needs

Give me a call at 250-744-0775

Jane Johnston, M.Ed. 54 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

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

Parent Support Services Society (www. 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.

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 by donation). 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 250-3851114 or info@1-up.ca.

South Island Centre for Counselling & Training is an affordable, non-profit, counselling 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.

South Island Dispute Resolution Centre: www. disputeresolution.bc.ca 250-383-4412 Affordable/ accessible Family Mediation/Coaching services.

Create effective parenting plans, improve communication and understand healthy co-parenting options.

Subsidies available. We also offer workshops for all ages on effective communication, anger awareness & conflict management skills.

Victoria Epilepsy & Parkinson’s Centre supports families living with epilepsy by providing tutoring and one on one professional consultations to help your child to live up to their full potential.

We offer epilepsy education workshops in private and public schools, and keep you up to date on the latest research about medications, lifestyle and safety for your child. Visit us at www.vepc.bc.ca to find out more, and to explore our bursaries for Camosun College. Calls are also welcome at 250475-6677. www.IslandParent.ca

Writing for Island Parent Many of the articles in Island Parent are written by people just like you: parents who want to share their experiences, knowledge or ideas with other parents.

We’re always happy to consider your submission, whether you’re a published writer or not. If you’re itching to express yourself but need a few pointers or a friendly nudge, come out for an evening of inspiration.

We’re holding a Writing for Island Parent workshop on Wednesday, May 16th, 7–9pm, at 830 Pembroke St, Ste B (across from the north side of Save On Foods Memorial Arena). Space is limited. If you’d like to attend, please e-mail Sue Fast at editor@islandparent.ca.

Come on out and get those creative juices flowing!

May 2012 55

Pregnant?

Pregnancy is a state of health.

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

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

You can self-refer to a midwife.

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

Choice of Hospital or Home Birth Continuity of Care Comprehensive Care Breastfeeding Education & Support

Registered Midwives in Victoria: Heather Wood 250-380-6329 Amy Brownhill 250-386-4116 Michele Buchmann 250-590-7770 Uta Herold (Sooke) 778-425-0780 Deborah Little 250-592-0099 Luba Lyons Richardson 250-381-1977 Lorna J. McRae 250-380-6329 Jody Medernach 250-590-7605 Kim Millar Lewis 250-384-5940 Heather Nelson 250-380-6329 Jill Pearman 250-590-7605 Colleen Rode 250-386-4116 Angela Schaerer 250-384-9062 Beth Smit 250-384-5940 Ilana Stanger-Ross 250-590-7605 Julia Stolk 250-590-7605 Misty Wasyluk 250-380-6329 Deanna Wildeman 250-592-5407 We would be pleased to schedule an appointment to answer your questions about midwifery care.

56 Island Parent Magazine

Infant Crying

E

verybody knows that babies cry, but sometimes the actual experience of your own baby crying and the resulting stress is not what you would expect. My first born was easily consolable and did not cry very much. My second child was the complete opposite, and I was not prepared for the amount of crying or my lack of ability to console him. Here are a few facts about infant crying that may help give an idea of what is normal and expected during the first few months: • The amount an infant cries daily will typically increase slowly in the first two to three months of life. It will reach a peak and then generally start to decrease.

• Some infants may experience their “peak” at three weeks of age, others may reach it at two months; for some infants, the amount they cry at their peak may be 30 minutes, for others it could be five hours.

Either scenario is within normal range and part of normal infant development.

• The periods of crying tend to start and stop for no apparent reason at all. Crying is not always indicative that an infant is experiencing any pain, even though they may look like they are in pain. You may notice your infant struggles or grunts or even cries when he is gassy, but sometimes the crying is unrelated to anything physical.

• The infant tends to start the crying late afternoon and evening, which is usually the time when most parents have a natural wane in energy.

All this can be upsetting and exhausting for new parents, especially as the crying gets worse before it is better, and if the baby has long periods of inconsolable crying.

Parents often think or misunderstand that if they are soothing “correctly,” then they will be able to calm their baby. This type of thinking can easily lead to thoughts of “If I can’t soothe my baby, then I am a failure” or “Something must be wrong with my baby.”

It is interesting to note that studies on infant crying have been done around the globe and the results show the same increase and decrease patterns over the first few months, regardless of caregiving styles.

Now that we know what is normal, how do we deal with it? Once you have gone

through the checklist of obvious causes of crying (for example, hungry, tired, uncomfortable, lonely), there are a couple of tried and true ways of helping your crying baby which may help calm them or decrease the length of time they cry. But it is important to remember—some of these methods work some of the time, but they may not work all of the time. So please, be easy on yourself if you are unable to soothe your crying infant every time! Tips to soothe your crying infant (try implementing before crying starts—you may have better luck): • Give baby something to suck on, whether it be breast, a clean finger, or a pacifier. The sucking action helps to calm flailing limbs, relax tummies, and steady baby’s heart rate.

• Swaddling. This mimics the secure feeling of the womb which decreases a newborn’s startle reflex.

• Rhythmic movement. Rock, sway, or stroke your little one in a repetitive patterned movement. These actions can help to regulate baby’s breathing pattern.

• Music. Experiment with music and song to see which one has the most calming effect.

• White noise. Many infants are calmed by a flow of ongoing noise, similar to the sound that they could hear in the womb.

The sound of radio static or a fan may work well. Even using your voice to “Shhh… shhh…shhhh” in your baby’s ear quietly can be calming.

It is important to note that these tips work best when combined with one another. For example, give your baby something to suck, swaddle her, rock and have something to listen to at the same time. The crying may not cease immediately so persevere for a while to allow your baby to get into the new rhythm. I see many parents trying one technique only for a minute or two before abandoning it to try another. This will actually have the opposite effect on the baby who will become even more stimulated rather than settled. One overall strategy that works preventatively is to maintain much close physical contact with your baby throughout the day. Many studies show evidence that babies who are held closely have less crying time overall.

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Certainly listening to your infant crying inconsolably is one of the most stressful experiences a parent can have. If you are reaching your limit, it will not harm your baby to be put in a safe place and let him cry for a while. Please take some time for

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rest and relaxation yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from a friend or relative as your baby’s cries likely will not be as hard for them to listen to. Make sure your baby is with someone who will not shake or harm him in frustration.

Sometimes it is hard for parents to determine whether or not baby is experiencing the normal crying curve or if something more is going on. Note any symptoms of illness such as diarrhea weight loss, or fever, or if your infant’s cries have a high-pitched quality (screaming), or they constantly arch their back while crying. Notice if your baby has periods of happy, responsive and interactive time, and also note when the periods of crying start. A baby who is ill will generally not be happy and alert, and will not follow the typical late afternoon/evening period of crying. Listen to your instincts here. If you “feel” something is not right, do not hesitate to have your little one seen by a doctor.

Although I thought I understood infant crying, I was completely unprepared for how stressful it felt to have my baby crying continuously. I was even more unprepared for the resulting stress and strain our family felt. I now know, and hope that you do too, that sometimes babies will cry and it does not mean anything is wrong with you as a parent or that something isn’t right with your baby. As a mom who has survived a baby who had a high level of crying, I can tell you one thing: This too shall pass, and the crying and stress will become a distant memory.

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Diana Hurschler, RN BscN, childbirth educator, certified breastfeeding counselor has been helping families in their childbearing years and beyond since 1998. Diana is the proud Mama of three little ones. She can be reached at diana@hurschler.com.

www.IslandParent.ca

May 2012 57

Preschool & Child Care Directory CENTRAL SAANICH Chrysalis Child Care..........................250-652-0815 A nurturing and stimulating environment for a small group of 3–5 year olds. Qualified ECE promotes learning through play.

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

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

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!

Miles of Smiles Licensed Child Care..........................250-298-7374 Dedicated to offering quality care where caring, learning, diversity, guidance and fun are the priority. www. milesofsmileschildcare.com Music Makers Child Care Centre.....250-294-3916 Offering an innovative environment that develops musical abilities and encourages a love of music while following a preschool curriculum/kindergarten readiness program. Group care for children 2 to 6 and infant/toddler care for ages 12 to 36 months. www.musicmakerschildcare.com

CORDOVA BAY Carrot Seed Preschool......................250-652-2311 Where children can discover, imagine, construct and learn through play. Wondrous natural playground. www.carrotseedpreschool.com.

Cordova Bay Preschool....................250-658-3441 A bright and cheerful parent-participation preschool with a philosophy of “learning through play.” www. cordovabaypreschool.org.

Lakeview Christian Preschool..........250-658-5082 Nurturing environment for 30 month to 5 year olds in a rural setting. Christian values emphasized. Licensed Cordova Bay facility with ECE teacher.

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

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

La Pre-Maternelle Appletree Preschool..........................250-479-0292 French immersion preschool program. Small groups 30 months to school age. Licensed Christian centre/ECE. Simply Fun Childcare Centre............250-881-3958 A warm, loving, fun and nurturing place for children to grow and learn. We have spaces available for registration ages 2.5 to 12 in our Licensed Group Facility. We offer extraordinary childcare, before and after school programs and a preschool. Our teachers are extremely qualified with ECE training and have lots of experience.

Call Brenda to set up a tour. Let your child’s light shine bright with us!

playground. Our Reggio-Emilia inspired program focuses on art, nature and music. Join us! www.gonzalespreschool.com.

Kindred Spirits Children’s House........250-590-6966 Now accepting registration for a small group of 2.5–5 year olds in a purpose built Montessori classroom.

The prepared environment stimulates and engages the children at their own pace with hands on, size, age and developmentally appropriate materials. www.kindredspiritschildrenshouse.com Oak Bay Co-op Preschool..................250-592-1922 Children Learn Through Play in this parent participation school. Our bright facility is allergy-free with a large outdoor playground. www.oakbaypreschool.com.

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

SAANICH

Highlands Lexie’s Little Bears’ Child Care Inc....................................250-590-3603 A 2 acre outdoor playground! A “Learning Naturally” interpretation. Our children explore, grow and learn from nature. Beside Bear Mountain. 12 months to 5 years. www.lexieslittlebears.com.

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 and visit our stunning natural outdoor playspace, warm, nurturing, play-based,inclusive program allowing parents to grow and learn alongside their child.

Exceptional ECE Staff provide an enriching experience for 2.5 - 5 year olds. Come grow with us! Est.1960.

Reg. begins Mar.1 @ 9am.

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. www.emmanuelpreschool.ca.

Gonzales Co-op Preschool...............250-727-1003 Children explore their imaginations through our varied learning through play environments and large natural

Arbutus Grove Children’s Centre.....250-477-3731 (Formerly known as Goosey Gander Kindergarten) Play-based, creative, active-learning programs: half/ full day Preschool. www.arbutusgrove.ca.

Cloverdale Child Care.......................... 250-995-1766 Openings available for 3 and 4 year olds for September 2012. cloverdalechildcare@shawbiz.ca, www.cloverdalechildcare.com.

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

Lakehill Preschool.............................250-477-4141 Nurturing, warm environment for children to learn through play, with qualified, experienced ECEs. Different levels of participation available. www.lakehillpreschool.org.

Lambrick Park Preschool & Childcare............................................250-477-8131 Gordon Head’s only parent-participation preschool and childcare centre celebrating 40 years. Offering morning, afternoon and all-day preschool options, flexible participation model, and allergy protocol. www. lambrickparkpreschool.ca Montessori Educare..........................250-881-8666 Beautiful learning environments in Broadmead and Saanichton. 30 months – 5 years. Summer program available. www.montessorieducare.com.

Neighbourhood Junior Kindergarten..250-479-4410 Offering 2 fall programs: “Stepping Stones” (2-3 yr. olds) 4 afternoons/wk. 12:45-2:45, focuses on learning positive interactions thru a variety of free play and group activities; Junior Kindergarten (4 yr. olds) 4 mornings/ wk. 8:50-11:30 prepares children for school, balancing teacher-directed and child-choice activities. Two fully equipped bright classrooms in Lake Hill School.

Looking for child care? Taking care of children?

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

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

www.islandfamilyinfo.ca www.ccrr.bc.ca 58 Island Parent Magazine

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

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Preschool & Child Care Directory Oakcrest Preschool...........................250-472-0668 • Two fully qualified teachers, AM classes • No duty days, wide variety of parent jobs • www.oakcrestpreschool.org Playtime Preschool...........................250-383-3101 AM or PM preschool classes up to 20 hrs/ wk. Tillicum. Spacious facility, qualified ECEs. Let’s Talk About Touching Program. www. playtimepreschool.com.

Puddles & Paints Playschool............250-658-6573 Lexie celebrates 15 years as an ECE in the community.

Excellence through enriched programming. Music, art, dance and play. Montly themes and curriculum.

Supporting and encouraging your child’s individual successes.

Ready Set Grow Preschool...............250-472-1530 A warm, caring, quality Learning Through Play environment. Gordon Head area with a highly qualified ECE. heosc@pacificcoast.net.

Rogers Child Care Centre.................250-744-2643 High Quality Care and Educational Programs. Licensed for children 30 month to Grade 5. rogerschildcare@ shaw.ca or www.rogerschildcare.com St. Joseph’s Catholic Preschool..............................250-479-1232 ext 120 • A Christian child centre for 3–5 year olds.

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

St. Margaret’s Preschool & Junior Kindergarten..........................250-479-7171 Our programme for 3 and 4 year old girls offers a nurturing and educationally stimulating curriculum provided by experienced ECE staff and specialist teachers. Our state of the art facility is located in beautiful environmental surroundings. www.stmarg.ca.

Strawberry Vale Preschool...............250-479-4213 Children learn through play at our parent participation preschool. Programs for 3 and 4 year olds at “The Little Red Schoolhouse.”

www.strawberryvalepreschool.org.

VICTORIA ArtsCalibre Academy........................250-382-3533 Comprehensive programs for Preschool through Grade 5, delivering academic excellence through music, dance, drama and visual arts. Outstanding educators, locations and facilities. www.ArtsCalibre.ca Butterfly Corner.................................... 250-381-4845 Licensed family day care in James Bay. Since 1998.

ECE. Ages 1–5. Full time. Fun & Educational. http:// ButterflyCornerCreativeLearningCentre.com Castleview Child Care.......................250-595-5355 Learning Through Play & Experience. Licensed nonprofit, qual. ECE staff. Since 1958. Preschool and full-time care. www.castleview.ca Cedar Daycare...................................250-479-2032 Community oriented, NFP Child Care facility. Wide variety of activities offered including the use of a private outdoor pool during the summer months. Licensed ECE educators devoted to nurturing children aged 30 months – 5 years.

Centennial Daycare...........................250-386-6832 Providing quality childcare in the Burnside/ Gorge area for 30+ years. Snacks, lunches, Sportball and Music programs included. www. centennialdaycare.ca.

www.IslandParent.ca

Christ Church Cathedral Childcare.. 250-383-5132 ECE and specialist teachers provide an outstanding all day licensed program for 3 and 4 year olds in our spacious and welcoming facility in James Bay. www. cathedralschool.ca.

Little Wonders Preschool (VROSCS)...........................................250-744-2718 A creative and suuportive program that will prepare your child for a lifetime of learning! OSC also available. www.viewroyalosc.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. www.victoriay.com.

View Royal Preschool........................250-479-8067 An exciting inclusive program in an exceptional care environment. Licensed 3–5 year olds. Outside play and themes enrich this program. viewroyalps@ uniserve.com.

Footprints Academy............................. 250-590-5540 Licensed group daycare for 2.5 to 6 year olds. Open 6:30am–5:30pm. Weekly music and movement classes. www.footprintsacademy.ca.

Lansdowne Co-op Preschool...........250-595-5223 An extraordinary learning environment for families with young children. Parent participation. wwwlansdownepreschool.com.

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

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

Parkdale Early Childhood Centre.....250-382-0512 We offer quality care and positive experiences for children in our diverse daycare and preschool programs. Our rich curriculum includes music classes from the Victoria Conservatory of Music. parkdalechildcare@shaw.ca.

Rainbow Express Daycare................250-382-2314 Enriched preschool style program in a daycare setting. Visit our website at www.rainbow-express.bc.ca.

Ross Bay Preschool..........................250-383-7445 Positive/supportive program motivating children to learn and discover. Curriculum builds on interests of the children. www.rossbaypreschool.com St. Andrew’s Catholic Preschool......250-382-3815 A place where children learn to love and love to learn.

A warm and nurturing environment. A stimulating curriculum.

DUNCAN Angel Care Christian Preschool.........250-746-5919 A quality, enriched program for preschool children.

Located in Queen of Angels Catholic School.

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

Parkside Academy Early Learning Centre.........................250-746-1711 Offering quality, literacy focused childcare for children aged 6 mos – 12 yrs; infant/toddler; 3–5, preschool, and after school programs at Alexander, Bench, Khowhemun and Tansor Elementary schools.

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

Sunrise Waldorf School, Kindercottage Preschool Nursery......250-743-7253 A morning program for 3 and 4 yr olds in a warm natural atmosphere where wonder is nurtured and outdoor play is abundant. Details at www.sunrisewaldorfschool.org.

Parent & Child programs also available!

Chemainus

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.

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

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

St. Joseph’s Preschool.....................250-246-3191 A Christian learning environment for 3–5 year olds.

Active participation in the life of the school. Parental involvement.

VIEW ROYAL

Qualicum Beach

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

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.

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

Character development using the Virtues Project.

Access to community programs including swimming, skating, Victoria Conservatory of Music. Part-time spaces available. www.islandkids.ca.

Little Friends Childcare.....................250-479-8423 “Learn through play” group childcare centre. Infants/ Toddlers/30mth–5yrs daycare and morning preschool near Knockan Hill park.

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

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

Nanaimo Nanaimo Parent Participation Preschool...........................................250-753-1939 Experienced, caring and energetic ECE using learning through play in an enriched environment. www.nanaimopreschool.com.

May 2012 59

Ad Directory 1Up: Single Parent Resource Centre........45 Abby Sprouts.................52 Abra Kid Abra................24 Arbutus Music...............61 Arthur Murray..................7 Ballet Victoria.................34 Bellies In Bloom.............20 Cabri Creative Dance.....24 Camp Imadene..............31 Camp Narnia...................7 Camp Pringle.................19 Camp Qwanoes............IBC CanAdventure................26 Capernwray Bible School & Conference Centre..48 Cathedral School............46 Chaos to Calm...............15 Chatterblock....................6 Chemainus Theatre........37 Children’s Education Fund.........................64 Choices Adoption...........45 City Centre Park.............46 Conseil Scolaire.............41 Dress Me Up Organic.......5 Falcon Gymnastics.........49 Fernwood Community Centre.......................53 Finn & Izzy....................IBC Forward Equestrian........36 Glenlyon-Norfolk School...................7, 27 Gulf Island Film School...38 Happy Island Diaper.......39 Hip Baby.......................46 IMAX.............................21 International Nannies.....55 Island Farms..................32 Island Montessori...........31 JamTots........................15 Kaleidoscope.................42 Kate Rubin Theatre & Drama....................22 The Kerplunks...............20 Kids Klub...................... BC KIV................................10 Kye Bay Resort..............23 Lexie’s Little Bears.........52 Little Steps....................27 Luxton Pro Rodeo...........53 Maria Montessori...........11 Matraea Mercantile..20, 61 Matticks Farm Mini Golf....................37 Miles of Smiles..............23 Mothering Touch...........IBC Karen Murdoch................2 Oak & Orca School.........22 Oak Bay Preschool.........52 The OCEAN 98.5.............1

Pacific Undersea Gardens......................4 Park Sands....................47 Pemberton Holmes........54 Pirate Adventures...........31 Pizzeria Prima Strada.....51 READ Society................IFC Restart Computers.........18 Rock and Go Guitar........55 Royal BC Museum...........3 Royal Victoria Yacht Club.................49 Saanich Recreation.......IFC Safeway Father’s Day Walk.....................5 Sailor Jack......................8 Savvy Squirrel................53 Scallywags...................IFC School for Ideal Education..................45 Serious Coffee...............57 Sleep Sense..................53 Sooke Oprions for Community Living.......30 Sportball........................51 St. Andrew’s Elementry...49 St. Margaret’s School.................24, 40 St. Michaels University School.......................36 Success by 6.................13 Thrifty Foods..................33 TJs...............................57 Tom Lee Music..............36 Tony Colangelo Photography..............61 UVic Department of Psychology................43 UVic Exercise Science....52 UVic Vikes.....................18 Vancouver Island Baby Fair...................25 Vancouver Island University...................35 Victoria Academy of Ballet.......................8 Victoria Children’s Choir...8 Victoria Conservatory of Music..............19, 35 Victoria German School..12 Victoria Gymnastics........47 Victoria Midwives...........56 VIHA..............................44 Vitamin Shop.................51 Viva Choirs....................43 Vivian Kereki Photography..............11 Welcome Wagon............39 Western Speedway........17 Westside Stables...........12 World Partnership Walk..23

60 Island Parent Magazine

One Tooth, Two Tooth, Three Tooth, Four…

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s with most babies, as soon as Angus gained control of his hands, everything within reach ended up in his mouth: fingers, feet, toys, extension cords. “Must be teething,” people would say when they saw him, his mouth full of foreign objects, his collar wet with drool.

Mike and I rubbed his gums nightly with a washcloth, always expecting to feel a bump. We’d peer inside his mouth, searching for inflamed gums or flashes of ivory.

But nothing.

I’d heard enough horror stories to be quite content with Angus’s gummy smile.

He could keep it until kindergarten as far as I was concerned. “I stopped nursing as soon as you got teeth,” my mum said. “You were such a biter.” And then, in almost the next breath: “I hope he gets one soon.”

Though Angus was nine months, Mike and I couldn’t commiserate when other parents talked teething-horrors. People started telling us about the late-teethers in their own lives. The niece who was all gums until her first birthday, the kid down the block who took even longer.

And then they appeared: two slivers of white below his bottom gum. They were so close to the surface we figured they were hours, even minutes from cutting through.

And then the next day there was no trace of them. For two weeks the teeth performed their peek-a-boo act. Angus seemed oblivious. He drooled as much as usual.

And then one Friday he started to get cranky. Really cranky. I kept checking, but felt nothing on his bottom gum. Then I moved my finger to the top, and there it was. I held Angus under the bathroom light for a thorough investigation. Beside this first showing of tooth was another just below the surface. The two bottom teeth didn’t look far off either.

Angus doesn’t do anything half-hearted.

There is always intensity evident in his accomplishments. What better way to experience teething than with four teeth at once?

And why just whine and drool when there are so many other symptoms to display?

While Mike and I were sleeping, he must have pulled What to Expect: The First Year from our bookshelf and memorized the teething symptoms so that he could produce

them all concurrently. Fever? No problem.

Runny nose? My nose will run so much I’ll choke. Loose bowels? I’ll show them loose bowels. Irritable? Just watch me. Sleepless?

They ain’t seen nothing yet.

Maternity & Beyond Laura TRUNKEY

By Monday all four teeth had poked through and Angus began to parade his symptoms. Armed with a well-stocked medicine cabinet and a freezer full of teething toys, I figured I could tackle anything.

The Tylenol made short work of the fever, and the runny nose was a piece of cake with saline and the snot-sucker. The effects of the loose bowels were far from appealing, but nothing I couldn’t clean in a hurry.

The irritability was more of a challenge, but it was easy to be sympathetic, and that increased my patience. Of course Angus was squealing and moaning and whining without cessation. He hurt!

But the sleeplessness, oh the sleeplessness!

Monday night he eased us into it by waking every hour. Tuesday he spent almost the entire night awake and inconsolable. He didn’t want to be nursed or held, and when we lay him beside us in bed he thrashed and kicked and tried to stand. In his crib he screamed.

The only thing that prevented Mike and I from feeling desperately sorry for ourselves was the knowledge that it was even worse for Angus. Five days later he was a happy boy again. With a new toothy grin.

I wonder if things would have been easier on all of us if Angus had gone the conventional route, and cut one tooth at a time.

One-quarter the agony. But at four-times the duration would it have been worth it?

I guess we’ll soon see. With four down, Angus is just one-fifth of the way to a full set.

Laura Trunkey, mother of the amazing Angus, is a writer, and a children’s writing instructor at Story Studio. She can be reached at laurajtrunkey@gmail.com. www.kidsinvictoria.com

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May 2012 61

Field Notes from Rithet’s Bog

W

e make our way quietly in the dark, careful not to drop any of the camera gear. Even so, we are observed.

Canada Geese duly give warning, and the Mallards take off amidst a chorus of squawks. Chastened, we quickly lay down our mats at the edge of the pond and settle down to wait.

grey and silver and pewter and slate. But then comes a distinct jump, a momentary shift. All at once, the eastern sky flashes out with reds and purples, sharper and fiercer than the western palette at day’s end. A sharp squall hits the cheek, arousing with green scents. And the pond responds with all manner of whistles, honks and squawks: a new day begins.

depth for diving. Across the open channel, a little flock of Green-Winged Teals enjoy their breakfast quietly. Two male Northern Shovellers seem to be undecided between two compelling Darwinian imperatives: find food or fight the rival? They start with a scuffle, then swim off huffily before settling down to feed. Hunger satisfied, the martial

Nature Notes ANA SIMeON & CASPAR DAViS instincts reawaken and they have another go at each other.

The feeding frenzy over, it’s time for communal grooming, getting each feather wellcoated with oils that make it waterproof.

In the pre-dawn murk, the water shimmers with reflected ambient light, revealing the shape of reeds and bushes, the outlines of ducks’ bodies now again at rest. The light breeze carries a damp chill which I medicate with hot tea. Naturalist and photographer Caspar Davis, who once spilled a thermos full of coffee on a brand-new telephoto camera, shakes his head.

Wave or particle? Light is both, and dawn is the proof. It flows seamlessly into and alongside the dark, layering on shades of

Early morning is a busy time on the water.

By now our presence has been forgotten, or accepted, and all attention is given to the serious business of breakfast. The Mallards harvest the shallows, up-ending to reach the muddy bottom. A female Red-Winged Blackbird scurries up and down the cattails in search of bugs, maybe even adding a straw or two to her new nest as she goes. Hooded Mergansers spread out in pairs toward the middle of the pond, which offers more

One of the male Shovellers is snoozing in a corner, surrounded by no less than three females, his vanquished rival nowhere now to be seen. Caspar and I get up in unison: we’re stiff with cold and more than ready for our own breakfast.

Ana Simeon is a writer and activist in Victoria. She divides her time between working for Sierra Club BC, hiking and birdwatching. Caspar Davis is a retired lawyer and an avid amateur naturalist, photographer, and editor. He is a long-time member of the Victoria Branch of the Sierra Club of BC. Photos by Caspar Davis.

62

Island Parent Magazine

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www.storystudio.ca or call 250-592-BOOK May 2012 63

Cut It Out!

Tips from Parent Educator Allison Rees of LIFE Seminars

Anxious About Differences

W

hen and if you got into a long-term relationship, how long did it take you to recognize you were both very different?

If it didn’t happen during the romance stage, it most likely became very clear when you became parents. We go from griping over how to squeeze the toothpaste to now stressing over different parenting styles. If you are stuck in thinking somebody “should”change, Cut It Out! Perhaps you would like your partner to talk more, talk less, be more affectionate, or less clingy, but the real problem is your anxiety over these differences, not the differences themselves. When you get caught up in your thoughts about all of this, it will send you down a path of stress, discontentedness, and resentment.

You will end up trying to control what isn’t yours to change. People around you

will rebel, resist you, attack you, or tragically, comply and try to change. Tragic? Yes, because having to be somebody that we aren’t means we don’t get to have healthy self-esteem or joy. We end up having to fit into the family blob with everyone being the same and having no edge or sense of our own unique self.

To accept differences and being different: • Focus on yourself and be the person you want to be with goals, desires, and values that belong to you.

• Focus on how you feel about the differences rather than the differences themselves. If you are anxious and stressed, notice that and work toward acceptance and a less stressful position.

• Watch your thinking. If you are building a case in your head as to why somebody should do something differently or be different, find a more neutral way to see it.

• Speak up by making a request rather than making demands or criticizing, but be respectful of other people’s limits.

• Avoid being controlled by the approval of others and set sights on your own path.

When you mind your own business, people can go about being their best selves rather than reacting to your disapproval.

Eventually harmony steps in as we can be ourselves and be loved.

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

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64 Island Parent Magazine

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