September/October 2012 Island Parent

Island Parent Celebrating

25 Years

The Resource Publication for Vancouver Island Parents

September/October 2012

Vancouver Island Baby Fair Show Guide Inside

Capturing Memories The Value of Free Play in Nature

Fall Programs Guide Unscented the Sense of Going Scent-Free Slowing Down ‘Progress’ Don’t Beat Yourself Up Supporting Ourselves–and each other–as parents

children’s boutique photo courtesy of: gillian m davidson photography

GET BACK TO SCHOOL IN STYLE With the Best Collection of Shoes in Town!

• Shoes • Clothing • Accessories

Newborn to 12 years

DOWNTOWN

624 Fort St 250 360 2570

BROADMEAD VILLAGE

777 Royal Oak Dr 250 360 2520

www.scallywags-island.ca

give

backto school a whole new meaning

For every pair of regular priced shoes purchased at $40 or more

donates

$5

to one of 20 selected schools in the community. .. your choice!

Our give back to school project runs all year round

2259 oak bay avenue, victoria bc t 250.592.8168 monday - saturday 10:00 am - 5:30 pm

Fall Active Living Guide REGISTER NOW!

Available in hard copy at all Saanich Recreation Centres, Saanich area Public Libraries, Saanich Thrifty Foods, Pepper’s Food Store and Tru Value Foods in Cordova Bay.

4Cats Arts Studio 4cats.com

TM

Art

Why art is good...

Art is good.

is

Good!

1. Art stimulates

2. Children who do

both sides of the brain and creates a holistic world view.

art are better readers and excel in math and science.

4. Art builds self-esteem

and is empowering.

"Look what I made!"

5.

Art is something to share. It builds connections to friends, family, and community.

3. Children express themselves and learn about who they are.

Their art is unique.

6. Art teaches risk taking and learning from one's mistakes.

7.

Art teaches the use and care of tools.

8.

Art develops hand-eye coordination and builds a relationship to the material world.

9. Art teaches open-ended

9

thinking and creates an environment of questions rather than answers.

?

10. Art teaches children that there can be more than one solution to the same problem.

??

11. Art nurtures the human soul.

12. 33% of children are visual learners.

14. Art provides a way, a common

13. Art develops focus

ground, to reach across racial stereotypes, social barriers, and prejudices.

and increases attention.

16. Art is beautiful.

17.

Art opens the heart and mind to possibilities.

18. Art is mysterious,

enchanting,amazing, mesmerizing and something all children easily do!

4Cats Comox Valley (250) 941-8444 comoxvalley@4cats.com 4Cats.com/comoxvalley

www.IslandParent.ca

4Cats Duncan 250) 709-2286 duncan@4cats.com 4Cats.com/duncan

19. When art is integrated with other curriculum areas, children become more engaged in the learning process.

4Cats Langford (778) 430-5422 langford@4cats.com 4Cats.com/langford

4Cats Nanaimo (250) 933-2424 nanaimo@4cats.com 4Cats.com/nanaimo

15.

Art steps out of the limitations of time and allows a child to be present in the moment.

20. Children can share and reflect on their art to learn about themselves, each other, and the world they live in.

4Cats Oak Bay (250) 598-0300 oakbay@4cats.com 4Cats.com/oakbay

4Cats Royal Oak/ Cordova Bay (250) 590-7233 royaloak@4cats.com 4Cats.com/royaloak

September/October 2012  1

Contents: Sept/Oct 2012 Feature Slowing Down ‘Progress’................................................................................. 8

Be embraced by our vibrant island community, abundant with the arts, surrounded by organic farms and endless outdoor adventures.

Discover the Cowichan Warmland

Articles Unscented...................................................................................................... 12 Art in Autumn............................................................................................... 14 The Value of Free Play in Nature................................................................... 16 Don’t Beat Yourself Up.................................................................................. 18 Literacy Tips................................................................................................. 21 Fall Programs................................................................................................ 22 When Children Break.................................................................................... 34 Capturing Memories..................................................................................... 49 Middle School Transition.............................................................................. 50 The Cat Years................................................................................................ 52

Columns Editor’s Note................................................................................................... 3 Dadspeak...................................................................................................... 53 Healthy Families; Happy Families................................................................. 54 Just Eat It!..................................................................................................... 56 Is There an App for This?.............................................................................. 58 Book Nook................................................................................................... 62 New Parent Pages.......................................................................................... 64 Maternity & Beyond..................................................................................... 68 Nature Notes................................................................................................ 70 Cut It Out..................................................................................................... 72

Departments

Sunrise Waldorf School offers: Parent & Child Mornings Kindercottage Preschool Mixed Age Kindergartens Grades 1-8 Aftercare until 5:30pm Waldorf High School nearby Established in 1980, our 7 acre rural campus is located in the Cowichan Valley, 45 min North of Victoria on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. www.sunrisewaldorfschool.org Tel. 250-743-7253 2 Island Parent Magazine

IPM Notes....................................................................................................... 4 Party Directory........................................................................................ 32, 33 Family Calendar............................................................................................ 36 Around the Island......................................................................................... 46 Family Services Directory........................................................................ 60, 61 Preschool & Child Care Directory........................................................... 66, 67 Business & Professional Directory................................................................. 69 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 Karen McKinnon, 250-890-9222, www.mckinnonphotography.com

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 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

Ease Into Autumn Keep some summer fun in the fall

Don’t quit summer cold turkey. Instead, take advantage of the lingering summer sun and ease into autumn. Here are a few ideas to help you and your kids get back to the backto-school routine without losing summer’s spontaneity and sense of fun.

Ride the ferris wheel, taste cotton candy, and attend pirate school at the 145th Saanich Fair from September 1 to 3 at the Saanich Fair Grounds. www.saanichfair.ca See the outcome of a summer’s worth of art classes for 5- to 16-year-olds at Kaleidoscope: 2012 BMO Art Camps for Children Exhibition on Saturday September 1 and 2 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Nanaimo Art Gallery. Works include drawings, paintings, collage, sculpture and photography. www. nanaimogallery.ca Pack a picnic and pick up your kids from school at lunchtime and spread a blanket at a nearby park. Kick off your shoes and let everyone linger over lunch outside.

Drop by Metchosin Day on September 9 from 8 a.m to 5 p.m. at the Metchosin Municipal Grounds (behind the Fire Hall on Happy Valley Road) for a fun day of familyfriendly events including live entertainment, a pet show for anyone who wants to show off their pets, old-fashioned children’s games, and a Bike Park Jam. www.district. metchosin.bc.ca Host a neighbourhood scavenger hunt.

Get inspired at the Victoria International Chalk Festival from Wednesday September 12 to 16. On Wednesday, see the 8-metre 3D chalk art drawing at The Bay Centre’s lower level. On Saturday and Sunday, witness a two-day chalk art exposition along Government Street which will be closed to vehicle traffic. www.victoriachalkfestival.com

Hula Hoop.

Learn, listen, play, laugh, sample and sip—the six themes—at Nanaimo’s second annual Harvest Festival on September 15 in the Old City Quarter (OCQ). Celebrate all things culinary with a “play and learn” area for kids, featuring a petting farm and live entertainment. Admission is free, and samples of the OCQ’s Top Chef’s cookoff creations will be available with ticket proceeds donated to Nanaimo Foodshare. www.nanaimodowntown.com Document a day in photographs.

Wash the dog. Then have a water fight.

Take part in one of Salt Spring Island’s oldest community events at the annual Fall Fair on September 15 and 16 at Salt Spring Island Farmers Institute. Don’t miss the Pet Parade and Zucchini Races. A free shuttle bus will run between Ganges and the fair grounds. www.saltspringmarket.com Join a CRD Regional Parks naturalist for Art in the Park on September 16 at the Beaver Lake Nature Centre (off the main parking lot) to create cool back-to-school nature-inspired crafts. Drop by anytime between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. www.crd.bc.ca Explore a new area, even if it’s just another neighbourhood.

If it’s raining, splash in the puddles.

Enjoy a magical evening of light, music and entertainment at the Esquimalt Lantern Festival on September 22, starting at 5 p.m. at Captain Jacobson Park. Bring your own

lantern and join the festival’s light procession winding along the West Bay Walkway to Barnard Park, then return back to Captain Jacobson Park where the festivities will continue. No pets. All ages. esquimaltlanternfestival.wordpress.com Watch your kids play. Join in.

Document a day in photographs.

Write a letter to a friend. On paper. Don’t forget to mail it.

Editor’s Note Sue Fast Drop by the Children’s Harvest Festival at Glendale Gardens and Woodland in Saanich on October 6 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Kids can explore interactive stations with a theme about healthy living. Plant some garlic, make a gourd shaker, play bluegrass music, make a scarecrow, taste apples, paint a garden, and explore a wetland maze. www.hcp.ca/ childrens-festival Take your TV outside and have a movie night in the backyard. Invite the neighbours.

Join the Spooks n’ Spokes Ghost Ride on Saturday, October 27 at 6:30 p.m. with the Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition.

Learn about the spirits who live in some of Victoria’s homes and castles along this easy 20k ride. Costumes and decorated bicycles are encouraged. Departs from Centennial Square at 6:30 p.m. and ends there at about 9 p.m. www.gvcc.bc.ca Blow bubbles. If you’re in Fernwood, look for Bubbleman, (on the corner of Gladstone and Fernwood) and join in.

Pick blackberries.

Rake leaves into a pile. Jump in. Repeat.

Happy fall.

Fall Classes…

Expand your skills, build your confidence and find the joy in learning • Academic assessments • After school classes: Monday to Thursday starting at 3:30 • Daytime classes: by appointment • Camps and Pro-D workshops Locations: Colwood, Sidney and Victoria Call: 250-388-7225 for information about our services and schedules Check out the website: http://www.readsociety.bc.ca

www.IslandParent.ca

September/October 2012 3

IPM Notes BC SPCA’s Paws for a Cause Bring your pooch to Clover Point on September 9 for a day of family fun at the Scotiabank and BC SPCA Paws for a Cause Walk, supporting Wild ARC (Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre) and the Victoria BC SPCA. Registration begins at 9am, with the walk taking place at 10:30am. You will find entertainment and activities, all in support of our furry friends.

The BC SPCA Wild ARC, located in Metchosin, is the only branch of the BC SPCA that specializes in wildlife rehabilitation and the only wildlife rehabilitation center for all of southern Vancouver Island. The BC SPCA Victoria Branch provides care and protection to thousands of domestic animals each year. The society also conducts more than 7,000 cruelty investigations and provides a wide range of advocacy and education programs for domestic, farm and wild animals. Your participation in this event can help give a homeless, injured or abused animal a second chance.

The event features pet- and familyfriendly activities, including the Dog’s Got Talent show, the Dog Musical Hoops game or the Paws Parlour. Forthe kids there will be a a kid’s zone complete with a bouncy castle, crafts, face painting and much more.

There are also walks taking place in Duncan, Nanaimo, Parksville, Port Alberni (on September 30), Comox and Campbell River. People of all ages are asked to take up the challenge, form a team, ask family, friends, neighbours or a business to join in to support animals that need our help. Learn more and pledge online by visiting www. spca.bc.ca/Victoria or www.wildarc.com.

Join the Harmonious Singers Music is a bridge that joins people of all ages in creative harmony. And as the Zimbabwe proverb says, “If you can talk, you can sing. If you can walk, you can dance.”

The Harmonious Singers is a no-audition choir that welcomes individuals and families into its singing community. Its multigenerational and multi-cultural repertoire is a mixture of rounds, chants and four-part harmony songs, plus some body percussion, dance, social games and instrumentation for some extra fun for both adults and kids.

The Harmonious Singers’ Fall Season runs from September 10-December 3, every Monday except Thanksgiving on October 8, at the Fairfield Gonzales Community As4 Island Parent Magazine

sociation at 1330 Fairfield Road. You are welcome to register for either Kids & Adults (1-2pm) or Everyone Welcome (7-8:30pm, 12+ years recommended) or both. Because the choir is a non-performance choir that comes together to sing for the sheer fun of it, new singers can join anytime. All voices are welcome and everyone interested is welcome to attend a trial session any Monday when the choir is in session. For more information, phone 250-385-7464, e-mail sing@ HarmoniousSingers.com or visit www. harmonioussingers.com.

Victoria Kids Consignment Fall Sale Don’t miss the Victoria Kids Consignment (VKC) Fall 2012 Sale on September 15-16 at the Sheraton Hotel (located behind Costco).

The sale will have thousands of clothing items (sizes preemie to children’s 12), toys, infant gear, shoes, bedding, books, games, DVDs, and more. The best part is there is no hunting or digging through piles of clothing for deals at a VKC sale. Shop early. The best items will go fast.

Sell your items and/or volunteer your time to receive a presale pass to shop early on September 14. If you’re expecting or you have welcomed your first child or grandchild within the last 12 months, then you qualify for the New Parent/Grandparent Presale.

To receive your pass to this special limitedentrance presale, register online today.

VKC Fall 2012 Sale schedule: Sept 14—Presales by invitation only; Sept 15—10am to 4pm, general public sale; Sept 16—10am to 1pm, ½ price sale.

Admission is free. Parking is available at the Sheraton, street-side, or at Costco.

Let Victoria Kids Consignment help you buy from local moms and shop with local moms! For details, visit www.VictoriaKidsConsignment.ca.

The Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup Teachers, kick off the school year with a hands-on learning activity. Sign your class up for the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup taking place September 15-23. Your students can join thousands of Canadians from coast to coast to coast taking part in this annual event to remove shoreline litter from ponds, streams, rivers, lakes and oceans.

Last year, 143,737 kg of litter was removed from over 3,100 km of shoreline, including 110,018 food wrappers, 71,200 plastic bags, 65,220 bottle caps and lids, and 39,308 plastic beverage bottles. This year’s goal is to remove over 100,000 kg of harmful litter. To check out how to organize

a cleanup for your school or how to register as a participant in an already organized cleanup, visit www.shorelinecleanup.ca.

You can search the online map to find a cleanup near you or suggest your own site.

A cleanup team, consisting of a site coordinator and cleanup participants, comes together to have a positive impact on the environment by ridding local waterways of shoreline litter. Each team gathers and picks up trash while filling out easy to use data cards that tabulate the type and amount of litter that is removed. Check www.shorelinecleanup.ca for details.

Quintessence Breastfeeding Challenge In 2001 the Quintessence Breastfeeding Challenge started in British Columbia with 856 babies and their mothers at 26 sites.

By 2011, there were 4,466 children in 16 countries. The Breastfeeding Challenge continues to grow globally as more people join in. Breastfeeding and donor milk-banking need support around the world.

This year, take part in Greater Victoria’s Quintessence Breastfeeding Challenge at the Central and Juan de Fuca branches.

Join GVPL staff and public health nurses for storytime at 10:30am and the official breastfeeding count at 11am. Families, breastfeeding children and siblings welcome. No registration required.

Central Library, Saturday, September 29, 10:30am-12pm, 250-382-7241, ext 365; Juan de Fuca Branch, Saturday, September 29, 10:30am-12pm, 250-391-0653.

Vancouver Island Baby Fair The 6th annual Vancouver Island Baby Fair is a Western Canada favourite for families ranging from pregnancy through preschool. The Baby Fair is on September 29 from 10am-5pm, and on September 30 from 10am-4pm at Pearkes Rec Centre, 3100 Tillicum Road and is not to be missed!

You’ll find 90+ exhibitors, great shopping, resources and loads of prizes. Bring your little ones—newborn to 6 years old—early to the onsite charitable photo contest for a mini photo shoot with Premier Photography and a chance to win prizes.

For convenience, parents can make use of the stroller parking, comfortable baby feeding, café and diaper changing areas.

Juno nominated Treehouse TV stars Bobs & Lolo will perform at 12pm and 2pm both days. Talks on breastfeeding, parenting, cloth diapering, birth, postpartum and more will take place on the Main Stage throughout the day. See the Baby Fair www.kidsinvictoria.com

website for speaker bios and presentation descriptions. This year, the Fair’s charitable fundraising efforts go towards the Young Parents Support Network. Admission is $8/ per person—add $2 for a weekend pass. Kids 12 and under are free. A limited number of Weekend Passes are available in advance for $6 at select locations. For complete details please visit VancouverIslandBabyFair.com and be sure to click through to Facebook and Twitter too!

The Great Gazzoon They say write what you know, and Rick Scott knows kids. He has six grown children and nine grandchildren and has met thousands of families while performing concerts in nine countries.

So when he began writing a story in notebooks between shows, it was about a boy who loves nothing more than to play music.

As the tale unfolded, it refused to stay on the page. Melodies appeared and the characters started to sing. The Princess demanded her own song, emphatically proclaiming: “Your story can’t be told without music, Gazoon!”

This month Rick will release The Great Gazzoon, a musical audio novel on 4 CDs with a 40-page songbook. Two years in the making, it was co-written and produced by Valley Hennell and recorded by Anthony Maki on Protection Island just off Nanaimo.

The story unfolds over 4 hours and 60 chapters with 25 actors, singers and musicians from age 7 to 75, including Joelle Rabu, John Payne, Saffron Henderson, Andrea L’Heureux and Mike and Carol Matthews; musicians Doug Edwards, David Essig, Shelley Brown, Trish Clair, Geoff Horrocks, Allannah Dow and Nico Rhodes.

Human beat box Kyle Shepard provides percussion and sound effects while his dad www.IslandParent.ca

Marty supplies trumpet fanfares. Three of Rick’s grandchildren sing on the tonguetwisting finale.

Rick will launch The Great Gazzoon at Nanaimo Harbourfront Library on September 22 at 2pm, Trendy Tots in Duncan on September 23 at 2pm, and a concert for Theatre One’s Just Kidding series on February 2, 2013. For more information, visit www.gazzoon.com. CDs available at stores including Tall Tale Books in Victoria, Trendy Tots in Duncan and Kool & Child in Nanaimo.

Kaleidoscope Theatre’s 2012-2013 Season Soar above and beyond with Kaleidoscope Theatre! The dynamic 2012-2013 Theatre Season begins with a spectacular theatrical production inspired by J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan, running November 24-December 1, 2012. Experience the classic story like you have never before. Join Peter, Wendy, and Captain Hook and fly away on an adventure in Never Land where growing up is only for those who lack imagination.

Kaleidoscope’s Brand New Family Theatre Festival launches just in time for the family day long weekend from February 8-11, 2013 with four dynamic presentations: Puente Theatre’s Gruff; Suddenly Dance’s Kiki; Urban Arts’ Wilde; and Kaleidoscope’s The Dragon’s Handbook.

In April, step back in time to the roaring ’20s when silent movie stars are the biggest names in the world. Talking pictures are on the way and things are about to change for film star Don Lockwood and for Hollywood forever. Kaleidoscope celebrates the 60th anniversary of Singin’ in the Rain by bringing it to life for Victoria audiences from April 12-14, 2013. Directed by Pat Rundell and featuring a dazzling 35 person tap-dancing cast.

Join Kaleidoscope for an exciting world premiere adaptation of Eric Walter’s War of the Eagles, staged outdoors at Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site of Canada from May 22-26, 2013. Set on Vancouver Island during World War II, the effects of Pearl Harbor are seen through the eyes of a young first nations boy.

For more information, please visit www. kaleidoscope.bc.ca

‘Wee-awhh. Clik. Clik. Buzzzz’ That’s orca for, “Please adopt me!”

They are intelligent, have strong family ties, are picky eaters and simply beautiful to watch. It’s no wonder that throughout

WE ARE MOVING! But not very far

We are “saying goodbye” to our home at: 812 Broughton Street and moving less than one block away, to:

899 Fort Street

Victoria, BC V8W 1H6 It is right at the corner of Fort and Quadra. (across from Island Blueprint) The office will be closed from

Thursday, August 30th to Frid ay, September 07th

for the move - we will still be available as much as we can for phone calls We will reopen officially

Monday, September 10th

at 8:30am

Our phone number and website will remain the same:

250.386.4331

Toll-Free 1.877.386.4333 www.bcfit.org Since 1978 BC Families in Transition has been helping children, youth, and adults manage the challenges of separation, divorce, or transition to a new family structure. Our highly qualified staff, working with other community agencies, provides information and practical and emotional support so people facing these challenges can make the decisions that are best for everyone.

September/October 2012 5

IPM Notes

OPEN HOUSE Friday, October 19th

9-11am & 1-3pm

Find out why 92.4% of SMUS parents give our academic program a grade of A or A+.

Junior School (Kindergarten to Grade 5) 820 Victoria Avenue Middle School (Grades 6-8) Senior School (Grades 9-12) 3400 Richmond Road

At SMUS, we provide a safe, nurturing environment that supports discovery and learning. We’re committed to academic excellence, and also expose our students to exceptional athletic, performing arts, outdoor education and extracurricular programs. Together, we can help your child thrive and go on to achieve great things.

www.smus.ca DAY G R A D E S K-12 | B OA R D I N G G R A D E S 8 -12

history and across many cultures, people have regarded wild killer whales, or orcas, with fascination and awe.

But not all is well for the magnificent killer whale. Their fragile marine environment is threatened by pollution, boat traffic, overfishing, and other human activities. Over 35 years of research have revealed many things about the species, but there is still a lot we don’t know. The Vancouver Aquarium Wild Killer Whale Adoption Program funds killer whale conservation research, which is critical because learning about them is the best way to protect them.

Our killer whales need you to look out for the well-being of its species by helping to support research. You can be an individual, a family, or a classroom full of children and you can live anywhere in the world. The Vancouver Aquarium Wild Killer Whale Adoption Program matches up the adopter with the whale of his, her, or their choice.

Adopters receive a photo of their adopted killer whale and a personal biography telling the whale’s unique life story. You can also adopt for someone else. Adoption packages are a wonderful green gift idea and make meaningful presents for people of all ages.

Adopt a killer whale today and get the satisfaction of knowing that you are directly contributing to the longest-running and most comprehensive field research study of wild killer whales in the world.

For more information, visit www.killerwhale.org, phone the Vancouver Aquarium at 604-659-3430, or email adoption@ vanaqua.org.

2012 Heart and Stroke Foundation Time to Start Recent polling by the Heart and Stroke Foundation found that while parents know what constitutes a healthy breakfast, they still face challenges in getting their children to eat one.

Some of the polling results: • 51 per cent of parents do not have enough time in the morning to prepare a healthy breakfast • 41 per cent of parents say their children are not hungry • 29 per cent of parents say their children reject healthy options The Heart and Stroke Foundation’s ‘Time to Start’ campaign is kicking off the school year by encouraging Canadian families to make a healthy breakfast a priority.

JOB # S120-13680 INSERTION: 2012 6 Island Parent Magazine PUBLICATION: ISLAND PARENT (SEPT/OCT) CLIENT: SMUS

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Here are a few nutritious, kid-friendly breakfast options: • Put a face on your bowl of oatmeal with raisins and almonds.

• Dip whole wheat toast sticks into a soft-boiled egg.

• Melt lower-fat cheese on an English muffin and serve with apple slices.

• Make a fruit smoothie; make sure you use 100 per cent fruit juice, lower-fat yogurt and plenty of fruit.

Enter the Time to Start contest at healthcheck.org/Timetostartcontest for a chance to win one of 10 $1000 grocery gift cards and daily prizes. Sign up for the Heart and Stroke Foundation newsletter for parents, and download information on healthy eating and physical activity at heartandstroke. ca/healthykids.

Conseil scolaire francophone de la Colombie-Britannique An active partner in the development of the Francophone community in British Columbia for over 15 years, the Conseil scolaire francophone (CSF) has more than 4,700 students enrolled in kindergarten to Grade 12 in its 37 public schools—8 on Vancouver Island—serving more than 100 communities across British Columbia.

For further information, please contact the CSF’s public relations office at 604-2142600, the CSF Francophone School nearest you, or see the ad on page 43. You can find the list of these schools at csf.bc.ca.

Saltwater’s Fall Music Theatre Join Saltwater’s exciting fall music theatre, singing, acting and dance programs for youth and aspiring performers. Develop and build skills in the studio and the stage as budding young artists. New fall classes in drama and music theatre include: Explore with Saltwater (6-8 years); Create with Saltwater (9-12 years) and Connect with Saltwater (13-17 years) from September 17-December 10.

Saltwater Inc. is a professional performing arts company based in Victoria. Saltwater presents emerging and professional Canadian artists in innovative and theatrical musical works. The company’s mission is to provide a platform for audiences and artists to explore innovative contemporary musical works. Saltwater complements theatrical productions with youth education programs and Theatre for Young audiences. Saltwater strives to bring community, art and artists together to share the power of music and the creative arts as an integral part of our lives.

Seussical the Musical runs at the Metro Studio from October 19-27 and is recommended for ages four and up. Seussical the Musical is presented by Saltwater with professional cast and live music by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens. Book Tickets at the McPherson Box Office by calling 250-386-6121. $25 with special rates for students and seniors.

For more information, please visit www. saltwaterinc.ca, email joanne@saltwaterinc. ca, or call the Saltwater office at 250-8884982.

BC Families in Transition is Moving (But not very far).

BC Families in Transition (BCFIT) is saying goodbye to its home on Broughton Street, and moving less than one block away, to 899 Fort Street, to serve you better. The new location is at the corner of Fort and Quadra, directly across from Island Blueprint.

BCFIT will be temporarily closed during the first week of September, in order to open the doors at the new office on Monday, September 10 at 8:30am. BCFIT’s phone number and website are still the same. Phone 250-386-4331, toll-free 1-877-386-4333, or visit www.bcfit.org.•

START YOUR CHILD AT 16 MONTHS! REGISTER ONLINE NOW FOR FALL! • SPORTBALL JUNIOR (16-24mos) • PARENT&CHILD/ME&MY DAD (2-4yrs) • MULTI-SPORT (4-7yrs) • OUTDOOR SOCCER (2-10yrs) • soccer • hockey • basketball • baseball • • volleyball • tennis • golf • football • FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL: 250-590-4625 OR 1-877-590-4625 OR EMAIL: VAN.ISLAND@SPORTBALL.CA

www.sportball.ca

www.IslandParent.ca

September/October 2012 7

Jeanne Petit-Humphries

Slowing Down

‘Progress’ I

don’t feel that old, but I have increasingly found myself talking to my children about them good ol’ days. I have them gasping in awe as I regale them with tales of not owning a cell phone until I was in my late twenties, and getting my first email account when I was in fourth year university. They might only be three, five and eight, but my kids are already more tech-savvy than I was a mere 10 years ago. My eight-year-old types faster than I ever will and knows how to search the Internet. She can even adjust the volume control on our family Mac with one click, something I have yet to manage without spending at least a few minutes looking for that rather elusive speaker icon. My toddler can already swipe open my iPhone, and this is a kid that still needs help putting on socks. As I watch my children grow up in a 8 Island Parent Magazine

world where technology plays a predominant role in our lives, a world that seems to be changing at an astonishing pace, I cannot help but wonder how far we can go before it becomes too much.

I am the first one to admit that I love my smart phone and that because of it and every other new fangled technology gadget out there, many of my behaviours and habits have changed. A few years ago, I remember snickering when what must have been very (self-) important business people talked to themselves. I wondered how they could expose themselves to such ridicule by using an earpiece instead of bringing a phone up to their ear like us mere plebeians.

Now, I feel only slightly ridiculous when I sit in my car at a red light and talk on my wire-free headset. Similarly, I depend on my phone’s bells and whistles for just about everything, from checking www.kidsinvictoria.com

my emails and playing Sudoku to knowing what day to take out the trash.

The problem is that in the last few months I have started questioning this apparently inevitable trajectory to technological nirvana. When I see a two-year-old sitting quietly and playing on a smart phone, I get a glimmer that we may have gone too far in blindly accepting the beneficial effects of technology. Trust me, I understand why parents would be tempted to hand over their precious phones for the sake of a few minutes of peace. Who wouldn’t want a perfectly behaved child instead of a rambunctious two-year-old whose sole purpose in life is to make you run after him, tear your hair out and cry from sheer frustration? It does seem easier to relinquish a phone, iPad or whatever thingamabob they will invent next and be able to rest for a few minutes while your once impossibly energetic toddler becomes a sitting zombie.

It surprises me, nevertheless, how normal and frequent it has become to see children, some too young to walk or talk, playing on some sort of tablet or, worse yet, reading (more precisely, tapping) an eBook. While there are a few parents, educators and librarians out there who are sounding the alarm bells, most of us seem to act as though this shift towards the eBook is just a natural evolution of our society, “progress” as we seem to like to call it. This overall acceptance is perhaps why there has not been much research undertaken on eBooks so far. If up until now technology has mostly improved our lives, why believe that it could do quite the opposite?

Nonetheless, I would argue that it does not take a PhD in macro-nucleotide-technoitis to figure out that swiping from screen to screen feels different than leafing through a book. Surely the experience is even more altered when you replace the diversity of traditional children’s books with one rigid unalterable device. With eBooks, children do not and cannot have the same tactile and cognitive experience as they have with paper books. They are even denied the ever-so-fun opportunity to tear a page out and watch their parents become completely hysterical about it. Yet, no matter how you Google it, there are very few studies out there that discuss the implications of replacing paper with a screen, even when it would be reasonable to assume that eBooks must alter in some way how our kids learn.

Perhaps one day a whole slew of experts will be able to (re)assure me that learning to read from a screen is better for the www.IslandParent.ca

Making Music Happen A foundation in music is one of the most valuable things a child can learn. Music facilitates cognitive skills, increases self-esteem and foster positive social interaction. Discover the many creative and innovative VCM Children’s Music Programs including some fun new classes!

• NEW! After School Lessons (7 to 10 years)

Find out more about after-school care programs with piano, guitar and violin lessons

• NEW! Jazz Minors (7 to 10 years) • NEW! Your Body is….An Instrument (7 to 10 years) • Tunes for Pocket Trumpet (7 to 11 years) • It’s Show Time! Musical Theatre (6 to 12 years) • Colourstrings (Birth to 5 years) • Orff Music Program (Birth to 9 years) • Families Making Music (Babies to 5 years)

PLUS! Pro-D Music Discovery Camps (5 to 12 years)

Register now for all five camps featuring different themes with musical games, song, dance and a mini-musical theatre production!

Sept 17, Oct 19, Nov 23, 2012 and Feb 15, May 17, 2013.

Johanne Brodeur, Department Head Phone: 250.386.5311 ext. 1030; Email: brodeur@vcm.bc.ca

FUNDING PARTNERS:

900 Johnson at Quadra • 250.386.5311 • www.vcm.bc.ca

September/October 2012 9

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

young, that the human brain is wired in such a way that eBooks make for a more enjoyable, easy and painless experience than traditional books. Until then I am going to remain skeptical. As one librarian recently told me, there might be a lot of “media hype” surrounding eBooks, but they are not and should not be considered as a foregone improvement to our children’s lives, yet.

The jury is still out on whether or not this technological innovation is actually good for us, let alone for our children.

At the very least, eBooks have made me wake up and consider the role that technology is now playing in my life. Is my smart phone’s calendar really more convenient than my once well-loved wall calendar that allowed all of us, even my dear sweet husband, to see what day the recycling goes out to the curb? Am I less stressed out because I can now check my emails in the line-up at the grocery store all the while attempting to control my five-year-old who is obstinately throwing packages of gum into the cart? Do I feel more connected to the world today catching up with long lost friends on Facebook rather than spending my (very rare) free time reading my local newspaper? It is quite an eye opener to realize how much this “progress” has changed many of my habits in such a few short years. At this rate, my kids will soon be saying “them good ol’ days” to talk about the previous year. Heck, by the time my children are grown up, the people at iControl-The-World will probably have invented some kind of technological gizmo that reads minds, thus eliminating the need to talk.

All tongue-and-cheek aside, eBooks are a good reminder that we should perhaps tear our eyes away from our respective iSomethings every so often, observe our children and the world they are growing up in, and really think about what we want for them.

In my case, I want my three little ones to know how to interact with more than just their phone or an electronic device when they grow up. I hope that they will be able to touch, experience and love actual things (like grass, dogs and, of course, books), not just virtual ones. For these reasons alone, I am going to keep eBooks at bay as long as possible, even though they may very well be “progress.”

Jeanne Petit-Humphries has a PhD in French Literature from the University of Toronto and is the proud mother of three children who love books as much as she does.

10

Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

www.IslandParent.ca

September/October 2012  11

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: Ilana Stanger-Ross 250-590-7605 Julia Stolk 250-590-7605 Misty Wasyluk 250-380-6329 Deanna Wildeman 250-592-5407 Heather Wood 250-380-6329 Amy Brownhill 250-386-4116 Michele Buchmann 250-590-7770 Chloe Dayman 250-380-6329 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 We would be pleased to schedule an appointment to answer your questions about midwifery care.

12 Island Parent Magazine

Rachel Dunstan Muller

Unscented

The Sense of Going Scent-Free

I

’ve been weaning myself off of scented products recently, so I was pleased when I started seeing “scent-free building” signs around my community. My teenage daughters and their friends will be less thrilled with this trend. Their going-out preparations aren’t complete without a final spritz of fragrance—which goes on top of the scented deodorants, lotions, and hair products they’re already wearing. The result can be quite an aromatic cocktail!

So what’s wrong with a little perfume, anyway? Is the emergence of scent-free public and private spaces overkill, or is it a valid response to a real health issue?

Some people are more sensitive to fragrance than others. My mother-in-law couldn’t enter many gift stores, because the concentration of scented candles made it difficult for her to breathe. People with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) are particularly vulnerable to the effects of fragrance. When exposed to scented products, they may experience headaches, dizziness, weakness, trouble breathing, nausea, or cold-like symptoms. This can make leaving home very challenging.

Concern for our sensitive friends, neighbours and co-workers should be reason enough to support scent-free zones in our communities. But even those of us without known sensitivities can benefit from less artificial fragrance in our lives. The more we’re exposed to certain chemicals, the more likely we are to become sensitized to them over time. Just because we’re not having an immediate noticeable reaction to a chemical, doesn’t mean that it won’t have a long-term cumulative effect. Many researchers are increasingly concerned about the dangers of prolonged low-level exposure to chemicals.

My own journey towards a scent-reduced lifestyle began when I was adopting greener practices in general. As I read about the potential environmental and health impacts of the products I used regularly, I learned that synthetic fragrances had some less-thanpleasant side effects. Sure, fabric softener made my laundry smell “fresh,” but it took a frighteningly long list of chemicals

to create that effect. And many of those chemicals were known toxins, neurotoxins, and carcinogens. Every time my family inhaled that spring-breeze scent, or wore it next to their skin, they risked headaches, light-headedness, fatigue, skin irritation and longer-term health issues. Young children are particularly vulnerable to these chemicals. (As a side note, in the Q&A section of a leading manufacturer’s website I found this warning: “Avoid using fabric softener on children’s clothing or linens, as fabric softener can cause fabrics to become more flammable.” Yikes!)

But fabric softeners are just the tip of the iceberg. Fragrance is added to a huge range of domestic and personal products, either to mask the scent of other ingredients, or to make the products smell enticing in their own right. After all, scent plays a very powerful role in our lives, evoking memories, creating moods, and drawing us to (or repelling us from) foods, experiences, and people. It’s when we artificially add fragrance to a product that we face potential problems. When a label lists “fragrance” as an ingredient, it’s shorthand for a blend of many substances. The Canadian Lung Association’s website reports that a single fragrance may contain as many as 100 to 350 natural and synthetic chemicals. Diethyl phthalate (DEP) is one of the more common ingredients in man-made fragrances, and is used to make scents last longer. On the down side, it’s classified as a skin sensitizer and reproductive toxin, and may cause allergic skin reactions.

Sadly, it’s not only the air quality or health of our immediate surroundings that is affected by scented products. Everything we wash with, clean with, or wear on our skin eventually goes into the air or down the drain, creating environmental issues downstream. For example, when we use dryer sheets, the chemicals get vented outside, affecting our neighbours’ air quality.

When we shower, any perfumes or scented products we were wearing enter the waste water system, and travel from there into our lakes, rivers and oceans where they may bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms. www.kidsinvictoria.com

One example: studies have found increasing levels of synthetic musks in the fish of the Great Lakes.

Scent-free suggestions: Unfortunately, adopting a scent-free or scent-reduced lifestyle is not as simple as switching to unscented products. In accordance with Health Canada regulations, products labeled as “unscented” or “fragrance-free” may still contain fragrances or masking agents to hide the scents of other ingredients. It’s also important to note that “organic” or “natural” on a label doesn’t necessarily mean that a scented product is harmless. Many people are sensitive to essential oils or fragrances derived from natural plant extracts.

Eliminating unnecessary products is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce scent. Air fresheners, for example, only mask odour problems, and actually worsen air quality. It’s much healthier to find the source of a bad odour and to eliminate it, or to increase ventilation by opening a window or turning on a fan. Dryer sheets are another unnecessary product. Intended to reduce the static cling of synthetic fabrics, they do nothing beneficial for natural fibers like cotton. In fact the film they leave actually decreases the absorbency of towels.

Choosing healthier cleaning products or making your own non-toxic versions is another excellent way to control the amount of scent in your environment. You can find a list of recommended cleaning products and DIY recipes at www.lesstoxicguide.ca.

When purchasing cosmetics or personal care products, avoid those that list fragrance or parfum in the ingredients—especially if those products are intended for babies or young children. The Skin Deep Database at www.ewg.org/skindeep/ provides health information for a comprehensive list of personal products. If you do choose to wear scented products or perfumes, consider the people around you and go with a less-ismore approach.

Following these recommendations doesn’t mean you have to live a life of scentdeprivation. Since cutting back on artificial fragrances, I’m much more appreciative of the natural ones around me: my children’s skin, the rain, a freshly baked apple pie.

Now these are scents I love!

Saturday, September 22, 2012, 1 – 4 pm Esquimalt Recreation Center 527 Fraser Street

Open Free to the Public - Drop-In “Ask the Allergist” Dr. Peter Lee (Victoria Allergist)

Session Speakers Laura Bantock (Anaphylaxis Canada) Linda Kirste (Ministry of Health 811 Dietician) BJ Chute (Ambulance Paramedic)

Food & Exhibits Interactive Displays epinephrine auto-injectors & lung function testing ASK THE ALLERGIST SESSION PRESENTED & SPONSORED BY

Organized by PACT (Protecting Anaphylactic Children Today) www.pactvictoria.com

BIG Fall Savings! toys gifts books clothes maternity groceries diapering and more!

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

Publication

Island Parent Magazine

Insertion Date

July 2012

Size

4.75 x 2.125

Colour

BW

Make the Savvy Squirrel Coupon Book your Go-to-Guide this Fall! $1000 in Local Family Savings!

Available now for only $10 at participating stores or online.

Family Focused, Local Savings.

Client Contact

Moms & More Productions: Savvy Squirrel September/October 2012 thesavvysquirrel@gmail.com

Design Contact

Amy Rutherford, Rather Good Design amy@rathergood.ca

13

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.

EXT

EN DE D!

Tina Kelly

Art in Autumn

M

Due to popular demand, Dinosaurs is being extended two weeks. This is your last chance, purchase your tickets today!

Closes September 30, 2012 Media Sponsors

Lead Marketing Partner

Special thanks to

BC Bites & Beverages Bounty from the Harvest

With a focus on preservation and historic practises, join Don Genova, Master of Food Culture, as he explores the food industry in BC. Includes guest farmers, tastings and food samplings.

Thursday, Sept 20, 2012. 7 – 9 pm.

Get your tickets now.

14 Island Parent Magazine

any find art inspiration in spring flowers or on summer vacations, but there are a lot of ways to stir the creative juices through the cooler fall months.

1. Take inspiration from the changing colours of the leaves. Skip past the evergreens and head straight to an area with incredible fall foliage. Paint them, draw them, sketch them or trace them. Place leaves under paper and rub with a pencil or paint them with fabric paint and make a bag or shirt—watch Mother Nature’s intricate design of the stem and veins show through.

2. Each rainy weekend introduce a new medium to your artist toolkit. Try watercolour paints, watercolour pencils, charcoal, chalk pastels, collage, and mixed media. Or explore the styles of famous artists and attempt their techniques. The library or internet can provide all you need to know about the styles and works of Matisse, Gauguin, Monet, Picasso, Van Gogh, Dali, and O’Keefe, among others. Go local and learn about Robert Bateman or any one of the many Coast Salish artists.

3. Land art. Not all fall days are cold and rainy. Head out to the beach and use naturally occurring items to create sculptures that will amaze—or bring a smile to—the next visitor to the beach. Be careful not to position logs where they can fall and cause injury. When using rocks or shells, ensure they’re not acting as a home or habitat for an animal. Don’t forget to take a picture of your creation—due to weather, or other beachcombers, it will likely not be there if you return.

4. Don’t feel like you can teach or inspire art in your children? Others can help. 4 Cats Art Studio (www.4cats.com), with various locations, offers more than just painting and drawing classes. Think clay robots, undersea globes and stop motion animation. The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria (www.aggv.ca) also offers kids’ classes in the Children’s Art Studio where teachers introduce new techniques and encourage the creative process.

Victoria’s Island Blue (www.islandblue. com) offers workshops for kids 6 to 17.

Classes range from drawing and painting basics to mixed media. Artistic Statement (www.artisticstatementgalleryandschool. com) offers drawing, painting, sculpture and cartooning classes for kids aged 5 to 13, and for adults (14 and over). The Paint Box School of Art (www.thepaintboxvictoria.com) offers a variety of art classes for toddlers, children, and teens. Students learn technical skills while embracing the imaginative artist within.

5. In the 1970s, school sanctioned art classes included making ashtrays out of

clay. Clay has come a long way since then and with two-day workshops at Blackbird Studios (www.blackbirdstudios.me) you and your kids can complete projects over two consecutive weekends in October and November. Day 1, construct your masterpiece. Day 2, paint and decorate your creation before it gets glazed and fired. Forget the ashtray, you can make a wide variety of items—bowls, mugs, platters, jewelry and birdhouses. Private and customized classes are also available.

6. Turn the salmon run at Goldstream into an art journal outing. This amazing annual event is witnessed by many but do they really see, experience and understand all that surrounds this epic salmon journey? Art journaling is a great way to put everything your senses experience down on paper and requires you to really observe the fine details.

A small notebook, pens and pencils are all you need. Sketch a few salmon in detail or a whole ecosystem—river, trees, moss, little dipper, seagulls, salmon (alive or dead), etc. www.kidsinvictoria.com

Tina Kelly is the Visitor Experience Director at the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre in Sidney. She can upcycle many household materials into sea cucumbers, jellyfish or anemones. www.IslandParent.ca

JOIN THE DRAMA! Fall Classes Begin September 11, 2012

Photo By: Miles Lowry. Makeup by: Kelly Charleen

7. Head out to the peninsula and take part in the annual Artsea Festival. The Mary Winspear Centre features the Sidney Fine Arts show (October 11-14). This juried art show is always a crowd pleaser and will expose kids to art being produced locally. Art on display usually runs the gamut of styles and mediums—modern, still life, sculpture, watercolour, acrylic, mixed media, weaving, and photography. Want to see artists in action in their own studios? The festival also includes a Saanich Peninsula Fall Studio Tour. Maps are available online.

8. The annual Canadian Wildlife Federation’s Get to Know contest (www.get-toknow.org)—affiliated with artist Robert Bateman—is launched each spring. The nationwide contest encourages kids 19 and under to get outside and connect with nature. Categories include art, writing, photography, video and music. You may have to wait until next year to submit your entry but seek out inspiration and content now.

It’s all about nature and wildlife and some of the best observations of certain species are presented in the fall. Leaf barren trees offer better views of many bird species, as do bird feeders put out to supplement their winter diet. www.get-to-know.org.

9. Pumpkin carving is the quintessential fall art project. Triangle eyes and nose, with a toothy smile—no way! Pick a theme or a favourite animal/character (or characters—multiple pumpkins may help you with your theme) and sketch it on paper first. Turn your sketch into a template, pin it to the surface of the pumpkin and, using the appropriate tools, carve your creation and display for trick-or-treaters. Parental supervision is recommended during the carving process and of course, while roasting the seeds. I recommend a little sea salt!

10. Get a head start on Christmas and use some of the art techniques learned on those rainy days to create handmade gifts.

At the very least, wrapping paper and greeting cards can be quick and easy to make, especially now you’ve explored a wide range of techniques and mediums and have a well-stocked artist toolkit. Keep it green by upcycling different materials into your creations—scraps of paper, magazines, old comics, maps, used postage stamps and more.

Acting Advanced Acting Musical Theatre Broadway Dance Dynamic Drama Performance Classes Writing Workshops Camps

Join Us For Our

OPEN HOUSE Sunday September 9, 2012

Kaleidoscope Studios - 3130 Jutland Road

www.KALEIDOSCOPE.bc.ca 250.383.8124 ! info@kaleidoscope.bc.ca

Classical Ballet for ages 4 to advanced

Summer Classes

Mon, Aug 27 – Fri, Aug 31

Fall Registration Tuesday, Aug 28 Valerie Grant

Licentiate C.S.C.-C.I.C.B., L.I.S.T.D. (Cecchetti Faculty)

Registration & Classes at St. Matthias Anglican Church Hall (Richardson St. at Richmond Rd)

250·595·3107 www.dancearabesque.ca September/October 2012 15

Jessica R. Pfeffer

The Value of Free Play in Nature Bring this ad to the Westhills Display Centre to get a special Island Parent WESTHILLS PRIZE!

O

ne of my favourite childhood memories is of being up at the cottage in the Gatineau Hills, Quebec. Every summer, my grandparents bravely brought me and my two friends up to the cottage for several weeks. We would be set free every day to play without boundaries in the woods around the cottage. We would build leanto forts, explore rocky crags, and play out extensive and adventurous imaginary games involving all aspects of the landscape. We

One summer we caught a number of frogs, which we assumed to be a family, and kept them in our little raft until, of course, they jumped out. As little girls we were in glorious rapture around the capture and naming of frogs. Perhaps we were “tomboys.” I like to think we just were…and that was a very special thing. I thank my grandparents for their non-interventionist approach, allowing us the freedom to explore the natural world on our own.

felt comfortable sitting bare legged on the rough ground, playing with ants and beetles, pretending quietly and sometimes loudly, to the point of being heard across the lake. Once we were judged to be good swimmers and explorers by my grandparents, my friends and I would take our little boat out and go frog hunting, a pursuit that required extreme patience and quick reflexes. The slimy muck along the edge of the lake and the plentiful mosquitoes did not deter us, nor did the deer flies stir us. We were proud “frog hunters.”

That said, it wasn’t always a perfect experience. Playing tag or hide-and-go-seek in the woods occasionally led to scrapes and scratches. On one particular occasion I remember running through the woods, jumping onto a fallen log and bounding along it, disturbing a wasp nest in the process. My face was stung badly by a swarm of angry wasps. Yes, injuries will happen to children as they free play in nature.

As a parent now, it is my natural tendency to want to protect my child from harm. My

Call Mike Hartshorne* at (250)-889-4445 for more information or visit WesthillsBC.com!

From Veterans Memorial Parkway, turn onto the Langford Parkway, drive past the Westhills Arena and follow the signs. *PERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION

16 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

two-year-old son loves to be outside and is only limited by my worries. I am working on relaxing and letting him explore the world a little further than I feel comfortable, as I learn more about his capabilities. In the effort to protect our children we occasionally overcompensate for the unknowns of nature, which can lead to the loss of opportunity for those children to learn from free play.

Each variable that a child works through in nature is a learning event. Each manoeuvre

Each variable that a child works through in nature is a learning event. Each manoeuvre over stumps and logs, each twist and turn in the forest, each bird sighted, is an opportunity. over stumps and logs, each twist and turn in the forest, each bird sighted, is an opportunity. In many cases, children are making multiple intricate hypotheses in order to personally understand the natural world.

Although I have spent the majority of my career working to protect natural areas, I did not carefully consider the benefits of nature for children until I had a child of my own.

After feverishly reading Richard Louv’s book, Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder, I feel a stronger need to encourage my son to independently explore and experience nature, based on what is appropriate for his age and capability. Louv states that direct exposure to nature is crucial for healthy childhood development and for the physical and emotional health of children. More and more, though, we are raising children in an urban environment, with limited access to natural settings. Regardless, small pockets of nature persist in an urban environment.

Wherever we live, we can help by bringing our children to nature.

Resources and Reading: Child Nature Alliance: childnature.ca Child and Nature Network: www.childrenandnature.org Jessica R. Pfeffer, MEM. When she is not playing with her two-year-old son Jasper, Jessica works at the BC Ministry of Environment, writes children’s literature and enjoys nature. www.IslandParent.ca

>'"+%'"%'#'+%9*'%#"8%:5")*'"" >:5'6L#"M'+.)*"C6-@+@&'"" N$<<:%@6B"O%'B6+69(D"P%+."M'+.)*"Q%:$<"" +6A",'",+6)"):"-6&-)'"(:$"):")+/'"<+%)"-6":$%" %'#'+%9*"#)$A(="

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

!"'%&'%*%/'+$#/$.% C8"(:$",:$.A".-/'"):")+/'"<+%)"-6")*'"#)$A(":%" ,:$.A".-/'" 5:%'"-68:%5+@:6"+;:$)"-)7"<.'+#'"9:6)+9)D" -01234%543607789"4:;%% ,*-#<:*EB5+-.=9:5" F142GHI21JKJ"

Come Swim With Us! Lightning Fast Swim Series, Levels 1–5:

Learn to swim faster than regular swim lessons and learn the techniques of competitive swimming right from the earliest levels.

To register please contact: Commonwealth Place 250-727-5300 Gordon Head 250-475-7100 UVic Vikes Rec vikesrec.uvic.ca Oak Bay Recreation 250-595-7946 Esquimalt, Panorama and Sooke call 250-727-9243

Registration BBQ: Sept 14, 5pm–Dark at Beaver Lake Park Congratulations to Pacific Coast Swimming’s very own Richard Weinberger and Coach Ron Jacks on winning bronze at the London Olympics!!!

www.pacificcoastswimming.com September/October 2012

17

Pro-active Eye-care, because health matters.

Janine Fernandes-Hayden

Don’t Beat Yourself Up Supporting Ourselves–and each other–as Parents

T

Cadboro Bay Optometry Clinic 3830 Cadboro Bay Rd Victoria 250-360-2229

Our Family Realtor ®

Nancy Vieira

250-514-4750 18 Island Parent Magazine

here are good days, and there are bad days. Several months ago, I had a really bad day. It likely had something to do with a teething baby, sleep deprivation, and having all four kids at home for the day. Whatever the reason, I was feeling hard-pressed to juggle my household responsibilities along with my children’s competing needs and demands. By 3 p.m. I had lost all patience and virtuosity and by 5 p.m. I was lying on the kitchen floor, sobbing uncontrollably while I nursed the baby and my two-year-old played leapfrog over my outstretched legs.

“Why are you crying, Mama?” asked my four-year-old son as he peered over my shoulder with compassionate curiosity.

“Because,” I managed in between sobs, “I don’t think I’m doing a very good job.”

“Mama,” he replied, “you are doing a very good job. Now stop crying and be happy.”

Out of the mouth of babes. “You are doing a very good job.” How many of us as parents take the time to stop and commend ourselves with those words?

As a thinker, I enjoy molding and bending thoughts into different ideas and possibilities. Mostly it’s fun, except when it comes to the arena of parenting my own children; then the boxing gloves go on and I find myself face to face with my worst enemy—my internal critic. We have regular matches and once in the ring bound by insecurity, selfdoubt and feelings of “not-enoughness,” I find myself easily thrown off my centre and flung repeatedly against the ropes. I feel worn down and drained by the “should haves” and “could haves” and blameworthy for all of my children’s thoughts and actions. The announcer blares “How have you scarred them?” “It’s all your fault.” “What did you do wrong?” My internal critic is a merciless opponent, taking shots below the belt with some solid jabs of shame and judgment and often leaving me in a FOG or “Fatigue, Overwhelm and Guilt” (a term coined by Linda Kavelin-Popov in The Pace of Grace).

I know that I am not alone when it comes to this sort of personal flogging. Why are we so hard on ourselves as parents? How can we see past the FOG to a more constructive and optimistic forecast?

Take a load off As we watch our children grow into themselves, my husband and I frequently remark on how they all seem to have “come out of the box” with their personalities.

This recognition validates my skepticism of the “tabula rasa theory”—the human mind at birth is not a blank slate. Yet in spite of this knowledge, I still have to guard against mapping out my children’s future and filling their “slate” with my projections as well as all the desires that I have for them. The focus on “creating a masterpiece” can often result in inflated expectations, burdening us parents with a tremendous amount of performance pressure, need for success and fear of failure.

In his booked entitled Selfish Reasons to Have More Children, economist Bryan Caplan contends we would all consider having more children if it didn’t seem like so much work both physically and mentally.

Much of this resistance lies in the fact that parents grossly overestimate the influence they have over their children’s traits, believing that they have control over the outcome.

Micro-management and the pressure to produce results can be stressful and draining for everyone involved. In argument, Caplan refers to twin and adoption studies, which indicate that much of the credit for our children’s health, intelligence and happiness is owed to nature. While I believe that the relationship between nature and nurture is an interplay between the two, Bryan Caplan’s case provides some relief and comfort for those of us on the extreme end of the spectrum who fall into the trap of hyper-parenting.

Parenting needs to be viewed as a process, with children as co-creators as opposed to “products.” When we recognize that we can’t control our children, we lighten the load that we carry. Should we still feel overwhelmed and find ourselves in the ring with our internal critic, we need to give our shoulders a massage, call on the virtue of detachment, and companion ourselves by asking: • What does “being a good parent” look like?

www.kidsinvictoria.com

• What does “doing a good job” look like?

• What type of influence can I have?

• How do I nurture my children’s nature?”

Change your mindset “Savour the experience, it goes by fast.” I can’t tell you how many times I have heard these words from people nostalgic of my life with a young family. And it’s true—as quickly as their cuts, bumps and bruises heal, I literally see my children developing physically, cognitively and emotionally.

Relatively, I feel “full grown.” However, I have to remind myself that learning is lifelong and while my children are developing, I too continue to develop. I realize that the illusion of being full grown has left me vulnerable as a parent to what author Carol Dweck in her book Mindset calls a “fixed mindset.”

According to Dweck, when we as parents adopt a fixed mindset, we believe that our basic qualities and traits, such as our intelligence or talents, cannot be changed. As a result, our energies become focused on documenting our intelligence and talents instead of developing them. We tend to: • Look outside of ourselves for approval and to shore up our self-esteem.

• Make comparisons and become critical of others as a means of validation.

• Worry constantly whether we are adequate or not, trying to prove ourselves and live up to the image that we have defined.

The danger of a fixed mindset is that our own actions and reactions, as well as those of our children, soon become a direct measure of competence and worth. When things go wrong, we feel powerless, incapable and sometimes depressed.

We can rise to the challenge of parenting in a confident and truthful manner by instead assuming what Dweck refers to as “a growth mindset.” When we as parents embrace a growth mindset we: • Allow ourselves to be human, to make mistakes and to be imperfect.

• Recognize teachable moments and life’s lessons as they unfold.

• Take risks without the fear that we may shatter a fixed image of ourselves should we fail.

• Pick ourselves up and dust ourselves off when we make mistakes.

• Get excited about ways that we can do better the next time.

With a growth mindset, self-improvement as a parent involves tracking our own individual change over time. We follow our own trend line, our own course. What www.IslandParent.ca

The summer holidays have come to an end and we’re all getting back to the routine of work and school. Is this happy news for your child or could it be an anxious time at your house? For me, September was an exciting time. New clothes.

New workbooks. New pens and pencils.

A new lunch kit if I was lucky.

For my youngest brother it was not a good time. He couldn’t find a way to grasp spelling at all. His printing was so awful no one could read it, including him. Reading was hopeless and he had trouble with math even though he is a mechanical guy.

One day, I was in grade 12 and my brother was struggling with his grade 6 math homework. On an impulse, I picked up his text book and read the question to him. Before I had the answer in my head (and I was quick when I could “see” the equation) he had already answered me. Inspired, I kept reading the questions to him and he continued to say the answers faster than I could solve them.

What I took from this was that my brother couldn’t “see” the equations or “write down” the answer because his brain had trouble with the symbols. His mind had no difficulty understanding the concepts or doing the computations.

Several years later I was volunteering in the Vancouver Downtown Eastside as an English tutor. At a volunteers’ meeting someone started talking about therapeutic tutoring and a new career was born. I learned what I could do that would have helped my brother. I was on the right track when I was a teenager, I just didn’t know how to close the gap.

Does your child struggle in school? We are all unique learners.

Your child just has learning needs that are not being met.

Please call Karen and see what she can do to help your child.

Workshops Karen is offering workshops for all parents. Come and learn how to help your child have greater success at school. Discover all the ways to help build their self-esteem and self-confidence. Get advice on how to work with the school and teachers to get more of your child’s needs met. Karen will be offering plenty of opportunity to get your questions answered. For more information, please contact her or visit her website.

Tuesday, Sept 25, 7–9pm

Monday, Oct 15, 7–9pm

Masonic Lodge 6544 Throup Rd, Sooke

Island Savings Centre, Nitinat Room 2687 James St, Duncan

Wednesday, Sept 26, 7–9pm

Tuesday, Oct 16, 7–9pm

Mary Winspear Centre, Room 2a 2243 Beacon Ave, Sidney

Beban Park Social Centre, Rooms 7 & 8 2300 Bowen Rd, Nanaimo

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

Call Karen.

September/October 2012 19

other parents are doing does not become a reflection of what we are or what we are not. Instead, we keep our insecurities in check, honour that there are different paths, and perhaps even take advantage of the opportunity to learn from one another.

In this way, we become more supportive of each other as parents. We also become more supportive of ourselves and of our children.

Parent yourself as you parent your children

Celebrating 20 years of dance!

Ages 2 and up

250-361-3267 www.danceunlimited.ca

 



        



 20 Island Parent Magazine



     

          

When I think back to all the research and reading that I have done and continue to do, as both an educator and a parent, I realize that regardless of philosophy or approach, there are several underlying commonalities that promote self-esteem and self-efficacy in children: • Blame the action, not the person • Focus on the do’s not the don’ts • Reinforce progress • Celebrate successes • Provide unconditional positive regard and love.

What does it look like when we apply these same rules to ourselves? We as parents need to pause and consider ourselves through the same loving lens that we see our children.

I have called a truce with my internal critic. I am trying hard to live by the expression, “Mother yourself as you mother your children.” Being a good parent doesn’t mean getting it right all of the time. Parenting is full of challenges and many times it can feel like we are wallowing and sometimes even sinking in mud. However, when we call upon humility and acceptance to help us recognize the teachable moments in our experiences, we can appreciate the luxury of a mud treatment that sloughs off our old skin and renews us into greater self-awareness.

I know that I am being a good parent so long as I am willing to learn. My new mantra in life is, “It’s not what you did or didn’t do, it’s what you do next.” I accept that I will have many “terrible, horrible, no good very bad days.” On these days, I can take comfort in the fact that, in being mindful and conscientious, I will awake the next morning with the chance to start over. It is one of the best lessons and most important influences that I can have with my children.

Janine Fernandes-Hayden is an educator and Salt Spring Island mum of four children. She hosts a parent and kids radio show called “The Beanstalk” at CFSI 107.9 FM or online at www.cfsi-fm.com. www.kidsinvictoria.com

Literacy Tips D

uring Family Literacy Day 2012, visitors to www.FamilyLiteracyDay.ca provided their best family literacy tips. Here’s a sampling, reprinted with permission from ABC Life Literacy Canada:

1

2 3 Count at every opportunity.

Example: “Can you get three spoons from the drawer, please?”

Have a fun alphabet chart on the kitchen wall and make up your own games to play. Example: What starts with “P”?

Kids read when books are at their fingertips, so put them everywhere! At the kitchen table, in the bathroom...

4 5 Encourage your children to teach you what they learned in school.

When grocery shopping with small children, name and spell out each item as you put it in the shopping cart.

6 7

STAGES Performing Arts School since 1980

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

Pre -S cfor ages 20 months a

t a rt th Se s sio ns S 0 1 r e S e p te m b

Challenge children to learn a new word every day, based on their age and grade level.

Listen to music of different genres—melody, tone, rhythm, and pitch help with sound recognition, which is necessary in early reading.•

www.IslandParent.ca

s, To t C la s s e & t n e r a P p, e t, H ip H o ll a B , z z a J la s s e s & C o m b o aClle t Ta p & Even the lit tlest angel can dance

z, B (w it h J a z h e a t re ) Mu s ic a l T

For more information

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

September/October 2012 21

Fall Programs F

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

Art 4Cats Arts Studio is the best, most fun art studio ever. 4Cats is a professional studio for artists ages 2-15. Guided by highly trained curators, kids create imaginative works while listening to captivating stories about famous artists. We create using high-quality art materials including acrylics on canvas, silkscreens and pottery wheels. 4Cats offers classes, workshops, camps, birthday parties and more. Check out our Duncan, Oak Bay, Comox, Nanaimo, Langford and Royal Oak/Cordova Bay locations at www.4cats.com.

Art Gallery of Greater Victoria: the ideal place to explore visual culture. In the Children’s

Art Studio, our dedicated teachers introduce new techniques, build confidence and encourage the creative process. Students experience full “art immersion” in small classes, visiting gallery exhibitions to inspire their own creations. Courses for ages 2-12. Also, drop in on the third Sunday of the month October to April for “Family Sunday” which offers hands-on art-making for the whole family. 1040 Moss Street. For information, call 250-384-4171 ext. 0, email tmuir@aggv. ca or visit aggv.ca/education/studio-classes.

Artistic Statement Gallery & School of Fine Art offers fun and educational classes in drawing, painting, sculpture and cartooning. Portfolio preparation classes are offered for college or university entrance in a variety of degree programs. Emphasis is placed on technique, and everyone works at their own level. Skype lessons are available for homeschoolers and out of town students.

Now registering for fall. Call Joan at 250383-0566. www.artisticstatementgalleryandschool.com.

Fiddlesticks Studio of Fine Arts for Young Children. Music and art education for children 2 1/2-8 years of age. Early childhood integrated arts program, after-school classes, workshops and private lessons.

Early learning through expressive artistic experience encourages children to build confidence in their own creativity and awakens a life-long connection with the arts. Lessons at Fiddlesticks are filled with wonder-inspiring activities designed to engage, delight and challenge the whole child. www.FiddlesticksChild.ca.

Dance/Drama/Performing Arts Arabesque Dance Studio offers classical ballet instruction for students aged 4 to advanced levels. Class sizes are limited to ensure students receive personal attention. Valerie Grant, owner and teacher, is a Licentiate member of the Cecchetti Society of Canada, the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, and Cecchetti International. Ballet examinations are available in the Cecchetti Method.

Classes begin in September and finish with a recital in June. Students training with Valerie may enjoy dancing for recreation and fitness, or may choose to pursue a career in dance. For more information, visit www.

At SMS, our most confident leaders have one thing in common.

They are all girls.

Open House

Friday, October 19, 2012 9-11:30 am & 1-3 pm 1080 Lucas Avenue

St. M argaret’S School w w w.st m a r g.c a | (250) 479-7171 22 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

dancearabesque.ca, call 250-595-3107, or email arabesq@telus.net.

Established in 1989, Centrepointe Ballet School provides a nurturing environment for dancers of all levels. Our sunny studio is located at St. Margaret’s School, 1080 Lucas Avenue. Easy parking and a safe welcoming environment. RAD ballet taught by registered teachers. Children and adult ballet. Beginners welcome. Examinations and year end recital offered. See www. centrepointedance.com, phone Peggy Bain at 250-592-4260, or email centrepointe@ shaw.ca for further information.

Dansko Studios is the place to be. Offering over 100 classes in a variety of dance styles for all ages and abilities, there’s sure to be a class that will keep your toes tapping and your body grooving. Dansko’s highly trained faculty inspire their students and nourish their creativity by providing them with a combination of professionalism, technical expertise and the strong passion for dance.

Registration day for the 2012/13 season is September 5, 3:30-7:30pm at 4814 West Saanich Road.

Fiddlesticks Studio of Fine Arts for Young Children. Music and art education for children 21⁄2-8 years of age. Early childhood integrated arts program, after-school classes, workshops and private lessons.

Early learning through expressive artistic experience encourages children to build confidence in their own creativity and awakens a life-long connection with the arts. Lessons at Fiddlesticks are filled with wonder-inspiring activities designed to engage, delight and challenge the whole child. www.FiddlesticksChild.ca.

1833 COOK STREET | 250-389-1988 | WWW.LARSENMUSIC.CA

String and band instrument rentals Lessons for ALL instruments SALES | REPAIR | RESTORATION | NEW | USED | VINTAGE | WOODWINDS AMPS | UKULELES | BANJOS | MANDOLINS | STRINGS | BRASS | GUITARS

LIFE Seminars presents

LIFE Seminars Sidestepping Victoria’s most the Power comprehensive programs.

Struggle presents

www.IslandParent.ca

Wednesday Evenings Wednesday Evenings

Oct 17 to Dec 5, 7:00 to 9:30

April 28 – June 2 Tuesday Afternoons Oct 9 to Nov2010 27, 12:30 to 2:30 Spectrum Individual parentSchool education sessions are now available 7:00 – 9:30 with Dr. Allison Rees

Kaleidoscope Performing Arts Studio is calling all drama queens and kings. No matter your experience, Kaleidoscope has a theatre class for you: Acting Basics, Advanced Acting, Master Class, Musical Theatre, Dynamic Drama, Broadway Dance, and more. Classes begin September 11 at the studio location at 3130 Jutland Road. Join an industry-leading faculty, led by studio principal Roderick Glanville, for professional theatre training. For more information and to register, contact us at 250-383-8124 or email info@kaleidoscope. bc.ca. www.kaleidoscope.bc.ca.

Kate Rubin Theatre & Drama Studio specializes in dramatic training for children, young

For parents with children The Parent Child of any age – this course Connection: takes the guesswork out of Parenting Children parenting and creates long lasting changes. &positive Teens

Plus Parenting Teens, Parenting Preschoolers and One day seminars – see website for further details.

For more information on other courses or counselling go to lifeseminars.com or call: 250-595-2649

with Dr. Allison Rees

lifeseminars.com 250-595-2649

September/October 2012 23

Kate Rubin Theatre & Drama Studio Classes • Workshops • Private Coaching Fall, Winter, Spring & Summer Terms

• Specialized, dramatic training for children, youth, and adults • Develop skills in acting, creative thinking, and public speaking • Gain greater confidence, spontaneity, and physical and vocal expression • Professional, experienced, and supportive learning environment • Small class sizes • Accessible location, close to downtown

Kate Rubin

Theatre & Drama Studio

250.386.8593 • KateRubin@telus.net www.KateRubinTheatre.com facebook.com/KateRubinTheatre

Read Island Parent Online!

It’s as easy as clicking on the magazine image on our websites!

Visit kidsinvictoria.com or islandparent.ca 24 Island Parent Magazine

people and adults. Classes, workshops and individual coaching are offered throughout the year. Within a professional, experienced and supportive learning environment, students flourish with improved acting skills, stronger confidence, creative thinking, public speaking skills, spontaneity and versatility in physical and vocal expression. For more info, or to register, contact katerubin@telus.net or 250-386-8593. www.katerubintheatre.com. facebook.com/ KateRubinTheatre.

Larsen Music is a local family business committed to promoting healthy communities through music. We offer sales, repairs and rentals of a large selection of instruments, accessories and print music. Our School of Music is home to 35 dedicated musicians who love making and teaching music. Exciting new programs are always in the works.

Please visit the shop at 1833 Cook Street, the school at 1808 Cook Street, and on the web at www.larsenmusic.ca.

Lighthouse Academy of Dance provides a pure, pleasing, positive experience for leisure and serious students from 2-102. Classes in ballet, modern theatre dance, jazz and lyrical, tap, creative dance and musical theatre (song & dance) are taught by qualified and experienced professionals. Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) and ISTD exam courses available. Parties for adults and children.

Private lessons. Former students are now professional performers and teachers. Royal Roads and Blanshard locations. www.lighthouseacademyofdance.com.

sion. We are also introducing a new program for young aspiring filmmakers. Classes are held in spacious downtown studios at 845 Fisgard Street. Visit www.screenactors.ca, call 250-595-1339, or email screenact@ shaw.ca to be added to the studio program email list for program updates.

StageCoach Theatre Arts. For almost 25 years, we have seen young people gain confidence and stretch themselves, building essential life skills while learning tools to sing, dance and act, and most importantly have fun. Suitable for all abilities, StageCoach offers the chance for kids to pursue a career in the arts, or just learn new skills to share with friends and family. Register now for fall 2012. Call 250-743-0858, email langford@stagecoachschools.ca. www. stagecoachschools.ca.

Since 1980 STAGES Performing Arts School has offered professional instruction in jazz, ballet, lyrical, tap, musical theatre and hip hop for all ages and levels of experience; preschool to professional. It is our goal to promote self-confidence, self-esteem, and fulfilment in each student. We believe that all students should have an equal opportunity to learn in a safe, non-competitive environment which fosters self-expression, a healthy body, confidence, and encourages responsibility, discipline, inspiration, creativity and pride in their accomplishments.

For more information, please call STAGES at 250-384-3267 or visit our website at www.stagesdance.com.

The O’Brien School of Irish Dance offers both recreational and competitive dance programs for children to adults. Registration is open all year for classes both in Victoria and Nanaimo. Dancers are taught the basics of traditional Irish step dance and ceile dancing, as well as show steps similar to those seen in Riverdance and Lord of the Dance. Opportunities to perform around the community especially around St. Patrick’s Day. See www.ocobirishdance.com for more information or email irishdance@shaw.ca.

Veselka Dance is for everyone! Veselka is a not-for-profit dance school specializing in Ukranian dance as an art form. Under the artistic direction of Lisa Hall, Veselka offers a nurturing environment for aspiring dancers of all ages. This fall, in addition to regular classes in Ukrainian and classical (ballet) dance, Veselka is offering sessional parent-tot Creative Dance classes (with Lori Hamar), classes for kids on Saturdays, as well as classes for adults. To enquire about classes or to register, visit veselkadancers. com.

The Screen Actors Studio (est. 1980) offers year-round programs for young actors. The Conservatory programs for age groups 8-12 and teens develop a sense of confidence in a friendly, encouraging environment from absolute beginner through to advanced.

Auditioning programs for teens build the skills required for acting in film and televi-

Victoria Academy of Ballet offers patient, careful instruction tailored to the potential and development of each dancer.

This enables children to build self-esteem, confidence and a lasting appreciation of dance. Curriculum is developmental, develops small and large motor skills that are age appropriate in a joyful, creative and www.kidsinvictoria.com

encouraging environment. VAB has small classes, individual attention, live piano accompaniment, internationally qualified and prestigious Cecchetti instructors, award winning, happy and positive students. www.

VictoriaAcademyofBallet.ca.

Gymnastics Falcon Gymnastics, Victoria’s leader in gymnastics, is offering 2012-2013 recreational gymnastics classes for school age kids starting on September 10, and preschool gymnastics starting on September 16. Falcon promises your child will have a great time.

Whether on the vault, bars, beam, playing in our foam pit, or bouncing on the trampoline, your child is in good hands with nationally certified coaches who know how to make it fun and safe. Falcon Gymnastics—where fun and fitness are number one! Phone 250479-6424. www.falcongymnastics.com.

www.esquimalt.ca/recreation for locations.

Family Swims & Skates - and Lessons!

Art Classes! Camps! And More!

Registration on now for FALL programs including: Taekwando with MIJO Martial Arts & Fitness WaterPlaygroup (includes FREE Admission for you to WaterFit)

esquimaltpandr

Get Messy! Art Classes Iron Chef Jr. Parent w/ Baby (Water) Bootcamp

@esquimaltrec

250.412.8500

Bring in this ad & upon registration of any program listed above receive 1 (one)

FREE Family Admission Pass ($12.25 value). Expiry: December 31, 2012

Victoria Gymnastics provides Greater Victoria with gymnastics instruction that is safe, well structured, and most importantly, fun.

Our 7,200 sq. ft. facility, which is naturally lighted and acoustically insulated, provides a learning environment that will allow children to maximize their potential as they move through our non-competitive skills development program structure. Boys and girls ages 2-17, beginner through advanced, all benefit from the strength and flexibility that gymnastics develops. Visit. www.victoriagymnastics.com.

Mid-Island Arbutus Music. Music classes for youth and toddlers, private lessons and courses for professional musicians—all under one roof.

Arbutus Music is the leading private music education centre in Nanaimo and continues to offer the best in instrument instruction.

From Toddler Tunes and Family Music to Music Business and Production Classes, your musical education never ends at Arbutus Music. Fall private lesson registration is happening now. Call Jane to reserve your spot for the 2012/2013 year. 250-993-1900. www.arbutusmusic.com.

Dance, sing and learn the Highland Fling.

Instructors from the Brigadoon Dance Academy are excited to offer beginner Highland Dance classes this fall in Nanaimo, Ladysmith and the Comox Valley. Tartan Tots can start as soon as they are 21⁄2 years old. Brigadoon also offers new beginner www.IslandParent.ca

Subscribe to our email newsletter for updates on the magazine, special contests and parenting information!

Visit kidsinvictoria.com or IslandParent.ca and click on “Join our Kids in Victoria and Island Parent Newsletter” September/October 2012 25

NEW

Learn to Skate Preschool & Youth Lessons

Learn to Skate Lessons for youth ages 2-13yrs at Panorama Recreation Centre!

Lessons begin September 13th.

Coast Capital Free Skate & Open House

Saturday, September 15th, 1-2:20pm.

This is a great opportunity to meet our skating instructors and learn about our many arena programs!

SKI SCHOOL

www.panoramarecreation.ca

CALL FOR DETAILS 555.543.5432

250.656.7271

An innovative program for parents who want to learn how their child’s brain develops from the womb to 18 years.

Find out what the latest research says about attachment theory, brain plasticity and how you can joyfully connect with your child at every age and stage.

For information on our wide range of courses visit

26 Island Parent Magazine

Did you pick up a copy of the fall/winter Nanaimo Parks, Recreation & Culture Activity Guide yet? It’s full of great programs and events the whole family will love. We offer great preschool and after school programs at various locations, as well as a variety of family fun programs to keep you active and spending time together. Pick up your copy at any one of the five recreation centres, or visit us online at www.nanaimo.ca.

Music Guitar in Motion is a small local outfit bringing lessons right to your door. No more worries about drop-offs and pick-ups, or bringing the other kids along in tow. We show up, teach, and leave… simple. A great service for adults wanting to learn, too. Lessons are available to all age groups, at all levels, in a wide range of styles. Studio lessons available too. Call Steve at 250-217-2316. www.guitarinmotion.com.

Music Together®: Bringing Harmony Home™ Sing, dance, play, laugh, learn and have fun sharing music with your child while connecting with other families. Music Together® is an internationally acclaimed mixed-age family music program for children ages birth to 5 and their important adults. Started in 1987, Music Together® is now delivered by hundreds of teachers to thousands of families worldwide. Come join Music Together® Victoria’s welcoming music community at five locations throughout Greater Victoria. www.musictogethervictoria.com or 250217-2477.

The Lighthouse Parent

www.1-up.ca 250 385 1114 info@1-up.ca 602 Gorge Road East Victoria, BC V8T 2W6

Irish Dance classes in Nanaimo this fall.

Instructors are from Victoria School of Irish Dance. Children can start Irish Dance at age four. Contact us today, brigadoondanceacademy@shaw.ca. 250-756-3661.

Generously funded by the United Way of Greater Victoria and the Province of BC

St. John’s Church Junior Choir. Choral singing should be a birthright for every child—it’s social, builds a great musical foundation, hones skills which are useful in a myriad of other pursuits, and is fun as well. In the tradition of the Anglican Church, St. John’s Church, Quadra Street, offers a Junior Choir Sunday mornings at 9am from September 16, in a liberal, open-minded Christian environment, under professional leadership and free of charge. 250-383-7169. stjohnthedivine.bc.ca.

Success in music, success in life… a winning combination for your family. The Tom www.kidsinvictoria.com

Lee Music Learning Centre at Millstream Village offers professional, friendly instructors, state-of-the-art teaching equipment, in-house performance hall with sound/ lighting/stage, plus a wide range of private and group programs for beginner through to advanced musicians. Lessons available on piano, guitar, drums, bass, violin, voice, flute, ukelele, trumpet and saxophone. Enrol today! 250-383-5222.

The Victoria Conservatory of Music is the place to introduce your child to their lifelong journey with music. Studies show that when children take part in group music classes or private lessons, their social and cognitive skills are impacted in extremely positive ways. Discover the wonderfully creative and innovative collection of music classes at the VCM, including Colourstrings, Families Making Music, and Jazz Minors. Register today. Learn more at vcm.bc.ca, or call 250-386-5311.

VIVA Youth Choirs­—for all singers aged 7-17.

Viva is accepting new singers in September 2012. In their 25th year, the Viva Youth Choirs, under the direction of Nicholas Fairbank and conductor Sarah Quartel, is welcoming children to join them at Viva’s choral location—1273 Fort Street (across from Central Middle School). Viva is planning a trip to Ottawa and Montreal in the spring of 2013. Experience exciting and educational performance opportunities. Contact viva@vivachoirs.ca. www. vivachoirs.ca.

“My kid could paint that.”

Great, bring them down. We have awesome kids’ programs starting in September.

Register now in person or call 250.384.4171 ext. 0 aggv.ca | Love your art gallery.

Parent Programs & Education Karen Murdoch, therapeutic tutor and certified Erickson Coach, is offering coaching for parents whose children are struggling at school. You’ll discover how to help your child have more success. You will find solutions to help their self-esteem improve.

You know your child’s unique learning style best. Karen is excited because she gets results by helping parents like you find your own creative solutions. For more information and a complimentary session, with no obligation, call Karen. 778-430-3183. karenmurdoch.ca.

Lifeseminars.com will give you the details you need to view the selection of courses, including the very popular Wednesday night programs. LIFE also provides individual coaching to parents for ongoing support.

Their books, Sidestepping the Power Strugwww.IslandParent.ca

September/October 2012 27

O’Brien School of Irish Dancing

gle and The Parent Child Connection, are available for purchase through the site, at Bolen Books and Munro’s. 250-595-2649.

*Traditional Irish dancing classes including ceile and step dancing *Classes in Cadboro Bay, Esquimalt and Nanaimo *Recreational and competitive classes

Courses covering a range of personal and parenting topics begin again this September at 1UP: Victoria Single Parent Resource Centre. Courses include The Lighthouse Parent; The New Nutrition: Take Charge of Your Health; Anatomy of Anger; The Rainbow Bridge, unlock your past and cross over to a better future; and the father’s group Dads with Dads. Courses are open to all in the community. Visit www.singleparentvictoria. ca or call 250-385-1114.

www.ocobirishdance.com 604-340-2370 irishdance@shaw.ca Fall classes are filling up! Call soon to register.

The Screen Actors Studio From Sept 15 – Dec 15 (12 sessions)

The Acting Programs for Young Actors 8–16 Ages: (1) Beginners 8–11 & (2) Advanced 12–16 Saturdays (1) 10:30–12:30; (2) 1:30–4pm

For details visit www.screenactors.ca To receive program updates email us: screenact@shaw.ca

845 Fisgard Street 250 595 1339 www.screenactors.ca screenact@shaw.ca

Falcon

Gymnastics Centre 208 – 721 Vanalman Ave, Victoria

Open House

Thursday, Sept 6th, 2012 • 4 to 7pm Newly Renovated Facility

Please come in on this day to register your child for gymnastics and receive 5% discount for full registration!

We are offering gymnastics classes for Preschool and School Age Kids, Teens and Adult Drop-ins, Birthday Parties…

School Age start Sept 12 • Preschool Age start Sept 19 We Have It All!

250-479-6424 www.falcongymnastics.com 28 Island Parent Magazine

Recreation City of Victoria. Back to school can mean busy schedules for the family, so don’t forget to make time for fun. We’ve made sure there is something for everyone. Preschoolers: Tiny Toes ballet, art, soccer, swimming lessons, skating. School age: ballet, soccer, Home Alone, music, tennis, swimming, skating.

Teens: Red Cross Babysitter, Lifesaving/ First-Aid, skating. Adults: kayaking, day trips, bootcamp, dance, swimming, skating. For more information, visit victoria.ca/ recservices or call 250-361-0732.

Esquimalt Recreation equals family fun.

Whether it’s registered programs like swim, skate, sports or art lessons/classes that allow parents to take advantage of the Children’s Fitness and Art Tax Credits, or public swimming or skating, we’ve got the activities to keep your infant, preschooler, school-aged or teenaged child—and yourself, the child at heart—engaged. Follow us on Facebook to receive special offers and be the first to know about our free events. For program/ schedule information: www.esquimalt.ca or 250-412-8500.

G.R. Pearkes Recreation Centre welcomes new skate lesson levels. Join us in welcoming the Greater Victoria Active Communities Learn to Skate Program to G.R. Pearkes Recreation Centre. This program will be introduced at all the facilities in Greater Victoria this fall. The new levels are: Preschool 1-4, for 3- to 5-year-olds; and School Age 1-7 for 6- to 12-year-olds. The original level names will be made available to view next to the new names so that parents will be able to know what level to register their child in.

For more information, please check online at www.recreation.saanich.ca, or pick up a brochure at any Saanich Recreation Centre. www.kidsinvictoria.com

For questions, please contact Lisa Hackwell at 250-475-5468.

Panorama Recreation has it all this fall. We offer hundreds of programs for all ages from arts, dance, and sports to aquatic and arena activities. Try one of the new programs, including Aqua Spin, cooking, Learn to Skate lessons, Elder College course and more.

Drop-in to a Kindergym, childminding, Sticker Skate, Teen Lounge, skate or swim session. In the pool, ride the slide or “Spike” the inflatable obstacle course. Check us out at www.panoramarecreation.ca. Live well and have fun!

Sportball helps children develop socially and physically through a curriculum designed to reinforce self-confidence that is free from competition. Working with children 16 months to 12 years old in a high-energy, fun-filled environment, Sportball provides the basic concepts and skills behind 8 popular sports. Programs are carefully designed to focus on the development of balance, strength, coordination, stamina and timing through professional instruction and positive encouragement using customized equipment. For more information, visit our website at www.sportball.ca, call 250490-4625 or email van.island@sportball.ca.

Nestled between the downtown bustle and the country calm of Greater Victoria, WildPlay Element Parks, Victoria is a welcome fresh-air retreat. Among the tree tops and rocky terrain, the winding Monkido® Aerial Adventure courses offer challenging games, including a Tarzan swing, monkey bars, and super-sized wobbly bridge all packing new entertainment and experiences into each play day. Children naturally excel at climbing and scrambling as they explore their limits and hone their physical abilities by having fun in the outdoors. Youth and school group discounts available. 250-5907529. www.wildplay.com.

Riding Westside Stables is located 15 minutes from downtown Victoria. If you have a horse-crazy kid, we have a program for you. Register now for fall riding programs.

We have many well-schooled, wonderful lesson horses and ponies. Our programs are all run with safety and fun in mind following the Horse Council of BC guidelines for advancement. We have a large indoor and outdoor riding ring offering year-round www.IslandParent.ca

Cl as S e p s e s Be g te m be r in 4 th

STAGES Performing Arts School since 1980

Come Dance With Us

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

• Not sure which class to take?

Try a Drop-In: No hassle, No Obligation

ool h c S Pre - t a rt h e sS t t im Day o g ram e r 10 Pr te m b Se p

STAGES Performing Arts School

#301 1551 Cedar Hill X Rd (behind the Shelbourne MacDonalds)

Even the littlest angel can dance

For more information call 250-384-3267, Email us at stagesdance@shaw.ca Or visit our website: www.stagesdance.com

calm mind. fit body. inspired life.

FREE CLASS ON US!

Go Online to Redeem Promo Code: SELFLOVE (online promo ends Sept 30th 2012)

Memberships from $89 per month mokshayogavictoria.com Fort & Cook | 250.385.YOGA September/October 2012 29

riding lessons and camps. Come join the fun. Call Tiffany at 250-652-1462 or visit www.westsidestables.ca.

Science Mad Science® in your school means several weeks of exciting hands-on activities, fascinating demonstrations, inquiry based discussions, group and individual activities, and spectacular take-homes and home labs. Our new program, Laughing Matter, explores the science behind entertainment, magic, and movies as well as toys. Check our after-school camps, science shows and birthday parties. Info at www.madscience. org/vancouverisland, or call 1-888-9546237. Book online any time. Available in the Victoria, Duncan and Nanaimo areas.

Swimming & Diving Boardworks. Join one of Canada’s most successful springboard and platform diving clubs this fall at Saanich Commonwealth Place. Learn how to dive in a fun and safe atmosphere, and possibly follow in the footsteps of ’08 and ’12 Olympian and OlympicGarten graduate Riley McCormick. We offer a variety of diving programs for all ages and abilities, including OlympicGarten (5-9 years), FunDive (8-15 years), Swim’n Dive (6-12 years) and Adult FunDive (16+ years). Visit www.boardworks.ca to register or for more information.

Pacific Coast Swimming is a community swim club that fosters each participant to become the best swimmer they can through quality coaching and fun around swimming pools. We focus only on swimming and have levels for swimmers from age 3 and up to the Olympics. Programs are being run out of most pools in Victoria so there is always a Lightning Fast Swim Series near you to get started with. “All kids should swim!” so go sign up today. See our ad for sign up information, or check our website at www. pacificcoastswimming.com.

Other Offering mixed-age family classes for 25 years.

Research-based - internationally acclaimed - kid-tested!

Come join our community of music-makers at our five Greater Victoria locations.

Music Together Victoria 250-217-2477 Website: www.musictogethervictoria.com 30 Island Parent Magazine

READ Society. On September 10, READ launches its 36th year of individualized remedial language arts and mathematics programs. Using recognized formal assessments and a wide variety of learning tools and approaches, READ’s qualified teachers design and deliver remedial programs that

www.kidsinvictoria.com

St. Michaels University School knows exactly how to help you make the most of your school breaks. With incredible programs for all kids in Greater Victoria aged 5-17, our line-up appeals to lots of interests in day camps that emphasize cooperation, participation and fun. Choose between programs that offer a broad range of activities revolving around different themes or specialty camps focusing on technology, the arts and sports. Visit www.smus.ca/ holidayprograms.

At the Story Studio, kids are coached through the creative writing process by professional authors and receive copies of their stories bound into a book. Workshops for kids from 3 to teens, school workshops, holiday camps and birthday parties. Also introducing comic book writing. www.storystudio.ca.•

Rubber Boots for the Beach When Kristjan and Taylor return to GNS in September, they'll bring their rubber boots. That's because the Junior School is on the beach and, as everyone knows, when you're busy exploring inter-tidal life—shovels, buckets and boots are required items! There are a few spaces left in some classes for September 2012. Call Admissions, 250.370.6801.

Cathie Ferguson Photography

build skills and create confident, capable learners. Classes are scheduled after school Monday through Thursday and during the day Monday through Friday by special arrangement. Expand your knowledge and your opportunities—learn with us. 250388-7222. www.readsociety.bc.ca.

Do your best through truth and courage

w3w.mygns.ca • 250.370.6801 Also playing

Dinosaurs: Giants of Patagonia Rocky Mountain Express To the Arctic opening soon

The Last Reef: Cities Beneath the Sea

250-480-4887 • imaxvictoria.com

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. www.IslandParent.ca

September/October 2012 31

Party Directory G Y

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

Funtime Inflatables 250-474-0597

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

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

M N A S

FALCON

G

Birthday Parties

M

GYMNASTICS Celebrate your birthday with us!

Newly Renovated Birthday Party Rooms

th

38 sary r Annive 2011 1973–

T I C S

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

#208 – 721 Vanalman Ave

(Broadmead & Royal Oak Area)

www.falcongymnastics.com

Y

N A S T I C S

musical

Birthday Parties!

birthday parties Book a 45 minute interactive party in your own home for up to ten young guests from ages 3-8. Choose from three different fun themes! Visit vcm.bc.ca/departments/childrens-music/ for more information, or call 250-386-5311.

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)

visit our website at

www.recreation.oakbay.ca

www.funtimeinflatables.ca

Mr. Tubbs

TM

Faoriry

pirate

KNIGHT or

Monetty Georgia par

party

Party

party

adult corporate party

4Cats Duncan 4cats.com/duncan•250-709-2286 4Cats Langford 4cats.com/langford•778-430-5422 4Cats Oak Bay 4cats.com/oakbay•250-598-0300 4Cats Royal Oak 4cats.com/royaloak •250-590-7233

32 Island Parent Magazine

::

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

10% P Off Booarty k if yo ing u in th bring is ad

Open Year Round

@ Western Speedway 2207 Millstream Road 250-590-4369 mrtubbs.com

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Party Directory ctoria Gymnastics

…details online

Birthday Parties

Organise wonderful parties conveniently delivered to your door!

Party Supplies for all occasions, themes and ages 4150 Blenkinsop Rd (1.2 km north of McKenzie)

1·866·503·4397

ip@greatlittlecelebration.com www.greatlittlecelebration.com

Call

NEW

Par-T-Perfect Call

(250) 386-JUMP (5867) www.par-t-perfect.com

Call for Details: 384-BUGS (2847) or check the website: www.bugzoo.bc.ca

Action-Packed Birthday Parties Supervised • 2–8 Yrs

It’s about skills, not scores.

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

631 Courtney St. (Downtown in Nootka Court)

Hassle Free Parties

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

for kids & families You provide the space and food…

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

Our Cowgirl Slumber Parties Rock!

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

Cowboy Campouts u Cowgirl Slumber Parties Family Farm Getaways A party you’ll never forget!

www.IslandParent.ca

380-2442

Corner of Store & Pembroke www.victoriagymnastics.com

Party Room available!

Horse Play Parties

www.horseplayparties.ca Duncan, BC 250-701-9116

• 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

Bring your party of Grubs and Larvae for a Bugtastic Adventure at the Bug Zoo!

Let Us Do It For You… • Full service, themed birthday parties & company picnics • Fully insured • School fairs, festivals & events • Indoor facilities available • Join our Part-T-Club for your chance to win one of our many contests!

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?

3655 Shelbourne Street, Shelbourne Plaza

250-590-5568 www.lizzyleeandme.com

250 472 3546 www.puppetbooth.homestead.com September/October 2012 33

Helen Lang

When Children Break

C

hildren break. Yes, they are resilient and amazingly pliable, but they are not indestructible. You might spend money on organic foods and sun screen, knee pads and helmets to support and protect them, but still they break…and not just their bones.

Their brains break too. Carefully housed in a hard shell and cleverly hidden behind those beautiful faces is very precious grey matter that can bruise and tear. Even the smallest bump can do irreparable damage and you might not even know it!

“They were just playing on the rocks and fell.” “They were skating in a game and got hit.” “They were riding their bike and fell off.” “But they were wearing a helmet!

They didn’t lose consciousness! It’s just a bump!” Or the classic “Sit down for a few minutes and you’ll be OK.” Or will they?

I’ve been told the brain has the consistency of Jell-O. I once watched a program that used Jell-O to show what happens when a head gets hit. Grey matter, or in this

case green Jell-O, sustained rips and tears throughout, even when the plastic “head” was not penetrated. And since Jell-O doesn’t bleed we didn’t get a chance to see what the results are of a brain bleeding, hidden and enclosed within its shell.

Now the brain isn’t Jell-O, but it’s soft… and if an injury really did happen to that precious grey matter, what is the impact on the molecular level where all the action happens?

I honestly don’t know.

But I know more now than I used to.

I have spent time with people who have sustained brain injuries. Their injuries came from falls off bicycles, everyday risky teenage behaviour, slips on the ice crossing a parking lot, head balls in a soccer game… and more…and even less. Once you have had a brain injury you are 12 times more likely to sustain a second, often more serious one.

These people are amazing and courageous. One day they “bump their heads” and from then on their lives and their fam-

K-9 Distributed Learning

ily’s lives are forever changed. Personalities change, interests change, skills and learning abilities change. Remember how they use to love to play guitar, only now they can’t?

Or how they were great at math and you wondered how you were going to pay for college, only now you don’t have to worry about it because they can’t make the grades?

And suddenly you are back to parenting the way you did when they were four because your child’s short-term memory is gone.

You may think this only happens to people who are involved in major auto accidents and that you can tell who has a brain injury by the way they lean to one side or the slight droop in their face, but most people look like they did before their injury. They, and their families, work very hard to “get back to normal” and go to great lengths to hide the problems. Apparently it’s OK to have a broken arm but it seems there is a social stigma attached to an injured brain.

And so this hidden disability stays hidden.

So here I am, trying to shine a light, because those people that I know with brain injury have told me they hope no one else has to go through what they are going through. They have said, “Tell the parents to pay attention to their children.” If there is a personality change or moodiness, if they

Hands-On Home-Learning for a Sustainable World - expense budget provided

The joy of learning - naturally.

http://oakandorca.ca http://oakandorca.ca 250 383 6619 888 383 6619) 250 383(1 6609

34 Island Parent Magazine

- unique hands-on learning activities - support from a certified teacher - constructive feedback without grading - children can learn at their natural pace

www.kidsinvictoria.com

can’t remember a conversation you had five minutes before, are physically more clumsy, if they sleep more and at odd times, talk to them. Ask if they remember falling or bumping their head. Yes, I know, this could also be a description of many uninjured teenagers so how can you tell if it’s normal?

Pay attention to the changes.

If you believe there is something not right, seek professional help, be persistent and ask questions.

Your children need you to see what they cannot.

UKRAINIAN CHARACTER DANCE

BALLET

FALL REGISTRATION Sept. 4 4:00 - 6:00pm Sept. 5 5:00 - 7:00pm

KIDS' YOGA artistic director: Lisa Hall

Ukrainian classes for boys and girls on weekdays or Saturday.

Creative Movement classes with Lori Hamar for 18 months to 5 years old.

Adult classes for basic and advanced levels.

Check out classes and schedule online.

3277 Douglas Street 250.475.1174

www.veselkadancers.com

What can you do? If you think your child has bumped their head, treat it as an injury.

The brain heals very slowly and rarely is 24 hours enough time. There is a great website, started by ex-hockey players, that has some helpful information: www.stopconcussions. com. There are also a number of brain injury societies on Vancouver Island that can also help (see resources below). We are learning so much about the brain and how it can be injured and what it is able to do.

Even the health professionals struggle to keep up with the research. Be an advocate for your child. And trust your instincts. For their sake, face any fears you may have and really look at what is going on with your child. If you believe there is something not right, seek professional help, be persistent and ask questions. Your children need you to see what they cannot.

Helen Lang is Director of Client Services at Victoria Brain Injury Society.

Resources For help and information on Vancouver Island: Victoria Brain Injury Society, www. vbis.ca Nanaimo Brain Injury Society, www. nbis.ca Comox Valley Head Injury Society, www.outreach.cvhis@gmail.com Alberni Valley Head Injury Society, 250-724-6772 Campbell River Brain Injury Support Society, www.crhead.ca.

www.IslandParent.ca

S ome p e opl e th i n k l e ar n i ng dis abi liti e s are li fel ong .

We d on’t .

®

Eaton Arrowsmith School is the only school in Victoria that focuses on the potential of children with learning disabilities to benefit from the brain’s ability to change itself in order to improve cognitive functioning for life.

Strengthening learning capacities instead of accommodating for learning weaknesses.

Upcoming information session: Wednesday, Oct 10th, 2012, 4–6pm #200-3200 Shelbourne St, Victoria RSVP: 250-370-0046 or victoria@eatonarrowsmithschool.com

Strengthening Learning Capacities®

September/October 2012 35

Sept/Oct 2012

Generously Sponsored by and

Family Calendar For calendar updates throughout the month visit www.kidsinvictoria.com September SAT 1 Kids Mega Sale at Pearkes Recreation Centre.

Gently used baby and children’s clothing, toys, equipment and maternity. 9:30am-12:30pm.

3100 Tillicum Rd. kidsmegasale@gmail.com or like us on Facebook at Kids Mega Sale.

SAT 1 – MON 3 Saanich Fair at the Saanich Fairgrounds. Giant pumpkin and scarecrow contest, live animals, 4-H Show & Sale, midway and much more. Sat & Sun: 8am-9pm; Mon: 8am-6pm. $10/adults; $7/seniors & youth; Children under 6 free.

1528 Stellys Cross Rd. www.saanichfair.ca.

Greek Fest at the Hellenic Community Centre. Arts and crafts, continuous live music, folk dancing from many different cultures, Heritage Exhibit and food. Family-friendly.

11am-10pm. 4648 Elk Lake Dr.

WED 5 Healing Circle for Parents at Dr. Zimmermann’s office. For parents of children with any chronic conditions from autism to cancer.

We will be using guided imagery, creative visualization and focused intention to send our children healing and love. There is a growing body of research showing the effectiveness of healing intentions, including sending light, energy and prayer. Please join us for an evening

36 Island Parent Magazine

of exploration and relaxation. Free. 7-9pm.

Please RSVP as space is limited. 304-2250 Oak Bay Ave. 250-590-5828. drzimmermann@ shaw.ca. www.drzimmermann.org.

SAT 8 Rockland Neighbourhood Block Party in Rockland. Enjoy events at each of the key Rockland landmarks: Langham Court Theatre, the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, Craigdarroch Castle, and Government House.

Bouncy castle and croquet for kids at Craigdarroch Castle, book launch, exhibit and live art at the Art Gallery, walking tours, fashion show, food, live music and entertainment.

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, and rain gear, and wear sturdy hiking shoes.

Meet in the Munn Rd parking lot at 10am. 12+ years. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

Victoria Chess Club Tournament at Central Branch Library. The Victoria Chess Club will be hosting its semi-annual tournament at the library this year. Drop by and watch some of Victoria’s finest chess players. Participants include members of the Victoria Junior Chess Club. Everyone welcome. No registration required. 10am-5pm. 250-382-7241, ext. 365.

Moon of Harvest, Season of Mist at Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park. CRD Regional Parks

guest naturalist Joe Percival will take you through the trails of Witty’s as you discover how autumn brings about changes in food and habits for all. Meet at the Witty’s Lagoon Nature Centre off Metchosin Rd at 1pm. 5+ years. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

SUN 9 3rd Annual BARA Community Day at Broadmead Village Shopping Centre. Come out and meet your neighbours. Hot dogs, ice cream, cookies and beverages. Children’s activities, emergency measures demonstration, fire truck and police car displays and more. 11am-2pm.

777 Royal Oak Dr.

TUES 11 Braefoot Family Fun Night at Braefoot Park.

Start the fall off with a bang with a night of fun. Activities for all ages. Live music, bouncy castle, face painting, games, prizes, loot bags, mascots and a BBQ by donation. 5-7:30pm.

1359 McKenzie Ave. 250-721-2244. www. braefoot.ca.

SAT 15 VIRCS Multicultural Health & Food Fair at CDI College. A great opportunity to connect with newcomers. Local food producers, healthy food information, tasty food and free gifts. 10am-3pm. 950 Kings Rd. 250-3619433 ext. 243.

www.kidsinvictoria.com

“Bear” Necessities at Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park. We can co-exist with these magnificent forest dwellers. Join a CRD Regional Parks naturalist to learn about the natural history of the black bear. Meet at the Witty’s Lagoon Nature Centre off Metchosin Rd at 1pm. All ages. BC Transit #54 or #55. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

Forest Tea Party at Francis/King Regional Park.

You don’t have to take a trip to England to find a great cup of tea! The forests around Victoria are full of plants that make delicious teas year round. Join a CRD Regional Parks naturalist for an interpretive tea tasting featuring some of our local plants. A short guided walk to see some of the plants growing in their native habitat will precede the tea-sampling. 1-3pm. $7 + HST. Pre-registration required before September 14. Space is limited. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

SUN 16 Art-in-the-Park at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park. Join a CRD Regional Parks naturalist to create cool back-to-school nature-inspired crafts. Drop by any time between 11am and 2pm. Meet at the Beaver Lake Nature Centre off the main parking lot. 11am-2pm. All ages.

BC Transit #70 or #75. 250-478-3344. www. crd.bc.ca/parks.

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.

MON 17 Science Venture: Imagineering at Oak Bay Branch Library. Put on your engineering hat for a hands-on design challenge. You’ll have an imaginary budget and work against the clock to build a top secret project. All you need is your creativity! For ages 9-12. 2:304pm. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 592-2489 for more information.

s h if t

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.

WED 19 ARC Club, Live and in Person at Saanich Centennial Branch Library. Calling all teens who love to read, and especially those hooked on Advance Reading Copies! Come out and meet other teens who review online in our ARC Club, get first dibs on some fall releases, and talk about your favourite books, past, present and future. For ages 13-18. 7-8:30pm. Register online at www.gvpl.ca, or email teens@gvpl.ca or call 250-477-9030 for more information.

CEASE Therapy for Autism, Neurological and Behavioural Disorders at Dr. Zimmermann’s office. CEASE Therapy is an integrated treatment method which uses nutrition and homeopathy to gradually detoxify and strengthen children with neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorders, ADD/ ADHD, learning disabilities, sensory processing disorders and others. It can also be helpful for children with weak immune systems who suffer from frequent infections. Free. Please RSVP as space is limited. 7-9pm. 304-2250 Oak Bay Ave. 250-590-5828. drzimmermann@shaw.ca. www.drzimmermann.org.

THURS 20 Wild About Polar Bears at Emily Carr Branch Library. Diane Brown has traveled to Churchill, Manitoba and to Svalbard, Norway to see and photograph polar bears in the wild.

Diane will share slides and tell us about the bears, both in the wild and in zoos: what they eat, how they hunt, where they live and—most important—the effects of global warming. For Grades 3-4. 10:30-11:30am. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-475-6100 for more information.

TM

SAT 22 Hawk Watch at East Sooke Regional Park.

Have you ever seen turkey vultures “kettling”?

Join CRD Regional Parks and the Victoria Natural History Society for this annual migration event, complete with live raptor demonstrations and activities at Aylard Farm.

Experts with spotting scopes will be at the viewpoint above Beechey Head. The hike up to the viewpoint requires sturdy footwear and a 20-minute trek up a steep and rocky trail.

Bring binoculars, water and a lunch. Drop in anytime between 11am and 3pm at the Aylard Farm parking lot off Becher Bay Rd. All ages.

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

Crafts for Tweens: Smoldering Scepters at Oak Bay Branch Library. Create wondrous wands, stunning scepters and brilliant batons using everyday objects. When you are finished, you will be able to light up the night with your design. For 10- to 12-year-olds. 2-3:30pm.

Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250592-2489 for more information.

Esquimalt Lantern Festival at Captain Jacobson Park. Enjoy an enchanting evening of music, light and magic. Bring along your own lantern and join in the light procession winding along West Bay Walkway to Barnard Park, then back to Captain Jacobson Park for more festivities. Free. Family-friendly. 6-10pm. esquimaltlanternfestival.wordpress.com.

Your expectations Crunchy apples, single stalks of celery, freshly baked bread.

Customer Serice: 1.800.667.8280 Visit www.thriftyfoods.com

www.IslandParent.ca

Your personal in-store shopper will select your products just the way you like them!

September/October 2012 37

MON 24 Iron Chef at Esquimalt Branch Library. Kitchen Stadium is invading the library for this fun foodie program. Think you have what it takes to be the GVPL’s next Iron Chef? You will have one hour to prepare delicious (no bake) dishes with the ingredients we provide, then library staff gourmands will taste test each dish to decide whose culinary skills reign supreme.

Ingredients provided will not include nuts, dairy or eggs. For ages 10-12. 3-4pm. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-414-7198 for more information.

A happy smile and a healthy brain.

Performing your best is a joy for anyone. At Valentus Clinics clients with ADD/ADHD, speech challenges, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety and more have benefitted from Brainwave Optimization, an advanced form of neurofeedback. Many children and adults have found that when their brain becomes more balanced they have better focus, less anxiety and a general sense of well being, which all helps them to succeed in class and in life.

The innovative and non-invasive Brainwave Optimization Program has helped over 40,000 people of all ages improve their brains and gain a happier life.

VALENTUS LOCATIONS Uptown Medical Clinic at Walmart, Victoria, BC

Total Body Chiropractic at 888 Short Street, Victoria, BC Valentus Clinics #103 - 1625 Oak Bay Avenue, Victoria BC

www.ValentusClinics.com

Victoria Children’s Literature Roundtable at Nellie McClung Branch Library. Join Professor Emeritus Jon C. Stott from the University of Alberta, and hear tales from many lands from his books: A Book of Tricksters (2010) and his newest title Quests for Fire (2012). In addition to these titles, Stott’s works include four books on the study of Children’s Literature. Doors open at 7pm. Browse the Cadboro Bay Books table before the meeting at 7:30pm. Open to the public. New members and drop-ins welcome. Members free; $5/drop-in; $4/student.

For more information, call 250-598-3694.

WED 26 Guys’ Night Out: A Bedtime Storytime at Saanich Centennial Branch Library. Calling dads, stepdads, granddads, 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.

THURS 27 Wild About Polar Bears at Oak Bay Branch Library. See THURS 20 for details. For Grades 3-4. 10:30-11:30am. Register online at www. gvpl.ca or call 250-592-2489 for more information.

Story Club at Juan de Fuca Branch Library.

Listen to stories, talk about your favourite books, and enjoy fun activities. Snacks included. This club is for kids who love stories regardless of reading ability. For ages 5-8.

3:30-4:30pm. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-391-0653 for more information.

FRI 28 Story Club at Central Branch Library. Listen to stories, talk about your favourite books, and enjoy fun activities. Snacks included. This club is for kids who love stories regardless of reading ability. For ages 5-8. 3:30-4:30pm. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-382-7241, ext 365 for more information.

Fourth Friday Book Club at Oak Bay Branch Library. Join Devon to discuss great books,

38 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

make new friends, and enjoy snacks. Club members should read the book Wildwood

by Colin Meloy for the first meeting. We will vote on what to read next at the September meeting. For ages 9-13. 3:30-4:30pm. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-592-2489 for more information.

SAT 29 Quintessence Breastfeeding Challenge at Central and Juan de Fuca Branch Libraries. Join public health nurses, and the GVPL staff for storytime at 10:30am and the official breastfeeding count at 11am. Families, breastfeeding children, and siblings welcome. No registration required. 10:30-noon. Central: 250-382-7241, ext 365; Juan de Fuca: 250-391-0653.

Family Fun Day at the Burnside Gorge Community Centre. Join the United Way of Greater Victoria and the GVPL for this event that will inspire you to enjoy reading and stories with your children. Starts with a presentation by author and speaker Sigmund Brouwer. Enjoy hands-on workshops for parents and kids.

A free brown bag lunch will be provided.

All parents must register, but registration of children is not required. Spaces are limited.

Limited free child-minding spaces will be available. Suitable for families with children aged 12 and under. 10:30am-3:30pm. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call your local library branch for more information. Registration begins September 10 and closes September 27.

Pick up your copy of Island Parent at any of one our 26 Serious Coffee locations.

Fall Fairfield at Robert Porter Park & FGCA. Music, Harvest Hat Competition, Artists in Motion painting stations, contra dance with caller Doug Paterson, activities for kids including bouncy castle, face painting, magic show and more. 1-5pm. For more information, 250-382-4604 or place@fairfieldcommunity. ca. Parking is limited so please walk, bike or take transit.

Vaccinations­—Confused? at Dr. Zimmermann’s Office. Are you confused about vaccination? Do you worry about the number of shots given or the aluminum in vaccines? Do you want to opt out of vaccination, use only some shots or use the standard program but help your child tolerate them better? Interested in homeopathic prophylaxis or other natural methods to strengthen your child’s immune system? Dr. Zimmermann can help you make an informed decision that is right for your family. 2-4pm. $10. Please RSVP as space is limited. 304-2250 Oak Bay Ave. 250590-5828. drzimmermann@shaw.ca. www. drzimmermann.org.

SAT 29 & SUN 30

With Your Family Needs

For All Your Your Baby Baby Needs…

Needs… New, We Also Do&Rentals!

For Used Rentals Serving the Infants • Toddlers • Youth • Parents & Grandparents of Victoria

The Kiddies Store

Finlayson St.

3045–C Douglas St. (Rear) 386-2229 www.tjskids.com

St.

www.IslandParent.ca

Indie • The agile, Evolving lightweight all-terrain.

s Dougla

Vancouver Island Baby Fair at Pearkes Arena.

Shopping, resources, prizes, Main Stage talks, on-site photo contest and more. Bobs & Lolo perform both days. www.VancouverIslandBabyFair.com for more details.

Gliders & Furniture

Larch St.

T.J.’S

(Under Sleep Country in the REAR)

September/October 2012 39

SUN 30 Seed Day at Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary. In the autumn, Mother Nature plants her garden for next year—come and see what she has planned. Includes crafts, hands-on exploration, seed scavenger hunt, seed displays, plant a seed to take home. Admission by donation. For more information, call 250-479-0211 or visit www.swanlake.bc.ca.

October MON 1 Baby Signs with Layla: a Baby Sign Language Program at Bruce Hutchison Branch Library.

Program participants will learn the basics of using nonverbal signs. Benefits of signing with your baby or toddler may include fewer tantrums, greater cognitive and language development, and improved communication with your baby. For parents, educators and children aged 0-24 months. 10:30-11:30am. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-727-0104 for more information.

FRI 5 First Friday Book Club at the Sidney/North Saanich Branch Library. Discuss great books, meet new friends and enjoy snacks. Ages 1114. 4-5pm. To register, call 250-656-0944.

SAT 6 Music, Dance and Sing Along with Charlie Hope at Nellie McClung Branch Library.

Kick off Canadian Library Month with Juno-winning children’s singer Charlie Hope.

Charlie will delight you with amazing action songs and melodic lullabies. Kids love her, and she’s adult-friendly too! For young children and their families; children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. 10:30-11am. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-477-7111 for more information.

Children’s Harvest Festival at the Horticultural Centre of the Pacific. Make a scarecrow, seed ball or clay pumpkin; sing about pollination;

draw what’s going on under the ground; taste roasted pumpkin seeds, jams and apples; collect vegetable seeds; race the obstacle course; listen to stories about the water cycle and composting; visit the gardens and much more.

Come dressed as a scarecrow! 11am-3pm.

Children free; adults by donation. 250-4796162. www.hcp.ca.

SUN 7 Mystery Creature at Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park. With the help of a CRD Regional Parks naturalist, solve riddles to find clues hidden along the trail. At the end, we’ll piece the puzzle together to discover who the mystery creature is. Meet at the Witty’s Lagoon Nature Centre off Metchosin Rd at 1pm. 5+ years. 250-4783344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

TUES 9 Autumn Stories with Marty Layne at Esquimalt Branch Library. Marty will read her picture book Autumn Stories and teach the audience the song at the end of the book. Marty will show the needle felted rabbits she used to illustrate her story, as well as pass around larger models of the animals for audience members to hold. She will teach seasonal fingerplays and songs as time permits. For children 4 and under. 10:30-11am. Register online or call 250-414-7198 for more information.

THURS 11 Sensory Storytime at Saanich Centennial Branch Library. During this program, preschoolers will discover storytime fun and routine through a sensory-rich mix of songs, movement, a story and a special book-related activity. Fun for all children, and appropriate for preschoolers with autism or sensory processing issues. A parent or caregiver is required to participate. 10:30-11am. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-477-9030 for more information.

SAT 13 Story Festival at the Esquimalt Branch Library.

Join Esquimalt Recreation and the Esquimalt Library for a festival in the plaza. Many storytellers will delight and entertain children of all ages. Free lunch provided by the Kiwanis Club. For all ages. No registration required.

10:30am-2:30pm. 250-414-7198.

Magic Workshop with Andrew & Wesley: Card Tricks at Central Branch Library. Hey presto! Learn card tricks to wow your friends and family. In the first week, you will learn three great tricks and three essential sleightsof-hand. In the second week, you will review what you’ve learned, plus more illusions and performance tips. For ages 10-12 years. 1:302:30pm. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-382-7241, ext. 365.

SUN 14 10th Ultimate Hobby & Toy Fair at Pearkes Arena. Vancouver Island’s premier hobby & toy show. Over 200 tables with action figures, vintage toys, models, trains, comics, Barbie, LEGO and much more. Silent auction for the MS Society. Spooky Charity Carnival Games with all proceeds for BC Children’s Hospital.

Free door prize entry with admission. Dress in costume for extra door prize entry. $5/adults; kids free. 9am-3pm. Visit www.ultimatetoyfair.com for more details.

Chum Salmon Run 5k Family Run or Walk at Goldstream Provincial Park Campground. All proceeds help to keep our renowned salmon programs available to school children. $10/ early bird registration. Race starts at 10am.

Marvelous Mushrooms at Francis/King Regional Park. For the novice mushroom explorer, join a CRD Regional Parks naturalist to discover more about fungi in the forest. There is no fee, but pre-registration is required by October 12. Space is limited. 1-2:30pm. 5+ years. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

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

Enter Our Online Contests Every month at Island Parent and Kids In Victoria you can enter to win some great prizes!

September Contest: An annual Gym Membership at the Gorge Fitness Centre, Victoria (value: $431.20). An additional 2 winners will receive their choice of an item from the prize table (includes books, CDs and IMAX or Cinecenta passes).

Check out the prizes and enter the contests by visiting www.IslandParent.ca or www.kidsinvictoria.com 40 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

St. 1-888-479-9811 or choices@choicesadoption.ca.

MON 15 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 19 Science Venture: Imagineering at Bruce Hutchison and Central Branch Libraries. Put on your engineering hat for a hands-on design challenge. You’ll have an imaginary budget and work against the clock to build a top secret project. All you need is your creativity. For ages 9-12. Bruce Hutchison: 10:30am-noon, 250-727-0104; Central: 3-4:30pm, 250-3827241, ext 365. Register online at www.gvpl. ca or call for more information.

Travelling Spider Show at the Sidney/North Saanich Branch Library. Just in time for Halloween, the Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary visits to teach us about the amazing world of arachnids. Expect loads of interactive fun with props, dress-up and lots of specimens to examine. Warning: they are bringing live spiders. Ages 6+ 1-2pm. To register, please call 250-656-0944.

Halloween Spook-tacular at Oak Bay Branch Library. Calling all goblins, ghoulies, ghosts and other denizens of the night. Come in your Halloween costume and join in the frightful fun. Scary stories, a creepy craft and other spooky activities will get you in the mood for the big night. For ages 6-9 years. 2-3pm.

Register online or call 250-592-2489 for more information.

Lego at the Library at Nellie McClung and Esquimalt Branch Libraries. Like stories and Lego? Then this is the program for you. The GVPL will supply the Lego, and you will use your imagination to construct your own crazy creation to display at the library. For a project

3-5 yrs Pre-primary School

to take home, bring your own Lego. For ages 6-10. Nellie McClung: 2-3pm, 250-477-7111; Esquimalt: 2:30-3:30pm, 250-414-7198.

Stamp Scavenger Hunt at Saanich Centennial Branch Library. Join local stamp enthusiasts for an introduction to stamp collecting. Be prepared to be amazed at how many stamps you’ll see at one time. You’ll hear about stamps, stamp clubs, library resources, and participate in a stamp treasure hunt. 2:30-3:30pm. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-477-9030 for more information.

Fourth Friday Book Club at Oak Bay Branch Library. Join Devon to discuss great books, make new friends and enjoy snacks. If you missed the September meeting, call 250-5922489 for more information. 3:30-4:30pm.

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

FRI 19 – SUN 21 Forest Spooktacular at Francis/King Regional Park. Drop by any time between 11am and 2:30pm with family and friends for this spooktacular afternoon of Halloween fun with CRD Regional Parks naturalists. At 11:15am and 1:15pm, join the guided walks, if you dare— we’ll fill the cauldron with spooky treasures from the natural world. Displays, Halloween crafts and ghoulish brew await. Wear a costume and win a prize. Meet at the Francis/ King Nature Centre off Munn Rd. All ages.

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

Crafts for Tweens: Fierce Fascinators at Oak Bay Branch Library. Looking for the finishing touch for your Halloween costume? Our fascinator craft program is just what you need.

Whether you are going to be a swashbuckling pirate, a paper bag princess, or an angry bird, we will teach you how to make the perfect topper (or top hat) for your costume. For ages 10-12. 2-3:30pm. Register online at www.gvpl. ca or call 250-592-2489.

MON 22 Victoria Children’s Literature Roundtable at Nellie McClung Branch Library. Meet Victoria authors entered for the 2012 Bolen Book Award and hear them talk about their books and writing careers. Doors open at 7pm.

Browse the Cadboro Bay Books table before the meeting at 7:30pm. Open to the public.

New members and drop-ins welcome. Members free; $5/drop-in; $4/student. For more information, call 250-598-3694.

WED 24 Celebrating Diversity with Children’s Picture Books: Carolyn Hart, B.Ed. at the Sidney/ North Saanich Branch Library. Books that reflect cultural, linguistic, and family diversity will be shared, along with books that explore friendship and anti-bullying. This program is for parents, caregivers, educators and anyone with young children in their lives. 7-8pm. To register, please call 250-656-0944.

THURS 25

SAT 20 Emily Carr 40th Anniversary Celebration at Emily Carr Branch Library. In October 1972, the Emily Carr Branch first opened its doors.

Back then, it was known as the Saanich Victoria Branch, and our views were those of farm fields.

Our name and our neighbourhood may have changed, but this branch is still well-loved by patrons and staff alike. Bring your memories and join us for refreshments, book draws, a children’s storytime, crafts, and a digital stroll down memory lane. No registration required.

10am-noon. 250-475-6100.

For the Birds! at Saanich Centennial Branch Library. Flock to the library for a “tweet” storytime filled with stories, songs and rhymes about birds. Make your own birdfeeder and learn some bird-feeding tips too. For young children and their families; children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. 10:3011:30am. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-477-9030.

FRI 26 Author Julie Lawson: The Titanic Sunk… And Then What? at Emily Carr Branch Library.

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

The joy of learning - naturally.

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

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

September/October 2012 41

Art Classes • Drawing • Painting • Sculpture • Cartooning • Portfolio Preparation

 

                 



• One or Two Hour Sessions • Technique Oriented • Fabulous Results • Portfolio Preparation ages 14 & up • Day & Evening Classes

Artistic Statement Gallery & School of Fine Art Call Joan at





 

250-383-0566 #107–2250 Oak Bay Ave

  



 www.artisticstatementgalleryandschool.com  Now offering Art lessons on SKYPE for Out of Town Students and  Homeschoolers

Now Registering for Fall 







  

Wondering what it takes to turn facts into fiction? Using examples from her novel Ghosts of the Titanic, Julie Lawson will discuss the writing process from the spark of an idea to the final draft. Julie will read from her books and enrich the experience with behind-the-scene stories, rough drafts and archival photographs.

For Grades 4-7. 1:30-2:30pm. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-475-6100.

Story Club at Central and Bruce Hutchison Branch Libraries. Listen to stories, talk about your favourite books and enjoy fun activities.

Snacks included. This club is for kids who love stories regardless of reading ability. For ages 5-8. 3:30-4:30pm. Central: 250-382-7241, ext 365; Bruce Hutchison: 250-727-0104.

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

SAT 27 Forest Spooktacular at Francis/King Regional Park. Drop by any time between 11am and 2:30pm with family and friends for this spooktacular afternoon of Halloween fun with CRD Regional Parks naturalists. At 11:15am and 1:15pm, join the guided walks, if you dare— we’ll fill the cauldron with spooky treasures from the natural world. Displays, Halloween crafts and ghoulish brew await. Wear a costume and win a prize. Meet at the Francis/ King Nature Centre off Munn Rd. All ages.

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

Crafts for Tweens: Fierce Fascinators at Emily Carr Branch Library. See SAT 20 for details.

For ages 10-12. 2-3:30pm. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-475-6100.

SUN 28 Wild Mushroom Show at Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary. A special presentation by the South Vancouver Island Mycological Society. Discover the wacky and wonderful world of the mushrooms of Vancouver Island.

The huge variety found in our forests, fields and gardens will be on display. Bring your specimens for identification by members of the Mycological Society. 10am-4pm. Admission by donation. 250-479-0211 or www. swanlake.bc.ca.

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

Ha-bat-itat at Francis/King Regional Park.

Where do bats live? What do they eat? How can you attract bats to your neck of the woods?

Join a CRD Regional Parks naturalist to find out on this exploration of their weird and wonderful world. Meet at the Francis/King Centre off Munn Rd at 1pm. 5+ years. 250478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

MON 29 Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark at Esquimalt Branch Library. Do you believe in ghosts?

Get ready for Halloween with scary stories of real and imaginary hauntings. Bring your

42 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

own ghost story to share. You will also create a character mask with recycled, reused and natural materials to take home. For ages 10-12 years. 3-4pm. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-414-7198 for more information.

TUES 30 Halloween Spook-tacular at Saanich Centennial Branch Library. See FRI Oct 19 for details.

For ages 6-9. 3:30-4:30pm. Register online or call 250-477-9030 for more information.

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

Story Club: Halloween Stories at Juan de Fuca Branch Library. Listen to stories, talk about your favourite books and enjoy fun activities.

Snacks included. This club is for kids who love stories regardless of reading ability. 4-5pm.

Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250391-0653 for more information.

WED 31 Batwings and Broomsticks: A Halloween Program for Preschoolers at Oak Bay Branch Library. Try out your Halloween costume before the big night. Join us for a Halloween storytime filled with not-so-scary stories, fun songs, an easy holiday craft and a not-toospooky short film. For ages 3-5 years. 10:3011:30am. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-592-2489 for more information.

ONGOING BABIES, TODDlERS & PRESCHOOl Drop-in Storytimes for Babies, Toddlers and Families at the Greater Victoria Public Library.

Caregivers are welcome and encouraged to participate. Storytimes are free and drop-in.

Please come early to find a space. For a complete schedule of programs, visit www.gvpl. ca or call your local branch.

Preschool Storytime at Saanich Centennial Branch. Preschoolers are invited to fun and interactive storytimes that will help foster early literacy development. We’ll share enriching stories, sing songs, learn rhymes and have fun playing with language. Parents and caregivers are welcome to participate. For ages 3-5.

Tuesdays September 11-October 16. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-477-9030 for more information.

Parent and Tot Drop-in at CPAC. An active group for fun and socialization. Program includes an open and interactive playtime, craft time, and story time. 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

www.IslandParent.ca

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

September/October 2012

43

snack for the children. Parents are responsible for the care of their own children. Mondays 10am-noon. For more information call the church office at 250-477-4142, or Maisie at 250-477-0388.

Drop-in Toddler Time at Lansdowne Preschool. A great place to play and discover. For children ages 0-4. Wednesdays 3:30-4:45pm.

1468 Ryan St. 250-595-5223. www.lansdownepreschool.com.

Good Morning Rhyme Time at the Sidney/ North Saanich Branch Library. Bring your littlest ones to the library for stories, songs, rhymes and movement. Stay for a social time and refreshments. Ages 0-5. Thursdays October 11 to November 22, 10:15-10:45am. To register, please call 250-656-0944.

Children Reading Buddies: Little Buddies at Bruce Hutchison, Nellie McClung and Saanich Centennial Branch Libraries. Does your child need a little help with reading? Reading Buddies provides reading practice, literacy-based activities and fun with volunteer teen Big Buddies.

For children in Grades 1-4. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call the hosting branch for more information. Registration begins September 1. Program runs Saturdays from October 20 to December 8, 2-3pm or 3:304:30pm. Bruce Hutchison: 250-727-0104;

Nellie McClung: 250-477-7111; Saanich Centennial: 250-477-9030.

Free to Be Me at the BC Schizophrenia Society, Victoria Branch. 9-week group for children 8-12 years whose parent, sibling or other relative is living with a mental illness with or without addictions. While unleashing our inner artist with arts and crafts, learn about mental illness and coping with different emotions.

Use journaling and story-telling as a way to understand different experiences and promote camaraderie amongst group members. The group is professionally lead, 100 per cent confidential and free. Lunch is provided. Fall group begins September 22 and runs until November 17, Saturdays, 11:30am-1pm. 941 Kings Rd. To register, call 250-384-4225 or email FreetoBeMe.bcss@shaw.ca.

Sea-Shirt Sundays at the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre. On the first Sunday of each month, create your own fish fashion. Be sure to 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 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

CLASSES FOR AGES 4 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; PROFESSIONAL LIVE PIANO ACCOMPANIMENT | INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION HIGHLY QUALIFIED TEACHERS

Artistic Director: Bleiddyn Bellis, F.C.S.C. - C.I.C.B.

Developing dancers with strong technique, an inquiring intellect, and confidence in an atmosphere that fosters creativity and builds life long skills. v

643 Broughton Street, Victoria, BC | 1.250.590.6752 admin@VictoriaAcademyOfBallet.ca | www.VictoriaAcademyOfBallet.ca 44â&#x20AC;&#x192; Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

the library shelves. Review it online and you get to keep the free book. For ages 13-18. For information contact teens@gvpl.ca.

Teen Council at Saanich Centennial Branch Library. Have your voice heard. Teens looking for an interesting volunteer opportunity are invited to join the GVPL Teen Council.

Work on special library projects, meet other teens, have fun, boost your resume, and earn volunteer hours. Teen Council meets monthly September-June, and members help out at events and work on additional projects as well. Please complete the Teen Volunteer Referral Form at www.gvpl.ca. For ages 13-18.

Register online or contact teens@gvpl.ca for more information. Saturdays September 22, October 27, November 24 and December 15, 3:30-5pm. 250-477-9030.

Reading Buddies: Teen Volunteers at Bruce Hutchison, Nellie McClung and Saanich Centennial Branch Libraries. If you like working with children, enjoy reading, are a fluent English speaker and want to help emerging readers, we need you! Reading Buddies teen volunteers mentor children in Grades 1-4 with reading practice, literacy-based activities and fun. We provide training and, upon completion, a reference letter outlining your volunteer hours. First-time volunteers, please complete a Teen Volunteer Referral Form at www.gvpl. ca. For ages 13-18 years. Registration begins September 1. Program runs on Saturdays from October 20 to December 8, 1:45-3pm or 3:154:30pm. Bruce Hutchison: 250-727-0104; Nellie McClung: 250-477-7111; Saanich Centennial: 250-477-9030.

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.

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 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.

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, sing@harmoniousfamilychoir.com or 250-385-SING (7464).

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.

www.IslandParent.ca

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 and returning members to the start of its 2011/12 season. No auditions and no age requirements. For more information, 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.

Moss Street Market. A great place to meet local farmers, buy local food and crafts, and connect with your community. 10am-2pm every Saturday until October. Corner of Moss St and Fairfield Rd. Goldstream Nature House has fish printing, public interpretive programs, salmon dissections (when nature provides) on Saturdays and Sundays in October when the salmon are spawning. Activities are by donation, and all proceeds help to keep the renowned salmon programs available to school children.

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

An original, one-room school house 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.

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 ages 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.•

September/October 2012 45

Around the Island

Mark it on your Calendar!

Sunday, September 30

Cranberry Harvest Day at Yellow Point Cranberries • Free Tours • Tasting Menu • Fresh Cranberries • Complimentary Kids Cookbook

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

September SAT 8 Minetown Day Festival at Seaview Elementary, Lantzville. Rides, entertainment, vendors and community booths. Watermelon eating contest, hayrides, pony rides, petting zoo, bouncy castles and a parade. Starts with a pancake breakfast at the Legion. Free. 8am-11pm.

Lantzville School Rd. Girls Hockey at Oceanside Place Arena, Parksville. RDN provides the gear and instruction, you provide the enthusiasm. 1:15-2:45pm.

Free. Please pre-register with RDN Recreation and Parks at 250-248-3252.

Open 7 days a week 11–5 4532 Yellow Point Road, Ladysmith 250.245.5283 See yellowpointcranberries.com for more information

46 Island Parent Magazine Funkins

FRI 14 Teen Swim at Ravensong Aquatic Centre, Parksville. Join your friends for age-appropriate games or just chillin’. This swim is reserved for the 13- to 18-year-old crowd. 7-9pm.

Regular admission rates. 250-752-5014.

SAT 15 Knox Fall Fair at Knox United Church, Parksville. Silent auction, used books, DVDs and games booth. Food and free entertainment.

Guide dogs welcome, but please leave all other pets at home. Family-friendly. Garage/ furniture sale starts at 8am, indoor booths open at 8:30am. 345 Pym St. 250-947-0003.

Welcome Back Swim at Ravensong Aquatic Centre, Parksville. Celebrate Circus Style. Step right up and join the fun! There will be face painting, the Tunnel of Fun, and a visit from the ice cream truck. Games, prize tattoos and more. 10am-noon. 250-752-5014.

September Festival at St. John’s Anglican Church, Cobble Hill. Giant yard sale, jewellery, plant and book sale, bake table, silent auction, games for the kids, bouncy castle and activity tent, ice cream and popcorn. 10am-3pm. 250743-3095. www.stjohnscobblehill.ca.

www.kidsinvictoria.com

SUN 16

SAT 22

FRI 28

Terry Fox Run at Rathrevor Beach Provincial Park. Walk, ride or run 3.3k, 5k, or 10k to support the Terry Fox Run for cancer research.

Registration begins at 9am and run starts at 10am. Register and pledge online at www. terryfox.org. No entry fee and no minimum pledge. Volunteers needed, please call 250248-3252.

Rick Scott the Great Gazzoon at Nanaimo Harbourfront Branch Library. A musical reading. 2pm. Free. 90 Commercial St.

Amazing Race Pro-D Day Swim at Ravensong Aquatic Centre. Celebrate the day off with an amazing race. Teams will be set up and will do a variety of challenges that will get them to the pit stops. 1-3pm. Special admission rates.

250-752-5014. www.rdn.bc.ca/recreation.

Glow in the Dark Skate at Nanaimo Ice Centre.

Skate in an atmosphere of dimmed lighting and special effects. Glow necklaces $2. Regular admission. 6:30-8pm. 250-756-5200.

FRI 18 Mini Golf Tourney for Youth and Seniors at Paradise Adventure Mini Golf. A chance for youth and seniors to bridge the gap over a free game of golf and a bite to eat. Great prizes to be won. 4-6pm. Space is limited, so pre-register with RDN Recreation and Parks at 250-248-3252.

WED 26 National Tree Day at Kin Hut/Woodstream Park. Celebrate the many benefits of our urban forest with workshops, bike tours and children’s activities throughout the day. Info, www.nanaimo.ca.

Follow Me Woods Walk at Bowen Park, Upper Picnic Shelter, Nanaimo. Nature is something that should be experienced through all the senses. Take a walk through the woods observing, listening, smelling and touching many things that will stimulate our senses. Learn how to walk safely through the forest, what we can and should not touch, and how to be aware of all that is around us. 3- to 5-year-olds. $8.

10-11am. 250-756-5200.

Celebrating the growing family 2012

er ak pe s, S

KI

M U SIC 1 2P M &

s,

2 PM

D

VancouverIslandBabyFair.com

’S

Saturday 10am - 5pm Sunday 10am - 4pm

UR

AN D S U N D AY

www.IslandParent.ca

Follow Me Woods Walk at Bowen Park, Upper Picnic Shelter, Nanaimo. See WED 26 for details. 3-5 year olds. $8. 10-11am.

250-756-5200.

Ying-Yong Tourney at Oceanside Place Arena.

Do you like Ping-Pong? Come play for fun or enter the Youth Ping-Pong tournament to win fabulous prizes. Enjoy and awesome DJ and healthy snacks. For 11- to 14-year-olds.

1-4pm. Free. 250-248-3252. www.rdn.bc.ca.

Sports Day in Canada at Oceanside Place Arena, Parksville. Celebrate the power of sport and show your national spirit. Try your hand at some of Canada’s favourite ice sports and enter your name in our fabulous prize draws.

2-3:30pm. 250-752-5014. www.rdn.bc.ca/ recreation.

ot

oC

ont est, Baby Races, Prizes

pearkes rec centre

D

AY

Sponsored by:

Ph

september 29 & 30 SAT

SAT 29

Shopping, Resource

6th annual

Pro-D Day Everyone Welcome Skate at Oceanside Place Arena, Parksville. School is out, but skating is in. 1:30-3pm. Regular admission and skate rental rates. 250-752-5014. www.rdn.bc.ca/recreation.

Vivian Kereki Photography

WED 19

Pinks in the Park at Woodstream Park, Nanaimo. Celebrate the return of the pink salmon to our streams through interpretive stream walks and activities throughout the week. For more info, www.nanaimo.ca.

3100 tillicum road

Victoria

NG

FUNDRAISING SUPPO RTI

Terry Fox Run at Nanaimo Aquatic Centre.

2.5k or 10k route taking the runners, walkers, cyclists or anyone else wishing to participate along the Parkway Trail parallel to Wakesiah Ave beginning at the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre parking lot. Registration opens at 9am, event begins at 10am.

WED 23 – WED 30

:

Young Parents Support Network

Admission: $8/Person | Add $2 for weekend pass | Kids 12 & under free

September/October 2012 47

SUN 30

SUN 14

WED 31

Nanaimo Rivers Day 2012 at Bowen Park Amphitheatre. Hands-on activities for the whole family. Morning river hikes, invasive species removal, educational talks at the new amphitheatre, entertainment, interactive booths, food and entertainment. 11am-4pm.

The Nanaimo Pumpkin Festival at the Vancouver Island Exhibition Grounds. Giant pumpkin weigh off, children’s costume contest, Farmer Vicki and Daisy the Cow, hayrides for $2 or free with pumpkin carving, face painting, farmers’ market, concession stand and more. Free admission; pumpkin carving $6. Noon-4pm. www.nanaimopumpkinfestival.com.

Halloween Skate at Oceanside Place Arena.

Wear your costume and come skating prior to trick or treating. There will be some spooky fun waiting for you. 3:45-5:15pm. Special skate rate. 250-248-3252. www.rdn.bc.ca/ recreation.

Lion’s and Save-On-Foods Family Skate at Oceanside Place Arena. Free admission and skate rentals. Children under 19 years must be accompanied by an adult. Pond hockey not available. 250-248-3252. www.rdn.bc.ca/ recreation.

October MON 1 Pro-D Day Firefighter Fun Swim at Ravensong Aquatic Centre, Parksville. Come for an afternoon of challenges that real firefighters practice. 1-3pm. Special admission rate. 250752-5014. www.rdn.bc.ca/recreation.

Pro-D Day Everyone Welcome Skate at Oceanside Place Arena, Parksville. School is out, but skating is in. 1:30-3pm. Regular admission and skate rentals. 250-752-5014. www.rdn.bc.ca/recreation.

WED 3 Glow in the Dark Skate at Nanaimo Ice Centre.

See WED Sept 9 for details. Glow necklaces $2.

Regular admission. 6:30-8pm. 250-756-5200.

FRI 5 Tots Movie Night Out at Bowen Complex, Nanaimo. Are you a parent wanting to take your child out for a movie, but are worried about disrupting the audience? Bring your little one out for a movie and get them used to sitting in an environment much like a movie theatre. $5/child. Popcorn and drink included, and parents are free. 6-7:45pm. 250-756-5200.

SAT 6 Fall Family Fun Swim at Ravensong Aquatic Centre. Bring your preschoolers to this swim.

All games and fun will be centered around the coming of the fall season. 10am-noon. 250752-5014. www.rdn.bc.ca/recreation.

TUES 13 Teen Glow in the Dark Skate at Oceanside Place Arena, Parksville. Break out all your glow goodies and come to the rink for a colourful hour of skating. Everyone will receive a free glow bracelet. 6:45-8:15pm. Regular admission rates. 250-248-3252. www.rdn. bc.ca/recreation.

48 Island Parent Magazine

WED 17 Glow in the Dark Skate at Nanaimo Ice Centre.

See WED Sept 9 for details. Glow necklaces $2.

Regular admission. 6:30-8pm. 250-756-5200.

FRI 19 Pro-D Day Everyone Welcome Skate at Oceanside Place Arena, Parksville. School is out, but skating is in. 1:30-3pm. Regular admission and skate rentals. 250-752-5014. www.rdn.bc.ca/recreation.

SAT 20 Falling for Leaves at Bowen Park, Lower Picnic Shelter, Nanaimo. Fall is a wonderful time to drink in the beauty of trees, especially those whose leaves change colour. Every child loves to play in fallen leaves. Learn about why trees have leaves, how they play a crucial role in sustaining life on earth, and why leaves are shed each year. Also, indulge your senses in some artistic endeavours using leaves. For 3to 5-year-olds. $8. 10-11am. 250-756-5200.

WED 24 Falling for Leaves at Bowen Park, Lower Picnic Shelter, Nanaimo. See SAT 20 for details. For 3- to 5-year-olds. $8. 10-11am. 250-756-5200.

FRI 26 Gone in 60 Seconds at Bowen Complex, Nanaimo. Taken from the popular TV show, “Minute to Win It,” we have created a series of activities and games that will certainly be entertaining. Each session will feature different activities, games and prizes for those who can complete them. For 8- to 12-year-olds. $8.

6-7:30pm. 250-756-5200.

MON 29 Halloween Monster Bash Swim at Ravensong Aquatic Centre, Parksville. Ghosts, goblins and a monster or two will take care of the games.

If your children are seven years and under, you will need to join in the fun as well (for free). The night will finish off with an annual piñata bash. 6:30-8pm. Everyone welcome.

250-752-5014. www.rdn.bc.ca/recreation.

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. Monday to Friday, 9:30amnoon. $2 suggested donation (punch cards available). 250-210-0870, laffcoordinator@ shaw.ca, www.familyandfriends.ca.

Children Parent & Child Hockey at Nanaimo Ice Centre.

A fun, non-competitive hockey time for children where their parents can play, too. Please bring your own gloves, stick, and helmet with face cage. Pre-registration required. Sundays 5:15-6pm. $5. 250-756-5200.

YOUTH Spare Blox Youth Drop-in in Nanaimo is the ultimate place to be. This is a supervised space to hang out and chill. Open to those 12-17, it offers regular gym activities, video games, movies, foosball, air hockey and much more.

Free, but you must register. 7-9pm. September 10 to May 1, 2013. Mondays, Nanaimo District Secondary School; Tuesdays, Oliver Woods Community Centre; Wednesdays, John Barsby Community School. 250-756-5200.

The Zone Youth Hang-Out at Beban Park Complex, Nanaimo. Come and hang out with your friends and participate in a different activity each week. Movie nights, dodge ball, soccer, or electronic night. For 11- to 13-year-olds. $6/drop-in. 7-9pm. September 21-November 2. 250-756-5200.

Teen Swims at Ravensong Aquatic Centre, Parksville. Join your friends for age appropriate games or just chillin’. This swim is reserved for the 13- to 18-year-old crowd. Mondays in October, 7-9pm. Regular admission rates.

250-752-5014. www.rdn.bc.ca/recreation.

FAMILY Lion’s and Save-On-Foods Family Skate at Oceanside Place Arena. Free admission and skate rentals. Children under 19 years must be accompanied by an adult. Pond hockey not available. Sundays in October. Free. 250-2483252. www.rdn.bc.ca/recreation.•

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Leah Gough

Capturing Memories I

’ve always been obsessed with keeping my memories up to date and filed away accordingly. Before digital cameras, I brought a film camera to school when the only other cameras around were the old beat-up and oft stolen SLRs from the school’s photography program. I started a journal at a young age, and still keep it up along with, what else, a blog, which started as soon as I heard about such an ingenious thing. I’ve got a hope chest in my basement that is filled with pictures in boxes and albums, journals, notes and other bits and pieces of my life.

When I had kids, everything magnified tenfold, especially my record-keeping of the remarkable and the not-so-much. As my second daughter gets older, and I realize I don’t really remember, for example, what she was like as a newborn, I become more and more obsessed with capturing everything.

Thank goodness I live in a digital age when capturing almost all of it is both easy and convenient.

Of course, all of the pictures I now take are of the little ones. I’ve got over 4,000 pictures in my flickr stream (half of which must be of the kids), and albums filled with the photos I’ve gotten around to printing. The blog has morphed from a twenty-something’s reflection of herself into a catalogue of my children’s lives. The journal, no longer angst-fueled, is now a place to take notes on the grandiose and minutiae of two little ones. When I don’t have the time to get to the journal, I make a note on my phone or on my computer. Sometimes it gets onto a real sticky note. And then there are the baby books—jammed with memorabilia, family trees, hand prints and art.

There’s stuff, digitally and actually, everywhere. The question is: how do I organize/ file it away while at the same time not forget about it because it’s only one of a million other little things to remember?

I’m slowly finding what works best for me. No, I can’t keep every scribble and fingerprint my toddler makes on any old piece of paper. Instead, I photograph it with my iPhone. The plan is to one day gather my favourites together, along with a picture of the artist, and put them in one frame.

I do enjoy my blog, but I’d like a tangible artifact that’s similar. A scrapbook is an www.IslandParent.ca

obvious choice, but I’ve discovered it’s not for me: all of that paper-hunting and careful cutting. Time and perfection are not my strong suits. Instead I’m borrowing from an idea I found on—where else—Pinterest. The idea is to sum up each month of life on one page, using short notes and pictures. I may be able to handle that. I’ve certainly got enough pictures to fill multiple pages. The words I imagine I’ll take from wherever the notes have landed: on my phone, on pieces of paper here and there, on my computer, on my blog and in my journal. I suppose I could even take them from my memory.

Imagine, using my brain as storage!

When it comes to my journal, I’ve found I record more if I don’t have the pressure of getting it all down or creating a poetic Journal Entry. Instead of sitting at my journal for half an hour and writing out the minutiae of every day, I’ve tried to keep to the “onesentence journal” idea I first read about in Gretchen Rubin’s The Happiness Project.

The goal is to simply record one thing in a day (or every few days)—one or two sentences about the best/most important/quietest moment of that day. It’s easy, not taxing, and fun to read months later. For example, 34 weeks into my second pregnancy I wrote this, a verbal snapshot of my third trimester: “Feeling huge today. Ate too much, hard to get off the couch, ripped my pants, shoes feel tight. Lovely.” When my daughter was six weeks old, I wrote that “Callie’s cries are reminiscent of my yelling while I was in labour.” And one from way back, about my eldest: “This morning Charlotte and I walked around the house while I held her just after she’d awoken and she rested her head on my shoulder for the first time since she was little. I loved it.”

I might sound like someone who barely has time to make any memories because she’s too busy recording them. Contrary to popular belief, I’m actually not behind the lens of my camera most of the time. I actively try not to be recording every little thing, and instead experience it as it comes.

But time moves so fast. I’m just trying to slow it down a little bit.

Leah Gough is the mother of two young girls, living in the Cowichan Valley.

Come Join the Fun

REGISTER NOW FOR FALL RIDING PROGRAMS • Year round lessons for children and adults • Safe well schooled lesson horses with qualified instructors • Indoor and outdoor riding facility

652-1462

www.westsidestables.ca

Junior Choir Anglican Church of St John, Quadra St Great music ■ Artistic, cultural & spiritual awareness ■ Free musical training from professional leaders ■ Teamwork ■ Friendships ■ Fun 9am – 9.45am practice Sundays 10am service once each month For information or registration:

david.stratkauskas@stjohnthedivine.bc.ca

250 383 7169

September/October 2012 49

Lighthouse Academy of

Lori-Ann Hill

Dance

Middle School Transition Photo: Andrei Fedorov

O Pure, pleasing, positive.

Beginner – Professional • Boys & Girls • Age 2 – Adult Ballet • Tap • Jazz • Modern • Contemporary Creative • Hip Hop • Musical Theatre RAD & ISTD Exam & Leisure Courses Boys Only Workshops: Sept 1: ages 5–7 & 8–15

Registration/Info Days

Wed, Aug 29, 6–8pm @ Royal Roads Sat, Sept 1, 2–4pm @ Royal Roads

250.595.8705

lighthouseballet@gmail.com www.lighthouseacademyofdance.com Locations: Colwood, Victoria Blanshard, Vic West, Sooke

Welcome to these new advertisers who joined us in August and September: Bridgadoon Dance Academy, Nanaimo Tutor Doctor, Victoria & Nanaimo Moksha Yoga, Victoria Funkins, www.myfunkins.com Stagecoach Langford, Langford Positive Path Early Learning Centre, Sidney Lalabee Bathworks, www.lalabeebathworks.com Saltwater School, Courtenay Valentus Clinics, Victoria Westhills, Langford Dr. Zimmermann Naturopathic Pediatrics, Oak Bay 50 Island Parent Magazine

ur family is going through the transition from elementary to middle school for the third year in a row. When we had to choose an elementary school for our firstborn, we turned ourselves inside out. Then we did it all over again for his foray into middle school. Here’s what we learned: Get inside the school. We visited schools as a family and met the principal and staff.

We arranged to visit when school was not in session and again while the students were there. We looked and listened and allowed our children to form their own observations, then discussed them afterward.

Make a list of pros and cons. No school is perfect. Middle schools generally share the same philosophy and educational opportunities, but there are some differences in culture, school layout and aesthetic, and specific resources. We liked some aspects of a school; our child liked others. We openly shared our concerns about their preferred school.

Give your child the deciding vote. Although it was tempting to try to convince our children to attend the school of our choice, we reasoned that they would navigate the inevitable hurdles if they had a vested interest in making it work. This has proven to be the case. They have felt committed to the school from the start, because they spent time contemplating their needs and preferences and made the final decision.

Be wary of following friends. While social connections are very important at this age, bear in mind that social groups are “blenderized” in Grade 6. Through class composition decisions, schools intentionally “mix things up” socially in order to foster the formation of new friendships with children from various elementary schools. Diehard dyads quickly blossom into large, eclectic circles of friends.

Meet the teacher, counsellor, principal.

Introduce yourself early in the year. We were once given this advice by a former teacher who not only appreciated when parents wanted to meet with her, but also took the time each year to meet with her

own children’s teachers. Tell them about your wonderfully unique child. Teachers have 20-some children to get to know in short order and your input is valuable. At least contact them by email, ask how your child is adjusting and offer your willingness to provide information. You advocate for your child, make a connection in case issues arise, and create a bridge between yourself and your child’s world.

Although it was tempting to try to convince our children to attend the school of our choice, we reasoned that they would navigate the inevitable hurdles if they had a vested interest in making it work.

This has proven to be the case.

Get involved. Another teacher once told me that parents tend to spend time in schools when their children are in elementary school, but not when their children are in middle and high school, to the detriment of both the child and parent. Schools need parent involvement. Parents can influence the culture of the school for the better. Parent involvement in schools signifies healthy family relationships and healthy community involvement within the school.

Attend PAC meetings. Parent involvement enhances the culture of the school. Whether it’s fundraising for additional resources or planning fun events, parents provide texture to a system that can become rather institutional, and they model for the next generation how to engage in a community, be part of a team and contribute to society.

All three of our children are now attending the same school, and we happily support them in their decision.

Lori-Ann Hill has a psychology degree and has studied International Relations and Women’s Issues. She raises three children while ignoring the call of an occupation that pays with something other than hugs. www.kidsinvictoria.com

Early development is child’s play!

It’s obvious that play time is fun.

What’s not so obvious is how important it is.

Play time in a child’s first six years encourages creative, cognitive, language and motor development, and builds social and emotional skills, including self-confidence. In short, play time is an important step for healthy growth and development and is great preparation for school.

To find out more about children’s early years and how you can encourage their healthy growth and development, please visit

e m i t Play

www.successby6victoria.ca

www.successby6victoria.ca www.IslandParent.ca

September/October 2012 51

The Cat Years

I

just realized that while children are dogs— loyal and affectionate—teenagers are cats.

It’s so easy to be a dog owner. You feed it, train it, boss it around. It puts its head on your knee and gazes at you as if you were a Rembrandt painting. It bounds indoors with enthusiasm when you call it.

Then, around age 13, your adoring little puppy turns into a big old cat. When you tell it to come inside, it looks amazed, as if wondering who died and made you emperor.

Instead of dogging your doorstep, it disappears. You won’t see it again until it gets hungry—then it pauses on its sprint through the kitchen long enough to turn its nose up at whatever you’re serving. When you reach out to ruffle its head, in that old affectionate gesture, it twists away from you, then gives you a blank stare, as if trying to remember where it has seen you before.

You, not realizing that the dog is now a cat, think something must be desperately wrong with it. It seems so antisocial, so distant, sort of depressed. It won’t go on family outings. Since you’re the one who raised it, taught it to fetch and sit and stay on command, you assume that you did something wrong. Flooded with guilt and fear, you redouble your efforts to make your pet behave.

Only now you’re dealing with a cat, so everything that worked before now produces the opposite of the desired result.

Call it, and it runs away. Tell it to sit, and it jumps on the counter. The more you go toward it, wringing your hands, the more it moves away.

Instead of continuing to act like a dog owner, you can learn to behave like a cat owner. Put a dish of food near the door, and let it come to you. But remember that a cat needs your help and your affection, too. Sit still, and it will come, seeking that warm, comforting lap it has not entirely forgotten.

Be there to open the door for it.

One day, your grown-up child will walk into the kitchen, give you a big kiss, and say, “You’ve been on your feet all day. Let me get those dishes for you.”

Then you’ll realize that your cat is a dog again.

Source Unknown

52 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Thinking on Fatherhood

M

y wife and I just finished a long, indepth conversation about thinking, and where it can lead a person. I don’t remember how we got onto the topic, but it was one of those conversations that stays with a person. Basically, it centered around the fact that our thinking dictates our reality about everything in our lives; it involved perception, decisions, fear, and thought patterns. We remembered past thoughts, and mused about what our current thoughts were creating around us. The conversation related to our parents, to us as parents, and really resonated with me as a father.

I usually start off each column for Island Parent scratching my head. Writing about being a dad is not always a smooth process.

It doesn’t just flow through my fingertips to the computer screen. There is a lot of thought. A lot of pacing. Questions abound like “Should I write about what it’s like to be a man raising daughters? Should I tell other dads not to disappear into the proverbial cave when the going gets tough? Maybe I should write about how profound it is to watch my two daughters grow, and give a few tips on how to not be too hard on yourself as a parent…”

The process is often the same. I scan the internet for ideas pertaining to fatherhood, but it never does me any good. When it comes to fatherhood, the world wide web mostly offers up lawyers’ tips on custody issues, and ramblings on how being a dad in the 21st century is hard. This “being a dad is tough” outlook got me thinking a bit. Is this true? Is it really difficult? Why? What does that even mean?

When I mention the difficulties of fatherhood to my own father, I am usually told to stop complaining and just get on with it. My dad knows that if he permits me to fall into that line of thinking, I will only make it worse. He does the same with my brother. He points out that thinking this way is self-indulgent.

When I really think about it, I realize that he is absolutely right. Fatherhood is not difficult. I would work regardless of whether or not I had kids. I would question who I am and my effect on the world around me whether I had kids or not. I would still have to pay the mortgage and sustain my existence. Now, some might www.IslandParent.ca

say it would be easier because I would not have to feed more than myself, and so on, but other issues would just take the place of those worries. If I lament the process of raising children, of being a man with kids, I start out on the wrong foot. Thoughts are self-perpetuating, and so creating that kind of language becomes self-prophetic.

I was surprised by how much of the online material on fatherhood perpetuates this belief that as dads, we have it tough. Is it really hard for me to know my place in the world as a dad? Sure, but it’s hard for moms to know their place, too, hard for the girl in Grade 3 to know her place sometimes, and hard for the boy in Grade 5 to know his. Ask the six-month-old baby screaming in the middle of the night if it’s easy being them. The answer you’d get, if the baby could speak, would likely be, “No, it’s not easy trying to get what you want when you can’t crawl, walk, or talk, and you’re stuck in this crib with no way out!”

Being a dad is what I make it. Being a dad is a duty and, like all duties, is something I can perform well, or not. The great thing about being a father in the 21st century is that we know we have choice. We can choose to be dads who perform their duties with

Dadspeak Frank o’Brien honour and love. We can choose to be dads who are involved in all aspects of parenting, and we can choose to try to make the experience enjoyable for all of those around us, especially the ones we are raising. What we think of fatherhood is going to determine our experience of fatherhood. All of the challenges I have faced as a dad have only further defined the type of man I am.

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.

Thinking about a new way to learn?

South Island Distance Education School (SIDES) is a K - 12 public school specializing in distributed learning and a proud member of School District 63. SIDES offers a variety of program options to meet the needs of all students.

Our teachers will be happy to work with you and your child in planning a program that assures a successful learning journey.

For more information, visit our website or call to speak to one of our counselors or teachers.

www.sides.ca • 250-479-7125 • 1-800-663-7610 September/October 2012 53

The School Lunch Connection

Child, Youth & Family Community Health South Island Health Units Esquimalt 250-519-5311 Gulf Islands 250-539-3099 (toll-free number for office in Saanichton)

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

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

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

www.viha.ca/prevention_services/

54 Island Parent Magazine

W

hat children eat each day, before, during and after school, has a huge impact on their health and wellbeing now and later on in life. According to a 2006 report by the Centre for Research on the Wider Benefits of Learning titled What is the Relationship Between Child Nutrition and School Outcomes?, children who are well nourished are better able to concentrate.

This could play a role in their ability to learn and may affect their behaviour, self-esteem and interactions with peers. The report also states that providing children with good food throughout the day keeps their bodies and brains at optimal performance levels.

Studies show that many children are not getting the food that their bodies and brains need every day. A 2007 report from Breakfast for Learning found that only 50 per cent of children are getting enough vegetables and fruit, and only 25 per cent are getting enough grains. These foods provide children with the nutrients they need for growth and development as well as for concentration and learning. To find out how much food children need each day, check out Canada’s Food Guide at www. myfoodguide.ca.

With kids heading back to school, it’s time to get back to packing school lunches and snacks once again. Try these ideas and keep The Lunchtime Checklist on hand to help pack lunches and snack foods to fuel an active body and mind all day long.

Together is Better Make packing lunches a team effort by involving your children in the process from field to fork. It’s a wonderful time of year to take the family to a local farmers market, local farm for picking, to your backyard garden or local grocery store. Children can help choose foods such as fresh vegetables and fruit that they would like in their lunches.

Encourage your children to choose new vegetables and fruit that they may not have tried before, along with their favourites.

The next step is preparing the food together. Let your children get as creative as they want and encourage them to look for new combinations of foods on the Internet or in cookbooks that you may have at home or borrow from the local library. There may

be hits and misses when trying new foods but that’s part of the fun. You never know when they will discover a new favourite.

Packing lunches together also means that if you need a lunch for work, you can prepare your lunch at the same time as your children and pack similar items. Show them that healthy lunches are just as important for adults as they are for children.

Healthy Families; Happy Families C hild Y ou th & Family C ommu nity Health

JANELLE HATCH

Pack a “Rainbow” of Food Did you know that when people are provided with a wider variety of foods with different colours, textures and flavours, they are more likely to eat them? Create a food rainbow in the lunch box with items from all four food groups of Canada’s Food Guide.

Homemade lunches and snacks save you money as compared to pre-packaged alternatives. Whole foods are the way to go.

Try to limit pre-packaged foods as much as possible. If you do buy some packaged foods for lunches, become a sodium and sugar sleuth with your children in the grocery store. Learning how to make sense of food labels helps children to know more about what they are eating.

Compare the Nutrition Facts table on packaged foods to find the varieties with the least amount of sodium. Sandwiches made with roasted meat or eggs are a lower sodium lunch option than sandwiches made with deli meats. Even though they don’t taste salty, breads, wraps and pitas can contain quite a bit of sodium, so look and compare labels.

Choose water and milk and skip the sugary drinks. A stainless steel water bottle that children can sip on throughout the day is best to satisfy thirst. To check on the amount of sugar in foods and drinks look at the ingredient list to make sure that sugar is not one of the first few ingredients listed.

Packaged fruit and yogurt can be healthy lunch and snack options, but beware of www.kidsinvictoria.com

added sugars that may be disguised as different words such as glucose, sucrose, fruit juice concentrates, or syrup.

Instead of including junk food as a snack, incorporate a healthy treat such as homemade cookies or snack bars. Treats can also be of the non-food kind such as a special note from you or a sticker.

Leftover Makeovers Take chicken stir-fry from the night before and put it in a pita or wrap for lunch. Cut up leftover chicken to make mini kabobs with chicken and cheese cubes, cherry tomatoes and pineapple. Heat up leftover pizza, pasta or casserole and store in an insulated container so that kids can enjoy it again for lunch. Leftover meats make for great sandwiches, or try a colourful wrap with veggies and salad dressing.

Healthy Food in Schools Healthy eating starts at home and extends to school. As a parent, you can choose to create a healthy food environment at home and you can also play a role in doing the same at their school. Here are some school programs that support healthy food in your child’s school: • Healthy food policy • School gardens • Farms to School programs • Healthy fundraising • Play-first lunches • Fruit and Vegetable Snack programs • Self-care and nutrition curriculum integration • Basic cooking skills programs Remember that lunches can be fun and a great learning opportunity for children when you involve them in the planning, shopping, preparation and packing. Connecting children with their food and increasing their food literacy helps them appreciate the taste of fresh, healthy foods and how good those foods make their bodies feel.

For further information: Healthy Eating at School healthyeatingatschool.ca (includes healthy eating assessment tool, action for parents, school garden info, healthy fundraising idea, and Play First Lunch toolkit) Farms to School Programs w w w. p h a b c . o r g / m o d u l e s . php?name=Farmtoschool Janelle Hatch, MHSc RD, is a community nutritionist with Vancouver Island Health Authority.

www.IslandParent.ca

Send Us Your Stories!

Island Parent is looking for articles for upcoming issues. Some of our best content comes from people just like you—Vancouver Island parents who are passionate about their families and are dealing with the day to day issues of raising children in our community. Share your experiences, your thoughts on a particular issue, your ideas on places to see or projects to do—anything related to parenting.

Check our Writer’s Guidelines at www.islandparent.ca for specific information on submissions. We’d love to hear from you. Please email submissions to editor@islandparent.ca.

September/October 2012 55

Non-Ageist Eating

T

here is a new player in my kitchen, squatting on plywood, surrounded by makeshift cabinets, overlooked by bare black pipes and century-old two-by-fours.

We are renovating our kitchen. Change is hard, but I am breathing through it, and the new stove has two ovens. Novelty can be fun: think of all of the simultaneous preparation of cakes and casseroles that will be happening at my house! (I am actually quite serious about this.) The instruction manual is long and multi-lingual, and full of tidbits on how to maximize efficiency for the Super Simmer burner, and reminders on self-cleaning best practices. There’s also a setting for Kid Meals, which appear to be chicken fingers, mac-and-cheese casserole, and baked beans.

Where was I when food became segregated by age like this, and children’s palates were dictated by appliance manufacturers? I understand that not everyone likes everything.

This is a personal taste issue, and not a function of age, to my way of thinking. Yes, young palates can find some flavours too intense, or spicy, but so can old palates, and

we never know what we like until we try it.

When I was growing up, my family ate together, we all had a bit of everything that had been prepared for our meal, and we stayed at the table until we had eaten the food we had taken. General thinking around portion control and eating to appetite have relaxed somewhat, but I see no reason for an “ours” and “theirs” mentality when it comes to food (or for many things, when it comes right down to it).

It’s September, the month that plunks us back into school lunches, and after-school routines, and thereby demands that we draw on our repertoire of quick and healthy meals for our families. I look forward to it, and to seeing the Kid Meal button on my new stove still gleam, bright and untouched, 10 Septembers from now!

Meatballs 2 lbs ground beef or turkey 1 cup bread crumbs 1 egg yolk 1⁄2 tsp ground cumin

pinch dried chili flakes 1 Tbsp rosemary, chopped 1 tsp dried oregano salt and pepper, to taste

Just Eat It! Kathy Humphrey

In large bowl, mix together all ingredients.

With moistened hands, shape into balls of about 11⁄2" in diameter, or whatever size suits your purpose. Preheat oven to 375˚F, with baking sheet in oven. Remove from oven, brush lightly with olive oil, and place meatballs in rows on sheet, being careful not to let them touch. Bake for about 10 minutes, turn meatballs, then continue baking for another 10 or 15 minutes, or until uniformly browned. Remove from oven, and allow to drain on paper towel-lined plate. Meatballs can be eaten as is (on a panini bun for a sub sandwich, for example), or with a sauce of your choosing, such as follows.

Transforming disability into ability.

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

• Experienced, highly-qualified teachers • Ongoing assessment, evaluation & feedback • Improves organizational & study skills • Boost confidence, independence & responsibility • Nurturing environment based on Christian values • For students aged 7 – 17 in grades 1 – 11 • Individual Education Plans • Low student/teacher ratio

Enrolment is limited. For more information or to arrange a tour, visit www.discoveryschool.ca, call Sherri Ko at 250-595-7765 or email principal@discoveryschool.ca 56 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Tomato-Spinach Sauce 1⁄2

onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic 1 Tbsp olive oil 1 tin Roma tomatoes one bunch fresh spinach, washed (or half a bag of salad spinach, or three cubes of frozen spinach) salt and pepper, to taste 6 slices of feta cheese handful fresh basil leaves

Youth Pass!

BC Transit offers a special pass for youth throughout the year.

In medium saucepan, heat olive oil. Add onion and garlic, then cook, stirring, until softened. Add the tomatoes, and stir, crushing with the back of a spoon until sauce-like consistency has been achieved. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Stir in spinach, cook until wilted. Drop meatballs in gently, and make sure that they are covered by sauce.

Lay feta slices over, and strew basil leaves on top of that. Broil until feta is bubbly. Serve with cooked pasta, couscous, polenta, or a loaf of crusty bread.

The BC Transit Youth Pass gives riders ages 6 to 18 unlimited travel throughout the Victoria Regional Transit System.

Just $35 per month for a minimum of six months.

For details visit www.bctransit.com and click Victoria – fares.

Healthy-Ghetti

IF IT’S GREEN...

1 cup dry alphabet pasta (or similar small pasta) 1 Tbsp vegetable oil 2 green onions, finely chopped 1 clove garlic, minced 1 carrot, finely grated 1 tin tomato sauce, or jarred pasta sauce 1 Tbsp tomato paste (buy a tube and squeeze out as needed) 1⁄4 cup cream cheese, cut into cubes 1⁄4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1⁄2 tsp each dried oregano and basil salt and pepper, to taste

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.

Victoria Regional Transit Commission

www.bctransit.com • 250·382·6161 2100

Bring medium pot of water to boil. Add salt, and then stir in pasta. Cook until tenderfirm, then drain and set aside. Set large saucepan over medium heat, add vegetable oil. When heated to medium, add onions, garlic, and carrot. Cook, stirring, until softened. Pour tomato sauce over. Add tomato paste, and water as necessary to bring to the appropriate consistency. Sprinkle oregano and basil over. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes, or until flavours have melded. Add cheese and stir until melted.

JUST GO!

The Victoria School for Ideal Education • Daily meditation • Connecting children with nature • Individualized instruction • BC curriculum K – Gr. 7

2820 Belmont Ave

vsie@shaw.ca

250-383-6654 vsie.ca

We ARe eXPANDING – NeW SPACeS AVAILA B L e! www.IslandParent.ca

September/October 2012

57

Thank You Parenthood ...for pancakes and patience

P

arenthood has taught me many things about myself. Perhaps others arrive at these epiphanies unassisted, or with the help of the Oprah Winfrey Network, but it wasn’t until my kids came along that a few things became very clear. So thank you, children, for the following lessons in self-awareness.

1. I am not the boss of things. It took parenthood a while to cut me down to size.

Early into it I was still (shakily) confident that I, and I alone, would somehow be able to get my sleep-shunning firstborn to be a “good sleeper.” Four years and a shelf full of books from the experts and here’s what I’ve learned: TO THROW UP MY ARMS IN SURRENDER. This was confirmed by the social experiment known as my second child, who has textbook naps and sleeps 12 glorious hours a night, and was subject to zero sleep interventions. It is liberating to

PRESENTS

know that I am, for the most part, powerless.

And as a result of this newfound knowledge, significantly less smug. Where I once would have secretly blamed parents for a teen’s heinous behaviour, for example, I now know much better, and invite them over for cocktails rather than judging the hell out of them. (Much more helpful all around.)

2. Packing can be, um, a “trigger.” Before kids, packing isn’t much of an issue: so long as you have some spare underpants and your wallet, things will work themselves out.

Then children come along, and suddenly packing/unpacking/loading/unloading seems to be the most dominant task of the day. The dishwasher. Laundry. Groceries.

Lunches. Diaper bags. Adequate clothes for daycare should a blizzard or heat wave transpire on the same day. The trunk of my car. And going away for the weekend?

I have been known to say no to the most

thy Gordon Created by Ca ellanos & Ulysses Cast

M OVIE R E T S N MO

ER MISHA SNYD

alloween!

H s i h t g n i m Co

BECOME THE STAR OF YOUR OWN MONSTER MOVIE …

AS THE MONSTER! Craft your own scary set and spooky monster costume, then star in your very own short monster movie. FREE! All ages. For children and adults with big imaginations. intrepidtheatre.com 58 Island Parent Magazine

tempting of getaways because I can’t face The Suitcase. I get anxious that I will forget something critical. Then I usually yell at a hapless victim who has crossed into my warpath. It really brings out the best in me, I must say.

On a more self-complimentary note, it turns out that my single greatest aptitude is not related to any kind of musical, athletic,

Is There an App for This?

Carly SUTHERLAND or academic ability. Rather, three. I am a pancake wizard. Since becoming a mother, I regularly confuse right and left, but I can get almost any two-year-old to eat vegetables (when mixed with a hefty dose of carbs, pan-fried in butter, and smothered in maple syrup). Now that’s a talent. I should open a restaurant.

4. I am way, way more patient than I thought. There was a time (I am ashamed to admit) when a full cart of groceries ahead of me in the express line would incite a symphony of sighing, incessant wrist-glancing, and eyerolls. (Please. Now I would thank that 95-year-old lady for giving me a few more minutes with In Touch Weekly. But anyway.) This morning my four-year-old proudly emptied an entire box of Cheerios and a full carton of milk in the direction of a tiny cereal bowl, just as my one-year-old hurled a spoon loaded with oatmeal across the kitchen. And all this transpired before the coffee finished brewing. I re-poured the cereal. I wiped the oatmeal off the cabinets, which by some miracle of chemistry was quickly transforming into Superglue. I smiled and asked if anyone would like some apple juice. Whaaa? Who just did that?

So yeah. Some people’s children teach them about unconditional love and not sweating the small stuff. That’s all well and good, but me? I’ve got pancakes and patience. I’ll take it. Thanks, kiddos.

Carly Sutherland would like everyone to know that there are plenty of times when the flying oatmeal spoon has made her lose it, but she edited out those incidents to preserve her reputation and the family-friendly tone of this column.

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Family-Friendly Mid-Island Tartan Tots (2.5 years) – Adult Beginner – Championship Classes Nanaimo – Comox Valley – Ladysmith

Highland Dance ~ Irish Dance For information on fall and winter classes, contact Diena & Charles today

brigadoondanceacademy@shaw.ca

250-756-3661

Register Now for Your

Fall & Winter Programs

with Nanaimo Parks, Recreation & Culture!

Nanaimo...It’s a Lifestyle! * Swimming * Skating

* Preschool * Fitness * Cooking

* Health & Wellness * Arts & Crafts * Dance * Music * Sports

* First Aid * Parks & Trails

* Spring Break & Pro-D Camps

* Special Events * & Much More!

PARKS, RECREATION & CULTURE

www.nanaimo.ca www.IslandParent.ca

*

250.756.5200

*

ireg.nanaimo.ca September/October 2012 59

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

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

60 Island Parent Magazine

TM

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

www.kidsinvictoria.com

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!

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

View our calendar of events.

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

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

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

You can also enter our monthly and photo contests.

Come be part of our community at

www.kidsinvictoria.com

www.IslandParent.ca

September/October 2012 61

Face To Face

L

et’s be honest: every one of us occasionally makes a judgement based on appearance. We all know we should go deeper than the surface and not be so superficial, but the fact remains that we do still get caught up in the first glance, the initial appraisal that is based solely on looks. Unfortunately, on a cultural level it’s far more than just an occasional occurrence: from social and commercial media, to literature, the first-glance judgement is expected, counted on, and marketed to, to the detriment of our perceptive abilities. At some point we need to stop and ask ourselves where this obsession with appearances comes from, and what it is doing to us. What happens to our depth, to our intelligence, to our humanity when we are constantly bombarded with the notion that the things that really matter only go skin-deep?

Fortunately, some talented writers have risen to the challenge and produced some rather remarkable works that force us to confront our preoccupation with appearance, examine our superficial assumptions, and invite us to explore our understanding of communication and judgement, and to discover new depths in ourselves.

Wonder (Knopf, 2012), by talented debut author R.J. Palacio, is one such book. August Pullman, or “Auggie” as he is known to

family and friends, thinks of himself largely as an “ordinary” boy. He likes Star Wars

and Diary of a Wimpy Kid, plays video games, and loves his dog. However, on the

Centrepointe Ballet School Peggy Bain, Director

62

Island Parent Magazine

surface August is anything but ordinary.

Born with severe craniofacial abnormalities, he has endured years of extensive surgery which have left him a face that shocks and scares almost everyone he meets. It has also prevented him from attending conventional school—until now. Much to his trepidation, Auggie is about to start fifth grade at an elite prep academy, an experience that

will change his life, and those around him, forever. Six voices—those of August, his sister Via, and their friends—unite, creating a multi-faceted narrative that brings this story to complex, wonderful life. Moving, funny, inspiring, and extremely readable, Wonder is much more than a coming-of-age novel—it is a novel about transformation and recognition, growth and loss, humour and sadness. It is about the beauty of people and the power of kindness, it is about finding humanity and finding friendship, and it is about the joy and wonder of being alive. 10+ Another transformative tale of face value is found in Frances Hardinge’s newest masterpiece, A Face Like Glass (MacMillan, 2012). Imagine a world where appearances mean everything and where expressions and emotions can be bought and sold, where trust might be a matter of the right scent and treachery lurks behind the loveliest smile.

www.kidsinvictoria.com

This is the world of Caverna, where people are born with blank faces and must learn expressions designed by the Facesmiths: powerful artists are trained in the art of manipulation and design, and are able to unlock the secrets of human experience, express and exploit them—for a price. Caverna is home to the finest artists and craftsmen in the world: vintners who craft True Wines,

Book Nook MADDY SMITH dangerous, powerful, potent potions that can illuminate lost memories, erase nightmares, or steal away your thoughts; the blind guild of Perfumers, whose heavenly scents ensnare the senses and inspire trust in even the most treacherous of enemies; and massive, vicious-tempered cheeses, one taste of which will reveal visions of the future.

Into this world tumbles Neverfell, a girl unlike anyone ever seen in Caverna, a girl whose existence, whose appearance, could breathe new life into the city—or spell its end. In a world ruled by malice and deception, a face that cannot lie is a prize beyond price—a prize that many would kill for. To accurately capture the dazzling qualities of A Face Like Glass, you’d need to be as skilled with words as the Facesmiths with expressions. This book is extraordinary in its astonishing attention to detail, in its beautiful, breathtaking imagination, and in its daring, provocative scope. A Face Like Glass sparkles like the finest crystal and leaves readers gasping, cheering, thinking, and looking at the world anew. A truly marvellous book for 11+.

Autumn is a season of new beginnings and new opportunities, for growth and exploration—the perfect time to shed old worn-out preconceptions like so many dead leaves and feel the free fresh winds of change blowing through your branches.

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.

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

Horseback Riding Lessons Therapy Programs Camps & Events Nature & Equestrian Jr. Kindergarten (Opening September, 2012) All welcome and no experience required to participate

2 5 0 - 5 8 8 - 2 5 8 3 w w w . f o r w a r d e q u e s t r i a n . c a 6476 Oldfield Road, Saanichton, BC V8M 1X8 www.IslandParent.ca

September/October 2012 63

Guilty Confessions

B

in a while? Cloth or disposable? Should I go back to work? Jarred food or homemade organic food? Am I going to damage her if I let her cry it out? Are they getting enough to eat? Enough sleep? While these questions are valid to ask as a parent, it can be very easy to develop feelings of guilt over what we may or may not be doing.

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

If we get caught up in the guilt, we can end up feeling like we are not doing a good job or enough for our sweet babies. Here are some common guilty confessions and how to navigate them:

ecoming a mom is one of the most wondrous experiences life has to offer, but at the same time, it can be one of the most guilt-ridden transitions in your life. Chances are you’ve managed to find at least one thing to feel guilty about since your baby was born, if not when the pregnancy test came back positive—that glass of wine you enjoyed before you found out you were expecting, the lung-full of second-hand smoke that you inhaled, or the cravings of sugar and fat laden snacks you caved in to.

The various sources of guilt in the early days of motherhood can rob us of enjoying the moments with our little ones. In talking to other moms, I’ve realized that we all struggle with feelings of guilt from time to time. One conversation after another with moms will include discussions about the best way to do things, questions and musings… we always seem to be wondering about one thing or another. Can he sleep with us once

Not Loving Every Minute?

We may have an image of “The Perfect

 







   

      

    



64 Island Parent Magazine



  



Mother” in our mind—smiling, ever available, and loving every moment of being a mother—an impossible role to fill. I have noticed that as women we can have very high expectations of ourselves. We tend to feel like we should know it all, do it all, should be all things to everyone and handle

New Parent Pages Diana Hurschler, BScN it without breaking a sweat. Although we love our babies fiercely, we may not always love how much work being a mom requires.

I remember feeling very guilty in the early days of parenthood about enjoying my newborn most when she was sleeping. The idea that your life should revolve around your baby can breed guilt when you go out alone with your partner or do something for yourself. Many moms feel guilty over doing things like getting their hair done, yet when they actually do something for themselves, they come back feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. It helps to realize that parenthood is not always going to feel rewarding. As a matter of fact, there are some days that are downright exhausting and difficult. It is imperative to take breaks to recharge so that you can enjoy those precious moments when they occur. It is important to know that we all experience the highs and lows of being a parent.

Doing Everything Right?

The abundance of child-rearing advice out there can make your job as a parent easier, but also harder. While it’s great that all this information is available, it sometimes ends up putting a lot of pressure on moms to have all the answers and to attempt to live up to unattainable ideals. Besides feeling guilty because we have unrealistic expectations of ourselves, sometimes we feel guilt when we compare ourselves to other people or situations. The key is to remember that there truly is no right way to be a mom, and that every baby and family is different so there are no cookie-cutter answers. Trust yourself to make the right choices for your child and family and that you are doing the best you possibly can. It took me until my third child to close the books and navigate with my heart, not my mind. www.kidsinvictoria.com

Every Moment Quality Time?

It is hard to escape the feeling that every moment spent with your child should be stimulating or educational. What is expected of parents and the idea of quality time seems to have gotten out of control. Even taking care of necessary tasks can make you feel at fault when it means spending time away from your child. I remember feeling guilty if I put my firstborn into a jolly jumper so I could get a few dishes washed or a load of laundry on. I thought I should be right there with her, interacting and singing songs or chanting nursery rhymes while she bounced away. Yet, I have noticed that discovering and learning have occurred when I let my little ones figure something out on their own.

So don’t feel guilty about setting them on their play mat for a few minutes while you fold laundry or take care of other household chores. Let them have their own time to explore. Even the littlest child can learn from having time to themselves.

Keep in mind that feeling guilty is not all bad for you. That feeling that you have when you are trying to check in online for the third time in the day while your baby fusses in his bouncy chair can help you stand back and reassess. The trick is to distinguish whether the guilt is founded in truth or whether you are just being a perfectionist. When you feel guilty about something that needs to be changed, don’t dwell on it. Change it.

As a mom, it’s hard not to feel you’re always falling short of your own expectations—you may feel like your cooking isn’t good enough, your home is not tidy enough, you’re not spending enough time with your partner. Ease up on yourself a little bit! During those early overwhelming days of motherhood it is important to be realistic: if at the end of your day you and your baby are alive and healthy, that is a success. If you’ve done a load of laundry or put dinner on the table, that is a bonus.

Give yourself a break from guilt, starting right now. Recognize and let go of the unrealistic expectations you may have of yourself, take steps to change the things you can, and enjoy those precious moments. And I didn’t say that to make you feel guilty!

“That’s ALL it costs!?”

Yes! This is a very common comment we hear at the Women In Need Resale Stores. Get everything you and your family need (and want!) for a great price, AND feel good about helping women in the community!

Fall Fashions

at affordable prices!

1803 Cook St. 785 Pandora Ave. 160-174 Wilson St. (Westside Village)

www.womeninneed.ca

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

September/October 2012 65

Preschool & Child Care Directory CENTRAL SAANICH

Victoria Conservatory of Music. Part-time spaces available. www.islandkids.ca.

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,

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!

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

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

North SAANICH

Little Readers Academy....................250-477-5550 An enriched learn-to-read program for your 3-6 yearold! Reading, Writing and Math. Half-day, weekend and evening sessions available. www.oxfordlearning.com.

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 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

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

My Little Folk......................................250-380-7197 Licensed In Home Multi Age Daycare in a very central location! Caregiver is Montessori and ECE Certified and has a fun and nurturing approach. Part time or full time. 7:30am-5:00pm. mylittlefolk@shaw.ca.

Neighbourhood Junior Kindergarten..250-479-4410 Offering an early literacy program 4 mornings/wk.

(T-F) for 4 yr. olds: play and group activities focus on developing positive social skills and kindergarten preparation. Operating in Lake Hill school in two fully equipped, bright classrooms/outdoor playground.

Oakcrest Preschool...........................250-472-0668 • Two fully qualified teachers, AM classes • No duty days, wide variety of parent jobs • www.oakcrestpreschool.org

Looking for child care? Taking care of children?

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

Child Care

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

66 Island Parent Magazine

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

www.islandfamilyinfo.ca www.ccrr.bc.ca www.kidsinvictoria.com

Preschool & Child Care Directory 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Mill Bay / Cobble Hill

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.

SIDNEY Positive Path Early Learning............250-655-7244 A “New” child care centre has opened at 2269 Mills Road. Exciting and enriching program offering learning opportunities for children 3-5 within a culture of Christian values and virtues. Centrally located near Sidney Elementary and VIR Library. Now accepting enrollment for full and part-time registration. positivepath@shaw.ca

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Character development using the Virtues Project.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

September/October 2012 67

A Room of Our Own

T

he whole reason for moving was to give Angus his own room. He needed that, didn’t he? And if Angus had a room of his own, so would Mike and I. We could read in bed without hiding under the covers with headlamps. If we got cold in the evening, we wouldn’t have to resort to wearing jackets, too nervous to step on the creaking floorboards in front of the bedroom closet, searching for sweaters.

Except in the beginning, Angus would still sleep with us. Moving was already a big transition. And besides, the room wasn’t exactly ready. Every item we hadn’t found a home for was piled on the floor: coin rollers, bicycle parts, canning jars. Furthermore we were going away. No point getting Angus used to sleeping alone when he’d be bunking with us again soon. He could have his own space when we returned. After a bit of settle-in time. September. Or sometime in the fall. Or maybe after Christmas?

The truth was we weren’t ready yet. Angus might have been, but not Mike and I. Because

while sharing a room was definitely inconvenient, it was also pretty great: listening to Angus’s breath as we were drifting off to sleep, waking to find him silently watching us. The baby monitor was no match for an unobstructed view of his hair plastered to his sweaty forehead.

So Angus continued to sleep in our room when we moved. And when we went away, he slept in his travel crib beside our bed.

When he woke at night he would stand to check on us, and then he’d whimper until I picked him up. Not exactly to nurse. He liked to be offered, but at 13 months he no longer had a voracious nighttime appetite.

He’d suck lazily for a few seconds before twisting away to climb onto my shoulder or kick Mike in the ear. Or he’d grab fistfuls of my hair and yank as hard as he could, then start to laugh. If we lay him beside us he’d consider it playtime. The second we returned him to his crib he’d start to cry.

He’d stand and stare at us: I know you’re there, parents. Who are you trying to fool?

Emmanuel Preschool 2121 Cedar Hill Cross Road (by entrance to UVic)

Openings this Fall 2012–2013 Classes!

Children learn through play in our non-denominational Christian preschool.

Bright attractive setting with competent and caring staff. Two teachers with ECE certification plus assistant teachers with each teacher bringing their own strengths to the team.

Opportunities for this fall: Mon/Wed/Fri morning class Tues/Thurs morning class Phone 250-598-0573 preschool@emmanuelvictoria.ca www.emmanuelpreschool.ca 68 Island Parent Magazine

If he were close enough to the bed he’d reach for our sheets and pull them towards him, until our crumpled duvet was in his crib.

By the time we returned from our trip we were all exhausted. Angus had gotten sick at the end, and we’d had to postpone our

Maternity & Beyond Laura TRUNKEY flight. When we arrived at the grandparents’ house in Lethbridge, he’d slept primarily in my arms for four days. Now he wasn’t interested in being any place else. He’d wake hourly to cry, or play. Or he’d roll over me and lie at the very edge of the bed so that I was afraid even to move. And for a week, morning came at 3:30 a.m.

After the long drive back to the coast we were ready for a change. Mike cleaned the clutter from Angus’s floor, and then we put him to sleep there.

It was wonderful until midnight, and then it went quickly down hill. Milk-less Mike was on screaming-child duty while I lay awake upstairs. Was I the worst mother imaginable? I knew that if I scooped Angus up, he’d stop crying immediately. If I put him in bed beside us he would be happy.

None of us would sleep, but it wasn’t like we were sleeping anyway.

“I don’t know,” I said to Mike the next morning. “Maybe it’s not worth it.” Angus had had three very-extended wake-ups, but Mike and I had barely slept at all.

“If we put him back in our room, that terrible night was for nothing,” Mike said.

“It will get better.”

I’m wary to write about results. When we first tried sleep-training Angus months ago, we had a glorious stretch of one-wake-up nights. I wrote about them. But they were a distant memory by the time the magazine came out, and the evidence of my optimism depressed me.

But I’ll say it, my knuckles rapping against the wooden table as I write this—finally, gloriously, Angus has slept through the night.

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

Ad Directory 1Up: Single Parent........... 26 4 Cats Academy................ 1 Arabesque Dance............ 15 Arbutus Music................. 59 Art Gallery of Greater Victoria........................ 27 Artistic Statement............ 42 BC Families in Transition..... 5 BC Transit........................ 57 Bellies In Bloom............. BFG Boardworks..................... 20 Brigadoon Dance Academy..................... 59 Buddies Toys.................. IBC Cadboro Bay Optometry... 18 Child Care Resource and Referral............... BFG Centrepointe Ballet........... 62 Children’s Education Fund........................... 72 Compost Education.......... 44 Conseil Scolaire............... 43 Costco.......................... BFG Dance Unlimited.............. 20 Dansko............................ 27 Discovery School............. 56 Eaton Arrowsmith............. 35 Emmanuel Preschool....... 68 Esquimalt Recreation....... 25 Evergreen School............. 65 Falcon Gymnastics........... 28 Fiddlesticks..................... 42 Finn & Izzy.......................IFC Forward Equestrian.......... 63 Glenlyon Norfolk School.... 31 Guitar in Motion............... 52 Health Food Fair............... 13 IMAX............................... 31 Intrepid Theatre............... 58 Island Farms.................... 36 Island Montessori............. 63 JamTots........................ BFG Kaleidoscope................... 15 Kate Rubin Theatre & Drama..................... 24 KIV.................................. 61 Lalabee Bathworks......... BFG Larsen Music................... 23 LIFE Seminars.................. 23 Lifestyle Markets.............. 34 Lighthouse Academy of Dance..................... 50 Mad Science................... 42 Maria Montessori............. 64 Maritime Museum............ 60 Moksha Yoga................... 29 Mothering Touch...... BFG, 21 Karen Murdoch................ 19 Music Together................ 30 My Funkins.............. BFG, 46 Nanaimo Parks................ 59 North Island Distance Education School......... 70 Oak & Orca.................34, 41

www.IslandParent.ca

Oaklands Community Centre......................... 71 O’Brien Irish Dance.......... 28 The OCEAN 98.5............. 11 Oxford Learning.............. IBC Pacific Coast Swimming... 17 Pacific Dance.................. 45 Pacific Undersea Gardens...................... 10 Panorama Leisure............ 26 Pemberton Holmes.....18, 31 Pizzeria Prima Strada....... 52 Positive Path Early Learning.............. 16 READ Society..................... 3 Red Balloon..................... 65 Restart Computers........... 10 Royal BC Museum........... 14 Royal Yacht Club.............. 25 Saanich Recreation..........IFC Saltwater School.........30, 35 Savvy Squirrel.................. 13 Scallywags......................IFC Screen Actors.................. 28 Serious Coffee................. 39 South Island Distance Education School......... 53 Sportball............................ 7 St. John Anglican............. 49 St. Margaret’s School....... 22 St Michaels University School........................... 6 Stagecoach Langford...... IBC Stages.......................21, 29 Success by Six................. 51 Sunrise Waldorf................. 2 Sylvan Learning............... 55 Thrifty Foods.................... 37 TJs................................. 39 Toes & Taps..................... 20 Tom Lee Music................ 26 UVic School of Nursing..... 17 Valentus Clinics............... 38 Vancouver Island Baby Fair..................... 47 Veselka Dance................. 35 Victoria Academy of Ballet....................... 44 Victoria Conservatory of Music........................ 9 Victoria Gymnastics.......... BC Victoria Midwives............. 12 Victoria Recreation........... 71 Victoria School for Ideal Education............ 57 VIHA................................ 54 Vitamin Shop..................... 7 Viva Choirs...................... 52 Welcome Wagon.............. 42 Westhills......................... 16 Westside Stables............. 49 Wild Play......................... 63 Women In Need............... 65 Yellowpoint Cranberries.... 46

Business & Professional Directory

Discovery Toys needs new Distributors and Testers of our engaging, awardwinning educational toys, books and games!

For a Free workshop on how to choose and use our products or to start your own Discovery Toys Home Business contact:

Lisa Woo, Director & Trainer

250 477 9891 www.toylady.ca

Growth Where Kids Investment Become Authors!

In-home Tutoring

Smart Tutor Referrals.com

Writing and bookmaking for all ages.

Check out the website for workshops and camps.

Enriching Young Minds in Victoria since 2002.

Call 250-544-1588 to learn more.

www.storystudio.ca or call 250-592-BOOK

Natural Health Care for Children

Supervised Access Visits

Homeopathy & Nutrition for: • Autism & ASD • Developmental Disorders • Behavioural Disorders • Ear Infections • Asthma • Eczema

Looking for a way to ease the stress of being Separated or Divorced with Children?

Professional Services Flexible hours (including weekends)

Transition Services for Families

www.drzimmermann.org 250-590-5828

Phone 250-590-4114 Email info@tsconsultingvictoria.ca or find us online at

www.tsconsultingvictoria.ca

September/October 2012 69

Surviving the Winter

T

he days are getting shorter and soon we will be spending more time indoors, hiding from the rain and cold. We can curl up by the fire and watch a storm from our comfortable homes, but what if our home was outdoors? Some animals like birds, bats or even butterflies can escape our Canadian winter by migrating south to warmer climates, but others who can’t travel long distances need to find ways to survive here. One of the things that animals must do in order to prepare for the long winter ahead is to store enough food, either in the form of body fat or hidden where it can be accessed throughout the winter. Squirrels gather nuts and seeds and hide them so they can be eaten when food becomes scarce.

They bury food in different locations so if it’s found by another animal, their whole winter supply isn’t gone instantly. How does a squirrel locate its stashes? Well, before burying a nut, the squirrel will clean it with its saliva and then hide it in the ground.

This leaves a scent that the squirrel later recognizes and finds without other animals being able to locate it.

Some animals must create a habitat suitable for cold conditions. Mice dig holes and make nests underground so they can snuggle up on a cold day. Since they are small animals, mice burn up fat quickly in order to stay warm and their strategy to conserve energy is to sleep as much as possible.

Sounds great, right? After I spend a week packed with work, school and activities, I start to feel a bit jealous of those little mice whose only job is to sleep all day! Others, such as bears, decide to use this sleeping strategy for the whole winter by hibernating (or “denning”). They store energy as fat to last them through the months so that by the time spring arrives, the bear is a lot thinner and ready for a meal. But how does a bear last a whole winter without having to drink? In the process of converting fat into energy, water is also produced, which the bear can use in other body processes.

Another problem is getting rid of a toxin called urea which would usually be excreted as urine, but bears don’t pee when they are hibernating. Somehow, they have a unique process to turn this toxin back into the

building blocks that can be used to make more energy. What a great energy-saving recycling system!

So far, I’ve explored some of the warm-

Nature Notes LINDSAY HOETZEL blooded animals that need to retain their heat in the winter, but there are also coldblooded animals that allow their body to cool to the temperature outside. You know how we can hug someone to warm up and share body heat? Well, animals such as snakes and lady bugs don’t heat up their bodies like we do and this helps them to save a lot of energy. Their cold body temperatures do, however, make it more difficult to move, and so they spend most of the winter in safe hideouts where they won’t likely be caught by predators. Since these animals can’t store a lot of body fat, and therefore don’t have a lot of energy to expend when food is scarce, they also slow down all their body processes for five to seven months of the year and only use a tiny amount of energy to stay alive.

There are many different methods that animals use to get through the winter, but often we forget that plants need to prepare as well. In autumn some trees start to lose their leaves. Leaves are used for photosynthesis that captures sunlight to make energy for the plant, but since there isn’t a lot of sun in the winter, the leaves become more of a liability than a benefit. Since leaves require food and water to stay alive, and also lose a lot of water from sun and wind, they are shed to save energy and conserve water.

Conifer trees such as fir and pine don’t lose their needles because they are narrow and covered in wax. Some plants, called Annuals, don’t survive the winter but produce seeds which allow the mother plant’s DNA to live on through its offspring the next year.

There you have it. Evolution has provided so many different ways for plants and animals to make it through the winter. Some have it easier than others, but there is always the spring to look forward to!

Lindsay Hoetzel is a 4th year Biology student at the University of Victoria, who enjoyed working as summer staff at Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary.

70 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

he t e r o Expl nds a l k a ity O n u m Com e r t n e C Preschool & Child Programs Dance Classes Spanish for Kids Mom & Baby French Cooking Workshops Taekwondo Outdoor Explorers Piano, Violin & Guitar Lessons Pro D Day Camps and our very popular We ...Drop-in Playgroup

Call to Register!

Youth Programs Leadership Workshop Floor Hockey Girls Circle Red Cross Babysiter Course Guitar Lessons Day Trips & Special Youth Events Friday Night Drop-in

Have Adult Programs Too!

2827 Belmont Ave. Victoria (near Hillside Shopping Centre) 250.370.9101 www.oaklandscommunitycentre.com

Learn to Skate

at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre

An innovative way of scheduling skating lessons aimed at accommodating the busy daily lives of our families.

Learn to Skate offers parents: • • • •

Flexible scheduling Quality instruction Fun and safe environment Lesson levels that are standardized across the Greater Victoria region

Lessons start October 2012 Visit victoria.ca/arena for more information Lesson Registration: 250.361.0732 Public Skating Information: 250.361.0732

www.IslandParent.ca

September/October 2012 71

Cut It Out!

Tips from Parent Educator Allison Rees of LIFE Seminars

Can’t Trust Your Teens?

T

here is one perfect solution to get your teens to stop lying to you. Stop asking so many questions! If you are sticking your nose in a little too far, Cut it Out! Teens are trying to be big people and that means they have to have some privacy. Think about it, did you tell your parents everything you were doing when you were a teen? You tell them you want them to be responsible but that might look different for them than it does for you.

Regardless of how you behave as a parent, teens will go through times when they will be secretive, act prickly and appear to have a strong allergic reaction to you. Not taking this personally is your first step. That’s a hard one.

Now you have to try to stop nagging, asking too many questions and treating them like they are little people. Yes, they make mistakes, don’t clean up, and may seem to have a “bad” attitude but this really is a stage. It will pass and what you

don’t want to lose is the relationship you have with them. It might seem impossible to trust a lying teen, but what you have to focus on is making sure they can trust you. That means knowing you’ll still be there for them when they need you, no questions asked. It means seeing the best in them and noticing the good choices that they do make. It means

managing your emotions so you can go about the delicate dance of now having a big-person-to-big-person relationship.

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

Kids Grow Fast.

So Do Tuition Costs.

Before your child grows another inch, start saving with Children’s Education Funds Inc. (CEFI). CEFI has the greatest selection of Registered Education Savings Plan offerings. It’s easy and very affordable. You can get started for under $10.00 per month! Keep saving - you’ll be surprised at how much you can accumulate. Add to your savings all the Government Grants, the “cash back” from your CEFI no fee MasterCard and the AIR MILES® reward miles.

At CEFI, we are education funding specialists!

CHILDREN'S EDUCATION FUNDS INC. A VERY DIFFERENT GROUP OF RESPs!

Helping hospitals help kids

Spend your way to college

Trademarks of AIR MILES International Trading B.V. Used under license by ®Loyalty Management Group Canada Inc. and Children’s Education Funds Inc. TM

72 Island Parent Magazine

VISIT WWW.CEFI.CA or call 1 (800) 246-1203

“Parent Tested, Parent Approved” www.kidsinvictoria.com

Pre-K to Grade 12 Reading, Writing, Math Grammar, Study Skills Homework, French

Better grades begin at Oxford Learning!

This year will be the year that I no longer have to worry about test scores, project marks, or report card grades.

This year will be the year that it all makes sense. This year I’ll get A’s. This year I’m going to Oxford Learning.

Call today, or visit oxfordlearning.com

Please join us at our Annual Sale.

20% Off Absolutely Everything Tuesday, October 9th to Saturday, October 13th Once a year for five days only.

Buddies Toys • Sidney 2494 Beacon Avenue 250-655-7171

Buddies Toys • Victoria 2533 Estevan Avenue 250-595-6501

*No VIP points earned during the sale*

Victoria 203-1595 McKenzie Ave. Victoria, BC, V8N 1A4

250.477.5550

victoria@oxfordlearning.com

ctoria Gymnastics

Why Victoria Gymnastics?

Boys & girls, ages 2 through adult, beginner through advanced Morning, afternoon & evening classes seven days a week Start any time Optional character

Monthly payments with no further obligation—cancel any time Optional character

Trial classes available

Optional character

Make-ups for missed classes

Optional character Optional character

character

We guarantee your child will flip over our Birthday Parties!

Benefits Victoria Gymnastics Will Provide for your Child: • Unlike other gymnastics clubs, our priority is ‘non-competitive’ gymnastics where all students are treated equally and fairly. Our objective is to provide students with a foundation of gymnastics that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.

• Your child's progress is monitored daily, and every 3 months, each student is awarded a medal indicating his or her progress in our 14 level, 600 skill program.

• Our ratio guarantee of a maximum of 8 students per instructor will provide your child with the Individualized attention he or she deserves.

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

• Clean. Very Clean. Our facilities are ozone treated.

• Consistent, safe and experienced coaching in a well structured, safe and fun environment—all of our coaches have their NCCP certification and First Aid.

www.victoriagymnastics.com

250-380-2442

Celebrating 33 Years of Excellence!