Island Parent September 2018

Island Parent Celebrating

30 Years

The Resource Publication for vancouver Island Parents

September 2018

Fall Programs Guide an argument for no Homework

Everything you need for back to school!

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September 2018  3

16 Fall Programs

LEARN BY INQUIRY. GO BEYOND. Features 10 Kelly Cleeve:

Learners discover the power of their unique voices, construct their own knowledge, and gain critical thinking skills, while meeting and often exceeding

Must September Spell Chaos?

12 Deanne Sharp: An Argument for No Homework

14 Jerri Carson:

Songs for Starting School 16 Fall Programs 20 Shannon K. Auringer:

Freedom from Stuff 22 Florie Varga:

Parent Coaching

24 Ashley Degraaf: Cleaning House In Every Issue Island Parent Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Party Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Family Calendar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Family Services Directory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46, 47 Preschool & Child Care Directory . . . . . . . . . . . 48, 49 Business & Professional Directory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Columns 5 Sue Fast:

Editor’s Note

26 Christina

Van Starkenburg: Book Nook

38 Emillie Parrish: Cooking With Kids 40 Greg Pratt: Dadspeak 42 Serena Beck:

Is There an App for This?

50 Amanda Attfield:

Healthy Families, Happy Families 50 Asta Mail:

Nature Notes

54 Allison Rees: Cut It Out!

the BC Curriculum.

Sue Fast

Editor editor@islandparent.ca

Island Parent Magazine

Live Your Own Learning

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Linda Frear

RaeLeigh Buchanan

Mark Warner

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

On the Cover

Tanner K (5) and Matthew K (7). Photo by Ryan MacDonald, ryanmacdonaldphotography.com

4 Island Parent Magazine

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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 into the backto-school routine without losing summer’s sponteneity and sense of fun.

D

ecorate your bike and helmet and cycle back to school. When you get home, run through the sprinkler.

Dance together, play together, and eat together at One Day Together on September 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Topaz Park in Victoria where you’ll find music and food, a free Kid Zone, and interactive activities for all.

Eat breakfast in bed.

Paint a Pole in Fernwood, Victoria on September 8. The day before, pick-up a pole painting kit, choose and prime a pole (check with neighbours first!), then on the 8th, paint!

Visit fernwoodnrg.ca.

Challenge neighbourhood families to a water fight or a game of Kick-the-Can. Enter the cake bake-off and pie contest at Metchosin Day on September 9 from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Metchosin Municipal Grounds.

There’ll be live music, over 100 vendors, a pet show and children’s games. metchosinday.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.

Celebrate Pacific arts and culture at the Pacific Peoples’ Partnership One Wave Gathering, a free festival at Centennial Square on September 15 from noon-5pm.

Help raise funds for Esquimalt Firefighters Charitable Fund at Esquimalt Ribfest from September 7 to 9. There’ll be a Kid Zone with a 50' obstacle course, a bouncy castle, and Bubble Soccer. esquimaltribfest.com.

Stroll along Government Street (between Fort and Yates), closed to cars every Sunday through September from noon to 5 p.m. as the City of Victoria tries the idea of a pedestrianonly street experience.

Drop by one of Salt Spring Island’s oldest community events, the Fall Fair, on September 15 and 16 at Salt Spring Island Farmers Institute. Don’t miss the Pet Parade and Zucchini Races. saltspringmarket.com.

Help tidy up the shoreline at the Gorge Waterway Cleanup on September 22 from 10 a.m. to noon. Meet at Waterfront Crescent beside Selkirk Green Park. burnsidegorge.ca.

Sue Fast Editor’s Note Cook a family dinner together—with ingredients you’ve gathered from farmer’s markets. islandfarmfresh.com.

Drop by Boo Boulevard (Government Street between Humboldt and Yates) on Sunday October 28 from noon-5pm to celebrate Wicked Victoria for live entertainment a kids’ costume parade, games, and a Wicked Kids Zone. gvfs.ca.

Visit a pumpkin patch and choose your pumpkin. Carve your jack-o’-lantern.

Happy fall.

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September 2018 5

Island Parent notes Vulture Awareness Weekend

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Island Parent Magazine

ordinary citizens, with an emphasis on those living on the Pacific Northwest coast. The exhibit, in partnership with Parks Canada, will feature archival photographs, as well as artifacts from the Maritime Museum of BC’S collection.

On the Pacific Northwest Coast, many men and women toiled in British Columbian shipyards during the early 20th century, building desperately-needed cargo ships to transport supplies to the “war front.”The need for war-service ships grew by the outbreak of WWII in 1939, however the shipbuilding industry was left with a lack of traditional skilled labourers as many Canadian men headed overseas to fight. It was during this time that Canadian society witnessed a monumental shift, as women stepped in to fill these necessary jobs—considered highly unusual and against gender norms of the time.

The exhibit also explores the fishing vessels and yachts that were transformed into a “Merchant Navy” during WWI and WWII. Sailing across perilous seas and braving enemy-infested waters, these unsung heroes transported troops and delivered vital supplies to combat fronts around the world, often at great personal sacrifice; more than 1,600 Canadian and Newfoundland sailors gave their life in this service. The exhibit commemorates the HMCS Galiano, a fishing vessel that was under the Merchant Navy service and patrolled BC’s coast during WWI. The vessel disappeared almost 100 years ago, in October 1918 and was the only Canadian warship lost during WWI. The exhibit will be open at the Maritime Museum of British Columbia, 634 Humboldt Street in Victoria, from September 6-December 30 Admission is $10 for adults, with discounted rates for seniors and students. Children under 12 are free with an accompanying adult. For more information, visit mmbc.bc.ca.

The Raptors will be hosting its annual fundraising event on September 1-2 in support of International Vulture Awareness Day. No bird suffers from as bad a rap as vultures. That leads to persecution, making vultures the most endangered group of birds in the world. That’s why The Raptors Centre, 1877 Herd Rd in Duncan, is putting on Vulture Awareness Weekend, which coincides with International Vulture Awareness Day. They want as many people as possible to get closer to these intelligent, valuable, irreplaceable scavengers. Vultures need our love and support.

The Raptors will be raising funds for global vulture conservation efforts and also for the Raptor Rescue Society (RRS). The RRS is a local, non-profit organization that rescues and rehabilitates injured birds of prey.

Many vulture species throughout Africa and Asia are listed as critically endangered.

The White-Rumped Vulture, for example, has suffered a population decline of 99.9 per cent since 1992. The vast majority of these population declines are related to poisoning and are entirely preventable.

Vultures are nature’s clean-up crew and one of the most effective agents for disease control. Potent digestive acids enable vultures to consume infected carcasses without propagating disease. The loss of these important scavenger birds is of great detriment to humans, particularly in rural parts of Africa and Asia where outbreaks of rabies and anthrax are on the rise as wild dog populations thrive in the absence of carrion-eating competitors.

Although numerous vulture species are on the brink of extinction, the vulture crisis continues to be poorly reported in the western world.

Come learn more about these neat birds at The Raptors Centre in Duncan. There will also be a barbecue, a silent auction, Paddle for Health and kids activities. For information, visit The 11th annual Paddle for Health event pnwraptors.com. is on September 8 at Willows Beach in Oak Bay. Paddle for Health invites people Home Port Heroes of WWI and to help raise funds for Island Kids Cancer Association, whose mission is to provide WWII Exhibit The Maritime Museum of BC’s featured practical support for children with cancer exhibit, Home Port Heroes of WWI & and their families throughout all stages of WWII: The Merchant Navy, Shipyards, and their cancer journey. Their Care 4 Kids the Disappearance of the HMCS Galiano, Program strives to strengthen family conexplores the incredibly industrious efforts of nections and let kids be kids. This event Canadians on the “home front” of WWI and helps provide an expanded level of services WWII, who contributed to the war efforts as and support specifically for Island-based

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People of all ages are asked to take up Nanaimo Child Development’s the challenge, form a team, ask family, Annual Telethon friends, neighbours or a business to join September 30 is the Nanaimo Child Dein to support animals that need our help. velopment Centre’s 6th Annual Telethon.

Learn more and pledge online by visiting Tune in live on Shaw TV Central Vancouver spca.bc.ca/Victoria or wildarc.com.

Island (Channel 4), or come down to the Port Theatre in Nanaimo from noon-8pm for free family entertainment. Meet some Lantern Tour at Fort Rodd Hill Grab your coats and step back in time local celebrities and have some lunch at the as Fort Rodd Hill opens its doors for an Kinsmen BBQ tent outside the Theatre. Doexclusive, after-dark guided tour on Satur- nations can be made by phone and in person day September 22. See the gun batteries by with all proceeds supporting the Nanaimo lantern light and eavesdrop on re-enactors Child Development Centre (NCDC). The in uniform going about the daily activities NCDC is a non-profit organization that ofof garrison life. Take in the sights, sounds fers a wide range of services, programs and and smells of life at Rodd Hill during the supports to nearly 1,800 children and youth period of 1897-1956. There may even be a with special needs and their families from few surprises along the way. Guided tours Lantzville to Ladysmith with the Complex Developmental Behavioural Conditions leave every 15 minutes from 7-9:15pm.

This event is a fundraiser for the Victoria- assessment program reaching as far west Esquimalt Military Re-enactors Association as Tofino.

Through support from parents, volun(VEMRA) volunteers. Tickets available from the main entrance kiosk during site teers, businesses, and the community, the operational hours starting September 1. NCDC has grown from its humble begin$10 per person, payable by cash only for nings to be a leader in early childhood VEMRA. Regular admission payable by development and children’s services in the cash, debit or credit card, or use your annual area. It is through these partnerships that pass. For more information, visit pc.gc.ca. Nanaimo Child Development strives to meet the service needs of the children and BC SPCA’s Paws for a Cause families it serves.

Bring your pooch to Clover Point on Sunday September 9 for a day of family fun at the BC SPCA’s Paws for a Cause Walk, supporting Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre (Wild ARC) and the Victoria BC SPCA. Registration begins at 10am, with the 2km walk at 11:30am. Enjoy 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 centre 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 10,000 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 family-friendly activities, including the Doggie Games and the Paws Parlour. For the kids there will be a a Kids’ Zone complete with a bouncy castle, crafts, face painting and more. There are also Walk Bibs. Who are you walking for? Pick up and customize your walk bib at the registration tent on event day. families that have children with cancer and blood disorders.

Held in Victoria each September, the event has raised over $100,000 for various charities supporting cancer care. No previous paddling experience is required.

Guides and safety crews will take care of you every step of the way. Launching at Willows Beach you will paddle past Cattle Point into Cadboro Bay to Gyro Beach where you’ll have a chance to stretch your legs and take a snack break before paddling back to Willows Beach to a waiting barbecue lunch with great company for a great cause. You can participate with a voluntary $50 donation upon sign up with additional pledge collection expected. Bring your own kayak/canoe/paddleboard/outrigger or register to paddle one generously provided by sponsors and community partners. Share a day filled with smiles, prizes, Paddle for Health T-shirt, post-paddle barbecue lunch and inspiration.

Paddlers arrive at 8:30am. Launch is at 9:30am. Barbecue lunch is from noon– 2:30pm. To register and start collecting pledges, visit paddleforhealth.ca.

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September 2018 7

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8 Island Parent Magazine

For more information about how you eerie” event with enough festive fun to make can get involved as a sponsor, donor, or it a treat for visitors of all ages.

Heritage Acres is the home of the Saanich volunteer, please visit nanaimocdc.com.

Historical Artifacts Society (SHAS) and is located in Central Saanich on Lochside Potted Potter: The UnauthorDrive. Come out for a spooky-good time ized Harry Experience Potted Potter: The Unauthorized Harry on October 19, 20, and 21 between 4:30Experience—A parody by Dan and Jeff, cre- 8:30pm. This will be a shared event between ated by two-time Olivier Award-nominated SHAS and Vancouver Island Model Engiand BBC actors Daniel Clarkson and Jeffer- neers (VIME). For more information, visit son Turner, returns to Victoria’s McPherson heritageacresbc.ca/events.

Playhouse, 3 Centennial Square, for a limited engagement, from October 3-8. Potted Potter is perfect for ages six to Dumbledore Mamahood Bursting into Light (who is very old indeed).

Your first journey into motherhood can Playing to sold out houses all over the feel like you’re visiting another world. world, Potted Potter takes on the ultimate Add in the complications that come with challenge of condensing all seven Harry being a new mom at the age of 40, years Potter books (and a real-life game of Quidof sleep deprivation, and the stress of beditch) into 70 hilarious minutes. ing the “perfect mom” and you’re in for Potted Potter has been updated with a a journey to planet “Mamahood” with refreshed set design, upgraded illusions, actor, playwright and mother Nicolle and all the latest hilarious insights into the Nattrass. Nattrass courageously shares wonderful world of all thing Hogwarts. It her ode to motherhood in a witty and includes all your favourite characters, a profoundly moving one-woman play bespecial appearance from a fire-breathing ing presented by her Alma Mater, the UVic dragon, endless costumes, jokes, brilliant Department of Theatre from October 10songs, ridiculous props and a generous help20 at the Phoenix Theatre. In turns both ing of Hogwarts magic plus lots of mayhem. hilarious and heart-breaking, she uses Whether you camped outside a bookstore humour (and ’80s music) to chronicle her for three days awaiting the release of the experiences, from the pressure to choose a Deathly Hallows, or you don’t know the stylish diaper bag to her own postpartum difference between a Horcrux and a Hufexperiences, fearlessly sharing important flepuff, the comedy, magic and mayhem of realities of motherhood that are rarely Potted Potter makes for a fun, and funny, discussed. The Georgia Straight calls her visit to the theatre. For information and “a big-hearted and fearlessly vulnerable tickets, visit rmts.bc.ca/events/pottedperformer” and the show “a gift” for potter-2018-mcpherson-playhouse. “mothers who’ve believed themselves to be alone in falling short of ideals.”

The Pacific Postpartum Support Society Halloween Madness at Herirecommends the show to all mothers tage Acres Imagine the vintage-era village of Heri- saying Nattrass is “…breaking down stigma and barriers…in an honest, raw, tage Acres bathed in dramatic lighting and accented by glowing hand-crafted lanterns, emotional and hilarious way. You will carved pumpkins and creative decor. This laugh and you will cry!” For information, visit phoenixtheatres.ca. is the backdrop for costumed performers, live musicians, projections and artistic installations which enliven every beautifully weathered corner of this heritage setting for Gulf Islands Early Years Enchanted Halloween at Heritage Acres.

Early Years programming and opporThere will be a ton of creepy things for tunities enhance the lives of our growing the younger crowd that aren’t too scary: children and whole families. Many benefits pumpkin carving, face painting, make your come from the experiences and connecown scarecrow and lots of other fun things. tions made with other families navigating A Haunted House, rides on the Pumpkin the raising of children from pregnancy Express, billboard painting, and several through age six. other surprises are in store for you and your In the Gulf Islands, families can access family. There will also be a concession stand. various resources aimed at enhancing the Enchanted Halloween has always de- Early Years. Strong Start BC programs (or livered on its promise to be a “beautifully Early Learning for Families, ELF) operate IslandParent.ca

fundraising events. As a result, children and families throughout Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands have received muchneeded help.

If you are looking for event ideas, here are a few to consider: • Establish Casual Fridays or jean days at work for a toonie.

• Host a sporting event—a hockey tournament, for example, or kayak, hiking, climbing adventures, or relays.

• Organize an event-a-thon, for example, a walk-a-thon, haircut-a-thon, marathon, or book and bake sales.

• Hold a corporate or family barbecue, picnic, or elegant dinner.

Once you have an event in mind, complete the online event application form at childrenshealthvi.org/our-events/host-event.

Or, if you prefer to mail in your event application form, print the form, fill it out, and mail it to Children’s Health Foundation, 2390 Arbutus Road, Victoria, V8N 1V7.

Kids can help kids, too. The Kids Care program was created to support kids with their fundraising efforts, as individuals, or with their school or activity group. CHF welcomes the opportunity to encourage the spirit of giving in kids through activities such as: • holding a fundraising event—lemonade stands or bottle drives.

Children’s Health Foundation • making a personal donation—one of Vancouver Island Hosting an event in support of Children’s month’s allowance or a portion of money Health Foundation (CHF) is a great way to earned doing extra chores.

• asking family and friends to donate to get you, your family, friends and colleagues involved in making a world of difference in the Foundation instead of, or as part of, a gift for a birthday, graduation or other the lives of Island kids.

Over the years, CHF has been fortunate special occasion. For more information, to be the chosen charity for numerous phone 250-519-6721. within elementary schools on each of the five Gulf Islands.

On Salt Spring: Parents and caregivers can enjoy the warm space and resources at Family Place. The Salt Spring Island Public Library offers camps, Story Times, and other programs for young children. In addition to maintaining community parks, the Salt Spring Island Parks and Recreation Service (PARC) provides various recreational programs. There are also licensed child care and early learning centres on Salt Spring.

On Galiano: Thanks to one mom’s dream and the help of the community, Galiano Community School has a new and improved playground. Not only that, but Galiano has its first non-profit daycare—Galiano Activity Centre.

On Mayne: Programs including ParentChild Mother Goose, Stay & Play, and a Toy and Book Lending Library are available through the Mayne Island Early Childhood Society.

On Pender: The Dragonfly Childcare and Family Resource Centre offers licensed child care, as well as programs and events.

On Saturna: Along with the StrongStart progam, there are also well-developed trail networks to draw families outdoors. For information, visit sd64.bc.ca/programs.

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September 4, 5 & 6 – 3:30–6:30pm

Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup

Kick off the school year with a hands-on learning activity. Teachers can sign up their class for the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup taking place from now until November 30. Students can join thousands of Canadians from coast to coast taking part in this annual event to remove shoreline litter from ponds, streams, rivers, lakes and oceans.

So far in 2018, volunteers have coordinated 1,401cleanups and collected 50,142 kg of litter on 2,283 km of Canadian shoreline. Last year the “Dirty Dozen” list included 47,466 food wrappers, 244,734 cigarette butts, 50,285 plastic beverage bottles and 22,724 plastic grocery bags. 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 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-touse data cards that tabulate the type and amount of litter that is removed. Check shorelinecleanup.ca for details.•

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250·595·3107 www.dancearabesque.ca Classes and registration are held at: St. Matthias Anglican Church Hall (Richmond Ave. & Richardson St.)

Find us on

Classical Ballet for students ages 4 years to Advanced September 2018 9

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Must September Spell Chaos?

A

s the lazy days of summer come to an end and we gear up for a busy September, I begin to wonder how much of this chaos is really necessary. Like many parents, I will once again be chauffeuring my children to soccer practice and music lessons, while trying to squeeze in homework and home reading. If we eat dinner in the car, I may be able to get both children to their practices, on opposite ends of the city, on time. Does this sound familiar? Doesn’t it sound exhausting?

The truth is, not only is it exhausting for you, but is most likely tiring out your child. Between school, homework, lessons and practice, many children are busier than adults. As a teacher, I can’t tell you how many times a student in my class has dozed

activities and games for the children to play. But what ever happened to good old, unstructured, unsupervised fun? It seems to be disappearing in the hectic pace of today’s society.

Unstructured, imaginative play is beneficial for a child’s development. It allows children to practice skills that they will need for the future. When a child plays house or school, for example, they are trying on roles that the adults around them model each day. Building blocks reinforce motor skills and spatial awareness. Playing board games allows children to practice following rules and monitoring of their own interactions with others. When you hear a child say, “Let’s pretend…” it means they are using symbolic and abstract thinking.

off because his alarm clock went off at 4:30 a.m. for hockey practice before school. Or how many times a child expressed dread about an after school schedule that included piano lessons, tutoring and dance class. All in one day. I worry that we may be overscheduling our children.

Don’t get me wrong. I am guilty of signing my children up for a variety of activities.

Like many parents, I want to provide them with as many opportunities as possible. I want my children to be well rounded, happy and successful. However, I am beginning to wonder if they are actually having any fun. I try to ensure that I fit play dates into our busy schedule. I invite children to my house from 3 to 5 p.m. (so that we can still get to drum lessons on time) and I organize

Building time into your child’s schedule for play not only gives them a much needed break, but actually helps improve their social-emotional, cognitive and motor skills. Play provides a forum for children to work on their self-regulation, co-operation and problem solving skills as they negotiate situations with peers or siblings. Language acquisition improves. For instance, if a child is pretending to be a doctor, she may write a “prescription” and use other fancy vocabulary for anatomy or medicine. Play often promotes creative thinking. Perhaps a child is trying to write their own song or attempting to build a robot that will clean their room. Would this ingenuity occur if they were being shuttled from one activity to another?

Paula Wensley

Office: 250-388-5882 Cell: 778-678-7387 Pwensley@macrealty.com Paulawensley.com

Does your child have difficulty reading?

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

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

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

totallearningservices2014@gmail.com 10 Island Parent Magazine

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Or maybe (and very likely) your child, being unaccustomed to free time, complains that he/she is bored. Boredom is a good thing! When a child is bored, they become intrinsically motivated to explore their own interests and to invent self-directed activities. They need to entertain them-

Kelly Cleeve selves somehow and they will inevitably find a way. In exercising choice over how they spend their time, children are moving away from constant parental control and are practicing their own autonomy. Being responsible for how they spend time can actually increase a child’s sense of empowerment and self-esteem.

I am not saying that organized extracurricular activities are bad. In fact, they have many benefits. Exposure to sports and arts can provide exercise, discipline, creativity and leadership opportunities.

Many of these activities have cognitive and developmental benefits for our children. I am simply suggesting that we attempt to create balance in our children’s lives.

As we move into fall, and towards busier days, I encourage you to be mindful of your schedule. It may be helpful to ask yourself the following questions: • Is your child tired in the mornings?

• How many unscheduled afternoons does your child have per week?

• How many nights does your family eat together, at the dinner table?

My goal for this school year is to purposefully slow the pace, somewhat. (Baby steps).

My intention is to allow my children time to just be themselves. I want them to explore exactly what that means through interactions with their family, their friends and in those quiet moments, which are otherwise known as boredom. Maybe each child only participates in one extra curricular activity per term. If it means we can all be home for dinner, then the sacrifice will be worth it. The bonus is, instead of racing from one end of town to the other, I can relax and have a glass of wine while my children play.

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

IslandParent.ca

Thistle & Wren

Thistle & Wren

Children’s Consignment With a focus on curating beautiful preloved articles and partnering with like-minded small local and Canadian businesses; T&W’s goal is to provide local products while conscientiously extending the life of a garment.

thistleandwren.com

778-265-9736 1292 Gladstone September 2018 11

Where we draw for the fun of it!

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

2325 Central Avenue, Victoria

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info@playfulpencil.ca

www.playfulpencil.ca

An Argument for No Homework

A middle school teacher’s response to the question: ‘Why doesn’t my child have any homework?’

I

magine you hire a personal trainer to help you reach your fitness goals. You meet with him; he shows you the machines and talks through the exercises and movements he expects you to make. Perhaps he lets you try each machine quickly before showing the next. At the end of the tour, he says, “Ok you’ve got this—you’re on your own.”

How would you feel? What are the chances you’d remember all the steps? Avoid injury and mistakes along the way? Stay motivated and focused on your goal? While there is certainly a place for quiet, solitary, focused exercise, you would still want your trainer there to keep you on the right track, correct your mistakes along the way and provide motivating feedback.

“I like a teacher who gives you something to take home to think about besides homework.” Lily Tomlin

What the Research Says About Learning and Homework

Jacky’s

Village Sat. Oct. 6 1pm

VIU’s Malaspina Theatre

$12 2 for $20

250-754-7587 | theatreone.org 12 Island Parent Magazine

completing math sheets alone at home is not receiving any timely feedback or error correction.

• Children learn best when multiple senses are used to engage multiple brain pathways (Willis, 2006). When learning is presented through eyes, ears, movement and emotions, with time for talk and reflection along the way, children are engaged and concepts are remembered. In addition, everybody learns differently and a quality lesson reaches all students. It would be very difficult to design homework that meets this expectation.

“If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn.”

Ignacio Estrada

A Day in the Life of a Middle School Student

Your child arrives in the classroom bright-eyed and bushy-tailed at 8:40 a.m. Or perhaps sleepy-eyed and bushy-haired—but they arrive. Each and every day, ready to do their best but needing motivation and inspiration to achieve it. Over the next six or so hours they will be reading and talking, listening and speaking, laughing and reflecting. They will try to focus on mathematical formulas while simultaneously dealing with the peer interactions of adolescence. They will stretch their imaginations and reach into their memories. They will create and connect, compare and contrast, debate and discuss. They will also engage in a rigorous PE class, an exciting Exploratory rotation and perhaps even get to watch a performance designed to inspire. This is a full day. When your child comes home from school there are many things they should be doing, but I believe more schoolwork is not one of them.

In recent years, our understanding of the brain and how we learn has been growing at an unprecedented rate. Science can tell us so much about brain development and memory acquisition, and how it should affect your child’s classroom. This relates to homework in the following ways: • The process of turning learning into a memory is a physical one involving proteins and neurons in your brain. This physical process takes time and requires something known as “settling time”—periods of rest when the brain can pause to link new information to earlier associations, uses, and procedures. Too much, too fast, it won’t last (Jensen, 2005).

• Mistakes, not correct answers, make us smarter. In order to create efficient neural networks in the brain, a learner needs to try out several possible options and eliminate the ones that don’t work. Feed-back driven Alternatives to Homework learning makes more accurate and comHere are some valuable ways your child plex connections (Jensen, 2005). A child can spend time out of school: • Read-for-Pleasure studies are accumu-

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lating that show that reading for pleasure improves reading comprehension and writing skills, general knowledge, a better understanding of culture, community participation, and a greater insight into human nature and decision making.

• Be physically active. Brain-activation studies show that children and adolescents who are fit allocate more brain resources to a task and do so for longer periods of time.

Your child could walk, bike, swim, dance, play a sport, skateboard, hike, geocache, jog, work in the garden, walk the dog…

Deanne Sharp • Talk to your child about what they learned in school today. Encourage them to try to explain a concept in their own words so that you can understand it. Help them reflect upon what worked and what didn’t. What do they need to be successful?

Connect. Listen.

• Cook or grocery shop. Transferring learning is a difficult thing. By linking school concepts to the real-world, children are able to consolidate new information. Reading and following recipes reinforce language arts and math concepts. Figuring out sale prices, volume and weight conversions and estimating money all tie directly into the middle school math curriculum. The more exposure to real-world situations the richer and stronger the learning connections.

• Go Outside. Breathe the fresh air and listen to nature. Move and sit, be loud and quiet. Climb a tree, play tag, throw the ball for the dog or at a sibling, walk in the woods, sit by the beach, throw rocks, pick blackberries, jump over puddles, look in hollow trees. The world is amazing; get out in it.

• Sleep. As a rule, adolescents need more sleep—seven to nine hours a night. During sleep the brain is massively reorganizing newly stored experiences (Jensen 2005).

Loss of sleep hurts attention, executive function, working memory, mood, logical reasoning and even motor dexterity (Medina, 2008).

Deanne Sharp is a middle school teacher with School District 61, and the parent of two adolescent girls.

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Set up a school visit today! shawniganlakemontessori@shaw.ca

250-743-6279

Dedicated to providing inspired Montessori learning programs for children 30 months to 6 years of age. www.shawniganlakemontessori.com

September 2018 13

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

introduce

yourself

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

Participate in hands-on learning activities.

Tour your neighbourhood school.

Learn about community resources available to support families.

Wednesday, October 10, 2018 3:30 — 6:00 pm Join us at your neighbourhood school.

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

ḰELSET Elementary 250 655 4648

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

Songs for Starting School S

tarting school involves a big change as well as a time of great excitement for children. A little preparation before the big day can go a long way in easing your child’s transition to school. Sitting down together and reading books about the first days of school is a great way to introduce kids to school life. There are many picture books that can help to reassure young kids about starting school and familiarize them with the school routine and meeting their teachers.

The books below have the added incentive of singing. Singing makes the books extra fun and the songs will help to put them at ease as they enter the classroom in September.

Pete the Cat by Eric Litwin

Every success for every child www.saanichschools.ca

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

Nurturing young minds. Keeping the spirit free.

International Montessori Academies of Canada Preschool Kindergarten/elementary Strong Montessori academics/small classes French immersion/art and science

IMAC Montessori Academy

2375 Koksilah Road, Duncan 250-737-1119 www.intmontessori.ca 14 Island Parent Magazine

Pete the Cat has four bright red hightop shoes, an orange backpack, a green lunchbox and a red guitar. Pete the cat is an easy-going blue cat and he’s ready for school and nothing bothers him: not his first trip to the library, not the big, noisy lunchroom, not the green, grassy playground, and not the painting or math class. “Does Pete worry? Goodness no!” In fact, Pete just goes along singing his song and calmly accepting all the classroom activities. Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes is a good book for kids who need reassurance about coping with school life. You can hear the story performed by the author, Mr. Eric by downloading the free Pete the Cat song from the publisher’s website.

Here we Go Round the Mulberry Bush by Will Hillenbrand

This playful book is based on a melody from a traditional nursery rhyme. A shy little pig is having trouble adapting to the first day of school until he finds a friend who is hiding under a mulberry bush. With soft watercolor illustrations, the book is reassuring for all young children who are nervous about learning classroom activities in September. Sing along with little Pig as

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he builds a tower, splashes and pours, eats a snack, plays dress and pretend, and cleans up at school. Little Pig’s spirits are raised and by the end of the story he is singing, “I can’t wait to come back to school!” The book includes a piano music score.

The Wheels on the School Bus

by Mary-Alice Moore

This happy book is based on the wellknown action song that all primary teachers sing to their students in September. It promotes a sense of school community and

Is Your Child’s Face Developing Well?

Does your child breathe through his/her mouth?

Does your child suffer from allergies?

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

Does your child have an untreated tongue tie?

Does your child have crowded teeth?

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

Early Intervention can have far reaching benefits.

Jerri Carson STRAIGHT TEETH THE NATURAL WAY

introduces the school staff. Hop on the school bus to see familiar school figures such as a librarian, coach, the lunch ladies, teachers and a custodian perform their duties while travelling on the bus. The coach urges the students to “Catch, catch, catch,” the lunch ladies encourage them to “Eat! eat! eat!” and the art teacher directs them to “Paint, paint, paint!” With colorful, cartoonlike illustrations, the book is fun with silly lyrics and lots of crazy actions.

Every Little Thing by Cedella Marley

This uplifting picture book is based on the Jamaican singer Bob Marley’s song “Three Little Birds.” Follow in the story a little boy as he goes through his day. See him going off to school with his backpack, playing in the puddles, running in the playground and making mistakes. However, he doesn’t let anything get him down as he sings, “Don’t worry about a thing, ’cause every little thing is gonna be all right.” The book captures a feeling of happiness and hopefulness. The colourful illustrations give children a message about remaining positive and valuing friendship and love.

As school progresses through the year, help your kids celebrate and reflect on their new experiences. Most of all make sure your kids know you’re there to listen to their feelings and concerns.

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

HOW MYOBRACE® WORKS • Promotes breathing through the nose

Before

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

After 6 months

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

Year-round getaway on mayne island with direct daily ferries from swartz Bay

9 housekeeping cottages perfect for family getways Jerri Carson is a retired music teacher. She now spends her time playing the piano and cello.

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250-539-2463 • 1-877-535-2424 bluevista@bluevistaresort.com • www.bluevistaresort.com September 2018

15

Fall Programs

qualified and award winning teachers are dedicated to giving children dance experiences designed to develop imagination, musicality, kin aesthetic awareness and From art classes to wellness programs—and everything in between—our commuself confidence. Students age 3 to Profesnity offers many programs, resources and services for families. For more details sional are assisted to develop to their full on the following listings, please refer to the ads in this issue of Island Parent. potential. VAB is celebrated for its sense of community and dedication to developing in students lifelong transferable skills. Like us professional theatre education for young on FB victoriaacademyofballet.ca.

Art people since 1974. Offering classes in actJoin us for Fall art classes in the Art Gal- ing, musical theatre, film, and television and lery of Greater Victoria’s (AGGV) Studio more. Locations include Victoria, Sidney, Education Programs to connect with cool new ideas, techniques Saanich, and the West Shore. More inforand experiment with the creative process! mation and registration available online at LIFE Seminars, Dr. Allison Rees, offers Classes are for a wide range of ages inspired kaleidoscope.bc.ca. two eight week courses in the evenings.

by Gallery exhibitions. Register online: Parenting Children and Teens and Sideaggv.ca/art-studio; by phone: 250-384- The O’Brien School of Irish Dance offers stepping the Power Struggle. These courses 4171 ext 0; or in person: 1040 Moss Street. both recreational and competitive dance are suitable for parents and professionals For more information email: studio@aggv. programs for children to adults. Registra- dealing with kids of any age. The material tion is open all year for classes both in goes beyond some of the practical tips and ca. See you in the Studio!

Victoria, Nanaimo, and our new location into the deeper personal work around our Playful Pencil. Cartooning and comic Duncan. Highly energetic classes taught own boundaries, our history and what lies making, drawing and painting projects, with toe tapping music. Dancers are taught beneath our stumbling blocks. For a life nature journaling and more. The Playful the basics of traditional Irish step dance and changing experience: Lifeseminars.com.

Pencil Art Studio has lots to offer this fall ceile dancing (group), as well as show steps 250-595-2649. for kids ages to 4-15yrs that will inspire similar to those seen in Riverdance and Lord creativity and encourage them to draw for of the Dance. Opportunities to perform IMAX® Victoria delivers an experience so the fun of it. Visit playfulpencil.ca or call around the community especially around real you’ll forget you’re in a theatre. Home St. Patrick’s Day. See obrienirishdance to a 4K laser projection system that delivus at 778-265-2261. .com for more information or email ers a visual experience that will take your irishdance@shaw.ca. breath away, immersed by a surround sound system so precise you can hear a pin drop Dance/Drama/ Since 1980 STAGES Performing Arts from across the room—and know exactly Performing Arts School has offered professional instruc- where it fell. There is a great selection of Arabesque Dance Studio offers Classical tion in jazz, ballet, lyrical, tap, musical films playing daily and throughout the ballet instruction for students aged four theatre and hip hop for all ages and levels evening. Whatever you choose to see will years to advanced levels. Students develop of experience; preschool to professional. be an adventure. imaxvictoria.com. a sense of artistic line, musicality, grace It is our goal to promote self-confidence, and agility, as well as focus and technical self-esteem, and fulfilment in each student. strength in a friendly and supportive atmo- We believe that all students should have Gymnastics sphere. Valerie Grant, owner and teacher, is an equal opportunity to learn in a safe, a Licentiate member of the Cecchetti Society non-competitive environment which fosters Victoria Gymnastics is celebrating its of Canada, the Imperial Society of Teachers self-expression, a healthy body, confidence, 39th year and enjoying the success of its of Dancing, and Cecchetti International. and encourages responsibility, discipline, two locations—downtown and the newest Ballet examinations are available in the Cec- inspiration, creativity and pride in their location near Royal Roads University in chetti Method. Classes begin in September accomplishments. For more information, Colwood. We continue to provide qualand finish with a few small performances please call STAGES at 250-384-3267 or ity artistic gymnastics for boys and girls and a recital in June. For more information visit our website stagesdance.com. ages two through adult, beginner through visit dancearabesque.ca, call 250-595advanced. Our non-competitive achieve3107, or email valerie@dancearabesque. ment programs provide children with a ca and follow us on Facebook. skill set advantage for all activities. We guarantee our 8 to 1 ratio, offer convenient Kaleidoscope’s Performing Arts Studio class times and ensure certified instruction provides exciting and comprehensive exploso that your child will excell in a wellration of fundamental acting techniques in structured, fun and safe environment. Visit a fun and safe learning environment. With Victoria Academy of Ballet is widely victoriagymnastics.com. over 40 years of experience, discover why recognized as a leading Canadian dance Kaleidoscope has been Victoria’s choice in school. The Faculty of internationally

16 Island Parent Magazine

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Music

The Nanaimo Conservatory of Music was founded in 1977. Operating from its facility at 375 Selby Street, in the heart of the Old City Quarter, the Conservatory provides music instruction to children and adults from central Vancouver Island. The Conservatory prepares students for festivals and all levels of the Royal Conservatory of Music and Western Board exams. All of our instructors are highly qualified and dedicated; many are members of the Vancouver Island Symphony Orchestra. ncmusic.ca.

Success in music, success in life… a winning combination for your family. The Tom Lee Music Academy 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.

Victoria Conservatory of Music. When children experience music hands-on, the benefits are well-known. From motor-skill development to socialization, exposure to music at an early age has wonderfully positive effects. Most importantly, though, music is fun. In our interactive, familyoriented classes, kids and parents alike learn new skills and develop a life-long appreciation for music. Whether your child is shy in new situations or outgoing and busy all the time, our experienced faculty draw on a variety of proven methodologies to provide programs that are engaging and adaptable.

250-386-5311. vcm.bc.ca/fun.

Bring your family to our family.

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

Recreation

browne associates

Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre. Back to School can mean busy schedules for the family so don’t forget to make time for fun! We’ve made sure there’s something for everyone: Preschoolers: Tiny Toes Ballet, art, soccer, swimming lessons, skating.

School Age: ballet, soccer, home alone,

Full Service Law Firm Crystal Buchan

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#109–1633 Hillside Ave 250-598-1888 info@browneassociates.ca www.browneassociates.ca September 2018 17

music, tennis, swimming, skating. Teens: Red Cross Babysitter, lifesaving/first-aid, skating. Adults: kayaking, day trips, bootcamp, dance, swimming, skating. You can register 24/7 with online registration for Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre programs.

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

Juan de Fuca Skating Club has Exciting News! We have developed a new CanSkate Program. Exciting new features include a fresh new look, new awards, great tools for certified coaches and most importantly a tested and proven curriculum and delivery methods that guarantee skater success in developing stronger basic skills and developing them faster. The new program also includes specific skills that pertain to hockey, speed skating and figure skating. For more information visit juandefucaskatingclub.ca.

It’s not too late to be a part of our school this September!

We are still accepting applications for students entering Kindergarten through to Grade 4 2085 Maple Bay Road, Duncan • (250) 746-5919 • qa@cisdv.bc.ca

Experience Did You Know? the increased visual demands of the precision of Often schoolwork can make greater demands a child’s visual skills, pointing out a customized vision onvision problem that was not apparent

before school. The child may not realize they have a vision problem – they may simply assume everyone sees the way they do.

A vision-related problem may cause some of the symptoms described below: • headaches or irritability • avoidance of near or distance work

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

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

New Patients Welcome 18 Island Parent Magazine

• covering or rubbing of the eyes • tilting of the head or unusual posture • using a finger to maintain place while reading • losing place while reading • omitting or confusing words when reading • performing below their potential Protect your child’s vision. If you notice any of these symptoms, book an eye exam with a Doctor of Optometry.

Victoria Synchro fall registration. Synchronized swimming recreational classes start in October: Synchro Kids ages 4-6 Wed 4-5 pm, Synchro School ages 7-11 choice of Mon, Tues or Thurs evening classes; Synchro for Teens ages 12+. All classes participate in club water shows. Saanich Commonwealth Place. It’s swimming combined with music, dance, gymnastics & drama and it’s a team sport. Fun, fitness & friends. Website: victoriasynchro.com.

For more information and to register please email: jennifervicsynchro@gmail.com.

Science Every scientist was once a child. Mad Science sparks children’s interest in science, encourages their curiosity and builds their confidence and skills as they create a variety of interesting projects to take home and use to explore the world every day. We know that inspiration and genius are one and the same. In our six-week long afterschool program, children participate in scientific exploration that is so much fun, they forget they are learning. And what a great adventure we have. Don’t hesitate, join in the Mad Science family at vancouverisland. madscience.com.•

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Learn at Play E

ngaging in literacy activities as a family improves a child’s skills and also helps adults keep their skills sharp. Here are a few ideas from ABC Life Literacy Canada to get your family started.

Play With Your Food: Get toothpicks and small pieces of apple, cheese, grapes, or whatever snack you want (marshmallows, yum). Now build a house, tower or circle by attaching your snacks with toothpicks.

Best part is you can eat it (not the toothpicks, of course)!

Slumber Party Book Club: Choose a book to read as a family, then watch the movie together in your PJs. Talk about what you liked from the book and the movie (and don’t forget, lots of popcorn).

Pack Your Bags: Have your teen plan a dream family trip. They can plan the whole thing—from hotel, to adventures, to flights.

Build research skills while having fun.

Favourite Food Find: Create a grocery store scavenger hunt with your weekly shopping list. Maybe add a few special items you don’t get all the time for a special treat (and an extra challenge for scavengers).

Draw Me A Home: Get large sheets of paper and draw the rooms of your dream home. Add in the rooms you always wanted (trampoline in your bedroom and pool in the basement!). Get some of your favourite toys and play with them in the house.

Letter Model It: With modeling clay, make the letters of your name using all the colours of the rainbow.

Favourite Family Food: Write down how to make your favourite family meal.

Share the recipe with your friends and family or make a video showing how to make the meal.

Text You Later: Encourage older kids to read and write through texting. Send them a link to an article you think they’ll like and ask them what they thought.

The Punch Line Is: Swap your favourite jokes with your friends. See if your parents know them. (What’s a ninja’s favourite drink? WATAAAAA!!!!)

The Letter Train: Say a word and have your friend say a new word that begins with the last letter of the word you just said (play, yellow, waffles, snow).

For more suggestions on ways to Learn at Play, visit abclifeliteracy.ca IslandParent.ca

LIFE Seminars Parenting Courses Presented by

Dr. Allison Rees and the LIFE Team

Delivering courses to parents and professionals for over 25 years.

Check out the fall lineup: lifeseminars.com Or Call: 250-595-2649

Reaching Your Full Potential One Little Step At A Time Little Learners therapeutic program for school readiness; Connections therapeutic groups for school-aged children; Hands-On Training for community members working with children with additional needs; Professional Development for small groups; Clinical services including behaviour consulting, occupational therapy, speechlanguage therapy, physiotherapy, art therapy, music therapy, and feeding therapy.

Contact our office at 250-386-1171 or by emailing admin@mylittlesteps.net September 2018 19

Island Parent on for Vancouver Island

Celebrating

30 Years

The Resource Publicati

Parents

September 2018

Fall Programs Guide An Argument for No Homework

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

GREATER VICTORIA Thrifty Foods Fairway Market Real Canadian Superstore Save-On-Foods (except Westside) Lifestyle Market Country Grocer (Esquimalt & Royal Oak) Quality Foods Market on Yates & Millstream Western Foods Recreation Centres Public Libraries Serious Coffee Victoria Gymnastics SOOKE Western Foods Village Foods Seaparc Recreation DUNCAN Thrifty Foods Save-On-Foods Real Canadian Superstore 49th Parallel Public Library

CHEMAINUS 49th Parallel Public Library SHAWNIGAN LAKE Aitken & Fraser Grocery Community Centre Kerry Park Recreation LADYSMITH Save-On-Foods 49th Parallel Public Library NANAIMO Thrifty Foods Fairway Market Quality Foods Save-On-Foods PARKSVILLE Thrifty Foods Quality Foods Parksville Centre

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

islandparent.ca 250-388-6905 20

Island Parent Magazine

Freedom from Stuff S

tuff.

It’s everywhere: under the bed, in the closet, on the desks and at times even in my room. This is not just a “my kids” issue. When I look around, it appears to be a “more than not” kid issue.

Why do we, as parents, feel the need to buy so much stuff for our kids? At times it feels as though we need to have a bringback-the-80s revolution to parenting. Yup, those were the days when the front yard and a stick was all a kid needed to play with for an entire morning. Throw in a piece of old rope and you had yourself a pretend dog for the day.

This is the problem with kids these days…

Uh, did I just hear my mom’s voice come out of my mouth?

Let’s start again.

A few years ago, after my divorce, I found out I was poor. Yup, in many cases it happens just like that. The spouse leaves and takes the family wallet with them. We were never rich when we were together, but we had a comfortable existence. I had been able to stay at home and raise my children after I had my third baby. We camped through a large part of the summer and our kids were all in the sports of their choice. They had toys, games and if they needed something it was usually not out of reach.

Funny thing with needs and wants, the difference between the two becomes clear once a person becomes a single parent.

All of a sudden expensive extracurricular sports became a want, not a need or a right.

Let’s just say appreciation for these “extra” things went up volumes in the coming years.

Shoes were a need. Nike shoes were a want.

And vacations, well that was literally a dream from another life.

I started to look forward to my kids not getting an invite to a birthday or being unable to go, so that I didn’t have to struggle to buy birthday gifts for kids we barely knew with what was already a budget stretched to the limit. Priority one was to pay the bills so my children and I had a place to live.

I began to feel ashamed at how little I had noticed in my previous life, all overspending and overconsuming. Extravagant birthday

parties for kids that probably cost parents upwards of $500 and presents on top of that. Christmas photos posted online of gifts under the tree spilling out from the living room into the hall. Photo’s posted almost like trophies.

Shannon K. Auringer

With my new seat in the nosebleed section of spending, I found I was becoming hyper-sensitive to all the unconscious overindulgence that I not only saw all around me, but was so guilty of in my previous life.

Losing our stuff had been painful for me.

Having to sell the things we had acquired so I could pay my lawyer and my bills was humiliating yet oddly freeing.

Now, looking back eight years later, there are a few things I would do differently.

But my choice to downgrade and simplify would not be one of them. Replacing over the top birthday “events” with a simple family dinner and a two-present limit on Christmas morning were both financial savers as well as emotional. My kids and I all learned how to value relationships and people over stuff, and to appreciate each dollar saved to finally get that something wonderful.

Suddenly I was no longer apologetic of my financial situation. This was our new reality and our priorities had changed. The kids and I started to collect experiences and memories instead of more things to have to pack and unpack. Attachment for material items became a thing of the past and life got more interesting.

Shannon K. Auringer lives in Victoria with her family. She spends her spare time globetrotting and writing for her travel website. For more of Shannon’s work, visit dougandshannon.com or Instagram @dougandshannon IslandParent.ca

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

2018/19 2018/19 Children’s Children’s Ballet Classes Ballet 2018/19 Bleiddyn del Villar Bellis Artistic Director Fellow & Examiner CSC-CICB Enrico Cecchetti Final Diploma

Children’s September to June Ballet Classes

Classes

Including a FREE to June September dance class for boys 7-11.

Now in it’s 3rd year, Including a FREE dance classCAN for boys BOYS DANCE 7-11. isIncluding ain positive forFREE Now it’s 3rd year,way a BOYS CAN boys toDANCE get interested is a positive way forclass for boys dance in dance! boys to get interested 7-11. now - this in Register dance!

Register now - thisbecomes class always in it’s 3rd year, classNow always becomes waitlisted! waitlisted!

September to June

Photo credit: David Cooper Photo credit: David Cooper

BOYS CAN DANCE is a positive way for boys to get 250-590-6752 interested admin@victoriaacademyofballet.ca 250-590-6752 in dance! victoriaacademyofballet.ca Register admin@victoriaacademyofballet.ca now - this victoriaacademyofballet.ca class always becomes waitlisted!

IslandParent.ca

September 2018 21

Community Board Making our Community a Better Place to Live Art Gallery of Greater Victoria aggv.ca Child Care Resource & Referral childcarevictoria.ca

Parent Coaching “I

t takes a village to raise your kids.”

And yet, so many parents feel like they are wandering through the pre-teen/ teen years in the dark. And alone.

Parenting is a hard job.

In the teen years, it isn’t just hard, it can be heartbreaking, even scary. Do you often find yourself thinking “What is going on here!” One reason for this is we often get stuck in habits and then act in ways that no longer work as our families grow and change. So feeling confused and not know-

and changing my family relationships for the better.

Do I still have parenting fails? Sure I do, but I have developed skills and solutions to redeem these difficult moments with my whole family in mind. I have become my own family’s coach.

Reasons for a coach: You’re stuck at start. You have a vision or goal for how you want your family to be. Yet, you can’t figure out how to make it happen. It could be that your goal is to

ing what is going on, or not knowing what to do is OK. We all feel that way sometimes.

A parent coach can support you in developing new habits to create positive change in your home. Coaching is basically a discussion with a purpose. The purpose of learning to look at things differently and to take action to make things happen for you—not to you.

When I brought a parent coach into my “village,” I gained clarity on how I was feeling, acting, and reacting in ways that didn’t serve my growing family. My parent coach guided me in gaining awareness

have a more trusting relationship with your kids. That is huge. But, how do you do this in every day life? Where do you start?

A parent coach will partner with you and start right where you are today. Your coach will help you get clear on what your vision or goal looks and feels like. You will then take on actions to build new habits that move you and your family, in real time, towards your goal.

You’re under siege. Today’s busier, faster super-sized life is taking its toll. Your schedule, their schedules, work, spouses,

Foster Parent Support Services Society fpsss.com Joe Music joemusic.ca Phoenix Theatre phoenixtheatres.ca Royal BC Museum royalbcmuseum.bc.ca Victoria Children’s Choir VictoriaChildrensChoir.ca Victoria Conservatory of Music vcm.bc.ca Enquire about non-profit brochure or magazine distribution in Greater Victoria:

publisher@islandparent.ca 22 Island Parent Magazine

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A parent coach offers an unbiased safe environment where you can acknowledge conflicting feelings and explore what isn’t working in your family. Your coach will help you move past the frustration and toward developing strategies to impact the things that you have had little success in changing. Your coach will be in your court for the inevitable set-backs and hurdles, as you redeem the bad things and move your family to a place of shared appreciation.

You’re worried sick for your teen.

Your teenager is anxious, depressed or withdrawn. You don’t know what is going on. They won’t tell you. You’re scared it’s drugs, not eating, pornography, or bullying, boundaries and develop common sense etc. You don’t know what to say or what to do. You can’t sleep or work. You are strategies that keep you on track.

You’re frustrated and can’t get past paralyzed with fear.

A parent coach will help empower you the anger. Your day-to-day family relationships and interactions have stalled. It to shift and believe that you, the parent, could be that your teen is lying, rebellious knows what is best for your child and famand openly defiant. It could be that you and ily. They will coach you in how to listen, your spouse don’t see eye-to-eye on how hear and respond to your teen in a way that to parent. As much as you try, you can’t empowers you both. If needed, your coach help feeling angry. Your attempts at family can also help you access other professional discussions dissolve into yelling, criticizing resources or support for your teen. and blaming. kids, lessons, practices, games, friends—all adding to demands. You are spinning your wheels and losing sleep. You can’t prioritize.

You need less battle and more balance.

A parent coach can help you sort through what is really important. Together, you will weigh the options, set priorities, establish

Florie Varga

You want more. Your family is moving along pretty smoothly. You want to maintain this trend or you may just need a little pick me up. You want to ensure you have the skills to guide your teens to become responsible and independent.

A parent coach can inspire you to be the positive force in your family. As you tap into your resourcefulness, creativity and wholeness, you will gain confidence in your parenting skills and you will “show-up” and be accountable to be the kind of parent you really want to be for your kids.

There is no one-size-fits-all or golden method to building healthy functioning family relationships, but a parent coach in your ‘village’ can support you in discovering what works best for your family and in becoming your own parent coach.

Florie Varga is the mother of two preteen/teens girls and is a certified parent/life coach with Affinity Coaching, affinitycoaching.ca.

Because your first journey to motherhood can feel like visiting another world.

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Bursting into Light

October 10 – 20, 2018 Written & Performed by Nicolle Nattrass | Director TJ Dawe

PREVIEW@8PM: OCTOBER 9 | EVENINGS@8PM: TUES. - SAT. | MATINEES@2PM: SAT. OCTOBER 13 & 20 NOTE: This is a show about families but not a family show as it includes strong language and mature content.

Recommended for all new parents, old parents, grandparents and anyone who HAS a mom! Suitable for ages 16+

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Island Parent Magazine

September 2018 23

Cleaning House

M

y husband had an interesting revelation the other day. Interesting, at least, in the world of a busy mom. It came after I used what was one of my best white bath towels to clean the dirty bathroom floor. It was already thrown on the floor, so using that to my advantage, I took my foot and dragged the towel across the sandy wet puddles, courtesy of my daughter taking a bathroom break after a swim at the lake.

So this counts for cleaning my floors, does it not? My floors are clean for a week, maybe a month right?

Oh, man. What has my life come to?

Although I was immediately disappointed in myself, a little later that evening I realized I’ve taken great leaps from what I used to be, which was an obsessively clean mom.

This silly revelation got me thinking about a trend I’ve noticed recently in the parenting world: more and more families seem to be hiring house cleaners. I’m especially seeing this among my working-outside-the-home mom circle.

Even some of my mom friends who stay at home are doing it.

No judgements either way. I totally get why it’s catching on.

Keeping up with housework when you have

kiddos—and especially if you’re not home much—sometimes feels impossible. And I’m talking about even just basic housework, like laundry, dishes and tidying up.

But what about getting down on hands and knees and scrubbing the bathroom floor? Or cleaning the oven?

What often gets neglected in our household is those deeper cleans, the floors, mouldings, walls, doors, cupboards and behind couches, etc.

It sure does feel nice when your house is clean top to bottom. It’s even better, if you ask me, when it’s done for you. I feel much happier and organized when my house is clean. I’m not stepping on Lego, so that’s cool. I’m not scrambling looking for Audrey’s lunch kit for daycare that’s tucked away in her closet where she was hosting a teddy bear tea party, so that’s cool, too.

Having someone else clean your house frees up time with your kids which is important. Being present and in the moment, letting go and being silly and finding new adventures is amazing.

I could spend a full day cleaning the house.

But I’d rather be at the beach or taking my kids somewhere new for a day trip, visiting a friend and her kid, anything but cleaning.

I said this to my husband as a hint.

What did he do?

He got a bucket, funny enough the one we use to clean our cars, filled it with soap and water and started wiping down the bathroom.

Ashley Degraaf No, he did not use the truck wash-mitt, but I’m sure that would have come in handy.

Let me pause to say what an awesome husband he is. I’m lucky he hears me and is willing to help out with these kinds of things. He knows I work hard and appreciates it.

However, I’m still working on him to hire a house cleaner from time to time—it would free up so much time to spend together as a family.

If you’re contemplating this possibility like I am, now is a good time. Say good-bye to messy “Summer House” and hello to new fall adventures and memories.

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

Are you going through a separation and want what’s best for your child?

Learn how to co-parent effectively!

Building the Future with Effective Co-Parenting program will help you: • Understand how the “best interests of your child” applies to your life • Shift from a marital relationship to a business-like co-parenting one • Prepare for mediation so you can get the most out of it • Build new co-parenting skills, including: ~ Awareness of conflict patterns in your co-parenting relationship ~ How to keep calm when conflict happens ~ How to communicate through conflict ~ How to separate marital issues from co-parenting ones in the best interests of the child Cost of series $100 per person. Reduced rate for our mediation clients. Subsidies available.

Call us at 250-383-4412 or email office@dialogueandresolutionservices.ca 24 Island Parent Magazine

IslandParent.ca

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victoriagymnastics.com September 2018

25

magic & mythical Creatures

A

s schools start again and fall and winter routines begin to become routine again, it can feel like there is a little less magic in the air. But, with a little imagination, magic is never too far away. And in case you need a bit of help breathing new life into your days, here are a few stories for you and your kids to enjoy that are filled with magic, mermaids, and other mythical creatures.

In the first book, Julián is a Mermaid, by Jessica Love (Candlewick, 2018), a young boy named Julián loves to go swimming with his Abuela. One day, after they’ve been to the pool, he sees three mermaids on the subway and he is enthralled. He decides to become a mermaid, too, but making his costume makes a huge mess in his Abuela’s home.

This is a beautiful tale about self-discovery, accepting and loving others for who they are, and feeling comfortable in your own skin. The interplay between the story and images is amazing, and if you aren’t paying attention from the very first page, you are going to miss some of the story.

For ages 4 to 8.

In the second magical story, Backyard Fairies by Phoebe Wahl (Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2018), a young girl goes on a quest to find the fairies in the forest by her house. She searches in stumps and branches, she leaves them offerings, which they accept and replace with gifts of their own, but she still can’t find them. As she falls asleep one night after yet another unsuccessful search, she wonders if they are really there at all.

In the bright and vibrant pictures that grace the pages of the book, the reader can see the fairies just beyond the young girl’s sight. But the images are so detailed that, you will have to look for them just like girl in the book, and every time you open the book, you are bound to find something new hidden within the pages. For ages 3 to 7.

Another book filled with mermaids is Darkling Green by Kim M. Thompson (Dundurn, 2016). In this story, which is the third book in The Eldritch Manor series, Willa spends as much time as she can visit-

ing her grandmother, who is a mermaid, at Eldritch Manor, a sort of retirement home for mythical creatures. While there, she tries to keep things running smoothly, which means keeping the neighbours unaware of the Manor’s magical and mythical inhabitants, coaxing the fairy queen to keep up her work knitting the time scarf, and keeping the other residents out of trouble.

Unfortunately for her, not everything goes as planned.

Throughout the fantastical elements of this story, Thompson effectively weaves in a subplot about the relationship between Willa, her mother, and her grandmother.

As the story goes along, the women work through feelings of betrayal, anger, and guilt from the lies they’ve all told as they struggle to forgive one another for the past.

For ages 9 to 12.

The next story, Fairy Mom and Me (PRH Canada Young Readers, 2018), is written

by Sophie Kinsella, the woman behind the Shopaholic series, and it is illustrated by Marta Kissi. In Fairy Mom and Me, Ella dreams of the day she will be able to cast spells just like the other women in her family. While she waits to be old enough to learn magic on her own, she likes to sit in and watch her mother’s fairy lessons.

But, even though Ella’s mother is a great business woman, she isn’t all that good at fairy magic, and that causes all kinds of problems for Ella and her family.

This is a fantastic story about motherdaughter relationships. Both women support each other and challenge the other one to do their best, and then, if it doesn’t go as planned, which it usually doesn’t, they’re still there encouraging the other and trying to help them find a good solution. For ages 7 to 10.

The next magical novel is The Wonderling by Mira Bartók (Candlewick, 2017).

A nameless fox-like creature is growing up in a horrible, horrible orphanage for groundlings when he meets and saves Trinket, who dubs him Arthur—after the head of the Round Table—for his bravery.

She then convinces him to escape with her and they go and try to find their destinies.

IslandParent.ca

This exquisitely written story will transport you to Miss Carbunkle’s Home for Wayward and Misbegotten Creatures, Lumentown, and all of the places in between, as you follow along with Arthur on his quest to find out where he came from and why he’s here. One of the main themes of this story is that anyone can make a positive change in the world; it doesn’t matter how big you

FALL STUDIO

Christina Van Starkenburg book Nook are, or where you are from, you just have to try. For ages 10 to 14.

The final story is The Magician’s Secret

by Zachary Hyman, who is a forward for the Toronto Maple Leafs, and illustrated by Joe Bluhm (Tundra Books, 2018). Charlie loves to spend time with his grandfather because he is a magician and he loves to tell stories. One day, Charlie’s father tells him that all of his grandfather’s stories are made-up. Charlie is crushed and goes to ask his grandfather the truth.

This story explores the power of one’s imagination, and how it’s important for people to have dreams and believe that they are capable of achieving those dreams. It’s people like that who helped humans walk on the moon, design cameras, and create cars. For ages 5 to 8.

Christina Van Starkenburg is a freelance writer and mother of two young boys. You can read about their adventures at thebookandbaby. com.

IslandParent.ca

Join us in the AGGV Studio for inspiring art classes this fall!

Connect with cool new ideas, techniques and experiment with the creative process.

Classes are for a wide range of ages and are inspired by current Gallery exhibitions.

REGISTER TODAY AT: aggv.ca/learn/aggv-studio 250.384.4171 or in person at 1040 Moss Street For more information about art classes contact: studio@aggv.ca aggv.ca

Shop Local. Ship Local.

Nanaimo to Victoria: Free shipping on most website orders over $100

koolandchild.com Kool Toys & Teaching Tools

#102 – 2517 Bowen Road Nanaimo 888.390.1775 September 2018

27

Family Calendar

For calendar updates throughout the month visit IslandParent.ca

S ept / O ct Our Generous Sponsors

September SATURDAY

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Victoria & CRD

Victoria & CRD

Bear Necessities 10:30am at East Sooke Regional Park We can co-exist with these magnificent forest Who’s Hooting? dwellers. Join a CRD Regional Parks naturalist to 10am at Mill Hill Regional Park The owls are hooting. Join a CRD Regional Parks learn about the natural history of the black bear. naturalist to learn some owl calls, find out about Meet at the kiosk in the Aylard Farm parking lot off these excellent night hunters, and get to know our Beecher Bay Road. 5+ years. Free. crd.bc.ca/parks.

BC owls. Meet at the information kiosk in the park- 250-478-3344. ing lot off Atkins Avenue. 5+ years. BC Transit #53.

Vintage, Retro & Collectible Show and Sale Free. crd.bc.ca/parks. 250-478-3344.

9:30am at Mary Winspear Centre A great mix of interesting stuff. 50s vintage clothes, Back-To-School Family Fest bags, shoes and collectibles; re-purposed furniture 11am at Willows Beach Park and fabulous lamps and collectibles. Toys, including Beach Drive and Dalhousie Street Come enjoy the last weekend of summer holidays dinky cars, meccano, mechanical and everything with live music, free food, bouncy houses, games, from stuffed to Star Wars. $5; $20/early birds crafts, face painting, a photo booth, and more. Free. (8:30am). facebook.com/VintageRetroCollectible.

250-220-1645. canvaschurch.ca. mike@canvaschurch.ca.

Saturday Star Party 7:15pm at Dominion Astrophysical Observatory Guest speakers, solar and nighttime observing with telescopes provided by RASC Victoria Centre volunteers, tours of the historic Plaskett telescope, and more. Rain or shine. 8:45-9:30pm: Children’s activities in the information area including make and take craft tables, family scavenger hunt, iPad interactives, night sky viewing. Tickets available from eventbrite.ca. Free, but admission is by ticket only. victoria.rasc.ca/category/events.

FRIDAY

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Victoria & CRD Emergency Preparedness Workshop 1pm at Victoria City Hall Antechamber Are you and your family prepared for an emergency such as a power outage, winter storm, earthquake or tsunami? Your family needs to have enough food, water and supplies to cope for at least seven days without outside assistance, depending on the emergency. Learn the hazards that can affect Victoria,

what to include in your emergency kits, what you can do to protect your home from an earthquake, and how to reunite with your loved ones after a disaster. Free. VictoriaReady.ca. 250-920-3373. emvic@victoria.ca.

SATURDAY

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Victoria & CRD One Day Community Event 10am at Topaz Park Topaz Ave and Blanshard St One Day is an outdoor community event for all ages which provides musical entertainment, accessible activities, Kid’s Fun Zone, and a low-cost BBQ. Marketplace for local artisans. Free. facebook. com/OneDayVictoria. 250-727-3891. cmyra@ beconsupport.ca.

The Beach Rocks 10am at Island View Beach Regional Park The tide is out! Join a CRD Regional Parks naturalist and get a glimpse of the creatures that live beneath the rocks. Be prepared to get your feet wet (bring sandals or beach shoes). Meet at the grassy area adjacent to the picnic shelter off Homathko Road. All ages. Free. crd.bc.ca/parks. 250-478-3344.

Traditional Indigenous Storytime for Families 10am at Bruce Hutchison Branch Library Join Surrounded by Cedar Children and Family Services for a monthly storytelling group featuring traditional storytellers, art, and song. For children and their families. Free. gvpl.ca. 250-940-GVPL (4875).

Learn something new...

Standard and Emergency First Aid, parenting classes and learn to train your pooch – all classes offered at WSPR. Go online at westshorerecreation.ca to learn more.

Re�is��� ��W! 250-478-8384 | westshorerecreation.ca 28 Island Parent Magazine

IslandParent.ca

Cohousing in Sidney Information Session 4:30pm at McTavish Academy of Art 1720 McTavish Road, North Saanich Come hear about the latest developments of Ravens Crossing Cohousing—a multi-generational, intentional community housing development in Sidney.

Meet the members, ask questions, and learn how you can participate. Free. ravenscrossingcohousing .ca. 250-466-5312. ravenscrossingcohousing@ gmail.com.

Greg Cummings—Gorilla Tactics ‘How to Save a Species’ 7pm at The Robert Bateman Centre 470 Belleville St Join Greg Cummings for an illustrated talk highlighting his 25-year career as a conservationist and safari guide in East Africa. Gorilla Greg gets up close and personal with our hairy mountain cousins. $10; free for members. batemancentre.org/events/7050.

250-940-3630. events@batemancentre.org.

animals live in the forest through inspiring sensory activities, songs, and stories. There is no fee for this program but you must pre-register by September 5 as space is limited. 5 years and under. Free. crd. bc.ca/parks. 250-478-3344.

monday

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Nanaimo & Area Splish Splash Swim 6:30pm at Ravensong Aquatic Centre 737 James St. A water adventure you don’t want to miss. The lifeguards are going to bring out all the pool toys for you to enjoy. From the rope swing to the snake to the dino ribs, there will be water play for ev- pared to get your feet wet (bring sandals or beach eryone. Regular admission. rdn.bc.ca/recreation. shoes). Meet at the kiosk near the main beach off Metchosin Road. BC Transit #54 or #55. All ages.

250-752-5014.

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

TUESDAY

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Nanaimo & Area

Victoria & CRD

Under the Surface 10am at Pipers Lagoon Park Did you know that there is a mysterious world living just beneath the surface of our oceans and streams?

Come and explore in search of these critters and learn about the life surrounding the shoreline.

Discover what that slimy stuff is, what gets stuck between your toes, and more. Parent participation required. For ages 3-6. $8/person. recreation. nanaimo.ca. 250-756-5200.

Easter Seals Drop Zone 9am at CIBC Building 1175 Douglas Street The Easter Seals Drop Zone is a knee-shaking, heartpounding fundraising adventure that encourages you to get out of your comfort zone and face your fears by rappelling from the top of the 13-storey CIBC building—all in support of Canadians living with disabilities. Become a superhero for a day and register to rappel as an individual or recruit your family, friends or colleagues to take the Drop Zone challenge. dropzonebc.ca. 250-415-2156.

SBernays@eastersealsbcy.ca.

Glow in the Dark Skate 6:30pm at Frank Crane Arena Skate in an atmosphere of dimmed lighting and special effects. Regular admission. recreation. nanaimo.ca. 250-756-5200.

SATURDAY

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People, Plants, Places 11am at Island View Beach Regional Park Enjoy this beautiful park with CRD Regional Parks SUNDAY TH naturalists and guest nature walkers and ethnobotanists Earl Claxton Jr. and John-Bradley Williams. Play Victoria & CRD Sandy Shore Explore a plant challenge and see why Island View Beach 10am at Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park is so special. Guided walks offered at 11:15am and Forest Buddies Join a CRD Regional Parks naturalist for an intertidal 1pm. Look for the blue tent by the picnic area off 11am at Francis/King Regional Park Bring your little ones to Francis/King Regional Park to exploration and discover the strange and wonderful Homathko Road. All ages. Free. crd.bc.ca/parks. be the best buddies they can be to the forest. Help creatures that appear between the tides. Be pre- 250-478-3344. meet the forest, feed the forest, and discover what

9

We support local

Supporting local at Thrifty Foods spans beyond the thousands of products locally grown and produced for our stores. Local is about people. Local is about supporting our partners in communities across BC.

Source local Eat happy

thriftyfoods.com IslandParent.ca

1.800.667.8280

Connect with us September 2018 29

Welcome to our 4 Reggio-Inspired centres!

Family Book Club 2pm at Esquimalt Branch Library Read a children’s chapter book together as a family, and then come to the library for some light conversation and a book-based activity. September book is One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate. For ages 9-12 and accompanying adult. Please register online or call for more information. Free. gvpl.ca.

250-940-GVPL (4875).

Cowichan Valley Annual September Festival 10am at St. John’s Anglican Church 3295, Cobble Hill Road Fun for families at one of the biggest and best recycling events of the year. Free. stjohnscobblehill.ca.

250-743-3095. pipwoodcock@gmail.com.

Nanaimo & Area

Nanaimo & Area The Terry Fox Run 9am at Rathrevor Beach Provincial Park, Parksville Walk, ride or run 3.3kms, 5km, or 10kms to support the Terry Fox Run for cancer research. Registration begins at 9am and run starts at 10am. Register and pledge online at terryfox.org. No entry fee and no minimum pledge required. Free. rdn.bc.ca/parks.

250-248-3252.

TUESDAY

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Nanaimo & Area Under the Surface 10am at Linley Valley Parking Lot, Nanaimo Did you know that there is a mysterious world living just beneath the surface of our oceans and streams?

Come and explore in search of these critters and learn about the life surrounding the shoreline.

Discover what that slimy stuff is, what gets stuck between your toes, and more. For ages 3-6. Parent participation required. $8/person. recreation. nanaimo.ca. 250-756-5200.

Splish Splash Swim 1:30pm at Ravensong Aquatic Centre 737 James St, Parksville A water adventure you don’t want to miss. The lifeguards are going to bring out all the pool toys for you to enjoy. From the rope swing to the snake WEDNESDAY TH to the dino ribs, there will be water play for everyone. Regular admission. rdn.bc.ca/recreation. Victoria & CRD 250-752-5014.

Science Literacy Week: Science Storytime for Starlight Skate Preschoolers 7pm at Nanaimo Ice Centre 10:30am at Juan de Fuca Branch Library An opportunity to come out and enjoy the soft light Listen to stories and participate in fun activities that “stars” and passive LED glow lights. This is a great teach the scientific concepts behind the stories. For time for families after dinner, or that “night out” with ages 3-5. Please register online or call for more friends. Regular admission. recreation.nanaimo.ca. information. Free. gvpl.ca. 250-940-GVPL (4875).

250-756-5200.

19

Our educators are leading conferences, hosting workshops and publishing articles in child care journals.

Our second location is now open, next door!

• Art classes in our impressive Ateliers • 4 acres of natural forest play space • Exceptional quality of care • BC Prov. award of excellence in child care • Victoria’s only Reggio-Emilia/ Nature Daycare

lexieslittlebears.ca 250-590-3603 30 Island Parent Magazine

SUNDAY

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THURSDAY

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Victoria & CRD

Victoria & CRD Art Fest 11am at Eagle Creek Village 29 Helmcken Fun activities for all ages. Arts and crafts activities, meet local artists, live music, face painting, bouncy castle, and more. Free art kit for the first 100 kids ages 12 and under (limited quantities). Free. westshorearts.org or eaglecreakvlg.ca.

Science Literacy Week: Science Storytime for Preschoolers 10:30am at Esquimalt Branch Library See WED 19 for details. For ages 3-5. Please register online or call for more information. Free. gvpl.ca.

250-940-GVPL (4875).

Childhood Stress & Anxiety: Building Resilience Presentation 6pm at Stelly’s Secondary Theatre A presentation by Julie-Anne Richards, Clinical Rascally Raccoons Counsellor. Tailored for parents, caregivers, and 1pm at Devonian Regional Park A CRD Regional Parks naturalist will lead you on a educators supporting young children experiencing raccoon trail for a day in the life of these little rascals. stress and anxiety. All adults welcome. Register Meet at the information kiosk in the parking lot off through eventbrite.ca. Free. ericfoundation.com.

William Head Road. BC Transit #54 or #55. All ages. 250-888-5735. karenpalmer@shaw.ca.

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

IslandParent.ca

FrIDaY

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nanaimo & area

victoria & CrD

Coast Capital Free Skate 3:45pm at Nanaimo Ice Centre Science Literacy Week: Science Storytime for Skate and helmet rentals included. Free. recreation. nanaimo.ca. 250-756-5200.

Preschoolers 10:30am at Nellie McClung Branch Library See WED 19 for details. For ages 3-5. Please register FrIDaY st anD online or call for more information. Free. gvpl.ca. saturDaY nD 250-940-GVPL (4875).

Cowichan valley Science Literacy Week: DigiLab Tech Time 4pm at Nellie McClung Branch Library Cowichan Intercultural Society One World Festival Create and innovate with DigiLab’s tech toolkit, 321 St. Julian St including Sphero robots, Alienware laptops, and Cowichan Intercultural Society’s biennial multiculMakey Makey kits. For ages 13-18. Please register tural celebration. Free. cis-iwc.org. 250-748-3112 online, or call for more information. Free. gvpl.ca. (ext.201). jennifer@cis-iwc.org.

250-940-GVPL (4875).

21

Open House and Pizza Party 6pm at Brentwood Teen Lounge & Central Saanich Boys & Girls Club Grades 6-9, come check out the Brentwood Teen Lounge. Fun field games will be set up, and hangout space will be open. Pizza and snacks served. panoramarecreation.ca. 250-656-7271.

saturDaY

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nD

TinkerCAD, exploring the chambers of a heart with a robotic ball, or tracking a simulated disease. For ages 7-9. Please register online, or call for more information. Free. gvpl.ca. 250-940-GVPL (4875).

Gorge Waterway Cleanup 10am at Selkirk Green Park 360 Waterfront Crescent Pitch in to clean up the water and shoreline along the Gorge to improve the habitat for local wildlife. Bring your own boots and gloves if you can. Free. burnsidegorge.ca/events/gorge-waterway-cleanup.

250-388-5251. travis@burnsidegorge.ca.

Open House and BBQ 6pm at Greenglade Community Centre Have some burgers, and play fun field games. usual hang-out space and activities available as well. For Grades 6-9. panoramarecreation.ca. 250-656-7271.

victoria & CrD

Light up the Hills Lantern Festival 2018 7:30 pm at Westhills Community/Belmont Secondary School, 3041 Langford Lake Rd Science Literacy Week: Medical Science 10:30am at Esquimalt Branch Library and 2pm at Light up the Hills is a family-friendly outdoor festival of light. Event participants will walk along a desigOak Bay Branch Library Join the Science Venture team for a hands-on STEM nated path after dark, passing by various illuminated workshop to explore various fields of medical sci- performances and artworks, using hand-made ence through activities such as suturing a wounded lanterns to guide their way. Free. westshorearts.org. banana, designing a 3-D-simulated prosthetic using 250-478-2286. info@westshorearts.org.

Here at Sutubra Naturals & Organics, we bring you nothing but the best quality baby and child products for every day use.

We carry many external remedies that can help calm restlessness and sooth common skin irritations. We also have many products for all ages including water based nail polish for little ones and relaxing natural bath and spa products for mom and dad. Come into our store today and grab your favourite brands for the whole family!

Located at 112 – 1644 Hillside Shopping Centre through the Marshall’s entrance.

Contact us at 250-999-8038 or naturalbeautyvic@gmail.com | www.sutubrabeauty.com IslandParent.ca

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See FRI 7 for details. Free. VictoriaReady.ca. 250920-3373. emvic@victoria.ca.

Victoria & CRD

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Victoria & CRD Nanaimo & Area

Birds of Witty’s 9:30am at Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park is a birder’s paradise due to a combination of freshwater, salt water, mudflat, grassland and forest ecosystems. For the novice and intermediate birder, join a CRD Regional Parks naturalist for a glimpse of some of the birds that reside in and visit this park. Bring binoculars if you have them. Meet at the Witty’s Lagoon Nature Centre off Metchosin Road. BC Transit #54 or #55.

8+ years. Free. crd.bc.ca/parks. 250-478-3344.

Nanaimo & Area Morden Colliery Park Historical Tour 9:30am at Morden Colliery Park, Nanaimo Tour the Island’s last remaining coal mining headframe. One of only two such structures remaining in North America. The Friends of Morden Mine will tell the story of this fascinating part of our local coal mining heritage. $10/person. recreation.nanaimo. ca. 250-756-5200.

Hiking Information Session 6:30pm at Oceanside Place Arena 830 W. Island Hwy Have you ever wanted to explore some of the area’s beautiful mountains? A local alpine guide shares tips and resources for family adventurers and avid hikers.

Ask questions before heading out on guided hike or self-guided exploration in Regional Parks. Get advice on clothing, equipment and route planning to help you stay safe and enjoy the outdoors. Please preregister. Free. rdn.bc.ca/recreation. 250-248-3252.

THURSDAY

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Victoria & CRD

Etsy Made in Canada Market 10am at Victoria Public Market at The Hudson 1701 Douglas Street #6 Etsy Made in Canada—one day all across Canada in which Etsy Leaders organize multiple markets across the country to celebrate local artisans & crafters alike.

Local Esty artisans will be showcasing their talent.

Free. facebook.com/events/230590597673042.

778-433-2787. admin@victoriapublicmarket.com.

Pop Up Sale 10am at St. Aidan’s United Church 3703 St. Aidan’s Place Featuring retro/vintage clothing, international clothing, Halloween costumes, and more. Thrift shop also open. Free.

Hawk Watch 11am at East Sooke Regional Park Have you ever seen turkey vultures kettling? Join CRD Regional Parks and the Victoria Natural History Society for this annual migration event. There will be live raptor demonstrations and activities at Nanaimo River Estuary Walk Aylard Farm, which are accessible to all ages and 9:30am at Raines Rd, Cedar abilities. For those who want to add in a hike, there Hello Fall @ Kindergym Meet at the end of Raines Rd in Cedar are experts with spotting scopes at the viewpoint 9:30am at Greenglade Community Centre Explore the unique flora and fauna of Vancouver Fall has officially arrived. Come celebrate with a above Beechey Head. The hike up to the viewpoint Island’s largest estuary with members of the Nature harvest party. Enjoy fall-themed activities and crafts, requires sturdy footwear and is a 20–minute trek Trust of BC. Learn about the natural beauty and values along with the usual free play fun. 1-5 years with up a steep and rocky trail. Bring binoculars, water, of this vital ecosytem. Don’t forget your camera! a parent. panoramarecreation.ca. 250-656-7271. and a lunch. Drop in anytime between 11am and $10/person. recreation.nanaimo.ca. 250-756-5200.

2pm at the Aylard Farm parking lot off Beecher Bay Road. All ages. Free. crd.bc.ca/park. 250-478-3344.

FRIDAY TH Amazing Race in the Parks 10am at Rathrevor Provincial Park, Parksville Mandarin Seeds Victoria & CRD Discover road blocks and detours that will put 2:30pm at Nellie McClung Branch Library your team dynamics to the test. The challenges CISV Victoria Information Night Enjoy a fun and interactive storytime and craft in will be fun and will leave you inspired to be in the 7pm at St Aidan’s Hall in Mandarin. For young children and their families; outdoors. Families, teams and individuals welcome. Come and meet some CISV youth, learn about our children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. $15/person. rdn.bc.ca/recreation. 250-248-3252. local opportunists, and hear what CISV is all about. Please register online, or call for more information.

CISV offers local monthly activities as well as national Free. gvpl.ca. 250-940-GVPL (4875). and international programs over the summer and TUESDAY TH winter breaks. Free. cisvvictoria.ca. communications SUNDAY TH @cisvvictoria.ca.

Nanaimo & Area Victoria & CRD Nanaimo & Area Mini Golf for Youth and Adults 4pm at Paradise Adventure Mini Golf, Parksville Blessing of the Animals Service Youth 11-18 and adults 55+ are invited to the annual School’s Out Everyone Welcome Skate or Swim 10 am at St. Luke’s Church mini golf tournament. Please pre-register as space is At Ravensong Aquatic Centre and Oceanside Place Cedar Hill Cross Rd at Cedar Hill Rd, limited. Free. rdn.bc.ca/recreation. 250-248-3252. Arena, Parksville Free. stlukesvictoria.ca. 250-477-6741. st.lukes@ Stay active with a swim or skate. Everyone welcome. shaw.ca.

Swim: 1-2:30pm; skate: 1:30-3pm. Reduced rate WEDNESDAY TH admission. rdn.bc.ca/recreation. 250-248-3252.

French Celebration of Nature—Les oiseaux/Birds Noon at Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary Victoria & CRD 3873 Swan Lake Rd. Discover the amazing world of birds—en français!

Emergency Preparedness Workshop Games, displays, crafts and fun in a bilingual set7pm at Victoria City Hall Antechamber Childhood Stress & Anxiety: Building Resilience Presentation 6pm at Sir James Douglas Elementary See THURS 20 for details. All adults welcome. Register through eventbrite.ca. Free. ericfoundation.com.

250-888-5735. karenpalmer@shaw.ca.

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ting. Everyone welcome. Drop-in event. By donation; $5/person recommended. swanlake.bc.ca.

250-479-0211.

O cto b e r TUESDAY

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Performing Arts School since 1980

Nanaimo & Area Glow in the Dark Skate 6:30pm at Frank Crane Arena Skate in an atmosphere of dimmed lighting and special effects. Regular admission. recreation. nanaimo.ca. 250-756-5200.

WEDNESDAY

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Nanaimo & Area Childhood Stress & Anxiety: Building Resilience Presentation 6pm at Qualicum Commons, Parksville A presentation by Julie-Anne Richards, Clinical Counsellor. Tailored for parents, caregivers, and educators supporting young children experiencing stress and anxiety. All adults welcome. Register through eventbrite.ca. Free. ericfoundation.com.

250-888-5735. karenpalmer@shaw.ca.

FRIDAY

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Victoria & CRD Emergency Preparedness Workshop 1pm at Victoria City Hall Antechamber Are you and your family prepared for an emergency such as a power outage, winter storm, earthquake or tsunami? Your family needs to have enough food, water and supplies to cope for at least seven days without outside assistance, depending on the emergency. Learn the hazards that can affect Victoria, what to include in your emergency kits, what you can do to protect your home from an earthquake, and how to reunite with your loved ones after a disaster. Free. VictoriaReady.ca. 250-920-3373. emvic@victoria.ca.

SATURDAY

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Come Dance With Us

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

• Not sure which class to take?

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

Cl as se

s Be g i n

Septem

ber 4t h

ses Clas l o ho .. e-S c angels. r P e t im ittle Day or the l f

STAGES Performing Arts School

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

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

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Victoria & CRD

Programs running all summer!

Free Swim 1:30pm at Panorama Recreation 1885 Forest Park Drive Bring your family and friends for a swim sponsored

by Peninsula Co-op. Free. panoramarecreation.ca.

250-656-7271.

IslandParent.ca

September 2018 33

Birds of Beechey Head 9am at East Sooke Regional Park Join CRD guest naturalist, Geoffrey Newell, and walk to Beechey Head to observe raptors during their fall migration. Meet at the kiosk in the Aylard Farm parking lot off Beecher Bay Road. 9+ years.

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

Mini Chefs 1:15pm at Qualicum Beach Community Hall Learn how to create a variety of healthy food options and snacks each week. Learn where food comes from, and take some home to share. For ages 5-8. Please pre-register. $20/person. rdn.bc.ca/ recreation. 250-248-3252.

Nanaimo & Area

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Victoria & CRD Author Sheryl McFarlane: Island in the Salish Sea 10am at Esquimalt Branch Library Sheryl McFarlane invites students to join her on a writing process tour of her newest book Island in the Salish Sea. Students will be encouraged to embark on their own writing adventures. Presented with financial assistance from the Canada Council for the Arts through the Writer’s Union of Canada. For grades 3-5. Please register online, or call for more information. Free. gvpl.ca. 250-940-GVPL (4875).

Kids in the Kitchen 3:30pm at Qualicum Beach Community Hall Calling all aspiring chefs 8-12 years old. Put your Splish Splash Swim culinary skills to the test and learn how to make a 10am at Ravensong Aquatic Centre, Parksville variety of tasty snacks and dishes that are healthy 737 James St A water adventure you don’t want to miss. The and delicious too. Learn all about your food, where lifeguards are going to bring out all the pool toys for it comes from, and take some home to share. Please you to enjoy. From the rope swing to the snake to pre-register. $20/person. rdn.bc.ca/recreation. Nanaimo & Area the dino ribs, there will be water play for everyone. 250-248-3252.

Everyone welcome. Regular admission. rdn.bc.ca/ Flip Turn Clinic recreation. 250-752-5014.

6:30pm at Ravensong Aquatic Centre, Parksville WEDNESDAY TH 737 James St. Curling Introduction This clinic will focus on how to flip turn. Practice Nanaimo & Area 10am at Nanaimo Curling Centre this key skill that will improve your swim time in the 106 Wall St. Childhood Stress & Anxiety: Building Resilience pool. Please pre-register. $10.80/person. rdn.bc.ca/ If you are interested in trying curling, this is your Presentation recreation. 250-248-3252. chance. Meet some of the junior curlers and other 6pm at Seaview Elementary, Nanaimo youth who are trying it for the first time. Dress warm, See WED 3 for details. All adults welcome. Register carry in a clean pair of running shoes and bring through eventbrite.ca. Free. ericfoundation.com. gloves. Hot chocolate to follow. For ages 9-16. $5/ 250-888-5735. karenpalmer@shaw.ca. person. recreation.nanaimo.ca. 250-756-5200.

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O C TOBER

SCHOOL & GROUP TOURS

Book Now

to reserve your preferred time

34 Island Parent Magazine

• Ride over a Mile of Rail!

• Creek & Wildlife Tour • Corn Maze • Hayrides • Pumpkin Patch • Playground • Petting Farm

IslandParent.ca

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Stay active with a swim or skate. Everyone welcome. Pro D Day Swim and Skate Swim: 1-2:30pm; skate: 1:30-3pm. Reduced rate 1pm at Panorama Recreation 1885 Forest Park Drive admission. rdn.bc.ca/recreation. 250-248-3252. victoria & CrD Come for a fun-filled Pro-D Day. Bring your family and friends for swimming and skating fun, music, Traditional Indigenous Storytime for Families FrIDaY tH games, and prizes. Helmets free of charge for skat10am at Bruce Hutchison Branch Library ing. Skate: 1-2:2pm; swim: 1:30-3:30pm. $2/person.

Join Surrounded by Cedar Children and Family victoria & CrD panoramarecreation.ca. 250-656-7271.

Services for a monthly storytelling group featuring traditional storytellers, art, and song. For children Pro-D Day: French Storytime Pro-D Day: Giant Word Winder Game and their families. Free. gvpl.ca. 250-940-GVPL 10:30am at Nellie McClung Branch Library (4875).

Enjoy a French-language storytime with Canadian 2:30pm at Oak Bay Branch Library Parents for French and learn about GVPL’s French Join us for a game of Giant Word Winder, an educananaimo & area resources to support emergent readers. Perfect tional game played on the floor, where you’ll exercise for French immersion families. Coffee and cookies critical thinking, decision making, literacy and math Disco Light Skate provided. For ages 5-8 and parents or caregivers. skills. Presented by the Synapse Gang from the 7:30pm at Oceanside Place Arena, Parksville Please register online, or call for more information. Cridge Brain Injury Program. For ages 8-12. Please register online, or call for more information. Free.

830 W. Island Hwy Free. gvpl.ca. 250-940-GVPL (4875). gvpl.ca. 250-940-GVPL (4875).

Catch dance fever under the disco lights. The flashing lights and pumping music will take you back Pro-D Day: Music and Coding nanaimo & area in time. Regular admission. rdn.bc.ca/recreation. 10:30am at Saanich Centennial Branch Library 250-248-3252.

Join the Science Venture team for an exciting coding venture that will allow you to design and program School’s Out Everyone Welcome Skate or Swim a musical instrument using an electronic invention At Ravensong Aquatic Centre and Oceanside Place sunDaY tH tool called Makey Makey and everyday objects such Arena as tinfoil and bananas. For ages 7-9. Please register Stay active with a swim or skate. Everyone welcome. victoria & CrD online, or call for more information. Free. gvpl.ca. Swim: 1-2:30pm; skate: 1:30-3pm. Reduced rate admission. rdn.bc.ca/recreation. 250-248-3252.

250-940-GVPL (4875).

A Salmon Story 1pm at Sooke Potholes Regional Park The journey a salmon takes is an amazing one, their story is filled with adventure, wonder, and danger.

Join a CRD Regional Parks naturalist as you walk along the river learning about the salmon’s story and the challenges they face. Meet at CRD Parking Lot #2. 5+ years. Free. crd.bc.ca/parks. 250-478-3344.

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Pick up a copy of Island Grandparent

Grandparent I S L A N D

nanaimo & area Amazing Race in the Parks 10am at Horne Lake Regional Park Discover road blocks and detours that will put your team dynamics to the test. The challenges will be fun and will leave you inspired to be in the outdoors.

Families, teams and individuals welcome. Please pre-register. $15/person. rdn.bc.ca/recreation.

250-248-3252.

S U M M E R 2 0 1 8

Here & There 10 Things to Do with Your Grandkids

Trees & Leaves 10am at Bowen Park upper Picnic Shelter Fall is a wonderful time to drink in the beauty of trees.

Come for fall crafts and learn why trees have leaves and why they change colours in the fall. $8/person. recreation.nanaimo.ca. 250-756-5200.

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nanaimo & area School’s Out Everyone Welcome Skate or Swim At Ravensong Aquatic Centre and Oceanside Place Arena IslandParent.ca

Celebrating Family Heritage

Available wherever you find Island Parent September 2018

35

Coast Capital Free Skate 3:45pm at Nanaimo Ice Centre Skate and helmet rentals included. Free. recreation. nanaimo.ca. 250-756-5200.

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Victoria & CRD Forest Spook-tacular 11am at Francis/King Regional Park Drop by anytime between 11am and 2pm with family and friends for this spook-tacular afternoon of Halloween fun with CRD Regional Parks naturalists.

At 11:15am and 1:15pm join the guided walks, if you dare--the cauldron will be filled with spooky treasures from the natural world. Displays, Halloween crafts, and hot ghoulish brew await. Wear a costume and win a prize. Meet at the Francis/King Nature Centre off Munn Road. All ages. Free. crd.bc.ca/ parks. 250-478-3344.

Family Book Club 2pm at Esquimalt Branch Library Read a children’s chapter book together as a family, and then come to the library for some light conversation and a book-based activity. October book is Wonder by R.J. Palacio. For ages 9-12 and accompanying adult. Please register online or call for more information. Free. gvpl.ca. 250-940-GVPL (4875).

Nanaimo & Area Halloween Dive-In Movie 3pm at Nanaimo Aquatic Centre Enjoy a Halloween-themed movie in the pool.

Regular admission. recreation.nanaimo.ca. 250756-5200.

Starlight Skate 7pm at Nanaimo Ice Centre An opportunity to come out and enjoy the soft light “stars” and passive LED glow lights. This is a great time for families after dinner, or that “night out” with friends. Regular admission. recreation.nanaimo.ca.

250-756-5200.

SUNDAY

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Victoria & CRD Slider’s Surprise Birthday Party 10am at Greenglade Community Centre Surprise Slider at a secret Kindergym birthday party.

Make birthday cards and decorations for him, and when the birthday boy arrives, yell surprise! Party games and cupcakes to follow. Ages 0-5 years with a parent. Limited spaces. panoramarecreation.ca.

250-656-7271.

36 Island Parent Magazine

Forest Spook-tacular 11am at Francis/King Regional Park See SAT 20 for details. 11am-2pm. Drop-in. Meet at the Francis/King Nature Centre off Munn Road. All ages. Free. crd.bc.ca/parks. 250-478-3344.

Slider’s Birthday Stroll Noon at Panorama Recreation 1885 Forest Park Drive After an exciting morning birthday party, Slider will head over to Panorama Recreation to share his cake with everybody he sees. Catch him strolling around the lobby, pool, and arena and wish him a Happy 9th birthday. panoramarecreation.ca. 250-656-7271.

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Extreme Holiday Party 6pm at Greenglade Teen Lounge Come for a fun and festive Halloween-y evening complete with a scary movie, spooky photo booth and fear factor challenges. Don’t forget your costume. For grades 6-9. panoramarecreation.ca.

250-656-7271.

SUNDAY

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Victoria & CRD Forest Spook-tacular 11am at Francis/King Regional Park See SAT 20 for details. Meet at the Francis/King Nature Centre off Munn Road. 11am-2pm drop in. All ages. Free. crd.bc.ca/parks. 250-478-3344.

Nanaimo & Area Halloween Howl 3pm at Nanaimo Aquatic Centre “Howl” at the moon at the Halloween extravaganza.

Regular admission. recreation.nanaimo.ca. 250756-5200.

SATURDAY

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Going Batty Noon at Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary 3873 Swan Lake Rd. Explore the best source of natural mosquito control—bats. Explore their weird and wonderful world with games, activities and crafts and find out how to encourage bats to visit your neighbourhood. Dropin event. By donation; $5/person recommended. swanlake.bc.ca. 250-479-0211.

Victoria & CRD Nanaimo & Area Spanish-English Storytime 10:30am at Central Branch Library Enjoy a bilingual storytime and craft, and learn simple songs and phrases in Spanish. For young children and their families; children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. Please register online, or call for more information. Free. gvpl.ca. 250940-GVPL (4875).

Halloween Howl Swim 6pm at Ravensong Aquatic Centre, Parksville Ghosts and goblins will be seen with a few tricks and games for the children. The howl will finish off with an annual pinata bash. Parents are free when accompanied by their children. Regular admission. rdn.bc.ca/recreation. 250-752-5014.

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Forest Spook-tacular TUESDAY TH 11am at Francis/King Regional Park See SAT 20 for details. 11am-2pm. Drop-in. Meet at Victoria & CRD the Francis/King Nature Centre off Munn Road. All ages. Free. crd.bc.ca/parks. 250-478-3344.

Emergency Preparedness Workshop 7pm at Victoria City Hall Antechamber Halloween in the Pool See FRI 5 for details. Free. VictoriaReady.ca. 2501:30pm at Panorama Recreation 920-3373. emvic@victoria.ca.

1885 Forest Park Drive Come for some tricks and some treats. Themed Once Upon a Pumpkin Halloween Party crafts and games, yummy prizes. Witbit and slide 9:30am at Greenglade Community Centre will be open. panoramarecreation.ca. 250-656-7271. Come for a spooktacular morning of costumed fun that includes face painting, a costume parade, Mandarin Seeds and free play fun. For 1-5 years with parent. A 2:30pm at Nellie McClung Branch Library limited number of admissions may be reserved Enjoy a fun and interactive storytime and craft in advance online. Regular drop-in rates apply. in Mandarin. For young children and their families; panoramarecreation.ca. 250-656-7271. children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult.

Please register online, or call for more information.

Free. gvpl.ca. 250-940-GVPL (4875).

IslandParent.ca

O n g oin g PRESCHOOL Victoria & CRD

Youth Youth Drawing with Victoria Artist in Residence Luke Ramsey Saturdays 10:30am-noon, September 15-October 27 at James Bay Branch Library Work on your own drawings, collaborate with Luke, or just hang out and read comics and art books. Luke will make digital scans of collaborations to share online and create an installation for the branch.

Paper and pens provided; if you have preferred pens, please bring them. Drop in. For ages 9-13.

Young Parent Weekly Drop-in Thursdays 10am-noon at Kiwanis Family Centre.

Come and enjoy a hot meal, socialize with other young parents, enjoy a kids’ craft, let your little one explore the fully equipped playroom, or have a look in the ‘free’ store for gently used children’s items and household supplies. Staff available to help with FAMILY information about relevant local resources, advocacy and counselling support, help with paperwork, Victoria & CRD and parenting support. 250-382-1004.

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

For information about groups near you, call 250Victoria & CRD 384-8042. Province-wide toll free information and support line at 1-855-474-9777 or email grgline@ Museum Tots parentsupportbc.ca. parentsupportbc.ca.

Saturdays 11am at Maritime Museum A weekly program introducing children 2-5 to the fun world of museum learning. New theme each Parent Support Circles week, allowing children to learn through crafts, play, Parenting isn’t always easy. Sometimes it helps to talk games, song, and dance. $5/child. 250-385-4222. things through with other parents. At the Parent Support Services Society of BC, they believe that every

IslandParent.ca

parent is the expert of her/his own family. For more information about groups near you, call 250-3848042 or 1-877-345-9444 or visit parentsupportbc.ca.

Nanaimo & Area Drop-In Science Studio Tuesdays 3-4:30pm at NS3 Science Studio. #101-4355 Jingle Pot Rd Build Lego creations, then program them to move using drag and drop software. Students can also explore the many hands-on science exhibits and experiements including: making boats for the water table, building KEVA block towers, designing marble wall tracks and pulleys, discovering the force of air in the air field, creating flying creations to test in the wind tunnels, and more. $10/child. Ages 6+. No preregistration necessary. Schedule subject to change, so please check nanaimoscience.org for most current schedule. 4355 Jingle Pot Rd. 778-971-6893.

Parksville Lions and Save-On-Foods Family Skate Sundays 12:15-1:45pm starting October 14 at Oceanside Place Arena Pond hockey is not available during this session.

Children must be accompanied by an adult 19+. rdn.bc.ca/recreation. 250-248-3252.•

September 2018 37

convince your kid to eat a thermos full of brown rice, brown bread and whole grain treats are great way to eat more grains.

Here is a simple whole grain muffin recipe. It’s better than a store-bought treat should be filled with fruits and vegetables. because it doesn’t contain preservatives, Let your kids help with the shopping, so extra salt or sugar. Best of all, you can stir that you end up with fruits and vegetables in all sorts of healthy ingredients. Get your that they enjoy. Then let them chop and fill kids involved with making a large batch of muffins, then freeze them for a month of their own fruit and vegetable containers.

A small serving of protein will give your school lunch treats. kids the stamina to get through their day at school. Again, letting them choose what Any Kind of Muffin This is a great basic muffin recipe. It works for all sorts of different muffin flavours. It’s easily adjustable to any special diet. I’ve made it gluten free and vegan.

Dry Ingredients 1⁄2 cup of brown sugar (or 1⁄3 cup of honey) 11⁄2 cups of flour (whole wheat flour or whole grain gluten-free flour) 2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking soda (bread soda) Wet Ingredients 2 eggs (or egg replacer for a vegan recipe) 1⁄3 cup of oil 1 cup of liquid (juice, apple sauce, yogurt or milk) 1. Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl.

2. Mix your wet ingredients in a smaller bowl, then pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Using a large spoon stir the batter until just combined. The goal is to avoid developing bread-like gluten in the flour.

3. Stir in any fruit or nuts. See below for some of my favourite muffin flavours. they want for their protein will help ensure 4. Scoop into a muffin tin until it’s about that they eat their lunch. half full. Add any muffin toppings.

Grains are usually the most popular food group among children. Whole grains are 5. Bake at 350˚F for about 25 minutes (until a skewer comes out clean). best because they take longer to digest and will keep your kids from feeling hungry.

They are also full of vitamins and minerals Muffin Flavours as well as fibre. While it might be hard to Here are some of my favourite muffin

Ready, Set, Lunch!

P

acking school lunches is a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen. All it requires is a little coordination to get them making their own healthy lunch.

Best of all if they pack their own lunch, they’re more likely to eat it!

When getting your kids to pack their own lunches, start by discussing their food

choices in terms of food groups. The goal is to have a well-balanced diet, so they shouldn’t just pack cookies and treats.

The Canada Food Guide has an easy-to use online tool, the Eat Well Plate. You can find it at canada.ca/en/health-canada/ services/canada-food-guides.html.

According to the guide, half of your plate

38 Island Parent Magazine

IslandParent.ca

flavours. However, experimenting with flavours is the best part of cooking. Try making a double batch of muffin batter.

Then divide the batter into two to four bowls and make a bunch of different flavours. Let your kids make their own unique muffin mix. Raspberry raisin with cashews might not be a traditional flavour, but it will still taste good!

Emillie Parrish Cooking With Kids Peanut Butter and Berries. Stir 1⁄4 cup of fresh or frozen berries into the muffin batter, then dollop 1 Tbsp of peanut butter into the centre of each muffin.

Apple Pie. Use applessauce for the liquid and add 1⁄4 cup of grated apples, 1⁄2 tsp cinnamon, 1⁄4 tsp nutmeg and 1⁄8 tsp ground ginger to the batter. Top with a sprinkling of cinnamon sugar.

Chocolate Cranberry. Stir in 1⁄4 cup of dark chocolate chips and 1⁄4 cup of fresh cranberries for a sweet and sour combination.

Pear and Almond. Replace 1⁄4 cup of the flour with ground almonds. Stir in 1⁄4 cup of finely chopped pear. Top with sliced almonds.

Blueberry Cream Cheese. Mix a 1⁄4 cup of blueberries into the batter, then add 1 Tbsp of cream cheese into the centre of each muffin.

Lemon Poppy Seed. Add the zest of 2 lemons with 2 Tbsp of poppy seed for this classic muffin flavour. orangesicle. Use orange juice for the liquid and add in the zest of 1 orange along with 2 tsp of vanilla extract. This is also nice with 1 Tbsp of cream cheese or Greek yogurt placed in the centre of each muffin.

Red Velvet. Add 1⁄4 cup of grated beets into the batter along with 2 Tbsp of cocoa powder for a rich and chocolate-y treat.

This is even more delicious with 1 Tbsp of cream cheese stuffed in the centre.

Zucchini Walnut. Stir in 1⁄4 cup of grated zucchini, 1⁄4 chopped walnuts and 1⁄2 tsp of cinnamon.

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

IslandParent.ca

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

saanichdentalgroup.com 119–1591 McKenzie Ave, Victoria

250 477 7321

Kaleidoscope - Island Parent.pdf

1

info@saanichdentalgroup.com

2018-08-21

11:07 AM

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

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kaleidoscope.bc.ca

September 2018

39

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Entrance off Larch St.

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

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# Fall

Pumpki n spi ce and

a pple bom b

Starts September 4

Pick up your copy of Island Parent at any Serious Coffee café To nd one near you go to: seriouscoffee.com

40 Island Parent Magazine

Gettin’ Schooled ew months are as wild as September in the lives of young families. After all, it’s the month where those three magical/threatening words—“Back. To. School.”—come to life.

Depending on your kid and your personal worldview, this is either a fun time or a time of terror. Social kid and laid-back parents?

September rocks. Nervous kid and a parent raised through a socio-political framework of anarchist politics? Things get a bit more complicated than a packed lunch and a rushed goodbye in the schoolyard.

But, regardless of all that, one thing most of us parents have in common is teachers.

And I gotta say, teachers rock. We’ve had some pretty incredible ones in our short time in the public elementary school system, and I’ve always found myself at a slight loss for words when trying to tell them how much we appreciate them.

People who complain about elementary school teachers are seriously some of the most miserable people around and also are far too me-first to ever even really get just how overworked and underpaid teachers are. But this isn’t a pitch to treat teachers better (although, note to world: treat teachers better), it’s some parenting etiquette gleaned from my time spent milling around classrooms: don’t be that parent.

What parent?

You know what parent: the one who thinks their kid could do nothing wrong (they can, they do), the one who gets oddly aggressive over how the teacher is doing their job. The one who marches in the classroom with a list of complaints. The one who’s rude.

Just stop being rude.

I understand how tensions can get high surrounding school, and I can’t pretend I haven’t had some very, um, high-strung mornings dropping my kids off, especially early on last school year, when one of my kids really did not want to be left there. I can recall one time when someone who worked at the school was trying to help diffuse the situation and me barking at them; I still feel really bad about that. I

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know what’s best for my kids, of course, but these people know what they’re doing, too, and they want to help.

Now I’m not naïve enough to say this applies across the board: we had a legitimately bad teacher experience several years ago, and we had to be those parents. But it was for good reason. That’s what I’m saying here: by all means, complain when

Greg Pratt

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 12 months a

t a rt Se s sio ns S th 1 1 r e b m e Se p t es,

Dadspeak it’s necessary. Take a breather and back off when it’s not.

I also recall another incident that I feel no regret whatsoever over, talking to one of my kids’ teachers who was teaching them American spelling instead of Canadian spelling. It’s important to not be that parent, but I’ll be damned if my kid is growing up thinking “color” or “center” are words. I tried to be polite about that one, being fully absolutely 100-percent aware I was being a complete stick in the mud. I suppose we all pick our battles.

But in all seriousness, I hear a lot of complaints about teachers, and, to the surprise of no one, these complaints usually come from snarky, insufferable, grumpy people who complain about these “glorified babysitters” (lol) who get “summers off” (dying here) as they shuttle their kids from beforeschool care to school to after-school care to advanced manners lessons to bed, too busy working to raise a kid, but not too busy to somehow spend a few insane, perplexing minutes complaining about teachers, who do more or less raise their kids, and who do it for a small paycheque. Most do it because they love working with kids. They love working with our kids.

So, give a teacher a high-five today. They do great work, and they do important work, and they do it because they care. If you’re too grumpy to get it, it’s a bummer, because teachers are doing a lot of the heavy lifting with raising our kids, and, generally speaking, they’re doing a great job of it.

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

IslandParent.ca

Tot Class Parent & t, Hip Hop e ll a B , z z Ja Classes & Combo , Tap z, Ballet (with Jaz Theatre) & Musical

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

Suzuki Strings VIOLIN AND CELLO

Classical Roots, Contemporary Reach

AT BOTH LOCATIONS! DOWNTOWN VICTORIA

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Taught through listening, repetition, and positive reinforcement, the Suzuki method builds a solid musical foundation.

Students age 3 and up will develop technique and tone, build confidence and teamwork skills, and have fun!

WESTHILLS, LANGFORD

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REGISTER TODAY FOR SEPTEMBER

VCM.BC.CA/FUN

September 2018 41

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

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

Class Opportunities for 2018–2019: Mon/Wed/Fri morning class Tues/Thurs morning class 5 mornings a week

Phone 250-598-0573 preschool@emmanuelvictoria.ca

T

www.emmanuelpreschool.ca

~ Traditional Irish dancing classes for ages 4 to adult including ceil and step dancing ~ Cadboro Bay, Esquimalt, Victoria and Duncan ~ Recreational and competitive classes

www.obrienirishdancing.com

Register now for January sessions Children and Adult

Synchronized Swimming Classes

Synchro for Kids ages 4-6 / Synchro School ages 7-12 Synchro for Teens ages 12+

victoriasynchro.com REGISTER FOR FALL-

email: jennifervicsynchro@gmail.com

42

Island Parent Magazine

the First Day of Independence

classes start in Oct

rying to stop your kids from growing up is like trying to stop a flower from blooming. I want to freeze frame each age and stage so that I can always view each moment in my memory forever.

The real reason I don’t want my kids to grow up is selfish. It’s because they will no longer need me. I must accept that becoming independent is part of them growing up. I know I will always be needed in some capacity because I still need my parents. I appreciate that my parents play with our kids almost every Friday, fold our laundry, and do our dishes while we work. It is a tremendous help and we are extremely fortunate.

I knew when we purchased our house a few steps from an elementary school that our children would eventually attend it.

We would play at the park or hear the bell for recess while we played in our yard.

However, this doesn’t make the first day of school any easier for me. For my annual first day of school picture, I stood in front of our hall closet. We have our palm tree (no fancy chalk board signs stating the year, grade, etc.). Each year the tree and our children are taller. Our youngest, age 3, will put on her backpack and beg to go to school, too, and she will get there soon enough. I want to tell her to enjoy being young and enjoy her freedom and extra play time while she can, but I remember always wanting to grow up fast, too—it’s the syndrome of always being the youngest.

I warned my son that I will cry on his first day of kindergarten. My children have seen me cry lots. I cry during movies such

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as Up, and Coco, during school concerts, and weddings. Therefore, seeing me cry on the first day of school should come as no surprise for my kids.

It’s an exciting time for kids and parents.

That first day of kindergarten is a mark of great independence. When I told my son that I will likely cry, he responded by giving me a purple circle tattoo on my hand. Next, he said “There, Mom. That will remind you of me while I am at kindergarten, so you don’t miss me.”

This made me think of the book, Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn, that my daughter read on her first day of kindergarten. I explained that I will still miss him. It’s not as if we haven’t been apart from each other before. He attended daycare

Serena Beck Is There an App for This? for two years and went to preschool, but there is just something significant about the milestone of starting school and the feelings it conjures.

After my husband took our oldest daughter to her first day of kindergarten, we both had a good teary-eyed chat over coffee as we started our work day from home. There should really be a first day of school support group.

After the tears of drop off end, next comes the worrying. What if someone is mean to him at recess? What if no one plays with him? What if he can’t open his lunch containers? (Our principal recommended lots of practice over the summer). You might count down the minutes till pick up or you might be cheering your alone time or work time. Either way, you will breathe a sigh of relief after the first day is over. Soon everyone will slowly fall into a familiar school routine.

For now, I can look forward to being needed after school for snack time and hearing the details of each child’s day.

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Serena Beck works full-time as a Technical Writer. She loves to write, travel, and swim at the beach with family and friends.

IslandParent.ca

Consultation Counselling & Therapy Psychoeducational Assessment

Du! Psychological Services

September 2018 43

Perinatal Depression & Anxiety Healthy Families, Happy Families

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

250-519-5311 250-539-3099

(toll-free number for office in Saanichton)

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

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

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

Port Alberni Tofino

250-731-1315 250-725-4020

250-947-8242

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

viha.ca/prevention_services/ 44 Island Parent Magazine

Y

our baby has been crying for two hours. You’ve tried rocking, feeding, bouncing, and done so many deep breaths and Google searches, you don’t know what to do; neither does Google. That granola bar you half-ate and the two hours of sleep is not allowing you to think straight.

This is life with a new baby. For many of us, we roll with it. There are long, hard days, but there are also good days, and for the most part, we cope, we adjust, and we gradually settle into this new life with the support of our friends or family. But for some of us, the time at home with a new baby is one of the most difficult times of our lives as we experience Perinatal (Post Partum) Depression and/or Anxiety (PPD/A).

The worries and Google searches become excessive. We can’t sleep at all as our mind races with thoughts, or we want to sleep all the time. We feel edgy much of the time, or so numb that we don’t feel much at all. We don’t have a friend to call for support, and we feel very alone.

Perinatal Depression and Anxiety (PPD/A) is the term used to describe depression and/or anxiety during pregnancy, as well as the first year after a baby is born.

About one in five women can experience depression during their pregnancy, and up to three out of 10 experiences it after the baby is born. Many also experience anxiety during this time, and some people have symptoms of anxiety and depression together. Some partners may also become anxious or depressed, and adoptive parents go through this too. Anybody who is a new parent can get PPD/A. The Canadian Mental Health Association states that “Mental illness indirectly affects all Canadians at some time through a family member, friend, or colleague.” As such, the following information is not only for those of us that are pregnant or parenting, it is for everyone. It is for each one of us, because if we haven’t already, we will at some time be in need of support or be able to offer support. So please, read on and share this; leave this article open on your counter at home or at your local coffee shop, so that we keep on learning from, talking to, and supporting each other.

What does PPD/A look and feel like?

Well, we know that no two people experience depression or anxiety in the same way, but what many share is a feeling that “something just isn’t right.” Some signs may include feeling sad, angry, guilty, hopeless, or numb. Anxious thoughts or images, panic attacks, worry, irritability, and feeling

Amanda Attfield Ch ild Youth & Family Public He alth

Happy Families, Healthy Families

overwhelmed are also common. Behaviours may also change, and some find they sleep more often or have trouble sleeping, eat too much or lose their appetite, cry often, or avoid doing certain activities like bathing their baby, or driving their car. PPD/A is very difficult and stressful; it can make simple tasks overwhelming and can make it hard to function.

It is important to note that the “baby blues” is not the same as PPD/A. About 80 per cent of women feel the “baby blues” a few days after giving birth—they may have mood swings, cry for no reason, or feel worried or irritable. The baby blues usually go away in about two weeks and do not turn into PPD/A.

What causes PPD/A?

We know that certain things can increase the chances of PPD/A. This includes having a family or personal history of anxiety or depression, a traumatic birth, a baby that is ill or has difficulty with feeding, or having few supports such as family or friends nearby. Physiological factors such as hormonal changes in our brains, thyroid dysfunction, and sleep deprivation also play a role. It is important to know that it is not the person’s fault; they do not bring this on or wish to feel this way.

What helps?

The good news is, you will get better. If you or someone you know may have PPD/A, IslandParent.ca

please reach out for help. This is often the hardest step to take, but getting support early is important. Your public health nurse, doctor, nurse practitioner or midwife can help you to fill out a questionnaire called the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) to help identify PPD/A. The EPDS can be offered to women, partners, and adoptive parents.

Doctors, midwives, nurse practitioners, or public health nurses can connect you to counselling, support groups, and other community supports such as cognitive behavioural therapy or mindfulness programs.

Public health nurses can offer listening visits for clients experiencing PPD/A; this can be done on the phone or in person. Speak with your doctor or a psychiatrist about medication, and see if this might be right for you. Community centres have various programs to help support families. There are many good online resources, with information and strategies for individuals and their support people.

You may have a friend, a neighbour, or a family member to ask for help; try to be specific and let them know what you need.

You may need small breaks from your baby,

or you may need help with practical things such as groceries, dishes, or yard work. It may be hard to ask for help, but as many of us know being a new parent is hard, and we all need a little help sometimes. Caring for ourselves helps, too. Start by getting back to the basics: Nutrition—try to choose healthy snacks and meals Exercise—try moving your body, starting small and working up to what feels right Sleep/rest—prioritize rest or sleep if you can; other things may have to wait Time for yourself—small breaks to do something that replenishes your well-being Support—Ask for help; you don’t have to do it all on your own Thank you for reading this and for being open to the information. Thank you for sharing your own struggles and, in doing so, helping others through theirs. And for those of you that may be going through this right now, you are not alone. You are important. You deserve help to get better.

Amanda Attfield, RN, is a Public Health Nurse at the Saanich Health Unit

Perinatal Depression & Anxiety (PPD/A) Resources Websites: • Pacific Post Partum Support Society postpartum.org • BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services, visit bcmhas.ca • Anxiety BC, visit anxietybc.com • BC Children’s Hospital; Reproductive Mental Health, visit reproductivementalhealth.ca • Here to Help (BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions), visit heretohelp.bc.ca Telephone Support and Counselling • Pacific Post Partum Support Line: 1.855.255.7999 Emergency Support • Vancouver Island Crisis Line: 1.888.494.3888 • Chat Line: vicrisis.ca (6-10 pm) • Text Support: 250-800-3806 (6-10pm) • Your health care provider: Doctor, Nurse Practitioner, Midwife or Public Health Nurse • Mental Health: 250-370-8175

Opens Sept. 14 Also Playing

PANDAS OCEANS: OUR BLUE PLANET MYSTERIES OF EGYPT & MORE IslandParent.ca

250-480-4887 imaxvictoria.com IMAX® is a registered trademark of IMAX Corporation

September 2018 45

Family Services Directory

CHOICES Adoption & Counselling is a licensed, professional, non-profit agency that provides services to adoptive parents, birth-parents, and adoptees. CHOICES arranges adoptions domestically and internationally. We are committed to proThis directory, sponsored by Thrifty Foods, features not for profit agencies and organizations serving children, youth and families. viding a comprehensive, client-centered adoption service which best meets the needs of everyone in the adoption constellation. Please contact us at 1Up, Victoria Single Parent Resource Centre people find work since 1982! Our programs build on choices@choicesadoption.ca, or call 250-479-9811 (1-up.ca) provides support, education and resources a person’s strengths and resolve barriers to finding for further information. for parents in the Greater Victoria area through and keeping employment. We also work with our free counselling, volunteer training, a mentoring employer network to support job seekers. Need program for single moms, and a support group for help finding a job? Need employees? Contact us Dialogue and Resolution Services (DRS) is the dads, as well as a variety of integrated life skills for FREE assistance! 9860 Third St. Sidney. 250- South Island’s only non-profit specializing in alternative conflict resolution for both civil and family and parenting courses which are open to the whole 656-0134. beaconcs.ca. matters. Offering quality, professional mediation, community, with fees on a sliding scale. For single coaching and parent coordination in a supportive parent members, the Centre provides free toys and books, a clothing room and bread pantry. Donations Boys & Girls Club Services offer after-school environment for families, co-parents, co-workers of gently-used clothing, small household items, and and evening social, educational and recreational and neighbours, DRS works with clients to help toys are welcome. Hours: Mon., Tue., Thu., Fri.: 9–4, programming for children and youth at 5 locations them create lasting, effective solutions. DRS also & Wednesdays: 12–7. Location: 602 Gorge Road (Colwood, Langford, VicWest, Central Saanich and offers its flagship “Communicating through Conflict” Esquimalt) and summer camps both in Esquimalt workshop series quarterly both days and evenings East. Phone: 250-385-1114. and at our Outdoor Centre in Metchosin. We also of- throughout the year. Find us at 250-383-4412 or fer support to parents through our Parents Together dialogueandresolutionservices.ca.

Beacon Community Services is a community- program and parent workshops. For more informabased, non-profit agency dedicated to helping tion on all programs and services visit bgcvic.org or people and improving lives on southern Vancouver call 250-384-9133.

Island and the southern Gulf Islands. Beacon thrift shops fund important LOCAL community services and programs. Beacon also offers: child, youth and family services (including the Peninsula Early Years Family Services Centre and child care); counselling; employment of Greater Victoria services and training for people of all ages; home Family Services of Greater Victoria (formerly BC support care; volunteer services and opportunities; affordable housing/care/supports for seniors and Canucks Autism Network (CAN) provides year- Families in Transition) is a non profit agency that has people with disabilities. For Home Support, please round sports and recreation programs for children, been serving families since 1978. We provide a full call 250-658-6407. For other programs: 250-656- youth, young adults and families living with autism. range of services to the whole family in supportPrograms in Victoria, Nanaimo and Cowichan Valley ing their relationship and through separation and 0134. beaconcs.ca. include Intro to Physical Activity, Intro to Soccer & divorce. Counseling, mediation, legal information Basketball, Swim, Skate, Social Events (fall, winter and a range of group programs are available for Beacon Community Services Employment and spring), Overnight Camp (summer), and Family children, youth and adults on a sliding fee scale. Call Programs. Beacon Community Services offers a Events (year-round). For more information, visit us at 250-386-4331 or visit fsgv.org. We can help. full menu of employment services on the Saanich canucksautism.ca.

Peninsula and Gulf Islands. We’ve been helping

46 Island Parent Magazine

IslandParent.ca

HappyBaby Sleep Solutions helps families create healthy sleep habits in babies and children so everyone is well rested and happy. Sukkie Sandhu, M.Ed., has worked with hundreds of families locally in Victoria and worldwide. Sukkie is a Registered Clinical Counsellor so the cost of a sleep consultation may be covered under your extended medical plan. For more information visit happybabysleepsolutions.com or call 250-857-1408 for a FREE evaluation. Let’s get started!

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

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

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

Sooke-West Shore Early Years Centres provide information to families about children and family services, supports, child development and parenting. The Early Years Navigator will assist families with referral information for local early years programming, child care, public health, special needs intervention services, and social supports. The Sooke-West Shore Early Years Centres are hosted

by Sooke Family Resource Society and located at the Child, Youth, and Family Centres in both Sooke and the West Shore and can be reached at 250217-9243. Additional information can be accessed at sfrs.ca/early-years-centre.

YOUNG ADULTS SELF HELP GROUP As a young adult living with MS, you may be facing a unique set of personal and professional challenges. Consider joining the Young Adult self-help group for individuals living with MS and their support network.

This group meets to share, support and learn from one another.

Meetings may include guest speakers on topics of interest to the group and informal, fun social events.

WHEN: Second Thursday of each month 6:30-7:30pm WHERE: 102-415 Gorge Rd East For more information contact the Young Adult MS Self Help Group Facebook page: facebook.com/groups/YAMSVic, call 250-388-6496 ext 7301 or email erin.patrick@mssociety.ca

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

IslandParent.ca

September 2018  47

Preschool & Child Care Directory Colwood/LANGFORD

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

Highlands

Licenced group childcare for children ages 12 months to 5 years old. Open 6:30am-5:30pm.

Leap Forward Dance School offers weekday and Saturday dance classes for children ages 2 and up.

2758 Peatt Road, Langford

250-818-9225 info@leapforwardlangford.com

www.leapforwardlangford.com

Coastline Montessori Childcare............... 250-881-6318 Experience an educational hands on learning environment for infants, toddlers and preschool age. Half-day program offered. Located in Langford off Latoria Rd. coastlinemontessori@shaw.ca.

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

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

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

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

Includes Music Classes and Character Development using the Virtues Project. Part -time spaces available. Islandkids.ca.

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

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

Recreation Oak Bay.................................250-370-7200 Fully licensed, ECE Daycare, Preschool and Nature Preschool.

Play based, child led learning. Afterschool care available.

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

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

Our purpose built facilities have been handmade using the trees from our forest.

We have recently expanded to our new Spirit bear Lodge located right next door!

Programs for Infants/Toddlers and PreKindergarten children.

SAANICH

Award of Excellence in Child Care

lexieslittlebears.ca 250-590-3603

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

Play Explore Learn and Grow in beautiful rural Metchosin.

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

West-Mont Montessori School.................250-474-2626 Exceptional preschool Montessori instruction in a beautiful natural environment. Ages 30 months and up. Providing a balanced approach to incorporating French, Music, Art and Nature. Stop by and experience what it is like to be part of a community devoted to the development of the whole child.

Open House: Thursdays 9-11 am. west-mont.ca.

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

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

Child Care

Resource & Referral vancouverislandccrr.ca ccrr.bc.ca 48 Island Parent Magazine

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

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

• Licensed 2.5 hr and 4 hr programs, flexible part-time classes • Qualified ECEs offer play-based programs that stimulate curiosity and imagination and support optimum growth and development. Supported spaces available.

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

Fullobeans.ca 250-360-1148 saanichneighbourhoodplace.com

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

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

Looking for child care? Need help with subsidy forms?

Taking care of children? Need child care training?

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

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

IslandParent.ca

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

Pre-School Junior Kindergarten PacificChristian.ca 250-479-4532 Educational Excellence to the Glory of God Ready Set Grow Preschool....................... 250-472-1530 Inside Hillcrest Elm. in Gordon Head, we help children transition to Kindergarten. Licensed Preschool with highly qualified, warm ECE. heoscmanager@gmail.com.

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

Wiseways Preschool & Daycare........... 250-477-1312 Established, quality, licensed, Christian centre for 3-5 year olds. Experienced ECEs, cheerful spacious facilities, large playground. Subsidized fees welcome. Call for a tour. Wisewaysvictoria.com.

VICTORIA

v Comprehensive programs for Preschool through Grade 8 v Delivering academic excellence through music, dance, drama and visual arts v Outstanding educators, locations and facilities

www.ArtsCalibre.ca 250.382.3533

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

Rainbow Express Daycare....................... 250-382-2314 A nurturing environment for children to learn through play and discovery in a natural setting. ECEs and specialist teachers. rainbowexpressdaycare.com. Close to city centre.

Ross Bay Preschool.................................250-383-7445 Our positive and supportive program motivates children to learn, discover and grow through play. Contact us for a tour of our little blue school!

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.

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

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

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

VIEW ROYAL

Nanaimo

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

Includes Music Classes and Character Development using the Virtues Project. Part -time spaces available. Islandkids.ca.

View Royal Childcare...............................250-479-8067 Preschool structured, high quality childcare. Victoria Conservatory of Music classes. Part time spaces available. 2.5-5year olds. viewroyalpreschool@live.com.

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

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ASPENGROVE SCHOOL

Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 Learn more today!

250-390-2201 AspengroveSchool.ca

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

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

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

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

Enthusiastic ECE instructors. littlestardaycare.ca

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

IslandParent.ca

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

Victoria Montessori................................ 250-380-0534 Unique, innovative learning environment combining the best of Montessori and Learning Through Play. Open yr. round.

30mths–K. victoriamontessori.com.

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

Christ Church Cathedral Childcare and Junior Kindergarten.......................... 250-383-5132 ECE and Specialist teachers provide an outstanding all-day, licensed program for 3–5 year olds. Spacious, renovated facility with a huge backyard in Fairfield. cathedralschool.ca.

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

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

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

September 2018 49

Go Play Outside!

I

f you’re like me, then many of your favourite childhood memories took place outside. One of my first memories was of a very large mulberry bush which sat outside my home in Vancouver. I remember climbing hesitantly into the bush, pushing leaves and branches aside, and revealing a secret hideout nestled within the foliage of the tree. I felt like I had entered a totally new world—even though I was still safely in my front yard.

50

Island Parent Magazine

IslandParent.ca

Bursting with excitement, I shared this new discovery with my sister and friends.

Over the next few years, the tree became our own world of imagination; it was our fort, our actor’s studio, even our clubhouse.

That tree became our special place, where we could experiment, learn, and have fun.

Best of all, it was ours, our own little pocket of nature. I loved to watch it change and grow with the seasons, just like us!

Asta Mail Nature Notes My connection with the outdoors as a child has shaped how I see the natural world as an adult, and my place within it.

As an environmental educator, I strive to encourage and guide children to create their own relationships and memories with the outdoors. In my experience, however, the idea of giving children time for outdoor, unstructured play, seems trivial or even dangerous to some. As educational aspirations for our children mount and their time becomes ever more structured, sending our kids “out to play” perhaps doesn’t seem as safe and worthwhile as it once did.

This rapid decline in outdoor play has some child psychologists worried. Over the last 50 years, psychologists have noticed that the amount of free, unstructured, outdoor play has decreased in Western societies. Issues such as anxiety, depression and helplessness have sharply increased, not just in children, but also in adolescents and young adults. Other health issues such as ADD, ADHD and obesity have also become increasingly common. A more sedentary lifestyle, combined with busier schedules, can lead to broad changes in children’s behavior, such as increased aggressiveness and fidgeting, decreased strength, stamina, and even poor posture.

Some believe these problems can be attributed to the increased amount of time children spend within structured activities.

Longer school days, shorter breaks, and after-school activities may leave children with fewer opportunities for free play. Some also believe that additional screen time may be replacing the time they would have otherwise spent playing outdoors.

IslandParent.ca

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Recent research has shown that giving children time for unstructured outdoor play can benefit children in important ways, including: Academic Improvements. As children play, they are also creating and pruning neural pathways in the brain. These important neural pathways act like roadmaps for later learning and development.

Independence and Creativity. Free outdoor play means the opportunity for a child to actively choose the activities they like. It promotes curiosity, game development and pretend play, as well as the use of imagination. The unpredictable nature of the outdoors presents children with new challenges and risks. Unstructured play gives children the independence they need

Outdoor play promotes experimentation, exploration and discovery. Free play allows children to make connections between concepts they have learned in school or in other realms of life. Recent research has shown that even a small increase in unstructured outdoor play during school can help learners improve their overall academic performance, and even help maximize their attention spans while completing cognitive tasks.

Motor Development. Jumping in mud puddles, collecting sticks and searching for insects are all natural ways that children interact with objects in the outdoor environment. These actions promote the development of both fine and gross motor skills, which combine to create proprioception; the ability to maneuver one’s body through space.

Through outdoor play, children get a sense of movement concepts such as distance, speed, and direction. These are the building blocks of a child’s ability to navigate confidently outside and when playing with others.

to manage and overcome these inevitable situations. This confidence reflects their ability to manage future problems, while also reducing ability-based fear and anxiety.

Social Benefits. Being outside naturally encourages children to work and play together. It teaches them leadership, cooperation, and conflict resolution. Unstructured outdoor play also provides children a chance to manage their own behaviors and emotions, and to create independent relationships with others.

So how can you promote free outdoor play with your kids?

You may not be quite ready to allow your child to go “free range” just yet, but here are some accessible ways to create more unstructured outdoor time with your family.

• Set clear guidelines and limits with your kids about where, how, and for how long they can play. As kids become more responsible outdoors, these guidelines can be adapted to give them greater independence or less adult supervision.

Every month at IslandParent.ca you can enter to win great prizes!

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IslandParent.ca 52 Island Parent Magazine

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• Frame outdoor play experiences by allowing children to reflect on what they’re doing or have done. This allows children to express how they feel about an experience, and to inform you about what they learned, felt, or were afraid of during their time outside.

• Be a role model; your appreciation for nature is something you mirror to your children. Show them your curiosity and creativity when playing outside. You do not need to know everything about nature, because part of the fun is learning together.

• Incorporate outdoor exploration into group or family get-togethers. Group hikes, geocaching, and gardening are great ways to collaborate outdoors!

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• Unstructured play does not necessarily mean unsupervised play. Get involved, play along, and let them teach you what they are discovering.

Now go on and get outside! Your kids, and your own body, will thank you for it.

Asta Mail works as Program Naturalist at Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary IslandParent.ca

Arabesque Dance................................................. 9 Arbutus Grove.................................................... IFC Arc Academy of Inquiry....................................... 4 Art Gallery..............................................................27 Belfry Theatre.....................................................IBC Blue Vista................................................................15 Browne Associates.............................................. 17 City of Victoria....................................................IBC Dialogue & Resolution Services.....................24 Dr. Joslin..................................................................18 Duff Psychological Services............................43 Emmanuel Preschool.........................................42 Galey Farms..........................................................34 Howie’s Car Corral................................................ 8 IMAX........................................................................45 International Montessori....................................14 Island Swimming................................................ IFC Juan De Fuca Skating Club............................... 6 Kaleidoscope........................................................39 Kool & Child..........................................................27 Lexie’s Little Bears..............................................30 LIFE Seminars........................................................19 Lifestyles................................................................45 Little Steps..............................................................19 MacDonald Realty................................................10 Mad Science........................................................... 9 Magical Meadow.................................................34 Momease............................................................. IFC Mothering Touch....................................................7 MS Society of Canada....................................... 47 Nanaimo Conservatory.....................................43 NIL TU,O..................................................................13 O’Brien....................................................................42 Oak and Orca............................................... 38, 46

Pacific Coast Swimming....................................33 Phoenix Theatre..................................................23 Playful Pencil..........................................................12 Queen of Angels..................................................18 Royal BC Museum................................................. 11 Ryan MacDonald Photography........................51 Saanich Dental.............................................. 15, 39 Saanich Recreation............................................... 3 School District #63..............................................14 Serious Coffee.....................................................40 Shawnigan Lake Montessori............................13 St. Margarets.......................................................... 17 Stages...............................................................33, 41 Sutubra....................................................................31 Theatre One..........................................................12 Thistle & Wren........................................................ 11 Thrifty Foods.........................................................29 TJ’s The Kiddie Store.........................................40 Tom Lee.................................................................. 47 Total Learning Services......................................10 Vancouver Island Psychological Services..................................54 Victoria Academy of Ballet................................21 Victoria Bug Zoo.................................................. 47 Victoria Conservatory of Music........................41 Victoria Gymnastics.....................................BC, 51 Victoria Sport Syncro.........................................42 VIHA........................................................................44 Welcome Wagon................................................... 8 Welkin College School.......................................51 Westcoast Academy of Ballet......................... 37 Westmont Montessori........................................43 Westshore Dental.................................................. 5 Westshore Parks and Recreation...................28

September 2018 53

Resolution Rules

S

iblings have an incredible opportunity to learn relationship skills. As a parent, your job is not to take over their problems and play referee. If you constantly fix your kids disagreements, you delay the possibility of them doing it themselves. As kids mature past the toddler years, your goal is to gradually step out of the battles.

If the noise of your kids arguing is getting to you…say so instead of getting involved.

There is nothing wrong with asking them to separate or take the noise outside.

You can articulate the problem and say, “We have one TV and two kids who want to watch something different. When you figure out a solution, you can watch your show.”

Articulate the problem and get out of there.

Think of the last time you had an argument with a partner. Imagine if a third party stepped in to take sides.

Instead of dealing directly with your partner, you are now trying to con-

54 Island Parent Magazine

vince the third party that you are right. If one of you is agreed with, the other will feel resentful. That causes more arguments!

If people feel defensive, arguments are hard to resolve. Choose neutral times when people feel calm to resolve issues. You can do this weekly or as needed.

Teach the resolution rules:

1. What is the issue? Once you figure out what it is, stick to it and don’t allow other issues to be brought in.

2. Each person is given a turn to talk without being interrupted. No putdowns or name calling. When it is that person’s turn, they can say how they feel and why they feel that way. Make sure that somebody reflects the feelings and content back before it is the next person’s turn.

3. What is the need? Privacy, support, understanding or inclusion? Note: needs aren’t actions.

4. Brainstorm ideas to get people’s needs met. Everybody gets a chance to come up with ideas—the rule is that all ideas are

Allison Rees Cut It Out! considered and not judged during brainstorming. Just write it down or make a mental note.

5. Choose what could work. This is where there can be a little give and take. Be very specific. “What will this look like?”

6. Stick to the plan and review it at a set date to see how it is working.

This may not go perfectly, that doesn’t matter. The value is in developing relationship skills. Retire your striped shirt and whistle.

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

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To sign up or learn more email us at hello@belfry.bc.ca.

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