When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child.
~ Sophia Loren, Women and Beauty
The other day, an interesting press release landed in my inbox. It was an announcement about an eight-year-old violin prodigy, a young girl in the US who was also using her celebrity to pursue philanthropic efforts around the world. Reading about this amazing wunderkind turned my thoughts to the child’s parents. I wondered, what kind of mother does it take to raise a child like this? Granted, innate talent is not something that can be taught, but still, I looked at my own daughter, who at four years of age is just now starting to learn to play the piano, and has recently learned to distinguish between two-black-key and three-black-key groups.
Am I a bad mother because my child is not establishing international charitable foundations, wowing large audiences with some extraordinary talent, speaking three languages fluently, reading Proust before bed, and snacking on nothing but kale and carrot sticks— grown in our own backyard, of course? Depends on who you ask.
As mothers, we all have a constant litany of nagging “shoulda” lists running through our heads, usually in conjunction with the “to do” and “forgot” lists. I should have woken up at five a.m. to register her for that class, I should have started growing peas in the garden already, I should have bought her that organic cotton backpack, I should have, I should have, I should have… Even worse, we all gleefully and perpetually judge
other mothers, using the same type of lists. Look at her nails!
SHE obviously doesn’t do any housework. Who does she think she is, wearing those jeans, she should really lose twenty pounds first. If I had a child like that, I wouldn’t let them do that. My kids definitely have cuter outfits…
But maybe it’s time we stopped judging each other and ourselves, and admitted that neither we nor those around us are perfect—not by a long shot. We all make mistakes, do less than we think we should, and worry about what we’ve left undone. The one thing we do all have in common is that, in our own individual ways, we all try to do our best for our kids, our partners and, occasionally, even for ourselves. It was with this in mind that we decided to explore those über-mom myths that so many of us subscribe to. Maybe, just maybe, if we all eased up on ourselves just the tiniest bit, we—and our daughters—might gain a little more happiness, and a much better sense of self. So, this Mother’s Day, let’s try celebrating that, rather than worrying about what else we might have accomplished.
I wish you all a very happy and healthy month, and a Mother’s Day that reminds you of just what amazing mothers you truly all are.
I really enjoyed the health article last month [Skate Ski Your Way to Fitness, December/January]. Our family has been looking for interesting ways to get active year-round, and this has definitely moved to the top of list for next winter!
S. Furst
Thanks for the great reading suggestions [Last Look, December/January] in your winter issue. I think it’s so important to remember that our children’s perception of themselves evolves a lot from what we teach them, and how we react to the various media around us. It doesn’t matter what they see, as much as how they see us respond to it.
E. Sanderson
What an amazing cover you have this month! [April] She is super cute! And I love how you always portray such a wide range of ages and ethnicities…keep it up!
A. Geringer
When are you readers’ choice awards launching again? We want to vote for our favourites and hopefully win something cool…hehe.
T. Jung
Editor’s Note: Our 2nd Annual Readers’ Choice Awards are launching in this issue. Be sure to check out page 11 for details on the contest and the amazing prizes we have for voters!
Got anything to say, rant about or praise? We want to hear it all!
Email editor@westcoastfamilies.com with your comments, questions and suggestions, and be entered to win monthly prizes!
For distribution inquiries, please contact: Jennifer Bruyns
Contributors:
Bopomo Pictures, Debbie Bowman, Jen Bruyns, Angela Davidson, Amy Fardell, Lara Green, Brenda Hooper, Dr. Maja Kovacevic, Karen Mizgala, Jennifer Sands, Sara Sjerven, A. Vance.
WestCoast Families (WCF) is an independent, regional parenting publication. As the Lower Mainland’s prime resource for happy, healthy & active families, WCF provides informative and relevant content.
Published nine times per year in British Columbia, Canada. Total circulation: 50,000
For queries about editorial submissions, please view the contributor guidelines on our website.
To submit a community calendar event or share your feedback, please email info@westcoastfamilies.com.
Photographed by eclipsephotography.ca
WIN! One of FIVE Family Passes to a Special Screening on May 19 of Shrek Ever After!
After challenging an evil dragon, rescuing a beautiful princess and saving your in-laws’ kingdom, what’s an ogre to do? Well, if you’re Shrek, you suddenly wind up a domesticated family man. Instead of scaring villagers away like he used to, a reluctant Shrek now agrees to autograph pitch forks. What’s happened to this ogre’s roar? Longing for the days when he felt like a “real ogre,” Shrek is duped into signing a pact with the smooth-talking dealmaker, Rumpelstiltskin. Shrek suddenly finds himself in a twisted, alternate version of Far Far Away, where ogres are hunted, Rumpelstiltskin is king and Shrek and Fiona have never met. Now, it’s up to Shrek to undo all he’s done in the hopes of saving his friends, restoring his world and reclaiming his One True Love.
Deadline to Enter: May 9, 2010
WIN! A Family Pass to Day Out with Thomas!
West Coast Railway Heritage Park
39645 Government Rd, Squamish
June 5, 6, 12, 13
Enjoy a magical day with Thomas and all his friends, when you and your family get to experience Day Out With Thomas! Includes family four-pack of tickets, train ride and many other Thomas activities, lunch vouchers for four people, and a $50 merchandise voucher for the giant Thomas merchandise tent with special items available only at this event. Total retail value $170. www.thomasandfriends.com/dowt
Deadline to Enter: May 23, 2010
WIN! This Bouncy Castle and Four Tickets to EPIC!: The Vancouver Sun Sustainable Living Expo!
The Little Tikes Bouncer (SRP $199), courtesy of Granville Island Toy Company, measures 8’ x 8’ x 5.5’—perfect for backyard play! Square play area includes a double-stitched entrance. Stakes anchor bouncer firmly in place, while a heavy-duty blower provides continuous airflow. Built of puncture-resistant material with durable mesh netting. Includes stakes, heavy-duty blower with GFCI, repair kit and storage bag. Recommended maximum combined weight limit: 250 lbs. Ages 3 to 10 years. For outdoor use only. PLUS! Win four tickets (value $60) to EPIC!: The Vancouver Sun Sustainable Living Expo, on May 28 to 30. For details on this event, please see page 12 in this issue. epicvancouver.com | toycompany.ca Deadline to Enter: May 16, 2010
WIN! The SmartSwipe Personal USB Credit Card Reader!
Perfect for the mom who shops online, the SmartSwipe makes shopping on the web a simple and safe process. Once you reach the check out page, simply swipe your card and you never have to worry about manually entering your information again! It also securely encrypts your data so that cyber thieves have no chance of stealing your sensitive information. SRP $99.95. www.smartswipe.ca Deadline to Enter: May 31, 2010
is pleased to announce the official launch of our
Fun All Year Long!
2nd Annual
ReadersChoice awards
Enter for your chance to WIN this ULTIMATE FAMILY PASS, good for one whole year for a family of four!
Our ULTIMATE FAMILY PASS Grand Prize (Total Retail Value Approx. $1,000!) includes a one year family membership to ALL of the following attractions:
• Capilano Suspension Bridge
• Greater Vancouver Zoo
• H.R. McMillan Planetarium
• Maplewood Farm
• Museum of Vancouver
• Science World
• Vancouver Aquarium
• Vancouver Art Gallery
• Vancouver Maritime Museum
• Vancouver Police Museum
• VanDusen Botanical Garden PLUS: Four Season PlayPasses to Playland 2011 (April through September)
You can also win one of our two runner-up prizes:
One year membership for one parent and one child to The Great Escape in Langley (Value $299).
Four passes to one of Carousel Theatre for Young People’s 2011 performances of Literary Classics (Value $116).
WCF presents
EPIC!: The Vancouver Sun Sustainable Living Expo
Vancouver Convention Centre, May 28-30, 2010
Back for its fourth year as Western Canada’s largest smart lifestyle consumer tradeshow and eco-marketplace, EPIC is jam packed with inspiring ideas and products to help consumers live a more sustainable lifestyle while leaving a softer footprint. Over 300 exhibitors, providing consumers with a one-stop-shop for the latest in high quality, stylish, sustainable products and services that are healthier and more sensitive to the environment; everything from food to fashion, home décor, health and beauty, transportation and more. EPIC is fun for the whole the family. Visit the EPIC KidZone where children can learn, do arts and crafts and play with the kid-friendly exhibits. New for 2010 is the EPIC Fair Trade Pavilion where consumers can interact with local companies that provide access to overseas products that carry a Fair Trade label, certifying that their manufacturing process meets certain social, economic and environmental standards. On the EPIC Main Stage, learn from leaders in the sustainability field about the latest developments in home décor and garden, transportation and other aspects of everyday life. See website for ticket prices and hours. epicvancouver.com
Vancouver International Children’s Festival
Vanier Park, Vancouver, May 17-24, 2010
Jam-packed with music, theatre, dance, storytelling, puppetry, circus arts and much more, the Vancouver International Children’s Festival embodies the buoyant spirit and endless curiosity of children all over the world. This year’s shows include “A Promise is a Promise,” Ache Brasil, Alice in Wonderland, Bobs & Lolo, Charlotte Diamond, Circus Incognitus, Joie d’Afrique, Michel Lauziere, National Acrobats of Taiwan and much more. Tickets on sale now. childrensfestival.ca
Tacos for Trey: Family Friendly Fiesta!
May 8, 2010, 3pm-6pm, Lynn Valley Elementary School 3207 Institute Rd, North Vancouver
Give more than beans, get more than gas! Bring your family for a fun afternoon of balloon twisting, face painting, crafts, live entertainment, raffle, silent auction and great food for all! Proceeds are donated to the Canadian MPS Society MPS II Research Fund. Admission by donation. www.treypurcell.com
Where to pick up your copy of
Vancouver East
Eastside Family Place
Mt Pleasant Library
Dream Designs
Pagasa Children’s Wear
Westcoast Chamber Music
Vancouver Police Museum
Sunset Community Centre
Vancouver West Collingwood School
Aquatic Centre
North Shore Family Services
Bean Around the World
Gatehouse Montessori
West End Community Centre
Vancouver Breastfeeding Centre
B Cozy Blanket
Vancouver Downtown
Joe Fortes Library
Robson Public Market
Little Treasures Children Boutique
Party Bazaar
Tiggy Winkles
Vie Maternity Boutique
Canadian Geological Centre
North Shore
Ron Andrews Rec Centre
Parkgate Library
Karen Magnussen Ice Rink
Lynn Valley Library
ICBC
Belly Bonding
Richmond
Richmond Ice Centre
RDC Skate Park
Thompson Community Centre
Sylvan Learning Centre
Academy Of Learning
Cambie Community Centre
Gateway Theatre
Coquitlam/Port Coquitlam/ Port Moody
Moody Park Arena
Cameron Recreation Centre
Jelly Beans Kids Consignment
Bippity Boppity Boo
Christies Cottage
Siblings Children’s Boutique
Gymboree
Sugar and Spice
YMCA Port Moody
Surrey/Delta
Bear Creek Park Train
Cloverdale Medical Building
Ocean Park Library
JB Kids
Guilford Rec Centre
Ladner Pioneer Library
Baby Cheeks
Plus find us at various retail stores, community and activity centres, and family restaurants!
Email us at admin@westcoastfamilies.com if you’d like to find a distribution spot near you, or if you’d like to suggest a location to be added.
Mother’s Day Gifts for Everyone!
For socially-conscious mom
How about a pair of breeding goats or a package of drought-resistant seeds? Care Canada is an international charity that focuses on women and girls in developing countries, with programs that offer vocational training, mother-baby birthing kits, water sanitation, and learning opportunities. With gifts as low as $25, you can give mom something meaningful and save a life halfway across the world at the same time. care.ca
For green-thumb mom
Victoria’s Historic Inns, a group of eight independently-owned, unique inns, are offering a Glorious Gardens package now until September 30. Package includes two nights accommodation at your inn of choice, breakfast and afternoon treats, entrance for two people to Butchart Gardens, Glendale Gardens and Abkhazi Gardens, and a takeaway basket of gardener’s goodies. Rates start between $134 and $188 per person. Visit ww.victoriashistoricinns.com for details.
Dashwood Manor images courtesy of Victoria’s Historic Inns
For fashionista mom
Citrus Silver is an online Canadian company that specializes in hand-stamped silver necklaces, pendants, bracelets, bead rings and more! Check out this custom-stamped Pink Candy ring ($71.25) for posh moms. www.citrussilver.ca
For sporty mom
Vizini is a chic, strapless sun visor that attaches to any pair of sunglasses or prescription glasses. It is the perfect item to toss into your bag for the soccer mom, workout queen or simply a day at the park—plus it protects those peepers and brows from the sun and won’t mess up your hair like traditional hats. Comes with its own carrying pouch. www.vizini.com
Don’t know what to get your mom?
EnGreet.com is a new service that allows you to personalize and send real greeting cards from the comfort of your home, and in record time. Plus, you can now also add on a gift card, so Mom can go to her favourite spa!
How the World Benefits from Summer Camp Kids
By Angela Davidson and Lara Green
As parents, we have all felt separation anxiety, no matter the age of our offspring. Whether it’s the first day of daycare, the first day of preschool, or the first time they go away to summer camp, our minds inevitably cringe—as well as sighing with relief at having some time to ourselves—as we mentally run through everything that could possibly go wrong when our children leave our care.
Emotional quivers aside, summer camps offer so many benefits for children of any age, whether one is considering a day or sleepover camp, that they should far outweigh any lingering parental doubts. Take the latest initiative from Me to We, which has established a Take Action Academy (www.metowe.com/leadership) through a series of summer camps across Canada. Kids learn about social responsibility, eco-sustainability and ways to combat poverty and homelessness.
Expanding on the topic of environmental sustainability, summer camps are an excellent way to combat what Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods, called “Nature Deficit Disorder,” a term he uses to describe the correlation between the lack of time children spend in the outdoors and the wide range of behavioural problems those children are increasingly facing as a result. Furthermore, Robert Bateman, an iconic Canadian naturalist and artist, has described this disconnect to nature with the worrying statistic, “that we live in a society where youth recognize 1,200 corporate logos and fewer than 12 species of wildlife found in their communities.”
It was to battle this problem that camps like Evans Lake Forest Education Society and FUN Society were established. The former, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year (www.evanslake.com), provides children with an understanding of our forest ecosystem and fosters better relationships between each other and the earth. The latter is a registered Canadian charity that runs environmental summer day camps for children and youth in Victoria and Vancouver, with an emphasis on leadership, sustainability, collaboration, and, of course…fun (www.funsociety.ca).
But my kid isn’t that outdoorsy, you complain. Well, you don’t always have to be in the forest to learn about the world around you. Science World (www.scienceworld.ca/summersciencecamp) now offers pirate-themed day camps for kids that explore how to keep their balance on a wind-tossed days, the physics of stealthy ships, the biology of parrots and sea creatures, how to read the sky for signs of a storm, map making, and even the science of hunting and hiding treasure.
So, in the end, camps help create kids who are thoughtful, engaged with the world around them, aware of and empathetic to others, socially and environmentally responsible, and able to read a map when your onboard navigation system breaks down! Well, that and the whole fresh-air-makesfor-healthy-kids thing.
Happy Camping!
A Science World camper has a hair-raising experience. Photo courtesy of Science World
camp guide resource listings: day camps for everyone!
See ad this issue
ARTS, MUSIC & THEATRE
Amati String Studio - Vancouver
Various four-day musical instruction camps in July and August for students interested in violin, viola, cello, classical guitar and double bass. All ages, all levels. Costs start at $100. Registration deadline is May 25.
604.762.6284 | amatistringstudio.ca
Arts Umbrella Summer Camp - Vancouver
Morning, afternoon or full-day visual and performing arts classes, complemented by field trips and outdoor fun. Half-day mini camps available in July only. Ages 3 to 19. Please call for prices. 604.448.3000 | artsumbrella.com
CirKids - Vancouver (PNE site in Hastings Park)
Weeklong day camps that combine traditional circus arts with athletics, dance and theatre throughout July and August. Ages 5 to 14. Prices vary up to $295 and include a t-shirt! 604.737.7408 | cirkids.org
Dance Co.
Offering an intensive, professional and fun summer dance program. During the summer term they offer classes in Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary, Tap, Hip Hop, Acro, Yoga and Breakdance. Available to all beginner, intermediate and advanced level dancers. 604.736.3394 | danceco.com
Gabriela’s Movement Studio – Richmond
Offering creative movement and art camps for boys and girls ages 2 ½ to 8 years and ballet summer camps for boys and girls ages 3 to 8 years. Please check website for more details. 604.272.0607 | movementstudio.ca
Gateway Academy for Performing Arts - Richmond
At camp, your days are filled with acting, singing and dancing. Join us and make theatre part of your summer memories for life. Ages 8 to 18. Sessions starting at $125 up to $725. 604.270.6500 | gatewaytheatre.com
Haney Summer Music Camp - Maple Ridge Camp instruction focuses on woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. Campers meet daily to hone their skills and deepen their commitment to music for one week. In addition to the camp, there will be opportunities for students to enjoy a leisurely, holiday type environment. All camps will take place at the Maple Ridge Arts Centre and Theatre and will culminate in a concert for the students’ family and friends. Concert Band Quick Start camps are scheduled for July 13 to 17 or August 31 to September 4. Junior Concert Band camp is August 31 to September 4.
778.887.7115 | haneysummermusiccamp.ca
Jump Start Music & Movement - Various locations throughout Lower Mainland Singing, vocal play, body percussion, instruments and fun musical games to take your musician to the next level. Various 6 or 8-week programs offered throughout July and August for newborns and up. Cost $60 and up.
604.777.7179 | jumpstartmusicandmovement.com
Kids’ Only Acting - South Surrey
From pre-school drama to commercials for teens, your child could be a star this summer. Professional, fun and affordable three-day summer camps for young performers. Ages 3 to 17. Costs depend on program and age group.
604.831.5324 | kidsonlyacting.com
Pacific Dance Arts - Vancouver
A three-week intensive training program in August that touches on ballet, modern, jazz and pointe for elementary, intermediate and advanced dancers. Please call for a placement audition. 604.738.8575 | pacificdancearts.ca
Place des Arts - Coquitlam
From July 5 to August 6, 5 to 12 year olds can program their own weeklong multi-disciplined art camps. Three-hour, weeklong intensive workshops for youth ages 12 to 14 allow them to delve deeply into a variety of creative activities.
604.664.1636 | placedesarts.ca
Red Leaf Creative Summer Camps - Burnaby
Creative and outdoor camp options for teens ages 13 to 17. Choose Film & TV, Performing Arts, or Outdoor Adventure & Leadership programs. Each program is 8 to 10 days in length. $500 to $635 depending on program.
604.980.3110 | 604.980.3110
Stagecraft Theatre School - North Shore & Vancouver
A condensed version of the school’s main musical theatre program, which allows kids to train in voice, dance and drama. Choose from various five-day camps in July and August. Costs range per age: $115 (ages 4 to 5); $180 (ages 6 to 10); $250 (ages 11 to 14).
604.267.7287 | stagecraft.ca
Summer Arts Program - Coquitlam (Evergreen Cultural Centre)
Get creative with drama and art, and strut your stuff with a performance at the end of the week. Two five-day sessions available in July for ages 7 to 12. These camps are $195. A ‘Stagecraft for Teens’ class is also available for those aged 13 to 16 for $235.
604.927.6550 | evergreenculturalcentre.ca
Summer Improv Camp - Vancouver (Granville Island)
This two-week camp consists of quick-witted workouts focusing on creativity, openness, humour, self-confidence, and the art of listening. Camps end with a public performance at the New Revue Stage and registration includes 3 complimentary tickets for specific shows. July 6 to 17. Cost $330 for youth in grades 7 to 12.
604.738.7013 | vtsl.com
Vancouver Academy of Dance - Richmond
Multiple programs for all ages and all levels. Hip hop, jazz, ballet, tap, lyrical, acrobatics, breakdancing, ballroom and more!
604.231.8293 | vancouverdance.com
camp guide resource listings: day camps for everyone!
EDUCATION
BC SPCA Kids Camp - Various locations throughout BC
During the week, campers are immersed in animal-themed activities and are challenged, in fun and engaging ways, to learn about responsible animal care, animal facts and to develop positive, respectful relationships between people, animals and nature. The activities each day range from active field games to quiet hands-on projects and include games, crafts, skits, guest speakers and time with animals. Four and five-day camps in July and August for children ages 8 to 12. Prices range from $120 to $170. 604.681.7271 | spca.bc.ca/kids
CEFA (Core Education Fine Arts) Junior Kindergarten - North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Burnaby & Langley
Puppet-making, sculpting, cooking and chemistry fun. Various two-week pre-school camps in July and August. Ages 2 to 5. 604.913.7713 | cefa.ca
FarmWonders Summer Camp - Vancouver (UBC Farm)
The Centre for Sustainable Food Systems at UBC farm introduces FarmWonders Summer Camp: an innovative, educational and fun summer day camp for children age 6 to 11. Aiming to offer a unique experience that allows children to explore the wonders of science at the farm and discover the mysteries of the food that they eat. Four and five-day camps in July and August. Cost $190 to $200. 604.822.5092 | landfood.ubc.ca/ubcfarm
Friends Uniting for Nature (FUN) Society - Vancouver
During every week of FUN Camps you will become an Eco-Superhero by playing crazy games, solving challenges, creating your own exciting project and doing lots of crafts and sports. There will also be hiking, swimming, t-shirt making and surprise out-trips each week. The underlying theme of lowering your ecological footprint and learning how to live sustainably within a city setting...and of course FUN...will be the basis of all the camps. All camps will include swimming, hiking, arts, sports, crafts, and will be held outside as much as possible. Camps run July through August and start at $160. 250 386 9978 | funcamps.ca
GEERing Up! UBC Engineering & Science for Kids - Vancouver (UBC Point Grey Campus)
Each camp offers a dynamic mix of science, engineering and technology demonstrations, hands-on projects, design competitions and labs. In addition to our regular Explorers, Imagineers, Inventors, we have Girls Only! and Tech Camps. Full day camps (9am to 3pm) with before and aftercare available. Please check online for more info.
604.822.2858 | geeringup.apsc.ubc.ca
H.R. MacMillan Cosmo Camps - Vancouver (H.R. MacMillan Space Centre)
Weeklong camps in July and August offer non-stop action and include exploration of the Cosmic Courtyard, rides on the Simex Motion Simulator plus exciting Ground Station Canada and Planetarium theatre shows. Grades 1 to 3 and 4 to 6. Space Centre Members receive a discount on Cosmo Camps. 604.738.7827 | hrmacmillanspacecentre.com
High Tech Science Made Fun - Various locations throughout the Lower Mainland High Touch is offering hands-on science camps at Capilano University, Collingwood Prep and a location near you. For a complete listing of weeklong camps offered, check the website. Ages 5 to 12. 778.737.5277 | sciencemadefunbc.net
Mad Science - Multiple locations throughout Lower Mainland
Discover the draw of Mad Science in the summer at your local camp, community centre, or YMCA! Mad Science engages children in scientific explorations that are so much fun children will forget they’re learning! Campers can team up with fellow engineers to build a bridge, participate in an unforgettable dinosaur dig, build and launch a model rocket, explore the science behind their favourite sports—the selection of activities will make your head spin! Whether you are looking for an hour, week or full summer of edutainment programming, Mad Science Summer & Vacation Programs can meet your programming needs.
604.591.9115 | madscience.org
Millennium Kids Learning Centres - Port Coquitlam
Ongoing reading, writing, comprehension, and math programs. Address learning problems now to get a head start on the new school year. Cost depends on program.
604.461.3330 | millenniumlearningadvantage.com
Opus Academy - Vancouver
Offering unique summer break camps on various subject areas. The compressed schedules help parents provide their children with great summer learning while accommodating for family travel and activities
604.267.3749 | opusacademy.com
Schokolade Artisan Chocolate & Café – Vancouver
Children ages 9 to 12 years can learn how to make chocolates with dark, milk and white chocolate, 3D moulding and dipping techniques. Shortbread & chocolate cookies, cupcakes and Swiss rolls. Course costs $180 for 4 sessions and includes all materials, and a take home finished goodie daily.
July 6 to 9 or July 13 to 16 from 10am to 11:30am.
604.253.9411 | schokoladecafe.com
Science Alive - Burnaby & Surrey Campus (SFU)
Providing science, engineering and technology focused summer camps for students completing grades 2 through 7. All summer camp programs include indoor and outdoor activities. There is an emphasis on exploration of science, engineering, and technology through hands-on activities, labs, games, and weeklong projects. Costs starts at $180.
604.291.5912 | sciencealive.ca
Science World Camps - Vancouver (Science World)
Take a week to learn about pirate science! Along with other wacky science explorations, take a special look at the secrets of surviving the high seas. Study the biology of parrots and sea creatures, investigate the physics behind stealthy ships and learn the science of hiding and hunting treasure. Each day, you’ll learn a new buccaneer skill such as map-making, keeping your balance and reading the sky for signs of a storm. Weeklong camps available in July and August for those in grades 1 to 6. Cost $280 (members) or $330 (non-members).
604.443.7443 | scienceworld.bc.ca
Southridge School Summer Camps - Surrey
Creative writing, art, outdoor education, sports, reading, math, robotics, chess, music and so much more. Camps offered throughout July from 9am to 3:30pm. Ages 4 to 15. Costs vary. 604.535.5056 | southridge.bc.ca
camp guide resource listings: day camps for everyone!
Summer at St George’s - Vancouver (St George’s School)
Select from half and full-day camps related to the arts, science and technology, sports and recreation, ESL and others. Five-day camps throughout July and August for school-aged kids. Costs vary.
604.224.1304 | stgeorges.bc.ca
Sylvan Learning Centre - Various locations throughout the Lower Mainland
Offering fun and rewarding activities that will build the skills, habits and attitudes your child needs for a successful school year. Costs depend on program selected. 800.338.2283 | educate.com
UBC Phenomenal Physics Summer Camps - UBC Campus
The UBC Phenomenal Physics Summer Camps are for kids (Grades 2 to 10) who enjoy learning science through hands-on activities and demonstrations. Offering four different weeklong camps that cater to a range of ages and interests that run from July 5 to 31. outreach.phas.ubc.ca/summercamps
VanDusen Botanical Garden – Vancouver
Full day camps that promote environmental stewardship and a love of the natural world through a fun blend of activities, lessons, gardening, games, crafts, and garden exploration. Perennial kids’ favorites such as pond dipping and working in the vegetable garden will be incorporated into all camps. Ages 5 to 11. Costs start at $170 for members and include a t-shirt.
604.718.5898 | vandusengarden.org
Vancouver Aquarium Aqua Camps - Vancouver Aquarium
Get ready to dive into summer as kids explore the aquatic world around us. Offering camps for children in Kindergarten to Grade 8 and camps range from 1 to 5 days long. All camps run from 9.30am to 3pm with the exception of the kindergarten camp. Camps start at $80+. Ask about the membership discounts.
604.659.3552 | vanaqua.org
Vancouver Museum - Vancouver
Offering half-day camps, as well as hands-on, interactive activities for day camps. Explore new places like Egypt, or our very own backyard here in Vancouver. Check out the details online. Ages 5 to 12.
604.730.5307 | museumofvancouver.ca
Wetland Adventures in Burns Bog Delta - Burns Bog
Experience the wonders of our wetlands while learning about bog plants and animals. Activities include exploration, first aid training, experiments and more throughout July and August. Ages 5 to 12. Cost $110 for first child and $95 for each sibling.
604.572.0373 | burnsbog.org
SPORTS & ACTIVITIES
Amanda’s Horse Camp - Maple Ridge
From how to care for to how to ride horses safely, learn all about horses in a safe, secure manner. Individual and small group sessions. Starting at $30/hour per person.
778.999.6952 | amandashorsecamp.ca
Atlantis Programs Swim & Bike Camps - North Vancouver & Vancouver
Fun bike and swim camps that promote health and safety. Various levels for all abilities with four and five-day camps offered throughout July and August. Please check website for costs.
604.874.6464 | atlantisprograms.com
Burnaby Village Museum – Burnaby
Each week includes games, activities, crafts and lots of carousel rides. With a large meadow for energetic outdoor games and unique indoor spaces for quieter activities, the museum is an ideal spot for hosting summer camps. 5 to 12 years. Camps are Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm. Cost is $150, 5 sessions. Please check the website (under programs) for different themes offered each week.
604.297.4565 | burnabyvillagemuseum.ca
Canadian Dolphins Swim Club - Burnaby (8 Rinks)
Figure skating, hockey, soccer, ringette and multi-sports camps. Four and five-day camps in July and August. Ages and costs vary per camp selected. Check online for details.
604.291.0626 | canadiandolphin.ca
Canlan Sports - Burnaby (8 Rinks)
Figure skating, hockey, soccer, ringette and multi-sports camps. Four and 5-day camps available in July and August. Ages and costs vary per camp selected. Check online for details.
604.291.0626 | canlanicesports.com
City of Richmond Aquatics - Richmond
Swim instruction, games, and water fun. Half day camps running in July and August. Ages 4 to 7. Check online for costs and details.
Learn the essential principles of climbing in a safe, fun environment. Five-day camps in July and August from 9am to 1pm. Lessons are incremental and are designed to challenge children at any skill level. Completion of the Kidrock Climbing Camp gives your child a firm grounding in the core principles of indoor rock climbing. Ages 9 to 15. Cost is $200.
604.874.2400 | cliffhangerclimbing.com
Deep Cove Canoe and Kayak - North Vancouver
Become familiar with and improve your paddling skills while learning water safety, basic strokes and how to safely get in and out of a boat. Classes throughout July and August. Ages 7 to 12. Cost $195.
604.929.2268 | deepcovekayak.com
Dojang - Vancouver
Learn the physical and technical aspects of martial arts in July & August from 9am to 3pm. Some of the organized activities & excursions can include: Chinatown and Dr. Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden, Anthropology Museum, skimboarding, kayaking, volleyball, soccer, swimming and lots of exciting Martial Arts combining balance, coordination, strength, fun, courtesy, friendship, and respect. Ages 7 to 14. Cost $499.
604.603.4388 | dojang.ca
ESC Adventure - North Vancouver, Vancouver & Coquitlam
Choose between mountain bike camps and adventure camps that offer extreme sports and adventure outings. Five-day camps throughout the summer. Ages 4 to 13. Costs start at $190. 604.307.2453 | escadventures.com
False Creek Community Centre - Granville Island
Participants get the opportunity to access the ocean kayaks and canoes from the dock/ waterfront area behind the Community Centre. Program runs July through August from 9:30am to 4:30pm with extended care available. Ages 6 to 15. Cost: $129 to $159.
604.257.8195 | falsecreekcc.ca
Jump! Gymnastics
Offering half and full day summer camps for kids age 3 to 8. Activities include crafts by Craft Caravan, special outings and, of course, lots of gymnastics. Flexible week or day rates available. Registration open now.
604.568.9690 | jumpgymnastics.ca
Mac Sailing - Vancouver
All sailors gain basic knowledge of sailing while learning how to rig and de-rig boats in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Monday to Friday each week of the summer and are available in either the morning (9am to noon) or the afternoon (1pm to 4pm). Ages 7 to 16. Drop in classes available as well. Please see website for costs.
604.224.7245 | macsailing.com
Musqueam Golf Camps - West Vancouver
These camps immerse your child in the game for a week. We practice all aspects of the game, full swing, chipping, pitching, sand play, and putting. They also get on the golf course where they learn the basic rules and etiquette along with club selection and other fundamentals. Ages 7 to 9. Call for details.
604.266.2334 | musqueamgolf.com
My Gym Children’s Centre – Maple Ridge
Half-day full of games, sports, gymnastics, arts and crafts, story time, and much more. My Gym Camp is designed to enhance physical and emotional growth, all while keeping your child’s enjoyment the top priority! Please check website for more details.
604.465.1329 | mygym.com
North Shore Equestrian Centre - North Vancouver Camps combine horsemanship (working around the horse), theory, and riding time with an emphasis on safety and fun. Sessions run weekly, Monday through Friday, and you can choose the morning session (9am to noon) or the afternoon session (1pm to 4 pm) Ages 8 and up. Cost is $360.
604.988.5131 | wecreateriders.com
Phoenix Gymnastics - Vancouver
Full and half-day camps include gymnastics skills and arts & crafts with fun activities in the gym! Camps run for five days, from Monday to Friday. A variety of gymnastics programs throughout the summer for 3 to 12 year olds. Designed to motivate and educate in a safe environment. Cost depends on program.
604.737.7693 | phoenixgymnastics.com
Roman Tulis Soccer School - Various locations throughout the Lower Mainland
Ideal for all levels of soccer players and for both boys and girls. Camps throughout the summer for ages 6 to 13. Camps run 9:30am to noon. Cost $160.
604.937.0500 | romantulis.com
Royal City Soccer Club
Offering half and full day soccer camp with before and after care for kids ages 5 to 13. Camps run in July and August for a full week from 9am to 4pm. Half day camp starts at $109. Check website for details.
1.800.427.0536 | royalsoccer.com
Sasamat Outdoor Centre - North of Port Moody
Outdoor activities to develop self-confidence, active lifestyles and teamwork. Camps throughout July and August with sleepover options available. Ages 6 to 15 years. Cost $140 to $400.
604.939.2268 | sasamat.org
SFU Summer Camps - SFU Burnaby & Surrey Campus
Outdoor adventure, aquatic, sports, university and computer camps. Five-day camps in July and August. Various ages. Cost depends on program.
778.782.4307 | sfu.ca/recreation
The Great Escape – Langley
Two different camps offered everyday. From ballistic ball zone tag to the jungle playground, laser tag or the kids climbing zone, The Great Escape has something for every child! From June 28 to September 3, Monday to Friday for ages 5 to 12 years. Please check the website for complete itinerary. thege.ca
The Little Gym - Langley
Physical activity and playtime with arts, crafts and special events. Monday to Friday mornings and afternoons. Ages 3 to 8. Call for costs.
604.539.2543 | thelittlegym.com
UBC Sports Camps - Vancouver (UBC)
Badminton, hockey, fencing, skimboarding, sailing and plenty more to choose from. Full and halfday camps in July and August. Ages 4 and up. Check online for details.
Cost: $120 to $200.
604.822.ubccamps.ca
camp guide resource listings: day camps for everyone!
Vancouver Police Museum - Vancouver
Discover how police investigators collect and analyze evidence from crime scenes by doing it yourself. Day camps and daycares are also invited to attend the Summer Sleuth or Cop Crafts activities. Learn more online.
604.665-3346 | vancouverpolicemuseum.ca
Westcoast Summer Hockey School - Langley
Come for a day, come for a week, come for the whole summer! Every day has a theme and is a fun-filled day that will leave your child tired but happy. All staff is trained in first aid. Daily themes: Monopoly Monday (the games come out), Twister Tuesday (indoor/outdoor games), Watermelon Wednesdays (how much can you eat?), Theatre Thursday (movie at Colossus), Free Style Friday (water play / fights, kid\’s choice activities). Cost: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday is $33.50; Thursday is $39.00 (movie at Colossus). Hours: 7:45am to 5pm. 10 children minimum daily. Children should bring lunch and snacks.
604.882.1611 x. 704 | sportsplexbc.com
Windsure Windsurfing Youth Summer Day Camp - Vancouver
Get in the water and learn to windsurf, skimboard, sail or kayak. Five-day camps in June, July and August. For kids 12 and up (or weighing at least 80 pounds). Cost $199 to $339. 604.224.0615 | windsure.com
us this summer for new camp programs featuring pirate science!
Hurry! Limited space! Download your registration form today: scienceworld.ca/summersciencecamp
Members: Take advantage of special Members-only pricing.
YMCA - Various YMCAs through the Lower Mainland
Fun camping experiences that focus on personal growth and development. Camps start July 5 and run Monday to Friday each week. Lunch is provided every day. Cost depends on program.
604.939.9622
YWCA Camp Fun Girl
This one-week day camp for girls ages 9 to 13 aims to empower them through a variety of fun outdoor activities and workshops, plus it helps girls develop the strength, knowledge and skills they need to address issues they will face as teens. Registration begins in April and ends on July 9, 2010. Camp runs July 19 to 23 and July 26 to 30.
604.895.5844 | ywcavan.org/campfungirl
COMMUNITY & RECREATION CENTRES
Be sure to check out your local community leisure guide for their extensive list of summer camps for all ages.
Burnaby Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services
604.570.3800 | city.burnaby.bc.ca
Coquitlam Community & Recreation Centres
604.927.3000 | coquitlam.ca
Delta | Ladner | Tsawwassen Recreation & Parks
604.946.3293 | corp.delta.bc.ca
False Creek Community Centre
604.257.8195 | falsecreekCC.ca
Marpole-Oakridge Community Centre
604.257.8180 | marpoleoakridge.org
North Vancouver Recreation Commission
604.985.7761 | northvanrec.com
Port Coquitlam Parks & Recreation
604.927.5411 | city.port-coquitlam.bc.ca
Richmond Parks & Recreation
604.276.4000 | richmond.ca
Sunset Community Centre
604.718.6505 | mysunset.ca
Surrey Parks & Recreation
604.501.5100 | daycamps.surrey.ca
West Vancouver
604.925.7000 | westvancouver.ca
Vancouver Parks & Recreation
604.257.8400 | vancouver.ca
West Point Grey Community Centre
604.257.8140 | westpointgrey.org
The Blending of Two Families
By Brenda Hooper
t was Mother’s Day, 1988, and I waited all day, expecting some sort of recognition for my motherly efforts but none came. No breakfast in bed, flowers, brunch or card…absolutely NOTHING.
I was devastated and as the day progressed my tears of sadness turned to anger. “Why didn’t I get anything for Mother’s Day?” I asked my fiancé. His response was “You’re not his mother—I just didn’t think of it.”
Yes, that was true. This nine-year-old boy was to be my future stepson, but I never thought of him as a “step.” This would be my first marriage and I didn’t have any children. His mother lived 3,000 miles away. I did a lot of the driving to and from activities, homework, clothes shopping and I was the one who sat with him when he had a nightmare or wasn’t feeling well. Isn’t that what moms do—step or otherwise?
The question “what is a ‘step’ to do?” is one likely asked by many Canadians. By 2001, 12% of Canadian families were step-families that incorporated children from the parents’ previous relationships. The term “blended family” is also used to describe a family that incorporates children of one or both spouses from previous unions and one or more children from the current union. Almost half of Canadian families are “blended.”
However, the success rate for step and blended families is rather dismal. Over 60% of second marriages fail when children are involved. This percentage has not improved over time—step families today have just as much difficulty adjusting as the step families in the 70s when the divorce rate skyrocketed. Blended families have a higher success rate than other step families, which may be because the child from the union acts as a conduit between the two families. Couples who live in a common law union have a higher failure rate that married couples.
Becoming a step family can be a very confusing time for everyone. Questions arise such as: What role am I to play? Who does the discipline? Our parenting styles are so different, how do we handle this?
Unfortunately, the answers are not as simple as “Do this” or “Do that” because there are so many variables that affect each unique step family. For instance,
• Age of the children
• Location and relationship with the biological parent
• If the step children live full time or part time in the home
The following are general guidelines for step families to follow which will help them to navigate as they attempt to blend their two families together:
1) Step families are NOT and CANNOT act as nuclear families. This can be very challenging when as a society we look to the nuclear family structure as our model for “family.” The role of mother, father, sister and brother are very different to start with in a step family. The step parents need to take a back seat approach until a relationship has been established, and only at that time is their role also established, such as the role of mentor, friend, mother or father.
2) Discuss and set the family rules right at the beginning. This step gets missed quite frequently and when conflicts arise, the families go into reactive mode. Rules are guidelines that help each family member understand what the expectations are for the family and home. These guidelines bring consistency to the functioning of the family. Children may baulk at rules, but, interestingly, children thrive in an environment where there is consistency because it brings them a sense of comfort and security.
3) Only the biological parent does the disciplining to begin with. This guideline creates a lot of issues when the parents have different parenting styles. In my experience, this issue also surfaces more frequently when the woman in the home is the step mother, in part because typically, a noncustodial father prefers not to be the disciplinarian. When the ground work has been established in point 2 above (set family rules) then the response that the step parent can take is “The rules in this house concerning ____ (family chores, curfews, bringing friend’s home after school) are….”
Flexibility and consistency may seem like an oxymoron, yet both are imperative for step/blended families in order to move forward and grow as individuals within the family unit as well as a whole family unit.
I experienced many highs and lows as a step mother and as a step family we each had to adjust and constantly “tweak” our roles to fit our uniqueness. This didn’t happen overnight and in fact on average it takes three to five years before a step family has adjusted and runs more like a fine tuned engine rather than one in much need of repair. Patience also needs to be added to the Guideline list.
I am happy to report that when Mother’s Day rolled around the next year I received not only a card but also breakfast in bed.
I truly felt “special” that day.
Brenda Hooper operates Step By Step Mediation Services. She is a Nationally Certified Comprehensive Family Mediator and Step Family Coach. She mediates couples going through a Separation or Divorce as well as Step Families as they learn to adjust to their Blended Family. For more information view her website at www.stepfamilymediation.com or you can reach Brenda at brenda@stepfamilymediation.com or by phone 604.290.3373.
Onya Bags the plastic bag alternative! From pouch to bag experience
Onya Bags are made from soft, silky, strong parachute materials. They are small, light and conveniently pack into their own pouches, clipping onto your handbags, belts, key rings... with handy carabiners.
Arbutus Walk
The Next Family-Friendly Hood
Photos and text by Amy Fardell
The few short blocks of Arbutus that is centred between West Broadway and West 12 Avenue used to be a retail dead zone, mainly consisting of auto repair shops, dry cleaners, and sundry business-to-business services. Well, Fletcher’s dry cleaning shop is still on the corner of Broadway and Arbutus, with its iconic rotating sign, and there is an auto repair shop a few blocks up, but there all similarities end.
These days, this little stretch of Arbutus, often named after one of the popular residential developments there, is home to a multitude of retailers, everything from big-box pet stores like Tisol to Meinhardt’s new flagship gourmet supermarket. Throw in a handful of sushi joints, one classic pizza joint (Napoletana’s), and restaurants like the Grammercy Grill and La Petite France, and you have the makings of one trendy—and family-friendly—hood. Plus there are all the health food stores, doctors, dentists and other necessary services. And did we mention all the little parks? Here are a few places to check out on your next stroller rotation.
Plaisir Sucré
2668 Arbutus St. | 604.706.1505
Ever been to Paris and fallen in love with the little boulangerie or patisserie around the corner (and in Paris, there’s at least one of each around every corner)? Imagine finding a place locally that combined the best of both worlds. Plaisir Sucré offer beautiful housemade loaves ranging from gentle ryes to sharp olive breads and everything in between, but where they truly shine—as the name might suggest—is in the sweets department. Try the croissant aux amandes for a delectable breakfast treat, or stock up on the fancy French macaroons in spring colours. And for the kiddies, there is a tall shelf filled with toys to keep the wee ones occupied while you sip your café au lait and imagine yourself back in the sixteenth arrondisement.
Pebble: Lifestyle Store for Kids
2675 Arbutus St. | 604.568.6923 | www.pebblebaby.com
More than just an earth-friendly baby and kid store, Pebble specializes in locally-made, organic and sustainable clothes, toys, books, bedding, bath and feeding products. Think lots of high quality and stylish wooden toys, nothing that requires batteries, and super-cute outfits (tweed set, anyone?) for babies and toddlers that are locally made. They also have some of the most stylish baby carriers we’ve ever seen.
The Bridal Room: Movie Spa
2525 Arbutus St. | 604.736.2111 | www.thebridalroom.ca
What’s a movie spa, you ask? Picture this: Enter through a tiny door to a softly-lit, spacious room, with the sound of falling water, a light relaxing scent in the air, and dozens of private and group rooms studded with couches, relaxation chairs, large screens showing scenic vistas, and waterfalls, waterfalls, everywhere. Whether you’re looking for a place for your bridal shower, or just a mother-daughter day, the beautiful, expansive environment at this 4,5000 square foot facility will leave you feeling like a pampered princess every time.
Garden Corner Café
2797 Arbutus St. | 604.714.5540
Not only do they serve premium coffees and teas, but this bright, airy café will also brew up some pretty spectacular iced teas as well—definitely try the jasmine green. Free Wifi and lot of space for the strollers—not to mention all the comfy padded rattan couches—makes this an ideal mid-day mommy recharge spot. Order the turkey-cranberry and pecan sandwich, surf your email while baby has a nap in the stroller, and enjoy the light.
InDish: Fine Dining at Home
2779 Arbutus St. | 604.731.3471 | www.indish.ca
Too tired to make dinner, but tired of take-out? No problem. InDish offers chef-prepared, healthy gourmet meals made from organic, sustainable, local and free-range products. All you have to do is bring it home, cook and serve. They also have heat-and-serve options for those super-busy nights. How does balsamic-glazed duck breast with pear-potato hash sound? Or local chicken breast orzo spring salad? Eat in, take out, or get it delivered.
neighbourhood orthodontist
• Warm friendly atmosphere
• First consultation free for children and adults
Dr. Colleen Adams
Arbutus Shopping Centre #254 - 4255 Arbutus Street Vancouver, BC V6J 4R1 (604) 736-5705
www.arbutusortho.com
Dr Adams Arbutus Ortho.indd 3
By Jennifer Sands
Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland Celebrates 50 Years!
It’s a “big” year for Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland! 2010 marks the 50th anniversary of this non-profit mentoring agency, which has been providing young girls with positive, female role models since 1960. Big Sisters knows there are many girls who could benefit from being involved in one of their mentoring programs, and encourages parents, teachers and helping professionals to refer these girls (ages 7 to 17) to either the Big & Little Sister program or the Study Buddy tutoring program. The organization understands the many obstacles young girls face as they navigate their way through childhood and adolescence and is committed to enhancing the confidence, self-esteem and well-being of girls through supportive friendships with caring women. For more information on referring a girl to Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland’s mentoring programs visit www.bigsisters.bc.ca or call 604.873.4525.
Summit-WCFM-Home-012510.pdf 1 10-01-25 1:51 PM
Learning at home?
Make Summit Learning Centre your home base! We provide Distributed Learning for Kindergarten to Grade 12 students from across BC – with proven programs, leading technology and excellent support for both learners and parents – including ArtSmarts activities, Second Languages, Library and Learning Resources, and more!
Confirmed: Bilingualism Boosts Cognitive Development
A recent study conducted by Dr. Ellen Bialystok, Distinguished Research Professor of Psychology in York’s Faculty of Health, and published in the journal Developmental Psychology, has found that bilingual children outperform monolingual students on tasks involving executive control—the cognitive processes that allow for abstract thinking, planning, initiating and inhibiting actions. Three separate experiments on six-year-old students demonstrated that children who routinely speak more than one language can better focus on pertinent information and suppress their attention to distracting or irrelevant items. “This ability to selectively focus on wanted information and ignore distracting elements is a central feature of all higher thought,” says Bialystok.
Local Educational Find: The Nogs of Notch Hill
Developed by a BC mother and daughter, this program has a very simple concept. Parent and child spend 15 to 20 minutes a day reading stories and playing board & card games that are very similar to the games of the parent’s childhood. The games are fun to play and encourage bonding between parent and child. There is an important by-product of the program—literacy. The Nogs Of Notch Hill is an alphabet learning program, that teaches children to read, write and sound the letters of the alphabet. The program introduces a letter a day in a convenient “Playsession.” All parents have to do is find 15 to 20 minutes of time, pull out the Playsession and follow the simple, step-by-step instructions. No planning, or forethought required, making it easy to spend quality, fun time with your child. www.notchhilllearning.com
Caring for Your Pets—Naturally!
By Dr. Maja Kovacevic, DVM, BVSc
Recent years have brought some great changes in veterinary medicine. More and more veterinarians are starting to integrate alternative therapies into their practice. These changes have been appreciated and demanded by today’s pet owners. Thanks to all of this, our furry friends live longer and happier lives. Here are some tips on how to care for your pets in a more natural way.
It all starts with a healthy diet. Whether you feed your pet dry food or fresh diet, be always aware what is in it. Ingredient lists and labels may be confusing to read, but one should be able to judge the good product by the lack of fillers, preservatives, too many grains and animal by-products.
To vaccinate or not to vaccinate. This has been a hot topic amongst my colleague veterinarians. Recent research has shown that the duration of protection against certain diseases can last much longer than one year, as originally believed. Take Distemper vaccine for example, where protection can last seven to nine years, on average. In practical terms, this means that our pets do not need all the vaccines every single year. A practical approach takes your pet’s age, previous immunization history, exposure factors and lifestyle into account when establishing safe vaccination protocol. In addition, Titer tests can be run on your pet’s blood sample to quantify protection levels for some of the diseases we commonly vaccinate against. This approach can save our dogs and cats from many repeated and unnecessary “shots” that they would normally receive in their life time.
Flea and tick prevention. Although important, it has been much abused treatment for our pets. Talk to your veterinarian in order to choose safe parasite protection for your furry friend. Keep in mind that some of these drugs are pesticides and can be toxic, not just to our pets, but also to our children, if touched and ingested.
Senior pets. These can enjoy more comfortable lives, thanks to some new modalities used in veterinary practice. Take chiropractic adjustments for instance, or good quality bone and joint supplements, therapeutic laser therapy and physiotherapy, to name a few. Explore all options before opting for more invasive treatments.
Dr. Maja Kovacevic is a certified veterinary surgeon and holistic practitioner who own Healing Paws Holistic & Conventional Veterinary Care in Port Moody. You can reach Dr. Maja for questions at doc@healingpawsvet.ca. www.healingpawsvet.ca
The new shoo!TAG not only protects kids and animals from pests, but also stem from the latest technology in bio-energetics. shoo!TAG™ is an odour-free, silent and unobtrusive tag that can be hung as a necklace on humans and even on the collar of your family pet. The innovative magnetic strip creates a non-toxic frequency pest barrier between you and the environment.
The waterproof tags work great for long days at the beach, camping trips, hiking excursions, or for summer nights with the family in the backyard. The tag is cost effective and lasts up to four months! Starting at $24.99. Available at local pet stores. www.shootag.com
Learning the Ropes in Squamish
Story and photos by Debbie Bowman
ry reaching for the hold above your right hand,” I shouted up to my twelve-year-old daughter Amanda as she clung to the cliff five meters above me.
“I can’t reach it Mom—and I can’t find a good foothold either,” said Amanda, frustration evident in her voice. “Dad made it look so easy.”
“Hang in your harness for a bit if you need a rest,” I called as I belayed her from the ground. “I know you can do this.”
We were climbing at the Smoke Bluffs in nearby Squamish, on a cliff named Burgers and Fries—yes, that’s right, Burgers and Fries—and just like the popular dinner, it’s also a favourite with our kids. We were climbing on our own for the first time using skills we learned one week earlier when we took an all day rockclimbing lesson. Specifically, we learned to climb using top-ropes, a comfortable and safe way to get into the sport of climbing. We were having a wonderful time together, confident in our knowledge and eager to try top-roping on our own.
You don’t have to be a jock or a thrill seeker to get into climbing. Since its humble beginnings over one hundred years ago, the sport of rock-climbing has become accessible to people of all ages and abilities, from toddlers to senior citizens. In fact, climbing is becoming increasingly mainstream every year as more and more people learn about the physical, psychological, and social benefits of climbing—benefits that are especially advantageous for children.
Rock climbing is a sport that everyone should try at least once. It’s a wonderful activity, not only for the physical, psychological, and social benefits, but mainly because it’s great fun. And that fun is contagious. When you’re near a climbing wall you’ll hear lots of laughter and encouraging words—and you’ll see lots of smiles and high fives all around. Don’t you want to join in?
The physical benefits of climbing for children are hard to beat. When a child climbs he uses all of his major muscle groups. And since he uses his own body weight to scale the cliff, he develops a balanced muscle structure as well. Climbing also builds incredible balance and even improves posture. And as for calories burned, climbing is near the top. In fact, your child will burn more calories per hour climbing than bicycling, swimming or even running. Simply put, kids are pretty tired after a day of climbing.
Kids feel good about themselves after a day spent climbing too. That’s because climbing is great for boosting a child’s self-esteem. There’s nothing like attempting a hard climb, thinking you can’t do it part-way up, and then overcoming the obstacles anyway to eventually complete the route. The proud smile that covers a child’s face when he comes down from a difficult climb is unmatchable.
Rock-climbing improves a child’s ability to focus as well as his problem-solving skills. The child has to practice a lot of mind-over-matter-type thinking when he is climbing. He has to focus on the task at hand, not the distance he is from the ground. He also has to figure out how he can make it to the top, slowly inching his way higher and higher toward his goal. Climbing gives the child a healthy perspective of his day to day problems. In other words, seemingly insurmountable obstacles may not look so huge after a day spent conquering cliff faces.
Climbing will also benefit your child socially. That’s because climbing is a social sport. Specifically, climbing not only increases a child’s trust in himself, but it also increases his trust in others. When an individual climbs a cliff face, the belayer holds the ropes that keep the climber from falling. Basically, the belayer has the climber’s well-being in his grasp—literally. To make it to the top of a climb the child has to trust the belayer as well as himself. Your child may climb the rock face with his own strength but he needs the belayer on the ground to keep him safe. As a result, rock-climbing is a team effort that encourages a strong bonding experience.
Climbing is an especially positive activity for families. Families who climb together spend time outside enjoying nature, and most climbs involve some hiking to get to the cliff face. In addition, climbing families will enjoy the adventure of solving problems together, conquering fears, and sharing amazing experiences.
“Touched it!” shouted Amanda excitedly as she tapped the anchor at the top of the route.
“Great job Amanda!” I said as I lowered her down to the ground. “That was a tough one.”
“Thanks Mom,” said Amanda, beaming from ear to ear. “I didn’t think I could do it—but I did!”
“I want to try it next,” said my son Alex, in his harness and ready to go. “This climb looks like fun.”
Just another great day climbing together as a family.
Debbie Bowman is a writer who hangs out in Vancouver with her family and on the ropes in Squamish whenever she can.
We don’t want to leave you hanging—so here’s more information to get you started:
To find out about family or individual lessons talk to Colin at Squamish Rock Guides. www.squamishrockguides.com
For information on climbing routes to top-rope in the Smoke Bluffs of Squamish, B.C. visit: www.matthewbuckle.net/climb/beta/squamish/smokebluffs.php
To estimate the costs for your own climbing gear, visit the Mountain Equipment Co-op website: www.mec.ca/Products/product_main_climbing.jsp
For a more in-depth description of top-roping, visit en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Top_roping
WCF community calendar - May 2010
Spring Steam-Up
Confederation Park Miniature Railway, Burnaby
Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays until Thanksgiving, 11am-5pm
Lots of facilities including picnic and barbeque areas, a swimming pool, a track for races with kids, water park and playground. And of course, the miniature train!
604.291.0922 | bcsme.org
Fingerling Festival
Noons Creek Hatchery and Port Moody
Recreational Centre
May 1, 11am-3pm
Help release about 35,000 young chum salmon into Noons Creek so they can begin their journey to the ocean. There will be crafts, food, games, raffles and live music by Bobs and Lolo! Informative and interactive displays showcasing stream keeper groups, naturalists and other community organizations that are working towards preserving and protecting our natural heritage. FREE.
604.469.9106 | noonscreek.org
Chickadee Capers
Burnaby Lake Regional Park
May 1, 10:30am-noon
Follow the flight of excited chickadees, listen to their calls, and play chickadee games. Enjoy an outdoor experience with your child as you learn about this tiny songbird. Please pre-register 604.421.5225
Baker’s Market
408 East Kent Avenue South, Back door, #115, Vancouver
May 1 & 8, 11am-3pm
If you have a “sweet-tooth,” this is the place for you. Inspired by traditional farmers’ markets, this market is even better since it is indoors with lots of free parking too. You’ll find talented bakers selling cupcakes, cookies, mini bundt cakes, muffins, scones, breads & gluten free goodies too. Many bakers will be happy to take orders for corporate orders, wedding cakes and much more! www.bakersmarket.com
Tacos for Trey
Lynn Valley Elementary School
May 8, 3pm-6pm
Please join us for a family friendly fiesta, where proceeds will be donated to the Canadian MPS Society MPS II Research Fund. Activities will include balloon twisting, face painting and crafts, plus live entertainment, a raffle and silent auction for the grown ups, and great food for all. It will be the most fun your kids will have with philanthropy this year! By donation. treypurcell.com
Tiny Treasures Kids Swap
Albion Fairgrounds
May 8, 9am-1pm
This will be a day of fun and shopping! Browse through up to 100 tables of bargains! Find new and locally made items by creative moms and businesses, and get great deals on gently used baby and kids clothing, toys and accessories. Find everything you need for before, during and after baby! Admission is $5 early bird until 10am, $2 regular admission 10am-1pm. 604.418.0632
Kids Toonie Fun Run Challenge
Lions Park, Coquitlam
May 9, all day
Show your support and help raise money for your school. All children 12 and under are asked to register your name and the name of your school and participate in the Toonie Fun Run! The school with the most registrants will win all the prize money received through the registration process.
604.939.0978
Spring Bazaar, Plant Sale and Japanese Tea Ceremony
National Nikkei Museum & Heritage Centre, Burnaby
May 15, 11am-3pm
This fundraising event will feature good quality Japanese style items, spring plants and delicious Japanese food. Free Admission to the spring bazaar and plant sale. In conjunction with the spring bazaar, the Japanese Canadian National Museum presents Japanese Tea Ceremony by the Urasenke Tankoukai Vancouver Association on May 15 at 1pm and 2pm. Tickets $10. Enjoy a relaxing and uplifting bowl of matcha (powdered green tea) and okashi (sweet) served by Urasenke Tankoukai Vancouver Association in a traditional Japanese room with tatami (rice straw mats) and a tokonoma (an alcove decorated with a calligraphic or pictorial scroll and flower arrangement).
604.777.7000
Tasty Plants
Van Dusen Gardens
May 16, 10:30-12:30pm or 1:30pm-3:30pm
Nothing compliments fresh summer eating better than fresh garden herbs. Come explore the different herbs grown at VanDusen, and plant a mini herb garden for participants to take home to watch it grow into tasty plants! One herb garden per family. Member Family $15, Non-Member Family $20 (includes admission to the Garden). For families with children ages 5-11. An adult must accompany children. Pre-registration required.
604.718.5898 | vandusengarden.org
Vancouver International Children’s Festival
Vanier Park
May 17-24
Jam-packed with music, theatre, dance, storytelling, puppetry, circus arts and much more, the Vancouver International Children’s Festival embodies the buoyant spirit and endless curiosity of children all over the world. Please check the website for events and times. childrensfestival.ca
Bounce
Massey Theatre
May 21, 1pm-2pm, 7pm-8pm May 22, 8pm-9pm
Packed with family fun, Bounce is Inner Ring’s self-produced circus, which wows crowds using all things stretchy and bouncy. The show features a cast of seven best-in-class Vancouver-based performers who specialize in juggling, trampolining, aerial arts, acrobatics and more. A portion of all proceeds go to the Variety Club of BC. Tickets are $25.00 and are available through Massey Theatre’s on-line and on-site Ticket Centre. innerring.ca/bounce
Tynehead Spring Walk
Tynehead Regional Park
May 22, 10am-noon
Enjoy a guided walk on the Serpentine Loop trail through Tynehead Regional Park. Smell fresh air, see mint green leaves and touch the textures of spring. Find out about plants and animals that live in the park’s forests and woodlands. Meet in the parking lot at the 96th Avenue entrance (between 168th and 164th).
Ages 5+. FREE. surrey.ca
Victoria Day Celebration
Kilby Historic Site
May 24
Celebrate the Queen’s official birthday in style this May long weekend. Try your hand at croquet while the kid’s enjoy some old fashioned fun in the craft area. At 2pm enjoy a taste of ice cream made the old fashioned way…by hand! kilby.ca
Disney’s 101 Dalmatians
Evergreen Cultural Centre
May 26-29, 1pm & 7pm
Join all the dogs of London, as they daringly rescue the puppies from Cruella De Ville and her bumbling henchmen. With a delightfully fun score, lovable characters, and one of the most evil villains in the Disney canon, this stage adaptation is certain to charm and delight audiences. And with a highly expandable chorus, the stage could easily be filled with 101 performers to fit the bill! Tickets start at $12.
604.927.6555 evergreenculturalcentre.ca
Around The World In 80 Days
PNE Gardens Auditorium
May 27-30, 12:45pm & 7pm
This year the world came to Vancouver. Join CircusWest performers as they embark on a magical journey flipping, flying and flirting with gravity across the globe to London, Paris, Barcelona, and the Taj Mahal in India, Hong Kong, San Francisco, Japan and Canada. Watch Phileas Fogg’s adventures as he traverses the globe and meets unique cultures along the way. See lands where exotic performers dazzle their audiences with awe-inspiring feats and heart pounding circus skills. Don’t miss the adventure! Tickets are $18 adults, $15 students and seniors, $12 youth (18 and under). Matinee only on May 30 at 12:45 pm. 604.737.7408 | circuswest.com
Country Fair Family Carnival
Davie Jones Elementary School 12030 Blakely Rd, Pitt Meadows
May 28, 5pm-8pm
It’s a Country Fair! Come and enjoy the bouncy castle, face painting, Pitt Meadows Fire Department, kiddie plane rides, cake walk, book fair, food, raffles and more!
Party!PJ
Science World
May 28, 6pm-9pm
Put on your cosiest pyjamas, grab your teddy bear and join us for a night-time event for the whole family! Tickets sell out fast so keep checking our website for more information. 604.443.7443 | scienceworld.ca
Barnacle Buddies
Belcarra Regional Park
May 29, 1:30pm-3pm
Join in a seaside adventure! Search for barnacles, tiny shore crabs, and colourful sea stars among the rocks and in the sand. Share the beach with your child as you help instil respect for this fragile environment. $12/child, adult pair. Please pre-register. 604.432.6359
Kids Swap Meet
Cloverdale Fairgrounds
May 29, 9am-1pm
One of the largest swap meets in the Lower Mainland. New and used kids items. Everything for baby to beyond including toys, clothing, brand name clothing, books, and baby equipment. Buy kids items at a fraction of what it costs brand-new. Rent a table and clean out your closet and make yourself some money. Early admission 9am-10am, $5/ person; 10am-1pm $3/person. 604.588.9919
Academy of International Dance Arts Spring Recital
The Norman Rothstein Theatre May 30, 7pm
A diverse performance including classical ballet, international dance genres, music, and guest artist, Arassay Reyes from So You Think You Can Dance, Season 1. 604.327.9313
academyofinternationaldancearts.com
Family Fun Day
Millennium Gym, 4588 Clancy Loranger Way
May 29, 10am-3pm
Enjoy a day of fun activities including face painting, photo booth pictures, supervised free play in the gym, a sundae bar, Bouncy Castle, marketplace, snack bar and much more! Admission is $5. Children 2 and under & accompanying adults are free. 604.737.7693 | phoenixgymnastics.com
Science Fair Fun Run
Telus World of Science
May 30, 9am
A scenic 5K run starting and finishing at Science World. Help support science fairs in BC elementary schools. There is also a 1K Mini Fun Run for the little kids!
604.602.5262 | sciencefairs.bc.ca
Want WestCoast Families at YOUR event? Call 604.249.2866 or email admin@westcoastfamilies.com us to receive free delivery of our magazines to your family event!
Photographed by A. Vance
Über-Mom Myths
By Sara Sjerven
I want to have it all. I want to be a perfect mother. I want my house to be spotless and organized. I want my kids to be loved, nurtured, and perfectly parented. I want a career that satisfies my creativity and my ambitions. I want an intact marriage and I want my husband to be my friend, lover, and partner in parenting and finances. I want to be in shape. I want to be skinny. I want to provide my family with healthy food and a good example of how to exercise and eat to live a healthy lifestyle. I want to be a good citizen. I want to be beautiful and glamorous and I want everyone to think I’m fabulous.
Wow. That’s an incredible list. This kind of drive to have it all and be it all can lead to a lot of “shoulds.” I should start exercising four times a week. I should eat less sugar. I should start composting. I should grow a vegetable garden so that the kids will know where their food really comes from. I should sign Bella up for dance, or piano, or swimming, or skiing, or violin, or soccer, or that one activity that will surely become her passion. I should be more organized, that hall closet is a disaster and don’t get me started on the kids’ toys. I should make more money. I should be more involved in the kids’ school. I should, I should, I should. I once had a counsellor who said to me “Sara, you have to stop should-ing all over yourself.”
But it’s so hard to give up that dream of perfection and even if I let it go for a little while, it comes sneaking back up on me unawares. I don’t realize how insidious the drive is until I start feeling like I’m on auto-pilot because I’m so busy. Everyone in the family starts to suffer because mom is trying to do it all, be it all, and have it all. In case you relate, here’s a little list:
As An Über-Mom You:
• Have perfect children, able to do for themselves except, of course, when you can do for them.
• Have your children signed up in the “right” classes but you don’t overschedule them.
• Keep your eye on your kids all the time. You always know where they are, what they’re doing, with whom, etc.
• Sleep with your children, nurse on demand, and are available for any and all needs.
• Conversely, you “ferberize” them the minute you are home from the hospital. Routines, schedules, limits, boundaries, rules! Yes, Ma’am!
• Drive your kids to all their activities, watch, and support them.
• Don’t forget anything for school; think forms, forms, forms.
• Cook gourmet meals using organic products—better yet, you grow your own organic produce.
• Work out three times a week at least. You are skinny, sexy, glamorous, and fabulous.
• Have a great job that pays well above the glass ceiling.
• Succeed at your job and don’t complain.
• Keep your house clean and organized, spring cleaning, holiday decorations, bins, labels, storage, boxes: just do it!
• Are married, stay married, and manage the emotional climate of the house. In Breaking the Good Mom Myth: Every Modern Mom’s Guide to Getting Past Perfection, Regaining Sanity, and Raising Great Kids, Alyson Schafer talks about the ways in which we, as mothers, think everyone else is getting it done, while we ourselves are failing to meet expectations. When I interviewed Schafer she pointed out: “We just see the ‘achieving’ side of others and forget they too have said ‘no’ and made sacrifices.” In other words, we don’t get to see the internal struggles that all women face.
We also don’t get to see them without their game faces: what do most homes look like when not prepared for visitors? How are marriages really holding up? Is that calm, cool, and collected mom like that at home? Unlikely. Dr. Stephen Hinshaw has described in very vivid detail the origins of these problems in his book: The Triple Bind: Saving Teenage Girls from Today’s Pressures:
1. Girls are expected to be feminine. That means being nice, thinking of others,and being pretty.
2. They are also expected to be masculine. Be competitive, be an achiever,and be athletic.
3. Finally, do this all while being glamorous and sexy. The expectations that start in adolescence and cause anxiety and depression in young women are undoubtedly continuing on into womanhood. Dr. Hinshaw told me that “the cultural pressures and messages relating to relentless perfection are not just limited to teens but, I believe, to girls and women of all ages.”
There are no quick fixes to this problem. Hinshaw talks about “building in downtime—for everyone, not just teen girls.” He suggests that we do things just for the joy of doing them, not to earn a grade or, as women and mothers, for that check mark on our relentless mental list of to-do’s. We need to ask ourselves: What do we crave? Quiet? A chat with our closest friend? A book in bed for an hour? Without adding to our to-do lists, we need to look carefully at how we are spending our time and see if it really adds up to our values. Is a super-clean house more important than connection with our children? Is that extra class really worth it? Or do we need more time around the house relaxing and enjoying each other?
Alyson Schafer sums it up perfectly: “It’s a frame of mind that is full of gratitude and abundance rather than one of constant craving and comparisons. No one can make a formula for how you should live your life and be happy except you. Find your formula and have the courage to live it!”
Letting go of the Über-Mom Myth is like releasing anything that fails to serve us. We have to remember that we are in the driver’s seat. No one gets to decide for us how we are going to live our lives except us. I suggest we start by surrendering those unrealistic expectations and finding the quiet time to ask ourselves what we want. Do you think the answer will be spotless floors? Guess again. How about: Peace of mind. Intimacy. Creativity. Health. Those are things worth fighting for.
By Debbie Bowman
Sue Sinclair “Chief Executive Mom” of Raspberry Kids
What’s the lowdown on you?
I’ve been married to my incredible husband Jeff for over eight years and we have two extraordinary children. Our daughter Jamie is five and our son Riley is three-and-a-half. They were born 17 months apart, so life is busy on all fronts. My background is in sales and customer service and these are two areas I am very passionate about. I also love technology from a user standpoint and am always keen to try new devices or applications out. I am currently training for a half-marathon, however, my ability to complete it may be jeopardized by a recent injury. I have loved travelling from a very early age and now I am able to combine our travels with sourcing new products for Raspberry Kids which is the best of both worlds!
How did your business come about?
Throughout the course of my career, I had the opportunity to work for start up organizations, large corporations and everything in between. No matter what position I held, I always worked as though it was my own business and tried to manage the teams I worked with as such. As with many other mompreneurs, my priorities shifted when I had children and while I still very much wanted to work in some capacity, my decision was that in order to spend time away from the kids, the work needed to be meaningful and not something where I just went through the motions and collected a paycheque. Self employment does not mean I work less—in fact, I am working more than I have in the past! However, I do it on my terms and have the flexibility to take the kids to preschool in the morning, attend their field trips, take them to all of their appointments and play hooky from time to time to hang out with them on a sunny afternoon!
What are some of your biggest challenges in work? In life?
The challenge is definitely the workload. Being the “Chief Executive Mom” at Raspberry Kids means I have to spend a great deal of time building the business, attend networking events for a variety of associations I am a part of and generally just helping get the word out about our products and services. On the home front, the workload has increased as well because I now have to think of and consider every aspect of the kids’ lives and make sure no balls are dropped. Did I sign up the kids for soccer? Did I fill out the permission slip? Did I get the school photo forms back on time? Is the paperwork filled out for kindergarten? Are the kids’ shots up to date?
What would you describe as some of the biggest rewards of your work/ family?
The biggest reward is that I have the ability to be flexible with my work day and I get to work on something I am very passionate about and love. It is also very liberating to come up with ideas and be able to implement them instantly. No need to have a conference call or sit around a board room table to get approval. If I want to do it, I just go for it.
Do you manage to take time-out for yourself? If so, what does that entail?
Sports used to be a big part of my life growing up and exercise is an outlet for me. Being pregnant, breastfeeding and having two young kids meant I didn’t have much time to exercise other than walking when the kids were really young, but over a year ago I started back into running and strength training and a bit of swimming. In an ideal world, I would be able to add yoga to my routine but there are only so many hours in the day!
Any must-haves?
Must haves for me (in no particular order) include, my shiny new iPhone, iPad & Wifi connectivity, lip balm, red wine, olives, date nights (with my husband of course!), copious amounts of kisses, cuddles, tickles and hugs from my kids and the ability to turn it all off from time to time and unwind in the garden or at our family’s cottage back in Manitoba.
Tell us one or two of the most important life lessons you have learned through being a mom/business owner.
You cannot do it all. Although it is difficult, I am learning to say “no” a bit more. I would rather do less things well than be pulled in so many directions that everything suffers and quality gets compromised. I also outsource a few of my dreaded tasks like bookkeeping because my peace of mind and sanity is worth it. Lastly, engaging others and finding support in your community is critical. We have been so grateful to so many people who have helped us along the way.
Photographed by A. Vance
Last month, after our April issue went to press, we had to say goodbye to one our contestants, Amanda Asaad. Family and work obligations prevented Amanda from continuing with the challenge, but we wish her all the best in future! As for the rest of our contestants…
They have been working hard, and there has been some frustration when that pesky scale refused to budge. But, as our last weigh-in proved, those scales are not always the best measure of our successes. Several contestants didn’t see the scale move, but their inches sure went down, and, as these pictures prove, muscle may weigh more, but it takes up a lot less space! Stay tuned next month as we reveal our seven contestants’ final results and crown our Fitness Challenge winner!
Stay tuned for our WCM Makeover Contest in our July/August issue
Hectic Schedule?
Too busy to prepare a healthy meal? It only takes a minute to nourish your body with a healthy meal in a glass – A Formula 1 shake won’t slow you down. Formula 1 is packed with soy protein, vitamins, minerals, fiber and healthy nutrients to set you up for the day and sustain your energy levels, all in less than 220 calories. It helps manage your weight, too!
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Different Money Styles
By Karin Mizgala
My husband and I have very different ways of handling money. He loves to spend and I’m worried that we won’t have enough saved for the future. What should I do?
You are caught up in one of the classic marriage struggles. More than sex, more than raising kids, more than almost anything else, women and men argue about how to handle finances.
The first thing to realize is that you are definitely not alone. Take a look at the massive load of household debts Canadians have run up—along with low savings rates, bad spending habits, and poor preparations for retirement. Most of us developed these bad habits and unhealthy attitudes around money at an early age. It is not surprising then that we take those behaviours and misplaced values with us into married life, creating anxiety and tension along the way. Our dreams are delayed and our life purpose is forgotten in the frenzy of our daily lives and money arguments.
The other reality is that opposites attract. Mother Nature has a curious way of putting together spendthrifts and savers, gamblers with fiscal conservatives, or, as in my case, a financial planner with an artist (yikes!). The generous high rolling boyfriend who once impressed us with fancy restaurants, great suits and fancy cars is seen in a much different light when debts pile up, or the mortgage or taxes are overdue, or the years pass without any serious thought to retirement.
So what can you do? The first step is communication. Remember that you’re in this together. You simply have to come up with a financial system and life plan that works for both of you.
1. Set up a regularly scheduled time to discuss finances. This will allow you to avoid many daily arguments that allow tensions to build up and eventually explode.
2. Come up with a mutual set of financial and personal goals—either on your own or with some professional guidance. Without a clear plan, most couples will simply flounder. This is a great time to re-set your values and re-visit your goals. What kind of life do you both really want?
3. Set a discretionary spending amount for each of you—preferably with a separate bank account for this purpose. The idea here is that you budget for all your household expenses, savings plans, travel, retirement funds, etc. You then each have a monthly “allowance” that you can spend any way you choose. There might be disagreement while you work out the details, but once an agreement is in place there is often a mutual sigh of relief. He gets to “spend” and you get to feel safe that the agreed upon spending stays within the “lines.”
A potential household crisis can be averted, but only if you take action now. You might be surprised how much of an ally your husband can be when a clear path is agreed upon. Stay focused on the big picture.
Karin Mizgala MBA, CFP, is a
to liposuction!
Adult Events for the Hip Mom Around Town!
6th Annual Animal Lovers’ Gala
Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel, May 1, 6pm-10pm
Enjoy a gourmet dinner with music and entertainment, including live and silent auctions. All proceeds will benefit the Surrey Branch of the BC SPCA. Tickets $75 per person or $560 for a table of eight. spca.bc.ca
Goldfish & Joe Fortes Maternity Clothing Drive
Goldfish Pacific Kitchen, 1118 Mainland Street
Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House, 777 Thurlow Street, May 5-9, 3pm-11pm
Goldfish Pacific Kitchen and Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House partner with Vancouver Native Health Society’s SheWay Program to mobilize the community and aid moms with the inaugural Maternity Clothing Drive. Donations of gently used or new maternity clothes can be dropped off at either location. joefortes.ca
5th Annual BC Women in Business Luncheon
Hycroft Manor, May 6, 11am-1:30pm
Join us for this must attend event as we Inspire and Celebrate success! The Women In Leadership Foundation (WIL) would like to invite you to attend our 5th Annual BC Women in Business Luncheon. Presented by TD Bank Financial Group, this luncheon is a part of our National Spotlight Speaker Series, which showcases female role models in business and fosters the expansion of networks.Hear five inspirational women from different industries who will share their journeys of leadership, tips for success and how they overcame obstacles along the way. Tickets are $35. Please register online. womeninleadership.ca
2010 Awareness Day—Celebrate Progress Against Breast Cancer Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, May 6, 11:30 am-1:30pm
Riding the momentum of a recent breast cancer breakthrough by two local scientists, the 18th annual Awareness Day luncheon will highlight what’s new and what’s next in the drive to realize a future without breast cancer by 2020. More than 700 corporate and community donors and supporters will hear from a breast health expert tackling issues across the areas of prevention, early detection, treatment, research, and health care workers. Guests will also be inspired by stories from survivors thriving after a diagnosis of breast cancer. Admission $125 single; $1,190 table. cbcfbc.org
Pampering and Connecting for Moms Le Petit Spa, May 11, 6:30pm-8:30pm
Join us for an evening of pampering, shopping, treats and great company. Make this the ultimate multi-tasking evening by catching up with friends, touching up your beauty regime, picking up some beauty products (a discount on all products will apply), all while enjoying delicious wine and chocolate. Pampering includes chair massage, make up touch up, facial waxing (brows) and facial peels. Each guest will experience a minimum of two services. $40 non-members and $35 members. Please pre-register.
604.817.9111 | momcafe.net
Stepping Away to Move Forward
Tides Renewal Centre, Hollyhock Room, 3rd floor, 163 West Hastings St May 18, 7pm-9pm
When the day-to-day operations of your business consume all your time how do you grow? For Jennifer Hood, founder and Director of Jump! Gymnastics this question came early on as her first location quickly became a destination for parents from across Vancouver and classes are now running at capacity each session. She will discuss what she’s learned about balancing your time between running operations and taking yourself out of day-to-day operations in order to develop systems that can lead to expansion. For early-stage businesses, investing in the future can feel risky. Jennifer will talk about how her clear vision of why she was in business and where she wanted to get to is helping her step away to move forward. enterprisingmomsnetwork.com
An Evening of Champagne and Wine Tastings
Boneta Restaurant, 1 West Cordova, Vancouver, May 27, 6pm-9pm
Vancouver’s premier Champagne and sparkling wine specialist, Michelle Bouffard and Michaela Morris of House Wine, at Gastown’s celebrated Boneta restaurant, will lead this event. Each wine will be paired with executive Chef Jeremie Bastien’s delectable hors d’oeuvre creations. A fundraising event for “Theatre la Seizieme” and a stylish evening guaranteed to delight the senses.
604.736.2616 | seizieme.ca
EAT! Vancouver Food & Cooking Festival
Vancouver Convention Centre, May 28-30, please check website for times Visitors will be able to explore, taste, sample and shop from over 250 exhibiting companies showcasing a huge variety of food, beverage and cooking related products. The Food Network Stage will once again be the main event for visitors, as Food Network hosts will entertain visitors with their culinary expertise and humour. The stellar line-up of stars will be announced in the very near future. EAT! Vancouver is very pleased to announce the appearance of The Soup Nazi, from the hit TV series Seinfeld. Attended by over 31,000 people in 2009, EAT! Vancouver is an event food and cooking enthusiasts will not want to miss! Please check the website for events and times.
eat-vancouver.com
EPIC: The Vancouver Sun Sustainable Living Expo
Vancouver Convention Centre, May 28-30, various times
This is one of the largest green consumer tradeshows and eco-marketplace. Visit EPIC to learn about environmentally friendly products and services, as well as the companies providing them. Check out the dedicated Moms & Babies section while you’re there! This is a three-day celebration of smart living; surround yourself with insightful people, innovative businesses and inspiring ideas.
604.775.7300 | epicexpo.com
Want WestCoast Families at YOUR event? Call 604.249.2866 or email admin@westcoastfamilies.com us to receive free delivery of our magazines to your family event!
“Quality
“Quality
Great reads for campers and moms of all sorts!
Campfire Magic by
Mac King
Amaze your friends and astound your family using only this book, your magical powers, and such everyday objects as sticks, coins, and rope. In Campfire Magic, master magician Mac King reveals the secrets behind 50 jaw-dropping illusions—each one accompanied by hilarious instructions and step-by-step illustrations—that anyone can perform, whether at the campsite or stranded indoors. Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers, paperback, ages 9 to 12, SRP $15.95.
Free-Range Knitter: The Yarn Harlot Writes Again
by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee
From the Canadian author of Yarn Harlot, At Knit’s End, Knitting Rules and Casts Off, comes an entertaining and revealing series of essays that explore life behind and beyond the click of the needles in both a hilarious and poignant way. Free-Range Knitter teaches us lessons of life, love and the link between knitting and the human heart. Andrews McMeel Publishing, LLC, paperback, adult, SRP $15.99.
The Red Thread by
Ann Hood
“In China, there is a belief that people who are destined to be together are connected by an inviible red thread. Who is at the end of your red thread?” After losing her daughter in a freak accident, Maya Lange opens the Red Thread, an adoption agency that specializes in placing baby girls from China with American families. Maya finds some comfort in her work, until a group of six couples share their personal stories of their desire for a child; their stories force Maya to confront the lost daughter of her past. Braiding together the stories of Chinese birth mothers who give up their daughters with the American couples who eventually adopt them, The Red Thread is a moving and beautifully told novel of fate, love and the yearning for a baby. W.W. Norton & Co, hardcover, adult, SRP $30.00.
The
Girl’s Guide
to Camping:
Outdoor Living in Serious Style
by Laura James
Think style, comfort, and a sprinkling of glamour, and you’ll be thinking of an outdoor adventure the The Girl’s Guide to Camping way. “Roughing it” has never been so fun or so posh. Find suggestions for scenic and unusual camping spots, camp fashion tips, playlists to complement your trip, proper camper etiquette, gourmet campfire recipes like Indian-spiced lamb skewers and baked bananas, necessities like starting campfires and freaky ghost stories! Sky Horse Publishing, paperback, youth & adult, SRP $18.95.
Heart on My Sleeve by
Jodi Hills
The beautiful thing about being a woman is that you can create and reinvent yourself with the slightest amount of fabric. Confidence can be gained in the perfect fit, and a brightened spirit in just the right colour. Clothing can be a delightful elixir, so hurray to every hanger-filled closet and every designing, changing woman that lives in it! Tristan Publishing, hardcover, adult, SRP $18.95.
The Happy Stepmother: Stay Sane, Empower Yourself, Thrive in Your New Family
Rachelle Katz, Ed.D.
This empowering, ten-step program for stepmothers in difficult family situations allows women to regain control of their lives and find fulfillment by taking care of their own emotional and spiritual needs; improving communication with their partners and developing compassion for their ex-wives; increasing their chances of connecting with stepchildren; learning to accept their relationship with stepchildren who simply won’t connect; setting healthy boundaries and “disengaging” from painful situations when necessary. Harlequin Non-Fiction, trade paperback, adult, $18.95.
There’s always something to smile about with a Happy Meal®. With a good source of protein, calcium and a full serving of fruit, there’s more than just fun inside.
