On the Cover Erin Wallis Photography erinwallis.com
WestCoast Families, published by Island Parent Group Enterprises Ltd., is a bimonthly publication that honours and supports parents by providing information on resources and businesses for west coast families. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher. No material herein may be reproduced without the permission of the publisher.
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I’ve been thinking a lot about life-long learning lately.
I recently read an article that said “learning doesn’t exist without curiosity and caring.”
To truly learn, you need to not only wonder about something but care about it as well. To take the time to research, read and seek out knowledge, you need to be somewhat invested in a topic, person or concept.
This is why when you ask your kid what they learned in math class today, they say “I don’t know” but when you inquire about soccer at recess, they will excitedly tell you that Jack taught them how to do The Roulette and then go on to explain the move in intricate detail.
This begs the question: What ignites your family’s passion to absorb information? Is it biking at your local track? Seeking out new recipes to make together? Cuddling up and reading a great book? Travelling? Visiting local attractions?
What if you took some time, as 2024 draws to a close, and thought about what your family enjoys doing as a unit? What if you decided to do more of those things in 2025?
I know, I know, it’s easy to say, “We don’t have the time (or energy or money) to do some of these things often” and that may be true, but chances are you could do them more than you do now.
What would the new year look like if you took that road trip you have been talking about for years? What if you started volunteering together as a family at the local humane shelter?
What would you learn? Who would you meet? What memories would you make? Would you communicate more effectively? Yell less? Talk more?
The only way to find out is to try. So, here’s to trying, learning and living this holiday season and beyond.
– Stacie Gaetz
FROM OUR TO YOURS
Aarm Dentists we accept CDCP and most major dental insurance plans and we DO NOT charge above BCDA Fee Guide Prices.
PNE Winter Fair
Celebrate Winter with the PNE Winter Fair presented by BCAA from December 6 to 8 and then again from December 12 to 23. Take the ultimate journey to find and visit with Santa—and leave a snack for the reindeer while you’re there. Wander through the winter lights, have a blast on the rides, view amazing exhibits, listen to some festive live entertainment and enjoy some holiday eats and treats. And don’t forget to try the Ice Bumper Cars! Get your tickets now at pne.ca
Langley Community Music School
The Langley Community Music School is a non-profit organization, located in beautiful, inspiring City Park in Langley, that started in 1969. Programs include group lessons, private lessons and online learning. From early learning to adult lessons—there is something for everyone. See what concerts and events are coming up, register or learn how you can take part in assisting this community music school at langleymusic.com
Family Services of Greater Vancouver
Family Services of Greater Vancouver is a non-profit organization working to empower and support communities, families and individuals. Their experienced staff offers a variety of family supports, youth counselling, teen and parent mediation, victim services, financial literacy and application services. Find out how you can access services, volunteer or donate at fsgv.ca
The Canadian Homeschooler
Homeschooling—in all its forms—has become increasingly popular in BC over the past decade. The Canadian Homeschooler website will help you start your homeschooling journey, connect with other homeschoolers, find resources and curriculum and everything else you need to know when it comes to homeschooling. thecanadianhomeschooler.com
Foundry BC
The Foundry’s mission is to support people aged 12 to 24 in BC to live a good life. This province-wide network of integrated health and wellness services, powered by the BC Children’s Hospital, has both online and in-person programs and helps with educational resources, relationship support, substance abuse, mental health, housing, financial literacy and a variety of other things. Find out how you can get support or learn how you can volunteer at foundrybc.ca.
A Miracle on 34th Street
until December 29 | artsclub.com
The Arts Club Theatre presents A Miracle on 34th Street on their Granville Island Stage until December 29. Adapted by Caleb Marshall, this fresh take on the popular classic Christmas tale is perfect for the whole family. Revisit your Christmas spirit with this uplifting show and introduce it to the next generation. Get your tickets now!
Cirque Du Soleil ECHO
until January 5 | cirquedusoleil.com
Performed under the Big Top at Concord Pacific Place in Vancouver, Cirque du Soleil ECHO is showing until January 5. This family-friendly tale highlights our interconnectedness and takes viewers on an incredible journey of hope, empathy and youthful optimism. Don’t miss out!
January 21 to 26 | vancouver.broadway.com
Beetlejuice the Musical has been touring North America with great reviews! Check it out in Vancouver at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre from January 21 to 26. Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. Tickets are going fast!
Gift Guide ULTIMATE HOLIDAY
Bamboobino Pink Roller Skate Bodysuit
Cute, locally made, soft and non-damaging (to humans and the environment!), this classic onesie-style bodysuit is made mostly from bamboo and has nickel-free snaps”perfect for any baby.
Jellycat Bartholomew Bear
Jellycat products are coveted by so many, and Bartholomew Bear seems to be the stuffy everyone wants! This original bear is cuddly, soft and floppy. Perfect for anyone who wants a stuffy to snuggle with.
Mission:
Small Bits of Happiness
This interactive game is created by teens for teens (although individuals of all ages love it!). Select your mission for happiness from 100 activities and complete it to win your small bit of happiness.
LEGO Nutcracker Figure
This LEGO building kit is great for the Nutcracker fan in your life. Choose from a male or female face when building this 16-cm tall figure and have fun with the movable arms and opening mouth.
The Truth in Truth & Reconciliation Game
Perfect for teens and adults, this board game is based on real-life events in Canadian history and is crafted to help people engage bravely and thoughtfully with difficult content.
Crayola Palm Grasp Crayons
Perfect for the budding little artist in your life—these washable Crayola crayons are designed for toddler hands. Each egg is the equivalent to 14 crayons and provides the colours and brightness you know and love from Crayola.
Dial a Design Bracelet Maker
The Dial a Design Bracelet Maker is a twist on the famous friendship bracelet fad. The tween or teen in your life will love to create 20 different bracelets in a variety of colours and designs.
Coco Village Wooden Play Kitchen
Toddlers will love learning to cook with this realistic wooden play kitchen. Made from materials with the highest safety standards, this kitchen has working knobs and will provide many hours of fun.
Hey Clay Monsters
This light, easy-to-sculpt clay is great for children three and older who love to create. This non-toxic clay air dries and does not stain clothes or counters. Build the monsters as suggested or check out the app for some cool guides and further inspiration.
Melissa & Doug Play to Go Ice Cream Play Set
This play set will have toddlers using their imaginations to create all sorts of ice cream treats with a variety of play food. All pieces fit in the to-go cup, making this the perfect toy to take with you.
Dyson Toy Cord-Free Vacuum
Toddlers will love helping out around the house with this toy vacuum that has working suction and really sucks up tiny pieces! It looks, moves and sounds like the grown-up version.
ThinkFun Fidgitz Twisty Brainteaser
This twisty brainteaser is perfect for tweens, teens— and even adults who love to fidget and work their brain. Enhance logic and problem-solving skills with this unique puzzle.
Rubik’s Perplexus Fusion
This 3D maze game puzzle takes the original Rubik’s Cube to a whole new level! Perfect for people of any age who like solving puzzles and challenging their mind.
New Bright Remote Control Truck
This 1:10 scale Ford Raptor Remote Control Truck will have kids and adults of all ages ready to take it for a drive. This full-function truck can tackle any obstacle in its way.
While holiday lights brighten the city for the next month or so, Family Services of Greater Vancouver (FSGV) is creating brighter tomorrows 24/7/365. The holiday season is often a time of giving—so why not get your loved ones a gift that gives back?
FSGV has been supporting our neighbours across the community for nearly a century. Every year, the organization supports more than 12,000 people from all walks of life. They run a drop-in centre for homeless youth, providing hot meals, shelter and more. For survivors of domestic and sexual violence, they have compassionate support workers and free counselling services. And when families in crisis go to FSGV, they can access financial coaching, counselling and education groups.
This year, FSGV has two great ways for you to support their life-changing work:
1. You can donate directly in your friend or family member’s name at fsgv.ca/CaringNeighbours.
As an added bonus, every dollar donated will be matched by Amazon (up to $50,000)! This means if you donate $50 on behalf of your sibling, Amazon will provide another $50 bringing the donation total to $100.
Direct donations allow FSGV to continue providing their supports year-round.
2. Local business rockstar Lily Rae Harper, of World of LLA, has a special holiday candle designed just for FSGV! The scent is called Hot Chocolate and it’s warm and decadent and really reminds us of the brighter tomorrows FSGV is dreaming up
with their clients. You can purchase these amazing candles at worldoflla.com to support both a local business and a local charity all at once. 50% of sales will be donated in support of FSGV. Grab them fast though, once they’re gone they’re gone.
Planning gifts can be stressful, and some people are difficult to shop for! Gifts that give back, like gifts that support local charities and businesses, are perfect because they’re for more than just one person—they’re for your community.
For homeless youth, you can help give them the security of knowing where their next meal is coming from. For families in crisis, you can help give them financial coaching and guidance accessing benefits so they can make ends meet. For survivors of violence, you can help give them access to free counselling and supports to heal.
This holiday season, you can give the gift of brighter tomorrows:
Donate directly at fsgv.ca/CaringNeighbours or visit WorldofLLA.com to get a cozy Hot Chocolate candle.
Speaking Heart to Heart
Local Children’s Author a Finalist in the Canadian
Growing up with speech-sound disorders, Sherry McMillan wished there was a way to feel less alone.
As an adult, she wanted children to know that it is okay to feel frustrated with their speech challenges and that help is out there— so she published the book My S’s Are Messes in 2023.
“In this book, the children are working extra hard, but the sounds are misbehaving,” says the author, who live in White Rock.
“They learn how to work together, that
having speech challenges make us ‘World Champion Listeners,’ and that ‘When your voice won’t obey what you’re trying to say, it’s okay.’ Because ‘there’s no mistaking how we feel when we speak heart to heart.’”
My S’s Are Messes
After publishing her acclaimed book What the Seal Saw in 2021, she found that many of the people attending her book signings had speech sound disorders. Parents, educators and Speech-Language Pathologists started
Book Club Awards
reaching out to tell her that they were using her book to help connect with children with speech differences.
She was encouraged to write a book specifically for children with speech differences, and those who love and support them.
“It’s a book for children with speech differences by an author who knows what it’s like,” says McMillan.
“I was bullied as a child and as an adult. And I’ve met so many others on this journey who have their own stories to tell. Having a communication challenge can be very isolating. As a child, it’s frustrating when you’re working so hard to do something that comes so easily for others.”
She adds that about 10 percent of children will have a speech-sound disorder, and the book is aimed at kids aged five to nine.
“One consideration is that this is the age where children who need it will likely first experience speech therapy,” says McMillan.
“It’s also an age where children are sometimes bullied for their speech challenges. So, I really wanted to provide the sort of the book I wish I’d had when I was this age. It’s a fun and fresh take on living with a speech difference.”
The Canadian Book Club Awards
The Canadian Book Club Awards (CBCA) is Canada’s largest reader’s choice award.
“This year’s finalists reflect exactly why the Canadian Book Club Awards were created,” says Kristain Oliveira-Barnes, program director for the CBCA.
“We’re here to celebrate diversity and great storytelling, no matter how a book is published. Readers want captivating stories, and that’s exactly what we received this year—an incredible range of voices and narratives that truly stand out.”
After evaluating the diverse lineup of book submissions, CBCA’s Avid Readers selected their list of finalists in each of the 13 literary categories.
“I’m so grateful for this recognition of my book,” says McMillan.
“It’s validating as an author to receive national attention. But it goes deeper than that, because this recognition also brings attention to those of us living with speech-sound disorders.”
She adds that she is most proud of the fact that the book is light-hearted and fun.
“As a child, any time my speech challenges were spoken about, it felt really heavy, awkward and embarrassing for me. This book approaches the subject in a really empathetic way,” she says.
My S’s Are Messes was also included in the Canadian Children’s Book Centre Best Books for Kids and Teens in spring 2024. It was recognized as a “title of exceptional calibre.”
In addition to What the Seal Saw, McMillan has written What the Raccoon Saw, part of the Naturally Curious book series. The next book in the series is due out in 2025. Winners of the Canadian Book Club Awards will be announced in January 2025. For more information, visit thecanadianbookclubawards.ca.
Learn more about McMillan and her work at sherrymcmillan.ca.
Stacie Gaetz is the managing editor of WestCoast Families and the proud mama of a delightful daughter and silly son who fill her days with love and chaos. Reach her at editor @westcoastfamilies.com.
7 Suggestions for Low-Stress Holidays
It happens every year—with the change of the season from summer to fall, comes a change in the focus of therapy. The closer we get to the winter holidays; the more clients talk about the stress they feel.
There is beauty and charm in the holidays, but there are added tasks, challenges and stresses as well.
There are two topics that come up most frequently for my parent clients: the first is family visits and the second is the kids being off school for two weeks or more.
I am going to focus on the latter, offering a few suggestions which will hopefully make this time of year less stressful, more manageable and even enjoyable for you.
1. Take care of yourself so you can take care of your family.
Just like you must put the oxygen mask on yourself when needed on an airplane before helping others, you must take care of your physical and mental health first, before taking care of your family. Granted, this is not an easy task when you parent young children, but it is necessary. Here are a couple of ideas of how to do so:
• Plan to have breaks with the help of others. Do not wait until you feel completely depleted. Try to schedule these breaks ahead of time.
• Limit how much you will be hosting and visiting others. It is not only okay, but may be necessary, to say “No” to some requests and invitations to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
• Find out or remind yourself of the activities that recharge you and make those a priority.
• It is not selfish or indulgent to do so but the responsible thing to do, as you cannot fill others’ cups if yours is empty.
2. Stick to a routine as much as possible.
With kids being home every day, the routine will be different. But having some routine is essential to increase a sense of calm and minimize chaos. Keeping a schedule provides kids with a sense of predictability and safety. So, try to get up, go outside, have meals and snacks and go to bed at regular times, as much as possible.
3. Plan an outdoor activity every day.
Barring severe weather warnings, going outside every day will provide a change of scenery, less boredom, a way to expend physical energy and lead to a calmer time at home. Spending time in nature has been proven to increase a sense of wellbeing, calm and elevate mood.
4. Limit screen time.
I know that this is a challenging one because kids want it, and it can also give you a break. This is the reason I am not suggesting a complete ban on screen time, but rather, a limit. You probably already know that too much screen time often makes kids more agitated and increases misbehaviour. Watching screens close to bedtime may also disrupt sleep.
5. Plan age-appropriate fun indoor activities.
You know your kids and yourself best. You might be into arts and crafts, baking, dressing up or reading. Also, you may want to try putting happy music on and dancing with your kids for a while. It can lift everyone’s mood even on the dreariest day!
6. Make sure to have healthy meals and snacks on hand.
Kids often ask for sweets, desserts and salty snacks like chips. While these may provide a few moments of calm and satisfaction, they are bound to result in sharp fluctuations in blood sugar levels, which may cause stress, irritability, hyperactivity and fatigue. Nutritious and healthy food and snacks contribute to better behaviour as well as better physical health.
7. Ditch perfectionism.
This is a suggestion for life in general that is especially important to adopt during the holidays. The aspiration for a picture-perfect Christmas, or any other holiday, is
bound to fail when you have little ones. Expect kids to have meltdowns over nothing, drop food on the floor, be disappointed with something you were sure they would appreciate, etc.
Expect yourself to feel frustrated, forget to do certain things and run out of stamina or patience (or both). When you ditch perfectionism, you are allowing yourself to be less self-critical and to enjoy your imperfect kids and your precious time with them.
Happy imperfect holidays!
Dr. Michal (Michelle) Regev is a Registered Psychologist and Marriage and Family Therapist, practicing in BC. Dr. Regev has helped mothers, fathers and families overcome mental health and relationship challenges for the past 30 years. She has been an avid supporter of women and their mental health care and has presented in numerous conferences and workshops worldwide.
Talking to Your Teen About Sexuality A Care-Full Approach
When people find out that I am a professional sexual health educator, spontaneous and meaningful conversations ensue. This is especially true with folks who are parenting, caregiving and championing our youth. Parents, caregivers and youth champions often share with me that they did a pretty good job talking with their kids about
For these reasons, these conversations with you, their trusted adults are more important than ever!
How to jump back in
Approach these conversations (plural) with curiosity; let your youth know that you’re curious about their opinions, questions and reali-
have the potential to be positive but require a lot of care to be realized. This helps youth (and adults!) re-frame and re-define sexuality from something to be fearful or ashamed about to something to take pride in and care about.
Our sexuality conversations with youth are always grounded in topics such as healthy
sexuality until high school. They say their conversations ground to a halt and have left them concerned that it’s “too little, too late” to pick up these conversations.
It’s not ever too late to pick up these conversations with our high-school-aged youth. Curiosities, thoughts and feelings about sexuality are coming in hotter than ever as are the constant and always explicit media messages about sexuality.
ties which are likely somewhat different than yours were at their age. The amount of sexuality information (reliable, untrue, entertaining and everything in between) available to them literally at their fingertips is unprecedented. The conversations you choose to have with your youth provide a powerful antidote to this information and allow youth to understand care-full sexuality. The term care-full sexuality is intended to provide a framework for sexuality as feelings and experiences that
relationships and decision making. Talk with them about how a person knows if/ when they’re ready to be in a relationship, what type of relationship (if any) would they feel comfortable with at this stage in their lives—emotional, physical, both? Let them tell you about themselves rather than making assumptions about their interest in relationships, their identity and their attractions. This opens the door for the kids who don’t feel as if their orientation and identity are adequately represented, understood or welcomed.
A care-full approach
A care-full approach to sexuality also creates pathways to discuss sex safety from a physical perspective including safer sex supplies such as barriers like condoms and lube, contraception (if needed) and STI prevention and testing. Map out the closest youth/sexual health clinics so your youth and
their friends know where to go for supplies and/or testing. Remind them they have a right to confidential and comfortable health care. Feel free to physically point out these community services as you drive by on your
way to dance, lacrosse or musical theatre practice!
We absolutely cannot discuss care-full sexuality without talking about the role of communication and how often it is overlooked because it can feel awkward to discuss something so personal. Remind youth that communication is simply the greatest life skill that none of us will ever master! Especially when it comes to such a topic like sexuality that is layered with values and beliefs from our families, cultures, faith and communities.
Communication and consent
We need time to develop comfort, empathy and understanding. Your conversations are role-modelling this. When we understand and teach the intricacies of effective communication it allows youth the opportunity to become more confident in setting and accepting boundaries, asking for what they want (pleasure!) and offering the same to those around them.
This is exactly what consent is rooted in: agreement, respect, autonomy, agency and empowerment. When consent is well understood and communication is well practiced, we understand that consent is a communication skill that is much more about what we are comfortable with and affirmed by than what a person is allowed or not allowed to do.
If you find yourself wondering if it’s “too little too late” to chat with the high school youth in your life, it absolutely is not! Don’t feel pressured to cover all the topics at once, let them arise naturally. You have time to have these care-full conversations. Given the current cost of living, you’ll likely have your high schoolers with you for the foreseeable future, which offers you lots of time for care-full conversations.
Jennifer Gibson, MA, is also known as “The Sex Lady” —for 20 years!—to the thousands of amazing youth and adults she is lucky to educate and learn with through her job as an educator in the BC school system. She’s passionate about making sexuality education as positive, fun and non-cringe-able as possible.
Nothing Says Like a Gingerbread House
Holidays
Looking for a fun way to keep kids busy during winter break? Why not make a gingerbread house? Building a gingerbread house is a day-long activity that teaches baking skills and is a fun way to be creative!
I have written this recipe so older children can follow it on their own. However, younger children can help make gingerbread houses too. Here are some cooking skills that a little kid may be able to help with:
• The littlest kids can help measure dry ingredients and mix with wet ingredients.
• Young kids can cream the butter and sugar together, crack and beat in the egg, roll out dough and cut out shapes.
• Older kids can separate egg yolks from egg whites and beat eggs and icing sugar into stiff peaks.
Gingerbread Dough Recipe
Wet Ingredients
1⁄2 cup of butter
1⁄4 cup of molasses
1⁄2 cup of brown sugar
1 small egg
Dry Ingredients
2 cups of all-purpose flour
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1⁄2 tsp ground cloves
1. Soften the butter by microwaving it for 30 seconds in a glass bowl. You don’t want it fully melted, just soft enough to cream easily.
2. Place the butter and sugar in a large bowl, use a wooden spoon to cream the butter into the sugar.
3. Beat in the molasses and egg.
4. Mix the dry ingredients together in a large measuring cup. Stir so that the spices and baking soda are mixed into the flour.
5. Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. It will form a very stiff ball of dough.
6. Place the dough in a plastic bag and put in the fridge for 30 minutes.
7. Preheat the oven to 350° F.
8. After 30 minutes, roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface. It needs to be about 1 cm thick for a gingerbread house.
9. Lay the paper gingerbread pattern (these can be found online) on the dough, place them next to each other but not overlapping.
10. Use a butter knife to cut out all the pieces.
11. Use any extra dough to make cookies. Tree-shaped cookies are fun to add to your gingerbread house. The scraps of dough can be rolled out up to three times. Put the gingerbread house pieces and cookies onto greased cookie sheets.
12. Bake for 12–17 minutes until the pieces are firm and starting to brown.
13. Allow the pieces to cool on the cookie sheet for one hour before moving. This is necessary to make the pieces strong enough to build a house.
Royal Frosting
Ingredients
3–4 cups of powdered sugar 2 large egg whites 1 tsp vanilla extract
1. Whisk egg whites and vanilla together. Sift in two cups of sugar and whisk until smooth.
2. Sift in the remaining sugar and beat until the frosting forms stiff peaks. If it doesn’t form stiff peaks, add more sugar a spoonful at a time. The exact amount of sugar needed will depend on the size of the eggs.
3. Place a damp towel over the bowl to keep the frosting from drying out.
4. The easiest way to frost a gingerbread house is with a frosting bag. If you don’t have one, fill a plastic zip-top bag with frosting and cut a tiny hole into one corner for the frosting to come out.
November 22, 2024 - January 19, 2025
Building the Gingerbread House
Pecans, blanched almonds, hazelnuts
Raisins, dried cranberries
The candy of your choice
1. It takes two people to build a gingerbread house. One person to add the frosting and a second person to hold the pieces in place.
2. Start by frosting along the bottom and one side of the back piece of the house. Connect it to one of the side pieces. Place them on the base and add more frosting along the joints. Work your way around the house until you have all four sides frosted to the base.
3. Let the frosting dry for 30 minutes before working on the roof.
4. Frost along the top of the house walls. Use a lot of frosting because you won’t be able to add more later.
5. Place on the roof pieces and hold them in place while someone else applies frosting to the top ridge. Hold the roof in place as the frosting starts to dry (at least five minutes).
6. Let the frosting dry for at least one hour before decorating with nuts, dried fruit and candy. Add gingerbread cookies. Get creative!
Emillie Parrish loves having adventures with her two busy children. You can find more of her recipes in her cookbook Fermenting Made Simple. fermentingforfoodies.com
The magic of Canyon Lights returns to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park! From Treetops to Cliffwalk, the magic of Canyon Lights is back Nov 22-Jan 19. BC Locals get a free Annual Pass with admission
capbridge.com
Books That Encourage a Life of Learning Exploration Awaits
Now that the colder and wetter weather is upon us, it can be difficult to convince our children to go outside, explore and try new things. And, if you’re like me, it can be hard to convince yourself to do that, because it’s challenging to get everyone bundled up appropriately. But there are so many things we can learn beyond our front doors, and it can be a lot of fun to do so.
To help give you and your kids motivation to head out into the cold rain, here are five books to show you some of the things you might discover while you’re out there.
The first one is Grandfather’s Reminder by Alberta-Rose Bear and Kathleen O’Reilly and illustrated by Lindsey Bear (Your Nickle’s Worth Publishing, 2022). At its heart, this story, which is written in Plains Cree, Saulteaux and English, is about patience and loving yourself. It also teaches us about nature’s signs, for example, how foxtails tell us that the chokecherries Grandfather planted are ready. Maybe after you read the book, you and your children can spend some time researching natural signs that appear around your home at this time of year, and go for a nature walk to see if you can spot them. For ages 4 to 7.
Another book that includes words from a language other than English is Mwâkwa Talks to the Loon, which is written and illustrated by Dale Auger (Heritage Press, 2024). This story includes words and phrases written in Cree and is about a young man named Kayâs. Kayâs is a gifted hunter, but he is also prideful, and he loves to hear the rest of his community praise him and his gifts. In fact, he loves this so much, that he
stops hunting so he can listen to them and loses his gift. To get it back, he needs help from the elders, Mwâkwa the Loon and the Beings that swim. For ages 4 to 7.
If your kids are not sure what to do when they are outside, they can flip through Canadian Wildlife Activity Book by Tom Hunter (Heritage, 2024) for some ideas. This book is filled with animal-themed puzzles, games and art projects for all ages and abilities. And while these activities are for indoors, they might inspire your children to head outside and see if they can spot any of the fish, ducks or animal tracks that Hunter’s illustrations show them. For ages 5 to 9.
Or you can be like Gordie Howe’s mother and give your children something new to try. In Gordie’s Skate by Bill Waiser and illustrated by Leanne Franson (Thistledown Press, 2023), we learn how Gordie’s love of skating all started with the single skate he got when his mother bought a bag of stuff from a neighbour. The reason he only had one skate was that he had to share the pair with his sister. That didn’t stop him. He was determined to learn how to skate and play hockey. His goal got much easier when his sister gave up and he got both skates. So, perhaps if you’re looking for ways to encourage your children to spend more time getting fresh air, you can give them something new to try. Even if they must adapt it a bit so it works for them; they may find something they’ll fall in love with. For ages 4 to 7.
The final book isn’t necessarily going to encourage your children to spend time outside, but it might inspire them to go to a museum to learn about history. This story is called
Elizabeth Quocksister: Keeper of History by Haley Healey and illustrated by Kimiko Fraser with help from George Quocksister Jr. (Heritage Press, 2024). It is a child-friendly biography about Elizabeth, who was a cultural teacher, community leader, residential school survivor, mother of 10, nurse’s aide and a photographer. Her photographs, which are in the Campbell River Museum, showcase what her life was like during a time when the Canadian government wasn’t keen on letting Indigenous individuals live out their lives and traditions. For ages 4 to 7.
I know these days can seem dreary and cold, but there are always ways for us to get our children out in our communities and surrounding areas so we can watch them learn, grow and discover new things. I hope these stories inspire you to do just that.
Christina Van Starkenburg lives with her husband, children and cat. She is the author of One Tiny Turtle: A Story You Can Colour and many articles. To read more of her work and learn about her upcoming books, visit christinavanstarkenburg.com, Facebook: facebook.com/christinavanstarkenburg and X: @Christina_VanS.
tourismharrison.com
Where Learning Meets Adventure
Looking for a family outing that’s packed with fun, discovery and a bit of sneaky learning? At Fort Langley National Historic Site, history jumps off the page and into real life. From the clang of blacksmith hammers to the smell of fresh bread baking, every corner of the fort offers exciting activities that bring the past to life. Ready for an adventure? Let’s dive into the hands-on history waiting for you and your family!
where you’ll witness fire, iron and skill come together in a truly epic show. Watch as the blacksmiths transform metal into tools, nails and even intricate designs, just like they did in the 1800s. Discover how these skilled artisans kept the fort running, creating everything from farming tools to household items.
Feeling inspired to try your hand at working with metal? Join our expert blacksmith, Danny, in a series of workshops to December
Discover the Art of Blacksmithing
Who doesn’t love the thrill of sparks flying and metal being forged? At Fort Langley National Historic Site, the blacksmith shop is
7. Whether in-person or virtually, you’ll craft your very own copper lantern or festive copper star, perfect for holiday decorations. Spaces are limited, so don’t wait—visit our
event page for details and secure your spot today!
Barrels of Fun at the Cooperage
Ready for some barrel-making fun? Head over to the cooperage and discover the fascinating world of these sturdy containers, which were vital for shipping everything from salted fish to cranberries in the 1800s. Coopers—builders of casks—were crucial to trade and survival at the fort, crafting leak-proof, wooden containers that travelled far and wide. Think you can build one? Try your hand at assembling a wooden bucket—it’s trickier than it looks but loads of fun once you get rolling!
Savour History: Fresh-Baked Traditions
Step into history at the bake oven and heritage garden! Follow the irresistible scent of fresh bread to our historic clay oven, where on special occasions, our talented interpreters bake sourdough, bannock and crumb cakes just as people did 150 years ago. Many ingredients, like apples, raspberries and herbs, are harvested from our heritage garden, which features the same crops once grown at the fort for food, medicine and trade. And if you’re lucky, you might even get a sample— because here, learning is as delicious as it is fascinating!
Explore Indigenous Culture & Relationships at Fort Langley
Long before fur traders set foot here, Indigenous peoples were thriving and trading along the river, shaping the region’s economy and culture. Through the stories told in videos, exhibits and cultural events, you’ll uncover the vital and complex relationships between Indigenous Nations and European traders and see how the past continues to influence the region’s story today.
Kids’ Play Area: Learning Through Playtime Magic
Think history is too complicated for your little ones? Think again! Our children’s play area is designed to spark curiosity and creativity in the youngest explorers. Here, kids can pretend to trade salmon, cranberries and furs
for axe heads, blankets and rope at the trade window—just like the fur traders did centuries ago. They can also pack toy barrels with fish fillets and roll them over to model boats, experiencing the hands-on work that sustained life at the fort.
Toddlers have their own special area with soft flooring, where they can “catch” fish with nets, gather magnetic cranberries and build a soft foam fort. It’s a playful, hands-on way to introduce young minds to history.
Year-round Events: Fun-filled Learning Adventures
At the Fort, learning history has never been more exciting with our year-round lineup of cultural and historical events. From the lively Vive les Voyageurs Festival, celebrating French-Canadian heritage in April, to our tropical Hawaiian Luau in May and the actionpacked Brigade Days in August, there’s always something happening. And as the holidays approach, get into the holiday spirit with our Humbug Holidays happening throughout December. With so much going on, be sure to check our event calendar regularly or follow us on Facebook to stay in the loop!
Ready for Your Family Adventure?
At Fort Langley National Historic Site, learning is anything but boring. Every corner offers a new adventure. With interactive experiences that engage both kids and adults, history truly comes to life. Get a seasonal pass for unlimited access to all the fun, and don’t forget—youths 17 and under visit for free. We can’t wait to welcome you!
For more information and inspiration, visit parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/bc/langley.
Parks Canada protects and presents nationally significant examples of Canada’s natural and cultural heritage and fosters public understanding, appreciation and enjoyment in ways that ensure their ecological and commemorative integrity for present and future generations. To learn about more opportunities in your area, visit parks.canada.ca
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Our Lady of Mercy Burnaby K-7 604-526-7121 ourladyofmercy.ca
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St Thomas More Collegiate Burnaby 8-12 604-521-1801 stmc.bc.ca
Whytecliff Agile Learning Centre Burnaby 8-12 604-438-4451 walc.ca
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Our Lady of Fatima Coquitlam K-7 604-936-4228 fatimaschool.ca
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Delta Christian School Delta K-7 604-946-2514 deltachristianschool.org
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Sacred Heart Delta K-7 604-946-2611 shsdelta.org
Southpointe Academy Delta K-12
Al-Hidayah School New Westminster K-7
604-948-8826 southpointe.ca
604-524-2752 alhidayahschool.ca
John Knox Christian, Secondary Campus New Westminster 7-12 604-523-1580 johnknoxbc.org
PALS Autism Society (School Program) New Westminster 1-12 604-251-7257 palsautismschool.ca
Purpose Independent Secondary School New Westminster 8-12 604-512-6888 purposesociety.org
Urban Academy Junior New Westminster K-7
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Brockton Preparatory School North Vancouver K-12 604-929-9201 brocktonschool.com
Cousteau L’Ecole Francaise Interna’le North Vancouver K-9
604-924-2457 cousteauschool.org
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Kenneth Gordon North Vancouver 1-12 604-985-5224 kgms.ca
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Saplings Nature School North Vancouver K-4 778-838-0335 saplingsoutdoorprogram.ca
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604-360-8656 alcuin.ca
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St John Paul II Academy White Rock 8-12 604-560-8210 sjp2academy.com
Have I Taught Them Enough?
Life skills your teen should know before leaving home
My oldest son turned 18 last week, which precipitated a deep moment of reflection for this mama. Have I taught him enough?
I have spent the last 18 years teaching him how to be kind, motivated, self-assured and resourceful. He is all these things. Yet now I wonder if he has the necessary skills to survive in the big wide world. He is a fantastic kid, but what does he need to learn about life to be a successful adult?
In truth, there are still lessons to be learned. Values I have modelled but intend to be more explicit about. I’ve narrowed my intentions down to two themes: Financial and Emotional Literacy.
1. Financial Literacy
What we want (and even what we can afford) is not always in our best interest. Many teenagers spend money as quickly as they earn it. Understandable! It’s exciting to be earning for the first time. Upon young adulthood, however, I hope my son begins to think towards his future financial goals.
I want him to realize the power of making sacrifices in the present to benefit the future. Choose the vehicle or the college that won’t plunge you into debt. Learn to buy clothes in a vintage shop or forgo your daily latte to save a few dollars.
We all must budget (and no, it’s never fun). Unfortunately, this lesson may come with a heaping spoonful of tough love. The time has come when I need to stop swooping in to make my son’s life easier. If he’s financially stretched, the discomfort will force him to analyze the choices he has made and re-evaluate his priorities. Every time I lend him money, I am robbing him of this vital self-reflection. If that means he must take the bus because he can’t afford gas that week, perhaps the inconvenience will inspire him to change his financial behaviour.
Plan now for your future. My husband and I have always been transparent with our children about the need to create passive income through smart investments. We’ve advised that our kids spend half and save
half of whatever they earn. So far, they’ve used those savings indulgently every so often. However, now that my son is 18, we are encouraging him to open a Tax Free Savings Account and buy some stock options. If we had this foresight at his age, we would have achieved financial freedom much sooner.
2. Emotional Literacy
You deserve joy (but will experience all the other emotions along the way). The people you choose to spend your time with should lift you up, not leave you depleted. The career you choose to follow should make you feel happy and fulfilled. Will you feel amazing all the time? No! Sometimes we need the darkness to point us towards the light, so use those difficult seasons to re-evaluate your choices and think about what doesn’t align with who you are and who you want to be. Don’t be afraid to let go of dreams, ideas and relationships which no longer serve you.
Create a community of care. No one can survive life by going alone, but
Better chess moves, better life moves
relationships take effort. Let people know they are important and that you care. The investment of time, care and support you invest in relationships will come back to you exponentially. And don’t be afraid to ask for help. Letting others know you need them is a sign of strength and wisdom.
Just keep moving forward. Upon his graduation from high school, almost every person followed their congratulations with a question about what comes next. College? Career? Travel? The pressure we put on young adults to have life figured out is ridiculous! The advice I gave my son is to “keep swimming.” Accept that job. Take a course. Find a new hobby. The more he experiences, the more he will learn about himself, and each step will take him closer to building a life he feels wildly excited about. Being a young adult is all about exploration, which means we can’t be afraid of making mistakes. Fail. Learn. Try again. Don’t be in a rush to grow up. As someone who abided by “the plan”—moved out at 18, married early, had children young—I regret not having fun as a young adult. I remind my son often that his 20s are for having adventures, seeing the world and making memories. Rent/mortgage, groceries, family… those things will still be a part of his future and he will appreciate them so much more after experiencing freedom and exploration.
Kelly Cleeve is a best-selling author and an educator. More importantly, she is the proud parent of two amazing sons. Visit kellycleeve.com or follow her on Instagram @resilient_kel and Facebook, Raising Resilient Children/Radiant and Resilient.
K Comprehensive 12-level chess program
R Online and in-person programs
B Weekly tournaments
N Top coaches
What is ‘Unschooling?’
Unschooling is a form of home-based education where children learn by exploring their own interests rather than following a fixed curriculum. Instead of structured lessons, children might spend their time reading, doing projects, exploring nature, asking questions or pursuing hobbies.
The method is gaining traction in British Columbia, a province often known for its progressive approaches to education.
It is important to understand that unschooling is different from homeschooling. While homeschoolers often follow a set curriculum at home, unschoolers focus on “learning by living.” Their learning happens through everyday activities like cooking, gardening, playing, exploring the outdoors or even building with blocks or doing art. The idea behind unschooling is that children will naturally seek out the knowledge they need when they’re engaged in things that interest them.
So, is Unschooling Right for Your Family?
Unschooling is a unique approach, and it likely won’t work for every family. Here are a few things to consider before deciding if you should unschool:
1. Your Child’s Learning Style. Unschooling tends to work best for kids who are independent, and eager to learn through exploration. If your child loves asking questions, diving into projects and exploring new topics on their own, unschooling could be a great fit.
On the other hand, some children need at least some guidance and structure to stay focused. If your child prefers clear directions and thrives with set goals, they may feel frustrated or lost without the framework that traditional schooling provides.
2. Your Family’s Lifestyle. Unschooling works best in families where parents are actively involved in their child’s learning journey— helping to provide resources, answer questions and support their
child’s interests. If your family enjoys hands-on learning, exploring new activities and taking spontaneous trips, unschooling could be a perfect fit.
However, if you prefer a more predictable schedule or if your family’s lifestyle doesn’t allow for a lot of flexibility, unschooling may feel overwhelming. Additionally, if you’re juggling work or other commitments, you might find it challenging to dedicate the time needed for unschooling.
3. Your Child’s Social Needs. Unschooling can offer rich learning opportunities, but it’s important to think about how your child will stay socially connected. Unlike traditional types of schooling, where children are around peers every day, unschooling may require more effort to arrange social interactions. Luckily, there are homeschooling and unschooling social or educational groups in several cities in BC.
4. Your Comfort with an Unstructured Approach. Unschooling requires a large shift in mindset about education because there are no grades or fixed milestones to track your child’s progress. This can be freeing, but it can also be daunting. If you’re anxious about meeting specific educational standards or worry about ”falling behind,” unschooling might be stressful for your family.
How to Start Unschooling in BC
If you decide that unschooling is the right fit for you, here’s how to get started.
1. Register as a Homeschooler. The first step is to register your child as a homeschooler with a public or independent school. This process is straightforward, and once registered, you’ll have the freedom to unschool your child without adhering to a formal curriculum.
2. Create a Stimulating Environment (Inside and Outside of the Home). Unschooling happens everywhere, so make your home an environment where learning can naturally unfold. Fill your space with books, art supplies, science kits and musical instruments. Use your community as a learning resource—BC has libraries, nature centres, museums and cultural institutions that can spark your child’s interests. And don’t forget parks, oceans, lakes and even your own back yard, which can be incredible places for exploring and learning.
3. Follow Your Child’s Lead. Pay attention to what sparks your child’s curiosity and follow their interests. Whether it’s cooking, birds, space exploration or building things, unschooling allows children to dive deeply into topics they are passionate about. Online tutorials and local libraries can be great ways to delve into certain subjects of interest.
Unschooling in British Columbia offers a flexible, child-led approach to learning that can be an incredibly rewarding experience for the right families. By following your child’s interests, creating a vast learning environment and tapping into resources in your area, you can foster a lifelong love of learning in your child.
Erika Palmer is a writer living with her husband and daughter. She believes most problems can be solved with a good cup of tea and a huge piece of chocolate.
The youngest members of our school community engage in an IB inquiry-based, hands-on approach to learning that encourages them to actively explore the world, develop critical thinking skills, apply their ideas, and encourage social-emotional development.
With this foundation, students can thrive as they continue to grow and develop through to Grade 12 and beyond.
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