When There is No Happily Ever After
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What Parents are Talking About
Conflict
RESOLUTION: Bringing Peace Into Your Home
Cutest Kids and Pets
Photo Contest See Inside for Details
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Contents 16 16Features
Conflict Resolution
Bringing peace into the home
26 America’s Cup Family Settling In
Read our exclusive interview with Jennifer Spithill
Departments BABY
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Why We Should Celebrate Birth
A birth doula’s thoughts to what birth really means.
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54 FAMILY LIFE
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Four Tips for Raising Emotionally Healthy Children Raising children can be a challenge here some tips to help you to stay focused on what’s important.
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Are Adolescents Skilled for Navigating Life’s Rough Waters? The Sloop Foundation share how certain activities and experiences can help prepare young people for the future.
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When There is No Happily Ever After Carla Seely gives great points on how to manage money and family after divorce.
LITTLE ONES
In Every Issue
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The Early Years Programme at BHS
22 REAL STORIES, REAL FAMILIES
A play-based curriculum that prepares the child to enter Year1.
30 WHAT’S HAPPENING 48 SUMMER CAMPS 57 BIRTHDAYS 58 BPM KIDS
BIG KIDS
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Learning Differently
An overview of 7 common learning issues in children.
On the Cover Jennifer, Owen & Joe Spithill Location: Fort Hamilton Photo by: Sarah E Photography
TWEENS & TEENS
36 Could This Be Bulimia? 7 tell tale signs to look for.
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Cutest Kids and Pets
Photo Contest page 7
Give him
a healthy life every day
He's family
COMPLETE AND BALANCED
PROTEINS FOR STRONGER MUSCLES
OF NUTRITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
editor’s note
What Parents are Talking About
I’m always amazed at how quickly a year
PUBLISHER & EDITOR
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Happy Parenting!
Publisher & Editor
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Katrina Ball B U S I N E S S CO N S U LTA N T
Vic Ball PHOTO BY JESSII TERRA
goes by and how much our children grow in just a single year. I’m excited that this is our 5th year in publication and it’s because of your support that Bermuda Parent continues to flourish. Please support our advertisers because without them this magazine could not be produced. As a thank you, Fourways Restaurant is offering 10% off when you tell them you saw their ad in our magazine - be sure to take advantage of this! We have an exciting line up for you in this issue. From a birth doula’s thoughts on how powerful birth is, to different types of learning disabilities our children may face, to the 7 warning signs of bulimia plus much more. Don’t miss our summer camp section on page 48, as well as bermudacamps.com, for any camps that might not be listed with us. Since we received such an amazing response from readers about our Johnson’s Baby Photo Contest, we thought we’d do it again but, with a new twist. p. Starting March 18th, we’re hosting the Cutest Child & Pet Photo Contest with Purina. The Contest is open to all ages and no pets are excluded! Weekly and Grand prizes to be won from BGA, and Noah’s Ark. The overall winner will be on the cover of our summer issue and receive a gift certificate from FrameWorks. So get out p. your cameras, pets and children and start clicking! Upload your photos to our website at bermudaparent.bm.
A DV E R T I S I N G S A L E S
Wanda Brown wanda@knbmediagroup.com 333-1925 Alicia Resnik alicia@knbmediagroup.com 236-9218 D E S I G N & P RO D U C T I O N
Picante Creative W R I T E R S & CO N T R I B U TO R S
Alicia Resnik, Katie Himsworth, Carla Seely, Brenda Dale, Maha Turner, Bermuda High School, Christina Katz, Bermuda High School for Girls, Sloop Foundation, Aquamania Swimming Ltd. CO N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R A P H E R S
Sarah E Photography, Renuka Rodriques Photography, Alicia Resnik, BHS, Sloop Foundation Bermuda Parent Magazine is published five times a year. Reader correspondence, photo submissions and editorial submissions are welcome. We reserve the right to edit, reject or comment editorially on all material contributed. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced without express written consent of the publisher. The opinions expressed by contributors or writers do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this magazine. Distribution of this product does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services herein. CO N TAC T U S
info@knbmediagroup.com Tel: 504-2937 www.bermudaparent.bm facebook.com/bdaparentmag
Cutest
Kids Pets and
Starts March 18th until April 17th
AMATEUR PHOTO CONTEST
Snap cute photos of your kids and pets together and upload them to Bermudaparent.bm Weekly prizes for Dog, Cat and Pet categories Grand prize winner is on the cover of Bermuda Parent Visit BermudaParent.bm to find out more. Prizes by Purina, Noah’s Ark, Frameworks Ltd & Bermuda Parent Magazine
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baby
BY KATIE HIMSWORTH
Why We Should Celebrate
Birth!
Birth, it’s a five letter word that is unassuming on its own. But once you begin to ponder on the meaning it is deep and conveys extraordinary power. It immediately brings to mind the child or children we have or those to possibly come. Our children’s births and our journey as parents starts with one small word. Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary provided two definitions for the word ‘birth’. 1. The time when a baby comes out from the body of its mother
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And 2. The beginning or origin of something The first definition provided was matter of fact, cold and no character. It reduced birth to something that is simply mechanical. It doesn’t touch on the courage, the strength and the spirit that birth requires and embodies. Likewise, reading the second definition it too seemed quite ordinary, but as I kept reading it over several more times. I realised that Merriam-Webster’s dictionary captured the word perfectly. Birth isn’t just about simply going through the physical or surgical motions of having a baby. It’s truly the beginning of a journey. It’s the growth of a new
person: a child, a mother, a father, a sibling or grandparent. Birth is about building connections, not just with that child but also within ourselves and our partner, our extended family and community.
I believe we should celebrate the birth of our children as well as our own, no matter the circumstances. Allow the journey of birth to be one filled with joy, confidence and trust. For it is the beginning of something wonderful. Katie Himsworth, Founder of Blossom and Thrive, is a Certified Child Sleep Consultant, Certified Placenta Encapsulation Specialist and Certified Birth Doula. She is the mother of incredible boys and is married to her husband, Michael. She can be contacted at Katie@blossomandthrive.com.
RENUKA RODRIGUES PHOTOGRAPHY
During my training to be a birth doula, we were requested to share our birth story as it had been told to us by our mothers. We were then asked if our birth stories had influenced our lives in any way. It was an intriguing question: I realized just how much my birth and hearing about it has greatly impacted my life as a mother as well as my work as a birth doula. Can you imagine hearing the story of your ‘beginning’ being recounted with excitement and delight? Can you imagine the excitement of your children hearing their birth told by you and you recognising just how powerful that moment truly was and forever will be.
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Learning differently demands teaching differently. Eagle Hill School
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Internet Tips for Teens When surfing the Internet stay as anonymous as possible and keep all of your private information private. • Never give out personal details that would identify who you are, such as your name, address, phone number, school, names of family members.
Don’t be a Phishing Victim Phishing is a form of fraud in which the attacker tries to capture your personal information by masquerading as a reputable entity or person and contacting you, commonly through email. The information they seek can be the login credentials that you use when you do your banking online, or some account information such as your credit card data. Millions of people lose money every year due to phishing scams. Here’s what you can do to protect yourself: • Remember that your bank will never email you and ask that you “Click here” or tell you to download an attachment. If there’s an issue with your account or if they’ve updated their system, they will call and/or mail you. • Never provide personal information over the Internet unless it is through a secure site. Before you put your credit card details into an Internet page, make sure that there’s a closed lock icon on the address bar or that the URL is green. • If you see a fishy email, do not reply or click on any links or attachments: simply delete it immediately. • Change your passwords often and make sure that they are complex. They should contain at least 8 alphanumeric characters (a combination of letters and numbers) including at least one uppercase and one lower case letter.
• Never give out credit and debit card information. • Keep your passwords private and change them often. • Never participate in cyber bullying and always report incidents of cyber bullying, bad behaviour and inappropriate use of mobile technology, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram etc. • Never reply to any messages or bulletin board items that are upsetting, suggestive, obscene or aggressive. For a complete list of Internet Tips visit www.ca.gov.bm Remember, colleges and businesses do online background checks and any bad behaviour or suspicious activities can be discovered. Your actions today may one day come back to haunt you. A message from Consumer Affairs GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA Ministry of Home Affairs
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little ones
BY JULIE BUTLER, BERMUDA HIGH SCHOOL
The Early Years Programme at BHS Until the end of Year 11, BHS is a single-sex school, and this tradition has secured positive and powerful outcomes for its students. Research has shown that a single-sex education produces favourable results for female students; especially in terms of their confidence, engagement and aspirations, most notably in the areas of math and science. BHS is dedicated to supporting and guiding how girls learn, and strives to be at the forefront of education for all of its students. The School has built 121 years’ worth of experience encouraging girls to achieve at the highest academic standards, and understands how girls learn best. At BHS, teachers are
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focused on the skills that girls need to be successful: how they play, how they develop and sustain friendships, and how they acquire and use knowledge. The Early Years Programme will be a play-based curriculum that is age appropriate for the youngest members of the BHS community.
There has been a deliberate decision on the part of the school to ensure that the girls will learn as children do best – through play and exploration. Following the International Primary Curriculum, the teachers will explore five different units over the course of the year, and for the first year these topics will be: All About Me, Clothes, Animals, Plants & Flowers, and Sand & Water. The girls will have an opportunity to explore concepts in an outdoor classroom, to take part in foreign language, PE, dance and music as well as the usual areas of literacy and numeracy. Every activity in which the girls take
part will have a specific purpose and will provide meaningful opportunities for them to learn and grow through play, and will prepare them to successfully enter Year 1. From their first day in the EYP, the girls and their families will become part of the BHS community. Older students will come and read stories to the little ones as part of the Reading Buddy programme which continues through Primary. This is a great way for the older Primary students to mentor the younger ones and encourage a love of reading from a young age. Parental involvement is something that BHS welcomes, and is vital to the collaborative approach used throughout the school to ensure each student is successful. Parents will be encouraged to help out in the classroom, at lunch time and attend special mornings and celebrations. Tina Harris, Head of Primary says,
“We have a great opportunity with this first intake of girls; the small environment of the classroom will mean the teachers will be extremely in tune with what each child needs, and they will get lots of individual attention. We are excited to watch the girls grow in their
independence and confidence and to help prepare them for “big school” when they enter Year 1.” For more information on the Early Years Programme or BHS in general, please contact Kurte Loescher, Director of Admissions and Inclusion on 278-3047.
n ce I n spirin g Exce lleip a n d Lea de rsh “At BHS, a woman in the room was always the smartest, a woman in the room was always the fastest, a woman in the room always had the answer. I still look for a woman to have the answer.” Zakiya Johnson Lord ‘94
BHS accepts students on a rolling admissions basis for the Early Years Programe - Y11 For more information on The Bermuda High School for Girls, please contact: Mrs. Kurte Loescher Director of Admissions and Inclusion Tel: (441) 278-3047 Email: kloescher@bhs.bm The Bermuda High School for Girls 19 Richmond Road Pembroke HM 08 Tel: (441) 295-6153 Fax: (441) 278-3017 Bda Parent Spring.indd 1
www.bhs.bm 2/25/2016 10:14:33 AM
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little ones
BY MAHA TURNER, MSC IN MONTESSORI, SOMERSFIELD CHILDREN’S HOUSE TEACHER
Conflict Resolution in a Montessori Classroom
“Do we believe and constantly insist that cooperation among the peoples of the world is necessary in order to bring about peace? If so, what is needed first of all is collaboration with children.... All our efforts will come to nothing until we remedy the great injustice done the child, and remedy it by cooperating with him. If we are among the men of good will who yearn for peace, we must lay the foundation for peace ourselves, by working for the social world of the child” (International Montessori Congress, 1937). “Preventing war is the work of politicians, establishing peace is the work of educationists.” – Maria Montessori Children’s home and school environments are crucial in the development of peaceful skills that will help children to make nonviolent choices in their daily interactions with each other and their families. For children to understand and internalize conflict resolution skills, we have to prepare their environment for the development of these skills. They need clear guidelines, peaceful adult role models, love, kindness, and a solid foundation of values/virtues. Many of us as adults did not learn these crucial conflict resolution skills as young children, which make us unable to be successful role models for our children. First, we need to develop these skills and role model peaceful behavior so our children can thrive in a peaceful environment of kindness and firmness that is free of pain, blame, shame, or judgment (Nelson, 1987). In our Montessori environments we understand the importance and need for children to make silence and to enjoy their inner peace, which we practice as a community on a daily basis.
The Peace Table Special Peace Tables, adorned with beautifully prepared objects are often found in Montessori environments. Children are able to take pleasure in silence through items such as a water wheel timer, sand timer, and smooth and attractive stones. The children use the Peace Table when they feel the 16
need to calm down, cool off, or just enjoy their inner peace. It is also used to resolve conflicts. The children learn various skills to resolve conflicts through community meetings and role plays. During our weekly peace circle, we use the Talking Stick as a tool so children can take turns talking without being interrupted. The Talking Stick originated from Native American tribes, it helped and reminded them to use words to make important decisions or to solve problems instead of using weapons. The Talking Stick is extremely useful for children because they feel safe and do not need to compete for attention. All children have equal opportunities to be heard regardless of their talkative or quiet nature (Janke & Peterson, 1995). When two children have a conflict, they take their conflict partner to the Peace Table. If one child or both
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children are crying, they have to take a few breaths and a moment of silence before they start talking about the problem (cooling off period). The child that brought his/her conflict partner to the Peace Table will hold the Talking Stick and start sharing his/her side of the story and when he/she is done talking, the Talking Stick is passed to the conflict partner and he/she will share his/her side of the story. When partners are heard, the talking stick will go back to the hurt person, and he/she will ask the conflict partner what can be done to make him/her feel better. Saying “Sorry” and walking away is unacceptable, they have to think of a significant remedy, for example, making a card, drawing a picture, getting an ice pack and placing it on the part of the body that was physically hurt. Usually, children leave the peace table feeling better and ready to join the class community. Children learn life-long skills at the Peace Table that will help them express anger, irritation, and frustration without doing damage to others or themselves and without adults’ interference, which is very empowering for them. It is imperative that we help our children to be responsible and caring members of our society. If we want our children to pursue a different way of communica-
tion from most of us, we have to break the cycle of hurtful talk and pass on a different legacy and new skills, which they can use for the rest of their lives with their friends, co-workers, partners, and children of their own (Faber & Mazlish, 1980). Nelsen, J. (1987). Positive discipline. New York: Ballantine Books. Faber, A., Mazlish, E., Coe, K. A., & Faber, J. (1980). How to talk so kids will listen & listen so kids will talk. Janke, R. A., Peterson, J. P., & Froemming, J. (1995).Peacemaker’s A, B, Cs for young children: A guide for teaching conflict resolution with a peace table. Marine on St. Croix, MN: Growing Communities for Peace.
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big kids
BY ALICIA RESNIK
Learning
Differently “D o we believe and constantly insist that cooperation among the peoples of the Every child struggles in school from time to time. If you notice persistent issues in a certain area of learning, it may indicate that your child has a learning disorder. The term “learning disorder” is used to describe a variety of issues that interfere with the learning process. Having an issue doesn’t mean your child is lazy or lacks intelligence or motivation. The brains of children with learning issues are just “wired” differently. This difference affects learning new skills, and how information is received, processed and used. The most common types of learning challenges involve problems with reading, writing, math, reasoning, listening, and speaking Left undiagnosed and unsupported, learning challenges will impact your child’s life beyond the classroom.
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The following is an overview of some common learning issue. Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
Auditory Processing Disorder is a condition that makes it hard for children to recognize subtle differences between sounds in words. The challenge of APD is understanding the sounds of spoken
language not the meaning of what’s being said. To a child with APD “tell me how a chair and a couch are alike” may sound like “tell me how a cow and a hair are alike.” Children with APD usually have normal hearing - the challenge is in understanding what they hear. For them, the virtually seamless process of hearing, is scrambled. Children with
APD may have trouble understanding what other people are saying, struggle knowing where sounds are coming from, struggle to make sense of the order of sounds, or how to block out competing background noise. Being able to understand speech in noisy environments, such as classrooms and social activities, is difficult. If left untreated, the condition can lead to speech and language delays and problems learning in school. Language Processing Disorder (LPD) Children with a language processing disorder – a specific type of Auditory Processing Disorder – have difficulty attaching meaning to sound groups that form words, sentences and stories. While APD affects how the brain interprets sounds, a language processing disorder relates only to the processing of language. It may also affect expressive language and/or receptive language. Dyscalculia
Children with dyscalculia have difficulty understanding math. This specific challenge affects a child’s ability to memorize and organize numbers. It affects the ability to understand numbers and learn math facts. Children with dyscalculia may also have difficulty learning to count, have trouble writing numbers and symbols, have difficulty with word problems, find it hard to visualize patterns and, have difficulty measuring and telling time.
physical writing issue affects a child’s handwriting ability and their fine motor skills. Dysgraphia as an expressive writing disorder refers to a child being challenged with organizing their thoughts on paper. Dysgraphia may also include messy or illegible handwriting, an awkward pencil grip, and trouble taking notes. Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a learning challenge that affects reading and language based processing skills. It may also affect fluency, decoding, spelling, writing, reading comprehension, recall and sometimes speaking. Being able to read involves learning how speech sounds make up words and how those sounds connect to the letters of the alphabet. For children with dyslexia this process is disrupted. It’s known as a linguistic challenge - not a visual one. Your child will not outgrow dyslexia. With early intervention, children learn new strategies for decoding, phonological awareness and reading. Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities
Children with non-verbal learning challenges have difficulty interpreting social cues such as facial expressions and body language. They may also have poor coordination, difficulty with visual-spatial relationships and social skill issues. Chil-
Dysgraphia
Dysgraphia is a term used to describe both a physical writing challenge and an expressive writing issuer. Dysgraphia as a
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Non-verbal learning challenges often go unrecognized. Left undiagnosed and unsupported, these children are at risk to develop depression, social withdrawal and anxiety disorders. These children are often miss-labelled as having a “problem” or as having “behaviour issues.” Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor Deficit Children with visual perceptual or visual motor challenges struggle to understand the information they see. This disorder also affects their ability to draw or copy. They miss subtle differences in shapes and printed letters, lose their place frequently, struggle cutting with scissors, or hold a pencil too tightly. Dyspraxia/Verbal Dyspraxia
dren with non-verbal learning challenges may also have difficulty changing from one activity to another and going from one location to another. They need to use their memory, concentration and all of their energy to get through regular day to day activities. New, and social situations, may present further problems.
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Dyspraxia refers to problems with movement and coordination. This may be with fine motor skills like cutting with scissors or writing, or with gross motor skills like running and jumping. For children with dyspraxia it’s hard for their brain to plan and coordinate movement. They may also find it difficult to imitate sequences of movement. Dyspraxia can also make it hard for the brain to communicate with oral-motor muscles - the face and tongue - which affects movements necessary for speech. Signs that may indicate dyspraxia include problems with physical abilities that require hand-eye coordination, like holding a pencil, buttoning a shirt, or catching a ball. Executive Functioning
Executive functioning refers to self-regulating skills. These are skills we use every day to do things like plan ahead, stay organized, solve problems and focus on important tasks. Children with weak executive functioning skills have trouble planning, organizing and managing their time. If your child struggles with issues such as being organized, has poor time management, is unable to complete tasks, is unable to make plans and follow through with them, has problems organizing thoughts or understanding and following verbal directions, they may have an executive functioning challenge. If you’re concerned that your child may have a learning challenge, speak with their teacher, and doctor for an evaluation. We all want our children to be bright, happy and academically successful. When there’s a problem, it’s hard to face. No parent wants to see their child suffer. It’s important to remember your child is just as smart as their classmates - they just need to be taught in ways that are tailored to their unique learning style. A learning disability is a lifelong challenge. With early intervention and support, you’re paving the way for their future success. Contact these organizations for further information and/or diagnostic testing: ABC Speech-Language-Pathology & Educational Therapy Services, 296-8255. The Reading Clinic, 292-3938. The Department of Health’s Speech Language Services Clinic, 278-6429 or 278-4900. Solstice, 292-3456. Also Britanni Cann-Fubler, MRCSLT bfubler@gmail.com.
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Real Families, Real Stories
BY ALICIA RESNIK
Dorian’s Story
“APD doesn’t stop me from achieving anything at all,” Dorian Frith
F
ourteen year old, Dorian Frith has Auditory Processing Disorder (APD). Currently a student in the 8th grade at Mount Saint Agnes, he was diagnosed with APD when he was 7. His mom, Corinne Frith, a Senior Account Director with AAC Saatchi & Saatchi, noticed something seemed wrong when Dorian was young. “He couldn’t tell an “e” from an “a” and I wondered why he wouldn’t do things when I asked him.” Despite perfect hearing and speaking and completing puzzles at an early age, Ms. Frith noticed that Dorian knew things but struggled to articulate it. In nursery school Dorian’s teachers noticed he would “meltdown” when working alone. “At first I thought what have I done? As a parent, I felt like a failure,” says Ms. Frith. At four, Dorian started Kindergarten at Mount Saint Agnes Academy. His teachers noticed he was struggling and advised Ms. Frith to get in touch with Ms. Yvonne West, a Speech and Language Pathologist with the Department of Health’s Speech & Language Services Clinic. Although Dorian was considered too young to be officially tested for APD, Ms. West began working with him, teaching him coping strategies for school. “Yvonne noticed Dorian didn’t have a comprehension problem or a speech disorder. She worked with him on the premise that the issue was APD, she was right,” says Ms. Frith. While Dorian worked with Ms. West, Ms. Frith continued looking for solutions. “I did my research. I had to. I had to learn to support Dorian,” 22
she says. Their paediatrician, Dr Bates, recommended further testing at the Hearing Clinic and at the Reading Clinic. “The tests weren’t conclusive so Dr Bates referred us to Boston Children’s Hospital.” Dorian underwent extensive evaluations and tests confirmed APD. Ms. Frith explains that Dorian struggles with concentration. “With APD you focus on one task at a time. We met with his teachers. They’re very supportive. They notice when he gets overwhelmed, when he shuts down and loses focus. His teachers call his name or tap him on the shoulder to bring him back.” “In the end it’s about doing what’s best for your child. Ignoring it just makes it worse,” says Ms. Frith. She explains that many people don’t
understand learning issues. They think kids are being lazy, rude or just won’t do the work. It’s not true. With APD, it simply takes a little more time to process. In school, Dorian gets extra time with tests or, takes his tests separately in a quiet room where he can concentrate without classroom distractions. When asked what he thinks of having APD, Dorian says it’s annoying. “I wish I didn’t have it. It bums me out. Sometimes I lose my grove. But I remind myself that it will come to me if I work hard.” Dorian says he’s learned to speak up in class and ask for help when he needs it. He says he finds it really frustrating when he’s trying to focus and classmates are being disruptive. He continues to use the strategies he learned with Ms. West and advises other kids with APD that, “If you need help, always ask a teacher or a friend who’s aware of your situation.” Ms. Frith says Dorian has a great support system of family, teachers and friends. “He’s got a good group of friends. We call them “The 4 Musketeers!” Dorian’s an honor student. He’s also on the volleyball and badminton team. He’s in the French Club, in the League of Legends Championship Club, an Alter Boy at Saint Patrick’s Church and plays the trumpet. Dorian’s one of the “littles” in the Big Brother’s program and works part-time at Harrington Hundreds Supermarket. As a Scout’s Explorer he helped with the KBB Trunk Island clean up. He says, “I try not to get down on myself. Sometimes I lose sight but I aim to have high grades. I was so proud to get the honor’s certificate. I can do it, it just takes hard work and time.”
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Real Families, Real Stories
BY ALICIA RESNIK BY ALICIA RESNIK
MORE ALIKE
THAN
Different
When I found out I was carrying a child with Down Syndrome it was a heartbreaking moment. I was scared and did not know what to expect. I immediately started to google information about Down Syndrome and read other parents stories some were frightening while others were just a joy to read and very touching. There were many times that I felt overwhelmed, but I would always pull myself together and start to look for the resources that would help me in preparation for my son. Unfortunately, there were no resources on island. So, I began to make contact and build relationships with overseas’ organizations. They provided pamphlets to read to help me understand what I was feeling emotionally as well as to be prepared physically, once my son was born. This inspired me to want to start a support group shortly after the birth of my son. In March 2008, my son fell ill and we were flown out to Boston Children’s Hospital. While he was being examined by several doctors for his pre operation appointment, my son’s condition worsened before my eyes. His complexion grew pale and his lips were blue, as soon as I bought this to the nurse’s attention he was immediately rushed to the ER. They performed an Echo Ultrasound of his heart and discovered that
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he would have to have open heart surgery to repair the valves in his heart. Once the team of doctors met, they decided to continue with the planned surgery and then perform the open heart surgery days after. I found out then that it is very common for children with down syndrome to suffer with varying conditions such as this. Trudell, my son, has had several more surgeries since then but is doing great now. He is quite the character and is loved by all who meet him at school and at church. Trudell loves animals and has a passion for babies. He bowls on Saturdays at Warwick Lanes, and enjoys football and cricket. The most important thing that I love about Trudell, is that he enjoys life to the fullest. Having a child with down syndrome is certainly not always easy but I encourage my son to be “MORE ALIKE THAN DIFFERENT”. If anyone is interested in joining our support group or looking for resources contact me via email eselina27@yahoo.com or call 500-6169. We meet once a month on Wednesday’s at Vernon Temple Church 6:15-7:30pm. For 2016, our theme is “My Friends, My Community” - The benefits of inclusive environments for today’s children and tomorrow’s adults http://www.worlddownsyndromeday. org/wdsd-2016.
© 2013 RB
Real Families, Real Stories
BY ALICIA RESNIK
America’s Cup Family
Settling In
Mrs. Jennifer Spithill is the wife of James Spithill, the Skipper for Team Oracle. They’re currently living in Bermuda with their two sons, Owen and Joe, while the team trains to compete in the 2017 America’s Cup.
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Tell us a little about yourself and your family?
Tell us your impression of Bermuda?
What’s it like being part of Oracle Team USA?
What was the hardest thing to adjust to?
Where did you meet your husband and how long have you been married?
Can you share a favourite family activity?
“I’m from San Diego, Jimmy’s from Australia. ‘Home base’ for us is wherever the team is training. We’ve been here since April of 2015. We first lived in Somerset but then moved to be closer to the boys’ school. The boys have adjusted well, they like it here. There are lots of opportunities for kids, it’s all very assessable – right at your fingertips. We keep things low key for the kids, and have a pretty normal family life.”
“We have a great group of team members, and their families, here. We get together on a regular basis. We do a gym session a couple of times a week altogether which is greatthe team makes the families and partners feel included. All of the teams are friendly with one another- we’re like one big family.”
“It’s a nice change from living in a big city. It was an adjustment – to the pace of a more relaxed lifestyle. It feels healthier in a way as it’s less stressful. Life seems simpler. I really enjoy the feeling of it being one big community here. Bermuda is a magical place in the middle of the Atlantic. Everyone’s so friendly and positive. Being surrounded by such natural beauty on a daily basis – it’s an energizing place.”
“Driving and getting my license was stressful at first! And learning how to drive slowly... I’m so used to driving 80miles per hour on freeways in California. Also, grocery shopping was a challenge in the early days. I’m picky about what I feed my family, so trying to find everything I needed and which stores carry what was hard at first. Also - we do miss our families but, they’ve been here to visit.”
“We’ve been married for 11 years. We met while working for the same team in New Zealand, during the 2003 America’s Cup.”
“Going out on our power boat together.”
Did you grow up in the world of sailing?
“I’m a Nutritionist and believe that food is medicine. What we put in our bodies is what we’re going to get out. It’s also important to get enough sleep, manage stress and do things you love. Diet is just one piece of the puzzle. We follow a Paleo diet at home. I believe this helps Jimmy reach his athletic potential. As a family, keeping our bodies in shape and healthy is a priority- especially for Jimmy who is training all the time.”
“I sailed as a kid, in the summers at the San Diego Yacht Club. I sailed Lasers and Opti’s. I also sailed for a year in college – at U.C. Santa Barbara.”
Do you and your sons sail?
“Yes, with Jimmy. We sail when we’re in Australia on a Hobie which is a really fun boat to get out on altogether. The boys have done some sailing camps here in Bermuda and in San Diego. I like sailing with Jimmy – he’s a good teacher, and the kids like sailing with him as well as long as it’s not too windy!”
What’s it like being married to the Skipper of Oracle? Does it affect your family life?
“Being married to a professional athlete is exciting. We’ve lived in Spain, San Diego, San Francisco, New Zealand and now here. We get to experience many new places. It’s good for the boys, it’s always an adventure! Jimmy is busy with the team preparing for the Cup but, he always manages to fit in family time.”
What were your thoughts when you heard you’d be moving to Bermuda?
“I was excited. We’d been here before, before having the kids, when Jimmy did the Gold Cup Regatta. I remember having a great time. It was my first time experiencing the wonderful hospitality of Bermudians. We stayed with a host family and had a fabulous time.”
Your husband is a full time athlete – does this affect your diet and lifestyle?
Does your family have a favorite meal?
“Beef stew. The boys like to help cook and are great eaters!”
“Are you doing any volunteer work here in Bermuda?”
“I’ve just started doing volunteer work with SCARS (Saving Children and Revealing Secrets). They’re doing great work with their education outreach programs and providing the community with resources that haven’t previously been available in Bermuda for victims of sexual abuse. I was sexually abused as a 5 year old by a male babysitter. I tell my kids all the time “only you can touch your private parts. If anyone else ever touches you ALWAYS tell mom or dad no matter what.” I don’t think I can emphasize this enough- I say this about once a month, so they really understand the importance. My hope is for every parent to talk to their kids on a regular basis, in hopes of preventing this from happening and to prevent repeat offenses. For me it’s been about healing and thriving as an individual, and being able to use my experience as a platform to help others. I’m really moved by the work SCARS is doing, and feel lucky to be a part of it while we’re here in Bermuda. www.bermudaparent.bm
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Making Memories That Will Last A Lifetime
www.thewestend.bm
28
S T EM
SCIENCE
TECHNOLOLGY ENGINEERING
M A T H S
Do you like to solve problems? Sign up for the 2016 Ascendant Group STEM Summer Camp for students, aged 12 to 14 years. You must be naturally curious with a proven aptitude for science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).
STEM Camp is held at the Ascendant Group Training Centre, 27 Serpentine Road, facilitated by engineers from BELCO and iEPC and led by STEM education professionals. Students develop challenging robotics projects and take field trips, gaining knowledge plus problem-solving, critical thinking and research skills, STEM confidence and competence.
STEM Camp: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Monday-Friday (8:30 am early drop-off available). WEEK 1: JULY 4-8
WEEK 2: JULY 11-15
$250 per student Bring lunch or buy for $10 from Ascendant Group Canteen. Beverages and snacks provided. Schedule and Application available at www.bermudacamps.com, www.ascendantgroup.bm, www.belco.bm or Lobby Reception Desk at 27 Serpentine Road. Contact Diane McCallum, 299 2835 or dmccallum@ascendant.bm.
Completed applications must be submitted by June 15.
What’s Happening
BY ALICIA RESNIK
A FUN
PLACE
For Everyone Looking for something fun for the kids to do?
The Kid’s Zone on Church Street is your answer! Children can run, jump, climb and slide to their heart’s content. Ms. Karen Magnum, co-owner of Magnum Power Force Gym & Diet Center, opened the Kid’s Zone in January of 2006. Frustrated with the lack of indoor play areas for her nephews, she decided to create her own. 30
Located next to Magnum Power Force Gym, the Kid’s Zone climbing frame was brought in from the United States. It’s complete with everything fun for children aged 1 to 12 years to enjoy – climbing tunnels, foam building blocks, a ball pit, rocket slide, bouncing ball “room” and climbing wall. The children of Magnum Gym members, may use the Kid’s Zone for free. Non-gym member’s children are also welcome - for a fee, when the room isn’t rented. “The whole idea is for parents to come to the gym and exercise and their children to have a place to play. Everyone gets exercise and everyone goes home tired!” says Ms. Magnum. “The children really seem to enjoy themselves. No one ever wants to leave!” Kid’s Zone can be rented for birthday parties, playdates, camps or for after school fun. The room is air-conditioned and has a private bathroom. There are also 12 lockers for storing shoes and personal items. The room has three plastic picnic tables and a toddler “safety pen” for the very little ones. Ms. Magnum says the room is cleaned and maintained on a regular basis - including the ball pit.
The Kid’s Zone is open year round, seven days a week. On Saturday and Sunday, from 9-12pm, chaperoned play time is available for a fee. “Parents appreciate this service. It’s convenient. They can go to the gym, or just relax, while their children play,” says Ms. Magnum. Guest fees for the Kid’s Zone are: $20 for 1 child, $25 for 2 children and $30 for 3 children. Play time is unlimited. Children must be supervised by an adult or responsible chaperone at all times. Next door, Magnum Power Force Gym & Diet Center, is the winner of five “Best of Bermuda Awards.” This full service gym offers weight and cardiovascular training, exercise classes and personal training sessions. Located in the gym is The Diet Center. They offer customized weight loss programs with private one-on-one counselling support. Magnum Power Force Gym also offers Spa Services which include deep tissue, relaxation and sports massages. The Kid’s Zone, and Magnum Power Force Gym & Diet Center, is located on 70 Church Street East, in Hamilton. For further information, gym hours and fees visit their website at: www.magnumpowerforcegym.bm.
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What’s Happening
BY ALICIA RESNIK
Fabulous Fruit
Surprise!! FOR YOUR PERSONALIZED AND PARTY NEEDS
Come in and browse our extensive Party Supplies!! 8 King’s Square, St. George’s Email: info@surprise.bm Website: www.surprise.bm
Telephone: 292-2638
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C
arving delicious, fresh fruit into gorgeous bouquets of flowers is the idea behind Ms. Feronika Suhartono’s business, Edible Creations. “We make fruit arrangements for any occasion – like a bouquet of flowers, except you can eat them!” Together with her partner Mr. Jahmar Woods, they specialise in creating beautiful arrangements from locally purchased fruit. They also make fruit kebobs, chocolate dipped strawberries, fruit topiaries and carve flowers or “Happy Birthday or Congratulations” into cantaloupes and watermelons. The couple saw huge success at the 2014 Agricultural Show where customers lined up to buy their fruit popsicles, fruit cups and fruit kebobs. One little boy had 3 fruit popsicles. They knew that fruit was their thing! This success encouraged the couple to search for a new business location. Ms. Suhartono found the Visitor’s Service Center at the Botanical Gardens when searching for a location for her daughter’s birthday. The rest is history. Edible Creations moved in and, in August, they opened
a second business, The Garden Café. The café offers salads, sandwiches and wraps – all made to order and freshly prepared by Chef Ajit Jadhav. They also offer an all-day breakfast featuring pancakes and waffles topped with fruit. The couple would like to see summer bbq’s and “happy hours” outside on the patio. They plan to celebrate all the holidays – Halloween with pumpkin carving, Good Friday with fish cakes and kite flying! Edible Creations’ fruit arrangements are made to order. “Any occasion where you might give flowers, you can give fruit,” says Ms. Suhartono. The Garden Café space can be rented. “We’ve had 3 events here,” says Mr. Woods. There’s plenty of parking space and the location is beautiful for receptions, baby showers, and birthdays. We cater, offer a DJ service and set up and break down the area. The Garden Café is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Saturday from 9am to 3pm. Once the tourist season begins, they plan to open on Sunday for a traditional codfish breakfast and brunch. Contact Edible Creations, and The Garden Café, at 2364484. E-mail: info@ediblecreationsbda.com. www.ediblecreationsbda.com.
Take up the Virtual Reality
America’s Cup Journey An exciting and interactive America’s Cup exhibit has recently opened at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute (BUEI). The America’s Cup Endeavour Exhibit ‘Built to Win’ is designed for people of all ages and explores the history, science and sport behind this prestigious race. The exhibit is based on the pillars of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) and is inspired by the Endeavour Programme - a community sailing project launched by America’s Cup sponsors to encourage young Bermudians to take up the sport of sailing. The exhibit highlights the profound effect the America’s Cup has had on sail racing throughout history, how it represents the pinnacle of cutting edge design and technology, and how it continues to push the limits of human physical and mental fitness. As you enter the new exhibit expect to be taken on a virtual reality journey through America’s Cup history, utilising Oculus Rift’s head-set technology. A wind table demonstrates the effects of changing sail shapes on a sailboat’s movement. Experience the thrill of testing your racing skills with the AC45 racing simulator, racing solo or against an opponent. Train like an America’s Cup sailor by taking a strength test on a grinding machine followed by a mental test to determine if you’re fit
enough both physically and mentally! Watch as wind becomes visible via an air cannon. Interact with monitors, televisions, and videos to better understand racing and sailing concepts. The exhibit uses cutting edge technology and interactivity to provide a fun learning experience. Thanks to the generous support of lead sponsor BF&M, and other sponsors Orbis Investment Management and the Bermuda Tourism Authority, BUEI is proud to present this unique exhibit to Bermuda. School groups can schedule a free tour of this exhibit by contacting BUEI’s education department at 294-0206 or email genassoc@ buei.org. Admission to the America’s Cup exhibit is free for BUEI members. Not a member? Membership packages begin at $20 and include a host of benefits. Visit www. buei.bm or call 294-0201 to find out more information on membership. BUEI is located at 40 Crow Lane and is open 364 days a year from 10am-5pm (last admission is at 4pm).
www.bermudaparent.bm
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Fab
FAMILY FINDS
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Mommy Says, Rosheena Beek Beautifully illustrated by Warren L Maye, this thoughtprovoking book weaves age-old maternal advice, Christian spirituality and ancient West African symbolism into a series of moral pointers for young children. Each double page spread explores a common challenge that we have all faced as a child and provides guidance through what ‘Mommy Says’.
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The Body Shop – Fresh Nude Foundation Enriched with English rose water and aloe vera, The Body Shop Fresh Nude Foundation comes in 16 nature-inspired shades and a hydrating formula to leave skin feeling beautifully fresh and comfortable all day. Sold exclusively in Bermuda at Brown & Co. on Front Street, this foundation is dermatologically tested and suitable for sensitive skin. Pop by for a free skin consultation the next time you’re in Hamilton.
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Rihanna – RiRi Late last summer Rihanna launched her sixth fragrance – RiRi. The scent is a crisp floral – fruity with top notes of mandarin, cassis, rum and passion fruit while its floral heart captures the flowers of pink freesia, jasmine, orange blossom and honeysuckle. The base notes are Madagascar vanilla, warm skin musk and Indonesian Sandalwood. Discover the flirty, floral RiRi at Brown & Co. today.
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Celestron SkyMaster Binoculars Celestron’s SkyMaster Series of large aperture binoculars are a phenomenal value for high-performance binoculars. Available at P-Tech, these lightweight binoculars are perfect for astronomical viewing or for terrestrial (land) use, especially over long distances. This 20-100x70 zoom option shown feature high-quality BaK-4 prisms and multi-coated optics for enhanced contrast.
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Cuisinart 15pc Compact Portable Blending/ Chopping System Looking for cool gadgets for your kitchen? Check out the great selection of Cuisinart items available at The Phoenix Centre on Reid Street. Our pick of the season is the 15-piece Compact Portable Blending/Chopping System with three speeds for easily mixing sauces, pureeing soups and crushing ice for frozen drinks. The four convenient travel cups included are BPA free and ideal for breakfast on the go.
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Celestron LandScout 60mm Spotting Scope The LandScout 60mm Spotting Scope is an affordable, entry-level spotting scope available at P-Tech. Its compact, lightweight design is ideal for carrying while its quick set-up and 12-36x zoom allow you to get close to the action.
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Bose SoundTouch Wireless Speakers Discover and enjoy music more effortlessly than ever before with a Bose SoundTouch from P-Tech. These speakers allow you to wirelessly stream millions of songs via the Internet as well as play from our own music library. Simply download the SoundTouch app and control your music from anywhere in the house with your mobile or tablet.
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Little Tikes Clearly Sports Baseball Nothing says fun like a hitting a home run in the backyard! The Little Tikes Clearly Sports Baseball set at The Annex Toys is a perfect option for amusing outdoor activity. This item comes with a stable base and tee for beginners and the baseball bat holds colourful balls which make the smallest hit sound like a grand slam.
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Sands Alive! Bring the joy of a sandbox indoors without the mess with Sand Alive! Available at The Annex Toys, Sands Alive! – a sandlike compound – is 100% non-toxic, never dries and can easily mould into durable shapes for hours of learning and play.
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Intimina – Lily Cup Compact Now the convenience and health benefits of a reusable menstrual cup are available in a compact, go-anywhere design at The Phoenix Stores. Designed to collect rather than absorb menstrual flow, its medical grade silicone respects your intimate balance and offers up to 10 hours of hassle-free protection. The Lily Cup is a great eco-friendly and economical option for menstrual care.
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Cards Against Humanity Having an adult games night? If so, The Annex Toys recommends Cards Against Humanity – a party game for “horrible” people. Cards Against Humanity is as awkward as you and your friends. With 550 cards (460 white cards and 90 black cards), the game is simple to play. Each round, one player asks a question from a black card, and everyone else answers with their funniest white card.
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Swann Advanced Security System The folks at P-Tech understand the need to ensure the security of both your home and business and offer a wide selection of Swann products designed to make security easy. The 8 Channel, 960H Digital Video Recorder shown allows for full-screen, high-resolution video in real-time. You’ll now have peace of mind day and night with 8 cameras and SwannLink Peer-to-Peer connectivity for live viewing via web and mobile.
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Little Tikes 7’ Trampoline If you’re looking for some big, bouncing play check out the Little Tikes 7-foot trampoline available at The Annex Toys. Its large, durable bouncing area is enclosed with netting on all sides and the frame is padded for protection making it a perfect trampoline for toddlers and older kids (3-10 years).
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Almased Whether you’ve set a weight goal, are concerned about how you look and feel or simply want that bikini body…like now, Almased is your guide to quick and permanent weight loss. Available at The Phoenix Stores, the soy protein, honey enzyme and yoghurt blend is clinically proven for safe, healthy weight management.
www.bermudaparent.bm
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tweens & teens
BY CHRISTINA KATZ
Could This Be Bulimia? 7 Telltale Signals You Don’t Want To Miss If you know the facts about an eating disorder called Bulimia nervosa, then you know that as a parent you should calmly and quietly pay closer attention to your child’s behavior around eating and dieting. Studies indicate that by their first year of college, 4.5 to 18 percent of women and 0.4 percent of men have a history of Bulimia. In the United States, 5 to 10 million adolescent girls and women struggle with eating disorders and borderline eating conditions. According to The Center For Mental Health Services, 90 percent of those who have eating disorders are women between the ages of 12 and 25. Bulimic behavior means binge eating and then attempting to rid the body of the food by purging (forcing yourself to throw up), by taking laxatives or diuretics, by fasting, or by compulsively exercising. Children who are overly concerned about their weight may take diet pills, smoke cigarettes, drink excessive amounts of diet soda, take stimulants, or try anything else that promises appetite suppression or rapid weight loss. If you are wondering if your child is overly focused on body image and weight, and might be at risk for Bulimia nervosa, watch for these seven signals:
1
Large amounts of foods consumed in short amounts of time. Food disappears suddenly from your kitchen or pantry. Packaging and wrappers appear in indoor or outdoor trash and recycling containers without your awareness that food was eaten. You find food packaging or wrappers in funny places, such as in bedroom closets or hidden under or behind furniture after you’ve noticed food missing.
2
Purging behaviors. Your child retreats to a remote bathroom right after meals. You discover diet pills in your daughter’s purse or diuretics in your son’s sports bag. You find evidence of vomiting in the bathroom although no one in the house is sick. You notice bloodshot eyes or broken blood vessels in your child’s face shortly after mealtime. 36
3
A fascination with fasting. You notice your child not eating for a day or even days at a time, possibly engaging in extreme behaviors like drinking large amounts of water or diet soda to suppress appetite. Your child exhibits dizziness or light-headedness from not eating.
4
Compulsive exercising. Your child often exercises right after eating, perhaps even early in the morning or late at night. You notice that periods of intense exercise come in fits and spurts rather than maintained sensibly over time. You notice a connection between the reward of food and the punishment of exercise afterwards.
5
Secretiveness around eating and food. You may find multiple candy bar wrappers in an outdoor trash container. You might hear your daughter awake at night rooting around in the kitchen cabinets. You notice that an ice cream container that was almost full yesterday in now almost empty.
6
Overeating. You suspect your child is eating emotionally or anxiously. He has a group of buddies who like to all “pig out” together after intense sports competitions. You wonder how your child seems to be eating so much without gaining weight. You notice a pattern of bursts of overeating that did not exist before.
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Mood changes and addictive behaviors. Does your child seem anxious, depressed or excessively moody lately? Sometimes eating disorders and mood disorders go hand-and-hand, and those who suffer from eating disorders may also be at higher risk for addictions. If a typically cheery child suddenly turns sour and becomes distant and depressed along with several of these other signs, get ready to offer help. There is often nothing visible on the surface that will tip you off to an eating disorder, so you may need to become a detective to determine whether or not your child is suffering from one. A Bulimic child may work hard to keep up
appearances. She may fall into a normal category of weight for her age, take care with her appearance, and put a smile on her face to cover up behaviors she does not want you to notice. But pay attention, because by the time you notice concrete physical signs, like discolored teeth or calluses on fingers, the disorder will already be in advanced stages. The best thing that can happen for a child with an eating disorder is early intervention and treatment, which is why it’s important to try and catch patterns of Bulimic behavior as soon as possible. Remember that eating disorders are painful and cause the sufferer to feel acute shame and self-disgust. If your child needs help, you want to be ready to provide it calmly and supportively without making a big fuss or taking the situation personally. Do not try to treat eating disorders at home. Seek professional help. Do some homework and set up professional resources before you approach your child, so you can be ready to offer a course of helpful action. Contact your family doctor ahead of time and get the name of specialists in your area. Keep in mind that the best choice for a child feeling vulnerable and ashamed may be to seek out a treatment professional of the same gender with a gentle manner. Think of an eating disorder as a cry for help rather than a permanent condition. With early intervention and treatment, and love and support from family and friends, the child has a good chance of making a full recovery. Then the whole family can feel close once again. Online resources that can help: Helpguide: http://www.helpguide.org/ mental/bulimia_signs_symptoms_causes_ treatment.htm National Eating Disorders Association: http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/ bulimia-nervosa Author and freelance journalist Christina Katz would like to live in a world without eating disorders, so she wrote this article to help parents notice signals they might otherwise miss.
236.4700
10 Harvey Rd, Paget PG04
www.bermudaparent.bm
37
family life
BY BRENDA DALE, AVP Wellness, BF&M Insurance Group
Four Tips for
A
Raising Emotionally Healthy Children
s parents in today’s world, raising children can be challenging. We face a multitude of ever-changing needs and pressures, ranging from helping our children develop healthy eating habits to helping them with their school work or teaching them how to be safe. As I reflect on my children’s life, compared to my childhood, I realize how important it is to look beyond daily tasks and teaching of skills, and pay attention to our children’s emotional health as well. Dealing with our children’s emotions can seem stressful at times, but it is important and can be extremely rewarding as we connect with our children on a deeper level. Luckily, it is not that difficult – all that is required is that we love our children unconditionally and pause from the daily stressors of life to ensure that we are there for them by being a
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good listener and observer, and being both physically and emotionally present with them as they grow. Studies show numerous benefits for emotionally healthy children; including better performance at school, the ability to build lasting and mutually respectful relationships, and the ability to cope through difficult times and stressful situations.
Tip #1: Remember - You are the Role Model First and foremost, we must remember that our children learn the tools for emotional health by watching us. Every single day they observe how we cope with and manage our daily tribulations and challenges, and how we then relate to them and to the people we come in contact with (such as our neighbors, family, teachers etc.). It is most helpful if
we share our emotions with our children as we tackle daily challenges, and then show them how we manage our emotions (e.g. frustration, sadness, loss, anger) and the relationships embedded within. This will encourage them to share their emotions and struggles with us. Our children are bombarded daily with information and local and international news that can be both confusing and frightening, and doesn’t necessarily provide the best examples for them. We need to openly discuss what they see and help them help them interpret the world around them by avoiding unnecessary anxiety, worry, confusion, frustration and possibly anger. None of us will handle every situation perfectly; however, there is also merit in sharing with our children how we handle our own short-comings and failures. Consistency in our behavior brings comfort to our
children as they come to know what to expect and can feel safe in approaching and discussing any concerns with us.
Tip #2: Know What Behaviours are Expected at a Given Age We are better able to help our children if we know what the appropriate developmental milestones are, and what behaviors are reasonable to expect. This knowledge enables us to respond better to our children’s needs, and can also help us to identify problems. The signs of emotional health vary with age, and what is appropriate at one age (e.g. temper tantrums) may be a sign of a problem when it occurs consistently at another age. If we become concerned about our child’s behavior, it’s best to talk it over with their physician, and seek professional help as early as possible.
Tip #3: Spend Quality Time with Your Child Our lives are very busy and somewhat complicated, but it is important that we find a way, each and every day, to pause,
spend time with and be present with our children to find out how their day was – what went well, what didn’t go so well, what their concerns, fears and hopes are, and how we can help. There is nothing that can replace this connection time, and we can be assured that if we don’t make the time, there will be certainly be something else that will fill the void. This time and sharing provides an opportunity for us to teach our children how to reflect on the present, building inner peace and a solid foundation for their long-term emotional health.
Tip #4: Nurture the Attitude of Gratitude Both expressing and feeling gratitude are important parts of life. Over the past decade, hundreds of studies have documented the social, physical, and psychological benefits of gratitude. Gratitude has two parts – first is the acknowledgement of the good things in the world, the gifts and benefits received. The second is the acknowledgement that the source of goodness lies
outside of one’s self and in other people, even higher powers that provide the many gifts, big and small, in our lives. Practicing gratitude has proven to be one of the most reliable methods for increasing happiness and satisfaction, and reducing anxiety and depression. Gratitude strengthens relationships, making us feel closer and more committed to those around us. From the outset, a parent’s modeling of gratitude is key. Toddlers can be taught to say thank you when they receive assistance or a gift from someone. By primary school, we can encourage our children to reflect on their day and share one thing they are grateful for daily, for example at dinner time, or by creating a ‘gratitude list’ or ‘gratitude jar’. Gratitude encourages us not only to appreciate our gifts but to repay them or pay them forward. Studies suggest that when 10-19 year olds practice gratitude, they report greater life satisfaction and more positive emotion, and they feel more connected to their community. Let’s share this precious gift.
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The BF&M Horizon Profiles provide a simple investment solution allowing you to select a profile based on when you need your funds. The profiles automatically become more conservative as your financial time horizon nears. The Horizon Profiles make your investment selection easy and provide you with an optimal asset mix at each stage in your investment timeline. For more information call 295-5566.
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39
Summer has arrived and many of you will be enjoying your National Parks over the upcoming holidays. We want to emphasize that swimming at the beach can be extremely fun however beach patrons must be prepared and sensible whenever in or near the ocean.
Who is at risk for drowning? Everyone. However, children have the highest risk for drowning worldwide. Risks include inadequate supervision, inability to swim, and unrealistic expectations of children by guardians regarding water safety. Be safe and make good judgments about your beach activities this summer.
REMEMBER - Slip on a shirt. When out in the sun, wear protective clothing of tightly woven fabrics that you can’t see through when held up to the light. Slap on a hat. Have fun choosing one and make sure it protects your face and back of your neck. Bucket shaped hats are great for kids. Slop on sunscreen. SPF30 or higher, apply everyday 30 minutes to one hour before you go out. Dry and re-apply every 2 hours if possible, especially after swimming and exercising. ALWAYS BE CAREFUL BE SAFE THIS SUMMER
THE WATER SAFETY CODE Spot the danger
2015 CUP MATCH CAMPING
• Are Lifeguards on duty at your beach? • Know the general beach conditions: are there high surf conditions, is it shallow enough to stand, is it deep enough to jump, are there rip currents or any other currents, what is the tide like, is it busy? • Are there any dangerous marine animals present such as Portuguese Man-of-War? • Are there any boating (including personal watercraft) activities near your swimming area? • Even if you are only near the water, take extra care. Take Safety Advice • Choose swimming areas where there is Lifeguard coverage. • Know the weather forecast before leaving home. • Make note of any warning signs or safety flags at beaches. Don’t Go It Alone • Never swim alone. • Children must always have direct and close adult supervision while in or near the water at all times. Learn How to Help • Do you know what to do in an emergency? • Shout for help and alert a Lifeguard. • Telephone emergency services (911) if there are no Lifeguards present. • Do not enter the water to rescue someone unless trained to do so. • Take in a water safety workshop and get certified in CPR & First Aid to be part of the solution for a safe summer at the beach. DESIGNATED SWIMMING ONLY These areas are marked by large orange buoys and NO marine traffic including personal watercraft is allowed in these areas at anytime. These areas include Clearwater and Turtle Beach, Coopers Island Nature Reserve, Shelly Bay, Admiralty House Park/Clarence Cove.
The Ministry of Public Works and the Department of Parks, have established a few guidelines for those who wish to camp outside the 3 designated campgrounds - Ferry Point Park, Chaplin Bay and Higgs & Horseshoe Islands. The major reforestation and environmental project at Coney Island is still ongoing. Therefore the park is CLOSED to camping. It will be restricted to picnicking only. There will be NO CAMPING at Blue Hole Park / Nature Reserve or Coopers Island Nature Reserve at the old NASA site. There is also NO CAMPING on the DUNE immediately behind Jobsons’ Cove in South Shore Park. This dune area has rare sensitive plants that need to be protected. There is a sign erected advising park users of this policy. NO tents or ropes to mark spots are permitted to be erected on Monday 27th July 2015. Tents and ropes found erected at the parks and beaches on this date will be taken down by the Department of Parks. Campers may erect tents and tarps on Tuesday 28th July 2015 to secure their preferred spot. However, no one will be permitted to camp on this date. Please do not erect tents in front of the park and beach access gates. Camping WILL be permitted from Wednesday 29th July until
Sunday 2nd August 2015.
Park gates will be opened during the day on 29th July 2015 to allow campers and picnickers the opportunity to set up. Park Rangers will be on duty until 10 p.m. Wednesday 29th July 2015 and will begin locking the gates at 9:30 p.m. For the safety of park users, ALL vehicles must be removed from the parks and placed in the designated parking lots.
Park Rangers will also be on duty both days of Cup Match, Thursday 30th July and Friday 31st July 2015, from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. and the weekend Saturday 1st August and Sunday 2nd August 2015, from 9:30 am to 6 pm to assist park users. Lifeguards will be on duty at Clearwater Beach, Turtle Beach, John Smith’s Bay, Horseshoe Bay and Long Bay at Coopers Island Nature Reserve from 10 am to 6 pm. throughout the holiday period. The following beaches have safe swimming zones designated by buoys where boats and personal watercrafts are not permitted to enter; Clarence Cove at Admiralty House Park, Shelley Bay, Clearwater Beach, Turtle Bay, and Long Bay at Coopers Island. Operators of vessels are asked to adhere to these safety zones.
Dogs on Public Beaches and in Parks
The Department of Parks maintenance crews will also be working from 6:00 am until 3:00 pm. both days of the Cup Match Holiday, as well as the weekend, to collect trash, rake beaches and clean toilets. Access gates must be kept clear at ALL times.
The Department of Parks is reminding dog owners, handlers, and the general public that the 1988 Bermuda National Park Regulations and Policies under the jurisdiction of the 1986 Bermuda National Parks Act have changed, regarding dogs in parks and on the public beaches.
We ask the owners / drivers of vehicles to please use common sense and DO NOT PARK in front of the access gates. They must be kept clear so that Department of Parks maintenance vehicles and Emergency vehicles, including Police, Fire, and Ambulance can gain access at ALL times.
The Regulations and Policies are as follows: • As of the 1st April 2015, dogs are NOT PERMITTED to be on any of the public beaches until the 31st October 2015. • Dogs can be walked either on the trails, in Parks or on the dunes, in South Shore Park at any time. • The dogs must be on a leash at ALL times. • As a reminder dogs are NOT PERMITTED in the Main Show Ring in Botanical Gardens. Signs are erected informing the public of the closure. • Members of the general public are reminded that Botanical Gardens is closed to the public at sundown each day. • For health and safety reasons dogs are NOT ALLOWED on the playgrounds at Clearwater Beach, Mullet Bay Park, Shelly Bay Park, Parsons Road, Admiralty House Park, Warwick Long Bay, Somerset Long Bay and Death Valley. • Dogs are also NOT PERMITTED in the new Coopers Island Nature Reserve where the NASA Tracking Station was located.
Offending ve hicles will be ticketed, clamped and towed at the owners’ expense in order to clear the blocked gates. In addition there are private residences at John Smiths Bay Park and the access road must be kept clear for tenants. ALL CAMPING EQUIPMENT MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE PARKS AND BEACHES BY MONDAY 3rd AUGUST 2015. ALL EQUIPMENT LEFT AFTER THIS DATE WILL BE CONSIDERED ABANDONED AND WILL BE DISPOSED OF BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS. The cooperation of the general public during the busy 2015 Cup Match Holiday would be greatly appreciated by the staff of the Department of Parks. In addition, please be considerate and respectful of your neighbours, including those who stay adjacent to the parks and beaches. Music must be played at reasonable levels that will not disturb other park and beach users or residents.
• Please carry and use the Dogipot litter pick up bags as you travel in the designated areas at all times.
For further information please contact the Department of Parks, Park Ranger Office at 236-5902 or 239-2355. The Minister and the Permanent Secretary, of the Ministry of Public Works, and the Director and Staff, of the Department of Parks, wish the general public a safe and enjoyable 2015 Cup Match Holiday.
The cooperation of dog owners and handlers in abiding by the Regulations and Policies is greatly appreciated. 1988 Bermuda National Park Regulations. If further information is required please contact the Department of Parks at 236-5902.
Horses in Parks and on Public Beaches
The Department of Parks is informing stables, horse owners, handlers, and the general public that the 1988 Bermuda National Park Regulations under the jurisdiction of the 1986 Bermuda National Parks Act will change regarding horses on the public beaches. The Regulations are as follows: • As of the 1st May 2015 until the 31st October 2015 horses are NOT PERMITTED to be on any beach in South Shore Park ( inclusive of the following beaches; Horseshoe Bay, Peel Bay, Butt’s Beach, Wafer Rocks Beach, Chaplin Bay, Stonehole Bay, Jobson’s Cove and Warwick Long Bay) Johns Smith’s Bay, Elbow Beach and Shelly Bay. • From the 1st May 2015 until the 31st October 2015, owners and handlers of horses may take or ride the horses on all other public beaches with the following restrictions; owners and handlers can ONLY take or ride the horses below the high water mark between the hours or 5:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.
BONFIRES visit www.bermudalaws.bm The Park Ranger Service would like to advise all Park/ Beach patrons to be mindful of the rules and regulations outlined for recreational open fires as mandated by The Bermuda National Parks Act 1986 and The Bermuda National Parks Regulations 1988. Please draw your attention to the following rules in accordance with the Bermuda National Parks Act • • • •
• Horses can be on the trails and dunes in South Shore Park at any time. The cooperation of stable owners, as well as horse owners and handlers, in abiding by The Bermuda National Parks Act 1986, is greatly appreciated. 1988 Bermuda National Park Regulations
Absolutely No Paint, Spray Paint, Marker or any other form of Graffiti is to be used to mark camp spots. Bermuda National Park Regulations and 1986 Bermuda Parks Act is greatly appreciated.
1986 and the Bermuda National Parks Regulations 1988. Bonfires must be housed in or on a metal apparatus (e.g. a metal barbeque). Bonfires must be thoroughly extinguished and properly disposed (see steps 1-4 below) of at the conclusion of the period granted by the permit. Steps to properly extinguish and dispose of Bonfires: 1. Allow wood to burn completely to ash and/or cool embers. 2. Continuously flood with water until hissing sound stops, then stir ashes and embers with a shovel until apparatus is cool enough for safe handling (this step may need to be repeated several times). 3. DO NOT BURY THE FIRE PIT as the fire may continue to smolder and possibly reignite causing potential harm to self, others and surrounding environment. 4. Once cool enough to handle, remove metal apparatus and place next to the nearest Parks trash bin.
Special points to note; • Bonfires must be continuously under the care and direction of a competent adult 18 years or older. • Bonfires must be held on beaches only. • Only utilize dry wood for bonfire use (e.g. drift wood). • The use of fully assembled pellets as a burning platform is strictly prohibited. • No glass bottles are to be burned or disposed of in the bonfire.
Are Adolescents Skilled for
Navigating Life’s Rough Waters?
The adolescent years are a time of tremendous brain development and change.
A
dolescents are responding to new experiences, learning new skills and acquiring new information. It is only when we are able to provide them with meaningful, challenging, and pro-social activities that they are able to facilitate their development of healthy minds and bodies; offering them the best chances of success. As parents, we must capitalize on this window of opportunity and immerse our adolescents in activities that are adventurous, educational, and provide positive experiences, such as, an expedition aboard the Sail Training Vessel (STV) Spirit of Bermuda. The Spirit of Bermuda, is an iconic symbol within our community. It is operated by the Bermuda Sloop Foundation (BSF) and is celebrating its 10th 42
year in operation. During the school year, we can witness the Spirit of Bermuda moving throughout our waters as our middle school youth engage in a 5-day Sail Training voyage. Sail training is utilised internationally as a uniquely powerful context for learning and self-discovery. Lessons learned aboard the Spirit of Bermuda educate youth for life. For 5 days adolescents are immersed into a vastly new way of living. They find themselves in confined quarters and become the crew of the training vessel. They rise to the new physical and emotional challenges which develop key life skills. They also acquire a newfound awareness of self and connection with others. The summer months extend beyond the 5-day voyages and include 24-
hour sailing, circumnavigating Bermuda, as well as global expeditions. This summer, BSF is inviting adolescents of all levels on a series of long and short voyages. (see our ad for more details) One, such voyage, will be to the Chesapeake Bay area and back with two objectives: Learning: Firsthand experience of Bermuda’s deep historical connections with the Tidewater region during her first 200 years (Jamestown, Williamsburg & Norfolk/Yorktown VA) and Ambassadorial: represent and promote Bermuda in the crescendo to the 2017 America’s Cup (Philly/ NY). Once the Spirit arrives in the US she will cruise and make port calls in company with the replica of Schooner AMERICA—a great way to lead into the 2017 America’s Cup!
Whatever voyage is chosen, the outcomes for adolescents are clear: • Increased levels of self-confidence • Resilience • Positivity • Teamwork • Connections with self and others Adolescents grow in ways that not possible in a traditional classroom or camp environment. The immersion in a challenging, meaningful Spirit expedition facilitates positive development of the adolescent’s malleable brain while having a great fun! Testimonials from previous young voyagers: “This experience has allowed me to see myself as a more independent person who can get things done efficiently. I also see myself as a much stronger person who can listen and pay attention. I now realize that life is much easier when you cooperate and work as a team. I will apply my new skills into my life when I get back to main land.” And…. We sailed with a pod of dolphins!” “These challenges have helped me to grow as a person because I have learned to work together as a team to complete a task successfully. They helped me to discover that there are challenges in life and in order to complete them successfully you must pay attention to what has to be done.” Captain Bill Pinkney, Amistad America stated that “Sail training is mixing adventure with learning…separates fantasy and instant gratification from dreams & goal setting.” We at BSF agree! Bursaries are offered to those who qualify. No keen, committed youth will ever be turned away for financial reasons. For more information visit our website: www.bermudasloop.org Email: info@bermudasloop.org or education.manager@bermudasloop.org REF: Dr. Laurence Steinberg “Age of Opportunity: Lessons from the new Science of Adolescence, pub. 2014.
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family finances
BY CARLA SEELY, VP PENSION AND INVESTMENTS, FREISENBRUCH-MEYER GROUP
When there is no ‘Happily Ever After’ Managing Money and a Family after Divorce. Sometimes life just isn’t fair. You’ve worked hard, you’ve saved hard and you’ve tried to raise your children with good values but your marriage has suffered one way or another. No matter how hard you have tried, you and your spouse have decided call it quits. There will be a lot of changes in your life once you make the decision to get divorced. Whether you like it or not, there is a need to accept all these
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changes, especially if they are going to turn your world upside down. So what happens now when you are still juggling much of the same life you had before, but now it is just you? Some of the major aspects in your life that will change are your finances and how you deal with your children’s expectations after divorce. Newly single individuals are typically concerned about their finances and want to make sure they have enough for their immediate needs, and that they’ll have enough for the other things down the road, such as education and retirement. The first step is creating your own financial independence: a new bank account, updating beneficiaries on life insurance policies and your pension plan and equally important, creating a new “Just Me” monthly budget. The shock of looking at your newly formed single named bank account and noticing the bank balance is not rising as steadily as it once did may leave you feeling bewildered or even panicky. Furthermore, noticing
that your expenses are not that much different than they were before is really frustrating. For most people there is not much you can do to increase the income coming into the account on a monthly basis at the start but there are definitely a few things you can do to trim down what is heading out of the account each month. Budgeting is the foundation for getting things on track again and the first step is to list your current income and expenses. Keep in mind that while many of your expenses may be lower than when you were married, they won’t necessarily be cut in half – after all, it takes the same energy to run lights whether one person or two. Think about ways to trim down your expenses. Can you bring your lunch to work instead of buying it? Can you give up yoga classes right now until can clearly track your spending patterns? Be honest about what is necessary and what can be reduced or postponed. Updating your documents to reflect a new beneficiary on your pension plan, and life insurance policy is essential. It’s important to remember if the beneficiary is a minor you will need to list a guardian who will be in charge of those assets until the minor becomes of legal age. Another task at hand is to head back to the lawyers but this time you need to find a lawyer who specializes in Wills and Estates because it is time to write/re-write your Will. It’s important to think long and hard about where you want your assets to go in the event of your early demise,
Imagine
pecially in front of your children.
your children having financial security from birth to their 18th birthday.
4. Maintain open communication channels with the other parent about the children. 5. Have a concrete plan on to how you both plan to handle child expenses. and again, if you have children and they are minors, remember to include a guardian. One consideration which needs to be addressed is health insurance. Were you covered under your spouse’s insurance? If so you may need to now apply independently. If you are not currently working will you be responsible for paying the entire amount or is this something that is part of your divorce settlement? What happens if you have a pre-existing condition that was being covered under your spouse’s plan; will it be covered under the new plan? All these questions need to be asked and answered so you understand the potential greater impact and can plan accordingly. What is often the most difficult part of any divorce is considering the children. Who is going to live with who, financial responsibilities for the children, and working as a “co-parent”. Although there is no “typical divorce” and no “magic formula” for ensuring the most positive child outcomes, there are some general principles that certainly seem to make it a little easier: 1. Be there for your children, both physically and emotionally. 2. Talk with your children about the divorce. 3. Speak about and act in a respectful manner toward the other parent, es-
Lastly, it’s important to realize that you are not going to know everything or be able to do everything. Clearly there will be some gaps you will identify that your spouse fulfilled before. Perhaps they did the finances in the family, or were the handyman around the house or the taxi driver for the children’s activities. Figure out what the gaps are and “OUTSOURCE”: need someone to help with your finances? -find a financial planner. Need a handyman?- ask the neighbour, a brother or cousin and get them to show you how to fix it. Looking for someone to help cart the children around? - ask your family or other parents at your children’s school – honestly, most people are happy to help. Don’t let pride get in the way of making your newly single life a bit easier, no one is going to look at you any differently. The reality is, you can’t change the situation at hand but you can certainly change your attitude and how you handle the outcome of your finances and family. Carla Seely is the Vice President of Pension and Investments at Freisenbruch-Meyer, if you would like any further details please contact cseely@fmgroup.bm or call 441 297 8686.
LIFE INSURANCE Picture yourself giving your child/ children a gift that keeps giving, to them and their future families, for many years after their 18th birthday. By purchasing permanent life insurance it enables you to make a contribution to your children’s financial future. For more information - please call
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75 FRONT STREET HAMILTON HM 12 BERMUDA
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fmgroup.bm
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Keep cool. Stay warm. Master the mould. In your home, all year long. And all at the push of a button. Hit the Big Deal button for the entire month of April and you’ll get more than you bargained for. In an awesome way.
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should be comfortable. If you are experiencing discomfort or you have concerns about , contact us. We’ve been mothers for almost three decades. Email islandgirl@northrock.bm or check us out on Facebook at La Leche League of Bermuda.
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Summer Camp 2016
Dive into
Summer
Aquamania Swimming Limited is a great programme to prepare youngsters for the water. Initially children learn safety skills in and around the water, and later we provide the swimming skills needed for competitive level. Lesley teaches the Aquatots (parent & tot) classes, which cater to children 12 – 36 months. She says “at Aquamania, we take the TLC approach to the lessons. Rather than learn to swim classes, they are an Orientation to Water. We teach the parents how to better help their youngsters in and
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around the water.” Aquamania also offers lessons to 20 of the island’s schools, preschools and nurseries. Aquamania accepts children with special needs, providing there is prior direct consultation with staff and parents, on how best to teach their child. The Three plus programme, caters to non-swimmers, beginners and advanced beginners. Aquamania’s initial goal is teaching them about water safety. We teach submersion, floats, glides, treading water, kicking, and exits. We encourage submersion as early
as possible but do not force any participants under water if they are clearly not ready. For the more advanced swimmers they are taught more involved stroke techniques, turns and diving. A few years ago we introduced the RED CROSS’ Basic Water Safety and Junior Lifeguard courses, and taught them with the Basic CPR and FIRST AID course. Certification for these programmes starts at 12 years of age. Instructor training is also offer to 13 and 14 years old and our instructors range from 15 to 50.
fingers next to nose, and wipe towards his ears. You can also use a wet or damp face cloth, but never use a dry towel unless bath time is over. You can also get him to blow raspberries when his mouth gets anywhere near the water. This will help against swallowing water.
A final note…
Whilst we encourage improved confidence in the water there is a chance that some children may become over confident around water. Therefore it is imperative that whenever a child has access to ANY aquatic environment (ocean, pool, pond, lake, river, bucket of water, bath tub and toilet, just to name a few) they are supervised by an adult. No method of baby / toddler swimming can prevent drowning, but with exposure to baby / toddler swimming lessons, children have a better chance of survival by being familiar with water – they will be more relaxed if they fall in accidently. Article provided by Aquamania Swimming Limited.
“To swim or not to swim; there is no question!”
FAQ’s 1. How long will it take my child to learn how to swim? Every child is unique and certain factors will have an effect on the time it takes to learn. The age of the child, their physique, how much time they get in the water, their parents’ experience in and around water to name a few. Negative experiences in water can also influence how long it takes them to swim.
SWIMMING LESSONS
from 12 months to adults, offered MAY through OCTOBER, Weekdays & Saturdays! We also offer various lifesaving courses as well as CPR/FIRST AID (through partnership with the Bermuda Red Cross).
2. How do you define a swimmer? Aquamania considers a child has learned to swim safely when he can cover 5 metres with his face in, and is able to take at least one breath over that distance. 3. My child hates water in his face and when at the beach he always has to wipe his face on a dry towel when ANY water gets on his face. How can I help? Start at bath time. Whenever water gets in his face teach them to wipe it away with his hands. Flat hands, palms on face, pinky
For more information, please visit the website www.aquamania.bm, or email LESLEY WHITE at aquamania@logic.bm
www.bermudaparent.bm
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Summer Camp 2016 BermudaCamps.com is the premier online resource for connecting
families to various camps and youth program information. Founded in March 2013, BermudaCamps.com has bridged the gap that existed for years between camps, youth programs and families. The attractive and easy to use website includes tools for searching the right camp and program by age group, cost, location, category, gender and type. Camp and youth program operators can easily add a listing online and share all their information including flyers, registration forms, photos, video and so much more. BermudaCamps.com offers information at your fingertips, online 24/7 conveniently and stress free. Finding the Right Camp & Program is Easier Than Ever! Stay connected, visit www.BermudaCamps.com and facebook.com/bermudacamps
Bermuda Cricket Board Easter & Summer Cricket Camps! Come play cricket, learn drills, skills and more with internationally certified coaches Easter Camp Dates: March 28 – April 1 Summer Camp Dates: June 27 – August 5 Time: 8.15am – 3pm (after camp 3pm-5.30pm) Cost: $120 per week (after camp $50 per week) Location: Berkeley Institute Gym, Field & Nets Registration: Bermuda Cricket Board or www.cricket.bm Charities House, 25 Point Finger Road, Paget, DV 04 T. 292 8958 F. 292 8959 E. info@cricket.bm
DanceSations School of Dance Summer Program: Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Hip-hop, Boys hip-hop, and Adult
dance classes. Dates: June 24 – Aug 27 (Fridays and Saturdays). Cost: $170 Ages 3 – 18. Cost: $140 Adults. Price is inclusive of all 10 weeks. Concludes with a dance recital.
Centre Stage Dance Camp: Ballet, Jazz, Hip-hop, and Modern dance. Creative workshops in drama & choreography, outings, dress up and so much more! Kids will perform in our Annual Summer DanceSations Dance Recital. Dates: Aug 1 – 26. Time: Monday – Friday 8:30am – 5:30pm. Ages 7 – 12 yrs. Cost: $180 per week. Call 292-4100 or click www.dancesations.bm to register!
A Smarter Summer At Oxford Learning Research into summer learning shows that students can lose up to 30% of their academic skills over the summer break. This means that in the fall, students are actually further behind than when they left school at the beginning of summer. Maintaining academic momentum over the summer prevents this backward learning slide, and keeps their brains in active learning mode so that they are ready to learn from the first day of school. WITH OXFORD LEARNING SUMMER PROGRAMS, CHILDREN: • maintain an educational routine • catch up at a comfortable pace • get ahead with introduction to next-grade concepts • develop new learning skills Contact us at 296-6060. We are located at 133 Front Street, Hamilton. E: bermuda@oxfordlearning.com W: oxfordlearning.com
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Masterworks
Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art Summer camp for: July & August 2015, Ages 5-13 years, Monday- Friday 8:30 am-5:30 pm Early drop off between 8:30-9am and a late pick-up between 4:30-5:30pm Learning through art: Bermuda’s history and culture! Experiment with various mediums and participate in activities and outdoor games within Botanical Gardens. Friday’s are movie afternoons while teachers prepare mini-exhibits of your children’s artwork. Parents and friends are welcome to come and view the displays. Sign up at www.bermudamasterworks.com T. 4412994000 E. edumworks@logic.bm
Executive School Of Protocol A Young Person’s Guide to Etiquette
Total immersion etiquette camps for girls and boys aged 7 to 13. Teaching poise, confidence, integrity, making good choices in life and leadership. Classes include etiquette instruction, social skills role playing, arts and crafts as well as afternoon tea. Classes are held school half term breaks and summer holidays. NEXT CLASS: July 4th – 8th Private classes can be arranged upon request. Additional classes: Academy for Young Ladies: Ages 14 to 18 years Intensive Etiquette and Protocol: 3 – day course for men and women, ages 19 years and up. “Where etiquette is not only taught - it becomes a way of life”. Etiquette Educator Certification - Train to become a certified instructor using the established Executive School of Protocol business model for the ‘Young Diplomats of Bermuda ’program. Hands on experience actually working with children in a live classroom setting. For information on all programs contact: tsnaith@ibl.bm; 441-505-8358; www.esop.bm
Swimming Instinct
www.swimminginstinct.com info@swimminginstinct.com 297 8062 Locations: Pembroke and St George’s. We offer 1:1 lessons to all students age 3 and above and group lessons to babies better the ages of 3 and 36 months. Most baby lessons take place in St George’s in a purpose built, heated pool.
Quality Gymnastics
Camp runs June through August 2016 Ages 5-12 year olds (co-ed classes) Time: 8:30 – 3.30 pm Cost $200 p/w Aftercare $50/week Find us at 23 Berkeley Road. (Old Berkeley Institute Assembly Hall) E: Qgym@logic.bm W: www.qgymbda.com
Ocean Commomotion FRIENDLY. FAMILY. FAITHFUL # 1 Mission, Road, Paget PG 06 Robert F Fischer, Senior Pastor Vacation Bible School is July 3 – July 7 from 6:30 pm until 8:30 pm for ages 4 completed preschool and ages 12 or completed M1. At Evangelical Church you will find friendly people, who are accepting, loving and caring. Family is a priority, from the youngest child to our Senior’s. Here you will find a safe, clean and welcoming environment. All this is centered on our commitment to faithfully teaching the fundamental truth of God’s Word, the Bible, by “Knowing Christ and Making Him Known” to others.
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Summer Camp 2016 Natural Kids “Healthy kids, happy kids!” summer camp Contact info: catherine@natural.bm or 5054725 Led by Nutritional Therapist Catherine Burns and Foundation Year teacher Samantha Willis, every day is packed with nutritional learning, hands on cooking time, fitness and play in a relaxed and happy atmosphere. Natural’s team of five helps kids understand how different food choices affect their amazing, growing bodies. Children are encouraged to try new food in a fun and social setting. Camp is held in Warwick during the 1st and 2nd weeks of August. Cost is $345 per child, per week, including two snacks, all crafts/cooking ingredients, fitness activities and “Try it!” rewards. Hours are full time, 8.30am-5pm. Ages 4-8.
The Bermuda Lab School Bermuda Lab School Summer Camp, presented by Masterworks AOK with the support of the Lab School of Washington. An academic camp with an art-infused curriculum geared toward young learners ages 7-12 who have dyslexia, ADHD, and other language-based learning differences. Dates: July 4-27, 2016 Time: 9am-1pm (early drop-off and fun afternoon session until 5pm optional) Location: Somersfield Academy For more information, visit www.bermudalabschool.org or email info@bermudalabschool.org
Bermuda National Trust Camps We offer enlightening and fun camps for students 8-11 years old. Seven different camps provide campers with loads of fun while exploring Bermuda’s nature reserves and historic houses. Excursions along the pathways of Spittal Pond, Paget Marsh and Tom Moore’s Jungle with pond dipping and flashlight tours will provide engaging and memorable experiences for all participants. One of the camps, the Sea Venture Castaway camp, transports the campers back to the time of the first settlers. Activities in the Axis Education Centre at Waterville, such as investigations into nature or history combined with fun arts and crafts, will round off the days. For more information please visit our website at www.bnt.bm, email education@bnt.bm or call 236-6483.
In Motion School of Dance Princess & Hero Camp – ages 4-7yrs old Aug 1-5th, 8-12th 2016 9:00-4:00pm Summer Dance Intensive Aug 15-19th, 22-26th 2016 7-12yrs – 9:00-2:30pm or 9:00-4:00pm 13+yrs – 12:00-5:30pm Dance, Arts and Crafts, Nutrition, Creative Expression, Performance, And More! Your child’s daily dance class is supplemented with music, dance history, creative expression, mime, nutrition, anatomy, arts and crafts and professional dance videos which help them to see dance in a much broader light. *aftercare provided All classes are taught by caring and qualified dance teachers with an emphasis on learning by playing. Visit www.inmotion.bm to learn more.
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Aquamania Swimming Ltd.
We provide swimming lessons for non-swimmers to advanced swimmers; lifesaving courses are also offered. Ages 12 months to adults Please email aquamania@logic.bm for more information.
Explorer Camps
Come and explore over 14 different camps at BUEI this summer! Themes range from ‘Wild Weather’ to ‘Prehistoric Seas’ to ‘Pirates’. ‘Sharks’ and ‘Dissection’ are two of the most popular camps! Our programmes are educational but fun and are designed to inform, motivate and excite children using hands-on activities, experiments, interactive computer learning, scavenger hunts, arts & crafts, and competitions. Our camps are conducted in BUEI’s labs, lobbies, and classrooms and also incorporate the exciting exhibits. BUEI Explorer Camps are geared towards children ages 7-13. Camps run from 9am to 3pm with camp supervision available until 5pm. For more information, visit our website at www.buei. org, email education@buei.org or call 294-0207.
Bermuda Gymnastics Association
Bermuda Gymnastics Association (BGA) will be holding gymnastics camp this summer at Cedarbridge Academy. Beginning on July 4 and lasting all summer, the camp is set to provide structured day care service for children that will safely excite, encourage, and challenge them while they learn the fundamentals of gymnastics and all sport basics. The curriculum consist of conditioning games, gymnastics circuits, team building activities and afternoon field trips to popular Island destinations such as the Aquarium, National Stadium, beaches, Crystal Caves and more! Staff are trained in first aid and CPR as well as certified to teach gymnastics. Visit www.bermudagymnastics.com for further information.
STEM Camp
Are you naturally curious with a proven aptitude for science, technology, engineering and maths STEM Camp is held at the Ascendant Group Training Centre, 27 Serpentine Road, facilitated by engineers from BELCO and iEPC and led by STEM education professionals. Students develop challenging robotics projects and take field trips, gaining knowledge plus problem-solving, critical thinking and research skills, STEM confidence and competence. STEM Camp: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Monday-Friday (8:30 am early drop-off available). Ages 12-14 WEEK 1: JULY 4-8, WEEK 2: JULY 11-15 $250 per student Bring lunch or buy for $10 from Ascendant Group Canteen. Beverages and snacks provided. Contact Diane McCallum, 299 2835 or dmccallum@ascendant.bm.
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KERIN ORAL CARE General Dentistry & Oral Medicine Practice
THROUGH FAITH AND LEARNING
MSA’s approach to learning promotes critical thinking and problem-solving, which is applicable to all aspects of a student’s life. As an Alberta Accredited International School, MSA teaches from an inquiry-based method of learning which engages students in a collaborative and interactive approach to figuring out the desired end result. This continuous curriculum, from pre-K to senior year, is an essential component of what fosters whole-child development and sense of belonging.
Welcome new patients & emergencies! We care for you & the little ones too!
Our high school program prepares students for success in post-secondary education and life as an adult. The rigorous curriculum offers opportunities to explore subjects in depth in preparation for success in universities, colleges, and the world of work. A strong emphasis is placed on critical thinking and developing the ability to appropriately question established norms while developing and questioning our own positions as well.
Tel: 236-4477 Mon-Thur 8:00am - 5:00pm Fri: 8:00am - 12pm Closed for Lunch: 1:00pm -2:00pm 2 Southcourt Avenue, Paget
www.kerinoralcare.com 54
19 Dundonald Street West, Hamilton | Telephone: 292-4134 Email: admissions@msa.bm | Website: www.msa.bm
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Directory PRESCHOOLS Chatterbox Preschool
10 Church St. Southampton SN 02 T: 236-7190 E: chatterbox@bercon.bm
Happy Valley Childcare Centre #17 Happy Valley Road Pembroke, HM19 Tel: 295-4087
Mount Saint Agnes Academy Early Learning Program & Kindergarten 19 Dundonald Street West Hamilton HM09 Tel: 292-4134 Email: msaoffice@msa.bm Website: www.msa.bm
Onion Patch Academy
St. Paul A.M.E., 59 Court St. Hamilton HM 12 T: 296-6466
Tree Tops Preschool & Tree Tops Pre School II
St. Anne’s Church Hall 26 Church Rd., Southampton T: 238-6025
PARTIES Edible Creations
The Garden Café, Botanical Garden, Camden, Paget T: 236-4484 E: info@ediblecreations.com
Once Upon a Time Nursery School Chapter One & Two Wesley Methodist Church 41 Church St. Hamilton HM 12 T: 504-7713
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