Summer 2012

SUMMER

2012

FREE For the Informed Family

SUMMER

FUN Dad’s Way

FAMILY FUN

ACTIVITIES on the Rock

Drowning Doesn’t Look Like

Drowning

Teaching the Value of Money

Who Said Raising A Tween Was Easy?

www.bermudaparentmagazine.com 1 ||| www.bermudaparentmagazine.com

How Sun Wise Are You?

Summer T R AV E L SPECIAL Best Value $6.50

YOUR BREAST CHOICE LOWEST

COSTS Breast Specialist

DOCTOR

AFTER WORK & SATURDAY APPOINTMENTS

Convenient

LOCATION

Lots of FREE What makes Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre your best choice for breast care?

Dr. David Green, Bermuda’s only breast specialist is available to meet with you and answer your questions, and through generous fund raising by our community we offer the latest technology in digital imaging.

Our Education Officer can talk with your organisation about breast health and cancer prevention. Our Lending Library provides a large selection of breast health books/DVDs for you to borrow and our Cancer Information Service provides you with current information, treatment options and will help you find local support services. We are pleased to provide these services free of charge.

Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre – a specialist approach to patient care.

Call us today.

BCHC20339 - Specialist8.375x10.875.indd 1

Call us: 441-236-1001 | Visit Us: 46 POINT FINGER RD. PAGET DV 04 | WWW.CHC.BM

PARKING

4/9/12 10:46 AM

HOME ESSENTIALS

Are you taking care of aging parents?

Argus Insurance can help.

Just because you’ve left the nest, it doesn’t mean you’ve stopped thinking about the needs of your parents. With Home Essentials from Argus Insurance, you can have peace of mind knowing your loved ones are getting the home insurance coverage they deserve at a price between 20% to 30% less than our already affordable rates.

Get in touch with Argus Insurance today for your Free quote.

www.argus.bm • insurance@argus.bm • 298-0888 Subject to underwriting terms and conditions Argus Insurance is the trading name for Argus Insurance Company Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Argus Group Holdings Limited.

T h e A r g u s G r o u p 1 4 We s l e y S t r e e t H a m i l t o n H M 1 2

Photo by Becky Spencer

Photo by Sacha Blackburne

ON THE COVER

Contents Pregnancy

David Augustus and David Augustus Jr. Photography: Sacha Blackburne, www.sachablackburne.com

8

Childless One woman shares her story of longing to be a mother!

Birth Photo by inHarmony

10 12

Doulas Change Birth The right kind of support and knowledge can mean all the difference to a satisfying birth.

Finding the right flexibility Balancing the demands of career and home.

Baby

14

New Arrival Welcome to the World Aiden Zachariah Williams.

Health & Wellness

34 32 36

20

How Sun Wise Are You? Ways you can help to protect your little ones from summer sun.

Keeping Little Ones Teeth Sparkling How you can prevent dental cares through starting good dental habits.

Big Kids

23 24 26

Family Fun Activities on the Rock

39 40

Photo by Becky Spencer

30

2 ||| www.bermudaparentmagazine.com

46

Family Golf: Is your kid the next Tiger Woods? Golf is proving to be

52

the perfect game for the entire family.

Summer Activities for Exceptional Children Tomorrow’s Voices shares

Who Said Raising A Tween Was Easy?

Defining a tween, one parent’s experience.

Teaching the Value of Money Start laying out the foundations of economics to children earlier, rather than later.

Make Summer 2012 Active and Healthy with your Children

The Ultimate Family Vacation Deryn Higgins tells us how cruises can be a great family choice.

Family Vacation Hot Spots Haven’t decided where you should vacation this summer? Check out these hot spots for your family.

Drowning Doesn’t Look Like Drowning Change the way you watch your children while they are in or near the water.

Notice from Department of Parks Water safety, camping etiquette, dog and horse etiquette.

Dad’s Corner

50

Tweens & Teens

28

44

Simple ways to spend quality time together that does not have to be expensive.

what’s on this summer.

Do we really need to keep giving kids vaccines?

Travel & Summer Special

Little Ones

18

Mint as an alternative form of medicine.

A Tale of Two Dads A look into why these two dads traded in their professional careers.

Summer Fun, Dad’s Way In general men do things different from women. This dad shares practical ways dad’s can send quality time with their children.

IN EVERY ISSUE

❋ ❋ ❋ ❋ ❋ ❋

Bermuda Parent Families

. . . . . . . . . 6

Adventures of a New Dad .

. . . . . . . 16

Godpa Speaks .

Rising Stars .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Finds & Favourites Parent Directory .

. . . . . . . . . . . . 58

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

ncer

g

e .

Editor’s Note |||

Publisher & Editor Katrina Ball Business Consultant Vic Ball Advertising Sales Shawnette Smith, Katrina Ball Website Advanced Services Creative Services Total Marketing & Communications Ltd. Writers and Contributors Dr. Kuni Frith-Black, Peter Backeberg, Henry Adderley, Paul Adams, Debra Oriol, Keisha Webb-Gibbs (Capital G), Gwyneth Rawlins (Argus), Deryn Higgins (Global Travel), Mario Vittone, Carla Zuill, Sara Westhead, Dr. Kimberley Mills, and Godpa Contributing Photographers Becky Spencer, Antwan Albouy, Sacha Blackburne, Theresa Millet, Lana Bull, and Sharon Wilson.

Bermuda Parent Magazine is published four 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 maybe 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.

Contact us

Email: info@bermudaparentmagazine.com Tel: 504-2937

Hello

Summer is here!! This is the time of year when we take trips to the beach, attend summer camps, enjoy Cup Match and take family vacations. Bermuda Parent Magazine has some exciting articles that we trust will appeal to parents who are looking for fun things to do locally with minimal cost involved. We have also provided you with some great overseas vacation ideas that your family would enjoy. We will always offer you valuable information that you can

use throughout the various stages of your child’s growth. In this issue we share about work-life balance, sun and water safety, teaching your children about the value of money and so much more.

BPM would like to thank all of the advertisers for making this magazine possible and we encourage our reading audience to show them your support and thank them when you visit their establishments..

Dedicate Summer 2012 to making memories with your family that will last a lifetime. We also want to remind everyone to be safe as more of us will be near or in the water.

Enjoy Bermuda Parent Magazine and enjoy your summer!!

Katrina Ball Katrina Ball, Editor and mom to Elijah three, and Enoch 20 weeks

Happy Birthday to...

Adian Jari Barritt Happy 3rd Birthday to our special son and new big brother Aidan Jari.

With lots of Love from Mom, Dad and Adam

Printed by Martin Printing Co. Inc. May 11th

4 ||| www.bermudaparentmagazine.com

Photo by Lana Bull

Deonae

Brielle

Donna Gibbons

Faries

Happy 4th birthday to our little princess.

May you be blessed to see many more.

Love always, Mommy & Daddy.

Happy 1st Birthday Brielle!! With love from Mommy, Daddy and all of your family.

June 13th

June 13th

Advertise your camp, business, product or service with

WWW.

Magazine .com

View our: Articles • Calendar Events • Directory

Subscribe to Bermuda Parent Magazine and enjoy free delivery every quarter!

6

$ .50 per issue

Subscribe to Bermud Magazine and enjoy f delivery every quarter

Visit www.bermudaparentmagazine.com and subscribe today and guarantee your next copy!

Visit www.bermudap and subscribe today a

We welcome your feedback and ideas! E-mail us at info@bermudaparentmagazine.com

We welcome your fee and ideas! E-mail us a info@bermudaparen

Bull

Subscribe to Bermuda Parent Magazine and enjoy free delivery every quarter!

6

$

Gain more exposure advertise Subscribe to Bermud with Bermuda Magazine and enjoy f .50 per issue delivery every quarter Parent Magazine!

Visit www.bermudaparentmagazine.com and subscribe today and guarantee your next copy!

Visit www.bermudap and subscribe today a

Celebrate your child’s birthday!

Do you have an September /October/November baby?

Email us at: editorial@bermudaparentmagazine.com with a photo and details .

We welcome your feedback and ideas! E-mail us at info@bermudaparentmagazine.com

Skyla Furbert

Happy 4th Birthday to Our Angel, Our Butterfly, Our Princess. Wishing you the best birthday ever.

Love Mommy, Daddy, Brazil, Nana, Papa, Nana CC, GG and Auntie.

May 13th

Robin Selley

Wishing you a very Happy 4th Birthday.

Lots of hugs and love from Daddy, Mommy & Jack.

June 6th

Lajé Samir Franklin May you have a great 9th birthday. Baby you are destined for greatness and we are so blessed to have you. Love forever and always Mommy, Daddy and entire family.

June 28th

We welcome your fee and ideas! E-mail us a info@bermudaparen

Raevyn Waldorf & Aurelia Waldorf

Happy Birthday Aurelia!

Happy Birthday Raevyn!

Love, hugs and kisses to our princesses from Mommy, Daddy, Olivia, Papa and Yaya!

Aurelia May 28th Raevyn June 12th Bermuda Parent ||| 5

Patricia, Mateus, Sofia, Carlos

Bemuda Parent Families

Johann, Miranda, Ethan

SEE YOUR FAMILY HERE!

Show off your fabulous family! Send in your photo and name of your family to submitphotos@bermudaparentmagazine.com Abigail, Benaiah, Kyla & Lars, Kay (Grandmother) Todd

Kemda, Kwasi, Zharia, Zylah

Jade, Jennifer, Jennita,& Jai

Paul, Joshua & Julie

Corrine & Nayir

Pregnancy

mda, asi, aria, ah

Photo by Becky Spencer

Pregnancy |||

Childless

By Carla Zuill

When growing up, there are two things a little girl usually dreams about—getting married and becoming a mother. We all did it; cuddled our favourite doll, named her and pretended that we were her mommy. And as she grew up, she just knew that one day her greatest dreams would become a reality. But for some, this simply is not the case. More and more women are delaying getting married and having families; as they would rather focus on their careers first.

But before they know it, they’ve hit 35, have no husband or child and they can hear every second on their biological clock resonating.

While some women opt to have children out of wedlock, or via artificial insemination, there are some who refuse to have a child unless they are married, irrespective of their age. Lisa (whose name has been changed to protect her identity) is one of those people. She is 40, has a successful career, is set to move into a new home, but has neither children nor a husband.

She refuses to give up hope that she will have either. Here is her story…

“My life was planned out to the tee,” Lisa tells Bermuda Parent Magazine. “I was going to be married by the time I was 24, have my first child at 25, my second at 27, and my third at 29. By 30 I was going to be done because back in the day, 30 was old. I had an older cousin who I looked up to and she was married at 24, so I assumed the same thing would happen to me.”

But it hasn’t. And she refuses to have a child out of wedlock.

“All I have ever known is marriage. Having a child out of wedlock is not an option for me.”

Her parents have been married for decades. She says while some of her female relatives on her mother’s side had children while unmarried, it simply did not happen on her father’s side.

“The women only had children while married, whether their marriages were functional or not. Only one of my female first cousins on my dad’s side is married. The rest of us aren’t. And none of us have children…including my two sisters. We range in age from 35 to 56. One day we were talking amongst ourselves and we wondered if we’d been cursed because our male cousins have kids.”

She says she believes one of her sisters, who is in her mid-30’s wants children but like her, refuses to even entertain the idea unless she is married.

“There is no grey area with her. It is either black or white.”

Sometimes Lisa questions whether or not she is supposed to be a parent.

“I have never gravitated towards kids. You will rarely hear me offering to take children in my family or my godchildren. I’ve always wondered if God detects that in me and if that is why I don’t have any,” she laments.

As she approaches her 41st birthday, Lisa says sometimes she

8 ||| www.bermudaparentmagazine.com

does feel pressured by society to become an unwed mom: “When I tell people that I want to wait until I am married, I’ve even had Christians tell me, ‘Girl, please’. But my parents have never pressured me. They’ve never said that they don’t want grandkids but they never ask me when I am giving them any.”

Lisa says she believes that her deep respect for her mother is why she has waited all this time to have children: “I have always admired my mother. I tell her everything and everything that she says comes from the heart. When I was younger she would tell me, ‘Don’t bring any babies home’, and I’ve never forgotten it.”

In reflection, she admits that she could have been married had she not liked the ‘bad boy’ type so much: “I never liked the nice guy. I always like a man with an edge.”

Then she tearfully adds, “And now I am with Paul, a really sweet guy, I try to push him away.”

She furthers, “Paul is younger than me and he respects that I do not wish to have any kids out of wedlock. He says he has no problem with that.”

“I will not give up on the thought of having children because I often think about my grandmother. She started having them in her 30s and had her last child at 45. Her husband was younger than her. I draw hope from that.”

And she fully understands that with each passing year, the riskier her pregnancy has the chance of being: “I will not do the amniocentesis but I’d be willing to do the chromosomal test. If by chance test results reveal that the child will have an abnormality, I will still have it. You cannot just refuse to have it because it’s imperfect.”

Is adoption an option for Lisa?

“No,” she replies emphatically. “I will only have a child if I give birth to it. Otherwise I’d be pretending.”

Birth |||

Doulas

Change Birth

By Melissa Cameron Morrill Photo by Sacha Blackburne

More and more couples are choosing to hire a doula to be at their birth. Over the last decade, more and more families are making this choice. A birth doula is a professionally trained labor support person that offers emotional and mental guidance during pregnancy, birth and the immediate postpartum. A postpartum doula is a professional who comes into the home after the baby is born and provides support and guidance during the first weeks and months of parenting.

Many studies have been done to see if there is any evidence that having a doula present during labor makes any difference. A study published in the book “Mothering the Mother: How a Doula Can Help You have a Shorter, Easier and Healthier Birth” written by Kennel, Klaus in 1993, released the following benefits of having a trained doula at birth:

• 50% reduction in Cesarean • 25% shorter labor • 60% reduction in epidural requests • 40% reduction in oxytocin use • 30% reduction in analgesia use • 40% reduction in forceps use Prior to moving birth into the hospital, loving female companions cared for and supported laboring women.

This love, support and encouragement provided a vital component of the birth experience. Women knew that birth was more than a physical experience, but also an emotional, mental and spiritual one. Moving childbirth into a hospital setting changed the availability of that component at birth. The idea that women during childbirth needed

10 ||| www.bermudaparentmagazine.com

this kind of support and encouragement has only recently become a consideration. For many decades, women were isolated from their families, including their husbands, and put into medical rooms with unfamiliar doctors and nurses to deliver their babies. Surprisingly, it’s been in recent decades that we started to consider the impact of this isolation on the outcome of the birth.

Turns out, a woman who is scared, alone, isolated and treated poorly has an impact on the safety and outcome of the birth.

After research and statistics were released about doulas in the early 90’s, our world began to accept the idea that there may be something to the importance of having a supportive environment for our birthing mothers. Doula trainings began happening, books were written, and doulas began appearing all over the world. DONA (Doulas of North America) is just one of the non-profit organization that offers doula training. They were founded in 1992 by a group of birth supporters after reading some astounding research pointing to the positive affect doulas had at birth.

Doulas are trained to offer relaxation techniques, provide education of a normal, healthy birth process and postpartum period, educate and support breastfeeding and provide support to the birth partners and dads-to-be. Doulas do not replace the role of the father or partner. Instead a doula is trained to fill in the gaps where a partner may feel uncomfortable or not have the knowledge to know how to help a laboring mother. Doulas with proper training and experience, know when to step in and help and when to just observe. The role of the father or partner can change from birth to birth, depending on the preference of the family, and it is up to the doula to find out each families preference.

The doula also spends time in the pregnancy getting to know the family and understanding the desires for their birth. Making decisions such as where to give birth, what kind of techniques they plan to use to cope with the sensations, what interventions the family would like or not like, to picking a pediatrician. Depending on the level of the education the expecting family has, many doulas may also provide some education to help prepare the family for a birth experience. Most families that hire doulas are planning to give birth without the use of pain medications although some families planning to use medication or planning a Cesarean will hire a doula.

If you’re considering hiring a doula, here are some tips to get started: • To find a doula, check websites such as: www.doulasofbermuda.com or www.mindfulmotheringbda.com or www.bermudadoula.com or www.greatbeginnings.com or www.consciousbirthbermuda.com • To find some trained doulas or call your local childbirth educators or obstetrician.

5 Quarry Lane, Khyber Pass, Warwick 03 (441) 236-6343 • (441) 236-4604 Open Mon. – Fri., 9AM – 7PM, Sat. 8AM – 8PM www.huntsfoodandsupplies.bm

10%OFF on a case of diapers!

One case per coupon Valid on Mon., Wed. & Fri. ONLY! Expires Aug. 31, 2012 Bermuda Parent ||| 11

Birth |||

Finding the right flexibility to balance the demands of career and home.

One of the major issues facing women in the workplace is finding the right balance between developing a successful career and raising a family. Veronica Dunkerley, a senior manager in PwC’s middle market practice, shares her personal story about how she addresses these competing priorities, following the birth of her child, through a flexible work arrangement.

Q

Did you always plan to have both a career and a family?

I always thought I would give up my career to raise a family - like my mother did, and like her mother did before her.

However, the reality was that I had a mortgage to pay, and I had worked hard for a number of years to develop a career as an accountant in professional services that I wasn’t ready to give up in my early 30’s. So, my challenge was to find a way to spend lots of time with my daughter without giving this up.

Q

How did you arrive at a flexible working arrangement with PWC?

PwC did not have formal work flexibility arrangements in place when I was pregnant, but they were very open to my request for a part-time work schedule. I started talking to other female colleagues early on who had negotiated flexible work arrangements. I also chatted about options with my manager, in order to come up with a schedule that would work for both PwC and me. The whole process was about finding an option that gave me the flexibility I was looking for, and also gave the firm an appropriate level of work commitment from me.

Q

How did you cope returning to work just a few months after having your daughter?

Returning to work when my daughter Emilia was 3½ months old was much more difficult than I had envisaged. My clients still had the same expectations of PwC and of me, but now I had less flexibility to meet any unexpected requests because of limited time available outside of my working hours. Furthermore, because I was often tired and was expressing while at work, it was sometimes just challenging to work my minimum hours. Most parents would agree that finding time to take care of the constant needs of a baby is really challenging; there were times when I wondered

12 ||| www.bermudaparentmagazine.com

whether trying to do this, and maintain a career at the same time, could ever work for me. The support I received from my work colleagues, as well as my friends and my husband Peter, helped me cope through the toughest moments.

In 2010, PwC launched a strategic initiative to better support women at the firm and provide opportunities for them to grow personally and professionally through networking, developing leadership skills and coaching and mentoring. The group, which is called AWARE Advancing Women through Attracting, Retaining and Empowering - addresses a range of issues affecting women in the workplace, including encouraging gender awareness and engagement, assessing workplace barriers and solutions, and determining more familyfriendly policies and benefits.

Q

Considering you have been back to work for over three years, what are your views now about balancing work and family?

There’s no doubt that it has taken effort by both me and PwC to make my flexible arrangement a success. To make it work, I have had to make some important decisions about my job and the way that I manage my workload at PwC. One of the realities of working in professional services is that we are a client-driven business and therefore demands of the client can often mean that you need to work beyond regular business hours. Although I really enjoyed my job, with this being the reality, about a year after returning to work I reluctantly decided to transfer to a new role to reduce after-hours demands. I also had to learn how to say “no” to work requests, even if the assignments were things that I knew I would enjoy working on. I have certainly never regretted making this decision.

Considering your options If you are a new parent and are looking for a solution to help manage the demands of home and your career, here are some things to consider: Talk to your supervisor or your human resources contact - Many organisations have programs for new parents which allow you to pursue flexible working arrangement or restructure your hours. Your first step should be to talk to your HR department or your manager and explore available options.

Speak the language of the business - If you are presenting a case for a flexible work arrangement, you should address the potential impact of your proposal on your team and your clients. Consider the elements that make up your current role and how the new work arrangement will allow you to continue to meet your work requirements.

Remain flexible - It’s challenging to make a flexible work arrangement work for everyone, and remember that others on your team are being flexible to achieve a winwin outcome, so there are times when you may have to make sacrifices. This may require you to work outside of agreed hours, so have a backup plan readily available… just in case!

Q

Has your experience as a mother and professional inspired you to help others in the same situation?

Yes, most definitely. I got involved in AWARE just over a year ago as a member of the steering committee in order to contribute in whatever way I can to advance the unique issues faced by women in business. There have been some positive changes, for instance, the firm is reviewing its policies – beyond just flexible work arrangements - to be more family-friendly.

PwC recognises the need to be more supportive of women, and in fact both parents, who want a career and family life so that they don’t have to choose between the two. Of course there is more work to be done, but we are making progress!

Be efficient - Try to do one task at a time and get it completed – on time! Time is precious and you will have to focus more during the time that you are at work because it is really difficult to make up lost time. Don’t let unfinished work build up and designate a “make up time” once a week in case you need it.

Communicate regularly - In the same way that you expect colleagues to keep you informed, you need to make sure that you extend the same courtesy. Consider various methods that you can maintain contact with your clients and team members and the frequency that you may need to meet face-to-face.

And most importantly be happy with your At times you will be tired, discouraged or slightly overwhelmed, but your efforts will be worth it when you get that unexpected hug from your child.

choice!

Bermuda Parent ||| 13

Baby |||

Welcome to the world…

Aiden As a single parent I have been able to rely on my family, the church family (Restoration Ministries), and Aiden’s father as a tremendous source of support whenever I needed them. So much so, that when my sister found out I was 3 centimeters dilated, she was on the next flight leaving California that same evening.

My labour started off quite slow although I knew active labour would be more challenging. Pushing was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. As they placed my son on my chest, all I could say was, “He’s huge!” Remembering back to a previous conversation I had with my doctor, “How much do you think the baby would weigh?”

She tells me around 8 pounds. Aiden was the biggest newborn baby I’ve ever seen, all of 10 pounds 8 ½ ounces. This was not what I anticipated, “Ahhhhh, I birthed a toddler!”

Joelle Williams is mom to Aiden, 12 weeks and Anaya 5 years .

Mummy notes Best baby product: Baby wipe Warmer Favourite food whilst pregnant: Haagen Dazs Chocolate ice cream bars I lived in: Double Tank tops and sweat pants Aiden’s favourite thing: Snuggling in someone’s arms

14 ||| www.bermudaparentmagazine.com

Photo by Lana Bull

As the owner of Season Learning Center I already had a busy schedule and really did not afford myself the time to slow down.

Being pregnant the second time around was a lot harder than I expected. During my first pregnancy I would say that I was the most fit I have ever been. I found myself in the gym at least 3 times a week, with this pregnancy however, I was in too much pain to exercise. As I moved into the later stages of pregnancy, neither my staff nor my body allowed me to move as I had before, so I took to arming myself with an outdoor foldup chair and sat as I worked.

Purchasing second-hand children’s products Buying second-hand children’s products is an affordable way to equip a nursery. But it can also be dangerous as some items can be out of date and no longer safe.

Some children’s products, especially cribs and bassinets have caused deaths and have been the subject of numerous recalls. Check our website www.ca.gov.bm before you purchase any children’s products second-hand.

Photo by Lana Bull

www.ca.gov.bm

Bermuda Parent ||| 15

Baby |||

Adventures of a New Dad Becoming a Dad, was both an exhilarating and intimidating process for me. I don’t remember ever being more excited about anything and, at the same time, I had never felt less prepared.

Fortunately in the period between finding out and the baby’s actual arrival, I was able to do some prep work. Here are just a few highlights of that magical, and mysterious, process of preparing for parenthood.

Some parts of the process fit more comfortably than others.

Lamaze class? Not so much. Buying baby equipment, now that was more like it. By baby equipment I mean the big stuff like the stroller, the crib and the pack-and-play, the kind of stuff that needs research and testing, involves model numbers, or, even better, needs to be put together.

For instance, our crib was a second hand acquisition (there’s a very big second market for this stuff) that came out of a friend’s basement, where it was in pieces, some of which were missing, and the instructions had long since disappeared. So it became a combination puzzle/DIY project that I could really sink my teeth into. It took hours and when it was finally assembled I had used a hammer, a drill, an allen key and a length of rope to complete the task.

Then there was the stroller. We happened to be visiting friends in Italy when we picked ours. My parents, ever helpful, emailed to say they had found a stroller on sale in Sears (last year’s model going cheap to clear the showroom floor). So a decision had to made right now, from long distance. Onto the Internet we went and there were literally hundreds of strollers from all sorts of manufacturers, including Jeep, and they were seemingly indistinguishable.

Except the stroller offered one feature that caught my eye - big wheels - not like a jogger, but just bigger than the other brands.

They looked cool. But that was not enough to make such a big a decision without actually interacting with the product. So, much to their chagrin we had to put my parents on hold.

The next day we went to a massive fair in Bologna, where there were a ton of kids and an equally bewildering selection of strollers (a “passeggino” in Italy). In Bologna, Peg-Prego seemed to be the passeggino of choice and from what I could tell they were very nice. I know this because I kept going up to complete strangers and examining their passegginos, under the guise, of course, of admiring the beautiful bambino within. However, the Peg-Prego did not feature the cool big wheels so I was not convinced.

For the rest of our trip I saw little of Italy’s stunning architecture or culture bending artwork, instead I spent my time in the museums and piazzas sizing up passegginos.

Finally, in Pisa, my wife found a maternity store and while she was in trying on over-sized designer blouses and dungarees I was able to get some hands-on testing done – you know check the brakes, get a feel for the handle bars, kick the tires and look for features like a clock and drink holders. Ultimately I decided the cool big wheels were the way to go and one email later we had ourselves a baby seat/stroller combo “Travel System” designed to go straight from 16 ||| www.bermudaparentmagazine.com

By Peter Backeberg

the car to the stroller without waking the baby (yeah, right).

Our stroller was by no means the only piece of baby kit with transformative capabilities. There must be entire research and development departments staffed by highly qualified engineers at these baby product manufacturers because they produce a stunning array of multi-purpose items. In fact one of the reasons we didn’t want a bassinet was because it didn’t turn into something else later.

Another time we almost had a second hand co-sleeper for cheap until the husband actually looked at the instructions and realized it was also a playpen, probably the ubiquitous pack-and-play.

Pack-and-plays are the ultimate expression of multi-purpose baby equipment, having the triple functions of portable play pen, bassinet and crib. They emerge, neatly folded, from a canvas sack, like a tent, and sort of magically assemble themselves (putting them back in the sack is a little trickier). Every expecting parent seems compelled to have one. Whether they ever use it is another matter.

And that is the irony of mutli-use baby equipment, it’s not always useful. The first time my wife took our new little one out for a day of shopping in our carefully researched and tested stroller “Travel System”, with the cool big wheels, she could hardly get it out the car let alone down store aisles or up stairways. She was constantly bumping into everything and needed help at every corner. That day, her first shopping day since baby was born, her one big purchase was a much smaller and neater stroller that she could manage with one hand. Everywhere we went after that new mothers, wrestling with their massive combo contraptions, stared longingly at ours before sheepishly asking where we got it. Leave it to the wife to be practical.

Bermuda Parent ||| 17

Little Ones|||

How Sun Wise Are You? Ways to Protect your Little Ones from the Summer Sun.

By Sara Westhead

The summer is coming, and with it, warm weather and lots of outdoor play. But with it also comes great responsibility in terms of protecting our children from the harmful effects of the sun. Many may know that, in addition to visible light rays, the sun also produces infrared and ultraviolet light – UVA, UVB and UVC rays – all which can cause untold damage to skin when the proper precautions are not taken to protect your skin. That damage can come in the form of premature aging, wrinkles, cataracts and skin cancer.

“It’s important to teach good sun safety,” explained Dr. Deborah Daly, local expert dermatologist.

In fact, a child who, by the age of 18, has developed good sunsafety habits – the regular use of sunscreen, hats and protective clothing – has an 80 percent less chance of developing skin cancer later in life. However, that doesn’t mean they are now protected for life. Unfortunately, many adults think they no longer need sun protection, or that it is too late, because they already have sundamaged skin.

Photo by inHarmony

Good sun-safety habits must be maintained throughout a person’s lifetime, as the impact of harmful rays from the sun has a cumulative effect. Every day of sun exposure without protection adds on to all your previous damage. Also, our skin colour does little to protect us. “Everyone has the same number of skin cells,” Dr. Daly explained. “People with lighter skin will get more

18 ||| www.bermudaparentmagazine.com

skin cancers, but there is an equal risk among all for deadly skin cancers.” Those with darker skin do have more melanin, but that only gives protection up to, at most, an SPF 8, far below the level of protection doctors recommend. Dr. Daly strongly recommends that everyone, over six months of age, use an SPF30 sun block that contains zinc oxide. This should be applied liberally every morning.

In order to achieve that level of SPF, each person should be applying about a teaspoon of sun block for every face-sized portion of skin that is exposed, which means the average person should be emptying a four-ounce bottle every week.

Sunscreen and sun block should not be used on children under the age of six months. Babies must be kept in the shade and protected with hats and protective clothing. Zinc Oxide does not expire, but other sunscreen chemicals do. “But this should be a moot point,” Dr. Daly said, if everyone used as much sunscreen as they were supposed to, there shouldn’t be any left over to expire. Dr. Daly also says that it is important to reapply sunscreen throughout the day, particularly if you are participating in sports or swimming.

“Every time you use a towel, you need to reapply.” It is important to follow the instructions on the bottle. The use of sun block is not enough. Dr. Daly recommends that people of all ages follow what she calls the “Shadow Rule.” When your shadow is shorter than your body, then you need to also be wearing a hat and a shirt – preferably with a sun protection rating. The sun is at its strongest between the hours of 10am and 4pm. This is when UVB rays, the kind that cause burning, are at their strongest. However, UVA rays, which typically cause aging damage to the skin, are at a consistent level throughout daylight hours.

Parents can go a long way in helping their children learn good sun safety habits, simply by setting an example: use sun block regularly, wear wide-brimmed hats and sun-protective clothing, and seek out shade during the most intense sunlight hours of the day. Parents also need to wield their influence at schools, encouraging them to make it school policy that all children wear hats and sunglasses during playtime, and to also see that shaded areas are available.

Some schools have actually installed sail cloths for outdoor play areas, but many are far behind in this area.

Photograph by Jason Kyme

Sun Eye Protection Your skin is not the only part of your body that can be affected by the harmful effects of the sun.

So how do you pick sunglasses for your child?

Just any old thing off the rack won’t do . Before you buy, check that they meet these criteria: • Glasses should be marked as UV400 or 99-100% UVA/UVB protection. Anything less will not give you quality coverage; anything not marked may not give you any coverage!

Our eyes are equally susceptible to ultraviolet rays, causing damage to the surface tissues of the eye, the cornea and the lens. In fact, the radiation from UV rays can cause burns to the surface of the eye, much like sunburn on the skin. Shortterm exposure without protection can lead to inflammation and red, teary eyes, often with a feeling that there is a foreign body rubbing. Thankfully, this is usually temporary and only rarely causes permanent damage. However, long-term eye exposure to UV radiation without protection can lead to chronic eye disease, skin cancers around the eyelids, damaged retinas and cataracts, among other eye problems.

• Wrap-around glasses are best – make sure the sunglasses fit your child’s face and shield from all angles.

Babies and children are particularly susceptible, as their eyes have not fully developed and, though adults, especially those with light-coloured eyes, are also susceptible. Very young babies should be kept in the shade, but there is no minimum age for wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. In fact, there are several companies, many out of Australia, that specialize in top-quality sunglasses for the youngest members of our families.

• Make sure that both lenses are the same colour and free from distortion, which can cause other kinds of damage to your child’s vision. Grey lenses tend to be better for proper colour recognition.

• Choose sunglasses that are made of a polycarbonate material and are impact-resistant, rather than glass, which could cause other kinds of damage if your child were to fall and the glasses break.

• Don’t wear glasses that are scratched or damaged – it can affect their ability to properly block UV rays.

• Sunglasses need to be worn all year round – snow reflects light just as readily as sand and sea.

• Always wear a hat. Sun glasses can provide a good deal of coverage, but a wide-brimmed hat will improve that protection.

Finally, remember that children learn by example – they love to copy their parents, so if you wear sunscreen, a hat, protective clothing and sunglasses, then they will want to, too!

Bermuda Parent Parent | || ||| 19

Little Ones|||

Keeping Little Ones Teeth

Sparkling

The best way to keep little ones teeth sparkling is by practicing preventive dental care. That means practicing proper nutrition, brushing and flossing little ones teeth twice a day, taking fluoride, and attending regular dental check ups with your pediatric dentist.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends the first dental visit should be by the first birthday. The first dental visit will establish an important relationship with you, your child and the pediatric dentist. The first visit usually entails the dentist introducing your little one to the dental setting.

Showing them all of the tools and equipment used during the exam. The dentist will perform a complete dental exam on your little one and will discuss with mom and dad proper tooth brushing techniques, the need for fluoride, oral habits, and preventing Early Childhood Caries.

Dental problems can arise as soon as baby teeth erupt. A very big and preventable dental concern is Early Childhood Caries (also known as nursing decay or baby bottle tooth decay). Once other sources of nutrition have been introduced and the first baby teeth begin to erupt, at-will breastfeeding, bottlefeeding, and sippy cup feeding, should be avoided. Children should NOT fall asleep with a bottle containing anything other then water. Drinking juice and soda from a bottle should always be avoided.

Good dental habits begin early. Parents should routinely clean their infant’s gums with a cloth and water. Once baby teeth begin to appear it is recommended to start brushing your little ones teeth twice a day. A non-fluoridated toothpaste is recommended for children under 3 years of age, and children over 3 years can use fluoridated toothpaste. It is recommended to use any children’s toothpaste with the ADA seal (American Dental Association) on the packaging.

Its normal for babies and young children to self soothe by sucking their thumb, fingers, or pacifier. Most children stop on their own by the age of four or five years, and do not need any intervention. Children five years and older with prolonged sucking habits should be seen by a pediatric dentist to discuss ways to help

Photo by Becky Spencer

their little one to discontinue the habit.

Prolonged sucking habits can affect the growth of the jaws, the position of the permanent teeth as they erupt, the bite, and speech.

20 ||| www.bermudaparentmagazine.com

By Dr. Janie M. Brown

Children with healthy, sparkling teeth have better nutrition, speech, and self -esteem.

Your pediatric dentist is uniquely trained to cater to your little ones teeth and develop a preventive care program specifically for them.

Remember, early examination and preventive care will protect your child’s sparkling smile now and well into the future.

Dr. Janie Brown is a Paediatric Dentist at the Bermudiana Dental.

The Onionpatch Academy Ages 3 months – 5 years • Open 7:30AM – 6PM Tel. 441.29-ONION (296-6466) • Fax. 441.236.5912 www.opacademy.bm • info@opacademy.bm

Bermuda Parent ||| 21

22 ||| www.bermudaparentmagazine.com

Photo by Becky Spencer

Big Kids

Photo by Becky Spencer

Family Fun on the Rock

By Sara Westhead

Let’s face it – money is tight these days, for just about everyone. And with the summer holidays looming ahead, and kids home from school, every parent is looking for fun and affordable, if not free, activities for their family. Bermuda, as expensive as it seems, actually has a ton of awesome cheap and free things to do with your kids. Here are some of our favourites: Bermuda has some of the best beaches in the world – and they are all on our doorstep.

Now, it is true that many of them get quite crowded during the summer months, especially during the day, however, when it comes to late afternoon and evening; they tend to be rather quiet.

Consider packing up your family at the end of the day, after work, for a quick swim, followed by a home-packed picnic dinner on the beach. You’re family will enjoy the concept of ‘eating out’, without the costs of a restaurant, plus you’ll get to enjoy the beach during hours when the sun is far less intense.

The costs of maintaining and mooring a boat certainly put boat ownership far out of reach for many, but even renting a boat can be costly, not to mention the serious responsibilities that come with taking a boat out for the day. However, one of the best ways to see our island home is from the water.

What’s the alternative? Consider taking a ferry from Hamilton to Dockyard, or even all the way to St. George’s. Tickets cost $4 per segment for an adult, which means a round trip from Hamilton to Dockyard, or Dockyard to St. George is $8, while Hamilton to St. George, round-trip, is $16. School-aged children (under 16) cost half that, while children under the age of 5 are free.

For fee and schedule information, visit www.SeaExpress.bm.

The Railway Trail was established in 1984 by the Bermuda Government, and covers about 18 of the 22 miles of trail still accessible from when the Bermuda Railway was closed in 1948. Apart from a few stretches, one can travel the trail by foot, bike or even horseback, pretty much all the way from St. George’s to Somerset.

Through the years, much has been done to not only restore and maintain the paths themselves, but also to erect signs along the path, sharing the history of the trail and the Railway itself, as well as restore stations and buildings along the way. To learn more about the Railway Trail, and to get a glimpse into its past glory, visit www.bermudarailway.net.

While not free, the Bermuda Aquarium Museum and Zoo (BAMZ) is a must for any family in Bermuda, and easily the favourite place to visit for children of all ages. Admission can cost up to $10 per person ($10 for adults, $5 for seniors and children aged 5-12, free for children under 5), but this is where membership certainly pays.

A family of up to 5 costs just $75 per year, and when you make it a regular stop, easily pays for itself in just a few visits. In addition, members also get a discount in the gift shop – a great place to shop for birthday and Christmas presents – as well as discounts on special classes, activities and Nature Encounters for children and adults. Some activities, like the annual Aqua Camps, are exclusive to Bermuda Zoological Society members. BAMZ is open daily, except Christmas Day, from 9am to 5pm, with last admissions at 4pm. For more information, visit their website at www.bamz.org Bermuda Parent ||| 23

Big Kids |||

Are you looking for an activity that the whole family, including the kids, can enjoy together?

By Paul Adams Director of Golf, Rosewood Tuckers Point

Family Golf How old do kids need to be to play golf?

Children are never too young to learn the game of golf. In fact, the younger the better! The movies of Tiger Woods as a toddler hitting golf balls are enough to inspire any parent to put a club in their child’s hand. If a child starts playing golf at a young age, chances are he or she won’t develop as many bad swing and etiquette habits as those who take up the game later in life. Just remember the younger the child the shorter the session should be, and remember it takes a while to get them really proficient.

A session maybe just doing a few putts, raking a bunker and driving round in a golf cart, don’t expect your 4 year old to be practicing for hours to start off with, just a few minutes and giving lots of encouragement is all that is required.

What other sporting activities where parents or grandparents and children can spend so much quality time together in an outdoor setting.

The interesting trend is that the days of the guys disappearing to the golf course all day are gone, but have been replaced by the whole family coming out to enjoy a round of golf, in fact the most popular event at Tucker’s Point Club now is the Family Championship where the whole family plays as a team.

24 ||| www.bermudaparentmagazine.com

Take a trip to your local golf course, and you’ll quickly realize what a special and memorable family experience golf can be. Now you don’t have to play 18 holes and be a scratch golfer. My recommendation, especially at this time of year, is to play later in the evening, when the course will be quiet and to play just a few holes. The advantage of this is that it will be ideal for walking as well, which is great exercise.

BUEI Become Explorers today!

BUEI Membership allows FREE entry to 300+ popular science centers and children’s museums around the globe!

A BUEI Membership gives you a world of educational fun for the entire family.

www.buei.org 292-7219

Not Just Chicken!

Visit bermylink.com to see our breakfast, lunch & dinner menus!

YES! WE CATER! 27 Queen St., Hamilton HM11 Tel. 292-6109

Hours of Operation 7AM – 10PM | Mon – Sat 8AM – 7PM | Sun

227 Middle Rd. Southampton SN04 Tel. 238-2319

Hours of Operation 11AM – 10PM | Mon – Sat 12PM – 7PM | Sun

Kid’s Birthday Party? Call US! • Call us for your next gathering!

Good Food at Reasonable Prices!

• IHOP-style breakfast every day until 11AM! • Traditional Codfish Breakfast on Sundays!

Cut here!

10 PIECE CHICKEN BOx Coupon FREE LARGE FRIES expires 9/30/12

10% OFF ENTIRE CHECK

12” PIzzA, 2 FREE TOPPINGS

Coupon expires 9/30/12

Coupon expires 9/30/12

LG. FRESH FISH SANDWICH FREE SMALL FRIES Coupon expires 9/30/12

PHILLY CHEESESTEAK FREE SMALL FRIES

WE ALSO ACCEPT OUR COMPETITORS’ COUPONS AND ADVERTISED SPECIALS

ONLY $14.95 ONLY $9.60

ONLY $9.50

Coupon expires 9/30/12

ONLY $15

Bermuda Parent ||| 25

Big Kids |||

Summer Activities for

Exceptional Children

By Dr. Kimberley Mills, Executive Director

- Tomorrow’s Voices, Bermuda Autism Early Intervention Centre

The sightings of Bermuda Longtails, buses filled with tourist, bodies in bathing suits, bicyclist and the bustling city streets of Hamilton are sure signs of one thing; summer time is coming.

You can feel the anticipation in the air as students and teachers alike eagerly count down the days until June while executives, engineers, expats and everyone else anxiously awaits the coming summer months and long overdue vacations. Summer time is an opportunity to break away from the day to day routines of work and school and enjoy a degree of leisure, recreation, adventure, travel and fun. Hopefully along the way you will learn a little something about yourself and about life while you are out enjoying yourselves. You may even use the long summer days to dream, make plans and to prepare for how things will be different and even better in the fall. Whatever your summer musings are about, you’re simply happy for some respite from the winter months.

Summer time as a break from the day to day activities is important for everyone and youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other developmental disabilities are no exception. These kids value their summer vacations just as much as any school child would. Tomorrow’s Voices – Bermuda Autism Early Intervention Centre wanted to help ensure a smooth summer holiday by providing you with some useful tools to help make this summer the best possible experience it can be for you and your children and friends and family members who may have Autism or other Developmental Disabilities. One element that we must always be mindful of over the summer months, and particularly in relation to youth with disabilities, is the loss of skills that often comes with a reduction in the frequency and duration of structured schooling.

According to the Council for Exceptional Children (the largest international organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities and/or gifts and talents), all children will lose some academic and behavioural skills over the summer months. In the field of education we refer to this as regression.

Research indicates that youth with disabilities regress at similar distances downward as do kids who are typically developing, but youth with autism and other disabilities’ regression is at a much faster rate and youth with disabilities have a more challenging time regaining their lost skills (Van Kuryn, 2012).

So in this sense, while the summer months are meant to be relaxing, it is also important to keep in mind that all students and in particular those with disabilities, need to be involved in activities over the summer that will strengthen the skills on which they are working during the regular school year. As you are planning your summer activities try to develop activities that are both educational and enjoyable.

26 ||| www.bermudaparentmagazine.com

Did you know that a therapeutic environment includes activities that are both educationally beneficial and fun for the child? That is the case at least according to The Right to Effective Treatment, a statement adopted by the Association for Behaviour Analysis and the Bermuda Association for Behavior analysis which outlines that kids with disabilities have the right to be treated with empirically validated methodologies by competent practitioners. So when planning your summer fun activities to ensure a maximum therapeutic benefit, the activities shouldn’t just be educational; they should also be really fun.

And while families with typically developing children have a myriad of choices when it comes to summer time fun.The options for youth with ASD and other Developmental Disabilities can sometimes be quite limiting. That is one of the reasons why the founders and Board members of Tomorrow’s Voices decided to keep their centre open nearly all year round. They wanted families of children with autism and other disabilities to have a viable option of where to send their children during traditional

Camping at Unique camping experience in Bermuda. Safe all enclosed area on 4 acres in Warwick. Our two accessible camping cabins sleep 5 each and plenty of room for extra tents.

Accessible shower and bathroom facilities in the camping area along with a playground, picnic area and fire pit for roasting marshmallows!

Ideal for youth and adventure groups, families, churches and schools. Opportunity for team building, learning survival skills or for a quiet get away and return to nature.

For more information call 238-2469 or visit our website www.windreachbermuda.bm

school vacations and holidays when regular camps around Bermuda were not available for youth with other special needs.

In response to the call for effective summer camp offerings for youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other Developmental Disabilities, Tomorrow’s Voices will be offering its summer camp for the fifth season this summer. The summer camp will feature arts and crafts, science projects, cooking activities, swimming, beach excursions, community based field trips, experiential education, academics, learning, therapy and fun. For families visiting Bermuda during the summer months that have children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other Developmental Disabilities, Tomorrow’s Voices – Bermuda Autism and Early Intervention Centre can provide a therapeutic and enjoyable environment for your child to participate in during part or during the entire of your vacation in Bermuda.

While some families may prefer the summer camp experience, other families might prefer a more traditional vacation experience for their families. Did you know that there are travel agencies that cater specifically to the needs of families that have children with Autism and other disabilities? I’d like to bring your attention to one such resource in existence called Autism On The Seas. They have specially designed cruise ship and land resort packages that cater to the needs of families with exceptional children. Another similar resource can be found with Disney Vacations.

And while some parents might argue that vacationing with their special needs children is more harrowing than relaxing, keeping these basic tips in mind can help ensure that a good time will be had by all parties.

1. Call ahead to vacation destinations to see whether they have special rooms, features, menus or activities for kids with special needs. Many vacation destinations have become more sensitive to the needs of families with exceptional children and have special accommodations available.

6. Be sure to pack any emergency items or medications that your child might need. If your child requires large items such as a stroller or other special device, call ahead to the vacation destination to see if they might have one available.

Elbow Beach in Bermuda, as an example, has wheelchairs available that can access the sea water. Go Bermuda!

7. You may consider carrying cards with you to inform potential onlookers about your child’s exceptionality if there is the likelihood that the child may exhibit maladaptive or disruptive behaviours in the community and other public places.

The list above is not exhaustive by any means, but is a basic start to help you prepare for a successful summer of fun with your child. Remember - keep things educational and keep them fun. Use naturalistic teaching techniques to practice academic skills in the natural environment. You could as an example practice having an intraverbal exchange by singing songs and leaving out words for your child to fill in or by just engaging in reciprocal conversations. You might practice motor imitation skills by jumping around and flapping your arms and having the child imitate these actions. You might practice the skill of tacting, by labeling the various new items in your environment that you have come in contact with during your summer explorations. For more information on how you can incorporate academic, behavioral skills and fun into your child’s summer fun, please contact Tomorrow’s Voices - Bermuda Autism and Early Intervention Centre at (441) 297-4342 or at www.tomorrowsvoices.bm

2. Try to recreate some of the elements you have in home your vacation destination by bringing special toys, games or artifacts from your home. A special blanket or pillow can help condition the new environment as something that is familiar and comforting to the child.

3. Bring items such as IPADS and books that the child can engage in to help occupy your children during potentially long flights or car rides. Don’t forget the batteries and chargers.

4.

ake sure to scan the new environment for potential safety M hazards. Be sure to lock screen doors that may led to balconies and consider bringing with you a set of tinkle bells to hang on exit doors that can sound off in the event that your child tries to exit unbeknownst to you.

5. Consider creating a Social Story about the new vacation destination for your child in preparation for the trip. A social story is a specially designed book that teaches new skills to a youth by making your child the main character in the story. For more information on creating Social Stories, please contact Tomorrow’s Voices – Bermuda Autism early Intervention Centre.

Bermuda Parent ||| 27

Tweens & Teens |||

❋WHO SAID

parenting a tween was going to be

EASY?

By Carla Zuill

❋

“Mama, can I go to town one Saturday with my friends?”

“To do what?”

“Window shop, get some food, have some girl time.”

“No, you’re too young for that.”

“So when then?”

“Not right now.”

“See mama, you never give me any freedom. I am responsible but you still treat me like a child!”

This conversation, and many like it, often take place between me and my 11-year-old daughter. She thinks I’m too strict. I firmly believe that she needs to sit back and enjoy her childhood.

It’s a battle that never ends and won’t any time soon for one simple reason…I have a TWEEN. Now I’d heard this term used many times in the past and really didn’t pay it any mind. I thought it was just a colloquialism that would exit as quickly as it came. But this term isn’t going anywhere so I’ve resigned myself to getting used to it.

Some of you may be wondering what exactly is a tween so I decided to seek clarity.

According to www.about.com a tween is “a child between the ages of 9 and 12. A tween is no longer a little child, but not quite a teenager. While a tween is not yet in the midst of adolescence, he or she will face a variety of obstacles in the next few years including transitioning from elementary school to middle school, approaching puberty, increasing responsibilities, increasing amounts of homework, and exposure to dangerous behaviors by their peers including drugs, sex, and more.”

28 ||| www.bermudaparentmagazine.com

I expected a picture of my daughter to be there too because I swear the author of the definition must have hidden in my house and conducted research! I read the entry repeatedly, absorbing every word because surely it would give me some sort of epiphany. And it did.

Here are a few experiences….

“Mama you are such an embarrassment!” She tells me this at least five times a week. Whether I am shouting “too loudly” at a sporting event or attempting to dance the latest reggae steps, she mutters those words to me way too often. She even walks away in an attempt to disassociate herself but I tell her time and time again, “You can’t run from me, dear. We look too much alike!”

“Why can’t I wear that?” Right now my biggest clothing nemesis is the fitted cloth mini-skirt. Every time she sees it as a part of someone’s wardrobe, she asks for one too. And my answer remains the same. “No!” I’ve told her time and time again that she is too young to wear it and she is tall (5’0..ok, ok, that’s tall to me because I am 5’2) but she some how thinks the more persistently she asks, the chances of me saying yes is increased. However, to her chagrin, Mama ain’t bending. The last time we were having the debate in a store, there was a lady there who looked to be in her 50’s. I asked her if she would allow her daughter to wear the skirt if she was her mother. As she muttered under her breath for the umpteenth time that day I was embarrassing her, the lady turned to her and asked: “Will you be able to handle when older fellas are calling out to you, saying nasty things?”

The skirt was returned to the rack with a grunt for the third time that month…

“I didn’t roll my eyes, I just turned my head quickly!” How many of you tween parents have heard that one before?!

❋

“Sometimes I wish I wasn’t born!” Yea, yea but you were and you’re mine so get over it.

“You are too strict!” I burst out laughing every time I hear this one. She wants to do things on her own, feels the rules should be relaxed yet I have to constantly remind her to do some of the most mundane tasks on a daily basis. I can understand forgetting things now and then but do I have to tell you EVERY night to prepare your snacks for school? Like seriously.

There are many more examples, and I’m sure tween parents are recalling a few as they read this, but ultimately being a tween mom isn’t all that bad. My daughter teaches me a lot about issues affecting her peers, we have great talks and the best laughs. And when I think she’s about to drive me insane I consult with former tween moms and dads who assure me that her behaviour is in fact, normal. Whew!

And while there are many moments when I wish she was a little girl again, I am proud of what she has become thus far and look forward to the continuing journey although I hear being the parent of a teen is even more harrowing!

But for now I just have to roll with the punches, take the good with the bad and know that this stage won’t last forever. And apparently I won’t forget it any time soon as I have two more tweens on the way!

❋

each UNTIL 5 $ 5 R

4 FO

fries & 12oz drink N E K IC H C E C IE 1P & biscuit 2 PIECE CHICKEN drink TWISTER & 12oz oz drink 6 NUGGETS & 12 Offer valid Monday to Thursday noon - 5pm.

TO RECIEVE THIS OFFER

Clip this ad and present at time of purchase.

Coupons have no cash value, cannot be exchanged for cash and have no similar value.

Valid until September 30th, 2012

21 Queen Street | Call: 296-4532 | Web: www.kfc.bm

Mount Saint Agnes Academy offers a safe and caring environment where students are nurtured at every level. This coupled with our world-class curriculum, creates an opportunity for our students and parents that is second to none.

Mount Saint Agnes Academy Through Faith and Learning

We invite all parents/guardians who are interested in enrolling their child/children in MSA, to send in applications for the 2012/13 School Year. Potential students will be academically screened and interviewed by the Principal, together with his or her parent(s) or guardian(s).

Space is limited, so be sure to obtain your application form TODAY either from the School Office or online at www.msa.bm The School is available for tours, and Faculty and Staff are available to answer any questions that you might have about the school’s religious and academic programs.

19 Dundonald Street, West Hamilton HM 09, Bermuda Telephone: 441-292-4134 Email: msaoffice@msa.bm

www.msa.bm Bermuda Parent ||| 29

Tweens & Teens |||

Teaching Kids The Value Of Money

By Keisha Webb-Gibbons of Capital G

In today’s challenging economy, teaching your children the value of money is very important. The dollars that children hold now won’t buy as much as it would have say five years ago. Grocery store costs alone are ever increasing and some even believe that an item they purchased a month ago may have increased in price by as much as $5.

These sort of escalating costs have placed a strain on working adults which may affect the allowances usually extended to children or monetary gifts from children’s family members.

How do you explain these changes to children and ultimately teach them the value of money?

As parents, we need to keep it simple.

Beginning as early as when your child can count, you can then take the counting lesson further to show them how to count money: coins and paper currency. Show children the spare change in your pocket and purse and use clear language to explain what those coins can buy. For example in Bermuda when you and your little one head to Hamilton on Saturday, you may need to park in Hamilton. Show the child the same coins they have learned. Deposit seven quarters into the parking meter and explain to the child that those coins pay for one hour to park the car at the parking lot.

When giving children an allowance, give them the money in denominations that encourage saving. If the amount is $5, break it up into five, one-dollar bills and encourage that at least one dollar be set aside in savings. Allow young people to make spending decisions. This is important. Whether they make a good decision or poor, they will learn from their spending choices.

Adults should also share with their families their views on money. If your values are to spend, save, share and/or tithe, your children should know this.

Your child may choose to use some of their money to give toward the collection plate at church or they may wish to donate their money by purchasing a cupcake at a bake sale benefitting a charity. Children who are advanced in their giving methods may even choose to take their birthday money and donate it directly to a local charity.

Remember that you must provide your child with an ageappropriate allowance, whether weekly or monthly, depending on your financial circumstances. According to online research via Family Education, a good guideline is for a child’s allowance to equal half their age.

Children have to learn that money has to be earned. It is a key lesson for children to understand that they should not expect money to be handed to them by adults without earning it. Explain that adults go to work to earn the money that they spend – most of the spending is to pay expenses, to build a stable home, and savings for the future, education, and retirement.

Let your child take on some small jobs. They can perform household chores like taking the trash out, walking the dog, or washing the car. For the older kids – they can obtain a parttime job outside the home such as packing groceries, or offer

30 ||| www.bermudaparentmagazine.com

Saltus_Parents_Apr_2012_Layout 1 3/31/12 2:19 PM Page 1

babysitting services. Help your child track the time spent doing the job, and the amount they are being paid.

This will help kids understand directly the effort it takes to earn money.

Most importantly, children must understand that once they have accumulated a considerable amount of money for their age, they should place it aside for savings, preferably in a bank account. Of course, they can hold small amounts in their purse or wallet at home.

Make the effort to research which banks offer kids savings programmes and their benefits. For example the Capital G Bank Iron Kids Savings Account offers a debit card and online banking with parents setting the spending limit for the bank accounts.

Taking the child to deposit their money or viewing the activity on their bank account will help kids understand not only how banks work, but also the value of regular, planned savings.

Your Future Starts Here S altus provides a nurturing, dynamic and challenging learning environment—from Foundation Year all the way through to our SGY programme, where graduates have earned places in top universities in the US, Canada and the UK. Apply online at www.saltus.bm. If you have any questions, email admissions@saltus.bm Our mission is to inspire passion for learning and independent thinking through commitment to academic excellence, personal integrity and service to others.

Canadian Accredited Independent Schools

As your children grow older, especially the pre-teen age group, you can expand greatly on teaching the value of money through investment options.

They could be saving toward college or for a high school graduation trip.

You can again visit your bank and discuss how your child’s savings can be utilized to provide a greater return by investing in mutual funds and equities.

Remember to start early when teaching your kids the value of money.

It’s a lesson they will thank you for as they progress through life.

SALTUS GRAMMAR SCHOOL 108 St. John’s Road, Pembroke HM 09 PO Box HM 2224, Hamilton HM JX, Bermuda Tel: 441-292-6177 Fax: 441-295-4977

Bermuda Parent ||| 31

Health & Wellness|||

Medicinal Uses of Mint for Adults & Children

By Dr. Kuni Frith-Black

There are approximately 250 different varieties of mint. These types include orange, pineapple, apple, chocolate and black mint. Mint was used in ancient Egyptian medicine 1,000 years BC and dried mint leaves were found in the tombs of the Pharos.

Not only was mint used as a culinary herb but it was also used in floral arrangements, in combination with other herbs to make wreaths, and on its own to freshen the air and remove unpleasant orders from homes and churches. The oil of mint is used to make beauty products, chewing gum, candy, toothpaste and air fresheners.

Mint contains vitamins and minerals. It is rich in vitamins A and C, manganese, copper, iron, potassium, and calcium. Mint also contains antioxidants. Mint is said to reduce certain types of cancers, along with reliving headaches, indigestion, heartburn, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and inhibit the growth of several types of fungus and bacteria.

Mint is used to ease congestion associated with head colds, flu, and respiratory issues.

It also helps to dry up a runny nose and watery eyes caused by allergies. The herb has sedative and calming properties; along with the ability to relieve muscle cramps, sprains, and minor aches and pains. Mint cleanses the blood and combats bad breath.

Mint is used with children to relieve hiccups, quell an upset tummy, to relieve the itching associated with skin rashes and insect stings, and to break fevers. Children can drink lukewarm mint tea, eat mint and chamomile popsicles to ease sore throat, and stop dehydration. Little ones love mint cookies made with fresh leaves of the herb, and homemade ginger ale with crushed mint leaves.

Adults benefit greatly from this medicinal garden herb. Mint foot baths are used to treat swollen, aching, and tired feet. A warm bath infused with fresh or dried mint leaves relaxes sore muscles and helps to reduce inflammation of the joints. Massage oil containing mint rejuvenates a sore back, neck, and leg muscles.

An infuser placed in a room with a few drops of pure essential mint oil breaks up mucus, chest congestion, and induces sleep.

Pregnant women can drink mint tea for morning sickness. Women on their menstrual cycle experience relief from cramps, abdominal bloating, and water retention. A compress soaked in a solution of mint will ease tension headaches.

32 ||| www.bermudaparentmagazine.com

Recipes Using Mint Mint Tea: 1teaspoon of dried mint or 2 teaspoons of fresh mint infused in hot water for 8 – 10 minutes.

Sweeten with agave or Bermuda honey.

Mint Foot Bath:

¼ cup Epson salts 2 tablespoons coarse sea salt 3-5 drops of pure essential oil of mint in warm water or 2 tablespoons of dried herb or 4 tablespoons of fresh herb Add sliced lemon to water

Medicinal Mint Bath:

Add 1/4 cup of dried mint or 1/2 cup of fresh mint to a warm bath. Place the herb in a piece of white cotton cloth or an old white sock or stocking. Allow the herb to infuse the bath water for about ten minutes before soaking in it.

FUEL THE FUN WITH SKIPPY®

PEANUT BUTTER

About the Practitioner Kuni Frith-Black has been an advocate for holistic approaches to health and wellbeing for almost three decades.

Kuni earned her Doctor of Naturopathy Degree for Health Care Professionals through Clayton College of Natural Health and her B.A. degree in Counselling Psychology and Holistic Studies from Vermont College. She is a Clinically Certified Hypnotherapist, a certified Auricular Therapist and a Master Reiki Practitioner with 15 years experience as a holistic health practitioner.

In August 2008, Kuni joined the practice of Dr. Femi Bada as a naturopathic consultant where traditional allopathic medicine was combined with complimentary/alternative medicine to create the ultimate healing experience. From August 2010 through to February 2012 Kuni worked as the Executive Director for the Bermuda Diabetes Association.

She is currently the host of the popular radio show “Health Corner” every Tuesday from 11:00am – 12:00 noon on FM 89.

Kuni is a prolific educator and conducts health presentations and talks throughout the island. Kuni has been working with the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs for the last three years during Rendezvous Season. She organizes talks and tours on medicinal plants and Bermudian Folk Remedies along the railway trail in Paget.

Kuni teaches herb classes and traditional Bermudian folk remedies, along with operating an herbal apothecary. Her favorite pastimes are cooking, gardening, nature walks and writing health articles. She also enjoys meeting like minded people who are committed to educating communities on living well and staying healthy.

SKIPPY® QUICK COOKIES • 1 cup Skippy® Creamy or Super Chunk® Peanut Butter • 1 cup sugar • 1 egg, slightly beaten • 1 tsp. vanilla extract

PREHEAT oven to 325°. Combine all ingredients in medium bowl. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Arrange cookies on ungreased baking sheets 2 inches apart.

Gently flatten each cookie and press crisscross pattern into top with fork.

BAKE 8 minutes or until lightly browned and slightly puffed. Immediately top, if desired, with sprinkles, chocolate chips or chocolate candies.

COOL completely on wire rack before removing from baking sheet.

As part of a balanced diet, Skippy is good nutrition that is simple and delicious!

Each gram of Skippy® Peanut Butter has 7 grams of protein to help fuel the fun.

www.bv.bm

For more fun recipes, visit

Follow us on

WWW.PEANUTBUTTER.COM

BV_Skippy AD.indd 1

4/23/12 2:02 PM

Children should be encouraged to drink plenty of water each day.

Drinking water is the best way to quench thirst without providing additional sugar. stick with safe, clean, quality pure water only from bermuda waterworks limited

For all of your water needs: Bermuda Waterworks Limited Call 299-7873, fax 299-2837 or E-mail: purewater@bwl.bm

Bermuda Parent ||| 33

Health & Wellness|||

Do we really need to keep giving kids vaccines?

By Debora Oriol RN, Community Health Nurse, Department of Health.

We often hear about reports of possible side effects of vaccines, but rarely hear about children actually getting the illnesses that vaccines protect against. That may lead some parents to question the importance of vaccines in today’s day and age. Vaccines reduce the risk of infection by working with the body’s natural defenses to help it safely develop immunity to disease. When germs, such as bacteria or viruses, invade the body, they attack and multiply. This invasion is called an infection; an infection is what causes illness. The immune system has to fight the infection.

Once it fights off the infection, the body is left with a supply of cells that help recognize and fight that disease in the future.

Vaccines help develop immunity by imitating an infection, but this process does not cause illness. It does, however, prompt the immune system to develop the same response as it would to an actual infection. The body can then recognize and fight the vaccine-preventable disease in the future.

When was the last time that you personally knew of a child who had a vaccine preventable illness, such as measles, polio or diphtheria? The World Health Organization reports that “measles remains a leading cause of death among young children. One out of 17 children with measles gets pneumonia and for every 1,000 children who are ill, one or two will die. Polio is almost fully eradicated worldwide, but still remains a threat in developing countries. Planning and implementation continues for when this vaccine will no longer be needed. Diphtheria, although rare in the United States and Bermuda, also persists as a threat worldwide.

Keep in mind that since the tetanus bacteria are widespread in the environment, we will likely always need this vaccine.

Other infections, like pertussis or whooping cough, are an even more direct threat and are on the rise in the United States and other countries. Adults who have been vaccinated as children, may experience lose of immunity and pass this disease to infants who may not be fully vaccinated.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, many vaccine preventable diseases that have decreased to very low levels in the United States “are still quite prevalent, even epidemic in other parts of the world”. This could allow an infected traveller to bring these infections back to Bermuda, which could quickly spread if the public were not immunized against them. Hence the importance that infants and children receive scheduled vaccines for maximum protection. Remember that many of these infectious diseases are only a plane ride away.

A decision to delay or not vaccinate your child, involves risk. This may be a decision that puts your child and others who come into contact with him or her at risk of contracting an illness that could be dangerous or deadly. Don’t wait to immunize your infant or child and risk vaccine-preventable diseases, when he or she needs important protection now.

34 ||| www.bermudaparentmagazine.com

Bermuda Parent ||| 35

Health & Wellness|||

Make Summer 2012 Active and Healthy for Your Children

By Gwyneth Rawlins, Customer Relations Specialist, the Argus Group

Parents carry the great responsibility of securing happy and healthy futures for their children. A key part of this accountability is getting them into the habit of being active from a young age.

Physical activity aids children’s growth and development and also helps to prevent chronic diseases such as cancer, type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

In addition, exercise manages weight while improving energy and concentration in the classroom.

What better way to teach your children about the importance of being active than joining them in exercising. Summer is a great time to start a family exercise regimen and get your children on the right track. In Bermuda, we have many hours of sunshine and warm temperatures each day, creating lots of opportunities to be outside with our families, walking, running around, and swimming in the ocean and playing sports or games. Age is irrelevant; even for the little ones physical activity can be made enjoyable and engaging.

To get started with a new active family routine, identify two 30-minute slots that you generally have free each week and mark them in your diary as ‘Family Exercise Time.’ If you have these times scheduled, you are more likely to commit to making them happen. If you don’t have the luxury of free time, build physical activity for your children into other tasks, like taking them with you when you walk the dog, parking further away from where you need to be and walking the last part of your journey or encouraging them to take the stairs instead of the elevator.

Photograph by Becky Spencer

Limit computer games, watching TV and other sedentary activities to particular time frames, so they don’t interfere with the free time you have available for exercise.

“Heart disease is one of Bermuda’s biggest killers; responsible for one in every three fatalities, and education on preventative care from an early age is a key part of turning this shocking statistic around.”

Playing team games in the park like baseball or soccer helps to develop important social skills. Remember that children learn to lead active and healthy lifestyles though the process of socialization and are more likely to continue these behaviours as they grow into adulthood. So why not encourage your children to form a team with their friends or join an existing league. You could also encourage them to give back to the community by organizing or participating in a charity fundraiser that includes physical activity, such as 5K walks, treasure hunts or beach Olympics.

The Argus Group has recently joined the Bermuda Heart Foundation in advocating jump rope by sponsoring its ‘Jump 2b Fit’ workshops and making “Jump Start Your Heart” the theme of this year’s Argus Healthy Living Expo. Jump rope was chosen by the Bermuda Heart Foundation as its heart healthy school initiative because it’s cheap, fun and efficient in strengthening heart and lung muscles, as well as developing coordination, balance, flexibility and rhythm. It can burn up to 1,000 calories per hour and is a suitable form of exercise for a wide variety of age groups.

Heart disease is one of Bermuda’s biggest killers; responsible for one in every three fatalities, and education on preventative care from an early age is a key part of turning this shocking statistic around. This is just one, very tangible reason for introducing your children to living an active, heart healthy lifestyle at an early age.

In order to make sure that your children get the most out of their new regimen, it is important to provide them with fuel. A healthy snack 30 minutes before

36 ||| www.bermudaparentmagazine.com

Photo by inHarmony

exercise, such as fresh fruit, peanut butter on wholegrain bread, a milk smoothie or a granola bar will provide them with lots of energy to put into their workout.

While it is necessary to drink adequate amounts of water every day, during the summer months it is imperative that your children drink plenty of water before and during exercise to avoid damaging dehydration. If they find water uninteresting, try diluted 100 percent fruit juice, which has lower sugar content than soda but is still refreshing. If they are going to be outside, sun block (SPF 30) is a must, even when it’s cloudy. Dress them in lightly-coloured, breathable clothing to guard against medical conditions such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

Instilling motivation is the key to long-term success in your children remaining active as they grow older. Allow them to take part in planning physical activity, ask them what they enjoy and set achievable targets. Aiming too high can cause them to become demoralised. For younger children, try charting progress on the refrigerator so they can see how close they are to achieving their fitness goal.

Lastly, remember that our children view us as role models; so lead by example and start today with building exercise into your daily routine.

Bermuda Parent   |||   37

Travel & Summer|||

Special

38 ||| www.bermudaparentmagazine.com

The Ultimate Family Vacation Are you ready for eight meals a day plus snacks, fun activities, and an affordable all-inclusive family vacation package?

Then, consider a Family Cruise for your next vacation.

What cruise is right for you?

Most cruise lines offer a wealth of programs for families and children, but some are more tailored to young children, while other work towards adult/teen families.

Carnival Cruise Lines - are not only affordable; they offer the following amenities for families: Reduced kids rate, babysitting services, arts & crafts, cartoons, games/contests, ice cream bar, kids and teen’s menus, movies, parties, pool just for kids, teen center/disco, video games, volleyball youth center/playroom and youth counselors.

Disney Cruise Lines - are moderately priced and offer the same amenities as the other cruise lines but their kids clubs are open with some of the longest operating hours at sea, so mum and dad are able to set off on their own adventure. Plus when kids are 10 and under and signed into the Youth Activity program, you are given a communication device so they are only a text away! Disney‘s added attractions are the characters that are on board for kids to have a photo with or sign an autograph book plus some great musicals and 3D movies.

By Deryn Higgins Photographs by Becky Spencer

Touring is just another way to say

“Perfect Family Vacation” Globus Escorted Family Vacations – Every Journey tells a story. Globus offers many itineraries that appeals to all ages, family friendly inclusions, great accommodations, and front of the line access to the must see sites. Enjoy family favorite experiences like these: • Decorate your own Carnival Mask in Venice • Make the perfect chocolate at a Swiss chocolate confectionary • Dance the night away at a Carnival Dance Party in Costa Rica • Journey by covered wagon to a genuine Chuck Wagon Cookout in Banff National Park • Take a 4 wheel drive through Monument Mountain Valley with Navajo guide • Ride a horse through Bryce Canyon retracing the trails taken by outlaw Butch Cassidy Kids meeting other kids, parents connecting with other parents, grandparents fawning over grandchildren – that is what is guaranteed on a Globus Family Vacation.

Norwegian Cruise Lines - have introduced their brand new youth program – the ultimate family vacation just got better!

Do the things you want when you want. That’s the freedom and flexibility you have with Freestyle Cruising on NCL. The revamped complimentary youth program is where kids can enjoy age appropriate supervised creative play, sports, entertainment with Nickelodeon, Splash Academy and Cirque due Jour.

Royal Caribbean Cruises - have family-friendly features on every ship. Nurseries, babysitting, ‘My Family Time’ dining and other service to not only entertain the kids, but let mom and dad have their own time too. RCCL has some of the largest ships at sea with Aqua Theatres, merry-go-rounds, Central Park, zip-lining, ice-skating and rock wall climbing; it’s fun for the whole family.

Bermuda Parent ||| 39

Photograph by Sacha Blackburne

Travel & Summer|||

Vacation Hot Spots Suffering from island fever and looking for something new, but not sure where to take the family on vacation this summer?

By Sara Westhead

Then check out these awesome ideas: KISSIMMEE, FLORIDA A vacation in Florida is high on the list of most children, particularly a visit to one particular house of mouse just outside of Orlando. However, any good parent will surely want to know about Orlando’s younger and less-well-known little brother, Kissimmee. Located less than 30 minutes south of Orlando, Kissimmee truly is in the heart of all the family fun Florida has to offer, with easy access to some of the best known attractions, including Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld. In addition, Kissimmee is well-situated for a number of other activities and excursions, including Gatorland, Ripley’s Believe it or Not, The Holy Land Experience and Wet ‘n Wild, as well as lots of great outdoor fun activities, allowing you to enjoy the ‘real’ Florida, its water and wildlife, by hiking, biking, horseback riding, or even airboat riding through the Kissimmee chain of lakes. There are also lots of great shopping opportunities, from the two Orlando Premium Outlets and the Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores, to boutiquestyle shopping in Old Town Kissimmee or the town of Celebration. It is easy to find accommodations to suit any budget, though, to take in all the Kissimmee area has to offer, you will likely need to rent a car. to learn more about vacationing in Kissimmee, visit www.visitkissimmee.com, the official tourism website for the area, or the town of Kissimmee’s own website, www.kissimmee.org.

40 ||| www.bermudaparentmagazine.com

Photograph by Sacha Blackburne

ECO-TOURISM in COSTA RICA Over the last 20 years or so, eco-tourism has slowly gained the attention and interest of travelers, particularly as people have become more sensitive to the world around them, both in terms of the environment and cultural sensitivity.

According to The International Eco-Tourism Society (TIES), eco-tourism is “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people” (www.ecotourism.org), whereby visitors minimize their impact on the area they are visiting, while building environmental and cultural awareness and respect.

There are some pretty awesome places around the world that offer spectacular ecotourism options, but one of the coolest is the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica, where the rainforest meets the Pacific Ocean, and, in particular, the Lapa’s Nest Treehouses (www.treehouseincostarica.com).

The tree houses and lodges on the property have all been 100% sustainably in Central America, and are fully private, surrounded by all the wonderful wildlife of the Costa Rican rainforest. Each features a living room, kitchen and dining areas, as well as screened-in bedrooms, an art studio, library and even their famous glass-bottom showers.

if Costa Rica seems just a little too far away, there are lots of other great ideas and options – just check out ResponsibleTravel.com or Journeys International (www.journeys.travel), who also specialize in family trips .

The treehouses are set within a 120-acre property, which feature 4km of hiking trails and a spring-fed garden spa-style pool, and easy access to the Corcovado National Park.

Guests are also treated to a private naturalist guide, cleaning and day care services.

A WORLD OF DISCOVERY, DISCOVERED TOGETHER At Tauck Bridges, we believe that seeing the world changes you for the better. Designed with families in mind, our family vacations are designed to spark passion, inspire a sense of wonder or enrich understanding. When you share these experiences with your loved ones, they bring you close together in a way that only shared experiences can. With Tauck Bridges, you can do, see and be together as the adventures of a lifetime unfold before your eyes - and create the best family memories ever!

• • • •

All Inclusive Value, Stress-Free Travel Specially Designed With Families In Mind Exclusive Access Not Available On Your Own Travel With Other Families For More Fun

Contact: Meyer-Franklin Travel, 35 Church Street, Hamilton, Bermuda.

Phone: 441-295-4176 or email: etravel@meyer.bm

UNITED STATES

CANADA LATIN AMERICA EUROPE AFRICA Bermuda Parent ||| 41

Va

Vacation Hot Spots

DISNEY CRUISE LINE

Images from Disney Cruise Line - DCL

Lots of families love the concept of cruise travel, particularly in that you get to see lots of exotic places, all without the hassle of lots of airplane rides and multiple hotel rooms. You simply arrive, unpack, and enjoy the duration.

Families, especially, love the Disney Cruise Line, which now travels around the world, from US West Coast, through the Caribbean, up through New England and Canada, south of the border to through the Mexican Riviera and the Panama Canal, and all the way across the Atlantic to Europe. No matter what your hearts desires are, you are likely to find the perfect cruise for your family.

In addition to visiting some of the most beautiful places in the world, the Disney Cruise Line offers just about everything a trip to Disney World would, especially its world-famous service with a smile.

Each ship is fully equipped with a plethora of activities for every age, including exclusive sections for children, teens and adults, world-class dining, fantastic shopping, on-board water activities and shore-based excursions. There are currently four ships in the Disney Cruise line-up – the Disney Dream, the Disney Magic, the Disney Wonder and the latest addition, the Disney Fantasy.

For more information or to book your own trip, visit www.disneycruise.com.

2012 OLYMPIC GAMES – LONDON, UK The United Kingdom will be taking centre stage this summer as the whole world descends on London for the 2012 Summer Olympics from July 27 to August 12. Without a doubt, some areas of London, especially around the Olympic Park in East London, will be busy and crowded, but that said, many attractions in London are equally busy during the summer months when visitors take advantage of the best weather the UK has to offer. The London 2012 website (www.london2012.com), offers extensive information on this year’s events and festivities, as well as details on purchasing tickets, finding accommodation and transportation to and from events. Those not wishing to crowd into London during those few weeks, or not able to attend games will find a plethora of attractions, including the brand new Warner Brothers Studio Tour London, featuring The Making of Harry Potter, which opened on March 31. It is located near Watford, about 20 minutes north-west of London, and tickets must be purchased in advance (www.wbstudiotour.co.uk).

Another great place to take the kids outside of London is LegoLand UK, set very close to Windsor Castle. The amusement park, which is practically built out of the childhood toy favourite (okay, not literally!), also features a resort hotel and offers family-friendly short-break offers. Not to be missed are this year’s new additions – a brand new hotel and the Lego Star Wars Miniland Experience. (www.legoland.co.uk).

If you don’t want to venture out of London, you may want to consider purchasing the London Pass, which allows you free access to more than 55 attractions, including Chelsea FC Stadium Tour, Kensington Palace, the London Zoo, Lord’s Cricket Ground Tours, the Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey and Wembley Stadium Tours, just to name a few. Prices start at £46 for a one-day adult pass, and £29 for a one-day child pass; you can also buy two-day, three-day and six-day passes, with or without a London Travel Pass.

42 ||| www.bermudaparentmagazine.com

Visit www.londonpass.com for more information .

Of course, no trip to London should be made without also consulting the Official London City Guide, found at www.visitlondon.com, where you can learn about all the hottest events in town .

Images from Disney Cruise Line - DCL

(c) William Lorenz

Vacation Hot Spots

THE EASTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA Few places in the world bring so much together than South Africa, and probably none more so than the Eastern Cape with their rich culture and heritage, diverse geographic areas, amazing wildlife and fantastic outdoor activities. Central to the Easter Cape is Nelson Mandela Bay, the country’s fifth largest city, incorporating Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage and Despatch. It features a wide variety of urban pursuits, including art galleries, museums, beaches, restaurants and shopping centres, as well as the Bayworld Oceanarium and the Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment Complex. Visitors to the area can see the “Big Five”, elephant, lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo, all in malaria-free environments at places like the Mountain Zebra National Park and the Addo Elephant National Park, as well as a wealth of rich marine life, including dolphin and whales, along the coast. People from around the world flock to the coast to enjoy surfing, kiteboarding and sailing, while there are also loads of outdoor activities for everyone from adrenalin junkies to those seeking more leisurely pursuits. Those seeking more cultural pursuits may be interested in places like the Cradle of Human Kind (a World To learn more, visit the Heritage Site), the Nelson Mandela Museum, the South Africa Tourism website rock art at Drakensberg Ukhalamba Park and at www.southafrica.net, Graaff Reinet, the oldest town in South Africa. or the Eastern Cape Tourism website at www.ectourism.co.za.

Vic Ball Taxi Service

Your Professional Guide to Bermuda!

Specializing in: Airport Transfers • Sightseeing Tours Private Transportation • Weddings E. vicball@northrock.bm T. 441.236.6957 • C. 441.334.7344 Bermuda Parent ||| 43

Travel & Summer|||

4

Drowning Doesn’t Look Like Drowning

5

by Mario Vittone

The new captain jumped from the deck, fully dressed, and sprinted through the water. A former lifeguard, he kept his eyes on his victim as he headed straight for the couple swimming between their anchored sport fisher and the beach. “I think he thinks you’re drowning,” the husband said to his wife. They had been splashing each other and she had screamed but now they were just standing, neck-deep on the sand bar. “We’re fine, what is he doing?” she asked, a little annoyed. “We’re fine!” the husband yelled, waving him off, but his captain kept swimming hard. ”Move!” he barked as he sprinted between the stunned owners. Directly behind them, not ten feet away, their nine-yearold daughter was drowning. Safely above the surface in the arms of the captain, she burst into tears, “Daddy!”

How did this captain know – from fifty feet away – what the father couldn’t recognize from just ten? Drowning is not the violent, splashing, call for help that most people expect. The captain was trained to recognize drowning by experts and years of experience. The father, on the other hand, had learned what drowning looks like by watching television. If you spend time on or near the water (hint: that’s all of us) then you should make sure that you and your crew knows what to look for whenever people enter the water. Until she cried a tearful, “Daddy,” she hadn’t made a sound. As a former Coast Guard rescue swimmer, I wasn’t surprised at all by this story. Drowning is

almost always a deceptively quiet event. The waving, splashing, and yelling that dramatic conditioning (television) prepares us to look for, is rarely seen in real life.

The Instinctive Drowning Response – so named by Francesco A. Pia, Ph.D., is what people do to avoid actual or perceived suffocation in the water. And it does not look like most people expect. There is very little splashing, no waving, and no yelling or calls for help of any kind. To get an idea of just how quiet and un-dramatic from the surface drowning can be, consider this: It is the number two cause of accidental death in children, age 15 and under (just behind vehicle accidents) – of the approximately 750 children who will drown next year, about 375 of them will do so within 25 yards of a parent or other adult. In ten percent of those drowning, the adult will actually watch them do it, having no idea it is happening (source: CDC).

Drowning does not look like drowning – Dr. Pia, in an article in the Coast Guard’s On Scene Magazine, described the instinctive drowning response like this: xcept in rare circumstances, drowning people are 1. Ephysiologically unable to call out for help. The respiratory system was designed for breathing. Speech is the secondary or overlaid function. Breathing must be fulfilled, before speech occurs. rowning people’s mouths alternately sink below and 2. Dreappear above the surface of the water. The mouths of drowning people are not above the surface of the water long enough for them to exhale, inhale, and call out for help. When the drowning people’s mouths are above the surface, they exhale and inhale quickly as their mouths start to sink below the surface of the water.

people cannot wave for help. Nature instinctively 3. Drowning forces them to extend their arms laterally and press down on the water’s surface. Pressing down on the surface of the water, permits drowning people to leverage their bodies so they can lift their mouths out of the water to breathe.

44 ||| www.bermudaparentmagazine.com

4.

throughout the instinctive Drowning Response, drowning people cannot voluntarily control their arm movements .

Physiologically, drowning people who are struggling on the surface of the water cannot stop drowning and perform voluntary movements such as waving for help, moving toward a rescuer, or reaching out for a piece of rescue equipment .

5. From beginning to end of the instinctive

Drowning Response people’s bodies remain upright in the water, with no evidence of a supporting kick . Unless rescued by a trained lifeguard, these drowning people can only struggle on the surface of the water from 20 to 60 seconds before submersion occurs .

(Source: On Scene Magazine: Fall 2006 (page 14))

This doesn’t mean that a person that is yelling for help and thrashing isn’t in real trouble – they are experiencing aquatic distress. Not always present before the instinctive drowning response, aquatic distress doesn’t last long – but unlike true drowning, these victims can still assist in their own rescue. They can grab lifelines, throw rings, etc.

Doesn’t your pride and joy deserve the best quality?

Look for these other signs of drowning when persons are in the water: • Head low in the water, mouth at water level • Head tilted back with mouth open • Eyes glassy and empty, unable to focus • Eyes closed • Hair over forehead or eyes • Not using legs – Vertical • Hyperventilating or gasping • Trying to swim in a particular direction but not making headway • Trying to roll over on the back • Appear to be climbing an invisible ladder.

So if a crew member falls overboard and everything looks OK – don’t be too sure.

Sometimes the most common indication that someone is drowning is that they don’t look like they’re drowning. They may just look like they are treading water and looking up at the deck. One way to be sure - Ask them, “Are you alright?” If they can answer at all – they probably are. If they return a blank stare, you may have less than 30 seconds to get to them. And parents – children playing in the water make noise. When they get quiet, you get to them and find out why.

· Transport your baby with best quality fuels from RUBiS · Our fuels help clean and protect your engine · With multiple convenient locations you won’t have to settle for less than the best · We at RUBiS also practice safety starting with our ABC’S – ALWAYS BEING CAREFUL

Visit http://mariovittone.com for more information Bermuda Parent ||| 45

Travel & Summer|||

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.

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

2012 CUP MATCH CAMPING

Who is at risk for drowning? Everyone.

• 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/Clarences Cove.

46 ||| www.bermudaparentmagazine.com

The Cup Match Holiday is a very busy time for camping and picnicking at the Government parks and beaches. Therefore, the Ministry of Public Works in conjunction with the Department of Parks, have established a few guidelines for those who wish to camp outside the 3 designated campgrounds - Ferry Point, 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 30th July 2012. 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 31st July 2012 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 1st August until Sunday 5th August 2012.

Park gates will be opened during the day on 1st August 2012 to allow campers and picnickers the opportunity to set up. Park Rangers will be on duty until 10 p.m. Wednesday 1st August 2012 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 2nd August and Friday 3rd August 2012, from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. and the weekend Saturday 4th August and Sunday 5th August 2012, 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.

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.

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.

Offending vehicles 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 6th AUGUST 2012. 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 2012 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.

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 2012 Cup Match Holiday.

Dogs on Public Beaches and in Parks 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.

The Regulations and Policies are as follows: • As of the 1st April 2012, dogs are NOT PERMITTED to be on any of the public beaches until the 31st October 2012.

• D ogs 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. s a reminder dogs are NOT PERMITTED in the Main Show • A Ring in Botanical Gardens. Signs are erected informing the public of the closure.

• M embers 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 and Death Valley.

• D ogs are also NOT PERMITTED in the new Coopers Island Nature Reserve where the NASA Tracking Station was located.

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 2012 until the 31st October 2012 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. • F rom the 1st May 2012 until the 31st October 2012, 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.

• 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 1988 Regulations, is greatly appreciated.

1988 Bermuda National Park Regulations Bermuda Parent ||| 47

Your baby deserves the best. If you

can’t find it in Bermuda, best can deliver.

The easiest, fastest & cheapest way to get your small baby items from the U.S., and Europe, to Bermuda. Packages from the U.S. will arrive in just one day!

Use

For large items ship with Your freight will be handled timely and with the utmost of care.

Sign up with BEST Direct today and receive Tel: 292-8080

•

$50 off ocean cargo.

Fax: 295-1713 • Email: info@best.bm

•

www.best.bm

Bermuda Export Sea Transfer Ltd., 3 Addendum Lane North, Pembroke HM 07

Truly a Bermudian Family Restaurant for over 60 years!

6 Burnaby Street, Hamilton

48 ||| www.bermudaparentmagazine.com

6:30 am - 7:00 pm

Crime Stoppers Bermuda is a registered Bermuda charity (No. 410) run entirely by civilian volunteers. The success of the program is due to it’s tripartite nature involving Law Enforcement, Media and the Community.

Every telephone call to the Crime Stoppers Bermuda 24-Hour Hotline is treated in the strictest of confidence and callers are not required, nor asked, for their name. All calls are answered overseas by the Miami-Dade County Crime Stoppers in Miami, Florida, USA which ensures anonymity. Likewise, all tips left through our encrypted web page are totally anonymous. These security measures enable anyone with details of criminal activity to report such information without fear of exposure or retribution. Information is then transferred back to Crime Stoppers Bermuda electronically and relayed to the relevant law enforcement agencies. In many instances, the law enforcement agencies are unaware that they are working on a Crime Stoppers Bermuda tip, which further protects the integrity of the information and anonymity of the caller.

Rewards of up to $2,000 are also offered for information leading to a successful arrest or seizure of illegal drugs and firearms. Rewards are also given for all other crimes for which there is an arrest and conviction.

All funds raised for the local program go directly into promoting the 800-8477 (TIPS) or 1-800-623-8477 (TIPS) telephone numbers and funding rewards.

We encourage you to visit our webpage at www.crimestoppers.bm, become a fan on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @BDACrimeStop

The AVAnzA AdVAnTAge

1500cc, 4-cylinder, 16-valve VVT-I engine Price: $38,500 Class F

Introducing the Toyota Avanza - Bermuda’s best new MPV! With seven seats that fold flat for extra cargo space, there’s ample room for all the family and so much more.

Once you get in an Avanza, you won’t want to get out!

Bermuda Parent ||| 49

Bermuda Motors - Toyota Avanza

Dad’s Corner |||

Tale of Two

DADS

By Henry Adderley

Men across Bermuda are taking on a role historically reserved for females - being the stay at home parent - and shattering the stereotype that it is only mums who can meet the challenges of raising children day to day.

Canadian Bruno Richard gave up a 16-year-long career in hedge fund administration and the associated long hours and strict deadlines in August 2010 to care for his two daughters and never looked back.

“I’ve always been a hard worker and I did not mind working long hours until we had children,” he said. “Missing family dinners and missing my daughters’ bed time was the norm rather than the exception and it made me very unhappy and grumpy which are not the usual adjectives people would have used to describe me before! After a while, I finally decided to take action, so I quit my job after hard negotiations with my wife Denise who is a working mum herself!”

Bruno and his family will return to Canada for a fresh start in July of this year. He plans to do tackle a new career but has no regrets about his choice.

“I quit work knowing that we would return to Canada in a year or two and saw it as a ‘must do’. For the rest of my life, I knew I would never regret that decision of spending ‘too much’ time with my family and that is how it has turned out.

I obviously got closer to my two daughters and got to know their daily environment much better. Through their school activities, their extra curricular activities and volunteer work

at their school, I got to know more of their friends, teachers and other parents that I would normally not have known. I have a greater level of participation in their learning process which is very rewarding too.”

But that’s not to say there weren’t any challenges. Bruno continued: “I must admit the social life during the week is very different. Although I am an individual that does well spending time on my own, at times I miss the camaraderie of the work place and the mental challenges working in an office may provide.”

And it took his daughters a little while to adjust to having daddy home all the time too, he recalled.

“I was surprised to see that my daughters needed a certain period of adjustment when I started. They needed to transition from our nanny’s style to daddy’s style so the first month on the job was not as smooth as I expected it.

He was also surprised at how much work was entailed in staying at home but managed to make it work out favorably.

“We could say I underestimated the work load,” said Bruno.

“It made me realize how many my parents and grandparents generations have gone through in an environment with way less support available to them back then. From day one, I came into the role with the intention of assuming the responsibilities of the stay at home parent fully and I never compromised the effort, although I am such a good planner of my work so I have been able to squeeze a game of golf here and there during the week!

The flexibility in my new job is great!”

For Will Caulder, staying at home with his son James made perfect sense to him and his wife.

He said: “The most important reason why we decided I would stay at home with James is that we knew that no one would love and care for our child more or better than we would so it would be best for him to have a parent home. We had to cut back and make sacrifices to be able to afford this choice realized that time 50 ||| www.bermudaparentmagazine.com

up each other for ideas and suggestions. We both get stressed and confused as to what our children want and why they do certain things. We have the same complaints about sloppy spouses and how hard it is to balance being a parent and being a husband/wife.”

Will was quick to add that it was not always easy and some of the challenges have helped him gain a new perspective on himself and the role of the parent.

“I am surprised at how hectic a day can be. I have no real stress but I create it in my mind. James is rebelling against a nap or won’t eat his peas or he peed on me and I am like ‘oh my god’! These things are nothing and yet I get all bent out of shape. It has changed me so much. I don’t want to go out and shut down the bars like I used too because I know doing that would be stealing quality time from James. It has made me want to be a better man, because the world is new to him and I want him to have the best father possible. “

is more important than money. My wife makes more money than I did and I am a trained teacher so it made sense for me to stay at home.”

He started in July 2011 and described this time since then as “the greatest experience of my life”.

“I never knew how wondrous it would be to watch someone experience the world for the first time. Everything is new to them and helping James learn and study all that the world is has been amazing. Seeing how much of his personality that is programmed in has been surprising. He is so gentle with animals, trying to do things that are funny or cute. My boy is a joker and I didn’t “teach” him that.”

Stay at home mothers have been welcoming also, continued Will. “I think it is important for James to socialize and get out and all the moms have been great in welcoming me in. Most moms seem impressed that I would give up my career to stay at home, and that I also do all the house work that goes with it. Lots of dads have been supportive too.

They know it isn’t an easy gig. Many have even stated how jealous they are of the time I am getting with my son.”

Will stressed that there was no difference in whether it was the dad or the mom who filled the role of the stay at home parent.

“They do not have some special mom power. I hang out with a group of moms all day everyday and we are constantly hitting each

Bermuda Parent ||| 51

Dad’s Corner |||

Summer Fun Dad’s Way

By Peter Backeberg

I think for most Dads when its time to watch the kids it’s better to get them out of the house. I know when I put mine in the car, or even just head out the door and down the street, time moves faster, the kids whine less and we all have more fun.

One of the things my kids like best is nature walks, I call it wonderful wandering. I started doing this before my eldest could walk and she, and her little sister, still love it eight years later.

In Bermuda we are blessed with places that are fun, adventurous and almost free (I usually throw in an ice cream at the end), and these place are as great for tiring out little legs as opening growing minds.

Spittal Pond, Devonshire Parking at the western entrance we walk down past the dairy cows, which will often wander over to say ‘hi’ - the bulls are huge when you see them up close. Just past the cows a wooded path leads to the shoreline. There is a big sandy area with a great tidal pool right at the bottom of the hill. Sometimes we don’t make it past here. By the time we’re done digging in the little caves, climbing the rocks and chasing little fish it’s usually time to go.

Tom Moores Pond

South Shore

Tom Moores Cave

However, if time and energy permit, we head through the gate and follow the path right around the pond. This takes at least an hour and could involve the hike up to “Spanish Rock” and/or the lower path which passes by a couple of grottos that are great for bird watching.

We almost inevitably meet people walking dogs and the natural steps in the rocks along the way make for great running and climbing. Is there any real danger? Not really, I keep an eye out like I would if they were crossing the street. Safety first, until you get the lay of the land.

Tom Moore’s Jungle, Hamilton Parish Tom Moore’s Jungle, aka Walsingham Park, is our all-time favourite. You can enter through either Blue Hole Park, just before the Causeway, or from Walsingham Lane, which leads to Tom Moore’s Restaurant. There is a parking lot and gate about halfway down the drive. I prefer this entrance because you step out of the car and into what my youngest calls “The Deep Dark Wood”. At first Tom Moore’s can feel intimidating and you definitely want to keep your little ones close as there are some steep cliffs just off the paths. But, again, once you get the lay of the land you’ll know when to be careful.

Spittal Pond

Tom Moores Pond – This lagoon is fed from Castle Harbour and is home to all sorts of juvenile fish.

Tom Moores Cave – Tom Moore’s Jungle is riddled with caves, large and small. Little minds wonder at the dark corners and mysterious stalactites.

South Shore –The trails along the South Shore in Warwick makes for great adventure and you may even bump into a horse or two.

Spittal Pond – Even the trees that have fallen down are fun to climb at Spittal Pond.

52 ||| www.bermudaparentmagazine.com

Like most good adventures there is more than one path to follow, and technically you could get “lost” but the whole thing is really just a big loop, unless you end up at Blue Hole Park, in which case you just turn around.

A couple of highlights: Caves, deep dark ones. Some you have to crawl around in, others are really big and one has an underground lagoon. Needless to say, kids love caves, they’re spooky, they echo and they might have scary creatures living in them.

Tom Moore’s Jungle also features an above ground lagoon that usually has juvenile fish in it (I’ve seen a baby barracuda) and on the Castle Harbour side a couple of places where you can climb down and go for a swim.

Warwick Playground and the South Shore There are a number of great playgrounds in Bermuda. Every Parish seems to have at least one and the combination of swings, slides and things to climb on keep kids busy for hours.

My favourite, and I’ve been to most, is on the South Shore in Warwick, just next to Warwick Long Bay. Firstly, the climbing apparatus makes me wish I was eight again. It’s like a spider web in the shape of a teepee and it’s so conducive to climbing that even the most hesitant kid usually finds their way to the top.

The second advantage to this playground is its proximity to the trails that run up and down the South Shore. You could walk to Horseshoe Bay in one direction and Astwood Cove in the other.

A lot of the paths are narrow and winding with lush plants closing them in.

We have on occasion bumped into horses on a trail ride, which causes great excitement, and the prospect of horse poo. Of course you can get down onto the beach too, if you want.

The paths also feature trees to climb and tidal pools to explore. Just beware of the cactus plants that line the paths.

When it’s all said and done this playground nature trail combination is at least an afternoon of fun.

Warwick Park - The climbing web at Warwick Park invites kids to stretch their limits and reach for the sky.

ALL

HARNEY & SONS PRODUCTS

with this coupon or online with coupon code clipnsave expires June 30, 2012

236.3388 10 Harvey Road, Paget

www.coffeeworks.bm Bermuda Parent ||| 53

African Proverb The last time we spoke, Philosopher Khalil Gibran entreated us to see the Creator as the Archer; us Parents as bows; and our Children as arrows. Once in flight though, how do we help them make their way to the target if they are not flying as we think best? How do we impart our standards without stifling their individuality?

GODPA

It is hard enough finding one’s way in Life, but life in Bermuda can be extremely difficult for the children of famous or infamous parents.

In our small country, it is vitally important that children are free to find their own path, set their own goals, and most importantly make their own mistakes; mistakes that should NOT be held against the accomplishments or mistakes of parents and extended family members. As the proverb says, if they are being held (down) in the shadows of large trees, they will shrink, not grow. If our children appear to be missing their targets we should guide them firmly and openly, but so they hit the target they set for their lives. We should not push them towards our ideas for their lives; but that is much harder said than done. Often we want to do their homework, fight their fights, and mend their broken hearts but we can’t. Magnifying our shadow will not help them...they need to feel their own sun and their own rain that they may grow.

There are several adults in Bermuda who have grown up under the shadow of their parents; some are incredibly productive and contribute to the betterment of our Country and People every day.

Others have fallen victim to the pressures of being directly related to a Leading Light, and took a destructive path in direct opposition to their family’s targets. Balancing the strain and the standards of ‘Family’ is ultimately about the role parents play in managing those expectations and pressures in their children.

I am reminded of a story that a good friend told me about his school where entire families spanning several generations attended, and given the surnames, identification and labeling was regular and expected. His Deputy Principal had a penchant for identifying new students by their surnames and then linking them to long graduated uncles, aunts, and/or parents. My friend was lamenting for students who did not have a legacy in the school and he wondered how they felt when the Deputy Principal would call out: “Master So ‘n So, yes I recall your father...”; then “Ms. So ’n So I remember your aunt was Head Girl...” When the Deputy came across students who did not have any previous connection to the school, he would ignore them and then pick up with those whose names were known: “Ah yes Ms. So ‘n So your mother was brilliant wasn’t she...she’s a lawyer now isn’t she?” These little saplings were being firmly placed in the shadow of their forefathers in order to instill discipline and to let them know that if you step out of line, the School knows your lineage. But did this identification help or hinder the children’s development? There is no doubt that the Deputy Principal thought they were doing the right thing by linking the past to the present and giving the students something to which they should aspire. However where the child is not academically gifted, or if they are from a ‘professional’ family but are better with their hands than books, how will they feel about their school and teachers who are reminders of their shortcomings?

The Proverb warns us that we should strive to let our children turn their faces to their own sunrises and sunsets; our shadows should not interfere with their sunlight. Our families’ legacies should be like long shadows in the early evening; falling behind our children as they pass, neither in front of them like early morning, nor on top of them as at noon.

54 ||| www.bermudaparentmagazine.com

It is somewhat easier when it is a proud history, however where a family or parent is notorious-by Society’s standards-it is even more important that children are encouraged to be their own person and for Society to treat them as such. Society should look at our children as they mature and see our hand, our forefathers’ positive standards, but that should not blind Society to our children’s individual merit and individual worth.

If we instruct our children that they will be held accountable for their own actions and that ‘family’ will neither hinder their success nor reward them undeservedly, the legacy can be helpful and the child will mature to find their own place in Society.

Parents, let’s nurture our children, let them know they can make their own mistakes, that their extended family’s history is a foundation not a weight; and that since their immediate family is writing its own history, they are one of its chief authors.

Strong roots make strong trunks; strong trunks make strong branches; strong branches hold strong leaves; and strong leaves endure through wind and stillness, drought and monsoon. Ensure your leaf is perennial and strong. Teach them about their roots then be sure you plant them in their own forest...they have their own shadows to cast and own leaves to bear.

Take Care, Godpa

Artwork by Sharon Wilson

“If a little tree grows in the shadow of a large tree; It will die a small tree”

Artwork by Sharon Wilson

Bermuda Parent ||| 55

Rising Stars |||

Justin Donawa

By Sara Westhead

Photo by Island Stats.com

Justin Donawa brought the glory of gold with his spectecular athletisism during the LIME 2012 Carifta Games – the only Bermudian to do so this year at the event featuring the best of the best in track and field from across the Caribbean.

“I first started running track when I was eight years old, but I first started to do the triple jump about three years ago,” the 15 year old Berkshire School student explained.

He attests that hard work, coupled with support and encouragement from his family, have been the key to his success on and off the field.

“My parents have given me the best support and encouragement from my early years right up until now and I don’t think they will stop any time soon. They’ve have told me to work hard, do my best and most of all be humble no matter if you win or lose.

Those words of encouragement have helped me to prepare and compete in major competitions such as the past Carifta.”

“Many of my teammates could attest to the fact that I’ve worked hard in training, did the best I can do in competition and I’ve stayed humble no matter the result. That encouragement has also helped me in football as well cricket, both which I play along with track.”

Justin’s hardwork lead to his gold medal win – the first for the island in eight years – when he leaped 14.63 meters in the under-17 boys triple jump final on April 8, a personal best.

How did it feel to take the medal stand?

“At Carifta, once the competition had ended, it finally hit me that I had captured the first gold and what turned out to be the only gold for Bermuda at the Games. The feeling was tremendous! The crowd was cheering so loud when they heard that I received the gold medal, I couldn’t even hear myself think. It was definitely a moment I will always remember and cherish.”

While still young and not quite at Olympic level, Justin will not be representing Bermuda in London this summer, however, he is looking forward to, hopefully, representing Bermuda at the CAC Junior Chamionships this summer.

Photo by Island Stats.com

“Sport and family are probably the two most important things in my life right now, as well as school. Without them, I think it would’ve been harder for me to stay on the right path with all the stuff that’s happening in Bermuda.”

56 ||| www.bermudaparentmagazine.com

His advice to other young people: “To all those people that want to be successful in life, the advise I give you is to stay focused, work hard, be determined and stay humble. No matter what your pursuing, just remember those four things and the result your looking for should come your way.”

His dad, Jay Donawa, who is also a former track-and-field champ, is thrilled to see his son continue to succeed.

“It feels great to see Justin realizing his potential and continuing to achieve success in the track and field arena. Justin has an internal determination that is a catalyst for his success. If there was any challenge it would be him not maximizing his true potential,” Mr. Donawa shared.

As a parent of a rising star, there are always challenges, so how has he managed to encourage Justin reach his goals through the years?

“I simply tell Justin to ‘enjoy it’ and to remain humble through the journey.”

And his advice to other parents of children with lofty athletic goals?

“Equip your child with the tools necessary to drive their talent and to be there for them through the good, bad and indifferent.

Bermuda Parent ||| 57

&FAVOURITES

FINDS

All of these products shown are avilable at:

LOTUS- BIKINIBABY ON BOARD MATERNITY

SPAGHETTI STRAP TANK TOP BABY ON BOARD MATERNITY

TEA PARTY DRESS BABY ON BOARD MATERNITY

SUNFLOWER- HALTERKINI BABY ON BOARD MATERNITY

HUGGIES LITTLE MOVERS HEAVEN SENT BOUTIQUE

WHITE WIDE BRIM ISLAND SUNHAT, AQUA & WHITE TU-TU ONESIE WITH AQUA TOE BLOOMS HEAVEN SENT BOUTIQUE

58 ||| www.bermudaparentmagazine.com

FRUIT & VEGETABLES PACKS GERBER & PLUM VARIETY HEAVEN SENT BOUTIQUE

Ph

S

Photography by Lana Bull

KID’S PATIO SET WITH UMBRELLA HEAVEN SENT BOUTIQUE

BOY’S PIECE (T-SHIRT & SHORTS) KING OF THE JUNGLE SET WITH YELLOW CROCS HEAVEN SENT BOUTIQUE

DR. SEUSS, GREEN EGGS & HAM T-SHIRT, PIN STRIPED NAVY BLUE CARGO SHORTS, GREEN SEA TURTLE FISH FLOPS. HEAVEN SENT BOUTIQUE

PLAID BUTTON UP SHIRT, INDIGO WASHED JEANS, NAVY BLUE AND WHITE DOCKSIDERS. HEAVEN SENT BOUTIQUE

BABY DIAPER BAG HEAVEN SENT BOUTIQUE

CHRISTENING OUTFIT 6 PIECE WHITE TUXEDO WITH SHAUL,

EMBROIDED ANGEL ON BACK& LAR TIE HEAVEN SENT BOUTIQUE

Bermuda Parent ||| 59

BPM Essentials To advertise call 504-2937

Happy Faces, Happy Learning, Happy Future…

Where your child’s day begins with God’s blessings!

Bermuda’s premier early childhood educational center, ‘Where quality education remains affordable.’

Accepting applications for school year 2012-2013, Ages 2-4.

Academics places an emphasis on language, computer and music program(s).

EmAil: hAppymomEnts123@yAhoo.com

60 ||| www.bermudaparentmagazine.com

Bermuda Parent ||| 61

BPM

Kids

62 ||| www.bermudaparentmagazine.com

Got a great picture of your child? Send it and it may appear in our next issue.

Send it in by email to submitphotos@bermudaparentmagazine.com

Parent Directory Education

Adventureland Nursery & Preschool 45 Middle Rd. Warwick WK05 Tel: 238-8032 or 238-0208 Email: ros.nursery@ibl.bm BSmart Development Center RamRe House, 46 Reid St. Hamilton HM 12 Tel: 295-6909 Email: bsmartbermuda@gmail.com Web: www.bsmartbermuda.com Bermuda School of Music 23 Berkeley Rd. Pembroke HM 11 Tel: 296-5100 Email: musicschool@northrock.bm Web: www.musicschool.bm Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute (BUEI) 40 Crow Lane, East Broadway, Pembroke HM 19 Tel: 292-7219 Email: info@buei.org Web: www.buei.org Building Blocks Academy 10 North St. Hamilton HM 11 Tel: 295-4222 Web: www.bbablueprints.com C.A.R.E. Learning Centre 38 Mount Hill, Pembroke HM 09 (former Woodlands School) Tel: 292-0915 Email: carelearningcentre@myoffice.bm Happy Moments Nursery & Preschool 69 North Shore Rd. Hamilton Parish Tel: 737-8385 Mount Saint Agnes Academy 19 Dundonald St. West Hamilton HM 09 Tel: 292-4134 or 292-1291 Email: msaoffice@msa.bm Web: www.msa.bm Onion Patch Academy 59 Court St. Hamilton HM 12 Tel: 296-6466 Email: info@opacademy.bm Web: www.opacademy.bm Saltus Grammar School 108 St. John’s Rd. Pembroke HM 03 Tel: 292-6177 Web: www.saltus.bm Tomorrow’s Voices 155 South Rd. Smith’s HS 01 Tel: 297-4342 Email: tomorrowsvoices@northrock.bm Windreach 57 Spice Hill Rd. Warwick WK 03 Tel: 238-2469 Email: windreach@windreach.bm Web: www.windreachbermuda.bm

Enrichment/Sports

Bermuda Cricket Board Charities House, 25 Point Finger Rd. Paget DV 04 Tel: 292-8958 Email: info@cricket.bm Web: www.bermudacricketboard.com Bermuda School of Russian Ballet P.O. Box HM 661, Hamilton HM CX Tel: 293-4147 / 295-8621 or Studio 2922192 Email: info@balletbermuda.bm Web: www.balletbermuda.bm Big Brothers Big Sisters 25 Point Finger Rd. Paget DV 04 Tel: 232-2802

Spicelands Equestrian Centre 50 Middle Rd. Warwick WK 03 Tel: 238-8212 Email: spicelands@logic.bm Warwick Lanes 47 Middle Rd. Warwick WK 05 Tel: 236-5290

Camps please visit www. bermudaparentmagazine.com for a complete listing.

Healthcare

Bermuda Cancer & Health Centre 46 Point Finger Rd. Paget DV 04 Tel: 236-1001 Web: www.chc.bm Caesar Pharmacy 30/32 Somerset Rd. Sandys MA 02 Tel: 234-0851 Email: Caesarpharm@tbinet.bm Conscious Birth Bermuda Tel: 296-5900 Web: www.consciousbirthbermuda.com King Edward VII Memorial Hospital 7 Point Finger Rd., Paget DV 04 Tel: 236-2345 Maternity Ward: 239-2016 Nursery SCBU: 239-2017 Gosling Ward: 239-2014 Web: www.bermudahospitals.bm Mindful Mothering 86 Spice Hill Rd. Warwick WK 02 Tel: 504-2937 Email: katrina@mindfulmotheringbda. com Web: www.mindfulmotheringbda.com People’s Pharmacy 62 Victoria St. Hamilton HM 12 Tel: 292-7527 Email: info@peoplespharmacy.bm Web: www.peoplespharmacy.bm Ultimate Imaging International Centre, Suite 401 26 Bermudiana Rd. Hamilton HM 11 Tel: 297-5960 Email: info@uiltd.bm Web: www.uiltd.bm

Just for Moms

Becky Spencer Photography Tel: 238-5236 Email: becky@beckyspencer.com Web: www.beckyspencer.com Chic Studio Tel: 537-2442 Email: info@chicbermuda.com Web: www.chicbermuda.com In Harmony Portrait Studio 11 Curving Avenue., Hamilton, HM17 Tel: 541-5412 Email: inharmony@northrock.bm Web: www.inharmonyportraits.com La Leche League Tel: 236-1120 Email: islandgirl@northrock.bm Sacha Blackburne Photography Tel: 293-5088 Email: sacha@sachablackburne.com Web: www.sachablackburne.com

Party Planning

Funtyme Entertainment Tel: 535-0815 or 535-3837 Web: www.funtymeent.com

Mr Chicken Heron Bay Plaza Tel: 238-2319 27 Queen St. Hamilton Tel: 232-6109 Sugar Rush Cakes Tel: 337-6171 Email: sugarrushbda@yahoo.com Web: sugarrushbermuda.com Surprise 123 North Shore Rd. Hamilton Parish CR 01 Tel: 293-3208 Surprise Scrapbook Boutique 8 Kings Square, St. George’s Tel: 292-2638 Email: info@surprise.bm Web: www.surprise.bm

Retail

Baby on Board Maternity Tel: 532-2626 Web: www.babyonboardmaternity.com Bermuda Linens & Gifts 16 Somers Wharf, St. Georges Tel: 296-0189 Web: www.bermudalinens.com Brown n Co 3 Reid St. Hamilton HM 11 Tel: 295-3838 The Bookmart: 279-5443 Web: www.bookmart.bm Heaven Sent Baby Boutique 5 Elliott St. Hamilton HM 09 Tel: 295-2229 Hunts Food & Supply 5 Quarry Lane, Khyber Pass, Warwick WK 03 Tel: 236-6343 or 236-4604 Phoenix Kidz 3 Reid St. 2nd Fl. Phoenix Centre, Hamilton HM 11 Tel: 279-5450

BDA Parent Resource Adventist Book Center 41 King St. Hamilton Tel: 292-4110

The Argus Group 14 Wesley St. Hamilton HM 11 Tel: 295-2021 Email: insurance@argus.bm Web: www.argus.bm BEST Shipping 3 Addendum Lane North, Pembroke HM 07 Tel: 292-8080 Email: info@best.bm Web: www.best.bm Bermuda Motors 63 Church St. Hamilton Tel: 292-0893 Email: sales@bermudamotors.bm Web: www.bermudamotors.bm Bermuda Pest Control PO Box WK2342, Warwick WK BX, Tel: 232-7378 Email: bpest@northrock.bm Web: www.pestcontrol.bm Bermuda Waterworks Ltd 32 Parsons Lane, Devonshire DV 06 Tel: 299-7873 Email: purewater@bwl.bm BGA Wholesale Distributors 1 Mills Creek, Pembroke HM 05 Tel: 295-8080 Web: www.bga.bm

Butterfield & Vallis 12 Orange Valley, Devonshire DV 06 Tel: 236-6688 Club Minaj 50 Water Street, St. Georges Tel: 595-0692 Email: clubminaj50@gmail.com Coffee Works 10 Harvey Road, Paget PG04 Web: www.coffeeshop.bm Conspec Imports 12 Cemetery Rd. Pembroke HM 07 Tel: 296-5775 or 705-4721 Email: info@conspecimports.com Web: www.conspecimports.com Consumer Affairs 129 Front St. Hamilton HM 12 Tel: 297-7627 Email: consumers@gov.bm Web: www.ca.gov.bm Crime Stoppers Bermuda P.O. Box HM 2711 Hamilton HM LX Tel: 800-8477 (TIPS) Web: www.crimestoppers.bm Department of Parks 169 South Rd. Paget DV 04 Tel: 236-5902 KFC 21 Queen St. Hamilton HM 11 Tel: 296-4532 Web: www.kfc.bm Meyer-Franklin Travel 35 Church St. Hamilton HM 12 Tel: 295-4176 Rubis Energy Bermuda 2 Ferry Rd. St. George’s GE 01 Tel: 297-1577 Web: www.rubis-bermuda.com Spot Restaurant Ltd.

6 Burnaby St. Hamilton HM 11 Tel: 292-6293 Vic Ball Taxi Service Tel: 334-7344 Women’s Resource Centre 58 Reid St. Hamilton HM 12 Tel: 295-3882 Crisis Hotline: 295-7273 Email: wrc@wrcbermuda.com Whites & Sons Supermarkets 22 Middle Rd. Warwick WK 03 Tel: 236-1050

Sponsor a Charity If you don’t have the time to Volunteer then offer a charity the opportunity to advertise with Bermuda Parent Magazine.

Promote your favorite charity so that parents are informed of the quality resources available!

Provide a 1/4, 1/2 or full page advert for the charity of your choice (charity rates available).

Your name or company name will be displayed with the charity of your choosing!

Contact us at

advertising@ bermudaparentmagazine.com or call 504-2937

Don’t let birth just happen.

Prior planning and preparation are key to birth, breast-feeding and parenting skills. Knowing the options available allows for making informed choices.

Mindful Mothering offers:

• Childbirth Classes: Individual private classes and small group classes • Refresher Class: Individual Birth Skill classes (preparing you specifically for the labour & birth) • Birth Doula (Labor coach): Having a supportative person present who knows about birth can make all the difference both emotionally and physically

Tel. 441.504.2937 Email. katrina@mindfulmotheringbda.com www.mindfulmotheringbda.com

PwC is proud to support the outstanding community work of the WRC Š 2012 PricewaterhouseCoopers, (a Bermuda partnership) All rights reserved.

BV_Huggies ad_8.5x11.indd 1

4/10/12 2:56 PM