2022 Chinook Edition by M.L. Ellen Percival

Take HEE! o Copy me

Calgarys Child 2022 CHINOOK EDITION

We Are Family

SAVE DATE THE

ak-a-peek e n s r u o y ’s e r He p offerings m a c ’s r e m m at this su

NOW HEAR THIS! How to Stop Repeating

Yourself & Get Things Done

Bump, Baby & Tot Gear, Activities + Resources for the 4 & Under Crowd

Stylish

STORAGE SOLUTIONS

CALGARY'S COOLEST

WINTER WALKS And the Winners Are . . .

Parents ’ Choice Awards

Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association Serving immigrant women, girls & their families Free resources, workshops, employment training & more! Social services access Basic needs support Legal assistance Emergency housing

English classes Job preparation Occupational training Career bridging programs

Youth groups & activities Programs for older adults Home visitation for parents of preschoolers Cross Cultural Parenting Family Resource Network

Counselling Health and wellness Addictions & mental health Domestic violence prevention & intervention

Childcare and first language support available

(403) 263-4414 | reception@ciwa-online.com #200 - 138 4 Avenue SE Calgary, AB T2G 4Z6 www.ciwa-online.com

Contact Us Phone Number: �� 403-241-6066 Email: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . calgaryschild@shaw.ca

About Us Publisher/Editor: M. L. Ellen Percival Co-Creator: Sherry Kerr – ABC Assistant Publisher/Website Manager: Allison Percival

calgary’s child

Art Director: Amanda Sharp

2022 CHINOOK EDITION

Distribution Manager: Cathy Bontje

Front & Centre

The art of positive self-talk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

We Love Local

From soap to huggables, check out cool businesses in Calgary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Calgary Cares - Calgary Cares is a free forum designed to match those with needs to those willing to help. Help is just a phone call away . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Momentum – helping Calgarians manage their money. . . . . 7 Dolphin Dry Cleaners – donate your gently used winter gear to those in need . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Southcentre Mall – new program supports children with sensory processing disabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Family Fun Best winter walks to cool spots. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Top 10 Chinook activities for family fun without spending a ton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 10 tips for staying safe on your next family hike . . . . . . . . . . .10 Five tips to enhance your child’s outdoor play with loose parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Three fun date night ideas for your Valentine . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Contests - Enter to WIN! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Calgary's Child Calendar What's happenning? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 2022 Parents’ Choice Awards Winners . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Bump, Baby & Tot Do you need a birth plan?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Nervous about becoming a dad?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Top 10 (+1!) baby essentials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Baby & Tot Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Whether it’s your first or a new addition, we have everything you need - from bump to baby to preschooler!

Editoral Assistant: Stacie Gaetz Copy Editor: Melissa Thomson Sales Director: Eilidh Tait . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 587-888-9556 eilidh.calgaryschild@gmail.com

Playtime with baby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 IVF 101: What you need to know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Stylish storage solutions for your kids’ stuff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Play ideas to keep toddlers busy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Free literacy activities, virtual programs, and more at Calgary Public Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Home & Lifestyle The benefits of an organized pantry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Life is better when it’s lived in Harmony (advertiser feature) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Why you have a closet full of clothes but nothing to wear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Camp & Program Connecting to classes and programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Mastering movement skills on ice and snow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 How to get your preschooler excited about day camp . . . . 38 How to help your daughter develop a love of being physically active . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Early-Bird Summer Camp & Program Directory . . . . . . . . . 40 Want to get program registration off your list? Here’s your sneak-a-peek at this summer’s offerings! 5 fun STEAM crafts to banish kid boredom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 The benefits of becoming a summer camp leader . . . . . . . . 44 How to choose a summer camp your kids will love . . . . . . . 46 The City of Calgary’s top 10 ways to love winter . . . . . . . . . . 48

Parent Connection Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Getting your kids to listen to you and follow directions. . . . 51 4 things to consider when finding therapy for your teen . . 52 Understanding your child’s IPP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Helping your kids cope with missed milestones . . . . . . . . . . 54

Every issue of Calgary’s Child Magazine includes our family-focused features and departments; plus, each issue also includes comprehensive themed directories – designed to provide busy parents with all the information on local products, support & services – all in one place.

Next Issue SPRING EDITION

Ad Booking Deadline: March 16, 2022 Release Date: April 6, 2022 The snow is finally melting away and summer is on its way! Our Spring Edition is full of ways to make the most of the season, from fun and travel ideas to summer camps and programs and more!

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Cover Halfpoint © Adobe Stock

Contributors Judy Arnall Lori Beattie Kimberly Blaker Rachel Braeuer Klynne Brinas Chantal Côté, R. Psych Ashlee Ellerbruch, M.C., R. Psych. Marlowe Gelmon, M.Sc. Jen Goeres Jim Grove Lisa Kalbenbach, M.A., R. Psych. Tanya Kaynes Tanya Koob

Sharon Loose, CCE, CD, BDT, PCD Jenna Mazzei Sarah Parker Susan Pederson Cara Poppitt Gwen Randall-Young, R. Psych. Sarah Reader Lisa Salem Nicole Sheldon, R. Psych. James Smith Genevieve Yarn Marie Zydek

CBE, CSSD, Rocky View Schools & Foothills School Division Parents! Look for our link on your School’s Website and/or Monthly Newsletters: Connect digitally with Calgary’s Child Magazine for parenting and education support, local resources, programs and activities for kids and families. calgaryschild.com (click on current cover)

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Distribution Calgary’s Child Magazine is available at over 500 locations around Calgary including elementary schools through the Calgary Catholic District, Calgary Board of Education, Rockyview District, Foothills School Division and Calgary Public Libraries. You can also find Calgary’s Child Magazine in stands at all City of Calgary Parks & Recreation facilities, Safeway, Co-op and Sobeys... just to name a few locations.

front & centre

the art of positive self-talk Teaching your child the powerful act of increasing their own confidence By Ashlee Ellerbruch, M.C., R. Psych., and Lisa Kaldenbach, M.A., R. Psych. Have you ever had to do something new and scary, and had a moment where you gave yourself a little pep talk? I can do this. It doesn’t matter if I make a mistake. I am good enough. This little pep talk, in psychology terms, is called positive self-talk. Positive self-talk can also be described as our inner monologue that helps us reframe how we might be viewing our world. This is an important tool to have, and it’s not just a skill that adults use. Children can greatly benefit from learning this skill - it can increase problemsolving skills, self-confidence, and stress management. Here are our top 10 strategies for you and your children to learn the art of positive self-talk: 1. Model positive self-talk. Modeling any positive behavior is a simple and easy way to teach a child. The tricky part is being mindful about the process and being intentional about modeling specific behaviors. Often, positive self-talk is something that adults are still learning to successfully implement themselves. When you are experiencing something frustrating, tough, or new, try talking out loud to yourself while your child is present. Use positive self-talk to model for your child that everyone benefits from a little self-encouragement. 2. Praise the process. We all benefit from knowing we did well. But research shows that praising the process or effort, rather than the person, helps to support a growth mindset, resiliency, and confidence: “Wow, you must have worked really hard!” “I saw how many different ways you tried to solve that problem.” “I love the colors you chose to use.” Although this may seem like a small change, it can have big and positive impacts! 3. Make a positive affirmation list. Positive affirmations are positive statements that we make about ourselves. For example, “I am smart.” “I am creative.” “I am ambitious.” “I am a good friend.” There are many ways we can incorporate positive affirmations into our day. We recommend finding a time in the day when all household members are present (i.e., dinner time, mornings, before bed) and have each member go around and say something positive about themselves and the family member next to them. This makes positive self-talk and affirmations part of your family’s day! You can also encourage your children to use these positive affirmations during times that they feel stressed or

overwhelmed, to remind themselves of their strengths, and that they can do hard things. 4. Do regular check-ins. Talking about emotions regularly or doing daily ‘check-ins’ is a great way to integrate discussions about a child’s feelings. Talk about those moments where your child was feeling scared to try out for the basketball team, anxious about taking a test, or worried about starting a new school. How were they feeling? How did their body feel? What types of thoughts were they having? These are great conversations to have with your children to create an open dialogue around those tough emotions that they may experience. 5. Support their passions and interests. Provide outlets for self-expression that helps your children feel confident and capable. When children can engage in a variety of interests and hobbies, they are more likely to experience a sense of positivity, which contributes to

“Positive self-talk can also be described as our inner monologue that helps us reframe how we might be viewing our world.” their overall sense of optimism. Be open and accepting of each child’s unique and specific interests, and don’t let your personal preferences interfere with the passions each child pursues. 6. Allow space for their stories and emotions. We typically engage in positive self-talk when we’re feeling, well… not so positive. We are often quick to dismiss our children’s negative emotions and try to make them feel happy again. But it is important that we allow space to acknowledge and process big feelings. It’s okay to feel scared, worried, or upset - these are emotions we all feel and must learn how to manage them appropriately. 7. Support problem-solving. By helping to coach a child as they problem-solve a fight with a friend, a bad day at school, or a disappointment, we are giving them the tools on how to reframe a problem, think about the other person’s perspective, and brainstorm solutions.

Problem-solving is a lifelong skill that children are learning, and positive self-talk is one more strategy they can have in their problem-solving toolbox. 8. Journaling and reflection. Journaling is a great tool for all ages and allows us to express our thoughts and experiences in a safe and therapeutic space. By journaling, you can reflect on your experiences, plan for how to manage future struggles, incorporate positive affirmations, and process tricky feelings. Reflective journaling allows you to process and learn from past experiences while also being a source of inspiration and rejuvenation. Journaling is all about self-expression, and there is no wrong way to journal. 9. Practice, practice, practice! Learning positive selftalk is like any other skill, you must practice it to get better at it. Although this may seem like an easy task, it takes a lot of effort to implement this strategy, especially if you are not used to practicing positive self-talk. By modeling, participating in fun games and activities, talking about emotions, and reflecting on those experiences, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a positive self-talk pro! 10. Make it fun! Learning happens naturally when we are having fun! This is a simple yet effective way to increase learning within your whole family. Some of our favorite books about confidence, growth mindset, and self-esteem are I Like Myself! by Karen Beaumont, What’s My Superpower? by Aviaq Johnston, The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds. And when you feel like cuddling up to watch a movie together, try turning on Finding Nemo, How to Train Your Dragon, Inside Out, Brave, Sing, The Boy Who Learned to Fly. These stories and movies can help you to start conversations about positive self-talk and confidence with your kids. The bonus? They are fun for the whole family! Be gentle with yourself as you practice incorporating more positive self-talk into your life. It may feel silly at first, or not come easily, but by readily practicing this skill, it can promote optimistic thinking, feelings of confidence and hope, and most importantly, happiness! Ashlee and Lisa are child psychologists who created KidsConnect Psychology as a place for children and families to access tools, supports, and therapy. For digital downloads, parenting tool kits, information about parent counselling, school consultations, daycare consultations, and more, visit kidsconnectpsychology.com. Follow on Facebook and Instagram @KidsConnectPsychology. CCM

CHINOOK 2022 • calgaryschild.com • 5

We Love

LOCAL

For even more local picks check out our blog at calgaryschild.com

BOWNESS SOAPWORKS – bownesssoapworks.com SQUISHYANDBEAN etsy.com/ca/shop/ SquishyandBean

This Calgary soap company specializes in all natural, handmade, adventure-inspired soap. The company brings the experience of the outdoors to you with soap subscriptions that are named after mountains including Yamnuska, Three Sisters and Ha Ling Peak. Check out the website or follow them on Instagram @bownesssoapworks.

These cute and practical accessories for babies, toddlers and kids may be (almost) too adorable for words. With a selection that includes everything from personalized holiday decorations to beautiful hair accessories and quality bibs, this Strathmore mom is making a name for herself. Check out her Etsy shop or follow her on Instagram @squishyandbean.

DINGO COFFEE CO. – dingocoffee.co Jumpstart your morning with fresh beans, better coffee. Dingo Coffee Roasters is a family run business with owners constantly trying new beans from all over the world, taking customers' feedback and working to curate a delicious menu. The team roasts fresh beans every week, in Calgary, to ensure when you get your bag, you can see and smell the difference even before you brew. Check out the website or follow them on Instagram @dingo.coffee.roaster.

AMI & EMME – etsy.com/ca/shop/ AmiandEmme Crocheting for the last eight years, owner Robyn McLean found her passion in creating animals when she was asked to make a monkey for her nephew and are we glad she did! Her collection now includes an octopus and even a lump of coal that was wildly popular this past Christmas season. Check out her Etsy shop or follow her on Instagram @ami.and.emme.

LITTLE MAY PAPERY – littlemaypapery.com

HUGGABLE HEARTWARMERS – huggableheartwarmers.weebly.com These handmade friends are microwavable wheat warming bags that are suitable for all ages and come in a host of adorable characters. Designed and created by Gwen Tracy Designs, Gwen and Tracy have been creating unique products commercially since 2006 and have been seen in various craft shows, art sales, fairs and expos in and around Calgary. Check out the website or follow them on Facebook @huggableheartwarmers.

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Little May Papery is a hand-crafted stationery company that creates playfully whimsical paper goods and accessories. Thoughtfully designed by illustrator Leanne Thompson exploring all life’s simple, messy and joyous moments. Little May operates out of their sunny studio warehouse in Calgary, where all cards are designed, printed and assembled using only the loveliest materials. Check out the website or follow them on Instagram @littlemaypapery.

LINDSEY HOPKINS ART – etsy.com/ca/ shop/lindseyhopkinsart Lindsey is the cover artist for our YYC Families edition and it’s easy to see why we went with her fun and colorful style for our graphic map of Calgary. The Cochrane-based custom illustrator creates beautiful masterpieces of people and homes with more than 400 clients walking away with their memories captured. Check out her Etsy shop or follow her on Instagram @lindseyhopkinsart.

Help is Just a Phone Call Away! 211 Community Connection (24 hours) Dial 211 to get connected to the community services you need ��211 AADAC Help Line (24 hours) Phone �� 1-866-33AADAC (2-2322) Adult Counselling and Prevention Services �� 403-297-3071 Youth Services �� 403-297-4664 Alberta Children’s Hospital Child Abuse and Mental Health Program Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-955-5959

calgary cares Calgary Cares is a free forum designed to match those with needs to those willing to help. If you work for, volunteer for, or know of a charity that needs some support, please let us know so we can tell our readers.

Alberta Health Services – HEALTHLink Alberta 24-hour line providing health information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 811 Calgary Communities Against Sexual Abuse 24-Hour Crisis Line and support for people who have been sexually abused/assaulted and their families . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-237-5888 CCIS Parent Link Family Resource Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-266-6686

Learn, Earn, Save, and Thrive with Momentum!

Children’s Cottage Crisis Nursery 24-hour child care for parents in crisis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-233-2273

Matched Savings for Adults Program

Child Abuse Hotline Report child abuse-24 hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-387-KIDS

Provided by Momentum

Community Resource Team 24-hour mobile crisis team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-299-9699 Developmental Disabilities Resource Centre of Calgary Offers a number of respite options for families with a child with a disability 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, voice message after hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-240-3111 Distress Centre Calgary 24-hour crisis line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-266-HELP (4357) ConnecTeen – 24-hour youth support line . . . . . . . . . . 403-264-TEEN (8336) Early Start Support for Families with New Babies Seven days a week, 24-hours a day support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-244-8351 Families Matter Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-205-5178 Hospice Calgary Grief Counselling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-263-4525 Kids Help Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-668-6868 La Leche League Breastfeeding Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-242-0277 Mental Health Help Line 24 Hour Help Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-877-303-2642 Mental Health Crisis Line (Mobile Response Team) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-266-1605 Canadian Mental Health Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-297-1700 Suicide Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-297-1744 Missing Children Society of Canada Organization dedicated to the search for abducted and runaway children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-661-6160 Parent Support Association 24-hour self help for parents of children nine and up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-270-1819 Poison Centre Alberta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-332-1414 Ronald McDonald House® Southern Alberta A home away from home for out of town families with seriously ill children in the Calgary Hospitals – 9 am to 9 pm . . . . . . . . . 403-240-3000 Shelters (all 24 hour access) Calgary Drop-In Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-266-3600 Children’s Cottage Crisis Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-233-2273 Women’s Emergency Shelter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-234-SAFE (7233) Sheriff King Family Support Centre Crisis Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-266-0707 Awo-taan Native Women’s Shelter Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-531-1972 Wheatland Communities Crisis Society Shelter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-934-6634 SIDS Calgary Offers support to families who have lost a child to crib death403-265-7437 West Central Communities Resource Centre One-stop approach for family services in the SW communities in regards to early intervention . . . . . . . . . . 403-543-0555 Women’s Health Resources Women’s Health Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-944-2270

Momentum knows that managing and saving money can be hard, especially while living on a low income. Momentum has been supporting Calgarians to manage their money and build ongoing saving habits for over 20 years. Momentum can support you to start saving your money and working toward your financial goals. Matched Savings programs support you to learn financial literacy skills and for every dollar you save in the program, Momentum matches it at a ratio of 3:1! How does it work? Save money and build a habit: • Build the habit of saving by depositing up to $50 each month in your bank account. • Momentum supports you to achieve your savings goals and keeps you accountable. Learn in class and manage your money: • Come to interactive and non-judgmental financial literacy workshops with people in similar situations. Learn about budgeting, credit, debt management, • assets, and other important topics. Earn matched savings and put it toward your future: • For every $1 you save, Momentum matches it times three! • Use your combined savings to improve your future through education, tools for work, RESP, RDSP, housing, and more. Get started Momentum’s Matched Savings Programs for Adults begin in the spring and fall and fill up quickly. Applications are accepted year-round. To apply, you must meet the minimum eligibility criteria. For more information, visit momentum.org/programs-services/manage-your-money/ matched-savings-programs-for-adults. If you meet the criteria, contact Momentum at 403204-2650 to speak to an Intake Coordinator or sign up on the website. Momentum works with individuals, businesses, communities, and systems to increase individuals’ income and assets, and create a thriving local economy for all. For more information and to donate to amplify your impact, visit momentum.org. CCM

YWCA Sheriff King Family Support Centre Non-crisis information - 8 am to 4 pm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-266-4111

Hospitals Alberta Children’s Hospital 2888 Shaganappi Trail NW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-955-7211 Foothills Medical Centre 1403, 29 Street NW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-944-1110 Peter Lougheed Centre 3500, 26 Avenue NE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-943-4555 Rockyview General Hospital 7007, 14 Street SW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-943-3000 Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre - Urgent Care 1213, 4 Street SW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-955-6200 South Calgary Health Centre - Urgent Care 31 Sunpark Plaza SE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-943-9300 South Health Campus - Emergency Department 4448 Front Street SE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-956-1111

Donate Your Gently Used Winter Gear to Dolphin Dry Cleaners

Help Calgary Families and Others in Need

Cleaners team will dry clean every item and distribute them to Calgary families and individuals in need. “We feel the need of our community and are here to help,” shares Imran Rajpoot, President at Dolphin Dry Cleaners. “Winter gear is essential to life in Calgary and providing suitable coats, hats, and gloves for an entire family is an expensive undertaking. With growing families, coats often have to be replaced season after season, year after year! We know this means there are families and individuals struggling to get all the cold weather gear they need. And this also means there are those that end up with a surplus of winter clothes! We’re here to make the connection and get gently used winter gear to all Calgarians in need.” Recognized as a humanitarian ready to help his fellow Calgarians, Imran has led a number of causes designed to make life easier for those around him. At the start of the pandemic, he and his team generously donated the Dolphin Dry Cleaners Wash N Roll laundry service for free to front-line health care workers. For more information on Dolphin Dry Cleaners, including the company locations for winter gear dropoff and pickup, visit dolphincleaners.com. For more information on Humanity First, visit humanityfirstcanada.ca. Dolphin Dry Cleaners is a family-owned and operated eco-friendly dry cleaning and laundry service with seven locations across Calgary. The group is dedicated to changing the face of the industry as a trail blazing pioneer in environmental best practices. Feeling Social? Follow on Facebook @DolphinDryCleaners and Twitter @DolphinDryClean. CCM

Southcentre Mall New Program Supports Children With Sensory Disabilities Provided by Southcentre Mall A visit to the mall can seem like a simple family outing, but for families of children with sensory sensitivities, this seemingly straightforward activity can actually be quite challenging. Children and youth who live with sensory processing disabilities often do not have the ability to filter out external stimuli, making outings difficult for both them and their families. Families can access Southcentre’s complimentary Sensory Backpack Program launched in partnership with the Calgary Wildrose Lions. Patrons are invited to visit Guest Services to sign out backpacks filled with resources for self-regulation, tactile input, attention focusing tools and body awareness support items - all free of charge. The program is intended to help manage the sensory bombardment children experience on outings, reduce behaviors triggered by sensory overload and help make the overall experience more enjoyable and positive for children and their families.

Provided by Dolphin Dry Cleaners Dolphin Dry Cleaners, in partnership with Humanity First, is inviting you to donate your gently used winter gear at any of the seven locations. The Dolphin Dry

Southcentre believes that all families should be able to participate in outings and fun activities that most people are able to take for granted and is proud to be able to provide this new resource for Calgarians. CCM

CHINOOK 2022 • calgaryschild.com • 7

family fun

Calgary’s best winter

walks to cool spots 3 walks for everyone to enjoy By Lori Beattie; Photos: Courtesy of Lori Beattie GLENBOW RANCH: Trains, cattle, deer and ice cream Alberta’s trademark, big, blue skies are a constant companion when you walk around Glenbow Ranch. And when the clouds roll in, the textures and patterns of the land juxtaposed to the blue backdrop draw your eyes high. The Chinook arch is especially impressive; its distinctive straight-line cloud formation and warm westerly winds provide welcome respite in mid-January. Be prepared: the winds can be fierce here, especially pre-Chinook, when gusts foreshadow the rise in temperatures. Vast and open, the park is situated along the north bank of the Bow River between Calgary and Cochrane in Rocky View County. Glenbow Ranch hosts 25 km of interconnecting paved and gravel pathways. Rolling grasslands lead to boundless views of the Bow River Valley and the Rockies beyond, and dips lead into aspenfilled coulees. And you will see trains. Since 1883 trains have travelled through this piece of prairie as part of their cross-Canada trek. When you walk here, you follow in the footsteps of the First Nations peoples who lived and hunted in the area up to four thousand years ago. Evidence of tipi rings, cairns, and bison kills have been found at the ranch. The area was later established as western Canada’s first big ranch, named the Cochrane Ranche in 1881. Here, ranchers discovered their cattle could not withstand the harsh winters as the bison had; a lesson that was critical to the success of future southern Alberta ranches. Cattle still roam the fields, as the park remains a working ranch. Grazing helps maintain the health and vigour of the fescue grassland landscape. In the fall and winter, the cattle eat the tall, protein-rich grasses. Their cropping of the grasses allows sunlight to reach the roots, leading to healthy grass growth in the spring. Interpretive signs along the route provide interesting background on Alberta’s ranching heritage and geological history. A walk here calms the mind and refreshes the spirit. Starting point: Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park, Hwy 1A, about 4 km east of Cochrane. Cool spots: If you didn’t bring your lunch to the ranch, head to Cochrane Coffee Traders post-walk for a cuppa fresh-roasted coffee and house-made lunches and baked goods. Popular with cyclists out for a day ride from Calgary, this is a nice spot to warm up by the fireplace on a cold day. If it is a winter chinook day and you feel the need for some ice cream, drop by MacKay’s ice cream shop. Serving house-made ice cream since 1948, MacKay’s is a destination drive for Calgarians. Cochrane Coffee Traders: 114, 2 Avenue West MacKay’s: 220, 1 Street West DALE HODGES PARK AND BOWMONT PARK EAST: Wetlands, off leash and rolling hills Tucked in between the community of Silver Springs and the Bow River, Bowmont Natural Environment Park offers a nature break, with grassland trails and paved pathways. Start the walk on the paved Bow River Pathway and connect to Dale Hodges Park, a former gravel pit that was transformed into wetlands and meadows through a unique collaboration between Parks, Water Resources 8•

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and Public Art. The rolling grassland trail is perfect for hikers in training, with its multiple climbs and descents. The high points on the trail offer a bird’s eye view of some of the vast and impressive properties along the river in Bowness.

"Corridor of Connection" Mural 4 Street

St. Patrick's Island Post-climb rest breaks allow you to soak up the Rocky Mountain views, which are hard to beat. Walk the trails past polishing marshes, wet meadows and the Nautilus Pond and learn about the storm water treatment process as it flows to the Bow River. This process is estimated to reduce sediment in stormwater by 50 percent, helping to protect our river system. Continue past the Nautilus Pond and onto the roller coaster grassland pathways. Connect across the Bow River into Bowness for a longer walk. Walking bridges lead to paved pathways and Bowness Road where tasty spots like Cadence Coffee await! Starting point: Park at the official parking area on 52 Street (one-way) just off Home Road. Cool spots: Cadence Coffee is a local hot spot. Popular for breakfasts or a cup of coffee and freshly baked muffin, it is a wonderful post-walk destination. Grab some tasty food and enjoy it during a break at one of the sightseeing lookouts perched on the Bowmont Park escarpments. Cadence Coffee: 6407 Bowness Road NW RAMSAY AND RIVERWALK: Art, murals, sledding and hot chocolate Eclectic, sometimes gritty, neighborhoods make for the best urban hikes. Ramsay is home to old-fashioned corner stores, historic homes and buildings from the early 1900s - some renovated and fantastic, some handyman delights. Ramsay is not polished and perfect, and that is what makes walking here so enjoyable, so unpredictable. Red, bright yellow, violet blue, chartreuse, forest green, and turquoise: these are just some of the house colors you will see on this trek. Walk over the Elbow River pedestrian bridge, past Fort Calgary, and into the East

Bounce Courts, Bow & Central Library Village. RiverWalk is a beautiful pathway development that connects, or will connect, the East Village, Stampede Park, Lindsay Park, and the community of Mission. Continue west along the Bow River and stop at the historic Simmons Building, the home of a diverse group of eateries and cafés. Walk through East Village to the Central Library or National Music Centre or connect to St. Patrick’s Island, at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow rivers. The park has 1.6 km of pathways, waterparks, a playground and sledding hill, picnic spots, wetlands, and forests. Starting point: Park anywhere along 8 Avenue near 8 Street, or Bridgeland LRT Station. Cool spots: Grab a hot chocolate and bite to eat at the Simmons Building on the RiverWalk. Walk through the East Village to the Central Library and the National Music Centre. Check out the 4 Street SE “Corridor of Connection” mural. Detour along 9 Avenue and visit the free Esker Foundation Gallery of Contemporary Art on 9 Avenue. Simmons Building: 618 Confluence Way SE Central Library: 800 3 Street SE National Music Centre: 850 4 Street SE Esker Foundation Gallery of Contemporary Art: 1011 9 Avenue SE Lori is the author of Calgary’s Best Walks, the owner of Fit Frog and the CTV Walks segment host. Watch for her new book, Calgary’s Best Bike Rides, 50 Urban Cycle Tours and Pathway Pedals, coming this spring. She leads walks, hikes, and snowshoe days with her company Fit Frog. Connect with her and get a signed copy of her books on Instagram and Facebook @lorifitfrog and at fitfrog.ca. CCM

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the top 10 Chinook activities for family fun without spending a ton! Know where to go when the warm winds blow By Genevieve Yarn One of the best things about living in southern Alberta is how a Chinook can make the cold dark days of winter seem like a distant memory. The warm winds make outdoor activities accessible again, and that means you can have fun without spending a lot of money! Here are my top 10 Chinook day activities on a dime: 1. Ice skate on a frozen lake. Calgary is on the edge of some of the world’s most beautiful lakes and one of the best times to skate on a lake is during a Chinook because the snow melts leaving a clear path to glide on. Although any lake that is frozen enough to allow skating is great, a particular favorite of locals is Lake Minnewanka, due to the gas bubbles that are suspended in the ice. 2. Chinook Blast. There is bound to be a Chinook during Calgary’s four-week outdoor festival. Running from February 4 to 27, Chinook Blast features various festivals, art installations, pop-up performances, community installations, and other events around the city. Some activities require a fee to get in, but many others are free! For more information, visit chinookblast.ca. 3. Plan your garden. What better way to spend a day than planning the next season’s garden? You can begin to weed anything that you missed in the fall, and have the kids sketch out what they want to plant and where. If the ground is soft enough, you can even plant those early bulbs for your spring blooms. 4. Catch the ice racing on Ghost Lake. Although it’s not an official course, locals have been building a racetrack on Ghost Lake as soon as the ice is thick enough to hold vehicles. This year’s track is an impressive sight to see, and if you make your way out on a Chinook weekend, you are bound to see cars of all types drifting along the swerves. 5. Snowshoeing. When the wind blows the warm air into the Rockies, it’s the perfect time to explore the snowshoeing trails in and around the city. If your kids can walk, they can likely snowshoe, or you can pull them in a sled while you trek! If you don’t own snowshoes, don’t fret! Some public libraries around the city loan them out with your library card, or you can find a rental for around $15 per day or less.

“People think of picnics as a summer activity, but on a warm chinook day, a picnic can give you that recharge in the sun you have missed.” 6. YYC Hot Chocolate Fest. Plan a day to rank the best hot chocolate in the city by participating in the annual YYC Hot Chocolate Fest. On a Chinook day, you can plan a route out between a few of the contestants and enjoy the weather in between sips. Running from February 1 to 28, a portion of proceeds from each cup sold goes to Calgary Meals on Wheels (so you can feel good about downing all that deliciousness!). 7. Winter picnic. People think of picnics as a summer activity, but on a warm Chinook day, a picnic can give you that recharge in the sun you have missed. Pack your favorite finger foods and spend lunch outdoors!

8. Do an ice walk. One of the coolest ways to spend an unexpectedly warm day in the winter is by taking an ice walk. Yes, it’s as slippery as it sounds, so you will need to ensure everyone in the family has a set of ice grips that attach to your shoes. You can rent them, or you can buy some for under $20 a pair. Johnston Canyon features a series of catwalks appealing for beginners and leads to an icy waterfall. Grotto Canyon is a bit more rustic as your cleats dig into the ice of a frozen river. Both are worth checking out! 9. Go tobogganing. Sometimes it can be too cold to spend a day on the hills with the wind blowing at you. That’s why during those early Chinooks, you need to seize the moment before the snow melts. Tobogganing is not only super fun, but all that hill climbing tuckers the kids out, too! The City of Calgary has 22 official toboggan hills, which are maintained and have a long clear area at the bottom of each hill. Popular hills include Stanley Park, Confederation Park, and Prairie Winds Park. Remember, helmets on heads while sledding. 10. Walk along the Bow. We are lucky to have a beautiful river running right through our city, and the pathways surrounding it are perfect for a family walk! While you explore the waterfront, you can make your walk more fun by finding rocks to paint later, planning a scavenger hunt, or playing I-Spy. Bonus Chinook activities: Roast marshmallows at one of the local City parks • with fire pits • Go geocaching • Find all the murals in the city and take a picture at each one • Go stargazing one night • Have a snowman-building competition • Check out the 42nd Annual SnowMoDays. For more information, visit snowmodays.com. Genevieve is a mom of two, works in marketing, and writes in her (very minimal) free time. Follow her funny mom alter-ego on Instagram @cryitoutmom. CCM

CHINOOK 2022 • calgaryschild.com • 9

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10 tips for staying safe on your next family hike the ‘shoulds’ of shoulder season hiking Don’t let the still chilly weather stop you from enjoying Alberta’s scenery By Tanya Koob; Photos: Courtesy of Tanya Koob An early spring hike can lead you through three different seasons in a day. Weather can be hard to predict, and trails will often be snow covered or icy through March and April. But your family can still enjoy some fun hikes with a bit of careful planning and paying extra attention to safety. 1. Be prepared with a well-stocked day pack. You likely won’t be heading out for an eight-hour backcountry hike this time of year, but it’s still important to be prepared with enough layers and warm clothing for changing weather conditions (or a different forecast than what was predicted). I always have a first-aid kit with me (stocked with band-aids in all sizes), hand and foot warmers, and I never skimp on snacks, candy, and water in addition to a packed lunch for the trail. Finally, expect that somebody might have to go to the bathroom on the trail and carry a garbage bag, wipes or TP, and hand sanitizer - and be prepared to pack it all out. 2. Layers, more layers, and even more layers! The No. 1 clothing rule when it comes to shoulder season hiking is to wear layers. Start with a polyester T-shirt, layer with a long sleeve shirt, hoodie, or fleece sweater, and then wear a rain jacket, soft shell windbreaker, maybe a vest, or even a light puffy jacket on top. Pack what you don’t need and add or remove layers as needed. Consider wearing long underwear under insulated pants or water repellent shell pants for cool morning starts - you can always duck behind a tree if you must remove the bottoms later in the day. Or, depending on what you wear overtop, remove your overpants. Again, think smart layering for both bottom and top. Finally, avoid wearing cotton and denim - neither fabric will keep you warm if you get wet. 3. Always bring toques and mittens or gloves! I always have these items in my backpack year-round because conditions can change quickly on the trail (even

on a warm day). I also like to bring a buff or something else that I can pull over my face if it’s windy. 4. Expect ice, snow, and mud! Wear waterproof hiking shoes or winter boots rather than light running shoes that will get soaked if you encounter snow. Wearing a pair of gaiters over your pants also adds warmth to your lower legs and keeps your pants dry from snow or mud. You can pick up a pair of gaiters from most outdoor clothing stores.

Finally, bring ice cleats or microspikes to avoid unpleasant and potentially dangerous falls on slippery trails (even if walking around the town trails in Canmore or Banff). 5. Choose a trail you’re familiar with and make sure it’s winter safe. I like to stick to official well-signed trails when there’s snow on the ground. If choosing a summer trail that you’re familiar with, make sure it’s a safe trail for winter hiking. Many popular trails cross into avalanche terrain, and as the sun hits the mountains in spring, avalanche risk goes up! Stop in at a visitor centre or check the website for the park you want to visit and look for suggestions for safe winter hikes. I also like to check trail reports, so I know what I’m in for in terms of muddy or icy trails. 6. Take your summer hiking distance and cut it in half. Consider halving the normal distance and length of time that your children would be able to hike in summer. Adventures always take longer in winter (even if it’s because you stop every two minutes to shake snowy trees on each other!). Hiking through a mixture of snow, ice, and mud will increase your hiking time. 7. Make sure you can hike down whatever you have hiked up. There’s no harm in turning around because you weren’t expecting a foot of fresh snow in April or because a trip is taking longer than you thought it would take. I like to set a turnaround point for when my family wants to be back at our vehicle by dark (or earlier if we don’t want to drive home in the dark). 8. Be careful of frozen rivers or lakes. Spring is not the time to get playful running around on a frozen lake as the ice starts to become rotten. If you must cross a frozen body of water, send an adult first with a second adult ready to perform a rescue if they fall through. It’s easiest, though, to stay off ice in the spring. 9. Be a responsible pet owner if hiking with your dog. Assume that there will be other hikers on the trail that are fearful of dogs and plan accordingly. Your dog should never approach other hikers unless invited to say hi and everybody should feel safe when they meet you and your pet. It’s also a good idea to always keep your dog on a leash. Keeping your dog on a leash keeps them safe in the event of an encounter with a wild animal and it ensures your dog doesn’t get lost by running ahead or darting off into the trees after a squirrel. In most parks, it’s also the law to have your dog on a leash. Also, please pick up after your dog on the trail and don’t leave little goodie bags along the path. If you aren’t prepared to hold onto those little goodie bags the entire time, leave your pet at home. 10. You don’t have to go far to have a great outing! Calgary has over 600 natural areas spread around the city. Pick a new one and head out for some fresh air and an urban hike. I especially enjoy city walks in the afternoon when time is short after school. Visit The City of Calgary website to find a new natural area near your home. See you on the trails and prepare for a great adventure with your family as you hit the trails this spring! Tanya is a freelance writer and mom to an energetic teenage boy. She loves hiking, camping, skiing, and all things mountain related. She is the author of the blog, Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies, rockiesfamilyadventures.com. Feeling Social? Follow on Instagram @MountainMomYYC. CCM

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five tips to enhance your child’s outdoor play with loose parts Bits and bobs to encourage creativity By Sarah Reader In 2020, ParticipACTION published a report card for Canadian children on their daily behaviors such as active play, overall physical activity, sedentary behaviors, and sleep. The score for Overall Physical Activity was a D+ as only 39 percent of children aged 5 to 17 are getting the recommended daily amount of physical activity - this number is even lower in girls. The grade for Active Play (non-organized/unstructured leisure activities) was an F; this is a decline from a D assigned in 2018 (participaction.com). Our children are more sedentary than ever, and their physical and mental health is declining because of it. Research shows us that we can increase these grades by offering more unstructured, outdoor play for our children. When kids are outside, they move more, sit less, and play longer. A terrific way to enhance our children’s outdoor play is with loose parts. Loose parts are any materials that can be moved, carried, built and taken apart, lined up stacked together, and tinkered with. Loose parts aren’t prescriptive; there are no set directions, they offer limitless possibilities, and inspire creative play. Dynamic

spaces where children can explore, create, imagine, and manipulate their environment through play helps to develop their imaginative learning, physical, social, and decision-making skills. Here are five tips on how to incorporate loose parts into your child’s outdoor play: 1. Variety is the spice of life. When curating loose parts for your child’s outdoor play, have a variety of pieces available including those that your child would normally never interact with such as pvc pipes, tires, or large spools. One of the best pieces I had at an adventure playground is an old fiberglass bathtub insert; it is light enough for the children to move and it became a pirate ship, a bed, a chariot, and more! You don’t have to head out and purchase anything new or fancy; the best loose parts pieces are those that you have in your house: buckets, cardboard, gardening tools, fabric, pots/pans, water, scrap wood, etc. Having a variety of natural pieces such as sticks, pinecones, or dirt is also a terrific way to introduce different sensory experiences. 2. Use the environment. Do you have a hill near your house or woods? Are there large rocks to play on or trees

“Loose parts aren’t prescriptive; there are no set directions, they offer limitless possibilities, and inspire creative play.” to help create the backdrop for an imaginary world? When choosing parks to run an adventure playground, I looked for ones that had natural elements that I could incorporate into the children’s play like sand, rocks, trees, and hills. When your kids play out in nature, loose parts are already provided - the woods become their playground, the rocks and trees become their equipment, and they are exposed to endless hours of creation and imagination. Enhance your child's outdoor play – Continued on page 13

CHINOOK 2022 • calgaryschild.com • 11

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‘will you be my Valentine?’ Three fun date night ideas

By Tanya Kaynes; Photos: Courtesy of Tanya Kaynes Valentine’s Day, the day of love! It’s a holiday that was created by greeting card companies, but the idea wasn’t a bad one. After all, a day each year meant to proclaim your love for that special someone in your life can only be a good thing! Remember the old saying, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”? Well, the saying doesn’t apply only to men, as food is a universal language of love. This Valentine’s Day, try these fun dinner ideas for you and your sweetie! There are only two rules to follow: Don’t take yourselves too seriously, and have fun! 1. Pizza surprise date night. This date night gets your hands dirty, tests how well you know each other, and ends in enjoying delicious homemade pizza - now that’s a winning combination! The idea is to make pizza

sweetie’s favorite meal as a kid KD with cut-up hot dogs, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, or maybe it was one of those sugary cereals they were only allowed to eat on special occasions? (It is Valentine’s Day, so calories don’t count.) The idea here is to bring back fond memories of your youth, so don’t stop at the food. Enjoy your KD with hot dogs in front of the TV, watching your favorite childhood cartoons or favorite childhood movies or playing old video games together. Want to have a technology-free night? Play your favorite old games like Mouse Trap, Twister, Trouble, Monopoly, Jenga, or get creative and build LEGO. Depending on your situation, you may still have childhood toys or games stored away in the attic

“There are only two rules to follow: Don’t take yourselves too seriously, and have fun!” dough from scratch, together. You know those romantic movies where a couple is cooking in the kitchen together, giggling while making a mess, and lovingly dusting flour off each other’s cheeks? That’s the feel we’re going for here! Find a dough recipe online (there are many quick, easy recipes), and then get your hands dirty. Kneading the dough feels great and tossing the dough up in the air only creates a more fun cooking atmosphere! This is where how well you know your partner comes in. What is your partner’s favorite pizza toppings: pepperoni and mushroom, ham and pineapple, veggie, margherita, meat lovers, BBQ chicken, bits of kiwi (yes, it’s a thing)? In secret, prepare each other’s favorite pizza (have all the ingredients you think you’ll both need on hand), then pop the pizzas in the oven at the same time (no peeking!). When done, reveal your lovingly made za to each other at the dinner table and enjoy some date night beverages, too. A fresh, made-with-love pizza can’t be beat! 2. The good ol’ date night days. No one can deny that, for the most part, being a kid is less stressful than being an adult. For this fun Valentine’s date night, you are going to take your partner back to the good ol’ days! This is another surprise cooking challenge where you will be tasked to recreate your partner’s favorite childhood meal (hopefully you paid attention to those stories retold by your partner or most likely, retold by your partner’s parents!). Was your 12 • Find us on

or check with your parents and in-laws. Make the call and see what they have on hand or if they can give you some insider info for classic games to play on date night! Forget for one night that you have adult responsibilities and just play - it will do wonders for your well-being, too! 3. Past present future date night. This date night idea celebrates your relationship, and it also includes some surprises along the way (and again, tests your memory bank). Think back to your first date: Where did you go and what did you do? Did you enjoy a drink together at the local pub? Enjoy a nice walk in the park together with pups in tow? Well, we’ll see who remembers your first date correctly because you are both tasked with creating a first course/appetizer based on your first date. Again, this will be a surprise you present to each other, which may produce some hilarious results if you or your partner’s memory is off! If your first date was a walk in the park, make a salad with microgreens that look like grass. If your first date was enjoying a beer at the local pub, make beer battered mushrooms (or if you met in a pub in a cool place like San Francisco, make their famous sourdough bread as your starting course). Now, I know not everyone is a whiz in the kitchen so there is nothing wrong with purchasing any or all these items. For your main course, you are going to make (or purchase) your partner’s favorite meal. This is the meal that you know is their go-to, the meal that puts a

smile on their face. Your partner must do the same for you so again, this is a test to see if they know what your favorite meal is. For dessert, think about the future and where you would like to travel together. (I don’t know about you, but my list of places I want to travel to is getting longer by the minute!) Consider this a visualization exercise; you are manifesting your next vacation through dessert! Visualizing a trip to Paris? Indulge in beautiful French pastries. Visualizing a trip to Mexico? Indulge in churros. Visualizing a trip to Hawaii? Indulge in a pineapple upside down cake. Or maybe you want to stay close to home and explore Vancouver Island? Indulge in Nanaimo bars. Pick your top place that you want to travel to be represented in your dessert or surprise each other - who knows, maybe you’ll both end up serving the exact same dessert. So fun! These ideas can easily be adapted to include the kiddos, but if you can take a night for yourselves to have fun, discover some new things about each other, and laugh together, it will be good for both your hearts, and isn’t that what Valentine’s Day is all about? Tanya is the Head Curator at Menagerie Parties & Cakes, handcrafting boutique party experiences through custom décor, engaging activities, and show-stopping sweets. It’s a Party in a Box! For more information, visit menagerieyyc.ca. Feeling Social? Follow on Facebook and Instagram @menagerieyyc and subscribe on YouTube, bit.ly/3nT3Wne. CCM

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contests THE FISHER-PRICE LAUGH & LEARN 3-IN-1 ON-THE-GO CAMPER The Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn 3-in-1 On-the-Go Camper keeps exciting play going as your little camper grows from sitting up to engaging with busy activities, to walking and pushing along, to acting out imaginary camping adventures. This musical activity centre has three Smart Stages learning levels loaded with fun songs, sounds, lights, and phrases about letters, colors, counting and shapes, as well as over 10 removable play pieces to bring the pretend camping action to life. For more information and to purchase, visit walmart.ca or fisher-price.com/en-ca. For your chance to win the Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn 3-in-1 On-the-Go Camper, find our contests on our homepage at calgaryschild.com (contest code: Camper). Entry deadline is March 30, 2022.

MANTA AROMA MASK Stressed? Us too. Give yourself (or a loved one) the gift of relaxation and rejuvenating deep sleep! This is the only aromatherapy mask designed, constructed, and optimized for maximum relaxation in any environment. Created to combine the soothing power of lavender aromatherapy with the sensory relief of 100 percent blackout, AROMA is perfect for stress, anxiety, muscle tension, high blood pressure, headaches or insomnia. Featuring 100 percent pure AAA-grade lavender, its scent lasts 15 to 30 times longer than other masks. It also has targeted 'scent vents' and is made with soft, durable, snag-free materials. It puts zero pressure on the eyelids or lashes. Manta Sleep is on a mission to make sleep better, maximize your energy, champion the afternoon nap and create the world’s best sleep accessories. To learn more, visit mantasleep.com. For your chance to win the Manta AROMA Mask, find our contests on our homepage at calgaryschild.com (contest code: Mask). Contest closes March 30, 2022.

THE WEEK FROM HELL SELF-CARE GIFT SET Indulge in some rejuvenating self-care with this soulreviving rescue set! It includes Walton Wood Farm's famous grapefruit and brown sugar scented hand rescue in a 4 oz tub and 2 oz travel tube, Body Oil made with a blend of nourishing nut oils, sugar scrub made with Shea Butter, and 100 percent natural lip balm. All of the products are cruelty-free, vegetarian/vegan-friendly, and

gluten-free. They are also free of harsh ingredients like SLS, Paraben, and Phthalate. Every Walton Wood Farm product is made right here in Canada with natural ingredients - no harmful chemicals dumped into our world. You get to look (and feel) good without ruining the planet. For more information and to stock up on Walton Wood Farm’s gorgeous natural skincare line, visit waltonwoodfarm.com. For your chance to win this amazing body care set, find our contests on our homepage at calgaryschild.com (contest code: Week). Contest closes March 30, 2022.

CUISIPRO HERB KEEPER A smart solution for storing and extending the life of herbs. The Cuisipro Herb Keeper’s unique suspended tray system makes it easy to store and access herbs. The Herb Keeper is perfect when you wish to enjoy flavorful meals with the addition of fresh herbs. The tray rests on interior supports for easy access to herbs and holds herb bunches together for easy access. The stems are immersed in water for freshness and hydration that extends beyond refrigeration alone! Conveniently fits in most refrigerator doors. Best known for its innovative cooking tools, Cuisipro’s lineup of more than 200 products offers everyday kitchen must haves shaped by professional chefs for chefs of all skillsets. Cuisipro (cuisipro.com) products are available at select retailers including Hudson’s Bay, IQ Living, Cookery, and zestspot.com, Canada’s premier online retailer for premium kitchenware. For your chance to win the Cuisipro Herb Keeper, find our contests on our homepage at calgaryschild.com (contest code: Herb). Contest closes March 30, 2022.

CUISIPRO DELUXE FOOD MILL The Cuisipro Deluxe Food Mill purees a wide variety of fruits and vegetables with ease! The innovative scraper automatically scrapes as you turn - this scraper increases efficiency by allowing a smoother, more continuous flow of food. With non-slip

handles and an extra large bowl, the mill sits high in your pot or bowl, keeping the mill out of the food. Comes with three straining disks – 2mm for removing seeds out of tomato puree, 3mm for rice potatoes, 4mm for applesauce. Comes apart for easy cleaning. Best known for its innovative cooking tools, Cuisipro’s lineup of more than 200 products offers everyday kitchen must-haves shaped by professional chefs for chefs of all skillsets. Cuisipro (cuisipro.com) products are available at select retailers including Hudson’s Bay, IQ Living, Cookery, and zestspot.com, Canada’s premier online retailer for premium kitchenware. For your chance to win the Cuisipro Deluxe Food Mill, find our contests on our homepage at calgaryschild.com (contest code: Mill). Contest closes March 30, 2022.

Enhance your child's outdoor play – Continued from page 11

3. Plan for the elements. One of the beautiful things about loose parts is they can be used in all types of weather and environments. The key is to use the loose parts best suited for the elements. For instance, cardboard is a fantastic play piece, but put it on snow and it becomes extremely slippery. During the winter, kids are wearing mitts or gloves, so you want to use larger pieces that don’t require fine motor skills and won’t get lost in the snow. In the hot summer months, offer your kids loose parts that inspire their imaginative/constructive play instead of highly active play. 4. Don’t be afraid of risky play. Kids are more active when they have some freedom to roam and take risks. There are many different types of risky play: rough and tumble, play with tools, play at great heights, closely supervised play with dangerous elements (i.e., fire), play at high speeds, and play where kids ‘disappear’ or get lost. Unstructured, active play outdoors, with its risks, is essential for healthy child development. If you were never exposed to risky play opportunities as a child, it can be a little scary to allow your child to do so - and that’s okay! Take small steps and offer the environment for them to encounter risk through loose parts and learn to be more comfortable with it alongside your kids. 5. Let your child lead the play. It can be tempting to lead your children in play - help them create and direct their activities. But the true magic of play comes when the activities are freely chosen, intrinsically motivated, and personally directed. Children learn best when they can play freely, when they are empowered to take control of their own play and environments. Allow your children the freedom to build, imagine, and create in their own way - get down and play with them or start to build and create yourself. We know all the incredible benefits of unstructured, outdoor play - add some loose parts and watch the magic happen! Sarah has a Bachelor of Physical Education from the University of Alberta and was the supervisor for The City of Calgary’s Mobile Adventure Playground. As the owner of Playful Adventures (IG: @playfuladventures), she is passionate about bringing back unstructured, loose parts, outdoor play. Reach her at hello@ playfuladventures.ca. CCM

CHINOOK 2022 • calgaryschild.com • 13

family fun

calgary's child calendar For the most up-to-date calendar of events check out our website at calgaryschild.com

FEBRUARY *Sundays in February, 2:30pm; Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra Presents an Online Four-Part Series: The Bear and the Wild Rose. This series explores themes of Love, Home, Magic, and Resilience. The collaboration between Canadian musician and humanitarian Tom Jackson and the CPO aims to uplift communities everywhere. calgaryphil.com *Tuesdays, 12:30 to 2:30pm; Preschooler Indoor Playtime at Beltline Community Hub. Parents/caregivers with toddlers (under age 5) are invited to an informal gym drop-in! Coffee and healthy snacks will be offered. calgary.ca/free *Tuesdays & Thursdays in February, 6:30 to 7pm; Virtual Bedtime Storytime with the Calgary Public Library. Join the Library for cozy bedtime stories, songs, and fingerplays for the family to settle and get ready for bed. To register: calgarylibrary.ca *Every second Friday, 6 to 8:30pm; Family Fun Nights at Beltline Community Hub. Family Fun Nights are themed around culture, arts, STEM, and building new skills while making community connections. There will be snacks and prizes! calgary.ca/free Fridays, 2 to 6pm, Saturdays, Sundays & Statutory Holidays, Noon to 6pm, until March; East Village is Bringing Cozy Back with Hygge Hut. Hygge Hut is bigger, better, and cozier than ever and has a new home in C-Square! There will be weekly interactive live ice carving demonstrations, pop-up food trucks, hot chocolate, fireside storytime, dog walks, live music, and more! evexperience.com/hygge-hut

February 11, 10am to 3pm; What’s Up with Predators and Prey at Bow Habitat Station. Prey evolve to better escape, hide, and avoid their predators while predators evolve to better find and catch food. Learn about these fascinating relationships and visit the Investigation Stations. facebook.com/events/982598365659725 February 12, 12 to 3pm; The Icebreaker Polar Dip. The annual frosty dip at Mahogany Lake is a super fun familyfriendly event. You can watch more than 80 “dipsters” in crazy costumes jump into the icy water to raise funds and awareness for the SA Foundation’s work against human trafficking. Registration closes February 5. To register: calgaryicebreaker.com *February 12 & 26, 11am to 3pm; The City of Calgary’s Mobile Adventure Playground. Join for a self-directed, drop-in program that uses loose parts and natural materials to inspire active and creative outdoor play. Onsite play ambassadors will be onsite to inspire play. February 12: Macewen Glen Park. February 26: Greenspace by Thornhill Aquatic & Recreation Centre. calgary.ca/free Until February 13, 2 & 7:30pm; Vertigo Theatre Presents, Cipher. In 1956, a man’s body was discovered on the B.C. coast. A secret code is found sewn into his clothing. No investigation has revealed his identity, his killer, the motive, and the cipher remains unsolved. Forensic toxicologist vertigotheatre.com February 13 & 14, 5:30 to 10pm; In the Heat of the Night at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. This zoo-nique experience is the perfect way for you and your special someone to enjoy a date night out with a romantic 4-course dinner made with love by the Zoo’s culinary team. An adults-only (18+) event. calgaryzoo. com/events/in-the-heat-of-the-night-2022

February 1 to 28; Calgary Meals on Wheels Presents, YYC Hot Chocolate Fest. Participating cafés, restaurants, and chocolatiers compete for the coveted titles of YYC’s Best Hot Chocolate, Best Spirited Hot Chocolate, and special Cup That Runneth Over Award. Sip a variety of hot cocoas and determine the blend that roasts them all! $1 to $3 from every cup sold supports Calgary Meals on Wheels. yychotchocolate.com

February 17 to 20; Calgary Folk Music Festival Presents, Block Heater 2022. This year’s festival features compelling and diverse live sounds from Calgary’s own backyard, Canada, and the world! Let’s come together for a grassroots celebration with song and dance! calgaryfolkfest.com/blockheater

*February 4 to 27; Chinook Blast: Calgary’s Winter Festival Celebration. Get outside and enjoy the vibrancy of our city! Chinook Blast will heat up Calgary with a four-week celebration of community, culture, and civic pride! The best of Calgary’s art, music, theatre, sport, and recreation will be on display. Some activities are free. chinookblast.ca

February 18, 10 to 11am; All Around Arachnids with the Calgary Public Library. How many legs do spiders and scorpions have? Eight, because they’re both arachnids. What do their pedipalps look like? Tune in to see for yourself with real live tarantulas, scorpions, and other awesome arachnids! For ages 9 to 12. In partnership with Lady Buggy. To register: calgarylibrary.ca

February 5 to March 19, check website for showtimes; Jubilations Junior Dinner Theatre Presents, Motel Transylvania. Join for a fun-filled morning of laughter, music, and food! jubilations.ca/calgary-junior

February 18 to 27; Sport Calgary’s All Sport One City. Be part of the energy! Locations across Calgary. Details TBA. sportcalgary.ca/all-sport-one-city

*February 10 to 12 & February 17 to 19; GLOW Downtown Winter Light Festival. This festival lights up imaginations with a one-of-a-kind experience featuring interactive light displays, art, entertainment, food trucks. glowfestyyc.ca 14 • Find us on

February 19, 10am to 4pm (final entry at 3:15pm); FISHTIVAL at Bow Habitat Station. Celebrate Family Fishing Weekend in Alberta at Bow Habitat Station’s FISHtival! Join in activities, games, and feed the fish in the Fish Hatchery. There will be indoor and outdoor Investigation Stations and special guest booths included

with Discovery Centre Admission. Tickets must be booked ahead of time. All members must have tickets reserved. atms.alberta.ca/bhs/DateSelection.aspx?item=1648 February 26, 11am & 2:30pm; Bert Church Live Theatre in Airdrie Presents, Quest Theatre’s Snow Angel. Angela tries her best to find belonging. When she becomes friendly with the Old Man next door, her brother Ethan, in defiance, makes a big mistake. Ethan wants to apologize but is afraid. Angela’s kind acts slowly lead her brother and the Old Man to forgiveness and true friendship. tickets.airdrie.ca *February 28, 4:15 to 5:15pm; Learn to Draw with the Calgary Public LIbrary: Country Snowmen and Friends. Draw a winter-themed illustration featuring a pair of stylized snowmen. This is a great drawing exercise that strengthens shape management skills. For ages 6 to 8. In partnership with Young Rembrandts. To register: calgarylibrary.ca Throughout February & March; check website for showtimes; StoryBook Theatre Presents, Disney’s Descendents, The Musical. Based on the popular Disney Channel Original Movies, Disney’s Descendents: The Musical is a new comedy featuring the beloved characters and hit songs from the films! Don’t delay cuz tickets sell out fast! storybooktheatre.org Until March 19, check website for showtimes; Jubilations Dinner Theatre Presents, Shipp’s Creek Dinner Show. Go up Schipp’s Creek without a paddle! Whether you’re a fan of the show or just a fan of music and laughter, it will be a great time! jubilations.ca/ calgary-shows Until March 21, 10:30 to 11am; Penguin Walk at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. The king penguin colony heads out on the grounds for a daily enrichment walk. This incredible program allows you to get an up-close look at the group of king penguins as they explore, exercise, and waddle their way through the zoo. Subject to weather conditions and animal inclination. calgaryzoo. com/events/penguinwalk Until May 15; Explore TELUS Spark’s New Exhibition: RESCUE! Most people wonder how they would react in an emergency. Could you rescue a swimmer if you were the first on the scene with your jet ski? Now you can test your rescue instincts in 17 different interactive situations! sparkscience.ca/rescue

MARCH *Starting in March; Glenbow Museum Satellite Exhibition Space. Glenbow is opening a new satellite exhibition space in The Edison (150, 9 Avenue SW)! The new location will host their feature exhibition program until the building renovation is complete in 2024. The first exhibition is Uninvited: Canadian Women Artists in the Modern Moment, a landmark exhibition of more than 200 works of art by a generation of extraordinary women. glenbow.org

family fun

*Tuesdays, 12:30 to 2:30pm; Preschooler Indoor Playtime at Beltline Community Hub. Parents/caregivers with toddlers (under age 5) are invited to an informal gym drop-in! Coffee and healthy snacks will be offered. calgary.ca/free *Every second Friday, 6 to 8:30pm; Family Fun Nights at Beltline Community Hub. Family Fun Nights are themed around culture, arts, STEM, and building new skills while making community connections. There will be snacks and prizes! calgary.ca/free March 2 to 20, check website for showtimes; Alberta Theatre Projects Presents, Alberta Kitchen Party. A group of friends share stories of their experiences growing up in Calgary, finding their way as humans and artists, and celebrating their emotional connections to the city and province. albertatheatreprojects.com March 3, 6:30 to 8pm; Foothills Academy Presents, Supporting Students with Dyslexia. Join for an information-packed webinar featuring Dr. Jan Hasbrouch, author of Conquering Dyslexia. Dr. Hasbrouck will discuss identifying dyslexia, why early identification and intervention are important, addressing the challenges of dyslexia in the classroom, and more. To register: www.foothillsacademy.org March 4 & 5, 7:30pm; Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra Presents, The Music of Queen. The legendary band’s symphonic rock comes to life with hits like Under

Pressure, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Bohemian Rhapsody, and more. calgaryphil.com March 5 to April 3, 2 & 7:30pm; Vertigo Theatre Presents, Sherlock Holmes and The Vanishing Thimble. December 1, 1895. Location: 221b Baker Street, London (the home of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson). Longtime landlady Mrs. Edith Hudson asks, “Sherlock, have you seen my thimble anywhere?” This simple and most mundane question casts the residents of Baker Street down a rabbit hole of adventure. vertigotheatre.com March 6, 3pm; Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra Presents, The Caboose Who Got Loose. The beloved children’s story comes to life with the world premiere of a new work by Canadian composer Scott Good, commissioned by the Calgary Philharmonic. calgaryphil.com *March 12, 11am to 3pm; The City of Calgary’s Mobile Adventure Playground. Join for a self-directed, drop-in program that uses loose parts and natural materials to inspire active and creative outdoor play. Onsite play ambassadors will be onsite to inspire play. Takes place at George Moss Park. calgary.ca/free March 12, 7pm; Bert Church Live Theatre in Airdrie Presents, The Ugly Duckling. With dazzling visuals, poignant choreography, and the creative use of music, this production will bring the story into a brilliant new light. tickets.airdrie.ca

March 17, 5:15 to 9pm; St. Paddy’s Day Celebrations & Pub Quiz at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. Dinner, drinks, live quiz rounds, and prizes make up this fun adults-only (18+) night out. calgaryzoo.com/events/pubquiz-st-paddys-day Until March 19, check website for showtimes; Jubilations Dinner Theatre Presents, Shipp’s Creek Dinner Show. Go up Schipp’s Creek without a paddle! Whether you’re a fan of the show or just a fan of music and laughter, it will be a great time! jubilations.ca/ calgary-shows March 26, 2:30pm; Bert Church Live Theatre in Airdrie Presents, the Prairie Mountain Fiddlers. These local musicians will have you stomping your feet and clapping along to memorable old-time tunes! tickets.airdrie.ca Until May 15; Explore TELUS Spark’s New Exhibition: RESCUE! Most people wonder how they would react in an emergency. Could you rescue a swimmer if you were the first on the scene with your jet ski? Now you can test your rescue instincts in 17 different interactive situations! sparkscience.ca/rescue

Editor’s Note: * INDICATES A FREE EVENT. For the most up-to-date calendar of events, visit calgaryschild.com. Times and dates are accurate at time of printing; however, changes can occur. Always call ahead to confirm. CCM

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family fun

The Winners of the 2022 Calgary’s Child Magazine’s Parents’ Choice Awards The results are in! Who has the best products, services, and experiences in Calgary? We asked and you answered. Developed to recognize quality family retailers and service providers in our community, this year’s Parents’ Choice Awards is our 25th annual. Our readers were invited to vote online at calgaryschild.com for their family favorites in 24 categories. The response was phenomenal. Thank you to everyone who voted and sent us such wonderful feedback. We have tallied your votes - here are your 2022 Calgary’s Child Parents’ Choice Award Winners! Best Tourist/Family Attraction Winner ....................................................................................Calaway Park Honourable Mention ......................... Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo Honourable Mention .......................................................Granary Road

Best Place to Have a Children’s Party Winner.................................................Flying Squirrel Trampoline Park Honourable Mention....................... Treehouse Indoor Playground Honourable Mention.......................... Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo

Best Family Fun Location Winner...................................................... Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo Honourable Mention .....................Heritage Park Historical Village Honourable Mention ........................................................Calaway Park

Best Party Entertainment Winner..................................................Christopher Cool the Magician Honourable Mention...................................... Calgary Reptile Parties Honourable Mention (Tie).......Mad Science of Southern Alberta Honourable Mention (Tie)................................. YYC Princess Parties

Best Annual Family Festival Winner.......................................................................... Calgary Stampede Honourable Mention ......................... Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo Honourable Mention .........................................................Lilac Festival Best Autumn Event for Families Winner....................Calgary Farmyard - Autumn Pumpkin Festival Honourable Mention................................... Cobb’s Adventure Park Field of Screams Honourable Mention......Butterfield Acres - Harvest Pumpkin Fest Best Winter Event for Families Winner................................Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo - Zoolights Honourable Mention ..................Heritage Park Historical Village Once Upon a Christmas Honourable Mention ..................................Airdrie Festival of Lights Best Extracurricular Programs for Preschoolers Winner................................................................... Calgary Public Library Honourable Mention ................................................................Sportball Honourable Mention ....................................... Gymtastics Gym Club Best Programs for School-Aged Children Winner...................................................The City of Calgary Recreation Honourable Mention .........................................................Summit Kids Honourable Mention ......................................................................YMCA Best Children’s Sleep Over Camp Winner...................................................................................Kamp Kiwanis Honourable Mention.............................................Camp Chief Hector Honourable Mention.....................................Between Friends Camp Bonaventure Best Children’s Day Camp Winner................................................................Pedalheads Bike Camps Honourable Mention ...............................UCalgary Summer Camps Honourable Mention ......................................................................YMCA Best Family Recreation Facility Winner............................................................ Southland Leisure Centre Honourable Mention .......... Shane Homes YMCA at Rocky Ridge Honourable Mention ........................Village Square Leisure Centre Best Museum for Families Winner ..................................................................................... TELUS Spark Honourable Mention........................................Royal Tyrrell Museum Honourable Mention .................... Heritage Park Historical Village Best Live Performance Group for Families Winner..........................................................................StoryBook Theatre Honourable Mention ............................. Jubilations Dinner Theatre Honourable Mention (Tie)......... Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra Honourable Mention (Tie)...................................Stage West for Kids 16 • Find us on

Best Farmers/Artisan Market Winner...............................................................Calgary Farmers’ Market Honourable Mention..............................................Crossroads Market Honourable Mention (Tie)..........Granary Road - Farmer’s Market Honourable Mention (Tie)................................ The Saskatoon Farm Best Early Childhood Education Program (Pre-K) Winner .....................................................Kaleidoscope Kids Preschool Honourable Mention........................ Edelweiss Preparatory School Honourable Mention.........................................................Summit Start Best Parented Playgroup for Children Winner........................................................................Brilliant Beginnings Honourable Mention ...................... Mommy Connections Calgary Honourable Mention (Tie) .............................. Parents and Children Together (PACT) Honourable Mention (Tie).......................................... Families Matter Best Parent Support Group Winner........................................................................Brilliant Beginnings Honourable Mention ................................................... Families Matter Honourable Mention ............................................ AHS Birth & Babies Best Local Children’s Retail Winner..............................................Two Giraffes Children’s Footwear Honourable Mention.............................................................. Purr Petite Honourable Mention................................................... Little Footprints Best Local Second-Hand Retail Winner.........................................................Once Upon A Child (North) Honourable Mention ..............................................................Fresh Kids Honourable Mention...................... Sproutz & Uturn Consignment Best Place for Children’s Haircuts Winner............................................................Beaners Fun Cuts for Kids Honourable Mention ..............Tommy Gun’s Original Barbershop Honourable Mention ................................................................. Chatters Best Local Toy & Game Store Winner.......................................................................... The Discovery Hut Honourable Mention ............................................................ Castle Toys Honourable Mention ............................................Games People Play Best Accessible/Inclusive Experience for Kids Winner.....................................City of Calgary Parks - Shouldice Park Honourable Mention.......................... Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo Honourable Mention.......................................................... TELUS Spark Best Place to Take Your Kids on a Crummy Day Winner...................................................................................... TELUS Spark Honourable Mention.....................Flying Squirrel Trampoline Park Honourable Mention....................................... Calgary Public Library

bump, baby & tot

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bump, baby & tot

do you need a birth plan? Yes! And here’s why… By Sharon Loose, CCE, CD, BDT, PCD You may have wondered if you need to take the time to write a birth plan because you have been told by others that ‘it never goes according to plan.’ So, is there any point making a birth plan? In my opinion, yes, absolutely! A birth plan is more than hoping everything goes perfectly. It is digging deep into all the options in childbirth and preparing yourself to be the most informed consumer of your birth process. The more detailed your birth plan, the better Preparing your birth plan allows you to discuss with your partner what is important to you to try and hold on to for your birth and what your thoughts and feelings are on things if they are offered or suggested to you during birth. By having this conversation with your partner, they are armed with the best information to be able to advocate for you when it is of the utmost importance because you will not be in the right frame of mind to make important decisions for your health care while you are busy navigating labour and birth. Therefore, the more detailed your birth plan, the better. Although your birth plan can be shared with your caregivers, the most important part of the plan is creating it with your partner ahead of time - having these important, proactive discussions with your partner ensures both of you are the most prepared for the big day. You need to go further than the typical birth plan that has Mom moving around in labour, limiting interventions, not having surgery, immediately doing skin-to-skin, and delaying cord clamping (this is the birth plan of 95 percent of expecting parents). The problem with this birth plan is it leaves you unprepared for any other scenario that you could come across in your birth: What if you have a long labour? Your caregivers suggest you need to be induced? What if you find it hard to move around or your caregivers ask about pain relief? You and your partner can use the preparation of a birth plan as an exercise in learning all you can about birth, your options in labour, and what questions you should ask if your caregivers suggest alternatives to your birth plan.

2. 3.

“Taking the time before-hand to prepare and create your birth plan can make a big difference in how informed you are and can make your birth experience less stressful and more positive.” 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

For your consideration Here are some things to consider when preparing your birth plan: 1. Do you know what questions to ask when you are faced with a suggestion from your caregiver?

Consider these five questions to ask using your B.R.A.I.N.: What are the Benefits? What are the Risks? What are the Alternatives? What do my Instincts tell me? What if we do nothing? In addition, what are your thoughts about pain management? Do you know what your options are? Under what circumstances do you want to utilize these options? Do you have good options for non-medicated pain relief that you want to incorporate into your birth? What will help you feel calm, safe, relaxed, confident? Do you know what interventions are possible? What are your thoughts on IV’s, fetal monitoring, episiotomies?

Do you know your options if induction is discussed? If you have choices, what are your preferences for induction? Do you have anything of importance to be considered or respected during your birth? Do you have additional support people? If so, how will they be a part of your birth? How will your partner be involved in the birth process? Do they have the tools and information to support you fully and effectively? Do you know about assisted delivery options: vacuum, forceps? What are your thoughts on these? Do you know what questions to ask about delivery options? Do you know about Caesarean sections? What are your thoughts about C-sections? Do you know

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10. 11. 12. 13. 14.

what questions to ask if this becomes a discussion during birth? Do you have a plan for an emergency? Who will support you? Who will support your baby? Immediately after birth, what are your expectations? Do you want delayed cord clamping? Do you want immediate skin-to-skin with your baby, if possible? Are you planning on breastfeeding? Do you have a plan for your first attempt at breastfeeding? What are you hoping to do for the first hour after birth? For yourself, your partner, and your baby? Are you familiar with the procedures for baby after birth: weigh, measure, vitamin K, caregiver check? Do you have questions? Are you okay with all these procedures?

There is a lot to consider when making your birth plan! Sometimes, you may not have a choice when things are emergent and your caregivers’ focus is on the health and safety of Mom and baby, you just let them do whatever it takes to accomplish this. However, in 99 percent of cases, you will have time to discuss, explore your options, and advocate for your hopes for a positive birth experience. Taking the time before-hand to prepare and create your birth plan can make a big difference in how informed you are and can make your birth experience less stressful and more positive. Happy birthing, everyone! Sharon Loose, CCE, CD, BDT, PCD, is a certified doula and childbirth educator with over 23 years’ experience and has supported over 1,500 Calgary and area families on their parenthood journey. She is the owner of Calgary Birth Essentials, which offers private and small group prenatal classes, birth and postpartum doula support, and breastfeeding and early parenting education. For more information, email sharon@calgarybirthesssentials.com or visit calgarybirthessentials.com. CCM

bump, baby & tot

nervous about becoming a dad? Get ready for the best thing to ever happen to you By James Smith So you’re becoming a parent? Congratulations. Your life is about to completely change, and rightly so. 1. For the first few weeks, you might feel like a bit of a servant to both Mom and your child. You’ll be fluffing Mom’s pillows as she recovers from pushing a big-headed life into the world, bringing coffee/tea/ snacks, changing diapers, doing laundry, cooking meals, intercepting calls and visits from relatives, and swatting away the hands of the old ladies who just have to touch your fragile new child. 2. As much as you may have loved the guilt-free flexibility of doing whatever you want, when you want, that’s changed now. Every outing and spur-of-themoment opportunity to leave the house will now be dictated by your child’s poop schedule. 3. You are no longer your first priority. The needs of your child take precedent. Becoming a Dad is incredible and can be a quick learning curve into the world of new responsibilities. 4. Everyone will tell you to ‘sleep when the baby sleeps’ or ‘remember to take time for yourself’ but that’s often impossible. From endless laundry, bottles to wash, or panic-buying a crazy amount of diapers, finding a second to do something remotely self-care related just isn’t happening.

5. Get really good at packing a diaper bag. You’re gonna need: 1 diaper per 30 minutes you’re out (cautious estimate), 3 changes of baby outfits, chew toy, soft toy, something that rattles, milk bottle and formula (or Mom), snack for the parent, wipes and cloths, spare shirt for you in case of throw-up/food spillage, a baby changing mat. The diaper bags are huge and heavy but, for some reason, the smaller the person the more stuff they need.

“You get to pass on everything you know to a brand new person. You will be their hero.” 6. You’re going to miss your old life, and that’s totally normal. If you need to call your friends, play a little Xbox, or just catch up on Netflix, do it when everyone’s asleep and the chores are done. 7. Being a Dad is a huge responsibility, and it doesn’t all fall on the Mom to do. She’s often exhausted from the feedings through the night, so make sure you kick up your game.

8. You can still leave the house. Just now you’ll have a baby strapped to your chest. It’s actually pretty great. Everyone is really nice to you and loves seeing a Dad with a baby. Even though it’s 2022 and gender roles should be ancient history, it still looks good to be an engaged father. 9. Get a really sturdy to-go coffee mug. You’re going to be constantly caffeinated and need a drink at all times. However, they have a habit of being kicked off the diaper changing table and you don’t need your precious coffee to spill. 10. This is literally the best thing to happen to you. You get to pass on everything you know to a brand new person. You will be their hero. The strongest man alive who they’ll argue could beat up Superman. This is your opportunity to share the best traits of yourself and hide the parts you don’t want. You can reinvent yourself through someone else’s eyes and be the best version of you. Congratulations on the best thing ever. James is a busy Dad and creator of socialdad.ca. He lives in North Vancouver, BC, and tries to spend as much time outdoors as possible. CCM

The Early Bird Gets The Summer Camp Experience Of A Lifetime! Dance, theatre, movement, science, sports and MORE! Kids U summer camps offer new and exciting ways to learn at every turn.

Engaging camp themes for ages 3 to 10 years Get on our early bird mailing list today at kidsu.ca or call us at 403-258-0498 for more information CHINOOK 2022 • calgaryschild.com • 19

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the top 10 (+1!) baby essentials The dos and don’ts of what to buy before baby By Sharon Loose, CCE, CD, BDT, PCD Truth be told, one could take out a second mortgage to get all the things people say you should get when having a baby. But what are the essentials you need to take care of your newborn, without going bankrupt? Read on for my top 10 (+1!) list of items for your new bundle of joy! 1. Invest in a professional postpartum doula. If you can anticipate some extra help in the first few weeks home with your baby, it can take the stress off you and your family. A professional postpartum doula can help with newborn care, sleep solutions, light housekeeping, meal prep, and they have expertise with newborns and postpartum recovery. The first couple of months after baby can be overwhelming and exhausting. Hiring a professional postpartum doula can help you get the rest you need and keep your house in order while you recover from birth. 2. Calm and settle swaddle blankets. Living in the womb prior to birth, newborns are used to being in a tight space. Your newborn also has what is called a ‘startle reflex,’ which makes them have sudden movements with their arms and often wakes them from sound sleep. This is where swaddling your newborn can help them calm down and settle in for uninterrupted sleep. Good, safe brands include HALO® SleepSack with

Velcro Wings, SwaddleMe® Velcro Swaddle Blanket and SwaddleMe® Pods, and Love To Dream™ SWADDLE UP™. 3. The MOBY® Wrap. Newborns can be a bit demanding, and always prefer to be held versus put down. However, it makes it difficult to get anything done if you are constantly holding your new baby. In comes baby wearing! Being able to comfortably carry your baby and get your hands back to get a few things done - or

“What are the essentials you need to take care of your newborn, without going bankrupt?” even just eat dinner - is life changing! My favorite is the MOBY® Wrap. It makes your new baby feel like they are right in your arms, and they will potentially sleep on you for hours. Don’t get overwhelmed about how to use it. Search YouTube for a demo and once you wrap your baby a few times, it will become second nature.

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4. A white noise machine. Newborns are used to constant noise; this is what they experienced while in the womb. Leaving them alone in a dark, silent space is often too much of a change for them to be comfortable with and will make it harder for you to keep them happy in their own bed. This is where a white noise machine can bridge the gap. Having a machine that offers static noise for the night can help your baby feel settled and calm. For many newborns, it can also help them sleep longer. 5. A breastfeeding (aka nursing) pillow. If you are choosing to breastfeed your baby, having a supportive breastfeeding/nursing pillow can make positioning your baby at the breast easier. A good breastfeeding pillow can also keep your baby at the right level and relieve some of the need to hold your baby up, which your arms and wrists will appreciate! The Baby Buddy Nursing Pillow is one of my favorites. 6. A baby monitor. It is never a bad idea to have the ability to check in on your newborn anytime of the day. You will most likely find that your little one is a loud sleeper, making all kinds of noises as they slumber. A video monitor allows you to take a quick look to make sure all is well and assess whether they need you or if they are settling back in to sleep. My clients like the Nanit

bump, baby & tot can lay them down while you are away or even setting up a travel bed on another level of your house can be helpful. Although the Graco Pack ‘n Play Playard has withstood the test of time, others like Lulyboo and the Lotus Travel Crib by Guava are other options, too. 10. A baby lounger. The baby lounger has become a popular item lately. Having a snug cushion or nest that hugs your baby can bring comfort to them - and a break for you! Some babies find loungers soothing. Take caution when using and always keep your eye on your baby while in the lounger. Some popular brands are DockATot®, Snuggle Me, and the Mamibaby Baby Lounger Baby Nest.

Pro Smart Baby Monitor, while others find their Google Nest camera to be an effective tool to monitor their baby. 7. A good baby stroller. Getting out with your baby for a stroll can be just the break you need, and babies that get fresh air tend to sleep better, too! There are many factors in selecting a stroller for your needs and lifestyle. However, a good place to start is researching the City Mini, UPPAbaby®, or Thule®. 8. A safe car seat. Of course, every baby needs a good, safe car seat. This is one item that is a must! Just like

researching a baby stroller, there is a lot to consider when choosing a car seat that fits your needs and lifestyle. Some of the most popular picks for baby car seats are UPPAbaby®, Graco, and Maxi-Cosi®. 9. A portable travel bed. Having a portable travel bed for your baby is convenient for when you are visiting friends or family or when you are going on a trip… anywhere! Babies sleep at various times during the day and night and planning a visit around your newborn’s sleep schedule can be difficult. Having a place where you

BONUS ESSENTIAL The SlumberPod®. If your baby is having a hard time sleeping during the day for their naps, the SlumberPod® can be an amazing addition to help keep their space darker. This is like a blackout tent that goes around their portable crib and can increase your odds of a good nap for your baby! Sharon Loose, CCE, CD, BDT, PCD, is a certified doula and childbirth educator with over 23 years’ experience and has supported over 1,500 Calgary and area families on their parenthood journey. She is the owner of Calgary Birth Essentials, which offers private and small group prenatal classes, birth and postpartum doula support, and breastfeeding and early parenting education. For more information, email sharon@calgarybirthesssentials.com or visit calgarybirthessentials.com. CCM

We’ve spent 51 years igniting children’s potential in Calgary! Quality care and early learning for little ones goes a long way! And in our city, communityminded organizations whose care is truly compassionate are the ones that last. Here’s to another 51 years of accountable, trust-based care nurturing curious minds, healthy bodies and happy hearts!

CHINOOK 2022 • calgaryschild.com • 21

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Baby & Tot Directory

SEE FU listings in LL the

Whether it’s your first or a new addition, we have everything you need from bump to baby to preschooler! - INCLUSIVE. Able to accommodate a wide variety of social, developmental, mental and emotional delays, disorders and differences.

- ACCESSIBLE. Able to be accessed and fully enjoyed by people with a wide variety of mobility and motor challenges.

*Inclusivity and accessibility icons are based on each business’s self-reported availability of services for disabled, special needs & mobility-impaired children. Please check with each business to make sure they can meet your child’s specific needs.

ASSOCIATIONS, PARENT EDUCATION & SUPPORT ALBERTA HEALTH SERVICES - HEALTHY PARENTS, HEALTHY CHILDREN Website: healthyparentshealthychildren.ca ALBERTA HEALTH SERVICES PERINATAL EDUCATION - BIRTH & BABIES Website: birthandbabies.com CALGARY PUBLIC LIBRARY Phone: 403-260-2600 Website: calgarylibrary.ca CALGARY READS Phone: 403-777-8254 Website: calgaryreads.com FOOTHILLS CHILDREN’S WELLNESS NETWORK (THE) Website: foothillsnetwork.ca LA LECHE LEAGUE CANADA - CALGARY Phone: 403-242-0277 Website: lllc.ca

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LEARNING DISABILITIES & ADHD NETWORK Phone: 403-630-1616 Website: ldadhdnetwork.ca NORTHERNSTAR MOTHERS MILK BANK Phone: 403-475-6455 Email: contact@northernstarmilkbank.ca Website: northernstarmilkbank.ca POST NATAL HELPERS Phone: 403-640-0844 Email: info@postnatalhelpers.ca Website: postnatalhelpers.ca SHELDON PSYCHOLOGY GROUP 1909 17 Avenue SW Phone: 403-618-8288 Email: info@sheldonpsychology.com Website: sheldonpsychology.com WELLS FAMILY LAW 1900 - 639 5 Avenue SW Phone: 587-356-4342 Email: info@wellsfamilylaw.com Website: wellsfamilylaw.com

EARLY LEARNING, PROGRAMS & CHILDCARE BANBURY CROSSROADS SCHOOL 201 - 2451 Dieppe Avenue SW Phone: 403-270-7787 Email: general@banburycrossroads.com Website: banburycrossroads.com CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL 515 Cougar Ridge Drive SW Phone: 403-287-1868 Email: info@calgarywaldorf.org Website: calgarywaldorf.org CALGARY YOUNG PEOPLE’S THEATRE Phone: 403-242-7118, Ext. 1 Email: cypt@cypt.ca Website: www.cypt.ca CITY OF CALGARY PLAYSCHOOL PROGRAMS INGLEWOOD BIRD SANCTUARY 1527 17 Avenue SE Phone: 403-366-3926

CITY OF CALGARY WINTER RECREATION PROGRAMS Various Locations: Leisure Centres, Aquatic and Fitness Centres, Arts Centres, and Arenas/Athletic Parks Phone: 403-268-3800 Website: calgary.ca/register EDELWEISS PREPARATORY SCHOOL 600 Northmount Drive NW Phone: 403-282-4220 Email: epschool@telus.net Website: epschool.ca FREE HOUSE DANCE PLUS (WEEBOP PRESCHOOL DANCE) Phone: 403-282-0555 Email: fhdp@telusplanet.net Website: freehousedance.com FUN 2 LEARN PRESCHOOL Phone: 403-239-2033; 403-880-6711 Email: anita@fun2learnpreschool.com Website: fun2learnpreschool.com KALEIDOSCOPE KIDS PRESCHOOL Three Locations: Tuscany, Nolan Hill, and Edgemont Phone: 403-547-1020 Email: office@kalkids.com Website: kaleidoscopekidspreschool.com

KIDSU Phone: 1-855-80-KIDSU Email: info@kidsu.ca Website: kidsu.ca KINDERVALLEY MONTESSORI ACADEMY 4002 16 Street SW Phone: 403-454-6889 Email: info@kindervalleyacademy.com Website: kindervalleyacademy.com KING’S KIDS PRESCHOOL 2640 Rundlelawn Road NE Phone: 403-285-4855 Email: preschool@kingskidsfoundation.com Website: kingskidsfoundation.ca KODÁLY MUSIC EXPLORERS CANTARÉ CHILDREN’S CHOIR Phone: 403-685-1132 Email: office@cantarechildrenschoir.org Website: cantarechildrenschoir.org LONG & MCQUADE MUSIC LESSON CENTRES Phone (Southeast): 403-252-8506 Phone (Northeast): 587-296-6648 Phone (Northwest): 587-794-3196 Website: long-mcquade.com/lessons/Alberta/Calgary LYCÉE INTERNATIONAL DE CALGARY 4099 Garrison Boulevard SW Phone: 403-243-5420, Ext. 123 Email: admissions@lycee.ca Website: lycee.ca

MASTER RIM’S TAEKWONDO Phone (Southwest): 403-460-2472 Phone (Northwest): 587-535-6560 Email: info@masterrim.com Website: masterrim.com MOUNT ROYAL UNIVERSITY PRESCHOOL 4825 Mount Royal Gate SW Phone: 403-440-6410 Email: childcare@mtroyal.ca Website: mtroyal.ca/childcare MOUNT ROYAL UNIVERSITY CONSERVATORY 4825 Mount Royal Gate SW Phone: 403-440-6821 Email: conservatory@mtroyal.ca Website: mru.ca/conservatory MUSIC KIDS FOR BABIES & TODDLERS Phone: 403-246-8446 Email: info@chinookschoolofmusic.com Website: chinookschoolofmusic.com/musickids PHOENIX FOUNDATION 320 19 Street NE Phone: 403-265-7701 Email: info@phoenixfoundation.ca Website: phoenixfoundation.ca PRE-KINDERGARTEN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES Email: Register@PreKindergartenEd.com Website: Pre-KindergartenEd.com REPSOL SPORT CENTRE 2225 Macleod Trail South Phone: 403-355-1246 Email: preschoolregistration@repsolsport.com Website: repsolsportcentre.com/programs/preschoolactive-living Baby & Tot Directory – Continued on page 25

Active kids learn more Prepare your preschooler for kindergarten with our school year Playschool, where they’ll socialize, learn and explore in a safe, active environment. Also check out new preschool programs each season. Find out more at calgary.ca/playschool

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VILLAGE SQUARE LEISURE CENTRE 2623 56 Street NW Phone: 403-366-3900 Website: calgary.ca/playschool

KIDS@ CHURCHILL PARK Phone: 403-266-4656 Email: admin@churchillpark.ca Website: churchillpark.ca

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SOUTHLAND LEISURE CENTRE 2000 Southland Drive SW Phone: 403-648-6555

CHINOOK 2022 • calgaryschild.com • 23

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Your preschooler will learn through hands-on activities in all areas of our spacious facility – gym, pool, park and classroom. Choose the program that best suits your child’s interest. Crafts, sports, swimming, running and more.

ACTIVE LIVING PROGRAMS

Age: 2-5 years

Pre-Kindergarten ages 3-5 yrs Kindergarten Enhancement 1/2 day Program Out of School Care PLAY: Explore our child-centered and play focused room environment. LEARN: Nurture emergent literacy by encouraging interest in reading & early writing.

Registration Ongoing On-line classroom video tours / Email to Register

CAPTAIN JOHN PALLISER SCHOOL 1484 Northmount Drive NW Kindergarten Enhancement & Out of School Care Gr. K-6

PRE-KINDERGARTEN AT HOPE LUTHERAN

3527 Boulton Road NW Pre-Kindergarten for ages 3 - 5 years

MARION CARSON SCHOOL

5225 Varsity Drive NW Pre-Kindergarten for ages 3 - 5 years Kindergarten Enhancement Out of School Care K & Gr. 1

SUNNYSIDE SCHOOL

211 – 7 Street NW Pre-Kindergarten for ages 3 - 5 years Kindergarten Enhancement & Out of School Care Gr. K - 6

PRE-KINDERGARTEN ACADEMY AT GENESIS CENTRE

7555 Falconridge Blvd. NE Pre-Kindergarten for ages 3 - 5 years & Kindergarten Age program - max class size 12

BRAESIDE SCHOOL

1747 – 107 Ave. SW Pre-Kindergarten for ages 3 - 5 years

Email: Register@PreKindergartenEd.com

Website: www.Pre-KindergartenEd.com

READY, SET, GO! PRESCHOOL Bowness, Renfrew & Penbrooke

REGISTRATION IS OPEN! N!!

• Small class size • Play based learning

• Learn skills to build positive friendships

SUBSIDY AVAILABLE

To learn more call 403-276-9981 or visit GROW W ITHTRE LLIS.CA /P R ES C H O O L 24 • Find us on

RIVER VALLEY SCHOOL Early Learning Campus - 6305 33 Avenue NW Phone: 403-246-2275 Email: info@rivervalleyschool.ca Website: rivervalleyschool.ca RUNDLE: ACADEMY, COLLEGE AND STUDIO Phone: 403-291-3866 Email: contactus@rundle.ab.ca Website: rundle.ab.ca SUMMIT START Phone: 403-477-5437 Email: hello@summitstart.ca Website: summitstart.ca THINK SUN PRESCHOOL ACADEMY (THE) Phone: 403-240-4466 Email: info@thinksunpreschool.com Website: thethinksunpreschool.com TRELLIS SOCIETY Phone: 403-267-9981 Email: KDougherty@growwithtrellis.ca Website: growwithtrellis.ca/preschool UNIQUE EDUCATION ACADEMY 1270 73 Avenue SE Phone: 403-281-8655 Email: letstalk@uea-yyc.ca Website: uea-yyc.ca YMCA PRESCHOOL Offered in all quadrants of the city at most YMCA locations Email: info@ymcacalgary.org Website: YMCACalgary.org YWCA CHILDCARE CENTRE Phone: 403-232-1594 Email: childcare@ywcalgary.ca Website: ywcalgary.ca/childcare

FAMILY FUN & CELEBRATIONS BUTTERFIELD ACRES CHILDREN’S FARM Phone: 403-239-0638 Email: farmfun@butterfieldacres.com Website: ButterfieldAcres.com CITY OF CALGARY RECREATION Various Locations: Leisure Centres, Aquatic and Fitness Centres, Arts Centres, and Arenas/Athletic Parks Phone: 403-268-3800 Website: calgary.ca/register GRANARY ROAD Phone: 403-453-7623 Website: granaryroad.com

HERITAGE PARK HISTORICAL VILLAGE Phone: 403-268-8500 Website: heritagepark.ca

ROKBAND PEDIATRIC HEADSHAPE CLINIC 414 - 4935 40 Avenue NW Phone: 1-844-944-3237 Email: hello@rokbandclinics.ca Website: rokbandclinics.ca

MOUNT ROYAL UNIVERSITY RECREATION 4825 Mount Royal Gate SW Phone: 403-440-6517 Email: recreation@mtroyal.ca Website: mtroyal.ca/recreation/birthdays

THE WELLNESS STUDIO FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC & WELLNESS CARE 1603 20 Avenue NW Phone: 403-228-5433 Email: info@thewellnesstudio.ca Website: thewellnessstudio.ca

REPSOL SPORT CENTRE 2225 Macleod Trail South Phone: 403-233-8393 Email: info@repsolsport.com Website: repsolsportcentre.com

RETAIL SERVICES

RICHARD RONDEAU MAGICIAN Phone: 403-254-8718 Website: rrmagician.com

BEANERS FUN CUTS FOR KIDS Four Locations in Calgary

SPRAY LAKE SAWMILLS FAMILY SPORTS CENTRE 800 Griffin Road E, Cochrane, AB Phone: 403-932-1635 Website: slsfamilysportscentre.com

Email (Northwest): calgary.northland@beanersfuncuts.com Email (Southeast): calgary.southland@beanersfuncuts.com Email (Southwest): calgary.westsprings@beanersfuncuts.com Email (Northeast): beanersfuncuts@gmail.com Website: beanersfuncuts.com

STORYBOOK THEATRE Phone: 403-216-0808, Ext. 2 Email: theatreschool@storybooktheatre.org Website: storybooktheatre.org

BORDEAUX DEVELOPMENTS Phone: 403-215-0800 Website: bordeauxdevelopments.com

TRICO CENTRE FOR FAMILY WELLNESS 11150 Bonaventure Drive SE Phone: 403-278-7542 Email: guestservices@tricocentre.ca Website: tricocentre.ca

LOOP KIDS 4 McRae Street, Okotoks, AB Phone: 403-982-7274 Email: loopkidsokotoks@gmail.com Website: loopkidsokotoks.com

WILDER INSTITUTE / CALGARY ZOO Phone: 403-232-9300 Website: calgaryzoo.com

REAL CANADIAN SUPERSTORE Various Locations Website: realcanadiansuperstore.ca

WINSPORT Phone: 403-247-5452 Email: info@winsport.ca Website: winsport.ca

SOILED DIAPERS COMPOSTING SERVICES INC. Phone: 403-837-3221 Email: info@soileddiapers.ca Website: soileddiapers.ca

YMCA CALGARY Multiple Locations Email: answers@ymcacalgary.org Website: YMCACalgary.org YYC NATURE & EDUCATION CENTRE Bay 2 1381 Hastings Crescent SE Phone: 403-457-2202 Email: yycnaturecentre@gmail.com Website: yycnaturecentre.com

TRICO HOMES Phone: 403-287-9300 Email: info@tricohomes.com Website: tricohomes.com

MEDICAL CARE ALBERTA BLUE CROSS Phone: 1-800-AB-CROSS Website: ab.bluecross.ca

Birthdays on the Farm

This listing is provided for your reference only. Please research carefully and choose the company that meets your family’s needs best. CCM

PARTY ANIMALS! BIRTHDAYS AT THE FARM! Watch magical memories unfold! Connect with the most wonderful farm animals on the planet. Action-packed, hands-on!

BIRTHDAYS AT HOME! We come to your home with a Mini Farm or a Birthday Pony! “Best and most memorable Birthday EVER”

Information & Registration at ButterfieldAcres.com or call office 403-239-0638

ButterfieldAcres.com

Goat Milking • Tractor Rides • Pony Rides • Farmyard Fun • Picnic Areas CHINOOK 2022 • calgaryschild.com • 25

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Baby & Tot Directory – Continued from page 23

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WALDORF IS...INSPIRED LEARNING PARENT & TOT Next session begins April 1st

WALDORF

THROUGH THE GRADES

TALK & TOUR

Tuesday, March 22nd

CALGARYWALDORF.ORG

LD and ADHD impact nearly 1 in 5 people.

Who do you know living with these challenges?

26 • Find us on

7:30 pm

Find FREE resources and guidance for: Families Teens Adults Employers Professionals

bump, baby & tot

playtime with baby Engaging items help you and your baby to discover the world together by Jenna Mazzei You are your baby’s most important toy; interacting with your child is how they learn. Babies have an absorbent mind. They are soaking up everything around them, effortlessly. Maria Montessori discovered that children are in the unconscious absorbent mind phase during the first three years of life. They can absorb vast amounts of information effortlessly, without awareness of what is happening. Children learn by mimicking you and their other caregivers during these first years. During the first year of life, children are in the sensitive period for movement. They are in a developmental window where it is easier to learn early gross motor skills. It is astonishing to think about how much babies develop and learn to move within the first year. From rolling over, grasping, sitting up, and walking, babies are constantly moving. Therefore, you need to help your baby meet their full potential during this developmental window. It is imperative to set aside time in your day when your baby is rested and happy to intentionally interact with

“It is imperative to set aside time in your day when your baby is rested and happy to intentionally interact with them.” them. Intentional interactions are moments where your sole focus is on your baby. To encourage movement while interacting with your baby, you can create an exploration basket to use together when they can sit up independently. An exploration basket is filled with engaging but straightforward items for you and your baby to discover together. The basket doesn’t need to be complicated. An exploration basket is meant to be an easy, affordable way to engage intentionally with your baby. To create an exploration basket, use a basket with low sides. Having a short basket lets your baby see what is inside easily, motivating engagement! Once you have found the

perfect basket, it’s time to find engaging items to add to it. The easiest way to do this is to use safe objects from around your house. The options are endless, but here are three rules to follow when choosing items for your baby’s exploration basket: 1. Choose multiple textures and materials. Nothing small enough for your baby to swallow and have no more than five objects in the basket. My go-to items are: • A type of fabric. A small towel or facecloth works well. • A small metal bowl. Metal is a great sensory experience for children as it warms and cools to the touch and makes a great noise when banged or hit by another object. • A large wooden spoon. Wood also warms and cools to the touch and makes lots of noise. • A plastic whisk. The loops are fun for your baby to touch and squeeze. A small stuffed toy. • 2. When choosing the objects for your exploration basket, find objects that engage multiple senses at the same time. When your baby engages multiple senses at the same time, they use different parts of their brain simultaneously, which is an excellent way to boost brain development. If you don’t think you can find items that will engage multiple senses at the same time, manipulate the items. A couple of easy tricks I recommend are: • Warming up a cloth in the dryer or microwave (you can wet it first). • Placing the metal bowl or wooden spoon in the freezer for a little while. • Adding a drop of a safe essential oil to a stuffed toy to engage the sense of smell. 3. Once you have put together a fun and safe exploration bin, it’s time to use the items to help you interact purposefully and intentionally with your baby. Your interaction with your baby is the essential part. Remember, they are learning through mimicking you

in these early years, so every interaction is a significant opportunity for your baby to learn. Sit on the floor with your baby and place the basket in front or between you and your baby. Take the items out of the bin one by one and overemphasize using and playing with each item. Talk to your baby about each item and invite them to explore with you. Use simple but real language. Avoid using baby talk. Children at this age are in the developmental window where they are effortlessly absorbing and learning language, so it’s important to give them the tools they need to build their vocabulary and cognitive skills by using real words. An exploration bin is an easy and excellent developmental boosting activity for you to use to interact with your baby intentionally. Happy exploring! Jenna is a mother, Montessori teacher, and the owner of Evolve Montessori. Evolve Montessori is proud to offer unique and exceptional Montessori programs for kids ages two to four. For more information, email evolvemontessori@gmail.com or visit evolvemontessori.com. Feeling Social? Follow on Facebook @EvolveMontessori and Instagram @evolvemontessori. CCM

Thanks Calgary! Voted Best Children’s Hair Salon for the 24th Time.

Specially trained, baby-friendly stylists Fun theme chairs and movies Complimentary "Baby's First Haircut" certificate Keepsake lock of hair Limit one per family. Offer ends March 13, 2022. Promo Code: CC2022

3 locations in Calgary | Book online at BeanersFunCuts.com

CHINOOK 2022 • calgaryschild.com • 27

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IVF 101 What you need to know to decide if in vitro fertilization is for you By Stacie Gaetz, Calgary's Child Magazine You’ve tracked your ovulation, scheduled intercourse, and have been to all the doctor appointments… and still no baby. What now? If you have explored all options available to you, this may be the year you decide that in vitro fertilization (IVF) is the way to make your family a reality. But there are more than a few things you need to know. Even reading about the medical and science terms involved in the process can be overwhelming but armed with the right information and team of doctors, it doesn’t have to be. “I am dedicated to helping my patients navigate their fertility journey: from investigation to diagnosis and through treatment,” says Dr. Jason Min, reproductive endocrinologist and reproductive surgeon at the Calgary Regional Fertility Program (RFP). “Ultimately, I hope each and every one is successful. The best part of my job is when patients drop in to show me their children. The joy in their eyes is so compelling - the joy that children can bring.” THE BASICS According to the RFP website, in vitro fertilization means “fertilization in glass” or in the laboratory. IVF is a process by which egg cells are fertilized by sperm outside the body. The process involves hormonally controlling the ovulatory process, removing ova (eggs) from the woman’s ovaries, and letting sperm fertilize them in a fluid culture medium. Following fertilization and cell division after a number of days in a humidity and temperature-controlled incubator, the embryo is transferred into the patient’s uterus with the intent of establishing a successful pregnancy. “[The] rapid pace of research and change is leading to greater efficiency and access to reproductive services for patients - it is an exciting and incredibly emotionally rewarding field to be a part of,” says Dr. Tom Gotz with RFP. THE STEPS The RFP lists six main sequential steps involved in the IVF process: 1. Preparation for an IVF cycle, which may include additional blood testing, ultrasound, and lifestyle changes. 2. Ovarian suppression and overstimulation. In order to increase the chance of a successful IVF cycle,

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5. 6.

doctors stop the woman’s regular cycle and use an ovarian stimulant to produce many eggs. Egg retrieval is accomplished by inserting a vaginal ultrasound probe with a hollow bore aspiration needle attached into the vagina. The procedure is performed while the patient is under narcotic conscious sedation. Insemination, fertilization, and embryo assessment. A semen sample is usually collected one to three hours following egg retrieval. Once the eggs and sperm have been collected, either conventional or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) insemination is carried out. Embryo transfer usually occurs on the third or fifth day following egg retrieval. The procedure of embryo transfer is comparable to a pap smear. Luteal phase support/early pregnancy follow-up. In order to support the endometrial lining at time of implantation and early pregnancy, supplemental progesterone is given. Progesterone supplementation is usually started the day after oocyte retrieval for luteal phase support following embryo transfer.

“IVF is an intricate process that includes detailed scientific research, specialized medical experts and high-tech equipment.”

A laboratory blood test for pregnancy (hCG) will be arranged for day 16 post embryo transfer if a transfer was done on day 3, or 14 days post embryo transfer if the transfer was done on day 5.

THE COST IVF is an intricate process that includes detailed scientific research, specialized medical experts, and high-tech equipment. All fertility treatments including IVF are uninsured services and are not covered under the Alberta Health Care Plan. Depending on the particular process you require, costs can vary from $10,000 to $15,000. Patients are responsible for all expenses related to their IVF treatment. These medical expenses may be able to be claimed on your personal income taxes as a medical expense tax credit. Some private insurance plans may cover parts of the cost of IVF treatment and/or medications. THE CHANCES According to the Canadian Fertility & Andrology Society website, a woman under 35 years of age can expect a 41 percent chance of delivering a child per embryo transfer. However, the chance of live birth drops as the woman ages. A woman’s likelihood of delivering a child through a single cycle of IVF drops to 34 percent between 35 and 37 years of age, 24 percent between 38 and 40 years of age, 11 percent between 41 and 42 years of age, and 6 percent after 43 years of age. “RFP is one of the oldest IVF programs in Canada and has consistently provided excellent success rates for our patients using well-researched, established techniques and procedure” says Dr. Min. For more information, visit regionalfertilityprogram.ca. CCM

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stylish storage solutions for your kids’ stuff Making baskets, bins and bookshelves work for you By Stacie Gaetz, Calgary's Child Magazine After the holidays and the past two years of a pandemic, chances are you have more toys, games, and books in your home than ever before. However, we’re also moving back toward some semblance of ‘normal’ with friends and relatives stopping by for visits again. How can you keep your home in order when you have what seems like dozens of board games, hundreds of puzzles, thousands of stuffed toys, and countless books on every surface of your home? u Cleanout Step one is getting rid of the things your kids no longer need or use. The post-Christmas cleanout is crucial to getting the mountain of kids’ stuff down to a manageable level. It makes logical sense to do this before you bring a ton more toys in at Christmas, but I find my kids are more willing to get rid of the things they don’t play with anymore when their stack of new playthings is relatively fresh in their minds. It can also help to motivate them by chatting about the importance of giving to those less fortunate than ourselves. u Everything in its place Step two is to give everything a home. Decide what toys and games will live in your child’s bedroom, what goes in a playroom (if you have one), and what will be stored in stylish hiding places in common areas like the living room. Some toys can live in a low kitchen drawer or a bin in the laundry room to help keep your toddlers entertained while you make dinner or do the wash. u Cover it up For common rooms where you entertain, using containers with lids conceals your kids' toys from your company’s view. It is even better if the storage unit looks like a piece of furniture that belongs there like an ottoman, storage bench, or bins that fit perfectly in a built-in shelf. Another way to store flat items like puzzles, books, and games is under couches or chairs. u Their space In a child’s bedroom or playroom, toys can be more visible - after all, that’s where they belong, but it is still important to have a space that can be easily tidied. A storage unit in a closet is a great way to keep many items in one area that can be hidden with a quick close of the door. Just make sure if you are using small bins for

items like LEGO® or puzzles, they are clearly labeled (with a picture rather than words if a child is too young to read). Under the bed can also be used for hidden storage but there are some things you may want to display. Floating shelves and stackable crates used as cubbies are ways to keep items organized but easily accessible.

u Basket case The final tip for storing your kids’ stuff without looking like you have something to hide is to use as many baskets and bins as you can. Color coordinating the bins to match the theme of the room can make it look like they are there intentionally and not to hide things.

u Room to play Bookshelves are a great addition to any playroom to store both books and toys. You can also think outside the box by flipping a bookshelf on its side and adding pillows to the ‘top’ to use as seating, creating a book nook. Use existing toys as storage for other items. This might sound too good to be true, but it’s not. Dollhouses and play kitchens can do double duty and bean bag chairs that unzip and can be filled with stuffed toys are widely available.

The most crucial aspect of stylish storage is to make sure that your kids’ stuff makes it into the place you’ve created for it. Make cleanup time fun with exciting songs and games (try to see who can get the most toys in one bin in a set amount of time or sort books in order the fastest). You can even color code or use letters and numbers to help your children put things where they belong and bump up the education and fun factor! CCM

Looking for an awesome birthday party idea for your child? Look no further than the Calgary Zoo! Please contact us for more information on our Birthday Party Packages! Phone: 403-232-7770 Email: salesinfo@calgaryzoo.com

CHINOOK 2022 • calgaryschild.com • 29

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play ideas to keep toddlers busy Indoor fun for all seasons By Judy Arnall What should you do when your toddler or preschooler is bored that doesn’t cost a lot of time, money, set-up or clean-up? There are many exciting things you can do! 1.

Get a basic car track that you put together in a line. Then use pillows to make hills and valleys. See how far the cars will go!

Let the kids try playing with their ride-on toys in the basement (if you have one).

Make an indoor sandbox with a baby-sized swimming pool or tote bin. Use rice, puffed wheat, or lentils as the sand.

Use a small stool as a play table in the bathtub and give them cups and bowls to practice pouring and catching water.

Have an easy-to-reach craft box of odds and ends: ribbons, cards, paper, markers, scissors, glue or glue sticks, glitter, paint, rulers, cardboard pieces, etc., so the kids can help themselves and create a craft that is unstructured and entirely of their own imagination.

In the bathtub with no water, put your child in the tub dressed only with old underwear, and add bowls of colored pudding. Allow finger painting on the walls, tub and themselves. Much easier clean-up than finger-painting. Just hose down the walls and the child with a little soap and the showerhead afterwards.

10. For children past the tasting stage, put small amounts of shaving cream in a muffin tin and tint with food coloring. Allow finger painting on the tub walls.

Get a small trampoline to jump on (carefully, with supervision). Or, designate certain sofa cushions for jumping on and fort building.

Give them blankets, pillows, and old sheets for fort building.

11. Assemble a box of dress-up clothes and items for props. Check out finds from the dollar store and thrift shop for castoffs.

Have a treasure hunt in the house. Hide small toys or print-outs and search around for them together.

12. Blow bubbles on the kitchen floor. Use the excess soap to clean the floor after!

13. For children past the tasting stage, put small amounts of shaving cream in a muffin tin and tint with food coloring. Allow finger painting on the tub walls. 14. Spread the sheets out on the floor and have a picnic in the house. 15. Make homemade playdough and let the kids press in different shapes and items such as rings, straws, etc.

World’s best playdough recipe

This recipe is courtesy of Parents and Children Together • • • • • •

2 cups white flour 2 tbsp. oil 2 cups water 4 tsp. cream of tartar ½ cup salt 4 tsp. food coloring (optional)

Mix salt, flour and cream of tartar in a heavy medium pot. Add water, oil and food coloring. Cook and stir over medium heat. When the mixture forms a ball in the pot, turn it out and knead on a lightly floured surface. Store the playdough in an air-tight container, preferably in the fridge. Serve with cookie cutters, rolling pins, necklaces and rings (for imprinting), cupcake trays, garlic press, etc.

403-475-6455 northernstarmilkbank.ca @northernstarmilkbank

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Judy is a professional international award-winning parenting speaker, trainer, mom of five children, and author of the bestselling Discipline Without Distress: 135 Tools for Raising Caring, Responsible Children Without Time-out, Spanking, Punishment or Bribery. She specializes in 'Parenting the Digital Generation.' For more information, visit professionalparenting.ca. CCM

Serving families for 34 YEARS

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free literacy activities, virtual programs, and more at Calgary Public Library Check out these great ideas right in your community By Rachel Braeuer Calgary Public Library always has lots of ideas for how to visit faraway places and spaces and get excited about new ideas, all at home and in your community. Use your free Library card to get started today! Don’t have a Library card? Visit your nearest Library location, call 403-260-2600, or visit calgarylibrary.ca/ join to sign up for free and start using your membership immediately. Start a family book club with Family Reading Kits. To recognize Family Literacy Day on January 27, Family Reading Kits are available at six Library locations. Featuring four different titles for school-age children and one picture book, the kits include discussion questions to spark lively conversations, related activities, and more staff-recommended titles to keep reading as a family. Visit Central, Crowfoot, Fish Creek, Nose Hill, Seton, or Shawnessy libraries to choose from New Kid, Forest World, Race to the Sun, The Little Prince, and Ada Twist, Scientist and pick up the free activity booklet, as well. Family Reading Kits are self-led, so your family can read as many as they like! Find your nearest Library location with Family Reading Kits by visiting calgarylibrary.ca/family-reading-kit. Attend programs - virtually! Every week, the Library offers a wide selection of free, online programs to foster early literacy skills and connect with other families. Join us virtually to learn fun rhymes, songs, and tickles to infuse literacy into your everyday routine with Baby Rhyme Time, A-B-C You and Me, and 1-2-3- Count with Me. Or explore the five senses and get new ideas for creative play with Words and Wiggles and create a new bedtime routine with Bedtime Storytime. Find more information about free programs for babies and toddlers at calgarylibrary.ca/familyliteracy-programs. Older kids can find programs specific to their interests, grow their curiosity about the world around them, and develop new or existing skills. Kids can read to certified therapy dogs in the Story Pals program or work on literacy skills with a mentor in Reading Buddies. Plus, they can join discussions about space, reptiles, or bugs, or try

some at-home experiments as part of a STEM program. There’s a program for every interest and everyone! View all school-age programs at calgarylibrary.ca/kidsand-teen-programming. There are programs just for parents, too! Learn how to better support your child’s learning with Kitchen Table Classroom, an ongoing series with educational experts. The upcoming March virtual program will focus on supporting students in Grades 3 to 6 with reading and is free to register. All previous sessions can be found online and have covered topics like using books to talk with kids about tough subjects, motivating infrequent readers, and more. Find them all at calgarylibrary.ca/kitchen-table-classroom.

14 YEARS in the Preschool, Best Preschool Jr. Kindergarten & category Kindergarten www.epschool.ca

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Make screen time intentional and educational. Feel good about screen time with educational resources from the Library. Our digital resources for kids include games like CodeCombat that teach kids how to code in Python or JavaScript while they defeat enemies and collect gems. Books come to life with BookFlix, TumbleBook Library, and audiobooks in the Overdrive eReading room. Explore these digital resources and more at calgarylibrary.ca/kids-resources. Not sure where to start with digital resources? We can help with that, too. Niche Academy offers video tutorials that walk members through our digital resources, from log in to log out. Find answers to your questions at calgarylibrary.ca/ niche-academy. Check out our reading lists for kids. Want suggestions for books that rhyme, stories that happen outdoors, or tales of fantastic beasts? Looking for the most popular books of 2021? Staff-recommended lists are constantly updated and are a great way to discover new familyfavorite titles to read together. Find new books for your family at calgarylibrary.ca/ kids-booklists. Visit one of 21 Calgary Public Library locations or go online at calgarylibrary.ca to discover free programs, resources, and services for you and your family. Feeling Social? Find the Calgary Public Library on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn @calgarylibrary. CCM

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Welcome to the oldest independent Self-Directed Learning school in Calgary. We focus on producing students who are self-confident, resilient, community-minded, and who display leadership and self-efficacy. Come try a free two-day placement and see if Banbury Crossroads is right for you!

----- Junior-K to Grade 12 ----CHINOOK 2022 • calgaryschild.com • 31

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home & lifestlye

the benefits of an organized pantry Save time and money with a pristine pantry By Lisa Salem Have you ever grudgingly repurchased a bag of flour or a can of condensed milk for your pantry because you just couldn’t find it anywhere, but you know it’s in there… somewhere? My guess is a lot of you will answer yes to this question. In this article, I will discuss some of the benefits of having a well-organized pantry, such as being able to quickly find what you already have, which will save you precious time and money. With food inflation on the rise due to the pandemic, every penny saved in your pantry is a penny earned! Disorganization and mess in the kitchen lead to distracting visual clutter, as these items likely end up getting piled back into your pantry in a giant mess of disheveled spices, cans, and other pantry staples. When cooking dinner and you can’t find the flour in a pinch, valuable time is wasted having to sift through shelf after shelf to find it. The value of your time is just one of the reasons why having a proper organization system setup in your pantry can be beneficial. SYSTEM SETUP Here are five helpful tips to help you create and maintain an organized pantry: 1.

Sort your products into similar categories: soups, dry goods, cereals, sweets, etc. and use bins, tiered shelves, Lazy Susans, canisters, etc. to neatly contain and organize these items. Label the contents of the bins if they are not translucent.

After each use, immediately return items back to where they belong (your kids may have to practice this a few times before it becomes automatic for them).

Go through your pantry often and discard expired food, spices, etc. to free up valuable space.

Before you go grocery shopping, create a grocery list and go through your pantry to see if you already have the items you plan to purchase to avoid ending up with multiples.

If you have extra space elsewhere in your home (like your basement), store large, bulky products there (bags of rice, etc.), and fill up smaller containers with these products for use in the pantry instead. Then all you need to do is refill the containers in your pantry when running low. Backstock of similar items can also be stored away from your pantry, if space permits.

THE PERKS An organized pantry has many benefits. Here are five: 1.

Obtain inner/outer pantry peace. A wellorganized pantry is calming and aesthetically pleasing. Clutter is known to be distracting, which can result in a decrease of focus and productivity levels.

Save precious time and money by not having to constantly search for or repurchase pantry items.

Ups the creativity. The ability to be able to clearly see what you have on hand may inspire you to cook and/or bake more for your family as well as get more creative with your recipes! A pinch of an extra spice you easily found in your pantry can up the flavor of any recipe. Creativity in the kitchen

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“A bitterly cold winter day in Calgary is the perfect time to stay warm, get busy, and organize the family pantry.” may also result in eating out less, too (your wallet will thank you!). 4.

Meal planning is easy. Grouping specific items together for a meal is easier when you have an organized pantry. For example, create and label different bins to store your favorite dishes and their corresponding items in, such as pasta and sauce for Meatless Monday and taco shells and spices for Taco Tuesday! If someone in your family has dietary restrictions, having a customized bin or area to store their specific products in can help to ensure their items are always easy to locate and don’t end up in the wrong hands.

Creating an organized pantry is a great way to teach your children good habits at a young age! As a parent of two kids who love to help me around the house, I like to get them involved by having them put away groceries on the pantry shelves they can reach, which promotes independence. The key is to make organizing fun for kids! Have your kids help you create a snack zone or customized bin to store their favorite treats in (keep the bins out of reach of younger ones to prevent them from being easily accessible) or put together a fun family movie night bin the kids can easily pull off the pantry shelf come showtime! Fill the bin with your family’s favs, like popcorn, chips, and sweets!

Move over, spring cleaning! A bitterly cold winter day in Calgary is the perfect time to stay warm, get busy, and organize the family pantry. Afterward, reward yourself with a hot cup of cocoa from the tin of hot chocolate powder you found shoved in the back of a pantry shelf… Lisa is a mom of two and a Trained Professional Organizer. She is the owner of Light at The End of The Clutter Professional Organizing Services. For more information, visit her Instagram, Light at The End of The Clutter, or her website, lightattheendoftheclutter.com. CCM

home & lifestlye

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Life is better when it's lived in Harmony

AN AWARD-WINNING LAKE LIFESTYLE COMMUNITY

How would you like to live in one of the most comprehensive, holistically master-planned communities in North America? Harmony is a ground-breaking mixed-use residential development located 10 minutes west of Calgary’s city limits. With rolling foothill skies and stunning Rocky Mountain vistas in one of Canada’s most prestigious rural locations, Harmony is a lifestyle lake community with an unrivalled appeal. “When asked, the lake is often the number one amenity that drew residents to Harmony. However, once they tour the community, they realize just how much it has to offer all family members – amenities, location and strong sense of community,” says Laurel Campbell, marketing manager of Bordeaux Developments. “Aside from the tangible features of Harmony, we truly believe that the community spirit the residents have created is what makes Harmony so special. As developers, we have designed a beautiful place to live, but the residents have made it a welcoming and supportive home.”

“As developers, we have designed a beautiful place to live, but the residents have made it a welcoming and supportive home.” LAKE LIFE In 2014, Bordeaux Developments partnered with Qualico Communities to begin building the project. With more than 300 residences in place, construction continues on both the north and south side of Harmony Lake. At completion, there will be approximately 4,500 residences in a diverse range of estate, family, urbanstyle, and multifamily homes interlaced with rolling green spaces, about 140 acres of recreational lakes, wetland, public art and recreational amenities.

“Harmony has one (40-acre) lake and beach complete and ready for residents to use in the summer months,” says Campbell. “There are plans for a second lake and more beach areas for the community along with a Beach Club House. The South Beach building is opening this summer and features change rooms, outdoor showers, guest entry kiosk and bike racks.” AMENITIES ABOUND A vibrant Village Centre with a world-class spa from Groupe Nordik will complement the lifestyle experience of Harmony with construction expected to start in 2023. Boutique market and café spaces, ageing-in-place living and education facilities for all ages will be the hallmark to which Harmony is created. With its mix of residential products, living and business campuses, Harmony is a community unlike any other in the area. In fact, it is home to the landmark Mickelson National Golf Club – an outstanding golf course designed by the PGA legend Phil Mickelson and the Calgary-based Windmill Golf team. “One other perk of living in Harmony is the inclusion of a social membership to Mickelson National Golf Club, which includes access to rounds of golf at a reduced rate even after the course is fully private,” says Campbell. HAPPY HOMES Inaugural showhome parades launched in 2015 with new more showhome parades opening in 2019 and two new showhome parade openings are planned for 2022. “Baywest, Broadview and Sterling Homes will be opening a new front-drive parade and Broadview, Sterling and Daytona will be opening showhomes for our rear-laned (with optional carriage homes) product,” says Campbell. Major utilities and infrastructure are now in place, featuring showhomes from seven builders, the first, 40acre lake, advanced water treatment and wastewater treatment facilities, more than 12 kilometres of walking paths and year-round Adventure Park amenity to provide information and events for the community. For more information on all of Harmony’s vast amenities, visit liveinharmony.ca.

CHINOOK 2022 • calgaryschild.com • 33

home & lifestlye

why you have a closet full of clothes but nothing to wear There is absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t be in love with every single outfit in your closet By Marie Zydek Do you know the saying, “I have a closet full of clothes but nothing to wear”? I hear it all the time from my clients and I’m never surprised to find this out because most people only wear 20 percent of their clothing 80 percent of the time! If you’re reading this you might be able to relate. Why? There are many reasons: 1. You don’t have enough basics. A white tee, a black blazer, a chambray top, white sneakers, etc. These are all basic pieces every woman should have in her wardrobe so that she can mix and match them with other options in her closet. When you don’t have the essentials it’s more difficult to put outfits together. 2. You buy pieces of clothing just because they’re on sale, not because you love them. ‘Buy One, Get One Free!’ ‘All Sweaters 60 Percent Off!’ Sales are tempting, I know. The sense of achievement you can feel when you find, for example, a pastel green Aritzia jumpsuit for $40 off during their end-of-season sale is exhilarating but if you’re not really into jumpsuits or green isn’t a flattering color on you, it’ll just sit in your closet collecting dust. 3. Your clothes don’t fit. But you keep them for months or years anyway just in case you lose those extra 10 or 20 pounds you put on during the COVID pandemic. Guess what? The body you have now is worthy of being dressed in clothing you absolutely love.

4. Your wardrobe no longer suits your lifestyle. Maybe you used to have a corporate job that you dressed business casual for but now you’re a stay-at-home mom. You no longer need six pairs of high heels or four pencil skirts in your wardrobe to take care of your children but you do need comfortable clothing you can move in to chase after a toddler. 5. You are overwhelmed by all of the options in your wardrobe. When you have too many clothes bunched up in your closet it’s difficult to even see what you have. When you simplify your wardrobe (and organize it!), it makes getting dressed in the morning so much easier and saves you countless wasted hours standing in front of it trying to decide what to wear. 6. You don’t understand your style. Maybe you want to dress like Meghan Markle but the clothing in your closet screams Paris Hilton circa 2007. Getting clear on your desired style will help create the wardrobe that reflects who you truly are or who you want to become; for example: a confident, successful and welldressed entrepreneur. 7. You don’t purge your closet often enough. I get it, cleaning out your closet is time-consuming and can seem like a very daunting task (I can help!) but it’s necessary to do it every six months so you can take inventory of

what’s working for you and what isn’t. Remember: all of the clothes you’re not wearing are taking up precious real estate in your closet! You should want to wear and will wear all of the items in your closet, maximizing your money and making your life a whole lot easier. • • • •

•

$550. The dollar amount of clothes the average woman owns that never gets worn. One year. The average woman spends standing in front of her closet deciding what to wear in her lifetime. The majority of people only wear 20 percent of the clothing they have in their closet 80 percent of the time, the rest just sits there. On average, Canadians purchase 70 new articles of clothing a year. Most women will spend 200 hours and between $1800 to $4800 per year shopping for their wardrobe. In North America, consumers are buying - and getting rid of - 5 times as much clothing as they did 25 years ago.

Marie is a professional stylist with years of experience in the fashion industry and truly enjoys helping people find a style that works for them, reflects who they are and makes them feel positive about their life. She runs a personal styling business out of Edmonton. Learn more at mariezydek.com. CCM

Come Hang Out With Us... @calgaryschild

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RODDRICK HOFRICHTER 403-404-3165 roddrick-hofrichter.c21.ca

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camp & program

37 Mastering Movement

40 Early-Bird Camps

44 Camp Leaders

early-bird camp & programs

connecting to classes and programs Consider what your child needs right now to find the perfect fit By Cara Poppitt Are you debating enrolling your child in a class during these ever-changing times and feeling a bit overwhelmed? I hear you. As a working mom of three young children, I understand the fears and hopes you have, and the daily demands placed on you. We all want to do our best and make decisions that will positively impact our children. When looking for the perfect class, consider if your child needs a mood booster, the life skills you want your child to develop, and their individual interests. If you are unsure, read along! If you are looking for a mood booster for your child, physical activity is definitely the answer. A strong connection exists between exercise, levels of happiness, and overall health. Every time a child is active, feel-good neurotransmitters are released, increasing the child’s overall mood which will help them navigate life’s daily challenges. Over time, experiencing positive emotions on a routine basis provides a child with a positive outlook in life and helps build their confidence. If you are worried that your child will be too tired after school to participate, I promise you that structured and engaged sport will energize them and be the perfect finish to their day. As depression and anxiety rates continue to rise amongst children, it’s important to remember that meeting physical, social, and emotional needs are vital to a child’s overall wellbeing. Children need to feel connected with other children. Developing routines and habits in children provides a mind and body connection early on that impacts their lives for future years. When children feel good in their bodies and have positive mindsets, their level of overall confidence also increases. I believe, as a parent, the greatest gift we can give our children is the gift of confidence. Providing an outlet for your child to be active, meet friends and experience an emotional release is the best gift you can give your child. Regardless of the sport, class or activity you are considering, remember children are benefiting from more than the actual class. They are learning life skills that go beyond the sport or activity. Classes teach children work ethic, commitment, time management, creativity, athleticism, sportsmanship and social skills. These life skills empower children to feel confident. Sports and activities provide children with the opportunity to have a positive, active and creative outlet and the space for you to engage with your child and talk

about what they have learned. When deciding on a group sport such as dance classes or an individual activity such as private drum lessons, think about the beneficial skills your child could learn. A major benefit of group classes is the opportunity for children to connect with others, form friendships, and learn how to interact with peers. Classes provide children with a sense of normalcy during these everchanging times. As parents, we know the importance of routine and consistency. Most children feel safe and secure when they know what to expect and thrive with a structured routine. Anticipating weekly extracurricular activities positively impacts their mindset and builds excitement. Children thrive when they participate in physical play, and benefit from movement, connection and fun in their daily routine. Getting your child off the screen and giving them the opportunity to be physically active and connect with others is always a win!

“To find an activity or class that your child will love, ask them what their interests are, and show them short videos demonstrating the sport or activity.” To find an activity or class that your child will love, ask them what their interests are, and show them short videos demonstrating the sport or activity. Talk about options and try it at home if possible. These simple steps allow you to connect to your child’s learning style and find out what they are interested in and what they are passionate about. Children learn by visual demonstrations (seeing), kinesthetic movement (doing) and auditory (listening). When determining the options

available, talk to them about the class and ask them questions, show them what it looks like and do the activity with them, so you can make the best decision together. Inviting your child’s input when picking a class makes them feel part of the decision-making process and gives them a sense of pride. By using engaging conversation prompts such as ‘tell me more’ or ‘what do you think?’ will allow your child to feel empowered. Remember, kids love variety, so trying something new can be extra exciting! I encourage you to jump in and have some fun, as we could all use some added excitement these days! You may also experience a boost of personal energy and increased harmony in your home as your child’s confidence soars. It’s a win for everyone! Investing in your child’s extracurricular activities is invaluable and will always pay off.

If you are looking for dance, yoga, or fitness classes for you or your child, check out soulconnexion.ca or call 403-567-0070. If you have a preschooler ask about the Fine Arts Club focusing on enriched movement and play. Soul Connexion's mission is to inspire growth and they would love to connect with you. CCM

› PD Camps › Spring Break Sport Camps › Summer Sport Camps Age: 5-12 years REGISTER NOW for Spring Break and PD Camps. Registration opens for Summer Sport Camps in March. 36 • Find us on

WE HAVE SPORT CAMPS!

early-bird camp & programs

starter guide to mastering movement skills on ice and snow Embrace the cold and enjoy outdoor activities (safely) By Sarah Parker Living in Canada, to stay active outdoors for a good chunk of the year, it’s necessary to learn how to navigate the slippery and slushy white stuff. It’s all about building on the foundation of movement skills already learned on solid ground. If you can run, hop, throw, catch, jump, and balance your body in various ways, then you can learn to push, glide, and stop on ice, as well as slide, jump, and climb in snow. d Getting started There are many activities to do on ice and snow, but the most common that likely come to mind are skating, skiing, and hockey. But before you can fully participate in these activities, you need to first develop the fundamental movement skills specific to moving on ice and snow. We break down what those skills are for you: d Push-glide These are the basic movements of ice skating, but they also apply to skiing, as well. Before you even strap on skates, you can have your child mimic these movements

on a smooth floor while wearing socks. Have them lean forward slightly and push their feet across the floor. Then once you get to the rink, they’ll be better prepared to move on ice. Have them hold onto you, or a chair, for those first sure-to-be wobbly steps on ice skates. d Stop-turn around Once you get moving on ice skates, the next step is learning to stop. While moving, stand straight with your feet side-by-side and then push them out to one side. This hockey-stop movement works for both skates and downhill skis. Once stopped, step carefully and turn around to push off in the opposite direction. d Slalom slide Once pushing, gliding, and stopping are learned, kids can practice a more advanced move: the slalom slide. This is the key move to skiing smoothly downhill, but the movement can be done on ice skates, as well. Once you have forward momentum, stand with legs shoulder-width apart, lean forward slightly and bend your knees, then turn both ankles to one side, then the other, making a swivel pattern. This move also helps with balance and coordination.

d Step-climb-play Snowshoeing, hiking, building a snowman - all of these are fun winter activities that don’t require as much specialized equipment or a trip to a recreational facility. You just need outdoor space and some deep snow. Taking big steps and learning how it feels to move and balance in deep snow are essential skills to navigate our snowy country and the earlier kids learn these skills, the better. So, strap on a pair of winter boots and get moving in the snow! Of course, you may feel that some of these skills are best taught by a professional, in which case it’s a good idea to find a skating or skiing program to join. When kids learn to master these movement skills on ice and snow, winter no longer becomes an excuse to stay inside; instead, it opens a whole world of fun activity for the whole family. We are lucky to live in a country with vast and wonderful wintry landscapes, so it’s essential to embrace the cold and enjoy activities that can lead to a lifetime of fitness and fun! Active for Life is a national initiative created to help parents raise physically literate children. At activeforlife.com, parents, educators, and coaches will find fun activities, engaging articles, and free resources to get kids active, healthy, and happy. CCM

Spark Curiosity, Inspire Success. Preschool - Grade 6 WWW.RIVERVALLEYSCHOOL.CA CHINOOK 2022 • calgaryschild.com • 37

early-bird camp & programs

how to help your preschooler get excited about day camp The secret formula for getting your little one excited about something new By Jen Goeres If you are looking for strategies to get your preschooler excited about day camp or another new experience, think about what helps you, as an adult, get excited for something new that’s about to happen in your life. Here is the secret formula: Value + Safety + Adventure. VALUE: What’s in it for me? When we know the value of an experience and how it will benefit us, we are more likely to participate in something new or at least be willing to try. For example, if your child goes to day camp, they will meet new friends, become a better swimmer, or maybe try horseback riding for the first time! Finding out what your child thinks they will value most from this experience can help guide your conversation with them about day camp and keep the focus on fun. SAFETY: Will I be safe? Going into a new experience can bring on anxiety and nerves. We want to know that in a new experience, we will be safe - both physically and emotionally. Regarding day camp for your preschooler, what is the ratio of staff to campers? What training do staff receive to support physical and emotional safety at camp? What are the procedures if campers get homesick? How do camp staff help nurture the campers’ friendships as well as a camper’s individual needs? Doing a bit of research ahead of time on day camps for your preschooler can help you reassure your child that this experience will be safe for them.

ADVENTURE: How will a new adventure help me? Whether you are a preschooler starting day camp for the first time or an adult joining a hockey league for the first time, it all comes down to adventure. If we are willing to try something new and be vulnerable, then we can experience new adventures, gain new skills, and be open to more opportunities as we grow. What seems risky at first can turn out to be the most rewarding experience in life. Helping your child pursue adventure at a young age will build their confidence and independence for success later in life. Now that you know the secret formula that can help a preschooler (or anyone) get excited about a new experience, here are a few strategies to help you put the formula into practice: Talk with your child about the activities they will • get to do at day camp. Use pictures and videos from the camp website or read stories about day camp. Children may find something more appealing if they see an activity being done or can reflect on a positive story. • Ask your child which one or two activities they are most interested in and continue talking about these to build excitement. • Talk with your child about what to expect each day at camp (e.g., drop-off time, games, swim

Stop watching. Start Playing. Outdoor Summer Camps at WinSport. Book today at winsport.ca

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•

time, lunch, arts & crafts, and pick-up time). You can even create a visual chart for your child. Give your child something to bring that can help them feel connected to home if they feel home sick or nervous. For example, a homemade bracelet to wear, a stuffed animal, or a key chain with a picture of your family. Talk with your child about your own experiences with trying new things or attending day camp. Share how you felt going into it, what it was like, and how you felt after the experience to role model the importance of pursuing adventure.

Remember, it is okay to be nervous about a new experience. Reassure your child that feeling nervous is common and healthy. I have seen first-hand as a camp counsellor and as a parent the lifelong positive impact that a day camp experience has on a child. Happy adventures!

Jen is a consultant with WordPLAY Consulting Inc., wordplaycanada. com, and a Recreation Program Specialist with The City of Calgary. She has three children and enjoys exploring the outdoors with her family. Feeling Social? Follow on Instagram @wordplaycanada. CCM

early-bird camp & programs

how to help your daughter

develop a love of being physically active 8 simple tips to get moving By Jim Grove According to the 2016 report, Women in Sport: Fuelling a Lifetime of Participation, if a girl has not participated in sport by age 10, they are only 10 percent likely to be physically active as an adult. That’s a sobering figure for parents who hope to see their daughters become healthy and active after they leave home. Of those girls who play sports in childhood, the same report by the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity (CAAWS) says their overall sport participation drops by 22 percent once they enter adolescence, and their school sport participation drops close to 26 percent. This further diminishes the odds that these girls will become active adults.

What can be done to change this? Research shows that parent role models have a big impact on the physical activity habits of their daughters. Furthermore, female coaching experts have identified practical steps to help girls value physical activity. Here are some tips. 1. Be an active role model for your daughter. Research consistently shows a strong correlation between active parent physical activity levels and those of their children. The effect is particularly pronounced in the preschool and early elementary years, and these physical activity habits tend to hold strong through adolescence if they are established early. In relation to girls’ activity levels, some research has specifically singled out the importance of mothers being active role models for their daughters - not just fathers - though the role modelling effect is always stronger if both parents are active. 2. Seek positive female role models in coaching. If your daughter has the opportunity to be coached by a positive female role model, this can be a big boost to your daughter’s enthusiasm for sport and activity. When girls see women and older girls in leadership and coaching roles, it proves to them that sport and activity are not just for boys, and positive female role models provide an image of someone they might like to emulate. 3. Watch female sports and celebrate female athletes. Your daughter may feel greater enthusiasm

for participating in sport and activity if they see women athletes competing at the highest levels, experiencing success, and receiving recognition. Look for opportunities to watch female sporting events with your daughter - at local sporting venues or on television and online. 4. Help your daughter to develop fundamental movement skills. Fundamental movement skills are basic skills related to sport and physical activity such as kicking, running, jumping, catching, and throwing. In an ideal world, every child should be developing these skills from early childhood onward. If your daughter has a foundation in fundamental skills and physical literacy, they will feel confident enough to try new activities and sports as they move through life. Just remember to establish a good base of fundamental skills before you try to introduce sport-specific skills. 5. Commit money to supporting your daughter in sport and activity. As a parent and as a family, CAAWS suggests making it a priority to dedicate money for your daughter to play sports and explore different physical activities. Whenever possible, take advantage of community sport programs that are free or low cost. 6. Encourage your daughter to play, coach, and officiate sports and activities. CAAWS also suggests that you encourage your daughter to play, coach, and officiate different sports and activities. Coaching and officiating are great ways to deepen your daughter’s understanding of their favorite sport or activity, as well as build leadership and organizational skills. 7. Teach your daughter about nontraditional sports that she might enjoy. We often assume that being active means playing traditional competitive sports such as soccer, basketball, hockey, and tennis. But competitive sports are not for everyone, and there are plenty of non-traditional sports and physical activities that your daughter might enjoy a whole lot more. Make sure your daughter understands that activities such as practicing yoga, rock climbing, dancing, hiking, and snowshoeing are all valid and enjoyable forms of physical activity. 8. Help to make your daughter’s sport and activity environment fun. It is well-established that kids’ number one reason for playing sports is having fun. It’s also wellknown that too many adults take the fun out of sport and activity through inappropriate behaviors such as yelling and coaching from the sidelines when they aren’t the coach. You can encourage your daughter to keep playing by helping to create a sport and activity environment that is fun and welcoming for everyone. You can help your daughter to experience the physical, social, and psychological benefits of participating in sport and physical activity as children and youth. And by helping to instill a habit for physical activity early in life, you help to increase the odds that they will stay active and healthy into adulthood. Active for Life is a national initiative created to help parents raise physically literate children. At activeforlife.com, parents, educators, and coaches will find fun activities, engaging articles, and free resources to get kids active, healthy, and happy. CCM

, g n i t c a cing, , y a l p e n v i a t d a , e g cr orytellin ing, st playwrit ore! , g n i g is n ormance & m perf

JULY 4–AUG 12 REGISTER NOW IN-PERSON CAMPS FOR AGES 6-16!

storybooktheatre.org VOTED BY CALGARY'S CHILD READERS

BEST LIVE THEATRE GROUP FOR FAMILIES CHINOOK 2022 • calgaryschild.com • 39

early-bird camp & programs

Early-Bird Summer Camp & Program Directory Want to get program registration off your list? Here’s your sneak-a-peek at this summer’s offerings! Watch for our Summer Camp & Program Directory in our upcoming spring issue for more camp and program options and information. ARTS - DANCE, THEATRE, MUSICAL THEATRE, MUSIC CALGARY YOUNG PEOPLE’S THEATRE (CYPT) Phone: 403-242-7118, Ext. 1 Email: cypt@cypt.ca Website: cypt.ca CANTARÉ CHILDREN’S CHOIR Phone: 403-685-1132 Email: catherine@cantarechildrenschoir.org Website: cantarechildrenschoir.org CHINOOK SCHOOL OF MUSIC (CSM) Phone: 403-246-8446 Email: info@chinookschoolofmusic.com Website: chinookschoolofmusic.com FREE HOUSE DANCE PLUS LTD. Phone: 403-282-0555 Email: fhdp@telusplanet.net Website: freehousedance.com KEYBOARD ACADEMY OF MUSIC Phone (Southwest): 403-255-0010 Phone (Northwest): 403-277-2987 Website: keyboardacademy.ca KODÁLY MUSIC EXPLORERS CANTARÉ CHILDREN’S CHOIR Phone: 403-685-1132 Email: office@cantarechildrenschoir.org Website: cantarechildrenschoir.org

CITY OF CALGARY RECREATION Various Locations Phone: 403-268-3800 Website: calgary.ca/register

LISA GRAHAM MUSIC Phone: 403-862-9232 Email: lisa@lisagraham.ca Website: lisagraham.ca LONG & MCQUADE MUSIC LESSON CENTRE Calgary Chinook: 225 58 Avenue SE Website: long-mcquade.com/lessons/Alberta/Calgary Calgary East: 3404 5 Avenue NE Website: long-mcquade.com/lessons/Alberta/Calgary_East Calgary Royal Vista: 10 Royal Vista Drive NW Website: long-mcquade.com/lessons/Alberta/Calgary_North STORYBOOK THEATRE Phone: 403-216-0808, Ext. 2 Email: theatreschool@storybooktheatre.org Website: storybooktheatre.org

RIVER VALLEY SCHOOL Phone: 403-246-2275 Email: kidsclub@rivervalleyschool.ca Website: rivervalleyschool.ca SPRAY LAKE SAWMILLS FAMILY SPORTS CENTRE (SLSFSC) Phone: 403-932-1635 Email: info@slsfsc.com Website: slsfamilysportscentre.com

GENERAL: MULTIPLE THEMES, SPORTS & ACTIVITIES CALGARY RANGERS SOCCER Phone: 403-465-3899 Email: info@calgaryrangers.com Website: calgaryrangers.com

ST. MARY’S UNIVERSITY Email: extension@stmu.ca Website: stmu.ca/extension-studies

Drop in &

For one drop-in fee, come and enjoy ALL our facilities!

Skating

Pool

Fitness

Just 20 mins West of Calgary! 800 Griffin Road E. Cochrane | email: info@slsfsc.com | 403 932 1635 | slsfamilysportscentre.com 40 • Find us on

MRU KIDS Phone: 403-440-6001 Email: mrukids@mtroyal.ca Website: mrukids.ca REPSOL SPORT CENTRE Phone: 403-233-8393 Email: info@repsolsport.com Website: repsolsportcentre.com

YOUTH SINGERS OF CALGARY Phone: 403-234-9549 Email: yscadmin@youthsingers.org Website: youthsingers.org

Our Space is Your Place

MASTER RIM’S TAEKWONDO Phone (Southwest): 403-460-2472 Phone (Northwest): 587-535-6560 Email: info@masterrim.com Website: masterrim.com

B ouncers

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SUMMIT KIDS Phone: 403-477-6460 Email: hello@summitkids.ca Website: summitkids.ca TRELLIS SOCIETY Phone: 403-267-9981 Email: hpawson@growwithtrellis.ca Website: growwithtrellis.ca/camps TRICO CENTRE FOR FAMILY WELLNESS Phone: 403-278-7542 Email: guestservices@tricocentre.ca Website: tricocentre.ca UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY KINESIOLOGY Phone: 403-220-7749 Email: active@ucalgary.ca Website: active-living.ucalgary.ca WINSPORT Phone: 403-247-5452 Email: info@winsport.ca Website: winsport.ca

YMCA CALGARY Multiple Locations Email: answers@ymcacalgary.org Website: ymcacalgary.org/camps

YYC NATURE & EDUCATION CENTRE Phone: 403-457-2202 Email: yycnaturecentre@gmail.com Website: yycnaturecentre.com

INCLUSIVE & SPECIAL NEEDS OVERNIGHT CAMPS AMICUS RECREATION Phone: 403-270-9400, Ext. 252 Email: intake@foothillsacademy.org Website: foothillsacademy.org RUNDLE SUMMER CAMPS Phone: 403-291-3866 Email: clab@rundle.ab.ca Website: rundle.ab.ca/summercamps SHELDON PSYCHOLOGY GROUP Phone: 403-618-8288 Email: info@sheldonpsychology.com Website: sheldonpsychology.com

CAMP CADICASU Phone: 403-888-8124 Email: info@cadicasu.com Website: cadicasu.com YMCA CALGARY Email: answers@ymcacalgary.org Website: ymcacalgary.org/camps These listings are accurate at the time of publishing. Watch for our full Summer Camp & Program Directory in our upcoming Spring issue for more camp and program options and information.

NATURE & ANIMAL CARE BUTTERFIELD ACRES CHILDREN’S FARM Phone: 403-239-0638 Email: office@butterfieldacres.com Website: butterfieldacres.com

This listing is provided for your reference only. Please research carefully and choose the company that meets your family’s needs best. CCM

Extraordinary kids deserve extraordinary camps. Register for reduced-capacity summer camps today!

mrucamps.com CHINOOK 2022 • calgaryschild.com • 41

early-bird camp & programs

STRATHCONA-TWEEDSMUIR SCHOOL Phone: 403-938-8326 Email: camps@sts.ab.ca Website: strathconatweedsmuir.com

early-bird camp & programs

Why Choose Long & McQuade? Music lessons for all ages, stages, and styles. Professional instructors make learning fun. Convenient lesson times for busy families. No registration fees. Affordable instrument rentals.

ONLINE AND IN-STUDIO LESSONS AVAILABLE. 225 58 Ave. SE • (403) 252-8506 • calgarychinooklessons@long-mcquade.com 3404 5 Ave. NE • (587) 296-6648 • calgaryeastlessons@long-mcquade.com 10 Royal Vista Dr. NW • (587) 794-3196 • calgaryroyalvistalessons@long-mcquade.com 42 • Find us on

Smart indooor fun By Klynne Brinas There are a lot of fun activities to do outside during winter but when that temperature goes below -30, keeping warm inside is the way to go. To keep your kids entertained indoors during these cold winter days, here are five Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math (STEAM) crafts to help keep them busy: SLIME This one is a classic that provides hours of fun for kids. In a plastic disposable container, put in some glue. Add drops of food coloring to your liking. Then add liquid starch, about 5 to 10 drops at a time, mix well. Do the last step until a slime is formed. Rinse the slime with cold water. To make a glittery-slime variation, add glitter to the glue instead of food coloring. Then proceed with mixing in liquid starch until a slime is formed. Another fun variation is magnetic slime. Before making this variation, make sure to wear a mask to prevent you from inhaling the iron powder. To make this, add two tablespoons of iron powder to the glue instead of food coloring. Then proceed with mixing in liquid starch until a slime is formed. The kids can make the slime ‘move’ by attracting it with a Neodymium magnet. GUMMIES The kids will have fun making gummies but beware of the sugar high that comes after eating them! In a cup of boiling water, add one packet of flavored and three packets of unflavored gelatin. After the powder has completely dissolved, and while the solution is still hot, place the liquid in silicone molds. There are a lot of fun-shaped molds on Amazon. Let the gummies set. Once set, they are ready to eat! Use sugar-free flavored gelatin if you prefer. Or you can use splashes of sugar-free drink flavorings added to unflavored gelatin. Just make sure to use four packets of gelatin per one cup of water. MAGIC CRYSTALS These crystals can be turned into treasures that pirates are looting! Arrr… Add about three tablespoons of borax to a container. A clear container would work best so the kids can see

YMCA SNEAK-A-PEEK

the crystals forming. Pour in about half a cup of boiling water into the container, mix until dissolved. Fold a pipe cleaner in half and soak about half inch of the folded part into the container. Crystals will slowly form on the pipe cleaner in a couple of hours. Leaving the crystals to form overnight would be best. Remove the pipe cleaner from the solution and rinse the crystals with cold water. Then let your kid’s imagination run wild! Food coloring added to the water can change the color of the crystals. Also, neon-colored pipe cleaners make for some amazing-colored crystals. * Editor's Note: Borax can be irritating to skin, eyes and lungs. Make sure to supervise your children when playing with their crystals.

”The kids will have fun making gummies but beware of the sugar-high that comes after eating them!” LIGHT-UP MAGIC WANDS This one is for the Harry Potter fans out there. You will need three large craft sticks for this project. Cut about an inch off one stick (Stick A), run copper tape on this small portion. On another stick (Stick B), attach one end of an LED bulb using copper tape. Run the copper tape through the entire stick. On the third stick (Stick C), attach the other end of the LED bulb using copper tape. Run the copper tape through the entire stick. On Stick C, remove about an inch of copper tape, about three-quarters from the bottom. Then at each end of the copper tape, run more copper tape around the stick - this is your circuit breaker. Place the long part of Stick A in between Stick B and C, use electrical tape to secure them together. Attach the smaller portion of Stick A to the outer portion of Stick C, using electrical tape, creating a hinge that will cover the gap between

the copper tape rings on Stick C- this is your on/off switch. Slide a CR2032-3 battery into the bottom part, in between Stick B and C. Test your circuit by holding the battery in between the sticks and depressing the on/off switch. The bulb should light up. If it doesn’t, turn the battery around, then test again. Once the bulb lights up, secure the battery using electrical tape. If you want to create a Harry Potter-like wand, add some glue from a glue gun to create rope or branchlike effects. Once that’s dry, paint with craft paint. Then it’s time to practice those spells! Visit calgaryschild.com for instructions with photos for this craft! BATH BOMBS Let’s turn bathing into a science experiment to make it more fun! In a container mix a cup of baking soda, ¹�₈ cup corn starch, ¼ cup citric acid, and ¼ cup Epsom salts. Then in a separate container mix three tablespoons of castor oil, ½ tablespoon of water, drops of food coloring (have fun mixing colors), and 5 to 10 drops of essential oil. Add a small amount of the liquid mixture into the dry mixture at a time, then mix well. Repeat this step until everything is mixed. Press the mixture into molds, then leave overnight to harden. Once the bathbombs come out of the mold, it’s bath time! Some tips: 1. Stay away from citrusy essential oils as they tend to break the bathbombs. 2. If you find the final mixture to be too crumbly, add more castor oil, a couple of drops at a time, until the mixture sticks together like wet sand. 3. I like using plastic Christmas DIY ornaments as molds, or silicone molds work well too. 4. Citric acid can be bought from your local pharmacy - call ahead as it may be a special order, and make sure to get Anhydrous Citric Acid. Now what are you waiting for? Gather up those materials and let’s get crafting! Fueled by strong coffee and a Gemini personality, Klynne shares ideas on living a minimal organized life full of adventures. For creative ideas on how to elevate frugal to luxury, visit thisfamilylifewelive.com. CCM

Explore, learn, and keep active this summer!

With six YMCA health & recreation facilities and two outdoor camps sites, we have plenty of spaces and places to keep your child busy this summer. Choose from multi-activity, art, basketball, skating, climbing, swimming, outdoor and overnight —or try them all. We can keep your child active all summer!

fun . active. unplugged. YMCAcalgary.org GO! CHINOOK 2022 • calgaryschild.com • 43

early-bird camp & programs

5 fun STEAM crafts to banish kid boredom when it’s -30ºC outside

early-bird camp & programs

the benefits of becoming a summer camp leader Help your child lead the way to a brighter future By Jen Goeres In 1997, I applied to be a Day Camp Counsellor at the newly opened Crowfoot YMCA (now the Melcor YMCA) and was fortunate enough to be part of the first summer day camp team (my camp name was “Summit”). I loved it so much that I was a returning leader for the next three summers with the YMCA, then led the summer volunteer program at Westside Recreation Centre, spent a summer as a Camp Counsellor at Summit Camp in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, and supervised The City of Calgary Park n’ Play as a Recreation Program Specialist. I had no idea that my first full-time summer job would be the start of a recreation career spanning 25 years (and counting!). Here are a few of the benefits your child can look forward to if they become a summer camp leader: Gaining valuable life skills. Many of the skills I use every day can be traced back to being a summer camp leader - from finding creative problem-solving to managing conflict to being a good team player (plus, I have a large repertoire of camp songs, which come in handy now as a parent!). As Jorja Forshaw, Recreation Leader, Canadian Forces Base Edmonton notes, “Being a summer camp leader gave me a sense of responsibility, helped me build time management skills, and allowed me to develop relationships with my co-workers.”

44 • Find us on

Being a summer camp leader gives youth the ultimate opportunity to learn and practice (just to name a few): • time management skills adaptability • • taking initiative effective communication •

• •

problem-solving skills teamwork

Finding amazing friends. One of the best parts of being a summer camp leader is finding amazing lifelong friends, some of which I have been friends with for over

20 years! By the nature of the job, summer camp teams are made up of other young people who are passionate about working with children, ready to have fun, and always up for adventure. “My co-workers were amazing, and the camp had such a positive energy! That feeling was what kept me motivated to do my best every day,” says Vivian Leadbeader, Senior Play Camp Leader, Town of High River.

“Being a summer camp leader gave me a sense of responsibility, helped me build time management skills, and allowed me to develop relationships with my co-workers.”

so many great people, and play outside all year long. There is nothing better than that!” Beyond this list, there are many benefits to taking on one of the most rewarding (and challenging!) summer jobs out there; it will teach your child more about themselves than they ever imagined! Is your child ‘too old for camp’ but too young to meet the hiring age requirements? A volunteer or Junior Leader position may be the perfect fit. Tracy Morgan, Customer Service and Programmer Supervisor at the Town of High River notes, “For volunteers, summer camp is their first job-like experience and they quite often move up into camp leader roles or job opportunities within our department.” Bobbi Thomas, Preschool, Children’s, and Youth Programmer, The City of Airdrie, says, “90 percent of our recreation leaders started as volunteers in our program. It is a fantastic way to gain experience, confidence, and leadership skills to prepare for any type of employment.” Not only do these summer roles give youth an opportunity to gain valuable experience for their resume and opportunities for employment down the road, but they also often come with flexible schedules, making it easier to still enjoy longer summer family vacations!

Making a difference. Beyond being a summer job, a summer camp leader becomes a caregiver, a role model, a coach, and a cheerleader to the children in their group. In fact, research shows the biggest reason why children stay engaged in sport and recreation for the long-term is the caring leaders that made a difference in their lives (HIGH FIVE, 2021). Laura Evans, Assistant Principal with Calgary Catholic School Division, reflects back on her time as a summer camp leader by sharing, “Working and helping others has always been a passion for me. I have always said that I want to be a little bit of light that a child has in a day. My start at day camps has only inspired my journey to keep being that light as a teacher and now as an administrator.”

Is your child interested in a camp leader or volunteer opportunity this summer?

Getting paid to play. Being a summer camp leader is an opportunity to get paid to play! When I look back on some of my experiences as a summer camp leader, from taking kids on overnight tenting trips to scavenger hunts through parks to playing field games out in the warm summer sun, most of the time I forgot I was working! Jen Smith, former Camp Coordinator at Easter Seals Camp Horizon, reflects on her camp experience by sharing, “I got to hang out with an amazing staff, meet

I hope this article has provided you with a greater understanding of the value, importance, opportunities, and potential that working in a camp environment offers your child now, and for years to come.

CAMPS

4–14 Years

the

Grades 3-4: July 4-8 Grades 5-6: July 11-15

Grades 3-4: July 18-22 Grades 5-6: July 25-29

Lisa Graham

MAKING THE MUSIC IN YOUR LIFE A LITTLE MORE SPECIAL

Private flute lessons. Online or in person lessons. (Pending COVID restrictions and student/teacher comfort)

Customized lesson content. Solo & group performance opportunities.

Jen is a mom of twins, an avid adventurer, and co-owner of WordPLAY Consulting. She has worked in education, sport, and recreation for over 25 years as a teacher, leader, and advocate for positive child and youth development. For more information, visit wordplaycanada.com. CCM

lisa@lisagraham.ca 403-862-9232

lisagraham.ca

mps a C y a D L A M 38 Amazing ANI fice 403-239-06 es.com or call of rfieldAcr

istration at Butte

MEMORIES are made at FARM

French Immersion

To register email extension@stmu.ca

Some great places in Calgary to start include: Recreation organizations (i.e., The City of Calgary, • YMCA Calgary) • Sports groups (i.e., WinSport, Repsol, minor sports organizations) • Post-secondary institutions (i.e., MRU, U of C, SAIT) • Local attractions (i.e., Butterfield Acres, TELUS Spark, Wilder Institute / Calgary Zoo) • Home Owners and/or Residents Associations • Camps your child attended in the past (i.e., Camp Cadicasu, Camp Kiwanis) • Calgary Youth Employment Centre

eg Information & R

the BEST

Science Explorers

Butterfield Acres is the perfect venue for this memory-making, activity-packed camp! Different animal highlights each day provide a framework for the max in age-appropriate fun, participation, intrigue, adventure and dare-we-say... learning!

EARLY REGISTRATION BONUS All campers registered before midnight March 31st get a FREE SEASON PASS! Go to ButterfieldAcres.com for registration information. As always, register early if you are wanting to be with a particular group of friends, or if there’s a special camp week or time you need.

ButterfieldAcres.com

Goat Milking • Tractor Rides • Pony Rides • Farmyard Fun • Picnic Areas CHINOOK 2022 • calgaryschild.com • 45

early-bird camp & programs

Summer Camps 2022

early-bird camp & programs

how to choose a summer camp your kids will love – even in a pandemic Choosing a camp that’s fun and safe By Kimberly Blaker Whether you're looking for enrichment for your child, a way to keep your kids occupied and supervised while you work, or need a short reprieve from parenting, there's sure to be a summer camp that's the right fit for your child and family. Even facing down yet another summer in the COVID-19 pandemic, summer camps are up and running! The benefits of summer camp Summer camp offers kids plenty of benefits, and many kids are thrilled with the idea of going away to summer camp. Still, for some kids, particularly those who are shy, introverted, or homebodies, the thought of going away for a night, let alone a week or more, can cause considerable anxiety. When kids are adamantly opposed, forcing summer camp on them may not be in their best interest. But for kids who are eager – or at least willing to give it a shot without much fuss – summer camp offers opportunities kids may not have elsewhere. Summer camp provides kids the following benefits: fosters independence • • a place to develop new and lasting friendships

• • • • • • • • •

development of new skills discovery of new interests and hobbies the opportunity for creative expression a break from being plugged in daily exercise improves their self-esteem teaches kids to work with others makes them feel part of a community prevents or reduces summer learning loss

Getting started in your search Before you begin looking into summer camps, create a list of the criteria you're looking for. Here are some things you'll want to consider. • • • •

What is your budget for summer camp? What is the purpose of sending your child to summer camp? Do you want a resident (overnight) or a day camp? Are you looking for a short-term (week or two) or summer-long program?

• •

Do you want a camp that's very structured or one that provides your child with lots of freedom and choices? What are your child's passions, such as a particular sport, hobby, or other interest?

Once you've narrowed down some of the criteria, you can begin your search! Next steps to finding the perfect summer camp Once you've selected a few summer camps that meet your primary criteria and that fit your child's interests, share the choices with your child to see what excites them. Let your child know upfront that you still need to thoroughly investigate the camp(s) before making a final decision, but keep your child's choices in mind to ensure your child gets the most out of summer camp. Once you and your child have narrowed the list down to a manageable selection, investigate the camps further. There are several things you'll want to consider.

open to

EVERYONE!

Summer Camps! Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School (STS) is offering week-long day camps that are sure to have your children excited, engaged, and energized over the summer months! Kids ages 4 – 17 will love exploring the beautiful 220-acre STS campus, creating, imagining, inventing, honing sports skills, and pursuing their passions − there is a camp for everyone to “say yes” to! STS Summer Camps are being offered in partnership with Coded Minds, GreenPrintsYYC, Calgary Polo Club, Okotoks Rockies Basketball, Two Wheel View, Stryker Sports, Pivot Pointe Sports, Fuse33, and TenPeaks just to name a few!

Find out more & register at: stscamps.ca

46 • Find us on

KEYBOARD ACADEMY OF MUSIC ORGAN

KEYBOARD

SPECIAL

Beginners 8 week Trial Program Includes 8 lessons, music book and the loan of an instrument

www.keyboardacademy.ca Southwest • 403-255-0010

What are the staff's qualifications? Many summer camps use teens to staff the camps. Teens make excellent mentors and can bring liveliness to summer camp programs. However, the programs themselves should be developed by professionals and have professional oversight to ensure kids are getting the most from their camp experience.

PIANO

8411B Elbow Drive SW

EXAMS • THEORY CONCERTS • COMPETITION

Northeast • 403-277-2987 #203 - 4803 Centre Street N

How does the camp ensure your child's safety? Find out what kind of safety training the camp provides its staffers. Also, is there staff on hand at all times that knows CPR? What are the camp's procedures in the event your child becomes ill, has an accident, or an emergency?

“For kids who are eager - or at least willing to give it a shot without much fuss - summer camp offers opportunities kids may not have elsewhere.” Is this camp a safe option for my child and family during the pandemic? Virtual summer camps range from a couple of hours a day to all-day camps offering a broad range of virtual activities led by counsellors. Virtual summer camp programs range from free to several hundred dollars. Perhaps you're considering sending your child to an in-person summer camp. Make sure to ask the camp provider how they plan to promote behaviors

What is the daily schedule for campers? Ask for a daily itinerary, so you know your child will be getting everything you and your child anticipate from the program. What are the rules? Each camp has its own set of rules. So, find out whether your child is allowed to call you. If it's a summerlong residential camp, can parents come and visit? Can kids bring along a cell phone or electronics? Also, how much money can they bring, and how is it managed? Don't sweat it Keep in mind, although there are many great camps, no camp is likely to offer everything precisely the way you want it. Just choose the one that best fits your child and satisfies your most important criteria. Remember, your child will have many summers to come and plenty more opportunities to work in more exciting camp experiences. Kimberly is a freelance writer. She also owns an online store, Sage Rare & Collectible Books, specializing in out-of-print, scarce, signed, and first editions; fine bindings; ephemera and more at sagerarebooks.com. CCM

dream

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF UTTER NONSENSE!

big even if you're small

summer

DRAMA

camps cypt.ca CHINOOK 2022 • calgaryschild.com • 47

early-bird camp & programs

to minimize spread, maintain a healthy environment, if they're prepared for if someone gets sick (including how and if they will notify you if any campers get sick), and any changes to operations for overnight camps, such as food service and sleeping arrangements.

early-bird camp & programs

The City of Calgary’s top 10 ways to love winter Grab your gear and head out! By Susan Pederson Have you ever skated along an ice trail? Are you up for a nature challenge? Have you heard of Chinook Blast? These are just a few of the free and low-cost City of Calgary activities available to families through The City’s Winter City Strategy. Our city boasts an abundance of winter activities built right into our landscape. Calgary.ca/lovewinter is full of free and inexpensive outdoor activities and events to keep your family busy throughout the winter months. Kids and adults need only to throw on a jacket, toque, mitts and grab a hockey stick, skates, sled, snowshoes, or skis - and they’re set! Winter walks are an easy go-to, as are toboggan runs down a powder-coated hill. Outdoor skating rinks are a community staple for a pick-up game with friends or to practice your ice dancing technique. And Calgary’s two skating trails allow for longer skates that put you right smack in the middle of nature. When temperatures dip below the tolerance of even the bravest souls, The City also has many indoor opportunities that are free or low cost. From organized classes to drop-in activities, The City’s recreation facilities

will keep your family moving, creating, and playing together all winter long. Here are our top 10 free or low-cost ways for your family to explore winter in Calgary, whether knee-deep in snow or nestled inside doing an activity your family loves: 1. Hit the ice! Skating is the perfect winter activity for all ages, either at an area or at one of Calgary’s many outdoor skating rinks. North Glenmore Park (7305 Crowchild Trail SW) and Bowness Park (8900 48 Avenue NW) boast ice trails from mid-November to midMarch (weather dependent). You can even try a new way to skate this season at Bowness Park with an ice bike! (Picture a bicycle, where the front wheel has been replaced with skates and the back wheel is surrounded by skates.) Adult- and child-sized bikes are available to rent. Helmets strongly recommended. For more information, visit calgary.ca/lovewinter. 2. Celebrate winter with Chinook Blast, Calgary’s winter festival. This annual festival is returning to heat up our city with several activities over four weeks, from February 4 to 27. The City is a partner in this winter

SUMMER

festival celebrating community, culture, and civic pride. Kid- and family-friendly activities include the Glow Winter Light Festival, the Ethnik Festival, and weekend activities at Olympic Plaza, the hub for Chinook Blast. You can also find coordinated events hosted by community associations and other friends of Chinook Blast. Celebrate winter by checking out this festival that brings together partners from the arts, nonprofit, communities, tourism, and sports to showcase the best of our city. For more information, visit chinookblast.ca. 3. Cozy up to an open fire. Drop in or book a woodburning fire pit or bring your own propane fire pit to one of Calgary’s parks! Don’t forget to bring your own

CAMPS

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firewood and the marshmallows. New for 2022, you can enjoy alcoholic drinks at select fire pits. You can book City fire pits from 12 to 2pm, 4 to 6pm, and 7 to 9pm on weekdays and weekends. To book a fire pit, visit calgary. ca/parksfirepits. 4. Explore nature in your own backyard. Complete activities in your backyard or a local park with our Winter Neighbourhood Nature Challenge card. Try to finish all the challenges by March 20, the last day of winter. To begin your nature challenge today, visit calgary.ca/ lovewinter. 5. Help your kids and teens stay active after school. There are free programs offered at various recreation facilities, community centres, and community-based partner agencies through Calgary AfterSchool. To find an AfterSchool program near you, visit calgary.ca/ afterschool.

8. Get sporty at a leisure centre. Swimming is a yearround way for your family to have fun. Leisure centres also feature drop-in basketball, badminton, and open gym times at Southland Leisure Centre or Village Square Leisure Centre. To plan your family’s physical activity this winter, visit calgary.ca/leisurecentres or calgary.ca/ liveandplay. 9. Chill out at home. Discover a variety of self-guided activities for all ages to stay active, create art, try an interactive game, or learn something new. For creative inspiration, visit calgary.ca/athome. 10. Celebrate chocolate! Help decide who will win the coveted title of “Calgary’s Best Hot Chocolate.” Throughout the month of February, participating cafés and restaurants will feature signature hot chocolate drinks during Calgary’s Hot Chocolate Festival. Proceeds

“Calgary may not have invented winter, but we have invented hundreds of ways to enjoy this special season, many of which are unique to Calgary and our beautiful landscape.” 6. Drop in at your local playground or check out one of the nine new Calgary inclusive playgrounds! Visit calgary.ca/inclusiveplay for locations and features. Or let the kids rediscover play at one of our unstructured drop-in programs at Mobile Adventure Playgrounds. Onsite play ambassadors will be on site to inspire play. For dates and locations of the Mobile Adventure Playgrounds, visit calgary.ca/free. 7. Slide and glide. Grab a sled and a helmet and head to a local toboggan hill. Many parks and greenspaces offer safe and exciting hills. If sliding is not your thing, gliding along on cross-country skis is an invigorating way to enjoy a great workout while drinking in our beautiful scenery. There are many groomed and ungroomed areas to explore in and around town. Snowshoeing is another option for those who want to explore the snow-covered parks in their community. Where can you slide and glide in town? Visit calgary.ca/lovewinter.

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from each drink will benefit Calgary Meals on Wheels. To plan out your delicious hot chocolate tour, visit yychotchocolate.com. Calgary may not have invented winter, but we have invented hundreds of ways to enjoy this special season, many of which are unique to Calgary and our beautiful landscape. The City provides opportunities that are open to everyone. As a reminder, COVID-19 protocols, including face coverings and physical distancing, remain in place at all City of Calgary facilities.

Calgary ’s

T S E W E N DUCATION

ANIMAL eErience! E xp

For more ideas on fun outdoor things to do all winter, follow The City on Facebook and Twitter @cityofcalgary or visit calgary.ca/lovewinter. Susan is a writer, poet, spoken word artist, and mom to two active girls who wish every month had a hot chocolate festival. CCM

403-457-2202 gmail.com yycnaturecentre@

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CHINOOK 2022 • calgaryschild.com • 49

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seasonal affective disorder Shedding some light during dark times By Gwen Randall-Young, R. Psych. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression related to a change in the seasons. Symptoms start in the fall and continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody. Some people may get a mild version of SAD known as the ‘winter blues.’ For many people, it is normal to feel a little down during the darker, colder months, but full SAD is more than that. It is a form of depression that affects millions, and those of us who live in areas where the days become significantly shorter are particularly vulnerable. (There is summer SAD, but it is far less common.) People who have bipolar disorder are at increased risk of SAD. For some, episodes of mania may be linked to a specific season. Spring and summer can bring on mania or hypomania (a less intense form of mania). These are characterized by anxiety, agitation, and irritability.

“Get lots of light, get enough sleep, and eat a well-balanced diet.” Causes of SAD Scientists do not know exactly what causes seasonal depression, but lack of sunlight might trigger it in those prone to SAD. It must be stated and recognized that the pandemic makes depression and SAD much worse. Some theories about what causes SAD include: • Brain chemical imbalance. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, which contributes to feelings of happiness. Sunlight helps regulate serotonin, so the lack of sunlight can trigger SAD or make it worse for those who may already have less serotonin activity. • Biological clock changes. For some, less exposure to sunlight causes a shift in the internal biological clock, which regulates mood, sleep, and hormones. For some, this means less ability to regulate moods. • Turning back the clock. It can be a shock to the system when there is an abrupt change in winter that makes it suddenly very dark in the morning.

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Negative thoughts. Those with SAD often experience anxiety, stress, and negative thoughts about winter. Vitamin D deficiency. Sunlight helps to produce vitamin D, so less sun in the winter can result in a vitamin D deficiency, which can affect serotonin and mood. Melatonin increases. Melatonin is a chemical that affects sleep patterns. Lack of sunlight can cause an overproduction of melatonin, causing some to feel sleepier and more sluggish in winter.

Symptoms of SAD SAD is not a separate disorder; rather, it is a type of depression. Signs of SAD include: • Anxiety • Sadness • Extreme fatigue and lack of energy • Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness • Carbohydrate cravings and weight gain • Trouble concentrating • Sleeping more • Irritability • Loss of interest in usual activities • Withdrawing socially • Thoughts of death or suicide

Treatment for SAD Some find light therapy in the morning to be helpful (do not use light therapy at night). This can come from a SAD lamp placed two to three feet away while you work, read, eat, or do other activities. Exposure to natural sunlight for as little as an hour per day can be therapeutic. Walking in the sunshine, or at least being near a sunny window, may have the same effect. Full spectrum light bulbs at home make your artificial light mimic daylight. One writer suggested turning on all the lights when you wake up in the morning. Biologically, we are designed to sleep when it is dark and to awaken when there is light. Hence, it is harder to get out of bed when it still feels like night than when it is summer, and the sun is shining brightly when we wake up. If none of these strategies help, antidepressant medication can be very helpful. If the depression is severe, it needs to be treated. Managing symptoms of SAD You can work to manage the symptoms of SAD. Get lots of light, get enough sleep, and eat a wellbalanced diet. Plan activities and have social contact. A busy schedule keeps you from going deeper into depression. Do not isolate yourself as being alone can make symptoms worse. If you cannot get out, reach out to friends and loved ones. Consider working with a psychologist to help with your symptoms. Avoid using alcohol or drugs. Alcohol is a depressant. Alcohol and drugs may make symptoms worse and can interact negatively with antidepressant medications. I have developed an MP3 called “Hello Sunshine.” It utilizes guided imagery and hypnotic suggestion to recreate in the mind all the feelings and sensations of being in bright sunshine. For 25 minutes each day, take a journey into summertime. The theory is that when the consciousness is flooded with those images, the body responds with the appropriate shifts in biochemistry. We know our thoughts affect our body, so this is a holistic method to utilize all the resources of the body/mind to create changes in mood. You can find “Hello Sunshine” on my website, gwen.ca/sad. Gwen Randall-Young is an author and award-winning psychologist. To obtain books, CDs, or MP3s, visit gwen.ca. Follow Gwen on Facebook for inspiration @GwenRandallYoung. CCM

parent connection

getting your kids to listen to you and follow directions How to stop repeating yourself and get things done By Nicole Sheldon, R. Psych. Everyone is busy, including your kids. Your kids are learning, growing, and trying to make sense of their world every day. There are endless reasons why your kids don’t listen (which is true for you, too). You are moving fast, managing all the things around you, juggling demands, so it can get irksome when your kids don’t listen to you or do what you’ve asked so you can get on with your day. But your kids don’t set out to upset or disappoint you. They are learning and their minds are often preoccupied with things important to them. Finding that space between your expectations and their follow-through can help make your and your kids’ life a little easier and calmer. Here are a few reminders of things you can do to increase the chance of your children listening and following through: 1. Nurture. Things are more easily managed in the context of relationships. Parenting is about relationships, and relationships are about time. If you want your child to be a good listener, you need to model being a good listener. In our busy lives, it’s easy to focus on ‘doing’ over ‘being.’ Carving out time each day to ‘be’ with your child and listening to them share about their day, ideas,

ster i g e R ! Now

thoughts, and dreams without judgment or distraction enhances your relationship with your child. The more appreciated and connected your child feels to you, the more likely they will listen and follow through when you need them to. 2. Attention. Being in the same room, eye contact, touching your child’s arm or shoulder, and getting down to your child’s level go a long way to getting the attention you need if you expect them to hear what you have to say to them. While it is tempting to holler up the stairs at your child to remember one thing or another as you’re trying to get out the door in the morning, it’s not the most effective or calm way to get the results you want or start your or your child’s day on the right foot. Paying attention to your child (as mentioned: eye contact, physical contact, getting down to your child’s level, etc.) means it’s less likely you’ll have to keep repeating the same thing - something both you and your child will appreciate. 3. Be calm. Your children mirror your emotions and actions. Using a calm voice is going to keep your blood pressure down - and your children’s, too. If you’re rushing and impatient, your child will be too and will be less likely

to follow through. Slow down, take a deep breath, and once you have your child’s attention, state your request calmly. Neutral and matter-of-fact tone keep emotions out, so the message is clear. A calm voice and calm behavior from you keep your child’s brain in the thinking part where they are more easily able to process information. 4. Check in. When new teaching moments arise, make sure your child understands what you are asking them to do. Take the time to explain to them why it’s important. Ask your child to use their own words to tell you what they need to be doing. This not only lets you know they heard you, but it also helps you know they understand what is expected of them. Kids thrive in safe, secure, predictable environments. Consistency in expectations and follow-through is important if you want their learning to stick. As a bonus, it also saves all that arguing and negotiating! 5. K.I.S.S. Keep It Super Simple. Expressing too many words quickly loses their meaning, and your kids will tune you out. Focus on what you want to see and expect rather than what you don’t. Be specific and concrete. Getting your kids to listen to you – Continued on page 54

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4 things to consider when finding therapy for your teen Determining the right professional and method to set them up for success By Chantal Côté, R. Psych. Due to the pandemic, the last couple years have been challenging for everyone’s mental health, especially teens. Some of my favorite memories of adolescence are hanging out with friends, going to the mall with friends, and playing sports with friends and classmates. Lately, important freedoms that contribute to teen development in the areas of independence and individuation have been precarious. Parents contact me, worried about their teen’s well-being and ability to cope. Tired of feeling unmotivated and anxious, teens are asking for help with their mental health. Like many, if you are trying to figure out whether to connect your teen to a mental health resource, like therapy or teen life coaching, here are four areas to take inventory of. If some of these areas are on shaky ground, therapy or teen life coaching may be beneficial to your teen. 1. Current supports. Who does your teen talk to the most? Who do they go to when facing a problem? Maybe it’s you or another relative. Perhaps it’s an adult at their school. Maybe it’s their friends. For the best positive mental health outcomes, teens need at least one adult champion (best if there are three!) in their lives, someone they can go to who has their back, judgment-free. 2. Concurrent stressors. What stressors are impacting your teen? Are they preoccupied with their body image, future, grades, family conflict, parent expectations, a significant loss, relationship breakdowns, friend drama, tryouts, bullying, etc.? Everyone experiences stress, but the more frequent and intense a stressor is, the more it drains a person’s emotional, mental, and physical battery. 3. How much the problem disrupts daily functioning. Is your teen struggling to get out of bed in the morning? Are they stuck in spiraling negative thoughts? While being in a slump is a normal human experience, your teen’s days (or most days) shouldn’t feel like trudging through mud - for them or for you. 4. Current coping strategies. How does your teen deal with their negative emotions? What do they fall back on when they are upset? Coping strategies can range from workable (effective) to non-workable (noneffective). Pay attention to your teen’s non-workable (and concerning) coping strategies, often around drugs,

unsafe relationships, self-injury, aggression, and other risky behaviors. How do you choose the right mental health resource for your teen? When choosing a therapist or teen life coach for your teen, fit is your No. 1 priority. You and your teen want to choose someone they feel comfortable with, someone you can easily communicate with, and someone who is knowledgeable and passionate about teen issues. You also want to think about how the sessions will unfold. When I was developing my practice, I thought about the ways I worked things out when I was a teen: walking with my best friend while venting about relationships and school stress, keeping a journal for poetry and art to let it all out, or blasting my music until the feelings passed. Talk to your teen about their ideas and preferences. Here are a few options: Walk-and-talk sessions. Your teen meets their therapist/teen life coach at a safe outdoor space and walks during their session. They can take breaks or walk the entire time. This kind of support can be great if: • they are intimidated by the idea of sitting down face to face with someone • they like to move • they like being outdoors • they open up with others while walking Expressive arts/art-based therapy. Expressive arts/artbased therapy is a way of supporting your teen to express, understand, and discover themself while using experiential mediums like painting, writing, drawing, photography, movement, music, crafting, etc. You don’t need to see yourself as an artist or even think you are creative to try this. When teens (and me!) use expressive arts in session, they are often surprised at what comes to their awareness. This kind of support can be great: to transform an emotional response (e.g., anxiety • to calm) • to put into physical form feelings and thoughts that are difficult to put into words

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to bring awareness to their inner experience to make changes and come to resolutions if your teen is less verbal, needs more time to process their experiences, or enjoys being creative

Virtual sessions. Your teen can easily hop online from the comfort of home. If your teen has a private, cozy space, this may be a great option. It can be nice to have the family pet snuggle up to your teen or for them to be able to sit on their bed while wearing their favorite pajamas during their session. Here are a few things for your teen to consider: Is my home a safe space? • • Is my home quiet and distraction-free? • Am I virtually tapped out (one too many Zoom calls)? What are the pros and cons of this type • of therapy for me? Group sessions. Meeting with peers can seem intimidating at first, but the benefits can be great. After bringing down the wall of nerves, groups can be an amazing platform for your teen to know they are not alone. Groups can build community, trust, and open doors to destigmatize thoughts, feelings, and experiences for its participants. This kind of support can be great if: your teen feels alone or isolated • • your teen would benefit from developing additional communication or social skills • your teen feels some shame in their experience. Groups offer that space of ‘you are welcome and belong’ and ‘you really matter’ • your teen’s social life is being impacted by their challenges Face-to-face sessions. Face to face provides a clear container for mental health support. The space is dedicated for this and once your teen leaves the session, they metaphorically leave some of that tough stuff in that space. Having a consistent, familiar space can feel comforting and safe. Knowing all they need to do is show up and everything will be there, familiar, can alleviate their additional stress. You are doing the best you can, but it’s necessary that you don’t do it alone. Reaching out for support is a powerful parenting move that invests in your teen’s current and future well-being. Good mental health For a mental health eBook for teens, visit my website, https://bit.ly/3KDbgy3. This eBook has 10 mental health exercises every teen needs to know! Raising a teen girl? Check out my free anxiety toolkit, https://bit.ly/3AeqGE3. You will receive 10 tools you can implement, and 7 daily mini webinars with more support. Chantal Côté, psychologist and teen life coach, is on a mission to help teen girls build bulletproof mindsets. Founder of Pyramid Psychology and creator of the Stress Busting Bootcamp and The Happiness Pill Teen Life Coaching program, Chantal is passionately dedicated to supporting youth to find their strengths, self-love, and self-acceptance to begin thriving. Learn more by calling or texting 403-812-1716 or checking out pyramidpsychology.com. CCM

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understanding your child’s IPP How to adapt it to help at home By Stacie Gaetz, Calgary's Child Magazine space that he feels safe to do them in. Activities can include playing with fidget toys, bouncing on a bouncy ball, Seek and Find books, jumping on a trampoline, drawing on a white board, etc.

Receiving an Individualized Program Plan (IPP) from your child’s teachers can be overwhelming. However, it’s worth putting in the effort to understand as the document offers a treasure trove of valuable strategies created specifically for your child by a team of experts. IPPs are not just a school document that helps a child’s education team. They can also be used as a guide for how you can align with that approach and implement the effective tactics in your home to help your kiddo succeed in every facet of life. What is an IPP? According to learnalberta.ca, an IPP is a written commitment of intent by education teams to ensure appropriate planning for individual students with special needs. The working document is an instructional guide for teachers to help children reach predetermined goals, as well as a record of a student’s programs and progress. During the meeting when your child’s educational team lays out the IPP, your head may be spinning with terms like ‘priorities,’ ‘accommodations,’ and ‘objectives’ but buried within all of that jargon is a gold mine of helpful hints that can be reinvented for use in your home. When I received my four-year-old son’s IPP from the team that works with him in his preschool, it was a daunting eight-page document that made little sense without context. However, after meeting with his team, it became clear that it was as simple as determining my son’s strengths and needs, setting goals (short-term and longterm), and creating a plan to help him reach his goals.

“The strategies and tactics recommended by the team of professionals that you trust to help your child at school are an incredible resource for how to help them in everyday life.” How the IPP can help at home My son’s IPP allowed me to see him from a different perspective and realize the importance of aligning the things his education team is doing with him in class to what we do at home. Often, children with special needs require consistency to help them feel safe and balanced, so having his parents’ priorities and tactics in line with those of his teachers is key. This means implementing things like: Positive praise (children with special needs often • hear more about what they are doing wrong than what they are doing right). • Ample warnings for transitions to prepare him for what comes next. • Literal language to set him up for success. (“Please put your toy in the toy box and close the lid” rather than “Please put your toy away.”)

This helps him by giving him one solution to a number of problems. Instead of being overwhelmed by a frustrating or difficult situation, he knows he can go to his corner and follow his images to feel better.

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Using books and games to help teach concepts such as Beautiful Oops! by Barney Saltzberg and I Can Handle It by Laurie Wright. Identifying and labeling feelings so he is able to communicate them to you rather than getting overwhelmed.

Implementing the plan Another thing the IPP taught us is to use our son’s strengths to help him with the areas he finds challenging. As an example, he is a visual learner, so we have taken the information from the IPP and transformed it into something concrete by creating ‘Pearson’s Corner.’ This small space in a corner of our kitchen includes a visual schedule to show him exactly what to do in a difficult situation: • If he is feeling frustrated, he can go to his corner and see the visual that shows him he can Stop, Walk Away, Ask for Help, and/or Try a New Activity. • It provides a visual list of those activities and a

LD and ADHD impact nearly 1 in 5 people.

Who do you know living with these challenges?

Involving your child We have taken care of our children and made sure that their needs were met since they were born and unable to do anything for themselves. This can make it easy for us to forget that now they are older and are capable of coming up with solutions themselves. The biggest component of my family’s success at home since receiving our IPP has been involving our son in coming up with a solution to the problem. During the ‘Ask for Help’ portion of his visual schedule, we ask him what he thinks we can do to make the situation better. This helps him to switch from being emotionally overwhelmed by the problem to implementing the ‘thinking’ part of his brain. It also ensures that he will be on board with the solution and more often than not, he comes up with great and practical ideas that we would never have thought of. Although it may seem daunting at first, digging into your child’s IPP can be more valuable than you think. The strategies and tactics recommended by the team of professionals that you trust to help your child at school are an incredible resource for how to help them in everyday life. As with most things in life, the most crucial part of making the plan succeed is communication. You are your child’s advocate so ask for contact information for your child’s team (if it hasn’t been provided) and stay in touch with the team throughout the school year. Ask any questions you may have, provide input, and give them positive feedback on how their suggested techniques are helping at home. After all, the biggest goal of the IPP and the team behind it is your child’s success. CCM

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helping your kids cope with missed milestones Find creative ways to celebrate accomplishments By Marlowe Gelmon, M.Sc., Behavioral Neuroscience Behavioral Therapist coach or music teacher, for example, can help them cope and manage their negative feelings. At home, schedule game or movie nights or a time where you can cook a meal together and have some fun! Be patient. You may be eager to talk with your kids and provide them with a solution but give them space to process their feelings at their own pace. Your teen may not want to talk at a time that’s convenient for you. If they don’t want to talk to you, suggest journaling to help them put their feelings into words. At the same time, it’s important for you to be there if they’re ready to talk to you. Celebrate your kids’ achievements. You can still honor and commemorate your children’s achievements and important milestones during the pandemic. Brainstorm with your teen creative ways to celebrate missed events or participate in a school activity. It may be that you stage an at-home graduation with family over Zoom. You can also have them perform their part in the school play with other classmates. While these activities won’t replace a missed event, finding ways to honor their accomplishments can help them cope and build resilience. The ongoing pandemic has overturned your kids’ classes, school, and extracurricular activities - not to mention their major life events and celebrations. At this time, there are limited or no birthday parties, limited or no graduation festivities, limited or no social gatherings to celebrate personal milestones. There are also limited or no sports games, music recitals, and school plays your kids looked forward to participating in while you sat in the audience, cheering them on! As a result, your children continue to mourn the loss of these missed milestones and experiences. If you have a teen, it may be challenging again this year for them to find a safe summer job or safely visit post-secondary education campuses. Other fun activities your teen is planning may be put off indefinitely and they will need extra support to manage their feelings and find alternative ways to connect with some of their friends, relatives, and school community. As a result, your teen continues to mourn the loss of these missed milestones and experiences. The reality is, everyone must continue practicing physical distancing for now and connect with some peers and extended family virtually. However, there is light at the end of this long dark tunnel. Read on for my advice on how you and your kids can deal with unexpected losses of missed milestones and other life events right now. Acknowledge your kids’ feelings. Your kids may express feelings of frustration, sadness, or disappointment knowing they are still not able to experience life as they once knew over two years ago. Acknowledge their feelings and reassure them that it’s okay to feel sad about the ongoing situation. Allow them time to grieve the missed milestones and celebrations. At the same time, recognize that some kiddos - those who are introverted or those who experience anxiety - may not be as negatively affected by change. Be honest. Everyone is experiencing collective loss and disruption of one’s sense of safety. This is a time of uncertainty, so it’s important to talk with your children and ask them how they are feeling today and ask them if they need help with creating ways to celebrate their milestones in creative and unique ways! They may be 54 • Find us on

looking for answers that you don’t have and that’s okay. Tell them that you are unsure or don’t know. Ask your kids to help you search online for fun family activities you can do together (TikTok challenges may be a good place to start). Sharing your own feelings with your kids and the physical and mental steps you take to cope with the pandemic can help your kids continue to cope with the pandemic, too. However, be cautious about oversharing with your kids as they may worry if they sense that you are overly stressed about the situation. Reassure them that it’s okay to feel sad, anxious, even angry about missed opportunities over the past couple years.

“You can still honor and commemorate your children’s achievements and important milestones during the pandemic.” Build resilience. Children and teens are resilient and can build upon past adverse experiences to help them cope through challenging times. The losses and missed milestones from COVID-19 can build their resilience and their ability to better cope with future challenges. Talk with them about past challenging experiences and how they overcame them. Encourage them to apply those same steps now. Building resilience may not be easy, but it can help you and your family move forward during times of adversity. Promote social connectedness. Social connectedness can reduce feelings of isolation and stress. Encourage your kids to continue to connect with their peers by using social tools such as FaceTime or Zoom. Your older kids or teens may find that talking with their friends, a school counsellor, or their sports

Marlowe Gelmon, M.Sc., brings over 16 years’ experience in behavioral therapy practices and research. She is also a keynote speaker and writer. Parenting is filled with new challenges. She is here to help your family overcome some of these challenges. For more information, call 587-897-0243, email behavioraltherapeuticscalgary@gmail.com, or visit positiveneurohealth.com. CCM

Getting your kids to listen to you – Continued from page 51

Once your kids know a rule, value, or expectation, a single word may be all it takes to remind them of what is expected of them. If the expectation is to take their dishes to the sink after dinner, say “dishes” if they forget. Want your child to be nicer to their siblings? Remind them to use “kind” words. Teaching your children what the expected behavior is and letting them know you trust them to follow through gives them the power and the control over their actions. And when kids follow through, reinforce their behavior with a simple “thank-you.” This lets them know you appreciate what they are doing as asked and supports your relationship connection. There are things you can do to make life for your family a little smoother. Keeping your relationship with your children strong, connecting in a calm way to explain your expectations, and focusing on simplicity and consistency in your messaging can help create calm in your home. When you are not fighting to find time to cram everything into your days and when things are more relaxed, listening is easier and following directions is less demanding for a mind that has room to accept it. How you enlist your children’s listening makes a difference in how they interact with others and how they come to see themselves as part of the family - and part of the world. Nicole Sheldon is a registered psychologist in Alberta. She’s been working with children and families for over 25 years in various capacities. She holds a permanent teaching certificate and understands classroom functioning. She is passionate about supporting children and families in achieving success and dignity in their lives through assessment, intervention, and collaborative approaches. For more information, contact the Sheldon Psychology Group (1909, 17 Avenue SW, Calgary) at 403-618-8288, email info@ sheldonpsychology.com, or visit sheldonpsychology.com. CCM

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2022 Chinook Edition

Articles inside

Helping your kids cope with missed milestones

Understanding your child’s IPP

Getting your kids to listen to you and follow directions

4 things to consider when finding therapy for your teen

How to choose a summer camp your kids will love

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5 fun STEAM crafts to banish kid boredom

How to get your preschooler excited about day camp

Mastering movement skills on ice and snow

Stylish storage solutions for your kids’ stuff

Play ideas to keep toddlers busy

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The benefits of an organized pantry

IVF 101: What you need to know

The art of positive self-talk

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Best winter walks to cool spots

Top 10 Chinook activities for family fun without spending a ton

Three fun date night ideas for your Valentine

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Five tips to enhance your child’s outdoor play with loose parts

10 tips for staying safe on your next family hike