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Fall 2011
Fresh Ideas for School Lunches Weight Loss Wisdom for New Moms
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Become a High Energy Parent
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contents
Fall 2011 priceless • take one!
Fall 2011
articles
5 6 10 16 23 26 38 31
Fresh Ideas for School Lunches Weight Loss Wisdom for New Moms Become a High Energy Parent
cover photo: www.adriankidsphotography.ca
Weight Loss Wisdom for New Moms Fresh Ideas for School Lunches Become A High Energy Mom Halloween Do’s and Don’ts What Makes A Community Child Friendly? Practicing Literacy is as Easy as A-B-C Water and the Brain All Natural Relief for Allergic Rhinitus Outfit Your Child for Back-to-School Success
8 12 14 18 20 21 22 24 27
volume 3, issue 3
2nd
Anniversay Issue!!
cover photo: Adrian Kids Photography www.adriankidsphotography.ca E. info@adriankidsphotography.ca P. 250.863.0176
Editorial Photography: Sharla Pike Photography Contributors: Kathleen Casprowitz, Michelle Collie, Sara Dimmerman, Shelby Entner, Michale Hartte, Kami Johnson, Eve Layman, Kia Robertson, Wayne Terai
columns
Editor’s Note Giveaways Ask the Expert Michelle Collie: Making Memories Recipes We Love Stuff We Love Resource Directory Snap Happy
Editor & Publisher Colleen Bezeau Advertising Inquiries: advertise@okanaganchild.com General Inquiries: info@okanaganchild.com www.okanaganchild.com 1.888.373.5566 Okanagan Child is published four times per year by Bellhop Media Inc. Circulation: 15,000. Please note that this magazine is solely funded through the support of our advertisers and sponsors. Please support our advertisers! Opinions expressed in this publication may not necessarily reflect those of the Publisher. All contents copyrighted ©. No part of this publication may be reprinted, quoted, copied or reproduced without the express written permission of the Publisher. To share your feedback, please send an e-mail to info@okanaganchild.com.
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editor’s note
I
t’s hard for me to believe that two years have passed since the first issue of Okanagan Child Magazine hit the streets in the Okanagan! This issue marks the second anniversay or “birthday” as I like to call it of the magazine. The feeling is not unlike the way many of us feel when our little one’s birthdays creep up on us each year. In many ways it does not yet seem like two years have passed, yet at the same time, we’ve come a long way in that time! To all of our readers who pick up the magazine each season, and to all of our advertisers, I send a huge thank you. Without all of you, my goal of creating a trusted resource for the community simply would not be possible. I’ve mentioned in the past that without question, fall is my favorite season. Yes, I like the feeling of the crisp air, the darker evenings, the cozier clothes. But more than anything, fall signals the return to routine. I like to plan, and when day-to-day life is more predictable, it’s much easier to do so. I have to admit a story my friend recently told me made me stop and view spontaneity in a new light. He was driving in unchartered territory and found himself irked when his passenger wouldn’t stop looking at his iphone and announcing the name of the next townand which way to go. When he stopped and thought about why he was so bothered, he said it’s because he finds so much value in the experience of discovery. You can google map a route to your loca-
tion, or you can navigate by a ‘rough idea’ of where you’re heading. You may well take a wrong turn or two, or wind up at a dead-end, but it’s an experience you would never have otherwise had. You may discover a building or a scenic view you wouldn’t have otherwise seen. And you may wind up feeling particularly efficacious about your ability to navigate without following explicit directions or listening to your GPS. Children often teach us that sometimes all the planning in the world can be to no avail. And it’s a good lesson. Because there’s something about being in the moment, about experiencing life as it unfolds, even if you aren’t quite sure what’s going to happen next that can be fun. Particularly for planners like myself, it might not be an optimal fit to operate like that all the time, but without a doubt there are benefits to both ways of approaching day-to-day life. Both present the opportunity to experience life in a rich way; both can help us grow. Happy Fall!
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Come visit us in the Mission at 2 - 3045 Tutt Street Square, Kelowna, BC 250.763.2837 Store hours Monday - Saturday 10-5
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www.chickenlittle.ca Fall 2011 l
5
Giveaways The Little Dreambug is a Kelowna-based mom-run business that creates hand-made practical, luxurious, dreamy items for your little one. The idea for starting the business came from the owners’ Granny who made a complete gift set of travel items for each of the children. With the added touch of personalized monograms, each child felt connected to their cozy blankets and stuffies. With support from family, The Little Dreambug was born to share the treasured items with other families. The line has now expanded to include stylish bags, new funky baskets, and more! Those of you who are familiar with the product line already know the practicality, luxuriousness and fun the Little Dreambug products bring to children and adults alike. For those who haven’t experienced the Little Dreambug products, visit their website: www.littledreambug.com
R: HOW TO ENTE
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Head on over to c hild.com www.okanagan eaways’ link iv ‘G e th n o k ic & cl bar. in the top menu ils there You’ll find deta earn including how to extra entries!
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2463 Pandosy St., Kelowna BC Certified Teachers with Masters
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SquidKid Design brings style into kids’ daily activities by creating fun and comfortable children items to wear and play. If you love unique, you’ll want to check out the great line-up of products that SquidKid creates. The company is Canadian owned and operated and all of the items are one of a kind handcrafted in Vancouver, BC. Shop online store and discover BC-made children’s clothing, accessories, and more.
Prize includes: • Child Kitchen Set (Reversible Apron and Pot Holder + Bamboo Spoon and Fork) • 4 designs to pick from.
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Important: Pot Holder is for role playing only. Not intended for hot surfaces. (not that children should be near hot surfaces anyway) One Size Fits All: 3 to 6 years
Fall 2011 l
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Weight Loss Wisdom for New Moms by Kami Johnson
D
o you remember the moment you first found out you were expecting? Can you recall the butterflies in your stomach from the excitement of the news? The anticipation of being the proud owner of your very own ‘baby bump’? Most women are very proud of their bellies during pregnancy and why not? You are creating a brand new person after all, and that is no small task what with morning sickness, fatigue, heartburn, sleepless nights and so on. But even through all of it we can’t wait to show off our growing bellies. The baby bump has become very fashionable in the last few years, with magazine covers of glamorous celebrities showing off their big, beautiful, pregnant bellies week after week. Unfortunately, those same celebrities seem to return to the news stands just weeks after giving birth, posing in clinging outfits or swimsuits beaming underneath headings that promise to share with you their secret of how to ‘Be bikini ready before your stitches have even healed!’ OK, I made that headline up, but here are a few real headlines from popular magazines featuring celebrities after childbirth: “My Body after Baby-How I lost 25lbs in 8 weeks!”, “Kourtney’s Body after Baby exclusive: My diet secrets, lose 10 lbs in 10 days!”, and another on Christina Aguilera’s success, “How I got my body back-40 lbs in 4 months.” Now there is no doubt these women were able to get back into shape very quickly after giving birth. They have the pictures to prove it, but are their stories typical? Better question - are they realistic? fabulous food? Spice Up Your Life! Love Want a source of employment without sacrifice?
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New mom Pink, within weeks of giving birth to daughter Willow. Finally, a celeb who keeps it real!
Even better question- is it safe? From my experience, these stories are not typical. It is true that some women seem to magically return to their pre pregnancy weight with out much effort, but it’s usually due to genes. As far as the realistic part, I’m going to let you be the judge as I address the question of safety. The rule of thumb for safe and effective (permanent) weight loss is generally 1-2 pounds of weight loss per week. So in all of the headlines quoted above, they are averaging a greater weight loss than the recommended amount. As a pre and post natal fitness specialist I would never advise my clients to try to achieve such a rapid loss as I know that they would have to restrict their caloric intake far more than I think would be appropriate. A breast feeding woman needs to maintain an intake of about 300- 350 extra calories per day. Both breast feeding and non breast feeding woman risk adding extra fatigue by severely restricting calories during the post partum period, leading to loss of energy and possibly depression. In short, extreme dieting is never ok, but during the post partum period it is a definite no-no. So what is acceptable? My words of wisdom to new moms is to remember it took 9 months for your body to create your beautiful baby, so give it at least 9 months to a year to return to its previous shape. Focus your energy on creating a healthy lifestyle, by exercising regularly, eating well and finding ways to reduce stress and enjoy being a mom. We are very lucky to live in a community with great weather, and lots of opportunities to lead an active lifestyle. From stroller boot camps and mom and baby yoga to mom and baby aqua classes, there are many ways to start working towards your goals. Some women find investing in personal training sessions very beneficial at this time to ensure they are exercising appropriately and to help optimize results. So enjoy your baby and embrace your baby bump even if it hangs around a little longer than you had planned! Kami Johnson is a Kelowna-based fitness instructor who runs BabyKicks Fitness. www.babykicksfitness.com www.okanaganchild.com
VANCOUVER’S PREMIERE MOM-TO-BE EVENT, IS COMING TO THE
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Celebration includes: First 100 moms in attendance will receive a complimentary diaper bag Maternity and Baby Fashions
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Ask the Expert
Q.
What should I be taking during the prenatal period of pregnancy?
Whenever possible I like to see a couple 3 to 6 months before they are planning to conceive in order to prepare both parents for conception. This approach often improves chances of fertility, improves health of the mother and baby during pregnancy and gives the child the best opportunity for good health. Of course this isn’t always possible and that is fine. Pregnancy is divided into three trimesters and in each trimester the mother’s body and babies body require slightly different support. Above all DIET is key throughout pregnancy!! Along with a good balanced diet, an excellent prenatal vitamin is recommended. Additional vitamin D, liquid calcium magnesium and fish oils are generally suggested as well. A good prenatal vitamin should have sufficient iron levels but if a woman is anemic or iron deficient then additional iron is supplemented. During pregnancy it is very important to seek advice if you are considering self-prescribing herbal treatment as there are many herbs that are contraindicated during pregnancy. One herb that I love and that is generally prescribed beginning in the 3rd trimester is Raspberry Leaf. This is a wonderful herb to tonify and strengthen the uterus which prepares the body for the labor to come and often makes the labor more efficient! It’s a lovely herb to continue follow-
Do you have a question!? Send it to us at info@okanaganchild.com and it may appear right here!
Want to be an expert? Contact editor@okanaganchild.com to learn more about contributing to this popular column! Fall 2011 l 10
Have Questions? We Have Answers.
ing delivery as well. Dr. Audrey Wolter Naturopathic Physician www.ohpkelowna.com
Q.
My daughter is 8 months and only naps 45 minutes at the longest. If anything wakes her or disrupts her before the 45 minutes then she is up and will not go back to sleep. How can I help her nap longer and get a deeper sleep?
This a common problem as babies and children cycle through sleep every 30 to 45 minutes whereas we cycle every 90 minutes. Your little one is having a hard time “pushing through” to another sleep cycle. Here are some suggestions to improve it: 1. DARK/DARK/DARK - Light affects sleep and prevents the release of melatonin. Make the room where she is sleeping as dark as possible. 2. Make sure your baby is falling asleep on her own. If she needs assistance falling asleep, then she will have a hard time falling back to sleep - at night and/or during the day. 3. Make sure the crib is for sleeping ONLY. You want her to associate the crib with sleeping and nothing else. Remove all distractions from sleep including mobiles and any toys that make noise (that includes the ones that “relax” a baby to sleep). 4. Encourage the use of a small stuffed animal or small blanket that she can associate with sleep and comfort. This is the one exception to step 3. 5. Stop using a soother for sleep (if you are). As soon as they fall out... the nap is over. Pam Nease, Licensed Sleep Consultant Sleep Sense www.sleepsense.net/kelowna www.okanaganchild.com
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Reading • Math • Writing • Study Skills
Q.
Why do I find it so hard to say NO when I am offered tempting food?
There are few reason for this. First, we don’t want to hurt other peoples feelings when they offer us something. Another reason is the simple fact that these foods taste great and give us a ‘temporary lift’. In the Western world most people eat, not because they are hungry, but because food stimulates their senses and makes them feel good....temporarily, until then need that ‘lift’ again and the dangerous cycle repeats!
www.okanaganchild.com
We’re biologically driven to feel good and our brain seeks to find pleasure. Food fits the bill for a lot of people a lot of the time and this is why so many waistlines are expanding. To help you, the next time someone offers you something and you are not hungry, stop for a moment and ask yourself the question “Do I like this food enough that I want to wear it?” Then picture this food on your thighs or on your backside. I am sure this will make you think twice and make it easier for you to say the magical word “NO!” Michale Hartte, BASc (Nutr), NNCP Clinical Nutritionist www.fitnhealthynutrition.com Fall 2011 l 11
Back to School
Fresh Ideas for School Lunches by Kia Robertson
I
t’s no small task to create a lunch that is healthy, well-balanced, and something your kids will enjoy! In the morning rush, it may be tempting to quickly throw a lunch together with prepackaged foods; however the majority of pre-packaged foods are loaded with artificial colours, sodium, sugar and ingredients we can’t even pronounce. Your kids will have a much more successful day at school if their bodies are filled with fresh healthy foods! Here are a few suggestions for packing fresh healthy lunches:
Team Work: Get your whole family involved with lunch prepa-
ration. It eases the workload on you and teaches your kids valuable life skills. Children of all ages can and should help with planning and preparing their lunch. It’s a great opportunity to teach them about the importance of healthy food choices. Kids are far more likely to eat lunches that they helped put together!
popular brand lunch container for our 6 year old but she had a very hard time opening and closing it. If you are buying online, then I’d suggest emailing the company and asking them if it’s kid friendly!
Prep Time: Get everyone in family to help wash and prep fruits
and vegetables. It’s much easier to put together a quick lunch when everything has been washed, chopped and is waiting in the fridge! Cutting up fruits and vegetables into to smaller pieces makes it easier for your kids to eat them. Carrot sticks, apple slices (sprinkle them with lemon juice to prevent browning) or loose grapes are much more appealing to kids than having to deal with the whole fruit or vegetable.
Fruits & Vegetables Everyday: Fruits and veggies are a must
Plan Ahead: Take some time to sit with your kids and find out
what they like to eat. Come up with a simple lunch menu for the week, then put together your shopping list before you head out to the grocery store.
have for healthy lunches! Kids eat with their eyes so have fun chopping fruits and veggies into fun shapes. There are lots of great kitchen tools that make it easy to create fun designs and patterns! Try making small fruit kabobs with toothpicks as a fun alternative. If your kids aren’t too fond of fruits and veggies, try including yummy dips such as their favorite salad dressing, hummus or plain yogurt. Dipping makes eating more fun!
The Lunch Container: There are so many fantastic options
Think Rainbows: Get your kids into the healthy habit of eat-
these days! Bento style containers, stainless steel, thermal lunch food jars…the list is endless! I suggest researching them and find the one that best suits your needs. My one caution is to make sure your kids can easily open and close the containers. We bought a
ing a variety of colourful fruits and veggies every day. By eating a rainbow of produce your kids will benefit from the wide spectrum of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. It’s the phytonutrients that give fruits and vegetables their colour and help to keep our bodies healthy! Eating a Rainbow is a fun and easy concept for kids to understand.
Balancing Act: Try to incorporate a good variety of proteins,
Children’s Wall Decorations www.feltfantasia.com Fall 2011 | 12
grains, and produce for every lunch. Keep things interesting by switching between sandwiches, pita pockets, wraps, rolls…that way you won’t get stuck in the same old rut day after day! If you feel that it’s important to include a sweet snack, just be sure to keep it very small and remind your child that it’s to be eaten after everything else! www.okanaganchild.com
Size: 3.60” (w) x 4.30” (h) • REV1 • Aug 02/11
Are you ready to fall into programs? ► Exciting fall programs for all ages
THE TERRY FOX RUN FOR CANCER RESEARCH 31st Annual Terry Fox Run Kelowna
► Red Cross swimming programs for children 6 months and older
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 18
► 25 meter pool and children’s play pool ► Dance, Music, Karate, Art, Soccer, Tennis, Golf, Playschool and much more
1.5 km, 5.0 km or 9.0 km — Walk, Run or Bike LOCATION: Mission Sportsfield (Lexington & Gordon) REGISTRATION: 10:00 am EVENT START: 11:00 am
Check out the Fall Program & Activity guide online at kelowna.ca/recreation or call 250 469-8800.
Hot and Cold: No one likes soggy sandwiches or mushy fruits
and veggies! Hot foods should be hot and cold foods cold. Add a cold pack to their lunch container to keep things fresh and cool. For hot foods use insulated containers to help keep them warm.
Don’t Forget Water: There really isn’t a better drink for your child than water. Having a “cool” water bottle might help you convince your kids to switch to water! Fill their water bottle half full the night before and put it in the freezer. In the morning fill the rest of the bottle with water. By lunchtime they’ll be able to enjoy a very refreshing bottle of water.
Get Creative: Switch up the normal routine...cookie cutters
run walk wheel ride
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make fun sandwich shapes, toss in a sticker or try including a hand-written note to your child. Even if it’s just in once a week... add something fun and unexpected...your kids will love it! Putting together a healthy lunch can be easy with a little planning, creativity, and most importantly by getting the whole family involved! Making school lunches doesn’t have to be a tedious chore. Turn it into an opportunity to hang out with your kids, chat about healthy food choices, and a chance to put a little love into their lunches! Kia Robertson is a Mom and the creator of the “Today I Ate A Rainbow!” TM chart, as well as the author of “The Rainbow Bunch” TM books. Learn more at www.todayiatearainbow.com www.okanaganchild.com
Fall 2011 l
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Become A High Energy Mom by Heidi Smith Luedtke
Y
ou hurry all day, tackling your too-long to-do list. By mid-afternoon, you want to collapse on the couch or get a quick fix of caffeine and carbs. Don’t. We have expert advice on how to get – and sustain – the physical and emotional energy you need.
Eat
You’ll be tired and cranky if you’re low on fuel, says Rebecca Scritchfield, MA, RD, a health fitness specialist and registered dietician. Decide when to eat by attending to your body’s hunger signals, not based on the clock or your moods, she says. Eating when you’re not hungry causes weight gain, and extra weight weighs you down. Manage energy levels by eating a balanced plate of high-quality foods at each meal. Make it simple: Aim for one third fruits and vegetables, one third starchy carbohydrates (like beans, brown rice, or pasta) and one third lean protein.
photo credit: www.sharlapike.com
“To preserve your positive outlook, do one thing at a time.” Fall 2011 l 14
Don’t cut out fats and sugars, Scritchfield says, they’re important. Sugars give you energy and fats keep you fuller, longer. When you combine them, the fats slow the release of sugar into your bloodstream, so you don’t get a sugar rush and a subsequent drop in energy. The key is to choose the right sugars and fats, says Scritchfield. Fruit, whole grains, and dairy products are smart sugar sources for your diet. Eat omega-3 fats, too. Found in salmon and walnuts, omega-3 fats help repair damaged cells and protect against inflammation. Unsaturated fats in olive oil and avocados also protect your heart. Bottom line: If you want energy, focus on nutrition not restriction.
Move When you’re tired, exercise may feel like drudgery. “It’s counterintuitive,” says Kara Thom, an endurance athlete and co-author of Hot (Sweaty) Mamas: Five Secrets to Life as a Fit Mom. “Exercise helps frazzled moms save their sanity. It is both calming and energizing.” If you’re tired, get moving. You don’t have to run a 5K; commit to a 10-minute walk. When you put on your workout clothes and start walking, you’ll get some quiet time and a change of scenery. Bonus: You’ll feel so good that you’ll likely walk further than you planned. Take the kids along for a ride or a run. “Me time” gets lost when you’re a mom, Thom says. If you feel like you have to hire a sitter www.okanaganchild.com
to get a good workout, you’re wrong. “Once I opened myself up to exercising with my kids, being a mom didn’t restrict my workouts,” says Thom, “it gave me new options.” She rides her stationary bike in the driveway while her kids cycle around the cul-de-sac. In the winter, she pulls them on a sled while she snowshoes. The opportunities are endless if you think creatively. Commit to fitness. Soon the kids won’t be able to keep up with you.
Work
As moms, we don’t just want energy, we want to feel focused. When you jump from task to task, productivity plummets, according to Dave Crenshaw, author of The Myth of Multitasking: How “Doing It All” Gets Nothing Done. What we call multitasking is really switching back and forth between two (or more) tasks that require our attention, notes Crenshaw. The costs of switchtasking are high. Constant stops and starts drain your mental and emotional energy and decrease your efficiency. When you’re unproductive, you feel frustrated. To preserve your positive outlook, do one thing at a time. Schedule time for each task and use a timer to stay focused. Turn off your cell phone or close your email to avoid distraction. It is a myth that women are better at multitasking, Crenshaw says, juggling work and family is especially challenging. When you don’t give people your full attention, they notice. Be present, Crenshaw advises. Make sure you meet kids’ needs before moving on to other tasks. Giving minimal attention to people you love leaves everyone – including you – dissatisfied.
Sleep If you want to bounce out of bed in the morning, get 7 to 9 hours of sleep. Keep a consistent bedtime. Don’t work or clean house until you crash, says Janet Kinosian, author of The Well-Rested Woman, your body and your brain need time to unwind. Take advantage of your body’s natural circadian rhythm. A drop in body temperature signals it’s time to sleep. Mimic this natural occurrence by taking a warm bath or shower 90 minutes before bed, Kinosian suggests. Bedtime routines are good for grownups, too. Enjoy a cup of herbal
S U S T A I N
tea or warm milk. Snuggle with your partner or read a good book. These rituals help you switch gears before sleep. Even if you’re exhausted, you may have difficulty falling or staying asleep. Clock watching reminds you how little time you have left for sleep and how tired you’ll feel tomorrow, says Kinosian. Turn your clock away to keep from obsessing over the time. If your energy fizzles, be kind to yourself. Even high-energy moms have low-energy moments. Rest and regroup so you’re ready for the next life-challenge.
Heidi Smith Luedtke is a personality psychologist and writer uses her energy to chase kids and dreams. Get more psychology lessons for life at www.heidiluedtke.com
Y O U R
E N E R G Y !
Track your nutrition with a food diary online or on your smart phone http://www.mynetdiary.com/ Get fit Read Hot (Sweaty) Mamas: Five Secrets to Life as a Fit Mom by Laurie Kocanda and Kara Thom (Andrews McMeel Publishing, 2011) Block online distractions while you work http://www.quickonlinetips.com/archives/2011/06/block-facebook-twitter-email/ Sleep enough but not too much http://www.sleepfoundation.org/article/how-sleep-works/how-much-sleep-do-we-really-need www.okanaganchild.com
Fall 2011 l
15
Making Memories by Michelle Collie
E
very year when the kids go back to school after summer holidays they are asked to write a story about their summer vacation. If I were a teacher, I’d probably make the parents submit an essay too, just to compare. After all, what the kids find memorable may very well be different than what the parents think. Or, sometimes even, the very things the parents spent days/weeks/ months planning to ensure their kids have fantastic things to write or tell about, don’t ever make the list. Take for instance, my six year old son. The highlight of his spring break last year, according to his Kindergarten journal, was watching Netflix and playing on his Nintendo DS. I can assure you that we did a lot more than video games and television! I even have photographic proof (which, just for the sake of accuracy, I should glue into that Kindergarten journal so years from now he knows the truth!). As for summer holidays, for the first time, we were able to take our kids on a summer vacation that lasted more than just a weekend. They have so many adventures they can now share including Disneyland, Sea World, and Legoland. My daughter may very well tell you about her very first concert, an outdoor Selena Gomez concert that was part of a county fair in beautiful Orange County, California. She will likely beam as she tells you about when Justin Bieber walked out on stage to sing a song for a surprised crowd. Or, how
Karen
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the cast of one of her favorite television shows, Shake it Up, mingled with the audience before the show. Like the surprise of seeing Justin Bieber and CeCe, Rocky and Deuce, it is often the unplanned things that end up making the memorable list at the end of summer. For instance, the array of deep-fried food for sale at the county fair, including everything from deep-fried butter to a chicken burger that uses Krispy Kreme donuts as the bun. Or, perhaps our encounter with a rescue dog named Berkeley while visiting Laguna Beach. We even tried to make him our most unique souvenir ever, but unfortunately another family snatched him up first, perhaps leaving their children with wonderful tales to tell about the summer they rescued a dog. Another surprise moment occurred one evening when we looked out of the balcony from our hotel near Disneyland to discover that we had a perfect view of the evening fireworks show. Talk about a magical moment that wasn’t planned. In fact, we had a better view from our hotel than the view from our long-planned and well-researched spot in the park! As parents, we spend a great deal of time planning our kids’ adventures. Through all the planning, juggling and driving around it is important to remember that some of the greatest memories can happen when we aren’t expecting them. With Fall comes the rush of back to school, activities and programs. While many parents, myself included, are happy to get back into routine and activity, I think that if we can carry with us some of the relaxed freedoms of summer, we can get through the 10 months of school with a little less stress. Even though we have school, work, homework, after-school activities, play dates and everything else we try and fit into our day, it is important to leave room for spontaneity. Sometimes leaving space for a little unplanned fun can be exactly what we all need amidst the schedules and rigour of day-to-day life. And, just for the sake of accuracy, be sure to always carry around a camera! You never know when you will want to capture an unplanned moment for posterity. Michelle Collie is a wife, mom, freelance writer and child chauffeur who lives in West Kelowna, B.C. www.okanaganchild.com
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By changing the way we eat, we control where our food comes from. By saying NO to factory farming, we give a better quality of life for our animals. By saying NO to GMO foods, we give a better quality of life for our families. By choosing local and organic, we give strength to our farmers and our land. Simply by choosing, we give strength to our generation and our future generations. It's time to take a stand, together. Live Well. Live Organic.
Langley 778.278.1300
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Reading with your child creates a wonderful bond and sets the foundation for a lifetime of learning. Get all your reading materials and enjoy storytimes at any of the ORL’s 29 branches, or visit us online www.orl.bc.ca for kids digital books, YouTube storytimes, and event information. www.okanaganchild.com
Fall2011 l 17
Halloween Do’s and Don’ts by Sara Dimmerman
A
ttention all parents: It’s time, once again, to pull out the pumpkin carving set and creepy crawler decorations in preparation for Halloween. I’m sure your house is already buzzing with excitement and anticipation. Children are eager to help plan out which costume to wear - from sparkling princess to goth or ghost, even wee ones are thrilled to play dress up and then parade up and down the streets, filling their bags with loot. As your children mark off the days until Halloween, here are some tips to consider: 1. Always accompany young children on their trip around the neighbourhood. Those who have entered the double digits (ten and up) may not want you coming up to the door of each house, so you may linger back or walk behind your child and his or her group of friends, if they prefer. 2. Remind your teen about manners and about not taking advantage of being ‘tricky’ on Halloween night. Talk about the difference between a trick and vandalism. Remind them about showing respect - saying please and thank you, not pushing ahead of younger children and not ringing on doorbells late at night or when lights are turned out on the front porch. 3. Stay outside. Remind children that they should remain outside the house when accepting a treat. Even if they are invited inside to experience an amazing haunted adventure, they should resist the temptation to enter. 4. Choose a light and comfortable receptacle to carry candy. A large pillow case (decorated for Halloween even) is a great way for your child to lug all his loot. And if it gets too heavy, he can even throw it over his shoulder. 5. Stay safe. Be seen. Along with glow sticks or flashlights, encourage your children to wear some reflective or light coloured clothing so that they are easily visible to traffic. You can also add reflective tape to your child’s outfit. Also make sure that their outfits are made of material that is flame resistant and not too long so as to avoid tripping over. 6. A word about masks. Try to avoid those costumes that require Fall 2011 l 18
masks that cover the entire face or eyes. Children need their eyes to guide them down dimly lit streets and small eye holes in masks are often not good enough to allow them to see their way safely as they walk. Make-up is a great alternative. 7. Sort through the goodies with an adult. When you and your children finally arrive back home, ask them to dump everything on the floor and sort through it. We usually make several piles: one of items they don’t want to keep (the smallest pile), one specifically for candies, another for bags of chips or popcorn and the last for miscellaneous items such as pencils. We also make sure that every item is in a sealed wrapper. Candies that are loose automatically get thrown away. Candies that cannot be identified also get thrown away. 8. Swapping candies. If you have more than one child, your children may choose to swap items with one another. One child may love chocolate but not chips, for example, and therefore may be happy to make an exchange. Monitor this to make sure that younger children are not being taken advantage of! 9. Forbidden fruit. I have found that if you whisk away the candies too soon or become too strict about how and when the children can have theirs, they crave them more - just like forbidden fruit. I have found that by just leaving the bowl of candy on the kitchen table post Halloween, the children often become immune to seeing it sit there and after a few days, lose interest and walk by it without reaching into it. 10. Respect differences. Some families choose not to take part in Halloween festivities because they believe that it is a Pagan holiday. Although it may be difficult to convince your children why anyone would not want to dress up and get goodies, encourage sensitivity and tolerance towards others’ beliefs. You may even want to become familiar with the story behind Halloween and how it came to be and then share some of this with your children. Sara Dimerman, Dip.C.S., C.Psych.Assoc., is registered with a College of Psychologists and provides counselling to individuals, couples and families. A parent herself, she is the author of two parenting books, ‘Am I A Normal Parent?’ and ‘Character Is the Key.’ Find out more at www.helpmesara.com www.okanaganchild.com
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Community
What Makes a Community Child Friendly?
by Dr. Shelby Entner
by Eve Layman
A
s parents, we love it when we are somewhere child friendly. Maybe it’s a park built especially with our toddler in mind, designated space for expecting and new parents, business staff who patiently wait when our child acts up at the checkout, or our employer who understands when we need to leave work to care for a sick child. It makes us feel that families matter. At Community Action Toward Children’s Health, or CATCH as we like to call it, we believe that it takes a community to raise its children. Families’ needs should be supported in every way so that we can make the Central Okanagan the best possible place to raise a young child. One of the successes of CATCH is the variety of voices that participate and now we are looking for your voice to be heard. Help us ‘catch’ your voice by letting us know what makes a community child friendly to you. We invite you to take a short quiz on our website and provide additional comments about what is important to you. To find the quiz visit www.catchcoalition.ca and click the bus ad with two children pictured on it. The idea of CATCH started twelve years ago to connect people from all walks of life for the benefit of children six years of age or less and their families. At that time there was no central network where people could talk about what really matters to families with young children. Now years later CATCH is an exceptional netFall 2011 l 20
work that not only brings people together, but conducts community research, shares information, hosts events, and advocates for what children and families need. CATCH recently released a Child Friendly Transportation Toolkit that we hope will support individuals and community groups focused on creating a community that provides safe, accessible, and sustainable transportation. The toolkit even includes a checklist the community developed that will help to identify areas that may need more support. Every fall, CATCH is proud to participate in and help sponsor the Aboriginal Early Childhood Development Community Gathering which is a fun evening where Aboriginal families come together to celebrate tradition and culture. Every November CATCH releases what is called the “State of the Child Report” which provides a snapshot of how young children are doing and what the community is doing to help them grow up healthy. CATCH also hosts network gatherings throughout the year where anyone can come and enjoy a guest speaker, talk to others, and swap resources. To learn more about CATCH’s current activities join us on Facebook, Tweet us @OKCATCH, or email info@catchcoalition.ca. We would love to hear from you! www.okanaganchild.com
Practicing Literacy is as Easy as A-B-C
S
eptember is all about back-to-school – time to get back into routines, make lunches and go to bed early. And since there’s so much to do and kids are still in summer mode, it’s hard to make sure the family is focusing on learning. Learning together as a family is vital to a child’s future education. Doing family literacy activities not only helps develop children’s reading, writing and math skills, it also provides an opportunity for parents to learn something new too! Children raised in literate households are likely to enter grade one with several thousand hours of one-to-one pre-reading experience behind them. Learning happens in many ways, especially in our day-to-day activities. In honour of September’s Life Literacy Month, ABC Life Literacy Canada offers 10 fun and easy ways to make literacy part of your family’s daily life. 1. When making your grocery list, have your child write out the items you need to buy. 2. At the store, ask your child to count out the money to make the purchase. 3. Make it a habit to always read a story together at bedtime. 4. When cooking dinner, involve your children in measuring the ingredients. This helps them understand fractions and measurements. 5. Driving is the perfect opportunity to practice literacy. Read signs, billboards and licence plates together, and show your
children the proper way to read a map. 6. While on the Internet, make time to research something new that your family is interested in. Researching skills are important and help with reading and comprehension. 7. In the car, sing along to songs on the radio. Singing encourages learning patterns of words, rhymes and rhythms, and is strongly connected to language skills. 8. When playing a board game, read the instructions aloud to each other or count how many spaces to travel around the board. 9. Involve your kids when you pay bills. This will teach them strong financial skills early on in life. Children follow by example, so ensure reading is part of your daily life too! For other family literacy tips and activities, visit the website FamilyLiteracyDay.ca.
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toys for all ages
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An Independent Toy Store Fall 2011 l 21
Health
Water and the Brain Dr. Shelby Entner
C
ould the key to a clearer mind be as simple as having a glass of water? A study published in the journal Appetite suggests that thinking function (cognition) in children may be enhanced by drinking water before a test. Several studies have shown a link between hydration and thinking in adults, but less is known about the connection in children. What few studies have been conducted in this area indicate that water can help children who were purposely dehydrated to perform better on cognitive function tests that assess visual attention and visual memory. The goal of the new study was to expand what is already known about dehydration and the capacity for clear thought in six- and seven-year-old children, by looking at the children in their natural hydration state. After completing a series of baseline cognitive function tests, 11 of the 23 children were given a 500-ml bottle of water (about two cups) and asked to drink as much as they wanted. The rest of the children were not offered water. About 45 minutes later, both groups of children completed the tests again. Compared with the no-water group, measurements of cognitive function in the water-group children were significantly improved, including visual attention and visual search. “These results indicate that even under conditions of mild dehydration, children’s cognitive performance can be improved by having a drink of water,” said the study’s authors. Drinking water also seemed to improve mood
The perfect balance between Creative Play and Structured Learning! Our program is designed to prepare children for elementary school and their academic life.
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in the children, although the team said that while these results were novel, they weren’t conclusive.
Water on the go
It’s easy to skimp on water when you’re out and about. Most experts agree that adults need about 64 ounces of water each day; children need somewhat less, depending on their size and activity level. •
Make sure to bring along a reusable stainless steel water bottle to keep hydrated on the run.
•
Avoid reusing single-use plastic bottles (like those used for sale of bottled water), as these can break down and allow the plastic materials to leach into the water.
•
Look for bottles labeled “BPA-free.” BPA, or bisphenol-A, is a hormone-disrupting chemical that is used widely in everything from baby bottles to the liners of canned foods. While the jury is out as to how toxic this chemical may prove to be, it’s probably wise to avoid it when possible.
•
Avoid high fructose corn syrup drinks like energy drinks and pop when hydrating kids. Even if it is just an occasional treat, it creates cravings and affects insulin levels.
Setting good habits at an early age will help with combating obesity (over 63% of children are obese in the U.S. currently!) and nutrient deficiencies. Add some flavoured stevia or fresh lemon juice to water if you are looking for a flavour alternative. My kids love orange stevia in cold water or some yummy iced herbal teas on a hot day. Dr. Shelby Entner, Okanagan Natural Medicine, www.oknaturalmedicine.com (Appetite 2009;53:469–72) www.okanaganchild.com
Recipes You’ll
LOVE
1 serving of Vanilla Brown Rice protein powder (I like the NutriBiotic brand) 1/3 of a cup filtered water 1 tsp molasses (optional) ½ tsp baking soda 1 heaping tablespoon cinnamon ½ tsp mineral salt 1 zucchini, grated
Directions 1. 2. 3. 4.
Simply Satisfying Muffins (grain free)
Preheat oven to 350 °F. In a food processor, place all ingredients in and mix. Place parchment paper muffin cups into the muffin tin. Fill muffin cups about ¾ full. Bake for 30 minutes. To test for readiness, insert a toothpick into the middle of a muffin. If it comes out clean, it is ready. 5. Serve warm topped with organic butter. To reheat, cut in half and toast. Serving size: 12 muffins. Serve along side eggs or a Smoothie.
Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
½ of a ripe banana 1 whole peach or apricot (pits removed) 1 ½ cups almonds, ground (previously soaked and dried) 2 tbsp coconut flour ¼ cup chia or hemp seeds, (previously ground) ¼ cup maple syrup, coconut sugar or 8 dates (pits removed) 4 eggs ¼ cup coconut oil
This recipe was created by me, Michale Hartte, while I was deciding how to create a healthy nutrient-rich snack my boys would love! It literally turned out amazing! Hope yours do too! Great for school lunches or snacks on-the-go too! Full of a good amount of protein, good fibreous, non starchy carbs, and healthy fats! Check out Kelowna-based Michale Hartte’s BASc (Nutr), NNCP new book, The fit n healthy plan – The nutritional diet & lifestyle plan made easy! Found online at www. fitnhealthynutrition.com
Dr
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Dr. Shelby Entner ND
250.275.1672 VERNON, BC
• Natural Family Medicine • Women and Children’s Health • Allergy Testing • Natural treatments for asthma, eczema, digestion & learning/behavioural disorders
www.oknaturalmedicine.com Fall 2011 l 23
Health
All-Natural Relief for Allergic Rhinitis by Dr. Wayne Terai
T
he sneezing, the sniffling, the coughing, the watery eyes … allergic rhinitis (hay fever) can make life miserable. And with side effects ranging from drowsiness to high blood pressure and diabetes, allergy medication is often a solution worse than the condition itself. There is a concerning trend in the marketing and use of allergy medications and desensitization programs. The good news is that with proper education there are some natural solutions!
What are allergies? Your immune system is designed to prevent foreign invaders from getting into your system. Sometimes, it goes overboard – an allergic reaction. This reaction affects primarily the eyes and nose, but can affect the throat, lungs, skin and even digestive system. The sneezing, sniffling, coughing and watery eyes are all part of your body’s natural defense mechanism to get those irritants out. There are two types of allergies: Seasonal allergies (“hay fever”) are triggered by outdoor allergens (mostly pollens). Perennial allergies (year-round) are triggered by indoor allergens (dust, molds, pet dander, foods, chemicals).
self-conscious.
Allergy Prevention Reducing exposure to allergens is probably the most successful action for allergy prevention. If not complete avoidance, then at least a conscious effort to minimize contact is beneficial. For example, for those allergic to Cottonwoods trees here in the Okanagan, on the days it looks like a “snow storm” from the cotton fluff being released from the trees, it’s best to stay inside. Hypoallergenic covers for your mattress and pillow can also be helpful. More frequent vacuuming during allergy season and running a certified HEPA air purifier will also significantly reduce the number of allergens in the house. Stress and fatigue will negatively affect your overall health, and cause your immune system to respond inappropriately. Stress reduction strategies include daily aerobic exercise, meditation and prayer, t’ai chi and yoga.
Acupuncture and Chiropractic Care
You are more at risk for allergies if: you have a family history of allergies, you have other allergies (foods, soaps, etc.), you have had prolonged exposure to second hand smoke, you have a poor diet, you don’t exercise, or you are under prolonged fatigue and stress. There is controversy whether aggressive childhood vaccination schedules may prompt an autoimmune response.
Both forms of treatment have been shown to have beneficial effects on the immune system (Med J Aust 2007; 187: 337-41, Circ 1992; 86: 203). The idea behind these therapies is that your body is out of balance, resulting in an inappropriate response to it’s environment. By restoring either the “qi” with acupuncture or spinal alignment (nerve energy) with chiropractic, a natural state of body function will return.
Nothing to Sneeze At
Dietary Supplements
Allergies go beyond occasional bouts of the sniffles. Studies show that allergies significantly affect quality of life and interfere with daily activities, including work and school. And a new survey reveals that allergies also dramatically affect sufferers’ moods and self-perceptions.
Butterbur: Recent studies have shown that butterbur leaf extract can be helpful for seasonal allergic rhinitis. In one study, 580 patients were treated with 2 tablets over a 2 week period, in which 90% had “significant and clinically relevant” improvement, and “confirmed to be safe and efficacious.”.
According to “Attitudes About Allergies” conducted by Harris Interactive, 62% of allergy sufferers say their allergies influence their mood: 51% feel annoyed, 48% feel irritable and 42% feel frustrated. 22% say their allergies make them feel less attractive, and 19% feel
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: In one study of 568 people, it was found that higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the red blood cells or diet, was linked to lower risk of hay fever (Eur J Clin Nutr 2005; 59:107180. Omega-3 fatty acids are best from fish oils (natural form that we can utilize), but are also in flaxseed and walnuts. Taken as a supple-
Fall 2011 l 24
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www.truecuddles.ca ment, make sure to check to see how it is processed, its purity, and to ensure that a 3rd, independent party has tested the product. Spirulina: Used as a complete food source by many civilizations for centuries, Spirulina is a complete food source, rich in protein. Studies suggest that spirulina stimulates the immune system and prevents the release of histamines. A 2008 double-blind placebo controlled study showed that consumption significantly improved the symptoms of nasal discharge, sneezing, nasal congestion and itching (Eur Arch Otorhino 2008 Mar 15;Epub). Relief has also been found with Butterbur (Adv Ther 2006; 23:37384, Ann Allergy Asthma Immuno 2007; 99:483-95), Biminne (a Chinese herbal formula that contains 11 different ingredients) (Ann All Asthma Immunol 2002; 88:478-8), Tinospora Cordifolia (a popular Indian medicinal herb). (J Ethnopharm 2005; 96:4459). I have personally found Luffeel, a homeopathic preparation from the makers of Traumeel to be quite effective. If you suffer from either seasonal or perennial allergies, talk with your natural health practitioner about different, more natural options for you. Using the wisdom of centuries of natural remedies can greatly benefit you, and help you and your family live a healthier life.
This information is provided by Dr. Wayne Terai, B.Sc., D.C., a family practice chiropractor, Advanced Proficiency Rated in Activator Methods. He has practiced in Kelowna for 15 years, and has practice includes the new Kelowna Laser Therapy Clinic, implementing the BioFlex Low Intensity Laser Therapy (LILT). LILT is used to effectively treat injuries and chronic and inflammatory conditions.
Advertising Works! “Being a relatively new company, we have to choose where we spend our advertising dollars wisely. We have been very impressed with the results of our advertising in Okanagan Child Magazine! We love that it’s an Okanagan magazine that connects us with families that live and work where we do! If you have a local business we’d definitely recommend advertising with Okanagan Child!” -Kia Robertson Owner, Today I Ate A Rainbow
NEW BABY? It’s time to call your Welcome Wagon representative. She will bring congratulations and gifts for the family and the NEW BABY!
1.866.856.8442
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Fall 2011 l 25
STUFF WE
LOVE
Babies love all things soft and cuddly. These adorable Buddy Blankets feature a plush Bunny with a snuggly velour blanket edged in satin. Now that’s worth a snuggle! buddieskidsboutique.com
Litterless lunch concepts can help you infuse loads of style into your little one’s daily routine or even your own. These gorgeous So Young Mother cooler bags can be strapped to a stroller, worn messenger style or even as a backpack! raspberrykids.com
Be part of the band with these toddler-safe musical instruments! Jingle, clack and shake your groove along with your little one. chickenlittle.com
If your little girl loves ribbon, she’ll love these nonslip hair barettes from Spoiled Sugar. Add a punch of fun to an outfit with lots of styles from which to choose. You can even use them on fine baby hair! mylittlepackage.com
Don’t let the fall weather stop you from playing outside! Muddy Buddies are perfect for puddle jumping and mud slinging! And you can even use the Muddy Buddy inside for crafts and painting. Breathable and light! chickenlittle.ca Fall 2011 l 26
This adorable porcupine canvas wall-art is a fresh, modern way to decorate your nursery. Check out the range of animals and styles to create a collection all your own. feltfantasia.com
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Outfit Your Child for Back-to-School Success Understanding the Learning Styles Allows Parents & Educators to Help Children Excel in Education by Kathleen Casprowitz Sylvan Learning
B
ack-to-school season is here, which means it’s time to pick out new clothes, shoes, backpacks and school supplies. As you outfit your child with the latest fashion styles, be sure that you prepare for a successful school year by understanding your child’s personal “learning style.” Just as there are many different fashions, there are also many different ways a child learns. Because each child is unique, with different learning styles and academic needs, it is important to personalize the learning process. Understanding a child’s learning style can help a parent and teacher personalize instruction or homework to ensure peak performance in school and build a child’s self-confidence. People learn in at least eight different ways, according to the Multiple Intelligences Theory: visually, verbally, physically, mathematically, musically, naturalistically, through group activity or through quiet thinking time. Sylvan Learning, the leading provider of tutoring to students of all ages, grades and skill levels, provides the following tips to assist parents in determining what type of learning style their child exhibits. Parents can also visit their local Sylvan Learning location for a more detailed analysis of how their child learns. When reading the following tips, keep in mind that a child may exhibit more than one of the following learning styles. How does your child learn?
Visual/Spatial learners enjoy photography, visual metaphors,
puzzles, illustrations and story maps. Seeing a bar graph on the cost of different cars, for instance, would be a better learning tool than hearing a list of prices read aloud.
Verbal/Linguistic learners shine in activities such as story-
telling, public speaking, drama and journal writing. Give children journals to keep for one month. Encourage them to write detailed descriptions of what they see, taste, feel and hear.
Bodily/Kinesthetic learners thrive on hands-on experiments, field trips, body language, crafts and sports. Take a field trip to a local factory, then make a visual display of what was learned.
www.okanaganchild.com
Logical/Mathematical learners tend to be better at problem-
solving, coding, data collecting, money management and scientific models. Help your child create a budget sheet that itemizes every cent spent during a one-month period. Determine what category drew the biggest expenses.
Musical/Rhythmic students may play an instrument, sing, hum or tap during work or require background music while they study. Turn memorization exercises into rhythmic word play and set it to any musical style.
Intrapersonal learners work better alone, doing individual
study, personal goal-setting and self-esteem activities. This type of student can write down one objective and record the steps to achieving it.
Interpersonal learners work better in group activities, such
as clubs, peer teaching, conflict mediation and active discussions. They would enjoy volunteering at a nursing home, women’s shelter or charity and documenting the experience in a journal.
Naturalist learners tend to better understand ideas when it is related to a natural occurrence. These learners prefer outdoor activities (e.g., camping, gardening, hiking, bird-watching, etc).
As parents prepare their child for the new school year, it’s important to remember that he or she will be better prepared for classes if parents and the school teacher both understand personal learning styles and use this knowledge to help the child excel in school and on homework. Parents should share their observations about their child’s learning style with their child’s teachers. Fall 2011 l 27
Resource Directory Attractions & Recreation Big White & Silver Star www.silverstar.com www.bigwhite.com City of Kelowna - Recreation www.kelowna.ca City of Kelowna, Recreation and Cultural Services offers programs and activities for individuals of all ages and abilities in neighbourhoods throughout Kelowna, including swimming, dance, karate, sports, Mom & Baby programs and more. Crystal Mountain Resort www.crystalresort.com Davison Orchards www.davisonorchards.ca 3111 Davison Rd. Open Daily May 1 - October 31st. Davison Orchards is a three generation farm which grows 70 acres of fresh produce, offers Orchard tours, and has many great activates for children including farm animals and the New “Crazy Cow Kids Corral” play area. Fresh baking, specialty foods, country gifts, & so much more! Kelowna Art Gallery www.kelownaartgallery.com Visitors to Kelowna can explore provocative and varied exhibitions of art in the spacious facility located in the heart of Kelowna’s Cultural District. Serving the Central Okanagan Valley with a variety of exhibitions, the Gallery also offers a wide selection of public programs for all ages. Maple Springs Bible Camp www.maplesprings.ca We Teach Swimming Private Kelowna swim academy for all ages from cradle to career. www.weteachswimming.ca 250.470.7496 YMCA-YWCA of the Central Okanagan www.ymca-ywca.com The YMCA-YWCA is a trusted charity committed to building strong kids, strong families, and strong communities. The Y proudly operates the Kelowna Family Y, the H20 Adventure and Fitness Centre, 3 out of school care centres, a childcare and preschool, and the Y Career Contact Centre for Youth.
Month, 7pm, 630 Cadder Avenue (The Parent Place) Penticton, BC: Third Tuesday of the Month, 10am, Penticton Health Unit Vernon, BC: First Tuesday of the Month, 10am, Vernon Alliance Church, 2601 43rd Avenue Okanagan Breastfeeding Coalition 330 Ellis St., Penticton, BC www.okanaganbreastfeeding.org Rutland Health Centre Breastfeeding Centre 155 Gray Rd , Kelowna, BC 250.980.4822
Snap Happy section!
Child Care - preschools, daycares, nannies Building Blocks Educational Childcare Ltd. buildingblockseducare.com 778.478.1818 International Nannies and Homecare Make your life easier with a nanny. 250.862.4949 www.internationalnannies.com Mosaic Learning Academy 2463 Pandosy St., Kelowna 250.808.4429 250.462.1446 relliott@uniserve.com
Penticton Child Care Resource & Referral 330 Ellis St., Penticton, BC 250.492.2926 Vernon Child Care Resource & Referral 3300- 37th Avenue, Vernon, BC 250.542.3121 Chiropractic Care
Nannysitters www.nannysitters.ca Kelowna’s premier nanny and babysitter agency. Specializing in providing thoroughly-screened local childcare professionals. Nannysitters is fully licensed, bonded and insured.
Burtch Chiropractic, Dr. Wayne Terai 250.860.4518 229-1634 Harvey Avenue, Kelowna BC Dr. Wayne Terai is a Doctor of Chiropractic practicing in Kelowna for over 15 years, helping Okanagan families be well without the use of drugs and surgery.
North Okanagan Childcare Society www.noccs.ca
Diaper Service
Okanagan Montessori www.okmontessori.com We provide a prepared environment where children are guided through activities by trained Montessori teachers. Children learn as they experiment with and actively participate in activities. Summerland Montessori School www.summerlandmontessori.com The Summerland Montessori School incorporates Montessori philosophy and current best teaching practices to create our unique school character.
Breastfeeding Clinics / Support
Childcare Resource & Referral
La Leche League www.lllc.ca Kelowna, BC: First Wednesday of the
Kelowna Child Care Resource & Referral 1890 Ambrosi Rd, Kelowna, BC 250.763.3536
Fall 2011 l 28
Check out local cuties on Page 31 in our
Booty Boutique www.bootyboutique.ca 1.888.594.5204 We offer eco-friendly diapering solutions for the modern family along with a Try Before you Buy program! Tidy Tushees Diaper Service info@tidytushees.ca www.tidytushees.ca We help families with all their natural parenting needs including cloth diapering. Whether you choose to let us do the dirty work for you, you need help troubleshooting your system or you are on the hunt for products, we are here to help! Doulas Doula Services Association, BC 604.515.5588
www.bcdoulas.org Education 4CATS Art Studio In Kelowna; West Kelowna location opening soon! www.4cats.com Aberdeen Hall www.aberdeenhall.com Aberdeen Hall is an independent, nondenominational university preparatory school for boys and girls from preschool to senior grades. We offer a safe and balanced learning environment, individual attention and specialized instruction to enable your child’s to reach his or her full potential. CSF Schools www.csf.bc.ca The Couseil scolaire francophone de la C.-B. offers French language public education across the province. It has schools in Kelowna and Penticton and elsewhere in the province. Sylvan Learning Reading . Writing . Math School success is a phone call away! Kelowna 250.861.1255 Vernon 250.549.2443 www.sylvanbc.ca Employment Become a Tea Consultant Get paid to par-tea! 780.984.8986 lzacharuk@shaw.ca Laura Zacharuk www.okanaganchild.com
Resource Directory Events Babies in Bloom Baby Fair Bellies to Babies Celebration October 23, 2011 11am-4pm Okanagan College Centre for Learning Fat Cat Children’s Festival www.fatcatfestival.ca June 11-12, 2011 Rotary International Children’s Festival May 26-28, 2011 www.okchildrensfest.org Fashion for Moms Arbonne International www.kgilkyson.myarbonne.ca gilkyson.karen@gmail.com Arbonne’s products are botanically based. Arbonne’s Baby Skin care is free of parabens, sls, mineral oil, dyes, fragrance and phthalates. It will make your baby very happy to have Arbonne!! Call for your complimentary ABC Baby Care sample today. Finances Canadian Scholarship Trust Plan, Beverly O’Reilly www.cst.org . 250.498.6234 beverly.o’reilly@cstresp.com We’re RESP Specialists. Our goal is to make sure your education savings are there when your child goes to school. A non-profit company, started in 1960, we are celebrating our 50th anniversary this year.
www.naturesfare.com Kelowna, West Kelowna, Vernon and Penticton Okanagan Natural Medicine www.oknaturalmedicine.com Dr. Shelby Entner and Dr. Chris Spooner offer natural family medicine, allergy testing, herbal medicine, nutrition, homeopathy, laser therapy, hormone health, prolotherapy, iv medicine and vitamin injections. Today I Ate A Rainbow www.todayiatearainbow.com Today I Ate a RainbowTM is a chart that makes eating a rainbow of healthy fruits and vegetables FUN for kids! This handson tool makes it easy for parents to set up healthy eating habits.
Lawyers Gordon and Company 102 - 1433 St. Paul Street, Kelowna, BC 250.860.9997 With over 30 years of professional experience, Gordon and Company offer an extensive range of serices including all types of litigation, family law, wills/estate disputes and personal injury. Midwives Midwives Asscoation of BC 604.736.5976 www.bcmidwives.com Music
Deal hunting made easy! www.motherofadeal.com True Cuddles Each week we bring you one baby or toddler product, in limited quantity, at up to 75% off retail! www.truecuddles.ca Parent & Tot Storytimes The Okanagan Regional Library www.orl.bc.ca The ORL is your most economical, sustainable and relevant source for information and entertainment in the BC Southern Interior. Visit us at one of our 29 branches or at www.orl.bc.ca
Par-T-Perfect www.par-t-perfect.com Your complete Children’s PARTY & EVENT Service! Whether it’s a birthday for 8, a corporate gathering or festival for thousands...if kids are involved, let us do it for you!
Bitsy Bird www.bitsybird.com Bitsy Bird creates beautiful gifts that are sure to impress at any baby shower.Our themed diaper cakes, washcloth cupcakes and tutus make memorable gifts that are charming and practical.
Photography & Portraits Adrian Kids Photography www.adriankidsphotography.ca info@adriankidsphotography.ca Kelowna photographers Jon + Jenny bring their fresh and creative style to kids portrait sessions. Visit them online or give them a call to book your kids session. Aviva Photo Studios www.avivaphotostudios.com We are Mike & Elizabeth Soergel and together we are Aviva Studios. We’re passionate about what we do and we believe that the experience is just as important as the images themselves.
Health & Wellness
OnLine Parenting Sites
Epicure Jenn Hobbs, Independent Consultant Call today to learn more about becoming a consultant! Save money and spend less time in the kitchen with Epicure’s amazing products. www.epicureselections.com
Kelowna New Parent www.kelownanewparent.com Kelowna New Parent is Kelowna’s best resource for all things baby! Check out information on activities, play groups, dining, daycares and much more.
Penticton Health Unit 740 Carmi Avenue 250.770.3434
Glimpse Product reviews for Canadians! See ad on page 19.
Summerland Health Unit 12815 Atkinson Road 250.404.8050
Mom Cafe
West Kelowna Health Unit 160 – 2300 Carrington Road 250.980.5150
www.okanaganchild.com
Mother of a Deal
ABC Amber Teething Necklaces Genuine, handmade baltic amber teething necklances Vernon, BC abcamber@hotmail.ca www.etsy.com/people/abcamber
Party & Event Services
Freedom 55 Financial To find out more about how we can provide permanent insurance and provide for your child’s future, give us a call today at 250.763.1114 Chantal Diaz: ext. 233 Daniel Bussiere: ext. 256
Nature’s Fare Markets
Retail
Angel Babies Kids Shoppe 375 Main St., Penticton, BC 250.493.8823 Calling mamas-to-be, parents and grandparents! With a great mix of consignment (maternity & kids) and new clothing, products & gear, Angel Babies is a must visit for young families.
Music for Young Children www.myc.com Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Music for Young Children has been among the world’s leading music-learning systems. The hour-long classes include rhythm ensembles, singing, ear-training, sight-reading, note-reading, theory and composing techniques.
Maternity Care Westside 853 Anders Road, West Kelowna info@maternitycarewestside.com 778.755.5720 www.maternitycarewestside.com
Vernon Health Unit 1440 – 14th Avenue 250.549.5700
Public Health Services/Nurses Kelowna Health Unit 1340 Ellis Street 250.868.7700
Rutland Health Unit 155 Gray Road 250.980.4825
Bo Peep Boutique www.bo-peep.ca Bo Peep Boutique stocks fashioable and great quality clothes for children aged 0 -13. They also carry lots of fun toys, books and accessories for moms and babies. Buddies Kids Boutique www.buddieskidsboutique.com buddieskids@gmail.com Children’s boutique offering clothing, shoes and special gifts from 0-10. Buddies has been a unique place to shop for children since 2003. Chicken Little 4407 - 29th Street, Vernon BC www.chickenlittle.ca Chicken Little is a great place to shop for your kids, grandkids, family and friends. For shopping 24 hrs/day, visit us online at www.chickenlittle.ca Epic Jr. Trendy clothes for kids infant to preteeen. Epicjr.com 778.478.9898 2079 Enterprise Way Felt Fantasia www.feltfantasia.com Decorate your little one’s nursery with fantastic felt wall art or canvas art. Lalabee Bathworks www.lalabeebathworks.com Fall 2011 l 29
Resource Directory Organic skincare for Mommy and Baby. Lalabee Mommy covers the three stages of pregnancy all organically! Our organic Bottom Balm is a fantastic cream that really works on diaper rash. Little Baby Hugz Mom and Baby Necessities! www.littlebabyhugz.ca 250.963.9214 info@littlebabyhugz.ca Loadza Toys Toys for all ages. Orchard Park Mall, Kelowna and Cherry Lane Mall, Penticton (opening Summer 2011). www.loadzatoys.com 250.717.8209 Mountain Baby www.mountainbaby.com Serving young children and families for over 15 years, we offer outstanding products that encourage families to be fit, to be in nature, and to be together in every season. My Lil Package www.mylilpackage.com A unique selection of hard to find products for mom, dad and baby. Natural Belly and Baby 1331 Ellis St., Kelowna, BC 250.860.0307 . 1.866.763.7214 www.naturalbellyandbaby.com Offers customers a unique opportunity to select from not only the latest and most highly respected brands for moms and babies, but also introduces many yet unknown locally produced products destined to be appreciated. Raspberry Kids www.raspberrykids.com Raspberry Kids is an online lifestyle store that features fresh, healthy & fun products for the little ones in your life. We cater to savvy expectant parents, moms, dads and gift givers. See ad on inside front cover. Sleep Sleep Sense www.sleeptsense.net/kelowna Give you and your family the gift of a good night’s sleep with the Okanagan’s only licensed & local Sleep SenseTM Consultant. Call Pam at 250.575.6988 or visit www.sleepsense.net/kelowna Support Services Aboriginal Infant Development Program 442 Leon Ave , Kelowna, BC 250.763.4905 Fall 2011 l 30
ACHIEVE BC Toll Free: 1.800.514.0554 Website: www.AchieveBC.ca Advice on prenatal care, nutrition and developmental guides. Parenting tips and information on stimulating your child’s mind and body through reading and play. Learn more about the services offered through the Government of British Columbia by calling the toll free number or visiting the website.
JOSEPH R. GORDON B.A., LL.B
FRANCES JOY BULLICK
B.S.W., B.JURIS., LL.B, LL.M.
Barristers, Solicitors, Notaries Public
OVER 30 YEARS OF PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Association for the Benefit of Children with Disabilities 250.763.4663
• ALL TYPES OF LITIGATION
BC 24- HOUR Nurse Line Call: 8-1-1 Website: www.bchealthguide.com BC Nurseline gives you 24 hour, 7 day toll-free access to registered nursed specially trained to provide confidential help on the telephone. Available to answer medical enquiries free of charge - carecard required
• FAMILY LAW
BC Council for Families 204-2590 Granville St , Vancouver, BC 1.800.663.5638 The BC Council for Families works to help create healthy families in a healthy society. Our goal is to empower families. We provide educational resources on topics such as parenting, childhood development, parent-teen relationships, work-life balance, suicide awareness and more.
• CRIMINAL DEFENCE • PERSONAL INJURY • REAL ESTATE DISPUTES
W
• TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS & TICKETS
WILLS & ESTATE DISPUTES hen the Virtual School Society• (VSS) launched its “Cyber Safe with Steve Dotto” initiative targeting parents, it believed that the best way to combat internet danger was to find a way to get stuT. 250.860.9997 dents, teachers, parents and the community all working together. It seems to have found a great champion for a significant part of the F. 250.860.9937 student-focused component in Vernon Secondary School’s media and social studiesSt. teacher, Sawka. 102 - 1433 PaulMike Street, Kelowna BC V1Y 2E4
BC Lions Society for Children with Disabilities 250.763.0899 Big Brothers and Sisters - Okanagan 151 Commercial Dr , Kelowna, BC www.bigs.bc.ca Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Okanagan provides children and youth ages 7 - 12 (‘Littles’) with volunteer adult mentors (‘Bigs’) who provide a positive influence in their lives. Welcome Wagon 1.866.856.8442 www.welcomewagon.ca It’s time to call your Welcome Wagon representative. She will bring new congratulations and gifts for the new baby and family.
Before you know it... Winter willfor beourhere! Watch next issue...
2011 Watch forSpring the next issue arriving this February Mid-November. www.okanaganchild.com
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TS! SHARE YOUR SHO s to Upload your picture at our photo gallery d.com www.okanaganc hil nu under the ‘Kids’ me e in and we’ll share som every print issue!
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ep·ic Adjective /”epik”/ Very impressive; Surpassing the ordinary
Whether they’re skateboarding, playing basketball or walking the mall, kids don’t like to be told what’s cool. With this in mind, Epic Jr. offers a wide selection of clothes, shoes, and accessories that allow for the originality, individuality, and Self Expression of those who wear them. For all kids: infant to pre-teen
ski & snow wear, gloves, hats, backpacks, wallets and more!
2079 Enterprise Way Kelowna, BC WWW.EPICJR.COM
| 778.478.9898
COME SEE US AT OUR NEW LOCATION !