priceless • take one!
Summer 2010
8
Sleep Tips for Every Child
Water Play Keep your Kids Safe Down Syndrome: A Mother’s Journey Relational Aggression
cover photo: www.adriankidsphotography.ca
SUMMER CAMPS! + How to Keep Kids Busy
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AUGUST 1 - 7, 2010 - INAUGURAL YEAR! George Elliot Secondary School & Creekside Theatre in Lake Country THE SUMMER ARTS SCENE IS A WONDERFUL WAY TO INTEGRATE MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT.
Why Summer Arts Scene For Youth in Central Okanagan? : It’s a great time of year for kids to brush off summer boredom, : to learn new skills, : to discover, enhance and display individual talents, : to be proud of their uniqueness, : to boost their self esteem, : to work collaboratively as a team
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PERFORMIN G ARTS VISUAL ART S LANGUAGE ARTS
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contents
4 10 20 21 24 28 29 31
volume 2, issue 2
priceless • take one!
Summer 2010
articles
Down Syndrome: A Mother’s Journey Eight Sleep Tips for Every Child Cloth Diapering: Part II, A Starter Guide Parenting for the Future Curbing Relational Aggression Summer Camps How to Talk to Your Two Year-Old Keep your Family Safe on the Water Recipe: Rainbow Sticks Putting Bed Wetting Out to Dry
SUMMER CAMPS! + How to Keep Kids Busy
8
Sleep Tips for Every Child cover photo: www.adriankidsphotography.ca
6 8 11 12 14 16 18 22 26 27
SUMMER 2010
Water Play Keep your Kids Safe Down Syndrome: A Mother’s Journey Curbing Relational Aggression
CHECK OUT OUR
NEW WEBSITE! www.okanaganchild.com
cover photo: Adrian Kids Photography www.adriankidsphotography.ca E. info@adriankidsphotography.ca P. 250.863.0176
Editorial Photography: Poppy Photography, Aviva Studios Contributors: Meaghan Burford, Michelle Collie, Dianne Durante, Jennifer Frost, Daniela Ginta, Erin McInnis, Kelly Paley, Elizabeth Pantley, Kia Robertson, Laurie Rockwell, Wayne Terai Editor & Publisher Colleen Bezeau
columns
Editor’s Note Stuff We Love Michelle Collie: Keep Busy This Summer New Business Spotlight: Hands on Keepsakes Featured Parent: Kristin Boersma Erin McInnis: Summer Reads Resource Directory Snap Happy
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. To submit a local event, please complete the form on our website at www.okanaganchild.com
Next issue! Fall 2010...Watch for it at the end of August | Check out our all new website! www.okanaganchild.com Dr
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editor’s note
B
ring on the popsicles, sun hats and warm weather. Summer has arrived! There’s no doubt about it -- there are fun ways to enjoy the outdoors any season be it snowball fights in the Winter, puddle jumping in Spring rain, or fun walks in Fall wind that’ll just about blow you over. Nonetheless, many of us seem to enjoy the outdoors most of all when it’s Summer. A radio announcer the other day mentioned that music just seems to sound better when the sun is shining and the windows are open. I smiled and nodded...yeah, it kind of does! There are two things I love the most about summer. First, I like how intimately we interact with nature: Squishing the sand between our toes, sniffing the fragrances of blooming flowers, or soaking up the warm, beaming rays of the sun. My other favorite part? The adventure. With kids out of school, summer marks a bit of a deviation from the daily routine of Fall, Winter and Spring. Whether it’s an adventure at a day camp, a picnic at the beach or simply playing in the street followed by a bbq dinner, each day often brings something new and unexpected. It’s refreshing and most of all FUN. Take some time to be mindful of the season -- breathe loads of fresh air and appreciate the beauty around you. It’ll be a long 9 months until we’re back here again!
We’ve packed our summer issue full of great content for you. In addition, we’ve re-designed our entire website from the ground up. Featuring a blog-style format, the new OkanaganChild.com will feature regular updates with helpful, relevant content to keep you connected and in the loop. Don’t worry -- the site still features the Events Calendar and Photo Gallery like the original one so please don’t hesitate to share shots of your little one or a parent/child relevant event that we’ll post on the calendar. As always, we love to hear your feedback so please don’t hesitate to drop us an e-mail anytime. Okanagan Child is for you and the more we know about what you’d like to see (or not see!) the better we can make it for you.
Psssst..... have you seen our new website?! WWW.oKanaGanCHilD.Com new LooK. new iDentity. new For you. • • • • •
Helpful, Practical, Relevant Content Events Calendar Contests Corner Resource Directory Photo Gallery
Summer 2010 l 4
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Contests
over $100 value!! Delight in this autographed copy of actress Julianne Moore’s book “Freckleface Strawberry and the Dodgeball Bully.” This book marks the second in the Freckleface Strawberry series. Boasting adorable illustrations and a well-written story, it’s sure to bring back memories of the ‘pwang’ of dodgeball hits during your gym classes of yester-years. To enter: Visit our website and click on the ‘Contests’ link.
Do you love contests?!
We have an exciting all-new website that will be regularly updated to keep you connected between print issues. You’ll find additional contests on the website periodically that aren’t noted here so be sure to check www.okanaganchild.com regularly for your chance to win more fabulous products or services.
Gardening is a great way to connect children to nature and that’s what the Little Humbugs are all about - “Connecting kids to nature.” The Little Humbugs are based on on Marghanita’s award winning book series that involves children on a quest to protect our Natural World. She believes if we instill a love of nature in children they will want to protect it. The Gift set includes: Educational Chloe Doll and Chrysalis. Environmentally friendly Picture Book featuring Chloe. Packet of Chloe’s Organic Carrots Seeds & Organic Sunflower Seeds Chloe’s fairtrade felt Bead Set. Chloe poster and colouring sheets. Little Humbugs All Natural Shampoo and Conditioner. To enter: Visit our website and click on the ‘Contests’ link.
Our Baby Impressions You can’t photograph a feeling. Preserve the actual size, shape and lines of your baby’s tiny hands and feet in a 3-dimensional casting, mounted on a classic antique style frame. Oak frames also available.
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250.769.8500 - Tasha Summer 2010 l
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life
Down Syndrome: Local mom Jen Frost shares her journey
D
own syndrome. There was a time when I was not very familiar with the term. Sure, I’d heard of Down syndrome and seen people who have it, but I never really paid attention until November 26, 2008. My son Logan was born that day at 9:32pm. He was diagnosed with Down syndrome at 9:35pm. The room went silent and the nurses asked me if I had done any tests before hand. I still didn’t know what was going on. My husband looked at me and said, “They think he has Down syndrome.” My world stopped for a moment and all I could think about was wanting to hold my new baby. I found the courage to speak and said I wanted my baby in my arms. The nurses cleaned him up and placed him on me. I looked at him and couldn’t see the down syndrome. My husband pointed out that Logan’s eyes were slanted and that this is a major characteristic of down syndrome. I still couldn’t believe it. I wanted a baby for so long and it took us 6 years to conceive. I made the decision on the spot that no matter what,
I would love this baby with all my heart and be the best mother I knew how to be. We were in the hospital for a few days as Logan had jaundice and they were running some tests on him. As my husband and I walked the halls in the pediatrics ward, we noticed there were tons of pictures on the walls of babies but none with Down syndrome. I promised my husband we would be the first. I had the nurses put a framed picture of Logan up on the wall so other parents that may deal with the same diagnosis would have an easier time adjusting and seeing it will all be okay. I quickly learnt that 1 in 800 babies are born with Down syndrome to mothers under the age of 35. Logan just happened to be that special one. Three days after he was born, I found out that he had a large hole in his heart which is very common with Down syndrome. He would need open heart surgery at some point. I mustered up enough cour-
LOCAL SUPPORT RESOURCES FAMILY GET-TOGETHER GROUP
PENTICTON, BC
Family Get-Together is a group of parents of children with a variety of disabilities including Down syndrome focusing on children 0-5 years of age. Run by local families and with the support of the Infant Development Person at the Boys & Girls Club, Family GetTogether aims to provide support, advocacy, resources, education and recreation for families with a child with a disability. Details: The group meets on the third Wednesday of the month at the Boys & Girls Club at 1295 Manitoba Street. Meetings start at 5pm and include a meal donated by the Boys & Girls Club. Bring your kids to share in the experience.
FAMILIES IN TOUCH
KELOWNA, BC
Families in Touch is comprised of families who have a child, youth, or adult with special needs. Everyone is welcome including children. Please come and join us for some companionship, sharing of information, and laughter. Details: The group meets informally for breakfast and/or coffee the second Friday of every month at 9:30am at ABC Country Restaurant, 1140 Harvey Ave., Kelowna (Beside Starbucks on the corner of Gordon and Harvey). Summer 2010 l 6
www.okanaganchild.com
age to deal with this and smiled and said, “I know everything will be okay.” Deep down though, I was panicking. My little baby will need open heart surgery? Nurses and doctors came and visited me for the next few days providing information on Down syndrome; my mind was spinning. There was so much to learn and all I wanted to learn was how to deal with a baby. I will deal with the Down syndrome later. Just let me enjoy my baby. Fast forward three months. Logan had open heart surgery at BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver. They were all so wonderful to us and Logan pulled through like a champ. We came back home to Penticton and Logan was like a new baby. He was thriving and eating and enjoying life. When you have a child with Down syndrome you learn not to take things for granted. Every little milestone Logan passed was a time to celebrate. I learned that Logan will be able to do everything a “typical” baby can do, but it will just take him longer to do it. My husband and I wanted to meet other parents that have a child with Down syndrome so we can share our dreams and fears of the future. We started up a support group in Penticton and have met several other parents of children with Down syndrome. It has been a wonderful experience and the support group has been running for just over a year now. I never imagined I would ever have a child with special needs. Logan has taught me so much about unconditional love and he makes me so proud each and every day.
HELPS TEACH
www.okanaganchild.com
Balance
Confidence
Steering
Control
Summer 2010 l
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by Elizabeth Pantley
Eight Sleep Tips for Every Child
U
p to 70% of children under age five have sleep problems. Sleep issues are complicated and have many causes. They’re hard to deal with because when children aren’t sleeping, parents aren’t sleeping, and that lack of sleep affects every minute of every day for every person in the family because lack of sleep isn’t just about being tired. Sleep has a role in everything -- dawdling, temper tantrums, hyperactivity, growth, health, and even learning to tie his shoes and recite the ABCs. Sleep affects everything. The following ideas are of value to almost any sleeper, of any age. These tips can bring improvement not only in your child’s sleep, but also in her daytime mood and last, but not least – improvements in your own sleep and outlook as well.
# 1 A consistent bedtime and awaking time.
Your child’s biological clock has a strong influence on her wakefulness and sleepiness. When you establish a set time for bedtime and wake up time you “set” your child’s clock so that it functions smoothly. Aim for an early bedtime. Young children respond best with a bedtime between 6:30 and 7:30 P.M. Most children will sleep better and longer when they go to bed early.
# 2 Encourage regular daily naps.
Daily naps are important. An energetic child can find it difficult to go through the day without a rest break. A nap-less child will often wake up cheerful and become progressively fussier or hyper-alert as the day goes on. Also, the length and quality of naps affects night sleep – good naps equal better night sleep.
# 3 Set your child’s biological clock.
Take advantage of your child’s biology so that he’s actually tired when bedtime arrives. Darkness causes an increase in the release of the body’s sleep hormone -- the biological “stop” button. You can align your child’s sleepiness with bedtime by dimming the lights during the hour before bedtime. Exposing your child to morning light is pushing the “go” button in her brain — one that says, “Time Summer 2010 l 8
photo credit: www.poppyphotography.ca
to wake up and be active.” So keep your mornings bright!
# 4 Develop a consistent bedtime routine.
Routines create security. A consistent, peaceful bedtime routine allows your child to transition from the motion of the day to the tranquil state of sleep. An organized routine helps you coordinate the specifics: bath, pajamas, tooth-brushing. It helps you to function on auto-pilot at the time when you are most tired and least creative.
# 5 Create a cozy sleep environment.
Where your child sleeps can be a key to quality sleep. Make certain the mattress is comfortable, the blankets are warm, the room temperature is right, pajamas are comfy, and the bedroom is welcoming.
# 6 Provide the right nutrition.
Foods can affect energy level and sleepiness. Carbohydrates can have a calming effect on the body, while foods high in protein or sugar generate alertness, particularly when eaten alone. A few ideas for pre-bed snacks are: whole wheat toast and cheese, bagel and peanut butter, oatmeal with bananas, or yogurt and low-sugar granola. Vitamin deficiencies due to unhealthy foods can affect a child’s sleep. Provide your child with a daily assortment of healthy foods.
# 7 Help your child to be healthy and fit.
Many children don’t get enough daily physical activity. Too much TV watching and a lack of activity prevents good sleep. Children who get ample daily exercise fall asleep more quickly, sleep better, stay asleep longer, and wake up feeling refreshed. Avoid activity in the hour before bedtime though, since exercise is stimulating – they’ll be jumping on the bed instead of sleeping in it!
# 8 Teach your child how to relax.
Many children get in bed but aren’t sure what to do when they get www.okanaganchild.com
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there! It can help to follow a soothing pre-bed routine that creates sleepiness. A good pre-bed ritual is story time. A child who is listening to a parent read a book or tell a tale will tend to lie still and listen. This quiet stillness allows him to become sleepy. Work with these eight ideas and you’ll see improvements in your child’s sleep, and yours too.
BUZZ MAKES US FEEL warm & fuzzy!! “You have created a fabulous magazine, well written and meaningful.” Melissa, Happy Reader
Excerpted with permission by McGraw-Hill Publishing from The No-Cry Sleep Solution for Toddlers & Preschoolers (McGraw-Hill 2005) . www.okanaganchild.com
Summer 2010 l
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STUFF WE
LOVE
Meet Twilight Turtle. Projecting magical constellations onto the ceiling in blue, green, or yellow, this “nightlight” is a win with toddlers to school-age. 49.95 chickenlittle.ca
Beep, beep, beep! Check out this Sprig Toys dumptruck, manufactured out of a Canadian-made recycled wood and reclaimed plastic bio-composite. Get digging in the sandbox or drive it around inside. Hours of fun await! Age 3-8 years. $19.99 organicallyhatched.com
Summer is here...will your little one be stylin’ on the beach or at the pool?! These re-usable swim diapers by MonkeyDoodlez are a perfect choice for splashing fun. Ultimately cheaper than buying packs of disposable swimmers and venture we say...far cuter! 19.99 www.tidytushees.ca
Summer 2010 l 10
Summer is all about fresh, breezy dresses for little girls. Check out these adorable frocks by KukiKids. Available in a wide range of fantastic prints. 46.99 raspberrykids.com
Keep your drink thirst-quenching cold and your hands warm and dry! These Swarovski Crystal personalized holders are the perfect way to ensure the bevie hitting your lips or your child’s lips is the *right* one! Custom made with up to 8 letters and stretchy to fit different bottle sizes. 14.99 wildaboutbeads.ca www.okanaganchild.com
Cloth Diapering
Part II: Starter Guide Bummis Easy-Fit
N
ot long ago if you wanted to cloth diaper your baby, you had to struggle with finding a specialty store or hunting for Work at Home Moms who were selling cloth diapering supplies on the internet. As parents discover the truly toxic nature of disposable diapers, cloth diapering is becoming far more common and convenient. The growing movement of parents who want their babies to have the safest options naturally extends to diapers when you consider that your baby will wear a diaper 24 hours per day, 7 days per week for up to 3 years! And cloth diapering has many other benefits. Aside from not creating tons of waste to clog the landfills (the average baby has 6000 diaper changes before being potty trained), cloth diapers don’t contain harmful absorbent gels, don’t contribute to diaper rash, usually result in earlier toilet training and they save families hundreds if not thousands of dollars! We may have convinced you to consider cloth for your baby, but where do you start? We have the answers to your questions!
What is the most important thing for parents to consider when making the decision to cloth diaper? With so many different brands and styles of diapers on the market, parents can be easily overwhelmed by the choices available. The important thing to remember is that we are dealing with pee and poo and there is no need to make it complicated! You need to find a diaper that fits your baby, suits your lifestyle and fits your budget. The number one mistake we see families make when considering cloth diapers is that they make an investment in diapers based on the recommendation of a friend, family member or retailer. Every baby and every family is different and that is why there are so many choices. It is important that you TRY, TRY, TRY before you buy. You wouldn’t walk out of a store with an expensive dress without trying it on – so why would you invest in diapers without seeing how they work for you and your baby? Do your research, find a store that offers a “Try Before You Buy Program,” borrow some diapers from friends who cloth diaper, use a diaper service or purchase one or two diapers to try before you invest in your diaper stash.
What do you need to start cloth diapering? Invest slowly, and yes, it is an investment. Your diapers should last you for more than one child and may even be sold when you are
www.okanaganchild.com
by Kelly Paley
done using them if you purchase wisely and care for them properly. You are likely to change your opinions as you become more experienced and you’ll soon discover what you want to add to your stash. Besides, once you’ve experimented, worked out the kinks and made a list of accessories that would be helpful, it will be perfect timing to register for the baby shower! After all, why buy when you can receive?! To get started you’ll need: • Diapers – There are tons of styles and patterns available to suit the needs of any family. You can base the amount you need on how often you want to do laundry. It is recommended that soiled diapers sit no longer than 3 days and you don’t really want to wash more than 12-15 diapers at a time in a high efficiency machine. Remember that newborns go through 10-12 diapers per day! • Diaper Pail – a good diaper pail that allows for air exchange will help keep your home odour free. You want your pail to “breathe,” but obviously you don’t want to smell what comes off your pail – so look for a pail that offers a filter of some sort. Look for a large pail for handling the onslaught of diapers during the newborn and infant stages. • Pail Liner – a pail liner (bag) will greatly reduce the “gross factor” of cloth diapering. Choose a pail liner that can be tossed in and washed with the dirty diapers. That way it is a simple matter of carrying the soiled diapers to the machine and tossing everything in! • Laundry Detergent – your choice of laundry detergent will impact the ease of washing and cleanliness of your diapers. Not all detergents (including “Natural Detergents”) are suitable for cloth diapers. To determine whether or not your detergent is suitable for cloth diapers visit http://detergent.realdiaperindustry.org/ and be sure to check your manufacturer’s recommendations.
What should you look for when choosing cloth diapers? There are three important factors to consider when choosing cloth diapers: 1. Where they are made and where the components are made. Are Cloth Diapering Part II Cont’d on page 26...
Summer 2010 l 11
Parenting for the Future by Laurie Rockwell
A
s a parent you must fully accept that parenting is your responsibility, no one else’s, and that you will fully commit yourself to parenting as the most important priority you have. You must accept that responsible parenting is not something that you fit in as you are multi-tasking. Poet David Whyte poignantly observes, “There is nothing worse than looking in your child’s eyes and they see you as another thing you are doing.” You must see your child as the most precious asset in your life, not a liability, that your child is the most important investment that you will ever make. All assets are worthy of our best investment strategies. One does not begrudge personal sacrifices over time to reap a healthy return on the investment (ROI) years later, because our actions today determine the ROI in the future. This is a proactive, not a reactive approach to life. I would like to ask for a show of hands: how may parents reading this have a documented financial investment strategy, planning that the ROI will give them a magnificent retirement portfolio? Just as I thought, most of you. Now for the courageous question: how many of you have a child investment strategy, planning that the ROI will give the world a magnificent inheritance (your child) that enriches the world for generations? Not many, just as I thought. Let’s explore what a child investment strategy looks like.
It’s All About You
When investing in the future of your child, you must remember that it is all about you, the parent. Only the parent has the total responsibility for the input and the output that determines the ROI of parenting a child. Like all challenges, these are also great learning opportunities for the parent if one is open to them. Since there are no ‘how to manuals’ that come with raising children, how a child responds to your parenting is the only accurate measure you have of how you are doing. You are the most important role-model that your child will ever have; everything that you think, say and do will be critical ingredients to the child-to-adult recipe that you are making from scratch.
Know Thyself
It is critical to effective parenting that you are open to developing Summer 2010 l 12
your personal awareness. Much of what you learned about parenting came from your parents. Effective and ineffective role-modelling was passed on to you, as you will do with your child. How one parents and lives is based on one’s beliefs. Most of what we believe came from our parents; secondarily, from other significant adults. Beliefs are assumptions about life and how one lives within them. They are the foundation of all thought, action and emotions and therefore must be regularly examined and challenged. The biggest challenge is to commit to changing beliefs that no longer define who and what you are. Poet EE Cummings said it this way: “It takes courage to grow up and turn out to be who you really are.”
Listen & Respect
The ways you communicate with your child and the relationship that you establish with your child are THE basics of teaching and learning. No matter how much you work on your parenting beliefs, if you cannot listen deeply and communicate with respect, love and honesty, it will be for naught. And make no mistake, what you do not say or do not do can communicate as loudly to a child as what is seen and heard. Children can feel tension or anger between parents; even if parents are not talking they are communicating. Likewise, how you openly hug your child, say “I love you” or “I’m sorry,” will determine the love and respect that they have for you, not to mention how they feel about their own worth. Mutual respect, established at birth, will do more than anything to determine the quality of the life-long relationship you have with your child.
Deep Listening
There is no more important way of communicating with your child than deep listening. This is a learned skill in which one ‘hears’ the feeling behind what is said. Many parents hear only what they want to hear, running it through belief filters contaminated with judgement, criticism and the need to control. As an adult, have you ever had someone truly listen, feeling your pain, frustration, joy or grief in a moment in your life without first telling you what to do? How did you feel? Imagine how powerful this is to a child. This does not mean that the child gets to be right all the time; rather it is a moment in which discussion and learning take place for parent and child. Ask yourself, “In this moment, do I prefer to be right or to www.okanaganchild.com
love?” Many parents attempt to teach by control, the need to be right. Giving up control as a parenting tool is one of the most difficult habits to unlearn, but it is one of the greatest gifts that you can give both yourself and your child. Children teach us a lot about ourselves, but only if we are open to listening. In his critically acclaimed book “Seven Habits of Highly Successful People,” Stephen Covey speaks of the importance of having the end in mind. This is the broad vision, the larger picture, the long range goal. To me this is a child investment strategy for generational parenting. That is, how you parent today, and for tomorrow, will determine the emotional, psychological, spiritual and physical health of your child throughout her life. A self-confident, courageous, compassionate, self-loving, caring teen will attract only more of the same positive people and experiences in her life and as an adult. This adult will continue the momentum of creating healthy relationships and effective parenting, which will replicate as surely as one’s DNA code. Over generations this will result in a more compassionate, loving and healthy world. Is this the end you have in mind for your child? Laurie is a Life/Spiritual coach and owner of Know Thyself Coaching. A retired social worker, his passion is children and families. See his bio at www.icf-okanagan. org
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Summer 2010 l
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parenting
How to Curb Relational Aggression by Dianne Durante
R
elational Aggression (R.A.) is a term that many parents are unfamiliar with but educators are reporting that it is now one of their top concerns with middle school students. Bullying is a notion that has been a topic of conversation for generations but often we think of bullying as something that goes on between boys and dismiss it as a “boys will be boys” situation. However, Relational Aggression is often a far more complex type of bullying that involves more covert forms of torment, where friendship is used as a weapon. It is more commonly seen with girls than with boys and the scars that it leaves are on the inside, where it is harder for parents or educators to notice and address them.
Understanding Relational Aggression
R.A. has many ugly ways that it manifests itself, like exclusion, gossiping or spreading rumors about the target, name-calling and separating from friends. R.A. causes the young women who are the targets to withdraw from other things in their lives-such as school, extracurricular activities and family. R.A. victimization could be a precursor to relationship violence, since it establishes a pattern of the young woman being demeaned and passive in a relationship with a person who she cares about. She practices justifying the behavior of her “friends” as she may later justify the abuse of a partner. The covert abuse goes on between young women but often extends into adulthood. The girls who bullied their classmates become the mothers who bully their peers at the P.T.A. meetings and soccer games. Mothers are the primary example that many young women have and young women base many of their reactions to stressors on how they have seen their mother handle situations. There are proactive ways that mothers can guide their daughters that will reduce the possibility that these girls will be on either end of an R.A. situation. Role modeling appropriate responses and positive behavior is a prime example of how mothers can help their daughters establish healthy relationships. Keep in mind the Chinese proverb “Tell me and I’ll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I’ll understand.”
Developing Emotional Intelligence Skills
An excellent way for mothers to guide their daughters towards
Summer 2010 l 14
healthier relationships and greater successes in life is to work to increase Emotional Intelligence skills (E.Q.). Emotional Intelligence is a set of emotional qualities that studies have found to be important to a successful life. Unlike the more commonly referred to I.Q. (intelligence quotient), E.Q. skills can be taught and developed. E.Q. is not the opposite of I.Q. - it is important to have both. However, more and more one hears about colleges and businesses that have an interest in assessing the E.Q. of their future students and employees. The individuals with high E.Q. get along better with their peers, work better in teams, take criticism constructively, and show a willingness to collaborate for success- important traits in universities and workplaces. To begin developing your E.Q. and the E.Q. skills of your children try these basic exercises. The exercises are for you to use as a role model to your child. They can also be modified for the child to use.
Be Creative and Develop Creative Problem Solving techniques. Successful, quick problem solving abilities are a highly noted characteristic of people with high E.Q. Think outside the box, as you used to be unrestrained by the lines when you would color. Activity #1: Take a few minutes to clear your mind. Reflect on a recent situation that had a negative outcome. On a piece of paper write down EVERY way that you could have handled that situation, no matter how ridiculous it may seem to you. There are no wrong answers in this sort of free-association technique. Let your mind wander from one idea to another, noting each possible reaction that you could have had in this situation. You cannot change the past but you can spend interpreting why you reacted as you did and deciding which different reaction you may like to have in similar future situations. Activity #2: Ask someone that you feel comfortable with to help you role play an upcoming scenario (or one that you have already experienced that may reoccur). Spend some time talking through some potential ways that the conversation may play out, so you feel prepared for what may be in store. Make sure you take the opportunity to “play” the other person, so you may feel what it is like to be in their position. This may force you to consider something that www.okanaganchild.com
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would not have otherwise occurred to you.
Connecting with kindness. Having the skills to make friends and cultivate those relationships is significant in E.Q. The ability to connect with people increases empathy, gives the chance to have polite manners modeled through observation and allows a person to see how they have a role in a group, not merely as an individual. Activity #1: To foster many basic connections practice smiling at strangers. Everyone has witnessed the bad attitude that spreads through a workplace, household or store. Happiness is equally as contagious but this is seldom demonstrated. Take a moment to make eye contact with a store clerk, rushed stranger or friend. Then smile! The fact that you made the effort to silently connect with that person will not go unnoticed. Most people will respond with a smile, which they will hopefully pass on to the next person that they see. You could start a chain reaction of happiness with just a few seconds of your day. Activity #2: Take time to develop your current relationships. Set aside one night a week (or a month) to spend with your friends. Perhaps you have a ritual of going to the same place each time. Maybe your ritual is that you try a new activity each time. Either way, stay committed to this routine. It will show your friends that you value their roles in your life and you will be pleased to be reminded that they feel the same by their participation in this bonding time.
LooKiNg FoR A FRENCH Vo VoUS CHERCHEz UNE COLE FRANCOPHONE ? PUBLIC SCHOOL ? ÉÉCOLE The Conseil scolaire francophone de la C.-B. (SD, No. 93) is accepting registrations in all of its 38 schools.
Le Conseil scolaire francophone de la C.-B. (SD No 93) accepte les inscriptions dans son réseau de 38 écoles en C.-B.
ÉCOLE DE L’ANSE-AU-SABLE
ÉCOLE PENTICTON ENTRE LACS SECONDARY 675 Lequime Road 1077 Nelson Ave. 158 Eckhardt Ave. Kelowna Penticton Penticton 250-764-277 250-770-7691 250-770-7691 M/K - 12 M/K - 8 9 - 12 • A full-day Francophone kindergarten • Portable computers for grade 4-12 students • A French-language acquisition program • A quality English-language program • Excellent academic results • High level of bilingualism • Distance education courses via the École Virtuelle For more information, please communicate with:
• Une maternelle à temps plein • Des ordinateurs portables pour les élèves de la 4e à la 12e année • Un programme de francisation • Un programme d’anglais de qualité • Une formation académique de haut niveau • Un haut niveau de bilinguisme • Des cours à distance via l’école Virtuelle Pour obtenir plus d’information, communiquez avec :
WWW.CSF.BC.CA LE CONSEIL SCOLAIRE FRANCOPHONE DE LA COLOMBIE-BRITANNIQUE (SD No 93) 180-10200 Shellbridge Way, Richmond, (C.-B.) V6X 2W7 | (604) 214-2600 or/ou 1-888-715-2200
ening your E.Q. and understanding the importance of building these skills in your children. Good Luck!
Hopefully, these simple activities will get you on the way to strengthwww.okanaganchild.com
Summer 2010 l 15
SUMMER CAMPS Educo Adventure School
Okanagan Region Arrowflight Outdoor Camps
250.762.3989 (ext.112) | camps@boysandgirlsclubs.ca boysandgirlsclubs.ca/camp.php Ages: 7-17 years Location: Armstrong, BC
Camp Hurlburt
250.545.8240 | camphurlburt@gmail.com camphurlburt.com Ages: 5-16 years Location: 14km southwest of Vernon on Okanagan Lake
Camp Owaissi
250.769.3676 | campowaissi@hotmail.com campoac.com Ages: 7-18 years Location: ~15km north of West Kelowna on Okanagan Lake
Camp Winfield, Easter Seal Camps 250.766.2186 | campwinfield@gmail.com eastersealscamps.ca Ages: 6-18 years Location: Winfield, BC
*Serves individuals with mental and/or physical disabilities.
250.395.3388 | info@educo.ca educo.ca Ages: 9-21 years Location: 100 Mile House, BC
Looking for day camps? Check out the ads on the spread for great ideas!
Eureka Outdoor Camp
604.520.1155 | info@eurekacamp.ca eurekacamp.ca Ages: 11-18 years Location: Teepee Lake, BC
*Eureka Outdoor Camp is operated by Eureka Camp Society. The Society has been offering outdoor recreational programs for children and adolescents with invisible disabilities since 1980.
Gardom Lake Bible Camp
250.838.6645 | office@gardomlake.ca gardomlake.ca Ages: 6-15 years Location: Enderby, BC
Green Bay Bible Camp
250.768.5884 | fun@greenbay.bc.ca greenbay.bc.ca Ages: Grade 1-10; also offer family camps Location: West Kelowna, BC
Morning Star Bible Camp
250.768.7801 | info@morningstarbiblecamp.com morningstarbiblecamp.com Ages: 6-18 years Location: West Kelowna, BC
Get Active...
be healthy, have fun!
Maple Springs Bible Camp
Are you looking for activities to keep your child busy this summer?
250.767.2354 | maplesprings@shaw.ca maplesprings.ca Ages: 5-16 years
► Red Cross swimming programs for children 6 months and older ► 25 meter pool and children’s play pool ► Exciting summer camps and programs for all ages ► Dance, Music, Karate, Art, Soccer, Tennis, Golf, Playschool and much more
PARKINSON RECREATION CENTRE
1800 Parkinson Way (Spall & Highway 97) Summer 2010 l 16
250 469-8800 kelowna.ca/recreation www.okanaganchild.com
BC has loads of fantastic sleepover and family camps. Check out the list below if yo e dreaming up an outdu’r r adventure for your kioo d(s) this Summer! Location: Peachland, BC
MacKenzie Camp Society
250.832.8383 | register@Mackenziecamp.com mackenziecamp.com Ages: 7-16 years Location: Armstrong, BC
Silver Lake Forest Education Society
250.717.0033 | info@silverlakekidscamp.com silverlakekidscamp.com Ages: 7-16 years Location: Peachland, BC
Summerland Montessori Nurturing the Joy of Discovery and the Love of Learning
SUMMER PROGRAM
Summerland Montessori School
Registrations for Pre-School to Gr. 5 now being accepted!
Class Size Limited! Prairie Valley Preschool
2, 3, or 5 day options from $135 / month! Spaces filling fast!
AGES 5-12
Weekly, half & full day programs
Jun. 28 - Aug. 27 Mini camps such as, tennis, judo, writing, golf, etc. Weekly Themes
Daily Bussing between Summerland & Penticton!
Sunnybrae Bible Camp
250.835.4596 | info@sunnybrae.ca sunnybrae.ca Ages: 8-18 years Location: Tappen, BC
Call 250.494.7266 or email smsoffice@shaw.ca
www.summerlandmontessori.com
BC Wide (sampling) Camp Qwanoes
888.997.9266 | info@qwanoes.ca qwanoes.ca Ages: 8-18 years Location: Vancouver Island, BC
Camp Summit
866.550.1118 | info@campsummit.ca campsummit.ca Ages: 7-17 years Location: Squamish, BC
Horne Lake Cavern and Teepees Adventure Camp
Don’t worry. Your child couldn’t be in better hands.
250.703.6051 | info@hornelake.com hornelake.com Ages: 9-14 years Location: Near Qualicum Bay on Vancouver Island, BC
The Y is the largest not-for-profit childcare provider in Canada. Here in the Central Okanagan we are committed to nuturing your child’s development and supporting you in raising strong, healthy children. • Infant to Grade 6 care • New Childcare & Preschool Centre • 4 Out of School Care locations • Y Daycamps
Sasamat Outdoor Centre
604.939.2268 | info@sasamat.org www.sasamat.org Ages: 8-15 years Location: Sasamat Lake, Belcarra
YMCA
604.939.9622 | camps@vanymca.org vanymca.org/camps Ages: 6-17 years Locations: Cariboo, Sunshine Coast, and Indian Arm www.okanaganchild.com
ymca-ywca.com
Y Childcare We build strong kids, strong families, strong communities
Kelowna Family Y 375 Hartman Road 250.491.YMCA (9622) H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre 4075 Gordon Drive 250.764.4040 Career Contact Centre for Youth 575 Lawrence Avenue 250.717.2561
Summer 2010 l 17
parenting
Fast & Furious: How to Talk to Your Two-Year-Old by Daniela Ginta
I
never knew that a small Lego piece can throw a seemingly happy toddler into such rage—a mountain of frustration crumbling down in front of my eyes. My mind searches for quick solutions: do I put the Lego piece where my son wanted to but did not manage to? Do I simply wait it out? My youngest son is two, and a typical two-year-old, I might add. He laughs with all his heart, he is curious and funny, but every now and then he throws a good old tantrum, a reminder that he has along way to go until he can keep his emotions in check.
Dr And that is perfectly normal, according to Shari Bender, a registered child and family psychologist in Vancouver. As soon as they emerge from the baby stage, toddlers are experiencing bigger feelings, Bender says. These feelings will include joy and happiness, but will most certainly include anger and frustration. One of the parents’ jobs is to teach their children about feelings. Toddlers get a sense of personal power, a sense of themselves, and that makes them say “no” more often, she adds. This is why parents should set boundaries, but also allow their children to express their emotions in a healthy and socially acceptable way. Toddlers between two and four are amazing creatures. They are inquisitive and sweet, but they can switch disposition rather quickly. From the sheer frustration of not being able to perform a physical task, to being denied a treat or a certain much-coveted object, things could make your child explode with frustration. Knowing how to talk to them about feelings and knowing how to set boundaries will help them manage their emotions. Summer 2010 l 18
photo credit: www.avivaphotostudios.com
Wrongfully Accused
While most parents will say that two is a challenging age, they will also say that it’s most likely the sweetest. Your child starts talking and inquiring about everything around her in a very sweet way. She will show her love by hugging and kissing you, she will want to help you. But two is when your child becomes very determined and as a result, big emotions emerge. Still, “terrible twos” sounds rather unfair. There is a discrepancy—perfectly normal too, Bender says—between the physical and intellectual development of toddlers between two and four. They may want to build a Lego truck but they may not be able to. Frustration, anger and fury follow, which leaves parents bewildered. “In our culture, we get really stuck when it comes to dealing with toddlers between two and four,” says Bender. Parents are not supported to deal with big emotions, and many parents today, she adds, have not been taught how to deal with this emotional power and how to have it without overpowering and bullying somebody else. Developmentally speaking, it is normal for toddlers to experience powerful emotions, mostly linked to things they want to accomplish. And sometimes, they want something in the middle of the supermarket, or at a family-friendly potluck party thrown by your boss. Or they are simply tired or overstimulated and throw a tantrum. Be ready to deal with rolled eyes and unwanted advice. The most important thing, though, Bender suggests, is for the parent to be gentle with herself. Help yourself settle and try not to care what www.okanaganchild.com
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other people think. Once you are settled in your body, Bender says, you will be calmer and the child will most likely mirror you, even if you haven’t yet tried to calm her with words. Reassure your child, whenever she “loses” it, that you are there to help her.
Boundaries, please
When my oldest son was seven months old and just learned to crawl he used to go over to my potted plants, scoop some dirt out and throw it on the floor. Not once, not twice, but 20 times a day. He was on a discovery journey and enjoying every second of it, including getting caught and laughing all the way to the bathroom to wash hands. After a couple of days of spending my day vacuuming, I was ready to set boundaries. Physical ones, since talking to my little crawler and expecting him to listen seemed completely unrealistic. That was then. Six years later, I know a thing or two about setting boundaries. And I know that boundaries get challenged almost every day. And that’s normal too; it’s a sign that your child’s mind is growing, Bender says. Don’t expect children to “get it” from the beginning. Their feelings are overwhelming. When your two-year-old gets mad, she may spit, bite and punch you. “When any of us experience a big feeling, the capacity to think is temporarily lost, whether we are talking about children or adults,” Bender says. Expecting your child to think before biting or hitting is simply too much. You can help your child deal with the strong feelings by setting clear and firm boundaries, such as “No hitting” or “No biting.” There should not be any circumstances under which physical attacks such as punching, pushing, or hitting are allowed. But you have to be empathic to your child’s feelings, Bender advises. Talk to her about her feelings, saying things such as “I can see you are mad right now” or “You look really furious. I understand you really want the book your brother has, but you will have to wait.” Allow her to cry and tell her that it’s alright to be sad or mad, but do emphasize that hitting is not allowed. When children get older and their emotions get the best of them, boundaries will help them learn that there is nothing wrong with their feelings, no matter how strong, but it is certainly wrong to physically hurt someone.
Words to match the storm? Hardly so
How many of us have said “Please use your words” to our young children? Trying to get them to talk rather than whine or point can help develop their vocabulary skills and will enhance communication, but trying to get them to tell you how they feel when they are throwing a tantrum is not realistic. When tantrums come about, words cannot possibly express what your child is feeling. Young children need to learn to label their feelings. Expecting them to know how to do it is an incorrect assumption that will only frustrate the parent, Bender says. Even if your child is very verbal and can be very explicit when she wants something, don’t expect her to tell you how she feels when she’s about to lose it. Be there for your child, hold him in your arms or allow him to sit by himself if that’s what he wants, but make sure he knows the connection between you and him is not lost. Later on, as you talk about feelings, you can help him label his own and hopefully understand a little bit more about strong emotions. How To Talk to Your Two-Year-Old Cont’d on page 29... www.okanaganchild.com
Summer has arrived! Come see us... we’ll help make it a blast! 4407 29th Street Vernon, BC 250.549.1221
www.chickenlittle.ca Summer 2010 l 19
michelle collie
michelle collie
books
Keep Busy this Summer
S
pring break almost did me in. I was really looking forward to two weeks of lazy mornings, afternoon trips to the park, walks to the corner store to pick up ice cream cones, and not having to be anywhere at any specific time. The kids, on the other hand, didn’t quite know what to do with themselves. My daughter wakes up early – spring break was no exception. She was raring to go by 8 a.m. “What are we doing today mom?”, she would ask at least eight times before I’d had the chance to finish my second cup of coffee. Before I’d even eaten breakfast I was frazzled. I had prepared myself for lazy days, void of pre-planned activities. My kids, on the other hand, had prepared themselves for non-stop fun. Did I learn my lesson? You bet! And while spring break may not have gone exactly the way I had intended, I plan to be far more prepared for the two months of summer holidays. You see, my kids watch Phineas and Ferb on television. You know, the cartoon kids who manage to spend their summer vacation building roller coasters and time machines. My kids are already dreaming up their equally imaginative plans. And while they may spend some of their days trying to transport themselves to outerspace, I’ve decided to be prepared with a list of boredom busters, just in case. The following are some fun activities to help keep you and your kids busy all summer long:
Visit the H20 Centre – Kelowna’s new indoor water playground is a great way for kids to burn off some energy this summer without having to worry about sunburns and heatstroke. They’ll love the waves and the river run and older kids will get a kick out of the water slides and can even try to learn to surf. Go On A Day Trip – Hop in the car, pick a direction, and see
where the day takes you. Summerland makes a great destination. You get a sandy beach and spray park all in one location. Vernon has the science centre and outdoor water slides, and Salmon Arm has outdoor water slides, and some great places to enjoy a waterfront walk. Or, grab your inner tubes and head over to Penticton to spend the day at the beach or take a trip down the Penticton Channel.
Summer 2010 l 20
Play Games – Kids love a good board game. Make it even more fun by keeping a tally or turning it into a tournament. The prize? Well a freezie or a popsicle (for everyone!) should do the trick. Craft out the Boredom – Keep a well supplied craft cupboard,
complete with a list of ideas. Have them make puppets and then put on a puppet show, or let them cut, glue and colour to their heart’s content.
Play with a Mate – Schedule regular playdates with their friends and schoolmates to keep them in contact over the summer.
Visit The Library – The Okanagan Regional Library is offering a Kids Reading Club to reward kids who keep reading during summer vacation. In addition to the club, many branches are offering fun scheduled programming throughout July and August. For more information visit www.orl.bc.ca
Register for a Day Camp – You can break up summer by sign-
ing your kids up for a day camp. There are a variety of arts and craft camps, sports camps, gymnastics camps, and general activity camps available throughout the Okanagan. This is a great way to give you a break and keep your kids busy at the same time! Above all, have fun! While we may not build (or even ride) a roller coaster this summer, I’ve realized that I need to provide the kids with some sort of fun (or structure) in order to survive the summer. Be it a special craft to look forward to working on after lunch, a regularly scheduled trip to the library, or a refreshing swim at the pool, what I’ve learned is that if they know they get to do something fun, they are a little less prone to whine or complain about being bored. Which means, I may get to relax a little bit too!
Michelle Collie is a wife, mom, freelance writer and child chauffeur who lives in West Kelowna, B.C. www.okanaganchild.com
New Business Spotlight
O
kanagan Mompreneurs Rachelle McGlinchey and Sarah Read wanted a home-based business that would give them the chance to be at home with their young children, and earn a good income without sacrificing family life to ‘the office.’ As young Moms, doing something around children and parenting would be a desirable, but unlikely, bonus. However, just over a year ago, good luck struck when a mutual friend brought back a special keepsake from England – a miniaturized impression of her baby’s hand print set in a silver pendant. Everyone, including Rachelle and Sarah, wanted to know where they could get one of their own, but to no avail as no-one in Canadian was making such items. So Rachelle and Sarah set to work. Almost a year later, and lots of hard work, Hands on Keepsakes was launched. Hands on Keepsakes offers two main products: unique silver pendants (mainly for ladies) and unique bronze keyring tags (popular for the guys). The real magic is that they include a hand print, foot print, or other one-of-a-kind image, in the keepsake. “We provide a special ‘mess free’ kit for people to take children’s prints. Then we use these to make a miniaturized version of the print in 99.9% silver or bronze, with the child’s name. Each one is 100% unique and personal” explains Sarah Read. “In fact the process is so flexible we can even make pieces featuring children’s drawings, short hand written messages, and pet prints are proving popular too ... in fact anything
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you want to capture and keep close forever that would otherwise be lost. Just don’t ask me to tell you how we do it – that’s a secret!” As word of mouth spread, orders came in rapidly when their website, www.handsonkeepsakes.com went live at the end of 2009. “It’s been lots of fun developing the product, website and everything else that goes with it,” says Rachelle, who has just had her second baby. “I can work from home when I get the chance but the best part is hearing what our customers think about their keepsakes. They tell us that something so personal and unique is truly treasured.” So whether it’s for yourself, or the perfect gift, it seems you couldn’t get your hands on a better keepsake. Do you have a new business? Tell us about it and we’ll help spread the word. Drop us an e-mail with the subject “New Business Spotlight” to info@okanaganchild.com
Word to the Wall vinyl decorations *Customize your child’s bedroom *Words come alive and bring life to your home *Browse online at www.wordtothewall.com
CALL 250.769.8500 TO ORDER *Consultants needed *Home shows; fundraising; direct sales
NEW BABY? It’s time to call your Welcome Wagon representative.
MUMMYMEET.CA
She will bring congratulations and gifts for the family and the NEW BABY!
1.866.856.8442
Community for Okanagan Mums
Join us & make a new friend today!
www.okanaganchild.com
Summer 2010 l 21
by Meaghan Burford
How to Keep Your Family Safe on the Water
by Meaghan Burford
I
t’s that time again! With the warm weather upon us, waterskiing, fishing and paddling are often the order of the day. The Okanagan provides some of the finest opportunities for recreational boating in the world and getting your children involved is a great idea for outdoor family time. To keep your family safe on board and on the dock this summer, Transport Canada’s Office of Boating Safety would like to remind you to “check your chin.” What does that mean? We’ve all been out enjoying the weather and seen a child or adult in the water with a lifejacket or personal floatation device (PFD) poking up past their ears (or in some cases, over their heads). Sure, it looks funny, but it’s not safe. Please remember that lifejackets and PFDs must fit properly to work. If a PFD or lifejacket is too big or too small, it will not properly protect your child in the water. Lifejackets are designed to turn an unconscious person from face-down to face-up in the water, to allow breathing. PFDs, on the other hand, are designed to keep a person afloat. Both must be worn properly to work properly. Emergency situations can happen unexpectedly, so please make sure you’re prepared. A fun and easy way to make this safety check a family activity is to take 20 minutes to assemble all your lifejackets together. Inspect them for rips, tears and/or other damage (even small children are great helpers for this). Put aside any that are damaged for replacement. This is also a good time to review the safety routines for your dock, boat or cottage, and to talk to your children about why you want them to be safe. This might also be a great time to add a pealess whistle to each PFD or lifejacket, which enhances safety during an emergency. Now have everyone put on their lifejacket or PFD. To check the fit, you have two choices: Summer 2010 l 22
1.
If it’s a warm day, wade out with each child, one at a time. When the water is at your child’s waist level, ask them to bend their knees. If the lifejacket rides up to touch their chin, it is too large. Don’t forget to check your chin, too.
2.
If you’re on your way to the cottage or campsite, try this dryland test instead. While wearing the lifejacket, ask each child to extend their arms straight up, reaching towards the sky. While their arms are up, take hold of the arm openings at the shoulder and gently pull upwards. If the front of the jacket is at or over your child’s chin, the device is not a good fit and could harm them in an emergency. There should be less than 7.6 cm (3 in) of space between your child’s shoulders and the floatation device.
If your lifejacket or PFD is too big, you can fix it before you leave the dock. Once that is taken care of, make sure to check all your other safety equipment before you leave the dock. If you’re not sure exactly what you need, check the Office of Boating Safety’s Safe Boating Guide for a refresher. If you’re renting a vessel, ask the rental company to be extra thorough when reviewing the Rental Safety Checklist with you. Lastly, please remember that a lifejacket is not a substitute for your supervision. Keep your children within arm’s reach and have a safe summer! If you would like kid-friendly boating safety materials, a copy of the Safe Boating Guide, or if you have other questions of your own, please get in touch with Chris Marrie, the Boating Safety Officer for Kelowna. He can be reached at 250-491-3706. Look for him and other members of the team at a boat show near you. If you prefer the Internet, learn more at www.boatingsafety.gc.ca
www.okanaganchild.com
Rainbow Fruit Sticks All you need is a collection of colourful fruit and some skewers! I like to use the following fruits: Pineapple, Green Grapes, Cantaloupe, Raspberries, Honeydew Melon and Blackberries. This combination gives the skewers a nice rainbow effect!
Here’s how to make your own: 1. Wash your fruit and let dry a little so that they are easy to work with. 2. Arrange your fruit and skewer them in the same order. 3. Display your Rainbow Fruit Sticks on a platter and get ready for the compliments!
by Kia Robertson
N
eed a colourful, tasty, healthy item to bring to your next potluck or summer picnic?!? Try these easy to make Rainbow Fruit Sticks! They are a huge hit at any event with kids of all ages.
www.okanaganchild.com
Kia Robertson is a Kelowna mom who is passionate about supporting healthy eating in kids. She is the creator of Today I Ate a RainbowTM charts, a hands-on tool to make it easy for parents to set healthy eating habits. The charts along with loads of helpful information may be found at www.todayiatearainbow.com.
Watch for more great tips & recipes from Today I Ate a Rainbow on our brand new website at www.okanaganchild.com Summer 2010 l 23
Kristin Boersma
photo credit: Adrian Kids Photography
Life as a mother of two. A bit about myself...
the beautiful sound of nothingness.
I am from the Sunshine State of Orlando Florida and my husband is from the Okanagan. We met while attending university in Missouri where our first son Kayden, who is now three and a half, was born. When Kayden turned one, we decided to move to the sunny Okanagan to be with family. Our second child, Kieron, just turned one and looks forward to the Canadian vs. American rivalry with his brother as they grow. I feel like I really have 3 special boys with my husband at times being the biggest one of them all. Everyday is an adventure.
The difference between life with 1 child and 2...
Best parenting advice...
1. Do what works for you. 2. Kiss and hug your kids endlessly. 3. “Listen to them intently” and look into their eyes when speaking. 4. Read, read, read while enjoying the cuddling time.
Best advice I’ll remember...
Your kids will only be young for so long. They grow up way too fast. Cherish this time, take it all in.
The challenges of being a mom...
Finding time for just me and my hubby. With our three year old full of questions and comments, we find ourselves unable to even get a few words in if at all any during a conversation! By the time they’re tucked in bed, we find ourselves sitting in silence, enjoying Summer 2010 l 24
There is “0” down time. Forget make-up and looking nice, I’m happy when my teeth are brushed! Two boys eat tons...and they’re only toddlers! When they are teenagers food for me will be scarce.
Three things I could not live without...
My boys, baby journals for my boys’ wives one day and fancy coffee.
The most rewarding parts of parenthood...
When my husband gets home from work and I go out for a run, I love to chuckle over the funny things that my little ones do or say throughout the day. Everyday my boys make me laugh and running allows me to soak up all the laughs I experience throughout the day and do what I’m passionate about. It’s also rewarding to know that my little guys need me…they still want mommy.
I’ll never leave home without...
Snacks, more snacks, diapers, sunglasses, extra clothes and toys for the car.
What I want for my children...
I want them to know that their father and I love them unconditionally.
Some things I’ve learnt about since becoming a mom...
I never realized how patient I’ve become. I’ve become very passionwww.okanaganchild.com
hy
Do you want to be our next FEATURED PARENT? We love all parents:
New parents, seasoned ones, step-parents, single parents, parents of multiples, grandparents.
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Complete the form under the ‘You’ menu on our website at www.okanaganchild.com ate about my job as a mother, subscribing to all kinds of parenting magazines and books which allows me to grow and learn alongside them. I believe that my children benefit greatly from playful learning. By persistently explaining why and how things work, I am able get on an even level with them and we communicate our thoughts and ideas to each other. Of course there are many occasions where they do not understand certain concepts the first time which is normal because they are learning, but after a few attempts, I know that learning is taking place, especially when out of the blue, they recognize an exclamation mark in a book we read or what materials are recyclable or how dinosaurs became extinct.
Character traits I would like my children to have...
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Buy online
Children’s Wall Decorations
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I believe that faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is essential. Having a personal relationship with God will allow them to understand that Christianity is the foundation of their lives. It is important for my children to have integrity. To be truthful and honest is a characteristic that never looses respect. To persevere is an important quality that will allow them to never give up. Whether it’s school, sports or dreams, perseverance shows dedication and commitment to attain a certain goal. Lastly, being compassionate is essential to me as a mother as I believe that it’s important for my children to see positive aspects in others around them.
photo credit: Adrian Kids Photography www.okanaganchild.com
Summer 2010 l 25
Marketplace
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Cloth Diapering Part II Cond’t from page 11... you comfortable with purchasing items manufactured in countries where quality control is not as strict as that in North America? Research the components and textiles – many supposed “natural” and “organic” textiles are chemically processed including textiles made from Bamboo and Cotton. 2. Use/Care. Some diapers have special washing instructions; wool diapers need to be lanolized. There are a myriad of diaper systems (http://www.diaperjungle.com/cloth-diaper-terminology.html). Make sure you are comfortable with the option(s) that you chose. When in doubt, ask. 3. Fabric. It’s important to really examine what is going against your baby’s skin. Is the skin layer bleached? If so there is a risk of Dioxin begin left on the fabric. Make sure the fabric touching your baby’s most tender parts is soft, absorbent and safe. Natural fibres such as certified organic cotton and hemp are going to be more absorbent, have less potential for skin reactions and wash better than synthetic fibres such as Microfiber.
How do you care for cloth diapers?
If you are able to do a load of laundry, you are able to care for your cloth diapers! Gone are the days of dunking and soaking diapers in a smelly pail. Of course, manufacturer’s instructions vary, however in general terms caring for your diapers is as simple as... 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Removing solids from diapers (use a disposable, flushable bioliner for even easier clean up) Putting soiled diapers in diaper pail until laundry time Tossing your soiled diapers in the machine, pail liner and all Running a quick cold water wash to remove any soils and prevents stains from setting Adding detergent and setting your machine to a hot water wash with double rinse
Summer 2010 l 26
6.
Removing and drying (line drying your diapers will help remove staining and preserve your diapers)
What if I just don’t want to wash them?
Diaper Services are becoming more common with the increasing popularity of cloth diapering families and our busy schedules. A diaper service takes care of all the dirty work for you – you simply change your baby and toss the diapers into the bag provided by the service. Leave your soiled diapers out for pick up and they are replaced with a clean bag of fresh, sanitized diapers. Diaper Services vary in their pricing and styles of diapers offered but are a convenient way to get through the onslaught of diaper changes with newborns, find out whether cloth diapering is going to work for your family or simply to make life a bit more convenient. It’s really that easy to consider cloth and after all, you wouldn’t wear plastic underwear…so why should your baby? Kelly Paley is the owner of Tidy Tushees Diaper Service, www.tidytushees.ca, located in Kelowna, B.C. She’s one savvy mama when it comes to all things cloth and she is happy to provide consultation and support.
RECOMMENDED RESOURCES
www.diaperjungle.com www.diaperpin.com www.realdiaperassociation.com Pictured: Bummis Superbrite Cover www.okanaganchild.com
Putting Bed Wetting Out to Dry by Dr. Wayne Terai, D.C.
B
ed-wetting (aka: nocturnal enuresis) is a common concern for many parents, and it’s an uncomfortable and inconvenient event for both parent and child. It’s normal for children to make “mistakes” while they’re learning any new skill, but at what point is wetting the bed considered inappropriate? According to the Canadian Pediatric Society, primary nocturnal enuresis is the involuntary discharge of urine (bed-wetting) by children old enough to be expected to have bladder control - typically by the age of five. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that nocturnal enuresis “affects one out of every four children at age five, one in five at age seven, and about one in twenty at age ten. Boys make up two-thirds of this group, and often there is a family history”. Secondary enuresis occurs when a child who has exhibited proper bladder control (for at least six months) begins again to wet the bed. Most commonly, wetting the bed is simply a sign of developmental delay, not an emotional problem or physical illness. The physical size of the bladder itself may be small. Chronic constipation can cause pressure on the bladder when the bowels are full, and make it difficult to hold through the night. Some sleep disorders may make the transition from sleep to wake cycles difficult and may also create problems with the child recognizing the feeling of having a full bladder. Because the bladder and its sphincters are controlled by the nervous system, neurological problems can also affect either the ability to hold a full bladder, or for the child to recognize when the bladder is full. Bed wetting, especially secondary enuresis, may be a sign of more serious things going on. A few things to watch for are: • discolored or cloudy urine (may show as staining on the underwear/pajamas at night) • weak stream or difficulty/painful urinating during the day • daytime wetting • redness or rash in the genital area If any of these are present, consult your family doctor. Another condition that would require medical attention is an imbalance of the hormones that regulate the kidneys to produce urine, specifically at night. A report in the American Family Physician (May 2006) reviewed research literature on the pros and cons of bed-wetting alarms, drywww.okanaganchild.com
bed training, and medications. It appears that the combination of bed-wetting alarms plus dry-bed training was the best combination. There was insufficient or, at best, limited evidence that medications worked. Short and long-term side effects of the medications were not discussed, but should be thoroughly investigated and understood before undertaking any medication program. A promising study has shown another treatment option which addresses the nerve system’s involvement. Fourty-six children with classic enuresis took part in a randomized clinical controlled trial (J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1994 (Nov-Dec);17 (9): 596-600). Over a 10 week period preceded by and followed by a 2 week nontreatment period, 31 children underwent chiropractic care, and 15 were placed in a control group. The results: 25% of the treatmentgroup children had 50% or more reduction in the wet-night frequency while none of the control group had such reduction. There is plenty of literature on the psychological impact of bed wetting. Due to its impact, it is highly recommended not to punish, scold or embarrass the child. The outcome is often a downward spiral, making the problem worse, and adversely affecting the child’s self-esteem. In fact, talking with your child, ensuring he or she understands that it isn’t anyone’s fault, can help alleviate a great deal of anxiety and stress. Since most children will out-grow bed wetting with time, most pediatricians and urologists recommend delaying any kind of intervention until the child is at least 6 or 7 years old. During that time, you should discourage the child from drinking any fluids during the two hours before bedtime. Make voiding the bladder as part of the bedtime routine – just like getting into pajamas, brushing the teeth and reading a bedtime story. You can also try dry-bed training – waking up your child and walk them to the bathroom to void, and gradually increasing the length of time between wakings. Celebrate the dry nights; don’t punish the wet ones. Most of all, try not to get too stressed about the situation. Your child’s anxiety and stress will directly reflect your own. As a parent myself, my biggest advice to you: Enjoy your children, while they are children. They grow up far too fast. 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.
Summer 2010 l 27
Summer Reads
books
by Erin Mcinnis
The end of the school year shouldn’t mean that books get put on a shelf until September. Stock up on these great picks, perfect for igniting some summer adventures. Seashore Baby
by Elise Broach | $9.99 | Ages 0 to 3 With delightful rhyming text and playful illustrations, this board book with sturdy lift-the-flaps is the perfect choice for a day at the lake.
Mirror Mirror: A Book of Reversible Verse
by Marilyn Singer | $21.00 | Ages 4 to 8 Familiar fairy tales are flipped on their head – literally – as unique poems that can be read both up and down. The whimsical illustrations and clever text will make this a bed-time favourite.
Alice in Wonderland
by Emma Chichester Clark, Lewis Carroll | $22.99 | All ages (though may frighten some young children) The timeless story of Alice’s journey down the rabbit hole is updated for the next generation of readers, in a delightful picture book format.
Mockingjay
by Suzanne Collins | $21.99 | Young adult The highly-anticipated final book in the Hunger Games trilogy – it will be the must-have book of the summer. And since it doesn’t come out until August, your family has plenty of time to re-read (or discover for the first time) Hunger Games and Catching Fire.
Summer Reads for Grown-Ups
Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand: A Novel
by Helen Simonson | $29.95 The unlikely friendship between the widowed Major Pettigrew and the local shopkeeper forms the heart of this comedy of manners set in a seemingly idyllic English village. Summer 2010 l 28
The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott
by Kelly O’Connor McNees | $31.00 Blending fact and fiction, this charming novel explores the secret life and romance of the famous author. A perfect pick for a mother-daughter book club or any fan of Little Women.
Just Let Me Lie Down: Necessary Terms for the Half-Insane Working Mom
by Kristin van Ogtrop | $29.99 This warm and witty collection of essays, observations and definitions by the editor of Real Simple magazine celebrates the highs and lows of balancing kids, husband, home and a successful career. www.okanaganchild.com
Banish boredom this summer! Pick up one of these books and... Unleash your inner artist!
Become a mad scientist!
My Beastly Book of Monsters: 150 Ways to Doodle, Scribble, Color and Draw
Scary Science: 25 Creepy Experiments
by Arnaud Boutin $13.95 | Ages 4 to 8
by Shar Levine, Leslie Johnstone $6.99 | Ages 7 to 12
Get some pedal power!
Cyclist BikeList: The Book for Every Rider by Laura Robinson $19.99 | Ages 9 to 12
Change the world!
Simple Steps Toward a Healthier Earth by Molly Smith $14.99 | All ages
How to Talk to Your Two-Year-Old Cont’d from page 19... Keep it simple Toddlers are intelligent and curious, and while they do know many words by now, it is still easy to “lose” them if you get too verbose. Instructions should be given in short sentences, and most times, you will have to get their attention before speaking to them. And if things go smoothly when they are calm, expect them to be even less responsive when they deal with strong emotions. But, Bender says, whether you are talking to a two-year-old or a 12-year-old, you should refrain from lecturing. If your toddler gets frustrated easily and lashes out to hit people, remind her that there is a “no hitting” rule, no matter how mad she is. Restrain her physically if you are afraid she might hurt another child, but do talk to her gently while you are holding her. “You are okay; Mommy is holding you,” will tell your child that you are holding her with love and she’ll feel safe.
self when things get out of control. Help your children label their feelings, and talk about your feelings as well, in order to help them understand their own. “There is research showing how important emotions are in terms of a person’s ability to be social in the future,” Bender says. In order to develop their critical emotional skills, children need to know what’s acceptable and what’s not, she adds. Communicating with a two-year-old may not be the easiest thing, but celebrate their growing up by helping them feel safe and loved no matter what. Teach them by example what kindness towards self and others means. Honour their newly discovered sense of power, but at the same time set boundaries to help them understand where and how to stop before hurting themselves or others.
Enjoy your toddlers growing up, and try not to be too hard on your-
Resource Directory Attractions & Recreation 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. See ad page 16. 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 www.okanaganchild.com
Central Okanagan Valley with a variety of exhibitions, the Gallery also offers a wide selection of public programs for all ages. See ad page 16. Breastfeeding Clinics / Support La Leche League www.lllc.ca Kelowna, BC: First Wednesday of the 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
Rutland Health Centre Breastfeeding Centre 155 Gray Rd , Kelowna, BC 250.980.4822 Child Care - preschools, daycares, nannies 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. See ad on page 9. North Okanagan Childcare Society www.noccs.ca
See ad on page 25. 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. See ad on page 21. Summerland Montessori School www.summerlandmontessori.com The Summerland Montessori School incorporates Montessori philosophy and current best teaching practices to create our unique school character. See ad on page 17. Summer 2010 l 29
Resource Directory YMCA-YWCA of the Central Okanagan www.ymca-ywca.com The Y is the largest not-for-profit childcare provider in Canada. See ad page 17. Childcare Resource & Referral Kelowna Child Care Resource & Referral 1890 Ambrosi Rd, Kelowna, BC 250.763.3536 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 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. Diaper Service 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! See ad on page 13. Doulas Doula Services Association, BC 604.515.5588 www.bcdoulas.org Education 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. See ad on page 15. Employment Vitality Now www.vitalitynow.wisehomebiz.com We need enthusiastic people wanting to increase family income. Many of us earn $50,000 a year or more working part time from home. Training provided. Must be coachable and willing to learn.
Summer 2010 l 30
See ad page 9. Fashion for Moms Avon Avon is the company for women. Call for the latest brochure. Become a consultant for only $20.00. Call Tasha at 250.769.8500 for more information. See ad on page 26. Haute Mama www.hautemama.ca Haute Mama is the upscale boutique for pregnant women who love clothes. Visit our online shop at www.hautemama.ca to see our beautiful collections from around the world. See ad on page 9. Health & Wellness 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. See ad on page 3. 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 See ad page 9. 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. See ad on page 3. 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. See ad on page 15. Midwives Midwives Asscoation of BC 604.736.5976 www.bcmidwives.com Music 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. See ad on page 26. OnLine Parenting Sites BabyVibe www.babyvibe.ca See ad on page 19. 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.
on canvas. Options include canvas paper and prints for gifts and relatives, share your joy with a portrait for life. Portfolio available. Public Health Services/Nurses Kelowna Health Unit 1340 Ellis Street 250.868.7700 Penticton Health Unit 740 Carmi Avenue 250.770.3434 Rutland Health Unit 155 Gray Road 250.980.4825 Summerland Health Unit 12815 Atkinson Road 250.404.8050
Kindervibe www.kindervibe.ca See ad on page 7.
West Kelowna Health Unit 160 – 2300 Carrington Road 250.980.5150
Mummy Meet www.mummymeet.ca Community gathering for Okanagan mothers. See ad on page 21.
Vernon Health Unit 1440 – 14th Avenue 250.549.5700
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 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. See ad on page 23. Poppy Photography www.poppyphotography.ca poppyphotos@gmail.ca Capturing life’s unforgettable moments everyday. Okanagan Photographer. See ad on page 5. Rhea Taylor Photography www.rheataylorphotography.com Children and Family Portrait Photographer. Capture your precious smiles and love with Rhea Taylor Photography. Rock Paper Scissors Painting rockpaperscissorspainting@hotmail.com A new approach to an old style...acrylic
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. See ad on page 15. 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. See ad on page 7. 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. See ad on back cover. 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 See ad on page 19. www.okanaganchild.com
Snap Happy Jesse!
Ethan - That’s Hilarious!
Cutie-pie!
Share . . . Smile
Sort through your albums and share your shots! Upload your pictures to our photo gallery on www.okanaganchild.com and we’ll share some in every print issue!
Just Practicing My Linedancing cole’s new hat!
Resource Directory Felt Fantasia www.feltfantasia.com Felt Fantasia provides creative wall designs for children’s rooms. These fun decorations will tell any story on a lucky kid’s wall. Shop online at www. feltfantasia.com See ad on page 25. Lalabee Bathworks www.lalabeebathworks.com 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. 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. See ad on page 25. Our Baby Impressions www.ourbabyimpressions.com 250.769.8500 Preserve the actual size, shape and lines of your baby’s tiny hands and feet in a 3-dimensional casting, mounted on a classic antique style frame. Oak www.okanaganchild.com
frames also available. See ad on page 5. 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 page 13. Usborne Books - Karen McGrath karen.mcgrath@shaw.ca www.usborne.ca/titles Guaranteed to be your children’s favorite books! Interactive, award-winning titles including fiction, art, science, puzzle and flap books! Host a home show or become a consultant today! WestCoast Strider Sales www.westcoaststrider.com Skip the tricycle and the training wheels and learn to balance easily on two wheels. See ad on page 7. Word to the Wall www.wordtothewall.com Decorate your child’s room with vinyl lettering and images. Browse online and call Tasha at 250.769.8500 to order. See ad on page 21.
Support Services Aboriginal Infant Development Program 442 Leon Ave , Kelowna, BC 250.763.4905 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. Association for the Benefit of Children with Disabilities 250.763.4663 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
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. 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. See ad page 21. Summer 2010 l 31
buddies kids boutique style, quality and service ...since 2003
Photography West
Buddies is a designer boutique for children from birth to age 10. Our store is filled with clothing, shoes and special gifts that are as unique as the child in your life. We’re inspired to shop the markets from London to New York to bring you a one of a kind experience. You’ll love our new lines...Stella, Blu, Little Maven from Tori Spelling and more... It’s worth the trip to Tutt Street.
Come visit us at 2 - 3045 Tutt Street Square, Kelowna, BC 250.763.2837 Store hours Monday - Saturday 10-5 or by appt.
Sign up for our VIP list to get notice of new arrivals, special sales & more! buddieskids@gmail.com www.buddieskidsboutique.com