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tiVIT c Y a PLANNER SPONSORED CONTENT
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Spring Summer 2016
The family that plays together… SHERRY MCCORMICK POSTMEDIA CONTENT WORKS With the onset of the warm days of spring and summer, kids often jump on their bikes and boards and head out for the playground, the mall or a friend’s house, while parents may elect to stay home and work in the yard or take part in their own activities, such as golfing or working out at the gym. But summertime doesn’t have to split up the family – there are plenty of things for families to see and do together in Regina, regardless of their budget or the children’s ages. The Saskatchewan Science Centre is always a great place for parents and kids to explore the wonders of science together, but Saturdays and Sundays from 2 to 2:30 p.m. are even more special. That’s when the centre hosts interactive family programs, including crafts, demonstrations, or explorations of various scientific concepts. These are great, hands-on activities for kids and they’re free with admission. Parents can help their children develop healthy habits by making exercise a fun part of their spring and summer days. Regina’s outdoor pools — Dewdney Avenue Pool, 1401
Montague St., Maple Leaf Pool, 1101 14th Ave., Massey Pool, 100 Massey Road, and Regent Pool, 3600 McKinley Ave. — offer an opportunity for kids and adults to beat the heat while becoming a little fitter. Fourteen outdoor spray pads will also open soon. They provide families with a great water-play experience and a novel way to cool off. Playing tennis or badminton at the Fieldhouse is also a great way for the whole family to get — or stay — fit. Pass holders may use the courts at no additional charge during times designated for public use, whereas non-pass holders pay a singleadmission fee. Bookings are available daily and can be made up to three days in advance. Experience great local food, homemade treats and hand-crafted art at the Regina Farmers’ Market, held on Wednesday and Saturday mornings during the summer months in Regina’s downtown. A well-rounded family may want to include cultural experiences in its repertoire, and the MacKenzie Art Gallery makes that easy through its Family Studio Sundays. Family-focused exhibition tours begin at
3 p.m. upstairs in the gallery, and hands-on art making is held from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Learning Centre. The 43rd annual Bazaart at the MacKenzie Art Gallery will be an opportunity to browse the work of local artisans on Saturday June 18. Admission is $5 for adults, and children 12 and under are admitted free. The Neil Balkwill Civic Arts Centre provides a full range of fine arts and crafts programs for all ages through its workshop and exhibition facilities. It is home to the Art Gallery of Regina. Throughout the summer, Government House hosts many family-friendly activities that give a glimpse into the province’s past. Visit www.governmenthouse.gov.sk.ca to view updated information as it becomes available. Downtown Regina may be a great place to shop, but it’s also a great place for a unique movie experience. Cinema Under the Stars screens family-friendly outdoor movies free of charge on select Wednesdays: July 6, 13 and 20 and August 10, 17 and 24 in Victoria Park. Bring your blankets, chairs, pyjamas and pillows. Preshow entertainment, featuring crafts and other kids’ activities, begins at 7 p.m., and the featured film screens at dusk. Wascana Park is a great place for families on July 1. Canada Day celebrations, including face painting and other children’s
activities, take place in the park throughout the day. Hourly entertainment is planned on both the main and family stages. Also on Canada Day, the Canadian Progress Club hosts the 12th annual Plywood Cup in Wascana Park, in which teams of four build wooden boats to race across the lake. Canada Day fireworks start at dusk. You’ll find many other fun, family activities in the City of Regina Leisure Guide, which will be released this week. Register for programs by calling 306-777-PLAY (7529) at www.regina. ca/residents/recreation/. If you don’t already have a family PIN and log in ID, sign up before registration day to expedite the process. Or, register at one of the City’s major facilities: The North West Leisure Centre, 1127 Arnason Rd.; Sandra Schmirler Leisure Centre, 3130 East Woodams Dr.; Sportplex – Lawson Aquatic Centre and Fieldhouse, 1717 Elphinstone St.; or the Neil Balkwill Civic Arts Centre, 2420 Elphinstone St. Families with financial barriers can access arts and leisure programs through the Affordable Fun Program, whereby leisure passes can be purchased at 50 per cent off the regular price, and residents can participate in registered programs at 80 per cent off the regular price, to a maximum of $160 discount per family member.
The Spring and Summer Activity Planner was produced by Postmedia Content Works as a result of advertisers’ interest in raising awareness about this subject. Postmedia’s editorial departments had no involvement in the creation of this content
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Set summer to beach volleyball season
MIKE SHIPLACK POSTMEDIA CONTENT WORKS Sunscreen. Check. Sand. Check. Net. Check. Friends. Check. Volleyball? Let’s play! That’s about how easy it is to start a game of beach volleyball. Despite Regina’s lack of sandy beaches, this sport continues to become more popular every summer. Between the University of Regina and the Regina Rugby Club, there are over 10 courts throughout the city — and two at the Best Western Seven Oaks. And, almost every provincial park in Saskatchewan has a beach volleyball court, or enough sand to set-up a net. Beach volleyball is normally played in twos, or with two players per team. Regina has both men’s and women’s leagues that are divided into different competition levels. Due to the popularity, there are now co-ed groups of fours and sixes on a team — which tends to be more recreational. There are also programs for children and adults of various ages.
Where the Music Begins
The rules are similar to indoor volleyball: each team has three chances to hit the ball to score a point. “Beach volleyball is about socialization, being outdoors out in the sun and getting some physical activity at the same time,” says Aaron Demyen, executive director for Sask Volleyball. “Just playing on the beach itself is a good workout. A lot of the indoor athletes will cross-train on the beach courts because when you play twos, you have to pass, attack and play defense all at once.” How does one set-up the court? The typical beach volleyball court is 16 metres long by eight metres wide, so each team plays in an eight metre by eight metre square. The net is eight feet above the ground for men and seven feet, four inches for women. Add some sand, throw in a volleyball and then get ready to dig, set and spike. Continued on next page
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What are the main differences between indoor and beach volleyball? • The sand limits vertical jumping and running. • There are no twos in indoor. • Instead of playing to 25 points, players have to score 21 points, be at least two points ahead, and win two games. If the teams tie, the third game goes to 15 points. • Players do not need to rotate, and can switch positions at will. • Open hand setting (double touching), and open hand touches/tips are illegal. • Players can go underneath the net as long as it doesn’t interfere with opponents. • A block at the net or dig for the ball counts towards one of the three touches. • A dig can be executed with any part of the body such as head, feet, elbows, chest, etc.
Continued from previous page “You’re going to get a really good workout and it’s a social activity. There are so many activities that are indoors, and beach volleyball gets you outside and enjoying the sun — just don’t forget the sunscreen,” says Demyen. Recreationally or professionally, the beach volleyball is affordable. The equipment fees are low — tank top, shorts, sunscreen, etc — and the leagues are also inexpensive. For example, Sask Volleyball fees for adults playing sixes can be as low as $44 per player for a 12-week season. “There are a lot of beach volleyball courts throughout the province, which is why Sask Volleyball runs workshops and competitions throughout the summer at different parks. We want to encourage people to use those courts and it’s been a successful way to promote the sport,” says Demyen. To sign-up or learn more about the sport, visit www. saskvolleyball.ca, click “Play” and then select either “Youth Beach” or “Adult Beach.” There are also details online about the Sask Beach Tour and Beach Provincial Championships.
LAWN BOWLING L AGES! THE SPORT FOR AL
EXPERIENCE SASKATCHEWAN’S LARGEST PUBLIC ART GALLERY!
Drop in anytime between 10:00 am to 4:00 pm for a free lesson on Lawn Bowling and a game of bowls on the greens
Open six days a week with free admission and conveniently located in Wascana Park, the MacKenzie Art Gallery offers countless opportunities to experience the Gallery’s renowned exhibitions and public programs. The Gallery Shop features handcrafted works by local and Canadian artisans, and the BMO Learning Centre offers hands-on art activities for guests of all ages. For Gallery and Gallery Shop hours, and a listing of current exhibitions and programs, please visit mackenzieartgallery.ca. Gallery is closed Tuesdays, with the Shop open 10 am - 5:30 pm
3475 ALBERT ST
(Top) Exhibition view of 7: Professional Native Indian Artists Inc. MacKenzie Art Gallery (2014). (Bottom) T.C. Douglas Building. Photo Don Hall.
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Find a hobby that works for you Hobbies can serve many functions. Some men and women turn their hobbies into careers, while others rely on their hobbies to provide a relaxing respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Inspiring hobbies can make life more rewarding. While many people experience some trial and error as they seek something to fill their downtime, the following are a few tips to finding a hobby that will enrich your life and maybe even the lives of others.
at your community’s learning centre or volunteer to work with high school kids who might have expressed an interest in your line of work. If you want to leave the office behind in your downtime, consider your other interests. Avid readers may want to start a local book club, while film buffs may enjoy starting a local film appreciation group. The more passionate you are about a topic or activity, the more likely you can turn it into a successful and rewarding hobby.
• Consider your interests. Much like you consider your interests when choosing a career path, you can benefit from doing the same when the time comes to find a hobby. If your work remains your passion, look for ways to share that passion with others. Perhaps you can teach a class
• Consider your needs. Another way to find a successful hobby is to consider why you want one in the first place. If your workdays tend to be hectic and you want a quiet escape, then a peaceful hobby such as painting might do the trick. If you’re looking for a hobby that can add
tiVIT c Y a PLANNER Spring
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some spice to your social life and help you meet new people, look for something that encourages teamwork or interaction with other people your age.
up your alley, whereas hobbies that don’t require much regular participation likely won’t provide the respite or fulfillment you’re looking for.
• Consider your availability. Another thing to consider when choosing a hobby is how much time you will have to pursue it. If your schedule is especially hectic or unpredictable, avoid hobbies that require a big time commitment, as such activities may prove too difficult to commit to. In such situations, a hobby that allows you to embrace it on your own time will likely prove more enjoyable than one where you must adhere to a schedule that you simply can’t honour. If you have a substantial amount of free time, then something that requires more involvement on your part might be right
• Consider those closest to you. Many people find that the best hobbies are the ones that allow them to spend more time with their loved ones, whether those loved ones are their own children, their parents or their close friends. Parents may want to find an activity that allows them to bond with their children, while young working professionals may want to find an activity that provides them with opportunities to spend time with their equally busy friends. (MNS)
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Building, playing and learning - one brick at a time MIKE SHIPLACK POSTMEDIA CONTENT WORKS Ask a kid today what their favourite toy is, and they may hold up a stuffed animal or talk on length about their latest superhero or fashion doll. But what about LEGO®? It’s a toy, and it’s everywhere. Almost every comic book, video game, princess and science fiction franchise has a LEGO® set. So why doesn’t it make the cut as the best toy ever? Because kids already know that it is more than just a toy.
“We learn, we build and we play,” explains Randene Rourke, franchise owner of Bricks 4 Kidz® in Regina. “Kids use math and science every time they do something with our builds without even knowing it. Today at camp, for example, we made a zip-line out of LEGO®, the kids thought it was the best day ever…. Next week we’re building an egg drop experiment.” Bricks 4 Kidz® is not affiliated with LEGO®, but its programs maximize the creative power behind every brick. The company’s model kits are based on STEM learning, a worldwide curriculum focusing on science, technology, engineering and mathematics. So when a child builds something using bricks, gears, pulleys and microchips that is powered by batteries (or even solar panels), they aren’t technically playing anymore — but don’t tell them that. “Our advanced programs include junior robotics. Kids [usually ages 9 to 12] will learn how to use the programming software on our tablets, build a brick dog out of LEGO® and then program it to bark or wag or its tail,” says Rourke.
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Building robots is only one application of using LEGO® as part of a STEM learning model, there is also STEAM — the A stands for arts. It challenges those creative right brain types, as opposed to the analytical left brainers. STEAM uses colours and various shapes to create complex pictures of flowers, dinosaurs or even famous paintings like Van Gogh’s “The Starry Night.” The only limit is a child’s imagination. And STEAM still requires engineering and math skills to ensure the pattern is constructed correctly. Then again, a little creativity and independent thought can still create something completely original that’s just as beautiful and complex. Rourke says, “Bricks 4 Kidz® is not all about structured playing, we also allow kids to play the way they want. When we do the technical builds it’s important kids follow the rules at first, but then they can modify it and make it better — and that’s the beauty of the program.” STEM- and STEAM-based learning models not only allow children to explore their analytical and creative minds, but the programs also helps children with learning disabilities find a learning model
that works best for them. Children with ADD or OCD might have trouble focusing on following instructions, or they might want to follow the instructions to the letter. Building with LEGO® allows the flexibility to do both. “There are kids who thrive in this program. They might not be into sports or are more introverted, and that’s part of the challenge. We encourage kids to never build something by themselves. This way someone who had no interest in kicking a soccer ball with other kids can now work as part of a team, and finally prove what they’re really good at,” explains Rourke For more information visit www. bricks4kidz.com/Regina to learn more about the programs and summer camps in Regina. And don’t miss BRICKSPO 2016, July 23 to 24 at the Western Development Museum in Moose Jaw. Hosted by Saskatchewan Lego Users Group (SLUG) this annual event is a must for any brickbuilding enthusiast — young and old.
The Saskatchewan Abilities Council provides 2 Summer programs for children, youth and young adults with disabilities. Summer Fun for ages 6 to 18. Social Leisure Youth Program (SLYP-Out) for ages 17 to 22. Program focus is providing recreational and leisure activities for participants. Participants will experience a supportive environment that fosters independence, self determination and personal growth; while providing an opportunity to develop new friendships and social skills through interaction with peers. Summer programs run July and August. supported by
Contact Michael Easton 306-569-6778 or measton@abilitiescouncil.sk.ca for more information.
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Summer camp options abound Summer camp is a beloved tradition in many families. Many parents of young children fondly recall spending their summers at summer camp, where they made lifelong friends and learned the finer points of roasting marshmallows and competing in three-legged sack races. Parents looking for the right summer camp for their kids will soon discover there are various types of summer camps, each offering youngsters something different. The following are some of the summer camp options parents can expect to encounter as they search for the right camper for their kids.
Attending summer camp is a good way to break the boredom of the long, idle days of summer, and perhaps learn a new skill in the process.
Day camp
Faith-based camp
Sports camp
Family camp
Special needs camp
Day camps are not overnight camps, which means kids will return home each night rather than sleep over at camp. Day camps typically offer many of the activities people have come to associate with camps, including crafts, sports and even day trips to experience local culture or attractions. Many day camps are co-ed, and counsellors typically live within the community.
Faith-based camps offer many of the same activities as more traditional summer camps, but do so while simultaneously offering campers the opportunity to celebrate and further explore their religious beliefs. Some faith-based camps may focus heavily on religion, incorporating faith into daily camp activities, while others may be more subtle with regard to integrating religious beliefs and lessons into camp activities.
Some summer camps focus on a particular sport, catering to young athletes who want to further develop their athletic talents. Sports camps may feature guest lectures and lessons from notable local athletes and coaches, while some camps may provide instruction from current and/or former professional athletes. Some sports camps are overnight, while others are day camps.
Family camps are opportunities for the whole family to enjoy the summer camp experience. Family camps typically tailor their activities around tasks families can complete together, with counsellors providing assistance when it’s needed. Family camps may be faith-based or secular, and families typically stay overnight, sleeping in facilities on the campsites or in lodging away from home.
Parents of children with special needs can still send their kids to summer camp, as there are many camps that cater to such youngsters. Special needs camps may cater to campers who are blind, deaf, learning disabled, or mentally or physically disabled. Staff at special needs camps typically undergoes extensive training, which helps to calm some of the fears parents may have about leaving their special needs children at camp. Facilities at special needs camps are often built to accommodate the specific needs of campers. (MNS)
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TOP FITNESS TRENDS FOR 2016 Functional fitness and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) are among the leading Canadian fitness trends for 2016, according to a recent survey of 1,500 members of the Canadian Fitness Professionals Inc. (canfitpro). “Functional fitness remains at the top because it’s a practical, low impact way to strengthen and tone, with the side benefit that it improves our ability to do everyday physical tasks like shovelling snow and carrying groceries. HIIT workouts came in a close second because they’re so efficient at improving heart health, reducing body fat and lowering risk for chronic disease,” said Rod Macdonald, vice-president of canfitpro. “It’s a good sign that life and wellness coaching, as well as nutrition and healthy eating, have risen to the top three and four positions. This reinforces the importance of eating well and expert coaching to complement your fitness routine. You need the right knowledge, motivation and fuel for fitness to be as effective as possible,” he added. Tosca Reno, a certified nutritional therapy practitioner and author of The Eat Clean Diet, agrees that healthy eating needs to go hand-in-hand with any fitness program. “Healthy eating is an essential part of achieving your fitness goals. I counsel people to minimize sugar and focus on whole natural foods, with lots of vegetables and lean protein sources like chicken and fish. Food is fuel for your body. If you want your workout to be effective, you need to feed your body nutrient rich foods that will power your muscles and achieve optimal health.” The annual survey also reveals the increasing popularity of fusion-style group fitness that merges different types of workouts (such as piloxing and joga) and technology-based fitness such as virtual fitness classes, fitness and nutrition apps and wearable devices.
1. FUNCTIONAL FITNESS
3. LIFE/WELLNESS COACHING
Functional fitness involves exercising using multiple muscle groups versus one specific muscle group at a time. Functional fitness programs include practical, balance-challenging movements that simulate activities like shovelling snow, carrying groceries, or unloading the car. This focus helps prepare for the physical activities of daily life and counters the movement patterns associated with a sedentary lifestyle. Functional fitness exercises include squats and lunges.
Life and wellness coaches provide expertise and support to help clients improve their health and lead a more balanced lifestyle. Coaches can help clients reduce stress, lose weight, quit smoking or eat better. Working with a coach, clients can set realistic goals, learn routines to build life balance and healthy habits, and stay on track to achieve results. Many coaches offer their services online to ensure they remain accessible when clients need them.
2. HIGH-INTENSITY INTERVAL TRAINING (HIIT)
4. HEALTHY EATING PROGRAMS
HIIT workouts involve intense periods of exercise followed by durations of rest. This high intensity approach is increasingly popular because of the significant benefits it generates in a shorter time than steady-state cardio and because it works for all fitness levels. As more Canadians cite “not enough time” as an excuse for not exercising, HIIT addresses that time crunch, burning fat and improving cardiovascular benefits quickly and effectively. CrossFit is one example of HIIT.
Combining exercise with healthy eating is the best solution to achieve optimal health. Proper nutrition complements fitness efforts and boosts metabolism and energy levels, leading to better results in a shorter time. More Canadian fitness professionals are taking additional training to improve their nutrition expertise, including canfitpro’s Healthy Eating & Weight Loss Coach certification.
effective approach for people on a tight schedule – perfect for lunchtime or after work. An express workout typically lasts 30 minutes or less.
6. OLDER ADULT TRAINING By 2030, close to one in four Canadians will be 65 years or over. Baby Boomers are creating significant demand for fitness programs and services to help them stay active and maintain their quality of life. Fitness professionals are taking specialized training for active aging to enable them to deliver safe and effective programs for the older adult.
7. FUSION-STYLE GROUP FITNESS New group fitness classes that combine disciplines – like joga and piloxing (Pilates and boxing) – are springing up across Canada. Mixing totally different types of exercise to create a new workout helps develop more strength, agility, balance and coordination than a single exercise discipline.
5. EXPRESS WORKOUTS
8. PERSONAL TRAINING
Express workouts encourage participants do multiple exercises at a fast pace to generate maximum results. This is an
More Canadians than ever are choosing to work with personal trainers to accelerate their workout results. Trainers create customized fitness plans, offer advice for healthy eating and provide one-on-one motivational coaching to reach fitness goals safely and with proper form.
9. BODY WEIGHT TRAINING Using your own body weight to create resistance is a growing workout trend among Canadian fitness professionals and consumers. This form of exercise builds strength and muscle and burns fat without the need for equipment, making it easy to get started and less intimidating for beginners. TRX is one example of a body weight training system that enables people to manoeuvre their own body weight while doing movements like lunges, push-ups and pull-ups. (CNW)
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Through artwork, it is often easier to express those things that are difficult to say with words. This can be especially true with children, whose language skills may not be well developed.
Painting a picture of the psyche: How art therapy heals RACHELE ODNOKON POSTMEDIA CONTENT WORKS Art therapy is a branch of psychotherapy that combines the traditional healing process of counselling with the creative process of the visual and material arts. During an art therapy session, clients create artwork in a guided setting and, with the help of the therapist, analyze their artwork to uncover prominent themes, emotions and underlying issues. As Rita Cheng, a practising art therapist who offers courses in Regina, explains, art is useful as a form of psychotherapy for a number of reasons. “Art therapy can encourage honest self-expression, the exploration of difficult emotions and the discovery of the subconscious and unconscious mind. The process of creating art and the relationship between client and therapist are more important than the artwork itself sometimes because it is where the healing power comes from,” Cheng says. Art therapy has actually been practiced in a variety of forms for more than a century and has its roots in the
psychology of Sigmund Freud known as psychoanalysis. Today, it is practised around the world as a distinct discipline, with practitioners typically requiring both an education in psychology and training in the fine arts in order to be qualified. Programs in art therapy are offered at many post-secondary institutions and the practice is becoming more and more popular for its many benefits. As Cheng explains, art therapy is not just a form of psychotherapy and can be useful for everyone and anyone who wishes to learn more about themselves, discover their creative side or just try something new. “No art skill is needed. Using a variety of materials such as paint, clay, pencils and the like, art therapy is a way for anyone to express themselves and create something from nothing. It is a satisfying experience to see through from start to finish,” Cheng says. In particular, Cheng has noted that art therapy is particularly valuable for children and seniors. With children, the language skills are not well developed, so a traditional therapy session might not be the best option. Group art therapy is also a wonderful tool for helping to boost
self-confidence and social skills, which are crucial to a child’s development. As Cheng explains, the benefits of art therapy for children are easily applied to seniors as well. “Art therapy can promote selfawareness and self-expression, facilitate socialization and communication, and improve cognitive skills and provide intellectual stimulation as well,” Cheng says. One of the most challenging aspects of traditional therapy is finding ways to talk about difficult topics, including possibly traumatic experiences. That is why art therapy is different. Throughout the creative process, sensitive issues and deep-rooted emotions are revealed, allowing the therapist and client to find a path to healing. What we are afraid to or unable to say with words, we can express through the use of symbolism, colour, shape and content in our artwork. Every work of art tells a unique story and it is the role of the therapist to bring that story to the surface. Cheng was originally drawn to art therapy for that reason. Born in Taiwan, Cheng’s first language is Chinese. While she can speak English as a second
language, she finds the language barrier can potentially get in the way of traditional therapy. Art is a universal language, so art therapy is a way for Cheng to overcome the language barrier and get to the root of the problem in a session. Cheng has always been interested in counselling, and after she received her Master’s Degree in Child Studies from Linkopings University in Sweden, she went to Vancouver Art Therapy Institute to become a certified art therapist. As an art therapist, Cheng has worked in Vancouver and Ottawa, and now offers several classes in Regina for children and seniors. Her classes are structured group art therapy sessions which encourage social interaction and teamwork as well as self-expression. Art therapy for kids is offered at the Neil Balkwill Civic Arts Centre and should be running again this fall. It is an excellent opportunity for kids of all ages to have fun, make friends and discover their creative side. Cheng is hoping to start new classes and oneon-one sessions in the future. For more information on upcoming classes, email at fmcheng@gmail.com.
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ctiVITY a How to find more time for family
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City of Regina's role in arts and culture not clear-cut Lucky dog: Regina city council chews on idea of more off-leash parks
NewLeaf given green light to sell tickets by Canadian Transport Authority
Regina downtown business organization looks to expand
Balancing professional responsibilities with commitments at home is challenging for many working parents, the majority of whom admit to feeling stressed about juggling work and family life. A 2013 survey from the Pew Research Center found that 56 per cent of working mothers and 50 per cent of working fathers find it difficult to balance their personal and professional responsibilities. While the same survey found that only 23 per cent of mothers feel they spend too little time with their children, those figures doubled for fathers. Finding more time for family can seem impossible, especially as children get older and get more involved in school and extracurricular activities. Kids growing up and getting more active in school and in their social lives tends to coincide with parents advancing in their careers and taking on more responsibilities at work. But no matter how hectic family schedules become, parents and kids can work together to find more time for one another.
• Commit to nightly family dinners. Family dinners do more than just ensure kids are eating healthy meals each night. In its “The Importance of Family Dinners VIII” report, the U.S. National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University found that, compared to teens who have fewer than three family dinners per week, teens who ate dinner with their families five or more times per week were one a half times more likely to say their parents knew a great deal or a fair amount about what’s really going on in their lives. The report also found teens who say their parents know very little or nothing at all about their lives were one and a half times more likely to have used marijuana and one and a half times more likely to have used alcohol than teens who said their parents know a great deal or a fair amount about their lives. Nightly family dinners need not include elaborate meals, but parents who find time to have dinner with their children at least five nights per week may end up knowing their kids better and helping their sons and daughters avoid risky behaviors.
• Inquire with your employer about telecommuting. Telecommuting can be very family-friendly, allowing parents to cut out commutes and spend more time with their children as a result. George Washington University in Washington, D.C. cites encouraging a better worklife balance for its employees in support of its telecommuting policy. The university notes that employees who have a better balance between their personal and professional lives may benefit from reduced stress and stronger overall health, which benefits the university by reducing absenteeism. Parents who want to find more time for their families should inquire about telecommuting. Even if it’s just one or two days a week, the benefits can be considerable for both employee and employer. Parents need not reinvent the wheel to find more time for their family, which can greatly be a benefit for kids and parents alike. (MNS)
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summer fun WOrkshOps: • Grades 1 - 6: • Learn about Money: July 22nd from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm • Learn about Time: August 12th from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm • Grades 7 - 9: • Teamwork Success (Understanding Group Dynamics): August 26th from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm (Pizza lunch provided) • Study Skills Boot Camp, August 22nd – 25th from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm • All Grades: • Friday afternoon Conversational French Fun from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Half price on all Dynamic Diagnostic Assessments™ completed during the month of June 2016!
* Pre-Register for any or all workshops and programs offered July and August
Regina 306.790.2000
oxfordlearning.com regina@oxfordlearning.com REG00234574_1_1
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FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016
LEADERPOST.COM/QC
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