Urbanbaby & Toddler Magazine Summer 2017

Celebrity Dad:

Baltimore Ravens’

Benjamin Watson What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag Active Family Contest Win Over $500 in Prizes Ready, Set, Read: BC Summer Reading Club UrbanGuide:

Family Services Guide

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SUMMER 2017 volume 15 • issue 2

t able of

contents

l et te r f ro m th e Summer is here at last! Time to fire up the BBQ, bring out the sandals and bring on the sunscreen!

4 nutrition: Turn Those Picky-Eaters into Veggie-Lovers!

6 prenatal: What to Pack in your Hospital Bag 8 celebrity dad: Baltimore Ravens’ Benjamin Watson 10 eco parent: 10 Ways to Rethink Transportation 11 contest: Active Family Photo 12 parenting: Staying Positive: Guiding Your Child Through Tough Times 14 things we like: Summer Time Fun! 16 UrbanGuide: Family Services Guide

Our summer issue has articles for you to read while relaxing in your backyard.

Want to get your picky-eater eating more veggies? Check page 4-5 for ideas on how to get your children to eat healthier.

While we are on the subject of healthier lifestyles, we all know the benefits of “unplugging” and keeping our children active all summer long. Just remember to have your phone/camera handy so you can take submit your entry to our Active Family Annual Photo contest. For contest details, check page 11.

By letting our children learn from their mistakes, we help them develop some crucial life skills. Our article on page 18 offers effective strategies on how to make that happen.

Celebrate Father’s Day and upcoming football season by reading about our Celebrity Dad Benjamin Watson, NFL player with the Baltimore Ravens, who is the author of a new book The New Dad’s Playbook: Gearing Up for the Biggest Game of Your Life.

May you have a safe and enjoyable summer with your family!

As always we value your feedback.

Send your emails to the editor at editor@urbanbaby.ca

Editor

UBT Submit your active family photos online at urbanbaby.ca for a chance to

WIN THE

17 feature: Safe Sunscreens for the Whole Family

GRAND PRIZE PACKAGE FAMILY GETAWAY!

18 education: Learning From Our Mistakes: Rejoice Over Spilled Milk 20 UrbanMarket: Products & Promotions

editor

Contest details on on page 11

EDITOR/AD SALES Lara Leontowich

DESIGN/PRODUCTION Shannon Brownlee

22 UrbanKid: Ready, Set, Read: BC Summer Reading Club

CONTRIBUTORS Lindsay Coulter, Kimmie Chan, Kristen Yarker, Natasha Biem, Julie Romanowski

23 on the town: Summer Family Events

Published four times per year by Local Kids Media, reaching 68,000 readers per issue.

23 spotlight: UrbanMom: Tanya

SUBSCRIPTION urbanbaby & toddler magazine is available for $25.00 per year (includes GST).

Material appearing herein may not be reproduced in print or electronically without written permission of the publisher, and without proper credit. Editorial opinions and viewpoints may not necessarily reflect those of the publisher.

www.urbanbaby.ca urbanbabyandtoddler @urbanbabymag On the Cover: Avery, 3-years old Mackenzie, 5-years old Quinn, 2-years old Location: Skaha Beach, Penticton Photo Credit: Bobbi Sloan Photography www.bobbisloanphotography.com

urbanbabymag urbanbabyandtot our mailing info:

Suite 378 - 255 Newport Dr., Port Moody, BC V3H 5H1 Canada telephone: 604.908.8835 email: info@urbanbaby.ca

nutrition

| by Kristen Kristen Yanker Yarker

Turn Those Picky-Eaters into Veggie-Lovers!

As a leading child-feeding expert in Canada, the single most common complaint that I hear from parents is that their children simply don’t like vegetables. These parents are concerned about this for two reasons. They worry that their children aren’t getting enough nutrition. Secondly, they fear that their children won’t grow up to be healthy eaters. In other words, these parents really want their children to enjoy eating vegetables.

Understanding Your Child’s Taste Buds: Simply put, children have different taste buds than adults do. They taste bitter flavours more than we do. Since most vegetables naturally have a bitter flavour, it is easy to understand why picky eaters try to avoid them.

Persistence Pays: It is important to remember that we learn to like bitter flavours through repeated exposure to them. It is essential that you keep exposing your children to vegetables.

Many of the parents I have met gave up on serving veggies to their picky eaters. And yet, the best way to get your children to

eat vegetables is to make veggies a regular part of meal-planning and stick to that routine.

Don’t Force Bites: One of the most common techniques that I see parents use can actually make the situation worse.

They enforce a rule so their child has to eat a specified number of bites of vegetables in order to earn dessert. Unfortunately, this doesn’t teach kids to choose veggies. In fact, it inadvertently fuels picky-eating. This rule reinforces that veggies are “awful”.

At the same time, it reinforces the idea that desserts are “simply amazing!” Instead of forcing bites, here are some strategies that can encourage vegetable-eating:

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Grow a Garden: Children will often happily munch away on vegetables they have helped to grow. Don’t have a yard?

Look for ways to grow some on a patio or sunny windowsill.

Visit a Farmer’s Market: Touring a farmer’s market together is a great way to get your children interacting with vegetables. The music and crowds create a party atmosphere – think of it as a party to celebrate vegetables! And that excitement makes it fun for the whole family.

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Cook Together (Don’t Just Bake Together): You want to create happy associations with vegetables. Children love to ‘help’ in the kitchen. Trust me, cookies and cupcakes don’t need any more positive memories to be associated with them. We need to show our veggies some love too.

So ask your children to help with washing veggies; tearing lettuce and tossing a salad. While doing so, have pleasant conversations. One of my favourite childhood memories takes me back to summer days sitting on the back porch with my grandmother, while shucking corn and snapping the ends off of green beans. Thanks to her, I still love those veggies today.

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Allow Dip: Try healthy dips such as hummus. Not only do they make vegetables tasty, they provide extra nutrition too.

Vary Preparation Techniques: Just like adults, children may have a preference for the way a vegetable is prepared.

And each preparation technique can result in very different flavour profiles and textures. To change things up try serving vegetables raw, steamed or roasted. Alternatively, you can serve them in a stir-fry, pasta sauce or smoothie to give your child options.

Try “Cute” Food: We eat with our eyes. This is especially true for toddlers and preschoolers because they are at that very visual stage of development. Use this fact to your advantage to make servings attractive and fun. For example, arrange raw veggies and fruit in the shape of a happy face, flower or truck. Your imagination is your only limitation!

Looking for ideas of ways to involve your children in growing vegetables? For a wealth of ideas and inspiration, visit www. pinterest.com/kristenyarker. • Kristen, MSc, RD is a child-feeding expert who helps parents support their picky eaters to try new foods on their own. Since 2008, she has been working with families to provide good

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REGISTER ONLINE TO ATTEND summer 2017 | www.urbanbaby.ca | 5

p re n a t a l

| by Kimmie Chan

What to Pack in your No need to stress about what to pack! This checklist will make it easy for you on your big day. Be well-prepared by having your bags ready about two to three weeks before your due date, just in case you go into labour early. Include some snacks, drinks and magazines.

And make sure your partner remembers to pack their own bag too!

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ce l e b r i t y d a d

| by Urbanbaby & Toddler

Baltimore Ravens’ Benjamin Watson

Benjamin knows a few things about following a playbook and performing under pressure. That’s how he became a Super Bowl Champ. It the drive to perfection of this NFL tight end for the Baltimore Ravens that led to a series of other outstanding achievements. He is also an ESPN and NFL Network commentator, author and speaker. It was when he stepped into his role as a dad to five kids that he realized there was no playbook for the biggest role of his life. Watson, with his wife Kirsten, are raising five children, aged nine months to seven years.

In his new book, The New Dad’s Playbook: Gearing Up for the Biggest Game of Your Life, he offers experiences and advice as a dad through the stages of fatherhood; from pregnancy to baby’s arrival and tackling the new reality of changing diapers and nighttime feedings.

UBT: Why did you decide to write a book for new dads?

BW: I truly believe both parents have an equal stake in raising children. My whole point is to say to men: “You have a vital role in the raising your children all the way from conception through to adulthood. Your children need you. The mother of your children needs you too.”

UBT: There is a real strong play on football analogies in the book. Talk to me how you decided that it was the right approach?

BW: It was my wife’s idea to write a book for dads using the football aspect. That’s my career. That’s what I do. That’s my job. That’s what I know. When, you look at my life and what I do, everything happens in seasons. You have an off-season, preseason, regular season and then the playoff season.

When you look at pregnancy, from conception all the way until baby comes home, you can divide that into seasons. By dividing it into four-week increments, it becomes a little more attainable.

During those first weeks in the first trimester when she [your wife] is sick and not feeling well­—and the baby is the size of a mustard seed—that is a pivotal time for laying groundwork for your relationship with the mother of your child. It will carry you throughout the rest of the pregnancy and continue when the two of you are changing diapers together.

UBT: How do you manage to balance your demanding career and such a busy family life? Obviously, your wife is a big part of how you make that happen.

BW: Of course. She is definitely the one that holds this team together! When I think about balance, it is really about being all-in, whatever you’re doing. You’re all-in at home. Your body is present, but physically and emotionally, you need to be present there too. You need to be engaged with your wife and children having those conversations; showing affection and not allowing what has happened in your business life to affect your personal life. That is a very hard thing to do. It is also about making decisions with family as a priority.

8 | www.urbanbaby.ca | summer 2017

UBT: What is your best advice for new dads?

BW: First, be present. Your presence is worth more than your provision, in many ways. As fathers, we are supposed to provide food, clothing and shelter. Problem is, we get so involved with that part of it; we think that that’s the only thing.

Our presence and our engagement help to develop them [our children] spiritually, emotionally and physically as well. We also need to be present with the mother of our children and developing that relationship. Nobody ever says, “I wish I had spent less time with my children”. They always say: “I should have done a little bit more” so that is something I try to keep in mind.

UBT: What do you want new dads to take away from your book?

BW: Well, I want them to know that there is no perfect dad.

I am someone who likes to do things perfectly. Understand that you’re going to make mistakes. Expect times when your kids really frustrate you, or when your wife really frustrates you. Being able to be honest and communicate feelings about disappointments; expectations and challenges, is very, very important.

Secondly, the overarching call in the book is really for men to be engaged in this whole process. I want them to be encouraged about doing what it takes. Through the information I provide in the book, I want them to be empowered to carry it out from a place of confidence and be that father, they are called to be. •

summer 2017 | www.urbanbaby.ca | 9

e co p a re n t

| by Lindsay Coutler

10 Ways to Rethink Transportation Transportation networks move people, families and goods through cities which make them vital to a strong economy and a high quality of life. Transporation produces more than 28 percent of Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Unless we reduce some of this vehicle usage, these emissions will continue to rise.

Luckily, we have a range of options for getting around. Cities which are designed to encourage public transit (buses, trains) and physical activity (walking, cycling) make people — ­ and the environment in which they live — much healthier.

“waste-less” travel kit so you are not dependent on single-use disposables.

3. Bike to Work and School: Make your bike commute a safe one.

Did you know? Public transportation helps fight urban air pollution. A single city bus can take 40 private cars off the road and keep 168 tonnes of pollutants out of the air each year.

A family with one car, instead of two, can reduce its annual emissions by 10 percent.

4. Carpool: Carpooling is a great way to get around. It also saves you time and money (less vehicle depreciation).

5. Go Idle-Free: Consider starting your own campaign at your school, workplace or community.

1. Reduce Air Travel: Four to nine percent of humanity’s total climate change impact is from air travel.

6. Commuter Challenge: Participate as an individual or

2. Make Less Garbage: When you fly, make your own

sign up your school or workplace. Find out how to join at www.commuterchallenge.ca.

7. Electric Cars: Electric cars start at around $16,000 with a 110-kilometre range. EV owners report that these vehicles are quiet and fun to drive. Some models can be charged and ready to go in six minutes.

Where History Comes to Life

8. Car-share: People who share vehicles report a higher

Explore the Village with our new Adventure Guide! $6 per guide includes a carousel ride.

satisfaction with their quality of life after using this option which significantly reduces the expenses of vehicle ownership.

9. Plan a Block Party: Celebrate community (and close your street to cars) and meet the neighbours. Consider planning this party to coincide with existing car-free events in your city.

Teach your children how you can have loads of fun without driving anywhere.

10. Enjoy a Staycation: Become a tourist in your city. Ride the train. Visit area attractions or celebrate local food. Open your children’s eyes to all the fabulous attractions and natural beauty that’s close to home. • Lindsay is Canada’s “green living” expert and is mom to

Free admission!

Open Tuesdays-Sundays & holiday Mondays until September 4

preschooler with another child on the way. As David Suzuki’s Queen of Green, she leads and inspires others to live gently on the Earth. www.queenofgreen.ca

Costumed townsfolk welcome you and give demonstrations at the homes and shops of a traditional village. Explore the restored Interurban Tram and take a whirl on the historic 1912 CW Parker Carousel—rides are just $2.65 each!

Discover the treats in the ice cream parlour and treasures in the gift shop.

Thanks to our partners:

burnabyvillagemuseum.ca

10 | www.urbanbaby.ca | summer 2017

UBT

Active Family C ho w Fa m ily , Va nc o uv e r

CONTEST 2017 We all know the health benefits of keeping our families active.

Gather your family and take part in the Urbanbaby & Toddler Magazine’s Active Family Photo Contest this summer during the months of July and August.

Submit a photo of your family active at a local park, community centre, campground or in your own backyard.

At the end of the summer one lucky family will win an assortment of prizes including a family getaway to the Fairmont Waterfront Vancouver situated steps from the Stanley Park Seawall.

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Submit your family photos online at urbanbaby.ca starting July 30TH, 2017 Complete contest details and rules on urbanbaby.ca Ji ro t Fa m ily , B ur na b y

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p a re n t i n g

| by Julie Romanowski

Staying Positive:

Guiding Your Child Through Tough Times As parents, we want the best for our children and will go to great effort to provide wonderful experiences for them. And it is only natural to dread having any negative experiences that could cause our children pain or discomfort. If only life was that easy.

Despite good intentions, we all know that there are many life experiences beyond our control that will take us out of our comfort zone. The part that we can control is whether these situations are going to affect us negatively or positively.

If a positive outcome is what you desire, it is important to be the ‘calming force’ and stay connected to your children during such critical times. Some parents would prefer to just avoid talking about the turmoil. However, there can be some positives as a result of these setbacks. It all depends on your approach.

Consider: • Looking through the disappointment as a “learning • • •

opportunity”.

Staying open-minded about opportunities to build up skills in social and emotional development.

Allowing your children to feel the pain ( it can help them strengthen their self-regulation skills).

Highlighting the positive and the ‘silver lining’ in the situation.

In the midst of disappointing experiences or chaos, it’s easy to get consumed by the darkness and let the positive outlook slip away from us. Be aware of the temptations or pitfalls that may draw you away from your children and cause a further disconnect.

Avoid: • Thinking you have to rescue your child from their • • • •

disappointment.

Lecturing your children on what happened or what they should have done.

Ignoring the situation and not acknowledging your child’s experience.

Feeling that you need to distract your child from the distress.

Wanting to punish your child for being upset, especially if you don’t agree.

As a parent, you can help your child feel more confident when something upsetting takes place. And timing is everything! Once your child has calmed down and ready to re-connect, use that

12 | www.urbanbaby.ca | summer 2017

precious time to briefly discuss the situation in a positive manner.

Try re-directing them to an activity to make them feel more secure and confident.

Older infants and toddlers tend to enjoy being held, kissed and cuddled after a difficult experience. Try to involve them in such activities as finger plays, songs or tickle games. Songs like Ring around the Rosy or This Little Piggy Went to The Market help to engage a young child, both emotionally and physically.

Pre-school children have a habit of wanting to choose what to do and often like when adults play along with their idea. After some cuddle time, be an eager participant should your child want to engage in imaginary play (that may include super-heroes or characters from a favourite movie).

School-age children may still want some comforting. Many will be open to a discussion or talk about what happened. Lend a listening ear and avoid any judgment regarding their opinion or perspective. To encourage engagement, try leading the discussion with open-ended questions.

Disappointing circumstances can definitely be challenging.

However, there are many advantages (strong bonds) that can come out of your journey through these tricky times. These experiences can be beneficial to both you and your child.

Create a plan-of-action so you are prepared for those tougher times. You can be the catalyst to help your children grow through such experiences and bounce back with confidence. • Julie is a mom, an Early Childhood Consultant and owner of Miss Behaviour: parenting coach and consulting services, the children’s behavior and discipline specialists! Learn more through her e-newsletter, tips and blog at www.missbehaviour.ca

Have a Question for Julie?

Submit your questions at

www.missbehaviour.ca/just-ask-julie

Positivity Books Terrific Two’s:

Positive Affirmations for Toddlers

by Anna Morató

Positive affirmations with fun and colourful illustrations to help explain and boost self-esteem as toddlers start to say their very first words. Ages 0-3 years

I Think, I Am!:

Teaching Kids the Power of Affirmations

by Louise Hay & Kristina Tracy

Fun illustrations and simple lessons demonstrate how to make the change from negative thoughts and words to those that are positive. Ages 3-6 years

What to Do When You Grumble Too Much: A Kids Guide to Overcoming Negativity

by Dawn Huebner

Lively metaphors and illustrations help kids see life’s hurdles in a new way, while drawing and writing activities help them master skills to get over those hurdles. Ages 4 -10 years

Unstoppable Me!:

10 Ways to Soar Through Life

by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer & Kristina Tracy

Teaches children how to hold on to the no-limit thinking so they can learn to truly enjoy life and become unstoppable as they strive to attain their dreams. Ages 5-12 years

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Summer Time Fun!

Make the most of summer with these must-have products including some handy and innovative options for babies and toddlers.

5. Saltwater Sandals

1. Angelcare Movement Monitor

3. Bébé de Luxe Baby Bar

Made with organic-practice ingredients including olive oil, cocoa butter and coconut milk to cleanse baby’s sensitive skin. Does not contain the any chemical ingredients to make it tear-free like traditional baby soaps.

Crafted with a stitched-leather sole; extra-thick high-grade leather upper and solid-brass buckles. Designed to be worn in the water and thrown in the washing machine. Just hang to dry and they will spring back to shape for your next adventure.

Available in toddler, youth and adult sizes.

In-Store: Tj’s The Kiddies Store, Surrey,

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In-Store: Dandelion Kids, Vancouver

The new video and audio monitoring system includes the only wireless movement sensor pad on the market, and features a new activity-tracking to closely monitor baby’s movements.

Vancouver, Victoria and Kelowna Online: www.westcoastkids.ca

2. SwimTrainer

Designed to let babies get acquainted with water and learn correct leg movements.

Unlike traditional round float tubes, which can capsize, the swimtrainer features special shoulder safety straps which aid in positioning the body and keeping baby stable.

In-Store: Baby Square, Burnaby

& Richmond Online: www.babyenroute.ca

14 | www.urbanbaby.ca | summer 2017

Momma Ease Maternity Store, Victoria Online: www.bebedeluxe.ca

Buttercup Children’s Boutique, Delta Online: www.saltwatersandals.ca

4. Fubbles No-Spill Bubble Tumbler 6. Earlyears Monkey Basketball Perfect summer toy for on-the-go fun outdoors. The unique, patented design allow your child to knock it over or tip it upside down with no messy spills. A great choice for hours of fun for your little one!

In-Store: Kaboodles Toy Store,

Vancouver & Victoria Village Toy Shop, Port Moody Online: www.villagetoyshop.ca

Little basketball stars like to shoot and score.

Watch as your little one discovers rattle or crinkle sounds in each of the four, colourful appliqued soft balls. The monkey’s head folds and closes securely for storage.

Ages 9 months and up.

In-Store: Mastermind Toys,

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100% cotton, breathable fabric helps keep babies cool. This unique sleepwear for baby provides the natural air ventilation and the softness of muslin but won’t shrink; lose its shape or tear like muslin. Grobags, with enhanced stability, are designed to keep baby sleep comfortably all summer long.

In-Store: Westcoast Kids, Richmond & Vancouver Online: www.oyaco.com

8. Cocobelt

It is a convenient and safe solution for carrying around baby in the car seat, thanks to the attached Cocobelt shoulder strap.

Developed by parents and handmade from quality materials, this safety-tested and stylish belt is easy to use.

In-Store: Lussobaby, Vancouver & North Vancouver Online: www.oyaco.com

9. Scoot & Ride Kids Push Bike/Scooter

Easily transforms from a Push Bike to a Scooter with a simple push of a button and a twist. No tools required. Helps develop balance, coordination, strength and gross motor skills. Ideal for ages 1 to 3 years.

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Mother Me Newborn Care

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Mother Me provides in home support to new families specializing in breastfeeding, bottle feeding support, night-time care for twins and triplets and fussy babies.

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Baby brain development? EQ thru play?

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Book your Singing Telegram for Baby Showers, Birth Announcements and more!

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Diane’s Lingerie

Vancouver Baby & Family Fair

International Nannies & Homecare

Expert staff will assist you in finding the proper fitting maternity bra that will support you through pregnancy, breastfeeding, and beyond.

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Oct. 28th & 29th Meet & Greet with Paw Patrol’s Marshall and Chase!

Main stage Entertainment Bob the Builder.

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Helping busy parents with their childcare needs since 1996. Part/Full time live-in nannies and au pairs. LMIA application and overseas work permit assistance.

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www.dianeslingerie.com

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16 | www.urbanbaby.ca | summer 2017

fe a t u re

| by Urbanbaby & Toddler

Safe Sunscreens for the Whole Family Every summer we seem to get conflicting articles regarding sunscreen and as parents, it is worth paying attention to. According to some experts, sunscreen is necessary because damaging UV rays can harm your skin on both, a short-term and long-term basis. Others don’t approve of the active chemical ingredients found in some sunscreen, which can be easily absorbed into the body. And now there are new claims suggesting that the aerosol sunscreens, when inhaled, can aggravate asthma and allergies in children.

• Goddess Garden Baby All Natural Sunscreen, SPF 30 $22.99 www.wells.ca

Hazard Rating: Low

• Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen, SPF 50 $19.95 www.activebaby.ca Hazard Rating: Low

• Green Beaver Kids Natural Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 40

To protect yourself and your family, it is now recommended that you avoid sunscreens that contain the following ingredients: Oxybenzone, a hormone disruptor that can also trigger allergic reactions. Retinyl palminate, a form of vitamin A, which has been linked to skin tumors and lesions on sun-exposed skin. For more information, check out the article How to Choose a Safe Sunscreen at www.davidsuzuki.org. •

Did You Know?

Research indicates that an SPF higher than 30 is mostly marketing and that high ratings give a false sense of security, which can lead to inadequate use and increased exposure.

Check how your sunscreen rates at

$20.99

www.londondrugs.ca Hazard Rating: Low

• Badger Baby/Kids Sunscreen Cream, SPF 30

$24.99

www.dandelionkids.ca Hazard Rating: Low

www.ewg.org/skindeep

Get on top of it before Fully insured and your child does. registered with Secure your furniture.

One Stop BC.

Hire VBP to professionally install any safety products you need to make your home a safe place for your child.

e d uca t i o n

| by Natasha Beim

Learning From Our Mistakes: Rejoice Over

An excited three-year-old grabs a bottle of milk from the table and joyfully shakes it until its contents spill all over the kitchen floor. The child’s mother rushes toward the spill on the floor which is now spreading across the tiles. She looks up at her child and grins. “What happens now?” she asks enthusiastically. The three-year does not hear any words of disapproval. Instead, they explore the consequences together.

Sound unlikely? In most North American households this scenario would play out differently. That’s because parents are often quick to scorn their children for making mistakes. Teaching your children to learn from their mistakes has definite advantages.

2017 Summer Program During the months of July and August, your child will participate in four out of six distinct opportunity to develop their creative and social skills through a variety of summer activities and projects. The program incorporates CEFA’s unique methodology as well as our own CEFA games and curriculum related to reading, writing and math.

Art Expression

We Are The World

Children will gain self-confidence by expressing their creativity and feelings through art.

Children will learn the traditions, foods, dances and music from different cultures.

Camping & Outdoors

Music & Movement

During this course, children will develop their gross motor skills through sports, olympic games, and outdoor activities.

Children will cultivate positive self-expression while exploring different movement techniques and musical sounds.

Nutty Professors

Little Chefs

Children will learn different properties of liquids and bases when mixed through activities such as making volcanoes, rocketships and parascopes.

Instill a love of healthy cooking in your child as they learn how to work with others in the kitchen by learning methods of measuring, mixing & cutting ingredients.

Apply Today at one of our 18 Schools in B.C. www.cefa.ca or call 604-708-CEFA

BOOK A TOUR!

A study from Michigan State University shows people who think they can learn from their mistakes have a different brain reaction to errors than those who don’t.

Children who expect to make mistakes are much more willing to try new things and take on difficult tasks. As a result, they’re open to learning more both at school and in other environments.

“Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.”

– Albert Einstein

The first step to turn mistakes into learning opportunities is to acknowledge when your child has made a mistake and explore the outcome together. Ask what he learned from the experience, and how he thinks he can improve the next time around. Remind your child often that making mistakes means learning something new.

And consistency is key. So when you are the one making a mistake, make sure you react the same way.

The second step is to instill the habit of taking responsibility for one’s mistakes. Many parents rush to fix their children’s mistakes. In doing so, they rob their children of the opportunity to shoulder responsibility. Children can gain significant pride from knowing they can be trusted to find an acceptable solution to a problem they created.

When children learn from their mistakes and are encouraged to find creative solutions, they develop problem-solving skills that can last a lifetime. • Natacha is a world-renowned Early Years and Parenting Expert.

She is an award-winning writer, speaker, teacher, and the Founder of the renowned CEFA Early Learning Schools. www.cefa.ca

summer 2017 | www.urbanbaby.ca | 19

Do you want a solid and proven foundation for your child’s physical, intellectual and emotional development?

Register today for North Star Montessori’s infant & toddler classes.

Infancy to Grade 7 | Call today:

604 980 1205

1325 East Keith Road, North Vancouver BC (Southern annex of the North Shore Winter Club)

Nnorthstarmontessori.ca O R T H S TA R M O N T E S S O R I . C A

The study reveals that people who think they can learn from their mistakes are more apt to bounce back faster after making one. Their brains are more alert to the fact they’ve made a mistake; and subsequently they are quicker to correct it. This way of thinking is a pattern that can be developed in childhood.

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RBC Race for the Kids As the largest family fun run in Vancouver is held Sunday, June 4th, 2017. The RBC

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runners and walkers of all ages and abilities on a scenic 5 km route, through Queen Elizabeth Park, followed by a

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20 | www.urbanbaby.ca | summer 2017

carnival celebration.

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OCT. 1

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for trendy fashions, décor and so much

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more! Features a variety of exhibitors and sponsors, plus $3000 in door prizes.

First 100 moms in attendance receive

products for mom Are You or Your Husband “Follicly Challenged”?

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Win a $1500 shopping spree from TJ’S The Kiddies Store.

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Shop ‘n Stroll Weekday Mornings Friday at Shop ‘n Stroll is a workout that turns your mornings at 9:30am

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summer 2017 | www.urbanbaby.ca | 21

UrbanKid

| by Vancouver Public Library

Ready, Set, Read:

BC Summer Reading Club The BC Summer Reading Club is a free-of-charge literacy program designed to engage schoolaged children, ages 5-14, with libraries and reading, throughout the summer. The program is fun, educational, inclusive and community-oriented.

Starting June 16th, children are invited to join the Summer Reading Club by visiting any branch of BC Public Libraries.

When signing up for the Summer Reading Program, your child will receive a reading calendar; reading record; bookmark and stickers.

After reading fifteen minutes a day for fifty days, readers will be rewarded with the highly-coveted Summer Reading Club Medal.

Everyone is welcome at the medal ceremony and pancake breakfast in September.

The theme for the 2017 BC Summer Reading Club is Walk on the Wild Side. So get your family involved in showing some adventurous spirit and exploring the never-ending wonders that books offer to young and inquisitive minds. For more information check out www.kidssrc.libraries.coop •

THE STATE OF KIDS & READING IN CANADA THE STATE OF KIDS & READING

READING BUILDS CONFIDENCE

76%

On average kids have read 23 books in the last year

86%

OF KIDS AGES 6–17 SAY

I feel proud and have a sense of accomplishment when I finish reading a book

Books I’ve read have inspired me to really believe in myself

OF KIDS AGES 6–17 are currently reading or have just finished reading a book for fun

90%

FREQUENCY WITH WHICH CHILDREN READ BOOKS FOR FUN

50%

OF KIDS AGES 6–17 READ BOOKS FOR FUN 1–4 DAYS A WEEK

34%

OF KIDS AGES 6–17 READ BOOKS FOR FUN 5–7 DAYS A WEEK

Kids & Family Reading ReportTM: Canadian Edition #KFRR | scholastic.ca/readingreport © 2017 Scholastic Inc. All Rights Reserved. Illustrations by Mariana Martins

22 | www.urbanbaby.ca | summer 2017

16%

OF KIDS AGES 6–17 READ BOOKS FOR FUN LESS THAN 1 DAY A WEEK

SPOTLIGHT

UrbanMom o n t h e t ow n

|

Summer Family Events

June 2017 3rd • Hats Off Day • 9:30am-4pm • www.hatsoffday.com Burnaby: One-day extravaganza with a main-street style parade and a big street party.

4th • RBC Race for the Kids • 9am-11am • www.bcchf.ca/events

Vancouver: Run in a scenic 5K run or Family Fun 2K run to help fight childhood cancer.

11th • Teddy Bear Picnic and Parade • 9:45am-4pm • www.festivalcoquitlam.ca/events Town Centre Park, Coquitlam: Featuring storytelling, puppet shows, rovers, gymnastics.

18th • Father’s Day Walk Run • 9am-2pm • www.thefathersdayrun.ca

Burnaby: Celebrating men and their families 2K,5K,10K & Tot Run to raise funds for prostate research.

July 2017 2nd • Pioneer Fair • 11am-3pm • www.surrey.ca/heritage Heritage Farm: Old-fashion fair, homemade treats, live music, sports and games.

22nd-23rd • Surrey Fusion Festival • 11am-10pm • www.surreyfusionfestival.ca Surrey’s Holland Park: The ultimate celebration of music, food and culture.

29th-30th • Caribbean Days Festival • 10am-7pm • www.caribbeandays.ca Waterfront Park, N.Van: Outdoor music festival, parade, food, Family Zone and dancing

August 2017 6th-7th • Richmond Maritime Festival • 11am-5pm • www.richmondmaritimefestival.ca Britannia Shipyard: Maritime exhibits, storytelling, dancers and live music.

19th - Sept 4th • The Fair at the PNE • 2pm-3:30pm • www.pne.ca/index.html

Pacific National Exhibition: Kiddy rides, live entertainment, food and musical guests.

Ongoing Events Various Weekdays • Shop ‘n Stroll Fitness • 9:30am • www.runnersandbootiesfitness.com Mom & Baby fitness class sponsored by your local shopping centre. Free to attend.

Registration required.

Every Wednesday • Groovin Babies • 11am • www.runnersandbootiesfitness.com Parent and toddler dance and music class sponsored by Brentwood Town Centre. Free to attend.

Registration required.

Every Friday • Zumba for Mom & Baby • 10am • www.runnersandbootiesfitness.com Dance class for mom & baby/toddler sponsored by Lougheed Town Centre. Free to attend.

Alternating Wednesdays • Movies For Mommies • 11:30am • www.moviesformommies.com Dunbar Theatre, Van: Grab bags and special guests. Stroller friendly and diaper change area.

Canada Day Events Surrey Canada Day 2017 • 10am-11pm • www.surrey.ca/canadaday Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre: Fun-filled day with live music, exhibitors, Kids Zone with face painters and crafts.

Canada Day Celebrations • 10am-10:30pm www.canadaplace.ca Canada

Tanya • Coquitlam Tyler, 9-years old Evelyn, 2-years old

1. What is the best part about being a mom?

I love the endless hugs and kisses.

2. What is your favourite activity to do with your children?

We go swimming together because my children love swimming at our local pool.

3. What was the last book you’ve read?

I’m currently reading Like a Queen

by Constance Hall.

4. How do you find some “Mommy Time”?

I am very lucky to have a husband who thinks that having time to myself is very important, so I can go shopping without the kids or go for a workout. He is always willing to stay home so I can have an occasional Moms’ Night Out. 5. Any advice for balancing work and being a mom?

Make the most of the time you have with your kids when you are away from work and make the most of the time you have at work when you are away from your family. That way you can concentrate on your family when you are not working. And remember that one day your kids will know the sacrifices you made for them, and will love you even more because of it.

Place, Van: Stage performances, workshops, circus performers, giant board games, face painting, water park and fireworks.

Canada Day Celebrations • 11am-3pm • www.celebratecanadaday.ca/canada-day

Fort Langley: Family-oriented event with face painters, jugglers, balloon twisters, wheel barrow races and cultural performers.

Burnaby’s Official Canada Day Celebrations • 11am-4:30pm • www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca Burnaby Village Museum: 1920 backdrop, children’s entertainment, demos and parade.

Read more interviews online at

www.urbanbaby.ca

Want to be our next

UrbanMomorDAD

Find more family-friendly Canada Day events on our blog

Contact event organizers with info provided to confirm details.

summer 2017 | www.urbanbaby.ca | 23

email us at info@urbanbaby.ca