WestCoast Families Spring 2023

The Benefits of Baby Wearing

5 Simple Steps to Manage Family Finances

Top 10

BabyShower Gifts

TRavel

to snowy forests, scorched savannaH and the darkest depths of the ocean, and meet animals all over the globe.

IN THIS ISSUE

SPRING

30, Ed 5

Jim Schneider Publisher publisher@westcoastfamilies.com

Sue Fast Editor editor@westcoastfamilies.com

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WestCoast Families, published by Island Parent Group Enterprises Ltd., is a bimonthly publication that honours and supports parents by providing information on resources and businesses for west coast families. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher. No material herein may be reproduced without the permission of the publisher.

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Bring on Spring!

Climbing over a rock, rolling down a hill, swinging from a branch. No matter how kids spend their time outside, chances are they’re building an enduring love of the great outdoors at the same time. And what better way to develop a respect for our earth and a love of nature than by getting outside to play and explore!

With spring’s longer days and the sunshine’s warmer rays, there’s no shortage of outdoor opportunities. Here are some ideas to help you and your family bring on spring!

Provide tools. Shovels, magnifying glasses, pencils, paper, cameras and butterfly nets are just a few of the resources that kids can use to get down and dirty and immersed in nature.

Ask questions. What does it look like? How does it move? What does it eat? How does it smell? Ask open-ended questions that encourage kids to observe and discover details about what they find in nature.

Share their wonder. Encourage their exploration, marvel at their findings, and share their excitement—all while letting them make discoveries of their own.

Bring nature indoors. Pinecones, stones, seashells and feathers are some of the things often carried indoors inside pockets. Take them one step further and find them a place on a window ledge or a shelf. (Not living things, of course!)

Encourage care. Provide children with opportunities to care for

nature such as watering plants, feeding animals, picking up trash and treating all living things gently. This encourages respect and empathy and gives kids a connection that might, in the future, inspire a concern for the natural environment—and for each other.

Happy Spring, from our family to yours.

We are excited to announce our new location:

Earth Rangers

Any child can become an Earth Ranger—for free! Just download the Earth Rangers App and sign your child up as a new member. They will receive a personalized membership card in the mail. They’ll take part in environmental activities, learn about wildlife, play trivia and games, and more. While content is accessed through the app, the goal is to empower your kids to engage in hands-on activities at home and with others in their communities. earthrangers.com

Race for the Kids

Registration is open for BC Children’s Hospital Foundation’s RBC Race for the Kids on June 11. Raceforthekidsbc.com

Planted EXPO

Canada’s biggest plant-based event returns to Vancouver on May 27 and 28. At the event, attendees will hear from inspirational speakers, vegan product creators, sustainability drivers and plant-based authors as they explore over 200 edible and vegan lifestyle exhibitors. For a speaker schedule and vendor list visit plantedlife.com/vancouver

Cherry Blossom Festival

The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival, from April 1–23, is a charitable not-for-profit event that engages diverse communities through accessible local arts and culture to celebrate the fragile beauty of the cherry blossom. Events throughout the city bring people together to celebrate nature, creativity and Vancouver’s cherry tree heritage. Marvel at the 54 different varieties that blossom across the city. For information about upcoming events, visit vcbf.ca

Dressed for History

Dressed for History: Why Costume Collections Matter is a new feature exhibition at the Museum of Vancouver, on now. Clothing is the most personal of artefacts. It reveals so much about who we are, what we do and what we value. Four remarkable local collectors have recognized the importance of preserving costumes to document the past and inspire our present and future.

museumofvancouver.ca

Fresh Finds

Bouncing new bundle of joy? Here are a few helpful things to have on hand right from the start— and one for a few months down the road.

Live Clean Baby Shampoo & Wash

This tearless shampoo and wash is a mild, tear-free bubble bath that moisturizes and cleanses, leaving baby’s hair and skin feeling soft and smooth. Made with purified water and enriched with organic botanicals of chamomile, lavender and aloe.

live-clean.com

DermaFrida the Flakefixer

Give flakes the brush off with the Frida Flake Fixer—a 3-step system designed to fix the flake situation. First lather with sponge, then loosen with brush and lift with comb, then get back to the baby with more cradle, less cap.

frida.com

Yoga Sleep Hushh Portable Compact Sound Machine

A soft LED night light, flexible clip and child-safe locks have made this sound machine a parenting must-have and popular registry item. Now the portable baby white noise is even more convenient because you can take it with you wherever you go!

yogasleep.com

Trimo Electric Nail Clippers

No more worrying about pricking little fingers with the Trïmo! This safe and gentle nail trimming tool helps you cut baby’s sensitive nails painlessly. Rest assured that the soft discs will only tickle their fingers, making the experience a calm and effortless one.

bbluv.ca

Guzzie & Guss Perch Chair

Whether at home, in a restaurant or out for a picnic, the Perch portable hanging high chair gives babies and kids a special place at the table. The Perch attaches to most tables and folds compact for easy storage—in the included handy travel bag.

guzzieandguss.com

Baby Wearing

As parents, we’re always looking for the one trick, the one tool, the one piece of advice that will make our lives easier. And the truth is, every baby and every parent is so different, which makes it difficult to give parents a one-size fits all answer.

Unless it’s baby wearing.

When I had my first daughter, baby wearing was purely practical. During the fourth trimester while I stayed at

home, I liked going on walks and getting out and about when I could. I enjoyed cooking and often needed to be hands free. Or at the very least, I needed to relieve my back from a newborn that wanted to be held all the time.

As she grew, I found baby wearing to be easier than traveling with a stroller and relied on my carriers to help my daughter nap when we weren’t at home. During the most chaotic days I’d throw her in the carrier for my own sanity to avoid chasing her around.

Baby wearing isn’t a new concept. It made its way West in the 1970s but many cultures have been wearing the babies for centuries. I’ve learned through personal experience that baby wearing is one of the greatest tools available to us as parents in a way that supports both our babies’ well-being and our own.

The benefits of baby wearing:

It strengthens the bond between parent and baby.

In a study published in the journal Pediatrics, researchers found that baby wearing for three hours a day reduced infant crying by 43 percent overall and 54 percent during evening hours.

It may help lessen postpartum depression.

It aids in baby’s development, both physically and emotionally.

It helps mothers respond to their babies.

It improves breastfeeding rates and helps meet breastfeeding goals.

It can decrease risk of SIDS and flat-head syndrome, while promoting neural development, respiratory and gastrointestinal health, and aiding in balance. It improves overall maternal physical health. It promotes early language development.

The best baby carrier is one that safely and ergonomically holds your baby, is comfortable for you and your baby, is simple to use and offers the functionality your lifestyle requires. Today we’re presented with a myriad of choices, so how do we decide?

Some options:

Stretchy Wraps (below)

Good for newborn to one year. ergobaby.com/baby-carrier/baby-wrap

Hybrid Wraps (top left)

Easier than stretchy wraps, but still just as soft. Good for newborn to one year. ergobaby.com/baby-carrier/embrace

Ring Slings (above)

(Fun and stylish, good for newborn through 35 lbs.) babytula.com/products/barrow-street-signature-handwoven-ring-sling

Soft-Structured Carriers (bottom left)

(Most versatile with various carry positions. Good for newborn through toddler years.) ergobaby.com/baby-carrier/omni/omni-breeze

Almost seven years have come and gone since I first became a mom and now that my daughters are four and going on seven I find myself longing for the days where I could throw them in a baby carrier and soak in that newborn smell while on a walk in the fresh spring breeze.

Vittoria Allen is a wife, mother and writer. A lover of good food, slow living and a good novel, she shares her life with her husband and two daughters, soaking in the beauty of every moment. Vittoria works for Ergobaby, the most recommended baby-carrier manufacturer carrying millions of babies all over the world.

Top 10 Baby Shower Gifts

Having or hosting a baby shower this spring? A baby shower is meant to help new families with the expense of gathering the equipment they’ll need for the new addition. It’s also a chance to celebrate the arrival of the new baby! Often, new families will have everything they need, or very strong opinions about what they want! You can always resort to a gift certificate, but you might want to consider some of the ideas below.

1. Something hand-made

Wow! That sounds like a tall order. But remember, baby things are small and quick to make, if you have any skills as a knitter or sewer. And they are SO loved by new parents who proudly say “my aunt made it!” Try to work with washable, non-allergenic (not wool) fibres. Think about gender-neutral colours, even if the family already know the sex of their baby. Much more fashionable!

2. Something old

A hand-me-down! This could be baby clothes that you

saved from your own kids’ (or your own!) babyhood. But it could also be a well-loved toy or a book. A grandpa I know got out the old wooden blocks his kids had played with and sanded them down and oiled them (with non-toxic oil) and gave them to his grandbaby-to-be. They were beautiful, and ready for a new generation to enjoy.

3. Something beautiful

The family might already have everything they really need. You could give the new baby a small picture for their bedroom. A mobile for their ceiling. A framed photo—maybe of the parents as children. A beautiful piece of culturallyrelevant fabric for a curtain or a hanging—something that will become an heirloom and possibly connect kids to their roots.

4. Something educational

Babies love board-books. To fulfill the recommendation that parents read 1,000 books to a child before they go to kindergarten, they need access to a lot of material! Give one of your favourites, from your childhood or that of your own

children. Or give a new book—there are so many! My favourite board books for babies are by Sandra Boynton.

5. Something for fun

One of the best things about babies is they have cool toys— that grown-ups like to play with too! A favourite: the Skwish, invented by Tom Flemons, a BC engineer. The Skwish is great for new babies, older babies and for toddlers.

6. Something local

Local crafts-people make beautiful baby gifts! For starters, check out Parade Organics, Whistle & Flute and Jax & Lennon.

7. Something useful

Babies don’t need much! It’s the parents who need tools to make it easier for them to care for this little person 24/7. The need for physical contact is one of the hardest to satisfy. My favourite practical gift for new parents is a baby carrier, a soft stretchy wrap, like a CuddlyWrap or a BelugaBaby Wrap. The parents quickly learn to use it, it fits everybody and it is cozy and comfy to wear around the house.

8. A consortium

That’s just a fancy word for a bunch of people working together. Perhaps several friends and relations could get together to buy the new family a big-ticket item they might not be able to afford. A really nice stroller-car-seat set. Or a beau-

tiful crib. Or a trip back east to see the great-grandmother. Much more memorable than another footed pajama!

9. Food!

It could be some casseroles or muffins, to put in the freezer for after the baby comes, when time to shop and cook will be hard to find. It could be a gift card for meal delivery. Or it could be the offer to organize a Meal Train, to rope friends and relations in to share the load of providing meals to the new family in the first weeks after baby arrives.

10. Postpartum support

This is the most important thing. Parents often plan so carefully for the birth, and for the nursery, but they can’t know how stressful the first weeks with baby can be. Provide support with a home-made gift certificate for post-baby laundry services, maybe, or kitchen clean-up. Or pay for some visits from a Postpartum Doula who has expertise in the fourth trimester, in baby care and lactation. Find a postpartum doula near you through DoulaMatch.

Eva Bild is a childbirth, parenting and lactation educator and doula trainer. She has been working with new families since 1992. Eva is founder of the Mothering Touch Centre. She is the mother of three wonderful adults, but most excitingly, she is now a grandmother! evabild.ca

Chaos Theory, Parenting Style

When I tell people that we raised six children, the inevitable comment is: “That must have been a challenge.”

“It was total chaos,” I reply, “but worth every minute.”

Chaos theory states that a tiny disturbance in a proceeding will cause a major change in its outcome. Our chaos arose from a decision my husband and I made 43 years ago that changed our lives forever. Bill and I married in 1972, and for the next seven years we had many adventures—none of which, unfortunately, equipped us for the greatest adventure of all: learning to be parents to one tiny baby.

We embarked upon this undertaking in total ignorance of the challenges ahead, a kindness, in retrospect. Bill’s total experience with babies was confined to gatherings where someone would say “Here, hold this kid for a minute while I grab a beer.” For me it was the three months I spent at age 18 babysitting for a working mother. Lullabies, peekaboo, stroller time—I thought I had a handle on this baby business until the morning I arrived to find his mother warming a jar

of baby food in a pan of water on the stove. I thought it best not to mention that I had been giving it to him straight out of the refrigerator.

Flash forward to the day we brought our daughter Sarah home from the hospital. My mother had come to stay with us for two weeks, guiding us through the intricacies of diaper changes and swaddling and breastfeeding. The day she left I remember standing on the doorstep with a squirming infant in my arms, waving goodbye, and thinking: “Now what?”

But we all survived, and Sarah is now a healthy, happy mom dealing with her own chaos of running a family business while raising three children and a husband. And, new parents, you will survive as well. Trust me. I would like to offer a few tips gleaned during the early months, which helped immensely during the ensuing years.

Tip #1: This, too, will pass.

A friend told me to write this phrase in lipstick on the bathroom mirror. Not only would I be buoyed up by these comforting

words, she said, but it would be the only time I would be applying lipstick for the foreseeable future.

Tip #2: Relax.

Shortly after Sarah’s birth we were in a restaurant with friends who had raised a lively son and twin girls. Our newborn began to fuss, and our frantic efforts to quiet her just made things worse. The couple exchanged knowing smiles. The wife said, “Look around you.” Puzzled, we gazed at the other diners. “There are thirty people in this room,” she said, “and the only ones disturbed by your baby’s behaviour are her parents.” She was right! And as we relaxed, so did our child.

Tip #3: Accept help.

We owned a small-town weekly newspaper in Burns Lake. When Sarah was two months old, we attended a newspaper publishers’ conference. Picture this: Around a long dining table sit fifteen men in suits and one extremely nervous woman with a sleeping baby in her lap. Halfway through the meal, Sarah wakes up and starts to fuss. The

man next to me says “May I hold the baby?”

To my amazement, she stops crying and gazes into his bearded face. “Three kids of my own,” he explains. The man next to him says “Give me that sweet baby!” “My turn!” says the next guy. As my child is passed around the table, to the obvious delight of all parties, I realize that angels sometimes wear tweed. Who knew?

Tip #4: Take time for yourself.

While visiting my parents in Abbotsford, Bill and I decided to spend a day in Vancouver and—despite my mom’s offer to babysit— took eight-month-old Sarah with us. The day was hot, and she soon tired of shopping. Passing the Varsity Theatre, we noticed that a matinee performance of the new Star Wars sequel “The Empire Strikes Back” was about to start. The Varsity had air conditioning! It was naptime! So in we went, hoping Sarah would sleep through the movie.

We were unaware, however, that the Varsity had recently installed “Surround Sound.” We soon found out. Sounds of battle assailed us from all quarters! The walls literally shook! Sarah woke up and began to wail. I retreated to the “mother’s room,” a stifling closet at the top of a long flight of stairs. During the rest of the movie we took turns running our child back and forth between the vibrating theatre and the sweltering attic room. Two hours later we emerged—parents exhausted, baby none the worse for wear — wishing we had taken my mother up on her offer to babysit.

Tip #5: Be kind to yourself.

Yes, you will make mistakes. Often you will feel like this journey is impossible. But you will survive. Get up every morning, read your mirror, put on your lipstick and enjoy the chaos.

Jacqui Graham has six grown kids and eight delightful grandkids age 4 to 15 years. If she had known how much fun grandkids would be, she would have had them first!

5 Simple Steps to Help You Manage Your Family Finances

As a parent, you have a lot of responsibilities to take care of your family, and one of the most important is managing your finances effectively. In today’s world, where costs continue to rise, it is more important than ever to be mindful of your spending and keep track of your expenses.

There are several reasons why tracking your expenses is crucial, especially when costs are rising. Let’s take a look at some of the valuable reasons that add up to thousands of dollars each year:

Helps You Identify Your Spending Habits: Tracking your expenses helps you understand your spending habits and identify areas where you can cut back. For instance, you may notice that you spend a lot of money on eating out or buying clothes, and you can adjust your budget accordingly.

Enables You to Plan Better and Gain Control: When you know how much money you spend each month, you can plan your finances better. You can set a budget for each category of expenses, such as groceries, utilities and entertainment, and ensure that you stay within your means.

Helps You Save Money: By tracking your expenses, you can identify areas where you can save money. For example, you may realize that you can save money by switching to a cheaper internet or cable plan, or by buying groceries in bulk.

Helps You Build a Financial Safety Net: By tracking your expenses, you can also ensure that you save enough money for emergencies and unexpected expenses. This can help you build a financial safety net that can protect you and your family in times of crisis.

Now, let’s take a look at five simple steps that can help you manage your finances better:

1. Set a Budget

The first step in managing your finances is to set a budget. You need to know how much money you have coming in each month and how much you are spending. Based on that, you can set a budget for each category of expenses and ensure that you stay within your means.

2. Keep Track of Your Expenses

You need to keep track of your expenses to ensure that you are sticking to your budget. You can use a spreadsheet or a budgeting app to track your expenses easily.

3. Look for Ways to Save Money

Once you know how much you are spending, you can look for ways to save money. You can cut back on eating out, switch to a cheaper internet or cable plan or buy groceries in bulk.

4. Plan for “Expected-Unexpected” Expenses

We all know that Christmas and back-to-school come once a year, we know when sports sign ups and summer camp

registrations happen, so put a little away each month to help those events feel less unexpected.

5. Involve Your Family

Involve your family in managing your finances. Talk to your spouse and children about your budget and your financial goals. This can help them understand the importance of managing money effectively and develop good financial habits.

Tracking your expenses and being mindful of your spending are essential skills for parents, especially when costs continue to rise. By setting a budget, keeping track of your expenses, looking for ways to save money, planning for emergencies and involving your family, you can manage your finances effectively and build a secure financial future for your family.

Lindsay Plumb is an Accredited Financial Counsellor (Canada) and the founder of the Pretty Money Club, Black Is the New Red, and MOOLA Financial Coaches & Advisors.

Tips for First-time Homebuyers

When buying a new home, you are faced with a multitude of decisions—the first one is whether you are prepared to purchase a home. Once you have determined that you are ready to buy your first home, the rewards are unquestionable.

GETTING STARTED:

1. Decide why you want to buy a home. Do you want to stop paying rent? Start building equity? Raise a family? Find more space?

2. Target a location. Going from general to specific—do you prefer a busy city center? A suburban area? Rural farm? On an island? Schools, rec facilities, transportation, shops, daycare, are also big considerations when deciding your preferred location.

3. Home styles. How much space do you need? Would you prefer a townhouse? A condo? A house? New versus renovation? How many bedrooms? Do you have a pet? Make a wish list.

4. Loan prequalification. This is a big challenge right now, with stress tests and higher interest rates. Talk to your bank or a mortgage advisor so you are comfortable with what you can afford. Get your mortgage rate locked in for 3 months. Be sure to have your down payment available in your bank account as well as your deposit for the purchase contract. If your parents are helping with your down payment you will need a letter of confirmation from them.

5. Your costs before or upon completion are also considerations.

Those expenses include:

• Property inspection.

• Lawyer or notary fees for title registration.

• Survey or title insurance, if required by your financial institution.

BUSINESSES YOU NEED TO KNOW

• Cost of mortgage (appraisal).

• CMHC Insurance if your down payment is less than 20–25%.

• Home insurance.

• Property Transfer Tax; 1% 1st $200,000, 2% balance, 3% of market value greater than $2,000,000 up to $3,000,000 and 5% of portion over $3,000,000.

• Foreign buyers are prohibited for the next two years.

• Property tax adjustments. You may need to reimburse the seller for taxes paid for the year.

• Moving costs.

Once you are prequalified and know your comfortable price range, your realtor can help you determine which property fits your needs and fulfills your wish list! The top priority is to be sure that your home-buying experience is pleasant, cost efficient and successful.

Laurie MacDonell is an experienced Re/Max realtor who sells homes in the Vancouver area. She is a great listener, knows the market well and has an exceptional ability to relate to her clients—whether first-time buyers or experienced sellers. laurie@macdonells.com

kelly@kindredphotography.ca 778-928-0079

A family portrait session should be as memorable as the photos themselves. Family & Newborn Photographer in the Vancouver area. kindredphotography.ca

Tips for Booking Your Summer Family Vacation

Summer family vacations are a cherished tradition for many families, providing an opportunity for parents and children to spend quality time together, away from the stress and distractions of daily life. Beyond the fun and relaxation, family vacations also offer opportunities for learning and personal growth. Whether it’s exploring new destinations, trying new activities or simply enjoying each other’s company, family vacations are an important way to strengthen bonds and build memories.

Planning a summer family vacation can be frustrating, time consuming and expensive. To help make things easier for you to plan a great trip and stick to your budget keep these tips in mind.

Plan in advance:

Start planning your vacation well in advance to get the best deals on flights, accommodations, car rental and attractions. Check for discounts or promotional codes. Consider using travel rewards programs such as airline miles and credit card rewards to save on flights, hotels and car rentals.

Check documentation:

Make sure both you and your children have valid passports and that the expiry date is still valid. If you have Nexus cards check those as well. Also check travel.gc.ca for the destination you are visiting to check additional documentation, visa, vaccination or ETA (electronic travel authorization) you may need. If only one parent is traveling

with kids you will need a consent letter which is also available to download on that website.

Take the most direct route:

If at all possible take the most direct route available. If there is a non-stop flight versus one with a connection it is worth considering even if it costs more.

Choose a family-friendly destination:

Look for destinations that offer activities and attractions that appeal to everyone in the family. Be sure to research restaurants in the area that offer a children’s menu and make reservations ahead of time if possible.

Consider the ages of your children:

Choose a destination and activities that are age-appropriate for your children.

Set a budget:

Determine how much you can afford to spend on your vacation and stick to it. Look for free activities and attractions in your destination, such as hiking trails, beaches and museums. Use public transportation instead of renting a car to save money on transportation costs.

Book a vacation package:

Consider booking a vacation package that includes flights, hotel and activities to save money. Often Canadian tour operators like Air Canada Vacations, WestJet Vacations or Sunwing offer packages that are cheaper than booking each part of the trip separately.

Research your accommodations:

Claire Newell is a travel expert in North America with over 30 years’ experience. She is the official travel expert for Global News, CKNW radio and the bestselling author of Travel Best Bets: An Insider’s Guide to Taking Your Best Trip Ever.

Look for accommodations that offer amenities for families, such as pool, kitchenette and laundry facilities. Consider staying in a vacation rental instead of a hotel, as it can be more affordable and offer more amenities. It will also help you save money by cooking your own meals instead of eating out at restaurants.

Pack wisely:

Make a list of items you’ll need for your trip, including clothes, toiletries and entertainment for the kids. You can avoid baggage fees by packing light and only bringing the essentials as carry-on. Each family member is typically allowed a carry-on bag and a personal item like a tote bag, backpack or large purse.

Bring snacks and drinks:

Pack some snacks and drinks for the trip, to keep the kids fed and hydrated. Bringing snacks from home and

some free time for relaxation and spontaneous activities. And speaking of time, arrive early to the airport. Things always take longer when you have kids in tow.

Summer family vacations are an important part of family life. They offer a chance for families to disconnect from their daily routines, spend time together and make memories. These trips can be tricky to plan but the pay off can be so worthwhile because the benefits extend far beyond the duration of the trip and can positively impact family

refillable water bottles can help save you money. They are expensive at airports, attractions and theme parks.

Leave some free time:

Don’t schedule every minute of your vacation, leave

dynamics for years to come. By investing time and resources into family vacations, families can strengthen bonds, create meaningful experiences and foster a sense of unity that will last a lifetime.

Happy travels!

Springtime

Flowers, raindrops, hatching eggs, ducks and lambs! These are the things that shout, “Springtime is here!” It’s time to visit the farm and feed the ducks at the park and explore the delights of spring. It’s also an excellent time to learn counting and basic math skills while celebrating spring. Incorporating counting books in your daily reading repertoire helps children practice one-to-one correspondence, number recognition and number order—both forward and backward. Plus, they are simultaneously building reading skills while practicing numeracy. It’s a win-win! Here are four books to get you started.

Is Here

tion of friendship. Young readers can count one child on a slide, two children on a seesaw, three children skipping and finally 10 children running in the park. This book shows how kids can have fun with one, two or a whole crew of friends.

Bird Watch by Christie Matheson (Harper Collins 2019). Search and count for hidden birds in this interactive picture book. Whether they’re hunting for warblers or robins, readers will be using their counting and I-Spy skills. With beautiful watercolour illustrations, young children will count different species of birds and forest animals hiding in the trees and foliage. Readers learn to count backwards

say “hello” to Frog, Squirrel, Rabbit and Mouse. As the waddling procession proceeds, Mama and Papa duck finally notice that their little ducklings have all disappeared. “Oh, no,” they quack. “Our little ducks are gone.” Their dilemma resolves though and all the ducks end up back swimming in the pond. Young children will delight in counting ducks one through ten as well as identifying other animals.

Ducks on the Road by Anita Lobel (Simon &Shuster 2021). When a family of ducks go out on a stroll through the park, Mama and Papa duck fail to notice that the ducklings have minds of their own. Each duckling stops one-by-one to greet different animals. They

SPOTLIGHT

How to Two by David Soman (Penguin Random House, 2019). With simple text and whimsical illustrations, this book introduces counting and reverse-counting as well as celebration of play and friendship. Count the children at the park playing springtime games such as jumping in puddles, turtle hunting in ponds, skipping and playing in the rain. The book features diverse families and celebra-

Play based learning in a warm and nurturing environment. surrey.ca/preschool | 604-501-5100 abcmontessoripreschool.com 604-879-5437

We provide programs that enable children to grow mentally, emotionally and socially. Most programs are presented through play, music and movement.

from 10 chickadees hiding in a pine tree to one owl soaring in the night sky. This book encourages children to get outside and take in the beauty of springtime and find our feathered friends.

Ducks Away by Mem Fox (Scholastic Press 2016). This is a playful counting book that is perfect for springtime. Count along with Mother Duck as she guides her ducklings over a bridge. As the little ducklings each fall over the edge into the river, Mother Duck must decide how to save her ducklings. “Oh no,” quacked Mother Duck. “What should I do?” The repeated text encourages interactive reading and introduces counting up to five and counting up and down. It is delightfully illustrated with bold lines and basic colours.

Entertaining and exploring with the family in an unfamiliar city is never easy. Whether your next family trip is to Vancouver, or you are exploring your own hometown, we have made it easy on you by putting together this collection of things to do! There are activities and attractions for every kind of visitor. There are more than enough things to do with Families in the Lower Mainland to keep everyone engaged. Come explore!

Jerri Carson is a retired music teacher. She now spends her time playing the piano and cello.

K Comprehensive 12-level chess program

R Online and in-person programs

B Weekly tournaments

N Top coaches Test

The Whistler Children’s Festival is Back and Better Than Ever!

Whistler’s longest running festival engages children and families in arts, culture, exploration, and fun in the mountains. This year’s event will take place over two weekends, May 19–21 and May 27–28. The festival offers a wide range of interactive activities, workshops and performances designed to ignite the imagination and inspire young minds.

Arts Whistler will host back-to-back ticketed performances and workshops with a little something for everyone.

Orbax and Pepper Do Science!

If you like your science LOUD and MESSY, this is the show for you.

Fred Penner Live

Four-time Juno award winning performer inspiring parents and kids alike.

Circus of Thrills with NZR Productions

Experience an electrifying performance that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Hand Puppetry Workshop

Let your creativity run wild in this hands-on workshop with ventriloquist Kellie Hanes.

There are also many free activities to enjoy every day of the festival—from arts and crafts to scavenger hunts and entertainment along the Village Stroll. Take part in the Cultural Connector Passport Challenge and collect stamps at each location for a chance to win cool prizes! There’s even something for the big kids with two After Dark (19+) shows.

Families planning to attend the festival can take advantage of the extended weekend and book a family vacation in the mountains. Stay 3+ Nights from $209 per night and receive a FREE $100 Activity Voucher. To book your family getaway, visit whistler.com/childrens-festival

Connecting Long-Distance

Getting Ready for Visiting Grandkids

Our Gang & the Good Ol’ Days

Connecting Long-Distance

Grandparents and grandchildren often share a very important emotional bond and both groups can benefit from a strong relationship. When grandparents and grandchildren live far apart, it can be difficult for them to stay connected. Fortunately, technology can help fill the gap and bridge the distance divide. One way to do this is through video calling systems like FaceTime, Zoom or other video conferencing platforms. We have studied this topic extensively in my research group at Simon Fraser University with an emphasis on young grandchildren between the ages of 4 and 10. Here are some things that we have learned.

Because of a child’s short attention, it is important for grandparents to be able to focus video calls around a child’s interests. The grandparents who were able to do this in our studies tended to have longer and more enjoyable conversations. For example, some grandparents figured out the names of a child’s friends and could then directly ask about them. Some learned about their grandchildren’s extra-curricular activities ahead of time so that they could ask how things were going. Young grandchildren also enjoy showing off their toys or things that they create at school. Some grandparents would ask parents ahead of time about these objects so they would know which to ask their grandchildren about when talking with them. Young children are also interested in learning about things from their grandparents that are different from their own location. This might be related to different time zones, the weather, or culture and heritage.

Some grandparents were in our studies even more creative—for example, one grandmother learned that her grandson was interested in armies and camouflage and so she made him a camouflage blanket and mailed it to him. When they talked over a video call, they would spend large amounts of time talking about the blanket and making up stories about it together.

Having read the above, you might be thinking, this sounds pretty easy. Well, truth be told, it isn’t, as many grandparents can likely attest to. There are many social challenges that make grandparent and grandchild communication over distance still difficult.

First, video chat is typically loved by both grandparents and young grandchildren because each gets to see the other. This should come as no surprise. Yet even with video going, it can be challenging to keep a child’s attention over a video call. Unlike a conversation between two adults, young grandchildren are unlikely to be able to maintain a conversation beyond 10 to 15 minutes until they get to the pre-teen years. Research has shown this is better than phone calls, however, where typically the attention span of children is far less than video calls.

Video calls between young grandparents and grandchildren can require a lot of parent scaffolding—that is, help from parents to keep the call going. Parents often have to be the ones that perform the “camera work” where they hold a tablet or cell phone and move it to make sure the children are in view. Some children can do this on their own, but it can easily be disorienting for grandparents who are watching. The camera might end up facing the floor, the ceiling or be an overly close up view of a child’s face. What we have seen to be immensely valuable are tablet or mobile phone stands that can be easily set on a table or even the floor, where the device can be easily angled towards a child’s general area and left stationary. This reduces the need for parents to continually perform camera work.

Some grandparents feel apprehensive or self-conscious about video calling their grandchildren. This is because they may not know a lot about their grandchildren and are afraid of saying the “wrong” thing or annoying their grandchildren. They may not know who their friends are at school in order to ask about them; they may not about their favourite activities; or, they may not feel that a child wants to learn about the grandparents’ cultural heritage. These are all very

real issues and sometimes it’s the case that grandparents can have a tough time learning about their grandchildren in a deep enough way to sustain conversations or feel like they are able to really connect over video calls.

Many grandparents talk with a child’s parents to learn about these things so they know what they could talk about. Some parents might be too busy though, or the relationship between a grandparent and their adult child may not be strong and so asking questions that might help them connect with their grandchildren is less possible. There is no easy solution to such problems. Start small. For example, a grandparent could ask a young child to show them their favourite toy, explain why they like it so much and show them what it might do. Or, a grandparent could think about what is unique to their own location when compared to a child’s. Is the weather noticeably different outside? Could the grandparent show a very hot day, a lot of rain or some snow over the video call? Does the grandparent have different pets that the grandchild may not have, or vice versa? Could they easily be shown over FaceTime? These types of acts could be a

starting to point to longer term engagements with a child, leading to longer conversations and more things to talk about and show.

Video calling through technologies like FaceTime or Zoom can be a valuable way for grandparents and young grandchildren to connect over distance. It isn’t always easy and grandparents can try to focus conversations around key topics of interest to children. There should also be thought over how to reduce the need for lots of camera work—tablet or mobile phone stands can work very well and placing the camera in a stationary location is a great first step.

Dr. Carman Neustaedter is a Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Communication, Art and Technology at Simon Fraser University. He is an international expert in telepresence and technology design for families.

Our Gang & the Good Ol’ Days

When I think back to my childhood in the 1960s, I can’t help but reminisce about our neighborhood gang. This gaggle of children was fluid— it included anyone from our surrounding blocks who could come out to play on any given day. Sometimes it swelled in numbers on weekends and school holidays and other times it involved only a core group of us. And despite all the different personalities and ages it encompassed, it generally worked.

Back then we were largely responsible for our own entertainment. When the weather was warm, we banded together to ride bikes, sail fleets of paper boats and play games—Red Rover was a classic! Even during the long, cold winters, we still spent a lot of time outdoors, sledding, skating or building snow forts and snowmen.

Neighborhoods back in the 60s were different from those today. Families tended to stay put so kids grew up with the same group of friends, forming strong

bonds as a result. It was like being part of a big extended family. Kids ran freely without much parental supervision even at a young age as they were always accompanied by older siblings.

In my hometown, we had a four- or five-block radius where we roamed and played. We also had the added benefit of living directly across from a park that spanned an entire city block, so that alone provided ample space to play.

Most mothers back then were stay-athome moms as it was entirely possible for a family to live comfortably on only one income. So children came home after school, they didn’t have to attend afterschool care. And structured activities/ lessons were rare; we simply created our own fun. The odd one of us may have taken music lessons or perhaps a few swimming lessons, but the majority of us learned things the hard way—through a combination of trial and error and stubborn determination, with an older sibling most likely egging you on.

Being part of this gang gave all of us free reign in each other’s yards and homes: we wandered in and out of whoever’s house was closest to go to the bathroom, we knew which mom baked the best cookies, and we knew which parent (or grandparent) would give us change to buy penny candy at the corner store.

And what would a neighborhood gang be without the classic neighborhood bully? We certainly had ours. He was the older sibling of some our playmates and he was known far and wide in the neighborhood as trouble with a capital “T.” He actually seemed to relish his reputation, wearing it almost like a badge of honour. He teased relentlessly, interrupted or ruined our games and wreaked havoc on anything we constructed. And I’m afraid that in our collective fear, we made no attempt to include him in our play; in fact, we dutifully avoided him like the plague. With hindsight, I am sure we only exacerbated the problem. I have to wonder if his interactions, however

negative, were merely his misguided attempts at inclusion.

I distinctly remember one summer when the rumor mill identified this bully as the likely culprit who had pilfered an apple from our back yard apple tree. And this was no ordinary apple. It was one that had grown to gigantic proportions, and it was quite simply my father’s pride and joy. He forbade any of us to pick it. If there was a Guinness Book record for the largest apple, this one certainly would have rivalled it. It was the talk of the neighborhood. We would stand underneath that apple tree, and “oohhh” and “ahhh” just gazing upwards through the foliage. Until one day, later in the fall, that marvelous apply simply disappeared. A quick investigation proved it hadn’t grown too heavy as it wasn’t found at the base of the tree. Well, you can imagine my father’s ire. Alas, there was no proof, so the apple bandit was never caught, much to my father’s dismay, but he certainly blamed you know who.

Bullies aside, it saddens me that many children today do not have the opportunity to experience being part of a neighborhood gang. Neighborhoods seem to be different nowadays, I imagine because of the mobility of families and the simple fact that many households have two working parents.

Our neighborhood gang served a purpose—Friendship. Safety. Belonging. Loyalty. Within its familiar confines, we learned the give and take of relationships, how to negotiate with others, the art of compromise and the importance of sharing and being kind with one another. It was like a mini-microcosm that prepared us for the wider world. Looking back, it easily brings to mind some of my fondest childhood memories.

Susan Gnucci is a local author and a proud “nonna” to two young grandsons. She enjoys sharing her experiences as a grandparent.

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Getting Ready for Visiting Grandkids

There’s nothing like having your grandkids come over for a visit—especially when you have everything you need on hand. This list is best suited to grandchildren ages 2–5, but may be adapted to suit other ages.

1. A Car Seat

It is now recommended to have children in a car seat or booster seat until they are about nine years old, depending on their weight and height. Babies should stay rear-facing until one year, but it is safest for toddler and preschoolers to remain in a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible. ( bcaa.com/community/child-car-seat-safety). Make sure you have an appropriate car seat and know how to install and use it.

2. A Yes-Zone

Grandparents’ houses are good places for children to learn how others live, and how to behave in a home that is not their own. It is a good idea to set boundaries about what kids can touch, where to put their shoes and which rooms they can go into. But don’t forget to designate a yes-zone: part of your home where nothing is off-limits. When the adults can relax, the kids have more fun and you can all work on developing a real and meaningful relationship!

3. Outdoor Time

One of the best ways to deal with kids who are getting a little grumpy is to take them outdoors. But do a little reconnoitering beforehand. Find the best parks, beaches and playgrounds near you. If

you are living in the home where you brought up your kids, you may know some of those destinations. But some may have changed in the last 30 years! And if you are living in a new place, you will need to start from scratch. Chat with some new parents in your neighbourhood to get their recommendations.

4. Bath Time

The other best way to cheer up a grumpy child is to put them in water. If you can’t get to a pool, a bath with new bath toys, or just some plastic containers and scoops can be really fun! Add colour with a couple drops of food colouring. Or check out bath crayons.

5. Snacks

Check with your grandchildren’s parents about what foods they might not be allowed or are allergic to. And then, within those boundaries, stock up on snacks. Plan for some pre-meal fresh fruit and veggies then when dinner is served, the kids will have already eaten their vegetables!

6. Cooking and Baking

Plan a simple baking project. Buy a little apron, perhaps a small rolling pin, some fun cookie cutters. Be aware that for preschoolers, cooking is a rich sensory process. They need to feel, grab, taste, smell and smear everything! It’s not going to be tidy, so relax and explore with your grandchild. Smell the cinnamon, taste the sugar and the salt and the baking powder (yuck!). Focus on the process, and don’t worry too much about the product. Enjoy!

7. Toys

Eva Bild is a childbirth, parenting and lactation educator and doula trainer. She has been working with new families since 1992. Eva is founder of the Mothering Touch Centre. She is the mother of three wonderful adults, but most excitingly, she is now a grandmother! evabild.ca

You may be tempted to get a whole bunch of toys to amuse your grandchildren while they are visiting. Be careful! A few toys go a long way. And they make less mess. Building toys (blocks, Lego, Duplo) are very versatile and fun for all ages. Puzzles are great, but make sure they are age-appropriate and not

too frustrating. Think about toys that encourage interaction and playing together. Having a big toy bin will make clean-up easy.

8. Gardening

If you like gardening, and have a garden, think about how you can share that pleasure with your grandkids. Can you give them a little spot they can dig in? A few seeds to “plant?” A little apron, some tiny gardening gloves, a small trowel and bucket. Make sure the tools are “real.” Plastic tools are often disappointing. My children’s grandmother taught them a lot about the names of flowers and plants, and weeds too. That’s a way of sharing a love of plants even if you don’t have a garden.

9. Outings

Grandparents are important in teaching children about their culture and heritage. Taking your grandchildren to museums, community festivals and events, concerts and movies is a great way to do that. Don’t expect too much of the kids’ attention span though. Be prepared with a lot of snacks and a really good attitude yourself! And be prepared to bail and go home if it just doesn’t seem like the right day for this outing. Try again next year!

10. Downtime

When your grandchildren come to visit, things can get intense. There may be too many people, too many family events, too many outings. Make sure there is a quiet time every day, when you and your grandchild can cuddle and read books or watch a movie. With any luck, that will turn into a nap! What a delight!

If there have been several high-energy, event-filled days in a row, declare a hang-out day. Stay home. Wear pyjamas. Eat cereal. Make playdough. (thebestideasforkids.com/playdough-recipe) Build a blanket fort. Those memories are golden!

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