Our Children Spring 2022

Halifax’s Family Magazine ourchildrenmagazine.ca Spring 2022

Little Dippers Fun finger foods for your spring festivities

Scaling to new heights

The power of pets

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Spring 2022

CONTENTS

10

Pursuing Passion

PHOTO: BRUCE MURRAY/VISIONFIRE

Show your kids there is always something new to learn

DEPARTMENTS Editor’s note 5 Being honest with your kids is a great investment

First Bell 6 What to see and do in Halifax

Family 14 T he job I wanted most 18 Scaling to new heights at Polly’s Cove

Nutrition 16 Little Dippers

Parenting Health & Wellness 12 Panicked by the poke 21 What the cat’s dragged in

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A special plan Creating a solid financial future with a trusted team

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On our cover What’s more fun that finger foods? Chef Andrew Farrell from Kitchen Door Catering whips up three dips your kids will love.

Photo by Bruce Murray/VisionFire Publisher

Pandemic décor • Somebea chsomew here • Beav erbrook Gallery • T. Thom ason

Editor in Chief Senior Editor Contributing Editors

Fred Fiander Crystal Murray Trevor J. Adams Jodi DeLong

Janet Whitman Senior Director Creative Design and Production

She writes the songs Meaghan Smith

talks life and

lyrics

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Designers

Pickling sea

son Traditiona l tastes and new

Shawn Dalton Roxanna Boers

Rachel Lloyd

favourites August

/ Septem ber 2021 Vol. 22 No. 4 / $6.95

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Crystal Murray, Editor in Chief

Our Children Magazine

@OurChildrenMag www

ourchildrenmagazine.ca

crystalmurray@ advocateprinting.com

www

There is always the line between truth and the preservation of innocence and truth www

www

The trust fund

Being honest with your kids is a great investment

I

’ve been a mom for almost 26 years. With four kids, one with a chronic illness, let’s just say that I have sought out a lot of advice in the last 2.5 decades.

From listening to experts on CDs while driving the minivan after I dropped the brood off to school, to niche publications like this and eventually blogs and podcasts from many different walks of life expounding on their approaches to the nouveau nurturing style, the one little nugget that always resonated through all my children’s developmental stages was the good old fashioned, sage advice to just be honest: tell the truth.

The way we share the truth is different at every stage of development. The truth I share with my children today is delivered differently than the truth when they were in elementary school. There is always the line between truth and the preservation of innocence and truth, and protection from fear.

In a world where honesty is becoming less of the norm, misinformation and mistruths have become dangerous contagions. Social media even in the hands of the very young has a veneer of deception. Even as adults, the things that we have always believed because that’s what we were taught left me doubting if we are ever completely honest.

Our perceptions shape our beliefs. Is my truth as a parent really, “the truth?”

Parenting during the pandemic has slipped to the absurd. How do you even find the right words to explain what’s happening in their world? It’s not as easy as it used to be to shield kids from the scary

bits. There is a mounting division on social media, where truth starts to circle the drain and opinion clouds reality. This is where you can start to debate truth as a value or truth as a goal. They’re two different things.

In this issue, we tackle a few different features where our personal truths and trust in oneself weave in and out of the stories. We begin with “Pursuing passions” on page 10, where we meet two parents who believe they reveal their true selves to their children with their evolving interests.

In “Panicked by the poke,” page 12, we learn how speaking honestly to our children can help them overcome their fear of needles.

In “The job I really wanted,” page 14, Halifax mom Andrea Ewer writes a personal essay on how she reconciled with her decision to give up a dream for a full-time teaching position to spend her days with her two young children.

In “Scaling new heights,” page 18, we get a lesson from hiking and outdoor family fun advocate, Trish Joudrey on how testing our agility in the outdoors connects to trusting our abilities.

Halifax Chef Andrew Farrell trusts the evidence that kids love to dip their foods in “Little dippers,” page 16, and we wrap it all up with a sweet story on page 21 from regular columnist Jill Chapell, who tells us about a fluffy new addition to her home — trust me, it will melt your heart.

FIRST BELL

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Our Children | Spring 2022

PHOTO: THE DISCOVERY CENTRE

Before the pandemic, an excursion to the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 was a highlight of the school year for many local students.

The historic site where so many people first arrived in Canada is closed until at least March, but continues to offer top-notch programming, including virtual field trips on topics like “Where are you really from?” and “Welcoming newcomers.” pier21.ca/learn/museum/program-information#virtual

Out and about Spots like the Discovery Centre, Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, and Museum of Natural History are local family favourites, especially during March Break. While COVID-19 has made schedules and event details a moving target, many attractions are operating through the pandemic, marrying exhibits and activities with public health precautions. On their websites, you’ll find all the information you need to prepare for your visit. Plan on reduced hours, physical distancing, and mask wearing, and expect safetyminded changes to some regular exhibitions. Plan ahead and you’ll find an ideal escape for a blustery spring weekend. Feel safer at home? You’ll also find activities and resources aplenty on their websites: thediscoverycentre.ca, artgalleryofnovascotia. ca, naturalhistory.novascotia.ca

PHOTO: CANADIAN MUSEUM OF IMMIGRATION AT PIER 21

Virtual field trips

Eyes on the sky From wild storms to sunny days, the weather endlessly fascinates many kids. If you have a budding meteorologist in your home, Environment Canada is always recruiting Weather Watchers, volunteers who “provide Environment Canada’s forecasters with up-to-the-minute information on severe weather events,” explains the website. “Thousands of individuals from all walks of life have been a part of this vast and valuable network of observers. Weather watchers provide an invaluable service not only to meteorologists, but also to their communities and the general public.” Visit the website to learn more and sign up. canada.ca/en/environmentclimate-change/services/report-severe-weather/watcherprogram.html

School projects, homework, hobbies, and personal interests of all sorts: while pandemic precautions have limited on-site options, Halifax Public Libraries remain busy helping kids learn and grow. On the organization’s website, you'll find a huge archive of at-home resources, including expert Q&As, fun projects, reading suggestions, games, videos, and more. halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/ explore/?programs=libraryonline-kids

PHOTO: DISCOVER HALIFAX

More than books

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A special plan Creating a solid financial future with a trusted team

By Heidi Tattrie Rushton

W

hen you have children, long-term financial planning needs to be a priority. But when you have children with special needs, who may require lifelong support, it’s even more important. Making a solid financial plan today can make all the difference in your child’s quality of life, now and in the future.

Brian Himmelman, president of Himmelman & Associates Financial Advisors in Halifax, says the biggest mistake many families make with their finances is “simply ignoring, delaying, or not planning for the future.”

He says the first step towards creating a financial plan for children with special needs is research. When you understand what challenges the child may face in the future, it’s easier to plan to address these issues and allocate resources accordingly.

The next step is to engage with professionals in the field and with supporting organizations, such as the IWK, government, community groups, non-profits, or specialized schools, to build a team of trusted resources. Connecting with other families who have “been there” (or are also in the process of planning) can also provide information and support.

Finally, Himmelman recommends consulting with a certified financial planner and looking into options such as the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). A professional will be able to guide a family through the available saving programs and help them to identify the best fit for their personal circumstances.

Understanding and maximizing the benefits of the available programs can ease the strain.

“Families who design a plan for their child with a disability or special needs and successfully see that plan through are happier, more empowered, and are far less stressed than families who don’t,” says Himmelman.

Kirsten Lebelle works at Easter Seals Nova Scotia as a multiprogram coordinator. She agrees that helping children develop some form of independence early on, which could lead to a source of income, is an important part of financial planning.

“I believe that a person with disabilities who is taught from a young age that they can have adaptive independence, where they are able to earn an income on their own, is so important because they tend to flourish when they’re older and in turn, have more opportunities,” says Lebelle. “There are so many options out there for any child or adult to be able to have their own income that many parents do not know about … It could be at a social enterprise that is able to handle any form of disability, like New Leaf Enterprises, or at a job in a local store in their neighbourhood.”

Lebelle has a younger sibling who has autism and will need extra support throughout his life. When he was very young, her parents began teaching him life skills, thinking about what his life would look like as an adult.

While he still needs full assistance, through family guidance and involvement in local programs, he is learning to cook simple meals, ride a bus, and use a bank account.

“My brother is just entering the Achieve Program at NSCC and once he is finished, he will be working in a small craft business that he and his friends created during the pandemic. It was adapted by us to be able to handle the disabilities that he and his friends have,” she says. “(The NSCC program) allows them to learn on their own, and with their peers who are on the same playing field, and to grow and hone in on their interests.”

For families who have a child with physical disabilities, Lebelle says there are organizations that will help cover the cost of wheelchairs, walkers, or other adaptive equipment, either through loans or donations. Many of these support programs have long wait times, so advance planning is key to getting the financial support that is needed.

For Lebelle’s brother, the plan is for him to live at home with their parents until they can no longer care for him, then he will move in with Lebelle’s family where he’ll have his own bachelor apartment. This living arrangement will provide independence for him, with family support nearby when needed.

“We now have my brother’s future planned out and he has so much more freedom and independence than we could have ever hoped for,” she says. “If we had started planning this later in life, I don’t know that he would have everything in place to be independent and able to do the things he is doing now.”

For more information and a connection to resources go to our website ourchildremagazine.ca

Pursuing Passion

Show your kids there is always something new to learn

By Melanie Mosher Photography by Bruce Murray/VisionFire

Our Children | Spring 2022

FEATURE

S

pring is a time of renewed energy, and often a time for goal setting. When we’re in the weeds of parenting, it’s sometimes difficult to carve out time for our passions, because we’re invested in nurturing our children’s passions. Taking time to hone a skill, learn something, and discover new passions or reconnect with old ones, is proven to be restorative.

Learning is a form of self-care and an opportunity for me-time.

It improves brain function, increases self-esteem, and boosts creativity. In the process, you will be a student and a teacher, showing your child one can learn new things regardless of age.

The Alzheimer’s Society of Nova Scotia, under the category of brain-healthy tips, says on its website: “By constantly learning new things and challenging your brain throughout your life, you can help build your cognitive reserve. Learning a new language and taking up new hobbies are good examples of brain-challenging activities.”

Adult learning programs provided by the Canadian government, NSCC continuing education courses, local recreation centres, community organizations, online classes, and YouTube videos provide options for everyone.

Nova Scotia Health offers a wide range of wellness courses at no cost to participants. “Whether it’s a yoga class, education to help manage your chronic illness or an open board meeting, we encourage you to explore new opportunities for you and your loved ones to learn, grow and engage with your health,” according to the website. Offerings include yoga, nutrition, parenting skills, stress management, and assertiveness training.

Sixty-eight facilities are listed under the umbrella of HRM recreation, offering community programs at affordable rates.

Although some courses have been adjusted during COVID restrictions, they include a wide variety of choices like dance, drawing, gardening, painting, and Zumba.

With the ease of Zoom, organizations like the Writers’ Federation of Nova Scotia offer more courses than ever, reaching an extended audience. Not having to consider travel, facilitators and instructors are able to share their knowledge from across the province. Participants from across the country are given the opportunity to be involved.

Clare O’Connor, children’s author and parent in Halifax, has participated in many workshops and courses.

“I want to demonstrate to my daughter that it’s important to pursue the things that really interest you,” she says. “It serves no one to have your energy depleted. The more excited I get about the things I am working on and learning, the more energy it gives me. More energy for her and for life,” says O’Connor.

Jillian Mosher, personal banker and parent in Dartmouth, studied for the Canadian Securities exam to become licensed to sell mutual funds with BMO, her current employer. These studies took place prior to COVID. During the pandemic she continued with online learning.

“I also took the Indigenous Canada course through University of Alberta last year,” says Mosher. “The securities exam was stressful since it was closely related to how far I could get with my current job. But completing the course and passing was incredibly

Author Clare O’Connor believes nature and curiosity ignites passion.

She takes time to explore with daughter Olivia and incorporates play into all of their learning adventures.

satisfying. The Indigenous Canada course was an incredible eye opener for me. So much I didn’t know about the past and present.”

O’Connor shares her experience with her five-year-old daughter. “I also consider it good modelling for my daughter. She gets to witness me taking time to challenge myself and my brain in a different way. Then we can talk about it,” says O’Connor.

A conversation that can be built around what they both learned in school.

Mosher’s daughter is 10. “She thought it was silly sometimes, me studying after working all day. I don’t think she had thought much about school and learning once you’re an adult.

She certainly had zero interest to learn about equities and income funds, but the Indigenous Canada course started lots of conversation about discrimination and injustice,” says Mosher.

Finding time for yourself and taking time away from parenting can be difficult but it is important. “It’s all about juggling,” says Mosher. “After a long day at work and her having a long day at school the rest of the evening is typically us time. So, I had to find things that didn’t take away from that. I packed up my books and would take her to the beach with friends.”

Respecting one’s own needs is essential for parents. “I need to be creative. I need to fulfill that part of me, and it makes me a better parent,” says O’Connor. She also wants her daughter to know that all skills take learning. Writing a book or playing the piano doesn’t just happen, you have to work at it in order to learn the craft.

Maybe you want to learn how to cook new cuisine. Have you always wanted to paint, but never felt you could? Maybe you want to pursue new studies. With online learning options offered by reputable universities and colleges you can earn degrees and diplomas from the convenience of your own home.

Learn like a beginner and savour the feeling of new discoveries, studying alongside your children. Take the plunge and explore the options. The hardest part will be deciding where to begin.

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PARENTING HEALTH & WELLNESS

Our Children | Spring 2022

Panicked by the poke How to talk to your kids about their needle phobia

By Ameeta Vohra

W

ith in-person learning back this winter and vaccination efforts ramping up, children continue to navigate an uncertain world with COVID-19.

Children face heightened anxiety if they have trypanophobia.

IWK pediatric-health psychologist Dr. Elizabeth McLaughlin says that this is a common syndrome as two-thirds of children fear needles. The level of fear ranges from mild to very severe.

McLaughlin says the higher the fear is, the most likely it will interfere with a child’s ability to get a needle.

“Most children report that they’re afraid of the discomfort that comes with having a needle,” she says. “Others have memories of experiences with needles in the past that make them afraid. For other children, just like with other common fears, like a fear of spiders, or snakes, they don’t know where the fear comes from.

It’s just something they can always remember.”

While children want to get the needle and understand the importance of getting medication or in many cases these days, a vaccine, the procedure often causes panic.

“We know that the fear of needles has always been a factor in some people avoiding needles or vaccine hesitancy,” she says.

“What I’ve noticed with COVID-19 is we’ve seen a large number of people working hard to overcome their fear to get the vaccine.”

For parents, McLaughlin says the signs are easy to tell if their child exhibits fear of needles.

“As soon as the idea of a needle is mentioned, the child may say that they’re afraid, or that they won’t do it, or just display emotions such as fear or anger,” she says. “Some other children try to avoid going to places where there might be a chance of getting a needle, like their family doctor’s office or a dentist.

In other cases, the strong rush of feelings comes as a complete surprise at the last minute to both the child and the caregiver.”

After a lot of research on trypanophobia, many coping strategies have emerged which have proven effective for children. Parents play a crucial role in helping their children overcome those fears. It starts with demonstrating to their child the confidence and resilience to do things even when they are scared of the situation.

“Most children have overcome other fears in their life, like going to school, the first day of primary or going to sleepover for the first time,” she says. “It can be really helpful to remind them of that and to talk together about what tools they use to get through those situations.”

If a child becomes anxious when talk begins about needles, parents will avoid having the discussion. However, McLaughlin says there are benefits to having that talk.

“Talking to them (children) in advance gives us an opportunity to talk about some coping strategies, answer their questions, honestly and create a plan, whether they want you to be in the room with them, or what they want to bring with the appointment, or to talk about why the needles important,” she says. “Even if their anxiety goes up when you have this conversation, it usually goes back down again soon, and everyone will feel more prepared, and in fact, experiencing the epidemic of anxiety also shows everyone that the child can cope with these feelings.”

To ease the anxiety children have from the pain and discomfort of having a needle poked in their skin, pharmacies and drugstores offer topical anesthetic cream to numb the area that parents can purchase without a prescription.

“Once the cream has been on for the recommended amount of time, I usually like to have the child poke the area with something like a toothpick or a pen cap to prove to themselves that numbs the skin, and this can give them a lot of confidence,” she says.

Parents can also create a distraction plan during their child’s needle time. McLaughlin says having it could be as simple as talking about something fun or looking at something on the phone.

However, a small number of children want to watch the needle procedure, so it can be a challenge to distract them. One coping mechanism for that is practicing deep breathing in advance as it calms the body. Many apps are available to help children breathe for relaxation.

There is also the option of doing a dry practice run with your child.

“For some families, you can even practice at home with an empty syringe that you might have on hand for giving liquid medication and alcohol wipes and a toothpick,” she says.

“If you decide to do that, go slowly in small steps and keep it positive.”

PHOTO: NANZEEBA IBNAT

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13 Offering a small reward to children for going through the needle procedure is encouraged. Still, McLaughlin says it’s essential not to give or withhold based on an expression of emotion such as crying. Feelings and emotions are normal, but the key is to reward based on what they have done to help the procedure be successful such as holding still. How a child remembers a needle will influence their coping strategy for the next one.

“When your child’s needle is done, help them to focus on what went well and their resilience,” she says.

“Something like, ‘Yes, you were nervous before the needle went in, and at the same time, you did a great job holding still, and you felt so proud of yourself as soon as it was over.’ ” McLaughlin says parents have the opportunity to set the tone in the moment. How they behave and react can reflect how a child perceives the needle situation.

“If the child looks to their parents and they can see that their parent is calm and confident, that they’ll get through, that’s going to be helpful,” she says. “On the other hand, if they see their parent is anxious, that might make them feel more unsure. If anxiety feelings do come up for the child, like a tummy ache, or a faster heart rate, let them know that this is normal is just the body’s way of responding when they’re nervous. Even though those feelings can be uncomfortable or seem to be telling them to run away, you can still work together to get this needle done, let them know they’re doing well and coach them in strategies like deep breathing.”

If a parent senses that a child might have trypanophobia, resources are available to help them navigate the coping strategy. Talking to a health care provider ahead of time can also prove beneficial.

“There are lots of resources available online that review good evidence-based strategies,” she says. “Many children with needle fears will be able to have a good experience with needles after having some preparation, support from their caregiver and support from the health care provider giving the needle since the COVID-19 vaccines have become available. I’ve heard countless times in my professional and personal life how children with needle fears were able to move through the experience in a positive way. Nurses, pharmacists and other health care providers giving the needle know how to help, especially if you let them know that your child is feeling nervous. However, if attempting a needle would be unsafe, if your child is refusing to try, or if your child has had a very difficult experience with a needle in the past, there are additional resources available from nurses, child life specialists, and psychologists.”

The IWK Health Centre website has vaccination resources for youth and families. It includes a toolkit that summarizes what parents can do before, during and after needle injections.

“We also know that how children’s experiences with needles can influence how they feel about future health care encounters,” she says. “Anything that we can do as parents or healthcare providers, help every needle be more positive, is worthwhile.”

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NIMBUS

SWEETGRASS

SING IN THE SPRING! Verse by Sheree Fitch Art by Deb Plestid

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FAMILY

Andrea Ewer and boys playing in the park near their home in Halifax.

Our Children | Spring 2022

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THE JOB

I wanted most

How I worked through the shame of choosing to stay home with my kids

By Andrea Ewer Photography by Bruce Murray/VisionFire

W

hen my firstborn was six months old, and my maternity leave was only half over, I went back to work — not because I wanted to, but because my career as an elementary school teacher was on the line. I had spent three years chasing teaching’s golden trophy, a permanent contract, and if I didn’t get back in the classroom, I’d find myself back at the bottom of the ladder. So, I bought a breast pump and lined the freezer with little bags of milk, went shopping for dress pants that concealed my post-baby bump, and hired a nanny.

She and my son bonded immediately.

They spent many afternoons swinging at the park by the school where I taught, and I would peer through the window of my classroom to catch a glimpse. I would wonder how long he had napped, if he had liked the sweet potato purée that I had made for him and hoped he was happy and not missing me too much.

My heart was torn. I longed to be home with my boy, to be the one to witness his first sounds and words and steps. But becoming a teacher had been a lifelong dream, a passion I had pursued since my own days in elementary school.

When I shared with a coworker who was also a mom that I was struggling with the transition back to work, her response was “Honey, you’ve just got to rip off that Band-Aid.” Well, rip it off I had, but it seemed to be taking a long time to heal. I woke in the morning with heavy eyes and a sense of dread looming over me. My detailed lesson plans became shorter and shorter until they were merely a few words scribbled across the page. One day I noticed the principal flipping through my plan book while I had the students huddled around my feet for story time. I wasn’t surprised when he called me into his office at the end of the day to discuss my lack of planning.

I was humiliated, and I was angry. I knew I had dropped the ball. I just couldn’t believe someone else had noticed.

I wanted to run out of that building screaming This is not where I want to be! But I stayed, because I was trying to build a career. Because this was the path I had made for myself all those

years ago, because what would happen if I didn’t? It would take two more years and the birth of my second son to finally trade the classroom for a full-time role at home. But I had grounded my identity in teaching for so long that it took a while to figure out who I was all over again.

Shame became an ever-present companion. It’s a feeling I’ve battled for the six years that I’ve been home with my two boys, a voice in my head telling me that I’m not living up to my potential, that I’m less of a woman because I don’t have a career. When a working mom rushes past me at school drop off, me in my leggings and sneakers and her in her high heels and pant suit, I’m often hit with a pang of self-doubt. Am I doing enough? Am I enough?

I’m learning to live with this uncertainty. Being a stay-at-home mom has been my greatest teacher. It has helped me to slow down, to be present, to appreciate all of the tiny, beautiful things in my life that I used to overlook. Like sipping my coffee at the kitchen window, watching the sun creep into the orange sky, or laughing at my husband and sons wrestling on the couch. I am more awake to my life, and more myself now than I’ve ever been.

When my second maternity leave was coming to an end (the full 12 months this time), I received a letter from the school board informing me that I had earned enough teaching days to qualify for a probationary contract, after which I would be offered a permanent position. There it was, the golden trophy, the thing that I had been chasing after all this time.

But then I glanced over at my almost-one-year-old, bouncing in his jumper, and his three-year-old brother, flipping through a stack of picture books on the living room floor, and that piece of paper didn’t mean so much anymore. I was happy with my life. Being a stay-at-home mom comes with its frustrations, and there are days I wished I was somewhere, anywhere else. And yet, I knew this was the job I wanted most of all. As I tossed the envelope into the recycling bin, a smile spread across my face, and I turned to the boys and asked, “Who wants to go swing at the playground?”

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NUTRITION

Little Dippers Fun finger foods for your spring festivities Recipes by Chef Andrew Farrell Photos by Bruce Murray/VisionFire

E

aster is perhaps the sweetest holiday of the year but too many chocolate bunnies, mini eggs, and marshmallow chicks and you have the perfect ingredients for gooey meltdowns. If you are trying to stave off the Easter weekend sugar crash be prepared with a few easy, go to dishes that you can whip up for a festive breakfast or for a mid-day nutrition boost for those little energizer bunnies.

Kids love to dip their food. It’s no parenting secret to know that if you want your kids to eat more healthy stuff give them a dip and let them “play” with their food. From the early stages of development where children are gearing up their motor skills to giving children choice in their nutrition, dips are the perfect way to let your kids dive into fun and nutritious food.

Chef Andrew Farrell from Kitchen Door Catering in Dartmouth whipped up three different dips that will help keep the little fingers in your house out of the candy bowl and reaching for the veggie tray. Some tried and true favourites are roasted potatoes and sweet potatoes, fresh veggies, or easy breakfast bites like toast and bacon.

Avocado Yogurt Dip INGREDIENTS 2 avocados 1/4 cup plain yogurt 1 tbsp lime juice (to taste) 1/4 teaspoon salt (more to taste) INSTRUCTIONS Scoop out avocado into blender, and add yogurt, salt, and lime juice.

Use Greek yogurt for a thicker texture.

Blend until smooth and enjoy!

Our Children | Spring 2022

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Hollandaise a la Blender INGREDIENTS 3 large egg yolks 1 1/2 tbsp fresh lemon juice 1/2 cup salted butter INSTRUCTIONS NOTE: This is a quick sauce that is best made just before serving —only a few minutes start to finish. Place egg yolks and lemon juice in a blender.

Melt butter in microwave or in a small saucepan. Either way you melt it, just make sure the butter is hot and foamy on top, that way it is hot enough to thicken and cook the egg mixture. If using a thermometer, the butter will ideally be between 950 to 1000 Celsius.

Cover the blender and mix the egg and lemon juice for a few seconds. Now, carefully start streaming in hot melted butter (not too fast!) while the blender is still running. This will start to thicken as most of the butter is added. Once you just have milky butter, stop adding to blender, turn it off and taste to adjust your seasoning. Add salt, pepper, and extra lemon juice to taste.

Serve immediately or keep warm for 30 minutes to an hour.

Cheesy Dipper Sauce INGREDIENTS 2 cups grated cheddar cheese 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk 1 teaspoon salt INSTRUCTIONS In a small saucepan, combine cheddar cheese and cornstarch.

Toss until cheese is evenly coated.

Stir in evaporated milk and salt. Heat over medium-high heat, whisking until cheese is melted and smooth, about 3 to 5 minutes.

Serve immediately, or reduce heat to low, cover, and keep warm until serving time.

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FAMILY

Our Children | Spring 2022

Scaling to New Heights at Polly’s Cove A local family finds adventure, exercise, and education on the wild Atlantic coast

By Trish Joudrey

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PHOTO: TRISH JOUDREY

PHOTO: TRISH JOUDREY

T

he Peggy’s Cove coastline is renowned for its barren ruggedness and dramatic beauty.

Spectators flock like gulls to these shores to stand on crests of rocky cliffs and watch waves crash on the rocks, and to photograph the sun setting over the ocean. But for one Halifax family, the weathered boulders and unusual rock formations along the coast hold a special allure.

When asked to accompany Gordon Francis and Jessica Gilbert and their two children, Mica (five), and Leo (10) on a hike at Polly’s Cove, I expected to have a similar relaxed walk along the rocks as I had done so many times before at Peggy’s Cove, just two kilometres down the road. What I didn’t know was that both children were as nimble as mountain goats, and their idea of hiking at Polly’s Cove was climbing up the rocks, not walking on them.

Knowing little about bouldering before I began the hike, I initially thought the large foam cushion that Gordon had strapped to his back at the car park was to sit on while we ate our snacks.

Are you bringing that with us on the hike?” I asked Gordon, thinking we could easily stuff a small blanket into my backpack instead.

Yes, it’s the crash pad for the boys.”

I gulped. Today was going to be more than a walk on the rocks.

I was in for a special hiking experience.

Walking in nature has become a regular weekend activity for the Gilbert-Francis family. Short walks like the Mainland Common Trail, Hemlock Ravine, Belcher’s Marsh or Frog Pond are routine outings on a Saturday afternoon.

“But every other weekend, we try to go on a longer trail hike, similar to this one today at Polly’s Cove. We have found 15 waterfalls this year,” says Jessica. “That’s at least 15 hikes in six months.”

Jessica explains that motivating the children to get outdoors for their family walks is not a challenge. “Walking is just what we do,” she says. “We also limit screen time to an hour a day and the kids aren’t over scheduled in extra curriculars, so there is plenty of time for family adventures.”

“And of course, there’s always a little treat bribery on the return leg,” adds Gordon with a laugh.

Polly’s Cove was a new hike for the boys. But as soon as the car door was closed, they both ran ahead comfortably, as though they had been there many times before. After a short walk through the low scrub growth, the open rocky shoreline created endless route possibilities.

Granite boulders of various sizes and shapes blanket the area, with low lying bearberry, wintergreen, crowberry, and common juniper filling the spaces between.

The cracks, fissures and crevices that had formed in the granite boulders when the magma cooled over 300 million years ago, now became the ideal spots for Mica and Leo to place their hands and feet.

Pointing to a five-metre wall of granite ahead, Jessica explains: “That rock face is the warm-up climb.” Excited to climb, the kids quickly changed into their rock-climbing shoes and with a little white climbing chalk on their hands, Leo and Mica were off

Family hikes open to many teaching moments. Gordon Francis examines tiny pieces of mica identified by son Leo.

clambering up the side while Gordon set the crash pad in place.

Jessica got into the action, bouldering up behind the boys. Once on top of the rock, a smile of victory lit up their faces. Feeling a sense of accomplishment, the boys raised their arms to the sky, and out to sea. They were indeed kings of the rocks.

Various paths crisscross the windswept granite coastline, some heading down to the water while others meander up to rocky ledges. Following unmarked trails or deciding to squeeze through narrow openings between large boulders made the three-kilometre hike a thrilling, fun-filled adventure.

Gordon, who studied geology in university, stopped at various places to teach the boys a new fact about the rocks.

“Hiking, whether it is bouldering or to find waterfalls, provides a perfect opportunity to discover more about our beautiful planet,” says Gordon, examining a broken piece of granite.

“Look Dad. I’ve found some mica,” shouts Leo. “That’s the same mineral Mica is named after.”

“Yes, you certainly did Leo. Good work! Look how it shines next to the granite,” says Gordon.

According to Gordon, Polly’s Cove is an ideal spot to take children to look for amethyst, chunks of quartz, pieces of tourmaline, and to identify different algae lining the rocks.

“It’s like a treasure hunt,” he says.

After a break for water, sandwiches and cookies, we packed up for one last search on our hike.

“We are on a hunt now for the amphitheatre,” says Jessica to the boys with a wink. “I’ll let you know when we get there.”

As we rounded the cove, we descended onto a large flatbed of granite tucked between the water’s edge and a 10-metre granite rock face. It’s easy to imagine sitting there beside the rock wall watching plays of old sea stories.

“We found the amphitheatre,” shouts Leo, running over to a tall

FAMILY

Our Children | Spring 2022

FIVE TOP TIPS FOR HIKING AND BOULDERING AT POLLY’S COVE PHOTO: TRISH JOUDREY

1

Check wind and weather conditions before going. Coastal weather changes rapidly.

The delicate flora ecosystem is easily disturbed.

PHOTO: TRISH JOUDREY

3

Have a spotter with you if you are bouldering higher than your waist height.

No crash pad? Stick to rock scrambling.

4

Bring a stick or hiking poles for each member of the family. Poles help with balance and stability. Rocks at Polly’s Cove can be slippery from the ocean spray. Avoid the

5

Bring a pad to sit on for your breaks and snacks.

There are only cold rocks in winter. A thermos of hot chocolate warms the hands on a chilly spring day.

PHOTO: TRISH JOUDREY

2

Stay on the established paths at Polly’s Cove.

slippery black rocks.

PHOTO: TRISH JOUDREY

PHOTO: TRISH JOUDREY

Dress accordingly.

PHOTO: HEATHER FEGAN

20

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www.artworkshalifax.com

Scaling boulders and big leaps sometimes call for soft landings. Gordon Francis straps a foam crash pad on his back before an afternoon of bouldering at Polly’s Cove with children Mica and Leo and Mum, Jessica Gilbert.

cave-like opening between two tall granite boulders he spotted.

With Jessica leading, Mica and Leo shimmied between the rocks behind her and disappeared from sight. Only the sound of the lapping surf remained in the amphitheatre. A few minutes later, triumphal shouts on the other side of the rock face rang out.

“We made it through!” Mica yells gleefully.

One last stop for snacks completed the hike. Munching on apples and cookies on top of a rock, the usual chatter was replaced with a quiet scanning of the surrounding beauty and a feeling of accomplishment.

Polly’s Cove Trail, despite being on a rugged, sometimes blustery coastline, is accessible throughout the year. Even in winter, depending on the weather and snow conditions, bouldering and clambering over rocks are possible with care.

Polly’s Cove Trail holds magic for every member of the family: photography, tidal pools, algae and minerals, climbing, walking, sketching, or enacting a story in the granite amphitheatre.

“It can be hard to plan activities that everyone will enjoy,” says Jessica. “But a hike to Polly’s Cove and being in nature is something we can all enjoy as a family.”

PARENTING HEALTH & WELLNESS

Our Children | Spring 2022

21

What the cat’s dragged in A new kitten enriches family’s life and mental health

By Jill Chapell

PHOTO: COURTESY OF JILL CHAPELL

T

he pandemic has brought so many challenges. For my family, it was the loss of our two cats, Odin and Loki, in the span of ten months. Their deaths left a void in our household that we filled with making the most of the sunshine and warmth of the summer months. But as the crisp fall mornings returned, we found ourselves again missing the comfort of curling up with a four-legged friend. Then came Ruby.

To combat the loneliness, we decided to adopt a kitten from SHAID Animal Shelter in Lunenburg County. I made the trip alone to meet Ruby, then named Pretzel, who was one of four siblings from the “Junk Food Litter” (the shelter names littler groups).

All grey with a tiny patch of white under her chin, she was sweet, curious and friendly; twisting her way into our hearts with ease.

We welcomed Ruby into our home the week of Halloween.

It was busier than usual, but she settled in effortlessly. As we bundled our two boys transformed for the night as Yoshi and Kid Chaos into their raingear for trick or treating, our little fluffball slipped out of view. After an exhaustive search of the attic, basement, and everywhere in between, there was still no sign of Ruby. Feeling worried and defeated, I sat on the floor of the living room to sort through candy with the kids. I lifted my head and there she was curled up on the shelf of our side table, fast asleep on a pile of books.

It’s no wonder nearly one million Canadians have welcomed new pets into their homes since the pandemic began. It doesn’t take a registered therapy animal to have a positive impact on your life. Pets bring an incredible amount of comfort, joy and companionship. Research shows there are many mental health benefits of pet ownership including emotional support, a reduction in anxiety and depression symptoms, and improved quality of life.

Our family can attest to that. Our house quickly became a playground for our 10-week old kitten (who our boys desperately wanted to name Squishy Paws.) We obsessed over her cuteness, laughed at her antics, and marveled at how she played fetch with pom poms. We fawned over her like first-time parents of a new baby. We fell in love with Ruby.

It’s been rewarding to see our children develop a bond with our pet. They each share their own special connection and take on

Max poses with Ruby for a show and tell photo to take to school.

PARENTING HEALTH & WELLNESS

Our Children | Spring 2022

“They’ve learned compassion and how to be gentle with animals, and what happens if you’re not.

They gave her the nickname, Meow Meow, that’s stuck” PHOTO: COURTESY OF JILL CHAPELL

22

Xander is all smiles with his favourite feline.

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varying degrees of responsibility with her chores, depending on the day. They play games with her and try to sneak her into their beds at night. They’ve learned compassion and how to be gentle with animals, and what happens if you’re not. They gave her the nickname, Meow Meow, that’s stuck.

“Meow Meow is hilarious. She does funny things like crawls under my bed and sneaks up on me,” says Xander. “When I’m sad she comes up to my room and snuggles with me. It makes me feel great.”

“One night I was deep asleep, and Meow Meow knocked over my craft kit and I had to clean it up all by myself. So big, so messy,” says Max. We’ve grown closer as a family, too. Cats are hilarious and we love to laugh at the silly things she does and watch cat videos together. She makes us excited to get home when we’ve been out for the day and gives us something to look forward to. At Christmas my son picked out his own special gift for me at his school’s holiday shop- a pewter picture frame in the shape of a cat.

Meow Meow is a constant companion since we’re still primarily working from home. Most days she sits on my lap as I type away and she often makes appearances on our Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia Zoom calls. At the end of a long day when she lays on my chest and starts purring, my worries seem to melt away.

There are so many ways Ruby has enhanced our mental health and well-being. That’s not to say it’s all perfectly rosy. There’s a spray bottle on hand for when she claws the furniture and regularly steals aways with Max’s pom poms and pipe cleaners. I’ve also had to clean up the remnants of our potted plants on several occasions.

Dirt and all, we couldn’t imagine life without her and are incredibly grateful for what the cat dragged in.

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