Special Features - Nanaimo Family Magazine Spring 2020

Family magazine

Free drop-in programs Schedule of activities for Nanaimo families

Healthy start

Fairs a chance to connect

Playing outside Prof offers ‘fix-all’ advice Spring 2020

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Nanaimo Welcomes You to

Attend the Church of Your Choice Trinity United Church

250-390-2513 • 6234 Spartan Road

Minister Foster Freed We worship every Sunday at 11am; we also offer a church school program for young children that runs at the same time. All are welcome.

For more information go to our website.

www.trinityunitednanaimo.com

Trinity Catholic Church 250-390-2612 • 6234 Spartan Rd

In the Catholic tradition of the Apostles we invite you to celebrate the Holy Eucharist, our source of strength & spiritual life. Jesus is truly present with us in Holy Mass.

Everyone is welcome to our celebrations Saturdays at 6pm, Sundays at 8am or 9am, Mondays at 6pm and Tuesdays to Fridays at 9am. There’s also a family/youth mass every third Saturday of the month. Adoration is every Friday at 9:30am, the Rosary is at 8:30am Tuesday to Friday, & El Shaddai is every first Saturday of the month. www.trinitycatholicnanaimo.ca

St. Paul’s Anglican 250-753-2523 • 29 Church Street

St. Paul’s is a welcoming and affirming community where everyone is welcome. We are a place of oasis for spiritual rest, service, and worship. We are committed to sharing the love of Christ in all we do. Sundays 8 am, 10:30 am, & Wed 11 am

www.stpaulsnanaimo.ca

First Baptist Church 250-753-0241 • 1650 Waddington Rd. First Baptist Church’s vision is “To Know Christ... and Make Him Known.” Guests are welcome at our two Sunday morning Worship Services at 9 am and 11 am.

Kidz Time at both services.

www.fbcnanaimo.ca

Brechin United Church

1 Newcastle Avenue 250-754-9212

Brechin United Church is an Affirming Ministry and an inclusive congregation that welcomes all seekers and sojourners. You will experience us as open to exploring questions of faith and deepening spirituality. With a focus on outreach, we seek ways to respond to needs in our local community. Sunday services engage current context and feature a lively music program. Our community of faith welcomes you. Sunday Service at 10:30 am. www.brechinunited.ca Brechin House office - 945 Waddington Road

Thank you and GOD Bless!

Nanaimo News Bulletin

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Tuesday, February 25, 2020 Y3

Family magazine

Healthy Start Fair Nanaimo parents can find out about programs and services, and how to access those resources Family magazine is published

by Nanaimo News Bulletin and Black Press.

PUBLISHER: SEAN McCUE EDITOR: GREG SAKAKI PRODUCTION: DARRELL SUMMERFELT

Editorial contributions were made by Black Press staff, members of the Greater Nanaimo Early Years Partnership, as well as organizations involved in child development and early learning. For information on contributing or advertising in Family magazine, please contact the Nanaimo News Bulletin at 250-753-3707 or e-mail editor@ nanaimobulletin.com.

4 Activities Free drop-in and registered events in greater Nanaimo

8-9 Directory A list of agencies and contact info to help parents find support

10-11 Raising gamers

12

Playing outside a fix-all

Colouring page

14

5

From obesity to allergies, outdoor play is the best medicine, says university professor.

DID WE MISS YOU? To ensure your ad is published in our next issue, please give us a call 250-753-3707

www.nanaimobulletin.com 777 Poplar Street

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Healthy start fairs a chance to connect Next event will take place Friday, March 6, at Seaview Elementary in Lantzville

Nanaimo families with children up to age six are invited to be part of upcoming healthy start fairs that include activities and information.

The Greater Nanaimo Early Years Partnership is hosting two more healthy start fairs in the coming months, with one March 6 in Lantzville and another May 12 in Cedar.

The fairs are meant to bring together families and service providers, helping parents make connections and find out information in an enviromment that engages children.

Amber Bruner, Early Years Healthy Start Fair coordinator, told the Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island in a blog post last year that Nanaimo parents know there are great resources and services in the community, but don’t always know where or how to access them.

“So we built the Nanaimo Early Years website and we had a virtual hub with information. But we still didn’t have that one-on-one connection that’s needed or wanted. That’s when the idea of the fairs came up,” Bruner said in the blog post.

The partnership holds the fairs at a

range of locations, on different days of the week, to try to be accessible to more families.

“Without the fairs, if a family needs the support, they would have to find it themselves – and sometimes they don’t even know they need a service until they start chatting with a provider at our fair. It’s just such a great one-stop-shop resource for families,” Bruner said. “And our work is never finished! There are always new families, new service providers, and new programs.”

The fairs include information about early learning and development supports, public health supports, pregnancy supports and other resources. There will be vision screenings, snacks, games, stories, other activities, giveaways and more.

Next week’s fair is Friday, March 6, from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Seaview Elementary School in Lantzville. The next one after that will be May 12 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Qwam Qwum Stuwixwulh School in Cedar.

For more information, visit www. nanaimoearlyyears.org.

Valid until December 31, 2019 for dine-in only. Minimum purchase of $12.99. Not to be combined with any other promotional offer.

No cash value. Limit one coupon per visit. Valid only at our Nanaimo White Spot Restaurants.

www.nanaimobulletin.com

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Tuesday, February 25, 2020 Y5

Outdoor play remains the best medicine Column: From obesity to allergies, playing outside is a fix-all solution

By Mariana Brussoni

W

hat if there was a simple, inexpensive and fun way to address some of the major challenges facing humanity today. What if it could help improve children’s health, development and well-being?

Imagine a solution that could stem the current epidemics of obesity, anxiety and depression affecting children and youth today.

Imagine that this solution could also promote brain health, creativity and academic achievement and prepare our children for the rapidly-changing work force.

Along the way it could reduce incidence of allergies, asthma and other immunity challenges. It could foster a culture of environmental stewardship and sustainability and help build the health of cities – promoting feelings of community connection.

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Imagine that this intervention could also help countries meet their targets for many of the United Nations sustainable development goals, such as the good health and well-being, inclusive and equitable quality education, and others.

This isn’t an expensive intervention, or one that parents have to force their children to do – like homework or eating their vegetables. Rather than dreading it, children report being at their happiest when doing it and they seek ways to keep at it for as long as possible.

What is this fix-all simple solution?

Playing outside.

play longer.

They get their hands in the dirt and are exposed to microbes that help them build their immunity. They make their own goals and figure out the steps to attain those goals, helping them build executive function skills. They learn, build resilience and develop their social skills, learn how to manage risks and keep themselves safe.

We are rediscovering the magic of outdoor play. Governments see it as a way of getting kids active and averting the obesity crisis. Schools and early childhood centres see it as a way of promoting academic and socio-emotional learning. Corporations see it as a way of preparing children for the jobs of the future that will focus on creativity, empathy and connection with others. Children just see it as a way of having fun and feeling free.

M

any of us have fond memories of childhoods spent outside, hanging out with friends in our neighbourhoods, parks and wild places, making up the rules as we went along, with minimal (if any) adult supervision.

We need only reflect on our own play memories to realize how valuable these experiences can be and how they can shape our lifelong health and development. The research is now catching up to our intuitions, recognizing the vast and diverse benefits of outdoor play.

Playing outside is not the same as playing inside. There are unique benefits of

K

being in the outdoors, particularly in nature, that don’t come as readily indoors.

When children are allowed to play the way they want to play in stimulating environments, they move more, sit less and

ids need time to be able to play outside. In schools, that means recess policies that get kids outside every day, finding opportunities to use the outdoors for learning and limiting homework. At home, that means laying aside screens and limiting scheduled structured activities.

Working for Children

Paul Manly, MP Conscientious, caring, non-partisan, service for all.

Constituency Office #103 - 495 Dunsmuir Street Nanaimo B.C. 250-734-6400 Paul.Manly@parl.gc.ca Visit www.paulmanlymp.ca www.paulmanlymp.ca for news from Ottawa and a list of upcoming community meetings.

Best Source for Child Care Information and Resources Serving: Families and Child Care Providers caring for children birth to 12 yrs.

Programs: • Child Care Resource and Referral • Parent-Child Mother Goose Program • Child Care Liability Insurance Referrals

www.pacific-care.bc.ca www.pacific-care.bc.ca

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Kids also need high quality outdoor spaces to play in. That doesn’t necessarily mean expensive playground equipment. It means spaces where all children feel welcome, regardless of their abilities and backgrounds, that they can make their own and that also have loose parts they can use and let their imagination shape the play.

In cities, that means being prepared for and allowing play to happen everywhere, not just parks and playgrounds. We need to design inclusive and child-friendly cities where kids feel welcome everywhere and can easily access nature.

Finally, freedom: the biggest barrier to children’s ability to play the way they want to play is adults. We need to let go of our excessive fears of injuries and kidnapping and realize that the benefits of kids getting out to play far outweigh the risks. My lab developed a risk reframing

tool for parents and caregivers to help them on this journey.

H

elping support children’s outdoor play can be as simple as opening the front door. It doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. If we all do our bit, we can help bring back this crucial activity that should be part of all children’s daily lives, regardless of age, cultural background, gender or ability.

There are lots of tools to help you get started, whether you’re a parent, caregiver, educator, city planner or a neighbour.

I would encourage you to consider one simple and attainable thing you are going to do today to help get the child or children in your life get out to play.

Spring just around the corner Spring arrives in the northern hemisphere on March 20, bringing with it visions of more hours of sunshine, warmer temperatures and ample opportunities to embrace the great outdoors. Once spring arrives, the following make for some fun family activities: Sports - Whether taking the family to watch a game or signing up for youth sports leagues, the games can be a great way to share in excitement and sportsmanship.

Visit a local garden - Enjoy the sights at a garden when the first spring blooms start to peek out of the soil. Spring is known for tulips, daffodils, crocuses, and snowdrops.

Give your bike a tune-up - Now is the time to put air in the tires, grease the chain and make sure that the brakes and other equipment are working properly. Most bike helmet manufacturers recommend replacing helmets every three years, even if you haven’t been in a crash. That’s because the polystyrene foam can degrade over time from environmental exposure.

Visit a farm - Many farm animals give birth in the spring. Children may be excited to see piglets, foals, kids, and all the other adorable young animals.

Mariana Brussoni is an associate professor of pediatrics and population and public health at UBC.

Your Nanaimo Parks, Recreation & Culture

SPRING & SUMMER ACTIVITY GUIDE is full of programs for all ages & abilities!

Nanaimo’s

1 # Toy Store

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Pro-D, Spring Break & Summer Camps Swimming & Skating Lessons essons Arts & Crafts Cooking Dancing First Aid Fitness & Yoga Language Music REGISTER Special Interest STARTING MAR CH 4 Sports & Outdoors Wellness

Toys, Games & Puzzles for All Ages

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Tuesday, February 25, 2020 Y7

BEST TOY STORE

#102-2517 Bowen Rd. Nanaimo

Kool Toys & Teaching Tools

250.585.1778 www.koolandchild.com

FREE

Y8 Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Nanaimo News Bulletin

StrongStart (birth-5 years) MONDAY-FRIDAY

Bayview Strong Start 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Bayview Elementary School 250-754-3231 Cedar Elementary Strong Start 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Cedar Elementary School Quarterway Strong Start 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Quarterway Elementary School 250-754-6845

Fairview Strong Start 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Fairview Community School 250-753-3418 McGirr Strong Start 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

McGirr Elementary School 250-758-8946 Rutherford Strong Start 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Rutherford Elementary School 250-758-5331 Georgia Avenue Strong Start 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Georgia Avenue Community School 250-753-1044

Bellies to Babies and Beyond (Pregnancy to 3 years) 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Princess Royal Family Centre.

Registration Required.

250-753-7470 Creating Healthy Families (Birth to 6 years) 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The Neutral Zone (421 Franklyn) 250-753-6578 for ride 4 Seasons Early Years: Nanoose First Nation Parent Gathering (Childminding for ages birth - 6 years, and 6+) 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Uy Sqwalawun Childcare at 111-A Sna-Naw-As Rd, Lantzville 250-591-0933 4 Seasons Early Years: Penelakut First Nation Parent Gathering Childminding for 0-6 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. (Bi-weekly) Penelakut First Nation Band Office, 250-591-0933

The Place (0-14 years with Parent/Caregiver) Time: Varies Nanaimo Woman’s Centre Call Anita: 778-269-2407 Parent-Child Mother Goose (Birth to 4 years) 10:30 a.m. to Noon Gabriola Island HOPE Centre Call to Register 250-247-8730 Building Better Babies (Birth to 6 Months) 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Tillicum Lelum Health Centre 250-753-6578 Nobody’s Perfect Parenting Group (Little Ferns Early Learning Centre) 3:30 p.m.

John Barsby Community School Rm. 300 250-753-1783 Active Start (2-6 years) 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Quarterway School Contact Sylvia Taylor 250-758-0630 or email sylvia-miller@shaw.ca

www.nanaimobulletin.com

DAILY ACTIVITIES MONDAY-SUNDAY

Aboriginal Home Instruction for Parents with Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) (3 to 5 years)

By Appointment In the Parent’s Home 250-754-3215

4 Seasons Early Years: Halalt First Nation Parent Gathering (Childminding available for ages 0-6) 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

H’ulh-etun Health Society, 8019 Chemainus Rd. 250-591-0933

PacificCARE Drop-in Playgroup (Birth to 5 years) 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Country Club Mall, Nanaimo 250-756-2022 Preschool Storytime (3 to 5 years, siblings welcome) 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Nanaimo North Library Call to Register 250-933-BOOK (2665) Family Storytime Drop-in (Birth to 5 years) 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Gabriola Island Library 250-247-7878 4 Seasons Early Years: Stz’uminus First Nation Parent Gathering (Childminding for ages birth - 6 years) 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Stz’uminus Health Centre 3945 Shell Beach Road Ladysmith 250-591-0933. Phone 250-245-8551 for a ride

The 5 Animal Spirit Bag Early Years Outreach Programme (1 to 5 years) Time: Open Parents/caregiver Home 250-754-3215

Moms, Dads and Babes Drop-in (Prenatal and Postpartum) 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Tillicum Lelum Health Centre 250-753-6578 Families Supporting Families For anyone raising a child.

Childminding avail.

6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Nanaimo Child Development Centre 1135 Nelson St. Toddler Time (1.5 - 3 years) 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Nanaimo Harbourfront Library 250-753-1154 Babytime (0-18 Months) 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Nanaimo Wellington Library 250-758-5544 Babytime (0-18 Months) 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Nanaimo Harbourfront Library 250-753-1154

NOW SERVICING

Children.

Culture.

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BECOME A CAREGIVER Kw’umut Lelum needs loving homes for Indigenous children and youth.

If you can open your home – even for a few days per month – you can make a real difference in the lives of our children.

For more information contact jhunter@kwumut.org

kwumut.org https://www.kwumut.org/

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Tuesday, February 25, 2020 Y9 FREE

DAILY ACTIVITIES

EXCEPT SATURDAY & SUNDAY

Immunization Clinic (Infant to School Age)

Times vary, Mon.-Thur., Sat. Nanaimo Health Centre by Appointment 250-755-3388

Perinatal Drop-in (Breastfeeding support and baby weights) 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Nanaimo Health Centre by Appointment 250-755-3388

The Place (0-14 years with parent/ caregiver) Time: Varies Nanaimo Woman’s Centre Call Anita: 778-269-2407 Rug Huggers Parent-Tot Drop-in (Birth to 4 years) 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Gabriola Island HOPE Centre 250-247-8730 4 Seasons Early Years: Penelakut First Nation Playgroup 10:00 a.m. - Noon Penelakut First Nation Health Centre 250-591-0933 Baby Story Time (0-18 months, siblings welcome) 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Nanaimo North Library 250-933-BOOK (2665)

Family Place (parent and tot drop-in)

9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Mon.-Wed., Fri. Lantzville Boys & Girls Club 250-390-4001

Babytime (0 - 18 months) 10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Nanaimo Harbourfront Library 250-753-1154 Toddler Storytime (18 mths - 3 years, siblings welcome) 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Nanaimo North Library 250-933-BOOK (2665) Family FUNdamentals (2 to 4 years) 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Gabriola Island HOPE Centre Call to Register 250-247-8730 4 Seasons Early Years: Snuneymuxw First Nation Parent Gathering (Childminding available for ages 0-6) 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

471 Irwin Street (Native Victory Chapel) 250-591-0933, call for a ride.

Perinatal and Breastfeeding Support

By Appointment Nanaimo Health Centre 250-758-3388 The Place (0-14 years with parent/ caregiver) Time: Varies Nanaimo Woman’s Centre Call Anita: 778-269-2407 Father Circle of Friends 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Tillicum Lelum Health Centre 250-753-6578 Soul Mamas 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Drop In Last Saturday of the month 20 Fifth Street 250-754-3215

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Family Storytime (0 - 5 years) 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Nanaimo Harbourfront Library 250-853-1154

Building Better Babies Drop-in (birth - 6 months) 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Tillicum Lelum Health Centre 250-753-6578 Connections: Young Parent Support Group (Island Health) 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Princess Royal Family Centre 250-739-5845 Navigating Pregnancy (Babes-in-arms) 7:00 p.m.

Old City Midwives 106-360 Selby St. Harbour City Doulas 778-557-5450 Preschool Storytime (3 - 5 years) 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Nanaimo Harbourfront Library 250-753-1154 Preschool Storytime (3 - 5 years) 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Nanaimo Wellington Library 250-758-5544 Toddlertime (1.5 - 3 years) 10:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

Nanaimo Harbourfront Library 250-753-1154

Island Treasure Box (Early literacy program)

(Birth to 6 years old). By Appointment, in Parent’s home. 250-753-6578

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Greater Nanaimo Early Years Partnership resources and services Children First Initiative www.bcchildrenfirst.ca Greater Nanaimo Early Years Partnership nanaimoearlyyears.org/ Ladysmith Early Years Partnership www.sd68.bc.ca Success by Six Initiative www.successby6bc.ca Vancouver Island Early Years Network

250-816-1699 250-816-1699 250-245-6427 250-591-8731 250-741-5247

Aboriginal services Snuneymuxw First Nation 250-740-2300 www.snuneymuxw.ca/ Mid-Island Métis Nation 250-740-0223 midislandmetisnation.weebly.com/ Tillicum Lelum Friendship Centre 250-753-4417 www.tillicumlelum.ca/ Nanaimo Aboriginal Centre 250-754-3215 info@nanaimoaboriginalcentre.ca | www.nanaimoaboriginalcentre.ca Snuneymuxw Health Centre 250-740-2337 www.snuneymuxw.ca/department/health-department - Snuneymuxw Day Care 250-740-2335 www.snuneymuxw.ca/administration/day-care - Aboriginal Infant Development Program 250-740-2348 Nustumaat Lelum daycare (Stz’uminus First Nation) 250-245-0994 MCFD Aboriginal Child and Youth Mental Health 250-741-5734 First Nations Health Authority www.fnha.ca/what-we-do/maternal-child-and-family-health Inter-Tribal Health Authority 250-753-3990 info@itha.ca | www.itha.ca/ - Maternal Child Health Program 250-753-3990 ext. 254 Uy’Sqwalawun Child Care Centre 250-390-0003 headstart@nanoose.org

Child care Child Care Subsidy Program www.mcf.gov.bc.ca Community Care Facility Licensing Program www.viha.ca/mho/licensing Ministry of Children and Family Development www.gov.bc.ca/mcf Ministry of Education www.bced.gov.bc.ca/ged/gedwhere.htm PacificCARE Child Care Resource and Referral www.pacific-care.bc.ca Supported Child Development www.nanaimocdc.com Early learning and development Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Vancouver Island www.bgccvi.com Early Years Program, School District 68 -StrongStart Centres www.sd68.bc.ca Island Family Information vancouverislandccrr.ca Literacy Central Vancouver Island www.literacycentralvi.org Nanaimo Child Development Centre www.nanaimocdc.com Parent-Child Mother Goose Program www.nald.ca/mothergooseprogram -Gabriola www.gabriolahopecentre.com -Nanaimo (PacificCARE) Speech and Language Pathology -Nanaimo Health Centre www.viha.ca

“like” “like” us on

nanaimolessons@long-mcquade.com

www.long-mcquade.com

1-888-338-6622 250-739-5800 250-741-5444 1-800-663-7867 250-756-2022 250-753-0251

250-754-3215 250-754-5521 250-756-2022 250-754-8988 250-753-0251

250-247-8730 250-756-2022 250-739-6827

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Family services Adoptive Families Association of B.C. 1-800-ADOPT-07 www.bcadopt.com Autism Society of B.C. 250-714-0801 www.autismbc.ca B.C. Centre for Safe School and Communities 1-888-224-7233 www.ufv.ca Big Brothers and Big Sisters 250-756-2447 www.bigscvi.ca Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Vancouver Island 250-754-3215 www.bigscvi.ca -Family Place 250-754-3215 -Chase River 250-753-2464 -Lantzville 250-390-4001 Brooks Landing Crisis Counselling Clinic 250-739-5710 www.viha.ca Crisis Society for Central Vancouver Island 1-888-494-3888 www.cvics.ca Foster Parents Support Services Society 250-390-9686 www.fpsss.com Gabriola Island Hope Centre 250-247-8730 www.gabriolahopecentre.com Haven Society and Transition House 250-756-2452 www.havensociety.com Help Line for Children 250-310-1234 www.mcf.gov.bc.ca Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868 www.kidshelpphone.ca Kw’umut Lelum Child and Family Services 250-591-0933 www.kwumut.org Nanaimo Family Justice Access Centre 250-741-5447 www.ag.gov.bc.ca/justice-access-centre/nanaimo Nanaimo Family Life Association 250-754-3331 www.nflabc.org Grandparents raising Grandchildren Support Circle 1-877-345-9777 www.parentsupportbc.ca/grandparents.html

Tuesday, February 25, 2020 Y11

Nanaimo Family Resource Programs 250-753-2177 Nanaimo Men’s Resource Centre 250-716-1551 www.nanaimomen.com Nanaimo Women’s Centre 250-753-0633 www.nanaimowoman.com Nanaimo Youth Services Association 250-754-1989 www.nysa.bc.ca Nanaimo and Area Resource Services for Families 250-754-2773 www.narsf.org Parent Support Services of B.C. 1-877-345-9777 www.parentsupportbc.ca People for a Healthy Community (Gabriola) 250-247-7311 www.phc-gabriola.org Vancouver Island Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect 250-755-7945 Food and nutrition Healthlink B.C. - Dietitian Services www.healthlinkbc.ca Loaves and Fishes Community Food Bank www.nanaimoloavesandfishes.org Meals on Wheels www.mealcall.org Nanaimo Community Gardens Society www.nanaimocommunitygardens.ca Nanaimo Community Kitchens Society www.nanaimocommunitykitchens.org Nanaimo Food Share Society www.nanaimofoodshare.ca Salvation Army Meal Program/Community Services www.salvationarmy.ca Tillicum Lelum Health Centre www.tillicumlelum.ca VIHA Community Nutrition Program www.viha.ca 7-10 Club Society www.nanaimo710club.com

811 250-754-8347 250-753-1300 250-816-4769 250-753-7470 250-753-9393 250-754-2621 250-753-6578 250-739-5845 250-714-0917

Don’t disappear in the crowd

We’ll help you stand out 250-753-3707

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How parents can approach raising gamers Doctors suggest limiting screen time, keeping games in the family room

Gaming is a popular activity across the globe. Studies have shown that more than one billion people across the globe play some type of video game every day, and the number of gamers is growing every day. In fact, the market and consumer data provider Statista estimates there will be 2.7 billion gamers by 2021.

Such prevalence can make it hard for parents to govern their youngsters’ gaming habits. As difficult as it can be to get kids to put their controllers down, the American Academy of Pediatrics notes that time spent gaming can take away from the time kids spend on other pursuits,

including healthy activities like exercising and reading.

That’s part of the reason why the AAP recommends limiting the time kids spend gaming to no more than one hour per day.

In addition to limiting how much time kids spend gaming, parents can take these steps to make sure kids’

gaming experiences are as positive as possible.

Familiarize yourself with a game’s content before allowing kids to play it. Parents should always vet a game before allowing their children to play it. Make sure its content is not too mature and/or violent for children. Parents likely don’t allow young chil-

dren to watch R-rated films, but they might not know that a similar rating system exists for video games.

Keep consoles in common areas. By limiting gaming to common areas in the home, parents can more closely monitor how much time their youngsters are spending playing games. The AAP recommends parents designate handheld games as “family property” as opposed to items each child “owns.” This can help parents make sure such devices are kept in common areas at all times.

Play with children. Another way parents can monitor what their kids are playing and how long they’re playing for is to play with them.

Multiple player games are very popular, and parents can use that popularity to more effectively manage their kids’ gaming habits.

“According to to my my calculations, if “According I can mak make e some money money at a real real my allowance, allowance, then . . .” .” job, plus my Becoming a newspaper carrier is an excellent opportunity to teach children the life skills for success.

Currently we are hiring in your area and we are looking for young people to help us deli ver deliver the Nanaimo News Bulletin.

If anyone in your family is interested in being a paper carrier, call us.

250-734-4603

paula.king@nanaimocirculation.com

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Nanaimo News Bulletin

Tuesday, February 25, 2020 Y13

Trips to the dentist don’t need to be a drag Visits to the dentist for periodic cleanings and checkups are an important component of oral hygiene.

Dentists also may be the first people to identify potential issues that can affect health elsewhere in the body.

Many people are unaware that children should visit the dentist early in their lives.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child should visit the dentist by age one or within six months of the eruption of his or her first tooth. However, many parents wait until much later – age two or three – to take kids to the dentist, offers Delta Dental Plans. Hesitance to visit the dentist may stem from personal fears or perceived reactions by children.

Primary teeth may eventually fall out, but they

shouldn’t be ignored. They save space for permanent teeth and serve other functions. Therefore, parents should begin to acclimate children to the dentist at a young age to make the experience fun and even enjoyable.

Lead by example - Children

who witness their parents putting off going to the dentist or being apprehensive about visiting the dentist may develop their own fears.

Always paint the dentist in a positive light and keep appointments.

Focus on the good - Talk up all the benefits of going

to the dentist, such as having a squeaky clean and fresh mouth. Many hygienists will hand out small toys after a successful visit, or at the least a great new toothbrush and other fun products to try.

Get a tour of the office Ask the staff if your child can get a special tour of the office with explanations of all the tools and equipment.

Understanding what to expect the next time around in a no-pressure situation can make the process much easier for everyone involved.

The dentist may be able to also give a test ride on the exam chair, moving it up and down, as well as showing off the water fountain and oral irrigator.

Over time, dental visits can become an easy routine with children, setting them up for a lifetime of healthy mouths and teeth.

THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF LEARNING Give your child a solid foundation in learning and life by focusing on physical, social, emotional and intellectual development.

Y14 Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Nanaimo News Bulletin

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Nanaimo News Bulletin

Tuesday, February 25, 2020 Y15

Y16 Tuesday, February 25, 2020

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