Island Parent December 2014

Island Parent Celebrating

27 Years

The Resource Publication for Vancouver Island Parents

December 2014

Reinventing the Holidays An Organic Christmas Tree

Fabulous Finds Holiday Happenings Move Over, Santa

Holiday Gift & Book Recommendations

children’s boutique

If you thought you knew Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, think again.

Everything for the Holidays!

With the Victoria Symphony and Joey Pietraroia

DOWNTOWN 624 Fort St 250 360 2570

BROADMEAD VILLAGE 777 Royal Oak Dr 250 360 2520

www.scallywags-island.ca

Photo: Derek Ford

Shoes * Clothing * Toys Kids tickets from $15

Victoria, Royal Theatre

Dec. 27th, 28th & 29th | 2:00 pm Tickets: www.balletvictoria.ca or call 250-386-6121

Paul Destrooper - Artistic Director - www.balletvictoria.ca

Holiday Fun Celebrate the Holiday Season at these great programs and events: Winter Carnival Fun Swims Skate with Santa Winter Break Adventure Camp Horseback Riding Camp Extreme Gingerbread House Workshop

Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre

For more information: 250.361.0732

Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre

Register online at: victoria.ca/recreation

Do you believe a new big screen TV

will fulfill You?

Will a new pair of shoes make a

big difference in Your Life?

Or yeah, a new coffee maker will really

change everything... Really?

HEALTH, FITNESS AND WELLNESS

Saanich Recreation Gift Cards The Gift That Makes a Personal Difference.

Celebrate the Holiday Season with Saanich A Day with Santa

Deck the Hall ~ Winter Lights Saturday December 6

Saturday December 13

FREE Admission 10am–11:30am Silver City 12noon–1:20pm G.R. Pearkes Recreation Centre 1:30pm–2:30 pm Tillicum Centre

FREE Admission 5–8pm Saanich Municipal Hall

9–11:30am Saanich Commonwealth Place

Sunday December 14

Breakfast with Santa

Pancake Breakfast with Santa, Carols, Crafts and more! $10/child, $8.50/adult.

You Must Register in Advance.

Limited Seating.

www.saanichrec.ca

Commonwealth Place 250-475-7600 Gordon Head 250-475-7100 G.R. Pearkes 250-475-5400 Cedar Hill 250-475-7121

Island Parent Celebrating

27 Years

on for Vancouver Island

The Resource Publicati

Parents

4 December 201

days Reinventing the Holi Tree as istm Chr An Organic

Fabulous Finds Holiday Happenings Move Over, Santa

Holiday Gift & Book ns Recommendatio

Please visit any of our valued partners to pick up your latest copy of Island Parent.

GREATER VICTORIA Greater Victoria Public Libraries Vancouver Island Regional Libraries Greater Victoria Recreation Centres Thrifty Foods All 25 Serious Coffee locations Island-wide Save-On-Foods Victoria Gymnastics Country Grocer Chapters Vitamin Shop The Bay Centre (info booth) Scallywags Royal BC Museum Buddies Toys Crumsby’s Market on Yates Market on Millstream Victoria Conservatory JamTots Lifestyle Market Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre

DuNCAN Duncan Mall (centre court) Indigo Red Balloon Cowichan Recreation Centre Cowichan Aquatics Centre Kinderbeez Duncan Tourist Information CHEMAINuS Chemainus Theatre SHAWNIGAN LAKE Community Centre LADYSMITH Ladysmith Recreation Centre NANAIMO Nanaimo Aquatic Centre Quality Foods Country Club Mall Regional Library – Boban Fairway Market Island Natural Health Foods Woodgrove Centre

For a complete list of where you can find a copy of Island Parent Magazine, go to

www.islandparent.ca 250-388-6905 2

Island Parent Magazine

Contents: December 2014 Articles Move Over, Santa ........................................................................................... 6 An Organic Christmas Tree ............................................................................ 8 Holiday Happenings .................................................................................... 10 Holiday Gift & Book Recommendations...................................................... 14 Reinventing the Holidays ............................................................................. 16 When You’re Not Feeling So Merry.............................................................. 17 Fabulous Finds ............................................................................................. 20

Columns Editor’s Note .................................................................................................. 3 Dadspeak ..................................................................................................... 22 Just Eat It! .................................................................................................... 30 Healthy Families; Happy Families ................................................................ 32 Is There an App for This? ............................................................................. 34 Book Nook .................................................................................................. 36 New Parent Pages ......................................................................................... 38 Maternity & Beyond .................................................................................... 44 Nature Notes ............................................................................................... 46 Cut It Out .................................................................................................... 48

Departments IPM Notes...................................................................................................... 4 Party Directory....................................................................................... 18, 19 Family Calendar ........................................................................................... 24 Around the Island ........................................................................................ 28 Family Services Directory ....................................................................... 40, 41 Preschool & Child Care Directory.................................................... 42, 43, 44 Business & Professional Directory ................................................................ 45 Island Parent Magazine, produced by Island Parent Group Enterprises Ltd., is a monthly publication that honours and supports parents by providing information on resources and businesses for families, and a forum for the exchange of ideas and opinions. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher. Letters (max 250 words) should be emailed to the Editor at editor@islandparent.ca. No material herein may be reproduced without the permission of the Editor. Unsolicited manuscripts are welcome and should be emailed to editor@islandparent.ca.

Island Parent Magazine is distributed free in selected areas. Subscriptions can be obtained by sending $28.00 (includes GST) with your name and address to the address below. Canada Post: Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement 40051398.

Island Parent Magazine

830-A Pembroke St, Victoria, BC V8T 1H9 Tel: 250-388-6905 Websites: www.islandparent.ca, www.kidsinvictoria.com Publisher/Owner: Mark Warner Editor: Sue Fast Sales & Marketing: RaeLeigh Buchanan Publisher’s Assistant: Linda Frear Distribution: Ray Cutts, Ted Dawe (Mid-Island) Founders: Jim Holland & Selinde Krayenhoff Production: Eacrett Graphic Design Printed at Black Press, Victoria Cover printed at Hillside Printing ISSN 0838-5505

On the Cover: Ruby (7) and Rylan (11) Cover Photo: Rebecca Wellman Photography, www.rwellmanphotography.com

FOLLOW uS ON FaCebOOK & tWItteR facebook.com/IslandParent twitter.com/IslandParent www.kidsinvictoria.com

25 Days & Ways to Make Merry this Month 1st. Catch Carolling Week (Dec1-3, and Dec 5) at Victoria’s City Hall where school choirs perform their favourite Christmas carols from noon-12:40pm. Visit victoria.ca.

2nd. Bundle up and head for the Inner Harbour to watch A Christmas Story outside the Delta Ocean Pointe Hotel at 6pm. Movies are free but bring a donation for Santas Anonymous.

3rd. Stop by the 14th Annual Bear Wear display at Hotel Grand Pacific, 463 Belleville Street, and vote for your favourite best-dressed bear. Proceeds benefit Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island.

4th. Experience Christmas at the Castle, when Craigdarroch Castle is decorated for the Christmas and boasting music, activities and children’s performances. Open from 10am4:30pm. Visit thecastle.ca/events.

5th. Salute the Sea of Lights Boat Parade, leaving Royal Victoria Yacht Club at 6:45pm, passing Cattle Point at 7pm, Willows Beach at 7:15pm, then back past Gyro Park at 7:45pm.

Visit rvyc.bc.ca.

6th. Make a wreath with a CRD Parks naturalist at the Beaver Lake nature centre from 11am-3pm. Materials supplied. Bring a mug for hot apple cider, and clippers if you have them. Suggested donation $5/wreath (proceeds to a local food bank). Visit crd.bc.ca/parks.

7th. Be dazzled by Esquimalt Celebration of Lights in Esquimalt Plaza with a parade and Plaza light-up from 6-8pm. Visit celebrationoflights.ca.

8th. Support Habitat for Humanity during the 6th annual Gingerbread Build at the Inn at Laurel Point from 9am-9pm (until Jan 4). Vote

www.IslandParent.ca

for your favourite bear and make a donation.

Visit downtownvictoria.ca.

9th. Bake and decorate a batch of sugar cookies (see recipe on page 30).

10th. Listen to CBC radio personalities read Dickens’ classic tale, A Christmas Carol, with a Christmas carol sing-a-long led by Louise Rose at 7pm, Alix Goolden Hall, 907 Pandora.

Tickets $15. Proceeds benefit Our Place Society.

11th. Pack a winter picnic and hot chocolate and head for the covered shelter, complete with firepower, at Goldstream Park.

12th. Hop aboard The Christmas Express at the BC Forest Discovery Centre, from 4-9pm (train leaves every 20 minutes from 4:30-8:30) on Dec 5-7, 12-14, 19-23. Visit Santa, dance to live music, and make a Christmas tree craft.

Phone 250-715-1113.

13th. Enjoy Christmas tunes like you’ve never heard them at Tuba Christmas in Market Square from 1-3pm where more than 65 tuba players will play carols and raise money for the Times-Colonist Christmas Fund.

14th. Take a 90-minute Christmas in Old Victoria walk through Old Town and learn how Christmas was celebrated during the days of Fort Victoria and the gold-rush era.

Meet at Bastion Square at 10:20am. Visit discoverthepast.com.

15th. Attend the Naden Band Christmas Concert at the Royal Theatre (Dec 15, 16, 17) at 7:30pm and help support the annual Salvation Army Toy Drive. Tickets are $10, plus an unwrapped toy at the door. Details at rmts.bc.ca.

16th. Happy first day of Hanukkah.

17th. Be spellbound at Milner Christmas Magic, a family-oriented festival of lights and

music from 5-8:30pm at Milner Garden (Dec 5-7, 12-14, 17-21).

18th. Belt out Christmas tunes at the Christmas Carol Sing-Along from noon-1:15pm at St. Andrew’s Church, 680 Courtney Street.

Free admission.

19th. Enjoy the sights and sounds of Christ-

Editor’s Note Sue Fast mas in Old Town at the Royal BC Museum and visit Santa (Fri-Sun only, from Dec 5-21, 11am-3pm) to have your photo taken (by donation) and share your holiday wishes. Museum hours: 10am-5pm. Visit royalbcmuseum.bc.ca.

20th. Bundle up for a Free Horse-Drawn Trolley Ride downtown. Saturdays noon-4pm, Sundays noon-3pm (until Dec 21). For route information, visit downtownvictoria.ca.

21st. Get creative at Family Sunday from 2-4pm at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria with hands-on artmaking inspired by the current gallery exhibit Shin Hanga, the New Print Movement of Early 20th Century Japan.

Visit aggv.ca.

22nd. Discover the Christmas traditions of early Victorians at the Helmcken House OldFashioned Christmas, from noon-4pm, Dec 20-24, 26-31, and Jan 2, 3, 4. By donation.

Visit royalbcmuseum.bc.ca.

23rd. See the Live Nativity Scene, running four times nightly on Dec 21, 22 and 23 at 6:30, 7, 7:30 and 8pm at Topaz Park. Free.

24th. Marvel in the magic at Butchart Gardens at the 28th annual Magic of Christmas until Jan 6. You’ll find tens of thousands of coloured lights, seasonal decorations and an outdoor ice skating rink. Visit butchartgardens.com.

25th. Have a Merry Christmas!

December 2014 3

IPM Notes 16th Annual Spirit of Giving Step into a winter wonderland in Centre Court at the Bay Centre and help spread the holiday spirit to families supported by the Mustard Seed Food Bank. Drop off financial or non- perishable food donations, or have your gifts wrapped at the by-donation wrapping station (until Dec 24). The Mustard Seed will receive 100 per cent of the proceeds. Stop by the mistletoe in Centre Court for a chance to win a $100 Bay Centre gift card. And make sure to visit the CFAX Santas Anonymous Society’s Tree of Wishes (until Dec 15) at Centre Court.

Special holiday wish cards, created by local children in need, adorn the tree. Choose a gift, shop for the child’s wish, and bring the gift back to the tree so it can be transported to the workshop for delivery to local children in need.

Christmas Orchard Walk Drop by Merridale Cidery in Cobble Hill on Friday, Saturday or Sunday from 5-9pm (until January 4, 2015) to see Candy Cane Lane and the Courtyard Light-up. Imagine twinkling lights on the trees, perhaps a dust-

ing of snow on the orchard floor, and a cup of mulled cider to warm the soul.

The walk will start at Santa’s workshop (formerly known as the oxidation hut), and finish at the Elf’s Work Shop, otherwise known as the faery mining village. Along the lit path, you will encounter other familiar favourites such as Frosty and Rudolph. Bring your mitts and boots to keep warm, and begin the journey at the ciderhouse. Here, you will receive a map and some goodies to take on your walk. Santa will visit every Saturday and Sunday from 4:30-6pm in the courtyard gazebo. The Orchard Walk is free, it’s enchanting, and it’s a perfect event for the whole family. 1230 Merridale Road, Cobble Hill. For information, visit www. merridalecider.com.

Annual Classical Christmas Concert Victoria Children’s Choir (VCC) presents its annual Classical Christmas Concert on Monday, Dec 1 at 7pm at Christ Church Cathedral, 930 Burdett Ave. The crunch of snow, twinkle of lights, and whisper of the wind come alive in song at the Classical Christmas Concert. Hear the gentle nature of midwinter and celebrate the holiday season with a festive performance. The Choir will perform Haydn’s Little Organ Solo Mass,

COMPREHENSIVE FAMILY DENTISTRY family centered practice extended hours evenings and weekends the latest equipment and caring staff request an appointment online

saanichdentalgroup.com 119–1591 McKenzie Ave, Victoria

250 477 7321

info@saanichdentalgroup.com

Victoria’s favourite dentists believe a healthy smile starts early. Free first visit for children under 5.

4

Island Parent Magazine

accompanied by the Victoria Baroque Players. Other seasonal features of the Choir, and special guests the St. Christopher Singers, include familiar and new medieval songs, English and Celtic carols, and winter music of Scandinavian, Bulgarian and North American origin.

Enjoy the mix of flute melodies and youth choral sounds with the Victoria Children’s Choir and fellow music-lovers of all ages.

The Victoria Children’s Choir is made up of girls and boys aged eight to 18. The choir sings a wide-ranging repertoire, with music from many countries, centuries and styles.

Tickets are $20, general seating. Children age seven and younger are free. For more information about the event or to purchase tickets, visit www.eventbrite.ca or phone 250-721-0856. For more information about VCC, visit www.victoriachildrenschoir.ca.

Lighted Ship Parade Benefits Cool Aid On December 6 at 7pm, the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority will host its 25th Annual Lighted Ship Parade at Ship Point Pier. Marvel at the elegant lights as the boats circle and show off in the Inner Harbour and Fisherman’s Wharf. Ship Point will be full of lights and life from 5-9pm with music, artisan vendors, hot apple cider and over 3000 square feet of heated tents.

Three food trucks will be on-site, serving some of the most popular urban food. Prizes will be given out for the boats with the best decorations. Look for Santa to make an appearance with candy canes for the kids.

Come early. Before the ships launch the Lighted Truck Parade will pass the Empress hotel and light up the harbour with their horns and lights.

All proceeds from the event go to the Victoria Cool Aid Society’s Every Step Counts running and walking program. For information, visit CoolAid.org/ship.

Gingerbread House Challenge Gather your family, friends and coworkers to kick off the holidays by building a Gingerbread House to benefit CFAX Santas Anonymous. Enter your team in the challenge. Categories and entry fees:business, $50; school, $15; family, $15. Forms can be picked up at reception and must be submitted by December 8. Gingerbread houses will be on display at Panorama Recreation Centre from December 9-31. The only rule is that you must incorporate the kit provided.

Voting is by donation; the house with the most money raised wins the Challenge. www.kidsinvictoria.com

Prizes include a Panorama Family Fun Pack and more. For more information, visit www. crd.bc.ca/panorama.

Family Christmas Carol Sing-Along Sometimes it just takes a memorable moment to give a child a lifelong love of music. The Victoria Philharmonic Choir (VPC) annual Christmas concert on Monday, December 22 gives children a taste of choral experience, singing traditional carols like Silent Night, backed up by four-part harmony from the 70-voice VPC, conducted

by Peter Butterfield. Adults are welcome to sing along as well—and listen to the choir’s performance of other seasonal works. The front benches are reserved for those with small children—first come, first served.

The concert will be at St. Mary’s Church in Oak Bay. Doors open by 6:30pm, the concert starts at 7pm. Tickets are $20 regular, $10 student, and free for accompanied children 12 and under, available from Ivy’s Bookshop, The Shieling, Tanner’s Books, Long & McQuade, online at vpchoir.ca, and possibly at the door.

And speaking of joyful community singing, join the chorus for the Sing-Along Handel’s Messiah, with Peter Butterfield conducting VPC and the Civic Orchestra of Victoria on Sunday Dec 14 at 2:30pm at Shawnigan Lake School Chapel; and on Wednesday Dec 17 at 7pm at Alix Goolden Hall. More details at vpchoir.ca and civicorchestraofvictoria.org

Christmas Time at Miniature World Miniature World’s Annual 2015 Christmas Pass sale runs from Dec 1-24. Explore the land of smallness all year long for only $15.75—that’s 50 per cent off the regular cost of an Annual Pass. Passes can be purchased either in person at 649 Humboldt St or by phone, and make a perfect stocking stuffer.

Miniature World’s “Find 6 Santas Contest” is another well-loved Christmas tradition for children ages 5-11 which runs from Dec 1-24. Kids can pick up an entry form at the front desk, find six Santas hiding in the exhibits, and be entered to win a 2015 Children’s Annual Pass.

The Miniature Train carrying Santa Claus arrives on Dec 1 and chugs along the track until Dec 24. Push the train’s control button and watch Santa wave to his friends and spread Christmas cheer.

In the New Year, the Children’s Birthday Party Room will open. Children up to 11

www.IslandParent.ca

years old can celebrate their special day in a miniature-themed environment. Enjoy time exploring the 85 dioramas, then zoom to the party room to celebrate with friends.

For information, please call 250-385-9731.

Ski and Snowboard Free With a Grade 4 & 5 SnowPass Grade 4 and 5 kids (9- and 10-year-olds) can enjoy some free skiing or snowboarding this winter, courtesy of the Canadian Ski Council. The Grade 4 & 5 SnowPass program is back, offering Canadian school children ages 9 and 10 up to three free days of skiing or snowboarding at over 150 ski areas nationwide.

The Grade 4 & 5 SnowPass booklet includes up to three ski-free coupons at each ski area, and discounts or rebates on lessons and equipment rentals. Just visit www.snowpass.ca, complete the online registration form, upload a photo, proof of age/grade, and pay an administration fee of $29.95 including taxes. Your child’s very own SnowPass will be mailed straight to your door, giving you hundreds of ways to save this season. Or you can obtain an application form through Grade 4 and 5 elementary school teachers or at Sport Chek stores.

Be a Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentor By becoming a mentor you can help a child succeed. Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) is seeking volunteers who are committed and consistent, willing to serve at least a year, but hopefully until a child graduates high school. Studies show that by doing so, the mentoring services help kids stay in school, avoid risky behaviour, and experience firsthand the importance of helping others in their community.

Professional staff will work with you, the child and the family throughout the course of the mentoring relationship to provide necessary training and support. Funding allows BBBS to carefully make and support more matches. Sometimes, the supply of volunteers and kids is greater than the necessary agency funding.

BBBS is grateful for your willingness to be involved and while it is certainly not a requirement, staff also welcomes you to consider becoming a donor—as you volunteer or wait to be matched. To find out if mentoring is for you, to use the selfassessment checklist, to fill out the application form, or for more information, visit www.bbbsvictoria.com.•

December 2014 5

Rachel Dunstan Muller

Move Over, Santa T

Victoria & Vancouver Island 1-866-518-7287 Nanaimo 250-756-9794 Or online at: www.welcomewagon.ca

Lighthouse Academy of

Pure, pleasing, positive.

Photo: Andrei Fedorov

Dance

Beginner–Professional • Boys & Girls • Age 2 – Adult Ballet • Tap • Jazz • Modern • Contemporary • Acro Jazz/Hip Hop • Creative • Musical Theatre • Zumba Highland Dance • Fitness Classes • Special Needs Class RAD & ISTD Exam & Leisure Courses

934 Goldstream Ave, Langford

New Adult & Preschool Classes Added!

We also do DANCE PARTIES for kids and adults!

250.595.8705

info@lighthouseacademyofdance.com www.lighthouseacademyofdance.com

6 Island Parent Magazine

his is the season of stories. From my own tradition, there’s the narrative that begins with a host of angels filling the sky above a terrified group of shepherds, announcing “good tidings of great joy for all people.”

From the Jewish tradition comes the story of Chanukah, when the Menorah lit in the Jerusalem Temple burned for eight days— though there was only a single day’s supply of oil. During the Hindu festival of Diwali, lamps and candles are lit in remembrance of the lights that greeted Lord Rama upon his return from 14 years of exile.

These stories and their associated celebrations have a common thread. Even in the depths of winter—both literally and figuratively—we hold on to hope that light will triumph over darkness.

But there’s one story that dominates at this time of year. Ask any North American child what this season is about, and you’ll likely hear a description of Santa Claus and his workshop at the North Pole. And that saddens me. Now before you start throwing tinsel or calling me a humbug, hear me out.

I don’t want to get rid of Santa—I just want to nudge him slightly to one side.

On the surface, the story of Santa Claus is charming: once a year a jolly old elf harnesses his reindeer to deliver toys to children all over the world. But it’s important to remember that our modern-day Santa is the creation of advertisers—and what’s good for advertisers isn’t necessarily what’s good for our kids. Stripped down to its bare bones, the modern Santa story tells our children that Christmas is about receiving presents.

And as parents, we’ve bought in. Most North American children are so buried in toys that it’s actually detrimental to their ability to play. In his book Simplicity Parenting, Kim John Payne explains the paradox: An avalanche of toys invites emotional disconnect and a sense of overwhelm. As you decrease the quantity of your child’s toys and clutter, you increase their attention and their capacity for deep play.

No matter how we hype it, Santa’s story is a poor substitute for our traditional narratives. The old stories are full of wonder and sacred mystery; they point to something larger than ourselves. Santa’s story, in

contrast, offers no exploration of the great virtues, no triumph of good over evil, of hope over despair. Instead it makes materialism the centre of the season—and that’s a disappointing message in an age of runaway consumerism, exploitative overseas factories, and environmental degradation. It’s also an unfulfilling message: no amount of presents will ever give our children lasting happiness.

I’ve followed in my parents’ footsteps when it comes to dealing with Santa. We’ll never ban him from our home, but we don’t emphasize him either. He’s there on the periphery in some of our picture books and decorations, but his presence is overshadowed by stars and angels and nativity scenes. We’ve managed to strip away some of Santa’s commercial power by learning about the original St. Nicholas—a third century bishop who used his inheritance to look after the poor and sick. We’ve also explored the Father Christmas/Pere Noel/ Sinter Klaas traditions of other cultures.

You may be perfectly content with the place Santa Claus occupies in your family’s celebrations, but if the shadow he casts seems just a little too long, here are some strategies: Tell the old stories. There’s a reason the original sacred narratives have endured for millennia, but there are many other seasonal stories that extol kindness, generosity, and sacrifice. Most of the classics can be downloaded from the internet, since their copyrights have long expired. Charles Dickens’ novella A Christmas Carol is at the top of my favourites list. I love the 1951 Alastair Sim movie, but a good audio recording—which you can find on YouTube—is also powerful. O. Henry’s The Gift of the Magi would make a good read-aloud story for older kids. So would Henry Van Dyke’s moving novella The Story of the Other Wise Man. The Elves and the Shoemaker from the Brothers Grimm is set at Christmas time, and is a good tale for younger children. For a touch of pathos, nothing compares to Hans Christian Anderson’s The Fir-Tree or The Little Match Girl.

The library is a wonderful place to find newer stories. Among my favourites are Tomie dePaola’s beautiful picture books The www.kidsinvictoria.com

Clown of God, The Legend of Old Befana, and The Night of Las Posadas; Margaret Hodges’ heartwarming Irish fairytale, The Wee Christmas Cabin; and Elizabeth Clark’s Father Christmas and the Donkey—a wonderful story for animal lovers. For folktales from around the globe, look for a collection like Saviour Pirotta’s Joy To The World.

You may be perfectly content with the place Santa Claus occupies in your family’s celebrations, but if the shadow he casts seems just a little too long, here are some strategies...

The library also has a good selection of Chanukah stories, including The Miracle Jar

by Audrey Penn, and Moishe’s Miracle by Laura Krauss Melmed. The Story of Divaali

by Jatinder Nath Verma beautifully explains the Hindu Festival of Lights.

Put your elves to work. The happiest people in the world are givers, not takers. We can let our children in on the fun by helping them set up their own gift-making workshop.

Their presents don’t have to be fancy or time-consuming to produce. Depending on their age, they could draw pictures, bake cookies, or make simple ornaments. Older children might undertake more complex projects. Encourage them to consider each recipient, and to give from the heart.

Emphasize ‘presence’ over presents. I can’t remember ever hearing an adult reminisce fondly about how much stuff their parents bought them. What I do hear other adults speak about with emotion is the time their mothers or fathers spent with them—or didn’t. Our kids need us far more than they need mounds of wrapped packages under the tree. Emphasize seasonal traditions that draw your family together. Spend less time at the mall, and more time creating memories—carolling, crafting, baking, playing winter sports or drinking cocoa by the fire.

And have a wonderful holiday!

Rachel Dunstan Muller is the mother of five, and a children’s author. Her previous articles can be found at www.kidsinvictoria.com.

www.IslandParent.ca

December 2014 7

Sarah Conley

Welcome to the amazing world of insects and spiders. Discover over 60 species of giant walkingsticks, alien-eyed praying mantis, huge horned beetles, hairy bird-eating tarantulas, glow-in-the-dark scorpions and Canada’s largest leaf-cutter ant farm. ALL LIVE, in a safe, friendly atmosphere. While in Victoria, be sure to crawl, fly or wriggle your way to this fascinating family adventure and great gift shop. Open daily.

Located in Downtown Victoria, one block north of the Empress Hotel.

Gift certificates available!

An Organic Christmas Tree T

his year, when I approached my family with the idea of decorating our Christmas tree with things only found in nature, I expected a lot of questions and a few groans. But I was surprised. Our seven-yearold reminded us that we could include the two bird nests that “magically” appeared on a branch last Christmas morning. Not to be outdone, our three-year-old shouted with excitement that we could decorate it with pinecones. Even my husband, who loved tinsel and garlands and still puts up

ferent fragrances to our home; from roses, to pumpkins, to fir needles.

Now don’t get me wrong, our living room on Christmas morning is a mess of wrapping paper, ribbons, and primary coloured plastic toys. There’s a train circling the tree playing loud carols and a fury of anticipation as to what Santa brought. But there’s also the homemade gifts of knitted sweaters, the hand-built doll house, the carved rocking horse—in other words a balance of two worlds.

his treasured kindergarten ornament every year, agreed to the change.

Having an outside job, a garden, a dog and two young kids makes for plenty of time spent in nature. We have a basket at the front door that we collect treasures from our adventures. In it right now is the jaw bone from a beaver, a deer skull, feathers, leaves, pinecones, shells, and rocks. Like the seasons it’s always changing. Our dining room table holds flowers from spring to fall and I always decorate the house for the holidays with cedar swags and homemade wreathes. I love the way seasons add dif-

The idea to decorate a tree organically wasn’t completely new to me. In recent years, when it had come time to decorate the tree, I was resistant to most of our Christmas box of garish sparkle. I envied the people in the 15th and 16th century of northern Europe decorating their trees with apples, nuts, and candles. Well, maybe not the candles part.

After walking one of our favourite forest trails the morning after a wind storm, I realized a tree covered in bits and pieces from other plants would not only be possible but pretty too. Big tufts of Old Man’s Beard

631 Courtney St 250-384-BUGS (2847)

www.victoriabugzoo.com

Kate Rubin Theatre & Drama Studio specializes

in

dramatic

training

CHILDREN, YOUTH, and ADULTS. Within a professional, for

experienced, learning

and

supportive

environment,

students

flourish with improved acting skills,

confidence, CREATIVE THINKING, public speaking

stronger

skills, spontaneity, and versatility in physical & vocal expression.

Now Registering for Fall Classes • Workshops • Private Coaching and Full Year Programs Fall, Winter, Spring & Summer Terms (Ages 3 and up)

Kate Rubin

Theatre & Drama Studio

250.386.8593 • KateRubin@telus.net www.KateRubinTheatre.com facebook.com/KateRubinTheatre

8 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

(or Usnea), whorls of white lichen on dead branches, rose hips, and hawthorn berries littered the mossy floor. Unlike the rest of Canada, covered or soon to be covered in snow, here on the West Coast we have an abundant flora collection in stunning colors.

A short glance around our property revealed Oregon Grape turning crimson, dangling red juicy honeysuckle berries, an empty snail shell, and varying textures and shades of green leaves of salal, holly, and boxwood.

Like patches of snow the Usnea and lichen brightened up the green branches.

Yellow Mahonia flowers, red berries, various variegated foliage, and a sprinkling of colour from a Japanese Maple brought the tree to life.

With the kids in tow we started collecting for our mock Christmas tree—to make sure we’d be happy with the results. I chose a small Balsam in our backyard, the kind Charlie Brown would be proud of, and the three of us got to work decorating. The makeover was instant. Like patches of snow the Usnea and lichen brightened up the green branches. Yellow Mahonia flowers, red berries, various variegated foliage, and a sprinkling of colour from a Japanese Maple brought the tree to life. “It’s beautiful!” said my son. Judging by the way he stared at it, I knew he meant it. It was beautiful. And although it’s too early to start decorating a tree like that in our wood-fueled home, I look forward to the day we do. We’ll make time to observe what the rest of the Island has to offer too. Will this tradition stamp out the glitzy ornaments and strings of twinkling lights in our future? I don’t know.

But I like to think of us willing to make a little change around the holidays—a chance to create space for our love of nature and to worship its beauty inside in the form of an organic tree. Now, how do we replace the angel?

Gingerbread Latte

Turtle Mocha

Nov 12 to Jan 4

Goose Gliders & Furniture

Features

Ultra compact fold Flip out visor 5-point harness Full suspension Linked rear brake Lockable front wheels Removable front bar Car seat compatible

Evolving With Your Family Needs

For All Your Your Baby Baby Needs…

Needs… New, We Also Do&Rentals!

For Used Rentals Serving the Infants • Toddlers • Youth • Parents & Grandparents of Victoria

The Kiddies Store 3045–C Douglas St. (Rear) 386-2229 www.tjskids.com

Finlayson St.

St.

www.IslandParent.ca

ETHIOPIA HARRAR

Makes a great gift! (limited supply)

s Dougla

Sarah Conley lives on Pender Island with her husband and two children. Her passions include writing, gardening, and raising her family.

Our Christmas Roast

Larch St.

T.J.’S

(Under Sleep Country in the REAR)

December 2014 9

Holiday

Happenings All aboard The Christmas Express at the BC Forest Discovery Centre in Duncan, running Dec 5-7, Dec 12-14, and Dec 19-21 from 4-9pm (train leaves every 20 minutes from 4:30-8:30pm). Ride behind Samson, the museum’s 1910 steam locomotive, through festive light displays and exhibits in the forest and on the trestle. Visit Santa Claus, dance to live Christmas music, make a Christmas tree craft in the schoolhouse, watch the model train, and warm up with hot chocolate in Train Station Treats. Santa will ride the first train, leaving at 4:30pm and then will be in the main museum for pictures and visits. 2892 Drinkwater Road. Visit discoveryforest.com or phone 250-715-1113 ext. 23.

14th Annual Bear Wear in the lobby of the Hotel Grand Pacific in Victoria from Nov 25-Jan 5, 2015. Visit the best-dressed bears in town at this annual fundraiser, helping children and youth in need and their families on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. All funds raised support the programs of Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island. In 2013, Bear Wear raised $27,500 for Island kids. Admission is free, but for a suggested $2 donation, you can enter a draw to win your favourite bear. Vote as many times as you like—the more times you vote, the better your chances. 463 Belleville Street. For more information, phone 250-519-6935 or visit childrenshealthvi.org.

Photo: Butchart Gardens

Butchart Gardens presents the 28th annual Magic of Christmas from Dec 1-Jan 6, 2015.

The Gardens sparkle with tens of thousands of coloured lights and seasonal decorations. Miles of fresh evergreen swags and wreaths, holly, ivy and winter berries adorn the walkways and lamp posts. See the Twelve Days of Christmas displays tucked into the landscape. Get into the Christmas mood with traditional carollers and festive brass music from 5-9pm. Whirl around the outdoor ice skating rink. Skate times run on the hour during admission hours and last for 40 minutes. Skate rentals available; children’s helmets also on loan. Garden hours from Dec 1-Jan 6, 9am-9pm, except Christmas Day when the hours are 1-9pm. Kids 12 years old and younger are invited to bring a paper snowflake they’ve made and exchange it for a cup of hot chocolate in the Coffee Shop.

Visit butchartgardens.com or phone 250-652-4422.

10

Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Math. Reading. Confidence.

Each time our students tackle and overcome a new challenge, their confidence grows, and they realize they are achieving more than they thought they could. Kumon puts them on the path to becoming the confident, independent, self-reliant people all parents hope their children can be.

Millions of parents and their children all around the world have experienced it firsthand.

You and your child can too.

Visit kumon.ca or call 1-800-ABC-MATH to book your free placement test.

Franchise Opportunities Available in Langford

www.IslandParent.ca

December 2014

11

Abra-Kid-Abra

Car Seats, Cribs, Play-n-Pak, High Chairs available for short term rentals • A great selection of books • Dress-up for girls and boys • Shoes…Pedipeds, See Kai Run …and More • Rainwear and rainboots…TUFFO – MUDDYBUDDY, now up to size 5

Now Accepting Winter Consignment New & Used Toys, Clothing & Furniture 2024 Oak Bay Ave • 250 595 1613

Celebrating 30 Years!

Just Kidding for Kids Inspiring Family Entertainment K - 7

The Little Prince

By Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Adaptation by

Puppets, masks, original music and a bit of theatre magic bring this cherished novella to life!

J a nu a r y 3 1 @1: 00pm Mal a s p i n a Th ea tre a t V IU TICKETS: $10 each or 2 for $18 By phone: 250-754-7587 Online: www.theatreone.org At the door: one hour prior to showtime

Generously Sponsored by:

Father Christmas in Old Town at Royal BC Museum from Dec 5-21 (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 11am-3pm). Visit with Father Christmas in Old Town; have your photo taken, and share your holiday wishes.

Photos by donation. Then take in the sights and sounds of Christmas long ago. Marvel at the huge Christmas tree, visit the woodcobbled streets laced with festive garlands, and see the shops decorated with Christmas finery. Visit royalbcmuseum.bc.ca.

The Ferris Wheel will be back in Centennial Square for four weekends this holiday season, starting November 29 (at 4pm) until December 21. Come and see the lights of Centennial Square and downtown from 20 metres up! Rides cost $2 and riders must be 2 years old and 36 inches tall to ride.

Fridays 5-9pm, Saturdays 1-9pm, Sundays 1-7pm. Ferris wheel will not operate in inclement weather. For information, visit downtownvictoria.ca

Christmas in the Village at the Saanich Historical Artifacts Society on Dec 5, 6, 7 and Dec 12, 13, 14 is put on by the Vancouver Island Model Engineers. Ride the train, visit Santa, vote for your favourite display, and enjoy entertainment, storytime and refreshments. $10 per car load. From 5-8pm. 7321 Lochside Drive. Visit shas. ca or phone 250-652-5522.

Every year the Victoria Festival of Trees transforms the Fairmont Empress into a lush forest of beautifully decorated trees to raise funds for BC Children’s Hospital.

As sponsors of this event, local businesses, organizations and individuals decorate the trees—in a sometimes wacky, often irreverent and always beautiful fashion.

This season, the trees are on display throughout the Empress from Nov 19-Jan 6, 2015. Browse through a holiday wonderland and cast a ballot for your favourite tree. Admission is free, though a $2 donation is suggested for every vote. While you’re at the Empress, you can lace up your skates and go skating on the ice rink out front on the lawn. 5pm-9pm weekdays and 1-9pm weekends until mid-Jan 2015.

Nanaimo is hosting its first Festival of Trees at Nanaimo North Town Centre from Nov 22-Jan 4, 2015. Port Alberni and Sooke are hosting their fifth annual Festival of Trees—in Port Alberni at the Best Western Barclay Hotel from Nov 26-Jan 5, 2015, and in Sooke at the Prestige Oceanfront Resort and SEAPARC Leisure Complex from Dec 2-Jan 4, 2015. Visit bcchf.ca.

Christmas Starlight Cinema. Bundle up and bring your family down to the Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe to enjoy one of Victoria’s great Christmas traditions—Christmas movies under the stars on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 6pm in December. The line-up: Dec 2—A Christmas Story; Dec 3—White Christmas; Dec 9—Elf; Dec 10—Home Alone; Dec 16—Polar Express; Dec 17—It’s a Wonderful Life. Movies are free, but donations to Santas Anonymous are appreciated. Bring a lawn chair and extra blankets, the hotel will supply heaters. In the event of rain, movies will be held inside. 45 Songhees Road. For information, phone 250-360-2999.

Craigdarroch Castle is decorated for the Christmas season through the month of December. The rooms are presented in traditional Victorian fashion with original period toys peeking out from under the Christmas trees. The decorations are on display throughout the month and there will be a selection of music and children’s performances. Performance times vary and are part of the self-guided tour. The Christmas performance calendar comes out in early December. Visit craigdarrochcastle. com or call 250-592-5323.

6th Annual Gingerbread Showcase at the Inn at Laurel Point. Feast your eyes and nose on creative inspirations constructed out of gingerbread. More than houses, they are sculptures and unique works of art created by professional and amateur chefs. This year’s theme: Where Things Live. Vote for your favourite—if you can choose just one!

All funds raised support Habitat for Humanity Victoria, helping make affordable home ownership possible for low-income families living in the Victoria region. Nov 22-Jan 4, 2015 from 9am-9pm. Visit laurelpoint. com/christmas/.

Mid Island

12 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Helmcken House Old-Fashioned Christmas at Royal BC Museum from Dec 20-24, 26-31, and Jan 2, 3, 4, 2015 from noon-4pm. Step through the doors of the oldest house in British Columbia, still on its original site, and experience what Christmas would have been like in Victoria over 100 years ago. Decorations, music, and first-hand accounts will take you back to Christmas past. Included with museum admission or by donation. For information, visit royalbcmuseum.bc.ca.

Free Horse-Drawn Trolley Rides. Enjoy a classic downtown tradition with your family this holiday season. Starting Nov 29 and running Saturdays (noon-4pm) and Sundays (noon-3pm) until Dec 21, horse-drawn trolleys will circulate throughout downtown, making it easy to take in all of the sights and sounds of the Christmas celebrations.

The trolleys are free of charge, compliments of the Downtown Victoria Business Association. Two free trolleys will circulate on a pre-set route throughout the downtown with four stops at: Store St. and Chatham St. (in front of Ocean River Sports); Johnson St. near Wharf St. (in front of Willie’s Bakery); Langley St. at Bastion Square (across from Re-Bar); and Government St. at Fisgard St. (in front of CDR Plaza). For more information on entertainment in the downtown area, visit downtownvictoria.ca.

Live Nativity Scene. The First Christmas, an outdoor Nativity pageant, features Wise Men from the east, the Angel Gabriel, shepherds with flocks, an innkeeper, King Harrod with his soldiers, townspeople, Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus. This outdoor depiction of the Christmas story runs four times nightly on Dec 21, 22 and 23 at 6:30, 7, 7:30 and 8pm at Topaz Park, between Quadra and Blanshard. Parking is available at S.J. Willis school and the park’s lot off Quadra. Free. christmasnativity.ca.

Milner Christmas Magic at Milner Gardens and Woodland in Qualicum Beach. Stroll through tens of thousands of lights, enjoy local musicians and storytellers, stop by Santa’s shop for a visit, pop into the Teddy Bear Cottage and try to count all of the old bears, and enjoy tea or hot chocolate in the tea room. Dec 5-7, Dec 12-14, and Dec 17-21 from 5-8:30pm (recommended entry by 8pm). Adults $5, children $2.50, families $12. For more information and the entertainment schedule, visit www2.viu.ca/ milnergardens or call 250-752-6153.•

www.IslandParent.ca

The Magic of Christmas

December 1st - January 6th

The perfect holiday gift for the whole family!

Give a 5-seasons experience from The Butchart Gardens with an Adult, Youth or Child 12 Month Pass. Firework Passes also available.

Purchase online butchartgardens.com or onsite

A family tradition n n n

Find all Twelve Days of Christmas displays Skate on our outdoor ice rink Enjoy our Entertainment

Ride the Rose Carousel

FREE Ride Day - December 1st only (Admission to The Gardens is required)

Hot Chocolate for Children’s Snowflakes (details: butchartgardens.com/1snowflake)

butchartgardens.com/christmas or call 250-652-5256

Make this their best year ever with Tutor Doctor.

• Convenient, Comfortable One-to-One Tutoring at Home • Expert, Screened, Well-Matched Tutors • Tailor-Made Program for Every Student

CALL (250) 802-5256

vancouverislandtutors.com December 2014 13

Holiday

Gift& Book

Recommendations The following gift ideas come from some of our local merchants and businesses. To find out more about any of the businesses listed below, please refer to the ads in this issue.

From KinderSpiel Baby/Preschool: “My very first games” by Haba. “Orchard”, “Here Fishy” and “Counting Fun” are wonderful, and beautifully made, first board games for little ones (2 years and up). $25-$35.

Children: Heros Constructor Sets.

Wooden boards, trim, wheels, nuts, bolts, washers, screw driver and a wrench—that and more are included in these assembly kids by Heras (made in Germany). $22-$80.

Juvenile/Teen: “Old School” Board Games (made in Germany). Tic Tac Toe, Ludo, Chinese Checkers, French Solitaire, Backgammon, Nine Men’s Morris, Pick-up Sticks, Master Logic, 4 in a Row. $20-$60.

Adult: Eitech Construction Kits.

Remember the old Meccano? Check out its German version. Metal construction assembly kits come in various sizes and for different skill levels. $25-$200.

From Kool & Child (Nanaimo) Baby/Preschool: Mini Micro 3-in-1 Kickboard. Versatile scooter set: Stage 1: Ride-on, Stage 2: Low-handled, Stage 3: the original mini-micro scooter. Get kids moving! $129.99 Children: Spooner Boards. Spin, slide, rock, flip or wobble. Virtually indestructible balance board for use on any smooth surface. Simulate skateboarding and snowboarding techniques. $59.99 and up.

Juvenile/Teen: Keva Contraptions. Simple planks, amazing possibilities. 200 identical pine planks, two specialty balls and idea book. Create ramps, funnels, chutes and crazy contraptions. $59.99.

Adult: Timeline Games by Asmodee. Test your knowledge of inventions, discoveries, events and media. Correctly place your cards in the timeline to win. Makes history fun.

Six versions, 2 to 8 players. $17.99.

From The Mothering Touch Centre Baby: Wee Urban Elephant Sleep Sac. for 0-16 month or 6-18 months. $34.95.

Baby/Preschool: Boba Wraps. The ideal carrier for a newborn. Swaddle and carry your baby all in one. $59.95.

Baby/Preschool: Hape Scoot Along, Hape Block & Roll. Perfect first ride-on toy and push toy for one-year-olds first Christmas. $89.95 Baby/Preschool: That’s Not My Duck, That’s Not My Baby, That’s Not My Penguin, That’s Not My Puppy book series.

Touch and feel board books. Author Fiona Watt, Illustrator Rachel Well. $11.95. www.kidsinvictoria.com

From Red Balloon Toy Shop (Duncan)

From National Geographic Store— IMAX Theatre Baby/Preschool: Re-usable Puffy Sticker, Melissa & Doug. Dimensional stickers and double-sided scene cards. Layer the reusable stickers on the backgrounds to dress characters, fill scenes and plot out amazing stories. $6.49.

Children: National Geographic Explorer Line. 3-in-1 Expedition includes dig tools, magnifier, and activity guide, or 4-in-1 Navigation Tool: It’s a compass, thermometer, whistle and a signal mirror—all in one! $14.99 each.

Juvenile/Teen: Metal Earth 3D Models.

No glue needed—just pop out the pieces and connect, the detail is amazing. A huge selection including the new ‘Rock Band’ and ‘Star Wars.’ $9.99-$19.99.

Adult: A Cover Collection featuring more than 600 unforgettable covers and the amazing stories behind them. HC. 380 pages. $50.

From Science Works

Baby/Preschool: Playmobil 123. This chunkier, toddlerfriendly version of Playmobil allows younger siblings the opportunity for imaginative play.

Children: Creativity for Kids Craft Kits.

From Faber Castell, these open-ended kits provide both boys and girls the opportunity to channel their creativity in a fun way.

From $6.99.

Juvenile/Teen: Doodle Art. These blastfrom-the-past poster colouring kits offer hours of entertainment for kids who love detail work. Now in two sizes. $24.99.

Adult: Board Games. We have a plethora of games in stock, from strategic play to just plain silliness. Great for Christmas and New Year get togethers.

Adult: Roots Shoots Buckets and Boots.

A book about connecting children to nature through gardening. 12 spirited, easy to implement ideas for theme gardens that parents and kids can grow together. Pizza patches and bean tunnels! Author: Sharon Lovejoy. PB. 149 pages. $18.95.

From the Children’s Treehouse Baby/Preschool: Stella: A Treasury. Feisty and imaginative, red-hair Stella and little brother Sam explore sea, snow, sky and forest in this delightful collection of five stories. Author: Marie-Louise Gay. HC. 175 pages. $24.95.

Children: Jackpot. Griffin Bing hunts for a missing lottery ticket, but this time his friends are helping a rival. Why? Latest in the hilarious Swindle series. Author: Gordon Korman. HC. 200 pages. $18.99.

Juvenile/Teen: The Ruins of Gorian. Book 1 in the Ranger’s Apprentice Series. Many trials and dangers confront young Will when he becomes an apprentice of the “King’s Rangers,” the secret defense force of the Kingdom of Araluen. Action-packed series which will keep the reader wanting more and reading the next book. Author: John Flanagan. PB. 249 pages. $9.99.

From Victoria Bug Zoo Inc. Baby/Preschool: Gift Certificates. Get children started on the right path early.

Show them how interesting and amazing bugs really are. $7.

Children: Triops. These fun creatures make a great first pet. Easy to care for and fun to watch. $10.

Juvenile/Teen: Edible Bugs. Lollipops, chocolate covered or energy bars. These make a great, unique stocking stuffer. Plus helps sustainable food sources. $5.

Adult: Insects of the Pacific Northwest.

Whether a hiker, gardener, or someone who simply enjoys nature, this informative guide can help identify many bug finds. Great photos. Author: Peter and Judy Haggard.

295 pages. $30.•

Baby/Preschool: Gears! Gears! Gears!

This is a fun building set that lets you create your own models while learning about motion. $36.95.

Children: Snap Circuits. Learn about electronics by snapping together the plastic modules to make over 100 circuits. $39.95.

Juvenile/Teen: Hyper Peppy. Robot kit you build that is controlled by sound.

Drive it around the house by clapping your hands. $55.95.

Adult: Night Watch Guide to Viewing the Universe by Terrence Dickinson.

Considered the bible to astronomy for the novice. Author: $35. www.IslandParent.ca

December 2014 15

Island Rhythmic Gymnastics Club

Shannon K. Auringer

Reinventing the Holidays M

Dance, gymnastics and juggling all in one!

Classes for girls ages 3 and up.

OPEN HOUSE by donation:

Wednesday, Dec 17th, 5:30–7:00pm Victoria Citadel, 4030 Douglas St Proceeds go to a local charity Get 5% off the winter session if you register at the open house. Get an extra 5% off the winter session if you bring a friend!

For more info:

250-514-6761 info@islandrhythmics.com

www.islandrhythmics.com

Is your child struggling with reading, math, language arts, comprehension, spelling or writing?

Brookfield Programs can help.

Whether your child is an average learner lacking in motivation, or has learning challenges due to ADD/ ADHD, Dyslexia, Autism or other learning disabilities, we can help him or her achieve in core academic areas with a few hours per week of one on one work with us.

Our approach is individualized to each child’s needs using scientifically validated approaches to learning including Direct Instruction Curricula, Precision Teaching and Applied Behavior Analysis.

After more than 15years of successful work with students in Toronto, Brookfield Programs has recently relocated to Victoria and is ready to work with your child.

Call Donna Heughan or John DeMarco at 250-884-5623 or email us at

donna@brookfieldprograms.com to discuss your child’s needs.

16 Island Parent Magazine

y pulse raced as I flipped through the calendar. December was on its way— fast and furious—and so were the Christmas holidays.

Like every year, there was so much to do to create the most magical and memorable time in my children’s lives. There were cookies to bake, gingerbread houses to design, and that one impossible-to-get toy that was on every letter sent out the the big ‘S’ man. We had a list of people to visit, traditions to facilitate, and memories to create just like every year before. Only this year was different. This year was our first Christmas post-divorce and I was paralyzed.

As the 24th loomed, I found myself, in my single-parentness, trying to do the holidays just like I had done each year before. I had a slew of baking ingredients just waiting to hit the cookie sheet, bins of decorations for the house, and certain outings lined up that we had always done as a family, such as the visiting Butchart Gardens.

The books and articles I had read about kids and separation encouraged maintaining “the normal” as much as possible. I found myself physically burnt out and emotionally drained from all the memories that came with our long-standing traditions. My first Christmas as a single parent didn’t turn out to be much fun for anyone and I knew something had to change.

So I decided to redefine Christmas. I had been so focused on how the holidays should look, that I had forgotten they could look any way we chose. The fact was, things had changed and it was impossible to carry on like they hadn’t. Finances were tighter—I didn’t have the advantage of a spouse or extended family to help me—and time was of the essence now that our kids schedules were split between two homes. It was time to decide what our new Christmas was going to look like in our new family. It was time to create a new normal.

The first massive hurdle I had to cross was the emotional one. I had to learn to let go. I needed to relinquish my guilt of our changing life and embrace those changes. Many of our

family traditions were a combination of both myself and my ex-spouse, so I asked the hard question: was this tradition something I really wanted to do or felt I had to do? What I discovered was that my kids cared less about getting new pajamas on Christmas Eve and more about having a relaxed Mama. They were happy, if I was happy.

Keeping it simple became the main theme in my plan. Simple in my new world translated to being available and stress-free. My focus switched from trying to get it all done, to limiting how much there was to do and enjoying the process of doing it. If the tradition was something that created unnecessary stress and diminished our fun, I considered whether or not it really had a place in our new life. Christmas baking went from a dozen different treats down to three. What army were we feeding anyway?

During the redefining process I made sure that I kept my kids in the loop. I realized early on in my separation that knowledge gave my kids a sense of feeling safe and limited their stress. We talked about how the holidays were going to look right from the start and discussed each change as it happened. I held family meetings and we made lists of what we liked best about Christmas and what we could do without. We also entertained the idea of new traditions, which became an exciting brainstorming game for us.

Now four seasons later, our Christmas has become more fine-tuned and seamless than each year before. We celebrate the holidays on our own terms with what works in our life. We focus on the idea of “less is more” and that the holidays are about being together as a family and not how much is under the tree. We still have our family meetings and tackle this holiday as a team.

This has become our most important new tradition for our new life.

Shannon K. Auringer is a freelance writer who resides in Victoria with her three amazing children and boxer dog. More of her work can be found at www.skauringer. com or follow her on twitter @skauringer

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Maxine Fisher

When You’re Not Feeling So Merry T

he holiday season for many is one of joy and celebration. For others it can be a struggle. The pressure is on to “be happy.”

This is a time when we are supposed to celebrate, laugh, connect with family and friends, and have a jolly good time. If all this goes as expected, we are very fortunate indeed. Many people have an amazing holiday season. Many do not.

The holiday season can seem to be an “All or Nothing” time. Either everything is great—family, gifts, parties, friends—or there can be a seasonal dread for a variety of reasons. Some stressors include financial issues, the death of a loved one, familydynamic changes caused by separation and/ or divorce and the challenges they can cause.

For many people, there is the “mandatory” family get together, where every year signifies

a possible new fight or disagreement.

The reason we feel overwhelmed or stressed may not be something we can change. We can however change the impact that it has on our lives. We may not be able to change a situation, but we can change our perception and reaction to it, and by doing so, we can feel less stress and more joy.

Whenever we give ourselves an all-ornothing scenario, it means there is no choice.

If we perceive what we’re facing as either black or white, good or bad, we have no room for creativity, flexibility or compassion for ourselves or others. When we tell ourselves “I must make this dinner this way, I must bake or else, I must give these gifts…” we can be setting ourselves up for disappointment.

Our very expectations are often the cause of our distress. If we tell ourselves we are

“supposed to” feel happy and we do not, this conflict can cause incredible stress. We are asking ourselves to be something we are not. It’s not possible to force ourselves to feel a certain way just because we want to or someone else believes we should feel that way because it’s holiday season.

We can do some things to create more well-being, though. We can choose to accept how we feel and be kind and compassionate towards ourselves. By doing this, we will feel better, and it gives others an invitation to be themselves, too.

This year, there is a gift that cannot be bought or sold, but can be given from the heart—to ourselves and to others. Virginia Satir, a family therapist, says the greatest gift she can imagine is to be “seen, heard, understood and touched” by others. “The greatest gift I can give is to see, hear, understand and touch another person,” said Satir.

“When this is done, I feel contact has been made.” Contact, real connection, is the path to well-being any time of the year.

Maxine Fisher M. Ed., MTA, RCC is a Registered Clinical Counsellor who works in private practise with families, children and adults. Maxine can be reached at 250-6867582 or www.victoriafamilycounselling.com

CONTEMPORARY MONTESSORI… you can have the best of both worlds.

Come see how current educational practice can be made more meaningful by the time-tested Montessori approach.

In addition to low student/teacher ratios and highly qualified staff for children from preschool to grade eight, we have talented specialists in music, languages, technology and physical education.

For information, or to arrange a tour of our facility, call Penny Barner at 250-384-3414 or email penny@selkirkmontessori.ca

WHEN :

Thursday, January 15 th

TIME :

5:30 - 8:00 pm

WHERE :

Selkirk Montessori School, 2970 Jutland Road (at the Selkirk Waterfront Development)

Selkirk Montessori is an exceptional, affordable alternative in a diverse, caring school community.

MEETING THE NEEDS OF THE WHOLE CHILD SLK14476-IslandParent-Ad-OpenHouse-v2.indd 1

www.IslandParent.ca

14-10-28 3:52 PM

December 2014 17

Party Directory Hassle Free Parties

You’ll Flip Over Our Birthday Parties * Greater Victoria’s newest, largest and cleanest facility with hassle free parking for you and your guests * * Large private party rooms * * Experienced Qualified Fun Coaches * * 3 Trampolines & 40ft Tumble Trac * * Awesome Foam Pit *

Are you looking for something unique and fun to do on your kids’ birthday?

Kids can learn and interact with a variety of animals, play a little game with the baby chameleons and watch them shoot their little tongues while catching their meal for the day.

• birthday parties, tours of our facility and school presentations • includes 4x6 photo magnets of each child holding one of our reptiles • Sooke, Langford and Victoria • Exotic chameleons for sale Like us on Facebook and get $10 off our services: www.facebook.com/pages/ Chameleons-Galore/203796906368009

250-383-FLIP

Y M

250 472 3546

GYMNASTICS Birthday Parties

www.puppetbooth.homestead.com G Y M

N Celebrate your birthday with us!

N

Our great instructors will treat you to an action packed two hours of fun and fitness in our great facility!

A

A S T I For more information, please call Monika 250 818 6570 or check out our website www.chameleonsgalore.com

FALCON

C S

40thsary

r Annive 2013 1973–

• 2 large decorated birthday rooms • Free T-shirt for birthday child, invitations for up to 10 children • The ONLY Inflatable Climbing Mountain with trampoline in town • Party Time now offered for many different groups (schools, daycare centres)

Book Early: 250-479-6424

#208 – 721 Vanalman Ave

(Broadmead & Royal Oak Area)

www.falcongymnastics.com

You provide the space and food…

We’ll provide an hour of fun with puppet shows and play

www.lionspridegymnastics.com Located in Langford

G

for kids & families

S T I C S

~ Laser Tag ~ Human Hamster Balls ~ Booger Wars ~ Video Game Theatre ~ U:Launchers ~ Foam Party

We bring the Fun2U!

Birthdays, school funfairs, fundraising, festivals, teen groups, church groups, summer camps, sports teams, corporate groups

Call Alicia 250-661-2219 Email games2uvictoria@gmail.com Global @ www.g2u.com Facebook @ Games2u Victoria

Writing for Island Parent Workshop Many of the articles in Island Parent are written by people just like you: parents who want to share their experiences, knowledge and ideas with other parents. We’re always happy to consider your submission, whether you’re a published writer or not. If you’re itching to express yourself but need a few pointers or a friendly nudge, come out for an evening of inspiration.

We’re holding a Writing for Island Parent Workshop on Tuesday, January 27th, 2015, 7:30–9pm, at 830-B (across from the north side of Save-On-Foods Memorial Arena). Space is limited. If you’d like to attend, please e-mail Sue Fast at editor@islandparent.ca.

Come and out and get those creative juices flowing!

18 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Party Directory Funtime Inflatables Vancouver Island’s #1 choice for party rentals

ctoria

250-474-0597

Gymnastics

Birthday Parties Come Fly With Us!

We offer the largest selection of inflatables on Vancouver Island—trust your party or special event to the experts—the original bouncy castle company, serving Vancouver Island since 1990.

Party sizes up to 18 kids We supply table top cover, napkins, hats, streamers and balloons

www.funtimeinflatables.ca

Optional character

Two certified instructors and a host Optional character

Gymnastics games and music

Par-T-Perfect

(250) 386-JUMP (5867) www.par-t-perfect.com • Indoor facility options for all your bouncy castle and inflatable requirements • Christmas and holiday events • At home/indoor theme parties, i.e. Teddy Bear stuffing, craft parties • Free gift for birthday child when you mention this ad • Costumed facepainters and balloon twisters, i.e. princesses, pirates, ragdoll style clowns • Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

Free t-shirt

Optional character

Foam landing pit and 40' long trampoline

Optional character Optional character

Optional character

Party participants can win a FREE month

Available Sat & Sun Afternoons Corner of Store & Pembroke Optional character

www.victoriagymnastics.com

250-380-2442 Birthday Parties! :: Gym & Bouncy Castle, themed parties: creative kids, girl power and preschool parties from Princesses to Pirates!

Action-Packed Birthday Parties Supervised • 2–8 Yrs

It’s about skills, not scores.

Go to www.sportball.ca for schedules & information Call us: 250 590 4625 Email: van.island@sportball.ca

www.IslandParent.ca

at Henderson Recreation Centre!

Call 250-370-7200

Pool, Skate, or Soccer parties at Oak Bay Recreation Centre!

Call 250-595-SWIM (7946)

www.recreation.oakbay.ca

December 2014 19

Fabulous Finds

Quadrilla Vertigo Dizzying and daring— which way is up? Vertigo is a lightning-fast marble run that includes drops, see-saws and three twisting funnels for a whirlwind ride. What can you build without losing your marbles? Ages 4+

Explore Canada Canada’s “Who, Where and What?” game.

Where is Canada’s longest river? What city was nicknamed “Pile of Bones?” Learn facts about the people and geography of Canada—in both official languages! 2–6 players. Ages 7+

pipSquigz Three fun little suckers! pipSquigz are the ultimate keep-theirattention toy that babies cannot resist. These suction toys are colourful, make fun sounds, stick to surfaces and each other, and are irresistibly tactile. Ages 6 months+

Neighbourhood Toy Stores of Canada’s Gold Star Toys and Games of 2015 20 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Sands Alive All the fun of sand without the mess. This unique indoor play sand is 100 per cent organic, never dries out and moulds into any shape. It’s even gluten free! Squish it, roll it, form it— you’ll want to play with it again and again. Ages 3+

Twinkling Firefly Frog Twinkling fireflies and soothing sounds.

What better way to hop to dreamland?

This frog prince’s tummy twinkles with fireflies as he plays two soothing sounds.

A gentle way to help little ones ease from playtime to sleeptime. Ages 0 months+

Squap Join the latest throw-andcatch craze! Just put the ball in the mitt and snap it open to launch. Play indoors or out, by yourself (against a wall), with a friend or in a group. A great game for the whole family.

Ages 6+

Astronaut Costume

Felted Friends Create your own soft and fuzzy critters. Experience the magic of needle felting. With step-by-step instructions, turn wool fluff into adorable animals like a cat, a squirrel, a rabbit, a fox and a mouse (or a hedgehog). Ages 10+

www.IslandParent.ca

Houston we have a costume! Get ready for blast off. This costume is complete with a jumpsuit, helmet, silver gloves and an ID nametag—everything young astronauts need to go to the moon, the stars or the far corners of the living room. Ages 3+ December 2014 21

Nutcracker Youth Ballet Friday 19, 7pm && Saturday Dec Friday Dec DecThe 19,Royal 7pmCity Saturday Dec 20, 20, 1pm 1pm and the Cowichan Theatre present the

Nutcracker ★★★★ ½

Ticketmaster TicketmasterReviews Reviews

“The “The perfect perfect start start to Christmas week.” toFriday Christmas week.”

December 19, 7pm

A

Suzanne SuzanneD., D.,Vancouver Vancouver

& Saturday Dec 20, 1pm

“Beautiful “Beautiful “Beautiful costumes and costumes and costumes and dancing... the perfect start to Christmas week” dancing... dancing...

Well Well worth worth the the ticket ticket price” price” Artsfanatic, Artsfanatic,Hamilton Hamilton

Tickets On Sale Now Tickets OnOn Sale Tickets SaleNow Now

Phone (250) 748-7529 Phone (250) 748-7529 Phone (250) 748-7529 CowichanTheatre.ca CowichanTheatre.ca CowichanTheatre.ca Cowichan Ticket Centre Cowichan Ticket Centre Cowichan Ticket Centre 2687 James St. Duncan 2687 2687 James James St. St. Duncan Duncan

Tickets $24 / Family (4) $74

Tickets Tickets $24 $24 // Family Family (4) (4) $74 $74

Open House Wednesday, January 28, 4–6pm

• preschool to grade 2 • before and after

school care

• small class sizes • supportive and

caring staff

• excellent academic

foundation

• Kodaly music

5575 West Saanich Rd (across from Red Barn Market) 250 592 4411 imhsenroll@gmail.com www.islandmontessori.com 22 Island Parent Magazine

Their Wonder Years

program

• lovely rural location

connecting children to nature

s it so often happens once one is a dad, I was struck by an emotion so strong last night that I could barely breathe.

Curiously, however, it happened when I was on the Esquire Magazine website after I saw an interview with Fred Savage, who played Kevin Arnold on the great old television show The Wonder Years. I used to love watching that program, filled as it was with nostalgia and perfect coming-of-age stories.

As the years passed, though, I found the show more difficult to watch; it’s still excellent, but sometimes the feeling of nostalgia is just a bit too much to handle.

The Esquire article contained some photos and videos, one of which was the final scene of the final episode. It kills me every time. Killed me again last night. It was playing on loop, just a handful of seconds long. I probably watched it 10 times.

The quiet street, the fireworks, the talk of magic…good lord, that was one perfectly written show.

But now that I have two kids, now that I’m a dad, I find myself relating more to the dad character than the son. And I find myself thinking about that show as I think about my kids growing up, entering their wonder years.

As dads, as parents, we make huge decisions all the time. I’ve got some huge decisions on my mind right now about my kids. You try to do what’s right. You try to do what’s best. You filter opinions from friends, family, society at large. You just try to make it so the kids have wonder years. And I guess, in the end, no matter what decisions we make, our kids all have wonder years. I mean, that’s the secret right there, isn’t it? The years you are a kid are the wonder years, no matter what decisions your parents make behind the scenes.

www.kidsinvictoria.com

As parents, we make comparisons. That last scene of The Wonder Years slaughtered me for the hundredth time last night because I was sad my kids don’t have that small town life, don’t have that ’60s innocence surrounding them. (Of course, I recognize adults living in the ’60s thought the same thing about eras before them, but, work with me here.) I saw a clip of another episode and I actually couldn’t bear to watch it, it hit so close to home. Just closed my internet browser and tried to forget about it.

But I’m not sure why it hit me so hard. As dads, we want the best for our kids like all parents do. We’re bummed if we don’t give them the idealized Kevin Arnold boyhood

Santa

tc

e R u d olp h’s r

d

BC Transit’s

Santa Bus is Coming to Town Friday, December 19 and Saturday, December 20

Come ride the bus and meet Santa

GREG PRATT

Greg Pratt is the father of two children and a local journalist and editor. His writing has appeared in, among other places, Today’s Parent, Wired, Revolver, and Douglas.

fo r

no

Wa

h

Dadspeak

• Santa bus stickers • Candy canes • Holiday music Various routes – check website for schedule.

Holiday Service also on the web.

Victoria Regional Transit System 4201

or Winnie Cooper girlhood. But the kids are alright. They’ll look back on their childhood townhouse, located off a busy mid-sized city street the same way I look back on my childhood home on a quiet small-town street: drenched in the glow of nostalgia, with the smoke of blown-out birthday cake candles circling once-favourite teddy bears now collecting cobwebs in the corner, the smell of new toys, the feeling, as a sevenyear-old, of being awake way too early on an exciting morning.

These are our children’s wonder years. I’ve been telling myself this for a handful of years now, and I’m slowly learning. Sometimes it takes clips of a decades-old television show catching me off guard while reading magazine articles online to really hammer it home. They ain’t ours, which is part of the reason why it can be so painful at times, but if it all ever becomes too much to handle and the stress wears you down, just think about that: these are their wonder years.

Don’t wait to watch old videos of it, because they will break your heart. Hold on to your kids and enjoy them now.

se

Bus

Transit Info 250·382·6161 • www.bctransit.com

4201_VIC BC Transit Island Parent Magazine Size: 4.75” x 6.75” Insertion Date: November and December Reber Creative for BC Transit 250-383-5255

2758 Peatt Road 778-265-5955 or 250-818-9225

www.leapforwardlangford.com info@leapforwardlangford.com www.IslandParent.ca

December 2014 23

December 2014

Generously Sponsored by and

Family Calendar For calendar updates throughout the month visit www.kidsinvictoria.com MON 1 Bedtime Shenanigans at David Cameron Elementary School. Pre-bedtime fun! Play games, enjoy snacks and listen to a few delightful stories and songs. This free evening is for children aged 0 to 5 years and their parents/caregivers.

Activities take place in the school gym; running shoes suggested, wear pajamas if you like. Time for little shenanigans! 6-7pm. For more information, email jsmirl@sd62.bc.ca.

MON 1 – Wed 3 & FRI 5 49th Annual Carolling Week at Victoria City Hall. Bring a lunch and enjoy this annual tradition, which showcases choirs from Greater Victoria schools performing favourite Christmas carols. Tune up your singing voices and join in, or listen and enjoy. Free. For more information, visit www.victoria.ca.

WED 3 Education and Career Fair at the Victoria Conference Centre. Six feature areas including Career Training, colleges, universities, associations/employers, and THINK!nternational.

Seminar sessions by industry professionals.

Bursary opportunities, scholarships and prizes.

9am-3pm. Free admission for community organizations and secondary school; $5 regular admission at the door (cash only). For more information, visit www.educationcareerfairs. com//visitors/individuals.html.

Annual Jingle & Mingle at Sante Spa. Mini spa treatments, wine and cheese reception, en-

24 Island Parent Magazine

tertainment, win prizes, Tickets $15 to benefit Our Place Society. 6-8pm. Call 250-391-3920 to purchase tickets.

SAT 6 34th Annual Dicken’s Fair at James Bay Community Centre. 60 juried local vendors, along with activities and attractions for all ages. Children’s craft area where kids of all ages can play at the giant Lego table, make seasonal crafts, and decorate delicious cookies.

10am-5pm. $2; children 12 and under free with an adult. dickens@jamesbaymarket.com.

250-580-3570.

Wreathmaking at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park. Join CRD Regional Parks naturalists in the spirit of the season to make a festive wreath.

We’ll supply materials and instructions—you supply creativity. Drop-in any time between 11am and 2pm, and bring a mug for hot apple cider, and clippers if you have them. Food and money donations welcome. Suggested minimum donation $5/wreath (proceeds to a local food bank). All ages. Meet at the Beaver Lake Nature Centre off the main parking lot.

BC Transit #70 or #72. 250-478-3344. www. crd.bc.ca/parks.

Merry Kissmas in Market Square. Share the love with a kiss under the city’s biggest mistletoe. Bring your family, your pet, your friends.

United Way volunteers will be on hand to take photos. Your Kissmas photo could win round trip tickets for two aboard the Victoria Clipper. Noon-3pm.

Music in Market Square in Market Square.

Enjoy a grand performance of holiday favourites by the Greater Victoria Concert Band.

1-3pm. Free.

16th Island Equipment Owners Association Truck Light Parade from Ogden Point to the Western Communities. Owners decorate their trucks and heavy equipment to create this annual spectacle of light. Drop-off points along the route will collect food for the Mustard Seed Food Bank. Starts at approximately 6:30pm.

25th Annual Lighted Ship Parade at Ship Point. Boats of all sizes sail through the harbour, festooned with bright lights and surrounded by the backdrop of the Harbour Lights in a magical Christmas Show. After the Truck Light Parade passes the Inner Harbour (approximately 6:30pm), the Lighted Ship Parade begins.

SUN 7 Christmas Paper-printing at Francis/King Regional Park. Join the spirit of this special time of year with a CRD Regional Parks naturalist at the Francis/King Nature Centre. Sip hot apple cider, sample Christmas cake, and make DIY wrapping paper. Potato stamps, recycled paper, and other tools will be used to create gorgeous (and ‘green’) paper creations. Make gift tags, one-of-a-kind paper, and spend some winter wonder-time with your wee ones, family and friends. Meet at the Nature Centre off Munn Rd. 11am-2pm. All ages. 250-478-3344. www. crd.bc.ca/parks.

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Carol-Along with the Carillon at the Royal BC Museum. Rather than carolling door to door, bring your family, friends, and pooch and gather under the Centennial Carillon.

Provincial Carillonneur Rosemary Laing will climb to the top of the 75 stairs, where she commands the 62 bells, and down below the crowd will be led by the Newcombe Singers in a carol sing. Hot chocolate and cookies help to make the season bright, and at the end, the Carillon will be illuminated for the season.

4:30-5:15pm.

MON 8 Stories on Fern Street. The Victoria Storytellers Guild welcomes you to hear and tell stories.

For people who love to tell stories, for people who love to listen, for people of all ages. Tea and goodies. Doors open at 7:15pm, stories start at 7:30pm. 1831 Fern St (park on Begbie). $5; $3/students. 250-477-7044. www. victoriastorytellers.org.

WED 10 Wonderful Wintry Weather at Esquimalt Branch Library. Celebrate wintry weather with tales of snow and forest friends. Songs, rhymes and a delectable edible craft of gingerbread cookies included. For ages 3-5.

10:30-11:30am. Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

THURS 11 Open Doors at St. Margaret’s School. Families with daughters interested in JK to Grade 4 (Foundation Years) are invited. See the campus in action, meet teachers, and learn about the admissions process. Visitors are also invited to join the annual “Santa’s Workshop” in the afternoon. Drop in 9-11am and 1-3pm. 1080 Lucas Ave. www.stmarg.ca.

Special Winter Storytime at Sidney/North Saanich Branch Library. Join Virginia for stories, rhymes and songs that celebrate the season.

Stay and make a simple winter-themed craft.

Ages 0-5 years. 10:15-11am. Please register at 250-656-0944.

GRE

AT FRIEND

S

&

entertain GR

E AT F O O D

Christmas Storytime at Juan de Fuca Branch Library. Ho, Ho, Ho! Enjoy a festive storytime, a craft, and a tasty holiday treat in anticipation of Christmas Day. For young children and their families; children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. 10:30-11:30am.

Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

FRI 12 Christmas Storytime at Juan de Fuca, Nellie McClung & Bruce Hutchison Branch Libraries. See THURS 11 for details. For young children and their families; children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. 10:30-11:30am.

Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

SAT 13 Christmas Storytime at Saanich Centennial Branch Library. See THURS 11 for details.

For young children and their families; children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. 11am-noon. Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

Solstice Stroll at Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park.

As the longest night of the year approaches, enjoy the quiet of the forest with CRD Regional Parks’ guest naturalist Joe Percival. Discover the plants and animals that call Witty’s Lagoon home at this time of year. Meet at the Nature Centre off Metchosin Rd. 8+ years. 1-2:30pm.

BC Transit #54 or #55. 250-478-3344. www. crd.bc.ca/parks.

Tuba Christmas in Market Square. More than 65 tuba players from BC and the Pacific Northwest come together to play Christmas songs in a big way. 1-3pm.

Drop-in Winter Wonderland Paper Crafts at Central Branch Library. Winter is a wonderful season! Celebrate winter at the library by creating your own miniature winter village to take home. Everyone welcome; children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult.

No registration required. 2-3pm.

Holiday Open House at all Greater Victoria Public Library Branches. Celebrate the season

entertain with ease

TM

with the GVPL. Drop by your local branch for festive refreshments, and don’t forget to bring a donation for the food bank. As part of our Food for Fines, we will waive up to $5 in overdue fines per cardholder when you bring in a donation for the food bank on December 13th. 2-4pm.

Sat 13 & Sun 14 Moss St Market’s Holiday Market with 80 vendors selling everything from cards, crafts and clothing to baked goods, hot food and winter vegetables. Drop by between 10am and 4pm at Sir James Douglas School, 1330 Fairfield Rd. www.mossstreetmarket.com.

SUN 14 Christmas Paper-printing at Francis/King Regional Park. See SUN 7 for details. Meet at the Nature Centre off Munn Rd. 11am-2pm.

All ages. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

Festivus Fest in Market Square. An afternoon of entertainment from the folks at Larsen Music to raise money for the Times Colonist Christmas Fund. Performances by The Choir, Bucan Bucan, Ensemblele and more. Enter the raffle to win an instrument, spin the famous Larsen Wheel of Fortune, or simply come and listen. 1-3pm. Contact larsenmusic.ca for more information.

MON 15 – WED 17 Naden Band Christmas Concert & Toy Drive at the Royal Theatre. The Naden Band concert

View our selection of irresistible options at thriftyfoods.com/entertain Try our online Reserve & Pickup Service for party platters and gift baskets.

You can place your order online, select your pickup time and you’re all set!

Order by phone: 1.800.667.8280 Please note that for online orders we require 48 hours notice and 24 hours notice for phone orders for our platters & trays.

Customer Care 1 800 667 8280 • thriftyfoods.com www.IslandParent.ca

December 2014 25

has become a Christmas staple for Victorians over the past 30 years. Experience musical merriment while supporting The Salvation Army’s Toy Shoppe. 7:30pm. $10 plus a donation of a toy at the door. For more information, call 250-386-3366.

TUES 16 Wonderful Wintry Weather at Oak Bay Branch Library. See WED 10 for details. For ages 3-5.

10:30-11:30am. Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

THURS 18 Christmas Storytime at Central Branch Library. See THURS 11 for details. For young children and their families; children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. 10:3011:30am. Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940GVPL (4875) for more information.

Christmas Carol Sing-Along at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. Join a downtown Christmas tradition: a hearty carol sing-along accompanied by organ, violin, and vocal presentations, and complete with hot apple drinks and cookies. Noon-1:15pm. Free. For more information, call 250-384-5734.

dance party featuring a wintry walk-in cardboard castle for tiny tots to decorate and explore, sparkly princesses, and a live DJ spinning fun dance music for all ages. It’s a Christmas party for families and kids. Noon-3pm.

Family Sunday at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. The Japanese Shin Hanga style of printmaking was a collaborative process.

Join other families to create prints based on the exciting historical method. 2-4pm. 1040 Moss St. 250-384-4171.

SUN 28

WED 31

Christmas Hill Holiday Hike at Swan Lake Nature House. Need to burn off some holiday calories? Swan Lake Naturalists will lead a two-hour hike up Christmas Hill and show you the view from above. Warm refreshments will be served at the Nature House following the hike to reward your effort. 1-3pm. Admission by donation. For more information, call 250-479-0211 or visit www.swanlake.bc.ca.

Bring in the New Year at Bear Hill Regional Park. Out with the old and in with the new.

End your year with a hike up Bear Hill. We will enjoy fabulous vistas at the top and toast to the coming New Year with some warm forest tea. Bring a snack, wear sturdy footwear and dress for the weather. Meet at the boat launch parking lot off Brookleigh Rd at 11am. 8+ years. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

MON 29



MY

CY

CMY

K



   

        

26 Island Parent Magazine

BABIES, TODDLERS & PRESCHOOL Tinseltots Parent Babe Movie Matinees at the Odeon Theatre. Relax and don’t worry if your baby cries. Seat your baby on your lap or in a carseat on the seat beside you. Lowered volume for babies’ tender ears. Stroller parking in the theatre. Recommended for children under one year. Once a month on a Monday at 1pm. $5/ grownup. Subscribe to tinseltots@shaw.ca for information on date and movie to be shown.

Horse-Drawn Trolley Rides in Downtown Victoria. Enjoy a classic downtown tradition with your family this holiday season. Every weekend, horse-drawn trolleys will circulate throughout downtown making it easy to take in all of the sights and sounds of the Christmas celebrations. The trolleys are free, compliments of the DVBA, and are a unique way to tour the downtown, hop between shops, or take a scenic break. Four stops at: Store St. at Chatham St (in front of Ocean River Sports); Johnson St near Wharf St (in front of Willie’s Bakery); Langley St. at Bastion Sq (across from Re-Bar); Government St at Fisgard St (in front of CRD Plaza).

M

Y

ONGOING

FAMILIES



CM

TUES 30 Winter Wander at Devonian Regional Park.

Join a CRD Regional Parks naturalist to explore this beautiful seaside gem. What plants and animals make this park home? Come and find out. Meet at the information kiosk in the parking lot off William Head Rd at 1pm. 5+ years. BC Transit #54 or #55. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

SUN 21

Who’s Hooting at Mill Hill Regional Park.

The owls are hooting. Join a CRD Regional Parks naturalist to learn some owl calls, find SAT 20 out about these excellent night hunters, and Frozen Castle Dance Party in Market Square.

Holiday Market Poster, 2014 - Island Parent Magazine.ai get 11/13/2014 8:35:41 to know ourAM BC owls. Meet at the informaIntrepid Theatre hosts a mid-day outdoor

C

tion kiosk in the parking lot off Atkins Ave at 1pm. 5+ years. BC Transit #53. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

  

Skating at the Fairmont Empress. The covered rink will offer skating from 5-9pm weekdays, and noon-9pm weekends. Special seasonal festivities will include Sunday Skates with Santa, Christmas Eve skating with the Elves, hot cocoa and cider. $10/person; $5/children 10 and under. Rentals available for $5/pair.

For more information or group prices, call 250-995-3668.•

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Montessori Education Nurtures a Lifelong Love of Learning

Independence Self-Discipline

Concentration Social Skills

Victoria Montessori Preschool 750 Front Street - Victoria - 250.380.0534

www.victoriamontessori.com

Self-motivation Higher level thinking skills

C o m o x Va l l e y M o n t e s s o r i S o c i e t y www.cvmontessori.com Offering K to Grade 7 Montessori Certified Teachers Program of Choice Within School District 71 ~ No Tuition

OPEN HOUSE

OPEN HOUSE

Wednesday, January 14th 6:30 – 8 p.m. ~ Tours & Information ~

Monday, January 26th 6:00pm – 8:00pm

Queneesh Elementary 2345 Mission Rd, Courtenay

750 Front St. Our environment stimulates creative thinking and intellectual growth

ST. CHRISTOPHER’S MONTESSORI SCHOOL Established 1978

Half-day Preschool & Full-day Kindergarten Open House Feb 1, 2014 1-4 pm phone: (250) 595-3213 email: stcms@shaw.ca www.stcmsoakbaybc.com

2619 Currie Road, Victoria BC V8S 3B9

email: stcms@shaw.ca

Email: cvmontessori@gmail.com or Phone: 250-334-4089 2345 Mission Road, Courtenay, BC V9N 1H4

Shawnigan Shawnigan Lake Lake

Montessori Open House Wednesday, January 14, 5 to 8 pm

Located Located at at 1979c 1979c Renfrew Renfrew Road Road on on Shawnigan Shawnigan Lake Lake School School campus campus TT 250 743 6279 E shawnigan.montessori @ gmail.com 250 743 6279 E shawnigan.montessori@gmail.com

shawniganmontessori.com shawniganmontessori.com

ALL DA

We’ve been d We also offer

preschool, ele

Open House

Thursday, January 15th or to For information, 5:30 – 8:00 pm arrange a tour of our facility, call Penny Barner 2970 Jutland 250-384-3414 or email Victoria,atBC

www.selkirkmontessori.ca

office @selkirkmontessori.ca

Come to our O WHEN :

Thu

TIME :

5:30

WHERE :

Selk

(at t

With an enrich

Mandarin and

swimming and

affordable alte

Preschool / Kindergarten u L A part-time NGUAGES& u full-time P H Y S I C A programs L EDUCATION flexible

MUSIC

www.bloommontessori.ca

OPEN HOUSE

January 17th 1pm - 4 pm

www.IslandParent.ca

250-812-3137 info@bloommontessori.ca 101-1701 Island Hwy, Victoria (steps from the Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre)

December 2014 27

Around the Island

Visit www.IslandParent.ca for these and other events and resources for families from Cowichan Valley north to Campbell River and west to Tofino TUES 2

FRI 26 – TUES 30

Dad’s Night Out Free Skate Night at Oceanside Place Arena. Bring the kids and enjoy a free skate together on the pond. Sponsored by Building Learning Together. 6:30-7:30pm.

250-248-3252. www.rdn.bc.ca/recreation.

Winter Wonderland at Frank Crane Arena.

The arena will be transformed into a “Quebec Winter Carnival” theme. This is a loonie skate session with all skate and helmet rentals free. Drop in during any public time, or rent the ice privately for your friends, family, or co-workers. Everyone welcome. www. nanaimo.ca.

Glow in the Dark Skate at Frank Crane Arena, Nanaimo. Skate in an atmosphere of dimmed lighting and special effects. Regular admission rates; glow necklaces $2. 6:30-8pm. 250-7565200. www.nanaimo.ca

WED 10 Introduction to Aquafitness at Ravensong Aquatic Centre. This clinic is for people new to aquafit, or for those wanting tips to get more out of each class. This class will teach the basic moves to improve your experience when you attend regular classes. 1-2pm. $6.50.

250-752-5014. www.rdn.bc.ca/recreation.

Lifeguard Seminar at Ravensong Aquatic Centre. Working as a lifeguard/swim instructor is a great job for youth. Work in a team environment; learn valuable leadership and life skills, but most of all have fun working with kids. Find out more at a free info session from 3:35-4:45pm. Phone RDN, Recreation and Parks at 250-752-5014 to pre-register. www.rdn.bc.ca/recreation.

SAT 13 Super Saturdays at the Campbell River Art Gallery. Drop-in art making program. All materials provided. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. 1-3pm. Admission by donation. 250-287-2261.

TUES 16 Glow in the Dark Skate at Frank Crane Arena, Nanaimo. Skate in an atmosphere of dimmed lighting and special effects. Regular admission rates; glow necklaces $2. 6:30-8pm. 250-7565200. www.nanaimo.ca

MON 22 Holiday Swim at Ravensong Aquatic Centre.

Come and enjoy a holiday swim full of exciting holiday games and a visit from Santa. Everyone welcome. Free. 1:30-4pm. 250-752-5014. www.rdn.bc.ca/recreation.

28 Island Parent Magazine

WED 31 New Year’s Eve Family Celebration at Oceanside Place Arena. Take part in the last skate of the year on Winter Wonderland, play hockey, make a craft, listen to music and more. End the evening with a balloon drop and countdown at 8pm. Admission and skate rentals are free with a ticket (available November 24 at Oceanside Place and Ravensong Aquatic Centre). Food will be available to purchase. Free. 5-8pm.

250-248-3252. www.rdn.bc.ca/recreation.

Finale 2014 at Beban Recreation Centre.

5-10pm. www.nanaimo.ca.

ONGOING PRESCHOOL Parent and Tot Drop-in at the HUB at Cowichan Station. Come for songs, organized games, and free play with balls, parachutes and more. This is a wonderful opportunity for parents and young children to connect with other families in the community. Free. For more information, email kids@cowichanstation.org.

LaFF at the Aggie. A safe play-based learning environment for families and caregivers with children newborn to age 6. Reading centre, craft area, Brio train station, and snack table.

Indoor car and toy riding area. Monday to Friday, 9:30am-noon and Thursdays 12:151:45pm. $2 suggested donation per family (punch cards available). 250-210-0870, laffexecutivedirector@shaw.ca, www.familyandfriends.ca.

Family Storytime at Cowichan Library, Duncan. Bring the whole family for stories, songs, rhymes and fun. For ages 0-5. Tuesdays 10:3011:30am. 2687 James St. krumohr@virl.bc.ca.

Adventures in Early Literacy at the Ladysmith Resource Centre. A parent-child, fun-filled program designed for children ages 3 to 5 years. Participants learn and have fun doing crafts, games and singing. A book is read, lunch and snacks are provided. 9:45-noon.

Space is limited, so call 250-245-3079 to get on the list. 630 2nd Ave.

CHILDREN Junior Lifeguard Club at Nanaimo Aquatic Centre. Build lifeguarding skills, shadow lifeguards, participate in fun competitions, learn about first aid, participate in community events, develop leadership skills and more.

For children 8-13-years-old. Saturdays noon1:30pm until December 13. Regular admission rates. 250-756-5200.

YOUTH The Youth Zone in Ladysmith. A fun and safe place to hang, meet new friends and enjoy games tables, internet kiosk, TV, movies, board games, karaoke and more. Play sports in the gym, do homework, Energized leaders will challenge you to try new activities. Mondays, 3-6pm in the Rec Room (girls only); Wednesdays, 3-5pm in the gym; Fridays 6-10pm in the Rec Room or gym. Free. 250-245-6424. www.ladysmith.ca.

Youth Drop-in in Nanaimo. The ultimate place to be. This is a supervised space for youth 12 to 17 to hang out and chill. Regular gymnasium activities and more. Program is free, but please register using barcode 134870. 7-9pm until May 27. Monday: Nanaimo District Secondary School; Wednesday: John Barsby Community School.

FAMILY Family Frolics at the Community Centre, Ladysmith. Bring your parent or caregiver for open gym fun. Burn off some energy with soft toys (balls and nerf-type games), mini-trampoline, ride-on toys, hula hoops and more. Tuesdays, 5:45-6:45pm. $2 suggested donation/family.

250-245-6424. www.ladysmith.ca.

Parksville Lions and Save-On-Foods Free Family Skate at Oceanside Place Arena. Sundays 12:15-1:45pm. Free admission and skate rentals. Note: children must be accompanied by an adult 19 years or older.

Winter Wonderland on Ice at Oceanside Place Arena. The elves have been busy transforming Oceanside Place Area into a Winter Wonderland. Special lighting and décor along with a touch of holiday magic will make you feel as though you’re skating on an outdoor pond under the light of the moon and millions of twinkling stars. Come for a variety of public skate sessions between December 13 and 31.

250-248-3252 or www.rdn.bc.ca/recreation.•

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Buttercake

Comfort & Joy

L

ife is made up of patterns, repeating and repeating into infinity: Jack-o’-lanterns go to compost, and then the jingle bells and ho-ho-hoeing begins. As sure as dawn follows dark, this is the way it goes, and the only way around it is to keep your head down and practice selective hearing until you’re ready for the onslaught.

I love Christmas, but not until December.

I love the lights, the chill in the air, and the way that people smile at one another in the streets, maybe more than usual. I love knowing that I’ll be with my whole family soon. I love the way that the sharp, clean scent of the tree permeates the whole house, enriching the cinnamon-and-spice scent of the baking.

I love good food, and parties, and spending time with friends to share meals and wish wassail to all. I love Dickens, and Raymond Briggs, and squeaky voiced Rudolph and his awkwardly animated nose. I love “Baby It’s Cold Outside”, at least the first 52 times.

I love knowing that the Solstice is the harbinger of longer days, and that until then, we are free to follow our natural wintery inclinations and stick close to the hearth,

Cake: 2⁄3 cup butter 1 cup sugar

sleeping longer hours and eating food to warm us from the inside. If we can, that is.

I read an article recently, about the struggles faced by Canadian people working for the minimum wage and trying to feed their families—not to feed them on organicallygrown food, or special gluten-free groceries, or a carefully balanced diet of any type, mind you. This article addressed the difficulty of putting enough food on the table. Pause.

You would think that we’re past issues like that. Yes, there will always be greater and lesser, but this is Canada, in the 21st century.

The article spoke of a woman trying to feed herself, and her four children, on her wage.

It sounded as if her meals were gleaned from her children’s leftovers. We all know the perils of polishing off whatever dainties the littles won’t eat, but that’s in addition to our own meal, not defining our meals in themselves. Food banks are a quick fix to address issues like these, until governments address wage inadequacies. Have a beautiful, warm, joyous time over the Christmas holidays, and remember to share the joy with those who have less.

The Christmas Tradition Continues

2 for $20

Just Eat It! Kathy Humphrey 1 tsp almond extract 1 egg, beaten 11⁄2 cup all-purpose flour 1⁄2 tsp baking powder Topping: 1 egg, 1 Tbsp milk sliced almonds, as garnish In a bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add almond extract; blend in egg. Mix flour and baking powder, add to butter mixture.

Stir dough with fork till smooth. Spread in greased 8" (2 litre) square cake pan. For topping, beat egg and milk; brush over dough. Spread sliced almonds over top. Bake in preheated 350˚F oven for 30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Download a coupon on line or present this ad and save. Not valid with any other film. No cash value. Cannot be combined with any other offer.

Offer ends Dec. 24/14. Closed Christmas Day.

ANNUAL PASS NOW ON SALE

250-480-4887 • imaxvictoria.com

K-9 Distributed Learning

Hands-On Home-Learning for a Sustainable World - expense budget provided

The joy of learning - naturally.

http://oakandorca.ca http://oakandorca.ca 250 383 6619 888 383 6619) 250 383(1 6609 30 Island Parent Magazine

- unique hands-on learning activities - support from a certified teacher - constructive feedback without grading - children can learn at their natural pace

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Sugar Cookies (Yes, I think I’ve included this every year.

They’re really good!)

2⁄3 cup butter 2 cups flour 3⁄4 cup white sugar 11⁄2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp vanilla 1⁄4 tsp salt 1 egg 4 tsp milk Cream shortening, sugar and vanilla.

Add egg and milk; beat till fluffy. Mix dry ingredients, blend into creamed mixture.

Divide dough in half, cover and chill for at least one hour. (It freezes well, too). On floured surface, roll out dough to thickness of 1⁄4", keeping excess chilling until ready to roll. Cut into desired shapes with cutters, decorate with sprinkles, or bake plain and frost when cool. Bake in preheated 375˚F oven for 5–7 minutes, or until golden around the edges. Cool on pans for a minute or so, then transfer to racks.

First Metropolitan United Church Quadra & Balmoral

Christmas Eve Family Service Dec 24 (Wed) 4:30pm

Celebrate Special Evening Candle Light Animals - Drama - Nativity Story - Carols

Dress up as an angel, shepherd or Magi! Don’t have your own costume? We’ll provide one for you!

7:30pm: Carols in the Candlelight Pageant 11:00pm: Candlelight Carols & Readings

www.firstmetvictoria.com Facebook firstmetvictoria 250-388-5188 ext.221

Eggy Bread Casserole 1 loaf challah bread (sourdough works well, too, and I am thinking that my new addiction, Pretzel Kaisers, would also be great) 6 eggs 1⁄2 – 3⁄4 cup milk ¾ cup grated cheese, sharp Cheddar, or similar 2 green onions, finely chopped 1 tsp chili powder pinch cayenne pepper salt and pepper, to taste.

The night before you want to eat this, grease a rectangular casserole dish well, and tear the bread into chunks, placing in this dish. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and enough milk to make sufficient liquid to nicely moisten the bread. Add seasonings to this mixture, and pour over bread. Sprinkle cheese and onions over.

Wrap well and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, preheat oven to 350˚F. Cover the casserole with tinfoil and bake for about 30 minutes, or until it becomes aromatic and bubbly. Remove foil and continue to bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until top becomes golden brown. Serve.

Emmanuel Preschool

Emmanuel Preschool

2121 Cedar Hill Cross Road (by entrance to UVic)

Openings forHill 2013–2014 2121 Cedar Cross RoadClasses! (by entrance to UVic)

Openings Children learn throughfor play in2014–2015 our all inclusive, Classes! non-denominational Christian play preschool.

Children learn through in our all inclusive, nonGreat facility; outdoor play area and a gym for rainy day play! denominational Christian preschool.

Greatteachers facility;to Two teachers with ECE certification plus assistant playneeds area and a gym for rainy day play. Two helpoutdoor with special children.

A competent teaching team! teachers and withcaring ECE certification plus an assistant teacher to help with special needs children.

Opportunities: A competent and caring teaching team!

Mon / Wed / Fri morning class Opportunities: Kathy Humphrey lives in Victoria with her Tues / Thurs morning class husband and two children. She tries to see 5 mornings Mon/Wed/Fri morning class a week cooking for a family not as a chore but as Tues/Thurs morning class Phone 250-598-0573 a creative outlet.

5 mornings a week

preschool@emmanuelvictoria.ca Phone 250-598-0573 preschool@emmanuelvictoria.ca www.emmanuelpreschool.ca

www.emmanuelpreschool.ca

www.IslandParent.ca

December 2014 31

Healthy Families, Happy Families

Child, Youth & Family Public Health South Island Health Units Esquimalt 250-519-5311 Gulf Islands 250-539-3099 (toll-free number for office in Saanichton)

Peninsula 250-544-2400 Saanich 250-519-5100 Saltspring Island 250-538-4880 Sooke 250-642-5464 Victoria 250-388-2200 West Shore 250-519-3490

Central Island Health Units Duncan 250-709-3050 Ladysmith 250-755-3342 Lake Cowichan 250-749-6878 Nanaimo 250-755-3342 Nanaimo Princess Royal 250-755-3342 Parksville/Qualicum 250-947-8242 Port Alberni 250-731-1315 Tofino 250-725-4020

North Island Health Units Campbell River 250-850-2110 Courtenay 250-331-8520 Kyuquot Health Ctr 250-332-5289 ‘Namgis Health Ctr 250-974-5522 Port Hardy 250-902-6071

Your Pregnancy Right from the Start

P

regnancy is a time when women want to be as healthy as they can be so that they, in turn, give birth to a healthy baby. Created by women, for women, Public Health’s Right from the Start Program is here to help pregnant women, new mothers, their babies, children and families.

Women living in Island Health’s region have access to high-quality obstetric and paediatric care from physicians, midwives and acute maternity care nurses. Women also have access to public health services such as health promotion along with prevention and care strategies. These services are part of the maternal and child health services that include primary care, acute maternity care and public health.

During the prenatal period, earlier access to services offered by maternity care providers along with support and education designed for a woman’s specific needs results in improved health for women and their infants. We asked focus groups made up of local women what they needed. They told us that they would benefit most from public health prenatal health education and services through an approach that places women as experts of their own lives, with public health providers as partners who offer caring, professional, confidential and culturally safe support.

Universal Prenatal Registration was developed so that all pregnant women can enroll and explore the opportunity for individualized support during pregnancy, and at the same time, start a relationship for post-partum help and education. In the past, it was only during the post-partum period that women and families were introduced to public health services.

Once participants are registered, our public health nursing team will add to the care offered to pregnant women through

her primary maternity care provider and acute care maternity services. Many women appreciate learning about prenatal and parenting education opportunities in their local community. Some women

Healthy Families, Happy Families C hild You th & Family Pu b lic Health

ERIN O’SULLIVAN

invite individualized public health support that is meaningful to them as they strive to improve their health during pregnancy.

Women between the ages of 13 to 24 may be interested in learning more about the BC Healthy Connections Program. Island Health encourages pregnant women across the region to register and access public health prenatal health information and support services during pregnancy.

Improving knowledge about and access to Public Health services contributes to strengthening care for women. Prenatal Registration facilitates that initial contact with Public Health.

Women are invited to drop by their local health unit for further conversations and to get their free copy of “Baby’s Best Chance,” a parent’s handbook of pregnancy and baby care.

For information and to register, visit rightfromthestart.viha.ca.

Erin O’Sullivan’s 19-year nursing career includes providing leadership for planning perinatal health initiatives, supporting the development and implementation of best practices, and bringing the voice of perinatal women into service planning.

www.viha.ca/prevention_services/

32 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Greater Victoria School District New Kindergarten parents are invited to attend our popular Welcome to School Parent Information Evenings where you will learn about our District’s exciting Kindergarten programs and meet with educators from across the District. For more details, please visit our website at www.sd61.bc.ca/kindergarten.aspx.

Pa r e n t M ee t i n gs: Coastal Kindergarten

Early French Immersion

General Information

Tuesday December 2, 2014

Wednesday December 3, 2014

Thursday January 22, 2015

South Park Family School School Gym

S.J. Willis Education Centre

S.J. Willis Education Centre

6:30–8:00 pm

508 Douglas Street Questions?

Call 250-382-5234 or 250-384-7184

6:30–8:00 pm

923 Topaz Avenue Questions?

Call 250-475-4189

6:30–8:00 pm

923 Topaz Avenue Questions?

Call 250-475-4220

The Greater Victoria School District is committed to each student’s success in learning within a responsive and safe environment.

We are proud of our 2014 graduates who received over $5.2 million in scholarships! www.IslandParent.ca

December 2014 33

Island Catholic Schools Keeps Christ in Christmas

and Celebrates the Joy of the Gospel

At Island Catholic Schools, we are Christ-centered communities of learning. Dedicated staff are committed to educating the “whole” child, helping each student to develop to their full potential spiritually, intellectually, physically, culturally, socially and emotionally.

250-727-6893 ~ www.cisdv.bc.ca St. Andrew’s Regional High School, Victoria St. Joseph’s Elementary School, Victoria St. Patrick’s Elementary School, Victoria Queen of Angels Elementary/Middle, Duncan St. Joseph’s Elementary School, Chemainus John Paul II Elementary School, Port Alberni

Create a Christmas Memory Come and cut your special tree with family and friends at

Highlands Home Farm

4240 Munn Rd Sat & Sun throughout December 10am - 3pm cash/cheques accepted

w w w. h i g h l a n d s h o m e fa r m . c o m S aw s p r o v i d e d • B o n f i r e s • H o t C h o c o l a t e • We a r B o o t s

34

Island Parent Magazine

Ask... & Learn

D

ear Fellow Kindergarten Parent…

Your son or daughter is in my son’s class this year. Isn’t this whole kindergarten thing exciting? Not to mention the price…I mean, after four years of daycare, I was like, ENOUGH ALREADY WITH THE EXTRA MORTGAGE PAYMENT. But I’m getting off track. I’m introducing myself and my family to you because most of us haven’t met. No, we’re not new to town. We’ve actually lived here for three years. Most of you know each other already.

This is a small town. Your kids played U-5 soccer together, or you’ve bumped into each other at the local playground, where you chatted and sipped on coffee as your offspring chased each other. A bunch of kids in this class went to the same neighborhood nursery school together, I’ve heard, which means you’ve also probably seen each other at birthday parties, play dates, and so on.

My son is a new face for the majority of this group. He wasn’t on the soccer team—he needed an aide to keep him from running into the woods whenever the spirit moved him—and the local rec centre couldn’t find a qualified person in time (even though their official inclusion policy promised as much).

Since neither my husband nor I felt up to the job, we decided to forget about it. You probably haven’t seen us at the playground, either. We usually go to one in another neighborhood because it’s fenced, and has fewer kids. Large crowds of unpredictable kids combined with wide open spaces are a bad combination for our little guy, so we find it’s usually not worth the bother. Also, he went to a specialized preschool program for other kids like him (it was awesome, by the way!) even though, again, it was a bit of a drive. And he’s never been invited to a birthday party, except his brother’s, and he hasn’t had many play dates, so we wouldn’t have met each other at one of those.

In any event, our preschool parenting years were very different from yours, which is why we haven’t crossed paths. But today, I got to meet your adorable kid! See, I went into our children’s class to talk to them about autism. Even though we’re a ways into the school year already, the teacher says that the kids are very curious, and she wanted www.kidsinvictoria.com

guidance around justifying their great questions with respectful responses. Was I ever glad she invited us in! Autism doesn’t come with a wheelchair, or specific physical characteristics like Down Syndrome, so people usually aren’t sure what’s up, and although they want to ask, they are afraid of offending. (Trust me, unless you tell me

PRODUCED BY KOBA ENTERTAINMENT

Is There an App for This?

Carly SUTHERLAND my son needs a good spanking, you won’t offend me in the least!) The problem is, since nobody asks, nobody learns.

Kids, on the other hand, don’t have that same filter, so I could really speak openly.

Why he has so much trouble talking. Why he flaps his hands and makes funny noises sometimes. That he understands far more than he can say, and loves the company of other children even though he has no idea how to play with them. That he has an amazing memory and will never forget a face…ever. That he could swim when he was three. Why sometimes he gets so upset that he will have a big tantrum, and sometimes try to hurt himself in the process. (This was something they found scary, understandably.) We also read a really nice story called I’m Here by Peter Reynolds, and did a little activity to show what we have in common, and what some of our differences are.

So here we are now, together. The inclusion policy in this province dictates that since my son is a part of this community, he will be attending this community school, and this class, with your child. Our family wants our son to be more than a physical presence in the classroom to satisfy legal requirements; we want him to be a meaningfully involved member of his classroom, and of his community. The kindness and generosity of spirit shown by your children gives me hope that this will indeed be the case.

And next time you see me on the playground? Don’t be afraid to ask.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16

Cowichan Theatre • Duncan

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18 The Port Theatre • Nanaimo

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19

McPherson Theatre • Victoria

ON SALE NOW! For tickets visit

MikeTheKnight OnTour.com © 2014 Hit (MTK) Limited, © Hit Entertainment Limited.

Carly Sutherland didn’t include specific answers to all the kids’ questions, because every person with autism is different, so her answers might not apply to another case.

She hopes this inspires people to be inquisitive, and learn more about the people with autism in their lives as a result. www.IslandParent.ca

December 2014 35

Under the Tree Designed for play. Geared for learning.

Educational Toys, games and activities for children from KinderSpiel will make for full hearts, smiling faces, AND active minds!

The KinderSpiel-Team wishes you a happy and peaceful Christmas Season.

One of the best parts of Christmas is shopping for books. I can spend hours looking for the perfect book for each person on my list. It’s at Christmas that we buy those beautiful hardcover picture books, often enjoyed for the art as much as the writing—ones that may be read over and over again and then passed along to next generation. My kids are getting past picture books, but I am still always tempted to put a couple under the Christmas tree.

The Mermaid and the Shoe K.G. Campbell (Kids Can Press, 2014) Young kids, maybe girls more than boys, will be captivated by the beautifully illustrated story of Minnow, who, unlike her 49 mermaid sisters, lacks a remarkable talent.

What she does have, however, is an insatiable curiosity. Through her bravery and hunger for knowledge, she finally comes to appreciate what makes her truly special and unique. The classic illustrations and text are skillfully woven, leaving readers satisfied.

This mermaid book escapes Disney-themed reproductions.

Frances Dean Who Loved to Dance and Dance Birgitta Sif (Candlewick Press, 2014) For those kids who love to dance, this book is sure to be a hit. Frances is a young girl who dances everywhere: among the trees, with the birds, in the flowers. But when

Book Nook PaISLey aIKeN

Monster Chef 1113 Langley Street • www.kinderspiel.ca 778 - 406 -2102 • sandra@kinderspiel.ca

ART CLASSES DRAWING PAINTING • SCULPTURE CARTOONING PORTFOLIO PREPARATION • Day and Evening Classes • One or Two hour sessions • Technique Oriented • Ages 5 and Up

COMPLETE A PORTFOLIO COURSE – AGES 14 & UP, DESIGNED ESPECIALLY FOR YOU FOR ENTRANCE INTO: INTERIOR DESIGN, ARCHITECTURE, BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS, FASHION & MORE

Register Now for Ongoing Programs Artistic Statement Gallery & School of Fine Art Call Joan at 250-383-0566

www.artisticstatementgalleryandschool.com

36

Island Parent Magazine

Nick Bland (Scholastic, 2014) Canada’s Nick Bland creates another marvelous read with Monster Chef. Marcel should be good at scaring people. He has unsightly horns and googly eyes. He is lumpy and grumpy and suitably hairy, but he just isn’t scary! Similar to Minnow in The Mermaid and the Shoe, Marcel must discover how to use his true talents and be happy with himself. The illustrations are playful and the writing is full of rich descriptions.

Shh! We Have A Plan Chris Haughton (Candlewick Press, 2014) This distinctive new book by awardwinning Chris Haughton is a keeper. Four people are on a walk and discover a bird that they simply must catch! The story is text-light, but witty and clever and begs to be read again and again. The drawings are simple, and done mostly in dark blue and black—with the exception of the splattering of colour brought in by the bird.

anyone else sees her she gets anxious and shy and she stops. Frances wishes she could share her love of dance with others but she must somehow find the courage necessary to do so. The illustrations are lovely, with a soft muted colour palette. While the ending feels a little flat (with Frances solving the problem just a little too easily), the story will likely be a hit with many kids who love expressing themselves through dance and music, and for those who sometimes let their nerves get the best of them.

Penguin in Peril Helen Hancocks (Templar Books, 2013) This is not a new release—it was released in 2013—but I am including it because it is exactly the type of picture book that at least one of my kids adores. It is quirky, ridiculous, fun and full of penguins. Penguins, if you haven’t noticed seem to be very popular these days. It isn’t moral heavy, goes a bit off in parts and is a little absurd. Three cats spend the money they were going to use on

food to go to the movies. When they get hungry, they decide to kidnap a penguin from the zoo and make him catch fish for them to eat. The penguin must devise a way to escape the perilous cats! The story

is illustrated with mixed media creating a kind of comic book feel. If you have an adventure-seeking child, who loves a little over-the-top craziness, this is a great choice.

The Highest Number in the World Roy MacGregor (Tundra Books, 2014) Gabe, the protagonist, is a nine-year-old girl who loves, loves hockey. Gabe is the only girl on her team and when she isn’t given her requested lucky number 22 jersey for the season, she is devastated. Gabe is stuck with the number 9 and believes she won’t be able to play at all. On the surface the story is just a good, fun read but, there a so many layers to it. The book has the potential to spark all kinds of conversation from sportsmanship, dealing with disappointment, grandparent relationships, history of sport, even numbers. While Gabe does make a fabulous female role model, the book suits boys and girls whether they are hockey players or not.

Paisley Aiken reads extensively to her three energetic young boys. She is founder of The Story Studio Writing Society, a charity that grows kids’ relationship with literacy.

Nanaimo's downtown destination for Children’s Toys and Books Specializing in books for babies, toddlers, easy to read and kids to 12 years!

Playmobil, Brio & Thomas Trains, Folkmanis Puppets, Puzzles, Craft & Science Kits, Toys from Baby to Tween!

306 – 60 Commercial Street, Nanaimo 250-714-0026 childtreehouse@hotmail.com FREE PARKING, under the convention centre. Spots #80–91 for our customers.

December 2014

37

Simple Traditions

I

f you are proud parents, celebrating your baby’s first Christmas, this is the year to decide what traditions you want to incorporate into your own festivities. Chances are high that you are tired and may be feeling overwhelmed with all the season has to offer, yet you would like to somehow recognize and create special memories of your baby’s first Christmas. As the Christmas season is upon us, I am reminded of one of the most important things that I have learned in the process of creating our own holiday traditions: we need so very little to bring us great joy and fulfillment. By keeping things simple and slow instead of rushed and harried, you will be able to create something meaningful and special. In the midst of all the shopping and busy-ness that goes on, remember to slow down, be mindful, and create with intent and purpose with and for your family.

In the book Unplug the Christmas Machine, authors Jo Robinson and Jean Staeheli write: “As early as the age of four or five, [children] can lose the ability to be delighted by the sights and sounds of Christmas, only

to gain a two-month-long obsession with brand-name toys. Suddenly, all they seem to care about is how many presents they will be getting and how many days are left until they unwrap them.” Although this may not pertain to you this year, with a new baby unable to open gifts, it may become relevant sooner than you think. Creating holiday traditions early on will set the stage for future Christmas celebrations. Here are some ideas: 1. Create a relaxed and loving time with family. Children need relaxed attention.

During the holidays, normal family routines are temporarily set aside for parties, shopping, and special events. It is important to slow down and spend quality time with your baby. Pick and choose events that are easy to attend with a baby. Determine what really needs to get done and leave the rest.

I promise, your little one will appreciate time and attention rather than a perfectly decorated house!

2. Plan an evenly-paced holiday season.

The modern Christmas season starts months before December 25, when the first store

Science Works For Kids • Educational Toys • Science Kits • Kites • Stomp Rockets 38 Island Parent Magazine

displays go up. Plan ahead so that the season is not filled with an overrun schedule and a tired, cranky family. Now that there is a new little person in your lives, you may be

New Parent Pages Diana Hurschler, BScN faced with the decision of how to share the visiting between grandparents and other extended family. Think things through and ask for input and ideas from your family so that the holidays run smoothly and hurt feelings are avoided. Where will you have the big holiday dinner? Where will you open presents? Would you like baby to wake up at home Christmas morning? If so, invite family members to come to you if you’re comfortable hosting, if not, make plans to see them later. Don’t forget to make time for naps and quiet playtime. Understand that all the fuss that comes along with the holidays can be overwhelming to a baby. While visiting, expect that you may have to bow

Victoria’s Hands-On Science & Nature Store For Adults • Telescopes • Guide Books • Microscopes • Crystals

Hundreds of Gift Items for Science & Nature Lovers of All Ages

1889 Oak Bay Ave 250-595-6033 Open 10am–5:30pm Tuesday–Saturday

www.kidsinvictoria.com

out early as it can be over stimulating for baby to be around so many people. Bring a blanket and small toys for an older baby to lie down away from all the action yet close enough so you can keep an eye on them and others can admire them. Alternatively you may decide to wear your baby close to protect them from overstimulation.

3. Establish family traditions. When I think back to my childhood Christmases, I can actually only recall one gift that I received—a beautiful dollhouse. I do remember things like the annual tradition of selecting a live Christmas tree, cutting it down, bringing it home and decorating it with popcorn strings. I recall the smell of cookies baking in the oven while we listened to Nana Mouskouri’s Christmas carols. I remember decorating the outside of the house with Christmas lights and I can remember visits from grandparents. Your kids will remember the traditions, not the gifts.

4. For future Christmas celebrations/older children: set realistic expectations about gifts. Kids enjoy looking forward to gifts by having their expectations met. The key is to manage their expectations early. By letting your children know what kinds of gifts Santa may bring, it is possible to prevent disappointment on Christmas morning.

One thing I get my children to do is to pick one item off of their wish list and write a letter to Santa on December 1. This way they cannot change their request a million times during the season. I also make sure that the season is not only about receiving but giving gifts as well—to friends, family and people not as fortunate.

When in doubt, keep it simple. At the time of year that is the most full of consumption, marketing and consumerism, create moments and objects of ritual, creativity, love and connection as your gift to your family.

As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “Since you get more joy out of giving to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness you can give.” Strive as a parent to keep your holidays simple, meaningful and full of love, family, and gratitude.

I wish you and your family a very happy holiday season and remember: it is the traditions that make this season special, not the gifts!

Upcoming Classes

January 17th to March 7th We offer voice, dancing and acting classes for people of all ages.

Start the new year with Four Seasons Musical Theatre classes! FSMT classes teach the fundamental skills of stage acting, singing and dancing. Our goal is to foster confidence and success on the stage. The 8 sessions of classes are available for children 7–14 years old starting January 17th to March 7th.

For more details and registration visit

www.fsmtheatre.ca

Diana Hurschler, RN BscN, childbirth educator, certified breastfeeding counselor has been helping families in their childbearing years and beyond since 1998. Diana is the proud Mama of four little ones. She can be reached at diana@hurschler.com. www.IslandParent.ca

December 2014 39

Family Services Directory This directory, sponsored by Thrifty Foods, features not for profit agencies and organizations serving children, youth and families.

1Up, Victoria Single Parent Resource Centre (www.1-up.ca) provides support, education and resources for parents in the Greater Victoria area through free counselling, volunteer training for reception and peer helper positions, a mentoring program for single moms, and a support group for dads. The Centre also offers over 20 integrated life skills and parenting courses which are open to the whole community (fees are on a sliding scale). Child care assistance is available based on financial need. The Centre provides a bread pantry and free clothing for single parents. Donations of gently-used clothing, small household items, books, and toys are very welcome every Monday and Wednesday.

Centre hours are 9–4 weekdays. 602 Gorge Rd. East; call 250-385-1114 or info@1-up.ca.

BC Families in Transition (formerly the Separation and Divorce Resource Centre) is one of three non-profit agencies in North America that offers professional counselling, legal support and education for people who are having problems in their relationships. Each year we help 10,000 adults, children and youth through family changes, separations and divorces, remarriages, and complex family situations. Whether you wish to separate or remain together, call us at 250-3864331 or visit www.bcfit.org to see how we can help.

Some evening and weekend appointments available.

Beacon Community Services is a community-based non-profit agency providing social, employment, and health services to Saanich Peninsula, Greater Victoria, and Southern Gulf Islands residents. Beacon offers: child, youth, and family services; a drop-in family resource centre; counselling; employment services for adults, youth, and people with disabilities; home support; volunteer services and opportunities; community events; affordable assisted living for seniors; referrals, information, and resources; thrift shops. For Home Support information call 250-658-6407; for all other inquiries call 250-656-0134, or visit www.beaconcs.ca.

3-5 yrs Pre-primary School

Island: Soccer (ages 5-15), Swim (ages 4-15), Family Events and Camps. To learn how you can become a member, please visit canucksautism.ca/join or call (604) 685-4049.

TM

Beacon Community’s Employment Services.

Beacon Community Services provides a full menu of employment services to the Saanich Peninsula, Southern Gulf Islands. We have been helping people find work since 1982! Our programs build on a client’s strengths and resolve barriers to securing and maintaining employment. Furthermore, we work in tandem with our employer network to support those residents looking for work. If you need help finding a job or need employees please pay us a visit! It’s FREE. 9860 Third St, Sidney, 250.656.0134, www.beaconcs.ca

Community Living Victoria supports people with developmental disabilities and their families by providing residential services, day and community supports (supported employment, parent support and independent living). Our Host agency provides direct supports for those with Individualized Funding and Home Share service. We also provide Autism Services for youth between 13 and 19. Our family support program offers advocacy, conflict resolution, education, newsletters, workshops, support groups and a resource library.

Please call 250-477-7231 ext 233.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Victoria is a nonprofit organization that provides mentoring programs for children and youth between the ages of 7 - 17.

Adult volunteers (“Bigs”) are matched with children (“Littles”) based on shared interests, respect and trust. No special skills or experience are needed to be a mentor to a child, just a willingness to be a friend and commit to being a consistent, positive adult role model. Make a BIG difference in the life of a child in as little as 1 hr./week. Contact us at 250-475-1117 or visit www.bbbsvictoria.com or ‘LIKE’ our page at facebook.com/bbbsvictoria.

Esquimalt Neighbourhood House Society. Our Family Services offer family resource programs with a focus on early childhood development and learning, parenting education and pre and post-natal services.

Our Counselling Services are free to adults and youth (12-18 years); adult and short term clinical counselling is offered for acute mental health problems. For more information call 250-385-2635 or visit 511 Constance Ave. in Esquimalt.

Boys & Girls Club Services offer after-school and evening social, educational and recreational programming for children and youth at 4 locations. We also offer support to parents (Parents Together) and programs at our Outdoor Centre in Metchosin. For more information on all programs and services visit www. bgcvic.org or call 250.384.9133.

The Canucks Autism Network (CAN) provides yearround, innovative, high quality sports, recreational, social and employment related programs for individuals and families living with autism, while building awareness and capacity through community networks across British Columbia. The Canucks Autism Network currently offers the following programs on Vancouver

HeadWay Victoria Epilepsy & Parkinson’s Centre supports families living with seizures by providing tutoring and one-on-one professional consultations to help your child live up to their full potential. We offer a parent workshop three times a year as well as education presentations in schools and community groups. Keep up to date with the latest research about treatments, lifestyle, and safety issues for your child.

We can be reached at www.headwayvictoria.com, or you can contact our Epilepsy Program Coordinator directly at 250-475-6677.

Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria (ICA) is a service agency for immigrants and refugees.

Programs offered include cross-cultural counseling, parenting programs (child care available), family violence programs, employment services, interpretation and translation, diversity workshops and training, ESL

A gentle learning opportunity for young children: - learning naturally through play

The joy of learning - naturally.

http://oakandorca.ca 250 383 6609 40 Island Parent Magazine

- nature awareness and respect - compassionate communication - experience with math and science - exposure to books and language arts

www.kidsinvictoria.com

instruction, volunteering, youth programs and tutoring, as well as intercultural arts programming. 930 Balmoral Rd, 250-388-4728, info@icavictoria.org, www.icavictoria.org.

Learning Disabilities Association of BC, SVI Chapter, educates, supports and advocates for children and youth with learning disabilities and related conditions.

Services include a public lending library, individual/ group support for parents and children, professional/ educational workshops for parents and professionals.

Child and youth programs include: reading/writing, academic skills, social/emotional skill development and Fast ForWord. 1652 Fort St, Victoria, BC V8S 5J2. Ph 250.370.9513. Fax. 250.370.9421. www. ldasvi.bc.ca. www.knowyourrights.ca Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) provides programs and services to the military family community including: 24-Hour Information Line; Deployment Information and Workshops; Short Term Counselling, Crisis Support or Intervention; Welcome/Relocation Services; Childcare and Family Support Services; Assistance for Families with Special Needs and Responsibilities. Exciting Volunteer opportunities available!

Call the MFRC: 250-363-2640 (1-800-353-3329) for information or visit www.esquimaltmfrc.com.

Parent Support Services Society (www. parentsupportbc.ca) provides support circles, parenting resources and referrals to all in a parenting role including grandparents raising grandchildren. Our training in peer group facilitation is open to the community. Support circles are free with child minding and transportation assistance available. Volunteers are always needed. Call 250-384-8042; email parentsupport@shaw.ca.

Sooke Family Resource Society (SFRS) provides Family Resource Programs including: Prenatal Education and Outreach, Parent-Tot Drop-In Groups, Parent Discussion Groups, Family Support Groups and Outreach, a Toy and Book Lending Library and Kingfisher Preschool. Sooke/Westshore Child Care Resource and Referral services are also provided by SFRS. Services are provided from the Child, Youth, and Family Centres in both Sooke and the Westshore. Call 250-642-5152 for more information or visit our website at www.sfrs.ca.

A Full Service and a La Carte Nanny Agency

Full-time Nannies & Part-time Au Pairs Need flexible and affordable childcare?

Full-time nannies from $395/week (depending on province)

Part-time Au Pairs $200/week

Childcare Dinner started Light housekeeping

Call today for a childcare consultation

Vancouver Island Nanny Line: 250.383.9566 info@internationalnannies.com Review profiles online www.internationalnannies.com

O’Brien School of Irish Dancing *Traditional Irish dancing classes *Classes in Cadboro Bay, Esquimalt and Nanaimo and NOW IN DUNCAN! *Recreational, performance and competitive classes for ages 4 to adult

www.obrienirishdance.com 604-340-2370 irishdance@shaw.ca Like us on Facebook, Tweet us on Twitter!

South Island Centre for Counselling & Training is an affordable, non-profit, counselling and training agency serving individuals and families from all social, ethnic, and financial backgrounds. We help people with a wide range of issues including low self-esteem, depression, grief, marital and family conflict, abuse and spiritual direction. We also offer helpful “life” courses. For more information contact us at 250472-2851; info@southislandcentre.ca or visit www. southislandcentre.ca.

www.IslandParent.ca

December 2014 41

Preschool & Child Care Directory CENTRAL SAANICH Almosthome Childcare/Preschool......... 250-590-7666 Quality childcare with a preschool curriculum/kindergarten readiness program. Experienced Early Childhood Educators. Nurturing environment for ages 21⁄2 to 5 years old. www.almosthomecare.com.

Chrysalis Child Care................................ 250-652-0815 A nurturing and stimulating environment for a small group of 3–5 year olds. Qualified ECE promotes learning through play. www.chrysalischildcare.ca.

Colwood/LANGFORD Almosthome Childcare/Preschool......... 250-590-7666 Quality childcare with a preschool curriculum/kindergarten readiness program. Experienced Early Childhood Educators. Nurturing environment for ages 10 months to 5 years old. www.almosthomecare.com.

Caring Touch Daycare............................. 250-478-4886 A warm, loving, fun family daycare in a safe, nurturing environment. Infant/toddler care for ages 1–5 years.

Goldstream Co-op Preschool........................................

Learning Through Play for 3 and 4yr olds! For registration information go to our website: www.goldstream preschool.com.

Jenn’s Little Bears................................... 250-478-8999 A safe nurturing environment for children from infancy to kindergarten. Our Infant and Toddler Program enriches each child’s development while our 3-5 Program prepares children for kindergarten. Two separate buildings allow each age group space to grow!

Leap Forward Childcare......................... 250-818-9225 2758 Peatt RD. Licenced group childcare for children ages 6 months to 5 years old. Offering fulltime and part-time care. Open 6:30am-5:30pm. For more information please contact Amber: info@leap forwardlangford.com, www.leapforwardlangford.com.

Miles of Smiles Nature Junior Kindergarten.................... 778-265-4374 Come see why learning in nature rocks! Reggio Influenced Philosophy for ages 3-5. Have your child become a nature detective today! www.naturejuniorkindergarten.com

CORDOVA BAY Carrot Seed Preschool............................ 250-658-2331 Where children can discover, imagine, construct and learn through play. Wondrous natural playground. www.carrotseedpreschool.com.

ESQUIMALT CIARA Early Childhood Centre............... 250-386-7369 Education and fun hand in hand. Exceptional care for little ones ages 12 month-5yrs in an inclusive centre with Christian values. Facebook.com/CIARAEarly ChildhoodCentre.

Child Care

Resource & Referral www.islandfamilyinfo.ca www.ccrr.bc.ca 42 Island Parent Magazine

Island Kids Academy Esquimalt............. 250-381-2929 High quality child care (ages 1-5). Preschool curriculum offered within a warm, caring all-day program. Character development using the Virtues Project. Access to community programs including swimming, skating, Victoria Conservatory of Music. Part-time spaces available. www. islandkids.ca.

OAK BAY

La Pre-Maternelle Appletree Preschool................................ 250-479-0292 French immersion program. 30 months to school age.

Licensed Christian centre. www.prematernelleappletree.com.

Emmanuel Preschool.............................. 250-598-0573 Children learn through play in our non-denominational Christian preschool near UVic. Bright attractive setting. www.emmanuelpreschool.ca.

Simply Fun Childcare Centre.................. 250-881-3958 A warm, loving, fun and nurturing place for children to grow and learn. We have spaces available for registration ages 2.5 to 12 in our Licensed Group Facility. We offer extraordinary childcare, before and after school programs and a preschool. Our teachers are extremely qualified with ECE training and have lots of experience. Call Brenda to set up a tour. Let your child’s light shine bright with us!

Highlands Lexie’s Little Bears.................................. 778-432-3600 Only seconds past Luxurious Bear Mountain our HIGHLY reputable Nature Program will not disappoint! Our NATURAL outdoor environment provides an experience like no other…in our own rainforest. Located on 2 acres of treed forest land, your child will learn and grow in NATURE! Our Brand NEW Infant/Toddler centre is tranquil and serene.

All the furniture, shelving and some toys have been hand crafted using the trees on our own property! Programs for 3 to 5’s and for Infant/Toddlers. Spaces avail. NOW! Visit our Facebook blog, and website at www.lexieslittlebears. com. Call for more info.

METCHOSIN A Growing Place...................................... 250-391-1133 Half day program (AM or PM) for 2.5-5 yrs. ECE educator, small class size. Our own petting farm. Summer program for July.

Metchosin Co-op Preschool................... 250-478-9241 Come visit our stunning natural outdoor playspace, and see how our inclusive, play-based program allows parents to grow and learn alongside their children. Exceptional ECE staff provide a warm and enriching experience for 2.5–5 yr. olds. Come Grow With Us! EST. 1960. Reg. begins March 1 @ 9am. metchosinpreschool@gmail.com.

West-Mont Montessori School............... 250-474-2626 Preschool Montessori instruction in a beautiful natural environment in Metchosin. Ages 30 months and up.

Providing a balanced approach to incorporating Nature, French, Music, and Art. Stop by and feel what it is like to be part of a community devoted to the development of the whole child. Open House: Thursdays 9-11 am. www. west-mont.ca.

North SAANICH In The Garden Childcare Centre............. 250-654-0306 A GREAT PLACE TO GROW. Offering preschool, full day care, before and after school care for children aged 2.5 to 12 years old. Open all year.

Creative Child.......................................... 778-679-0076 At Creative Child, you will find a place of quality learning and care for a small group of young children in a beautiful Montessori-inspired setting. www. creativechildcentre.com

Gonzales Co-op Preschool..................... 250-727-1003 Children use imaginations in a Learning through Play classroom and natural playground. Reggio-Emilia inspired, focus is on art, nature and music. Nurturing, highly qualified ECE and ECE assistant. Parent participation options. Allergy aware. gonzalescooppreschool.com.

Kindred Spirits Children’s House.............. 250-590-6966 Now accepting registration for a small group of 2.5–5 year olds in a purpose built Montessori classroom. The prepared environment stimulates and engages the children at their own pace with hands on, size, age and developmentally appropriate materials. www.kindredspiritschildrenshouse.com Oak Bay Co-op Preschool........................ 250-592-1922 Children Learn Through Play in this parent participation school. Our bright facility is allergy-free with a large outdoor playground. www.oakbaypreschool.com.

Recreation Oak Bay................................ 250-370-7200 Fully licensed, qualified ECE Daycare and Preschool with play based learning. After school care also available.

St. Christopher’s Montessori School.................................. 250-595-3213 A beautiful, warm environment, steps from beach and park in Oak Bay. We offer an enriched Montessori program – half days for 3 and 4 year olds and half or full day Kindergarten. www.stcmsoakbaybc.com.

SAANICH Arbutus Grove Children’s Centre........... 250-477-3731 Formerly known as Goosey Gander Kindergarten. Half Day and Full Day Preschool Programs. Children’s learning is supported and nurtured through inquiry, exploration, play and creative expression. www.arbutusgrove.ca.

Camosun College Child Care Services......250-370-4880 Quality licensed facilities on both campuses providing children, newborn to 5 years, with rich early learning experiences in a learn through play environment. www. camosun.ca/childcare.

Carrot Seed Preschool............................ 250-658-2331 Where children can discover, imagine, construct and learn through play. Wondrous natural playground. www.carrotseedpreschool.com.

Cloverdale Child Care.................................250-995-1766 Full time daycare spaces available for 3-5 year olds starting Sept. 2014. Preschool spaces available Sept. 2014 for 3-year-olds Tuesday & Thursday 9am-noon. www.cloverdalechildcare.com. cloverdalechildcare@shawbiz.ca.

Looking for child care? Need help with subsidy forms?

Taking care of children? Need child care training?

Your community’s best source of child care information and resources.

Victoria & Gulf Islands: 250-382-7000 or 1-800-750-1868 Sooke: 250-642-5152 Westshore: 250-391-4324 Cowichan Valley: 250-746-4135 local 231 PacificCare (Ladysmith north): 250-756-2022 or 1-888-480-2273 Funded by the Province of BC

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Preschool & Child Care Directory Full o’ Beans Preschool............................... 250.360.1148 Opening September 2013. We offer ‘learn through play’ programming designed to foster your child’s natural curiosity and imagination. Flexible scheduling, 2.5 and 4 hour programs, qualified staff. Registration is ongoing!www. saanichneighbourhoodplace.com.

Island Montessori House........................ 250-592-4411 Inclusive, integrated and nurturing preschool, kindergarten, Grade 1/2 program. Located in a lovely rural setting.

Extended day available. www.islandmontessori.com.

Lakehill Co-op Preschool....................... 250-477-4141 Where children’s development is nurtured through a child centered inclusive, play based program.

Come visit our out natural outdoor playground and meet our loving qualified ECE team. Multiple Levels of participation available, please enquire. www.lakehillpreschool.org.

Lambrick Park Preschool & Childcare.................................................. 250-477-8131 Gordon Head’s only parent-participation preschool and childcare centre. Flexible options, play-based learning and outdoor play. Allergy friendly. Celebrating 40+ years. www.lambrickparkpreschool.ca.

Little Readers Academy.......................... 250-477-5550 An enriched learn-to-read program for your 3-6 year-old!

Reading, Writing and Math. Half-day, weekend and evening sessions available. www.oxfordlearning.com.

Montessori Educare................................ 250-881-8666 Beautiful learning environments in Broadmead and Saanichton. 30 months – 5 years. Summer program available.

Special needs are welcome. www.montessorieducare.com.

Oakcrest Preschool................................. 250-472-0668 A welcoming, nurturing environment with a large, bright facility. Learn through play with 2 caring ECEs. www.oakcrestpreschool.org.

Puddles & Paints (Nature Daycare)........ 250-658-6573 Introduce your children to the natural world around them!

Surrounding them with nature and animals, we build on their curiosity while exploring the outdoors! On 10 acres of parkland the children lead the way towards environmental awareness! With a new ART STUDIO, and weekly lessons from the Vic. Academy of Music... your child’s day will be FULL of wonder and NATURE. Strongly influenced by Reggio. Visit our facebook page for pics of our studio, and handmade toys!

Rainbows & Dreams Preschool.............. 250-479-1966 Small classes for 3-5 yr olds in a safe nurturing environment. Children learn through play and fun–developing a sense of confidence, independence and creativity. Highly qualified ECE teacher.

Ready Set Grow Preschool..................... 250-472-1530 Caring, quality licensed Learning Through Play environment. In Hillcrest School, Gordon Head. Highly qualified, warm ECE. heosc@pacificcoast.net.

Rogers Child Care Centre....................... 250-744-2343 Trusted High Quality Programs since 1991. Early Learning and Out of School Care. www.rogerschildcare.com.

St. Joseph’s Catholic Preschool.................................... 250-479-1232 ext 120 • A Christian child centre for 3–5 year olds.

• A warm nurturing and challenging program • Offered by St. Joseph’s Catholic School.

St. Margaret’s School Early Learning Centre............................. 250-479-7171 Junior Kindergarten for girls age 3 and 4. Nurturing, playbased curriculum with art, STEM and outdoor exploration.

Specialist teachers.­New LEED-certified facilities on 22acre parkland near Quadra and McKenzie. Half or full day options. www.stmarg.ca.

www.IslandParent.ca

Strawberry Vale Preschool..................... 250-479-4213 Programs for 3 or 4 year olds at “The Little Red Schoolhouse.”

Choose between full or partial parent participation. www. strawberryvalepreschool.org.

Lansdowne Co-op Preschool................. 250-370-5392 An extraordinary learning environment for families with young children. Parent participation. wwwlansdownepreschool.com.

Victoria Nature School............................ 250-588-3303 A nonprofit community based organization. Their licensed preschool, running out of the forest and beach at Mt Douglas Park, offers full-day and half-day programs for 3-5 year olds with Monday-Friday options. The VNS forest school philosophy focuses on fun, child-led, inquiry-based education.

Visit www.victorianatureschool.com for more information.

Contact: Bonnie Davison.

Moss Rock Preschool............................. 250-382-2065 Join our ECEs in our play based licensed preschool which builds on the intellectual, social and emotional growth of the children through a pedagogy of listening and relationships. www.fairfieldcommunity.ca

Wiseways Preschool & Daycare............. 250-477-1312 Fully licensed Christian preschool for 3 and 4 year olds.

Designed to meet the needs of the whole child. Subsidized fees welcome. www.wiseways.lambrick.com.

SIDNEY Acorntree Preschool............................... 250-686-1408 Balanced indoor/outdoor program, designed to stimulate natural curiosity and foster empathy and compassion towards others. We believe in the importance of both child and teacher directed activities. www.acorntreepreschool.ca.

Adel’s Play N Discovery House.............. 250-655-4888 Licensed childcare, 3-5 years, Reggio Emilia inspired.

Mon–Fri, 7:30am–5:30pm. 2146 Beacon Avenue W. www. adelplayndiscovery.ca, adelina.gotera@gmail.com.

Positive Path Early Learning.................. 250-655-7244 Located near the library and Sidney School, our program has earned a stellar reputation for quality child care and is growing as fast as the children we care for. Space is available for your child to embark on a journey of active exploration and discovery, enjoying a natural outdoor playground and an expansive indoor learning space. Experienced educators foster a lifelong quest for knowledge and guide children with Christian values and virtues. positivepath@shaw.ca.

Storyoga Preschool................................. 778-679-4004 A nature and yoga based program located in Sidney, BC. Founded in 2009 by Vanessa Braun, Storyoga holds a vision to embrace and empower each child exactly as they are.

VICTORIA ArtsCalibre Academy.............................. 250-382-3533 Comprehensive programs for Preschool through Grade 5, delivering academic excellence through music, dance, drama and visual arts. Outstanding educators, locations and facilities. www.ArtsCalibre.ca Babies to Big Kids Childcare......................250-590-2722 949 Fullerton Ave. Licenced group childcare for children ages 6 months to 11 years old. Offering full-time and part-time care. Open 6:30am-5:30pm. info@babies tobigkids.com, www.babiestobigkids.com.

Castleview Child Care............................. 250-595-5355 Learning Through Play & Discovery. Licensed non-profit, qual. ECE staff. Since 1958. Preschool and full-time care. www.castleviewchildcarecentre.com.

Cedar Daycare......................................... 250-479-2032 Community oriented, NFP Child Care facility. Wide variety of activities offered including the use of a private outdoor pool during the summer months. Licensed ECE educators devoted to nurturing children aged 30 months – 5 years. www.cedardaycare.com.

Christ Church Cathedral Childcare and Junior Kindergarten......................... 250-383-5132 ECE and specialist teachers provide an outstanding all day licensed program for 3–5 year olds in our spacious and welcoming facility in James Bay. www.cathedralschool.ca.

Downtown Y Child Care Centre............. 250-413-8869 Enriched program, for children ages 3-5 years, supporting healthy child development and future school success. www.victoriay.com.

Nightingale Preschool and Junior Kindergarten......................... 250-595-7544 – Taking children’s learning forward – One of Victoria’s leading preschools and Junior Kindergartens. Balanced approach to play and education.

Programme supports literacy, numeracy. Visit www. nightingalepreschool.com. Fernwood.

Parkdale Early Childhood Centre........... 250-382-0512 ECEs offer the highest quality care and positive learning experiences in our daycare and preschool.

Full time or part time. Call for a tour or visit us at www.parkdalechildcare.ca.

Rainbow Express Daycare...................... 250-382-2314 Enriched preschool style program in a daycare setting.

Visit our website at www.rainbowexpressdaycare.com.

Ross Bay Preschool................................ 250-383-7445 Positive/supportive program motivating children to learn, discover and grow through play. Daily outdoor time, special guests and community events! www.rossbaypreschool@ shaw.ca The Sir James Douglas Playschool....... 250-389-0500 Fun, creative and educational ECE program for 3-5 year olds to grow and develop life long skills. Come play and learn in our bright and modern centre in Fairfield.

Victoria Montessori................................. 250-380-0534 Unique, innovative learning environment combining the best of Montessori and Learning Through Play. Open yr. round. 30mths–grade 1. www.victoriamontessori.com.

VIEW ROYAL A Secret Garden Preschool.................... 250-380-8293 Program built on Christian values. Monthly themes, weekly topics and daily activities. asecretgardenpreschool@ shaw.ca.

Island Kids Academy View Royal........... 250-727-2929 High quality child care (ages 1-5). Preschool curriculum offered within a warm, caring child care environment.

Character development using the Virtues Project. Access to community programs including swimming, skating, Victoria Conservatory of Music. Part-time spaces available. www.islandkids.ca.

Little Friends Childcare Center.............. 250-479-8423 For a creative learning environment. Licensed group facility. Infants/Toddlers/Preschool. www.littlefriends childcare.ca.

Little Wonders Preschool (View Royal OSC)..................................... 250-744-2718 A creative and supportive program that will prepare your child for a lifetime of learning! Out of School Care is also available for school aged children. www.viewroyalosc.com.

Quails’ Nest Daycare............................... 250-721-2342 At-home licensed daycare near VGH; multi-aged; all families welcome. Play-based environment promoting social, emotional, physical growth. Art, songs, story-telling, puppet shows, daily walks. $835.00 quailsnestdaycare. weebly.com.

Continues next page

December 2014 43

Preschool & Child Care Directory continued View Royal Preschool.............................. 250-479-8067 An exciting inclusive program in an exceptional care environment. Licensed 3–5 year olds. Outside play and themes enrich this program. viewroyalpreschool@live.com.

Mill Bay / Cobble Hill Starchild Centre........................................ 250-929-3240 Unique infant/toddler daycare, combines the best of Montessori and Waldorf. Our 9 acre hobby farm enables each child to have a garden plot, participate in planting trees, picking fruit, feeding animals, and other outside adventures. www.starchildcentre.ca.

DUNCAN Maple Tree Play House Licensed Family Childcare..................... 250-746-5060 A daycare program that provides enriched outdoor play time and activities that build on a child’s intrinsic love of nature. Healthy meals and snacks are provided. mapletreekids@telus.net.

Queen Margaret’s Preschool/Junior Kindergarten................ 250-746-4185 Offering a co-ed enriched curriculum in a friendly atmosphere. Morning ECE/afternoon daycare. www.qms.bc.ca.

Queen of Angels Early Learning Centre............................... 250-701-0433 We believe that the development of the whole child (physically, socially, emotionally, cognitively, and spiritually) encourages each individual to develop to their full potential. We offer an enriched full day program for 3–5 year olds based on Kindergarten readiness.

Sunrise Waldorf School Preschool........... 250-743-7253 A warm, nature-based rhythm where wonder is nurtured. www.sunrisewaldorfschool.org.

Chemainus Cherry Tree Child Care Centre............... 250-246-9195 Preschool program nurturing creative play and engaging learning activity. 30 months to age five. Qualified and experienced Early Childhood Educator.

St. Joseph’s Preschool........................... 250-246-3191 An enriching preschool program allowing children to grow as individuals in a safe and nurturing Christian environment.

Qualicum Beach Children’s Discovery Centre................... 250-752-4343 Our program recognizes the uniqueness of each child and provides a nurturing, safe and creative learning environment. Preschool, Groupcare, Out of School care. ECE qualified staff. childrensdiscoverycentre@hotmail.com.

Little Star Children’s Centre................... 250-752-4554 Earth friendly preschool education inspired by nature.

Kinder-Prep classes. Licensed group care. ECE instructors. www.littlestardaycare.ca. littlestar@shaw.ca.

Thimbleberry Childcare........................... 250-752-8342 A place for preschoolers to seek out adventure and exploration in a natural environment. A magical forest of 20 acres right on our door step.

Thimbleberrychildcare@gmail.com

Port Alberni John Paul II Catholic School.................. 250-723-0637 “Where children grow and learn through play.” We provide a program that will inspire development physically, socially, emotionally, cognitively, creatively and spiritually.

44 Island Parent Magazine

Secular Christmas

I

never believed in Santa Claus. When I was young, my parents were Bahai’i, so it was essential I was told the truth about the jolly fat man, otherwise the injustice of our bypassed chimney would have been too much to bear. Still, my grandparents gave me Christmas presents, and so did my aunts and uncles. We had no tree, but we still had a turkey dinner with our extended family.

And I got presents in February, during Ayyám-i-Há, a holiday that made me feel special because none of my friends knew what it was.

Then, when I was seven, I stopped going to Saturday school; it turned out we were no longer Bahai’is. We weren’t anything.

I embraced my identity as a newfound nonbeliever. I refused to recite the morning prayer in Grade 2, and sat glowering at my desk while the other children stood.

During “Oh Canada” I sang every word but God. I was, of course, not opposed to Christian holidays. I welcomed Christmas in all its secular glory: trees, food, and most importantly—stuff.

My brother and I spent hours pouring over the Sears Wish book. We used highlighter pens and Post-It notes. We wrote lists of what we wanted. We pulled our gifts from under the Christmas tree and stacked them in piles: his and mine. We shook them, we counted them, it’s possible we slipped our fingers into corners until the paper accidently ripped.

I don’t want that for Angus, but it’s hard to fight. For one thing, secular Christmas’s most important character is Santa Claus.

For another thing, Angus has a lot of adults in his life who like to give him things. He has a great-grandmother and three sets of grandparents. His grandparents don’t have troops of grandkids like Mike’s and mine did. They have three, and two, and only Angus. He is my brother’s only nephew, and also an honourary nephew to many of our friends. The only child in our townhouse complex, he has a number of fans among our neighbours. In short: he’s spoiled.

Mike and my suggestions to give him “not much”, or “not anything”, are unpopular, and always ignored.

Last Christmas Angus was not gift-hungry. He asked Santa for books and socks.

He played with each toy after he opened it and had to be encouraged to move on to the next item. Six months later on his

third birthday things changed. Angus tore open his presents in quick succession, only occasionally stopping to admire things.

Halloween was equally frenetic. As soon as candy hit Angus’s bag he’d ask, “Which house next?”

Maternity & Beyond Laura TRUNKEY I remember very few of the Christmas presents I received during my childhood.

There was the year I got two of the same My Little Ponies, and I got in trouble for announcing this to my grandparents. There were the chocolate-covered cherries I always shared with my cousin before breakfast.

There were the Archie comics in my stocking so that I would be occupied enough not to wake anyone up. Most of all, though, I remember my favourite ornaments, the grated carrots outside I would pretend were evidence of reindeers for my brother’s sake. I remember dinners at my aunt’s, and the cloth tablecloth that one family member drew on every year, under which everyone present would write their name. I remember the walks after dinner, my grandfather playing his harmonica as we sang Christmas carols.

This year we’re adding a tradition for Angus: an advent calendar of kindness—a daily task that we can do together that will make someone’s day a little brighter. We’ll make a suet birdfeeder. We’ll pick up garbage at a local park. We’ll bake cookies for our neighbours. We’ll feed the ducks. We’ll donate outgrown toys so that other kids can enjoy them. It’s important to us that Angus learns that giving is as important as getting, and as rewarding, and that though the antonym of spiritual is materialistic, it doesn’t have to be an either/or. We’ll get there. If there’s one thing I do have faith in, it’s my son.

Laura Trunkey is mother to the amazing Angus and the author of a forthcoming short fiction collection from House of Anansi. Email laurajtrunkey@gmail.com. www.kidsinvictoria.com

Ad Directory

Island Business & Professional Directory

Abra-Kid-Abra............ 12 Mothering Touch........... 5 Artistic Statement....... 36 O’Brien Irish Dance..... 41 Ballet Victoria............. IFC Oak & Orca........... 30, 40 BC Transit................... 23 OCEAN 98.5............... 29 Brookfield

Move to the head of the class.

One Tutor

Panorama Leisure....... 46

One Student Your Home

Programs................ 16 Rebecca Wellman Butchart Gardens........ 13

Photographer.......... 31

Conseil Scolaire............ 7 Red Balloon................ 47

Dr. Joslin, Dr. Morin & Associates.......... IBC Emmanuel

Computers.............. 35

Saanich Dental............. 4

Preschool................ 31 Saanich Parks and First Metropolitan

Recreation................ 1

United Church......... 31 Scallywags................ IFC Four Seasons

Science Works............ 38

Musical Theatre....... 39 Scouts Canada.......... IBC Highlands Home

School District #61..... 33

Farms..................... 34 Selkirk Montessori...... 17 IMAX.......................... 30 Serious Coffee.............. 9 International Nannies.................. 41 Island Catholic

The Children’s Treehouse............... 37 Theatre One............... 12

Schools................... 34 Thrifty Foods............... 25 Island Farms............... 24 TJ’s The Kiddies Island Montessori........ 22 Island Rhythmic

Spring cleaning.

Royal BC Museum................ IBC

Store........................ 9 Tom Lee Music........... 47

Gymnastics............. 16 Tutor Doctor................ 13

We clean residential.

Move-outs, move-ins.

Cowichan Theatre....... 22 Restart Discovery School........ 48

Green Girls Cleaning

Smart Tutor Referrals.com Professional In-Home Tutorial Support

Call 250-544-1588 to learn more.

being green and getting it clean

greengirlscleaning@live.ca 250-661-2633

Does your child have difficulty reading?

• can’t read words just read earlier • letter reversal • symptoms of dyslexia • “sounds out” words but can not blend them correctly • confuses similar sounding words • avoids reading/poor speller I offer an effective program that works!

Call for more information or to arrange your individualized one-on-one tutoring solution.

Brenda Osadchy 778-440-0997

totallearningservices2014@gmail.com

Tired of hotels or ‘glamping?’

Best Holiday Stays offers family-friendly holiday homes on Vancouver Island and beyond. Book your getaway today.

www.bestholidaystays.com

778-679-0376 info@bestholidaystays.com

Island Savings............BC Van Island Montessori Kate Rubin.................... 8

Supervised Access Visits

Association............. 27

KinderSpiel................. 36 Vancouver Island Kool & Child................ 47

University.......... 37, 39

Looking for a way to ease the stress of being Separated or Divorced with Children?

Kumon....................... 11 Victoria Bug Zoo........... 8 Leap Forward

Victoria Operatic........ IBC

Professional Services

Dance..................... 23 Victoria Lifestyle Markets......... 38 Lighthouse Academy

Recreation............. IFC VIHA........................... 32

of Dance................... 6 Vitamin Shop................ 3 Mike the Knight.......... 35 Welcome Wagon........... 6 Moss Street Market.................... 26

www.IslandParent.ca

Flexible hours (including weekends)

West-Mont School.................... 41

Frozen Farm Fresh Meals To Go Easy healthy prepared meals for busy families Budget friendly Food Boxes & Packages Available In store

1725 Cook St 250-590-6257

theapplebox.ca

Transition Services for Families Phone 250-590-4114 Email info@tsconsultingvictoria.ca or find us online at

www.tsconsultingvictoria.ca

December 2014 45

and have been influenced by society’s fears and criminalized perceptions of nature.

He says children are becoming more and more attached to technology (what twoyear-old doesn’t know how to operate an iPad these days?), forcing them to spend more time indoors, and perhaps even desire more indoor time.

This lack of quality time in nature can be harmful and have widespread behavioural implications which include: reduced cre-

Channelling Your Inner Child

A

fter having worked as program naturalist with Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary for a grand total of three weeks, I feel like a total expert…not! I consider myself quite ecologically literate, or at least I did before I realized how much more there is to learn about our local environment. This is why I know I am going to love it here—the learning will never end!

Happily, I’ve realized that I am not the only one who loves to learn about our local flora and fauna. The kids love it, too. And I don’t just mean your typical 3- to 17-year-olds, I mean the big kids too; the adults! I consider all visitors to the Nature House ‘kids’ because everyone exhibits those typical kid-like qualities: all wide-eyed, energetic, intrigued, awed by the animals, and thirsty for every last drop of information. Over the last few weeks, I have seen many big kids at Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary. I’ve witnessed parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts, and family friends all working hard to help children foster a connection with nature.

Now I realize that here on Vancouver Island we are a pretty unique bunch of

ecologically interested folks, but nonetheless, witnessing adult involvement makes me feel so much better about today’s struggle against Nature Deficit Disorder (NDD). The term Nature Deficit Disorder was first coined in 2005 by Richard Louv in his book titled The Last Child in the Woods. Louv believes that NDD is a serious problem referring to the resulting behavioural challenges observed in children who are spending less time outdoors, and the associated health implications for both humans and the environment. The increasing disconnect between children and the natural world is becoming more and more common and can now be recognized in individuals, families, and even entire communities.

Up until recently, kids spent a large amount of their childhood outdoors, playing, exploring, and overall interacting with the natural environment. Needless to say, in our modern world, children play outside less often and for shorter periods of time. Louv believes NDD has come about because children have less access to natural spaces due to urbanization, they have less free time for unstructured play,

FIRST NIGHT New Year’s Eve Family Celebration Join us at our 9th annual First Night New Year’s Eve celebration! Enjoy family entertainment featuring‘The Checkerboard guy”as well as numerous activities, including swimming, skating, arts & crafts, inflatable obstacle course and bouncy castle.

We will end off the night with a Fireworks Finale at 9pm!

Tickets On Sale

By Dec 30th On Dec 31st Dec 1st Adult $11 Adult $15 Child/Student (6 - 18yrs) $7 Child (0 - 5yrs) Free

Child/Student (6 - 18yrs) $11 Child (0 - 5yrs) Free

at Panorama Recreation Centre

Nature Notes ERIN LAWLESS ativity, self-confidence and independence; attention difficulties; diminished use of the senses; higher rates of physical and emotional illness; and lower academic performance in school. Fortunately, Louv claims that these effects can be reversed. By rebuilding childhood connection to nature we can help children become happier by increasing self-esteem and reducing stress, healthier by improving coordination and strength, and more intelligent by stimulating creativity, and improving problem solving skills.

No pressure or anything…but parents and families hold huge responsibility for helping their children avoid NDD, by encouraging them to see the beauty of the natural world that surrounds them.

Families are capable of providing their children with meaningful primary experience with nature, which Louv shows can actually forecast future behaviour towards environmental issues. I consider myself a walking scientific fact since I truly believe that my fond childhood memories of gardening with my uncle, bird watching with my grandparents, and camping with my parents and sister, all contributed to my current love of all things natural.

Let’s be honest, manifesting a connection to nature takes consistency and, that four letter word: time. No one understands time constraints as well as parents do. Days revolve around their child’s happiness, and hopefully sometimes their own. But keep

250.656.7271 www.panoramarecreation.ca for more event details.

46 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

in mind that unlike the old-school sugary Trix cereal, the restorative qualities of nature are not just for kids. In fact, many adults have reported that they feel happier, healthier, and less stressed following time spent in nature. I know life has never been busier than it is now, but I guarantee you will not regret setting aside some time for experiences in nature with your children.

Similar to my cousins, you may find a myriad of excuses not to go out and enjoy the great outdoors with your kids; the most absurd being: “but I don’t know enough about nature, the littles won’t get anything out of it if I can’t teach them anything”­—which is so untrue! For intimidated parents, it is important to overcome the notion that outdoor activities are not worth doing with your children unless they are done correctly. You don’t have to have all the answers. Like I’ve suggested to my cousins, just focus on helping your kids build a connection to nature by motivating their curiosity and wonderment.

Besides, some of the best learning experiences for children occur when parents are learning alongside their kids; once on equal ground the reciprocal learning can begin.

When everyone is learning it is more valuable and fun for all involved. Keep in mind that children will often find their parents’ passion and enthusiasm contagious. So don’t hold back, rediscover your own sense of joy, excitement, and wonder towards the natural world. After all, the most effective way to connect our children to nature is to connect ourselves to nature.

I am lucky enough to witness the effectiveness of this approach every day that I am here at Swan Lake. I hear the echoes of “Woooah’s,” “Coooool’s” and “Look at this’s” from little kids and big kids all day long. Just in case I don’t get the chance to tell you when you are here, I would like to shout out a huge THANK YOU to all Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary visitors, you are all truly inspiring, and you continue to restore my hope for an environmentally literate future.

Nanaimo’s #1 Toy Store Kool Toys & Teaching Tools

#102–2517 Bowen Road, Nanaimo 250-585-1778 www.koolandchild.com Follow us on Facebook!

Ask us about our 10% off program

Erin Lawless is the newest addition to the Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary Naturalist Team, and she is loving every minute of it.

www.IslandParent.ca

December 2014 47

Cut It Out!

Tips from Parent Educator Allison Rees of LIFE Seminars

Too Close?

E

nmeshed” is the technical term for a family where everyone is involved in everyone else’s business. Often such families describe themselves as “very close.” With too much closeness, the parents do not know how to have closeness with their children and allow them freedom at the same time. Each family member is therefore torn between her need for closeness and her need for separateness. If you find yourself over-controlling and being intrusive, you might want to CUT IT OUT! When a child’s personal boundaries aren’t respected, there is too much closeness in the relationship and the child doesn’t have room to grow. Yes, it’s important that there be a healthy, close attachment between parent and child. But in an enmeshed relationship, the parent is over-involved in the child’s life and the child feels that he doesn’t have privacy, his own space, or the ability to make his own decisions based on his own prefer-

ences and values. The child can’t develop personal boundaries. Parents who had anxious, insecure or fearful attachments to their own parents are the most likely to give their children too little space.

Parents who lack boundaries from growing up in an enmeshed family often see their children as extensions of themselves. When this happens, allowing children to be individuals and have choices becomes difficult. In such a family the child’s image must reflect the likes and dislikes of the parent, otherwise the parent feels embarrassed. The parent may also want her child to complete her own “unfinished business”—the child is expected to become an athlete or a doctor or a musician, fulfilling the goals that the parent didn’t attain. Or if the parent did attain a goal, there may be pressure on the child to follow the family tradition. Unfortunately, this may not fit the child’s own interests or abilities.

The healthy process of becoming an individual that children need to go through

is two steps forward, one step back. Two steps forward is nurtured by giving children more freedom, choices and a say in decision making with issues that concern them. A healthy parent can pull back yet be supportive and accepting. When the child needs more closeness, he can take a step back but this is to represent his needs, not the needs of the parent.

LIFE Seminars has two books available, Sidestepping the Power Struggle and The Parent Child Connection. See www.lifeseminars.com.

Transforming disability into ability.

At Discovery School, learning disabilities are transformed into valuable skills and abilities. Students work at their own pace in small classes, with focused, individualized instruction.

• Experienced, highly-qualified teachers • Ongoing assessment, evaluation & feedback • Improves organizational & study skills • Boost confidence, independence & responsibility • Nurturing environment based on Christian values • For students aged 7 – 18 in grades 1 – 12 • Individual Education Plans • Low student/teacher ratio

Enrolment is limited. For more information or to arrange a tour, visit www.discoveryschool.ca, call Sherri Ko at 250-595-7765 or email principal@discoveryschool.ca 48 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Experience the precision of customized vision

Every parent wants their child to be happy and healthy, and part of that is ensuring their visual system functions properly.

Did You Know?

• More than 80 % of a child’s learning is based on vision.

Dr. Joslin, Dr. Morin & Associates Doctors of Optometry

Langford: #105–814 Goldstream Ave 250-474-4567 www.langfordoptometrists.com Sooke: #5–6726 West Coast Rd 250-642-4311 www.sookeoptometrists.com

New Patients Welcome

• One in five children entering school has a vision disorder, and one in six children has been misdiagnosed with a learning disability when in fact they have a correctable vision problem.

• Many children receive a vision test or screening at school, however these are not substitutes for a thorough eye health exam with a Doctor of Optometry.

Visit with Father Christmas at the Royal BC Museum Dec 5 – 7 | 12 – 14 | 19 – 21

Have your photo taken and share your holiday wishes in the magic of Old Town.

11 am – 3 pm

royalbcmuseum.bc.ca

Photo by donation

Included with admission or membership

Search

setting up a tent

Give the gift of your love for the outdoors this winter. Volunteer with Scouts Canada and help young people develop into well rounded youth, better prepared for success in the world.

Real Scouts. Real Experiences.

To join, contact us at (250) 668-0983

1 888-855-3336 Scouts.ca

Be ready for anything. travel insurance

Vacations should be carefree. At Island Savings, our local insurance experts can ensure you leave on your trip with the right coverage to protect your health care, lost baggage or even an unexpected trip interruption.

For a quote, visit us in branch or at iscu.com/Travel