February 2014 Island Parent

Island Parent Celebrating

26 Years

The Resource Publication for Vancouver Island Parents

February 2014

A Green Re-Boot Solitude Is Gratitude Teaching Kids About Money

Education Schools & educational Services

First, Second, Third: Birth Order & Its Impact on Personality Give a Little Love: One-a-Day Ideas for a More Loving Month

children’s boutique

MANIA Meet LEGO Certified Professional, Robin Sather, and watch him build a NEW giant LEGO sculpture!

WINTER SALE ENDS FEBRUARY 15 • Shoes • Clothing • Toys

Save Up to 50% Storewide

DOWNTOWN

624 Fort St 250 360 2570

BROADMEAD VILLAGE

Newborn to 12 years

777 Royal Oak Dr 250 360 2520

MARCH 15–16, 2014 Register online at www.tillicumkids.com to

SPONSORED BY

be entered into the Tillicum LEGO Mania competition. As a contestant, you’ll have the opportunity to bring in your LEGO masterpiece featuring this year’s theme - Old Time Victoria.

Visit us online for more details.

www.scallywags-island.ca

www.tillicumkids.com

REGISTER NOW!

JOB #T118-15229A CLIENT: TILLICUM CENTRE PUBLICATION: ISLAND PARENT INSERTION DATE: FEBRUARY 2014 TRIM: 3.5" X 4.75" PREPARED BY: ECLIPSE CREATIVE INC. @ 250-382-1103

Now accepting Registrations for Spring Break Camp and March Programs Register Today For Best Selection of Dates and Times.

www.saanich.ca/alg www.saanichrec.ca

Be ready for anything.

Pretty fish!

I dare you to touch it.

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

15253 Travel Insurance Island Parent Ad.indd 1

www.IslandParent.ca

R.O.C. 102/12/12 15:11

JOB #I113-15253 A & B CLIENT: ISLAND SAVINGS CREDIT UNION PUBLICATION: ISLAND PARENT

February 2014  1

Contents: February 2014 Feature First, Second, Third: Birth Order & Its Impact on Personality....................... 12

3 Preschool program for 3–5 year olds 3 Full-day and half-day options 3 5 days a week Information Session Saturday, February 22

Registration Date: Saturday, March 1 www.victorianatureschool.com Inspiring life-long learning through play and exploration in nature!

Articles A Green Re-Boot............................................................................................. 8 Give a Little Love.......................................................................................... 10 Schools & Educational Services..................................................................... 16 Teaching Kids About Money......................................................................... 26 Explore Nature…Indoors.............................................................................. 27 Solitude Is Gratitude..................................................................................... 34

Columns Editor’s Note................................................................................................... 3 Dadspeak...................................................................................................... 36 Healthy Families, Happy Families................................................................. 38 Just Eat It!..................................................................................................... 40 Book Nook................................................................................................... 42 Is There an App for This?.............................................................................. 44 New Parent Pages.......................................................................................... 48 Maternity & Beyond..................................................................................... 53 Nature Notes................................................................................................ 54 Cut It Out..................................................................................................... 56

Departments IPM Notes....................................................................................................... 5 Party Directory........................................................................................ 24. 25 Family Calendar............................................................................................ 28 Around the Island......................................................................................... 33 Family Services Directory........................................................................ 46, 47 Preschool & Child Care Directory........................................................... 50, 51 Business & Professional Directory................................................................. 52 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

Suite A-10, 830 Pembroke St, Victoria, BC V8T 1H9 Tel: 250-388-6905 Toll Free: 1-888-372-0862 Websites: www.islandparent.ca, www.kidsinvictoria.com

On the Cover: Photo by Sarah Booth, 250-882-0172, www.sarahboothphotography.com

2 Island Parent Magazine

President, Publisher: Paul Abra Vice-President: Anna Abra Director, Production Manager: Mada Moilliet Editor: Sue Fast Sales & Marketing: RaeLeigh Buchanan Publisher’s Assistant: Linda Frear Bookkeeping: Elaine Francis Distribution: Anna Abra, Ted Dawe (Mid-Island) Founders: Jim Holland & Selinde Krayenhoff Production: Eacrett Graphic Design Printed at Island Publishers Cover printed at Hillside Printing ISSN 0838-5505

www.kidsinvictoria.com

No•mo•phobia

/'fear of being without mobile devices'/

W

hat would you give up before giving up your smart phone? Your house?

Your car? The air you breathe?

If you’re like nearly half of the 3,000 mothers surveyed at BabyCenter.com, you’d give up—at least—your favourite pair of shoes. Shoes? I’m guessing we’re not talking about your beat-up pair of Tevas, here.

More like your $1,200 Manolo Blahnik Plusanda lace double-band sandals, the ones with the satin contrast lace overlay, lace-trimmed leather footbed, 41⁄2" covered heel, and built-in anti-theft device.

If you’re like 14 per cent of the women surveyed, all of them either pregnant and/ or with children up to nine years of age, you’d happily give up your dishwasher. And if you’re like 12 per cent of respondents, you’d kiss your TV—the 80" full HD LED flat screen with 4HDMI—goodbye.

The only thing that you’d be at least 10 times more likely to choose than your smart phone? A vacation, one you’d be twice as likely as the general population to book online.

According to the survey, smart phones— and other mobile devices—have become “as big a part of parenting as chicken soup.”

Compared with the general population, moms “over-index” on ownership and use of every digital device, including laptops, digital cameras, DVRs, and gaming consoles. Eighty-seven per cent of moms are using smart phones, an increase of 34 per cent since 2012.

In the past—two short years ago—one of the most common reasons women gave for cherishing their smart phones was because they provided a lifeline to the world beyond kids, giving moms much-needed access to

For Women: #7015 For Men: #7014

www.IslandParent.ca

friends, family, and the outside world, and in turn, reducing the isolation of motherhood. Ninety-six per cent said they used their phones to access Facebook, and more than two thirds said they used it to tap into social networking sites.

Now, in the latest installment in BabyCenter’s 21st Century Mom ® Insights Series, moms report that they are using mobile devices for “healthy and useful” activities like seeking information, managing their family’s needs, and maintaining schedules—some referring to their phones as their “backup brain” or their “remote control” for daily life.

Forty-six per cent of moms said they’re addicted to their devices. Smart phones are so vital to some women’s lives that they check them at every possible opportunity: while on the go (96 per cent), shopping (95 per cent), when watching TV (94 per cent), in the car (94 per cent), in the kitchen (91 per cent), and in the bathroom (80 per cent).

Another study cited in the New York Daily News, this one by Meredith’s Parents Network, found that no time of day—or night—is off limits for texting, calling or checking email. Of the 1,041 women surveyed, 12 per cent say they’ve used their phones during sex.

During sex? I’ve heard of purring between the sheets, but Tweeting?

According to the 2013 BabyCenter study, even though moms credit their mobile devices with making life easier, one third say their digital diet distracts them from their parenting duties, an increase of 75 per cent since 2011, when 18 per cent said the same thing.

But not everyone sees that distraction as a bad thing.

Blogger Jenny Witte, writing for Huffington Post, says moms’ cellphone use is just another topic that people—often other mothers—use as the new arsenal in

Editor’s Note Sue Fast the mom-shaming game. Recent online articles, with titles like “How I Put Down the iPhone and Started Being a Mom,” or “Dear Mom on the iPhone” are designed as “wake-up calls (pun intended) for moms who are tuned out from their kids and tuned in to their smart phones,” writes Witte .The gist of these articles, she says, is, “You are a BAD MOM.” While Witte says parents shouldn’t spend hours on their phones while their kids are enjoying their day, she does believe that checking in on Facebook for a couple of moments here and there—“maybe to share some special photos with friends and family”—is in no way is taking away from the family experience.

She acknowledges that it’s important to carve out time when there are no distractions, to find something you and the kids all want to do, and to just do it—fully present and in the moment. And if you want to snap some shots on your iPhone at the same time, she adds, go for it. You won’t miss an entire childhood in the time it takes to upload those photos to Instagram or your Facebook page.

With that in mind, maybe we don’t need to give up our shoes, our dishwashers, or our flat screen TVs in favour of our phones.

Now, about that vacation…

For Women: #7013 For Men: #7012

February 2014 3

Success by Six full pg colour

4  Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

IPM Notes Vancouver Island Parenting Conference Spend Saturday February 1 from 8:30am4:30pm honing your parenting skills at the conference “Change is Here: Let’s Embrace It.” Some of the topics include: Helping Children Flourish, presented by Dr. Gordon Neufeld; There’s No Such Word as Can’t, presented by author Alvin Law; Internet and Social Media Safety, presented by safety expert Darren Laur; Self-Regulation and Cultural Change, presented by Rod Allen, Superintendent of Achievement with the Ministry of Education; and Preventing Bullying Through Education and Cultural Change, presented by Heather Coey.

The conference will take place at Spectrum Community School, 957 Burnside Road West. The $75 fee includes lunch and refreshments. All conference materials will be provided on a complimentary memory stick. As space is limited, registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, visit www.vipc.ca.

Bigleaf Maple Syrup Festival The sap will soon be flowing from Bigleaf Maple trees on the West Coast, and syrup makers from the area are sharpening their drill bits in anticipation. At the BC Forest Discovery Centre’s annual Bigleaf Maple Syrup Festival on Saturday, February 1 from 10am-4pm, visitors are invited to participate in mini-workshops facilitated by experienced maple syrup producers, including tapping demonstrations, presentations, and displays. This year’s event features cooking with local maple syrup, and maple foods will be available. The festival features a maple syrup competition with judging by celebrity chefs from Vancouver Island. The evaporator will run all day so visitors can savour the warm maple aroma of sap and see how syrup is made. The train will run every half hour.

For more information, visit www.bcforestdiscoverycentre.com.

Dads Make a Difference Do you want help to be the best dad you can be? The Dads Make a Difference program in Duncan is a support system that helps dads connect with each other and learn how to develop positive relationships with their children. Participants receive informawww.IslandParent.ca

tion on the importance of dads’ involvement in raising healthy children—from newborns through to teenagers. Hosted by the West Coast Men’s Support Society, this free program is held every Tuesday from 6-8pm at Suite 213, 80 Station Street in Duncan.

Program topics include: • Supporting the development of positive parenting skills • Exploring the important role discipline plays in your child’s life • Discussing fathering and your newborn • Supporting a healthy relationship to your partner and mother of your child • Developing skills and approaches for working dads vis-a-vis family life • Exploring how dads can improve their relationship with their partners or expartners and extended family.

To register, phone 250-597-2801 or email info@westcoastmen.org. For more information, visit www.westcoastmen.org.

National Sweater Day On February 6, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) wants you to lower your heat and put on your favourite sweater to take action against climate change and work towards a sustainable future. Join Canadians across the country fighting climate change by conserving energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Heating accounts for 80 per cent of residential energy use in Canada, and is a significant source of emissions. If every Canadian lowered the heat by just 2º C this winter, greenhouse gas emissions would be reduced by 4 megatons—equivalent to shutting down a 600 mega watt coal-fired power station.

So lower the heat, wear that sweater, and make the world a better place for your grandchildren.

To make sure you don’t forget, sign up for your own reminder call, text, or email from a real live granny. For more information, visit www.sweaterday.com.

Sibling Preparation for a New Baby Amidst the excitement of preparing for a new baby, Sibling Preparation is a workshop at Mothering Touch (975 Fort Street) that offers a unique opportunity for families to celebrate the new brother or sister, answer their questions and prepare them for the journey ahead.

Topics will include: what babies like, what babies need, how a big brother or big sister can help with the baby, how life will change and what can be done to make that okay.

Depending on parents’ preferences, a video

may be incorporated into the workshop.

The class is on Friday February 7 from 5-6:30pm and will end with making a craft for the baby. For more information and to register, visit motheringtouch.ca.

Family Day Jammies & Toons Do you remember waking up at the crack of dawn to sneak downstairs for Saturday morning cartoons in your pjs and munching on your favourite cereal? Well for one day only, the Victoria Film Festival presents Jammies and Cereal, Saturday morning cartoons on Monday at 10am. Enjoy nostalgic animations like The Cat Came Back (National Film Board), a selection of retro Looney-Tunes screenings and more. Perfect for kids of any age. Wear your pyjamas and enjoy a bowl of cereal. For those who prefer seeing a movie in the afternoon, there’s Linsanity at 2pm. Coming from humble beginnings, Jeremy Lin rose up through the ranks of his high school basketball team to shine as one of the most talented point guards the team had ever seen. Despite his abilities, he was never offered an athletic scholarship. Seeking to find a way in, Lin was also passed up by draft picks time and time again. However, at the lowest point in his career, Lin finally found the courage in himself and in the game to turn it around and live the life he was born to lead.

Tickets $7. For more information and tickets, phone 250-389-0444, visit victoriafilmfestival.com, or email boxoffice@victoriafilmfestival.com.

The 13th Annual Maple Sugar Festival du Sucre d’Érable The largest bilingual festival on Vancouver Island runs February 14-16 at the Beban Auditorium located at 2300 Bowen Road in Nanaimo. Every year in February, Nanaimo hosts the Maple Sugar Festival du Sucre d’Érable. This bilingual festival is inspired by eastern Canada’s sugar shack traditions.

Over the course of three days, festivities include educational presentations, performances by a diverse range of entertainers, and authentic traditional French Canadian food fare, notably the sweet sugar toffee on snow. Come to Nanaimo and discover the Festival’s truly special ambiance, the joie de vivre, and the warm hospitality.

The Festival runs Friday, February 14 from 4-9pm; Saturday, February 15 from 9am-8pm with the official opening ceremony at 12 noon; and Sunday, February 16 from 9am-4pm. Admission: adult $7, member $6 (with membership card), stuFebruary 2014 5

dent $5, children 6-11 years of age $3 and under 6 are free. For information, including an event schedule, visit www.francophonenanaimo.org.

Think Pink for Anti-bullying Day

Send Us Your Stories!

Island Parent is looking for articles for upcoming issues. Some of our best content comes from people just like you—Vancouver Island parents who are passionate about their families and are dealing with the day to day issues of raising children in our community. Share your experiences, your thoughts on a particular issue, your ideas on places to see or projects to do—anything related to parenting.

Check our Writer’s Guidelines at www.islandparent.ca for specific information on submissions. We’d love to hear from you. Please email submissions to editor@islandparent.ca.

6 Island Parent Magazine

Pink Shirt Day, or Anti-Bullying Day, is on February 26. Now in its seventh year, Pink Shirt Day, a public awareness campaign about bullying spearheaded by CKNW and promoted locally by Boys & Girls Clubs, has grown into a national event. Last year, over 2,500 official pink shirts were sold on Vancouver Island alone, and thousands more people wore pink clothing to show their solidarity for the campaign.

Pink Shirt Day is aimed at uniting people in a movement to change people’s attitudes towards bullying. It teaches young people that we need to be more accepting of differences and that we cannot stand by and watch as bullying occurs around us. Schools, police departments, businesses, politicians and youth groups across Vancouver Island are using this day to raise awareness of the negative effects of bullying and show that any form of bullying will not be tolerated in their organization.

Boys & Girls Club also sells Pink Shirt Day pins for $5. To order your pins, phone 250-384-9133. Order shirts through www. pinkshirtday.ca, or find tips, activity ideas and planned events by visiting the Boys & Girls Club website at www.bgcvic.org.

All proceeds from the sale of pins, and a portion of the shirt sales, will support Boys & Girls Clubs programs that provide safe, supportive places, where every child is listened to, respected and valued in an environment of inclusion and acceptance.

In-School Mentoring Programs Big Brothers Big Sisters of Victoria needs volunteers. Do you have a busy schedule and are you trying to juggle a million things at once? Do you want to volunteer? Do you like kids and having fun? Are you responsible and caring? Does this describe you? If so, In-School Mentoring is for you.

Volunteers spend one hour a week playing games and sports, doing arts and crafts, baking, reading, talking or hanging out on the playground with a boy or girl at a nearby elementary school. Weekly visits take place on school grounds during school hours (normally between 8:30am-3pm Monday to Friday) for the duration of the school year. You do not meet with your mentee over the summer break or during other school holidays.

Start your application process now so that you’re ready to have fun with your Little in September.

One child. One hour. One big reason to go back to school. Phone, email, or stop by to chat about how you could help change the life of a child in our community. For more information, email main.victoria@ bigbrothersbigsisters.ca or phone 250-4751117 ext. 40.

BC Health Service Locator App The BC Health Service Locator App helps you find walk-in clinics, hospitals, emergency rooms, immunization locations, after-hours pharmacies and laboratory services near you. You can search for health services by city or keyword.

This app was created by HealthLink BC to enable you to access health service information from your iPhone, iPod or iPad. All the information in the app can also be found on the HealthLink website.

At HealthLink you can speak with a nurse about your symptoms, talk to a pharmacist about your medication questions, get healthy eating advice from a dietitian, and find the health services and resources you need that are close to you.

You can filter your results using the Services menu.View a location’s service description, hours of operation, and contact information. Call 8-1-1 to access nonemergency health information and services from anywhere in B.C. or call 7-1-1 for deaf and hearing-impaired assistance. For more information, visit www.healthlinkbc.ca.

Support for Those With Learning Disabilities The Learning Disabilities Association of BC South Vancouver Island (LDA-SVI) works with students with learning disabilities to assist their learning and help them reach their potential. LDA-SVI currently offers support through academic skills programs, reading and writing programs, and social skills programs.

Some of the skills that can positively impact the lives of those with LD are: • Self-awareness. An understanding of their strengths and weaknesses (we all have them!). Helping people with LD to recognize their strengths and providing accommodations for their challenges is important for their learning, self-worth and overall well-being.

• The ability to compartmentalize their disability so they see it as just one aspect of themselves. Think about your own strengths www.kidsinvictoria.com

and weaknesses. Now imagine if your identity was largely based on what you can’t do.

• The ability to make mistakes. Successful learners are willing to try new things and problem solve. It is crucial that children are taught by example that mistakes are an opportunity to learn, not a sign of failure.

• Tolerance for frustration. The ability to set goals and stick to it despite setbacks.

Learning can be fun but it can also be challenging at times.

• Presence of a support network. Never assume a child knows who they can talk to if they need help. Talk with your child about who they can go to for help in their care facilities and schools.

• Emotional coping strategies. As with anyone who is experiencing difficulty, children with LD require knowledge and skills to cope with anxiety and frustration and reduce the impact of stress. For more information, visit www.ldasvi.bc.ca.

live and play, HealthyFamilies BC features articles and parenting resources directed toward children of all ages. From ensuring your baby has the best possible start, to breastfeeding resources and strategies for coping with challenging behaviours, HealthyFamilies BC offers up-to-date information and practical tips for protecting your family’s health and well being. Online tools include: Breastfeeding Buddy, an easy and educational tool designed to help you and give your baby the very best start in life; Shopping Sense, a fun, interactive tool that provides you with access to useful information, tips and videos on how to make healthy, budget-wise shopping choices at the grocery store; Sodium Sense, a tool that illustrates which food items are higher or lower in sodium to help you make healthier eating choices in real life; plus other tools. For information, visit www.healthyfamiliesbc. ca or email healthyfamiliesbc@gov.bc.ca.

HealthyFamilies BC

Victoria Kids Consignment Spring Sale

HealthyFamilies BC is an online resource for family health and wellness information.

Whether you are looking for healthy eating tips, programs and supports for becoming more physically active, or information about healthy lifestyle initiatives where you work,

Do you want to turn the items your children no longer need into money in your pocket? The Victoria Kids Consignment Spring Sale runs on April 12-13 at Eagle Ridge Community Centre, 1089 Langford Parkway. Organizers are looking for cloth-

ing (size newborn to 12), toys, books, games, baby gear, sports equipment and more. Every consignor with Victoria Kids Consignment earns 60 per cent of the sale price of their items. Consignors who volunteer during the sale can earn as much as 70 per cent.

Set your own prices and your items will be sold for you.

New to seasonal consignment sale events?

Don’t worry, it’s simple. Register online to get a consignor number, enter your items into the online inventory and tagging system, prepare your items, and drop them off during your pre-arranged check-in time. Your items will be sold over the weekend and anything not sold can be picked up at the end of the sale or donated to a local charity. You will receive your cheque within 5 days.

Consignor registration is now open. The online inventory and tagging system will remain open until 11pm on April 7. To register and for more details visit VictoriaKidsConsignment.ca.

Do you own a family-friendly business?

Having a vendor table at the next Victoria Kids Consignment sale is an opportunity to get your products or services in front of moms, dads, grandparents and kids. Visit our website’s Vendors Section to reserve your space.•

Also Playing

HIDDEN UNIVERSE SPACE JUNK

250-480-4887 • imaxvictoria.com

K-11 Alternative School

An empowering multi-age learning community: - child-directed learning & choices

The joy of learning - naturally.

http://oakandorca.ca 250 383 6609 www.IslandParent.ca

- compassionate communication - hands-on/minds-on math & science - prioritized environmental education - regular field trips & nature awareness

February 2014 7

Learning

Through Play

Rachel Dunstan Muller

A Green Re-Boot

I

’m getting pretty good at remembering my reusable bags when I go shopping. I have a sturdy, ultra-compact set that live in my purse when they’re not in use or being cycled through the laundry, which means I don’t have to think about them when I enter a store.

My bags are always with me, ready for service.

As it took me many years to master this one small practice, I don’t ever want to get smug about it. It’s too easy to become complacent, to perform a few token green actions, and say “There, I’m doing my part for the environment.” Every now and then I need to be reminded that while the little things matter, the big things matter even more. I need to step out of my complacency, to examine my life and give it a green re-boot. Because let’s face it: this century’s issues won’t be resolved by reusable bags. We need to address the big stuff as well!

Interested in your own re-boot? Here are some ideas to get you and your family started.

1

Control media influences. Making a survey of the media influences that surround us and our children every day is a great first step. How many commercials are bombarding us? Are we reading consumer magazines that fuel insecurity and a desire for stuff we don’t need? What blogs are we following? What messages are we receiving about what matters in our culture and the world? Replacing some of our commercially-driven sources of entertainment and information is an excellent way to get informed and inspired. Request the latest green-living books from the library (for both children and adults), and then watch a few environmental documentaries on Netflix while you wait for the books to come in. Google “top green blogs” for an almost limitless source of daily inspiration.

Discover our parent-operated cooperative preschools where children (and their parents) learn through play.

Victoria Cordova Bay Preschool

cordovabaypreschool.org

Countryside Preschool

countrysidepreschool.org

Goldstream Preschool

goldstreampreschool.com

Gonzales Preschool

gonzalescooppreschool.com lakehillpreschool.org

Lakehill Preschool Lambrick Park Preschool

lambrickparkpreschool.ca

Lansdowne Preschool

lansdownepreschool.com oakbaypreschool.com

Oak Bay Preschool

Call (250) 655-3333

Sidney Preschool Strawberry Vale Preschool

strawberryvalepreschool.org

Outside Victoria Errington Preschool erringtonhall.bc.ca/preschol.htm Gabriola Island Preschool www.gabriolapreschool.org Call (250) 753-1939

Nanaimo Preschool Salt Spring Island Preschool

saltspringcooppreschool.com

www.vicpa.org 8

Island Parent Magazine

2

Give nature a hand. When it comes to green living, there’s nothing more motivating than spending time in the natural world—and Mother Nature could use a little direct help these days. That help could take many forms: picking up litter in the neighbourhood, clearing junk from the bottom of a creek, or joining an organized clean-up of a beach or park. You and your children could plant trees, establish a wildlife-friendly garden, or help fight an invasive species. Consider inviting children with less nature exposure to join your family on your next outdoor adventure. Who knows what impact such an invitation could have.

3

Rethink transportation. We all know that limiting time in our vehicles is one of the most significant actions we can take to reduce our carbon footprint. But every family’s circumstances are different. Do you have access to public transportation? Is your children’s school within walking or cycling distance? Could you carpool to work? Even if driving is a necessary part of your day, you can do a number of things to reduce your transportation impact.

Fill your car or van with people by offering rides—the more people in your vehicle, the lower the fuel to passenger ratio. Empty your car of excess weight—don’t burn more fuel by hauling unnecessary stuff. Practice trip-chaining—save time and gas by combining errands. If you are a multiple-vehicle family, use the most fuel-efficient car on longer trips. Maintain proper tire pressure and have regular tune-ups. And of course, look for the smallest, most efficient vehicle for your needs when buying a new one.

4

Consume less stuff. Easy to say, sometimes harder to practice! Reducing the amount of advertising that comes into your home may reduce some of your “new stuff” cravings. If you are looking for a substitute for a recreational trip to the mall, cleaning out a cupboard, closet or entire room can be surprisingly satisfying. Clearing out the clutter can give you a new appreciation for what you already have—or the value of having less.

If the hunger for new things becomes overpowering, or if you or your children genuinely need an item, consider a used source. Consignment stores, thrift shops, rummage and www.kidsinvictoria.com

garage sales, not to mention the many online options, are all green and wallet-friendly.

5

Eat for the Earth. What we put into our grocery bags on a regular basis is significantly more important than what the bags are made of.

Generally speaking, eating lower on the food chain (more plants, less animal products) is kinder to the Earth. Including one vegetarian or vegan meal in your family’s daily or weekly menu (depending on your starting place) is a great resolution. Buying more local and/or organic foods, and avoiding processed, excessively packaged items can also help the planet. Growing or raising some of your family’s food is even better!

6

Conserve water. Fresh water is precious. We take it for granted here on the “wet” coast, and consequently we consume far more than necessary. There are many painless ways to conserve water. Low-flow aerators and shower heads are cheap and easy to install and can make a huge dent in a family’s water consumption. Regular toilets can be converted to dual-flush models quickly and easily as well. Combining these simple upgrades with behavioural changes—like taking shorter showers or implementing efficient garden-watering practices—could make you a water conservation star.

7

Conserve energy. Environmental consciousness aside, the rising cost of energy should motivate everyone to take an interest in conservation. Ensuring your home is properly insulated and draft-proof is the number one step towards energy efficiency.

Switching off unnecessary lights and using a power bar to turn off not-in-use electronics can decrease your consumption dramatically. Make the switch from incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescents or LEDs if you haven’t already, and your Hydro bill will thank you. For a wealth of practical energy-saving ideas, visit www.sustainablebabysteps.com/energy-saving-tips.html.

Make efforts in all the above areas, and 2014 could be your family’s greenest year ever!

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

Your local Consignment Stores Sailor Jack Family Consignment Store • • • •

Stylish infant, kids & teen clothing Toys & equipment maternity & women’s wear New baby shoes, carriers and accessories

424 Craigflower Rd, Victoria 250-382-5225 www.sailorjack.ca

A new year...a new you! treat yourself to a style makeover with one of our experts. You will receive up to two hours with a personal shopper who will get to know your lifestyle and body shape and search out the best fashions to suit your busy schedule! even if you haTe shopping we know you will benefit as we know our product and will quickly source out the right fit for you.

Kinderbeez Children’s Consignment Store • New and gently used name brand children’s and maternity items • Toys, books, shoes, clothing, furniture, strollers and more • bOb, britax, Sophie, Melissa and Doug and more 110-2763 Beverly Street, Duncan 250-748-2345 kinderbeez@shaw.ca

Baja Rosi’s Consignment Cabana The place to spice up your wardrobe!

• Victoria’s largest and most Fun Consignment experience!

• hundreds of new arrivals…DaIlY! • Clothing for women 13-93, including PLuS sizes

lost/gained weight?

Changed career? retired?

No problem!

Baja Rosi’s specializes in fashion and value to fit today’s women. Call today to book your appointment: 250-391-6033. $20.00 reservation fee, credited toward purchase of $50.00 or more.

• Casual styles for men

Abra-Kid-Abra

• Open 7 days

New & Used Toys, Clothing & Furniture

• No appt. necessary *see web for details

• Playroom for children

• baby equipment & furniture rentals • New products include dress up, ballet clothes, rainwear, sunwear, shoes, toys, carriers, cloth diapers, and much more

103 – 797 Goldstream Ave, Victoria 250-391-6033 www.bajarosis.com

2024 Oak Bay Ave, Victoria, BC 250-595-1613 www.abra-kid-abra.com

• Track your sales online • Payouts on demand

February 2014

9

St. Joseph’s Early Learning Centre 785 W. Burnside Rd. 250 479 1237 www.stjosephschool.ca

St. Joseph’s Early Learning Centre offers half-day and full day Preschool a Licensed Group Day Care for children three and four years old.

JosephʼsinEarly Learning Centre Our Preschool program strives to awaken the child’s spirit and W. Burnside Rd. 250-479-1237 imagination and encourages the desire for independence and high

self-esteem through creative play. Applications are available on-line www.stjosephschool.ca or at the Early Learning Centre office.

announce that our Early Learning Centre is now Hours of operation are 7:30am–5:00pm. For additional ng full time daycare for children who are 3 Hall andat4 250-479-1237. information please contact Mrs. Maureen cations are available on-line or from the Early ce. St. Josephʼs offers an excellent program in a Nurturing Spirituality in our Children tmosphere.

Interfaith – are 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM. –For additionalPanel information an Clifford at 250-479-1237.

Panelists: Dr. Suresh Basrur – Hindu Temple, Victoria Rev. Shana Lynngood – First Unitarian Church of Victoria Rev. Alastair McCollum – Rector of St. John the Divine (Anglican) Julie Ward – Practitioner and teacher of Christian Science healing Moderator: Anna Bowness-Park – “Spiritually Speaking” Facilitator

Friday, February 28 at 7:00 pm

First Church of Christ, Scientist 1205 Pandora Ave Julie Ward will also present a talk titled, Cherishing our Children on Saturday, March 1 at 2pm at the same location.

Falcon

Swing Into Spring Gymnastics Camp

Gymnastics Centre

Mornings/Afternoons Full Days/Half Days

March 17–21

For more information call 250-479-6424

Falcon Gymnastics presents:

Swing Into Spring Gymnastics Camp 2014 Ages 51⁄2–14 years ~ 9am–4pm, 9am–12pm or 1–4pm We also have: Best Birthday Parties in town!

Best gymnastics and most affordable classes!

208 – 721 Vanalman Ave, Victoria, BC V8Z 3B6 250-479-6424 www.falcongymnastics.com info@falcongymnastics.com 10 Island Parent Magazine

Helena Prins

Give a Little Love

I

am a true romantic so, needless to say, I love February! Not just the 14th, I love all 28 days. Even though the sight of my husband still manages to weaken my knees, I know that there are many more forms of love that we can, and should, celebrate this month.

Here is how you can show a little love each day in February: 1st. Love a friend. Write a letter to a friend to express appreciation for the friendship.

Mail it—Canada Post still delivers! Your letter should be there before Valentine’s Day. 2nd. Love the earth. Go for a Sunday afternoon walk with the family and take a picture to share with others—we live on a beautiful island. Show your love by picking up any trash on the trail.

3rd. Love a neighbour. Take over some homemade cookies or invite their children for a play date.

4th. Love your co-workers. Take a coffee to the receptionist or co-worker who often gives you support.

5th. Love your parents. Phone to ask about their day.

6th. Love the grocer. Make a point of saying hello, thank you, and have a nice day to the server at your local store.

7th. Love the movies. Show support to film makers by buying a ticket to the Victoria Film Festival. More information at victoriafilmfestival.com.

8th. Love yourself. Splurge on a bottle of wine, a good book or a movie.

9th. Love your house. De-clutter a corner that’s been bothering you.

10th. Love the homeless. Drop off some donations (old clothes or food) at the Mustard Seed, Salvation Army, or your local food bank.

11th. Love your body. Whether it is with yoga, a morning stretch, a walk on the Goose, a long bath, a spa massage, or husbandmassage, pamper your body!

12th. Love your children. Write a letter to each child to tell them what it is about them that you love.

13th. Love for friends. Help your children make hand-made cards to give to their friends at school or daycare to say that they care.

14th. Love Valentine’s Day! Let your kids

www.kidsinvictoria.com

decorate the table, make their favourite meal, share what you love about each other, and keep a special dessert for you and your loved one to share once all the children are in bed.

Or embrace the day for what it is and go out on a fancy date with your loved one.

15th. Love the commuters. Give way to someone trying to get into traffic. You’ll both feel good about it.

16th. Love your Facebook “family.” Post a quote about love or friendship and share with everyone.

17th. Love your neighbourhood. Choose a local park for a walk and clean up along the way.

18th. Love your pet. Treat your pet to the spa, or if that sounds excessive, give it an extra cuddle, a longer walk, or a bigger bone. If you don’t have a pet, donate pet food to a local animal shelter.

19th. Love your community. Dine Around & Stay in Town starts today. Enjoy a fantastic meal at very special rates in one of 60 restaurants in the Greater Victoria area.

20th. Love your health. Create a new smoothie recipe filled with fresh fruit and goodness and have it for breakfast.

21st. Love paying it forward. Pay for a coffee for the person behind you in the drive-thru.

22nd. Love your BFF. It’s Saturday. Spend some quality time with your BFF. No partners, no children, just the two of you!

23rd. Love music. Turn off the television for the night and listen to each family member’s favourite song.

24th. Love the leaders. Say a kind word to your child’s teacher or principal, or contact your local MLA to express appreciation for their contribution to your community.

25th. Love the less fortunate. Go to www. freerice.com. For every question you answer correctly, grains will be donated to the World Food Program. Freerice is a non-profit website that is owned by and supports United Nations World Food Program.

26th: Love for learning. Try a new skill today (Sudoko, knitting, scrapbooking) or share your talent with someone else.

27th. Love your city. Be a Tourist in Your Own Hometown starts today with great deals on local attractions, restaurants, lodging, shopping and transportation. Visit www.attractionsvictoria.com/bat.

28th. Love others. Make eye contact and smile at the people who cross your path today. I guarantee your day will be brighter.

Helena Prins is a mom of two daughters and she teaches at a local college.

www.IslandParent.ca

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.

COME SEE WHY LEARNING IN NATURE ROCKS!

Ages 3–5 "Tell me and I'll forget, show me and I may remember, involve me and I'll understand" Chinese Proverb Reggio Influenced Philosophy Child Led Learning Registrations Now Being Taken for Limited Spaces mosnjk@hotmail.com

www.naturejuniorkindergarten.com February 2014

11

Janine Fernandes-Hayden

First, Second, Third Birth Order & Its Impact on Personality

G Spring Break Camp:

Focus on Nature Sign up today at royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/camps

rowing up an eldest child, I always resented my younger brother. He never had to do anything. I was always the one who had to unload the dishwasher, make the lunches, vacuum the house and scrub the toilets. In response to my constant grumbling, my parents would say, “When you were his age, you never had to do those things.” It was a familiar rebuttal even when my brother was well into his late teens. They might even still use that same argument to this day.

My brother got whatever he wanted. Perhaps he was more assertive. Perhaps it was because by the time he came along five years

too seemed spoiled, overly “persuasive” and somewhat self-important.

This was all before I had children, before I got a youngest child of my very own. Now I understand where it all begins.

after me, my parents were more financially secure. Whatever the reason, my parents couldn’t seem to say no to his demands. I love my brother dearly and always have but, spoiled rotten—that’s what he was.

And so, I grew up begrudging youngest children. I vowed that I would never marry a youngest child. I always connected better with other “first borns.” I had very few friends who were the babies of their family and the ones I did have were fun, carefree and taught me how to take myself less seriously.

But at the end of the day, they still drove me crazy because, just like my brother, they

Blacken out the labels, shuffle up the descriptions and read one at random, I bet that it would still seem relevant. Does the same hold true with birth order labels?

First born leaders? Middle child peacemakers? Fun-loving last borns?

Kevin Leman, the author of The Birth Order Book, highlights tendencies specific to eldest, middle and youngest children.

When my husband noticed the book on my desk, he said “Don’t read that, you’ll end up pigeon-holing our children.” My husband had a good point. I once knew a woman who labeled her three children very explicitly.

A Self-Fulfilling Label?

I am a Pisces, born in the year of the Ox. Perceptive, sensitive, compassionate, honest, dependable. Yes, that’s definitely me.

The negative descriptors? Were there any?

I must have overlooked those.

We tend to see what we want to see and there is no better example than horoscopes.

Aspiring shutterbugs can develop their skills at this three day camp. Campers will meet one of BC’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year winners, venture to Beacon Hill Park, and have their work displayed in a photography show.

March 11 – 13 & March 18 – 20 9 am – 4 pm Ages 8 – 12

12 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Her eldest was her scholar, her middle was her athlete, and her youngest was her social butterfly. True to form, they lived up to their labels, but I often wondered why. Did they feel the need to fulfil the expectation set for them by their mother? Did they differentiate themselves in order to shine and gain attention? If the woman hadn’t labeled her children, would they still have demonstrated the same personality traits? How had she come up with the labels in the first place?

First Borns: Leading the Way, Learning the Ropes I consider my first two children my “first borns.” When my first child was born and 18 months later, with the arrival of my second, I was a textbook helicopter parent. I hovered, I worried, I obsessed. My first borns were like specimens under the microscope. I researched endlessly. Every developmental milestone was scrupulously observed and recorded through a multitude of photographs and detailed journal entries.

Mindful engagement every minute of the day—that was my mantra. Making dinner and maintaining the house seemed like such a struggle, but it was because those first-come-first-served babies got 100 per cent of my time, even at the expense of personal hygiene and self-care. Everything had to be perfect. Their crying was to be avoided, though mine made up for it. I wore the blame and guilt of the mistakes I made.

Eight years later, when I look at my two eldest and I think of their most prominent qualities, a battery of words comes to mind: anxious, perfectionist, competitive, approval-seeking, over-achieving. With great gentleness towards myself, I recognize that, given the context of those early years and my experience of being a first-time parent, none of these descriptions is a surprise.

I would be remiss not to paint a positive picture of my two older children, one that stems from the reality of our family dynamic. I remember when my eldest started kindergarten, she would come down for breakfast, lay the table and serve her own cereal. But she had to because very often I was busy nursing the baby or changing another child’s diaper. These days, she will often come to me when I am in the kitchen and offer to roll meatballs or chop toppings for pizza. I believe that it’s something she enjoys, but I also sense that, in being helpful, she knows that she can capitalize on my time and garner some special attention.

Above all, my eldest is incredibly reliable, responsible and caring (some might see this www.IslandParent.ca

Car Seats & Strollers Carriers & Slings Nursing Products Diapers & Diaper Bags Swaddles & Sleep Sacks Toys & Crafts Shoes & Boots Now in

2945 Jacklin Road 250-478-1737 www.jamtots.com February 2014 13

as “bossy”!). She delights in playing “babysitter,” taking her littlest sister upstairs after dinner, changing her diaper, dressing her in her pajamas, brushing her teeth, and reading her a bedtime story. She has learned from the best with six years of apprenticing and role modeling under her first-born mother.

Stuck in the Middle In our family, my middle child seems to be our third child. Right now during the week, she is at home with me along with her little sister, while her two older siblings are at school. For the first time I feel that I am able to enjoy my connection with her.

Two years ago when our last was born, our middle child slipped quietly into the background. This was due in part to her calm and laid back personality. In all honesty, between me juggling to meet the needs of my high maintenance oldest children and tending to a newborn, she was forgotten much of the time. In fact, she developed a stronger connection to her Dad than to me, perhaps an astute survival strategy on her part, knowing that competition for Mama against three other children was futile.

My middle child has taken more tumbles and blows than I care to recall, but most of the time she happily dusts herself off and

gets back up with barely a tear. Perhaps she realized that there was no point in crying because she could never be sure to get 100 per cent attention for it. Less attention also meant that she was often left to her own devices to explore and negotiate her environment. She tackled the “big kid” equipment at the playground at a younger age than my first two and surprisingly, I never even batted an eye. I guess by the time she came along, I realized that I was no superhero and I lacked the ability to move faster than the speed of light in three separate directions. I tried once and ended up with a groin pull.

My middle child, too, has a hard time being pulled in different directions between two bossy older siblings and a fun-but-feisty younger sister.

Last Borns: Who can resist them?

My mother tried to convince me that I was potty trained by nine months. As a new mother, I believed her. It was unfortunate for my first-born child who spent a significant amount of time on her potty munching on baby cookies that I used as a bribe. It worked. My eldest daughter was fully potty-trained…by the age of two. My youngest child, now two years of age, has yet to be fully potty-trained. I am guided by

the wisdom that starting potty training at nine months is unrealistic, coupled with the reality that having to run around with three other children makes diaper-free strategies and potty practice more challenging. Yet, to my surprise, she is learning on her own and listening to her body. My baby is ready to let go and move on, but I realize that I am not. I want to delight in the look of a chubby little diaper bum for a bit longer.

A couple of years ago, when my fourth was born and I still had two other children at home, I would walk through town like a mama duck with her string of baby ducklings chirping behind, hand in hand. I never understood, seeing other mothers carrying their youngest children who seemed old enough to walk on their own. Perhaps I was unreeling my own personal story of feeling resentful of my spoiled younger brother. Perhaps it was because, with so many kids and only two hands, I simply couldn’t provide my children with the same luxury. Perhaps I was just jealous.

But now it all makes sense to me—those mums struggling to carry and “hold onto” their last borns and my mom convincing herself that my brother was too young to do chores. I can almost see myself slipping into the same kind of logic to hold onto

Maxine Fisher M.Ed., RCC, MTA

Counselling for Children, Families & Adults

Over 19 Years Experience (Music Therapy Also Available) Stress & Trauma (Acting Out) • Parenting • Family Transitions Physical & Learning Disabilities • Relationships • Individuals M.Ed. | Registered Clinical Counsellor | Accredited Music Therapist

Call Today for a Complimentary 10 minute phone consultation Call 250-686-7582 maxinefisher@shaw.ca victoriafamilycounselling.com

Confident learners…

I am so impressed…he really developed his reading skills…

Assessments Remedial classes in mathematics, writing and reading Spring Break Camps Summer Learning Camps

Call 250-388-7225 for information about our services and schedules

www.readsociety.bc.ca 14 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

that “babyness” and to keep myself from forgetting what I know will eventually be forgotten.

I am the mother of an intuitive and astute youngest child who has been shaped by having to decipher a gaggle of personalities under one roof in order to get her needs met.

Pro-social strategies like charm, humour and assertiveness serve her well, as well as not-so desirable behaviours including the pouty lip, a “hard done by” attitude, fighting instincts, and impressively constructed sentences like “I hate you. You’re dumb, you stupid poo poo pants.” She’s “persuasive” (negatively seen as “manipulative”?) even when asleep.

At night, I sneak her into my bed for some extra snuggling. I convince myself that it is in the name of secure attachment, not to be confused with spoiling. My “firm, fair and consistent” policy is buckling. She is so darn cute, my last little baby.

Sorting it All Out

Janine Fernandes-Hayden is an educator and Salt Spring Island mum of four children. She hosts a parent and kids radio show called “The Beanstalk” which can be heard at Green 107.9 FM or online at www. greenfm.ca. She is also a trained Virtues Project Facilitator.

GNS. Family.

“GNS is, in every sense, a family school.

Kristjan and Taylor return AndWhen it’s my family’s school.”

to GNS in September, they'll bring – Jean ‘71, Junior School Principal (grandmother) their rubber boots. That's because the Junior School is on the beach and, as everyone knows, when you're busy exploring inter-tidal life—shovels, buckets and boots are required items! There are a few spaces left in some classes for September 2012. Call Admissions, 250.370.6801.

Three generations of confidence in GNS.

Annie ‘97, Middle School teacher (mother)

Evie and Elise, Class of 2027

Find out what Evie and Elise are doing in JK this year at our

See what EvieHOUSE and Elise be doing in JK next year:9:00 http://ow.ly/hgKYY OPEN onwill Friday, February 21 from a.m. to noon.

Cathie Ferguson Photography

I’d like to believe that I resist pre-defining my children and that I provide them with the space to explore different roles. Yet, I can’t discount the influence that birth order has on personality, over and above that of genetics and temperament. However, it is not one that is written in the stars. I realize that I hold the pen, not to label but because, over the course of my evolution as a parent, I have shaded in the backgrounds of their lives with different hues, loosening my grip on the pen over time. Their personalities don’t have to be fixed by birth order. With awareness, I can now be attuned to when my eldest children are being too hard on themselves—or when I am being too hard on them. I recognize the need to teach them how to embrace failure. I am mindful of not always calling on them to help, not forcing them to grow up too soon, and above all, reminding myself how little they still are.

They still need hugs and snuggles and though they may deny it, I know that they still like to be called “my baby.” As for my baby, gone are the days when I could complain about spoiled youngest children. The burden now rests with me.

www.mygns.ca • 250.370.6801 www.IslandParent.ca

February 2014 15

Schools & Educational Services I

n the following pages you will find a range of educational resources from preschool to post-secondary. For more information about these programs, please refer to the advertising in this issue.

Preschools Arbutus Grove Children’s Centre has a long history of providing outstanding early learning programs to the Victoria community.

We previously operated as Goosey Gander

Kindergarten before moving to our new 1.4-acre site with a large natural playground surrounded by urban forest, located in the UVIC area. We offer half- and full-day preschool programs for 3- and 4-year-olds and a small after school program for KGrade 1 students attending Frank Hobbs.

Each child’s sense of wonder, curiosity and innate desire to learn is nurtured and supported through inquiry, exploration, play and creative expression. arbutusgrove.ca, 250-477-3731.

ArtsCalibre Academy. There’s a reason why the first years of a child’s life are considered “formative”—they truly form the person, and profoundly influence the path and quality of the rest of their life. We believe that fine arts are the perfect vehicle for this formative process. Through our structured but fun program of music, dance, theatre and visual arts, children not only absorb these and all academic subjects with enthusiasm and ease, but they also develop the creativity, confidence and social skills to successfully apply them throughout their future. It’s this philosophy and comprehensive program that sets us apart from every other preschool.

It’s the Art of Preschool. www.ArtsCalibre. ca, 250-382-3533.

Christ Church Cathedral Childcare. ECE and specialist teachers provide an outstanding all-day licensed program for 3- and 4-year-olds in our spacious and welcoming facility in James Bay. www.cathedralschool. ca, 250-383-5132.

Emmanuel Preschool is a welcoming and inclusive Christian preschool, where students with special needs have the support of two additional teachers. Our morning

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 16 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

classes are offered either two or three days per week. Both programs are for 3- and 4-year-olds and include stories, games, singing, arts and crafts, science activities, free play (indoors and outdoors) and some field trips. Each class is licensed for a maximum of 20 children and has two licensed and experienced Early Childhood Educators.

Our staff strives to teach and model Christian attitudes and values, and to maintain a warm, caring and safe environment. www. emmanuelpreschool.ca, 250-598-0573 or preschool@emmanuelvictoria.ca.

Full o’ Beans Preschool, at Saanich Neighbourhood Place, is a licensed Early Learning and Care program for your preschoolers aged 3 to 4. Believing that play is an essential tool for learning, qualified Early Childhood Educators offer play-based programming designed to stimulate your child’s natural curiosity and imagination. Children enjoy many classroom activities in addition to having access to our playground, nearby parks and the amenities of the Pearkes Recreation Centre where we are located.

Field trips, community visitors and special activities round out our calendar, providing opportunities for learning through play and exploration. 250-360-1148.

Island Kids Academy. An enriching experience for children, providing an invaluable support for working families. Children participate in a nurturing, safe environment where they are free to choose activities that support their individual development and learning. Island Kids incorporates the Virtues Project, which focuses on universal virtues (respect, kindness, understanding, appreciation, enthusiasm), using teachable moments to learn how to practice these in everyday life. Preschool curriculum is offered within all-day care, ensuring that children are well prepared for lifelong learning. Community programs such as swimming and music education are offered.

Local, environmental and global awareness are a focus within our business practice and programming. Part-time and full-time spaces are available. 250-413-7429.

Island Montessori House School. Dr. Maria Montessori developed the Montessori method of education with the understanding that each child has a natural desire and ability to learn. The staff of Island Montessori is committed to providing a rich, safe, developmentally appropriate and caring environment, and to establishing rapport with each www.IslandParent.ca

Curiosity • Diversity • Exploration Nature • Play-Oriented Learning

Now Registering for September 2014

3905 Haro Road, Victoria BC

250-477-3731

arbutusgrove.ca

Christ Church Cathedral School Jr. Kindergarten (ages 3 - 5) | K - Grade 8

An affordable independent school with exceptional results • • • • •

Small classes Outstanding Fine Arts & Athletic programs Proven academic record Before and after school care Downtown location Every day is an Open House at Cathedral School

Call us to arrange your personal tour

250-383-5125 | 912 Vancouver Street | www.cathedralschool.ca

The Victoria School for Ideal Education • Meditation and nature integrated into the daily program • Individualized instruction • BC curriculum K – Gr. 8 2820 Belmont Avenue

250-383-6654 vsie.ca vsie@shaw.ca oPen HoUSe: TUES FEB 25 & THURS FEB 27, 1–2:30PM February 2014

17

and every child. Our child-centred program promotes a sense of well-being, confidence and independence. Individual and group activities foster growth in all areas of development. We are proud to have children in our school from a variety of economic, ethnic and religious backgrounds, as well as a whole host of abilities and special needs.

Our rural location at 5575 West Saanich Road is beautiful. www.islandmontessori. com, 250-592-4411.

Le français au CSF, c’est bien plus qu’une langue !

Lansdowne Preschool is a parent run preschool operating since 1954. Our focus on parent involvement smooths the transition from home to school while creating a supportive parent community. We are committed to learning through play. Whether in our indoor classroom full of art, tactile play and creativity, or our outdoor classroom with its large sandbox, rock garden and water play areas, our exceptional ECEs act as guides, encouraging the students’ sense of wonder and curiosity. Free drop-in Tuesdays, 12:45-2:30pm. Open House February 9, 10am-12noon. www.lansdownepreschool. com, 250-370-5392. Address: Carnarvon Centre, 2801 Henderson Ave.

Depuis sa création en 1995, le Conseil scolaire francophone de la Colombie-Britannique offre des programmes et des services éducatifs valorisant le plein épanouissement et l’identité culturelle des apprenantes et apprenants francophones de la province.

Le conseil compte aujourd’hui plus de 4 600 élèves, 36 écoles publiques et dessert plus d’une centaine de communautés réparties dans l’ensemble de la province.

Inscrivez votre enfant dans une école du CSF !

Nos écoles publiques daNs l’île de VaNcouVer Campbell River École Mer-et-montagne École secondaire Phoenix École secondaire Carihi

250-923-3359 1102 South Alder 250-923-3359 400, 7th Ave. 250-923-3359 350 Dogwood St.

M-6 7-9 10 - 12

Comox Valley

École au Cœur-de-l'île

250-339-1848 566 Linshart Rd.

M - 12

Nanaimo

École Océane 250-714-0761 1951 Estevan Rd. M - 7 École secondaire de Nanaimo 250-714-0761 355 Wakesiah Ave. 8 - 12

Port Alberni

École des Grands-cèdres

250-723-5614 4645 Helen St.

M-6

Victoria

École Victor-Brodeur

250-220-6010 637 Head St.

M - 12

csf.bc.ca

18

Island Parent Magazine

Miles of Smiles Nature Junior Kindergarten.

Come see why learning in nature rocks! For ages 3-5. Reggio influenced philosophy, child led learning. Register now for limited spaces. An amazing opportunity for children to fall in love with nature in nature! “Tell me and I’ll forget, show me and I may remember, involve me and I’ll understand” Chinese Proverb. www.naturejuniorkindergarten.com.

Montessori Educare in Saanichton. This beautiful little preschool offers a stimulating, creative and nurturing environment for children from 30 months to school age. The facility is open from 8am-5pm, and 5-day, 3-day and 2-day programs are offered. The morning program follows a Montessori curriculum, the prepared environment providing activities in practical life, sensorial work, art, language, math, and cultural subjects.

Circle time, story and outside play round out the morning’s activities. After a pleasant and hurry-free lunch, the children move into the delightful Rainbow Room, which offers opportunity for imaginative and dramatic play, including block play and construction, games, puzzles, manipulatives and crafts.

There is group time for music, story and games and an extended outdoor playtime.

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Two fun time Spanish sessions have been added to the afternoon program. www. montessorieducare.com, 250-881-8666 or email montessorieducare@shaw.ca.

Oak and Orca Pre-primary School is a licensed facility offering bioregional programming for 3- to 5-year-olds. Founded on 12 years of experience in quality instruction for children, the pre-primary offers an early learning curriculum based on child-directed learning, individual awareness and choice.

Natural learning is supported through investigation, experience and play. Relationships take priority for teaching time, where a focus on needs helps create harmony and self-awareness. Regular out-trips connect youngsters with the natural world, while at the school they enjoy experiences in science, math, language and more. Located in the Hillside area, the program is run by an ECE and certified teachers. www.oakandorca.ca, 250-383-6609.

Rainbow Express Daycare. The childlike delight and innocent expression that artists convey with such passion is often rooted in nurturing and creative environments.

Our goal at Rainbow Express is to foster such an environment through a variety of activities and experiences. The Center was established in 1971. The staff is a team of caring, nurturing, fully qualified educators who hold credentials in Early Childhood Education. We offer music lessons, yoga, Victoria Gymnastics and Spanish. www. rainbowexpessdaycare.com Vancouver Island Cooperative Preschool Association (VICPA). Co-operative preschools are special and unique. Early childhood educators and parents work together on education programs that emphasize “Learning through Play.” Visit one of 15 cooperative preschools located on Vancouver Island and the surrounding Islands this month during their open house to discover how these schools strengthen families and communities. Cooperative preschools provide educational and creative play activities in half-day programs to children aged 3-5 plus orientation and education programs for parents/caregivers. Classes are small, warm, and nurturing, providing children with considerable individual attention and time to learn through play. Members of VICPA are listed at www.vicpa.org.

www.IslandParent.ca

Schools ArtsCalibre Academy. Imagine a school… where music, dance, theatre and visual arts are infused into all aspects of an outstanding curriculum. The result is a learning process in which students experience, explore, exercise, and express themselves in order to truly understand and remember. Our structured but dynamic program consistently exceeds the B.C. Ministry of Education’s curricula for kindergarten to Grade 5. We offer dedicated, highly qualified educators, excellent facilities and a central Oak Bay location, which is also home to our Junior Kindergarten. We also offer preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds within the Cedar Hill Recreation Centre’s beautiful new Fine Arts wing. www.ArtsCalibre.ca, 250-382-3533.

Christ Church Cathedral School (CCCS) is Victoria’s Anglican Preschool, Elementary and Middle School, welcoming students from all backgrounds. CCCS offers before and after school care, a wide range of extra-curricular programs, small class sizes, high-calibre learning in math, science and technology, a strong focus on fine arts and progressive athletics programs. Weekly chapel service and seasonal performances are held in beautiful Christ Church Cathedral just a few steps away. Through focused encouragement of personal responsibility, self-discipline, community service and engaging learning opportunities with dedicated teachers, CCCS helps children realize their true potential. www.cathedralschool. ca, 250-383-5125.

Claremont Secondary School is devoted to excellence in learning, academics, and teaching. While Claremont is renowned for scholastic rigour, consistently ranking top amongst public schools on Vancouver Island in overall academic performance, we are also distinctive in our commitment to humanitarian pursuits, foods, fine arts, trades, technology, and athletics. Many of our innovative offerings strive to put students at the centre of their own education, allowing them to discover, embrace, and fulfill their passions with relevant learning opportunities. Our school is united by a fundamental objective, to support and encourage the growth of students who will become valued and contributing citizens of the 21st century. Phone Claremont Secondary at 250-658-5221.

The Conseil scolair francophone de la Colombie-Britannique (CSF), also known as BC’s Francophone School District (SD #93) was created in 1995 to serve francophones across the province. Since its creation in 1995, the CSF offers educational programs and services geared towards the growth and cultural promotion of the province’s francophone learners. An active partner in the development of British Columbia’s francophone community, the Conseil has presently in its system, and distributed across 78 communities in the province, over 4,350 students and 38 schools, which includes 21 homogeneous schools. www.csf. bc.ca, 604-214-2600 or 1-888-715-2200, or info@csf.bc.ca.

Is your child struggling in school? Does your child require an individual program with adaptations/modifications, and deserve it to be presented by a trained, qualified teacher in a low student ratio classroom? Are you looking for a school with a quiet, nurturing, Christian atmosphere that encourages academic development, perseverance, responsibility, and organizational skills?

Look no further! For 37 years Discovery School has been providing these services for struggling students. The school offers Grades 1-12, follows B.C. curriculum, is Ministry inspected, and is the only school on the Island providing this special education. www.discoveryschool.ca, 250-595-7765.

Each child holds our attention at Glenlyon Norfolk School (GNS), an independent day school that is a humble, caring, and thriving community. As one of only eight IB World schools in Canada offering all three IB programs, GNS is proud of its unique “IB Advantage”: a 21st Century education which educates the whole child and creates global thinkers. Our strength lies in meeting students where they are and in providing them the skills and opportunities to explore who they will become. GNS is now accepting applications for September 2014. Financial assistance is available. www. mygns.ca, 250-370-6801.

Lighthouse Christian Academy is an independent school from Grades K-12. The teachers, students and parents work together to create a safe and inclusive environment for all. This allows the freedom to be comfortable with who we are, both in the classroom as well as on the playground. A safe environment means that students are

February 2014 19

able to enjoy the reason we are here… to learn. If you would like to see your child thrive in a school where teachers believe in striving to help students reach their full potential, then we would encourage you to visit www.lighthousechristianacademy.com to learn more.

Oak and Orca Bioregional School is an affordable option for kindergarten to Grade 11 in the Hillside area. The B.C. curriculum is offered in an individualized format through practical, engaging, childdirected learning. The ungraded program uses independent learning logs, conferences and workshop choices to provide children with the structure they need to learn at their own pace. Regular field trips encourage connections with the natural and cultural heritage of our home place. As part of a community of learners, children are able to communicate effectively, think and act creatively, and develop into responsible ecological citizens. Join a unique learning community. Call if you are curious about child-directed learning and bioregional education. oakandorca.ca, 250-383-6609, or 1-888-383-6619 outside of Victoria.

Pacific Christian School (PCS): Educational Excellence to the Glory of God. PCS nurtures students in Christ-like living, critical thinking and joyful service to be faithful citizens in God’s world. PCS is committed to a Christian program of instruction helping children gain a true Biblical perspective of who they are, and prepares them for a life of dedication and service to God. By developing a sense of goal-directedness, coupled with skills of self-discipline and self-evaluation, children will be equipped to develop their talents and gifts to their fullest God-given potential. Quality academics, athletics and more. Accepting registrations for preschool to Grade 12. PacificChristian. ca, 250-479-4532.

Each of us is born to learn. It is a natural process that we all love. At Pacific School of Innovation and Inquiry, your child will be engaged in learning the way people—specifically adolescents in grades 9 to 12—are meant to. Learning is about more than just product, pre-determined tasks, outcomes, and tests. Each day is shaped by inquiry and projects driven by natural curiosity and guided by professional teachers. Interdisciplinary learning experiences help your child understand the power of the

20 Island Parent Magazine

interconnectedness of knowledge. Inquire within! learningstorm.org.

Royal Oak Middle School (ROMS) is a dynamic and vibrant learning community that meets the needs of students throughout the city. Royal Oak is a 21st century school that provides students in Grades 6, 7, and 8 unique opportunities to engage in their learning and promotes the development of each student’s potential. Academics, athletics, fine arts and applied skills, French and extra-curricular activities are the foundation curriculum that builds confidence and promotes personal and global responsibility. We value all parents/guardians and the larger school community and the role they play in the lives of our students as lifelong learners. royaloak.sd63.bc.ca.

St. Joseph’s Elementary School is a Catholic school where children learn to love, and love to learn. We are building strong foundations for a bright future, with an expansion of our facilities that will double the size of the school, offering two sections for each grade, thus increasing the opportunities for children to experience full-spectrum education, including music, band, and French. Religious education is central to the school, where children learn in a Catholic, Christian atmosphere where the teachings of Christ are paramount. Come learn with us—space available in preschool, day care, and kindergarten through Grade 7. 757 W. Burnside Road. 250-479-1232.

St. Margaret’s School provides a personalized education for girls from preschool to Grade 12 that fosters confident, capable leaders with genuine enthusiasm for learning. An extensive extra-curricular program combining athletics, arts and community service encourages each student to take on new roles and challenges. Every class is tailored to the way girls learn, using strategies that draw on their strengths. The result is a learning environment where each girl can be herself, find her voice and discover her passions. Spots available in Grade 3 and at most levels; wait list for Grade 2. Open House, Friday February 21. www.stmarg. ca, 250-479-7171.

St. Michaels University School (SMUS). A break from school does not have to mean a break from learning. When students want to tackle something new and exciting, our Spring Break programs offer plenty of ways young people can stay entertained. From

baking to sports to animation, holiday programs are diverse and engaging. The Passion Sports team also returns with more sell-out elite basketball camps. The Spring Break Programs at St. Michaels University School are open to all children in Victoria ages 5-17 and appeal to a wide range of interests. For information on any of these exciting programs, visit our website at www. smus.ca/spring or call 250-370-6120. www. smus.bc.ca.

The Victoria School for Ideal Education. The Ideal School has doubled in size to make room for your children. This one-of-a-kind little school offers holistic education from kindergarten to Grade 8 in a nurturing, stress free environment. The twice a day children’s meditation coupled with the study of nature and the laws that keep us in tune with the natural world have attracted families from all over the Victoria area. Within this framework we cover the B.C. curriculum and all our teachers are B.C. certified. “The depth of care for each student, the level of personal support provided, and the degree of empathy displayed, all contribute to a family-like atmosphere and encouraging school setting for students.” (Quote from the BC Ministry of Education inspection report, October 2013.) vsie.ca, 250 383 6654 to arrange a tour, email vsie@shaw.ca.

West-Mont Montessori School offers innovative, personalized Montessori instruction in a beautiful natural environment for students in preschool to Grade 8. The Montessori program adapts to students from preschool to middle school, providing a balanced approach to incorporating nature, French, music, and art into a highly enriched curriculum. For details about our programs visit www.west-mont.ca, or stop by our campus in Metchosin and feel what it is like to be part of a community devoted to the development of the whole child. Open House every Thursday 9-11am. West-Mont is located at 4075 Metchosin Road, Victoria.

250-474-2626.

Distributed Learning Hands-On Home-Learning For a Sustainable World is a K-9 distributed learning opportunity offered by Oak and Orca School. This certified program weaves local and global perspectives into a supportive foundation to help your child discover her/his own learning path while satisfying the B.C. curriculum. www.kidsinvictoria.com

Through regular communication, certified teachers are accessible to support families in creating their own educational programming. Hands-on, child-centered activities are available to supplement and enrich what you naturally offer and to cover the basics.

Parents are provided with the guidance they need, without pressure. The program is free and includes an expense budget to help meet educational needs. oakandorca. ca, 250-383-6619 or 1-888-383-6619.

SelfDesign, a distributed learning school, offers programs and special education services with personalized education and support for every learner and family. From K-12, certified teachers are paired with each learner to guide the creation of personalized learning plans and to tailor an approach unique to the aspirations, needs, and learning style of the child. SelfDesign provides online, and some in-person, student-centered programs and highly customizable courses with weekly guidance to nurture a lifelong love of learning and to honour the unique passion of every learner. www. selfdesign.org.

Mid-Island Schools/ Education Services Evergreen Independent School offers small class sizes (15 max) and is committed to a philosophy that endeavours to develop the full potential of each child. We believe that children develop in unique ways, at different rates, and in different directions, and that development is best accomplished in an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect.

We strive to instruct children in ways that best fit their individual learning styles.

Our goals are to develop a love of learning, self-confidence and respect, to create skillful problem solvers, to foster creativity, encourage community involvement and seek academic excellence. www.evergreenbc.net.

Island Oak Secondary School, Duncan, B.C. Do you matter? Do you ever wonder if your actions and words matter? Imagine an intimate setting that feels like family, where teachers really care about you. Your friends come from many countries, your school “uniform” is a hoodie and your classroom includes the surf of Tofino and the snow of Mt. Washington. Imagine earning a Dogwood Diploma and feeling warmly supported whether you head to university or forge another personally-meaningful path. www.IslandParent.ca

growing, learning, playing – together

Parent Participation • Since 1954 Creative, Encouraging, Supportive Outdoor Classroom • Trained ECEs Spaces available for this term • Ages 3 – 5 Visit us at our

Registration Day and Open House Sunday February 9, 10 am – 12 pm 250-370-5392 lansdownepreschool.com

Spaces Available Childcare Ages 1–5

Island Kids Academy Equimalt 250-381-2929 ext 21 or 25

Island Kids Academy View Royal 250-727-2929

www.islandkids.ca islandkidsesquimalt@shawbiz.ca

Where Children Are Honoured for Who They Are

St. Joseph’s Catholic School Daycare/Preschool to Grade Seven Please join us for our Open House on Tuesday, Feb 4, 2014, 5–7pm We are accepting applications now for the 2014/2015 School Year A Catholic, respectful learning environment where children learn to love and love to learn!

Outstanding academic preparation.

For additional information please contact:

St. Joseph’s School 757 W. Burnside Road 250-479-1232 Registration forms are available at www.stjosephschool.ca February 2014 21

Imagine the outrageous, revolutionary act of being you. Island Oak is a Ministry-certified independent school where acceptance is granted through an interview, not on ability to pay tuition; because you matter. islandoak.org. 250-701-0400.

Nestled in a wooded landscape, in Chemainus offers faith-enriched education to children from preschool through Grade 7. Skilled educators provide a safe and caring environment, and nourish each student academically, physically, spiritually and artistically. St. Joseph’s offers music and band programming, specialist teachers for PE, and K-7 French instruction. On-site preschool and before and after school care is available. St. Joseph’s is an inclusive school, welcoming students of all backgrounds and abilities. Affordable tuition. Financial assistance is available. Please call 250-2463191 for more information or to arrange for a tour of St. Joseph’s School.

Morning Glory School, minutes from Qualicum Beach in a beautiful natural setting, offers quality education Pre-School to Class 8. MGS blends Waldorf Education practices with the B.C. curriculum as an affordable, established Independent School. We provide students with individualized attention and encouragement in small combined classes.

Our balanced school life prepares students to be well-rounded adults through academics integrated with art, music, and practical skills (such as knitting, woodwork and gardening) with plenty of outdoor activities. Students are given the opportunity to develop their personalities freely while being supported by a close-knit community.

Special activities and events create a warm and inspiring school community for both students and parents. www.morninggloryschool.ca, 250-752-2722

3-5 yrs Pre-primary School

navigate offers a blended learning model which allows students to forge relationships with their teachers and the broader community while offering all the flexibility of traditional distributed learning, distance learning and home school models. Though we are located in the Comox Valley, we serve more than 4,000 learners throughout BC in our K-9, high school and adult learning programs. Many parents considering home school for their children find we offer a rich educational approach that provides the flexibility of traditional homeschooling. A navigate education meets all provincially mandated learning outcomes and is instructed by a BC-certified teacher. For more information, please call 250-337-5300 or visit www.navigatenides.com.

At Queen Margaret’s School, we offer a university-preparatory education to 325 students in our co-ed Early Childhood Education Program, co-ed Junior School (kindergarten-Grade 8) and all girls Senior School (9-12, boarding and day). Our picturesque 27-acre campus in the Cowichan Valley is also home to Canada’s only fullyintegrated optional on-campus equestrian program. The equestrian centre provides training opportunities for recreational riders and elite equestrian athletes alike.

The school’s rigorous academic program and extensive extra-curricular offerings provide opportunities for achievement and personal growth… empowering students to think critically, lead confidently and live honourably. Discover at QMS. www.qms. bc.ca, 250-746-4185.

Sunrise Waldorf School (SWS) teaches the B.C. curriculum in the inspired, holistic, Waldorf way enhanced by handwork, woodwork, music, strings, Movement, French, plays, gardening and seasonal festivals.

Students learn and grow on our beautiful, rural seven-acre campus. SWS is located south of Duncan in the Cowichan Valley and attracts families from all over the globe who have relocated to enroll their children at our Waldorf school. Founded in 1980, SWS offers programs from early childhood through Class 8. SWS is the only full member school of the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA) on Vancouver Island. www.sunrisewaldorfschool.org, 250-743-7253.

Parent Education Courses covering a range of personal and parenting topics begin again this year at 1Up, Victoria Single Parent Resource Centre.

Courses include: The Lighthouse Parent, Anatomy of Anger, Grandparents Raising Grandkids: Let’s Figure It Out Together, Relationships and Boundaries, and the Dads With Dads support group. Our courses are open to everyone in the community. www.1up.ca, 250-385-1114.

Join keynote speaker Enid Elliot—champion of the nature kindergarten—on Saturday, April 26 for the 37th Making Tomorrow Conference. A dynamic line-up of speakers including neuroscientists, musicologists and other experts in early childhood education will make this an exciting day of parental and professional development and networking at UVic. Presented by the Vancouver Island Cooperative Preschool Association (VICPA), an advocate for high-quality playful/exploratory/investigative environments for young children learning through play for over 60 years! Find more information about our parent-run preschools at vicpa.org and register for the conference starting in February at makingtomorrowconference.com.

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

The joy of learning - naturally.

http://oakandorca.ca 250 383 6609 22 Island Parent Magazine

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

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Educational Services & Programs Mad Science brings the opportunity to explore the mysteries of space in your school this year. Several weeks of exciting hands-on activities, fascinating demonstrations, discussions, and activities, as well as spectacular make-yourself take-home toys allow close up look at the universe. Check our After-school programs, Science Shows and Birthday Parties. Bring fun science to your community or home any time. Info at vancouverisland.madscience.org or call us at 1-888-954-6237.

Monarch House, always here and making it easier. Monarch House offers an interdisciplinary approach to treating individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities, from infancy to adulthood. Providing individual and group treatment, transition planning for the different life phases, and recreational drop-in programs; our coordinated care and streamlined services ensure individuals reach their full potential. All our clinicians are under one roof which means no wait lists and faster access to services and available funding. No waiting for diagnostic assessments—Monarch House provides timely access to professionals who are qualified to diagnose ASD and other developmental disabilities. monarchhousevictoria@cbi.ca, 250-220-8999.

The READ Society provides extra help in reading, writing, mathematics and study skills for children and youth. Professional teachers conduct recognized assessments and develop individual plans to address specific skills gaps. We use diverse teaching approaches to capture student interest, increase confidence, and build skills. When you choose READ, you are supporting your child and you are contributing to literacy initiatives across our community. As a local non-profit, we offer tuition support for low-income households. We have classes Monday-Thursday afternoons in three locations: Victoria, Colwood and Sidney; and on Tuesday and Thursday in Sooke. www.readsociety.bc.ca, or call us to book assessments and classes, 250-388-7225.

www.IslandParent.ca

Sylvan believes that learning should be personal. As the leading provider of supplemental education services in North America, we have been serving the Island for 27 years. Our exciting new system, Sylvan Sync, combines 21st Century technology with our established individualized learning programs and the expertise and professionalism of our certified staff to provide each student with a unique personalized learning program to meet his or her specific needs.

When your child just isn’t getting enough out of the classroom, you need someone knowledgeable whom you can trust to help guide and engage your child—someone with insight and experience. You can count on Sylvan. www.sylvanlearning.com.

Other No matter your age or experience, Kaleidoscope has a Spring Break program for you—Kamp Kaleidoscope. Join Pat Rundell and Sarah Murphy for the annual Kamp Kaleidoscope, a wilderness retreat at Camp Qwanoes. Improv, movie making and dance collide with traditional camp fun for the ultimate experience. Camp Curtain Call: Gotta’ sing, act and dance? Join Alexander Ferguson for a thrilling adventure into the world of Musical Theatre. Acting for Camera: Join Christine Willes (The XFiles, Dead Like Me) and Jessica Van der Veen for a week-long intensive on acting for camera. For more information or to register, visit www.kaleidoscope.bc.ca.

Register today for Saanich Recreation Spring Break fun. Your children will have a fantastic experience participating in our great programs at Saanich Parks and Recreation. We have a large selection to choose from including computers, dance, art & crafts, martial arts, sports and much more for kids 5-15 years of age. Also, don’t forget about our fantastic fun swims in the pool or Everyone Welcome skates. Whatever you are looking for, you will probably find it at one of our four recreation centres. Check out the Active Living Guide at www.saanich. ca/alg for more information.•

February 2014 23

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 *

250-383-FLIP

www.lionspridegymnastics.com Located in Langford

Birthday Parties!

for kids & families

:: Gym & Bouncy Castle, themed parties: creative kids, girl power and preschool parties from Princesses to Pirates!

You provide the space and food…

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

at Henderson Recreation Centre!

Call 250-370-7200

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

250 472 3546 www.puppetbooth.homestead.com

www.recreation.oakbay.ca

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

Action-Packed Birthday Parties

We bring the Fun2U!

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

Supervised • 2–8 Yrs

It’s about skills, not scores.

Call 250-595-SWIM (7946)

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

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

Enter Our Online Contests Every month at Island Parent and Kids In Victoria you can enter to win some great prizes!

Prizes include:

• Family Getaways

• Gift Certificates

• IMAX Passes

• Books, CDs and More

One entry per family per week. Check out the prizes and enter the contests by visiting

www.IslandParent.ca or www.kidsinvictoria.com 24 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Party Directory

Par-T-Perfect

ctoria

(250) 386-JUMP (5867) www.par-t-perfect.com • Indoor facility options for all your bouncy castle and inflatable requirements • School fairs/festivals and picnics • 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 ur • Follow us on Facebook and Twitter Join O lub!

-C Par-T

Gymnastics

Birthday Parties Come Fly With Us!

7 Day Rentals from $149 250-881-2680 AffordableHotTubs.ca

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

Fired UP! Optional character

Two certified instructors and host Paintayour own ceramics Optional character

Gymnastics games and music

Now Offering t-shirt Full-week Free and one day camps!

Ages Foam 6 andlanding up. pit and 40' long trampoline See website for details! www.firedupceramics.ca Party participants can win a Optional character

Book your party with us today!

We now offer online booking.

Optional character

All parties are held in a private party room with a dedicated staff member. Birthday child gets a very special keepsake and all guests paint their own ceramic item.

See website for details: www.firedupceramics.ca

Fired UP! Y M

GYMNASTICS Birthday Parties

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 C S www.IslandParent.ca

FALCON th

40 sary 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

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

250-380-2442

Paint your own ceramics

G

FREE month

www.victoriagymnastics.com

1801 Fort Street @ Richmond

Now Offering Full-week and one day camps!

Ages 6 and up.

See website for details! www.firedupceramics.ca

Optional character Optional character

Funtime Inflatables #1 choice for party inflatables

250-474-0597

www.funtimeinflatables.ca

S T I C S

We will match any competitor’s price; we will beat any competitors service!

Trust your next party or special event to the experts, Funtime Inflatables—the original bouncy castle company.

Serving Vancouver Island since 1990.

New items arriving soon!!!

February 2014 25

Annie Poirier

Teaching Kids About Money

Spring Break Camp: Reading, Educational Games & Reader’s Theatre

Grades 1/2/3 and Grades 4/5/6 Groups of six students: March 10–15, 9:00–11:00am Call 250-388-7225 www.readsociety.bc.ca

Island Oak Waldorf Secondary Education

Where you matter.

Looking for a more personal school experience? Earn your Dogwood, make great friends, adventure outdoors and have teachers who care. We are a Ministry-certified, Cowichan Valley independent school. Admission is based on an interview - not capacity to pay tuition.

Find out more: 250-701-0400

www.islandoak.org 26 Island Parent Magazine

A

s parents, we know how wise and amazing our children are. However, we also know that they’ll have to blossom in a demanding world and face the challenges that come along. We want to provide them with the right tools. Having strong money management skills gives them one solid tool. With that tool, they’ll feel more confident and be better equipped to achieve their goals.

When it comes to teaching our kids about personal finances, it pays to start the conversations about good money habits early.

The question is: How early do we start these dollars and “sense” talks? Here are some age-related tips: 2 –6 years old. You can start playing money games with your kids as young as two years old. The Little Cashier has been a favourite for decades. “How much plastic macaroni can you buy with that dollar?” You can expand the game by adding a bank account component in the shape of a colourful piggy to start with.

You may discover new facets of your child while playing money games. What does your little princess enjoy more, putting money in or taking money out of her “account”? Is your little guy a saver or an investor? Do you need to inspire your child to become more patient or, conversely, to break out of his comfort zone? Our attitudes towards money can tell us a lot about our outlook on life, our motivations, and our ability to give and receive.

6–12 years old. We started with a “fun” bank that soon filled with coins. Eventually we graduated to a real bank account. I remember my first visit to the bank with my daughter. She was six and very excited about using a debit card. It was amazing to watch her little fingers using the bank machine for the first time!

Between six and 12 years old is also a good time to establish an allowance tied to certain tasks to help kids learn responsibility.

A fixed allowance demonstrates that there are serious choices to make about spending and saving. Encourage children to deposit at least 10 per cent of their allowance into a bank account and explain how interest

makes the money grow. Board games like Monopoly and interactive websites such as the Canadian Foundation for Economic Education also develop a money mind-set. They teach both kids and parents how to manage and expand risk tolerance according to our own personal limits, which is an important skill in everyday life.

12–16 years old. At this stage, we can help our teenagers develop a simple budget that includes organizing tax receipts and statements to keep track of their money.

A charitable giving component will show them how their money can have a positive impact on the community. We may give an allowance “bonus” for special work, with the requirement that the extra money be invested, thus introducing the concepts of compounding and tax-saving through such long-term investments as an RRSP investment.

16–18 years. We now want each child to file a tax return as soon as they have a job that results in a T4. It’ll give them a more personal view of taxes and build up future RRSP contribution room. Parents can cosign for a low-limit credit card and carefully monitor its use. Don’t forget to stress the importance of making monthly payments.

Teenagers want to maintain a good credit rating and avoid high interest rates or late fees.

Particularly brave parents may even use credit card statements to discuss spending patterns.

More tips: • Involve your kids in family financial discussions.

• Show how your family budget must balance expenses and income.

• Don’t be afraid to get professional advice.

It’s often free.

• Finance a long-term project together: a trip or a new bedroom design, for example.

You could match the amount your child is willing to put in. It feels powerful and rewarding for both of you and is another way to show how having strong money management skills can pay off.

Annie Poirier works as a consultant with Investors Group. She can be contacted at annie.poirier@investorsgroup.com.

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Explore Nature...

Indoors

F

of a Gorge Waterway watershed model, a 3-D map of the area where families can investigate how water and chemicals move across our landscape, and what role we can play in creating healthier and more vibrant watersheds. This visual and hands-on tool shows the connectivity between lakes, creeks, estuaries, and the ocean.

There is an arts and crafts station, featuring a collection of bones and shells, information about local environmental organizations, and hands-on displays focusing on scientific and environmental initiatives in the Gorge Waterway. Press seaweed into special bookmarks, compare the teeth of a bear and a deer, examine seawater under a microscope, and learn about Olympia oysters, flickers, and swans that call the park home.

Esquimalt-Gorge Park boasts amenities including a playground, Japanese garden,

REASON #24

inding an interactive and inexpensive weekend activity for your family during the rainy days of winter can be a challenge.

This year, it will be a little bit easier as the Gorge Waterway Nature House in Esquimalt-Gorge Park is now open year round.

The Nature House underwent renovations last year and now provides a cozy place to explore local ecosystems and engage with nature, regardless of the weather.

A highlight of the Nature House is the Seaquaria touch tank, a chilled salt-water aquarium stocked with marine life. Children and parents can get up close and personal with local sea stars, sea cucumbers, decorator crabs, and more. With the help of interpreters, visitors learn about the natural history of local animals and algae, and discover how to act respectfully towards them in the Nature House and at the beach. The Nature House is also the home

picnic area, beach front, a walkway along the Gorge Waterway, and washrooms. Just moments from downtown, the park is a place of solitude, exploration, and natural areas.

The Gorge Waterway Nature House is managed by World Fisheries Trust, but volunteers are the backbone of the centre. The diverse group of volunteers that dedicates their weekends to engaging with and educating their neighbours and peers are the roots of the experience. If you or your children are interested in volunteering, please email education@worldfish.org. Volunteers of all ages and abilities are needed to share their experience and knowledge. Hands-on training will be provided.

The Nature House public hours are 10am-4pm and admission is by donation.

If you are interested in volunteering, looking to book a group program, or if your organization is looking for a meeting place, please email education@worldfish.org. For more information, visit www.worldfish.org.

Mary Vasey, director of local initiatives with World Fisheries Trust, is dedicated to providing opportunities for families to engage in locally relevant environmental education in the Victoria region.

“It’s really an investment in her self-confidence.

We love the fact that she sees every day that girls can do everything.”

- PARENT OF A GRADE 6 STUDENT

OPEN HOUSE FRIDAY, FEB 21 9:00–11:00am & 1:00–3:00pm 1080 Lucas Avenue, Victoria Discover your reason.

Confident girls. Inspiring women. | ECE to Grade 12 | Day & Boarding | 250.479.7171 | www.stmarg.ca IP_SMS_February2014_v3.indd 1

www.IslandParent.ca

1/20/2014 10:10:57 AM

February 2014 27

February 2014

Generously Sponsored by and

Family Calendar For calendar updates throughout the month visit www.kidsinvictoria.com SAT 1 Pictures of the Past at East Sooke Regional Park. Here’s a chance to join a CRD Regional Parks’ naturalist to learn more about the First Nations coastal culture. Walk to the petroglyphs along the scenic Coast Trail and discover the story in stone. Wear sturdy shoes.

Meet at the kiosk in the Aylard Farm parking lot off Becher Bay Rd at 1pm. 8+ years. 250478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

Year of the Horse at Esquimalt Branch Library.

Gung Hay Fat Choy! Wear red and welcome Chinese New Year at the library with stories and crafts about horses and the story of the Chinese zodiac. For ages 5-12. 2:30-3:30pm.

Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250414-7198 for more information.

SUN 2 Kid’s Buddhist Meditation Class at Bodhichitta Buddhist Centre. Meditation and Buddhist philosophy specially suited for kids 8-14. Learn to calm your mind through guided meditation and use Buddhist teachings in everyday life through stories and games. $5 drop-in per child; $10 maximum per family. meditatevancouverisland.org/kids-class.

TUES 4 Rockin’ Rhythm and Rhyme Time with Nejama at Esquimalt Branch Library. Are you ready to shake, rattle and roll? Move and groove with musical therapist Nejama Ferst-

man and explore stories and songs through rhythms, movements and fingerplays in this active musical program. For ages 3-5. 2:303:15pm. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-414-7198 for more information.

Guys’ Night Out Baby Time at Saanich Centennial Branch Library. Calling all babies and the men who love them. Join us for fingerplays, puppets, stories and songs. For dads, stepdads, foster dads, granddads, uncles and male caregivers with babies 0-15 months.

6:30-7pm. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-477-9030 for more information.

WED 5 Lego at the Library at Central Saanich Branch Library. Like stories and Lego? Then this is the program for you. We’ll supply the Lego, and you will use your imagination to construct your own crazy creation to display at the library.

For a project to take home, bring your own Lego. For ages 7-10. 3:30-4:30pm. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-652-2013 for more information.

FRI 7 Story Club at Bruce Hutchison Branch Library.

Listen to stories, talk about your favourite books and enjoy fun activities. Snacks included! This club is for kids who love stories, regardless of reading ability. For ages 5-8.

3:30-4:30pm. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-727-0104 for more information.

SAT 8 Music for Africa at Phillip T. Young Recital Hall, UVic. Repertoire from classical and jazz to rousing choral selections will be performed by exceptional young musicians in a gala charity recital. Funds raised will support women and children in four HIV/Aids projects in South Africa, Zambia and Malawi through the local grassroots registered society African Aids Angels. Angels and refreshments will be for sale before the concert and at intermission. 2-4pm. $10/adults; $5/students. 250-381-0921.

SUN 9 Who’s Hooting? at Mill Hill Regional Park.

The owls are hooting. Join a CRD Regional Parks’ naturalist to learn some owl calls, find out about these exciting night hunters, and get to know our BC owls. Meet at the information kiosk in the parking lot off Atkins Ave at 1pm.

All ages. BC Transit #53. 250-478-3344. www. crd.bc.ca/parks.

MON 10 Family Day with Par-T-Perfect at Pearkes Recreation Centre. Three inflatables, including the obstacle course, pirate ship and Queen’s castle. Face painting, balloon animals, craft station, and glitter tattoos. There will also be a toddler area and stroller parking. Door prizes including the chance to win a deluxe birthday party package. Admission by donation to a local family charity organization (suggested donation $3/child or 2 for $5). For

We’re part of your

healthy life.

28 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

more information, call 250-386-5867 or email service@par-t-perfect.com.

WED 12 Be My Valentine at Central Saanich Branch Library. This program will make your Valentine’s Day fantastic. Wear Valentine’s Day colours and come enjoy stories, rhymes, songs and a fancy Valentine craft. For ages 3-5.

10:30-11:30am. Register online at www.gvpl. ca or call 250-652-2013 for more information.

Tales From Afar: African Folklore at Central Branch Library. Enjoy African folktales in celebration of Black History Month. Watch a short folktale film, listen to stories, enjoy a shadow puppet play and create a colourful craft. For ages 5-8. 3:30-4:30pm. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-382-7241, ext. 601 for more information.

THURS 13 Giggles and Wiggles at Central Branch Library.

Wiggle your way to the library for a 20-minute storytime for little listeners with extra energy.

Dance and giggle and learn new action stories and action rhymes chosen just for you. No registration required. For young children and their families; children under three must be accompanied by an adult. 10:30-10:50am.

250-382-7241, ext. 601.

Be My Valentine at Bruce Hutchison Branch Library. See WED 12 for details. For ages 3-5.

3:15-4:15pm. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-727-0104 for more information.

My Best Friend is an Animal at Esquimalt Branch Library. Join us at the library for stories about wonderful, unusual and incredible pets, and stories about animals as best friends. Bring along a photo of your pet, or the animal you wish was your pet, and make a craft using your photo. For ages 6-9. 3:30-4:30pm. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-414-7198 for more information.

Teen-Parent Book Club: The Fault in Our Stars at Nellie McClung Branch Library. Celebrate family literacy by reading the same book.

Fans of John Green won’t want to miss this

www.IslandParent.ca

book discussion dedicated to The Fault in Our Stars. Nerdfighters welcome. For ages 13-18 and accompanying adult. 7-8:30pm. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-477-7111 for more information.

FRI 14 Be My Valentine at Goudy Branch Library.

See WED 12 for details. For ages 3-5. 3:154:15pm. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-391-5702 for more information.

TM

SAT 15 Oh Deer! at Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park.

Could you survive as a deer? A day in the life of a deer includes looking for food, avoiding predators from cars to cougars, and finding shelter. Find out more with a CRD Regional Parks’ naturalist along this nature trail. Meet at the Witty’s Lagoon Nature Centre off Metchosin Rd at 1pm. 5+ years. BC Transit #54 or #55. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

SUN 16 Kid’s Buddhist Meditation Class at Bodhichitta Buddhist Centre. See SUN 2 for details. $5 drop-in per child; $10 maximum per family. meditatevancouverisland.org/kids-class.

MON 17 Victoria Children’s Literature Roundtable at Nellie McClung Branch Library. Polly Horvath, winner of the 2013 Bolen Book Award for One Year in Coal Harbour, will come and talk about her writing career. Polly’s award winning books, such as The Trolls, The Canning Season, and My One-Hundred Adventures, delight children with their quirky sense of humour, rich language and plucky heroines.

Doors open at 7pm. Browse the Schoolhouse Teaching Supplies and Children’s Bookstore table before the meeting begins at 7:30pm.

VCLR is open to the public. Members free; $5/drop-in; $4/student. For more information call 250-598-3694.

THURS 20 For the Birds at Esquimalt Branch Library.

Flock to the library for a “tweet” storytime filled with stories, songs and rhymes about birds. Make your own birdfeeder and learn some bird-feeding tips, too. For young children and their families; children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. 10:30-11:30am.

Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250414-7198 for more information.

Giggles and Wiggles at Central Branch Library.

See THURS 13 for details. For young children and their families; children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. 10:30-10:50am.

250-382-7241, ext. 601.

FRI 21 Travelling Puppet Show Workshop at Bruce Hutchison Branch Library. Join the Travelling Puppet Show for a one-day workshop featuring puppet making, storytelling and your wonderfully wild imagination. Make and take home your very own puppets. For ages 8-12.

1-4pm. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-727-0104 for more information.

Captain Underpants and the Loopy Library at Saanich Centennial Branch Library. Silly super games and gross stories will surely make you laugh out loud. Be prepared to wear a decorated silly hat home. For ages 6-9. 2:303:30pm. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-477-9030 for more information.

Lego at the Library at Juan de Fuca Branch Library. See FRI 5 for details. For ages 7-10.

2:30-3:30pm. Register online at gvpl.ca or call 250-391-0653 for more information.

February 2014 29

Tech out with Science Venture at Nellie McClung Branch Library. Here’s your chance to play with Science Venture’s favourite tech toys. Try out snap circuits, Sphero robotic balls, make a fruit remote for a video game with Makey Makey, and experience Lego Mindstorm demos. For ages 9-12. 2:30-4pm.

Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250477-7111 for more information.

February is Pregnancy and Exercise Awareness Month

Register for Prenatal Fitness or book a Personal Training Session today

Kathi Taylor Certified Personal Trainer PPFS BCRPA PT/GF, CanFitPro PTS/FIS

Pre and Postnatal Certified Instructor

778-977-3612 www.fit4two.ca For more information on exercise during pregnancy and after your baby arrives contact Kathi at kathi@fit4two.ca

Boating Knots with Barry for Kids at Oak Bay Branch Library. Celebrate heritage week by learning how to tie useful and entertaining sailor’s knots with our very own boating librarian. For ages 8-12. 10:30-11:30am. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-592-2489 for more information.

Going Batty! at Francis/King Regional Park.

Drop in between 11am and 2pm and join in a batty world with CRD Regional Parks’ naturalists. Make a “bat button,” enjoy a “bat walk” through the park at 11:15am or 1:15pm. Meet in the Francis/King Nature Centre off Munn Rd. All ages. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

Samba Celebrations at Wood Hall, Victoria Conservatory of Music. A free and very special carnival workshop. Make your own colourful costume, learn to play Samba rhythms on percussion instruments, and dance through the halls of the VCM in a mini Samba parade.

2-4pm. Free. www.vc.bc.ca/events.

Jump into the adventure and let friendship fill each day.

Experience a world of discovery, all with an amazing staff.

AN ENJOY THE BEST OF A CANADI WEST-COAST SUMMER!

SUN 23

SUMMER CAMPS FOR ALL AGES!

www.qwanoes.ca 1-888-997-9266

SAT 22

LIFE LIKE NO OTHER!

What’s Up and Who’s Out at Lone Tree Hill Regional Park. Spring is here, and it’s time to head for the hills. Follow a CRD Regional Parks’ naturalist up Lone Tree Hill, looking for early signs of spring along the way. Meet in the parking lot off Millstream Rd at 1pm. 5+ years. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

Who Gives a Hoot at Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary. Who glides silently, can turn their head almost completely around, and can cough up a wicked hairball—who-who-who?

Drop in any time as we explore the wonderful world of owls through games, stories, crafts, hands-on exploration, dissect an owl pellet, and try your luck at a wicked game of owl bingo. Noon-3pm. Admission by donation.

For more information, call 250-479-0211 or visit www.swanlake.bc.ca.

MON 24 Story Club at Nellie McClung Branch Library.

See FRI 7 for details. For ages 5-8. 3:304:30pm. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-477-7111 for more information.

My Best Friend is an Animal at Esquimalt Branch Library. See THURS 13 for details.

For ages 6-9. 3:30-4:30pm. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-592-2489.

30 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

THURS 27 Giggles and Wiggles at Central Branch Library.

See THURS 13 for details. For young children and their families; children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. 10:30-10:50am.

250-382-7241, ext. 601.

FRI 28 Giggles and Wiggles at Nellie McClung Branch Library. See THURS 13 for details. For young children and their families; children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. 10:3010:50am. 250-477-7111.

Lego at the Library at Bruce Hutchison Branch Library. See WED 5 for details. For ages 7-10.

3:30-4:30pm. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-727-0104 for more information.

Story Club at Central Branch Library. See FRI 7 for details. For ages 5-8. 3:30-4:30pm. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-382-7241, ext. 601 for more information.

ONGOING BABIES, TODDLERS & PRESCHOOL Drop-in Storytimes for Babies, Toddlers & Families at the Greater Victoria Public Library.

Caregivers are welcome and encouraged to participate. Storytimes are free and drop-in.

Please come early to find a space. For a complete list of drop-in programs, call your local library, or visit www.gvpl.ca.

Parent/Tot Drop-in at Gordon Head United Church. A safe place where young children can play while parents in the community connect with each other. Lots of space and toys. Tea or coffee is available for caregivers, and a healthy snack for the children. Parents are responsible for the care of their own children. Mondays 10am-noon. More info, call the church office at 250-477-4142, or Maisie at 250-477-0388.

Royal Oak Middle School 751 Travino Lane, Victoria BC V8Z 0C6 royaloak.sd.63.bc.ca 250-479-7128

Our Open House is a great way to learn about our school and what we have to offer. Administrators, educators and students will be on hand to answer your questions, give you a tour and share their perspectives on the school.

Can’t Attend?

Email royaloak_mid@sd63.bc.ca or call (local 459) to arrange a tour.

Please Note: Feeder School Visits (Prospect Lake, Lochside & Cordova Bay) will visit Royal Oak in early May and tour the campus when it is full of students and classes are in session. Students from other schools are welcome to join these visits as well.

Open House Thurs, Feb 6th, 6pm

Today we discovered the power of...collaboration.

Discover at QMS

Kindergym Parent and Tot at Burnside Community Campus Gym. Ride-on toys, climbers, slides, balls, hoops and various sports equipment. The program includes free play, organized games and circle time. Best suited for ages 2-4 years, yet all children under 5 years are welcome. Parent participation required. Tuesdays 9:30-10:45am. Free. 3130 Jutland Rd. Family Playgroup at St. Peter’s Anglican Church. Free play, music and story time.

Beverages and snacks provided for children & adults. Thursdays 2-4pm. 3939 St. Peter’s Rd. 250-384-7757. Email stpeterlakehill@ bc.anglican.ca.

Children Reading Buddies: Little Buddies at the Greater Victoria Public Library. Does your child need a little help with reading? Reading Buddies pro-

www.IslandParent.ca

APPLICATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR SEPTEMBER 2014 660 Brownsey Avenue, Duncan, BC T 250 746-4185 ext. 107 | admissions@qms.bc.ca

www.qms.bc.ca February 2014 31

vides reading practice, literacy-based activities, and fun with volunteer teen Big Buddies. For children in Grades 1-4. Register at www.gvpl. ca or call your library for more information.

Program runs on Saturdays from February 22 to April 12, 2-3pm or 3:30-4:30pm at Central (250-382-7241, ext. 601), Esquimalt (250-414-7198) and Saanich Centennial (250477-9030) Branch Libraries.

Sea-Shirt Sundays at the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre. On the first Sunday of each month, create your own fish fashion. Be sure to bring a pillow case, cloth bag or t-shirt (or purchase a t-shirt from the centre) and your creativity. $2 donation for fabric paint. 1-3pm.

250-665-7511.

YoUth Teen Writing Contest at the Greater Victoria Public Library. Enter your original poem, short story or essay—comedic or dramatic!

Create something new or polish up something written for a school assignment. If your entry is selected by the judging panel, you will win a gift certificate for the store of your choice, up to $100 for first prize! For details, contest rules and online entry form, visit www.gvpl. ca/audiences/teens/teen-writing-contest. For more information, email teens@gvpl.ca. For ages 12-18. Contest runs online from January 31-March 28.

Reading Buddies: Teen Volunteers at the Greater Victoria Public Library. If you like working with children, enjoy reading, are a fluent English speaker and want to help emerging readers, the GVPL needs you. Reading Buddies teen volunteers mentor children in Grades 1-4 with reading practice, literacy-based activities and fun. Training is provided and, upon completion, a reference letter outlining your volunteer hours. First-time volunteers, please complete the Teen Volunteer Referral Form available at www.gvpl.ca and sign up for a Big Buddy Training Session. For ages 13-18.

Register online or call your library for more information. Program runs on Saturdays from February 22 to April 12, 1:45-3pm or 3:154:30pm at Central (250-382-7241, ext. 601), Esquimalt (250-414-7198; 3:15-4:30pm program is French Reading Buddies), and Saanich Centennial (250-477-9030) Branch Libraries.

Tech Buddies: Teen Volunteers at Nellie McClung Branch Library. Volunteer using your skills with computers and other new technologies, and connect with someone in your community. Teens earn volunteer hours and help adults with their questions about computers and gadgets. First-time volunteers, please complete the Teen Volunteer Referral Form available at www.gvpl.ca and sign up for a Teen Tech Buddy Training Session. For ages 13-18. Register online or call 250-477-7111 for more information. Fridays, February 14, 21 and 28.

SPRING BREAK PROGRAMS

Ready to Rent BC offers a free course to help find and keep a rental home. Six-week courses run at different times, days and locations. We help renters identify and deal with any barriers they may have to housing. Includes bus tickets, child minding and a healthy snack. To sign up, call 250-388-7171. readytorentbc.net.

Metchosin School Museum is open Saturdays 1:30-4:30pm and Sundays 11am-4:30pm.

An original, one-room school house built in 1871, it is set up as a classroom with old wooden desks. Families can enjoy perusing the hundreds of artifacts on display. Free. 4475 Happy Valley Rd.

For more information or to register, visit our website at: www.smus.ca/spring, or call 250-370-6120.

Island Parent Magazine

Mindful Mamas at Lynn Wylie/Helga Beer Yoga Studio. All mothers (including soonto-be mamas) and levels of experience with meditation are welcome. An opportunity for restoration and nurturing yourself; please leave babies and children at home so that your attention can be focused on you. Each gathering will include a short guided instruction to meditation followed by a 30-minute sitting, 10- to 15-minute audio lecture or reading on mindfulness, and 45 minutes for check-ins and sharing reflection. Chairs, yoga mats, bolsters and blankets are available, but bring your own sitting gear if desired. No registration required. Sundays, 8:30-10am. $5 donation to help cover room rental. For information, visit www.facebook.com/MindfulMamasVictoria.

Weekly Bird Walk at Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary (meet in the parking lot). Every Wednesday and Sunday noon-3pm.

Spring Time Chefs Passion Sports Basketball Claymation Movie Production And much more…

32

FAMIlIeS

Parent Sports Drop-in at James Bay Community School Centre. Parents need time to have fun and get back in touch with their inner child.

Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 7-9pm. $3.50/person. www.jamesbaycentre.ca.

MARCH 17 – 28

FOR ALL KIDS IN VICTORIA AGES 5–17

Friday Nights are Alright at Flipside Youth Activity Centre, Pearkes Recreation Centre.

Play pool, ping-pong, dome hockey, foosball and two different video game systems while partaking in refreshments. Drop by Flipside between 3-6pm Fridays to pick up a free admission ticket to the Junior Braves, and show your student ID to the receptionists to gain free access to skating and rentals. For more information, contact Gaileen Flaman at 250475-5462 or email gaileen.flaman@saanich.ca.

smus.ca

Wonder Sunday at the Royal BC Museum.

Bring your family on the last Sunday of each month for activities and explorations inspired by different parts of the museum. Make crafts, join special tours, and let your imagination wonder away with you. Suitable for children ages 3-12 years and is included with admission or free with membership. www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca.•

www.kidsinvictoria.com

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 SAT 1 Bigleaf Maple Syrup Festival at BC Forest Discovery Centre, Duncan. Tapping demos, mini-workshops, live entertainment, syrup competition. 10am-4pm. $8/adult; $6/child 3-12 years; children under 2 free. 250-7151113. www.bcforestdiscoverycentre.com.

Friday: St. Valentine’s Day Family Dance, 4-9pm, $5/ticket; Saturday: 9am-8pm with official opening ceremony at noon; Sunday: 9am-4pm. $7/adults; $6/members; $5/children 12-18; $3/children 6-11; Under 5 free. 2300 Bowen Rd. 250-729-2776.

TUES 18

tues 4

Tots Movie Night Out at Bowen Complex.

Bring your little one out for a movie and give them a little theatre experience. This is an inexpensive family outing you and your kids are sure to love. A small snack, drink and prize will be provided to each child. Parents are free, but participation is required. $9/child.

6-7:45pm. 250-756-5200.

Dad’s Night Out: Free Skate Night at Oceanside Place Arena, Parksville. Dads, bring the kids and enjoy a free skate together on the pond.

6:30-7:30pm. Free. 250-248-3252. www.rdn. bc.ca/recreation.

Glow in the Dark Skate at Frank Crane Arena, Nanaimo. Come skate in an atmosphere of dimmed lighting and special effects. Regular admission rates; glow necklaces $2. 6:30pm.

250-756-5200.

Glow in the Dark Skate at Frank Crane Arena, Nanaimo. Come skate in an atmosphere of dimmed lighting and special effects. Regular admission rates; glow necklaces $2. 6:30pm.

250-756-5200.

FRI 21

Minute to Win it Skate at Oceanside Place Arena, Parksville. Try out wacky contest taken from the popular TV show. Each event awards prizes for best times. This is an everyone welcome skate with regular admission. 2-3:30pm.

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

SAT 8 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.

SUN 9 Family Play Day at Oliver Woods Community Centre, Nanaimo. Playground games, line dancing, outdoor scavenger hunt, board games, fort building. 9:30am-12:30pm. $10/ family pass; $3/individual; children under 2 free. 250-756-5200. www.nanaimo.ca.

MON 10 BC Provincial Family Day Swim and Skate at Ravensong Aquatic Centre and Oceanside Place Arena. Family swim from 10am-2pm, family skate from 1-5pm. Free. 250-752-5014 or 250-248-3252. www.rdn.bc.ca/recreation.

FRI 14 – SUN 16 Maple Sugar Festival du Sucre d’Érable at Beban Park Auditorium. Performances by a diverse range of musicians, dancers and street entertainers. French Canadian food fare, notably the decadently sweet sugar toffee on snow.

www.IslandParent.ca

DJ Pizza Teen Swim Night at Ravensong Aquatic Centre. Swim to the music mix of DJ All Good and grab a slice of pizza. For 13-18 year olds. 7-9pm. Free, courtesy of the RDN Youth Recreation Strategic Plan. 250-2483252. www.rdn.bc.ca/recreation.

SAT 22 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.

Disco Glow in the Dark Skate at Oceanside Place Arena. Groove to some retro music and special lights. Everyone receives a free glow bracelet. Bring your own glow ropes to add to the effect. 2-3:30pm. Regular admission.

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

TUES 25 Book Club at Beban Social Centre. Love to read? Then this is the club for you. Each month you will read the book selected by the club, meet to discuss the story, enjoy some snacks and choose the next book. Meet new people, enjoy great reads. 6:30-8pm. 520-756-5200.

WED 26 Tropical and Tasty Sno Cone Wednesday at Ravensong Place. Everyone loves sno cones.

The music is up and the sno cone machine is

on. Tasty treats for everyone. Everyone welcome swim. 6:30-8:30pm. Regular admission.

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

ONGOING PRESCHOOL LaFF at the Aggie. A safe play-based learning environment 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 12:15-1:45pm. $2 suggested donation per family (punch cards available).

250-210-0870, laffexecutivedirector@shaw. ca, www.familyandfriends.ca.

Adventures in Early Literacy at the Ladysmith Resource Centre. A parent-child, fun-filled program for children ages 3-5 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. Junior Lifeguard Club at Nanaimo Aquatic Centre. Build lifeguarding skills, shadow lifeguards, participate in competitions, learn about first aid, participate in community events, develop leadership and more. $3.50.

Ideal for 8-13 year olds. Runs until mid-June.

Noon-1:30pm. 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, energized leaders will challenge you to try new activities. Tuesdays 3-6pm in the Rec Room; Wednesdays 3-5pm in the gym; Fridays 6-10pm in the Rec Room or gym. 250-2456424. www.ladysmith.ca.

Youth Drop-in in Nanaimo. The ultimate place to be. This is a supervised space for youth to hang out and chill. Regular gymnasium activities and more. Program is free, but please register using barcode 124915. 7-9pm.

Monday, NDSS; Tuesday, Oliver Woods Community Centre; Wednesday, John Barsby Community School.

Teen Swim at Ravensong Aquatic Centre.

Games, music and swimming. Fridays 7-9pm.

Regular admission rates. www.rdn.bc.ca/ recreation.

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.•

February 2014 33

Katie Warfield

Solitude Is Gratitude

I

t’s the same thing every week. By the time Tuesday night rolls around, I sit on a plastic stool beside the bathtub, a large glass of red wine suspended between my fingers. In the tub, my kids are giggling, but each one is on the verge of a complete mental breakdown. “(Giggle giggle), NO! Don’t do that!” “(Hee hee hee)…NO! STO-O-OP IT! Just as my emotional umbilical cord relaxes, it’s yanked tight. I empathize with those puppies I see on the street, learning the length of their leashes. “Here is your freedom; oh no wait, that’s too much.”

Thing is, I know that I have an out. I peer into my wine glass and an oasis appears. I commute to Vancouver weekly. I leave tomorrow morning. At this moment, my scheduled departure seems like a paid vacation.

So this is how it works: I teach at a university in Vancouver. Just before the birth of my second child, and tired of big-city culture, we packed up and moved to Victoria. One year later, I decided to return to

work, but scheduling difficulties meant that I had to travel to Vancouver for three days and two nights a week. At first, the thought seemed horrific. What mother does this?!

What PERSON does this? I teach cultural studies and so I quickly deconstructed the social expectations of motherhood, found my place in it, and reassured myself that my choice was an informed one made with strength, love and commitment for both my own growth and the growth of my family.

And so the commute began.

When I’m in Vancouver, I am in my brain.

I work from 8 a.m. often until 9 p.m. lecturing, marking papers, meeting with students, reading journal articles, and writing. I share an office, but mostly work in solitude. I am in my brain, I am flexing my brain, and I love it. A huge part of my being is the desire for constant intellectual growth.

But there are things that I miss while I’m in Vancouver. When I stand on the bus amidst the young, beautiful people of the city, my brain aching from a day of concentrated

K-9 Distributed Learning

over-exertion, my body yearns for connection. I commute back to my bed in the city and there is no one to hug, no one to kiss, no one to laugh with because my family and friends are not there. I wonder where my emotional umbilical cord is? I think it’s being stretched across the Georgia Strait.

The Kantian notion of the separation of body and mind is embedded within our society. We think that somehow our brain is the guiding force of our being and it sits in the little control tower of our head while it directs the gangly thing below it called “the body.” Brain first, body second. This way of perceiving ourselves is the explanation I grew up with and it’s the reasoning I used when I decided to commute. Brain works in Vancouver, body and soul nourished in Victoria. Repeat.

Recent research in neurology, however, reveals that this distinct separation is in fact entirely wrong and the emotions, life experiences, and emotional nurturing we have throughout our lives imprints itself on our brain. In fact, the amount of love we feel or pain and suffering we experience lays the foundation for our neurological pathways.

Put another way, the experiences of our body and soul are what make our brain.

After three weeks of commuting to the big

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 34 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

New Kids Dentist

city for my brain, back to the small city of my soul, I totally get it. My brain and soul are one and the same. That umbilical cord is more like an essential thread that binds Dr. Anita Gadzinska-Myers my being together.

That said, it’s often hard to gain the peris a Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Dentistry and spective to realize the connection between has a Fellowship in Special Needs Dentistry for children these two parts of our being. Author and • Taking over space from Dr.Luc Magne psychologist Esther Perel addressed the • Accepting new patients now (infants to teenagers) theme of gratitude in a recent TED talk.

She said that in her research on couples that • Referral not needed managed to maintain long-term, passion• Member of Cleft Lip and Palate Team at ate relationships, one of the key strategies Queen Alexander Centre for Children in Victoria was to have time away from your partner.

Special Services: These couples would take time apart. Go oral sedation • hospital dentistry • nitrous oxide on separate vacations or simply give each other extended periods of space. She argued Victoria Pediatric Dental Centre that by and large couples that did this gained a measure of perspective—instead 2121 Cedar Hill Cross Road (by entrance to UVic) 210–3930 Shelbourne St, Victoria 250-383-2133 www.victoriapediatricdentalcentre.ca of being irritated by the small frustrations Openings for 2013–2014 Classes! of everyday life, these couples, in essence, Children learn through play in our all inclusive, gained gratitude through solitude. non-denominational Christian preschool.

It’sGreat the facility; sameoutdoor thingplay every byforthe time areaweek, and a gym rainy day play!

Two teachers with ECE certification plus assistant teachers to Friday afternoon rolls around. I commute on help with special needs children.

A competent andlarge caring white teachingvessel team! weaves its BC Ferries.

The over 35 years of nurturing way Opportunities: past evergreen islands with driftwood children in our community shores. between MonA/ pen Wed hangs / Fri morning class my fingers and Tues / Thursand morning I mark papers jot class down ideas for future 5 mornings a week research directions. This time I’m the one Phone 250-598-0573 who preschool@emmanuelvictoria.ca is perched at the edge of meltdown.

Saturday, Feb 22, 9:30-11:00am My brain is full and I am so finished with www.emmanuelpreschool.ca the big city, but it’s okay because I’ve got an or contact us for a visit Sept-June out. As the vibrations of the ferry carry me away from the big city, they seem to massage Learning through creative play away the fatigue of my over-used brain. The Two licensed, experienced Early Childhood Educators closer I get to the Island, the more I feel the Warm, fun, non-denominational Christian learning environment umbilical cord shorten. The faces of my kids push any form of intellectual idea out of my 2121 Cedar Hill Cross Road 250.598.0573 brain. I imagine hugging my little loves. I www.emmanuelpreschool.ca preschool@emmanuelvictoria.ca picture touching my son and wrestling with my daughter. I think back to Tuesday night, sitting by the bathtub, and the source of my fatigue seems far away and misplaced. That must have been someone else with those thoughts. All I want is home. All I need is my family, my friends, the smell of my love.

I can’t wait. My body yearns for it and so Offering independent K to 12 education in a safe Christian environment does my soul.

Lighthouse Christian Academy actively promotes a safe environment that recognizes each child as an We pull into the terminal and now we’re important part of the school community. Our well rounded K - 12 program focuses on learning skills, driving into my little city. living healthy lives, participating in the arts, creating supportive relationships and improving the My mind and body are not separate, environment. Smaller class sizes allow for individual instructor attention while we work towards rather I am whole and fed from two difacademic excellence rooted in Christian principles. At Lighthouse Christian Academy we encourage a ferent tables, in two different cities. And daily walk with God while striving to uphold strong moral standards because we believe in achieving my freedom is not achieved by leaving; my our personal best. Call for an information package to learn more or to book a school tour. freedom is achieved by coming back home.

Emmanuel Preschool

Emmanuel Preschool Open House!

Lighthouse Christian Academy

Katie Warfield is a mom of two who commutes to Vancouver weekly from Victoria to teach at Kwantlen Polytechnic University.

www.IslandParent.ca

Leland Makaroff, Principal

250.474.5311

LighthouseChristianAcademy.com February 2014 35

MontessoriEDUCARE Educare MONTESSORI Locations TwoTwo Locations Broadmead Broadmead Morning Program Morning Program Saanichton Saanichton FullFull DayDay Program Program

I

Space Available Space Available 7925 E. Saanich 7925Rd, E. Saanichton Saanich Rd, Saanichton USE8666 N HO881 OPE250 250 881 8666 2 montessorieducare@shaw.ca www.montessorieducare.com Feb 14, -4 montessorieducare@shaw.ca SAANICHTON ONLY www.montessorieducare.com ®

Bring th i ad in fo s an extr r 10% o a ff!

Pacific School of Innovation and Inquiry “The path is made by walking”

learningstorm.org @psiivictoria psii@learningstorm.org

Looking for a Grade 9 to 12 school that fits your teenager and not one that expects your teenager to fit it? One designed on what we now know about adolescent learners and not what we thought we knew over a century ago?

Victoria’s newest independent high school accepting applications for Sept 2014 Upcoming information session:

Saturday, February 15th 2:00 to 4:30 p.m.

36 Island Parent Magazine

#Twerking Selfie

Can’t make the session? Check out our website for information about us, tweet with a question, or email to set up a meeting or a visit.

banned selfies in the house. I also banned duck faces. And twerking.

The year 2013 might be known forever as the year of twerking, after Miley what’sher-name’s performance at MTV’s VMAs. It might also go down as the year of the selfie, after Barrack Obama was snapped snapping pics of himself with Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt at Nelson Mandela’s funeral. Duck faces were kind of 2012, but relevant still for the purposes of this column. In my house, it was also the year of selfies. There has been no twerking in the house, but I banned it anyway.

For those who don’t know—and I cannot imagine there are any of you out there who don’t—a selfie is a photo you take of yourself, one that is most often taken with your cellphone. Selfies often end up on one, or all, of the many social networking sites that kids use these days. Some of you might be thinking, “I don’t need to worry about this yet. My daughter is only one and a half!”

Yes, she is. So was mine. And now I have to protect her from posting too many selfies.

And twerking. It happened just like that.

Faster than I could say “Wrecking Ball.”

You see, I believed that I would be discussing the finer points of political theory with my daughters by the time they were six. Now, just before they hit their teens, I am discussing why Niall is better than the other lads in One Direction.

I admit I was a bit of a meanie when I decided to ban selfies. Most of the kids at my girls’ school had taken them. Most had some kind of monitoring of their social network use. My daughters thought I was being unfair and over-reactive. I won’t tell you what to do in your own homes. I will tell you how strange it was to make the no-selfie rule in my home, though.

You see, in my mind, I am still a kid. At times, I don’t really feel like I have matured since I was about 21. I am 40 now. So, telling my daughters not to take selfies was as much about my disenchantment with the current electronic-based culture of communication as it was about me protecting them. As much as I could try to keep them off Facebook, Instagram, Kick, and Snapchat, I would not succeed. It was somewhat freeing to admit www.kidsinvictoria.com

this to myself. I try to keep everything open, and I trust my girls (something I recommend as a practice). I didn’t “get” the selfie, or so I kidded myself. I thought it a bit too mired in vanity, something the old catholic in me looks at with great fear.

It was odd for me to tell the girls not to take any more, because I was also taking

Dadspeak FraNK O’brIeN them. My wife and I snapped a few here and there, and I admit, on a recent night out with friends, we were all guilty of taking a group selfie. It didn’t feel too bad when I was doing it, and if I thought enough people would get a kick out of seeing the photos, I would post them somewhere online. I will categorically state, however, that I am not guilty of twerking.

I am guilty of doing nearly everything I tell my girls not to do in one form or another. I suspect most parents are. These new situations arise, but they are old situations. Each generation likes to think of itself as different, but we really aren’t. Telling my daughter not to take any more selfies and to delete every picture of her pulling a duck face felt very much like my dad telling me not to wear Heavy Metal clothing back in the 80s.

It was a lesson in letting go and of acceptance. I cannot stop the tide of our new cultures. I spend a lot of time on the computer, for work and otherwise. I can’t expect my daughters not to. My dad remarked today that nothing has changed since the dawn of time. Now I understand what he means.

The year of the twerk was many a parent’s nightmare. As a father, the thought of either of my girls doing anything close to that is horrifying. However, there is a certain comfort in knowing that it is no different relatively to the other things parents have dealt with in previous generations, albeit in different forms. There was a time when dads forbade their daughters to dance ragtime.

Still, no selfies, and no twerking allowed.

STAGES Performing Arts School since 1980

Come Dance With Us

• Offering classes in Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical, Tap, Hip Hop & Musical Theatre in a non-competitive atmosphere.

• Not sure which class to take?

Try a Drop-In: No hassle, No Obligation

ES? G A & T o S is Ad T h New tion T e Free n n Me ceive O -In Re Drop

STAGES Performing Arts School

#301 1551 Cedar Hill X Rd (behind the Shelbourne MacDonalds)

Even the littlest angel can dance

For more information call 250-384-3267, Email us at stagesdance@shaw.ca Or visit our website: www.stagesdance.com

Frank O’Brien is an entrepreneur and writer, currently finishing a book on the restaurant and finance industries, and on learning how to succeed. He is happily married with two daughters, and enjoys writing about the adventure that is fatherhood. www.IslandParent.ca

February 2014

37

Supporting Your Partner 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

www.viha.ca/prevention_services/

38 Island Parent Magazine

P

arenting is more rewarding when parents and other caregivers work together, communicate effectively and support each other. All partners in parenting occasionally disagree about how to deal with their children’s behaviour, but issues can occur when there is conflict, especially if it isn’t resolved. Triple P has some suggestions to help you work together as a team to lessen the impact of conflict on your child’s development.

1. Focus on your own behaviour. It’s easy to fall into the trap of blaming or criticizing your partner, but this really isn’t helpful.

Focus on your own behaviour and take responsibility for your actions. Look at how your behaviour might contribute to any parenting difficulties and think about what you can do to improve your parenting strategies and work together to reduce conflict.

2. Take care of your relationship. When partners are busy, there’s always a danger of not looking after your relationship. Use caring words and actions and let your partner know that you appreciate their efforts.

Try and do something every day that shows your appreciation.

3. Share your parenting roles. Talk about who is going to be responsible for different household chores and parenting tasks and when they will happen. Discuss issues such as family rules and how to manage misbehaviour. Share childcare and make important decisions around parenting together.

4. Speak openly with each other. To work as a team, you and your partner need to talk to each other, clearly and calmly. Share ideas and let each other know what you think and feel. Listen to each other’s point of view and check back that you understand.

5. Give helpful suggestions. Part of working together involves talking about what you’re doing and being open to helpful feedback. For example, if you’ve just dealt with a difficult situation, you might want to discuss what worked well and what you might try differently next time.

6. Talk each day about your child. Put aside a little time to share the positive, fun things that happened as well as any problems. Rather than unloading everything,

choose one problem situation and calmly talk about what happened and how it was dealt with. Praise the efforts of the partner who managed the situation.

7. Support each other when problem behaviour occurs. It’s important to be consistent in the ways you both respond to your children’s behaviour. Work together and let your child see that you are a team. If your partner is managing problem behaviour, your support can help them follow through.

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

CINDY KNOTT

8. Plan to discuss problems when calm.

It’s best to avoid discussing problems immediately after they occur. Plan a time when you are both calm and your children won’t interrupt; possibly after they are in bed.

9. Try to avoid conflict in front of the children. Try not to argue or fight in front of your kids as they learn by watching others.

10. Work together to solve problems.

Demonstrate the steps of problem solving so your children can see how it’s done. Show them how a problem can be broken down into smaller parts and how solutions can be discussed one by one until an agreement is reached. Once you try a solution, review how it worked and make any necessary changes.

Children do best in stable, predictable, caring environments where conflict is low, parents communicate well and disagreements are resolved. It can take time and practice to learn to discuss problems calmly and to come up with solutions. Following the steps above can help make that job easier.

For more Triple P tips and ideas for all ages and stages of development, or to find Triple P services in your community, visit www.triplepvip.ca or www.facebook.com/ TriplepVIP. Cindy Knott has worked for 25 years supporting children and families in Manitoba and British Columbia. She is currently the Vancouver Island Triple P Coordinator. www.kidsinvictoria.com

Family-Friendly Mid-Island

TheatreOne and The Port Theatre proudly present

J U S T Kidding!

For Kids

St. Joseph’s

Elementary School - CHEMAINUS DEVELOP

“My time at St. Joseph’s School helped instill the moral, ethical, spiritual and family values that I have drawn on throughout my life.”

BUILD

“My favourite place in Chemainus is my school (St. Joseph’s)…

Kids in my school go on to do great things because of the loving and caring people who teach there.”

UNDERSTAND

“The staff are welcoming and enthusiastic about their jobs...we are thrilled to be sending our kids to a school that makes a difference.”

Now accepting registrations for 2014–2015 Day Care, Preschool, K–7, Before & After School Care

9735 Elm Street, Chemainus 250 246 3191 sjc@cisdv.bc.ca www.stjosephselem.ca Affordable… Accessible… Call to arrange a tour of our school

SATURDAY March 15 2pm The Port Theatre

Tickets: $18

Award Winning

Children’s Entertainers



250-754-8550 porttheatre.com Sponsored by: Mid Island

Morning Glory School Pre-School to Class 8 Parent & Child Program

A balanced approach to school life; academics, music, art and outdoor activities.

OPEN HOUSE

Thursday, February 6th 11am–12:30pm & 4–6pm Or call to arrange a classroom visit: you and/or your child may sit in on class for a morning or the whole school day.

250-752-2722

861 Hilliers Rd off Hwy 4 Qualicum Beach

www.morninggloryschool.ca www.IslandParent.ca

February 2014 39

Warming It Up

L

aundry is a lot like soup. You chuck a bunch of things in with some hot water, stir them all up, put the lid on, then go and do other things (like read that really good book, or maybe take a walk with the kids) while it does its stuff. After awhile you go back to check it, and—presto!—it’s all done.

My favourite kind of chore is one that lets you multi-task like that. I love making soup. Enjoy these recipes, and adapt to suit your wishes.

Miso Mushroom Soup 1 Tbsp vegetable oil 1 small onion, cut into paper-thin slices 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cups assorted mushrooms (shitake, chanterelle, crimini, button, or all of one type works well, too) 4 cups mushroom stock (can substitute bonito if preferred) 2 cups boiling water 2 heaping Tbsp miso paste 3 small carrots, cut into thin coins 2 cups packed fresh spinach leaves (can substitute kale; if doing so, add to pot with mushrooms)

2 Tbsp lemon juice 2 cups fresh spinach leaves Place large saucepan over medium heat.

Add oil when pot has warmed, then add on-

1 Tbsp lemon juice 2 Tbsp nutritional yeast (optional) salt and pepper, to taste Place medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Pour in oil and allow to heat up. Add onion, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and cook, stirring, until softened. Add garlic and mushrooms, turn heat to medium-low and cook until mushrooms have begun to sweat.

Pour in broth, and stir in miso paste until well combined. Add carrots. Cover, bring to gentle boil, then reduce to simmer. Cook for 15 minutes or so, until carrots are tender. Just before serving, stir in spinach leaves and lemon juice.

Stir until wilted, season to taste, and serve.

Lemon Split Pea Soup 2 Tbsp vegetable oil 1 medium onion, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 stalks celery, chopped 3 carrots, diced 6 cups chicken or vegetable stock 2 cups yellow split peas 1 bay leaf salt and pepper, to taste

Just Eat It! Kathy Humphrey ion. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Sauté for 5 minutes or so, until softening. Add garlic and celery and cook, stirring often, for another 3–4 minutes. Add stock, carrots, peas, bay leaf, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook, stirring now and then, for about an hour and a half, or until the peas are tender but not mushy. Toss in the spinach and cook, stirring, until wilted. Stir in lemon juice, and season to taste.

Hamburger Soup 3 Tbsp vegetable oil 1 onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 stalks celery, chopped 500 grams lean ground beef

Child, Adolescent & Family Psychology Mental Health Services

Assessment and evidence-based treatment.

Psychoeducational Assessments

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

Dr. Shannon Barnsley Registered Psychologist

BC College Registration #2071 204–

250.591.0702 contact@drbarnsley.com www.drshannonbarnsley.com

40 Island Parent Magazine

Evaluations for learning disabilities, achievement testing and most school-related academic problems.

Common Childhood Concerns

Anxiety, grief, depression, behaviour problems, school learning and behaviour problems, ADHD, family and step-family relationships, bullying, low self-esteem, sleep difficulties.

www.kidsinvictoria.com

2 carrots, chopped 2 medium potatoes, diced 1 cup frozen peas 2 cups beef stock 3 tsp Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp dried oregano salt and pepper to taste In large saucepan, heat vegetable oil over medium-low heat. Add onion, garlic and celery and cook, stirring often, until softened (about 5–7 minutes). Using a wooden spoon, push vegetables to the side of the saucepan, and add ground beef. Turn heat to medium and cook until browned, stirring vegetables in at that time. Stir in carrots and potatoes, and then pour beef stock over. (Note: if soup looks too stew-like for your tastes at this point, feel free to add a bit more stock). Stir oregano and Worcestershire sauce into mixture. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer for about 30 minutes, or until potatoes are tender. Add peas, and cook for another 5–6 minutes, or until peas are cooked. Season to taste, and serve with toast.

(Slightly) Hot & (Kind of) Sour Soup splash vegetable oil thumb-sized piece fresh ginger 3 green onions, chopped (white and green parts kept separate) 1 medium-sized carrot, cut into thin strips 1⁄2 red pepper, cut into thin strips 1 cup crimini mushrooms, thinly sliced 1 cup green beans, cut into very thin strips 1⁄2 cup green cabbage, thinly sliced 3 cups vegetable or chicken stock 2 Tbsp soy sauce 1 tsp granulated sugar 1 Tbsp white vinegar 11⁄2 tsp cornstarch, mixed with dab of water to make paste 1 Tbsp Asian chili sauce salt and pepper, to taste Heat vegetable oil in medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Toss in ginger with white parts of onions. Sauté, stirring, until slightly softened. Add in carrot, red pepper, mushrooms, green beans and cabbage and sauté for about 5 minutes. Pour over stock, and add soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, chili sauce, cornstarch. Stir well to combine. Bring to boil, and simmer until vegetables are tender and stock is slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Sprinkle with green parts of onions. Serve.

Kathy Humphrey lives in Victoria with her husband and two children. She tries to see cooking for a family not as a chore but as a creative outlet.

www.IslandParent.ca

ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE February 15, 2014 9 am - 1 pm

West-Mont Montessori School offers personalized Montessori instruction in a beautiful, natural environment for students in Preschool to Grade 8. At our Open House get hands-on with the innovative Montessori materials, ask the classroom teachers questions about our programs, and feel what it is like to be part of a community devoted to the development of the whole child.

4075 Metchosin Road - Victoria

Website: http://www.west-mont.ca

The Lighthouse Parent Lighthouse Parenting is a program based on attachment and attunement principles and theories. Each course focuses on your child’s specific age and stage while also exploring useful strategies and resources that will enhance parent/child relationships and build family resiliency.

For information on our wide range of courses visit

Generously funded by

www.1-up.ca 250 385 1114 info@1-up.ca 602 Gorge Rd East, Victoria BC V8T 2W6

DIAGNOSIS, INTERVENTION, GROUP PROGRAMS & SUPPORT Monarch House offers an interdisciplinary approach to treating individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities.

WWW.MONARCHHOUSE.CA

Monarch House - Victoria Unit 211 - 611 Discovery Street 250.220.8999 monarchhousevictoria@cbi.ca

always here...

...and making it easier February 2014 41

Exploring Diversity

P

ink Shirt Day, or Anti-Bullying Day, takes place on February 26, which makes this month a perfect time to consider the topic in kids’ books. Bullying is a difficult subject, one that causes a wide spectrum of emotions and reactions from everyone who works with kids, has kids, or who was affected as a child themselves.

The problem, too often, is that bullies are strongly defined in stories and literature in a clear “them” and “us” context. These definitions aren’t always useful. It is helpful to recognize that each of us is capable of being a bully at times. From there, we can try to understand what circumstances may cause conflict, and to build our capacity for empathy, understanding, and acceptance of ourselves and others, hopefully preventing conflict from the beginning.

This month, I am highlighting some books that help children, and probably adults, to do this. For anyone looking for more books on bullying, the locally developed WITS (Walk Away, Ignore, Talk it Out, Seek Help) program has a book program that offers questions and lesson plans for a substantial list of books that promote discussion and understanding of different types of conflict at elementary and middle school levels.

There is a great selection available at www. witsprogram.ca/families/book-lists.

I came across It’s Okay to Be Different,

by Todd Parr, when I was reading to some children in my son’s kindergarten class. As I read, the kids started telling me ways that they were different and I realized that this simple little book resonated with them. It is a colourful, straightforward celebration of how everyone is a little different in some way and that is perfectly okay. Whether a person is adopted, eats macaroni in the bathtub, or wears glasses, differences are positive things. This is a simple little gem that will inspire interesting conversations with very young readers.

One of the WITS program books, The Boy Who Grew Flowers, by Jen Wojtowicz, is a beautiful picture book about a boy whose family is different because each member has a unique or strange attribute. The townspeople avoid the boy, who grows flowers all over his body on each full moon, because they think he is

strange. The boy keeps to himself, living a lonely childhood, until one day, a new girl arrives at the school and likes the boy—and his uniqueness. Despite being popular with the other kids, the new girl also has a short leg, which makes her slightly different. The girl is drawn to the quiet boy, and in him

Book Nook PaISleY aIKeN she discovers someone truly special. The book highlights how different isn’t wrong and how being unique can be a wonderful thing, one that should be appreciated, not feared. The book also shows how quiet kids contribute something special to friendships, too. Filled with beautiful illustrations, The Boy Who Grew Flowers tells a sweet story without being moralistic.

I first heard Bad Case of Stripes, by David Shannon, as a well-read audio book and have since read it many times. It is a bright, colourful tale about a girl named Kamilla who is afraid to admit that she likes lima beans because other kids tease her for this strange preference. After suffering through a bad case of stripes, caused, it seems, by her reluctance to be honest about who she is, Kamilla finds the courage to finally admit that she has a slightly different taste preference than her peers, but she is who she is and learns to accept herself.

I Like Who I Am, by Tara White, is another WITS book. This picture book provides an interesting look at peer dynamics on a reservation. Celina, a young Mohawk girl, is teased because she doesn’t look “Mohawk” with her blond hair and blue eyes.

But just as Celina begins to accept herself, she discovers that Becky, the girl who has been teasing her, also feels inadequately Mohawk due to her limited knowledge of traditional dance and language. Eventually Celina and her peers come to appreciate a more flexible and accepting definition of “Mohawk.” The story is a good lead into

www.kidsinvictoria.com

discussions about racism, Mohawk culture, and why people may be inclined to mistreat their peers.

Wonder, by R.J. Palacio, is one of my favourite books and, in my opinion, should be required reading for students at some point between Grade 4 and 7. The story is about a boy in Grade 5 who was born with a severe facial deformity. Due to many health complications, his mother homeschools him through his primary years, but when he enters middle school, they decide it is time for him to go to public school. The book starts from the boy’s perspective as he navigates a world that reacts to his face, but it flips to his sister’s perspective, and then to some of the kids at school. What I particularly like is how some of the characters act in a way that isn’t reflective of who they really are or how they really feel. It is a powerful, multi-

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, Lego, Melissa & Doug, Folkmanis puppets.

Toys from Baby to Tween!

306 – 60 Commercial Street, Nanaimo 250-714-0026 childtreehouse@hotmail.com Reconnect... with nature, family, friends, colleagues, yourself

layered story about having the courage to be the person you want to be and about the impact that kindness and empathy can have.

It would be nearly impossible to read this story and not want to be a better person.

Find and read this book, although consider waiting to introduce it to your kids until they are in at least Grade 4 so they better appreciate all of the social subtleties.

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.

Rediscover

the Natural Choice for your next getaway from

129

$

february

Enjoy overnight packages for families, couples and corporate retreats

from

149

Winter Warmup Curl up in a Spa Bungalow $

march

Family Fun Kids stay free!

Spring Savour Spa Bungalow + resort credit

Tax and gratuities are additional

1155 Resort Drive, Parksville, BC

1-800-663-7373 or 250-248-2072

TIGH-NA-MARA.COM www.IslandParent.ca

February 2014

43

On Becoming a Smiler

T

he kids and I were enjoying a typical afternoon at the park. Little Maysa was wailing because she hates walking on wood chips. Seven-year-old Zoe was swinging by her knees from the highest monkey bars, doing her best to get a concussion—and thankfully, wearing underwear. Five-yearold Levi was wandering the park in search of treasure—bottle caps, interesting pine cones, and random trash. For my part, I was admiring all the acrobatic feats and found objects, keeping Maysa off the wood chips and, therefore, not wailing, wishing I had a coffee in hand, and cursing under my breath when I realized I hadn’t taken anything out of the freezer for dinner.

As I was scraping dog poop off Levi’s shoe, a woman approached the park with her young grandson. I couldn’t help but notice that she seemed exceptionally happy. She beamed as the little boy struggled to climb the lowest monkey bars. She laughed as he

giggled his way down the slide. Even when he pitched a tantrum, her eyes twinkled.

Side by side on swing duty, we exchanged polite conversation; she smiled between every word. I noticed the pleasant crinkles around her eyes, obviously the result of a lifetime of genuine happiness.

Eventually, I rounded up my grumpy, hungry kids and began to herd them in the direction of home. As we walked, I wondered about the smiling grandma—how light and fresh she seemed, how unburdened. How completely the opposite of how I felt that day. I felt weary and stressed and completely overwhelmed by the multitude of decisions and dilemmas involved in the daily grind of motherhood. My kids are the light of my life, but admittedly, most days I could hardly be described as radiant.

That evening, I sat in the blessed quiet that comes after 7 p.m. and thought about smiling. The grandma at the park could not

Accepting Enrollment for Sept. 2014

• preschool to grade 2

Book now for a tour!

• small class sizes

• before and after

school care

• supportive and

caring staff

• excellent academic

foundation

• Kodaly music

5575 West Saanich Rd (across from Red Barn Market) 250 592 4411 imhs@telus.net www.islandmontessori.com

program • lovely rural location connecting children to nature

have had a life of perfection. Surely she must have had the same struggles I have—the struggles all mothers share. Life is never free from sorrow, or exhaustion, or frustration.

But somewhere in the past, she had chosen to start smiling. And that choice had made a defining difference; it had turned her into

Is There an App for This?

SARAH MILLIGAN a Smiler. How I wished for that lovely smile to be my own default expression.

The next morning, I decided to start a smiling experiment. No matter what, I would smile. It was easy for the first 20 minutes or so, while I drank strong coffee and admired the sunrise. It became harder as the morning wore on, when my son dropped an entire tub of yogurt on the kitchen floor, and when I burnt not one, but two rounds of toast, and when the phone rang while the sink was overflowing, and when I couldn’t find anyone a pair of matching socks.

It took truly painful effort to keep plastering a smile on my face. But it cheered me somehow—so I kept trying. And slowly, as the days went by, something miraculous happened. Nothing changed about my world; it was the same rotation of making food, reading Golden Books, and cleaning everything and everyone. I didn’t get any more sleep, and I didn’t find the elusive matching socks. But somehow, when I forced a smile, it flipped a switch in my brain, a switch that made me take a deep breath and remember, just for a moment, that this is my life and I’m lucky to have it.

I’m still a long way from becoming a bona fide Smiler, but the goal is worth the effort. We cannot expect constant contentment; life’s peaks and valleys will always rise and fall. But the difference lies in the choice to face adversity, joy, sleep deprivation, and spilled yogurt with a purposeful smile. With practice, I hope that someday, my smile will be as natural in hard times as it is in good. Because let’s face it, we’re going to get wrinkles anyway—they might as well be happy ones.

Sarah Milligan writes at www.findingabundance.com. Please stop by and say hello!

44 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

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

family support program offers advocacy, conflict resolution, education, newsletters, workshops, support groups and a resource library. Please call 250-477-7231 ext 233.

TM

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 250-386-4331 or visit www.bcfit.org to see how we can help. Some evening and weekend appointments available.

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.

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.

The Child Abuse Prevention & Counselling Society/Mary Manning Centre is the primary provider of therapy and victim support services for children and youth in Greater Victoria who experience sexual abuse, physical abuse, and other serious trauma, or who may be at risk for sexual abuse. Therapy services include individual and group sessions for children and youth and group sessions for parents. Victim services include intake and referral, accompaniment and support for children and youth being interviewed by police, and court preparation and support for those testifying as victims or witnesses in criminal cases. No charge for clients. Contact: 250-385-6111 or admin@ marymanning.com.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Victoria is a non-profit 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

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.

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

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.

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, Jenn Morgan, directly at 250-475-6677 or jmorgan@vepc.bc.ca.

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 instruction, volunteering, youth programs and tutoring, as well as intercultural arts programming and the Diversity Health Fair. 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 learn-

Coming in February!

Island Parent is pleased to announce an annual publication just for grandparents.

Let the grandparents in your children’s lives know that they can join the Island Grandparent community on Facebook where they can ask questions, share advice, arrange play dates and borrow baby items: www.facebook.com/groups/islandgrandparent/ 46 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

ing 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. 1562 Fort Street, 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. Services include: 24 Hour Information Line, Deployment Information and Workshops, Short Term Intervention/Crisis Support, Welcome/ Relocation Services, services for families with special needs and responsibilities and childcare services and support to parents. Exciting Volunteer opportunities available! Call the MFRC: 250-3632640 (1-800-353-3329) for information. www. esquimaltmfrc.com.

Matinees for KIDS!

Saturdays & Sundays at 1pm All Seats $4.75

FEB 8 & 9

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2 Feb 15 & 16

The Neverending Story Feb 22 & 23

The Croods

cinecenta

.com

Student Union Building, UVIC | 721-8365

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 250-3848042; email parent-support@shaw.ca.

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.

South Island Centre for Counselling & Training is an affordable, non-profit, counselling 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 250-472-2851; info@southislandcentre.ca.

www.IslandParent.ca

Notary Public Services Legal Services Made Easy… ➢ Notary Public Services ➢ Real Estate Transfers ➢ Mortgages/Credit Lines ➢ Signatures/Notarizations ➢ Wills/ Powers of Attorney ➢ Child Travel Letters

Tim Shipley

1551 Pandora Ave. 250-592-4342 www.shipleygroup.net Stadacona Centre

February 2014 47

& The place online where parents and grandparents get information about their community for their family: Read current and past issues of Island Parent Magazine.

Visit our Marketplace to find businesses, programs and services that cater to the little person in your life.

Looking for that special something you had when you were a kid? Check out our classified ads.

Want to see what’s up today or this weekend?

View our calendar of events.

Whether it’s dance lessons, parenting workshops, fun days and festivals, what’s happening at your local rec centre or community events—Kids In Victoria has it all!

Maybe you are looking for something to engage your mind or perhaps need a little bit of advice. Well we have that too on our community forum.

Receive Island Parent & Kids In Victoria e-newsletter for updates and exclusive contests.

You can also enter our monthly and photo contests.

Come be part of our community at

www.kidsinvictoria.com

48 Island Parent Magazine

And Baby Makes Three

W

hen your household grows from two to three, your relationship with your partner is bound to change. The birth of a child can test even the strongest of relationships. New parents respond to the role changes and lifestyle adjustments in different ways, which can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts. A household with a newborn is busy—feedings, diaper changes, laundry, and consoling a baby can seem endless. By the time the parents do get to see each other alone, they are usually exhausted.

Lifestyle changes associated with having a baby, loss of freedom and loss of time together as a couple, can be a challenge for all new parents and can be overwhelming.

Some issues that cause tension include lack of sleep, sharing the workload, money issues when a couple switches to a single income, and sex or the lack thereof. Most couples have sex less compared to before they became pregnant, with intimacy taking a back seat to the love and energy being poured into their newborn. Suddenly, sleep becomes the more important priority to many over-worked and exhausted parents.

Trouble spots in a relationship, such as who does more work around the house, can get worse if new parents do not sit down and talk about what is bothering them. Parents can get so caught up in caring for the baby that they forget to take time to talk to each other. Small annoyances grow when you don’t get them out in the open, so it’s important to make time to communicate. Try to find time to talk things over and be a couple again, even if it is just for a few minutes. You might even have to schedule in a time when you are both available. Choose a time when your baby is well-fed and settled. This may be difficult when your baby is a newborn, but it should get easier as he gets older. Often all it takes to clear up a misunderstanding is to see things from the other person’s point of view.

Even though your baby has made you a family of three, it is important to spend time together as a couple to keep that relationship strong. Because your lives are busier now, the best way to find that time is to plan for it. Try to make a regular weekly “date.”

Schedule a sitter and go out for dinner or even coffee. If you don’t want to or can’t leave the baby with a sitter just yet, make a

www.kidsinvictoria.com

special dinner at home after you put the baby to bed. Staying up after the baby is sleeping can also give you time to connect. Strive for at least 20 minutes a day to talk and share feelings; you can do this while you wash the dishes together or as you get ready for bed.

On the weekends, get out of the house and

New Parent Pages DIaNa hurSChler, bScN

Gliders & for Ideal Furniture everyday Evolving adventures.

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

s St.

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

Finlayson St. Dougla

do something as a family. Even daily family walks when you get home from work let you grab a little time together while your baby enjoys a ride in the stroller.

As you enter this new stage as a family, staying focused on what really matters will help you through the rough spots, especially in the first few months. It may bother you that you didn’t have time to make the bed, but overall this is not too important. The more flexible you can be about what gets done and when, the more relaxed and in control you’ll feel. To keep you both on track with the chores, make and post a list of each partner’s duties. For tasks that are more draining, like nighttime diaper changes, take turns whenever you can. If you both help out, then one of you won’t wind up feeling resentful because of an unbalanced workload. Be sure to notice what’s going right—remember you are on the same team! High five each other for managing yet another round of feedings, diaper changes, and baby entertaining. All new parents need to hear about what they are doing well, remembering that each parent may do things slightly differently. Try to be aware and supportive of each other’s emotions and needs. If your partner has had a particularly stressful day, offer to take the baby so your partner can soak in the tub or read a book for half an hour.

Everybody’s attention tends to be on the baby those first few months, but prioritize enjoyment of the time with your newest family member and each other—and remember that one of the best gifts you can give your child is a good relationship. Happy Valentine’s Day!

MOTION™ STROLLER

Larch St.

T.J.’S

(Under Sleep Country in the REAR)

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. Email diana@ hurschler.com.

www.IslandParent.ca

February 2014

49

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.

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...................778-265-5955

or 250-818-9225 Infant Toddler Program and Three to Five Program offering childcare for children six months to five years old. 2758 Peatt RD. www.leapforwardlangford.com. info@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......................250-652-2311 Where children can discover, imagine, construct and learn through play. Wondrous natural playground. www.carrotseedpreschool.com.

Cordova Bay Preschool....................250-658-3441 A bright and cheerful parent-participation preschool with a philosophy of “learning through play.” www. cordovabaypreschool.org.

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.

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.

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

Licensed Christian centre. www.prematernelleappletree.com.

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’ Child Care Inc....................................250-590-3603 Our Outdoor Nature program provides your child with an experience un-like no other in the elements! Our program boasts our OWN 2 acre forest for your child to explore and learn while our ECEs provide a strong Reggio Emilia Influence. Like us on Facebook. www. lexieslittlebears.com. Space available. Waitlist for September being taken now!

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 and visit our stunning natural outdoor playspace, warm, nurturing, play-based,inclusive program allowing parents to grow and learn alongside their child.

Exceptional ECE Staff provide an enriching experience for 2.5 - 5 year olds. Come grow with us! Est.1960.

Reg. begins Mar.1 @ 9am. www.metchosinpreschool. wordpress.com.

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.

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

Gonzales Co-op Preschool...............250-727-1003 Children explore their imaginations in our learning-throughplay environments and large natural playground. Our Reggio-Emilia inspired program focuses on art, nature and music. Over 50 years serving Victoria’s families. Nuturing and highly qualified ECE and ECE Assistant. Parent participation level options available and allergy-aware. Join us! www.gonzalespreschool.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 Cloverdale Child Care.......................... 250-995-1766 Preschool for 3 & 4 year olds, Come grow with us and learn through play. www.cloverdalechildcare.com.

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

Looking for child care? Taking care of children?

Call your local Child Care Resource & Referral for free referrals and resources.

Child Care

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

50 Island Parent Magazine

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.islandfamilyinfo.ca www.ccrr.bc.ca www.kidsinvictoria.com

Preschool & Child Care Directory 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.

Neighbourhood Junior Kindergarten..250-479-4410 Offering an early literacy program 4 mornings/wk. (TF) for 4 year olds in an attractive, culturally-sensitive learning environment in Lake Hill School.

Oakcrest Preschool...........................250-472-0668 • Two fully qualified teachers, AM classes • No duty days, wide variety of parent jobs • www.oakcrestpreschool.org Playtime Preschool...........................250-383-3101 AM or PM preschool classes up to 20 hrs/wk. Tillicum.

Spacious facility, qualified ECEs. Let’s Talk About Touching Program. www.playtimepreschool.com.

Puddles & Paints Playschool............250-658-6573 Introduce your children to Nature with our outdoor nature-lovers program. Our centre backs up to 15 acres of our “secret-garden” parkland where we can learn and explore! Strong environmental awareness with a “Naturalplay-based” philosophy. ECE staff, and a strong Reggio Emilia Influence! Celebrating and supporting your child’s world and successes! Like us on Facebook!

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 A warm, caring, quality Learning Through Play environment. Gordon Head area with a highly qualified ECE. heosc@pacificcoast.net.

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............... 250-590-5540 949 Fullerton Ave. Daycare owner, 250-818-9225 Licenced group childcare for children 6 months to 12 years old. Three programs offered: Infant toddler program, Three to Five Program and Before and After School Care Program. Open 6:30am-5:30pm. Weekly music and movement classes. www.babiestobigkids. com, info@babiestobigkids.com.

Butterfly Corner.................................... 250-381-4845 Licensed family day care in James Bay. Since 1998.

ECE. Ages 1–5. Full time. Fun & Educational. http:// ButterflyCornerCreativeLearningCentre.com Castleview Child Care.......................250-595-5355 Learning Through Play & Experience. Licensed nonprofit, 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.. 250-383-5132 ECE and specialist teachers provide an outstanding all day licensed program for 3 and 4 year olds in our spacious and welcoming facility in James Bay. www. cathedralschool.ca.

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

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.

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.

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

St. Margaret’s Preschool & Junior Kindergarten..........................250-479-7171 Our programme for 3 and 4 year old girls offers a nurturing and educationally stimulating curriculum provided by experienced ECE staff and specialist teachers. Our state of the art facility is located in beautiful environmental surroundings. www.stmarg.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.

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 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. adelplayndiscovery.com.

Positive Path Early Learning............250-655-7244

Year-round quality child care where preschoolers explore and learn in a culture of Christian values and virtues. positivepath@shaw.ca.

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 We offer quality care and positive experiences for children in our diverse daycare and preschool programs. Our rich curriculum includes music classes from the Victoria Conservatory of Music. parkdalechildcare@shaw.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 and discover. Curriculum builds on interests of the children. www.rossbaypreschool.com 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.

www.IslandParent.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 (VROSCS)...........................................250-744-2718 A creative and suuportive program that will prepare your child for a lifetime of learning! OSC also available. www.viewroyalosc.com.

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 Angel Care Christian Preschool.........250-746-5919 A quality, enriched program for preschool children.

Located in Queen of Angels Catholic School.

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..

Sunrise Waldorf School, Kindercottage Preschool Nursery......250-743-7253 A morning program for 3 and 4 yr olds in a warm natural atmosphere where wonder is nurtured and outdoor play is abundant. Details at www.sunrisewaldorfschool.org.

Parent & Child programs also available!

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 A Christian learning environment for 3–5 year olds.

Active participation in the life of the school. Parental involvement.

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.

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.

February 2014 51

Business & Professional Directory Ad Directory 1Up: Single Parent...... 41 Pacific School of

Move to the head of the class.

Piano Lessons

One Tutor

Arbutus Grove............. 17

Mary Rogers ! Arts Calibre 30 years BMus, ARCT, BCRMT! Academy............... IBC !of teaching Dr. Shannon Barnsley.. 40 excellence 30 years of teaching excellence

Queen Margaret’s....... 31 Rainbow Express......... 55 READ Society........ 14, 26

!

Camp Qwanoes.......... 30 Restart Computers...... 37

!

Cathedral School......... 17 Royal BC Museum...... 12

Enthusiastic, Enthusiastic, flexible lessons

One Student Your Home

Innovation............... 36

flexible !lessons

Music from Mozart to Harry The Potter Children’s All ages and levels welcome!

!Music from

Mozart to Harry Potter!

Royal Oak................... 31

Treehouse............... 43 Saanich Dental........... 11 Cinecenta................... 47 Saanich Recreation.... IFC Sarah Booth

Claremont mrogersmusicstudio@shaw.ca !

UVic-area studio, 250-744-9049

Secondary.............. 55

Photography............ 47

Conseil Scolaire.......... 18 Scallywags................ IFC

Smart Tutor Referrals.com Professional In-Home Tutorial Support

Call 250-544-1588 to learn more.

Mary Rogers BMus, ARCT, BCRMT mrogersmusicstudio@shaw.ca UVic-area studio 250-744-9049

Jamie Lemi Co.

Art Classes

Fun Unique Handmade Diaper Cakes

• Drawing • Painting • Sculpture • Cartooning • Portfolio Preparation for College or University

•

•

Registration Ongoing Ages 5 & Up Day & Evening Classes Emphasis on Technique – Fabulous Results

Locally owned new business!

www.jamielemi.com Celebrating our “Original” Outdoor Learning Program!

Artistic Statement Gallery & School of Fine Art Call Joan at 250-383-0566

www.artisticstatementgalleryandschool.com

Discovery School........ 16 Serious Coffee............ 49 Emmanuel Preschool.. 35 The Shipley Group....... 47 Evergreen School........ 55 Sleep Sense............... 44 Falcon Gymnastics...... 10 St. Michaels First Church of Christ.. 10

University School..... 32

Maxine Fisher............. 14 St. Joseph’s.......... 10, 21 Fit 4 Two.................... 30 St. Joseph’s Full o’ Beans............. IBC

Chemainus............. 39

Glenlyon Norfolk......... 15 St. Margaret’s Habitat for Humanity... 56

School.................... 27

IMAX............................ 7 Stagecoach.................. 2 Ink & Toner Medic....... 36 Stages....................... 37 Island Farms............... 28 Success by Six.............. 4 Island Kids Academy... 21 Sunrise Waldorf......... IBC Island Montessori........ 44 Sylvan Learning..........BC Island Oak.................. 26 Theatre ONE............... 39 Island Savings.............. 1 Thrifty Foods............... 29 JamTots..................... 13 Tigh Na Mara.............. 43 Kaleidoscope.............. 54 Tillicum Centre........... IFC TJ’s The Children’s

Lansdowne Preschool................ 21

Store...................... 49

Lifestyle Markets......... 34 Tom Lee Music........... 30

CLOTHES•SHOES•TOYS

Lighthouse Christian... 35 Vancouver Island Co-op Mad Science................ 6 Conference............. 53

BOOTS

WATERPROOF & INSULATED

Preschool Assoc........ 8 Victoria Kids

Making Tomorrow

We bring your child’s classroom…OUTSIDE!” • “Life is playfulness. We need to play so that we can rediscover the magic all around us.” – Flora Colao • Our property boasts 2 acres of forest with 2 huge natural play spaces for the children to discover!

• Providing a quality Natural program through outdoor play, starting your child on the right path towards a healthy, active forever lifestyle.

Consignment Page........ 9 Self Design................. 54

Consignment........... 15

Miles of Smiles........... 11 Victoria Montessori....... 4 Monarch House.......... 41 Victoria Nature School... 2 Montessori Educare.... 36 Victoria Pediatric Morning Glory............. 23

Dental..................... 35

Mothering Touch......... 19 Victoria School for Mount Washington...... 13

Ideal Education........ 17

NIDES........................ 39 VIHA........................... 38

Learn and grow with us!

250-590-3603

New Pics at

www.lexieslittlebears.com

52 Island Parent Magazine

411A Fitzwilliam St. Nanaimo 250.754.3933 www.pumpkinpiekids.com

Oak & Orca....... 7, 22, 34 Vitamin Shop................ 3 The OCEAN 98.5........ 45 Welcome Wagon......... 40 West-Mont School...... 41

Pacific Christian School................... IBC

www.kidsinvictoria.com

No More Moh

B

efore Angus was born I knew I would breastfeed. Probably for the first year, after which I was naïvely certain he’d be drinking milk from a glass. But then we planned a trip for shortly after his first birthday: two long-haul flights with the accompanying jetlag. I revised my plan—weaning upon return.

I followed through, sort of. Back in Victoria, I instituted a new rule. Instead of our anytime, anywhere arrangement, I would nurse Angus only first thing in the morning, and then prior to nap and bed. At night I would continue to nurse whenever he woke up, but I was sure this wouldn’t last. Angus was 15 months old. He was bound to sleep through the night soon (naïve, again). And by 18 months he would be weaned completely (and again).

I wanted weaning to be child-led, but timely. For Angus to lose interest and for nothing to be required of me. I’d heard such things happened.

Not in our house.

The end of on-demand feeds resulted in tantrums of frustration: here was Mum, who supposedly loved him, in possession of the thing he wanted most. But would she provide it? All she had to do was lift her shirt and he’d take care of the rest. And yet she held out. Eventually, he adapted. He waited for the allotted time and then nursed with gusto.

The older Angus got, the further I pushed my weaning date. Eighteen months came and went, then two years, then two-and-a-half.

Angus hadn’t lost interest at all. Also, it was useful. When I nursed him, Angus became calm. This was especially convenient when he was sick. And if he refused dinner, at least he’d fill his stomach with milk at bedtime.

But it was limiting. Angus likes routine, and nursing was a big part of his routine. On occasion, Mike had put Angus down for his nap, but an extended episode of screaming always preceded sleep. I had been required to perform the bedtime ritual every night for two-and-a-half years. This was sometimes a hassle, but we’d managed.

And then I took a teaching job: a threehour class starting an hour before bedtime.

The rush was on.

We started with naptime. Four days of warning, and then the “special bag” appeared. Angus was intrigued. He was thrilled with the lantern it contained, fascinated that two of his books had somehow become tucked

www.IslandParent.ca

inside as well. I read the books, then started to lift him from my lap. Then he fully understood: I was serious; these books were not in addition to, they were in place of. He clung to me, pleading for “moh.” There were tears, but only a few. And only for a couple of days.

It was bedtime that I was terrified about.

I waited two weeks, then Angus and I began to talk about the upcoming revision of our nightly routine. It would be a disaster, I was sure. Was he really ready? Did we really have to do this? Could we not just put him to bed two hours later on Tuesdays?

That last night of nursing when Angus pulled away and reached up for a hug I felt profoundly sad. We still had morning nursing, but that involved the gymnastics of a wellrested toddler. Bedtime was the calmest time we spent together. And it was a time we’d shared for the duration of his life.

The next night, when I pulled out the special bag, the sadness was eclipsed by dread.

On the other side of the door, Mike poured wine and loaded a movie. We would sit upstairs, well within earshot, but hopefully the noise—and my guilt—would be muffled.

When I finished the stories I switched off the lantern and asked Angus the usual question: a song or quiet. Just hold, he said. And I did, until he leaned up and wrapped his arms

Maternity & Beyond Laura TRUNKEY around my neck. Until I lifted him into his crib. He grabbed his stuffed monkey, then rolled over. And that was it for the rest of the night. No tears. No sound at all.

Maybe there’ll be rough patches. Maybe Mike’s first attempt with the special bag won’t go so smoothly. Maybe that first Tuesday will be a train wreck. But maybe not.

As for complete weaning, I’m in no rush.

I tell myself that by three our morning nursing sessions will end. Angus will simply lose interest. Right?

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.

February 2014 53

BORN TO Island View PERFORM Beach

S

Discover the Kaleidoscope Difference At Kaleidoscope. We believe that acting is a life skill that develops creativity, collaboration and communication. Now in our 39th year, Kaleidoscope Theatre offers fun-filled and meaningful theatrical experiences for young people.

Kaleidoscope is a necessary community for my daughter. Kaleidoscope is a giſt!

Spring Break Programs ● Kamp Kaleidoscope

3rd Annual Overnight Theatre Camp March 17-21

● Camp Curtain Call

Musical Theatre Day Camps March 10-14 / March 17-21

● Acting for Camera

Day Camps in Acting for Camera March 10-14

- Tasha Diamant; KPAS Parent

Victoria’s Premiere Professional Theatre School for Youth

250.383.8124 | info@kaleidoscope.bc.ca WWW.KALEIDOSCOPE.BC.CA

Looking for something different?

pring is not quite here. Winter doesn’t want to let go. Yet even without the low tides of summer and the warmth of the sun on your face, you and your children will find a family excursion to Island View Beach in Central Saanich the perfect cure for any left over winter doldrums.

This time of year it is always best to dress in layers, because February in the capital region is unpredictable. A sunny day can change at the drop of a barometer to a windy, rainy day. Bring water, lunch, a thermos of hot chocolate and your sense of adventure.

On one of those deliciously unseasonably warm days, there are redwing blackbirds singing their delightful “konkareeeeee.”

Children delight at seeing the flashes of red and yellow on these songsters’ wings, and it is a bird they will remember fondly for years. February also has its share of ducks in the temporary ponds, so bring along a field guide and look for various “puddle ducks” tipping their bums up to glean food from the bottom of the ponds. And the buds of the Indian plum are opening. Soon they will boast white droplets of pungentsmelling flowers.

What about those windy days? Well who doesn’t like wave-watching here in Victoria? At Island View Beach you get the added bonus of the view of the steep cliffs of the south end of James Island, and with binoculars you may even sight the fallow deer in the grassy areas above. Then there are the seabirds. The channel between Island View Beach and James Island is a marvellous food source for many diving ducks including the comical-looking surf scoters with their strange orange beak ornaments and the cute wee black and white buffleheads bobbing on the sea.

SelfDesign supports learner-directed, personalized educational options for all ages.

Explore our programs and join a community of life long learners! www.selfdesign.org 54

Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

On the shore itself, the winds and tides bring in a wide variety of denizens of the ocean, often caught up in or under the many seaweeds that adorn the beach. Untangle a bull kelp and search for little crabs, shrimp, or other tiny crustaceans. See what might be hiding under a washed up log. One day,

OPEN HOUSE

Thursday, February 6, 2014 6:30 – 8:30 pm

Nature Notes DeB ThIeSSeN attached to a bull kelp frond, we found a collection of herring eggs and, with a magnifying glass, were able to see the small growing herring actually moving inside the eggs. Amazing!

If you still have time left, don’t forget to check out the back fields and treed areas behind the beach. It can get a mite mucky and wet back here, so wear your boots. Look for ducks, geese, and the occasional heron in the fields, ponds and ditches. Check the skyline for hawks and eagles. Or simply enjoy the sounds of squelching boots, singing blackbirds and chatting children.

Island View Beach often draws crowds on a hot summer day, but in the winter only those in the know show up to notice the discoveries amongst the washed up seaweeds, and the early springtime song of the redwing blackbirds. Let nature tap you on the shoulder, whispering “Wake up!

Get outside! Explore!” This month, make Island View Beach Regional Park a family destination. You’ll want to come back for more in this park for all seasons. Take in one of the many guided nature outings and events held at Island View Beach. Visit www. crd.bc.ca/events.

Claremont offers many Programs of Choice. Pursuit of Excellence, Institute for Global Solutions, Focus on Fine Arts, Claremont Sports Institute: Aquatics, Lacrosse, Golf and Rowing.

4980 Wesley Rd 250-658-5221 www.claremont.sd63.bc.ca

Rainbow Express Daycare Ages 21⁄2 to 5 years

433 Kingston Street Victoria, BC V8V 1V8 250-382-2314

www.rainbowexpressdaycare.com

Deb Thiessen is a CRD Regional Parks interpreter.

www.IslandParent.ca

February 2014

55

Cut It Out!

Tips from Parent Educator Allison Rees of LIFE Seminars

To Discipline or Disciple

W

hat is discipline? One definition is to obtain obedience by using punishment and reward. If you think that word still fits, you might want to Cut It Out! It might be time for a new word, or at least a new twist to that word. Another view of discipline is to teach in such a way that encourages self-discipline. In that case, the word needs to change to disciple. To disciple somebody means to mentor them by modeling respect, self-discipline and maturity: they become our disciple when they want to emulate us. This requires awareness of our emotional states and the impact they have on our children.

Healthy mentorship also means we have clarity around our own personal boundaries and the boundaries of others. To disciple also means recognizing that along with how we behave, we must be accountable for how we communicate.

Words are powerful and we can easily harm our kids’ self-esteem by labeling them, making assumptions, or putting them down—or even

when we praise them for doing something we want rather than encouraging them to develop internal values and goals. When this happens, our kids lose touch with the ability to learn what we might actually be trying to teach them and more importantly, are derailed from the natural course of development of conscience and responsibility. Likewise, when we don’t actively listen to our children, we are role modeling what not to do! If your kids don’t listen to you, start by showing them what listening actually looks like.

Effective communication is not about a set of skills and something that you “do.” It is a way of “being” and having an awareness of boundaries. What issue belongs to whom? Do I really have to fix this person’s feelings? Are

lies upp ore! s g ldin ets gal Bui n cabi d n a

be our Could YOU amily? tF next Habitaut becoming a

abo Learn more ith Habitat at our: w homeowner ession

mation S Family Infor rday, Feb 8, 2014 ilies 0pm – Satu

1:0

/fam tvictoria.com ion! a it b a h to o G r the sess to Sign Up fo

nces Quality applia ore! m and so much 56 Island Parent Magazine

they responsible for how I feel and do I blame them? When we can get clear with the deeper part of communication, then the skills come to us easily. Recognizing the dos and don’ts of communication makes much more sense when we get the deeper piece. Allow yourself to have well-intentioned, messy communication.

If the skill takes over, we lose our connection because we are in our head. So keep learning and growing yourself. Somebody needs to disciple our children!

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

GOT STUFF? NEED STUFF? Habitat Victoria’s ReStore is your destination for quality new and gently used building supplies, appliances, home furnishings and decor.

From start to finish, shopping at ReStore helps you do good for the community, the environment and your own pocketbook, too!

To learn more about ReStore: Call 250-386-STOR (7867) Go to habitatvictoria.com Or shop in person at

849 Orono Avenue

(in Langford between Peatt & Jacklin)

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Sign up to visit: Grade School Feb 5 or May 14

Teaching the BC curriculum in the inspired, holistic, Waldorf way.

Enhanced by French, Strings, Music, Handwork, Woodwork, Art, Gardening and Seasonal Festivals.

Grades 1-8|Kindergarten Preschool|Parent & Child www.sunrisewaldorfschool.org 250-743-7253|Located in the Cowichan Valley

Preschool to Grade 5…and beyond.

Early Care and Learning Programs for Preschoolers Our mission: to provide high quality, accessible early care and learning experiences in a

Safe

Nurturing Registering Playful Now for r Environment Septembe See our story at victoriafoundation.bc.ca/vital-people

Imagine a School…where music, dance, theatre and visual arts are infused into all aspects of an outstanding curriculum. v Junior K and Half/Full-day Kindergarten options also available v Comprehensive K–5 program consistently exceeds BC Curriculum v Excellent facilities, convenient Cedar Hill and Oak Bay locations v Highly qualified, dedicated staff and low student/teacher ratios

Visit our website, come to one of our Open Houses, or call us! www.ArtsCalibre.ca info@ArtsCalibre.ca 250.382.3533

• Licensed programs for 3 and 4 year olds • Part – time, flexible scheduling • 2.5 & 4 hour programs • Competitive rates, subsidy available • Qualified Early Childhood Educators Located at Saanich Neighbourhood Place, in Pearkes Recreation Centre For more information contact Saanich Neighbourhood Place 250-360-1148 ext 101 Corinne@snplace.org Saanichneighbourhoodplace.com

STUDY SKILLS

M AT H

S AT / AC T P R E P

WRITING

READING

HOMEWORK HELP

Mari S. AGE 13

Let’s face it - using an iPad makes learning cool. Now I’m acing math.

A C E T H E N E X T R E P O R T C A R D W I T H S Y LV A N Some children have trouble hitting their stride when the school year kicks into gear.

Good news parents! This report card is the last one you’ll have to worry about if you get started with Sylvan today.

With Sylvan, you’ll get: • our four-step Sylvan Insight™ process, where we take the time to really get to know your child and develop a plan for success.

• our proven tutoring approach that blends amazing teachers with SylvanSync™ technology on the iPad® for a truly engaging learning experience.

• programs to fit your family’s busy schedule – and budget.

Act now to take control of this school year.

Sylvan Victoria

250-477-3212

Sylvan Westshore

250-590-6211

Sylvan Nanaimo

250-758-1526

Sylvan Duncan

250-746-0222

DirectorVictoria@SylvanVI.ca DirectorWestshore@SylvanVI.caDirectorNanaimo@SylvanVI.ca DirectorDuncan@SylvanVI.ca

SYLVANLEARNING.CA

Give Your Child The Gift of Success!

Free Sylvan Insight Assessment on Enrollment in a Sylvan Program. Value $200 Offer valid at participating locations only. Expires 02/28/14. Cannot be combined with any other offers.