Island Parent Family Resource Guide 2011/12

Island Parent The Resource Publication for Vancouver Island Parents

Over 700 Listings from Victoria to Parksville

Family Resource Guide 2011–2012

children’s boutique

Kindergym just $3 Saanich Commonwealth Place

FALL COLLECTIONS HAVE ARRIVED! Boots * Coats * Jackets

DOWNTOWN

624 Fort St 250 360 2570

• Shoes • Clothing • Accessories

BROADMEAD VILLAGE

777 Royal Oak Dr 250 360 2520

Newborn to 12 years

It's never raining at our indoor playground!

Bring your little ones to Kindergym and enjoy climbing apparatus, ride on toys, jumping mats and lots of balls and toys.

Drop in for just $3 or $5 with a swim!

Tuesday: for 2-5yrs 9:15-10am or Walking-2yrs 10-10:45am Thursday: for 2-5yrs 9:15-10am or 1 1/2-3yrs 11-11:45am NEW! Sunday: for up to 5yrs 10-10:45am NEW!

www.scallywags-island.ca ����������������������������������������������

4636 Elk Lake Dr.

250.475.7600

Reading Writing Math We can help.

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Find out how your child is doing academically with an assessment.

New Sooke location!

Tuesdays and Thursdays at Edward Milne.

Affordable fees and tuition assistance for low-income households.

Professional teachers create individual programs.

Four locations: Quadra at Hillside; Colwood; Sooke; Sidney.

Celebrating 35 years as a non-profit.

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250-388-7225

www.readsociety.bc.ca

Strip Loin Steaks with SautĂŠed Lobster

Succulent

Experience delicious meals throughout the year with fantastic recipes like this one from thriftyfoods.com thriftyfoods.com Family Resource Guide 2011/2012

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Welcome

to the sixth annual Family Resource Guide OCTOBER

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FRIDAY, SATURDAY, AND SUNDAY OCTOBER 28 - 30, 2011 | 2:30 PM - 9:00 PM

DECEMBER

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DECEMBER 9 - 11

FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

DECEMBER 16 - 23 FRIDAY - FRIDAY 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

(TRAIN LEAVES EVERY 20 MINUTES FROM 4:30 TO 8:30)

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ince 1988, Island Parent has been providing Vancouver Island families with information that supports them in their daily lives. Our goal is to assist parents, grandparents and others involved in the day-to-day care of the children in our community. With this in mind, we bring you this sixth annual comprehensive FRG compiling the various programs, services and advertisers that have been featured in our regular publications.

We hope that you find the listings, articles and advertising useful to your family. Keep this guide on hand so you can refer to it throughout the year.

Paul Abra, Publisher 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 directed to the Editor at the address below. No material herein may be reproduced without the permission of the Editor. Unsolicited manuscripts are welcome and should be accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Island Parent Magazine is distributed free in selected areas. Subscriptions can be obtained by sending $28.00 (includes HST) 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 Fax: 250-388-6920 Website: www.islandparent.ca Partner Website: www.kidsinvictoria.com

President, Publisher: Paul Abra Vice-President: Anna Abra Director, Production Manager: Mada Moilliet Editor: Sue Fast Advertising Sales: Paul Abra, Glenn Harbison Publisher’s Assistant: Linda Frear Bookkeeping: Elaine Francis Distribution: Anna Abra, Ray Cutts, Ted Dawe (Mid-Island) Founders: Jim Holland & Selinde Krayenhoff Production: Eacrett Graphic Design Printed at Island Publishers, Victoria Cover printed at Hillside Printing, Victoria ISSN 1915-1799

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Contents: Family Resource Guide 2011/12 Listings

Articles

South Island (Greater Victoria, Saanich, Sidney, Gulf Islands, Westshore, Sooke) Important Phone Numbers .............................................4 New Parent Resources ....................................................5 Family Support...............................................................8 Health & Wellness .......................................................14 Legal & Financial Services ...........................................15 Education .....................................................................18 Classes & Programs .....................................................27

Postpartum Depression ................................................12 The Best Things in Life are…Cabbages ........................16 Freeze Dance Fun .........................................................23 A Child’s Grief .............................................................24 Teach Your Kids Without Them Noticing ....................31 Mama’s Rules for the Roost .........................................32 Food Un-Incorporating ................................................34 New Mom State of Mind .............................................40 Childcare Choices ........................................................44

Family Fun & Entertainment .......................................38 Party Planning ..............................................................41 Retail Products .............................................................41 Family Restaurants & Food Markets ...........................43

Family Getaways ..........................................................46 Volunteering in the Community ...................................51 The Gift of Reading .....................................................56 Sleep, Precious Sleep .....................................................61 Hands-On Dads ...........................................................62 Treetop Cirque Du Soleil ..............................................71

Cowichan Valley (Mill Bay, Shawnigan Lake, Duncan) Family Support.............................................................48 New Parent Resources ..................................................48 Health & Wellness .......................................................48 Education .....................................................................48 Classes & Programs .....................................................49 Family Restaurants & Food Markets ...........................50 Retail Products .............................................................50 Family Fun & Entertainment .......................................50 Party Planning ..............................................................50 Island-Wide Residential Camps........................................................54 Family Travel ...............................................................54 Mid-Island (Chemainus, Ladysmith, Nanaimo, Parksville) New Parent Resources ..................................................58 Family Support.............................................................59 Health & Wellness .......................................................60 Education .....................................................................63 Classes & Programs .....................................................65

Departments

Party Planning ..............................................................67 Family Fun & Entertainment .......................................67 Retail Products .............................................................68 Family Restaurants & Food Markets ...........................68

Annual Family Events ..................................................36 Party Directory.......................................................52, 53 Home Business Directory .............................................70

On the Cover: Photo by Ute Muller of fotoart photography, www.fotoartphotography.net

Family Resource Guide 2011/2012

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SOUTH ISLAND Greater Victoria, Saanich, Sidney, Gulf Islands, Westshore, Sooke

Important Phone Numbers POLICE (NON-EMERGENCY)

Highlands . . . . . . . . . . 250-474-1773

Central Saanich . . . . . 250-652-4441

Langford . . . . . . . . . . . 250-478-9555

Sooke (East Sooke, Jordan River, Otter Point, Port Renfrew, Shirley) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-642-5241

Metchosin. . . . . . . . . . 250-478-1307

Esquimalt . . . . . . . . . . 250-995-7654 Oak Bay . . . . . . . . . . . 250-592-2424 Saanich. . . . . . . . . . . . 250-475-4321 Sidney (includes North Saanich, Willis Point) . . . . . . . . . 250-656-3931

North Saanich . . . . . . 250-656-1931 Oak Bay . . . . . . . . . . . 250-592-9121 Otter Point . . . . . . . . . 250-642-6211 Saanich. . . . . . . . . . . . 250-475-6111 Sidney . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-656-2121 Sooke . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-642-5422

Options Pregnancy Centre 4-855 Caledonia Ave 250-380-6883 HealthLink BC HealthLinkBC.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1-1 Help Line for Children 250-310-1234 Kids Help Phone . . . 1-800-668-6868 Poison Control Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-567-8911 Sexual Assault Crisis & Information Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-383-3232

Victoria . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-995-7654

Victoria . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-384-1122

Western Communities (Colwood, Highlands, Langford, Metchosin, View Royal) . . . . . . . . . 250-474-2264

View Royal . . . . . . . . . 250-479-7322

The Representative for Children & Youth www.rcybc.ca . . . . . . 1-800-476-3933

AMBULANCE (NON-EMERGENCY)

Vancouver Island Crisis Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-888-494-3888

FIRE (NON-EMERGENCY)

All areas . . . . . . . . . . . 250-727-2400

Central Saanich . . . . . 250-652-4444

OTHER IMPORTANT NUMBERS

Colwood . . . . . . . . . . . 250-478-8321 East Sooke . . . . . . . . . 250-642-4411

Emergency Fire, Police or Ambulance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1-1

Esquimalt . . . . . . . . . . 250-414-7126

Child Find BC . . . . . . 1-888-689-3463

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Women’s Transition House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-385-6611

Make sure your children know to call 911 for Emergency Police, Fire or Ambulance

SOUTH ISLAND

New Parent Resources MATERNITY/FERTILITY 3D Baby Vision 202-4489 Viewmont Ave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-744-2234

Sooke Midwifery 2050B Townsend Rd . . 778-425-0780 The Midwives Collective 107-1120 Yates St . . . . 250-590-7605

Westcoast Midwives 2823 Dysart Rd. . . . . . . 250-384-5940

Pregnancy is a state of health.

Midwives recognize what an extraordinary time this is in your life and we are available to support you through your childbearing year.

Western Communities Midwifery 287 Steart Ave . . . . . . . 250-589-3417

COVERED BY YOUR BC HEALTH CARE

Victoria Midwifery Group 2000 Beach Dr or 35 Cambridge St . . . . . 250-381-1977

PRENATAL SERVICES

Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit epau.ca. . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-592-5633

Aboriginal Prenatal Support 231 Regina Ave . . . . . . 250-384-3211

Vancouver Island Naturopathic Clinic Inc. 3954 Wilkinson Rd . . . . 250-881-1806

Birthright Victoria 516–620 View St. . . . . . 250-380-0305

Victoria HypnoBirthing . . . . . . . . . victoriahypnobirthing.com

DIAPER SERVICES Happy Island Diaper Service . . . . . . . . . . happyislanddiapers.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-866-922-7377

DOULAS Birth & Beyond Doula Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-889-6009 Island Childbirth IslandChildbirth.com . . 250-889-2760 Natural Birthing and Postpartum Centre . . birthingandpostpartum.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-386-2758 Vancouver Island Doulas . . . . . . vancouverislanddoulas.com Vancouver Island Naturopathic Clinic Inc. 3954 Wilkinson Rd . . . . 250-881-1806 Victoria Doula Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . doulasofvictoria.ca

MIDWIVES Access Midwifery 203–2951 Tillicum Rd . . 250-380-6329 Birthways Midwifery Service 2254 Belmont Ave . . . . 250-384-9062 Cook Street Community Midwives 101–1005 Cook St . . . . 250-386-4116 Dandelion Midwifery 709 Connaught Rd . . . . 250-590-7770 Midwifery Care 547 Michigan St . . . . . . 250-592-5407

Pregnant?

Camosun College . . . . 250-370-4770 Functional Fitness & Personal Training functionalfit.ca . . . . . . . 250-858-7972 Mothering Touch Centre 975 Fort St . . . . . . . . . . 250-595-4905 motheringtouch.ca. Childbirth preparation, pre- and post-natal yoga and fitness, parenting the newborn, baby groups, breastfeeding education and support, baby massage, baby sign language, Music Together.

Queen Alexandra Centre For Children’s Health 2400 Arbutus Rd . . . . . 250-721-6751

BEST BABIES PROGRAMS Esquimalt Neighbourhood House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-385-2635 Family Services Best Babies 511 Constance Ave . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-385-2635 ext 203 Saanich Neighbourhood Place Best Babies . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-360-1148 Victoria Best Babies 1240 Gladstone Ave . . . 250-381-1552 Victoria Native Friendship Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-384-3211

PUBLIC HEALTH (VIHA) Esquimalt 530 Fraser St . . . . . . . . 250-519-5311 Gulf Islands . . . . . . . . . 250-539-3099 Saanich 3995 Quadra St . . . . . . 250-744-5100 Peninsula 2170 Mt. Newton X Rd 250-544-2400

BC’s Medical Services Plan pays for midwifery care, including in-home check-ups in labour and after you’ve had your baby.

You can self-refer to a midwife.

QUALITY CARE Studies show that midwifery clients have lower rates of episiotomies, infection, Caesarean sections, forceps and vacuum deliveries and newborns that require resuscitation.

CHOICE OF HOSPITAL OR HOME BIRTH CONTINUITY OF CARE COMPREHENSIVE CARE BREASTFEEDING EDUCATION & SUPPORT

Registered Midwives in Victoria: Amy Brownhill 250-386-4116 Michele Buchmann 250-590-7770 Uta Herold (Sooke) 778-425-0780 Deborah Little 250-381-1977 Luba Lyons Richardson 250-381-1977 Lorna J. McRae 250-380-6329 Jody Medernach 250-590-7605 Kim Millar Lewis 250-384-5940 Heather Nelson 250-380-6329 Jill Pearman 250-590-7605 Colleen Rode 250-386-4116 Angela Schaerer 250-384-9062 Valerie Simmons 250-589-3417 Beth Smit 250-384-5940 Ilana Stanger-Ross 250-590-7605 Julia Stolk 250-590-7605 Misty Wasyluk 250-380-6329 Deanna Wildeman 250-592-5407 Heather Wood 250-380-6329 We would be pleased to schedule an appointment to answer your questions about midwifery care.

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Saltspring Island. . . . . 250-538-4880 Sooke 104–2145 Townsend . . 250-642-5464 Victoria 1947 Cook St . . . . . . . . 250-388-2200 West Shore 345 Wale Rd . . . . . . . . . 250-519-3490

BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT Breastfeeding Matters . . . . . . . . . . .breastfeedingmatters.ca Island Breast Pumps Facebook “The Breast Pump Lady” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-514-2265

This dynamic service for young parents, parents-to-be, and their children offers support, mentoring and advocacy to young parents as they endeavor to have healthy babies, develop their parenting skills, and pursue their education and employment goals.

businesses within the Greater Victoria area, including online stores.

Goldstream Neighbourhood House 345 Wale Rd . . . . . . . . . 250-391-4320

Vancouver Island Baby Fair . . . . . . . vancouverislandbabyfair.com

Greater Victoria Down Syndrome Society. . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-479-7450

Vancouver Island Multiple Birth Association email . . . . . . . vimba234@hotmail.com

Infant Development Program 3970 Haro Rd . . . . . . . . . . . 477-1826 Mother Goose Program cfrosaline@yahoo.ca . . . . . 598-9896

La Leche League of Greater Victoria . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-727-4384

Options Pregnancy Centre 4-855 Caledonia Ave . . 250-380-6883

NEW PARENT SUPPORT

Peninsula Best Babies Program 9860 Third St, Sidney . . 250-656-0134

Babyproofit Professional Child Proofing Services babyproofit.ca . . . . . . . 250-514-2265

Registered Nanny Canada The best live-in nanny . 250-667-0565

BC Association of Family Resource Programs. . . . . . . . . . . 604-738-0068 The Cridge Young Parent Outreach Program 1307 Hillside Ave . . . . . 250-995-6421

The Savvy Squirrel Coupon Book . . . . . . . . . . squirrelcouponbook.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-589-7192 A coupon book focused on families from pregnancy to kindergarten. Every page is full of wonderful locally owned

Sleep Sense . . . . . . . . 250-857-1408 . . . . . . . . . . . . sleepsense.net/victoria Supreme Nannies Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-483-5222

Welcome Wagon welcomewagon.ca . . 1-866-518-7287

ADOPTION SUPPORT Adoption Support Program 2400 Arbutus Rd . . . . . 250-721-6751 Choices Adoption & Counselling Services 100–850 Blanshard St . 250-479-9811 Options Pregnancy Centre 4-855 Caledonia Ave . . 250-380-6883 Origins Supporting People Separated By Adoption originscanada.org. . . . . 250-419-1200

VICTORIA TRAVEL CLINIC at Peoples Pharmacy Announcing a full service travel clinic and compounding pharmacy in Fairfield just minutes from downtown Victoria. We offer travel vaccines, a thorough review of itineraries, education on the prevention and self-treatment of travel related diseases as well as individual health assessments.

We are an integrated team with an ISTM travel certified nurse, a full time pharmacist and collaborative physicians.

Don’t Leave Home Without Our Help Victoria Travel Clinic At Peoples Pharmacy offers a complete range of vaccinations which are required or

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recommended for international travel including:

• Traveler s Diarrhea • Malaria • Yellow Fever

• Hepatitis A & B • Cholera

We offer a wide selection of travel products including pro-biotics, travel first aid kits, mosquito netting, water purification systems, jet-lag therapy and other travel essentials.

We excel in child friendly service.

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Fairfield Peoples Pharmacy

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Cadboro Bay Peoples Compounding Pharmacy 3825 Cadboro Bay Rd 250-477-2131

Our 4 Other Locations: Fairfield Peoples Shelbourne Plaza Peoples Compounding Drug Mart Compounding Pharmacy #15-1594 Fairfield Rd 3643 Shelbourne St Fairfield Plaza 250-598-9232 250-577-1881

www.victoriapharmacy.com 6

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UVic Campus Pharmacy UVic SUB, 3800 Finnerty Rd 250-721-3400

Family Resource Guide 2011/2012

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SOUTH ISLAND

Family Support

Family Friendship Program, Victoria Immigrant & Refuge Centre 637 Bay St, 3rd Floor . . 250-361-9433

Dr. Allison Rees. . . . . . 250-595-2649

Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group 1240 Gladstone Ave . . . 250-381-1552

Connecting Cultures . 250-920-0373

Inter-Cultural Association 930 Balmoral Rd. . . . . . 250-388-4728

ALCOHOL ADDICTION INFORMATION & TREATMENT Al-Anon Family Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-383-4020

COMMUNITY CENTRES

James Bay Community Project 547 Michigan St . . . . . . 250-388-7844 Oaklands Community Association 1-2827 Belmont Ave. . . 250-370-9101 Saanich Neighbourhood Place 3100 Tillicum Rd. . . . . . 250-360-1148

Blanshard Community Centre 901 Kings Rd . . . . . . . . 250-388-7696

Victoria West Community Association 521 Craigflower Rd. . . . 250 590-8922

Braefoot Activity Centre 1359 McKenzie Ave . . . 250-721-2244

YM-YWCA of Greater Victoria 880 Courtney St . . . . . . 250-386-7511

Burnside/Gorge Community Centre burnsidegorge.ca . . . . . 250-388-5251

COUNSELLING

Esquimalt Neighbourhood House 511 Constance Ave . . . 250-385-2635 Fairfield Community Association 1330 Fairfield Rd . . . . . 250-382-4604

Anderson Counselling 250-213-4217 Arbour Counselling Centre 4277 Quadra St . . . . . . 250-479-9912 A.T. Malcolm & Associates 218-284 Helmcken Rd 250-727-7060

Citizen’s Counselling Centre 941 Kings Rd . . . . . . . . 250-384-9934 Creative Family Solutions 303-2722 5th St . . . . . . 250-413-3107 Esquimalt Neighbourhood House 511 Constance Ave . . . 250-360-0644 Geoffrey Mathews, Registered Clinical Counsellor . . geoffreymathews.ca Island Family Counselling 130–1105 Pandora Ave 250-598-0544 Journey Counselling . 250-885-0506 Men’s Trauma Counselling Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-381-6367 Origins Counselling Services 420-1105 Pandora Ave 250-588-4822 The Salvation Army Community & Family Services 2695 Quadra St . . . . . . 250-386-8521 South Island Centre for Counselling & Training 3821A Cedar Hill X-Rd 250-472-2851 Dr. Stephen D. Lustig, R. Psych. #302-1011 Fort St . . . . 250-385-2525

Victoria Symphony Concerts for Kids

2011/12 Season!

The Magical Music of Disney, October 30, 2:30 pm The Laughing Symphony with Norman Foote January 22, 2:30 pm Strike Force 4!, March 4, 2:30 pm Music of Harry Potter, April 29, 2:30 pm Come early for the VS Instrument Petting Zoo and other activities in the lobby.

Tickets on sale now! victoriasymphony.ca or 250.385.6515 8

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GRIEF SUPPORT Circle of Friends . . . . . 250-384-9133 Compassionate Friends 1346 Ravens View Dr . . 250-478-9270 Living & Learning Through Loss www.teenloss.com . . . . 250-413-3114 Origins: Supporting People Separated by Adoption www.originscanada.org 250-419-1200 Rainbows. . . . . . . . . . . 250-479-0766 Victoria Hospice Bereavement Services victoriahospice.org . . . . 250-370-8868

PARENT SUPPORT 1UP: Single Parent Resource Centre 602 Gorge Rd . . . . . . . . 250-385-1114 The Centre offers a wide range of 3-8 week Personal Growth and parenting courses and Dads’ Support Group.

Open to all members of the community. Fees by donation. singleparentvictoria.ca.

Dr. Allison Rees. . . . . . 250-595-2649 BC Families in Transition 812B Broughton St. . . . 250-386-4331 Beacon Community Services, Sidney beaconcs.ca . . . . . . . . . 250-656-0134 Big Brothers Big Sisters bbsvictoria.com . . . . . . 250-475-1117 Bridges for Women Society 320–1175 Cook St . . . . 250-385-7410 Central Baptist Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-385-7786 Child Abuse Prevention/ Mary Manning Centre 210–1175 Cook St . . . . 250-385-6111 Family Caregivers’ Network Society 526 Michigan St . . . . . . 250-384-0408 First Unitarian Church of Victoria 5575 West Saanich Rd 250-744-2665 F.O.R.C.E. Society for Kids Mental Health . . . . . bckidsmentalhealth.org . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-479-1192 Foster Parents Support Services 145-735 Goldstream Ave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-598-1500 Hulitan Social Services Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-384-9466 Island Parent Magazine A10–830 Pembroke St 250-388-6905

Family Resource Guide 2011/2012

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Kids In Victoria . . .kidsinvictoria.com Military Family Resource Centre Work Point . . . . . . . . . . 250-363-3443

Guided Nature

Pacific Centre Family Services Association Colwood & Sooke . . . . . pacificcentrefamilyservices.org . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-478-8357

Hikes, Walks, Drop-In Events

Parent Support Services Society of BC . . . . . . . . . . . parentsupportbc.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-384-8042 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-877-345-9777

Most are free, all are fun!

School House Teaching Supplies & Children’s Bookstore . . . . . . . . . schoolhouseteaching.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-385-9032

Nature Outings & Events That Pique Your Natural Curiosity For Nature Lovers of All Ages, For Every Season

There is a whole world of natural and cultural history to explore at our nature centres at Witty’s Lagoon, Francis/King and Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Parks.

Capital Regional District | Regional Parks www.crd.bc.ca/parks Knack for Nature crdparks@crd.bc.ca 250.478.3344

“For Your Children – A Workbook for Co-Parents” Available at Munro’s and Bolen Books.

Mediated Agreements help you get what you want and are faster, cheaper and much better for your kids.

Patricia Lane

Lawyer*/Mediator & Parenting Coordinator 250-598-3992 www.patricialane.bc.ca *denotes Law Corporation

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Sooke Family Resource Society 105–2145 Townsend Rd250-642-5152 South Island Dispute Resolution Centre 102-2220 Sooke Rd . . . 250-383-4412 St. Barnabas Anglican Church 1525 Begbie St. . . . . . . 250-595-4324 Success By Six . . . . . . . . . . . . successby6victoria.ca Surrounded by Cedar Child & Family Services 303-3995 Quadra St. . . 250-383-2990 The Representative for Children & Youth www.rcybc.ca. . . . . . 1-800-476-3933 Unity Church of Victoria 838 Pandora Ave . . . . . 250-382-1613 Victoria Pacific Rim Alliance & Pipeline Churches 1792 Townley St . . . . . . 250-592-1821 Victoria Native Friendship Centre 231 Regina Ave . . . . . . 250-384-3211 Victoria Women’s Sexual Assault Centre #511-620 View St . . . . . 250-383-5545 Young Parents Support Network 404–620 View St. . . . . . 250-384-0552 WIN Administration Office 812 Cormorant Ave . . . 250-480-4006

SPECIAL NEEDS & DISABILITY SUPPORT BC Lions Society for Children with Disabilities. . . . . . 250-386-0668 Child & Family Counselling Association (Autism Program) 5–230 Menzies St . . . . . 250-595-4423

Community Living Victoria 3861 Cedar Hill X Rd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-477-7231 x236 Supports people with developmental disabilities and their families by providing direct support, advocacy, information, support groups and workshops through Family Support.

Our Parent Support Program provides in-home support to parents who themselves have a developmental disability.

Community Options for Children & Families 830C Pembroke St . . . . 250-380-6363 The Cridge Respitality Service 1307 Hillside Ave . . . . . 250-995-6412 Our unique Respitality program provides parents of a child with a disability a chance to pause and be refreshed with a complimentary overnight stay for two in a hotel or bed-and-breakfast.

The Cridge Respite Resource Service 1307 Hillside Ave . . . . . 250-220-8569 This vital service keeps an up-to-date listing of people able to provide respite care and parents who need respite services for their child. If you are either a parent or a respite care provider, please contact us for more information.

Victoria Society for Children with Autism 44106-2947 Tillicum Rd 250-818-4662 Westshore Child & Youth Family Centre 345 Wale Rd . . . . . . . . . 250-391-4320

PARENT EDUCATION LIFE Seminars Parenting Programs Dr. Allison Rees . . . . . . 250-595-2649 Offers courses covering many aspects of family living. 8-week courses include Sidestepping the Power Struggle and The Parent-Child Connection. Call or visit the website at lifeseminars.com.

YOUTH SERVICES Discovery Youth and Family Addiction Services 2nd Fl-530 Fraser St. . . 250-721-2669

Parents Together Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-384-9133 PFLAG of Greater Victoria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-385-9462 Sooke Family Resource Society 105–2145 Townsend Rd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-642-5152 Youth Clinic 533 Yates Street . . . . . . 250-383-3552 547 Michigan Street . . . 250-388-7841 Victoria Youth Empowerment Society 533 Yates St . . . . . . . . . 250-383-3514 Youth Addiction Services 530 Fraser St, 2nd Flr. . 250-721-2669 Youth Space . . www.youthspace.ca Multi-portal website offering youth support through live chats, forums and/or from a professional counsellor via e-counselling.

Island Sexual Health Society Clinical Services . . . . . . 250-592-3479 Community Ed . . . . . . . 250-388-2202

Greater Victoria Down Syndrome Society gvdss.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-479-7450 Little Steps Therapy Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-386-1171 Mosaic Learning Society Victoria 500 Admirals Rd . . . . . . 250-382-0848 Queen Alexandra Centre For Children’s Health 2400 Arbutus Rd . . . . . 250-477-1826 Schizophrenic Society, BC Chapter 941 Kings Rd . . . . . . . . 250-384-4225 Victoria Epilepsy & Parkinson’s Centre 813 Darwin Ave . . . . . . 250-475-6677 If epilepsy is in your life, we can help.

Professional consultations, information, classroom education, advocacy, music therapy, tutoring for school-age children, bursaries for Camosun College. www.vepc.bc.ca.

Victoria Group Perspectives . . . . . . . . . . . groupperspectives.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-590-7624

Family Resource Guide 2011/2012

11

Robin Farr

Postpartum Depression W

hen I was 38 weeks pregnant with a breech baby and low amniotic fluid that indicated a need for a fairly quick c-section, the obstetrician asked my husband and I a question: “Would you like to have this baby today or tomorrow?” Not prepared to be whisked to the operating room that instant, we chose “tomorrow.” Our son Connor was born on June 13, 2008, which happened to be a Friday. Friday the 13th. And thus began my journey into motherhood.

In the early days, that journey included a lot of things I couldn’t have anticipated, including a fussy baby who needed to be bounced all the time and would accept no substitutes—no walking, no rocking, no swaying. He also appeared to think sleep was for weaklings.

At first the sleep deprivation was hard, as it is for any new parent. Then, when he was about five months old, I decided I couldn’t take it anymore and we attempted sleep training. I’ll give you the short version of the saga: it didn’t go well.

By the time he was eight months old, I was miserable. In desperation, I phoned a counselor and, after listening to me bawl through a description of my concerns, she immediately said, “It sounds like you have postpartum depression (PPD). You should really see your doctor.”

I rejected her suggestion. “I don’t want to call it that,” I told her. “I’m not interested in that label.” I did see her for a few sessions, an hour a week in her office crying so hard my tear ducts actually hurt. It was more exhausting than helpful, and I was convinced better sleep would solve my problem, so I never actually addressed my real issues.

She was right about the postpartum depression, of course, but I didn’t realize it because I didn’t feel “depressed” and I wasn’t having trouble bonding with my baby. My issue was anger. Rage, actually—red-faced, adrenaline-fuelled rage. I had no idea it was a symptom of depression.

12

www.IslandParent.ca

Finally, after reading someone else’s story, I clued in and slowly started to accept that I was dealing with postpartum depression. A little while later, when my son was 18 months old—after almost losing my marriage and my new little family because of my anger—I went to my doctor for help.

Initially, help came in the form of anti-depressants, which I had long been opposed to.

I don’t like pills at the best of times and had heard all kinds of horror stories about side effects. Nothing else I’d tried had worked, though, so it seemed anti-depressants might be my best bet.

The medication helped—at first. It took the edge off and I no longer felt like I might throw my high-energy, non-sleeping child out the window. But for another 18 months, things would get better for a little while, and then tough again, and on and on I went riding my extended postpartum roller coaster.

I looked for different options and more help. By this spring, as we neared my son’s third birthday, I had started seeing both a therapist and a psychiatrist who specialize in PPD.

I had also started blogging about my experience, and then actually telling family and friends. That was hard, partly because of the stigma attached to mental health issues, but I also didn’t want others to know I was having a hard time being a mom.

Once I opened up, I realized how common postpartum depression is.

In telling my story I’ve found nothing but support, and others have thanked me for being open so they don’t feel so alone.

I won’t lie—it’s still hard to say this out loud to others. But I tell my story because I didn’t know enough about postpartum depression to get help when I needed it.

I tell it because I don’t want others to go through what I did. Every week someone new contacts me to tell me my story has helped her, and that makes it worth it, so I’m going to keep telling it.

Robin Farr, mom to three-year-old Connor, is a writer and a believer in the incredible power of the parenting community. She blogs at farewellstranger.com and can be reached at mamarobinj@farewellstranger. com.

Postpartum Depression Support If you suspect you have postpartum depression (PPD), see your family doctor.

Your doctor can rule out other possible causes for the same symptoms (for example, thyroid) and suggest possible resources in your community.

The Postpartum Support Program is available with a referral from a doctor, midwife, public health nurse, community agency or social worker. Visit www.viha.ca/children/ health_concerns/post_partum_depression.htm or www.tracimcgee.ca/post-partuminformation.html.

The Pacific Post Partum Support Society website includes information, a self-help guide, stories, and resources for dads/partners. Visit www.postpartum.org.

Postpartum Progress (postpartumprogress.com) is a popular blog on postpartum depression. Written by a survivor who founded the affiliated charity to support mothers with postpartum mood and anxiety disorders, this blog is full of information, checklists, and people’s stories. The site also offers a Daily Hope e-mail, which can be a great source of reassurance. (postpartumprogress.com/suffering-ppd-check-outpostpartum-progress-daily-hope).

The PPD to Joy website (ppdtojoy.com) offers several great resources, including a symptoms checklist and a video about PPD designed to make talking about it with friends and family easier. The founder, Yael Saar, also hosts a monthly support call (www.ppdtojoy.com/support/speakeasy-call).

And, as always, if a struggling mother ever feels as though she might harm herself or her baby, she should call a friend or family member to come over, and then phone her doctor or the Vancouver Island Crisis Information Line at 1-888-494-3888. RF

Is Your Child Struggling at School?

Do you know a child who, as a preschooler, you considered brighter than average, maybe even extremely bright? Possibly you still see them that way. However, you were surprised to discover that at least some school work is overly difficult for them. They seem to work hard and not find success or maybe they try to avoid it altogether.

These children make up a significant portion of the school population. The student struggles and doesn’t get the expected results. Parents and teachers do their best. Something doesn’t feel right but we can’t seem to solve it.

If this is your child, there is a solution.

These children can learn language arts and/or math. They just need the information presented to them the way they learn best. They need a teaching style that matches their learning style.

It is possible to take the frustration out of learning language arts and math.

If this is how you feel about your child, give me a call to discuss his or her needs with no obligation.

Karen Murdoch Therapeutic Tutor

778-430-3183 I can help your child Family Resource Guide 2011/2012

13

SOUTH ISLAND

Health & Wellness ACUPUNCTURISTS

Books That Go BUMP In The Night!

What’s In The Witch’s Kit Nick Sharratt

Clifford’s Halloween Norman Bridwell

One Halloween Night Salina Yoon

Fancy Nancy’s Haunted Mansion Jane O’Conner

Halloween Surprise Corrine Demas

Night of the Pumpkin Heads Michael Rosen

Halloween Howlers Mich Teitelbaum

The Children’s Bookshop New Books for Preschoolers to Young Adults Beacon & 4th in Sidney (Beside Tanner’s Books)

250-656-2345 14

Iyengar Yoga 202–919 Fort St . . . . . . 250-386-9642

Dr. Ellen Laine, Chiropractor 202-1770 Fort St . . . . . 250-595-3989

Moksana Yoga Centre 500–3 Fantan Alley . . . . 250-385-2105

DENTISTS

Mothering Touch Centre & Birth Services, 975 Fort St . . 250-595-4905

Pumpkin Cat

Victoria Kann

Open 8am–9pm

www.IslandParent.ca

Bikram HOT Yoga 1620 Garnet Rd . . . . . . 250-590-3456

CHIROPRACTORS

Pediatric Dental Associates 2820 Jacklin Rd . . . . . . 250-478-5580 Brentwood Bay. . . . . . . 250-652-0008

Pinkalicious & The Pink Pumpkin

YOGA

Iron Butterfly Pilates/Yoga & Pre- Post-Natal Studio ironbutterflypilates.ca . . 250-920-8005

Oak Bay Dental Clinic 2015 Oak Bay Ave . . . . 250-592-3013

Anne Mortimer

Mayfair Optometric 3196 Douglas St . . . . . . 250-361-4444

Elements of Health Centre elementscentre.ca . . . . 250-383-2626

One Spooky Night Kate Stone

Family Eyecare Centre 749 Yates St . . . . . . . . . 250-383-2411

HEALTH CLINICS Admirals Walk Health Centre 105–1505 Admirals. . . . 250-380-9002 Millstream Medical Clinic 107–2349 Millstream . . 250-391-7554 St. Anthony’s Medical Centre 582 Goldstream Ave. . . 250-478-6242 Tillicum Mall Medical Clinic 14–3170 Tillicum Rd . . . 250-381-8112

MASSAGE THERAPY Elements of Health Centre elementscentre.ca . . . . 250-383-2626

PHARMACIES Cadboro Bay Peoples Compounding Parmacy . victoriapharmacy.com 3825 Cadboro Bay Rd 250--477-2131 Fairfield Peoples Compounding Drug Mart . . . victoriapharmacy.com 15-1594 Fairfield Rd. . . 250-598-9232 Fairfield Peoples Compounding Pharmacy . . . victoriapharmacy.com 1282 Fairfield Rd . . . . . 250-595-5997 Forbes Pharmacy 111-755 Goldstream . . 250-478-7300 105-2349 Millstream. . . 250-478-1600 Shelbourne Plaza Peoples Compounding Pharmacy . . . . . . . . . . . . victoriapharmacy.com 3643 Shelbourne St . . . 250-577-1881

NATUROPATHS

UVic Medicine Center Pharmacy UVic SUB, 3800 Finnerty Rd victoriapharmacy.com . 250-721-3400

Hawthorne Naturopathic Centre 1726 Richmond Ave . . . 250-598-3314

ALTERNATIVE HEALTH

Vancouver Island Naturopathic Clinic Inc. 204-4480 West Saanich Rd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-881-1806

CEDRIC Centre cedriccentre.com . . . . . 250-383-0797

OPTOMETRISTS

Victoria Headache Clinic 774 Spruce Ave . . . . . . 250-382-6663

BC Association of Optometrists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . absee.ca Cadboro Bay Optometry Clinic 3830 Cadboro Bay Rd . 250-360-2229

Heart of Touch Wellcare 204–920 Hillside Ave . . 250-882-0478

OTHER

Eye Etiquette Optical Boutique 189-2401 Millstream Rd 250-474-1941

Base Lounge Fitness Studio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . baselounge.ca 1303 Broad St . . . . . . . 250-590-1816

Eitutis & Associates Optometric Centre 201-3750 Shelbourne. . 250-477-7771

Life Force Systems Boot Camps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-380-6947

Hazpro . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-891-4977

Taoist Tai Chi taoist.org . . . . . . . . . . . 250-383-4103 Tigh-na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort & Conference Centre, Parksville 1155 Resort Dr . . . . . . . 250-248-2072 Victoria Pilates Inc. Mattick’s Farm . . . . . . . 250-727-0075 The Vitamin Shop . . . . . . . . CanadianVitaminShop.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-386-1212

Legal & Financial Services

LAWYERS

NOTARIES

Collaborative Family Law Group . . . . collaborativefamilylawgroup.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-704-2600

Notaries on Douglas 201-2610 Douglas St . . 250-382-8880

Legal Aid Legal Services Society 200–747 Fort St . . . . . . 250-360-4516 McConnan Bion O’Connor & Peterson mcbop.com . . . . . . . . . 250-385-1383 Scott-Moncrieff & Company www.smclawyers.ca. . . 250-656-0981 Spier & Company Law 208-852 Fort St . . . . . . 250-590-1539 Windsor Law Group . . 250-385-6004

MEDIATION BC Mediator Roster Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-356-8147

CREDIT COUNSELLING Credit Counselling Society nomoredebts.org . . . 1-888-527-8999

Fairway Divorce Solutions fairwaydivorce.com . . 250-744-FAIR Patricia Lane, Mediator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-598-3992 South Island Dispute Resolution Centre . . . . . disputeresolution.bc.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-383-4412 TS Consulting . . . . . . . 250-590-4144

Pre-K to Grade 12

Reading

Writing

Math

Grammar

�

The Shipley Group 1551 Pandora Ave . . . . 250-592-4342

FINANCIAL PLANNERS Hatch & Muir Certified Financial Planner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-953-8552 Hugo Donais, Sun Life Financial . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-385-1471, ext 212 Stephen Whipp Certified Financial Planner 200-2826 Bryn Maur Rd250-405-3550

REAL ESTATE SERVICES Jake Snowden, Mortgage Specialist BMO Bank of Montreal 101-735 Goldstream . . 250-882-3222 Jane Johnston, Pemberton Holmes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-744-0775 Pat Dodds, The Mortgage Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-881-4555 Verico Select Mortgage Services 205–1497 Admirals Rd 250-888-6310

Study Skills

Homework

French

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Call today, or visit oxfordlearning.com Victoria 250.477.5550 203-1595 McKenzie Ave., Victoria, BC, V8N 1A4 victoria@oxfordlearning.com

Family Resource Guide 2011/2012

15

Kathy Humphrey

Name: Emi From: Victoria My Favorite: The Train!

“I like watching on the bench for the train to come and I like the whistle … Ding-ding, choo-choo.”

NEW! Wonder Sundays (the last Sunday of every month) Afternoons of fun and discovery for the whole family. An exciting new theme each month.

www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca 16

www.IslandParent.ca

The Best Things in Life are…Cabbages S

hrek compared himself and his life to an onion—intricate, layered, and not for the faint of heart. Forrest Gump felt that life’s variety can be compared to a box of chocolates, with every choice yielding a potentially new taste and texture experience.

Chocolate is great, and onions have their place, but I call on you to consider the common cabbage. Overlooked and often spurned for its strong aroma and active influence on the intestinal tract, cabbage continues to quietly offer all the benefits of the brassica family, at pennies a pound.

Smooth and glossily celadon, duskily deep purplish red, or crinkly variegated white and jade, cabbages are beautiful inside and out. They’re a cool-weather vegetable and are locally grown, which cuts down on transport costs and is better both for the earth and for the eaters. Chopped cabbage is a good add-in to a green salad, or on tacos, giving a texture boost (as well as adding fabulous folic acid and intestinal tract cleansing fibre).

If the scent of steamed cabbage awakens genetic memories of boarding houses gleaned only from old movies and novels, toss some seeds of caraway, cumin or fennel in with the cabbage while it cooks. This neutralizes the scent and also acts as a digestive aid for the windy among us.

Cabbage can be added to scalloped potatoes, sautéed up with onions and bacon to add to perogies, or stirred into a creamy potato soup. Cabbage is great fried with Polish or Ukrainian sausage, with a bit of beer or chicken stock and plenty of black pepper stirred in.

Cabbage, like life, sits in front of us, not pushing or insisting, but waiting until we are ready to recognize what is on offer.

Cabbage reminds us that it doesn’t have to be difficult; what we need can be familiar, comfortable, and easy, too.

Cabbage & Apples 2 Tbsp vegetable oil 2 onions, sliced 2 lbs shredded red cabbage 2 Tbsp vinegar salt, to taste 1 tsp brown sugar 1 large tart apple, finely chopped 2 slices bacon 1⁄2 cup red wine 1⁄2 cup hot beef or vegetable broth Place Dutch oven on burner over medium heat; add oil, then sauté onions for about 3 minutes, or until tender. Add cabbage and vinegar. Sprinkle with salt and sugar. Add chopped apple and bacon slices. Pour in red wine and hot beef broth. Cover and simmer for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Cabbage should be tender, but not too soft.

Remove bacon just before serving; dice and return to the cabbage mixture. Taste for seasoning and add a little more salt or sugar if necessary.

Cabbage & Potato Cakes 2 cups chopped cabbage 2 cups cold mashed potato 1⁄2 onion, finely chopped 2 Tbsp butter, plus more for cooking patties salt and pepper, to taste 2 eggs, lightly beaten In medium skillet, heat butter. Sauté cabbage and onion until tender and slightly

golden. Stir into potato mixture (this is easier done using the hands) with eggs. Add salt and pepper. Press mixture into small patties (about 1⁄2 cup per patty). Heat remaining butter in skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook on each side until golden (about 2 minutes). Move to paper-towel lined platter. Serve hot.

Cold-weather Cabbage Salad 1 small red cabbage, finely chopped 2 carrots, scrubbed and grated 2 green onions, chopped 1⁄2 cup chopped parsley 1 broccoli stem, florets chopped, and stalk peeled and grated 1⁄3 cup vegetable oil 2 tsp sesame oil 2 Tbsp rice wine vinegar 1 Tbsp brown sugar salt and pepper, to taste In large bowl, mix cabbage, carrots, green onions, parsley and broccoli. In small bowl, whisk vegetable oil with sesame oil, vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper. Pour over vegetables bit by bit, until salad is dressed to your taste.

Toss and serve.

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Fried Indian-style Cabbage & Potatoes 3 Tbsp vegetable oil 1 medium onion, finely chopped 1 tsp mustard seeds 4 large potatoes, unpeeled and cut into medium dice 8 cups coarsely shredded cabbage 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced 1⁄2 tsp cumin 1⁄2 tsp turmeric 1⁄2 tsp cayenne 11⁄2 tsp salt 1 tomato, chopped, juice of one lemon Heat large skillet over medium flame. Add oil. Sauté onion and mustard seeds until seeds pop. Add potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes. Add cabbage, spices and salt. Stir to mix evenly and cook uncovered for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally until vegetables are tender and golden. Watch closely for the last 5–10 minutes to prevent over-cooking.

Just before serving, stir in tomato and lemon juice. Serve as side dish to Indian curry, or with an omelet and yogurt.

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.

For more information, including a video, visit

www.circumcisionvancouver.com

Offices in Victoria Vancouver and New Westminster

For No-Scalpel Vasectomy visit www.pollockclinics.com

1- 604-717-6200 Beatriz Contreras

Family Lawyer Family law issues require sensitivity and flexibility.

Our experienced lawyers have the expertise to manage and resolve your family law problems in a collaborative, non-confrontational manner, using mediation and excellent communication and negotiating skills to obtain the right outcome for you, resorting to litigation (the court room) only when necessary.

*Se habla español

Please contact us at 250-385-1383 Family Resource Guide 2011/2012

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SOUTH ISLAND

Education

Goldstream Co-op Preschool . . . . . . . . . . goldstreampreschool.org . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-474-3011

PRESCHOOLS & CHILD CARE

Gonzales Co-operative Preschool 2928 Eastdowne Rd . . . 250-727-1003

A Growing Place . . . . . 250-391-1133 A Secret Garden Preschool 246 Island Hwy. . . . . . . 250-380-8293 Almosthome Childcare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-391-7698 Appletree Preschool 972 Snowdrop Ave . . . . 250-479-0292 Arbutus Grove Children’s Centre 3905 Haro Rd . . . . . . . . 250-477-3731 (formerly Goosey Gander Kindergarten). Play-based, creative, active learning programs. Half day and full day preschool. www.arbutusgrove.ca.

ArtsCalibre Academy 1806 San Juan Ave. . . . 250-382-3533 Butterfly Corner . . . . . 250-381-4845 Carrot Seed Preschool 813 Claremont Ave . . . . 250-658-2331 Castleview Child Care 1075 Joan Cres . . . . . . 250-595-5355 Centennial Daycare 612 David St . . . . . . . . . 250-386-6832

Learning through Play Parent Participation Preschools 15 locations throughout Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands offering a unique educational family experience!

������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������� ������������������������������������� ����������������������� For more information

www.vicpa.org 250-598-COOP (2667) 18

www.IslandParent.ca

Footprints Academy 949 Fullerton Ave . . . . . 250-590-5540

Christ Church Cathedral Child Care & Junior Kindergarten Program 520 Niagara St . . . . . . . 250-383-5132 We provide an excellent pre-kindergarten program in an outstanding facility for children aged 3 and 4. www. cathedralschool.ca.

Chrysalis Child Care, Saanichton 6633 Oldfield Rd . . . . . 250-652-0815 CIARA Early Childhood Centre 846 Phoenix St . . . . . . . 250-386-7369 Cloverdale Child Care 3427 Quadra St . . . . . . 250-858-3095 Cordova Bay Preschool . . . . . . . . . .cordovabaypreschool.org . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-658-3441 The Cridge Childcare Services 1309 Hillside Ave . . . . . 250-995-6419 Our quality daycare, preschool and out-of-school care programs offer an environment that is safe, stimulating, nurturing and responsive to every child.

Downtown Y Child Care Centre 851 Broughton St . . . . . 250-386-7511 Emmanuel Preschool 2121 Cedar Hill X Rd . . 250-598-0573

Greenglade Early Childhood Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-656-7271 Hi5 Early Learning Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-474-7324 In the Garden Childcare Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-654-0306 International Nannies & Homecare Ltd. . . . . . . . internationalnannies.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-383-9566 Island Montessori House 5575 West Saanich Rd 250-592-4411 James Bay Child Care Society 149 Montreal St . . . . . . 250-388-9144 Jenn’s Little Bears ECE Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-478-8999 The Kid’s House . . . . . 250-727-9671 Lakehill Preschool 3821 Cedar Hill X-Rd . . 250-477-4141 Lakeview Christian Preschool 729 Cordova Bay Rd . . 250-658-5082 Lambrick Park Preschool 4205 Tyndall Ave . . . . . 250-477-8131 Lansdowne Preschool 1468 Ryan St . . . . . . . . 250-595-5223 Lexie’s Little Bears’ Child Care Inc. 1931 Millstream Rd . . . 250-590-3603 Little Acorn Child Care Centre 2629 Victor St. . . . . . . . 250-370-9103 Little Friends Childcare 40 High St. . . . . . . . . . . 250-479-3423 Metchosin Co-op Preschool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-478-9241 Miles of Smiles Licensed Childcare 525 Pearkes Rd . . . . . . 250-298-7374 Monkey Tree Daycare 250-383-0347 Montessori Educare . . 250-881-8666 Music Makers Child Care Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-294-3916 Neighbourhood Junior Kindergarten 1031 Lucas Ave . . . . . . 250-479-4410 Nightingale Preschool and Junior Kindergarten Ltd. 1340 Balmoral Rd. . . . . 250-595-7544 Oak and Orca PrePrimary School 2738 Higgins St . . . . . . 250-383-6609

Oak Bay Co-op Preschool . . . . . . . . . . . . oakbaypreschool.com 1701 Elgin St . . . . . . . . 250-592-1922 Oakcrest Preschool 3738 Cedar Hill Rd . . . . 250-472-0668 Parkdale Early Childhood Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-382-0512 Playtime Preschool 550 Obed Ave. . . . . . . . 250-383-3101 Puddles & Paints Playschool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-658-6574 Pussywillow Preschool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-474-0656 Rainbow Express Daycare 433 Kingston St . . . . . . 250-382-2314 Ready Set Grow Preschool 4421 Greentree Terr . . . 250-472-1530 Recreation Oak Bay 1975 Bee St . . . . . . . . . 250-370-7200 Rogers Preschool 765 Rogers Ave . . . . . . 250-744-2343 Ross Bay Preschool 1620 Earle St . . . . . . . . 250-383-7445 School House Teaching Supplies & Children’s Bookstore . . . . . . . . . schoolhouseteaching.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-385-9032 Simply Fun Childcare Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-881-3958 Sir James Douglas Preschool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-389-0500 Sooke Westshore Child Care Resource & Referral 105–2145 Townsend . . 250-642-5152 St. Andrew’s Catholic Preschool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-382-3815 St. Joseph’s Catholic Preschool 757 Burnside Rd West . 250-479-1232 ext. 120 St. Margaret’s Preschool & Junior Kindergarten . . . . . . . . 250-479-7171 Vancouver Island Co-operative Preschool Association . . . 598-2667 Victoria & Southern Gulf Islands Child Care Resource & Referral 2001A Douglas St. . . . . 250-382-7000 Victoria Montessori 750 Front St . . . . . . . . . 250-380-0534 VNFC Little Paws Preschool vnfc.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-384-3211 VROSCS Little Wonders Preschool 218 Helmcken Rd. . . . . 250-744-2718 View Royal Preschool 279 Island Hwy. . . . . . . 250-479-8067

Victoria’s educational community radio depends on your support Donate Securely Online Village900.ca

or mail

CKMO Radio Society 3100 Foul Bay Road Victoria, BC V8P 5J2

Hands-On Home-Learning for a Sustainable World

K-9 Distributed Learning

- constructive feedback without grading - children learn at their natural pace - unique hands-on learning activities - comparable expense budget - guidance from a certified teacher

Fully certified

250 383 6619 (1 888 383 6619)

http://oakandorca.ca 250 383 6609 Family Resource Guide 2011/2012

19

West Shore Parks & Recreation Preschool westshorerecreation.ca 250-478-8384

SCHOOL DISTRICTS Conseil scolaire francophone de la Columie-Britannique #180-10200 Shellbridge Way, Richmond . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-888-715-2200 School District #61 Victoria 556 Boleskine Rd . . . . . 250-475-3212 School District #62 Sooke 3143 Jacklin Rd . . . . . . 250-474-9800 School District #63 Saanich 2125 Keating X-Rd . . . . 250-652-7300 School District #64, Salt Spring 112 Rainbow Rd. . . . . . 250-537-5548

ON VICTORIA'S INNER HARBOUR - OPPOSITE THE PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS OPEN DAILY - CONTINUOUS SHOWS

School House Teaching Supplies & Children’s Bookstore . . . . . . . . . schoolhouseteaching.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-385-9032

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS

DESCEND BENEATH THE SEA, WATCH THE LIVE DIVE SHOW. ASK ABOUT OUR SPECIAL BIRTHDAY PARTY RATES.

www.pacificunderseagardens.com

������������������������������������������������������ OB 4357 R1 Oak Bay Marine Group Island Parent Magazine 4.625" x 2.75" revised December 10, 2008

Island Swimming

Swimming in Victoria for more than 90 years

Island Swim Skills

The quickest, most effective learn-to-swim program in Victoria

Come Join the Fun. Now offering programs at Commonwealth, Crystal, Juan de Fuca, Panorama, Naden and Sooke pools

Try Island Swim Skills now!

Call 250 479 3909 for a free trial www.islandswimming.com info@islandswimming.com 20

www.IslandParent.ca

Christ Church Cathedral School 912 Vancouver St . . . . . 250-383-5125 CCCS is Victoria’s Anglican Elementary and Middle School for boys and girls. Small classes, enriched programs, after-school care and a welcoming community. www.cathedralschool.ca.

Discovery School 4052 Wilkinson Rd . . . . 250-595-7765 Eaton Arrowsmith School 200-3200 Shelbourne St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-370-0046 The only school on Vancouver Island focusing on the potential of children with learning disabilities to improve cognitive functioning and benefit from the brain’s ability to change itself.

Come visit us!

Elizabeth Buckley School 1309 Hillside Ave . . . . . 250-995-6425 Glenlyon-Norfolk School 801 Bank St (Admissions) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-370-6801 801 Bank St (Middle Years) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-370-6803 801 Bank St (Senior). . . 250-370-6802 1701 Beach Dr (Primary) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-370-6854 Lakeview Christian School 729 Cordova Bay Rd . . 250-658-5082 Lighthouse Christian Academy 1289 Parkdale Dr . . . . . 250-474-5311 Maria Montessori Academy 1841 Fairburn Dr . . . . . 250-479-4746

Oak & Orca Bioregional School 2738 Higgins St . . . . . . 250-383-6609 Pacific Christian School 671 Agnes St (Elementary) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-479-9365 654 Agnes St (Secondary) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-479-4532

Lighthouse Academy of

DANCE

Salt Spring Centre School 355B Blackburn Rd . . . 250-537-9130 Selkirk Montessori School 2970 Jutland Rd . . . . . . 250-384-3414 South Park Family School 508 Douglas St . . . . . . . 250-382-5234 Photo: Andrei Fedorov

St. Andrew’s Regional High School 880 McKenzie Ave . . . . 250-479-1414 St. Andrew’s Elementary School 1002 Pandora St . . . . . 250-382-3815 St. Joseph’s Catholic School 757 West Burnside Rd . 250-479-1232 St. Margaret’s School 1080 Lucas Ave . . . . . . 250-479-7171 St. Michaels University School 3400 Richmond Rd . . . 250-592-2411 Jr. School 820 Victoria . 250-598-3922 St. Patrick’s Elementary School 2368 Trent St . . . . . . . . 250-592-6713 Victoria School for Ideal Education 2820 Belmont Ave . . . . 250-383-6654

Pure, pleasing, positive.

Beginner – Professional • Boys & Girls • Age 2 – Adult Ballet • Tap • Jazz • Modern • Contemporary • Creative Musical Theatre • RAD & ISTD Exam & Leisure Courses Studio 1: Royal Roads Studio 2: Victoria Blanshard New extra classes added due to popular demand!

REGISTER NOW!

250.595.8705

lighthouseballet@gmail.com www.lighthouseacademyofdance.com

West-Mont School 4075 Metchosin Rd . . . 250-474-2626

LIFE Seminars presents

Westshore Centre for Learning & Training westshorecentre.com. . 250-391-9002

1-Day, 2-Evening Sidestepping or 8-Week the Power Workshops Struggle

DISTRIBUTED LEARNING E-Bus . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-567-1236 Hands-On Home-Learning for a Sustainable World 2738 Higgins St . . . . . . 250-383-6619 Individual Learning Centre Broadmead. . . . . . . . . . 250-744-1174 Saanichton . . . . . . . . . . 250-656-4042

Inclusive Daycare, Preschool & Full-day Kindergarten/Gr. 1 Island Montessori House School is an inclusive school. We are proud to have children from a variety of economic and ethnic backgrounds as well as with a host of abilities and special needs.

5575 West Saanich Road (Across from the Red Barn Market)

250-592-4411

www.islandmontessori.com

SPACES NOW AVAILABLE Please call to book a tour

Side Stepping the For parents with children Power Struggle of any age – this course Afternoons takesTuesday the guesswork out of Octparenting 11 to Novand 29, creates 12:30–2:30pm long 1 Daypositive Workshop: lasting changes.

Side Stepping the

Wednesday Evenings Power Struggle

April Nov 2819, – 10am–4pm June 2 Saturday,

2010 The Seven Laws to Healthy Family School Boundaries Spectrum Saturday, Oct 8, 10am–4pm

7:00 – 9:30

Plus Parenting Teens, Parenting Preschoolers and One Day Seminars – see website for further details.

Juan de Fuca Distributed Learning 814 Goldstream Ave. . . 250-391-9002 Learn Now BC. . . . . . learnnowbc.ca North Island Distance Education, Courtenay nides.bc.ca . . . . . . . . 1-800-663-7925 SelfDesign . . . . . . . . . . selfdesign.org . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-877-353-3374 SIDES Distributed Learning 4575 Wilkinson Rd . . . . 250-704-4979 The Link 923 Topaz Ave . . . . . . . 250-360-4303

with Dr. Dr. Allison Allison Rees with Rees

For more information on other courses or counselling go to lifeseminars.com or call: 250-595-2649

lifeseminars.com 250-595-2649

Family Resource Guide 2011/2012

21

LEARNING CENTRES & TUTORS Academic Advantage 250-483-5496 Beacon Literacy Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-216-6008 Beyond Words Reading Support Centre, 413-1095 McKenzie Ave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-704-4399

READ Learning Centre 201-2631 Quadra St. . . 250-388-7225

Stewart College of Languages stewartcollege.com . . . 250-388-7774

Smart Tutor Referrals . . . . . . . . . . SmartTutorReferrals.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-544-1588

University of Victoria uvic.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-721-7211

Sylvan Learning Centre 1623 McKenzie Ave . . . 250-477-3212 3145 Jacklin Rd . . . . . . 250-590-6211

Congregation Emanu-El Hebrew School . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-370-1246

POST SECONDARY EDUCATION

Dyslexia Victoria Online . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . dyslexiavictoria.ca . . . . . 250-815-0950 or 250-715-3034

Angela Martin Montessori Training Centre 1841 Fairburn Dr . . . . . 250-479-4746

Karen Murdoch, Therapeutic Tutor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 778-430-3183

Camosun College camosun.ca . . . . . . . . . 250-370-3550

Kolot Mayim Reform Temple 3636 Shelbourne St . . . 250-382-7460

Canadian College of Performing Arts 1701 Elgin St . . . . . . . . 250-595-9970

KUMON Math & Reading 214-3965 Quadra St. . . 250-479-1800 103-721 Station Rd . . . 250-474-4175 10091 Resthaven Dr. . . 250-656-6696

Collége Éducacentre . 250-382-1310 Open Learning Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-663-1663

Learning Disabilities Association 1524 Fort St . . . . . . . . . 250-370-9513

Royal Roads University royalroads.ca . . . . . . . . 250-391-2511

Mosaic Learning Society 500 Admirals Rd . . . . . . 250-590-2746

Sprott-Shaw Community College 2621 Douglas St . . . . . . 250-384-8121

Oxford Learning, 203–1595 McKenzie Ave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-477-5550

22

www.IslandParent.ca

Vancouver Island School of Art 2549 Quadra St . . . . . . 250-380-3500

OTHER Alliance française de Victoria . . . . . 250-661-6942 or 250-477-5508 Connecting Cultures . . . healthandsocialdevelopment.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-920-0373 Drivewise Driving Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-475-0666 Mad Science . . . .madscience.org/vancouverisland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-391-1814 Open School BC . . openschool.bc.ca Saferway Driver’s Education 905B Esquimalt Rd. . . . 250-385-8212

SCHOLARSHIP & EDUCATION FUNDS Children’s Education Fund Inc. cefi.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-246-1203 USC Education Funds . . . . . . usc.ca

Jerri Carson

Freeze Dance Fun K

ids love freeze dance! It’s a fun, highenergy game and it’s a great activity for birthday parties, themed parties, or play dates. Besides being good exercise, freeze dance teaches children listening skills and how to follow directions. It encourages their imaginations and provides an opportunity for children to express themselves creatively through movement while listening to a variety of music.

Freeze dance is simple. All you need is a CD player, an iPod connected to speakers, or a radio. To create a dancing area, clear the room of large furniture. Turn on the music and let the kids dance around freely until the music is turned off, at which point kids are to freeze in one position, like a statue.

When the music starts again, the children begin moving again. Children love the anticipation of when the music will stop and seeing who can freeze the best.

Choose music that has a steady beat. It could be country, rock, classical or pop.

Ask the children for some of their favourite songs or choose a theme. For example, at a Halloween party, there are many fun Halloween songs such as “The Monster Mash,” “The Adam’s Family,” “Ghostbusters” and “The Purple People Eater.” There are also Halloween sound effect CDs and for young children there are CDs such as Sesame Street Halloween and Winnie the Pooh Songs and Sounds. Have the children wear their Halloween costumes while they are dancing and freezing. When the music stops, they “freeze” as big round pumpkins, creepy crawly spiders, or spooky black cats. Give small prizes to everyone for participating.

Or skip the prizes altogether and just have fun dancing.

For variety, invite kids to dance like different animals such as monkeys, frogs, or alligators. When the music stops, instruct them to freeze in the shape of their favourite animal. Or try alphabet freeze. When the music stops, call out a different letter of the

alphabet. The dancers must freeze in the shape of that letter.

“Stuffie” freeze dance is popular with young children. Give each child a small stuffie such as a teddy bear or beanie baby.

When the music stops, they must trade stuffies. There is much excitement as the children scurry around the room to trade stuffies and get ready to dance again.

Freeze dance is an excellent activity to introduce children to classical music. Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons or Mozart’s “Eine Kleine Nacht Musik” are fun to dance to while listening to orchestral sounds. Copland’s “Hoe-down” has interesting percussion effects and Chopin’s waltzes offer a chance to hear the sounds of the piano. The public library is a great source for classical music CDs. Ballet music works well, as does folk music.

Freeze dance is just plain fun and children of all ages enjoy playing the game. So, the next time your child says “I’m bored,” turn on the music and start dancing!

Jerri Carson is a primary music teacher for SD #61. She is a member of the CRD Arts Advisory Council. Jerri plays the cello in the Victoria Conservatory Cello Orchestra.

Family Resource Guide 2011/2012

23

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

We help families avoid unnecessary conflict and tension while family members adapt to new family structures.

We provide services such as: • arranging the visits • a welcoming place to exchange children without the face-to-face contact and conflict with the other parent • supervised access visits • counseling and support • flexible hours (including weekends) • referrals and community resources Phone 250-590-4114 Email info@transitionsupport.net or find us online at

s for Success

www.transitionsupport.net

school students with epilepsy

We support families pt. – May living focusing on: epilepsy with Comprehensive enges professional services

d learning strategies

participants

pilepsy education eachers Tools for Success tutoring students

N SO N ’S C E N T R E

bc.ca | help@vepc.bc.ca

VICTORIA EPILEPSY AND PARKINSON’S CENTRE 813 Darwin Avenue | 250-475-6677 www.vepc.bc.ca | help@vepc.bc.ca Supported in part by the United Way

24

www.IslandParent.ca

A Child’s Grief A

grieving child’s life is like a piece of paper upon which every passerby leaves a mark. What kind of mark would you like to leave on the life of the child whose heart and soul have been touched by the death of someone loved? (Alan Wolfelt) Children will instinctively find their way through the grief process if they are given permission to feel their feelings and work through them in their own way with the encouragement of caring, supportive adults.

They learn to grieve from the attitudes, expressions and behaviours of the significant adults in their lives.

Children need open, honest discussion about death using simple, concrete, direct, age-appropriate language, not euphemisms.

They need to feel safe enough to ask questions if they are to form a healthy attitude toward life and death. Non-verbal communication is powerful and often has more impact than words.

The big concerns for children are, “Who is going to care for me?”…“Did I cause the death?”…“Can I catch it?”

In what ways does a child’s grief look different from adults?

When children become overwhelmed with intense thoughts or feelings, they instinctively switch their focus to play as a way of regulating their emotions. They grieve in waves and the intensity, duration and frequency of these waves are not linear or predictable.

Children often do not use words to express their feelings. Instead they use play to work through and act out their grief. All this can lead adults to believe that children are not grieving.

It is helpful to remember that grieving is an internal experience whereas mourning is its external expression. A child’s age and developmental stage will affect how they grieve. If children are old enough to love, they are old enough to grieve. Even before they are able to talk they grieve when a loved one dies.

How to give support Offer children a variety of tools so they can express their grief in a way that feels right for them. Play and other expressive activities are comfortable and familiar to them and are often some of the best ways to support a child in expressing the chaotic and conflicting emotions of grief.

Some possible expressive activities: • The tactile process experienced when working with clay may help release feelings of anger that arise around death. This can prevent the anger from being stored in the body only to come out later in inappropriate or unhealthy ways.

• Miniature figures and objects can help the child create a 3-D “world” or “picture” in a sand tray. The choice of a particular miniature is often guided by an innate wisdom that we all have, allowing feelings on the inside to be expressed on the outside.

• A picture paints a thousand words and for children, actions speak louder than words. Expressive therapies give them the opportunity to work through their emotions in a safe way and can be a powerful healing agent for a grieving child.

• The use of pool noodles, a soft ball, cushions, newspaper, a cardboard box, a sport, or drawing are healthy, safe and appropriate outlets for strong emotions.

As with adults, the emotions experienced by grieving children may include sadness, frustration, anger, guilt, loneliness, vulnerability, or relief. Children also experience long periods of happiness as well. It is important to remember to reflect back and normalize their feelings—“It sounds like you feel …” Children are resilient. We must nurture their strengths and support them to deal appropriately with their grief.

There is no right way to grieve. Children need permission to grieve in ways they intuitively know are right for them. Each child is unique and will teach you what grief is like for them. Your child needs to know that they can count on you to be in their lives to love, support and listen to them.

Honestly answer all of your child’s

questions about the death. Tell them in a simple manner what happened because they need information to process the death into their world. They need to know death is permanent and irreversible. Use the words “death” and “died,” not “passed away,” “sleeping” or “lost.”

Be a good observer. Your child’s behaviour can tell you a great deal about their emotions. Re-establish routines as soon as possible. Your child needs consistency and the comfort of normal activities. Utilize your resources. Family, friends, school counsellors and Hospice can support you and your children in your journey through grief.

Common Experiences Some children show little or no emotion and may believe the person they love is coming back, as if everything is fine. Conversely, others feel scared, overwhelmed and confused. They may act out or complain of stomach aches or headaches. In their insecurity, they may become clingy. Provide your child with reassurance and comfort.

They may outwardly express strong emotions such as blame, fear, rage and jealousy by acting out inappropriately. Look for the meaning behind the behaviour and encourage the expression of emotion while setting limits on behaviour—“It is okay to be angry but it is not okay to hit your brother. It is okay to punch your pillow.”

Children sometimes blame themselves for the death. It is not helpful to dismiss or avoid discussing these feelings of guilt. Encourage your child to express their feelings and help your child understand that their thoughts or behaviours did not cause the death.

It’s a myth that children are quick to get over a loss. No one “gets over” a significant death, but they will find ways to live with it.

Children may re-visit their grief at different stages in their development as their understanding of death changes. Expressions of sadness months or years after a death has occurred requires both encouragement and support as children continue to express themselves.

“The greatest gift you can give your children is not protection from change, loss, pain or stress, but the confidence and tools to cope and grow with all that life has to offer them.” (Wendy Harpham)

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Family Resource Guide 2011/2012

25

START YOUR CHILD AT 16 MONTHS! REGISTER ONLINE NOW FOR FALL! • SPORTBALL JUNIOR (16-24mos) • PARENT&CHILD/ME&MY DAD (2-4yrs) • MULTI-SPORT (4-7yrs) • OUTDOOR SOCCER (2-10yrs) • soccer • hockey • basketball • baseball • • volleyball • tennis • golf • football • FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL: 250-590-4625 OR 1-877-590-4625 OR EMAIL: VAN.ISLAND@SPORTBALL.CA

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D A Y S C H O O L G R A D E S K -1 2 26

www.IslandParent.ca

|

www.smus.ca

B O A R D I N G S C H O O L G R A D E S 8 -1 2

JOB #S120-12276 CLIENT: SMUS INSERTION: AUGUST 2011 SHIPPING DATE: 18 JULY 2011

SOUTH ISLAND

Classes & Programs

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A Small School with a Big Embrace

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ART PROGRAMS 4Cats Arts Academy 2296 Cadboro Bay Rd . 250-598-0300 2285 Bellamy Rd . . . . . 778-430-5422 4500 W. Saanich. . . . . . 250-590-7233 Art Corner . . . . . . . www.artcorner.ca Art Gallery of Greater Victoria aggv.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-384-4171 Art School Victoria 600 Richmond Ave . . . . 250-383-5429 Artistic Statement 110-1841 Oak Bay Ave 250-383-0566 Crafty School of Art . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . craftyvictoria.com Danielle Studios 129-735 Goldstream Ave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-590-7949

“This school has so much life and joy, it felt like home very soon.”

New Student

Are you ready to push your thinking and deepen your character in an environment of social authenticity?

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Come for a visit and find out why you’ll love Island Oak, too.

5814 Banks Road, Duncan 250-701-0400

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Fiddlesticks Studio of Fine Arts for Young Children . . fiddlestickschild.ca Classes combine music, art, movement and play to provide a balanced and joyful learning experience for young children. Classes for children 2-8 years of age. Celebrating your child’s creativity!

ANADA

BC C

The Paint Box School of Art 1284 B2 Gladstone Ave 250-418-0924

VIC RIA TO

Renee Sala Studio 4118 Cabot Pl. . . . . . . . 250-881-5075

Wild Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-544-4057

CLUBS & ACTIVITIES Boys & Girls Club Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.bgcvic.org 1240 Yates St . . . . . . . . 250-384-9133 7162 West Saanich Rd 250-652-3021 410 Macaulay St. . . . . . 250-380-9250 830 Pembroke St . . . . . 250-370-5909 626 Hoylake Ave. . . . . . 250-478-0721 Girl Guides of Canada 938 Mason St . . . . . . . . 250-383-1712 Navy League Cadets navyleague.ca . . . . . . 250-565-3344.

Family Resource Guide 2011/2012

27

Royal Canadian Air Cadets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-363-8150

Boys & Girls Club . . . . 250-384-9133

Scouts Canada . . . . . . 250-888-1806

Canadian Forces Sailing Come join us! Recreational sailing for Military, DND and families. Racing, cruising, sailboat moorage, club activities, training and sailing lessons for adults and kids. cfsa.wordpress.com.

Check the site for events, sailing and social activities.

DANCE SCHOOLS Allegro Performing Arts 8695 Emard Terr . . . . . . 250-656-8910 Arabesque Dance Studio dancearabesque.ca.. . . 250-595-3107 Arthur Murray Dance School 206-2504 Government St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-220-8426 Boston Dance Collective 110-2750 Quadra St. . . 250-658-1818

Byte Camp. . . . . . . . . . 250-661-3358

Crafty School of Art & Design 2440 Richmond Rd . . . 250-592-5075 Glenlyon-Norfolk Marine Adventure Program. . . . . . . . . . . . 250-370-6852

Broadstreet Dance . . . 250-519-0555

FUN Camps, Eco-Superheros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . funcamps.ca

Cabri Creative Dance… and Art Too . . . . . . . . . . CabriCreativeDance.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-360-2667

Hands On Summer Camp/ Sign Language 1309 Hillside Ave . . . . . 250-995-6425

Centrepoint Dance School 1468 Ryan St . . . . . . . . 250-592-4260

Kids Klub Centre. . . . . 250-881-1223

dansko Studios Inc. est. 1993 4814 W. Saanich Rd . . . 250-475-6606 Island Dance Studio 1201 Fort St . . . . . . . . . 250-532-1244 Lighthouse Academy of Dance . . . . lighthouseacademyofdance.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-595-8705 MoonDance Dynamic Arts School MoonDanceArts.ca. . . . 250-743-5846 O’Brien School of Irish Dance 1234 Esquimalt Rd . . . . 250-598-4778 Pacific Dance Centre 5182 Cordova Bay Rd . 250-477-6114 Stages Performing Arts School 301 - 1551 Cedar Hill X Rd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-384-3267 Veselka Ukrainian Dancers 3277 Douglas St . . . . . . 250-475-1174 Victoria School of Contemporary Dance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-383-7183 Westcoast Academy of Performing Arts 1359 McKenzie Ave . . . 250-415-1477 Whitespace Dance . . . . . . . . . . . . whitespacedance.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-858-9659

SUMMER DAY CAMPS (See also “Recreation Centres”) Badminton Victoria. . . 250-881-1881

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Christ Church Cathedral School 912 Vancouver St . . . . . 250-383-5125 Passion Sports passionsports.ca . . . . . 250-208-2822 Pedalheads 2827 Belmont Ave . . 1-888-886-6464

Screen Actor’s Studio 845 Fisgard St . . . . . . . 250-595-1339 Young Actor’s Conservatory. Film & TV training for children, teens and adults.

Est. 1980. www.screenactors.ca; email screenact@shaw.ca.

GYMNASTICS Falcon Gymnastics Centre 208–721 Vanalman Ave 250-479-6424 * Ongoing registration. * Classes for boys and girls. * Ages 20 months and up. * Beginner through advanced. * Teen and adult drop-in. * The best birthday parties in town. * Newly renovated birthday rooms * www.falcongymnastics.com.

Island Rhythmic Gymnastics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-216-6296 Lion’s Pride Gymnastics 1060 Henry Eng Place . 250-383-3547 Victoria Gymnastics 2051 Store St . . . . . . . . 250-380-2442 Victoria Rhythmic Gymnastic Club victoriarg.com. . . . . . . . 250-888-5801

Science Venture . . . . . 250-721-8661

LIBRARIES

SMUS Education Extension Summer Challenge Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-370-6120

Greater Victoria Public Library Bruce Hutchison Branch 4636 Elk Lk Rd . . . . . . . 250-727-0104 Central Library 735 Broughton St . . . . . 250-413-0365 Central Saanich Branch 1209 Clarke Rd. . . . . . . 250-652-2013 Emily Carr Branch 3500 Blanshard St . . . . 250-475-6100 Esquimalt Branch 1231 Esquimalt Rd . . . . 250-414-7198 Goudy Branch 119-755 Goldstream Ave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-391-5702 Juan de Fuca 1759 Island Hwy. . . . . . 250-391-0653 Nellie McClung 3950 Cedar Hill Rd . . . . 250-477-7111 Oak Bay Branch 1442 Monterey Ave . . . 250-592-2489 Saanich Centennial Branch 3110 Tillicum Rd. . . . . . 250-477-9030

Soccertron . . . . . . . . . 250-475-3777 YM/YWCA 880 Courtney St . . . . . . 250-475-3777

DRAMA PROGRAMS Four Seasons Musical Theatre . . . FourSeasonsMusicalTheatre.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-478-0329 Kaleidoscope Theatre 3130 Jutland Rd . . . . . . 250-383-8124 Kaleidoscope Performing Arts Studio offers year-round professional theatre training for the whole family. No matter your age or experience, we have a dynamic and challenging theatre class for you. Call us about Acting, Musical Theatre, Acting for the Camera and Performance classes today. www.kaleidoscope.bc.ca.

Kate Rubin Theatre & Drama Studio katerubintheatre.com . . 250-386-8593

Vancouver Island Regional Library Sidney-North Saanich Branch 10091 Resthaven Rd . . 250-656-0944 Sooke Branch 2065 Anna Marie Rd. . . 250-642-3022

MARTIAL ARTS Canada’s Best Karate Town & Country . . . . . . 250-475-2234 Gordon Head . . . . . . . . 250-472-3101 Westshore. . . . . . . . . . . 250-590-6019 CMATS Martial Arts #110-2728 Spencer Rd 250-298-8000 Pacific Shizen Aikido . 250-370-6042 Submissions 101 Gym 102-1821 Cook St . . . . 250-686-1400 Ueshiba Aikido . . . . . . 250-818-0284

������ Performing Arts School since 1980

s e s s a l C e c c h o o l Da n and up

Pre -S for ages 15 months

Parent & Tot Classes Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, Song & Dance, Combo Classes, and Cre ati ve Dance

Victoria Aikido Centre 690 Sumas St . . . . . . . . 250-381-2454

MUSIC Amati String Studio . . 250-590-0126 BC Registered Music Teachers Association . . . . . . . . . 250-370-2551 Blue Octopus Violin blueoctopus.ca. . . . . . . 250-858-1787 Fiddlesticks Studio of Fine Arts for Young Children . . fiddlestickschild.ca Classes combine music, art, movement and play to provide a balanced and joyful learning experience for young children. Classes for children 2-8 years of age. Celebrating your child’s creativity!

Even the lit tlest angel can dance

For more information call 250-384-3267 or visit us at www.stagesdance.com

Greater Victoria Youth Choir gvyo.org . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-360-1121 Guitar in Motion . . . . . 250-217-2316 Harmonious Family Singers & Choir . . . . . . . . . . harmoniousfamilychoir.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-385-SING (7464) Larsen Music larsenmusic.ca . . . . . . . 250-389-1988 Musica Dei Bambini, Victoria Suzuki Piano School vsps.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-385-8355 Music Together . . . . . . 250-217-2477 Musical Flutes . . . . . . . . . musicalflutes@yahoo.com

COMPREHENSIVE FAMILY DENTISTRY

Musicalia 165 Cook St . . . . . . . . . 250-595-1040

family centered practice

Oak Bay Piano Studio 250-380-1702

extended hours evenings and weekends

Paul O’Brien Guitar Instructor paulobrien.ca . . . . . . . . 250-480-0330

the latest equipment and caring staff

Sarah Thompson . . . . 250-474-1178

request an appointment online

South Island Studio 1905 Davie St . . . . . . . . 250-592-3501

saanichdentalgroup.com 119–1591 McKenzie Ave, Victoria

250 477 7321

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Family Resource Guide 2011/2012

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Teach Musicians Piano Studio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-588-1849

SEAPARC Leisure Complex, Sooke 2168 Phillips Rd . . . . . . 250-642-8000

Tom Lee Music #105-2401D Millstream Rd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-838-5222

West Shore Parks & Recreation westshorerecreation.ca 250-478-8384 Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre and Centennial Centre offer a variety of programs for Preschoolers, school age and teens, plus drop in swimming, skating, child minding & more.

Victoria Children’s Choir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-721-0856 Victoria Conservatory of Music 907 Pandora Ave . . . . . 250-386-5311 Viva Youth Choirs 3703 St. Aidan’s St . . . . 250-472-2655

RIDING

RECREATION CENTRES

Forward Equestrian & Wellness Centre 6309 Old East Rd . . . . . 250-588-2583

Archie Browning Sports Centre 1151 Esquimalt Rd . . . . 250-414-7103

Harrison School of Horsemanship 1570 Wain Rd . . . . . . . . 250-544-0737

Cedar Hill Recreation Centre 3220 Cedar Hill Rd . . . . 250-475-4121

Westside Stables 6404 Central Saanich . . 250-652-1462

City Centre Park citycentrepark.ca . . . . . 250-391-1738 Crystal Pool & Fitness Centre 2275 Quadra St . . . . . . 250-361-0732 Swimming lessons for all ages and abilities; 50m pool with waterslide, two kids’ pools and sauna/steam rooms; full fitness facilities and wellness programs. www.victoria.ca/recservices.

Esquimalt Parks & Recreation 527 Fraser St . . . . . . . . 250-414-8500 Gordon Head Recreation Centre 4100 Lambrick Way . . . 250-475-7100 Henderson Centre 2291 Cedar Hill X Rd . . 250-370-7200 Panorama Recreation Centre 1885 Forest Park Dr . . . 250-656-7271 Pearkes Recreation Centre 3100 Tillicum Rd. . . . . . 250-475-5400 Recreation Oak Bay recreation.oakbay.ca . . 250-595-7946 Saanich Commonwealth Place 4636 Elk Lake Dr . . . . . 250-475-7600 Salt Spring Island Recreation 145 Vesuvius Bay Rd . . 250-537-4448 Save On Foods Memorial Centre 1925 Blanshard St . . . . 250-361-0732 Passport to skating lesson programs for all ages and abilities; special events and theme skates; youth and sports programs; rental opportunities for ice/dry floor/meeting rooms. www.victoria.ca/arena.

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SCIENCE/NATURE BC SPCA Humane Education Dept. spca.bc.ca/youth . . . . . 250-686-1581 CRD Parks Programs 250-478-3344 Gorge Waterway Discovery Centre Gorge Park . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-7585 Mad Science . . . . . . . . 250-391-1814 Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary 3837 Swan Lake Rd . . . 250-479-0211

SPORTS PROGRAMS Boardworks Diving 4636 Elk Lake Dr . . . . . 250-479-0330 Gorge Rowing and Paddling Centre 105-2940 Jutland Rd . . 250-380-4669 Greater Victoria Junior Field Hockey 3670 Kathleen St . . . . . 250-384-5499 Hampton Little League Hampton Park . . . . . . . 250-385-0022 Highland Pacific Golf 450 Creed Rd . . . . . . . . 250-478-4653

Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . piseworld.com 4371 Interurban Rd . . . 250-220-2510 Pacific Coast Swimming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-727-9243 PacificSport Synchro 250-881-1471 Passion Sports passionsports.ca . . . . . 250-208-2822 Peninsula Figure Skating Club pfsc.homestead.com . . 250-652-0663 Piranhas Swim Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . sidneypiranhas.com Racquet Club of Victoria Skating Club . . . . . racquetclubofvictoria.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-704-0160 Royal Victoria Yacht Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-592-6113 Saanich Skating Club 250-479-1094 or . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-595-1077 Sportball sportball.ca. . . . . . . . . . 250-893-1476 Non-competitive sports instruction for kids 16 months to 10 years old.

Victoria Minor Hockey Association . . . . . . . . . . . . victoriaminorhockey.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-592-5841 Victoria Track and Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-744-2982 Victoria Volleyball Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .vvball.net Victoria Youth Paddling Club vypc.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-744-2189 Westshore Motocross Assoc.

2207 Millstream Rd . . . 250-590-8088 The Island’s family riding destination.

2-km dirt bike course. Drop-in riding year round. Learn to Ride Program (includes bike, gear & lesson). www. westshoremx.com.

OTHER Andrea’s Sew Easy . . . 250-592-7879

Island Swimming . . . . 250-479-3909

Chatterblock . . . . . chatterblock.com

Lakehill Soccer Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . lakehillsoccer.com Ages 4-18, co-ed, year round soccer

Harumi Ota, Pottery . . 250-477-4531

Oak Bay Figure Skating Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-396-4007

ChildsPlay . . . . . . childsplay101.com Victoria German Language School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-886-1420 Victoria Mandarin . . . . 250-896-1748

Jessica Duncan

Teach Your Kids Without Them Noticing A

s a teacher, I have always maintained that the bulk of a child’s education occurs at home, and anything the child learns at school is icing on the cake. Don’t get me wrong—school is a wonderful place for kids to develop social skills and good study habits, and to collect a pocketful of fascinating facts that will stick with them for the rest of their days. But it is the learning at home that can determine how successful a student will be at school. I am by no means suggesting you sit down with your child every day to do sums or write essays.

This extension of the classroom often leads to rebellion. There are many enjoyable ways to teach your child without her ever noticing that’s what you’re doing. Here are just a few examples of fun ways—fun being the operative word—you can help your child with basic schoolwork.

1. The internet is teeming with interactive learning games. You can practice anything from addition to alliteration and have fun while learning. Google is your friend! Type in exactly what you want, for example “Interactive subtraction games for Grade 2,” and check out your many options. Don’t forget to bookmark the sites you like best.

2. If your child needs help with addition, play a game I call “Target 100.” You say a number and your child must add the correct amount to hit 100. Too difficult for your child? Make it “Target 10” or Target 20.”

Feel free to use a 100 square or a number line if your child needs a visual aid. Pitch it at your child’s level and build on it once he’s beating the pants off you.

3. Nothing says multiplication like a pile of Smarties. If you want to avoid rotting teeth and sugar highs, keep the Smarties hypothetical. I like to use the image of Smarties because they are brightly coloured, easily pictured and, hey, who doesn’t love a fistful of Smarties? You can pose a problem to your child such as, “I have 3 Smarties, you have 3 and Jane has 3. How many do we have all together?” This game also works for division, of course. “I have 9 Smarties and there are 3 of us. If I divide them evenly, how many Smarties do we each get?” These

imaginary sweets are a wonderful tool for teaching the commutative property of multiplication and division in technicolour.

4. On the theme of Food Children Love To Eat, fractions are easily taught with drawings of pizzas or, my personal favourite, chocolate bars that are conveniently divided into neat little squares, fractions of the whole bar. Let your child decide which fraction of the illustrated junk food she gets and what fraction is left for you.

5. Many children find reading difficult. If your child happens to be one of those who struggle to decipher our crazy language, reading homework can be a nightmare for the whole family. In this situation it helps to break the assignment down to make reading less daunting. Try reading to him and just getting him to identify the occasional word. Start with easy words. Ask your child to count how many times the word “home” appears on the page. Can he find all the “magic”—or silent—“e” words?

Take turns reading sentences. Discuss the pictures. Cuddle up and have fun.

6. Repetition inevitably leads to successful learning. Whether your child is learning the five times table or how to spell “igh” words, the more you practice with her, the more the concept will sink in. This doesn’t need to be boring. Make up songs or rhymes or rhythms. Draw pictures. Create a dance.

Singing math facts is far more enjoyable than merely trying to memorize them, and your child will find herself singing her way to an “A” on her next test.

A little bit goes a long way. Take things slowly, really engage with your child and try to make learning an enjoyable experience for both of you. If you are both having fun, your child will never even notice that teaching has just taken place.

Jessica Duncan is a professional educator who runs Love Learning Private Tutoring Services. She plays and teaches Celtic fiddle music, and writes a weekly blog (Meeno Nothing’s Book of Perpetual Befuddlement). She is also the mother of two beautiful daughters.

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Dayna E. Mazzuca

Mama’s Rules for the Roost S

ometimes, when I have time for such thoughts, I wonder what type of parent I am. Do I fall into author Amy Chua’s camp of being the model Tiger Mom? Do I keep a tight enough rein on my offspring, ensuring they keep their place at the top of the heap? Or am I more like what’s known as the Elephant Mom—nurturing, close-athand, tribal and bordering on overbearing?

Perhaps I’m akin to what’s called the Raven Mom, dropping off my kids at daycare or with other responsible adults and flying off to pursue my own fulfilling child-free career.

If I had to choose what type of parent I am, I’d say I see myself not as a Tiger, Elephant or Raven, but as an old-fashioned Mother Hen. A mother hen with a few simple rules for her chicks—five rules to keep my brood alive, healthy and full of love. Here are my

Five Back-to-Basics Rules that my kids know by heart and that serve my family well. I call them Mama’s Rules for the Roost.

Mama’s Rules for the Roost are in addition to the everyday, apply-with-calmconsistency rules we all know work: brush your teeth, hang your coat on the peg, and put your toys back in the basket. Please and thank you. You know the routine.

They are one step up from the more nervestraining relational rules: don’t punch your sister, tantrums equal chair-time, and it’s okay to lose a game. These take a toll on parent and child alike, but are necessary to the household’s emotional stability.

Mama’s Rules for the Roost are the big picture rules. They are the ones that hold true throughout life and will be there to guide my children when I’m not. They’re also pretty basic, which means anyone

can apply them, even a small child (or a Mother Hen).

Mama’s Rule No. 1. “Don’t panic.” It’s the first rule of crisis management. Don’t panic, is a good thing to remember when faced with a crisis of any size or shape. When we’re lost trying to find a new address, I ask my kids, “What’s Rule No. 1?” They respond in chorus, “Don’t panic.” When one of them feels overwhelmed because they’re tired, hungry, mad or fill-in-the-blank, I ask, “What’s Rule No. 1?” When they’re sad, frustrated or melting down? Don’t panic.

Sounds simple, but this handy rule suggests there is someone in control. Someone at the helm. Someone trustworthy who will not fall asleep at the wheel. Don’t panic, it’s all right. That’s a strong message to get hold of at a young (or old) age.

Mama’s Rule No. 2. “What’s Rule No. 2?” I ask my daughter when she can’t do something for her independent, determined, growing self. “Ask for help,” she says with a sigh, handing over the elastic bands, or the tape and scissors, or the knife sticky with peanut butter. Yes, ask for help. Why not?

This rule lays a foundation of appropriate dependency. Ask for help, not for someone to do something for you that you can do yourself, but for help in doing something you

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can’t quite do yet. It’s a lesson in growing humility that is a great counter-balance to a hyper-independent age.

Mama’s Rule No. 3. “Know where to hide.”

My children cover their face with both hands when repeating Rule No. 3. If the first two rules didn’t quite work out, and there’s real reason to panic and there’s no one around trustworthy enough to ask for help, then know where to hide, or who to call.

Know where to hide means know how to find a safe place, either physically or emotionally. It means knowing not all situations are safe or within your power to change.

Rule No. 3 teaches kids how to seek shelter.

This is a good rule that balances out cultural messages that nothing and nowhere is off limits. In fact, it’s very good to know your limits, to take a time out, to be in a quiet place and experience safekeeping.

Mama’s Rule No. 4. Once you’re in the quiet place remember who loves you. When you’re busy shutting out the noise and distractions of the world, remember who loves you. Your safe place is not a place of denial or fear.

It’s a place of refuge and love. When you’re really upset, or scared about something, or simply feeling overwhelmed—remember who loves you.

Mama’s Rule No. 5. Finally, “open your heart,” sing my children, spreading their arms wide. This is a great rule. When you’ve been hurt, or rejected, or have failed at something or other—and who hasn’t?—it’s important not to shut down. Instead of closing your heart to new people or places, keep an open heart. There is no place you can go where love will not follow. Open your heart means don’t let it break beyond repair. Don’t let the disappointments and setbacks of life have the final word. Try, try again.

These are Mama’s Rules for the Roost.

When opportunities arise, these are the heart-felt things I try and teach my chicks as they find their way in the world. My kids have grown up with them, but each year adds a new level of meaning for them, and for me.

Don’t panic. Ask for help. Know where to hide. Remember who loves you. Open your heart. Five time-tested rules that are hard to outgrow. Thankfully, some things are just meant to last, like old Mother Hens.

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Dayna Mazzuca is a Victoria-based writer and mother of two energetic children. Not a strict parent by nature, she finds a few simple rules make the difference between a chaotic day—and a calm one everyone can enjoy.

Family Resource Guide 2011/2012 4A25CE43-630A-08A1F1.pub page 1

Tuesday, June 02, 2009 18:15 Composite

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Erin Skillen

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Food Un-Incorporated I

knew I should see the documentary “Food, Inc.” but to be honest, I’d been hiding from it since 2009. I’d heard it was going to be hard to watch, so fear kept me away.

And then the universe conspired.

I don’t watch Oprah often, but I caught a segment where she was talking about the film. And it was fascinating. A couple of days after that, the documentary itself was on and I saw parts while making dinner (!), but had to turn it off to eat. I’d seen enough, though, to convince me I had to watch the whole thing. So I borrowed it from the library and left it on my coffee table as the fear persisted. And that’s when a crazy weekend changed my relationship with food.

It began on a Friday afternoon with a trip to Costco. I’d never had a membership before, but I’d received one as a gift and was bursting to try it out. Once we got there, my excitement wavered. I was nearly run over multiple times by people hurrying in and out of the store, their massive shopping carts like mini-tanks.

my eyes a few times. But I am so grateful to have seen it. It told me more about food issues I’d been superficially aware of, and explored them with down-to-earth intelligence and urgency. Most startling to me as a mom was the story of a woman whose two-year-old son died from eating a hamburger containing e-coli. I cried as she told her story, thinking about my seven-monthold son who had tried turkey for the first time the day before. I was officially on full alert—food safety and sustainability became a top priority.

Saturday morning my husband, baby and I went to the Moss Street Market. Usually I only buy jam, dog treats and those yummy mini-donuts. This time I was on a mission to get fruits, veggies and other local, organic food. It was a beautiful, sunny day and it felt so good to be outside enjoying it. While most people seemed to have the same eagerness to get what they needed as the Costco shoppers had, the energy was different. The market shoppers and vendors were happy and courteous. Yes, the food

As I fought my way through the aisles I fully lost my excitement when I realized there were very few eco-friendly and/or organic products on hand. Sure, I could get a bag of chips the length of my torso, but organic ketchup was nowhere to be seen. Really, though, why had I expected anything else?

That night, fully disgusted by the big box experience, I sat down to watch “Food, Inc.” Yes, it was hard to watch and I had to close

was more expensive, but that’s because it wasn’t subsidized, genetically modified or soaked in pesticides. What I was spending in extra money, I would be gaining in health and peace of mind.

Sunday, my husband and I had to go to our nearby grocery store to grab some items we couldn’t get at the market. Despite a recent renovation and expansion, the organic produce section was pathetically small and primarily stocked with items from

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California. It even offered green onions all the way from Mexico. Nearby, they had non-organic options that were from B.C. So I stood there weighing the cost to the environment versus the cost to my health.

In the end I picked the non-organic produce from B.C., but I resented having to make the choice in the first place, especially during the best growing season of the year.

Things were better in the dairy section, and we found free-range organic eggs, organic milk for my husband and organic almond milk for me. But the meat section was depressing. I tried to find some organic turkey that had been raised and killed humanely. All the labels could tell me was that it was grain-fed. Who cares?

What’s in the grain? What kind of living conditions were they in while being fed this grain? Were they injected with anything? I was discouraged.

As consumers, we have a lot of power if we choose to exercise it. Sure, it takes a little time, but when you weigh the short-term inconveniences with the long-term benefits, it makes sense to make some demands and some changes. After the grocery shop, I went home and e-mailed the store, asking them to offer better local, organic food. In the meantime, I’m exploring other options.

I’m taking better care of my own veggie garden, as I intend to become increasingly reliant upon it. I plan to become a regular at local markets. And I’m investigating other options for buying cruelty-free, organic, local foods without blowing my family’s budget. It’s hard for parents who work and have all the other responsibilities of life and kids to make time for these things. But the safety and health of the food we eat needs our attention, or the corporate machine will continue to dominate and force-feed us cheap, poor-quality Frankenfood.

And yes, I realize that my family and I could become vegans who only eat food from within a 100-mile radius. But that isn’t going to happen for us, or the majority of families. We need changes in the mainstream, and for many that includes meat, dairy, and the occasional trip to McDonald’s when the fridge is as empty as the parental energy reserves. If you haven’t seen “Food, Inc.” please do. And then start your own food revolution on the shelves of your fridge and cupboards.

Erin Skillen is a mom, writer and TV producer in Victoria. She admits to using a fast food drive thru with the Food, Inc. book sitting on her passenger seat.

Family Resource Guide 2011/2012

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2011/2012

Generously Sponsored by

and

Annual Family Events Visit www.islandparent.ca for updated monthly event listings OCTOBER 2011 Culture Days in Centennial Square. Face-painting, maritime-themed activities, finger/foot and wall balloon painting, button making, origami boat races, instrument petting zoo, free fitness and dance lessons and much more.

October 1 & 2, 11am-3pm. www.victoria. ca/culturedays.

Carnival of the Animals at the Victoria Conservatory of Music. Can you waltz with the elephants and hop with the kangaroos?

Orchestral instruments and storytelling are combined to create a concert experience that is a hit with young audiences. Musicians will perform right on the floor, interacting with the children during the performance. After, children can try out the instruments and meet the musicians. Pre-concert activities start at 2:30pm. October 8, 3-5pm. 250-386-5311. www.vcm.bc.ca.

Anne of Green Gables at Sid Williams Theatre in Courtenay. Presented by Rainbow Youth Theatre, this full-scale family musical is brought to life by a talented all-ages cast, with seasoned performers and rising stars. October 14-22. www.rainbowtheatre.com.

Ultimate Hobby and Toy Fair at Pearkes Arena.

Tons of vendors with items for sale including action figures, vintage toys, models, trains, comics and much more. Silent auction for the MS Society. Special charity carnival with proceeds going to the BC Children’s Hospital.

Costume contest—dress up and you could win.

Free door prize with admission. October 16. www.cherrybombtoys.com

Nanaimo Pumpkin Festival at the Vancouver Island Exhibition Grounds. Great pumpkin weigh off, children’s costume contest, $1 hayrides, free pumpkin carving, face painting, Farmer’s Market, concession stand and more.

October 16, noon-4pm. www.nanaimopumpkinfestival.com.

Halloween Train at BC Forest Discovery Centre. Beware the Halloween Train. Ride the steam train through ghostly scenes and past scary Halloween characters. Children will enjoy trick or treating and Halloween crafts, and haunted houses for those who dare! Spooky exhibits and live Halloween music in main gallery. Train leaves every 30 minutes between 3-8:30pm (except at 4:30pm).

October 28-30, 2:30-8:30pm. 2892 Drinkwater Road, Duncan. 250-715-1113. www. discoveryforest.com.

Roll Play Live Animal Party at the Cowichan Theatre in Duncan. Based on the TV series, this will inspire kids to sing and dance along to their favourite music from Roll Play October 27, 6:30pm. 250-748-7529. www.cowichantheatre.bc.ca.

The Halloween Howl at Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre. A costume party for little ghosts and goblins. For 2-5 year olds. October 30 11:30am-1pm. $17/child. 250-478-8384.

Halloween Spooktacular at Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre. Witches, ghosts and goblins will love this spooktacular party filled with games, prizes and spooky fun. October 30, 2-3:30pm. $17/child. 250-478-8384.

the topper to your Thanksgiving

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The Victoria Symphony Presents The Magical Music of Disney at the Royal Theatre. Images and music from early classics to recent releases will take audiences on a musical journey to far-off places where the stories, tales and myths of many cultures have originated. October 27, 2pm; October 28 & 29, 8pm; October 30, 2:30pm. 250-386-6121. www.rmts.bc.ca.

Roll Play at the McPherson Playhouse. Based on the popular TV series, Roll Play Animal Party will inspire kids to sing and dance along to their favourite music. October 28, 6:30pm.

250-386-6121. www.rmts.bc.ca.

Magical Music of Disney at the Cowichan Theatre in Duncan. Featuring the Victoria Symphony performing music from early classics to recent releases. 1:30pm. 250-748-7529. www.cowichantheatre.bc.ca.

Enchanted at Heritage Acres. Heritage Acres transforms into a Halloween wonderland, accented by glowing, handcrafted lanterns, carved pumpkins and spooky decor. Costumed performers, live music, interactive Halloween crafts, projections and artistic installations.

Train rides, decorated trick or treat trail, games, kids’ crafts and seasonal refreshments.

October 28 & 29, 5-9pm; October 30, noon5pm. www.enchantedhalloween.com.

NOVEMBER 2011 Countryside Christmas at Chemainus Theatre. This musical revue is filled with classic Christmas songs of yesterday as well as comedy sketches in the style of Tim Conway and Carol Burnett. It’s a warm nostalgic holiday treat.

dinner fixings

November 11-December 31. 1-800-565-7738. www.chemainustheatrefestival.ca.

A Midsummer Nights Dream at the McPherson Playhouse. A multimedia adaptation by Roderick Glanville. November 25-December 3. www.kaleidoscope.ca. 250-386-6121.

DECEMBER 2011 Holiday Light Up at Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre Lounge. Welcome the festive season with this warm and cozy family event. We’ll light up our Christmas trees and decorations, and you can make and take home some of your own decorations. Bring a donation to the food bank, enjoy a mug of hot chocolate, and you’ll be ready to go home and deck your own halls. December 1, 5:30-7:30pm. $15/person.

250-478-8384.

Alberta Ballet’s The Nutcracker at the Royal Theatre. A Christmas tradition—and a lifetime of memories. Dec 2 & 3, 7:30pm; Dec 3 & 4, 2pm. 250-386-6121. www.dancevictoria.com.

Candy Cane Capers at Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre Lounge. Our festive celebration will feature a special guest and tons of fun. Lots of activities and games to put your preschooler in the festive spirit. Each participant will receive a candy cane treat from a certain Ho, Ho friend. This is a parent participation event.

For 3-5 year olds. December 10, noon-1:30pm. $15/person. 250-478-8384.

JANUARY 2012 Mini Masterpieces at the Metro Studio Theatre. Four short adaptations of classic stories aimed at different grade/reading levels. Each classic story lasts approximately 15 minutes.

January 15. www.kaleidoscope.bc.ca. 250386-6121.

The Laughing Symphony with Norman Foote at the Royal Theatre. From Beethoven to Old MacDonald, Norman Foote takes audiences on a light-hearted symphonic adventure. Engaging songs, clever arrangements and Norman’s gentle sense of humour make this show an exciting and original experience that never fails to bring the house down with laughter

and applause. January 22, 2:30pm. 250-3866121. www.rmts.ca.

FEBRUARY 2012 Hansel & Gretel at the Metro Studio Theatre.

What could be better than a fairy tale told in song? This opera is full of lively tunes, fast-paced fun, comical characters and a few added surprises. Perfect for young audiences (kindergarten to Grade 7). February 19. www. kaleidoscope.bc.ca. 250-386-6121.

Magic Stone Soup at Malaspina Theatre at VIU in Nanaimo. February 11, 1pm. 250754-7587. www.theatreone.org.

MARCH 2012 The Wind in the Willows at the Metro Studio Theatre. This popular play brings to life the adventurous escapades of the four friends that live under the willow tree. Their hilarious attempts to keep Mr. Toad out of trouble, and the untrustworthy Weasels at bay, make for a great theatrical event. March 4. www. kaleidoscope.bc.ca. 250-386-6121.

Strike Force 4! at the Royal Theatre. The percussion players bring out all their big instruments for Strike Force 4! The Victoria Symphony’s own Principle Percussionist Karl Williams and Principle Timpanist William Linwood, along with percussionist Masako Hockey and Robert Pearce, take audiences through an exciting program of music from Beethoven to African drumming, demonstrating all the noises people make and the rhythms people dance to around the world. March 4, 2:30pm. www.rmts.ca. 250-6121.

Hansel & Gretel at Malaspina Theatre at VIU. What could be better than a much loved fairy tale told in song? This fully staged and costumed opera has been adapted for students and families. March 17. 250-754-7587. www. theatreone.org.

APRIL 2012 The Three Musketeers at the Metro Studio Theatre. The audience members are invited into the show to play the main parts. The

resulting excitement and spontaneity creates a hilarious experience for all and forms a perfect introduction to the classics. April 15. www. kaleidoscope.bc.ca. 250-386-6121.

Sleeping Beauty at Malaspina Theatre at VIU in Nanaimo. Audience members are invited into the show to play the main parts. The resulting excitement and spontaneity creates a hilarious experience for all. April 21 at 1pm.

250-754-7587. www.theatreone.org.

The Music of Harry Potter at the Royal Theatre. There is symphonic sorcery going on!

The world of witches and wizards come to the stage with an all-new magical tale filled with imaginative costumes and dramatic lighting, set to the music of Harry Potter. Join in on the fun by dressing up as your favourite Hogwarts character. April 29, 2:30pm. www.rmts.ca.

250-386-6121.

JULY 2012 Canada Day celebrations at various locations on July 1. Check www.kidsinvictoria.com for events listing.

ONGOING Behind the Scenes at the Royal BC Museum.

The museum has turned inside out with a year-long feature exhibition of BC’s amazing natural history. Get up close and personal with thousands of specimens you’ve never seen before, a separate virtual exhibition, and activities for the entire family. Free for members and children under 5. www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca.•

Baked Chicken Fingers with Honey Mustard Sauce Kids of all ages will love these easy to make chicken fingers where you control the quality of ingredients that go into them. thriftyfoods.com Family Resource Guide 2011/2012

37

SOUTH ISLAND

Family Fun & Entertainment Dr. Ellen Laine

Doctor of Chiropractic

Care for Babies, Children, Women During Pregnancy and Families • • • • •

Headache, jaw pain Neck, shoulder and arm pain Upper back, mid back and low back pain Hip, leg, knee and foot pain May help with Colic, Asthmatic Conditions and Ear Infections • Posture and Spinal Checkups

202 – 1770 Fort St

595-3989

FESTIVALS & FAIRS Festival de la francophonie francocentre.com . . . . . 250-388-7350 Fringe Festival . . . . . . 250-383-2663 Luxton Pro Rodeo. . . . 250-478-4250 Saanich Fair 1528 Stellys X Rd . . . . . 250-652-3314

NATURE Beacon Hill Children’s Farm Beacon Hill Park . . . . . . 250-381-2532 CRD Parks crd.bc.ca/parks . . . . . . 250-478-3344 Galey Farms Corn Maze & Market 4150 Blenkinsop Rd . . . 250-477-5713 Glendale Gardens & Woodland 505 Quayle Rd . . . . . . . 250-479-6162

Victoria Independent Film & Video Festival 1215 Blanshard St . . . . 250-389-0444

INTER-GENERATIONAL ACTIVITIES

Goldstream Park Nature House 3400 Trans Canada Hwy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-478-9414

Harmonious Family Singers & Choir . . . . . . . . . . harmoniousfamilychoir.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-385-SING

Gorge Waterway Discovery Centre Gorge Park . . . . . . . . . . 250-380-7585

MUSEUMS

Mineral World & Scratch Patch, Sidney 9891 Seaport Pl . . . . . . 250-655-4367

Craigdarroch Castle Historical Museum 1050 Joan Cres . . . . . . 250-592-5323 www.thecastle.ca. British Columbia’s “must see” attraction is located a short drive or a leisurely walk from the downtown harbour. We offer a fun family experience with I Spy maps for the children. Ask about our Christmas program and school tours at group rates.

Craigflower Schoolhouse & Manor 2790 Shoreline Dr. . . . . 250-383-4627 Fort Rodd Hill & Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites of Canada 603 Fort Rodd Hill Rd. . 250-478-5849 The Maritime Museum of BC 28 Bastion Square . . . . 250-385-4222

www.IslandParent.ca

Saanich Historical Artifacts Society 7321 Lochside Dr . . . . . 250-652-5522

Geocaching Families of Victoria Treasure-hunting adventures for families with children under 18. Special events and geocaching 101 seminars.

Membership $20/year/family. Join us at meetup.com.

Victoria Dragon Boat Festival 3651 Shelbourne St . . . 250-704-2500

BC Aviation Museum, Sidney 1910 Norseman Rd . . . 250-655-3300

38

Royal BC Museum 675 Belleville St . . . . . . 250-356-7226

Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre 9811 Seaport Pl . . . . . . 250-665-7511 Victoria Bug Zoo 631 Courtney St . . . . . 250-384-BUGS Welcome to the Amazing world of insects and arachnids! It’s fun, educational and interactive for “kids” of all ages. Open year round. www.bugzoo.com Victoria Butterfly Gardens 1461 Benvenuto Ave . . 250-652-3822

THEATRE & ART Art Gallery of Greater Victoria 1040 Moss St . . . . . . . . 250-384-4101 Cinecenta, Student Union Building @UVic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-721-8365 Dance Victoria . . . . . . 250-595-1829

Greater Victoria Youth Orchestra www.gvyo.org. . . . . . . . 250-360-1121 IMAX Theatre 675 Belleville St . . . . . 250-953-IMAX Intrepid Theatre Company #2-1609 Blanshard St . 250-383-2663 Kaleidoscope Theatre 3130 Jutland Rd . . . . . . 250-383-8124 Pacific Opera Society 250-385-0222 Victoria Operatic Society #10-744 Fairview Rd . . 250-381-1021 Victoria Symphony #610-620 View St . . . . . 250-385-9771

OTHER

Highland Pacific Golf . . . . . . . . . . . highlandpacificgolf.com 450 Creed Rd . . . . . . . . 250-478-4653 Mattick’s Farm Mini Golf 5325 Cordova Bay Rd . 250-658-4053 Miniature World 649 Humboldt St . . . . . 250-385-9731

The “BEST” way to cloth diaper your child.

Pirate Adventures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pirateadventures.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-858-7535

(except the baby!)

Tumblebums Play Centre & Toy Shop 133-735 Goldstream Ave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-474-PLAY

We Supply Everything You Need

HAPPY ISLAND DIAPERS are • Affordable • Environmentally friendly • Form fitted • Elasticized legs (non-latex) • Adjustable plastic snaps • No rinsing or soaking

Wild Play Element Parks West Shore . . . . . . . . 1-888-856-7275

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Centre of the Universe, Dominion Astrophysical Observatory 5071 West Saanich Rd 250-363-8262

Hatley Park National Historic Site 2005 Sooke Rd. . . . . . . 250-391-2666

an

All Fun Recreation Park 2207 Millstream Rd . . . 250-474-1961

City Centre Park 1089 Langford Parkway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-391-1738

Ha

Four Seasons Musical Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-478-0329

Ask about our GREAT referral program

www.happyislanddiapers.com 1-866-922-7377

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HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 2 BORN TO BE WILD & SEA REX: JOURNEY TO A PREHISTORIC WORLD

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Science Works

Victoria’s Hands-On Science & Nature Store

For Kids

For Adults

• Educational Toys • Science Kits • Capsela • Kites • Stomp Rockets

• Telescopes • Guide Books • Chimes • Microscopes • Crystals

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

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

Family Resource Guide 2011/2012

39

Morgan Dhanowa & Irene Rathbone

New Mom State of Mind N

Child, Youth & Family Community Health South Island Health Units Esquimalt Gulf Islands

250-519-5311 250-539-3099

(toll-free number for office in Saanichton)

Peninsula Saanich Saltspring Island Sooke Victoria West Shore

250-544-2400 250-519-5100 250-538-4880 250-642-5464 250-388-2200 250-519-3490

Central Island Health Units Duncan Ladysmith Lake Cowichan Nanaimo Nanaimo Princess Royal Parksville/Qualicum Port Alberni Tofino

250-709-3050 250-755-3342 250-749-6878 250-755-3342 250-755-7855 250-947-8222 250-731-1315 250-725-2172

North Island Health Units Campbell River Courtenay Kyuquot Health Ctr ‘Namgis Health Ctr Port Hardy

250-850-2110 250-331-8520 250-332-5289 250-974-5522 250-949-3100

www.viha.ca/prevention_services/

40

www.IslandParent.ca

ews of the birth of a healthy baby spreads fast! These days the announcement no longer has to wait for a newspaper notice or a phone call during waking hours, as technology makes it easy to share the excitement quickly—photos and all. At any hour of the day or night, we can e-mail, text, post on Facebook, tweet and even send a link to a helpful breastfeeding or parenting website.

For many new mothers, however, getting to know the new baby while keeping connected with friends and family can be tricky.

A mother can sometimes lose confidence during the early weeks with her new baby because it might be harder for her to focus and communicate.

“I am forgetting how to spell” and “I always have to ask ‘Can you repeat that?’” were some of the new moms’ laments at a recent Mom-and-Baby group meeting that caused laughter and a shared understanding.

So just what is happening to make it seem hard to remember simple things, or to put words together and communicate?

Dr. Christine Smillie, a pediatrician and breastfeeding specialist, says the hormone oxytocin affects a mother’s body and is a big cause of this shift in thinking and processing, at least for a while. Dr. Smillie explains these effects in a presentation called The MotherBaby Dance—the Right Brain Connection.

Normally, adults use both their left and right brains at the same time when communicating. The left brain is the language and logic centre, analyzing and solving problems, reasoning, following directions and using language to communicate. At the same time, the right brain is busy picking up non-verbal cues, giving us gut feelings, and helping us learn as we do something.

When a new mother’s brain is flooded with oxytocin, it becomes right-brain dominant.

This had led some mothers to say they have lost their ability to have adult conversations and stay focused. One mother in the group called the experience mush-brain.

While a bit unsettling, this right-brain activity is important in helping mothers to learn their babies’ cues. It also makes mothers want to touch and interact with their babies. This works very well for the babies because they are right-brain dominant until about three years of age. Researchers call this

“affective synchrony.” It helps babies cope with stress and regulate their emotions and behaviour, and it is a perfect communication match with their mothers.

Mothers at the group meeting said that this normal and short-term change in thinking and communicating made it hard at times for them to explain their feelings and sift through all the new things they needed to learn. They also said what helped was having a chance to talk, be heard and share information.

For some mothers, today’s technology provides that instant connection—a chance to talk and a sense of being heard. Texting a friend while nursing, or posting a comment on Facebook allows many women to stay connected to their circle of family and friends. Spelling challenges don’t matter as much. Brief contacts can give important emotional support. However, relying on technology for getting consistent and valid information can be more of a challenge.

Most mothers said they found it helpful to continue to discuss their questions with their health care provider.

This year’s World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) World Breastfeeding Week theme is all about communication— supporting, learning and sharing experiences across generations, genders, cultures and sectors. WABA understands how hard it can be to sift and sort through so many sources of information, so to help it created a website called The Breastfeeding Gateway.

This website (breastfeedinggateway.org) serves as a direct link to good sources of breastfeeding information. It also offers a way to connect with others. The hope is that it will become a gateway to breastfeeding advocacy, research, and awareness as it happens, in real time!

With so many options today for communicating with each other, we can hopefully continue to celebrate and find time for those right-brain communications—the hugs, smiles, shared laughter and words of support that nurture mothers as they nurture their babies.

Morgan Dhanowa and Irene Rathbone are Lactation Consultants and Vancouver Island Health Authority Public Health Nurses who work in the south Island.

SOUTH ISLAND

Party Planning ACTIVE PARTY PLACES Falcon Gymnastics 208–721 Vanalman Ave 250-479-6424

Par-T-Perfect par-t-perfect.com . . . . . 250-386-5867

Retail Products ART & CRAFT STORES

Lion’s Pride . . . . . . . . . 250-383-FLIP

Beadworld 63–560 Johnson St . . . 250-386-5534

Mr. Tubbs Ice Cream Parlor & Family Fun Zone 2207 Millstream Rd . . . 250-590-4369

Island Blue Print 905 Fort St . . . . . . . . . . 250-385-9786

Recreation Oak Bay recreation.oakbay.ca . . 250-595-7946 Victoria Gymnastics 2051 Store St . . . . . . . . 250-380-2442

ENTERTAINERS & CLOWNS Mad Science . . . .madscience.org/vancouverisland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-391-1814 The Puppet Booth. . . . 250-472-3546 puppetbooth.homestead.com. Hassle-free entertainment for children and families. You provide the space, we bring an hour of entertainment.

Suitable for birthdays, preschools, schools and more.

MUSEUM/MOVIE IMAX Theatre 675 Belleville St . . . . . 250-953-IMAX Maritime Museum 28 Bastion Square . . . . 250-385-4222 SilverCity 3130 Tillicum Rd. . . 1-888-3FAMOUS

SCIENCE/NATURE Undersea Gardens 490 Belleville St . . . . . . 250-382-5717 Victoria Bug Zoo 631 Courtney St . . . . . 250-384-BUGS

PARTY SUPPLIES/PLANNING A Piece of Cake Children’s Parties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-715-0286 Funtime Inflatables. . . 250-474-0597 Jump Up Inflatables 778-678-JUMP Lizzy Lee & Me 3655 Shelbourne St . . . 250-590-5568 Piñatas Party pinatasparty.com . . . . . 778-440-1767

Knotty by Nature Fibre Arts .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . kbnfibres.ca

BICYCLES Fairfield Bicycle Shop 1275 Oscar St . . . . . . . 250-381-2453

Bubba Loo Children’s Boutique 2410 Beacon Ave, Sidney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-655-7270 Cat & Fiddle Kids . . . . . . . . . . . . . catandfiddlekids.com Clothesline Clothing Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-479-0800 Eco Bambini Planet Store . . . . . . . . . . . . ecobambiniplanet.com Finn & Izzy 2259 Oak Bay Ave . . . . 250-592-8168 Frontrunner Footwear 1200 Vancouver St . . . . 250-382-8181 Good Planet Baby Company 764 Fort St . . . . . . . . . . 250-590-3500 Gymboree Mayfair Centre . . . . . . . 250-388-5437

North Park Cycle 1725 Quadra St . . . . . . 250-386-2453

Hemp & Company 1102 Government St . . 250-383-4367 422 Craigflower Road. . 250-412-0880

Oak Bay Bicycles 1990 Oak Bay Ave . . . . 250-598-4111

Hip Baby 104A-560 Johnson St. . 250-385-8020

BOOKS

JamTots Baby & More Store 748 Goldstream Ave. . . 250-478-1737

Bolen Books 111–1644 Hillside Ave . 250-595-4232

J’s & M’s Shoes & Handbags jandmshoes.com . . . . . 250-589-3645

Chapters 1212 Douglas St . . . . . . 250-380-9009

Lil Sweet Nancy’s Uptown Centre . . . . . . . 250-995-2748

Children’s Bookshop 2442 Beacon, Sidney . . 250-656-4449

Little Treasures Children’s Consignment 1606 Stanley Ave . . . . . 250-590-4228

Fables Cottage Children’s Bookstore, Saltspring 112 Hereford Ave . . . . . 250-537-0028 Ivy’s Book Shop 2188 Oak Bay Ave . . . . 250-598-2713 Munro’s Books 1108 Government St . . 250-382-2464 Tall Tales Books 795 Fort St . . . . . . . . . . 250-590-3032 School House Teaching Supplies & Children’s Bookstore . . . . . . . . . schoolhouseteaching.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-385-9032

CLOTHING

Little Sweetie Clips . . . . . . . . . littlesweetieclips.etsy.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-282-0024 Mini-Miracles Children’s Clothing minimiracles.ca. . . . . . . 250-478-6331 Mothering Touch Centre & Birth Services, 975 Fort St . . 250-595-4905 Nature’s Grace Organics naturesgrace.ca . . . . . . 250-544-8867 NoZone Clothing Company 2001 Douglas St . . . . . . 250-472-2247 Persnickety For Kids, Salt Spring PersnicketyKids.ca. . . . 250-931-0091

Abby Sprouts 3011 Gosworth Rd . . . . 250-294-8978

Rainy Day Play 320-3980 Shelbourne St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-590-5639

Abra Kid Abra 2024 Oak Bay Ave . . . . 250-595-1613

Rockbebe rockbebe.com . . . . . .250-477-ROCK

Baggins 110–561 Johnson St . . 250-388-7022

Sailor Jack 424 Craigflower Rd. . . . 250-382-5225

Blue Bear Aware Allergy Awareness Clothing bluebearaware.com . . . 604-760-5573

Scallywags 624 Fort St . . . . . . . . . . 250-360-2570 777 Royal Oak Dr . . . . . 250-360-2520 Family Resource Guide 2011/2012

41

TJ’s The Kiddies Store 3045C Douglas St . . . . 250-386-2229 WIN Resale Shops 1803 Cook St . . . . . . . . 250-389-2203 785 Pandora Ave . . . . . 250-361-9303 174-160 Wilson St . . . . 250-412-0369

COMPUTERS Restart Computers 847 Yates St . . . . . . . . . 250-995-3020 Swift Kick Computers . . . . . . . . . . .swiftkickcomputers.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-999-1024

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS Allison Piano 2328 Government St . . 250-384-3935 Larsen Music 1808 Cook St . . . . . . . . 250-389-1988 Long & McQuade Musical Instruments 756 Hillside Ave . . . . . . 250-384-3622 Tom Lee Music #105-2401D Millstream Rd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-838-5222

Orange Frog Studio Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . OrangeFrogStudio.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-893-3764 Rebecca Wellman Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-480-8756 Sheri Jackson Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . sherijacksonphoto.ca TD Lang Photography 250-857-3334 Véronique da Silva Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-514-9544

SHOPPING CENTRES TOYS

Hillside Shopping Centre 1644 Hillside Ave . . . . . 250-595-7154

Toes ’n Taps 1733 Cook St . . . . . . . . 250-480-0017

Buddies Toys 2533 Estevan Rd . . . . . 250-595-6501 2496 Beacon Ave, Sidney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-655-7171

FABRIC & SEWING

Cat & Fiddle Kids . . . . . . . . . . . . . catandfiddlekids.com

Satin Moon Quilt Shop 1689 Government St . . 250-383-4023

Kaboodles Toy Store 1320 Government St . . 250-383-0931

Sawyer’s Sewing Centre #201-3400 Douglas St 250-388-6228

School House Teaching Supplies & Children’s Bookstore . . . . . . . . . schoolhouseteaching.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-385-9032

WestShore Centre 2945 Jacklin Rd . . . . . . 250-474-3269

Science Works 1889 Oak Bay Ave . . . . 250-595-6033

SPECIALTY STORES

DANCE SUPPLIES

HAIR SALONS Lizzy Lee & Me 3655 Shelbourne St . . . 250-590-5568

HOME DECOR/FURNITURE Cat & Fiddle Kids . . . . . . . . . . . . . catandfiddlekids.com Dreamland Kids 3194 Douglas St . . . . . . 250-381-5437 TJ’s The Kiddies Store 3045C Douglas St . . . . 250-386-2229

Timeless Toys . . . . . . 250-598-TOYS Tumblebums Play Centre & Toy Shop 133-735 Goldstream Ave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-474-PLAY

PHOTOGRAPHERS Beth Hayhurst Photography bethhayhurst.com . . . . 250-896-0766

HOME RENOVATION

Blue Sky Photography blueskyphoto.ca . . . . . . 250-220-9268

Habitat for Humanity Victoria ReStore . . . . . . . . habitatvictoria.com 849 Orono Ave . . . . . . . 250-386-7867

BK Studios Designer Photography 1028 Fort St . . . . . . . . . 250-381-4739

MATERNITY

fotoart Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . fotoartphotography.net

Bellies in Bloom Maternity 104-4489 Viewmont Ave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-479-0803

Heather Armstrong Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-391-4784

Cat & Fiddle Kids . . . . . . . . . . . . . catandfiddlekids.com La Mama Maternity & More 1010 Broad St . . . . . . . 250-388-3977 Mothering Touch Centre & Birth Services, 975 Fort St . . 250-595-4905

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Fisheye Photography 250-383-0564

Image Art Photography Johanne Hémond . . . . . 250-472-8436 Jennifer Jonker Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-858-6280 Karen McNeil Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-888-7856 The Light Within Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-589-2534

Mattick’s Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . 5325 Cordova Bay Rd Mayfair Shopping Centre 3147 Douglas St . . . . . . 250-383-0541 Tillicum Centre 3170 Tillicum Rd. . . . . . 250-381-7123 Westside Village Shopping Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172 Wilson St

Christmas Village 1323 Government St . . 250-380-7522 Mabels Labels. . . . . bevan.mabel.ca Rocky Mountain Soap Company Mayfair Shopping Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-382-7070 Scratch Patch/Mineral World 9808 Seaport Pl, Sidney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-655-4367 Soccerworld 831 Vernon Ave . . . . . . 250-475-3777

OTHER Better Business Bureau 220–1175 Cook St . . . . 250-386-6348 Cleaner Planet Soap Nuts . . . . . . . . . . . . www.cleanerplanet.ca Hazpro Environmental LiveAsbestosFree.com 250-891-4977 Safe T Sleep safetsleep.com . . . . . . . 250-585-8956 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-267-3781 The Savvy Squirrel Coupon Book . . . . . . . . . SquirrelCouponBook.com Two Knights Carpet Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-619-9385

Family Restaurants & Food Markets

Oct 5 Oct 12 Oct 19 Oct 26

Auntie Winnie Twiggly Wiggly Let’s Make Music & Move Tickles the Clown

HOME DELIVERY Island Farms . . . . . . . . 250-360-5222 Lunchalicious Food Services lunchalicious.ca . . . . . . 250-588-7616 Recipes to the Rescue . . . . . . . . . . . . recipestotherescue.ca Share Organics 1885 St. Ann St . . . . . . 250-595-6729

MARKETS

PERFECT ILY FOR FAM S A W GETA Y

9 housekeeping cottages

Country Grocer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . countrygrocer.com Lifestyles Market #180-2950 Douglas St 250-384-3388 343 Cook St . . . . . . . . . 250-381-5450 9769 5th St, Sidney . . . 250-656-2326 Market on Yates 903 Yates St . . . . . . . . . 250-381-6000 Planet Organic Market #109-3995 Quadra St. . 250-727-9888 Share Organics . . . . . . 250-595-6729 Thrifty Foods thriftyfoods.com . . . . . . 250-544-1234

RESTAURANTS ABC Country Restaurant 2900 Douglas St . . . . . . 250-995-1200 3233 Maple St . . . . . . . 250-590-5856 Green Cuisine 5–560 Johnson St . . . . 250-385-1809 Ooh La La Cupcakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . oohlalacupcakes.ca

Year-round getaway on Mayne Island 250-539-2463 • 1-877-535-2424 bluevista@bluevistaresort.com • www.bluevistaresort.com

LAKEHILL SOCCER Players Wanted!

2011–2012 FALL/WINTER REGISTRATION • Soccer for everyone from 5 to over 50 • Saturday morning soccer for boys and girls ages 4 to 8 every week at Braefoot Park from September – March • Additional player development and training provided!

registration@lakehillsoccer.com www.lakehillsoccer.com

Pizzeria Prima Strada . . . . . . . . . . pizzeriaprimastrada.com 230 Cook St . . . . . . . . . 250-590-8595 2960 Bridge St . . . . . . . 250-590-4380 Red Robin 800 Tolmie Ave . . . . . . . 250-386-4440 Serious Coffee . . seriouscoffee.com The Old Spaghetti Factory 703 Douglas St . . . . . . . 250-381-8444

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Child Care Choices W

hether you work full-time, a few hours a week or have other outside commitments, choosing child care is an important decision. You want to ensure your child is in a safe, caring and stimulating environment, with plenty of opportunities to learn and grow every day. You also want an open, positive relationship with your child’s caregiver(s).

Good child care providers: • Understand how children grow and develop • Provide children with a stimulating environment and many ways to learn • Know how to respond to a child’s emotional needs • Work with you and listen to your concerns • Want to help your child reach any goals that you have set.

A good child care setting: • Is clean, safe and has a small number of children per staff member • Has staff who are professionally qualified, fully immunized, and have had security checks • Has areas for indoor and outdoor play • Has a quiet space for rest or naps • Is smoke-free, both outside and inside • Has regular but flexible routines that include a variety of activities appropriate for your child’s age • Has a variety of toys and equipment • Serves nutritious meals and snacks • Allows you to drop in, unannounced, for short periods of time.

What is the difference between a centre-based and home-based program?

Provinces and territories regulate and license centre-based and home-based child care programs in Canada.

Centre-based programs must be licensed and, depending on your province/territory, must employ trained staff. Centres must meet health and safety qualifications and standards set by the province or territory.

Home-based programs don’t need to be licensed. Some home-based providers do, however, choose to be licensed and supervised by provincial/territorial home child care agencies. Often these agencies are run by local municipalities. Home44

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based programs provide a more flexible, less structured environment, and might be next door or down the street.

Unlicensed home-based programs are often just as good as licensed ones, but your child is not protected by provincial regulations, such as those related to fire safety and playground equipment standards. The best ways to ensure your child will get quality care is to visit during operating hours and talk with parents whose children are already enrolled. You’ll need to do the things that a licensing agency would do, such as asking for a valid police check and ensuring the provider has taken safety precautions in the child care environment.

What about part-time care?

Many centre- and home-based providers offer part-time care, but if you only need care for a portion of the day or week, you may want to consider other options. Some families choose a combination of different types of care. For example: • If you work part-time or have a flexible schedule, you might consider playgroups or nursery school • Sharing a nanny with another family • In-home care by a family member for part of the day, and nursery school for the other part.

If you choose to go with more than one type of care, keep the following in mind: • If your child has to be taken to several different places each day, you’ll all be exhausted.

• Avoid having more than a couple of arrangements in your child’s schedule.

• Try to avoid frequent changes to your child’s daily routine.

• No matter where your child goes, make sure the care is high-quality.

• Pay close attention to your child. Is she comfortable and happy in each situation? Does she seem to be learning and growing well?

How do I find the right child care?

Start your search early. Here are some questions to get started: • What kind of care would suit your child’s age and temperament?

• What hours do you require care?

• Do you have more than one child who needs care?

• What fee can you afford? Are you eligible for a government subsidy?

• Do you prefer a centre-based setting or a home-based setting, and do you prefer licensed or unlicensed care?

• Would it be more convenient near your home or close to work?

• To help you find child care listings in your community, check: • Provincial/territorial government websites for child care centres • Yellow Pages under Child Care or Day Care • Your municipality’s website • Local child or family service offices • Local not-for-profit agencies and community information centres • With friends in your area.

Once you have found a few potential caregivers or centres, phone them or check out their websites to answer some basic questions. Plan to visit the ones that fit your criteria.

Questions to ask caregivers: 1. Is your facility or home child care licensed, or is your home child care supervised by an agency?

2. Can I drop by unannounced to see my child? If the answer is no, ask why.

3. How long have you been a child care provider?

4. What are your qualifications, or the qualifications of your staff?

Does everyone have CPR and first-aid training, and have they had security checks? Ask to see the certificates and police checks.

5. How many full- and part-time staff members does your facility have? If it is a home-based child care, will anyone else have access to the children?

6. How much does it cost? Are there any additional charges?

7. Will I be charged if I am late picking up my child?

When you visit: • Look carefully to see if the centre or home is clean and safe • Watch and listen to the activity around you. Do children move and play freely?

• Pay attention to how comfortable the children seem to be in the environment • Observe how the caregivers interact with the children

• Ask to see the spaces where the children eat, play, and sleep • Ask to see the outdoor play spaces • If the provider is home-based, ask to meet any other family members who may have contact with the children.

Before making a decision, check references and talk to parents whose children have been enrolled for a while. Once you’ve made a decision, ask for a contract to clarify fees, receipts and method/frequency of payment, hours of care, vacation and illness policies, and any other issues that might be relevant.

How can I prepare my child to start in child care?

It could take your child a few days or weeks to adjust to a new situation. While this is perfectly normal, you should watch for signs of a bad fit or if your child is unusually fearful about going to child care.

Plan a gradual transition into child care a few weeks before your return to work so things are familiar before your child’s first full day.

This will be an emotional time for both you and your child. Allow yourself and your child the time you need to adjust.

Talk to your child each day about his experience so you have a sense of how well it’s going.

How can I maintain a good relationship with our child care provider?

Let your provider know how you prefer to communicate (by e-mail, phone, in writing, or through conversation).

Tell your child care provider about any difficulties your child is having at home, for example, if she isn’t sleeping or eating well, or is having any trouble with behaviour. Let caregivers know if there are any changes that might cause your child to feel stressed or worried.

Voice any concerns right away to keep communication open and your expectations clear.

Ask for a menu schedule so your family meals can complement what your child eats in the child care setting.

Respect your caregiver’s illness policy. If your child feels poorly, stay home or make arrangements for alternative care.

Respect your caregiver’s personal time.

Don’t be late for pick-ups.

From the Canadian Paediatric Society. For more information, visit www.caringforkids. cps.ca.

Norman Foote comes to the Island with his concert for all ages!

November 15th, 2011: Port Theatre - Nanaimo, BC November 16th, 2011: Isabelle Reader Theatre - Langford, BC November 17th, 2011: Cowichan Theatre - Duncan, BC January 22nd, 2012: with the Victoria Symphony Featuring songs and comedy from his Juno winning CD “Love My New Shirt”

www.normanfoote.com Family Resource Guide 2011/2012

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Self-Guided & Guided Tours Cranberry Café & Gift Shop Fresh Cranberries Over 40 Farm Made Cranberry Products

Open 7 days a week 11–5 4532 Yellow Point Road, Ladysmith 250.245.5283 See yellowpointcranberries.com for more information yellowpointcranberries@shaw.ca

Family Getaways Beach Acres Resort is the perfect spot for rest, relaxation and rediscovering the fine art of conversation with family and friends. Enjoy beachfront, ocean view or forest cottages and townhouses with full kitchens and fireplaces. Plan a quiet autumn weekend getaway for two, a spring family reunion, or a week at the beach in the summer with the kids, and enjoy the way life was meant to be! 1-800-663-7309. www.beachacresfamilyfun.com.

Bring your family to Blue Vista Resort and start a new tradition. Located steps from Bennett Bay and the Gulf Islands National Reserve with its beaches and shoreline walks on Mayne Island, this Tourism BC Approved Accommodation has been catering to families for over three decades. With nine individualized housekeeping cottages to choose from and a quiet lawn with barbecues, picnic tables and a children’s play area, this small family-run resort invites you to join a tradition many families have been enjoying for years. Cabins start at under $100/night. Visit www.bluevistaresort.com for rates and details.

Capernwray Harbour Bible Centre provides a stunning island setting for summer retreats and conferences. In May and June, school groups enjoy the challenge of participating in the Outdoor Education Packages on offer.

Special interest groups including artistry guilds, reunions and church denominations receive attentive and friendly service to make their time away a memorable event.

The Holiday Bible Weeks during July and August provide families with solid practical Bible teaching amidst a holiday setting. Call 1-888-224-5681 for more information.

Comfort Inn and Suites. Tucked away on Victoria’s quiet, picturesque Gorge Waterway, our Victoria hotel is just minutes from Downtown Victoria and major attractions.

You’ll enjoy the many amenities such as our large, heated outdoor pool, deluxe healthy continental breakfast, outdoor patio overlooking the water, and on-site guest laundry. We’re dedicated to making your stay

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in Victoria truly comfortable. 101 Island Highway. 250-388-7861, 1-800-661-4043, info@comfortinnvictoria.com.

Affordable family holidays—year round!

For a fun family holiday that won’t break the bank, check out the camping and outdoor adventures at Horne Lake Regional and Provincial Park. Open year round, we have spectacular beach campsites and a wide variety of daily activities: canoe & kayak rentals, cave exploring, a “Family Amazing Race,” rock rappelling and camping in a giant-size Teepee. For the easiest camping holiday, the all-inclusive Family Adventure Camps fit the bill. We provide everything—all you need to do is bring the family. This park also offers award winning summer adventure camps.

Located just north of Qualicum Beach and voted the “Best Natural Outdoor Site in BC”

by Attractions Canada. www.hornelake. com or call 250-703-6051.

Kye Bay Guest Lodge & Cottages in Comox.

A popular family-oriented beach vacation spot since 1932, this location offers miles of sandy beaches with warm, safe swimming. The tidal pools are filled with small fish and fascinating sea life. The lawn offers places to curl up to read, sunbathe or play lawn games. The accommodations provide a comfy home base. Join us on the seaside terrace for Sunday pancake breakfast and Friday’s High Tea. For a week you’ll never forget, call toll free 1-866-658-6131. www. kyebay.com.

Park Sands Beach Resort is a family-oriented RV park and campground located downtown on the sandy shores of Parksville Bay beside the Community Park with its fabulous playground, water-spray park and BMX/skateboard park. Families have been coming here for generations to enjoy the wide expanse of sandy beach, the surrounding natural beauty, numerous recreation opportunities like hiking, biking and golf, and our central location, which makes for easy day trips to other Island destinations. www.parksands.com.•

If you have kids… and you like camping… try Park Sands Beach Resort this summer!

WOW! Explore Horne Lake RV PARK & CAMPGROUND

• Lakefront Camping • Spectacular Caves • Canoe/Kayak Rentals • Teepee Camping • Family Adventure Camps

A quiet, family place – on the beach – in Parksville.

www.parksands.com 1.877.873.1600

1-888-285-PARK (7275) online reservations:

www.hornelake.com

Training for Full Time Christian Service Regardless of Occupation!

Leadership Through Servanthood by Christ’s Indwelling, Resurrection Life.

Practical Bible Teaching Genesis to Revelation: Christ Revealed in the Written Word.

CAPERNWRAYIsland ParentSetp2011 1

11-09-16 1:32 PM

Family Resource Guide 2011/2012

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COWICHAN VALLEY

Mill Bay, Shawnigan Lake, Duncan

Family Support COMMUNITY CENTRES Shawnigan Lake Community Centre 2804 Shawnigan Lk Rd 250-743-1433

COUNSELLING Canadian Mental Health Association 371 Festubert St. . . . . . 250-746-5521

Cowichan Youth Services Inc 103–80 Station St . . . . . 250-748-3875 Drop-in resource centre offering employment counselling, job board, resume preparation and more.

New Parent Resources MIDWIVES/DOULAS/ PRENATAL SERVICES Beautiful Birth Prenatal & Doula beautifulbirth.ca . . . . . . 250-597-2770 Cowichan Birthwise . . 250-748-8493

Valleyview Treatment Centre #27-1400 Cowichan Bay Rd Cobble Hill . . . . . . . . . . 250-743-9395

PHARMACIES Valleyview Peoples Drug Mart 26-1400 Cowichan Bay Rd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-743-1448

OTHER Curves, Mill Bay C-845 Deloume Rd. . . . 250-743-5255

PHYSIOTHERAPY South Cowichan Physiotherapy 59-1400 Cowichan Bay Rd, Cobble Hill . . . . . . . . . . 250-743-3833

Central Vancouver Island Crisis Society, Cowichan . . . . . 250-748-1133

Cowichan Midwifery Group 164 Station St. . . . . . . . 250-709-2040

Community Options Society 200 Cowichan Way. . . . 250-748-0232

PUBLIC HEALTH (VIHA)

Education

Cowichan Family Life 250-748-8281

Duncan 202–394 Duncan St . . . 250-709-3050

PRESCHOOLS & CHILD CARE

Duncan Mental Health & Addiction Services. . . . . . . . . . . . 250-709-3040 South Vancouver Island Assessment & Resource Service 305–394 Duncan St . . . 250-746-6900

GRIEF SUPPORT

DIAPER SERVICES Happy Island Diaper Service . . . . . . . . . . happyislanddiapers.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-866-922-7377

Cowichan Valley Child Care Resource & Referral, Duncan 5356 Clement St. . . . . . 250-746-4135

NEW PARENT SUPPORT

Kindercottage Nursery, Sunrise Waldorf School 4344 Peters Rd. . . . . . . 250-743-7253

Rainbows, Duncan 371 Festubert St. . . . . . 250-746-5521

Aboriginal Infant Development Program, Duncan 5768 Allenby Rd . . . . . . 250-746-6184

PARENT SUPPORT

Infant Development Program 202-394 Duncan St . . . 250-709-9092

Cowichan Family Life Association 2C–2753 Charlotte Rd . 250-748-8281 Parent Support Circle Shawnigan Lake . . . . . . 250-384-8042 The Representative for Children and Youth rcybc.ca . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-476-3933

SPECIAL NEEDS & DISABILITY SUPPORT

Island Mother . . . . . . . 250-737-1687

Health & Wellness DENTISTS

Cowichan Valley Association for Community Living 5856 Clements St. . . . . 250-746-4135

Dr. Luc Magne, Duncan 207-435 Trunk Rd. . . . . 250-701-9900

Early Intervention Team 202–394 Duncan St . . . 250-709-9022

MEDICAL CENTRES

YOUTH SERVICES

Margaret Moss Health Centre, Duncan, 675 Canada Ave . . 250-709-3050

Community Options Society 200 Cowichan Way. . . . 250-748-0232

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Angel Care Christian Preschool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-746-5919

Coleman Medical, Duncan 186 Kenneth St. . . . . . . 250-746-4102

Grannies on Call . . . . . 250-729-5401

Little Peoples Early Childhood Academy, Shawnigan Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250-929-KIDS Maple Tree Play House Licensed Family Childcare . . . . . 250-746-5060 Parkside Academy Early Learning Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-746-1711 Queen Margaret’s School Junior Kindergarten . . . . . . . . 250-746-4185 Sunrise Waldorf School, Kindercottage Nursery . . . . . . . . 250-743-7253

SCHOOL DISTRICTS School District #79 2557 Beverly St . . . . . . 250-748-0321

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS Brentwood College School 2735 Mt. Baker Rd . . . . 250-743-5521 Duncan Christian School 495 Beech Ave . . . . . . . 250-746-3654

Dwight International School 2371 East Shawnigan Lake Rd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-929-0506 Evergreen Independent School evergreenbc.net . . . . . . 250-743-2433 Island Oak High School, Duncan 5814 Banks Rd . . . . . . . 250-701-0400 Queen Margaret’s School, Duncan 660 Brownsey Ave . . . . 250-746-4185 Queen of Angels Catholic School 2085 Maple Bay Rd . . . 250-746-5919 Shawnigan Lake School 1975 Renfrew Rd . . . . . 250-743-5516 Sunrise Waldorf School 4344 Peters Rd. . . . . . . 250-743-7253 sunrisewaldorfschool.org. A fully certified Waldorf School estabilished in 1980. Our 7 acre rural campus is located in Cowichan Station, just south of Duncan. Programs include Parent & Child mornings, preschool, mixed age kindergartens and Grades 1-8.

DISTRIBUTED LEARNING E-Bus . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-567-1236 Hands-On Home-Learning for a Sustainable World . 1-888-383-6619 North Island Distance Education, Courtenay 110–1742 Cliffe Ave . 1-800-663-7925 South Island Distance Education 4575 Wilkinson Rd . . . . 250-704-4979 SelfDesign . . . . . . . . . . selfdesign.org . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-877-353-3374

LEARNING CENTRES & TUTORS Sylvan Learning Centre 213–80 Station St . . . . . 250-746-0222

POST SECONDARY EDUCATION Sprott-Shaw Community College . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-748-2700

Classes & Programs ART PROGRAMS Studio for Expressive Arts Therapy 216-80 Station St . . . . . 250-701-0713

CLUBS & ACTIVITIES Boys & Girls Club, Duncan 2471 Beverly St . . . . . . 250-748-1171 Girl Guides 321 Cairnsmore St . . . . 250-748-1052

DANCE Kathy White School of Dance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250-710-0837 MoonDance Daynamic Arts School MoonDanceArts.ca. . . . 250-743-5846

DAY CAMPS Fine Artz Camp . . . . . . 250-246-3588

LIBRARIES Vancouver Island Regional Library Cowichan Branch 2687 James St . . . . . . . 250-746-7661 Lake Cowichan Branch 38 King George North . 250-749-3431

MARTIAL ARTS Shaku Family Martial Arts, Duncan 750B Jubilee St . . . . . . 250-701-0222

MUSIC PROGRAMS Lila Music Centre, Duncan joythroughmusic.com. . 250-701-0978 Music for Young Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-828-4334

RECREATION CENTRES Cowichan Centre, Duncan 2687 James St . . . . . . . 250-746-0450 Cowichan Lake Sports Arena 311 South Shore Rd . . . 250-749-6742 Cowichan Sportplex 5847 Chesterfield Ave . 250-746-5666 Kerry Park Recreation Centre 1035 Shawnigan-Mill Bay Rd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-743-5922 Shawnigan Lake Community Centre 2804 Shawnigan Lk Rd 250-743-1433

RIDING Alpine Stables alpinestable.com . . . . . 250-743-6641

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

SKATING Duncan Skating Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . duncanskating.com Family Resource Guide 2011/2012

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COWICHAN VALLEY

Mill Bay, Shawnigan Lake, Duncan

Family Restaurants & Food Markets MARKETS Chari-Teas, Duncan Suite A, 225 Canada Ave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-597-0880 Country Grocer . . countrygrocer.com The Old Farm Market, Duncan 5164 Francis St . . . . . . 250-748-7141

Retail Products ARTS & CRAFTS Treasured Memories, Duncan 1C-2753 Charlotte Rd . 250-748-8054

BOOKS Bucknucks Books, Cobble Hill 47-1400 Cowichan Bay Rd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250-929-BOOK

PHOTOGRAPHERS McKinnon Photography . . . . . . . . mckinnonphotography.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-890-9222 Transmit Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-732-3422

OTHER Nonuttin’ Foods Inc. 1-2911 Allenby Rd . . . . 250-715-1481

CLOTHING

Family Fun & Entertainment

Giggle Gear, Duncan gigglegearclothing.com 250-748-4445

FESTIVALS & FAIRS

Thrifty Foods Mill Bay Centre . . . . . 1-800-667-8280

Gigi & Lulu’s, Cowichan Valley Whippletree Junction Courtyard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-737-1715

Islands Folk Festival Duncan . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-248-8975

RESTAURANTS

Kinderbeez, Duncan 110-2755 Beverly St. . . 250-748-2345

MUSEUMS

Black Coffee & Other Delights Whippletree Junction . . 250-746-9973

Trendy Tots, Duncan 151 Craig St . . . . . . . . . 250-701-4240

BC Forest Discovery Centre 2892 Drinkwater Rd . . . 250-715-1113

TOYS

NATURE

Cowichan Toy Club, Duncan 460 Trans Canada Hwy 250-597-2582

Pacific Northwest Raptors Ltd 1877 Herd Rd . . . . . . . . 250-746-0372

Red Balloon Toyshop, Duncan 85 Station St. . . . . . . . . 250-748-5545

THEATRE & ART

Catrina’s Grill Mill Bay Centre . . . . . . . 250-743-7277 Pioneer House Restaurant Whippletree Junction . . 250-746-5848

Chemainus Theatre 9737 Chemainus Rd. 1-800-565-7738 Cowichan Theatre Duncan . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-748-7529

O’Brien School of Irish Dancing Traditional Irish dancing classes for all levels

www.ocobirishdance.com Phone: 604-340-2370 Email: irishdance@shaw.ca Victoria 250-598-4778

Nanaimo 250-758-0208

There are short cuts to happiness— dancing is one of them 50

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OTHER Quw’utsun’ Cultural Centre, Duncan 200 Cowichan Way. . 1-877-746-8119

Party Planning PARTY SUPPLIES/PLANNING A Piece of Cake Children’s Parties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-715-0286 Funtime Inflatables (Victoria) 656 Caleb Pike Rd . . . . 250-474-0556 Horse Play Parties, Duncan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-701-9116

Kate Morgan

Volunteering in the Community O

ne of the things I promised myself to do this year was get involved in a community volunteer project. My family and I have been involved in various fundraising efforts, but most of these have centred around health-related causes or school.

This time I wanted to get involved in a community cause.

We are walkers, using our local trails every week to walk our dog and just enjoy being outside. Like most communities on the Island, Campbell River is fortunate to have wonderful walking trails in and around the city. These trails don’t just happen, though, they are often created and maintained by volunteer organizations. I felt this was a community volunteer effort I could get behind. My reasoning is this: we use the trails, we appreciate the trails, so we should give back to the trails.

In the spring I spotted an ad in the paper for an upcoming Broom Bash being run by one of our local green space organizations.

I knew this was the opportunity I had been looking for and cut out the article so I wouldn’t forget. Then I presented it to my husband and son, inviting them to come with me but not expecting it of them—they were free to choose to accompany me or not.

On a Saturday soon after, we all went down to the event to cut out broom and blackberries from a local trail. We were greeted enthusiastically and joined by other volunteers. There were a couple of families, but mostly it was adults out for the day doing their part to keep our community attractive and accessible. We stayed two and a half hours and then left, sweaty and scratched up, but satisfied. It was even fun, especially watching our son wield the pruners on some giant broom bushes. Kids love a challenge, and he certainly wasn’t going to let the broom get the best of him. In fact at one point, when he wanted to get a drink of water, he yelled back as he ran off to the refreshments tent, “Don’t let Dad use the clippers!” He wanted so badly to attack the broom all by himself. Dad was quite happy

to oblige, and held the branches out of our son’s way as he wormed under the broom to cut it down. Dad was also the hauler, piling the broom at the side of the trail for the trucks to pick up later. I mostly kept myself busy with blackberries, feeling immense satisfaction when I cleared a section—even pulling it out of the trees.

There are lots of these groups around the Island. In our city there is a group that organizes downtown beautification projects, and still another group that takes care of a different trail system. Each of these groups is run by volunteers who believe these efforts are important to our communities.

The members and volunteers feel a sense of civic duty.

The concept of civic duty in our cities and towns—that we as citizens have a responsibility to provide service to our city simply because we are residents in it—is one that doesn’t seem to be as active these days.

People are caught up in the daily rush of their own lives and their own activities and aren’t looking for more projects to add to their schedules. People are putting energy into other organizations with volunteer time. But what I’ve come to realize is that we all need to care about our communities, and that includes finding ways to take care of them.

Whether that means coaching children’s sports, helping at the library or volunteering to clean up trails around town, community volunteering helps our cities and towns run more smoothly and be richer.

I will be looking for more opportunities to volunteer with these groups. I don’t have a lot of spare change to support them financially, but I can afford a few hours of my time to help. Really, it’s a win-win situation, as not only do the trails look better, but I feel better knowing I’m doing my part to make my community a better place, and teaching my son to consider doing the same.

Kate Morgan is a writer and editor living in Campbell River, and is still nursing a few blackberry scratches.

Becoming a Volunteer Volunteer Victoria (VV) is one organization that helps build an engaged community through leadership in volunteerism and non-profit management. Here, from its website—www.volunteervictoria. bc.ca—are some details about becoming a volunteer.

Who Can Volunteer?

Volunteering is for everyone.

Volunteers come from all walks of life, all cultural groups and all economic backgrounds. It doesn’t matter whether you’re 9 or 90—there are volunteer opportunities just right for you.

VV also offers the Volunteer Access Program which provides support to individuals who may require extra time and assistance in order to pursue volunteer work.

Why Volunteer?

Become a volunteer and you’ll soon discover why over 138,000 people in Victoria find volunteering such a rewarding and satisfying experience. There are so many great reasons to volunteer—here are just a few: • Learn new skills • Feel good about yourself • Make a contribution to your community • Gain work experience and build your resume • Explore a career • Meet people and make new friends • Share your time, skills and energy • Support a cause you believe in • Fulfill a course requirement • Make a difference.

Volunteer time is flexible—it can fit any schedule, any lifestyle. You can volunteer for several hours every week or for just one day a year.

How to Become a Volunteer You can access volunteer opportunities in the Victoria area by: • Searching for volunteer positions on the online Volunteer Opportunities Database • Browsing the list of nearly 300 member agencies • Dropping in at Suite 306-620 View St. and browsing the database • Calling 250-386-2269 to make an appointment to see a volunteering advisor • Checking out the weekly volunteering ads on TV, radio and in local newspapers.

Family Resource Guide 2011/2012

51

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r An n i v e 2 0 1 1 1973–

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

• 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)

������������������������

�

� � � � � � �

FUNTIME INFLATABLES 250-474-0597

Professional balloon decorating service now available

* 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!

Largest selection of inflatable fun on Vancouver Island ASK ABOUT OUR REFERRAL PROGRAM • 18 bouncy castles to choose from, detachable raincovers available • Obstacle courses • 10 interactive games for youth and adults • Combo bouncers • Carnival games and party packages • Fully insured

YOU’LL FLIP OVER OUR BIRTHDAY PARTIES

Unforgettable theme parties, girl time packages or just some fun with your friends

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

New soft serve ice cream truck available for events and ice cream socials

visit our website at

www.funtimeinflatables.ca

Call 250-370-7200

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

3655 Shelbourne Street, Shelbourne Plaza

250-590-5568 www.lizzyleeandme.com

Bring your party of

Call 250-595-SWIM (7946)

www.recreation.oakbay.ca

HORSE PLAY PARTIES

Bring your Grubs andparty Larvaeof Grubs and Larvae for a for a Bugtastic Adventure Bugtastic Adventure at the Bug Zoo! at the Bug Zoo! Party Room available!

Call for Details: (2847) Party Room384-BUGS Available! or check the website: www.bugzoo.com www.bugzoo.bc.ca Our Cowgirl Slumber Parties Rock!

Pony Rides, Farm Animals, Facepainting, Games, Hay Rides

COWBOY CAMPOUTS  COWGIRL SLUMBER PARTIES FAMILY FARM GETAWAYS 631 Courtney St. 631 Courtney St 384-BUGS (2847) (Downtown ininNootka (Downtown NootkaCourt) Court)

52

www.IslandParent.ca

Paint�Splatter�Parties�and

much,�much�more�at�4Cats.com!

A party you’ll never forget!

www.horseplayparties.ca Duncan, BC 250-701-9116

Party Directory ctoria Gymnastics Birthday Parties

Your child and 9 of his or her friends will have an absolute blast at one of our action packed gymnastics parties.

What’s included?

• We supply hats, napkins, table cover, streamers and balloons • Two Certified Instructors • Invitations • Trampoline • Foam Pit Fun • Gymnastics Games • Fun Music • NEW: 40 Foot Long Trampoline!

Saturday & Sunday Afternoons

ACTION-PACKED BIRTHDAY PARTIES Supervised • 2–8 Yrs

IT’S ABOUT SKILLS, NOT SCORES.

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

380-2442

Corner of Store & Pembroke www.victoriagymnastics.com

Par-T-Perfect is pleased to introduce our newest indoor party theme!

TALE TIME FUN! Includes story time with amazing storyteller, Shoshana Litman.

Themed face painting, balloon animals and a craft with our costumed Par-T-Leader!

Themes include

Princess/ Dragon Pirates Things That Go & Animals

Other great indoor parties available: Par-T-Bear, Par-T-Spa and our great Rec Centre packages.

Don’t forget to book your Halloween or Christmas packages with us!

Call

Par-T-Perfect

(250)

386-JUMP (5867)

www.par-t-perfect.com

Mr. Tubbs

Ice Cream Parlor & Family Fun Zone • 30 family oriented redemption games • huge prize counter • 2 fully decorated party rooms • foot-long hot dogs • 32 flavors of Island Farms Ice Cream

10% Pa Off Bookrty if yo ing u in th bring is ad

Open Year Round

@ Western Speedway 2207 Millstream Rd 250-590-4369

HASSLE FREE PARTIES for kids & families You provide the space and food…

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

250 472 3546 www.puppetbooth.homestead.com Family Resource Guide 2011/2012

53

ISLAND-WIDE

Residential Camps

BC Camping Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bccamping.org Information on summer day camps and residential camps for children.

Boys & Girls Clubs Wilderness Camp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-384-9133 Camp Barnard. . adventurecamps.ca Camp Columbia, Thetis Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-246-3751 Camp Imadene Mesachie Lake . . . . . 1-800-445-7575 Camp Narnia . . . . . .campnarnia.com Camp Pringle, Shawnigan Lake 932 Balmoral Rd. . . . . . 250-472-6877 Camp Qwanoes Crofton . . . . . . . 1-888-99-QWANOES Camp Thunderbird . . . 250-418-1840

Thetis Island . . . . www.capernwray.ca Denman Island Soccer Camps . . . . denmanislandsoccercamps.com Earth Track Education Cowichan Valley . . . . . . 250-737-1450 Gulf Islands Centre for Ecological Learning . . . . . . . . . . . 250-539-0619 Gulf Island Film and Television School, Galiano Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-813-9993

CAMPGROUNDS Bald Eagle Campground, Chemainus 8705 Chemainus Rd. . . 250-246-9457 Bere Point Campsite, Malcom Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-956-3301

Horne Lake Outdoor Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-248-7829

Broughton Strait Park Campsite, Port McNeill . . . . . . . . . 250-956-3224

Island Escapades Salt Spring Island . . . 1-888-529-2567

Horne Lake Outdoor Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-248-7829

Moorecroft Christian Camp Nanoose Bay . . . . . . . . 250-468-7511

Link River Campsite, Port Alice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-956-3301

Nanoose Bay Pentecostal Camp 2531 Nanoose Beach . . 250-468-7644

Living Forest Campground, Nanaimo 6 Maki Rd . . . . . . . . . . . 250-755-1755

Outward Bound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . outwardbound.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-888-688-9273

Pacific Playgrounds, Black Creek 9082 Clarkson Dr . . . . . 877-239-5600

Camp VIP, Parksville . . 250-746-7413 Capernwray Harbour Bible School & Conference Centre

UVic Vikes govikesgo.com . . . . . . . 250-721-8406

www.IslandParent.ca

Family Travel

Hope Bay Bible Camp, Pender Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-629-3194

Pioneer Pacific Camp Thetis Island . . . . . . . 1-800-784-1415

54

WYLD Expeditions Strathcona Park . . . . . . 250-286-3122

Park Sands Beach Resort 105 E. Island Hwy. . . 1-877-873-1600 Seven Hills Golf Club & RV Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-949-9818

Weir’s Beach RV Resort 5191 William Head Rd . 250-478-3323

HOTELS Accent Inns Toll free . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-663-0298 Best Western Chateau Granville, Vancouver 1100 Granville St . . . 1-604-669-7070 Comfort Inn & Suites Victoria 101 Old Island Hwy . . . 250-388-7861

Swimming • Canoeing • Sailing • Ropes Course • Windsurfing • Hiking • Faith Exploration • Archery • Crafts • Out-trips • Games & Skits • Campfire • Nature Study • Cycling • Swimming • Canoeing • Sailing • Ropes Course • Windsurfing • Hiking • Faith Exploration • Archery • Crafts • Out-trips • Games & Skits • Campfire • Nature Study • Cycling • Swimming • Canoeing • Sailing • Ropes Course • Windsurfing • Hiking • Faith Exploration • Archery S • Crafts • Out-trips • Games & Skits • Campfire • Nature Study • Cycling • Swimming • Canoeing • summer was yet another at • Sailing • Ropes Course •This Windsurfing • Hiking • Faithsensational Explorationseason • Archery Camp&Pringle, where hundreds of enthusiastic campers Crafts • Out-trips • Games Skits • Campfire • Nature Study • Cycling • Shawnigan Lake, BC experienced a “week that lasts a lifetime”!

Swimming • Canoeing Sailing • Ropes Course • Windsurfing • Hiking • Faith United Church of Canada •each Exploration Archery • Crafts • Out-trips Games Skits • Campfire • Nature BCCA & UCC• Accredited We owe many thanks to our•amazing staff, & tireless volunteers and energetic CIT and

Camp Pringle Camps for All Age

Travelodge. . . . . . . . 1-800-578-7878

Crew campers for contributing to one of our best seasons ever. We want more smiling, laughing campers filling up our cabins next year, so make sure you look for our brochure near the end of January 2012.

YWCA Hotel, Vancouver 733 Beatty St . . . . . . 1-800-663-1424

Visit our website to download copies of our newsletter and brochure, add yourself to our mailing list, get information about facility rentals and more!

George Pringle Memorial Camp�������������������

www.camppringle.com

RESORTS Alert Bay Lodge . . . 1-800-255-5057 Beach Acres Resort, Parksville 1051 Resort Dr . . . . . 1-800-663-7309 Blue Vista Resort, Mayne Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bluevistaresort.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-877-535-2424 Capernwray Harbour Bible School & Conference Centre, Thetis Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . capernwray.ca Chemainus Festival Inn 9573 Chemainus Rd. 1-877-246-4181 Kye Bay Guest Lodge, Comox kyebay.com . . . . . . . 1-866-658-6131 Pacific Sands, Tofino Cox Bay . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-565-2322 SeaScape Resort, Quadra Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-888-893-1626 Strathcona Park Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-286-3122

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 • IMAX Passes

• Gift Certificates • 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

The Beach Club Resort, Parksville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-888-760-2008 The Haven haven.ca . . . . . . 250-1-877-247-9238 Tigh-na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort & Conference Centre, Parksville 1155 Resort Dr . . . . . . . 250-248-2072

• • • •

miles of safe sandy beaches warm and safe swimming may–oct. explore the reef and tidepools comfy seaside cottages

For an experience you’ll never forget

NATURE Horne Lake Outdoor Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-248-7829 Raincoast Interpretive Centre, Tofino, 451 Main St. . . . 250-725-2560 The Land Conservancy of BC conservancy.bc.ca . . 1-888-738-0533

KYE BAY GUEST LODGE & COTTAGES

Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre, Tofino . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-726-7721

Comox, B.C., Vancouver Island www.kyebay.com 1-866-658-6131 Family Resource Guide 2011/2012

55

Maddy Smith

The Gift of Reading

S

o your child’s best friend is having a birthday party and has asked for books.

Just hearing the word “books” causes a queasy anxiety—far from a delightful sign of intelligence and imagination, that word means trying to glean enough information about the birthday child to begin a hunt for literature that is not only acceptable to the recipient and the giver (who has suddenly developed the critical taste of a Giller prize jurist), but that is new enough not to already be read. Fear not! Below are five brand-new titles that are sure to win the hearts of die-hard bibliophiles and literary neophytes alike.

Graeme Base’s The Jewel Fish of Karnak (Penguin, 2011) dazzles readers with rich, vibrant illustrations in his characteristically complex style. The Jewel Fish of Karnak is not only a feast for the eyes, it is also a veritable cornucopia of puzzles and perplexities.

Hieroglyphic messages and secret clues are hidden throughout the pictures, providing a key to the mysterious mechanism at the end of the book, which is itself a key to further secrets and rewards hidden on Base’s website.

Also, facts and folklore from Ancient Egypt line the inside cover of the book, giving readers background on the characters and themes that are found throughout Base’s playful tale. With such a panoply of riches, this is a perfect choice for readers, listeners, and puzzle-lovers from 5+.

If you’re a picture book fan, you won’t want to miss the beautiful new book by Canadian author/artist Cybèle Young, A Few Blocks (Groundwood Books, 2011). Following Ferdie and his sister Viola through their adventures on the way to school, this beautifully illustrated tale explores the anxieties and cares of childhood, while simultaneously celebrating creativity, the unique love and understanding that exists between siblings, and the power of imagination. Depicted in a mix of delicate black-and-white drawing and exquisite, colourful paper sculpture, this is an enchanting choice for 3+.

Another great Canadian choice is Ashley Spires’ Small Saul (Kids Can Press, 2011).

About a rather unusual pirate, this kind, clever, and comic story is a perfect choice for the child in your life who just doesn’t quite fit. Saul knows what he’s supposed to like as a pirate, but try as he might he still prefers baking to plundering, and singing to fighting.

A light-hearted look at the joys of individuality, this is a treat of a book for 3+.

Brian Selznick, author of the award-winning Invention of Hugo Cabret, has a new and spectacular creation, Wonderstruck (Scholastic Press, 2011). Wonderstruck is a stunning blend of novel and graphic fiction, featuring pages of images that speak as loudly as Selznick’s words, and draws the reader into two complex worlds. In one we are silent witnesses to wordless events taking place in 1927; in the other, 50 years later in 1977, we meet a young deaf boy named Ben, and encounter a lightning strike and a strange silver locket. As the two worlds begin to blend, sight and sound, time and cinema, magic and adventure all combine to create one incredible novel: Wonderstruck.

An excellent read for 11+.

You can’t mention the magical, excellent and incredible without talking about Frances Hardinge, especially when her newest novel Twilight Robbery (Macmillan Children’s Books, 2011), is all of those and more! Ostensibly a sequel to the much-acclaimed Fly

By Night, Hardinge says Twilight Robbery stands perfectly well on its own. The story begins with our heroic miscreants, the wordsmith Eponymous Clent, the tyrannical goose Saracen, and the courageous Mosca Mye, as they dash to escape danger once again, and find themselves in Toll, a village divided. By day, the good citizens of the town go about their business; by night, the city is haunted by ruffians and ne’er-do-wells, treachery and terror run rife, and the untimely arrival of Mosca and her companions is all that’s needed to bring a simmeringly dangerous situation to a boil. Far more than your usual adventure novel, Hardinge’s latest creation takes on subjects such as prejudice and identity in a masterpiece of a novel that will engage all ages from 12+.

Everyone, everywhere, has a perfect book: a book that transforms, changing your life forever. Sometimes we find them when we’re young, sometimes when we’re not. All we can know is that, when the time is right, it’ll find you.

Maddy Smith is a children’s bookseller and an Islander born and bred; she reads, writes, and believes in the magic of a great book.

�������������������������������������� Where children are happy to learn • Traditional values-based education • Strong academic programs supported by specialist teachers • High levels of sporting achievement • Award-winning fine arts and music programs • Dedicated and supportive community

g Now offerin y a -d full n kindergarte

• Before and after school care

Discover the Difference 250.592.6713

St. Patrick’s Elementary School �����������������������������������������

Imagine… not just raising grades, but realizing potential.

REACH HIGHER WITH KUMON MATH AND READING. Realizing your child’s potential means more than bringing home a good report card. With Kumon, he goes as far as his ability takes him — even to advanced study, so he can be truly amazing.

Kumon of Saanich 204 - 3965 Quadra Street Victoria, BC V8X 1J8

250-479-1800

Kumon of Langford-Westshore 2103 - 721 Station Road Langford, BC V9B 2S1

250–474-4175

Kumon of Sidney 10091 Resthaven Drive Sidney, BC V8L 3G3

250-656-6696

©2011 Kumon Canada Inc.

Family Resource Guide 2011/2012

57

MUSICAL THEATRE October 28-29 November 4-5

MUSICAL THEATRE CLASSES

Book by Jules Tasca Lyrics by Ted Drachman Music by Thomas Tierney

Bulby The Christmas Jackalope

May 4-6 & May 11-13

Chemainus, Ladysmith, Nanaimo, Parksville

New Parent Resources Central Vancouver Island Crisis Society Nanaimo . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-754-4447

MIDWIVES/DOULAS

December 17-18

By Sasha Moriarty-Schieven

MID-ISLAND

YOUTH: Ages 7 - 14 Acting, Voice & Dance Starting September 24 Saturdays (8 weeks)

Book by Joseph Robinette ACTING FOR ADULTS: Music & Lyrics by Charles Strouse Starting September 27 Isabelle Reader Theatre, 1026 Goldstream Ave., Langford Tuesdays (4 weeks)

Tickets & Info at www.FourSeasonsMusicalTheatre.com

Cowichan Midwifery Group Duncan . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-709-2040 Jennifer Hewko, Registered Midwife 3799 Avolea Dr . . . . . . . 250-760-1080 Journey of Birth, Certified Birth & Postpartum Doula . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .journeyofbirth.ca Mid-Island Midwifery, Nanaimo 2506 Maxey Rd . . . . . . 250-741-1294 or 350 Stewart Ave . . . . 250-716-1366 West Coast Doulas, Port Alberni, Parksville, Tofino & Ucluelet . . . . . . . . . . . . .westcoastdoulas.com

PRENATAL SERVICES Aum To Earth Childbirth Education & Wellness Services, Nanaimo aumtoearth.com . . . . . . 250-754-2862 Crisis Pregnancy Centre of Nanaimo 1717B Kerrisdale Rd . . 250-714-2191

PUBLIC HEALTH (VIHA) Campbell River Public Health 200-1100 Island Hwy . . 250-850-2100 Ladysmith Health Unit 224 High St. . . . . . . . . . 250-755-3342 Lake Cowichan Health Unit 58 Cowichan Ave . . . . . 250-749-6878 Nanaimo Health Unit 1655 Grant Ave. . . . . . . 250-755-3342 Nanaimo South Health Unit 260 Irwin St . . . . . . . . . 250-755-7855 Parksville Health Unit 249 W. Hirst Ave . . . . . . 250-248-2044 Port Alberni Health Unit 4227 6th Ave . . . . . . . . 250-724-1281

58

www.IslandParent.ca

DIAPER SERVICES Happy Island Diaper Service www.happyislanddiapers.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-866-922-7377

NEW PARENT SUPPORT Hands On Prevention & Education Centre, Gabriola Island 790 North Rd . . . . . . . . 250-247-8730 Happy Tribe Consulting karynclarke@shaw.ca . . 250-739-3146 Healthy Beginnings Ladysmith, Nanaimo . . 250-755-6230 Ladysmith Association of Family & Friends . . . . . . . . . . 250-245-6424

Sit back, relax and let the beach take over…

Receive 10% off your second night when you mention the promo code: FAMILYFUN*

La Leche League, Parksville 245 West Hirst Ave . . . . 250-954-2922 Nanaimo Infant Development Program 1135 Nelson St . . . . . . . 250-753-0251 Oceanside Infant Development Program, Parksville 249 West Hirst Ave . . . . 250-248-2044 Welcome Wagon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . welcomewagon.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-756-9794

Family Support

Treat yourself to a fun family getaway!

Feel at home in a two bedroom cottage with full kitchen and fireplace Private oceanfront property on sandy Rathtrevor Beach Indoor pool and hot tub, tennis, basketball and a kids’ playground Be sure to check www.BeachAcresFamilyFun.com for specials * Restrictions: New bookings only. Not valid for holidays, peak season or with other promotions.

COMMUNITY CENTRES Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society, Nanaimo 114-285 Prideaux St . . 250-753-6911 Cherry Creek Community Centre, Port Alberni 3720 Moore Rd. . . . . . . 250-724-1923

Parksville BC RESORT

The way life was meant to be…

1-800-663-7309

twitter.com/BeachAcresResort facebook.com/BeachAcresResort

www.beachacresfamilyfun.com

Child Development Centre 1135 Nelson St . . . . . . . 250-753-3521 District 69 Family Resource Assoc.

Qualicum Beach 181 Sunningdale Rd . . . 250-752-6766 Ladysmith Parks, Recreation & Culture 810-6th Ave . . . . . . . . . 250-245-6424 Ladysmith Resources Centre Association 721 First Ave. . . . . . . . . 250-245-3079 Gabriola Community Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-247-9291 Family Resource Guide 2011/2012

59

Parent Education

PARENT SUPPORT

Esteemed CHICS, Lantzville 7462 Clark Cres . . . . . . 250-668-7454

Associated Family & Community Support Services Ltd, Parksville 155 Weld St . . . . . . . . . 250-248-0076

Power Up: Sexual Health Education, Parksville . . . . powerupworkshops.ca 121 Hamilton Ave . . . . . 250-248-5053

Big Brothers & Big Sisters, Nanaimo #3-2350 Labieux Rd . . . 250-756-2447 Big Brothers & Big Sisters, Port Alberni 4325 Neill St . . . . . . . . . 250-723-7450

Health & Wellness

Child Development Centre 1135 Nelson St . . . . . . . 250-753-0251

NATUROPATHS

Family Resource Association, Qualicum Beach 181 Sunningdale Rd W 250-752-6766

Arbour Wellness Centre, Nanaimo 2136 Bowen Rd . . . . . . 250-729-4969

Foster Parent Support Services 3D 132 Roberts St . . . . 250-245-2622

Inspired Health Naturopathic Clinic #11-321 Wesley St . . . . 250-714-0721

Kwumut Lelum Child & Family Services, Ladysmith 7973 Chemainus Rd. . . 250-246-3336

PSYCHOLOGISTS

Lee Westre, Behaviour Consultant, Ladysmith www.leewestre.com . . . 250-363-0702

Dr. Raymond Shred #120-2124 Bowen Rd . 250-758-2331 Waterman & Associates 70 Prideaux St . . . . . . . 250-754-8559 Campbell Fairweather Psychology Group, Nanaimo www.cfpsych.ca . . . . . . 250-729-8181

Nanaimo & Area Resource Services for Families 210–170 Wallace St . . . 250-754-2773 Nanaimo Family Life Association 1070 Townsite Rd. . . . . 250-754-3331 Nanaimo Mental Health & Addiction Services . . . 250-755-3361

GRIEF SUPPORT Child & Youth Grief Support, Nanaimo . . . . . . . . . . . . . nanaimohospice.com 1729 Boundary Ave . . . 250-758-8857 Rainbows, Nanaimo 2221 Bowen Rd . . . . . . 250-751-7888 Rainbows, Parksville (4-12 yr olds) 345 N. Pym St . . . . . . . 250-248-3927 Spectrum, Parksville (13-18yr olds) 345 N. Pym St . . . . . . . 250-248-3927

Nanaimo Women’s Centre 285 Selby St . . . . . . . . . 250-753-0633 Nanoose First Nations 111 Snaw-Naw-As Rd . 250-390-0003 Nutsumaat Lelum, Ladysmith 3947 Shell Beach Rd . . 250-245-0994 Parent Support Circles, Nanaimo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-468-9658

Parents Together Parents Line 20 5th St . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-754-9661 Passionflower Sexual Health Consulting, Nanaimo. . 250-751-4347 Princess Royal Family Centre 260 Irwin St . . . . . . . . . 250-755-7855 Salvation Army Meal Program 505 8th St . . . . . . . . . . . 250-754-2621 Snu Ney Muxw First Nations 668 Centre St . . . . . . . . 250-740-2300 SOS Child Youth & Family Centre, Parksville 245 West Hirst Ave . . . . 250-248-2093 The Representative for Children & Youth rcybc.ca . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-476-3933 Tillicum Lelum Friendship Centre 927 Haliburton St . . . . . 250-753-8291

SPECIAL NEEDS & DISABILITY SUPPORT Child Development Centre 1135 Nelson St . . . . . . . 250-753-0251 Island Deaf and Hard of Hearing Centre 205-55 Victoria Rd . . . . 250-753-0999 Nanaimo Brain Injury Society 101-55 Victoria Rd . . . . 250-753-5600

YOUTH SERVICES ADAPT Society, Nanaimo 206-96 Cavan St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-754-0600 Nanaimo Youth Services 290 Bastion St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-754-1989

Parent Support Circles, Parksville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-468-9658

Looking for child care?

Taking care of children?

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

Your community’s best source of child care information and resources. www.islandfamilyinfo.ca www.ccrr.bc.ca 60

www.IslandParent.ca

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

Diana Hurschler

Sleep, Precious Sleep I

f your baby isn’t getting enough sleep, it is likely that the rest of the household isn’t getting enough sleep either. This lack of sleep in mothers has been linked to many health concerns such as increased incidence of postpartum depression, reduced milk supply in breastfeeding mothers, and even weight gain. Sleep is so important to the whole family!

Safe Sleep

How much sleep does my child need?

• In the early months, many babies like to be securely swaddled in a cotton baby blanket. Older infants like to sleep with loose coverings which allow for more movement.

An infant sleep sack is ideal for these babies because the baby will remain covered during the night and there is no risk of the covers being pulled over their airway.

• A baby who is too hot or cold will become restless and likely wake up. The ideal temperature of the bedroom is between 1820˚C. Adjust your baby’s layers according to the temperature of the bedroom.

• Keep the bedroom dark. Babies can be sensitive to light. Avoid stimulation during nighttime feedings and diaper changes. Keep the lights dim.

• White noise, such as a fan, recordings of waterfalls, or static on a radio help a baby block out disturbing noises like barking dogs, children playing or telephones ringing.

• Your baby will stir during the night.

Give him a few minutes to try and settle on his own before going to him. A sleep cycle lasts approximately 45 minutes. Give your baby an opportunity to fall asleep independently.

Here is a general guide to the amount of sleep children need over a 24-hour period.

Keep in mind, every child is different. Some sleep more, others much less.

• Newborns (0-3 months of age): 16-18 hours per day, with 4-5 naps • 3-6 months of age: 16 hours per day, with 3 naps • 6-12 months of age: 14 hours per day, with 2 naps • 1-3 years: 10-13 hours per day, with 1-2 naps Newborns may sleep as much as 18 hours a day, for three to four hours at a time. It’s normal and healthy for babies to wake up during the night to feed. As your baby gets older, he will stay awake longer during the day and sleep for longer stretches at night.

Create a predictable routine Babies, just like adults, need cues to learn when it is time to sleep. For example, if you always put your baby in his crib to sleep he will learn to associate this as the place where he sleeps. Even if it doesn’t work right away, over time your baby will come to understand. Your baby may enjoy a bedtime routine such as a bath, followed by a soothing massage or a short story at bedtime. Be careful not to over stimulate.

Put your baby in bed when he is drowsy but awake. The routine you use to get your baby to sleep will be needed to resettle him when he wakes in the night. If you nurse him to sleep, he will likely need to be nursed back to sleep in the middle of the night.

Remember to put your baby to sleep on his back in his crib with a firm flat surface, clear of soft items such as pillows, duvets, and stuffed animals. The Canadian Pediatric Society states that the safest place for your baby to sleep (0-6 months) is in their own crib in your room.

Tips to help your baby to stay asleep

Naps Sometime after three months, your baby’s sleep habits will become more predictable and you can start developing a regular nap schedule. Notice your baby’s cues—he will let you know when he is tired. A sleep diary might help you to recognize a regular sleeping pattern. Your baby will show you signs that he is getting tired by yawning, rubbing

eyes or arching back. You may notice that his eyes droop or look a little glazed over.

Once you recognize baby’s cues, you can set a predictable and consistent nap routine.

This might include a quiet cuddle time in a darkened room before it is time to nap.

Most babies do well if they are put down for naptime after being awake for two to three hours. Try to get your baby into bed before they become too tired as an over-tired baby will have trouble sleeping. Napping actually helps a baby sleep better at night, so keeping your baby awake during the day will not make him sleep longer at night.

A peaceful daytime is likely to lead into a restful night.

Fill their tummies during the day Sometimes babies need to learn that daytime is for eating and nighttime is for mostly sleeping. Younger babies can become overstimulated during the day and older babies can be so busy with play that they don’t eat. They then make up for it during the night by frequently feeding. To reverse this habit, feed your baby at least every three hours during the day. Upon baby’s first night waking, attempt a full feeding, otherwise he may get into the habit of snacking all night long.

Whether you are a brand new parent struggling with sleep deprivation or you have a toddler who won’t sleep more than two hours at a time, tackling the sleep issue can be a daunting task. One of the most important things to remember is that consistency is the key. For some babies, it can be very difficult to associate sleep with a variety of different sleep environments. For toddlers who may need help to learn how to self-soothe, it can be very confusing if they are left to cry in their crib one night but the next night they are attended to at the first cry. Whatever stage or decision you have reached, it is of the utmost importance that you pick a schedule or routine that works for both you and your partner and then go with it. Together with your baby, you will reap the benefits of sounder, longer sleep if you can put some of these suggestions into action. Sweet dreams!

Diana Hurschler, RN BScN, is a perinatal educator and certified breastfeeding counselor who has worked with pre- and post-natal families since 1998. She just welcomed her third child. Please send comments, questions and story ideas to diana@hurschler.com.

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Hands-On Dads F

athers who actively engage in raising their children can help make their offspring smarter and better behaved, according to new research from Concordia University. Published in the Canadian Journal of Behavioural Science, the long-term study examined how fathers can positively influence the development of their kids through hands-on parenting.

“Fathers make important contributions in the development of their children’s behaviour and intelligence,” says Erin Pougnet, a PhD candidate in the Concordia University Department of Psychology and a member of the Centre for Research in Human Development (CRDH). “Compared with other children with absentee dads, kids whose fathers were active parents in early and middle childhood had fewer behaviour problems and higher intellectual abilities as they grew older—even among socioeconomically at-risk families.”

A patriarch’s influence “Regardless of whether fathers lived with their children, their ability to set appropriate limits and structure their children’s behaviour positively influenced problem-solving and decreased emotional problems, such as sadness, social withdrawal and anxiety,” continues Pougnet.

A total of 138 children and their parents took part in the study and were assessed by researchers in three separate sessions. Kids were evaluated between the ages of three to five years old and again from nine to 13 years old. They completed intelligence tests, while their mothers completed questionnaires on home environment and couple conflict. All children were recruited as part of the larger Concordia Longitudinal Risk Research Project, an intergenerational study launched in 1976.

School teachers were also recruited as observers of child behaviours outside homes. “Teachers were a somewhat more independent source of information than mothers, fathers or children themselves,” says Pougnet, “because a father’s absence can result in home conflict, maternal distress and child distress.”

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Greater impact on girls The study found girls to be most affected by absentee dads, although the researchers caution that paternal absence can foster other problems such as lack of support or discipline.

“Girls whose fathers were absent during their middle childhood had significantly higher levels of emotional problems at school than girls whose fathers were present,” says Pougnet.

Mothers, caregivers equally important According to 2007 Statistics Canada figures, there are an increasing number of single-parent homes across the country.

The agency estimates some 13 per cent of Canadian families and 22 per cent of Quebec families are comprised of households where biological fathers are absent.

“While our study examined the important role dads play in the development of their children, kids don’t necessarily do poorly without their fathers,” stresses co-author Lisa A. Serbin, a professor in the Concordia Department of Psychology and a CRDH member. “Mothers and other caregivers are also important. No doubt fathers have a major impact, but there are definitely many alternative ways to raise a healthy child.

Some kids with no contact with fathers, or with distant dads, do well intellectually and emotionally.”

The findings, however, should encourage governments to formulate policies that encourage increased and positive forms of contact between children and their fathers.

“Initiatives such as parental leave for men and parenting classes that emphasize the role of fathers could help to maximize children’s development from early childhood to preadolescence,” says Serbin.

“Fathers’ Influence on Children’s Cognitive and Behavioural Functioning: A Longitudinal Study of Canadian Families,” published in the Canadian Journal of Behavioural Science, was co-authored by Erin Pougnet, Lisa A. Serbin, Dale M. Stack and Alex E. Schwartzman of Concordia University.

MID-ISLAND

Sing, dance, try new instruments and play fun musical games.

Bring all your kids from babies to

Education PRESCHOOLS & CHILD CARE

A new music program at a great family rate.

Altair Montessori Learning Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-245-1414

Families Making Music

Aspengrove Early Learning Centre aspengroveschool.ca . . 250-933-2223 Cherry Tree Child Care Centre, Chemainus 10114 View St . . . . . . . 250-246-9195 Little Star Children’s Centre Qualicum Beach . . . . . . 250-752-4554 Nanaimo Parent Participation Preschool 2325E Wellington Rd . . 250-753-1939

Now in English AND French!

Thursday Mornings $105 for the first child / $84 for other siblings Free for siblings under 9 months old

PacificCare Child Care Resource & Referral 9-327 Prideaux St . . . . 250-756-2022 Parkside Academy, Alexander Beach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-746-1711 St Joseph’s Preschool, Chemainus 9735 Elm St . . . . . . . . . 250-246-3191

900 Johnson Street � 250.386.5311 � www.vcm.bc.ca

Vancouver Island Co-operative Preschool Association . . www.vicpa.org

SCHOOL DISTRICTS Conseil scolaire francophone de la Columie-Britannique #180-10200 Shellbridge Way, Richmond . . . . . . . . . 1-888-715-2200 School District #68 (Nanaimo-Ladysmith) 395 Wakesiah Ave . . . . 250-754-5521 School District #69 (Qualicum) 100 Jensen Ave . . . . . . 250-248-4241

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS Aspengrove School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-390-2201 Offering the International Baccalaureate Primary & Middle Years programmes for Junior Kindergarten to Grade 10 & Advanced Placement courses for Grades 11 & 12 in select subjects. Licensed after school care available on site. www.aspengroveschool.ca.

John Paul II Catholic School, Port Alberni 4006 8th Ave . . . . . . . . 250-723-0637

�

Preschool to Senior School Please call or email for a tour

��

Maria Montessori Academy offers: • an educational environment that cares for the whole child • specialized, aged appropriate materials in multi-sensory learning environments • school programs uniquely designed to deliver solid academic foundations, as mandated by the BC Ministry of Education • extensive community learning opportunities and outdoor education

1841 Fairburn Drive, Victoria BC Phone: 250-479-4746 E-Mail: mma@montessori.bc.ca Website: www.montessori.bc.ca

• well-trained and compassionate staff • all grade levels support the multi-age learning philosophies of Maria Montessori • Grade 9 commencing Sept. 2011

Family Resource Guide 2011/2012

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Come let your light shine!

Linnaea School, Cortes Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-935-6747

Their future

starts here.

• Small classes (max. 22) • Strong focus on Fine Arts • Progressive athletics programs • High calibre learning in math, science & technology

At CCCS, we know your child and have the programs and personnel to ensure his or her future success in school and in life.

Find out more at our OPEN HOUSE November 21st CCCS is Victoria’s Anglican Elementary and Middle School, welcoming children from all backgrounds. JK — Grade 8.

Places available in selected grades.

Christ Church Cathedral School www.cathedralschool.ca

912 Vancouver Street • 250.383.5125

Morning Glory School, Qualicum 861 Hilliers Rd . . . . . . . 250-752-2722 Nanaimo Christian School 198 Holland Rd. . . . . . . 250-754-4512 Nanaimo Montessori School 945 Waddington Rd . . . 250-753-0649 St. Joseph’s Catholic School Chemainus 9735 Elm St . . . . . . . . . 250-246-3191

DISTANCE EDUCATION CEAP School District #69 Home Learning Program. . . . 250-954-3043 Hands-On Home-Learning for a Sustainable World 2738 Higgins St . . . . 1-888-383-6619 North Island Distance Education School, Courtenay nides.bc.ca . . . . . . . . . . 250-337-5300

LEARNING CENTRES & TUTORS Academic Advantage, Comox Valley & Campbell River . . . 1-877-787-5854 Amber Scotchburn Training Consultants, Nanoose Bay amberscotchburn.com 250-821-8214 KUMON Math & Reading 5–6421 Applecross Rd 250-390-2411 Literacy Nanaimo 19 Commercial Dr . . . . 250-754-8988 Sylvan Learning Centre 3260 Norwell Dr . . . . . . 250-758-1526

“That’s ALL it costs!?”

Yes! This is a very common comment we hear at the WIN Resale Shops.

Get everything you and your family need (and want!) for a great price, AND feel good about helping women in the community!

Fall Fashions

at affordable prices!

1803 Cook St. 785 Pandora Ave. 160-174 Wilson St. (Westside Village)

www.womeninneed.ca 64

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POST SECONDARY EDUCATION Academy of Learning 8–1551 Estevan Rd . . . 250-753-4220 Collége Éducacentre #420-256 Wallace St . . 250-741-1288 Sprott-Shaw Community College . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-754-9600 Vancouver Island University 900 5th St . . . . . . . . . . . 250-753-3245

OTHER The Career Centre, Parksville #327-198 East Island Hwy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-248-3205

Chemainus Community Schools’ Association 3172 Garner St . . . . . . . 250-246-3588

Classes & Programs

Give them a summer that lasts

forever!

ART PROGRAMS 4Cats Arts Academy #13-7217 Lantzville Rd 250-390-2724 2002A Comox Ave . . . . 250-941-8444

CLUBS & ACTIVITIES Boys & Girls Club, Chemainus 3172B Garner St. . . . . . 250-246-5421

www.qwanoes.ca 1-888-99-QWANOES

SUMMER CAMPS FOR ALL AGES

Boys & Girls Club, Ladysmith 730 3rd Ave . . . . . . . . . 250-245-8921 Boys & Girls Club, Lantzville 7-7221 Lantzville Rd. . . 250-390-4001 Boys & Girls Club, Nanaimo 20 5th St . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-754-3215

Live in your community. Learn in ours!

Proudly serving BC students since 1992! We value communication and collaboration with our elementary families.

Cadets-Navy League of Canada, Port Alberni 4210 Cedarwood St . . . 250-723-7442

REGISTER NOW! Let us know you found us in Black Press and we’ll enter you in a draw for an iPad2!

DANCE O’Brien School of Irish Dance, Nanaimo . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-758-0208

Call today to discuss personalized learning for your K-7 child.

DAY CAMPS Arts Alive . . . . . . . . . . . 250-756-5200 us3yoga, Qualicum Beach 1097 Koskimo Rd . . . . . us3yoga.com

GYMNASTICS Flipside Gymnastics flipsidegymnastics.ca. . 250-756-9102

LIBRARIES Vancouver Island Regional Library Campbell River Branch 1240 Shopper’s Row . . 250-287-3655 Chemainus Branch 2592 Legion St . . . . . . . 250-246-9471 Hornby Island Branch 1765 Sollans Rd . . . . . . 250-335-0044 Ladysmith Branch #3-740 1st Ave . . . . . . . 250-245-2322 Nanaimo Harbourfront Branch 90 Commercial Dr . . . . 250-753-1154 Nanaimo Wellington Branch 3032 Barons Rd . . . . . . 250-758-5544

“Ask Us About Our Birthday Party Packages!”

Register Today!

• Boys & Girls Ages 2 through Adult

Taking registra year-round!tion

• Beginner through Advanced • Competitive & Non-Competitive Programs • Teen Drop In

• Open Sundays

1911 Wilfert Road, Nanaimo Call to register

250.756.9102

flipsidegymnastics.ca Family Resource Guide 2011/2012

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The Victoria School for

Ideal Education Growing in wisdom for A lifetime of success • Meditation and yoga for children • Connecting children with nature • Enriched B.C. curriculum K – Gr. 6 • Personalized instruction • After school care 2820 Belmont Ave

250-383-6654

vsie@shaw.ca

vsie.ca

Parksville Branch 100E Jenson Ave East . 250-248-3841 Port Alberni Branch 4245 Wallace St . . . . . . 250-723-9511 Qualicum Beach Branch #101–660 Primrose St . 250-752-6121

MUSIC PROGRAMS BC Registered Music Teachers Association . . . . . . . 1-866-756-2304 Music for Young Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-828-4334 Nanaimo Community Band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-722-3088 Nanaimo Conservatory of Music ncmusic.ca . . . . . . . . . . 250-754-4611

RECREATION CENTRES Beban Park Social Centre 2300 Bowen Rd . . . . . . 250-756-5200 Bowen Park Complex 500 Bowen Rd . . . . . . . 250-756-5200 Frank Crane Arena 2300 Bowen Rd . . . . . . 250-756-5200 Kinsmen Park Pool 5779 Alderlea St . . . . . . 250-246-3811 Ladysmith Parks, Recreation & Culture, 810-6th Ave 250-245-6424 McGirr Sports Complex 6185 McGirr Rd . . . . . . 250-756-1173 Nanaimo Aquatic Centre 741 Third St . . . . . . . . . 250-756-5200 Nanaimo Ice Centre 750 Third St . . . . . . . . . 250-756-5200

Children’s Concert Series Fun, educational and interactive musical presentations for kids of all ages and their parents, with Music Corner, a talented group of musical storytellers.

Kids: $12/concert

Adults: $15/concert

Carnival of the Animals October 8, 2011, 3pm

North Cowichan Parks & Recreation, Chemainus 2876 Fuller Lake Rd . . . 250-246-3811 ANNUAL FUNDERS

Oliver Woods Community Centre 6000 Oliver Rd . . . . . . . 250-756-5200 Ravensong Aquatic Centre 737 Jones St . . . . . . . . 250-752-5014

SCIENCE/NATURE Morell Nature Sanctuary 787 Nanaimo Lakes . . . 250-753-5811

Party Planning ACTIVE PARTY PLACES Cyber City 1815 Bowen Rd . . . . . . 250-755-1828

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Jumping Jiminy’s Playland #400-2980 Island Hwy 250-729-0999

ENTERTAINERS Mad Science . . . .madscience.org/vancouverisland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-391-1814

PARTY SUPPLIES/PLANNING Funtime Inflatables (Victoria) 656 Caleb Pike Rd . . . . 250-474-0556

Family Fun & Entertainment FESTIVALS & FAIRS Bard to Broadway, Qualicum Beach 747 Jones St . . . . . . . . 250-752-6813 Filberg Festival Comox Valley . . . . . . 1-866-898-8499 Van. Island International Children’s Festival . . . . . . . . . . 1-877-554-FEST

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.

It’s a Lifestyle!

www.nanaimo.ca 250 756 5200

MUSEUMS Alberni Valley Museum 4255 Wallace St . . . . . . 250-723-2181 Black Nugget Museum, Ladysmith 12 Gatacre St . . . . . . . . 250-245-4846 Comox Air Force Museum 19 Wing Rd. . . . . . . . . . 250-339-8162 Courtenay Museum . . 250-334-0686 McLean Mill National Historic Site 5633 Smith Rd . . . . . . . 250-723-1376 Nanaimo District Museum 100 Cameron Rd . . . . . 250-753-1821

NATURE Butterfly World 1080 Winchester Rd . . . 250-248-7026 Filberg Heritage Park 61 Filberg Rd . . . . . . . . 250-339-2715 Horne Lake Caves Qualicum Beach . . . . . . 250-248-7829 Morrell Nature Sanctuary 787 Nanaimo Lk Rd . . . 250-753-5811 North Island Wildlife Recovery 1240 Leffler, Parksville . 250-248-8534 Pacific Rainforest Adventure Tours . . . . . . . . . rainforestnaturehikes.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-248-3667 Family Resource Guide 2011/2012

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Seaview Game Farm, Black Creek 1392 Seaview Rd . . . . . 250-337-5182 World Parrot Refuge, Coombs 2116 Alberni Hwy . . . . . 250-248-5194

Retail Products

SPECIALTY STORES

BICYCLES

Comfortable Organizing Solutions, Nanaimo comfortableOrganizingSolutions.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-754-5486

Yellow Point Cranberries, Ladysmith . . . . yellowpointcranberries@shaw.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-245-5283

Oak Bay Bicycles, Nanaimo 2-5771 Turner Rd . . . . . 250-760-0211

THEATRE & ART

CLOTHING

Chemainus Theatre 9737 Chemainus Rd. . . 250-246-9800

Huckleberry Baby Shop, Nanaimo 12A-4376 Boban Drive 250-585-5552

Port Theatre, Nanaimo 125 Front St . . . . . . . . . 250-754-8550

Indigo Children’s Consignment 436 1st St, Ladysmith. . 250-245-2042

Theatre One www.theatreone.org . . . 250-754-7587

Moondance Tie Dye Unlimited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-954-2922

FAMILY FUN

Pumpkin Pie Kids Wear pumpkinpiekids.com . . 250-754-3933

Cyber City 1815 Bowen Rd . . . . . . 250-755-1828

FURNITURE

Jumping Jiminy’s Playland & Café 2980 Island Hwy. . . . . . 250-729-0999 Romper Room Indoor Climbing 4835B Boban Dr. . . . . . 250-751-7625 Tiger Lily Farms Barnyard & Trail Rides 1692 Errington Rd . . . . 250-248-2408 Wild Play Element Parks, Nanaimo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .WildPlayParks.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-888-668-7874

Dream With Me Custom Bedding 115 Chapel St. . . . . . . . 250-754-2192

MUSIC STORES Long & McQuade Musical Instruments, Nanaimo 6324 Metral Dr . . . . . . . 250-390-4771 Tom Lee Music #10-6894 Island Hwy N 250-390-2626

SHOPPING CENTRES Woodgrove Centre, Nanaimo 6631 Island Hwy North woodgrovecentre.com

BC Families in Transition Serving Greater Victoria since 1978

“Helping family members of all ages through separation, divorce, or difficulties in family relationships” • Professional Counselling: Adults, Children, Teens, Couples, & Families • Group Counselling Programs and Workshops • Legal Support, Court Support, Court Preparation, Financial Counselling • Toll Free Legal Information Line (English & French) Inquire about our sliding fee scale 812 Broughton St, Victoria, BC V8W 1E4 • Phone 250-386-4331 Visit our website at www.bcfit.org Legal Information Line: 1-877-386-4333 (Mon/Thurs) 68

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Beaners Fun Cuts for Kids, Nanaimo 39A N. Island Hwy . . . . 250-758-2444

Toad Hall Emporium, Chemainus 9738 Willow St . . . . . . . 250-246-4400

TOYS/EDUCATIONAL SUPPLIES Kool & Child, Nanaimo 102-2517 Bowen Rd . . 250-585-1778 Visit Vancouver Island’s largest specialty toy store. Over 6,000 sq. ft. filled with the best toys and educational products to surprise and delight all ages.

Family Restaurants & Food Markets MARKETS Country Grocer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . countrygrocer.com Thrifty Foods Nanaimo 650 Terminal Ave . . . . . 250-754-6273 5801 Turner Rd. . . . . . . 250-729-4950 Parksville 280 E. Island Hwy. . . . . 250-248-8823 Courtenay. . . . . . . . . . . 250-338-1383 Campbell River . . . . . . . 250-850-3581 Chemainus Health Food Store 9738B Willow St . . . . . . 250-246-9838 Lantzville Market 7201 Lantzville Rd . . . . 250-390-4232

RESTAURANTS ABC Country Restaurant 6671 Mary Ellen Way . . 250-390-4064 809 Island Hwy. . . . . . . 250-754-8171 Billy’s Delight, Chemainus 9739 Willow St . . . . . . . 250-246-4131

PHOTOGRAPHERS Erin Wallis Photography, Campbell River . . . . . . . erinwallis.com

Ad Directory 4 Cats Arts Academy .....22 Arbour Counselling........34 BC Families In Transition ..................68 BCFDC ...........................2 Beach Acres Resort .......59 Bellies in Bloom ............27 Blue Vista Resort ...........43 Camp Pringle ................55 Camp Qwanoes ............65 Capernwray ..................47 Cathedral School...........64 Chatterblock .................45 Child Care Resource .....60 Children’s Bookshop......14 Children’s Education Fund ........................72 Cinecenta .....................33 Comfort Inn ..................20 Conseil Scolaire ............35 CRD Parks ....................10 Discovery School ..........19 Dreamland Kids .......... IBC Earthly Goods ...............31 Ebus ............................64 Fiddlesticks ..................39 Flipside Gymnastics ......65 Norman Foote ...............45 Four Seasons Theatre ...58 Galey Farms .................33 Habitat Victoria ...............4 Happy Island Diapers ....39 Hillside Centre ..............43 Hip Baby ......................58 Horne Lake Caves .........47 IMAX Theatre ................39 Island Farms .................36 Island Montessori ..........21 Island Oak High School..27 Island Swimming ..........20 JamTots ..................... IBC KIV ...............................54 KUMON Math & Reading ....................57 Kye Bay Resort .............55 Dr. Ellen Laine...............38 Lakehill Soccer .............43 Patricia Lane ................10 Larsen Music ................62 LIFE Seminars...............21 Lifestyle Markets...........32 Lighthouse Academy of Dance ...................21 Little Steps ...................12 Lizzy Lee & Me ............IFC Mad Science ................38 Maria Montessori ..........63 McBOP Law..................17 Mothering Touch ...........12 Karen Murdoch .............13 Nanaimo Parks .............67 Notaries on Douglas ......34 O’Brien Irish Dance .......50

Oak & Orca...................19 Oxford Learning ............15 Pacific Christian School .67 Park Sands ...................47 Pemberton Holmes .......32 Peter & The Wolf ......... IBC Pirate Adventures ..........66 Pizzeria Prima Strada ....11 Pollock Clinics ..............17 Rainbow Express...........43 READ Society ...............IFC Restart Computers ..........2 Royal BC Museum ........16 Saanich Commonwealth ........IFC Saanich Dental Clinic ....29 Saanich Recreation .........9 Scallywags ..................IFC School for Ideal Education .................66 Science Works ..............39 School District #61 .......27 Scott-Moncrieff & Co.....25 SelfDesign ....................49 Serious Coffee ..............69 Timothy Shipley, Notary .33 Sleep Sense .................59 Smart Tutor Referrals Sportball.......................26 St. Margaret’s School ....23 St. Michaels University School ......................26 St. Patrick’s Elementary ...............57 Stages .........................29 Sunrise Waldorf .......... IBC Sylvan Learning ..............7 Theatre ONE .................46 Thrifty Foods.............1, 37 TJs ..............................25 Tom Lee Music .............64 TS Consulting ...............24 Undersea Gardens ........20 Vancouver Island Coop Preschool Assoc ........18 Victoria Epilepsy & Parkinsons Centre .....24 Victoria Conservatory of Music .............63, 66 Victoria Gymnastics ...... BC Victoria Midwives ............5 Victoria Peoples Pharmacy ...................6 Victoria Symphony ..........8 VIHA.............................68 Vitamin Shop ................71 Welcome Wagon ...........49 Wild Play Element Parks .......................26 Women In Need ............64 Woodgrove Centre ........72 Yellowpoint Cranberries ...............46

Make a difference in the lives of girls

1-800-565-8111 girlguides.ca

Volunteer Today!

1-800-565-8111 girlguides.ca

Family Resource Guide 2011/2012

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Professional Instructors & Home Business Directory

Recipes to theNEWSLET Rescue TER …a free publication for the everyday cook • Simple Recipes • Food Information • Inspiration Sample a copy and sign up at:

www.recipestotherescue.ca …but be forewarned, we have a contagious attitude towards cooking!

ART CLASSES • DRAWING • PAINTING • SCULPTURE • CARTOONING • PORTFOLIO PREPARATION

• Dyslexia Assessments with Teaching Solutions • Dyslexia Awareness Workshops for Parents and Care Givers • Telephone Support Service • Tutoring Children, Language Arts For more information please call, email or visit our website.

Phone: Office and Evening 250-715-3034 or Cell 250-815-0950 E-mail: thi.sales@dyslexiavictoria.ca www.dyslexiavictoria.ca

Is Your Child Struggling at School?

Children & Adults • Day & Evening Classes Fabulous Results Original Art for Sale

Artistic Statement Gallery & School of Fine Art Call Joan at her new location in the Oak Bay Monterey Mews, #107–2250 Oak Bay Ave, 250-383-0566 www.artisticstatementgalleryandschool.com

I can help your child Karen Murdoch

Now Registering for Fall Programs

778-430-3183 karenmurdoch.ca

Therapeutic Tutor

Guitar with Lessons Paul O’Brien

Volunteers Have a Hand in Saving Lives

Renowned Singer/Songwriter, Teacher & Workshop leader

In-Clinic Volunteers are needed for our blood donor clinics held throughout Vancouver Island. There is a great need for volunteers at our Duncan clinics, held every 4 weeks at the Island Savings Centre.

Now accepting new students in Guitar, Bodhran, Mandocello and/or Songwriting “The real gift of Paul...is his genius for imbuing the sense of ‘I CAN’ to a group and still finding time to encourage and uplift the individual”

250-480-0330 www.paulobrien.ca 70

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You can volunteer your skills and experience in our clinics by becoming involved with donor support. We’ll give you all the training and tools that you need to be prepared for your role.

Looking for an opportunity to save lives?

Contact 1-888-2-DONATE or visit www.blood.ca for more information on how to get involved.

Heather Chatwin

Treetop Cirque Du Soleil I

had a day with an eight-year-old friend, with no schedule to keep. Top on the agenda: climbing trees. It was a job that called for some serious double tasking: swinging—make that trying to swing my body to the next level of branches—while at the same time, attempting to overlook the occasional eye roll at my less-than-glamorous attempt.

My arms started to feel more like dead weights than muscular body parts. My mind was frantically searching for a slightly less gymnastic and perhaps more earthbound game. Suddenly, a grey and fuzzy blur shot past. The blur stopped, and then rocketed headfirst downwards, grey ears twitching.

As I willed my arms to swing ever upwards, the blur, which I could now tell was a Grey squirrel, snatched a maple key, spun on the spot, then dashed up a 60’ Douglas fir… all in about 10 seconds. How could a squirrel shoot up trees like this, while I, a descendent of the great apes, could not swing to the next branch without landing myself in some serious physiotherapy?

Disgruntled by my, er, well my “climbing skills,” I asked around. Indeed, we humans don’t have a tenth, make that a hundredth, of the climbing and leaping ability our backyard squirrels possess. Adapted perfectly for life on high, both the introduced Grey squirrel and native Red squirrel species spend some 70 per cent of their time in the canopy. When I look at the forest I see individual trees; a squirrel sees a forest

highway. Each intersection leads to homes, food sources and hideouts in the fast lane of the upper branches. A squirrel’s entire body—legs, feet, tail, and even brain—are developed for the challenge.

A squirrel’s body pairs long muscular hind legs in the rear with short and lightweight legs in the front. This is a powerful combination that allows a squirrel to leap a span of 10 times its body length in a single jump.

Even the best human long jumpers could only hope to jump half as far. This fact is enough to make my eight-year-old friend swoon in athletic appreciation.

A squirrel’s feet are essential in the acrobatic equation. Its hind feet are double jointed, and can rotate 180 degrees. With Olympic prowess, squirrels use these feet to dash headfirst down the most unforgiving of surfaces: telephone poles, branchless trees, you name it. Long sharp claws provide an extra level of hold.

The squirrel’s tail provides the balance in the equation. Acting as a finely tuned rudder, their tails allow squirrels to change direction on the spot, sometimes in midair.

Such dexterity is needed, as our squirrely friends often clock speeds of up to 20 km an hour while crossing surfaces as thin as a telephone wire. A squirrel’s tail is what allows it to land softly on all fours after a fall of 30 feet. Working like a natural parachute, the tail flattens out behind the squirrel, slowing its descent.

But most important is the squirrel’s brain. Their trapeze artist ability to land on even the most spindly of branches is made possible by the large portion of their brain devoted to vision and depth perception. A squirrel has a vast number of sensory receptors connected to its eyes. While a human’s peripheral vision is poor, a squirrel can see objects to the side as clearly as objects to the front. What’s more, a squirrel has the benefit of built-in natural sunglasses—its eyes

have pale yellow lenses that help cut down glare, helping define each individual branch.

Thinking of the squirrel’s long muscular legs, double jointed hind feet, sharp claws, balancing tail, and finely honed vision, I can’t help but feel that squirrels would challenge even the most dexterous Cirque du Soleil performer. Who would have thought that our Grey and Red squirrels would be the tumbling gymnasts, leaping acrobats, and superhero scalers of the backyard world?

You can learn more about squirrels and other natural wonders at CRD nature outings and events. For more information, visit www.crd.bc.ca/parks/events/calendar.aspx Heather Chatwin is a CRD Regional Parks Interpreter.

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