Island Parent Family Resource Guide

Island Parent Celebrating

26 Years

The Resource Publication for Vancouver Island Parents

Over 700 Listings from Victoria to Parksville

Family Resource Guide 2013–2014

children’s boutique

REGISTER FOR WINTER SCHEDULES & LOCATIONS VISIT SPORTBALL.CA WHILE SPACE IS AVAILABLE!

Sports ,s creativ ongs, e game s, stories , rhyme s, bubble time & more!!!

FALL COLLECTIONS HAVE ARRIVED! Boots * Coats * Jackets

• Shoes • Clothing • Accessories

Newborn to 12 years

DOWNTOWN

624 Fort St 250 360 2570

BROADMEAD VILLAGE

nior (16-24

Sportball Ju

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ills & Skills, dr h thrills wit ’s eight Sportball rts! core spo

777 Royal Oak Dr 250 360 2520

After-schoo

l programs

(3-12 yrs)

SOCCER | HOCKEY | BASEBALL | FOOTBALL | TENNIS | VOLLEYBALL | GOLF

VAN.ISLAND@SPORTBALL.CA 250.590.4625 | 1.877.590.4625 |

www.scallywags-island.ca

|

WWW.SPORTBALL.CA

Saanich Recreation Centres YOUR FAMILY RESOURCE FOR...

• Preschools at Pearkes, Commonwealth and Gordon Head • Learn to swim and skate programs • Creative and performing arts programs • Racquet sports for children and families • Summer, spring break and holiday camps • Pro-D day camps and events • Parent and tot programs

at Visit uischrec.ca an www.sa

Family Resource Guide 2013/2014  1

Welcome Focusing on your future, rather than the fight Resolving your family law case through mediation is the sensible and affordable decision for the future of your family. I provide legal information and practical guidance to simplify the process of separation and divorce, so you can focus on what really matters.

Duncan & Faber Barristers and Solicitors

302 - 852 Fort Street ! 250-383-8038 ! www.victoriamediation.ca

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

WWW.MONARCHHOUSE.CA

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

always here...

...and making it easier

to the eighth annual Family Resource Guide

S

ince 1988, Island Parent has provided 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 the eighth 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. Don’t forget to regularly visit our website, www.kidsinvictoria. com, for all your parenting needs.

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 GST) with your name and address to the address below. Canada Post: Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement 40051398.

Island Parent Magazine Suite A-10, 830 Pembroke St, Victoria, BC V8T 1H9 Tel: 250-388-6905 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, RaeLeigh Buchanan 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 Cover printed at Hillside Printing ISSN 1915-1799

2 www.IslandParent.ca

Contents: Family Resource Guide 2013/14 Listings Important Phone Numbers................................................4

Family Fun & Entertainment South Island..................................................................56 Cowichan Valley...........................................................58 Mid-Island....................................................................58

New Parent Resources South Island....................................................................5 Cowichan Valley.............................................................7 Mid-Island......................................................................7

Party Planning South Island..................................................................59 Mid-Island....................................................................60

Family Support South Island..................................................................12 Cowichan Valley...........................................................16 Mid-Island....................................................................16

Retail Products South Island..................................................................60 Cowichan Valley...........................................................63 Mid-Island....................................................................64

Education South Island..................................................................20 Cowichan Valley...........................................................25 Mid-Island....................................................................26

Family Restaurant & Food Markets South Island..................................................................64 Cowichan Valley...........................................................64 Mid-Island....................................................................65 Residential Camps..........................................................68 Family Travel..................................................................68

Articles

On the Cover: Photo by Erin Wallis, erin@erinwallis.com, www.erinwallis.com/blog Classes & Programs South Island..................................................................38 Cowichan Valley...........................................................42 Mid-Island....................................................................43 Health & Wellness South Island..................................................................50 Cowichan Valley...........................................................52 Mid-Island....................................................................52 Legal & Financial Services South Island..................................................................52

Embrace the Rain............................................................9 Capturing Your Kids.....................................................10 Me & My ‘Boyfriend’...................................................18 Healthy After-School Snacks.........................................28 Variety Is the Spice of Sport...........................................29 Dressing for Fall............................................................30 Three Things I Love About You....................................34 Help Fractions Gain Traction........................................35 Planning Your Family....................................................44 Family Getaways...........................................................46 Kids Find the Fun in Fungi............................................48 Tips to Encourage Reading as a Family.........................53 Learn to Play, Play to Learn...........................................54 Just for Giggles..............................................................66 10 Reasons to Exercise During Pregnancy.....................69 Subterranean Wonders..................................................70

Departments Party Directory........................................................32, 33 Annual Family Events...................................................36 Business & Professional Directory.................................71 Family Resource Guide 2013/2014 3

Important Phone Numbers

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

Gulf Islands, Westshore, Sooke)

HealthLink BC HealthLinkBC.ca. . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1-1

POLICE (NON-EMERGENCY)

Highlands . . . . . . . . . . 250-474-1773 Langford. . . . . . . . . . . . 250-478-9555

Help Line for Children. 250-310-1234

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

Poison Control Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-567-8911

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

South Island (Greater Victoria, Saanich, Sidney, Central Saanich . . . . . 250-652-4441 Sooke (East Sooke, Jordan River, Otter Point, Port Renfrew, Shirley) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-642-5241 Esquimalt . . . . . . . . . . 250-995-7654 Oak Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-592-2424 Saanich. . . . . . . . . . . . 250-475-4321 Sidney (includes North Saanich, Willis Point) . . . . . . . . . . 250-656-3931 Victoria . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-995-7654 Western Communities (Colwood, Highlands, Langford, Metchosin, View Royal) . . . . . . . . . . 250-474-2264

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 Victoria . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-384-1122 View Royal. . . . . . . . . . 250-479-7322

AMBULANCE (NON-EMERGENCY) All areas . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-727-2400

FIRE (NON-EMERGENCY) Central Saanich . . . . . 250-652-4444

OTHER IMPORTANT NUMBERS

Colwood. . . . . . . . . . . . 250-478-8321

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

East Sooke . . . . . . . . . 250-642-4411 Esquimalt . . . . . . . . . . 250-414-7126

BC Association of Family Resource Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . frpbc.ca

K-9 Distributed Learning

Kids Help Phone . . . 1-800-668-6868

Provinical Eating Disorders Awareness Campaign jessieslegacy.com . . . . 604-988-5281 Sexual Assault Crisis & Information Line. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-383-3232 The Representative for Children & Youth www.rcybc.ca. . . . . . 1-800-476-3933 Vancouver Island Crisis Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-888-494-3888 Women’s Transition House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-385-6611

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

Hands-On Home-Learning for a Sustainable World - expense budget provided - unique hands-on learning activities

The joy of learning - naturally.

- support from a certified teacher

http://oakandorca.ca http://oakandorca.ca 250 383 6619 888 383 6619) 250 383(1 6609

- constructive feedback without grading - children can learn at their natural pace

STEP INTO ANOTHER WORLD & BRING THE KIDS ALONG IMAX Films - forty-five minutes of fascination, fun and education.

Shows hourly from 10am every day

250-480-4887 • imaxvictoria.com 4 www.IslandParent.ca

New Parent Resources South Island MATERNITY/FERTILITY Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit epau.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-592-5633

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

DOULAS Birth & Beyond Doula Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-889-6009 Glowing Touch Doula Services glowingtouch.ca . . . . . 250-514-3009 Helping Hands Doula Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-595-1938 Island Childbirth IslandChildbirth.com . . 250-889-2760 Natural Birthing and Postpartum Centre . . birthingandpostpartum.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-386-2758 Your Birth Your Way Doula Services yourbirthyourway.ca . . 250-514-1477 Victoria Doula Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . doulasofvictoria.ca

MIDWIVES Access Midwifery & Family Care 208–2951 Tillicum Rd . 250-380-6329 Birthways Midwifery Service 2254 Belmont Ave . . . . 250-384-9062 Community Midwifery Care 130 McPhillips Ave, Salt Spring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-537-2243 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

Victoria Midwifery Group 35 Cambridge St . . . . . 250-381-1977 West Coast Midwives 2823 Dysart Rd . . . . . . 250-384-5940 Western Communities Midwifery 287 Stewart Ave . . . . . 250-589-3417

We support families living with epilepsy Comprehensive professional services

PRENATAL SERVICES Aboriginal Prenatal Support 231 Regina Ave . . . . . . 250-384-3211 Birthright Victoria 516–620 View St . . . . . 250-380-0305 Camosun College . . . 250-370-3550 prenatal@camosun.ca. Proudly supporting expectant parents for 25 years! A healthy baby begins with prenatal education. Camosun’s specialized nurse educators support clients of midwives and doctors. Fun, informative classes at VGH includes a tour.

Mothering Touch Centre 975 Fort St . . . . . . . . . . 250-595-4905 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . motheringtouch.ca Prenatal classes taught by certified childbirth educators. Pre- and postnatal yoga and fitness, breastfeeding education, parenting the newborn, baby groups.

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

BEST BABIES PROGRAMS Esquimalt Neighbourhood House . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-385-2635 ext. 203 Peninsula Best Babies 2410 Malaview Dr . . . . 250-655-5300 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

The Midwives Collective 107-1120 Yates St . . . . 250-590-7605

Peninsula 2170 Mt. Newton X Rd 250-544-2400

Midwifery Services of Victoria 2000 Beach Dr . . . . . . . 250-592-0099

Saanich 3995 Quadra St . . . . . . 250-519-5100

Sooke Midwifery 2050B Townsend Rd . . 778-425-0780

Saltspring Island 1-137 Crofton Rd . . . . . 250-538-4880

Tools for Success tutoring students

813 Darwin Avenue | 250-475-6677 www.vepc.bc.ca | help@vepc.bc.ca Supported in part by the United Way

Pregnant?

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.

Covered by Your BC Health Care 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 We would be pleased to schedule an appointment to answer your questions about midwifery care.

www.midwivesinvictoria.ca Family Resource Guide 2013/2014 5

The Lighthouse Parent An innovative program for parents who want to learn how their child’s brain develops from the womb to 18 years.

Find out what the latest research says about attachment theory, brain plasticity and how you can joyfully connect with your child at every age and stage.

For information on our wide range of courses visit www.1-up.ca 250 385 1114 info@1-up.ca 602 Gorge Rd East, Victoria BC V8T 2W6 Generously funded by

Sooke 104-2145 Townsend Rd 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 La Leche League of Greater Victoria . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-727-4384

NEW PARENT SUPPORT •

Currently a Few Spaces Available Book now for a tour!

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

preschool to grade 2

•

before and after school care

•

small class sizes

•

supportive and caring staff

•

excellent academic foundation

•

Kodaly music program

•

lovely rural location connecting children to nature

Natural Health Care for Children • Developmental Disorders

• Autism & ASD

• Behavioural Disorders

• Ear Infections

• Asthma

• Eczema

Aboriginal Infant Development Program 231 Regina Ave . . . . . . 250-384-3211 BC Association of Family Resource Programs . . . . . . . . . . 604-738-0068 The Cridge Young Parent Outreach Program 1307 Hillside Ave . . . . . 250-995-6421 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.

Greater Victoria Down Syndrome Society . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-479-7450 Infant Development Program 3970 Haro Rd, Victoria . . . . 477-1826 Options Pregnancy Centre 4-855 Caledonia Ave . . 250-380-6883 Peninsula Best Babies Program 9860 Third St, Sidney . 250-656-0134 Registered Nanny Canada The best live-in nanny . 250-667-0565 The Savvy Squirrel Coupon Book . . . . . . . . . . squirrelcouponbook.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-589-7192 Sleep Sense . . . . . . . . 250-857-1408 . . . . . . . . . . . . sleepsense.net/victoria Vancouver Island Baby Fair . . . . . . . vancouverislandbabyfair.com Vancouver Island Multiple Birth Association email . . . . . . vimba234@hotmail.com

304-2250 Oak Bay Ave www.drzimmermann.org 250-590-5828 6 www.IslandParent.ca

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

Sundrops Centre for Child Development, Duncan 5856 Celemnts St . . . . 250-746-4135

ADOPTION SUPPORT

MIDWIVES

Adoption Support Program 2400 Arbutus Rd . . . . . 250-721-6751

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

Choices Adoption & Counselling Services 100–850 Blanshard St . 250-479-9811

PRENATAL SERVICES

Mid-Island

Matraea Centre, Duncan matcentre.ca . . . . . . . . 250-597-0085

MIDWIVES/DOULAS

PUBLIC HEALTH (VIHA)

Born Healthy 630 2nd Ave, Ladysmith250-245-3079 Jennifer Hewko, Registered Midwife 3799 Avolea Dr . . . . . . 250-760-1080

Family Services of Greater Vancouver 1616 West 7th Ave . . . . 604-736-7613 Fernwood Foundation bcadopt.com . . . . . . . 1-877-236-7807 Options Pregnancy Centre 4-855 Caledonia Ave. 250-380-6883 Origins Supporting People Separated By Adoption originscanada.org . . . . 250-419-1200

Duncan 675 Canada Ave . . . . . 250-709-3050 Lake Cowichan Health Unit 58 Cowichan Ave . . . . . 250-749-6878

NEW PARENT SUPPORT Aboriginal Infant Development Program, Duncan 5768 Allenby Rd . . . . . 250-746-6184 Island Mother, Cowichan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250 737-1687

Cowichan Valley DOULAS Cowichan Birthwise . 250-748-8493 Cowichan Childbirth, Prenatal & Doula . . . . . . . . . . . cowichanchildbirth.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-510-0805

Margaret Moss Health Centre, Duncan 675 Canada Ave . . . . . 250-709-3050 New Mom Centre, PostPartum Support & Education, Duncan newmomcentre.ca . . . . 250-510-2518

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 Crisis Pregnancy Centre of Nanaimo 1717B Kerrisdale Rd . . 250-714-2191

READ Society…learning, skills and confidence…

• Academic assessments • Individual learning plans; small group sessions • Monday to Thursday starting at 3:30 • Language arts, mathematics, high-level mathematics and science, study skills Locations: Colwood, Sidney and Victoria Call: 250-388-7225 for information about classes and schedules Website: www.readsociety.bc.ca

Family Resource Guide 2013/2014 7

PUBLIC HEALTH (VIHA) Campbell River Public Health 200-1100 Island Hwy . 250-850-2110

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

Ladysmith Health Unit 224 High St . . . . . . . . . 250-755-3342 Nanaimo Health Unit 1665 Grant Ave . . . . . . 250-755-3342 Nanaimo Princess Royal Family Centre 260 Irwin St . . . . . . . . . 250-755-3342 Parksville Health Unit 249 W. Hirst Ave . . . . . 250-947-8242 Port Alberni Health Unit 4227 6th Ave . . . . . . . . 250-724-1315 Tofino and Ucluelet Public Health and Coastal Family Place 265 First St . . . . . . . . . 250-725-4020

NEW PARENT SUPPORT Aboriginal Infant Development Program, Nanaimo 668B Centre St . . . . . . 250-470-2348

2945 Jacklin Road 250-478-1737 www.jamtots.com

Central Vancouver Island Crisis Society, Nanaimo . . . . 250-754-4447 Family Resource Association 198 Morison Ave, Parksville d69fra.org . . . . . . . . . . 250-752-6766 Hands On Prevention & Education Centre, Gabriola Island 790 North Rd . . . . . . . . 250-247-8730 Healthy Beginnings Ladysmith, Nanaimo . . 250-755-6230 Ladysmith Association of Family & Friends . . . . . . . . . . 250-245-6424 La Leche League, Nanaimo 409 Belmonte Place . . 250-754-5853 La Leche League, Parksville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-954-2922

Journeys of the Heart is a “free-of-charge” 10 month (30 week) cultural early learning program for Aboriginal children ages 2–5 years and their families. Program structure and delivery is designed to provide opportunities to empower and contribute to positive cultural identity within Aboriginal children and their families.

There are spaces available for this coming fall at George Jay and Wishart Elementary school.

For more information call

Winnie Williams 250-384-9466 ex 251 8 www.IslandParent.ca

Nanaimo Infant Development Program 1135 Nelson St . . . . . . 250-753-0251 Welcome Wagon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . welcomewagon.ca

Camille McFarlane

Embrace the Rain

I

t was a rainy Thanksgiving Monday two years ago when my neighbour knocked on our door.

“I’ve decided to embrace the rain,” she said. “Come out and play with us!”

She was dressed in colourful rainboots and a waterproof jacket, the hood pulled up over her head. Behind her the rain poured down, almost sideways, and her two boys, both in their rain suits, splashed each other and stomped around in the rain.

As I stood watching her boys and debating whether or not to join them outside, my twoyear-old daughter pushed past me running to greet the boys in only her bare feet. Decision made, I bundled up my six-week-old baby in the carrier, put my partner’s rain jacket over top of us, and managed to convince my daughter to come back inside long enough to put on her rain pants, jacket and boots.

We spent nearly two hours out in the rain that day, driving toy trucks, riding on ride ’em cars, and splashing in puddles.

Now as another rainy season starts, I am reminded of that day and wonder how I will embrace the rain this year. The big kids have moved on to riding bikes and scooters and racing up and down our quiet street. No longer a baby, my youngest is now enthralled with splashing in puddles and searching for worms. We’re all decked out in our rain suits and ready to explore.

Where will we head this year?

Nature Walks My favourite outdoor rainy day activities tend to be in forested areas that provide a bit of shelter from the wind and rain.

1. Goldstream Park. We start going around Thanksgiving and return every couple of weeks to see the progression of the salmon run and to watch the eagles soar. The kids are fascinated by the fish, both dead and alive, and the multitude of birds scavenging for food. The lush forest provides a bit of relief from the rain and it’s always comforting to warm up in the Nature House while learning a bit more about the salmon run, colouring a picture, or borrowing binoculars to spot eagles. The Nature House is open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every day and admission is by donation.

2. Thetis Lake. This is a popular destina-

tion in the summer, but we frequently go for walks around part of the lake even in the rain. If we’re with friends, the kids tend to be motivated to keep going. We also like to collect nature treasures. Sometimes we’ll make a plan for what to collect, other times we’ll just find treasures on the ground, such as giant maple leaves, acorns, or fallen bark which we can then take home and incorporate in a craft.

3. Swan Lake Nature House. Open year round, Swan Lake provides visitors with many walking trails, some sheltered by the trees, and others more open around the lake. Regardless of sun or rain, we always bring or buy bird feed in the Nature House before heading down to the lake. The kids are always excited to feed the ducks. After a walk through the forest and along the lake, we return to the Nature House to see the turtle and other resident creatures. Swan Lake Nature House is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday and from noon to 4 p.m. on weekends.

2. Royal BC Museum. Soon after we first bought a family season’s pass to the Royal BC Museum, it became a favourite destination, with the kids always asking to go see the woolly mammoth that we nicknamed “Big Angus” after one of my daughter’s stuffies.

Not only does the museum provide insight into the province’s history, but it also offers an opportunity for the kids’ imaginations to soar. The Royal BC Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some days open till 10 p.m.

Indoor Destinations Some days I just don’t feel like playing in the rain, so we’ll attend a StrongStart program, a library event, or a playgroup at one of the neighbourhood houses. Other days when we want more of an adventure, we’ll drive to Sidney or go downtown to one of Victoria’s many tourist destinations. My friends often tease me about having every yearly pass possible in the city. Here are two of our favourites: 1. The Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre. Each time we go to the Discovery Centre we learn something new. Most days there are crafts and on Tuesday mornings throughout the school year, the Centre runs Tot Tuesdays, providing crafts, stories, and marine-themed activities. The kids’ eyes are always filled with wonder at feeding times or on the rare occasions when the octopus spreads out and consumes what seems like the whole side of the tank. Their favourite part is definitely the touch tank. I find it fascinating how observant even my toddler is at noticing the changes in the tank and the different species present or missing from the last time. The Centre is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through the winter and spring.

Many of our rainy days are filled with play dates and crafts at home or quickly getting dressed to enjoy the occasional brief reprieve from the rain, knowing full well that by the time we get outside, it will probably be raining again.

It’s raining today. This morning, my daughter refused to go outside, still longing for our sunny summer days spent at the beach. It didn’t help that she’s outgrown her favourite pink rain boots. So instead of going outside, we did a “messy” craft and baked cookies. Tomorrow I must invest in some colourful new rain boots for us all. That’ll get us out in the rain for sure!

Camille McFarlane, previously a teacher, is a stay at home mom whose days are filled with outdoor adventures, crafts, dancing and lots of laughter.

Family Resource Guide 2013/2014 9

©Mark Steichen (Luxembourg) Badger dream scene

November 29 – April 6, 2014

Wonder Sunday Join us for afternoons of fun and discovery for the whole family.

An exciting new theme each month.

The last Sunday of every month* 1 – 3pm Halloween Oct. 27 Canoes Nov. 24 Words Jan. 26 *Excluding December

Night at the Museum Family Sleepover – Old Town Adventures around every corner, including a dance party in the Natural History Gallery, stories in the First Peoples gallery, an IMAX movie and a pancake breakfast.

November 15, 6:30pm – 9am $75 per person

royalbcmuseum.bc.ca 10

www.IslandParent.ca

Rebecca Kirstein

Capturing Your Kids Five tips for taking frame-worthy photos

R

ecording our children’s lives—from their first drooly smiles to their grad date, and everything in between—has always been important business to parents. These days we’re not only expected to record their lives, but also to post every detail and photo to Facebook so our friends and family ’round the world can keep up with their antics too.

Not only is photographing your child’s life more important than ever, but research suggests that kids who grow up surrounded by images of themselves and their families enjoy higher self-esteem. That’s a lot of pressure for us parents.

In a few simple steps, you can take your digital photography from mediocre to magnificent. Bear with me. You don’t need a degree, fancy equipment or children who look like catalogue models. The real magic is in the beauty of natural light, genuine smiles and photographing real life as it happens. My favourite photos of my own daughter are always the ones that weren’t staged, but they were very often planned.

1. Plan ahead. If you’re new at this, make sure you have your camera settings all worked out before you head out with the kiddies in tow. Your photo shoot will go sideways very quickly if you’re constantly fiddling with your camera’s buttons and dials. The kids will get bored and your photographic genius will have to wait for another day.

2. Know your geek speak. “I don’t know the first thing about camera settings,” you might say. If this is you, start here!

• Set your ISO: 100 to 400 for sunny days and/or still subjects, for example, very young babies or older kids who might actually sit still; and 400 to 800 for overcast days and/ or fast moving subjects, for example, any

active kid from crawling age to college.

• Get outside the “green box”: use those scary settings called “aperture priority” and “shutter priority.” These settings will generally be labeled as Av/A and Tv/S, depending upon the make of your camera. They aren’t as daunting as they sound.

Use “shutter priority” for action shots and choose higher shutter speeds. The more action, the higher the shutter speed you’ll need in order to freeze motion. If your shutter speed is too low, you’ll have motion blur in your images. In some cases that blur is desirable, but it’s helpful to know how to avoid it in cases where it obviously isn’t an intended artistic effect.

Use “aperture priority” for portraits and still subjects. Use a low number (2.8 or 3.5) for that “blurry background” look that all the professional portraits seem to have. The lower that number is, the more background blur there will be.

The higher end lenses go as low as 1.4 or 2.8. Consequently, the lower the aperture that your lens is capable of, the more it’ll have cost you.

3. Lighting is everything. Wait for those clouds to roll in. Overcast days are a portrait photographer’s dream. If you have to shoot in the sun, opt for the soft light of the early morning and later evening. For beginners, stick with even, overcast light. Once you are comfortable using your camera settings in even lighting conditions, you can try your hand at backlighting, reflecting light and even sunsets or silhouettes if you want to go for your black belt in lighting.

4. Let kids be kids. Get them doing something they love to do. Don’t give them too much direction. Add in a ball, a guitar, a sprinkler or a dog. It really doesn’t mat-

ter what they’re doing, as long as they’re having fun doing it. Stand back and use a zoom lens. Your distance will help the kids forget that you’re there, snapping away.

Zooming in will also compact the image and give you more of that highly desirable blurry background effect, even if your lens isn’t the latest and greatest on the market.

5. Chill out. As all of us parents know, our kids respond to our moods. Every parent who’s ever tried to help the kids with their homework, make dinner and take a “quick phone call” simultaneously, knows that this can only end with a cranky parent. And a cranky parent means cranky kids! This applies equally to pretty much every situation, especially when you want to get snap happy with the kids. The planning from Tip #1 will help with this, but it is also useful to have no real agenda. Set yourself up for success by knowing your stuff, but be happy with whatever comes from the photo shoot.

Take your time and be yourself. Your kids know when you aren’t being you. Resist the urge to get “cheesy” and beg for smiles or follow them around incessantly. Avoid telling them to sit here, or there, or to sit at all.

Let them be themselves and allow them to explore their surroundings. If you have your mind set on a certain backdrop, you’ll be less inclined to just let them be, but nothing will garner more natural photographs than a happy carefree kid!

A few tips go a long way when it comes to taking better photographs of your wee ones. Try starting with these five tips and master them before adding to your arsenal—you’ll be shooting your kids like a pro in no time! Above all, remember to relax and have fun. Your kids will not only have the great photos to look back on, but the great memories, too.

Rebecca Kirstein is the co-owner of BK Studios Designer Photography, located in Victoria. She has been “shooting” her own kid and the kids of many happy clients for over 15 years.

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Family Resource Guide 2013/2014

11

Enable Program Ages 6–25 yrs.

Helping newcomer children and youth adjust and thrive • socially • academically • emotionally Contact youth@vircs.bc.ca to find out how you can participate!

Family Support

Citizen’s Counselling Centre 941 Kings Rd . . . . . . . . 250-384-9934

South Island

Duncan Mental Health & Addiction Services . . . . . . . . . . . 250-709-3040 Esquimalt Neighbourhood House 511 Constance Ave . . . 250-360-0644

ALCOHOL ADDICTION INFORMATION & TREATMENT

Available to VIRCS program participants.

Licensed care providers. Monday to Friday.* *part-time hours / scheduled monthly

Contact meghan@vircs.bc.ca for more information and daycare schedule.

Victoria Immigrant & Refugee Centre Society 3rd Floor, 637 Bay Street Victoria, BC V8T 5L2 t. 250-361-9433 www.vircs.bc.ca info@vircs.bc.ca

Five Directions Counselling Services counsellingvictoria.ca . 250-580-6031

COMMUNITY CENTRES

Island Family Counselling 130–1105 Pandora Ave 250-598-0544

Braefoot Activity Centre 1359 McKenzie Ave . . . 250-721-2244 Burnside/Gorge Community Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . burnsidegorge.ca 471 Cecelia Rd . . . . . . 250-388-5251 Esquimalt Neighbourhood House 511 Constance Ave . . . 250-385-2635 Fairfield Community Association fairfieldcommunity.ca . 250-382-4604 Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group 1240 Gladstone Ave . . 250-381-1552

Send Us Your Stories!

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

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.

Oaklands Community Association 1-2827 Belmont Ave . . 250-370-9101

12 www.IslandParent.ca

Creative Family Solutions 303-2722 5th St . . . . . . 250-413-3107

Al-Anon Family Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-383-4020

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

VIRCS Nursery and Daycare

Connecting Cultures . 250-920-0373

James Bay Community Project 547 Michigan St . . . . . 250-388-7844

Saanich Neighbourhood Place 3100 Tillicum Rd . . . . . 250-360-1148 Victoria Immigrant & Refuge Centre 637 Bay St, 3rd Floor . . 250-361-9433

Journey Counselling . 250-885-0506 Maxine Fisher, M.Ed., RCC, MTA . . . . . . .victoriafamilycounselling.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-686-7582 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 Sooke Family Resource Society www.sfrs.ca . . . . . . . . . 250-642-5152 South Island Centre for Counselling & Training southislandcentre.ca . . 250-472-2851 Vancouver Island Naturopathic Clinic Inc. 204-4480 West Saanich Rd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-881-1806 Victoria Counselling Service 420-1105 Pandora Ave 250-418-0550 Victoria Group Perspectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-590-7624

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

GRIEF SUPPORT

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

Compassionate Friends 1346 Ravens View Dr . 250-478-9270

COUNSELLING

Little Spirits Garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . saanichlegacy.ca

Arbour Counselling Centre 4277 Quadra St . . . . . . 250-479-9912

Living & Learning Through Loss www.teenloss.com . . . 250-413-3114

A.T. Malcolm & Associates 218-284 Helmcken Rd 250-727-7060

Origins: Supporting People Separated by Adoption www.originscanada.org 250-419-1200

Dr. Allison Rees . . . . . 250-595-2649 Dr. Barry Robinson, M.A. avaloncounselling.com 250-881-5907

Circle of Friends . . . . 250-384-9133

Rainbows . . . . . . . . . . 250-479-0766

Victoria Hopsice Bereavement Services victoriahospice.org . . . 250-370-8868

PARENT EDUCATION Children’s Health & Human Rights Partnership . . . . . . . . . . . . CHHRP.org LIFE Seminars Parenting Programs Dr. Allison Rees . . . . . . 250-595-2649 Offers courses covering many a spects of family living. 8-week courses include Sidestepping the Power Struggle and The Parent-Child Connection. Call or visit the website at lifeseminars.com.

PARENT SUPPORT 1UP Single Parent Resource Centre 602 Gorge Rd . . . . . . . 250-385-1114 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-up.ca.

1Up offers a wide variety of 3- to 8-week personal growth and parenting courses, a mentoring program for single moms, and a single dads’ support group. Courses open to all.

Dr. Allison Rees . . . . . 250-595-2649 BC Families in Transition 899 Fort St . . . . . . . . . . 250-386-4331 Professional counselling, legal sup-

port, group programs, information & more for families and family members of all ages when family relationships are in distress Separation/divorce; working through conflict to stay together; grief/loss.

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

Foster Parents Support Services 145-735 Goldstream Ave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-598-1500 Hulitan Family and Community Services Society 902A Calendonia Ave . 250-384-9466 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . hulitan.ca A not for profit urban Aboriginal agency.

Island Parent Magazine A10–830 Pembroke St 250-388-6905 Kids In Victoria . . . kidsinvictoria.com

Central Baptist Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-385-7786

Military Family Resource Centre Work Point . . . . . . . . . . 250-363-3443

Child Abuse Prevention/ Mary Manning Centre 210–1175 Cook St . . . . 250-385-6111

Momstown Victoria . . momstown.ca

Child Care Resource and Referral Sooke/Westshore . islandfamilyinfo.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-642-5152 or . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-391-4324 Family Caregivers’ Network Society 6-3318 Oak 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 . . . . . . . . . . . forcesociety.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-479-1192

NIL/TU,O Child & Family Services Society niltuo.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-544-1400 Pacific Centre Family Services Association Colwood & Sooke . . . . 250-478-8357 . . . . . pacificcentrefamilyservices.org Parent Support Services Society of BC . . . . . . . . . . parentsupportbc.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-384-8042 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-877-345-9777

Maxine Fisher M.Ed., RCC, MTA

Counselling for Children, Families & Adults

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

Call Today for a Complimentary 10 minute phone consultation Call 250-686-7582 maxinefisher@shaw.ca victoriafamilycounselling.com Family Resource Guide 2013/2014 13

Partnership in Learning and Advocacy for Young Children (PLAY) Victoria . . . . . . . . . . . playvictoria.org

Child & Family Counselling Association (Autism Program) 5–230 Menzies St . . . . 250-595-4423

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

Community Options for Children & Families 830C Pembroke St . . . 250-380-6363

Sooke Family Resource Society www.sfrs.ca . . . . . . . . . 250-642-5152

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.

Sooke Options for Community Living Association socla.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-642-6364 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 TS Consulting . . . . . . . 250-590-4114 UVic Family Centre 39208 Lam Circle . . . . 250-472-4062 Vancouver Island Parenting Consultations . . . . . . . 250-510-5611 Victoria Immigrant & Refugee Centre 637 Bay St, 3rd Floor . . 250-361-9433 Victoria Native Friendship Centre 231 Regina Ave . . . . . . 250-384-3211 Victoria Women’s Sexual Assault Centre 201-3060 Cedar Hill Rd 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 Autism Services, Community Living Victoria . . . . . 250-477-7231, ext. 237 Connecting families raising a child with Autism (ages 6-18) with services: Behaviour Consultant, Behaviour Intervention, Social Skills Groups, Spring Break and Summer Day Camps, and Autism Funding Management.

BC Lions Society for Children with Disabilities . . . . . 250-386-0668

The Cridge Respite Resource Service 1307 Hillside Ave . . . . . 250-220-8569 This vital service keeps an up-todate 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.

Family Support, Community Living Victoria 3861 Cedar Hill X Rd . . . . . . . . . . . 250-477-7231, ext. 236 Connecting families raising a child with special needs to resources, information and services, and to other families. We support individuals as they transition into adult services.

Greater Victoria Down Syndrome Society gvdss.ca . . . . . . . . . . . 250-479-7450 HeadWay Victoria Epilepsy & Parkinson’s Centre 813 Darwin Ave . . . . . . 250-475-6677 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.vepc.bc.ca If epilepsy is in your life, we can help.

Professional consultations, information, classroom education, advocacy, parent workshops, tutoring for schoolage children, bursaries for Camosun College.

Lifetime Networks 102-4090 Shelbourne St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-477-4112 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . lifetimenetworks.org Providing creative and inclusive programs welcoming people with disabilities, including a Continuing Education Program, Employment Programs, friendship building, personal support networks, fine arts, social events, cooking and independent living.

Little Steps Therapy Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-386-1171

14 www.IslandParent.ca

Monarch House Victoria monarchhouse.ca . . . . 250-220-8999 Diagnostic assessments, intervention, group programs, parent education.

Monarch offers an interdisciplinary approach to treating individuals from infancy to adulthood with Autism Sprectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities. monarchhousevictoria@cbi.ca.

Mosaic Learning Society Victoria 500 Admirals Rd . . . . . 250-382-0848 Pivot Point Family Growth Centre pivotpoint.ca . . . . . . . . 778-430-5914 Specializes in intensive therapeutic interventions for children and adults with mild behavioural and emotional challenges to severe clinical conditions. We deliver a wide range of autism services throughout BC. We provide 1:1 intervention, Social Skills groups and community workshops.

Queen Alexandra Centre For Children’s Health 2400 Arbutus Rd . . . . . 250-477-1826

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

Young Parent Support Network 2541 Empire St . . . . . . 250-384-0052

Power to Be Adventure Therapy powertobe.ca . . . . . . . 250-385-2363 The Power To Be Adaptive Recreation Program inspires youth and families living with a disability to discover their limitless abilities through nature-based recreation activities including kayaking, hiking and outdoor play.

Victoria Society for Children with Autism Box 44106, 2947 Tillicum Rd . . . victoriaautismsociety@gmail.com

Victoria Youth Empowerment Society 533 Yates St . . . . . . . . 250-383-3514

Ronald McDonald House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .rmhbc.ca Schizophrenic Society, BC Chapter 941 Kings Rd . . . . . . . . 250-384-4225 Special Olympics . . . . . . . victoriaspecialolympics.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-477-7106 Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus Association of BC 4480 Oak St, Vancouver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 604-878-7000 Victoria Brain Injury Society D & E, 830 Pembroke St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-598-9339

YOUTH SERVICES Discovery Youth and Family Addiction Services 2nd Fl-530 Fraser St . . 250-721-2669 Island Sexual Health Society Clinical Services . . . . . 250-592-3479 Community Ed . . . . . . . 250-388-2202 Parents Together Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-384-9133 PFLAG of Greater Victoria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-385-9462 Youth Clinic 533 Yates Street . . . . . 250-383-3552 547 Michigan Street . . 250-388-7841 Youth Addiction Services 530 Fraser St, 2nd Flr . 250-721-2669

Youth Space . . . www.youthspace.ca

Westshore Child & Youth Family Centre 345 Wale Rd . . . . . . . . 250-391-4320

Family Resource Guide 2013/2014  15

Cowichan Valley

GRIEF SUPPORT

YOUTH SERVICES

COMMUNITY CENTRES

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

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

Shawnigan Lake Community Centre 2804 Shawnigan Lk Rd 250-743-1433

PARENT SUPPORT

Mid-Island

COUNSELLING Canadian Mental Health Association 371 Festubert St, Duncan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-746-5521 Central Vancouver Island Crisis Society Cowichan . . . . . . . . . . 250-748-1133 Community Options Society Cowichan 200 Cowichan Way . . . 250-748-0232 Cowichan Family Life 250-748-8281 John Cook Counseling 2-1517 Amelia St . . . . . 250-888-5495 South Vancouver Island Assessment & Resource Service Duncan 305–394 Duncan St . . . 250-746-6900

Big Brothers Big Sisters #1-60 Ingram St, Duncan bbbscowichan.ca . . . . 250-748-2447 Cowichan Family Life Association 2C–2753 Charlotte Rd . 250-748-8281 Parent Support Circle Shawnigan Lake . . . . . 250-384-8042

SPECIAL NEEDS & DISABILITY SUPPORT Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ctra.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-746-1028 Cowichan Valley Association for Community Living 5856 Clements St . . . . 250-746-4135 Early Intervention Team 202–394 Duncan St . . . 250-709-9022

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 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, Ladysmith 810-6th Ave . . . . . . . . . 250-245-6424 Ladysmith Resources Centre Association 721 First Ave . . . . . . . . 250-245-3079

Child, Adolescent & Family Psychology Mental Health Services

Assessment and evidence-based treatment.

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

Common Childhood Concerns

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

Gabriola Community Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-247-9291

Nanaimo Women’s Centre 285 Selby St . . . . . . . . 250-753-0633

GRIEF SUPPORT

Nanoose First Nations 111 Snaw-Naw-As Rd . 250-390-0003

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 (13-18 yr olds) 345 N. Pym St . . . . . . . 250-248-3927

PARENT SUPPORT Associated Family & Community Support Services Ltd, Parksville 155 Weld St . . . . . . . . . 250-248-0076 BC Families in Transition 899 Fort St . . . . . . . . . . 250-386-4331 Professional counselling, legal support, group programs, information & more for families and family members of all ages when family relationships are in distress. Separation/divorce; working through conflict to stay together; grief/loss.

Big Brothers & Big Sisters, Nanaimo #3-2350 Labieux Rd . . 250-756-2447 Child Development Centre 1135 Nelson St . . . . . . 250-753-0251 Dr. Shannon Barnsley, Registered Psychologist 204-1125 Dufferin Cres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-591-0701 Family Caregivers’ Network Society 526 Michigan St . . . . . 250-384-0408 Family Resource Association Qualicum Beach 181 Sunningdale Rd W 250-752-6766 Foster Parent Support Services 3D 132 Roberts St . . . . 250-245-2622 Kwumut Lelum Child & Family Services, Ladysmith 7973 Chemainus Rd . . 250-246-3336 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

Nutsumaat Lelum, Ladysmith 3947 Shell Beach Rd . . 250-245-0994 Parent Support Circles, Nanaimo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-468-9658 Parent Support Circles, Parksville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-468-9658 Parents Together Parents Line 20 5th St . . . . . . . . . . . 250-754-9661 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

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

Tillicum Lelum Friendship Centre 927 Haliburton St . . . . 250-753-8291

SPECIAL NEEDS & DISABILITY SUPPORT Child Development Centre 1135 Nelson St . . . . . . 250-753-0251 Footholds Therapy Centre, Nanaimo footholds.ca . . . . . . . . . 250-585-4411 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

Coming in Early 2014!

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

Nanaimo Unique Kids Organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . nuko.ca

YOUTH SERVICES ADAPT Society, Nanaimo 206-96 Cavan St . . . . . 250-754-0600 Nanaimo Youth Services 290 Bastion St . . . . . . . 250-754-1989

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

Family Resource Guide 2013/2014 17

Lighthouse Academy of

Allison Rees

Dance

Me & My ‘Boyfriend’

Pure, pleasing, positive.

Photo: Andrei Fedorov

I

Beginner–Professional • Boys & Girls • Age 2 – Adult Ballet • Tap • Jazz • Modern • Contemporary Acro • Jazz/Hip Hop • Creative • Musical Theatre RAD & ISTD Exam & Leisure Courses

New Location!

934 Goldstream Ave, Langford

Register Now!

We also do DANCE PARTIES for kids and adults!

250.595.8705

lighthouseballet@gmail.com www.lighthouseacademyofdance.com

Is Your Will Up To Date?

Services provided for your family: • Real Estate Transactions • Mortgage Refinancing • Wills • Powers of Attorney

Sabrina Hanousek, BA Notary Public

• Travel Consent Letters Member 250-382-8880 sabrina@notariesondouglas.com www.notariesondouglas.com 201–2610 Douglas Street, Victoria

18 www.IslandParent.ca

’m in my fifties and I’m part of the first generation of parents whose children possibly knew more than we did about technology. Ten years ago, I didn’t believe my daughter when she told me she absolutely had to have MSN. I also didn’t know what it meant. What a difference a decade makes. Now I have an iPhone that takes my heart rate, provides hypnosis when I can’t sleep and, among other things, it tells me when I make a wrong turn in my car. My 90-year-old mother recently asked me if I was talking on my phone and I replied that I was actually talking to my phone. So Siri has become my new best friend. I rely on my phone so much that I call it my boyfriend.

So if you hear me say, “I’ll check with my boyfriend,” I’m not having an affair, honest.

The truth is, I would rather have my car stolen than lose my phone.

In the last few years, technology has changed so much that I’m not sure where the boundaries are anymore. It amazes me to see how many people are on their phones walking down the street, standing at bus stops—perhaps because their phone is telling them when the next bus is coming—and even when they are having lunch with a friend. Actually, it amazes me when people aren’t on their phones. I especially worry about seeing this phone use when parents are spending time with their kids! Is it interfering with their ability to be present at those times that can be so very special?

Is our fixation with these amazing devices giving a message to our kids that they come second? And also, I can’t even imagine how to define boundaries around our kids’ use of technology.

Not only can these devices make dinner suggestions, they also make great babysitters.

Recently I was shopping in a mall and went by MAC Cosmetics. A two-year-old was playing on an iPad while sitting in a tandem stroller, and behind him his older sister, about four, was playing on a smart phone. Mom was getting her makeup done.

Thirty minutes later I walked by that same place and nothing had changed. The kids were still staring mutely at their devices and mom was still getting a makeover. I think

I would have been tempted to do the same thing when my kids were young. I definitely would have been seduced into using the baby app that stops babies from crying when they stare at white moving shapes on a black background. I’d probably downplay concerns about how this might be affecting my child’s new, developing brain.

I try to imagine how I would find balance today if my kids were still children.

I’d have to give up my Facebook Scrabble addiction because it’s an ongoing pull. If I didn’t, I’d be taking a lot of trips to the smallest room of my house to make my next move. Surely I would make a commitment not to take my smart phone with me when

I rely on my phone so much that I call it my boyfriend. So if you hear me say, “I’ll check with my boyfriend,” I’m not having an affair, honest.

I go to the park or go for walks, but then again, what if there is an emergency? Like, someone posting on Facebook to say that they just had a blueberry muffin straight from the oven? Come to think of it, what if I wanted to take a picture or a video of the kids and send it on Instagram right away to my mother and my 256 friends?

I think the dinner table is where I would draw the line. No phones at the table! I’d have to show some restraint with that sexy little friend of mine. Siri-ously. Where are we going with all of this? Oh, we actually don’t know. So what do we know? We know we need to unplug and connect with each other. We know that nature provides us with an ability to get grounded. We know that having nothing to do as kids made us very creative. We also know that nothing could be more important than face-to-face time with the people we love, screen free.

Allison Rees, of LIFE Seminars, has two books available, Sidestepping the Power Struggle and The Parent Child Connection.

See www.lifeseminars.com.

Proudly providing flexible High School & Career Training courses for over 3000 Adults & Youth since 1986

Get your High School Diploma Build-up your resume with Career Training On-line, Face-to-Face, or both!

Year-round registration Call today to customize your Education Plan

250-391-9002 101–814 Goldstream Ave, Victoria, BC 250-391-9002

www.westshorecentre.com

Family Resource Guide 2013/2014 19

Education South Island PRESCHOOLS, CHILD CARE & OCCASIONAL CARE A Growing Place . . . . 250-391-1133 Half-day program (AM or PM) for 2.55 years. ECE educator, small class size. Our own petting farm. Summer program for July.

A Secret Garden Preschool 246 Island Hwy . . . . . . 250-380-8293 Program built on Christian values.

Monthly themes, weekly topics and daily activities. asecretgardenpreschool@shaw.ca Adel’s Play N Discovery House 2146 Beacon Ave W . . 250-655-4888 . . . . . . . . . . adeleplayndiscovery.com Licensed childcare, 3-5 years. Reggio Emilia inspired. Mon-Fri, 7:30am5:30pm.

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

Arbutus Grove Children’s Centre 2121 Cedar Hill Cross Rd arbutusgrove.ca . . . . . 250-477-3731 Formerly known as Goosey Gander Kindergarten. Half-day & full-day Preschool Programs. Children’s learning is nurtured and supported through inquiry, exploration, play and creative expression.

ArtsCalibre Academy 3220 Cedar Hill Rd . . . 250-382-3533 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ArtsCalibre.ca “The Art of Preschool”—an engaging, comprehensive program infused with music, dance, theatre, and Visual Arts, giving children confidence and the social and academic skills to thrive in kindergarten and beyond. Excellent staff and outstanding facilities within the Cedar Hill Recreation Centre.

Babies to Big Kids Childcare 949 Fullerton Ave . . . . . 250-590-5540 Daycare owner . . . . . . 250-818-9225 . . . . . . . . . . . . . babiestobigkids.com Licensed group childcare for children 6 months to 12 years old. Three programs offered: Infant/Toddler program, Three to Five Program, and Be20 www.IslandParent.ca

fore and After School Care Program.

Open 6:30am-5:30pm. Weekly music and movement classes. info@babiestobigkids.com.

Butterfly Corner . . . . . 250-381-4845 ButterflyCornerCreativeLearningCentre.com. Licensed family day care in James Bay. Since 1998. ECE. Ages 1-5. Full time. Fun & Educational.

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

Carrot Seed Preschool 813 Claremont Ave . . . 250-652-2311 . . . . . . . . . .carrotseedpreschool.com Where children can discover, imagine, construct and learn through play.

Wonderous natural playground.

Castleview Child Care 1075 Joan Cres . . . . . . 250-595-5355 . . . . . castleviewchildcarecentre.com Learning Through Play Experience.

Licensed non-profit, qualified ECE staff. Since 1958. Preschool and fulltime care.

Cedar Daycare . . . . . . 250-479-2032 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cedardaycare.com.

Community oriented, NFP Child Care facility. Wide variety of activities offered including the use of a private outdoor pool during summer months.

Licensed ECE educators devoted to nurturing children aged 30 months to 5 years.

Centennial Daycare centennialdaycare.ca . 250-386-6832 Child Care Resource & Referral islandfamilyinfo.ca . . . . . . . . ccrr.bc.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-382-7000 Christ Church Cathedral Child Care and Junior Kindergarten Program 520 Niagara St . . . . . . . 250-383-5132 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cathedralschool.ca ECE and specialist teachers provide an outstanding all day licensed program for 3 and 4 year-olds in our spacious and welcoming facility in James Bay. Chrysalis Child Care, Saanichton 6633 Oldfield Rd . . . . . 250-652-0815 . . . . . . . . . . . . . chrysalischildcare.ca.

A nurturing and stimulating environment for a small group of 3-5 yearolds. Qualified ECE promotes learning through play.

CIARA Early Childhood Centre 846 Phoenix St . . . . . . 250-386-7369 Education and fun hand in hand. Exceptional care for little ones ages 12

months-5 yrs in an inclusive centre with Christian values.

Cloverdale Child Care 3427 Quadra St . . . . . . 250-995-1766 . . . . . . . . . . .cloverdalechildcare.com Preschool for 3 and 4 year-olds. Come grow with us and learn through play.

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

Creative Child . . . . . . 778-679-0076 . . . . . . . . . . . creativechildcentre.com Montessori inspired childcare balanced with a play-based approach.

Self-motivated approach. Self-motivated learning for a small group of 2.5-5 year-olds.

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

Emmanuel Preschool 2121 Cedar Hill X Rd . . 250-598-0573 . . . . . . . . . . . emmanuelpreschool.ca Children learn through play in our nondenominational Christian preschool near UVic. Bright, attractive setting.

Full o’ Beans Preschool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-360-1148 . . . saanichneighbourhoodplace.com We offer “learn through play” programming designed to foster your child’s natural curiosity and imagination. Flexible scheduling. 2.5 and 4 hour programs. Qualified staff. Registration is ongoing.

Gonzales Co-operative Preschool 2928 Eastdowne Rd . . 250-727-1003 . . . . . . . . . . . gonzalespreschool.com Children explore their imagination in our learning-through-play environment and large natural playground. Our Reggio Emilia inspired program focuses on art, nature and music. Over 50 years serving Victoria’s families.

Nurturing and highly qualified ECE and ECE Assistant. Parent participation level options available. Allergy aware. Join us!

In the Garden Childcare Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-654-0306 A great place to grow. Offering preschool, full-day care, before and after school care for children aged 2.5 to 12 years old. Open all year.

International Nannies & Homecare Ltd. . . . . . . . internationalnannies.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-412-3730 Island Kids Academy Esquimalt . . . . . . . . . . . 250-381-2929 View Royal . . . . . . . . . . 250-727-2929 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . islandkids.ca High-quality childcare (ages 1-5).

Preschool curriculum offered within a warm, caring all-day program. Character development using the Virtues Project. Access to community programs including swimming, skating, Victoria Conservatory of Music. Parttime spaces available.

Island Montessori House 5575 West Saanich Rd 250-592-4411 . . . . . . . . . . . . islandmontessori.com Inclusive, integrated and nurturing preschool, kindergarten, Grade 1/2 program. Located in a lovely rural setting. Extended day available.

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

Keating Out of School Care (KOSC) 6843 Central Saanich Rd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-652-5546 Kids & Company Victoria, Uptown kidsandcompany.ca 1-866-MYKIDCO Kindred Spirits Children’s House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-590-6966 . . . kindredspiritschildrenshouse.com Now accepting registration for a small group of 2.5-5 year-olds in a purposebuilt Montessori classroom. The prepared environment stimulates and engages the children at their own pace with hands-on, size, age and developmentally appropriate materials.

Lakehill Co-op Preschool 3821 Cedar Hill X-Rd . . 250-477-4141 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .lakehillpreschool.org Where children’s development is nurtured through a child centered inclusive, play-based program. Come visit our natural outdoor playground and meet our loving qualified ECE team.

Eaton Arrowsmith Victoria

Using the Arrowsmith Program, students ranging from grade school to adulthood rewire weaker cognitive areas instead of accommodating for learning disabilities. The result - an independent future full of possibilities.

NEW! FULL DAY/HALF DAY (MORNING/AFTERNOON) PROGRAMS NOW AVAILABLE FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS.

CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION Eaton Arrowsmith School Victoria #200-3200 Shelbourne St. Victoria, BC T: 250-370-0046 E: victoria@eatonarrowsmithschool.com

Family Resource Guide 2013/2014 21

Come Join the Fun

Fall Programs • Year round lessons for children and adults • Safe well schooled lesson horses with qualified instructors • Indoor and outdoor riding facility

250-652-1462

www.westsidestables.ca 22 www.IslandParent.ca

Multiple levels of participation available, please inquire.

Lambrick Park Preschool 4205 Tyndall Ave . . . . . 250-477-8131 . . . . . . . . . lambrickparkpreschool.ca Gordon Head’s only parent-participation preschool and childcare centre.

Flexible options, play-based learning and outdoor play. Allergy friendly. Celebrating 40+ years.

Lansdowne Co-op Preschool 2801 Henderson Rd . . 250-370-5392 . . . . . . . . . .lansdownepreschool.com An extraordinary learning environment for families with young children. Parent participation.

La Pre-Maternelle Appletree Preschool 500 Admirals Rd . . . . . 250-479-0292 . . . . . . . .prematernelleappletree.com French immersion program. 30 months to school age. Licensed Christian centre.

Leap Forward Childcare 2758 Peatt Rd. . . . . . . . 778-265-5955 or . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-818-9225 . . . . . . . . . . leapforwardlangford.com Infant Toddler Program and Three to Five Program offering childcare for children six months to five years old. info@leapforwardlangford.com.

Lexie’s Little Bears’ Child Care Inc. 1931 Millstream Rd . . . 250-590-3603 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . lexieslittlebears.com Our Outdoor Nature program provides your child with an experience unlike any other in the elements. Our program boasts our own 2 acre forest for your child to explore and learn in while our ECEs provide a strong Reggio Emilia influence. Like us on Facebook.

Space available.

Little Friends Childcare 40 High St . . . . . . . . . . 250-479-8423 . . . . . . . . . . . . littlefriendschildcare.ca For a creative learning environment.

Licensed group facility. Infant/Toddler/ Preschool.

Little Readers Academy oxfordlearning.com . . . 250-477-5550 An enriching learn-to-read program for your 3- to 6-year-old. Reading, writing and math. Half-day, weekend and evening sessions available.

Little Wonders Preschool (VROSCS) 218 Helmcken Rd . . . . 250-744-2718 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viewroyalosc.com A creative and supportive program that will prepare your child for a lifetime of learning. OSC also available.

Metchosin Co-op Preschool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-478-9241 . metchosinpreschool.wordpress.com Come and visit our stunning natural outdoor playspace. Warm, nurturing, play-based, inclusive program allowing parents to grow and learn alongside their child. Exceptional ECE staff provides an enriching experience for 2.5-5 year-olds. Come grow with us!

Established in 1960.

Miles of Smiles Licensed Childcare 525 Pearkes Rd . . . . . . 250-298-7374 . . . . . . .naturejuniorkindergarten.com Come see why learning in nature rocks! Reggio influenced philosophy for ages 3-5. Have your child become a nature detective today.

Montessori Educare . 250-881-8666 . . . . . . . . . . . montessorieducare.com Beautiful learning environments in Broadmead and Saanichton. 30 months - 5 years. Summer program available. Special needs are welcome.

Neighbourhood Junior Kindergarten 1031 Lucas Ave . . . . . . 250-479-4410 Preparing children for kindergarten since 2003 in Lake Hill School. Spaces available in the Tuesday to Friday morning class, 8:50-11:30am.

Nightingale Preschool and Junior Kindergarten Ltd. 1340 Balmoral Rd . . . . 250-595-7544 . . . . . . . . . nightingalepreschool.com.

Taking children’s learning forward.

One of Victoria’s leading preschools and junior kindergartens. Balanced approach to play and education. Program supports literacy, numeracy.

Fernwood area.

Oak and Orca PrePrimary School 2738 Higgins St . . . . . . 250-383-6609 Oak Bay Co-op Preschool 1701 Elgin St . . . . . . . . 250-592-1922 . . . . . . . . . . . . oakbaypreschool.com Children learn through play in this parent-participation school. Our bright facility is allergy-free with a large outdoor playground.

Oakcrest Preschool 3738 Cedar Hill Rd . . . 250-472-0668 . . . . . . . . . . . . oakcrestpreschool.org Two fully qualified teachers, AM classes. No duty days, wide variety of parent jobs.

Parkdale Early Childhood Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-382-0512 We offer quality care and positive experiences for children in our diverse daycare and preschool programs. Our

rich curriculum includes music classes from the Victoria Conservatory of Music. parkdalechildcare@shaw.ca.

Playtime Preschool 550 Obed Ave . . . . . . . 250-383-3101 . . . . . . . . . . . playtimepreschool.com AM or PM preschool classes up to 20/hrs/wk. Tillicum. Spacious facility, qualified ECEs. Let’s Talk About Touching program.

Positive Patch Early Learning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-655-7244 Year-round quality childcare where preschoolers explore and learn in a culture of Christian values and virtues. positivepath@shaw.ca.

Puddles & Paints Playschool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-658-6573 Introduce your children to nature with our outdoor nature-lovers program.

Our centre backs up to 15 acres of our “secret garden” parkland where we can learn and explore. Strong environmental awareness with a “natural-play-based” philosophy. ECE staff and a strong Reggio Emilia influence. Celebrating and supporting your child’s world and successes. Like us on Facebook.

Rainbow Express Daycare 433 Kingston St . . . . . . 250-382-2314 . . . . . . . rainbowexpressdaycare.com Enriched preschool-style program in a daycare setting.

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

Ready Set Grow Preschool 4421 Greentree Terr . . . 250-472-1530 A warm, caring, quality Learning Through Play environment. Gordon Head area with a highly qualified ECE. heosc@pacificcoast.net.

Recreation Oak Bay 1975 Bee St . . . . . . . . . 250-370-7200 Fully licensed, qualified ECE daycare and preschool with play based learning. After school care also available.

Ross Bay Preschool 1620 Earle St . . . . . . . . 250-383-7445 . . . . . . . . . . . . rossbaypreschool.com Positive/supportive program motivating children to learn and discover.

Curriculum builds on interests of the children.

Simply Fun Childcare Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-881-3958 A warm, loving, fun and nurturing place for children to grow and learn.

Spaces available for registration ages 2.5 to 12 in our Licensed Group Facility. We offer extraordinary childcare, before and after school programs and a preschool. Our teachers are extremely qualified with ECE training and lots of experience. Call Brenda to set up a tour. Let your child’s light shine bright with us.

Sir James Douglas Preschool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-389-0500 Fun, creative and educational ECE program for 3-5 year-olds to grow and develop life-long skills. Come play and learn in our bright and modern centre in Fairfield.

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

St. Joseph’s Catholic Preschool 757 Burnside Rd West . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-479-1232 ext. 120 A Christian child centre for 3-5 yearolds. A warm, nurturing and challenging program. Offered by St. Joseph’s Catholic School.

St. Margaret’s Preschool & Junior Kindergarten . . . . . . . . . . . stmarg.ca 1080 Lucas Ave . . . . . . 250-479-7171 Our program for 3 and 4 year-old girls offers a nurturing and educationally stimulating curriculum provided by experienced ECE staff and specialist teachers. Our state of the art facility is located in beautiful environmental surroundings.

Strawberry Vale Preschool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-479-4213 . . . . . . . strawberryvalepreschool.org Programs for 3 or 4 year-olds at “The Little Red Schoolhouse.” Choose between full or partial parent participation.

Vancouver Island Co-operative Preschool Association . . 250-598-2667 Victoria & Southern Gulf Islands Child Care Resource & Referral 2001A Douglas St . . . . 250-382-7000 Victoria Montessori 750 Front St . . . . . . . . . 250-380-0534 . . . . . . . . . . . victoriamontessori.com Unique, innovative learning environ-

ment combining the best of Montessori and Learning Through Play. Open year round. 30 months to Grade 1.

Victoria Nature School . . . . . . . . . . victorianatureschool.com View Royal Preschool 279 Island Hwy . . . . . . 250-479-8067 An exciting inclusive program in an exceptional care environment. Licensed 3-5 year-olds. Outside play and themes enrich this program. viewroyalps@uniserve.com.

Wiseways Preschool & Daycare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-477-1312 . . . . . . . . . . . wiseways.lambrick.com Fully licensed Christian preschool for 3 and 4 year-olds. Designed to meet the needs of the whole child. Subsidized fees welcome.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS Conseil scolaire francophone de la Columbie-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

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS ArtsCalibre Academy 2121 Cedar Hill Cross Rd 250-382-3533 . . . . . . . ArtsCalibre.ca Imagine a school where music, dance, theatre and visual arts are infused into all aspects of an outstanding curriculum. Academic excellence is achieved in a dynamic, engaging and safe environment. Small class sizes, individualized educational plans, highly skilled and dedicated teachers, excellent facilities, central location.

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

Discovery School 4052 Wilkinson Rd . . . . 250-595-7765

Family Resource Guide 2013/2014 23

Eaton Arrowsmith School 200-3200 Shelbourne St . . . . . . . eatonarrowsmithschool.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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 STEAMschool.ca . . . . . 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 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

Pacific School of Innovation and Inquiry . . . . . . . . . . . learningstorm.org 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 St. Andrew’s Regional High School 880 McKenzie Ave . . . . 250-479-1414 St. Joseph’s Catholic School 757 West Burnside Rd . 250-479-1232 St. Margaret’s School 1080 Lucas Ave . . . . . . 250-479-7171 admissions@stmarg.ca . . . . stmarg.ca Confident girls. Inspiring women.

Preschool to Grade 12.

St. Michaels University School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . smus.ca 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 West-Mont School 4075 Metchosin Rd . . . 250-474-2626

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

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 Dyslexia Victoria Online . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . dyslexiavictoria.ca . . . . . 250-815-0950 or 250-715-3034 Irlen Screener . . . . . . . 250-655-3034 . . . . . . . . . khope@dyslexiavictoria.ca Karey Hope is one of the few certified screeners on Vancouver Island to offer assessments using the Irlen Method to prescribe coloured overlays for help with visual dyslexia, reading problems,

F R I DAY O C TO B E R 2 5 , 2 01 3 7:00am – 5:30pm Presented by Eaton Educational Group At the Westin Bayshore Hotel, Vancouver, BC Educators, parents, psychologists, counsellors, speech language pathologists, occupational therapists, Faculty of Education students and anyone interested in the connections between the fields of education and neuroscience are welcome to register to hear this amazing line-up of speakers.

Register at: www.neuroplasticityandeducation.com SPEAKERS:

DR. JOHN RATEY

DR. J. BRAD HALE

Bonus Session: Brain Basics

Morning Keynote: Maximizing the Potential of the Brain

Exercise is Medicine for the Brain

Teaching Changes Brain Function: How Neuroscience Will Revolutionize Education

N

EDUCA

T

IO G

D

NAL

EATO

DR. MAX CYNADER

RO

HOSTS:

DR. JUSTIN DAVIS

UP L T

24 www.IslandParent.ca

Improving Cognitive Functioning

BARBARA ARROWSMITH YOUNG (MA) The Intimate Connection Between Mental Health Issues and Learning Disabilities

DR. GABOR MATÉ

DR. RICK HANSON

Afternoon Keynote: From Emotion to Cognition: Love As The Ground For Learning

Hardwiring Happiness: Growing Inner Strengths in Children, Parents, and Teachers

school difficulities, and light sensitivity causing headaches and other physical symptoms.

Karen Swift Murdoch, Therapeutic Tutor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-686-3183 KUMON Math & Reading 214-3965 Quadra St . . 250-479-1800 103-721 Station Rd . . . 250-474-4175 10091 Resthaven Dr . . 250-656-6696 Learning Disabilities Association 1524 Fort St . . . . . . . . . 250-370-9513 Oxford Learning 203–1595 McKenzie Ave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-477-5550 READ Learning Centre 201-990 Hillside Ave . . 250-388-7225 Qualified teachers design individual learning programs that build skills and create confident, capable learners. Parents whose children come to READ tell us that “It works!”

School Is Easy In Home Tutoring schooliseasy.com . . . 1-877-ITSEASY Smart Tutor Referrals . . . . . . . . . . SmartTutorReferrals.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-544-1588 Sylvan Learning Centre 1623 McKenzie Ave . . . 250-477-3212 3145 Jacklin Rd . . . . . . 250-590-6211 Digital tablet technology, innovative teaching techniques, motivational programs and the Sylvan Insight assessment continue to make Sylvan Learning the leader in personalized learning from K-12. Call today to find out more.

Valentus Clinics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . valentusclinics.com

POST SECONDARY EDUCATION Angela Martin Montessori Training Centre 1841 Fairburn Dr . . . . . 250-479-4746 Camosun College camosun.ca . . . . . . . . . 250-370-3550 Canadian College of Performing Arts 1701 Elgin St . . . . . . . . 250-595-9970 Capernwray Harbour Bible School & Conference Centre, Thetis Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . capernwray.ca Open Learning Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-663-1663 Royal Roads University royalroads.ca . . . . . . . . 250-391-2511 Sprott-Shaw Community College 2621 Douglas St . . . . . 250-384-8121

University of Victoria uvic.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-721-7211 Vancouver Island School of Art 2549 Quadra St . . . . . . 250-380-3500

OTHER Mad Science . . . .madscience.org/vancouverisland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-391-1814 Open School BC . openschool.bc.ca Victoria German School . . . . . . . . . . victoriagermanschool.org . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-886-1420

Sunrise Waldorf School, Kindercottage Preschool 2148 Lakeside Rd . . . . 250-743-7253 . . . . . . . . . . sunrisewaldorfschool.org A morning program for 3 and 4 yearolds in a warm, natural atmosphere where wonder is nurtured and outdoor play is abundant. Parent and child programs also available.

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

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS SCHOLARSHIP & EDUCATION FUNDS Children’s Education Fund Inc. cefi.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-246-1203

Cowichan Valley PRESCHOOLS, CHILD CARE & OCCASIONAL CARE Angel Care Christian Preschool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-746-5919 A quality, enriched program for preschool children. Located in Queen of Angels Catholic School.

Child Care Resource & Referral . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . islandfamilyinfo.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ccrr.bc.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-746-4135 Cowichan Valley Child Care Resource & Referral, Duncan 5356 Clement St . . . . . 250-746-4135 Maple Tree Play House Licensed Family Childcare . . . . 250-746-5060 A daycare program that provides enriched outdoor play time and activities that build on a child’s intrinsic love of nature. Healthy meals and snacks are provided. mapletreekids@telus.net.

Queen Margaret’s School qms.bc.ca . . . . . . . . . . 250-746-4185 Starchild Centre, Mill Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-929-3240 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . starchildcentre.ca Unique infant/toddler daycare combines the best of Montessori and Waldorf. Our 9-acre hobby farm enables each child to have a garden plot, participate in planting trees, picking fruit, feeding animals and other outside adventures.

Brentwood College School 2735 Mt. Baker Rd, Mill Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-743-5521 Dwight International School 2371 East Shawnigan Lake Rd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-929-0506 Evergreen Independent School 3515 Watson Ave, Cobble Hill evergreen.net . . . . . . . . 250-743-2433 Island Oak High School, Duncan 5814 Banks Rd . . . . . . 250-701-0400 Queen Margaret’s School, Duncan qms.bc.ca . . . . . . . . . . 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 2148 Lakeside Rd . . . . 250-743-7253 sunrisewaldorfschool.org. A fully certified Waldorf School established 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 2738 Higgins St . . . . . . 250-383-6619 Individual Learning Centre Broadmead . . . . . . . . . 250-744-1174 Saanichton . . . . . . . . . 250-656-4042 Juan de Fuca Distributed Learning 814 Goldstream Ave . . 250-391-9002 North Island Distance Education, Courtenay nides.bc.ca . . . . . . . . 1-800-663-7925 SelfDesign . . . . . . . . . selfdesign.org . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-877-353-3374 Family Resource Guide 2013/2014 25

SIDES Distributed Learning sides.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-704-4979

LEARNING CENTRES & TUTORS Sylvan Learning Centre 215–80 Station St . . . . 250-746-0222 Digital tablet technology, innovative teaching techniques, motivational programs and the Sylvan Insight assessment continue to make Sylvan Learning the leader in personalized learning from K-12. Call today to find out more.

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

Mid-Island PRESCHOOLS & CHILD CARE Cherry Tree Child Care Centre, Chemainus 10114 View St . . . . . . . 250-246-9195 Preschool program nurturing creative play and engaging learning activity. 30

months to age 5. Qualified and experienced Early Childhood Educator.

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

Errington Cooperative Preschool . .erringtoncooperativepreschool.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-248-0605 John Paul II Catholic School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-723-0637 “Where children grow and learn through play.” We provide a program that will inspire development physically, socially, emotionally, cognitively, creatively and spirtually.

Little Star Children’s Centre Qualicum Beach . . . . . 250-752-4554 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . littlestardaycare.ca Earth friendly preschool education inspired by nature. Kinder-Prep classes.

Licensed group care. ECE instructors. littlestar@shaw.ca.

PacificCare Child Care Resource & Referral . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . islandfamilyinfo.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ccrr.bc.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-756-2022 St Joseph’s Preschool, Chemainus 9735 Elm St . . . . . . . . . 250-246-3191 A Christian learning environment for 3-5 year-olds. Active participation in the life of the school. Parental involvement.

Vancouver Island Co-operative Preschool Association . . www.vicpa.org

SCHOOL DISTRICTS Conseil scolaire francophone de la Columbie-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

Transforming disability into ability.

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

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

Enrolment is limited. For more information or to arrange a tour, visit www.discoveryschool.ca, call Sherri Ko at 250-595-7765 or email principal@discoveryschool.ca 26 www.IslandParent.ca

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS John Paul II Catholic School, Port Alberni 4006 8th Ave . . . . . . . . 250-723-0637 Morning Glory School, Qualicum 861 Hilliers Rd . . . . . . . 250-752-2722 Nanaimo Montessori School 945 Waddington Rd . . . 250-753-0649 St. Joseph’s Catholic School Chemainus 9735 Elm St . . . . . . . . . 250-246-3191

DISTRIBUTED LEARNING 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 navigatenides.com . . . 250-337-5300

LEARNING CENTRES & TUTORS Kidz-R-Brite . . . . . . . . kidzrbrite.com KUMON Math & Reading 5–6421 Applecross Rd 250-390-2411

St. Joseph’s Elementary School 757 West Burnside Road 250 479 1232 www.stjosephschool.ca

Literacy Nanaimo St. Joseph’s Elementary School has limited space in all 19 Commercial Dr . . . . 250-754-8988 St. Josephʼs Early Learning Centre grades (K–7), as well as space in our licensed Group Day Care

School Is Easy In Home Tutoring and Preschool Program. Applications are available on-line or 785 W. Burnside Rd. 250-479-1237 schooliseasy.com . . . 1-877-ITSEASY from the school -private music office. lessonsSt. Joseph’s offers a rigorous academic Sylvan Learning Centre program in ajams Catholic Christian atmosphere.

-group lessons 3260 Norwell Dr . . . . . . 250-758-1526 We are pleased to announce that our Earlyand Learning Centre is now Digital tablet technology, innovative -quality new and used musical instruments teaching techniques, motivational pro-full time daycare for children who are 3 and 4 open!

We are offering music recording and business courses grams and the Sylvan Insight assessyears of age.

Applications are available on-line or from the Early ment continue to make Sylvan Learning the leader in personalized learning St. Josephʼs offers an excellent program in a Learning Centre office. s. s. from K-12. Call today to find out more. es! rse

www.stjosephschool.ca

Come Grow With Us!

u nt Catholic Christian atmosphere. ag l y co trume g l o a ee! ol ns Hours of operation are 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM. For additional of s finformation r POST SECONDARY chn sical i e s t d i u d y EDUCATION please contact Susan Clifford at 250-479-1237. r k alwa ess an used m o f Sprott-Shaw Community ns son is ic businw and o College . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-754-9600 s es st les  Mus lity ne l Vancouver Island University c si e fir sons.  Qua u 900 5th St . . . . . . . . . . 250-753-3245 s M Th ns. c le OTHER Chemainus Community Schools’ Association 3172 Garner St . . . . . . 250-246-3588 Sense of Place Youth Project LTD Childcare, Ladysmith Lower floor, Bethel Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-797-2316

usi lesso m e t sic riva p mu P  rou G

250-933-1900

www.arbutusmusic.com For registration call (250)933-1900 6324 Metral Drive, Nanaimo, Arbutus Music, 6324 Metral Drive, Nanaimo,BC BC Family Resource Guide 2013/2014 27

Healthy AfterSchool Snacks

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

A go-to list for quick ideas • • • • • • • • • • •

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

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

Inscrivez votre enfant dans une école du CSF !

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

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

M-6 7-9 10 - 12

Comox Valley

École au Cœur-de-l'île

250-339-1848 566 Linshart Rd.

M - 12

Nanaimo

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

Port Alberni

École des Grands-cèdres

250-723-5614 4645 Helen St.

M-6

Victoria

École Victor-Brodeur

250-220-6010 637 Head St.

M - 12

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

csf.bc.ca

28

www.IslandParent.ca

•

popcorn chips and salsa frozen grapes crackers, cream cheese, and pickles hard boiled eggs oatmeal with nuts, dried fruit, honey, and milk pepperoni sticks ants on a log (celery, peanut butter, and raisins) pretzels PB&J roll-ups (in a whole wheat tortilla) banana and PB boats (peanut butter in a carved out banana) quesadillas with guacamole and sour cream nachos grilled cheese with apples peanut butter and apples fruit with a yogurt dip bagel or English muffin pizzas fruit kebabs fruit smoothies applesauce with cinnamon veggies and dip cheese and apples GORP (good ol’ raisins and peanuts) dried fruit yogurt parfaits with fruit and muesli hummus with crackers rice cakes, almond butter and dried fruit beef jerky granola bars graham crackers, Nutella, and sliced banana pretzel chips and guacamole bagels with cream cheese and sliced strawberries rice cakes with peanut butter, coconut, and dried fruit

Lee Richardson

Variety Is the Spice of Sport W

hen parents look within themselves to figure out what their children need to succeed in sport, they can end up leading their kids down the wrong path as they spend much of their time and money on trying to raise the next superstar. Parents can be misled by the messages that tell them the more focused their child is, and the more exposure their child gets in a specific sport, the better they will be at the sport. This approach is a gamble.

In order to foster success, the parent begins to create routines that are often unhealthy and repetitive. The routines don’t allow the child enough time to develop their own personality or to have the free time to play with the sport. A good approach with young children is to expose them to many different types of movement experiences.

Research also shows that well-rounded athletes are often the ones who make it the farthest in sport. Take note that you are not only creating a healthy lifestyle for the short term, but also for the long term.

From the child’s perspective, they may enjoy a specific sport but they may also be interested in other sports. It’s the parent’s job to help keep the household balanced.

This means taking on only as much as the family can handle, and every family is different. There’s also something to be said for commitment to a team or program. It is important that kids follow through to the end of the season if they have committed to something, but after the commitment is over kids should be free to opt out of that activity.

Parents can help their children by supporting their interests while continuing to expose them to a variety of activities. I’ve seen children who are forced into their sport every day by being pushed to play a sport with no seasonal breaks and take part in extra clinics, summer camps, private sessions, and weight training. When kids are pushed constantly, they can lose sight of the fun in sport.

To help their children enjoy being active, parents can create situations where their kids can find their own way to a sport.

For example, encourage your kids to rally the neighbourhood kids to play a game.

Parents can also help their child by creating accessibility to a variety of sports. Cross training through different sports is great in the preteen years and all the way through adulthood.

Cross training, or exposing children to a variety of sports, is important because it teaches children to move in various ways.

Children will not only learn where they excel but also where they need to work hard to become better at a sport. They’ll learn patience with other children, how to be modest when they shine, and humble when they don’t. These experiences offer life lessons that occur by creating opportunities where children play sports that they are not the best at. In these situations kids begin to learn how to be patient and understanding of each other. Through cross training and exposure to various sports, children also begin to develop an understanding of other rules and different ways of doing things.

This helps create a healthy foundation as kids have exposure to different types of play that gives them the confidence to join their friends when they play something new.

When I was young, I had a friend who would sit on the sidelines and watch the rest of us play volleyball. We wondered why he didn’t play, but didn’t think much of it.

Eventually, my friend ended up trying volleyball in an environment that was secure; it was just four of us passing the ball to each other. A week or so later we were back at the beach with our parents and we started playing with a large group of people and my friend joined. He needed an opportunity to practice in a safe environment to learn a few skills before he felt safe enough to join the group. Recently, when I asked him why he didn’t play, he told me he never understood the rules and didn’t want to look silly while everyone else knew what they were doing. This robbed him of countless hours of physical activity as he sat on the sidelines and watched. He was a great athlete and excelled at football and basketball but didn’t

have the confidence with volleyball to just jump into it with a bunch of players that had some experience.

Parents can help their children by creating opportunities and avoid isolating their child’s interest or focus on one sport until the later years. Obviously there are time constraints and every family is different. It’s helpful to remember that parents do not actually create their child’s passion for a sport or an activity—it comes from within their child. For proof, just watch professional, elite or even amateur athletes, and you’ll see that it comes from within the person.

When kids have a passion, parents will see it and should nurture it, but they can help their kids from becoming overloaded.

Taking breaks from specific sports can help kids become hungry and more passionate about the sport. During breaks, the parent can find activities that are active but not necessarily closely related. For example, my boys love hockey, but after the season we take a break and they play baseball.

They have decided to quit lacrosse, and although I had chosen lacrosse as it was a sport equally as active as hockey, I realize that it’s time to let them decide. Baseball is their first choice.

As parents, we might worry about what other parents are doing to nurture their young athletes, but we must help our own children pick and choose what is right for them—and to cross train and develop other interests. Burn-out management is a parent’s role and, frankly, it should not ever come close to that. Comparing your child to other children doesn’t help them. As parents, we should understand that only a select few make it to the elite level in sport and we shouldn’t even be considering that until our child is starting to show interest in their early teens. That’s not to say that children shouldn’t be active—parents do need to create opportunity and provide a platform that children can work from to get to the elite level. Supporting your child’s interest in sports and cross training so they can move in many different ways does that.

Remember, you want your child’s interest and passion to be for the long haul, not the short term—we all want our children to live happy active lives.

Lee Richardson is a parent and Sportball franchise owner with a BEd from York University and a BSc from Royal Roads.

He can be contacted at leer@sportball.ca or 250-590-4625.

Family Resource Guide 2013/2014 29

Kathy Humphrey

Dressing for Fall

O

utdoor perambulation rediscovers itself every year when late autumn rolls around. Waking to the sound of foghorns crooning back and forth, we are prepared to meet the mist before we even climb out of bed. Curls and roils of fog drift across our horizon, alternately obscuring and rerevealing the most familiar objects. Ta-da… the neighbour’s house! Voila…the linden tree in the corner of the front yard! Pssssst, check it out…the neighbour and his dog!

Feet meet path in a gait entirely different from the strong stride of summer. We swim through the foggy streets, cresting each fresh swirl, before floating along to the next. Passing through translucent pearls of silvery grey, each so tiny that there is no separation from the rest when viewed from afar, but every one drop touches down on upturned faces in a slightly different place. The fog draws a clear line—or rather, an indistinct and amorphous line—between summer’s heat and blazing blue, and winter’s grudging grey gloom.

Gradual transitions allow us the time

to adjust, to draw our attentions inward again, from the outward-bound hustlebustle demanded by the 12 weeks or so of summer. Re-visiting what has been familiar and well-known with a freshened view helps to give us energy for doing the things that have to be done.

Meals always have to be prepared, and most of us need all the recipe tips we can get. Dressings are good for more than salad—they can be used to marinate chicken, beef or tofu. They can be tossed over rice, vermicelli, soba or udon noodles. They can be drizzled over steamed carrots, peas, broccoli, celery, edamame or summer squash.

They can be brushed on eggplant, onions or zucchini before grilling. Hold hands, jump in, and enjoy!

Sacha’s Asian-Inspired Vinaigrette 2 green onions 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 Tbsp grated ginger 2 Tbsp sesame oil

2 Tbsp soy sauce 2 Tbsp rice vinegar 1 Tbsp honey, liquefied 1⁄4 cup vegetable oil Combine green onions, garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar and honey in a blender. Blend until well combined. Leaving the machine running on the lowest speed, very slowly add the vegetable oil, and blend until dressing has nicely thickened. This is good on rice, soba noodles, chicken or fish, as well as salad.

Jodi’s Sweet Onion Dressing 1 cup safflower or canola oil 1⁄3 cup cider vinegar (or red wine vinegar) 1⁄2 cup honey 2 tsp Dijon mustard 1 tsp celery seed 1⁄2 tsp turmeric 1⁄2 tsp salt 1⁄2 white or yellow onion, chopped 1 tsp each paprika and curry powder Combine all ingredients in blender jar and blend well. Store in jar in fridge. Make lots, it’s good!

Kirsten’s Balsamic 1⁄3 1⁄3

cup balsamic vinegar cup olive or grapeseed oil

Looking for child care?

Taking care of children?

Child Care

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

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

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

www.islandfamilyinfo.ca www.ccrr.bc.ca

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

30 www.IslandParent.ca

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

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

1 Tbsp lemon juice (fresh, if available, but bottled is OK, too) 1 Tbsp grainy-style Dijon or old-time mustard 1–2 tsp brown sugar 1 clove garlic, if desired salt and pepper, to taste Pour vinegar, oil, lemon juice and mustard into small bowl or shaker container. Whisk vigorously until mixture begins to emulsify and get some texture. Gently stir in sugar, garlic, and salt and pepper. Allow to sit until needed.

Aunt Enid’s Cooked Salad Dressing

Volterra Collection

Gliders & Furniture Evolving With Your Family Needs

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

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s St.

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

Finlayson St. Dougla

2 cups water 1 cup vinegar 2 cups white sugar 11⁄2 tsp salt 3 Tbsp flour 3 tsp dry mustard 1⁄4 tsp turmeric 2 eggs, beaten Spoon flour, mustard, and turmeric into a small bowl. Add cold water (from the 2 cups) bit by bit, until you’ve got a smooth paste. Heat the remainder of the water with the vinegar, sugar, and salt in a mediumsized saucepan. Add paste gradually: stir constantly, until the mixture begins to boil (this should take 3 to 4 minutes). Add beaten eggs carefully, mix well, and use.

This is excellent on lettuce. (The eggs will cook enough for safety by being stirred into the hot mixture; the dressing makes a lot, but will keep in a jar in the fridge, and can be used like mayonnaise or store-bought salad dressing.)

90 Years of Quality & Design

Larch St.

T.J.’S

(Under Sleep Country in the REAR)

Gigi’s French 1 Tbsp mustard (Dijon, or other prepared) 1 Tbsp vinegar (can use balsamic, red wine vinegar, or lemon juice, if preferred) approximately 1⁄4 cup olive oil salt and pepper, to taste Place mustard and vinegar into bowl that you will be serving salad in. Very slowly add the olive oil, whisking continuously, until the mixture has come together nicely. Add salt and pepper to taste, and stir gently. It’s a nice touch to stir in some herbs that may be in your salad (parsley, green onions, or mint, perhaps) at this point, then allow it all to season until you prepare the salad.

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.

Family Resource Guide 2013/2014 31

Party Directory

Fired UP!

Birthday Parties!

Paint your own ceramics

Book your party with us today!

We now offer online booking.

Now Offering Full-week and one day camps!

Ages 6 and up.

See website for details! www.firedupceramics.ca

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

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

at Henderson Recreation Centre!

Call 250-370-7200

See website for details: www.firedupceramics.ca

Fired UP! Paint your own ceramics

1801 Fort Street @ Richmond

Now Offering Full-week and one day camps!

Ages 6 and up.

See website for details! #1 choice for party inflatables www.firedupceramics.ca

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

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

Call 250-595-SWIM (7946)

www.recreation.oakbay.ca

Funtime Inflatables 250-474-0597

www.funtimeinflatables.ca

We Speak Parties!

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

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

Serving Vancouver Island since 1990.

New items arriving soon!!!

• $10–$25/child • Sew a pillow • Two-hour parties • Room for 10 • Booked after school or Sundays 108, 1841 Oak Bay Ave (near Richmond)

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

250-383-FLIP

www.lionspridegymnastics.com Located in Langford 32 www.IslandParent.ca

Party Directory TM

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

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You provide the space and food…

• Indoor facility options for all your bouncy castle and inflatable requirements • School fairs/festivals and picnics • At home/indoor theme parties, i.e. Teddy Bear stuffing, craft parties • Free gift for birthday child when you mention this ad • Costumed facepainters and balloon twisters, i.e. princesses, pirates, ragdoll style clowns ur • Follow us on Facebook and Twitter Join O lub!

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• 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)

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Optional character

www.victoriagymnastics.com

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

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

Family Resource Guide 2013/2014 33

Krista Minar

Three Things I Love About You

I

t is 40 minutes past her bedtime. I fight my initial reaction to run up the stairs and give my two-year-old daughter a firm scolding.

No playing around, no sweet talk…just her sleeping is the objective. Do they make sleeping pills for children? Right now Adam Mansbach, author of Go the…to Sleep, and I understand each other.

It’s been a long day. I’m exhausted, my eldest daughter is over-tired, her dad’s out, and my youngest daughter is minutes away from needing to breastfeed.

My two-year-old has already exhausted her arsenal of stalling methods: she has asked for water, had me tuck her in (a few times), asked for milk, taken off her PJs to have them replaced by different ones…and just as I sit down to nurse, I can hear her frustrated cry. I take a deep breath.

I go upstairs, slowly.

The moment I hit the landing I watch as she gauges my reaction, searching my face through her tears, unsure of what is about to take place.

Breathe. “What’s going on, hun?” I ask.

She points to her blankie, it is bundled up and she is clearly upset that it won’t straighten over her body. I can’t help but crack a smile. In her little world, an uncooperative blankie is about as awful as it gets. It hardly seems rational to me, but she’s two years old, that’s about as rational as it gets. I’d hardly wish for her problems to be bigger than that.

So I fix her blanket and the tears finally cease; she immediately relaxes into her pillow.

This is one of those defining moments you

Free Events • Sunday Oct. 20th Baby Shower

This is an event no mom-to-be will want to miss! Doors open at 11am.

Please register at www.havingababy.ca

Bridal Showcase

Don’t miss this free event if you are getting married! Doors open at 3pm.

Please register at www.bridalshowcase.ca Exciting Door Prizes • Gift Bags • Special Displays

Comfort Hotel & Conference Centre 3020 Blanshard Street For an invitation and/or exhibitor information call

778-265-0790 or welcomewagon.ca

have as a parent, where you stop the world because you have found a moment with your child that you will never get back again.

I lean over, kiss her and say, “Do you want to know three things that I love about you?”

She glances up at me and a smile spreads across her face.

“I love the way you give Daddy hugs when he comes home from work, I love the way you are practicing sharing with your friend, and “I love the way you play with your sister and try to make her smile.”

With each statement I watch her little mind process what I am telling her.

“M’kay” she says to me in the cutest heart-melting voice.

One more kiss good night, double tuck and I head back downstairs. Not a sound was made thereafter. Do you ever have those days where you feel like you have been riding the “no” (or “bad” or “what are you doing”) train all day? They say it takes 1,000 “Atta girls” to erase one “Bad girl.” So I have two rules. Discipline (or “guide” if you prefer the word) the behaviour—never the child. And take every opportunity you can to build up your child’s character in a positive way so that they know what behaviour you expect and appreciate.

I came up with a way to ensure that I am focusing on the positive. It starts with three things—three things that I love about my daughter, things that she has done that reflect those character traits that I so cherish in her.

I try to keep it to what’s going on that day, and try not to duplicate (too often).

Sometimes I tell her when it’s right before bed or nap time, sometimes when she is frustrated and needing comfort, sometimes for no reason at all. I even have days that I double up.

I am sure that she was expecting to get an earful, and, in truth, I wanted to give her one. Instead, she went to bed with the knowledge that I love her and I walked away with no regrets.

As parents, we see our children at their best and worst, but with 18 (sometimes less) short years, we have to steal those moments and remember that late nights stalling and needing our attention will one day make way for nights where the house is empty except for my husband and me—and all we’ll have left are the memories of these nights, and the satisfaction of raising our little girls. I choose “Three Ways I Love You” and we both go to bed happier.

Krista Minar, mother of two, is in constant search of balance.

34 www.IslandParent.ca

Help Fractions Gain Traction

I

f three is greater than two, then 1/3 must be bigger than 1/2—right? Wrong. Of the thousands of students back in school, many will use exactly that kind of thinking when faced with fractions for the first time.

New research from Concordia University shows that for children to understand math, teachers must constantly make the connection between abstract numbers and real world examples.

Helena Osana, associate professor in Concordia’s Department of Education, and PhD candidate Nicole Pitsolantis put this theory to the test in a classroom of fifth and sixth graders. Their findings—published in the journal Teaching Children Mathematics, as well as in the British Journal of Educational Psychology—show students understand math much more clearly when teachers use pictures and concrete models to demonstrate what fractions actually mean.

Those connections are even stronger when the model is personally meaningful to the students. Write out “3/4” on the blackboard and the concept is not so clear. Show kids 3/4 of a shoelace or talk about running 1/3 of the way to school and suddenly they get it.

Although teachers already use models when talking about fractions—for instance, to show a picture of a pie with slices eaten— they often put them away too quickly. To prove that the constant use of models made a bigger impact, Osana and Pitsolantis tried teaching with models for only part of the lesson and then the entire lesson.

They found that students showed much greater understanding when the models were continually present.

“This is something not only useful for teachers but also for parents,” says Osana.

“Because children are studying fractions, parents think they’re not able to help. But parents can have a positive effect on learning too. Something as simple as writing ‘3/4’ out on a piece of paper, then demonstrating what it means to use 3/4 of a cup of sugar, or filling up the gas tank until it reaches the 2/3 mark, then writing and pointing to the numbers ‘2/3,’ can really go a long way towards demystifying math.”

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Island Parent Magazine

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Family Resource Guide

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35

2013/2014

Generously Sponsored by and

Annual Family Events Visit www.kidsinvictoria.com for updated monthly event listings OCTOBER 2013 Harvey at Langham Court Theatre. The story of the disarming Elwood P. Dowd and his friendship with a giant white rabbit named Harvey that only he can see. October 2-19, 8pm. Two Saturday matinees on October 12 and 19, 2pm. To book tickets or for more information, please call 250-384-2142 or visit www.langhamtheatre.ca.

Mad Hatter Tea Party Fundraiser at the Grand Hotel, Nanaimo. An afternoon tea of another sort. This whimsical social is for all ages. Tasty sandwiches, cakes and fancy tea. Featuring a fashion show of original designs as well as some that are off the rack. Attendees may also enjoy a cake walk and sale, a hat contest, an impossible silent auction, silly games, decadent prizes and an insatiable Queen. Don’t be late! Fundraiser for the Crimson Coast Dance Society. October 6, 1:30-4pm. www. crimsoncoastdance.org.

Dora the Explorer Live! Search for the City of Lost Toys in Victoria, Duncan and Nanaimo.

Dora has lost her teddy bear, and the search is on to find him. With help from the audience, Boots, Map, Backpack, Diego and more, Dora uses her directional, counting, musical and language skills to successfully pass through the Number Pyramid and the Mixed-up Jungle to reach the City of Lost Toys. But watch out!

You never know what that sneaky fox, Swiper, might be up to along the way! October 15, Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre, Victoria; October 16, Cowichan Theatre, Duncan; October 17, Port Theatre, Nanaimo. For tickets, visit DoraLiveCanada.com.

36 www.IslandParent.ca

The Emperor’s New Clothes at the Metro Theatre. Part Arabian Nights, part jungle rhythm, all entertaining. ZarYevka Ballet presents an updated version of the classic Hans Christian Andersen story with vibrant colours and boundless energy on stage. Featuring humourous narration, impressive professional dancing, and music that will make you want to dance too, this production is sure to please the whole family. October 18, 8pm; October 19, 2pm. 1411 Quadra. 250-590-6291.

Oceanside Place Ten Year Anniversary Celebration at Oceanside Place, Parksville. Free skating on the pond from 9am-3:30pm. Free Everyone Welcome Skate from 2-3:30pm.

Come for anniversary cake at 3pm. Plus each time you skate during October 15-25, enter the draw to win skate passes. Phone RDN, Recreation and Parks, 250-248-3252. View swim and skate schedules online at www.rdn. bc.ca/recreation.

Halloween Train at the BC Forest Discovery Centre. Beware the Halloween Train. Ride the Green Hornet through ghostly scenes and past scary Halloween characters at the museum.

Children will enjoy trick or treating and making Halloween crafts, and there are haunted houses for those who dare. After 4:30pm, costumed spooks will be mingling with the visitors and creeping up in unexpected places.

The performers are provided by the South Island Musical Theatre Society. Spooky exhibits and live Halloween music will take place in the main gallery. The Green Hornet leaves the station every 30 minutes from 3-8:30pm (except 4:30pm). October 25-27, 2:30-9pm. 2892 Drinkwater Road, Duncan. 250-715-1113.

NOVEMBER 2013 Emily Saves the Orchestra at the Royal Theatre. Join our heroine in a battle that explores musical elements of rhythm, melody, harmony and dynamics through the music of the world’s greatest composers. Come early for the Victoria Symphony Instrument Petting Zoo and other activities in the lobby. November 3, 2:30pm.

250-385-6515. www.victoriasymphony.ca.

Norman Foote: Always be Yourself at the Port Theatre, Nanaimo. Clever hooks, witty wordplay and comedy. Features singers from Brechin and Park Avenue schools. November 3, 7pm. 250-754-8550.

It’s a Wonderful Life at the Chemainus Theatre. Everyone loves George Bailey, but as he finds himself in crisis, alone and desperate one Christmas Eve, he wonders if things wouldn’t be better if he hadn’t been born at all. It truly is a wonderful life, as faith, hope and family come together in this delightful story. November 22 to December 23. 1-800-565-7738. www. chemainustheatrefestival.ca.

Island Farms Santa Claus Parade along Government St (from Belleville to Chatham St).

Bring the family to this festive annual parade to celebrate the holiday season. Meet up at the Capital Iron parking lot for delicious free treats courtesy of Island Farms. November 23, 6pm.

DECEMBER 2013 Christmas Express at the BC Forest Discovery Museum. Be enchanted as you ride through our decorated forest on a 1910 steam locomo-

sweater in the small, hockey-mad Quebec town where he grew up. Also on the program, the “Orchestra Games,” as we get ready to cheer for our Olympic team. January 26, 2:30pm. www.victoriasymphony.ca.

tive. Enjoy the season’s laughter and twinkling lights on the Christmas Express. Take a ride on the Christmas Express, visit with Santa Claus, dance to live Christmas music, make a Christmas tree craft in the schoolhouse, watch the model train display, and warm up with hot chocolate or a snack in Train Station Treats.

Santa Claus will ride the first train, leaving at 4:30pm, and then will reside in the main museum for pictures and visits. December 6-8, 4-9pm; December 13-15, 4-9pm; December 20-23, 4-9pm. Train leaves every 20 minutes until 8:30pm. 2892 Drinkwater Road, Duncan. 250-715-1113.

FEBRUARY 2014

Christmas Cirque Spectacular at the Port Theatre, Nanaimo. Experience the thrill and magic of the season as Cirque de la Symphonie returns to Nanaimo with their spectacular holiday production. World class aerialists, acrobat dancers, contortionists and jugglers present breath-taking, jaw-dropping performances above and on stage while the VI Symphone plays. Perfect for the whole family. vancouverislandsymphony.com. 250-754-8550.

MARCH 2014

The Neverending Story at University Centre Farquhar Auditorium. A young boy named Bastian seeks refuge from reality in the pages of a strange book. Hiding in the attic of his school, he begins to read and, unbeknownst to him, the story comes to life. December 14, 2pm and 7pm; December 15, 2pm. 250-7547587. www.kaleidoscope.ca.

The Gift at the Royal Theatre. A wonderful Christmas story told to the beloved music of The Nutcraker. Young Pandora cannot wait until Christmas Day to open a mysterious present that her uncle brought back from his travels. A celebration of dance and live music with humour, surprising characters and holiday cheer for the whole family. www.balletvictoria. ca. 250-386-6121.

JANUARY 2014 The Hockey Sweater at the Royal Theatre. This delightful new orchestral work is based on The Hockey Sweater, Roch Carrier’s iconic story.

Inspired by his own childhood, the story tells the tale of a boy who had to wear a Maple Leafs

Monster Theatre at Malaspina Theatre at VIU in Nanaimo. Each performance consists of three classics of literature (Anne of Green Gables, The Ugly Duckling, and Stories from the Greek Myths) miniaturized into 15-minute adaptations with puppets, songs, masks, dance, satire, physical theatre and audience participation to get kids excited about reading. February 1, 1pm. 250-754-7587. www. theatreone.org.

The Kerplunks at Malaspina Theatre at VIU. The multi award-winning children’s entertainers bring high-energy colourful performances to the stage, with outfits that match. The Kerplunks play catchy tunes guaranteed to get kids engaged, singing along and joining in on the action. March 15, 1pm. 250-754-7587. www.theatreone.org.

APRIL 2014 Trent Arterberry’s The Secret Life of Walter Manny at Malaspina Theatre at VIU. In a story of turning rejection into affection, The Secret Life of Walter Manny depicts a lonely eightyear-old boy whose hyperactive imagination gets him in—and out of—trouble. Ostracized at school, Walter escapes into high-octane reveries of race-car driving, firefighting and secret-agent spying. Fantasy collides. April 12, 1pm. 250-754-7587. www.theatreone.org.

Green Eggs and Ham at the Royal Theatre.

Do you like Green Eggs and Ham? This fullystaged orchestral adaptation of Dr. Suess’s beloved children’s classic, cleverly composed by Robert Kapilow, and featuring the unstoppable Sam-I-Am, is a feast for the ears. Dr. Suess’s greatest children’s book comes to life with the accompaniment of the Victoria Symphony and

Go LocalfirBC! st.

We pick BC

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the performance by vaudeville-inspired actors telling timeless tales through music, mime, comedy and narration. March 30, 2:30pm. www.victoriasymphony.ca.

May 2014 Family Theatre Festival. Three of the city’s most dynamic theatre companies take to the mainstage with exciting work for the whole family. Experience the magic of theatre. May 1-4. www.kaleidoscope.bc.ca.

Robinson and Crusoe. This spring, two unlucky soldiers from opposing sides find themselves stranded on a roof of a house adrift on the sea. Together they must overcome their heightened suspicions if they are to make it out of this ordeal alive. May 10, 2pm and 7pm; May 11, 2pm. www.kaleidoscope.ca.

July 2014 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 B.C.’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.•

BC farmers produce some of the tastiest fresh food available. Enjoy the fruits and vegetables of their labour!

Pick BC first and help support sustainable, vibrant communities throughout our province.

Customer Service: 1.800.667.8280 • Visit www.thriftyfoods.com Family Resource Guide 2013/2014 37

Classes & Programs South Island ART PROGRAMS 4Cats Arts Academy 2296 Cadboro Bay Rd . 250-598-0300 2285 Bellamy Rd . . . . . 778-430-5422 4500 W. Saanich Rd . . 250-590-7233 Art Corner . . . . . . . . . . . .artcorner.ca Art Gallery of Greater Victoria— Children’s Studio 1040 Moss St . . . . . . . 250-384-4171 Art Safari artsafari.ca . . . . . . . . . . 250-588-8662 Art School Victoria 600 Richmond Ave . . . 250-383-5429 Artistic Statement Gallery & School of Fine Art 107-2250 Oak Bay Ave 250-383-0566 Crafty School of Art & Design 2440 Richmond Rd . . . 250-592-5075

Fiddlesticks Studio of Fine Arts for Young Children fiddlestickschild.ca . . . 250-858-7034 Fired Up Ceramics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . firedupceramics.ca Kid’s Works School for the Arts kidsworks.ca . . . . . . . . 250-884-1290 Open Space 510 Fort St, 2nd Flr . . . 250-383-8833

DANCE SCHOOLS

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

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

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.

Royal Canadian Air Cadets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89pacific.ca Scouts Canada scouts.ca . . . . . . . . . . 1-888-726-8876 Victoria Sea Cadets . . 250-363-0864

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

Centrepoint Dance School 1080 Lucas Ave . . . . . . 250-592-4260 Dance on It Studio victoriadanceonit.com . 250-544-8246 Dance Unlimited danceunlimited.ca . . . . 250-361-3267 dansko Studios Inc. est. 1993 4814 W. Saanich Rd . . 250-475-6606 Leap Forward Dance School 2758 Peatt Rd . . . . . . . 250-818-9225 or . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 778-265-5955 Lighthouse Academy of Dance . . . . lighthouseacademyofdance.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-595-8705 Maple Leaf School of Ballet mapleleafballet.ca . . . . 778-433-5323

Find out why girls thrive here:

OPEN HOUSE Friday, October 25, 2013 & Friday, February 21, 2014 9:00–11:30am & 1:00–3:00pm 1080 Lucas Ave, Victoria BC

Preschool–Grade 12

250.479.7171

Confident girls. Inspiring women.

IP_SMS_FamilyResourceGuide.indd 1

38 www.IslandParent.ca

stmarg.ca

9/23/2013 5:34:40 PM

O’Brien School of Irish Dance obrienirishdance.com . 250-340-2370 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 Academy of Ballet 643 Broughton St . . . . 250-590-6752 Victoria School of Irish Dance . . . . . . . . . . .victoriairishdancers.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-888-9421 Irish dance classes ages 4 years to adults, begtinners to champions. Recreation and Competitive lessons. Located at Dance Victoria, 2750 Quadra St. and St. Josephs school in Victoria.

Come join the fun!

Westcoast Academy of Performing Arts westcoastballet.ca . . . 250-415-1477 Whitespace Dance . . . . . . . . . . . . whitespacedance.com

DAY PROGRAMS (See also “Recreation Centres”) Autism Services, Community Living Victoria . . . . . 250-477-7231, ext. 237 Connecting families raising a child with autism (ages 6-18) with services: behaviour consultant, behaviour intervention, social skills groups, Spring Break and Summer Day Camps, and autism funding management.

Bear Cub Summer Sports Camp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-391-3758

Island Swimming

Swimming in Victoria for more than 100 years

Island Swim Skills

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

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

Try Island Swim Skills now!

Call 250 744 5536 for a free trial www.islandswimming.com info@islandswimming.com

O’Brien School of Irish Dancing *Traditional Irish dancing classes including ceile and step dancing *Classes in Cadboro Bay, Esquimalt and Nanaimo *Recreational and competitive classes

Come dance with us in parades, performances, and ceiles to your favourite Celtic tunes!

604-340-2370

irishdance@shaw.ca

www.obrienirishdance.com

BC SPCA . . . . . . . . . . 250-686-1581 Does your child love animals? Visit www.spca.bc.ca/youth for information on BC SPCA kids’ programs in your community.

Boys & Girls Club . . . . 250-384-9133 Byte Camp . . . . . . . . . 250-661-3358 Canadian Forces Sailing cfsa.wordpress.com . . 250-385-8873 Forge Church . . . . . . .TheForgeChurch.com/camps Foxglove Farm foxglovefarmbc.ca . . . . 250-931-5336 FUN Camps 600 Richmond Ave . . . 778-712-2267 Glenlyon-Norfolk Marine Adventure Program . . . . . . . . . . . 250-370-6852 Family Resource Guide 2013/2014 39

Hands On Summer Camp . . . . . . . HandsOnSummerCamp.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-995-6425 Kids Klub Centre . . . . 250-881-1223 Christ Church Cathedral School 912 Vancouver St . . . . 250-383-5125 Passion Sports passionsports.ca . . . . . 250-208-2822 Pedalheads pedalheads.com . . . . 1-888-886-6464 Science Venture . . . . . 250-721-8661 SMUS Education Extension Holiday Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . smus.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-370-6120 Soccertron . . . . . . . . . 250-475-3777 Victoria Academy of Ballet 643 Broughton St . . . . 250-590-6752 YM/YWCA 880 Courtney St . . . . . 250-475-3777

DRAMA PROGRAMS Canadian College of Performing Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . ccpacanada.com Four Seasons Musical Theatre . . . FourSeasonsMusicalTheatre.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-478-0329

Kaleidoscope Theatre 3130 Jutland Rd . . . . . 250-383-8124 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .kaleidoscope.bc.ca Vancouver Island’s premiere professional theatre training for youth.

Offering year-round professional theatre classes, camps and workshops for all ages.

Kate Rubin Theatre & Drama Studio . . . . . . . katerubintheatre@gmail.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-386-8593 Saltwater Youth Education 2750 Quadra St . . . . . . 250-888-4982 Screen Actor’s Studio 845 Fisgard St . . . . . . . 250-595-1339 StageCoach Langford 250-743-0858 . . . . . stagecoachschools.ca/langford Victoria Academy of Dramatic Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vadarts.com

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.

3-5 yrs Pre-primary School

• Newly renovated birthday rooms • www.falcongymnastics.com.

Island Rhythmic Gymnastics Club islandrhythmics.com . . 250-514-6761 Lion’s Pride Gymnastics 1060 Henry Eng Place . 250-383-3547 Victoria Gymnastics 2051 Store St . . . . . . . . 250-380-2442

LIBRARIES Greater Victoria Public Library Bruce Hutchison Branch 4636 Elk Lake Rd . . . . 250-727-0104 Central Branch 735 Broughton St . . . . 250-382-7241 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 Branch 1759 Island Hwy . . . . . 250-391-0653 Nellie McClung Branch 3950 Cedar Hill Rd . . . 250-477-7111

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

The joy of learning - naturally.

http://oakandorca.ca 250 383 6609

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

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 40 www.IslandParent.ca

BC Registered Music Teachers Association . . . . . . . . . bcrmta.bc.ca Fiddlesticks Studio of Fine Arts for Young Children fiddlestickschild.ca . . . 250-858-7034 Girls Rock Camp Victoria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . girlsrockvictoria.ca Greater Victoria Youth Orchestra gvyo.org . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-360-1121 Guitar in Motion . . . . . 250-217-2316 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .guitarinmotion.com Larsen Music larsenmusic.ca . . . . . . 250-389-1988 Music Together Victoria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-217-2477 . . . . . . . . . musictogethervictoria.com Red Door Studio . . . . 250-472-2590 Tom Lee Music #105-2401D Millstream Rd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-838-5222 Uminari Taiko . . . . . uminaritaiko.com Victoria Children’s Choir . . . . . . . . . . VictoriaChildrensChoir.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-721-0856 Victoria Conservatory of Music 900 Johnson St . . . . . . 250-386-5311 Vivace Violins vivaceviolins.ca . . . . . . 250-884-9574 Viva Youth Choirs 3703 St. Aidan’s St . . . 250-472-2655

RECREATION CENTRES Archie Browning Sports Centre 1151 Esquimalt Rd . . . 250-414-7103 Cedar Hill Recreation Centre 3220 Cedar Hill Rd . . . 250-475-7121 City Centre Park citycentrepark.ca . . . . . 250-391-1738 Crystal Pool & Fitness Centre 2275 Quadra St . . . . . . 250-361-0732 . . . . . . . . . . . . victoria.ca/recservices.

Swimming lessons for all ages and abilities; 50m pool with waterslide,

Gordon Head Recreation Centre 4100 Lambrick Way . . . 250-475-7100 Henderson Centre 2291 Cedar Hill X Rd . . 250-370-7200

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.

Panorama Recreation Centre panoramarecreation.ca 250-656-7271

RIDING

Pearkes Recreation Centre 3100 Tillicum Rd . . . . . 250-475-5400

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

Recreation Oak Bay recreation.oakbay.ca . . 250-595-7946

Westside Stables 6404 Central Saanich . 250-652-1462

Saanich Commonwealth Place 4636 Elk Lake Dr . . . . . 250-475-7600

SCIENCE/NATURE

Salt Spring Island Recreation 145 Vesuvius Bay Rd . . 250-537-4448

BC SPCA spca.bc.ca/kids . . . . . . 250-686-1581

Save On Foods Memorial Centre 1925 Blanshard St . . . . 250-361-0732 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . victoria.ca/arena 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.

CRD Parks Programs 250-478-3344 Friends of Uplands Park friendsofuplandspark.wordpress.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-595-8084 Gorge Waterway Nature House Gorge Park . . . . . . . . . 250-380-7585

off-leash.ca

MUSIC

Esquimalt Parks & Recreation 527 Fraser St . . . . . . . . 250-414-8500

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

Workshops Birthday Parties School Presentations Summer Camps spca.bc.ca/kids

off-leash.ca

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

two kids’ pools and sauna/steam rooms; full fitness facilities and wellness programs.

BC SPCA Programs for Kids

Oak Bay Branch 1442 Monterey Ave . . . 250-592-2489 Saanich Centennial Branch 3110 Tillicum Rd . . . . . 250-477-9030

Family Resource Guide 2013/2014 41

Greater Victoria Compost Education Centre compost.bc.ca . . . . 250-386-WORM Mad Science . . . .madscience.org/vancouverisland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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 EKE Academy of Martial Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-216-2801 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 ICE hockey + fitness icevictoria.ca . . . . . . . . 250-590-7811 Island Swimming . . . . 250-479-3909 Lakehill Soccer Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . lakehillsoccer.com Ages 4-18, co-ed, year round soccer

42 www.IslandParent.ca

Oak Bay Figure Skating Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-396-4007 Olympic View Golf 643 Latoria Rd . . . . . . . 250-474-3673 Operation Trackshoes 3100 Foul Bay Rd . . . . 250-721-2233 Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence piseworld.com . . . . . . . 250-220-2510 Pacific Coast Swimming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-727-9243 PacificSport Synchro 250-881-1471

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

Passion Sports passionsports.ca . . . . . 250-590-8114

Westshore Motocross Assoc. westshoremx.com . . . . 250-590-8088

Peninsula Figure Skating Club pfsc.homestead.com . . 250-652-0663

OTHER

Racquet Club of Victoria Skating Club . . . . . . racquetclubofvictoria.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-704-0160

Andrea’s Sew Easy . . 250-592-7879

Sportball 1359 McKenzie Ave . . . 250-590-4625

Autism Services, Community Living Victoria . . . . . 250-477-7231, ext. 237 Connecting families raising a child with autism (ages 6-18) with services: behaviour consultant, behaviour intervention, social skills groups, Spring Break and Summer Day Camps, and autism funding management.

Velox Rugby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . langfordrugby.com

Victoria German Language School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-886-1420

Royal Victoria Yacht Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-592-6113 Soccertron . . . . . . . . soccertron.com

Victoria Junior Field Hockey . . . . . . . . victoriajuniorfieldhockey.ca

Cowichan Valley

Mid-Island

ART PROGRAMS

ART PROGRAMS

4Cats Art Studio 4Cats.com/Duncan . . . 250-709-2286

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

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

MUSIC 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 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 Cadets-Navy League of Canada, Port Alberni 4210 Cedarwood St . . 250-723-7442

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 Arbutus Music, Nanaimo 6324 Metral Dr . . . . . . . 250-933-1900 Kindermusic in Nanaimo 4960 Hammond Bay Rd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-667-8794 Nanaimo Community Band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-722-3088 Nanaimo Conservatory of Music ncmusic.ca . . . . . . . . . 250-754-4611 Jacinthe Laramee Piano Studio 3469 Osprey Lookout, Nanaimo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-751-2454

Cat’s Music Studio, Shawnigan Lake 2169 Wildflower Rd . . . 250-929-3303 Music for Young Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-828-4334

DANCE

RECREATION CENTRES

Brigadoon Dance Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-756-3661

Beban Park Social Centre 2300 Bowen Rd . . . . . . 250-756-5200

RECREATION CENTRES

Glengarry School of Celtic Dance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-758-0208

Bowen Park Complex 500 Bowen Rd . . . . . . . 250-756-5200

O’Brien School of Irish Dance obrienirishdance.com . 250-340-2370

Frank Crane Arena 2300 Bowen Rd . . . . . . 250-756-5200

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 Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ctra.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-746-1028

SKATING Duncan Skating Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . duncanskating.com

DAY CAMPS VIU’s GrandKids University, Nanaimo 900 Fifth St . . . . . . . . 1-866-734-6252

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 Parksville Branch 100E Jenson Ave East . 250-248-3841

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 North Cowichan Parks & Recreation, Chemainus 2876 Fuller Lake Rd . . 250-246-3811 Oliver Woods Community Centre 6000 Oliver Rd . . . . . . . 250-756-5200 Ravensong Aquatic Centre 737 Jones St . . . . . . . . 250-752-5014

RIDING Cowichan Therapeutic Riding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-746-1028

SCIENCE/NATURE Morell Nature Sanctuary 787 Nanaimo Lakes . . . 250-753-5811 Family Resource Guide 2013/2014 43

Learning

Through Play

Diana Hurschler

Planning Your Family

A

s a new mom, having another baby is probably the last thing on your mind. But you could become fertile again before you know it. As soon as you start having sex again, it is possible to get pregnant, even if you are breastfeeding and/or your period has not returned yet. This is the time for you and your partner to think about birth control. Here is a quick guide to contraception after the birth.

Oral contraceptive pill (OCP)

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

Victoria Cordova Bay Preschool

cordovabaypreschool.org

Countryside Preschool

countrysidepreschool.org goldstreampreschool.com

Goldstream Preschool Gonzales Preschool

gonzalescooppreschool.com lakehillpreschool.org

Lakehill Preschool Lambrick Park Preschool

lambrickparkpreschool.ca

Lansdowne Preschool

lansdownepreschool.com oakbaypreschool.com

Oak Bay Preschool

Call (250) 655-3333

Sidney Preschool Strawberry Vale Preschool

strawberryvalepreschool.org

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

Nanaimo Preschool Salt Spring Island Preschool

saltspringcooppreschool.com

www.vicpa.org 44 www.IslandParent.ca

• The combined pill (estrogen plus a progestin) can decrease breast milk production so should not be started until at least six weeks postpartum. Estrogen-containing contraceptives have been linked to low milk supply and a shorter duration of breastfeeding, even if started when baby is older, after milk supply is well established. Not all mothers who take contraceptives containing estrogen will experience a low milk supply, but these unaffected mothers appear to be a very small minority.

• The Progestin-Only Pill (Micronor) does not affect milk supply and can be used during breastfeeding. When combined with the decreased fertility of breastfeeding, it makes a great choice for breastfeeding moms.

• OCPs can be started at three weeks if not breastfeeding.

Contraceptive Patch (Evra) or Vaginal Ring (Nuva) • Similar to the combined OCP; start at three weeks if not breastfeeding or after six weeks if breastfeeding. The same warnings of decreased milk supply apply as both methods contain estrogen.

Injection Depo-Provera • One shot every 12 weeks • Can be given immediately postpartum regardless of breastfeeding • No known effects on breast milk or infant ingestion of the hormone • It can take up to a year and a half to become fertile again after you stop using Depo Provera.

Women who are planning to get pregnant within one to two years should use other methods of birth control.

Intra-uterine Device (Mirena or Copper) • Inserted into the uterus by a doctor more than six weeks after delivery • Reliable, long-term birth control for up to five years but can be removed at any time and fertility will resume

• The Mirena (hormonal IUD) is as effective as tubal ligation.

Barrier Methods • Hormone-free, only needed when you are actually having sex • Condoms can be used anytime, and are commonly used temporarily while breastfeeding or to space out babies • Use non-spermicidal condoms with lots of extra water-based lubricant to avoid vaginal irritation (vaginal dryness is extremely common for breastfeeding mothers) • Diaphragms and Fem caps (cup that is inserted into the vagina to act as a barrier to sperm entering the cervix. It is intended to be inserted before sex and left in place for a period of time afterwards) need to be re-fitted at six weeks postpartum—by then your cervix will have settled into its post-pregnancy shape.

Emergency Contraception • A combination pill containing estrogen and progestin (Ovral). There may be a slight drop in milk supply due to the estrogen a few days after taking the ECP, but milk levels should rebound thereafter. Talk to your health care provider and/or lactation consultant about ways to reduce any adverse effects on supply.

• A progestin-only pill (Plan B) • Emergency Contraception pills (ECP) are effective up to five days after unprotected intercourse but best if used within the first 72 hours. Should be used as a last resort (whether you are breastfeeding or not).

• The copper IUD can be inserted within five days after intercourse and is 99 per cent effective against pregnancy. One of the other benefits of using Copper IUD as emergency contraception is that it can remain in the uterus for up to five years.

Tubal ligation (Female sterilization) • Permanent; only for couples who are absolutely sure their family is complete • Abdominal or laparoscopic surgery • Can be performed during a C-section delivery.

Vasectomy (Male sterilization) • Permanent; only for couples who are absolutely sure their family is complete • An outpatient procedure • Less risk and more effective than tubal ligation.

The decision to have a permanent sterilization procedure can be complex. Take time to talk to your partner and your health care provider.

Is breastfeeding an effective birth control method?

As with all forms of birth control here are no 100 per cent guarantees but breastfeeding may be effective birth control if all of the following criteria apply to you: • your baby is under six months old, and • your baby is exclusively breastfed during the day (at least every four hours) and at night (at least every 6 hours), and • your baby is not given a bottle, infant cereal, or soother, and • your period has not yet returned.

As soon as your baby is sleeping longer at night or having other foods or fluids, breastfeeding is less likely to work as birth control.

When do I need to start using contraception after having a baby?

Your periods will return any time from about six weeks to three months after your baby’s birth if you are formula-feeding or combining breast and formula feeds. Your period may not start again until you cut down breastfeeds or stop breastfeeding altogether. You ovulate 14 days before you have your period but it is important to know that you may ovulate without having a period for a cycle or more after having a baby.

So it is a good idea to have a plan in place early.

Your postpartum check-up with your health care provider, about six weeks after your baby’s birth, is a good time to discuss options. Having a plan in place will give you peace of mind.

The bottom line…

• Use any hormonal type of birth control with caution (particularly the forms that contain estrogen) • Use as low a dose as possible • If you experience breastmilk supply problems (or if baby’s weight gain slows more than expected or stops) and are using any type of hormonal birth control, it’s a good idea to discontinue using it for a time and see if your supply rebounds as a result • Breastfeeding exclusively can be but is NOT a guaranteed form of birth control • Fertility can resume before your period does.

For more information go to www.islandsexualhealth.org or call the Options for Sexual Health 1-800 SEX-SENSE Line (1-800-7397367) or call Health Link BC at 8-1-1.

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

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

saanichdentalgroup.com 119–1591 McKenzie Ave, Victoria

250 477 7321

info@saanichdentalgroup.com

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

Family Resource Guide 2013/2014

45

Family Getaways Feel like packing up and getting away from it all? Here are some ideas to help you with your family holiday. Enjoy seeing new sites or visiting old favourites as you leave the household chores behind.

LUXURY OCEANFRONT CONDOS Rathtrevor Beach, Parksville, Vancouver Island

Weekend Escape

Christmas Vacation

Weekend Escape

Christmas Vacation

$99/Night Quad Occupancy H Two Bedroom Poolside Condo H Minimum 2 night stay $129/Night Quad Occupancy H Two Bedroom Oceanfront Condo H Minimum 2 night stay

$595/Week Quad Occupancy H Two Bedroom Poolside Condo H Available Dec 20, 2013 – Jan 6, 2014 $745/Week Quad Occupancy H Two Bedroom Oceanfront Condo H Available Dec 20, 2013 – Jan 6, 2014

*These specials cannot be combined or used with any other offers and/or discounts

www.oceansandsresort.ca 1-877-733-5969 reservations@oceansandsresort.ca

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

46 www.IslandParent.ca

RV Park & Campground

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

www.parksands.com 1.877.873.1600

Bring your family to Blue Vista Resort and start a new tradition. Located steps from Bennett Bay and the Gulf Island 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.

Howard Johnson Harbourside Hotel Nanaimo. Free Wifi and parking. 100 per cent non-smoking facility. Heated seasonal outdoor pool, gym/fitness centre and petfriendly. All guest rooms are equipped with a hair dryer, in-room coffee/tea. Restaurant on site. Directly across the inner harbour walkway. Excellent location, service and value. #1 Terminal Avenue, Nanaimo.

1-800-663-7322. hojonanaimo@shaw.ca, www.hojonanaimo.com.

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 Fridays High Tea. For a week you’ll never forget… toll free 1-866-658-6131. www. kyebay.com.

Ocean Sands Resort is situated on 4 acres of beautiful oceanfront property overlooking Rathtrevor Beach in Parksville. The resort consists of one- and two-bedroom oceanfront or poolside condominium units.

Each unit has a fully-equipped kitchen, gas fireplace and large balcony either overlooking the ocean or pool. The amenities include a heated outdoor pool, playground, indoor hot tub, sauna and laundry facilities. Come enjoy the miles of sandy beach right at your doorstep. For more info, visit www.oceansandsresort.ca or call 1-877733-5969.

Park Sands Beach Resort is a familyoriented 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.

Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Resort sits above three kilometers of sandy beach and the warmest ocean swimming in Canada. Visitors to our beach can enjoy wildlife viewing, beachcombing or just sitting back and taking in the beautiful view of the Strait of Georgia and Coastal Mountains. With the most extensive children’s recreation program on Vancouver Island, Tigh-NaMara offers something for the entire family.

1-800-663-7373.•

Catch the Kye Bay Spirit • • • •

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!

KYE BAY GUEST LODGE & COTTAGES Comox, BC, Vancouver Island www.kyebay.com 1-866-658-6131

Year-round getaway on Mayne island with direct daily ferries from swartz Bay

9 housekeeping cottages perfect for family getaways

Rediscover the Natural Choice...

make family

Memories to last a lifetime

Centrally located in Parksville, on Vancouver Island, Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort is an all-season destination resort, featuring 192 log-constructed accommodation units in 22 acres of forest beside the ocean. With onsite beach access, family facilities, restaurants and a full service spa, this is the perfect place for your next family vacation.

1155 Resort Drive, Parksville, BC

250-539-2463 • 1-877-535-2424 bluevista@bluevistaresort.com www.bluevistaresort.com

1-800-663-7373 Tigh-Na-Mara.com Family Resource Guide 2013/2014

47

Join the Conversation at Kids In Victoria & Island Parent

Heather Chatwin

Kids Find the Fun in Fungi A

mushroom hunt with 20 rambunctious six-year-olds was the last place I expected to find myself last November. I was organizing a monthly outing for our local Young Naturalists Club and was stumped for what to do next.

the prospect of their children taking an interest in or handling wild mushrooms,” he writes, “but in fact very few mushrooms are poisonous, and they can only cause harm if they are ingested… Except for toddlers, children are very unlikely to eat something

“I wonder what our adventure will be this month,” I mused, tracing my finger across the rain-covered window pane. It had been raining for three days straight, the forest trails were muddy, and we had 20 little ones to take outdoors.

“Let’s take them for a mushroom walk” suggested Katie, a park interpreter and colleague at CRD Regional Parks. I was skeptical. This was a high-energy group of kids that would easily choose to run in the woods over a plant talk and identification.

And besides, wouldn’t the kids try to touch the mushrooms, or eat them?

“Children are fascinated by mushrooms—the colours, textures, sizes” said Katie. “They’re great at finding these forest treasures, perhaps because they’re low to the ground and are naturally curious.”

David Arora, a local mushroom specialist and author, says there’s often a fear associated with mushrooms, especially in parents.

“Most North Americans are terrified about

unless they know it’s edible, especially if their parents tell them not to.”

It would seem then that children are the best mushroom hunters of all. They are energetic, small, good at telling things apart, and at noticing the small details that parents miss. And they never tire of searching through the secret nooks of the forest for each new colourful, glistening gem.

During the fall, when sightings of flowers and birds are rare, our group was treated to mushroom sightings at every trail bend. It made sense as southern Vancouver Island is one of the best places in the world to look for mushrooms. Of the nearly 3,000 different species of mushrooms found worldwide, almost 2,000 of those can be found in our local vicinity.

But how, in an area with some of the richest mushroom diversity on earth, does a family who is interested in learning more about mushrooms not get confused? The

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FIDDLESTICKS {studio of fine arts for young children} Music, art and happy times in the life of a child

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48 www.IslandParent.ca

answer, according to mushroom experts, is to start small.

“A good rule of thumb is to get to know a few species, and get to know them well,” writes author Les Davenport. And unless you are absolutely sure what a mushroom is, don’t eat it—just photograph it, magnify it, or sketch it. Take a mushroom field guide with you, like David Arora’s All That the Rain Promises and More and soon your knowledge will progress from one mushroom, to five, to 10.

If you want to keep exploring mushrooms when you get home, there is no need to take them from the wild. Instead, make use of the recent bloom in wild mushrooms available at local grocery stores. With these

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TRANSFORM environmentally harvested wild mushrooms you can cook a family feast, or take the caps off of large portabellas and use them to paint mushroom prints. You can even be scientists and dissect mushrooms at home, using tweezers and a magnifying glass to take apart the cap, stem, view and gills and look at them up close. With hikes in the woods, feasts at home, and making mushroom art at night, fall is promising to be fun. Or as it reads in All the Rain Promises, “What could be more thrilling and fulfilling than finding a nice big mushroom in the woods?” Indeed.

Learn more about mushrooms on a CRD Regional Parks’ nature outing, including Fabulous Fungi for adults and Marvelous Mushrooms for children. For details, visit www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

ADD/AHDD • Anxiety Injury • Depression

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Bringing Balance & Harmony to your Brain

KAREN ALLEN DUNCAN BC 250.701.0360 advanced neurotechnology for all ages karen@brainwave‐harmonics.com

Heather Chatwin is a naturalist with CRD Regional Parks, where she gets to show children the wonders of the forest.

Family Resource Guide 2013/2014 49

Health & Wellness

&

South Island BRAIN TRAINING Brainwave Harmonics . . . . . . . . . brainwave-harmonics.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-701-0360

DENTISTS Saanich Dental Group 119-1591 McKenzie Ave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-477-7321 Victoria Pediatric Dental Centre 210-3930 Shelbourne St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-383-2133

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

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

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

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

View our calendar of events.

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

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

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

You can also enter our monthly and photo contests.

Come be part of our community at

www.kidsinvictoria.com

50 www.IslandParent.ca

HEALTH CLINICS Millstream Medical Clinic 107–2349 Millstream Ave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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 Vancouver Island Naturopathic Clinic Inc. 204-4480 West Saanich Rd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-881-1806

NATUROPATHS Dr. Anke Zimmermann 304-2250 Oak Bay Ave 250-590-5828 Vancouver Island Naturopathic Clinic Inc. 204-4480 West Saanich Rd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-881-1806

OPTOMETRISTS BC Association of Optometrists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . absee.ca Cadboro Bay Optometry Clinic 3830 Cadboro Bay Rd . 250-360-2229 Eye Etiquette Optical Boutique eyeetiquetteoptical.ca . 250-474-1941 Eitutis & Associates Optometric Centre 201-3750 Shelbourne St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-477-7771

Family Eyecare Centre 749 Yates St . . . . . . . . 250-383-2411 Comprehensive eye exams with an emphasis on children’s vision and vision-related learning difficulties. 1 in 5 children have a vision problem that affects learning. Large optical, contact lens fitting and vision therapy on site.

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

PHARMACIES Cadboro Bay Peoples Compounding Pharmacy . . . . . . . . . . . . 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 Shelbourne Plaza Peoples Compounding Pharmacy . . . . . . . . . . . . victoriapharmacy.com 3643 Shelbourne St . . . 250-577-1881 UVic Campus Pharmacy UVic SUB . . . . . victoriapharmacy.com 3800 Finnerty Rd . . . . . 250-721-3400

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

ALTERNATIVE HEALTH CEDRIC Centre cedriccentre.com . . . . 250-383-0797 Elements of Health Centre #206-1581 Hillside Ave 250-383-2626 Vancouver Island Naturopathic Clinic Inc. 204-4480 West Saanich Rd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-881-1806 Victoria Headache Clinic 774 Spruce Ave . . . . . . 250-382-6663

YOGA Fernwood Yoga Den 1311 Gladstone Ave . . 250-590-4664 Iron Butterfly Pilates/Yoga & Pre- Post-Natal Studio ironbutterflypilates.ca . 250-920-8005 Iyengar Yoga 202–919 Fort St . . . . . . 250-386-9642

Family Resource Guide 2013/2014 51

Moksha Yoga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-385-YOGA Mothering Touch Centre & Birth Services, 975 Fort St . 250-595-4905

OTHER Anaphylaxis Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pactvictoria.com Base Lounge Fitness Studio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . baselounge.ca 1303 Broad St . . . . . . . 250-590-1816 Evolutions Massage Therapy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-213-1357 Life Force Systems Boot Camps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-380-6947 Taoist Tai Chi . . . . . . . . . . pacific.canada.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

Cowichan Valley HEALTH CLINICS Coleman Medical, Duncan 186 Kenneth St . . . . . . 250-746-4102 Margaret Moss Health Centre Duncan 675 Canada Ave . . . . . 250-709-3050 Matraea Centre, Duncan matcentre.ca . . . . . . . . 250-597-0085 Millstream Medical Clinic 107–2349 Millstream Ave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-391-7554 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

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

52 www.IslandParent.ca

Mid-Island

MEDIATION

NATUROPATHS

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

Arbour Wellness Centre, Nanaimo 2136 Bowen Rd . . . . . . 250-729-4969 Inspired Health Naturopathic Clinic #11-321 Wesley St . . . 250-714-0721

PSYCHOLOGISTS Dr. Raymond Shred #120-2124 Bowen Rd . 250-758-2331

Patricia Lane Law Corp patricialane.bc.ca . . . . 250-598-3992 Lawyer*, mediator, arbitrator & parenting coordinator. Mediated agreements are faster, less expensive and easier on relationships. General practice limited to dispute resolution without court. *denotes Law Corp.

Waterman & Associates 70 Prideaux St . . . . . . . 250-754-8559

Rebecca Alleyne, Family Law Mediation victoriamediation.ca . . 250-383-8038

Campbell Fairweather Psychology Group, Nanaimo www.cfpsych.ca . . . . . 250-729-8181

South Island Dispute Resolution Centre . . . . . . disputeresolution.bc.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-383-4412 TS Consulting . . . . . . . 250-590-4114

Legal & Financial Services

NOTARIES Notaries on Douglas 201-2610 Douglas St . . 250-382-8880 The Shipley Group 1551 Pandora Ave . . . . 250-592-4342

FINANCIAL PLANNERS

South Island

Hatch & Muir Certified Financial Planner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-953-8552

CREDIT COUNSELLING

Stephen Whipp Certified Financial Planner 200-2826 Bryn Maur Rd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-405-3550

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

LAWYERS Collaborative Family Law Group . . . . collaborativefamilylawgroup.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-704-2600 Duncan & Faber, Family Law duncanfaber.com . . . . . 250-383-8038 Legal Aid Legal Services Society 200–747 Fort St . . . . . . 250-360-4516 MConnan Bion O’Connor & Peterson mcbop.com . . . . . . . . . 250-385-1383 Scott-Moncrieff & Company 104-9710 Second St, Sidney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-656-0981 Windsor Law Group . . 250-385-6004

Tanner Holtman, Investors Group 600-737 Yates St . . . . . 250-388-4234

REAL ESTATE SERVICES Briar Hill Group at Pemberton Holmes briarhillgroup.com . . . . 250-744-0775

Tips to Encourage Reading as a Family

S

trategies for parents to foster literacy skills in their children and strengthen their own literacy skills along the way: • Ensure your child knows that how well they read or write has nothing to do with their intelligence. Every person is intelligent in their own way and each person is unique and needs to learn in the way that best suits them. With practice, your child will become a good reader.

• The television can be used as a tool.

After your child watches a television show or an episode, talk to them about it. Ask them questions like, “What was your favourite part?” or “What was the episode trying to teach the audience?” This reinforces media literacy skills, a medium that is encompassing our lives today.

• Don’t lose sight of the fact that children model behaviour they see. Ensure that your child sees you reading, whether it’s the newspaper, the mail or a recipe. This shows your child how important it is to read.

• While reading a story to your child, pause to ask them what they predict will happen next or have them summarize what has happened in the story thus far. Good readers think about what they are reading and this will reinforce critical thinking skills.

• Today’s children, particularly teens, are influenced by music. Have your child read the lyrics to their favourite song. When your child hears the song, they will visualize the lyrics they read. Visualization is a reading skill and this helps develop the skill.

• All reading is good reading. If your child is a reluctant reader, allow them to read comics, a graphic novel, a magazine or an instruction manual for their favourite sport. They will be introduced to new words, sentence structure, and they will engage their brains with new ideas and information.

• When you are in the mall, grocery store or out for a walk, have your child read signs, posters and flyers. This will enhance their reading skills and teach them to be an active and engaged consumer.

• Families that spend a lot of time in the car can play an audio book and have children follow along with the written book in their hands. You will be surprised how many pages your child can get through in

a five-minute car ride. Many libraries have a large collection of audio books.

• Have your child help you make dinner by reading a recipe card. Making them feel like your helper will arm your child with confidence.

• Play board games that involve making words or reading instructions on cards.

This highlights to your child that literacy skills connect with everyday activities and reading is fun.

• Watch a movie based on a book. This can inspire your child to read the book because they enjoyed the movie so much. To really

All reading is good reading.

If your child is a reluctant reader, allow them to read comics, a graphic novel, a magazine or an instruction manual for their favourite sport. enhance critical literacy skills, have your child identify the key differences between the movie and the book.

• The reading process needs to be enjoyable so select books that represent your child’s reading ability and not the reading level your child “should” be at. If your child feels like every time they read, they are going to fail or be criticized, they will resist reading.

• Reading aloud helps children develop pace and voice. Have your child read to the family dog, teddy bear or their younger sibling. These are nonthreatening audiences that will help develop your child’s confidence.

Developing literacy skills is a task that requires a lot of patience from the parents and the literacy learner. As such, making the process enjoyable for everyone involved can go a long way in alleviating anxiety and opening the doors to developing lifelong literacy skills.

Reprinted with permission from ABC Life Literacy Canada. For more information, visit abclifeliteracy.ca.

Family Resource Guide 2013/2014 53

Areli Hermanson & Janelle Hatch

Child, Youth & Family Community Health South Island Health Units Esquimalt 250-519-5311 Gulf Islands 250-539-3099

Learn to Play, Play to Learn

I

t’s no secret that play is good for children and adults alike, but did you know that there is more and more research showing that active play and exercise helps children do better in school?

Physical activity fires up more brain cells than any other activity, optimizing brain function and setting up the right environment for the brain to grow and to receive information. Physical activity increases brain volume and activity, particularly in areas of the brain linked with planning, focusing, memory, problem solving, reasoning, and switching tasks.

moderate activities include brisk walking, dancing, gardening, housework, hunting and gathering, construction, games and sports with children among others. Examples of vigorous activity include running, climbing briskly up hill, fast cycling, fast swimming, and competitive sports.

• Include active play every day and make it fun family time.

• With toddlers age one to two years, get down on the floor and play. They need 180 minutes of physical activity or active play each day.

• Children and youth need at least 60

Regular active play offers not only brain benefits for children but emotional, physical and social benefits as well. Physical activity has been shown to improve and foster movement ability, creativity, decision-making, social skills, the ability to reason quickly and think abstractly, and the ability to control emotions. In addition, participating in physical activity boosts positive behaviours and attitudes, allowing children to develop teamwork skills, self-direction and the ability to cooperate with different people…that, and it’s tons of fun!

As a parent or caregiver, there are many ways you can support healthy, active children.

minutes of physical activity every day to build strong bones and muscles, get their heart rates up and their blood pumping.

• Switch “sit time” for “fit (and fun!) time.” Limit recreational screen time to no more than two hours per day for children five to 18 years. Children two to four years should limit screen time to less than one hour per day. Screen time is not recommended for children under two years of age.

• Encourage activities children enjoy or try new ones that they express interest in.

• Offer social activities: dance parties, treasure hunts and obstacle courses, outdoor games and sports of all types.

• Be a role model by joining in the fun!

Learn to Play at Home

Play to Learn at School

• Set the stage and lead by example by being active on a regular basis yourself.

The Canadian Physical Activity Guideline for adults is 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous-intensity activity each week, in bouts of 10 minutes or more. Examples of

• Parents can encourage children to walk or bike to school and other places. Start or join a “Walking School Bus” (www.saferoutestoschool.ca) in your neighbourhood.

Active transport to and from school can be a great way to build physical activity into the

(toll-free number for office in Saanichton)

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

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

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

www.viha.ca/prevention_services/

54 www.IslandParent.ca

day to meet the recommended 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity.

• Schools can support active and safe routes to school by partnering with community organizations and parents to offer bike safety education, bike racks at the school, walking school buses and more.

• Ask the school to schedule outdoor recess as a part of each school day.

• Encourage classroom teachers to build physical activity into learning for all subject areas, or to start each lesson with a two to three minute stretching or physical activity break, put on some music and dance­—children will be more focused learners!

• Encourage your child’s school to offer recess before lunch. Research shows that when children are given the chance to be active before lunch, they are more likely to eat their lunches.

Bring Back Play Do you remember spending hours playing fun outdoor games when you were a child?

Bring Back Play (www.bringbackplay.ca) is an online resource that aims to bring back all of those favourite outdoor games so that children can enjoy playing without structured programs. Share your favourite games or search for new ones to try.

The Physical Activity Line (PAL) PAL is B.C.’s free telephone physical activity counselling service and online resource centre.

PAL is staffed by exercise professionals and is the source for trusted physical activity information. PAL offers guidance to help you and your family, regardless of age, ability, or health condition, to become more active and to lead healthier lifestyles.

Exercise professionals are available Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Call PAL toll free: 1-877-725-1149 or visit: www.physicalactivityline.com for more information.

Active kids learn better and are more likely to become active adults. So, Learn to Play, Play to Learn and Bring Back Play! today.

Helpful Links: Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology, Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines: www.csep.ca; Healthy Schools BC: www.healthyschoolsbc. ca; Active Healthy Kids Canada 2013 Report Card: www.activehealthykids.ca.

Areli Hermanson & Janelle Hatch are registered dietitians at Vancouver Island Health Authority.

Matinees for KIDS!

All Seats

$4.75

Saturdays & Sundays at 1pm DESPICABLE ME 2 OCT 12 & 13 THE CROODS OCT 19 & 20 PLANES OCT 26 & 27 Monsters University NOV 2 & 3 DESPICABLE ME 2 OCT 5 & 6

cinecenta

.com Student Union Building, UVIC | 721-8365

Emmanuel Preschool 2121 Cedar Hill Cross Road (by entrance to UVic)

Openings for 2013–2014 Classes!

Children learn through play in our all inclusive, non-denominational Christian preschool.

Great facility; outdoor play area and a gym for rainy day play!

Two teachers with ECE certification plus assistant teachers to help with special needs children.

A competent and caring teaching team!

Opportunities:

Mon / Wed / Fri morning class Tues / Thurs morning class 5 mornings a week

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

New Kids Dentist

Dr. Anita Gadzinska-Myers

is a Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Dentistry and has a Fellowship in Special Needs Dentistry for children • Taking over space from Dr.Luc Magne • Accepting new patients now (infants to teenagers) • Referral not needed • Member of Cleft Lip and Palate Team at Queen Alexander Centre for Children in Victoria Special Services: oral sedation • hospital dentistry • nitrous oxide

Victoria Pediatric Dental Centre 210–3930 Shelbourne St, Victoria 250-383-2133 www.victoriapediatricdentalcentre.ca Family Resource Guide 2013/2014 55

Family Fun & Entertainment South Island FAMILY FUN Affordable Hot Tubs & Saunas Ltd 4649 West Saanich Rd 778-433-6786 All Fun Karts, Cages, Clubs & Camping at Western Speedway allfun.bc.ca . . . . . . . . . 250-474-1961 City Centre Park, Playzone 1089 Langford Parkway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-391-1738 Great Pacific Adventures . . . . . . . . greatpacificadventures.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-386-2277 Hatley Park National Historic Site 2005 Sooke Rd . . . . . . 250-391-2666 Highland Pacific Golf . . . . . . . . . . . highlandpacificgolf.com 450 Creed Rd . . . . . . . 250-478-4653 Mattick’s Farm Mini Golf 5325 Cordova Bay Rd . 250-658-4053

Buy any new Mac and get $50 off accessories!

Get ready for Back to School with your local Mac shop.

250-995-3020 847 Yates Street, Victoria info@restartcomputer.com

Bring in this issue of Island Parent to redeem this special offer.

Coupon has no cash value. Limit one per customer.

Vivace Violins

www.restartcomputer.com twitter.com/restartvictoria facebook.com/restartcomputer

Miniature World 649 Humboldt St . . . . . 250-385-9731 Tumblebums Play Centre & Toy Shop 133-735 Goldstream Ave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-474-PLAY WildPlay Element Parks 15-1767 Island Hwy . 1-888-856-7275 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WildPlay.com Find your happy place. An aerial adventure at WildPlay Element Parks turned Monkido tree-top obstacles, zip lines, bungy jumps and Primal Swings into BC’s most primal fun & games. Book an awesome play day for adults, teens, kids and groups.

FESTIVALS & FAIRS Creatively United for the Planet Festival . . . . creativelyunitedfortheplanet.com

Louise Reid B.Mus. M.Mus.

Festival de la francophonie francocentre.com . . . . 250-388-7350

250-884-9574

Fringe Festival . . . . . . 250-383-2663

www.vivaceviolins.ca vivaceviolins@yahoo.ca

Pacific Rim Whale Festival . . . . . . . . pacificrimwhalefestival.com

56 www.IslandParent.ca

Luxton Pro Rodeo . . . 250-478-4250

Saanich Fair 1528 Stellys X Rd . . . . 250-652-3314 Victoria Dragon Boat Festival 3651 Shelbourne St . . . 250-704-2500 Victoria Film Festival 1215 Blanshard St . . . . 250-389-0444

MUSEUMS BC Aviation Museum, Sidney 1910 Norseman Rd . . . 250-655-3300 Craigdarroch Castle Historical Museum, 1050 Joan Cres 250-592-5323 . . . . . . . . . thecastle.ca 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 . . . . . .parkscanada.gc.ca/fortroddhill Come run, climb and go underground at Fort Rodd Hill. Then steer a ship, sound the fog horn and master the games inside Fisgard Lighthouse.

Hallowe’en Howl FREE - All Ages

The Maritime Museum of BC 28 Bastion Square . . . . 250-385-4222

Greenglade Community Centre, 2151 Lannon Way Wednesday, October 30, 4:30pm - 6pm

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

Witches, Goblins, and Ghosts, Oh My! Bring the whole family and enjoy a terror-ific Halloween carnival including themed games, crafts, face painting, family entertainment and of course our giant inflatable obstacle course. Don’t forget to wear your BOO-tiful costume!

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

Stelly’s School, 1627 Stelly’s Cross RRoad Thursday, October 31, 4:30pm - 6pm

NATURE CRD Parks crd.bc.ca/parks . . . . . . 250-478-3344 Galey Farms Corn Maze & Market 4150 Blenkinsop Rd . . 250-477-4450 Goldstream Park Nature House 3400 Trans Canada Hwy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-478-9414 Gorge Waterway Discovery Centre Gorge Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-7585 Gulf Islands National Park Reserve 2220 Harbour Rd . . . . . 250-654-4000 Horticultural Centre of the Pacific 505 Quayle Rd . . . . . . . 250-479-6162 Parks Canada . . . parkscanada.gc.ca Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre 9811 Seaport Pl . . . . . . 250-665-7511 Victoria Butterfly Gardens 1461 Benvenuto Ave . . 250-652-3822

Carnival of games provided by Panorama Recreation and students of Stelly’s Secondary School.

250.656.7271 Visit www.panoramarecreation.ca for more events.

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

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

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

Call us to arrange your personal tour

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

Family Resource Guide 2013/2014 57

THEATRE & ART

ZOOS

NATURE

Art Gallery of Greater Victoria 1040 Moss St . . . . . . . 250-384-4101

Beacon Hill Children’s Farm Beacon Hill Park . . . . . 250-381-2532

The Raptors, Duncan 1877 Herd Rd . . . . . . . 250-746-0372

Cinecenta, Student Union Building @ UVic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-721-8365

Victoria Bug Zoo bugzoo.com . . . . . . . 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.

Dance Victoria . . . . . . 250-595-1829 Four Seasons Musical Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-478-0329 Greater Victoria Youth Orchestra www.gvyo.org . . . . . . . 250-360-1121 Intrepid Theatre Company #2-1609 Blanshard St . 250-383-2663 Kaleidoscope Theatre 3130 Jutland Rd . . . . . 250-383-8124 National Geographic IMAX Theatre 675 Belleville St . . . . . . 250-953-IMAX Pacific Opera Society pov.bc.ca . . . . . . . . . . . 250-382-4944 TheatreSKAM skam.ca . . . . . . . . . . . 250-FUN-SKAM Victoria Operatic Society #10-744 Fairview Rd . . 250-381-1021 Victoria Symphony #610-620 View St . . . . 250-385-6515

58 www.IslandParent.ca

Cowichan Valley

THEATRE & ART Chemainus Theatre 9737 Chemainus Rd . 1-800-565-7738 Cowichan Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cowichantheatre.ca 2687 James St . . . . . . . 250-748-7529

FAMILY FUN

Mid-Island

The Tube Shack cowichanriver.com . . . 250-510-RIDE

FAMILY FUN

FESTIVALS & FAIRS Islands Folk Festival Duncan . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-248-8975

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

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

WildPlay Element Parks, Nanaimo 35 Nanaimo River Rd 1-888-716-7374 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WildPlay.com Find your happy place. An aerial adventure at WildPlay Element Parks turned Monkido tree-top obstacles, zip lines, bungy jumps and Primal Swings into BC’s most primal fun & games. Book an awesome play day for adults, teens, kids and groups.

FESTIVALS & FAIRS Filberg Festival Comox Valley . . . . . . . 1-866-898-8499

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 Museum 100 Museum Way . . . . 250-753-1821

Pre-K to Grade 12 Grammar

Reading Study Skills

Writing Homework

Math French

Reading is to learning what breathing is to living Call today, or visit oxfordlearning.com Victoria 203-1595 McKenzie Ave. Victoria, BC, V8N 1A4

250.477.5550

victoria@oxfordlearning.com

NATURE Butterfly World 1080 Winchester Rd . . 250-248-7026 Filberg Heritage Park 61 Filberg Rd . . . . . . . . 250-339-2715 Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park 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 Seaview Game Farm, Black Creek 1392 Seaview Rd . . . . . 250-337-5182 World Parrot Refuge, Coombs 2116 Alberni Hwy . . . . 250-248-5194 Yellow Point Cranberries, Ladysmith . . . . yellowpointcranberries@shaw.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-245-5283

THEATRE & ART Chemainus Theatre 9737 Chemainus Rd . . 250-246-9800 Port Theatre, Nanaimo 125 Front St . . . . . . . . . 250-754-8550 Theatre One www.theatreone.org . . 250-754-7587

Need more Dough?

Health • Will you outlive your money or will your money outlive you?

• Paying too much tax? Saving enough money?

Safety • Having your health, you have everything you need.

Are you adequately protected?

Results • You already research for the best products/service/price, does it make sense for you to do the same for a financial plan?

• RESPs are fine for education, but have you discovered PAR? • Anyone over 40 would say ‘yes’: “Would you have started earlier?”

May I have the privilege to lead you through a proven, strategic process where results will be felt now and long into the future?

Michael A. Hemmings, Consultant 250-388-4234 – Ext. 507 250-818-1119 – Cell michael.hemmings@investorsgroup.com Insurance products and services distributed through I.G Insurance Services Inc. Insurance license sponsored by The Great-West Life Assurance Company.

Family Resource Guide 2013/2014 59

Party Planning South Island ACTIVE PARTY PLACES Falcon Gymnastics 208–721 Vanalman Ave 250-479-6424 Lion’s Pride . . . . . . . . . 250-383-FLIP Mr. Tubbs Ice Cream Parlor & Family Fun Zone 2207 Millstream Rd . . . 250-590-4369 Recreation Oak Bay recreation.oakbay.ca . . 250-595-7946 The Makehouse themakehouse.ca . . . . 778-432-2294 Victoria Gymnastics 2051 Store St . . . . . . . . 250-380-2442

ENTERTAINERS & CLOWNS The Puppet Booth . . . 250-472-3546 . . . . . . puppetbooth.homestead.com

MUSEUM/MOVIE National Geographic 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 Mad Science Vancouver Island . . . . vancouverisland.madscience.org . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-391-1814 Pacific Undersea Gardens 490 Belleville St . . . . . . 250-382-5717 Victoria Bug Zoo 631 Courtney St . . . . 250-384-BUGS

PARTY SUPPLIES/PLANNING Funtime Inflatables . . 250-474-0597 The Great Little Celebration Company . greatlittlecelebration.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-866-503-4397 Lizzy Lee & Me 3655 Shelbourne St . . . 250-590-5568 Par-T-Perfect par-t-perfect.com . . . . 250-386-5867

Cowichan

BEDDING

PARTY SUPPLIES/PLANNING

Heirloom Linens #380-777 Royal Oak Dr 250-744-1717

Horse Play Parties, Duncan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-701-9116

BICYCLES

Mid-Island ACTIVE PARTY PLACES Jumping Jiminy’s Playland #400-2980 Island Hwy 250-729-0999

SCIENCE/NATURE Mad Science Vancouver Island . . . . vancouverisland.madscience.org . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-391-1814

PARTY SUPPLIES/PLANNING Funtime Inflatables (Victoria) 656 Caleb Pike Rd . . . . 250-474-0556

Retail Products South Island ART & CRAFT STORES Color Me Mine . . . . . . . . . victoria.colormemine.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-727-2789 Danielle’s Paint Your Own Pottery and Glass Fusing Studio 129-735 Goldstream Ave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-590-7949 Island Blue Print 905 Fort St . . . . . . . . . . 250-385-9786 Knotty by Nature Fibre Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . kbnfibres.ca

BABY SUPPLIES Bellies in Bloom Maternity 104-4489 Viewmont Ave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-479-0803 Momease Baby Boutique 121-5325 Cordova Bay Rd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 778-265-5432 Mothering Touch Centre & Birth Services, 975 Fort St . 250-595-4905 TJ’s The Kiddies Store 3045C Douglas St . . . . 250-386-2229

60 www.IslandParent.ca

Fairfield Bicycle Shop 1275 Oscar St . . . . . . .

North Park Cycle 1725 Quadra St . . . . . .

Oak Bay Bicycles 1990 Oak Bay Ave . . . .

Recyclistas 25 Crease Ave . . . . . . .

250-381-2453 250-386-2453 250-598-4111 250-418-8867

BOOKS Bolen Books 111–1644 Hillside Ave . 250-595-4232 Chapters 1212 Douglas St . . . . . 250-380-9009 Children’s Bookshop 2442 Beacon, Sidney . 250-656-4449 Ivy’s Book Shop 2188 Oak Bay Ave . . . . 250-598-2713 Munro’s Books 1108 Government St . . 250-382-2464 School House Teaching Supplies & Children’s Bookstore . . . . . . . . . schoolhouseteaching.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-385-9032 Strikerz . . . . . . . . . . . thestrikerz.com

CLOTHING Abby Sprouts 3011 Gosworth Rd . . . 250-294-8978 Abra Kid Abra 2024 Oak Bay Ave . . . . 250-595-1613 Baja Rosi’s Consignment Cabana bajarosis.com . . . . . . . 250-391-6033 Bellies in Bloom Maternity 104-4489 Viewmont Ave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-479-0803 Dress Me Up Organic 104-1028 Fort St . . . . . 250-590-4670 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 Hemp & Company 1102 Government St . . 250-383-4367 422 Craigflower Road . 250-412-0880 Hip Baby 104A-560 Johnson St . 250-385-8020

JamTots Baby & More Store 748 Goldstream Ave . . 250-478-1737 Mothering Touch Centre & Birth Services, 975 Fort St . 250-595-4905 NoZone Clothing Company 2001 Douglas St . . . . . 250-472-2247 Persnickety For Kids, Salt Spring PersnicketyKids.ca . . . 250-931-0091 Rainy Day Play 320-3980 Shelbourne St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-590-5639 Sailor Jack Family Consignment Store 424 Craigflower Rd . . . 250-382-5225 Scallywags . . . . . . . . . www.scallywags-island.ca 624 Fort St . . . . . . . . . . 250-360-2570 777 Royal Oak Dr . . . . 250-360-2520 TJ’s The Kiddies Store 3045C Douglas St . . . . 250-386-2229 Victoria Kids Consignment . . . . . . . . victoriakidsconsignment.ca Wee Woolies . . . . . . weewoolies.com 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 Mac Zen . . . . . . . . . . . 250-999-0036

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

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS/SAFETY Beesafe Solutions Ltd. beesafe.ca . . . . . . . . . 1-855-838-0788

FABRIC & SEWING Avenue Fabric Studio 108-1841 Oak Bay Ave 250-590-4254

HAIR SALONS

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

Your Local Consignment Stores Sailor Jack Family Consignment Store • Stylish infant, kids & teen clothing • Toys & equipment • Maternity & women’s wear • New baby shoes, carriers and accessories

Sailor Jack’s 10th year celebration in our Vic West community continues! To make it easier for busy families to use our services, we are open later on Fridays.

We provide stylish, quality, affordable consignment clothes for newborns to teens, maternity and women.

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

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

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

• Victoria’s Largest and Most Fun Consignment Experience!

• Hundreds of new arrivals…DAILY! • Clothing for women 13-93, including PLUS sizes

We also carry strollers, toys, games, books, dvds, infant furniture, dance/gymnastics wear, cloth diapers, Jack & Lily shoes, Babylegs, Bo Peep accessories, carriers from Catbirdbaby, slings and more. Your one-stop, family-friendly shop.

Now accepting fall consignment. Drop off clean, as-new items anytime during open hours, with no appointment necessary. Hours: Monday-Thursday 9:30am-5:00pm, Friday 9:30am-7:00pm, Saturday 10:00am-5:00pm.

• Casual styles for men

Abra-Kid-Abra

• Open 7 days

New & Used Toys, Clothing & Furniture

• No appt. necessary *see web for details

HOME DECOR/FURNITURE

• Payouts on demand

TJ’s The Kiddies Store 3045C Douglas St . . . . 250-386-2229

• Playroom for children

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

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

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

• Track your sales online

Family Resource Guide 2013/2014 61

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

MATERNITY Bellies in Bloom Maternity 104-4489 Viewmont Ave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-479-0803 La Mama Maternity & More 1010 Broad St . . . . . . . 250-388-3977 Mothering Touch Centre & Birth Services, 975 Fort St . 250-595-4905

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS Allison Piano 2328 Government St . . 250-384-3935 Larsen Music 1808 Cook St . . . . . . . . 250-389-1988 Tom Lee Music #105-2401D Millstream Rd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-838-5222

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

Discovery Toys toylady.ca . . . . . . . . . . 250-477-9891 Kaboodles Toy Store 1320 Government St . . 250-383-0931 Science Works 1889 Oak Bay Ave . . . . 250-595-6033 Timeless Toys . . . . . . 250-598-TOYS Tumblebums Play Centre & Toy Shop, 133-735 Goldstream Ave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-474-PLAY

PHOTOGRAPHERS Abundant Life Photography abundantlifephotography.blogspot.com Beth Hayhurst Photography bethhayhurst.com . . . . 250-477-5353 BK Studios b-kstudios.com . . . . . . 778-440-4739 Erin Wallis Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . erinwallis.com fotoart Photography fotoartphotography.net 250-216-9824 Heather Armstrong Photography heatherphoto.ca . . . . . 250-507-8747 Jennifer Jonker Photography . . . . . jenniferjonkerphotography.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-859-6280

Karen McKinnon Photography . . . . . . . . mckinnonphotography.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-890-9222 The Light Within Photography . . . . . . . . . . . thelightwithinphoto.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-589-2534 Michelle Loewen Photography . . . . . . . . . . michelleloewenblog.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-661-2464 Premier Photography 527 Constance Ave . . . 250-686-3227 Rae Murphy Photography raemurphy.com . . . . . . 250-884-1510 Sarah Booth Photography . . . . . . . sarahboothphotography.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-882-0172 Vivian Kereki Photography viviankereki.com . . . . . 250-812-4466

SHOPPING CENTRES Broadmead Village Shopping Centre 777 Royal Oak Dr . . . . . . . . . . . . . broadmeadvillage.ca Hillside Shopping Centre 1644 Hillside Ave . . . . . 250-595-7154 Mattick’s Farm 5325 Cordova Bay Rd Mayfair Shopping Centre 3147 Douglas St . . . . . 250-383-0541

! t s e n i p f Pum k

• Hayrides • Corn Maze • Pumpkin Patch • Train Rides • Petting Farm Saturdays & Sundays • Haunted House ride the new • Bouncy Castles Cow Train!

October 12 & 13, 29 & 20, 26 & 27 • Live Entertainment 10 am - 4 pm

PARKS, RECREATION & CULTURE

www.nanaimo.ca 250.756.5200 ireg.nanaimo.ca

62 www.IslandParent.ca

Tillicum Centre 3170 Tillicum Rd . . . . . 250-381-7123 Uptown . . . . . . . . . . . shopuptown.ca Westside Village Shopping Centre 172 Wilson St WestShore Centre 2945 Jacklin Rd . . . . . . 250-474-3269

SPECIALTY STORES Christmas Village 1323 Government St . . 250-380-7522 Rocky Mountain Soap Company Mayfair Shopping Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-382-7070 Soccerworld 831 Vernon Ave . . . . . . 250-475-3777

OTHER Better Business Bureau 220–1175 Cook St . . . . 250-386-6348 Lalabee Bathworks . . . . . . . . . . . . lalabeebathworks.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-508-8495 My Funkins™ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . myfunkins.com Qoola . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . qoola.com

Tutti Frutti . . . . . . . . . . . . . tfyogurt.ca The Savvy Squirrel Coupon Book . . . . . . . . . SquirrelCouponBook.com

PHOTOGRAPHERS

ARTS & CRAFTS

McKinnon Photography . . . . . . . . mckinnonphotography.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-890-9222 Tony Colangelo Photography tcphotography.ca . . . . 778-422-1422 Transmit Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-732-3422

Treasured Memories, Duncan 1C-2753 Charlotte Rd . 250-748-8054

TOYS

BOOKS

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

Cowichan Valley

Volume One Books, Duncan 149 Kenneth St . . . . . . 250-748-1533

Mid-Island

CLOTHING Giggle Gear, Duncan gigglegearclothing.com 250-748-4445 Kinderbeez, Duncan 110-2763 Beverly St . . 250-748-2345 Matraea Mercantile, Duncan 170 Craig St . . . . . . . . . 250-597-0085 Trendy Tots, Duncan 151 Craig St . . . . . . . . . 250-701-4240

BICYCLES Oak Bay Bicycles, Nanaimo 2-5771 Turner Rd . . . . 250-760-0211

CLOTHING Huckleberry Baby Shop, Nanaimo 12A-4376 Boban Drive 250-585-5552 Indigo Children’s Consignment 436 1st St, Ladysmith . 250-245-2042

Professional Counselling for relationship issues (all ages) Legal Support Services Group Programs Proudly serving families in Greater Victoria since 1978.

Sliding fee scale available.

899 Fort Street Victoria, BC V8W 1H6

Phone: 250.386.4331 Website: www.bcfit.org

Toll-Free Legal Information Line: 1.877.386.4333 (Mon & Thurs 9am–4pm) Family Resource Guide 2013/2014 63

Impulse Control Workshops “For when it’s hard to stop…”

Tourette Syndrome Attention Deficit, Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD) Sensory Processing Dysfunction Disruptive Behaviour Disorders Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Kit n’ Caboodle, Nanaimo 36-1925 Bowen Rd . . . 250-585-KIDS Planet Kids 1743B Comox Ave . . . 250-339-3422 308-5th St, Courtenay . 250-871-7771 Pumpkin Pie Kids Wear 411A Fitzwilliam St . . . 250-754-3933

FURNITURE Dream With Me Custom Bedding 115 Chapel St . . . . . . . 250-754-2192

MUSIC STORES Tom Lee Music #10-6894 Island Hwy N 250-390-2626

Featuring

Dynamic Leading North American Expert

PHOTOGRAPHERS Erin Wallis Photography, Campbell River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . erinwallis.com

B. Duncan McKinlay

SHOPPING CENTRES

Ph.D., C.Psych.

Woodgrove Centre, Nanaimo 6631 Island Hwy North . . . . . . . . . . . . woodgrovecentre.com

3 Workshops

TOYS/EDUCATIONAL SUPPLIES

Parents and Caregivers

Wednesday, Oct 23 • 7–9pm• Spectrum School Theatre registration/info: www.leakybrakesvictoria.ca

Practitioners

Bamboletta Dolls . . . bamboletta.com Kool & Child, Nanaimo 102-2517 Bowen Rd . . 250-585-1778

Thursday, Oct 24 • 8:30am–4pm • UVic registration/info: www.mckinlayvictoria.ca

Family Restaurants & Food Markets

Educators

Friday, Oct 25 • 8:30am–3:30pm Spectrum School Theatre registration/info: www.shorelinecommunityschool.ca

Proudly Presented by the Tourette Syndrome Foundation of Canada – Victoria Chapter

®

South Island HOME DELIVERY Island Farms . . . . . . . 250-360-5222 Lunchalicious Food Services lunchalicious.ca . . . . . . 250-588-7616 Sustainable Produce Urban Delivery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . spud.ca

Harmony™ Non-Invasive Prenatal Genetic Screening SERVICES OFFERED: Introducing: The Harmony Prenatal Test for the Detection of Trisomy 21 and 18 DNA analysis in maternal Cell-free Pregnancy Complications

Management of First Trimesterblood Complications Sensitivities • Trisomy 21: >99% (214/214) • Trisomy 18: >97% (101/103) Management Expedited Assessment and Performed at 10 weeks or later in pregnancy PreFirst Trimester Obstetrical and post-test counseling Ultrasound

First This service is notand covered by the Medical Services Plan - Viability Pregnancy Dating

- Viability and Pregnancy Dating www.epau.ca info@epau.ca 250.592.5633 First First Trimester Trimester Prenatal Genetic Genetic Screening

Prenatal Screening

Private Second Trimester Genetic Private Second Trimester Genetic Amniocentesis Amniocentesis 64 www.IslandParent.ca

MARKETS Country Grocer . . countrygrocer.com Goldstream Station Market, May-Oct . . . . . . . . goldstreamstationmarket.ca James Bay Community Market May-Oct . . . . . jamesbaymarket.com

Lifestyles Market #180-2950 Douglas St 250-384-3388 343 Cook St . . . . . . . . . 250-381-5450 9769 5th St, Sidney . . . 250-656-2326 The Market On Yates, 903 Yates St 250-381-6000 On Millstream, 2401 Millstream Rd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-391-1110 Oaklands West Coast Winter Market . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-370-9010 Alex@oaklandscommunitycentre.com Thrifty Foods thriftyfoods.com . . . . . 250-544-1234

RESTAURANTS/ COFFEE SHOPS

RESTAURANTS/COFFEE SHOPS

It’s In Our Nature.

Catrina’s Grill Mill Bay Centre . . . . . . 250-743-7277 Pioneer House Restaurant Whippletree Junction . . 250-746-5848 Serious Coffee . . . seriouscoffee.com 3 Cowichan locations Wendy’s Restaurant . . . . wendys.ca

Mid-Island

ABC Country Restaurant 2900 Douglas St . . . . . 250-995-1200 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 14 South Island locations Smitty’s 2306 Beacon Ave . . . . 250-656-2423 Wendy’s Restaurants . . . .wendys.ca

Cowichan Valley

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

Stay on the trails to keep our regional parks lush and thriving with life. Find more ways to nurture nature by visiting www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY:

www.crd.bc.ca

RESTAURANTS

MARKETS Country Grocer, Cobble Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . countrygrocer.com The Old Farm Market, Duncan 5164 Francis St . . . . . . 250-748-7141

Get Out!

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

ABC Country Restaurant 6671 Mary Ellen Way . . 250-390-4064 809 Island Hwy . . . . . . 250-754-8171 Serious Coffee . . . seriouscoffee.com 6 Mid-Island locations.

Wendy’s Restaurant . . . . wendys.ca

Harbourside Hotel • Nanaimo • Free WiFi, Free Parking • 100% non-smoking facility • Heated Seasonal outdoor pool • Gym/Fitness Centre, Pet Friendly • All guest rooms are equipped with hair dryer, in-room coffee/tea • Restaurant on site • Located along harbourfront walkway • Excellent central location

Explore Horne Lake Caves • Cave Theatre & Museum • Family Cave Tours • Wild Extreme Tours • Rock Rappelling

Check Out the Halloween Events!

Open Daily – Year Round

www.hornelake.com 250-248-7829

#1 Terminal Ave, Nanaimo BC V9R 5R4 TF: 1-800-663-7322 T: 250-753-2241 hojonanaimo@shaw.ca

hojonanaimo.com IGOHOJO.ca

Family Resource Guide 2013/2014 65

Paisley Aiken

Just for Giggles

I

t feels great to chuckle, smirk or belly laugh through a book. And when I find one that makes me do so along with my children, nothing seems better. Sometimes these sessions even transpire into magical moments when something from a book becomes a shared family joke, prompting someone in the family to occasionally cry out, “The truth is a lemon meringue” to the delight of the rest of us.

The following are some little gems that will ignite some laughter into your reading and prevent life from getting too serious as we prepare for winter.

Roddy Doyle is the author of The Giggler Treatment (Scholastic, 2000), a delightful, but silly story about a quirky family and their outrageous escapades. What is the giggler treatment exactly? Well… Gigglers are tiny creatures that look after children, making sure that adults are being fair to them. If they find an adult who isn’t acting appropriately, they use doggy-doo to punish them. They manage this by placing piles of the stinky doo very carefully under the foot of the unsuspecting adults and…

SMOOSH… payback time. The book begins when a caring father, Mr. Mack, is walking to his job as a cookie taster and the Gigglers are about to give him an undeserved treatment. The plot is silly and the writing is hilarious with little asides like talking cream crackers that haunt Mr. Mack’s dreams and that constantly state the most boring things such as, “Adults are bigger than children.

Isn’t that interesting?” There are ridiculous chapter titles such as ‘A Chapter That Isn’t Really A Chapter Because Nothing Really Happens In It But We’ll Call It CHAPTER

FOUR,’ that keep readers smiling.

The book goes from silly to absurd as the children discover their father’s predicament and go on a quest to save him. They follow their mountain-climbing mother, Billie Jean Fleetwood Mack, their baby sister who says “A-bah” repeatedly, but can still be understood by her family, and of course their dog Rover, whom the Gigglers have paid mounds of money for his contribution of dog-doo and who will, of course, save the day! For those who can’t get enough, there are two more Rover stories. It’s also possible to get all three stories in a trilogy called The Rover Adventures.

I was so happy to discover a series of books about the Riot Brothers, by Mary Amato and illustrator Ethan Long. The stories are hilarious and follow the antics of two brothers, in Grade 3 and Grade 5, who create endless games and adventures to keep life full of zip, or as their philosophy of life states, “Make something exciting happen every day.” Their principal, who also happens to be their mother, must reprimand them constantly, though in a motherly-loving kind of way. While the stories are funny and well told, I also love the positive example of two brothers demonstrating, in a way that kids will appreciate, a strong sibling relationship without constant reference to TV, gaming, or even bathroom humour. The boys create their own fun in a mischievous but creative and inspiring way. So, interested in finding out what a snarf attack is or how you can win at underfoodle? Grab a book, a litre of milk and a clean stack of underwear… and be prepared for dinner to get a little messy for a while.

If you find Roald Dahl a little too dark for your liking you may want to skip the Mr. Gum series (Egmont Press). But for those who love the twisted and corrupt characters from The Witches and The Twits, Mr. Gum promises to be a welcomed read. Mr. Gum is a grumpy old man with “two bloodshot eyes that stared out at you like an octopus curled up in a bat cave,” who hates children and fun and is so outrageously horrible that he is comical. It is up to young Polly, often with the help of a somewhat eccentric and older man, Friday O’Leary, to stop Mr. Gum and his evil plots. The unique nonsense statements such as “The truth is a lemon meringue!” and “meddling chowder faces” will lead to much repetition in most households and will keep kids and adults alike eager to giggle their way through the next book.

For those ready to get a little more sophisticated, pick up a copy of A Whole Nother Story (Bloomsbury, 2010) by Cuthbert Soup.

The story follows Mr. Cheeseman and his three relatively odour-free children, who are on the run from evil villains and the foreign intelligence agents, all of whom want the time machine that their mother invented before she passed away. The story is classified as an adventure, but the unsolicited advice, the quirky characters (a pink hairless dog for example) and the offbeat jokes keep the giggles coming. It is entertaining, procuring laughs on nearly every page while keeping readers on the edge of their seats wanting to know what is going to happen. And of course, there are two more novels about the Cheeseman family to follow it up!

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

Residential Camps

Outward Bound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . outwardbound.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-888-688-9273

BC Camping Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bccamping.org Information on summer day camps and residential camps for children.

UVic Vikes govikesgo.com . . . . . . 250-721-8406

Travelodge travelodge.com . . . . . 1-800-578-7878

WYLD Expeditions Strathcona Park . . . . . . 250-286-3122

YWCA Hotel, Vancouver 733 Beatty St . . . . . . . 1-800-663-1424

Boys & Girls Clubs Wilderness Camp . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-384-9133 Camp Barnard . . adventurecamps.ca Camp in the Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . antikipper.com Camp Imadene Mesachie Lake . . . . . 1-800-445-7575 Camp Narnia . . . . . campnarnia.com Camp Pringle, Shawnigan Lake camppringle.com . . . . 250-472-6877 Camp Qwanoes Crofton . . . . . . . 1-888-99-QWANOES

Pioneer Pacific Camp Thetis Island . . . . . . . 1-800-784-1415

Family Travel CAMPGROUNDS Bald Eagle Campground, Chemainus 8705 Chemainus Rd . . 250-246-9457 Bere Point Campsite, Malcom Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-956-3301 Broughton Strait Park Campsite, Port McNeill . . . . . . . . . 250-956-3224

Camp Thunderbird . . 250-418-1840

Horne Lake Campground . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-248-1134

CanAdventure Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . canadventure.ca

Link River Campsite, Port Alice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-956-3301

Capernwray Harbour Bible School & Conference Centre, Thetis Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . capernwray.ca

Living Forest Campground, Nanaimo 6 Maki Rd . . . . . . . . . . 250-755-1755

Gulf Islands Centre for Ecological Learning . . . . . . . . . . . 250-539-0619 Gulf Island Film & Television School, Galiano Island . . . . . . 1-800-813-9993 Island Escapades Salt Spring Island . . . 1-888-529-2567

Pacific Playgrounds, Black Creek 9082 Clarkson Dr . . . . . 877-239-5600 Park Sands Beach Resort www.parksands.com . . 250-248-3171 Weir’s Beach RV Resort 5191 William Head Rd . 250-478-3323

O.U.R. Ecovillage ourecovillage.org . . . . . 250-743-3067

HOTELS Accent Inns Toll free . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-663-0298 Howard Johnson . hojonanaimo.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 Ocean Sands Resort oceansandsresort.ca . 1-877-733-5969 Pacific Sands, Tofino Cox Bay . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-565-2322 SeaScape Resort, Quadra Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-888-893-1626 Strathcona Park Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-286-3122 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

NATURE Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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 Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre, Tofino . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-726-7721

68 www.IslandParent.ca

Erin Patrick

10 Reasons to Exercise During Pregnancy

W

ith so many things on an expectant mother’s mind it’s understandable that exercise can sometimes get overlooked. However, research shows that exercising and staying active during your pregnancy has proven benefits for both mom and baby. It is important to speak with your health care provider before beginning prenatal exercise.

Here are 10 reasons to exercise during your pregnancy: 1. To promote healthy weight gain. Staying active and eating well encourages a healthy weight gain during your pregnancy and can make it easier to lose those pregnancy pounds afterwards.

2. To improve circulation. With the 30-50 per cent increase in blood volume that comes with pregnancy, staying active promotes circulation that can help to prevent and reduce things like constipation, hemorrhoids, varicose veins and swelling.

3. To improve self-esteem. Keeping fit can help you look and feel great during your pregnancy. At a time when your body is going through so many miraculous changes, exercising can help you to adapt and embrace your growing body. Exercise can boost your mood, improve self-esteem and self-confidence.

4. To prevent aches and pains. Pregnant exercisers report fewer pregnancy related discomforts such as back and hip pain.

Strengthening the muscles of the back, abdominals and pelvic floor can help to keep the muscles of the core strong which helps relieve some of the forward pull that often causes lower back pain. Keeping muscles strong also helps to correct postural changes that occur as a pregnancy progresses which can keep you feeling great for the whole nine months.

5. To increase energy. Believe it or not… exercise can actually give you more energy.

It may also help you sleep better at night A pregnant woman’s body is working hard growing her baby, and although there isn’t a way to completely offset all the energy going into this process, exercise can help.

Getting your recommended dose of activity

can give you an energy boost that may keep you going longer and feeling better.

6. To prevent gestational diabetes. Exercise and good nutrition are two key ways to prevent gestational diabetes during your pregnancy. If you do develop gestational diabetes, exercise can help to keep blood sugar levels under control.

7. To prepare your body for childbirth.

Childbirth can be an athletic event. Prenatal exercise may not make the labour easier or shorter but going into it strong and fit can give you the stamina and endurance needed for the duration of labour. Exercising mothers tend to have a more rapid physical and emotional recovery from childbirth compared to those who did not exercise during pregnancy.

8. To fight postpartum depression.

Women who exercise during their pregnancy

report fewer incidences of postpartum depression. During exercise, endorphins are released that give you that natural exercise high which can go a long way towards helping you feel better about the new changes in your life.

9. To ease the transition to motherhood.

Being a mom can be a juggling act—carrying the baby, toting the diaper bag, and lifting the car seat and strollers. Not always an easy feat! Strength training can help moms stay pain-free, giving them the strength and postural awareness to lift and carry baby and accessories in a way that won’t cause injury.

10. To help get your body back. Losing pregnancy pounds can be a big issue for women in the postpartum period. By staying fit during and after pregnancy, you will have an easier time getting your pre-birth body back.

Pregnancy is an exciting journey and an important time to listen to your body, but if it’s motivation that you are lacking, remember all the great reasons to stay active during this time.

Erin Patrick is the owner of Functional Fitness and is a pre/postnatal fitness instructor offering fitness classes and personal training to expectant and new mothers in Victoria.

LIFE Seminars presents

Sidestepping LIFE Seminars the Power Parenting Courses Struggle

Living In Familes Effectively

For parents with children of any ageOffered: – this course Courses takes the guesswork out of Sidestepping the parenting and creates Power Struggle long lasting positive changes.

The Parent Child Connection Wednesday Evenings LIFE with April 28 –a Teen June 2 LIFE with a Preschooler 2010 Front-End Teaching Spectrum School (for Pro-D Days)

7:00 9:30week Everything from–eight courses to one day workshops.

Private groups can also create their own courses by hiring the LIFE Team

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

with Dr. Dr. Allison Rees with Rees

lifeseminars.com 250-595-2649

Family Resource Guide 2013/2014 69

Kim Bannerman

Subterranean Wonders

T

he crack in the earth seemed to reach down forever, into an impenetrable blackness studded with boulders. My seven-year-old daughter held my hand a little tighter. While our helmet lamps had initially seemed bright and cheerful when we’d first put them on, they now seemed woefully small.

But our guide at Horne Lake Caves, located near Qualicum Beach, was energetic and enthusiastic, and her smile made us feel we could do anything, even clamor down this rocky incline into a mossy cave. There were spectacular wonders inside, waiting for us to discover them.

This cavern, the Riverbend Cave, is one of over 1,600 caves on Vancouver Island, which boasts more caves than the rest of Canada combined.

Once the bottom of an ancient sea floor, the Island’s limestone deposits and vast quantities of rainfall have created the perfect situation for the formation of caverns. Within these subterranean halls are glittering crystals, stalactites and stalagmites, and hundreds of different intricate forms created by fragile calcium deposits over millennia.

Here at Horne Lake, a private company has partnered with the provincial park and the Canadian Cave Conservancy Foundation to protect these remarkable hidden places.

“We’re focusing our efforts, trying to broaden our audience in the hopes that they will fall in love with caves,” says Richard Varela, park director for Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park. “We want to educate children to show them how amazing caves are. There’s currently no legislation to protect caves, but we hope visitors will see, they’re worth protecting.”

Horne Lake Caves provides an amazing introduction to the wonders of this underground world, one that’s important to the ecosystem but often sadly overlooked. Caves are created by the effects of water on limestone, but the rivers which run through caves do not receive the same protection as above-ground waterways, even though they are just as important to the health and vitality of local flora and fauna.

“People protect what they love, so if we hope to protect and preserve these unique and fragile environments for the future, we need to build that awareness now,” says Varela. “Unlike a forest or a river, damage in a cave takes thousands of years to repair itself.”

Each year, Horne Lake Caves shares this message with over 2,000 school children. Horne Lake also provides guided tours, offering a variety of options that cater to different age groups and abilities. For example, the Family Cavern tour is open to anyone five years and older, while participants of the longer Extreme Rappel tour must be 15 years or older. There are also two self-guided tours that give adventurous visitors a chance to explore rugged and wild caves without a guide. Be prepared to squeeze, crawl, and navigate several narrow passages as you explore.

Horne Lake Provincial Park is located three hours north of Victoria.

For more information or to book a tour, please call 250-248-7829 or visit www.hornelake.com.

Kim Bannerman’s work has appeared in 100 Stories for Queensland (eMergent Press, 2010) and the Paraspheres Anthology (Omnidawn Press, 2006). Her most recent novel, Bucket of Blood (Fox&Bee, 2011), is a Vancouver Island-based murder mystery. Visit www.foxandbee.com or www.kbannerman.com.

70 www.IslandParent.ca

Ad Directory 1Up Single Parent Resource.................. 6 Arbutus Music............ 27 Dr. Shannon Barnsley.. 16 BC Families in Transition............ 63 BC SPCA.................... 41 Beesafe Solutions....... 49 Blue Vista................... 47 Brain Harmonics......... 49 Cathedral School......... 57 Child Care Resource and Referral............ 30 Christmas Village........ 35 Cinecenta................... 55 Conseil Scolaire.......... 28 CRD Parks.................. 65 Danielle’s Pottery Studio..................... 49 Discovery School........ 26 Duncan & Faber............ 2 Early Pregnancy Assessment............ 64 Eaton Arrowsmith School.............. 21, 24 Emmanuel Preschool.. 55 Evergreen School........ 27 Fiddlesticks................ 48 Maxine Fisher............. 13 Galey Farms............... 62 Glengarry Dance......... 31 Guitar in Motion.......... 49 Habitat for Humanity.. IBC Happy Island Diapers.. 16 Hip Baby...................... 2 Horne Lake Caves....... 65 Howard Johnson Hotel....................... 65 Hulitan......................... 8 IMAX Theatre................ 4 Ink & Toner Medic....... 68 Investors Group........... 59 Island Farms............... 36 Island Montessori School...................... 6 Island Swimming........ 39 JamTots....................... 8 Kye Bay Resort........... 47 Larsen Music.............. 21 LIFE Seminars............. 69 Lifestyle Markets......... 13 Lighthouse Academy of Dance................. 18 Little Spirits................ 15 Little Steps................. 45 Mac Zen..................... 72 Maria Montessori Academy................ 11 Monarch House............ 2 Mothering Touch......... 51

Nanaimo Parks........... 62 Notaries on Douglas.... 18 O’Brien Irish Dance..... 39 Oak & Orca School.. 4, 40 The OCEAN 98.5........ 67 Ocean Sands.............. 46 Oxford Learning.......... 59 Pacific Christian......... IBC Panorama Leisure....... 57 Park Sands................. 46 Pizzeria Prima Strada.. 11 READ Society................ 7 Recyclistas................. 56 Restart Computers...... 56 Royal BC Museum...... 10 Saanich Dental........... 45 Saanich Recreation.... IFC Savvy Squirrel............. 35 Scallywags................ IFC Science Works............ 30 Serious Coffee............ 51 Shaw Ocean Discovery Ctr.......... 58 Sleep Sense............... 56 Spina Bifida................ 14 Sportball.................... IFC St. Joseph’s School..... 27 St. Margaret’s School.. 38 StageCoach................ 22 Sunrise Waldorf......... IBC Sylvan Learning............ 1 Thrifty Foods............... 37 Tigh Na Mara.............. 47 TJs The Kiddies Store.. 31 Tom Lee Music........... 57 Tourette Society.......... 64 United Way................. 53 VICPA......................... 44 Victoria Children’s Choir...................... 39 Victoria Epilepsy & Parkinson’s............... 5 Victoria Gymnastics.....BC Victoria Immigrant & Refugee Centre....... 12 Victoria Midwives.......... 5 Victoria Pediatric Dental..................... 55 Victoria School of Irish Dance Victoria Symphony...... 72 VIHA........................... 54 Vitamin Shop................ 7 Vivace Violins.............. 56 Welcome Wagon... 17, 34 WestShore Centre for Learning............ 19 Westside Stables........ 22 Wild Play.................... 42 Dr. Anke Zimmermann... 6

Business & Professional Directory COUPLES & FAMILY COUNSELLING

Visit Vancouver Island’s largest specialty toy store!

Locally owned, proudly serving the mid-Island Community for over 19 years!

John Cook, MA, MSW, RCSW Registered Marriage & Family Therapist Evening appointments 2–1517 Amelia St, Victoria V8W 2J9

Check our new online shopping cart

jcookcounselling@gmail.com

102–2517 Bowen Rd, Nanaimo

johncookcounselling.com 250-888-5495

www.koolandchild.com 250-585-1778

Celebrating our “Original” Outdoor Learning Program!

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

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

Learn and grow with us!

250-590-3603

New Pics at

www.lexieslittlebears.com

The original mixed-age Family music class for children from birth to 5! and the grownups who love them!!

Making sweet Music Together! with over 1800 Victoria area families since 2004!!

- please contact us to try a class!

Music Together Victoria 250-217-2477 www.musictogethervictoria.com

Move to the head of the class.

One Tutor

One Student Your Home

Smart Tutor Referrals.com Professional In-Home Tutorial Support

Call 250-544-1588 to learn more.

Family Resource Guide 2013/2014 71

Expert Apple® Support for the whole family

250.999.0036 www.maczen.ca info@maczen.ca

Aitan Roubini, ACSP, ACTC

Mac Zen is a tradename of Peralux Ltd. Apple, the Apple logo, Mac and Macintosh, iOS, and iPad are all trademarks of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Mac Zen is not affiliated in any way with, nor assumes any endorsement by Apple, Inc.

Emily Saves the O Orchestra SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3 PM ROYAL THEATRE 2:30 P During a performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Emily, a spunky 10 year old, is drawn out of her seat and on to the stage by strains of beautiful music. But her bold behaviour brings her more than she bargained for as she soon finds herself face to face with the lord of darkness and noise, the terrible monster Cacopholous, and lands in a battle to save music!

Join our heroine in a battle that explores musical elements of rhythm, melody, harmony and dynamics through the music of the world’s greatest composers.

Come early for the VS Instrument Petting Zoo and other activities in the lobby.

victoriasymphony.ca or 250.385.6515 72 www.IslandParent.ca

The Victoria Symphony

presents

symphony story time A program designed for pre-schools that brings music, instruments, puppets and more into the classroom.

For more information, call Sandy at 250-412-1977.

Educational Excellence to the Glory of God

PaciďŹ cChristian.ca 250-479-4532

Call for a tour today!

Teaching the BC curriculum in the inspired, holistic, Waldorf way. Enhanced by French, Strings, Music, Handwork, P.E., Gardening and Seasonal Festivals.

Check Out Your Place in the PCS Community Today

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

es ppli e! u s g r ldin ets galo Bui n i cab and

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

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

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

nces Quality applia ore! and so much m

849 Orono Avenue

(in Langford between Peatt & Jacklin)

ctoria Gymnastics

Why Victoria Gymnastics?

Boys & girls, ages 2 through adult, beginner through advanced Morning, afternoon & evening classes seven days a week Start any time Optional character

Monthly payments with no further obligation—cancel any time Optional character

Trial classes available

Optional character

Make-ups for missed classes

Optional character Optional character

character

We guarantee your child will flip over our Birthday Parties!

Benefits Victoria Gymnastics Will Provide for your Child: • Unlike other gymnastics clubs, our priority is ‘non-competitive’ gymnastics where all students are treated equally and fairly. Our objective is to provide students with a foundation of gymnastics that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.

• Your child's progress is monitored daily, and every 3 months, each student is awarded a medal indicating his or her progress in our 14 level, 600 skill program.

• Our ratio guarantee of a maximum of 8 students per instructor will provide your child with the Individualized attention he or she deserves.

• We are a family oriented business. Classes are scheduled so that varying ages and genders can take part in different classes at the same time.

• Clean. Very Clean. Our facilities are ozone treated.

• Consistent, safe and experienced coaching in a well structured, safe and fun environment—all of our coaches have their NCCP certification and First Aid.

www.victoriagymnastics.com

250-380-2442

Celebrating 34 Years of Excellence!