December 2012 Island Parent

Island Parent Celebrating

25 Years

The Resource Publication for Vancouver Island Parents

December 2012

Ways to Give Fabulous Finds

Christmas Goodies Holiday Happenings

A Handmade Christmas The Gift of Song Leading the Way helping our Children achieve independence

children’s boutique

Everything for the Holidays!

Join us for free, festive family fun and entertainment downtown this Christmas!

Snow Day in Centennial Square!

Saturday, December 1 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. • Centennial Square

Bring your mittens and have fun in the snow! Enjoy ice carvings, snow games, crafts, live music, performers and free treats.

Shoes * Clothing * Toys

3rd Annual Figgy Pudding Carolling Competition Saturday, December 15 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. • Bastion Square

Celebrate the holiday season with carollers competing in festive song!

Awards and group sing-along at 3:15 p.m.

Please bring a non-perishable food donation for Mustard Seed.

FREE Rain, shine or snow! www.victoria.ca DOWNTOWN 624 Fort St 250 360 2570

BROADMEAD VILLAGE 777 Royal Oak Dr 250 360 2520

SPONSORED BY:

www.scallywags-island.ca

Get Fit Sampler Week JANUARY 5 -11, 2013

At All 4 Saanich Recreation Centres Celebrate the New Year with a new class! Sample some of our most popular classes or try a different class for 2013. There’s something for everyone. Stay tuned for more details and schedule of FREE classes by visiting our website www.saanich.ca or call your local centre for more details.

Annual Pass - Just $46

+tax

2013 CLASSIC IMAX FILM FESTIVAL ®

admission included in pass

Order Yours Online imaxvictoria.com

The Polar Express The IMAX Christmas Tradition

Very Limited Engagement

2 for $20

Save up to $7.22 Details & coupons available online

IMAX® is a registered trademark of IMAX Corporation

For information on all current films, showtimes and rates 250-480-4887 • imaxvictoria.com

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With thousands of new toys, games and more in stock, we have the perfect gifts for every little “bee” in your life!

Wooden Kitchen Sets & Play Food

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Present this Coupon and receive $20 OFF when you spend $100 or more before taxes at

Only one coupon per transaction. Cannot be combined with any other specials or offers. Valid until 01/31/2013

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December 2012 1

Contents: December 2012 Articles Leading the Way.............................................................................................. 8 The Gift of Song............................................................................................ 11 A Handmade Christmas................................................................................ 12 Santa Photo Tips........................................................................................... 14 Ways to Give................................................................................................. 16 ’Tis the Season to Learn................................................................................ 18 12 Ways of Christmas................................................................................... 19 Christmas Goodies........................................................................................ 20 Choose Your Cause....................................................................................... 24 10 Christmas Classics.................................................................................... 25 Fabulous Finds.............................................................................................. 26 Write It Down............................................................................................... 36

Columns Editor’s Note................................................................................................... 3 Dadspeak...................................................................................................... 38 Healthy Families; Happy Families................................................................. 40 Just Eat It!..................................................................................................... 42 Book Nook................................................................................................... 44 Is There an App for This?.............................................................................. 48 Maternity & Beyond..................................................................................... 52 Nature Notes................................................................................................ 54 Cut It Out..................................................................................................... 56

Departments IPM Notes....................................................................................................... 4 Party Directory........................................................................................ 22, 23 Family Calendar............................................................................................ 28 Around the Island......................................................................................... 34 Family Services Directory........................................................................ 46, 47 Preschool & Child Care Directory........................................................... 50, 51 Business & Professional Directory................................................................. 53 Island Parent Magazine, produced by Island Parent Group Enterprises Ltd., is a monthly publication that honours and supports parents by providing information on resources and businesses for families, and a forum for the exchange of ideas and opinions. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher. Letters (max 250 words) should be emailed to the Editor at editor@islandparent.ca. No material herein may be reproduced without the permission of the Editor. Unsolicited manuscripts are welcome and should be emailed to editor@islandparent.ca.

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

Island Parent Magazine

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

Partner Website: www.kidsinvictoria.com On the Cover: Photo by Erin Wallace Photography in Campbell River, www.erinwallis.com

2 Island Parent Magazine

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

www.kidsinvictoria.com

25 Days & Ways to Make Merry this Month 1st. Celebrate Centennial Square Snow Day from 1-5pm. Watch an ice carving demonstration, build a snowman, and take part in hands-on fun—mittens recommended!

Free. Visit www.downtownvictoria.ca.

2nd. Make a wreath with a CRD Parks naturalist at the Beaver Lake nature centre.

Drop in from 11am-3pm. Materials supplied. Bring a mug for hot apple cider, and clippers if you have them. Suggested donation $5/wreath (proceeds to a local food bank). Visit www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

3rd. Catch Carolling Week at Victoria’s City Hall where school choirs perform their favourite Christmas carols from noon12:40pm. Visit www.victoria.ca.

4th. Be dazzled by Esquimalt Celebration of Lights in Esquimalt Plaza with a parade and Plaza light-up from 6-8pm. Visit www. celebrationoflights.ca.

5th. Take a 90-minute Christmas in Old Victoria walk through Old Town and learn how Christmas was celebrated during the days of Fort Victoria and the gold-rush era.

Meet at Bastion Square at 4:30pm. Visit www.discoverthepast.com.

6th. Attend the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria’s first annual Christmas Makers Market from 5-9pm, featuring handmade items including jewelry, pottery, food items, Christmas decor, and fibre art, and festive music. By donation. Visit aggv.ca.

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

8th. Happy first day of Hanukkah.

9th. See Theatre Inconnu’s matinee perfor-

mance of A Child’s Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas at Merlin’s Home Theatre, 1983 Fairfield Rd, at 2pm. Visit www. theatreinconnu.com.

10th. Bake the winning recipe, Chocolate Sugar Cookies, from our Christmas Goodies contest on page 21.

11th. Support Habitat for Humanity at the annual Gingerbread Build at the Inn at Laurel Point from 10am-6pm. Vote for your favourite creation and make a donation.

Visit www.laurelpoint.com/news/christmas.

12th. Attend the Salvation Army Toy Drive at the Royal Theatre and enjoy a Christmas concert featuring the Naden Band. 7:30pm. $10 + an unwrapped toy.

Visit www.rmts.bc.ca.

13th. Don’t miss the Belfry’s lively rendition of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol at 8pm on the mainstage, 1291 Gladstone Ave. Visit ww.belfry.bc.ca.

14th. Enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas in Old Town and visit Santa (Santa is there Fri-Sun only, from Dec 7-23, 11am-4:30pm) at the Royal BC Museum, open daily from 10am-5pm. Visit www. royalbcmuseum.bc.ca.

15th. Bundle up for a Free Horse-Drawn Trolley Ride downtown. Saturdays 11am2pm, Sundays 12-3pm. For route information, visit www.downtownvictoria.ca.

16th. Get creative at Family Sunday from 2-4pm at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria with hands-on artmaking exploring the West Coast winter landscapes. Visit aggv.ca.

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

Bring a flashlight. Phone 250-752-6153.

18th. Bring your smart phone to Centennial Square and interact with a huge claymation story projected on the back wall of the McPherson Playhouse. Visit www. downtownvictoria.ca.

19th. See It’s a Wonderful Life at Christ-

Editor’s Note Sue Fast mas Starlight Cinema outside on the Harbour Patio at the Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort at 6pm. Donations accepted for Santas Anonymous. Visit www.deltavictoria.com.

20th. Experience Christmas at the Castle, when Craigdarroch Castle is decorated for the Christmas and boasting music, activities and children’s performances. Visit www. thecastle.ca.

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

22nd. Discover the Christmas traditions of early Victorians at the Helmcken House Old-Fashioned Christmas. Admission is by donation. Visit www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca.

23rd. Hop aboard The Christmas Express at the BC Forest Discovery Centre, from 4-9pm (train leaves every 20 minutes from 4:30-8:30). Visit Santa, dance to live music, and make a Christmas tree craft. Visit www. discoveryforest.com.

24th. Marvel in the magic at Butchart Gardens at the 25th annual Magic of Christmas until Jan 6. You’ll find tens of thousands of coloured lights, seasonal decorations and an outdoor ice skating rink. Visit www. butchartgardens.com.

25th. Have a Merry Christmas!

Launch the New Year with READ… Knowledge, skills, confidence READ’s remedial classes in mathematics, writing and reading Sidney, Victoria and WestShore Call 250-388-7225 for information about our services and schedules

www.readsociety.bc.ca www.IslandParent.ca

December 2012 3

IPM Notes St. John The Divine’s Christmas Pageant Children and youth of all ages are invited to be a part of the Christmas celebrations at St. John the Divine Anglican Church, 1611 Quadra Street. There are parts available for everyone—no previous experience necessary. The deadline for speaking parts is Dec 2. Rehearsals begin Dec 10. Performance Dec 15 at 5pm. Phone 250-383-7169, email admin@stjohnthedivine.bc.ca or visit stjohnthedivine.bc.ca.

Classical Christmas Concert Victoria Children’s Choir presents its Classical Christmas Concert on Monday, Dec 3 at 7pm at Christ Church Cathedral.

Experience the charming and moving “Messe de Minuit pour Noël” by MarcAntoine Charpentier, a French Baroque themed performance with special guest artists the Victoria Baroque Players.

Charpentier’s Mass is based on 11 traditional French Noëls, circa 1690, and will be accompanied by local musicians playing on period instruments. The Classical Christmas Concert also includes holiday pieces by

Henri du Mont (composer to Louis XIV), William Byrd, and a first performance in North America of a composition by Paul Esterházy, the employer of Joseph Haydn.

The VCC apprentice choir will sing pieces from their own Christmas repertoire, and join the concert choir to present well-known seasonal music “Walking in the Air” from the book and movie The Snowman by Raymond Briggs, and the “Donkey Carol”

by John Rutter.

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

The choir was formed in 2001, under the direction of Madeleine Humer, to provide local children with an opportunity to achieve musical excellence, and to share the joy of choral music with audiences on Vancouver Island and beyond.

Concert tickets are available at the door or may be purchased at various community outlets. For more information, phone 250-721-0856 or visit www.victoriachildrenschoir.ca.

Christmas Cinema Under the Stars Sit back, relax and escape to another world for a couple of hours at the Christ-

mas Starlight Cinema. Every Tuesday and Wednesday before Christmas in December, watch a free Christmas movie under the stars on the Harbour Patio at the Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort and Spa, 45 Songhees Road. Bring your own blanket and lawn chairs and get in the seasonal spirit. Heaters outside will help keep you warm and you’ll find a kiosk selling hot chocolate and goodies. If it rains, the movie will move inside.

All movies start at 6pm. Donations are being accepted for Santas Anonymous. The movie line-up includes: Miracle on 34th Street (Dec 4), White Christmas (Dec 5), Jim Carrey’s The Grinch (Dec 11), Home Alone (Dec 12), A Christmas Carol (Dec 18), and It’s a Wonderful Life (Dec 19). For more information, phone 250-360-2999 or visit www.deltavictoria.com.

Family Christmas Carol Sing-along with Victoria Philharmonic Choir The days of gathering around the family piano are long gone for many of us, but the joy of a multi-generational community singalong is still alive and well. At this magical annual event, Peter Butterfield conducts you, the audience, in favourite traditional carols, with the 50-voice VPC adding harmonies. A few benches at the front are

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4 Island Parent Magazine

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reserved for families with small children to make it easier for little ones to come up and join the choir. The highlight of last year’s sing-along was the debut of three-year-old mini-maestro, Dominic, who helped out on the podium. And there’s another treat in store for music lovers as special guest Jeremy Bowes, an international bass soloist, and trumpeter Christopher Fenje, raise the roof with “The Trumpet Shall Sound” from Handel’s Messiah—a wonderful opportunity to introduce children to great music in a family-friendly environment.

Saturday, Dec 15, 7pm, at St. Mary the Virgin Church, 1701 Elgin Street in Oak Bay (new location). Doors open at 6:30pm and seating is first-come, first-served.

Tickets: $20 adult, $10 student, free for children 12 and under, from Ivy’s Bookshop, Cadboro Bay Book Co., Tanner’s Books, La Tavola Kitchenware Boutique, Long & McQuade Music and online. Please visit vpchoir.ca or find us on Facebook for details.

Island Santa Picture Book Features Jeneece Place Island Santa, a Christmas picture book featuring Jeneece Place, is on sale in bookstores and online.

The book, by writer Sheryl McFarlane and illustrator Sheena Lott (of Jessie’s Island fame), was published by Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island. Proceeds from sales go to the Foundation’s Jeneece Place, a home away from home for families travelling to Victoria for their child’s medical care.

& 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.

The story follows a young boy’s adventure on the Santa boat, a floating sleigh that brings gifts to children living on remote islands, which transports the boy to Jeneece Place to spend the holidays with his father and his sister who is in the hospital.

During the voyage, the boy learns the importance of philanthropy.

www.IslandParent.ca

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

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December 2012 5

IPM Notes

Happy Holidays

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The story recalls the annual transformation of Kaare Norgaard’s ship, the Blue Fjord, into a Santa boat that delivered gifts to Gulf Island children who would otherwise have done without.

In 1991, Norgaard, a Norwegian immigrant, established the Norgaard Foundation to help those who have fallen through the cracks, especially children and seniors.

After retiring, as a member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, Norgaard came up with the idea of turning the Blue Fjord into the Santa boat. The Foundation’s $1 million donation to the Children’s Health Foundation’s Jeneece Place is the single-largest in its history. Kaare Norgaard died in 2005.

A copy of Island Santa will be offered to all families who stay at Jeneece Place.

Children’s Health Foundation developed a free activity guide to the book, available on their website. Visit childrenshealthvi. org/news.

Eagle Extravaganza The end of the salmon run is a signal to the Bald Eagles that it is time to return to Goldstream for their annual salmon feast.

Record numbers of Bald Eagles have been returning to the park—up to 276 in one day—for the past four winters.

This winter, from early December until late January, Goldstream Provincial Park’s Visitor Centre will be celebrating the return of the Bald Eagles with special programs and exhibits focusing on birds of prey. Keeping the Visitor Centre open at this time of year is due entirely to public support from donations at the door.

School programs by donation occur on weekdays (teachers must book ahead).

Check out the weekend and holiday activities, too—something for the kids when school is out.

Don’t forget to make a track-print card or wrapping paper to take home for Christmas.

Hot coffee and baked goods are available at the Visitor Centre, and the fire is usually lit for you to warm up by after a nice brisk walk along the river. Open 9am-4:30pm daily (closed Christmas day). For more information, phone 250-478-9414 or visit www.goldstreampark.com.

Ski and Snowboard Free With a Grade 4 & 5 SnowPass Grade 4 and 5 kids (born in 2002 or 2003) can enjoy some free skiing or snowboard-

ing this winter, courtesy of the Canadian Ski Council. The Grade 4 & 5 SnowPass program is back, offering Canadian school children enroled in Grades 4 and 5 up to three free days of skiing or snowboarding at over 150 ski areas nationwide.

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

My Parks Pass: Flash It & Get In Free If you’re a Grade 8 student, you can still get your My Parks Pass enabling you to visit over 200 Parks Canada locations for free.

You have until April 30, 2013 to discover some of what Canada has to offer at 42 national parks, 167 national historic sites and four national marine conservation areas across the country.

So your family doesn’t feel left out, you can flash your pass for an instant discount on a daily family or group pass, too. You can also purchase a family/group Parks Canada Discovery Pass at a discounted rate. Treat your family to an adventure today.

The My Parks Pass can only be used by the pass owner. Know the past. Enjoy the present. Protect the future. And most of all, have fun.

Teachers and homeschooled students who were missed during the April, 2012 distribution can request a student kit through the Parks Canada National Information Service at 1-888-773-8888 or information@ pc.gc.ca.

Ski & Snowboard Packages Discounts are being offered at ski areas for Canadians learning to ski, snowboard or cross-country ski.

Discover Skiing and Discover Snowboarding are all-inclusive lift, lesson and rental packages at Canadian ski areas from coast to coast. Discover Cross-Country are all-inclusive trail, lesson and rental packages for new nordic skiers.

All packages are designed to safely introduce these snow sports to beginners,

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or to re-introduce them to people who are out of practice.

All Discover packages include: • a ticket for beginner lifts at ski areas and beginner trails at cross-country areas • rentals of ski, cross-country ski or snowboard equipment • a one-hour group lesson from a certified ski and snowboard instructor.

Prices for Discover packages vary from ski area to ski area, with the average price at about $45 per person.

And don’t forget to ask ski areas about their Three-Lesson and Three-Step Discover Skiing and Snowboarding packages. Pros from the Canadian Ski Instructors’ Alliance and the Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors can help new skiers and riders continue to learn with three discounted Discover lessons.

For more information on all-inclusive Discover Skiing, Discover Snowboarding and Discover Cross-Country packages, call your local ski area. A complete list of participating areas is included on the Canadian Ski Council’s website: www.skicanada.org.

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Ready to Rent BC Ready to Rent BC offers a housing readiness course to families and/or youth who have trouble finding and keeping their housing in Victoria’s difficult rental market.

The course offers a fun and friendly learning environment and includes bus tickets, childminding and a healthy snack. The course runs weekly over seven weeks with two-hour sessions at convenient times and locations throughout the CRD and Duncan.

During the course, participants learn about the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords based on B.C. tenancy laws, and they learn how to present themselves to potential landlords. They set their own housing goals and are helped to reach those goals. Participants learn about budgeting, fire and safety, and other housing related issues—all of which help them find the housing they need. Ready to Rent BC staff members are also available for oneon-one support during and after the course.

The program is no cost to participants because of funding support from the following: BC Housing, Coast Capital, United Way of Greater Victoria, the Real Estate Foundation, Victoria Real Estate Board, Vancity, and Victoria Foundation. Information about the program and course times is available at www.readytorentbc.net. To register, phone 250-388-7171.•

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December 2012 7

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

Registered Midwives in Victoria: Colleen Rode 250-386-4116 Angela Schaerer 250-384-9062 Beth Smit 250-384-5940 Ilana Stanger-Ross 250-590-7605 Julia Stolk 250-590-7605 Misty Wasyluk 250-380-6329 Deanna Wildeman 250-592-5407 Heather Wood 250-380-6329 Amy Brownhill 250-386-4116 Michele Buchmann 250-590-7770 Chloe Dayman 250-380-6329 Uta Herold (Sooke) 778-425-0780 Deborah Little 250-592-0099 Luba Lyons Richardson 250-381-1977 Lorna J. McRae 250-380-6329 Jody Medernach 250-590-7605 Kim Millar Lewis 250-384-5940 Heather Nelson 250-380-6329 Jill Pearman 250-590-7605 We would be pleased to schedule an appointment to answer your questions about midwifery care.

8 Island Parent Magazine

Janine Fernandes-Hayden

Leading the Way

Helping our children achieve independence

O

n her first day of kindergarten, my eldest daughter strutted down the hallway of our home, ready to take on the challenge of school. I can’t remember her outfit exactly, except to say that it was a visual assault, a crime against fashion—pinks mingled with reds, yellows collided with greens, polka dots taunted florals and stripes.

“No,” I said as I shooed her back into her room to change. But I was not going to win so easily. My daughter stood her ground. I braced myself for combat. Thankfully, in the nick of time, my husband, who had overseen the interaction, called me to the sidelines. “Is this a battle you want to fight?” he asked.

While taking a moment to pause, I saw the situation more clearly. I have always encouraged my daughter to march to the beat of her own drummer, to embrace creativity and to take initiative. “It’s okay to colour outside of the lines.” In forcing her to change her outfit, my actions would fly in the face of what I truly believed. I would be reinforcing a completely contrary lesson. Furthermore, I shamefacedly admitted to myself that the issue was more a matter of personal embarrassment and fear of how my daughter’s appearance might reflect on me as a parent.

Our identities were becoming enmeshed.

The only thing for me to do was to retreat.

And so, my daughter left for school feeling confident in her true self and I received my first lesson on letting go.

All By Myself “I can do it by my own,” insists my threeyear-old girl. She wants to buckle into her car seat by herself, just like her older brother and sister. I want to get this show on the road, so to speak. I hate being late…all the time. I try to fight her but she is determined.

“It would be so much easier if I just did it myself,” I think. But that would be just in the interim. When it comes to the bigger picture, I know that she must win. (But for now we settle on cooperation).

Meet my “Little Miss Independent.”

She is no different than my other children, no different than most children who, once toddlerhood strikes, crave any opportunity

to gain a sense of mastery over their world.

What is different about this child, however, is how early she took over the reins. What I never would have expected from my two eldest or even allowed them to do, my third managed with ease as early as 18 months— washing her hands on her own, putting on her own socks, boots and coat, eating with a fork, laying the table, even going down the big yellow slide at the park all on her own. Was she “gifted with independence”?

No. True, she was motivated by the allure of being like “the big kids,” but more likely I simply hadn’t allowed my other two children the space or the chance to unwrap the gift of independence. And what a gift I would have given to myself much earlier in my parenting experience.

When we provide our children with opportunities to be more self-reliant, having them tend to their own age-appropriate selfcare or helping with such tasks as unloading the dishwasher, putting their laundry away or even rolling meatballs, we make it possible for other virtues such as responsibility, confidence and helpfulness to surface.

Doing so often requires that reasonable boundaries and expectations be set. It also calls for patience and understanding that mistakes will happen, messes are inherent and perfection optional. And don’t forget trust. Over Sunday night family dinner, my mother-in-law has the children take turns serving dessert on her fancy vintage china.

Hands shake, plates wobble and forks toss about. We all cringe until the table has been safely met, opening our eyes to the sight of a proud and beaming victor. We haven’t had an accident…yet. And what a treat it is to be served for a change.

Intimately Independent My one-year-old baby sleeps in the playpen beside our bed. Every night, I spend the last moments of my day watching her before tucking myself in bed. Sometimes I pull her up onto the bed with me, holding her tight, her face near mine. I have just weaned her and it makes me sad. I can’t believe how quickly the year has passed. “I wish she could stay small,” I think to myself but then www.kidsinvictoria.com

I remember my husband’s ominous words, replayed three times before with my other children: “Be careful what you wish for.” I feel bad. After a while, the baby begins to wriggle about. The bed starts to get warm despite having kicked off the sheets. In the end, I recognize that if either of us is going to get any sleep, she needs to go back into her playpen. She comfortably falls into a deep sleep. She seems relieved.

As a grown daughter, I bite my bottom lip and clench my fists every time my parents lovingly nag me to send thank you cards, to eat my greens or to cover my head before going out into the cold. I feel stifled. I need boundaries and personal space. Every cell in my body urges me to yell out “Cut the cord already!”

As my children discover their own egos, I am left with the challenge of relinquishing mine.

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Goose

s Dougla

Having said all this, when it comes to my own children, I feel like a hypocrite. What is good for the goose should be good for the goslings, yet providing them with the space to be independent and to access their own resources is not so easy.

It is my joy and call to service to do things for my children. I miss the kind of intimacy that I shared with them when they were babies, that special connection that I will never have again. If only I could bottle those moments, I wouldn’t be so afraid of forgetting; perhaps I could loosen my grip. Then enter “Mama Bear” with strong protection instincts, wanting to spare my children from painful wounds, both physical and emotional. The bigger truth is that I like to feel needed, wanted, purposeful. As my children discover their own egos, I am left with the challenge of relinquishing mine.

Does allowing our children to be independent mean that we need to surrender our need for intimacy? What does intimate independence for both parents and children look like? For me, it is about discernment in my actions and my words. For example, knowing when to comfort and/or intervene and when not to “hear,” recognizing the line between “family snuggle time” in my bed and the night after night 2 a.m. “sleepover,” spending time with my children while protecting myself from being monopolized.

When I speak, does my language feed guilt

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(Under Sleep Country in the REAR)

December 2012 9

or a need for approval, or does it empower my children to know their value and to think/act according to their own integrity?

Do I step back from wearing my children’s problems? The balance between intimacy and independence comes down to healthy boundaries that allow us to be understanding and caring with our children while still providing them the space to discover the gems of their character.

Lines Crossed Just passing by—every day for a week, your first week of kindergarten. I happened to see you, coincidentally at recess. I watch you through the fence, obscured by a large pine tree. I don’t want you to see me but I still feel the need to hover—at a distance.

Why do you walk about aimlessly on the playground? You feel lonely, rejected, left out, friendless. That’s how I would have felt.

As I watched my son sleeping one night, for a split second, I saw my brother’s face.

Suddenly all the battles that I had been having with my son made sense. Unconsciously, I had been unraveling my own story, and it was getting horribly tangled with his. I had been re-living my relationship with my brother, through my son.

Growing independence in our families requires that we be mindful of how our own experiences influence our role as parents. Do we acknowledge our untended wounds and personal triggers and then check them at the door? Do we resist the urge to appease our regrets and relive our dreams through our children? What does their story look like, independent from ours? The answers to these questions can help us to be more perceptive, and enable us to better honour our children’s true selves, as well as our own.

and find solutions, we can miss teachable moments out of misguided compassion. We overlook the knowledge that often, the best growth and learning occurs when risks are taken and unknown waters charted, despite feelings of fear and discomfort.

Lead the Way

I push my seven-year-old daughter towards the washroom at the café. “Be confident. Call on your courage.” I know she can do it. She has to do it. I am tied to three other kids and I have no choice. I feel guilty that I cannot “scaffold” her. Am I forcing her to grow up too fast? I shake off my internal critic. It’s not such a bad lesson.

Independence, for my children as well as for myself, is like a waltz. It is a dance with prescribed form, one where we are very much connected and share a special intimacy, yet remain a healthy arms-length distance apart. We hold onto our gowns to keep ourselves from tripping over each other.

There is still so much to learn. We constantly step on each other’s toes and grapple with who takes the lead. However, with practice, and a good dose of humility, understanding and mindfulness, I look forward to the day when I can follow my children’s lead, putting my trust in the grace of the dance.

Independence can be hard at times, for our children as well as for ourselves.

Sometimes it seems safer to bubble-wrap them and keep them close than have them feel the harsh blows of life. However, when we constantly hover over our children and deny them the space to fail, fall, “fight”

Janine Fernandes-Hayden is an educator, trained Virtues Project Facilitator, and Salt Spring Island mum of four children, aged 1, 2, 5 and 6. She hosts a parent and kids radio show called “The Beanstalk” on Salt Spring Island airwaves at CFSI 107.9 FM or online at www.cfsi-fm.com.

Tough Love

ALL DAY KINDERGARTEN? We’ve been doing it for 30 years at Selkirk Montessori!

We also offer outstanding Montessori half-day kindergarten, preschool, elementary and middle school programs.

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

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With an enriched program incorporating French, Japanese, Mandarin and Spanish language instruction, music, skating, swimming and rowing, Selkirk Montessori is an exceptional, affordable alternative in a diverse, caring school community.

MUSIC

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10 Island Parent Magazine

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PHYSICAL EDUCATION

www.kidsinvictoria.com

of Song

The Gift

T

he Best of Charlotte Diamond contains 24 of her best-known songs for kids such as “I am a pizza,” “Four hugs a day” and “May there always be sunshine.” The songs are lots of fun with upbeat melodies, catchy lyrics and toe-tapping rhythms. The singing is accompanied by the lively “Hug Bug” Band with keyboard, guitar, strings, percussion and bass.

Charlotte Diamond is a Canadian Juno Award winning children’s singer. I have played Charlotte Diamond’s music for many years in my primary music classes and the students all enjoy the music and lyrics.

Favourites include “Looking for Dracula,” “Listen to the Water” and “Sasquatch.” As well, the CD contains lots of songs about animals, such as “Dicky, Dicky Dinosaur,” “I wanna be a dog,” “Slimy the Slug” and “Spider’s Web.” The CD also includes a lyric sheet for easy access to the words, allowing kids to sing along to the music. Charlotte Diamond’s CD would be a great stocking stuffer for anyone in the family!

www.IslandParent.ca

R

ick Scott’s latest creative effort is more than a mere music CD. The Great Gazzoon: A Tall Tale With Tunes and Turbulence is a 4-CD musical audio novel packed with songs, poems, narration, sound effects, and multiple characters and instruments. There’s also an accompanying illustrated booklet.

Scott joins with 25 actors, singers and musicians to tell the tale of a young boy, Gazoon Wazoo. In the tiny mountain kingdom of Jabbi Cragg, Gazoon is supposed to be practicing for the terrifying Walk across the Wire between the towering peaks of Mount Lanadoon.

Any kid who’s ever goofed off will be able to identify with Gazoon who, instead of practicing his wire walking, sits around strumming on his shnookimer, learning to make music. Eventually Gazoon’s choices catch up with him and he’s forced into a situation he’s not ready for.

Kudos to the musicians who did such an awesome job— there’s a lot of talent here! The Great Gazzoon is available at www.gazzoon.com: $35 for the full 4-CD and booklet set, $15 for the Gazzoon tunes single.

W

hat started as a month-long river adventure down the Mississippi last year has turned into the Okee Dokee Brothers’ latest CD Can You Canoe?

Featuring engaging lyrics and folksy rhythms, the CD blends original songs, such as the title track, with toe-tapping renditions of traditional river songs.

The CD is all about exploring the outdoors—with songs like “Rosita (Mosquita),” “The Bullfrog Opera,” and “Campin’ Tent”—and sets out to reconnect listeners with nature and a spirit of adventure.

The Okee Dokee brothers, Justin Lansing and Joe Mailander—who’re best friends in real life, not really brothers—have created a CD that will appeal to both kids and adults, combining fun lyrics and good music.

Can You Canoe won the Parents’ Choice Gold Award, hailed as a “life-celebrating musical odyssey” with songs that reflect a world far removed from the big and small screen technology that dominates children’s lives today.

The accompanying DVD, with footage from the Brothers’ Mississippi river adventure, rounds out the experience.

W

ith Putamayo Kids’ track record, it’s no surprise that the label’s latest release, Instrumental Dreamland, is a roaring, or should we say “snoring” (in the best way) success. This is the sixth album from the Dreamland series and first that is all instrumentals. Featuring music from around world, the album includes lullabies from Ireland (“The Lark” by Seamus Egan), Japan (“Lullaby” by Masahiro Nitta), Brazil (“O Filho Que Eu Quero Ter” by Reginaldo Frazatto, Jr.), Mali (“Kouyate”

by Balla Tounkara), as well as songs from other cultures that, as the CD liner promises, “help children fall asleep and ease adults through the stresses of the day.”

Listen to the gentle sounds of the Japanese shamisen, Celtic harp, African kora and Hawaiian slack key guitar and be transported into Dreamland.

This soothing-not-boring CD is fitting not only for bedtime, but also for mealtime, quiet time, and any time you feel like some easy listening. And it’s another Parent’s Choice Award winner, one that will “soothe the savage child and act as a sonic balm for the tired parent.”

December 2012

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A Handmade Christmas

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ou can have my parking space at the mall this holiday season. You can have the crowds, the rain, the canned music—and January’s scary credit card statements. I’ll be happily tucked away in my craft space, making as many gifts as I can.

It won’t be the first year that handmade presents show up under our tree. My husband and I took turns being full-time students for the first six years of our marriage,

more personal than anything I could buy online or in a store—they’re gifts from the heart. Making gifts is also an excuse to exercise my creative muscles, which I definitely enjoy. And last but not least: making some of my gifts helps me stay “green” during a season that traditionally leaves a huge environmental footprint.

The standard, mass-produced gifts we exchange during the holidays come with

so cutting costs at Christmas was essential.

While our financial situation has improved over two decades, the tradition of producing at least some of our gifts has endured. It’s contagious—even our young adult children exchange at least a few handmade things each season.

I’d be lying if I said money didn’t play any role in my creative efforts. With five kids and a good-sized extended family, making some of my gifts helps keep the holiday budget manageable. But there are three other reasons I choose to give handmade presents when I can. Handmade gifts are

all kinds of hidden costs. There’s the cost of obtaining the raw materials, the energy consumed and waste produced during the manufacturing process, and the cost of transporting goods and their packaging across vast distances. Ultimately, there’s also the cost of disposing a gift when it breaks, becomes obsolescent, or simply ceases to be fashionable. There are all kinds of ways that we can minimize these issues: by avoiding unnecessary packaging, purchasing locally made goods or services, and seeking out companies with good environmental stewardship records to name a few. But my

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Rachel Dunstan Muller

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www.kidsinvictoria.com

favourite green-Christmas strategy remains controlling a gift’s “manufacturing process” from start to finish myself.

If I used all-new materials for my creative projects, their environmental impact would be roughly the same as a similar ready-made gift I could get in the store. In fact the environmental price might be even higher, if every craft material I purchased was individually packaged and transported from a different location. But I consciously choose reused, recycled, or salvaged materials whenever possible, or at the very least new materials leftover from other projects. My creations then become much more earth-friendly.

Here are some of the materials my family has used in the past, in the hopes that they might get your creative juices flowing this season: Fabric. I’ve gotten new “waste” fabric from a few sources. I’m particularly fond of upholstery and home decorating samples, which I’ve picked up at garage and rummage sales. I’ve sewn Christmas stockings, gift bags, placemats, hot pads, tea cozies and small purses from these samples. I frequently acquire larger pieces of leftover fabric at my local thrift store, which I’ve made into small quilts, cushion covers, aprons, lunch bags, items of clothing, and stuffed toys for

my youngest children. (My son loves his stuffed rocket, complete with an interior pocket for the astronaut his oldest sister knit). If you know a tailor or upholsterer, you might be able to ask for off-cuts, which would otherwise be discarded. I regularly salvage interesting fabric from unwanted garments, and refashion them into new items. My youngest daughter has several pretty dresses cut down from adult clothing.

Wood. Salvaged wood is my husband’s favourite gift-making material. With it he’s made CD cases, boxes, shelves, bowls, and a decorative “antique” sled to hang above our mantel. The mantel itself was once an old door. I’m not a woodworker, but I use squares of wood as canvases for folk-art paintings and collages.

Newspapers. We went through a papier mâché phase in our house about a decade ago. We still have a few plaques on our walls, and a very life-like chameleon lounging on one of our clocks. Search “papier mâché” on Pinterest, and you’ll see endless examples of toys, jewelry and decorative objects made from this most humble material.

Yarn. My oldest daughters are the knitters in our family. Much of their wool comes from other people’s leftovers purchased at the thrift store. They’ve also been known

to unravel wool sweaters to be knit into new slippers, mittens, or hats. One of them recently cut a large T-shirt dress into strips that became T-shirt yarn, which she knit into a chunky infinity scarf.

Jars. Reused glass jars can be used as a craft material in themselves (go to www. tipjunkie.com and search “Mason jars” for inspiration). They also make great containers for edible gifts assembled or baked in your own kitchen. Large plastic jars make especially good containers for homemade batches of playdough.

What you already have. If you’re crafty, chances are you already have materials left over from previous projects. Before buying new supplies, inventory what you have in your stash and plan your projects accordingly.

If you’re new to gift-making, start with one or two simple projects. If you’re learning a new creative skill, be patient with yourself—your results will improve with practice. And finally, choose recipients who will appreciate the time and effort that went into your special handmade gift!

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

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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 www.IslandParent.ca

December 2012 13

Sue Daniels-Ferrie

Santa Photo Tips C

hristmas. It’s that time of the year again, when the busyness factor gets cranked up a few notches. More driving, more shopping, baking, working, recitals, pageants, gift wrapping, tree decorating, house decorating, entertaining, family dinners, family visits. The list goes on. Plus, don’t forget that other tradition—photos with Santa!

Around the third week in November, Santa is able to take a break from his work at the North Pole and visit local malls to have photos taken with his fans, both young and old. Perhaps your children are among those wanting to have their photos taken with him.

If so, here are a few Santa photo tips.

1. Go early. It might be hard to think of going for your Santa visit before December, but you’re not as pressed for time, and the whole adventure will be more enjoyable for all involved.

2. Let sleeping babies sleep. Waking a sleeping infant for a photo with Santa is

not going to give you the best result. Many times babies are cranky or fussy. Wake them up and they need to eat—NOW! Santa has a few great photos for sleeping infants.

In one, the sleeping baby is placed in his arm, he has a picture book on his lap with bright, large pictures. Santa lays his head back and closes his eyes, looking as though he has fallen asleep while reading the baby to sleep! A much nicer photo than the one with Santa and a screaming baby.

3. Children between the ages of one and three may not be as joyful or excited at seeing the bearded man as you are. As you and your child wait in line, the closer you get, the more terror stricken they might become. Not awe stricken like you are. A helpful hint. Don’t face your child towards Santa. Keep them occupied in the lineup and remember that lineups can be an hour or longer. Strollers are a good idea for younger children whose little legs can get tired from all that standing. Bring a few toys or distractions to help

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pass time while you wait. Remember, if you bring food and your child gets messy, you’ll want to clean them up. If they need snacks, finger foods are best.

4. When it is your turn for your child to be with Santa, a good thing to remember is to step up, place your child on Santa’s knee and immediately step back. Let the photographer take the picture. There’s often only a brief a moment to get one good photo if you’re child is uncertain about sitting with this big red-suited stranger. After that, you can try and get a better photo, depending on your child’s reaction to Santa. But remember, step up, place your child, step back.

5. Santa wears a red suit. If you dress your child in a red dress or red pants and vest, chances are, the clothing won’t show up very well because it will blend into Santa’s suit. Think of a contrasting colour. Emerald green, black, white, something that is going to show up against the red of Santa’s suit.

6. Older children are sometimes secretive about what they want from Santa for Christmas. Therefore they are only going to tell Santa what they want and not you.

When your child is sitting on Santa’s knee, be attentive. Listen to the conversation. “I see. It’s the Transformer you want. I will make a note of it.” Sometimes, Santa gives very good hints about your child’s wish list.

7. The young and old all enjoy having their photos taken with Santa. Large groups, small groups, they all love to visit Santa. If you’re planning on coming with a group, it’s a good idea to go a couple of days ahead to speak with the Santa set manager or the photographer to find out the best time for your group to arrive. Sometimes, if Santa has enough notice, he can make special arrangements for groups. It can work out a lot better for everyone if you do some planning.

8. Children and adults with special needs are some of Santa’s best fans. Santa does his very best to help children who may have a little difficulty managing Santa’s sleigh, or climbing onto his lap, or even waiting patiently in line. To ease any difficulty, talk with the Santa set manager or the photographer, and Santa will ensure that everyone has a great time.

Every photo of your child is a memory captured for all time. May these hints make the memory even more merry and bright.

The Magic of Christmas December 1st - January 6th

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

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

Sue Daniels-Ferrie is fifth generation born and raised in Victoria, wife, mother and Nana, and author of several children’s books. She lives on an acreage on the outskirts of Victoria. www.IslandParent.ca

December 2012

15

Ways to Give T

his season, don’t just ask what your children want to get for Christmas, ask how they want to give. When children are involved in the gift-giving process, they learn the joys of contributing and helping others. Whether your family can give time, clothing, food, gently used or new toys or cash this holiday season, there are many ways to help others. Here’s a sampling of charity drives, not-for-profit organizations’ wish lists and how your family can help an individual, family or group this season.

Create Your Own Ways to Give.

Talk to your kids about the ways your family can help others in your community. Some ideas: Organize a Fundraiser.

Rally friends, neighbours and family to organize a fundraiser—maybe a garage sale, bake sale or bottle drive—and donate the proceeds to one of the following organizations or another of your choice.

Volunteer Your Time.

Visit a senior’s home, help with snow removal (or in this climate, rake leftover leaves or clean gutters), or gather a group to go carolling and spread holiday cheer throughout your neighbourhood.

Through the C-Fax Santas Anonymous Toys, Games & Gifts Program, you can donate a gift to a child in need (names are provided through the Christmas Bureau). Pick a gift request listed on the paper bears hung on Christmas trees at Mayfair Shopping Centre, Hillside Centre and Westshore Town Centre. Purchase the gift and volunteers will wrap and prepare packages for distribution to the children in time for Christmas morning. Toy drop-off should be done by December 14 in order for Santa to keep to his schedule.

Through CanadaHelps.org, you can donate online to any registered Canadian charity.

16 Island Parent Magazine

Search over 80,000 charities and make a donation that is safe, secure and private. If you don’t have a specific charity in mind, you can browse through categories such as Animals, Environment, or International, to name a few. CanadaHelps is your onestop-shop for giving that makes donating online easy and secure. In a few simple steps, you can: search for a cause (all Canadian registered charities are listed on the site); make a donation; set up a monthly donation to your favourite charity; start an online fundraising campaign; or give the gift of giving with a Charity Gift Card.

Through CanadaHelps, you decide how much to give, who to support, when to give, how often to give and who gets your personal information. To make a donation, visit CanadaHelps.org.

The 5th Annual Christmas on the Mountain Bluegrass Concert at Oak Bay United Church is an enjoyable way to help people in our community who are less fortunate.

Proceeds from the concert help the homeless in Victoria. The concert, on Dec 1 at 8pm, features John Reischman & The Jaybirds. Tickets are $25, available at the door, 1355 Mitchell Street.

Free The Children, international children’s charity and educational partner, is offering ways to give back to those in need through its Adopt a Village model. Implemented in countries including Ecuador, Kenya and Haiti, Adopt a Village is designed to bring sustainable change by meeting the basic needs of developing communities and eliminating the obstacles preventing children from accessing education. The Adopt a Village is made up of four pillars

crucial to sustainable community development: education, health care, clean water and alternative income. Give a gift that supports families living in impoverished communities overseas by helping them create a sustainable future. Gifts range from $25 to provide a health kit or school for a child; $50 to provide a goat or a pig to a family as a means of livelihood; to $150 to equip a classroom with school supplies, which are vital for a child’s learning success.

For more gifts from Free The Children, visit www.freethechildren.com.

The Great Gingerbread Showcase is a fun outing and raises funds for the Victoria Habitat For Humanity from Nov 24-Jan 1, 2013 at Laurel Point Inn. Come and view the incredible edible gingerbread creations on display. With a donation, you can vote for your favourite to win the People’s Choice Award. The categories are Amateur, Corporate and Professional Chef and have included such creations as a paddle wheeler, winter village and a gingerbread house-for-sale. Habitat For Humanity’s mission is to eliminate poverty through home ownership. Homes are built with the help of volunteers and low-income partner families. For more information, visit www. habitatvictoria.com.

Through The Land Conservancy of B.C. you can Adopt-an-Animal: a grizzly bear, cougar, owl, or salamander for a loved one for $40.

The “new parent” receives an adoption kit containing a cuddly plush toy, a personalized adoption certificate and a booklet explaining how this symbolic adoption will help save the specific animal’s habitat and other special places in B.C. You will also receive a $40 tax receipt for every kit you purchase. Or you might like to give a gift certificate for Tea for Two at Abkhazi Gardens for $40 (no tax receipt for gift certificates). For more information, visit www.conservancy.bc.ca.

The Mustard Seed Food Bank’s 14th Annual Spirit of Giving is from December 1-24 at the Bay Centre. Come and visit the Food, Fashion & Art exhibit showcasing 16 oneof-a-kind creations made from recycled food labels and designed by fashion-design students from the Pacific Design Academy.

Shoppers can vote for their favourite garment by making a donation to the Mustard Seed. The Food, Fashion & Art exhibit will be on display until Jan 2. The public can also donate non-perishable food and cash

www.kidsinvictoria.com

for the Mustard Seed until Dec 24 at the Bay Centre’s Spirit of Giving location on Level 2. For more information, phone 250-9525690 or visit mustardseed.ca/givesupport/ foodbank/events.

Santa

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h

Donate Your Hbc Points to the Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island (formerly Queen Alexandra’s Foundation for Children). You can contribute to your community simply by doing your Christmas shopping. If you earn Hbc Rewards points from shopping at the Bay, Zellers, Home Outfitters or DealsOutlet.ca, you can make a difference in the lives of children on Vancouver Island by donating your Hbc points to the Children’s Health Foundation. The Foundation will be able to redeem the points for much needed equipment, toys and appliances to furnish its two Child, Youth and Family Centres in the Western Communities.

To donate your points, visit any of the three Bay stores located in Victoria and Nanaimo.

The WWF-Canada Adoption Program offers the chance to symbolically adopt a threatened species and support critical work to protect nature at the same time. Funds from the adoptions are used to fight major threats like climate change and animal poaching, and to support WWF’s conservation efforts across Canada. Most adoption kits are $40 (for a single animal) and include: details on the work this gift will help support, a personalized adoption certificate, a $30 tax receipt, a letter identifying you as the gift-giver if you adopted the animal for someone else, and a re-usable gift bag.

You can choose from 24 animals, including an Emperor penguin, river otter, grey wolf, jaguar, walrus, Kermode bear, and meerkat.

Adoption kits are available online at wwf. ca or by calling 1-800-26-PANDA.•

www.IslandParent.ca

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BC Transit’s

Santa Bus is Coming to Town Friday, December 14 and Saturday, December 15 Come ride the bus and meet Santa • Holiday music • Santa bus stickers • Candy canes Various routes – check website for schedule.

Holiday Service also on the web.

Victoria Regional Transit Commission

2261

World Vision has an online catalogue that allows you to give life-changing gifts to families in need throughout the world. A goat can bring lasting abundance to a hungry family, two hens and a rooster provide food and hope, honey bees and a beekeeping kit put a family in business, or you can help provide medicines or nutrition that will save children’s lives. There are many ways to give, and if you’d like your loved ones to choose how your gift donation will be spent, you can give them a World of Change Giving Card. Then they can be involved in the giving. To find out more, visit worldvision.ca/gifts.

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FIRST NIGHT New Year’s Eve Family Celebration

Join us at our 7th annual First Night New Year’s Eve celebration! Enjoy musical entertainment as well as numerous activities, including swimming, skating, arts & crafts, inflatable obstacle course, bouncy castle and a giant movie screen playing holiday classics. We’ll end off the night with a Fireworks Finale at 9pm!

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

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St. Joseph’s Catholic School Daycare/Preschool to Grade Seven Please join us for our Open House on Tuesday, Feb 5, 2013, 6–8pm We are accepting applications now for the 2013/2014 School Year A Catholic, respectful learning environment where children learn to love and love to learn!

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For additional information please contact:

St. Joseph’s School 757 W. Burnside Road 250-479-1232 Registration forms are available at www.stjosephschool.ca 18 Island Parent Magazine

’Tis the Season to Learn

D

uring the winter holidays, even though kids are out of school, learning shouldn’t stop. The winter holidays are a great opportunity to spend time as a family learning something new and practicing your literacy skills. ABC Life Literacy Canada offers these literacy tips to make your season “bright”: • Reading circle: Invite friends and family to join you around the fireplace with a favourite holiday book. Then snuggle in and take turns reading aloud to one another while drinking hot chocolate.

• Carolling: Get together with friends and neighbours and go door-to-door singing carols. Singing encourages learning patterns of words, rhymes and rhythms.

• Bake-off: Get the whole family involved in baking Christmas cake or gingerbread cookies. Have your children read the recipe and measure out the ingredients—it’s a great way to practice reading, comprehension and math skills.

• Night out on the town: Take in a holiday musical or visit the museum. Both outings offer fun literacy activities—and don’t forget to read the descriptions at each exhibit.

• Make a list and check it twice: Have your child make the holiday grocery (or wish) list and read it aloud as you make your way through the aisles.

• Family movie night: Read a winter or holiday-themed book that has been made into a movie, then watch the film. Ask your children if they noticed any differences between the book and the film, and talk about which one you liked better and why.

• Looking for a gift idea?: Encourage reading by giving books or a magazine subscription—a gift that gives throughout the year.

• Write on! Keep writing skills sharp by handwriting your Christmas cards. Include a personalized note to let each family member know how special they are.

Try incorporating these fun tips into your holiday routine to stay sharp over the holidays and well into the New Year.

For more family literacy tips and activities, visit www.FamilyLiteracyDay.ca. www.kidsinvictoria.com

Krista Minar

12 Ways of Christmas

A

fter happily rotating between our families for the holidays for the past six years, my husband and I have decided that year seven is going to be our stay-at-home year.

With one daughter almost two years old, and another just five months old, this is the perfect year to begin our very own family traditions. And, since neither of my girls will be old enough to remember, it’s basically one big trial run of how we’d like Christmas to play out in the future.

“Trial run?” you ask. After spending past years following someone else’s lead during the holiday season, it is our turn to gather what we have experienced, and seen or heard of, and decide what we want our children to get out of the holiday season. Presents, those are at the bottom of our list. We’re more interested in what traditions we want to pass along, or even create for our family.

So as my husband and I ponder which traditions we keep and which ones we can live without, I started thinking about families of all shapes and sizes, with traditions of their own, and decided to survey some of my friends.

How do you celebrate the holidays? I asked. Here are some of their answers, or what I’ve titled The 12 Ways of Christmas.

I know, there are certainly more than 12 ways to celebrate Christmas, but I had to narrow down the list.

1. Start early. One person I surveyed recalled her childhood when her dad would scout out Christmas trees in the summertime, then, once the Christmas season arrived, as a family everyone would go cut down the perfect pre-picked tree.

2. Look around at the lights. Another family’s special Christmas moment happens after the lights are hung around their town when they venture out together to check out the beautifully lit homes.

3. Add a unique decoration. One family I spoke with prefers the older style “luminaria” over LED lights. They line paper bags with sand and carefully place a tealight in the sand, then place these luminaria outside, keeping a watchful eye on the candles.

4. Spread cheer. One family fills baskets full of goodies and attaches homemade cards on which they write quotes about Christmas spirit. Later they deliver the baskets anonymously—to friends or strangers—to spread some cheer. www.IslandParent.ca

5. Watch a Christmas classic. One family I surveyed said they watch, without fail, the original cartoon version of “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.”

6. Celebrate the spiritual. Christmas Midnight Mass is another family’s tradition, this year marking the first for their new baby girl who will be just over two months old come the holidays.

7. Ring in Christmas. A Czech tradition, on Christmas Eve when my husband was a child, his family would sit down for a feast, and after the meal, the bell would ring to say that Svatý Mikuláš (Santa) had come and gone, leaving presents for good children.

8. Eat, drink and honour family. Christmas dinner for one Ukrainian family I talked to is eaten on the eve of, not the day of Christmas.

And no matter how many people are there for dinner, an extra plate is set out for all of the loved ones who have passed away.

They leave the plates out all night along with the traditional wheat dish so the spirits can have a dinner as well.

9. Slow down. Growing up, Christmas at my mom’s house was a slow process. There was no mad rush to the tree, no tearing open of presents. Instead, we each took a turn opening a present, showing it off, and making phone calls to the givers to say thank you and Merry Christmas.

10. Boxing Day brunch. One family’s food fest takes place after Christmas dinner when they get together with all the leftovers and enjoy a piece-meal brunch with all the fixings—and lots of family chatter.

11. Shift the focus. This year, our family is going to try and focus more on others and less on us and the stuff. So we are going to have our oldest daughter pick a toy from the store, and a good toy from home and donate them both to a child in need.

12. Add a new tradition. Heard of another family’s Christmas tradition that might make sense to add as one of your own?

Give it a trial run.

May the road to discovering what works for your family be filled with love and enjoyment, and however you celebrate the holidays, or even if you don’t at all, best wishes from my family to yours.

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

December 2012

19

ART CLASSES • DRAWING • PAINTING • SCULPTURE • CARTOONING • PORTFOLIO PREPARATION • One or Two Hour Sessions • Technique Oriented • Fabulous Results • Portfolio Preparation ages 14 & up • Day & Evening Classes

Artistic Statement Gallery & School of Fine Art Call Joan at

250-383-0566 #107–2250 Oak Bay Ave

www.artisticstatementgalleryandschool.com

Now offering Art lessons on SKYPE for Out of Town Students and Homeschoolers

Ongoing Registration Gift Certificates Available

Christmas Goodies Thank you to everyone who entered the Christmas Goody Contest. The winning entry— Chocolate Sugar Cookies—in the draw for a $50 gift certificate is printed below, along with a few other sweet treats. To see more of the submitted recipes, or to become a VIP member of the the Kids In Victoria/Island Parent newsletter subscribers’ list and be eligible for special contests and coupons, please visit www.kidsinvictoria.com.

Gingerbread with Orange Sauce Kids love it! Warm, delicious, and surprisingly nutritious.

Gingerbread: 3⁄4 cup all purpose flour 1⁄4 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1⁄2 tsp ground ginger 1⁄2 tsp baking soda 1⁄3 cup molasses 1⁄4 cup orange juice 1 tsp grated orange juice

specializes

in

dramatic

3⁄4

gs, baking Preheat oven to 325˚F. In a medium bowl, combine flours, sugar, seasonin mixer electric an with soda and salt. Add molasses, butter, juice, eggs and rind. Beat . minutes 25 for Bake pan. loaf until well blended. Pour batter into lightly greased Orange Sauce: 1 cup orange juice 1 Tbsp cornstarch 1⁄4 tsp ground cinnamon

Kate Rubin Theatre & Drama Studio

cup whole wheat flour tsp ground cinnamon 1⁄4 tsp ground cloves 1⁄4 tsp salt 1⁄4 cup butter 2 eggs

1⁄2

2 Tbsp firmly packed brown sugar 1⁄2 tsp grated orange rind

n. Cook over In a small saucepan combine juice, sugar, cornstarch, rind and cinnamo . Serve thickens and boil a to comes medium-high heat, stirring frequently until sauce warm over gingerbread.

Sent in by Monique B.

training

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

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Classes • Workshops • Private Coaching Fall, Winter, Spring & Summer Terms

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20

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

Island Parent Magazine

Almond Cherry Balls 1 cup butter 1 cup ground almonds 2 cups flour

1⁄2 cup icing sugar 1 tsp vanilla candied cherries

Preheat oven 325˚F. Cream butter, add sugar and beat until creamed . Add remaining ingredients (except cherries). Tak e a teaspoon of dough and start to form into a ball. Push half (or whole) cherry into ball. Bake on greased cookie shee t for 15–20 minutes, or until lightly browned.

While hot, sprinkle with icing suga r. Can be made and frozen. They taste great frozen!

Sent in by Pamela N.

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Chocolate Sugar Cookies 1⁄2

lb unsalted butter 1 egg 2 cups plus 1 Tbsp all purpose flour

1 cup plus 2 Tbsp granulated sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 scant cup dark cocoa powder

Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachm ent, mix the butter and sugar together until just incorporated. Do not over-mi x, or the cookies may spread while baking. Add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix again on low speed, stopping to scrape the sides of the bowl as needed. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder and salt. Add to butter and egg mixture. Mix on low speed until a dough is formed. The dough will often clump around the paddle attachment while being mixed. This is a good sign that your dough is the right consiste ncy. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Turn the dough out onto a sheet of wax paper and top with a second sheet. Roll dough into an oblong disc between the paper with a rolling pin. Transfer dough—wax paper and all—to a large cookie sheet. Wrap the dough tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour. Remove top sheet of wax paper and roll dough a little thinner. It should not be sticky. You may dust the surface lightly with flour if it is sticky, but not too much! You don’t want streaks of white flour baked onto your pretty dark chocolate cookies. Roll dough to a 1⁄4" to ½" thickness. Cut out desired shapes from the dough and transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Refrigerate the cutouts for 30 minutes. This will help the cookies maintain a crisp shape during baking. Bake 15–20 minutes. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack. Decorate cookies when complet ely cooled.

Sent in by Ashley H.

She brought her oldest to Karen for tutoring and, in less than a year, the 12-year-old is doing much better in math.

What did Karen do? She taught the whole family,including Mom and the 3-year-old, how to use an ancient tool called the abacus. It was invented when people didn’t have such complex math to learn.

What’s beautiful about the abacus is that using it creates changes in the brain.

It is also great for developing skills like focus, concentration, logical thinking, cause and effect, and sequencing.

Dad’s Favourite Chocolate Snow Drop Cookies 4 squares unsweetened chocolate, melted 1⁄2 cup salad oil 2 cups sugar 4 eggs 2 tsp vanilla

I’d like to tell you a story about a woman, let’s call her Susan. She is Mom to a 12-year-old, a 7-year-old and a 3-year-old. Both of her older children struggle with math at school. This is not surprising to Susan because she is terrified of the thought of anything to do with math and she has no idea how to help her children.

2 cups sifted flour 2 tsp baking powder 1⁄2 tsp salt 1 cup sifted icing sugar

beat well. Sift Mix oil, chocolate and sugar in a large bowl. Add eggs and vanilla and be very soft). will (batter flour, baking powder and salt. Add to chocolate mixture Put a small tor. refrigera in ht overnig or Chill batter, covered, several hours in freezer dough chilled of ls spoonfu small Scoop bowl. shallow a in amount of icing sugar apart on 2" about Place coat. to sugar icing the into them roll balls; into and form . Makes about a greased or non-stick cookie sheet. Bake at 350˚F for 10–12 minutes soft. cookies keep to fridge the in er 3–4 dozen. Store in an airtight contain Sent in by Shannon T. (daughter) and Irene W. (mom)

If your child is struggling with math, the abacus changes everything. It takes a few months but it works. Karen has developed a program that is step-by-step and easy to learn. She offers one-on-one tutoring and group classes.

If you are interested in more information about how the abacus can benefit you or your child, or for a one-hour in-person complimentary assessment, call Karen today.

Fruitcake Bars 1 cup butter, at room temperature 1 cup packed brown sugar 1⁄4 cup granula ted sugar 2 Tbsp honey 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 egg

23⁄4 cups all purpose flour tsp salt 11⁄4 tsp baking soda 1 cup dried fruit 1 cup chopped nuts 1 Tbsp rum or 11⁄2 tsp rum extract 1⁄2

Preheat oven to 375˚F. In mixing bowl, cream butter, sugars and honey.

Add eggs, vanilla and rum/extract. In small bowl combine flour, salt and baking soda, then add to creamed mixture and stir until combined. Stir in fruit and nuts. Bake in a lined 9" baking pan for 35 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes in pan before slicing.

Sent in by Kristy G.

www.IslandParent.ca

Karen Murdoch Therapeutic Tutor Parenting Coach

Phone 778-430-3183 Email info@karenmurdoch.ca Web www.karenmurdoch.ca

December 2012

21

Party Directory Funtime Inflatables 250-474-0597

Largest selection of inflatable fun onVancouver Island Ask about our Referral Program • 18 bouncy castles to choose from, detachable raincovers available • Obstacle courses • 10 interactive games for youth and adults • Combo bouncers • Carnival games and party packages • Fully insured Professional balloon decorating service now available

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 *

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

250-383-FLIP

www.lionspridegymnastics.com Located in Langford

visit our website at

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Birthday Parties

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GYMNASTICS Celebrate your birthday with us!

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

• 2 large decorated birthday rooms • Free T-shirt for birthday child, invitations for up to 10 children • The ONLY Inflatable Climbing Mountain with trampoline in town • Party Time now offered for many different groups (schools, daycare centres) Book Early: 250-479-6424

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22 Island Parent Magazine

Let Us Do It For You… • Full service, themed birthday parties & company picnics • Fully insured • School fairs, festivals & events

• Indoor facilities available • Christmas parties & events; Santa visits • Follow us on Facebook

at Henderson Recreation Centre!

Call 250-370-7200

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

Call 250-595-SWIM (7946)

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musical

birthday parties Book a 45 minute interactive party in your own home for up to ten young guests from ages 3-8. Choose from three different fun themes! Visit vcm.bc.ca/departments/childrens-music/ for more information, or call 250-386-5311.

250 472 3546 www.puppetbooth.homestead.com www.kidsinvictoria.com

Party Directory ctoria Gymnastics New Party themes this fall!

Ice-cream Spa Parties Vanilla, Strawberry and Chocolate inspired spa services for the pampered princess!

BFF Parties for 2–3 girls Party Princess Enchanted Fairies Darling Divas Rockin’ Popstars

Party Animals!

Create your own stuffed animal or bear, choose from 3 different themes; each theme includes a variety of animals!

Birthday Parties

Your child and 9 of his or her friends will have an absolute blast at one of our action packed gymnastics parties.

What’s included?

• We supply hats, napkins, table cover, streamers and balloons • Two Certified Instructors • Invitations • Trampoline • Foam Pit Fun • Gymnastics Games • Fun Music • NEW: 40 Foot Long Trampoline!

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Mr. Tubbs Ice Cream Parlor & Family Fun Zone • 30 family oriented redemption games • huge prize counter • 2 fully decorated party rooms • foot-long hot dogs • 32 flavors of Island Farms Ice Cream

Organise wonderful parties conveniently delivered to your door!

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Action-Packed Birthday Parties Supervised • 2–8 Yrs

It’s about skills, not scores.

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

Party Supplies for all occasions, themes and ages

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

December Contest: 1st Prize is two nights accommodation with two spa day passes at Tigh-Na-Mara Resort & Spa in Parksville (value $500). 2nd Prize is a Beesafe Solutions Deluxe Emergency Preparedness Kit (value $169.50).

An additional three winners will receive their choice of of an item from our prize table.

Deadline is Dec 15 at noon.

Check out the prizes and enter the contests by visiting

www.IslandParent.ca or www.kidsinvictoria.com www.IslandParent.ca

December 2012 23

Erin Skillen

Lighthouse Academy of

Choose Your Cause

Photo: Andrei Fedorov

Dance

Pure, pleasing, positive.

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

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lighthouseballet@gmail.com www.lighthouseacademyofdance.com Locations: Colwood, Vic West, Sooke

Come Join the Fun

Year-Round 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 24 Island Parent Magazine

“How is the world?”

That’s the question former UN SecretaryGeneral Kofi Annan was asked recently during an interview with Jon Stewart on The Daily Show. Stewart asked Annan if—on the “Kofi Annan Scale”—we were closer to having a peaceful world or needing to run for our lives.

“Closer to run,” answered Annan.

As a mom of one, trying to conceive a second child, his answer made me ill.

We all know the world is a mess. Kofi Annan is just another in an endless line of canaries whose warnings go unheeded, lost in the PR spin of corporations and governments bent on profit. In the face of such a bleak future, what can parents do to make the world a better—or less awful—place, and alleviate the guilt of bringing our kids into this chaos?

Dr. Jane Goodall, at a lecture in Victoria last year, took questions from the audience.

One person after another asked Goodall how she managed to continue her work for all these years without getting overwhelmed or depressed. Her answers varied as she tackled versions of the same question. One of them, however, stuck with me.

I’m paraphrasing here, but essentially she said that there are so many problems in the world that we can easily become paralyzed. The key, for her, was choosing a cause—chimpanzees—and making them her focus. She felt that if she chose her cause, someone else would choose another, and that way we wouldn’t be running ourselves ragged trying to fix it all.

This strategy makes a lot of sense to me.

It isn’t always feasible—for instance if your child needs to sell wrapping paper to raise money for their school while you’re focused on climate change—but overall it does help ease the load. And as moms and dads, anything we can do to unburden ourselves while continuing to be good parents and human beings is a welcome relief.

I used to volunteer with a charity that rescues abandoned and neglected cats and dogs. I stepped away from that position when I was gearing up to have my son. After he was born, I noticed how many of his clothes, toys, and books were covered with emblems, drawings, and artwork depicting endangered animals. I know there will be

cats and dogs when my son is my age, but will there be elephants and tigers? That’s when endangered species became my focus.

How is my focus coming along? It needs to be refined. For now, a lot of it involves saying no to things. Do I want to come back to the animal rescue? They really, really need volunteers. Can I become a monthly donor for Amnesty International? And UNICEF? And all the other charities that have sent me letters, come to my door, or stopped me in the street? No. No. No. No. Saying yes selectively can be a very powerful and empowering option. When you stay focused on one area it’s easier to be informed, to find others who share your passion and—most importantly—to be able to witness the positive changes that have been made. If you’re involved in a hundred causes it’s nearly impossible to track all of the successes, and without those, it all starts to feel futile.

Failures will also become more evident and likely hit a lot harder when your activist eggs are mostly in one basket. That’s where the knowledge and contacts you’ve developed come into play and enable you to rebound with an even better approach the next time around. You’re no longer bouncing around from one ray of hope to another—you’re progressing toward a measurable impact.

For those who are just too overwhelmed by the multitude of tasks required to simply keep your kids/partner/parents alive to even consider committing yourself to getting really involved in a cause, don’t feel guilty! There are still lots of little ways to chip away at the world’s problems. Send a quick email to your MP/MLA/mayor about the issue you care about. Ensure the stuff you buy is in line with your cause or values.

Sign that petition on Facebook—anything is better than nothing. If we won’t fight for our kids’ future, who will?

After his appearance on The Daily Show, Kofi Annan was interviewed by The Globe and Mail. Despite his concern for the state of our world, he hasn’t given up on it. He is adamant that “we all have a responsibility to try and make it a little better for our children and our grandchildren.” And we all do, in good measure.

Erin Skillen is a mom and a TV producer in Victoria. www.kidsinvictoria.com

Jerri Carson

10 Christmas Classics

M

ake December extra festive and magical by including classical music selections as well as the popular holiday standards. As parents, we should encourage our children to listen to all forms of music including the music of the great masters. Research suggests that classical music can have numerous positive effects for children, including memory development, creativity, and self-expression.

So, this year, celebrate the holidays with classical musical. Replace old favourites such as “Jingle Bell Rock” and “Frosty the Snowman” with the music of Mozart or Tchaikovsky.

Here’s a list of 10 Orchestral Christmas pieces for families to enjoy this festive season.

1

Brandenburg Concertos. Begin the festive season with the most celebrated music of the Baroque, J.S. Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos.

This colourful music will delight everyone.

The Skaters Waltz.

Composed in 1882 by Emile Waldteufel, this waltz evokes ice skaters and scenes of a wintry day. The music is graceful and swirling and bells complete the scene of skaters circling and spinning on an outdoor rink.

2

The Parade of the Tin Soldiers. Also known as “The Parade of the Wooden Soldiers,” this is a character piece in the form of a jaunty march written in 1897 by German composer Leon Jessel.

3

Christmas Concerto in C major, op. 6 no.12. Francesco Manfredini was an Italian Baroque composer and a contemporary of Bach. This orchestral piece for strings has an elegant melody for easy listening.

German dance in C major K. 605 no. 3. This little piece, whose German name means “The Sleigh Ride,” is one of the most popular of W.A Mozart’s orchestral dances. It is called a “landler,” which is a simple dance in triple meter much like the waltz. It is a merry piece of music with sleigh bells used for percussion.

6

7

8

March of the Toys. This march is from the operetta “Babes in Toyland” which is a Christmas themed musical extravaganza. Composed by Victor Herbert, the original production of the operetta opened in 1903.

4 9

Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. This famous dance is from the holiday ballet The Nutcracker, composed in 1892 by the Russian composer Peter T chaikovsky. The music features the sounds of an instrument called a celesta, which produces a very soft, bell-like sound.

5

www.IslandParent.ca

Sleigh Ride. This has become a Christmas classic with its seasonal imagery and upbeat tempo. It’s a light orchestral piece composed in 1948 by Leroy Anderson.

Waltz of the Flowers. Composed in 1892, this waltz is from Tchaikovsky’s popular ballet The Nutcracker. It has a beautiful and lilting melody.

Christmas Concerto Op. 6 no. 8. This is a baroque piece of music by Corelli with a festive Christmas melody. It has enchanting string sounds with beautiful harmony.

10

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

December 2012

25

Teaching Cash Register—Canadian Currency

Fabulous Finds

(Learning Resources) Cha-ching! Playing store comes to life with this talking, interactive cash register where transactions are rewarded with lights, sounds and voice messages.

Holds life-size Canadian money and includes a builtin scanner, scale, coin slot and volume control.

Ages 3+

Spot It! (Everest) There is only one matching symbol between any two cards in this game—spot it and you win. A sharp eye and quick reflexes is all it takes to play the 5 quick party games included in the grab-n-go tin. Ages 7+

Magformers Rainbow Set (Playwell Enterprises) Feel the magnetic power when you explore and experiment with these two geometric shapes to create simple and complex 3D models.You can make large models with the big-sized shapes. 30 pieces total: 12 super triangles, 18 super squares. Ages 5+

Snap Circuits Light (Elenco) Watch and be amazed at what your music can do with the new Snap Circuits® LIGHT. Connect your iPod® or any MP3 player and enjoy your music as the lights change to the beat. The strobe light with spinning patterns will amaze you with its visual effects. Ages 8+

Speed Stacks Stackpack (Playwell) How fast can you stack? Already part of P.E. classes in over 10,000 schools, Speed Stacks is a highly addictive, competitive game that combines speed, action, dexterity and coordination. Play solo against the clock or headto-head against friends. Includes one button-cell battery, 12 competition-grade cups, StackMat to use as a smooth stacking surface, electronic timer, instructional DVD, and sport carrying bag. Ages 8+

Neighbourhood Toy Stores of Canada’s Top 10 “Tried & True” toys and games of 2012 26 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Baby Stella Sweet Sounds (Manhattan Toy) Baby Stella can talk! Features 3 sounds: pacifier sucking sound when pacifier is attached, giggling when foot is squeezed and she says “mama” when hand is squeezed.

Comes with pink ruffled onsie, diaper, magnetic pacifier and two replaceable AA batteries. Doll has Velcrolike closure on back to access batteries. Ages 12months +

Princess Fairy Castle (Playmobil) This dream castle has an outside staircase, lots of rooms and a secret chamber for keeping the jewel case in the great tower. Ages 4+

Slap Shotz

Perplexus Twist (PlaSmart) A fascinating new “Twist.” The newest Perplexus model requires a player to twist, turn and realign the tracks within to escape traps, dead ends and cliff-hangers. A captivating new dimension for the Perplexus family of toys. It is 7.5" in diameter. Includes 30 transition points. Difficulty level 7. Ages 7+

(Stortz & Associates) Knee hockey is now “Made in Canada.”

Set of two hand-held blades and a soft foam ball keeps kids of all ages active, outdoors or inside. Improves eye-hand coordination, slapshot and backhand, while providing a great workout. Eco-friendly organic dyes and 50% recycled plastics made from milk sampling bottles, manufactured by an Ontario company. Ages: 3+

All Season House (Furnished) (HaPe) There are as many ways to play with this house as families in the world.

Six rooms, moveable stairs, and a reversible winter/summer-themed, solar-paneled roof inspire year-round activities. Ages 3+

www.IslandParent.ca

December 2012 27

December 2012

Generously Sponsored by and

Family Calendar For calendar updates throughout the month visit www.kidsinvictoria.com SAT 1 Drop-in Family Storytime at Saanich Centennial Branch Library. Fun-filled stories, songs, rhymes and puppets. For young children and their families; children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required.

11-11:30am. 250-477-9030.

Winter Farmer’s Market in Market Square.

Shop from your local farmers for your Christmas feast. Local poultry, meats, cheese, breads, baked goods, infused salts, fresh produce, preserves and a lot more. 11am-3pm. Free admission. 560 Johnson St. Craft Sale at Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary. Demonstrations of quilting, knitting, card making and painting. Beautifully hand-crafted gifts including quilted and needle felted items, animal hats, almond bark and chocolate truffles, apple sauce, baked goods, cards and other nature-themed items. Noon3pm. Admission by donation; $2/craft fee.

100% of funds raised will support the nature sanctuary’s educational and habitat restoration projects. 3873 Swan Lake Rd. 250-479-0211.

TubaChristmas in Market Square. More than 60 tuba players from BC and the Pacific Northwest will knock your socks off with their bigconcert sound! 1-3pm. Free. 560 Johnson St. West Coast Winter at East Sooke Regional Park. Join a CRD Regional Parks naturalist for an easy amble with your family to Iron Mine Bay and its sandy beach. Meet at the kiosk in the Pike Road parking lot off East

Sooke Rd. 1-3pm. 5+ years. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

Snow Day in Centennial Square. Got mittens?

Check out cool ice and snow carving demos, enjoy snow-themed crafts and activities, interactive characters and tons of the white stuff. DJs and live music, free treats and fun giveaways will ensure a winter wonderland for the whole family. Please bring a non-perishable food donation for the Mustard Seed. 1-5pm.

Free. Rain, shine or snow. www.victoria.ca.

Annual Dickens Fair in James Bay. A festive winter market for all ages. Family entertainment with ChoirKids, the O! Ogopogo! Band, Yanik Giroux Performing Arts student vocalists, and VIBESTREET hip hop dancers. Children’s activities include meeting the Chicken Lady, making a felt craft ornament or string bracelet, and watching spinners turn flax into linen thread. Quality and affordable handmade products including toys, knits, clothing and artwork. Local groceries and seasonal baking.

Have a hot drink and light fare from the cafe.

2-8pm. By donation. 250-381-5323. www. jamesbaymarket.com.

6th Annual Christmas Light-Up Celebration in Veteran’s Memorial Park. Bring the family and enjoy music, shopping, free hot dogs and hot chocolate. Santa arrives at 7pm, official light-up at 7:30pm, IEOA Annual Truck Light Convoy & Food Drive passes by at 7:45pm (approximately). Bring a non-perishable food donation.

Deck the Hall Winter Lights Festival at Saanich Municipal Hall. School Christmas concerts, photos with Santa, horse and carriage rides around Saanich Hall, arts & crafts stations, seasonal entertainment, food and refreshments, kids’ fishing pond. 5-8:30pm. Free admission. 250-475-5558.

14th Annual IEOA Truck Light Parade on Yates, Douglas, Belleville and Government Streets. Parade starts in Ogden Point and heads to the Western Communities via Douglas and Government Streets. The convoy is expected at Yates and Douglas at approximately 7pm.

Drop-off points along the route will collect food for the Mustard Seed Food Bank.

SUN 2 Wreathmaking at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park. Join CRD Regional Parks naturalists to make a festive wreath. We will supply materials and instructions—you supply the creativity.

Food and money donations welcome. $5 suggested minimum donation per wreath (proceeds to a local food bank). Meet at the Beaver Lake Nature Centre off the main parking lot.

11am-3pm drop-in. All ages. BC Transit #70 or #72. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

MON 3 Victoria Children’s Literature Roundtable at Nellie McClung Branch Library. Meet author Sheryl McFarlane and illustrator Sheena Lott, who have teamed up again to produce an evocative West Coast picture book: Island

The official milk of Christmas , Santa Dear ms nd Far la Is e!

I know it r u o v r fa is you Taylor

28 Island Parent Magazine

Made right, right here.

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Santa. Proceeds from book sales will go to the Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island and Jeneece Place. Doors open at 7pm.

Browse the Cadboro Bay Books table before the meeting at 7:30pm. Open to the public.

New members and drop-ins welcome. Members free; $5/drop-in; $4/student. For more information, call 250-598-3694.

MON 3 – FRI 7 47th Annual Carolling Week at Victoria City Hall. The public is invited to enjoy choirs from Victoria area schools performing Christmas carols in the Ante Chamber. Noon. No carolling December 6. Free. Registration not required. www.victoria.ca.

TUES 4 Christmas Starlight Cinema at Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort & Spa. Bundle up and bring the family down to enjoy Miracle on 34th Street. Bring a lawn chair and extra blankets, the hotel will supply heaters. 6pm. Free, but donations to Santas Anonymous are appreciated. 250-360-2999.

WED 5 The Arbutus Singers Family & Friends Christmas Concert at St. Aidan’s United Church.

Songs will include “The First Noel,” “Man in the Mirror,” “Little Drummer Boy,” “Merry Christmas Darling,” “From a Distance,” and “Hallelujah.” Reception afterwards with free homemade goodies and light refreshments.

7:30-8:30pm. $15/ticket; $30/family. Proceeds go to support the ChoirKids Program.

Christmas Starlight Cinema at Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort & Spa. Bundle up and bring the family down to enjoy White Christmas. Bring a lawn chair and extra blankets, the hotel will supply heaters. 6pm. Free, but donations to Santas Anonymous are appreciated. 250-360-2999.

THURS 6 Christmas Lights Across Canada at the Parliament Buildings. Special guests and festive

children’s choirs. At 5pm, the large Sequoia tree on the front lawn of the Legislative Assembly will be lit with thousands of lights, followed by seasonal hot cocoa and cookies for everyone. 4:30pm.

FRI 7 Lego at the Library at Bruce Hutchison Branch Library. Like stories and Lego? Then this is the program for you. We’ll supply the Lego, and you will use your imagination to construct your own crazy creation to display at the library.

For a project to take home, bring your own Lego. For ages 6-10. 3:30-4:30pm. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-727-0104 for more information.

TM

11am-noon. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-477-9030 for more information.

Sea of Lights at Willows Beach and Gyro Park. Free hot chocolate at both locations.

Keep warm by the beach bonfire from 6:30pm onwards. Parade of lighted boats will pass Cattle Point at 7pm, Willows Beach at 7:15pm, and Gyro Park at 7:45pm. Please bring a nonperishable food item to donate to the Salvation Army. 250-721-0419. www.rvyc.bc.ca.

Solstice Stroll at Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park.

Why do we sing about holly and ivy? What tales were told in the days of old? Enjoy the quiet forest of Witty’s Lagoon at this special time with CRD Regional Parks guest naturalist Joe Percival. Meet at the Witty’s Lagoon Nature Centre off Metchosin Rd at 1pm. All ages. BC Transit #54 or #55. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

SAT 8

Greater Victoria Concert Band in Market Square. A grand performance by these accomplished musicians fills the Square with holiday magic. 1-3pm. 560 Johnson St. www. marketsquare.ca.

Santa’s Pancake Breakfast at Burnside Gorge Community Centre. Delicious pancake breakfast, craft activities, a toddler play area, musical entertainment for the entire family, and an opportunity to have your photo taken with Santa. 9am-noon. $5/person; $10/family of 4 or more. 471 Cecelia Rd. 250-388-5251.

Winter in the Woods at Lone Tree Hill Regional Park. Join a CRD Regional Parks naturalist for a stroll up this beautiful summit and enjoy some sights and signs of winter along the way.

Warm forest tea will be provided. Wear sturdy shoes. Meet in the parking lot off Millstream Rd at 10:30am. 8+ years. 250-478-3344. www. crd.bc.ca/parks.

Christmas Storytime at Saanich Centennial Branch Library. Ho, Ho, Ho! Merry Christmas.

Join us for a festive storytime, a craft and a tasty holiday treat in anticipation of Christmas Day. For young children and their families; children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult.

Drop-in Christmas Craft at Oak Bay Branch Library. What’s December without a little (okay, a lot of) sparkle and trim? We supply the materials and samples, and you supply the imagination and enthusiasm. Everyone welcome; children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required.

2-3:30pm. www.gvpl.ca. 250-592-2489.

SUN 9 Thetis Lake Loop at Thetis Lake Regional Park. Join in for a hike around Thetis Lake while exploring the park’s natural history with a CRD Regional Parks naturalist. Bring a snack or lunch and wear sturdy footwear. Meet at the main Thetis Lake parking lot at 11am. 8+ years. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

Entertain

with style and ease this holiday season.

Delight your guests or office staff with one of our delicious deli or bakery trays.

Let us do the work for you!

Order by phone at

250.483.1666 or 1.800.667.8280

Please note that we require 24 hours notice on all our trays.

View our selection of delicious entertaining options at www.thriftyfoods.com www.IslandParent.ca

December 2012 29

Who’s Hooting at Mill Hill Regional Park.

Whoo-o-o has eyes as big as yours, stays up late at night and snacks on mice? An owl, of course.

A CRD Regional Parks naturalist will lead this walk and help you find out more about these night hunters. Meet at the information kiosk in the parking lot off Atkins Ave at 1pm. 5+ years. BC Transit #50 or #53. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

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Information Session at Choices Adoption. A great way to start learning about adoption.

Find out about the process and programs available, both locally and internationally. A family will also be there to share their adoption experience. 2-4pm. 100-850 Blanshard St. 1-888-479-9811 or choices@choicesadoption.ca.

TUES 11 Christmas Storytime at Oak Bay Branch Library. See SAT 8 for details. For young children and their families; children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. 1-2pm. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-592-2489 for more information.

Who is Santa Claus? at Esquimalt Branch Library. What do an eight-legged horse, a flying Saint from 900 AD, and Coca Cola have in common? You’ll learn the answer and play a Santa Scavenger Hunt. You will also make a diorama to decorate a tree. For ages 5-12.

3-4pm. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-414-7198 for more information.

Christmas Starlight Cinema at Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort & Spa. Bundle up and bring the family down to enjoy Jim Carrey, The Grinch. Bring a lawn chair and extra blankets, the hotel will supply heaters. 6pm.

Free, but donations to Santas Anonymous are appreciated. 250-360-2999.

Simple Gifts, An Old Fashioned Carol Sing at Cordova Bay United Church. Get in the Christmas spirit with this concert by the Victoria Good News Choir. 7pm. 250-658-1946. www.victoriagoodnewschoir.com.

WED 12 Christmas Starlight Cinema at Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort & Spa. Bundle up and bring the family down to enjoy Home Alone.

Bring a lawn chair and extra blankets, the hotel will supply heaters. 6pm. Free, but donations to Santas Anonymous are appreciated.

250-360-2999.

THURS 13 Christmas Storytime at Bruce Hutchison Branch Library. See SAT 8 for details. For young children and their families; children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult.

10:30-11:30am. Register online at www.gvpl. ca or call 250-727-0104 for more information.

30

Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

FRI 14 Story Club: Winter Celebration Stories at Bruce Hutchison Branch Library. Listen to stories, talk about your favourite books, and enjoy fun activities. Snacks included. This club is for kids who love stories regardless of reading ability. For ages 5-8. 3:30-4:30pm. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 727-0104 for more information.

SAT 15 Holiday Story Time at the Sidney/North Saanich Branch Library. Get into a festive spirit with stories, rhymes and songs that celebrate the season. Do you like surprises? You never know what special guests might join us. Ages 0-8. 10:15-10:45am. To register, call 250656-0944.

COWICHAN THEATRE PRESENTS Royal City Youth Ballet’s THE

A C R KE R C T U N

Drop-in Christmas Craft at Esquimalt and Central Branch Libraries. See SAT 8 for details.

Everyone welcome; children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required. Esquimalt: 10:30-11:30am, 250-4147198; Central: 2:30-4:30pm, 250-382-7241, ext. 601. www.gvpl.ca.

Christmas Market in Market Square. A bounty of foods for your holiday feast, and artisan gifts for under the tree. The farm vendors and local artisans are joining together to bring you an awesome Christmas market you won’t want to miss. Free admission. 11am-3pm. 560 Johnson St. www.marketsquare.ca.

3rd Annual Figgy Pudding Carolling Competition in Bastion Square. Celebrate the holiday season with festive carollers competing in song on multiple stages. Awards for best singing and costumes, and a group sing-along at 3:15pm. Free. Rain or shine. Please bring a non-perishable food donation for the Mustard Seed. www.victoria.ca.

SUN 16 Family Sunday: Emily Carr at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. Explore Winter on the West Coast with art-making inspired by Carr and her contemporaries. 2-4pm. 1040 Moss St. www.aggv.ca.

Fri. December 21 7 PM Sat. December 22 1 PM A magical full-length ballet that delights audiences of all ages Tickets: $23 | Family (2 adult/2 children): $70 COWICHAN TICKET CENTRE 250.748.7529 2687 James Street, Duncan BC V9L 2X5

www.cowichantheatre.bc.ca

MON 17 Old Fashioned Christmas Storytime at Central Branch Library. Pour a cup of cider, take a cookie, and get comfortable as we read classic seasonal stories as well as some less familiar Canadian gems. This is a family celebration with stories for all. No registration required.

7-8pm. www.gvpl.ca. 250-652-2013.

MON 17 – MON 31 Winter Crafts for Kids at the Sidney/North Saanich Branch Library. Drop by the library to make your own winter-themed craft. 250656-0944.

www.IslandParent.ca

December 2012 31

TUES 18 The Banquet at Alix Goolden Performance Hall. Ensemble Laude is an award-winning women’s community choir dedicated to the performance of medieval repertoire and contemporary choral works from around the world. The Banquet offers a lavish feast of choral songs, chants and wassails from medieval and Renaissance Europe, enhanced by flavours from India, Flanders, Argentina, Germany and Canadian First Nations. 3pm.

Admission by donation. 907 Pandora St. www. ensemblelaude.org.

Christmas Starlight Cinema at Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort & Spa. Bundle up and bring the family down to enjoy A Christmas Carol. 6pm. Free, but donations to Santas Anonymous are appreciated. Bring a lawn chair and extra blankets, the hotel will supply heaters. 250-360-2999.

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WED 19

CM

Christmas Starlight Cinema at Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort & Spa. Bundle up and bring the family down to enjoy It’s a Wonderful Life. 6pm. Free, but donations to Santas Anonymous appreciated. Bring a lawn chair and extra blankets, the hotel will supply heaters. 250-360-2999.

MY

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THURS 20 Old Fashioned Christmas Storytime at Saanich Centennial Branch Library. See MON 17 for details. No registration required. 7-8pm. www. gvpl.ca. 250-477-9030.

SAT 22 Sing-Along Celebration with the Casavant Organ at St. Ann’s Academy. Join musicians Greg and Josie Davidson in an afternoon of holiday songs, accompanied by Greg on the 100-year-old Fréres Casavant organ. Sing some carols, try your hand at a vintage tree decoration, and enjoy some warm apple cider.

By donation or bring a small non-perishable food item for the Giving Tree. 2pm. www. stannsacademy.com.

SAT 22 – MON 31

Children/Teen (from 7 years)

Helmcken House Old Fashioned Christmas at the Royal BC Museum. Helmcken House comes alive with the spirit of an early Christmas in Victoria. Visitors will discover the Christmas traditions of early Victorians through activities and crafts. Noon-4pm. By donation.

Sewing Classes!

My emphasis is on children sewing clothes they can wear!

Home school classes also available Fernwood area

A Christmas gift that will last a lifetime!

32 Island Parent Magazine

Andrea’s

TUES 25 Andrea Bailey

22 years teaching experience

Call

250-592-7879

or email aseweasy@shaw.ca

Merry Christmas from all of us at Island Parent Magazine.

SUN 30 Telling Tales, Walking Trails at Francis/King

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Regional Park. Find out how Raven tricked the Crow, where our Island chickadees came from, and much more with a CRD Regional Parks naturalist on this storyteller’s walk through the woods. Meet at the Francis/King Nature Centre off Munn Rd at 10am. 5+ years. 250478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

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

Kindergym and Parent and Tot Time at Burnside Campus Gymnasium. Ride-on toys, climbers, slides, balls, hoops and various sports equipment. The program includes free play, organized games and circle time. Best suited for ages 2-4 years, but all children under 5 years are welcome. Parent participation required.

Free. 3130 Jutland Rd. 250-388-5251. www. burnsidegorge.ca.

Drop-in Toddler Time at Lansdowne Preschool. A great place to play and discover. For children ages 0-5 years. Fridays 9:30-11am, in the Maple Room at Carnarvon Centre, 2801 Henderson Rd. 250-370-5392. www. lansdownepreschool.com.

Toddler Art at Burnside Gorge Community Centre. Explore your creative side. Smocks and soap provided, but please dress children in clothing that they can get messy and be creative in. Parent participation required. $2/drop-in.

Wednesdays, 9:30am-10:30am. 471 Cecelia Rd. 250-388-5251. www.burnsidegorge.ca.

Children Free to Be Me at the BC Schizophrenia Society, Victoria Branch. 9-week group for children 8-12 years whose parent, sibling or other relative is living with a mental illness with or without addictions. While unleashing our inner artist with arts & crafts, learn about mental illness and coping with different emotions.

Use journaling and storytelling as a way to understand different experiences and promote camaraderie amongst group members. The group is professionally lead, 100 per cent confidential and free. Lunch is provided. Fall group begins September 22 and runs until November 17, Saturdays, 11:30am-1pm. 941 Kings Rd. To register, call 250-384-4225 or email FreetoBeMe.bcss@shaw.ca.

www.IslandParent.ca

Sea-Shirt Sundays at the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre. On the first Sunday of each month, create your own fish fashion. Be sure to bring a pillow case, cloth bag or t-shirt (or purchase a t-shirt from the centre) and your creativity. $2 donation for fabric paint. 1-4pm.

250-665-7511.

at Cordova Bay United Church. For more information, call 250-658-1946, visit www. victoriagoodnewschoir.com, or email info@ victoriagoodnewschoir.com.

YOUTH

Free Horse-Drawn Trolley Rides in Downtown Victoria. Enjoy a classic tradition with your family this holiday season. Every weekend until Dec 23, horse-drawn trolleys will circulate throughout downtown, making it easy to take in all of the sights and sounds of the Christmas celebrations. Saturdays 11am-3pm, Sundays noon-4pm. Free.

Advance Reading Copy (ARC) Club at the Greater Victoria Public Library. Be the first to get all the new books. Get an exclusive copy of a book before it comes out in stores or hits the library shelves. Review it online and you get to keep the free book. For ages 13-18. For information contact teens@gvpl.ca.

FAMILIES St. Ann’s Academy will be decked out for the holidays—indoors and out. The Chapel will be traditionally decorated with the beautiful Nativity oil painting created in 1900 by Sister Mary Osithe. “The Giving Tree” will be on display in the Sisters’ Parlour. Drop by with non-perishable food items, unwrapped toys, or new and gently used clothing to place under the tree for distribution to local charities until Dec 22. 835 Humbolt St. www. stannsacademy.com.

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

Harmonious Family Singers & Choir. A great way for families to sing, laugh and play together. Kids, teens and adults join voices.

All voices and ages welcome. First-timers are invited to try a no-audition session any Monday afternoon or evening. For details www. harmoniousfamilychoir.com, sing@harmoniousfamilychoir.com or 250-385-SING (7464).

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

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

Cook Street Village Sing-a-long at the Cook Street Village Activity Centre. Lyrics on-screen and a piano/sax duo support the fun of singing for all. Tuesdays 10:30am-noon. $1.75 for members and $3.50 for non-members (memberships available). 380 Cook St. The Victoria Good News Choir, directed by Louise Rose, welcomes you and your family to sing with us for the joy of singing. We are a non-audition community choir for all ages in which friendship and support are present in abundance. Rehearsals for the new season begin Tuesday, Jan 8, 2013, 7:30pm

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

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

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

Bring your family on the last Sunday of each month for activities and explorations inspired by different parts of the museum.

Make crafts, join special tours, and let your imagination wander away with you. Suitable for children aged 3-12 years and is included with admission or free with membership. www. royalbcmuseum.bc.ca.

Canada’s National Gingerbread Showcase at the Inn at Laurel Point. Feast your eyes and nose on creative inspirations constructed out of gingerbread. More than houses, they are sculptures and unique works of art created by professional and amateur chefs. Vote for your favourite and make a donation to Habitat for Humanity, Victoria. 10am-6pm until Jan 1.

12th Annual Bear Wear at the Hotel Grand Pacific. The holiday teddies are back. Head down to the Inner Harbour and visit the best-dressed teddy bears in town. All funds raised go to support the Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island (formerly the Queen Alexandra Foundation). Vote for your favourite bear as many times as you like. Until Jan 3. 250-519-6935 for more information.

21st Annual Festival of Trees at the Fairmont Empress. Sponsors, local businesses, organizations and individuals come together to decorate trees in an often wacky, sometimes irreverent, and always beautiful fashion. These enchanting trees are displayed until Jan 4. Decorated trees raise funds for BC Children’s Hospital.

Genealogy in the Classroom is a web-based resource filled with student activities, teacher notes, charts and forms that can be used online or downloaded and printed. Free. www. victoriags.org/school.•

December 2012 33

Around the Island

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

WED 5

Lions Breakfast With Santa at the Parksville Community and Conference Centre. Everyone welcome. There will be craft tables for the kids.

10am-1pm. 132 E. Jensen Ave.

Glow in the Dark Skate at Nanaimo Ice Centre.

Skate in an atmosphere of dimmed lighting and special effects. Glow necklaces $2. Regular admission. 6:30-8pm. 250-756-5200.

8th Annual Winterfest Parade in Campbell River features Santa and the Elves, Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer, the Grinch and other great holiday characters. Parade starts at 11am, leaving from behind Save On Foods in Mariner Square to travel along Ironwood St to 16th Ave. Post parade, join the fun with musical entertainment and hot chocolate and goodies.

250-286-4066.

TUES 4 Dad’s and Kid’s Skate Night at The Pond, Parksville. This free skate activity for dads and kids is sponsored by Building Learning Together. 6:30-7:30pm. 250-248-3252. www. rdn.bc.ca/recreation.

FRI 7 Tots Movie Night Out at Bowen Complex. Are you a parent wanting to take your child out for a movie, but are worried about disrupting the audience? Bring your little one out for a movie and get them used to sitting in an environment much like a movie theatre. Popcorn and drinks included, and parents are free. 6-7:45pm. $5/ child. 250-756-5200.

FRI 7 – SUN 9 Christmas Express at the BC Forest Discovery Museum. Be enchanted as you ride through the decorated forest on a 1910 steam locomotive.

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.

4-9pm (train leaves every 20 minutes from 4:30-8:30pm). $7/adults; $5/children 2-12; children under 2 free. 2892 Drinkwater Rd. 250-715-1113. www.bcforestmuseum.com.

Milner Christmas Magic at Milner Gardens.

The Milner House will be decorated in old-fashioned Christmas splendour, where volunteers from the local library delight children and parents alike with storytelling.

Live seasonal music, outdoor refreshments.

All donations support the garden. Although the Gardens are lit up, we suggest bringing a flashlight. 5-8:30pm. Admission by donation.

250-752-6153.

SAT 8 Festival for Families at Comox Community Centre. Carnival zone for the kids with a bounce castle, craft center, bean bag toss, relays and much more. Live entertainment.

On-site concession. 10am-4pm. 1855 Noel Ave. 250-339-2255.

MON 10 Christmas Voices at the Parksville Community and Conference Centre. Come listen to five

Pure merino essentials

Bright and Beautiful.

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Clothing and Sleepwear.

Shop for the holidays online. weewoollies.com 100% Natural. Designed and Made in Canada.

34 Island Parent Magazine

Pick up your copy of Island Parent at any of one our 26 Serious Coffee locations. www.kidsinvictoria.com

local elementary schools sing. This is a fundraiser for the school choirs and all proceeds go to the choirs. 7am-1pm. 132 E. Jensen Ave. 250-248-6234.

FRI 14 – SUN 23

WED 26 – SUN 30 Winter Wonderland at Frank Crane Arena.

The arena will be transformed with a Rideau Canal theme. $1 during public skate drop-in times. 250-756-5200.

Christmas Express at the BC Forest Discovery Museum. See FRI 7 for details. Santa Claus will ride the first train, leaving at 4:30pm, and then will reside in the main muesum for pictures and visits. 4-9pm (train leaves every 20 minutes from 4:30-8:30pm). $7/adults; $5/children 2-12; children under 2 free. 2892 Drinkwater Road. 250-715-1113. www. bcforestmuseum.com.

MON 31

Milner Christmas Magic at Milner Gardens.

See FRI 9 for details. All donations support the garden. Although the Gardens are lit up, we suggest bringing a flashlight. 5-8:30pm.

Admission by donation. 250-752-6153.

PRESCHOOL

SAT 15 Yesteryear Christmas at the Nanaimo Museum. Experience an old-fashioned family Christmas with historical toys, crafts and treats. Children (and the young at heart) will enjoy playing with toys that were popular 100 years ago. Decorate traditional Christmas sugar cookies with icing and sprinkles for your own holiday treat, or make your own Christmas craft. Professional storyteller Margaret Murphy will share the classic fairy tale The Elves and the Shoemaker. Free with cash donation to the food bank. 1-4pm; storytelling from 1-1:40pm. www.nanaimomuseum.ca.

Happy Holidaze Family Fun at Nanaimo Aquatic Centre. Snowball slide races, chilly toes challenge, noodle horse racing and much more. Decorate some crafts and enjoy a goodie.

2-4pm. 250-756-5200.

TUES 18 – WED 26 Winter Wonderland on Ice at Oceanside Place, Parksville. It’s a magical skating experience.

This unique winter event puts the magic in the holiday season. Special lighting and décor makes you feel as though you’re skating on an outdoor pond at night. www.rdn.bc.ca/ recreation. 250-248-3252.

SAT 22 Santa Swim and Elf Swim at Ravensong Aquatic Centre, Parksville. Drop the children off (8 years of age or older if unaccompanied by an adult) and take some time for last minute shopping. For those who have finished shopping, relax in the pool for a special rate swim when accompanied by your children.

Everyone welcome. Family Swim: 10am-noon; Elf Swim: 1:30-3pm. 250-752-5014. www. rdn.bc.ca/recreation.

www.IslandParent.ca

Finale at Beban Social Centre. Celebrate New Years Eve with this great family event. Swimming, skating and live entertainment. 5-10pm.

250-756-5200.

ONGOING LaFF at the Aggie is a drop-in family & friends resource program for children ages 0-6 and their parents, grandparents or caregivers. Play area, free clothing exchange, food programs, free coffee and tea. Monday to Friday, 9:30amnoon. $2 suggested donation (punch cards available). 250-210-0870, laffcoordinator@ shaw.ca, www.familyandfriends.ca.

Children

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

Parent & Child Hockey at Nanaimo Ice Centre.

A fun, non-competitive hockey time for children where their parents can play too. Please bring your own gloves, stick, and helmet with face cage. Pre-registration required. Sundays 5:15-6pm. $5. 250-756-5200.

YOUTH Spare Blox Youth Drop-in in Nanaimo. The ultimate place to be. This is a supervised space to hang out and chill. Open to those 12-17, it offers regular gym activities, video games, movies, foosball, air hockey and much more.

Free, but you must register. 7-9pm. Ongoing until May 1, 2013. Mondays, Nanaimo District Secondary School; Tuesdays, Oliver Woods Community Centre; Wednesdays, John Barsby Community School. 250-756-5200.

The Zone Youth Hang-Out at Beban Park Complex, Nanaimo. Come and hang out with your friends and participate in a different activity each week. Movie nights, dodge ball, soccer, or electronic night. For 11- to 13-year-olds. $6/drop-in. 7-9pm. 250-756-5200.

Teen Swims at Ravensong Aquatic Centre, Parksville. Join your friends for age appropriate games or just chillin’. This swim is reserved for the 13- to 18-year-old crowd. Mondays, 7-9pm. Regular admission rates. 250-7525014. www.rdn.bc.ca/recreation.

FAMILY Lions and Save-On-Foods Family Skate at Oceanside Place Arena. Free admission and skate rentals. Children under 19 years must be accompanied by an adult. Pond hockey not available. Dec 2, 9, 16. 250-248-3252.•

Send Us Your Stories!

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

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

December 2012 35

Susan Smith

“Daddy, is the car thirsty?”

Another one that made it into the books was when my son, at age four, said something hilarious but logical at the dinner table one night. The kids were being so silly, they couldn’t chew their food properly.

“Okay you guys,” I remarked, “it’s time to put our serious hats on!”

“But Mommy,” replied my son, “mine has a hole in it!”

Write it Down Baby—and kid—journaling

M

y kids are almost all grown up, or so it seems—at the ages of seven and nine—compared to when they were just a few months old. Now when I see babies at the park or supermarket alongside my kids, I wonder where the time went.

I once heard a saying that “The days are long but the years are short” when it comes to raising kids. How true! Some days it feels like “Man, it’s only 10 a.m. and I am wiped out and in desperate need of a date with my pillow! I can’t dance around to ‘If you’re happy and you know it’ anymore.

I can’t play hide-and-seek anymore. I can’t zoom around the house with Lego cars or dress another Barbie doll. I just need some quiet time!” Then the next thing I know, I’m thinking “I am going to miss these years because the kids are growing up so fast!”

I’m glad other parents told me this would happen—the feeling that it all zooms by at the speed of light—because that’s what made me decide to start writing a journal for each of my kids, recording stories about their childhood, beginning right from birth.

I wrote my observations, feelings, funny stories, milestones and, of course, the darndest things they said. My own mother recorded some of the funny things I said when I was a child and I always found it fun to read. Even my own kids love hearing about things I said as a child, like the time (at age three) I saw my mom watering flowers and asked her why they needed water. She replied, “It’s because they are thirsty and need water to grow—much like we need food and water.” Then, awhile later, I saw Dad pouring water into his car and said,

I am so glad I started a journal for my children because I knew I would probably forget many of these moments. Finding the

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time to journal, especially when they were babies and I was hardly getting sleep, was tough. Although, I got pretty good at writing and breastfeeding at the same time!

Now, years later, when I look back at those stories, some bring tears to my eyes.

And I’ll occasionally read entries to my kids now—they love hearing about themselves as babies and toddlers. It helps them get a picture of who they were and how much they’ve developed.

I wrote, and continue to write, the journal entries as if I am writing to each of my children, using “I” and “you.” It has a more personal tone to it.

I always thought I’d give them their journals on their 18th birthday or wedding day, but recently I’ve been contemplating giving it to them sooner so that they can start writing their own stories, thoughts and feelings. I think it will be such a gift to them their whole lives to get a book filled with stories about their childhood. They can share these stories with their own children or start a blog. Who knows…maybe they’ll continue the journaling tradition with their own kids, assuming they have kids.

Maybe their first entries will sound something like mine.

Feb. 29, 2004. My son was only one year old.

“I bought this journal to write interesting stories about you that you could read one day, as you won’t remember any of it.

I find it hard to write in it every day…you are very active and want to learn about everything around you, so it takes up all my time teaching you. It is loads of fun, though. I love playing with you. Your eyes light up and you look at me as if you are saying ‘Wow’ when you encounter something new, like Jello yesterday. I put some on your high chair tray and just watched.

You kept touching it and making it jiggle, laughing so hard. You loved the taste too.

Tonight, when your grandma was visiting for quite a long time, you picked up her shoes from the front foyer and handed them to her, as if to say ‘Okay, you’ve been here long enough. Time to go home.’”

Indeed, time for me to go too. Time to write in your journals!

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Opportunities available: Mon/Wed/Fri morning class Tues/Thurs morning class Phone 250-598-0573 preschool@emmanuelvictoria.ca

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Susan Smith is a mom, secondary school educator and writer of math books/websites.

She loves to spend time with her family, especially enjoying the beautiful outdoors and dabbling in creative writing with her kids.

www.IslandParent.ca

December 2012 37

Father-Daughter Book Club

E

arlier this week, my eight-year-old daughter Tessa asked me to pick up a copy of Pride and Prejudice on my way home from work. All three of my children have a passion for books, but Tessa, our middle daughter, is a particularly dedicated reader—and also a devoted listener. The night before, I’d finished reading her the last book in Philip Pullman’s Dark Materials Trilogy.

I’d read her all 1,200 or so pages in the series.

It’s a complicated story that gets increasingly metaphysical and culminates in war on God. I was impressed Tessa could handle this kind of book with its dozen or more points of view and multiple parallel worlds, but the possibility of reading Pride and Prejudice together worried me. I told her she might have difficulty understanding Jane Austin.

The woman, I said, wrote two hundred years ago in elevated language that was aimed at adult readers. I explained that the book is really just a slow paced, domestic drama.

But it turned out Tessa already knew all about the book. She’d read Pies and Prejudice—one of the six Mother-Daughter Book Club volumes she’s read and re-read this year.

In fact, Tessa could already quote the book’s famous opening line: “It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.”

So I agreed that Pride and Prejudice would be the next installment in our own Father-Daughter book club. We’d started the club two years ago with Harry Potter and had finished all seven books, occasionally punctuating our story nights with lighter fare like Encyclopedia Brown and Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Tessa’s older sister Evelyn used to listen in, but eventually she dropped out to pursue a pre-teen line of literature that includes titles like The Earth, My Butt and Other Big Round Things and Vegan Virgin Valentine, along with occasional copies of Seventeen and People.

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On the way home from work that evening, I stopped at the bookstore. They had a lovely illustrated copy of Pride and Prejudice with delicate line drawings of women in ankle length dresses and gentlemen wearing top hats and ruffled shirts. Before I bought the book, I flipped through and read a few passages.

It was certainly no nail biter, but I figured

Dadspeak Daniel Griffin that if nothing else, the pictures might help maintain Tessa’s interest.

We started that very night, and as I began to read aloud, Tessa repeated the famous opening sentence with me. Our youngest daughter Vivian listened to the first few pages, but she eventually gave up and slipped from the room. Tessa, however, was transfixed.

We were reading on her bed, as we usually do, and it was just before bedtime. As often as not during our readings, one of the two of us falls asleep. I’ve often stopped half way down a page to find Tessa’s eyes closed. A few nights ago, I even dozed off myself. I somehow managed to finish a chapter with my mouth still reading even though my mind had dozed off. The next day when Tessa and I cuddled up to read, I was convinced the book mark was in the wrong spot. The last two pages looked totally unfamiliar. Tessa insisted we’d finished the chapter though. “You fell asleep while you were reading,” she said.

Not tonight. Both of us were absorbed.

We read the first four chapters, and at the end of each she told me to keep reading. She even stopped me once in a while to tell me about the characters. She knew Mr. Darcy and Netherfield Park and Mrs. Bennet.

Finally I shut the book. “Enough Jane Austen for the night.”

“How about an Encyclopedia Brown Story?” She held up the book.

“Okay,” I said. “Time for something light and easy.”

The secret to a successful Father-Daughter book club is good literary balance.

Daniel Griffin is the father of three children and the author of Stopping for Strangers (Vehicule Press, 2012), a collection of short stories about parents, children, brothers and sisters.

www.kidsinvictoria.com

www.IslandParent.ca

December 2012  39

Mental Health Matters True examples of social rejection related to mental illness

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

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

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

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

www.viha.ca/prevention_services/

40 Island Parent Magazine

1. Emily was excited to go to her friend’s birthday party after receiving an invitation.

That same week, Emily did an interview with the local newspaper about having bipolar disorder. The day after the article appeared, she was uninvited from the birthday party.

2. Ben was so worried about the rejection he would face if he told anyone he was hearing voices that it took him two years to seek help. By that time he was seriously ill and needed several months in hospital to stabilize.

3. Olivia, after being teased and bullied by peers, sank into such a depression that she took her own life.

Stigma is a Greek word with Latin origins that denotes a type of marking or tattoo that is cut or burned into the skin with a hot iron or stick to visibly identify individuals as blemished or morally polluted. For children, youth and their families living with a mental illness, the stigma is pretty close to being Enemy Number One—it can be a far bigger obstacle to overcome than the illness itself. People with mental illness often remain silent about their struggles rather than face the social rejection that comes from seeking help.

Stigma attached to mental illness Stigma is not confined to the world of mental health, but the casual use of negative language with regards to mental illness has become so commonplace that terms like crazy, nuts, psycho, loony, bonkers, crackers, cuckoo, bananas, loco, out to lunch, weirdo or freak are cliché. Labels are particularly powerful in the school environment where jokes, teasing and bullying commonly occur.

Parents also feel the impact of stigma.

According to the 8th Annual National Report Card on Canada’s Health Care by the Canadian Medical Association, a full 40 per cent of Canadian parents say they would not tell anyone if their child had a mental illness. The report also points out that the media fuels shame and silence; more than one third of stories about mental health sensationalize any aspects of violence and crime. The result is that one in every four Canadians is afraid of being around someone with mental illness.

Mental illness in our children/youth Early intervention is the key to addressing mental health problems in children and youth. Untreated mental illnesses are exacerbated as children age and develop. We

Healthy Families; Happy Families C hild Y ou th & Family C omm u nity Health

SUSIE GIRLING

see statistics spike at the ages when children enter puberty and move from elementary school to middle school and then to high school. Left untreated, these children and youth face increased medical problems, increased truancy, poor relationships, serious substance use and high suicide rates.

Mental illness is a physical illness. It is no less physical than a disorder of the heart, kidney or limbs—it just happens to take place in the brain. It also occurs at an alarming rate. According to the Ministry of Children and Family Development’s Child and Youth Mental Health Plan, 15 per cent of Canadian children and youth are likely to have a serious mental disorder that impacts their development and ability to participate in common adolescent activities. That’s 1.2 million children.

In fact, 80 per cent of all psychiatric disorders emerge during adolescence, but only one out of every six children and youth receive the services they desperately need, according to a recent study.

There are many contributing factors that account for this startling lack of support, but widespread stigma and discrimination are among the most stubborn and complex.

We all have a responsibility to do our part to ensure respect and dignity for our children.

It is only by openly talking about both the challenges and the solutions that we begin to break down these stigmas and give children the support and understanding they so desperately need.

The F.O.R.C.E. Society for Kids’ Mental Health is a provincial organization with parents in residence at South, Central and North Island locations. They can provide the opportunity to speak with other families who understand and who may be able to offer support or advice along with informawww.kidsinvictoria.com

tion, tools, and tips. For more information, visit www.forcesociety.com.

Mindcheck is a website created to assist young people to identify and understand the mental distress they may be experiencing and to link them to sources of help that will enable them to learn skills and strategies.

For more information, visit mindcheck.ca.

If you have reason to believe that your child or any child is struggling with a mental health problem, here are some things to keep in mind.

What to watch for: • Talk about suicide or feeling hopeless • Mood problems like irritability, anger, rage or extreme sadness • Poor grades or missing school • Marked changes in sleeping or eating habits • Many physical complaints (such as headaches or stomach aches) for which doctors can’t find a cause • Withdrawal from regular relationships and activities • Any behaviours or symptoms that prevent a child or youth from doing everyday activities

How to support children should they be facing a mental health illness: • Let them know that it is OK to ask you for help • Listen to their feelings and fears and show understanding about what the mental illness means to them

Mental illness is a physical illness. It is no less physical than a disorder of the heart, kidney or limb…

• Help them to find adults they feel safe with and who they can call upon for help if they feel unsafe, afraid or alone • Help them learn ways to keep themselves safe (for example, home safety, crisis emergency numbers) • Help them to recognize and celebrate their strengths • Help them to understand the connection between physical and mental health • Help them to problem-solve and develop action plans to address difficult situations • Help them learn the skills to make good

decisions, and empower them to do so • Encourage them to be active in a variety of school and community activities • Make sure they have some time to unwind and relax in between scheduled activities • Emphasize the importance of healthy lifestyle choices • Talk about balance and choice with children • Promote a healthy body image by positive role modeling (for example, not making negative comments about anyone’s weight and appearance) • Rid yourself of the false perceptions and stereotypes of mental illness that may blind you to the needs of your own children • Establish the mental health of children as a necessary part of parenting and protection • Approach the subject of mental health openly. Explain why it is important. Help them understand that their mental health works with every part of them, and that it changes through life.

Susie Girling is the Coordinator for Tertiary and Crisis Services with Child, Youth and Family Mental Health for VIHA. She is also the mother of a wonderfully precocious seven-year-old daughter.

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42 Island Parent Magazine

here’s an old story about a comfortable village inhabited by a group of hardworking people who helped each another out in times of illness or need. These people were content in their lives. One day, a stranger walked into the village. His shoes looked worn and his coat was faded and dusty, but he smiled kindly at the children, and his touch was gentle as he stopped to rub the ears of a passing dog. His pockets and his stomach were as empty as a sock hanging in readiness for an onslaught of oranges and treats. He sat on a bench and rested for a few minutes, and then he walked across the street to a man who was chopping wood. There was a huge pile of gnarly, twisted stumps behind him, and a stack of neatly split kindling before him. “Hello, friend,” said the man. “That’s quite the job that you have facing you.” The townsman stopped his work, wiped his brow, and agreed. The visitor offered to help split the stumps in exchange for food and a bed for the night. Before he had finished outlining his suggestion, the woodchopper had turned back to the logs, with a shake of his head.

The fable unfolds further with several similar scenarios, wordier than space here allows.

Suffice it to say that the wanderer ended up alone, stomach growling, in the middle of the town square once more. He pulled a well-used cooking pot from his bundle, and drew pails full of water from the communal well to fill it. Some of the people he’d spoken with earlier threw curious glances his way. He set his bundle on the bench and unwrapped it, showily, finally pulling out a large, smooth, ovoid rock. Other than the fact that the rock was pure, unmarked white in colour, so white that it almost glowed, there was nothing unusual about it. He rubbed it between his palms, attracting a few more wondering looks, and then gently slid it into the water. “Excellent!”

He said, as if to himself, “I shall dine well on stone soup tonight!” The woodchopper drew near. “Cold soup?” he asked. When the wanderer agreed that it tasted better hot, and offered to share, the woodchopper promptly built a fire, and produced a rack to hang the pot. Other townsfolk came forward to check progress, and asked about perhaps tasting the end result. All were promised a cup when it was finished, and all brought along some enhancements to the contents—onions, carrots, some fish, potatoes, tomatoes, fresh herbs, and crusty bread. When it had simmered a delicious steam throughout the town square,

the wanderer, stranger no more, declared it to be finished. The townspeople, and their new friend, dined well, more than one of them commenting, “And just think, this soup was made with just a stone!” That’s the happy

Just Eat It! Kathy Humphrey ending to one little story. It’s cold outside, and no matter what we do collectively, there will always be people outside in the cold, huddling to get warm enough to sleep, and with nothing to break their fast should they manage that.

We see them on street corners and boulevards, sitting with hands held out, or pushing rattling carts through our tidy neighbourhoods.

We can’t make soup for everyone—we may idealistically want to buy the whole world a sugary carbonated beverage and keep it company, but life is busy, and most of us have many other commitments. Remember to give a smile, at least. Give to the food banks. And Merry Christmas!

Sugar Cookies 2⁄3 cup shortening 2 cups flour 3⁄4 cup sugar 11⁄2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp vanilla 1⁄4 tsp salt 1 egg 4 tsp milk Preheat oven to 375˚F. Cream shortening, sugar and vanilla. Add egg and milk, beat until fluffy. Mix dry ingredients, blend into creamed mixture. Divide dough in half. Cover and chill for at least one hour. On floured surface roll to 1⁄8" thick (keep the other half chilling until ready to use). Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters. Place on unthreaded cookie sheets with some room between. Top with sprinkles or coloured sugar, or leave plain to be iced later. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown. Decorate!

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

www.kidsinvictoria.com

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December 2012 43

Award winning children’s music!

Light Up Your Imagination

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DVD “This enormously fun and creative band’s inventive video collection adds to the general fun the group is obviously having - and to the creativity they are promoting.” ~ Parents’ Choice Awards

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s we rush headlong into the final days of…ahem…a certain time of year, it’s very easy to get caught up in the frenzy of shopping and stress that reaches its peak in December. However, another, more natural peak is reached in December on the 21st—Winter Solstice, the shortest, darkest day of the year. However, far more than just the greatest day of darkness, the 21st of December heralds the start of longer periods of daylight—a return to the light, and the earth’s first tentative steps towards spring. From this point on, the light grows stronger, brighter, as the sun draws closer, and we can once more begin to revel in its rays. And what better way to celebrate this return to the light than with a host of books that celebrate the brilliance of creativity and are guaranteed to spark the imagination?

No matter your age, the place to start any exploration of make-believe is with Patty Lovell’s brightly buoyant Have Fun, Molly Lou Melon (G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2012). Molly Lou Melon’s grandmother taught her all sorts of things, but the most important lesson Molly Lou learned was that “the best thing to play with is a huge imagination!” When Molly Lou’s grandmother was a girl, she didn’t have big, expensive doll houses or fancy toys—she made her own fun with leaves and twigs, boxes and clouds, and Molly Lou does too, in no uncertain manner: a tree-root palace with acorn cap dinner plates and cicada Jacuzzi replaces the standard-issue plastic affair, and a spectacular turbo boxcar with hand-painted flames gives her super-speed when charging down hills. Then pampered

Gertie moves in next door and declares that, despite her battery-powered Coupe de Ville, her cell phone, her 120-inch TV, she is “Bored bored BORED!” Clearly a case for Miss Molly Lou Melon and her magical imagination. Before long the girls are fast friends, revelling in the joys of the best kind of fun there is: the kind you make for yourself. Dazzling, vibrant illustrations by David Catrow blend perfectly with Lovett’s whimsical, playful text to immerse readers in a wonderful world of fantastic creativity that will amuse and inspire both the young (5+) and young at heart.

Another book for readers with a taste for fanciful fictions is the newest title by Allan Ahlberg, illustrated by his daughter Jessica Ahlberg. Goldilocks (Candlewick Press, 2012) is…well, it’s an Ahlberg book, which is to say it’s charming, funny, beautifully illustrated, and utterly delightful in every way. Opening with the traditional tale of a cheeky girl who finds a cottage in the woods, this classic story soon takes on some new—and hilarious—twists as Goldilocks finds herself in the very large home of the 33 bears, or in the year 2076, visiting the trood (spaceship) of the three Bliim. Filled with everything from dancing furniture to pantomime pranks and a great many buns, as well as any number of tabs to pull and flaps to lift, Goldilocks is sure to become an instant classic and a must-read bedtime book for 4+.

And while we’re on the topic of bears, I’d like to turn your attention to Daniel Pinkwater’s latest gem for 3+, Bear in Love (Candlewick Press, 2012). This whimsical

www.thekerplunks.com

www.thekerplunks.com 44

Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

tale follows the adventures of a bear who, one day, finds a crunchy orange thing outside his cave. Discovering it to be absolutely delicious, Bear happily devours the snack, singing his praises of both carrot and

Book Nook MaDDY SMith carrot-giver, and the next day, is amazed to find…two carrots! As the days go on, the carrots increase, as does Bear’s curiosity.

Eventually he leaves a treat of his own, in hopes of meeting this wonderful new friend.

What happens next will delight readers of any age, and warm even the Grinchiest of hearts. Pinkwater’s prose is at once comic and endearing, complemented perfectly

by Will Hillenbrand’s warm affectionate illustrations. Bear in Love is must-read for anyone who’s ever loved anyone in any way, and should be shared with friends tall and small.

During these last weeks of the year, it’s hard to ignore the dark days that close about us, the cold that presses against windows and shivers down jacket collars; but against such chilly darkness, the burning fire of imagination is undiminished—like the greatest lights, it shines all the brighter when the world around it is at its darkest.

Therefore, this Midwinter, take a stand against the dark: let your imagination shine out and illuminate your life.

Maddy Smith is a children’s bookseller and an Islander born and bred; she reads, writes, and believes in the magic of a great book.

Discover Buddies...a great little toy store!

Sidney Store

2494 Beacon Ave, Sidney 250.655.7171

Oak Bay Store

2533 Estevan Ave, Victoria 250.595.6501

www.buddiestoys.ca Music education for the whole family!

Toddler, Youth, Adult & Professional Musician Classes, Workshops and More!

Music is proven to improve Memory, Motor Skills, Learning Skills & Listening Abilities

It’s never to early or late to start learning how to play!

Come and join us at an Arbutus Music Open House this season: SUNDAYS: November 4th, 2012 • December 16th, 2012 February 24th, 2013 • April 14th, 2013 • June 9th, 2013 Music, food and fun for the whole family. Check the website for details!

250 933 1900 arbutusmusic.com www.IslandParent.ca

Arbutus Music Store and Education Centre 6324 Metral Drive, Nanaimo

December 2012

45

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

BC Families in Transition (formerly the Separation and Divorce Resource Centre) is one of three non-profit agencies in North America that offers professional counselling, legal support and education for people who are having problems in their relationships. Each year we help 10,000 adults, children and youth through family changes, separations and divorces, remarriages, and complex family situations.

Whether you wish to separate or remain together, call us at 250-386-4331 or visit www.bcfit.org to see how we can help. Some evening and weekend appointments available.

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

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Victoria provides mentoring programs to children in schools and communities. Adult ‘Bigs’, and child ‘Littles’, build a friendship based on shared interests, respect, trust, and the magic of everyday moments shared with a friend.

Everyone needs someone to laugh with, to share a dream with, and just to hang out. No special skills, money, or experience are needed to be a mentor to a child, just a willingness to spend time together, to

TM

listen, and to be a friend and advocate—in as little as one hour a week! The positive impact of mentorship lasts for a lifetime. Contact us at 250-475-1117, email main@bbbsvictoria.com, or at our website www.bbbsvictoria.com Boys & Girls Club Services offer after-school and evening social, educational and recreational programming for youth at four locations. We also offer support to parents of teens (Parents Together) and run Adventure Based Learning programs at our Camp in Metchosin. For more information on all our programs visit our website at www.bgcvic.org. For general information on after-school and evening programs at our 4 Community Clubs please call 250-384-9133.

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

Community Living Victoria supports people with developmental disabilities and their families by providing residential services, day and community supports (supported employment, parent support and

independent living). Our Host agency provides direct supports for those with Individualized Funding and Home Share service. We also provide Autism Services for youth between 13 and 19. Our family support program offers advocacy, conflict resolution, education, newsletters, workshops, support groups and a resource library. Please call 250-477-7231 ext 233.

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

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

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

Programs offered include cross-cultural counseling, parenting programs (child care available), family violence programs, employment services, interpretation and translation, diversity workshops and training, ESL instruction, volunteering, youth programs and tutoring, as well as intercultural arts programming and the Diversity Health Fair. 930 Balmoral Rd, 250388-4728, info@icavictoria.org, www.icavictoria.org.

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

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

Child and youth programs include: reading/writing, academic skills, social/emotional skill development and Fast ForWord. 1524 Fort St. 250-370-9513. www.ldasvi.bc.ca.

Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) provides programs and services to the military family community. Services include: 24 Hour Information Line, Deployment Information and Workshops, Short Term

CATCH OUR WINTER PROGRAMS REGISTER ONLINE NOW!

Sportball Junior (16-24 mos) | Parent & Child (2-5) | Multi-Sport (3-10) | Sport-Specific Instruction (3-10) | Holiday Camps (3-10) | Birthday Parties (2-12) C O N TA C T U S F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N 2 5 0 . 5 9 0 . 4 6 2 5 | VA N . I S L A N D @ S P O R T B A L L . C A | W W W. S P O R T B A L L . C A

46 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Intervention/Crisis Support, Welcome/Relocation Services, services for families with special needs and responsabilities and childcare services and support to parents. Exciting Volunteer opportunities available!

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

Parent Support Services Society (www. parentsupportbc.ca) provides support circles, parenting resources and referrals to all in a parenting role including grandparents raising grandchildren.

Our training in peer group facilitation is open to the community. Support circles are free with child minding and transportation assistance available.

Volunteers are always needed. Call 250-384-8042; email parent-support@shaw.ca.

1Up: Victoria Single Parent Resource Centre (www.1-up.ca) provides support, education and resources for parents in the Greater Victoria area through free counselling, volunteer training for reception and peer helper positions, a mentoring program for single moms, and a support group for dads. The Centre also offers over 20 integrated life skills and parenting courses which are open to the whole community (fees are by donation). Child care assistance is available based on financial need. The Centre provides a bread pantry and free clothing for single parents. Donations of gently-used clothing, small household items, books, and toys are very welcome every Monday and Wednesday. Centre hours are 9–4 weekdays. 602 Gorge Rd. East; call 250-3851114 or info@1-up.ca.

South Island Centre for Counselling & Training is an affordable, non-profit, counselling agency serving individuals and families from all social, ethnic, and financial backgrounds. We help people with a wide range of issues including low self-esteem, depression, grief, marital and family conflict, abuse and spiritual direction. We also offer helpful “life” courses.

For more information contact us at 250-472-2851; info@southislandcentre.ca.

Victoria Epilepsy & Parkinson’s Centre supports families living with epilepsy by providing tutoring and one on one professional consultations to help your child to live up to their full potential.

We offer epilepsy education workshops in private and public schools, and keep you up to date on the latest research about medications, lifestyle and safety for your child. Visit us at www.vepc.bc.ca to find out more, and to explore our bursaries for Camosun College. Calls are also welcome at 250475-6677.

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

1833 COOK STREET | 250-389-1988 | WWW.LARSENMUSIC.CA

String and band instrument rentals Lessons for ALL instruments SALES | REPAIR | RESTORATION | NEW | USED | VINTAGE | WOODWINDS AMPS | UKULELES | BANJOS | MANDOLINS | STRINGS | BRASS | GUITARS

www.IslandParent.ca

December 2012

47

Inclusion Is Giving, Not Taking Away

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

I

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

48

Island Parent Magazine

’ve spent a large portion of my life living in a bubble. An index-fingers-in-my-ears, eyes squinted shut, privileged bubble (LALALALA!). I’ve had to deflate my bubble a little bit since having a child diagnosed with autism, but generally, I still look at the world from a slightly skewed vantage point. I want desperately to believe that society will be open and accepting of my son’s differences as he ventures out into the world, simply because to believe otherwise would be unbearable.

So last week, I took it pretty hard when I heard that a parent whose child attends school with my son was lamenting the fact that (I quote here) “the special-needs kids take away from the other kids.”

Ouch. Or should I say, POP! I know it’s just one parent. But when it comes to intolerant and ignorant perspectives, the individual who says them aloud is usually just the highest peak of a mountain range. The fact is that these attitudes exist.

I can’t stay in my bubble anymore. As a parent and as an educator, there are a few things I’d like to get off my chest.

First off, segregation is no longer an acceptable practice. Chances are, the school your child attends has a clear inclusion policy. (Don’t like it? Homeschool!) Thankfully, we’ve moved past a time when it would have been suggested I place my son in an institution, where he be treated as a second-class citizen or worse because there was no hope for him to lead a fulfilling life. I have hopes and dreams for him, just as you have for your child. Getting an education is a part of this journey. He has as much right to be there as anyone else.

Having said that, I get it. Our school system is stretched. Class sizes are large.

Teachers’ workloads are higher than ever.

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Our system is far from perfect. Your kid may not be getting enough attention. That is frustrating, I agree. Write your MLA about your concerns. Volunteer at your kid’s school (or recruit a keen college student). Email the teacher and tell her some things she may not know about your kid that will help her (and your kid) out. Read to your child at night.

Don’t blame my kid for being there. That’s not going to help anyone.

Stop for a minute and think: how would you feel if it were your child who needed the extra support? I read once that the average four-year-old asks over 400 questions a day.

(Some of my friends who are parents of typically developing children might argue this is a gross underestimate.) Imagine what

Is There an App for This?

Carly SUTHERLAND a person learns when they ask that many questions! It is astounding to consider. Now, consider the flip side. One of the goals in my son’s Individual Program Plan (IPP) is for him to ask: “What is it?” He never asked a question before we started our program with him. Consider the limitations and challenges for someone who struggles to ask questions. I’m not suggesting that anyone ignore your child, but you know, they will probably discover plenty about the world through their own natural inquisitiveness.

My child is not so lucky. He needs a little more help along the way. You would want the same if your child were in the same boat.

My last point is about this whole business of “taking away.” Taking away? I would argue that my son brings a whole lot to the table. He’s teaching your child about diversity, empathy, and compassion, not to mention he spices up the classroom with his joyful disposition and seriously legit happy dance.

Hans Asperger once said, “For success in science and art, a dash of autism is essential.”

Let’s consider the assets, not deficits, which all kids possess. We have so much to learn from each other if we’re willing to try.

Carly Sutherland is the mother of two beautiful boys, one of whom happens to have autism.

www.IslandParent.ca

Programs for Kids Workshops, Birthday Parties, School Presentations, Summer Camps

For dates, locations, more information or to register: spca.bc.ca\kidsevents December 2012 49

Preschool & Child Care Directory CENTRAL SAANICH

Victoria Conservatory of Music. Part-time spaces available. www.islandkids.ca.

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

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

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

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

Miles of Smiles Licensed Child Care..........................250-298-7374 Dedicated to offering quality care where caring, learning, diversity, guidance and fun are the priority. www. milesofsmileschildcare.com Music Makers Child Care Centre.....250-294-3916 Offering an innovative environment that develops musical abilities and encourages a love of music while following a preschool curriculum/kindergarten readiness program. Group care for children 2 to 6 and infant/toddler care for ages 12 to 36 months. www.musicmakerschildcare.com

CORDOVA BAY Carrot Seed Preschool......................250-652-2311 Where children can discover, imagine, construct and learn through play. Wondrous natural playground. www.carrotseedpreschool.com.

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

Lakeview Christian Preschool..........250-658-5082 Nurturing environment for 30 month to 5 year olds in a rural setting. Christian values emphasized. Licensed Cordova Bay facility with ECE teacher.

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

Island Kids Academy Esquimalt.......250-381-2929 High quality child care (ages 1-5). Preschool curriculum offered within a warm, caring all-day program. Character development using the Virtues Project. Access to community programs including swimming, skating,

La Pre-Maternelle Appletree Preschool..........................250-479-0292 French immersion preschool program. Small groups 30 months to school age. Licensed Christian centre/ECE. Simply Fun Childcare Centre............250-881-3958 A warm, loving, fun and nurturing place for children to grow and learn. We have spaces available for registration ages 2.5 to 12 in our Licensed Group Facility. We offer extraordinary childcare, before and after school programs and a preschool. Our teachers are extremely qualified with ECE training and have lots of experience.

Call Brenda to set up a tour. Let your child’s light shine bright with us!

Highlands Lexie’s Little Bears’ Child Care Inc....................................250-590-3603 A 2 acre outdoor playground! A “Learning Naturally” interpretation. Our children explore, grow and learn from nature. Beside Bear Mountain. 12 months to 5 years. www.lexieslittlebears.com.

METCHOSIN

Oak Bay Co-op Preschool..................250-592-1922 Children Learn Through Play in this parent participation school. Our bright facility is allergy-free with a large outdoor playground. www.oakbaypreschool.com.

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

SAANICH Arbutus Grove Children’s Centre.....250-477-3731 (Formerly known as Goosey Gander Kindergarten) Play-based, creative, active-learning programs: half/ full day Preschool. www.arbutusgrove.ca.

Cloverdale Child Care.......................... 250-995-1766 Openings available for 3 and 4 year olds for September 2012. cloverdalechildcare@shawbiz.ca, www.cloverdalechildcare.com.

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

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

Lakehill Preschool.............................250-477-4141 Nurturing, warm environment for children to learn through play, with qualified, experienced ECEs. Different levels of participation available. www.lakehillpreschool.org.

Metchosin Co-op Preschool.............250-478-9241 Come and visit our stunning natural outdoor playspace, warm, nurturing, play-based,inclusive program allowing parents to grow and learn alongside their child.

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

Reg. begins Mar.1 @ 9am.

Lambrick Park Preschool & Childcare............................................250-477-8131 Gordon Head’s only parent-participation preschool and childcare centre celebrating 40 years. Offering morning, afternoon and all-day preschool options, flexible participation model, and allergy protocol. www. lambrickparkpreschool.ca

North SAANICH

Little Readers Academy....................250-477-5550 An enriched learn-to-read program for your 3-6 yearold! Reading, Writing and Math. Half-day, weekend and evening sessions available. www.oxfordlearning.com.

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

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

Gonzales Co-op Preschool...............250-727-1003 Children explore their imaginations through our varied learning through play environments and large natural playground. Our Reggio-Emilia inspired program focuses on art, nature and music. Join us! www.gonzalespreschool.com.

Kindred Spirits Children’s House........250-590-6966 Now accepting registration for a small group of 2.5–5 year olds in a purpose built Montessori classroom.

The prepared environment stimulates and engages the children at their own pace with hands on, size, age and developmentally appropriate materials. www.kindredspiritschildrenshouse.com

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

My Little Folk......................................250-380-7197 Licensed In Home Multi Age Daycare in a very central location! Caregiver is Montessori and ECE Certified and has a fun and nurturing approach. Part time or full time. 7:30am-5:00pm. mylittlefolk@shaw.ca.

Neighbourhood Junior Kindergarten..250-479-4410 Offering an early literacy program 4 mornings/wk.

(T-F) for 4 yr. olds: play and group activities focus on developing positive social skills and kindergarten preparation. Operating in Lake Hill school in two fully equipped, bright classrooms/outdoor playground.

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

Looking for child care? Taking care of children?

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

Child Care

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

50 Island Parent Magazine

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

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

Preschool & Child Care Directory Playtime Preschool...........................250-383-3101 AM or PM preschool classes up to 20 hrs/ wk. Tillicum. Spacious facility, qualified ECEs. Let’s Talk About Touching Program. www. playtimepreschool.com.

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

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

Puddles & Paints Playschool............250-658-6573 Lexie celebrates 15 years as an ECE in the community.

Excellence through enriched programming. Music, art, dance and play. Montly themes and curriculum.

Supporting and encouraging your child’s individual successes.

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

Mill Bay / Cobble Hill

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

Rogers Child Care Centre.................250-744-2643 High Quality Care and Educational Programs. Licensed for children 30 month to Grade 5. rogerschildcare@ shaw.ca or www.rogerschildcare.com St. Joseph’s Catholic Preschool..............................250-479-1232 ext 120 • A Christian child centre for 3–5 year olds.

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

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

Strawberry Vale Preschool...............250-479-4213 Children learn through play at our parent participation preschool. Programs for 3 and 4 year olds at “The Little Red Schoolhouse.”

www.strawberryvalepreschool.org.

SIDNEY Positive Path Early Learning............250-655-7244 A “New” child care centre has opened at 2269 Mills Road. Exciting and enriching program offering learning opportunities for children 3-5 within a culture of Christian values and virtues. Centrally located near Sidney Elementary and VIR Library. Now accepting enrollment for full and part-time registration. positivepath@shaw.ca

VICTORIA ArtsCalibre Academy........................250-382-3533 Comprehensive programs for Preschool through Grade 5, delivering academic excellence through music, dance, drama and visual arts. Outstanding educators, locations and facilities. www.ArtsCalibre.ca Butterfly Corner.................................... 250-381-4845 Licensed family day care in James Bay. Since 1998.

ECE. Ages 1–5. Full time. Fun & Educational. http:// ButterflyCornerCreativeLearningCentre.com Castleview Child Care.......................250-595-5355 Learning Through Play & Experience. Licensed nonprofit, qual. ECE staff. Since 1958. Preschool and full-time care. www.castleview.ca Cedar Daycare...................................250-479-2032 Community oriented, NFP Child Care facility. Wide variety of activities offered including the use of a private outdoor pool during the summer months. Licensed ECE educators devoted to nurturing children aged 30 months – 5 years.

Centennial Daycare...........................250-386-6832 Providing quality childcare in the Burnside/ Gorge area for 30+ years. Snacks, lunches, Sportball and Music programs included. www. centennialdaycare.ca.

www.IslandParent.ca

Footprints Academy............................. 250-590-5540 Licensed group daycare for 2.5 to 6 year olds. Open 6:30am–5:30pm. Weekly music and movement classes. www.footprintsacademy.ca.

Lansdowne Co-op Preschool...........250-595-5223 An extraordinary learning environment for families with young children. Parent participation. wwwlansdownepreschool.com.

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

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

Parkdale Early Childhood Centre.....250-382-0512 We offer quality care and positive experiences for children in our diverse daycare and preschool programs. Our rich curriculum includes music classes from the Victoria Conservatory of Music. parkdalechildcare@shaw.ca.

Rainbow Express Daycare................250-382-2314 Enriched preschool style program in a daycare setting. Visit our website at www.rainbow-express.bc.ca.

Ross Bay Preschool..........................250-383-7445 Positive/supportive program motivating children to learn and discover. Curriculum builds on interests of the children. www.rossbaypreschool.com St. Andrew’s Catholic Preschool......250-382-3815 A place where children learn to love and love to learn.

A warm and nurturing environment. A stimulating curriculum.

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

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

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

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

Character development using the Virtues Project.

Access to community programs including swimming, skating, Victoria Conservatory of Music. Part-time spaces available. www.islandkids.ca.

Little Friends Childcare.....................250-479-8423 “Learn through play” group childcare centre. Infants/ Toddlers/30mth–5yrs daycare and morning preschool near Knockan Hill park.

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

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

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

Located in Queen of Angels Catholic School.

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

Parkside Academy Early Learning Centre.........................250-746-1711 Offering quality, literacy focused childcare for children aged 6 mos – 12 yrs; infant/toddler; 3–5, preschool, and after school programs at Alexander, Khowhemun and Tansor Elementary schools.

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

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

Parent & Child programs also available!

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

St. Joseph’s Preschool.....................250-246-3191 A Christian learning environment for 3–5 year olds.

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

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

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

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

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December 2012 51

Emergency

M

y son Angus is a gymnast. He learned to scale the coffee table before he took his first step. He’d pull himself up and crawl across, oblivious to the fastapproaching edge and the powers of gravity.

And when those powers revealed themselves, they didn’t deter him. That’s when we knew there were going to be injuries.

Watching him clamber onto the couch to cuddle his teddy is cute. When he stands in the bathtub—his body slick with soap— and tries to climb onto the ledge, it’s less so. Worse is when he disappears into the hallway, and I follow the silence to find him shoulder-high up the baby gate. Abstinence education is not enough with Angus. He understands “No” to mean, when no one is watching. Thirty seconds in the bathroom, and there he is running across the side table or hanging over the back of the couch. We’ve focused on “Down,” lessons on kneeling and where to place hands for support. Generally, Angus’s dismounts are cautious. And, mimicking us, he claps his hands once he’s safely on the floor.

When Angus learned his newest trick, I was certain the disaster we had so far avoided would find us. Standing underneath the lip of the dinner table, Angus reaches up, his fingers fishing for anything within reach. Trolling in particular for placemats, the excitement of them skidding and pulling dishes and cutlery along for the ride.

If there’s nothing to grasp, Angus curls his fingers around the edge of the table and jerks himself upwards—a partial chin-up, so he’s

he’s swallowing it; I can hear the slurping.

In the waiting room, he turns surly but not from the pain. Because I don’t allow him off my lap, paranoid of the organisms left with his feet dangling. I have visions of the table tipping over, of a piping hot cup of coffee splashing down his back, or fork tines implanting themselves.

My fears about the table consumed me.

And as a result, my vigilance in other areas began to lag.

The day it happens, Mike puts dinner on the table. Leftover pasta, reheated in their serving bowls. Hot bowls. On placemats.

“No, Kiddo,” I say as Angus approaches the table with his usual glee. He turns and ambles over to his toy box. He has pushed it beside the coffee table, about six feet away.

Relieved, I raise my fork.

The sound is almost immediate: the box tips and Angus—tucked inside—tumbles with it. And then the scream. When I run over, Angus’s head is bowed so I can only see his hair. On the floor below is a fastexpanding pool of blood. By the time he’s in my arms, his entire face is slick and red. I take the steps to the bathroom two at a time. With every wail there’s another mouthful of blood.

The hospital! Mike says.

A cloth! I say. I hold it in Angus’s mouth, absorbing the blood. I reach for his lip and he screeches at me. A large flap is almost sheared off. The hospital, Mike says again and he’s right. But Angus is only sniffling now, his arms clenched tight around my neck. Is the cut no longer bleeding?

In Emergency, Angus is calm at the triage desk, and I start to second-guess our bringing him here. His mouth is still bleeding, but

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52 Island Parent Magazine

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Maternity & Beyond Laura TRUNKEY that might be multiplying on the floor. He grunts, thrusting his finger at the cleaner down the hallway. His diaper is full, and we left home too quickly to remember a change. We didn’t bring anything but a frozen teething toy that I dropped on the floor within moments of our arrival.

A nurse arrives, disappears, then returns, relaying that the doctor says no stitches, but that he’ll change his mind once he sees the cut. And he is correct. We aren’t allowed to hold Angus during the procedure. Instead, his arms are pinned to his side by a flannel blanket. The nurse presses his head down and another holds his legs. He’s not given any anesthetic. There is a brief explanation as to why, but I don’t absorb it. The doctor jabs the needle through one flap of skin and then the other. He ties a quick knot, repeats the steps and snips.

What follows is a week of fitful nights.

Mike or I lying on Angus’s floor with our hands through the bars of his crib, the only way he’ll (eventually) fall asleep. He eats only popsicles and only with great cajoling. Half of Angus’s face is swollen and his eye turns black. He looks shocked at each encounter with the strange new boy in the mirror. When the swelling subsides, we realize his front teeth are bent backwards. Our family dentist consults with a specialist who says to leave them and encourage Angus to suck his thumb.

Two weeks after the event, Mike and I sit with Angus on the couch. He drops from our laps and goes to his toy box. He pushes it within drooling distance of the coffee table, near the spot where the wood is gouged with two small impressions. He eyes it.

“Angus,” I say. “Seriously?”

He smiles at me, and then he lifts his leg to climb in.

Laura Trunkey, mother of the amazing Angus, is a writer, and a children’s writing instructor at Story Studio. She can be reached at laurajtrunkey@gmail.com. www.kidsinvictoria.com

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Who’s Under the Water?

D

Other invertebrates, like the worms and leeches, take advantage of one of the wonderful qualities of water, namely that when it gets to freezing point, unlike other liquids, its densest form (commonly known as ice) happens to float! This means that the bottom of the lake becomes a rather attractive place. Though the surface may be frozen, which does happen on occasion but rarely

diving beetles and water boatmen, and a host of others. These creatures are ectotherms (cold-blooded) and their body temperature varies with the external temperature.

While every type of insect has its own life cycle, which is the way it grows and changes, different insects spend the winter in different stages of their lives.

Many insects spend the winter dormant, or in “diapause” (which is kind of like hibernation). It is a time when growth and development stop. The insect’s heartbeat, breathing and temperature drop. Some insects spend the winter as worm-like larvae. Others spend the winter as pupae (basically a teenage bug that is in that awkward phase of transforming from a worm-like creature to its ultimate adult shape). Other insects die after laying eggs in the fall. The eggs hatch into new insects in the spring and everything begins all over again.

uring winter, while cuddled up in our warm and cozy houses, we may spare a thought for the animals toughing it outside, but usually wind up picturing those hungry little birds gathering around our feeders, or even the desperate squirrels hunting around for those nuts they stashed somewhere during the fall. While these are definitely present at Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary, I do on occasion think about some of our other animals, namely the lake dwelling ones where the best option of survival is to head for the depths!

Swan Lake’s winter aquatic inhabitants include lots of invertebrates, fish, turtles, and the occasional frog. Migrating is just not an option for these critters, so toughing it out or hibernation is the solution for them. All of these animals have one thing in common, however: they have adaptations that allow them to withstand some pretty major temperature changes.

The little aquatic invertebrates that live in the lake include the bizarre damselfly and dragonfly nymphs, the marvelously camouflaged water stick insects, super swimming

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Jane Johnston, M.Ed. 54 Island Parent Magazine

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Fish, which are also ectotherms, also have a body temperature that is very close to the temperature of the surrounding water. Some fish, such as catfish, are known to bury them-

Nature Notes RENEE CENERINI selves in the mud, much like those worms and leeches, and await warmer temperature to resume their normal fishy lives. Others, like the pumpkinseed fish, will simply slow their metabolic rate and therefore have lower energy requirements but will continue to feed on the variety of small invertebrates still present in the lake, moving lower in the water column as necessary.

The weirdest winter inhabitant of Swan Lake, in my opinion, has to be the Western painted turtle. They undergo a series of physical and chemical changes that allows them to do something called “brumation” (essentially the reptile version of hibernation). They too take advantage of the nicer conditions at the bottom of the lake and bury themselves in the muck for a long winter nap. But you may be thinking, um, don’t turtles have to come up to the surface to breathe? After all, they don’t have gills like fish and don’t regularly absorb oxygen through their skin like many invertebrates and frogs. Amazingly though, because their metabolism rate is so slow in this state (their heart beating only once every 10 minutes) they are able to get enough oxygen through two parts of their body.

One is in the throat cavity, which is lined with lots of minute blood vessels that allow oxygen to be extracted through the water; the second is similar tissue present in two thin walled sacs near their anus. Yes, you read it here—turtles can breathe through their bums (but only during the winter)!

So there you have it, there are all kinds of animals doing weird and wonderful things, hidden out of sight, in order to survive the cold of winter. When spring does arrive, bringing with it warmer temperatures and sunnier days, the biological alarm clocks go off and everybody wakes up—ready for action!

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Ready Set Learn Open House on Wed. Jan 23, 2013, 1:30 – 2:30.

For 3 – 5 year olds! Please RSVP.

Renee Cenerini is Program Naturalist at Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary. www.IslandParent.ca

December 2012 55

Cut It Out!

Tips from Parent Educator Allison Rees of LIFE Seminars

Mind Raid!

O

ften I hear people start sentences with “I feel like,” and it usually ends with some sort of interpretation of the other person’s motives, feelings or intentions. “I feel like you don’t care at all and you think I should do all the work.” When we tell people what they think, mean and feel we are projecting our own story onto them.

There is also the notion that just because it starts with “I feel,” it should be valid and heard. It usually isn’t true and it immediately puts the person in a defensive position. If you do this, Cut it Out! This is not you expressing your feelings—you are expressing what you think and any of that can be debated.

This kind of imputing motives can be a form of “mind raid.”

To the person who goes through it, it can feel like they’re being told what they think and feel. This is an insensitive invasion into the privacy of a person’s innermost thoughts, feelings, and motives, not recognizing the integrity of the person, their true nature, and their right to privacy. Instaed, be open to hearing the other person represent himself and abandon your certainty.

You really don’t know what they think, feel or mean. This is especially true if you are talking to a child, as they don’t have the ability to defend their thoughts and this can leave them feeling terribly misunderstood. Keep your communication based on

your own perceptions of what you see or hear only. If you must express what you think someone else thinks, feels or means, then at least own that by saying, “When I think that you don’t care and want me to do all the work, I feel upset.”

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56 Island Parent Magazine

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Holiday Programs at Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre Extreme Gingerbread House Workshop (6-9 yrs) Create and renovate your very own gingerbread house and decorate it any way you want. All of the building materials and goodies will be provided. 1/$15 41340 Saturday Dec 15 1 p.m.–3 p.m.

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