WITH THE GREATER VICTORIA PERFORMING ARTS FESTIVAL
Witness the love of the performing arts at our vibrant community festival! 11 captivating concerts spanning dance, classical music, voice, musical theatre, and dramatic arts. There's something for everyone to enjoy!
Join us for unforgettable performances throughout April and May 2025.
Tickets are available at the door of each venue—don’t miss your chance to be part of this celebration of artistry and passion.
Scan the QR code below for full details, including concert schedules and locations.
CONCERT
Wednesday, April 23 - 7pm
Phillip T. Young Recital Hall
Thursday, April 24 - 7pm
Saturday, April 12 -- 6:30pm
Phillip T. Young Recital Hall
Wednesday, April 23 - 7pm First Metropolitan United Church
Dave Dunnet Community Theatre
INTERMEDIATE & SENIOR PIANO CHORAL STUDIO DANCE BRASS, GUITAR & WOODWINDS
SPEECH
Thursday, May 1 - 7pm
Knox Presbyterian Church
Friday, April 25 - 7pm
Phillip T. Young Recital Hall
JUNIOR PIANO & COMPOSITION
Friday, May 2 - 6:30pm
Phillip T. Young Recital Hall
ETHNIC DANCE & FIDDLE
Thursday, May 8 - 7pm
VOICE
Phillip T. Young Recital Hall, Friday, May 9 - 7pm
Phillip T. Young Recital Hall
May 10, 2025 - 7pm
Phillip T. Young Recital hall
ROBERTO & MARY WOOD SCHOLARSHIP CONCERT SCHOOL DANCE
Monday, May 12 - 7pm Farquhar Auditorium
The Consequences of Our Actions
As the mom of a 10-year-old daughter and sevenyear-old son, one of the hardest lessons for me to teach my kids is about consequences.
It’s not that the concept is particularly complex, in fact, it is incredibly simple and straight forward. Your actions result in a reaction—it’s Newton’s Third Law.
The difficult part is holding yourself back from interfering when you know your child’s decision is going to result in a negative consequence.
As parents, protecting our children is deeply entrenched in us, but there comes a time when you must let them “figure it out on their own.” The best teacher is experience and there are certain lessons they can only learn through doing.
For example, they are much more likely to grab their jacket on the way out the door the next time after they have spent an hour shivering outside because they refused to bring/wear it the last time. You can tell them it is cold out and they need a coat until you are blue in the face; they need to experience the biting chill for themselves so they will reach for the sweater the next time.
But was leaving the coat at home the “wrong” decision? The concept that there are no wrong decisions, only different life experiences, is an interesting one.
We spend all their young years trying to teach our children how to make the “correct” decision. How to do what’s “right.” It is a cruel irony that the most effective way to do this is by first experiencing what’s wrong. This is how we all learn, how we grow.
Good parents want to protect their children from everything but doing so would be a huge disservice to them. Sometimes our kids need to be uncomfortable, wrong, hurt, cold and mad because these are all parts of the life we are trying to prepare them for.
Whether they are trying (and failing) to make friends, starting out as a young entrepreneur (with a less than foolproof product) or headed off to sleep-away camp (maybe before they are ready), we must let them fail.
Being a great parent, isn’t about making sure they don’t fall, it’s about being there to help them up when they do.
– Stacie Gaetz
NEED TO KNOW
Flourish School Food Society
The Flourish School Food Society is an organization working in southern Vancouver Island that helps bring nourishing change to the way kids eat and learn about food. They support school gardens and promote good practice in school food services. They are currently working on school meal programs as well as introducing food literacy curricula to schools. flourishschoolfood.ca
Strong Start BC
This is a BC-government program that benefits kids from infancy until they start school. Strong Start BC is in many schools around BC (including a number on Vancouver Island). Start your child off on their learning and development journey with qualified early-learning instructors through play, language and social activities. These programs are free and offered on a drop-in basis, but you must register. Check out the website to find a program near you. gov.bc.ca
Buy BC
With more and more people looking to buy local these days, the Buy BC website is a fantastic resource to keep in your back pocket! Look for the Buy BC logo on produce and many other items you’ll find in your local grocery stores, and make sure to visit the website for more information on recipes, events and more. buybc.gov.bc.ca
Nanaimo Science & Sustainability Society
Specifically geared towards children and families, the Nanaimo Science & Sustainability Society is an incredible resource for learning and having fun! They offer camps, weekend programs, events for families, homeschool programs and so much more in parks and other areas around Nanaimo. nanaimoscience.org
Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival
The 2025 Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival runs from March 31 to May 12. This volunteer-run organization is committed to bringing the love of the arts to the public in the form of music, dance and speech art. Featuring a variety of ages and skill levels, individuals and groups, these local artists are here to inspire and educate. gvpaf.org
I ❤ ISLAND PRODUCTS
Vancouver Island Sea Salt
Collected from the fast-moving currents of South Vancouver Island, Vancouver Island Sea Salt is proud of the fact that they sell completely natural sea salt with over 40 trace minerals found in the Pacific Ocean. You won’t find any of the additives or chemicals in some other commercial sea salt products here. canadianseasalt.com
Oolani’s Creations
Oolani is a mom and Indigenous craft creator living on Vancouver Island. Her passion for creating shines through in everything she makes and she loves the challenge of creating new items for any event—shirts, bags, tumblers and more. Check out her store or contact her at oolaniscreations.com.
Salt & Seaweed Apothecary
Salt & Seaweed is passionate about protecting the environment by using sustainably harvested raw ingredients from the ocean. Handcrafted in Lantzville by a holistic aesthetician, clinical aromatherapist and naturopath, these products help you cleanse, exfoliate and nourish your soul. saltandseaweedapothecary.com
Faerie & Fantasy Festival
This vibrant celebration of artistry involving community and creativity will be held at the Mary Winspear Centre in Sidney on April 12 this year. This all-ages event promises a magical experience where whimsy and make-believe come together through interactive activities. faerieevents.ca
Parksville Free Family Skate
The Parksville Lions and Save On Foods present a free family skate at the Oceanside Place Arena on April 20. Bring the whole family for some skating fun but remember parents must accompany all kids on the ice. rdn.bc.ca/skate-schedule
Cowichan Spring Home Show
The 2025 Cowichan Spring Home Show will be held May 2 to 4 at the Cowichan Community Centre and is your one-stop shop for all your home needs and questions. Families will love the demonstrations and exploring all the new products and projects throughout the exhibition. homeshowtime.com
Colourful Run
Kids between the ages of seven and 18 can unleash their energy at the vibrant Colourful Run, May 3 at Willow Point Park. Walk or jog the 1K or 5K route. It’s all about fun and being splattered, so it’s not timed! Finish off the day with snacks and music in the Splash Park. Register in advance to ensure your spot. campbellriver.ca
NORTH ISLAND
SOUTH ISLAND
COWICHAN VALLEY
CENTRAL ISLAND
Helping Children Navigate
Friendships & Social Challenges
Friendships play a crucial role in childhood development, shaping how children communicate, build trust and navigate social situations.
While some children form friendships naturally, others face challenges such as misunderstandings, peer conflict or social isolation. Parents and caregivers can play an essential role in equipping children with the tools to foster meaningful, lasting relationships.
Building the Foundations of Friendship
One of the most important lessons children can learn is that friendships require effort, kindness and respect. Teaching children to be good friends themselves increases their chances of forming positive relationships with others. Parents can guide their children by encouraging empathy, active listening
and inclusive behaviour. Simple acts such as sharing, taking turns and considering others’ feelings help create strong social bonds.
Additionally, discussing differences in backgrounds, abilities and perspectives fosters understanding and inclusion. Encouraging children to appreciate diversity helps them develop friendships beyond their immediate social circles. Modelling these behaviours in everyday life reinforces the values of acceptance and kindness.
Navigating Conflict in Friendships
Disagreements and misunderstandings are a natural part of any relationship, including friendships. Learning how to resolve conflicts in a healthy and constructive way is a key skill that will benefit children throughout their lives.
When conflict arises, children often react emotionally, leading to impulsive decisions such as withdrawing from a friendship or responding with frustration. Teaching children how to handle disagreements calmly and respectfully helps them maintain positive social connections. Parents can support this by modelling and reinforcing key conflict resolution strategies, such as:
• Encouraging Open Communication: Help children express their feelings using “I” statements, such as “I felt hurt when...” rather than blaming language. This reduces defensiveness and opens the door to productive discussions.
• Teaching Active Listening: Encouraging children to listen without interrupting and to repeat back what they heard ensures they understand their friend’s perspective. This can prevent small misunderstandings from escalating.
• Problem-Solving Together: Instead of focusing on who is right or wrong, guide children in brainstorming solutions that work for both parties. Finding common ground strengthens friendships rather than damaging them.
• Knowing When to Take a Break: Some conflicts benefit from a short pause before trying to resolve them. Teaching children that it is okay to step away and return to a conversation later can prevent heightened emotions from making things worse.
By reinforcing these skills, parents help children gain confidence in handling conflicts independently, leading to stronger and more resilient friendships.
Supporting Children Who Struggle Socially
Not all children find it easy to make friends. Those who are shy, anxious or struggle with social cues may need extra support. Creating structured opportunities for social interaction can make a significant difference. Activities such as team sports, art classes or community programs provide a shared focus, making it easier for children to connect with peers.
For children who need additional guidance, role-playing social situations at home can help build confidence. Practicing how to introduce themselves, join group activities or handle small disagreements can reduce anxiety in real-life interactions. Parents can also encourage their children to seek out friendships based on shared interests, as these connections often feel more natural and meaningful.
The Role of Parents
Beyond providing guidance, parents serve as role models for their children’s social development. Demonstrating positive interactions, showing kindness to others and managing conflicts respectfully all set an example for children to follow. Creating a home environment where open conversations about friendships and emotions are encouraged helps children feel supported as they navigate their social world.
For parents seeking additional tools to support their child’s friendships, The Friendship Guide offers practical advice and insights based on years of experience in child psychology. This resource provides actionable steps to help children develop strong, lasting friendships built on trust, respect and mutual understanding.
By nurturing these skills from an early age, parents empower their children to form healthy relationships that will benefit them throughout their lives. With guidance and encouragement, every child can learn how to build and maintain friendships that bring joy, support and a sense of belonging.
Dr. Jillian Roberts is a registered psychologist, professor at the University of Victoria, founder of the MindKey Health Clinics and author of over a dozen best-selling children’s books, including The Friendship Guide.
No Wrong Decisions
Letting our adolescents make their own choices
I’ve made a lot of what most people would say were mistakes in my life. I’ve had bad perms, questionable boyfriends and dreadful jobs. But I was raised with the theory that there are no wrong decisions, just different life experiences.
My dad used to say when faced with a “Y” in the road, going down one path will get you blackberries and going down the other will get you raspberries.
Now a parent of teenagers myself, I’m learning that this fruit analogy is useful in raising thoughtful, critical thinkers. What we often think of as mistakes are just the results of our decisions that we must live with and learn from.
I was 21 years old when I asked my dad to “loan” me money to buy a plane ticket to Korea. I had no means to pay him back. I had just graduated from college and was ready to start my career as a dental assistant. I knew nothing about Korea, but my new boyfriend was moving there to teach English and urged me to go along.
Two things had been true up until that point: I wanted to travel, and I always had a boyfriend. Combining the two felt like a great opportunity. I got the “loan” and bought the ticket, but as the departure date approached, I started to have
doubts. I had no interest in Korea as a country and my college diploma did not qualify me to teach English there. A little belated, I started to ask myself some important questions: Why did I want to go to Korea? What was I hoping to gain from the experience?
Two weeks before I was set to leave, I drove to my hometown to welcome home my stepsister. She had spent a year in Argentina as a Rotary exchange student and was different: confident, glowing, emboldened. I felt clear for the first time since I’d bought my ticket—I wanted to feel like my sister did. I had answered my own question, but the answer wasn’t ideal because my ticket, which had cost about the same as my first car, was non-refundable. And I no longer had an apartment or a job.
In a panic, I called my dad and begged him to tell me what to do. Instead, he helped me weigh my options, reminding me that I was young and relatively free and that it would never be easier to travel and have adventures. On the other hand, I had a good life waiting in Victoria. Korea was blackberries. Victoria was raspberries.
I cancelled my ticket, said goodbye to my boyfriend and started my life in Victoria.
I have a teenager myself now and I understand how difficult it is to let her make her own decisions, especially when I think I know what’s best for her.
Recently, she had to choose between fun and responsibility. Her high school basketball team’s wrap-up party was on the same night that her other basketball team was playing in the semi-finals of a tournament.
My daughter had worked hard all season and deserved to celebrate with her school team. On the other hand, she had made a commitment to her other team, and they needed her. The FOMO was real, but so was the reality of letting her team down.
I did what my dad had done with me. I highlighted the two options and the possible outcomes of each choice, and I let her choose. My daughter decided to forgo the party and play in the game, joining the school party for what remained of it.
I’d like to think that she had a moment of clarity about her personal values and insight into her character, but I wouldn’t
know. Like many teenagers, she only comes out of her bedroom to eat or ask for money or a ride. But I do know she learned something about herself and that, thankfully, this can’t be another thing she blames me for.
I eventually made it to Europe and travelling was every bit as wonderful as I had imagined all those years ago. When we trust ourselves, and our children, to make informed decisions, we clarify what matters the most to us, and that can never be wrong.
Most decisions involve some type of compromise. There are costs and benefits to everything, which my dad can confirm because I still haven’t paid him back for the ticket.
Sarah Le Masurier is a working mother, writer and consumer of coffee and books—in that order. She writes about the messy and real parts of parenting and reveals her underbelly in her words. You can read more of Sarah’s writing at sarahseitz.ca.
Now What? You’re Pregnant!
You might be thinking “Wow! It worked!” Or “Oh no!
What now?” Or maybe even a bit of both.
Being pregnant is a physical process—the process of growing the baby inside of you, your body changing and preparing to give birth and lactate. But pregnancy is also an intense time psychologically and emotionally.
If you have a life-partner, the two of you change from a couple into a family. Every member of your family of origin moves on the family tree—they become grandparents and aunts and uncles, cousins and siblings. Roles and relationships shift and change.
It’s no wonder you feel overwhelmed! Here are some resources that can help you, important “to dos” to add to your list, and ideas you might like to think about and discuss with your partner, family or friends.
We are going to focus on the first trimester—the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, when you are getting used to the idea of having a baby.
You might have some early symptoms of pregnancy—sore breasts, moodiness, cramping, a little spotting (implantation
spotting around day 21 to 22 of your cycle is normal and nothing to worry about)—or you may have none of these.
Resources
There is a lot to know about how pregnancy affects you and how your body and your baby will grow and change. Relying on trusted sources of information is important:
• Perinatal Services BC has a lot of good, BC-specific resources and information, including a Pregnancy Passport full of tips and places to record the steps on your journey. Check out perinatalservicesbc.ca/health-info/pregnancy for more information.
• SmartParentCanada.ca is a program that sends you short text messages that are timed to your week of pregnancy. This is a great way to get information in small digestible bits!
• Health Canada offers a free booklet available online called Your Guide to a Health Pregnancy.
• If you prefer a hard-copy book, Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn by Penny Simkin is excellent, and will answer many of your questions for the next year.
• Lamaze International offers a weekly email with tips and updates based on your due date. Sign up to receive it at lamaze.org/giving-birth-with-confidence
Now What?
• Start taking a pregnancy vitamin tablet with folic acid— talk to your pharmacist, they will help you choose.
• Find a care-provider—do you want a doctor or a midwife? Both types of care are covered by the BC Medical Services Plan.
• Find out about the family physicians in Victoria who provide maternity care at coastalmaternitycare.com
• Find out about the midwives providing care in Victoria at bcmidwives.com/find-a-midwife.html
• See your chosen care provider.
• Your care provider will probably:
• Ask about your medical history and get to know you a little
• Examine you, weigh you and measure your height
• Provide useful information about your health and safety (and those of your baby) during pregnancy
• Order medical tests (mostly blood tests)
• Offer prenatal screening for genetic abnormalities
• See you every four to six weeks until you get to 30 weeks.
• Continue your normal physical activity routine. Unless you have some special risk, there is no need to reduce your activity.
• If you are not regularly physically active, find an activity you can pursue throughout pregnancy—walk, swim, dance.
• Talk, talk, talk with your partner about your plans as coparents. This is a good time to work on your relationship and make it as strong and harmonious as possible.
Try not to think too far ahead. Nine months is plenty of time to get everything organized for the baby. You will feel interested in different aspects of pregnancy, birth and parenting at different times, and that is normal. You don’t need to do everything at once.
Find other pregnant parents to talk to in person or online. It’s useful to hear about other people’s experiences, and to learn about local resources.
Be gentle with yourself. The first trimester is a time when you are likely to feel quite tired and overwhelmed. Nausea and vomiting are a common problem. As you move into the second trimester, you will probably feel better, and more energetic.
This is the first installment of a series about the Five Trimesters of Pregnancy. Check out an upcoming issue of Island Parent for more about how to thrive through your pregnancy and early parenting experience.
Eva Bild is a childbirth and lactation educator and grandmother. She is the founder of Mothering Touch, where she facilitates Baby Groups on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Come and join her. Learn more at motheringtouch.ca
Kidovate
How do we prepare our kids to grow up resilient to the economic challenges we are experiencing today and that will be an inevitable part of their futures?
According to the Oxford Economics Papers, quantum computing and AIrelated innovations are predicted to hit their peak impact in 2035, and our kids need to be ready to ride the wave.
One way to help prepare them is to teach them how to deal with ambiguity and uncertainty by thinking entrepreneurially.
The focus of entrepreneurship is creating new value. Creating economic, social and environmental value is likely to be hallmark skill for new employees entering tomorrow’s workforce. But how can young people in our Greater Victoria
A Showcase of Youth Entrepreneurial Spirit & Innovation
region get the necessary hands-on experience in creating new value?
Kidovate
An initiative program offered by the University of Victoria has made this easier than ever. The Gustavson School of Business has created Kidovate, a free youth entrepreneurship experience that helps kids start micro-businesses.
Using a graphic workbook, middle school and high school students walk through how to find an idea, create a product concept, price and package their product, and sell their product at a oneday market.
“To date, over 400 local youth have participated in Kidovate and we expect 2025 to be the biggest year yet,” says Kidovate cofounder and UVIC entrepreneurship professor Brock Smith.
“For Market Day 2025 on April 5, we’ll fill all three levels of the Victoria Bay Centre with youth entrepreneurs selling everything from jewelry they have made, to plants they’ve grown and wooden trays they’ve crafted. The variety of micro-businesses that are started
is incredible, and the takeaway learning is immense.”
How can you help?
Visit the next Kidovate Market Day and encourage these young entrepreneurs with a kind word of encouragement or a cash purchase. It is a wonderful opportunity to show your kids what it might be like to be an entrepreneur, and how to support entrepreneurship in our community—support that is more important than ever.
The learning is in the doing. And there cannot be a full learning cycle without customers. By having to think through the many decisions that go into creating something that others value, Kidovate youth are challenged to think critically and to solve problems.
Producing products and selling them at Kidovate Market Day is filled with unknowns. Through Kidovate, young people get to face uncertainty and push past it. Whether students sell 20 items or 200 items, interacting with customers to make a sale encourages self-reliance and determination.
“Through the experience of creating something that a customer values enough to buy, students have had to work through a complex number of decisions and failures too,” says Kidovate cofounder and UVIC business professor Claudia Smith.
“Kidovate, by its very nature, builds their resilience muscle mass. There is no straight line in entrepreneurship, it is always a series of iterations and pivots. These are critical skills for students to learn early—that and perseverance.”
If your child is interested in joining Kidovate next year, visit kidovate.ca.
Dr. Claudia Smith is a professor at the University of Victoria who co-founded Kidovate. She finds joy in teaching entrepreneurship and doing research that helps entrepreneurs. Kidovate is a youth entrepreneurship initiative of the Gustavson School of Business.
Learning Adventures at Local Farmers’ Markets
Farmers’ markets aren’t just about fresh veggies and homemade jam, they’re bustling hubs of creativity, learning and opportunity—especially for kids with big ideas and families looking for fun ways to connect!
Here on Vancouver Island, these markets are more than a place to shop—they’re spaces where young entrepreneurs can test out business ideas and families can enjoy a day of exploring, tasting and supporting local businesses. Whether it’s a budding artist selling handcrafted jewelry or a young baker offering cookies fresh from the oven, farmers’ markets provide real-world lessons in business, creativity and community.
So, let’s dive into why these markets are a great experience for young entrepreneurs and a fantastic way for families to spend time together.
Get creative. Whether it’s painted driftwood, homemade beeswax candles or fresh-baked dog treats, kids can see how they can turn their hobbies into a business.
Get money smart. Encourage kids to ask how makers set their prices and help them figure out profit margins. Then give your kids a specific amount of money to spend and help them with the budget so they can buy what they truly want.
Support local and sustainable business. Buying and selling handmade, homegrown or eco-friendly goods teaches kids about ethical entrepreneurship and the importance of shopping locally.
Meet the growers and makers. Kids can ask farmers how carrots grow, learn where their honey comes from or chat with an artisan about soap-making.
Taste the many flavours of the island. From fresh-picked berries to warm, flaky pastries and fresh pressed juice, local markets offer incredible food that kids (and parents) will love.
Vancouver Island is home to some of the best farmers’
markets in BC, and many of them are perfect for families and young business minds. Here are a few of our favourites from all over the island.
Moss Street Market (Victoria)
This large market carries almost everything you can dream of! It runs year-round and even features a Young Entrepreneurs Market, where kids can sell their own products and gain real business experience. mossstreetmarket.com
Duncan Farmers’ Market
This is one of the biggest markets on the island—and it’s open 50 weeks of the year (closed for two weeks at Christmas). With over 150 vendors, it’s the perfect place for families to explore and for young business owners to see how local entrepreneurs thrive. duncanfarmersmarket.ca
Qualicum Beach Farmers’ Market
Here’s another market that’s open year-round and one people travel from all over the island to visit. This market is strictly “Make it, Bake it, Grow it,” meaning everything is locally made or grown—a great place for kids to learn about ethical business practices. qbfarmersmarket.com
Errington Farmers’ Market
This charming market may only be open from May to September every year, but it’s been going strong for over 50 years! Located in a beautiful, shady forest setting, it’s a favourite for families and often features local youth selling their crafts, baked goods and homegrown produce. erringtonfarmersmarket.ca
Comox Valley Farmers’ Market
The Comox Valley Farmers’ Market holds a year-round market every Saturday in Courtenay and a seasonal market in Cumberland, as well as various vendor and special events across the Comox Valley. This market is a must-visit for food lovers and a fantastic place for kids to get inspired by local vendors. cvfm.ca
Sidney Street Market
Probably the ultimate summer market! Every Thursday evening from June until September, the Sidney Street Market transforms Sidney into a lively street festival, with vendors, live music, delicious food and a ton of fun for everyone. sidney.ca
Salt Spring Saturday Market
From April to October, head to Ganges on a Saturday morning to pick up your local produce and freshly baked goods.
Check out the handmade clothes and all the arts and crafts from talented locals of all ages. saltspringmarket.com
Cedar Farmers’ Market (Nanaimo)
Located just outside of Nanaimo, the Cedar Farmers’ Market runs from May until October every year. Featuring special programs to benefit local agriculture and nutrition programs that support youth and local families, it’s the perfect place to explore food, crafts and beauty products. cedarfarmersmarket.org
Farmers’ markets on Vancouver Island are so much more than a place to shop. They’re places where families connect, kids learn valuable skills and young entrepreneurs take their first steps into the world of business. So, whether your child dreams of selling their own handmade goodies, or you’re just looking for a fun weekend activity, grab a tote bag and head to your nearest farmers’ market.
SUMMER CAMPS 2025
Safely Getting Girls in the Game,
In recent years, researchers have increasingly focused on the female athlete perspective and the broader engagement of women and girls in physical activity. This growing body of research highlights the unique challenges female athletes face and underscores the importance of addressing these through targeted interventions.
Injury Prevention in Female Athletes
Sports science has emphasized the importance of tailored strength and conditioning programs to address gender-specific injury risks. Female athletes are particularly susceptible to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears and concussions due to both intrinsic factors, such as anatomical and hormonal differences, and extrinsic factors, including training practices and movement patterns. A well-designed strength and conditioning program can significantly enhance athletic performance while mitigating these risks by strengthening key muscle groups, improving neuromuscular control and optimizing biomechanics.
Non-contact ACL injuries remain a significant issue in youth and amateur athletics. Female athletes experience ACL tears at alarmingly higher rates than their male counterparts in sports such as basketball, volleyball and soccer. Despite the increased participation of women in sports over recent years, the disparity in ACL injury rates persists. Studies indicate that female basketball players are 3.5 times more likely than males to suffer an ACL injury, while female soccer players face a 2.8 times higher risk. These injuries often occur during rapid stops combined with lateral movements, with the ACL tearing in as little as 70 milliseconds due to improper movement mechanics.
Dynamic movement patterns play a critical role in ACL injury risk. Suboptimal mechanics, such as improper landing techniques or inefficient changes in direction, place undue stress on the knee joint. Addressing these risks involves focusing on both extrinsic factors, which can be modified through training and coaching, and intrinsic factors, which include biological predispositions.
Role of Training & Education
Physical education teachers, coaches and strength-training professionals can play a crucial role in reducing lower body injuries in female athletes. Key areas of focus include:
• Correcting poor motor control and biomechanics during jumping, landing and cutting maneuvers.
• Strengthening stabilizing muscles such as the glutes, hamstrings and core.
• Implementing sport-specific neuromuscular control drills to improve movement patterns.
• Incorporating neuromuscular training programs that focus on dynamic analysis and sport-specific exercises can help prevent injuries while enhancing athletic performance. These programs should become integral components of middle and high school physical education and athletic curricula.
• Embedding Best Practices in Schools Organizations such as Canadian Sport for Life (CS4L) and the Long-Term Athlete Development Model (LTAD) offer frameworks for integrating these practices into school systems. CS4L aims to improve the health, wellness and sporting experiences of all Canadians by advancing physical literacy, enhancing performance and fostering lifelong participation in physical activity.
When girls and women develop physical literacy, they gain self-esteem, confidence and competence making them more likely to successfully partake in physical fitness and sports.
However, participation rates among girls in sports remain critically low. Only four percent of girls meet the recommended daily physical activity levels, according to a Canadian Health Measures Survey.
The Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute found that 70 percent of girls report regular involvement in sports over the past year compared to 81 percent of boys. To close this gap, it is essential to implement strategies that actively promote and support girls’ engagement in sports and physical activity. Establishing inclusive and encouraging environments will play a vital role in fostering their growth and realizing their potential.
Addressing Bias in Sports Research & Leadership
Historically, sports-related research has predominantly focused on young, white males, resulting in training programs
that often fail to address the specific needs of female athletes. This bias is evident in physical education curricula, commu nity sports initiatives and high-performance training systems. Moreover, the prevailing culture in sports tends to prioritize the experiences of white, middle-class, heterosexual and ablebodied individuals, effectively excluding many women and girls in Canada, according to the British Columbia Centre for Excellence in Women’s Health.
Leadership opportunities in sports have also historically favoured men, particularly in areas like program development, valued competencies, professional networks and career progression. Addressing these inequities is essential to fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment. Ensuring that training, leadership positions and participation opportunities are accessible and fair for all women and girls will break down barriers and pave the way for a more representative and supportive sports culture.
Advancing Success of Women & Girls in Sports
By addressing injury prevention, embedding inclusive training programs in schools and challenging systemic biases in sports research and leadership, we can create a supportive environment where female athletes thrive. Promoting physical literacy and equitable opportunities not only benefits individual athletes but also strengthens the broader sports community.
St. Margaret’s School (SMS) Athletic Director, Dr. Dawn Ranns, is a Hall of Fame athlete and educator with expertise in athletic training and health sciences. A four-time All-American, she has led SMS teams to the BC Provincials, launched a femalefocused strength program and published research on concussion education and academic reintegration.
MUSICAL THEATRE
THEATRE SUMMER CAMP AGES 8-18 MUSICAL
incredible opportunity to immerse themselves
in the magic of Musical Theatre. Our goal is to offer an unforgettable experience to all the participants that will be so fantastic it will be the highlight of their summer! Camp ends with a Broadway Musical performed in the
REGISTRATION
Camp 2: July 21st - August 1st
Charlie White Theatre in front of friends, family and the community.
2243 Beacon Avenue, Sidney BC
Camp Is Great … for Parents Reasons 10
Camp is not just a fun experience for kids—it can also be an absolute game-changer for parents.
After dropping their kids off at camp, mom and dad can take a breather from the non-stop routine of managing schoolwork, extracurricular activities and the constant juggling act of family and work.
With kids at camp, you get some peace and quiet to recharge, focus on work, tend to your relationship or just enjoy a more relaxed pace of life for a while.
1. Personal Growth
While kids grow and develop at camp, parents also benefit. Having time to themselves allows parents to rediscover hobbies, spend more time with each other or simply enjoy some self-care.
2. A Chance to Get Away
With the kids away, parents can connect more deeply. Some families use the time for vacations, weekend getaways or just enjoying quiet evenings together somewhere other than home. Without the distractions of daily life, it’s easier to nurture relationships and make memories.
3. The Benefit of Socializing
While kids are off making new friends, parents can socialize
too. Some camps offer parent weekends or online communities where parents can meet others who are going through similar experiences. This can create a strong network of support and even lifelong friendships. It is also an opportunity to call or text your old friends you haven’t seen in a while now that every waking moment isn’t jam-packed with responsibilities.
4. A Sense of Accomplishment
Knowing that they’ve sent their kids to an enriching experience that supports their independence, personal development and well-being gives parents a sense of pride and fulfillment. It’s not just about the break; it’s about knowing your children are in good hands and are benefiting from the camp experience.
5. Helping Kids Build Independence
Seeing their kids learn new skills, make their own decisions and become more self-sufficient is rewarding for parents. It reinforces their role in raising confident, capable children. Parents get to witness the growth of their kids without the constant day-to-day pressure.
6. Learning How to Let Go
Sending kids to camp can be a big emotional milestone for
parents. It helps parents learn how to let go, trust others with their children’s well-being and embrace the idea that their kids are growing up. It’s a step toward healthier parent-child relationships.
7. Improved Relationships
The time apart can enhance relationships within the family. Parents can reconnect with each other, strengthen their partnership and spend quality time together without the usual distractions of managing a busy household.
8. More Time for Work or Projects
With kids at camp, parents often have more time to focus on work, personal projects or other responsibilities. It can be an opportunity for career growth, completing long-overdue tasks or renovations, or pursuing activities that are difficult to do with kids at home.
9. Enhanced Family Bonding When Kids Return
After the kids come back from camp, parents often notice how their children have grown—more independent, confident and skilled. This can lead to a renewed appreciation for the
family bond and a better understanding of their children’s needs and strengths.
10. Time to Reassess Parenting & Family Goals
With time to reflect, parents may gain perspective on their family dynamic and goals. Camp can serve as a reminder of the importance of fostering independence and personal growth for both children and parents.
Camp provides incredible benefits for children and offers parents valuable opportunities for self-care, improved relationships and a healthier family dynamic overall. The benefits of camp for the whole family are undeniable. It’s about creating space for everyone to grow, relax and reconnect.
Stacie Gaetz is the managing editor of Island Parent Magazine and the proud mama of a delightful daughter and silly son who fill her days with love and chaos. Reach her at editor@islandparent.ca.
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Protecting Wildflowers in Spring
Plants grow by the inch but die by the foot.
Springtime—breathe in the crisp air, listen for calls of playful birds and watch your step for wildflowers! As a naturalist with Capital Regional District (CRD) Regional Parks, one of my favourite seasons to be out and about is spring.
There’s something inspiring and uplifting about the season. I recall one outing where a family with young kids was enjoying smelling the wildflowers. One of them got a little too close and ended up with some bright yellow pollen on their nose—thankfully, no bee seemed to mistake them for a flower! Wildflowers can often go unnoticed but when in full bloom, they are a sight to see, and one to protect.
Wildflowers abound in spring with their colourful and diverse looks. They can be incredibly small or large, creatively camouflaged or fantastically showy. On southern Vancouver Island, Garry oak ecosystems help support many species of wildflowers. These ecosystems are rare and endangered with less than three percent remaining in a natural state in Canada. You’ll recognize these ecosystems by the dominant
Garry oak trees with their twisty branches and rough scaly bark.
These ecosystems are open meadows, which helps the smaller plants underneath to grow. Many local First Nations managed these meadows by conducting prescribed burns to cultivate the growth of camas. Known by its striking purple flower, camas is a carbohydrate-rich bulb that grows underground. It is worth noting here that in many places, including CRD Regional Parks, harvesting is only permitted for the animals and cultures that depend on these resources.
With these meadows being so rare, protecting them is paramount. In the Greater Victoria area, you can visit CRD Regional Parks like Thetis Lake, Mill Hill and Devonian to see conservation in action. Restoration volunteers work hard to remove invasive species like Scotch broom and Himalayan blackberry and park naturalists and cultural programmers lead walks highlighting the parks’ features. A guided walk is a great way to gain a new appreciation for an area but if you’re unable to join a guide, here are some activities I’d recommend for your next spring family outing:
Wildflower Scavenger Hunt
You can find a wildflower scavenger hunt on the CRD website (crd.ca) that you can use on your phone or print off. You can also borrow a plant ID book from the library and use that to help identify what you’re seeing. Wildflowers can bloom at various times so what you see on one walk might be entirely different than your next! You might spot snowdrops as early as January, white fawn lilies in April and purple sanicles in May. Western trillium is one of my favourites to watch for, as the flowers are first white but as time goes on, they turn pink!
Nature Shapes
Cut out some different shapes in various sizes. As you walk along the trail, see if you can find these shapes in nature. What shapes are the flower petals? Are they all the same? How about the sizes? Encourage thoughtful exploration by explaining the importance of leaving flowers for the animals and cultures that depend on them. It is important to model respectful and kind behaviour so wildflowers can be enjoyed by all. There are some species that can take years to bloom from seed to flower; white fawn lilies, for example, can take up to eight years!
Nature Journaling
Bring a journal or some paper, plus pencils or crayons, with you to a park or your backyard. Find some wildflowers
and spend time observing them—the shapes, the colours, the textures. Then whether you’re artistic or not, try drawing the flower! Maybe it’s an abstract version (mine would be on par with a stick person). As a game, have members of your family draw different flowers and then guess which flowers they drew. The artist can choose whether to provide clues or not!
Whatever activity you take part in and whichever park you visit, one of the most important things you can do is stay on the trail. Official trails have been designed to protect sensitive areas and, in some cases, endangered species, including Garry oak ecosystems. Wildflowers are often a sight unseen until they bloom. Their leaves are fragile, they can grow by the inch and trampling them with our feet can lead to less wildflowers in following years. Let’s watch our step and stay on trail to make sure wildflowers will continue to be a sight to see for years to come.
Lauren Sherwood is a Parks Naturalist with CRD Regional Parks on southern Vancouver Island. She enjoys spotting the bright colours of wildflowers and happy flights of bees in the spring while watching her step. Please visit the website for the calendar of events: crd.ca/parks-events.
STOP the Food Fight
Sleep regressions, toilet training and flavourful meals are three things that strike fear in the hearts of most parents.
If you’ve ever wondered why children all over the globe seem to grow and thrive on spicy and exotic foods but you only longingly remember eating Pad Thai and vindaloo, you are not alone. Food fads, fights and phases are all too common among children.
There are a huge number of kids that express food preferences. From the kid who will only eat foods of a certain colour, to the kid who refuses to eat anything besides peanut butter sandwiches, it is amazing the things they come up with to keep parents on their toes.
In my case, I had one kid who went through a phase of only wanting sweet and starchy foods, and another kid who
didn’t like mixing foods with different textures. And I’ll never forget the Emmyworthy performances that ensued whenever I accidentally served them something with a strong flavour. Onions, garlic, ginger and cumin were all drama-worthy in our house.
What is a parent to do?
Here’s the current advice from the Dietitians of Canada distilled down to five points:
1. It is your job, as the parent, to serve healthy meals. It is their job, as the child, to choose what they are going to eat.
2. Set regular meal and snack times (three meals and two to three snacks). Only offer water between meals. This helps ensure your kids are hungry at mealtimes.
3. Eat together and make meals a family activity.
4. Don’t make special food for your child. Serve the same food to everyone. However, make sure to serve at least one food you know your child will like so they won’t go hungry (like bread, crackers or milk).
5. Let your child choose what to eat and how much to eat. If they don’t eat anything, remind them there will only be water until the next mealtime.
I have a few pieces of additional advice, based on my parenting experiences:
1. If your kid only eats dessert, stop serving dessert. That way they won’t skip meals expecting to fill up on dessert. Enjoy your treats when your kids aren’t around. Hurrah for naps!
2. Let them be free to change their food preferences as they grow up. This is all about the language you use to discuss food with your child. Don’t label them
as a “picky eater.” Don’t tell them that they won’t like certain foods. Don’t talk about your kid’s food preferences with other people. Avoid turning their food preferences into a part of their personality. Remember, it’s just a phase that they will grow out of.
3. Serve flavourful foods, like curries, without the heat. Stick a bottle of hot sauce or sriracha on the table instead.
4. Involve your kids in shopping and cooking. Food always tastes best when you’ve helped to prepare it!
Still need more help? We’ve got you covered! Here is a recipe that hides the usual culprits of pickiness: vegetables, fibre and protein. It’s easy to make and kid-friendly!
Mean Green Pancakes
Vegetable packed pancakes are a favourite dinner at our house. Kids love trying out different toppings. Serve these pancakes with butter, cheese, yogurt, sour cream, sliced tomatoes or humus. My favourite topping is a squeeze of lemon. Alternately, omit the onion and serve your mean green pancakes with all the usual sweet toppings.
Veggies & Wet Ingredients
1 package of frozen spinach, defrosted
11⁄2 cup of milk
4 eggs
1⁄4 cup of oil
3 Tbsp of onion (optional)
Dry Ingredients
13⁄4 cup whole wheat flour
1⁄3 cup cornmeal
1⁄4 cup rolled oats
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1. Drain the water from the spinach. Place all the wet ingredients and vegetables in a blender and blend until smooth. Add the dry ingredients and pulse to combine.
2. Heat a frying pan on medium.
3. When the pan is hot, start making pancakes with a 1⁄4 cup of batter for each pancake.
4. The pancakes will be ready to flip when they are bubbling in the middle and dry around the edges. Flip, then cook the other side for about 1 minute.
5. Serve immediately or keep warm in a low oven.
Emillie Parrish loves having adventures with her two busy children. You can find more of her recipes in her cookbook Fermenting Made Simple. fermentingforfoodies.com
Growing Up Brave, Beautiful & Brilliant
Alocations. cathedralschool.ca 250-383-5132
s the flowers around us continue to burst into bloom and we get closer to the day we see our first fawn of the season (when they’re still just cute and not annoying because they gobble up our gardens), we can take a moment to appreciate how much everything around us grows.
It can be beautiful, but it can also be alarming, especially when our children start to overtake us in height. In this edition, I’ll focus on books that showcase growth, whether it’s plants growing, our kids’ minds growing or their bodies being just the right size for now.
The first book is 9 Little People by Regina Feldmann and illustrated by Martina Stuhlberger. This poem reminds me of all the friends I made at the parent and baby group I attended when I was a new mother, because it starts with nine little people still in their mothers’ bellies. Then it follows them as they grow out of the newborn stage, through toddlerhood and into young children. The pictures that go with the poem are absolutely stunning. They conjure a cozy, happy, warm, fun feeling while showcasing the diversity
of race and ability that we see in our neighbourhoods. For ages 4 to 8.
While our children always seem to grow much faster than we were expecting, sometimes they are still shorter than other children their age. And while that’s not a problem, it can cause some unique challenges. If your child is in that position, they will definitely understand how Dot feels in Not Little by Maya Myers and illustrated by Hyewon Yum. Dot is the smallest person in her family, and because she is small, people always think she is less capable of doing things. But, while Dot is small, she is not little. When a new kid, who’s even smaller than she is, gets into trouble with the mean boy, Dot must decide just how big she is. For ages 4 to 8.
Even kids who aren’t the smallest one in their family or class can fear things. Sometimes when their fears get to them, they can make big mistakes, which often makes the whole situation seem even worse. If your child has ever experienced that, Yuri knows how they feel. In Mayhem at the Museum which is written and illustrated by Hannah Brückner and translated from German by Laura Watkinson, Yuri’s fear of birds catches them off-guard, and they fall into the dinosaur display. It’s “the kind of catastrophe that ALWAYS happens when ABSOLUTELY
Christina Van Starkenburg lives with her husband, children and cat. She is the author of One Tiny Turtle: A Story You Can Colour and many articles. To read more of her work and learn about her upcoming books visit christinavanstarkenburg.com. Facebook: facebook.com/christinavanstarkenburg and X: @Christina_VanS.
EVERYONE is looking,” and Yuri is understandably embarrassed, stressed and scared of the attention and the disaster. Mayhem at the Museum showcases a few important parts of growing up: learning how to cope with stress and learning how to fix your mistakes. For ages 4 to 8.
Millie also learns how to manage stress in Millie and the Midnight Hedgehog by Bernadette Watts. Unlike Yuri, who is stressed because of a mistake they made, Millie is stressed by every-
thing going on in the world around her, specifically climate change and the decrease of butterflies and other animals. At first, she feels too small and scared to do anything, because it’s such a big problem. But, with a little encouragement from a hedgehog, Millie discovers small things that she can do in her own backyard to help the world and help herself feel at peace. For ages 4 to 8.
Finally, there is something that every person, plant and animal needs to grow: the sun. In her book Sun in My Tummy, which is illustrated by Andrea Blinick, Laura Alary shows us how we use the
sun to survive. Sometimes the process is direct, like a plant using photosynthesis, and other times the process is indirect, like when we eat the plants. But no matter how it happens, we all have a bit of sun in our bellies, and Blinick highlights that idea with her brilliant illustrations that evoke the sun’s warmth on every page. For ages 4 to 8.
I hope these five stories bring you joy and help you celebrate the growth you see around you. I also hope they inspire you and your children to accept your bodies for whatever size they may be, and help your kids learn new ways to cope with stress, no matter the cause.
Is Your Child Ready to Be Left Home Alone?
Leaving your kid home alone for the first time is a rite of passage—for them and for you. But how do you know if they’re ready? Are they responsible enough to handle an hour solo without turning your kitchen into a science experiment gone wrong?
Here are nine things to consider before you make your decision.
1. Consider Age vs. Maturity
While there’s no magic age when your child can be safely left on their own, experts generally suggest kids under 10 shouldn’t be left alone. That said, some 12-year-olds would lose their heads if it wasn’t attached, while some nine-yearolds could probably file your taxes. It’s about maturity, not just the number of candles on their last birthday cake.
2. How Will They Handle Snack Time?
If your child’s idea of “cooking” is eating dry cereal straight from the box, they
might not be ready for solo snack duty. If they can whip up a simple snack without setting off the smoke alarm (or leaving a mess that looks like a tornado hit the kitchen), they’re on the right track.
3. Do They Have Emergency Know-How?
Run a pop quiz: “What do you do if a stranger knocks on the door?” If their answer is anything other than “Don’t open it,” you might need to go over Home Alone 101 again. They need to be able to recite emergency numbers, your phone number and at least two other numbers of family members, friends or neighbours who live close by. They should also know where you keep the first aid kit and how to use it.
4.
Do a Mini Test Run
Before heading out for a whole evening, start small. Run to the grocery store for 15 minutes and see what happens. If you come back and everything is as you
left it, that’s a great sign. If your living room now resembles an art project gone wrong, they might need a little more time. Try extending the test to a quick coffee run before leaving them alone for longer stretches.
5. Are They Comfortable Being Alone?
This is a very important question. Even if your child seems responsible enough, ask them if they are comfortable being alone. Some kids love the idea until they’re home alone and start imagining every creak is a burglar. If they’re nervous, ease into it with short absences before jumping to a full evening away. Remind them that the “monsters” they hear are probably just the fridge making weird noises.
6. Will They Be in Charge of Siblings?
Leaving one kid alone is one thing, but if they have younger siblings, the game
changes. If your older child is mature enough to watch their younger siblings without turning the house into a WWE arena, that’s great. If they still argue over who breathes too loudly, maybe rethink that plan. Also, make sure they understand their role isn’t to “parent” their sibling but to keep things in order—no drastic haircut experiments or extreme bossiness allowed.
7. Have You Gone Over the Rules?
Make sure they know what’s off-limits (the stove, answering the door, roller skating in the house, etc). And make sure you agree upon a check-in plan—whether it’s calling you after an hour or sending a periodical “still alive, no disasters” text.
8. Do You Have a Backup Plan?
Even if your kid is ready to be home alone, it’s useful to have a backup plan–at least the first few times. Things happen—the Wi-Fi fails, the dog escapes or a random panic sets in. Make sure a nearby friend, relative or neighbour is on standby just in case. It’ll give you peace of mind knowing your child has someone to call for help if needed.
9. Trust Your Gut
At the end of the day, you know your kid best. If you have that nagging feeling they’re not quite ready, trust it. There’s no rush—eventually, they’ll be begging you to leave them alone so they can blast their music and eat snacks in peace. If your gut says they’re ready, take a deep breath and embrace this new independent phase.
Leaving your child home alone is a big step for both of you. Start small, prepare them well and embrace the moment when you realize you can finally run errands by yourself.
Erika Palmer is a writer living in Victoria with her husband and daughter. She believes most problems can be solved with a good cup of tea and a huge piece of chocolate.
Growing Connections
Restoring Clam Gardens & Caring for Our Beaches
Imagine taking your child to the beach, not just to play in the sand, but to be part of something bigger—restoring an ancient practice that has sustained families for generations.
Along the West Coast, Indigenous communities have long cared for clam gardens—rock-walled terraces built along shorelines to create the ideal habitat for shellfish. These gardens didn’t just grow food; they nurtured ecosystems, traditions, and community ties.
However, colonization disrupted these practices, leading to environmental decline and a disconnect between people and their traditional food sources. Now, thanks to a partnership between the Hul’q’umi’num’ and WSÁNEC ´ First Nations and Parks Canada, families have the chance to be part of restoring these vital ecosystems in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve.
Growing healthy ecosystems: together!
Just like a backyard garden at home, clam gardens require care and attention. Over the last decade, much of the beach habitat has been restored. Indigenous Knowledge working groups led the effort, guiding traditional practices like:
• Rebuilding rock walls to raise the tidal elevation and create prime clam habitat.
• Tending the beach by clearing debris, aerating sediment, and removing predators.
• Monitoring clam populations to track the health of these ecosystems over time.
And the results? Native clam populations began to grow again. Young clams—critical for the future of these habitats— became more abundant, showing that these ancient techniques still work today.
Growing cultural connections
For Indigenous communities, clam gardens are about more than just food. They are places of learning, storytelling, and connection.
Similar to how families pass down recipes, traditions, and values, this project created opportunities for Elders to teach youth, reinforcing cultural identity and strengthening intergenerational bonds.
Coast Salish leaders share teachings on sustainable harvesting, traditional stewardship, and respect for the environment.
Caring for beaches so they can care for us
Beaches, like gardens, need care to remain healthy. When we look after them, they provide for us—offering food, clean water, and safe places for recreation. But when they’re neglected, pollution and habitat destruction can make shellfish unsafe to eat and damage the ecosystem.
For parents, this project is a reminder of how essential it is to teach our children to care for the world around them. Just as we nurture our families, Indigenous knowledge reminds us that when we care for nature, nature provides for us in return.
Many beaches across Canada face threats from:
• Runoff from cities and farms, carrying contaminants that can make shellfish toxic.
• Plastics and waste, which damage ecosystems and harm marine life.
• Climate change, leading to rising sea levels and ocean acidification that affect shellfish growth.
• Invasive species, which disrupt native populations to thrive in their home environment.
Parents can play a key role in protecting local beaches by learning about water quality, supporting conservation efforts, and teaching children how to keep shorelines clean. A simple family trip to the beach can spark conversations about where water flows from our homes, how pollution impacts marine life, and why caring for nature ensures a better future.
By helping kids connect with the land and water, we can inspire the next generation of stewards who will care for these places long after we’re gone. Together, we can care for this place that has been called home by some for many millennia.
Growing a shared future
This work has planted the seeds for lasting change. The success of the project has inspired other communities to explore clam garden restoration to combat climate change, enhance food security, and reconnect with cultural heritage.
By restoring clam gardens, we aren’t just growing shellfish— we’re growing a healthier environment, stronger communities, and a future where past traditions continue to thrive.
If you’d like to learn more or connect about possible volunteer opportunities, reach out to Erich Kelch at erich.kelch@pc.gc.ca or by phone at 250-986-1128.
Parks Canada protects and presents nationally significant examples of Canada’s natural and cultural heritage and fosters public understanding, appreciation and enjoyment in ways that ensure their ecological and commemorative integrity for present and future generations. Learn more at parks.canada.ca
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Overcoming the Teen Consumer Craze
Oh, the joys of parenting in the TikTok era!
“But Mom,” my almost 11-year-old daughter wails, eyes wide and pleading, “Everyone has it! I’ll be the only one without the holographic glitter lip gloss!”
And just like that, I’m transported back to my own pre-teen years, the memory of teenage angst still buzzing inside of me. I remember the agonizing pressure to fit in, the constant bombardment of “must-haves” from magazines and music videos. It was brutal back in the ’90s, and scarily, it seems much more intense now.
It might be expensive Sephora makeup they’ve seen on TikTok or a name-brand hoodie they claim is a “must-have.” But what happens when your tween or teen asks for something with a price tag that makes you flinch, or doesn’t align with your family’s values?
As a mom who’s navigated these stormy waters more times than I can count, I’m here to share some survival tips—because let’s face it, trends come and go, but sanity is forever.
Understand the Trend’s Appeal
Before you respond to your child’s request, take a moment to understand why they want the item.
Is it because a lot of their peers have it? Does it offer some sort of social status or is it perceived as a “cool” factor? Is it something they genuinely find interesting or useful?
Ask a few questions, like “What do you like about it?” or “Is there a reason this is so popular right now?”
Understanding why my kid wants something is half the battle for me. She’s not just being materialistic—she is trying to fit in, explore her identity and find her place in this crazy, trend-driven world. Once I see where she is coming from, it’s easier to respond with empathy.
Utilize the “Wait & See” Method
The classic waiting game still works— sometimes. When my daughter first begged for a certain brand of $50 water bottle (you know the one!), I didn’t say
yes or no—I just said, “Let’s wait a week and see if you still want it.”
Spoiler alert: By the end of the week, she’d already moved on to something else. Trends have a way of losing their sparkle when you’re not caught up in the hype. So, if you’re not sure if a purchase is worth it, give it some time.
Offer Less Expensive Alternatives
If they are adamant that they want a certain item, try to redirect the conversation toward alternatives. For instance, if my child is pushing for this week’s trendy hoodie, I will suggest checking out similar styles at more affordable stores or online shops.
Once it was simply the logo my daughter liked on a hoodie, so I purchased her a sticker version of that logo she then put on her water bottle.
This compromise shows your child that you’re willing to listen to what they want and respect what they like without giving in to every expensive demand.
Focus on Non-Material Values
In a world that often equates possessions with self-worth, it’s crucial to emphasize non-material values. Remind your kids that their friendships, talents and kindness matter far more than owning the latest gadget or designer clothing item. And make sure they know that friendship should not be based on what they wear or own.
In my house, these reminders often receive an eye roll from my daughter, but I can tell the message is starting to sink in.
Involve Them in Budgeting
Teens often have no concept of money so consider involving your kids in the family budgeting process. Show them how much things cost and how you allocate funds for necessities, savings and extras. This transparency can help them understand why certain items might not fit into the family’s financial picture and empower them to make more informed decisions in the future.
Relate the cost of the item to money they have earned or received in the past. I often remind my daughter that the “fortune” she received from her grandparents in her last birthday card only equals half of the cost of the shoes she wants to buy.
Focus on fostering values that will last a lifetime, and trust that your child will eventually find their own unique path, glitter lip gloss or not. And hey, we all went through it, right?
Try to remember that and cut them some slack when possible.
Erika Palmer is a writer living in Victoria with her husband and daughter. She believes most problems
GrowingThrough Language
Fun with English, French & lek weŋen e
Picture this: You’re exploring Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites with your child when they spot an intriguing looking bird standing in the water.
“What’s that bird called?” they ask. You tell them it’s a heron, but what if you could also share its name in French or ləkʷəŋən (lekwun-gen), the Indigenous language of the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations?
Canada is a country rich in languages and cultures. Alongside the two official languages—English and French—many families speak additional languages, and Indigenous communities work tirelessly to pass along their unique languages to new generations. This diverse linguistic landscape offers children endless opportunities to grow and connect. Learning multiple languages from a young age strengthens cognitive skills while fostering curiosity, empathy and creativity. It helps kids appreciate perspectives, embrace new cultures and feel a deeper sense of belonging in the world around them.
At Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites, nature and history come together, offering the perfect outdoor playground for curious minds. Interactive displays are written in both English and French, and at times words are in ləkʷəŋən to highlight local plants, history and the shared knowledge of ləkʷəŋən-speaking peoples, today known as the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations. These interpretive panels can be found along the Historic Nature Trail, which provides an immersive journey through both natural beauty and historical significance.
Follow this former sentry path shaded by Garry oak, Arbutus and other coastal trees. Breathe in the fresh scent of moss and ferns as you wander through the Garry oak forest ecosystem. The trail begins just past the Garry Oak Learning Meadow, winding from the Second World War Officers’ Quarters to the Belmont Battery. Keep an eye out for the fascinating “elbow trees”—topped long ago to improve visibility from the Upper Battery to the Juan de Fuca Strait, their branches have grown into unique, angular shapes.
As you wander through the grounds or take a walk at your local park, look for signs of spring. In the Garry Oak Learning Meadow, look for blooming camas lilies, the delicate white fawn lilies of early March, and later, splashes of sea blush,
buttercups, purple camas and chocolate lilies. Garry oak ecosystems, which include woodland, meadow, rocky outcrop and coastal ecological communities, are one of the rarest in Canada. They were once cultivated by the ləkʷəŋən People, who harvested camas bulbs for food. This unique landscape tells a story of ecological and cultural significance. Did you know that the English word Camas is Quamassie in French and qʷəɫāʔal in ləkʷəŋən?
Want to make language learning even more fun? Try our matching game or set off on an outdoor scavenger hunt to bring new words to life!
How about challenging your family to match the names of local plants and animals in English, French and ləkʷəŋən, bringing the richness of these languages to life? Ready to play? Here are a few words to get you started. You can search for them online or visit Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites, where they appear on interpretive panels. It’s a two-in-one game: a matching challenge and a treasure hunt! The language-learning fun is endless.
Make Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites your go-to spot to learn and practice new language skills.
For more information and inspiration, visit Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse NHS and follow @FortRoddFisgardNHS. SOS Child, Youth & Family Programs
The Land Knows Me
Exploring Indigenous wisdom through plants
Author Leigh Joseph has always been inspired by the cultural and interpersonal relationships between people and plants.
As a young girl visiting her great aunt and uncle close to Nanaimo on a large property near the river, she was fascinated by the way they lived off the land.
“My grandparents’ generation was told that they didn’t belong on this land, and they were dealing with so much trauma and stress that they didn’t have time to share the plant-based knowledge they had,” she says.
“The time I spent with my elders brought such a richness to my life. When I had kids, it became very important to me that they not only feel they belong here, but that they feel a connection to the land.”
Through the Squamish language and cultural traditions, Joseph’s latest book The Land Knows Me teaches young readers about Indigenous plant relationships and how we are all connected to nature through plant-based foods, medicines and materials.
Her new book was inspired by her first publication Held by the Land. Her premiere book is an introduction to responsible ways to identify and harvest plants in your area and teach how to grow a deeper connection with the land you live on through
plants. Held by the Land won the 2023 Foreword INDIE Book Award.
“I wanted to deepen the interest and bring the story of me taking my kids and niece on a walk to life,” says Joseph, adding she was inspired by the book Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer, which was adapted for young readers.
“It is so important that we make this knowledge accessible to the younger generation.”
The Land Knows Me is an educational, hands-on journey to discover the wonderful uses and gifts of the plants around us. Through the Indigenous traditions of Squamish culture, you’ll learn how to ground yourself on the land; how to introduce yourself in the Squamish language to your plant relatives; and the many teachings about plants, cultural stories and learnings related to the flora seen on your walk.
“In the book, the children each notice something about the environment,” says Joseph.
“Whether it’s putting pedals on a mosquito bite to calm it, watching pollinators at work or identifying all of the plants on a nurse log, it shares knowledge about the beauty of nature and things kids are curious about.”
The colourful introduction to Indigenous plant knowledge includes informative sidebars, reflection questions and plant names in both Squamish and English so readers young and old can learn the language.
“When I speak with people in the community, there is a deep desire to reconnect,” says Joseph.
“Plants are a beautiful, creative, nutritional, medicinal way to do that.”
The Land Knows Me concludes with a 15-plant profile directory featuring detailed plant illustrations and botanical drawings to aid in learning about the many great uses for plants and the native history behind them.
“People often ask me why the book isn’t called ‘I Know the Land’ and the reason is, the land is its own entity; its own character, in a way,” says Joseph.
“When we build a relationship and notice and care for the land, there is a recognition there. The land gets to know you when you interact in a way that considers non-human life and when you truly respect that.”
Joseph is an ethnobotanist, researcher and community activist whose aim is to contribute to cultural knowledge renewal in connection to Indigenous plant foods and medicines.
She says she worked closely with illustrator Natalie Schnitter to ensure the cover had visibly Indigenous elements on it.
“We included the hat, beaded earrings and baskets as elements that draw interest and curiosity,” she adds.
“It is easily identifiable for people who know those are Indigenous elements and interesting for those who don’t but want to learn more.”
Purchase The Land Knows Me by visiting skwalwen.com
