Island Parent September 2014

Island Parent Celebrating

26 Years

The Resource Publication for Vancouver Island Parents

Sept/Oct 2014

The Family Cocoon Spooktacular Music Understanding ADHD Travelling with Kids World Children’s Summit on Peace & Nature

Vancouver Island Baby Fair show Guide inside

Fall Programs Guide

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Contents: Sept/Oct 2014 Articles

Ballet Victoria

The Family Cocoon......................................................................................... 8 Sticker Chart Chaos...................................................................................... 10 Understanding ADHD................................................................................... 12 Power to the Princesses................................................................................. 14 Fall Programs................................................................................................ 18 Spooktacular Songs....................................................................................... 26 Trick-or-Treat without Trials......................................................................... 27 Travelling with Kids...................................................................................... 28 World Children’s Summit on Peace & Nature............................................... 30

Columns

School of Dance Now accepting students from age 3 to adult.

A unique opportunity to be taught by the professional dancers of Ballet Victoria.

Enroll now

balletvictoria.ca 250-380-6063 2 Island Parent Magazine

Editor’s Note................................................................................................... 3 Nature Notes................................................................................................ 44 Healthy Families; Happy Families................................................................. 46 Just Eat It!..................................................................................................... 48 Is There an App for This?.............................................................................. 50 Book Nook................................................................................................... 52 New Parent Pages.......................................................................................... 56 Maternity & Beyond..................................................................................... 58 Dadspeak...................................................................................................... 62 Cut It Out..................................................................................................... 64

Departments IPM Notes....................................................................................................... 4 Family Calendar............................................................................................ 32 Around the Island......................................................................................... 40 Party Directory........................................................................................ 42, 43 Family Services Directory........................................................................ 54, 55 Preschool & Child Care Directory..................................................... 58, 59, 60 Business & Professional Directory................................................................. 61 Island Parent Magazine, produced by Island Parent Group Enterprises Ltd., is a monthly publication that honours and supports parents by providing information on resources and businesses for families, and a forum for the exchange of ideas and opinions. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher. Letters (max 250 words) should be emailed to the Editor at editor@islandparent.ca. No material herein may be reproduced without the permission of the Editor. Unsolicited manuscripts are welcome and should be emailed to editor@islandparent.ca.

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

Island Parent Magazine

830-A Pembroke St, Victoria, BC V8T 1H9 Tel: 250-388-6905 Websites: www.islandparent.ca, www.kidsinvictoria.com Publisher/Owner: Mark Warner Editor: Sue Fast Sales & Marketing: RaeLeigh Buchanan Publisher’s Assistant: Linda Frear Distribution: Ray Cutts, Ted Dawe (Mid-Island) Founders: Jim Holland & Selinde Krayenhoff Production: Eacrett Graphic Design Printed at Black Press, Victoria Cover printed at Hillside Printing ISSN 0838-5505

On the Cover: Taevan Xander, 6, Nanaimo, BC Cover Photo: Tony Puerzer, Bright Idea Photography, www.brightideaphotography.com

Follow Us on Facebook & Twitter facebook.com/IslandParent twitter.com/IslandParent www.kidsinvictoria.com

Take Time to Talk

The importance of conversation—from birth and beyond

T

he key to early learning is talking—specifically, a child’s exposure to language spoken by parents and caretakers from birth to age three. The more talking, the better, studies suggest.

“Evidence is showing,” writes Tina Rosenberg in an article for the New York Times, “that the much-ridiculed stream of parent-to-child baby talk—Feel Teddy’s nose! It’s so soft! Cars make noise…look, there’s a yellow one! Baby feels hungry?

Now Mommy is opening the refrigerator!—is very, very important.”

In “The Power of Talking to Your Baby,” Rosenberg reports that, according research

by Betty Hart and Todd R. Risley at the University of Kansas, the greater the number of words children hear from their parents or caregivers before they turn three, the higher their IQ will be and the better they will do in school. TV talk not only doesn’t help, the researchers found, it is detrimental.

And although reading aloud to your child is a worthwhile pursuit in promoting literacy

and learning, even more valuable is the conversation that comes out of looking at the pictures and the words and talking together about what happens from page to page.

Babies’ brains grow with language, studies show. How much parents speak to their children and how they speak to their children impacts their ability to learn. Many language experts now say that it’s not just a matter of quantity but quality of conversation that counts. So directive language—“Clean up your room!”—isn’t as isn’t as effective as having a natural conversation with your kids, asking questions while reading a book, and helping them identify words during every day activities.

As kids get older, conversation is just as important. And with the start of a new school year, there’s likely lots to talk about.

Walking to school, driving to soccer practice, sitting for dinner, no matter where you are with your kids, opportunities abound to start conversations. Ask questions. Make observations. Tell stories. Listen. Reflect.

Laugh. Joke. Share. Sing. Celebrate words— no matter their form.

In “The Case for Bribing Kids to Memorize Poetry,” an article for the New York Times, Literary Mama editor, Kate Haas, admits that she bribed her son to memorize

Editor’s Note Sue Fast poetry in exchange for extra time playing Minecraft. After two hours—all while following his mom around from room to room, asking questions about the poem— her 11-year-old had memorized and could recite 14 lines of Keats. When Haas praised his dedication, her son quickly reminded her that he was only in it for the Minecraft. But later, he confessed: “I can’t get that poem out of my head. It’s like I’m saying it, even when I’m playing basketball.”

Poetry. Song lyrics. Nursery rhymes.

Books. Words.

As Keats said: “Much have I travelled in the realms of gold…” And much we can travel in the realms of words.

8

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VancouverIslandBabyFair.com

SEPTEMBER 27 & 28

Fundraising

Su

Jody Wiger Photography

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FEA

TU

2014

Shopping | Resources | Speakers | Photo Contest | Baby Races | Prizes

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Admission: $8/Person Add $2 for weekend pass Kids 12 & under free

Sponsored by:

www.IslandParent.ca

Sept/Oct 2014 3

IPM Notes Victoria Conservatory: Breathing Music Into Life On September 6 from 10am-3pm, the Victoria Conservatory of Music invites families to the school for an entertaining day filled with live musical performances, cool instruments like electronic drums and rock guitars in the instrument petting zoo, ice cream, great food, a bouncy castles and a free concert with Juno Award Nominees The Kerplunks! A DJ will be spinning tunes on the Pandora music plaza and you can enter to win Rifflandia Super Passes.

The Conservatory is also introducing its new School of Contemporary Music led by Artistic Director, Daniel Lapp. While training in Classical music remains at the heart of the school, now lessons will step outside of the traditional mould of a Conservatory to expand the offerings and embrace new musical genres.

The world of Contemporary-Popular music is vast, with new styles and genres constantly emerging, while at the same time standing firmly on the music of legendary writers and performers in the genres of Jazz, R&B, Rock, Pop, Folk, Bluegrass, Country,

and more. The new School of Contemporary Music (SCM) is the go-to resource for students of all ages and levels, providing flexible learning paths that accommodate anyone from the self-taught to the classically trained, and from emerging soloist and bands, to folks just learning for fun.

For information, visit vcm.bc.ca, phone 250-386-5311, email info@vcm.bc.ca, visit Facebook.com/theVCM, or tweet @ theVCM.

Paddle for Health The 7th annual Paddle for Health event in support of people with cancer has a new name, new partnership and ambitious goal to raise $100,000 over the next three years.

Paddle for Health has partnered with the BC Childhood Cancer Parents Association (BCCCPA), to invite people to raise funds and participate in the paddling event at Willows Beach on Saturday, September, 6.

All funds raised will support BCCCPA whose mission is to help the families of the 800+ children who are fighting cancer in BC. This event will benefit the new Vancouver Island Family Support Program which will provide an expanded level of services and support specifically for Island-based families

that have children with cancer and blood disorders. “To hear the words, ‘your child has cancer’, is one of the most terrifying, surreal experiences that literally takes your breath away.” Families will fight for survival of their child, family unit, and their dignity throughout this life changing journey.

Held in Victoria each September, the unique event attracts 100+ participants and has raised over $100,000 for various charities supporting cancer care. This year, canoes, kayaks and paddle boards will be available on a first come basis for those that don’t bring their own.

To register and start collecting pledges go to www.paddleforhealth.ca or for more information email Don@paddleforhealth.ca.

The event is organized by the non-profit, 100 per cent volunteer, Paddle for Health.

Sponsors include 103.1 JACK FM, 98.5 Ocean, Ocean River Sports, Gwen Ewart Photography, Glenlyon Norfolk School, Power to Be Adventure Therapy Society, the South Island Sea Kayak Association, and CharityChannels.ca.

BC SPCA’s Paws for a Cause Bring your pooch to Clover Point on September 7 for a day of family fun at the Scotiabank and BC SPCA Paws for a Cause

Also Playing

JERUSALEM VIKINGS: JOURNEY TO NEW WORLDS ISLAND OF LEMURS: MADAGASCAR HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2: AN IMAX® 3D EXPERIENCE on select nights – check schedule

“Took my little son to see this and he sat in quiet awe through the whole thing... as did his dad. Stunning imagery for an equally amazing story...” - S. Cavanagh

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Call Today for a Complimentary 10 minute phone consultation Call 250-686-7582 maxinefisher@shaw.ca victoriafamilycounselling.com 4 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Walk, supporting Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre (Wild ARC) and the Victoria BC SPCA. Registration begins at 10am, with the walk taking place at 11:30am. Enjoy entertainment and activities, all in support of our furry friends.

The BC SPCA Wild ARC, located in Metchosin, is the only branch of the BC SPCA that specializes in wildlife rehabilitation and the only wildlife rehabilitation centre for all of southern Vancouver Island. The BC SPCA Victoria Branch provides care and protection to thousands of domestic animals each year. The society also conducts more than 7,000 cruelty investigations and provides a wide range of advocacy and education programs for domestic, farm and wild animals. Your participation in this event can help give a homeless, injured or abused animal a second chance.

The event features pet- and family-friendly activities, including the Doggie Games and the Paws Parlour. For the kids there will be a a Kids’ Zone complete with a bouncy castle, crafts, face painting and more.

There will also be walks on September 7 in Duncan, Nanaimo, Parksville, Comox and Campbell River, and a walk on October 5 in Port Alberni. People of all ages are asked to take up the challenge, form a team, ask family, friends, neighbours or a business to join in to support animals that need our help. Learn more and pledge online by visiting www.spca.bc.ca/Victoria or www. wildarc.com.

The Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup Kick off the school year with a handson learning activity. Teachers can sign up their class for the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup taking place September 20-28.

Students can join thousands of Canadians from coast to coast taking part in this annual event to remove shoreline litter from ponds, streams, rivers, lakes and oceans.

Last year, 99,280 kg of litter was removed from over 3,102 km of shoreline, including 81,971 food wrappers, 310,994 smokingrelated items, 32,892 bottle caps and lids, and 22,012 plastic bags. This year’s goal is to remove over 100,000 kg of harmful litter.

To check out how to organize a cleanup for your school or how to register as a participant in an already organized cleanup, visit www.shorelinecleanup.ca. You can search the online map to find a cleanup near you or suggest your own site.

A cleanup team, consisting of a site coordinator and cleanup participants, comes www.IslandParent.ca

together to have a positive impact on the environment by ridding local waterways of shoreline litter. Each team gathers and picks up trash while filling out easy to use data cards that tabulate the type and amount of litter that is removed. Check www.shorelinecleanup.ca for details.

Victoria Kids Consignment Fall Sale The Victoria Kids Consignment (VKC) Fall 2014 Sale will be September 26-28 at Eagle Ridge Community Centre, 1089 Langford Parkway. VKC offers thousands of clothing items, shoes, infant gear, bedding, toys, books, games, sporting equipment and much more, all in one place. Shop early; the best items will go fast.

Want an invite to the presales? Sign up as a seller or a volunteer. If you qualify for the New Parent Presale, $5 tickets go on sale September 2 at 9am. Tickets are limited and often sell out. No tickets will be sold at the door the night of the event.

Seller registration and item entry is open until September 23. Unload the items your family no longer needs in one weekend.

Sellers receive their proceeds cheque just days after the sale ends.

If you have a family-friendly business, don’t miss the chance to get your products in front of moms, dads, grandparents and kids for as low as $50. Visit the ‘Vendors’ section of the website to reserve your space before they are full.

VKC Fall 2014 Sale schedule: Presales by Invitation on September 26 from 5-8pm; Public Sale on September 26 from 10-4pm; Half-Price Sale on September 28 from 9am-noon. Visa, MasterCard, Debit and Cash accepted. Admission and Parking are free.

Let Victoria Kids Consignment help you buy from local moms and shop with local moms. Visit www.VictoriaKidsConsignment.ca for more details.

Vancouver Island Baby Fair The 8th annual Vancouver Island Baby Fair is taking place Saturday, September 27 from 10am-5pm and on Sunday, September 28 from 10am-4pm at Pearkes Rec Centre at 3100 Tillicum Road in Victoria.

A Western Canada favorite for families ranging from pregnancy through preschool, the Vancouver Island Baby Fair is not to be missed. You’ll find an arena of exhibitors, great shopping, resources and loads of prizes. Bring your little ones, newborn to 6 years old, down early to the onsite charity photo contest for a mini photo shoot Sept/Oct 2014 5

How do I enter?

1. Create an awesome movie of any subject you want! You can shoot on any hand-held or mobile device you have laying around.

2. Go to our FilmCAN site http://vimeo.com/groups/filmcan and join 3. Upload your film to the FilmCAN site (the film must be between 2-4 mins long) 4. Tell everyone you know to check out your film and vote!

It’s that easy!

Dates to remember Dec. 14, 2014 - Deadline to upload films to FilmCAN site Dec. 31, 2014 - Top 5 films in each category go to jury Jan. 6, 2015 - Winners annouced at Pre-Festival Bash Feb. 6-15, 2015 - Winners screened during Victoria Film Festival What if i need help?

Simply email: mentor@victoriafilmfestival.com.

Questions can be about anything film related such as equipment, editing or advice on stprytelling Prizes to be announced soon!

6 Island Parent Magazine

(limited space available) with Keri Coles Photography and a chance to win prizes.

This year, the charitable fundraising efforts will support the Victoria Society for Children with Autism.

For convenience, parents can make use of the stroller parking, comfortable baby feeding area, café and diaper changing area.

The Baby Fair welcomes back the dynamic, dancing duo regularly featured on Treehouse TV, Bobs & Lolo at noon and 3pm each day. Talks on preparing for birth, breastfeeding, parenting, postnatal fitness, nutrition, postpartum depression and more can also be found on the Main Stage throughout the day. See the website for speaker bios and presentation descriptions. Admission is $8/per person or $10 for a weekend pass. Kids 12 and under are free. A limited number of weekend passes are available at select locations in advance for $6. For complete details please visitVancouverIslandBabyFair.com and be sure to click through to Facebook and Twitter, too.

with all proceeds supporting the Nanaimo Child Development Centre (NCDC). The NCDC is a non-profit organization that offers a wide range of services, programs and supports to nearly 1,800 children and youth with special needs and their families from Lantzville to Ladysmith with the CDBC assessment program reaching as far west as Tofino.

Through support from parents, volunteers, businesses, and the community, the NCDC has grown from its humble beginnings to be a leader in early childhood development and children’s services in the area. It is through these partnerships that Nanaimo Child Development strives to meet the service needs of the children and families it serves.

For more information about how you can get involved as a sponsor, donor, or volunteer, please contact Erica Horsfield at 250-753-0251 ext. 265 or email erica@ nanaimocdc.com. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/NanaimoCDC.

Quintessence Breastfeeding Challenge

Fun Exploring & Halloween Events at Horne Lake Caves

The Quintessence Breastfeeding Challenge started in British Columbia in 2011 with 856 babies and their mothers at 26 sites. By 2011, there were 4,466 children in 16 countries. The Breastfeeding Challenge continues to grow globally as more people join in. Breastfeeding and donor milkbanking need support around the world.

This year, on October 4, take part in Greater Victoria’s Quintessence Breastfeeding Challenge at Mayfair Mall’s Centre Courtyard.

Join GVPL staff and public health nurses for storytime at 10:30am and the official breastfeeding count at 11am. Families, breastfeeding children and siblings welcome. No registration required. Brought to you by the Vancouver Island Health Authority, Greater Victoria Public Library and Mayfair Mall.

Head out on a fun family getaway this Fall and check out one of the most unique parks on Vancouver Island. Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park is located just north of Qualicum Beach and features a wide variety of interesting activities and guided programs throughout September and October.

For those that prefer their adventures above ground, don’t miss Canada’s only Cave Theatre inside the Park Visitor Centre that also houses a small museum and fossil display. No need to venture inside a cave to learn about this unique and fragile environment. If you would rather experience the caverns up close, you can join a family-oriented guided tour into a cave filled with crystal formations and ancient fossils without having to crawl or squeeze into tight passages. These types of caving challenges are left for the longer and more adventurous tours such as the 3 hour “Ice Age” or “Wet & Wild” Spelunking Adventures. The most impressive tour is the 5 hour Extreme Expedition that includes rappelling down a seven-storey waterfall underground.

October is the month to celebrate the mystery of deep dark caves with fabulously spooky Ghost Story Tours, running every Saturday and Sunday all month long. Caves have long been thought to be the Portal to the Underworld and now you can see why.

These 90-minute tours are great for brave kids age 5+ and run every hour from 11am-

Nanaimo Child Development’s Annual Telethon October 5 is the Nanaimo Child Development’s 2nd Annual Telethon. Tune in live on Shaw TV Central Vancouver Island (Channel 4), or come down to the Port Theatre in Nanaimo from 12-8pm for free family entertainment including Rick Scott, The Kerplunks, The Tidesman Chorus, Nanaimo Youth Fiddlers, and more. Donations can be made by phone and in person

www.kidsinvictoria.com

4pm. Reservations are recommended and can be booked online at hornelake.com or by phone 250-248-7829.

Enchanted Halloween at Heritage Acres Imagine the vintage-era village of Heritage Acres bathed in dramatic lighting and accented by glowing hand-crafted lanterns, carved pumpkins and creative decor. This is the backdrop for costumed performers, live musicians, projections and artistic installations which enliven every beautifully weathered corner of this heritage setting for Enchanted Halloween at Heritage Acres.

Enchanted Halloween has always delivered on its promise to be a “beautifully eerie” event with enough festive fun to make it a treat for visitors of all ages.

Heritage Acres is the home of the Saanich Historical Artifacts Society (SHAS) and is located in Central Saanich on Lochside Drive. Come out for a spooky-good time on October 17, 18, and 19 and October 24, 25, and 26, Fridays and Saturdays 5-9pm; Sundays, noon-5pm.

Standard advance tickets are $9 for youth and seniors, $12.50 for adults and $36 for a family of two adults and two youth. Children 4 and under are free. Proceeds will support the Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island’s Bear Essentials Program. The program helps families with special needs children cover unexpected or extraordinary expenses related to their child’s health when their resources are inadequate to cover them and other community resources cannot be mobilized. For more information, visit childrenshealthvi.org/events.

The Addams Family: A New Musical Comedy The must-see Halloween event of the year comes to the McPherson Playhouse for a limited time only—from October 31-November 2. They’re creepy and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky. Everyone’s favourite family comes to spooky and spectacular life in an all new musical, based on the bizarre and beloved characters created

by Charles Addams. Featuring all of your favourite ghouls—Gomez, Morticia, Uncle Fester, Grandma, Wednesday, Pugsley, and, of course, Lurch. Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has fallen for the wrong type—he’s sweet, smart and from a respectable “warm-blooded” family.

Nothing changes a family more hilariously, more musically, or more enjoyably than a daughter in love. The magnificently macabre www.IslandParent.ca

Addams are put to the ultimate test, hurling them into a night that will change their lives forever. The Addams Family is a devilish delight for all ages. Playing at the McPherson Playhouse October 31-November 2. Tickets start at only $25 and are available through the McPherson Box Office www.rmts.bc.ca or by phone at 250-383-6121.

Concert for Kids Series Introduce your children to the wonderful world of music with the Victoria Symphony.

This year’s Concert for Kids series includes three wonderful and engaging concerts.

Basic musical elements of rhythms, melody, harmony and dynamics are explored through story, song, narration, music and interaction. All performances feature the Symphony Instrument Petting Zoo and other fun games before the concert.

November 2 is the Fred Penner Singalong. During a performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Emily is drawn out of the audience by the beautiful music and finds herself face to face with the terrible monster Cacopholous and lands in a battle to save the music.

Jack and the Beanstalk comes to life on January 25, 2015. The retelling of this classic tale is sure to delight as the audience follows unlucky Jack. First he trades the family’s beloved cow for some magic beans, then he tangles with a giant when he tries to fix things! Join Dandi Productions and the Victoria Symphony for this wildly entertaining concert providing plenty of unexpected twists, and a constant parade of inspired theatrics.

The Mischievous Adventures of the Rascally Rhythm take place on March 8, 2015.

Maestra Tania needs your help in trying to catch an imposter! You can’t see him, or touch him most of the time, but often you can hear him, and he is very tricky… because he is always changing his disguise.

He’s never quite the same. Who is this pest we’re talking about? We call him the Rascally Rhythm. He makes boys and girls dance to the music when they are supposed to be sitting still and behaving themselves. Isn’t that naughty of him? Maestra Tania wants you to help her catch him once and for all!

Will you help her?

Tickets from $15. Save up to 25 per cent with a subscription to all three concerts. All performances are at the Royal Theatre. For information, phone Victoria Symphony at 250-385-6515 or visit victoriasymphony. ca.•

Sept/Oct 2014 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.

Rachel Dunstan Muller

The Family Cocoon

E

very season has its charm, but autumn has always been my favourite. There’s something reassuring about the return of routines, about drawing back in after summer’s adventures. The shorter, cooler days of fall don’t bother me. Instead I see them as an invitation to spend more time at home with my favourite people.

My desire to retreat into a kind of family cocoon is a primal one. Humans don’t hibernate, but traditionally our ancestors did slow down after sufficient food had been stored up for winter. This made sense on many levels. Sunlight is a natural and powerful stimulant. The long, bright days of summer revved up our ancestors’ metabolisms and gave them energy for the labour that was

create the conditions for some part-time cocooning. With planning, our homes can be cozy, inviting, restorative places during these darker, colder days. Warmth is a necessary element of any cocoon. Without the benefit of central heating, our ancestors had to be creative to satisfy this need. They stayed close together, huddling under furs or blankets near the fire which cooked their food. They also slept more in the winter.

We have more options in the twenty-first century, but we can still take a few cues from our forebearers. We can gather in a single room one or two evenings a week, switching off unnecessary lights and temporarily turning down the heat or closing doors in the unoccupied areas of our homes. We can put

required to hunt, gather or grow food. As sunlight decreased, so did our ancestors’ metabolisms. They slowed down, turning their attention to sedentary activities by the hearth—which meant their bodies needed fewer calories to make it through the winter.

The instinct to draw in at this time of year is a natural and healthy one. We may not have the same life-and-death need to ensure that our food and fuel stores last until spring, but focusing on conservation during the fall is a good way to reconnect and care for the planet. It’s also good selfcare. A slower pace gives us time to regroup and reflect. It gives us the space to build relationships as we enjoy simple pleasures in each other’s company.

Modern life may not allow us to replicate our ancestors’ winter practices, but we can

on more personal insulation: cozy sweaters, thick socks—even knitted blankets or lap quilts. To extend the cocoon experience, extra blankets can be added to beds, and those beds pre-warmed with homemade rice bags heated in the microwave. And of course we can make sure that our modern “caves” are heated as efficiently as possible by tuning up furnaces and ensuring our homes have sufficient draft-proofing and insulation.

A slow cooker is the ideal appliance for a family cocoon. Fall is the season for comfort food, and nothing is more comforting than coming home to a simmering pot of soup or stew. As a bonus, slow cookers are extremely energy-efficient appliances. To save even more time and electricity, make a double batch if your slow cooker is big enough, and freeze the extra. Can’t think

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

Choice of Hospital or Home Birth Continuity of Care Comprehensive Care Breastfeeding Education & Support We would be pleased to schedule an appointment to answer your questions about midwifery care.

midwivesinvictoria.ca 8 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

of any good recipes? Google “slow cooker” and the ingredients you have on hand.

Pinterest is another good source for slow cooking inspiration.

When you’re not using your slow cooker to make something nourishing for dinner, you can use it for the apples dropping everywhere at this time of year. As a time saving measure, you don’t need to peel the apples you and your children gather. Just remove the core and any bruises or scabs, cut them into chunks, and cook them on low for several hours with a very small quantity of water. When the chunks are soft and falling apart, either push them through a fine sieve with a spoon or ladle for a velvety applesauce, or blend them well, skins and all. Add a little cinnamon, if desired.

Homemade applesauce can be frozen, and makes a great take-to-school snack.

Quiet, sedentary pastimes are ideal for family cocoons. My six- and eight-year-olds love to be read to as we’re curled up on the couch just before bedtime. I still read the occasional picture book to them, but for the most part we’ve graduated to novels.

To date our favourite read-aloud authors are C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia, Dick King-Smith’s The Water Horse (and many of his others), and Roald Dahl, author of countless classics, including James and the Giant Peach. We’re also huge fans of Kate DiCamillo. Her book The Tale of Despereaux was a delight to read out loud, and had my kids begging me to continue at the end of every short chapter. Your librarian or local bookseller will have more recommendations, or you can google “best read alouds” and add the age or grade of your children.

Card and board games also make excellent cocoon activities. So do journaling, scrapbooking, and crafting. Fall is a great time to get started on special homemade gifts for Christmas.

Perhaps the most important element of a family cocoon is simply time. With all the wonderful activities on offer in the fall, it’s easy to fill up our schedules. But setting aside some unstructured time to spend together as a family is important.

This season, give yourself permission to listen to that inner voice telling you to slow down. Make some hot chocolate, gather your loved ones together, and enjoy the rain falling outside your window!

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

the

gardens at HCP

Horticulture Centre of the Pacific

nature adventures happen hcp.ca Sept/Oct 2014 9

Sarah Jean Bradley

Sticker Chart Chaos L

ike many parents, I decided to try to motivate my child to develop positive behaviours, using sticker charts. I started when he was three years old, and have kept them up, with varied consistency, for the last four years. I had read about the value of sticker charts, learning more about theory than practical application tips. But hey, if I could motivate my kid to be responsible, clean up after himself, and help out, it would be worth trying to figure out the logistics myself. If the Sticker Chart worked, it would help create a foundation for him to be more responsible for the bigger things in life. How hard could it be?

The Laissez Faire Sticker Chart

Fall 2014 Registration OPEN NOW Come play with us! Our preschool programs offer your little ones opportunities to learn and play together.

Qualified early childhood educators and assistants provide indoor and outdoor play experiences, art activities, stories and music. We enjoy library visits, trips to the nearby parks and community visitors too. Located in Pearkes Recreation Centre, Full o’ Beans Preschool is operated by Saanich Neighbourhood Place.

Thinking about a “nature kindergarten” experience for your child? Consider joining us for our new “I Spy” Forest Discovery Days, offered Monday and Friday in our 4 hour program.

For more information about Full o’ Beans Preschool, visit Saanich Neighbourhood Place Reception, contact Corinne at Corinne@snplace.org or call 250-360-1148 ext 101 10 Island Parent Magazine

I hand drew the first sticker chart with a Sharpie on coloured construction paper, with no headings since my son could not read yet anyway. I had some sticker-worthy behaviours in mind, and let him know what they were. I included him by asking him to tell me some other behaviours that could be included as well. My kid got stickers for saying “please” and “thank you,” taking his dishes to the sink, cleaning up toys, putting his dirty clothing in the laundry hamper, and other desirable behaviours applicable to a three year old. A variety of irregular stickers were given out, quite generously, and it was fun! Then, my child asked if he could put the stickers up himself, and I thought, “Yes, why not let him be part of sticker-puttingup process too, empower the boy!” Soon, stickers were being put up on the sly, without any corresponding good behaviour. Oops! I knew my first sticker chart attempt had gone south, when, all of a sudden, Mommy had a sticker chart too—handmade by you know who. Still, I went along with it, pretending to be proud of my sticker chart, and soon found myself earning stickers too! However, when my child was angry at me, for things unrelated to my sticker-earning behaviours, I was also getting my stickers taken off my chart—just as I had taken stickers off of his chart. During one of his tantrums, he decided I did not deserve a sticker chart at all and ripped my Sticker Chart off the wall. As I found myself, yelling, “Leave my Sticker Chart alone!” I knew my first attempt at sticker charting was a total disaster.

The Structured Sticker Chart Management System After recovering from the first Sticker Chart fiasco, I summoned strength to try again. I had gleaned some ideas from how Sticker Charts were used at my son’s Out of School Care Program. There, they give the kids “cash-out prizes” when their sticker charts are all filled up. My son would come home all proud that he had “cashed-out,” and he would show me his prize. Inspired, and using my bare bones Excel skills, I typed up a Sticker Chart, listing all the desired behaviours in a column, with rows for stickers corresponding to the behaviour desired. I bought uniform stickers this time, refusing to use random stickers I happened to have lying around, like I did in my early Sticker Chart days. When I explained to my child, “this time, Mommy will not have a sticker chart, only Mommy will be allowed to put the stickers up, and no stickers will be taken off the chart.”

Without question, my son agreed, seemingly relieved at the sensible structure; I was not the only one who recognized the problems with the first attempt.

This sticker chart had one location, as before, and stickers went up proportionately to good behaviour demonstrated. Cash-out prizes were earned, and my kid was cleaning up after himself. I, in turn, was very proud.

After a while, however, my child and I started to forget to use the Sticker Chart. Did it just lose its novelty, or had he mostly mastered all the good behaviours and it had become unnecessary? Philosophical questions about Sticker Charts kept me pondering deep into the nights. The Sticker Chart seemed to become part of the paint, an under achiever, over-looked, and taken for granted. The Sticker Chart fell from favour.

The Multi Location Sticker Chart System Once I had realized that the one lone sticker chart was actually too far removed from the location where most of the Sticker Chart earning behaviours actually took place, I re-vamped the whole Sticker Chart system, once again. No more Sticker Chart centricity! Now there is a Sticker Chart

www.kidsinvictoria.com

for vacuuming, where the vacuum is kept.

There is a Sticker Chart for making his bed quickly and getting dressed, without Mommy asking, right above his bed. There is a Sticker Chart for cleaning up spills after eating, right beside our dining room table.

There is a Sticker Chart for putting away his Lego, on the wall above his playing area in the living room.

The Sticker Charts have gone wild! Now there is no room for artwork on the walls because of all the Sticker Charts, and I’m OK with that! I cannot rely on my artwork to clean up, but my boy is cleaning up now more than ever before. He has earned numerous stickers for making his bed and getting dressed. He has earned several stickers for vacuuming. Moreover, his vacuuming has become a gateway for him initiating more cleaning behaviour, totally unattached to sticker earning. There are not many stickers on his chart for putting away his Lego.

Hmmm. Maybe it’s time to come up with a few ways to improve the current Sticker Chart System…

In conclusion, it is not just the Sticker Chart approach that will be the end to all messy play. A functional Sticker Chart regime involves recognizing what behaviours are and are not worthy of Sticker Charting.

I am questioning “putting away all Lego” as a worthy Sticker Chart behaviour. The reason my son hasn’t earned many stickers for putting away his Lego is due to the nature of Lego building itself. Lego building is a type of living play, for my son. He has a few small Lego constructions going on concurrently all the time. I had better get used to his Lego play to a certain extent, as there is more of it to come. Guess what the most sought-after cash-out prize is?

Perhaps a Sticker Chart with fewer squares for stickers is more appropriate for tidying up Lego behaviour, making a cashout prize easier to achieve. Higher expectations would lead to stifling his creativity, de-valuing his creations. Everything is not going to be neat and tidy all the time if I also want to maintain and foster creativity, there has to be a balance even if it means Lego getting under our toes from time to time.

Sarah Jean Bradley is a single mom, out of choice, and she works casually for the Victoria Cool Aid Society, the Greater Victoria School District, and subs yoga classes at Moksana Yoga Centre when she can.

Offering mixed-age family classes for 27 years.

Research-based - internationally acclaimed - kid-tested!

Come join our community of music-makers at our seven Greater Victoria locations.

Music Together Victoria 250-217-2477 Website: www.musictogethervictoria.com www.IslandParent.ca

Sept/Oct 2014 11

Children/Teen (from 7 years)

Sewing Classes Emphasis is on sewing clothes they can wear!

Home School Classes also available Bay/Fernwood area

Your child/teen can SEW!

It’s SEW Easy!

Phone about Strike Camps Andrea Bailey

23 years experience Andrea’s

Call

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Kate Rubin Theatre & Drama Studio specializes

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

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12 Island Parent Magazine

Ian A. Gillespie

Understanding ADHD

A

ttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is an often misunderstood and unrecognized condition. There is no simple and reliable shortcut to an accurate diagnosis—it takes time by a trained and experienced clinician. When ADHD remains undiagnosed, there can be damaging consequences to the person’s life. The name of the condition may lead to missing related problems with regulation of emotional control, such as an explosive temper, oppositional behaviour, or difficulty getting started with important tasks. A family history of these patterns is common, too.

Brain science is evolving at a rapid pace.

The brain’s ability to sustain attention is impaired in those with ADHD—they are more distractible. That difficulty cannot be fixed by greater efforts at concentration any more than someone with poor eyesight can see better by trying harder.

To understand how our brain operates effectively, it’s important to consider “Executive Function,” the brain’s capacity to decide what aspects of our surroundings and inner experience are most important, and when and how to make wise choices in our actions.

No two people diagnosed with ADHD are alike. There is an interaction between the unique individual, their genetic makeup, and their environment. That leads to opportunities to learn adaptive strategies.

Many people with ADHD who had more of a Hyperactive component in early life learn to manage that, while remaining less able to deal with the attentional, emotional and motivational components.

Myths about ADHD are common: Myth #1: ADHD doesn’t exist. Fact: Advanced MRI techniques show the differences in the brain pathways (connectomes) between those with ADHD and those without.

Myth #2: ADHD is from bad parenting.

Fact: There is enough stigma from the condition without blaming it on bad parenting.

A Parenting 101 course is not the answer, although there are some excellent resources to help with the additional challenges of parenting offspring with ADHD. Myth #3: ADHD is just an excuse for laziness and irresponsibility. Fact: The condition cannot be overcome by an exercise of willpower. If someone has ADHD, it’s

not their fault, nor is it an excuse, but it is reasonable that they be accountable for doing what is necessary for treatment.

Myth #4: “My child can really focus on things of interest for a long time—he couldn’t have ADHD!” Fact: The ability to hyperfocus on things of interest is a common feature of ADHD. That may be why there is a 50 per cent prevalence of Internet or video game addiction in youth with ADHD. Myth #5: “It’s mostly just boys that get labelled with ADHD for exhibiting what is just normal kids’ behaviour.” Fact: Girls’ brains mature faster than boys’ brains. Girls with ADHD are more likely to have an Inattentive pattern rather than the Hyperactive/ Impulsive pattern. That is one reason why the diagnosis of ADHD is more frequently missed in girls and women.

Myth #6: ADHD is over-diagnosed because of drug companies’ motivation for profit. Fact: Yes, the preferred long-acting preparations of psychostimulant drugs are expensive and the pharmaceutical industry will profit from increased diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. But, at the same time, research demonstrates that ADHD is greatly underdiagnosed. Four per cent of adults have ADHD, only 11 per cent of those have been diagnosed; and their treatment is inconsistent in quality and continuity.

Myth #7: ADHD can only be treated with medication. Fact: Medication should rarely be the first step in treatment and may not be used at all. Howard Abikoff, PhD, has published two different non-drug treatment methods for ADHD in children that were equally effective to psychostimulant medication. While many may benefit from medication, there are no skills in pills—treatment that relies only on medication is incomplete.

Myth #8: People grow out of ADHD and don’t need medication after age 12. Fact: In the majority of cases, ADHD is a lifelong condition although the presentation of it changes at different ages. Whether or not to use medication is a personal decision for the patient and guardians, informed by adequate discussion of the benefits and risks, as with any treatment decision.

Myth #9: There is no agreement on ADHD diagnosis. Fact: The latest method for diagnosis was defined by DSM-5 (May 2013). Periodic updating of these methods is www.kidsinvictoria.com

based on the comprehensive review of new research; it will always lag behind the latest research. Debate is healthy and contributes to the best new practices in patient care.

Diagnosis matters! Living with ADHD takes a tremendous amount of energy and being the recipient of scolding, along with self-comparisons about own performance compared to others, at any stage of life, can badly erode self-esteem.

Just the knowledge of having ADHD can be helpful in promoting selfcompassion and a desire to learn adaptive strategies.

ADHD can arise after Traumatic Brain Injury. Also, those with ADHD are three times more likely to sustain a Traumatic Brain Injury/Concussion(s).

Problems with anxiety, depression and alcohol/drugs may go along with, or disguise, the ADHD/ADD condition. So can difficulties with reading and/or learning specific subjects like math, spelling or writing. Early intervention for these conditions is of great benefit. Later, the learning difficulties become more difficult to remediate.

The child may by then have become more ashamed and embarrassed and avoidant.

Just the knowledge of having ADHD can be helpful in promoting self-compassion and a desire to learn adaptive strategies; and it may lead to a different perspective about past and present life experiences for the person and loved ones.

Resources:

Books: Check the following websites for recommendations: The Canadian Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Resource Alliance (CADDRA); www.caddra.ca Learning Disabilities Association of British Columbia—South Vancouver Island Chapter; www.ldabc.ca

STAGES Performing Arts School since 1980

Come Dance With Us

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

• Not sure which class to take?

Try a Drop-In: No hassle, No Obligation

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Even the littlest angel can dance

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

Ian A. Gillespie, MD is a Victoria psychiatrist and a son of a former local pediatrician, the late Dr. Andrew Gillespie. He has no affiliation with, or any income received from, pharmaceutical companies and regrets that he is unavailable for providing information in response to individual requests. www.IslandParent.ca

Sept/Oct 2014 13

Tim Collins

Power

to the

Princesses M

y granddaughter is a princess, or at least she believes herself to be one. By the age of three she’d decided that the life of a princess was a perfect fit for her personal sensibilities, and that conviction has never wavered. Given that, like most preschool children, she has an innate and persistent sense of total entitlement, I really can’t argue with her assessment.

But Randi hasn’t adopted just any princesses as role models. Nope.

The Disney Corporation has seen to that. Through the production of some entertaining films and a Machiavellian marketing strategy that is both pervasive and persuasive, Randi was moved to join the multitude of starry-eyed little girls who are under the spell of the cultural icons who are the Disney princesses…and she couldn’t be happier.

14 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

She has the princess thing down pat.

She has the dresses, tiaras and wands. She has the little dolls with clip-on dresses, the bigger dolls with the cloth dresses, the castles, carriages, games, and puzzles. Her bedroom walls are festooned with princess posters. Her bedding is princessy and she has enough princess story books to stock the libraries of several small nations.

And of course she has the movies. I didn’t know that you could wear out a DVD but I’m fairly certain that the slight quiver in Elsa’s big Frozen song sequence comes from the disc having been played approximately four gazillion times.

Times have changed, though, and the princesses with them.

But not everyone loves a princess. In her book Cinderella Ate My Daughter: Dispatches from the Front Lines of the New Girlie-Girl Culture, author Peggy Orenstein says that the princess fad “encourages girls to define themselves through beauty and play-sexiness…and eventually real sexiness.”

Monika Bartvzel, the creator of the film news column, Girls on Film, is equally critical, as are a host of others. The general theme is that the beloved princesses are out to teach little girls that they need to be sexy and pretty to be successful—essentially turning them into little bimbos.

I’ve looked at both sides of this issue and have come to the conclusion that much of this condemnation of all things princess is needlessly strident.

Now, let’s face it; some of it may be justified. Snow White, for example, is to feminism what Donald Trump is to selfdeprecation. Snow’s only redeeming features seem to be a pair of Betty-Boop-like eyes and more cloying cuteness than you can shake a stick at. Oh yeah, she also has that uncanny ability with animals. Beyond that, she’s pretty hopeless. Snow (I hope she doesn’t mind me calling her Snow) seems incapable of making good decisions and is totally dependent on men. She looks for help from a huntsman, a den of dwarves— all men by the way—and, finally, a prince with pretty shoddy credentials. In the end, despite the fact that she’s only met him once, the Prince feels free to give her an uninvited smack on the lips while she’s sleeping. When she wakes he simply throws her across his horse and she happily allows him to lead www.IslandParent.ca

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Sept/Oct 2014 15

her off without complaint or consultation.

But hey, that film was made in 1937.

Gloria Steinem was only three years old at the time and even though the women’s movement was still decades away, I suspect that even as a toddler Gloria must have cringed at Snow’s dependence on men.

Times have changed, though, and the princesses with them. I’m happy to report that, in my assessment at least, today’s Disney films reinforce some important life messages for little girls. I feel qualified to speak on the issue as, by my own reckoning, I have personally played princesses with Randi for 12,658 hours and watched each of the films more times than I’ve seen Godfather on Movie Central.

Based upon these qualifications alone, I can say with some confidence that today’s princesses have evolved with the times.

With a bit of guidance they can be used to reinforce positive gender messages and allow our little princesses to learn some pretty valuable life lessons.

Spoiler alert! If you are one of the two people in the civilized world who has not seen the latest Disney movies, be advised that the remainder of this article gives away details of the stories. If this is truly a concern…well…you really need to get out more.

Disney’s latest animated feature, Frozen, serves as a good illustration of how today’s princesses have evolved. The princess sisters, Anna and Elsa, are orphaned and left to cope with a dysfunctional upbringing during which both girls are locked away from the world by their parents to “protect them” from an anticipated backlash to Elsa’s uncanny ability to randomly freeze things, including hearts and heads. There’s never an explanation of why Anna, whose only powers are a spunky personality and a great singing voice, had to be locked away as well, but I guess we all make mistakes as parents. Oops.

Whatever the reason, both girls are left isolated and unprepared for the future. It’s not surprising that they make a few mistakes when they finally open up the gates to the castle.

But here’s the teachable moment. When Anna is critically injured and told that only an act of true love can save her, she is presented with a dilemma. She can save herself by flying into the arms of her true love and getting that life saving kiss, or she can save her sister from a decidedly un-charming Prince Hans who is about to whack the poor girl with his sword. She chooses the latter and ultimately defeats the villain and saves

herself through a combination of bravery and selflessness. All this is done without any significant help from any men in the story.

Anna and Elsa’s fashion sense plays no role in the film, although, granted, they are both cute as buttons.

And then there’s Maleficent, the recent non-animated re-working of the Sleeping Beauty story. In this version of the old classic, it turns out that the evil fairy, Maleficent wasn’t so much evil as really, really annoyed.

She’s been betrayed by the King who pretended to be her lover, only to drug her and cut off her wings. Understandably unhappy with this development, she holds a grudge and, years later, lashes out by cursing his only child. She almost immediately regrets her actions and, when her unbreakable curse comes to fruition and Beauty falls asleep, Maleficent literally drags Prince Phillip to the bed chamber for that famous “true love’s kiss.” In a great bit of cinematic irony, the kiss turns out to be a dud. It does nothing.

In the end it’s only Maleficent’s maternallike love for the child that provides Beauty’s salvation.

Sure, it’s a little cheesy but, hey, it’s a kid’s movie after all. And the lessons about regret, redemption and salvation through true love are a far cry from the Snow White story.

Fall and Winter Classes…

Expand your skills, build your confidence and find the joy in learning • Nationally recognized Level B Assessments • After school remedial learning classes, starting at 3:30 p.m.

• Language arts, mathematics, study skills and higher-level math and science • All READ Teachers are BC Certified Locations: Colwood, Sidney and Victoria Call: 250-388-7225 for information about our services and schedules Check out the website: http://www.readsociety.bc.ca

16 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

There’s also a lesson here about how true love is something that grows with time and isn’t the result of a chance meeting in the woods or an arranged marriage between strangers.

In fact, if you really take the time with most of the Disney princess stories over the past 20 years, you can find similar messages.

Ariel, the little mermaid, was pretty silly… but she defied her overbearing father to follow her heart and, in the end, took an active role in defeating the evil sea witch.

Tianna, of Princess and the Frog fame, has to teach her prince the value of hard work and ultimately saves him from an indolent and indifferent life. In Brave, Princess Merida

Okay, I’ll admit that the absorption of these lessons is not apparent when my granddaughter flounces down the hallway wearing a little ball gown and tiara… Yet I can’t help but feel that she’s also learning more positive lessons. refuses to be bartered away in a politically motivated marriage and ultimately saves the day through her own bravery—again, without a prince.

Okay, I’ll admit that the absorption of these lessons is not apparent when my granddaughter flounces down the hallway wearing a little ball gown and tiara. It’s possible that, at times, Randi may still be focussing on the fashion aspects of princess-hood. Yet I can’t help but feel that she’s also learning more positive lessons. When she and I watch the films or read the princess stories, I make a point of lightly emphasizing the character strengths of the princesses. When we play with the dolls, they have adventures that focus on how brave and resourceful they are, not on the cut of their gowns.

As a case in point, the other day I suggested that the Prince doll from Beauty and the Beast be introduced into one of our play adventures. Beauty seemed to be in real trouble and Rapunzel wasn’t being any help at all. Randi looked me and said, “Noooo…she can do it. We don’t really need a prince to save her, Grandpa.”

It rocked me for a second, but then I smiled. “No, I guess we really don’t, do we?”

Tim Collins is a writer and freelance journalist living and working in Victoria. www.IslandParent.ca

Accepting Enrollment for Sept. 2014

• preschool to grade 2

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connecting children to nature

Sept/Oct 2014 17

Fall Programs

F

rom art classes to wellness programs—and everything in between—our community offers many programs, resources and services for families. For more details on the following listings, please refer to the ads in this issue of Island Parent.

Art The Children’s Art Studio, Fall Session (September-December, 2014) Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. Open your child’s eyes to the world of art through innovative classes in the Children’s Studio. Drawing inspiration from the lives and work of famous artists, our dedicated teachers lead a range of hands-on sessions for children ages 2-12 designed to build confidence, develop skills, and encourage creativity. 1040 Moss St. Register in person at 1040 Moss St., by phone at 250-384-4171 ext.0 or online at aggv.ca/childrens-studio Artistic Statement Gallery and School of Fine Art. Back to school art classes. One or two hour session, one, two or three times per week. Day and evening classes Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday. Ages 5 and up.

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Drawing: pencil, pastel, charcoal. Painting: Acrylic and water colour. Sculpture: Clay and wire. Portfolio preparation: ages 14 and up. Emphasis is placed on technique and everyone works at their own level. Register now. Call Joan at 250-383-0566. www. artisticstatementgalleryandschool.com

Dance/Drama/Performing Arts Arabesque Dance Studio offers Classical ballet instruction for students aged four to advanced levels. Class sizes are limited to ensure students receive personal attention. Valerie Grant, owner and teacher, is a Licentiate member of the Cecchetti Society of Canada, the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, and Cecchetti International.

Ballet examinations are available in the Cecchetti Method. Classes begin in September

and finish with a recital in June. Students training with Valerie may enjoy dancing for recreation and fitness, or may choose to pursue a career in dance. For more information, visit www.dancearabesque.ca, call 250-595-3107, or email arabesq@telus.net.

Celebrating 25 years in Victoria, Centrepointe Ballet School provides a nurturing environment for dancers of all levels. Our sunny studio is located at St. Margaret’s School, 1080 Lucas Ave. Easy parking and safe welcoming environment. R.A.D. ballet taught by registered teachers. Children and adult ballet. Beginners welcome. Contemporary taught by Tara Crouse. Examinations and year end recital offered. See www. centrepointedance.com or phone Peggy Bain at 250-592-4260, email centrepointe@shaw. ca for further information.

Four Seasons Musical Theatre classes are back in session! FSMT classes teach the fundamental skills of stage acting, singing and dancing. Our goal is to foster confidence and success on the stage. The 8 sessions of classes are available for children 7-14 years old September 20 to November 15; no classes on the Thanksgiving weekend. For more details and registration visit www.fsmtheatre.ca.

setting up a tent

First-time discoveries and cool adventures begin with Scouts.

After all, it’s the perfect place for kids to be kids — and have a lot of fun along the way.

Real Scouts. Real Experiences. To join, visit Scouts.ca

1 888-855-3336 Scouts.ca 18 Island Parent Magazine

Scouts Canada Programs for boys, girls and young adults.

Beaver Scouts: 5 – 7 years Cub Scouts: 8 – 10 years Scouts: 11 – 14 years Venturer Scouts: 14 – 17 years Rover Scouts: 18 – 26 years

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Discover creativity without limits with Kaleidoscope Theatre, Vancouver Island’s resident professional theatre company and theatre school for young people. Join our industry leading faculty for exciting programs in musical theatre, acting, dance, magic, acting for the camera, and performance classes.

Celebrating 40 years of theatre, discover why Kaleidoscope has been Victoria’s choice in professional theatre education for young people since 1974. More information and registration available online at www.kaleidoscope.bc.ca Kate Rubin Theatre and Drama Studio specializes in dramatic training for children, young people and adults. Classes, workshops and individual coaching are offered throughout the year. Within a professional, experienced and supportive learning environment, students flourish with improved acting skills, stronger confidence, creative thinking, public speaking skills, spontaneity and versatility in physical and vocal expression. For more info, or to register, contact katerubin@telus.net or 250-386-8593. www.katerubintheatre.com, facebook.com/ KateRubinTheatre Lighthouse Academy of Dance offers fun, quality performing arts training in a variety of styles with qualified and experienced teachers including Canada’s first RAD Master in Teaching Dance. RAD and ISTD syllabi, leisure and pre-professional training from babes to adults. Pure, Pleasing, Positive. Family values. Tap, hip hop, jazz, modern theatre, contemporary, ballet, acro, musical theatre. Private lessons (voice, dance). Parties. Wedding dances. Come and join our family. Info: 250-595-8705, www. lighthouseacademyofdance.com The O’Brien School of Irish Dance offers both recreational and competitive dance programs for children to adults. Registration is open all year for classes both in Victoria and Nanaimo. Dancers are taught the basics of traditional Irish step dance and ceile dancing, as well as show steps similar to those seen in Riverdance and Lord of the Dance.

Opportunities to perform around the community especially around St. Patrick’s Day. Now offering classes in Duncan. Visit www. ocobirishdance.com for more information or email irishdance@shaw.ca.

StageCoach Theatre Arts. For almost 25 years, we have seen young people gain confidence and stretch themselves, building www.IslandParent.ca

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We acknowledge the financial assistance of the Province of British Columbia

Sept/Oct 2014 19

Since 1980 STAGES Performing Arts School has offered professional instruction in jazz, ballet, lyrical, tap, musical theatre and hip hop for all ages and levels of experience; preschool to professional. It is our goal to promote self-confidence, self-esteem and fulfilment in each student. We believe that all students should have an equal opportunity to learn in a safe, non-competitive environment which fosters self-expression, a healthy body, confidence and encourages responsibility, discipline, inspiration, creativity and pride in their accomplishments.

For more information, please call STAGES at 250-384-3267 or visit our website www. stagesdance.com Victoria Academy of Ballet is widely recognized as a leading Canadian dance school.

The Faculty of internationally qualified and

award-winning teachers are dedicated to giving children dance experiences designed to develop imagination, musicality, kin aesthetic awareness and self confidence.

Students age 3 to Professional are assisted to develop to their full potential. VAB is celebrated for its sense of community and dedication to developing in students lifelong transferable skills. Like us on FB www. victoriaacademyofballet.ca

This is Wendy’s 40th year of operating Wendy Steen Mitchell Dance, located in Fernwood at 2033 Belmont Avenue. Our dancers are from age 3 to 18+, and all perform in our year-end show. We offer classes in ballet,

Do you have a little girl who likes to dance, jump and juggle? Register her for a class at Island Rhythmic Gymnastics. The nationally certified coaches at Island Rhythmics will provide a fun, safe and nurturing environ-

Dance

Pure, pleasing, positive.

Photo: Andrei Fedorov

Gymnastics Falcon Gymnastics, Victoria’s leader in Gymnastics, is offering 2014-2015 Recreational Gymnastics classes for school age kids starting on September 8, and Pre-school gymnastics starting on September 22. Falcon promises your child will have a great time. Whether on the vault, bars, beam, or playing in our foam pit, or bouncing on the trampoline, your child is in good hands with Nationally Certified coaches who know how to make it fun and safe.

Falcon Gymnastics—where fun and fitness are number 1! Phone 250-479-6424. www. falcongymnastics.com

Lighthouse Academy of

Beginner–Professional • Boys & Girls • Tots to Adults Ballet • Tap • Jazz • Modern • Contemporary • Acro • Jazz/Hip Hop • Creative Musical Theatre • Fitness Classes • Special Needs Class • Seniors Lyrical/Jazz RAD & ISTD Exam & Leisure Courses • Individualized Pre-Professional Training We also do DANCE PARTIES for kids and adults! 934 Goldstream Ave, Langford

Register for Fall! 250.595.8705 info@lighthouseacademyofdance.com www.lighthouseacademyofdance.com

20 Island Parent Magazine

jazz, modern, lyrical, tap, and hip hop.

Exceptional dancers are offered the opportunity to perform in Festival and our Tiptoes Companies. Dancers have the option of participating in ballet, tap and modern theatre exams (RAD/ISTD). www.tiptoesdance.ca

The Victoria School of Irish Dance offers Irish dance classes in Victoria at Dance Victoria Studios, in Nanaimo and in Cedar BC, for ages 4 years to adults, Beginners to Champion, competitive and recreational. VSID dancers compete at the world, national and regional level. VSID develops confidence/ self-esteem, practical skills and lifelong friendships. The Victoria Irish Dancers perform locally year round in many community events. Receive a lesson from certified instructors for jigs, reels, and lots of fun. 250888-9421. www.victoriairishdancers.com

Now in Partnership!

essential life skills while learning tools to sing, dance and act, and most importantly have fun. Suitable for all abilities, StageCoach offers the chance for kids to pursue a career in the arts, or just learn new skills to share with friends and family. Register now for fall 2014. Call 250-743-0858, email langford@stagecoachschools.ca., www. stagecoachschools.ca

Now Offering !

Classes in Langford

www.kidsinvictoria.com

ment where she will learn the beautiful sport of rhythmic gymnastics. Rhythmic gymnastics is an Olympic sport that combines dance and gymnastics and is performed to music with ball, ribbon, rope, hoop and clubs. Visit us online at Islandrhythmics.com Victoria Gymnastics provides Greater Victoria with gymnastics instruction that is safe, well structured, and most importantly, fun.

Our 7,200 sq. ft. facility, which is naturally lighted and acoustically insulated, provides a learning environment that will allow children to maximize their potential as they move through our non-competitive skills development program structure. Boys and girls ages 2-17, beginner through advanced, all benefit from the strength and flexibility that gymnastics develops. Visit. www. victoriagymnastics.com

Mid-Island Igniting the “spark of genius” in every child is woven into the tapestry of life at Dwight School Canada—in classrooms, science laboratories, the dance studio and sports field. On the shores of Shawnigan Lake, our 23-acre campus is home to a vibrant group of diverse students who come together each day in pursuit of knowledge and self-discovery. Every student benefits from Dwight’s three pillars: personalized learning, community and global vision. Contact: 250-929-0506; admissions@dwightcanada. org; www.dwightcanada.org Brigadoon Dance Academy is excited to offer new six-week beginner classes this fall.

These Highland Dance classes will be taught by qualified BATD instructors in Nanaimo and Comox. Tartan Tots is for our youngest dancers (2.5 years) and we encourage parents to participate. We also have a very strong championship training program, which produced two provincial champions and a runner up in 2013. Contact Diena and Charles Henry, brigadoondanceacademy@ shaw.ca, 250-756-3661.

Music Guitar in Motion. Since 2004 bringing guitar lessons right to your door. No more worries about drop offs and pick ups, or bringing the other kids along in tow. We show up, teach, and leave…simple. A great service for adults wanting to learn, too. Lessons www.IslandParent.ca

are available to all age groups, at all levels, in a wide range of styles. *Special introductory rate for home-schoolers. Call Steve at 250-217-2316, www.guitarinmotion.com

Island Rhythmic Gymnastics Club

Larsen Music is a local family business committed to promoting healthy communities through music. We offer sales, repairs and rentals of a large selection of instruments, accessories and print music. Our School of Music is home to 35 dedicated musicians who love making and teaching music. Exciting new programs are always in the works.

Please visit the shop at 1833 Cook Street, the school at 1808 Cook Street, and on the web at www.larsenmusic.ca Music Together®: Bringing Harmony Home™.

Sing, dance, play, laugh, learn and—most importantly—have fun sharing music with your child and connecting musically with other families. Music Together® is an internationally acclaimed (now enjoyed in over 40 countries) mixed-age family music program for children from birth to five and the adults who love them. Come and join Music Together® Victoria’s welcoming music community (celebrating ten years of singing and dancing with local families) at seven different locations throughout Greater Victoria. www.musictogethervictoria.com or 250-217-2477.

Do you have a little girl who likes to dance, jump and juggle?

Register her for a class at Island Rhythmics!

Classes for girls 3 and up Contact us to register for our fall session

www.islandrhythmics.com 250-514-6761

Success in music, success in life…a winning combination for your family. The Tom Lee Music Learning Centre at Millstream Village offers professional, friendly instructors, state-of-the-art teaching equipment, in-house performance hall with sound/ lighting/stage, plus a wide range of private and group programs for beginner through to advanced musicians. Lessons available on piano, guitar, drums, bass, violin, voice, flute, ukelele, trumpet and saxophone. Enrol today! 250-383-5222.

The Victoria Conservatory of Music has been breathing music into life for 50 years. One of our most exciting areas of programming are for Babies to 12yrs. Providing a child with a foundation in music is one of the most valuable things a parent can do.

Studies show that when children take part in music classes, their social and cognitive skills are impacted in extremely positive ways. Let’s Play. vcm.bc.ca/departments/ childrens-music/ or call 250-386-5311.

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

All Ages Together in Song, offered by the Victoria Good News Choir, Louise Rose, direcSept/Oct 2014 21

tor. We welcome you and your family to sing with us for the joy of singing. Experience the gifts of music with your child(ren) in a warm and caring community. Lots of fun too! No auditions and all ages welcome. Rehearsals on Tuesdays 7:30 pm and Saturdays 10am mornings beginning Sept 9 and Sept 13.

Choose one or both. Join us. 250-658-1946, info@victoriagoodnewschoir.com, www. victoriagoodnewschoir.com

EDUCATION PROGRAMS

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

saanichdentalgroup.com 119–1591 McKenzie Ave, Victoria

250 477 7321

info@saanichdentalgroup.com

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

MEND is being offered this September in:

Boys and Girls Clubs offer families in Esquimalt, VicWest, Langford and Central Saanich excellent after-school programs. In September we open a new location in Colwood with licensed after-school program for children 5-12 at 345 Wale Road. Along with regular programming we will be taking kids to our Outdoor Centre in Metchosin for rock climbing, canoeing and challenges on the low ropes course. Monday to Friday from 3 pm to 6 pm. Call 250-384-9133 ext.

203 or email admin@bgcvic.org The Cridge Centre welcomes the opportunity to serve children of all needs. While each program offers care to different age groups, they all offer an environment that is safe, stimulating, nurturing and responsive to every child. The Cridge Child Care Services includes programs for: under 3s child care; 3-5 child care; nature-focused preschool; school-age care; Sunfun Summer Day Camp. For more information, visit cridge. org/childcare Looking for something for your preschooler? Gordon Head Recreation Centre has the best options for you. If you’re looking for a more traditional preschool our Exploring Our World licensed preschool could be a great fit. Wanting to step outside the box?

Try our ECO Educating Children Outside program at Elk Lake. Call Chris at 250-4757107 for more info or go to www.saanich. ca/parkrec/recreation/e-c-o-program.html for more info about our ECO program Lifeseminars.com will give you the details you need to view the selection of courses, including the very popular Wednesday night programs. LIFE also provides individual coaching to parents for ongoing support.

Their books, Sidestepping the Power Struggle and The Parent Child Connection are available for purchase through the site, at Bolen’s Books and Munro’s. 250-595-2649.

22

Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

READ Society. On September 10, READ launches its 36th year of individualized remedial language arts and mathematics programs. Using recognized formal assessments and a wide variety of learning tools and approaches, READ’s qualified teachers design and deliver remedial programs that build skills and create confident, capable learners. Classes are scheduled after school Monday through Thursday. Assessments are available on Friday and Saturday by appointment. Expand your knowledge and your opportunities—learn with us. 250388-7222. www.readsociety.bc.ca

Recreation Crystal Pool. Back to School can mean busy schedules for the family so don’t forget to make time for fun! We’ve made sure there’s something for everyone: Preschoolers: Tiny Toes Ballet, art, soccer, swimming lessons, skating; School Age: ballet, soccer, Home Alone, music, tennis, swimming, skating; Teens: Red Cross Babysitter, Lifesaving/ First-Aid, skating; Adults: kayaking, day trips, bootcamp, dance, swimming, skating.

New this fall: online registration for Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre programs. Check it out at victoria.ca/recreation. For more information call 250-361-0732.

Youth Programs in the Gardens at HCP School Tours and Programs. Visit us at HCP with your class and experience a fun and interactive learning opportunity based on BC Ministry Curriculum Outcomes. School Visits…let us visit your facility and offer a hands-on program designed for your specific class needs, starting at $3/person. Spring Programs (Jan-Jun), Fall Programs (SeptNov). Workshop Series… learn and play with your family in the Gardens at HCP during our series of Growing Together workshops. Check hcp.ca for upcoming events.

Kenzen Sports Karate. Come to our grand opening party with free lessons, fitness challenges, games and food on Saturday, September 13, 12-5pm. Started by National Team Coach Kraig Devlin and former BC Team Coach Richard Mosdell, Kenzen is Victoria’s high-performance karate training centre. We inspire people of all ages to develop awesome fitness, skills and defence and prepare students for the official Karate BC Team selection events. www.kenzensportskarate.com, 250-507-1441.

www.IslandParent.ca

LIFE Seminars presents

Sidestepping LIFE the Power Seminars Struggle presents

For parents with children of any age – this course Sidestepping takes the guesswork out of the Power parenting and creates long lasting positive changes.

Struggle

Wednesday Evenings The Eight Week Course

April 28 –Evenings June 2 Wednesday 2010 from 7:00 to 9:30, Starting October 15 Spectrum School

The LIFE7:00 team – will support 9:30 you to work with the material and create positive and meaningful shifts in your family.

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

with Dr. Dr. Allison Rees with Rees

lifeseminars.com 250-595-2649

Sept/Oct 2014 23

Emmanuel Preschool

Emmanuel Preschool

2121 Cedar Hill Cross Road (by entrance to UVic)

Openings forHill 2013–2014 2121 Cedar Cross RoadClasses! (by entrance to UVic)

Openings Children learn throughfor play in2014–2015 our all inclusive, Classes! non-denominational Christian preschool.

Children learn through play in our all inclusive, nonGreat facility; outdoor play area and a gym for rainy day play!

Christian preschool.

Greatteachers facility;to Twodenominational teachers with ECE certification plus assistant outdoor play area and a gym for rainy day play.

Two help with special needs children.

A competent teaching team! teachers and withcaring ECE certification plus an assistant teacher to help with special needs children.

Opportunities: A competent and caring teaching team!

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

Tues/Thurs morning class Phone 250-598-0573 5 mornings a week preschool@emmanuelvictoria.ca Phone 250-598-0573 preschool@emmanuelvictoria.ca www.emmanuelpreschool.ca

www.emmanuelpreschool.ca

Learn Skate with the Oak Bay Figure Skating Club. OBFSC has exceptional programs for all levels of skating. The focus is on fun, participation, and basic skill development.

With NCCP Level 3 Certified coaches, OBFSC has skaters who compete to podium at Provincial and National levels. Recently redeveloped, the CanSkate program is based on long term athlete development and has a proven new curriculum to develop basic skills faster. CanPowerSkate is an actionpacked, high energy instructional power skating program geared to hockey and ringette skaters that focuses on balance, power, agility, speed and endurance. Registration is ongoing. Contact us today at jamiemcgrigor@gmail.com.

Panorama Recreation has launched their new Fall Brochure. Look for a ton of new programs as well as the return of your favourite. Don’t forget to check out what our Greenglade Community Centre has to offer.

A weight room expansion, added programs, extended hours and new classes are just a few of the things we are excited to launch to better serve the community. For a full list head to www.panoramarecreation.ca Sportball helps children develop both social and physical skills through an engaging, non-competitive environment. Using highenergy programs and covering eight popular ball sports, Sportball works for childen 16 months to 12 years old. These programs are carefully designed to focus on developing balance, strength, coordination, stamina and timing, with Sportball’s professional instruction and positive reinforcement. For more information, visit www.sportball.ca, or call 250-590-4625.

Oak Bay Figure Skating Club

! e t a k S o t n r LeaPower & Figure Skating Programs Registration on-going For more information or to register email jamiemcgrigor@gmail.com or call Jamie at 250-744-6603

Science Working with Mad Science means weeks of exciting hands-on activities, fascinating demonstrations, inquiry based discussions, group and individual activities, and spectacular take-homes. This year we are calling all junior agents to join our Spy Academy program. Get into gear and learn what it takes to be successful in the spy world.

We explore science behind a spy in action.

Check all our After-school Camps, Science Shows and Birthday Parties. Info at www. madscience.org/vancouverisland or call 1-888-954-6237. Book on-line any time.

www.oakbayfsc.ca

24 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Swimming & Diving

O’Brien School of Irish Dancing

Boardworks Join one of Canada’s most successful springboard and platform diving clubs this fall at Saanich Commonwealth Place. Learn how to dive in a fun and safe atmosphere, and possibly follow in the footsteps of ’08 and ’12 Olympian and OlympicGarten graduate Riley McCormick. We offer a variety of diving programs for all ages and abilities, including OlympicGarten (5-9 years), FunDive (8-15 years), Swim’n Dive (6-12 years) and Adult FunDive (16+ years). Visit www.boardworks.ca to register or for more information.

• Traditional Irish dancing classes including ceile and step dancing

• Classes in Cadboro Bay, Esquimalt, Nanaimo and NOW IN DUNCAN! • Recreational, performance and competitive classes

www.obrienirishdance.com 604-340-2370

irishdance@shaw.ca

Other Andrea’s Sew Easy. Can you imagine how excited your child would be to make their own clothes? Andrea Bailey has been teaching children to sew from the age of seven, including teens, for over 23 years. Small classes, maximum of four, allow students to work at their own speed. Friends and family will be amazed at the clothes they are able to make for themselves. Classes are held after school and on Saturdays. Home school classes also available. Call for information on strike camps. For more information call 250-592-7879, email aseweasy@shaw.ca, or visit www.andreasseweasy.com Family Eyecare Centre specializes in vision therapy, a treatment that can improve learning. Problems or frustration with reading or homework could be vision related. The child could be skipping words, seeing double, or fatiguing quickly. These conditions can be corrected with vision therapy rather than traditional glasses. With the start of school, now is the time to book an eye exam to ensure that your child’s eyes are helping, not hurting, their learning. familyeyecarecentre. com; 250-383-2411.

For over 20 years, the Victoria Film Festival has been bringing the world to your door through engaging programming, vibrant events and interactive sessions with emerging and established filmmakers. This celebration of film also extends to the budding filmmakers found right here in Victoria. Our youth program CineKids gives your child the opportunity to create their very own short films! Discover your child’s potential with the Victoria Film Festival. Visit victoriafilmfestival.com/be-involved-811/cinekids for more information. • www.IslandParent.ca

Fall classes are filling up! Call soon to register.

Art Classes COMPLETE A PORTFOLIO COURSE DESIGNED ESPECIALLY FOR YOU

Interior Design Automobile Design Architecture • Art THerapy Bachelor Fine Arts Fashion & More

FOR ENTRANCE INTO A VARIETY OF COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY DEGREE AND DIPLOMA PROGRAMS

Register Now for September & Ongoing Programs!

Artistic Statement Gallery & School of Fine Art Call Joan at 250-383-0566 www.artisticstatementgalleryandschool.com

FALCON GYMNASTICS “Where FUN

#208 - 721 Vanalman Avenue Victoria, BC V8Z 3B6

& FITNESS are#1”

• Ongoing registration • Classes for boys and girls starting at 18 month of age • Beginners through Advance gymnastics • Preschool drop ins • Adults drop in • Best birthday parties in town.

We have it all!

For more information please call 250- 479-6424 or visit our website at

www.falcongymnastics.com

Sept/Oct 2014 25

Jerri Carson

Spooktacular Songs C

hildren love music and the fall is the perfect time to introduce your child to the glorious, spooktacular sounds of the symphony orchestra. Whether you’re planning a spooky Halloween party for the kids or you just want to get into the celebration’s spirit, don’t forget to include music in your plans, which can be just as important as the jack-o-lanterns.

Make this Halloween extra fun and spooky by including symphonic music selections as well as the popular Halloween standards when trick-or-treaters arrive on your doorstep. 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 on children, including memory development, creativity, and self-expression.

There is a wide selection of symphonic music that is beautiful and powerful—as well as spooky—for Halloween. Replace old favourites such as Monster Mash and Ghostbusters with pieces such as Edvard Greig’s The Hall of the Mountain King or Paul Dukas’ The Sor-

3-5 yrs Pre-primary School

cerer’s Apprentice. The Hall of the Mountain King is dreamy fantasy music, which evokes images of marching goblins and gnomes. The Sorcerer’s Apprentice conjures up images of magic spells, wizardry and dancing brooms.

Other spooky orchestral pieces to listen to are J.S. Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D minor, which has an eerie pipe organ, or Stravinsky’s ballet music The Firebird which is about a glowing bird and other magical creatures.

Carnival of the Animals by Camille Saint-Saens, an orchestral set for children, is wonderful music to play at Halloween. It is a suite of 14 movements, with each movement representing an animal. For example, there is the Royal March of the Lion, Hens and Roosters, The Elephant, and Tortoises. The most famous movement is The Aquarium, which is musically rich with a mysterious and ominous melody. Encourage party-goers to wear animal costumes and move to the music, pretending to be the animals.

Saint-Saens also wrote Dance Macabre, which is a spooky tone poem for

orchestra, which evokes images of dancing skeletons. The xylophone imitates the sounds of rattling bones. The skeletons dance all night until the bell—in this case, a harp—tolls at midnight. Lots of fun at a Halloween dance party.

Many other orchestral selections will grab your child’s attention. For example, if your child likes drums and lively rhythms, play Thunder and Lightning Polka by Johann Strauss. It imitates the sound of thunder and lightning through repeated timpani rolls and cymbal crashes. If your children likes insects and bugs, they might appreciate The Wasps Overture by Vaughan Williams or The Flight of the Bumblebee by Rimsky-Korsakov.

Symphonic music is an enjoyable and wonderful way to spend time with your child at Halloween or at any time of the year. As you introduce your children to the music masters, they will be listening to composers throughout history. By taking the time to explore symphonic music, you will be expanding your child’s imagination and inner sense of creativity. Happy Halloween!

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.

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

The joy of learning - naturally.

http://oakandorca.ca 250 383 6609

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

Discover Creativity Without Limits Victoria’s Premiere Professional Theatre School for youth Musical Theatre | Acting | Dance | Choir | Magic | & More to learn more about our programs and to register:

www.kaleidoscope.bc.ca • 250.383.8124 26 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Krista Minar

Trick-or-Treat without Trials

H

alloween can be a terrifying time. I remember, last year, the look on my almost-two-year-old daughter’s face as she stared into the mask of a trick-or-treater dressed up as Spiderman. Who knew that Spiderman could be so scary? Worse still, I remember how terrified she was seeing the little witch statue that suddenly began to move and cackle as we walked by. Halloween has proved fearsome indeed.

While planning for this Halloween with friends and neighbours, I have come to see that Halloween means different things at different ages. For you die-hard Halloween howlers, I know this pains you, as it does my husband, but the days of dressing up in your best un-dead outfits, visiting horrifying haunted houses and playing terrorizing pranks and tricks are best saved for older kids and adults.

We have experienced, first hand that there are other age- and family-appropriate ways to celebrate Halloween.

So what are some new ways to celebrate in a G-rated fashion? Here are a few ideas: 1. Throw a pumpkin carving party. Last year a friend rolled out yards of plastic, passed around carving tools and we all gutted and carved pumpkins, then ate freshly roasted pumpkin seeds. The kids were sticky and content, and proud of their scribbled works of art that we carved out for them.

2. Dress up for playgroup/playdates. No masks or scary costumes, just cute little outfits that we parents can’t wait to stuff our children into. Make it potluck, where everyone brings a small, healthy Halloween snack to share. Put on some music and dance—you’ll have a great party and a good time.

3. Craft it up. Pinterest could be your best friend this Halloween, it has hundreds of ideas—some that require real finesse and skill, and lots that don’t.

4. Showcase the crafts and decorate the house. Pumpkins, friendly ghosts, and lots of Halloween color can make a place feel fun, not scary.

5. Hit up the library…you’ll find tons of

www.IslandParent.ca

amazing books about Halloween that are completely appropriate for little eyes and ears. Read about the Halloween adventures of the Berenstain Bears, Maisy, Arthur, Diego or Dora, Mickey Mouse and his friends, among others.

6. Get cooking! Pull out the food dye and get creative with recipes and food decorating with little helpers at hand. Kids love decorating their own cupcakes!

7. Visit a pumpkin patch and pick your own pumpkin. Lots of local farms have fall harvest and halloween events that can include hay rides, corn mazes, petting zoos, face painting, and live entertainment.

8. Join the cardboard box maze craze.

Collect a selection of large boxes and then create a maze of sorts—indoors or out. At the junctions, string lights that sparkle and glitter, or decorate with glow in the dark stickers…and create a magical and exciting activity.

9. Take part in an organized community costume crawl on Halloween, hitting up family and friends afterwards. One of my favourite Halloween events that our little town holds is the Costume Crawl. Shortly after school finishes for the day, businesses give out candy and some even run little contests until closing time. It is a great way to see parents and kids dressed up for the evening, collect a bit of candy, and spend time with others in a positive atmosphere, and still have time to make sure that the little ones get to knock on the grandparents’ doors.

10. Check out the fireworks displays, if they are available to you. Here in our town, we take our fireworks seriously, and while not all the little ones stay awake long enough to see them, it makes for a great end to a fun Halloween night.

Whatever your traditions, I hope you can make room for some great transitions that are defining a more age-appropriate way for the littlest of ghouls and goblins to enjoy Halloween.

WENDY STEEN MITCHELL

40th

DANCE

Year in Victoria

CLASSES FOR PRE-SCHOOL TO ADVANCED LEVELS BALLET, MODERN, TAP, JAZZ, LYRICAL, HIP HOP

2033 BELMONT AVE 250-598-7679 WWW.TIPTOESDANCE.CA

Krista Minar, a mother of three, is in constant search of balance.

Sept/Oct 2014 27

For your preschoolers at the Gordon Head t is one of those moments when I am sudreminded that parenting has a lot Recreation Centre Iindenly common with being the ring leader of a

Emillie Parrish

Travelling with Kids

circus. We are on a bus packed with morning commuters, and my son is swinging himself around a pole, taking up far more than his fair share of space. Meanwhile my daughter is shrieking from the stroller. She wants to look out the window, but I don’t dare pick her up. There are too many bags hanging off the back of the stroller and I need her weight to keep everything balanced.

The commuters, smartly dressed in their matching khaki and black outfits, watch us through sideways glances. I hope that they

a trip with two young children. My mother called us “brave” when we told her of our plans, but at that moment I can’t help feeling that “crazy” would have been a more apt description.

An older woman leans forward and pats my daughter gently on the cheek talking to her sofly in Italian. I only recognize the words “ciao” and “bella.” But it is enough to turn my 13-month-old’s fussing into happy chirps. It’s at a time like this that it doesn’t matter how crazy we are, we wouldn’t miss this for the world.

Travel had always defined my husband’s and my relationship, and having children

Exploring our World Licensed Preschool single days in the AM, M–F

Exploring Our World French single days in the PM, T–Th

ECO: Educating Children Outside at Elk Lake M/W/F or T/Th mornings

Call Chris at 250-475-7107 for more information or go to

saanich.ca/parkrec/recreation/ e-c-o-program.html

for more info about our ECO program 28 Island Parent Magazine

are at least entertained by the spectacle.

I glance over at my husband who is also taking up more than his share of space on that crowded bus. He is wearing a giant backpack, and is desperately trying to keep his balance while holding onto two more suitcases. My eyes ask him, “how much further?” But he is as clueless as I am.

I remember a time when travel was relaxing. When I was free to follow my every whim, and was only encumbered by a small bag that was just large enough to hold everything I needed. I start to wonder what we were thinking to embark on such

couldn’t stifle the urge. We needed to explore new places, taste new foods and meet new people. Though I have to admit that our children have caused us to change the way we travel, especially since there is truth in the idiom “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” Both of our children have an energetic spirit which keeps us busy. It also means that we have developed an arsenal of tricks to keep everyone interested in travelling.

Here are some things that we do to help our children get the most out of their travelling.

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Before you go: • Read age-appropriate books about the places you’ll be travelling to. I like the picture books by Miroslav Sasek because they can be adapted for readers of any age.

You can also find age-appropriate books from the library.

• Introduce your child to new foods and discuss potential cultural differences.

• Practice eating out. We play the “what can you do in a restaurant game” to remind my five-year-old that he has to stay seated in his chair, use his cutlery and talk in a quiet voice.

Beach Portraits Before Summer is Gone.

Include the whole family or just your kids.

On the trip: • Have your children keep a scrapbook or diary of the trip, written or pictographic, to keep them engaged with the sightseeing.

• Alternatively you could have your children take photos of a toy visiting the various sights—a version of the traveling gnome in the movie Amelie.

• Give your child spending money for each location so that they can choose their own souvenirs.

• Involve your child in planning the day.

Give them choices about what you’re going to see and do.

• Don’t over schedule yourselves. Only expect to do one or two things a day.

• Take breaks in playgrounds or parks whenever possible.

• Make naps a priority, and try to keep to your child’s usual nap schedule as much as possible.

• Always carry snacks with you. The best snacks are things like boxes of raisins that can keep small children occupied for a while.

Before planning any holiday, it’s important to consider what you want from the trip.

If your goal is to have a relaxing break from your every day, then you should consider going to a kid-focused resort or campground.

These places will have amenities for children; some will even offer day camps and other activities to keep children entertained.

However, don’t be afraid to seek a bit of adventure. Though traveling with children does take a lot of patience and planning, it also offers more rewards. Language barriers don’t exist in a playground, or in a baby’s smile, so you may find yourself immersed in a cultural experience that goes beyond museums and market stalls.

Emillie Parrish loves having adventures with her two busy children. She lives in Victoria and is the author of the food based blog www.fermentingforfoodies.com www.IslandParent.ca

Colleen Boak 250-590-3506

www.roysphoto.com facebook.com/roysphoto

Please join us at our Annual Sale.

20% Off Absolutely Everything*

October 14th – 18th (Tuesday – Saturday) Once a year for five days only.

Buddies Toys • Sidney

2494 Beacon Ave 250-655-7171

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2533 Estevan Ave 250-595-6501

*On any regular priced items, excluding Lego. No VIP points earned during the sale.

New Kids Dentist

Dr. Anita Gadzinska-Myers

is a Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Dentistry and has a Fellowship in Special Needs Dentistry for children • Accepting new patients now (infants to teenagers) • Referral not needed • Member of Cleft Lip and Palate Team

Special Services:

short wait list • oral sedation • hospital dentistry • nitrous oxide

Victoria Pediatric Dental Centre g We’re Movin

New Location: 205–1830 Oak Bay Ave

www.victoriapediatricdentalcentre.ca

250-383-2133 Sept/Oct 2014 29

Kathleen Arnason

World Children’s Summit on Peace & Nature Working with kids from the inside out

O

SLEEPING BABIES ARE HAPPY BABIES...

If your baby or child isn’t getting the sleep they need, help is available.

Call Sukkie Sandhu • 250.857.1408 • www.happybabysleepsolutions.com

1040 MOSS ST

n May 19 to 22, 2015, 340 young Canadians between the ages 10 to14 will gather at the University of Victoria for four days of exploring, learning, and sharing their experiences about finding their own peace and connection with nature in a chaotic world.

The Summit workshops will provide tools to nurture and inspire safety and the understanding of healthy individuals and communities. Participants will experience values that reflect friendship all woven together by our workshop leaders through, music, story telling and culture, contemplative movement and photography and nature. Before the Summit, there will also be an Opt-In Program for educators and parents, which includes a Universal Values Calendar, a 10-month program of activities. Students are encouraged to submit their work to share on the website at www. worldchildrenssummit.com.

Who is invited to participate?

“My kid could paint that.”

Great! Bring them down.

Register now for our Fall classes in the Children’s Art Studio.

Register today in person, online or call 250.384.4171 ext 0.

30 Island Parent Magazine

| aggv.ca

Students who reside on Vancouver Island or the Lower Mainland. Schools can register as a group or parents may also register their child individually. There are 200 spots being held for B.C. students and 140 for students from across Canada. Register online at www.worldchildrenssummit.com, by phone at 250-298-4115, or email arnasonk@gmail. com To avoid disappointment please register sooner then later.

Four gifted world experts right here in Victoria Speaker, author, and educator David Bourchard is known for his work with story and culture.

Molly Rayner Newman plays 14 instruments, has traveled the world teaching and sharing her gift of music, and will be teaching the children the Ukulele.

Frances Litman, a Master Photographer, will share with the children her Earth Fowww.kidsinvictoria.com

cus workshop which will help the children understand how they are part of nature.

Renee Lindstrom has created a unique learning system that incorporates values, language and movement. She has combined this work with the Labyrinth as a tool to help children understand and express themselves in a way that builds self-esteem, and friendships.

Youth Pass!

BC Transit offers a special pass for youth throughout the year.

Keynote speakers include Miranda Andersen, 12 years old, is an award-winning moviemaker and public speaker, having won the Unsung Hero Award from Children Uniting Nations in California.

Aidan Hornaday, also 12 years old, is a self-taught blues harmonica player and the founder of his own national awareness campaign titled “Aidan Care.” His motto for all ages is “Run to need, not away from it.”

Robert Bateman is a household name and one of Canada’s environmental heroes. Since the 1960s, he has been an active member of naturalist and conservation organizations, now working on a global scale.

Dorothy Mauver is an educator and peace builder whose keynote is inspired by cooperation on behalf of the common good. She is president of the national YMCA in the US. Luke and Milton Orris are grandson and grandfather. Luke is 11 years old and has travelled to over 32 countries. Milton is a former professor and Dean of Continuing Education, as well as a consultant in several fields including children’s mental health and development of educational programs.

The BC Transit Youth Pass gives riders ages 6 to 18 unlimited travel throughout the Victoria Regional Transit System.

Just $35 per month for a minimum of six months.

For details visit www.bctransit.com and click Victoria – fares.

IF IT’S GREEN...

JUST GO!

Become part of the rainbow

Kathleen Arnason is a Canadian Best Selling Author and recipient of The Queens Jubilee Medal for work in arts and culture.

She has developed and managed arts education projects nationally and regionally with a focus on health,creativity and the environment. www.IslandParent.ca

Victoria Regional Transit Commission

www.bctransit.com • 250.382.8181 4169

To help make the Summit a success, organizers are asking for the help and financial support of individuals, corporate sponsors, foundations and service clubs. Become a community partner and help children build a kinder world.

The Summit’s sponsor organization is The National Trust for Land and Culture BC Society and is a charitable organization.

To find out how you can help, to make a donation through the website, to volunteer, or for more information, visit www.worldchildrenssummit.com.

Vivace Violins Publication

Island Parent

Insertion Date

July 16, 2014

Ship To

Size

4.75 x 6.75”

Approval

paula_smith@bctransit.com 250·385·2551

Colour

Colour

Created By

megan_roberts@bctransit.com

Louise Reid B.Mus. M.Mus. 250-884-9574 www.vivaceviolins.ca vivaceviolins@yahoo.ca

Sept/Oct 2014 31

Sept/Oct 2014

Generously Sponsored by and

Family Calendar For calendar updates throughout the month visit www.kidsinvictoria.com September SUN 7 Birds of Witty’s Woodlands and Lagoon at Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park. For the novice and intermediate birder, join guest naturalist Geoffrey Newell for a glimpse of some of the 100+ birds at Witty’s Lagoon. Bird watching is one of the fastest growing hobbies in North America. Bring binoculars if you have them.

Meet at the Witty’s Lagoon Nature Centre off Metchosin Road at 9am. 9+ years. BC Transit #54 or #55. 250-478-3344. www. crd.bc.ca/parks.

MON 8 Study Skills Workshop at St. Margaret’s School. Get the new school year off to the right start. Grade 7-9 students and their parents are invited to learn techniques for more effective and efficient studying. Taught by well-known “brain guru” Terry Small. 7-8:30pm. 1080 Lucas Ave. Register at www.stmarg.ca.

SAT 13 Victoria International Chalk Art Festival at the Royal BC Museum, Government Street beginning at Yates, and the Bay Centre. This free, family-friendly event is a celebration of the unique medium of street painting and presents an array of international and local chalk artists, including many members of our First Nations

32 Island Parent Magazine

community. In addition to outdoor art, enjoy 3-D chalk art in the making at the Royal BC Museum. The festival includes a food village, local artisans, and a kids’ chalk area. 9am-9pm. www.victoriachalkfestival.com.

SUN 14 Spider Websites at Uplands Park. Frolic with naturalist Margaret Lidkea of the Friends of Uplands Park, through the rocky meadows of Uplands Park. Find spider webs of different shapes and maybe their builders. Discover local spiders, their habits and which ones can bite people. Enjoy a Spider Dress-up to learn about their weird bodies. Play spider games and make your own arachnid to take home. Suitable for all ages. Free; donations appreciated. Cancelled if rainy or stormy. 1-3pm. Meet on the grass field on Beach Drive at the entrance to Cattle Point. Contact Margaret Lidkea at 250-5958084. friendsofuplandspark.wordpress.com.

Go with the Flow (Line) at Charters Interpretive Centre. Join the Sooke Region Museum and a CRD Regional Parks’ naturalist for a short, steep hike through the woods to see a historic bake oven built 100 years ago by workers constructing the 27 mile long flowline to carry water to Victoria. 5+ years.

1:30-3:30pm. There is no fee, but you must pre-register as space is limited. To reserve a spot, call 250-478-3344 by September 12. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

MON 15 Stories on Fern Street. The Victoria Storytellers Guild welcomes you to hear and tell stories.

For people who love to tell stories, for people who love to listen, for people of all ages. Tea and goodies. Doors open at 7:15pm, stories start at 7:30pm. 1831 Fern Street (park on Begbie). $5; $3/students. 250-477-7044. www. victoriastorytellers.org.

WED 17 Nature Babies in Backpacks at Francis/King Regional park. Here’s an opportunity to explore a stroller-friendly park trail, learn about other accessible regional park trails, and meet other parents with babies. Join a CRD Regional Parks’ naturalist for this informative and fun nature program. Meet at the Francis/ King Nature Centre off Munn Rd at 10am.

For parents and babies. 250-478-3344. www. crd.bc.ca/parks.

SAT 20 Hawk Watch at East Sooke Regional Park.

Have you ever seen turkey vultures ‘kettling’?

Join CRD Regional Parks and the Victoria Natural History society for this annual migration event complete with live raptor demonstrations and activities at Aylard Farm. Experts with spotting scopes will be at the viewpoint above Beechey Head. The hike up to the viewpoint requires sturdy footwear and a 20-minute trek up a steep and rocky trail. Bring binoculars,

www.kidsinvictoria.com

water and a lunch. Drop in anytime between 11am and 3pm at the Aylard Farm parking lot off Becher Bay Road. All ages. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

SUN 21 Puppets for Peace Celebration from Craigdarroch Castle to Government House. Celebrate the United Nations’ International Day of Peace with a riot of puppets. Join a musical parade starting at Craigdarroch Castle and ending at Government House. Activities include puppet shows, a Peace Pole ceremony, Getting Higher Choir, music and food. 10am-4pm. 250-5987488. www.canuckfest.weebly.com.

Seasonal Safari at Mill Hill Regional Park. The leaves are turning yellow, and the air feels crisp.

Animals know it is time to prepare for winter.

Join a CRD Regional Parks’ naturalist as we play games, look at leaves, and explore how raccoons, squirrels, bears and more are collecting food in the fall and preparing a winter spot to rest. Meet at the information kiosk in the parking lot off Atkins Ave at 1pm. 8 years and under. BC Transit #53. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

FRI 26 LEGO® Stories at the Sidney/North Saanich Branch Library. Use the library’s LEGO® to build your own creation. Each meeting will explore a different theme, and your creation will displayed for the next two weeks. Ages 5+. 3:15-4:15pm. Please call 250-656-0944 to register.

Story Club at Central 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 kids 5-8. 3:30-4:30pm.

Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

CISV Victoria Information Night at St. Aidan’s Hall. Children’s International Summer Village (CISV) is a volunteer organization with representation in over 45 countries worldwide.

For 50 years, CISV Victoria has been promoting peace and cross-cultural understanding through a variety of local and international programs for children/youth ages 11+, and adults from our community. Come and learn what we do. All welcome. 7-9pm. 3703 St. Aidan’s Street. For more information, email communications@CISVvictoria.ca.

SAT 27 Rawr, Rawr! It’s a Dinosaur! at Esquimalt Branch Library. Listen to some dino stories, sing some dino songs, dance some dino dances, and do a dino craft. For ages 3-5.

10:30-11:30am. Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

Discover Devonian at Devonian Regional Park. You get it all on this guided walk—forest, stream, wetland and ocean. Join a CRD Regional Parks’ naturalist to discover, or rediscover, this regional gem. Meet at the information kiosk in the parking lot off William Head Rd at 1pm. 5+ years. BC Transit #54 or #55. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

SAT 27 & SUN 28 8th Annual Vancouver Island Baby Fair at Pearkes Rec Centre. Featuring Bobs and Lolo, stage presentations, exhibitors and more.

Saturday 10am-5pm. Sunday 10am-4pm. $8/person; $10/weekend pass; kids 12 and under free.

Victoria Kids Consignment Sale at Eagle Ridge Centre. Baby/kids clothes, toys, gear and much more. Public sale Saturday 10am-4pm, 1/2 price sale Sunday 9am-noon. Free admission.

VictoriaKidsConsignment.ca for details.

SUN 28 Célébrons la nature at Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary. Francophones and Francophiles are welcome for an afternoon of fun featuring hands-on exploration, games, crafts and more. Find out who really lives beneath the water of Swan Lake and some of the weird and wonderful adaptations they have made to live here. Noon-3pm. Admis-

TM

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

MON 29 Story Club at Nellie McClung Branch Library.

See FRI 26 for details. For kids 5-8. 3:304:30pm. Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940GVPL (4875) for more information.

October FRI 3 Mandarin Preschool Storytime at Bruce Hutchison Branch Library. Preschoolers with Mandarin-speaking families are invited to a fun and interactive storytime in Mandarin.

11:15-11:45am. Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

Little Lego at the Library at Bruce Hutchison Branch Library. Listen to stories and have fun with the Library’s Lego. Bring your own Lego for a take-home project. Parents are encouraged to attend. For ages 4-6. 3:30-4:30pm.

Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

SAT 4 Quintessence Breastfeeding Challenge at Mayfair Mall. Take part in Greater Victoria’s Quintessence Breastfeeding Challenge in Mayfair Mall’s Centre Courtyard. Join GVPL staff, public health nurses and dietitians for story

New from Thrifty Kitchens

Savoury Pies!

Need for Speed? Thrifty Foods can help.

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Since they are fully cooked, you just heat through, add a salad and – Voila! – dinner is served.

Customer Care: 1.800.667.8280 • thriftyfoods.com www.IslandParent.ca

Sept/Oct 2014 33

time at 10:30am and the official breastfeeding count at 11am. Families, breastfeeding children and siblings welcome. No registration required. Brought to you by Island Health, Greater Victoria Public Library, and Mayfair Mall. 10:30am-noon.

Not sure what to do with the kids this September?

FALL CAMPS BEGIN SEPTEMBER 2* Come explore the Royal BC Museum exhibitions and investigate ecology, history and even meet a Viking or two.

Camps for Kindergarten to Grade six available Limited space available, book today!

royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/camps *Camps will run until school resumes. Pro-rated refunds will be provided if applicable

GNS.

The advantage starts at ages 3, 4 and 5…

To learn more about the advantages of a Glenlyon Norfolk School education at our Junior Campus, call now to reserve your spot in one of our Interactive Student Guided Tours during our upcoming OPEN HOUSES.

Hunter’s Moon, Fall Reflections at Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park. Join guest CRD Regional Parks naturalist Joe Percival on this guided walk through the woods of Witty’s Lagoon.

Learn about the seasons of the moon and the plants that were harvested in days of old. Meet at the Nature Centre off Metchosin Road at 1pm. 8+ years. BC Transit #54 or #55. 250478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

SUN 5 14th Ultimate Hobby & Toy Fair at Pearkes Arena. Vancouver Island’s premier toy and hobby show. Over 200 tables with action figures, vintage toys, models, trains, comics, Barbie, dolls, bears, LEGO, video games, Star Wars, GI Joe, Transformers, diecast cars, Hot Wheels, vinyl records and more. General admission, 9am-3pm: $5/adults, kids free.

Early bird for the serious collector: 8am, $15.

Early Bird tickets $7 available at Cherry Bomb Toys. Free door prize entry with admission.

Dress in costume for extra door prize entry.

Loads of door prizes. Silent auction for the MS Society. Charity Carnival Games with all proceeds for the BC Children’s Hospital. www. ultimatetoyfair.com for more details.

When: Friday, October 17 or Wednesday, October 22

Spectacular Spiders at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park. Walk anywhere in BC and you’ll be less than a metre from a spider. Join CRD Regional Parks guest naturalists Claudia and Darren Copley for an expedition in search of spiders. Meet at the Beaver Lake information kiosk off the main parking lot at 1pm. 5+ years.

BC Transit #70 or #72. 250-478-3344. www. crd.bc.ca/parks.

Where: 1701 Beach Drive, Victoria, BC

TUES 7

To register for an Open House Tour, please contact admissions@mygns.ca or call 250.370.6801

Go Away Big Green Monster! at Central Branch Library. Join us for Ed Emberley stories, songs, a craft, and a short film: Chicken Little. For ages 3-5. 10:30-11:30am. Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

www.mygns.ca 34 Island Parent Magazine

Celebrate Canadian Library Month with Superheros of Victoria at Esquimalt and Saanich Centennial Branch Libraries. Kapow! Come celebrate Canadian Library Month with superheros. Listen to stories and have your superhero questions answered by one or more of your favourite superhero characters. No registration required. For children and their families; children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. Esquimalt: 11-11:30am; Saanich Centennial: 11:45am-12:15pm.

•

250.370.6801

WED 8 Lego at the Library at Central Saanich Branch

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Library. Listen to stories and have fun with the library’s Lego. Bring your own Lego for a take home project. For ages 7-10. 3:30-4:30pm.

Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

THURS 9 Lego at the Library at Esquimalt Branch Library. See WED 8 for details. For ages 7-10. 3:30-4:30pm. Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

Confident girls.

Inspiring women.

FRI 10 LEGO® Stories at the Sidney/North Saanich Branch Library. Use the library’s LEGO® to build your own creation. Each meeting will explore a different theme, and your creation will displayed for the next two weeks. Ages 5+. 3:15-4:15pm. Please call 250-656-0944 to register.

Lego at the Library at Bruce Hutchison Branch Library. See WED 8 for details. For ages 7-10.

3:30-4:30pm. Register at gvpl.ca or call 250940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

•

Leaders in Early Childhood Education

•

Nature-based Kindergarten (JR & SR)

•

STEM focus

•

Empowering girls’ leadership progams

•

Small school benefits: safe, supportive, high achievement and participation

•

Continuity in education from JK to Grade 12

SAT 11 Ocean Birds at Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park.

Birdwatchers at any level of experience can join CRD Regional Parks guest naturalist Geoffrey Newell at Tower Point to look for gulls, cormorants, loons, grebes and sea ducks in their winter plumage. A spotting scope will be on hand. Bring scopes and binoculars, if you have them. Meet at the Tower Point parking lot off View Drive at 9am, or join us later at the end of Tower Point. 9+ years. 8-11am. BC Transit #54 or #55. 250-478-3344. www.crd. bc.ca/parks.

Celebrate Canadian Library Month with Superheros of Victoria at Oak Bay and Central Saanich Branch Libraries. See SAT 4 for details.

For children and their families; children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. Oak Bay: 11-11:30am; Central Saanich: 2-2:30pm.

WED 15 Musical Storytime for Preschoolers at Juan de Fuca Branch Library. Join Brenda from the Victoria Conservatory of Music to explore the fun of music-making and storytelling in an action-packed session designed to introduce music concepts. For ages 3-5; parents and caregivers welcome. 10:30-11am. Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

FRI 17 Preschool Storytime at Bruce Hutchison Branch Library. Enriching stories, songs, rhymes, and language play. For ages 3-5.

Parents and caregivers are welcome to participate. 3:30-4pm. Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

www.IslandParent.ca

ST. MARGARET’S SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24 1080 LUCAS AVE, VICTORIA 250.479.7171 | WWW.STMARG.CA

Classical Ballet for students ages 4 to Advanced

Registration for 2014–2015 Season Wed, Aug 27 & Wed, Sept 3 4–7 pm Valerie Grant

Licentiate C.S.C.-C.I.C.B., L.I.S.T.D. (Cecchetti Faculty)

www.dancearabesque.ca or 250·595·3107 Sept/Oct 2014 35

SAT 18 Ha-bat-itat at Francis/King Regional Park.

This guided walk about bats with a CRD Regional Parks naturalist will help dispel fear and misinformation about these fascinating flying mammals. Meet at the Nature Centre off Munn Road at 1pm. Strollers not recommended. All ages. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

Celebrate Canadian Library Month with Superheros of Victoria at Central, Bruce Hutchison and Emily Carr Branch Libraries.

See SAT 4 for details. For children and their families; children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. Bruce Hutchison: 10:30-11am; Central: 11-11:30am; Emily Carr: 2:30-3pm.

SAT 18 & SUN 19 Garry Oak Meadow Broom Bash at Uplands Park. Bring your family, tools (loppers and pruners) and gloves to join in the fun of weeding out Scotch Broom, ivy, daphne and European Ash. Meet at the Beach Drive entrance to Cattle Point and sign in at the registration table. Some tools available. Rain or shine. Free; refreshments available; donations welcome.

1-4pm. For information, contact Margaret Lidkea, 250-595-8084. friendsofuplandspark. wordpress.com.

SUN 19 People, Plants, Places at Devonian Regional

Park. We often take for granted how easy it is to obtain food, clothing and medicines.

Join a CRD Regional Parks naturalist as we discover how people in the past have used our native flora. Meet at the kiosk in the parking lot off William Head Road at 1pm. 8+ years.

BC Transit #54 or #55. 250-478-3344. www. crd.bc.ca/parks.

MON 20 Stories on Fern Street. The Victoria Storytellers Guild welcomes you to hear and tell stories.

For people who love to tell stories, for people who love to listen, for people of all ages. Tea and goodies. Doors open at 7:15pm, stories start at 7:30pm. 1831 Fern Street (park on Begbie). $5; $3/students. 250-477-7044. www. victoriastorytellers.org.

THURS 23 Batwings & Broomsticks: A Halloween Program at Juan de Fuca Branch Library. Have fun at this Halloween storytime filled with not-soscary stories and songs. For young children and their families. This program will occur before regular opening hours, and all children must be accompanied by an adult. 9:30-10am. Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

FRI 24 Storyteller Shoshana Litman: Around the

K-9 Distributed Learning

World with Stories at Saanich Centennial Branch Library. Embark on a magical journey around the world with master storyteller Maggidah Shoshana Litman and be swept away with fun stories and crafts. For ages 5-8. 10:30-11:30am. Register at gvpl.ca or call 940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

Lego at the Library at Esquimalt Branch Library. See WED 8 for details. For ages 7-10.

10:30am-11:30am. Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

Forest Spooktacular at Francis/King Regional Park. Drop by any time between 11am and 2pm with family and friends for this spooktacular afternoon of Halloween fun with CRD Regional Parks naturalists. At 11:15am and 1pm, join the guided walks, if you dare—we’ll fill the cauldron with spooky treasures from the natural world. Displays, Halloween crafts and hot ghoulish brew await. Wear a costume and win a prize. All ages. 250-478-3344. www. crd.bc.ca/parks.

Musical Storytime for School-Aged Kids at Juan de Fuca Branch Library. Join Brenda from the Victoria Conservatory of Music to explore the fun of music-making and storytelling in an action-packed session designed to introduce music concepts. For ages 6-8; parents and caregivers welcome. 2:30-3:15pm. Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

Hands-On Home-Learning for a Sustainable World - expense budget provided

The joy of learning - naturally.

http://oakandorca.ca http://oakandorca.ca 250 383 6619 888 383 6619) 250 383(1 6609 36 Island Parent Magazine

- unique hands-on learning activities - support from a certified teacher - constructive feedback without grading - children can learn at their natural pace

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Going on Safari at Esquimalt Branch Library.

Enjoy a slide show and craft program about amazing African animals, with a local presenter who recently lived in Tanzania. For ages 6-9.

2:30-3:30pm. Register at gvpl.ca or call 250940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

The Strange Case of the Origami Yoda in the Library at Oak Bay Branch Library. Learn how to make some of your favourite Origami Yoda characters, perfect your Yoda-speak, and test your knowledge of the books. For ages 6-9. 2:30-3:30pm. Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

St. Joseph’s Early Learning Centre www.stjosephschool.ca St. Joseph’s Early Learning Centre is open and

Josephʼs accepting Early Learning Centre applications for 3 and 4 year-olds in a LEGO® Stories at the Sidney/NorthSt. Saanich Branch Library. See FRI Oct 10 for details. licensed Group Day Care and morning-only preschool.

785 W. Burnside Rd. 250-479-1237 Ages 5+. 3:15-4:15pm. Please call 250-6560944 to register.

Story Club at Central 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 kids 5-8. 3:30-4:30pm.

Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

www.stjosephschool.ca Located at 785 West Burnside Road

(adjacent to St.Learning Joseph’s Elementary We are pleased to announce that our Early Centre isSchool) now Call 250-479-1237 open! We are offering full time daycare for children who are 3 and 4 years of age. Applications are available on-line or from the Early Learning Centre office. St. Josephʼs offers an excellent program in a SAT 25 Catholic Christian atmosphere.

HalloweenHours Spook-tacular Esquimalt Branch of atoperation are 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM. For additional information Library. Scary stories, a creepy craft and other please contact Susan spooky activities will get you in the mood for Clifford at 250-479-1237. the big night. Costumes encouraged! For ages 6-9. 10:30-11:30am. Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

Celebrate Canadian Library Month with Superheros of Victoria at Juan de Fuca, Goudy and Nellie McClung Branch Libraries. See SAT 4 for details. For children and their families; children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. Juan de Fuca: 11-11:30am; Goudy Branch: 2:30-3pm; Nellie McClung: 3-3:30pm.

SUN 26 Spooktacular Spiders at Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary. What carnivorous animal spins threads stronger than steel, injects venom to liquefy its prey, and ingests food with a sucking stomach? The web of intrigue will be spun and unfolded during this special event. Meet the locals, find out which of the few are dangerous and the many that aren’t, and make a spider craft. You might even shake hands with Rosebud the Tarantula!

Noon-3pm. Admission by donation. For more information, call 250-479-0211 or visit www. swanlake.bc.ca.

MON 27 Story Club at Nellie McClung Branch Library. See Fri, OCT 24 for details. For kids 5-8. 3:30-4:30pm. Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

www.IslandParent.ca

Sept/Oct 2014 37

TUES 28 Batwings & Broomsticks: A Halloween Program for Preschoolers at Juan de Fuca Branch Library. Have fun at this Halloween storytime filled with not-so-scary stories, songs, an easy holiday craft, and a not-too-spooky short film. For ages 3-5. 10:30-11:30am. Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

WED 29

Caregivers are welcome and encouraged to participate. For a complete list of drop-in programs, call your local library, or visit www.gvpl.ca.

Baby Time at Goudy Branch Library. Learn songs, rhymes and fingerplays to use with your baby every day. For babies 0-15 months and their caregiver. Wednesdays, October 8, 15, 22 & 29, 10:30-11am. Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

Batwings & Broomsticks: A Halloween Program for Preschoolers at Oak Bay Branch Library. See TUES 28 for details. For ages 3-5. 10:30-11:30am. Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

Good Morning Rhyme Time at Sidney/North Saanich Branch Library. Bring your littlest ones to the library on Thursday mornings for stories, songs, rhymes and movement. 0-5 years. Thursdays September 18-October 30.

10:15-10:45am. 250-656-0944.

THURS 30

KIDS

Halloween Spook-tacular at Central and Saanich Centennial Branch Libraries. See SAT 25 for details. For ages 6-9. 10:30-11:30am.

Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

Giggles and Wiggles at Central Branch Library.

Little listeners with extra energy will enjoy action-filled stories, songs and rhymes! For young children and their families; children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult.

Tuesdays October 9, 16, 23 and 30, 10:3010:50am. Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940GVPL (4875) for more information.

ONGOING BABIES, TODDLERS & PRESCHOOL Drop-in Family Storytimes at the Greater Victoria Public Library. Storytimes are free and drop-in. Please come early to find a space.

Reading Buddies: Little Buddies at Juan de Fuca, Nellie McClung, and Oak Bay Branch Libraries. Does you child need a little help with reading? Reading Buddies provides reading practice, literacy-based activities and fun with

volunteer teen Big Buddies. Register at www. gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information. Registration begins September 2.

Fall session funs on Saturdays from October 25 to December 13, 2-3pm or 3:30-4:30pm.

For children in Grades 1-4.

Junior Toastmasters at Bruce Hutchison Branch Library. Develop leadership and communication skills through practical experience and fun exercises with a Distinguished Toastmaster and other community speakers.

For ages 8-12. Saturdays, 2-3:30pm. Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

YOUTH Latin Course for Teens at Nellie McClung Branch Library. Want to learn Latin? Latin is not a dead language—and, with a little effort, you can learn to read it. This is a rigorous course in classical Latin for committed teens taught

by Mark Nugent & Dr. Gregory Rowe (UVic).

By year’s end, you will be able to read poems

by Catullus, the medieval Bayeux Tapestry, and the Latin translation of Harry Potter.

The course is free, but a text book is required; contact teens@gvpl.ca for more information about purchase, second-hand, or borrowing options. Course runs for eight months; please register for the September-December term, and you will be automatically registered for the January-April term. For ages 8-12. Thurs-

Programs for the whole family!

September-December

Activity Guide Now available online at www.westshorerecreation.ca or in person at Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre To register call 250-478-8384

38 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

days, beginning September 18, 4:30-6:30pm.

Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information. Registration begins September 2.

Reading Buddies: Teen Volunteers at Juan de Fuca, Nellie McClung, and Oak Bay Branch Libraries. If you like working with children, enjoy reading, are a fluent English speaker, and want to help emerging readers, we need you! Reading Buddies teen volunteers mentor children in Grades 1-4 with reading practice, literacy-based activities and fun. We provide training and, upon completion, a reference letter outlining your volunteer hours. First-time volunteers must attend a Big Buddy Training session too. Don’t forget to bring your Teen Volunteer Referral Form. For ages 13-18.

Saturdays from October 25 to December 13, 1:45-3pm or 3:15-4:30pm. Register at gvpl. ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information. Registration begins September 2.

Tech Buddies: Teen Volunteers at Saanich Centennial Branch Library. Use your skills with computers and other new technologies to connect with someone in your community and earn volunteer hours. First-time volunteers, please complete the Teen Volunteer Referral Form and register for a Teen Tech Buddy Training Session. For ages 13-18. Fridays, October 17 to November 21, 3:15-4:30pm. Register at www. gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) or see gvpl.ca/teenvolunteers for more information.

Registration begins September 2.

Serving Great Food Since 1974

Vancouver Island’s Favourite Italian Restaurant Downtown Victoria East 1703 Blanshard St

250-383-2121

1581 Hillside Ave

250-595-0212

Langford

Broadmead

250-474-2121

250-744-1177

1945 Jacklin Rd

777 Royal Oak Dr

Duncan

180 Trans Cda Hwy

250-746-9944

Licenced group childcare for children 6 months to 5 years Open 6:30am – 5:30pm 2758 Peatt Road, Langford 250-818-9225 or 778-265-5955 www.leapforwardlangford.com info@leapforwardlangford.com

Teen Council at Saanich Centennial Branch Library. Work on special library projects, represent the library, meet other teens, and earn volunteer hours. For ages 13-18. Saturdays, September 20, October 25, November 15, December 13. Register at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) or see gvpl.ca/ teenvolunteers for more information. Registration begins September 2.

FAMILIES Summer in the Square Lunchtime Concerts in Centennial Square. Enjoy your lunch breaks listening to live music. Until September 11, noon-1pm. www.victoria.ca.

Concerts in the Park at Cameron Bandshell, Beacon Hill Park. Dance, theatre and musical performances as well as community events.

Bring a blanket, or your personal lawn chair and enjoy and afternoon or evening of free entertainment. 1:30-3:20pm, Friday, Saturday and Sundays until September 12.

Moss St. Market at Sir James Douglas School.

Local organic produce, delicious food, handcrafted products and live music. Children’s activity tent. Saturdays 10am-2pm until Oct.•

Victoria Russian School at UVic Victoria Russian School is a recognized heritage l a n g u a g e s c h o o l t h a t o f f e r s R u s s i a n c l a s s e s for children 3-11 and organizes R EGISTER cultural family events.

-

NOW FOR 2 0 1 4 - 2 0 1 5 !

playgroup for children under 5 small, interactive classes music program Classes take place on weekends and weekday evenings special events

Clearihue building, 3800 Finnerty Road, UVic

/ VictoriaRussianSchool www.IslandParent.ca

victoriarussianschool.org Sept/Oct 2014 39

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

September

SUN 14

Super Saturdays at the Campbell River Art Gallery. Drop-in art making program. All materials provided. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. 1-3pm. Admission by donation. 250-287-2261.

The Terry Fox Run at Rathrevor Beach Provincial Park. Walk, ride or run 3.3km, 5k, or 10km to support the Terry Fox Run for cancer research. Registration begins at 9am and run starts at 10am. Register and pledge online at www.terryfox.org. No entry fee, and no minimum pledge. Volunteers are needed for this event. Please call 250-248-3252.

SUN 7

TUES 16

P-Art-Y on the Drive on Resort Drive, Parksville. Artistis, musicians and food vendors from all over Vancouver Island will set up for this free, fun, family event. Bouncy castles, mechanical bulls and inflatables. 1-5pm.

Pond Rascals Learn to Skate at Oceanside Place Arena. Free learn to skate day. All you need is a helmet and gloves; skates will be provided. 4-5pm. For more information, call 250-248-3252. www.rdn.bc.ca/recreation.

SAT 13

WED 17

10th Annual Fall Fair at Knox United Church.

Huge Garage sale inside and outside. Silent auction, home baking, cookie walk, entertainment and children’s activities throughout the day. 7:30am-2pm. 345 Pym Street, Parksville.

250-586-7080.

Lifeguard Seminar at Ravensong Aquatic Centre. Working as a lifeguard/swim instructor is a great job for youth. Work in a team environment, learn valuable leadership and life skills, but most of all have fun working with kids. Find out more at a free info session. 3:45-4:45pm.

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

SAT 6

September Festival at St. John’s Church, Cobble Hill. A great place to bring your children to enjoy the Bouncy Castle, Kids Korner and fun and games run by the Girl Guides and Kerry Park Skating Club while you shop at one of the biggest recycling events of the year. Silent auction and live music. An active ZeroWaste program will be set up. 10am-2pm. Free admission. 3295 Cobble Hill Rd. 250-743-3095. www.stjohnscobblehill.ca.

Berry Mania at Tranfer Beach, Ladysmith. A fun family festival with live entertainment, market, participatory inter-generational events and competitions. Come have some old time fun and enjoy the games and entertainment.

Admission by donation. Some activities may require a ticket purchase. All funds raised support the Ladysmith Resources Centre Association. 10am-10pm.

Nanaimo TeenFest at Maffeo Sutton Park.

Teen talent contest, model search, performances, interactive sports and games, performers and speakers on the main stage, prizes and much more. 11am-5:30pm. Free.

Bubble Bonanza Welcome Back Swim at Ravensong Aquatic Centre. Step right up and join the fun with bubbles. Have a great time creating the largest bubbles and seeing how long they last. 1:30-5pm. Everyone welcome.

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

SAT 20 Nanaimo Harvest Festival in the Old City Quarter, Nanaimo. A great day out with three stages of live music, food market, artisans, speakers’ tent, kids’ activities and more.

11am-6pm.

Super Saturdays at the Campbell River Art Gallery. See SAT 6 for details. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. 1-3pm.

Admission by donation. 250-287-2261.

TUES 23 Mini Golf Tourney for Youth and Seniors at Paradise Adventure Mini Gold. This tournament is a chance for youth and seniors to bridge the gap over a free game of golf and a bite to eat. 4-6pm. Space is limited, so register early by calling RDN, Recreation and Parks at 250-248-3252. www.rdn.bc.ca/recreation.

WED 24 Tropical and Tasty! Sno Cone Wednesday at Ravensong Aquatic Centre. Join the lifeguards for fun in the pool and a tasty sno cone treat. Everyone welcome. 6:30-8pm. Regular admission.

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

FRI 26 School’s Out Everyone Welcome Skate at

40 Island Parent Magazine

Oceanside Place Arena. School is out, but skating is in. 1:30-3pm. Regular admission.

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

SAT 27 Skate with the Generals at Oceanside Place Arena. The Oceanside Generals invite you to join them for a free skating session. Meet the players, join in a small scrimmage, and receive skating tips from your favourite player. Free admission and skate rentals courtesy of the Oceanside Generals Jr. Hockey Club. 2-3pm.

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

October SAT 4 Super Saturdays at the Campbell River Art Gallery. Drop-in art making program. All materials provided. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. 1-3pm. Admission by donation. 250-287-2261.

SAT 18 One World Festival at Si’em Lelum Gym, Duncan. Experience a variety of multicultural music, dancing and food, as well as a multicultural showcase and fashion show. $2.

11am-5pm. 5574 River Road.

Super Saturdays at the Campbell River Art Gallery. See SAT Oct 4 for details. 1-3pm.

Admission by donation. 250-287-2261.

ONGOING PRESCHOOL Parent and Tot Drop-in at the HUB at Cowichan Station. Come for songs, organized games, and free play with balls, parachutes and more. This is a wonderful opportunity for parents and young children to connect with other families in the community. Free. For more information, email kids@cowichanstation.org.

LaFF at the Aggie. A safe play-based learning environment for families and caregivers with children newborn to age 6. Reading centre, craft area, Brio train station and snack table.

Indoor car and toy riding area. Mon to Fri, 9:30am-noon and Thurs 12:15-1:45pm. $2 suggested donation per family (punch cards available). 250-210-0870, laffexecutive director@shaw.ca, www.familyandfriends.ca.

Family Storytime at Cowichan Library, Duncan. Bring the whole family for stories, songs, rhymes and fun. For ages 0-5. Tuesdays 10:3011:30am. 2687 James St. krumohr@virl.bc.ca.

Adventures in Early Literacy at the Ladysmith Resource Centre. A parent-child, fun-filled program designed for children ages 3-5 years.

Participants learn and have fun doing crafts, games and singing. A book is read, lunch

www.kidsinvictoria.com

A few spots still available! and snacks are provided. 9:45-noon. Space is limited, so call 250-245-3079 to get on the list. 630 2nd Ave.

CHILDREN After school Recreation Drop-in at the HUB at Cowichan Station. This is a fun, safe space to get active and have fun with friends. Lots of great sports equipment and organized games and activities, outdoor education activities as well as time for free play. For children 6-12.

Free. For more information, email kids@ cowichanstation.org.

Changing the face of

A few spots victorianature or call 250 5 still available!

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To learn more, visit Changing the face of education! victorianatureschool.com or call 250 588-3303. education!

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About Victoria Nature School

YOUTH The Youth Zone in Ladysmith. A fun and safe place to hang, meet new friends and enjoy games tables, internet kiosk, TV, movies, board games, karaoke and more. Play sports in the gym, do homework, Energized leaders will challenge you to try new activities. Mondays, 3-6pm in the Rec Room (girls only); Wednesdays, 3-5pm in the gym; Fridays 6-10pm in the Rec Room or gym. Free. 250-245-6424. www.ladysmith.ca.

Youth Drop-in in Nanaimo. The ultimate place to be. This is a supervised space for youth to hang out and chill. Regular gymnasium activities and more. Program is free, but please register using barcode 124915. 7-9pm until May 14. Monday: Nanaimo District Secondary School; Tuesday: Oliver Woods Community Centre; Wednesday: John Barsby Community School.

Toonie Teen Water Works at Ladysmith Parks Recreation & Culture. Come and enjoy a relaxing start to your evening and weekend—in the pool. Just hang out, or learn and play water games, sports and activities. Lots of options.

For 12 to 18-year-olds. Fridays 6:30-9pm until June 27. $2.

- 5 year old children.

School-aged forest 2 -licensed 52year old children.

School-aged forest preschool programs are designed for programs are also available. programs are also School-aged available. forest 2-5 year old children.

Program Schedule programs are also available.

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FAMILY Family Frolics at the Community Centre, Ladysmith. Bring your parent or caregiver for open gym fun. Burn off some energy with soft toys (balls and nerf-type games), mini-trampoline, ride-on toys, hula hoops and more. Tuesdays, 5:45-6:45pm. $2 suggested donation/family.

250-245-6424. www.ladysmith.ca.

Parksville Lions and Save-On-Foods Free Family Skate at Oceanside Place Arena. Every Sunday starting September 28 from 12:151:45pm. Free admission and skate rentals.

Note: children must be accompanied by an adult 19 years or older.•

www.IslandParent.ca

learning community.

since 1980

t a rt th Se s sio ns S 6 1 r e S e p te m b

s, To t C la s s e & t n e r a P p, e t, H ip H o ll a B , z z a J la s s e s & C o m b o aClle t, Ta p & Even the lit tlest angel can dance

z, B (w it h J a z h e a t re ) Mu s ic a l T

For more information

Call 250-384-3267 Email us at stagesdance@shaw.ca Or visit our website: www.stagesdance.com

Sept/Oct 2014 41

Party Directory Funtime Inflatables Vancouver Island’s #1 choice for party rentals

250-474-0597

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 *

We offer the largest selection of inflatables on Vancouver Island—trust your party or special event to the experts—the original bouncy castle company, serving Vancouver Island since 1990.

250-383-FLIP

www.lionspridegymnastics.com Located in Langford

Birthday Parties!

www.funtimeinflatables.ca

G Y M

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

Birthday Parties

Y M N

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

A

A S T

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

I

www.recreation.oakbay.ca

GYMNASTICS

N Celebrate your birthday with us!

Call 250-370-7200

Call 250-595-SWIM (7946)

FALCON

G

C S

th

40 sary r Annive 2013 1973–

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

Book Early: 250-479-6424

#208 – 721 Vanalman Ave

(Broadmead & Royal Oak Area)

www.falcongymnastics.com

S

Advertise YOUR Party Services Here!

T I

Call Island Parent

C

250 388 6905

S

We put the ART in pARTy! Birthdays, Corporate Events, Showers, Stagettes, Kids Camps and more!

Dirt Bike Birthday Parties We supply everything: Bike • Gear • Riding Lesson for ages 6yrs to adults over 30 bikes to choose from

Westshore Motocross Park No experience necessary 2207 Millstream Rd, Langford

Book online today!

www.victoria.colormemine.com or call today at 250-72-PARTY!

250 590 8088 westshoremx.com

Mention this ad and receive 15% off your booking!

2207 Millstream Road Victoria, BC V9B 0J7 Tel: 250.590.8088 Cel: 250.893.9547

42 Island Parent Magazine

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

We bring the Fun2U!

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

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

Party Directory Bring your party of Bring your party of Grubs and Larvae for a Grubs and Larvae Bugtastic Adventure for a Bugtastic Adventure atatthe Bug Zoo! the Bug Zoo!

ctoria

Party Room available!

Available!

Party Room Call for details:

Gymnastics

Call 250-384-BUGS for Details: 384-BUGS (2847) (2847) ororcheck website: check the the website: www.victoriabugzoo.com www.bugzoo.bc.ca

631 Courtney St (Downtown in Nootka Court) 631 Courtney St. (Downtown in Nootka Court)

Birthday Parties Come Fly With Us!

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

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

Two certified instructors and a host Optional character

Gymnastics games and music

Par-T-Perfect

Free t-shirt

Optional character

(250) 386-JUMP (5867) www.par-t-perfect.com

Foam landing pit and 40' long trampoline

Optional character Optional character

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

Optional character

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

www.victoriagymnastics.com

250-380-2442

Fired UP! Paint your own ceramics

Book your party with us today!

We now offer online booking.

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

See website for details: www.firedupceramics.ca

Fired UP! Paint your own ceramics

1801 Fort Street @ Richmond

Now Offering Full-week and one day camps!

Ages 6 and up. www.IslandParent.ca See website for details! www.firedupceramics.ca

Party participants can win a FREE month

Now Offering Full-week and one day camps!

Ages 6 and up.

See website for details! www.firedupceramics.ca

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

Hassle Free Parties for kids & families You provide the space and food…

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

250 472 3546 www.puppetbooth.homestead.com Sept/Oct 2014 43

School House Teaching Supplies The Educational Store for Everyone Educational products, toys, and a full children’s bookstore in both English and French.

Bring this coupon in for a discount!

$5 off

a purchase of $25 or more*

$10 off

a purchase of $50 or more*

The Man Who Danced with the Treetops A Tribute to John Muir (1838–1914)

T

o every nature-lover there comes a time when the enchantment palls and you wonder why on earth you’re tramping around in 30 degree heat through clouds of mosquitoes. Maybe you’re paddling your favourite lake and the water is a dull pewter and the woods empty of birdsong. Or you’ve become a cherry-picker, intent on the rare and the dramatic, and turn a jaded eye on the common denizens of the underbrush. At

several years exploring it, chronicling his experiences in the New York Tribune and other newspapers. The vivid spontaneity of his storytelling soon won him a wide readership, and his study of glaciers scholarly acclaim. Ten years after the creation of Yosemite National Park, President Roosevelt asked John Muir to guide him into the Sierra Nevada. Evading the presidential entourage and the press, the two of them went off

such times, you can go the Zen route and meditate your way through the unwelcome mood. Or you can take a hike through “The Mountains of California” and let John Muir guide you back to a place of wonder.

Widely regarded as the father of the conservation movement, Muir was a self-described “poetico-trampo-geologistbotanist and ornithologist-naturalist,” and wilderness advocate who brought about the creation of Yosemite National Park in l892, the first US park to be created specifically for conservation. A native of Scotland, Muir fell in love with the Yosemite Valley and spent

camping under the stars and didn’t come back for two days. The time spent with Muir in the Sierra inspired President Roosevelt’s innovative conservation programs.

Seeing Yosemite for the first time, Muir found himself “overwhelmed by the landscape, scrambling down steep cliff faces to get a closer look at the waterfalls, whooping and howling at the vistas, jumping tirelessly from flower to flower.” He hiked in all weathers, forded icy streams, traversed glaciers and, one memorable December, climbed to the top of a 100-foot high Douglas fir so he could experience the storm:

*before taxes, not to be combined with any other offer, expires Oct 31/14

2014 Douglas St • 250-385-9030 Open Mon–Sat 9:30–5:30

9 housekeeping cottages perfect for family getaways

250-539-2463 • 1-877-535-2424 bluevista@bluevistaresort.com www.bluevistaresort.com 44 Island Parent Magazine

Photo: Jens Wieting

Year-round Getaway on Mayne Island with direct daily ferries from Swartz Bay

www.kidsinvictoria.com

“The light, brushy tops were rocking and swirling in wild ecstasy…The slender tops fairly flapped and swished in the passionate torrent, bending and swirling backward and forward, round and round, tracing indescribable combinations of vertical and horizontal curves, while I clung with muscles firm-braced, like a bobolink on a reed.”

In his abandon, Muir himself becomes part of the wildness of his beloved mountains. Nor is his enthusiasm reserved for sweeping vistas, towering trees and majestic

St. Joseph’s Elementary School A school where children learn to love, and love to learn!

Nature Notes ANA SIMEON peaks. As much as he could be moved to ecstasy by the grandeur of the high alpine, he had a keen sensibility for the small and seemingly insignificant. In My First Summer in the Sierra, he tells of meeting a bear, a fly and a grasshopper: “a crisp, electric spark of joy enlivening the massy sublimity of the mountain like the laugh of a child—even the bear did not express for me the mountain’s wild health and strength and happiness as tellingly as did this comical little hopper.”

One hundred years after his death, hastened by his grief over the US government’s decision to dam the Hetch Hetchy Valley despite all his efforts, Muir’s work speaks to our time. The issues he struggled with—the destruction of forests, the giant dams, the frenzy of unregulated mining—are still with us. So is the “nature deficit disorder”, the inner disconnection of children and adults from the natural world. John Muir’s view of nature as an interconnected web of life of which we are intimately and rightfully a part has since been confirmed by science.

But the inner experience of being a strand in the web of life still eludes us. As the 21st century turns to face the gathering storm of climate change and disruption of Earth systems as we have known them since the birth of our species, Muir’s words can rekindle hope and reconnect us to the joy of belonging in a living universe, “an infinite storm of beauty.”

Ana Simeon is a writer and activist in Victoria. She divides her time between working for Sierra Club BC, hiking and birdwatching.

www.IslandParent.ca

We are excited about our new addition and completion of seismic upgrading, which brings our building project to fruition.

We offer an excellent academic program in a Catholic atmosphere and are accepting applications for all grades.

Visit our website at www.stjosephschool.ca St. Joseph’s Elementary School 757 West Burnside Road, Victoria 250-479-1232

Boys & Girls Clubs After-School m ms Programs www.bgcvic.org

NEW this september!

Westshore Club (Colwood)

New Licensed After School Program For Children 5-12

345 Wale Road (Children’s Health Foundation) Reading & Homework Clubs

Science Days

Outdoor Adventures

Gym Games

Price: $270 per month* 1:10 Staff to Child Ratio * Fees include transportation to and from Savory Elementary & David Cameron Elementary Schools!

LICENSED BEFORE & AFTER-SCHOOL CARE ALSO AVAILABLE Millstream Club (Langford) Vic West Club & Harbourside Club (Esquimalt) YOUTH DROP IN AVAILABLE

REGISTER NOW! Call 250.384.9133 ext 203 or email admin@bgcvic.org

AT:

AT:

Central Saanich Club Boys & Girls Club Services of Greater Victoria

Sept/Oct 2014 45

Breastfeeding A winning goal for life Healthy Families, Happy Families

Child, Youth & Family Public Health

O

ctober 1 to 7, 2014 is World Breastfeeding Week in Canada, celebrated here during the first week of October—the 40th week of the year—honouring the 40th week of pregnancy when a woman gives birth and starts breastfeeding.

This year’s theme: A Winning Goal for Life. Breastfeeding is not only the ideal food for babies, it is also good for the health of moms, the community and the planet. According to the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action, the focus this year is on the importance of sustaining the protection, promotion and support of

all recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, and continued breastfeeding for two years and beyond.

The reason: the infant human gut needs two years to fully mature. Breast milk protects babies from infections and illnesses, and provides optimal growth and development.

The amount of breast milk a baby gets with each additional week, month and year of breastfeeding results in cumulative protection against chronic diseases and illnesses.

Breast milk is the safest and healthiest food for your baby.

Breast milk is easily digested and provides

breastfeeding. Everyone plays a role vital in this lifesaving goal.

In 1990, eight global goals, known as the Millennium Development Goals, were set by governments and the United Nations to fight poverty and promote healthy and sustainable development in a comprehensive way by 2015 (see diagram). These objectives highlight the importance of breastfeeding and its role in reaching these goals.

Health Canada, the Canadian Pediatric Society, and the World Health Organization

all the nutrition your baby needs for the first six months. Most babies on Vancouver Island start off breastfeeding at birth. We all need to work together to support exclusive and continued breastfeeding. Babies who are breastfed have been shown to have better mental development and emotional security. They also have better jaw and tooth development and stronger immune systems.

This is because the process of breastfeeding affects many systems, not just nutrition and digestion. So far, we know of more than

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/

46 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

200 components in breast milk including water, nutrients, enzymes, hormones and anti-microbials, and the list keeps growing!

Breast milk is specific to each baby’s needs and changes in quality and quantity as the baby grows and develops over time. Re-

Healthy Families, Happy Families

Chi l d Y outh & Fa m i ly P u b l i c H e a lth

Theresa Price, Hélène Dufour, Swati Scott & Justine Wardle

Theresa Price, UBC Dietetic Intern, Hélène Dufour RD, Swati Scott, RD, IBCLC, and Justine Wardle, RD, Community Nutritionists with Island Health. www.IslandParent.ca

25

YEARS

CELEBRATING

search also shows the role breastfeeding and breast milk plays in epigenetics, the study of how different genes are turned on and off in response to the environment around us.

In addition to its health benefits for baby and mom, breastfeeding is also great for the environment and economics.

• It is the ideal green product as there is no waste for the land fill and it’s free.

• There is no extra packaging.

• No fossil fuels are used to produce or distribute it.

• There is no effect from dairy industry waste (a baby will drink far more formula— which is dairy based—than the amount of cow’s milk consumed by a breastfeeding mom).

• Economically, breastfeeding costs much less so there is more family income for other needs.

Breastfeeding needs to be protected, promoted and supported by all.

How can you get involved in Canada’s World Breastfeeding Week activities? One activity is The Quintessence Breastfeeding Challenge, an international event which highlights the importance of breastfeeding by setting the record for the greatest number of babies breastfeeding at one time. This year, the event will take place on Saturday, October 4 at various locations on Vancouver Island. To learn more check with your local Health Unit for location, time, and details or check these links: www.viha.ca/ children/baby_and_you/breastfeeding_nutrition.htm A few great websites to check out include: www.babyfriendly.ca; www.healthyfamiliesbc.ca/parenting; www.breastfeedingmadesimple.com; www.bestforbabes.org; worldbreastfeedingweek.org/

2014 | 2015 Season Registration 2014 | 2015 Season Thursday September 4th See the website 3:30 to 7:30pm for Registration details Saturday September 6th 10am to 1 pm

Peggy Peggy Bain BainArtistic Director

R.A.D. ArtisticRegistered Director Teacher (Life Member)

R.A.D.Crouse Registered Teacher Teacher Tara Contemporary (Life Member)

CENTREPOINTE BALLET SCHOOL R.A.D. R.A.D.Classes Classes

Graded/VocationalSyllabi Syllabi Graded/Vocational BeginnersWelcome Welcome Beginners starting from 5 years Pre-school Ballet MusicalTheatre Theatre7-10 7-10years years Musical Teen&&Adult AdultBallet Ballet Teen

Dance Studio St. Margaret’s School 1080 Lucas Avenue Victoria BC T 250.592.4260

E centrepointe@shaw.ca www.centrepointedance.com

Sept/Oct 2014 47

Squash: The Final Frontier

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he epiglottis is a miraculous appendage, to be sure. So is the gall bladder, though, and it (wisely) remains hidden much of the time. Have you ever been seated across from someone with an acute gag reflex?

I have, and it’s made me wary of forcing that position on anyone else. Everyone has different tolerances. I believe that a severe loathing of a particular food may actually indicate an allergy, which is partly why I’ve never pushed squash on my son. He sees it, and in his younger days, he quivered. Now he resolutely ignores it: a sure sign of incipient manhood. Squash’s many benefits include a high beta carotene content, lots of fibre, Vitamin C, and potassium. As a winter vegetable, it grows well in our northern climate, and lets us support our local farmers!

Banana/Squash Loaf 2 ripe bananas, well mashed 1 cup cooked squash, mashed or puréed 2 eggs, at room temperature 2 cups flour 3⁄4 cup brown sugar 1⁄2 tsp baking soda

48 Island Parent Magazine

1 tsp salt 1⁄2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries, if desired 2 Tbsp sesame seeds to sprinkle over, optional Preheat oven to 350˚F. Grease a loaf tin.

Mix dry ingredients in large bowl. Add blueberries now, if using. Whisk eggs, then blend into banana/squash mixture. Make a well in centre of dry ingredients and pour wet in all at once. Mix thoroughly, in a few brisk strokes, until well combined but not over mixed. Scrape mixture into loaf tin and place in oven. Bake for 45–60 minutes, or until top is golden and centre springs back.

Pumpkin Soup 1 pound (about 3 cups) fresh pumpkin, peeled and diced 1 small onion 1⁄4 pound carrots, diced 1⁄2 tsp thyme 1 clove garlic 1 bay leaf 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce 1⁄4 tsp ground black pepper 2 Tbsp ketchup 1 cup water

10 chicken bouillon cubes (or concentrated stock mixture of an equal quantity) 6 cups chicken stock 10 Tbsp flour 1⁄4 cup evaporated milk Place all ingredients, except for 6 cups chicken stock, flour and evaporated milk into large saucepan. Add 1 cup chicken stock: bring to a boil, simmer until pumpkin becomes soft and mushy. Remove from heat. Whisk in flour, slowly, until thoroughly blended. (Note: mixture will be very thick).

Add remaining chicken stock slowly over low heat, mixing well. When well combined, remove bay leaf and whirl gently with immersion blender (or put through medium gauge sieve). Just before serving, add milk and heat.

This is good with bacon bits, if you care to cook a few slices until very crisp and serve, crumbled over the soup.

Arabian-style Squash Casserole 4 cups cooked squash (or pumpkin), mashed or pureed 1 Tbsp olive oil 11⁄2 cups chopped onion 1 tsp salt 2 small peppers, 1 red and 1 green, seeded and minced 4–5 medium cloves garlic, minced

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Learn to Skate Learn to Skate Preschool Lessons for youth & Youth ages 2-13yrs Lessons at Panorama

black and cayenne pepper, to taste 1⁄2 cup firm yogurt 1 cup crumbled feta cheese sunflower seeds to top, if you’d like Preheat oven to 375˚F. Place mashed

Just Eat It!

Recreation Centre!

Lessons begin September 13th.

Kathy Humphrey squash into large bowl. Heat olive oil in medium-sized skillet. Add onion: saute over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes fragrant and golden. Add peppers and sprinkle with salt. Sauté for about 5 more minutes, or until peppers begin to soften. Add garlic, black and cayenne peppers: sauté for a few more minutes. Add the sautéed vegetables to the squash along with the yogurt and feta cheese. Mix well. Spread into an ungreased 9" square casserole dish. Sprinkle top with sunflower seeds if using. Bake, uncovered, for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly.

Coast Capital Free Skate Saturday, September 6th, 1-2:20pm.

Bring the whole family for a FREE afternoon of fun on the ice.

www.panoramarecreation.ca 250.656.7271

CALL FOR DETAILS 555.543.5432

Rainbow Express Daycare Ages 21⁄2 to 5 years

Squash Pancakes 2 cups flour 2 Tbsp sugar 2 tsp baking powder 1⁄2 tsp baking soda 3⁄4 tsp cinnamon 1⁄8 tsp nutmeg 1⁄2 tsp salt 3⁄4 cup cooked and pureed butternut squash 11⁄4 cup milk 1⁄4 tsp cider vinegar 2 eggs 1 tsp vanilla butter, for cooking (and serving) In a medium bowl, combine all dry ingredients. Mix well and set aside. In a smaller bowl, whisk together squash, vinegar, eggs, milk and vanilla until smooth. Make a well in the centre of the dry ingredients. Pour the wet over and mix with a few brisk strokes.

Don’t over-mix; don’t worry about a few lumps. Heat pan or griddle over medium high heat. Coat pan with butter. Add about 1⁄4 cup of the mixture per pancake. Cook until the cakes are becoming golden brown on the bottom, and showing a few bubbles on the top surface, then flip and cook till browned.

Serve with butter and maple syrup.

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

www.IslandParent.ca

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

www.rainbowexpressdaycare.com

“Dwight served as a home as well as a school for me, providing a place to feel comfortable and challenged. During my time there, I was given opportunities to grow as a student, leader, and person.” Katie, graduate Sooke BC Students like Katie excel at Dwight, where we offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum — recognized worldwide as the “gold standard” in pre-university preparation.

• • •

Shuttle transport available Average class size: 12 Scholarships available

admissions@dwightcanada.org | 250.929.0506 | www.dwightcanada.org

Sept/Oct 2014 49

Dangers of a Cautionary Tale Upcoming Classes

September 20th to November 15th We offer voice, dancing and acting classes for people of all ages.

Four Seasons Musical Theatre classes are back in session! FSMT classes teach the fundamental skills of stage acting, singing and dancing. Our goal is to foster confidence and success on the stage. The 8 sessions of classes are available for children 7–14 years old starting September 20th to November 15th; there are no classes on the Thanksgiving weekend.

For more details and registration visit

www.fsmtheatre.ca

50 Island Parent Magazine

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here is a certain comfort in looking back over the mistakes we’ve made in life and hoping to help our children avoid them. At least, I’m assuming that’s what my husband was thinking when he told our son the story of how he, as a little boy, had made use of one boring childhood afternoon to kick down the neighbor’s fence, one board at a time. Of course this was great fun at first, but later resulted in a spanking and having to spend the next week of his life re-building the fence—which, by the way, he also had to pay for.

I’m pretty sure which part of this story my son was thinking of when, a few weeks later, he made use of a boring afternoon of his own to kick a hole in the neighbor’s fence, one board at a time. He was busted before he could take out the whole thing, much to his chagrin. At first I was baffled by this behavior; my son did not get a spanking, but he did have to contribute his pennies and help repair the fence. One would think that with such a colorful warning fresh in his mind about the hazards of kicking down fences, a boy in his position would refrain from performing similar stunts.

But no: he could not. That is not how children work. You can try to teach a kid a lesson by telling a story with a moral, a cautionary tale. But these stories should be used sparingly and carefully, for chances are, your colorful tale will not prevent your child from doing whatever it is that you want them not to do. Rather, it is more likely to inspire them to try it out themselves.

You must be cautious with books, too.

Take the classic Bread And Jam For Frances, for example. The plot revolves around a little badger who decides she only wants to eat bread and jam for every meal, and whose parents sagely decide to allow it.

Frances eats bread and jam for weeks until she is incredibly sick of it and decides to abandon her strategy and eat like a normal person—er, badger.

It’s a perfect cautionary tale, right? Frances tried something, experienced discomfort as a result, and learned an important lesson, www.kidsinvictoria.com

thanks to the natural consequences of her own choices. As a rookie parent, I wrongly assumed that this moralistic tale would be helpful in convincing my picky-eating daughter to expand her food horizons, by showing her just how boring it is to eat the same thing all the time.

Well, she loved the story and insisted on hearing it again and again. But the next day, to my dismay, my finicky-at-best child announced that she would only eat bread

Is There an App for This?

SARAH MILLIGAN and jam from now on, period. Tragically, she had become fixated on the part of the story where Frances experiments with asserting her will…rather than the part where Frances figures out her parents were right.

This resulted in a months-long strategic operation on my part to get all other foods back on the menu—not to mention much cursing of bread, and jam, and badgers. I wanted to teach my child a lesson vicariously through the mistakes Frances had made, but instead, the story inspired her to try this experiment herself.

In hindsight, it makes perfect sense. Kids don’t run on logic, they run on feelings.

As adults, we try to teach them lessons by telling a story, but they aren’t wired to think that way. I mean, how many kids, each winter, are told what will happen if they stick their tongue on a frozen thing, yet they end up sticking their tongue on a frozen thing anyway? They have to see if it’s really true. If that really happens. What that really feels like. I can tell you, because I did it. This is why history repeats itself: we as humans are rarely clever enough to learn from our parents’ mistakes.

So what’s the solution? There isn’t one, except to wise up as parents and expect that our kids will make the same stupid mistakes we did. Hope that they will learn the same lessons we did. Hope they will be wiser for it. And if we pay attention, we might even learn something from their mistakes, too.

Nanaimo's downtown destination for Children’s Toys and Books Books, balls, buckets and bubbles.

Crayons, paints and stickers.

Playmobil, trains, puppets and puzzles.

For babies, kids and tweens Fully stocked with summertime fun.

Something hot for everyone.

306 – 60 Commercial Street, Nanaimo 250-714-0026 childtreehouse@hotmail.com FREE PARKING, under the convention centre. Spots #80–91 for our customers.

Sarah Milligan lives on Vancouver Island.

She is grateful to her children for the joy they inspire, not to mention the endless writing fodder. www.IslandParent.ca

Sept/Oct 2014 51

Happy Reading Hockey

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all is fast approaching, bringing with it another year of routine: homework, school, activities and for many of us parents, hours and hours at the hockey rink.

I never expected to be a hockey parent, but I guess, raising three boys in Canada, it was almost inevitable. Two of the three are inspired and motivated every day by the national game. This love has even transcended to our reading. My youngest often requests a hockey book and my eldest, though he reads widely, loves a good hockey story.

Apparently my kids aren’t the only ones as all of the books in this article are Canadian.

Initially reading hockey books was slightly painful. The stories were long-winded and, to be frank, a little boring. I did learn interesting tidbits about famous Canadian icons, but found myself sheepishly burying the hockey books deep in the bookshelves, trying to get out of reading them AGAIN. But as the requests for hockey books became more persistent, I looked a little harder and actually found some worth reading…and not just for boys.

The Hockey Tree, by David Ward and Brian Deines (Scholastic Canada, 2006) Owen can hardly wait to get to the pond to play hockey with his dad and sister. But shortly after they arrive they lose the puck down a fishing hole. Rather than calling it a day, their dad has a little surprise that makes the day extra special. This is a heartwarming, soft picture book that induces those good, tender, family-love feelings and may get your kids begging you to move to the Prairies.

That’s Hockey, by David Bouchard & Dean Griffiths (Orca Classics, 2002) The best part of hockey is just getting out and playing. In That’s Hockey there are no winners or losers, just kids who love to play the game so much they forget how tired and hungry they are. And one of the best parts is the surprise female protagonist at the end…though what made the surprise even better was that my kids didn’t even realize that this should be surprising. Evidently, hockey has come a long way…

Just One Goal, by Robert Munsch (Scholastic Canada, 2008) More than anything Ciara wants a hockey rink in her backyard. She works endlessly to create the perfect rink and soon has the entire community out playing. Being written by Robert Munsch, the story all turns slightly ridiculous. The ice begins to crack

but Ciara, in all her stubbornness, wants to win and shoot the final goal and won’t stop playing. Parents panic, mayhem sets in and another Munsch treasure is made.

Where’s My Hockey Sweater, by Gilles Tibo and Bruno St-Aubin (Scholastic, 2005) I sort of love the sports-orientated picture books about Nicholas. There are quite a few of them and Where’s My Hockey Sweater is one of my favourites. It is the beginning of the hockey season and Nicholas is frantically trying to find all of his gear in piles of stuff.

He doesn’t want to be late. A good read for both hockey kids and hockey parents.

The Big Game, by Gilles Tibo and Bruno St-Aubin (Scholastic, 2012) Okay…just one more suggestion by this dynamic duo. The kids on Nicholas’ team are losing badly. They can’t seem to concentrate over the cries, shouts, advice of well-intentioned but over-zealous parents and coaches. Finally Nicholas finds a solution that puts him in his Zen state and lets him get on with the game, without the impact of the crowd. I won’t give away the surprise ending.

The Farm Team, by Linda Bailey, (Kids Can Press, 2008) The Farm Team longs to win the Stolksi Cup from the wild, rough Bush League Bandits, but they are at a huge disadvantage. Will determination, sportsmanship and spirit be enough to tackle these tough, nasty hoodlems? This is one fun and playful hockey book that has been requested so many times in my house I may have nearly memorized it…yet I am still happy to read it.

Brady Brady, All-Star Hockey Collection, (Scholastic) The Brady Brady series was written by a Canadian mom who wanted to help motivate her hockey-loving son to read more.

The illustrations are cartoon-style and the stories are easy to read with little life lessons on themes such as empathy, losing, jealously, laced throughout.

Penalty Shot, by Matt Christopher, (Little Brown, 1997) Matt Christopher writes fast-paced, action-oriented novels. They are the kind of early chapter books that can be read aloud in a sitting or two, or read alone by readers growing in confidence. The author has a long list of sports-themed novels, but we just finished Penalty Shot. Though slightly outdated, and a little superficial in some www.kidsinvictoria.com

areas, it will still resonate with young readers. Jeff Connors loves, loves hockey and is thrilled to be on his school’s team. However, in order to keep his position he must keep

Book Nook Paisley Aiken his grades up. He works hard but it seems that someone on his team is determined to sabotage his efforts. He must find out who is after him or he is sure to lose his place, and possibly his best friend in the process.

Home Ice Advantage, by Tom Earle (Harper Collins Canada, 2013) I picked this up to read to my oldest son when he was home with the flu one week.

We read it together and by the end we were both in tears. Jake is a young hockey player with huge potential but he lives in fear of his father, who pushes him, demanding more of him constantly, often in an abusive way.

Eventually, Jake can’t take the fear and torment and runs away, seeking shelter and comfort in the old Maple Leaf Gardens Arena. There he befriends a homeless man and gains the courage to claim the life he deserves. The story is about hockey, but it is also about empathy, courage and so much more.

After reading Home Ice Advantage we rushed out to get Earle’s first book, The Hat Trick. Although my son loved The Hat Trick (he claimed, as he does several times a year, that it was the best book EVER), it did have aspects to it that I questioned for younger readers. The book is loosely based on a true story. The protagonist, a super star playing in the NHL, accidently kills another player during an on-ice game and, unable to cope with the depression that follows, leaves hockey and questions who he is exactly. The story is captivating and well told, but some of the language was a bit rough and I didn’t feel as well written as his second book. It also seemed to normalize, or even glorify, fighting in hockey, emphasizing the need to be a good fighter if you are going to be a good hockey player. Mature subject matter and perhaps a best fit for young teens.

Paisley Aiken reads extensively to her three energetic young boys. She is founder of The Story Studio Writing Society, a charity that grows kids’ relationship with literacy. www.IslandParent.ca

Sept/Oct 2014 53

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

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

Centre hours are 9–4 weekdays. 602 Gorge Rd. East; call 250-385-1114 or info@1-up.ca.

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 250-3864331 or visit www.bcfit.org to see how we can help.

Some evening and weekend appointments available.

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

TM

Island: Soccer (ages 5-15), Swim (ages 4-15), Family Events and Camps. To learn how you can become a member, please visit canucksautism.ca/join or call (604) 685-4049.

Beacon Community’s Employment Services.

Beacon Community Services provides a full menu of employment services to the Saanich Peninsula, Southern Gulf Islands. We have been helping people find work since 1982! Our programs build on a client’s strengths and resolve barriers to securing and maintaining employment. Furthermore, we work in tandem with our employer network to support those residents looking for work. If you need help finding a job or need employees please pay us a visit! It’s FREE. 9860 Third St, Sidney, 250.656.0134, www.beaconcs.ca

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.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Victoria is a nonprofit organization that provides mentoring programs for children and youth between the ages of 7 - 17.

Adult volunteers (“Bigs”) are matched with children (“Littles”) based on shared interests, respect and trust. No special skills or experience are needed to be a mentor to a child, just a willingness to be a friend and commit to being a consistent, positive adult role model. Make a BIG difference in the life of a child in as little as 1 hr./week. Contact us at 250-475-1117 or visit www.bbbsvictoria.com or ‘LIKE’ our page at facebook.com/bbbsvictoria.

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.

Boys & Girls Club Services offer after-school and evening social, educational and recreational programming for children and youth at 4 locations. We also offer support to parents (Parents Together) and programs at our Outdoor Centre in Metchosin. For more information on all programs and services visit www. bgcvic.org or call 250.384.9133.

The Canucks Autism Network (CAN) provides yearround, innovative, high quality sports, recreational, social and employment related programs for individuals and families living with autism, while building awareness and capacity through community networks across British Columbia. The Canucks Autism Network currently offers the following programs on Vancouver

HeadWay Victoria Epilepsy & Parkinson’s Centre supports families living with seizures by providing tutoring and one-on-one professional consultations to help your child live up to their full potential. We offer a parent workshop three times a year as well as education presentations in schools and community groups. Keep up to date with the latest research about treatments, lifestyle, and safety issues for your child.

We can be reached at www.headwayvictoria.com, or you can contact our Epilepsy Program Coordinator directly at 250-475-6677.

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

The Screen Actor’s Studio

Est 1980

Young Actor’s Conservatory Fall Term Develop on-camera skills Acting for Film & T.V.!

Beginners & Advanced. Programs for Ages 8–12 & Teens.

Call: 250-595-1339 e: screenact@shaw.ca www.screenactors.ca 54 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

instruction, volunteering, youth programs and tutoring, as well as intercultural arts programming. 930 Balmoral Rd, 250-388-4728, info@icavictoria.org, www.icavictoria.org.

Learning Disabilities Association of BC, SVI Chapter, educates, supports and advocates for children and youth with 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. 1652 Fort St, Victoria, BC V8S 5J2. Ph 250.370.9513. Fax. 250.370.9421. www. ldasvi.bc.ca. www.knowyourrights.ca Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) provides programs and services to the military family community including: 24-Hour Information Line; Deployment Information and Workshops; Short Term Counselling, Crisis Support or Intervention; Welcome/Relocation Services; Childcare and Family Support Services; Assistance for Families with Special Needs and Responsibilities. Exciting Volunteer opportunities available!

Call the MFRC: 250-363-2640 (1-800-353-3329) for information or visit 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 parentsupport@shaw.ca.

Sooke Family Resource Society (SFRS) provides Family Resource Programs including: Prenatal Education and Outreach, Parent-Tot Drop-In Groups, Parent Discussion Groups, Family Support Groups and Outreach, a Toy and Book Lending Library and Kingfisher Preschool. Sooke/Westshore Child Care Resource and Referral services are also provided by SFRS. Services are provided from the Child, Youth, and Family Centres in both Sooke and the Westshore. Call 250-642-5152 for more information or visit our website at www.sfrs.ca.

South Island Centre for Counselling & Training is an affordable, non-profit, counselling and training 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 250472-2851; info@southislandcentre.ca or visit www. southislandcentre.ca.

www.IslandParent.ca

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

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

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

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

View our calendar of events.

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

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

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

You can also enter our monthly and photo contests.

Come be part of our community at

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Sept/Oct 2014 55

The First Decade

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his month marks a decade of mothering in my parenthood journey as my eldest celebrates her 10th birthday. To mark the occasion, our family watched a slideshow of my daughter’s baby pictures and as the pictures cycled through, I marvelled at how fast the time has gone. I feel as though it was just yesterday that I was holding her in my arms, a seven pound bundle of magic, beauty and mystery. Despite my efforts to soak in the moments as much as I could, it feels as though I blinked and a decade passed me by. So much has changed since her birth, but she remains magical, beautiful and mysterious.

Although the days sometimes crawled by since becoming a mother, the years have certainly flown past. This gives me a sense of simultaneous awe and panic. The grains of sand of motherhood are slipping through my fingers, and there is not a thing I can do to slow them down.

When a slide appears of me with my six-week-old newborn daughter, I remem-

ber clearly wishing the time away. “It will be great when she can go longer between feeds”…“I can hardly wait until she sleeps through the night”…“When will she not need to be held 23 out of 24?”

Retrospectively I think of that all-intense newborn phase with great fondness. Certainly I remember the exhaustion, the commitment that breastfeeding took and my sore back, but what stands out for me now are the memories of the closeness we shared while she fed in the quiet darkness, and carrying her around in the baby carrier and smelling her sweet head.

But how do we as busy and exhausted parents take notice of the precious moments as they are happening with our little ones instead of wishing the time away? It is so easy to get caught up in the next stages without taking note of the current one. How do we as parents take the time to enjoy our fleeting time with our children? I bet that most of you have been told by a seasoned parent to enjoy the moments while we have them because all too soon we will be waving farewell as

our sons and daughters head out the door into the big world on their very own.

I am becoming more and more aware of how fast time is going by, but still I have days where I busy myself with my mile-long to-do list, putting my nose into a parenting book or getting distracted by a screen and therefore missing a moment with my child.

The other day I missed a really big moment with one of my children at a museum when I quickly checked an email. My son came running up, breathless and excited, asking, “Did you see me, did you see me? I volunteered to go on stage and they picked ME!” In a blink of an eye and an insignificant email later, the moment was gone. As a mother of four, I am constantly seeking the balance between work, family and my own “inner” life. Some days I feel like I can have it all, but most days that ideal flies out the window before breakfast.

One way I strive to make more space for the important things in life or slow down time in the parenting realm is to practice being mindful. The more complicated and busy our lives get, the more important it is to live in the present moment, otherwise we can miss parts of our lives and our children’s lives. How do we be more mindful?

As a parent, it is not possible to withdraw

Natural Wonders Preschool This new exciting nature preschool starting in September is a licensed program where children explore and learn in the natural outdoor world. Children’s interests and discoveries guide the program plan, rather than academic goals and objectives.

The program is situated outdoors for the majority of each day, allowing children to let nature be their guide. A certified Early Childhood Educator will facilitate safe and enjoyable outdoor experiences to encourage children’s physical, emotional, intellectual and social development.

Tuesday/Thursday 9am-11:30am • $16250*/month Henderson Recreation Centre 2291 Cedar Hill X Road 250-370-7200 recreation.oakbay.ca 56 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

from the world and meditate all day. Being mindful is all about paying attention to what is happening right now, in the moment. It is about accepting the moment without judgement and making enough space in our

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brains to make a choice about how to think or respond instead of acting on instinct.

Mindful parenting helps to forego the gut reaction and find the thoughtful response.

I have discovered that when I take a minute to tune into the breath and sensations in my body, it is a way of stepping out of time, which gives me a pause to choose a thoughtful response. We are all capable of that moment to moment, non-judgemental awareness where we pay attention to what is going on around us and observing what is happening for our children. The neat thing about being mindful is that we do not have to slow down, make more time or fix anything. All we have to do is reclaim our moments by showing up for them. Tune into your own thoughts and emotions as you go throughout the day. One of the greatest gifts we can give our children is ourselves and our time. That means that part of our work as a parent is to keep growing in selfknowledge and self-awareness. We have to be grounded in the present moment to share what is deepest and best in ourselves.

Mindful parenting is a hard job because of the focus it requires, but the concept is very simple—it is the opportunity we have to grow into the precious moment we are given—uniquely, alone, and then entirely alongside our children. Being mindful has the potential for the deepest kinds of satisfaction and true enjoyment as we parent, and the greatest feelings of connectedness and belonging. And it is a way of slowing down and enjoying those grains of parenthood, taking in the moments while we still have them. Each day a chance again.

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

Sept/Oct 2014 57

Preschool & Child Care Directory CENTRAL SAANICH Almosthome Childcare/Preschool......... 250-590-7666 Quality childcare with a preschool curriculum/kindergarten readiness program. Experienced Early Childhood Educators. Nurturing environment for ages 21⁄2 to 5 years old. www.almosthomecare.com.

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

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

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

Goldstream Co-op Preschool........................................

Learning Through Play for 3 and 4yr olds! For registration information go to our website: www.goldstream preschool.com.

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

Leap Forward Childcare......................... 250-818-9225 2758 Peatt RD. Licenced group childcare for children ages 6 months to 5 years old. Offering fulltime and part-time care. Open 6:30am-5:30pm. For more information please contact Amber: info@leap forwardlangford.com, www.leapforwardlangford.com.

Miles of Smiles Nature Junior Kindergarten.................... 778-265-4374 Come see why learning in nature rocks! Reggio Influenced Philosophy for ages 3-5. Have your child become a nature detective today! www.naturejuniorkindergarten.com

CORDOVA BAY Carrot Seed Preschool............................ 250-658-2331 Where children can discover, imagine, construct and learn through play. Wondrous natural playground. www.carrotseedpreschool.com.

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. Facebook.com/CIARAEarly ChildhoodCentre.

Island Kids Academy Esquimalt............. 250-381-2929 High quality child care (ages 1-5). Preschool curriculum offered within a warm, caring all-day program. Character development using the Virtues Project. Access to community programs including swimming, skating, Victoria Conservatory of Music. Part-time spaces available. www. islandkids.ca.

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

Licensed Christian centre. www.prematernelleappletree.com.

58 Island Parent Magazine

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 Welcome to Forest Daycare! Our OUTDOOR nature program provides your child with an experience like no other...in the elements! Our Nature-lovers program boasts our own 2 acre forest, outdoor gardens and handmade playgrounds; strongly influenced by Reggio Emilia! New Infant/Toddler centre this spring! Wait list being taken NOW! www.lexieslittlebears.com. Visit our facebook page for ongoing photos and news!

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

Metchosin Co-op Preschool................... 250-478-9241 Come visit our stunning natural outdoor playspace, and see how our inclusive, play-based program allows parents to grow and learn alongside their children. Exceptional ECE staff provide a warm and enriching experience for 2.5–5 yr. olds. Come Grow With Us! EST. 1960. Reg. begins March 1 @ 9am. metchosinpreschool@gmail.com.

West-Mont Montessori School............... 250-474-2626 Preschool Montessori instruction in a beautiful natural environment in Metchosin. Ages 30 months and up.

Providing a balanced approach to incorporating Nature, French, Music, and Art. Stop by and feel what it is like to be part of a community devoted to the development of the whole child. Open House: Thursdays 9-11 am. www. west-mont.ca.

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

OAK BAY Creative Child.......................................... 778-679-0076 At Creative Child, you will find a place of quality learning and care for a small group of young children in a beautiful Montessori-inspired setting. www. creativechildcentre.com Emmanuel Preschool.............................. 250-598-0573 Children learn through play in our non-denominational Christian preschool near UVic. Bright attractive setting. www.emmanuelpreschool.ca.

Gonzales Co-op Preschool..................... 250-727-1003 Children use imaginations in a Learning through Play classroom and natural playground. Reggio-Emilia inspired, focus is on art, nature and music. Nurturing, highly qualified ECE and ECE assistant. Parent participation options. Allergy aware. gonzalescooppreschool.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

Scheduled

T

he night before fall registration began at Oak Bay Recreation, I set the alarm for 6:25 a.m. On the bedside table I put the list of codes: for “Sea Otter” swimming lessons, for Music Together, for Sportball.

In the spring I had called at 10 a.m. on registration day and the swimming class was already full. That would not happen again. Because it couldn’t happen: with preschool beginning in September, time is at a premium. Music Together can only be Wednesday. But it can only be in the late morning, because swimming is at 9:30 am.

Is it better, Mike and I had wondered, to have swimming and music on the same day, or to have swimming in the afternoon of a preschool day? How best to prevent Angus being overwhelmed?

This was a question we hadn’t expected to be faced with. From the beginning, we had agreed not to overschedule our child—especially when he was young. Children need time to play, need time just to be, Mike and I both believed. Lessons and classes should be Angus-directed; if he expressed an interest, we would try to facilitate it. But we expected this would happen later, when he was school-aged. In the beginning, it was important mostly to play.

But Angus doesn’t have a posse of siblings to play with. During the day, he has me. And sometimes a little variation is nice for both of us. The first classes we signed up for were mostly for my benefit: an exercise class where Angus could roll around the gymnasium floor with a few other pre-crawlers, registered kindergym, swimming, music. The fact was, nine hours at home together was long—and days were more fun if we got out and did something: if Angus could yank someone else’s ear, if I could stay practiced in conversing with adults. In the early days, when it took so much effort to leave the house, it was best to have a place we’d committed to go and a time we’d committed to be there. That way I was bound to make the effort. And even with a planned activity each day, Angus had plenty of time left for play.

But some of these activities shifted from fun extras to essentials. Angus loves Music Together, and when he hears the word Wednesday, he’ll remind us that this is music day. And it has to be Wednesday, because that is when Jennifer teaches. To Angus, Jennifer is synonymous with Music www.kidsinvictoria.com

Together. All substitutions are counterfeits.

Angus loves swimming also, but this is a more tenuous relationship. If we miss a couple weeks of classes, the pool becomes

Maternity & Beyond Laura TRUNKEY a scary place again. And so Mike and I have decided to maintain the lessons on a weekly basis. And this works for Angus, too. He loves to brag that he is brave. Music and swimming is manageable, but now we’ve added Sportsball to the mix. It was recommended to us by Angus’s child development worker, something to help him hone his gross motor skills. For his fine motor skills, we have homework from the occupational therapist: time doing puzzles, beading, using strawberry hullers to pick up pompoms from the table. The speech therapist gives homework, too.

When preschool begins in the fall, Angus will be the very definition of an overscheduled child. I will become stressed out and write schedules that include his classes, his “homework”, his weekly library time, visits with his great-gran, his uncle, his Super Granny, time outside. And perhaps the most essential: time for Angus to entertain himself. He’ll sit with a pile of books and either invent a story or recite ones he knows by heart. He’ll drag out his music box and add additional vocals and instrumental interludes to his Raffi CDs. He’ll draw, he’ll dance, or he’ll converse with his stuffies. In these moments, when Angus is really playing, without any lesson plan or desired outcome, without any direction, he’s most content. And so am I. Maybe it can’t be playtime all the time, but when it is, it’s beautiful.

Angus is three. Life will only get busier, and things will need to be sacrificed. But so long as Mike and I have a say in Angus’s schedule, there will be playtime. It’s precisely what we meant when we agreed we wanted Angus just to be. To be a kid. To be happy.

To be himself.

Laura Trunkey is mother to the amazing Angus and the author of a forthcoming short fiction collection from House of Anansi. Email laurajtrunkey@gmail.com. www.IslandParent.ca

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

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

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

SAANICH Arbutus Grove Children’s Centre........... 250-477-3731 Formerly known as Goosey Gander Kindergarten. Half Day and Full Day Preschool Programs. Children’s learning is supported and nurtured through inquiry, exploration, play and creative expression. www.arbutusgrove.ca.

Camosun College Child Care Services......250-370-4880 Quality licensed facilities on both campuses providing children, newborn to 5 years, with rich early learning experiences in a learn through play environment. www. camosun.ca/childcare.

Cloverdale Child Care.................................250-995-1766 Full time daycare spaces available for 3-5 year olds starting Sept. 2014. Preschool spaces available Sept. 2014 for 3-year-olds Tuesday & Thursday 9am-noon. www.cloverdalechildcare.com. cloverdalechildcare@shawbiz.ca.

Full o’ Beans Preschool............................... 250.360.1148 Opening September 2013. We offer ‘learn through play’ programming designed to foster your child’s natural curiosity and imagination. Flexible scheduling, 2.5 and 4 hour programs, qualified staff. Registration is ongoing!www. saanichneighbourhoodplace.com.

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

Extended day available. www.islandmontessori.com.

Lakehill Co-op Preschool....................... 250-477-4141 Where children’s development is nurtured through a child centered inclusive, play based program.

Come visit our out natural outdoor playground and meet our loving qualified ECE team. Multiple Levels of participation available, please enquire. www.lakehillpreschool.org.

Lambrick Park Preschool & Childcare.................................................. 250-477-8131 Gordon Head’s only parent-participation preschool and childcare centre. Flexible options, play-based learning and outdoor play. Allergy friendly. Celebrating 40+ years. www.lambrickparkpreschool.ca.

Little Readers Academy.......................... 250-477-5550 An enriched learn-to-read program for your 3-6 year-old!

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

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

Special needs are welcome. www.montessorieducare.com.

Puddles & Paints (Nature Daycare)........ 250-658-6573 Introduce your children to the natural world around them!

Surrounding them with nature and animals, we build on their curiosity while exploring the outdoors! On 10 acres of parkland the children lead the way towards environmental awareness! With a new ART STUDIO, and weekly lessons from the Vic. Academy of Music... your child’s day will be FULL of wonder and NATURE. Strongly influenced by Reggio. Visit our facebook page for pics of our studio, and handmade toys!

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

Ready Set Grow Preschool..................... 250-472-1530 Caring, quality licensed Learning Through Play environment. In Hillcrest School, Gordon Head. Highly qualified, warm ECE. heosc@pacificcoast.net.

Rogers Child Care Centre....................... 250-744-2343 Trusted High Quality Programs since 1991. Early Learning and Out of School Care. 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 School Early Learning Centre............................. 250-479-7171 Junior Kindergarten for girls age 3 and 4. Nurturing, playbased curriculum with art, STEM and outdoor exploration.

Specialist teachers.­New LEED-certified facilities on 22acre parkland near Quadra and McKenzie. Half or full day options. www.stmarg.ca.

Strawberry Vale Preschool..................... 250-479-4213 Programs for 3 or 4 year olds at “The Little Red Schoolhouse.”

Choose between full or partial parent participation. www. strawberryvalepreschool.org.

Victoria Nature School............................ 250-588-3303 A nonprofit community based organization. Their licensed preschool, running out of the forest and beach at Mt Douglas Park, offers full-day and half-day programs for 3-5 year olds with Monday-Friday options. The VNS forest school philosophy focuses on fun, child-led, inquiry-based education.

Visit www.victorianatureschool.com for more information.

Contact: Bonnie Davison.

Wiseways Preschool & Daycare............. 250-477-1312 Fully licensed Christian preschool for 3 and 4 year olds.

Designed to meet the needs of the whole child. Subsidized fees welcome. www.wiseways.lambrick.com.

SIDNEY Acorntree Preschool............................... 250-686-1408 Balanced indoor/outdoor program, designed to stimulate natural curiosity and foster empathy and compassion towards others. We believe in the importance of both child and teacher directed activities. www.acorntreepreschool.ca.

Adel’s Play N Discovery House.............. 250-655-4888 Licensed childcare, 3-5 years, Reggio Emilia inspired.

Mon–Fri, 7:30am–5:30pm. 2146 Beacon Avenue W. www. adelplayndiscovery.ca, adelina.gotera@gmail.com.

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

Oakcrest Preschool................................. 250-472-0668 A welcoming, nurturing environment with a large, bright facility. Learn through play with 2 caring ECEs. www.oakcrestpreschool.org.

Continues next page Sept/Oct 2014 59

Preschool & Child Care Directory VICTORIA ArtsCalibre Academy.............................. 250-382-3533 Comprehensive programs for Preschool through Grade 5, delivering academic excellence through music, dance, drama and visual arts. Outstanding educators, locations and facilities. www.ArtsCalibre.ca Babies to Big Kids Childcare......................250-590-2722 949 Fullerton Ave. Licenced group childcare for children ages 6 months to 11 years old. Offering full-time and part-time care. Open 6:30am-5:30pm. info@babies tobigkids.com, www.babiestobigkids.com.

Castleview Child Care............................. 250-595-5355 Learning Through Play & Discovery. Licensed non-profit, qual. ECE staff. Since 1958. Preschool and full-time care. www.castleviewchildcarecentre.com.

Cedar Daycare......................................... 250-479-2032 Community oriented, NFP Child Care facility. Wide variety of activities offered including the use of a private outdoor pool during the summer months. Licensed ECE educators devoted to nurturing children aged 30 months – 5 years. www.cedardaycare.com.

Christ Church Cathedral Childcare and Junior Kindergarten......................... 250-383-5132 ECE and specialist teachers provide an outstanding all day licensed program for 3–5 year olds in our spacious and welcoming facility in James Bay. www.cathedralschool.ca.

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.

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

Moss Rock Preschool............................. 250-382-2065 Join our ECEs in our play based licensed preschool which builds on the intellectual, social and emotional growth of the children through a pedagogy of listening and relationships. www.fairfieldcommunity.ca Nightingale Preschool and Junior Kindergarten......................... 250-595-7544 – Taking children’s learning forward – One of Victoria’s leading preschools and Junior Kindergartens. Balanced approach to play and education.

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

Parkdale Early Childhood Centre........... 250-382-0512 ECEs offer the highest quality care and positive learning experiences in our daycare and preschool.

Full time or part time. Call for a tour or visit us at www.parkdalechildcare.ca.

Rainbow Express Daycare...................... 250-382-2314 Enriched preschool style program in a daycare setting.

Visit our website at www.rainbowexpressdaycare.com.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

Queen of Angels Early Learning Centre............................... 250-701-0433 We believe that the development of the whole child (physically, socially, emotionally, cognitively, and spiritually) encourages each individual to develop to their full potential. We offer an enriched full day program for 3–5 year olds based on Kindergarten readiness.

Sunrise Waldorf School Preschool........... 250-743-7253 A warm, nature-based rhythm where wonder is nurtured. www.sunrisewaldorfschool.org.

Chemainus

Little Friends Childcare Center.............. 250-479-8423 For a creative learning environment. Licensed group facility. Infants/Toddlers/Preschool. www.littlefriends childcare.ca.

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.

Little Wonders Preschool (View Royal OSC)..................................... 250-744-2718 A creative and supportive program that will prepare your child for a lifetime of learning! Out of School Care is also available for school aged children. www.viewroyalosc.com.

St. Joseph’s Preschool........................... 250-246-3191 An enriching preschool program allowing children to grow as individuals in a safe and nurturing Christian environment.

Quails’ Nest Daycare............................... 250-721-2342 At-home licensed daycare near VGH; multi-aged; all families welcome. Play-based environment promoting social, emotional, physical growth. Art, songs, story-telling, puppet shows, daily walks. $835.00 quailsnestdaycare. weebly.com.

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

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

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.

Thimbleberry Childcare........................... 250-752-8342 A place for preschoolers to seek out adventure and exploration in a natural environment. A magical forest of 20 acres right on our door step.

Thimbleberrychildcare@gmail.com

Port Alberni John Paul II Catholic School.................. 250-723-0637 “Where children grow and learn through play.” We provide a program that will inspire development physically, socially, emotionally, cognitively, creatively and spiritually.

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.

60 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

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Our Summer Camps were a great success and we are looking forward to next year!

We hope to add an adult camp.

Contact Geri Alton at 250 653 9648

theapplebox.ca

bramblewoodfarm@shaw.ca www.bramblewoodfarm.ca

Art Classes

Move to the head of the class.

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

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

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

www.artisticstatementgalleryandschool.com

Ad Directory Abra Kid Abra.........................IBC Andrea’s Sew Easy...................12 Arabesque Dance....................35 Arbutus Grove..........................62 Art Gallery of Greater Victoria....30 Artistic Statement....................25 Ballet Victoria.............................2 BC Parks & Recreation.............22 BC Transit................................31 Bellies in Bloom.................... BFG Blue Vista................................44 Boardworks.............................24 Boys & Girls Club.....................45 Brigadoon Dance.....................30 Buddies Toys...........................29 Centrepointe Ballet...................47 Conseil Scolaire.......................53 Cridge.....................................50 Dance Unlimited......................62 Discovery School.....................64 Dr. Joslin, Dr. Morin & Associates.................... BFG Dwight School.........................49 Emmanuel Preschool...............24 Falcon Gymnastics...................25

Family Eyecare........................10 Four Seasons Musical Theatre...............................50 Full ’o Beans...........................10 Girl Guides..............................63 Glenlyon Norfolk......................34 Gordon Head Recreation...........28 Guitar in Motion.......................39 HappyBaby Sleep Solutions......30 High Tide Entertainment...........17 Horne Lake Caves....................62 Horticultural Centre....................9 IMAX.........................................4 International Nannies............ BFG Island Farms............................32 Island Montessori.....................17 Island Rhythmic.......................21 Kaleidoscope...........................26 Kate Rubin...............................12 Kenzen Sports Karate..............IBC Kids in Victoria.........................55 KinderSpiel........................... BFG Lansdowne Preschool..............37 Larsen Music.............................9 Leap Forward Childcare............39

Smart Tutor Referrals.com Professional In-Home Tutorial Support

Call 250-544-1588 to learn more.

LIFE Seminars..........................23 Lifestyle Markets......................36 Lighthouse Academy of Dance.............................20 Mad Science...........................27 Maxine Fisher............................4 Mayfair Mall............................47 Mothering Touch................BFG, 5 Music Together........................11 O’Brien Irish Dance..................25 Oak & Orca........................26, 36 Oak Bay Figure Skating............24 OCEAN 98.5..............................1 Panorama Leisure....................49 Phoenix Theatre.......................11 Rainbow Express......................49 READ Society...........................16 Romeos...................................39 Roy’s Photography...................29 Royal BC Museum...................34 Saanich Dental........................22 Scallywags.............................IFC Scouts Canada........................18 Serious Coffee.........................57 Sportball.................................IFC St. Joseph’s.......................37, 45 St. Margarets...........................35 St. Michaels University School...15 Stagecoach.............................23

Stages..............................13, 40 Sunrise Waldorf.........................7 The Children’s Treehouse.........51 Thrifty Foods............................33 TJ’s The Kiddies Store..............57 Tom Lee Music........................63 UC Baby.................................IFC Vancouver Island Baby Fair.........3 Victoria Academy of Ballet........51 Victoria Conservatory of Music.............................19 Victoria Film Festival..................6 Victoria Good News Choir.........13 Victoria Gymnastics......... BC, BFG Victoria Kids Consignment........48 Victoria Midwives.......................8 Victoria Nature School..............41 Victoria Pediatric Dental...........29 Victoria Recreation..................IBC Victoria Russian School............39 Victoria School of Irish Dance..IFC VIHA........................................46 Vitamin Shop...........................16 Vivace Violins...........................31 Welcome Wagon......................21 Wendy Steen Mitchell Dance....27 West-Mont School...................63 Westshore Motocross Westshore Parks......................38

Sept/Oct 2014 61

Offline What Moves You? Weekend I Inspiring dancers since 1993

250-361-3267 info@danceunlimited.ca

Curiosity • Diversity • Exploration Nature • Play-Oriented Learning

September Openings Available

3905 Haro Road, Victoria BC

250-477-3731

arbutusgrove.ca

Horne Lake Caves for the Explorer in you

Been Lately?

…amazing

NEW Cave Theatre NEW Museum NEW Geology Trail NEW Cave to Explore Family-Friendly Fun ABOVE or BELOW HORNELAKE.COM

250-248-7829

OPEN YEAR ROUND

Scary Ghost Story Tours, every weekend in October 62

Island Parent Magazine

t was supposed to be a camping weekend with no social media, no phones, no constant updating the world on what we were drinking, eating, or thinking. We always enjoy going camping; we like the rugged feeling of tent camping and sleeping on the ground—well…blow up mattresses. It is a chance to listen to the sounds of nature and reflect on the busy life of raising kids.

With the car packed, we headed out early Sunday morning for a couple of nights in the great outdoors. Excitement abounded.

It felt good that our two daughters still enjoyed the feeling of heading out in the morning much the same way they enjoyed it when they were younger. My wife and I had taken them camping when they could barely walk, and have been going ever since.

Some trips have been disasters—driving up to Tofino, pitching a tent, taking down said rain-filled tent 10 minutes later, driving all the way home—but most have been wonderful. Camping is not for everyone, but for me it is a chance to test my own patience, with things like putting up a complicated tent while my daughters make no attempt to help can be frustrating.

This trip was a different kind of test.

My daughters are active on social media; more than some, not as much as others.

Amanda and I keep a close eye on things, but it gets away from us at times. The girls are fast approaching the age where social media becomes both an important aspect of their regular social existence, but also a potential harmful phenomenon in a number of ways. This trip was going to show us if they could still interact with each other, and with us, without a hand-held device close by. It was going to show us whether the real world, as opposed to the digital world, could hold their attention. It was also a test for us, as we are not Luddites when it comes to socializing over cellular networks.

I receive emails, book appointments and communicate with clients via my phone, not to mention scrolling my Facebook news feed, texting, updating my Tumblr account, and emails. I was going to see how well I could cope with leaving all that behind for a measly two days.

I packed my hunting knife (never used for hunting, but great for feeling like Rambo), www.kidsinvictoria.com

my new compact Bushcraft hatchet (excellent for survival situations…I used it on the deck railing by accident), and my old machete and hatchets. Last year the girls showed an interest in whittling sticks for marshmallows. I would try to capitalize on that interest.

Dadspeak Frank o’Brien I would be the outdoors guru, that old time version of what a “dad” truly was, teaching his kids to fend for themselves in any situation. Or, at least try to make it two days with no distractions.

The drive up Island was beautiful as always, and except for minor disagreements on what to do, or in what order to go to Qualicum, Coombs, and river swimming, it was fantastic. The girls were engaged. In fact, in some ways—in a lot of ways—they were more engaged than me.

I find the hardest part of fatherhood is not making sure my daughters do the right things, make the right choices, try hard, or be good people; the biggest challenge I have is learning my role, as a father, over and over. It is not a static role. It is in a constant state of flux, tempered only by the constant communication I have with my daughters.

This camping trip saw them more independent than when they were six, but they still looked to me to answer questions, or even to just get validation for thoughts.

They were able to morph into camping mode faster than me. One daughter perfected her axe throwing ability while the other perfected her knife throwing prowess. I couldn’t be happier as a camping dad watching this. I was the one who needed direction however; the empty days left me feeling befuddled. One can pretend that his purpose as “Dad” is to bust his butt only at work, but working really hard at just “being there” takes a special kind of effort, and it is not found looking to your phone.

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

www.IslandParent.ca

©Fresh Air Photography by Janis Morrison

Witty’s Lagoon: Just One of West-Mont’s Classrooms Not many schools are fortunate to have a backyard like West-Mont Montessori School. We offer innovative, personalised, fully Montessori instruction in a beautiful natural environment for students in Preschool to Grade 8. Visit our website for details about our programs, or stop by our campus and feel what it’s like to be part of a community devoted to the development of the whole child.

4075 Metchosin Rd - Victoria t: 250.474.2626 e: info@west-mont.ca web: west-mont.ca

ENCE R E F F I D A E K A M OF GIRLS! IN THE LIVES

join Today!

1-800-565-8111 girlguides.ca

Sept/Oct 2014 63

Cut It Out!

Tips from Parent Educator Allison Rees of LIFE Seminars

Spirited Child?

S

ome kids come into the world more spirited and with bigger behaviours.

Parents can feel completely inadequate as one strategy might work one day and not the next. If you are beating yourself up, Cut it Out! Just as parents whose children have easy temperaments can’t take all the credit, neither should parents of spirited children take all the blame.

What to do: Think about antecedents which are triggers to your child’s challenging behaviours.

Things like hunger, fatigue, transition, change or just hearing the word “no” can be a trigger. Manage what you can and plan ahead.

Identify your child’s needs. Every negative feeling points to a frustrated need. Some children need more certainty and rely on a steady routine. Some children are sensitive and pick up on the feelings around them so they need calm approaches. Some children

need to have lots of autonomy and thrive on being given choices and a voice.

Identify skills that need to be developed.

What skills does your child need to work on?

Dealing with transition? Solving problems?

Thinking about the outcomes of his actions?

Dealing with intense feelings or ways to express herself? Does he misread social cues? Is she struggling with anxiety? Does he know how to calm down if he is given a time out?

Let things go. Drop certain expectations, at least for now and focus only on limits that really matter such as safety issues and some basic house rules. Let go of expectations that are too high.

Be present. All children need the loving presence of a parent or caregiver at random times throughout the day. Go on occasional dates and do something your child enjoys.

Leave your smart phone at home and just be available. All children need to have a sense of belonging and importance and need your time and presence.

Give Empathy. Accept your child’s feelings and use your reflective listening skills. Your child needs to know you understand him and can handle the big feelings.

Draw attention to the positives. In a nonevaluative way, point out great listening or helpful behaviour. Be sincere and supportive.

The old models of punishment and reward don’t work with a spirited child. It takes a great deal of patience, some good self care and a whole lot of love!

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

Transforming disability into ability.

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

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

Enrolment is limited. For more information or to arrange a tour, visit www.discoveryschool.ca, call Sherri Ko at 250-595-7765 or email principal@discoveryschool.ca 64 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Abra-Kid-Abra Grand Opening Party!

Saturday, September 13, 12–5pm 4349 West Saanich Road (Royal Oak)

Free Family Activities!

• Trial Karate Mini-Classes • Self-Defense Lessons • Sport Skill Challenge • Flying Side Kick Contest

Car Seats, Cribs, Play-n-Pak, High Chairs available for short term rentals

Food & Bouncy Castle too!

Grand Opening Special

• A great selection of books

Free month of karate and free uniform!*

• Dress-up for girls and boys

Kenzen is proud to announce the opening of Victoria’s only high-performance karate training centre, staffed by Coaching Canada certified instructors.

Fitness Skills Defense

With us kids develop awesome fitness, skills and defence, and even dream to make the Junior BC Team.

250-507-1441 *offered with all student registrations

• Shoes…Pedipeds, See Kai Run …and More • Rainwear and rainboots…TUFFO – MUDDYBUDDY, now up to size 5

Now Accepting Winter Consignment New & Used Toys, Clothing & furniture 2024 Oak Bay Ave • 250 595 1613

Fall Family Fun

at Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre and Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre

Swimming • • • •

Drop-in family swims Parent & Tot swims Quality lesson instruction for all ages Special events

Skating • • • • •

Drop-in family skates Parent and Child Ice Play Quality lesson instruction Fun and safe environment Monthly free skates

Visit victoria.ca/recreation for more information or to register for Crystal Pool programs. For skating programs and schedules visit victoria.ca/arena or call 250.361.0732

Register for Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre Programs online 24/7 at victoria.ca/recreation

ctoria Gymnastics

Why Victoria Gymnastics?

Boys & girls, ages 2 through adult, beginner through advanced Morning, afternoon & evening classes seven days a week Start any time – continuous enrollment Optional character

Monthly payments with no further obligation—cancel any time Optional character

Trial classes available

Optional character

Make-ups for missed classes

Optional character Optional character

character

We guarantee your child will flip over our Birthday Parties!

Benefits Victoria Gymnastics Will Provide for your Child: • Unlike other gymnastics clubs, our priority is ‘non-competitive’ gymnastics where all students are treated equally and fairly. Our objective is to provide students with a foundation of gymnastics that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.

• Your child's progress is monitored daily, and every 3 months, each student is awarded a medal indicating his or her progress in our 14 level, 600 skill program.

• Our ratio guarantee of a maximum of 8 students per instructor will provide your child with the Individualized attention he or she deserves.

• We are a family oriented business. Classes are scheduled so that varying ages and genders can take part in different classes at the same time.

• Clean. Very Clean. Our facilities are ozone treated.

• Consistent, safe and experienced coaching in a well structured, safe and fun environment—all of our coaches have their NCCP certification and First Aid.

www.victoriagymnastics.com

250-380-2442

Celebrating 35 Years of Excellence!