WestCoast Families Resource Guide Vol. 30

Celebrating the modern family lifestyle on the West Coast

Vol 30

Free!

Classes & Programs Family Support Family Fun & Entertainment Education Health & Wellness

YOUR Family Resource Guide

There’s something for everyone at UBC Point Grey, right on your doorstep.

Whether it’s parks, playgrounds, amenities, shops & services, museums, beaches, a forest, community events and more — find that, here.

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ART & DESIGN | DANCE | THEATRE, MUSIC & FILM

Credit: Michael Slobodian

YOUR JOURNEYSTARTS HERE

Arts Umbrella is where artists ages 2-22 cultivate creativity.

Join us for an adventure in the arts in 2023/24! Registration opens June 2023.

Visit us at artsumbrella.com.

Located in Vancouver and Surrey.

Family Resource Guide Vol. 30

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VOL. 30

YOUR FAMILY RESOURCE GUIDE

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GETTING KIDS OFF SCREENS Jim Schneider Publisher publisher@westcoastfamilies.com Erika Palmer Editor erika@westcoastfamilies.com

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EDUCATION

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RaeLeigh Buchanan Account Manager raeleigh@westcoastfamilies.com

FAMILY FUN & ENTERTAINMENT

Kristine Wickheim Account Manager kristine@westcoastfamilies.com

For distribution inquiries, please email publisher@westcoastfamilies.com

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PLAY IS FOR PARENTS TOO

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CLASSES & PROGRAMS

WestCoast Families, published by Island Parent Group Enterprises Ltd., is a bimonthly publication that honours and supports parents by providing information on resources and businesses for west coast families. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher.

No material herein may be reproduced without the permission of the publisher.

Mailing Address 518 Caselton Place, Victoria, BC V8Z 7Y5 250 388 6905

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STEP-PARENTS

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FAMILY SUPPORT

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A proud member of

BC

MONEY-SMART KIDS Cover Photo: Klutch Photography klutchphotography.com

WestCoastFamilies.com

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FAMILY BUSINESS

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WestCoastFamilies.com

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OVERNIGHT CAMPS

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twitter.com/wcfmag facebook.com/westcoastfamilies pinterest.com/wcfmag

CELL PHONES

@westcoastfamilies

PARENTING

Getting Your Kids Off Their Screens & Into Nature T

hese days it’s become all too easy for kids to spend most of their time looking at screens. From phones and tablets to video games and TV, screens are everywhere.

However, it’s important for us parents to encourage our kids to spend more time outside in nature and less time on their screens. Here are some reasons why we need to act now: Their Physical Health Will Improve. Spending time outside and being active is extremely important for a child’s physical health. According to the CDC, kids should be getting a minimum of 60 minutes of physical activity every single day.

Outdoor activities like biking, hiking, and playing sports can help kids stay active.

So Will Their Mental Health. Too much screen time has been linked to a variety of mental health issues in children, including anxiety and depression. Spending time outside in nature can help alleviate these symptoms and improve a child’s overall mental health.

They’ll Experience More Creativity. When kids are outside, they have a fantastic opportunity to use their imagination and creativity in a way that’s not possible with screens.

Whether they’re building forts, exploring new areas, or just playing tag with friends, being outside can inspire creativity.

Stress Levels Will Lower. Screens can be overstimulating and stressful for kids, particularly if they’re playing competitive video games or seeing violence on the news. Spending more time outside in nature has been shown to reduce stress levels in children and promote relaxation.

They’ll Gain a Strong Connection to Nature. Kids who spend time outside and in nature develop a stronger connection to the natural world. This can lead to a greater appreciation for the environment and a desire to protect it and teach others to protect it, too.

They’ll Develop Solid Social Skills. Spending time outside with friends and family can help kids develop important social

skills, like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.

Whether they’re simply going on a hike, or hanging out at the beach, being outside with others provides opportunities for social interaction and learning.

It’s Educational. Being outside and experiencing nature can be a wonderful way for kids to learn about the world around them. Whether they’re learning about plants, animals, ocean life, seasonal changes, or weather patterns, being outside can be an engaging and interactive way to learn about science and the environment.

So, what can parents do to encourage their kids to spend more time outside? Here are a few helpful tips: Lead by Example. If parents are spending all their time on screens, their children will likely emulate that. Make a point of spending more time outside yourself and show your kids that nature can be fun and engaging.

Plan a Variety of Outdoor Activities. It can be a short walk around the neighbourhood after dinner, or something longer like visiting a park or taking a camping trip but planning several different outdoor activities can help get kids excited about spending time outside.

Set Limits on Screen Time. There’s no need to limit screens completely if you don’t want to. Kids can watch educational videos, video chat with their loved ones, and play games that help them learn new skills and incorporate teamwork. However, it’s important to set some healthy limits around screen time and encourage them to engage in other activities.

Erika Palmer is a writer living in Victoria with her husband and daughter. She believes most problems can be solved with a good cup of tea and a huge piece of chocolate.

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Education CHILD CARE

Child Care Resource M Happy May Childcare Centre LICENSED PRESCHOOL happymay.ca & Referral Programs

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and nurturing environment.

Harbourside Children’s Centre | 604-501-5100 surrey.ca/preschool City of Surrey DS harboursidechildren.ca

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123 ABC Montessori Childcare

Play based learning in a warm FV childcareresource.ca

3 Corners Child Care Centre

V surrey.ca

123abcmontessori.com

mountpleasantcc.ca/3-corners-child-carecentre

A Place to Grow aplacetogrow.ca

A to Z Childcare Centres a2zchildcare.ca

ABC University Daycare abcdaycarevancouver.com

Acorn Early Education Centre acornearlyed.com

The City of Surrey delivers affordable excellence in licensed preschools for children ages 3–5 DS years. The City of Surrey’s high quality, playbased preschool program runs from September to June and is designed to promote M healthy growth and development throughout a child’s early years.

V Conscious Kids Care consciouskidscare.com

NS Curious Minds Learning Centre curiousmindslearningcentre.com

FV FV

Head Start Pre-Kinder

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Honey Tree The Children’s Learning Centre

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Imagination Station

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Kids Only Daycare

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Kidzville Learning Centres

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Ladybird Daycare

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headstartpre-k.com

honeytree.ca

imaginationstationchildcarecentre.com kidsonlydaykidsdaycare.weebly.com kidzvillelearningcenters.com

Alexandrea Neighbourhood House DS Dinosaur Daycare

NS

Apple Tree Family Daycare

BN Discovery Childcare Centre

facebook.com/Ladybird-Group-ChildcareBN Centre-Delta-168101456553522

Aubrey Daycare Centres

BN Dreamkids Childcare Centre

Learn ‘n Play Childcare Centre TC learnplaychildcare.com

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Les Moussaillons TC moussaillons.ca

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alexhouse.net

apple-tree-family-daycare.business.site aubreydaycare.com

Aves Early Education Centre aveseducation.com

Baby Panda Childcare Centre

dinosaurdaycare.com burnabychildcare.ca dream-kids.ca

R Early Learning Childcare Centre earlylearningpoco.ca

Birchwood Daycare

R Evergreen Early Childhood Daycare BN evergreenchildcarecentre.ca

Bluebird Group Daycare Centre

Fantastic Child Care NS Services Limited

Bonny Castle Daycare

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birchwooddaycare.com bluebirddaycare.ca

Bonnycastledaycare.com

Little Rascals Daycare DS littlerascals.ca Little Wings Daycare Society BN

facebook.com/Neville-Childcare0-3-yrs-586610828174475 friendshipdaycare.com

TC Meadow Ridge Centre for Childcare

Fun Farm Child Care

FV

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Burnaby Association for Community Inclusion

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Burnaby Family Life

BN Goodwin Academy Daycare Centre DS

gobaci.com

burnabyfamilylife.org

Caterpillar Family Daycare

facebook.com/thelittlecaterpillars 6

WestCoastFamilies.com

Lonsdale Creek Daycare Centre Society

Friendship Corner Daycare

funfarmchildcare.ca

Gatehouse Montessori gatehousemontessori.com

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goodwinacademy.ca

FV Green Apple Daycare greenappledaycare.ca

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littlewingsdaycare.ca

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lonsdalecreekdaycare.ca

Bright Eyes Academy brighteyesacademy.ca

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FV

mrccdaycare.com

My First Step Child Centre myfirststep.ca

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Vancouver

BN Burnaby/New West

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Richmond

NS North Shore

DS Delta/Surrey

SW Squamish/Whistler

TC Tri-Cities

M Multiple

FV Fraser Valley

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Online

Olio Childcare

DS Pear Tree

Olive Grove Childcare ltd.

NS PJ Kids Club

NS Smiling Stars Daycare Centre

One Two Buckle My Shoe

DS Port Coquitlam Daycare Society

TC Society of Richmond Childrens Centres

OneSpace Childcare

V Rainbow’s Nest Child Care

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oliochildcare.ca

olivegrovechildcare.ca

facebook.com/bucklemyshoe.ca

pear-tree.ca pjkidsclub.com pocodaycare.com

onespaceforall.ca/childcare Our childcare service allows you the freedom and flexibility to drop off your child at our Children’s Atelier in our second floor play space while you make use of all the services OneSpace has to offer. By providing flexible workspace, child care, wellness services and affordable business consulting, we aim to remove many of the traditional barriers that exist for parents, entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Park Place Daycare & Montessori parkplacedaycareltd.com

Parkland Players

parklandplayers.com

NS TC

facebook.com/rainbowsnestchildcare

Rise N Shine Childcare Centres rnschildcare.vpweb.ca

Robyn’s Nest Daycare robynnest.weebly.com

Rothewood Academy rothewood.com

V Small Steps Childcare

smilingstarsdaycare.com

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Sandcastles Park Children’s Centre R sandcastlepark.ca

SFU Childcare Society sfu.ca/childcare.html

Shining Star Daycare shiningstardaycare.ca

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smallstepschildcare.com

BN TC

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richmondchildcare.org

Sophia’s Family Child Care

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Starlight Child Care Centre

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Start Smart Childcare Centre

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Stay N Play Daycare

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Sunshine Children’s Centre

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Sweet Peas Cottage

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facebook.com/sophiachildcare starlightchildcarecentre.com start-smart.ca

staynplaydaycare.com

ridgemeadowschildcare.com sweetpeascottage.ca

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UBC Childcare Services childcare.ubc.ca

V Kenneth Gordon Maplewood kgms.ca

West Point Grey Community Centre V Madrona School westpointgrey.org

West Vancouver Child Development Centre westvandaycare.org

madronaschool.com

NS Southpointe Academy southpointe.ca

Wise Owl Montessori Childcare

Urban Academy FV urbanacademy.ca

Wonder of Learning

Vancouver Montessori School V 8650 Barnard St | 604-261-0315

wiseowlchildcare.com

wonderoflearning.ca Childcare Learning Centre for ages 2–12. Our learning centre is Reggio-Emilia inspired and incorporates best practices in education while highly valuing the arts. Our School of Arts includes educational development in the areas of music, art, character and psychological development. We specialize in providing fun, engaging and educational piano lessons for all ages.

V Edify Learning Spaces

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vancouvermontessorischool.com A child-centred community.

Preschool for children 3–5 years of age. Extended day for the 5 year old child. Elementary for children 6–12 years of age.

Vancouver Waldorf School

collingwood.org

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Fraser Valley Elementary

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Island Pacific School

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James Cameron School

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fraseracademy.ca fves.bc.ca

islandpacific.org jcs.bc.ca

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WestCoastFamilies.com

HomeLearners Network

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Ho Math and Chess Learning Centre V vancouvermath.com

NS JEI Learning Centre

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York House School NS yorkhouse.ca

Fraser Academy

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homelearnersnetwork.com

Westside Montessori School Brockton School North Vancouver NS westsidemontessori.ca Collingwood School

Higher Grade Learning Centre highergrade.ca

vws.ca Lynn Valley, 2725 St Christophers Rd info@vws.ca | 604-985-7435 Edgemont Village, 307–3255 Edgemont Blvd INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS highschool@vws.ca | 604-986-2922 Brentwood College School M The Vancouver Walbrentwood.ca dorf School provides Brentwood Colan experiential, agelege School is a appropriate approach co-educational, university preparatory board- to education. Our rich curriculum integrates ing school for Grades 8 through 12 located hands-on creativity, language arts, music, in Mill Bay, Vancouver Island, BC. Our specphysical education, nature studies, fine arts tacular oceanfront campus sets the backdrop and crafts, math and sciences to support the for a modern and progressive boarding school development of the whole child. where our unique Tripartite Program provides students from 55 countries unrivalled oppor- West Vancouver School District NS tunities that challenge them to become the westvancouverschools.ca leaders of tomorrow. brocktonschool.com

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edifylearningspaces.com | 604-368-3554 Edify Learning V Spaces is a 1-on1 online tutoring agency. Quality D tutors work with your child’s unique strengths to increase academic scores but also provide social emotional learning support to help NW increase focus and confidence! BC based, neurodivergent affirming agency. Book a free consultation.

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LEARNING CENTRES & TUTORS

jeilearning.com

Kumon Math & Reading kumon.com

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LDS – Learn. Develop. Succeed.

ldsociety.ca LDS – Learn. Develop.

Succeed. offers accessible, innovative learning support to individuals with learning differences, like dyslexia and ADHD, aged 3 to adult. Our 17 specialised programs are offered in person or online.

Little Mountain Learning Academy

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Mathnasium

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Millennium Learning

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lmacademics.com mathnasium.ca

millenniumlearningadvantage.com

Abby Tutors

Oxford Learning M oxfordlearning.com

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Active Learning

Reading and Learning Pathways M rlpathways.com

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Amazing Tutors Inc.

Spirit of Math M spiritofmath.com

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BrainBoost Education

Sylvan V sylvanlearning.com

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abbytutors.com beyondlearning.com amazingtutors.ca

brainboosteducation.com

Tutor Doctor

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Tutors in Vancouver

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Vancouver Learning Centre

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tutordoctor.com tutorsinvancouver.ca

vancouverlearningcentre.com

PRESCHOOL Aboriginal Head Start Association

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Association of Neighbourhood Houses

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BC Aboriginal Child Care Society

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Bee Haven Kids

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Brightstart Childrens Academy

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Burnaby French Language Preschool

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Burnaby Neighbourhood House

BN

CEFA Core Education & Fine Arts

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Child Care Options

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City Hall Child Care Society

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ahsabc.com

anhbc.org

acc-society.bc.ca

beehavenkids.com brightstart.ca

bflp.org

burnabynh.ca cefa.ca

childcareoptions.ca

cityhallchildcare.org

SUMMER CAMPS

Qwanoes.ca

and more!

Place des Arts offers classes for all ages and skill levels in

Collingwood Neighbourhood House V cnh.bc.ca

Council of Parent Participation Preschools

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Creative Kids Learning Centres

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Developmental Disabilities Assoc.

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Elite Montessori Academy

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cpppreschools.bc.ca

creativekidslearningcenters.ca develop.bc.ca

elitemontessori.ca

DANCE

THEATRE

MUSIC

VISUAL & LITERARY ARTS

1120 BRUNETTE AVE., COQUITLAM | 604.664.1636 | PLACEDESARTS.CA

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North Star Montessori

northstarmontessori.ca Providing an education as unique as your child. North Star Montessori offers a nurturing, engaging and challenging environment in which each child develops at their pace academically, physically, socially and emotionally.

Pomme d’Api

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Purpose Society

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Reach Developmental Preschools

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Reach for the Stars Montessori

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Roots & Wings Montessori

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M Saplings Outdoor Programs

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TC Smilestones

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Spare Time Child Care Society V sparetimesociety.org

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pommedapi.org purposesociety.org reachchild.org

reachforthestarsmontessori.com rootsandwingsbc.com

Fraser Montessori Daycare

NW Little Koala Montessori

Garderie et Prematernelle les Moussaillons

R Little Rainbow House Preschool & Daycare

Global West Montessori Preschool and Daycare

FV Montessori Daycare Society

edithsmontessori.com

moussaillons.ca

littlekoalamontessori.com

Granville House Montessori granvillehousemontessori.com

mdcsvancouver.com

Montessori Mes Petits

V mespetits.ca

Highlands Preschool

Mount Pleasant NS Community Centre

Jellybean Park

M My Whole Earth Academy

Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver

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Kerrisdale Little Owls Preschool

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Kids and Company

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Kinderheart Montessori Kiwassa Neighbourhood House

highlandspreschool.ca jellybeanpark.com

kidsandcompany.com kinderheart.ca kiwassa.ca 10

WestCoastFamilies.com

smilestones.ca

UBC Childcare Services NS childcare.ubc.ca Vancouver Montessori V vancouvermontessorischool.com

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Vancouver Society of Childrens Centres

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Westcoast Child Care Resource Centre

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Westside Montessori

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Write Choice Early Learning Centre

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TC northshorechildcare.ca

YMCA of Greater Vancouver

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YWCA

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mountpleasantcc.ca

jccgv.com

kerrisdalelittleowls.com

saplingsoutdoorprogram.ca

littlerainbowhouse.com

globalwestmontessori.ca

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778-379-1858 mywholeearth.ca Unlock your child’s full potential at My Whole Earth Academy! Our programs integrate multiple intelligences, while nurturing curious minds through hands-on experiences in an encouraging environment.

Enroll now and watch them thrive!

North Shore Child Care Resource and Referral

V vsocc.org

wstcoast.org

westsidemontessori.ca

NS writechoicelearning.com gv.ymca.ca gv.ymca.ca

Hiking, Biking, Swimming, Canoeing, Kayaking, Camping, Stargazing, Naturalist Programs & Exploring.

Winter Camping, Snowboarding, Downhill Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, Ice Skating & More!

Summer & Winter Camping, Lodge & Cabins, Restaurant & Pub Pool, Hot Tub, Steam & Sauna / Family Friendly Vibes

Family Resource Guide Vol. 30

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Family Fun & Entertainment 6pack Indoor Beach 6packbeach.com

V Destination Cultus Water and Theme Parks

FV Historic Stewart Farm

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Adventure Zone + Toddler Zone

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EcoDairy

Hive Climbing FV hiveclimbing.com

NS

Extreme Air Park

Honeybee Centre M honeybeecentre.com

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FlyOver Canada

H.R. MacMillan Space Centre V spacecentre.ca

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theadventurezone.ca

Britannia Mine Museum

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britanniaminemuseum.ca Multi-awardwinning Britannia Mine Museum exceeds expectations, offering an engaging experience of an iconic National Historic Site. Rumble aboard an underground train, pan for gold and immerse yourself in the multi-sensory experience BOOM! Located on the scenic Sea to Sky Highway/Hwy 99 between Vancouver and Squamish.

cultus.com

ecodairy.ca richmond.extremeairpark.com flyovercanada.com

discoversurreybc.com

Visit the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, Fort Langley National Historic Site FV home to Vancouver’s pc.gc.ca/fortlangley Planetarium Star Theatre. Catch a live science demonstration and explore the wonders of Go Bananas M the night sky in the Observatory. Open 7 days gobananaslangley.com a week.

Burnaby Village Museum

Granville Island BN granvilleisland.com

V Jungle Jacs Play Centre

TC

Captain Kid’s Fun Centre

Greater Vancouver Zoo FV gvzoo.com

FV Kids Market

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Castle Royale

Grouse Mountain NS grousemountain.com/camps

NS Kidsworld

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Circuit Circus Arcade

Gulf of Georgia Cannery V National Historic Site

R Kidtropolis

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Crash Crawly’s

TC Hazelmere Pumpkin Patch

burnabyvillagemuseum.ca sportsplexbc.com castleroyale.ca

granvilleisland.com/directory/circuit-circus crash-crawlys.com

gulfofgeorgiacannery.org

hazelmerepumpkinpatch.ca

junglejacs.com kidsmarket.ca

kidsworldprogram.com kidtropolis.ca

Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre DS ecologycentre.ca Maplewood Farm

maplewoodfarm.bc.ca

Metro Vancouver Regional Parks metrovancouver.org/events/calendar

Museum of North Vancouver

NS NS V NS

604-990-3700 monova.ca Explore the past, present and future of North Vancouver at MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver (115 West Esp). MONOVA is transforming the way people experience North Vancouver’s stories through interactive exhibits and innovative programming.

Pacific Museum of Earth pme.ubc.ca

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WestCoastFamilies.com

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Parksville Beach Festival

parksvillebeachfest.ca Known to locals as Beachfest, this 5½ week long family-oriented festival runs from July 14 to August 20 and includes the Quality Foods Sand Sculpting Competition & Exhibition, weekend concerts, daily buskers, an artisan market and a special weekend evening light up of the sculptures.

Place des Arts

Playland at the PNE

V VanDusen Botanical Gardens

pne.ca

Railway Museum of BC

SW Victoria Bug Zoo

wcra.org

Royal BC Museum

royalbcmuseum.bc.ca

Science World

scienceworld.ca/summercamp

TC SkyZone Trampoline Park

604-664-1636 | placedesarts.ca Place des Arts is a not-forprofit arts education centre in Coquitlam, with a mission to inspire the artist in everyone.

Place des Arts offers quality instruction for all ages and skill levels in music, dance, theatre, visual and literary arts.

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Vancouver

BN Burnaby/New West

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Richmond

NS North Shore

DS Delta/Surrey

SW Squamish/Whistler

TC Tri-Cities

M Multiple

FV Fraser Valley

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Online

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vandusengarden.org

skyzone.com

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631 Courtney St, Victoria 250-384-2847 | victoriabugzoo.ca M The Victoria Bug Zoo is an incredible mini-zoo dedicated to educating people about V the wonders of some of this world’s most misunderstood inhabitants. Come see giant Come on in and see our DS walking sticks, fuzzy tarantulas, glowing scormini-zoo. Tour guides are pions, enormous beetles and so much andmore! show off our adorable

programs are available fo Mask

Stanley Park Miniature Railway

V VR Funtastic World

Taves Family Farm

FV Watermania

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UBC Botanical Gardens

V Wesbrook Welcome Centre

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Vancouver Maritime Museum

V WildPlay Elements Park

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Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

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vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture tavesfamilyfarms.com

richmond.ca/parksrec/pools/watermania

botanicalgarden.ubc.ca

discoverwesbrook.com

vanmaritime.com

vancouversymphony.ca

vrfuntasticworld.com

wildplay.com/maple-ridge

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Are you considering a flexible, home learning environment for your child?

Home Quest is a supportive learning program that offers: ✓ Comprehensive learning structure accessible online, with offline learning options ✓ BC certified teacher guidance for families ✓ Individualized student goals and learning plans ✓ Deep and meaningful collaborative portfolio process ✓ Delta School District report cards ✓ Support for students with exceptionalities ✓ Optional virtual and in-person classes ✓ Optional field trips and workshops ✓ Classes emphasize place-based, outdoor learning, Indigenous principles and opportunities for student socialization Home Quest, a provincial online learning school, is a public school and is free to all students in BC in Kindergarten through Grade 9.

604.597.8353 homequest.deltasd.bc.ca

Home Quest

Online Learning School

The ultimate in diversified learning

INSPIRING A NEW GENERATION ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE | INNOVATIVE THINKING | GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP

Nanaimo, BC | 250.390.2201 | AspengroveSchool.com

Family Resource Guide Vol. 30

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PLAY

Play IS FOR Parents TOO O

n a recent family vacation to the Okanagan, my husband (who clearly felt our marriage was on solid-footing) squirted me repeatedly in the face from his bumper boat. As I laughed hysterically, I had an epiphany: I need more play in my life.

As parents, we cultivate incredible lives for our children. We put time and effort into making sure they have activities and experiences that make them happy.

Personally, I get no kick out of watching my children bounce in a kindergym bouncy castle, swim in pee-filled public pools or go door-to-door selling Girl Guide cookies. I’m not complaining—I signed up for it. But when the focus of your life centers around filling their buckets, it can leave your own feeling a little empty.

Sarah Seitz is a working mother, wife and writer.

She spends her free time cutting off crusts and uses good coffee and humour to get through the day.

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WestCoastFamilies.com

There are several stages for reclaiming yourself after having kids. You start with the smallest act of self-care when you have a newborn. Then, as the kids become more independent, you restore a few hours for yourself; a hobby resumed, books read.

But there’s another layer to reclaiming your old self and engaging in play is an important part of that.

Play is different than what we typically think of as self-care. People throw around a lot of euphemisms of selfcare; a candlelit bath, a girls weekend getaway, some leisure time watching Netflix. While these things can relax you and relieve the pressures of daily life, they don’t typically elicit the feelings of vitality and aliveness. Play can do that.

Play comes in many forms: creative play, social play and just silly play. In his book, Play, Dr. Stuart Brown calls play a “state of being, purposeless, fun and pleasurable.” I know that in our home, just the simple act of turning the music up and having an impromptu dance party can elevate our spirits, erase the stressors of the day and foster connection.

Growing up, our blended family included children ranging from ages six to 16. There weren’t a lot of activities we could do together that would please everyone. But we had a small boat, and cruising and waterskiing created some of the happiest memories of my childhood. It was a way of engaging in play as a family. It connected us in a way that nothing else could.

During our vacation, we spent a day at the waterslide park. The cashier asked if I was buying two or four tickets and my first response was two because, after all, we were there for our kids. Like most of the other activities in our lives, our goal was to provide fun and excitement for our children. If we were planning the day around my idea of fun, we would be childless, driving from winery to winery in a convertible.

But we were a long way from that dream. We were at the waterpark kiosk.

That was my reality. I told the cashier to ring us up for four tickets. Might as well enjoy the waterslides too, I thought.

Even though I couldn’t remember the last time I did something for the sole purpose of having fun.

With over 25 Shops, Services, Entertainment and Food, Adventure and Fun awaits for all ages!

I slipped and slid down those waterslides and when it shot me out at the bottom like a rocket with my hands in the air, I laughed and felt a familiar pang of joy that I hadn’t felt in years.

It’s never too late to develop your playful side. It’s the joke that you tell your child when they’re mad at you.

It’s the game of frisbee in the park. It’s squirting each other on bumper boats.

Playfulness reminds us that we are worthy of pleasure and joy. I’m learning that play is the best antidote to an empty life-bucket.

For New Events, Activities and Contests Follow us @kidsmarketgranvilleisland

TO KIDS MARKET ON GRANVILLE ISLAND!

Open daily 10am to 6pm

kidsmarket.ca

Family Resource Guide Vol. 30

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Classes & Programs ART PROGRAMS 4Cats Arts Studio

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4cats.com

ACT Arts Centre

FV

theactmapleridge.org

Artmania

NS

artmaniabc.ca

The Centre for Digital Media

V North Van Arts

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Creative Edge

FV Place des Arts

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Danzmode Productions

BN Port Moody Arts Centre

TC

Green Apple Art Centre

V Rusart Fine Arts Co

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Leigh Square Community Arts Village

TC Stream of Dreams Murals Society BN

McTavish Academy of Art

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thecdm.ca

creativeedgebc.com danzmodeproductions.com

TC

Camp MAC, Spring Break Art Lessons

FV portcoquitlam.ca/leighsquare

missionartscouncil.ca

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Vancouver

BN Burnaby/New West

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Richmond

NS North Shore

DS Delta/Surrey

SW Squamish/Whistler

TC Tri-Cities

M Multiple

FV Fraser Valley

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Online

WestCoastFamilies.com

placedesarts.ca pomoarts.ca

greenappleartcenter.com

The Arts Centre pomoarts.ca

northvanarts.ca

rusart.biz

1720 McTavish Rd 778-351-0088 McTavishAcademy.ca create@mctavishacademy.ca Offering a range of in house made art kits, birthday party kits and digital programs to create at home. Connect with us to create a custom package.

streamofdreams.org

COMMUNITY CENTRES Burnaby/New West

BN

Delta/Surrey

DS

burnaby.ca

delta.ca | surrey.ca

Evergreen Cultural Centre

TC

evergreenculturalcentre.ca Evergreen Cultural Centre is the Tri-Cities home for professional live events and arts experiences. Join us for a show, explore the Art Gallery at Evergreen or get creative at one of our free public programs.

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H.O.W. Music and Arts Academy howmusic.ca

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Fraser Valley

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NATURE Burns Bog Conservation Society burnsbog.org/summer-day-camps

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North Vancouver NS Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

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DS North Vancouver FC

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Vancouver All Star Cheer vancouverallstarcheer.com

Vancouver All Stars Summer Baseball Camp vancouverallstars.ca

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THEATRE

Bard on the Beach V V bardonthebeach.org/young-shakespeareanworkshops

Vancouver Hockey School

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West Van Soccer westvansoccer.com

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NS Vancouver Film School vfs.edu

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The Cut Fashion Academy

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victoriabugzoo.ca Family Resource Guide Vol. 30

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PARENTING

The Truth About Step-Parents

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here is a gaping hole in the conversation about parenting.

Sure there’s ample discussion about positive discipline practices, growth mindset, resilience, emotional intelligence, and play based learning. There are articles written for mothers, fathers, adoptive parents, foster parents and single parents. However, it seems no one is talking about a growing population of people who love and struggle, just like the rest of us do. No one is talking about the difficulties of being a step-parent.

No one grows up hoping to become a step-parent. It’s something that just happens to you, a curveball thrown your way. When I was a young girl, I knew I wanted to be a mother.

I would play dolls and role play with my friends, acting out the caring nature I saw modelled by my own mom. I never once imagined, “What if these make-believe children weren’t actually mine?”

I never thought I would be divorced. Another curveball. All of a sudden, I was a single mother, raising two small boys on my own. I wasn’t alone, though; many of my girlfriends found themselves in the same boat. We shared articles, podcasts and books about the struggles of being a single parent. We spoke openly about our fears, our challenges and our hopes for the future. We formed a supportive community, picking each other’s children up from school, babysitting and cooking meals when someone had to work late. For a while, it was like a single mom’s sister-wife club.

After a few years, I met a wonderful man and we fell in love.

He came with a plus one—a son. With sweet naivety, my new beau moved into my home and we planned to create a loving, safe space for all of our children. We both shared custody with our exes and we had a vision of bringing said exes into the folds of our life, co-parenting with grace and respect.

Though it may not be surprising to you, it was shocking to me that our exes were not on board with this unicorns-andbutterflies version of our new reality. There were very clear lines drawn in the sand in terms of boundaries, and new business-like relationships were formed, instead of close friendships as I had hoped.

Along with navigating custody arrangements and learning to co-parent with your ex, your new relationship is complicated by an instantaneous change in family dynamics. When you fall in love in your twenties, you hold hands and gaze romantically into each other’s eyes as you daydream about the children you might have together, in the future.

Falling in love the second time around does not afford you this luxury. Moving in with someone is complicated, at the best of times, as you adapt to the other person’s habits, expectations and quirks. Now, throw three children into that 22

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dynamic and you can imagine how unromantic the situation might be.

In the midst of growing a marriage and a new relationship, you are also carefully walking through a landmine of worries, anger, and fear from the children, who have not asked for this enormous change.

It was uncomfortable for our children, being parented by someone new. It is even harder to allow someone else to parent your children. It requires an extreme level of trust, one which might not have developed yet, when you first choose to blend families.

In truth, the children handled the change with more grace than either my husband or I. Here’s the straight talk. You can care for someone else’s child. You can console them, help them with homework, feed them, laugh with them, play with them and drive them to practice. However, when the proverbial sh*t hits the fan, the biological parents have executive decision making power.

Your opinions and advice, as the step-parent, may go unheard and then you need to sit back, zip your lips and try your best to be supportive. You and your new spouse may try to co-parent as a team, but there will be moments when you just can’t because, at the end of the day, that’s not your child and you may be out voted. It’s a tricky situation, one which requires a complete lack of ego. Easier said than done.

As time progresses and trusting relationships are formed, everyone will likely find a new normal. But it isn’t easy. For the first year of my new marriage, I questioned if I had made a gigantic mistake. I held on strongly to my belief that we are given what we can handle and that every adversity is an opportunity to grow and become a better human.

That’s what got me through the tough moments and what still carries me. I am seven years into this marriage and there are still times when I feel I am failing as a step-parent. It’s a role that is relatively new in our society, and one for which I feel very little advice is offered.

A step-parent is a care-giver, a cheerleader, a scapegoat at times, a sounding board for your spouse, a friend and a chauffeur. But you are not your step-child’s mother or father. So to all of you step-parents, I say this: You are the unsung heroes, the ones who swallow their egos, who lose sleep over children who are not yours. It’s not easy being in this role. And, I think it’s okay to say we don’t always act with grace. Our feelings may be hurt, our pride bruised, our voices unheard. But we get up every day and support our spouse in the hardest job they will ever do: raising their children. And they do the same. After all, we’re in it together.

Kelly Cleeve is a best-selling author and an educator. More importantly, she is the proud parent of two amazing sons. Visit kellycleeve. com or follow her on Instagram @resilient_kel and Facebook, Raising Resilient Children/ Radiant and Resilient.

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Family Support FAMILY SUPPORT Family Services of Greater Vancouver

Recreational Respite

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Vancouver & Lower Mainland Multicultural Family Support

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recrespite.com

vlmfss.ca/community-resources

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Foundry

M AARM Dental Group

Kids Help Phone

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Learning Disabilities Society

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foundrybc.ca Text 686868 | kidshelpphone.ca ldsociety.ca

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M reachchild.org

fsgv.ca Family Services of Greater Vancouver is a non-profit that offers more than 50 free programs, services and workshops across the Lower Mainland—from parenting support groups to cooking classes to 1:1 financial coaching.

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Reach Child and Youth Development Society

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BN Burnaby/New West

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NS North Shore

DS Delta/Surrey

SW Squamish/Whistler

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V WeeSleep Certified Sleep Consultant

Family Wellness Chiropractor

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MENTAL HEALTH

SPECIAL NEEDS CP Support Canada

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MONEY

Want a Money-Smart Kid? Start their financial education early.

L

earning a skill early in life helps create developmental building blocks. The same rule applies to financial literacy, experts say. Across Canada, provinces have begun introducing this educational life skill into school curriculums, with Alberta being the latest region to announce a new syllabus beginning this coming September.

“Money plays a big role in life,” says CPA David Trahair, a personal finance expert and author of CPA Canada’s free practical guide, Survive and thrive: Move ahead financially after losing your job. “The earlier you start developing your habits, the better.”

From the classroom to the kitchen table, here are a few ways to educate kids about money.

1. Start the Conversation Early

Money can be a sensitive subject, making it awkward for some parents to talk to their kids about it, says Melissa From, CEO and

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president of Junior Achievement Southern Alberta. “It’s uncomfortable [yet] it’s so important,” she says.

Surprisingly, teaching children about finances can begin when they are young as three or four years old, according to Gary Rabbior, president of the Canadian Foundation for Economic Education, which runs the annual Talk With Our Kids About Money Day. “Behaviour development is so much easier than behaviour modification,” he says.

“When they’re young, it’s so much easier to work with them. By the time kids get to high school, many of their behaviours have become entrenched.”

CPA Michael Massoud, financial literacy principal at CPA Canada and father of a three- and seven-year-old suggests parents use real life “teachable” moments to kickstart lessons in financial education.

“Giving children those opportunities to be comfortable with money is step one,” he

says. “When I’m at the cash register, I like to get my kids to count out the money we owe and hand it to the cashier and count the change we get back. I remind them to always get the receipt in case we need to return the item to the store.”

While COVID-19 may change some daily interaction, parents can still teach these lessons when making online purchases, he adds. “For example, when shopping online with my son, I try to help him develop savings habits early on by showing him how to use apps such as Honey and Rakuten,” says Massoud.

2. Make it Relatable

For a lesson to be effective, it also has to be age appropriate, says From, whose organization is helping develop Alberta’s financial literacy curriculum for kindergarten through grade 6.

“Children as young as kindergarten are certainly equipped to understand some of those really basic concepts, as long as it’s done appropriately,” she says. Like Massoud, From suggests activities such as discussing transactions when they occur in-store or while ordering items online. “For high schoolers, this teaching may be preparing a budget and learning economic theories,” she adds.

As a father of seven- and nine-year-old children, CPA Eitan Dehtiar, a business consultant, knows kids learn lessons most effectively through personal experience. When his children play video games, he gives them a certain amount of money to start, with no top-up when they run out.

“The kids enjoy that kind of thing—they don’t realize they’re actually learning,” he says.

Massoud agrees with this approach, adding that games and stories themselves can become the lessons. “Those are the magical kind of moments of learning that give insight to the topic and help children remember a lot more,” he says.

3. Teach the Long Game

Learning to be money smart is a lifelong lesson. And experts say goal-setting and delayed gratification is a large part of becoming financially literate.

This includes letting children make mistakes. Rabbior says it’s better for them to regret choosing the wrong $5 toy with allowance money—a lesson most kids will remember—than buying the wrong car when they’re older.

“The most important thing that I think we

can teach our kids is a sense of self-sufficiency, meaning that they believe they can set a goal and achieve it,” says Rabbior.

“And that is the crux of financial literacy education. Because, later on, they will set their financial goals, map out a path to get there, budget money, make trade-offs, set aside savings and do things that give them the confidence that they can achieve their goals.”

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4. Creating Positive Outcomes

By being actively involved in educating your kids about money from an early age, you’ll not only complement the training they get at school, but you’ll also help them move into early adulthood with a better understanding of how to manage their personal finances and avoid a lifetime of debt. (This is an important skill; as Trahair points out, 45 per cent of the Canadian population cannot pay off their high-interest credit card debt.)

“As parents, we want to raise our kids to be happy, healthy and financially successful,” says Massoud. “Parents have the biggest responsibility and stake in building the financial foundation of their children.”

And early intervention has proven effective.

“We know that when young people have access to this information and are given financial literacy education, they will have fewer instances of debt, they will have more instances of financial success … there will be less need to rely on social services and economic support,” says From. “Those are all the things that we want for our society, but also the things as parents that we want for our children.”

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Michelle Singerman is a Toronto-based writer and digital content creator who began her career in local news reporting. Courtesy of cpacanada.ca.

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Family Business

Julie Doro Photography

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BABY FURNITURE

Klutch Photography

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M Tosha Lobsinger Is My Photographer

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Lunch Lady Restaurant

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V Tourism Harrison

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Popina Canteen

V The Travel Agent Next Door

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FOOD

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CLOTHING Isola Bella

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Little Earth

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TECHNOLOGY

What Age Is Best for Your Tween or Teen to Have a Cell Phone? ”EVERYONE has a cell phone but ME,” whined my twelve-year-old daughter.

“Your twin brother doesn’t have one either,” I responded.

A

variation of this same conversation had been going on between us for years.

Since my twins had lost their North Face jacket, DS games, and other expensive items, I wasn’t too keen to shell out hundreds of dollars for a cell phone.

I knew what my daughter was saying was true, that most of her friends had a cell phone.

According to Techcrunch, the average age a child gets their first smartphone is age 10.

Another survey found that children received smartphones as young as age six.

Despite the statistics and my daughter’s perpetual whining, I didn’t feel that was a reason for me to buy a cell phone. I finally caved when my twins turned thirteen years old—but not because they were the only ones without cell phones. I did it because it was easier for me for them to have phones.

When they turned 13 years old, they entered high school. At their school, they had the opportunity to stay after class to participate in activities or sports. Sometimes they also received extra help from their teachers which meant varying pick-up times between the two of them.

The frequent changes became confusing (for all of us) and required them to go to the office to use the school phone which meant they missed out on classes. It was much easier for me to send a quick text asking, “What time do you need me to pick you up?” rather than

waiting to hear from them. Or it was easier for me to ask, “Where are you?” instead of frantically calling the school to try to figure it out.

WHAT AGE IS BEST FOR YOUR TWEEN OR TEEN TO HAVE A CELL PHONE?

The answer to this question will be different for every family and even kids within the same family since maturity levels vary for all kids. Here are some factors to consider: Responsible Behaviors: Cell phones are expensive and enable your children to have access to the Internet, so you want to make sure your kid demonstrates responsible behavior by keeping track and caring for material items before you allow them to have their own device. You also want to make sure they can be responsible regarding Internet safety.

Safety: According to the CDC, almost half of all homes did not have landlines. If your tween or teen stays home alone without a landline then they may need a cell phone so they can call 911 or another emergency line if necessary. Your child may also feel safer knowing they are able to contact you when they are alone. There may be other situations when they would be safer if they had a cell phone such as walking alone to/from the bus stop.

Convenience: The more involved your tween or teen becomes in activities, the easier it will be for both of you if your child has a cell phone for communication. Instead of calling the school or their friends’ parents, you will be able to contact them directly to find out where they are or when they need to be picked up.

Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree.

She is the mother of twins and a daughter. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, Parents Magazine, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Count Your Blessings and many other publications.

You can find her at Twitter @CherylMaguire05.

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QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

• Has your child been able to keep track of expensive items (such as jackets, headphones, iPad) for the past month?

• Has your child used good judgement when using the Internet (you can check their search history or opened apps)?

• Does your child follow rules and limits within the home and school?

• Is your child respectful of other people?

• In general, do you feel like you can trust your child?

• In general, do you feel like your child is responsible?

• Does your child walk and wait at the bus stop alone?

• Are there times when your child is alone at home?

• Is your child involved in multiple activities?

BUYING A CELL PHONE FOR YOUR CHILD

If you answered mostly “yes” to the above questions, it might be the right time for you to purchase a cell phone for your kid. Before purchasing the cell phone, discuss with your child how they can demonstrate being responsible by keeping track of their phone and using the Internet safely. You can also let them know that you will be checking their phone to make sure they are being responsible and respectful when using the Internet.

You can also remind them that using a cell phone is a privilege.

My twins have had their cell phone for almost a year now and they have managed to not lose it or break it. The communication between us has been easier when I’ve had to transport them to all their many activities.

And it’s nice to not hear my daughter whining about wanting a cell phone. I figure I have about a two-year reprieve until she starts up again about wanting a car.

JUN 2, 2023–JAN 14, 2024

SEE THE FILM, EXPERIENCE THE EXHIBITION Immerse yourself in the experience with an IMAX® and exhibition combo ticket!

RBCM.CA/ANGKOR

Family Resource Guide Vol. 30

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BURNABY ONLINE Learn where you want, when you want

August Completion Courses COURSES OFFERED: Career Life Education 10 Éducation au Choix de Carrière et de Vie 10 Physical and Health Education 10 Spanish 10, 11, 12 • French 11 Intro Spanish 11 • Intro Italian 11 Contemporary Indigenous Studies 12 20th Century World History 12 Physical Geography 12 BC First Peoples 12 Photography 12 • Art 11 Visit our website, listed below, for registration information

Ministry approved BC curriculum Kindergarten to Grade 12 program Contemporary Indigenous Studies and BC First Peoples 12 available for enrollment Full time or part time available Grade 10 to 12 Adult Learning options Grade 8 to 12: over 50 course options Innovative Learning Management system Experienced Online learning teachers Opportunities for self-paced, flexible, convenient learning Direct teacher support available

BURNABY SCHOOL DISTRICT ONLINE PROGRAM Open to all residents of British Columbia

online.burnabyschools.ca Registration: online.burnabyschools.ca/registration

Develop communication and technical online skills registering full-time or for a single course