WestCoast Families Summer 2023

Celebrating the modern family lifestyle on the West Coast

Vol 31, Ed 1

Free!

SUMMER 2023

The Love of Learning Surviving Summer to Fall Inside!

GRAND

A Special Feature for Grandparents

Get Ready for Back to School WESTCOASTFAMILIES.COM

JUN 2, 2023–JAN 14, 2024

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

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You could win WildPlay Season Passes for your family by sharing your Family Favourites!

Family Favourites, presented by WestCoast Families, is developed to celebrate and be a resource for quality family retailers and service providers in our community.

Categories Include • Favourite Outings • Favourite Retail Stores

• Favourite Personal Services • Favourite Food Services

• Favourite Children’s Businesses & Services

We want you to nominate your Family Favourites!

Who has the best products and services that your family loves?

Enter at

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Summer 2023

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IN THIS ISSUE

SUMMER 2023 Vol 31, Ed 1

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WHAT’S NEW? Jim Schneider Publisher publisher@westcoastfamilies.com Sue Fast Editor editor@westcoastfamilies.com

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FRESH FINDS

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BACK TO SCHOOL

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RaeLeigh Buchanan Account Manager raeleigh@westcoastfamilies.com

THE LOVE OF LEARNING

Kristine Wickheim Account Manager kristine@westcoastfamilies.com

For distribution inquiries, please email publisher@westcoastfamilies.com

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SURVIVING SUMMER TO FALL

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ROAD TRIP PODCASTS

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GEOCACHING TIPS

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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FINDING STILLNESS

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PUTTING A TODDLER TO BED

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EXPLORE THE WHALE TRAIL

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Ways to Help Your Kids Make Friends

I

t’s waaay easier—and much more fun—to start a new school year with a friend or two. To that end, here are some ways for parents to help their kids reconnect with old friends— and make some new ones.

Start at home. “Making and keeping friends involves skills that are best learned at home with your family,” writes Dr. Clair McCarthy in Harvard Health. “Make sure that everyone in the family treats each other fairly and with kindness.”

Keep it going in the community. When you’re not at home, be friendly!

“Strike up conversations, ask questions of people around you,” advises McCarthy. “Help your child learn confidence and strategies for talking to people they don’t know.”

Make interactions easier. One great way to get kids talking and interacting with each other—and, in turn, making friends—is through sharing a common interest or activity.

To help: • Sign kids up for a sport or another activity that involves their peers, one they have at least some interest in doing.

• Get together with the parents of some of your kids’ peers.

Meet at the park or plan a picnic or invite them over for coffee. Doing something together with the parents lets kids get to know each other while taking some of the pressure off.

• When planning playdates, think about fun, cooperative activities, like baking cookies or building a fort. A “one-forall-and-all-for-one” activity sets kids up to help each other achieve their goal and interact cooperatively.

Keep an eye on kids, but don’t hover.

“Ultimately your child needs to learn to make friends on their own,” says McCarthy. “And you don’t want to embarrass them either!”

All the best with back to school!

FROM OUR TO YOURS

Get ready for tHe

d O p o r e Th UprIsiNg

EXHIBITION ON NOW rbcm.ca/sue SUE: The T. rex Experience was organized by the Field Museum and is part of the Griffin Dinosaur Experience, made possible by the generous support of the Kenneth C. Griffin Charitable Fund.

Summer 2023

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WHAT’S NEW?

Sounds of Summer This series of free outdoor concerts continues throughout Surrey in August on Wednesdays from 6:30-8pm. Enjoy folk music at the following dates and locations: Bollywood dancing, dhol drumming and DJ set at Surrey Civic Plaza on August 2; New Orleans-style brass band at Clayton Community Centre on August 9; Steely Dan cover band at Historic Stewart Farm on August 16; Westcoast Reggae at Holland Park on August 23; and Soul, R&B and Motown at Surrey Civic Plaza on August 30. Bring your own chairs or blankets to sit on during the performances. Artists will perform outdoors on a stage with sound equipment.

No tickets or pre-registration required. surrey.ca/soundsofsummer

Go Whistler Tours App Tourism Whistler’s Go Whistler Tours app offers 11 free, self-guided tours that are simple to follow and share cultural stories, natural world history and insights. For example, the Weird and Wonderful Trees tour is a two-kilometre stroll around Whistler Village that points out some of the unique tree species along with how the forests contributed to Whistler’s growth.

Visitors are guaranteed to discover a new side of Whistler that connects them to the natural environment, rich cultural offerings and local businesses. The Go Whistler Tours app is free to download on the Apple App Store and Google Play. whistler.com

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Chinese Canadian Museum The Chinese Canadian Museum’s doors are open. Located in the historic Wing Sang Building at 51 East Pender Street in Vancouver Chinatown, the Chinese Canadian Museum provides a meaningful and transformative experience for all, connecting everyone to the diverse and eclectic stories and contributions of generations of Chinese Canadians. The first of its kind in Canada, the Chinese Canadian Museum is located in Vancouver Chinatown. Instagram: @ccmuseumbc; Facebook: @ChineseCanadianMuseum.

BIKEnnale/WALKennale The BIKEnnale/WALKennale is series of self-guided urban cycling and walking tours which combine healthy outdoor recreation with awe-inspiring public art and fascinating points of cultural, historical and architectural interest.

You’re guaranteed to discover something new! Free.

No registration required. Self-paced. Take as many rides and walks as you like, whenever you like, as often as you like. For friends, family and even fido. An art-inspired way to get your 10,000 steps! Different routes released every two weeks throughout the summer. vancouverbiennale.com

Indigenous Learning House Totest Aleng: Indigenous Learning House opened at the Elgin Heritage Park in South Surrey. The new facility provides dedicated space to support Indigenous cultural practices, including carving and other creative disciplines.

Development of the venue and its programming has been informed by ongoing dialogue and consultation with Semiahmoo, Kwantlen and Katzie First Nations.

Totest Aleng translates to learning house. discoversurreybc.com

Summer 2023

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SHOP

Fresh Finds

Soften the blow of back-to-school with a few new things. There’s no need for a new wardrobe—unless your kids have experienced a major growth spurt this summer!—just a piece or two will do. And the same goes for school supplies: a few new things, like a backpack or some pencil crayons, can add some fun to the start of fall!

Herschel Heritage™ Kids Backpack Timeless appeal of a signature design, this backpack is a stylish playground staple with functional storage features. Sized for children who are 3–7 years old, the durable Herschel Heritage backpack is perfect for back to school. herschel.ca

Prismacolor Premier Pencil Crayons Artist-quality coloured pencils for every level of expertise—at half the price. Well made, easy to sharpen and available in a durable box, Prismacolor’s 24-pack offers enough colours for most beginners. If not, upgrade to the 72-count set! prismacolor.com

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Backpack Bling Have kids decorate their backpack with DIY backpack charms (supermakeit.com) or with keychains you can find in almost every novelty and gift shop. What better way to personalize your pack and bring out the fun in back to school!

Urban Kids Critter Hoodies Fill your mini’s heart—and wardrobe—with this adorable hoodie, featuring fleece interior, 3D character hood, printed sleeves, ribbed knit cuffs and hem, kangaroo front pocket and bunny face front graphic. urban-planet.com

H&M Animal Jumpsuit/Onesie Soft jumpsuit in fleece with a matching soft toy.

Appliquéd hood with fluffy trim. Zipper at front with anti-chafe chin guard, kangaroo pocket with space for the soft toy and elastic at cuffs and hems. hm.com

Summer 2023

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PARENTING

Get Ready for Back to School

D

epending upon the age—and state-of-mind!—of your kids, getting ready for back to school can be as easy as 1-2-3…or a challenging as Calculus 12! Here are a few suggestions, for various ages, stages and levels of enthusiasm!

Take advantage of what’s left of summer to plan a gradual “re-entry” into the new school year.

Encourage physical activity.

Encourage summer reading.

Gradually adjust your child’s sleep schedule to match the school routine.

As the new school year approaches, ask your local librarian to recommend books for back to school. That way, not only is your child reading, but they’re reading about what to expect in the fall. This is also a great way to inspire discussion which, in turn, can help to alleviate any anxiety. “For preschoolers, talk about how we read from the front of the book to the back,” says Jessica Powell, Early Childhood Educator (ECE) at Le Petit Hibou preschool in Kelowna. “Track the words while you read out loud to kids,” she adds, which can encourage kids to follow your finger as you underline the words.

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Always a good idea no matter what time of year, being physically active can take the form of a trial run, er, walk to school—or bike ride the route instead. While you’re there, play on the school playground to get familiar with what it’ll be like at recess and before-and-after-school play times.

Sure, we’ve all heard this one before, but going to bed a little earlier each night toward the end of August and the beginning of September will make the transition go smoothly.

Even if you have to read more bedtime stories, just getting kids into bed earlier is a step in the right direction.

Establish a routine.

Kids haven’t had a bath in weeks? Or gotten up and out the door before 8am for just about as long? Now’s the time to try for a regular lunchtime, a more regular bath time and a more

consistent bedtime (see above!). “A few weeks before school starts, work on routine,” says Powell.

Create a designated study area.

And let your kids be the guide when it comes to how they want to arrange and outfit their study area. Form and function matter here so let kids have fun designing their space— and ensure they have what they need within reach to get their homework done.

Go school supply shopping together.

Even if your child’s school charges a flat fee and provides school supplies for all, let kids choose a few extras—a special pencil case, maybe, or a new backpack—that not only help them get ready for back to school, but excited about it too!

Attend orientation sessions and/or open house events.

One way to get familiar with and excited about the new school year is to go to any welcome events and open houses before school starts. This can be a chance to tour the school and meet teachers before the potentially stressful first day back.

Foster independence.

“Help make your kids self-sufficient,” says Powell. “Work on basic skills like putting on shoes—not even tying them up, just putting them on!” That way, things like “spaghetti feet”—

when kids wait limply for an adult to put on their shoes—are less likely. Teach them how to climb onto a toilet, pull their own pants down, put their jackets on—”…or even just their arms in the armholes!”— when they go outside.

Get social.

Expose young kids to playgroups or schedule playdates to help them get used to turn-taking and sharing. Work on social skills. Plan a gathering with families whose kids are in the same grade and attending the same school.

Stay positive and excited.

Talk about what they’ll be doing at school, what a typical day might look like, all of the things they’ll learn. Listen to any anxieties or fears and reassure them that you’ll help them navigate anything they need help making their way through.

Work on goodbyes.

If saying goodbye is an issue, consider sending something with your child to school. Powell recommends sending a “lipstick kiss” (a lipstick kiss on paper, kept in your child’s backpack or pocket) or something cuddly from home as a comfort if they miss you. Let them know when you’ll be back—after Circle Time, for example, suggests Powell. Even though young kids might not understand a length of time, like in two hours, they can use school activities as a gauge to know when you’ll return.

Summer 2023

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LEARN

The Love of Learning

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t’s important to make sure children grow up loving to learn rather than being anxious about performance or being hooked on doing everything perfectly. Studies show that extrinsic motivation (rewards such as grades or money) can destroy intrinsic motivation (enjoying a task because it’s interesting.)

Little kids love to learn new things and try new tasks, whether it’s talking, sounding out words, walking, climbing or helping wash the dishes. But as they grow older, they can lose their love of learning. Making learning a duty, and attaching rewards and punishments to it, takes away their natural excitement and sense of accomplishment. A love of learning can be lifelong, but a love of grades sometimes interferes with it.

If learning has become a source of anxiety for your child, it’s important to turn this around as soon as possible. Let them know you have confidence in their ability to learn and to do the work, and that you believe it’s important that they have a personal and social life as well as do schoolwork. Let them

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know that you believe grades aren’t as important as enjoying the work and feeling they accomplished something. Do not offer rewards for As or Bs, as these only encourage them to focus on the grades rather than on the learning. Express confidence that they will be able to handle the challenges and offer help to make the load manageable.

Demystify for your children the requirements of higher levels of schooling if they are becoming anxious about doing well enough. At the higher levels the main differences are that children have to spend somewhat longer completing their work, more research is sometimes required and they have to organize their work over a longer period of time. That’s all. It isn’t insurmountable.

Help your children organize their study habits to cope with the new challenges. Give them a regular time and place to do their work and teach them (if the school hasn’t done so) to make a list of assignments and their due dates. Help them figure out how long each assignment will take, and which tasks they need to do first. It’s best to avoid monitoring them

constantly, lecturing them or, of course, doing their work for them.

Let them organize their schoolwork so that they feel comfortable with it. Different children study in different ways.

Some need silence; some need music. Some need regular short breaks, others work for a long time and don’t like interruptions. Allow your children to study in the way which works best for them. But don’t let them stay up past their bedtime doing schoolwork. Make sure they start their homework early enough to get it done and have some relaxation time. If there’s too much work for the time available, you may need to intervene with the teachers, as they may not be aware of the problem unless an adult lets them know. Your child probably isn’t the only one with the problem.

Dr. Allison Rees is a parent educator, counsellor and coach at LIFE Seminars (Living in Families Effectively), lifeseminars.com.

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Summer 2023

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Surviving Summer to Fall PARENTING

I

t’s time to “turn the page,” “turn over a new leaf,” and to “start fresh.”

We’ve all heard those lines before, and as we wind down from summer and gear up for the start of another school year, it’s time to take a closer look at why we say these lines and what they can mean for you and your family.

As August wraps up, we begin thinking about school supplies, new shoes and new schedules, but it can also be a time for a fresh start with a focus on family.

Over the course of a school year, families can get into the rhythm of routines. Those routines are the backbone of raising children and help us to stay focused and on top of the countless to-dos for every day. But when summer hits and the schedules all change, we tend to lose our grip on the school day’s

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structure and do our best to reassemble it in time for September.

As much as we all know that happy parents equal happy children—and vice versa!—it can be difficult to “turn the page” or “start fresh” when all our attention focuses on our kids and their needs. What if we took some time to “start fresh” with a focus on family? So often in a family, moms and dads put themselves last. We prioritize our children and let our own needs fall by the wayside.

So what are some great ways to start new habits and traditions as we say a slow farewell to summer?

Let’s break it down into three parts.

COMMUNICATION

We all want our kids to tell us how they are feeling, what’s happening in their lives

away from home, and their hopes for the days and months ahead. It seems that the times to have those conversations are hard to pin down, and often they are rushed as we hustle out the door.

Try starting a new September tradition of communication at breakfast by asking your kids every morning one of these questions: “What do you hope happens at school today?” or “What was your favourite part of yesterday?” or “How are you going to make today a great day?”

You don’t need any new parenting skills or seminars to ask a few questions, and the feedback and trust that can build with the daily breakfast questions can lead to wonderful conversation and insight into your kids and will encourage your children to start thinking about what to say if they know the questions

are coming…and make sure your kids get to ask you a question too. ;)

PARENTS

Ships in the wind? Finding it hard to hang out? Too tired at the end of the day to talk?

Use the September transition to pause and start a new tradition just for the parents.

These can be as simple as a daily walk around the yard after the kids go to sleep, make some tea and play some cards or take 10 minutes to ask each other about your day. Or get together with a friend for some adult company.

Find out how you can support your partner in the week ahead, let them know what you need and work to find ways to make it happen.

YOU

There is a reason your partner fell for you and vice versa. Maybe it was playing guitar or your love of bike riding and the outdoors.

Whatever it was, look at where you are at the end of summer and make new plans to do those things and do them as a family.

If music is a love, then it’s time to start family jam sessions! If it’s the outdoors, get back to camping, even if it’s a tent in the living room with a bag of marshmallows.

Your kids know you better than you know yourself, and finding ways to keep them involved with what you love builds strong connections. They’ll love being a part of what you love! And you get to get back to your passions.

Now that’s a leaf we’d all enjoy turning over.

Better chess moves, better life moves

As the air cools and the rains come make this the “season for change.” Use this time as a reset for family and sneak into those school day routines things for parents and kids, to keep working at building a strong family.

Graham Meckling is a proud husband, father and friend. He is an author, award-winning restauranteur and founder of Truedad.ca. He educates new and expecting dads and their partners through the early days of fatherhood.

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EXPLORE

The Best Road Trip Podcasts for Families

T

hese child-friendly/family-approved stories will keep your littles entertained and break up the monotony of a long road trip.

The Cramazingly Incredifun Sugarcrash Kids Podcast. Engaging storytelling, educational elements (fictional stories with factual information), interviews with pirates, robots, dinosaurs and the rest of the Sugarcrash Kids and kid interviews (listen to real kids tell their own stories and elaborate on various topics). The Cramazingly Incredifun Sugarcrash Kids Podcast is geared for children, but grownups with love it too!

Tai Asks Why. Fourteen-year-old Tai Poole has no time for small talk. He’d rather discuss the toughest questions out there.

Join Tai as he boldly goes where no 9th-

grader has gone before to find you answers you never knew you needed. His conversations with everyone from NASA experts, to physicists and dancers, to his little brother Kien will expand your mind, no matter how old you are!

Wow In the World. The #1 science podcast for kids and their grown-ups. Hosts

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Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz share stories about the latest news in science, technology and innovation. Stories that give kids hope, agency and make us all say “WOW!” New episodes come out every Monday for free.

Smash Boom Best. Smash Boom Best is a debate show for kids and families from the makers of the award-winning podcast, Brains On! Every episode takes two cool things, smashes them together and lets you decide which is best. Our debaters use facts and passion to make their case—teaching listeners how to defend their own opinions along the way.

Greeking Out National Geographic.

If you have a mythology aficionado in the house or want your kids to discover Greek mythology, check out Nat Geo Kids Greeking Out, a podcast for the whole family that retells stories of Ancient Greece and beyond.

Narrated by Kenny Curtis and the Oracle of Wifi, Tori Kerr, who breaks in with facts and tidbits on Ancient Greek history and culture.

Story Time. Do your kids like listening to a story? Story Time has lots of great stories for everyone to listen to. Each story is usually less than 20 minutes long, just long enough

to keep your toddler, preschoolers and little ones engaged. Story Time is a free audiobook podcast for children ages 2–13.

Warrior Kids Podcast. Share Indigenous cultures and values so that kids can learn about what it means to be strong, healthy and compassionate warriors for themselves, their families, communities and Nations. This interactive podcast is a celebration of everything Indigenous.

But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids.

But Why is a show led by kids! They ask the questions and But Why finds the answers.

It’s a big interesting world out there. But Why, tackles topics large and small, about nature, words, even the end of the world.

Have a question? Send it to questions@ butwhykids.org.

Circle Round. Created and produced by parents of young children, NPR WBUR’s Circle Round adapts carefully-selected folktales from around the world into sound- and music-rich radio plays for kids ages 4–10.

Each 10- to 20-minute episode explores important issues like kindness, persistence and generosity. And each episode ends with an activity that inspires a deeper conversation between children and grown-ups.

Who When Wow. Join Carly Q (host Carly Ciarrocchi), an aspiring time travel detective, who has made it her personal mission to secretly explore the mysteries of history.

As a junior analyst at The Bureau of Universal Time Travel and Historical Exploration Department (aka B.U.T.T.H.E.D.), Carly travels through time to investigate mysterious historical events, following the facts to questions that may have no answers—and she is taking you with her.

Summer 2023

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PLAY

10 Tips for Newbie Geocachers

I

f you haven’t tried geocaching yet, now’s the time. International Geocaching Day is August 19 so get out there and get searching! To date, there are more than three million geocaches in over 190 countries.

1. Use your eyes, hands and geo-senses

Your GPS or smartphone will only get you within about 30 feet of the cache location. When you’re close, use your eyes, hands and geosenses to locate the cache.

2. Look for something that seems out of place

Cache containers come in all sizes, shapes, colours. Look in tree hollows, under park benches, inspect that oyster shell in the forest and yes, look in that one spot you’re 100% positive is not the hiding place.

Chances are, that’s exactly where the cache is.

3. Geocaches are often disguised

…as rocks, bricks, bird houses or other everyday objects, so think outside the (ahem), cache-box.

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4. Think like a detective

“If I were a geocache, where would I hide?”

5. Geocaches should never be buried

That said, they won’t always be on the ground.

6. Look high, look low, look around

Leave no bench unsearched, no stone unturned.

7. Respect your surroundings

NEVER trample on flower beds, scale walls or damage property trying to find the cache.

8. Check the hint

Many cache pages offer hints that may help you figure out where to look.

9. Check the latest activity

Recent logs from other geocachers may contain valuable information such as, “I had to lean ON THE FENCE to find this one!”

10. Be patient One last tip: Always, always ALWAYS bring a pen! Remember every single geocacher started out as a brand new geocacher and had to learn the ropes. Practice, practice, practice!

To find out more, visit geocaching.com. Download the Geocaching® App from Google Play or the Apple App Store.

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

Home Quest offers: ✓ Comprehensive learning structure accessible online, with offline learning options ✓ BC certified teacher guidance for families ✓ Individualized student goals and learning plans ✓ Delta School District report cards ✓ Optional virtual and in-person classes and field trips ✓ 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.

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The ultimate in diversified learning Summer 2023

19

PARENTING

Finding Stil ness W

hen my daughter was a newborn and woke up at ungodly hours. I’d sometimes load her into the carrier and walk up to Summit Park near our home. Even in the wee hours, the heat of her little body on my chest would leave me sweating halfway up the hill. But once we were there, it was just her and me and the view of the city, the empty reservoir not yet filled with joggers, the rock formations void of romantic couples.

We would pass the empty swing set, wander down paths lined with wildflowers and soak in the stillness that graces early mornings in nature. It was not yet daytime. Exhaustion had not yet set in and my head was not yet cluttered with thoughts, mushy protein recipes or the library baby time schedule. No one was texting. No nap schedule had begun. I could just wander and marvel at the unfamiliarity that I now had a human being to shepherd through life.

Our morning walks were a time of awe. A time of wonder at my diaper-rashed, screechy, shaggy-haired baby and the fact that I was now a mom.

As toddlerhood crept up, my daughter started sleeping better and she started inhabiting the world more and more, touching everything, making eye contact, smiling, laughing, crying, throwing tantrums about bedtime. She came out of the cocoon she’d been in as a baby and fully embraced everything around her.

With maternity leave over, our sunrise walks stopped and the whirlwind of lunches and dishes and dance classes and visiting the grandparents took over.

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During the pandemic, I resumed my walks up the hill on my own, when an hour of free time away from full-time parenting and Zoom meetings and Facetime catch-ups engulfed our home.

However, my walks often got pushed to evening, when joggers and couples and teenagers were also enjoying the park.

I still came home feeling peaceful but the stillness that my daughter and I had enjoyed during these early mornings was gone.

I no longer find moments of stillness when my baby falls asleep in the stroller and I duck into a Café Fantastico with my journal or take morning walks through the cherry blossom petals to baby group. Moments of stillness now have to be meticulously carved out, almost stolen, from the beautiful but all-consuming life that is parenting a young child, while working and wife-ing and trying to keep on person-ing.

Now these moments involve taking my journal to Pilates just in case I have energy to duck into a coffee shop afterwards to write or stalling before I go into Canadian Tire by looking at pictures I’ve taken on my phone. It’s sitting in the car before coming in the house so I can pause before the onslaught of mess and meal prep and five-year-old-decibel bath time returns. It’s sneaking to the basement for YouTube yoga. It’s meditation apps that I play at bedtime but largely tune out. It’s taking my daughter to the beach and gazing at the ocean in between playing “Restaurant” or “Airplane.” It’s putting Bluey on so I can shower without getting interrupted.

The other day my husband and daughter came home while

I was doing YouTube yoga in the living room. “Mom, I need to poo!” my daughter declared, waiting for me to pause the video, get up and go with her to wipe her bum. I hesitated.

My impulse is always to say “okay sweetie” and attend to her needs. But this time I took a moment.

“I’m busy, ask daddy to help you.”

She pouted. Then conceded “okaaayy” in her whiniest tone.

I continued my downward dog as the family chaos unfolded in the background.

After I was done, I did a few more of my favourite stretches, because moments of peace are hard to come by and when they do—at home or in nature, morning or afternoon—I savour them. I take a moment for awe. I take a moment to breathe again so that the wonder of parenting isn’t lost on me. So that I am not lost on me. I take these moments so that I still smile when she says “Daddy’s going to want to put this picture straight on the fridge” or “Guess what? It’s Teddy’s birthday tomorrow!” or when she complains that her imaginary friends get later bedtimes than she does.

Piano

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Guitar

•

Bass

•

For me, parenting has been the opposite of stillness. It’s been Cheerios on the ground, macaroni stuck to the bottom of the pot, six am wake ups with multiple laptops set up for camp registration, buying presents in bulk for birthday party season and having dance parties to Raining Tacos in the living room.

Taking a moment helps me remember that just as my daughter outgrew her carrier and stopped napping in coffee shops, soon she will stop playing Restaurant and Airplane and her imaginary friends will be gone. Taking a pause helps parenting be fun again. It helps me find the marvels in mundane everyday moments before they slip away.

Julia Mais is a policy and communications professional in Victoria. She looks for beauty in the everyday through writing, photography and the outdoors. She lives in a messy, cheese-filled home with her husband and preschooler.

Voice

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Summer 2023

21

LEARN

How to Put a Toddler to Bed in 100 Easy Steps 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

Announce that it’s time to go to bed.

Wait for your toddler to stop crying.

Explain that bedtime is not a punishment.

Explain that bedtime is not a new concept.

Explain that, yes, bedtime will happen every night.

Console your toddler.

Announce that it’s still bedtime.

Let your toddler know that we don’t call names in this house.

Tell your toddler it’s time to go upstairs.

Watch your toddler move at a snail’s pace.

Wait for your toddler to stop crying.

Pick up your toddler.

Walk your toddler upstairs.

Pick out the wrong pair of pajamas for your toddler.

Pick out another wrong pair of pajamas for your toddler.

Explain that the right pair of pajamas are in the wash.

Explain that you will not be doing a load of laundry this evening.

Console your toddler while he/she cries.

Explain that in this house we don’t call names.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

27.

28.

29.

30.

Watch your toddler struggle to get into his/her pajamas.

Ask your toddler if you can help.

Continue watching your toddler struggle.

Watch your toddler try to wear a pair of pants like a shirt.

Console your toddler.

Put the wrong pair of pajamas on your toddler.

Announce that it’s time to brush teeth.

Explain the benefits of dental hygiene.

Console your toddler.

Carry your toddler into the bathroom.

Put a microscopic amount of toothpaste (poison) onto the toddler toothbrush.

31. Wet toothbrush.

32. When your toddler opens his/her mouth 1/45th of an inch wide, attempt to clean teeth.

33. Your toddler will attempt to spit in the sink, but will actually spit on the counter. Clean it up.

34. Console your toddler.

35. Ask your toddler to pick out two books.

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mofp.org

Imagine!

Explore!

Discover!

Experiment!

36.

37.

38.

39.

40.

Toddler will pick out the two longest books in your home.

Read the first line of every third page of the two books.

Field unrelated questions and interruptions.

Tell toddler it’s time for a good night kiss.

Toddler will be suddenly and urgently thirsty, give toddler a small drink of water.

41. Toddler will ask a question. Answer question.

42. Say “good night” and kiss toddler.

43. Toddler will ask for a hug. Hug toddler.

44. Toddler will take up a sudden interest in potty training and ask to use the bathroom. It’s poop.

45. Help toddler in the bathroom. Notice that there is no poop.

46. Toddler may become afraid. Assure toddler that there is nothing to be afraid of.

47. Toddler will ask a question about life. Answer question.

48. Toddler will need another hug and kiss. Give hug and kiss.

49. Toddler needs to urinate. Help toddler in the bathroom. Notice that toddler actually urinates.

50. Toddler requires a sticker for urinating successfully.

51. Put a sticker on toddler’s potty chart.

52. Toddler may want to tell you a brief 10-minute story. Listen to story while backing out of the room.

53. Turn off the light.

54. Toddler remembers that he/she needs a special stuffed animal.

55. Ask where the stuffed animal is.

56. Toddler tells you it’s in the car. Find your keys and look in the car.

It’s not there.

57. Look in the living room.

58. Look in the kitchen.

59. Look in the backyard.

60. Scout the neighbor’s property.

61. Find the toy in your toddler’s room, under the bed.

62. Ask toddler if he/she knew the toy was under their bed.

63. Toddler will ask for dinner. Explain to toddler that dinner ended hours ago.

64. Toddler will cry that he/she is hungry. Explain to toddler that he/ she should have eaten said dinner.

65. Explain that we do not call people in this house names.

66. Toddler will ask for hug and kiss. Hug and kiss toddler.

67. Toddler will ask you to help arrange his/her pillows and blankets.

Arrange pillows and blankets.

68. Toddler will ask you three essay questions. Answer them.

69. Toddler will notice that the tag end of the blanket is next to his/ her face and will kick it off. Fix blanket, this time with care and precision.

70. Toddler will ask for the hall light on. Turn on the hall light.

71. Toddler will ask for another story. Explain that there will be no more stories.

72. Toddler will ask what the plan for tomorrow is. Resist the urge to say, “I won’t be here. I’m running away tonight.”

73. Tell toddler “good night.”

74. Toddler will say his/her back, legs or butt is itchy.

75. At your discretion, try to relieve itchiness through lotion or wipes.

76. Put toddler back in bed.

77. Arrange blanket in the proper formation.

78. Say good night.

79. Toddler will say “good night.”

80. As you reach the door, toddler will inform you that he/she is not wearing socks.

81.

82.

83.

84.

85.

86.

87.

88.

89.

90.

Choose the wrong pair of socks for your toddler.

Choose another wrong pair of socks for your toddler.

Choose the right pair of socks for your toddler.

Put the right pair of socks the wrong way on your toddler’s feet.

Put the right pair of socks the wrong way on your toddler’s feet.

Get the right pair of socks the right way on your toddler’s feet.

Use your last thread of energy to stand.

Say “good night.”

Toddler will say “good night.”

As you leave the room, toddler will ask for a sip of water with pathetic sad look on face.

91. Give toddler sip of water and beg to be released from this Hades.

92. Toddler will ask for a back rub/tapping.

93. Tap toddler’s back until you lose feeling in your arm and your toddler seems tired.

94. Slowly stop tapping. Stand up. Try to float out of the room.

95. Toddler will look at you. Say, “it’s time to go to bed.”

96. If toddler cries, pretend to be serious this time.

97. Say “good night.”

98. Act like you’re walking downstairs but just linger by the door, out of sight.

99. Pray.

100. Walk downstairs.

You may now relax for 2–5 minutes before you’re called back in. Congrats!

From The Honest Toddler: A Child’s Guide to Parenting

by Bunmi Laditan.

home to multi-disciplinary learning home to self-expression home to creative exploration

Find the class that is right for you! visit placedesarts.ca MUSIC • DANCE • THEATRE • VISUAL & LITERARY ARTS

Summer 2023

23

PLAY Celebrations and commemorations mark the end of summer and the start of fall. Spend time doing what matters—raising awareness, building community and learning from the past.

Powell Street Festival August 5 & 6 powellstreetfestival.com The 47th Annual Powell Street Festival runs this August 5-6 from 11:30am-7pm. This free two-day celebration of Japanese Canadian art and culture in Oppenheimer Park and the surrounding Paueru Gai area presents a spectrum of events and entertainment for all: from live performances to a Japanese food and craft marketplace to traditional elements and exciting Powell Street Festival touchstones.

All events are free.

Brigade Days August 5 to 7 parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/bc/langley/activ/ calendrier-calendar Every year in August, Fort Langley would traditionally prepare itself for the arrival of the fur brigades. These groups of men would transport fur bales from up in North B.C. down through the mountains to the Fraser River and end at Fort Langley. Experience BC’s early history at Fort Langley National Historic Site’s Brigade Days celebration.

Explore the encampment of re-enactors showcasing the Hudson’s Bay Company era as they swap stories, play music, and show off traditional skills. Indigenous presenters will share their knowledge throughout the day.

National Day for Truth & Reconciliation September 30 | orangeshirtday.org

Both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day take place on September 30. Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day intended to raise awareness of the individual, family and community inter-generational impacts of residential schools, and to promote the concept of “Every Child Matters.” The orange shirt is a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations. On September 30, all Canadians are encouraged to wear orange to honour the thousands of survivors of residential schools.

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GRAND Vol. VI, Ed. IV

grandmag.ca

Explore the Whale Trail Cooling Down with Frosty Treats

Get Moving!

The Importance of Exercise

Health

Get Moving!

The Importance of Exercise

E

xercise keeps us physically fit so that we can go about our daily life with more ease. Its effects go way beyond the surface; they extend to other areas of the body as well.

help combat the loss of bone density. Balance training helps to activate deep stabilizing muscles so that they become more resilient to stress and are able to absorb weight and impact better.

Start slowly and listen to your body, don’t push yourself to the point of pain or unnecessary strain. Learn to work with your body and find an activity you like.

Minutes count. Plan to increase your

Exercise helps to: Build a stronger immune system.

Aerobic/endurance exercises such as brisk walking and dancing improve the health of your heart, lungs, and circulatory system, helping your body to overcome infections and viruses more easily plus lessen recovery time from illness and injury.

Create stronger bones for better balance. Strength training exercises like lifting weights and using resistance bands can increase muscle strength to

Reduce the risk of degenerative diseases such as dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Exercise keeps the mind’s cognitive functions active and strengthens motor skills.

The idea of working out can feel overwhelming, but don’t sweat—yet!—every little bit helps: Physical activity can be social time.

Get your family or friends to be active with you and when available look for group activities or classes in your community.

level of activity 10 minutes at a time: walk wherever and whenever you can, carry your groceries home or take the stairs instead of the elevator Practice mindful movement when you exercise to improve your potential for moving well as you age. Consider the Squat, a simple exercise that most of us know and in fact practice every day when we move from sit to stand or stand to sit.

A squat builds strength in the hips and legs, which propel us through our day and also work to get us up and down off

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the toilet. You can incorporate mindful movement principles by: Using proper technique. Sounds boring but proper technique allows you to perform an exercise without causing pain or strain. While a certified trainer can help, you can also watch yourself in the mirror. For example, when performing a squat, as you bend your knees watch that you sit the hips back, like you’re taking a seat back on the toilet, and watch that your toes and knees point in the same direction.

Activating your core muscles, a group of four muscles that include the diaphragm, deep abdominal, deep spinal and pelvic floor. Try using the Core Breath, a specific way of breathing that incorporates your core muscles. When performing the squat, breathe in as you bend your knees, sit back and envision the two sitting bones spreading, allow the ribs to expand and breathe out as you stand up envision the 2 sitting bones and deep abdominals gathering.

Include a balance challenge. Try standing on one leg and avoid breath holding. Many people find that focussing on a point in the near distance will help but once you master this move then try to balance and allow your eye gaze to expand into the periphery. When performing a squat you can practice lifting one leg up as you stand up or try placing one foot (or both) on something unstable like a mini-exercise ball or balance trainer.

Physical activity plays an important role in maintaining your health, wellbeing and quality of life. If you are unsure about types and amount of physical activity consult a health professional to find out what’s appropriate for you

Leslie Hopkins is a Certified Core Exercise Specialist with a unique perspective into the field of women’s pelvic health.

She is a movement educator, speaker and creator of online programs including Laugh Without Leaking.

Pick up your copy of the WestCoast Families

Family

FUN GUIDE

Family

FUN GUIDE Available now throughout the Lower Mainland

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to Vancouver and Lower Mainland

FAMILY FUN IS BACK AT EVERGREEN THIS FALL!

FREE GALLERY exhibitions • fREE ARTS WORKSHOPS performing arts classes • family shows • and so much more!

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Summer 2023

27

Eat

Freeze!

Cooling Down with Frosty Treats

W

ith summer’s heat comes the joy of going to the beach, building sand castles and swimming. Or staying cool by running through a sprinkler. Frozen treats are another great way to cool down. They are also fun and easy to make at home! And homemade frozen treats are far better than those that are store-bought.

They contain less sugar, artificial flavours and food colouring. And it’s easy to make them completely sugar-free by using 100% fruit juice.

Best of all, homemade frozen treats are a fun and flavourful way to connect with your grandchildren!

Feel free to mix and match ingredients to create your own favourite blend. Add edible flowers and mint leaves to popsicles. The results are beautiful. Whole raspberries, strawberries and cherries make a fun addition to popsicles or ice cream.

Kids love mixing liquids. Give them a few different base ingredients and let them mix their own concoctions. Try brewed herbal teas, 100% fruit juice, yogurt or cream. Which combinations freeze the hardest?

Which ones have the best flavour?

Here are a few possibilities:

Fruit Juicesicles

The easiest homemade frozen treat is a fruit juice popsicle. If you don’t own a popsicle maker, then just use an ice cube tray. A cup full of flavourful ice cubes is pretty fun and perfect for taste-testing different combinations.

Ingredients A few piece of whole fruits (strawberries, cherries, raspberries) 100% fruit juice or fruit and vegetable juice blend Wash and chop the fruit into small, bite-sized pieces. Place a few pieces in each popsicle container. Pour in the juice and freeze for at least 3 hours.

Join Our Team Island Parent Group—BC’s largest publisher of parenting content—is expanding its editorial team. We publish Island Parent Magazine, WestCoast Families, GRAND and Tweens & Teens. We are looking for someone who is passionate about sharing the joys and struggles of parenting through multiple mediums. This position will help shape the editorial direction of our magazines, websites and social media. We are looking for a growth-minded star who wants to be a part of a mighty team!

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Smoothie Creamsicles

Whenever we make smoothies for a snack, we always make a double-batch and freeze the extras as creamsicles. Again, if you don’t have a popsicle maker, just use an ice cube tray.

The best part about homemade creamsicles is that we get to add whatever we want to the smoothie. For a boost of protein add 2 tablespoons of peanut butter. Adding 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder will result in a chocolatey treat. You favourite smoothie is equally enjoyable as a creamsicle. Blueberry banana creamsicles are one of our favourites.

Ingredients 1 banana 1 cup of blueberries 1 cup of yogurt 1 tsp vanilla extract Place all of the ingredients in a blender. Pulse until everything is well-blended and smooth.

Pour into the popsicle maker and freeze for 3 hours, until solid.

Honey Vanilla Frozen Yogurt

This frozen yogurt recipe includes a mix of whipping cream and yogurt, because straight frozen yogurt is incredibly icy. Sweetening it with honey not only avoids refined sugars, it also keeps this treat creamy and smooth.

If you want the flavour of frozen yogurt, but don’t have an ice cream maker, freeze the liquid in a 10-inch baking pan. After 1 hour beat in the ice chunks with a whisk. Place the pan back in the freezer and whisk again after 45 minutes. Freeze for a third time and whisk after 30 minutes. The goal is to bring a bit of air into the liquid, so it doesn’t freeze into a solid ice cube. For really creamy ice cream, whisk another few times. Otherwise, leave the frozen yogurt to freeze solid in the baking pan.

Ingredients 2 cups of yogurt 1 cup of whipping cream 1⁄2 cup of honey 1 Tbsp vanilla extract Pinch of salt

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Freeze your ice cream maker for at least 24 hours before making frozen yogurt. Mix the yogurt and whipping cream together. Next stir in the honey. This is a bit tricky because the honey needs to be really runny in order to fully mix into the dairy. I recommend measuring the honey into a glass container, then microwaving it for 20–40 seconds so that it is really liquidy. Whisk the whipping cream and yogurt while slowly dribbling in the honey so that it is fully combined.

Stir in the vanilla and salt. Follow the instructions of your ice cream maker to churn the frozen yogurt. Transfer the frozen yogurt to a freezer container and freeze for at least 2 hours prior to serving.

Join us for FREE family-friendly tours, events & programs!

Now go outside, find a shady spot and enjoy!

Emillie Parrish loves having adventures with her two busy children. You can find more of her recipes in her recently released cookbook Fermenting Made Simple. fermentingforfoodies.com

We acknowledge and respect the Lekwungen-speaking peoples, known today as the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, on whose traditional territories the Legislative Assembly stands.

Summer 2023

29

Explore

Let’s Explore the Whale Trail!

H

ave you ever seen a whale before? In coastal British Columbia the ocean is our backyard. The ocean is also home to incredible wildlife like seals, sea lions, Killer Whales and Humpback Whales.

The Whale Trail is a network of shore-based whale watching locations along the Pacific Coast. Visit a Whale Trail location near you as a great weekend activity. Explore the coast with your family and learn about marine mammals along the way.

Each Whale Trail location is marked with an interpretation sign so you can learn more about the marine mammals you may see, cultural history of the area and actions you can take to help protect marine mammals.

Visit the Whale Trail at these three Parks Canada locations:

T_ EK_TEK_SEN (tek-tek-sin, East Point) on Saturna Island in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve is one of the very best locations in the Southern Gulf Islands to see whales from shore.

On June 22, 2023, a ḰENES SOL - (kwun-us-saw-lh) Whale Trail Opening Ceremony took place. Come and enjoy the new benches by a W̱SÁNEĆ (wh-say-nich) carver, an audio box with W̱SÁNEĆ stories and two new interpretive signs.

Bring your binoculars to get a closer look at whales swimming off the shores of Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites. Look for far off spouts and dorsal fins.

While you’re there, explore the inside of the restored lighthouse and experience what life was like for lighthouse keepers and their families.

Enjoy a front row seat for your shore-based whale watching experience on the deck near the Kwisitis Visitor Centre in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. The marine waters of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve are important feeding areas for the Pacific Coast Feeding Group, a population of grey whales.

Your actions matter; help protect marine mammals like the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales.

If you’re lucky, you might spot a Southern Resident Killer Whale while you are enjoying the Whale Trail in these Parks Canada locations. Southern Resident Killer Whales are endangered. They struggle to find enough food to eat (primarily Chinook Salmon) and are vulnerable to contaminants. Noise and disruption from boats interfere with their hunt for prey.

Exploring the Whale Trail and enjoying shore-based whale watching is one way you can reduce your impact on Southern Resident Killer Whales and other marine mammals. As you learn more about the unique species of marine mammals who live in our backyard discuss what other changes you and your family can make to help protect them.

There is more to Xplore!

Looking to learn more? Or don’t have time to visit the Whale Trail? Check out the Southern Resident Killer Whale Xplorer booklet! Complete the activities and become a “whale hero.”

You can pick up your activity book and collect a different stamp from participating Parks Canada locations listed below. We are all connected to the ocean.

• Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site, Front Desk • Fort Langley National Historic Site, Visitor Centre • Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites, Welcome Centre •Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, Sidney Operations Centre, Saturna Island Fog Alarm Building or Pender Island Museum • Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Pacific Rim Visitor Centre 30

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Known for his fun and engaging kids concerts, conductor and host Vern Griffiths will lead us on an exploration of different musical instruments, including some that you don’t often find in a symphony.

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