Bermuda Parent Summer 2018

Changing the Conversation about Learning Differences

SUMMER 2018 MYBERMUDAPARENT.COM

FREE

What Parents are Talking About

Bad Habits

Rub Off YOUR CHILD AND

Social Media

SUMMER CAMP INFO Inside

SPLASH INTO SUMMER with all your favorite outdoor and indoor toys from Little People’s!

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TOY STORE TEL: 441.292.7527

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BOOK NOW info@zeudihindsphotography.com 441-737-5077 Terms & Conditions:

Session includes service time, all editing and post production and electronic or USB delivery of images. Session is 45 minutes. Subject to availability. Family session includes up to 10 people.

Additional persons will incur additional costs.

ce n e ll e c x E g in ir p s In a n d Lea de rship BHS is not just a school with girls.

We are a school for girls.

Our unique community and school environment is purposefully constructed to support and challenge girls, and our teachers know how they learn best.

Come and have a look around!

We’d love to show you the learning and discovery that takes place at BHS, and answer any questions you may have.

Contact Mrs. Kurte Loescher, Director of Admissions & Inclusion, for more information and to arrange a tour on 278-3047 or admissions@bhs.bm

The Bermuda High School for Girls educates young women to the highest international standards and fosters confident, resilient and responsible global citizens.

www.bhs.bm

editor’s note

What Parents are Talking About

PUBLISHER & EDITOR

When did our summers get so stressful? Isn’t it

Katrina Ball

supposed to be about lazy days, swimming, flash-

B U S I N ESS CONSULTANT

light tag, impromptu barbecues and outdoor

Vic Ball A DV E RTISING SALES

Wanda Brown wanda@knbmediagroup.com 333-1925 Alicia Resnik alicia@knbmediagroup.com 236-9218

movies? Once my son entered school, it seemed like I had to plan months ahead to find and book him in interesting camps that would fill up his days over each summer.

Nowadays, both parents and grandparents have had to work outside of the home. We have lost that true “summer feel” which

D E S I G N & PRODUC TION

allowed children to have a childhood with lots of

Picante Creative

time for outdoor play, swimming, creative endeav-

W R I T ERS & CONTRIBUTORS

Alicia Resnik, BF&M, Caroline Drakers, Carla Seely, Elena Strong, Keisha Allen-Smith, Open Airways, Warwick Academy, Bermuda Centre for Creative Learning

ors and the chance to learn skills that aren’t taught in school.

Due to the juggling act of parents today, in

CO N T RIBUTING PHOTOGR APHERS

Zeudi Hinds Photography Bermuda Parent Magazine is published four times a year. Reader correspondence, photo submissions and editorial submissions are welcome. We reserve the right to edit, reject or comment editorially on all material contributed. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced without express written consent of the publisher. The opinions expressed by contributors or writers do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this magazine. Distribution of this product does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services herein.

CONTAC T US

info@knbmediagroup.com Tel: 504-2937 www.mybermudaparent.com facebook.com/bdaparentmag

order to allow our children to have a ‘free’ summer requires some planning ahead. However, as my son has gotten older there have been some really awesome camps that can be found in this issue as well as our earlier spring issue. Determine what your children’s interest are and get them involved but be sure to take at least a few days with your kids to get your ‘Vitamin N’ aka get out in nature and have fun with them this summer!

Nature is a lesson book, get out and take a look.

Happy Parenting,

Publisher & Editor

PHOTO BY JESSII TERRA

Ready, Set, It’s Summer!

Contents

Departments LITTLE ONES

10

Let the Fun Begin

Adventures await every parent and child at the National Museum of Bermuda.

BIG KIDS

12

Is Breakfast Really the Most Important Meal of the Day? Read on to get the answer to this age old question.

14

Ascendants Stem Camp Develops Future Leaders Give your kids a head start this summer with STEM camp

18

Changing the Conversation about Learning Differences If you have ever wondered what to do with you children who learn differently now you may have real options.

20

Mindful Parenting

How many of these tips occur in your home?

30

Your Child and Social Media

Don’t assume your children know the ins and outs of Social Media read here for some tips.

On the Cover

Name: Kalasia Tucker Location: Waterville (National Trust Property) Photographer: Zeudi Hinds Photography

FAMILY LIFE

32

School Sports Can Make the Difference Warwick Academy speaks to how sports can really make an impact to your child’s future.

34

Tips for Asthma in the Summer Open Airways tells us how you don’t have to let asthma distrupt your summer fun.

36

Parents: Do You Know What PIPA is?

Do you know who has access to your children’s information? Is it protected? Read here to find out.

38

Bad Habits Rub Off

What are you teaching your children about how to handle their finances.

In This Issue 24 SUMMER CAMP DIRECTORY

40 BPM KIDS PHOTOS 44 BIRTHDAY PHOTOS

101

The Butterfield programme...

FINANCIAL TIPS FOR SMART MONEY MANAGEMENT If you’re a full-time college or university student, between the ages of 18 and 30, attend Butterfield’s Financial Management 101 class to start planning your financial future. You’ll learn budgeting tips, savings strategies and credit management techniques.

Upon completion of the class, you will receive: • a Strata Savings account • a Butterfield Debit Mastercard® Card • access to Butterfield Internet & Mobile Banking • a pre-approved Mastercard Credit Card with a $1,000 limit • and be entered into a draw for a $100 gift certificate

Attend Butterfield’s Financial Management 101 class on Thursday, 12 July 2018 or Thursday, 19 July 2018 at our Reid Street Banking Centre. For more information and to register, visit our website. www.butterfieldgroup.com The Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son Limited is licensed to conduct banking business by the Bermuda Monetary Authority. Address: 65 Front Street, Hamilton HM12, Bermuda.

GOOD CARE OPTIPRO

®

® 3

GOOD CARE® OPTIPRO 3® is a growing up milk-based formula specially designed to meet the nutrition needs of children from one year onwards and should not be fed to infants. It contains optimized protein along with other nutrients that may help with the proper maturation of organs in early childhood. It contains a unique combination of essential ingredients that may help with the physical development and healthy growth of the infant.

GOOD CARE® OPTIPRO® 3 is formulated with: Optipro®- optimized protein in the quantity and quality that may help with the normal maturation of the organs of the child.

BL Probiotics - which may help to support a healthy intestinal flora.

DHA – may support with the growth and maintenance of the functions of the brain and visual cells of the infant.

GOOD CARE® OPTIPRO® 3 is available in 400g cans. It is distributed in Bermuda by BGA Wholesaler and is available islandwide.

Our Programmes

BSMART FOUNDATION Building solid educational foundations for a lifetime of success!

Bermudian Registered Charity #911

BSMART ACADEMY & PRESCHOOL S.M.A.R.T. AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM FAST FORWORD ONLINE COGNITIVE PROGRAMMING S.M.A.R.T. FUN AFTER SCHOOL (TUESDAYS) INFANT DEVELOPMENT S.M.A.R.T. CAMPS

COULD YOUR CHILD BE ANY SMARTER?

EDUCATIONAL THERAPY PLAY THERAPY BOLLYWOOD DANCE ACADEMY LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PROGRAMS

www.bsmartfoundation.org

WWW.BSMARTFOUNDATION.ORG

BSMARTBERMUDA@GMAIL.COM

The Vanguard School of Lake Wales, FL The Vanguard School is an independent, co-educational, boarding and day school for students who learn differently. Vanguard strives to ensure each student aspires to higher educational opportunities and independent life.

The Vanguard School is designed for students in grades 6-12, who are experiencing academic difficulties due to a variety of learning differences. Our students most commonly experience learning challenges such as: ADD, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, Anxiety Disorders, and high-functioning autism.

The Vanguard School of Lake Wales www.vanguardschool.org 22000 HWY 27, Lake Wales, FL 33859 P:(863) 676-6091 ∙ F:(863) 676-8297

8

l e Schoo A Uniqu Learners ique For Un

We carry a large supply of party decorations and supplies for your special occasion

PARTY PLUS 63 South Road - Devonshire DV 08

236-7244 Â

Mon-Fri 10am-6pm Sat 9am-5pm Sun 10am-1pm

partyplusbda@hotmail.com Please Pre-Order Balloons

KERIN ORAL CARE General Dentistry & Oral Medicine Practice

Welcome new patients & emergencies!

We care for you & the little ones too!

Tel: 236-4477 Mon-Thur 8:00am - 5:00pm Fri: 8:00am - 12pm Closed for Lunch: 1:00pm -2:00pm 2 Southcourt Avenue, Paget

www.kerinoralcare.com www.mybermudaparent.com

9

little ones

BY ELENA STRONG, NMB EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Let the

FUN begin a

dventure and fantasy reign supreme at the National

Museum of Bermuda where a playground and playhouse like no other is open inside its historic grounds. The Museum Playhouse is a whimsical interactive children’s exhibit housed in a 19th century military building and the Museum Playground features a 70-ft vibrant green moray eel wrapped around a 21-ft lighthouse with slide, resembling St. David’s lighthouse. Other elements include sea grass climbing poles and a discovery sand pit in the shape of the Keep Fort.

10

PHOTOS SUPPLIED

Lori Samson, Chair of Chubb Foundation-Bermuda. “The Museum Playhouse and Playground have not only provided a fun, adventurous and educational experience for our local children to connect with Bermuda’s history, but the project also restored a historic building and is a wonderful addition to Bermuda’s cultural tourism and family education resources.”

Using over 15 interactives, the Playhouse explores aspects of Bermuda’s maritime history in original, fun and unexpected ways and incorporates artwork from local artists. Through play, toddlers to pre-teens can learn about topics such as historic communication on board ship, pilot gigs, gombeys, the building of the Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda’s agricultural heyday, and learning how to tie nautical knots on a giant sailor’s beard made of rope. “It’s interactive, it’s fun and they are learning skills while playing,” said one visiting mother of two.

“We’ll be coming back!”

“There is nothing like it on the Island: The Playhouse is fun, creatively designed and aimed to encourage family learning and foster an appreciation of our rich local history at an early age,” says NMB Executive Director Elena Strong. “Today, children are bombarded with tablets and other high

tech gadgets so we purposefully avoided electronic interactives and sought inspiration from old fashioned games.

However, there is nothing old fashioned about this exhibit.”

“Chubb Foundation-Bermuda (formerly Ace Foundation-Bermuda) is pleased to support the work of the National Museum of Bermuda,” said

www.mybermudaparent.com

11

big kids

Is

BY CAROLINE DAKERS, BSC (HONS) COMMUNITY REGISTERED DIETITIAN

breakfast really

the most important meal of the day?

W

e will all have likely have heard the mantra ‘breakfast is the most important meal of the day’ - but why do people say this?

Breakfast is someone literally ‘breaking the fast’ from overnight. It is a way for our bodies to wake up and kick start our metabolism, which keeps us healthy and helps us to become more alert. This does not necessarily mean that breakfast is the most important meal though as healthy, regular, balanced meals are all important.

Breakfast, however, is especially important for children as it provides them with energy to focus on schoolwork as well as their continued growth and development. A healthy balanced breakfast will also provide us with lots of other essential nutrients our body needs like vitamins, minerals and fiber. We also know from research that those who skip their breakfasts

(children included), are much more likely to be overweight and therefore are at increased risk of developing health related conditions such as Type 2 Diabetes. According to the British Dietetic Association, breakfast should provide approximately 20-25% of your daily nutritional requirements. Its important to select foods from as many of the different food groups (starches, proteins, dairy and fruits or vegetables) as possible to ensure a good variety of nutrients are being consumed.

One of the most common excuses we hear for not having breakfast in the morning, is the person not having time to eat breakfast. However, this does not have to be the case and in most instances, it is better to have something rather than nothing for breakfast. Here are some quick, easy and healthy breakfast ideas, adapted from the American Dietetic Association, to consider for your little ones: •

Instant oatmeal with low fat milk mixed with fresh or dried fruit and a handful of chopped nuts

Registered Dietitians Hannah Jones, Sarah Williamson and Caroline Dakers providing Medical Nutrition Therapy

•

Greek yogurt with cereal or granola with fresh berries

Prevent and manage disease

•

Whole-wheat pita stuffed and toasted with scrambled or hardboiled egg, low fat shredded cheese and tomato

•

Whole-wheat toast with a thin spread of peanut butter and sliced banana

•

Low fat cream cheese spread onto half a bagel, topped with sliced fruit

IN ISLAND NUTRITION

IN ISLAND NUTRITION

Insurance approved (copays may be applicable)

IN ISLAND NUTRITION

Improving access to High Quality Nutritional Care 4th Floor Dallas Building, 7 Victoria St Tel: 295-4082 Fax: 295-5245 Email: info@islandnutrition.bm www.islandnutrition.bm

12

Ask your healthcare professional for a referral to Island Nutrition

IN ISLAND NUTRITION

Paediatrics: including Poor growth, Behavioural issues, Overweight, Constipation, Allergies, Tube feeding, Weaning

IN ISLAND NUTRITION

Adults: including GI, Cardiovascular, Kidney disease, Inflammation, Obesity, Cancer, Wound healing, Pregnancy, Elderly

IN ISLAND NUTRITION

HAPPY MOMENTS Nursery and Preschool Where Your Child Learns for a Brighter Future Located at 69 North Shore Rd, Hamilton Parish.

Serving families in the Eastern Parishes and beyond since 1998.

Your child‘s day is comprised of opportunities to build an excellent foundation for the early years of education.

Our approach to teaching provides our children with sound moral principles, exploratory learning, early literary skills, monthly Early Years programs with the Bermuda National Gallery, Bermuda Gymnastics, music classes with Magical Musical Movements and Spanish.

Professional teaching staff. Also First Aid & CPR Certified and SCARS trained •

Toasted English muffing with ham and low- fat cheese and a couple of slices of avocado

•

Turkey, cheese and lettuce tortilla wrap

•

Apple, handful of nuts and wholegrain crackers

Remember to encourage a drink, such as water or low fat milk, at breakfast time too to ensure children are well hydrated. Try to avoid fruit juices and smoothies as these are very high in sugar and if consumed regularly, can cause dental decay. The sugar comes from the natural sugar in the fruit but when blended this sugar is released into the juice/smoothie and is absorbed much more quickly by the body. Lots of other nutrients are also lost in the blending process. When a

fruit is eaten whole, all the fibre, vitamins and minerals, as well as the sugar, is broken down and absorbed more steadily and healthily into the body.

Ideally, we should be sitting down as a family to eat our breakfast together but again time constraints in the morning don’t always allow for this. Breakfast can be consumed on-the-go with most of the examples above being easily portable. Try to think up some new fun breakfast ideas with your children which you might be able to prepare the night before, to free up some more time in the morning, for example – overnight oats!

If you are concerned about your or your child’s nutritional health and feel you would benefit from support from a Registered Dietitian please contact us at Island Nutrition on 295-4082 or at info@islandnutrition.bm

Accepting students 18 months to four years of age.

Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Currently accepting applications 2018/19. Contact us at 737-8385 or happymomentsnews@yahoo.com

www.mybermudaparent.com

13

big kids

BY ASCENDANT GROUP

Ascendant STEM Camp Develops Future Leaders

A

s parents, we want our children to be successful. We want them to lead fulfilling lives while contributing to society. But how?

One method that has gained increasing traction in recent years is to encourage interest in STEM subjects: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. With an ageing population, employers are finding that there are not currently enough young people pursuing STEM careers to replace the older workers who are leaving the

14

workforce. Of course, this is occurring as our society becomes more technologically focused, meaning these jobs are even more in demand.

Worldwide, there has been a concerted effort on behalf of governments, employers and educators to renew interest in STEM subjects. Girls, who have traditionally been less likely to choose STEM related careers, are particularly encouraged to develop interest in STEM so that they are not left behind.

Here in Bermuda, the concern

about STEM education is receiving attention from both the public and the private sectors. Politicians, educators and businesspeople alike recognize that the skills and knowledge encompassed within STEM subjects are essential for our children to be successful in the world today – and especially in the future.

One example of a company that is placing a focus on STEM is Ascendant Group, which holds a STEM Camp each summer for 12 – 14 year old students

with proven aptitude for science, technology, engineering and math.

Initially launched in 2013, Ascendant’s STEP Camp is ideal for middle school students looking to develop challenging robotic projects, electronics and wearable technology. Past students’ creations have included motorised vehicles, solar water heaters, robots and prosthetics.

Instructor Shirley Kelly, who is facilitating STEM Camp again this year, recognizes that there are deeper skillsets being developed beyond the flashy projects that the students create.

Speaking about the camp, Ms. Kelly stated, “Students gain problem-solving, critical thinking and research skills in addition to STEM confidence and competence.”

Students also learn from IT professionals, STEM educators and engineers from BELCO and iEPC, two companies which fall under Ascendant Group.

“Of course we want to encourage the youth to be prepared to enter the workforce with technical skills,” stated Ascendant Group Vice President of Human Resources, Zehena Davis. “Our long-term goal is to reduce our dependency on workers from overseas. It’s important to note, however, that skills like problem-solving and critical thinking are not only limited to technical careers. Once gained, they are transferable across disciplines.”

“STEM is our focus for this camp,” Ms. Davis continued, “but the overall aim is to develop future leaders across the board, no matter what their areas of interest may be.”

About STEM Camp STEM Camp runs Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm (8:30 am early drop off is available).

There are three sessions of STEM Camp this year: Week 1 (July 2 – 6) and Week 2 (July 9 – 13) are suitable for beginners. These students may have proven aptitude but not much practical experience. The third session, Weeks 3 and 4 (July 16 – 27), runs for two weeks and is more appropriate for advanced students with more experience.

The cost is $250 per student per week. The two-week session is $450 per student. Beverages and snacks are provided. Students may bring lunch or buy lunch for $10 from the Ascendant Group Canteen.

Please visit ascendant.bm/STEM or the lobby reception desk at 27 Serpentine Road for an application form and schedule. Completed applications must be submitted by June 2, 2018.

If you have any questions, kindly contact Sonia Paul-Smith on 299.2803 or spsmith@ascendant.bm

KEEPING YOU HYDRATED ALL SUMMER LONG! Whether it’s high quality bottled water or piped water, rely on BERMUDA WATERWORKS for your one stop shop.

In a rush? Check out our Bottled Water Drive-Thru!

Fast, friendly & convenient!

www.bwl.bm •

32 Parsons Lane, Devonshire • purewater@bwl.bm • 299-PURE

The Onionpatch Academy Ages 3 months – 5 years • Open 7:30AM – 6PM Tel. 441.29-ONION (296-6466) • Fax. 441.236.5912 www.opacademy.bm • info@opacademy.bm www.mybermudaparent.com

15

Fab

FAMILY FINDS

1 | Little Tikes 7’ Trampoline

It’s important for kids to stay active and the Little Tikes 7-foot Trampoline and Safety Enclosure Combo available at The Annex Toys is the perfect option for providing hours of bouncing fun! This bouncy, kids’ trampoline is both durable and padded and a perfect first trampoline for toddlers and older kids.

The blow-moulded plastic and high-quality materials are built to last through lots of fun, rambunctious play. Plus, kids stay on the trampoline while bouncing thanks to the protective netting. Neatly stow shoes in the convenient shoe holder attached underneath the trampoline.

2 | Little Tikes Easy Store Large Slide

2

1

The Annex Toys knows every kid loves to slide over and over again. The super-fun, Little Tikes Easy Store Slide is a toddler approved option and the perfect size for outside or playroom fun. Plus, the easy-fold design allows for quick set-up and break-down for storage.

3 | Glenloch Picnic Basket For Four Elegant best describes the Glenloch Picnic Basket available at Brown & Co. The basket features a lightly stained, hand-woven willow exterior and beautiful jewel-toned paisley lining, and includes a complete place setting for four persons; glass drink ware, ceramic plates, stainless steel flatware, cotton napkins, a wooden handle multi purpose waiter’s tool, and a removable thermal foil lined insulated cooler bag.

3

4

4 | Char-Broil Gas2Coal Stay home and grill out this summer with a Char-Broil Gas2Coal Grill from The Phoenix Centre. Enjoy the ease of grilling with gas on three burners boasting 40,000-BTU and 420 square inches of cooking surface, which easily converts to a charcoal grill in less than 60 seconds. The gas burners can be used to light the charcoal, eliminating the need for lighter fluid. Plus, a 12,000 BTU side burner will ensure your place is no doubt the summer spot for friends and family. The Char-Broil Gas2Coal Grill features electronic ignition, porcelain-coated cast iron grates and stainless steel burners.

5

5 | Holstein Frozen Drink Maker & Snow Cone Maker Whether entertaining kids or adults, pool parties and barbeques aren’t complete without a delicious frozen treat. The Home Store at Brown & Co. stocks both the Holstein Housewares Snow Cone Maker and Frozen Drink Maker designed to quickly prepare snow cones, margaritas, daiquiris and more to ensure your guests stay cool.

6 | Step2 Sweetheart Playhouse The Step2 Sweetheart Playhouse resembles a charming gingerbread-style cottage with its playful design. The large interior has plenty of room for multiple children and includes an electronic phone and doorbell. There is also a clock with movable hands to teach kids how to tell time. Visit The Annex Toys today.

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7 | Step 2 Extreme Coaster Young thrill-seekers will love the Step 2 Extreme Coaster from The The Annex Toys. This rollercoster will give your kid an extreme ride right in your backyard. We recommend adult supervision for gravity-powered, kid-fueled fun.

8 | Ray-Ban Sunglasses – General

9

Brown & Co. on Front Street stocks a vast array of designer sunglasses from the big brands including Tom Ford, Gucci and Maui Jim. Amongst the offering is the Ray-Ban General – the ultimate celebration of the iconoclastic spirit of Ray-Ban. The bold and unmistakable design was created back in 1987 while today’s model is slightly reinterpreted, staying true to the Aviator spirit yet with more squared lenses and a bold upper bar.

Ray-Ban General exhibits a durable and tough look for the summer.

8

9 | The Body Shop Body Yogurt Life’s too short for waiting – jump straight into your jeans with the new Body Yogurt available in The Body Shop at Brown & Co. The cruelty-free Body Yogurts boast a new, lightweight formula which absorbs instantly and provides up to 48 hours of moisture. Apply to damp skin straight after showering for skin that feels smoother and never sticky. The gel-cream is 100% vegan and enriched with Community Trade organic almond milk from Spain.

11 10

10 | Sol RX Available at The Phoenix Stores, SolRx WaterBlock sunscreen is a high-performance sun care line dedicated to athletes, competitors, and active lifestyles. SolRx sunscreens use an exclusive WaterBlock technology offering extended protection. The superior sunscreen does not wash off in water and is non-greasy, oil-free and reef-friendly. Learn more about summer sun care at The Phoenix Stores today.

11 | O2Cool 10-Inch Portable Fan

12

The Phoenix Cemtre stocks a wide variety of O2Cool fans designed to allow you to carry the cool anywhere you go – whether camping or picnicking. Our choice includes a light which is sure to come in handy especially during a power outage.

12 | Summit Algarve Chair When selecting your cooler, umbrella and grill from The Phoenix Cemtre be sure to add a portable, fold-up chair to your purchase. The Summit Algarve Chair is padded for extra comfort, has a high back and folds neatly into the included carry bag.

big kids

BY BERMUDA CENTRE FOR CREATIVE LEARNING

CHANGING

the CONVERSATION about

Learning Differences

W

hen you find a school that fits, learning can come naturally.

For eight-year-old Olivia Jackson, getting the chance to learn in an environment that supports her learning style has made going to school ‘better’. Olivia is very inventive, loves to build things, and enjoys playing interactive computer programmes during brief electronic brain breaks at the Bermuda Centre for Creative Learning (BCCL). “Math is my favourite class and I find it’s better for me to learn here,” said Olivia.

During a typical morning at the school, Olivia learns multiplication using manipulative materials, engages in reading a story with a teacher and classmates, and works on assigned classwork during her independent practice times. These sessions allow Olivia to complete her homework under the

18

guidance of teachers, and also allows her to gain self-confidence as she learns to manage her time. Teachers scaffold their support, and work towards having her become a more independent learner. Once she’s completed any of her additional work, she can then spend her time exploring her other interests, such as playing specifically created occupational therapy games – which helps to increase her fine motor and processing skills, or other computer programmes to increase her keyboard typing. Olivia’s ability to complete her homework during the school day means that she has more time to spend with her family in the evening. BCCL suggests that parents read with their children each night, and one International Curriculum home learning activity is assigned each week.

Olivia was diagnosed with expressive language disorder as well as

dyslexia and ADHD. At BCCL, her learning differences don’t make her stand out amongst her peers, as the school is dedicated to teaching students with diagnosed learning differences.

While at mainstream schooling it became apparent when Olivia moved into Primary 3 that she was behind in reading and was at a beginning Primary 1 level. “She had started to see herself as stupid at school,” said her mum Andrea Jackson. “She now is able to express openly with other likeminded students that she has learning differences. She had always been a confident, independent child, and I am glad that this has been restored as her confidence was impacted before joining BCCL.” For Olivia, it is also the atmosphere at school that has helped her feel more comfortable. “I can bring a fidget spinner and I get to move around instead of staying in one place, and we can sit

PERSONALISED LEARNING

Olivia Jackson, experiencing mindfulness at BCCL

on bean bags,” she said. “We also get a break in between classes and we get to go to the park. I really like to spend time outside.” She added that she also loves to spend time outside after school and play football with her brother.

Cindy Corday, Co-founder of BCCL added, “We recognize that students who need additional support such as speech and language, occupational therapy and tutoring from the Reading Clinic should not miss lessons and feel left out. Our daily schedule is created well before each school year begins to incorporate these sessions. A daily schedule is posted and includes a list of which students have therapy for that day – this routine normalizes these important supports for students.”

Mrs Corday added, “Olivia responds well to having smaller class sizes and compassionate teachers. She likes doing hands-on projects, and the project-based learning through the International Curriculum has been ideal for her. BCCL teachers use the Orton Gillingham teaching method specifically designed to help struggling readers by explicitly teaching the connections between letters and sounds.

Olivia’s gains are clearly due to her

having been immersed in this method along with helping her to advocate for how she learns best.

The family has seen improvement in her reading as well, and continues to see Olivia’s confidence restored.”

“Olivia has always responded to the world differently and, even from a young age, showed a huge amount of curiosity,” said Mrs Jackson. “She has always been curious and been able to work things out, she loves building things from household items - and tape, a lot of tape - Lego and Minecraft. As you can see, building is a common theme. She also really enjoys mindfulness sessions at school, and occasionally sets herself up in her bedroom with a yoga mat, batterypowered tea light candles and nature music to practice on her own. This is obviously as a result of what she is learning at BCCL. I cannot even begin to describe how at ease having Olivia at BCCL puts us. To know that she is in a nurturing environment where she does not feel stupid or left out and that she can deal with her specific issues and fabulous personality quirks without judgment is invaluable.”

BCCL’s mission is to ‘Change the conversation about learning differences in Bermuda’. Their goal is to empower children beginning at age 7, who have been diagnosed with learning differences such as dyslexia, auditory processing disorder, ADHD, or other language-based disorders.

Additional information can be found on their website www.bccl.bm, or on their Facebook page.

Bermuda Centre for Creative Learning

BCCL was created for children starting at age 7, who have learning differences and learn best in a non-traditional environment that facilitates each student’s individual learning style.

Prior to enrolling at BCCL, students are required to be assessed on island or away and have been diagnosed with learning differences, such as dyslexia, auditory processing disorder, ADHD and other language-based disorders.

BCCL is recognised as a private school by the Bermuda Ministry of Education.

Contact us

Bermuda Centre for Creative Learning Brown-Brangman Building 100 Reid Street Hamilton, Bermuda HM 12 Telephone 1.441.824.1111 Email info@bccl.bm Website www.bccl.bm Charity #985

www.mybermudaparent.com

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big kids

BY KEISHA ALLEN-SMITH

Mindful Parenting

H

as your child ever been enthusiastically telling you a story, then minutes into it you realize you have not heard a word they said?

Have you ever overreacted or “snapped” on your child for a mistake they made, or said something you wish you could take back?

Do you feel exhausted on a daily basis?

Are your experiences at work or in other relationships negatively affecting your children?

Do you find yourself continuously 20

checking Facebook or Instagram, mindlessly surfing the internet or playing an online game when you should be handling other responsibilities?

These scenarios are a reality for most parents today because we live in a world that promotes multi-tasking and is filled with screens, phones and countless other distractions. Parents are overworked and are often operating on auto pilot from day to day. Even when we do slow down, our minds tend to keep going. We are either worrying about what has happened in the past, or thinking about what we have to do in

the future. Very seldom do we enjoy the experience of just being in the present moment. As a result, we often feel stressed, anxious or depressed which ultimately leads to illness.

Mindfulness is a great tool that can help us balance our busy lives and regulate difficult emotions. It can be defined as paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and emotions in the present moment without being judgmental.

Practicing mindfulness on a regular basis will allow you to begin to give your children the gift or your full presence in the moment. It teaches us to accept who they are and what they do, in good times and in bad times. This may be hard but the difficult times are precisely when our children need our love and compassion the most.

Mindful parenting is the practice of: • listening to your children with full attention • having a nonjudgmental acceptance of yourself and your children • having an emotional awareness of your own feelings and the feelings of your children • being able to regulate your own emotions • having compassion for yourself and your child It involves analyzing and addressing the deeper needs of our children instead of just being reactive to surface behaviors. To begin on a path towards mindful parenting we must start to practice mindfulness on a daily basis.

Below are a few tips to help you on your journey:

3 Be nonjudgmental of your parenting 1 Take time out for a mindful sit everyday Establishing a daily mindfulness practice is important. Simply sit for 5 to 30 minutes every day and focus on bringing your awareness to your breath.

When your mind wanders, just notice it, let the go of the thought and bring your attention back to your breath. It is natural for the mind to wander so you may find yourself doing this again and again. You may also find it helpful to listen to a guided meditation when you begin your mindfulness practice.

A variety of guided meditations can be found on YouTube.

2 Use breathing exercises to manage your stress The STOP acronym can be used to help you regulate yourself whenever you notice yourself feeling stressed or about to react negatively to a situation.

For example, you can STOP when you are stuck in traffic, when getting the children ready for school, or when you are becoming frustrated helping them with their homework.

S - Stop. Pause in awareness when you notice yourself feeling stressed or triggered T - Take a breath. Use 1:2 breathing to help calm your nervous system. For example, breathe in for 2 counts, then breathe out for 4 counts and repeat as many times as needed. We cannot think clearly when we are in a stressed state.

O - Observe. Notice how the breath naturally regulates and brings balance to your body. Also, observe what is really happening, in the present moment.

As parents, we will have moments of imperfection and failure. When these moments occur, do not beat yourself up. Use them as opportunities to teach your children that failure is a part of life and learning and that they should continue to persevere.

The Bermuda Golf Academy Driving Range & Adventure Mini Golf Great family entertainment for all ages!

4 Embrace Self-love Too often, we look outside of ourselves for love, acceptance and validation. We must begin to learn to love ourselves, accept ourselves and let go of unrealistic expectations. Starting your day with positive affirmations and taking time out for self are great ways to cultivate love, kindness and compassion for yourself. Once you begin to love yourself unconditionally, you will naturally pass it on to your children.

Middle Road Southampton Open 7 days a week

Summer Hours: Mondays 10am - 6pm Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 10pm Sundays 10am - 7pm Call us at 238-8800 • bermudagolfacademy.com Email: bdagolf@northrock.bm

The journey towards mindful parenting will have lasting benefits for you and your children however the reality is that it will not be easy and you will not be perfect. Just remember, mindfulness is paying attention to the present moment, on purpose, without judgement. So have compassion for yourself and keep working at ensuring you do a daily mindful sit, putting away your phone, redirecting you attention to your children, being mindful of their feelings and trying to accept whatever happens.

May you journey be filled with love and light.

For information on Target Learning’s Mindful Parenting Workshops and coaching, email targetlearning@ live.com or call 334-7145. We also offer Mindfulness workshops for children, the workplace, sports coaches and teams.

P - Proceed. Now that you are now in a mindful state you can choose an appropriate response to the situation instead of reacting to it. www.mybermudaparent.com

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INSPIRING YOUNG MINDS WITH

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATHEMATICS (STEM).

CAMP DATES FOR AGES 12-14 Mon - Fri, 9am - 3pm

BEGINNERS: JULY 2-6 or 9-13

$250 per student

ADVANCED: JULY 16-27

$450 per student

APPLY TODAY! Completed applications must be submitted by June 2nd.

Ascendant STEM camp is designed to give students experience in research, critical thinking and problem-solving as they build challenging robotics projects and improve competence in their abilities.

This STEM Camp is led by education professionals and engineers from BELCO and iEPC.

VISIT

www.ascendant.bm/STEM or 27 Serpentine Rd (BELCO) to collect your application form.

Or contact Sonia Paul-Smith at 299.2803 or spsmith@ascendant.bm with any questions.

298.6100 | info@ascendant.bm | ascendant.bm

Darkness to Light Stewards of Children Training Contact SCARS for training dates

Email: info@scars.bm Telephone: 297-2277 SCARS can bring the training to your organization or home

should be comfortable.

If you are experiencing discomfort or you have concerns about , contact us. mothers We’ve been for over three decades.

Email islandgirl@northrock.bm or check us out on Facebook at La Leche League of Bermuda.

www.mybermudaparent.com

23

Summer Camp 2018 CONNECTECH CONNECTECH is Bermuda’s first incubator and technology training center for all ages. Our kids coding program offered as afterschool classes and school break camps, is available to kids at the age of 6/7. After learning the fundamentals of programming kids will progress into python, gaming and animation programming. Information on all our classes and camps can be found at www.connectech.bm.

DanceSations Summer Program: Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Hip-Hop, Boys hip-hop, and Adult Hip-hop and Jazz, Dates: June 21-Aug 25 (Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays). Cost $175 Ages 3-18. Cost: $140 Adults. Price is inclusive of all 10 weeks. Concludes with a dance recital.

Centre Stage Dance Camp: Ballet, Jazz, Hip-hop, and Modern dance.

Creative workshops in drama & choreography, outings, dress up and so much more! Kids will perform in our Annual Summer DanceSations Dance Recital. Dates July 30 – Aug 24. Time: Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 5:30pm. Ages 7-12 yrs. Cost: $180 per week. Call 292-4100 for more information or visit www.dancesations.bm to register!

Twinkle Toes Dance Camp: A dance camp for your little ones age 3 – 6yrs.

Dance classes, arts and crafts, tumbling, and more! Monday – Friday 8:45am – 4:30pm. $180 per week. Register now through our website!

A Smarter Summer at Oxford Learning Research into summer learning shows that students can lose up to 30% of their academic skills over the summer break. This means that in the fall, students are actually further behind that when they left school at the beginning of summer. Maintaining academic momentum over the summer prevents this backward learning slide, and keeps their brains in active learning mode so that they are ready to learn from the first day of school.

With OXFORD LEARNING SUMMER PROGRAMS, CHILDREN: • Maintain an educational routine • Catch up at a comfortable pace • Get ahead with introduction to next grade concepts • Develop new learning skills Contact us at 296-6060. We are located at 53 Court Street, Hamilton E: Bermuda@oxfordlearning.com W: oxfordlearning.com

Bermuda Cricket Board Easter & Summer Cricket Camps!

Come play cricket, learn drills, skills and more with internationally certified coaches Easter Camp Dates: April 2 – April 6 Summer Camp Dates: July 2 – August 1 Time: 7.45am – 3pm (after camp 3pm-5.30pm) Cost: $120 per week (after camp $50 per week) Easter Camp Location: West Pembroke Primary School Summer Camp Location: Warwick Academy Registration: Bermuda Cricket Board or www.cricket.bm Charities House, 25 Point Finger Road, Paget, DV 04 T. 292 8958 F. 292 8959 E. info@cricket.bm

24

Explorer Camps BUEI has 15 different Explorer Camps with themes ranging from ‘Wild Weather’ to ‘Prehistoric Seas’. The programmes integrate literacy and numeracy, and are designed to inform, motivate and excite children using hands-on activities, experiments, interactive computer learning, scavenger hunts, arts & crafts, and competitions.

BUEI Explorer Camps are geared towards children aged 7-13.

Camps are conducted from 9am to 3pm with camp supervision available until 5pm.

For more information visit our website www.buei.bm or call 294-0207.

Aerial Summer Camp Join the Aerial Summer Camp at Lotus and spend the summer learning how to fly!

This camp is perfect for ages 5-12. It runs Monday through Friday, 8:30am - 5:30pm.

You can sign up by the day or week. Join before April 1 to receive the early bird special at $275 per week.

Here are the dates summer camp is open: August 6-10 June 29 (TRIAL DAY!) August 13-17 July 2-6 August 20-24 July 23-27 August 27-31 July 30-August 1 (Cup Match, 1/2 week) Call the studio at 296-5900 or email info@lotusbermuda.com for more info.

Aeries Sports Center Aries Sports Center offers school break camps at our facility on Queen Street in the city of Hamilton. The camps include daily activities such as boxing, life skills, arts & crafts, community service, visits to Bermuda historical sites and more!

The camp operates from 8:30AM until 5:30PM. For more information email gina@ariessports.com.

Finesse Productions Style and Fashion 2 Week “FASHION CAMP” for Primary and Middle School Girls ONLY Where: Manchester Unity Hall (green building across from BIU) When: July 16th-27th, 2018 Time: 8:30-3:00 Cost: $100.00 a week Registration: $25.00(non-refundable) Saturday: May 5th 11:00-1:00 @Strictly Vintage Terry Sibling rate: $180.00 for 2 Highlights: • Field Trips • Communication Skills • Etiquette/Grooming • Art • Swimming • Mini Fashion Show (The last week) Contact: 799-9360 or tweeks@transact.bm www.mybermudaparent.com

25

Summer Camp 2018 BNG Art + Technology Lab BNG Art + Technology Lab is a creative digital art-making summer camp. Students will learn photography and editing skills through the use of IPads, digital cameras, and computer software, how to create and publish their own digital artist’s story book and share it using platforms such as Facebook and YouTube.

The camp will run July 2 - 27 and August 6 - 31, 2018.

Contact info is: education@bng.bm / 295-9428

STEM ‘Camp Ascendant STEM camp is designed to give students experience in research, critical thinking and problem-solving as they build challenging robotics projects and improve competence in their abilities. This STEM Camp is led by education professionals and engineers from BELCO and iEPC. STEM Camp: For ages 12 – 14 Monday – Friday, 9 am – 3 pm Beginners: July 2 – 6 or July 9 – 13; $250 per student Advanced: July 16 – 27; $450 per student Visit www.ascendant.bm/STEM or 27 Serpentine Rd (BELCO) to collect your application form. Please contact Sonia Paul-Smith at 299.2803 x1306 or spsmith@ascendant.bm with any questions. Completed applications must be submitted by June 2nd.

Bring lunch or buy for $10 from Ascendant Group Canteen. Beverages and snacks provided.

Wild Island Farms We are a local family farm, hosting tours and programmes while providing the community local goods. We firmly believe in the organic principles of agriculture and employ these standards in our daily operations. At Wild Island we are committed to the natural life, reducing our footprint and providing market goods and services for the benefit of our community.

Our programmes encourage individuals to dig a little deeper as they join us for farm, garden and community activities: Petting farm (tours and community service); Root camp and clubs (youth programmes); Shiitake programme (community composting) E: info@wildisland.bm || W: www.wildisland.bm || T: 335.5747 FB/IG: @WildIslandFarms

Endless Creations Summer Art Camps Endless Creations Summer Art Camps include fun projects like canvas and pottery painting, making mosaics, sculpting with clay projects! In addition to those projects each week has a special theme and will include lots of creative games and art activities designed to let your child expand their imagination and learn fun new artistic skills! Included are fun art related field trips.

Camps run weekly July 2nd—August 31st Limited spaces Call: 295-CLAY (2529) Email: endlesscreationspottery@hotmail.com Location: Cavendish House, Hamilton directly across from the Cavendish Parking Lot

26

Target Learning Reduce summer learning loss, complete summer packets, catch up, or get ahead with Target Learning’s Summer Academic Coaching Programs.

Hourly sessions are available in Reading and Mathematics for P1 to M3 students. Diagnostic assessments and online coaching options are also available.

For registration information, email targetlearning@live.com or call 334-7145.

Bermuda Gymnastics Association Summer Camp Full Day: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm $305 week Full Day: 9:00 am - 12:30 pm / 12:30 - 4:00 pm $205 week *Early drop off / late pick up included 1st week promotion: Pay half day price but stay full day!!

441 295 0589 For Information Visit www.bermudagymnastics.bm

Scribbles Art Shack During the 10 week Summer Series we will encourage the growth and development of creative free thinking individuals.

In addition, to onsite fun and learning, we will visit various local attractions throughout the week such as: • Bowling • Sun Smart Talks • Movies • Farm Visits • Park Visits • Dockyard Water Park Play & Fun Golf • Pottery Making • & More • Swimming We pride ourselves in providing a quality art based programs aimed at nurturing the whole child. Through the arts, we promote self discovery, the development of self esteem, confidence and empowerment.

Our camps are Art and Activities based for school aged children 5-13 years old. Our lil artists will work on a wide range of art areas from: drawing/painting, textiles, collaging and mixed media for a balanced creative experience.

The program operates from 8:00am – 5:15pm, at our central location, The Berkeley Cultural Center, 23 Berkeley Road, 3rd Floor, Pembroke, HM08.

We offer a safe and unique full-day camp with “Fun” & “Artsy” Counsellors aiding the children through the process.

Camp Counsellors are CPR/First Aid & Scars Certified.

Link to book: https://occ.sn/8jqz0mzs Email: artshackbda@gmail.com

In Motion Summer is for Dance! In Motion offers 4 summer programs for the passionate dancer in your life!

• The Summer Mini Session is a intensive 6 week term from June 11th - July 31st for the dancer who wants to stay sharp over the summer.

• Our Princess and Heroes Camp gives your young dancers the chance to become their favorite princess or hero from July 30th - August 10th. Ages 4-6.

• The Summer Dance Intensive (SDI) is the premier summer dance experience. Featuring 6 international Teachers and Choreographers: classes in ballet, jazz, contemporary, street style, musical theatre, and much more, are sure to keep your dancer happy and healthy this summer. Levels from Beginner to Advanced from 9-4pm daily. Ages 7+ Contact In Motion at info@inmotionbda.com or visit our website www.inmotionbda.com to register www.mybermudaparent.com

27

Summer Camp 2018 The Evangelical Church of Bermuda “To swim or not to swim; there is no question!”

2018 SUMMER PROGRAMS

SWIMMING LESSONS

Ages 18mths to 5 years Staff/Child Ratio: 1:6 Open 8 - 5:45 pm Tel: 296-9818 Email: flyingstart@logic.bm 15 Cedar Avenue, Hamilton HM 10 Entrance on Brunswick Street

from 12 months to adults, offered MAY through OCTOBER, Weekdays & Saturdays! We also offer various lifesaving courses as well as CPR/FIRST AID (through partnership with the Bermuda Red Cross).

Time: 6:15 PM until 8:30 PM Children born between 2006-2013 (Age 4, completed pre-school to age 12, completed M1)

DATE: July 1-5

For more information, please visit the website www.aquamania.bm, or email LESLEY WHITE at–aquamania@logic.bm (Sunday Thursday)

FREE The Evangelical Church of Bermuda 2018 SUMMER PROGRAMS

JUNIOR CAMP Place: Grace Island (Overnight Camp) (Children born 2006-2010)

DATE: Time: 6:15 PM until 8:30 PM Children born between 2006-2013 (Age 4, completed pre-school to age 12, completed M1)

DATE: July 1-5 (Sunday – Thursday)

FREE 28

July 9-14

Cost: $275.00 per camper ($225.00 second child)

Register online by June 13 (Space is limited) Www.evangelicalchurchbermuda.com Or email: office@ecb.bm

BRIGHTER FUTURES BEGIN HERE

All Ages. All Grades. All Subjects.

ENROL TODAY! Bermuda 441.296.6060

53 King St. Hamilton HM19 bermuda@oxfordlearning.com

oxfordlearning.com What Will Your Kids “Dabble In” This Summer?

Jul 2 - 6 Jul 9 - 13 Jul 16 - 20 Jul 23 - 27 Jul 30 - Aug 1 Aug 6 - 10

Dabble in Prehistoric Seas

Incredible Paleontological Finds!

Dabble in Wild Weather

Bermuda Weather Station Field Trip!

Cover your

Cough

Dabble in Sharks

New Species!

Dabble in Dissection

Awesome Invertabrates!

Dabble in Pirates

New & the Old [Three Day Camp]

Dabble in the Deep

mouth Stop the spread of germs that make Cover you anyour d othe rs sick!

New Creature Updates!

and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.

Cover your

Dabble in Disaster

Aug 13 - 17

2017 Unbelievable!

Aug 20 - 24

Bermuda Triangle: Secrets Unlocked!

Aug 27 - 31

Stop the spread of germs that make you and others sick!

Dabble in Bermuda

Cough

Dabble in Abyss/Titanic New Cause of Sinking!

Put your used tissue in the waste basket.

Clean your Hands Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.

Put your used tissue in the waste basket.

Clean your Hands CAMP HOURS are from 9am to 3pm AFTER CAMP SUPERVISION is available from 3pm to 5pm To sign up visit our Education page at www.buei.bm More info: 294-0207 or education@buei.bm

2018

Wash hands with soap and after coughingwarm or sneezing. water

or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner.

Wash hands with soap and warm water or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner.

BERMUDA U N D E R W AT E R E X P LO R AT I O N INSTITUTE

after coughing or sneezing.

Minnesota Department of Health 717 SE Delaware Street Minneapolis, MN 55414 612-676-5414 or 1-877-676-5414 www.health.state.mn.us

Minnesota Antibiotic Resistance Collaborative

Minnesota Department of Health 717 SE Delaware Street Minneapolis, MN 55414 612-676-5414 or 1-877-676-5414 www.health.state.mn.us

Minnesota Antibiotic Resistance Collaborative

G OV E R N M E N T O F B E R M U DA Department of Health

www.mybermudaparent.com

29

family life

BY MONICA TEIXEIRA, WELLNESS ASSISTANT AND BRENDA DALE, AVP WELLNESS, BF&M INSURANCE GROUP

Your Child and

Social Media T oday’s children are growing up in an era wildly different from those of past generations with access to information literally at their fingertips from a very young age. Over 60% of 13-14 year olds have at least one profile on a social network and many spend more than two hours per day on social networking sites. With the amount of time children are spending online, it’s understandable that social media and online networking has become a huge concern for parent’s in recent years.

With recent news of cyberbullies, identity theft, and online predators, parents may be inclined to curb or ban social media in the hopes of protecting their children. However, often times this only encourages children

30

to find different avenues to use social media without their parents’ knowledge. The reality is that social media and online networking is an integral part of this current generation’s social landscape and a main channel of communication with their peers. Research is showing that it is more beneficial for parents to actively participate with their child on social media and have an open discourse with children about social media use and how to utilise it correctly and safely.

In fact, social media is a good thing if utilised correctly. Social media allows teens to accomplish online many of the tasks that are important to them offline such as: staying connected with friends and family, making new friends, sharing pictures, and exchanging ideas. Social media participation also can offer

adolescents deeper benefits that extend into their view of self, community, and the world. Social media becomes dangerous when children fail to understand privacy issues, engage in risky behaviours online, and overuse social media.

So what can you do to ensure your child is aware of the positive and negative impacts of social media use and how to be a responsible digital citizen?

It all boils down to communication and having an open dialogue with your child. From the time your child begins to use technology or the internet, you should start educating them on how to be a responsible digital citizen. You can start by sitting down with your children and asking them what they know. Do

an informal assessment and study their proficiency. Hop on the computer and mobile phone to evaluate their proficiency and better understand what they know. You might be surprised.

Keep your children informed on outside dangers but also emphasize there are consequences of their own actions online and they are responsible for what they post. What is posted online is never truly “private” or “hidden”, and many colleges and companies are turning to social media when considering certain applicants. According to a recent study conducted by the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM), 77% of employers use social media to recruit candidates. Additionally, they can get a sense of cultural fit within the organisation and identify red flags that may include inappropriate posts or even a candidate who is bashing a previous employer. Children must be aware that what they post reflects who they are and can affect them not only in the present but in the future as well. Below are some tips to help you and your child navigate the online world together safely.

• Get to know where you child is in terms of proficiency and knowledge and start educating from there.

• Respect age restrictions on certain social media sites (e.g. you must be 13 years or older to use Facebook).

• Check that your privacy settings for the Internet and Facebook are set to the strictest levels. This not only protects the computer user, but also the computer from the threat of viruses.

• Participate in and engage your child via social media. Make sure you are updated on what platforms they are currently using (e.g. Snapchat) and monitor what they post.

There are options on Facebook and Instagram that allow you to see your children’s posts “first” or subscribe to any updates they post.

• Make sure you have conversations about social media often and that your child is comfortable coming to you if they have a problem.

• While social media does have many positives, place limitations on when

•

they can and can’t access it (e.g. at the dinner table, late at night, during school hours, etc.). This teaches phone etiquette and how to interact with real people instead of interacting solely online.

Be a good example of how to use social media. If you are tweeting and

updating your Facebook page at a stop light and taking every opportunity to “just check something,” you’re setting a poor precedent for social media usage that your child will surely follow. Always remember to ask yourself if you’re setting a good example for your child.

W E L L N E S S M A T T E R S F O R H E A LT H

LiveWell Program

A Wellness Program Tailored for You BF&M offers a free online wellness resource for our health insurance clients. Your company can work with BF&M to develop a wellness program tailored to your needs and interests.

Our easy to use online wellness platform includes: • An individualized Wellbeing Activity Hub • Fun and engaging wellness challenges • A personal Wellness Assessment • Healthy Habits programs • Access to healthy lifestyle and chronic disease management programs and events • Access to BF&M’s LiveWell Rewards Program… and much more!

Visit www.bfm.bm and click on LiveWell, or contact us at livewell@bfm.bm

BF&M LIFE

112 Pitts Bay Road, Pembroke HM 08, Bermuda

295-5566

livewell@bfm.bm

www.bfm.bm

LiveWell is intended to compliment rather than substitute proper medical advice or treatment.

www.mybermudaparent.com

31

family life

BY WARWICK ACADEMY

s t r o p S l o Scho rence

e ff i D e h t e k Can Ma

A

PHOTOS SUPPLIED

s we reflect on the success Flora Duffy has achieved over the last two years, her journey from the classrooms and sports fields at Warwick Academy has been truly remarkable. Her second ITU World Champion title in 2017 and the Commonwealth Gold medal a few weeks back must register as her most successful period in her career. To come ‘home’ and compete in Bermuda in the ITU triathlon must be wonderfully special and in a way a full circle for her to where it all began.

Flora has demonstrated the epitome of hard work,

Human Rights Friendly School

32

dedication, determination and sheer guts. It is indeed an honour that the school recognised her when naming their swimming facility in November 2017. As a result of this, our students and visitors can see that successful sports people start somewhere, even in such a small place as Bermuda.

The reality is that Flora walked the halls of the school, took lessons in the classrooms, swam in the very same school pool and ran around the fields; knowing that should ignite so many possibilities for our youth.

The powerful message in this for all is to set your mind on something, surround yourself with the support you need, when things go wrong pick yourself up and keep the prize as the goal, not being distracted by all those things in life that may derail you. We talk about inspiration and we also talk about resilience at Warwick Academy and Flora is without a doubt an example of both. Flora is a true Bermudian champion and a role model for all.

Flora is by no means the only athlete that has ‘made it’

in the sports arena from Warwick Academy. We think of recent success achieved

by Delray Rawlins on the cricket fields and the past success of Clarence ‘Nicky’ Saunders, a fellow Commonwealth Gold medallist, to mention just a few.

The importance of sports and games in school encompasses more than just the benefit of physical activity. Increases in self-esteem and mental alertness make school sports and games necessary for every school age child.

According to Theodore Hesburgh, author of “The Importance of School Sports and Education”, it is imperative for school age children to have access to sports and games. Not only does it empower youth and promote higher self-esteem, it also motivates students and enables them to earn better grades.

Numerous physical benefits include maintaining a healthy weight, preventing chronic diseases and learning the skills necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle after graduating.

At Warwick Academy we have built on our strong sport legacy by including an ‘activity’ afternoon in the school day for all Secondary students. Here they can select a different ‘sport’ each term and pursue a specialism or explore an

interest. In this way we aim to promote healthy exercise and team work. It is also a wonderful way to get to know teachers outside of the classroom and build those important relationships.

We have also enjoyed developing relationships with clubs outside of the school to enhance what we offer our students and also ensure that we connect with our community. The initiatives with Robin Hood Football Club, Mariners Rugby Club and the Bermuda Cricket Board have borne very positive fruit. In addition, older relationships with the Bermuda Volleyball Association and Sharks Swim Club see the school campus very active during the week and weekends.

This academic year, the school started a high performance swim programme to keep top swimmers on island, give them the coaching and strength and conditioning work they need, centre their training around the school day to make their lives more manageable, and allow them to compete against US schools in a school swim team.

Sport is a powerful tool for good and one that needs the limelight on this occasion. www.mybermudaparent.com

33

family life

BY OPEN AIRWAYS

Tips for

E Asthma in the Summer!

34

very season brings a number of health considerations and summer is no exception.

Asthma is a chronic condition and asthma symptoms can occur at any time of the year. It’s important that people who have asthma continue to take all their asthma medications as prescribed over the summer, even if they don’t have symptoms.

As we enjoy the summer break and the change in our usual routines it can sometimes be all too easy to forget to take your asthma medications and in particular the preventer inhalers. This can increase the chance of your child having an asthma attack.

Hot weather can be a trigger for asthma attacks, this is particularly the case if your child’s asthma is triggered by pollen, dust or mould, all of which can be prevalent during the summer.

Any child with asthma should be able to participate in any activity. Exercise is more likely to trigger asthma symptoms if your child’s asthma isn’t well managed or controlled.

Summer is a great time to get outside and be active. Swimming is a great sport for a child with asthma.

Have your child take their preventer inhalers every day to control their asthma.

Is your child attending summer camp?

All too soon the summer break will be over, and a new school year will be on the horizon. Here are a few tips to ensure a smooth return to school.

•

Ensure your child uses their preventer inhaler every day to keep their asthma away.

•

Ensure your child has a reliever inhaler and a spacer for use at school.

•

Make sure your child has an annual review with their pediatrician.

•

Make sure your child understands their asthma.

•

Make sure your child knows their asthma triggers.

•

Make sure your child is on the school asthma register.

•

Encourage your child to eat a healthy diet and get plenty of fresh air and exercise.

•

The seasonal flu vaccine is recommended for all children with asthma.

•

Do not forget to inform the camp staff that your child has asthma.

Let’s stay safe during the summer by being prepared.

•

Make sure your child takes their relief inhaler with them every day and their preventer inhalers if staying overnight.

For more information or for a personal consultation, please contact:Open Airways Asthma Nurse - nurse@openairways.com or 232 0264 www.openairways.com

•

Do the camp staff know what to do if your child’s asthma flares up?

Are you going on vacation?

•

Do not forget to take your asthma inhalers with you.

•

Make sure all asthma medications are packed, inhalers are full (check the expiration date), and that they’ll last the length of the trip.

•

Remember that an asthma attack can happen at any time so be prepared.

www.mybermudaparent.com

35

family life

BY ALICIA RESNICK

Parents: Do you know what PIPA is?

‘P

IPA’ - the Personal Information Protection Act 2016 will be enacted this summer. As a parent, what should you know?

Information pertaining to our children should be protected. The purpose of PIPA is to establish an information privacy framework. This Act will be applicable to every organisation providing services for children. This includes but is not limited to schools, preschools, nursery schools, after-school care and clubs, doctors and dentists.

Discretion is particularly important when it refers to the collection, processing and disclosure of children’s personal information. According to the Act, children are defined as between 0 and 14 years of age.

PIPA extends to all forms of social media and information that’s communicated electronically. The Act distinguishes between personal information (about an identified or identifiable

36

individual) and sensitive personal information (relating to place of origin, race, colour, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, sexual life, marital status, physical or mental disability, physical or mental health, family status, religious beliefs, political opinions, biometric information or genetic information).

Because school comprises a significant portion of our children’s daily life, it’s important for educators, parents, and community advocates to familiarise themselves with the Act. Ms. Gretchen Tucker, a Litigation Attorney with BeesMont Law Limited, discusses PIPA’s importance.

“PIPA provides an excellent

framework to protect children. They are a vulnerable group in our society. Parents should be involved in lobbying schools and asking questions. Parents are their children’s advocates.

Ask what security measures are being put in place, who the privacy officer is, what the organization is doing to comply, and if the school is aware of the Act?” says Ms. Tucker.

Parents should understand the following: •

During school enrolment, PIPA requires issuing privacy notices prior to or at the time of obtaining personal information about your child.

•

Ask who has access to Student Files. Access to children’s sensitive personal information, or any information that could become a source of discrimination (for example, information on the wealth and income of a child’s family, disciplinary proceedings, medical treatment in school etc) should be subject to a high standard of security measures. Access should be limited only to designated individuals.

•

Ask what plans are in place for the retention, updating and deletion of student information? Children’s personal information held by an organisation should be adequate, relevant and not excessive in relation to the purposes for which it is used. Information should be accurate and kept up to date.

•

Biometric Information is protected under PIPA. Biometric refers to information relating to the physical, physiological or behavioural characteristics of an individual that allows for unique identification. In the context of education providers, processes relating to student ID cards, CCTV surveillance, student intranet usage and the publication of student photographs for marketing and other purposes should be reviewed.

•

Ask what training is available for Educators and Human Resource Departments? Current training for education facilitators and human resource staff should be reviewed in light of the need to be compliant with PIPA.

•

PIPA requires all organisations using personal information to appoint a Privacy Officer. Consideration should be given to this appointment along with the necessary resources, professional qualifications and autonomy that’s needed for the individual to carry out this task effectively.

Ms. Gretchen Tucker is a Litigation Attorney at BeesMont Law Limited. She advises on data regulation and privacy law and has provided training to organisations on Bermuda’s emerging cybersecurity framework. “Informational privacy is a basic human right

and the protection afforded to an individual’s personal data by any jurisdiction defines the power balance which exists between that individual and organisations. PIPA is an important addition to the Bermuda cybersecurity framework, as it will hold organisations and their officers accountable for the use of personal information. With this in mind, whether you are operating as an employer, a charitable organisation, an educational institution or health provider, data protection needs to be at the top of their priorities list.”

For more information, contact BeesMont Law Limited: 441-400-4747.

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from 12 months to adults, offered MAY through OCTOBER, Weekdays & Saturdays! We also offer various lifesaving courses as well as CPR/FIRST AID (through partnership with the Bermuda Red Cross).

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37

family life

BY CARLA SEELY

Bad Habits

M

ost of the values we develop come from our parents. These include learning the difference between right and wrong, showing compassion or empathy and creating the key principles which we live by. However, some traits we pickup from our parents may not always be good and some we don’t even recognise until we are much older.

Research shows that by the time a child reaches their 7th birthday, they have already formed money habits that could be carried through to the rest of their lives. It is never too early for your own bad money habits (and trust me we all have them) to start rubbing off on your impressionable young children.

Relying on credit cards

Rub Off

Six bad financial habits you’re accidently teaching your children Instant gratification

All parents have been there; you are at the checkout and your child is begging and pleading for something in the store and instead of saying no and sticking to your guns, you buy it so you don’t have to have the 3-2-1…meltdown. The problem with giving in to the impulse is that you are teaching your child that their ‘wants’ are just as important as your ‘needs’, which when you really think about it is not a good habit to have.

A lot of bad money habits come from people not able to distinguish from wants and needs and do not understand the value of saving.

Congratulating for no reason

Have you ever heard of a working parent receiving a promotion for doing nothing but their job description or receiving an award for participating in a board meeting? The reality is this: over praising a child for doing what they should be doing leads to a child thinking that the bare minimum is acceptable. A child needs to learn that in the real world, if they want a career and the money that goes along with it, no-one cares whether you participate, they care about contributions you are making to the overall company objectives. Working hard attributes to financial stability.

Relying on credit cards

How easy is it to whip out your credit card to pay for everything from lunch box snacks to diapers to childcare fees? While it might be convenient, the habit can rub off on your children more easily than you might think - the childhood equivalent of a credit card is having mum and dad buy whatever they want, particularly if they have already used their allowance. It teaches your children that it is okay not to live within your means and that a credit card can cover the difference. What they don’t see is mum and dad arguing about a huge credit card bill and only being able to afford the minimum payment per month.

Expecting money for nothing

Handing out pocket money is a triedand-true method of motivating even the most difficult of children to help out with chores, but following through to make sure they have completed these 38

Ready, Set, Grow

Covering Possibilities

Fearing Debt chores is called accountability. If all you do is handout money and not follow through, your children may not fully appreciate the link between money and hard work. In essence, a parent is financially praising a child for not completing a task.

Fearing debt

Nobody likes being in debt, and it can be hard not to let this attitude rub off on children, especially if you’re anxious about making repayments or the rise of interest rates. But if your children are scared to death of borrowing money, they will also miss out on understanding some of the benefits. Most of us have had to borrow from the bank to buy a house or pay for university; the discipline comes from understanding debt management and servicing the debt.

Creating a budget, living within your means and paying back what you owe in an agreed time frame, is key.

Keeping quiet on money matters

When little ears are present, it’s tempting to avoid talking about the family

budget or how much money you earn – particularly if things are tight.

You might do it with only the best intentions, but keeping quiet about your money situation can not only mean that your children don’t get experience dealing with money, but it also puts the idea in their heads that money is some big secret, which might stop them from seeking financial help if they need it further down the track.

Parenting is tough, but the real world is even tougher. Our roles as adults is to lead by example; how you view, manage and use money will have a direct correlation on how they ultimately work for their money.

Carla Seely is the Vice President of Pension and Investments at Freisenbruch-Meyer.

If you would like any further details, please contact cseely@fmgroup.bm or call 441 297 8686.

The Freisenbruch-Meyer Personal Retirement Plan (PRP) affords you the convenience of transferring and managing all your accumulated retirement savings through one place.

Key Benefits: Funds valued daily Investment flexibility Statements on demand Transparent fees Interactive website with helpful tools Invest voluntary contributions at your leisure For more information on our Pension Products & Services, contact our Pension Team on 296.3600 or Pensionmail@fmgroup.bm

75 FRONT STREET HAMILTON HM 12 BERMUDA

T• 441.296.3600

F• 441.295.6209 INFO@FMGROUP.BM

fmgroup.bm

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39

BPM

kids

Got a great picture of your child? Send it and it may appear in our next issue.

Send it in by email to photos@knbmediagroup.com 40

BPM

kids

Got a great picture of your child? Send it and it may appear in our next issue.

Send it in by email to photos@knbmediagroup.com

42

Using Technology at Work

It’s not a problem until it becomes a problem.

Our children now have easy access to the Internet and Social Media: it’s all at their fingertips!

Let’s make sure they use the Internet responsibly and stay safe online.

– When life gets messy, roll up your sleeves – With our non-iron, easy care school shirts, you needn’t worry about stains 17 REID STREET, HAMILTON | 441-295-0031 | MSBERMUDA@TESS.BM

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43

Celebrate Your Child’s Birthday!

Happy Birthday!

Davion & Daelaun Carroll

Olivia

May 31 & June 9 Brotherly Birthday Blessings to Davion and Daelaun Carroll. Love from entire Family.

Happy 2nd Birthday Olivia Love, Mom, Dad & Maddie

A’Miley Bean

June 2 Happy 6th Birthday! Love from Mom, Dad, family and friends.

“Our Little Blessing”

Zoriahnna Francis

July 1 Happy 11th Birthday Blessings Zoriahnna!

Watching you grow has been amazing, and we’re so proud of the little lady you are becoming. You have such a kind heart and nurturing spirit...don’t ever lose those qualities. May you be blessed with lots of joy & happiness as you celebrate your special day. Love always, Mommy

Mia White

Jahziah Santucci - Roberts

June 23 Happy Birthday!! Love Mommy & Daddy

44

May 8 “Happy 3rd birthday dear Mia White from mom and dad”

Submit photos to photos@knbmediagroup.com

Sailahn Robinson-Martin

June 30 Happy Birthday Sailahn!

Love mommy xoxo

Zarina Simmons

May 21 Happy Birthday to Zaza, our princess!

With love from Mommy & Daddy!

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