Spring 2021

FR

Take HEE! o Copy me

Calgarys Child 2021 SPRING EDITION

'

We Are Family

S D N GRA RY

CALGA

eek at p k a e n Your s e City’s e th agazin m T S NEWE or grands & just f t grands grea

On the

Move?

CHECK OUT WHAT’S NEW IN SOUTH CALGARY!

Get YOUR Spring ON! 10 Weekends of SPRINGTIME FUN - Inside & Out!

Countdown to SUMMER CAMP

Bye Bye BOREDOM!

Baby on the

WAY

Great Advice, Gear, Support, Services & More!

G N I BR

E H T ON N A I D A N CA

t. r a e H ome.

.H d o o F ers.

Farm

DIAN CANA EN

CHICK

DIAN CANA OOD

SEAF

FROM IANENIN TN ADIADNIAN CANAD CIUA NADA NDC IA CANA AAC DDIA D A A D A N M N N A O A K A KE O N CICN R C F O DA A A D

OA P P CHCHICKEN SE EC OA COARNKA S AFA ERN

DIAN CANA K

POR

DIAN CANA T RY

DIAN CANA EN

POUL

DIAN CANA OOD

DIAN CANA K

HICK POR SEAF Look for these symbols in store & Cshop Canadian.

WESTEF BE

ients Ingred ported and Im mestic From Do

ROM CUT FUT FROM C

INFIRNOM ANADIADNIACNT OF C CAN AO T ANDAADA MAMDAE D UE CD RDYURYDA AA R PT NOUL CACNA AN IAP A D N D LT A A N A U C NA A A O C AA A EEF P CA C A NA R E T B S N WE TER EEEFSEEF BW B

ients Ingred ported ts and Im redien mestic rted Ing From Do d Impo stic an me Do From

N

IADIAN F DA AN NA CTUO CT OFCAC ODRU R D P O F P ADADA BEE EF DIAN

ROM M CUTCFUT FRO IAN

ADA CAN AN C EF BEB EEF

CACNANA

BE

GROWN IN THE

N OM FRN DIA WESTERN N N IN AIN AN AID AE CIU ID ATIN A D D D CANA CFA D D A A AIA A A N N NM N N A AA C D DDCAACN ON OA EN CACA C BEE PROVINCES K K DA KE KN OA

CIC CH CIH

British Columbia Alberta • Saskatchewan Manitoba

AF AAA EF SESA

ERN WESTEF BE

R NA OA PO PR C

ients Ingred ported and Im mestic From Do

ORMOM TUFTRF CUC

DIAN CANA T RY

POUL

IAN AIN AN IUNTIN D AID FROM CT OF CANAD DCE NP UY A AA AD AE D DA DA MM CN CN A A RO Y N N R R A A A F I A A A T T D D E D L L C C AAA CA D ANA PO BE NA N OU PU CA CA CANA A TETRENRN EF E B S S WEWE ients ients Ingred Ingred ported ported and Im and Im mestic mestic From Do From Do

FEF EE BEB

ORMOM TFOF TUFTRF UCUTCO CUC AIN AN PRPORDOD DID

NA AA CA CN EFEF

BEBE

DA DA NA NA CA CA

AIN AN AID ND AA CA CN FF

BEBEEE

Contact Us

calgary’s child

Phone Number: ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������403-241-6066 Email: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . calgaryschild@shaw.ca

About Us

2021 Spring Edition

Publisher/Editor: M. L. Ellen Percival

Front & Centre Beginnings & Endings: Helping children cope with major life changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 We Love Local . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Contests - Enter to Win! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Bump, Baby & Toddler Guide Naming baby - tips to manage opinionated feedback. . . . . . 8 Why is crawling so important?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Becoming a parent - families are as unique as the people in them . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 You notice a flat spot on your baby’s skull - now what?. . . . 10 Bump, Baby & Toddler Guide Whether it’s your first or a new addition, we have everything you need - from bump to baby to toddler and your growing family.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 How to read to your baby. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Spring Flings Family Fun Calgary’s best walks - springtime family walkabouts. . . . . . . 15 Five reasons to get your kids outside to play. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Puddles are for everyone - let’s get messy!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Get outside and try geocaching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Calgary GRANDS Feature The importance of decision-making documents and life planning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 How to set (and keep) mental health goals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Calgary GRANDS Directory Our new resource guide for grandparents and greatgrandparents - everything you need to live, play, and connect with the next generation! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Coping with role reversal when you’re caring for your parent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Single seniors - creating a new normal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Have the courage to try new things. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Senior social groups & clubs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Calgary Cares - Calgary Cares is a free forum designed to match those with needs to those willing to help.

Virtual Kids Pediatric Urgent Care - your child’s health is their higher priority. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Virtual Hike for Hospice Calgary - a one-day event now stretched over 10 days. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Decision fatigue - making too many decisions too frequently. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Education The benefits of asking your child open-ended questions. . . . 35 What is ‘crossing the midline’ and why is it so important?. . . 36 Creative spring STEM activities for kids. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Top 10 pieces of wilderness survival gear for children. . . . . 19

Academics + art = balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Birthdays & Celebrations How to celebrate life’s milestones during lockdown. . . . . . . 20

Get-smart study strategies - how to help your child ace tests. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

New Communities Feature

Summer Camp & Program - Part One

Considering buying a new home for your growing family?

This feature includes the latest news on new home construction in Calgary, making the move easier, and creating a backyard oasis.

Quality summer programming for kids - asking the right questions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 The camp next door: day camp - nurturing independence. . 44 How do I help my introverted teen? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Everything you need to know about summer camp finding the right balance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Summer Camp & Program Guide Calgary’s Go-To Guide for Summer Camp & Program Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 What do you know about modern fencing?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Making the move - easing the transition for kids . . . . . . . . . . 21 Come home to Harmony. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Jewels in the south - come home to south Calgary’s newest communities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Back-yarding has a purpose - what’s yours?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Next Issue Summer Edition Ad Booking Deadline: May 19, 2021 Release Date: 2nd Week in June Here comes the SUN! Summers in the foothills are short but full of fun!

With so much to do and so little time, families need to know what's up!

Our Summer edition is the perfect opportunity to let families know you're back and ready to help them enjoy the season!

Directories/Features coming up in this issue: • Summer Fun & Getaway Directory • Last Call Summer Camp & Program • Education Directory - FALL Edition • Early-Bird Fall Class & Program Registration

4 •

Find us on

Co-Creator: Sherry Kerr – ABC Assistant Publisher/Website Manager: Allison Percival Art Director: Amanda Sharp Copy Editor: Melissa Thomson Distribution Manager: Cathy Bontje Sales Director: Eilidh Tait . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 587-888-9556 eilidh.calgaryschild@gmail.com Sales Executive: Dan Bontje . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-605-9204 dan.calgaryschild@gmail.com

Cover Amari © by Kelsey ElRafih

Contributors Kemi Ajayi Alberta Blue Cross Trista Arney Victoria Bailey Lori Beattie Ashlee Ellerbruch, M.C. Stacie Gaetz Jen Goeres Tracy Guillet, MSW Jennifer Head Healthy Parents, Healthy Children Christa Melnyk Hines Hospice Calgary Dr. R. Coranne Johnson, R. Psych.

Dr. Harriet N. Johnston, R. Psych.

Lisa Kaldenbach, M.C. Maureen Khallad

Tanya Koob Soraya Lakhani, R. Psych.

Sarah Lyons Catherine MacGillivray Cheryl Maguire Carrie Malin David Miksha Allison Percival Elya Perritt Jan Pierce, M.Ed. Kristin Savage TurfMutt Karen Ung Dr. Laura Vandertogt Virtual Kids Pediatric Urgent Care Janelle Wydeven Gwen Randall-Young, R. Psych.

CBE, CSSD, Rocky View Schools & Foothills School Division Parents!

Look for our link on your School’s Website and/or Monthly Newsletters: Connect digitally with Calgary’s Child Magazine for parenting and education support, local resources, programs and activities for kids and families. calgaryschild.com (click on current cover)

Our Commitment Calgary’s Child Magazine is funded and published solely through the support of our advertisers and sponsors. They support us; please support them. With the support of our advertisers, Calgary’s Child Magazine is committed to sponsoring and supporting a variety of organizations that help families in Calgary.

Subscriptions are available at $25 (plus GST) a year.

RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESS TO:

If you would like information on advertising rates, or if you have some feedback, story ideas or information for our calendar of events, we would like to hear from you.

Calgary’s Child Magazine is published six times per year. You can find us at over 500 locations throughout Calgary and area.

Reach us at

The opinions expressed in this publication may not necessarily be those of the publishers. No part of this publication may be reprinted without the expressed written permission of the publishers. Calgary’s Child Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited materials.

ISSN 1198-6069 Calgary’s Child Magazine © 2021

Stock Images Certain images in this publication are by stock.adobe.com. This publication also includes images from istockphoto.com.

CALGARY’S CHILD MAGAZINE #375, 305 - 4625 Varsity Dr. NW, Calgary, AB T3A 0Z9 EMAIL: calgaryschild@shaw.ca Our data base is confidential. We do not sell, lend or share our information to third parties. For internal use only. #375, 305 - 4625 Varsity Dr. NW, Calgary, AB T3A 0Z9 Phone: ���������������������������������403-241-6066 Email: ��������������������calgaryschild@shaw.ca Website: �������������������������calgaryschild.com

Distribution Calgary’s Child Magazine is available at over 500 locations around Calgary including elementary schools through the Calgary Catholic District, Calgary Board of Education, Rockyview District, Foothills School Division and Calgary Public Libraries. You can also find Calgary’s Child Magazine in stands at all City of Calgary Parks & Recreation facilities, Safeway, Co-op and Sobeys... just to name a few locations.

front & centre

beginnings & endings: helping children cope with major life changes

By Soraya Lakhani, R. Psych.

For children and adults alike, change is an inherent part of life. All of us, at various points in time, will likely have to grapple with both minor and major adjustments to our lives and routines. While minor changes deviations from the daily schedule, a new location for a regular activity, a new coach or babysitter - can place short-term stress on children, major life changes - relocating to a new school, a new house, or a new city, for example - can be significantly disorienting and are likely to require more intensive support, even when the changes are fundamentally positive in nature.

Research has found that when left unresolved or unaddressed, life changes can become an impactful factor contributing to psychological distress. As such, learning how to cope with change is a critical skill that can have significant bearing on a person’s happiness and resilience as they grow older. While some children might naturally be more adaptable than others, all children can benefit from valuable coaching when facing significant life changes to help equip them with the capacity to successfully navigate changes within their own lives.

For parents who are supporting their children in navigating a life change, consider the following strategies: Practice self-care. Although parents often prioritize attending to their children’s well-being above their own, it is important to remember that significant life and family changes can be just as stressful for parents as they are for children. When parents are overwhelmed, emotionally drained, or struggling to adjust to new contexts and realities, it can foster increased anxiety in children. As parents seek to model how to constructively adjust to change, it is essential for them to attend to their own health and well-being, and ensure that they are feeling well-supported and resourced in their transition.

Prepare children in advance. Not all changes can be foreseen; however, whenever possible, provide children with notice and information in advance of the change. Advance notice helps children to mentally and emotionally prepare themselves and allows them the opportunity to ask questions before going through the transition itself. Further, visualization exercises, functioning as a sort of ‘mental dress rehearsal,’ can be beneficial in preparing for the various steps involved within a transition. Although advance notice will not necessarily reduce the emotional gravity of a major life transition, it will afford children a little bit of extra time as they begin the adjustment process.

Invite and answer questions. As already noted, one of the critical elements of preparing for a change is having questions heard and answered. When gearing up for a significant life change (e.g., a relocation), children will often have many questions they will want to discuss to help them develop a clearer understanding and prepare for what is to come. If children have questions, try to provide them with clear and thoughtful responses. If children do not have any questions or do not appear to be engaging with the impending change, parents can gently let their children know that they are available to talk and check in periodically to proactively invite questions and discussion.

Empathize with complex feelings. Change, by its very nature, is a complex phenomenon, as it brings with it the promise of a new beginning along with the sadness of an ending. Most significant life changes are accompanied by a range of emotions, including excitement, anxiety, sadness, and confusion. When grappling with an impending change, it is important for children to have the opportunity to explore and experience their full range of emotions, and to have those emotions acknowledged and understood. While it can be valuable to encourage children to focus on positive elements of the change, it is essential for children to know that feelings of anxiety and grief are also healthy, understandable, and acceptable.

Simply listening as children express their feelings can be a very constructive process for children and parents alike.

If parents are concerned that their children’s emotions may be shifting beyond healthy levels of intensity, it is recommended that they reach out to a professional for further guidance and support.

Try to uphold for consistent routine. As human beings, we crave certainty in our lives. Many children gravitate toward routine because it provides them with a sense of safety and stability in their worlds. Significant life changes can feel scary to children in part because they pose a threat to what is known and predictable. While significant life changes will inevitably disrupt routine, try

to uphold consistency to the greatest extent possible.

This might include maintaining regular waking and bed times and upholding long-standing family traditions such as movie nights or special weekend breakfasts.

Until a more global sense of routine can be reestablished, preserving small elements of consistency can help children to maintain a sense of comfort and safety in their lives.

Anticipate pushback. Even when parents do their utmost to support their children, children will sometimes push back as they struggle with a perceived loss of control in the face of change. Ultimately, learning how to cope with change is a challenging process.

Parents are encouraged to continue empathizing, answering questions, and rebuilding routine, as they support their children in recalibrating. If parents feel confused, unsure of how to proceed, or develop concerns about how their children may be coping with change, consultation with a professional can help to determine next steps.

Soraya Lakhani is a registered psychologist, and the Clinical Director of Yellow Kite Child Psychology, (yellowkite.ca), located in Calgary.

Soraya is a thought leader on parenting and child psychology and her work has frequently appeared on CBC, Global, and other major media outlets. CCM

Spring 2021 • calgaryschild.com • 5

We Love LOCAL

contests

By Trista Arney

For even more local picks check out our blog at calgaryschild.com

RAREORDINAIRE - rareordinaire.com This small, locally-owned business creates a variety of personalized laser woodcut creations. These custom kids’ artwork keychains are our favorite - perfect for Mother’s Day! Check out their clever signs to alert visitors and delivery drivers not to use the doorbell, remind wellmeaning strangers not to touch the baby, and many more fantastic customizable pieces for all occasions!

IVA & BOW - instagram.com/ ivaandbow Looking for the perfect accessory for a special occasion, photographs, or just everyday adorableness?

Check out Iva & Bow for locally created hair bows, headwraps, and bow ties!

MYFUNVELOPE - myfunvelope.ca Tired of filling the house with 'stuff' for the children in your life? MyFUNvelope subscription boxes promote learning, play, and creativity for children ages 3 to 9. Kids love getting packages in the mail and this subscription box is Canadian, which means no expensive international shipping! The subscription option provides nonholiday specific crafts, so it’s perfect for everyone (and you never have to worry about it coming too late!).

If you’re not sure about a subscription, try their single craft kits for a one-time gift.

PUMPKIN'S DIAPER DELIVERY pumpkinsdiaperdelivery.net Cloth diaper delivery service local to YYC! They offer a variety of services to suit your family’s needs. Want to use cloth diapers but don’t want to wash them?

Get a delivery of free diapers once a week and they’ll take the dirty ones away! Cloth diapers getting a little too stained to use? They’ll take them away and give them a deep clean for you. Don’t want to invest in your own cloth diapers? Rent them, wash them at home, and have them deep-cleaned every two months! All the benefits of cloth diapering with way less stress.

SOILED DIAPERS COMPOSTING INC. - soileddiapers.ca Want to be environmentally responsible, but aren’t up for committing to cloth? Through the use of specialized composting equipment, Soiled Diapers Composting can break down any brand of disposable diaper in 10 to 12 days! Now disposables don’t need to sit in landfills for multiple lifetimes. Weekly, biweekly and monthly pickup available!

MINI VE - minive.ca Mini leather bags and fashion accessories appropriate for your little fashion fan! Darling buttery-soft leather bags for the world of minis who love to fill, tote, imagine, play, and pretend for hours on end each and every day.

PEBBLE TO PEAK - pebbletopeak.com Pebble to Peak handcrafts and sources a variety of functional baby items.

Their teething products give your little 'pebbles' a safe and textured material to chew on during those uncomfortable teething periods.

Meanwhile, their silicone bibs and placemats take the stress out of mealtimes using colorful (and easy to clean) shapes that make mealtimes fun for those picky eaters!

6 • Find us on

Railway Play with BRIO®!

With benefits like encouraging role-playing while also helping develop STEM learning and fine motor skills, BRIO® trains are a must. Recommended for ages 3+, the Smart Tech Sound Record & Play Engine includes interactive features and can be programmed to play with motion, colorful lights, and customizable sounds.

To purchase this Mastermind Toys® exclusive, visit mastermindtoys.com.

For your chance to win the BRIO® Smart Tech Sound Record & Play Engine, click on ‘Contests’ at calgaryschild. com and enter the code: Engine. Entry deadline is Monday, May 10, 2021.

Get Your Groove On with L.O.L. Surprise!

Each L.O.L. Surprise! OMG fashion doll is inspired by dance and have their own fierce style. Unbox the TV package and reveal magic black light surprises! There are 15 Surprises to unbox and 4 dolls to collect! Available to purchase at Walmart, walmart.ca, and Indigo, chapters. indigo.ca. Feeling Social? Follow on Instagram @lolsurprise.

For your chance to win one of these L.O.L. Surprise!

Dolls, click on ‘Contests’ at calgaryschild.com and enter the code: Groove. Entry deadline is Monday, May 10, 2021.

Discover Your Unique Family History with Ancestry®!

Ancestry® is giving away a World Deluxe Membership, ancestry.ca/ cs/offers/ subscribe, and an AncestryDNA® kit, ancestry.ca/dna! Ancestry.ca is a family history site where you can build your family tree and search through historical records to discover the stories of your ancestors.

Uncover your ethnic mix with AncestryDNA® and find details about your unique family history. Feeling Social?

Follow on Instagram @ancestry.ca.

For your chance to win a World Deluxe Membership and an AncestryDNA® kit, click on ‘Contests’ at calgaryschild.com and enter the code: Ancestry. Entry deadline is Monday, May 10, 2021.

bump, baby & toddler

8 Naming Baby

|

9 Becoming a Parent

|

13 Read to Your Baby

bump, baby & toddler

naming baby

why is crawling so important?

tips to manage opinionated feedback

By Christa Melnyk Hines With the debate that erupts around naming babies, expectant parents may wonder: ‘How much should popular trends and others’ opinions influence our decision?’

And, ‘How should we manage negative feedback for the name we choose?’

Laura Wattenberg, author of The Baby Name Wizard, says parents should consider their objectives when choosing a name. You might select a name to honor a friend or family member or because it sings to your heart, regardless of current trends. “On the other hand, if you see a name as a child’s calling card that will represent them to the broader world, you have to be willing to step outside of your personal taste and try to see it from other perspectives,” suggests Wattenberg.

How will the name you bequeath impact your child down the road?

“It wouldn’t be fair to your child to choose a name that all of their future friends and family absolutely loathe,” says Wattenberg. Although you rely on your friends and family for their honesty, advice, and perspective, you get to make the final decision and you may not be able to please everyone.

Keep your cool. If you hear negative feedback, stay calm and avoid getting defensive. “Explain the history, the meaning to you, the love you have for a certain name,” says Sharon O’Neill, a marriage and family psychotherapist and author of A Short Guide to a Happy Marriage. “Then nicely explain that you understand that others may not see it as you do, but you ask that everyone be supportive. Anything less would never be good for any child to eventually feel.”

"Although you rely on

your friends and family for their honesty, advice, and perspective, you get to make the final decision and you may not be able to please everyone."

Consider concessions. Sue LeBreton says she made the mistake of sharing the girl’s name she and her husband were considering with her mother-in-law.

“I loved the name Charlotte,” says LeBreton. But her mother-in-law clearly did not. The couple chose a different girl’s name on the list, naming their daughter Abigail. “What amuses me is today, Charlotte is one of my daughter’s favorite names for dolls!” says LeBreton.

Discuss conflicting cultural beliefs. Clashing cultural traditions can also fuel conflict when it comes to naming a baby. Madonna Chien says that her husband wanted to name their son after his father. “My mother disapproved 8 • Find us on

By Dr. Laura Vandertogt

because per Chinese tradition, it’s considered insulting to name your child after a family member. However, we explained to my mother that my Chinese father-in-law understood the intent and was okay with it,” she says.

Suggest nicknames. Try appeasing a disappointed family member by offering an olive branch in the form of a nickname. “Grandparents or an aunt or other family members may have a nickname that they use in their special relationship with your child,” says O’Neill.

Give it time. Stacy Weiland also met resistance from her mother when she decided on her son’s name, Andrew. “My mother wanted me to name him after my grandmother and grandfather. But I didn’t like the names very much, so I didn’t want to name my child after them.

My mother wouldn’t refer to my son by his name for about a month,” says Weiland.

Weiland gave her mother time to come around to her son’s name and advises other parents to do the same. “This is your child. You are going through a lot of big changes and sleepless nights. No one has a right to demand a particular name and give you more stress,” she says.

Politely ignore. What do you do about strangers who disparage your child’s name? Lisa Cash-Hanson and her husband chose the name Matilda for their daughter because they felt it was unique. “It was something in my heart that she would be named Matilda and it stuck,” says Hanson, author and business coach.

She was surprised when her daughter’s name didn’t ring well with others. Friends, family, and even strangers made faces and said, “That’s too old-fashioned” or, “She is going to get picked on in school” and worse, “That name is ugly.”

“We’re seeing an epidemic of bad baby-name manners,” says Wattenberg. “As names become more diverse and creative, there’s less agreement on what makes a good name. If someone is flat-out rude, chilly politeness and a change of subject is the best move.”

Hello! My name is____. Many parents say the best strategy they’ve found to manage feedback is to say nothing or plead indecision and announce the baby’s name after the birth. At that point, the focus will be on your adorable baby, and their name may seem less up for debate.

Freelance writer Christa is the mom of two boys with perfectly suited names as far as she’s concerned. She is the author of Confidently Connected: A Mom’s Guide to a Satisfying Social Life. CCM

Crawling is more than just a way for your child to get around and get into everything!

It’s important for many aspects of their development: • Physical development of muscles, joints, and spinal curves • Motor skills, coordination, and balance • Neurological development - building connections between the brain’s left and right hemispheres and information crossing the body’s midline • Vision and depth perception Builds self-confidence as your baby challenges • their limits and learns to overcome failure while exploring their environment Crawling usually occurs between six and 10 months of age. What’s most important is the order or sequence of motor milestones (rolling to sitting to crawling to walking).

The brain expects certain experiences to happen in a certain order for development to occur optimally.

"What’s most important is the order or sequence of motor milestones (rolling to sitting to crawling to walking.)"

Tips to encourage proper crawling: • Ensure adequate tummy time.

• Limit time in walkers, exersaucers, and other holding devices.

• Have a safe space on the floor to play and explore.

• Use a carpeted surface for more grip. If on a slippery floor, like hardwood, have your baby clothed in their diaper only.

• Model crawling by doing it yourself with your baby.

• Use a toy tunnel or large open box to encourage them onto all fours and move through it.

• When your baby is on their back, move their opposite arm and leg and touch hand and foot together at midline. Alternate sides 10 times.

If your little one has a unique way of crawling (like scooting on their bum, having one leg tucked under, or army crawling after nine months) or showing signs that they are skipping crawling altogether, there is often a reason why, and I encourage you to have your child checked by a chiropractor.

If your child is already walking but had a unique way of crawling or didn’t crawl for long, they can always gain the physical and neurological benefits now by going backward and practicing crawling. Adults, too! Crawling is a great rehabilitative exercise for your core and brain.

Dr. Vandertogt is a mom and chiropractor at The Wellness Studio in Calgary: 1603, 20 Avenue NW, with special interest in pregnancy, postpartum, and pediatrics. For more information, call 403-2285433, email drlaura@thewellnessstudio.ca, or visit wellnessstudio. ca. Follow her on Instagram @dr.laura.vandertogt for more great information for your little ones! CCM

bump, baby & toddler

becoming a parent families are as unique as the people in them Provided by Healthy Parents, Healthy Children Congratulations, you have a baby on the way! Now what happens? This made-in-Alberta resource will help you with the many changes coming. We’ll take you from the early stages of pregnancy, “It’s true, we’re pregnant!”, through the thrill of your baby’s birth, “It’s a boy!” or “It’s a girl!”, and into your baby’s first few weeks, “What do we do now?”

Families are as unique as the people in them. Your family might include a mother and father, same-sex parents, adoptive parents, foster parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, or close friends living together or on their own.

Parenting with others As you begin to think about being a parent, you’ll realize that parenting involves many decisions, including who will be involved in raising your child. If you’ll be parenting with a partner, talk about what each of you liked about your childhood, how you were raised, and how you would like to parent.

Here are some things you may want to think about: • Your hopes and dreams for your child • The kind of relationship you want to have with your child • Your expectations of yourself and your partner • How you plan to handle conflict with your child and each other • What you’ll need for child care and what your options are You may think of parenting strategies and traditions that you want to continue and others you want to change. If there are things you want to do differently from the way you were raised, there are many parenting programs that can help you learn new skills. Talk with your healthcare provider or call Health Link at 811 to find out about programs in your area.

Parenting with a partner If you do not have a partner, there are other people who can help give you the support you need. Think about those around you. Do you have a parent, sibling, or a friend who can share the joys and stresses of pregnancy and parenting with you?

You may want to ask yourself these questions: Who would I like to help me during pregnancy?

• During childbirth? After my baby is born?

• •

What kind of support do I need now? In childbirth? After my baby is born?

Who do I trust to help me, even when I’m tired or cranky?

Your life will change after having a baby, and different things will be important to you. Now is a great time to think about how you can get the support you need during your pregnancy and parenthood.

If you’re not in a relationship with your baby’s other parent or you’re no longer married or living together, there may be additional parenting decisions to make.

Some of the decisions may have to do with how much time each of you has with your child, as well as child support, schooling, health issues, and cultural traditions.

You may be wondering about legal guardianship once your baby is born. A guardian has the rights and the responsibility to make decisions about a child’s care and how the child is parented. To learn more about legal guardianship, the rights and responsibilities legal guardians have, and how to apply to be the legal guardian of a child, visit the Child Guardianship page on the Government of Alberta’s website, alberta.ca/applychild-guardianship.aspx. If you need legal advice for your own situation, you can speak with a lawyer.

If you have other children If you have other children, you can help them get ready to welcome the new baby. What and when you tell them depends on how old they are. Telling your children after the first trimester will give them time to get used to the idea of a new baby. After the first trimester, a miscarriage is also less likely and your pregnancy may begin to show. If you haven’t been feeling well in the first trimester, you may want to tell your older children that you’re pregnant right away, so they don’t worry that you’re sick. Even though your children may not notice your growing abdomen, other people will. Your children will notice any talk about babies going on around them.

Every child reacts differently to news that a new baby is coming. Some may be worried that you won’t have time for them, although they might not be able to tell you that. You may see changes in your child’s behavior, like wanting to be carried, talking like a baby again, or suddenly having toileting accidents. All of these are normal changes in children and with your love and support, they’ll last just a short time. Other children may be very excited for the baby to come home.

Some children may be curious and ask you, “Where do babies come from?” or “How did the baby get into your tummy?” When talking about where babies come from, try to use words your child understands and use the correct names for body parts. For children around three years old, you can say, “Babies grow in a special place inside a mom’s body called a uterus.” A six-year-old may have more questions about how the baby grows or how it will come out. You could say something like, “A baby grows in the uterus and is born through the vagina.”

Once you’ve told your children, look for ways to help them feel included in getting ready for the baby. All children need to feel like they’re wanted and part of the family.

Labour support The first trimester is a good time to start planning ahead for labour, birth, and beyond. You may be thinking about who’ll help you during labour. Your labour support person should be someone you trust, who knows you well, will go to prenatal classes with you, and will comfort and support you during labour. Ask your healthcare provider and birth centre how many people can be with you. If you do not have a labour support person, talk with your healthcare provider and childbirth educator about labour support.

Support during pregnancy There are many ways your partner can support you during pregnancy: Read pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and • parenting books together • Go to prenatal check-ups together and ask questions • Go to childbirth education and breastfeeding classes together • Learn about the birth centre together • Ask what supports they need during pregnancy • Talk about ways you can help during labour and birth. Practice exercises, massage, positioning, and relaxation with them Make healthy lifestyle choices together • • Keep a positive outlook • Help with tasks that they’re no longer able to do • Talk positively about their changing body Parenting is a skill you learn as you go. There are many people, programs, and resources that can help you with this learning.

You can find some of these resources by visiting healthyparentshealthychildren.ca, calling Health Link at 811, or talking with your healthcare provider. CCM

Spring 2021 • calgaryschild.com • 9

bump, baby & toddler

you notice a flat spot on your baby’s skull - now what? what you can do to fix it

By Catherine MacGillivray Babies' heads are malleable, which makes them susceptible to developing flat spots. It is easy and important to monitor your baby’s head shape. There are many treatment options available to your child if you notice a flat spot. There are also many ways to prevent flat spots from occurring.

Babies have soft skulls that tend to mold to the position they spend most of their days in. Babies sleep on their backs, which leads to the development of flat spots, most commonly on the back or sides of the head. Although this can often self-correct as they start spending more time on their tummy, sometimes it can progress and requires medical treatment to prevent permanent flat spots (head asymmetries).

The detection of an asymmetrical head is often associated with the baby’s preference to look in the same direction as the flat spot because it becomes the easiest position to rest their head in. This has a negative impact on the neck muscles, which become shortened on one side and overly lengthened on the other. Muscle imbalances of the neck can make it difficult for your baby to progress in movement milestones.

Head shape asymmetries are easier to treat when caught early. As soon as you notice a flat spot on your

10 • Find us on

baby’s skull or a preference to look one way, you should contact your doctor and/or a pediatric physiotherapist.

The gold standard treatment for head shape is through positioning advice and play-based exercises provided by a pediatric physiotherapist. This is best delivered before the baby starts spending most of playtime on their tummy. Once your child is not spending much time on their back, positioning strategies are limited in effectiveness due to them moving so often. Don’t worry if you don’t know how to monitor for a flat spot, most people don’t! The great news is, there are several treatment options once a flat spot is noticed, such as head shape helmets prescribed by a doctor or orthotist.

Flat spot correction is mostly for aesthetic reasons, so bring it up with your doctor to ask if your child would be a candidate.

How do you check your baby’s head? If you have them supported sitting in front of you, look down on their head from above. Check if there are any sides flatter than the other or if there are bald spots from laying on one part of the head more often. You can also watch them throughout the day to notice if they prefer feeding or looking in one direction over another.

Can you prevent head shape asymmetries? Yes! There are a number of things you can do to minimize the chance that your baby will develop head shape asymmetries. Firstly, try to ensure your baby gets at least 30 minutes of supervised tummy time each day. If your baby doesn’t tolerate tummy time well, a pediatric physiotherapist can provide alternative positions to try that are appropriate for your child. Additionally, you can change the direction of their cot each night, as babies tend to turn toward their parent(s). Finally, you can play with them on the floor and bring their attention to both sides equally with toys, singing, and speaking to them.

If you’re unsure if your baby needs physiotherapy or would like some advice, it is recommended that you talk to your doctor or a pediatric physiotherapist. Head shape asymmetries are something that can be easily treated over telehealth platforms (video physiotherapy).

Catherine MacGillivray is a registered pediatric physiotherapist in Alberta and BC. She has a Master of Physiotherapy Studies from the University of Queensland and has worked with children across Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. Catherine provides pediatric physiotherapy over telehealth (online physiotherapy) with Cairn Physiotherapy. To book an online appointment with Catherine, visit cairnphysiotherapy.ca. CCM

Whether it’s your first or a new addition, we have everything you need - from bump to baby to toddler and your growing family.

ASSOCIATIONS, EDUCATION & SUPPORT ALBERTA HEALTH SERVICES - HEALTHY PARENTS, HEALTHY CHILDREN Website: healthyparentshealthychildren.ca ALBERTA HEALTH SERVICES PERINATAL EDUCATION BIRTH & BABIES Website: birthandbabies.com CALGARY BABY AND TOT SHOW (THE) Phone: 403-249-1270 Email: calgarybabyandtot@gmail.com Website: calgarybabyshow.com CALGARY PUBLIC LIBRARY Phone: 403-260-2600 Website: calgarylibrary.ca CALGARY READS Phone: 403-777-8254 Website: calgaryreads.com

CENTRE FOR SLEEP & HUMAN PERFORMANCE Phone: 403-254-6663 Website: centreforsleep.com FOOTHILLS CHILDREN’S WELLNESS NETWORK (THE) Website: foothillsnetwork.ca G.R.I.T. (GETTING READY FOR INCLUSION TODAY) CALGARY SOCIETY Email: info@gritcalgarysociety.com Website: gritcalgarysociety.com LA LECHE LEAGUE CANADA - CALGARY Phone: 403-242-0277 Website: lllc.ca NEST PSYCHOLOGY Phone: 403-771-8458 Email: rae@nestpsychology.ca Website: nestpsychology.ca

NORTHERNSTAR MOTHERS MILK BANK Phone: 403-475-6455 Email: contact@northernstarmilkbank.ca Website: northernstarmilkbank.ca POST NATAL HELPERS Phone: 403-640-0844 Website: postnatalhelpers.ca

CLASSES, EDUCATION & PROGRAMS CALGARY JCC Phone: 403-253-8600 Email: rshore@cjcc.ca Website: calgaryjcc.com CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL (CW) Phone: 403-287-1868 Email: info@calgarywaldorf.org Website: calgarywaldorf.org

Spring 2021 • calgaryschild.com • 11

bump, baby & toddler

Bump, Baby & Toddler Guide

bump, baby & toddler

ai161652443717_YW Childcare - one-third vertical -Calgarys Child Magazine- 03.23.2021.pdf 1 3/23/2021 12:33:57 PM

CITY OF CALGARY (THE) PLAYSCHOOL PROGRAMS Phone (Southland Leisure Centre): 403-648-6555 Phone (Village Square Leisure Centre): 403-366-3900 Website: calgary.ca/playschool EARLY DISCOVERIES NURSERY SCHOOL Phone: 403-239-2444 Email: edns@shaw.ca EDELWEISS PREPARATORY SCHOOL Phone: 403-282-4220 Email: epschool@telus.net Website: epschool.ca FREE HOUSE DANCE PLUS (WEEBOP PRESCHOOL DANCE) Phone: 403-282-0555 Email: fhdp@telusplanet.net Website: freehousedance.com FUN 2 LEARN PRESCHOOL Phone: 403-239-2033; 403-880-6711 Email: anita@fun2learnpreschool.com Website: fun2learnpreschool.com

FLEXIBLE QUALITY CHILDCARE C

M

Y

for kids up to 5 years old.

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Full-time, part-time & drop-in spaces. available.

REGISTER TODAY

403.232.1594

ywcalgary.ca/childcare

GLENBROOK COMMUNITY PRESCHOOL Phone: 403-686-6868 Website: glenbrookpreschool.org LYCÉE LOUIS PASTEUR Phone: 403-243-5420, Ext. 123 Email: admissions@lycee.ca Website: lycee.ca MUSIC KIDS FOR BABIES & TODDLERS Phone: 403-246-8446 Email: info@chinookschoolofmusic.com Website: chinookschoolofmusic.com/musickids PRE-KINDERGARTEN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES Phone: 403-605-2988 Email: Register@PreKindergartenEd.com Website: Pre-KindergartenEd.com REPSOL SPORT CENTRE Phone: 403-233-8393 Email: info@repsolsport.com Website: register.repsolsportcentre.com SEEDLINGS SPANISH PRESCHOOL Phone: 403-210-0604 Website: seedlingspreschool.ca SPRINGBANK PLAYSCHOOL ASSOCIATION Phone: 403-830-7294 Website: springbankplayschool.ca SUMMIT START Phone: 403-477-6460 Email: riverview@summitstart.ca Website: summitstart.ca THINK SUN PRESCHOOL ACADEMY (THE) Phone: 403-240-4466 Email: info@thethinksunpreschool.com Website: thethinksunpreschool.com TRICO CENTRE FOR FAMILY WELLNESS Website: tricocentre.ca VECOVA RECREATION CENTRE Website: vecovarecreation.ca YW CHILDCARE CENTRE Phone: 403-232-1594 Email: childcare@ywcalgary.ca Website: ywcalgary.ca/childcare

FAMILY DAY OUT BUTTERFIELD ACRES CHILDREN’S FARM Phone: 403-239-0638 Email: farmfun@butterfieldacres.com Website: butterfieldacres.com

12 • Find us on

CALGARY ZOO Phone: 403-232-9300 Website: calgaryzoo.com GRANARY ROAD Website: granaryroad.com HERITAGE PARK HISTORICAL VILLAGE Phone: 403-268-8500 Website: heritagepark.ca LOOSE MOOSE THEATRE COMPANY Phone: 403-265-5682

RETAIL & SERVICES BELLIAM PHOTOS Phone: 403-975-7996 Email: belliamphotos@gmail.com Website: belliamphotos.com BORDEAUX DEVELOPMENTS Phone: 403-215-0800 Website: bordeauxdevelopments.com FIRST STEP NUTRITION Phone: 403-608-3240 Email: jen@firststepnutrition.com Website: firststepnutrition.com GROWING CO. KIDS ECO BOUTIQUE Phone: 587-894-3661 Email: info@growingco.ca Website: growingco.ca KALEIDOSCOPE KIDS PRESCHOOL Phone: 403-547-1020 Email: office@kalkids.com Website: kalkids.com KING’S KIDS PRESCHOOL Phone: 403-945-5206 Website: kkpreschool.ca MUSICA ACADEMY YAMAHA SCHOOL LTD. Phone (Northwest): 403-681-3117 Phone (Southwest): 403-619-9990 Website: musicaacademy.com ONCE UPON A CHILD - VARSITY Phone: 403-543-1068 Website: onceuponachildvarsity.com REAL CANADIAN SUPERSTORE Website: realcanadiansuperstore.ca SOILED DIAPERS COMPOSTING SERVICES INC. Phone: 403-837-3221 Email: info@soileddiapers.ca Website: soileddiapers.ca TRICO HOMES Phone: 403-287-9300 Email: info@tricohomes.com Website: tricohomes.com WASHED + WORN CURATED KIDS CONSIGNMENT Email: hello@washedandworn.ca Website: washedandworn.ca

MEDICAL, DENTAL & VISION CARE ALBERTA BLUE CROSS Phone: 1-800-AB-CROSS Website: ab.bluecross.ca PEDIATRIC HEADSHAPE CLINIC (THE) Phone: 1-844-944-3237 Email: info@synergyortho.ca Website: pediatricheadshape.com This listing is provided for your reference only. Please research carefully and choose the company that meets your family’s needs best. CCM

Nutrition services provided by a dietitian specializing in Baby-led Weaning & Picky Eating Jennifer House MSc, RD 403-608-3240 jen@firststepnutrition.com

firststepnutrition.com

how to read to your baby

By Janelle Wydeven Maybe the COVID babies won’t get to coo at new friends on mats while the moms hold warrior pose at mom-and-me yoga, and maybe they won’t get to splash each other and get tossed high above the pool water in soggy diapers as the dads sing, “When you’re up, you’re up…” But what they do have is you. You and books.

As a new parent, you might not realize that it’s never too early to start reading aloud to your baby. Simply talking to your baby and playing together is an easy and important way to help build their brains - developing language skills that will help them become confident readers later on.

Every time you read to your baby, all kinds of activity is happening inside their busy minds to help them learn words, understand emotional cues, and feel secure and calm. Your baby needs your help to learn these skills. Just as you help your baby learn to fall asleep on their own and eat and crawl and, well, everything… you’re also there to help build your baby’s brain and emotional wellbeing through reading.

So, how do you read a book to your baby and make the most of these special moments?

Choose books that your baby can hold and see.

Books with bright and bold or high-contrast illustrations are easier for young babies to see and are more likely to captivate them. Board books or plastic bathtub books are easier for them to hold.

Include rhyming and singing books. In addition to being a great source of fun and silliness, rhyming books offer diverse word choices and repetition to help your baby learn words. They’ll know the book before they can even read it!

Snuggle as you read. Your baby enjoys you holding them close as much as they enjoy hearing your voice.

Feeling safe and secure in your arms as you read builds your baby’s confidence and love of reading.

‘Serve and return’ their coos, growls, and gurgles.

When your baby makes these sounds, they are

communicating with you. These are their first attempts at speech and language. Encourage your baby’s attempts to mimic your sounds (speech) and language. Think of these moments as a tennis match: Baby coos, you coo back.

You say hi, they imitate hi. The more baby practices these sounds, the clearer they will become, and they will love having your focused attention.

Ask questions about the story and name that thing.

As you read and sense the pictures and sounds they love in a story, name the objects that interest them (“That’s the moon! Isn’t it bright?”) to inspire their interest and curiosity and build their vocabulary. Comment on the story to encourage interaction and language development (“Mommy bunny reads a book before bed, we are reading a book, too!”).

Re-read their favorite books. If there’s a book they adore, read it over and over. Repetition strengthens their language development and positive feelings about reading.

Create a reading routine. Your baby can feel soothed in being able to predict what will happen next, and this becomes even more important as a young reader. Choose a time of day that works for your family (pre-bedtime and pre-naptime are popular reading happy hours) and make it a step they’ll look forward to every day.

Keep books within baby’s reach. If you can, store some books on a shelf that’s within reach. If your baby can touch and play and love their books, they’ll want to read, and they’ll start to see themself as a reader.

These are just a few fun and simple ways you can help your child become a happy, confident reader. Try a tip each time you read and see what works best for your child. Happy reading!

Janelle is the Director of Family Engagement at Calgary Reads, an organization changing the lives of children and families through the magic of reading. Janelle regularly hosts baby book club workshops. Learn more and access free family reading resources at littleredreading.house. CCM

Find us at calgaryschild.com

Counselling to Empower Women WOMEN'S and PERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH

Rae Kokotailo, MSc Registered Provisional Psychologist

403.771.8458

rae@nestpsychology.ca

nestpsychology.ca

A nature inspired interactive play space!

Welcome to the Brawn Family Foundation Bugtopia.

Your health & safety is important to us.

Physical distancing and extra cleaning protocols are in place at all play spaces.

For timed tickets, visit calgaryzoo.com Spring 2021 • calgaryschild.com • 13

bump, baby & toddler

We help make feeding YOUR family easier

spring fun

15

Calgary's Best Walks

|

16

Get Outside & Play |

19

Survival Gear

spring flings family fun

Calgary’s best walks springtime family walkabouts

By Lori Beattie Glacial erratics, coulees, big nature, and views

Photos: Courtesy of Lori Beattie

NOSE HILL PARK, NW Pack a picnic and head to Nose Hill Park for a big nature outing that is all running and climbing and exploring. Soak up the views of downtown and Calgary’s Northeast as you climb to the top of the plateau. Once on top, take a look around and you will see that Broadcast Hill (the hill where Canada Olympic Park was built) is also flat and at the same elevation as Nose Hill.

When the glaciers carved their way across Nose Hill, they left behind many large boulders known as glacial erratics, which bear no compositional resemblance to local rocks. 100 years ago, buffalo roamed Nose Hill. In the Spring, the buffalo would rub against these stones as they began to molt, trying to remove irritating hairs. You can see the evidence in the form of deep, smooth depressions and shiny spots that remain on the stones today.

Ice cream, pups, and paddles

BRIDGELAND AND ST. PATRICK’S ISLAND Start your walk on Tom Campbell’s Hill, an off-leash natural park with spectacular views. The hill’s name originates from a large sign that stood for many years advertising Tom Campbell’s Hats. Bridgeland is a perfect example of a ‘biophilic community’ or ‘green streets’ where nature is integrated into the community from the ground up. Urban forests canopy streets and pocketsized green spaces are scattered throughout. This nature integration is the norm in Calgary’s older neighborhoods thanks to William Pearce and William Reader, two of Calgary’s early parks superintendents. William Pearce envisioned a city of trees, and he devoted a lot of time and effort to develop the early boulevard plantings and parks that make the inner-city neighborhoods great places to walk.

Pat a few pooches in the off-leash natural park before continuing on your trek. Make your way down the hill to 1 Avenue followed by the Bridgeland LRT pedestrian overpass. Cross Memorial Drive and turn left to walk to St. Patrick’s Island. The perfect family spot, St. Patrick’s Island, evexperience.com/st-patricks-island, is built for outdoor fun with its natural water park that fills from the Bow River. Sit near Trout Beach to enjoy downtown views while enjoying your snack.

Continue west along the Bow River pathway and walk north across Memorial Drive at Edmonton Trail and continue to Flyover Park, parksfdn.com/flyoverpark. Make your way back through neighborhood streets toward Murdoch Park. Keep watch for the ultimate kid’s dream house; an old fire hall turned private home on 6A Street at Centre Avenue. Grab your ice cream, coffee, or slice of pizza and roll down the hill (without spilling anything!) into Murdoch Park.

Nose Hill Park Hills south of the city near Priddis are the same. These plateaus are the remnants of a 60-million-year-old swampy, forested landscape into which the Bow and Elbow rivers, and the glaciers that followed their valleys, have incised by 175m. That is something to think about while you catch your breath.

Continue along single-track trails that dip into coulees and watch for the resident deer that call the park home.

Pull up a bench or settle into a grassy spot and enjoy your lunch on the top of the world.

Starting point: Nose Hill parking lot (64 Avenue and 14 Street SW).

Public washrooms: Port-a-potties at the parking lot.

Navigating Nose Hill 101: Navigating Nose Hill is challenging. If you are new to the hill, pay attention to the landmarks and do not attempt to walk the hill in poor visibility (snowstorms, fog, or darkness). The power lines at the far north end of the hill extend from the Berkley Gate parking lot to the Edgemont parking lot. If you can see the airport, you are on the 14th Street side of the hill.

There is an antenna visible on the hill, which is close to the Calgary Winter Club parking lot, off 14th Street.

Firehall House, Bridgeland Starting point: Bridgeland LRT or Tom Campbell’s Hill Parking lot at Child Avenue and Centre Avenue NE. Public washrooms: St. Patrick’s Island near the playground.

Picnic supplies: Bridgeland Market (1104, 1 Avenue NE).

Ice cream stop: Lukes Drug Mart (Edmonton Trail South and 1 Avenue), Village Ice Cream (69, 7A Street NE), or Made by Marcus (1105, 1 Avenue NE).

Café stop: Sidewalk Citizen and Phil & Sebastian Coffee at the Simmons Building on the River Walk (618 Confluence Way SE) or in Bridgeland at Lukes Drug Mart, Phil & Sebastian, Baya Rica Café, Bridgeland Market.

Deer, pelicans, ducks, and bald eagles

CARBURN PARK, BEAVERDAM FLATS, AND LYNNVIEW RIDGE, SE If you’re looking for a post-dinner stroll to relax or to allow the kids to burn off some energy, your family will enjoy a visit to Carburn Park. This trek is perfect for all ages with its water features, wildlife, and mostly paved pathways. And when the trees are full, this extensive suburban green space becomes a refreshing nature getaway. Balsam poplars offer shade while shrubs like Saskatoon, chokecherry, American silverberry, and Canada buffaloberry provide textures and colors along the trail.

Pelicans, double-breasted cormorants, and bald eagles all frequent this area, and many deer call the park home.

Beaverdam Flats, Lynnwood Start the walk at Carburn Park or at Sue Higgins offleash park for a longer walkabout. From Sue Higgins off-leash park, cross over the Bow River and walk north along the pathway to Carburn Park. Continue along the forested trails on the west side of the lake while keeping watch for the resident deer. Walking along the Bow River is where you’ll see pelicans in the springtime, as well as bald eagles and so many ducks, year-round.

For a longer walk, continue south under Glenmore Trail and up the escarpment to Lynnwood and views of the Rocky Mountains. Continue walking north along the escarpment before descending along a narrow pathway through prairie grasses to the water’s edge. Cross the bridge and take a side trip into Beaverdam Flats Park to experience the power of Mother Nature. The park was destroyed by floodwaters in 2013. The shape of the park is constantly changing as some areas are washed away and others built up.

Continue your walk along the river trail, then climb the escarpment toward the big prairie sky. Head south and retrace your steps all the way back to your starting point or, if you have just got your walking pace, keep on trekking along the Bow River Pathway all the way to Fish Creek Park.

Starting point: Official Carburn Park parking lot at the end of Riverview Drive SE or Sue Higgins Off-Leash Park at Deerfoot Trail and Southland Drive SE. Public washrooms: At the parking lot.

Lori’s new guidebook, Calgary’s Best Walks Expanded, has 45 walks with maps and 40 suggested detours (all perfect for families!).

She leads city walks and mountain hikes with her company, Fit Frog Adventures. Grab a copy of her book or connect with her on Instagram and Facebook @lorifitfrog and at fitfrog.ca. CCM

Spring 2021 • calgaryschild.com • 15

spring flings family fun

Parenting is all about making decisions – big and little To help make your job just a little easier, sign up for our e-newsletter at calgaryschild.com.

Every month, we’ll send you tips, tricks, recipes, events and more.

E-NEWS

five reasons to get your kids outside to play the benefits of interacting with the natural environment

By Christa Melnyk Hines Today’s kids typically spend several hours a day immersed in low-sensory, pixelated landscapes rather than outdoors playing in the mud, climbing trees, examining bugs, rolling down hills, or making up games.

As a consequence, kids are less focused, get frustrated more easily, and struggle with more advanced social skills like negotiation, problem-solving, and conflict resolution.

“Technology is addicting and it’s keeping kids from engaging the senses, developing the muscles, and all of the fundamental things that help children develop properly,” says pediatric occupational therapist Angela Hanscom, author of Balanced and Barefoot: How Unrestricted Outdoor Play Makes for Strong, Confident and Capable Children. “We’re at the point where we are seeing kids have pretty significant sensory issues because it’s almost like a sensory deprivation of our environment.”

Research finds that time outdoors improves our overall fitness, helps us sleep better, enhances creativity and cognitive skills, boosts our ability to fight disease, and even helps children with ADHD and anxiety better regulate their moods.

1. Regulates emotions. “Exercise and nature are the prescriptions that have helped my kid,” says Tammy Muzrall, whose son Nathan, 11, struggles with anxiety and social issues. “Nature is calming. It’s healing. It naturally rebalances you. All you have to do is walk in it.”

About four years ago, Tammy began taking Nathan to a forest school near her home. The school is situated on 10 acres and invites people of all ages to engage with nature through play, exploration, and awareness.

Our bodies are inherently designed to interact with our natural environment. Movement and outdoor play help us regulate our emotions. Physical activity strengthens the vestibular system, which is where the body manages balance and spatial orientation. The vestibular system feeds into the limbic system, which is the body’s centre for emotions.

“If a child tends to be hyperactive, or if they are moving a lot or really fidgety, that means they need to move more. That movement will help their body to naturally regulate their emotions,” explains Hanscom.

2. Fosters social skills. Nathan enjoys both the social and playful aspects of the forest school. “To find other like-minded kids who are wired like us was a breath of fresh air,” says Muzrall. “He loves jumping in the pond and climbing the trees. And, sit spots are his favorite.”

During ‘sit spots,’ each child finds a patch of grass, a tree, or any spot that appeals to them where they can sit alone and notice their surroundings. They don’t have to sit perfectly still. They can dig around in the dirt, watch for wild animals, or listen to the birds.

Even 30 minutes a day spent sitting in your yard, witnessing nature in action, is therapeutic for adults and kids alike.

3. Promotes creativity. Kids often complain that spending time outside is boring or uncomfortable.

Hanscom suggests encouraging your kids to get inspired by your environment. Try throwing in a few age-appropriate supplies and tools to rev up their imaginations. “Place out different adult items like trays or kitchenware by mud puddles,” she says. “Bring out baskets with pulleys, string, and scissors or planks and trucks by a slow-moving river. Giving them materials

16 • Find us on

quickens the process of being creative and having ideas of what to do outside.”

Invite friends for a (socially-distanced) day of outdoor play rather than just for a few hours, which will give kids time to inspire each other and come up with ideas for their discoveries. For example, how many ways can they use a stick? One child might use it to scratch letters in the dirt while another begins building a fort.

4. Cultivates environmental stewards.

Conservationists worry that disengaged kids also become less interested in caring for the environment.

Jodi Crutchfield, a mom of two children, Addi, nine, and Sammy, six, believes in fostering an appreciation and empathy for the world outside with her children. “They have learned how cool animals, bugs, and spiders are.

We can play with them a little bit, but we don’t hurt them, and we put them back where we found them,” says Crutchfield. “They understand the idea of ‘leave no trace.’

"Time outdoors improves

our overall fitness, helps us sleep better, enhances creativity and cognitive skills, boosts our ability to fight disease, and even helps children with ADHD and anxiety better regulate their moods."

They pick up garbage when we are on hikes and can spot a piece of garbage 100 yards away. I was so proud last summer when both kids finished a week-long camp, and both earned a ‘Most Connected to the Environment’ award within their camp troops.”

5. Enhances mindfulness. Time spent in nature grounds us in the present moment, giving us space free of distractions where we can focus on the sights, sounds, and smells surrounding us. Even if your child is reluctant, gently coax them out the door to explore a nearby trail or simply relax in the shade outside with you.

“They don’t know that it’s going to be good for them,” says Daniel. “They go around with technology bombarding them all of the time, and they forget who they are. They forget that they came from the earth, and they’re going back to the earth. You are part of everything. You’re part of the forest. You’re part of nature.

It’s part of you.”

Christa is a nationally-published freelance writer. As the mother of two boys, she knows first-hand how time spent running outside can be transformative to how well her family sleeps and manages stress. CCM

spring flings family fun

puddles are for everyone let’s get messy together this spring

By Carrie Malin Spring is here! Well, at least the concept of Spring is here. While there is still the possibility that we might wake up to a few more snowy mornings here in Alberta, our mindset is beginning to shift toward summer. In my house, there’s one tried-and-true signal that this longawaited season is upon us: puddles!

Beautiful wild water pooling onto the streets and sidewalks. Everyone begins to take note of the gradual but noticeable - regression of snow piles, the persistently dirty car windows, and the occasional (usually accidental) shoe that gets flooded with water. While some of these things don’t typically encite joy in a person, Spring brings along with it all the lovely aspects of this season that we enjoy. Springtime brings longer days, warmer weather, nature and animals springing (literally) back to life, and more.

If you’ve never played in puddles as a child, don’t fret (although oh, boy, you’ve been missing out). One great advantage of raising children is you get to re-experience childhood! Here, I’ve shared four fun puddle-centred ideas that my family does each year to initiate springtime.

Slap on every waterproof piece of clothing you have and let’s get messy together and play in those puddles!

1. The ‘classic’ jumping and splashing contest. This has to be the simplest yet funnest activity surrounding puddles. Not much explanation is necessary, except me urging you to try it. Additionally, if you can find a (safe) ledge to jump off, it makes the splash all the more satisfying. Activities are always more fun in (legallyallowed, socially-distanced, outdoor) groups, and puddle chaos is no exception. Get others involved in the fun and create a contest! The best days are when my family gets Grandpa running through puddles.

2. The artist’s puddle scene. Let’s get artsy and take some videos with our camera phones! This activity takes activity number 1 to a whole new level. My family loves to make slow-motion and stop-motion videos while my kiddo bounds through puddles. Don’t get me wrong, there are also a bunch of pictures that get taken (shocking, I know). The goal here is to create the splash of all splashes. This usually involves my son running or bicycling through the biggest puddle we can find! Take a video at a few different angles, too. Shoot the splash from up high (yes, we’ve packed a step-stool to our favorite puddle), at ground level, and even in the puddle’s reflection.

3. The great gutter-stream boat race. As a child, I religiously made little tin-foil boats and spent hours and hours racing them down the gutter streams. Now, as an adult, well… I still do it! When crafting your boat, make sure it’s large enough so you won’t lose it down the gutter; you don’t want to litter. If you’re more ecoconscious or don’t use tin-foil in your house, wax-paper boats, Lego boats, or any other toy boat will work just fine. To keep it engaging, my family also likes to make racing rules. For instance, we time our boat races and the best time out of five runs, wins.

You’re allowed to make small alterations to your boat (since they’re probably a little flimsy), but you’re not allowed to use a new boat until there is a new set of runs. Additionally, there’s no assisting your boat down the stream more than twice. And if your boat drowns or gets majorly stuck and you have to reposition it, you get two seconds added to your final time. Get racing! (P.S. It’s harder to make a decent tinfoil boat than you think.)

4. The puddle science experiments. I’ve thought of two simple and educational experiments that are fun for the whole family: • Let’s learn about water filtration! All you need is three clear cups, another cup or bowl for scooping, a coffee filter, a strainer, and a decently dirty-looking puddle.

Collect some water in one of the clear cups (to show what the unfiltered water looks like. AKA, the ‘control’).

Then, position the coffee filter on the second cup, the strainer on the third cup, and pour some dirty water through the ‘filters’ into the two cups! Once the water is filtered, ask your kids what happened and which cup has the cleanest water. They may understand the concept of ‘mechanical filtration’ even before they know what mechanical filtration is!

• Build a dam in a gutter stream. Start by collecting some naturally-sourced materials (fallen twigs, rocks, and chunks of ice and snow). Pick a spot along a gutter stream and get building! Explain to your kids the purpose of a dam and that we see them both in nature (beavers) and in industry (power and water dams). See if you can entirely block the stream and wait until you can see the difference in water level as the dam starts working its magic.

Spring is not always enjoyable due to the significantly increased wetness of the world and the resulting muckiness of kiddos (and floors). But with puddles, you and your family can make the messy nature of Spring more exciting! It may mean a couple more loads of laundry and rounds of floor mopping, but your children will thank you for it. Additionally, if you make puddlehunting part of your walking routine, you may discover a world of hidden monster-sized puddles right outside your front door!

Well, folks, if you’re still even the slightest bit interested in my article on small streetside pools of dirty water, I bid you one final piece of advice: Invest in good, knee-high rubber boots. I bought a pair of rubber boots last year and wore them almost every day in Spring! I also bring them camping on the wetter trips and they’ve changed my life.

Carrie is a medical laboratory scientist, mother, writer, and amateur photographer in Edmonton, who is usually found exploring the outdoors with her family. She also loves to connect with like-minded adventurers. Check out her blog, thatoutdoorsyfamily.com, or connect on Instagram @__carrielynnn. CCM

Spring 2021 • calgaryschild.com • 17

By Tanya Koob My son and I had dabbled in geocaching over the past few years until last Spring when it suddenly became the most brilliant outdoor activity in the world.

We didn’t have to leave our neighborhood during COVID restrictions, we were able to physically distance from other people while we rambled off the paved pathways searching for treasure, and we didn’t have to drive anywhere (a quick search revealed that we could find over 50 hidden caches without leaving our neighborhood)!

Geocaching is an affordable family activity with virtually no learning curve. Children and youth of all ages will be motivated to get outside, and it’s a great opportunity for family bonding. My family has been geocaching with friends this Spring and have found happiness in being able to meet up with others in a safe environment outdoors.

What is geocaching and how to get started Geocaching.com describes geocaching as a “realworld, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPSenabled devices. Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache (container) hidden at that location.” Don’t worry if this sounds complicated. You can use your smartphone to locate the geocaches and even those of us who are directionally challenged can learn how to follow the easyto-use app.

Getting started requires the following five steps: 1. Register for a free account at geocaching.com. You can also upgrade to a premium membership, which allows you to search for a larger collection of caches.

2. Load a geocaching app on your phone (my family likes the Groundspeak app).

3. Open the app and search the map to find caches near your house (traditional caches show up as little green boxes).

4. Use your phone to navigate to the cache and try to find the hidden container.

I recommend paying attention to the difficulty, terrain, and size. As a beginner, you’ll want to choose larger caches instead of starting with micros (often the size of a matchbox or a small pill container). I also click on the ‘hint’ to help narrow down the search. My family always reads the description for additional hints and tips, and we read the ‘activity’ section for each cache to see when it was last found. If it was last found a year ago, it might mean it’s either super hard to find or it’s gone missing.

You’ll also find additional tips under the ‘activity’ section from other users who have already found the cache and left a comment (you have to leave a comment with every found cache).

5. Log your find. Click ‘log’ when you have found your geocache, leave a comment, and then enjoy the victory that comes with the happy face that appears over that cache.

Also, open the cache to sign the physical log book. (I recommend bringing a pencil with you because many small caches won’t have one.)

Many caches also have treasure in them (small tradeable trinkets). The basic rule with ‘trading’ is, you must leave something equal in value to the treasure you are taking out of the cache.

NOTE: These five steps apply to phone geocaching.

If you want to use a traditional GPS device, you can find instructions at geoaching.com.

18 • Find us on

Five great places to try geocaching in Calgary 1. Bowness Park, NW. There are several easy-to-find geocaches spread out around this large park.

You’ll also find a playground, picnic sites with fire pits or stoves, a wading pool, a pond with boat rentals, and paved pathways for biking.

From Bowness, you can also cross the river where you’ll find more geocaching in Baker Park (along with a disc golf course).

You can also head west into Valley Ridge (which involves climbing stairs), or head east into the Bowmont Natural Area following the paved pathway.

You could spend the whole of Spring exploring the pathways, neighborhoods, and natural areas that are all accessible from Bowness Park.

2. Nose Hill Park. There are several parking areas for this large urban park with geocaches to find from each one. If you want to bike around the park, I recommend starting from the Shaganappi Trail parking lot where you’ll find paved pathways to traverse the park. If you’re on foot, my family always starts from the John Laurie Boulevard parking lot or from one of the trailheads off 14 Street.

From 14 Street, make sure you find the Nose Hill Siksikaitsitapi Medicine Wheel (a virtual cache), the Nose Hill labyrinth (A Mazing Cache), or one of the earth caches where you might find a large glacial erratic. These caches usually require some reading and a question that you must answer for your log.

3. Prince’s Island to St. Patrick’s Island, Downtown.

Bring the bikes, inline skates, or scooters and head out for some playground hopping and geocaching fun downtown. You’ll find several caches hidden along the river between Prince’s Island Park and St. Patrick’s Island. The kids will also enjoy stopping at three different playgrounds along the route, all connected by a paved pathway.

For a longer bike ride, consider starting in Edworthy Park and taking the Bow River Pathway downtown. There are several caches to find along the route on both sides of the river.

4. The Weaselhead Natural Area in North Glenmore Park, SW. Hike down to the Elbow River from North Glenmore Park and enjoy a 5-kilometre hike through the Weaselhead Natural Area as you hunt for geocaches along the way. My family found seven geocaches the last time we did this scenic hike, and it was easy to forget that we were still in the city.

Photo: Courtesy of Tanya Koob

spring flings family fun

get outside this spring and try geocaching

Back in North Glenmore Park, there are playgrounds and picnic areas with fire pits or stoves.

NOTE: No bikes or dogs are allowed in the Weaselhead Natural Area. You’ll also leave the paved pathway behind for this hike.

5. Fish Creek, South. This large provincial park has many access points across South Calgary and you’ll find geocaching opportunities from each parking area. You can either bike the paved pathways or head out on foot to explore the dirt trails.

Due to the size of this park, look at the geocaching map ahead of time to plot out your route. You may need bikes if you want to find several caches in the same outing. Otherwise, you could spend springtime exploring the different parts of this park.

Happy searching!

Tanya is a freelance writer and mom to an energetic boy. She loves hiking, camping, skiing, and all things mountain-related. She is the author of the blog, Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies, rockiesfamilyadventures.com. CCM

survival gear for children

By Karen Ung

It’s never too early to teach your children wilderness survival skills. What if little Johnnie gets lost on your next big hike? Or there is a mudslide and you’re cut off from camp or each other (it has happened!)? It’s easy to read headlines and think, ‘That could never happen to us,’ but you just never know. It’s best to have a plan in case you are separated (I’ve taught my kids to stay in one place and signal for help), discuss it with all members of your group/family, ensure everyone is carrying their own wilderness survival gear and ensure they know how to use each item.

Also known as a ‘bug-out bag,’ your wilderness survival kit should contain everything you need to survive for three days. This list is different from what an adult would carry and is targeted to children aged four to eight since they are old enough to carry their own small backpack, not big enough to carry larger items such as a bivvy/ Siltarp, and typically not mature enough to carry a knife or fire-making kit (essentials in any survival kit). Add other items (such as an EpiPen, medications, fire-making kit, knife) at your discretion. Signalling devices (whistle, mirror, and flashlight) are critical. If your child is quickly found, they won’t have to use the other items!

1. Marine whistle on a lanyard (or attached to a jacket/pack). Get a high quality pealess marine whistle.

A pealess whistle will work when wet and has no parts that can freeze together. Encourage your children to blast the whistle as loud as possible if they are lost or in trouble. Let them have some fun practicing (to make sure they know how to use it), and then let them know it is for emergency-use only. You may need earplugs for the practice session as high-quality whistles are louder than 100 decibels!

2. Signalling mirror. Teach your children how to use the mirror to signal for help and who/what the signal should be directed at (flash the mirror at helicopters, vehicles, signs of civilization such as fire lookouts or cabins; sweep the horizon if no signs of people). At night, use your headlamp and shine light on the mirror sweeping the light quickly across the mirror for a short flash and slowly for a long flash.

The universal distress signal is SOS (three dots, three dashes, three dots) and can be signalled with three short flashes, three long flashes, three short flashes. If you don’t

have a mirror, you could use your hand and a flashlight or the flashlight switch to make long and short flashes.

Practice at home with your children to see what method works best! The SOS signal can also be made with stones on the ground by making three round piles of rocks, three dashes (horizontal line), and three more round piles of rocks.

3. LED headlamp/flashlight. I prefer headlamps, so my kids can be hands-free. Most models are LED, which is great as the batteries last forever, but be sure to replace low batteries and carry replacements.

4. Water bottle and purification tablets. Teach your children how to use water purification tablets and attach a note/picture to the package. For example, a hand-drawn 1 tablet + 1 bottle of water makes it easy for a panicking child to understand. If the quantities are different, e.g. half a tablet per water bottle, break the tablets in half and draw a picture of 1/2 tablet + 1 bottle of water. I trust Potable Aqua products to purify my drinking water.

5. Snacks. Make sure your child has a few high calorie, non-perishable snacks such as protein bars or granola bars in their pack. Although you can survive a few days without food, a snack is comforting while you wait for help to arrive. Make sure it’s something yummy that your child likes, but not something with a strong odor that may attract bears.

6. Sun hat. A sun hat will help keep your little one’s head cool and hopefully help prevent sunstroke. It’s a battle to get my kids to wear hats, but since we got lighter, breathable ones that don’t make them so hot, they are keen to wear them. When packing, talk to your kids about being sun smart: seek out shade or make a sun shelter, stay hydrated, wait for the weather to cool down before moving around quickly. If your child will wear sunglasses, pack those, too! Children’s eyes are more susceptible to UV damage.

7. Rain jacket/rain poncho/emergency space blanket.

I prefer a rain jacket or poncho for my girls because they can put it on by themselves and stay dry. If you don’t own either, a large plastic garbage bag works in a pinch, but I encourage you to at least pick up a Dollar Store rain poncho as it is small, light, compact, and provides good protection from the elements. I usually bring the girls’

nylon rain jackets because they are light and stand up to abrasion better than disposable rain gear.

8. Warm clothing. Pack a fleece hoodie/down sweater/down vest, beanie and gloves/mittens for nighttime. Patagonia makes a really light, but warm, down sweater. I like down for how light and compressible it is, but it must be kept dry to keep you warm. MEC makes really great fleece hoodies that are a little longer to keep your backside warm. Warm clothing is very important, especially if kids are too young to build a fire to keep warm.

9. Band-aids and Polysporin (in a small Ziploc bag) or small first-aid kit. I like the Adventure Medical Kit 0.3 size for individual use and 0.7 size for family hikes.

10. 550 paracord bracelet. A length of sturdy rope is always useful (especially for rigging a shelter) and a bracelet is a compact way of carrying it. Ideally, one would also have a knife to cut lengths of rope, but my kids are a little young to carry one. Use your discretion as to when your child can safely handle a knife on their own.

What about a walkie talkie or cell phone?

If you have cell phone reception and battery, a phone can mean the difference between an emergency situation or temporary separation. If there is no cell phone reception, a walkie talkie is helpful, but even ‘long range’ walkie talkies do not work well in mountainous terrain.

If your child is down in a gully separated from you by a large ridge, chances are, you will not be able to connect by walkie talkie. If you have them, bring them, but be sure to pack other signalling devices such as a whistle and signalling mirror.

As you accumulate wilderness survival gear, teach everyone how to use it and practice, practice, practice.

Wishing you safe and happy trails!

Karen is a mother and a lover of maps, mountains, and mochas.

With her geography degree and experience leading hikes and backpacking trips in the Rockies, she is full of ideas on where to go and what to do. The mission of her blog, Play Outside Guide, playoutsideguide.com, is to provide everything families need to know to get outside and have fun. CCM

MAY 29 & 30, 2021

BMO CENTRE AHS safety protocols will be in place.

AHS safety protocols will be in place.

WWW.CALGARYBABYSHOW.COM Spring 2021 • calgaryschild.com • 19

spring flings family fun

top 10 pieces of wilderness

birthdays & celebrations

how to celebrate life’s milestones during lockdown here's some ideas on how to make lockdown celebrations special

By Kemi Ajayi Now that the weather is warmer, and the neighborhood bunnies are beginning to change color, you may wonder how you can celebrate a loved one’s birthday or significant milestone together while apart. Don’t worry, I have you covered! Here is a list of ideas you can pamper the special people in your life during lockdown. And if you are like me, you can drop hints or ideas to others, so they know what to do on your special day.

1. Show that special someone you care by leaving on their doorstep some flowers, their favorite box of chocolates or snack, and a few personal sentiments on a handwritten card. Flowers are always a nice touch, but some people are allergic. In that case, leave a small terrarium of succulents that are easy to take care of and can be added to any style of home décor.

2. Order a box of afternoon tea or a grazing tray (these have become very popular in Calgary) and have the box delivered to the special someone’s house. A simple search on Google or Instagram will give you recommendations in your area.

3. Purchase a spa gift box or make one yourself! There is a ton of inspiration online for things you can add into the spa box: handmade soaps and candles, face and body scrubs, beard grooming kit items for men, etc. If you are feeling adventurous, make it a virtual event and have everyone put on their favorite facemask to refresh after a long day.

4. Virtual picnic. This is one of my favorite things to do because it involves food! Drop off a picnic basket of the recipient’s favorite foods (maybe some favorite bevvies, too) and then have a virtual picnic with friends and/or family indoors or out.

5. Send that special someone a digital photo frame.

There are some really cool ones that you can sync with your phone, and then you can send pictures or videos to the digital photo frame. Sending photos or videos of past celebrations spent together reminds family or friends that you will be able to see each other again someday soon.

6. Buy a basket, fill it with a few of the recipient’s favorite things, and then do a doorstep drop-off. You could even do a theme for the basket. I like the five senses theme, with a twist! Fill the basket with things they like to read, eat, smell, feel, and listen to. You could fill the basket with a book or a gift card for an audiobook, a cuddly blanket or reading socks, a scented candle, their favorite tea or coffee, etc.

7. Enjoy a fun crafternoon! Get those creative juices flowing with a virtual painting, cooking, pottery or other craft class. Keep the skill level easy so everyone can participate.

8. Have a games night. There are tons of fun online trivia games to choose from. Search the Web to get your game on! Some fun ones to try? Houseparty, Quizup, Jackbox Games.

9. An easy way to celebrate one of life’s milestones?

Host an evening of virtual wine tasting. Have everyone purchase a selection of the same mini bottles of wine, and then taste and rate the wines. The wine with the highest score is the winner. Then everyone can purchase the winning wine to enjoy together at the next virtual wine tasting. Might be best to stick to one color of wine per tasting: red or white. Remember to sip on water throughout the evening.

10. Schedule a drive-by celebration and have friends or family drive pass the special someone’s home waving and honking (don’t forget to give their neighbors a courtesy warning!).

I hope these ideas on how to make lockdown celebrations special inspires you to keep living and celebrating life every day. There are no excuses anymore. Let there be love and laughter shared safely, even in lockdown.

Kemi is a mother and the owner of Korede’s Meals. She shares lunchbox inspiration and ideas to help busy parents with school lunches. The mission of Korede’s Meals is to inspire kids and foster community one lunch box at a time. Connect with her on Instagram @NaijaCanadianBentoMom for more lunch box ideas. CCM

We offer unique and

FUN ENTERTAINMENT for the whole family

• • 403 938 5755 • jjtomlin@telus.net •

Birthday Parties Retirement Residences Summer Camps Special Events

tomlintrickdogs.com

Looking for an awesome birthday party idea for your child?

Look no further than the Calgary Zoo! Please contact us for more information on our Birthday Party Packages!

Phone: 403-232-7770 Email: salesinfo@calgaryzoo.com

20 • Find us on

new communities feature

making the move easing the transition for kids

By Sarah Lyons Whether across the country or just across town, moving is a big adjustment for everyone in the family.

Children, in particular, can feel overwhelmed and uprooted because they are rarely in control of the decision to change homes, neighborhoods, or schools.

Here are some tips to help you support your kids through the transition.

narrowed down to a few contenders.

Give them the chance to pick their bedroom and play spaces. Some kids may enjoy decorating or adding new pieces to their room, while others may prefer keeping familiar things from the previous home.

n Talk it over As early as possible, start preparing your children for the move by letting them know where, when, and why you are making the move. Let them know you understand that this may be scary or upsetting to them, but it is also an exciting and a fun adventure you will all be doing together. Give them the opportunity to talk through their feelings and make sure they know that they have permission to be sad, angry, excited, or scared sometimes all at the same time!

n Maintain routines Once the move is complete, it is important to maintain similar routines as the previous house. This will help your kids feel safer in their new environment. Be aware that regression in potty-training, behavior, and sleep are normal for kids to go through when they are experiencing significant transitions in their lives. Try to be consistent and patient while they adjust to their new surroundings.

n Take a tour When house hunting, try to involve your kids in the process as much as possible. This will help them feel a part of the decision. Let them tour possible homes with you and give their opinions. If this is not possible, let them be a part of the decisions after you have it

n Foster friendships One of the most positive things about moving is the opportunity to make new friends. Make moving easier by helping your kids meet new people. Host a sociallydistanced playdate outdoors (or host post-pandemic), get involved in sports or other activities, take a plate of cookies to your new neighbors, and introduce yourself to

other families at the neighborhood park or playground.

It can be hard for kids (and parents) to step out of their comfort zone, but once you have made some friends and acquaintances, it is easier to feel at home in a new place.

Encourage your children to continue friendships from their previous home as much as possible. Just because there is more distance between friends does not mean the relationship has to end.

Moving is a challenge - not just for kids, but for parents, too. Try to set an example for your kids by acknowledging sad feelings while keeping a positive attitude and embracing your new neighborhood. It can also help to explain to your kids that while the place you live changed, the important things won’t - your family will be together, and you will always love each other no matter where you live.

Sarah is a mom of six children, including triplets. CCM

PURCHASE AN ACTIVE SHOWHOME & TRICO WILL PAY YOUR MORTGAGE UNTIL YOU TAKE POSSESSION. Trico’s monthly payment covers the cost of your mortgage with a little extra cash leftover.

Ask About Trico’s Showhome Leaseback Program.

BENEFITS OF THE LEASEBACK PROGRAM: • More time to prepare & sell your current home • More options & upgrades for a lower price

• Trustworthy tenant & professionally maintained home • No property management fees

• Great investment opportunity

B U I L D I N G I N 2 4 C O M M U N I T I E S : F R O N T- G A R A G E H O M E S | L A N E D H O M E S | D U P L E X E S | TO W N H O M E S Best For The World 2019 Overall 2004 - 2020

View all of our available showhomes at tricohomes.com

Honoree

Spring 2021 • calgaryschild.com • 21 TC-25216 Calgary's Child HP Mar/Apr v2.indd 1

F I L E

N A M E S

A R E

F O R

I N T E R N A L

U S E

O N LY

2021-02-16 6:26 PM

new communities feature

come home to Harmony

By Jennifer Head Harmony is a community in Springbank, brought to you by Bordeaux Developments. Harmony is situated in Rocky View County, south of Highway 22X and north of Calgary.

The development boasts homes by some of Calgary’s most distinguished homebuilders. When complete, Harmony will offer residents two planned lakes, a private golf course, world-class spa amenities, shopping, and 1753 acres of community space.

Homebuilders for Harmony include Baywest, Broadview, Calbridge, NuVista, Sterling and Harmony Townhomes. Available for purchase are single family, estate, lakefront, townhomes, and bungalow villas. All homes will be close to the amenities of the community, including the future Village Centre, and feature upscale, modern architectural design. Lots in Phase 1 through

By Jennifer Head

new business or relocate existing offices, there are opportunities in the community’s Employment Campuses for small business and other professional opportunities. A short 10-minute drive into Calgary brings residents to the future north location of the Calgary Farmers’ Market, or a brisk 50 minutes to the Canmore area for hiking, skiing, and camping.

Harmony offers a wide range of outdoor, relaxation, and business amenities to its residents. With townhomes starting from the $440s and lakeside homes starting from $1.2 million, there is a wide variety of fine homes available for purchase in what promises to be a bustling, active community settled in a uniquely natural setting.

Nestled east of Macleod Trail and just south of 194 Avenue are South Calgary’s newest communities: Belmont, Pine Creek, and Sirocco. All three communities boast easy access to Stoney Trail, ample playground and natural spaces, and a variety of single-family homes for new residents.

Residents of these communities will find easy access to Stoney and Macleod Trail and a quick drive to established amenities in nearby Shawnessy Village and Silverado Shopping Centre. A short drive down Stoney Trail brings residents to Spruce Meadows for equestrian events and seasonal markets, and the Granary Road Farmer’s Market and Play & Learn Park. The City of Calgary has plans for a future Rec Centre located on 210 Avenue and an LRT station between 194 and 210 Avenues.

Belmont is the most developed of the three communities, and the farthest north. Nestled in between 194 and 210 Avenues, Belmont boasts completed parks and green spaces, including the Belmont Mounds of Fun Park, plans for two schools to be built, and areas zoned for future development of multifamily, mixed-use, and commercial lots. Streetside and Homes by Avi offer townhomes from the $250s.

Homes by Avi offers duplexes from the low $300s.

Cedarglen, Jayman, Morrison, Shane Homes, Trico Homes, and Homes by Avi offer single family homes from the mid $400s.

Pine Creek is just south of 210 Avenue SE and west of Macleod Trail, and boasts three parks, wetland, space zoned for one school, and a sports field. Shopping, groceries, and other recreational amenities are a short drive away in neighboring communities, with no plans for future commercial development. Pine Creek is focused entirely on single-family living, with front drive homes from the $450s or paired homes (duplex-style) from the $330s, available from builders Trico, Sterling, Shane Homes, and Morrison.

To the east of Pine Creek sits the related community Sirocco at Pine Creek, a 30-minute walk from the nearby Sirocco Golf Course. An elevated community, with ridge homes overlooking the golf course and many homes circling a scenic pond, Sirocco was designed with the natural environment in mind.

Like Pine Creek, Sirocco features no plans for future commercial development or amenities, and is focused on single-family homes. NuVista and Truman offer paired homes from the $390s, while Morrison, Shane Homes, Trico, and Sterling offer front drive homes from the $470s.

Close to the robust amenities of South Calgary and featuring plans for expansive pathway systems, playgrounds, and schools, Belmont, Pine Creek, and Sirocco are all prime communities for new or young families.

Jen is a graduate of the University of Victoria and SAIT’s Baking and Pastry Arts program. She has worked as a writer and as a pastry chef for several of Calgary’s top restaurants. Alberta born and raised, she loves to share her favorite experiences, highlights, and top picks for activities and attractions across Southern Alberta. CCM

Jen is a graduate of the University of Victoria and SAIT’s Baking and Pastry Arts program. She has worked as a writer and as a pastry chef for several of Calgary’s top restaurants. Alberta born and raised, she loves to share her favorite experiences, highlights, and top picks for activities and attractions across Southern Alberta. CCM

the first of the community’s planned parks, is complete, with green spaces and playground equipment. Harmony Adventure Park is an outdoor sports-oriented park to be completed in three stages, with a skating ribbon and toboggan hill currently open to residents, and a skate park, pump track, climbing wall, and dog park to open this Spring. There are three designated school spaces for future schools of the Rocky View School District, and students currently living in the community attend existing schools in Springbank. Harmony offers an extensive document on existing school and childcare options for potential residents on their website.

The future Village Centre will be home to boutique shopping and restaurants, as well as community gathering spaces, and feature the world-class Wellness Spa by Groupe Nordik. For those looking to start a

list – we have open spaces, stunning amenities (lake, golf, Adventure Park, playgrounds) and a close-knit community built on being neighborly."

Laurel Lapointe, Bordeaux Developments

22 • Find us on

in the south come home to south Calgary's newest communities

"As a community, Harmony can check those boxes on your

10 of construction are available for purchase, with some quick possessions available - all with easy access to the first of the community’s two lakes.

One of Harmony’s greatest strengths is its robust offering of outdoor activity spaces. The first of two planned man-made lakes has been completed and at 40 acres is currently available to residents for swimming, non-motorized boating, and fishing. The second will be constructed in stages and at 100 acres will offer additional beaches and lakeside living. The community currently boasts over 7 kilometres of paved pathways for resident use, with a total of 25 kilometres upon completion that connect to the existing regional pathway system, including the scenic Old Banff Coach Road.

Currently available for 18-hole play is the Mickelson National Golf Club, to which all residents receive a social membership with limited course access, social club, and simulator access.

Families in Harmony will find plenty of amenities to keep their children active and busy. Paint Brush Park,

jewels

W I N N E R

2019

3X

COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR

CALGARY REGION

A Lake Community with so much more...

Springbank’s Award Winning Lake & Golf Community Live in Harmony from the $440s >TOWNHOMES from the $440s >SINGLE FAMILY HOMES from the $580s >BUNGALOW VILLAS from the $780s

>ESTATE HOMES from the $930s

As three time Community of the Year in prestigious Springbank, Harmony offers an amenity rich lifestyle only eight minutes west of Calgary.

Harmony balances wide open green spaces, direct access to — and views of — The Rockies, a highly rated school system, and an incomparable amenities package. Lake living, a pathway system, a social membership to Mickelson National Golf Course, Adventure Park, and a world class spa anchoring the future Village Centre. Discover why life is better when it is lived in Harmony.

LiveInHarmony.ca AUGUSTA FINE HOMES | BAYWEST HOMES | BROADVIEW HOMES | CALBRIDGE HOMES NUVISTA HOMES | STERLING HOMES | STREETSIDE DEVELOPMENTS

new communities feature

back-yarding has a purpose. what’s yours? identify your back-yard’s purpose, then build the yard of your dreams Back-yarding - the trend to use the back yard for everything from teleworking and working out to relaxing and recreating - has a different purpose for each of us.

Identifying your back-yard’s role in your family’s health and happiness is the key to cultivating a purposeful outdoor space that is customized to your needs.

“How do you create a more purposeful outdoor space? First, you need to identify what type of ‘backyarder’ you are,” explains Kris Kiser, President and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) and the TurfMutt Foundation. “Then, you can get to work in your yard with that idea in mind.”

Here are just a few of the back-yarding personality types. Which one(s) are you?

Expert landscaper. Your yard makes neighbors green with envy. You know how to maintain a healthy living landscape, and you have the latest outdoor power equipment to make even big jobs easier. Your idea of a good time? Spending the weekend doing yard work.

You love the sense of accomplishment that comes from working in your yard, and friends can count on you for advice about their own living landscapes.

Environmentalist. You know that nature starts in your own back yard and taking small steps in your yard can make a big impact on climate change. As the proverbial Robin to your yard’s Batman, you embrace your role in supporting the superhero powers of your living landscape (capturing and filtering rainwater, producing oxygen, and absorbing carbon, just to name a few).

Nature lover. No binging Netflix for you. You prefer to spend your free time watching the birds, bats, butterflies, and other wildlife that count on your yard for food and shelter. You cultivate a living landscape that supports a rich biodiversity with butterfly bushes, flowering plants, water sources, and trees and shrubs with nooks for nesting and food.

Horticulturist. You consider location, maintenance, sunlight, and watering requirements, as well as your climate zone and lifestyle needs, before you even think about sticking your shovel in the dirt.

Kid zone creator. You know the safest place for your kids to be is in your own back yard, and you work hard to create an outdoor fun zone they will never want to leave.

A flat area of sturdy turfgrass to play sports and pitch a tent? Zipline strung safely between back-yard trees?

Check. An elevated garden where they can help grow the family’s meals? Check. Natural playscapes, like a patch of sand bordered by rocks and log stump seating?

Check. ‘Fun’ is your middle name, and you are winning at this game.

Pet pamperer. Your focus is on Fido, and you take cues from your four-legged friends about how to purpose your back yard. You’ve planted sturdy turfgrass that can stand up to pet play, and you’ve used soft foliage to create a natural barricade between ‘off limits’ areas and the rest of the lawn. Trees and shrubs are strategically planted for shade, and you’ve even set up a shallow water feature to help your pup cool off on hot days. Planting with purpose for you means keeping toxic plants out of the picture.

(For a complete list, visit ASPCA’s list of non-toxic and toxic plants, aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/ toxic-and-non-toxic-plants.)

Entertainer extraordinaire. Your back yard was the neighborhood hot spot long before the pandemic made the trend posh. Family milestones, birthdays,

graduations, reunions, socially distanced BBQs - your yard is the place to gather. Your yard is set up for success with patio furniture, fire pit, yard games, plenty of outdoor seating, string lights, and maybe even an outdoor kitchen.

Zen master. Enjoying your morning coffee on the balcony as songbirds serenade you. Meditating under the shade of a tree. De-stressing by swinging in a backyard hammock. Taking a break from your busy day to feel the sun on your face and the breeze in your hair. Your back yard is your sacred space for rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation. You know that spending time outside is good for your health and well-being and thanks to your yard, these benefits are only steps away.

TurfMutt was created by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute’s (OPEI) TurfMutt Foundation and has reached more than 70 million children, educators, and families since 2009. Through classroom materials developed with Scholastic, TurfMutt teaches students and teachers how to ‘save the planet, one yard at a time.’ For more information, visit turfmutt.com. CCM

Because parenting is 24/ 7 The Calgary’s Child Magazine Page on Facebook ® is updated daily. We bring you all the information you need to make life run just a little more smoothly.

24 • Find us on

30 Caring for Your Parent

|

31 Single Seniors

|

32 Courage to Try

grands

the importance of decision-making documents and life planning

By David Miksha “I don’t care. You decide.” How many times in life have you handed off a decision to someone else? Where to go on date night, what toppings for pizza, which show to watch with popcorn? A decision must be made! But the choice itself? These are low stakes decisions. “I don’t care.

You decide.”

However, there are times when you might care very much about what choice is made, and it is your decision to make, but you cannot. Canadian law assumes autonomy and freedom for private citizens; decisionmaking is a central part of life in the community and in the family. So, who makes significant decisions for you when you cannot?

Substitute decision-making documents are an essential part of estate, disability, retirement, and life planning. These documents create a framework for you to exercise your autonomy over decisions in your life, even when you cannot make a decision. You can determine who makes a decision, whether they have to consider anything when making a decision (such as your own values or commitments), whether they must consult someone else, or if a decision and its consequences are foreseeable, you can even make a decision in advance!

Substitute decision-making documents are powerful legal documents for you to ensure you keep control of your own life.

The most common substitute decision-making documents for life planning are the Personal Directive and the Enduring Power of Attorney. There are also Powers of Attorney and a whole host of other documents, too, depending on your need.

Powers of Attorney can be either Special or General.

They are often used in real estate transactions, when you have to finalize real estate deals but cannot be physically present for closing. A Special Power of Attorney gives another individual authority to deal with a specific piece of property you own. A General Power of Attorney gives that individual authority over a general class of property.

In other words, you give your own power over property to someone else to use on your behalf.

As these Powers of Attorney developed in CanadianEnglish Common Law, the Courts held that the giver of the Power, being the rightful owner of the Power, had to continuously consent to the Power being used

by someone else. Well, Powers of Attorney are powerful documents then, but not as powerful as they could be. If you lose capacity, the Power of Attorney is revoked. For life planning, that could be the very time you want the Power of Attorney to be available.

This is how Enduring Powers of Attorney came to be. The Enduring Power of Attorney ‘endures’ even if you lose capacity. In fact, a ‘springing’ Enduring Power of Attorney will not even be effective until it ‘springs’ into effect at the moment of your incapacity. This is exactly what most of us want; we can delegate unimportant decisions with a quick, “I don’t care. You decide,” but most of us want to control the big important decisions. Enduring Powers of Attorney are perfect for this sort of life planning.

However, Enduring Powers of Attorney developed from Powers of Attorney, which only dealt with property.

Important non-financial decisions are made with the

“Substitute decisionmaking documents are an essential part of estate, disability, retirement, and life planning.”

Personal Directive. The Personal Directive is sometimes called a “Living Will,” “Medical Directive,” or “Health Care Power of Attorney.” In Alberta, it is called “Personal Directive.” This substitute decision-making document lets you decide what sort of medical treatment you do and do not consent to in advance. It can also provide guidelines for what sort of long-term care you receive, how your private and confidential information is handled, and can even control who can and cannot visit you.

At this time in Canada, “medical assistance in dying,” a process where a medical professional can assist in ensuring that you have a peaceful, painless death of your choosing, is not available if you are incapacitated.

A Personal Directive will not be able to provide advance consent to medical assistance in dying; your consent must be continuous. It can, however, withdraw consent to life-saving treatment. If this is your choice, that choice is stated in a Personal Directive.

Without the substitute decision-making documents described here, important decisions affecting your property and personhood cannot be made within a framework that you create. Instead, your loved ones may have to go to court, describe to a judge the situation that you and your family are in, and receive a Trusteeship or Guardianship Order (or both). Your loved ones and the judge do care about what you want; but they are left guessing what that is.

Sometimes, “I don’t care. You decide” just doesn’t cut it. If the decision is important, have your say! Speak with a lawyer about drafting the necessary substitute decisionmaking documents.

David brings a professional work-ethic mixed with compassion in his practice at Wells Family Law. He specializes in family law and is able to assist your family with estate planning and administration.

He is a member of the Canadian Bar Association, Association of Family and Conciliatory Courts, and the Alberta Civil Trial Lawyers Association. For more information, visit wellsfamilylaw.com. CCM

' Child Calgarys

Looking for weekly positivity, activity ideas, community connection and more?

Subscribe to our NEWSLETTER!

Released EVERY Thursday

Click o afternoon and sent straight herecrtibe to YOUR inbox, we’ll help you subsOW! N plan for the coming week

while keeping YOUR cool.

26 • Find us on

grands

how to set (and keep) mental health goals

By Alberta Blue Cross® Steps include: • identifying what behaviors you are and are not willing to tolerate, • communicating what your boundaries are, • setting consequences for violating your boundaries, and • following through on these boundaries if you receive pushback.

Being the healthiest version of yourself means taking care of your mental health. To do this, set goals to practice self-care and prioritize your well-being.

SETTING GOALS Everyone has different needs and priorities. Regardless of what your mental health goals are, these guidelines can help.

Evaluate your mental health. Before you decide where you’re going, you have to know where you are.

Check in with yourself and assess your mental state. Ask yourself what you’re worried about, if you’re feeling easily overwhelmed, and what negative thoughts continually pop up.

Create a self-care and resilience plan. Rather than treating self-care as an afterthought, strive to build it into your daily routine so it becomes a natural part of your life - write in a journal, take a break from social media, or break habits that no longer serve you.

Take small steps. Tackle your goals in small steps. For example, if you want to read 12 books this year, break it down by reading one book a month or 10 pages a day.

Make daily promises to yourself. To nurture, build, or rebuild self-trust, try making daily promises to yourself, such as turning your phone off at 10pm, taking 60 seconds to practice deep breathing, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or cooking a healthy meal.

Keep your goals. Setting a mental health goal is the first step: keeping it is where the real work comes in.

It’s easy to let everyday struggles or a perceived lack of progress discourage you from sticking to these goals, especially during times of uncertainty.

Here’s some tips to help you stay on track: Create a support team. Seek advice and support from your trusted friends, family members, and mentors.

Talking to someone about what you’re going through helps keep you accountable and grounded.

Set and enforce boundaries. Setting and enforcing boundaries is a key component to reaching your mental health goals.

Practice mindfulness. Check in with yourself to see how you’re feeling. Behaviors are rooted in emotion, so identifying what you’re feeling and why can help shift harmful habits and adopt good ones.

Be kind to yourself. Be aware that you will have good days as well as hard days. Accept that this will not always be a linear process, and rather than give up, practice selfcompassion.

HOW WE CAN HELP Alberta Blue Cross® plan members have access to Balance®, our online wellness program. You can set up notifications and use online trackers to assist with goal setting.

Interested in checking out one of Alberta Blue Cross’s benefits plans to gain access to Balance? Visit ab.bluecross.ca. CCM

Your Will, the most important thing you can do to protect your family.

An up-to-date, well thought out Will is your family’s best protection for the future. We all know we need a Will, but it is often forgotten in the everyday rush of life. Wells Family Law would be more than pleased to design a Will to fit your family’s needs.

Contact David or Machelle from our Wills & Estates Team Suite 1900, 639 5th Ave. S.W., Calgary, AB T2P 0M9 (587) 356-4342 • info@wellsfamilylaw.com • www.wellsfamilylaw.com Spring 2021 • calgaryschild.com • 27

grands

Calgary GRANDS Our new resource guide for grandparents and great-grandparents - everything you need to live, play and connect with the next generation!

24-HOUR SENIOR RESOURCES

RETIREMENT & CARE PLANNING

Numbers for health care, resources, mental health support and more.

Whether you’re looking for an elderly parent or planning for yourself, it’s the right time to consider your housing, estate, and care options.

EMERGENCY SERVICES (FIRE, MEDICAL, POLICE) Phone: 911 The number to call for immediate emergency assistance.

CALGARY POLICE SERVICE NON-EMERGENCY LINE Phone: 403-266-1234 For non-emergency police reports (no one is in danger and a crime is not currently being committed).

CITY OF CALGARY (THE) Phone: 311 Non-emergency and non-law enforcement services (e.g. by-law related issues, potholes and street cleaning).

COMMUNITY RESOURCES Phone: 211 For help finding any community, social or government services in Calgary.

ALBERTA SENIOR SUPPORTS Website: alberta.ca/senior-supports.aspx MOSAIC VILLAGE COHOUSING PROJECT Email: info@mosaicvillage.org Website: mosaicvillage.org SUMMIT LEGAL GROUP Phone: 587-356-0356 Website: summitlegalgroup.ca WELLS FAMILY LAW Email: info@wellsfamilylaw.com Website: wellsfamilylaw.com

HEALTH & RECREATION

Phone (Crowfoot): 403-547-5417 Website: blinkeyewear.ca CALGARY JCC Phone: 403-253-8600 Website: calgaryjcc.com CALGARY PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Website: calgaryphil.com CENTRE FOR SLEEP & HUMAN PERFORMANCE Phone: 403-254-6663 Website: centreforsleep.com CITY OF CALGARY RECREATION (THE) Phone: 311 Website: calgary.ca/register FREE HOUSE DANCE PLUS LTD. Email: info@freehousedance.com Website: freehousedance.com

Take care of yourself, whatever that looks like - taking a class, making that appointment, or just getting up off of the couch.

MRU RECREATION Email: recreation@mtroyal.ca Website: mtroyal.ca

ALBERTA ASSOCIATION OF OPTOMETRISTS Phone: 1-800-272-8843 Website: optometrists.ab.ca

NEST PSYCHOLOGY Phone: 403-771-8458 Website: nestpsychology.ca

ELDER ABUSE RESOURCE LINE Phone: 403-705-3250 The Elder Abuse Response Team coordinates police and social workers to respond to allegations of abuse.

ALBERTA BLUE CROSS Phone: 1-800-AB-CROSS Website: ab.bluecross.ca

REPSOL SPORT CENTRE Email: info@repsolsport.com Website: register.repsolsportcentre.com

HEALTH LINK Phone: 811 Free health advice from a registered nurse, 24 hours a day.

BLINK EYEWEAR Phone (West Springs): 403-242-0999 Phone (Creekside): 403-516-2292

UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY KINESIOLOGY Phone: 403-220-7749 Website: ucalgary.ca/knes

DISTRESS CENTRE & SENIOR CONNECT Phone: 403-266-4357 24-hour crisis support that enhances the health, well-being and resiliency of individuals in distress.

WESTERN CANADA’S LARGEST MAGAZINE INDUSTRY CONFERENCE

ALBERTA MAGAZINES CONFERENCE 2021 VIRTUAL JUNE 2 & 3 This year, we’re taking it online to bring the best in the world to your doorstep. You’ll gain cutting-edge insights and learn how innovators are adapting to grow their brands and find success.

albertamagazines.com 28 • Find us on

We’re Strongest Together… join us in supporting 4 local charities a year!

Join with other Kids who are committed to making Calgary a better place.

Visit our website to learn more.

100KIDSCALGARY.COM

grands

JELLY MODERN DOUGHNUTS Phone: 403-453-2053 Website: jellymoderndoughnuts.com KANANASKIS OUTFITTERS Email: info@kananaskisoutfitters.com Website: kananaskisoutfitters.com LAVISH CANVAS Email: info@lavishcanvas.com Website: lavishcanvas.com LOOSE MOOSE THEATRE COMPANY Email: mail@loosemoose.com Website: loosemoose.com

VIVO FOR HEALTHIER GENERATIONS Email: guestservices@vivo.ca Website: vivo.ca YW CALGARY Website: ywcalgary.ca

MOUNTAIN VIEW BOWL Email: info@mountainviewbowling.com Website: mountainviewbowling.com

STUDIO BELL - HOME OF THE NATIONAL MUSIC CENTRE Email: info@studiobell.ca Website: studiobell.ca VIN GOGH PAINT SIP STUDIOS Email: info@vingogh.ca Website: vingogh.ca WILD|LIFE OUTDOOR ADVENTURES Phone: 1-866-918-1932 Website: jointhewildlife.ca WINSPORT CANADA Email: info@winsport.ca Website: winsport.ca WP PUPPET THEATRE Email: admin@wppuppet.com Website: wppuppet.com

STORYBOOK THEATRE Phone: 403-216-0808 Email: tickets@storybooktheatre.org Website: storybooktheatre.org

This listing is provided for your reference only. Please research carefully and choose the company that meets your family’s needs best. CCM

STUFF TO DO WITH THE KIDS Looking for some new activity ideas for you, the kids, and the grandkids? Be the best grandparent ever and make memories together!

BANFF MOUNT NORQUAY Email: info@banffnorquay.com Website: banffnorquay.com BERT CHURCH LIVE THEATRE (THE) Phone: 403-948-8824 Email: bert.church@airdrie.ca Website: thebertchurchtheatre.com BUTTERFIELD ACRES FARM Phone: 403-239-0638 Website: butterfieldacres.com

HERE TO MAKE GOOD DAYS BETTER, AND TOUGH DAYS EASIER. Our dental, drug and extended health retirement plans can provide you with coverage for every kind of day.

1-800-394-1965 | ab.bluecross.ca

CALAWAY PARK Email: calaway@calawaypark.com Website: calawaypark.com CALGARY ZOO Phone: 403-232-9300 Website: calgaryzoo.com CALGARY FARMYARD Email: info@calgaryfarmyard.com Website: calgaryfarmyard.com EDGE ENTERTAINMENT Phone: 403-274-6000 Website: edgeentertainment.ca GRANARY ROAD Phone: 403-453-7623 Website: granaryroad.com HERITAGE PARK HISTORICAL VILLAGE Phone: 403-268-8526 Website: heritagepark.ca

®

*The Blue Cross symbol and name are registered marks of the Canadian Association of Blue Cross Plans, an association of independent Blue Cross plans. Licensed to ABC Benefits Corporation for use in operating the Alberta Blue Cross Plan. †Blue Shield is a registered trade-mark of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. IP20-001 2021/02

®

Spring 2021 • calgaryschild.com • 29

grands

coping with role reversal when you’re caring for your parent self-care and finding social support

By Cheryl Maguire When Lisa, age 57, first noticed that her mother seemed confused, she assumed it was typical behavior from an 80-year-old. She continued to take it in stride when her mother tried to make a phone call using the TV remote. Lisa became somewhat concerned when her mother started sautéing onions in a pan and then walked outside to get the mail, forgetting the stove was on.

When her mother began seeing her long-dead mother in bed with her, Lisa realized there was more to the picture than normal aging. She knew her mother required fulltime care.

Lisa is not a rarity. More families in the coming decades will be faced with what is referred to as being the “sandwich generation,” meaning that adults will provide care for both their parents and their grandparents, says Dr. Lisa Hollis-Sawyer, Gerontology Program Coordinator at Northeastern Illinois University.

How does it feel being a caregiver for your parent?

“Families rarely anticipate that a parent will need care,” says Dr. Hollis-Sawyer. This lack of planning can result in a breakdown of communication, leading to stress and frustration among family members. She recommends discussing a “care plan” with your parents before it becomes necessary.

Dr. Hollis-Sawyer researched daughters who provided care for their mothers. She found their previous relationship influenced how the daughter felt about their role as a caregiver. If the daughter had a positive

30 • Find us on

relationship with their mother, often they felt happy to be a caregiver since they thought they were reciprocating care their mother provided for them as a child. On the other hand, if the daughter had a negative relationship with their mother when growing up, then they felt resentful about their caregiver role.

Dr. Hollis-Sawyer found that the care recipient felt guilty or felt like they were a burden on their child, regardless of their previous relationship. Even though it is no fault of their own that they required care, the care recipient felt as if they failed at being a parent.

How can you cope with caring for your parent?

Your role as a caregiver can be less stressful if you have open communication with other family members and with the care recipient. Dr. Hollis-Sawyer stresses the importance of asking for help when needed and expressing your feelings about the situation. She also suggests talking to the care recipient about their feelings or what they need assistance doing and ways they can be independent. “It is important not to assume the care recipient is unable to do anything,” she says. Allowing the care recipient to complete everyday tasks within their capability may help them to feel independent. The caregiver and recipient should figure out together what the care recipient is capable of achieving.

Self-care is an important aspect when you are caring for others. Dr. Hollis-Sawyer recommends the key to self-care is understanding yourself by writing in a journal

or diary on a daily basis. This will help you to recognize when you need a break or when to ask for help to prevent burnout.

It is also important to find social support for both the caregiver and recipient. There are many different forms of social supports such as counseling, community resources, senior centres, friends, or other family members. “These social supports can help the pair identify both frustrations and triumphs, which can optimize coping strategies,” says Dr. Hollis-Sawyer.

Staying positive about your new role as caregiver Through her research, Dr. Hollis-Sawyer witnessed many positive effects of daughters caring for their mothers. “Daughters learned about their own aging process, which helped them understand how to prepare for it,” she says. She also noticed that the grandchildren benefited from seeing a role model of good care experience.

The caregiver and recipient often develop a stronger bond that was not there prior to their new roles. “There is much to be gained through increased self-awareness and learning for all involved,” says Dr. Hollis-Sawyer.

Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree. She is married and the mother of twins and a daughter. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Parents Magazine, AARP, Healthline, Your Teen Magazine, and many other publications. Find her on Twitter @CherylMaguire05. CCM

grands

single seniors creating a new normal for you and your family

By Victoria Bailey Becoming a single parent typically happens through life circumstance or choice. Yet such instances or events aren’t limited to the years between your children’s birth and the day they turn 18. While divorce rates are declining overall, divorce rates for seniors are rising. Typically having spent a life preparing to retire together, often, these parents or even grandparents, find themselves financially worse off than if their divorce had occurred years or even decades before.

Having commonly ‘stayed together for the children,’ parents can then find themselves calling on the very same, now adult, children to help support them through their life change. Once children are grown and have left home, divorcing couples don’t tend to think of themselves as single parents. When you’re no longer making lunches for school-aged kids and your young adult has both found themselves and their own home, do you need a label for your role as a parent?

Anne, a 60-something mother of three grown children and three grandchildren, feels that although she is in the process of getting divorced, her role as a parent and grandparent need not be categorized as ‘single.’ “I don’t think of myself as a single parent. My children are grown up and I don’t feel that my role as a parent is required in the same way anymore,” she says.

Theresa, a mom of two young children, experienced her parents’ divorce when she was 37 years old and similarly, she has never thought of them as being single parents. “The term never really came up. I was older, married, and had my own family,” she says.

While older parents may not be involved in the day-today parenting of young children anymore, parenting is a lifelong job. Wendy McCrae, MSW, a clinically registered social worker who has experience working with families going through these kinds of life changes, finds that people have to adjust their parenting style when resetting their family dynamics. “You no longer have that other person to ask, ‘What do you think?’ If there is a stressful situation with your children, it can create distress for what is technically an older single parent if they feel they are handling the situation alone,” says McCrae.

We all worry about our children’s well-being, and Anne has struggled with the effect her separation and redefining of familial roles and routines has had on her adult children. The effect of divorce later in life both for you and your children and even their children goes beyond practicalities and finances.

While most children want their parents to be happy no matter their age, the appeal of two birthdays and two Christmases is a little different when you’re too old for birthday balloons and Santa doesn’t visit you anymore.

Anne has found the most difficult part of her divorce process has been the change itself. As she explains, “The biggest challenge has been dealing with the emotional impact that telling my children about this change had both for me and for them, and being aware that my fears about it were incorrect. It was worse than I thought it would be and recognizing my lack of understanding was something I struggled to accept and it’s still ongoing.”

When it comes time to share this news with your children, Wendy McCrae recommends matching your messages to the maturity of your child and sending a clear joint statement; for example, “Dad and I have decided...”

While McCrae acknowledges that no matter what a child’s age, there’s still an adjustment that has to happen - even adult children don’t need to know all of the details. “They probably have a good idea of why any separation is happening and it can become a boundary issue. Parents can think that because their children are now adults, they can cope and they can become confidantes, and that’s not appropriate at any age,” says McCrae.

We are all individuals and how we respond to our parents separating will vary from person to person, maybe even day-to-day, too. As McCrae explains, “Divorce sometimes creates a sense of disillusionment in the sense of wondering if your childhood was a lie.

There might also be anger that parents didn’t deal with the situation sooner as this would have resulted in them being farther ahead.”

There can also be differences between you and your siblings in terms of how this change impacts you. As Theresa recalls, “I had my husband and my own family to focus on and to help support me. I think it may have been different for my brother as he doesn’t have his own family and the support it can bring.”

When parents of adult children choose to live separately or divorce, it may also involve having to explain to grandchildren why there has been a change in family circumstance. My (rather accident prone - I was watching her!) daughter recently fell on the fireplace mantle resulting in her requiring stitches in the back of the head. During the procedure, I was at one end of the hospital bed rubbing her legs, feeling the room spin, trying not to vomit, faint, sob hysterically, and prevent my soul from being extinguished by all-consuming guilt. She was giggling and declaring, “It tickles!” While pregnant

"The effect of divorce later in life both for you and your children and even their children goes beyond practicalities and finances."

with the same girl, my husband and I worried, ‘How will it be for her, when her brothers leave every other weekend to visit their dad?’ Like most, if not all worry, it was a waste of what could have been more productive thoughts and time. Her brothers leaving every other weekend is just what happens in my home. It’s normal because it’s my family’s normal.

Regardless of children’s resiliency and acceptance, Anne was concerned about how her own grandchildren would respond to her and their grandfather no longer living together. “I did worry about how my grandchildren would feel. It’s easy to assume that they’ll be okay or accepting, but I have just taken any questions or comments as they’ve come along rather than imposing a situation or topic on them and so far, there have been no issues,” she says.

In terms of talking to your children about your parents’ separation or divorce, McCrae recommends taking time in an age-appropriate way to explain what divorce or separation is and how their relationship with their grandparents will not be impacted in a negative way.

“Children need to be reassured that they are still loved by and will be able to see each grandparent. It’s also important for children, and adult children, to know they have not played a role in this change in the grandparents’ relationship,” says McCrae.

Like any life experience, how we reflect on parents’ or grandparents’ separation tends to change as we mature. Theresa’s eldest child was five years old when her grandparents separated and Theresa did explain the situation to her daughter in a way befitting her

age. However, there were still challenges along the way.

Theresa’s father stayed in the family home but after getting divorced, decided to purge everything that reminded him of his ‘former life’ by redecorating. “My daughter had a special room at her grandparents’ house but my dad got rid of everything and turned my daughter’s room into a guest room. It was hard for me to explain why when she asked, ‘What happened to my room?’”

Finding out that your parents are divorcing when you have left the family home and have your own life can still be an upsetting experience, yet there is little in the way of support groups for navigating this life change as an adult, whether as the parent or the adult child. Support groups and organized social meet-ups tend to be more for single parents of young children, yet people going through this life change can also benefit from support from others going through similar experiences. As McCrae explains, “People do need support and support groups in different forms when this kind of life event occurs. It can provide validation for experiences and feelings.” McCrae recommends reaching out for this kind of support “whether it’s with a professional or a group of friends who have gone through or are going through similar experiences.”

While it may take time for those involved to heal, parents choosing not to be together can often be for good reason and can instigate or eventually bring about positive changes in familial relationships and routines.

While braving a storm of change can be hard, eventually Anne began to experience advantages from her choices.

“It took a while, but the positives started to happen when everyone began to accept the change of situation.”

Feeling that she’s raised her children and ready to start a new phase in her life, Anne feels that her role as a mother has been redefined through this process. “I can tell that my children are accepting that I’m more than just a mom and that’s not such a bad thing,” she says.

For Theresa, she witnessed her mother become more independent. “My parents were together for 40 years and my mom relied on dad for finances and other things. Now she takes care of herself and is more independent and in charge of her life,” she says.

Theresa also feels that the outcome was positive for her father, too. “He was able to move on and meet someone else and make a new life,” she says. While all of these positive changes did take time, Theresa feels good about how everything has settled since their divorce. “Our relationships are different now, they have changed, and I would say in a positive way. We have good relationships with both of my parents but visit them separately now. It’s different, but that’s just the way it is,” she says.

Weathering this change can eventually lead, McCrae explains, to a bringing about of feelings of selfacceptance, reliance, and confidence. “If people can get to a phase of acceptance of the change in relationships, they can feel both contentment and also empowerment.”

Anne concurs, “Very little has changed in terms of my bond with my children and it was a fear for me that that might go. I’m still the same mother; I’m just not in the same house anymore,” she says. Anne believes that taking time to listen to her children was key to bringing about closure and acceptance in this way, “Regardless of what the reason is for change in family set-up, parents need to listen to their children when they express their feelings,” she says.

While children may not be born with a guidebook, listening to your children may be the only lifelong strategy you have that never fails or changes for parents of any age, whether married or not.

Victoria is a freelance writer. CCM

Spring 2021 • calgaryschild.com • 31

grands

social groups & clubs

have the courage to try new things

By Gwen Randall-Young, R. Psych.

Being a parent kept you busy. So busy, in fact, that over the years you probably found that your weekly dinners with friends became monthly, semi-annual, and then finally dropped off completely. Hobbies that you really enjoyed started collecting dust in storage. Now that the kids have moved out and are raising children of their own, you might find that you aren’t sure where to start on your journey to find yourself again.

In so many ways, life post-retirement can feel like starting over again from square one - it’s hard to know how to find like-minded people to spend time with and where to get support learning new hobbies or rekindling your love for old ones!

Fortunately, there are tons of social groups and clubs specifically geared towards the needs of retirement-aged adults here in Calgary! Whether you’re looking to learn something new, take up a new hobby or get some muchneeded social time with someone who doesn’t think your name is “grandma,” there’s something for everyone!

CALGARY FLC SENIORS CLUB - flcseniors.ca The FLC Seniors Club is a non-profit organization operating out of the Trico Centre in Southeast Calgary.

Membership is available to all seniors over the age of 55, and to their spouses over the age of 50. The FLC Seniors Club coordinates a huge variety of affordable activities, from acting to snowshoeing, calligraphy to yoga!

THE KERBY CENTRE FOR THE 55+ - kerbycentre.com Located in Calgary, Kerby Centre offers activities, programs, and services designed specifically for those 55+ all under one roof. Centrally located with easy access

by LRT at the Downtown West/Kerby station, or free parking is available across the street for members while at the Centre. The Kerby Centre offers facility rentals for parties, drop-in activities, emotional and mental health support, day programs, and much more!

Does fear stop you from trying new things? Do you hesitate to apply for a new job, take a course, or meet new people because you feel insecure about how you will do? This is a fear of the unknown. Because if you had a guarantee that things would turn out well, you likely would be more willing to go ahead with a new experience.

It is natural for humans to have some caution about new experiences. This is what has helped our species to survive. It is good to check things out a bit before jumping in. However, if fear stops you from doing new things, then your growth stops, too. You begin

"Many seniors who

remain active and are open to new learning and experiences stay younger." to stagnate, becoming stuck in old familiar ways of being and doing things. This occurs in some because they are shy, have low self-esteem, or become anxious. It can also happen as people begin to age, but many seniors who remain active and are open to new learning and experiences stay younger.

32 • Find us on

If there are things you would like to do but you cannot seem to take the leap, there are still some things you can do. If it is a class or event you would like to attend, see if you can find a friend to join you.

If it is a new job you are thinking about, see if you can find someone who will mentor you. Get advice on revising your resume and how to shine in an interview.

Whatever it is you would like to try, it also helps to spend lots of time visualizing yourself in the new situation and enjoying it! If you are fearful, you tend to unconsciously visualize negative images of yourself in the situation, thereby scaring yourself out of even trying. Instead, create a movie in your mind where you are the star and are handling the new experience with confidence and success. Do this often enough, and you just might get excited about trying some of those things you have always wanted to do.

CONFEDERATION PARK 55+ ACTIVITY CENTRE yycseniors.com Confederation Park 55+ Activity Centre has played a vital role in the lives of seniors since it was established in 1973 to enhance the lives of older adults in Calgary’s northwest. Today, over 1000 members from around the city connect with each other through ongoing educational, recreational and social services programs. Enjoy computer classes, yoga, Zumba, bike rides, language classes, country dance, writing workshops and more!

THE CALGARY CHINESE ELDERLY CITIZENS’ ASSOCIATION - cceca.ca Serving Chinese older adults citywide since 1985, the CCECA provides a great variety of services and programs including social services, community support, health services, etc. to over 2000 members across Calgary.

PARKDALE NIFTY FIFTIES SENIORS ASSOCIATION - pdnf.org A place where Calgary seniors 50+ can come together to enjoy social events, workshops, art classes, bridge and other activities that match their unique needs and social interests.

GREATER FOREST LAWN 55+ SOCIETY - gfls.org A modern, newly-renovated multi-purpose facility which provides a welcoming place for information, programs, and services that enhance the quality of life for older adults and their families. Offering meal services, drop-in and registered activities, home maintenance assistance and more!

Gwen Randall-Young is a Registered Psychologist in private practice. Her articles appear in publications worldwide.

For more resources, visit gwen.ca. CCM

EDITOR’S NOTE: Some of these groups are temporarily closed due to COVID-19, but that doesn’t mean you can’t plan for after you get your vaccine!

Allie is the Assitant Publisher at Calgary's Child Magazine. CCM

calgary cares Calgary Cares is a free forum designed to match those with needs to those willing to help. If you work for, volunteer for, or know of a charity that needs some support, please let us know so we can tell our readers.

decision fatigue the mental overload that comes from making too many decisions too frequently

By Ashlee Ellerbruch, M.C., and Lisa Kaldenbach, M.C.

Virtual Kids Pediatric Urgent Care

Hike for Hospice Calgary Goes Virtual

Your child’s health is their higher priority

One-day event now stretched over 10 days

Provided by Virtual Kids

Provided by Hospice Calgary

You are standing in front of your pantry, staring into the abyss. What to make... what to make? Before you know it, 15 minutes has gone by, and your brain is still a fog of meeting details from earlier messages from the school about a positive case in your youngest child’s class, and the laundry is still waiting to be put in the dryer. And you still have no clue what to make for dinner! Decision fatigue. The mental overload that comes from making too many decisions too frequently.

With the pandemic, the ever-changing regulations and the unpredictability of the future is very much a reality for many. Often, you are stuck trying to choose between two seemingly unappealing choices, as the COVID restrictions seem to impact even the simplest of daily tasks, like grocery shopping. By the time you get to dinner, you have made 583,928,572 decisions that day based on rules, health and safety, all mixed in with the normal decisions you make throughout the day.

Virtual Kids is a platform designed to enhance the care of children by delivering top-notch medical advice for acute problems, virtually. They supply access to a group of experienced pediatric specialists; doctors who deliver world-class medical care to children when they are sick or injured. The pediatricians are able to virtually manage many of the common concerns that would be seen at an emergency department or an urgent care clinic.

They know that urgent concerns about your child’s health often arise when it is least convenient, outside of regular business hours when it can be difficult to obtain timely, quality medical advice from your family doctor or pediatrician. They understand how difficult it can be to decide whether your child needs to be examined emergently or if it can wait until tomorrow. Virtual Kids is available Monday to Friday, 5 to 11pm, and Saturdays and Sundays, 4 to 11pm, to help you make those decisions by connecting with you by videoconference or phone to experienced pediatricians. You can make an appointment up to 24 hours in advance.

The physicians deliver the urgent, expert medical advice your child needs, at no cost to you, without you having to leave your home. Patients must have a valid Alberta Health Care Insurance Card, and service is available to any child that is a resident of Alberta, regardless of their location.

If a physician determines your child needs to be physically examined, the physician will direct you to the appropriate care provider with the appropriate urgency.

If need be, you will be directed to the emergency department. The physicians are not a replacement for your child’s regular physician. Their service is complementary to the excellent care your child receives from your family doctor or pediatrician. The doctors work collaboratively with your regular doctor to ensure your child receives the very best of care.

The pandemic has drastically changed our daily routines. But that hasn’t stopped Calgarians from coming together in support of their neighbors and local businesses. The 2021 Virtual Hike for Hospice Calgary allows you to continue this trend by pledging your support, as an individual or as a part of a group, to the Hospice Calgary community.

It has been a very challenging year for anyone grieving an advanced illness or the loss of someone close to them. According to long-time hiker, Pam Clark, “Our family of four began hiking over 10 years ago when our daughters were 11 and 13, and they continue to hike with us as adults. Since our first hike, we learned more about Hospice Calgary and the incredible support it gives families as we experienced first hand with two family friends. We are grateful for Hospice Calgary and will continue to support Hike for Hospice for as many more years as we can,” she says.

The 2021 Virtual Hike for Hospice Calgary can be done anytime and anywhere. You choose when and how to walk your 5 kilometres - whether outdoors at your local park, on your favorite trail, or indoors on a treadmill. You may also decide to make it a family activity or head out solo. The choice of how and when to participate is up to you. Registration has already started and the hike itself runs May 1 to 10.

Hike for Hospice Calgary is part of a national event that annually kicks off National Hospice Palliative Care Week in Canada. With the support of sponsors and participants, Hospice Calgary hopes to raise $100,000 for Calgary’s grieving families. Register early to receive a 2021 Virtual Hike for Hospice Calgary T-shirt and early-bird registration prices. Visit their website, hospicecalgary.ca/ hike, for more details.

Decision fatigue has some real consequences As your brain gets more fatigued, it becomes more impulsive, hasty, and starts to avoid making choices by shutting down. Brain fog takes over, and you find yourself grasping for the information you need to make a decision, without fully feeling like you are taking control of the situation.

It’s time to take care of yourself and your fatigued brain. Find ways to reduce daily decisions: meal plan, prep lunches and snacks, create little routines that are habit and you don’t have to think about. Set the coffee maker the night before so you wake up to a steaming cup. Help support your kids in learning how to pack their own lunches.

Don’t second guess. Once you have made a decision, stick with it. Don’t allow the alternatives to keep going ‘round and ‘round in your head. That decision is made, now move on to the next one.

Adjust your expectations. Not all the things have to be done right this second. A cuddle on the couch with your kids is worth its weight in gold.

Define what you can control. There are many things not within your control right now and can feel stressful as you try to navigate your daily routine. When you are in a moment of feeling overwhelmed, take a moment to really focus on the pieces you can control in this moment and find power in those.

Take care of yourself. Feed your body and brain. Eat good food and get some relaxation. These will help a tired brain. Remember, no two people’s self-care looks the same. For you, it might be enjoying an extra episode on Netflix, and for the next person, it is adding an extra kilometre onto their daily run. Do what works for you, your body, and your mental well-being.

Through the Children’s Grief Centre, Sage Centre, and Rosedale Hospice, Hospice Calgary journeys with Calgarians through endof-life and grief for as long as needed. Their team has difficult conversations about death, dying, and grief and they listen to each unique story, responding with compassion. For more information, visit hospicecalgary.ca and childrensgriefcentre.ca. CCM

Ashlee and Lisa are child psychologists who created KidsConnect Psychology as a place for children and families to access tools, supports, and therapy. Check out the website, kidsconnectpsychology.com, for digital downloads, parenting tool kits, information about parent counselling, school consultations, day care consultations, and more! CCM

For more information and to book an appointment, visit virtualkids.ca. CCM

Spring 2021 • calgaryschild.com • 33

education

35

Open-Ended Questions

|

37

Spring STEM |

40

Study Strategies

education

the benefits of asking your children open-ended questions how to ask the right questions for productive responses

By Jan Pierce, M.Ed. Again, don’t ask a yes or no question unless you follow up with, “Tell me more.” Here are some question starters that may work for you; some are statements geared to thoughtful answers.

Most of us have had the frustrating experience of asking our children questions and receiving one-word answers: “What did you do at school today?” The answer: “Nothing.” You want to engage your kids in conversation that lets you know what they’re thinking, how they’re feeling, and whether or not they need support of some kind. So, it’s difficult when you hit one-word dead ends.

But there is hope. You can teach your children to engage in conversation and open up to you by asking them open-ended questions. And the younger a child is when you begin to do this, the better.

• • • • • •

Why open-ended questions?

Big, open-ended questions that can have a thousand answers support a child’s language development as well as critical-thinking skills. You don’t want to ask your child, “Did you have fun today?” which will elicit a yes or no answer. Instead say, “How was your day? Tell me about it.”

Three ways to encourage full answers 1. When you ask an open-ended question, allow enough wait time for your child to process the question and formulate an answer.

2. Use active-listening skills: make eye contact, restate their words to help them solidify and extend answers. “I heard you say…” “Did you mean…?” “Are you saying…?”

3. Use follow-up responses such as, “Tell me more about…” and “What else…?”

"When children respond

to open-ended questions, they gain confidence in their ability to interact with others."

When children respond to open-ended questions, they gain confidence in their ability to interact with others.

They learn to analyze and evaluate what they’ve done and the things they’ve learned. They’re encouraged to respond with creativity and reflection. Even a shy child will begin to open up when asked a question that gets to the heart of their emotions.

On Going Registration www.fun2learnpreschool.com Dalhousie Community Church

403-239-2033 403-880-6711

Can you describe…?

Tell me about…

I noticed you… Can you tell me more?

I’m excited to hear about your day. Can you share three things…?

How do you think…?

How can I help…?

How to ask the right question When your purpose in asking a question is to encourage a conversation, you’ll want to ask at an appropriate time. Often, the best time to ask questions is when a child is engaged in a project of some sort. While you may not want to interrupt their thinking, they are more likely to be open to sharing their thought processes when they’re actively engaged.

If your purpose in asking a question is to problemsolve, you’ll want to avoid, “Why did you…?” Instead, preface your question with, “How could you fix it?” or “What are your options now?” This puts the responsibility for coming to a solution on your child and you can guide their thinking to a satisfactory conclusion.

When you take the time to engage in meaningful conversations with your children, you are building valuable rapport and trust with them. Rather than feeling bombarded by invasive questions they don’t want to answer, they’ve been taught all along to share their thoughts, emotions, their ‘wonderings.’

This invitation to communicate will benefit your children in many ways; they’ll learn how to gather information, understand how they come to conclusions, extend their vocabulary and their logical-thinking skills, know their thoughts are appreciated, and gain valuable practice in communication skills that will aid in their learning throughout life.

Jan Pierce, M.Ed., is a retired teacher and writer. She is the author of Homegrown Readers and Homegrown Family Fun. Find her at janpierce.net. CCM

A MEANINGFUL EDUCATION WHERE POTENTIAL IS AWAKENED

ATTEND A SCHOOL TOUR – PRESCHOOL TO GRADE 9 @calgarywaldorfschool calgarywaldorf.org Spring 2021 • calgaryschild.com • 35

education

what is ‘crossing the midline’ and why is it so important?

helping kids think across their body

By Maureen Khallad Imagine that you have a line down the middle of your body from the top of your head and down through your trunk. Crossing the midline is one’s ability to reach across the centre of the body with their arms and legs crossing over to the opposite side. This is a very important developmental skill that takes time for children to develop. It is a pertinent skill required for reading and writing, completing self-care tasks, as well as for many sports. The ability to cross the midline is important on the physical level as well as on the brain level. On the brain level, a lack of midline crossing may indicate that the left side and the right side of the brain are not communicating well together.

What are the symptoms of difficulties?

You may see your child switch hands when drawing and cutting. If your child is avoiding crossing the midline, it will be difficult for them to establish hand dominance, which will ultimately affect the progression of their fine motor development. Children that have difficulty understanding how to sit cross-legged and

PH

"Children that have

difficulty understanding how to sit cross-legged and seem oblivious to their limbs usually have difficulty with midline crossing." seem oblivious to their limbs usually have difficulty with midline crossing.

Toddlers will first develop their bilateral coordination skills; the two sides of the body will learn to work together at the same time to complete a task. Your child will then progress to using one hand as their dominant

ENIX FOUNDATION

Where Homeschooling Takes Flight!

Custom Learning

Safe & Caring Community

Kindergarten

Online

Thematic Classes

BlendEd

HomeEd We are a non-profit, publicly accredited independent school.

Garden

Music

Bee Hives

Gym

Small Classes

Call to book a tour! Phoenix Education

403-265-7701

Foundation 320-19th Street SE Calgary, AB

ww w. p h o e n i x fo un dat io n.c a 36 • Find us on

hand while the other hand is used as a ‘helper hand.’ This development occurs at different speeds with individual children, but a dominant hand should be emerging by the end of the third year.

What can you do to encourage and develop crossing the midline in your child?

Use rhythm scarves and ribbons, crossing the • midline with music. Dancing and swinging the arms in diagonal, up, back, sideways to music helps children become aware of their arms and legs.

• Play bean bag tossing games and ‘Simon Says.’

• Use paint to develop fine motor skills, eye-hand coordination, tripod grasp, and crossing midline skills.

• Play with blocks by stacking them.

• Use a washcloth to bathe.

• Do household chores such as dusting, wiping tables, sweeping.

• Play patty cake.

• Play with toy cars on a large path.

• Play with flashlights.

• Paint with a large paint roller (use water on your fence or sidewalk).

• Draw a large figure 8 on a chalkboard or sidewalk and drive toy cars on it.

• Water flowers/plants using both hands.

Ball-passing from side to side.

• • Encourage independent dressing and self-care such as combing hair, brushing teeth, etc.

Maureen is the Director at The Think Sun Preschool Academy, located in Calgary at #10, 5555 Strathcona Hill SW. For more information, call 403-240-4466 or visit thethinksunpreschool.com. CCM

education

creative spring STEM activities for kids incorporate science and math into spring fun!

By Kristin Savage A child inspired by any STEM project will never stop at a single activity and will always become a young explorer who will ask questions and research things in a way that will be both unique and creative. As springtime finally arrives and the sunbeams are shining upon the happy faces of youngsters, it is high time to think about additional Spring STEM activities that will keep everyone inspired, fit, and happy. Just think about all the things that emerge with the coming of Spring such as new plants, animals, weather changes, flowers, and the physical processes that we are yet to learn!

Science. The scientific part might be one of the most interesting aspects for children since one may be able to start with the exploration of the color theories with the help of a rainbow, weather science technologies, and garden experiments, which can start with your kids growing plants and learning more about soils. You can start with a diary for every child to write down the changes and facts they observe.

Technology. Since the majority of youngsters are eager to implement all sides of technology, you can start with weather prediction by focusing on Geography and Environmental Science basics. Explain what tools are helpful to grow some plants and explore your seeds with the help of a microscope and basic water-based experiments. You can also start with light refraction and the work of sunlight, which will help your children see what processes are involved.

Engineering. This part relates to more complex aspects of STEM education. You can start with the study of soil erosion while being outside by showing certain examples. Moreover, you can explain the basics of plate tectonics, talk about how the weather changes affect the buildings and the plants, and how one can protect animals from sudden weather changes. Since it will also include manual work, it will help to improve your kids’ tactile skills and accuracy as you can build the graphs and construct various engineering blocks that help to explain the transition from winter to Spring.

Math. Of course, the calculations are quite useful for the Math part! It is used when you plan to predict the weather and figure out the plant yield or the amount of water that will be required to keep everything watered.

You can also use various Spring themes and graphics as you work with the regular math problems. Always

"Think about ways you can explain and solve real-world challenges as they are discussed at home or in the classroom."

keep your kids inspired and let them continue with the calculations as they learn things outside.

Writing skills and logic. When you are dealing with springtime, you can ask your children to write down their feelings and impressions and use logic as they compose their reflection papers. As your child tries to start with the description of growing seeds indoors or talks about the rainbow effect, one must focus on

Edelweiss Preparatory School 9

Parents’ Choice Award Best Preschool 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 & 2013 Honorable Mention 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 & 2019 Northwest Calgary

403-282- 4220

An Early Childhood school offering Preschool and 2, 3 and 5 day Jr. Kindergarten & private Kindergarten in a loving, nurturing environment with an enriched curriculum.

32 years of Excellence in Education

www.epschool.ca

various writing styles. Check out Subjecto, subjecto. com/essay-samples, for inspiration to see the different Spring topics or the ways of how to keep your children inspired. You can provide your youngsters with ideas that will boost their creativity.

Come up with inspiring STEM challenges everywhere Do not forget that STEM learning is not only limited to a certain topic as you are dealing with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Think about ways you can explain and solve real-world challenges as they are discussed at home or in the classroom. You can ask your children to come up with creative questions as they discuss the weather or explore your Spring garden or a land plot. It must be inquiry-based with the exploration and explanation being the focus of any activity. This will help your young learners stay attentive and be inspired all of the time as they become creative researchers who lead the way!

Kristin likes to explore the ways how one can keep children and parents inspired as they engage in creative activities. As a researcher, she loves adding some simple science to her posts to help young learners. Follow Kristin to learn something new each day and explore some bright ideas, facebook.com/kristin.savage.520. CCM

FOOTHILLS ACADEMY SOCIETY A Leader in Learning Disabilities since 1979

Read/Write Program

Foothills Academy School

for Struggling Readers

Full-Time School Program for Students with Learning Disabilities in grades 3 - 12

Did you know? Foothills Academy offers individualized reading instruction to struggling readers who do not attend Foothills Academy school?

Teachers with additional Learning Disabilities training

The Read/Write Program in Community Services offers in-person and online instruction during the day, after school and in the summer?

Individualized accommodations and supports to provide success Small class sizes Wide variety of extracurricular activities Find Understanding

www.foothillsacademy.org

Build Confidence

Maximize Potential

403-270-9400

Spring 2021 • calgaryschild.com • 37

education

Midnapore School at-a-glance Mandarin Bilingual Program Kindergarten – Grade 4 & Regular Community Program Kindergarten – Grade 6

Mandarin Program: Alberta curriculum is taught 50% in English and 50% in Mandarin allowing students to build fluency in both languages.

■ Promotes exploration, understanding and appreciation of the cultures of the Mandarin-speaking world and contributes to multilingualism and multiculturalism Provides students with more choices for advanced education and career options Both the regular community program and the Mandarin program: Focus on strategies for enhancing academic achievement in the core subject areas Committed to providing students with learning opportunities to build a strong base in early literacy skills Teach responsible citizenship ■

■ ■

■

Midnapore School – a Compassionate and Collaborative Learning Community Midnapore t | 403-777-8680 e | midnapore@cbe.ab.ca

Learning with autism is better, here.

School programming for students diagnosed with ASD aged 6 to 18 years of age.

REGISTRATION AT OUR NEW CAMPUS IS NOW OPEN FOR 2021-22 For more information or a virtual tour please visit janusacademy.org

38 • Find us on

education

academics + art = balance activities that complement and add balance to education

By Dr. Harriet N. Johnston, R. Psych., and Dr. R. Coranne Johnson, R. Psych.

We sometimes put so much emphasis on our children’s achievement and progress in one or another core academic subject (language arts, maths, science, social studies) that the importance of participation and achievement in complementary subjects (art, music, languages, physical education) may be undervalued.

In an effort to give your children an edge, you may encourage early specialization in some area of learning.

But when you put so much of a focus on core academics, there is a trade-off: increased time focusing on core academic subjects rather than spending time on complementary subjects and interests.

Psychologist, professor, and researcher Howard Gardner, known for his theory of Multiple Intelligences, has identified five minds students will need to cultivate to thrive in the future world of work and personal development. Gardner’s view emphasizes that to prepare for the future, a student will not only need to develop a mastery and depth of knowledge (disciplined mind), but also be exposed to a breadth of knowledge and opportunities for integration (synthesizing mind), develop the flexibility and stretch to solve new problems (creative mind), gain an awareness and appreciation of differences (respectful mind), and to serve a purpose beyond yourself (ethical mind).

Putting emphasis and importance on a subject like science will be sure to cultivate the disciplined mind, but on its own falls short of tending to the four other minds important for your child’s future in their work and personal life.

Education and opportunities that strengthen these ‘minds’ will also strengthen your child’s brain. Music, physical exercise, language learning, engaging artistic creativity, and play have been associated with healthy brain development and brain health. These subjects also tend to be more cooperative in nature, promoting social skills and leadership skills. These subjects focus more on relationship or life skills than core academics, which can impact a child’s opportunity to live a balanced lifestyle.

What can you do to promote balance in your child’s education?

At every stage, you can help by exposing your child to activities that complement and add balance to their education through: • school clubs • sports lessons and teams leadership groups (e.g. Guides, Scouts, music • lessons and bands) • art activities

Expanding your family activities is also a good way to promote this balance through: attending cultural events • • playing games together taking part in family sport activities • • visiting historic sites • volunteering Take the time to think about ways your child is cultivating these different minds and seek ways to balance the scales in the choices you help your child make in and outside of school. Summer is a great time to expand your child’s activities into areas they don’t often experience at school. Take the opportunity to encourage your child to try something new. We are fortunate that Calgary has a wide array of summer camp and program options that focus on a variety of experiences.

Dr. Harriet N. Johnston, R. Psych., has been working in the education field for many years as a school psychologist. She has taught university courses on educational psychology topics for teachers and psychologists in training. Dr. Johnston completed additional academic degrees in neuropsychology and neuroscience with experience in brain imaging. Dr. R. Coranne Johnson, R. Psych., has also been working in the education field for many years as a teacher, administrator, and school psychologist. CCM

TEACHING BOYS curious, eager, & energetic

the way BOYS LEARN

Reasons why students love being at Banbury 7

1. Academically innovative 2. Individualized one-on-one teaching 3. Self-directed learning 4. Interest based projects 5. Small class sizes (1:10) 6. Comfortable homey environment 7. Mixed aged groups We offer full day Pre-K to Grade 12. Call us at (403) 270-7787, and check us out on Social Media.

WE SPECIALIZE IN Personalized Learning Experiencial Learning Small Class Sizes Character Development Mentorship

WE OFFER Enhanced Math and Science program through Financial Academy and STEM Academy PEP Hockey Academy Annual Business Fair Outdoor Education Grades K-11

2445 23 Ave SW T: 403.744.5214

www.northpoint.school www.banburycrossroads.com

#201, 2451 Dieppe Ave SW, Building B1, Calgary, AB T3E 7K1

LEARN MORE BOOK A SCHOOL TOUR

www.northpoint.school/admissions Spring 2021 • calgaryschild.com • 39

education

get-smart study strategies how to help your child ace spring tests

By Dr. R. Coranne Johnson, R. Psych.

It’s Spring and your child (or tw/een) has tests in June that they will need to study for. Ideally, your child has consistently learned new academic skills throughout the year by balancing homework with social activities, exercise, and plenty of sleep.

If this is the case, then studying for tests can focus on reviewing and refreshing known information. If this is not the case, then the task of preparing for tests is more complex. Either way, my advice is to help your child prepare for tests in three ways: a Proactive Structure, Basic Foundations, and a Study Plan.

PROACTIVE - homework structure Partner with your child to develop an effective homework structure that is maintained throughout the school year. Establish a set time each day for doing homework. Don’t let homework be left until just before bedtime. Teach your child to use a timer. If your child works hard for a set amount of time (15 minutes), then they earn a five-minute break.

Identify a quiet, well-lit place for them to do their homework. Eliminate any possible distractions (TV, social media). Homework structures need to remain in place

Glenbrook Community Preschool ON NOW REGISTRATION 21 20 LL FA FOR

• • • •

Programs for 3 & 4 year olds, Low Fees Child-directed Play, Small Classes Qualified & Caring Teachers Separate Cohorts

Please visit glenbrookpreschool.org for all registration details.

Pre-Kindergarten ages 3-5 yrs Kindergarten Enhancement 1/2 day Program Out of School Care PLAY: Explore our child-centered and play focused room environment.

LEARN: Nurture emergent literacy by encouraging interest in reading & early writing.

Registration Ongoing On-line classroom video tours / Email to Register

CAPTAIN JOHN PALLISER SCHOOL 1484 Northmount Drive NW Kindergarten Enhancement & Out of School Care Gr. K-6

PRE-KINDERGARTEN AT HOPE LUTHERAN

3527 Boulton Road NW Pre-Kindergarten for ages 3 - 5 years

MARION CARSON SCHOOL

5225 Varsity Drive NW Pre-Kindergarten for ages 3 - 5 years Kindergarten Enhancement Out of School Care K & Gr. 1

SUNNYSIDE SCHOOL

211 – 7 Street NW Pre-Kindergarten for ages 3 - 5 years Kindergarten Enhancement & Out of School Care Gr. K - 6

PRE-KINDERGARTEN ACADEMY AT GENESIS CENTRE

7555 Falconridge Blvd. NE Pre-Kindergarten for ages 3 - 5 years & Kindergarten Age program - max class size 12

BRAESIDE SCHOOL

1747 – 107 Ave. SW Pre-Kindergarten for ages 3 - 5 years

Email: Register@PreKindergartenEd.com

Website: www.Pre-KindergartenEd.com 40 • Find us on

through elementary, junior, and most of high school, adjusted to the degree of independence which your child can handle.

FOUNDATION - nutrition, sleep, social activities, exercise Good nutrition and sleep fuels the body and mind.

Plan balanced meals and snacks. Ensure that your child has easy access to these types of nutritious snacks when studying.

Sleep is essential for the brain to work efficiently.

Cramming for a test the night before is not effective. Do not stray from sleep routines.

During the weeks leading up to major tests, your child may need to cut back on social activities, sports, or work commitments but it is important that there are planned breaks - a soccer game or a movie is a good way to reward effort and take a mental vacation.

STUDY PLAN Developing a study plan starts with helping your child create a workable schedule during the weeks before tests are scheduled. First, ask your child’s teacher(s) how much studying is recommended and the dates of tests. Then, sit down with your child with a calendar to make a plan based on studying priorities (based on test dates and the amount of information that needs to be covered).

Research has demonstrated that students will learn more if they study for shorter amounts of time over several days as opposed to one day for a longer period of time (20 minutes x 5 days > 120 minutes x 1 day).

"Help your child prepare for tests in three ways: a Proactive Structure, Basic Foundations, and a Study Plan."

At this point, help your child select beneficial studying strategies. For some children, condensing class notes onto recipe cards or into a graphic organizer is effective.

Other students benefit from working with a study partner - paraphrasing material and asking each other questions.

Few students benefit from re-reading material. I find variety works best - use auditory and visual strategies.

Have your child make quiz cards that can be used during study sessions with you or a peer.

On test day, make sure your child gets to school early, so they can be organized and ready for the test. Provide encouragement and remind them that if they feel panicked to take a deep breath and just get started. It is important to teach your child that their test marks are not given, marks are earned as a result of hard work.

Dr. R. Coranne Johnson, R. Psych., has worked in the education field for many years as a teacher, administrator, and school psychologist.

Through her work in schools, she has developed a wealth of knowledge about learning, literacy, and special education. CCM

summer camp & program

42 Ask the Right Questions

|

45 Introverted Teens

|

54 Modern Fencing

summer camp & program - part one

quality summer programming for kids it’s all about asking the right questions finding the right fit for memories to last a lifetime

By Jen Goeres I can remember my mom looking through Calgary’s Child Magazine every Spring to find summer camp programs for me and my sister. That was many years ago, and since then, I grew from a camper to a leader, and most recently, a coordinator, providing summer camp programming to children across Calgary.

Over the years, I have seen firsthand the explosion in the number of summer camp programs being offered in and around Calgary to meet almost every need, interest, and schedule. As a parent of twins, I too, find it overwhelming wading through all of the options, trying to figure out which ones will be a great fit for my family.

Before you register your child, here are some questions you can ask your potential summer program provider to ensure your child has a great experience.

• •

•

•

• Program staff Staff who are engaged and passionate about working with kids are the key to any amazing program experience.

In fact, research tells us that the most important factor in quality sport and recreation experience (and long-term participation) are the leaders of the program.

What training do the program staff receive? What topics are included in the training program?

Are staff required to have current certifications while working in the program (i.e. First-Aid, HIGH FIVE, National Coaching Certification, etc.)?

Do they require a Calgary Police Check and/or Vulnerable Sector Check?

Does the program use volunteers/counsellorsin-training as a key part of the summer program?

How are they selected and what training do they receive?

How many staff are returning from the last year?

(The average return rate of program staff is 40 to 60 percent - anything lower may be a sign of poor management.)

How does the program manager/supervisor directly communicate with parents (i.e. newsletter, social media)?

Safety Safety is usually the top concern for parents when choosing a summer program. Rest assured that any

quality summer program will be happy to share how the safety of your child is always a top priority.

• Does the organization utilize a comprehensive list of policies and procedures (as well as regularly review and update them)?

• Do the policies and procedures protect both the physical and emotional safety of each child (i.e. activities that take into consideration risk and physical harm, programming is inclusive, bullying is not tolerated)?

• What are the COVID protocols for staff, campers, and caregivers including the use of masks, physical distancing, and hygiene (i.e. hand washing)?

• What are the ratios of children to staff (i.e. 8 children to 1 leader)? How are these ratios maintained throughout the program?

• Will children be participating in higher risk activities or environments (i.e. near or in water, going off-site, working with animals)?

What policies are in place to maintain each child’s safety?

open to

EVERYONE!

Summer Camps!

Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School (STS) is offering week-long day camps that are sure to have your children excited, engaged, and energized over the summer months!

Kids ages 4 – 17 will love exploring the beautiful 220-acre STS campus, creating, imagining, and inventing, honing sports skills, and pursuing their passions − there is a camp for everyone to “say yes” to!

STS Summer Camps are being offered in partnership with Coded Minds, HoopStrength, Calgary Polo Club, Okotoks Rockies Basketball, Two Wheel View, Stryker Sports, Pivot Pointe Sports, Resourceful UAV Works, and Fuse33.

Find out more & register at: stscamps.ca

42 • Find us on

Registering Now for Summer & Fall 2021 www. juvenescence.ca

REPTILE SUMMER CAMPS North & South Locations

•

"I too, find it overwhelming

wading through all of the options, trying to figure out which camp will be a great fit for my family."

• • • •

What safety protocols are in place during dropoff/pick-up? Are caregivers required to sign children in and out, show ID, etc.?

How are transitions supervised when children move between activities, different programming spaces, to and from the washroom, etc.?

Is there a procedure for bad weather? If the program is outdoors, is there an alternate space?

What policies are in place for use of technology by staff and/or children in the program?

Program elements This is the ‘nuts and bolts’ of every program and should always take a child-centred approach to maximize opportunities to actively participate, learn new skills, make positive connections between children, and have fun!

• •

•

•

Do staff develop and use a detailed program plan to make the most out of the time children are in the program? Are caregivers able to view the program plan ahead of time?

Are there opportunities throughout the program for children to develop friendships and work together?

Is there balance, variety, and choice in activities?

Are the children’s needs, interests, and ideas taken into consideration when staff are program planning?

How does the organization, staff, and programming meet the diverse needs and abilities of each child in the program (i.e. inclusive program planning practices, additional staffing and/or options for aides)?

Are activities, program spaces, and equipment developmentally appropriate and safe (i.e. tables and chairs made for small children, equipment is in good working condition)?

403-457-2202

u

reptile.party@hotmail.com

Calgaryreptileparties.com

The life skills, experiences, and memories that are made when children participate in summer programs can last a lifetime. You can make sure these are positive ones when you ask the right questions to find quality programming for your kids.

Jen is a mom of twins, avid adventurer, and co-owner of WordPLAY Consulting Inc. She has worked in education, sport, and recreation for over 25 years as a teacher, leader, and advocate for positive child and youth development. CCM

Spring 2021 • calgaryschild.com • 43

summer camp & program - part one

587-433-7734

hello@juvenescence.ca

summer camp & program - part one

the camp next door: day camp nurture their independence one step at a time

By Sarah Lyons Many of us want our child to experience summer camp but the idea of spending several nights away from home may sound a little scary for you and your child. A great alternative, especially for younger kids, is to send them to day camp. Day camp, as the name implies, typically consists of a series of consecutive days where your child is away at camp during daytime hours. Your child leaves in the morning to have the camp experience and then comes home in the afternoon or evening to have dinner with the family and sleep in their own bed. Day camp gives kids many of the same learning experiences as a typical sleepover camp.

Builds independence. Camp is a great place for kids to explore their independence and day camp is no different.

Kids are dropped off at camp in the morning where they are challenged with new activities that they may not get the opportunity to try at home. They will make new friends, eat lunch, and follow directions without the help of a parent. Kids start to feel more self-confident and independent as the week goes on.

Learn new skills. Typically, day camps offer opportunities to learn and grow in areas that children may not be exposed to at school. Kids can pick camps that tailor to their interest including a variety of sports, music, dance, theatre, STEAM, exploring nature, and

44 • Find us on

more. If your child is drawn to a particular activity or subject, chances are there is a camp that interests them.

Kids who are not particularly drawn to academics can thrive in day camps because they are rewarded for their talents and interests.

"Day camp gives kids

many of the same learning experiences as a typical sleepover camp."

Make new friends. While you may sign your child up for a camp with a friend, they will meet many new people their age. Children gain confidence as they learn to talk to and work with people they have never played with before. The opportunity to make new friends with children that share similar interests and a fun new experience helps kids feel more comfortable when they are in new situations.

Take a break from screens. When children spend time at day camp, they get a much-needed break from screen time. As video games, apps, TV, and tablets consume more of kids’ free time these days, getting them outside playing or having fun while learning new skills is a priceless benefit. Who knows? When your kid comes home from camp, they may realize they don’t need as much screen time as they thought they did.

Lifelong skills. Day camp helps kids learn skills they can use for a lifetime including problem-solving and leadership skills, improved confidence, and an openness to try new things. Depending on the camp, they may learn other skills that will stick with them. For example, my kids learned how to start a fire and cook their own meals at local scouting camps. My daughter gained the confidence to get on stage in front of a room full of parents and peers at theatre camp. My kids improved their skills at sport camps, and they faced their fears while trying the camp obstacle course. These experiences will stay with a child throughout their life as they are faced with challenges and successes in the future.

As you are deciding if day camp is right for your family, consider what type of camp your child is most interested in. Choose something you know they will be successful at and consider inviting a friend to sign up for day camp with your child. This can make them more comfortable that first day. Let your child help you choose the right camp, and then let them know you think they will do great!

Sarah is a wife and a mother of six children, including triplets. CCM

summer camp & program - part one

how do I help my introverted teen? working to their strengths and accepting who they are

By Tracy Guillet, MSW Year after year, you have watched your child be on the outside of groups. You have sat in parent-teacher conferences and listened to the teacher say that your child needs to talk more. You have struggled to make sense of your child’s quiet, observant nature. Is it concerning? Should your child be talking more? Should your child have more friends?

Now, in early adolescence, it seems to be getting worse. You start to notice that your teen is left out more often. Your teen is voicing not wanting to go to school. They describe eating lunch on their own, feeling overwhelmed by group work, and having problems getting to sleep at night.

For you, you can’t really say what is wrong but can feel that something isn’t right. This is a common experience for parents of introverted teens. Introversion is still largely misunderstood, so it’s difficult to know when certain behaviors are concerning.

Signs that your teen is introverted: Is comfortable only with a small group of people.

• • At school, the teacher has always described your teen as ‘well-behaved’ and always follows expectations, and rarely verbally participates in group discussions.

• At school, they won’t ask for help, even when they are struggling in class.

• Has always been more mature than their peers.

• Is sometimes resistant to doing activities they enjoy because they worry about the social component.

• Their feelings seem to get hurt easily.

• They don’t often reach out to friends; preferring their friends to initiate getting together.

• They worry what others will think about them.

Being an introvert can be difficult due to the bias toward extroversion as the ‘right’ way to be. For many introverted people, myself included, we feel like we are failing in our quietness. This becomes especially difficult during the teen years. This is a period when it’s important to fit in. In my private practice, I hear my teen clients tell me that they feel like they don’t belong, they walk around with sadness and anxiety, and they wish they could be someone else.

It breaks my heart when I hear this. It is difficult to know that a child struggles like this. But I strongly believe this can change. Once introverted teens see they aren’t defective, life becomes better.

How you can support your introverted teen The first place to start is to learn more about introversion. The more you understand, the better able you can support your teen. Introverted teens often feel embarrassed about their quietness. You can make a significant difference by seeing the positive qualities that come with being quiet.

If your teen is struggling with friendships, open up the conversation. It’s so hard when we struggle with friendships and often there is embarrassment and shame.

When your teen is sharing with you about some of their struggles, try not to give them advice right away.

Introverted kids are more sensitive to anything that feels like criticism. The consequence is that your teen will likely stop sharing about their struggles with you. I have found success in asking questions with curiosity as a way to keep the conversation going. For example, “I wonder what makes it hard to ask your teacher for help?” This question helps a quiet teen reflect on what happens for them and makes it easier for them to share their thoughts with you.

When you do need to give your teen some advice, I suggest adding at the end: “What do you think about that?” This question does three things: 1. It gives your teen permission to think before answering, which often results in them sharing more. 2. It shows that you want to hear their thoughts and it helps them to know that you care. The more we feel listened to, the more likely we will open up. 3. This helps your teen see that you believe they are capable of solving these issues.

Music Camp

Piano, Guitar, Ukulele Lessons (Ages 5 - 10) K-Pop Dance Camp (10 - 18) Bollywood Workshops (Teens + Adults) FREE DEMO, CALL

403.681.3117

MusicaAcademy.com SW/NWai161177527323_SummerCamps2021_3x4-65_PrinterMarks.pdf Locations

1 1/27/2021 12:21:13 P

C

M

Y

CM

Summer is an exciting time for kids to

discover, explore and play.

MY

CY

CMY

One last point about introversion Introversion is not something to fix. We come into the world more introverted or more extroverted. As parents, I believe our job is to embrace our kids for who they are and encourage them to embrace their natural behavior to be the best version of themselves.

K

Tracy Guillet is a Social Worker in Calgary who runs a specialized counselling practice working with introverted teens and adults, helping them manage social anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. To learn more, visit quietpathways.com. CCM

Science Explorers Summer Camps (July 5-9, 2021 & July 12-16, 2021) French Immersion Summer Camps (July 19-23, 2021 & July 26-30, 2021) Price: $350 Campers will learn while having fun with new friends, experienced instructors and make memories to last a lifetime. extension@stmu.ca | 403-531-9130 stmu.ca/extension-studies

Piano, Voice, Guitar, Violin, Ukulele, Drums, Cello, Flute, Theory All ages & all levels Online & In-person

Spring 2021 • calgaryschild.com • 45

summer camp & program - part one

everything you need to know about summer camp finding the right balance in your camp program

By Stacie Gaetz There are many positive benefits to sending your child to summer camp. “Camp is a safe place for outdoor exploration, active play, and embarking on great adventures,” notes the Alberta Camping Association (ACA) website.

The Canadian Camping Association (CCA) website says during camp, “participants are encouraged to be cooperative, caring, tolerant, and respectful - qualities which benefit kids beyond camp. They also learn to become more independent and self-confident; they develop leadership skills and acquire an appreciation and respect for nature.”

There are a number of other benefits of camp that may not be top of mind. Here are my top five unexpected benefits of sending your child to overnight camp: 1. Autonomy. For many kids, overnight camp is their first experience spending any significant amount of time away from home. When your child is able to successfully spend time away from home at camp, it can help them develop autonomy. Independence is good for your child because they can prove to themselves that they can do

Dream

things they may not have thought they could do or that they otherwise wouldn’t try to do in a familiar setting.

2. Exposure to new kids. Camp attracts kids from different schools, ages, races, religious backgrounds, and sometimes other cities, too; kids your child may not normally get the opportunity to meet and get to know. Camp is a wonderful opportunity for your child to learn about cultural diversity and enhance their natural curiosity about others.

3. They can be themselves. The fact that your child doesn’t know many or all of the other kids at camp can be a huge benefit to them because your child doesn’t have to pretend to be anything they are not. At school, there is often pressure to ‘fit in’ and act a certain way but at camp, your child can just be themselves.

4. Learn new life skills. When you send your child to camp, you anticipate your child will learn some new skills like kayaking, playing a new sport, learning how to start a camp fire, etc. But what you may not realize is your child is also learning increased self-reliance that comes with being supervised by camp counsellors instead of a parent. Your child will learn new life skills like setting

and clearing dishes from the dining hall, neatly making their bunk bed, and keeping their living area or shared quarters clean and tidy.

5. Create connections. When your kid returns home from camp, they will be excited to share with you - for months or even years to come - their camp stories, including the ‘hilarious thing Johnny did at camp.’ Your child may ask if Johnny can become their new Facebook friend or if you can text Johnny’s parent and see if he can come over for a playdate or sleepover (when things return to normal). Meeting people they wouldn’t otherwise meet can lead to lifelong friendships and memories.

WHAT TO EXPECT Your child needs to have some basic abilities before they are ready to go to overnight camp. Ask yourself these questions: ‘Can they handle being away from me for this long? Can they keep track of their belongings?

Can they clean up after themselves? Can they swim? Can they handle sleepovers at grandma’s or a friend’s house?’

If you’ve answered yes to all of these questions, your child is probably ready to go to overnight camp. If you

big even if you're small...

summer

DRAMA

camps

for youth performers age 4 - 18 available in north, south, and WEST Calgary locations!

cypt.ca 46 • Find us on

• • •

Let them know their camp counsellor(s) will make sure they’re safe and cared for.

Encourage your camper to express what it is that makes them nervous about camp. Be open to answering any questions they may have.

Get excited with your camper and help them prepare for camp. Mark the camp dates on your calendar and talk about it often.

HOW TO CHOOSE? Some camps keep your child entertained for a few hours a day while you are working, while other camps are specialized and help children learn everything from coding to competitive gymnastics. You want to find the right balance between choosing something your child is interested in and allowing them to try new skills. “Summer camp is about providing unique and specialized opportunities to children. Camp is a special treat, like having a sleepover or an extra dessert!” says Devon Karchut, TimberNook of Greater Calgary.

Another important consideration is whether you want to send your child to day camp or overnight camp. It can be difficult to know if your child is old enough for camp, but here is a rough guideline: Children as young as six can go to day camps and those eight years old and older might be ready for overnight camp trips. Of course, you know your child best and can always assess whether they (or you) are ready to take the next step from day to overnight camp. “While every child is different, it’s important to choose a camp that will meet their specific social, emotional, and physical needs,” advises the ACA website.

With hundreds of camps ranging from day camps, residential, and out-trip camps focusing on activities like horseback riding, canoeing, mountaineering, art, drama, and science, there is a lot to choose from, so do your search together and ask your child to make the choice based on their interests and talents.

OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER Cost. Camps that specialize in certain topics and bring in experts on those topics to teach the kids are a bit more expensive than camps that are mostly meant to entertain the kids for a day.

Food. Is lunch provided or do you need to send your kid to camp with a packed lunch? Or do you need to send them to camp with money for lunch? This consideration may seem like a small detail, but logistics are important.

Before- and after-care. Many camps offer before- and after-care as some don’t start until 9am or later and/or are over by 3pm, making it impossible for some parents to drop off and pick up their child before and after work.

Location. Where is the camp located? Can you easily get there to drop them off before work?

Days of the week. Do the days the camp is running work for your schedule?

Multiple children. If you have more than one child, can they all go to camp at the same location at the same time? If not, you are in for a lot of driving and more complicated pick-up and drop-off scheduling.

GETTING STARTED Wondering how to get started on booking a camp for your child?

• Start with a general search online. Browse camps. ca and the websites of the CCA, ccamping.org, and ACA, albertacamping.com, to learn about camps in your neck of the woods.

• Continue your research by visiting each individual camp’s website. Learn about the camp’s philosophy, type of programs offered, session lengths, start dates, and cost.

• Ask your friends, family, neighbors about their camping experience or view a camp’s testimonials online.

• Research prospective camps early. Most camps have application deadlines, and popular camps can fill up quickly.

And last but certainly not least, check out the annual Summer Camp & Program Guide in this issue of Calgary’s Child; a comprehensive list of camps offered at home or in person in Calgary and area.

Stacie is a freelance writer, editor, and mother to a delightful daughter and silly son. CCM

Friendship Camp for kids & teens with Learning Disabilities or ADHD

Camp Amicus at Foothills Academy Community Services

foothillsacademy.org Spring 2021 • calgaryschild.com • 47

summer camp & program - part one

have answered no to any of these questions, it doesn’t necessarily mean they can’t go to camp, just maybe not an overnight one quite yet.

The best way to prepare your child for camp is to let them know what to expect beforehand. As the ACA suggests, “Preparing for camp at home will help prevent homesickness and ensure a successful summer camp experience.”

Here are some more ACA tips for preparing your child for camp: • Involve your child in the process of selecting the camp. This will help them feel like it was their choice to be there.

• Tell your camper what they should expect. For information on what a regular day at a particular camp looks like, contact the camp director.

• Learn about the camp with your child. If possible, visit the camp so they know what it looks like.

Look at the camp’s website with your child; view activities, photos, and facilities.

• When normal life returns, arrange for your child to spend a night or two at a friend’s house so they know how it feels to be away from home and having fun. Pretend that they are off to camp. They need to pack their own bag and only call/text home if there is an emergency. As the ‘camp’ parent, you could tuck an encouraging letter into their bag.

• For younger campers, pretend they are at camp and need to make their bed, pick up and put away their clothes, brush their teeth, wash and comb their hair.

• Talk to your child about homesickness. Do not promise your camper that they can phone to be picked up anytime they want. Instead, encourage your camper to see this week as a challenge, and remind them that you will be very proud of them for making it through the week. Reassure them that homesickness is normal but communicate your confidence in them and their ability to be away from home without you.

• Do not schedule any special outings while your child is away, or they might feel like they’re missing out.

summer camp & program - part one

26-30 9-13

Want that creativity to take flight?

Cassa

s mp

make summer awesome! c e n Ca a Half and D Full Day Options

MUSICAL ARTS

Musical Theatre, Playwriting, Staging, Songwriting, Jazz, Piano Register Now! cassamusicalarts.com

Ages 4-12 July - August 2021

403-282-0555 FREEHOUSEDANCE.COM

CAMPS

3–14 Years

mps a C y a D L A M Amazing ANI rfieldAcres.com or call office 403-239-0638 te

egistration at But

Information & R

the BEST

the

MEMORIES are made at FARM

48 • Find us on

Butterfield Acres is the perfect venue for this memory-making, activity-packed camp!

Different animal highlights each day provide a framework for the max in age-appropriate fun, participation, intrigue, adventure and dare-we-say... learning!

EARLY REGISTRATION BONUS All campers registered before midnight March 31st get a FREE SEASON PASS! Go to ButterfieldAcres.com for registration information. As always, register early if you are wanting to be with a particular group of friends, or if there’s a special camp week or time you need.

ButterfieldAcres.com

Goat Milking • Tractor Rides • Pony Rides • Farmyard Fun • Picnic Areas

Calgary's Go-To Guide for Summer Camp & Program Options.

GENERAL: MULTIPLE THEMES & ACTIVITIES CALGARY READS LITTLE RED READING HOUSE BOOK CAMP Website: littleredreading.house This summer, join Calgary Reads in Inglewood for a readingthemed book camp combining read aloud time, book and story exploration activities, as well as games and crafts! This camp is for kids ages 6 to 8. The reading-themed camps run July 19 to 23 and August 9 to 13, 2021. Cost is $300 per child; $500 per sibling pair. Register today!

ST. MARY’S UNIVERSITY Email: extension@stmu.ca Website: stmu.ca/extension-studies With our Science Explorers and French Immersion Summer Camps, campers can expand their minds - exploring science, language, and culture through educational hands-on activities.

Campers will learn while having fun with new friends and experienced instructors, and make memories to last a lifetime. The French Immersion Summer Camps will see children embark on a voyage through culture and language through a variety of interactive activities. The main objective is to develop confidence in oral and written French within an immersive environment and a unique blend of fun activities.

Composers, ages 12+ (compose your own works); Cassa Piano, ages 9 to 19+ (develop your performance skills); Cassa Jazz, ages 12+ (pianists create and perform jazz); Cassa Pedagogy (professional development for piano teachers and advanced pianists); Cassa Masterclasses, for all ages and levels (piano lessons with Cassa Experts).

MINI MONET Phone: 403-827-3304 Email: minimonetarts@gmail.com Website: minimonetart.com Mini Monet Art is online painting fun for ages 5 and up!

This product has two components. Art classes are pre-recorded links that are emailed to you, so you can do the class whenever it suits you.

The artbox portion is complete with all you need to make creative paintings with all four links! There is usually a theme involved in the series. The box contains 12 paint colors, five brushes, four canvas boards, four loose pieces of canvas for mixing and blending, and painter’s tape.

Mini Monet is @minimonetartonline on Instagram and loves to show mini artist’s work through posts and stories.

Come paint with us!

DAY CAMPS & SUMMER PROGRAMS - IN PERSON & AT HOME OPTIONS CAMP AMICUS (FOOTHILLS ACADEMY) Phone: 403-270-9400, Ext. 252 Email: intake@foothillsacademy.org Website: foothillsacademy.org/community-services/ amicus/camps

DAY CAMPS & SUMMER PROGRAMS - AT HOME CASSA MUSICAL ARTS Phone: 403-969-0418 Email: info@cassamusicalarts.com Website: cassamusicalarts.com Join Cassa for online creativity this summer! Cassa Kids, ages 7 to 12 (introduction to music, art, drama, and movement); Cassa Musical, ages 9 to 21 (performance of Secret in the Forest); Cassa Staging, ages 12+ (sets, lights, sound, and costumes); Cassa Playwriting, ages 7 to 14 and 15+ (write and perform your own play); Cassa Song Writing and Cassa

CHINOOK SCHOOL OF MUSIC & MUSIC KIDS Phone: 403-246-8446 Email: info@chinookschoolofmusic.com Website: chinookschoolofmusic.com Students of all ages enjoy lessons in piano, guitar, voice, violin, cello, flute, ukulele, drums, and theory both online and in-person. Summer camps are offered for the 2021 season for ages 3 to 12. Music Kids for babies and toddlers classes incorporate singing, movement, and instrument

play. Children experience a joyful and nurturing learning environment while developing fundamental music skills.

Explore our website for our virtual program offerings for all ages!

KEYBOARD ACADEMY OF MUSIC #B, 8411 Elbow Drive SW Phone: 403-255-0010 #203, 4803 Centre Street N Phone: 403-277-2987 Website: keyboardacademy.ca With all COVID-19 protocols in place, Keyboard Academy is able to continue with our in-studio one-on-one instruction from both locations. Virtual classes may also be available in some cases. We offer private lessons in piano, keyboard, and organ for ages 6 and up. Our “Beginners 8 Week Trial Program” is also a great way to get started. Call for more information or to register. Now’s the perfect time to have music in your life!

LONG & MCQUADE MUSIC LESSON CENTRES Calgary Chinook - 225, 58 Avenue SE Phone: 403-252-8506 Email: calgarychinooklessons@long-mcquade.com Website: long-mcquade.com/lessons/alberta/calgary Calgary East - 3404, 5 Avenue NE Phone: 587-296-6648 Email: calgaryeastlessons@long-mcquade.com Website: long-mcquade.com/lessons/alberta/calgary_east Calgary Royal Vista - 10 Royal Vista Drive NW Phone: 587-794-3196 Email: calgaryroyalvistalessons@long-mcquade.com Website: long-mcquade.com/lessons/alberta/calgary_north Long & McQuade Music lessons for every age, level, and style. At Long & McQuade, we believe every person is capable of acquiring the skills and knowledge required to make playing a musical instrument a rewarding activity.

We have a wide variety of carefully-chosen professional instructors offering year-round music lessons. Our lesson centres follow current government guidelines and established COVID protocols and have been redesigned with everyone’s safety in mind. You can choose in-person studio lessons or connect with one of our teachers online from the comfort of your home. Contact us for details.

Summer Camp & Program Guide – Continued on next page

Register For Music Lessons Today.

Pia no, rums , Guit a r, D St rings & m o re !

Why Choose Long & McQuade?

Music lessons for all ages, stages, and styles.

Professional instructors make learning fun.

Convenient lesson times for busy families.

No registration fees. Affordable instrument rentals.

ONLINE AND IN-STUDIO LESSONS AVAILABLE. 225 58 Ave. SE • (403) 252-8506 • calgarychinooklessons@long-mcquade.com 3404 5 Ave. NE • (587) 296-6648 • calgaryeastlessons@long-mcquade.com 10 Royal Vista Dr. NW • (587) 794-3196 • calgaryroyalvistalessons@long-mcquade.com Spring 2021 • calgaryschild.com • 49

summer camp & program - part one

Summer Camp & Program Guide

summer camp & program - part one

Summer Camp & Program Guide – Continued from previous page

MUSICA ACADEMY YAMAHA SCHOOL LTD. Phone (Northwest): 403-681-3117 Phone (Southwest): 403-619-9990 Email: info@musicaacademy.com Website: musicaacademy.com Making Music Makes You Smarter! Musica Academy offers internationally-renowned Yamaha group classes to children ages 2 and up. Students enjoy making music in a group environment through Hear-Sing-Play-Read method. Call for a free demo class. We also offer private RCM piano, guitar, and voice lessons. For more information, check out our website.

DAY CAMPS & SUMMER PROGRAMS - THE ARTS AMBROSE ARTS ACADEMY Phone: 403-410-2000 Email: artsacademy@ambrose.edu Website: ambrose.edu/artsacademy Looking for something fun to do this summer? Bring the magic of theatre into your home with our Fairytales and Fables Camp in a Box: Everything you need delivered right to your door. Learn script writing, characterization, production design, and filming tips from university professors and professional artists. Build literacy, memory, and imagination all while having fun and staying safe. Our Fairytales and Fables Camp in a Box is great for anyone who loves stories!

CALGARY YOUNG PEOPLE’S THEATRE (CYPT) Phone: 403-242-7118, Ext. 1 Email: cypt@cypt.ca Website: cypt.ca CYPT is pleased to announce that we will be holding our 2021 Summer Drama Camps in person this year, with a number of restrictions in place. Visit cypt.ca/covid19-update/ to learn more about our COVID prevention measures. This summer, we are offering Half-Day Camps, Full-Day Camps, Two Week Camps, and more! We hope you can join us for some summer drama fun!

COUNTERPOINT DANCE ACADEMY MARDA LOOP Phone: 403-201-5519 Email: office@counterpointdancemarda.com Website: counterpointdancemarda.com Counterpoint Dance Academy Marda Loop has operated in the dynamic community of Marda Loop for 18 years, offering an extensive array of programs for children ages 2 to 18. Dance disciplines include Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Acrobatics, and Musical Theatre.

Our community of invested professionals develop the

technical skills of dancers in a fun, nurturing environment while building life skills of discipline, focus, work ethic, compassion, and community interest.

FREE HOUSE DANCE PLUS LTD. 2020, 12 Avenue NW Phone: 403-282-0555 Email: fhdp@telusplanet.net Website: freehousedance.com Make summer awesome in our July summer dance camps!

Go on an enchanted fairy tale adventure, become a popstar, explore dance in movies, or create a music video. Shake off that cabin fever and join us for the perfect combination of dance, music, and crafts. There’s something for everyone as we explore dance styles including jazz, ballet, hip hop, acro, and musical theatre. For ages 4 to 6 and 7 to 11. Contact us or check our website for more details.

JUBE CAMP Phone: 403-297-8000 Email: jubecamp@albertajubileesociety.ca Website: jubeschool.com 30+ classes + 30 artists = endless creative adventures for you and your family from the safety of your own space. Brought to you by the Jubilee Auditorium and the makers of Jube School, you can explore, create, and imagine your summer through the visual, performing, and technical arts.

QUEST THEATRE Phone: 403-264-8575 Email: admin@questtheatre.org Website: questtheatre.org Quest Theatre is an award-winning theatre for young audiences offering whimsical and intelligent professional performances as well as opportunities for young people to create their own theatre during residencies in schools and fun drama camps, classes, and workshops. Instructors are professional theatre artists. Based at cSPACE King Edward in Marda Loop.

SCHOOL OF ROCK Phone (South): 403-460-7625 Phone (West): 587-353-7625 Website: schoolofrock.com/music-camps Do you want to learn how to play in a band? School of Rock offers a wide variety of summer music camps for kids and teens ages 5 to 18. It’s an experience they’ll never forget. Fill your child’s day with learning how to play music, explore rock instruments, fun games and activities, and much more.

Our music camp students ultimately end the music camp by performing a live show. Two great locations to choose from.

South: 403-460-7625 or West: 587-353-7625. Book online: schoolofrock.com/music-camps.

YOUTH SINGERS OF CALGARY Phone: 403-234-9549 Email: yscadmin@youthsingers.org Website: youthsingers.org Sing, dance, act! SHOWBIZ KIDS is a fun and engaging musical theatre summer camp. Weeklong full-day camps for Grades 2 to 6. Campers will take part in choral, choreography, and theatre sessions. They’ll write a script, experience a number of popular styles of music and dance, learn about character development, participate in a professional recording session, and end the week performing in a mini musical. New this year! SHOWBIZ KIDS week-long half-day camps for Grades kindergarten to Grade 2. Campers will explore music and self-expression in theatre arts through listening, movement/dance, games, imaginative characterization, and singing. All camps are led by professional artistic instructors.

SUMMER CAMPS & PROGRAMS - LEARNING THROUGH PLAY JUVENESCENCE SUMMER CARE Phone: 587-433-7734 Email: hello@juvenescence.ca Website: juvenescence.ca Summer is Here! Juvenescence presents our Summer Care for Children aged kindergarten to 12 years old. We are proud to provide our families creative activities where children can explore their interests through play and recreation. Summer Care is a great way to meet new friends and explore all the fun Calgary has to offer. Join us for a summer full of sun, fun, friends, and adventure.

PRE-KINDERGARTEN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES Braeside School: 1747, 107 Avenue SW Captain John Palliser School: 1484 Northmount Drive NW Pre-Kindergarten Academy at the Genesis Centre: #140, 7555 Falconridge Boulevard NE Hope Lutheran: 3527 Boulton Road NW Marion Carson School: 5225 Varsity Drive NW Sunnyside School: 211, 7 Street NW Phone: 403-605-2988 Email: Register@PreKindergartenEd.com Website: Pre-KindergartenEd.com Visit our on-line classroom tours. Pre-Kindergarten Educational Services has six locations and offers three program types: “Pre-Kindergarten” for 3 to 5 year olds, “Out of School Care” for Kindergarten to Grade 6, and Kindergarten Enhancement programming for Kindergarten Summer Camp & Program Guide – Continued on page 52

50 • Find us on

ORGAN

PIANO

summer camp & program - part one

KEYBOARD ACADEMY OF MUSIC KEYBOARD

SPECIAL

Beginners 8 week Trial Program Includes 8 lessons, music book and the loan of an instrument

www.keyboardacademy.ca Southwest • 403-255-0010 8411B Elbow Drive SW

EXAMS • THEORY CONCERTS • COMPETITION

Northeast • 403-277-2987 #203 - 4803 Centre Street N

Ages Ages 6-15 6-15 @cSpace @cSpace

DRAMA CAMPS July 5ththth to August 13ththth

403-264-8575 www.questtheatre.org

Spring 2021 • calgaryschild.com • 51

summer camp & program - part one

Summer Camp & Program Guide – Continued from page 50

students to complement their half-day in school, enabling kids to follow the regular school day hours or add Out of School Care. Pre-Kindergarten curriculum focuses on Early Literacy while recognizing the importance of Learning Through Play. Out of School Care blends both child-led and Teacher-facilitated exploration. Kindergarten Enhancement complements the Kindergarten curriculum, while offering additional time for centre play. We look forward to welcoming you to our centres!

DAY CAMPS & SUMMER PROGRAMS - NATURE & ANIMAL CARE BUTTERFIELD ACRES CHILDREN’S FARM 254077 Rocky Ridge Road NW Phone: 403-239-0638 Email: office@butterfieldacres.com Website: butterfieldacres.com It’s true! The best memories are made at the farm! Give your children more meaningful experiences and wonderful, significant memories they can share with their own children one day… Butterfield Acres Farm Summer Camps for 4 to 14 year olds build memories, friends, love and respect for animals, self-confidence, and a can’t-wait-‘til-next-summer attitude! Many parents have told us over the years that Butterfield Acres Farm Camps are the best camps in the city! So, you’re in the right place if you want an active and exciting, vibrant and engaging, well-organized, and authentic farm camp as part of your child’s summer experiences.

CALGARY REPTILE PARTIES Phone: 403-457-2202 Email: reptile.party@hotmail.com Website: calgaryreptileparties.com Do you have kids that love animals? Celebrating their 11th summer of camps, Calgary Reptile Parties returns with their incredible Reptile Camp! Convenient NW and SE locations. Meet dragons, tortoises, boas, pythons, geckos, frogs, and more with engaging camps. Includes live daily shows, crafts, animal photo ops, games, a $50 gift bag, and educational content. Join the reptile adventure with Reptile Camp!

CALGARY ZOO Phone: 403-232-9300 Email: summercamp@calgaryzoo.com Website: calgaryzoo.com/programs/summer-camps Campers interested in animals, conservation, and nature will have an action-packed week discovering the natural world through activities, games, crafts, stories, interpretive programs, and animal visits. Select camps and select weeks are open for all children 5 TO 12 years of age.

DAY CAMPS & SUMMER PROGRAMS - SPECIAL KIDS CAMP AMICUS (FOOTHILLS ACADEMY) Phone: 403-270-9400, Ext. 252 Email: intake@foothillsacademy.org Website: foothillsacademy.org/community-services/ amicus/camps For children/teens ages 8 to 18 with Learning Disabilities/ ADHD, Camp Amicus offers day camp and an online option in 2021. Camp goals are to increase a camper’s confidence, self-esteem, and social skills in a fun and safe environment.

A low camper-to-counsellor ratio is provided. Teen options include leadership and CIT programs. Financial assistance is available, and most camps qualify for FSCD funding.

DAY CAMPS & SUMMER PROGRAMS - SPORTS & RECREATION CAMP JCC Phone: 403-253-8600, Ext. 0 Email: camp@cjcc.ca Website: campjcc.ca It’s going to be a super summer at Camp JCC – we’re open to everyone! Children ages 3 to 11 will enjoy a variety of themed, general, and specialized half- and full-day camps.

We also have a Counsellor-in-Training program for teens ages 13 to 15. All camps include fun indoor and outdoor activities, plus swimming in our pool. Pre/post camp and lunch programs also available.

GLADIATORS FENCING CLUB Phone/SMS: 403-685-3733 Email: info@gladiators.ca Website: gladiators.ca/camps.html Try Fencing! Join our experienced coaches at our summer fencing camps for beginners and fencers with less than one year of experience. Enjoy outdoor fitness activities, indoor fencing (outdoors, weather-permitting).

Learn the fundamental movements of fencing and develop new skills. Groups are divided by age for activities. Camps run weekly. For ages 7 to 14. Each fencer is assigned their own set of equipment (provided). The health and safety of fencers remains a priority and we follow Government of Alberta guidance for day camps. Activities will be at the Gladiators Fencing Club located at 60 Patterson Boulevard SW, Calgary.

MAPLE ROOTS SUMMER CAMP Phone: 403-200-1378 Email: info@maplerootsinc.com Website: maplerootsinc.com Summer is Here! We are incredibly excited to provide safe, healthy, physically active, outdoor/indoor activities and memorable day camp experiences in the heart of Calgary at Glamorgan Community Association: 4207, 41 Avenue SW. We are ready to play with physical distancing in mind, family cohorts, and maintaining controlled contacts through the week. What are you waiting for? Join our Play-demic now!

Register at maplerootsinc.com.

WITH CAMP CHOICES FOR ALL AGES AND SKILL LEVELS, SCHOOL OF ROCK IS THE PERFECT SUMMER ACTIVITY FOR YOUR CHILD. OUR SUMMER MUSIC CAMPS ARE PERFORMANCE- BASED, MEANING STUDENTS LEARN TO PLAY BY REHEARSING AND PERFORMING TOGETHER IN A FUN ENVIRONMENT. FROM BEGINNER CAMPS TO SONGWRITING AND THEMED CAMPS, WE OFFER A WIDE VARIETY OF OPTIONS TO ENSURE YOUR CHILD HAS AN AMAZING, IMMERSIVE MUSICAL EXPERIENCE. SIGN UP YOUR CHILD NOW AND WATCH THEM BECOME A MUSICIAN THIS SUMMER.

CALGARY WEST CALGARY SOUTH 403-460-7625 587-353-7625 BOOK ONLINE: WWW.SCHOOLOFROCK.COM

52 • Find us on

Butterfield Acres Farm MASTER RIM’S TAEKWONDO Phone (Southwest): 403-460-2472 Phone (Northwest): 587-535-6560 Email: info@masterrim.com Website: masterrim.com Come see for yourself how Master Rim’s TaeKwonDo can help you and your child enhance self-esteem and physical conditioning in a safe, fun, and disciplined environment!

Canadian National Team Head Coach, Master Rim, and award-winning instructors will help your child to enhance real-life skills. More than that, the students will learn how to deal with strangers and bullies as a form of self-defence. Find out why our school is recognized worldwide for world-class martial arts education!

ROYAL CITY SOCCER CLUB Phone: 1-800-427-0536 Email: info@royalsoccer.com Website: royalsoccer.com The Royal City Soccer Club, a registered non-profit community organization, is proud to host our 29th annual grassroots summer soccer camps - No. 1 in Canada! Uniquely designed to offer a soccer focus in the morning and a leisure swim with other organized activities in the afternoons to all children aged 5 to 13, the camp operates during all weeks in July and August, 2021. Check us out at royalsoccer.com or call 1-800-427-0536.

RUNDLE SUMMER CAMPS Rundle College Campus: 7375, 17 Avenue SW Email: clab@rundle.ab.ca Website: rundle.ab.ca/summercamps Join us for a ‘summer of play’ this July! Be a part of the circus, learn how to spike a volleyball, fix your bike, cast spells in French, or design and 3D print sellables for your own

business - these are just a few of our fantastic camp options for Kindergarten to Grade 6. The best part? You can build your own schedule as our camps are all half-day (the exception is KinderCrew). Come for the morning, the afternoon, or both!

Your full-day camper can choose to stay for lunch and creative play in between camps at no additional charge.

STRATHCONA-TWEEDSMUIR SCHOOL Email: camps@sts.ab.ca Website: strathconatweedsmuir.com STS is offering a variety of week-long day camps that are sure to have children ages 4 to 17 excited, engaged, and energized over the summer months. Whether it’s exploring the outdoors on our beautiful 220-acre campus, creating, imagining and inventing in the Innovation Lab or honing sports skills in the Sports Centre, there is an enriched learning experience for everyone to say “yes” to. Participants will be able to pursue their passions while enjoying all that our incredible campus has to offer. Bussing options available.

WINSPORT Email: info@winsport.ca Website: winsport.ca WinSport’s purpose is to inspire human potential through the spirit of sport and it’s something that is woven into all of our year-round, award-winning programming. We are pleased to bring you outdoor summer camps this year in Mountain Biking and Outdoor Adventure. Our programs are offered based on existing and evolving COVID-19 guidelines.

We will adjust our operations as required to ensure a safe experience for our program participants and Team Members.

Stop Watching. Start Playing.

All details are correct at time of printing but may change without notice. Please contact the businesses for more information and updates before booking. CCM

If you've ever wanted to meet and learn from wonderful farm animals, this is the place to go!

Butterfield Acres has been educating the children of Calgary and area with unique animal opportunities and memory-making real farm experiences for over 30 years. The feed and care of these amazing creatures is supported through a variety of carefully designed hands-on programs to develop animal appreciation through school field trips and family farm visits, all-age day camps (for those aspiring vet and animal-care types at your house), and birthday parties at the farm for groups of all sizes.

You'll also find animals visiting out in the community year-round at home birthdays, block parties, schools and daycares, and larger scale events.

More details and ideas for incorporating the wonderful world of animals into your activities are at ButterfieldAcres.com!

W YOUR GRO M IND

Mo

v

ey y our bod

GE T R E A D Y F O K-Grade 6

RAS

Soccer • Cycling Harry Potter French Tech Wizards • LEGO® Volleyball • Art • Wellness Basketball • 3D Design Circus • Inspired Writers Multi-sport • KinderCrew

UMM

ER O

F P L AY AT R U

!

E L ND

RUNDLE SUMMER CAMPS

7375 17 Avenue SW

rundle.ab.ca/summercamps Spring 2021 • calgaryschild.com • 53

summer camp & program - part one

featured advertiser

summer camp & program - part one

what do you know about modern fencing? a game of problem-solving

By Elya Perritt Modern fencing is the Olympic and Paralympic sport where athletes compete in one of three disciplines named after the ‘sword’: foil, epee, or sabre. This, of course, is not a sword or a weapon, but modern sporting equipment derived from historical predecessors. The basic goal of fencing is to score a point while avoiding a ‘touch’ from your opponent. Depending on the type of fencing, different parts of the body are considered valid (counting for a point). The origins of the rules for modern fencing derive from the principles of attacking and defending in correct time and distance to make the attack and defence practical in combat or duel.

Fundamentally, fencing is a game of problem-solving.

Your opponent presents the problem of defending your attacks, and the solution is to time your attack in a way that is difficult for your opponent to maneuver out of the way or avoid with defensive movements called a ‘parry’ (the use of the foil, epee, or sabre to block). Fencers understand when to give ground, when to attack.

Choosing the wrong moment to attack, getting too close to your opponent, or allowing too much space for your opponent to advance and attack allows your opponent a better opportunity to score.

Fencing is scored electronically. When a touch is made, a scoreboard lights up to indicate a touch was scored.

The referee calls a stop to the action and awards a point before resuming the match. Olympic-level matches, called bouts, have a time limit of nine minutes, divided into three periods of three minutes, and end when time expires or when one fencer scores 15 points.

The disciplines of fencing

Each of the three disciplines, foil, epee, and sabre, has its own characteristics to captivate the imagination, talents, abilities, and personality of its practitioners: 1. Foil. In foil, fencers use a light flexible weapon that in its early days was ‘foiled,’ blunted, as it was designed purely as a sporting device. Modern foils have an electronic button on the point that is depressed on the target (torso) of the opponent that triggers a signal on scoring equipment to indicate a touch was made.

2. Epee. Epee fencing’s target is the whole body. The epee (lit ‘sword’ in French) has a similar mechanism that verifies an opponent has scored a point.

3. Sabre. Sabre is the sprint of fencing, characterized by fast movements with touches above the waist counting for points. Typically, in sabre, the side of the blade is used to score by making the slightest contact with the valid (above the waist) target.

54 • Find us on

The benefits

In fencing, your child physically uses every part of their body. Fencing also encourages participants to learn to think analytically - they need to observe, analyze, adjust constantly, and learn quickly as they develop as an athlete. But most importantly, fencing is a lot of fun!

Fencing activities in groups emphasize physical fitness, skill development, and social interaction based around an incomparable experience. Fencing provides the opportunity for your child to practice and excel in an accessible, individual sport within a group environment.

It’s a win-win!

Most fencing clubs offer recreational programs with well-structured activities and general physical activity with an emphasis on developing coordination and basic physical literacy. Activities are designed to enhance and reinforce basic sport skills (running, jumping, balance, coordinated movement) along with fundamental fencing skills (advancing, retreating, various techniques of defending with your foil/epee/sabre, ‘attacking’ with a lunge, etc.).

Among the fundamental rules of fencing is the respect for opponents and teammates, as well as regard for the rules and order of fencing, which have been wellestablished since the early origins of the sport hundreds of years ago.

Practice makes perfect

Typically, younger fencers (under 12 years old) go to five or 10 points. A typical practice for new fencers may be an hour, but longer practices are the norm as fencers progress. In the city of Calgary and region, you can find fencers competing regularly, with events about each month that run from September to May. At local events, fencers get six to 10 bouts every competition they enter.

It’s a great way to learn and to take information back to the practice to continue improving.

Fencers are not required to participate in competitive programs, but for many, the chance to challenge their skills against others has a lot of appeal. Most clubs offer a variety of programs from recreational to competitive training.

A basic mask, glove, and fencing jacket worn for a class will run $200 to $250, while the cost of equipment for tournaments would be around $500 to $650, depending on the discipline.

Rental could be $25 to $35 per month, but some clubs may allow beginners to borrow gear. For new fencers, renting is a great option. Purchasing the gear once your young fencer demonstrates some commitment to the sport beyond an initial course or session is recommended.

Give fencing a try!

Many fencing clubs offer opportunities to try a one-onone lesson with a certified coach or to try a short course of several weeks for your child to see what fencing is like and to discover what discipline of fencing is most suitable for them.

Young children (toddlers) lack some of the motor skills required for fencing. The attention and concentration of developing children makes fencing better suited to those ages seven and eight and older, but there are always exceptions!

The typical fencer often starts between the ages of nine and 12, but some clubs offer classes for younger fencers with modified (plastic and lighter) equipment.

Many competitive athletes start in their teens, as young adults, or adults, but fencing can be started and learned at almost any age.

How to start?

The fencing community in Calgary is experiencing growth in many different clubs, along with school and community programs that make the sport of fencing accessible to families throughout the city.

All Sport One Day or club open house events are popular and allow participants to try fencing as an activity to get a feel for the sport. Summer camps are also a wonderful way for your child to experience modern fencing for the first time, too!

Contact your local club for more information about opportunities to try fencing and to find the right program for your child.

Gear

Fencing in the modern form has existed for over 100 years with many advances in equipment safety. Many clubs provide the equipment, offer rentals, or can supply reasonably-priced options to lower barriers of entry for those unfamiliar with the sport.

Elya is a fencing coach at Gladiators Fencing Club, former national champion, and lifelong fencing enthusiast. For more information, visit gladiators.ca. Feeling Social? Follow on Instagram @gladiatorsfencing. CCM

WINSPORT Spring

Mountain Bike Camps Book online for May and June evening and weekend programs.

winsport.ca

Spring back to active living New golf, learn to skate and outdoor programs Spring is finally here. All that sunshine and warmer weather mean it’s time to get active again with new spring programs for all ages.

Sign up your kids or yourself.

calgary.ca/register 20-0005672 | ADV-8109

Stay positive. Test negative. calgary.ca/covid19