Summer Edition 2021

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2021 SUMMER EDITION

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Calgarys Child '

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SUMMER IN THE CITY

EXPLORE Calgary’s Best Parks, Playgrounds & Walks DAY TRIPS Near & Far Backyard Glamping STAYCATION 10 Photo SCAVENGER HUNTS

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calgary’s child

About Us Publisher/Editor: M. L. Ellen Percival

2021 Summer Edition Front & Centre Being a good consumer of psychological advice . . . . . . . . . . . 5 We Love Local . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

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

Soap for Hope Canada - providing hope and dignity through hygiene. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 AdaptiveYYC - seize the power of resilience. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Summer Fun & Getaways There’s more to Alberta than the Rockies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 10 weeks of summer fun - explore Calgary’s best parks and playgrounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Summer Fun & Getaway Directory Sunsational summer fun - activities here, there & everywhere! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Backyard glamping staycation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Calgary’s best walks - summertime family walkabouts. . . . . 16 10 day trips for summer fun near Calgary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Co-Creator: Sherry Kerr – ABC Assistant Publisher/Website Manager: Allison Percival Art Director: Amanda Sharp Copy Editor: Melissa Thomson

Finding academic gaps and moving forward - how to prepare for the new school year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Embracing failure - how mistakes boost motivation and learning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Stop nagging - encouragement or pushing? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

STEM fun 101 for homeschoolers - mad about science!. . . . 33 7 things to do if your child doesn’t like sports. . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Make your home an ideal learning environment your child’s first school. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Ages & Stages Why your child isn’t sleeping and how to help . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Summer camp 101 - making the most of summer . . . . . . . . .39

Easing the transition when an ailing parent moves in. . . . . .50

Kids charcuterie boards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Poor losers and kids who cheat - modelling the rules of fair play. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Contests - Enter to Win! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

10 epic bike pathways in Calgary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Helping your children feel like they belong an important part of resilience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Parent Connection How to minimize the mess - conquer the clutter!. . . . . . . . . . 53 Building a ‘reading place’ at home - simple, whimsical, wonderful!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Every issue of Calgary’s Child Magazine includes our family-focused features and departments; plus, each issue also includes comprehensive themed directories – designed to provide busy parents with all the information on local products, support & services – all in one place.

Next Issue Back-to-School Edition Ad Booking Deadline: July 27, 2021 Release Date: August 18, 2021 Open this issue for dozens of fantastic local services, supplies and supports to make your September go a little smoother this year. We've got great fall program options, advice for those of us going back into the classroom this year and (of course!) plenty of ways to keep the summer fun going.

• • • • 4 •

Back-to-School Directory Class & Program Directory Fall Fun Feature New Communities Feature

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Choosing extracurricular activities - how to go from questions to answers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Out of the box rainy-day activities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Education - Pull-Out Special

Cover

Sports for all sorts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Smart start - 10 brain-building games to play with your baby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

10 photo scavenger hunts in Calgary parks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Sales Director: Eilidh Tait . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 587-888-9556 eilidh.calgaryschild@gmail.com Sales Executive: Dan Bontje . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-605-9204 dan.calgaryschild@gmail.com

2021 Class, Program & Education Directory Get a jump on your fall schedule! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Creating adventures in your own backyard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Choosing a quality summer camp for a child with a disability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Distribution Manager: Cathy Bontje

Contributors Trista Arney Jessica Baldis Lori Beattie April Clay, R. Psych.

Ashlee Ellerbruch, M.C., R. Psych.

Ashley Frampton, M.Ed. Natalie Gomersall Gayla Grace Christa Melnyk Hines Malia Jacobson Lisa Kaldenbach, M.A., R. Psych.

Tanya Kaynes Tanya Koob Heather Lee Leap

Brent Macdonald, R. Psych.

Carrie Malin Jenelle Peterson Jan Pierce, M.Ed. Steacy Pinney Julia M. Rahn, Ph.D. Lisa Salem Jen Smith Tourism Calgary Karen Ung Dana Wheatley Genevieve Yarn 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)

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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

being a good consumer of psychological advice consider the source, motivation, and qualifications

By Brent Macdonald, R. Psych.

‘Karen*’ has become famous. Karen has a lot to say about a lot of things. Karen wants you to know what they know - and they know a lot! A Karen is a person who has opinions but lacks the evidence - valid evidence. A Karen may start conversations with, “Have you ever tried X?” (‘X’ equals a home remedy, behavioral strategy to manage ADHD-related symptomatology in your child, or any number of possible areas of ‘expertise.’) Typically, a Karen’s sources come from Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and various questionable websites. Karen’s main source?

‘They.’ A Karen will let you know the latest about what ‘they’ are saying about nutrition, working out, taking supplements… But most distressingly, what to do to manage your psychological health. A Karen treads into dangerous territory when doing this, but Karen likely doesn’t even know they’re doing it.

As a psychologist, I have a specific interest in ensuring that I do the very best I can as a professional to embed my interactions and recommendations in evidence.

Evidence does not exclusively mean experimental data (though that’s a great place to start!). It can mean more qualitative approaches. It may be based on clinical experience, coupled with strong and meaningful theory.

Psychology is, at its core, a science. Over time, there has been some diffusion of the science aspect of psychology and perhaps an overemphasis on the art of practice, but the fact remains that my roots as a psychologist lie in evidence. Our regulatory boards take that commitment seriously, and so do I.

Karen looking for personal validation? For more social media followers? What drives them to try to steer you in a certain direction?

What about those who are qualified? Is their advice always to be taken at face value? Nope, not at all. Again, full disclosure: I have provided some miserable advice to my clients in the past, but I have learned from my mistakes. I also acknowledge when I’m wrong. I have never claimed to be an expert (though others have called me so), but I do claim expertise in certain areas and work exclusively and only within those areas. It’s dangerous and potentially unethical for psychologists to deviate from their areas of expertise or to offer recommendations to clients that could be, in many cases, harmful. I know of at least two psychologists who have recommended drinking to their clients/followers. Okay, I mean, we all have our strategies, but if the best you have to offer as a

psychologist is ‘drinking through it,’ perhaps it’s time to brush up on your clinical skills.

Engage in optimistic skepticism. Maybe something good is being said to you, but don’t swallow the pill until you know what the medicine is. *The use of the name Karen does not intentionally or unintentionally represent any real persons named Karen!

Apologies for any unintended offence to any real person whose name is Karen. I know you’re better than this!

Dr. Brent Macdonald has over 20 years of experience working with individuals with a variety of complex learning profiles. He is a highly sought-after lecturer, speaker, and has provided professional development for schools and businesses on mental toughness, anxiety, complex learners, and other topics of interest. For more information on the services Dr. Brent and his team offer at Macdonald Psychology Group, call 403-229-3455 or visit complexlearners.com. CCM

"Engage in optimistic skepticism. Maybe something good is being said to you, but don’t swallow the pill until you know what the medicine is."

So, it concerns me when others, who may or may not understand the difference between a psychologist and a well-intentioned individual, are provided with advice from folks who, best intentions aside, have no accountability or responsibility for the claims they are making. I’d offer an example that may be familiar to you but unfortunately, there are too many to choose from (understand that I am not discounting alternative approaches to psychological wellness). There are, without question, certain things people can do that may enhance psychological wellness that are not based on evidence.

But that is not what I am talking about here. I am talking about folks who make recommendations to vulnerable people based on little to no (to verifiably false) evidence.

Be a good consumer of psychological advice. It is wise to ask yourself a few questions before engaging in a path to wellness that may be lacking in valid evidence: Who is the source? Some people take on personas of expertise and what they say sounds great! But what is their background and experience? Just because someone has experienced personal trauma does not make them an expert on your trauma. We can all empathize with someone else’s pain and their hopes to support others who have had a similar experience, but personal experience does not exclusively imply expertise.

What is the motivation? We all want to be liked and admired. Is that perhaps what is driving the narrative they are promoting to you? Do they stand to gain financially?

Full disclosure: I get paid to be a psychologist. Do I gain financially? Yes. Is that my motivation? Absolutely not!

I would have bailed on such a demanding career were it not for the non-financial rewards of feeling a sense of pride and connection with my clients and students. Is a Summer 2021 • calgaryschild.com • 5

We Love

LOCAL

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

SQUISH STATIONARY - etsy.com/ca/shop/ SquishStationary Find beautiful custom cards made by a local six-yearold and her mom! These beautiful handmade cards are perfect for any occasion and support her education fund, piggy bank, and charities she picks herself. You can follow her work on Instagram (@squishstationary) or support this new business through her Etsy shop!

TINY FIRE COZY HOME - tinyfire.co Handmade cozy items for the home created here in Calgary! Their collection includes blankets and candles to bring warmth to your home, and they proudly support postpartum and women’s mental health initiatives. Check out their website or follow on Instagram @tinyfirecozyhome.

SUCCULENTS & STEMS - succulentsandstems.com A locally owned, home based floral studio that is dedicated to creating faux floral pieces with high quality faux florals, greenery, and succulents. Wondering why faux? By using high quality faux materials your arrangement is low maintenance, sturdy, and can be repurposed and last forever. If you’re feeling social, you can find them on Instagram or Facebook (@succulentsandstems) and browse their portfolio of gorgeous arrangements.

SURPRISE BOX - surprise-box.ca Looking for a way to brighten someone’s day? No matter the occasion, Surprise Box can help deliver customized gift boxes.

No two boxes are the same! Check out their huge variety of gifts including smash cakes, chocolate covered strawberries, cakesicles, flower balloons, and more at surprise-box.ca.

UP BALLOOONS - instagram.com/upballooons Are you celebrating a special day? Birthday, graduation, new addition to the family? Whatever the occasion, Up Ballooons can assist your decorating with a custom ballooon arrangement sure to bring big smiles and make lasting memories and photos. Custom ballooon arrangements are also a great idea to send some love from afar when you can’t be together for big milestones!

Follow Up Ballooons on Instagram (@upballooons)!

USE IT AGAIN - useitagain.store Looking to reduce your plastic waste? Check out Use It Again where you can shop for environmentally friendly products and shop bulk using refillable containers. This new business has opened in the Killarney neighborhood and carries many health and beauty products like shampoo, conditioner, lotion, bubble bath and soap! You can also find cleaning products like Nellie’s Clean and TruEarth Laundry! Follow them on Instagram @useitagainstore!

ARIN HIEBERT - arinhiebert.com If you love the convenience of subscription services, you might enjoy the subscription plans available from Arin Hiebert Company. You may remember Arin Hiebert from the Food Network’s Spring Baking Championship Season 6, which aired in 2020. Arin is now located in Calgary and has created a virtual bake shop! You can get delivery of a six pack of cookie sandwiches or cupcakes or choose to receive the four inch cake of the month! Delivery is limited to Calgary and your baked treats arrive on the first Friday of the month! There are also options for one-time purchases if a subscription plan isn’t right for you.

6 • Find us on

211 Community Connection (24 hours) Dial 211 to get connected to the community services you need ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������211 AADAC Help Line (24 hours) Phone ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 1-866-33AADAC (2-2322) Adult Counselling and Prevention Services �������������������������������� 403-297-3071 Youth Services ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 403-297-4664 Alberta Children’s Hospital Child Abuse and Mental Health Program Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-955-5959 Alberta Health Services – HEALTHLink Alberta 24-hour line providing health information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 811

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.

Calgary Communities Against Sexual Abuse 24-Hour Crisis Line and support for people who have been sexually abused/assaulted and their families . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-237-5888 CCIS Parent Link Family Resource Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-266-6686 Children’s Cottage Crisis Nursery 24-hour child care for parents in crisis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-233-2273 Child Abuse Hotline Report child abuse-24 hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-387-KIDS Community Resource Team 24-hour mobile crisis team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-299-9699

Soap for Hope Canada

Developmental Disabilities Resource Centre of Calgary Offers a number of respite options for families with a child with a disability 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, voice message after hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-240-3111

Providing Hope and Dignity Through Hygiene

Distress Centre Calgary 24-hour crisis line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-266-HELP (4357) ConnecTeen – 24-hour youth support line . . . . . . . . . . 403-264-TEEN (8336)

Soap for Hope’s purpose is to change lives by providing hope and dignity through hygiene. Soap for Hope Alberta achieves this goal by collecting gentlyused or unused soap, hygiene products, and linens from the hotel industry and through public donations that would otherwise be discarded. Their volunteers reprocess these items to redistribute to those in need. In doing so, the program is diverting hundreds of thousands of plastic bottles from landfills and fulfilling a local and international need for hygiene products, linens, and helping people stay healthy and dignified.

As a local nonprofit, Soap for Hope provides hygiene products and linens at no cost to shelters and other community facilities. The Calgary warehouse serves more than 50 community facilities throughout Alberta. These facilities include shelters, transitional homes, food banks, low-income senior facilities, schools, refugee support organizations, and Indigenous communities.

Soap for Hope Canada (SfHC) has raised the dignity and health of many individuals, leading them to greater personal opportunities. By reducing the environmental impact of the hospitality industry, SfHC has partnered in a greener Canada, raising the consciousness and possibilities around reducing, reusing, and recycling.

Early Start Support for Families with New Babies Seven days a week, 24-hours a day support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-244-8351 Families Matter Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-205-5178 Hospice Calgary Grief Counselling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-263-4525 Kids Help Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-668-6868 La Leche League Breastfeeding Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-242-0277 Mental Health Help Line 24 Hour Help Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-877-303-2642 Mental Health Crisis Line (Mobile Response Team) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-266-1605 Canadian Mental Health Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-297-1700 Suicide Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-297-1744 Missing Children Society of Canada Organization dedicated to the search for abducted and runaway children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-661-6160 Parent Support Association 24-hour self help for parents of children nine and up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-270-1819 Poison Centre Calgary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-944-1414 Alberta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-332-1414 Ronald McDonald House® Southern Alberta A home away from home for out of town families with seriously ill children in the Calgary Hospitals – 9 am to 9 pm . . . . . . . . . 403-240-3000 Shelters (all 24 hour access) Calgary Drop-In Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-266-3600 Children’s Cottage Crisis Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-233-2273 Women’s Emergency Shelter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-234-SAFE (7233) Sheriff King Family Support Centre Crisis Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-266-0707 Awo-taan Native Women’s Shelter Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-531-1972 Wheatland Communities Crisis Society Shelter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-934-6634 SIDS Calgary Offers support to families who have lost a child to crib death403-265-7437 West Central Communities Resource Centre One-stop approach for family services in the SW communities in regards to early intervention . . . . . . . . . . 403-543-0555 Women’s Health Resources Women’s Health Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-944-2270 YWCA Sheriff King Family Support Centre Non-crisis information - 8 am to 4 pm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-266-4111

Hospital Alberta Children’s Hospital 2888 Shaganappi Trail NW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-955-7211 Foothills Medical Centre 1403, 29 Street NW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-944-1110 Peter Lougheed Centre 3500, 26 Avenue NE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-943-4555 Rockyview General Hospital 7007, 14 Street SW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-943-3000 Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre - Urgent Care 1213, 4 Street SW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-955-6200 South Calgary Health Centre - Urgent Care 31 Sunpark Plaza SE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-943-9300 South Health Campus - Emergency Department 4448 Front Street SE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-956-1111

AdaptiveYYC

Provided by Soap for Hope Canada

They need your help Help someone in need by donating the following wish list items to the local Calgary warehouse: • Feminine hygiene (new/open box) • Deodorant (new) • Shampoo (new/used) • Conditioner (new/used) • Body wash (new/used) • Lotion (new/used) • Razors (new) Chapstick (new) • • Nail clippers (new) • Brushes/combs (new) • Tooth brush/tooth paste/dental floss (new) • Wipes (new) • Knitted Washcloths (new) The warehouse is located at 5120, 6 Street NE. They are open Monday to Thursday, 9am to 5pm.

For more information, call 587-352-9500 or email calgary@soapforhopecanada.ca.

Soap for Hope Alberta is working toward growth this year and look forward to continuing their reach to Alberta’s most vulnerable and marginalized community members in every corner of the province.

To learn more, visit soapforhopecanada.ca. Feeling Social? Follow on Facebook, facebook.com/soapforhopeyyc, and Instagram @soapforhopeyyc. CCM

Seize the Power of Resilience Provided by United Way of Calgary and Area

Developed by the United Way of Calgary and Area and headversity, AdaptiveYYC is celebrated as a novel solution to pressing issues impacting organizations and companies. Developed in the Spring of 2020, AdaptiveYYC helps work forces buffer against stress, build emotional well-being, and lead more purposeful lives. The personalized, pocket-sized resilience training initiative supports teams to build resilience and mental well-being to respond to the adverse impacts of the pandemic and continue working to the best of their ability during these difficult times.

AdaptiveYYC is the winner of the New Normal Ninja award at the 2021 CDN Channel Innovation Awards conference held in April. The Channel Innovation Awards honor companies that drive innovation and exemplify the best in channel technology solutions across Canada.

Seize the power of resilience AdaptiveYYC takes a preventive and personal approach to promote mental well-being.

This special initiative includes: •

Free three months of resilience training

•

Research-backed platform with lessons and videos for individual training and skill-building

•

24/7 personalized support

•

Three on-demand learning webinars: support, EQ, and belonging

The onset of COVID-19 has greatly impacted the mental well-being of many people, and there’s a significant need to provide access to resources to support mental wellness.

Get started AdaptiveYYC is free and available to Calgary and area nonprofits, government-funded agencies, or small- to medium-sized businesses with fewer than 200 employees. Connect with United Way of Calgary and Area to learn more and find out if your workplace is eligible: calgaryunitedway.org/adaptiveyyc. They can also add your name to a waitlist if you’re not currently eligible.

You have the power to improve lives. Your donation makes a meaningful difference and helps everyone across Calgary and area thrive. To donate, visit calgaryunitedway.org. CCM

Summer 2021 • calgaryschild.com • 7

calgary cares

Help is Just a Phone Call Away!

Summer Fun

15 Backyard Glamping

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Day Trips |

47

Epic Bike Paths

summer fun

there’s more to Alberta than the Rockies inspiration to camp in the north

By Carrie Malin Living in Alberta, we’re lucky to have one of the most beautiful natural gems right in our backyard: the Rockies. Would you say that because you live in (or around) Calgary, you stick to camping adventures in the mountains or just south of Red Deer? I can see why.

Would you believe me if I told you there are some wonderful non-mountainous campgrounds in the upper half of Alberta? I live in Edmonton. Not that I’m complaining about the trek but camping in the mountains or any other campground in Southern Alberta is quite the drive. As a result, my family has spent many years venturing closer to home and up in Northern Alberta.

Come along with me as I tell you about some of my favorite camping spots that are not located in the Rockies and try to convince you to travel north: Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park (Lac la Biche): A water-adventure wonderland. This beautiful campground is situated on an island (yep, an island) roughly three hours north (and a little bit east) of Edmonton. The campsites are great, and the trails are even better! It has all the amenities you could ask for, notably a rental office for canoes, kayaks, and SUPs. My family really enjoyed the experience of canoeing around the island; we even made it to another island nearby!

The beach is great for kids and there is a lot of shade and privacy at the campsites. Since I would argue that this is one of the most popular campgrounds in Northern Alberta, it’s difficult to get a spot. Plan (and book) ahead to check out this spot!

Carson-Pegasus Provincial Park: Give walk-in campsites a try! Switching direction now and heading northwest of Edmonton, Carson-Pegasus is a large campground with one of the best camping options (in my opinion): walk-in tenting sites. If you want to test the waters with backcountry camping but aren’t ready to abandon your car just yet, try heading to this beautiful campground! The walk-in sites are situated on a peninsula of land on Mcleod Lake, giving you the privacy and peace of the backcountry. The campground also has a park for the kiddos, a beach, hiking trails, and bird-watching.

Garner Lake Provincial Park: Tranquil area with beautiful trails and campsites. My family has spent a lot of time camping at Garner Lake. A reasonable two-hour drive northeast of Edmonton and you’ve reached this little gem! If you can go without power, the un-serviced sites reward you with their beauty, size, and privacy (in the #40 to 60 loop). The powered sites are good too, though! The campground has fantastic trails, an awesome park, a large beach, and beautiful sunsets. There’s also a shelter with picnic tables and an enclosed fire pit for when it’s pouring rain and your wiggly child doesn’t want to sit in the tent or trailer anymore (that never happens though, right?). Garner Lake is a smaller campground and isn’t staffed 24/7. Wood is available for purchase only at specific times, so make sure you check out the wood pile when park staff are available! While there is no store at Garner Lake, there is a large convenience store about five minutes away should you forget anything important. My family loves that this campground is small and simple; it makes camping more of an adventure!

Minnow Lake: The group camping goldmine. I realize including a ‘group camping’ spot while in the midst of a pandemic is a bit of a joke, but I can’t help it!

When restrictions are lifted and it’s safe to do so, if you’re looking for a great group camping area but don’t want to just hang out in a field with other families (some group camp spots aren’t great), book the group camp area at Minnow Lake. This spot is located about two hours west of Edmonton, close(ish) to Edson. There’s a large field enclosed with trees and some beautiful tenting spots tucked away in the forest. A short walk down the path to the lake and you’re greeted with a full large shelter, complete with a fireplace and picnic table. This would be fantastic for a group of families if the weather is rainy! Carry on down the path to be welcomed to a large fire-pit area with picnic tables and a gorgeous view overlooking the lake. This spot is all yours. Go ahead, let those kiddos be wild!

Long Lake Provincial Park: The most family-friendly beach/day-use area. While I don’t feel like I saved the ‘best’ for last, I did save Long Lake for last because it’s the most special to me. As a child, I got lost here. I ran down this big long scary lakeside trail and spent what felt like hours looking for my family. I remember it vividly. Me and my parents camped here multiple times every summer for years and it’s always been one of my favorites.

Now with my own son, I brought him to Long Lake for our first camping trip together. I now realize that big long scary trail was very short, and when I asked my dad recently about getting ‘lost,’ he said he didn’t know I was missing because I was only gone for about 30 minutes (interesting how the perspective of a child is so different!). Nonetheless, Long Lake is a shallow and warm (and long, surprisingly) lake with a white sandy beach that is located less than two hours northeast of Edmonton. This campground is made for families! The whole beach/day-use area has a fully-stocked store, water toy rentals (canoes, kayaks, paddle boats, etc.), a large field, volleyball nets, a great park, and a really nice (and not scary!) lakeside trail. There are a variety of camping loops as well, so you can camp in the tents-only area (B loop) or in the more open, RV-friendly areas. I’ve camped in all of them with a tent and they’re all nice depending on the level of privacy you’re seeking. The C loop is a happy medium for families or the A loop because of its proximity to the beach. Check it out!

And it wouldn’t be a camping article unless we touched on a few topics I have found helpful to know over the years. If you’re relatively new to camping and are a little overwhelmed, here are some tips I recommend before hitting the wilderness:

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Test your gear before you go! The most important ones to test are your tent, stove, mattress, and make sure your flashlights/headlamps are charged/have batteries (pack extra).

Bring enough propane, have a spare tire and jumper cables for the car, and pack a First-Aid kit.

Sounds basic, I know. But my family has been in each of these situations while camping (sometimes prepared and sometimes not) and I tell you these things as a warning because it sucks to be stuck!

Prepare for all weather, even if the forecast doesn’t call for it! My family packs raincoats, toques and mitts, sunscreen, hats, bug spray, rubber boots, and sandals for every trip. After all, we do live in Alberta - the land of the occasional August snowfall and frequent weather fluctuations.

Bring your own toilet paper and hygiene products.

Even if the campground says it’s stocked, having your own supply can keep you feeling clean when you realize that the sign did say ‘toilets closed for upgrades’ on the way in.

If you have never done it before, practice making a fire! Also, pack matches and a lighter, as well as kindling. If you’re buying wood, there’s also a good chance you’ll need an axe.

Know basic animal safety! My family carries bear spray to every campsite and look for animal sighting notifications. We also read the campground-specific rules and keep the site clean at all times.

Some items my family packs that may be forgotten (meaning I’ve forgotten, multiple times): extra bags (of all types), towels (kids are messy), rope for a clothesline, and a hammock if you have one.

I hope this was helpful! Did I make you want to travel north? It’s hard to beat the Rockies, trust me (I drive the four-hour drive often). Sometimes, however, a change of scenery is just what you need, and these campgrounds offer different adventures and some great family-friendly options!

Carrie is the Marketing Manager for Kids Who Explore, a Social Enterprise founded in Calgary. Kids Who Explore aims to create a global community of families that are confident in the outdoors, foster positive energy in nature, and promote diversity and inclusion on the trail. Connect at kidswhoexplore.ca or on Instagram @kidswhoexplore. CCM

Summer 2021 • calgaryschild.com • 9

summer fun

10 weeks of summer fun explore Calgary’s best parks and playgrounds

By Dana Wheatley Calgary has over 5,000 parks and more than 1,000 playgrounds! Exploring these green spaces is an inexpensive way to have fun as a family and get to know the city you live in. To get you started, here are five of the best parks for families that Calgary has to offer, and five awesome playgrounds to give you 10 weeks of exploring Calgary’s parks and playgrounds.

n PARKS 1. Confederation Park - 24 Avenue & 14 Street NW to 30 Avenue & 10 Street NW. Confederation Park is a great place to take young kids for a bike ride because you can do a nice loop without going up any large hills. It also has a ton of small bridges and a tunnel going under 14 Street.

On the west end of the park, you will find a wetlands pond with ducks and on the east end of the park, there is a natural playground with a tall slide and an overturned canoe climber. Climbing trees in Calgary are not particularly common, but Confederation Park has a few popular spots.

Confederation Park had some improvements to the park in 2017, including more picnic tables and outdoor grills. You can find these at a few places in the park, including near the natural playground.

Fish Creek also has a Bike Skills Park off of Bow Bottom Trail. There is a beginner pump track, intermediate pump track, and a skills loop.

Maintenance of the tracks can be variable, particularly during wet weather.

The Bow Valley Ranche area is located near Sikome Lake. This is a historical site and includes an interpretive centre, artisan gardens, The Bow Valley Ranche fine dining restaurant, and Annie’s Bakery and Café (summer only) that serves lunch and snacks. It is also a great starting point for accessing some of the pathways at Fish Creek Park.

2. Fish Creek Park. Fish Creek Provincial Park is one of the largest urban parks in North America and is the second largest in Canada.

There isn’t any camping at Fish Creek Park, but there are many day-use areas with different features, including picnic areas with firepits, hiking, walking paths, birdwatching areas, and more. Some popular spots include Shannon Terrace and Bebo Grove.

3. Carburn Park - 67 Riverview Drive SE. Carburn Park is a beautiful little oasis in the middle of the city. At many points along the pathways, it’s hard to imagine you’re in the middle of the city. With the largest ponds in Calgary’s Parks system, this park is unlike any other in Calgary!

It’s a great place for canoeing, having a picnic, and wildlife watching. You can compare two different aquatic habitats next to each other as the Bow River is accessible on the northwest section of the pathways.

4. St. Patrick’s Island - 1300 Zoo Road NE. For many years, St. Patrick’s Island was under-utilized.

Located next to the south side of the Calgary Zoo, many Calgarians didn’t know the park existed. The park has been extensively renovated and is now an inner-city jewel.

Park features include an elevated boardwalk through wetlands, a river walk pathway, a huge hill, and a natural playground. One of the most interesting features is the seasonal breech - a shallow wading area where people can play in a channel of river water. It is also walking distance to the Crossroads Playground in the East Village.

5. Prairie Winds Park - 223 Castleridge Boulevard NE. Prairie Winds is one of Northeast Calgary’s largest recreational parks. It is a beautiful park with lots of trees, green space, and three covered picnic areas.

Prairie Winds Park has some great family features, including a large wading pool, spray park, a natural playground on the north end, and an accessible playground on the south side. This is a park where you can easily spend a whole day of family fun.

Confederation Park

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n PLAYGROUNDS 1. Shouldice Park Playground - 4900 Monserrat Drive NW. Shouldice Park Playground is one of the best inclusive playgrounds in Calgary. Kids of a wide range of ages and abilities will love exploring this playground. The playground features accessible flooring and an extensive ramp system. There is large sun shade on the playground in the summer months as well as beautiful mature trees.

Shouldice Park

Seton Playground Shouldice Playground has tons of options for swinging, spinning, and bouncing. In addition to two baby swings and two traditional swings, there is a saucer swing, two accessible swings, and a tandem swing where two people can swing facing each other. There are ground level musical features, large climbing equipment, as well as a natural area.

The playground is located in a really great park next to the river with multiple picnic spots, a seasonal washroom, and is connected to a pathway system.

2. Seton Playground - 91 Seton Gardens SE. Nicknamed ‘Elsa’s Tower,’ this eye-catching inclusive playground in Seton is a great community space for people of all ages. This new playground has quickly become a local favorite, and it’s easy to see why! If you don’t like busy playgrounds, you may want to try to visit this one at an off-peak time. The playground has a lot to offer from inclusive features, like the accessible flooring to the covered picnic area, as well as some super fun equipment like the tall tower and roller slide.

3. Haysboro Natural Playground - 1204, 89 Avenue SW. Haysboro Natural Playground is the most ‘natural’ natural playground in Calgary right now. The playground is quite different from a more traditional metal and plastic playground and provides different kinds of challenges. The hill slide is wide, allowing for experimentation in how to slide down or sliding with a partner. The log jam feature will appeal to kids who like a challenge (including parents!).

The park is connected to a large green space making it great for an outdoor picnic or for families who like to engage in different activities at the same location.

4. 4th Avenue Flyover - 651 McDougall Road NE. One of the most interesting new playgrounds in Calgary, the Flyover Park, is built into the side of a hill in a previously unused park space. The parking is better than you would expect with free short-term parking in front of the playground.

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This playground doesn’t just look cool, it has great play value, too! There is a long roller slide, a tandem swing, and a stick forest that my kids loved! Effort has been made to make this park appeal to people of many different ages. It is a real community space and has ping pong, ladder golf, and a little park space for picnics.

It is a short distance to the Bow River pathway along Memorial Drive and the Bridgeland area.

Photos: Courtesy of Dana Wheatley

5. Thorncliffe Greenview - 5600 Centre Street N. This awesome new inclusive playground has accessible flooring throughout and includes two different tandem swings and a double zipline!

A lot of care and effort has been put into this park to ensure this playground is inclusive and exciting for a wide variety of kids and their families. This effort paid off - resulting in this fantastic playground that kids of all ages and abilities will love.

It is adjacent to a large park area down the hill which includes a toboggan hill, baseball diamond, and disc golf course.

Happy 10 weeks of summer exploring!

Dana searches out the best places to play, eat, and learn with her kids in Calgary, across Alberta, and beyond. Her three kids also contribute their unfiltered opinions to her reviews. To explore more, visit calgaryplaygroundreview.com, and follow her on Instagram @yycdana. CCM

Flyover Park

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TheSeed.ca/StampedeBBQinaBox Summer 2021 • calgaryschild.com • 11

summer fun

Summer Fun & Getaway Directory Sunsational summer fun - activities here, there & everywhere!

Editor’s Note: Events and festivals are pending on Alberta Health restrictions on mass gatherings.

CITY OF CALGARY PARK BOOKINGS Website: calgary.ca/csps/parks/bookings/park-bookings.html Parks has over 45 picnic sites in 9 different parks available for booking. View the picnic site information to see which site works best for you!

CITY OF CALGARY OUTDOOR POOLS Website: calgaryoutdoorpools.ca Bowview: 1910, 6 Avenue NW Forest Lawn: 1706, 39 Street SE Highwood: 25 Holmwood Avenue NW Millican-Ogden: 69 Avenue & 20A Street SE Mount Pleasant: 2310, 6 Street NW Silver Springs: Silverridge Close & Silverridge Drive NW South Calgary (closed for renovations): 3130, 16 Street SW Stanley Park: 4011, 1A Street SW

CITY OF CALGARY SPRAY PARKS Canmore Park: 2020 Chicoutimi Drive NW Eau Claire Plaza/Barclay Mall: 105 Barclay Parade SW Prairie Winds Park: 223 Castleridge Boulevard NE Rotary Park: 617, 1 Street NE South Glenmore Park (Variety Park): 90 Avenue & 24 Street SW Valleyview Park: 28 Street & 30 Avenue SE

CITY OF CALGARY WADING POOLS Bowness Park: 8900, 48 Avenue NW Eau Claire Plaza/Barclay Mall: 105 Barclay Parade SW Prairie Winds Park: 223 Castleridge Boulevard NE Riley Park: 800, 12 Street NW

SEASONAL FARMERS MARKETS Airdrie Farmers Market: Wednesdays, Jensen Park Plainsmen Area Bearspaw Lions Farmers Market: Sundays, 25240 Nagway Road NW Cochrane Farmers Market by the Bow: Saturdays, Spray Lakes Family Sports Centre Crossfield Farmers Market: Thursdays, Crossfield Community Centre Farmers & Makers Market at cSpace: Saturdays, 1721, 29 Avenue SW High River Agricultural Society Farmers Market: Fridays, High River Rodeo Grounds Hillhurst Sunnyside Farmers Market: Saturdays, 1320, 5 Avenue NW Millarville Farmers Market: Saturdays, 20 minutes SW of Calgary off Hwy 22 Okotoks Farmers Market: Fridays, 322041, 15 Street E Strathmore Farmers Market: Fridays, Strathmore Kinsmen Park Triwood Farmers Market: Tuesdays, Triwood Community Association Hall

SUMMER EVENTS & FESTIVALS JUL 1 - CANADA DAY CELEBRATIONS - THE CITY OF CALGARY JUL 1 - CANADA DAY/DOMINION DAY - HERITAGE PARK JUL 1 - CANADA DAY EAST VILLAGE STREET FAIR JUL 1 - CANADA DAY CELEBRATIONS - EAU CLAIRE MARKET JUL 3 - ADULTS ONLY NIGHT - WING FESTIVAL - COBB’S ADVENTURE PARK JUL 9 TO 18 - CALGARY STAMPEDE JUL 16 TO 18 - FIESTAVAL LATIN FESTIVAL

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JUL 17 TO 23 - CREEKFEST REIMAGINED! JUL 22 TO 25 - CALGARY FOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL JUL 24 TO 25 - PET-A-PALOOZA JUL 30 TO AUG 7 - CALGARY FRINGE FESTIVAL AUG 7 - ADULTS ONLY NIGHT - HOPPY NIGHT (BEER FESTIVAL) - COBB’S ADVENTURE PARK AUG 7 TO 8 - RAILWAY DAYS AT HERITAGE PARK AUG 8 - MARDA GRAS STREET FESTIVAL AUG 13 TO 28 - GLOBALFEST AUG 21 - FESTIVAL OF QUILTS - HERITAGE PARK

ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES BOW HABITAT STATION Website: bowhabitat.alberta.ca CALAWAY PARK Phone: 403-240-3822 Website: calawaypark.com Open for another season of fun! 32 family-friendly rides.

High-energy entertainment. Tempting treats. Calaway Park has something for everyone! As Western Canada’s Largest Outdoor Family Amusement Park, Calaway Park has been offering affordable, family-friendly fun and entertainment for over three decades. Book your tickets online (admission by reservation only).

CALGARY CHINESE CULTURAL CENTRE Website: culturalcentre.ca CALGARY PUBLIC LIBRARY Website: calgarylibrary.ca/events-and-programs/ultimatesummer-challenge Blast off to free summer fun with the Ultimate Summer Challenge. Kids ages 0 to 12 can explore a galaxy of reading challenges, activities, and exciting free programs. Those ages 13 to 17 can join the Teen Takeover. All ages could win prizes that are out of this world! To sign up, visit the website.

CALGARY TOWER Website: calgarytower.com CALGARY ZOO Guest Relations: 403-232-9300 Email: guestrelations@calgaryzoo.com Website: calgaryzoo.com Dinosaurs have awakened at the Calgary Zoo! The Zoo will take you back in time to when dinosaurs reigned supreme with its newest exhibit, “Dinosaurs: Awakened.” The exhibit, designed to educate, as well as entertain, encourages visitors to go on an immersive journey through the newly-designed Prehistoric Park to experience what it may have been like to roam the Earth with the dinosaurs, while inspiring action to prevent the loss of endangered species today - a key component of the vital conservation work the Calgary Zoo does both locally and globally.

CANADA’S SPORTS HALL OF FAME Website: sportshall.ca CREATIVE KIDS MUSEUM Website: sparkscience.ca/creative-kids-museum GASOLINE ALLEY MUSEUM Website: heritagepark.ca GLENBOW MUSEUM Website: glenbow.org HANGAR FLIGHT MUSEUM (THE) Website: thehangarmuseum.ca

HERITAGE PARK HISTORICAL VILLAGE Phone: 403-268-8500 Email: info@heritagepark.ca Website: heritagepark.ca Step into a world of history and Escape Today. Ride the authentic steam train, enjoy the antique midway, set sail on Calgary’s only paddle wheeler, and more! With over 180 exhibits situated on 127 acres of pristine land in the heart of Calgary, Heritage Park is the perfect place to create your own historic memories.

MILITARY MUSEUMS (THE) Website: themilitarymuseums.ca REPSOL SPORT CENTRE Phone: 403-233-8393 Email: info@repsolsport.com Website: repsolsportcentre.com Make this an active and unforgettable summer at Repsol Sport Centre. There is no shortage of fun and sport discovery on land and in the water for the whole family.

STUDIO BELL, HOME OF THE NATIONAL MUSIC CENTRE Website: studiobell.ca TELUS SPARK Website: sparkscience.ca WINSPORT Website: winsport.ca/explore-winsport/current-activities/ mini-golf Hit the links for family fun! Our fun and intermediate 18-hole outdoor course will challenge all ages and abilities. It is a great way to get outdoors this summer with your household.

This summer, WinSport requires participants to be members of the same household or your two close contacts if you live alone. Tickets must be purchased online in advance.

WP PUPPET THEATRE Phone: 403-228-3373 Email: admin@wppuppet.com Website: wppuppet.com Visit WP Puppet Theatre’s website for DIY Puppet Projects that are free, fun for the whole family, and sure to spark creativity! Make sure to tag @WPPuppet in your DIYs to be featured on social media. Plus, information about puppetinfused educational programming! Check out the online store for unique items.

YMCA CALGARY Website: ymcacalgary.org We’re excited to welcome you back! YMCA Calgary has eight health and wellness facilities, seven child development centres with licensed child care, two outdoor camp sites, and over 60 community program sites serving all quadrants of the city. These spaces and programs allow YMCA Calgary to deliver programs, services, and opportunities to help the Calgary community connect with others, build lifelong skills, and keep active and healthy.

OUTDOOR FUN BUTTERFIELD ACRES FARM 254077 Rocky Ridge Road NW Phone: 403-239-0638 Email: farmfun@butterfieldacres.com Website: ButterfieldAcres.com Family Fun, Fresh Air, Farm Animals... our little family farm welcomes visitors April through September. Fantastic Day Camps for 4 to 14 year olds, Birthday Parties! Our Birthday

summer fun

Pony (unicorn, even!) and Mini Farm can come for a special party at your home! Follow us on social media for animallover updates, contests, and great farm fun!

CALGARY FARMYARD Phone: 403-648-2719 Website: calgaryfarmyard.com If you are looking for the ultimate corn maze experience and family adventure, then you’ve found it! The Calgary Farmyard is an award-winning corn maze. Navigate your way through over 13 acres of corn mazes, mingle with friendly barnyard animals at the petting zoo, play a round of mini golf, bounce on the jumping pillows, ride the tractor train, watch the pig races, and more!

CITY OF CALGARY RECREATION Various Locations Phone: 403-268-3800 Website: calgary.ca/register Although things are a little different this year, we’re taking measures to keep everyone safe. See our website for free drop-in and registered outdoor programming for all ages, like active and art day camps, golf and sailing lessons, youth leadership, as well as fitness, nature, and art activities.

BRAGG CREEK, ALBERTA Website: visitbraggcreek.com

GRANARY ROAD Website: granaryroad.com

HEAD-SMASHED-IN BUFFALO JUMP WORLD HERITAGE SITE Website: headsmashedin.ca

MUSTARD SEED’S STAMPEDE IN A BOX (THE) Website: theseed.ca/stampedeinabox Purchase your Stampede BBQ in a box and enjoy a delicious pulled pork meal from Calgary’s Pit Master Big T’s BBQ. This kit has everything you need for a Stampede party - except your boots! Meal for two: $50; meal for four: $85. Your choice of pickup date, time, and location.

NIKKA YUKO JAPANESE GARDEN Website: nikkayuko.com

OUTDOOR FUN - FOR MORE GREAT IDEAS CALGARY PLAYGROUND REVIEW Website: calgaryplaygroundreview.com Started in 2010, Calgary Playground Reviews seeks out the best playgrounds, attractions, ice cream shops, and more in Calgary, Alberta, and beyond! (One of Calgary’s Child’s very favorite websites.)

FAMILY ADVENTURES IN THE CANADIAN ROCKIES Website: rockiesfamilyadventures.com Tons of great hiking and activity ideas! This blog seeks to chronicle the joys and challenges of taking kids hiking, camping, backpacking, skiing, biking, paddling, and all-out exploring in the Canadian Rockies. (Tanya Koob is a regular and favorite contributor to Calgary’s Child!)

PLAY OUTSIDE GUIDE Website: playoutsideguide.com Karen Ung started the Play Outside Guide in 2013 to showcase outdoor adventures in Western Canada and beyond - she has tons of amazing ideas for off-the-beatenpath activities and outdoor fitness ideas, including a fantastic travel map around Alberta! (Karen Ung is a regular and favorite contributor to Calgary’s Child!)

OUT-OF-TOWN ADVENTURES ALBERTA BIRDS OF PREY CENTRE Website: burrowingowl.com/visit BANFF LAKE LOUISE TOURISM Website: banfflakelouise.com

FORT MUSEUM OF THE NORTH WEST MOUNTED POLICE AND FIRST NATIONS INTERPRETIVE CENTRE Website: nwmpmuseum.com

PARKS CANADA - BANFF NATIONAL PARK Website: parkscanada.gc.ca/banff TOWN OF FORT MACLEOD Website: fortmacleod.com TRAVEL ALBERTA Website: travelalberta.com TSUUT'INA NATION CULTURE/MUSEUM Website: tsuutinamuseum.com WATERTON LAKES NATIONAL PARK Website: parkscanada.gc.ca/waterton WEE TRAVEL BABY EQUIPMENT RENTAL INC. Phone: 1-800-933-0810 Email: info@weetravel.ca Website: weetravel.ca Planning a family getaway to BC or Ontario? Travelling with a baby doesn’t mean you need to pack lots of extra stuff.

Instead, have all of your favorite items delivered to your accommodation. With locations in Vancouver, Victoria, and Toronto, Wee Travel Baby Equipment Rental has everything to make your vacation stress-free and easy.

SUMMER BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS BUTTERFIELD ACRES FARM 254077 Rocky Ridge Road NW Phone: 403-239-0638 Email: farmfun@butterfieldacres.com Website: ButterfieldAcres.com Please see our full listing under “Outdoor Fun.” CALGARY REPTILE PARTIES Website: calgaryreptileparties.com Dinosaur walks, virtual reptile shows, reptile show-and-tell birthday parties, and more! Reptile Parties are structured to appeal to different age groups and sizes. Kids meet up

close with cold-blooded animals, such as friendly bearded dragons, amazing frilled dragons, colorful geckos, incredible snakes, and even tarantulas and scorpions! They may even come face-to-face with Faith, the eight-foot plus suriname red tailed boa constrictor!

CALGARY ZOO Phone: 403-232-7770 Email: salesinfo@calgaryzoo.com Website: calgaryzoo.com Looking for an awesome birthday party idea for your child?

Look no further than the Calgary Zoo! Contact the Zoo for more information on their Birthday Party Packages!

MASTER RIM’S TAEKWONDO Phone: 587-410-2330 Email: masterrimtkd@gmail.com Website: masterrim.com At Master Rim’s Taekwondo in Calgary and Airdrie, each Birthday Party is designed not only to be fun, but also to be educational. You’ll never see kids running around wild or standing around bored. Trained instructors will supervise and coordinate everything from beginning to end.

MENAGERIE PARTIES & CAKES Phone: 403-890-4803 Email: tanya@menagerieyyc.ca Website: menagerieyyc.ca Handcrafting boutique party experiences for people living full, productive lives wanting to celebrate life to its fullest!

Menagerie Parties & Cakes can create event themes, customized, handmade décor, interactive games, playlists, photo booths, goodie bags, meals, and more! Conveniently delivered to your doorstep, it’s a Party in a Box! No event planner needed, or endless hours spent in a party supply store.

A celebration made with heart with just one call to Menagerie!

RICHARD RONDEAU MAGICIAN Phone: 403-254-8718 Email: magic@rrmagician.com Website: rrmagician.com Specializing in children’s performances for over 30 years.

Richard’s shows are specifically tailored to the age of your group. A large portion of his act allows the children to participate in the show. Age-appropriate comedy throughout and magic that will astound the spectators!

Suitable for ages 3 and up.

YYC PRINCESS Website: yycprincess.com This listing is for your reference only. Please research carefully and choose the company that meets your family’s needs best. CCM

Summer 2021 • calgaryschild.com • 13

Summer activities Stop watching and start playing outdoors this summer, with mini golf, mountain biking, camps and more.

winsport.ca

summer fun

backyard glamping staycation

By Natalie Gomersall For Albertan families, this is our second summer of vacationing at home, and many of us are itching to get away. Some have been lucky enough to snap up a campsite this year, but not everyone owns an RV or a tent - or even likes roughing it!

As you may know, ‘Glamping’ is a term to describe Glamorous Camping; a mashup of camping and staying in a swanky hotel. Glamping offers all the comforts and amenities of home with the enjoyment of creating a sweet family vacation! There are a couple of tent rental companies in Calgary that will do the whole thing for you, but this can be a fun DIY that will keep your kids busy during long summer days (glamping also works as a parents’ retreat!).

Glamping in style The key to making your outdoor space into a fun backyard glamping experience is to make it cozy, interesting, and different from your indoor space. If you are using a gazebo instead of a tent, add shower curtains to tie in with your glamping theme. Add the shower curtains to the sides of the gazebo to keep out sunlight, so the kids can keep cool during the day, and comfortable while sleeping at night. Shower curtains dry quickly if it rains and they are inexpensive to purchase.

Really, you don’t have to spend much in order to make your glamping experience fabulous!

To ramp up your glamping style - and get the kids busy - try bunting. Bunting (tiny triangular flags) are easy for kids to make. Cut 10 pieces of letter-sized paper into long diamond shapes, and have the kids decorate one side (decorating the bunting with glitter not recommended unless you want to find specs of glitter in your tent for years to come!). Fold the centre of each diamond over a piece of string and glue it together, so it looks like a triangle with the string at the top and the points of each triangle hanging down. Make a larger gap between each triangle and the length should be about five to six feet. Attach around the inside of your tent. For weather-resistant bunting, use fabric scraps instead of paper.

If using paper, your kids can decorate the bunting according to your glamping theme or maybe each member of the family wants to represent by each drawing a self-portrait (don’t forget to draw Fido!) on a triangle. Get creative and use your imagination!

CAMPS

3–14 Years

Glamping décor One of the best things about styling your tent is you can mix and match! Bring in a few things from your house: a coffee table or other flat surface to put stuff on, and plenty of pillows and colorful cushions. You can purchase vibrant cushion covers reasonably and change things up a bit! For the remainder of the furnishings, bring in rattan or wicker, layer rugs, and blankets. Use plenty of color and enjoy your cozy sanctuary.

To illuminate the inside of your tent, purchase small solar lights and place the lighting around the inside edge of the tent to create a special glow. And remember, safety first! Always use battery-operated candles. For chilly nights, bring an extension cord from your house for a small heater to turn on at night or use hot-water bottles.

Do not leave kids unattended with a heater in the tent or if the fire pit is lit. Better yet, use cold weather sleeping bags if you have them or make sure the kids are dressed in layers, so they can peel off extra clothing if they get too hot while sleeping. Have blankets on hand for warmth and extra cushioning.

To create a boho-chic look while supporting fair trade, check out Ten Thousand Villages, Sawa Market & Cafe, or Mañana Imports & Gifts in Calgary. For more comfort, sleep on air mattresses or buy a foam mattress to place under the sleeping bags. Place an outdoor rug outside the tent door and add some cushions outside the tent, too.

During the evening, again, keep it simple and cook on the barbeque. It’s fair to say that most kids like to eat hot dogs or hamburgers. And, of course, it’s classic camp fare for a reason; for dessert, there’s nothing like making S’mores on an open fire or gas fire bowl!

Funtainment Pretend like you really are at a campsite. This is the perfect time for the kids to put away their electronics including you (but don’t forget to snap a few holiday pics as this will be something to remember). Play board games, learn how to play a new card game, create a little friendly competition with freeze tag, water balloon catch, ring toss, obstacles course, Chubby Bunny, sleeping bag race… Then need some downtime? Set out some engaging reading material: books, comic books, magazines.

Cap off the day with a kid-friendly movie projected onto the inside wall of the tent when it’s dark. After the kids have fallen asleep with popcorn in their hair and sticky marshmallow cheeks, The Great Outdoors is a hilarious, classic movie for adults to watch and get into the spirit of enjoying (hence the name) the great outdoors!

Glamping eats During the day, keep it simple and eat picnic-style. The kids can pitch in by making the lemonade and setting up a snack station close to the tent. If you like, set up an adults-only cocktail tray or a mocktail tray for everyone to enjoy on a hot summer day and prepare hot cocoa or apple cider to sip on during the evening. Don’t forget the marshmallows!

You are on vacation, after all, so dine in style by using your good dishes and glassware (trust me, they won’t break if dropped on grass). It’s important to be kind to the Earth - avoid using plastic or disposable glassware and plates.

Take your picnic up a notch by creating delicious charcuterie boards: one for the kids and one for the adults. For charcuterie board inspiration, check out Tanya Kayne’s article on sweet and savoury charcuterie boards for kids on page 41.

Extend your glamping staycation Glamp a few weekends in a row! You can go all out and decorate your tent with a different country theme each weekend. Use your favorite take-out places to inspire you (it’s a win-win, you don’t need to cook either!). Borrow library books with stories set in each chosen country. Use bright tropical colors for Mexico and celebrate Cinco de Mayo; create a shabby-chic tent and play boules (bocce ball) in the ‘French countryside’; have a castle theme and serve Fish & Chips for a British experience… Who needs to spend thousands of dollars travelling overseas when your family can tour the world in your own backyard?

This summer, have fun, get creative, and get your glamp on for your epic family summer staycation!

Natalie is the owner of Lavish Canvas. Lavish Canvas sets up, furnishes, and decorates luxurious glamping tents in your backyard or campsite.

For more information and to book your family’s ultimate glamping experience, visit lavishcanvas.com, follow on Facebook, facebook.com/ lavishcanvasglamping, and Instagram @lavishcanvas. CCM

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Goat Milking • Tractor Rides • Pony Rides • Farmyard Fun • Picnic Areas Summer 2021 • calgaryschild.com • 15

summer fun

Calgary’s best walks summertime family walkabouts

By Lori Beattie and bison kills have been found at the ranch. The area was later established as Western Canada’s first big ranch, named the Cochrane Ranche in 1881. Here, ranchers discovered their cattle could not withstand the harsh winters as the bison had; a lesson that was critical to the success of future Southern Alberta ranches.

Cattle still roam the fields, as the park remains a working ranch. Grazing helps maintain the health and vigour of the fescue grassland landscape. In the fall and winter, the cattle eat the tall, protein-rich grasses. Their cropping of the grasses allows sunlight to reach the roots, leading to healthy grass growth in the spring. Interpretive signs along the route provide an interesting background on Alberta’s ranching heritage and geological history.

Pack a picnic and spend a few hours exploring. A walk here calms the mind and refreshes the spirit.

Harvey Passage, the white-water park on the Bow River, is the next stop. Once known as ‘the drowning machine,’ the weir was a serious hazard for all watercraft, but the Harvey Passage redesign has made it a destination for river kayakers, recreational rafters, spectators, and families in life jackets shooting the rapids on hot summer days.

GLENBOW RANCH PROVINCIAL PARK, NW. Wildlife, a working ranch, trains, and Bow River picnics.

Vast and open, Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park is situated along the north bank of the Bow River between Calgary and Cochrane in Rocky View County. Glenbow Ranch hosts 40 kilometres of interconnecting paved and gravel pathways. Rolling grasslands lead to boundless views of the Bow River Valley and the Rockies beyond, and dips lead into aspen-filled coulees. And you will see trains! Since 1883, trains have traveled through this piece of prairie as part of their cross-Canada trek. Walk west for big Rockies views or stroll east to get to the Bow River where you might catch a glimpse of the bald eagle that nests along the banks!

Starting-point parking: Glenbow Road, off Highway 1A, about 4 kilometres east of Cochrane.

Tip: Kids can bike along beside the adults.

Facilities: Bathrooms at trailhead. Visitor Centre on-site.

See albertaparks.ca/glenbow-ranch and Glenbow Ranch Parks Foundation, grpf.ca.

For a longer walk, continue west into the eclectic, sometimes gritty, neighborhood of Ramsay, home to old-fashioned corner stores, little free libraries, folk art, historic homes and buildings from the early 1900s - some renovated and fantastic, some handyman delights. Ramsay is not polished and perfect, but that’s what makes walking here so enjoyable, so unpredictable. Red, bright yellow, violet blue, chartreuse, forest green, and turquoise: these are just some of the house colors you will see on this trek.

And the gardens here are creative, personalized, and fun!

Inglewood and Ramsay’s warm microclimate and rich, flood-plain soil makes green thumbs of everyone. The flowers bloom earlier in the season and last longer here than anywhere else in Calgary, and the pear trees hang heavy with fruit in the fall.

Climb to Scotsman’s Hill, a wonderful spot to pull up a bench and have a snack. The high point offers a bird’s eye view of Stampede Park as well as Calgary’s downtown core, reaching prominently out of the concrete and the Rockies spread across the horizon. Turn on your heels and head downhill along side streets to 9 Avenue. Small independent businesses, restaurants, and cafés make this a fun street to walk along, window shop, or stop for a bite to eat. Be sure to walk the length of it before calling it a day.

When you walk here, you follow in the footsteps of the First Nations peoples who lived and hunted in the area up to 4,000 years ago. Evidence of tipi rings, cairns,

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PEARCE ESTATE PARK, HARVEY PASSAGE, AND RAMSAY, SE. Natural water park, little libraries, café stops, and riverside picnics.

Pearce Estate Park is the perfect picnic destination!

Start your walk following the meandering interpretive trail system that moves through the constructed wetland area. Balsam poplar riverine forest, including willows, water birch, and red-osier dogwood thrive in the area.

Keep an eye out for birds, such as tree swallows, northern flickers, and common goldeneye - all birds that live in cavities (the holes in old trees) of balsam poplars.

Photos: Courtesy of Lori Beattie

Summer strolls, new adventures, and picnics in the park are easy to come by in and around Calgary. Read on for my top summer walkabouts to get your family moving - happily!

Starting point: Pearce Estate Park - 1440, 17a Street SE. Facilities: Bathrooms.

Picnic supplies: Cafés, restaurants, and corner stores along 9 Avenue and in Ramsay.

Starting-point parking: North side. At the intersection of Bowness Road and Shaganappi Trail NW, turn onto Montgomery View and continue to the parking areas.

Starting-point parking: South side. Follow 45 Street SW, north of Bow Trail to Spruce Drive. Turn west and follow the signs and winding gravel road to the south-side parking lot.

Facilities: Bathrooms at both trailheads.

Tip: The trail has become increasingly challenging over the years as the slope shifts and bridges tip due to the springs that run down the hillside. Ropes have been installed to help hikers navigate slippery slopes. Good footwear is essential.

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

summer fun

EDWORTHY DOUGLAS FIR TRAIL, SW. Forested stairway adventure.

Hidden amongst the most easterly stand of Douglas fir trees that tower above the Bow River is the Douglas Fir Trail. Stairs, bridges, creeks, and narrow winding paths dip and climb 60 metres from the river valley to the lookout point. A fantastic trail for physical training, it is also a shaded wilderness oasis in the height of summer. Trees, some more than two metres in diameter, and multitudes of Western Canada violets line the trail.

Descend to the marsh trail along the railway and listen for the chorus of frogs. Move slowly in an attempt to sneak a peek before they stop croaking and dive for cover. At dusk, tip your head back and watch for the great horned owls on this same open flat stretch of the trail. These magnificent birds fly low over the open areas near the railway tracks when the natural light fades.

Cross the Bow River on the pedestrian underpass under Crowchild Trail and follow the Bow River Pathway west and stop for ice cream or a hot drink on a cold day. A few tasty eateries are en route or not far from the route.

This wonderful wild walkabout has a very civilized café ending: coffee, lunch, and ice cream: The Lazy Loaf & Kettle - A great place to replenish lost calories with home-baked goods and hearty lunches.

Substantial serving sizes, like cinnamon buns as big as your head, ensure you won’t be short on calories. While you’re there, buy a loaf of kettle bread for home. It’s

delicious and healthy. The Lazy Loaf & Kettle is located at 8 Parkdale Crescent NW; lazyloafandkettle.com.

Leavitt’s Ice Cream Shop - Leavitt’s is located in the same cul-de-sac as The Lazy Loaf & Kettle. It’s a local favorite in hot weather. Drive (or walk) east on Memorial Drive and turn left (north) into Parkdale Crescent (a culde-sac). Leavitt’s Ice Cream Shop is located at 3410, 3 Avenue NW; lics.ca.

Angel’s Café - This café is also a convenient option for a hot drink, some lunch, or some ice cream. It is located at the route’s north-side parking lot. On a hot summer’s day, take your food and sit on the banks of the Bow River. Watch the world flow by. Angel’s Café is located in Edworthy Park, north-side parking lot, Shaganappi Trail and Bowness Road NW, 4105 Montgomery View NW; angelscafe.ca.

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Summer 2021 • calgaryschild.com • 17

summer fun

10 day trips for

summer fun near Calgary

By Tanya Koob The kids are out of school, it’s a beautiful sunny day, and a road trip is calling! Fortunately, you don’t have to go far because Calgary is surrounded by great parks, fun destinations, lakes, and recreational activities. Choose a direction and you’ll be rewarded with a new adventure every week of the summer!

1. Hike and bike around Glenbow Ranch and Cochrane. Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park is located west of Calgary off Highway 1A. A big paved hill takes you down to the river and from there, you can explore both paved and natural trails as you hike or bike through this active cattle ranch through native grassland.

Arriving in Cochrane, my family likes to hike around the Cochrane Ranche where you’ll find a large parking lot off the 1A, east of the intersection with Highway 22. The highlight is a visit to the grandfather tree, a white spruce estimated to be over 300 years old. The tree is located uphill on a hiking trail that follows the creek flowing through the park (labeled on Google Maps).

My family also loves exploring the paved pathways along the Bow River in Cochrane, starting from Riverfront Park off Griffin Road. In this park, you’ll find a disc golf course, a natural playground, and beautiful paths to bike or walk.

For directions, consult the All Trails app or website for these destinations.

2. Explore Bragg Creek and Elbow Valley. Everybody loves heading out to Elbow Falls or Allen Bill Pond for

a picnic, and kids enjoy throwing rocks in the river at these popular day-use areas. To explore more, drive farther along Highway 66 until you reach the Little Elbow Campground and the Forgetmenot Pond Day-Use Area. My family loves playing in the river here where there’s a natural ‘beach’ area with sand under the big suspension bridge.

Popular short hikes in Elbow Valley include the Fullerton Loop (Allen Bill Pond), the Beaver Flats Interpretive Trail (Beaver Lodge Day-Use Area), or the Nihahi Ridge Trail (parking at Forgetmenot Pond). To get off the beaten path, hike up the Powderface Creek Trail to reach the top of the White Buddha climbing cliff where you’ll be rewarded with amazing views. (Find each of these hikes on All Trails.)

Back in Bragg Creek, no trip with kids is complete without a visit to one of the ice cream or candy stores! A $15 day-use fee per vehicle is required to visit Kananaskis unless you purchase an annual pass.

3. Paddle, swim, and float through Canmore and Banff. There’s nothing like mountain water to cool you off on a hot day! In Canmore, Quarry Lake is the place to be. Kids love playing in the sand and never seem to notice how cold the water is. A parking fee is in place for this park ($20 for up to four hours of parking in peak season). If you have a National Parks Discovery Pass, there’s free parking at Johnson Lake in Banff with a great

Choose Your Own Adventure!

beach area. Regardless of which lake your family chooses to visit, arrive early to find a parking spot.

For families with SUPs or boats, Johnson Lake is a great place to tour around on calm water. The Vermilion Lakes are also fun to explore by boat; parking is available along Vermilion Lakes Drive. You can also rent boats from the Banff Canoe Club off Bow Avenue. If renting from the canoe club, enjoy a leisurely paddle up Echo Creek, which takes you to the first Vermilion Lake. If using your own boats, park at the Recreation Grounds in Banff where you can paddle over to the canoe club and then make your way up the creek. It’s a lovely float back down after you finish paddling around the lake.

4. Spend the day at Barrier Lake in Kananaskis.

This is the closest you’ll get to a ‘beach’ in Kananaskis.

Arrive early to get a parking spot (visiting mid-week helps). There are two day-use areas: one at the dam and one farther down the lake (closed for construction but hopefully reopening for the summer). Bring your paddleboards or boats. Warning: This lake can be quite windy, so careful supervision of your kids is required while on the water.

While in the area, my family likes to hike the trails near Kananaskis Village, including Troll Falls and Ribbon Creek (both on All Trails). To get off the beaten path when Barrier Lake is busy, check out the day-use areas on Upper or Lower Kananaskis Lake farther along on

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grounds to explore (golf carts are available to rent).

South of Innisfail, nature lovers will love walking through the sunflower fields at the Bowden Sun Maze, open late August through September. My family also loves day-tripping out to nearby Red Lodge Provincial Park west of Innisfail. The Little Red Deer River winds its way gently through the campground, and the kids will love floating down it in tubes or inflatable rafts. By mid-summer, the river feels more like a creek and is a fun place to spend hours playing.

For a weekend getaway, there is camping at the Red Lodge and the Discovery Wildlife Park.

9. Explore the Alberta Badlands in Drumheller.

Drumheller is located 90 minutes north of Calgary, making it a great destination for a hike in the badlands at Horseshoe Canyon. Farther off the beaten path, Horse Thief Canyon is much less busy and equally spectacular!

For cyclists, park at the giant dinosaur beside the Visitor Centre and follow the paved riverside pathway to the Royal Tyrrell Museum (a 14-kilometre round trip ride).

The museum has been closed due to COVID restrictions, so check their website before planning your visit.

Regardless, you can still bike to the museum through an incredible badlands landscape and there’s a playground at the museum, too!

For a scenic drive with fun stops along the way, make a loop with the North and South Dinosaur Trail, crossing the Red Deer River on the Bleriot Ferry and passing by the museum, the Little Church, and Horse Thief Canyon.

Alternately, head south of town on the Hoodoo Trail, which passes by the Star Mine Suspension Bridge and the Hoodoo Viewpoint, ending at the Atlas Coal Mine.

Heading south, you’ll also pass by the intersection with Highway 10X, which takes you to the ghost town of Wayne over 11 one-lane bridges. In Wayne, you’ll find a family-friendly saloon and a challenging disc golf course (maps are available at the saloon).

10. Explore Red Deer’s backyard to the north. For a non-mountain adventure, consider taking a day trip north to Red Deer where you’ll find a variety of fun activities!

Water lovers have options, including the Discovery Canyon Water Park just north of the city or the outdoor swimming pool (with waterslides) at the Abbey Centre in the nearby town of Blackfalds. (Consult their individual websites to see how COVID restrictions are affecting their operations.)

Just to the west, Sylvan Lake is another great place to cool off on a hot day with a sandy beach and shallow swimming area at the provincial park in town. The Aqua Splash inflatable water park is also located nearby.

For adventure lovers, you’ll find a great bike skills park in Blackfalds across from the swimming pool. My family loves hiking around the Kerry Wood Nature Centre in Red Deer where there is a bird sanctuary and a small nature playground. Visit the Tourism Red Deer website, visitreddeer.com, to discover more fun family activities in this area.

Happy day-tripping!

summer fun

Highway 40. There are beautiful day-use areas along the The Spray Lakes Highway where you can have a picnic beside the Spray Lakes Reservoir (driftwood is my family’s favorite with picnic tables beside the water). A $15 dayuse fee per vehicle is required to visit Kananaskis unless you purchase an annual pass.

5. Discover South Kananaskis along the Cowboy Trail. Solitude is easier to find if you travel farther south in Kananaskis. Driving south on Highway 22, you’ll arrive in Turner Valley where you can head west on Highway 546 toward Sheep River Provincial Park.

Your family will love stopping at the Sheep River Falls Day-Use Area for a picnic and to see the beautiful waterfalls. Popular hikes in the area include the Foran Grade Loop (near the Sandy Mcnabb Campground), Dyson Falls (Indian Oils Day-Use), and Missinglink Mountain (Gorge Creek Day-Use).

Farther south on the 22 you’ll arrive in Longview where you can head west on Highway 541 toward Highwood Junction. This creates a lovely scenic drive with Highway 40 if you continue over Highwood Pass toward the Kananaskis Lakes.

Popular hikes along Highway 541 and Highway 40 include the Cat Creek Hills (near Highwood Junction), Cat Creek Falls (Cat Creek Day-Use), and Pickle Jar Lakes (Lantern Creek Day-Use).

Consult All Trails for each hike and again, the $15 dayuse fee per vehicle is required if you plan to stop to hike or have a picnic along your drive.

6. Bike to Chestermere on the Western Headworks Canal. A short drive from southeast Calgary takes you to Chestermere, but my family likes to travel here by bike along the Western Headworks Canal, a paved flat pathway loaded with geocaches. The full ride is over 20 kilometres one way if you start in Inglewood. My family likes to start farther east in Ralph Klein Park for a shorter outing of 24 kilometres round trip. Google Maps will help you find other starting options, too.

If you want to visit the Anniversary Park Beach on Chestermere Lake, it’s easier to drive out for the day, but you could bike over and send an adult back for the vehicle while the rest of the crew hangs out at the beach.

7. Go park-and-playground hopping in Airdrie.

Airdrie is a gold mine for great playgrounds and parks!

My family’s favorite, Chinook Winds, has a fabulous skate park, playground, and spray park, all located side-by-side.

Your family can spend hours here.

Another park my family enjoys is Iron Horse Park where you can pay for miniature train rides! Visit the park’s website to see how COVID restrictions are affecting their operations this summer and to find hours of operation for the train rides.

To discover other great parks and playgrounds, visit the Calgary Playground Review website, calgaryplaygroundreview.com. My family usually tries to visit at least two or three new playgrounds each time we visit Airdrie.

8. Get wild about Innisfail! You could plan a month’s worth of adventures in this area north of Airdrie starting with a visit to the Discovery Wildlife Park. This large zoo has entertaining animal performances daily and large

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

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Summer 2021 • calgaryschild.com • 19

summer fun

creating adventures in your own backyard

By Jenelle Peterson Anyone who knows me will tell you that my favorite place to be is outdoors. Before becoming a parent, spending time outdoors meant trekking across the West Coast Trail, backcountry camping, and conquering hikes and trails in Ireland, Tanzania, and Peru. It’s safe to say my adventures and time spent outdoors look a bit different now (pandemic aside).

Spending time outside with your kids is not just about hardcore outdoor adventures. It is also about enjoying simple outdoor fun in your community and being able to create your own fun in your local park, yard, or back deck.

These days, I value unstructured outdoor play as highly as hardcore adventures.

Here are some fun ways to create outdoor adventures in an urban backyard, local park, or even your apartment balcony: Add water. Never underestimate a good ol’ bucket of H2O. Use sponges for water tag or set up targets to knock over with a water gun (like the carnival games). No pool?

No problem! A few boxes or scrap wood and a tarp make an easy DIY splash pad. Not a sunny day? Embrace the rain by putting on your swimsuits and telling the kids to take a ‘rain shower.’

Add bugs. Bugs are fun, fascinating, and spark lots of interesting conversation. Try leaving out a piece of wood or bark for a week or so. All sorts of bugs like living close to the surface of dirt but like to be able to hide under something.

Add a fort. You don’t have to have a playhouse or a tree to make a great little fort. Put up a tent or make a fort out of chairs or a cardboard box by laying a tarp or sheet over top.

Dream

Add the night sky. Part of memorable outdoor moments is creating an experience. Set up cozy chairs or blankets and check the weather for a clear night sky. Grab your snacks, hot chocolate or cider, and marvel at the stars. If you have a pair of binoculars, they can enhance what you are able to see. Check the NASA website to check times for night sky phenomena, passing satellites, or a chance to spot the space station!

Add plants. Taking care of plants can be a fun family affair, and you don’t need much to start. You can upcycle many different containers into planting containers or get creative with Lego to create your own plant pot. Make sure you have holes in the bottom of the container or a good layer of gravel for drainage. No seeds in sight? You can regrow many grocery-store fruits and veggies by allowing them to root in some shallow water first.

Add art. One thing people underestimate about spending time outdoors with your kids is that being ‘outdoorsy’ can mean you enjoy reading a book in the shade, having lunch on the deck, or doodling in the grass. Make your own sidewalk chalk paint with equal parts cornstarch and water, and then add a few drops of food coloring. Or try making natural paints by mixing a bit of water with squished-up berries, flowers, or plants.

Try collecting natural fallen objects and using them as paintbrushes.

Add birds. If you build it, they will come! DIY bird feeders can come in almost any shape and size - you’ll find design inspiration on Pinterest. Small birds need high-energy foods to survive in a variety of outdoor

conditions year-round. When buying bird seed, choose blends made up mainly of oil seeds like niger, sunflower, or canola. If you’re not keen to make or buy a feeder, you can start with ground feeding (avoid places where cats can easily hide). The Audubon Bird App is free and can help you identify bird species based on calls and characteristics.

Add tech. Oh yeah - I said it! Technology is not the enemy, it’s a part of our lives. There are a lot of cool ways to bridge the analog and digital world. Have an outdoor photo hunt, geocache, or plan an outdoor movie night. For a fun photo hunt, go around your yard or neighbourhood and take close-ups of obscure items and then have the kids try to figure out what it is and where it’s located. There are some incredible bird and plant apps that allow you to identify plants and animals.

The one thing I’ve learned to embrace when exploring in your own backyard: Messes are temporary, but memories last forever. You don’t have to go far to explore and discover, and being outdoors doesn’t have to mean lakes, mountains, and trails. Adventures don’t have to be epic to count as memorable for kids, so start in your own backyard and neighborhood parks. Have a simply wonderful magical summer and may you find many outdoor adventures big and small - wherever you are.

Jenelle is the President and Co-Founder of Wild | Life Outdoor Adventures, a Calgary-based company that delivers outdoor adventure kits for kids. For more information, email support@ jointhewildlife.ca or visit jointhewildlife.ca. Follow their adventures on Facebook and Instagram @thewildlifeca. CCM

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education pull-out special

helping your children feel like they belong an important part of resilience

By Jen Smith If you think back to the days when you were a child attending school, what comes to mind? Do you have positive memories, negative memories, or maybe a bit of both? Positive memories may include hanging out with friends, having a great teacher who believed in you, or enjoying a particular subject in school, like math or gym class. Negative memories may include experiences that made you feel lonely, isolated, sad, awkward, or scared.

At the heart of these experiences, there was likely a need for a true sense of belonging.

Belonging is experienced when you can be your most authentic self and feel connected to a group or community. According to an article written by Jennifer Wickham published by the Mayo Clinic, having a sense of belonging is so important because when you feel you have support and are not alone, you often cope more effectively with difficult times.

If you can help increase a sense of belonging in your children, then you can strengthen their resilience to overcome challenges. Caregivers, parents, teachers, coaches, and other professionals who work with children all play an important role.

Here are five things you can do to increase a sense of belonging in your children:

1. Encourage your children to look inside themselves for motivation. Teach your children to be proud of themselves rather than seek approval and praise from others. For example, say to a child: “You must be so proud of yourself. You worked so hard.” When a child focuses on their own efforts and progress, they build self-confidence.

You will see your child light up when they feel proud of their own accomplishments. Recognize these moments and celebrate them.

2. Foster a growth mindset. Carol Dweck’s theory suggests there are two main mindsets: fixed and growth.

Having a growth mindset is essential for success because you believe your skills can improve with effort, and setbacks are an opportunity for learning. If a child is using fixed mindset statements such as, “I’ll never be good enough to make the soccer team,” then respond with a growth mindset statement such as, “You may not be ready just yet, but with a little more practice and hard work, you will.” When you help a child use positive, growth-mindset language, over time they start believing in their unlimited potential.

3. Talk about things that have happened or could happen. Ask your child questions and have conversations with them as often as possible. Talking about things that have happened is an opportunity to validate their feelings

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how to prepare for the new school year and debrief a situation to figure out lessons learned.

Talking about things that could happen is an opportunity to work through a scenario and equip your child with different ways to respond. If your child does not want to talk about it, it can be helpful to share stories from your own experiences.

4. Teach empathy. Empathy is the ability to take the perspective of another person and understand or feel what they are experiencing. It is a critical social skill required for building and maintaining successful relationships.

Listening to your child and saying to them, “I’m really glad you shared that with me. I’m here for you,” goes a long way.

When you validate someone else’s feelings, you are acting in a compassionate way. Role modelling empathy in the classroom, on a sports team, or at home can help children understand positive behaviors that support belonging.

5. Find your team. Help each child identify their interests. Ask, “What activities or hobbies make you happy?” or, “What do you enjoy doing the most?” When you encourage your children to participate in activities that unleash their creativity and happiness, you get to see their most authentic selves.

Help your children identify their allies. Ask, “Who are the people in your life who love and support you through good times and bad?” Family, peers, teachers, and coaches can make up a team that supports belonging.

Now more than ever, children want and need a sense of belonging. With genuine connection, conversation, and confidence to be their authentic selves, you can help your children feel heard, seen, loved, and accepted.

Jen is the co-owner of WordPLAY Consulting and a Recreation Program Specialist with The City of Calgary. Need to create more connections across your education, sport, or recreation organization?

Visit wordplaycanada.com. Feeling Social? Follow on Instagram @wordplaycanada. CCM

By Ashlee Ellerbruch, M.C., R. Psych., and Lisa Kaldenbach, M.A., R. Psych.

This past school year has tested us all. You may feel concerned that your child may be falling behind. But what does ‘falling behind’ mean? Across Alberta, we have all experienced this educational roller coaster. ‘Normal’ education, as we remember it, hasn’t been a reality for anyone this year. This means, we are all in this together.

We are all supporting our children in skill-building, assessing what they know, and thinking about gaps that need to be filled.

Ways to support continued skill development You might be wondering how to assess where your child is at academically. It can feel daunting knowing your child might not have all the skills they need to be successful come the new school year. However, learning doesn’t have to happen at a desk or on Zoom. Learning can happen in a variety of ways.

Learning happens all day, whether you (or your kids) realize it or not. You can make everyday activities into a learning opportunity. Household chores can build skills in math, science, and teamwork. Reading books can help with learning history, art, improve literacy and reading comprehension. Nature walks can build skills in biology, math, and promote mental well-being. Movies and documentaries can target all subjects.

When thinking about building a learning activity, think about these questions: • What is the learning objective?

• Plan a time of day to do it. How long will it take?

• Are the instructions clear?

• Is it fun? Will my child want to join in?

• Debrief at the end. What did your child learn and enjoy?

Taking on the role of a teacher can be stressful and lead to burnout. Parent burnout makes it harder for you to feel engaged with your child, feel rested, and feel emotionally available. Academic success is not a sprint, and it won’t do you or your child any good if you burn out. Keep mixing in fun learning opportunities when you have time to do so.

And if you don’t have it in you that day, don’t worry! Taking care of yourself will make future attempts more positive and productive. Make it a daily goal to connect with your child in a fun way through play, books, or movies. These positive moments will help make learning opportunities in the future more fun for everyone!

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The hierarchy of learning Academic success can only happen if your child’s basic needs are met. This includes being well-rested, being socially connected, being fed nutritious food, being emotionally supported, being well-regulated. Heading into the new school year, it will be important to think about having routines that keep your family healthy and happy. Starting the day with a good breakfast, enjoying family dinners together, keeping a consistent bedtime routine, and having fun outdoor playtime are all necessary in meeting your child’s pre-learning needs.

Social connection is a basic need that needs to be met before a child can learn. You may have concerns about your child’s social connections this past school year.

Although restrictions have impacted social opportunities, children are adaptive and resilient! Your child will

be able to pick back up where they left off with their friends and continue to expand and develop their social skills when they are back with their friends at school in September.

Planning for the upcoming school year When assessing potential academic gaps, your child’s teacher will be a key support in identifying any of your child’s needs. Teachers are professionals who are trained to assess and create appropriate accommodations based on your child’s unique needs. They are aware of the skills your child will need to be successful in their grade level. This past year has shown that teachers are creative, resilient, and flexible, so utilize their knowledge and resources.

"Learning happens

all day, whether you (or your kids) realize it or not. You can make everyday activities into a learning opportunity."

You are your child’s best advocate. If you feel that your child is behind, build relationships with your teacher, learning specialists, and the administration at your school. These professionals will be able to direct you to resources that would be a good fit for your family and create a plan with you to support your child.

Most importantly, the human brain is built to learn.

Children’s brains are like sponges, soaking up new information and skills. When children are exposed to new academic concepts, they will quickly build on the skills they already have. It will be important for you to have positive conversations with your child about learning.

Focus on what they will learn, not what they haven’t.

Don’t focus on language that talks about ‘falling behind.’

Negative conversations about learning may impact a child’s confidence going into the new school year.

Remember, this pandemic has challenged us all. School looked different, progress might look different, but we can all work together to monitor any gaps and help children continue to develop academically.

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, daycare consultations, and more! Follow on Facebook and Instagram @kidsconnectpsychology. CCM

Summer 2021 • calgaryschild.com • 23

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finding academic gaps and moving forward

education pull-out special

embracing failure how mistakes boost motivation and learning

By Malia Jacobson Late-fall light streamed through my minivan windshield as I approached the school pick-up line, eager to hear about my first-grader’s day. But when she climbed into her booster seat, clambering past her two younger siblings in their car seats, her small face trembled with accusatory rage. “I didn’t get to check out a book at the school library because you forgot to put my last book in my backpack this morning,” she said.

I sat quietly, feeling a momentary swell of parental shame. That’s right - it was library day. I let out a breath. “I’m sorry, honey. That must have been hard. But remembering to return a library book is your responsibility.”

Predictably, she didn’t agree. But I held my ground: With a new baby in the family, I couldn’t stay on top of my ever-expanding list of responsibilities and her school library checkouts; she had to. And over time, she did.

With the help of a designated spot for library books in her room and hand-written reminder notes, she remembered to throw last week’s book into her backpack on due day, her face beaming with hard-earned pride.

Still, I felt guilty about letting her fail to turn library books in on time, week after week. But I unwittingly gave my child a gift, one that’s gaining ground as a highlyvalued learning tool and can’t be found in stores: the prize of failure.

What failure fosters Research shows that childhood failures pave the way for a successful adulthood. Simply put, failure teaches kids about perseverance, creativity, resilience, and motivation in ways that nothing else can, says Jessica Lahey, New York Times bestselling author of The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go so Their Children can Succeed.

According to Angela Duckworth, University of Pennsylvania researcher who coined the term “grit,” kids who aren’t allowed to fail won’t develop perseverance, or grit, a trait more strongly linked to success than I.Q., good looks, or physical health. Kids who are protected from failure by a parent who swoops in to rescue them (say, hand-delivering a late homework assignment or demanding that a teacher change a poor grade), wind up without the perseverance needed to succeed later on.

Though I didn’t know it at the time, the library book

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"Kids who aren’t allowed to fail won’t develop

perseverance, or grit, a trait more strongly linked to success than I.Q., good looks, or physical health." experience provided a near-ideal platform for early learning about failure: The stakes were relatively low - a couple of late fines for early-readers wouldn’t keep her out of university. Plus, she had weekly opportunities to repeat the experience, along with the lesson, because if she failed to remember her books one week, she could try again the next.

Like many of life’s lessons, failure’s learning value is enhanced by repetition, so allowing children to experience small failures, like forgetting a lunchbox or flubbing an assignment due date, sends the message that failures aren’t catastrophic, notes psychotherapist Kent Hoffman, co-author of Raising a Secure Child: How Circle of Security Parenting Can Help Nurture Your Child’s Attachment, Emotional Resilience, and Freedom to Explore.

Kids can always try again.

“Every rescue is a lesson lost,” says Lahey.

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How failure boosts motivation When parents struggle to embrace failure as a natural part of learning, kids notice. Per Stanford researchers Kyla Haimovitz and Carol S. Dweck, it’s parents’ beliefs about failure - not their views about intelligence - that shape kids’ motivation to learn. Their 2016 study found that children could accurately determine whether their parents viewed failure as a setback or an opportunity, and these beliefs influenced kids’ intelligence mindsets, or their beliefs about their own potential for learning and growth.

The researchers theorize that when parents focus on performance and ability - or the lack thereof - instead of learning, children will tend to believe their own potential is limited, draining motivation to learn. That’s because children who view smarts as something you grow, Embracing Failure – Continued on page 29

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education pull-out special

2021 Class, Program & Education Directory Get a jump on your fall schedule!

ASSOCIATIONS & SUPPORT LEARNING DISABILITIES & ADHD NETWORK Website: ldadhdnetwork.ca SHELDON PSYCHOLOGY GROUP Phone: 403-618-8288 Email: info@sheldonpsychology.com Website: sheldonpsychology.com YW CALGARY Website: ywcalgary.ca

ALTERNATIVE, SEPARATE, CHARTER & INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS BANBURY CROSSROADS SCHOOL Phone: 403-270-7787 Email: general@banburycrossroads.com Website: banburycrossroads.com

CALGARY CATHOLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT (CCSD) 1000, 5 Avenue SW Phone: 403-500-2000 Website: cssd.ab.ca

JANUS ACADEMY SOCIETY Phone: 403-262-3333 Email: contact@janusacademy.org Website: janusacademy.org

CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL 515 Cougar Ridge Drive SW Phone: 403-287-1868 Email: info@calgarywaldorf.org Website: calgarywaldorf.org

KINDERVALLEY MONTESSORI ACADEMY (ALTADORE) Phone: 403-454-6889 Email: info@kindervalleyacademy.com Website: kindervalleyacademy.com

EDELWEISS PREPARATORY SCHOOL 600 Northmount Drive NW Phone: 403-282-4220 Email: epschool@telus.net Website: epschool.ca

LYCÉE LOUIS PASTEUR Phone: 403-243-5420, Ext. 123 Email: admission@lycee.ca Website: lycee.ca

FOOTHILLS ACADEMY 745, 37 Street NW Phone: 403-270-9400 Email: admissions@foothillsacademy.org Website: foothillsacademy.org

NORTH POINT SCHOOL FOR BOYS Phone: 403-744-5214 Email: info@northpoint.school Website: northpoint.school

We’ve spent 50 years raising healthy Calgary kids Quality care for little ones goes a long way.

And in our city, community-minded organizations whose care is truly compassionate are the ones that last.

Here’s to another 50 years of accountable, trust-based quality care and early learning for your kids in Calgary.

www.churchillpark.ca | 403-266-4656 26 • Find us on

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PROVIDENCE Phone: 403-255-5577 Email: providencechildren.com Website: providencechildren.com RIVER VALLEY SCHOOL Phone: 403-246-2275 Email: info@rivervalleyschool.ca Website: rivervalleyschool.ca ST. MARY’S UNIVERSITY COLLEGE Website: stmu.ca WEBBER ACADEMY Phone: 403-277-4700 Email: hblake@webberacademy.ca Website: webberacademy.ca

EARLY LEARNING & CHILD CARE KIDS@ CHURCHILL PARK Phone: 403-266-4656 Email: admin@churchillpark.ca Website: churchillpark.ca UNIQUE EDUCATION ACADEMY Phone: 403-869-6391 Website: uea-yyc.ca

PRESCHOOL, PRE-KINDERGARTEN & KINDERGARTEN BANBURY CROSSROADS SCHOOL Phone: 403-270-7787 Email: general@banburycrossroads.com Website: banburycrossroads.com CALGARY CATHOLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT (CCSD) 1000, 5 Avenue SW Phone: 403-500-2000 Website: cssd.ab.ca CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL 515 Cougar Ridge Drive SW Phone: 403-287-1868 Email: info@calgarywaldorf.org Website: calgarywaldorf.org EDELWEISS PREPARATORY SCHOOL 600 Northmount Drive NW Phone: 403-282-4220 Email: epschool@telus.net Website: epschool.ca

KINDERVALLEY MONTESSORI ACADEMY (ALTADORE) Phone: 403-454-6889 Email: info@kindervalleyacademy.com Website: kindervalleyacademy.com KING’S KIDS PRESCHOOL Phone: 403-285-4855 School Age Care: info@kingskidsfoundation.com Preschool: preschool@kingskidsfoundation.com Website: kingskidsfoundation.ca PRE-KINDERGARTEN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES Phone: 403-605-2988 Email: Register@PreKindergartenEd.com Website: Pre-KindergartenEd.com PROVIDENCE Phone: 403-255-5577 Email: providencechildren.com Website: providencechildren.com RIVER VALLEY SCHOOL Phone: 403-246-2275 Email: info@rivervalleyschool.ca Website: rivervalleyschool.ca SPRINGBANK PLAYSCHOOL C32224 Springbank Road (second floor, inside Springbank All Seasons Park) Phone: 403-830-7294 Email: springbankpsinfo@gmail.com Website: springbankplayschool.ca THINK SUN PRESCHOOL (THE) Phone: 403-240-4466 Email: info@thethinksunpreschool.com Website: thethinksunpreschool.com

Banbury Crossroads School EST. 1979 8 Reasons why students love being at Banbury 1. Academically innovative 2. Individualized one-on-one teaching 3. Self-directed learning 4. Interest based projects 5. Small class sizes (1:8) 6. Comfortable homey environment 7. Mixed aged groups 8. Mutual Respect We offer full day Pre-K to Grade 12. Call us at

(403) 270-7787, and check us out on Social Media.

TRAIL KIDS Apple Tree Preschool - Bridlewood Email: info@appletreepreschool.ca Kids@Play Preschool - Cranston Email: register@kidsatplaypreschool.ca Supported by TRAIL Kids ECS Email: admin@trailkids.ca UNIQUE EDUCATION ACADEMY Phone: 403-869-6391 Website: uea-yyc.ca Class, Program & Education Directory – Continued on page 29

www.banburycrossroads.com

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Summer 2021 • calgaryschild.com • 27

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EXPLORE. CREATE. FLOURISH. Highly qualified educators Hands-on, inquiry and projectbased learning Exceptional early childhood literacy and numeracy programs An engaging specialist and French language program starting at age 3

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Students born outside of Canada will need to first schedule an appointment at the St. John Reception Centre by calling 403-500-2007.

Visit ccsdinfo.ca/registration for more information.

28 • Find us on

(403) 246-2275

CLASS & PROGRAM CALGARY YOUNG PEOPLE’S THEATRE Phone: 403-242-7118, Ext. 1 Email: cypt@cypt.ca Website: cypt.ca CHINOOK SCHOOL OF MUSIC Phone: 403-246-8446 Email: info@chinookschoolofmusic.com Website: chinookschoolofmusic.com COUNTERPOINT DANCE ACADEMY MARDA LOOP Phone: 403-201-5519 Email: office@counterpointdancemarda.com Website: counterpointdancemarda.com FREE HOUSE DANCE PLUS LTD. Phone: 403-282-0555 Email: fhdp@telusplanet.net Website: freehousedance.com GLADIATORS FENCING CLUB Phone: 403-685-3733 Email: info@gladiators.ca Website: gladiators.ca KEYBOARD ACADEMY OF MUSIC Phone (North): 403-277-2987 Phone (South): 403-255-0010 Website: keyboardacademy.ca LONG & MCQUADE MUSIC LESSONS CENTRES Email: calgarychinooklessons@long-mcquade.com Website: long-mcquade.com/lessons/Alberta/Calgary Email: calgaryeastlessons@long-mcquade.com Website: long-mcquade.com/lessons/Alberta/Calgary_East Email: calgaryroyalvistalessons@long-mcquade.com Website: long-mcquade.com/lessons/Alberta/Calgary_North MASTER RIM’S TAEKWONDO Phone (Southwest): 403-460-2472 Phone (Northwest): 587-535-6560 Email: info@masterrim.com Website: masterrim.com MRU CONSERVATORY Phone: 403-440-6821 Email: conservatory@mtroyal.ca Website: mru.ca MUSICA ACADEMY YAMAHA SCHOOL LTD. Phone (Northwest): 403-681-3117 Phone (Southwest): 403-619-9990 Email: info@musicaacademy.com Website: musicaacademy.com

QUEST THEATRE Phone: 403-264-8575 Email: admin@questtheatre.org Website: questtheatre.org REPSOL SPORT CENTRE Phone: 403-233-8393 Email: info@repsolsport.com Website: repsolsportcentre.com RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS ALBERTA Phone: 780-427-8152 Email: rgalberta@gmail.com Website: rgalberta.com ROYAL CITY SOCCER CLUB Phone: 1-800-427-0536 Email: info@royalsoccer.com Website: royalsoccer.com WINSPORT Phone: 403-247-5452 Email: info@winsport.ca Website: winsport.ca UNIQUE EDUCATION ACADEMY Phone: 403-869-6391 Website: uea-yyc.ca YOUTH SINGERS OF CALGARY - KIDS & MUSIC Phone: 403-234-9549 Email: yscadmin@youthsingers.org Website: youthsingers.org This listing is provided for your reference only. Please research carefully and choose the company that meets your family’s needs best. CCM

instead of something you’re given, tend to approach obstacles more creatively; when one strategy doesn’t work, they’ll devise another and try again.

Emphasizing results over effort neatly sidesteps the (sometimes messy) process of creatively approaching a problem from different angles, subtracting the learning value from the equation, says Lahey. That’s why dangling carrots in the form of rewards or bribes is ineffective, and even counterproductive.

“Extrinsic motivators, or motivators that come from outside, undermine motivation,” says Lahey. “Kids who are rewarded for creative activities produce fewer creative products and are less invested in the endeavor.”

Raising resilient, motivated kids who bounce back from failure isn’t easy, but it’s possible, with these expert strategies: Check yourself. In order to let kids fail, parents may first need to get over their own fear of being judged, says Susan Smith Kuczmarski, Ed.D., author of Becoming a Happy Family: Pathways to the Family Soul. Yes, you might be the parent who sends a coatless child to school on a cold day, but your child’s long-term emotional resilience is worth a few disapproving glances (and your child will likely remember their coat next time).

Acknowledge your own failures. When parents strive for perfection themselves, children pick up on their anxiety, says Hoffman. “Establish a rule of thumb that when mistakes happen - yours of your child’s - you’ll learn from the mistakes and move on.”

Prioritize connection. When you show kids that mistakes are okay, they learn that they don’t live on a flat world; even if they fail, there’s no way to fall off, says Hoffman. After a slip-up (yours or theirs), prioritize reconnecting and repairing the relationship. “The more our children can trust in our commitment to them, the more they can trust that mistakes are part of being loved.”

Emphasize effort. Encourage motivation and creativity by breaking out of the habit of rewarding results. Instead of saying to your child, “No screen time until you’ve fixed the mistakes on that worksheet,” try, “Give that homework your best effort for 45 minutes, and then we’ll take a break.”

Think big picture. Parenting is a long-haul job. “Stop being so stressed out and anxious about this homework assignment, this soccer game,” says Lahey. “Sometimes difficult decisions about approaching failure are easier if you think in terms of long-term goals of competence and learning.”

Malia is a nationally-published journalist. CCM

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education pull-out special

Embracing Failure – Continued from page 24

Class, Program & Education Directory – Continued from page 27

education pull-out special

stop nagging - encouragement or pushing?

By April Clay, R. Psych.

With many young athletes crossing my path, it’s not unusual to hear comments from them like: “They push me too much” or, “They’re always on my case about what I’m doing at practice.” Not surprisingly, many young athletes feel pressured and pushed by their parents. In contrast, many parents believe in ‘the push.’ “If I didn’t push my daughter to practice, she wouldn’t be as good as she is. I have to get after her sometimes.” Or, parents agonize over what is the right amount to push: “How can I ever know if I am doing damage or not? I want to be there and be supportive, but sometimes she looks at me like I have hurt her feelings.”

What is the difference between encouragement and pushing? We might think of encouragement in supporting terms, while pushing conjures up images of over-involved sports parents.

Research is striving to answer this question more clearly. Can an ideal level of push be possible? Authors Lauer, Gould, Roman & Pierce of a recent study suggest that parents who find a balance between challenging and supporting their children might produce the healthiest results for sport performance and parent/child relationships, so there may indeed be an ‘optimal’ or ideal level of push.

A healthy push seems characterized by the value being pushed. Demanding wins or results creates undue

30 • Find us on

pressure and stress on your young athlete. However, expecting hard work and commitment to sport and other life endeavors seem to benefit children who might not yet know the value of such traits in realizing their goals.

When you are looking to develop the optimal level of push on your child, consider the following: Age and developmental stage. Younger children can be encouraged to attend their practices and put forth effort. Watch as your child becomes older, as they may resent your involvement and instead, show disinterest toward a particular sport. As your young athlete progresses through stages in their development, they will require greater degrees of independence. Pushing should naturally give way to support and guidance.

Frequency/intensity. Even the most noble of values being encouraged can be tuned out due to too much repetition - or worse, perceived as pressure and negatively influence your child’s performance levels and your relationship. Moving in and then out again with the frequency of your influence will allow your child room to learn. Remember, they need the opportunity to fail sometimes (for example, learning the value of good work ethic) in order to truly grasp the concept for themselves.

Value being ‘pushed.’ Strive to encourage the things your child can control (good sportsmanship, hard work, commitment) and stay away from pushing for wins and results.

Child temperament. A sensitive child may not tolerate a high or even moderate frequency or intensity of push without becoming stressed. Carefully monitor their response to your involvement to ensure it is appropriate.

Keep in mind, these are meant to be considerations or guidelines. As always, every child is unique, and your approach should reflect this fact. Education is valuable but parental judgment must be balanced with information before the truly successful level of push is discovered.

April Clay, R. Psych., works with many young athletes and their parents. She also offers an online sport parenting course and can be reached at bodymindmotion.com. CCM

education pull-out special

sports for all sorts team vs. individual

By Christa Melnyk Hines Youth sports offer a host of emotional and physical benefits, from helping kids stay active to building selfesteem and learning to work with others. But knowing which sport is best for your child often depends on your youngster’s personality, as well as the time and money you’re willing to invest in a particular activity.

Determine readiness. Before the age of six or seven, many kids are still developing gross motor skills, like running, kicking, jumping, and catching. They’re also still learning social skills like sharing, taking turns, and losing/winning games gracefully. Rather than organized sports in the early years, experts recommend exploring different activities, like kicking a ball around, playing at the playground, and taking swim or gymnastic lessons.

Aim for fun. You may naturally gravitate toward introducing your kid to the sports you enjoyed as a child.

While this is a good place to start, your child may not end up sharing your enthusiasm - you may go through several sports before you find one that’s the right fit for them. “We need to look at what our kids do to have fun.

If they’re having fun, they’ll stay in the sport longer. They won’t burn out,” says Randy Goldstein, D.O., a boardcertified pediatrician who specializes in youth sports medicine. “If they’re having fun, they’re more likely to make goals that are to their highest potential.”

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The pros of team sports. Any sport your child participates in should help them develop strength, balance, coordination, and provide them with an opportunity to push themselves in a healthy, positive environment. “In a team sport, the kids have to work together toward a common goal and take instruction from a coach who isn’t necessarily a parent,” says Dr. Goldstein.

“This is important for learning how to be around future teachers, future bosses, and future leaders.”

Meredith Dickinson says her son Tyler, 14, who plays football, baseball, and basketball, thrives in a team atmosphere. He is motivated to improve by playing alongside more talented teammates. “He works hard to be better. He may not be the best on the field, but he works hard to support his teammates,” says Dickinson.

Every child progresses at their own speed Encourage your young athlete toward their personal goals with positive, calm support. Celebrate their personal accomplishments along the way. “Watch for individual progress, not what your child’s teammates are doing. Your child may seem behind or ahead of the others; this can change like the weather,” says Dr. Goldstein. “It takes one or two seasons to judge improvement and success - not one or two competitions.”

The downside? Much like individual sports, team sports are year-round in nature. Although this approach can help the team and individual players grow stronger and more skilled over time, you may find that a team sport is a bigger time and money commitment than your family bargained for.

Pros of individual sports Much of the success in individual sports, like tennis, dance, swimming, and gymnastics, depends on the motivation of a particular athlete. Athletes who excel at individual sports find satisfaction pushing themselves to achieve a personal goal rather than relying on a team to help them get there.

Dickinson says this is true for her daughter Lauren, 11, who swims. “Swimming is a good fit for her because it is her and the clock,” says Dickinson. “Lauren doesn’t want to have the win or loss depend on her teammates.”

While your child might prefer an individual sport, that doesn’t mean they have to sacrifice the support of a team. “Even individual sports have the camaraderie or the partnership of a team,” says Dr. Goldstein, who works with premier-level gymnasts. “They travel together and learn to become partners and accomplish individual goals, but as a team.”

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Sports for all Sorts – Continued on next page

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education pull-out special

choosing extracurricular activities how to go from questions to answers

By Julia M. Rahn, Ph.D. Parents often ask the following questions: Is enrolling my child in extracurricular activities in addition to school or camp a good thing? How many activities are considered too many? What do I do if my child doesn’t like the activity, even though I know it is good for them?

How do I choose the best activity for my child when there are many different activities available?

The answer to these questions always begins with, ‘It depends.’ It depends on the temperament of your child, any special needs your child may have, time and financial resources available, and a whole host of other factors unique to your child. Taking into consideration who your child is and using these guidelines, you can make extracurricular activities a wonderful experience for your child.

It is important to ‘set up for success’ by first asking and answering the following questions: Commitment questions: • What do I want my child to learn and why?

• Is my child asking to do more than one activity?

Is it a ‘just for fun’ activity?

• • Am I willing to provide incentives for lessons I want my child to learn but they aren’t much interested in (e.g. piano)?

Quantity questions: Does my child have enough energy at the end of • the day for another activity?

• Is my child getting enough quality sleep at night?

• How much am I willing to pay for an activity and for how long?

• How much time do I and/or my child have for extracurricular activities?

• How will my child get to - and be picked up from - these activities?

Quality questions: • Is the instructor qualified?

• Is the environment conducive to learning (i.e. clean and organized)?

• Does the activity centre have a good reputation?

• Do I feel comfortable leaving my child with this professional?

Choosing extracurricular activities Once you have honestly answered these questions, your next steps should be easier. To show you how to go from questions to answers, here are a few examples of how this is done: Q: Sara asks, “Should I enroll my son Michael (age five) in more gymnastic classes?”

To consider: Michael is showing advanced skill in gymnastics and does more tumbling around the house.

He has already taken beginner level gymnastics, gets his full nine hours of sleep a night, and has no other activities other than school and Hebrew class once per week. There is a new gym with reasonably-priced gymnastic classes taught by experienced, professional coaches.

A: Yes, he sounds ready for more gymnastics.

Q: Brian asks, “My daughter Kelly (age 15) is asking to learn the guitar, should I enroll her in guitar lessons?”

To consider: Kelly takes and enjoys piano lessons at her home, is on the basketball team at school during the winter, and travels between mom and dad’s home each weekend. She does not appear to be reaching her full potential at school and often stays up late. There is a great school nearby that teaches guitar in group classes for teens.

A: No, this is not a good time. Ask Kelly if she would be willing to switch guitar for piano lessons for a period of time to try the guitar out. I also suggest Brian use guitar lessons as an incentive to help Kelly focus on improving her schoolwork prior to signing her up for lessons.

Q: Jennifer asks, “My son Brandon (age seven) has Asperger Syndrome and has trouble making friends and being a part of group activities. Should I continue to push to get him into extra group classes?”

To consider: Brandon excels at schoolwork but doesn’t know how to include himself in projects or games with his peers. Social skill advancement is needed and unlikely to develop on its own without some assistance. Brandon does struggle at first with new tasks but once he knows the routine, he likes to follow the rules.

A: Yes, Brandon needs as much structure as possible to help him advance socially. I strongly suggest Brandon learn a martial art since martial arts training is

an individual skill-building activity learned in a social setting. This activity inherently also includes improving motor coordination and self-esteem, and staff are usually responsive to working with children with diverse needs.

Also, some Dojos offer some financial assistance to families who cannot afford the full fees.

I hope these examples have been helpful in seeing how just a few extra minutes of thinking through the issue can bring clarity into your decision. Also, there are a few more suggestions here to make sure your child’s extracurricular experience is great and fun for all.

Remember, you have all the information at your disposal to make a good decision about extracurricular activities. You know your child best, you have done your research, and you have listened to your gut. With these things in place, your decision should lead you only in a positive direction.

Additional guidelines For kids, having at least one day off a week to do • something with a caregiver at home and spend some time entertaining themselves is a positive thing.

• Never take away an extracurricular activity as punishment. Remember, you have enrolled your child for other reasons: skill-building, break from schoolwork, making friends.

• Always introduce yourself to your child’s instructor and explain any special needs your child may have.

Remember, instructors want to do a good job and will only be able to do their best job if they have all of the necessary information about your child.

Julia M. Rahn, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and owner of Studio for Change. CCM Sports for all Sorts – Continued from previous page

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The downside? Not all kids feel drawn to the spotlight during a performance or sporting event. Some kids may put undue pressure on themselves to reach their personal goals, causing the negatives to outweigh the positives.

You may also find it difficult watching your youngster navigate the pressures of a sport on their own.

“It’s tough to watch your nine-year-old play in her first tennis tournament where she’s responsible for scoring, pace of the game, calling shots, and settling disputes,” says Jackie Kindred. “A great experience for her, but unnerving for me.”

Kindred’s daughter Rose, now 12, has since turned her attention to club volleyball, but she feels that both team and individual sports have benefited her daughter’s personal growth. “I’m glad she did both. It’s impossible for me to say one sport is better than another. It depends on the kids, the coaches, and the sport,” says Kindred.

“But I think the exposure to both is crucial.”

Freelance journalist Christa and her husband are the parents of two active boys, who have participated in both team and individual sports. She is the author of Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World. CCM

education pull-out special

STEM fun 101 for homeschoolers mad about science!

By Ashley Frampton, M.Ed. Whether you’re a seasoned homeschooler or this is new territory and you plan on homeschooling your kids for the first time this Fall, you may struggle to find a balance between work (learning) and leisure (play) for your students. Your plan may be to schedule your kids’ days with time slots focused on academics, followed by breaks during which your kids can engage in lessstructured activities. What if I told you that work and leisure time don’t have to be separate? What if there was a way to structure much of the school day so that learning and play are so intertwined that your students won’t be able to distinguish between the two? As a mother and as a teacher, I have found that when you tap into your children’s intrinsic motivation to learn through play, academic goals are achieved more naturally.

Let’s get specific about play (I’m not talking about hopscotch and board games here). I’m talking about a different kind of play, with infinite possibilities for both learning and engagement: STEM play! Through this type of play, children learn about the concepts of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math often through highly-engaging, hands-on activities. STEM play can help your children develop essential life skills like problem-

2. Oobleck. Combine one cup of water with food coloring in a baking dish or container, then add two cups of cornstarch. Combine and play! Ask your kids: “What happens when you squeeze the substance? Release it?

How does it feel?” Oobleck is a suspension of starch in water, not a full solution. Its ability to transform between solid and liquid is mesmerizing for children - and adults!

3. Pom-pom launcher. Tie the end of a deflated balloon and cut about an inch off the other end. Stretch the open balloon around the end of a paper tube (wrapping or toilet paper). Secure with strong tape (packing tape works well). Place a pom-pom inside the tube and then pull back on the balloon knot. The balloon now holds elastic potential energy! Release the balloon to create kinetic energy and watch the pom-pom fly!

Make it more fun by creating shooting targets so your kids can practice their aim!

4. Lava lamp. Fill a plastic bottle one-third full of water and the rest with oil. Drop food coloring on top and wait for it to sink to the bottom. Add half of an Alka-Seltzer tablet and observe. Ask your kids, “Why does the oil sit on top of the water? What’s making the bubbles? Why

solving, creativity, thinking outside the box, resilience, collaboration, and independent work ethic. Play and learning can go hand in hand with the result being academic success. Added bonus? Kids love to play!

As a homeschooler, do you provide opportunities for your children to engage in STEM play? If not, it’s never too late to start! Here are five easy ways to get your kids engaged in STEM activities. The best part? You don’t have to be a science whiz to play with your kids or scaffold their learning. I’ve included the basics here, as well as some ways you can prompt your children’s curiosity while they play.

1. Candy diffusion. Arrange a hard-shell candy (like Skittles) in a circle around the inside edge of a plate.

Pour a small amount of warm water onto the middle of the plate (just enough to make a thin layer and reach the candies) and then wait! As the sugar-colored coating dissolves in the added water, the colors spread out, making a fun-looking swirly rainbow on the plate. Ask your kids questions while they watch and play: “Where is the color coming from? Do you see patterns? What would happen if you added cold water instead of warm water, and why does this happen?”

Stem Fun 101 – Continued on page 35

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7 things to do if your child doesn’t like sports

By Jessica Baldis Baseball is in full swing! Two and three year olds are trying out their first little sluggers classes. Four and five year olds are breaking in their new gloves, chasing grounders, and hitting off a tee. Older kids are making new friends, catching pop flies, and learning to pitch in Little League. Everybody seems to be having a ball.

Well… maybe not everybody. What happens if your kid isn’t into sports? Maybe your little one has no interest in sports or just isn’t athletically gifted. What do you do?

1. Relax! It’s not a big deal. Take a deep breath. We live in a society that’s obsessed with sports, but there are millions (perhaps billions!) of happy, fulfilled kids and adults living rich lives that don’t involve organized sports. As long as you love and support them, your child will be fine with or without sports. Make sure you respect their interests and don’t make a big deal about it. You don’t want your child to feel like they’re doing something wrong by not loving sports.

2. Find out why your child doesn’t like sports. Your child’s interests and abilities may change as they grow.

Try to figure out why they don’t like sports before moving on. If your three-year-old throws a fit at soccer class, it may not mean they don’t like soccer - it may mean the class is too close to their naptime. If your five-year-old gets frustrated every time they miss a catch, your child may need more practice to boost their confidence and

another year to develop hand-eye coordination. But if your seven-year-old is miserable playing baseball for three years in a row now, it’s time to move on and focus on their other interests.

3. Don’t be a quitter. You’re half-way through a baseball class and your little one decides they hate baseball and wants to quit. Don’t let them do it! Unless there are extenuating circumstances (like bullying), don’t quit in the middle of a season or class. This isn’t about sports; it’s about not being a quitter. By sticking with it, you’ll be teaching your child a lifelong lesson about commitment and responsibility.

4. Get physical. Being physically fit is important for leading a long healthy life. But just because your child doesn’t want to grow up to be a major league baseball player, doesn’t mean they are going to be a couch potato. Get outside and get active. Try different things like hiking, biking, skateboarding, swimming, etc. Find physical activities your child likes to do and do them regularly. Luckily, physical fitness and playing organized sports aren’t one in the same. And don’t be afraid to try out different types of team sports - baseball might not be a hit, but joining a soccer, basketball, volleyball, hockey team may be your child’s thing.

5. Deal with your emotions. You may experience a sense of disappointment if your child isn’t into sports.

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You may have been looking forward to teaching your child how to throw a curveball and watching them hit their first homerun. You may remember how painful it was to always be picked last in gym class, and don’t want that for your little one. Deal with your own feelings, honestly. Have an open conversation about your feelings with your significant other or a friend.

6. Join a group and plan plenty of playdates. Sports are a social outlet for many kids. They make friends and establish a sense of camaraderie with their teammates.

Don’t let your child miss out on fun and friendships. Think about joining groups that will promote socialization as well as other positive values such as Scouts, Brownies, or a church youth group. Plan playdates and/or outings for your child so they have a chance to develop meaningful friendships with kids who share their interests.

7. Find their inner passion and get involved. Help your child find their inner passion. What gets them excited? Is it art, music, acting, coding, etc.? Get them involved! Try out things like art classes, music lessons, acting classes, robotics… the list is endless! By focusing on their passion, you’ll be helping your child build their sense of identity and self-confidence.

Jessica is a freelance writer. She lives with her husband and three sons. CCM

your child’s first school

By Jan Pierce, M.Ed. You are your children’s first teacher and your home is your children’s first school. You spend a good amount of time every day setting the tone for your children’s behaviors, encouraging first steps, and pouncing on those teachable moments to mould them into the happy and successful people you want them to be.

But are you missing opportunities to support your children’s learning? Kids will thrive in a home that makes learning a priority and creates the proper balance between direct teaching and ‘give it a go on your own’ kind of involvement. Every child needs a different blend of the two - some children need direct instruction before they’re willing to try something new, and others are rarin’ to go without a lot of introduction.

Here are some guidelines for making your home a comfortable place to work, play, and learn - a place where efforts are valued over a finished product and where it’s fine to try and fail along the road to success.

Model a lifestyle of learning My father was an avid fisherman and fishing was a family sport. My family often hit the water before the sun was up and fished (and ate) all day. I learned early on that fishing equipment was next to sacred and I could impress my dad with my fishing skills.

It’s like that with any sort of learning. If your kids know you think reading or playing music or playing chess at a high level is cool, they’ll think so, too. It isn’t the subject matter that’s important, it’s the fact that children will believe learning new things is important, if you show that you believe it is.

Read books, do some home-improvement projects, learn to grow flowers, or learn a new language. Your kids will notice both the effort and expertise, but more importantly, they’ll know that you value learning.

Provide materials Children need to do hands-on exploration as they learn. They enjoy moulding clay, they love cutting and pasting. When outdoors, they enjoy gathering materials and building forts. You don’t need to join in your children’s creativity, but you can help the process by providing your kids with the materials. Make it a habit to have a good supply of paper, pencils, markers, glue, and all the other stuff of artistic endeavors. Allow your kids to use simple tools (with appropriate safety precautions) and marvel at their creations.

"It isn’t the subject matter

that’s important, it’s the fact that children will believe learning new things is important, if you show that you believe it is."

You might keep a supply of old clothing and props for the dramatic sessions that will take place after reading a particularly good story. Encourage kids to act out their favorite fairy tales or encourage them to write a book about their latest interest. Use their love for heroes to encourage creative extensions such as performing a play, writing a poem, or singing a new song.

Expect a bit of a mess along the way. Creative processes are worth a few spills and piles of rubble.

Be their cheerleader Whatever your children enjoy doing, it is your privilege to be their cheerleader. If a child loves art, make their next birthday gift an array of art materials. If a child loves to write, provide the paper and pencils or a keyboard.

If a child loves to play chess, learn a few moves and play along. It’s easy to root on the sidelines of a soccer game but might require a bit of inspiration to cheer on a quieter child who enjoys reading biographies or studying insects. Find a way. It matters.

Remember, you’ll always be your children’s number one teacher. Make the most of that role and create an environment in which learning is as natural as breathing.

Jan Pierce, M.Ed., is a retired teacher and reading specialist who writes about education, parenting, and family life. Find her at janpierce.net. CCM

Stem Fun 101 – Continued from page 33

Follow their lead My youngest grandson is enamored with dinosaurs and volcanoes. He talks about them, knows dinosaur names, understands that volcanoes erupt, and learned that one of the theories about dinosaur demise was a large volcanic eruption. When he came for a visit (prepandemic), I made sure to have dinosaur and volcano books ready for him to read and enjoy.

He spent a lot of time creating caves out of playdough for plastic dinosaur figures and re-enacting dinosaur adventures. Together, we read books about volcanoes and learned how to identify the cutaway parts of a volcano.

What are your children excited about right now?

Do they love to plant seeds in the Spring and watch them grow? Do they want to learn how to speak French or Spanish or how to cook a pizza? It pays to notice the things your kids are interested in and support their learning in those specific areas.

Find programs, classes, and other local learning challenges Don’t overlook the free activities available through school or church projects, local youth programs, and your local library. Let your kids try a variety of activities and then if they take off in drama or music, the cost of classes is well worth the price.

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Ashley Frampton is a mom of three, Early Childhood Educator, and Elementary Teacher. She has a Master’s Degree (Instructional Leadership) from the University of Calgary and loves inspiring families, educators, and caregivers to help their children learn at home and school. For more ideas, follow her on Facebook, facebook. com/teachthemlittle, and Instagram @teachthemlittle. CCM

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does the oil float up and down?” Oil floats on top of water because it is less dense. The Alka-Seltzer reacts with the water to make CO2 bubbles, which attach themselves to the blobs of colored water and carry them to the top of the glass. When the bubbles pop, the blobs of colored water fall back to the bottom. Keep adding seltzer for more entertainment!

5. Giant bubbles. Dissolve half a cup of cornstarch into six cups of water. Add 1 Tbsp. of baking powder, half a cup of Dawn dish soap, and 1 Tbsp. of glycerin. Mix and let rest for one to two hours. Then use giant bubble wands (available to purchase at department stores or online). My family loves playing with bubbles for hours of entertainment outside on a warm day. Prompt your children by asking, “Why are bubbles round? Why do they pop? Do bubbles have colors?” Basically, a bubble is air wrapped in soap film, but you can get more specific and talk to your kids about topics like surface tension, light, and elasticity!

Remember, Google is your friend if you don’t have the answers and for ideas on weekly activities for your kids, follow me on Instagram @teachthemlittle.

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By Genevieve Yarn

YW’s Mindful Moments program is:

When it’s raining, you probably turn to your tried-andtrue activities for indoor fun: Movie marathons, at-home spa treatments, or a classic board game competition. But what if you’ve exhausted all of your usual go-to plans?

Check out these suggestions for out of the box rainyday activities: You’re a superstar! Get those creative juices flowing and produce a movie. (Depending on your kids’ ages, this can be made more challenging or less challenging with parental involvement.) Come up with a concept for your movie, plan out the key scenes, location of the scenes, and determine what costumes and props are required.

Shoot each scene separately (make sure you’re using horizontal orientation on your phone). Then edit the scenes together by using a free video editor, like iMovie.

Bon Appétit. Plan a restaurant - from concept to cleaning up the dirty dishes. Start by coming up with a theme, menu, and décor. Make sure the menu is something your kids can cook or chop on their own or with minimal supervision, if possible. Draw out the menu using pictures for younger kids or careful printing for older ones. Once everything is organized, the ‘customers’ can arrive, and your kids can be the servers and cooks. At the end of the meal, have everyone pitch in to help clean and close up shop for the evening.

Start your engines! Create a race car track. If you have masking tape and toy cars, you have everything you need to create a racetrack throughout your home. Before you begin, do a walk-through, looking at all the spaces you can have fun with, and then draw a diagram. Once you have a plan, tear off pieces of tape and have the kids help lay out the track. With your track complete, your kids can hold timed races or competitions to see who can do the best trick moves.

Return to the ice age. If you have younger children and know a rainy day is on the horizon, plan ahead with a fun frozen activity. Take a couple smaller toys that can withstand water and ice and freeze them overnight in plastic containers. When the time comes to play with the toys, run hot water around the outside of the containers to loosen the blocks out. Put the blocks of ice in the bathtub or on a towel and have the kids discover the best method for getting the toys out; it’s part of the fun!

The hunt for buried treasure. What kid doesn’t love a good treasure hunt? While the kids are busy, or fast asleep at night, draw out a treasure map and plan out

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some clues that can be found around the house. For older kids, have them solve riddles to find the next clue.

Hide a special prize where X marks the spot on the map.

Prizes could be summer-related: kiddie pool, umbrellas, sunscreen, beach or sand toys, bubble sticks, etc.

Other out of the box activities?

Pretend you’re at a summer festival and try your • hand at face painting • Look up fun science experiments • Build a giant Lego maze • Paint rocks to decorate your garden • Have the kids create beautiful thank-you cards for our frontline workers • Dare to venture outside and jump in those big puddles!

• Throw a family pizza party (don’t forget the tunes!)

• Sort through old clothes, books, and toys and then donate to a good cause • Create a family time capsule (2020 and 2021 have created unique memories - to say the least - for everyone!)

• Rearrange the kids’ bedrooms (a change of scenery is always a good thing!)

May the rain pour this summer, so you can create some unique indoor memories with your family!

Genevieve is a mom of two, works in marketing, and writes in her (very minimal) free time. Follow her funny mom alter-ego on Instagram @CryItOutMom. CCM

We’re hosting outdoor workshops this summer! Learn more and register at ywcalgary.ca/mindfulmoments

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summer fun self-confidence in trying new activities. They learn to appreciate the beauty of nature as they unplug from technology. Although they may experience periods of homesickness, they learn to forge through their feelings with caring camp counselors and new friends.

If your child has never experienced camp, start with a day camp or send a friend along for an overnight camp.

It’s important that their first camp experience be a good one. If you find it wasn’t a perfect fit, try a different camp next year. But don’t give up on the beauty and benefits of camp for elementary-age children.

AGES 12 TO 15 Tweens and teens have better focus than younger children and benefit from camps that more closely match their interests and personality. Sports and music camps are great for this age, and help kids advance athletic skills and musical talent. Academic camps offer youthadvanced learning opportunities in subjects they might want to explore for long-term focus. Church camps offer character-building and self-awareness experiences not learned in school.

summer camp 101 making the most of summer

By Gayla Grace Summer camp offers all kinds of fun and characterbuilding experiences for kids of any age. Whether you’re looking for a few hours of entertainment or weeks of intentional skill-building for your child, you can find it at summer camp.

AGES 0 TO FIVE Day camps offer the perfect opportunity for young kids to experience time away from parents and explore new activities. Camp for preschool children focuses on free play, sharing with others, group games (inside and outside), and simple arts and crafts. If you’re sending your child to camp for the first time, make sure the schedule matches their personality and routine to prevent a stressful experience. Does there need to be naptime?

Should your child be potty-trained to attend? Would your child adjust more easily by starting with a half-day camp instead of a full-day camp? Are there appropriate breaks for snacks and changes in activity?

It’s important to find out what the counselor-tocamper ratio is for children this age. You want to ensure your child will be adequately cared for with a friendly, well-staffed team. You also want to determine if the counselors are trained to help with issues common to preschoolers including separation anxiety, potty-training, and temper tantrums.

The best place to find camps for young children is through daycares, churches, nursery schools, and local elementary schools. Specialty camps also abound through gymnastic centres, music schools, sporting centres, to name a few. Consider your child’s interests and find a camp that fits to give your preschooler a chance to make new friends and explore new experiences.

AGES SIX TO 11 Elementary-age children thrive at camp, whether it’s day camp or overnight camp. It’s the perfect solution to sibling squabbles and long summer days. But it pays to do your research and find the right fit for your child.

Camps for this age range from sports camps to music camps to academic camps to church camps. Don’t let the variety intimidate you as you research; start with the interests of your child and ask close friends and neighbors to give their opinion on camps their kids have attended.

At this age, kids have had the most fun at overnight camps that gave them the opportunity to try activities not available at home, such as ziplining, archery, rock wall climbing, in addition to swimming, arts and crafts, and campfire sing-alongs with friends. Kids gain independence as they make decisions and meet new friends outside the comforts of home. They gain

Camps provide a safe place for tweens and teens to hang out while you work during summer break. Tweens, who are not yet able to drive or find a summer job, often overdose in technology over the summer months or get into unsupervised trouble unless you intentionally seek out creative options for them.

Encourage your youth to research camps with you to find one that fits. Some camps provide certification, such as lifeguard training or first-aid certification, that can enable your youth to successfully find a job upon completion.

Summer camp offers unique experiences and character-building opportunities for every child. Whether your child is two or 15, camp is the perfect place to find adventure and make lifelong memories in the process.

Gayla, freelance writer and mom of five, has sent her kids to camp every summer and continues to find new camps for her one child still living at home to enjoy. CCM

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summer fun

kids charcuterie boards

By Tanya Kaynes Charcuterie boards have made a comeback lately, yet they have been around forever if you consider the good ol’ cheese and cracker tray that is synonymous with any celebration, delicious snack to munch on while your eyes are glued to the game, or simply enjoying movie night at home. I think it is time to elevate this tried-and-true tradition and gear it toward the little ones! Not only are the 2.0 versions of charcuterie a delight to the taste buds, they are a delight to all of the senses, especially sight.

Now, you know I love a good food theme and you can go crazy with this medium! Your charcuterie boards for the kids can include just desserts, fruit, pizza, breakfast, Hawaiian, Italian, Mardi Gras, BBQ, sweet treats… the possibilities are endless!

Personally, I like the combination of savoury and sweet because it is your entire meal presented on one beautiful board. The smells and visuals of a charcuterie board are inviting for kids, which will definitely entice them to try new things! Take it up a notch and add dips like hummus, tzatziki, baba ganoush, etc. Get them to try each dip with snacks like pretzels, veggies, bread sticks. For fruits and other desserts, add some caramel dip, chocolate sauce, whipped cream, etc.

Your charcuterie board should consist of at least half savoury items, with at least three of them being more substantial/filling.

Savoury options could include: ‘Pigs in a Blanket’ (hot dogs wrapped in Pillsbury • dough) cut into bite-size pieces • Rolled-up Bologna • Deviled eggs • Chicken nuggets • Classic peanut butter and jam sandwiches (cut into quarters) • Ham or turkey slices wrapped around a cheese string • Pinwheel disks (tortillas with cream cheese spread and roasted red peppers, then rolled and cut into disks) • Mini sweet peppers stuffed with herb cream cheese • ‘Ants on a Log’ (celery topped with peanut butter and raisins) • Assorted raw veggies (carrot sticks, cauliflower or broccoli florets, slices of red pepper, celery, baby cucumbers, sweet peas)

•

A fun variety of cheese cut into fun shapes with cookie cutters

Small bites These suggested small bites work great to fill the empty spaces on your charcuterie board: • Pretzels Nuts (if there are no allergies) • • Popcorn (savoury and/or sweet) Bread sticks • • Crackers (Goldfish Crackers work great!)

• Chips (Visually, Pringles look best!)

Baby gherkins • • Cherry tomatoes

top of your board. Work your way down in size and then use your small bites (savoury and sweet) to fill up the spaces.

Here are some dips and sauces that can complement your board: • Ketchup Hummus • • Honey mustard Plum sauce • • Caramel dip • Nutella Whip cream •

The other half of your charcuterie board, of course, can be sweets. You can purchase store-goodies or if you have the time, bake up a storm! Fruits and candies can be dotted throughout the board to add vibrant color.

Sweet tooth options could include: • Chocolate-covered strawberries • Mini brownie bites Fruit (apple and/or • banana slices) • Mini cupcakes • Cookies • Macarons • Mini chocolate bars • Graham crackers Nibble on these small bite options: • Marshmallows • Jellybeans • Grapes • Berries • Yogurt-covered and/or chocolatecovered pretzels • Gummy bears • M&Ms and/or Smarties Your board should be anchored with two to three dips or sauces. Put the dips or sauces on your board first, and then add your next largest items. You don’t need to put them all in the same spot, spread them out equally on

My only word of caution with a sweet and savoury charcuterie board is the kids may just eat the sweets and completely ignore the savoury. If you want to avoid a sugar overload, build two separate charcuterie boards.

Get creative and colorful! Use a variety of textures and flavors for your board. There is really no wrong way to do this. Have fun!

Tanya is the Head Curator at Menagerie Parties & Cakes, handcrafting boutique party experiences through custom décor, engaging activities, and show-stopping sweets for people living full, productive lives wanting to celebrate life to its fullest. It’s a Party in a Box! For more information, call 403-890-4803, email tanya@menagerieyyc.ca, or visit menagerieyyc.ca. Follow on Facebook and Instagram @menagerieyyc. CCM

Summer 2021 • calgaryschild.com • 41

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summer fun

choosing a quality summer camp for a child with a disability asking the right questions

By Jen Smith Every child deserves to experience summer camp. It is an adventure like no other where a child can bond with nature, build self-confidence, and make lifelong friends.

For a child with a disability, summer camp can break down barriers and foster a sense of belonging.

My career in recreation started as a one-to-one support worker for children and adults with disabilities. After many years, I worked at Easter Seals Camp Horizon in Bragg Creek. I witnessed first-hand the positive impact summer camp has on a child with a disability.

There are some fantastic summer camp programs that provide quality experiences for children with disabilities.

To find the best fit for your child, here are three things to consider and questions to ask a potential camp program provider: 1. What type of support is available for my child?

What support does your child require? Karen Dommett, Program Manager for Calgary Adapted Hub powered by Jumpstart, suggests being transparent with the program providers on what is needed to make the best possible experience for both your child and staff.

Here are some questions to ask: • Is an aide or support worker provided or do I have to provide my own? What are the expectations and guidelines for aides or support workers?

Tip: Quality programs build rapport with aides and support workers. Establishing clear expectations and open lines of communication between program staff and aides is critical for success.

• What is the ratio of campers to staff? Are there volunteers who support the program?

• Do staff provide support with toileting, personal hygiene, or eating?

• Is there adaptive equipment on-site to support my child’s needs? Are visual cues used (i.e. a visual schedule of what activities are happening every day of the week)?

2. Will activities be adapted for my child? Each child is unique. Quality programming acknowledges individual differences and adapts for optimal learning and engagement.

Here are some questions to ask: • Do staff take an individualized approach (i.e. adapt activities for individual differences)?

• How will staff support my child’s success and mastery?

Tip: Quality programs assume children are competent. Gilary Guzman, from Between Friends, believes we can set children with disabilities up for success when we assume they can do everything we expect all kids can do. If they need support along the way, then that’s okay.

What types of activities are planned? What are • ways to adapt these activities?

• How will staff ensure my child is engaged and motivated to participate?

Tip: Quality programs do regular check-ins with children and families to assess engagement and satisfaction.

"From start to finish, the

experience should be easy to navigate and enjoyable.

Most importantly, your child should feel safe and supported while at camp."

3. How is your program accessible and inclusive?

A quality summer camp program is accessible and inclusive. According to Amanda Ebert, Recreation and Physical Activity Consultant with Equality Fitness & Recreation, program providers should always strive to create meaningful experiences for everyone who attends their programs. Inclusion is a process, not an outcome.

From start to finish, the experience should be easy to navigate and enjoyable. Most importantly, your child should feel safe and supported while at camp.

Here are some questions to ask: Is this program specifically geared toward • children with disabilities? Can a participant’s friend or cousin attend camp if they do not have a disability?

Tip: Quality programs have clear, specific program descriptions that tell customers who the program is geared toward and what activities will be included.

• What questions are asked during registration to get to know my child and better understand their needs and abilities? For example: • Does your child use a mobility device?

• Is your child verbal?

• What is your child’s chronological age and developmental age?

• Are there any health concerns we need to be aware of?

• Are there any known triggers or sensitivities?

• What motivates your child?

• What can we do to make this a successful experience for your child?

• Are program spaces accessible for your child?

• What training and/or education do staff receive?

Before registering your child, consider some of these questions that can help you find the right program. Above all, trust your gut. If you have a good first impression, receive prompt and thorough communication, and you believe your child will enjoy the program’s activities, then give it a try!

Finding the right program for your child will take some time but it will be worth it. Summer camp will bring new adventures, lasting memories, and unlimited play something every child deserves.

Jen is the co-owner of WordPLAY Consulting and a Recreation Program Specialist with The City of Calgary. Need to create more connections across your education, sport, or recreation organization?

Visit wordplaycanada.com. Feeling Social? Follow on Instagram @wordplaycanada. CCM

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summer fun

10 photo scavenger hunts in Calgary parks

By Karen Ung Calgary’s parks are full of natural and manmade wonders just waiting to be explored. And what better way to discover them than on a photo scavenger hunt!

With an abundance of gardens, sculptures, birdwatching, playgrounds, and snack spots, these mini photo adventures promise good times outside. Visit a different park each week in every quadrant of the city.

If you’d like to do so, post your photo scavenger hunt findings/surroundings on social media to inspire your friends and family to get in on their own hunt and explore Calgary’s parks!

3. Nose Hill Park, one of Canada’s largest urban parks, has a huge network of trails to explore and tons of geocaches. As you ramble through rough fescue grassland and aspen forest, keep an eye out for deer, coyotes, and porcupines.

Find and snap a pic of: n Dog Mural n Sun Wheel (directly south of the mural) n Stone labyrinth (north of the mural) n Cliffs n View of downtown

NORTHWEST 1. Dale Hodges Park, tucked between an escarpment and the Bow River, recently won a national landscape design award for making stormwater management look good. The scenic park features wetlands, streams, and a pond that is perfect for birdwatching. Walk/bike 1.1 kilometres along the Bow River to the park entrance (look for a sign on your right), then head west to learn how various features treat stormwater.

Find and snap a pic of: n Round lookout n Bridge n Round pond n Three kinds of birds

Parking: 5620, 14 Street NW. Treat spot: Bliss & Co. (728 Northmount Drive NW #13A) has yummy cupcakes!

Parking: 2111, 52 Street NW. Treat spot: Go for ice cream at Abbey’s Creations (4703 Bowness Road NW).

2. Bowness Park is a family favorite with two playgrounds, a spray park, picnic areas with fire pits, lagoon, and Bow River views.

Find and snap a pic of: n Giant ladybug n Train tracks n Canoe n Canada Goose n Bat boxes Parking: 8900, 48 Avenue NW. Treat spot: Seasons of Bowness Park (8900, 48 Avenue NW) is a full-service restaurant.

Nose Hill Park

NORTHEAST 4. St. Patrick’s Island Park boasts a picnic area, cool playground, wading area, and awesome views of downtown. Bike here on the Bow River Pathway to avoid paying for parking.

Find and snap a pic of: n Climbing wall n 23-metre high flower n Bridge fit for a King Parking: 1300 Zoo Road NE (Calgary Zoo West Lot). The park is on the west side of the parking lot.

Treat spot: Get a chocolate croissant at Sidewalk Citizen (618 Confluence Way SE) on the south side of the bridge.

Nearby East Village Playground is also worth a visit!

5. Prairie Winds Park is an awesome park with two playgrounds, a spray park, wading pool, BBQ areas, picnic shelters, fitness stations, soccer field, tennis courts, basketball courts, and cricket pitch.

Find and snap a pic of: n Zipline n Stick forest n Gazebo n View from the top of the big hill Parking: 223 Castleridge Boulevard NE. Treat spot: Get donuts and an iced capp from Tim Hortons (3660 Westwinds Drive NE #101), then pick up delicious samosas from The Samosa Factory (55 Westwinds Crescent NE #135) for dinner.

SOUTHWEST 6. Edworthy Park’s Douglas Fir Trail takes you through the ‘drunken forest’ (some trees are leaning over due to instability caused by underground springs), over bridges and up the stairs (good footwear required) to a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the Bow River. About 1 kilometre round trip. After a fun nature walk, enjoy Edworthy Park’s playgrounds, picnic sites with fire pits, picnic shelters, and fitness equipment near the north parking lot.

Find and snap a pic of: n Purple dinosaur n Douglas Fir Trail Lookout n Edworthy Park gravel beach Parking: Edworthy Park South Parking lot.

Treat spot: Angel’s Cafe (4105 Montgomery View NW) on the north side of the river is your place for coffee, yummy baked goods, and ice cream.

7. Elbow Island Park is a peaceful retreat just a hop, skip, and a jump from the hustle and bustle of 4 Street SW. Descend the Fish Ladder staircase and follow the dirt Scavenger Hunt – Continued on next page

Summer 2021 • calgaryschild.com • 45

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trail around the island (1.4-kilometre loop) to find art installations, watch birds, and bask in the sun. For a longer walk, head north on Mission Bridge, and go left on the Elbow River Pathway to find a small playground and Rideau Park suspension bridge.

Find and snap a pic of: n Stone benches in a stream n Colorful wheelbarrows n Train bridge bench n Bonus: minnows Parking: Rideau Road SW & 5 Street (two-hour street parking). Access the park from the west side of Mission Bridge (4 Street between Rideau Road Elbow Island Park SW and 26 Avenue SW).

Treat spot: Pick up a decadent cake, SOUTHEAST chocolate croissant, or box of macarons from Yann Haute 9. Reader Rock Gardens is a provincial and national Patisserie (329, 23 Avenue SW). historic site, and it’s easy to see why. Pretty pathways wind through exquisite gardens and mature trees, past a 8. South Glenmore Park, on the south side of stream and benches, leading you to the William Roland Glenmore Reservoir, features an accessible playground Reader’s former residence, which is now a café. Reader and spray park, tennis courts, polo field, bike pump track was the Superintendent for Calgary Parks from 1913 (closed for construction), picnic area and shelter, and to 1942. musical park. Head west on the paved path to visit the Find and snap a pic of: playground and Quinterra Legacy Garden musical park. n Gazebo Past the musical park is the turnoff to Jackrabbit Trail (on n Bridge your right). The rolling, forested trail goes 3.1 kilometres n Stone pathway to a beaver pond at the edge of Weaselhead Natural Area. n Three kinds of flowers Find and snap a pic of: n Xylophone Parking: 325, 25 Avenue SE n Chickadees Treat spot: Get a sundae or Vienna apple strudel from n Sailboat Reader’s Garden Café. n Bonus: beaver pond 10. Fish Creek Provincial Park protects riparian areas Parking: 8601, 24 Street SW. along Fish Creek and the Bow River. With 80 kilometres of Treat spot: Lakeview on 90 (2515, 90 Avenue SW) has trails, multiple picnic areas (many with fire pits), a mountain an amazing assortment of gluten-free baked goods. bikes skills park (Burnsmead Day-Use), and swimming area (Sikome Lake - day-use fee in effect), you could explore this park for days and not run out of things to do!

Visit Bow Valley Ranch and snap a pic of: n Gas lamp n William Roper Hull’s former home n Caballo, the holey horse n Balsam poplars (they have deep ridges in their trunks) Parking: 15975 Bow Bottom Trail SE. Treat spot: Annie’s Café (15985 Bow Bottom Trail SE) is known for its cinnamon buns, but they have smoothies and ice cream, too!

Happy exploring!

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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

Photos: Courtesy of Karen Ung

summer fun

Summer Camps

Scavenger Hunt – Continued from previous page

summer fun

10 epic bike pathways in Calgary Provided by Tourism Calgary There is no better way to experience the nature and breathtaking views of the city than by bike. Kick summer into gear and explore Calgary on one of the many bike pathways available!

1. Take a spin around the Glenmore Reservoir.

Experience a true urban oasis as you loop a 16-kilometre bike path around one of Calgary’s largest bodies of water and through Weaselhead Natural Area. Ride along Calgary’s water reservoir through the only delta in the city, passing the mouth of the Elbow River as it flows into the Glenmore Reservoir. This path is perfect for cyclists of all abilities and provides a relaxing experience in nature, right in the city.

2. Pedal along the Bow River. Take in the view of the city skyline with a ride along the Bow River. Begin this exuberant ride at the Peace Bridge and ride along the Bow River Pathway down to Edworthy Park. Make sure to take a ride through Kensington Village and experience its numerous vibrant boutiques, restaurants, and coffee shops before heading across the bridge to explore Edworthy Park. Loop back around and cycle toward downtown on the other side of the river.

3. Escape the city in Nose Hill Park. Pedal on the pathways of one of the largest urban parks in North America. Nose Hill Park covers 11 square kilometres of land in the northwest of the city. Although the park is surrounded by 12 communities, this natural grassland will make you feel like you are miles out of the city.

4. Ride in Riley Park. Take a relaxing ride with the family through this quaint and well-kept park, located near the trendy Kensington shopping district. Spend your afternoon in Riley Park watching performances and plays (pending on lifted restrictions), marveling at the flowers in Senator Patrick Burns Memorial Gardens, simply taking in the beautiful scenery, or stopping for a family picnic!

5. Explore Fish Creek Park. Spend the day discovering the many pathways available for bikers in Fish Creek Provincial Park. The park provides a perfect getaway from the buzz of the city, promising trails and pathways for the whole family to enjoy.

6. Ride through beautiful Bowmont Park. Adventure into the single-track paths of Bowmont Park, located on the northern bank of the Bow River. This quaint park provides the perfect trails for intermediate riders looking for more challenging pathways. While at the park, admire the natural beauty of the park’s waterfall.

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7. Explore Bowness Park. Spend the afternoon exploring the paths of popular Bowness Park. Take a break from your ride to explore the fun activities this park has to offer. During the summer, boat rentals are available for rides around the musical fountain in the lagoon. You can also find picnic sites and open spaces, perfect for family ball games! Extend your ride to check out Baker Park, located on the other side of the Bow River.

8. Explore Prince’s Island Park. Located on the Bow River, Prince’s Island Park provides paved pathways in the heart of downtown. Explore the island by bike and take a break by the river to admire the Canadian geese and mallard ducks, commonly spotted in this park.

9. Evening cycle through Eau Claire Park. Begin this ride by biking down the Bow River Pathway until you reach the confluence of the Bow River into the Elbow River. Continue along the west side of the Elbow River and relish in the spectacular view over downtown and the Saddledome from ENMAX Park.

10. Confederation Park. Bike the pathways along the stream of Confederation Park located northwest of City Centre. The beautifully maintained and manicured recreational park provides an array of amenities and facilities like picnic tables, tennis courts, and a golf course - perfect for the whole family to enjoy.

BIKE AND GEAR RENTALS Missing the gear? Don’t fear! Bike rentals are available in close to all the northwest bike paths of the city at Bow Cycle Sports and the University of Calgary Outdoor Centre that has the helmets, locks, and travel kits to help you cycle anywhere!

Tourism Calgary is the official destination marketing and development organization for Calgary's tourism industry. For more than 50 years, the organization’s primary purpose has been to promote Calgary and area as the destination of choice for leisure travellers. For more information, visit visitcalgary.com. CCM

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ages & stages

smart start

10 brain-building games to play with your baby

By Malia Jacobson Playing with your baby yields more than sweet smiles, squeals, and coos. According to researchers and childdevelopment experts, simple, everyday games can boost baby’s brain development, fostering growth in language, science, math, and organizational skills (called executive functions) along with social and emotional learning.

Babies at play are learning about themselves and their world, says Sarah R. Lytle, Ph.D., director of outreach and education for the Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences (I-LABS). “Babies are these natural scientists. They’re always playing games that are actually experiments.

Every time a baby drops their spoon off their high chair, they’re figuring out their world and how it works.”

Here’s how to help your little scientist along with games that benefit cognitive development from birth through age one: 1. Back and forth. Quality interactions with loving caregivers are vital to cognitive development - things like responding to baby’s coos and cries, gazing into their eyes, and making silly faces. “In a high-quality interaction, you want to see a true back-and-forth exchange between parent and baby. When baby babbles, the parent responds like they’re having a conversation,” says Lytle.

2. “Where’s the cup?” By four to seven months old, babies begin developing object permanence (the

knowledge that something still exists even when it’s not visible).

Simple games like moving a cup just out of sight and asking your baby, “Where’s the cup?” help your baby toward this memory milestone.

3. Baby gym. Physical activity - think tummy time, crawling, scooting, walking practice, or parent-child swim - can boost brain growth. Researchers found that physical activity benefits cognitive development, especially executive functions and language skills, in children from birth through age five.

4. “Why, thank you!” When your baby hands you a toy and looks at you expectantly, they’re initiating a game that develops social and emotional intelligence, says Lytle. Play along by responding with delight (“Thank you so much!”), waiting a beat, then handing the toy back to your baby, and keep the back-and-forth going for as long as baby stays interested.

5. Bust a move. Exposing babies to music introduces the concept of rhythm, which benefits mathematical

skills, says Lytle. Encourage this learning with mini dance sessions as early as the newborn stage (holding your baby, of course), spending five to 10 minutes bouncing and swaying to the beat of songs you know and love.

6. Rhyme time. Reading books filled with rhyming words, like The Cat in the Hat, help your baby develop phonological awareness, an important component of language and literacy, says Lytle. “Books work well for this because as parents, we don’t normally speak in rhymes.

We tend to get into verbal ruts and use the same words over and over again. Books expose babies to words and rhymes you might not normally use,” she says.

Smart Start – Continued on page 51

Pregnant? Book Your COVID-19 Immunization Appointment Today! ahs.ca/vaccinepregnancy What are the risks of being infected with COVID-19 if I’m pregnant?

What are the benefits of getting the COVID-19 vaccine if I’m pregnant?

•

•

• •

Serious complications related to COVID-19 are more common if you’re pregnant than if you’re not pregnant.

You’re at higher risk of being admitted to hospital and developing complications that need intensive care (ICU).

You’re more likely to have a premature birth. This may put your baby’s health at risk.

Is COVID-19 vaccine safe in pregnancy?

• • •

Emerging evidence suggests that it’s safe for you to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

The mRNA vaccines have shown to be the safest type of COVID-19 vaccine to get at any time during pregnancy The risk of getting COVID-19 and having serious complications is higher than the risk of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy.

When should I get the COVID 19 vaccine?

• • •

• •

Vaccines work. They prevent illness and lower your chance of becoming seriously ill if you do get the virus.

Vaccines lower your chance of complications of severe illness, like premature birth.

Immunization can also reduce the spread of the virus to others, including your baby.

Deciding what’s right for you Try to understand as much as you can about COVID-19, the vaccines, and your circumstances. For example: • Do you or others in your home work outside the home where you are in contact with others?

• Do you have any medical conditions or other risks that could cause you to be seriously ill if you get COVID-19?

Anyone who is pregnant can get a COVID-19 vaccine at any time during pregnancy.

Book your appointment now at ahs.ca/covidvaccine, call a pharmacy, or call Health Link at 811.

If you have questions or concerns, talk with your healthcare provider. Learn more at ahs.ca/vaccinepregnancy

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ages & stages

why your child isn’t sleeping and how to help dealing with sleep regressions

By Malia Jacobson First, the good news. Thanks to social distancing and reduced travel, fewer children experienced ear infections, colds, and other minor illnesses over the past year, says Maida Chen, MD, director of the Pediatric Sleep Disorders Center at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Because these illnesses routinely disrupt slumber for babies, toddlers, and young children, families may have fewer illnessrelated sleep complaints.

But that doesn’t mean everyone is sleeping soundly.

Instead, more parents are reporting sleep regressions: babies and toddlers skipping or dropping naps, suddenly waking at night, or taking ages to fall asleep at bedtime.

With family schedules still in flux, daily routines, including sleep routines, may be shifting, says Dr. Chen. Here’s how to cope.

Redefining regression The term “sleep regression” describes a temporary but troubling return of an undesirable sleep behavior that a parent or caregiver assumed the child had outgrown, like sudden night awakenings, tears at bedtime, or waking at 4am. Although sleep regressions are real, whether or not they’re a problem may be a matter of perception, says Dr. Chen.

About half the time, a sleep regression is developmentally appropriate; it’s normal for babies to wake more often after they’ve acquired a new skill, like learning to roll over or stand. “A sleep regression is really just a change in sleep that’s perceived as undesirable by a caregiver,” says Dr. Chen. “It’s simply a misalignment with our expectations of how a baby should be sleeping compared to what’s happening with their sleep.”

While sleep regressions can happen at any time, they’re common around 4, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months of age and can coincide with developmental milestones. One 2015 study found that learning to crawl temporarily disrupts nighttime sleep between 5 and 11 months of age. Another study found that nap transitions in toddlerhood can shift melatonin production and delay bedtime.

Sleep regressions can stretch anywhere from a few days to a few weeks or longer, often involving overtired, fussy behavior during the day and long, irritable stretches of light sleep or crying at night. It’s no wonder that

parents want to rush through these regressions and get sleep back on track, stat!

Why regressions seem worse this year Childhood sleep disruptions have seemed worse during COVID, despite fewer illness-related sleep complaints from parents, says Dr. Chen. But the changes may have more to do with stress than sleep problems.

“The issue is more highlighted now because we’re spending more time at home and traveling less, and parents have much less time away from their kids,” she says. “When you rely on your toddler’s nap or bedtime so that you can work or have a break, you’re going to be more upset when those regressions happen.”

But it’s also true that there may be genuine disruptions in sleep patterns, like fewer naps or later bedtimes, for a couple of reasons. Spending more time at home might mean that your baby is sleeping later in the morning or taking a longer afternoon nap - two factors that can cause a later bedtime or nighttime awakenings. As spring turns to summer, families are also battling the normal, seasonal early sunrises and late sunsets that disrupt melatonin production and delay bedtimes.

How to help First, take inventory of your child’s supposed sleep problems, recommends Dr. Chen. “Parents should really do a gut check about what their child is experiencing in terms of sleep, and how big of a problem it really is for the child

and the family. Is your child being affected adversely from a developmental standpoint or is it just the stress of upholding what life is supposed to look like?”

Determine your family sleep priorities. If you’re operating in survival mode and need to nab enough shut-eye to get through the next day, don’t waste a moment worrying about bringing your toddler into bed with you if it will help everyone get more sleep, recommends Dr. Chen. On the other hand, if keeping your child’s daily routine running smoothly helps keep stress at bay, don’t feel guilty about prioritizing a consistent sleep schedule. “If the family thrives on routine and survival is not the main concern, then this can be a good time to teach your baby or toddler self-soothing skills.” This could mean allowing your baby some extra time to fall asleep unaided or encouraging your toddler to play alone if they wake too early or aren’t taking a nap.

Build in regular times for movement, especially in the morning, when light exposure helps regulate sleep patterns and pave the way for a smoother bedtime. Aim for 10 minutes of outdoor time within the first hour of waking up. Try a morning walk around the block or a game of hopscotch in the driveway. Investing in cheap blackout blinds can also help keep sleep routines intact during the bright spring and summer months, says Dr. Chen.

Limit screen time, especially in the final hour or two before bed. “This can be a time to establish family routines that support rest, like taking time at night to unplug as a family and relax,” notes Dr. Chen. “Parents can model healthy habits like taking a break from phones and screens at night.”

It’s normal to feel stressed when things seem to fall apart, including your child’s sleep routine, says Dr. Chen. But like everything else in babyhood, the change is temporary. Children with healthy sleep patterns will nearly always get back on track after a developmental milestone, life change, or seasonal disruption passes.

“Right now, what parents need most is to give themselves grace,” says Dr. Chen.

Malia is a health and sleep journalist, author of Ready, Set, Sleep: 50 Ways to Help Your Baby Sleep So You Can Sleep Too, and host of the Sleep Well Stay Well podcast. CCM

Summer 2021 • calgaryschild.com • 49

ages & stages

easing the transition when an ailing parent moves in

By Heather Lee Leap A growing number of families with young children are caring for an aging relative. Whether it’s temporary care following surgery or longer-term care due to a debilitating condition, more and more families find the best option for caring for aging parents is to invite them into the family home.

How can families ease the transition and help their young children adapt to these changes in the household?

Your kids probably fall into one of two categories: Children who have developed a relationship with a grandparent and may be upset by the changes they see in the person they love, and those who, due to today’s mobile society, may consider their grandparents near-strangers.

Either way, don’t push the bonding. Avoid pressuring Grandpa to join your family walk or play video games with your kids. Ask, but don’t cajole. Likewise, don’t force your child to interact with their grandparent. Require respectful and polite behavior, but your child doesn’t have to sit through reruns of Lawrence Welk with them.

“Families need to let go of preconceived ideas of what the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren will be,” says Shelly Edwards, Outreach

and Program Director for the Alzheimer’s Association of Oregon. She describes how roles can change, such as entrusting a teenager with ‘babysitting’ grandma, rather than grandma babysitting the grandkids.

Discuss the grandparent’s condition in terms your child can understand. Will aspects of the grandparent’s condition upset your children? How can you explain in advance what to expect? Keep talking and responding to children’s questions as they arise.

Educate yourself and continually reassess and adjust, as needed. Edwards recommends that families learn all they can about a loved one’s condition and care needs to determine whether they can provide adequate care without physical or emotional harm.

Work together to establish rules for use of communal space and needs for privacy. Depending on the grandparent’s level of mobility, now might be the time to teach kids about knocking before entering the bathroom, etc.

Come up with a system for addressing conflicts or misunderstandings. Keep a notebook in which older children can write concerns, perhaps anonymously, to be reviewed later and to allow you time to find solutions or provide answers to questions.

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8 SIMPLE STEPS FOR RELIEVING CAREGIVER STRESS Caring for an ailing parent while raising children can be incredibly stressful. While meeting everyone else’s needs, be careful not to neglect your own: 1.

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Create a family check-in time when kids can talk freely - this may mean out of earshot of the grandparent. Ask your kids what is bothering them, and be prepared to listen without judgment. Pose questions, such as: “Is anything bugging you? Are you worried about anything? What is working especially well? What do you think we could do differently? Life isn’t fair, but is there anything going on that strikes you as particularly unfair right now, for you or for someone else in the family?”

Kids need to learn to be flexible and accommodating, but if Grandma’s presence brings all regular pursuits to a halt, kids will become resentful. If it becomes necessary to reduce the number of activities your kids are involved in, avoid using the grandparent as the primary excuse.

Compassion grows in children who feel loved, secure, and nurtured by others. As a caregiver to your own parent, you’re setting an admirable example for your children, but don’t forget to take time to laugh and have fun with them. Take care of yourself, and be sure your kids know they are safe and loved during this transition, however long it lasts.

4.

5.

Take time for yourself, even if it’s just 10 minutes a day. Breathe slowly and allow yourself to relax.

Identify one pleasurable thing you can do for yourself this week; something you want to do, not something you feel you should do.

Share your story to let those around you know what you are going through and ask for help.

For now, learn to say no to other responsibilities.

Spend one-on-one time with your spouse and with your kids.

Join a support group.

Make time for exercise and eating right.

See your doctor. Caregivers often neglect their own health, skipping regular wellness exams and ignoring ailing symptoms.

A sense of humor and knowing when to ask for help have allowed freelance writer Heather to survive 17 years of parenting, which included six months of caring for her mother in her home. Find her at heatherleeleap.com. CCM

ages & stages

poor losers and kids who cheat modelling the rules of fair play

By Gwen Randall-Young, R. Psych The first thing to recognize is these behaviors are a normal part of a child’s development. The approach you take should depend on the age of your child.

Sometimes children cheat at games because they do not always remember the rules, or they are deeply focused on getting something right that the rules slip into the background of their thoughts.

For young children, it may be best not to use the word ‘cheat.’ Instead, remind them of how the game is played.

Younger children may feel outranked when playing with you or their older siblings, especially if their siblings are competitive.

Although some might disagree with me, I believe it is okay to let very young children win. Let them hear you say, “I am happy for you that you won. That feels good. It’s okay for me to lose, because just playing the game is fun.” Doing well is fundamental to the motivation to keep learning.

Once your child knows how to play the game, gradually allow yourself to win. Model the same behaviors. Comment on some good moves your child made. If it is a game of luck, say, “It depends on the cards we get or how the dice rolls. We don’t have control of that. I didn’t get very good cards this time, but maybe I will next time. That’s how the game is played, and it doesn’t matter who wins. What matters is, we love each other and like doing things together.” As your child gets older and more competent in their game skills, play the game normally. In the meantime, you are modelling good sportsmanship and handling losing appropriately when someone else wins.

Once your child is nine or 10, the approach should be different. By this age, they know the rules - they also know they are breaking the rules. Point out that games have rules to make playing fair for everyone. For example, in sports, if you break a rule, you get a penalty. If you break a traffic rule, you get a ticket - or worse, you may hurt someone else or yourself.

You might want to make a rule for family games: if someone cheats, they miss their next turn. If the behavior persists, then the rule becomes: if you cheat, you are out of that game.

Modelling is the best way for children to learn how to handle their emotions. Children with low self-esteem have a harder time with this. If you raise your children knowing that you love them simply for who they are, they won’t

have such a hard time with losing. It is important for your children to understand that their self-worth is not tied to their performance. If you criticize a child for not doing well on the field or on a school assignment, your child may beat themselves up if something does not go well.

For older children, it is important to differentiate between a sore loser and deep emotion after a loss. Even in professional sports, we see strong emotion for the losing team after the Stanley Cup or Grey Cup. Olympic athletes can suffer deep pain when they did not win that medal their heart was set on.

A sore loser is different. A sore loser blames others for the loss or cannot handle the fact that their opponent performed better. A sore loser likely was not taught strategies to deal with disappointment, so may demean the winners or hold a grudge.

"It is important for your

children to understand that their self-worth is not tied to their performance."

View sore loser behavior as a teaching opportunity.

Explain to your child that disappointment is okay. But acting out negatively in a way that impacts the mood of everyone else is not okay. If the episode happens at home, have your child take some time to cool down and get their emotions out. It is important to let your child know that you understand their feelings and they are not a bad person because of those feelings. The heat of the moment is not a good time to talk about it and will only escalate the behavior.

Remember, cheating and sore losers are signs of low self-esteem. See these as red flags, and vow to support, rather than blame, your child.

Gwen Randall-Young is an author and award-winning psychologist.

For permission to reprint this article, or to obtain books, CDs, or MP3s, visit gwen.ca. For daily inspiration, follow Gwen on Facebook, facebook.com/GwenRandallYoung. CCM

Smart Start – Continued from page 48

7. Face it. Just hours after birth, babies show a preference for gazing at faces, which boosts their visual development and cognitive growth. Stanford researchers found that by four months old, babies’ facial recognition skills rival those of adults. A simple game like placing your face 25 to 30 centimetres from your baby’s face, then switching with another person or even a stuffed animal and waiting for your baby to respond can help babies hone this important skill.

8. Skill-building. That shape-sorter you may have received at your baby shower is great for developing spatial awareness and mathematical ability, says Lytle.

Once babies get a bit older, building blocks can help continue that development. “With blocks, babies are testing their environment and really getting into some complex concepts related to math, like volume, distance, and how structures work,” she says.

9. Baby comedian. “Parents sometimes think that in order to build language skills, they need to ‘fill their baby’s bucket’ with a lot of words,” says Lytle. “But the back-and-forth interaction is what really benefits cognitive growth.” Try responding to your baby’s early coos and first words with a hearty laugh, a squeal, or a surprised face. The sillier the better since babies are often delighted by these responses and more interested in keeping the interaction going.

10. I get it. Playing together provides opportunities to boost social and emotional skills by helping your baby understand and process emotions, says Lytle. “When your child becomes frustrated, talking about the emotions they’re feeling is important. When you say to your child, ‘I understand why that made you upset,’ you’re scaffolding [or supporting] important social and emotional concepts.”

Focused, attentive interactions with loving caregivers are the best brain-builders for babies, says Lytle.

When caregivers play with babies, they can make the experience even more beneficial by focusing on the baby and tuning out their phone and other distractions. “To create a high-quality interaction, it’s important to be fully present and really focus your attention on your child.”

Malia is a health and family journalist. CCM

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Summer 2021 • calgaryschild.com • 51

contests

contests Release Your Inner Magic!

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This summer, discover the Canada Attractions Pass for fun, safe exploration of all that Western Canada has to offer! From local favorites, like the Calgary Tower, TELUS Spark, and the Columbia Icefields to new adventures, like Journey Bike Guides in Jasper, Hydrofly Kelowna, or the Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish, there’s something for everyone. Canada’s only national attractions membership has savings on attractions, adventures, and accommodations - 365 days a year. One simple membership on your phone and the savings travel with you! Only $39.95, the Pass pays for itself in one or two visits! For more information and to purchase, visit canadaattractionspass.com.

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Spark a love of reading with OwlCrate Jr.’s monthly subscription box for kids ages 8 to 12. What’s cool about OwlCrate is subscribers get more than a book - they get a themed experience including goodies, a hardcover book, at least one usable item or activity to encourage creativity, imagination, and exploration, plus an exclusive letter from the author and a collectible monthly sticker. Each monthly box is curated for kids of all genders. Available for one-time box, three-, or six-month subscriptions. For more information and to purchase, visit owlcratejr.com.

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is food-safe and ready for ice cream anywhere there is ceramic fired glaze! The remainder of the cup is bare bisque pottery, allowing your kid to paint and decorate it freely with acrylic paints, without the need to fire it in a kiln. Hand wash cups after each use. The glossy sealer should be applied only to the portion of the cup painted with acrylic paints. For more information and to purchase, visit potteryawesomeness.com.

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Let Your Imagination Run Wild With Playmobil®!

Explore the zoo and get to know animals from faraway lands! Grab a map at the front gate so you know where to find your favorite animals, and then let your adventure begin. This playset comes with everything you need, including an observation platform and path, information board, animal figures, and more. Available to purchase at most major retailers and independent stores. For more information on this and other Playmobil® playsets, visit playmobil.ca.

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We all Scream for Ice Cream!

Pottery Awesomeness kits are the perfect project for families to enjoy together. With themed-subscription boxes, kids will be excited to receive these boxes that come with everything they need to create their own masterpiece! The “I Scream Ice Cream'' kit is the perfect anytime activity! The coolest thing about the Ice Cream Cup & Spoon is they are hand-glazed by artisans. The cup

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For your chance to win any of these fantastic prizes, click on ‘Contests’ at calgaryschild.com and enter the contest code provided for each contest.

Good luck!

parent connection

how to minimize the mess conquer the clutter!

By Lisa Salem There aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done (let alone take on extra tasks), which is why keeping an organized home may not be your top priority… but hear me out! While the initial process of organizing your home may be challenging, if you dedicate yourself to this process, you will be well on your way to cleanliness - and calm. Organization can free up time, create balance, and reduce stress. Read on for helpful tips on how to start and how to get your little ones to tidy up happily, too!

Here are five simple steps to get your family’s organizing journey started: 1. Commit to the clean-up process. This first step is crucial. Having the right mindset is important to

"Organize and purge room by room. Dedicate

some full days or small amounts of time each day to tackle each room before moving on to the next." keeping you motivated to keep organizing and purging items from your home. Cleanliness and organization are lifelong commitments that take patience and devotion.

2. Choose a day to start to organize and write down your plan. A great way to hold your family accountable is to pick a day to begin organizing and purging, as well as writing down where you will start and finish.

Organize and purge room by room. Dedicate some full days or small amounts of time each day to tackle each room before moving on to the next.

3. Use visual reminders. Snapping before- and afterpics are great for tracking your progress and can help deter your family from deviating back to your old (messy) ways. Use a calendar or a dry erase board to write down specific dates and times so you and the kids know what allotted time you have dedicated to this endeavour. You can also use a calendar or a dry erase board to jot down what organizational supplies you have on-hand or to jot down supplies needed (storage containers, etc.).

While organizing, to easily identify what’s in a storage container and/or piles of important paperwork, stick a Post-it Note on top of each.

4. Sort and minimize. Grab some boxes and label them (for example: donate; give to friends/family; keep; toss; recycle). Next, sort all items into piles by category.

Once complete, pick a pile to start with, and go through each item and place in the appropriate box; continue until all piles are done.

Use containers (purchase, if needed). Make sure to measure where the containers will go in order to get the right sizes!). Containers allow you to neatly organize all remaining items and designate certain spots they will always be returned to. Labelling is also ideal, so things can be found with ease. Creating bins for each family member to use near main entrance areas (mudrooms, hall trees, etc.) to reduce clutter as soon as you enter your home is a game changer, too!

5. Stay on top of things. Once you have organized the desired rooms in your home, constant maintenance is necessary. Divide up tasks amongst your family and encourage everyone to pitch in with the upkeep, such as putting things back where they belong after use, continuing to get rid of items no longer used, shredding old paperwork, etc.

What about the little ones?

When it comes to young kids, setting realistic expectations is key! Instead of nagging your kids to clean up after themselves, here are some alternative suggestions they may respond better to: Blast some tunes! Turn on a child’s favorite song • and have them clean up as many toys as they can until the song is over.

• Grab a hula hoop, place it over a cluttered area, and have your child tidy up everything within that space. (This is one of my favorite ideas another organizer once shared with me!)

• Set a timer for one to five minutes, for example (based on age, expected ability), and watch your child race to clean up as much as possible until the time is up. You can have your child choose a specific category of items to tidy up (toy cars, blocks, etc.).

• Minimize the number of toys in your home or have a one-toy-in, one-toy-out rule.

• Have your child clean up one set of toys before choosing new ones to play with.

• Plan ahead. Get stuff ready for the next day the night before, such as lunches, backpacks, clothes picked out, etc. (I have a lowered clothing rack for my daughter, so she can pick out her own outfits, which saves time and allows for creativity and independence!)

THE KONMARI METHOD Looking to organize and purge your home by category instead of room by room? Try Netflix sensation Marie Kondo’s KonMari Method! She recommends going through your entire home, category by category, purging in this order: clothes, books, papers, komono (miscellaneous things ranging from cleaning products to cooking spices), and then sentimental items.

Lisa is working toward becoming a Trained Professional Organizer.

Check out her personal blog on Instagram, Light at The End of The Clutter. She also works with Daughter On Demand, assisting elderly clients and clients experiencing health and mobility issues with organizing, downsizing, and everyday tasks. For more information, visit daughterondemand.ca. CCM

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parent connection

building a 'reading place' at home simple, whimsical, wonderful

By Steacy Pinney In the secret tents of blankets with flashlights, stuffies, and a few favorite books, children can escape to other lands, friendships, and victories. Most of all, in these simple and whimsical reading places, this is where children fall in love with reading.

When your children need some quiet time, why not let them escape to a special little reading place of their own?

And in between the wings of those tents and covers of those books, let them find comfort and adventure - and help them grow their skills as readers.

When children have access to safe, fun reading places, they will discover the joy of reading - and one of the ways Calgary Reads loves to inspire a love of reading at home is to help families create reading places.

How can you create a reading place that draws your child in and has them asking, “One more page?”

First, find an area in your home that would suit a reading place. It could be a closet or a corner that would fit a tent or a nook under your stairs. Ideally, it can be separated from the rest of everyday life but is still connected and accessible. Once you’ve found your spot, it’s time to scout and brainstorm.

The second step is to ponder with your young reader what this reading place could be. Think about the

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"When children have

access to safe, fun reading places, they will discover the joy of reading." characters and stories they love most, their favorite colors, and what helps them tune out the world and tuck into reading.

Now it’s time to gather your ingredients to help make a reading place that evokes feelings of coziness, curiosity, and connections through materials and layers and love.

It should also feel like a place that is distinctly for pleasure reading.

At Calgary Reads, we always talk about ‘The Three B’s’: books, book storage, and book lighting. A great reading place includes books the readers own and love, and book storage or displays in various forms or heights to invite children to the books and reading. Lighting is an important way to see the words, but also to set the mood and make reading feel like even more of an adventure.

Multiple forms of seating and cushions help children feel comfortable and suit different reading moods.

Including small artifacts (i.e. bookends or bookmarks) your child loves will help indicate this is a space for reading. Incorporating artwork created by your child or others that reflects the joy of reading or the characters in the stories can also heighten special reading connections in the space. We also love to bring reading words and storybook quotes to life - writing on the ceiling or the wall - or even the furniture!

Last, it’s always best if a reading place is snug enough for one or two people.

Whatever you and your children create will be special, perfect, and memorable - and draw them into many magical moments. Hopefully, it’s also a place that evolves as their reading preferences change.

Happy reading and placemaking!

Steacy is the CEO of Calgary Reads, an organization changing children’s lives with the magic of reading. The Little Red Reading House is a home dedicated to inspiring special little reading places and family reading. Enjoy a family reading visit or visit the Little Red Reading House website, littleredreading.house, for inspiration and resources on creating reading places at home, including the free Reading Place Playbook activity guide, and more. CCM

Sun’s out. Fun’s outside.

New summer programs

Stay active. Get creative. Learn something new. Squeeze the most fun out of your summer with a variety of small-group programs for everyone.

Sign up for outdoor fun for your kids or yourself.

calgary.ca/register

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Please note, all programs are subject to rescheduling or cancellation based on changes to Provincial public health orders and restrictions.