Autumn 2021

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2021 AUTUMN EDITION

Take HEE! o Copy me

Calgarys Child '

We Are Family

EW! N Inclusivity Guide RESOURCES, SUPPORT & SERVICES

DO AS I SAY,

YOUR Family’s GUIDE TO WELLNESS

NOT AS I DO? DO? Being called out on a double standard

Movie Night

Bucket List of

AUTUMN FUN Calgary’s Best Historic Walks Mountain Day Trips & Picnics 10 Great Giveaways

Snacks

Party P lanning

MADE EASY!

Exclusive home of over 100 new PC® products.

insiders report™

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holiday 2021

100 new ® products insiPC de.

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

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

calgary’s child 2021 AUTUMN EDITION

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

Front & Centre Leadership, connection, love: a parent’s guide to raising future leaders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 We Love Local . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Contests - Enter to Win! 10 great giveaways for

the holidays! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Calgary Cares - Calgary Cares is a free forum designed Cover Mironifamily © Adobe Stock

to match those with needs to those willing to help.

Inclusion Alberta - individual and family advocacy . . . . . . . . . 7 Calgary Catholic Immigration Society - four decades. for community. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Family Fun Contributors Trista Arney Lori Beattie Klynne Brinas Sandra Cicman, M.Ed. Ashlee Ellerbruch, M.C., R. Psych.

Lisa Kaldenbach, M.A., R. Psych.

Tanya Kaynes Cheryl Kirkness Tanya Koob Sharon Loose Trina Lycklama Sarah Lyons Diane MacLean

Jenna Mazzei Carrie Malin Steacy Pinney Sarah Reader Judy Riege Lisa Salem Susan Scandiffio Nicole Sheldon, R. Psych.

Jen Smith Karen Ung Dana Wheatley Gwen Randall-Young, R. Psych.

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

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

Our Commitment

Stock Images

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

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

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

RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESS TO: CALGARY’S CHILD MAGAZINE #375, 305 - 4625 Varsity Dr. NW, Calgary, AB T3A 0Z9

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

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ISSN 1198-6069 Calgary’s Child Magazine © 2021

EMAIL: calgaryschild@shaw.ca

Reach us at #375, 305 - 4625 Varsity Dr. NW, Calgary, AB T3A 0Z9 Phone: ���������������������������������403-241-6066 Email: ��������������������calgaryschild@shaw.ca Website: �������������������������calgaryschild.com

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

All about assessment: getting the right tools for a happy learning environment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Helping your kids take their medicine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Developing social skills during a pandemic - the resiliency of kids. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Walk & roll - accessible hiking locations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 2021 Family Wellness Directory Medical, Dental and Vision Care, Fitness, Counselling and Education, Nutrition, and More - Calgary and surrounding communities best resources in one place. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Parent Connection Tips for a great start to parenting for the both of you. . . . . . 36

Calgary’s best historic walks - don’t just wander by!. . . . . . . . 9 A bucket list of late autumn weekend day trips in Kananaskis and Banff. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Five not-too-scary activities for the whole family this Halloween. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Themed snacks for family movie nights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Stuff you gotta see! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Football tailgate party - game on! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Top 10 places to picnic in the mountains this fall. . . . . . . . . . 16 20 active loot bag ideas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Keep your kids active with these five themed birthday party ideas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Calendar of Events - harvest, Halloween, and holiday fun!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Let’s Party! - local companies to help you get the party started. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

The importance of purposeful toys in an intentional play space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Bringing risk back into child’s play - rediscover ‘wildhood’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 How to spend your hard-earned money on groceries - wisely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Fostering your children’s important bond with their grandparents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 When your child calls you out on double standards . . . . . . . 41

Inclusivity 10 awesome inclusive playgrounds in Calgary and area . . . 43 You have just received a diagnosis for your child now what? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

How to keep things minimal and organized over the holidays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

2021 Inclusivity Resource Guide Sometimes families with special needs need a little extra support.

Whether it’s access to information, professional support, or resources for your busy family, we’re here to help you find it. . . . 46

Family Wellness

ADHD… or is it? Understanding children’s behavior is a complex business. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Help a child open up and read with them - the mental health benefits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Why ‘including others’ should be a common topic of conversation with your child . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Top 10 holiday photo locations in and around Calgary . . . . 24

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 WINTER 2021/22 Ad Booking Deadline: November 10, 2021 Street Date: December 3, 2021 Finish off the year strong with lots of cozy ideas to get through December with the family – fun ways to celebrate the holidays and enjoy a break at home or away! Thinking ahead?

Check out our ongoing new year class and program ideas plus fall education options!

The Winter Edition is available both in print (on stands across the city) and online at calgaryschild.com!

AUTUMN 2021 • calgaryschild.com • 3

front & centre

leadership, connection, love:

a parent’s guide to raising future leaders Modelling good leadership at every step

By Judy Riege I’m not a parenting expert, though I have spent over 25 years working as an expert in adult learning and leadership, helping shape leaders from classrooms to boardrooms. Through this work, I have been able to adapt how I approach parenting in my home to set my children up for success as future leaders.

When my family was just starting out, it dawned on me that my husband and I were the first leaders our children would be exposed to. Our family - their first team and first organization - would shape their confidence and courage to join other teams through school and sports, relationships and workplaces. This realization pushed me to take research, theory, and know-how from the best leadership thinkers and play with those concepts in my family.

My role as a parent is the most important leadership role I have ever taken; it is where I feel most vulnerable and where my imperfections are exposed. As a parent, I have created epic messes and, luckily, also felt moments of joy and celebration in the accomplishment of others. I have learned and grown more than I ever thought possible.

I like to summarize my family and parenting strategic and leadership plan into four B words: Beliefs, Behaviors, Boundaries, and Belonging.

BELIEFS: Defining what being a family and being a parent means. Every leader starts with a vision and then uses their values as a compass to guide their journey to achieving their desired results. When it came to my beliefs and starting a family, I looked to the future and imagined the kind of people I hoped my children would grow up to be: Confident, kind, curious, caring - for themselves, each other, and the world around them. It wasn’t a vision of what they would do - the focus was on character and the way I would want to nurture their development.

Next, I looked at myself and created a vision for the kind of parent I wanted to become. Because intention sets direction, I chose to write down qualities of my parents that I wanted to bring forward and those I did not want to repeat. I created my leadership/parenting ‘To Be’ list - not a ‘To Do’ list.

BEHAVIORS: Defining ‘Our Family Way’ through our words and actions. Simply put, culture is ‘the way we do things around here’ and a healthy culture involves a healthy level of trust. Trust is the foundation for highperforming teams - teams who win together, create together, and have fun playing together. When trust is present, there is inherent psychological safety where we can feel comfortable to speak honestly about our ideas, questions, concerns, and mistakes. When we look at trust as part of a family unit, it’s knowing that you won’t be rejected or punished by your family for being your authentic self. Building this level of trust is done one step at a time, one conversation after another.

My family talks often about behaviors that are ‘our way.’

Like a code of conduct, we have a way of describing how we are as a family, and this helps reinforce trust amongst us. For example, in my family, it is okay to get angry at one another, but it is not okay to yell, hit, or call each other names. Obviously, there are more nuanced guidelines we follow during our everyday lives, and this list is ever changing as our family learns and grows together.

4 • Find us on

BOUNDARIES: The guardrails for our family. Brené Brown said, “Boundaries are simply our lists of what’s okay and what’s not okay.” And this couldn’t be truer when it comes to boundaries within a family structure.

For my family, boundaries create clarity for decisionmaking around what is okay when the pressure to conform, compete, or compare arises.

“When we look at trust as part of a family unit, it’s knowing that you won’t be rejected or punished by your family for being your authentic self.”

Family boundaries give me language to be able to say yes and mean it; or alternatively, no and mean it without apology or judgement of my family - or yours. Boundaries help my family choose the sports we play individually and together; how we spend our holidays and with whom all from a place of clarity and compassion. A few times, I recall feeling proud to know that the family rules have also helped my kids navigate peer pressure, friendship drama, and other situations.

BELONGING: Feeling seen, heard, known, and accepted just as I am. In a world where loneliness is an epidemic, busyness is a badge, change is constant, and connection and calm are a craving, raising a child

is a courageous act of leadership of self and others. We all have the desire to belong to something bigger than ourselves, and family can create this sense of belonging that will help kids - our future leaders - venture into this chaotic world with confidence, curiosity, kindness, and compassion.

To parent is to lead, and leading is about connection and creating a safe place for everyone in the family to learn, grow, and do their best. Connection is grounded in love. You can’t control the future, but you can control how much you love, how often you show it, and how you want to lead through the chaos and change that raising a child and growing a family will always bring.

You love your kids. You love your family. But many times, it is hard to lead from your best. For me, defining a family and parenting belief system (vision and values) and then clearly defining ‘the way we do things around here’ - our behaviors and boundaries - helped me create clarity and a roadmap to navigate life together.

I believe that my kids are here to teach me what I haven’t yet learned. They are here to challenge my commitment to being their leader. I also believe that my intentions for my parenting become actions and with practice, they become good habits and routines that serve me well in developing strong relationships with my kids in their quest to become who they want to be.

And I know that when they leave home, they will know that it’s safe to come home. What I don’t know is what they will say about me when I’m gone. I hope it’s good, but if not, that’s okay. Hopefully it will inspire them to do better and be better leaders for their next generation.

Judy, Founder of Connected Leaders, helps people discover, define, and become the leaders they were meant to be, personally and professionally. Connected Leaders offers coaching training, facilitation, and program design in leadership, emotional intelligence, strategy, and organizational and team performance.

For more information, visit connected-leaders.com. Feeling Social?

Follow on Facebook and Instagram @weareconnectedleaders. CCM

We Love

LOCAL

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

SMART TINKERS Treat the children in your life with fun themed sensory bins featuring homemade playdough! This local business by a mom of one has a variety of themes available to invite your child to play and explore.

Sensory bins provide children with the opportunity to explore and learn through hands-on tactile play that engages their senses. @smart.tinkers

KOKO MADE DESIGNS Find the perfect customized gift for the special people in your life from Koko Made Designs. One of their sweetest products is a customizable birth statistic stuffed animal to celebrate your family’s newest arrival. They also offer custom mugs, home décor, tooth fairy bags, and more! @kokomadedesigns

SMARTA GAMES Smarta games are educational materials for kids focused on helping children improve skills and learn through play. The founder is a mother with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Child Psychology. Find a variety of games to help with skills like letter recognition, printing, counting, senses, body parts, and more available as physical laminated games or as downloadable files to be printed. smartagames.com

HEARTHCRAFT CANDLES With the cooler Fall weather arriving it’s the perfect time to warm up your home with beautiful and soothing candles. Hearthcraft Candles creates local hand made candles decorated with assorted crystals and flowers, no two are identical in soothing aromas like coffee, maple, apple cider, and bergamot. hearthcraftcandles.ca

CARE 5 THAT IS MORE

BRIGS S AND P Find biothane and paracord products made to last a lifetime, especially for the furry members of your family.

Specializing in collars, leashes, and harnesses, they also make speciality seatbelt leashes to protect your animal while riding in the car. Functional and beautiful products available in a wide array of colors and styles to suit your needs. etsy.com/ca/shop/ BrigsSandP?ref=seller-platform-mcnav

Reasons A Tour

Why Parents Love CLEVER Daycare

Bo ok

State-of-the-art Facility Easy-access Locations Safety Comes First Play-based Programs Flexible Hours

more

www.cleverdaycare.ca

(403) 474- 4157 www.cleverdaycare.ca AUTUMN 2021 • calgaryschild.com • 5

contests

10 great giveaways just in time for the holidays!

Capture Special Moments in Time!

You are going to love the INSTAX Mini 11 instant camera with its fun camera style and cool colors. Never miss the chance to get bright photos anywhere - day or night! Your selfies will never look so good - show your silly face moments with the selfie mode!

It’s mini - but you can create full-size memories this holiday season! To purchase the INSTAX Mini 11 or other top-notch cameras, visit instaxcanada.ca; also available to purchase online at all major retailers. Feeling Social?

Follow on Instagram @fujifilm_instax_northamerica.

For your chance to win the INSTAX Mini 11, click on ‘Contests’ at calgaryschild.com and enter the code: Instax. Entry deadline is November 29, 2021.

Eye-Catching for Kids!

MEsquad is a brand-new eyewear company that gives kids the power to design their own glasses. MEsquad frames are water-proof, school-proof, and ballin-the-face proof - they’re so tough, even superheroes can wear them! To purchase MEsquad glasses, visit MEsquad.ca.

Feeling Social? Follow on Facebook @MEsquadglasses and Instagram @mesquadkids.

For your chance to win a pair of MEsquad glasses (select a pre-designed pair or create your own - with blue-light lenses, too!), click on ‘Contests’ at calgaryschild. com and enter the code: MEsquad. Entry deadline is November 29, 2021.

Lull Your Baby with Lulla!

Lulla doll by RoRo is a soother and sleep companion for preemies, babies, toddlers, and beyond. It imitates closeness to a caregiver at rest with its soft feel and soothing sounds of reallife breathing and heartbeat. Lulla plays for 12 hours to provide comfort all night long. Lulla is loved by thousands of parents and children and is used in homes and hospitals worldwide. To purchase, visit lulladoll. com; chapters.indigo.ca. Feeling Social? Follow on Facebook @rorocare and Instagram @lulla_doll.

For your chance to win a Lulla doll, click on ‘Contests’ at calgaryschild.com and enter the code: Lulla. Entry deadline is November 29, 2021.

A Very Nintendo Holiday!

Mario Party™ Superstars features five classic boards from the Nintendo 64 era and a collection of 100 minigames from across the Mario Party series. Play with family and friends as you race to get the most stars (or sabotage your opponents). All game modes can be played online! To purchase Mario Party™ Superstars and other games, visit nintendo.com/en_CA. Feeling Social? Follow on Facebook @Nintendo and Instagram @nintendo.

6 • Find us on

For your chance to win Mario Party™ Superstars, click on ‘Contests’ at calgaryschild.com and enter the code: Nintendo. Entry deadline is November 29, 2021.

A Great Gift from Grams & Gramps!

ergoPouch pajamas are made from a deliciously soft, stretchy organic jersey cotton for comfort and warmth during sleep. The pajama’s breathable, natural fibres help regulate body temperature and prevent overheating. These pajamas are full of handy features: three-way zips for easy diaper changes and dressing, fold over hand and foot cuffs, and zip guards. To purchase ergoPouch pajamas and everything your newborn, baby, toddler or preschooler needs for comfortable, warm, and safe sleeping, visit ergopouch.com. Feeling Social? Follow on Facebook @ergopouchusa and Instagram @ergopouch_usa.

For your chance to win the ergoPouch pajamas (in Night Sky Design, featured here), click on ‘Contests’ at calgaryschild.com and enter the code: ergoPouch. Entry deadline is November 29, 2021.

An ‘80s Icon Returns!

Each Cabbage Patch Kid is a loveable and unique individual - just like you! Take the Oath of Adoption with the world-famous Cabbage Patch Kids! The Kids include hand-stitched details on their fingers, elbows, belly buttons, and toes. They have beautiful, rooted hair and are scented with the traditional baby scent. Each Kid comes with an official birth certificate and adoption papers from BabyLand General Hospital, showing a unique name and birthday. For more information on all the Kids, visit jazwares.com. Purchase online at Walmart, Toy “R” Us, and Amazon. Feeling Social? Follow on Facebook @Jazwares and Instagram @jazwares.

For your chance to win an African Cabbage Patch Kid, click on ‘Contests’ at calgaryschild.com and enter the code: Kid. Entry deadline is November 29, 2021.

Pamper a New Parent!

Cruelty-free and free of harsh ingredients (like Phthalate), this adorable and practical Walton Wood Farm New Baby + Mommy Rescue Kit gift set includes 100 percent natural, all-in-one Hair + Body Wash for baby (citrus scented), 100 percent natural All Over Lotion to moisturize baby, Bummed Out Diaper Cream, unscented Mommy Rescue hand cream to lock in moisture, and soothing peppermint Mommy Rescue tea. Walton (the pig) represents the Farm’s cruelty-free stance in making sure no animals were harmed in the making of their products. To purchase the New Baby + Mommy Rescue Kit or other cruelty-free products, visit waltonwoodfarm.com. Feeling Social?

Follow on Facebook @WaltonWoodFarm and Instagram @waltonwoodfarm.

For your chance to win the Walton Wood Farm New Baby + Mommy Rescue Kit, click on ‘Contests’ at calgaryschild.com and enter the code: Walton. Entry deadline is November 29, 2021.

Pump Up the Volume!

With the vtech KidiStar DJ Mixer, your kids can mix and jam with a DJ turntable. There are 15 built-in songs and 2,000+ sound combinations! Create custom sound effects and vocal tags to lay onto tracks, then save the samples; add light effects. Connect to your own music via BLUETOOTH wireless technology or audio cable. Play mash-ups through the built-in speaker or use the headphone jack to listen (music player, audio cable, and headphones not included). Fine tune DJ skills by following the rhythms in a music game. To purchase, visit vtechkids.ca; also available to purchase at all major retailers. Feeling Social? Follow on Facebook and Instagram @vtechtoyscanada.

For your chance to win the vtech KidiStar DJ Mixer, click on ‘Contests’ at calgaryschild.com and enter the code: DJ. Entry deadline is November 29, 2021.

Be a Kid Creator!

Be a kid creator with the KidiZoom Creator Cam digital camera! Create awesome videos on this HD video camera with a built-in microphone and special effects, like time-lapse video. Swap in 20+ animated backgrounds to get chased by a T-Rex, go to outer space, or become invisible with the included green screen fabric. Comes with easy on-camera editing, creativity tools, and a tabletop tripod/selfie stick. To purchase, visit vtechkids.ca; also available to purchase at all major retailers. Feeling Social? Follow on Facebook and Instagram @vtechtoyscanada.

For your chance to win the KidiZoom Creator Cam digital camera, click on ‘Contests’ at calgaryschild. com and enter the code: Camera. Entry deadline is November 29, 2021.

Imaginative Play with Pet Play!

Explore the farm with the Vet Practice with Pets, a fun, educational playset from Schleich! In the veterinary practice from the Schleich Farm World, animal patients are lovingly treated and nursed back to health. With the help of the X-ray image, the vet can treat her patients on the examination table and quickly take the right medication out of her doctor’s case. She can check the weight of the rabbits using her scale, and they recover quickly. Then it’s time for the next patient! Vet Practice with Pets is part of Farm World - a fresh play world built around realistic animals and playsets depicting life on the farm. What exciting adventures will happen on the farm today? To purchase, visit chapters.indigo.ca.

Feeling Social? Follow on Facebook @SchleichOfficial and Instagram @schleichusa.

For your chance to win the Vet Practice with Pets, click on ‘Contests’ at calgaryschild.com and enter the code: Schleich. Entry deadline is November 29, 2021.

calgary cares

Help is Just a Phone Call Away!

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 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

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.

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

Inclusion Alberta

Individual and Family Advocacy Provided by Inclusion Alberta

Inclusion Alberta facilitates inclusion and advocates for the resources and supports needed to ensure every possibility for a meaningful life.

Creating an expansive vision for a family member with developmental disabilities is essential to determining the means to a valued and participatory life in community - from playgrounds to schools, from inclusive postsecondary education to employment, and from the family home to a home of one’s own. Children and adults with developmental disabilities require immersion in the normative pathways of life to have a sense of belonging and the relationships and friendships everyone needs for well-being.

Inclusion Alberta believes an inclusive life is realized when we capitalize on the community’s capacity to be inclusive, build relationships, and have the needed support to experience membership and belonging in all the ordinary experiences of life.

However, it is difficult for many families and individuals with developmental disabilities to know what supports and opportunities are available or how to navigate and negotiate often complex systems.

Inclusion Alberta is here so that your family doesn’t need to do this all on your own. Advocates are available province-wide to assist your family to overcome challenges in the pursuit of a meaningful life, fully included in the community.

Inclusion Alberta advocates help individuals and families address a broad range of issues, including inclusive education, family support, recreation and leisure, housing, funding, individualized planning, and more.

To inquire about advocacy in Calgary and Southern Alberta, call 403-717-0361(toll-free: 1-800-252-7556) or email mail.calgary@inclusionalberta.org.

Inclusion Alberta advocates on behalf of children and adults with disabilities and their families. For resources, events, how to donate, and more, visit inclusionalberta.org. Feeling Social? Follow on Facebook @inclusionAlberta and Instagram @inclusion_ab. CCM

Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS) Four Decades. For Community.

Provided by Calgary Catholic Immigration Society The stories of CCIS’s refugee clients are as varied as the individuals: A widow with two young girls is living in a homeless shelter; the family breadwinner is admitted to hospital for heart surgery; a 16-year-old disabled boy requires special orthopedic shoes on a regular basis; and a family of five, with three children, are living in a tiny basement suite. They have no space for the third son to sleep, so he spends each night in the home of neighbors.

When you donate, 100 percent of monies received go directly to refugee families most in need; there is no administrative fee. You may earmark your donations to any one of the 70+ programs or areas of support.

Make a direct impact on your community The following list, while not comprehensive, provides an overview of how your donations are used for refugee clients: 1. Groceries for families.

2. School supplies and clothing.

3. Medical assistive devices (hearing aids, orthopedic shoes, wheelchairs, crutches).

4. Baby cribs and supplies.

5. Furniture.

6. Damage deposit payments.

7. Shortfalls with rent.

8. Medications not covered by AHS (e.g. Cancer drugs).

Donations for Afghan resettlement Your contribution will honor the courage and resiliency of Alberta’s newest residents and will allow CCIS to continue their efforts to empower immigrants and refugees to successfully resettle and integrate.

Donations can be made via the secure payment link: https://www.ccisab.ca/afghan-resettlement.htmlccis. ab.ca/afghan-resttlement.html. For any questions, email donations@ccisab.ca.

For 40 years, Calgary Catholic Immigration Society has been a community leader with solid experience in the design and delivery of comprehensive services for Southern Alberta’s newest neighbors. Feeling Social? Follow on Facebook @ccisab and Instagram @ccis_ab. CCM

AUTUMN 2021 • calgaryschild.com • 7

Family Fun

10 Weekend Day Trips

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12 Halloween Fun

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13 Movie Night Snacks

family fun

Calgary’s best historic walks

By Lori Beattie Walk back in time and explore Calgary’s rich history together as a family!

WALK 1: Briar Hill - Hounsfield Heights, NW. Begin your walk in the off-leash area that was once known as Grasshopper Hill and climb to wide-open views of the downtown skyline and the communities below.

Briar Hill soon becomes Hounsfield Heights, Calgary’s north-side Mount Royal. In the late 1800s, lawlessness and whisky trading marked this area before the NorthWest Mounted Police arrived in 1875, built Fort Calgary, and helped bring some order to the chaos. The Canadian Pacific Railway arrived in 1884, and that meant Calgary had ‘arrived’ as an urban centre.

Hounsfield Lodge Farm, owned by Thomas E. Riley and Georgina Jane Hounsfield, was the original settlement in the Briar Hill and Hillhurst area. In 1890, the property extended from Sunnyside to Parkdale in the west, and from the Bow River to 16 Avenue in the north. Calgary’s growth by 40,000 people between 1900 and 1910 meant that this land was in demand, and the family decided to subdivide and sell.

crashing halt. When you walk through Hounsfield Heights today, you will see that it did, in fact, become a miniMount Royal of the North, 100 years after the fact.

Starting-point parking: Park along 9 Avenue, east of 22 Street NW. Tip: Stop for coffee and a bite to eat on 19 Street NW. WALK 2: Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park.

Alberta’s trademark big blue skies are a constant companion when you walk around Glenbow Ranch.

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, and Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park

Briar Hill

On June 10, 1910, the Morning Albertan featured the following headline, “Hounsfield Heights; All View Lots An Ideal Location for an Ideal Home,” accompanied by a view of the subdivision of Hillhurst from the top of the bluff. Instructions on how to get there included a walk “through the park donated by Mr. E. Riley,” now known as Riley Park. A substantial price tag meant that only the moneyed could afford to live there. Hounsfield Heights was to be the “Mount Royal of the North.” In 1913, a recession hit, along with threats of war and increased unemployment. The overheated economy came to a

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 interesting background on Alberta’s ranching heritage and geological history. A walk here calms the mind and refreshes the spirit!

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

Facilities: Bathrooms at the trailhead.

Tip: Pack a few snacks to refuel along the way.

Downtown Calgary WALK 3: Downtown and the Beltline, SW. Engage in this public-art and mural treasure hunt through the downtown core, East Village, and the Beltline. Starting at the glassy, swirling, sloping masterpiece, the Calgary Central Library, walk back in time to Calgary’s historic heart along Stephen Avenue.

Named after Lord Mount Stephen, the first president of the Canadian Pacific Railway, 8 Avenue hosts many of the sandstone buildings from Calgary’s early days.

After the fire of 1886, local Paskapoo Sandstone became the material of choice for schools, Calgary’s first library (Memorial Park), and the old City Hall.

Slow your pace and appreciate walking for walking’s sake, to simply experience the urban cityscape, alleyways, and hidden corners and surprises. Become a flâneur, which, according to the early 19th-Century French, was a leisurely urban explorer who observed and contemplated as they sauntered.

For those who would like to pick up the pace and travel farther, walk south into the Beltline, a community that is being rejuvenated with murals, thanks to the Beltline Urban Murals Project (yycbump.ca). Every summer since 2017, mural artists have been creating colorful pieces of art on the buildings throughout the Beltline.

Starting point: Downtown Central Library.

Facilities: Bathrooms at the library. There are a variety of cafés and public buildings along the route.

Tip: Calgary’s Central Library is not only gorgeous, but also full of opportunities! For families, there is a 12,000-square-foot Children’s Library, a gaming area, and a wide variety of programs for kids, as well as a play structure to keep children engaged.

Lori’s guidebook, Calgary’s Best Walks Expanded, has 45 walks with maps and 40 suggested detours. She leads city walks and mountain hikes with her company, Fit Frog Adventures. Grab a copy of her book, join her on a walk or a hike, and connect with her on Instagram and Facebook @lorifitfrog and at fitfrog.ca. CCM

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Photos: Courtesy of Lori Beattie

Don’t just wander by!

family fun

a bucket list of late autumn weekend day trips in Kananaskis and Banff Adventures for even the gloomiest of days

By Tanya Koob Few people would say that they love the late autumn season between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Personally, it is one of my favorite times of the year, and I always look forward to November in the Rockies! Read on for the day trips that get my family excited for late autumn fun year after year.

Visit a spooky cave for a Halloween-themed hike From the Heart Creek parking lot, it is a short 2-kilometre walk (one way) to the Heart Creek Bunker, a small cave that was originally dug out of the mountain during the Cold War era to house important documents. Nothing was ever stored here, but the vault remains. It is colorfully decorated with spooky graffiti, befitting of a Halloween-themed hike (donned in costumes, if you dare!). Visit the All Trails website for directions: alltrails.com/trail/canada/alberta/heartcreek-bunker.

Also remember, as of this year, a Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required to visit any of the day-use areas in Kananaskis. You can purchase a day pass or a yearly pass online or at a Visitor Centre.

10 • Find us on

Go waterfall-chasing It doesn’t matter if the leaves have fallen off the trees or if it’s a cold and gloomy November day because waterfalls are spectacular to enjoy during any season!

Two of my family’s favorite waterfalls are easy to reach and are perfect for a half-day afternoon outing (so you can still sleep in after a busy week of school and work).

Troll Falls - This trail is closed at the time of writing, but hopefully it will open again by late October. Start at the Stoney parking lot below Kananaskis Village where it’s a short 3-kilometre round trip walk to reach the beautiful Troll Falls on a wide easy trail. You can also continue to the Upper Falls in another kilometre (return). The trail to the Upper Falls is steeper, but there are handrails, and you’ll get the opportunity to walk underneath the falls.

Cat Creek Falls - This is a short 2-kilometre return hike to a scenic waterfall. You’ll spend longer getting to the trailhead by vehicle than you will hiking, but my family likes to make a day trip out of it with a scenic driving loop over Highwood Pass on Highway 40 on the way out,

returning via Longview on Highway 541. (Note: Access to this trail closes on December 1.)

Plan a picnic or bring some hot dogs and marshmallows for a wiener roast at any of the nearby day-use areas. Sites that have had fire pits include the Cat Creek Day-Use Area, Fitzsimmons Creek Day-Use, and Lantern Creek Day-Use Area. (It’s always best to check directly with Alberta Parks before heading out.)

Visit the Alberta Parks website or the All Trails website for directions for both hikes. Trail reports can also be found through Alberta Parks to see if Troll Falls is accessible again.

Hike a canyon Canyons are fun to explore any time of the year, and they do not require vibrant green trees or perfect sunny weather.

Two of my family’s favorites in Kananaskis are described here, along with everybody’s favorite canyon in Banff. Each hike is easily done in an afternoon, should you wish to relax Saturday or Sunday morning before heading out.

Photo: Courtesy of Tanya Koob

Elbow Lake Grotto Canyon - This easy hike is 4 kilometres round trip to the double waterfalls. You can hike farther, but my family usually turns around after the canyon opens past the waterfalls. Park at the Grotto Mountain Day-Use Area off Highway 1A near Canmore.

Jura Creek - Technically, this hike is 7 kilometres round trip, but everything interesting is seen in the first couple of kilometres. Follow the dry creek bed to the canyon, and then enjoy a short section of tight narrow twists and turns in one of the best canyons near Calgary. The fun ends shortly, that’s where my family usually turns around.

Park at the Jura Creek parking lot off Highway 1A near Exshaw. (All Trails is your best resource here.)

Johnston Canyon - Everybody loves the hike to the Lower and Upper Falls at Johnston Canyon in Banff.

The highway is fully open again, so you can approach the parking lot from either Banff or Castle Junction. The return hike is only 5 kilometres, and it’s a great adventure in late fall when the trail is quiet and peaceful.

For information on each hike along with trail reports, visit the Alberta Parks or Parks Canada website.

Play tourist for a day in Banff Plan a day trip to Banff with a ride on the gondola, a walk along the river, or a short hike up Tunnel Mountain.

The town is quieter in October and November, making it an excellent place to take your family! My family often plans half-day autumn trips to Banff with a relaxed start, lunch at Tim Hortons in the Bus Depot, and then a short hike. It’s a great way to plan a stress-free day in the mountains.

And for families looking for a great stroller hike, you can walk to the entrance of Sundance Canyon on a beautiful, paved trail that starts from the Cave and Basin Historic Site. The trail follows the river and once you arrive at the canyon, there is a picnic area followed by

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a short loop through the canyon. The canyon loop is not stroller-friendly. The paved trail is 3.7 kilometres one way, and the canyon loop is an additional 1.6 kilometres.

Get into the Christmas spirit at the Banff Santa Claus Parade in November!

The 2021 parade is scheduled for November 20, and my family usually tries to have an early dinner before it starts at 6pm.

Your family can also plan an entire Christmas-themed day in Banff by visiting the Christmas Market or the Banff Gondola for their Spirit of Christmas event, which is always an annual highlight for my family with visits from Santa on top of the mountain!

Experience wild skating on a mountain pond or lake November is a magical month that locals in Canmore and Banff refer to as ‘Skating Season.’ Many of the lakes freeze over but are still snow-free and clear for perfect gliding across the teal green ice. Johnston Lake on the Lake Minnewanka Loop Road outside Banff is the local favorite and if you time your visit right (mid to late November), you’ll find hundreds of families out for a day of skating from one end of the lake clear across to the other end.

Parks Canada has a great page on their website that goes into detail about skating on the local lakes. It also features specific instructions on how to measure for ice thickness. I highly recommend reading the information before heading out so that you are aware of any and all hazards associated with outdoor ice skating.

The information can be found at pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ ab/banff/activ/patinage-skating. For regular updates on where and when to skate in Banff, follow me on Instagram @MountainMomYYC. I never miss a skating window!

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Plan your first downhill ski trip of the season Nakiska Ski Area is open weekends by Halloween some years, and by mid-November most years. Usually, the beginner terrain isn’t ready until December, but there’s excellent intermediate skiing off the gold and Olympic chairs early season for some warm-up laps to stoke excitement for the upcoming season.

Lake Louise, Sunshine Village, and Mount Norquay also open by early December each season with more beginner terrain available.

My family loves early-season skiing because we quickly find out what gear and clothing the kids have grown out of - just in time for Christmas shopping!

Visit Highwood Pass in Kananaskis for early-season snowshoeing Highway 40 is open year-round as far as Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, but there is a gate beyond that point preventing winter travel over Highwood Pass.

The road closes on December 1, so my family likes to visit the area mid to late November for some early-season snowshoeing.

Elbow Lake is a great safe trail for families, and you won’t find any avalanche danger if you turn around at the lake. It’s a beautiful trail when there’s snow on the ground and you can bring sleds for the kids to play around on while descending the trail (or to tow younger children).

If you want to hike this trail without snowshoes, plan for late October or early November. And if you’re interested in other nearby trails, such as Ptarmigan Cirque or Pocaterra Cirque, you’ll also want to go earlier before there is avalanche risk. By mid-November, both trails are unsafe for families without avalanche training.

Happy exploring! There’s fun to be had every season in the mountains.

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. Feeling Social? Follow on Instagram @MountainMomYYC. CCM

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family fun

Visit the Canmore Nordic Centre and ski “Frozen Thunder” Frozen Thunder is an early season 2-kilometre crosscountry ski track that the Canmore Nordic Centre builds every fall using snow that has been stored from the previous season. It is designed for high-performance athletes to start training by late October, but the public is allowed to access the trail after noon each day.

The trail is not beginner-friendly and has some steep hills on it. Families wanting an easier first outing on their cross-country skis should wait until the Nordic Centre has been able to make snow for the Banff Trail Loop, usually open by early December. Banff Trail is a great novice trail, and you can rent equipment at the Centre.

A trail fee is required to use the ski trails at the Nordic Centre and a Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required for parking. For more information, visit the Nordic Centre’s website.

family fun

five not-too-scary activities for the whole family this Halloween indoors and out Music, crafts and more!

By Carrie Malin I’m ‘that house’ on the block. Sometimes it’s not even October 1 yet and my house is decked out in all the best decorations the Dollar Store can buy (when is the ‘acceptable’ time to start decorating for Halloween, anyways?). Combine the beauty of fall with the creative opportunities of Halloween and you’re left with a lot to do in a (very) short period of time. Anyone else feel like you cram a whole lotta fun into about one month?

Throughout my life, I’ve celebrated Halloween to the fullest. That means I’ve also come up with (and participated in) some fun activities over the years. Here, I’ve compiled my top five activities surrounding the month of October! I hope you enjoy them as much as my family does.

1. Make your own Halloween costume (or jazz up a simple one you bought in-store). I’m creative, but I’m not artistic. This means I’m limited to utilizing cutouts and adding designs to things created by talented artists. One of my favorite things to do is craft Halloween costumes! The Dollar Store has everything you need to create perfect costumes for you and your family - glue some glitter and googly eyes to a mask, glue figurines to a hat (in my case, little artificial birds and a bird’s nest to a scarecrow hat), and even sew burlap and patches onto a dress to make a great one-of-a-kind Halloween costume!

2. Construct an eerie papier Mache family.

Remember papier Mache? Building papier Mache Halloween creatures is a good multi-day activity that is lightweight, you can personalize your creation, and can be reused year after year. The possibilities to create your family are endless, from pumpkins and ghosts to a whole haunted cemetery. Inspired by Stephen King? Make it a pet cemetery! Add glow-in-the-dark glue or paint to the finished product to make your creation stand out like a sore thumb (or make a papier Mache sore thumb, if you’re artsy enough!).

3. Create a Halloween music playlist. Plan a whole afternoon and dance or monster mash your way through the most popular (and sometimes terrible) Halloween songs. No lie, my son’s favorite song for about two years was the theme song for Ghostbusters. There’s another fun side activity as well surrounding Halloween music, and that is debating whether it’s classified as a

12 • Find us on

Halloween song: Is the Ghostbusters theme song considered Halloween music? ‘Who you gonna call’ to end the debate?!

4. Play ‘mission impossible’ with a Halloween twist.

While the classic bobbing for apples and Pin the Tail on the Donkey games are a good time, get those creative gears turning and create a fun, spooky activity for the whole family. One game that I highly recommend is a mission impossible ‘web’ game. Tie yarn all over the room in different angles and race to make it to the other side without touching the yarn. My family makes it spooky by lighting the room in black light with white yarn (or using a different colored light bulb in the room) and playing the best (worst) spooky music.

“There’s so much fun to be had surrounding Halloween. Rain or shine (or snow), I hope you embrace the whole fall season for all its beauty.”

5. Haunted obstacle course. Depending on the age of your kids, and whether you like getting spooked (I do not), having an age-appropriate haunted obstacle course is a ton of fun! As I mentioned, I do not like being scared (I consider Scary Movie a scary movie), so my family’s version of this activity involves turning the house into a Halloween obstacle course with welcoming pumpkins, shutting the lights off, and racing through the course in the evening with glow sticks. This activity could also be recreated outdoors, such as in a park, your backyard, or a nearby forest - if you dare!

There’s so much fun to be had surrounding Halloween.

Rain or shine (or snow), I hope you embrace the whole fall season for all its beauty. Get outdoors and decorate your house or take some of these activities outside (outdoor crafts are cleaner, anyways). Things are obviously a little complicated with the uncertainties of COVID-19, but one thing’s for sure… family activities are sure to help with getting through any mid-week slump!

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

family fun

themed snacks for movie nights Because everybody loves snacks!

The days are getting shorter, and the air is crisper… it’s time to move some of your family fun indoors, and who doesn’t love family movie night? Movie nights are great for cuddling up with the kids on the couch - both human and furry! So, stoke up the fire, get comfy, and enjoy the show!

Before you turn the lights down, no movie night is complete without movie-themed snacks! Here are some delicious snack ideas you can make before enjoying your family’s favorite flicks!

“Okay, people, hair we go!”

Trolls movies have been a hit with kids since 2016.

DreamWorks’ Trolls are animated comedies filled with heart, music, and hair-raising adventures. The characters are based on the puffy-haired popular ‘80s kids toys with the same name. Trolls are colorful, vibrant, and great inspiration for movie-themed snacks! Think purple, yellow, pink, green, blue, and orange.

Easy-peasy Trolls popcorn. Pop up some corn on the stove or in the microwave, then add Skittles, Smarties, or M&Ms for a delicious salty-sweet combo.

Trolls flowers. Arrange eight or nine square pretzels at a time on a microwave-safe plate. Place a candy melt in the centre of each pretzel, then place in the microwave and heat them until the candy melts are at the beginning stage of being melted (about 40 seconds).

You want them soft to the touch and melted enough to press a M&M down into it but not so melty that the candy is running off the pretzel. Then add Smarties to create beautiful, delicious daisies! Have the kids choose one color of Smarties for the disc and another color for the petals. There are endless combinations of colors to choose from!

Healthy Trolls. For a healthy snack, choose any flavor of soft cream cheese and create a ball, which will be the Troll’s head. Add olives for the eyes, a carrot for the nose, then use different colored peppers cut into strips for the hair. So cute!

Recreate Disney magic!

You can get specific with your Disney movie theme or if you are watching a variety of Disney classics, go with Mickey Mouse themed food.

Moana. A great Disney film to watch time and again, and the themed snacks are easy to make! Order Hawaiian

pizza for delivery while you are making some delicious Hawaiian punch: pineapple juice, Hawaiian Punch, Orange juice concentrate, limeade concentrate, and Ginger Ale. If making the punch ahead of time, leave out the Ginger Ale until you are ready to serve. Along with pizza and punch, serve up a large bowl of Maui Onion Chips, too (available to purchase at London Drugs). Bing, bang, boom, done!

Disney classics with Mickey Mouse munchies. The iconic Mickey Mouse logo is made up of three circles, so you can create your own homemade version of Mickey Mouse with just about any food: Cheese, fruit, crackers, pizza, cookies, cupcakes, Rice Krispies treat balls, pancakes. Get the kids involved with creating their favorite Mickey Mouse snacks to enjoy any classic Disney movie with.

“Movie nights are great, but even better with the right snacks to make it an experience.”

Fright and delight!

Halloween is right around the corner, so I have conjured up some spooktacular treats - if you dare to enjoy!

Arachnophobia. A cult classic. For those who enjoy watching - and eating - creepy crawlies, use chocolate chips for the spiders and place them all over chocolate chip cookies. Then use little piped chocolate for the spider’s legs. A triple chocolate threat!

The Addams Family and Addams Family 2. Perfect timing, the sequel is out now! If you want to go all out, buy squid ink pasta and add sun-dried tomatoes for little witch’s hair with bloody scabs. Then create eyeballs out of lychee fruit and pop in blueberries for pupils and cover in a raspberry sauce for a frightfully disgusting dessert.

Trolls Popcorn

Hocus Pocus and next year, enjoy Hocus Pocus 2 (release date: autumn 2022). Carrying on with the witch theme, a healthy snack to add to your Hocus Pocus movie fright night is witches broom sticks. Cut a white cheddar cheese string in half and frey the one end into strips to create the broom bristles. Take a stick pretzel and stick it into the other end of the pretzel to create the broom stick handle. These fun and tasty snacks will fly off the plate!

Another healthy snack idea I’ve conjured up just for the fun of it: Stuff cherry tomatoes with pesto or cottage cheese for pimples in varying stages of infection (these will get an ‘eeew!’ or two).

Back to the basics Movies are synonymous with popcorn and no matter what movie or theme you choose, you must munch on popcorn! Invest in popcorn bags or bowls that each child can decorate. Your popcorn can get fancy, too.

Flavor your butter with herbs, chocolate, spices or check out different flavored salts to level up your popcorn game. They can be found in specialty grocery stores or online. I have found everything from Thai Ginger to Chocolate Caramel.

Movie nights are great, but even better with the right snacks to make it an experience. And whether they are store-bought or homemade, it doesn’t matter, your family will love movie night!

Tanya is the Head Curator at Menagerie Parties & Cakes, handcrafting boutique party experiences through custom décor, engaging activities, and show-stopping sweets. It’s a Party in a Box! For more information, call 403-890-4803, email tanya@menagieryyc.ca, or visit menagerieyyc.ca. Feeling Social? Follow on Facebook and Instagram @menagerieyyc. CCM

AUTUMN 2021 • calgaryschild.com • 13

Photo: Courtesy of Tanya Koob

By Tanya Kaynes

family fun

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KILNE KNIVES: For the home chef, the person on your shopping list who just moved into their first home, or the parent who is constantly cutting up snacks for their littles - the original 6-Piece Knife Set has all the essentials they will need at a great price. With four different knives, kitchen shears and a sharpening steel stored in an acacia knife block, this set will properly equip any home cook.

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Especially good for restaurants! littlemo.ca WHIRLCLASSGLASS - Holiday and Window Ornaments: These one of a kind, handcrafted Holiday ornaments are made here in Calgary. Just pick your favorite color available and the quantity desired. Once your order has come through, your pieces shall be made especially for you and mailed to your home. All hand-blown glass, made with unique quality. whirlclassglass.com

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family fun

football tailgate party Game on!

By Cheryl Kirkness

DECORATIONS One of the great things about a sports-themed party is there are always a lot of options for decorating. You can use tassel banners, paper lanterns in your favorite team’s colors, themed bumper stickers as wraps for your drinks, and other sport decorations purchased from your local party store. If you are crafty, you can make your own pom poms out of tissue paper. This is a great activity for the kids to help with. To hang things in the back of your vehicle, use removable tape or safety pins. If the back of your vehicle is dirty - or to keep your vehicle clean - ​​lay a plastic tablecloth down before you start setting out the party food, dishes, cutlery, etc.

Small wooden crates, picnic baskets, or coolers can be used to hold the food and drink in the back of your vehicle.

FOOD If hosting a tailgate party in your driveway or garage, you’ll already have access to your own kitchen and BBQ, so you don’t have to worry about preparing much of the food and drink in advance, storing it in coolers, or keeping it warm.

Some great options for a football tailgate party include: • Hamburgers or sliders with a toppings bar • Hot dogs or sausages • Potato chips, pretzels, or other snack foods • Salads (pasta, potato, bean, etc.)

• Baked beans • Roasted vegetables • Kabobs • Nachos on the BBQ And no party would be complete without dessert!

Some fun dessert ideas for a tailgate party include: • Cupcakes in your team colors, or colors of both teams playing that day • Cookies decorated like football helmets • Cake pops decorated like football fans or foam “We’re #1!” fingers • S’mores over the BBQ

Photos: Courtesy of Cheryl Kirkness

Football season is in full swing! But your family doesn’t have to be at the game to enjoy the game, you can plan a party out of your vehicle in the comfort of your own home. Yep, it’s a football tailgate party! Tailgate parties aren’t just for trucks - an SUV or a minivan works perfectly, too. Here are some fun ideas for planning a football tailgate party in your driveway.

• •

Fresh fruit Chocolate covered strawberries to look like footballs

GAME-DAY ACTIVITIES The main activity for a tailgate party is watching the game, but there are several other activities for this party theme: For the kids, have a little contest for the best touchdown victory dance. They may also like making up their own cheers to perform for the adults. You could have a little temporary tattoo station with team tattoos.

Some old Halloween costumes could be turned into a fun ‘create your own team mascot’ game; no idea is too silly!

Playing a game of football in your backyard is a great way to burn off extra calories after that big meal.

You could look into renting a mobile game trailer that can park outside your house with game systems, TVs, and sport video games. Kids and adults of all ages would have fun with this!

For the adults, you could share some fun football trivia questions (a little internet searching can help you put together some fun facts and trivia questions).

For watching the game, do you have a projector you could use to watch the game outside? With the tailgate party being so close to home, you can easily move the party inside once the game starts.

I have a feeling the kids will have so much fun with this party that they’ll want to plan a few of them during the football season. It’s a great party idea for kids or even a fun family activity at home.

Cheryl is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) with a strong interest in parties and event planning. On Moms & Munchkins, momsandmunchkins.ca, you’ll find activity and party-planning inspiration for all ages. There are party ideas, free printables, activities for family fun, and more! CCM

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Printable Party Supplies: Courtesy of foreveryourprints.com

AUTUMN 2021 • calgaryschild.com • 15

family fun

top 10 places to picnic in the mountains this fall It’s not too cold for a mountain outing!

Raise your hand if your last mountain picnic was at Elbow Falls in Kananaskis. If your hand is up, guaranteed it isn't the only one since this is easily the most popular picnic destination within a 45-minute drive from Calgary.

Fortunately, there are many other locations that are equally accessible from the city - and definitely less crowded. Visit one of these day-use areas this Fall and plan a mountain picnic for the next nice weekend. Many of the picnic areas highlighted here have water features as well, so bring your swimsuits for a final dip before colder weather sets in!

1. Wedge Pond, Kananaskis. Located just beyond Kananaskis Village on Highway 40, this small pond is great for children who enjoy wading or playing in water.

While you likely won’t go swimming in this cold pond, you can still spread a blanket out by the lakeshore while the kids play and snack on the delicious food you’ve packed. You’ll also find a few picnic tables and fire pits here, along with a short walking trail around the pond.

For families who enjoy biking, you can also access Wedge Pond via the paved Bill Milne Bike Trail. I recommend starting at the Kovach Day-Use Area below Kananaskis Village and biking to Wedge Pond for your picnic. It will be mostly flat or downhill on the way back, so it’s an easy return ride after playing at the pond. Total distance between the two day-use areas is 17 kilometres return. Note: If this distance is too far for your family to bike, an adult could bike back for the vehicle while you play at the pond.

2. Forgetmenot Pond, Elbow Valley, Kananaskis.

While you could go to Elbow Falls, Forgetmenot Pond is a much nicer location for a picnic. You’ll only have to drive 10 kilometres farther down Highway 66 toward the Little Elbow Campground where you’ll find this beautiful pond near the beginning of the campground area. At the pond, you will find picnic tables. The pond is also a great place to walk around and explore as a family. Make sure you also search for the hidden beach area underneath the suspension bridge while here. There’s sand and more than enough rocks for the kids to throw in the Elbow River.

3. Beaver Lodge Day-Use Area, Elbow Valley, Kananaskis. Another popular option in the Elbow Valley, you’ll find a few picnic spots here and a cute little hiking trail that follows along beside a couple of beaver ponds.

Kids love playing in the ponds, and the trail is fun for toddlers or preschoolers on run bikes. There is one picnic table located right at the largest beaver pond; this is where we usually try to set up camp for a couple of hours while the children play.

This day-use area is located within a kilometre of the Elbow Falls day-use area so you can visit both locations in the same outing, if you want. The kids will have fun playing in the river below the falls where there are plenty of rocks to keep them busy.

4. Buller Mountain Day-Use Area, Spray Valley, Kananaskis. I only just discovered this great Day-Use area in Spray Valley Provincial Park this summer. You’ll find picnic tables and a lovely pond in this secluded location that is rarely crowded or busy.

Popular activities in the area include easy family- friendly mountain biking from the Mount Shark Day-Use Area to Watridge Lake (3.7 kilometres one way on an old gravel road) or hiking to Chester Lake (4.6 kilometres one way).

5. Elbow Lake, Kananaskis. This hike-in option is great for an active picnic. The trailhead is located on Highway 16 • Find us on

Photos: Courtesy of Tanya Koob

By Tanya Koob

Quarry Lake

“Visit one of these day-use areas this Fall and plan a mountain picnic for the next nice weekend.”

40 just to the north of Highwood Pass, and the hike is only 1.4 kilometres one way. The trail is Chariot-friendly, and you’ll find wood at the campground that sits beside the lake. Bring some marshmallows and hot dogs, and head here for an enjoyable Fall day in the mountains.

For the adventurous, you can also spend a night camping at Elbow Lake. It’s one of the easiest backcountry campgrounds to access and pretty comfortable. Reservations can be made through any Kananaskis Visitor Centre.

6. Ghost Lake Reservoir. The Ghost Lake Reservoir is located 20 minutes west of Cochrane. We enjoyed an evening paddle up the reservoir this summer and

Wedge Pond

discovered the perfect beach for your next picnic. The beach is located at the spot where the Ghost River flows into the lake after paddling under the bridge and up the narrow part of the reservoir. With wind in your favor, this is an easy 20- to 30-minute paddle by canoe or kayak.

But wind can be a serious challenge on this lake, so choose a very calm day for your picnic and plan a backup option if it is windy. You don’t want to be stuck at the far end of the lake with a head wind, fighting to get back to your vehicle. Bring sand toys for the kids and a change of clothes for the drive home.

7. Quarry Lake, Canmore. This is Canmore’s local beach and a very popular spot on a hot summer day. Visit in the Fall, though, and you’re likely to have the beach to yourself. At the lake, you’ll find a few picnic tables. The only change rooms are the pit toilets on-site, so wear your swimsuits under your clothing and only do the final change in the bathrooms.

There is also a lovely walking trail around the lake, and it’s a popular spot for families wanting to bring an inflatable raft or boat. If you are looking for a hike that you can do first before having your picnic, the Grassi Lakes Trailhead (3.5-kilometre hike return) is less than 5 kilometres away. Parking fees are in effect.

8. Johnson Lake, Banff. The sister to Quarry Lake, this is Banff’s local town beach. Again, you’ll be hard pressed to find a parking spot here in the summer, but visiting in the autumn is magical for still warm days and enjoying fewer crowds. Bring your swimsuits, a blanket, and sand toys for the kids. There are a few picnic tables on-site.

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As with Quarry Lake, wear your swimsuits under your clothing or you will be changing in the bathrooms.

While at Johnson Lake, enjoy a peaceful paddle (bring your own boat or inflatable raft) or hike around the lakeshore in a 3.5-kilometre loop, and make sure you keep your eyes open for the bench swing along with the rope swing, both located along the hiking trail. Families who enjoy mountain biking will also find the trailhead for the intermediate Water Tower Trail here. The trail begins just past the bridge on the right side of the lake. Follow the old road up to the water tower and continue on the single-track trail from there. It’s best done as an out and back ride. The trail is roughly a 6-kilometre return, if you stop at the high point above Cascade Ponds, and is an enjoyable hike as well.

9. Banff Recreation Grounds, Banff. This popular picnic area is located near the Bow River in downtown Banff. There is a wonderful playground here that can amuse a wide range of ages along with a bike park for your junior mountain biker.

From the Banff Recreation Grounds, you can access the paved Bow River Trail and bike or walk around the town of Banff. You’re also close to the other amenities of Banff including ice cream shops, restaurants, and shopping.

10. Sundance Canyon, Banff. This is another hike-in picnic option and I’ve chosen it as No. 10 for a few reasons. First, the trailhead passes through the Cave and Basin National Historic Site where you can see the original source of the Banff Hot Springs. The site commemorates

the birthplace of Canada’s National Parks system and is free to visit if you have an annual Parks Canada pass. After visiting the Cave and Basin Site, you can continue on the paved Sundance Trail, which leads to a picnic site at the entrance to Sundance Canyon. There are bathrooms and picnic tables at the picnic area.

The paved Sundance Trail is 3.9 kilometres one way to the picnic area and entrance to the Sundance Canyon Loop (1.6-kilometre loop on a moderate trail, which has stairs and a few spots where you’ll want to hold a hand if hiking with young children). The first part of the trail is Chariot-friendly up to the picnic area, making this a great hike for parents with babies and toddlers. Bring a child carrier, if you want to continue through the very scenic canyon.

This trail is also great for families who enjoy biking. It’s a relatively easy ride up to the picnic area followed by a nice coast most of the way back to the Cave and Basin Site. There is benches spread along the trail for resting, and you can look out for people canoeing down the Bow River beside you.

With so many options, you’ll have plenty of choices beyond Elbow Falls this Fall as you head out for that final picnic of the season.

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. Feeling Social? Follow on Instagram @MountainMomYYC. CCM

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AUTUMN 2021 • calgaryschild.com • 17

family fun

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family fun

20 active loot bag ideas More than just stickers and candy

By Susan Scandiffio Ah, the loot bag. They’re traditionally given out as a thank you to guests for coming to a birthday party. They’ve also traditionally been bags filled with candy and small toys, which kids love. But for a small price, party favors can be items that keep your guests moving and having fun well after the party wraps up, which you will love.

Tie a ribbon to the item, include a list of games and activities, which could be played with it, or hand it over and send your guests off to have fun!

Note: Several of these items can be purchased in bulk to keep your costs low. Check out your local party store, toy store, dollar store, or online seller.

1. A hula hoop. Whether it’s for spinning, using as a target, or for countless other games, this is one super-versatile toy.

2. A ball. Pick a size, color, pattern, design… there’s no way you can go wrong with a ball!

3. A box of sidewalk chalk. Whether it’s for drawing simple scribbles, creating masterpieces, or designing games, such as hopscotch, there are many colorful reasons to love sidewalk chalk.

4. A frisbee. A frisbee can be thrown, rolled, or used as a digger in the sand. (You can turn it into a fun game for the whole family.)

5. A shovel and pail. Children love to use a shovel and pail for digging dirt and sand, for carrying water to a sandcastle, or for wearing as a hat. Or is that just my child?

6. A yo-yo. It may take a while to master a yo-yo but once they get the hang of it, kids will be so proud and so eager to learn more tricks.

7. A skipping rope. Skip with a rope, use it to wiggle as a snake to jump over, or hold it up to limbo under.

Skip, jump, and dance!

8. Bubble juice and wand. Take your child outside and let them blow, pop, and chase. It’s the perfect gift to give your guests!

9. Dance ribbons. A swirling, colorful dance ribbon will have a child spinning, dancing, and creating all kinds of movement.

10. A mini stick. One stick is great for a kid to practice shooting balls off a (parent-approved) wall. Two sticks can get two kids involved. Either way, a mini stick is a fantastic gift to keep a kid moving!

11. An umbrella. Jump in puddles. Sing in the rain. Are there any more reasons not to love an umbrella?

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

(There are way more but these are two awesome ones!)

Binoculars. Your party guests might be secret spies in need of a new gadget or bird lovers who’ll be thrilled to spot new varieties.

A foam plane or glider. For some high-flying action, send your guests home with a gift that will bring on hours of fun.

A pot with seeds. Keep the fun g(r)owing well after the party is done. (Sorry, I couldn’t resist.)

A magnifying glass. I spy a whole lot of fun.

Whether a kid wants to look really, really, really close at a bug, a pencil, their toenails, or a leaf, a magnifying glass will do the trick.

Bike wheel spoke decorations. Your party guests will be thrilled to decorate and display their fancy bike with these attachments, which come in different shapes and colors - and some even glow in the dark!

A kite. As you might have learned from Mary Poppins, “When you send it flying up there all at once you’re lighter than air.” There’s nothing like the exhilaration that comes from running along with a soaring kite.

Juggling balls. A set of soft, beginner juggling balls can provide hours of fun for kids. Even if they only use two, they’ll have fun. Maybe they can juggle two balls while standing on one foot. Maybe they can eventually juggle all three balls. If you want to keep your kids busy before or during the party, you can make your own colorful juggling balls.

Paddle ball. Paddle balls come in different colors, with favorite characters, and some even come ready to be colored. How many times can kids bounce the ball?

Kids’ flashlights. Perfect for games inside or out, kids love using flashlights for hide and seek, to make shadow puppets, to play flashlight tag, and more!

Sending your party guests off with smiles and great active party favors will make your child’s party one to remember.

Active for Life is a national initiative created to help parents raise physically literate children. At activeforlife.com, parents, educators, and coaches will find fun activities, engaging articles, and free resources to get kids active, healthy, and happy. CCM

10 Creative Party Theme Ideas! from "25 Creative Party Theme Ideas Fit for a Kid "

By Cheryl Kirkness 1. Alien Invasion. LED balloons, glow-in-the-dark decorations, and maybe even a trip to your local laser tag facility.

2. Airplanes. Fluffy white clouds (cotton candy), in-flight snacks (pretzels and cookies), and paper airplane competitions!

3. Circus. Clown nose cake pops, carnival games, ‘official’ clown training, foot-long hot dogs, cotton candy, corn dogs and mini donuts... the list goes on!

4. Drive-In Movie. Creating ‘cars’ out of cardboard boxes, a movie projector and screen, and a concession stand filled with popcorn and candy.

5. Lego. Complete with a construction zone for building and friendly competitions for the most creative robot, the largest tower, and more!

6. Mystery Party. Plan a fun mystery for your guests to solve with hidden clues, glow-in-the-dark messages, secret traps, and more!

7. Art Party. Turn your house into an artist’s studio or visit a local pottery painting shop and let the kids create their own masterpieces.

8. Glowing Dance Party. With disco dancing lights, LED balloons, music, and a dance floor, the kids will work up an appetite for cake!

9. Masquerade Ball. The party can start with decorating your own masquerade masks followed by some ballroom dancing tips!

10. Pizzeria. Learn how to make homemade pizza dough. Then top the dough with your favorite pizza toppings for a fun activity (dinner is served!). You could even have special themed takeout boxes so guests can bring their creations home.

Kids Art Parties

Book your next pARTy at Vin Gogh Paint Studio. Painting, Pizza & friends. We do a variety of creative parties for kids.

In-studio or mobile. www.vingogh.ca

• www.vingogh.ca • (403) 475-4644 • info@vingogh.ca AUTUMN 2021 • calgaryschild.com • 19

family fun

keep your kids active with these

5 themed birthday party ideas Keep the party (and guests) moving!

By Susan Scandiffio Planning a party for your kids can be a daunting task.

You want to make it a super celebration but where to start? How will you keep the kids entertained, happy, and moving?

The recipe for the best parties starts with a theme.

Once you’ve got that, you can plan the rest. Snacks, décor, and games will fall into place. Bored kids? Not on your watch!

1. PIRATE PARTY. Take to the sea with these fun and completely nonscallywag games. n Buried Treasure Pirates love to plunder (a.k.a. steal). In this game, though, kids have your permission to find the loot! Pick up toy gold coins (available at party stores or online on many sites) and hide them around your party area before the kids arrive.

Coins can be hidden behind trees, under towels, on top of chairs, inside empty plant pots or, if your guests are cleared to get dirty, in sandboxes. Give each kid a shovel and pail and set them off in search of treasure. How many riches can the kids gather in a certain amount of time?

Note: It’s probably best to play this game at the beginning of the party so that the coins aren’t discovered before the game is played! n Walk the Plank In this much more kid-friendly version of walking the plank, see if your party guests can balance across a beam without falling into the ‘water’ below. Make your own plank by making a line with painter’s tape or chalk or place one long plank of wood flat on the ground and place a blue tarp under the plank as the ‘water.’ If it’s a hot day and your adventurers are willing to get wet, place the plank over a kids’ pool filled with real water. n Fire in the Hole!

Make sure your little pirates stay safe from rival pirates by avoiding cannonballs fired at their ships.

20 • Find us on

Give one or two children a small number of soft ‘cannonballs,’ such as foamy nerf balls or rolled-up socks, and line up the rest of the kids a short distance away. The kids with the cannonballs are the enemy pirates! Have them roll the balls quickly toward the other pirates at ground level and see if they can avoid the balls by jumping over them. n Captain Says In this nautical game of Simon Says, pirates must obey orders from the captain of the ship! If the leader says, “Captain Says…” followed by an order and the pirates obey the order, they get to stay in the game. But if the captain shouts a command without saying, “Captain Says,” and a pirate performs the task, they’re out. Have the kids take turns being the captain.

Orders can include: Abandon ship! Pick a safe spot where the kids • have to run.

• Scrub the deck. Kids drop down and pretend to clean the floor.

• Hoist the mast. Kids pretend to raise a flag, hand over hand.

• Pirate jig. With a yo, ho, ho (but no bottle of rum), kids can do their favorite pirate dance.

• Haul up the anchor. Kids pretend to pull up the heavy weight, hand over hand.

2. BEACH PARTY. Bring the beach to your home with these games. n Limbo How low can you go? Have two players or adults hold a long rope or pool noodle and have the others line up behind. With fun beach music playing, have the kids bend backward and pass under the bar without touching it. Once each of the kids has managed to pass under, lower the bar and have the kids try again. To keep more kids engaged, allow them to choose the height and see how many times in a row they can go.

n Hula Hoops Hula hoops are a must for any day at the beach!

Provide each child with a hula hoop and have them see how many different ways they can spin them around.

Can they twist them on their hips, arms, or feet? n Musical Beach Towels The old go-to game of musical chairs takes on a whole new beachy twist. Lay a line of towels (one less for the number of kids playing) on grass or another soft surface.

Space the towels out to avoid accidental jostling injuries!

While music is playing, have the kids walk around the towels in a circle. When the person controlling the music stops it, players must hustle to a towel and sit. Since there’s one less towel than there are kids, one child won’t get a towel to sit on and will be out of the game. Remove a towel and begin again. Repeat until one player is left. n Keep the Beach Ball Up Who doesn’t love a bright and airy beach ball? The object of this game is pretty simple. Keep that beach ball up! But how long can the ball stay up? Have one child

family fun

throw the ball in the air to start the game. The next child then bats it up and so on and so on. Count the number of times the kids strike the ball before it falls. Make the game more challenging by having the kids stand in a circle and join hands. Without breaking the circle, how long can they work together to keep the ball afloat? And while you’re at it, why not try out Beach Ball Handball too?

3. SUPERHERO PARTY. Kids love to pretend that they’re superheroes! They’re strong, they’re fast, and they have super-cool powers! And by playing the following games, they’ll have fun in a flash. n Superhero Obstacle Course Challenge your party guests to see if they can run faster than a speeding bullet, be more powerful than a locomotive, and leap tall buildings in a single bound.

Set up a course with items, such as pails with sand in them for lifting, cones to run around, pool noodles to jump over, kiddie tunnels to crawl through, a line of hula hoops to jump into one at a time, or a balance beam to walk across. Even better, have the kids set up their own course. n Out-of-Sight Kryptonite Superman and Superwoman can’t touch kryptonite, or they’ll lose their powers! Have your party guests keep kryptonite ‘rocks’ away to keep themselves safe.

Attach a ‘safe zone’ to a fence or wall. This can be a large circle drawn with chalk, a hula hoop taped up firmly, or a square made with painter’s tape.

Provide the kids with balls, preferably green or red to simulate the color of kryptonite. Line the kids up and have them take turns either kicking or shooting, using a hockey stick or pool noodle, to get the kryptonite balls out of danger’s way. n Defeat the Villains Print out the faces of several villains from the internet (or use a marker to draw them if you’re far more artistic than I am) and attach them to empty water bottles, tin cans (chips cans are a great size), or kiddie bowling pins.

Give your guests small soft balls and have them send Lex Luthor and The Joker down for the count! n Elastigirl Freeze Dance Elastigirl is a superhero who can stretch and bend any part of her body in many ways.

Have your guests think up all kinds of ways to show their flexibility. Put on some superhero music (I love “Spiderman” by the Ramones). Every so often, stop the music. When it stops, kids have to bend into different shapes. Prepare for some giggles!

4. ANIMAL PARTY. Embrace your child’s party-animal side and have fun with creatures great and small. n Animal Charades Pick one child to begin and either give them an animal (whisper the name of it into their ear) or have them pick one themselves. Can the rest of the kids figure out which animal they’re acting out? n Animal Imitation Have kids spread out across a play space. Go through a list of animals and their movements before the game begins. Can the kids gallop like a horse? Hop like a frog?

Slither like a snake? Flutter and fly like a butterfly? Crawl like a bear? Swing their trunks like an elephant? Act like a monkey (monkey noises make this pose the most fun!)?

Start by calling out the name of one animal and have the kids move like that animal around the play area.

When you call out a new animal, kids have to switch their actions and become a whole new creature.

n Pin the Tail on the…

What better time to go old-school with a good old game of Pin the Tail on the Donkey, or the Pig, or the Zebra, or the Bunny? The options are as unlimited as the number of species in the world (there are over 8 million according to some scientists’ estimates, so you have a lot to choose from!).

Use a large piece of Bristol board and draw the animal of your choice, leaving out its tail. You can also download a picture of the animal, send it to your local office supply store, and have them enlarge it for you. As a non-artist, this is my greatest tip for this game! Post the animal picture firmly to a wall at kids’ eye-level.

Provide a tail for each child. Tails can be made by cutting out paper shapes or by using ribbons. Put a strong piece of tape on each tail and give each child their own color of tail so you can remember which one belongs to which child. Use a bandana to cover their eyes and direct them toward the animal to guess where the tail belongs and have them stick it to the board. Which child will get the tail closest to the animal’s end? n The Chicken Has Lost her Eggs!

Set up a post as a ‘hen.’ This is your chance to be as creative (or not!) as you wish. Place a bucket in front of the hen. Give each child a plastic egg, ping-pong or golf ball and a spoon or plastic shovel. Explain to them that the hen has lost all her eggs and needs to get them back.

Divide the kids into two lines and have them run, one at a time, from a start line to the hen, making clucking noises as they go. For older kids, have them flap one arm as they run. Which team can get their eggs back to the hen first? n Outer Space party.

Outer space is so cool for kids. Looking at the billions of stars in the night sky, children are often inspired to shoot for the moon, and dream of even walking on it one day. n Ring Around Saturn Saturn is the second largest planet in the solar system.

A fun fact you can share with your kids: You can fit 764 planets the size of Earth inside Saturn! Saturn is also surrounded by many, many rings (the internet isn’t in agreement on the number). Set up a ball or cone to represent Saturn. Have your party guests take turns tossing hula hoops to try to make rings around the planet.

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

Visit our website to learn more.

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n Reach for the Sky Make stars and planets out of heavy cardboard and tape them to a wall or fence at different heights. Have each child jump to see how many planets and stars they can touch. n Moon Walk Want your guests to feel like astronauts walking on the moon? Using elastic bands, attach sponges 2 to 3” thick on each kid’s two feet and have them feel like they’re floating in space. Note: It’s best to use these on a soft surface in case your little astronaut falls into a crater. n Space Tag Choose two or three kids to be aliens. The rest of the kids are astronauts trying to steer clear of the aliens. On the count of three, aliens chase the astronauts around a play area. When an astronaut is tagged, they have to freeze in space. Once all the astronauts have been tagged, choose new kids to be aliens and begin again.

Whether your guests are pirates, beach babies, superheroes, animals, or astronauts, there are so many ways to get them engaged and moving.

Looking for an awesome birthday party idea for your child?

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

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

Active for Life is a national initiative created to help parents raise physically literate children. At activeforlife.com, parents, educators, and coaches will find fun activities, engaging articles, and free resources to get kids active, healthy, and happy. CCM

AUTUMN 2021 • calgaryschild.com • 21

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calgary's child calendar For the most up-to-date calendar of events check out our website at calgaryschild.com

HARVEST & HALLOWEEN FUN October 22 to 24; 39th Annual Bearspaw Fall & Christmas Market. Come one, come all to the first market of the season! There will be over 100 vendors, with many new tables! bearspawlc.org/new-events/2021/7/19/39thannual-bearspaw-fall-amp-christmas-market October 23, 2:30 to 4pm; Halloween Pet Parade with the Calgary Public Library. Bring your family, including your furry friends, for a costumed pet parade through Central Memorial Park. There will be prizes for best costume. Registration: 2:30pm; parade: 3pm. To register: calgarylibrary.ca/events-and-programs/programs/ halloween-pet-parade/ October 23, 29 & 30, 6 to 10pm; Field of Screams.

Field of Screams is turning Cobb’s Adventure Park into a terrifying, spine-tingling terror show. This outdoor event is sure to bring horrifying fear into the hearts of those looking to roam 20 acres at night and test their bravery.

Field of Screams features six nightmare-inducing haunted houses. There will also be rides, activities, food, and more!

Suitable for all ages. fieldofscreams.ca October 28 to 31; Ghouls’ Night Out at Heritage Park. This family-friendly event is perfect for ghouls of all ages who are looking for a safe, spooky, and fun night out. Dress in costume, bring your flashlights, and your Halloween spirit! heritagepark.ca October 29 to 31, 9am to 5pm; ZooBOO. ZooBOO is a chance for your kids to dress up early, trick-or-treat at the Calgary Zoo, and enjoy seeing their favorite animals. The best part? Your kiddos get to have fun while supporting an important cause: wildlife conservation! calgaryzoo.com October 30 & 31, 9am to 5pm; Halloween Fun at Granary Road. Dress up in your Halloween costume and trick-or-treat throughout the Farmers Market! Enter the Halloween costume contest for a chance to win spooky good prizes! Join for some pumpkin carving and explore the Farmers Market for Halloween treats, too! granaryroad.com Weekends, until October 31, 10am to 4pm; Harvest Pumpkin Fest at Butterfield Acres. Stroll through the farmyard and find your perfect pumpkins! Add in some great animal visits, fabulous photo-ops, pony rides, a ride through Scarecrow Alley, and you have the must-do fall family fun day! butterfieldacres.com Weekends, until October 31, 10am to 5pm; Pumpkin Days at Calgary Farmyard. A trip to the farmyard is an annual tradition for many families. In addition to enjoying hours of fun on the farm, pumpkins will be on display for photos and for purchase until October 31. calgaryfarmyard.com Until October 31, 8 to 10:30pm; Pumpkins After Dark.

Pumpkins After Dark is an award-winning event featuring over 6,000 hand-carved pumpkins. Witness the magic of 22 • Find us on

pumpkins coming to life during this nighttime familyfriendly walk-through experience. Lit pumpkin sculptures and displays include everything from classic Halloween characters, dragons, and dinosaurs to movie and pop culture icons! pumpkinsafterdark.com

November 19 to 21; Banff Christmas Market. Boasting unique products, family-friendly entertainment, and a festive menu, The Banff Christmas Market creates a warm and inviting environment for families of all ages during the day and an adult atmosphere in the evening! banffchristmasmarket.com/our-market

GUIDE TO THE HOLIDAYS Ongoing, weekends & holidays; Have a Totally Tubular Day at WinSport! The perfect activity to spend time outdoors with family. WinSport's Tube Park is one of the fastest of its kind in Western Canada. It consists of eight lanes of fun and a magic carpet brings you and your tube back up to the top! winsport.ca Ongoing; Lighten UP Calgary. It just wouldn’t be Christmas without twinkling lights! Share your holiday cheer and show Lighten UP Calgary your lit-up homes, nativity, or North Pole scenes. lightenupcalgary.ca

November 19 to January 2 (excluding Christmas Day); ZOOLIGHTS. ZOOLIGHTS, presented by Olympia Trust Company, is back for the 25th season! Of course, the Calgary Zoo is bringing back the classic activities you’ve come to love and have added in some new ones. This year’s ZOOLIGHTS will feature activities such as ice skating, fire pits, and much more! calgaryzoo.com

November 4 to 7; Signatures Festival of Crafts. A uniquely Canadian handmade marketplace that features the works of artists, artisans, makers, and designers from coast-to-coast. Since 1986, the show has been one of Calgary’s premier holiday shopping events - an annual tradition where visitors can meet passionate creatives in person, hear their stories, and feel their works first-hand. signatures.ca/festival-of-crafts

November 20; Santa Claus Parade Day in Banff. A flurry of family-friendly activities kick-start the holiday season in Banff! During the day, kids can have their photo taken with Santa and tell him all of their Christmas wishes! At dusk, the streets will come alive with the magic glow of the Santa Claus Parade of Lights. After the parade, follow the performers to Banff Avenue Square for the Carols in the Park Concert. banfflakelouise.com/SantaClausParade

November 6, 11am to 3pm; The City of Calgary’s Mobile Adventure Playground. An adventure playground where kids can explore, create, imagine, and learn in their own way using a variety of loose parts materials! Glenbrook Playground: 3730, 47 Street SW. calgary.ca/free

November 20, 11am to 3pm; The City of Calgary’s Mobile Adventure Playground. An adventure playground where kids can explore, create, imagine, and learn in their own way using a variety of loose parts materials! Shouldice Aquatic Centre: 5303 Bowness Road NW (fenced area on back of facility). calgary.ca/free

Weekends, November 6 to December 19, 11am to 4pm; The Pop-Up Holiday Market in Cochrane. Support local this holiday season by buying unique, handmade gifts! Find the Pop-Up Market at The Social Spot. cochranetourism.ca

November 26 to 28 & December 3 to 5; Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market. This year’s festive market will feature 192 booths in the Equi-Plex, Gallery on the Green Congress Hall, Horizons Pavilion, Twin Peaks Pavilion, and Courtyard. sprucemeadows.com

November 6 to January 8; Jubilations Junior Presents, Beauty & The Grinch. Glooville is set for Christmas to ring. The town is filled with holiday cheer, but not everyone is happy that Christmas is here. Outside of town, there’s one who’s not happy. He thinks singing and dancing are boring and sappy. He stays far from town in his own neighborhood. His name is the Grinch and he’s up to no good! jubilations.ca November 13 & December 11, 18; Little Modern Market. Shop ‘til you drop for unique local items, just in time for the holidays! littlemodernmarket.com

November 26 to December 19; StoryBook Theatre Presents, The Sound of Music in Concert. Featuring a trove of cherished songs, including “My Favorite Things,” “Do Re Mi,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen,” and the title number, The Sound of Music won the hearts of audiences worldwide, earning five Tony Awards and five Oscars. Presented in concert format, with a full cast and live orchestra, the show is planned to be presented at 50 percent capacity in the Beddington Theatre Arts Centre space. Should provincial restrictions be lifted, more seats may be made available.

403-216-0808; storybooktheatre.org

November 18 to 22; Art Market Art & Craft Sale at TELUS Convention Centre. So much to see! There will be a new foyer space that will give your family lots of inspiration and new things to look at. On Thursday and Friday night, enjoy the great sounds of live music.

There will be ongoing Art Market giveaways, too! artmarketcraftsale.com

November 26 to January 8, 6pm to Midnight (December 24 & 25, 5pm to 1am); 34th Annual Lions Festival of Lights. This year’s display will feature Merry Christmas greetings in 15 languages together with the Candy Canes and Shooting Stars along 14 Street! lionsfestivaloflights.ca

family fun

Let's PARTY!

Weekends, November 27 to December 20, 9am to 5pm; Granary Road Christmas Market. Get a festive alpaca photo, one-of-a-kind gifts made by local artisans, chocolate, honey, and more! Kids can visit Santa, too! granaryroad.com November 30 to December 24; Theatre Calgary Presents, A Christmas Carol. Holiday spirit lives on!

Theatre Calgary will perform this three-person cast production live on stage. Your family also has the opportunity to choose Stafford Arima’s extended director’s cut of the online filmed version you can watch from the comfort of home. theatrecalgary.com December 1 to 31, 6 to 9pm; Airdrie Festival of Lights.

The Airdrie Festival of Lights is an outdoor, walk-through, holiday-themed light festival! No charge to attend, free parking. Donations graciously accepted. Enjoy a hot chocolate or apple cider around the fire pits or ride the trains for $2 per person. Don’t miss a visit with Santa!

Check out Santa’s Gift Shop for your holiday shopping, including a Kids’ Only Shopping Experience. 403-912XMAS (9627); info@airdrielights.com; airdrielights.com December 2, 7pm; How to Have Devices, Not Be Divisive for Our Family and Classrooms, with Simplicity Parenting’s Kim John Payne. Presented by Calgary Waldorf School. calgarywaldorf.org December 2 to 11; Calgary Young People’s Theatre Presents, Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare. Beatrice and Benedick don’t love each other. But when a villainous scheme threatens to tear apart the relationship of their best friends, these two frenemies will have to get over their mutual distaste of one another to ask the scariest question of all about being in love: would it be so bad if they were? cypt.ca December 4, 11am to 3pm; The City of Calgary’s Mobile Adventure Playground. An adventure playground where kids can explore, create, imagine, and learn in their own way using a variety of loose parts materials! McKenna Park: 27 McKenna Way SE. calgary.ca/free Weekends, December 4 to 19, 9:30am to 4pm; Once Upon a Christmas at Heritage Park. Escape to the magic of Christmas past! heritagepark.ca

GIFT IDEAS CALGARY ZOO MEMBERSHIP Website: calgaryzoo.com/support-us/join This holiday season, give your wild crew the gift of a Calgary Zoo membership!

Get up close and personal with the animals, plus enjoy our lush botanical gardens, prehistoric park, kids play areas, and more. No two visits are ever the same. For as little as $69.95 for adults and $39.95 for kids, you can visit 364 days a year. That’s more zoo for your buck!

PARTY ENTERTAINMENT BUTTERFIELD ACRES FARM 254077 Rocky Ridge Road NW Phone: 403-239-0638 Email: farmfun@butterfieldacres.com Website: butterfieldacres.com A favorite place for Calgary’s birthday parties! Four package choices: Party Animal! Horse Crazy! Deluxe! Or Ultimate Blowout! All include time in the Birthday Barn or Tipi, Panago’s excellent pizza, and, of course, a visit with all the animals in the farmyard, too! Package details and order form available on our website.

CALGARY REPTILE PARTIES Phone: 403-457-2202 Email: reptile.party@hotmail.com Website: calgaryreptileparties.com Add fun and education to your birthday party event!

Since 2008, Calgary Reptile Parties has been educating and entertaining about cold blooded creatures. Kids meet and interact with iguanas, monitor lizards, dragons, boa constrictors, pythons, skinks, salamanders, and much more! Find out why Calgary Reptile Parties is a multiple time winner/runner up in the Calgary’s Child Parents’ Choice Awards.

RICHARD RONDEAU MAGICIAN Phone: 403-254-8718 Website: rrmagician.com Make your child’s birthday party extra special. Richard can present a 30- to 45-minute show with comedy, audience

December 5, 1 to 6pm; Northwestival. Join for this annual outdoor winter festival! Embrace the spirit of the season with a lineup of live music, food trucks, winter workshops, entertainment, and more. 403-910-1101; info@wcdt.ca; northwestival.ca

imagination and take her on a dreamy adventure to the Land of the Sweets! albertaballet.com

December 10 to 24; Alberta Ballet Presents, The Nutcracker. It’s Christmas Eve and Klara has received a magical gift from her eccentric Uncle Drosselmeyer: a handsome nutcracker doll. Little does she know as she falls asleep that her new toy is about to spark her

December 17 to 19; Bert Church Theatre Presents, Ken Ludwig’s ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. Bert Church Theatre will take you on a wild adventure of a mouse, an elf, and a spunky little girl who won’t take no for an answer. Don’t miss this joyful tribute to the holiday season! tickets.airdrie.ca

participation, and jaw-dropping magic. Suitable for ages 3 and up, Richard will tailor his show to the age of your birthday child.

PARTY VENUES CALGARY ZOO 210 St. George’s Drive NE Phone: 403-232-7770 Email: salesinfo@calgaryzoo.com Website: calgaryzoo.com/events/birthday-parties Looking to throw a wild party for your 3- to 12-yearold? Leave it to our fun and knowledgeable education staff members here at the Calgary Zoo. Our themed parties run year-round and include admission for up to 25 guests. We’ll help you build a program that inspires your budding zoo-fanatic and their friends.

From optional catering or gift bags, to crafts and guided tours, our interactive activities will help create zoonique memories for your child’s special day. Best of all, you just need to book and show up. We’ll take care of the rest. No planning, stress, or mess to clean up afterward!

VIN GOGH PAINT SIP STUDIO 7160 Fisher Street SE Phone: 403-475-4644 Email: info@vingogh.ca Website: vingogh.ca Vin Gogh Paint Studio is the place for painting parties!

We host parties for both kids and adults. You will get a step-by-step painting session with an experienced artist.

You can choose your favorite painting from our painting gallery. Our painting sessions are generally two hours long. You will get an additional hour to enjoy some of our delicious flatbreads, with juice for the kids and wine for the adults. Families can bring in their own cake. We also offer other crafts and slime parties. The kids get to take home their original artwork!

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

December 18, 11am to 3pm; The City of Calgary’s Mobile Adventure Playground. An adventure playground where kids can explore, create, imagine, and learn in their own way using a variety of loose parts materials! Beacham Close Playground: 15 Beacham Close NW. calgary.ca/free Please research carefully and choose the activities that meet your family’s needs best. CCM

AUTUMN 2021 • calgaryschild.com • 23

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top 10 holiday photo locations in and around Calgary Plan ahead to find a great spot with winter sparkle!

By Karen Ung Magical holiday photos call for beautiful locales with a little sparkle. (Bonus if you can find lights and snow!)

My roundup of top holiday photo destinations around Calgary includes wonderful indoor and outdoor venues - from ice falls to historic sites. Note: ($) indicates that admission fees are in effect.

1. Ice falls. Escape to a winter wonderland of natural ice sculptures at Troll Falls (1.7 kilometres one way), Marmot Falls & Upper Falls (1 kilometre past Troll Falls), or Grotto Canyon (1.9 kilometres one way). A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required to hike these trails, and traction devices are required for Marmot/Upper Falls and Grotto Canyon. Santa hats optional!

2. Olympic Plaza. With lights, wreathes, and Christmas trees, Olympic Plaza is as pretty as a postcard! Bring your skates so you can ice skate on Calgary’s only outdoor refrigerated ice (10am to 9pm), get cocoa, or molten cakes at Chocoland Café, then check out the decorations at City Hall across the street: 228, 8 Avenue SE. 3. Stephen Avenue. For a gorgeous winter stroll, start at 8 Avenue SW and 3 Street to see The Galleria Trees, then head east under strings of snowflake lights to The

Hudson’s Bay’s stone arches, a spot popular with wedding photographers.

Continue east to Olympic Plaza or go north on 1 Street SW to Brookfield Place (225, 6 Avenue SW) where the courtyard is filled with lit-up Christmas trees. It’s 850 metres from the Galleria Trees to Olympic Plaza: 8 Avenue SW and 3 Street SW. 4. The CORE. If it’s too cold out, take festive photos at The CORE! Not only are there lots of Christmas trees and decorations to pose with, but you can also get your holiday shopping done, too! While you’re there, visit the 2.5-acre Devonian Gardens on the fourth floor of TD Square. This is a great place to go with babies and toddlers because there’s underground parking: 324, 8 Avenue SW. ​ 5. Historic buildings. For a classy Christmas shoot, head to McDougall Centre (455, 6 Street SW) or Lougheed House (701, 13 Avenue SW). Both

NORTHWESTIVAL RETURNS!

Warm up to winter this December with returning favourites and new surprises for the whole family!

DEC 5, 1-6 PM

NORTHWEST COMMONS PARK

Live music, entertainment, toasty fire pits, winter workshops, frosty memories photo booth, and more surprises.

Visit NORTHWESTIVAL.CA for details.

24 • Find us on

Calgary Zoo

family fun

buildings’ gardens are decorated for the holidays from late November until early January.

McDougall Centre’s grand columns and arches make it a popular location for wedding photos. Built as a teacher training facility in 1907, the three-storey sandstone building is now a provincial government building.

Lougheed House, a provincial and national historic site, was built in 1891 for James and Isabella Lougheed.

The sandstone mansion is a beautiful example of the Victorian eclectic style. Visit the grounds for free or sign up for a holiday event ($) to view the Christmas decorations inside.

6. Zoolights at The Calgary Zoo ($). Calgary’s best and biggest Christmas lights display, Zoolights, is fun for everyone with over 2 million twinkling lights and 200 light installations. Find your favorite animals in lights, warm up at Kitamba Café or an outdoor fire pit, and get your Christmas card photo at the ENMAX Conservatory, which is decked out in gorgeous decorations for the holidays. My family loves seeing what the theme is each year! Zoolights runs from November 19 to January 2nd: 210 St. George’s Drive NE. 7. Heritage Park’s Once Upon a Christmas ($).

“Escape to the magic of Christmas past at Heritage Park in Calgary!” Visit the historic homes to see how pioneer families celebrated Christmas, take a horse-drawn wagon ride, watch a play at the Opera House, do some lastminute shopping, and visit Santa. Once Upon a Christmas takes place Saturdays and Sundays, December 4 to 19: 1900 Heritage Drive SW. 8. Granary Road Christmas Market. Get a festive alpaca photo, one-of-a-kind gifts made by local artisans,

award-winning wines and spirits, chocolate, honey, and more at Granary Road. Kids can visit Santa, too! Granary Road Christmas Market takes place Saturdays and Sundays, November 27 to December 20. Admission is free; alpaca photos are $10: 226066, 112 Street W. 9. Airdrie Festival of Lights is Western Canada’s largest free walk-through Christmas Lights display (donations appreciated). Ride the Mini Train, get some mini donuts, skate on the pond, and visit Santa and his reindeer. The festival runs December 1 to 31, 6 to 9pm: 1701 Main Street S. 10. Banff Gondola ($). For breathtaking, panoramic views, ride the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain. Head up to the viewing deck to visit the Aurora the Bear sculpture, then warm up by an outdoor fire pit, or inside the igloo. Afterward, grab a hot cocoa or apple cider, then brave the elements and take the boardwalk to Sanson’s Peak. About halfway there, you can go down the stairs to a railing-free viewpoint (just stay back from the edge) for spectacular snowy shots. Kids five and under ride for free: 100 Mountain Avenue.

For the best experience, please check hours of operation before you go.

HOW TO HAVE DEVICES NOT BE DIVISIVE FOR OUR FAMILY AND CLASSROOM

A Virtual Talk with

I wish you and your family a happy and healthy Christmas!

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

Simplicity Parenting's Kim John Payne

Dec 2nd @ 7pm

Tickets:

CALGARYWALDORF.ORG

RE-CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF FAMILY TRADITIONS!

G L O W I NG

YEARS

GLOWING NIGHTLY DECEMBER 1 – 31 6 pm – 9 pm

airdrielights.com

IN EXTREME COLD, WE MAY RUN LIGHTS ONLY, MEANING NO EXTRA ACTIVITIES IN THE PARK. CHECK OUR WEBSITE DAILY FOR UPDATES.

:

Photo: Courtesy of Karen Ung

Find us at calgaryschild.com

AUTUMN 2021 • calgaryschild.com • 25

family fun

how to keep things minimal and organized over the holidays Plan ahead to increase the joy

By Lisa Salem For many, Christmas is the most anticipated holiday of the year: spending precious time with family and friends, taking part in holiday traditions, decorating your home to bring the festive season to life, exchanging gifts, and feasting on your family’s favorite meals.

Although the holidays can bring a lot of joy, they can also bring a lot of stress. Here are some helpful tips you can follow, as well as some eco- and budget-friendly ways to stay on track, to help ensure you have a smooth and peaceful holiday season.

Plan ahead Food brings family together - especially during the holidays. By planning a few things ahead of time, stress and last-minute rushing can be avoided: • Hosting a holiday dinner? Get organized a few weeks prior; write out your guest list, what you will make, and how much of everything you need.

To be cost-effective, plan a budget and stick to it (or as closely as you can). If preparing specialty dishes, purchase the ingredients that may be hard to find in advance or that tend to sell out quickly at the specialty grocery. Still feel like you have too much on your plate? Don’t forget that you have helping hands at home! The kids can help with holiday dinner planning and preparation.

• A great alternative to hosting a holiday dinner is hosting a holiday potluck instead where each guest brings a specific dish. Potlucks can save you a lot of time and are budget-friendly. Give each guest a cap to spend on their dish so one guest isn’t spending more than another. To avoid confusion about who’s bringing what and duplicates of the same dish, assign each guest a certain dish to bring to the potluck. That way, all your bases are covered, and you won’t be left serving your guests chips, ice, store-bought potato salad, and cutlery. If enjoying alcohol responsibly at your potluck, go with BYOB or BYOW (alcohol is pricey). Alternatively, serve a delicious, spirited punch!

Eco- and budget-friendly décor and gift ideas There are many ways to celebrate the holidays without breaking the bank. Here are some excellent ideas: • Add a personal touch to your gifts by creating them yourself. Some ideas are homemade treats or jams, hot chocolate mixes, customized baskets containing a person’s favorite things. If you are crafty, handmade items such as knitted toques, mittens, one-of-a-kind Christmas stockings for kids, baby blankets, or handmade soaps or bath fizzies are thoughtful gifts and are always appreciated!

• Save and reuse gift bags. If you prefer using wrapping paper, consider Kraft Paper, which can be easily recycled afterward (or reused as packing paper for moving), as not all conventional wrapping paper can be recycled, especially if it contains glitter or foil. Wrapping your gifts in reusable fabric is a great eco-friendly idea, too!

• Use Washi tape instead of regular tape. Washi Tape is biodegradable, comes in a variety of colors 26 • Find us on

•

“Here are some helpful tips you can follow, as well as some eco- and budget-friendly ways to stay on track, to help ensure you have a smooth and peaceful holiday season.”

•

•

and designs, and can be reused. Tape a cutting of pine, berries, or a cinnamon stick onto your gift, and tie twine around it for a gorgeous, natural touch.

(This will also add a lovely aroma to your gift!)

Go natural! DIY or shop local markets to decorate your home with items, such as handmade wreaths, wooden slabs to use as coasters or serving trays; plants or trees, such as mini pines, Poinsettias, Christmas cactus, or pinecones.

Nature-inspired holiday decorations add a unique, rustic element to your space.

Suggest doing a Secret Santa or White Elephant gift exchange with friends, family, or co-workers.

Gift buying can put a lot of pressure on people, so this is a great alternative and fun to do!

Collectively, come up with a suitable price that gifts should not exceed.

Minimize the clutter over the holidays Here are some simple ways to keep things organized: • Keep your holiday décor neatly organized and stored all together, if possible. Sort items into labelled containers by category: lights, ornaments, figurines, stockings, etc.

•

• •

•

Go through your inventory yearly to see if there is anything you can declutter, such as extra lights, ornaments, etc. If you decide to purchase a new artificial tree, consider donating your old one and any additional holiday items you no longer use to a family in need or a local organization.

By following a ‘less-is-more’ approach when decorating, you can create a calming overall feel. Christmas trees are more visually appealing when ornaments are spaced evenly apart, and not overly decorated.

Choose a simple color scheme to use throughout your home while decorating, which can help to achieve a cohesive look.

When it comes to regifting items, many people feel guilty about doing so, but in my opinion, there is no need to. If it is something you won’t be using anytime soon, it’s in great condition, and someone else could be enjoying it, then pass it along or donate it to a local organization.

Christmas cards can pile up over the years, and some people have a hard time parting with them, but you don’t need to feel obligated to keep them! They can take up valuable space and you likely won’t reference them often - if ever again. Keep any meaningful or sentimental ones and recycle or repurpose the rest. Standard paper ones can be recycled, but ones with glitter or embellishments cannot. Instead, these can be reused for kids’ crafts, scrapbooking, or get creative by cutting, pasting, and turning them into new cards!

The holidays should be an enjoyable, relaxing time, so leave out the stress and worry this year, and focus on the true meaning of the holidays: being present with your loved ones!

Lisa is a Trained Professional Organizer. She recently started her own Professional Organizing Company and has a personal blog on Instagram called Light at The End of The Clutter. For more information, visit lightattheendoftheclutter.com. CCM

Wellness

31 Medicine Hacks

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33 Accessible Hikes

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34 Family Wellness Guide

family wellness

help a child open up - read with them The mental health benefits of family reading

By Steacy Pinney It’s those moments, on Saturday mornings when it’s too dark and chilly to venture out, and then after dinner, when the day has tugged at their feelings, that what a child might need most is a story. A story, and you.

At a time of change and time apart from some of the things that help kids thrive, it is reading with a caring adult that can help children feel calm and secure. And that’s if everything in family life is otherwise stable. If a child has also had to face tough experiences, such as loss or abuse, that regular one-on-one bonding time and the soothing sound of your voice are more necessary.

What are the benefits of family reading, and how can you foster conversations with a child so they can share their own story?

For all families, reading has a remarkable, positive impact on mental health and well-being. Both parent and child benefit from a strengthened relationship.

Somehow, tuning out the world and tuning into one another’s breath and words of a story helps parents understand what their child needs, it improves

Of course, learning new words and ways to overcome obstacles, like little girls and brave dogs in storybooks, also helps children develop essential skills, such as problem-solving, communication, self-regulation, and brain functioning.

As a child, do you remember feeling the warmth and drowsiness of your parent’s words as they turned another page, and then another? With the rhythm of your voice and all those bonding vibes, both child and parent are ready for sleep - and everything is better with sleep!

In short, children need attention. They need physical contact and affection. They need to feel loved, cared for, and protected. And they need routine to feel safe and secure. Family reading is a free and simple way to give all of this to a child.

If a child is going through some especially hard times, how can you read with a child to help them feel safe and open up?

Open-ended prompts. Focus on books with rich, detailed illustrations. While looking at a page, you could

“For children, the chance to cuddle up and read with a caring adult brings a sense of calm that can relieve feelings of anxiety, depression, stress, and loneliness.”

outside the book. Stories can act as ‘mirrors’ to reflect a child’s own experiences and act as ‘windows’ to allow them to see experiences different from their own. This builds empathy for others.

Books to help children read through hard times • •

caregivers’ confidence and warmth, and it can even lead to more positive, less physical parenting styles.

For children, the chance to cuddle up and read with a caring adult brings a sense of calm that can relieve feelings of anxiety, depression, stress, and loneliness.

Stepping into the shoes of a hopelessly sad elephant or a dinosaur whose parents have divorced helps children move through the darkness knowing others have, too.

Reading aloud also improves a child’s empathy and understanding of others, creating emotional intelligence that will help them make friends and thrive socially in school.

28 • Find us on

say, “Tell me what’s happening in this picture.” This type of prompt helps increase a child’s vocabulary and attention to detail.

“Wh” questions. Ask a few ‘what, where, when, why, how’ questions. They help begin important ‘back-andforth’ conversations, but let a select few questions feel like natural curiosity rather than like a test.

Recall. Ask the child what happened at the end of a book. Help them understand the story’s key message.

Read it again.

Distancing (more challenging). Ask the child to relate the pictures or words in the book to their experiences

•

The Color Monster: A Story About Emotions

by Anna Llenas Talking About Feelings: A Book to Assist Adults in Helping Children by Jayneen Sanders In My Heart: A Book of Feelings by Jo Witek and Christine Roussey

So come on, everybody! It’s story time!

Steacy is the CEO of Calgary Reads, an organization changing children’s lives with the magic of reading. The Little Red Reading House is an entire home dedicated to the joy of family reading.

Enjoy a family reading visit or view the new Little Red Reading House website for inspiration, book recommendations by feelings, and resources, including Comfort Collections that brings together children’s books and tips for hard-to-discuss topics. Visit littleredreading.house. CCM

family wellness

all about assessment Getting the right tools for a happy learning environment

By Nicole Sheldon, R. Psych.

When winter comes, it’s important to check your tires and make sure your vehicle is ready for the season. You want to be safe on the road and feel confident as you’re driving. When you don’t have the right supports or things aren’t quite in order, driving becomes harder. The same thing can be said about school and learning.

Children spend many of their waking hours in classrooms, and they must navigate many things.

Children must be proficient in reading, writing, and math; they need to be able to work independently and in groups, manage structured learning and unstructured recess/break times, navigate social interactions and friendships, regulate their emotions and activity levels, express themselves in oral and written form, and learn to advocate for themselves. That’s a lot! It’s not a surprise that confidence and self-esteem would be influenced - positively or not. The harder it is for a child to navigate all the demands and expectations in a learning environment, the higher the chance of increased stress and tension.

One of the ways you can support your child through their academic journey is by having a stronger understanding of their learning profile. A formal learning assessment is called a psychoeducational assessment and is conducted by a registered psychologist with a background in school psychology and child development. A psychoeducational assessment provides information on how a child is learning, their strengths, any potential areas for growth, and how some of this may be impacting their experience and sense of self as a learner and in life. When your child is struggling in school, or even when you are curious to know more about your child, a psychoeducational assessment can provide the traction needed to support a positive academic journey.

The tests in a psychoeducational assessment are standardized and norm referenced; meaning, the information gathered can be compared to other individuals who are the same age as your student. This helps to understand where your child may be functioning relative to others in particular areas measured. Since each of us is unique, it’s expected that each of us learns a bit differently. For some, understanding these nuances can mean the difference between success and failure in a child’s academic journey (like having the right tires on your vehicle for the conditions).

While there are standard components to an assessment, each assessment is unique and directed at answering any questions you and your child’s teacher(s) may have about your child’s learning. Understanding problem-solving and reasoning capacity, how your child takes in and best learns new information, measuring academic skills, the role of memory in learning, and exploring social/emotional/behavioral functioning may all be aspects of an assessment to support a larger, clearer understanding of your child’s functioning. The better you understand your child’s learning profile, the easier it is for you to support your child and the greater success your child can expect to have.

A psychoeducational assessment is a complex drawing together of information from multiple sources to create a more solid understanding of a student’s unique learning profile. A full psychoeducational assessment can take anywhere from 12 to 16 hours (depending on the questions being explored, sometimes it takes more time). Components of an assessment include interviews,

“Each of us learns a bit differently.” document review, in-person testing, data collation and test scoring, observations, and report writing. While it may seem like a lot, it is an investment in your child’s future and a support for ongoing success. Back to the tire analogy, knowing you have the right tools for the conditions helps increase the chance of successfully reaching your goals. With the right tools, it’s easier to feel confident tackling the demands along the way.

The report generated from a psychoeducational assessment creates a roadmap for success. It outlines your child’s strengths and any areas where increased support may be helpful to them. It provides information about your child’s current functioning as well as suggestions to support increased success - now and in the future. The information allows the teachers and the school to better understand your student, and to

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determine next steps in your student’s learning journey.

If you have chosen to undertake the assessment privately, making the decision to share the report with your child’s school is helpful. School and teachers are part of your child’s ‘team.’ It is important to develop a strong relationship with these professionals to support your child. The more information your child’s school and teachers have available to help them know and appreciate your child, the better it is for your child. This doesn’t mean they will use all the ideas that come from the report. Teachers are the experts on teaching and have an abundance of ideas. Teachers use the information provided from a psychoeducational report and integrate it into what they know about the roadmap ahead of them. Just like when you’re driving, it’s a good idea to check road reports because conditions can change quickly.

Knowing the condition of your vehicle and what tools you have available helps you make the decisions you need to drive with confidence.

After you’ve shared the report with your child’s school, your job is not done. You will need to advocate for your child throughout their academic career. Each year, with each new teacher you will need to recreate your ‘team’; this is your child, after all. You need to reconnect and start fresh each year by establishing a functional working relationship with the school and teachers to support the best interests of your child. Though a learning assessment is helpful for positive engagement and support in the classroom, the information that comes from this deeper understanding of your child supports success in other areas of their life, including friendships, extracurricular activities, and in better knowing themselves.

Just like having good winter tires, the more solid and prepared you are in terms of understanding your child’s learning strengths and potential needs, the more comfortable and confident your child will feel as they progress along their learning and life journey.

Nicole Sheldon, R. Psych., has been working with children and families for over 25 years. Nicole holds a permanent teaching certificate and understands classroom functioning. She is passionate about supporting children and families in achieving success and dignity in their lives through assessment, intervention, and collaborative approaches. The specialized team at Sheldon Psychology Group (1909, 17 Avenue SW, Calgary) offers several types of services. For more information, email info@sheldonpsychology.com or visit sheldonpsychology.com. CCM

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helping kids take their medicine A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down

By Diane MacLean and Trina Lycklama Maybe Mary Poppins did have a point: A spoonful of sugar does help the medicine go down. Sometimes a little assistance is necessary to get a child to take medicine that will help them feel better.

There are a number of reasons why children find taking medicine difficult. Probably, the biggest factor is taste.

Everyone has had personal experiences of plugging their nose, squeezing their eyes shut, and shuddering while swallowing some horrible concoction. Pharmaceutical companies are well aware of the need to make their products as pleasing to consumers’ taste buds as possible, but sometimes their efforts aren’t quite enough.

What can parents and caregivers do?

There are many tips to help with giving children medication that tastes bad. Always have something, even if it is water, on hand for your child to drink or swallow after taking medication. This will help rinse the taste out of their mouth. Have your child suck on a popsicle or something cold before taking the medication. This will help to ‘numb’ the taste buds.

Some medications can be mixed in with food or drink to mask the taste. For example, crushed tablets can be sprinkled on applesauce or yogurt; liquid medications can be mixed in concentrated Kool-Aid. But be cautious.

Some medications should not be crushed (check with your pharmacist).

Some medications should be given on an empty stomach (check with your pharmacist). Some medications may affect the taste of the food or beverage and your child may refuse to take that particular food or beverage in the future. If your child does not eat all of the food or drink all of the beverage, some of the dose is lost.

Medication in a liquid form comes into contact with taste buds much more quickly than medications in either capsules or tablets. So if your child is old enough and can swallow capsules or tablets, they may prefer to try that.

Tablets that have a strong smell or bad taste can be put into empty capsules. The coat of the capsule keeps the smell and loose powder inside.

Learning to swallow capsules or tablets can be a challenge for children, as well as some adults. Some training strategies to help with this include: Have your child drink thick milkshakes with small pieces of strawberries or other fruit in them so they get used to swallowing lumps of food first. Give your child something to drink first to prevent the capsule or tablet from sticking

in a dry throat. Place the capsule or tablet in the centre of your child’s tongue toward the back of their mouth and have them drink through a straw. Sucking the beverage up through a straw provides a little extra momentum to wash the capsule or tablet down the throat. Flexible straws are nice because your child can tip their head back a little to help the capsule or tablet go down.

There are also a few devices available to make medication administration easier. If your child’s dose is a half or a quarter tablet, rather than using a sharp knife and chasing the pieces all over the kitchen, obtain a pill splitter from your pharmacy. These handy devices help to cut the tablet evenly, prevent accidental injuries, and leave the pieces in the cutting chamber for easy retrieval.

Remember using two spoons or putting a tablet between waxed paper to crush a tablet? Pill crushers are available to help with crushing tablets into powder to be mixed in a beverage or sprinkled on food.

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When giving children medication, it is important to measure the amount of medication accurately.

Make sure the dose of the medicine is correct. Kitchen spoons are notorious for being inaccurate. When measuring out a teaspoonful (5ml), it is a good idea to use an oral syringe or a properly-labeled measuring spoon from a pharmacy. Using a bottle cap with the syringe may prevent the mess associated with sticking an oral syringe into a medicine bottle or having to pour some of the medication into another container because the syringe doesn’t reach. There are bottle caps available to fit a variety of different bottle sizes and they are reclosable to prevent leakage.

A few general but important reminders: Make sure you understand the instructions on the • prescription(s).

• Let your doctor and pharmacist know of any drug or food allergies that your child may have.

• Never refer to medication as ‘candy’ to encourage your child to take it. The risk is too great that your child may misunderstand and take an overdose or poison themselves.

• Keep medications out of reach of children, preferably in a locked cabinet.

• The bathroom is not a good place to store medication. The humidity and heat may affect some medications.

This article is a reprint from Calgary's Child, 2006. CCM

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family wellness

developing social skills during a pandemic The resiliency of kids and social development

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

If my child had minimal social interactions over the past year, will they be behind in their social skills? What if my child had some interactions but it looked different because of masks and social distancing protocols? Can my child regain the social skills they may have lost over the past year? Will my child be more anxious now when it comes to building friendships? These are all common questions and concerns many parents have.

Between children going to school remotely, to distanced classrooms, parents are wondering how this has all affected their child’s social development. Spoiler alert: your child still has lots of time to develop these skills, along with your help and support! Children’s minds are flexible and resilient, which gives them the opportunities to learn and catch up in skill development.

However, if you are feeling a little worried about your child’s development, reach out to your doctor, a psychologist, or a therapist. They will be able to help.

SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT Let’s take a moment to think about what a ‘good friend’ looks like: someone who is playful, kind, empathetic, compassionate, can solve problems, regulate their responses, and adapt to different types of peers and play styles. Altogether, that’s a tall order for any child! This list may be what we picture as a ‘good friend,’ but our children are still working on that! For example, empathy comes with age. Once a child is old enough to put themselves in their friend’s shoes and see the world from their perspective, they will be better able to empathize with their friend’s emotions and perspective.

So, as your child develops their ‘good friend’ skills, give them some time and grace. They won’t always get it perfect every time, and they may need some reminders and coaching from you on how to be a kind friend, but all the skills will come together in the end.

SKILL-BUILDING AT HOME Let’s look again at the list of a ‘good friend.’ There are a lot of skills in the list that are easily supported and teachable, even if you aren’t at school with your child.

Here are some examples: Problem-solving. Friendship requires a lot of problemsolving: peer conflict, people not wanting to play the

same game as you, people taking something from you, just to name a few. Working on the process of problemsolving at home can be a great skill-building activity they can generalize to the school environment. For example, instead of stepping in to solve sibling squabbles, or instead of fixing a problem for them right away when it arises, step back and ask your kids curiosity questions: “What’s the problem here?” “What are your ideas on how to fix it?” “How is that making you feel?” Get their brains into problem-solving mode by supporting them in solving problems around the house!

“They won’t always get it perfect every time, and they may need some reminders and coaching from you on how to be a kind friend, but all the skills will come together in the end.”

Sharing, turn-taking, and losing. It’s tricky to want to take turns, share a toy, or lose at a game. You can help to build your child’s tolerance to disappointment by playing at home! Set up play scenarios where you take turns doing something or playing a simple board game (and don’t always let them win!). Having experience tolerating little frustrations in a safe space like home can make it easier for your child to tolerate these disappointments with their peers in a different environment (like school).

Empathy. Although empathy develops with age, it is another skill you can support in developing as your child grows. At home, work on labelling your emotions and your child’s emotions. Model empathy to your

child by being empathetic to those around you. Use books, movies, and TV shows to point out how people may feel and why. Get them to start thinking about how they can help a friend feel better when they are feeling sad or frustrated. Remember to have a lot of patience here! Empathy is a skill that takes time to grow and develop.

DAILY CHECK-INS It can be hard to know who your child is playing with at school and how they are getting along with their friends. It requires a bit of detective work on your part, but with a little purposeful questioning, you will have a better idea of how your child is doing. We all know that an open-ended ‘how was your day?’ can lead to the typical grunting of ‘Idunno.’ Be purposeful with your questions: “Who did you sit next to at lunch today?”

“Did you help a friend today?” “Tell me the name of a friend who made you smile today.” “I want to know more about the game you played during recess! What were the rules?” “If you could invite a friend over to play, who would it be?”

It might be tricky for your child to answer at first, but don’t give up! If you create a habit of doing a ‘social check-in’ with your child every day, they will get better at answering these questions and telling you fun stories about their friends. Then you are helping to build positive social memories and strengthening friendship bonds from afar.

The beautiful part about children is they are always growing and developing. Their brains are programmed to absorb information, add new skills, refine old skills and combine skills in order to make more complex abilities.

As adults, we need to remember that it won’t come all at once. Take some time to practice these skills and remember to be patient and trust the process.

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 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

Swim, play a sport, create, climb, kids camps, and more! All at YMCA Calgary. ymcacalgary.org 32 • Find us on

family wellness

walk & roll Accessible hiking locations

By Tanya Koob Families looking for a paved trail suitable for strollers or wheelchairs will enjoy the following options:

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Bill Milne Trail, Kananaskis Village - Start from the Kovach Day Use Area and enjoy this beautiful flat paved trail that takes you through a beautiful meadow toward the golf course and Mt. Kidd RV Park. The trail is also suitable for biking and is approximately 20 km round trip if you go all the way to Wedge Pond.

2.

Peter Lougheed Provincial Park paved bike trail, Kananaskis - There is a paved bike trail that connects most of the campgrounds in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. The trail is 12 km in length (one way) and has a few hills. There’s a nice playground in the Canyon Campground for a rest break mid-way. Make sure you also plan a stop at Boulton Creek where you can get ice cream at the Trading Post.

3.

Sundance Trail, Banff - This paved trail starts from the Cave and Basin National Historic Site in the town of Banff. It gently climbs up to a picnic area along the Bow River in 7.4 km round trip distance (145 metres height gain). From the picnic area there is an optional 1.6 km loop through Sundance Canyon that is not accessible.

Bring a lock and a child carrier if you want to proceed without strollers from here. Families with wheelchairs will enjoy the pleasant walk along the Sundance Trail and you can turn around anytime.

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. Feeling Social? Follow on Instagram @MountainMomYYC. CCM

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family wellness

Family Wellness Directory Medical, Dental & Vision Care, Fitness, Counselling and Education, Nutrition, and more Calgary and surrounding communities best resource in one place.

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ASSOCIATIONS, SUPPORT & SOCIAL SERVICES ALBERTA ASSOCIATION OF OPTOMETRISTS Phone: 1-800-272-8843 Website: optometrists.ab.ca ALBERTA HEALTH SERVICES (HEALTHLINK) Phone: 811 ALBERTA HEALTH SERVICES PERINATAL EDUCATION Website: birthandbabies.com CHILDREN’S COTTAGE SOCIETY Phone: 403-233-2273 Website: childrenscottage.ab.ca COMMUNITY LINKS In Airdrie Phone: 403-945-3900; 1-866-945-3905 Email: info@nrvcl.ab.ca Website: nrvcl.ab.ca FAMILIES MATTER SOCIETY OF CALGARY 3404, 25 Street NE Phone: 403-205-5178 Email: info@familiesmatter.ca Website: familiesmatter.ca LA LECHE LEAGUE CANADA - CALGARY Phone: 403-242-0277 Website: lllc.ca LEARNING DISABILITIES & ADHD NETWORK Phone: 403-630-1616 Website: ldadhdnetwork.ca NORTHERNSTAR MOTHERS MILK BANK Website: northernstarmilkbank.ca

POST NATAL HELPERS LTD. Phone: 403-640-0844 Email: info@postnatalhelpers.ca Website: postnatalhelpers.ca ROWAN HOUSE EMERGENCY SHELTER Phone: 403-652-3311 Website: rowanhouse.ca YW CALGARY 1715, 17 Avenue SE Phone: 403-263-1550 Email: communications@ywcalgary.ca Website: ywcalgary.ca

COUNSELLING DISCOVERY PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES 2224, 20 Avenue NW Phone: 403-818-0371 Email: discoverypsych@shaw.ca Website: discoverypsych.ca SAGE CENTRE Website: sagecentre.ca SHELDON PSYCHOLOGY GROUP 1909, 17 Avenue SW Phone: 403-618-8288 Email: info@sheldonpsychology.com Website: sheldonpsychology.com

FITNESS & RECREATION CITY OF CALGARY RECREATION Various Locations Phone: 403-268-3800 Website: calgary.ca/register

REPSOL SPORT CENTRE 2225 Macleod Trail South Phone: 403-233-8393 Email: info@repsolsport.com Website: repsolsportcentre.com TRICO CENTRE FOR FAMILY WELLNESS Phone: 403-278-7542 Email: guestservices@tricocentre.ca Website: tricocentre.ca WINSPORT Phone: 403-247-5452 Email: info@winsport.ca Website: winsport.ca YMCA CALGARY Seven Locations in Calgary Website: ymcacalgary.org

FOOD & NUTRITION AMARANTH STORES Three Locations in Calgary Website: amaranthfoods.ca FIRST STEP NUTRITION Phone: 403-608-3240 Email: jen@firststepnutrition.com Website: firststepnutrition.com REAL CANADIAN SUPERSTORE Various Locations in Calgary Website: realcanadiansuperstore.ca

MEDICAL, DENTAL & VISION CARE ALBERTA ASSOCIATION OF OPTOMETRISTS Phone: 1-800-272-8843 Website: optometrists.ab.ca

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ALBERTA BLUE CROSS - YOUR PARTNER IN WELLNESS Phone: 1-800-394-1965 Website: ab.bluecross.ca BROOKE ORTHODONTICS 120, 10601 Southport Road SW Phone: 403-278-1933 Email: admin@brookeorthodontics.com Website: brookeorthodontics.com CALGARY YOUTH PHYSIOTHERAPY North location: Suite 101, 4616 Valiant Drive NW Phone: 403-289-9883 Email: north@calgaryyouthphysio.com South location: Suite 203, 7720 Elbow Drive SW Phone: 403-259-8534 Email: info@calgaryyouthphysio.com Website: calgaryyouthphysio.com

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS BEHAVIOUR THERAPY AND LEARNING CENTRE (BTLC) Suite 100, 2107 Sirocco Drive SW Phone: 403-205-2749 Email: admin@btlc.ca Website: btlc.ca CONNECT SOCIETY D.E.A.F. SERVICES Phone: 403-828-1937 Email: jbremner@connectsociety.org Website: connectsociety.org FOOTHILLS ACADEMY 745, 37 Street NW Phone: 403-270-9400 Email: info@foothillsacademy.org Website: foothillsacademy.org

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' Child Calgarys

NEW HEIGHTS SCHOOL & LEARNING SERVICES 2521 Dieppe Avenue SW Phone: 403-240-1312 Email: info@newheightscalgary.com Website: newheightscalgary.com PACEKIDS PROGRAMS #808, 55 Avenue NE 130, 23 Sunpark Drive SE Phone: 403-234-7876 Email: info@pacekids.ca Website: pacekids.ca PROVIDENCE Phone: 403-255-5577 Email: info@providencechildren.com Website: providencechildren.com AT-HOME ARROWSMITH PROGRAM, PROVIDED BY RIVER VALLEY SCHOOL Email: admissions@rivervalleyschool.ca Website: rivervalleyschool.ca/athomearrowsmith RUNDLE ACADEMY Phone: 403-250-2965 Email: contactus@rundle.ab.ca Website: rundle.ab.ca UNIQUE EDUCATION ACADEMY Phone: 403-869-6391 Email: letstalk@uea-yyc.ca Website: uea-yyc.ca Inclusivity and accessibility icons are based on each business’s self-reported availability of services for disabled, special needs & mobility-impaired children. This listing is provided for your reference only. Please research carefully and choose the company that meets your family’s needs best. CCM

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parent connection

and baby makes three - tips for a great start to parenting for the both of you Ways to bond with your baby

By Sharon Loose Did you know that when your partner is given 15 minutes of alone time with the new baby in the first few hours after birth, they will spend significantly more time with your child in the first three months of life? Sometimes, your partner gets left out of the conversation about transitioning into parenting. Let’s explore a few ways to make a great start to parenting for both of you.

Skin-to-skin cuddling Skin-to-skin helps promote baby’s love hormone (oxytocin), regulates their temperature, and helps them feel comfortable and safe. So, tuck that little one in on your chest, cover both you and your baby with a blanket, and get cuddling! This can be a special time to connect with your brand new little one.

Supporting feeding efforts If you are not the one doing the feeding, it doesn’t mean you can’t be a support. Learn the techniques to properly hold your baby for feeding so you can help your partner with proper positioning. Learn what a good deep latch looks like so you can offer your partner feedback from your perspective. Learn where community supports are so you can utilize these invaluable resources. Being educated on these things can help you and your partner find successes in breastfeeding.

Feeding is bonding Having the opportunity to feed your newborn is an amazing bonding experience. Being a part of bottle feeding can create a special time for both you and your new little one; it also provides your partner with a much-needed break. It is important to learn proper technique for successful bottle feeding, such as ‘pace’ bottle feeding. If your partner is breastfeeding, it is recommended to wait at least two to three weeks before you introduce your baby to the bottle. Once breastfeeding is going well, incorporate bottle feeding. As a partner, it is important to be a part of the breast-feeding schedule and to help feed your little one.

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Settling a fussy baby Do you know how to settle a fussy baby? A crying baby can be stressful but having a team that supports each other through the fussing makes the experience a little easier. Most partners will find a signature move they find successful at settling their little one. Having a handful of ideas on how to settle your crying baby can help build your confidence in your parenting journey and make a big difference in how you feel. Typical settling techniques include swaddling, rocking, walking, swinging, using white noise, using a pacifier, bum patting, bouncing, reverse breastfeeding hold, or shushing. Try any of these techniques and see if it works for your baby.

“Exchanging times to care for your baby helps each partner have time to recharge.”

Reading your baby’s cues Babies have a lot to ‘say,’ but sometimes it is hard as a new parent to know what your baby is trying to tell you. Learning your baby’s cues can help you become an expert navigator and determine when your baby is hungry, needs a diaper change, is uncomfortable, or is tired and needs you to help them fall asleep. Knowing your baby’s cues can also reduce your stress and build your confidence. Over the course of the first few weeks with your newborn, you will start to be able to tell what they are saying to you and know what method to use to help your little one out.

Having a baby care routine Your baby requires a lot of care - from bathing to diaper changing to clipping nails. Once again, all these things will be more manageable when a team is involved.

Practicing these skills make you a part of something essential. You can either be helping your partner or tackling some of these tasks by yourself. Being able to tackle these tasks are essential in raising your little one.

And the more you do it, the better you will get at it. It is beneficial to take a class or watch a YouTube video on these skills to help prepare you to be more confident and tackle these tasks head-on. With knowledge and skill, you are helping your partner in all the right ways.

Supporting sleep One of the things you will notice the most as a new parent is how tired you are. Therefore, it is imperative to find a way to support each other’s sleep needs during this time. As the partner, you have the chance to use all your new parenting skills of reading cues, settling, feeding, and having a care routine to be fully capable of taking care of your baby while your partner takes a break and catches up on sleep. This can help balance the times when your partner is the one taking care of your infant. Exchanging times to care for your baby helps each partner have time to recharge.

Parenting is a transformative journey. Having some ideas on how to be the most involved, supportive, and helpful can make that transition easier and more successful. As you participate in these things and choose to be hands-on right from the beginning you will have the opportunity to be a crucial part of your child’s growing experience. You may not have given birth, but you became a parent too. You will have your own unique journey as you build a new relationship with your little one, a bond that will last a lifetime.

Sharon Loose, CCE, CD, BDT, PCD, is a certified doula and childbirth educator with 23 years of experience and has supported over 1,500 Calgary and area families on their parenthood journey. She is also the owner of Calgary Birth Essentials, which offers private and small group prenatal classes, birth and postpartum doula support, and breastfeeding and early parenting education. For more information, email sharon@calgarybirthesssentials.com or visit calgarybirthessentials.com. CCM

parent connection

The importance of purposeful toys in an intentional play space It doesn’t have to be complicated!

By Jenna Mazzei You hear it everywhere… ‘You should set up an intentional play space for your child.’ But what exactly does that mean? An intentional play space is an environment filled with invitations to play.

In the Montessori approach, we call this a ‘prepared environment,’ and it is a major part of the philosophy.

Children in the first plane of development, birth to six years, and especially from the ages three to six, have an innate desire to be independent. Maria Montessori called these years the ‘Help Me Help Myself’ stage. An intentional play space is prepared to help your child be as independent as possible, which allows them the freedom to choose their activity and promotes longer engagement sessions with those activities.

Creating a ‘prepared environment’ doesn’t have to be hard or complicated. Here are a few easy-to-incorporate tips on how to create an intentional play space in your home: • Create a space that revolves around your child. This should include child-size furniture, toy shelves at their level, and toy visibility. Stay away from closed boxes and bins as they tend to encourage clutter. Display

their toys on a tray or directly on a shelf instead. Their toys should act as a consistent invitation to play.

Having toys displayed in your child’s view, instead of hidden away in a box or bin, acts as a motivator for them to engage.

• Order in the environment equals order in the mind. Children thrive in an environment that has a sense of order. Children ages three to six are in the sensitive period for order, meaning they crave and developmentally need order during this time. A lot of parents don’t realize this is a need for their child because most children have never had this need met.

Messy and cluttered playrooms are all too often seen as the norm.

How can you help your child thrive in their environment?

Firstly, less is more. I know it’s a cliché but when it comes to your child’s play space, it is important to minimize their toys. Secondly, everything must have its place. What I mean by this is to plan out your child’s toy

placement and always return their toys to that place. This helps create a sense of order in their environment, which gives them a sense of control over their life.

I’ve told you all about how to set up your child’s toys, but which toys are best?

The answer to this question is purposeful toys!

Choosing purposeful toys is the key to a great intentional play space and is important for child development. What are purposeful toys? I like to think of purposeful toys as toys with a purpose other than a plain distraction.

Distraction toys are created to distract your child for a short period of time, instead of truly engaging them. If you are wondering how to spot a distraction toy, look for these red flags: Loud, flashy, and busy.

When choosing purposeful toys, it is important to help give your child real sensory experiences through the toys they interact with every day. A great way to do this is to choose wooden materials over plastic, anytime you can. Using a natural material like wood allows your child to engage their senses in ways plastic does not

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The Importance of Purposeful Toys – Continued on page 41

AUTUMN 2021 • calgaryschild.com • 37

parent connection

bringing risk back into child’s play Rediscover ‘wildhood’

By Sarah Reader

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‘Risk’ has almost become a four-letter swear word in our society, especially when it comes to child’s play. But have you stopped to think about what a world without risk is doing to your child’s development? If your child is never allowed to encounter and engage with risk, they don’t learn how to recognize, manage, or overcome it. They don’t gain the confidence in themselves that contributes to them living a full, well-rounded life. If it comes down to a decision about letting my kid participate in risky play or them never being able to cope with risk, the latter to me is less desirable.

You can understand the benefits of risky play, and still be a little nervous to let your kids engage with it. The first step is to understand the difference between a risk and a hazard. A risk is a challenge or uncertainty in an environment that a person can recognize and learn to manage but choose to engage with it and test their limits. A hazard is a danger in an environment a person can’t recognize that could cause serious injury or harm. A perfect example of this is climbing a tree. Climbing is a risky activity (also fun and fantastic for developing key motor skills!). There is a level of thrill and uncertainty in climbing a tree, but the climber gets to choose how high they climb based on their comfort level. If the climber was to go out onto a rotten branch that they can’t see that could break under their weight, that is a hazard. It’s important to distinguish the difference so when you hear the term ‘risky play,’ you don’t assume danger, and you can start to see the value in it. You can create environments for your child that encourage risk but eliminate hazards.

“You can understand the benefits of risky play, and still be a little nervous to let your kids engage with it. The first step is to understand the difference between a risk and a hazard.”

There are different types of risky play: rough and tumble, play with tools, play at great heights, play with dangerous elements (i.e., fire), play at high speeds, and play where kids ‘disappear’ or get lost. All of these will offer your child a sense of thrill and are guaranteed to help increase physical activity, improve decision-making and social skills, boost resiliency, produce higher selfconfidence, and create better risk management. You do not have to do all of these at once. Even one of these types of play will help your child reap the benefits.

A great way to introduce risky play is through spending unstructured play time in nature. Nature

provides the perfect environment to help kids learn to interact with risk - hiding behind trees, building forts, climbing over rocks, rolling down hills - while allowing you to feel confident that your kid isn’t encountering hazards. Nature offers incredible loose parts that challenge children to move, build, create, imagine, and play, all while sparking curiosity, increasing focus and attention, improving social-emotional well-being, and reducing stress.

If you were never exposed to risky play opportunities as a child, it can be a little scary to allow your child to do so - and that’s okay! Think about your child’s development, and what they are learning from the experience, not your comfort level with the activity. Your language can be a very powerful tool in risky play; it can help your children, and you, feel more comfortable. When your child is learning, ask them questions to help them assess things, such as, “Is there something you can hold on to?” “Do you feel safe?” “What part of the branch do you think is the strongest?” “Is it slippery/wet/sturdy?”

“How are you going to get down?” Conversely, telling your kids to ‘be careful’ disrupts their play, often stopping it. These two simple words are distracting and send the message to your kid that they can’t trust their own instincts; they then hesitate and don’t gain confidence in their own abilities.

Risky play is not a ‘one size fits all’ - it depends on the age, confidence, experience, cognitive and physical abilities of the child as well as the potential consequences of an accident. As the adult, you need to decide what is an acceptable or extreme risk. You would not want your three-year-old to play with an open flame but teaching your school-aged child how to safely light and interact with a campfire is a great skill! Most children have an innate ability to assess risk, and an appetite to engage with it. Children are capable, and they will let you know if they are ready for an activity. Follow their lead, use your judgement, expand your comfort level, and you and your kid can learn to explore and enjoy risky play together.

Sarah has a Bachelor of Physical Education from the University of Alberta and was the supervisor for The City of Calgary’s Mobile Adventure Playground. As the owner of Playful Adventures (IG: @playfuladventures), she is passionate about bringing back unstructured, loose parts, outdoor play. Reach her at hello@playfuladventures.ca. CCM

spending plan for a family of four Plan how to spend your hard-earned money on groceries - wisely

By Klynne Brinas

Frugal is being intentional about what your money goes toward. Creating a grocery spending plan for your family makes being intentional with your money easier.

Notice that I don’t call this a ‘budget.’ I dislike the word because it sounds restrictive. ‘Spending plan’ sounds more exciting and fun!

Arrive on a spending amount The Credit Counselling Society of Canada recommends planning to spend between $200 to $250 per person a month on groceries. For a family of four, that is a total spending amount of $800 to $1,000 on groceries per month.

To arrive at a specific number within this range, add up how much your family spent on groceries for the past 12 months. If you’re making a monthly spending plan, divide the total by 12. If you’re making a weekly spending plan, divide that number by 52.

If your amount lands between $800 to $1,000 per month or $185 to $230 per week, then you’re golden! If not, then you are going to have to decide on your target amount. I would suggest not going too low compared to last year’s actual number. You don’t want this spending plan to be too restrictive.

Now that you have your monthly or weekly spending amount for groceries, let’s plan how to spend your hardearned money on groceries - wisely.

Make a spending plan My family’s grocery spending plan includes food, toiletries, and kitchen supplies. Every eighth week, 80 percent of our grocery spending goes toward restocking toiletries and kitchen supplies, 10 percent is spent on perishables, and 10 percent goes toward freezer and pantry staples.

I suggest planning to spend 20 percent of your grocery amount toward stocking freezer and pantry staples and 80 percent toward meal-plan items. Yes, you need a meal plan with your grocery spending plan. Being intentional with where your money goes involves a lot of planning.

To make meal-planning easy, create six to eight weekly meal plans that you cycle through the year - including a grocery list to go with each meal plan makes grocery shopping a breeze, too.

Grocery shopping ‘Stick to your list’ is the most common suggestion when trying to manage your grocery spending.

However, in my opinion, it is the hardest suggestion to follow. So that my family doesn’t feel deprived and is still able to buy some treats when grocery shopping, we include treats as part of the 20 percent restock amount.

The best suggestion I have for you is to ‘stick to your spending amount.’

When laziness kicks in Even with the best laid plans, there is bound to be trouble along the way. And the best way to deal with trouble is to plan for it.

I usually keep ingredients in the pantry and freezer for ‘lazy’ meals. These meals are not part of my family’s usual meal plan but come in handy when I have no energy left to cook after a long day or when unexpected company comes over.

My family’s most loved lazy meal is Mayonnaise Baked Salmon. It’s a slab of salmon, seasoned with salt and pepper, slathered with mayonnaise, then baked at 450°F for 15 to 20 minutes. Serve with steamed broccoli or quinoa.

Another go-to lazy meal in my family is Instant Pot BBQ ribs. Throw some pork ribs and your favorite BBQ sauce in the Instant Pot, then cook on high for 30 to 40 minutes.

Serve with rice or quinoa. (Sometimes I get fancy and throw in some pineapple tidbits, too!)

My freezer always has DIY frozen pizza kits for extremely lazy days or when the kids just fancy eating pizza for supper.

Review and challenge All this planning is a waste of time if you don’t review your data. My family reviews our spending plan versus actual spending every six months and adjusts accordingly. Next year, we are challenging ourselves to reduce our grocery spending amount by 10 percent.

Challenges keep us engaged, excited, and creative with our spending plans.

Happy (frugal) spending!

Find more tips for frugal living on Klynne’s blog, thisfamilylifewelive. com. Feeling Social? Chat with Klynne @thisfamilylifewelive. CCM

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parent connection

how to make a frugal grocery

parent connection

fostering your children’s important bond with their grandparents Creating space for healthy relationships

By Sarah Lyons Growing up, I had a close relationship with my grandparents and have wonderful memories of our time spent together. My grandma loved to teach me about plants, and we’d play card games and cook together.

My grandpa took me camping, fishing, and was always sneaking me extra dessert. Grandparents and their grandchildren have a special bond. This bond will look different for each family, but there are some ways you can build and encourage the bond between your kids and their grandparents.

Encourage time together. Time spent together will help grandparents and grandchildren bond naturally.

This will look different for each family, but some ideas could include cooking, running errands, attending a child’s sporting events or school activities, going to the park, playing board games, going to a movie, sitting and talking, or going out to dinner. Some grandparents find that having a set time assures they get to spend that time with their grandchildren. For example, every Saturday morning, the kids and grandparents go out to breakfast or every Tuesday, the grandparents babysit the kids while you enjoy a date night out with your significant other.

If you do not live in the same city as grandpa and grandma, try having a phone or video call at a set time each week. The nice thing about weekly calls or video calls is it allows for following up on things the next week. Giving your children talking points can help the conversation with their grandparents flow better. If you

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know your parents are struggling with things to talk about with your children, send your parents a quick text or email reminding them to ask about how the big math test or big game or playdate went. These are some good examples of ways you can facilitate the bond between the grandparents and your children from a long distance.

You need to handle your children’s discipline.

A common source of conflict between you and your parents can be discipline of your children. Your parents may have different disciplinary styles or feel different behaviors deserve reprimanding. Let them know that, in most situations, you will be responsible for discipline.

This allows them to enjoy the fun aspects of time spent with your kids. When bringing up the subject with them, be kind, patient, and explain to them that you don’t want anything to come between them and your kids and the special relationship they have. If discipline must be handled by the grandparents, they should try to stay as close to your disciplinary style as possible or delay punishment for when you return.

Allow your kids to be spoiled - a little. My kids know that when they spend the night with my parents, they will have donuts for breakfast. They can also count on any number of sweet treats while they are visiting them.

On birthdays, they usually get spoiled by gifts from their grandparents, too. At home, sweet treats are limited, toys are purchased on occasion, and donuts for breakfast are not the norm. While I may be cringing at the sugar-

induced coma that my kids will be in when they return home, they feel a closeness to their grandparents for allowing them to have a few extra treats. They feel like they share a secret - which really isn’t a secret - with their grandparents and it goes a long way to strengthening their bond. That, to me, is worth allowing a few extra treats from their grandparents on occasion.

Set limits. All of these things can help build the grandparent-grandchild bond, but if you are not comfortable with what is going on, it will end up creating anger, resentment, and hurting the relationship between the grandchildren and their grandparents in the long run.

Set limits that everyone understands and can live with.

For example, it is okay for grandparents to break the rules and let the kids have ice cream for dinner, but it is not okay for them to ride in the car without a car seat. Make sure that your children and the grandparents know what your unbreakable rules are so that everyone is on the same page.

Grandparents are important because they have much life experience and love to share that wisdom with their grandchildren. They have the opportunity to share their love and time without the pressure parents face today raising their own kids. If your kids are lucky enough to have their grandparents in their lives, foster and encourage them to build their relationship as much as possible. Your kids will cherish the memories for a lifetime.

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

when your child calls you out on double standards Difficult conversations at any age

By Gwen Randall-Young, R. Psych.

Sometimes, in conversation, your child hits the nail on the head. They come out with an absolute truth, but one you or your child’s teacher does not want to hear. Your child may ask you why they get in trouble for yelling, yet you yell all the time. Your child, who is being reprimanded in class, may ask their teacher why the ‘good’ student in class never gets reprimanded for doing the same thing they did. They may wonder why, if hitting is wrong, sometimes a parent hits a child as punishment.

There is often a double standard around technology, too. You may complain that your kid spends too much time on their iPad or phone, yet your child never sees you without your phone in hand, spending hours on social media.

Perhaps you admonish your kid for not being more physically active, yet you spend hours on the couch watching TV. You might say to your child, “Don’t talk to your [mother] like that.” Your child may be modeling the way you speak to your partner or even to your own parent when you’re angry.

If you tell your teen not to drink and drive, but then drive the family home from a gathering after having had a few, your teen is getting a double message. Similarly, if your teen gets a speeding ticket and you reprimand them, they may reply, “Well, you speed, too.”

“How should you respond when ‘caught’ in a double standard? It is best to tell your child that they are right and thank them for reminding you about something that is important to them.”

If they see something that seems to them to be illogical or unfair, it is their curiosity about this striking anomaly that causes them to speak up. Of course, they have a vested interest, and that makes them impassioned. However, even if the child is not directly involved, they may observe an adult interacting with another child, and make the same observations.

How should you respond when ‘caught’ in a double standard? It is best to tell your child that they are right and thank them for reminding you about something that is important to them. Say that you are glad they brought it to your attention so you can do better. Then make the needed change. This models to your child how to self-correct.

Your child is smart. They know when they have nailed you, and if you sweep their questions under the rug, they will lose respect for you, just as many adults do for politicians who beat around the bush or do not do as promised. If you continue to uphold a double standard with your child, you lose more than their respect - you lose the possibility of having an honest relationship with them, the opportunity to empower them, and a chance to be honest with yourself.

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 her on Facebook @GwenRandallYoung. CCM

offer. For instance, wood gets noticeably heavier with size, helping them understand and compare weight and size. Wood warms to the touch and cools in its environment, engaging the tactile sense. Depending on the shape and size, wood can make a variety of noises engaging the sense of hearing. On top of this, wood is naturally beautiful, is appealing to children, and is durable.

Another great guideline for choosing purposeful toys is to follow their development Give them toys they can enjoy while also providing a developmental need. These developmental needs can be anything from fine motor skills and handeye coordination to problem-solving skills and concentration levels.

An excellent way to motivate them to do activities that help provide a developmental need is to follow their interests. For instance, if you want your child to build early hand skills and they love dinosaurs, you can set up a play dough activity that includes wooden dinosaur stamps. Maneuvering the play dough and stamps help build their hand and wrist strength, pincer grasp and hand-eye coordination (just to name a few), while the dinosaurs act as a motivator for the child to do the activity, increasing the likelihood that they will choose it independently. Along with this, when you include your child’s interests in activities that engage multiple senses and help build skills, you are also helping them develop longer concentration levels.

Purposeful toys truly engage your child. They provide sensory experiences and build essential childdevelopment skills. When you set up an intentional play space filled with purposeful toys, you are providing your child with unlimited opportunities for play.

Jenna is a mother, Montessori teacher, and owner of Evolve Montessori. Evolve Montessori offers unique and exceptional Montessori programs for kids ages two to four. For more information, email evolvemontessori@gmail.com or visit evolvemontessori.com. Feeling Social? Follow on Facebook @EvolveMontessori and Instagram @evolvemontessori. CCM

18 Showhomes Open

Ranked one of Calgary’s best playgrounds: Belmont Mounds of Fun

The phone rings and you say to your kid, “Tell them I’m not here,” and then get upset when your child is not truthful about something. Your child can reply with, “You lied about not being here when the phone rang.”

Sometimes children tell me they get in trouble for some things, but a sibling does the same things and does not get in trouble. A child may cry that “you never get mad when my brother does that.” Or the child may see their sibling do something wrong or hurtful, go and tell you, and nothing happens. It’s a short trip to believe that you love one sibling more than the other.

When caught off-guard with these ‘zingers,’ adults may deflect their discomfort back onto a child, becoming angrier. However, these questions are important to children, and are more than demonstrations of ‘attitude’ or resistance. An angry or defensive response is confusing to a child; they are stating a truth but are made to feel like they did something wrong.

Children have a strong sense of justice. They see adults as the arbiters of what is fair and just. Children look to adults to resolve issues with siblings or peers and trust the adults to uphold what is right.

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AUTUMN 2021 • calgaryschild.com • 41

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The Importance of Purposeful Toys – Continued from page 37

Inclusivity

45 After Diagnosis

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46 Inclusivity Resources

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49 Is it ADHD?

inclusivity

10 awesome inclusive playgrounds in Calgary and area Playtime for everyone!

By Dana Wheatley Inclusive and accessible playgrounds have come a long way in Calgary and area over the last 10 years.

Playgrounds with accessible flooring have become more common and recently, playgrounds are being designed that not only allow access for people with mobility challenges but are places that kids with diverse needs and abilities can enjoy and play with their friends.

A great inclusive playground not only allows children access to a playground but considers their experience when they get there. This can involve many kinds of features, including swings and bouncers with back support, quiet zones, outdoor musical instruments, steps and ramps, play equipment at ground level, different textures, shade, and pathways.

Here is my list of the 10 best inclusive playgrounds in Calgary and area: 1. Shouldice Park Playground in Calgary Montgomery - 4900 Monserrat Drive N 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. It is in a great park next to the river with multiple picnic spots, a seasonal washroom, and connected to a pathway

of all ages and abilities. The ramp system is high, goes right up to the top, and there is room to turn around along the way. There is accessible flooring throughout with two different colors/textures, which helps with navigation.

South Glenmore

system. The playground features accessible flooring and an extensive ramp system. It has tons of options for swinging, spinning, and bouncing, including two accessible swings and a tandem swing where two people can swing facing each other.

2. Hidden Hut Inclusive Playground in Calgary Hidden Valley - 10504 Hidden Valley Drive NW This playground is excellent and well thought out. It provides exciting and inclusive play opportunities for kids

3. Applestone Park Playground in Calgary Applewood - 188 Applewood Drive SE Not only is Applestone playground one of the best inclusive playgrounds in Calgary, but it is also one of the best playgrounds in the city - period. There are two different playgrounds at this park with accessible flooring. The tall rope spinner and saucer swings are great for anyone who can transfer. With an extensive ramp system, interesting activity panels, musical panels, sunshades, and excellent ground floor accessibility, all children get to play.

4. South Glenmore Park in Calgary 90 Avenue and 24 Street SW South Glenmore Park is one of Calgary’s earliest inclusive playgrounds. The Park has lovely views of the Glenmore Reservoir and has a spray park and pump track on the west side. Recently, it has become even better 10 Awesome Inclusive Playgrounds – Continued on next page

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inclusivity 10 Awesome Inclusive Playgrounds – Continued from previous page

with the addition of a new inclusive climber, groundlevel merry-go-round, and a musical park located a short distance down a paved pathway.

a large-covered picnic area. The playground features a ramp system, a roller slide, two saucer swings, and a tandem swing with an accessible seat.

5. Thorncliffe Greenview Playground in Calgary 5600 Centre Street N This playground uses visual, auditory, and tactile features to help make a great playground for all kids. It has some cool inclusive features, like an accessible zipline and a tandem swing with an accessible seat.

9. Centennial Park in Cochrane William Street and Pope Avenue A few years ago, this playground had some improvements done, including accessible flooring, musical features, spinners and bouncers with back support. The main climbing structure is being replaced and promises to be even more inclusive.

Photos: Courtesy of Dana Wheatley

6. University Commons Park Playground in Calgary University District - Kovitz Lane NW and Thirsk Street NW This eye-catching playground strives for accessibility, inclusiveness, and exciting play opportunities for everyone. It includes things like accessible flooring, a ramp system, an accessible tandem swing and spinner, tactile and musical features, a saucer swing, a sway fun rocker, and a roller slide.

7. Ramsay Inclusive Playground in Calgary Ramsay - MacDonald Avenue SE and Bellevue Avenue SE This Park has two play spaces located on a hill connected with an accessible pathway. It has a ground level merry-go-round, a four-seater bouncer with back support, ground level music features, and a climber with a ramp system. It also has an awesome view of downtown.

8. Riverside Park in Okotoks N Railway Street Riverside Park has a fenced inclusive playground with

Ramsay

10. Nose Creek Park in Airdrie Main Street S The Park is lovely with a pond, creek, and pathways to explore. There are two playgrounds that have accessible flooring, and the school-aged climber has a small ramp system with activity panels.

INCLUSIVE PARKS ON THE HORIZON More new and inclusive parks are coming to Calgary soon, including Edworthy Park, North Glenmore Park, Elliston Park, and Sandy Beach Park.

Now let’s all play!

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

IMAGINE

YOUR CHILD FEELING LIKE THEY

BELONG

AT SCHOOL A school for students with learning disabilities and/or ADHD. Rundle

Rundle

Grades 4–12 In-person Learning

Grades 7–9 Virtual Learning

Academy

44 • Find us on

Studio

Apply now for 2022

rundle.ab.ca

rundle.ab.ca

inclusivity

you have just received a diagnosis for your child - now what?

Taking your next steps

By Sandra Cicman, M.Ed. I distinctly remember the day my son was diagnosed - parents don’t forget receiving that type of news.

Somehow, after listening to the cluster of labels applied to my child, I ended up at the grocery store. The clerk asked me calmly, as if my world hadn’t just been crushed, “How are you today?” I shoved down my emotions and provided the expected response, “I’m fine.” I wanted to say the opposite. That day, I did not think anything would ever be ‘fine’ again. After receiving a diagnosis for your child, it is natural to feel overwhelmed and to experience a mixture of emotions: shock, confusion, denial, sadness, guilt, anger - even relief. It may anchor you to remember that, despite the diagnosis, your child is still your child.

A diagnosis is not predictive of whether your child will lead a happy, meaningful life. Also, it is not reflective of you as a parent. Your child with a diagnosis is more like other children than different from other children; they want to explore, play, laugh, learn, contribute, love, and be loved.

If you have recently received a diagnosis for your child, here are five steps to help you move forward: 1. Breathe. Give yourself time to absorb and process this news. It’s okay not to be okay sometimes. You have experienced a loss and a period of adjustment is to be expected. Be kind to yourself. Practice self-care and compassion.

2. Become informed. Learn about your child’s diagnosis and research various child-centered services.

Explore information on family supports offered within your community, as disability affects the entire family unit. As Calgary has numerous resources for families of children with special needs, you may feel the need for guidance from someone who has ‘been there.’

Children’s Link can help! The agency is a great first point of contact offering information, referral, and support.

Experienced Family Support Workers, who are parents of children with special needs, are a phone call, email message, or office visit away. If you’d like to meet in person but can’t make it to their location, they’ll come to you - or arrange a virtual meeting through Skype or Facetime.

Children’s Link maintains a current resource database of available services and supports on a wide variety of topics such as funding, counselling, respite, aides, therapies, school options, assessment, disability-serving agencies, support groups, recreation options, and more.

3. Ask for assistance. Contact Family Supports for Children with Disabilities (FSCD). The FSCD Program helps families with some of the extraordinary demands of raising a child with a disability. Services are meant to help strengthen the family’s ability to promote their child’s healthy development and encourage their child’s

participation in activities at home and in the community.

Visit humanservices.alberta.ca/disability-services/14855. html or call the intake line at 403-297-6022. Children’s Link staff can also provide you with information on the FSCD program and assist you with an intake application.

In addition, the organization offers workshops for parents on relevant topics and hosts monthly Coffee Social support groups.

4. Shift into ‘business mode. ’As a parent of a child with a disability, you have a challenging job. Taking a step back from your emotions and moving into business mode temporarily can enable you to manage the care of your child more effectively. Learning efficient ways to organize paperwork, to document and share information with others, and to manage meetings and appointments will be of benefit as you work on behalf of your child.

5. Connect with others. Do not stay isolated. It is valuable to reach out and connect with others. Consider joining a parent-support group through Children’s Link, another disability-specific agency in the community, or a social network online. Other parents can help you manage stress, serve as a source of information on community resources, provide suggestions - and even get you to crack a smile!

As you adjust to receiving a diagnosis for your child, know this: There is hope and you are not alone. Be encouraged. As you continue your journey, you will establish a new normal and experience joy once again.

Sandra Cicman, M.Ed., is the Education Team Lead at Children’s Link. Children’s Link connects families of children with disabilities in Calgary and area with the services and supports they need, when they need it. To speak with a Family Support Worker, call 403-2309158, visit childrenslink.ca, or connect via Facebook, facebook.com/ childrenslink, and Twitter @ChildrensLink. CCM

LD & ADHD impact nearly 1 in 5 people including children These conditions make everyday life and school more challenging. It could be affecting one of your friends, a colleague, someone you love like your child or spouse, or even you.

Our Network has launched a new website so you can find the support you need.

Find free resources for families, teens, adults and educators Guidance from our Network Navigator A professional community dedicated to the success fo those living with LD and/or ADHD

AUTUMN 2021 • calgaryschild.com • 45

inclusivity

Inclusivity Resource Guide Sometimes families with special needs need a little extra support.

Whether it’s access to information, professional support, resources support and services for all.

- INCLUSIVE. Able to accommodate a wide variety of social, developmental, mental and emotional delays, disorders and differences.

- ACCESSIBLE. Able to be accessed and fully enjoyed by people with a wide variety of mobility and motor challenges.

ASSOCIATIONS, RESOURCES & SOCIAL SERVICES AUTISM SOCIETY ALBERTA (ASA) Website: autismalberta.ca Autism Society Alberta (ASA) is a grassroots organization within the autism community connecting to its provincial members through regional partners and networking with agencies and associations throughout the province and nationwide.

CALGARY ADAPTED HUB Website: calgaryadaptedhub.com Calgary Adapted Hub (CAH), powered by Jumpstart, is a resource for inclusive and accessible sport and recreation programming in Calgary.

CHILDREN’S LINK SOCIETY (THE) Phone: 403-230-9158 Email: info@childrenslink.ca Website: childrenslink.ca Staffed by parents that have been there, The Children’s Link Society is Calgary’s first and only special needs connection.

FAMILIES MATTER SOCIETY OF CALGARY 3404, 25 Street NE Phone: 403-205-5178 Email: info@familiesmatter.ca Website: familiesmatter.ca Mission: To promote optimal child development by empowering families to be resilient and fostering positive family relationships. Vision: A connected community in which children and families are nurtured and supported to be happy, healthy, and productive.

Offering programming for perinatal mood disorders (postpartum anxiety and depression), parenting classes, young parents program, youth programming, parent and child together classes, home visitation, and fathering programs.

G.R.I.T. CALGARY SOCIETY Phone: 403-215-2444 Website: gritcalgarysociety.com The G.R.I.T. program is a non-profit home and community-based Early Childhood program for young children with disabilities.

INCLUSION ALBERTA Website: inclusionalberta.org Inclusion Alberta (formerly Alberta Association for Community Living) is a family-based, non-profit federation that advocates on behalf of children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families.

LEARNING DISABILITIES & ADHD NETWORK Phone: 403-630-1616 Website: ldadhdnetwork.ca The Learning Disabilities & ADHD Network is a collaborative initiative of a broad group of organizations, which is operated through Foothills Academy and supported by a grant from the Calgary Foundation.

The Network fosters collaborative action toward more effective and coordinated responses to meet the needs of people with Learning Disabilities and/or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Find reliable information, resources, and support on our website.

PREP PROGRAM (THE) 2004, 12 Avenue NW Phone: 403-282-5011 Inspiring families on the journey of inclusion for their child with Down syndrome.

ATTRACTIONS & VENUES CALAWAY PARK Phone: 403-240-3822 Email: calaway@calawaypark.com Website: calawaypark.com At Calaway Park, it’s all about family fun! For more

LEARNING DISABILITIES DON'T HAVE TO BE PERMANENT! STRENGTHEN YOUR CHILD'S CAPACITY TO LEARN WITH OUR AT-HOME ARROWSMITH PROGRAM Provided By River Valley School

46 • Find us on

This personalized program harnesses the power of neuroplasticity to strengthen areas of the brain that underlie learning difficulties.

TO LEARN MORE VISIT WWW.RIVERVALLEYSCHOOL.CA/ ATHOMEARROWSMITH OR CALL (403) 246-2275

information, visit the website for Calaway Park’s Special Needs and Special Needs Aide admission rates.

CALGARY ZOO 210 St. George’s Drive NE Phone: 403-232-9300 Email: guestrelations@calgaryzoo.com Website: calgaryzoo.com The Calgary Zoo is proud to offer a safe, inclusive space for visitors of all abilities from across the world to learn about wildlife conservation. In addition to the nearly 1,000 creatures you’ll find at the zoo, visitors can explore a nature-inspired interactive play space, with accessible and inclusive play features, located in the Canadian Wilds. The Calgary Zoo also offers a wide range of accessibility services, including wheelchair and power chair rentals, complimentary access for qualified attendants (with ID), and certified service dog entry. To learn more, visit the website.

INCLUSIVE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS BEHAVIOUR THERAPY AND LEARNING CENTRE (BTLC) Suite 100, 2107 Sirocco Drive SW Phone: 403-205-2749 Email: admin@btlc.ca Website: btlc.ca BTLC is the only school in Calgary using the established and well-researched principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) to teach preschool and kindergarten students with the unique learning needs and challenges associated with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. BTLC’s success is based on small class size, intensive and individualized programming using effective, research-based teaching strategies, a high ratio of adult support, and opportunities for integration in community schools.

Small class sizes ...

Ages 2-5

High Ratio of Adult Support

ABA ...

Research Based Teaching Strategies

Individualized Curriculum ...

Specialized and Integrated Programs

A unique program for children with Autism and other developmental delays

www.btlc.ca

FOOTHILLS ACADEMY 745, 37 Street NW Phone: 403-270-9400 Email: info@foothillsacademy.org Website: foothillsacademy.org Foothills Academy offers a full-time school program for students with Learning Disabilities from Grades 3 to 12 following the Alberta Education Curriculum. Class sizes are small with a teacher and assistant. A variety of strategies is used to help students find success, ensuring students reach their full potential. A wide range of yearround programs and services are open to the broader community, including assessments, individual instruction, social skills programs, recreation, and more.

NEW HEIGHTS SCHOOL & LEARNING SERVICES 2521 Dieppe Avenue SW Phone: 403-240-1312 Email: info@newheightscalgary.com Website: newheightscalgary.com New Heights School & Learning Services is a registered charitable organization and a Designated Special Education Private School. We opened our doors in 1999 to 12 students in our preschool and early intervention programs, with the simple goal of giving families a safe and friendly community to support their needs and build their capacity. Our goal is to equip each student with the skills they need to engage in and contribute to the community around them.

AT-HOME ARROWSMITH PROGRAM, PROVIDED

BY RIVER VALLEY SCHOOL Email: admissions@rivervalleyschool.ca Website: rivervalleyschool.ca/athomearrowsmith River Valley School is proud to offer an At-Home Arrowsmith Program, now available to all Alberta students age 7+. This personalized, online program harnesses the power of neuroplasticity to strengthen areas of the brain that underlie learning difficulties: memory, attention, problem-solving, comprehension, and more! Instead of working around a student’s challenges, this personalized program uses proven methods to get to the root of them - resulting in selfdirected learners for life!

RUNDLE: ACADEMY, COLLEGE AND STUDIO Phone: 403-291-3866 Email: contactus@rundle.ab.ca Website: rundle.ab.ca Rundle is a private, post-secondary preparatory, co-ed, day school. Small class sizes, an enriched curriculum, and diverse co-curricular opportunities are pillars of our three distinct academic programs: the College (K to 12), Academy (4 to 12), and virtual Studio (7 to 9). Our Academy and Studio programs specialize in teaching students with diagnosed learning disabilities and/or ADHD. STORYBOOK THEATRE Phone: 403-216-0808, Ext. 2 Email: theatreschool@storybooktheatre.org Website: storybooktheatre.org For over 42 years, StoryBook Theatre has been entertaining families from all over Calgary with our award-winning professional, quality shows. We also provide a year-round Theatre School for children ages 6 to 18, which is designed to develop acting skills, selfconfidence, teamwork, and stagecraft abilities.

Inclusivity Resource Guide – Continued on next page

find understanding. build confidence. maximize potential.

School Program Discover a school program focused exclusively on students with Learning Disabilities in grades 3 - 12.

PACEKIDS PROGRAMS #808, 55 Avenue NE 130, 23 Sunpark Drive SE Phone: 403-234-7876 Email: info@pacekids.ca Website: pacekids.ca Pacekids Programs is a charitable organization that strives to empower children with special needs and their families through excellence in therapy and education.

Pacekids provides preschool and kindergarten programs for children aged 2.8 years to 6 years that can be accessed through Program Unit Funding (PUF) with Alberta Education. Pacekids also offers six programs for children aged 6 months to 12 years funded through Family Services for Children with Disabilities (FSCD). Pacekids provides access to immediate private assessment and direct therapy options for children with special needs.

PROVIDENCE Phone: 403-255-5577 Email: info@providencechildren.com Website: providencechildren.com Providence offers two unique Alberta Education-funded program streams: those based in our own six schools across Calgary and those based in approved community preschools or child care programs (our LEARN Program).

Both programs are designed to support children identified with a delay or disability from ages 2 years-8 months to 6. To attend, a child must qualify for special education funding (Program Unit Funding (PUF)).

inclusivity

EDELWEISS PREPARATORY SCHOOL 600 Northmount Drive NW Phone: 403-282-4220 Email: epschool@telus.net Website: epschool.ca A Calgary’s Child Parents’ Choice Award winner for “Best Preschool” and “Honourable Mention” for 13 years! We offer STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math), Jolly Phonics, Learning Without Tears curriculum, weekly Music classes, Science experiments with Captain Science, Spanish classes, daily Gym equipment and games, creative movement, and Yoga. Our literacy-rich program includes an Author of the Month study, author readings, journaling, and a Home Reading program.

We have a monthly Virtues Program, Environmental Awareness program, Outdoor Education, Cultural, and Art presentations, and class field trips. Register for two-day preschool (for three year olds); two-, three-, or five-day Jr. Kindergarten (for 4 year olds); or kindergarten.

We provide targeted supports in literacy, numeracy, and executive functioning for each student while also covering the full Alberta Education curriculum in small classes and a supportive environment.

A wide variety of electives, extracurricular activities and futures planning prepares students for life beyond high school graduation.

Community Services For the LD & ADHD community in Calgary and beyond, Comunity Services provide psycho-educational assessments counselling, literacy and math instruction, social skills programs, recreational programs and more for children and teens. Online webinars and support groups are available for any adults interested in supporting children with LD or ADHD to reach their true potential.

foothillsacademy.org

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Inclusivity Resource Guide – Continued from previous page

UNIQUE EDUCATION ACADEMY Phone: 403-869-6391 Email: letstalk@uea-yyc.ca Website: uea-yyc.ca Unique Education Academy is a premier and multifaceted provider of child care services, education, and extracurricular programs, all in one location. It comprises two centres: an Early Education Centre that offers child care, preschool, and a gifted children’s program for kids up to age 5, and an Enrichment Centre that offers diverse scholastic, artist, and physical excellence programs for children of all ages.

INCLUSIVE EXTRACURRICULAR PROGRAMS AMICUS RECREATION 745, 37 Street NW (in Foothills Academy) Phone: 403-270-9400, Ext. 252 Email: intake@foothillsacademy.org Website: foothillsacademy.org Amicus Recreation programs are designed specifically for youth (ages 8 to 16) with Learning Disabilities and/ or ADHD to provide opportunities to learn new skills, socialize, and gain self-confidence. A wide variety of activities (technology, sports, arts - just to name a few) are offered. There’s something for everyone! Programs are led by mature, trained staff who provide a welcoming, supportive environment. Financial assistance is available for qualified families.

BETWEEN FRIENDS Phone: 403-269-9133 Email: info@betweenfriends.ab.ca Website: betweenfriends.ab.ca Between Friends provides quality social, recreation, and self-development opportunities for people with disabilities to connect, grow, and belong.

CALGARY ZOO 210 St. George’s Drive NE Phone: 403-232-9300 Website: calgaryzoo.com The Calgary Zoo hosts a variety of family- and kid-friendly programs including camps, birthdays, sleepovers, and school programs. These programs run year-round and offer an opportunity to experience our animals and wild spaces.

CAUSE AND EFFECT FOUNDATION Phone: 403-523-0150 Email: contact@causeandeffectfoundation.com Website: causeandeffectfoundation.com Cause and Effect is a community-based early intervention service for children with developmental delays or exceptional needs within Calgary and surrounding areas.

48 • Find us on

CITY OF CALGARY: DAY CAMPS Website: calgary.ca/liveandplay The City of Calgary Recreation wants to welcome participants of all abilities. Call 311 to find out how we work together to make adaptations in the program.

LONG & MCQUADE MUSIC LESSON CENTRES Calgary Chinook: 225, 58 Avenue SE Phone: 403-252-8506 Email: calgarychinooklessons@long-mcquade.com Website: long-mcquade.com/lessons/Alberta/Calgary Calgary East: 3404, 5 Avenue NE Phone: 587-296-6648 Email: calgaryeastlessons@long-mcquade.com Website: long-mcquade.com/lessons/Alberta/Calgary_East Calgary Royal Vista: 10 Royal Vista Drive NW Phone: 587-794-3196 Email: calgaryroyalvistalessons@long-mcquade.com Website: long-mcquade.com/lessons/Alberta/Calgary_North Music lessons for every age, level, and style. At Long & McQuade, we believe every person is capable of acquiring the skills and knowledge required to make playing a musical instrument a rewarding activity. We have a wide variety of carefully-chosen professional instructors offering year-round music lessons. In-studio and online video lessons available.

REPSOL SPORT CENTRE 2225 Macleod Trail South Phone: 403-233-8393 Email: info@repsolsport.com Website: repsolsportcentre.com We offer a variety of Registered Programs for all ages and skill levels. Learn to swim programs from ages 4 months to adult. More advanced swimmers can join one of our Swim Clubs or take their interest in lifesaving to the next level with organized Lifesaving Leadership courses.

Get them active early in the Active Living Program for preschool-aged children. Keep active during PD Camps, including Winter Break. A Membership at Repsol Sport Centre gives you unlimited access to all group fitness classes, fitness centre, five gyms, two pools, hot tub, cold tub, steam room, two tracks, and so much more - all under one roof at a great rate!

TRICO CENTRE FOR FAMILY WELLNESS Phone: 403-278-7542 Email: guestservices@tricocentre.ca Website: tricocentre.ca Trico Centre for Family Wellness wants your family to be #tricotough and active! Come swim with us in our wave pool with waterslide, water features, hot tub, and steam rooms. We offer many children’s programs: skating, swimming, dance, gymnastics, and martial arts to teach children the fundamental movement skills, confidence,

and how fun it is to be active. Huge, clean fitness centre, bright pool, hockey arenas. We offer activities for all ages!

UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY: ADAPTED SPORT & RECREATION CAMP Phone: 403-955-5736 Email: apacamp@ucalgary.ca Website: calgaryadaptedhub.com/programs/camps This camp is centered upon giving campers with physical disabilities the opportunity to explore various adapted sport, recreational, and leisure activities.

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 puppet-infused educational programming! Check out the online store for unique items.

YMCA CALGARY Seven Locations in Calgary Website: ymcacalgary.org YMCA Calgary has seven health and wellness facilities, six 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.

YOUTH SINGERS OF CALGARY Phone: 403-234-9549 Email: yscadmin@youthsingers.org Website: youthsingers.org Youth Singers of Calgary offers programming for youth (ages 9 and up) and young adults with cognitive delays to participate in the performing arts. STAR (Special Talents in Arts and Recreation) provide an interactive experience using voice, movement, and instruments to foster a love of music and dance in a safe, stimulating, and fun environment.

SOCIAL, PHYSICAL & EMOTIONAL CARE CALGARY YOUT PHYSIOTHERAPY North location: Suite 101, 4616 Valiant Drive NW Phone: 403-289-9883 Email: north@calgaryyouthphysio.com South location: Suite 203, 7720 Elbow Drive SW Phone: 403-259-8534 Email: info@calgaryyouthphysio.com

DISCOVERY PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES 2224, 20 Avenue NW Phone: 403-818-0371 Email: discoverypsych@shaw.ca Website: discoverypsych.ca Through Discovery Psychological Services, your child or youth can receive a psychoeducational assessment to identify their learning strengths and challenges.

Intervention and therapy services are also provided to help children, youth, and/or parents discover understanding about emotions, behaviors, or challenges, and develop strategies to help make life easier. Bobbi-Jo Gaetz, psychologist, draws on her knowledge and experience as a psychologist for over 20 years, working in a variety of educational and mental health environments with children, youth, and families.

JUST 4 U FAMILY SERVICES INC. Phone: 403-590-2122 Email: just4ufamilyservices@shaw.ca Website: just4ufamilyservices.com Just 4 U Family Services provides care for special needs/ typical infants, children, youth, and adults.

SHELDON PSYCHOLOGY GROUP 1909, 17 Avenue SW Phone: 403-618-8288 Email: info@sheldonpsychology.com Website: sheldonpsychology.com We are passionate about supporting children and families in finding peace, calm, dignity, and understanding in their lives. We are strength-focused. We believe in being creative and cost-effective, while holding to high standards. Along with the services you might expect from a psychology practice (assessment, counselling, behavior/ developmental therapy, gifted learners), we offer various programs. Programs include our outdoor camps, six-week family program, mind-body transformation, educational consultation, and more. Check us out!

Inclusivity and accessibility icons are based on each business’s self-reported availability of services for disabled, special needs & mobility-impaired children. This listing is provided for your reference only. Please research carefully and choose the company that meets your family’s needs best. CCM

inclusivity

Website: calgaryyouthphysio.com At Calgary Youth Physiotherapy (CYP), we think kids are pretty cool! Our skilled team of physiotherapists understand that kids’ bodies are different from adults, and their development, pain, and injuries need to be treated differently. With clinics in north and south Calgary, we have provided expertise in pediatric physiotherapy for more than 30 years. Our goal is to help children and families feel their best and develop to their full potential while having fun!

ADHD… or is it?

Understanding children’s behavior is a complex business

By Nicole Sheldon, R. Psych.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), the prevalence rate for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) “occurs in most cultures in about 5% of children” (p.61).

But if you talk to anyone, you’d start thinking that these numbers are much higher. So, what’s going on?

Even though we’ve probably all at least heard of ADHD, do we really know what it’s all about? When we think about ADHD, we think about the child who’s busy… running around, not thinking before acting, climbing on stuff, fidgety, talks a lot, can’t sit still, plays loudly, and so on. This is the behavior we can see and that’s most disruptive to everyone around. When children are being described this way, this is when talk about ADHD often starts. There’s another kind of ADHD; the kind that’s not as obvious. This kind describes the child who might stare blankly, doesn’t seem to be listening, needs to have

“For parents, it’s important to ensure that a comprehensive course of evaluation occurs before any choices that would impact your child are made.” instructions repeated, is not paying attention to details, seems careless, is forgetful, loses things, is disorganized, avoids some tasks, and is easily distracted. We don’t hear about these children quite as often because they’re not particularly disruptive. Although these are some of the behaviors that describe a child with ADHD, there are a lot of other factors that need to be taken into consideration before a diagnosis can be made.

Instead of thinking right away that all behavior might be explained by ADHD, it’s important to take the time to make sure that something else is not happening. Children don’t have the same degree of language that adults do.

Their primary way to communicate to us that something is going on is through their behavior. Although this is especially true for young children, it also holds true as children get older. They don’t always have the skills to

articulate exactly what’s happening… even if they know.

Children with allergies can be very uncomfortable in their bodies. Sometimes this accounts for the inattention and squirminess we see. Children who are feeling sad and disconnected also struggle to pay attention and give their full energy to school.

Aggression, irritability, and anger can be masking a depressive disorder. With all the pressures and demands that children face in school, and particularly at this very unusual time in our lives, it is not surprising that a number of them are experiencing anxiety.

Anxiety can look like inattention, irritability, fidgety behavior, and even withdrawal. Maybe the child is intellectually advanced, which can look a lot like inattention, and even a lack of motivation or ‘laziness.’ There might be an unidentified learning disorder that is contributing to some demoralization and reduced self-confidence. What looks like inattention might really be related to memory challenges.

Sometimes there are language processing disorders. Just because a child speaks well, doesn’t necessarily mean that they fully understand all that they’re hearing. It could be that there are problems with the child’s hearing that are not immediately obvious. Individual temperament, illness, nutrition, developmental stage, family and/or peer conflicts, and other people’s tolerance for different levels of behavior are examples of other factors that also need to be considered. Even though this isn’t a comprehensive list of all the things that might be going on, it gives a sense of the scope of alternative explanations for behavior that might appear to be consistent with ADHD. Understanding children’s behavior is a complex business. Just because it looks like ADHD, doesn’t necessarily mean that it is. For parents, it’s important to ensure that a comprehensive course of evaluation occurs before any choices that would impact your child are made. Regardless of any potential diagnostic outcome, however, therapeutic intervention is an important component for increased health and calm, not only in the child’s life, but in the functioning of the family.

Nicole Sheldon, R. Psych., has been working with children and families for over 25 years. Nicole holds a permanent teaching certificate and understands classroom functioning. She is passionate about supporting children and families in achieving success and dignity in their lives through assessment, intervention, and collaborative approaches. The specialized team at Sheldon Psychology Group (1909, 17 Avenue SW, Calgary) offers several types of services. For more information, email info@sheldonpsychology. com or visit sheldonpsychology.com. CCM

AUTUMN 2021 • calgaryschild.com • 49

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New Heights School & Learning Services is a registered charitable organization and a Designated Special Education Private School.

We opened our doors in 1999 to 12 students in our preschool and early intervention programs, with the simple goal of giving families a safe and friendly community to support their needs and build their capacity.

Our goal is to equip each student with the skills they need to engage in and contribute to the community around them.

Newheightscalgary.com

(403) 240-1312

Find us at calgaryschild.com

why ‘including others’ should be a common topic of conversation with your child Modelling kindness and acceptance

By Jen Smith

Edelweiss Preparatory School 9

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

403-282- 4220

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

You never know how much of an impact your actions can have on someone. Something you say or do can significantly change the outcome of a situation. A few years ago, I received a Facebook message from a guy I went to high school with. As soon as I saw his name, I was curious (and a bit surprised) to be hearing from him, knowing that we graduated from high school almost 17 years ago.

I opened his message that read: “I wanted to thank you. I’m not sure if you remember, but you walked by me one day at school when I was sitting by my locker, and you smiled at me and said ‘hi.’ You asked how I was doing and genuinely cared. That was a really hard day for me, but you made it much better. You made a big difference.

Thank you.”

When my daughter and I talked about actions that she could do to be inclusive, we came up with the following: • Saying hi to people you know and people you don’t know (you never know who your next friend will be!)

• Inviting others to play on the playground Asking someone to join your group if they • are alone • Learning the names of other children and using their names often • Asking someone if they are okay if they get hurt Accepting differences (i.e., how people look, • dress, act, speak, or move) • Being kind and respectful to everyone Once we came up with a list of actions, it was a lot easier for my daughter to gain confidence and understand what she needed to do.

In my experience, using personal stories, books, and hypothetical scenarios helps teach empathy and the importance of including others. Unfortunately, most of us have had an experience of being excluded at some point in our lives. Although it may be difficult, try and talk about that experience, explain how you felt, and what you needed in that moment.

I was stunned to receive such a lovely message and learn how much my actions positively impacted his day and possibly even his life, knowing he had messaged me about it 17 years later. I reflect on this experience often and am grateful for it.

I have told my daughter, who is in Grade 2, this story a few times since she started elementary school. In Grade 1, she would come home and tell me how a few girls she was hanging out with didn’t let another girl play with them. I could tell she knew that was wrong and it felt bad to exclude someone, so we talked about it. This is when we started talking regularly about including others and why it is important.

Why is including others important? It is important because every person deserves to feel like they belong to a group or community. When we feel connected to others and accepted, we can be our most genuine selves.

One day, my daughter talked about a boy in her class who was rude and told me the things he said that bothered her. This was an opportunity to teach her that some children are better at making friends right away than others, and that some children haven’t learned these skills yet. I challenged her to be nice to him and to get to know him because maybe deep down inside, all he wanted was to have a friend and feel like he belonged.

I believe the act of including others takes confidence, bravery, and leadership. Encouraging your child to use their voice and actions to help others will help build your kid’s confidence and leadership skills.

Your kid needs your help to validate their feelings and provide opportunities to practice doing the right thing.

As a caregiver, it is important to explain why including others is important and then identify how to be inclusive.

”When we feel connected to others and accepted, we can be our most genuine selves.”

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I ask my daughter open-ended questions like, “If you ask someone to play and they say no, how would that make you feel?” When you give your child the chance to think critically about a situation and come up with a solution or an answer on their own, you are empowering your child to develop critical social skills, such as problem-solving, empathy, and cooperation that will help them become successful in life.

The more you talk to your child about including others, the more likely your child will be able to develop the skills to be inclusive. And the more you can be a positive role model, including others in your life, too, the more likely your child is to include others in theirs.

Your actions can turn someone’s hard day into a better day - a smile, helping hand, or connection can significantly change a situation. Never forget the impact you can have on others. Never underestimate the impact you have on your child. Start the conversation early.

Jen is the co-owner of WordPLAY Consulting Inc. and a Recreation Program Specialist with The City of Calgary. She has three children and enjoys exploring the outdoors with her family. Want 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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