Calgary's Child Spring 2022

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Calgarys Child 2022 SPRING EDITION

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We Are Family

YOUR IDE GO-TO GU mpers Ca for Happy

S ' 0 0 1 mer Camps

Sum grams & Pro

FOR

Grandparents

ONLY!

Home ALONE? AL ONE?

Are they ready?

Are you?

SPRING

HAS SPRUNG! ] Stress-Free Road Trips ] 12 Best Themed Playgrounds ] Kids Dig Dirt ] Family Camping Getaways

ALTERNATIVE

EDUCATION DIRECTORY because one size doesn't fit all

With PC Optimum™, Club Size and Ad Match, saving starts here.

With personalized offers, earn and redeem points towards free groceries.

Buy big, save big versus our regular size packs*. * Where club and regular pack available. Excludes clearance and sale items.

We match prices.

So you can just shop.

See flyer for full details.

Check our flyer for the free item offer with a minimum purchase.

Find set prices on select everyday items.

Buy more, save more.

A yellow brand with products at low prices.

FG-RCSS-CB-WEST-VALUE-V1 03/20/2022

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

About Us Publisher/Editor-in-Chief: M. L. Ellen Percival Co-Creator: Sherry Kerr – ABC

calgary’s child

Assistant Publisher/Managing Editor: Allison Percival

2022 SPRING EDITION

Distribution Manager: Cathy Bontje

Art Director: Amanda Sharp Editoral Assistant: Stacie Gaetz Sales Director: Eilidh Tait . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 587-888-9556 eilidh.calgaryschild@gmail.com

Front & Centre

Raising compassionate children. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

We Love Local

Tips for playdates with kids with special needs. . . . . . . . . . . . 48 5 benefits of volunteering as a family. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Toys and fresh food and style - oh my! check out cool businesses in Calgary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Health & Wellness

Calgary Cares - Calgary Cares is a free forum designed

Secrets to easier breastfeeding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Does your neurodiverse child make you feel judged by others?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

to match those with needs to those willing to help.

Images of Hope Gala – a fundraising event supporting families in need of fertility assistance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Transforming Style – providing support, styling and wardrobe to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Tiny Heroes Project – an art auction to support the Ronald McDonald House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Family Fun Calgary’s best themed playgrounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Family camping trips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Easter Sunday funday. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 5 easy steps to planning a successful hike with the grandparents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Big benefits of gardening with kids. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 10 keys to a stress-free road trip with the kids. . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Frugal and easy crafts to do with stuff you have in your home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Calgary's Child Calendar - What's happening? . . 18 Contests - Enter to WIN! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Summer Camp & Program Kids camps are right around the corner - are you ready?. . . 22 Why day camps?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 The power of nature play. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Connecting with other parents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Sending kids to camp when they have anxiety. . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Summer Camp & Program Guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 How to create a movement room in your home. . . . . . . . . . . 43 Helping kids find their inner calm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Fostering healthy competition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

“Where does my food come from?”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 “Why are you so ungrateful?”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 When is my child ready to be left home alone?. . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Forming healthy boundaries with the grandparents. . . . . . . 57

Home & Lifestyle Home buying tips to avoid a costly mistake. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Parent Connection Balancing your time at the NICU when you have kids at home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 52 (plus!) creative date night ideas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 What not to say when someone is trying to get pregnant. . . 61 How to ask your boss to work from home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Give the gift of memories with Sprog & Sprocket (advertiser feature). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Calgary Grands

The importance of grandparents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Recognizing social isolation in our parents and grandparents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Great day trips from Calgary with the grandparents. . . . . . . 66

Education Making sense of the overlapping nature of anxiety, ADHD and LDs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 A road map to educational success. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Home education: a new unsupervised option. . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 The Alternative Education Directory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Help your tween or teen transition to a new school . . . . . . . 77

Next Issue SUMMER EDITION

Ad Booking Deadline: May 17, 2022 Release Date: June 8, 2022 The sun is shining and the birds are singing - time to get out and play! Summers in the foothills are short, but always packed full of fun. We've got tons of great activity ideas, events, advice, contests and much, much more to help you make the most of summer this year - and plan for the fall!

COMING UP IN THIS ISSUE: * Summer Fun & Getaway Directory * Last Call Summer Camp & Program * Fall Class, Program & Education Pull-Out Directory

Find us on

Felix Mizioznikov © Adobe Stock

Ages & Stages

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.

4•

Cover

Contributors Judy Arnall Kimberly Blaker Klynne Brinas Jody Caswell Jenny Duffield Ashley Frampton Julie Freedman Smith Bobbi Jo Gaetz Stacie Gaetz Marlowe Gelmon Tanni Haas Laurie Hass-Yearwood Nicole Jaggard Logan Jones Tanya Kaynes

Tanya Koob Janeen Lewis Sharon Loose Sarah Lyons Jan Pierce Cara Poppitt Gwen Randall-Young Leanne Rzepa James Smith ​​Karen Ung Katharine Watts Dana Wheatley Kimberlyn Williams Keely Willment

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

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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 EMAIL: calgaryschild@shaw.ca

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ISSN 1198-6069 Calgary’s Child Magazine © 2022

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.

front & centre

raising compassionate children Ways to intentionally teach your child kindness

By Jan Pierce, M.Ed. Let’s face it, the past two years have been difficult for everyone. Your schedules have been upended by COVID restrictions and your children’s learning has been impacted in many ways. You’ve worked hard just to get through daily life with the realities of a pandemic.

So, it’s possible that some of the concerns you’d normally have for your children’s social development have paled in light of your concerns with reading, writing, and math learning. Still, we all want our children to know how to be kind, caring, and compassionate individuals. Further, we worry about the bullies of the world and what their anger and frustration may mean in the lives of our kids.

Kindness and compassion don’t just happen, they’re learned behaviors. We begin teaching a baby about compassion when we nurture them and care for their basic needs with love and tenderness. Later, we monitor any aggressive behaviors with reminders to be gentle, to ‘use your words,’ and teach the language of kindness toward others. As our children grow, our means of teaching them healthy emotional responses to others grow and become more sophisticated.

Here are many ways you can be intentional about teaching your child to learn compassion: Receive. From the moment your baby was born, you’ve cared for their needs. You fed, cuddled, bathed, and diapered them. You played games, sang songs, and showed your love and care for them in a thousand ways. Your child has been the recipient of countless compassionate gestures. Children whose needs have been met are much more likely to be open to showing kindness to others than those who have been neglected or abused. Your modeling of loving, kind behaviors is the foundation upon which you build your lessons on becoming a compassionate person. Good job.

Observe. Take the opportunity to point out kind behaviors observed in your daily lives. Look for the person who shares, the one who waits their turn, the person who helps when someone is hurt. Talk about those incidents and encourage your child to verbalize what they’ve seen: “Did you see that Matthew helped Jason when he fell and hurt his knee? Why do you think he did that?”

Encourage your child to look for kind behaviors and report them. The evening meal is a good time to

“Kindness and compassion don’t just happen, they’re learned behaviors.” share positive reports: “Who caught someone being kind today?”

When conflict arises in a child’s sphere, take the opportunity to talk about the problem and brainstorm solutions. “Why did John become angry and walk away?

What else could he have done?”

Talk about showing compassion. As you watch TV or movies, point out the characters who show compassion or point out unkind, negative behaviors and explore why they occur: “Why is that kid so angry?” or, “What is that person feeling right now?”

Encourage pretend play that works on conflict resolution: “Your teddy bear seems upset. Can you show some kindness to your teddy bear?”

Give. Include giving or volunteering in the life of your family. Be sure each member has a part to play. Helping at a shelter, feeding someone who is hungry, giving time, energy, and resources to those in need shows your children that you value the comfort and well-being of those around you.

Children are open to talking about how sad it is that some people are homeless, or others don’t have enough to eat, or toys to play with. It’s healthy to have those conversations, especially when you combine it with positive actions.

Care for a pet. When your children are old enough, allow them to take on the responsibility of caring for a pet. The daily feeding and watering, walking, and general clean-up involved in caring for a pet is a wonderful way to teach kindness.

Read books. Find appropriate books for your child’s developmental level that speak directly to showing kindness to others. The topic of bullying and why it happens is also part of this discussion. Those who haven’t received love and nurture may be the ones acting out to hurt others.

Here are three titles on learning compassion for young children: • Kindness is My Superpower by Alicia Ortega • Listening with My Heart by Gabi Garcia • Leo Learns About Kindness by Anthony Dominic Lalicata Make it visible. Some families like to create a visible demonstration of the importance of showing compassion. They may label a jar ‘Our Kindness Jar’ and fill it with written observations of acts of kindness.

“Mom let a woman go in front of her in the grocery line” or, “I stopped to help Linda when she dropped her books today.”

Another tangible idea is to wear a kindness bracelet that reminds the wearer to do a kind deed. When the kindness is accomplished, the bracelet is turned over to show a smiley face.

Sometimes we wonder how we can make any difference in a world filled with unhappy people demonstrating unkind behaviors. It’s good to remember that we can only change our own behavior and not that of others. But we can teach our children to be caring, compassionate individuals. One kind act has a way of encouraging others to show kindness, as well.

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

Book a Tour

SPRING 2022 • calgaryschild.com • 5

We Love

LOCAL

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

LITTLE IVY SHOP littleivyshoppe.com, @littleivy.shop

CHERRY TREE LANE TOYS @cherrytreelanetoys

“Little girls with dreams become women with vision.”

That is the concept behind Little Ivy Shop, the selfdescribed “little brand” to Onyx+Ivy, a local company that makes women’s scrunchies, clips and headbands.

Co-owners Jess and Gem are neighbors and friends with the vision to foster a place that connects women and allows them to find products that express their journeys.

Little Ivy allows young girls to do the same.

The formerly online Cherry Tree Lane Toys shop opened the doors of its brick and mortar location in March. Inside this whimsical shop, you will find a carefully curated selection of wooden and playful toys, from both local makers and hard-to-find international toy brands. The book selection is small but meaningful, with titles from diverse authors on topics that are important for both little and big kids. The space is shared with a floral café to fully round out the experience for gift givers and those looking for a self-care reprieve. Check them out in-person at 920 Centre Street N or follow them on social media!

TWICE BUT NICE @twicebutnice.ca Twice But Nice is Airdrie’s online children’s boutique for previously loved items.

After realizing that her standard of EUC (Excellent Used Condition) is not the same as others while on maternity leave, Amanda decided to open Airdrie's onestop shop for the best previously loved, well priced kid's clothes and accessories.

FOLIA MOM foliamom.ca

DUNVEGAN GARDENS AT GRANARY ROAD dunvegangardens.com

Trish started making postpartum products for her doula clients in 2016, as a way to help manage their recovery from birth.

Recognizing a need for specific pregnancy and postpartum products, she went to work, and Folia Mom was born. Her line of pregnancy and postpartum products include mineral bath soaks, nipple and lip balm, foot butter, candles and more.

Dunvegan Gardens was established in Dunvegan in 1953 and has always strived to satisfy the needs of its customers through its greenhouse initiatives. One of the largest locations is now in Calgary. We love the Dunvegan Gardens Farmers Market Box for local fresh fruits and veggies! Get it weekly, every two weeks or monthly by ordering online.

Birthdays on the Farm

PARTY ANIMALS! BIRTHDAYS AT THE FARM! Watch magical memories unfold! Connect with the most wonderful farm animals on the planet. Action-packed, hands-on!

BIRTHDAYS AT HOME! We come to your home with a Mini Farm or a Birthday Pony!

“Best and most memorable Birthday EVER”

Information & Registration at ButterfieldAcres.com or call office 403-239-0638

ButterfieldAcres.com

Goat Milking • Tractor Rides • Pony Rides • Farmyard Fun • Picnic Areas 6•

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Visit Okotoks' largest

WIN

& Kensington’s NEWEST - Indoor Market!

The Hidden Gem houses an eclectic collection of local artisans, clothing designers, jewelry artists, artists, furniture makers, woodworkers and more. No two items (or vendors) are the same! Take home food, fresh flowers, handmade decor, art, kids and baby items, health and beauty products, and much more.

Check out The Hidden Gem’s unique workshops and classes, live music, and weekly live events. With new inventory coming in every Friday, there is always something new to discover at The Hidden Gem. Located at 2 - 1145 Kensington Crescent in Calgary and 2 - 15 Fisher Crescent in Okotoks, The Hidden Gem is open 7 days a week and most holidays. It’s like your favorite craft fair, all year round!

We’ve partnered with The Hidden Gem and their many local artisans and vendors to create this incredible giveaway hamper for our readers! This hamper has been donated with love by twenty of the vendors at The Hidden Gem Kensington. The hamper includes over $500 worth of handmade creations, from bath products to clothing to jewelry and more, and showcases the diversity and talent of The Hidden Gem’s Kensington collective.

For your chance to win this incredible gift basket, find our contests on our homepage at calgaryschild.com (contest code: Basket). Contest closes May 30, 2022.

THE KENSINGTON BASKET Sapele & Resin Charcuterie Board - by MB Resin and Woodworks (@mbresinandwoodworks) Micheleine is an Okotoks-based resin and wood artist who creates gorgeous ocean themed charcuterie boards and other resin creations.

‘Berta Bound’ Hoodie - by Made by Megii (@madebymegii) Megan is one of Calgary's Virgin Radio 98.5 FM radio hosts, and the designer of Made by Megii; an Alberta focused clothing line.

Rose and Lavender Fizzing Bath Powder - by Divine Escape (@divineescapereiki) Jenn is the creator of Divine Escape Reiki; an all natural, plant based therapeutic bath line based from Reiki healing.

Sandalwood Hand & Body Lotion - by Truth Bomb Bath and Body (truthbombbathandbody.com) Tami is the maker behind Truth Bomb Bath and Body; a luxury bath and body line with a hint of (un)inspiration.

‘Pick and Mix’ Bag of Candy & Laffy Taffy - by Sweet Threads on Main (@sweetthreads_onmain) Sweet Threads on Main is an Okotoks-based kids clothing store. They also sell their delicious line of unique and nostalgic candy at both Hidden Gem locations!

Freeze-Dried Candy - by The Space Pantry (@thespacepantry) Theresa is the creator behind the wildly popular freeze-dried candy line, The Space Pantry.

Beaded Bracelet, Necklace and Earrings - by Bling N' Things (@blingnthingscalgary) Amber is the owner of Bling N' Things; a jewelry line focused on looking your best (and spending less!)

Water Bottle Holders - by My Fave Straps (@myfavestraps) Lisa is an Okotoks-based creator who brings us quality, handmade straps and harnesses for photographers, travelers, musicians and sports enthusiasts.

Hand-Carved Rose Quartz Turtle & Gemstones - by Sun Moon Gem (@sunmoon_gem) Stacey and Chris bring us ethically-sourced, quality gemstones and crystals from around the world!

Suncatcher Angel - by Mother Nature's Creatures (@ellistheoneandonly) Ellis creates beautiful handcrafted gemstone & wire trees, suncatcher angels, home-grown sage smudge sticks, and more.

Sunflower Tee - by Soul Messenger Creations (@soulmessenger_) Deneen brings us Soul Messenger; a good for you, good for your soul, unique and one of a kind apparel line that stands out from the crowd.

Ukraine Heart - by Fluidology (@susannakay.fluidologyart) Susanna is a paint pour artist who brings us a wide variety of paint poured art, often on barnwood backs or presented in other creative ways.

Cotton Candy Sugar Scrub - by Lautus Soap (@lautussoap) Taylor has created an amazing line of artisan soaps, skin care and candles called Lautus Soap.

Bracelet - by Besu Jewls (@besujewls) A mother and daughter team who offer unique jewelry and vintage treasures.

Crystal Surprise Bag and Rainbow Wing Pendant - by Friends and Gems (@friendsandgems) Friends and Gems is owned and operated by a gifted group of women who work hard to bring us a wide range of products focused on holistic healing, positive energies and new-age healing, such as crystals, gemstones, tarot cards, essential oils and so much more!

Printed Coffee Mug - by Deborah's Tickle Trunk Of Treasures (@Deborahs.tickle.trunk) Deborah creates high-end tumblers with designs, tea towels, aprons, decorative pillows, t-shirts and more.

Macrame Wristlet - by Holly Made (@holly.made.it) Holly is an Okotoks-based momma who creates beautiful things for baby and your home.

Spoon Bracelet - by Sparkling Spoons (@sparklingspoons) Charlene creates unique items from vintage cutlery; always one of a kind!

Printed Mason Jar Mug - by Designing Pour Decisions (@designingpourdecisions) Dawn and her boys are the creators of Designing Pour Decisions, a fun and hilarious line of printed tumblers, hats, shirts, metal signs, garden pokers and so much more!

Vinyl Stickers - by 22 Color YYC (@22coloryyc) Carmen is the colorful creator of 22 Color YYC, a vinyl and paper creator who loves bright beautiful color!

SPRING 2022 • calgaryschild.com • 7

we love local

Enter t o

calgary cares

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 at calgaryschild@shaw.ca

The organization offers styling services, clothing, and accessories for members of the community who: Would like a wardrobe to match their true self.

Want help finding their own signature style.

Are somewhere on their 2SLGBTQIA+ journey and are looking for support.

Transforming Style also offers access to 2SLGBTQIA+ mental health services, including trained therapists on their team. Visit them at their location at 1000 Centre Street N. For more information, visit their website at transformingstyle.ca. CCM • • •

Images of Hope Gala

Providing Hope to Families Struggling with Infertility

PRESENTED BY

The Images of Hope Gala is an exhibition of photographs and multi-media stories featuring children and families who have received fertility assistance from the Regional Fertility Program (RFP).

This elegant evening event on June 4, 2022 at Hudsons Canada’s Pub in Calgary starts with welcome bubbles, followed by a 3-course meal prepared by The Guild’s Chef de Cuisine, Shawn Jackson. The night will also include games of chance, silent and live auctions, and more.

The gala raises money for the Generations of Hope Fertility Assistance Fund (an initiative of RFP) to help Albertans with infertility challenges who cannot afford fertility treatments. Fertility treatment is expensive, often running into tens of thousands of dollars, and is not covered by public and many private medical plans. Purchase tickets or donate by visiting imagesofhopegala.ca. CCM

APRIL 22– JUNE 4

Tiny Heroes Art Project

Art Auction to Support the Ronald McDonald House Calgary artist Jessica Whiting has partnered with the Ronald McDonald House (RMHC) to paint 6 works, each one dedicated to and inspired by the personal family journey and tiny hero behind a RMHC family. These works and the stories they are inspired by, will then be shared as a special online Instagram auction where 100 percent of the proceeds raised will be donated to the RMHC - Alberta.

The goal of this project is to raise awareness of the tremendous work that RMHC - Alberta does for its families and raise funds to be donated directly to the cause. Visit jpwhiting.com/post/tiny-heroes for more information. CCM

BEDDINGTON THEATRE

storybooktheatre.org VOTED BY CALGARY'S CHILD READERS

BEST LIVE THEATRE GROUP FOR FAMILIES 8•

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Transforming Style Inspiring Self-Confidence and Personal Expression

Transforming Style is a not-for-profit organization that provides support, styling services and wardrobe to 2SLGBTQIA+ community members who face barriers to access. The organization recently celebrated the grand opening of its Calgary location!

Transforming Style’s mission is to create a safe and welcoming place where anyone on their journey can find the resources and support they need to celebrate their true self through style.

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

spring flings - family fun

Calgary’s best themed playgrounds No matter what your kids are into, these play structures will provide hours of fun

By Dana Wheatley; Photos: Courtesy of Dana Wheatley Kids love playgrounds with a good theme. It inspires imaginative and creative play. Even when kids don’t find the equipment particularly challenging, they can still have a ton of fun engaging in pretend play.

Currie Barracks Airport Playground. 2953 Battleford Avenue SW. One of the best themed playgrounds in the city, Currie Barracks playground has a fantastic airport theme complete with a runway, control tower and airplane.

Cliff Bungalow Community Centre Playground. Cliff Street and 22nd Ave SW. Cliff Bungalow playground has a woodlands theme, with a river, toadstools and logs. Few playgrounds are as pretty as this one!

Capitol Hill Dinosaur Playground. Capitol Hill – 20th Avenue and 15th Street NW. If you have a dinosaur fan in your house, this playground should not be missed. Kids will adore the dinosaur bone equipment, complete with a T-rex skull.

Prince’s Island Park Playground. Bow River (Just north of downtown). Located in one of Calgary’s best loved park’s Prince's Island Park Playground has a Calgary theme, with a large fort climber, train climber and cowboy hat swings. The park itself is lovely with great views of downtown.

Confederation Park Natural Playground. 905 30 Avenue NW. Confederation Park's natural playground looks to the past and includes two fort structures and an overturned canoe.

Cornerstone Insect Playground. Cornerstone Gardens and Cornerstone Road NE. This playground has an insect theme and includes a wide variety of equipment to engage kids of all ages. The highlight is definitely the large insect-shaped climbing structure.

Nolan Hill Boulevard Castle Playground. Nolan Hill Boulevard (Just north of Nolan Hill Drive). There are three castle-themed playgrounds in Nolan Hill that are all worth a visit. This one has an amazing look, includes a cool pneumatic ‘elevator’ and allows kids to climb up pretty high.

Prestwick Pirate and Castle Park Playground.

1 Prestwick Manor SE. The only thing better than a playground with a great theme, is a playground with two great themes! This playground has a super cool pirate ship play structure as well as a fun castle climber.

Helicopter Playground. 5th Avenue and 27th Street NW. This playground has been a Calgary favorite for

Tickets

NOWe! on sal

Its our BUSIEST TIME of year so tickets are required!

Currie Barracks Airport Playground

Cornerstone Insect Playground

Cliff Bungalow Community Centre Playground

years. The playground has a fun helicopter play structure and partially accessible flooring.

Mills Park Natural Playground. Inglewood – 9th Avenue and 14th Street SE. Located in the heart of Inglewood, Mills Park looks back to the history of the area with Ranch inspired play elements.

Manchester Insect Playground. 57th Street SW and 1a Street SW. This playground is a hidden gem. The main climber at this playground looks like a giant insect.

Young kids will love all the ground level features and older kids will love climbing up to the top of this unique play structure.

Legacy Castle Playground. Legacy Main and Legacy Boulevard SE. Your kids will feel like the king of the castle at this Legacy playground. The accessible flooring at steps allows even little kids to get into the fun but the playground has some challenging equipment for kids a bit older as well.

Have fun!

Dana spends her free time seeking out the best indoor and outdoor places to play in Calgary with her son and blogging about them. For more information, visit calgaryplaygroundreview.com. CCM

d r a y n r Ba

s y a d y BaB baby d welcome all the new an G IN R SP E TH FF ies!

HELP US KICK-O n spring family memor fu e m so e ak M ! ld or animals to the w ant to come back!

WARNING! You’ll w

www.ButterfieldAcres.com SPRING 2022 • calgaryschild.com • 9

spring flings - family fun

family camping trips how to make the most of your getaway The great outdoors offers endless possibilities for family fun

By Kimberly Blaker Camping is the ultimate in outdoor family fun and is loaded with benefits for parents and kids alike. It provides adventure and unlimited opportunities to experience the great outdoors. It's also an excellent way for kids to learn about nature, from plants and animals to the weather and skies. Historical landmarks and different regions offer lessons in history. And parents get a break from the daily responsibilities of life and a little relaxation. Not to mention, it's an affordable way for families to vacation.

What’s the best way to camp?

Your family can choose from a variety of camping options. If you love the experience of roughin' it, pitch a tent and haul the bare necessities. Tents come in many sizes and styles, some with dividers for separate sleeping quarters. When purchasing a tent, remember capacity doesn't include luggage space. If you plan to keep belongings in your tent, opt for a larger size. Most importantly, don't forget padding or a blow-up mattress to insulate against the cold, hard ground.

If you like the idea of roughing it, yet want some of the comforts of home, a pop-up camper is the best of both worlds. The canvas sides and pullout sections of popups are surrounded by screens and give the feeling of sleeping in the fresh outdoors. Pop-ups come in several sizes and often include an icebox or mini-refrigerator, heater, air conditioning, portable toilet, shower, kitchen sink, stove, cabinets and storage space, dining table, and other necessities.

Some families prefer going in style. Travel trailers and motorhomes offer a luxurious nighttime retreat after a day of outdoor fun. The ease in loading and unloading these shelters is excellent for moving from campsite to campsite, making cross-country camping less work.

Motorhomes and travel trailers often have a full-size kitchen, living room complete with sofa and chairs, and separate bedrooms for comfort and privacy.

Don't overlook the option of a cozy cabin in the woods. Cabin rentals are sometimes found at campgrounds or in cabin resorts. Cabins range from basic single-room shelters containing only beds to completely furnished three or four-room units, including

kitchenettes. When reserving a cabin, ask what is supplied before you go so you'll arrive prepared while avoiding unnecessary packing. And don't forget to ask about electricity, lights, and water.

Camping also helps keep other vacation expenses to a minimum. Many families prefer cooking over the campfire to eating out. Additionally, most outdoor camping activities are free or available for minimal cost.

Camping costs The cost of travel can make family vacations a rare treat, but the affordability of camping may allow for frequent getaways. Overnight fees range from a free night's stay on crown land (no showers, toilets, electricity, or water) to $100 or more per night at some private campsites. These top-of-the-line campgrounds are often loaded with amenities from built-in swimming pools to live entertainment.

Provincial park campgrounds vary in quality and range of amenities. Still, these are often the best deal for families interested in experiencing all that nature has to offer. Fees for overnight accommodations in provincial parks typically range from $8 to $31 per night. Many provincial park campgrounds have modern facilities,

Fun camping activities Whatever your family's interests, there is plenty to see and do. Trails offer ample activities such as collecting rocks, leaves, or insects, scouting for wildlife, learning about plants and trees, and practicing survival skills. You can also go on hiking excursions, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

Lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams offer fishing, swimming, row boating or canoeing, sunbathing, and more.

Wildlife viewing is often a highlight. Look for animals early in the morning or at dusk on dirt roads and trails, in open fields surrounded by woods, and near water.

Be patient, walk slowly and quietly, and don’t forget binoculars.

Other activities include nature programs, nature centers, and historical sites, flying kites, rollerblading or bicycling on paved trails, and more.

When you're ready to relax, light a campfire, and enjoy reading or storytelling, play cards or board games, watch the sunset, stargaze, and roast marshmallows.

“The cost of travel can make family vacations a rare treat, but the affordability of camping may allow for frequent getaways.” including flush toilets, showers, grassy or gravel sites, playgrounds, stores nearby for firewood and ice, and more. Furthermore, provincial park campgrounds frequently offer extensive hiking or biking trails nearby, natural wonders, historical sites, and more at a much lower price than private campgrounds.

What to take Buy a couple of large plastic totes with lids to carry and store your camping supplies. The following are some of the basics you'll want to take: • • • • • • • •

Reusable plastic cups (labeled to save on washing) Silverware Plates and bowls Paper towels, food storage bags, and tinfoil A cooking source such as a one or twoburner stove An aluminum pot and skillet Cooking utensils and can opener Coffee pot

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Tablecloth Ice chest, food, and drinks Drinking water and large water container Dish soap and dishcloths Insect repellent and sunscreen Folding chairs Backpack Radio, flashlight, and batteries Lantern and matches Firewood (unless available near your campground) Knife and hatchet Rope and twine First-aid kit Sleeping bags, blankets, and pillows Air mattress or padding Personal hygiene items and toilet paper Towels and washcloths Bikes, rollerblades, balls, fishing, and other sports equipment Camera and binoculars Clothing for all types of weather, rain gear, and walking shoes or hiking boots

What not to take Don’t get carried away with packing, or camping will become a chore. Make a list, then weed out items you don’t really need. Portable televisions detract from outdoor fun, so leave yours at home.

Think it through before taking your pet. Some campgrounds don't allow pets, and even if they do, pets cannot be left unattended. A pet can hinder many activities, including public beaches, where dogs often aren't allowed.

Easy camp foods There are many ways to cook. Buy a gas or liquid fuel camping stove. If electricity is available, a crockpot or electric griddle works well. You can also carry a charcoal or small gas grill or cook over an open fire.

Keep meals simple to minimize packing, preparation, and clean up. Easy choices include hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, steak, sandwiches, eggs, bacon, sausage, crockpot meals, sweet corn, baked potatoes, canned foods such as baked beans, tuna, chicken, spaghetti, ravioli, and soup, fresh fruit, vegetables and dip, bagels, English muffins, cereal, fruit juice, and hot cocoa.

On the other hand, if you enjoy cooking and tasty meals are one of the highlights for your family, then make the most of mealtime. With all the options for cooking, you can easily enjoy a gourmet feast.

Camping tips Camping is often a learn-as-you-go experience. But the following can alleviate hassles and keep your family safe.

Protect your food from animals and animals from your food by blocking access. Animals can find their way into nearly anything. A cooler that latches is usually a safe bet. All food should be stored in your vehicle overnight,

if possible. Review Alberta’s BearSmart guidelines here: alberta.ca/bears-and-outdoor-recreation.aspx Teach your kids animal safety. Wild animals usually want to avoid humans as much as we want to avoid them. Still, they can pose risks. Cougars, coyotes and bobcats usually stay away from people, but have been known to attack humans. Bear interactions with humans can be disastrous for both parties. Even small animals, like nesting birds and small mammals like squirrels, that feel threatened may attack.

Poor weather can strike at any time, and insect infestations can also make for a miserable experience.

Make additional shelter such as a screen tent or tarps and rope part of your camping gear.

Arrive at your camp destination ahead of the crowd.

Every campsite is unique, and early arrival can assure a site that satisfies your needs.

When selecting a site, look for proximity to restrooms, the playground, electricity, and water. If you have young kids, make sure the site isn't close to a river or lake. The amount of shade you'll want may depend on the weather forecast. To avoid mud in the event of rain, choose a grassy or rock site. Also, stay away from a site that backs up to outhouses, which can smell in the heat and wind.

Kimberly is a freelance writer. She also owns an online bookshop, Sage Rare & Collectible Books, specializing in out-of-print, scarce, signed, and first editions; fine bindings; ephemera and more at sagerarebooks.com. CCM

SPRING 2022 • calgaryschild.com • 11

spring flings - family fun

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spring flings - family fun

Easter sunday funday Get cracking in the kitchen with some fun holiday brunch ideas

By Tanya Kaynes; Photo: Courtesy of Tanya Kaynes As the Easter Bunny hops through your weekend, you can turn Easter Sunday to Easter Sunday Funday with activities for the kids and a delicious brunch for the whole family.

Start the day with a unique egg hunt. Yes, the kids will be searching for eggs, but they won’t be chocolate. They will be plastic eggs, the ones you can get at the dollar store that you can put things inside of.

Inside each plastic egg, you will have a brunch ingredient: eggs, banana, cheese, waffle, ham, spinach, chocolate, bacon, strawberries, whip cream, onions, etc. Write it on a piece of paper and pop it into a plastic egg. Fill up at least 10 eggs per child, then hide them around the house (or, if the weather is cooperating, you can hide them outside).

This egg hunt will have a time limit - you don’t want them to find all the eggs! Put out more eggs than you think they will find. Depending on your kids, set the time limit that you think will suit them best. If they find half of the eggs, that’s ideal.

Once the time is up, gather up the eggs your kids found. Then, get everyone together to open up the eggs together. Grab a notebook and write down each ingredient as you open up each egg. Once they’re all open, it’s time to get creative! As a family, discuss what kind of dishes and toppings you can make with your list of ingredients for Easter brunch. Once you have a few ideas, it’s time to get cracking in the kitchen.

Depending on the ages of your kids and size of your family, you can divide your family into two teams. Each team will be responsible for half of the dishes to make for brunch. Cook together in the kitchen and have a blast doing it. Once it’s all ready to go, gather around the table for a great meal and a little taste testing. Each team can present their dishes and then (if you wish) you can vote on everyone’s favorite dish.

If all else fails, here is a unique brunch recipe that works in one of the staple items of the Easter weekend, the hot cross bun! These fluffy spiced pancakes will be a crowd pleaser!

SOUR CREAM HOT CROSS BUN PANCAKES - Serves 4 2 cups sour cream 1 cup of flour 4 Tbsp of sugar 2 tsp baking soda 1 tsp of salt ½ tsp cinnamon ½ tsp of allspice ¼ cup raisins 1 Tbsp of orange zest 4 large eggs 1 tsp of vanilla extract Butter for frying and serving Warm syrup for serving

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Sour Cream Hot Cross Bun Pancakes

In a small bowl, whisk together eggs and vanilla.

Set aside.

In a separate bowl, stir together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, spices, raisins and orange zest.

In a medium bowl, stir together the sour cream with the dry ingredients until just barely combined (don’t overmix).

Whisk in the egg mixture until just combined. Heat a griddle over medium-low heat and melt some butter in the pan. Drop batter by ¼ cup servings onto the griddle. Cook on the first side until bubbles start to form on the surface and edges are starting to brown. Flip to the other side and cook for another minute. (Pancakes will be a little on the soft side and have a souffle-like texture).

Serve with butter and syrup.

Easter means spring is here and spending time with family is the icing on the cake! Enjoy the long weekend and have a great Easter Sunday Funday!

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

Follow on Facebook and Instagram @menagerieyyc. CCM

Going on an adventure with the extended family may be easier than you think

By Tanya Koob Grandparents love to be included in family outings and many fit seniors enjoy hiking near Calgary. To make a hike enjoyable with extended family members though, I have discovered a few things that greatly contribute to a successful outing. n First, keep it close to home Most grandparents aren’t going to want to get up at 6am and then drive 2 hours just to go for a short family hike. Fortunately, there are some great trails close to Calgary so you can get a leisurely mid-morning start, head out for a fun ramble, and still make time for coffee or ice cream afterwards. (Bonus: start with brunch first and then head out for an afternoon hike!)

Suggestion for hikes: Big Hill Springs Provincial Park. Located off the • 1A, west of Calgary (featuring waterfalls, a creek to play in, and a short loop hike).

• The Cochrane Ranche. Located off the 1A in Cochrane (featuring pleasant hiking along a creek and the chance to see the famous Grandfather Tree, a 300-year-old White Spruce.

• The Fullerton Loop, Elbow Valley. This 7km return hike is accessed from the Allen Bill day use area parking lot off Highway 66 in the Elbow Valley, south west of Bragg Creek. For a shorter hike in the same area, consider hiking the Paddy’s Flat Interpretive Trail from the Paddy’s Flat Campground further down the highway (park beside the gate if the campground is still closed before the end of April and hike down.) n Second, preparation before you reach the trailhead is key The first thing you’ll want to confirm is whether there are bathrooms at the trailhead. If not, plan a stop at a visitor centre or coffee shop along the way. I also like to look up trail conditions on the Alberta Parks or Parks Canada website so we’re prepared for mud, ice, or a wet trail. Knowing if there’s a bear warning or closure for the trail is also key!

Suggestions for hikes: Bow Valley Campground Trails. Located off • Highway 1X near Exshaw from the TransCanada Highway, you’ll find a great network of trails for a half-day hike. Park at Middle Lake if the

campground isn’t open yet at the end of April and proceed from here on foot towards the Many Springs Loop. Best of all, you can choose to hike the campground trails or on the paved roads if everything is wet and muddy, and there are bathrooms at the Middle Lake parking lot. There are other bathrooms spread out through the park as well at each day use area (all connected by hiking paths.) n Third, always focus on the après-hike experience I have learned that there either needs to be a coffee shop on the trail, at the trailhead, or very close to the destination for a fun stop after the hike. Add a place that sells ice cream and you’ve chosen a five-star hike!

Suggestions for hikes: • Johnston Canyon, Banff. Enjoy a pleasant 5km round trip hike to the Upper Falls and reward the group with coffee, ice cream, or a cold drink at the end of your hike from the café located beside the trailhead. Note this trail can still be quite icy if you visit too early in the season so check the trail report.

Canmore riverside trails. There are beautiful • trails along the Bow River in Canmore and you’re never far from downtown Canmore for coffee, ice cream, or even lunch! There’s a small parking lot on the far side of the bridge over the river we like to start from (by the town boat launch). From this parking lot, you’re a short walk from the West Canmore playground as well. Most trails are not paved but they are flat, relatively flat, and great with balance bikes or strollers.

• Ribbon Creek or Troll Falls, Kananaskis Village.

Hike the Ribbon Creek Trail or go for a walk to Troll Falls and then drive up to Kananaskis Village for coffee or treats after. We love the coffee shop in the Kananaskis Lodge and there are pretty walking trails around the lodge as well. n Fourth, it’s never just about the “walking” Kids get bored when they’re just out for a walk. Add bridges, a creek, a trail they can bike (while you walk alongside), a pond to play in… and suddenly it’s a great adventure!

Suggestions for hikes: • Heart Creek Trail, Bow Valley. Located off the TransCanada Highway east of Canmore (features many bridges, a creek to play in, and a waterfall) Beaver Flats Trail, Elbow Valley. Located off • Highway 66, south west of Bragg Creek from the Beaver Lodge Day Use Area or via a short walk on the closed highway from Elbow Falls if you visit before May 15 (features a creek, beaver dams, and a great opportunity to bike on the highway when it’s closed to vehicles. Kids may enjoy using balance bikes on the Beaver Flats Trail as well. n Finally, be inclusive in your trail choice Maybe one of the grandparents doesn’t have the best balance and would benefit from having a paved trail to walk on, your preschooler is stuck to his or her balance bike and won’t leave home without it, and you have a younger child that could use a stroller coming along.

Believe it or not, there is a hike for this!

Suggestions for hikes: • Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park. Located off the 1A, west of Calgary (features a paved trail through the park or natural dirt trails including one along the river) – note the paved trail descends a large hill at the beginning and then you’ll climb it to get back to the parking lot.

• The Sundance Trail, Banff. This paved trail starts from the Cave and Basin National Historic Site in Banff. Walk (or bike) to a day use area with picnic tables at the entrance to the Sundance Canyon. It is 3.7km one way to the canyon with an optional 1.7km loop through the canyon (not paved).

• Riverside trails in Banff. Park at the Banff Train Station and then enjoy a pleasant walk around the Town of Banff on the paved riverside trails.

Opportunities are plentiful for ice cream, coffee, or snacks as well. You can even combine your walk with lunch at one of the restaurants downtown.

Have a great day exploring as a family!

Tanya is a freelance writer and mom to an energetic teenage 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

SPRING 2022 • calgaryschild.com • 13

spring flings - family fun

5 easy steps to planning a successful hike with the grandparents

spring flings - family fun

dig this: big benefits of gardening with kids Getting your hands dirty together can make the family more harmonious

By Janeen Lewis Most parents want their children to get outside away from phones, TV and video games, and gardening is a great way to achieve this goal. However, recent research shows that there are several other reasons to start a garden with kids. The benefits range from making kids smarter to making them healthier. Here are 10 great reasons to get kids gardening: 1. Students who garden score higher on science tests. Gardening is full of science. Children learn about plant classification, weather, soil, and plant pests and disease. They are introduced to botany in a natural, hands-on way, and recent research shows that students who had gardening experiences as part of their school curriculum did better on standardized science tests than students who were not exposed to gardening in school.

2. If they grow it, they will eat it. As a teacher, I’ve taught STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and have served as a Junior Master Garden club leader. In these roles I witnessed the "if they grow it, they will eat it" phenomenon. Students love to dig up what they have grown, and then curiosity gets the better of them – they want to taste it.

Master Gardener Beth Tovi volunteered to mentor students in the garden for eight years at the elementary school where she served as a media specialist. She

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sees the nutritional and health benefits children gain from gardening. “With the growing concerns about obesity, diabetes, and even high blood pressure in children, gardening gets them physically active and outdoors. And children will eat anything they grow – even if it’s green.”

3. Digging in the dirt can make kids healthier.

Several studies show that children who were raised on farms don’t have as many respiratory allergies, asthma, or autoimmune disorders as children who were raised in urban areas because children who live on farms are exposed to more microbes and fungi in the dirt. Letting children get outside and get in the dirt may actually make them healthier than keeping them tidy, clean and inside.

4. Gardening strengthens emotional and interpersonal skills. Children who garden learn responsibility, patience, perseverance and how to deal with disappointment if the garden doesn’t grow the way they expected. How do they collaborate with other siblings, friends, or school mates to get the garden work done? These are character-building skills that research shows children reap in the garden.

I witnessed this one year at a school garden when we had a drought. Watering the plants and trying to keep

them healthy was an arduous task, and the students and I learned about perseverance and teamwork.

5. Gardening connects children with nature. When children garden, they gain ownership in what they are cultivating. I have seen my own children grow attached to the plants in the containers on our patio garden. As children become more knowledgeable about all the living things in the garden, they are less likely to be afraid of touching the plants, getting soil on their hands or being near bugs. They are no longer afraid of the unknown when they become familiar with what is in the garden.

6. Gardening helps relieve stress for the whole family. A garden can be therapeutic. Not that your Grade 4 is battling traffic, raising children and feeling the demands of a pressure-ridden job, but even kids can feel stress, and the garden is good for eliminating it. In fact, a study in the Netherlands showed that after 30 minutes of gardening, subjects who had shown stress before they gardened had a fully restored positive mood. And if the adults in the family are feeling stressed, and they garden with their children, it can help the whole family feel more harmonious.

7. Gardening teaches kids to problem-solve. “When they garden, children learn problem-solving skills,” Tovi

A great resource for starting a container garden is The Vegetable Gardener’s Container Bible: How to Grow a Bounty of Food in Pots, Tubs, and Other Containers by Edward C. Smith. says. “They say, ‘this trellis doesn’t work very well. How can we make one that will better support this kind of plant?’”

In a garden, children ask questions like “what is eating this plant?” or “is this tree dying?”

Once children become absorbed in solving the problems in a garden, they want to research to find the best answers. “They become sleuths, starting in the garden and heading into the computers,” Tovi says.

8. Gardening is a good work out. Gardening is good physical labor involving muscles that don’t always get

a workout. Even the most seasoned gym-goer may admit to being sore the day after working in a garden.

Gardening involves stretching, bending, digging, lifting, pulling and raking. Gross and fine motor skills are used, and even the youngest gardener with simple tasks gets physical activity.

9. Gardening helps children become environmental stewards. When children start reaping the food and flowers that come from a garden, they realize a garden’s impact on them and their impact on the garden. Once

This book teaches even beginning gardeners how to grow organic food in small spaces. The book covers container and tool selection, caring for plants and controlling pests without chemicals.

With a little research and tender care, you can grow flowers and vegetables that flourish.

Sow the seeds of a garden with your child today, and see them reap the benefits for a lifetime.

Janeen is a freelance journalist and mother of two. She loves to teach gardening to children. CCM

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spring flings - family fun

they have this tangible experience, it is much easier to teach them to care for the environment.

10. Gardening can lead to a longer life. Studies show that adults who garden in their later years live longer.

Instead of living a sedentary life, gardeners get off the couch and are active in nature. Teaching children good habits when they are young will make them more likely to follow them through life.

11. No yard? No problem! When your backyard is a concrete patio or an apartment balcony, it’s hard to imagine growing a bountiful garden. But it can be done in containers. Choose some eco-friendly containers with drainage holes in the bottom, fill them with a potting mix and then choose seeds or seedlings to plant. Another option is to grow an herb garden inside on a sunny window ledge.

spring flings - family fun

10 keys to a stress-free road trip with the kids Cut down on the complaints with these simple tips

By Tanni Haas, Ph.D. Road trips are a lot of fun, but they can also be stressful if you’re not properly prepared for them.

Thankfully, there are many things you can do to reduce stress and keep everyone happy. Based on my own experiences as well as conversations with other parents, I’ve pulled together a list of some favorite stressmanagement tips: Get the kids involved. Get the kids involved in planning the trip, from choosing where to go, where to stay, and what to do along the way. When kids take ownership of something, they’re less likely to get bored or act up. Your phone probably has a GPS navigation system. Still, buy an old-fashioned paper map and have the kids help you navigate.

Take plenty of pit stops. If you plan to drive for many hours a day, schedule regular pit stops. These stops are not just opportunities to get something to eat or to take a bathroom break, find places along the route where the kids can have some fun. Roadside attractions, play grounds, and parks are places where the kids can run around and release some of their energy.

Pack plenty of entertainment and snacks. Bring lots of entertainment - electronic games, board games, and playing cards. Kids can easily get bored during long drives. Also bring plenty of snacks. Even if you’ve carefully mapped out your trip, there’ll be times when it’s difficult to find a place to eat.

Engage the kids. Keep your kids as engaged as possible while you’re on the road. Instead of having adults sit up front and kids in the back, one grown up should hop into the back seat and interact with them – after all, one of the main reasons to take a road trip is to spend quality time with your kids.

Play music and audio books. Get the kids off their head phones, do the same yourself, and listen to some music together on the car radio. If you have time, create a joint playlist before the trip starts. Try listening to audio books.

Even if you have very different reading interests, you should be able to find something like a suspenseful novel or a book of jokes that can grab everyone’s attention.

Give the car a check-up. One thing that can definitely reduce stress is knowing that the car is in tip-top shape before you hit the road. Have it checked thoroughly by a mechanic, including brakes, fluids, lights, and tire pressure. Make sure that your emergency road service membership is current, and pack your membership card.

“Get the kids involved in planning the trip, from choosing where to go, where to stay, and what to do along the way.”

Pack emergency supplies. Things can happen on the road. To be on the safe side, pack emergency supplies.

This includes stuff for you and the kids, such as antiseptic wipes, band aids, batteries and phone chargers, a first-aid kit, hand sanitizer, motion sickness pills, and water. Don’t forget stuff for the car - flashlights, jumper cables, and a spare tire.

Bring your kids’ friends. If you have enough space in the car, why not bring one of your kids’ friends along

with you? It’ll keep the kids happy and you stress-free. If possible, try and allow each kid to bring a friend (or take turns!) or else you may have a case of sibling jealousy.

Packing and unpacking. Pack your things in a way that you don’t have to empty the entire car each time you arrive at a new destination. Instead of giving each family member their own suitcase, pack smaller bags that contain what everyone needs on any given day; the toiletry bag should be packed separately: it makes no sense to pack multiple toothbrushes for everyone!

Read about the places you’re going and passing.

Bring travel books about your destinations and the places that you’ll pass along the way. If the kids are young, read out loud to them. If they’re old enough to read on their own, ask them to share what they’ve learned with the rest of the family. That’ll keep them occupied and make time in the car so much more fun for everyone.

Tanni is a Professor in the Department of Communication Arts, Sciences, and Disorders. CCM

Monday, May 23, NOON - 4 PM Shows, crafts, parades & more!

Highland Park Community 3716 -2 ST NW RAIN OR SHINE

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No need to go out and buy expensive kits to get creative with your kids

By Klynne Brinas Keeping kids entertained with crafts can get expensive.

So, I’ve put together a list of crafts you can do using stuff you (probably) already have at home.

ORIGAMI Our go-to craft on a rainy-day-in is origami. Origami is the Japanese art of folding paper into decorative shapes or figures.

You can use whatever paper you have on hand. There are a lot of tutorials on how to make origami on the internet. Search for a video tutorial on YouTube so you can follow step-by-step and have the option to pause whenever needed.

We make our origami crafts unique by drawing doodles on our plain white copy paper before making them into origami pieces.

DIY PHONE SPEAKER No need to buy that fancy Bluetooth speaker for your phone! Here’s how to DIY it.

You will need 2 paper or plastic disposable cups and a cardboard toilet paper roll. If you want to make this for your tablet, use a paper towel roll instead. In the middle of the cardboard toilet paper roll cut an opening that will fit the bottom of your phone vertically.

On the side of each cup, cut a hole that will fit each end of the toilet paper roll. Attach each end of the toilet paper roll into the cups with the cut-out side, you made earlier, facing upwards. Then decorate your speaker however you want.

Turn on the music and put your phone in the toilet paper roll to hold it in place. Now let’s dance!

SECRET MESSAGE Secret messages are so much fun to make and pass around!

Squeeze into a container the juice of a lemon. Dip a cotton bud in the lemon juice and use it like a pen to write your message on a white piece of paper. Let the secret ink dry for a couple of minutes.

To unlock the hidden message, the recipient must put the paper close to a heat source. Make sure to have an adult supervise! You can use a candle or even try heating

up the paper on the stove using a dry non-stick frying pan, or in the microwave.

ACID AND BASE EXPERIMENT This is a great experiment for middle schoolers that are just learning about acids and bases.

Did you know that you can make your own acid/base indicator using red cabbage? No need for pH paper!

Make sure to have an adult supervise! Chop up a quarter of a red cabbage, place in a saucepan, and add enough water to cover the cabbage. Cook the mixture over low-medium heat long enough for the water to absorb the pigment from the cabbage, which will be about 15-20 minutes. After that, strain the mixture and discard the cabbage.

“Challenge someone into crushing an empty can of pop without using their hands.”

Place about a tablespoon of the resulting liquid in several clear containers. I recommend using clear plastic disposable mini cups or clear shot glasses. Add about a teaspoon of any liquid you want to test. Consider testing bleach, juice, pop, vinegar, hot sauce, and window cleaner. Any liquid that turns the indicator liquid red is an acid, and any liquid that turns it blue is a base.

Did you find more acids or bases at home?

LOOK MA, NO HANDS! Challenge someone into crushing an empty can of pop without using their hands.

This is how you win this challenge: Prepare an ice bath by placing a generous amount of ice in a bowl that

will fit the can of pop. Then fill up the container with water halfway.

Add a small amount of water into the empty pop can, just enough to cover the bottom of the can. Heat up the pop can on the stove top by placing it on top of a frying pan. Make sure to have an adult supervise! Once you see steam coming out of the can or hear the water boiling, use a pair of tongs, to pick up the can and place it upside down in the ice bath. Watch the can crush on its own!

ROCK CANDY After all that crafting and experimenting, I’m sure you’ll be craving something sweet. Let’s make some rock candies! Make sure to have an adult supervise.

Combine equal parts of water and sugar in a saucepan and heat until all the sugar is dissolved. Then slowly add more sugar into the saucepan, while mixing, until the sugar will no longer dissolve in the water.

The water will start to look cloudy at this point. The amount of sugar to water should roughly be about 3:1.

Add flavoring and coloring to your liking at this point, if available. Once the sugar solution is slightly cool, place in a clear glass jar. We used canning jars to easily observe the crystal formation.

Dip wooden skewers into water then roll them in sugar and set aside to dry. Once the skewers are dry, dip them into the sugar solution in the glass jar. Make sure that the skewers are not touching the bottom or the sides of the jar. We used clothes pins to hold the skewers in place.

You can also use pipe cleaners to keep the skewers in place, too.

Now here’s where lots of patience is needed. It will take about a week for the candy to look like the storebought rock candy your kids are used to. However, it is so much fun checking out the experiment daily and watching more and more sugar crystals form!

Now what are you waiting for? Let’s get crafting!

Fueled by strong coffee and a Gemini personality, Klynne shares ideas on living a minimal organized life full of adventures.

For creative ideas on how to elevate frugal to luxury, visit thisfamilylifewelive.com. Tag her on Instagram to share your crafts at @thisfamilylifewelive! CCM

Kids Art Parties

Book your next pARTy at Vin Gogh Paint Studio. We do a variety of creative parties for kids. In-studio or mobile. Create fun art and memories! www.vingogh.ca

• www.vingogh.ca • (403) 475-4644 • info@vingogh.ca

SPRING 2022 • calgaryschild.com • 17

spring flings - family fun

frugal and easy crafts to do with stuff you have in your home

calendar

calgary's child calendar For the most up-to-date calendar of events check out our website at calgaryschild.com APRIL April 9 to May 28; Skooby Doob and the Haunted Race Track at Jubilations Dinner Theatre! A production written for kids, and a meal designed with kids in mind!

Join us for a fun-filled morning of laughter, music and food! Visit jubilations.ca for more information and tickets.

April 9 to 10, 10am to 4pm; Aggie Days at the Calgary Stampede. Strap on your cowboy boots and head on down to the Nutrien Western Event Centre and enjoy visiting the farm without even leaving the city. The event will include interactive agriculture activities, which could include cow milking, sheep shearing, farm animals, corn maze, and much more. Visit ag.calgarystampede.com for more information.

April 13; Heritage Park’s Dinner & A Movie: Crazy Rich Asians. Enjoy the perfect date night out! Dine on a delicious, three-course, movie-themed dinner in the Selkirk Grille before settling in to watch a film in Gasoline Alley Museum. Visit heritagepark.ca for more information.

April 13 to May 1; Kim's Convenience at Alberta Theatre Projects. Come check out the hit Canadian play by Ins Choi that inspired the TV show. A family-friendly production (suggested for ages 14 plus) or a perfect parents date night out! Visit albertatheatreprojects.com for more information and tickets.

April 15 to April 18, 9am to 5pm; Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo’s Easter Eggstravaganza. This renowned event is back with family-friendly fun designed to help you say “goodbye” to winter and “hello” to the warmer weather!

Activities include a virtual egg hunt, prizes, photo ops and more. Visit calgaryzoo.com for more information.

April 15 to 23; The Wind in the Willows at the Pumphouse Theatre. Based on Kenneth Grahame’s best-selling classic of children’s literature, and with a book by Oscar-winning screenwriter and Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes and songs by Olivier Award-winning composers and lyricists George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, The Wind in the Willows is a wild, thrill-seeking tale about what it truly means to be a friend. Visit untoldstoriestheatre.com for more information and tickets.

April 16 to May 8; Butterfield Acres Barnyard Baby Days.

Good times to remember forever with all spring cuties (lambs, goats, bunnies, cows, piglets, chicks) and other fun experiences including lots of cute spring photo ops, the opportunity to see and bottle feed spring babies, and some heart-warming up-close moments with some favorite farm animals. Tickets are required. Visit butterfieldacres.com for more information.

April 21 to 24; The Calgary Comics & Entertainment Expo at Stampede Park. Attendees can shop hundreds of vendors and exhibitors, check out panels and workshops, meet their favorite stars and creators, and celebrate what makes them geeky with thousands of other fans in cosplay. There is something for every fan at Calgary Expo, and fun for all ages! Visit fanexpohq.com for tickets and more information.

18 • Find us on

April 22 to June 4; Storybook Theatre’s SpongeBob the Musical. Adapted from the iconic Nickelodeon series.

SpongeBob, Patrick, Sandy, Squidward and all of Bikini Bottom face total annihilation – until a most unexpected hero rises to take center stage. For more information and to buy tickets, visit storybooktheatre.org ​​ April 23, 1 to 2:30pm; Fort Calgary’s Stories and S’mores.

Gather around a roaring fire for family-friendly tales from the lands we now call Fort Calgary. Storyteller Nicole Henbrey will share the fascinating histories of some of the different people who lived on this very site. Along with true stories to excite your imagination, they’ll provide everything you need to make the perfect s’more over an open fire. Visit fortcalgary.com for more information.

April 24, 3pm; Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra’s Peter and the Wolf. In Sergei Prokofiev’s imaginative classic, Peter and his animal friends try to capture a wolf lurking near the village. A delightful introduction to the orchestra, the instruments are characters in this narrated story. Visit calgaryphil.com for tickets and more information.

April 29, 30 and May 1; The Wildlife Festival. Presented

by YYC Nature and Education Centre at the Nutrien Event Centre, Stampede Park. Meet a wallaby, alligator, armadillo and more! Admission $18 at the door. Email yycnaturecentre@gmail.com for more information.

April 30 to May 1; Spring Calgary Baby and Tot Show.

A fun, family-friendly two-day consumer trade show with everything for bump, baby, and beyond all under one roof. Come out and support local businesses and artisans. There’s everything from services and shopping to educational seminars and family entertainment. Visit calgarybabyshow.com for tickets and more information.

MAY Opening May 1; Bow Habitat Kids Can Catch Trout Pond. The Bow Habitat Station’s Kids Can Catch Trout Pond is open for the season. This pond is stocked with rainbow trout raised in the fish hatchery for you to catch and release. Visit bowhabitat.alberta.ca for more information.

Beginning in May; Dinosaurs Awakened. Get ready to marvel at the sights and sounds of these magnificent life-like creatures and see for yourself what Alberta might have looked like when dinosaurs reigned supreme. For more information visit calgaryzoo.com.

May 6 to May 7; Spring Fling by MarketSquare. This event is paired with the Okotoks Trade and Lifestyle show. Come celebrate and support local artists, artisans, and the business community. There will be 250 plus vendors under one roof. Visit themarketsquare.ca for tickets and more information.

May 6 to 16; CBC Calgary Reads Big Book Sale. This sale is the organization’s signature annual fundraiser,

bringing in money that they use throughout the year to support school and community programs and provide free books and literacy resources to children and families across Alberta. Visit calgaryreads.com for more information.

May 7, from 10am to 3pm; Mini Golf for Big Hearts Charity Classic Mini Golf Family Event. Book a tee time and bring your family together for a round of indoor mini golf fun at Bow Valley Square. Learn more about all the amazing programs we offer that support children living with disabilities and specialized needs in our community.

A family ticket includes 18 holes of golf, a drink and a snack per person. Visit varietyalberta.ca/familyminigolf for more information.

May 7, from 7pm to 8:30pm; Calgary Children's Choir Concert in May. The end-of-year event will be held at Rozsa Centre at the University of Calgary. Visit calgarychildrenschoir.com for more information and tickets.

May 7 to 8 and 14 to 15, 9am to 5pm; Day Out with Thomas at Heritage Park. All aboard! We’re full steam ahead for a day with this ‘Really Useful Engine’! Imagine how far you’ll go with big dreams and even bigger smiles.

The highlight of the day is riding in an interactive train pulled by Thomas himself, but there are plenty of other special activities. Learn more at heritagepark.ca.

May 7 to 16; 2022 Hike for Hospice Calgary. You choose when, where and how. Honor your loved ones in the Hike for Hospice Calgary by walking a favorite pathway or visiting some personally meaningful spots. With your support, along with our sponsors, we hope to raise $100,000 for Hospice Calgary’s services. Learn more and register at hospicecalgary.ca May 7 to June 11; The Great Race at Stage West Kids.

Join Hannah Hare and Tanya Turtle in a fun-filled musical adventure as they compete to win the grand prize in The Great Race. For more information and tickets, visit stagewestcalgary.com May 14, 7:30pm; Stars on Ice. The well-known event is bringing figure skating back to its loyal fans across Canada following the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, China. The 2022 Stars on Ice tour will be co-headlined by skating icons Kurt Browning and Elvis Stojko. For more information and tickets, visit starsonice.ca.

May 21 to 22; Otafest 2022 – Calgary’s Premier Anime Festival. Otafest is a 3-day Japanese Cultural and Animation Festival at the Calgary Telus Convention Centre. Activities include shopping, cosplay, playing games, watching anime and even the possibility of meeting your favorite voice actors. For more information and tickets, visit otafest.com.

May 23, from 12pm to 4pm; Puppet Power: Family Festival Day. Join us for the live event kick off to our week-long festival, Puppet Power, as we explore the idea of celebration! Watch puppet shows, make your own

calendar

take-home puppets, join a puppet parade! Listen to stories that feature puppets! Perform your puppet for an onsite video! Build a kite (upside-down marionette!)

Face painting, ice-cream and much more! Learn more at wppuppet.com.

May 23 to May 29, 11am to 6pm; Puppet Power: Festival of Ideas. Local, national, and international master puppeteers and presenters will provide inspiring talks/panels, practical how-to workshops, and puppetrybased performances. Visit wppuppet.com for tickets and more information.

May 27 to June 5; Royal Canadian International Circus 2022. The all new Royal Canadian International Circus 2022 is coming to Calgary! This spectacular show will mesmerize, astound, thrill, and captivate audiences beyond the extraordinary. There are no exotic animals in this show. Want 2-for-1 tickets? Buy them online at royalcanadiancircus.ca and use the code: calgaryschild!

May 28 to 29, The Calgary Reptile Expo. This is your opportunity to find your favorite local reptile and amphibian breeders and enthusiasts under one roof. For more information and tickets, visit albertareptiles.ca.

ONGOING Beginning March 1; Quantum Sandbox at TELUS Spark.

A digital immersion gallery like nothing before, where guests find themselves in a world of colours, sounds, movement and energy. The 3,000 square foot interactive pixel wonderland is a 25-minute loop where guests explore 5 physics principles. Learn more and buy tickets at sparkscience.ca.

Until April 15; Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition. If you love an immersive gallery experience, you’ll want to know about Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, coming to Calgary in March and April 2022! Step into the world of Michelangelo and experience the Sistine Chapel like never before. The exhibit uses state-of-theart technology, as Michelangelo’s masterpieces stretch floor-to-ceiling and are closer than ever. Get tickets at sistinechapelexhibit.com.

March 17 to October 27, 3 to 6pm; National Music Centre's Jam Club. Join the National Music Centre's free after-school Jam Club program! Youth ages thirteen to nineteen are invited to jam, practice their skills, and explore their creative potential, all while making new friends, every Thursday at Studio Bell.

May 7 to June 11, from 11am to 1:30pm; Stage West Kids: Tortoise & Hare In The Great Race. Welcome to The Great

Weekly Camps July & August Monday - Friday 7 AM - 6 PM

Race, a reality show hosted by Felicity Fox. Join Hannah Hare and Tonya Turtle as they compete to win the grand prize. Through obstacles, challenges and facing their fears, Hannah and Tonya discover that they are more the same than they are different. Based on the Aesop fable with a modern twist, The Great Race is a fun-filled musical adventure for the whole family. Visit stagewestcalgary. com for more information and tickets.

Until May 15; Explore TELUS Spark’s New Exhibition: RESCUE! Most people wonder how they would react in an emergency. Could you rescue a swimmer if you were the first on the scene with your jet ski? Now you can test your rescue instincts in 17 different interactive situations! sparkscience.ca/rescue.

Until May 28; Greased at Jubilations Dinner Theatre.

Come back with us again to a time when life seemed simpler. Tap your toes and laugh with us as Jubilations parodies one of the all-time great nostalgia trips. All your favorite rock and roll classics of the 50’s are queued up and ready. Learn more at calgary.jubilations.ca.

Programs at Calgary Public Library. Check out your local library for in-person and online programs, workshops and more. From story time to jewelry making to gardening and beyond. Visit calgarylibrary.ca for more information.

For the most up-to-date calendar of events, check out our website, calgaryschild.com. Times and dates are accurate at time of printing; however, changes can occur. CCM

Serious Summer Fun.

Sports STEM Arts & Crafts Field Trips Special Guests

LEARN MORE AT WWW.RIVERVALLEYSCHOOL.CA SPRING 2022 • calgaryschild.com • 19

contests

contests NEST DESIGNS BABY SWADDLE SLEEP BAG As parents, we know that a swaddle sleep bag provides the ultimate comfort for our growing baby during sleep. This baby sleeping bag is a wearable blanket with easy-to-remove swaddle wings. Your little one’s feet have plenty of room to stretch out within the sleep sack while they are kept warm during the night for the coziest rest yet.

The lightweight sleep bag is made with stretchy organic cotton, making it a great summer sleep sack wearable in three different ways!

Features detachable swaddle wings, zipper flaps with snaps for protection of baby's skin, velcro to hold the wings in place, GOTS certified organic cotton, and a twoway zipper for easy changing.

This beautiful gift set also comes with Nest Designs’ Organic Cotton Dry Baby Wipes and some chocolates just for mom (because we know you need them!)

Nest Designs creates premium, eco-friendly baby products with a clean simple style. Their creations are meant to make memories - from playtime to bedtime and all the feedings in between.

To view the whole collection or order a sleep bag of your own, visit nestdesigns.com.

For your chance to win an adorable baby swaddle sleep bag gift set, find our contests on our homepage at calgaryschild.com (contest code: Swaddle). Contest closes May 30, 2022.

MYSENIOR SUBSCRIPTION BOXES - THE COZY BOX AND SPRING SEASONAL BOX The MySenior Subscription box is a family venture founded on the basis of legacy and continuous connection. The last few years have highlighted how important connecting with our loved ones is. MySenior is a special gift for loved ones - carefully curated seasonal boxes for senior citizens. Each box is filled with gift ideas for senior citizens that are a balance of local goods and necessity items.

The Cozy Box is a perfect gift for cooler seasons for the special senior in your life! For the cooler seasons, we put together a wonderful box for those special people in our lives. This box features a balance of local and necessity items for your loved ones, including: 20 • Find us on

• • • • •

Small batch ethically-sourced tea Hand made, luxury Shea butter balm 1lb duck cloth bean bag for fitness and dexterity A cozy scarf A calming coloring card

The Spring Seasonal Box is perfect for those warmer days ahead! This season's box is sunny and bright, curated just for the older adults and parents in our lives.

This box is a blend of essential items, local items and items we know our special people will love: • Pure, handcrafted soap from The Yukon Soaps Company (Yukon) • Interactive coloring book and crayons from Rasm Print Creations (Ottawa) Five high-quality washcloths • • A pair of cozy socks with grips for safe walking • Wildflower Garden Kit from Botanical Paper Works (Winnipeg) For more information or to subscribe and let the senior in your life know you’re thinking about them, visit myseniorbox.com.

For your chance to win either the Cozy Box or the Spring Seasonal Box, find our contests on our homepage at calgaryschild.com (contest codes: Cozy or Spring). Contest closes May 30, 2022.

DISNEY PRINCESS TEA PARTIES COOKBOOK Teatime has never been so magical with this charming cookbook featuring over 50 kid-friendly and easy-to-follow recipes inspired by the Disney Princesses.

From tasty cookies and biscuits to delicious herbal teas, Disney Princess Tea Parties Cookbook includes many Disneythemed treats for the ultimate tea party.

Featuring elegant and fun full-color photography, suggestions for alternate ingredients, and tips and tricks from some of your favorite characters, this all-ages cookbook is the perfect way to bring friends and family together with Disney Princess tea party magic.

To learn more and to pre-order your copy (releasing April 19!) visit amazon.ca or indigo.ca!

For your chance to win a copy of the Disney Princess Tea Parties Cookbook, find our contests on our homepage at calgaryschild.com (contest codes: Princess). Contest closes May 30, 2022.

KYTE BABY TODDLER HOODED BATH TOWEL Made from ultra-soft bamboo terry, Kyte BABY’s toddler bath towel is the equivalent of a warm, plush hug. Oversized with built-in pocket inserts for little hands, this hooded towel completely covers your little one from head to toe. The antibacterial fabric efficiently absorbs moisture, making drying time shorter and easier.

Kyte BABY has the softest baby and adult clothing and accessories, economically sourced out of bamboo!

Bamboo is 3 degrees cooler than cotton, while also being hypoallergenic. The fabric itself also promotes the smart

use of resources and sustainability. Bamboo is the best choice for your baby and for the planet’s future, and this way of thinking is evident in every aspect of Kyte BABY! For more information and to buy your own super cozy sleep and loungewear, visit kytebaby.com.

For your chance to win a Toddler Hooded Bath Towel, find our contests on our homepage at calgaryschild.com (contest codes: Towel). Contest closes May 30, 2022.

“RUN AWAY TO THE CIRCUS” WITH THE ROYAL CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL CIRCUS VIP PACKAGE The all new Royal Canadian International Circus 2022 is coming to Calgary from May 27 to June 5! This spectacular show will mesmerize, astound, thrill, and captivate audiences beyond the extraordinary.

“It’s an incredible showcase of elite circus artists from all around the world that has been designed for multigenerational families,” says Ringmaster Joseph Bauer. “It’s the essence of a traditional circus; this year our visitors will be fascinated by the amazing new global cast of performers coming to perform for families.” Joseph is not only one of the finest Ringmasters on the continent, but is also a 9th generation daredevil performer.

Royal Canadian International Circus 2022 has no exotic animals and is about giving children and adults alike a glimpse into the world of traditional circus, where everyone can enjoy a truly affordable show together regardless of age. Because of the uncompromising quest for excellence, you’ll be amazed by this year’s all new Royal Canadian International Circus 2022.

For more information or to buy tickets, visit the website at royalcanadiancircus.ca.

Enter to win one of two special VIP packages exclusively for Calgary’s Child Magazine! This VIP experience includes: • • • • •

8 x VIP ringside seats Introduced as Honorary Ringmaster Behind the scenes tour with you and your 7 guests Photo op with some cast members Pony rides for the kids

For your chance to win this fantastic VIP experience, find our contests on our homepage at calgaryschild. com (contest code: VIP). Contest closes May 1, 2022.

Summer Camp & Program

23 Why Day Camps?

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24 Nature Play

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28 Camper Anxiety

summer camp & program

kids camps are right around the corner – are you ready?

Four guidelines to help parents decide which camp is right for their child

By Logan Jones Melting snow and longer days signals that time of year to pick kids activities for the spring and summer.

For some parents it is an exciting time, but for others, I can see panic in their eyes. What activities should we pick? How do I know if it is a good fit for my child? What if the camp or sport we want to do is full? These are often the questions parents ask me at this time of year when making decisions about activities for their kids.

Here are four guidelines to help parents with their decisions this year: 1. Look for hands-on programs where kids learn by doing. The caliber of kid’s programming in Calgary is high and continues to grow each year, including here at the University of Calgary in the Faculty of Kinesiology.

Many organizations operate throughout the city and, between them, they offer just about every activity imaginable. Programs are meant to be fun and not feel like school, so look for hands-on programs where kids learn by doing. The best learning often comes when kids don’t even realize they are learning because they are having too much fun.

“If your child’s top choice isn’t available embrace it, they may discover something new and different!”

2. Involve the child in the activity selection process.

I recommend parents involve their child in the activity selection process. Picking an activity that interests your child is going to mean they are more engaged, learn more, and have more fun. Parents may ask broadly, “what do you want to do?” or narrow it down to a few options for the child to choose from. As you know, kids’ interests

was when their favorite rafting camp was full, but when they tried a robotics program, it unlocked a hidden passion for building robots they didn’t even know existed. I have had the privilege of watching many kids break out of their preconceived molds. Sporty kids have become engineers, introverted science kids have become performing artists, kids with no particular passion fall in love with animals and veterinary medicine, city kids learn to connect with nature in Kananaskis Country and so much more. These changes can be big or small, but they carry the experience with them throughout their lives.

Parents and kids will have a great spring and summer if they follow the four guidelines. Look for hands on programs where kids learn by doing; create a process for selecting activities and include your child in the process; find a program, activity, or camp that has the appropriate level of challenge for your child; if your child’s top choice isn’t available embrace it, they may discover something new and different!

can change quickly so doing the same thing they did last year might not be what they want to do this year.

3. Easy = Boring, Too Hard = Scary – Choose a program with the right level of challenge. Youth programmers strive to make every activity positive and meaningful so the child can build a lifelong love of the activity. Every detail including program descriptions, prerequisites, and information about the level is thoughtfully crafted, so parents can match the programs to the child’s skill set. The right level of challenge will make a big difference in the child’s experience. If the activity or level is too easy, then the child will be bored.

If the programming is too challenging, the child will hate it, may feel anxious about attending, or break down during the activity. The ideal zone for programs is where kids are challenged, learn through progressions, are able overcome obstacles, and reach their goals. Programs that are the right fit for kids will help them grow confidence and a desire for learning.

4. If your top choice isn’t available, embrace it. From time to time, a child’s favorite activity, sport or camp is not available. Many parents tell me how sad their child

Logan is the Youth Programs Manager at the University of Calgary.

Learn more about University of Calgary Summer Camps by visiting ucalgary.ca/camps. CCM

Between Friends Camp Bonaventure Spaces Still Available!

An inclusive summer day camp for children and youth aged 4 to 17 with or without disabilities. Camp provides a safe space for campers to be who they are and make long lasting friendships.

*NEW* North Satellite Site

To find out more, please visit our website betweenfriends.ab.ca 22 • Find us on

summer camp & program

why day camps?

The perfect opportunity for children to enjoy structure and freedom at the same time

By Laurie Hass-Yearwood, City of Calgary Recreation There are very few worlds reserved for children. Day camps are one of those destinations that provide a safe and supervised environment for children to relax, void of technology, make friends and engage in activities to strengthen their passions. Day camps expand on the pillars of education and allow children to dive into selfdiscovery and surface with new experiences, skills, and their own unique view of the world.

Imagine an opportunity for children to enjoy structure and freedom at the same time. Day camp providers create communities, even for short periods of time, to openly assist children of all abilities to participate in meaningful adventure that include play, creativity, games, social interactions and provide memories that may last a lifetime. Direct feedback from participants has shown us that these important experiences have given them time to exhale, explore and be excited about being subject experts within their own interests.

Providers, leaders, and Instructors provide beneficial relationships with children by capturing the interests of day camp groups and delivering programs best suited to age and abilities. Most are trained in High Five®, which promotes healthy child development. Caring adults

“Studies show that stress levels decrease as children participate more frequently in social and recreational activity.” empower children to have the courage to create, ride bikes, jump higher and swim safely, many activities that are life-long possibilities.

Nature, art studios and pools are all places of practice.

Indoors or outdoors, once a year, a day camp can become a refuge away from the problems of the bigger world where we, even as adults, can become anxious. Studies show that stress levels decrease as children participate more frequently in social and recreational activity.

Chances are you may have a memory of a childhood camp and it involves friends and loads of fun with independence! A day camp is a place for children to grow

in their abilities as social beings. They take turns, listen, contribute, and most importantly participate wholly.

Choosing a day camp should be a shared process with your child to ensure they are registering in activities that are truly their passion. Experiences can be difficult for those that have been over-scheduled, or parent placed for convenience. Setting your child up for the best success means allowing them to be the driver of their interests. Consider joining a program this summer. Have a discussion with your child today and find out what interests them most. Sign up early to avoid disappointment as many camps fill fast!

Laurie is a practicing artist and arts champion.

Her best summer experiences as a child were at camp in the Rocky Mountains. CCM

Stop watching.

Start Playing.

Outdoor Summer Camps at WinSport.

Book today at winsport.ca

SPRING 2022 • calgaryschild.com • 23

summer camp & program

the power of nature play The great outdoors stimulates children’s imaginations and creative thinking

By Jenny Duffield, MC, Sheldon Psychology The art of playing in nature has been lost for many of us. Our lives have become busy with many competing demands and expectations. We are busy with work, school, and structured extracurricular activities. When we have free time, we are staying in our homes and on screens at a higher frequency than ever before. These lifestyle changes have impacted child development.

Today, we are seeing many of our children struggling with focus and attention. They are experiencing difficulty completing tasks and moving through routines without frequent adult reminders. Many of our children are experiencing a lack of motivation to initiate activities.

They are having difficulties coping with things they find challenging, struggling to engage in creative play, and are having trouble finding ways to entertain themselves when screens are not available. If this sounds familiar, you are not alone!

There is a mountain of research showing evidence that nature play positively impacts children’s physical and mental health, as well as increases their cognitive and social well-being. Playing in nature increases a child’s self-awareness, enhances attention, and improves selfconfidence as they learn to navigate new terrain.

Nature is not a structured or static activity. Nature play is dynamic and introduces novel experiences in a way

that indoor sedentary play cannot. Learning through physical play creates new neural pathways leading to stronger overall development.

While outdoors, children are learning to attend to their environment and to negotiate each step or climb according to their developing physical abilities. With each new outdoor challenge accomplished, an increase in self-esteem is often observed.

Playing in nature also supports children to develop social-emotional regulation, increase creativity, and improve overall mood. Being in nature slows life down, reducing overstimulation. The slower pace allows children to interact with their environment and others with increased intention. When we are not overloaded with stimuli, our creative thinking is free to engage.

With time and patience, imaginations ignite and children engage with nature as if it were their very own playground.

How do we get our children started with nature play?

We could start with activities such as having lunch in our backyards, having a playdate at our nearest green space, or going for a walk in a city park. Once you are outside, encourage your children to play in the puddles, climb a tree, roll down a hill, create a nature scavenger hunt, collect rocks to paint, or identify animal prints on a walk.

You could have your child participate in building a fire for a marshmallow roast, construct a shelter with fallen branches, skip rocks on a pond, or cast the fishing line.

For families who struggle to get outside, you could have your children attend an outdoor group or camp.

“Nature play is dynamic and introduces novel experiences in a way that indoor sedentary play cannot.”

It should be acknowledged that most of our children will complain when asked to shut off their screens and head outside. It can be helpful to schedule time in our busy schedules for outdoor experiences. Making nature play times predictable allows everyone to prepare and

CAMP CHIEF HECTOR YMCA is open for summer!

Building a bright future starts with connectivity and wellbeing. Our outdoor experiences are a safe, fun, and active way to reconnect.

Registration is now open Explore our summer camp options at

ymcacalgary.org/camps

24 • Find us on

children to know when they will gain their screen back.

Anticipate having to work through the initial discomfort while everyone adjusts. It may be uncomfortable the first few times when boredom hits and our children claim to not know what to do. They will likely beg and plead for

EAT. SLEEP. CAMP. REPEAT.

our help to ‘save’ them from their feelings of discomfort.

Stay committed. The best thing we can do is wait… creativity and a desire to explore will eventually set in!

As our children start to generate new ideas during nature play, they might take some risks (climbing a tree

Jenny has worked with children and families for over 20 years in an individualized, goal-focused way to support positive change and increased functioning. Jenny’s mission is to get to know each of her clients in a way that allows her to honor their unique context and build on existing strengths and abilities. Learn more at sheldonpsychology.com or contact Sheldon Psychology Group at info@sheldonpsychology.com. CCM

Rundle College Camps

SPORT & CURIOSITY

K-GRADE 6

Early Bird Ends April 30

LEGO® Dance Multi-sport Tech Wizards Kindergarten Prep Wellness And more... rundle.ab.ca/summercamps SPRING 2022 • calgaryschild.com • 25

summer camp & program

or jumping from one large rock to the next). While these risks may feel scary to parents, it is in these moments when our children are learning the most. Help your child by asking questions about their plan (“how do you plan to get from one rock to the next?”).

Pause them to assess risk (“take a look at this branch, how do we know it is strong enough to hold you?”). Try to avoid giving them the answers or making the plans for them. Teach your child to test out their theories by moving forward slowly and thoughtfully. At the same time, allow them the space to learn from trial and error (as long as the risk of harm is low).

Children benefit from making small errors, which sometimes results in getting dirty, small scrapes and bruises. These moments support our children in learning their physical limits, develop resilience, and contribute to increased confidence as they learn to navigate their world independently.

If we start small and slowly build up our children’s tolerance and joy for nature play, we may find ourselves surprised at the positive changes we see. The benefits in our child’s physical and mental health, as well as in their cognitive and social well-being will be well worth the struggle we felt while helping our children make this shift.

summer camp & program

Say NO to boredom!

Registration opens April 4!

Summe r

Just 20 mins West of Calgary!

800 Griffin Road E. Cochrane | email: info@slsfsc.com | 403 932 1635 | slsfamilysportscentre.com

Camp Amicus for kids & teens with Learning Disabilities or ADHD

Overnight, Day Camp, Teen Leadership, CIT & Horsemanship Camp Amicus at Foothills Academy 26 • Find us on

foothillsacademy.org

summer camp & program

connecting with other parents Why can’t adults ask: Can I play?

By James Smith I was listening to a podcast the other day about why adults don't make friends as easily. The psychologist being interviewed said it's due to a lack of unplanned fun and moments of vulnerability.

When we were at school, it was easy to make friends.

We just had to ask “can I play?” which was usually

answered with a “yes” and a quick run through of the rules. As adults, we simply don’t ask that.

Why not? Because that would be weird.

Wouldn’t it?

What if it wasn’t?

As I write this, I just realized that perhaps the answer is to remove the stigma of asking “hey, can I play?”

“Let’s make it a mission to walk up to a group of other parents and show our kids how to introduce ourselves.”

At the park, when my daughter sees a child around the same age as her, I encourage her to go up to them and introduce herself. Through that interaction (which we want to become instinctive) I usually give a tight-lipped half-smile to the other parent. That’s my introduction to them, followed by a “how’s it going?”

From there, the conversation may develop between us parents depending on how the kids connect and continue to play.

My daughter is a conduit to all parents for me.

Somewhere along the way, I’ve lost my ability to introduce myself without having my cute kid to present in the dynamic.

We really should mix things up.

Here’s a scenario. A few guys are kicking a ball around in a park. Usually, I would be a bit sad and go home to look up how to join a local soccer league, or if there are any amateur baseball teams that need a new pitcher, or hitter, or something. (I don’t know the words, I’ve never played! But it can’t be that hard, right?)

But what if, next time, I walked up to the group of other adults who are just as neurotic and self-conscious as I am and asked if I could join in?

Now the weather is getting warmer (finally!), let’s make it a mission to walk up to a group of other parents and show our kids how to introduce ourselves.

Let’s use the lessons our parents taught us all those years ago. Nice clear voice, stand up straight, hands out of our pockets, and say “hello, I’m James, mind if we play too?”

James is a busy dad and creator of SocialDad.ca.

He lives in North Vancouver, BC and tries to spend as much time outdoors as possible. CCM

OVERNIGHT CAMP located at Sylvan Lake, AB. Transportation provided from Calgary.

Activities include: CANOEING, KAYAKING, ARCHERY, CAMPFIRES and more...

campkasotawest.com SPRING 2022 • calgaryschild.com • 27

summer camp & program

sending kids to camp when they have anxiety Surprisingly, talking to your child about the worst case scenario can help

By Bobbi Jo Gaetz, M.Ed., R.Psych.

The weather is getting warmer and the snow is melting, bringing thoughts of spring and summer to mind. As we get excited for the snow to melt and leaves to sprout, it is the season for parents to begin to peruse the options of summer camps, especially now that they may be back at work in the workplace rather than at home. Since summer camps have not been as available for the past two summers, children may be more reluctant to leave home and try new experiences.

Here are some ideas to help children who are struggling with anxiety be successful with summer camps: 1. Choice. Involve your child when choosing which camps to attend. If your child is reluctant to choose a camp at all, then state that it is necessary (due to childcare, exposure to experiences, etc.) and provide two choices you think they would enjoy (based on their temperament and strengths, not their siblings) to choose between. Find out about as much as possible regarding the camp, such as the environment, activities, etc. If it is an overnight camp, find out about the sleeping arrangements, etc., in as much detail as possible.

2. Listen. When your child brings up their feelings about going to a summer camp, listen. Validate how they are feeling by saying, “I know it can seem scary to go to a new place with new people.” Even if you do not feel your children should be feeling afraid or scared, listen and validate their feelings anyway. Do not say, “don’t worry.

You have nothing to be scared of.”

3. Ask what they are afraid of. It is important for the child to have the opportunity to identify and express what they are scared of. It might be that they will not know anyone, they are not feeling confident in the activities, or they had a negative experience in the past.

When they talk about their fears, let them just list them rather than trying to talk them out of those fears. You can say, “okay, since you are not feeling good about going to camp, let’s name all those fears. What are you worried about?” or “how are you feeling about going swimming?”

Once again, this is a time to listen, even if you disagree.

If your child is afraid of a specific activity, try to practice that before the camp. For example, take them swimming, on bike rides, and, if possible, take them for this activity where the camp will be to build their confidence.

4. Ask about the good things. After the child has shared their fears, ask them, “I wonder what the good

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things about camp would be. What are the good things?”

The child may need some assistance, so you can prompt them by asking questions. You might tell some personal stories about your summer camp experiences.

5. Worst case scenario. Some children picture the worst thing that could possibly happen, so it can be helpful to talk this through. Ask your child the “what if” questions. “What if that happened? What could you do?

How could you handle that?” Often, they realize that there is almost no chance of that happening, or if it does, they now have a plan to handle it.

“Since summer camps have not been as available for the past two summers, children may be more reluctant to leave home and try new experiences.”

6. Manage your own anxiety. Often parents are anxious about their children going to summer camp, especially overnight camps. Whether the camp is a partial day, full-day, or longer, it is important to express confidence in your child. Talk about being “brave,” which means being scared and doing it anyway. Keep your concerns to yourself.

7. Short goodbyes. Keep goodbyes short. The longer you stay, the harder it will be for your child to leave you. Just like when kids go to school for the first time, they may be very upset when you say goodbye, but then they recover once you leave, and they get busy.

If you stay, hoping they settle, it sends the message that they may be able to leave with you. Instead, say goodbye with a kiss or hug and a smile, turn and leave.

If you become upset, then they won’t see it. (We have probably all had a cry in the car!)

8. Something personal. If your child is struggling to leave you, provide them with something to keep with them at camp (in their pocket or backpack). This could be a bracelet you made together or that you have matching ones, a small picture of you, or some other sentimental item. If they are going overnight, have them pack a comfort item (like a stuffie) or include little notes.

A couple of books that can be useful when children must be away from a parent include: The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn The Invisible String by Patrice Karst Additionally, you may want to practice relaxation exercises with your child before they go to camp, such as using a relaxation app or reading children’s books on breathing techniques, etc. If these strategies are not enough and your child is having significant anxiety at the thought of going to camp and/or leaving you, seek the help of a professional. A psychologist can offer a consultation to provide additional strategies to address your child’s particular fears or issues.

Bobbi is a registered psychologist with over 20 years of experience with children, youth, and parents. Visit her private practice website at discoverypsych.ca for additional blog posts and information on services for children and parents. CCM

SUMMER

CAMPS

Camp is on!

get out

ROAR and

UCalgary Summer Camps fill up fast.

Register today!

ucalgary.ca/camps

summer camp & program

Summer Camp & Program Guide Your source for information about extracurricular camp and program choices in the summer - 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.

*Inclusivity and accessibility icons are based on each business’s self-reported availability of services for disabled, special needs & mobility-impaired children. Please check with each business to make sure they can meet your child’s specific needs.

ARTS - DANCE, THEATRE, MUSIC, VISUAL ART ABSOLUTE DANCE INC. Phone: 403-210-0188 Email: directors@absolutedanceinc.com Website: absolutedanceinc.com Absolute Dance is Calgary’s leading studio in dance. We offer recreational and competitive high-quality training in Hip Hop, Acro, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Ballet, Jazz, and Tap from tots to adults.

Our summer adventure camps are perfect for boys and girls, both new to dance and well-versed, as they explore a variety of movement, music and adventure. Centrally located, we pride ourselves on our enthusiastic and qualified teachers, and great customer care.

ALIKI’S ART HOUSE Phone: 403-667-7020 Email: info@alikisarthouse.com Website: alikisarthouse.com Art for all and all for art! Learn to draw, paint and sculpt from professional artists in a friendly environment. Our

Summer Camps and Weekly Classes are specialized, educational and fun. We create opportunities for everyone to discover, experience and develop new art skills plus improve their concentration, problem-solving and perseverance. Artists-in-training gain greater selfconfidence in their abilities along the way. Sibling and multi-camp discounts are great for families.

AUARTS CONTINUING EDUCATION Phone: 403-284-7640 Email: coned@auarts.ca Website: auarts.ca/continuing-education/teen-coursesand-kids-camps AUArts Summer Teen Courses and Kids Camps. A supportive environment with new creative activities, idea exploration, and hands-on learning. Nurture your teen’s creativity with one of AUArts studio-based summer art and design courses in Animation, Cartooning, Drawing, Fashion and more. Watch your child’s imagination grow as they learn to express themselves through art in one of AUArts theme-based kids camps including Cartooning, Space Quest, Unicorn Magic, and more!

CALGARY YOUNG PEOPLE’S THEATRE (CYPT) Phone: 403-242-7118, Ext. 1 Email: cypt@cypt.ca Website: cypt.ca CYPT is pleased to announce that our popular Summer Drama Camps live are back in-person, and as dramatically wacky as ever! This summer we are offering half day camps, full day camps, two week camps and teen intensives in stage combat, stage make-up, improv, and musical theatre. We have locations in north, south, and west Calgary with affordable prices. Visit our website today!

CANTARÉ CHILDREN’S CHOIR Phone: 403-685-1132 Email: office@cantarechildrenschoir.org Website: cantarechildrenschoir.org Come sing with us… more than music… a place to be you! Come sing with the Cantaré Children’s Choir! Boys and girls aged 6 to 18 are invited to join one of our four award-winning ensembles, led by Catherine GlaserClimie. Concerts, tours, retreats, and much more. We

SUMMER ART CAMPS KIDS Ages 9-12

KIDS Ages 6-12

TEENS Ages 13-16

• Animate It • Draw Cartoons • Space Quest • Unicorn Magic • Witches & Wizards

Les Petits Artistes (French language camp in partnership with Alliance Française)

Studio Weeks • Animation • Fashion • Cartooning • Drawing • Photography

30 • Find us on

AUArts.ca/summercamps @AlbertaUArts @conedauarts

Calgary, Alberta

CHINOOK SCHOOL OF MUSIC (CSM) Phone: 403-246-8446 Email: info@chinookschoolofmusic.com Website: chinookschoolofmusic.com Private Lessons: At CSM, students of all ages enjoy lessons in piano, guitar, voice, violin, cello, flute, ukulele, drums, saxophone, and theory in studio, online, and in home settings. Music Kids for Early Childhood: Music Kids is Chinook School of Music’s early childhood music program for ages 6 months to 5 years. Our modern approach to music education incorporates singing, movement, and instrument play. Year-round group programs and summer day camps for children aged 3 and up.

DECIDEDLY JAZZ DANCEWORKS (DJD) Phone: 403-245-3533 Email: djd@decidedlyjazz.com Website: decidedlyjazz.com DJD summer dance camps are designed to instil a love of dance in your child! With an emphasis on fun and celebration, students are encouraged to explore challenges, demonstrate creativity, expand movement vocabulary, build confidence, and develop friendships with other students. DJD summer dance camps are where your child will want to spend their summer!

DRAMAVITA Phone: 403-681-0572 Email: de@dramavita.ca Website: dramavita.ca Growth through Theatre Arts! At Dramavita Studio Theatre we deliver quality drama classes, in a caring environment. We provide a place where people of all ages can experience growth in developing resiliency skills that encourages mental and physical well-being. We create opportunities that inspire the passion of enthusiasm and fosters appreciation for the value of collaboration and of connecting with others.

Contact: de@dramavita.ca or check out our website: dramavita.ca.

FREE HOUSE DANCE PLUS LTD. Phone: 403-282-0555 Email: fhdp@telusplanet.net Website: freehousedance.com Are you looking for a summer program

that keeps your child busy, active and engaged in a safe and friendly environment? Make summer awesome with our July summer dance camps! Shake off that cabin fever and join us for the perfect combination of dance, music, and crafts. There’s something for everyone as we explore dance styles including jazz, ballet, hip hop, acro, and musical theatre. We have created a summer camp program that is sure to excite, while allowing your child to grow and enhance their skills! For ages 4 to 6 and 7 to eleven. Registration opens in March. Contact us or check our website for more detail.

KEYBOARD ACADEMY OF MUSIC Phone: (South) 403-255-0010 Phone: (North) 403-277-2987 Email: kaom@shaw.ca Website: keyboardacademy.ca With all safety and sanitizing protocols still in place, Keyboard Academy is able to continue with our instudio one-on-one instruction from both locations.

Virtual classes may also be available in some cases. We offer private lessons in piano, keyboard, organ and accordion for ages 6 and up. Our “Beginners 8 Week Trial Program” is also a great way to get started. Call for more information, locations or to register. Now’s the perfect time to have music in your life!

H/W SCHOOL OF BALLET Phone: 403-474-0818 Email: info@hwballet.com Website: hwballet.com Share the joy of dance through full-day programming in a fun, engaging class atmosphere. Classes start from 2 ½ years old in our Storybook Ballet Class. Taught by former professional dancer instructors, including Alberta Ballet superstar Yukichi Hattori, students receive training in a variety of styles including ballet, contemporary, character, stretch, and strength! H/W is also proud to bring exciting special guest teachers that have reached the highest levels in their respective dancing fields. Don’t miss this great opportunity to deepen your love and understanding of dance while having a great time and making new friends. Calgary’s Top Choice Winner for best ballet school in 2021.

KODÁLY MUSIC EXPLORERS - CANTARÉ CHILDREN’S CHOIR Phone: 403-685-1132 Email: office@cantarechildrenschoir.org Website: cantarechildrenschoir.org Kodály Music Explorers program for children ages 3 to 7 offers a fun-filled approach to your child’s music

development. Using the child’s own instrument, the voice, children learn songs, rhymes, and musical games to acquire knowledge, skills, and a love of music. You will be thrilled at how quickly your child can progress and parents have tons of fun, too!

LISA GRAHAM MUSIC Phone: 403-862-9232 Email: lisa@lisagraham.ca Website: lisagraham.ca Looking for something for your kids to do? Always wanted to learn to play an instrument? Interested in getting back to playing? Flute lessons are a great way to develop musical skills at any age. Lessons are available in 30-, 45-, or 60-minute slots.

LONG & MCQUADE MUSIC LESSON CENTRES 225 58 Avenue SE Phone: 403-252-8506 Email: calgarysouthlessons@long-mcquade.com Website: long-mcquade.com/lessons 3404 5 Avenue NE Phone: 587-296-6648 Email: calgaryeastlessons@long-mcquade.com 10 Royal Vista Drive NW Phone: 587-794-3196 Email: calgarynorthlessons@long-mcquade.com 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 and a variety of summer programs. In-studio and online video lessons available.

SCHOOL OF ROCK Phone (South): 403-460-7625 Phone (West): 587-353-7625 Email: calgary@schoolofrock.com Website: schoolofrock.com/music-camps Do you want to learn how to play in a band? School of Rock offers a wide variety of summer music camps for kids and teens ages 5 to 18. It’s an experience they’ll never forget. Fill your child’s day with learning how to play music, explore rock instruments, fun games and activities, and much more. Our music camp students ultimately end the music camp by performing a live show. Two great locations to choose from. South: 403-460-7625 or West: 587-353-7625. Book online: schoolofrock.com/music-camps.

Summer Camp & Program Guide – Continued on page 33

SUMMER CAMPS REGISTER NOW! SPRING 2022 • calgaryschild.com • 31

summer camp & program

offer a combination of online and in-person instruction to provide an exceptional music experience. Includes ensemble work, small groups, and one-on-one coaching.

summer camp & program

CALGARY SOCIETY

opening doors to life long learning

We provide specialized and individualized education/ therapy programs for preschool children with special needs.

Program time can occur within the home, a community preschool, a daycare program or an educational setting in the community.

A team of experienced professionals work in collaboration with parents to provide an effective and dynamic education experience for your child.

Now Registering (403) 215 2444 www.gritcalgarysociety.com info@gritcalgarysociety.com

Summer Camps July - August 2022

Pre and post-care available Ages: Preschool - Grade 6

Exciting new theme each week!

GROWWITHTRELLIS.CA/CAMPS 32 • Find us on

Monday - Friday 9:00am - 4:30 pm

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. Our Summer Theatre School Programs include one-week long Summer Theatre Camps and our popular Summer Spotlight program.

STUDIO BELL, HOME OF THE NATIONAL MUSIC CENTRE Phone: 403-543-5115 Email: info@studiobell.ca Website: studiobell.ca An award-winning field trip destination - explore Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, a landmark attraction in Calgary’s East Village. Studio Bell is more than a museum! With five floors of exhibitions, historic musical treasures, fun interactive activities, and regular live performances - including daily demonstrations on the famed Kimball Theatre Organ. For more information, visit the website.

TRICKSTER THEATRE SUMMER CAMPS Phone: 403-288-9393 Email: info@trickstertheatre.com Website: trickstertheatre.com The company that has created more than 1000 shows with children in schools throughout Alberta in the past 40 years is now doing summer camps in Calgary. Spend a week with Trickster Theatre this summer creating an original theatrical production. We welcome all children from ages 6 to 12 to join our Trickster Artists. Visit our website to learn more and sign up today!

VIN GOGH PAINT SIP STUDIO 7160 Fisher Street SE Phone: 403-475-4644 Email: info@vingogh.ca Website: vingogh.ca Vin Gogh Paint and Sip 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 favourite painting from our painting gallery. Our painting sessions are generally two hours long. Guests can bring in their own cake and pizza.

We have wine for the adults. You will get to take home your original artwork! Create and connect with friends for your next celebration.

YOUTH SINGERS OF CALGARY Phone: 403-234-9549 Email: yscadmin@youthsingers.org Website: youthsingers.org Sing, dance, act! SHOWBIZ KIDS is a fun and engaging musical theatre summer camp with the Youth Singers.

Weeklong full-day camps for Grades 2 to 8. Campers will take part in choral, choreography, and theatre sessions. They’ll write a script, experience a number of popular styles of music and dance, learn about character development, participate in a professional recording session, and end the week performing in a mini-musical. SHOWBIZ KIDS week-long half-day camps for Kindergarten to Grade 2. Campers will explore music and self-expression in theatre arts through listening, movement/dance, games, imaginative characterization, and singing. All camps are led by professional artistic instructors.

YOUTHWRITE Phone: 780-996-4962 Email: info@youthwrite.com Website: youthwrite.com YouthWrite®, camps for kids who love to write… just about anything!© Alberta’s premier writing camps - over 25 years of the write stuff!

SPORTS & FITNESS CAMPS CHAMPION’S CREED MARTIAL ARTS Phone: 587-229-9524 Email: info@championscreed.ca Website: championscreed.ca We at Champion's Creed know that your child will be busy having the best summer ever! We have amazing camp themes like Nerf Ninja, Minecraft or Superheroes which include 2 x 45 minute MMA lessons as well as exciting theme based crafts and outings throughout the week. Our week-long summer camp program starts at 9am to 4pm. Pre/post care options are also available.

Come for a tour to check out our facility to learn more or to purchase your child's week of summer camp.

GLENMORE GYMNASTICS CLUB 6404 6A Street SE Phone: 403-251-3469 Email: info@glenmoregymnastics.ca Website: glenmoregymnastics.ca Join us this summer at our new facility for 8 weeks of gymnastics fun! Summer camps for kids ages 6 to twelve run for 4 or 5 consecutive days as a full day camp, or half day weeklong camps in the morning or afternoon. Full day camps include a free fun Friday lunch. Pre & post care available. New facility is located at 6404 6A Street SE (by Hotel Blackfoot).

MASTER RIM’S TAEKWONDO Phone (Southwest): 403-460-2472 Phone (Northwest): 587-535-6560 Email: info@masterrim.com Website: masterrim.com Come see for yourself how Master Rim’s TaeKwonDo can help you and your child enhance self-esteem and physical conditioning in a safe, fun, and disciplined environment!

Canadian National Team Head Coach, Master Rim, and award-winning instructors will help your child to enhance real-life skills. More than that, the students will learn how to deal with strangers and bullies as a form of self-defence. Find out why our school is recognized worldwide for world-class martial arts education!

PEDALHEADS Phone: 1-888-886-6464 Email: info@pedalheads.com Website: pedalheads.com Pedalheads is a learn-to-ride bike camp known for taking kids from training wheels to two wheels. We combine a fun group setting with specialized equipment, tailored cycling lessons, and incredible instructors to build confidence and get some of the most tentative kids biking on their own. We also offer advanced bike lessons that focus on road safety, including exciting trail riding camps. Camps are located across the Calgary region. Find a location nearest you. Week-long camps: all day, half day, 1 & 1.5 hr tot classes, and private lessons. Spots will be limited so be sure to register early!

REPSOL SPORT CENTRE Phone: 403-233-8393 Email: info@repsolsport.com Website: repsolsportcentre.com Make this an active and unforgettable summer for your kids ages 2 to fourteen Summer Camp & Program Guide – Continued on next page

2022 SAIT

SUMMER CAMPS Your Adventure Starts Here

Our fun, educational camps provide children and youth entering Grades 1-12 the opportunity to focus on an area of interest and explore it in-depth.

We aim to educate, empower, and excite young minds!

Registration opens April 11 sait.ca/Summer-Camps SPRING 2022 • calgaryschild.com • 33

summer camp & program

Summer Camp & Program Guide – Continued from page 31

summer camp & program

Summer Camp & Program Guide – Continued from previous page

and register now. There is no shortage of fun, adventure, and sport discovery on land and in the water with multisport camps. Athletes interested in a single sport experience have the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of these sports coached by our Sport Partner experts.

ROYAL CITY SOCCER CLUB Phone: 1-800-427-0536 Email: info@royalsoccer.com Website: royalsoccer.com The Royal City Soccer Club, a registered non-profit community organization, is proud to host our 30th annual grassroots summer soccer camps - No. 1 in Canada!

Uniquely designed to offer a soccer focus in the morning and a leisure swim with other organized activities in the afternoons to all children aged 5 to thirteen, the camp operates during all weeks in July and August, 2022. Check us out at royalsoccer.com or call 1-800-427-0536.

SOUTHERN ALBERTA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (SAIT) Phone: 403-210-5650 Email: summer.camps@sait.ca Website: sait.ca/summer-camps Our fun, educational camps provide children and youth entering Grades 1 to 12 the opportunity to focus on an area of interest and explore it in-depth. We aim to educate, empower, and excite young minds! Registration opens April 11 at 9am.

SPRAY LAKE SAWMILLS FAMILY SPORTS CENTRE (SLSFSC) Phone: 403-932-1635 Email: info@slsfsc.com Website: slsfamilysportscentre.com 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 get active and have fun! Whether it’s in the fitness centre, the gymnasium, or one of our rinks, you’ll always have something to do. Come swim with us in our wave pool – and make sure you slide down the waterslide! We offer many children’s programs, including skating, swimming, dance, gymnastics, sportball and more, teaching children fundamental movement skills and how fun it is to be active. We offer activities and day camps for all ages – registration is still open!

WINSPORT Phone: 403-247-5452 Email: info@winsport.ca Website: winsport.ca WinSport’s purpose is to inspire human potential through the spirit of sport and it’s something that is woven into all of our year-round, award-winning programming. We are pleased to bring you outdoor summer camps this year in Mountain Biking and Outdoor Adventure. Our programs are offered based on existing and evolving COVID-19

guidelines. We will adjust our operations as required to ensure a safe experience for our program participants and Team Members. Stop Watching. Start Playing.

YMCA OF CALGARY - CLIMBING Phone: 403-237-2393 Email: steve.elliot@calgary.ymca.ca Website: ymcacalgary.org/climbing We’ve missed you! YMCA Calgary is pleased to announce that we have reopened our indoor climbing walls at the Shane Homes, Shawnessy and Saddletowne YMCAs. Look for registered climbing programs as well as open climb. Waivers are available online and are required.

MULTIPLE THEMES & ACTIVITIES BETHEL 23 JOB’S DAUGHTERS Phone: 403-807-3831 Website: bethel23yyc.com Creating confident young women in your community.

Bethel 23 Job’s Daughters is a youth leadership group for girls ages 10 to 20 years. We help girls grow and learn life skills, such as leadership, teamwork, community service, public speaking, and self-confidence in a supportive environment and become leaders of tomorrow. We encourage fun, friendship, leadership, love of family and country, community service, scholarship opportunities, and self-confidence.

Summer Camp

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo's 2022 summer camp registration is now open.

Every summer has a story.

Register now at calgaryzoo.com/camps

Registering Now for Summer & Fall 2022

www.juvenescence.ca 34 • Find us on

CITY OF CALGARY RECREATION Various Locations Website: calgary.ca/register Phone: 403-268-3800 It’s time to get out and have fun! With a variety of affordable programs available, you’re sure to find a fit for every family member. Explore our day camps and new activities, make friends, and develop new skills and interests in a safe, non-competitive environment. Choose from sailing, swimming, fitness and strength, visual arts, golf, outdoor programs and more! Plan your family’s next class early and register at calgary.ca/register.

CUISINE ET CHÁTEAU’S KID’S COOKING CAMPS 103 - 227 10 Street NW Phone: 403-764-COOK (2665) Email: info@cuisineandchateau.com Website: cuisineandchateau.com Conveniently located in Kensington! This interactive

culinary centre provides a fun, active, hands-on environment with cooking activities that focus on natural ingredients and a really big “yum” factor.

FORT CALGARY 750 9 Avenue SE Phone: 403-290-1875 Email: youthlearning@fortcalgary.com Website: fortcalgary.com/summercamps Fort Calgary Summer Camps offer art- and science-based experiences inspired by the site’s history and unique location, which spans 40 acres of natural land on the Bow and Elbow rivers and neighbours on urban destinations like St. Patrick’s Island. Community experts, scientists, artists and storytellers help campers connect with nature and explore stories of our past and present. All camps include behind-the-scenes museum tours and excursions to surrounding neighbourhoods.

JUVENESCENCE SUMMER CARE Phone: 587-433-7734 Email: hello@juvenescence.ca Website: juvenescence.ca Summer is here! Juvenescence presents our Summer Care for Children aged kindergarten to 12-year-olds.

We are proud to provide our families creative activities where children can explore their interests through play and recreation. Summer Care is a great way to meet new friends and explore all the fun Calgary has to offer. Join us for a summer full of sun, fun, friends, and adventure.

KIDS U Seven locations in Calgary, one in Strathmore Phone: 1-855-805-4378 Email: info@kidsu.ca Website: kidsu.ca Kids U is an award-winning daycare and preschool that accepts infants and children up to kindergarten-age.

We offer parents a safe, clean, caring environment with a strong educational program, based on the latest in brain development research. Our learning environments encourage the wonderment of play, physical movement, and social interaction. Our educational approach integrates right brain, left brain, and movement learning into a program designed to build strong, healthy, wholebrain children. There are seven locations in Calgary and one in Strathmore.

LYCÉE INTERNATIONAL DE CALGARY Phone: 403-243-5420, Ext. 123 Email: admissions@lycee.ca Website: lycee.ca Lycée International de Calgary is the city’s premier private French school (preschool to Grade 12). We are the only school in Calgary to teach the French Ministry of Education and Alberta Education curricula, offering students a unique bilingual education. No prior French experience needed to enroll in our preschool, Kindergarten, and French Language Intensive Program (Grades 1 to 2).

Summer Camp & Program Guide – Continued on page 37

SPRING 2022 • calgaryschild.com • 35

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CAMP JCC Phone: 403-253-8600, Ext. 0 Email: camp@cjcc.ca Website: campjcc.ca School's out for summer at Camp JCC – we're open to everyone! Children ages 3 to eleven will enjoy a variety of themed, general, and specialized half- and full-day camps. We also have a Counsellor in Training program for teens aged thirteen to fifteen. All camps include fun indoor and outdoor activities, plus swimming in our pool.

Pre/post-camp and lunch programs are also available.

summer camp & program

DAILY SCHEDULE 8:45 Check-In

9:00 Start Hike 10:00 Goal Setting & Games 11:00 Hike 12:00 Lunch & Games 1:00 Hike 2:00 Games 2:30 Hike 3:30 Achievement Celebration & Hike (back to pick up location) 4:00 Pick-Up

Sheldon Psychology Group

ADVENTURE LEADERSHIP CAMP

Where personal growth is certain!

REGISTER NOW: www.sheldonpsychology.com info@sheldonpsychology.com (403) 618-8288

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?

Camp leaders are highly skilled, mature and experienced professionals.

Low ratio 1:4 Our camp will enhance your child's social-emotional skills, self-awareness, ability to regulate, communication skills and more.

Location: West Bragg Creek Trails Age: 6-9

USE INSURANCE TO COVER CAMP FEES

Calgary ’s

T S E W E N DUCATION

ANIMAL eErience!

E xp

July 18-22

9-12 Aug 15-19 Time: 8:45-4:00 Cost: 1 psychology hour per day.

403-457-2202 gmail.com yycnaturecentre@

yycnaturecentre.c

om

open to

EVERYONE!

Summer Camps!

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

Kids aged 4 to 17 will love exploring our beautiful 220-acre campus — creating, imagining, inventing, honing sports skills, and pursuing their passions. There is a camp for everyone to say "yes" to!

STS Summer Camps are being offered in partnership with Coded Minds, GreenPrintsYYC, Calgary Polo Club, Okotoks Rockies Basketball, Two Wheel View, Stryker Sports, Pivot Pointe Sports, Fuse33, and TenPeaks just to name a few!

Find out more & register at: stscamps.ca

36 • Find us on

MAPLE ROOTS OUT OF SCHOOL CARE Phone: 403-200-1378 Email: info@maplerootsinc.com Website: maplerootsinc.com MRU KIDS Phone: 403-440-6001 Email: mrukids@mtroyal.ca Website: mrukids.ca POLYGLOTS Phone: 587-287-8979 Email: contact@polyglots.ca Website: polyglots.ca Polyglots Summer Camps offer a fun, playful way for children to learn French and Spanish. Whether your child is new to the language or is already enrolled in immersion or bilingual programs, they’ll have fun at Polyglots.

Children will learn about different countries, cultures and traditions as they make art, play games, read stories, and do STEM activities. As they play, they will learn and practice words and phrases in the target language. We have 6 weeks of day camps available for children ages 5 to 11. Previous knowledge in the language is NOT required. We are here to learn while having fun!

RIVER VALLEY SCHOOL Phone: 403-246-2275 Email: kidsclub@rivervalleyschool.ca Website: rivervalleyschool.ca/summercamp Our Summer Kids Club Programs are open to any child in

the city; they do not need to attend River Valley School.

Our Little Kids Camps are for ages 3 to 5 (children must be toilet trained). Our Big Kids Camps are for students moving into Grade 1 to 6 in the fall of 2022. Campers are immersed in indoor and outdoor play, and fun that challenges them to question, explore, and create! Weekly activities include creative arts & crafts, ‘wonder-ous’ STEM activities, a variety of sports and athletics, free play, outdoor water games in our beautiful river-side green space, and much more! Sign up today!

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

RUNDLE SUMMER CAMPS 7375 17 Avenue SW Phone: 403-282-8411 Email: clab@rundle.ab.ca Website: rundle.ab.ca/summercamps EAT. SLEEP. CAMP. REPEAT. Let’s fill your child’s summer with adventure and fun! Our sport and curiosity summer camps for campers kindergarten to Grade 6 are powered by the Curiosity Lab at Rundle. Our camps include LEGO®, dance, tech wizards, kindergarten prep, soccer, rugby, multisport, and much more! The best part? You can build your own schedule as our camps are all half-day (the exception is KinderCrew). Come for the morning, the afternoon, or both! Your full-day camper can choose to stay for lunch and creative play in between camps at no additional charge.

STAMPEDE SUMMER CAMP Phone: 403-261-0475 Email: summercamp@ calgarystampede.com Website: calgarystampede.com/ summercamp Join us down at Stampede Park for a week of summer fun!

Campers will learn about Stampede traditions, explore Indigenous culture, and try their hand at some favourite cowboy activities! Campers will experience Canadian culture, and through our partnership with the Centre for Newcomers, cultures from around the world! For more information, visit calgarystampede.com/summercamp.

ST. MARY’S UNIVERSITY Email: extension@stmu.ca Website: stmu.ca/extension-studies With our Science Explorers and French Immersion

STRATHCONA-TWEEDSMUIR SCHOOL Phone: 403-938-8326 Email: camps@sts.ab.ca Website: strathconatweedsmuir.com STS is offering a variety of week-long day Summer Camp & Program Guide – Continued on page 39

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Summer Camp & Program Guide – Continued from page 35

KIDS U_Newspaper Ad_9.5 X12.65_Final_V2_OL.pdf

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Experience The Kids U Difference All Summer Long With 9 Amazing Weekly Themes

July 4th - August 31st

Discover Kids U's unique summer program, where we have a variety of engaging camp themes to cater to all children's interests. Camps for ages 3 - 6 at all Kids U campuses + camps for ages 6-10 at our McKnight campus. Learn more:

summer camp & program

Summer Camp & Program Guide – Continued from page 37

camps that are sure to have children ages 4 to seventeen excited, engaged, and energized over the summer months.

Whether it’s exploring the outdoors on our beautiful 220acre campus, creating, imagining and inventing in the Innovation Lab or honing sports skills in the Sports Centre, there is an enriched learning experience for everyone to say “yes” to. Participants will be able to pursue their passions while enjoying all that our incredible campus has to offer. Bussing options available.

THINK SUN PRESCHOOL (THE) Phone: 403-240-4466 Email: info@thethinksunpreschool.com Website: thethinksunpreschool.com It’s time to get back to normal. Learning should be fun. Educating preschoolers for 32 years. We offer an enriched, approved learning program including art, music, play and Intro-French. Registration ongoing, space permitting. Private tours are available.

TRELLIS SOCIETY Phone: 403-267-9981 Email: hpawson@growwithtrellis.ca Website: growwithtrellis.ca/camps Trellis Society offers summer day camps through July and August that run Monday through Friday, 9am to 4:30pm, with pre- and post-care available. Each week has an exciting theme that will be explored through games, activities, and crafts! Camps are offered at four of our Club locations (Bowness, Penbrooke, Pineridge and Renfrew), and are for children from preschool through Grade 6.

UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY SUMMER CAMPS Phone: 403-220-7749 Email: active@ucalgary.ca Website: active-living.ucalgary.ca/programs/camps Get out and roar! Register today for the highly popular UCalgary Summer Camps. With so many different camps to choose from, including business, design, STEM, arts, aquatics, sports, outdoor camps and more, there's something for everyone from ages 4 to 17.

VARSITY OUT OF SCHOOL SUMMER DAY CAMPS Phone: 403-247-1145, Ext. 2 Email: childinfo@vcacalgary.com Website: vcacamps.com Fabulous, full-day summer camps for ages Kindergarten to Grade 6 for eight weeks. Our days are full of arts and crafts, games, activities, and amazing field trips. Free preand post-child care available. Reasonable weekly rates and professional transportation. We are a government, licensed, accredited program with low child-to-adult

ratios. Our qualified staff are trained in child care, first aid, and have obtained a police check. We are commuterfriendly. Hope to see you soon.

VIVO FOR HEALTHIER GENERATIONS 1950 Country Village Link NE Phone: 403-532-1013 Email: guestservices@vivo.ca Website: vivo.ca Skate, swim, dance, climb, create, connect, and explore.

Come in from the cold for family fun at Vivo with a wide variety of unique and innovative programs and activities for parents and children alike. Get active, get healthy, and do it together! Visit vivo.ca and discover your passion today!

YMCA CALGARY Multiple Locations Email: answers@ymcacalgary.org Website: ymcacalgary.org/camps YMCA Calgary is committed to helping our city’s children be healthier and more connected so they can reach their full potential. We operate six health and wellness facilities, six licensed child care centres, two outdoor camp sites, and over 60 community-based locations serving all quadrants of the city. We deliver programs, services, and opportunities to help the Calgary community connect with others, build lifelong skills, and keep active and healthy. Spaces and programs vary by location and available amenities. Users are encouraged to visit their local branch or reach out to a member of our team to discuss their specific needs; including accessibility and inclusion requirements.

YW CALGARY FAMILY RESOURCE NETWORK Phone: 403-262-0497 Email: familynetwork@ywcalgary.ca Website: ywcalgary.ca/programs/family-resourcenetwork YW Calgary Family Resource Network programs focus on supporting the whole family. This includes providing parents with skills and knowledge to strengthen family relationships and improve child and youth development by building resilience and fostering well-being. YW Calgary provides access and referrals to programs in collaboration with our Family Resource Network partners for families with young children and teens. Find a full listing of programs on our website.

Summer Camp & Program Guide – Continued on next page

SPRING 2022 • calgaryschild.com • 39

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Summer Camp & Program Guide – Continued from previous page

INCLUSIVE & SPECIAL NEEDS BETWEEN FRIENDS Phone: 403-269-9133 Email: info@betweenfriends.ab.ca Website: betweenfriends.ab.ca Between Friends offers programming for individuals with disabilities to connect, grow and belong. Our flagship program, Camp Bonaventure, is an inclusive summer day camp for children and youth aged 4 to 17 with or without disabilities. Camp provides a safe space for campers to be who they are and make long lasting friendships. Campers are encouraged to have fun, grow and develop their skills through activities such as canoeing, sailing, swimming, arts and crafts, and many other exciting activities. We are excited to be expanding and are offering two locations this summer: Sandy Beach Park and a new north location!

Can’t wait to see you there!

CAMP AMICUS (FOOTHILLS ACADEMY) Phone: 403-270-9400, Ext. 252 Email: intake@foothillsacademy.org Website: foothillsacademy.org/communityservices/amicus/camps For children/teens ages 8 to 18 with Learning Disabilities/ ADHD, Camp Amicus offers overnight, day camp, horsemanship, teen leadership & CIT camps. Our goal is to create a rewarding and successful summer camp for each young person. We provide a structured and supportive environment to learn social skills, build relationships and have fun! Mature, caring counsellors plan activities to ensure that campers build confidence and self-esteem while enjoying a true camp experience.

Financial assistance is available and most camps qualify for FSCD funding.

SHELDON PSYCHOLOGY GROUP 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!

NATURE & ANIMAL CARE

BUTTERFIELD ACRES CHILDREN’S FARM Phone: 403-239-0638 Email: farmfun@butterfieldacres.com Website: butterfieldacres.com It’s true! The best memories are made at the farm! Give your children more meaningful experiences and wonderful, significant memories they can share with their own children one day… Butterfield Acres Farm Summer Camps for 4 to fourteen-year-olds build memories, friends, love and respect for animals, self-confidence, and a can’t-wait-‘til-next-summer

attitude! Many parents have told us over the years that Butterfield Acres Farm Camps are the best camps in the city! So, you’re in the right place if you want an active and exciting, vibrant and engaging, wellorganized, and authentic farm camp as part of your child’s summer experience.

CALGARY REPTILE PARTIES Phone: 403-457-2202 Email: reptile.party@hotmail.com Website: calgaryreptileparties.com Join Reptile Parties on their twelfth year of summer camp adventures! Convenient locations in both NW and SE Calgary. Offering different themes and animals each week, campers will meet a variety of reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and some special guest warm-blooded friends as well! Camps are open for kids from Kindergarten to the end of Grade 6. Give your kids a week they will never forget with Reptile Camp.

GRANARY ROAD 226066 112 Street W, Foothills County Phone: 403-453-7623 Email: info@granaryroad.com Website: granaryroad.com Granary Road offers camp every week of the summer starting in July and running to the end of August! That’s 8 weeks of thrilling over the top fun and excitement, including behind the scenes access to the farm, aquaponics, mini-golf and so much more. Sign the kids up for Granary Road Scholar Week Camp $299 per week plus GST. Before and after Camp Care is available.

CAMPJCC. C.CCAA

School’s Out For

SUMMER CAMP

AGES 3-11

UGUST 26 JULY 4-A

Summer Camps 2022

Science Explorers

French Immersion

Grades 3-4: July 4-8 Grades 5-6: July 11-15

Grades 3-4: July 18-22 Grades 5-6: July 25-29

To register email extension@stmu.ca 40 • Find us on

YOUTHS CAN FISH 2 CAMP FISH’N AROUND Phone: 403-719-0723 Email: youthscanfish2@shaw.ca Website: youthscanfish2.ca A local, volunteer-based charity providing youth living in low-income situations, the opportunity to experience sponsored outdoor summer camp to cast their dreams!

Learn conservation, fishing, survival skills and Canadian history. Transportation provided by camp charter bus only. If you know a youth living in low income who could benefit from a fishing camp experience, please have them contact us. Volunteer opportunities are also available.

YYC NATURE & EDUCATION CENTRE Phone: 403-457-2202 Email: yycnaturecentre@gmail.com Website: ycnaturecentre.com Calgary’s newest nature experience. Meet reptiles, birds, mammals, and more!

OVERNIGHT CAMPS CAMP CADICASU Phone: 403-888-8124 Email: info@cadicasu.com Website: cadicasu.com Camp Cadicasu is a traditional overnight camp in Kananaskis Country for children ages 7 to 16. We have specialty camps available just for tweens and teens in addition to our Leader-in-Training program (for 16-year-olds). Activities at Cadicasu include hiking, archery, arts & crafts, yoga, earth skills, campfires, shelter building, and much more. We create a safe space where people of all different backgrounds can come together to connect with each other and nature.

CAMP KASOTA WEST Sylvan Lake Phone: 403-275-3636 Email: campkasotawest@gmail.com Website: campkasotawest.com Camp Kasota West, located on the shores of Sylvan Lake, is a residential camp for children and youth. Trained counsellors provide programming including archery, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, crafts, campfires,

discovery hour. Specialty programs: Sailing and Counsellors-in-Training. Transportation from Calgary provided. The camp is accredited by the Alberta Camping Association and the United Church. For more information and to register online, visit the website.

YMCA CALGARY CAMP CHIEF HECTOR Phone: 403-673-3858 Email: cchy@ymcacalgary.org Website: ymcacalgary.org/camps/campchief-hector YMCA Calgary operates an overnight summer camp and outdoor education program site at Camp Chief Hector YMCA. Operated year-round, Camp Chief Hector YMCA provides nature-based programming to youth.

Campers get to immerse themselves in nature and gain leadership skills through facilitated programs such as archery, canoeing, low ropes courses, and so much more. These outdoor spaces and overnight camps 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.

This listing is provided for your reference only.

Please research carefully and choose the company that meets your family’s needs best. CCM

SPRING 2022 • calgaryschild.com • 41

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WILDER INSTITUTE / CALGARY ZOO 210 St. George’s Drive NE Phone: 403-232-9300 Website: calgaryzoo.com/camps The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is firmly committed to delivering high quality conservation education programming paired with the creation of lifelong memories and the highest safety standards through our camps. Guided by the experience of highly skilled and passionate leaders, participants will engage in an immersive experience that builds a connection with the natural world, compassion and understanding for wild animals, and an awareness of the challenges and solutions for sustaining them.

summer camp & program

Creative kids Camp

REPTILE S SUMMER CAMPar! le Ye

12th Incredib

NORTH & SOUTH LOCATIONS AVAILABLE

calgaryreptileparties.com/daycamp.php

MOVE & GROOVE WITH DJD!

SUMMER DANCE CAMPS FOR AGES 4-18 EARLY BIRD PRICING ON UNTIL JUNE 10

DJD offers week-long summer camps that are designed to instill a love of dance in your child. Different styles of dance are offer each week throughout the summer including; Hip Hop, Fine Arts, Advanced Jazz & World Dance.

Visit decidedlyjazz.com for more info.

42 • Find us on

Your kids won’t be able to resist getting active!

By Katharine Watts, Active for Life Every room provides opportunities for our kids to move their bodies - from jumping on the bed to building giant couch-cushion forts. But sometimes we want our beds to be made and our couches to be used for sitting. That’s when it’s nice to have a dedicated movement space.

Luckily, with a few supplies and a bit of imagination, it’s easy to create a movement room or space in the house where kids can move freely without worrying about knocking a glass off the counter or breaking something.

With these tweaks, your kids won’t be able to resist getting active (and you’ll be able to stop saying “be careful!” every time they get a burst of energy).

STEP 1: Clear a space Maybe it’s a corner of your living room, or maybe it’s in your kid’s room. Whatever the case, choose the space and make sure it’s empty (you don’t need to empty the room - just the portion of the room that will be the designated movement space). Make sure you’re realistic when choosing the space. If your kids don’t often go to the basement to play on their own, choose an area they’ll actually want to use. Often, our kids want to play near us or want us to be involved in the movement - so this is a chance to think of the ways you like to move your body too.

STEP 2: Think about your kid’s unique interests and abilities Is your child an acrobat? Add rings to swing from.

If they’re more of a “throw your body into a pile of cushions” type, lots of blankets and pillows are the most essential. If they get lost in building giant structures for hours, giant Mondo BloxxTM will provide gross motor building opportunities. A movement space should reflect the reality of your unique children, rather than a one-sizefits-all approach.

“A movement space can be a saving grace for busy parents with high-energy kiddos.”

STEP 3: Create a landing Whether you grab some play mats from IKEA, or pad the floor with pillows, make sure there is a soft place to jump, land, or tumble around. If your kid is more interested in cartwheels and handstands, a yoga mat (there are some adorable ones for kids out there!) is likely the best option.

dream

STEP 4: Add props Once you’ve dreamed up your ideal space, start adding to it. In our house, we have a very small space to work with. My yoga mat, which rolls away easily, gets a lot of play, as we all like to practice handstands and downward dogs. Our ideal movement space includes climbing holds anchored into the wall, which take up no space but are ideal for little climbers. River stones are on our to-buy list, as they nest together for easy storage, and a great option for balance and jumping (and perfect for “The Floor is Lava,” which is always a blast.) Other props to consider: a ninja line, a wobble board, a doorway swing, and a mini trampoline.

STEP 5: Have fun!

Moving together as a family can boost feel-good endorphins and be a positive bonding experience. And when parents aren’t available to join in, a movement space can be a saving grace for busy parents with highenergy kiddos.

Reprinted with permission from Active for Life.

Active for Life is a non-profit organization committed to helping parents raise happy, healthy, physically literate kids. For more articles, visit activeforlife.com. CCM

big even if you're small summer

DRAMA

camps cypt.ca SPRING 2022 • calgaryschild.com • 43

summer camp & program

how to create a movement room in your home

summer camp & program

helping kids find their inner calm Effective strategies to make moments count and strengthen the connection with your kids

By Cara Poppitt Like most parents, you may be rushing from place to place trying to maximize your time and fit everything into your day. Perhaps, as you pick one child up from their extracurricular activity, you plan what you are going to eat as you are driving home. Your mind is always on, and your list of responsibilities is never-ending as you do your best to remember school agendas, teacher meetings, work obligations and also try to schedule in a little selfcare. This is normal! There are a few things you can try for yourself and introduce to your children to allow for more calm in your day. The truth is, you can do a lot more when you are calm, as it will allow for clarity.

When I am mindful of things that take up a lot of my time, and what my priorities are, things shift and the impossible becomes possible. Children pick up on the energy we have, whether it’s positive or negative, so it’s worthwhile to give it a little attention and make some simple shifts that add up and help your children navigate their days better and with more calmness.

When we teach children to have calm time, we teach them to allow their nervous system to relax. Instead of operating from our “flight or fight” sympathetic nervous system, we operate from the parasympathetic nervous system, allowing the mind and body to unwind. The

stress hormone of oxytocin is reduced in the body and chemicals send a signal to the brain that it’s okay to settle. This is possible to tap into easily by taking full deep breaths in and out of the body. The more oxygen

“The truth is, you can do a lot more when you are calm as it will allow for clarity.”

we have in the body, the more we can relax. This is why yoga does wonders for students of all ages as it focuses on breath work.

Scientific studies have proven a mind-body connection exists and that strengthening the mind allows for huge

progressions in all aspects of one's life. The one tool that I have found to keep me grounded is finding the calm in my crazy. Yoga helps me tap into this to find calmness.

Calmness is when we can take deep breaths and are able to live in the present moment. I believe in fullness of life that the quality of our relationships brings us joy, and it’s not always quantity of time. When I have mom guilt and feel bad for not spending enough time with my children, I remind myself that the quality and the memories are important and choose to focus on this truth. Here are a few strategies that are helpful to make moments count and strengthen the connection with your kids, increase their calmness and help them develop their confidence: Ask your children to set a goal in the morning to have a growth mindset. In the morning when you drive your kids to school or get them ready for the day, ask them to set a goal for the day. This gets them in a growth mindset easily. If goals are not on their radar, they are limiting their potential. Just the simple act of getting them to think about something they can work towards, allows them to see what is possible. When this happens, their brain will look for more possibilities during the day that will help them to achieve the goal they have chosen for that day and adopt a growth mindset.

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lack face-to-face, quality communication where we are fully engaged and listening. When we are present, our connection to others is strengthened, which allows our self-esteem to increase.

Teach your child how to be calm so they can selfregulate. Introducing your child to breath work is very important, so they can regulate their emotions and have less breakdowns. Children need to be shown how to take deep breaths and how counting to 3 can allow their body to relax and their mind to reset.

Consider a yoga class. Kids’ yoga classes are amazing at incorporating all of these skills and use games and activities to teach them how to take full deep breaths and calm their mind and body. In kids’ yoga classes, they will tap into their imaginations and learn stretches,

Cara is a successful dancer, fitness instructor and yoga teacher and a member of the Alberta Fitness Leadership Association. Check out soulconnexion.ca for dance, yoga or fitness classes for you or your children as they have a variety of classes offered for all ages and abilities. CCM

All for art, and art for all.

Learn to draw, paint and sculpt from professional artists in an inclusive and friendly studio.

www.alikisarthouse.com

To register email

youthscanfish2@shaw.ca www.youthscanfish2.ca 403-719-0723

SUMMER CAMP 2022 Jr. & Sr. Programs August 8-12 August 15-26 Ballet & Contemporary, Jazz & more!

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN 4 0 3 . 4 7 4 . 0 8 1 8 • I N F O @ H W B A L L E T. C O M • W W W. H W B A L L E T. C O M

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C U R R I E B A R R A C K S • 2 6 3 3 H O C H WA L D AV E . S .W. C A L G A R Y SPRING 2022 • calgaryschild.com • 45

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Scheduling in quiet time and no screen time to foster creativity. Schedule in quiet time and no screens on a full day or during certain hours each day. This will encourage them to use their imaginations, embrace play and be creative. This can be painful at times, but it creates space for them to explore and play with each other and enjoy being kids. When kids are creative, they can find solutions to problems rather than just see roadblocks. It’s okay for children to be bored and not entertained all of the time, as this is what creates creativity.

Teach your children communication skills so they can increase their confidence. When you have meals together, have each person share one thing about their day and ask a question to another family member. This teaches children how to communicate. So many of us

postures and poses to bring them balance and harmony, which they can use every day, all while having fun. If you are new to yoga, there are many free yoga videos online you can access to see what it is all about to get excited to take a class. Yoga is a great opportunity to learn mindfulness and tap into calmness and is great for children and adults alike.

These simple tips add up to bring in more calmness and connection to your day. It’s also important to validate emotions and feelings when they come. Introducing children to taking deep breaths when they are upset, anxious or sad allows them to process their emotions and validate their feelings. When children are validated, they gain confidence. Emotions take 7 seconds to be processed through the body after the chemicals have been released. Taking a few deep breaths allows us to process emotions instead of avoiding them. Teaching children how to process emotions is key to being able to connect back to their calmness.

When children are able to experience calmness, have a growth mindset and be able to communicate, it allows them to take on the stress and challenges of any day.

When we give our children life tools they can use at any time, it allows them to feel confident about who they are and what they can accomplish.

summer camp & program

Bearspaw Aug 22 - 27

Capitol Hill July 11 - 15

Southwood July 25 - 29

Rutland Park Aug 8 - 12

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Most importantly, ask your child why they want to play

By Keely Willment You’ve probably heard the term “healthy competition” before. When compared to unhealthy competition, of course, we want our children engaged in the good side of it! But as a parent, do you know the signs of healthy versus unhealthy competition? Selecting sports and activities for children is a daunting exercise, and can be marked with your own personal experiences from your youth. But there are key components of competition that will create a sporting environment where your child will develop their skills and have fun.

Ask your child why they want to participate. Their answers could be to have fun, to play with my friends, and maybe even to win! Competition and winning can be a powerful motivator for children. However, if competing and winning is the focus of the program, it may be at the expense of skill development, health of the participant, enjoyment, and ultimately the child’s motivation to continue. We know that children who have fun playing a sport are more likely to see it as a positive experience and are more likely to stay active throughout their lives.

“At every age and stage, healthy competition is designed to support what has been practiced or trained.”

The Canadian Sport for Life framework identifies that children will participate in sport and stay in sport if they do the right things at the right times. This means that before approximately 8 or 9 years old, competition should be informal, with no record of results. The next stage (up to when children reach the adolescent growth spurt) is local competition, where children can compete or play in different events or in different positions.

When children are in that adolescent growth spurt

CAMPS

4–14 Years

(approximately eleven to sixteen), it’s developmentally appropriate to participate in formal competition with standings or rankings.

Overall, participants need to train not only in sportspecific skills, but also in overall fitness and strength. This will help prevent injury and burnout. All sport and activity experiences need to serve the needs of the participant.

At every age and stage, healthy competition is designed to support what has been practiced or trained.

Games or competitions should be “right-sized,” including the game space (for example, the size of the field or course) and the equipment (for example, size of jumps, or height of nets). Participants competing against each other should be equally matched, resulting in close competition and avoiding big losses.

Before registering your child for an activity, ask the organization how their programming supports healthy competition. A quality sport organization will be able to provide a comprehensive plan for the program that outlines the steps of skill development, training, and competition. Most importantly, have a conversation with your child about why they want to play. Motivation is different for every child, and will change as they age and progress, so understanding what they value is important.

Keely believes learning from play builds empathy, understanding, a desire to see other perspectives, and ultimately, makes for better world citizens. She has promoted these values in her role as a WordPLAY Consultant, HIGH FIVE®, NCCP and as a Healthy Play Trainer for the last ten years. Need to create more connections across your education, sport, or recreation organization? Visit wordplaycanada.com. Feeling Social? Follow on Instagram @wordplaycanada. CCM

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Goat Milking • Tractor Rides • Pony Rides • Farmyard Fun • Picnic Areas SPRING 2022 • calgaryschild.com • 47

summer camp & program

fostering healthy competition

summer camp & program

tips for playdates with kids with special needs It may take more planning and patience but making friends is worth it

By Sarah Lyons Playdates are an important part of childhood. They offer time for kids to interact socially without the structure of school or extracurricular activities. They also help kids learn to share, socialize, and play freely while still having support from their parents as needed. Kids with special needs are no exception and benefit from playdates as much as their peers. While they may take a little more planning and patience, it is well worth the efforts for everyone involved.

Here are some tips for hosting a playdate with kids with disabilities: BE OPEN. Our natural reaction may be to avoid talking about any disabilities a child may have but it is better to address any questions or concerns beforehand so everyone is more comfortable and knows what to expect.

“I am upfront and honest about my daughter before we go to anyone’s house for a playdate,” says Barb Walker-Shapiro, mom of six.

“Her brain doesn’t work like other kids. She may have a seizure and is prone to major meltdowns. I find that when other parents know what’s ‘wrong’ with my daughter, they are more tolerant and compassionate towards her.”

It is also a good idea to talk to your children openly about differences they may have with their friends.

Explain that just because others may seem different or express their joy differently, it doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy playdates or making new friends as well.

Prior to the playdate, it is also a good idea to check in with the other parents about whether there are any food allergies or restrictions and anything important you should know.

BE STRATEGIC. Prior to the playdate, discuss with the other parents about what would be the best location to have the playdate.

For some, their own home is more comfortable and successful. For others, staying at home may encourage the child with special needs to say “hello“ then retreat to their room while company visits. In this case, it may be better to go to a public place that everyone can enjoy, such as a park, museum, or zoo.

On the other hand, parents who have a child that is prone to running away or hiding may find a public place overwhelming. Discuss your plans with all the parents involved and come up with the best solution for everyone.

Another great strategy is to plan activities that unite the kids. Kids who struggle with talking to peers or sharing toys may find that a common interest helps them feel more at ease.

Find out the interests of the kids you are hosting and offer an activity around one that excites all of those invited. Ideas could include a craft, a game, or visiting somewhere that fosters that interest. For example, if they are interested in nature, visit a local park or garden or go on a backyard scavenger hunt. If they are interested in tractors and farm animals, visit a nearby hobby farm like Butterfield Acres.

BE PATIENT. Whenever kids are involved, patience is important. Try to understand that kids may have different

reactions to situations, things may not go exactly as expected, and that it may take some time for kids with special needs to warm up to the situation.

Some children with special needs may prefer to participate in parallel play. Parallel play is when kids play beside each other, but do not interact with one another.

Children who play alone during parallel play still enjoy the time together and are usually interested in what the other children are doing. If things do not go as planned, it is okay to cut the playdate short and try again in the future.

BE INCLUSIVE. It is most important to note that kids with disabilities or special needs are just like anyone else; they want to interact with friends and be loved and appreciated.

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MAKING THE MUSIC IN YOUR LIFE A LITTLE MORE SPECIAL

When hosting a playdate with kids with disabilities it’s important to greet them and interact with them as you would anyone else you meet.

“Please say ’hi’ to my son. Smile at him, even if he doesn’t smile back,” says Marie Taylor, mother of two.

Even if the child is nonverbal or doesn’t seem to hear you, it is important to speak to them.

“Find out the interests of the kids you are hosting and offer an activity around one that excites all of those invited.”

Angela Leever, special education teacher and mother of three says, “Encourage the parents and children to speak to the child with special needs, not about them. If the child with special needs does something your child isn’t happy with or that isn’t appropriate, allow them to use words to tell them. Sometimes that is more powerful than the adults intervening.”

BE UNDERSTANDING. Parenting is not easy and we all struggle with different challenges when it comes to our children. Ask the parent if they need help with anything prior to the playdate.

“I almost always have a few extra things to carry, so please don’t be shy about asking if I need help,” says Marie.

“I also need a lot of grace.”

Try to be patient and understanding. The other parent may be overwhelmed or tired. It may have been challenging to get there. All parents have great days where everything goes as planned and tough days where it seems nothing does. Listen and offer a hand when needed and they will most likely offer the same in return.

The most important tip for having a playdate with a child with special needs is just to have them. It may take a little more planning and patience than the average playdate, but it is so worth it to both the parents and kids involved. Playdates offer a great chance for kids to interact with peers and make friends in a non stressful way, and they are also a great time for parents to connect and build each other up as well.

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PLAYDATE ACTIVITIES THAT UNITE. Choosing activities that encourage common interests will help foster friendships.

Here are some ideas: Build something - LEGO®, blocks, wooden train sets • • Pick something they are both interested in and go do it Arts and crafts • Go outside and play • • Quiet stations for the quieter group - set up puzzles, coloring sheets, books, blocks • Set up a sensory bin • Pick a neutral location - museum, park, or zoo Sarah is a mom of six kids including 7-year-old triplets.

She enjoys reading, writing, and spending time outdoors with her family. CCM

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SPRING 2022 • calgaryschild.com • 49

summer camp & program

Lisa Graham

summer camp & program

5 benefits of volunteering as a family Donating your time together teaches children life skills

By Stacie Gaetz, Calgary’s Child Magazine 4. It’s Fun Although we tend to associate volunteering with work, if you choose something you enjoy doing, your activity can be a lot of fun.

It is often challenging to find events that are enjoyable for the whole family (especially if the children are spread out in age).

Volunteering at an agreed upon organization can provide opportunities to spend quality time together while each member of the family shines in the area of their own strength.

We all know that volunteering can be good for the soul, but our busy lifestyles can make it easy to say, “I just don’t have the time.”

Between work, school, extracurricular activities, cleaning the house, keeping the kids fed and trying to carve out some quality family time, volunteering can fall to the bottom of the priority list. One solution can be combining your family time with volunteering at a local organization.

Donating your time to others in need teaches children a plethora of important skills and life lessons.

“Volunteering offers many benefits,” says Katie Dodd, head of partnerships with Volunteer Connector, a free online platform that connects volunteers with their favorite causes.

“It teaches your family new skills, helps families connect and meet people from diverse backgrounds.”

She adds that volunteering helps teach children the importance of creating bonds with both their family and community.

1. Giving Back Katie says depending on the organization, children can start volunteering with their parents as young as 5 but most prefer that a child is at least 8 years old. By twelve years old, kids can start volunteering without a parent if they have parental permission.

“It helps parents teach their children important values and the importance of giving,” adds Katie. “It also provides children with the opportunity to feel gratification through giving.”

She adds that giving back does not have to be part of an organized effort and families can donate their time in a more informal way.

Engaging in volunteering opportunities like picking up litter, or helping with yard work for a neighbor, can include children of any age.

2. Family Values Volunteering can be the perfect opportunity to show (not just tell) your children the values you hold dear as a family.

They can also take ownership of the cause if you allow them to help choose what organization you give your time to. Do you have an animal lover in the family?

The local shelter might be the best place to look for

opportunities. Is one of your children an avid reader? You could reach out to your local library or Calgary Reads.

Have an aspiring chef on your hands? Maybe the food bank is the place to give back.

3. Life Lessons Empathy is an imperative part of children’s development and volunteering for and with others who are different from them helps them understand others’ needs.

“Children who volunteer have an opportunity to learn… compassion, empathy, hard work, social skills, and responsibility,” says Katie.

It may also be helpful to teach children about the inequities in your community and why some people experience hardship while others do not, she adds.

“This will help them to have empathy for the people they serve in their communities without feeling superior.”

Showing up with an open mind and a willingness to support your community in ways that may be new or different to what you are used to is also an important factor to keep in mind when signing up for a volunteer gig.

5. Imparting ‘Stick-to-itiveness’ Donating their time to others who are depending on them can help your children understand that committing to a cause and sticking with it is important.

“If you are going to volunteer as a family, try to make it a regular occurrence, not just something you do at Christmas time,” says Katie.

“This will teach your children that the needs in the community are constant. It also provides reliable support to the organization you are volunteering for.”

In addition to these 'soft skills,' volunteering opportunities can also teach your children a number of valuable hard skills like carpentry, technology and organization. CCM

FAMILY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES •

Calgary Food Bank – Children twelve years old and older can help build food hampers for families in need. Children 8 and older can volunteer for special events if accompanied by an adult.

•

Inn From the Cold – Facilitating birthday parties and other special events for guests staying at the shelter.

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AgeCare – Families can write notes to residents in continuing care.

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Calgary Reads – Families can donate books, deliver books, or build their own Little Library.

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health & wellness

magical milk maker? secrets to easier breastfeeding Simple ways to increase milk production

By Leanne Rzepa, RN, BN, IBCLC Have you ever wondered how your breasts make breastmilk and what you can do to ensure a robust milk supply throughout your breastfeeding journey?

During pregnancy, your breasts may become sore, heavy, or tingly as early as 1 to 2 weeks after conception.

Your nipples may also feel sensitive or even painful to touch. A lot of women notice their areolae darken and widen as well.

Pregnancy affects levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone in your body. These hormones play an important role in readying your breasts for lactation and are responsible for many of the breast changes you may experience.

Estrogen stimulates growth of the breast duct cells and generates the secretion of prolactin. Prolactin stimulates breast enlargement and milk production. Progesterone also supports the formation and growth of milkproducing cells within the glands of the breasts.

At approximately 16 weeks gestation, your breasts begin to produce colostrum, which is a nutrient-dense, protein-rich, thick substance that is very protective to your baby’s digestive tract in the early days of life.

After the birth of your baby, and once your placenta is delivered, there is a huge drop in your estrogen and progesterone levels. This signals your body to begin the process of making breastmilk. For the next few days, your baby will drink colostrum frequently throughout the day and night to help bring your milk in. Milk generally comes in on the third or fourth day postpartum. Your breasts will begin to fill and feel heavier and may even

“The more often your baby feeds and places an order for milk, the more milk will be produced.” become engorged. Now is the critical time to continue breastfeeding often and ensure your breasts are comfortable and softened - every 2 to 3 hours around the clock, until your baby is gaining weight appropriately and has returned to their birth weight (which can sometimes take up to 2 weeks).

Once your milk is in, production is driven by supply and demand. This means your baby’s suckling on your nipple is like placing an order for food. The suckling triggers your milk to let-down and flow. The more often your baby feeds and places an order for milk, the more milk will be produced. Softer breasts make more milk, which is why you want to breastfeed often to ensure your breasts continue to produce ample amounts of milk to keep up with your baby’s demand. Nighttime feeds are also important, because your prolactin hormone (responsible for making breastmilk) is highest between the hours of 11pm and 2am.

You may feel that your angel baby from the daytime has suddenly turned into a little party animal at night and doesn’t seem to want to sleep! Your baby biologically knows this, and typically cluster feeds more at night and doesn’t always settle as well after nighttime feeds.

52 • Find us on

In addition to breastfeeding approximately every 2 to 3 hours or on your baby’s demand in order to ensure your breasts are softened and comfortable, these are some other things you can do to ensure your milk supply remains ample: • Hold your baby skin-to-skin as often as you can.

• Offer both breasts at each feed but ensure good drainage of your first breast before offering the second breast.

• Apply moist heat to your breasts before feeding to help your milk flow more easily.

• If your breasts are quite hard at the start of feeding, hand express for a few minutes to soften your areolae .

• Gently massage and compress your breast for about 5 seconds when active drinking slows to encourage more milk removal.

• Start with the breast your baby last nursed from or whichever breast feels heavier.

• If your breasts remain heavy or uncomfortable after breastfeeding, don’t be afraid to hand express or pump to comfort.

•

Hand expressing for a few minutes on each breast after breastfeeding in the early days before your milk comes in can be helpful at ensuring an ample milk supply.

•

Avoid bottles unless medically indicated in the early postpartum period until your milk supply is established.

•

If you do need to bottle feed your baby, make sure you are using a true slow flow bottle system such as Dr Brown’s with a preemie nipple.

•

Stay well hydrated - drink lots of water.

•

Eat foods high in fiber like oatmeal, whole grains, and green leafy vegetables.

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Eat foods high in Omegas to help support the fat content of your breastmilk.

•

If you were anemic during your pregnancy or had a postpartum hemorrhage, continue taking an iron supplement and eat iron-rich foods as your breastmilk is made from your blood. Some mothers with low iron find it challenging to build their milk supply.

•

Rest during the day when you know the nights are often long and sleepless.

Leanne is the owner of Nourish Lactation Consulting - a private breastfeeding support company servicing Calgary and surrounding communities in Alberta. CCM

health & wellness

does your neurodiverse child make you feel judged by others?

Remind yourself that those judging do not know you or your child

By Gwen Randall-Young, R.Psych.

Neurodivergence is the term used when someone’s brain processes, learns, and/or behaves differently from what is considered “typical!”.

Neurodiversity includes conditions like autism, ADHD, Down syndrome and epilepsy, as well as chronic mental health illnesses such as bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder, anxiety, or depression.

Parents of these children may feel embarrassed by their child’s behavior, or fear that others are judging them as bad parents who cannot control their children, especially when there are outbursts in public. These parents have demanding roles twenty-four seven. While all children can present challenges to parents at times, neurotypical children can more easily gain control over their behaviors. There are many strategies that are proven to work with them.

“Don’t let toxic words go to your heart; those comments have little or nothing to do with who you are.”

With neurodiverse children, their brains process differently, affecting learning and/or behavior. A child with autism, or one with sensory processing challenges, may become overwhelmed with the sights and sounds of a grocery store. The parent watches and tries to distract the child, just hoping to get out of the store before there is a meltdown.

Sometimes the meltdown happens and expresses itself as tantrum-like behavior. The parent is trying to calm the child but, at the same time, is dealing with whispers, dirty looks, glaring, and even outright rude comments.

These parents may also feel judged by friends and family, who feel the answer is stricter discipline; being harder on the child. These people, although likely wellintentioned, clearly have no idea about the complexity of the child’s issues and the parents’ challenges.

Some, sadly, have been judged by others, even physicians, for not just “making” the child behave as desired. David Reynolds wrote a book on Japanese psychotherapy called Playing Ball on Running Water.

There are times when it feels like that is what we are doing. Nothing is certain, nothing is predictable, it is hard to say balanced, and simply is not fun. It is not how we thought the game of life would be played.

It never feels good to be judged or misunderstood.

Judgment of others can lead us to feel frustration, anger, hate, insecurity, or despair. Judgment can trigger our own insecurities, and negatively impact the confidence we are trying to maintain as a parent.

We try to stay positive for our family, and one judgmental comment can cause us distress that can last long beyond the actual incident. If it comes from someone we know, it can affect the level of trust we have in that person.

Self-care is often at the bottom of our to do list, and consequently our emotional resilience might be low.

What thoughts can help us to keep these situations in perspective? Remind yourself that those judging do not know you or your child. They do not know that you are doing the best you can, every day. We cannot control what others say or do. We know that everyone has their own beliefs and opinions, and some have no desire to hold back on voicing them. We cannot always avoid judgmental people, so we are better to accept that it happens, and equip ourselves with perspectives that allow us to deal with it in a conscious, calm, and detached way.

When someone confronts you directly, or gives unsolicited advice, you have two options. You can calmly brush it off, saying something like, “thanks, I’ll keep that in mind.” Or, simply smile and say nothing, hard as that might be.

The second option is to actually engage and try to educate someone - not to try to change their opinions, but to share your knowledge and perspectives.

However, it is not your job to educate everyone. You might want to do that only with people who really matter to you.

Wisdom tells us that we should not take judgments personally. They say more about the one judging than they do about you. Clients often tell me it is hard to not take things personally. They are right; however, it is a skill we can, and should, develop. Don’t let toxic words go to your heart; those comments have little or nothing to do with who you are.

Finally, treat everyone with respect, love, and compassion. Getting angry does not help. It only increases the level of stress chemicals in our bodies.

My mother used to say that “acid eats away at the container holding it!”

Knowing people who judge are uninformed or unhappy, we can sidestep their comments so we do not become judgmental in return.

Gwen is an author and award-winning psychologist. For permission to reprint this article, or to obtain books, CDs or MP3s, visit gwen.ca.

Follow Gwen on Facebook for inspiration. CCM

SPRING 2022 • calgaryschild.com • 53

ages & stages

“where does my food come from?”

Teaching your kids about agriculture

By Stacie Gaetz, Calgary’s Child Magazine “Mom, was this cracker ever alive?”

It occurred to me at that moment - when we were sitting around the lunch table and my then 6-year-old daughter asked me this question - that perhaps I could do a better job teaching my kids where their food comes from.

As a city girl myself, the only thing I knew about agriculture was the field trip tours of farms that I took in school as a child and the information I have collected from talking to farmers and ranchers over my years as a journalist.

The “cracker question” (as it has become known in our household) came up last spring and instead of just laughing it off as a funny thing kids say, it spurred my husband and I to take action.

We decided to trade in our neighborhood grocery store for a local fresh food market, a garden, and a working ranch as our main sources of food over the spring/summer months. We use our weekly trips to these locations to teach our children where the food they eat comes from and how it gets from the land to their plate.

Down to Earth This is an important lesson for a number of reasons, according Nicola Doherty, marketing coordinator of Open Farm Days.

“There's a multitude of reasons for kids to not just know where their food comes from, but also to understand the process of producing their food, such as the benefits of fresh food, and an appreciation of how long it takes to grow their food,” Nicola says.

Open Farm Days is a two-day event happening across Alberta on August 13 and 14, where farms across the province open up their doors to their rural and urban neighbors to demonstrate farming in the province.

Nicola adds that for children that don't have the opportunity to visit a farm, their conception of where food comes from is often related to the grocery store.

“While grocery stores are an important part of a family’s food story, connecting children to the beginning of the food story such as talking about collecting eggs, 54 • Find us on

harvesting wheat to turn into flour or pulling a carrot out of the dirt, is important as the lessons we teach children about cooking food or healthy choices.”

When you live in a city of more than 1 million people, what are some ways you can bring the farm into your children’s food?

Meaningful markets Nicola says local farmers markets are a great place to start when exposing children to natural foods. When browsing the stands at a market, it is easy to start the conversation about where the food on the shelves came from and how it got there.

“Often times when you're shopping at a farmers market you are buying directly from the farmer that

“Incorporating local food into your daily meals can be easier than you would think, and it's fun to try to see if your family can eat “Alberta” for a meal a week.” produced the product,” Nicola says. “It's a concrete way for children to see the big picture in food production.”

A ranch is another great place to bring your little ones so they can get an idea of how an animal can provide food for us. “When you're bringing your kid to a ranch, you're again, giving the child the big picture of food production,” says Nicola. “Steaks and burgers and chicken don't magically appear at the grocery store. Visiting a local ranch, however, you can see how the ranchers look after the animals, how the animals live, and what the animals eat, and the cycle of life.”

Incorporating local food into your daily meals can be easier than you would think, and it's fun to try to see if your family can eat “Alberta” for a meal a week.

Farm fresh Farms and ranches are a sensory experience, so visiting a farm at an early age is a great idea.

Christina Stender, farmer and owner of Eh Farms, says she feels it is important for everyone to know where their food comes from, but it is especially crucial for children.

“Kids often don't understand the care and commitment that goes into the food they love,” she says.

“Knowing the importance allows kids to appreciate and value their food in a different way and teaches them to not take it for granted. I think it's important for everyone to know that food doesn't come from the grocery store, it starts months or years before with a farmer and a farm.”

Eh Farms is a pig farm that specializes in the Red Mangalitsa breed and has been in operation since 2017.

Christina says since they have opened, they have offered the public the chance to come out and meet their farm friends.

“Many don’t understand the dedication and care that goes into raising livestock,” she says. “Sharing my story, I hope to educate everyone about life on the farm and the vital role agriculture plays in their lives.”

When my family goes to pick up our meat from the local ranch we visit, my kids are absolutely enthralled with everything from the farm dog and cats, to the cows, chickens and even the silos and other farm equipment.

Every time we visit, they come up with interesting and thoughtful questions about agriculture and the farming process that we often need to ask an employee at the ranch about or go home and look up the answer to.

“Depending on the farm, and the time of year they visit a farm, each visit can be new with each new seasonal vegetable, visiting the lambs or calves in the early spring or wearing a bee suit to experience beekeeping in the summer,” says Nicola.

She adds that agriculture is very varied across the province and includes everything from orchards, to bison ranches and apiaries. CCM Connecting kids with their food source empowers them to know what they're eating and the people and farms that make it possible for them to eat delicious food.

LOCAL FARMERS MARKETS: • • • • • • • • • • • •

Symons Valley Ranch Market Store Hillhurst Sunnyside Farmers’ Market Crossroads Market Calgary Farmers' Market South Robert McClure Farmers' Market Farmers & Makers Market at cSPACE Sunridge Farmers Market Fresh & Local Farm Store Bearspaw Farmers Market Crossfield Farmers Market Airdrie Farmers Market Souto Farms Local Market

ages & stages

“why are you so ungrateful?”

Strategies to support the development of gratitude in your children

By Ashley Frampton We’ve all said it, or at the very least thought it. In a moment of frustration and disappointment, when we’re in absolute awe as to why our kids aren’t showing appreciation for all that’s being done for or given to them.

But being grateful is not innate. And it most definitely isn’t easy for adults, let alone our little ones. Feeling gratitude requires children to use a variety of complex social emotional skills that need to be taught through ongoing modeling and practice. The kicker? When they do start to feel and understand what it means to be grateful, the benefits can be huge.

Research shows that gratitude is linked to happiness in children at as early as 5 years old, and that grateful adults are happier people in general. Other benefits throughout childhood and teenage years include an increase in optimism, higher levels of positive emotions, increased alertness and awakeness… the list continues and the research shows solid connections between being grateful and psychological, social and emotional well-being overall.

So as caregivers and educators, how do we support the development of gratitude in childhood? Here are a few strategies that can be implemented at home or school: Teach your child to say thank you in everyday social settings and explain to them why it’s important. “Your friend shared her toy car today. That was so kind of her, what should you say?” This is a first step in the process, and although it may seem superficial, it is an opportunity for children to recognize when others show them kindness through gifts and/or actions.

Explore the concept of gratitude at a greater depth.

Prompt children to recognize what they have to be thankful for, and think about why they have access to those people, places or things. You can also prompt these discussions with children’s literature, as there are a wealth of stories connected to this theme. A few of my favorites are listed below: • The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein • The Thankful Book by Todd Parr An Angel for Solomon Singer by Cynthia Rylant • • Gratitude is My Super Power by Alicia Ortego • Thankful by Eileen Spinelli

Have fun performing random acts of kindness with your children! This could be anything from baking cookies for a neighbor to mailing thank you letters to community helpers or being a Snow Angel by shoveling someone’s driveway.

Not only does this show children compassion and service, but it also helps you connect as a family.

Create visual cues for gratitude.

A visual cue is often an object, picture or symbol that can help a child become more independent with a given skill, in this case, remembering to be grateful. For my own children and students, their reminders are special rocks that we found together in nature and painted, and placed on their bedside table or desk.

Model it! Children need to see gratitude in action, and we are their biggest influencers whether

“The research shows solid connections between being grateful and psychological, social and emotional well-being overall.” we like it or not. So, be on your best behavior and say ”thank you” to the clerk at the grocery store, let them catch you writing in your gratitude journal (maybe even read them an excerpt) and talk to them about the things you are grateful for. Model, model, model!

Gratitude may not be the easiest concept to teach, but as parents and educators we play an important role in helping to develop it. Since instilling gratitude in your child at a young age can literally help them grow up to be happier people, it’s worth it!

Sources: Emmons, Robert. Why gratitude is good. University of California, 2010. https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/ item/why_gratitude_is_good Nguyen SP, Gordon CL. The Relationship Between Gratitude and Happiness in Young Children. Journal of Happiness Studies. November 2019.

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

SPRING 2022 • calgaryschild.com • 55

ages & stages Helping Parents Find Their Voice

when is my child ready to be left home alone?

How to prepare your child for the challenge

By Julie Freedman Smith The law is often unclear about this. From a parenting perspective, the answer to this question lies with you and your child. There is no magic number when every child in your home will be ready. It requires a group of skills that need to be taught over time. This article will help you sort through the pieces of the puzzle and put them together in a way that fits for each child in your family.

Does your child believe they are ready? Some kids are full of courage and can’t wait for the opportunity.

Others will be too scared to contemplate it. Let’s remember two things: • A child’s perception of readiness is not the only thing we need.

• A child’s fear doesn’t mean that we give up and forget the whole thing. We can acknowledge a child’s discomfort about an idea and work with them to find the courage to take baby steps forward.

Discuss safety scenarios that fit your situation. Once your child is on board to learn how to be at home alone, imagining challenging situations and problemsolving them together is a great way to determine their knowledge and readiness. Will they be allowed

to eat while you are gone? What about cooking? What would they do if they felt scared? Who could they call for help? What if someone rings the doorbell? What if they run out of toilet paper? The trick here is to make it fun and exploratory rather than an inquisition.

Brainstorm and note scenarios on pieces of paper, pull one or two out of a hat and see what solutions your child suggests. This could be great conversation on a car ride or a walk.

There is a difference between staying home alone and babysitting a sibling. Just because a child seems ready to manage on their own, this does not indicate readiness to care for another human’s fears, difficulties,

“There is no magic number when every child in your home will be ready.”

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entertainment, and discipline. However, two kids who are close in age might make a great team to stay home alone and elevate the courage required for the adventure.

Teamwork means that they are each looking after the other and working together.

What if you aren’t the person to teach your child the skills needed for this endeavor? Have no fear! The great people at Child Safe Canada have you covered. They teach the Home Alone Safety Program, Babysitting, and First Aid. I’ve watched countless children walk out of their programs feeling prepared for the challenge and eager to share their learning.

Practice makes everything better and is easy to work into your day. Pick a time when you will head to the basement, or somewhere out of earshot. Keep it short to start and then make it longer. Plan with your child what they’ll do during that time and how they’ll handle whatever comes along. Everyone will have the peace of mind that you are still in the building, and they’ll give it a dry run. You could even leave a toilet roll un-replaced, or have a neighbor pretend to deliver a package as a test run. Have them practice calling the people who they would call if they had questions. Do they know how to make the call? What will they say?

Practicing for kids being home alone is really part of a bigger family plan or practice, which focuses on what to do if there was an emergency at home. Do your kids know multiple ways they would get out of your house in a fire? Do they know where you would plan to meet outside? Are there neighbors to ask if something happened to you, and they needed to get help? Do they know how and when to call 911? Do they know their address and important phone numbers? If they don’t, this might be the best place to start before contemplating them being at home on their own.

Tiny test drive: When all the other puzzle pieces align, start small and easy. Ten minutes alone during the day is easier than 4 hours at night. Plan a time where you will pop over to the neighbor’s to borrow a cup of sugar or take a walk around the block. Make sure your child knows the expectations and what to do if there’s a problem.

Who will they call if they need someone?

When it works well, plan for another, slightly longer test drive. When it doesn’t all go according to plan, take a deep breath, and calmly do the following: •

Listen to and acknowledge their feelings about the situation.

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Notice what worked well.

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Work with them to determine solutions to the parts that didn’t work.

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Let everyone know that there is plenty of time to work on this skill and that you believe in your family’s ability to work as a team and make it happen.

Author, blogger, podcast host and parenting expert, Julie Freedman Smith has been supporting parents across North America for 20 years. Through her company JFS Parent Education, she helps parents find relief from their everyday parenting challenges. Want to know how she can help you?

Email her today: julie@juliefreedmansmith.com. CCM

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ages & stages

forming healthy boundaries with the grandparents 5 tips to help keep the peace

By Stacie Gaetz, Calgary’s Child Magazine We all know there are countless benefits to children having a healthy relationship with their grandparents, but some aspects of that relationship can cause a bit of strife between mom and dad and grandma and grandpa.

It is no surprise that when kids are with their grandparents they are much more likely to get what they ask for (the word “spoiled” is often used). This can be a good thing, as kids feel special, but it can also step on parents’ toes and strain that relationship if it goes too far.

How do you make sure your parents (and/or in-laws) are not undermining your authority?

According to Chantal Côté, registered psychologist and founder of Pyramid Psychology, you set up boundaries.

It is “OK to [set boundaries] and it is possible to do so in a respectful way,” she says. “Keep [your] children's best interest and well-being at the heart of decisions.”

1. Too much of a good thing. Grandparents have earned a right to somewhat spoil their grandchildren by taking on the difficult task of raising us and helping us become the people we are today. They deserve to give their grandchildren what they want from time to time!

However, too much of a good thing is a bad thing. It is a good idea to have a quick chat with your parents and set out boundaries related to the things they purchase for your kids. Each family’s ‘rules’ will look a bit different and

can range from the elders asking the parents if it is OK each time a child asks for something, to setting a price limit or set number of ‘things’ or ‘treats.’

2. Undermining parents’ authority. It is a good idea to have a chat with your parents about any major rules in your home, such as limits on screen time and strict nap times.

“Have conversations with grandparents about most important non-negotiables when it comes to times together with grandparents and children,” says Chantal.

Stick to your guns and make sure they know that other rules are fluid, but these must be followed in order for them to spend time with your children.

“Be okay with ‘no,’” says Chantal. “Set up requests and invitations for spending time together with the understanding that if it doesn't fit for the other person, that is okay. Parents have boundaries, as do grandparents, as do children. Keeping that in mind can help everyone have their voice heard in a more equitable way.”

3. Talk about the differences. Make sure both your children and your parents know that the care and interactions will be different with grandma and grandpa than they are at home. Talk to your kids about what rules will be different (for example, your bedtime may be a little later or you may not have to finish everything on your plate before dessert) and what will stay the same

(screen time limits and no phone in your room at night).

4. In my day. Because your parents raised you, they may have their own opinions about how you should raise your children. We all know that parenting has changed a lot in the past 20 to 30 years, and what may have been right or acceptable then is not how things are currently done. It is important that you talk about this and ask them to respect that you have done your research and are parenting with your child’s best interests in mind.

5. Be flexible when you can. Although there are times when you will have to “put your foot down,” there are other times when it is okay to let things go. The incredibly beneficial bond between grandparents and children, and the much-needed parenting break it can give you, are worth letting go of a bit of control.

The key to feeling good about letting go is open and honest communication, according to Chantal.

“Listen to understand - if something is bothering you in grandparent/child time together, pay attention (there's a reason) and see if you can bring a little curiosity to understand why your parent/child is behaving in that way,” she adds.

“If something is working really well, keep it going. If something isn't, don’t be afraid to think outside the box of what the relationship can look like.” CCM

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SPRING 2022 • calgaryschild.com • 57

home & lifestyle

home buying tips to avoid a costly mistake Finding your perfect new place

By Kimberly Blaker Buying a home is often a highly emotional experience.

It begins with the exciting prospect of finding your perfect home and the exhilarating idea of new beginnings. But as the hunt progresses, it can become an emotional roller coaster. After viewing many homes, you might fear you'll never find the right home. You may experience anxiety over whether you'll find a home within your budget – or, because you've fallen in love with a home that's outside your budget. When you find the perfect house, you'll be dealing with frustration if another buyer beats you to the punch. When you do make an offer, you may be worried you offered too little or too much. You'll also experience disappointment if your offer is rejected.

But once you've closed on your home and you're confident you made the right decision, you'll rejoice – and bask knowing it was worth every bit of the turbulent ride. Still, there's no greater stress than making the mistake of buying a home that, for any number of reasons, you come to regret. So follow these recommendations to get you started on the right foot and help you stay on course in finding your perfect (or near-perfect) home.

Before you begin shopping The first thing to do is to make a list of your objectives.

Are you trying to reduce your work commute? Is there a particular school district you'd like your kids to attend?

What about proximity to shopping or recreation?

Also, think about the specific features you want in a home. Would you like a larger garage, finished basement, fenced yard, low-maintenance lawn, a certain number of bedrooms and bathrooms, a walk-in shower, an updated kitchen, ample closet space, or a home that's turn-key ready? Make your list as detailed as possible.

Now, go through the list again. Next to each item, mark if it's a must-have, prefer-to-have, or nice but not necessary.

The reason for creating this list and then breaking it down is two-fold. First, buying a home is a significant investment. The home you ultimately choose is going to affect your lifestyle. Since there's seldom a home with every feature a buyer wants, you should prioritize what's most important to you.

As you begin your search, you can always add to your list or amend it. But it serves as a blueprint to narrow your search and help keep you on track.

When you find a home that wows you, look at your criteria to make sure the house has all or most of your must-haves. If it doesn't, maybe you'll decide your criteria have changed, and this home is just what you want. On the other hand, it might also bring you back down to earth and encourage you to continue searching for a home that better suits your needs.

“Since there's seldom a home with every feature a buyer wants, you should prioritize what's most important to you.”

How much of a home can you afford?

Determining this is a two-step process.

First, prepare a budget and figure out how much you can comfortably spend each month on mortgage and interest payments, property taxes, and homeowner's insurance. Also, consider whether there'll be a substantial difference in your monthly utilities. Include an allowance for home repairs and maintenance as well.

Second, you need to get pre-qualified through your bank or a mortgage company. Despite what you think you can afford, a lender will ultimately determine the maximum you can afford. So don't risk getting your hopes up on a particular home until you know how much a lender will loan you.

Another reason to get pre-qualified is that some realtors won't show homes to prospective buyers until they've been pre-qualified.

Getting started in your search Now you're ready to find a realtor. Working with a real estate agent has multiple advantages. First, realtors

have access to the MLS system, the database in which all homes listed by real estate agencies appear. They're only able to access the MLS for listings within their own MLS region, however. If you're moving to a new area, choose a realtor in the area where you'll be relocating.

When you meet with an agent, make sure the agent feels like a good fit for you. The agent should ask plenty of questions to gain a solid understanding of what you're looking for in a home. Also, find out if the agent is available to show homes during your usual hours of availability. Finally, be cautious of high-pressure tactics to get you to sign an exclusive contract. Ultimately, you'll want to do this when you find the right agent.

But if you're not comfortable with the agent, be prepared to say you need time to think about it and stand your ground.

The home inspection Once you've made an offer, getting a home inspection is a crucial step. This will help ensure you're making a sound buying decision. Unfortunately, too many homebuyers learn the hard way that inspectors are not always required to be licensed or have any special skills or training in every province.

You can ask your agent for a recommendation. But unless you're confident your agent is someone you can trust, this may not be the best option. Unfortunately, a few agents favor less thorough inspectors to avoid the risk of too many uncovered issues during an inspection, which could cause a sale to fall through.

So do your homework before hiring an inspector. Ask about their qualifications and how long they've been in business. Also, check with the Better Business Bureau and online reviews.

A knowledgeable, skilled inspector will look at every aspect of the home, including windows, foundation, attic, roof, plumbing, electrical components, and much more.

Your inspector should alert you to all defects, big and small. They should also note any aging features that could require repair or replacement in the not so distant future.

Tips to ensure you don't make a decision you regret Regardless of what the bank says you can afford or if an agent pushes you to go higher, you're the best judge of what's really within your budget. Don't make a decision you're not confident you can afford. Remember, your financial well-being and lifestyle are on the line.

Don't get impatient. Sometimes it takes a while to find just the right home. Although you may never find a home with everything you've ever dreamed of, make sure it meets enough of the right criteria so you can live happily in your home for some time to come.

When you do find the perfect home, don't drag your feet. If it's a buyer's market in particular, or merely a desirable home, it might get snatched up before you act.

If you see flaws that'll require costly repair, weigh it out carefully before making your offer.

Finally, once you make an offer, try not to get your heart too set on the home until it's been inspected. That way, if the report comes back reflecting costly repairs, you'll be able to make a wise decision on whether to proceed or back out.

Kimberly is a freelance writer. She also owns an online store, Sage Rare & Collectible Books, specializing in out-of-print, scarce, signed, and first editions; fine bindings; ephemera and more at sagerarebooks.com. CCM

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parent connection

balancing your time at the NICU when you have kids at home

Planning your time and accepting help from others can make all the difference

By Sharon Loose, CCE, CD, BDT, PCD Having one baby is busy enough. Add in the fact that this is not your first baby and your new little one needs to spend time at the hospital in the NICU, and now your world has just been turned upside down. So, how do you balance all you need to do when you are being pulled in different directions? Here are some practical tips for when you find yourself juggling a baby in the NICU and demands from regular life at home.

Plan your time wisely at the hospital. Having a plan for your hospital visits is essential. It’s important to factor in how long you will be spending at the NICU. Be prepared with healthy snacks and water so you can continue to recover from your birth. Get up and walk around often so you don’t become sore or cause other problems with your body. Take advantage of the wonderful NICU nurses and learn all you can from them about caring for your little one. While at the NICU, pump to increase your milk supply and, depending on your situation, learn how to bottle feed and/or breastfeed your baby while the NICU nurses are available to help you.

“Having a plan for your hospital visits is essential.”

Find additional hands to help. Take help wherever you can find it! To avoid stretching yourself thin, one of the best things you can do is make sure you are covered with additional help. You may have family and friends available to come to your home and assist with chores, babysitting, taking your other kids to the playground, tying up any loose ends of daily living, etc., or you don’t have family and friends available and may need to consider hiring a professional postpartum doula.

Whichever situation you are in, arranging assistance can ease the load. Personal or professional help could also assist with meal preparation, pick up your groceries and put them away, or pick up essentials from the pharmacy for you. With these tasks taken care of, it gives you more freedom and time to be at the hospital and pumping (if breastfeeding) to help with your milk supply or having a nap to catch up on sleep.

Other services. There are a couple of services you can use to make this time in your life easier. First, consider temporarily hiring a housecleaner. Having someone come and tidy up your home will take one thing off your list and frees up some of your time for more important things. Also, consider using grocery delivery services another convenience that will save you time and energy you can direct elsewhere.

Time management is key. It is important to properly manage your time because you have a lot on the go.

List all the things you need to do and slot in times that these activities will fit into your day. With this list, make a schedule. Things to consider for your schedule are time spent at the hospital, time spent with your other kids, time spent going to appointments, time spent on house cleaning and chores (if you have not arranged a housecleaner), time spent on grocery shopping (if you have not arranged grocery delivery), time spent on meal

preparation, time for self-care and rest, time for pumping (again, if you are breastfeeding).

Also, setting aside time in the evening before bed to get yourself organized for the next day can help you stay on track. The more organized and prepared you are in the evenings, the smoother things will go in the mornings.

Consider using a day planner to help you see the big picture and schedule the most important things into your day.

Daycare/childcare. Is your older child or children in daycare or have other childcare arrangements? Often, keeping your family’s routine and schedule the same during a difficult time makes things easier on everyone. If this option is available to you, it may be a good choice to leave your daycare or other childcare arrangements the same during this challenging time. This will give you time while your other kids are taken care of to get things done.

And take turns, alternate; one day your partner drops the kids off at daycare/childcare and you drop the kids off the next. This arrangement will allow both of you individual time in the morning to get yourself ready and organized for your day spent at the hospital with your baby.

If you can, take time off work. Can you and your partner take time off work while your baby is in the NICU? If so, this can make life much easier because your partner can take care of the other kids and finish the practical work at home that’s often neglected while you are busy at the hospital with your baby and vice versa. When you can tag team responsibilities, it takes a lot of weight off the both of you and allows you and your partner to focus on your newborn’s recovery. And taking time off work will also allow you and your partner to spend precious time with your baby in the NICU together.

Having your baby in the NICU is overwhelming, but if you incorporate some of these suggestions, you may find that you will relieve some of your stress and free up some of your time, allowing you more energy that you can direct at taking care of yourself and your new baby.

Sharon is a certified doula and childbirth educator with over 23 years’ experience and has supported over 1,500 Calgary and area families on their parenthood journey. She is 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

SPRING 2022 • calgaryschild.com • 59

parent connection

rekindle the romance: 52 (plus!) creative date night ideas One for every week of the year!

By Janeen Lewis Are you skipping date night with your spouse or significant other? If so, you may want to rethink the amount of time you rendezvous with the one you love.

Research shows that couples who spend time together every week have higher quality relationships.

What better way to have one-on-one time than date night? No matter what your interests, personality or financial status, there are date night ideas to suit everyone. The last two years have made dating difficult due to social distancing, closures and even financial concerns. Don’t let the challenges stop you! With a little creativity, couples can still find ways to spend quality time together. Hire a sitter or trade child care with another couple and try one of these 52 plus creative ways to date your mate – more than one for every week of the year!

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Pretend the electricity is out. Turn out the lights, light candles, build a fire and make a comfy pillow fort. Use a charged device to watch a show or listen to music.

Stargaze. Find a spot away from city lights and look at the Milky Way, Orion’s Belt or possibly a shooting star.

Go to a local whiskey, beer or coffee-tasting.

Rent bikes and ride around town. If you feel really adventurous, try a tandem bike.

Visit a local pool hall. Shoot pool and play darts.

Treat each other to an at-home spa night with bubble bath, foot rubs and massages.

Watch a sunrise, sunset or both.

Go bowling.

Book a vintage meal at Heritage Park, like lunch on the River Forth dining train or a Captain’s Cruise on the S.S. Moyie.

Dine at a restaurant that has live entertainment like jazz, blues or theater.

Book dinner at a fancy hotel in town. Even better, if you can find babysitting, stay overnight!

Go out to a progressive dinner. Have drinks at one place, dinner at another and dessert at another.

Make popcorn and enjoy a romantic movie.

Play a board game for two like Carcassonne, Fox in the Forest or Patchwork.

Build a roaring fire in an outdoor fire pit, make s’mores, and snuggle.

Have trivia night at home. Try a trivia app or Trivial Pursuit!

Enjoy a fondue night at home. Dip your favorite fruits, veggies, bread, crackers, chocolate and cake in cheese or chocolate.

Take a hot-air balloon ride.

Try archery at a range with rental equipment.

Race go-karts.

Take a helicopter or airplane ride together.

Take SCUBA diving certification classes together.

Plan a trip to an exotic place to scuba dive.

Go skydiving (or try iFLY for a safer option!)

Try your hand at ax throwing.

Canoe, kayak or river raft.

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Go spelunking.

Hunt for treasure by geocaching. Using a GPS, treasure seekers enter a specific set of coordinates and then attempt to find a hidden container at the location. Check out geocaching.com to find out more.

Go fishing.

Take a hike!

Take a sailing lesson on the Glenmore Reservoir.

Go glamping. This is perfect if one of you loves camping but the other likes the comforts of home.

Hit golf balls at a driving range.

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“No matter what your interests, personality or financial status, there are date night ideas to suit everyone.”

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Visit an open night at the Rothney Astrophysical Observatory. There is something romantic about viewing constellations in the night sky.

Visit a farmer’s market. Buy flowers and all the ingredients for dinner and make a delicious meal at home.

Visit the Calgary Zoo, no kids in tow.

Check out some of Calgary’s public art exhibitions.

Rent a convertible and drive up and down the Cowboy Trail.

Pack a picnic and attend a live outdoor concert.

Volunteer at a community garden. Grow your relationship along with some vegetables and donate your harvest to a soup kitchen.

Love animals? Volunteer at your local humane society.

Serve together at a soup kitchen or homeless shelter.

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Volunteer as a docent, greeter, or server at one of your favorite charity events.

Complete a charity run together. You could also walk it together if running isn’t your thing.

Buy tickets to a charity gala. Dress up in a tuxedo and evening gown, have a glamorous night and help others.

Create a playlist together of your favorite love songs, or go retro and make a CD or mixtape.

Recreate your first date.

Write each other a love letter.

Read romantic poetry by a fire. Some poets to try: Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Robert Burns, Christina Rossetti, and of course, the bard himself, William Shakespeare.

Go to a carnival, fair or festival. Visit the booths, enjoy the music and eat food on a stick.

Go mini-golfing.

Visit a farm or petting zoo.

Visit Calaway Park. You’re never too old!

Learn to swordfight at a local HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) club.

Take a dance lesson together. Whether you pick a steamy salsa, intimate tango or flirty cha cha, it will be good for your heart both physically and romantically.

Take aerobics, yoga or Pilates together.

Lift weights together.

Take karate together.

Try indoor climbing or bouldering together.

Share your screen on a Zoom call and take turns watching your favorite movies or binge watch favorite shows.

Take a virtual class together. Udemy and Masterclass have an assortment of classes like cooking, drawing, painting, writing and more, or follow a YouTube tutorial.

Paint on canvases while you share a screen. The next time you see each other in person, give each other the paintings.

Janeen is a freelance journalist and mom to Andrew and Gracie.

She has been published in several anthologies and parenting magazines across the country. CCM

parent connection

what not to say

(when someone is trying to get pregnant) Plus, tips for what is actually helpful

By Stacie Gaetz, Calgary’s Child Magazine As someone who struggled to conceive for two years after getting married, I’ve been on the receiving end of a few inappropriate comments, both from strangers and well-meaning loved ones.

Some examples of things I heard from those who didn’t know the ‘right’ thing to say during my infertility journey include: • “Enjoy being able to sleep in and travel while you still can.”

• “You are probably just stressed out. As soon as you stop trying, it will happen.”

• “Have you tried IVF?” and/or “why don’t you just adopt?”

“If someone has been trying to conceive for any amount of time, they have considered all their options including eating foods high in antioxidants and acupuncture.”

• When you are putting all your time, energy, and thoughts into having a baby, not one of these comments is helpful.

I found that being able to keep a sense of humor when you are dealing with fertility challenges can help save your sanity, so I often responded with my own jokes, but I didn’t always find them funny at the time. However they were intended, the truth is, these comments were hurtful.

Another thing that is not constructive (and that I heard a lot of) is offering home remedies or alternative methods that you think might improve the chance of conception.

If someone has been trying to conceive for any amount of time, they have considered all their options including eating foods high in antioxidants and acupuncture.

That said, you shouldn’t be afraid to open your mouth or avoid a loved one who is trying to conceive for fear of saying or doing the wrong thing. Here are a few things that you can say and do to help, and they are simpler than you might think: What can you say?

The No. 1 thing that you can do to help someone who is trying to get pregnant is to listen and be there for them. Each of the seemingly thoughtless comments I mentioned has an acceptable (even compassionate) alternative that shows that you care about the person and want to help them.

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Instead of “just enjoy being able to sleep in and travel while you still can,” ask them what would help them out.

Instead of “you’re probably just stressed out. As soon as you stop trying, it will happen,” try “have you found any way to release all the stress this is causing you?”

Instead of “have you tried IVF?” and “why don’t you just adopt?” try “are you comfortable sharing with me what options you have considered on your infertility journey?”

If you are stumped for things to say, there are a couple tried-and-true phrases that let them know you are there for them.

These can include: • Be honest. Tell them you may not know exactly how they feel but you want to be there for them.

• Ask “do you want to talk about it?” They may want a distraction rather than wallowing in their pain.

• Say, “I’m sorry to hear that” and/or “I’m sorry you are going through this.” It’s a simple but important statement.

• “I’m here to listen.”

• “How can I help?” And accept it if the answer is “you can’t.”

What can you do?

If you are still worried about saying the wrong thing, there is some good news - like most things in life, actions speak louder than words.

Some things you can do to support a friend or relative who is struggling with infertility include: Attending appointments with them if they want • you to.

• Educating yourself about infertility (including common misconceptions so you can avoid them).

• Surprising them in a non-invasive way: o Drop off their favorite treat, book, candle, or beverage at their door. o Cook a meal and deliver it to them. o Offer to watch their older child(ren), if they have them. o Take them out to lunch or dinner.

• Offer to be their exercise or activity buddy. If they are using exercise or a hobby as a way to cope (either physically or mentally), ask if they would like someone to help keep them company and provide motivation.

The bottom line is that you love this person and they are going through a hard time. Treat them with care and compassion, just like you would for any other challenge they face, and admit if you make a mistake or say the wrong thing - you may both even laugh about it later. CCM SPRING 2022 • calgaryschild.com • 61

parent connection

How to ask your boss to work from home (at least some of the time)

Keep your work-life balance by listing the benefits to the company

By James Smith Before the first lockdown - remember that? We were so innocent then! The idea of working from home sent shivers down the spines of middle management everywhere. Once many of us were told to do it, our suspicions were confirmed - we’re better off!

Since things seem to be calming down enough for employers to start requesting us back to the office, that means that parents are going to have to figure out how to lose some of the conveniences of a work-life balance.

Or, heaven forbid, actually having to find time to drop the kids off at school and not having to pay someone else to pick them up.

True story, an office I used to work for had an inhouse daycare that cost about 60 percent of the average employee’s salary.

So, let’s get to it. How to ask to work from home: • Start with the straightforward question - would they be open to you continuing to work from home one or more days per week?

• If they aren’t sure, tell them all the benefits to you and them. You’re happier working remotely, less stressed, more efficient, you spend the commuting time taking your kids to/from school.

• If they say no and it’s a real deal-breaker, perhaps another company is in your future (but don’t tell them that until you have somewhere to go).

If they’re still sticking their heels in, go for the wallet: • The company will save money not having to pay for a physical office.

• Surveyed employees have said they’re likely to leave if required to go back to working in

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an office, especially when the employees have to go back to spending their own money on commuting, gas, vehicle wear-and-tear, parking, buying lunch every day, office clothes, etc.

Happier, less stressed employees stay in their jobs longer and are more productive and take less sick days.

It’s easier to get work done when you don’t have people swinging by your desk every 5 minutes.

“Happier, less stressed employees stay in their jobs longer and are more productive and take less sick days.”

There are always going to be 2 types of bosses - ones who are open to change and do what’s best for their employees, or the ones who want to go back to the old ways because that’s how it’s always been done.

James is a busy dad and creator of SocialDad.ca.

He lives in North Vancouver, BC and tries to spend as much time outdoors as possible. CCM

give the gift of memories with Hindsight is notably more clever than foresight, isn’t it? Along the path of a life well lived you’ve picked up little pearls of wisdom like, “we seldom know the value of a moment until it is just a memory”. We learn that money is better spent on experiences than it is collecting possessions. Now it’s time to pass this wisdom on to your children and grandkids and grab another chance to make cherished memories with your loved ones.

– It’s time for Sprog & Sprocket!

Since 2017, Sprog & Sprocket has been delivering happiness to children & their loved ones, businesses, charities and community events in and around Calgary.

• Offering specially-designed equipment for infant & toddlers, sensory rich ball pools & North America’s only (and Canadian-built!) portable indoor playground structure!

Sprog & Sprocket delivers the gift of happiness with their unique and immersive play space rentals!

Looking after your grandkids?

Jumbo block sets or a ball pool is a sure way to keep the kids playing & having fun!

Do your own adult kids need a sanity saver? A Sprog & Sprocket gift card makes it easy for them to relax while the grandkids play the weekend away!

Don’t want to buy a toy they may lose interest in within days? Gift them a Sprog & Sprocket experience and enjoy watching the wee ones EXPLORE!

“Having kids playing safely & creatively in the comfort of a loving home - whether for a day, a weekend, or longer, truly brings families together in the moment, and that's when the magic happens! Filling the home with laughter, love and connection - it’s really tough to replicate that anywhere else.”

Simon Nash, co-founder of Sprog & Sprocket (& dad of 2 vivacious youngsters!)

Think of any reason when you might need to keep young kids entertained or occupied and Sprog & Sprocket has a solution. What better gift to give your children and grandkids than an experience that creates happy memories to last a lifetime? Those people in your life will remember the gesture for years. Truly something to treasure!

It’s easy to gift the Sprog & Sprocket experience.

Options start at $99 • • Pick-up rentals to fit in all sizes of vehicles • Delivery packages and full-service set up options – so no one needs to lift a finger!

• Indoor & outdoor options, in the home or at a separate venue • 1000+ happy customers and full 5-star reviews across Google NEW online booking system coming this Spring.

•

LEARN MORE ABOUT THEM BY VISITING www.sprogandsprocket.ca.

See their “virtual showroom” on Instagram @sprogsprocket.

Find their reviews and see what others had to say on their Google listing!

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Take care of your child’s vision and eye health with a visit to the optometrist—a trained professional with specialized equipment.

Book your family’s eye exams now.

Visit ChildrensEyeHealth.ca to learn more.

SPRING 2022 • calgaryschild.com • 63

Calgary Grands

the importance of grandparents Your child’s relationship with your parents can benefit everyone’s mental health

By Stacie Gaetz, Calgary’s Child Magazine When you think of your grandparents, what memories come to mind?

Being taught how to measure while baking in the kitchen with grandma? Walking around the garden learning about how things grow with grandpa? You may not have known it at the time, but the hours spent with the elders in your family helped to shape who you are today.

“Children and teens highly benefit from having adult champions in their lives and grandparents can often offer this role of someone who cares about them, sees their strengths and has their best interest at heart,” says Chantal Côté, registered psychologist and founder of Pyramid Psychology.

“Grandparents can be the keepers of special family traditions, unique skills, and ancestral stories. Having a positive relationship with grandparents can be a way of sharing these important elements.”

She adds that being around people they love who are much older than them is also a way of increasing empathy in children and social skills in relating to others across generations.

Parents’ role As a parent, you may be wondering how you can help your parents (or in-laws) connect with your kiddos.

Chantal suggests making time for them to connect regularly (whether that is virtually, on the phone or in person).

“Grandparents can often offer [the] role of someone who cares about them, sees their strengths and has their best interest at heart.”

“Talk to grandparents and collaborate on time together and activities,” she adds.

Depending on the physical fitness and mobility of your parents, these activities can include walks to a park or playground, short hikes (see story on page13), playing board games, visiting an attraction such as the TELUS Spark or the Calgary Zoo, cooking or baking, gardening or any activity that the children enjoy.

Chantal adds that parents can also contribute to the bond between grandparents and children by talking to their children about their grandparents and sharing stories of their own childhood with them.

Who doesn’t like to hear stories or see pictures of when their parents were kids?

Benefits to grandparents Kids are not the only ones who see improvements in their lives when they connect with their grandparents.

Your mom and dad (or in-laws) will also see a myriad of benefits.

“Grandparents can benefit from the curiosity and vitality of their grandchildren, which can benefit memory, 64 • Find us on

and even physical and emotional health benefits of spending time together,” says Chantal.

Studies have shown that investing time in this important family relationship can decrease the risk of depression, improve mental capacity, reduce isolation and possibly even lead to a longer life in the older generation.

“We can often undervalue the importance of this bond,” says Chantal.

“Grandparents can be key influencers and support people in their grandchildren's overall well-being and benefit equally in these relationships, leading to a richer quality of life for them.”

How much time?

When it comes to how much time grandparents and kids should spend together, the answer is different for every family.

“Consistency is important, and quality is important,” says Chantal.

“Some grandparents are instrumental in the daily care of children and others may not have such a role. Even if grandparents and grandchildren can't see each other as often, there are other ways of maintaining that bond.”

She suggests text messages, email, sending a letter in the mail, Facetime, birthday cards and creating special occasions to celebrate accomplishments.

Chantal adds that the elder a child bonds with doesn’t necessarily have to be their grandparent by relation if circumstances prevent a biological grandparent from filling this role. It could be a family friend, neighbor, teacher, instructor, coach or another mentor.

It is clear that there are many benefits to your kids spending more time with grandma and grandpa, so what are you waiting for? Get to planning your next adventure together! CCM

Calgary Grands

recognizing social isolation in our parents and grandparents How to know if someone you care about is at risk

By Kimberlyn Williams, The City of Calgary Maintaining social connections is one of the most important things you can do to support your overall health and well-being. Social connections are especially important for our parents, grandparents and other older adults because the impacts of chronic isolation and loneliness tend to be more serious in older adults.

Research shows that these impacts include depression, cognitive decline, coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, a decreased quality of life and an increased risk of premature death. Around 30 percent of Canadian seniors were already at risk of becoming socially isolated before the COVID-19 pandemic and there’s no denying that the pandemic has made social connections even more challenging.

Are social isolation and loneliness the same thing?

Understanding social isolation and loneliness is an important first step towards protecting older adults.

Social isolation is having no one or few people to interact with regularly, while loneliness is the distressing feeling of being alone or separated. You can feel lonely around other people, and you can live alone and not feel lonely or socially isolated. It’s important to recognize someone’s individual experience as it can vary.

How do you know if someone you care about is at risk of social isolation?

Older adults are at a higher risk for social isolation due to changes in health and social connections that are common to aging, like hearing and vision deterioration, memory loss, disability, challenges getting around and/or the loss of family and friends. The risk of social isolation is even higher in older adults who: • • • • • •

Find it difficult to/are unable to leave home.

Have had a major loss or life change, such as the death of a spouse or partner or retirement.

Struggle with money.

Are caregivers.

Have psychological or cognitive challenges.

Have limited social support.

“The impacts of chronic isolation and loneliness tend to be more serious in older adults.”

• • • •

Live in a rural, unsafe, and/or hard-to-reach neighborhood.

Have language barriers.

Are not meaningfully engaged in activities or feel a lack of purpose.

Face education, age, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and/or gender identity barriers.

How can you help?

Making social connections and accessing community supports can help someone who may be struggling with social isolation. The Age-Friendly Calgary Social Isolation Awareness Campaign has tried to make it easier to know where to start. As a collaboration between The City of Calgary and community partners, the awareness campaign aims to educate Calgarians about the impacts of social isolation and brings together information on the calgary.ca/stayconnected webpage. The webpage contains information about ongoing opportunities and support available in Calgary, opportunities to make new connections, grow your social network, and see how you can support others.

Everyone can get involved, volunteer to provide support, and begin making connections, because becoming part of someone’s network is mutually beneficial. Calgary’s older adults are an incredibly diverse group with a lot to offer, including their life experience and perspective.

Here are some ideas for making connections to get you started: • • • • • •

Be kind: choose an act of kindness and make it happen today!

Stay active: being physically active is a way for older adults to feel good and connect.

Volunteer: giving back provides chances to connect with others in a meaningful way.

Converse: start a conversation around shared interests to spark new friendships.

Learn: take a class or learn a new hobby to meet people with common passions.

Create: create something with red yarn and let us know with #stayconnectedyyc.

By visiting the awareness campaign webpage (calgary. ca/stayconnected), you can read stories about older adults making connections through the pandemic, learn about ways to raise awareness and how to get involved.

There’s also information about various activities from partnering organizations such as programs, clubs and sessions that facilitate social connection. These include weekly workout programs that can be done virtually with family and friends, or in person; walking clubs; buddy and pen pal programs; volunteer opportunities; discussion groups; and special interest classes like art, language, communication and gardening.

Visit calgary.ca/stayconnected for more details on activities, resources and organizations who support older adults. CCM

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Calgary Grands

great day trips from Calgary with the grandparents There are plenty of places nearby for the whole family to enjoy

By Karen Ung; Photos courtesy of Karen Ung Are you looking for something fun to do while your parents are in town? Try one of these kid-approved day trips with fun for all ages! Make memories while trying a new-to-you activity, and learn something new about each other. When’s the last time you asked your parents what their favorite dinosaur was?

For Dinosaur Lovers: DRUMHELLER Drumheller is dinosaur central with the ’World’s Largest Dinosaur’ (climb up inside it and take a photo from its mouth! Admission fee required) and state-of-theart Royal Tyrrell Museum. Allow at least 2 hours to explore the museum exhibits; longer if you plan on attending an interpretive program. The museum offers guided hikes, awesome dino digs, and fossil casting; register online to ensure you get a spot.

After, head outside to the Palaeo Play Park, a large dino-themed playground with sandbox, or get a family photo in the badlands. The 1.4km interpretive trail through Midlands Provincial Park is beautiful!

More ideas: See how many dinos you can find on the downtown Dino Walk, check out the animatronic dinosaurs and fossils at Fossil World Discovery Centre, cool off at Rotary Spray Park (opens May long weekend), and get burgers and milkshakes at Bernie and the Boys Bistro.

Badlands

“When’s the last time you asked your parents what their favorite dinosaur was?”

Top of Sulphur Mountian

Accessible Mountain Vistas: BANFF GONDOLA For a mountain experience without hiking, visit the Banff Gondola! Soar to the top of Sulphur Mountain for sweeping views of six mountain ranges. The gondola cars and Upper Terminal are wheelchair accessible.

Learn about route-finding, knot tying, animal tracks and more in the interpretive centre, watch a movie in the Above Banff Theatre, and look for Aurora the mirrored bear on the viewing deck. When you get hungry, Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen is a family-favorite, and Sky Bistro is perfect for special occasions.

If you’d like to stretch your legs before heading down, the boardwalk to Sanson’s Peak (500 metres one way) offers breathtaking views in more ways than one - it has 368 stairs! We promise it’s worth the effort though.

Nearby: Treat yourself to Afternoon Tea at the “the castle” aka The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. Open 11am to 4pm daily, reservations recommended.

Cave and Basin, the birthplace of the National Parks system, is an interesting free (free admission with park pass) stop. Go inside a little cave with thermal springs, check out the exhibits, watch a short film, and walk the interpretive trails.

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Outdoor Escape Room/Scavenger Hunt: MYSTERY TOWNS CLUE-SOLVING ADVENTURES (Calgary, Cochrane, Canmore, or Banff) Work as a team to race the clock and solve a mystery while visiting landmarks, historic sites, and sculptures in Calgary, Cochrane, Canmore, or Banff. These outdoor walking tours will keep you thinking and moving, and take you to some hidden gems!

How it works: Pay for a clue-solving adventure, and investigate clever clues on the app to solve a mystery.

While the tours are tailored for adults, kids ten and up can solve most clues and younger kids can solve some with a bit of help. If you get really stumped, you can ask for a hint or pass, but be warned that time will be added to the clock setting you back on the leaderboard. Scheduled breaks are included so you can stop for a coffee/washroom break without penalty. For families, we recommend the Treasures of Banff (around downtown Banff) and Smuggler’s Blues (around Canmore downtown). Allow 1.5 to 2 hours to complete the adventures and expect to walk 3 to 4 kilometres.

Enjoy BeaverTails (fried pastries with your choice of toppings) in Banff, or lunch at Rocky Mountain Flatbread

in Canmore after your walking adventure tour. If you prefer to picnic, Cascade Ponds in Banff has picnic tables and fire pits with a view. Canmore’s Centennial Park has free parking, a shaded picnic area, and playground.

Fish & Fire: MOUNT LORETTE PONDS Mount Lorette Ponds is the perfect place to try fishing for the first time. The ponds are stocked with rainbow trout several times a year starting in early May, and the water is crystal clear so you can sight fish. With wheelchair/stroller-accessible paved trails around the ponds (700-metre loop and 230-metre loop), and welltreed picnic areas with fire pits, you can easily spend an afternoon here. Bring your own firewood and bucket to put the fire out, and don’t forget marshmallows and roasting sticks!

Know before you go: Fishing licenses are required for everyone sixteen to sixty-four years of age, and Alberta Fishing Regulations are in effect. At time of writing, the limit is 2 trout.

Nearby: On your way home, don’t miss the Colonel’s Cabin, Old Guard Tower, and History Loop across from Barrier Lake. In summer, you can rent canoes and stand-up paddleboards at Barrier Lake. And if you need an afternoon pick-me-up, there’s a Tim Hortons near Stoney Nakoda Resort and Casino.

We hope you enjoy these day trips with the grandparents!

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

Alternative Education

68 Anxiety, ADHD & LDs?

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alternative education

making sense of the overlapping nature of anxiety, ADHD and LDs

By Nicole Jaggard, B.A., Foothills Academy Many children with Learning Disabilities (LDs) also have co-occurring social-emotional and behavioural concerns such as anxiety and ADHD. These disorders can often present similarly in children which can make the cause of certain behaviours hard to pick apart. Increased understanding can help guide effective, as well as individualized, accommodations for your child in both the home and school settings.

This article will outline what Learning Disabilities, anxiety, and ADHD look like separately. Then, the article will look at how they overlap or their similarities. It will then discuss ways to provide support for children who have difficulties across these areas.

Looking at learning disabilities, anxiety and ADHD separately It is important to note that LDs, ADHD and anxiety are separate conditions with distinct differences. To understand the overlapping characteristics of LDs, anxiety, and ADHD, it is helpful to first look at how they present separately before trying to piece together how they overlap. Some distinguishing features include:

Learning Disabilities: • Academic work is effortful and taxing.

Difficulties with reading, writing, and/or math.

• • Reduced motivation.

Increased irritability and frustration.

• • Efforts are not matching academic outcomes.

• Embarrassment or noticing they are not achieving at the same rate as their peers.

• Lowered self-esteem.

Exhaustion from allocating more cognitive • resources to complete tasks, such as academics.

Anxiety: • Maladaptive thoughts that are typically consumed with fear or worry.

• Fears of not performing to the same standards as their peers.

• Fear of taking tests.

Procrastination/ difficulty initiating tasks because • of perfectionism.

• Physiological symptoms such as heart palpitations, sweating.

• Can be timid to approach new tasks and situations due to fearfulness.

ADHD: • Brain-based disorder which often impacts executive functions including working memory and emotional regulation.

Difficulty in planning/organizing.

• Forgetful in daily activities such as forgets • essential material to complete task.

• Difficulty starting tasks on their own and/or with motivation.

• Difficulty focusing on one task for extended periods of time.

• Difficulty listening to instructions.

Avoids or dislikes tasks that are challenging.

• • Difficulty understanding social nuances.

Understanding the overlap between anxiety, ADHD, and LDs Although LDs, ADHD, and anxiety are separate and distinct disorders, there are some similarities between the three. Teasing apart the disorders can be challenging and confusing. The following chart outlines a few of the common symptoms associated with LD, ADHD and anxiety.

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alternative education

Fidgeting/Restlessness n ANXIETY Anxious/nervous energy (e.g. pacing, leg shaking, etc.); physiological symptoms (e.g. heart pounding and sweating). n ADHD Brain is not sending signals that help slow down or support the body in not moving. n LEARNING DISABILITIES Not following or understanding instructions/ boredom in the classroom which can increase movement.

Difficulty sustaining attention n ANXIETY Mind is focused on worries or fears which makes it difficult to maintain focus and sustain attention. n ADHD Difficulty ignoring external stimuli such as sights, noises, peers. n LEARNING DISABILITIES Processing speed and working memory overload.

If you can’t remember what your teacher said or you are not understanding the task, you can appear inattentive.

Difficulty finishing school work n ANXIETY Typically aware of social situation, but have difficulty managing anxious emotions, which can cause difficulties in peer relationships (i.e., fearful to engage). This can give off the impression that the child does not want to interact socially, which can result in the child being excluded from social settings; difficulty following conversations if their mind is consumed with worrying thoughts. n ADHD Difficulty with planning and organization - which can prevent students from handing in their school work on time. n LEARNING DISABILITIES Influence of processing speed and working memory; not knowing where/ how to begin; difficulty understanding materials.

Difficulty with friendships and social interactions n ANXIETY Typically aware of social situation, but have difficulty managing anxious emotions, which can cause difficulties in peer relationships (i.e., fearful to engage). This can give off the impression that the child does not want to interact socially, which can

result in the child being excluded from social settings; difficulty following conversations if their mind is consumed with worrying thoughts. n ADHD Difficulty understanding social nuances, as well as the social cues of others; difficulty planning and organizing social events; difficulty processing social conversations; difficulty remembering what others said if not paying attention. n LEARNING DISABILITIES Difficulty planning and organizing social events; difficulty processing social conversations; difficulty remembering what others said, etc.

(Source: Houston, 2016; Rosen, 2014-2019; Young, 2019)

Can LDs, ADHD and anxiety exist together?

Yes, they can! Research suggests that children with Learning Disabilities and/or ADHD are more susceptible to social and emotional difficulties.

Some challenges include poor academic achievement, which can sometimes make children feel as though they are not achieving as well as their peers. This can impact their self-esteem, which can increase anxious tendencies if protective factors are not put into place. Protective factors can include things such as supportive parents, strong social connections, and extra-curricular activities.

Making sense of the overlapping nature– Continued on next page

We’ve spent 51 years igniting children’s potential in Calgary!

Quality care and early learning for little ones goes a long way! And in our city, communityminded organizations whose care is truly compassionate are the ones that last. Here’s to another 51 years of accountable, trust-based care nurturing curious minds, healthy bodies and happy hearts!

SPRING 2022 • calgaryschild.com • 69

alternative education

Making sense of the overlapping nature– Continued from previous page

Some research suggests that ADHD symptoms can precede anxiety and vice versa if not treated. For example, a child with ADHD may have difficulty reading social cues, understanding body language, and have difficulty organizing social events, which can lead to the child feeling anxious or nervous in social situations. If this cycle continues, then an anxiety disorder may develop.

A child with a Learning Disability or ADHD may continuously have difficulty meeting deadlines or completing their work, which again, can cause children to be anxious if these patterns persist.

Example adapted from: Houston, 2017

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Research suggests that children who have LD or ADHD can sometimes have lower working memory capabilities.

Working memory is the ability to hold information in the mind, work with it in some way, and then pull that information from the mind when needed. Often times, working memory is called the “post-it note” of the brain. Challenges with working memory can impact an individual’s ability to organize, problem-solve, and selfregulate. This can make it challenging for individuals to navigate and respond to their environments.

ADHD and anxiety impact working memory in different ways. Both anxiety and ADHD make it difficult to ignore irrelevant stimuli. For example, due to the fear-based nature associated with anxiety, individuals are often more focused on worries (i.e., thoughts are preoccupied with threat). By contrast, for individuals with ADHD, it is typically more challenging to ignore irrelevant stimuli such as sights and noises. In both cases, the anxiety and ADHD use up the child’s working memory capacities which decreases a child’s ability to attend to information. This can negatively impact academic achievement and functioning.

Tips to help parents gather information to help understand their child’s struggles Having a conversation with your child can help them feel validated and understood. At the same time, this can provide you (the parent) with more insight into your child’s experiences including their strengths and areas of growth. Communication and support is a very important first step. Here are some ideas for potential conversations: • Ask your child what they are thinking or doing when they are distracted. Is your child distracted due to external stimuli (sights, sounds, noise)? Or, are they preoccupied with worries (anxiety)?

• Ask your child to explain their social interactions to you. Is your child having difficulty navigating

•

social settings due to fearfulness (i.e., not knowing what to say, fear of being embarrassed, etc.)? Or, are they having difficulty organizing and planning social events with their friends (ADHD)? Both can have negative consequences on friendships and both scenarios would benefit from different interventions.

Ask your child how you can help them if they are having difficulty starting or completing work.

Is your child struggling due to perfectionistic tendencies (i.e., anxiousness)? Or, do they not know where to begin (ADHD/LD)? Each scenario would require a different strategy. For the perfectionist, it will be important to validate their work, acknowledge their efforts, and help normalize their mistakes. For ADHD, it would be helpful to use direct instruction (i.e., breaking down steps into more manageable chunks, etc.).

Why is it important to understand the differences between these disorders?

It is important to understand the differences between LDs, ADHD and anxiety in order to guide effective and individualized treatment. n Learning Disabilities: Treatments for learning disabilities typically focus on specific and direct remedial instruction, as well as classroom accommodations to support academic achievement. n ADHD: Common treatments for ADHD are the use of stimulant or nonstimulant medications, as well as behavioural strategies and parent training, which do not target the maladaptive thinking associated with anxiety. n Anxiety: Anxiety interventions typically include antianxiety medications and counselling (i.e., CBT, exposure therapy), which often do not target the brain-based problems associated with ADHD. As you can see, some effective strategies for ADHD might not be effective for anxiety, and what is effective for anxiety, may not be effective for LDs, and vice versa.

This highlights the importance of individualized, as well as targeted, interventions, and the importance of consulting with professionals in determining next steps after engaging in the initial conversation points discussed above.

Summary LDs often have co-occurring social, emotional, and behavioural concerns, such as anxiety and ADHD. It is important to understand the difference between LDs, ADHD and anxiety in order to promote optimal functioning.

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While LDs, ADHD and anxiety are separate disorders, they can at times look similar and also co-occur together. Children with LDs, ADHD and/or anxiety tend to have difficulties with organization, problemsolving, emotional regulation and working memory.

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Anxiety and Learning Disabilities/ADHD can precede one another and vice versa

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Empathetically talking to your child can help better understand your child’s struggles

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ADHD, LDs, and anxiety can have different treatment pathways.

A thorough consultation with a professional is important to guide targeted, specific, and individualized treatment pathways

Foothills Academy is home to a full-time school program (Grades 3 to 12) and offers outreach programs for the broader community.

Specializing in Learning Disabilities and ADHD, programs are available for children, teens, parents and educators. Learn more at foothillsacademy.org. CCM

alternative education

a road map to educational success Having a plan can make all the difference in getting where your child needs to be

By Jody Caswell, R. Psych., Sheldon Psychology When we embark upon a road trip, particularly as parents travelling with children, it’s important to have a plan. We may set our GPS, pack required items, plan our stops, ensure our vehicle is maintained – it’s often a long list.

Modern advances mean we can be advised of when to expect traffic issues in our path, where to find our favorite restaurants, and ultimately allow us to make informed decisions regarding changing our course. We have an amazing amount of information at our fingertips to guide us on our journey. We can also support our children with a myriad of options to alleviate boredom on trips. Gone are the days of relying upon “I Spy” or staring intently at a sibling to alleviate boredom. The success of a road trip often hinges on our planning, knowing the route, and making responsive changes as needed. So how does this relate to your child’s education?

While the road map to successfully reach educational goals cannot be programmed into your GPS, you can find a map. Just as we have wonderful supports available on our family travels, we can gain understanding of our child’s learning profile and consider which programs are likely to fit well for them.

Sometimes our child’s education may seem to be off course, and as parents we wonder how it got that way, and how far off course it is. Is it a matter of the wrong

“If I were heading to the mountains on a snowy day, driving a motorcycle would certainly make for a challenging journey.” road choice for the vehicle? If I were heading to the mountains on a snowy day, driving a motorcycle would certainly make for a challenging journey. My son loves to tell me about various sports cars, and while the concept of their performance is intriguing to him, I’ve explained at least one of us will not fit in the car on the morning commute to school. In its ideal setting, a sports car can perform to its ability and be appreciated. Outside of that, the strengths may be less obvious.

So how do we find roadmaps to support our children to be on the best path to support their success? When we see our children struggling or are wondering if they are in the right educational setting to get to their destination successfully, there are ways to get answers.

If you encountered difficulties on your road trip, it would be time to regroup and you would probably avoid

randomly choosing exits, hoping they are the right one. You need a plan. Knowing more about your child’s personal needs when it comes to learning can support you in making those choices and helping your child reach their potential. Psychoeducational assessment can help inform decision making by offering you an understanding of your child’s learning profile and their strengths; a road map to success, if you will. Just as many road trips flow relatively seamlessly, so may your child’s education. However, if you are wondering if they are in a figurative construction zone or at a crossroads and are uncertain which path to choose, it may be time to consider accessing additional supports to guide your decision-making process. Many psychologists who perform psychoeducational assessments are happy to offer a free consultation to determine if that would make sense for your child.

Jody is a registered psychologist in the province of Alberta.

Jody brings to the Sheldon Psychology team many years of experience working to support people in making change in their lives through counselling and career exploration. The focus of her work through the years has been on supporting change through life's transitions. Jody is intensely interested in children's healthy development and supporting strong families. Learn more at sheldonpsychology.com or contact Sheldon Psychology Group at info@sheldonpsychology.com. CCM

SPRING 2022 • calgaryschild.com • 71

alternative education

home education: a new unsupervised option An alternative for those who are home educating and do not want a supervised program

By Judy Arnall In 2020, 38,000 children (5 percent of the school-aged population) were home educated in Alberta by a parent or another adult. Home education in Alberta is defined as the parent or guardian exercising their right and responsibility to provide their child with an education.

It doesn’t necessarily mean that the parent does the teaching. They can procure teaching from sources such as tutors, freelance teachers, co-ops or learning pods, relatives, childcare professionals or non-governmental online course providers.

As of September 1, 2020, parents have two choices in Home Education: • •

Funded Home Education under the supervision of a willing school authority located anywhere in Alberta.

Unfunded Home Education unsupervised through Alberta Education government notification.

Those who wish to notify the government that they are home educating and do not want a supervised/ funded/supported program under a willing school authority may simply fill out a notification form for each child, each year, and send it directly to Field Services at Alberta Education.

Personally, I believe that a better term for “supervision” should be “supported.” When willing school authorities agree to supervise a home education program, they really are playing a support role. They provide help, funding, resources, information, suggestions and encouragement for parents wanting to educate their children at home.

This is parent-led home education, not online schooling.

This government notification option provides the most freedom for home educators. There is no requirement for a written Home Education Plan. There is no funding for receipt reimbursement. (However, the curriculum can just be a free library card and internet access.) There are no teacher/facilitator visits with parents required. There is no evaluation of the student’s progress. There is no required work to be handed in. There is no written summary report/marks of the student’s progress. In Grades 1 to 9, there is no need for evaluation as the marks do not go on any government transcript. Government transcripts begin for Grade 10.

Those who miss the supervised funding deadline of September 29 can also choose the unsupervised government notification for anytime they wish to home educate for the remainder of the year. Families can

“It's great to live in Alberta where families have so many education choices.” choose to go back to supervised/funded with a school authority the next fall, or stay unsupervised. The form needs to be submitted to the government every year for each child. The government will assign the child an Alberta student number when they notify for the first time in Grade 1 or later grades.

No submission form is required for Kindergarten, as registering for a Kindergarten program is voluntary in Alberta for both classroom and home education.

The government will not solicit the child’s cumulative

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has written the exams, the marks comprise 100 percent of the final course marks that the student presents in post-secondary applications.

The notification form for unsupervised home education can be found here: albertahomeschooling.ca/ articles/Notificationunsupervisedform.pdf The advantages of choosing this route is noninterference from education stakeholders. It is ideal for parents already familiar with home education, who don’t require reimbursement funding, and already possess the confidence that they can provide everything they need for their child’s learning environment.

The disadvantages of choosing this route is not having advocacy representation to the government from an accredited homeschool authority (such as a school or board) that understands the uniqueness of home education and self-directed (unschooling) learning.

Under this option, the Executive Director of Field Services in Alberta Education has power to terminate the home education program. This can be problematic when a family is designated for investigation.

It's great to live in Alberta where families have so many education choices.

Judy is a certified brain and child development specialist and master of non-punitive parenting and education practices.

She is the bestselling author of 5 print books translated into 5 languages, including Discipline Without Distress and Parenting With Patience. Her latest bestselling books are Unschooling To University and The Happy Homeschooling Handbook – Alberta, available at albertahomeschooling.ca. Visit Judy at professionalparenting.ca, judyarnall.com or at unschoolingtouniversity.com. CCM

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progress file. The file will start if a child registers under the supervision of a school authority or enrolls in school and will reside with the previous school until another school requests it.

Parents do not have to wait for approval or notification from the government in order to begin home educating under this program. It is a “notification” form and not an “application” form. Parents can pull their children from

school at any time of the year and begin home education the day they send in the form through the mail or through mypass.ca.

Children can still obtain a high school diploma on this option. They can switch from an unsupervised program in Grades 1 to 9 to a Supervised Home Education program for Grades 10 to 12 and achieve the Alberta Programs of Study (APS) outcomes for marks and credits of high school courses under Section 6 of the Home Education Regulation.

They can also register for schoolprovided classroom instruction or online high school for the courses they might want a certified teacher to instruct. The high school may issue tests to understand the child’s placement, but the parent and child can override suggested course placements and register for any high school course they choose.

If children want to go on to post-secondary education without an Alberta Education government diploma, they just need to present qualifications in five Grade 12 courses, and can obtain those course credentials by registering for and writing the Grade 12 Diploma exams. Registration for these exams can be done in mypass.ca. Once the student

alternative education

The Alternative Education Directory Because one size doesn’t fit all, especially when it comes to a child’s learning. Our Alternative Learning Directory is here to provide you with alternative schooling and academic support options, extracurricular classes, resources and supplies for homeschooling families.

- 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.

*Inclusivity and accessibility icons are based on each business’s self-reported availability of services for disabled, special needs & mobility-impaired children. Please check with each business to make sure they can meet your child’s specific needs.

CHARTER, INDEPENDENT & PRIVATE SCHOOLS BANBURY CROSSROADS SCHOOL 201 - 2451 Dieppe Avenue SW Phone: 403-270-7787 Email: general@banburycrossroads.com Website: banburycrossroads.com CALGARY WALDORF SCHOOL 515 Cougar Ridge Drive SW Phone: 403-287-1868 Email: info@calgarywaldorf.org Website: calgarywaldorf.org HERITAGE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (HCA) Phone: 403-219-3201 Email: enrolment@hcacalgary.com Website: hcacalgary.com LYCÉE INTERNATIONAL DE CALGARY Phone: 403-243-5420, Ext. 123 Email: admissions@lycee.ca Website: lycee.ca NORTH POINT SCHOOL FOR GIRLS Phone: 403-744-5214 Email: info@northpoint.school Website: northpoint.school PHOENIX EDUCATION FOUNDATION Phone: 403-265-7701 Email: info@phoenixfoundation.ca Website: phoenixfoundation.ca RIVER VALLEY SCHOOL Phone: 403-246-2275 Email: info@rivervalleyschool.ca Website: rivervalleyschool.ca

RUNDLE: ACADEMY, COLLEGE AND STUDIO Phone: 403-291-3866 Email: contactus@rundle.ab.ca Website: rundle.ab.ca

LEARNING DISABILITIES & ADHD NETWORK Phone: 403-630-1616 Email: findhelp@ldadhdnetwork.ca Website: ldadhdnetwork.ca

STRATHCONA-TWEEDSMUIR SCHOOL (STS) Phone: 403-938-8326 Email: admissions@sts.ab.ca Website: strathconatweedsmuir.com

UNIQUE EDUCATION ACADEMY Phone: 403-869-6391 Email: letstalk@uea-yyc.ca Website: uea-yyc.ca

INCLUSIVE PROGRAMMING & SUPPORT BETWEEN FRIENDS Phone: 403-269-9133 Email: info@betweenfriends.ab.ca Website: betweenfriends.ab.ca DISCOVERY PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES 2224 20 Avenue NW Phone: 403-818-0371 Email: discoverypsych@shaw.ca Website: discoverypsych.ca FOOTHILLS ACADEMY 745 37 Street NW Phone: 403-270-9400 Email: info@foothillsacademy.org Website: foothillsacademy.org G.R.I.T. CALGARY SOCIETY Phone: 403-215-2444 Email: info@gritcalgarysociety.com Website: gritcalgarysociety.com

SHELDON PSYCHOLOGY GROUP Phone: 403-618-8288 Email: info@sheldonpsychology.com Website: sheldonpsychology.com

EARLY LEARNING PROGRAMS & CHILDCARE CITY OF CALGARY PLAYSCHOOL PROGRAMS Inglewood Bird Sanctuary - 1527 17 Avenue SE Phone: 403-366-3926 Southland Leisure Centre - 2000 Southland Drive SW Phone: 403-648-6555 Village Square Leisure Centre - 2623 56 Street NW Phone: 403-366-3900 Website: calgary.ca/playschool EDELWEISS PREPARATORY SCHOOL 600 Northmount Drive NW Phone: 403-282-4220 Email: epschool@telus.net Website: epschool.ca JUVENESCENCE CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTRE Phone: 587-433-7734 Email: hello@juvenescence.ca Website: juvenescence.ca

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Jr. Kindergarten to Grade 12 KALEIDOSCOPE KIDS PRESCHOOL Three Locations: Tuscany, Nolan Hill, and Edgemont Phone: 403-547-1020 Email: office@kalkids.com Website: kaleidoscopekidspreschool.com KIDS@ CHURCHILL PARK Phone: 403-266-4656 Email: admin@churchillpark.ca Website: churchillpark.ca

KIDS U Seven locations in Calgary, one in Strathmore Phone: 1-855-805-4378 Email: info@kidsu.ca Website: kidsu.ca

MONTESSORI CASA Two Locations Email: admin@montessoricasa.com Website: montessoricasa.com

Equipping students for life

OAKS & ACORNS MONTESSORI 500 Midpark Way SE Email: director.midnapore@oaksandacorns.com 4963 Front Street SE Email: director.seton@oaksandacorns.com Website: oaksandacorns.com PRE-KINDERGARTEN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES Six Locations Across Calgary Phone: 403-605-2988 Email: Register@PreKindergartenEd.com Website: Pre-KindergartenEd.com

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

SPRINGBANK PLAYSCHOOL C32224 Springbank Road Phone: 403-830-7294 Email: springbankpsinfo@gmail.com Website: springbankplayschool.ca

KING’S KIDS PRESCHOOL Phone: 403-285-4855 Email: preschool@kingskidsfoundation.com Website: kingskidsfoundation.ca

THE THINK SUN PRESCHOOL ACADEMY 10 - 5555 Strathcona Hill SW Phone: 403-240-4466 Website: thethinksunpreschool.com

MAPLE ROOTS OUT OF SCHOOL CARE Phone: 403-200-1378 Email: info@maplerootsinc.com Website: maplerootsinc.com

UNIQUE EDUCATION ACADEMY Phone: 403-869-6391 Email: letstalk@uea-yyc.ca Website: uea-yyc.ca

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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Play: Explore our child-centered room environment Learn: Nurture emergent literacy Registration On-going Captain John Palliser School , 1484 Northmount Drive NW Kindergarten Enhancement Out of School Care Marion Carson School, 5225 Varsity Drive NW Pre-Kindergarten Academy Kindergarten Enhancement Out of School Care Hope Lutheran Church, 3527 Boulton Road NW Pre-Kindergarten Academy Sunnyside School, 211 – 7 Street NW Pre-Kindergarten Academy Kindergarten Enhancement Out of School Care Genesis Centre, 7555 Falconridge Blvd. NE Pre-Kindergarten Academy Braeside School, 1747 – 107 Ave. SW Pre-Kindergarten Academy Email: Register@PreKindergartenEd.com

Website: www.Pre-KindergartenEd.com SPRING 2022 • calgaryschild.com • 75

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help your tween or teen transition to a new school Older kids can struggle, too

By Marlowe Gelmon, M.Sc., Behavioral Neuroscience Behavioral Therapist For kids of all ages, transitioning to a new school can be difficult. Whether it is your child’s first day of high school or you’re moving to a new school district, starting a new school can affect your child’s academic performance, social development, and mental state.

But there are things you can do before and during your child’s switch to a new school to help them feel and become comfortable in an unfamiliar environment.

Although moving to a new school might feel like a disaster to your tw/een, starting at a new school can be a positive experience for them. However, that does not mean they will not struggle to adjust. Switching peer groups, adjusting to a new academic schedule, and leaving behind old friends can be hard for adolescents.

And it is not just about social expectations - a new school can also cause challenges in academic and extracurricular areas. While many tw/eens thrive in a fresh start, immediately jumping into activities and making friends, others will not immediately succeed. Your tw/een may feel lost for a bit, both academically and socially.

Use these strategies to help your tw/een adjust: Keeping a positive attitude. The adjustment period begins before your tw/een steps foot into their new school. Most likely, they will have a dismal outlook from the start, so the responsibility rests on you to talk up the new city (if moving) and the new school. Point out new opportunities that will be available to them, whether it is a great theatre program or the opportunity to take advanced-level science courses. If you are not thrilled about the move either, it’s okay to share that you have concerns, too. Make it clear to your tw/een that you are going to choose to look on the bright side and show them that you’re determined to make the best of the situation. If you have confidence that you can make it in a new city or succeed at a new job, your tw/een will feel more confident about their ability to succeed in a new school, too.

Listening to your tw/een’s concerns. Acknowledge that change can be hard. You need to validate their feelings by saying you know it will be hard for them to leave their current school and friends. Avoid minimizing your tw/een’s distress by saying things like, “oh, you’ll make new friends right away so don’t worry about it” or, “It’s not a big deal. I changed schools all the time when I was a kid.” Instead, say things to your tw/een like, “I know you love being in the band here and being in the band at your next school won’t be the same” or, “I understand you’re worried about being able to stay in touch with your band friends from home.”

Your tw/een might not express their feelings with words, but you might see some changes in their behavior that indicate they’re stressed out about the move. They may lash out in anger, but that could be a cover for how they are really feeling. Keep asking them questions about their biggest concerns. Are they worried about new teachers? Do they doubt their ability to make the basketball team? It could be something small like using a locker for the first time if their previous school did not have them. Offer a balanced outlook by acknowledging the challenges of moving, but also recognizing that a new school may offer exciting new opportunities.

Talking about the reasons for moving. Be honest and upfront with your tw/een about why you’re moving. If you’re relocating for a better career opportunity, moving so you can be closer to family, or you need to find a new house because you can’t afford to stay where you are, talk about it with your tw/een. Discuss the values that went into your decision. Make sure they know you aren’t moving to make their life miserable, and they aren’t switching schools because you don’t care about their feelings. Explain that you do care about their feelings but ultimately, it’s up to you to make the best choice for the family. Even if they aren’t on board with the decision, you’re going to move. Show your tw/een that you have confidence that everyone in the family can adjust to the new circumstances and with hard work and a good attitude, you can all create a happy life in a new home or in a new city.

Learning about the new school together. Often, anxiety stems from not knowing what to expect. If your tw/een can gain a clear understanding of what their new school is going to be like, they may have a more positive attitude about making the move. Conduct as much research as possible about the new school before they start attending. Get them involved in finding out about the size of the school, types of classes offered,

“Start the conversation early. Give your child as much time as you can to process the upcoming change. Ask your child what they’re nervous/ frightened about with this change.” and extracurriculars offered. Most schools have websites that offer a wealth of information. Talking to a guidance counsellor or coach ahead of time can also be helpful.

Arrange for your tw/een to have a tour of the school. If possible, help them meet some students from the new school before their first day. Seeing a familiar face or two when they’re ‘the new kid’ can go a long way to helping them settle in.

Encouraging a fresh start. If your tw/een attended the same elementary and middle school, their personality, activities, etc. are ingrained in the brains of their peers.

Once you’ve been pegged as a cheerleader or the guy who is bad at math, it’s hard to break out of that rut when you’re surrounded by the peers who watched you grow up. Remind your tw/een that at the new school, no one has any preconceived notions of who they are. Therefore, if they want to change up their activities, style, or any Help your tween or teen transition to a new school – Continued on next page

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Help your tween or teen transition to a new school – Continued from previous page

other facet of their being, they can do it now without any questions. Explain that a fresh start can help them become an even better version of themself. They can create positive change for their life and surround themself with the type of friends they want to have now that they’re entering a new phase of life.

Facilitate making new friends. It can be hard to make new friends in high school, especially if you’re moving in the middle of the school year. It can be especially difficult if your tw/een tends to be shy. Help your tw/een create a plan for meeting new people and making friends.

Joining a club or playing a sport can be a great way for them to socialize. Talk to them about what types of extracurricular activities they’re interested in joining.

Then, talk to the school about how to make that happen if the school year is underway.

Encourage maintaining old friendships. The digital age makes it easy for your tw/een to stay in touch with old friends. If you’re moving across the country, social media allows your teen to chat with their old pals regularly. If your tw/een switched schools in the same area, encourage them to invite over both old and new friends and make your home a space where your tw/een can easily entertain their friends.

Talk about introducing their friends to one another and make it clear to your tw/een that they don’t have to pick between friends at their old school and friends at their new school. Sometimes, tw/eens feel disloyal if they make new friends or worry that their old friends will forget about them if they don’t stay in constant contact.

Talk openly about your tw/een’s concerns and discuss strategies for maintaining a healthy social life.

Watching out for academic problems. High school can be academically challenging enough, but when your teen switches schools midway through their academic career, there are a lot of adjustments to be made. Perhaps Spanish II in this school is more like Spanish III in the previous school, and your teen can’t keep up with the teacher. Or maybe they never learned algebra the way the new school teaches it. Even differences in scheduling (such as block scheduling versus traditional) can pose difficulties. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your teen’s teachers to ask how they’re doing in class and how you can help make the academic adjustment easier for your teen.

Letting the move be the excuse. Your tw/een may be tempted to say the move has caused their plummeting marks or poor behavior. Don’t let the transition be an excuse. Life is full of transitions. Someday, they will likely need to adjust to a new job, a new home, a new boss, and living with a partner. So, changing schools can be a good practice for embracing change. Let go of the guilt you carry for uprooting your tw/een. You wouldn’t have made the switch if it wasn’t in the best interest of your family, and harboring guilt keeps the family from moving forward.

Seeking help, if necessary. If your tw/een is having a tough time adjusting to a new school, ask for professional support. If they aren’t making friends or are struggling academically, they may be at a higher risk of mental health issues or substance abuse issues. Talk to your physician to request a referral to a therapist or speak to the school’s guidance counsellor. The school may be able to offer services that can help.

Marlowe brings more than 16 years of experience in behavioral therapy practices and research. Parenting is filled with new challenges. She is here to help you and your child/teen overcome some of these challenges. For more information, call 587-8970243, email behavioraltherapeuticscalgary@gmail.com, or visit positiveneurohealth.com. CCM

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