2022 YYCFamilies by M.L. Ellen Percival

Take EE! H Copyome

YYC families Our 2022 Resource Guide for Family Life in the Foothills Brought to you by Calgary’s Child Magazine

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About PUBLISHER M.L. Ellen Percival Phone: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-241-6066 Email: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . calgaryschild@shaw.ca

Welcome to YYCFamilies 2022! It's hard to believe it's already 2022, isn't it? The last two years feel like both the longest and shortest years we can remember. Thinking about how to reorient your family in the community after two years of sudden changes, closures and distancing can be really challenging, and in this annual issue, we wanted to provide lots of resources to help you do just that! We hope this annual resource - divided into seasons to help you all year long - will give you some great activity ideas or inspire you to get out and explore this beautiful region we call home. We have tons of local information to help you discover the many, many resources, activities and supports that are still available right here in your backyard! PLEASE NOTE - we all know that things can change quickly. Make sure you check with attractions before you visit and confirm that you’re following all relevant advisories and regulations before you plan your adventures this year! Thank you to our sponsor, Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, for their generous support of our 2022 YYCFamilies. Finally, we would like to thank you all so much for your support over the past year. We couldn’t have made it through without you and we’re excited to move forward into 2022 together! Enjoy!

SALES DIRECTOR Eilidh Tait Phone: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 587-888-9556 Email: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . eilidh.calgaryschild@gmail.com ART DIRECTOR Amanda Sharp Email: . . . . . . . . . . . . . amanda.calgaryschild@gmail.com COPY EDITOR Melissa Thomson DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Cathy Bontje Phone: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-241-6066 Email: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . calgaryschild@shaw.ca CONTRIBUTORS

Dr. Alisha Adatia, OD Stephanie Arsenault Lori Beattie Natacha Beim Calgary Reads Shannon Cleary Kara Ferraro Stacie Gaetz

Matthew Hayes Dr. R. Coranne Johnson, R. Psych. Dr. Harriet N. Johnston, R. Psych. Christina Katz Tanya Koob Jennifer Lacey

Laura Lane Sarah Lyons Allison Percival Susan Scandiffio Karissa Tunis Karen Ung Dana Wheatley

OUR COMMITMENT YYC Families 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.

Help is Just a Phone Call Away!

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ASSISTANT PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Allison Percival, BA, B.Ed. Phone: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-241-6066 Email: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . calgaryschild@shaw.ca

PRINTING Calgary Central Web

The Calgary’s Child Magazine Team

211 Community Connection (24 hours) Dial 211 to get connected to the community services you need . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211 AADAC Help Line (24 hours) Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-866-33AADAC (2-2322) Adult Counselling and Prevention Services . . . . . . 403-297-3071 Youth Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-297-4664 Alberta Children’s Hospital Child Abuse and Mental Health Program Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-955-5959 Alberta Health Services – HEALTHLink Alberta 24-hour line providing health information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 811 Calgary Communities Against Sexual Abuse 24-Hour Crisis Line and support for people who have been sexually abused/assaulted and their families . . . . . 403-237-5888 CCIS Parent Link Family Resource Centre . . . . . . . 403-266-6686 Children’s Cottage Crisis Nursery 24-hour child care for parents in crisis . . . . . . . . . . . 403-233-2273 Child Abuse Hotline Report child abuse – 24 hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-387-KIDS Community Resource Team 24-hour mobile crisis team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-299-9699 Developmental Disabilities Resource Centre of Calgary Offers a number of respite options for families with a child with a disability 8:30am to 4:30pm, voice message after hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-240-3111 Distress Centre Calgary 24-hour crisis line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-266-HELP (4357) Early Start Support for Families with New Babies Seven days a week, 24-hours a day support . . . . . . 403-244-8351 Families Matter Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-205-5178 Hospice Calgary Grief Counselling . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-263-4525 Kids Help Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-668-6868 La Leche League Breastfeeding Support . . . . . . . 403-242-0277 Mental Health Help Line 24 Hour Help Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-877-303-2642 Mental Health Crisis Line (Mobile Response Team) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-266-1605 Canadian Mental Health Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-297-1700 Suicide Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-297-1744 Missing Children Society of Canada Organization dedicated to the search for abducted and runaway children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-661-6160

CO-CREATOR Sherry Kerr - ABC

Parent Support Association 24-hour self help for parents of children nine and up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .403-270-1819 Poison Centre Alberta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-332-1414 Ronald McDonald House® Southern Alberta A home away from home for out of town families with seriously ill children in the Calgary Hospitals – 9am to 9pm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-240-3000 Shelters (all 24 hour access) Calgary Drop-In Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-266-3600 Children’s Cottage Crisis Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-233-2273 Women’s Emergency Shelter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-234-SAFE (7233) Sheriff King Family Support Centre Crisis Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-266-0707 Awo-taan Native Women’s Shelter Society . . . . . . 403-531-1972 Wheatland Communities Crisis Society Shelter . . . 403-934-6634 SIDS Calgary Offers support to families who have lost a child to crib death . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-265-7437 West Central Communities Resource Centre One-stop approach for family services in the SW communities in regards to early intervention . . . .403-543-0555 Women’s Health Resources Women’s Health Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-944-2270 YWCA Sheriff King Family Support Centre Non-crisis information - 8am to 4pm . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-266-4111

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

STOCK IMAGES Images included in this publication are ©stock.adobe. com. This publication also includes images from istockphoto.com. REACH US AT Calgary’s Child Magazine #375 - 305 - 4625 Varsity Drive NW; Calgary, AB T3A 0Z9 Phone: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403-241-6066 Email: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . calgaryschild@shaw.ca Website: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . calgaryschild.com CANADIAN PUBLICATIONS MAIL Product Sales Agreement: 40015699 Registration Number: 2724960 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN Address To: Calgary’s Child Magazine #375 - 305 - 4625 Varsity Drive NW; Calgary, AB T3A 0Z9 Email: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . calgaryschild@shaw.ca Calgary’s Child Magazine is published six times per year as both a print and digital e-Edition. It is distributed at over 500 locations throughout Calgary and area, and as a digital e-Edition online at calgaryschild.com. Calgary’s Child YYC Families is published annually and is available at select locations and online at calgaryschild.com. Our database is confidential. We do not sell, lend or share our information to third parties. For internal use only. ISSN 1198-6069 Calgary’s Child Magazine © 2022 The opinions expressed in this publication may not necessarily be those of the publishers. No part of this publication may be reprinted without the expressed written permission of the publishers. Calgary’s Child Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited materials. CALGARY’S CHILD MAGAZINE IS A PROUD MEMBER OF:

INDEX

SPRING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 The spring break challenge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 20 great playgrounds for big kids. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Brought to you by

Diaper bags 101 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Nurseries that grow with your baby. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Digital eye strain, blue light, and children’s vision. . . . . . . . . 16 Language in the first year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 We asked you . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

SUMMER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Birthday traditions - 10 ways to create magical moments . . 24 Find the perfect camp for each child in the family. . . . . . . . . 25 Considering your camp budget . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

BAIT

Top four family walkabouts in Calgary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 SIMMONS LIMITED

Family hikes less travelled. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

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FALL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Choosing after-school activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Easing the back-to-school transition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Alternative education options in Calgary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

OUR COVER YYCFamilies 2022 From family illustrations, home portraits, and local illustrated maps, Lindsey Hopkins creates custom art that is joyful and loved by all ages! Local to Cochrane and a past resident of NW Calgary as a teenager, she holds an infinity for all of the things that make our corner of Alberta unique. The illustrated maps of Calgary and Cochrane are her way of showing that! Be sure to stay tuned for a new map of Banff coming in 2022! Illustrated Map of Calgary created by local illustrator Lindsey Hopkins @lindseyhopkinsart etsy.com/shop/lindseyhopkinsart

Awesome local autumn walks, hikes, and bike rides. . . . . . . 42 Is it time for a tutor?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Once upon a story - 50 great reads for kids. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 We asked you . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

WINTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Baby, it’s cold outside! Protect your kids from the chill . . . . 50 Hit the trails! 10 family friendly local winter hikes . . . . . . . . . 52 We asked you . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Get out of the house! Budget friendly local winter fun. . . . . 56 Academics + art = balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 7 signs you probably shouldn’t coach your kid at sports. . . 58 Head for the (tobogganing) hills! Calgary’s official list. . . . . 60 When your child wants to quit extracurriculars. . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Kids, sport, and mental health: what you need to know. . . . 63

Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

calgaryschild.com • 5

8 Spring Break Challenge

10 20 Great Playgrounds

SPRING Let’s fly a kite! Whether or not you’re old enough to understand how a kite flies,

there’s something magical about that moment when your kite catches the wind. If you’re lucky, a strong breeze will pull your kite high into the sky. Other times, it might take a bit of legwork - a literal running start - but with the right kite and a few pointers, anyone can fly a kite!

KITES FOR KIDS The secret to success is having the right kite; some are easier to fly than others. For the best kites for kids, I consulted with Bud Taylor and Sharon Musto of The Kite Guys, Canada’s biggest kite store. “Delta-shaped kites are super easy to fly and quite stable. Diamond-shaped kites are easy to fly, too; they just tend to wiggle around in the air more than deltas. Parafoils are great because they are very compact, have no framing spars so nothing to break or lose, and they require no assembly whatsoever. Snake kites (also called “serpent” kites) are, likewise, very easy to fly. Their long tails undulate in the wind - fun to watch,” say The Kite Guys. A bonus? No batteries are required “unless you put lights on them,” adds Musto.

WHERE TO FLY KITES IN CALGARY Wayne Marshall of Kites Unlimited recommends flying kites in open areas with no power lines or vehicle traffic. “For kids, the best place to fly is anywhere it is safe to do so preferably in a grassy area with few obstacles to get around (swings, signs, posts, etc.) and as far away as possible from buildings and trees that disturb the wind flow… The longer the kite line, the more adult supervision one should have my kite lines are a maximum of 100 metres,” says Marshall.

Marshall recommends flying kites at: • Soccer and baseball fields • John Laurie Park (NW) • Rocky Ridge soccer/baseball fields (NW) • Field near the Flames Community Playground (SW) • Sierra Morena Fields (SW)

“Kite flying is a wonderful activity for people of all ages and levels of ability, even during a pandemic,” shares Musto. The only problem is that parents may have so much fun, they’ll need their own kites! 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, playoutsideguide.com, is to provide everything families need to know to get outside and have fun. Follow on Instagram @playoutsidegal. CCM

calgaryschild.com • 7

The spring break challenge By Tanya Koob; Photo: Courtesy of Tanya Koob Every year I like to create a ‘Spring Break Challenge’ for my family with the goal of trying at least a couple of new things. We continue our mission through the month of April and always visit several new places around Calgary. What new activity could you try with your kids during Spring Break? (And it could be as simple as visiting a new playground or trying a new urban trail in the city.) Here are 10 suggestions to get the ideas flowing: 1. Try tubing at a local ski hill. There’s not usually much snow left on our local sledding hills come Spring but, fortunately, ski hills still have plenty of snow at their tube parks. Tubing is easy, gentle on the body, and requires no athletic ability. To try the closest one, visit WinSport’s Canada Olympic Park and spend an afternoon at their fun tube park. They even have a snack bar at the bottom of the park with a sunny patio for those warm Spring days! 2. Go hiking in Bow Valley Provincial Park. Our favorite trail in this Park is the Many Springs Interpretive Trail located in the Bow Valley Campground. The campground (and its roads) don’t open until the end of April; until then, this 1.3 kilometre loop is best approached by bike. Enjoy a short ride on the paved campground roads from the Middle Lake Day-Use Area, walk around the Many

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Springs Loop, and then bike back, stopping to rest at the playground in the Elk Flats Group-Use Area. The total outing is approximately 5 kilometres long. Alternately, for a shorter outing, try the Flowing Water Interpretive Trail located inside the Willow Rock Campground across the road from the Bow Valley Campground. This 2-kilometre loop trail follows boardwalk sections through a wetland environment complete with beaver lodges and dams. There is one steep section with stairs, but the rest of the trail is Chariotfriendly, should you wish to carry your stroller up that one section. 3. Explore Fish Creek Provincial Park. It’s rare to find a provincial park within city limits; luckily, we have one and it’s called Fish Creek Provincial Park located in south Calgary! The park has over 80 kilometres of pathways (30 kilometres of which are paved). Many of the other trails are a hardpacked shale and easy for walking with young kids. Follow the trails along Fish Creek, crossing multiple bridges, and bring out your bikes to explore farther if the pathways are dry. This Park is also a great place to go looking for birds and wildlife with over 200 bird species observed here. And for those living in north Calgary, consider visiting Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park, located between Calgary and Cochrane off Highway 1A. This park also

has more than 25 kilometres of pathways for walking, hiking, and biking (including a large section of paved trail). 4. Learn to climb as a family. Learning to rock climb is a little bit less scary when you’re climbing a wall with happy faces that light up every step that you climb. Visit the Calgary Climbing Centre at either the Hanger in the NE or the Rocky Mountain location in the NW and spend an hour in the family-friendly climb park. The park uses an auto belay system on all walls and features (meaning you don’t need any experience to climb) and children can climb on their own, without a partner. And when you’re ready for the next step, The Calgary Climbing Centre also offers introductory courses to ‘learn the ropes’ so you can learn to belay your children on future visits. You can also sign the kids up for a spring break camp where they will learn to climb and belay. 5. Visit a new playground. There is no shortage of cool playgrounds around the city. Grab a few friends, and head out to a new park that you’ve never visited! The Calgary Playground Review website is a great resource to help you find that new favorite playground. 6. Try downhill skiing or snowboarding at a local hill. If you meant to put the kids in a ski or snowboard lesson this winter and it never happened, there’s no need to put it

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Beaver Lodge Day-Use Area/Beaver Flats Hiking Trail in Elbow Valley off again until next winter. Spring sun makes for warm ski days, and it’s a lot easier to learn to ski when you aren’t freezing cold. All area hills offer group and private lessons, and I also think it would be fun to sign the kids up for a snowboarding lesson (if they already ski) just to try something new. 7. Try cross-country skiing for a day in Canmore. Spring sun isn’t especially good for ski trails, but you can extend the season with a day at the Canmore Nordic Centre where the trails get groomed and freshly track set daily. I’ve skied here as late as April before and still had good snow for skiing. Visit the Trail Sports website for information on ski rentals at the Nordic Centre. You can also rent sleds for pulling younger kids. And if you’re new to crosscountry skiing, I recommend the short outing to the meadow warming hut and back on the main Banff Trail, an easy 6-kilometre return ski on a relatively flat trail. 8. Spend a day at Kananaskis Village. Depending on conditions, you can either take a short walk around the Kananaskis Lodge, go skating on the pond, rent snowshoes from Kananaskis Outfitters and try a short loop, or take a lovely hike to nearby Troll Falls. If you’re new to the area and would like to ensure you don’t get lost on the Village trails, guided family hikes can also be arranged through Kananaskis Outfitters. Whichever option(s) you choose, make sure you warm up after at the coffee shop inside the lodge which also carries a wide variety of lunch items. 9. Take a day trip out to Bragg Creek and the Elbow Valley. Follow Highway 22 down the Cowboy Trail to the Hamlet of Bragg

Creek. From there, continue into Kananaskis Country and drive as far as the highway permits. If you’re visiting before May 15, the road is open as far as the Elbow Falls Day-Use Area. Visit the waterfalls and then continue along the closed highway on foot (or on bike if the highway is clear of snow) until you reach the Beaver Lodge Day-Use Area and trailhead for the Beaver Flats Interpretive Trail (less than 500 metres down the highway). Hike the short trail along a creek where you will pass by several beaver ponds that the kids will have fun playing in. The short trail is a 3-kilometre round trip. 10. Visit Calgary’s only indoor bike park. B-Line Indoor Bike Park in NE Calgary is a great place to take the kids before local trails are ready to ride. The park combines elements of a skateboard park, a BMX track, and a mountain bike skills park (complete with pump track). The park rents BMX bikes if you don’t have a suitable bike to use, and it has features for all levels of riders from tots on balance bikes all the way up to teens or adults looking to catch big air. All features are clearly marked as beginner, intermediate, or advanced as well to make sure your children stay safe. For more information, visit the B-Line Indoor Bike Park website. With all these options, your family should be trying new activities and visiting new places well into June. Happy exploring! 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

Learn more and register at ywcalgary.ca/mindfulmoments

403.750.2500 MindfulMoments@ywcalgary.ca

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calgaryschild.com •9 9/29/2021 3:44:11 PM

20 great playgrounds for big kids By Dana Wheatley A lot of playgrounds aren’t designed with kids in mind over the age of eight. If you find your kids are getting bored at typical playgrounds, give these ones a try! 1. Mahogany Giant Rocks Playground. Kids (and adults) who love a climbing challenge will love testing their skills at this very different style of playground. 2. Applewood Rotary Greenway Playground. Located along a bike path along the Calgary Greenway, this playground offers a different kind of experience from your typical playground. Bigger kids will love trying to jump from one thing to another. 3. East Calgary Greenway - Saddlebrook Playground. Similar to the Applewood Greenway playground, this playground features artificial logs, rocks, and ropes to climb on. 4. Laycock Park Playground. This playground is more challenging than most, making it great for older kids. 5. Elboya Park Playground. This playground lets kids get up higher than most and has climbing equipment that will challenge older kids. 6. 12 Mile Coulee School Playground. The equipment at this park is set up in a circuit-like pattern. It was designed to be challenging and support the middle school’s phys ed and fitness programs. 7. Carrington Park Playground. This playground features accessible flooring, challenging equipment, roller slide, and zipline. 8. Valleyview Hill Playground. Located up the hill from the spray park and toddler playground. 9. Forest Lawn Natural Playground. This style of playground provides a different kind of experience from your typical metal and plastic playground equipment. Older kids manage to find all kinds of ways to interact with the equipment. 10. West Springs School Playground. This school playground features a big rope spinner and a varied rope climber.

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11. Nose Creek Middle School Playground. This school playground is set back from the school and is designed for middle schoolers, resulting in a more challenging playground than most. 12. Applestone Park Playground. This playground is huge and has lots of overhead features, cat walks, and bridges. 13. Valley Pointe Estates Playground. This style of playground lends itself to different kinds of movement for older kids. Younger kids usually find these playgrounds a bit too difficult. 14. Taralake Link Playground. Similar to the Valley Pointe Estates Playground, older kids will love testing their skills out and going down the saddle slide. 15. Panatella Hill Pond Playground. This playground is in the same style as Valley Pointe and Taralake; however, this playground also has a set of equipment for younger kids, too. 16. Colonel Walker School Playground. Unlike any other playground in Calgary, kids will love the freaky feeling of walking across the high rope ladder. 17. Balmoral School Playground. Designed for middle schoolers, this playground is more difficult to navigate than your average playground. 18. Brentwood School Playground. This school playground is huge and features a wide variety of challenging equipment. 19. Ralph Klein Park Playground. This playground features a zipline and a great log and rope feature. (An excellent stop if you are biking by the area!) 20. North Glenmore Playground. This park includes a zipline and lots of logs and stumps to play Grounders!

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

Diaper bags 101 By Stacie Gaetz; Photo: Courtesy of buybuy BABY® How important could choosing the ‘right’ diaper bag possibly be? As it turns out, very important! There is nothing worse than having your hands full with a bolting toddler and a newborn who has just had a diaper blowout in the middle of the mall and having to spend what seems like an hour digging to the bottom of your bag to find the wet wipes while screaming at the top of your lungs to your wandering toddler, “Come back here!” Parenting is often done one-handed, so when it comes to deciding on a dominating diaper bag, accessibility is king! The biggest trend in diaper bags is the fact that roughly 60 to 70 percent of the hundreds of bags stores carry are backpacks. People are looking for easy, organized, quick, and convenient, and that is what they seem to be finding in the backpack-style. Try on several backpack-style bags before purchasing because each brand is cut differently in the back and shoulders. You want to make sure it is comfortable to wear. Fit is as important as fashion. A great place to start your search for the ultimate diaper bag is buybuy BABY®. Read on for their dominating diaper bags (ranked from lower to higher price range): CARTER’S® STOW AWAY DIAPER BAG BACKPACK This diaper bag backpack is their bestseller and adds effortless style and function: • Eight storage pockets • Insulated side pocket for beverages and food • Easy access built-in wipes pocket • Handy wipeable changing pad • Hangs neatly onto stroller with stroller straps • Adjustable, padded shoulder straps for hands-free wear • Easy-grab top handle for quick carrying SKIP*HOP® SUITE 6-PIECE DIAPER BACKPACK SET Adorned with diamond quilted embroidery, this diaper bag comes equipped with accessories and easy-access compartments:

• • • • •

Easily attaches to stroller for convenience Lightweight fabric Sleek metal hardware and faux leather trim Nine pockets for organization Included extras: paci pocket, changing pad, stroller straps, bottle bag, packing cube

ITZY RITZY® BOSS DIAPER BAG BACKPACK The Itzy Ritzy® Boss Diaper Backpack is the perfect blend of convenience, style, and comfort: • Roomy interior and easy-access opening Numerous front and side pockets • • Zippered closure Top-carry handle • • Comfortable shoulder straps Mounted top pocket with access from the outside • • Front pocket designed especially for keys, phone, and other accessories • Raised rubber bottom so the bag does not sit directly on the floor

Where every haircut is

a great experience.

SPECIALLY TRAINED STAFF | MOVIES | THEME CHAIRS

12 • YYCFamilies 2022

THE TOP 10 DIAPER BAG ESSENTIALS 1. Nursing scarf. These can be used in a pinch for many things other than nursing including a blanket, stroller cover, burp blanket, bib, change pad, etc. 2. Snack cup. The Boon® Squirt Silicone Baby Food Dispensing Spoon takes baby food, removes the jar, and packs it into a single utensil for convenient, one-handed feeding. 3. Sippy cup/water bottle/bottle. The Munchkin® Miracle® 360° Trainer Cup for older children is spill free and its spout-less design enables your child to drink from anywhere along the 360° rim, and seals instantly when your child stops sipping to avoid messy leaks. 4. Pacifier. The style and design of a pacifier is up to your baby’s preferences. However, many people choose to use a WubbaNub® as it includes a stuffed toy and soother in one, providing comfort for your baby. 5. Wet wipes. In addition to a traditional-sized bag for diapers, the Aleva Naturals® Bamboo Baby® Pacifier and Toy Wipes keep your little one’s items clean without the use of harsh chemicals. 6. Small diaper cream. One of the things you are going to want in the many pockets that come in a quality diaper bag is cream for those unpredictable rashes. 7. Hand sanitizer. Baby BUM®, an antibacterial spray hand sanitizer infused with oils and fruit extracts, is obtained from sugar cane alcohol, making it school-safe. 8. A toy. The right toy or book can be a lifesaver when you spend five minutes too long in the grocery line. The most effective toys are a mix of a stuffed toy and a teether and have many textures and sounds. 9. Extra clothes and diapers. Pack one for every hour that you will be out and about. 10. Wet bag. Many high-end diaper bags come with a wet bag, but wet bags can also be purchased separately and can be lifesavers (or at least money-savers) when you need to keep messy clothes contained. Stacie is a freelance writer, editor, and mother to a delightful daughter and silly son. CCM

calgaryschild.com • 13

Nurseries that grow with your baby By Stephanie Arsenault A lot of thought goes into decorating your baby’s room. But what happens when your child grows? Redecorating a room for your child can be time-consuming and expensive, so start with the essentials and decorate as you go. Keep it simple. If you keep large things (like furniture, wall paint, and flooring) neutral, you can work with the accessories of the room as the years pass. Use classic furnishings as a start for the room, such as wood or white-washed items. When you need to make the transition from changing table to dresser, or crib to bed, you can get the same material in a similar style so it matches. Keep in mind that simple does not translate to bland. You are decorating for a child, after all, and it is important to reflect your child’s personality in their bedroom. BEGIN WITH A SOOTHING PALETTE. Paint the walls one color and the trim of the room and door a slightly darker or lighter shade. Examples of color ideas and their pairings include (all paint shades used in the examples here are from Benjamin Moore): “Neon Celery” - A pale, earthy tone of green, best paired with a color a couple of shades darker, such as “Spring Meadow Green” for accents. Try doing a nature theme in this room with wooden furniture and framed pictures of landscapes, flowers, and leaves. If you want to make it really special, paint a poplar-like tree on the wall about five feet across (at its widest point) extending from the floor to the ceiling. Install a brown shelf on one of the branches for your child’s stuffed animals. Also, a hammock is a nice touch, as it can be used for storing stuffed animals, toys or blankets, and gives an outdoorsy feel. The tree shelf is good for books as your child gets older, and the hammock is a neat place for them to relax and read a good book.

“Provence Crème” - A light, buttery yellow that works well with colors that are one shade darker or lighter, such as “Yellow Lotus” and “Pale Straw.” These colors match well with almost anything, which is fantastic because it makes your job - and the changing of your child’s tastes - much easier. Introduce brighter colors with pillows, blankets, framed pictures, curtains, and area rugs. “Icy Blue” - A light, slightly teal blue, best paired with darker tones like “Ash Blue.” Try an under-the-sea theme, with pictures of fish framed in seashell-decorated frames, jars of sea glass, and stuffed animal sea creatures. “Sandy White” - A pale, sand-like color that is more neutral than the other colors. This color is nice when paired with “Light Khaki,” one shade darker than the “Sandy White” hue. “Sandy White” can be brightened up with colorful accessories, such as stuffed animals, pillows, blankets, pictures, and curtains. “Whisper Violet” - A light purple that goes nicely with “Lavender Mist,” which is one shade darker. Try a flower theme in this room with pink, purple, white, and yellow-colored flowers in pictures, on the bedspread, and like-colored accessories. Keep your child’s things organized with baskets, colorful storage boxes, shelves and closet organizers - they come in handy at any age. Baskets and storage boxes are also a cost-effective option. Use throw pillows, cozy blankets, and a nice area rug to brighten up the room. A soft area rug is great for when your child plays on the floor, as it provides a little extra cushioning and is easily cleaned. For color ideas and a virtual fan deck, visit benjaminmoore.com. Stephanie is a freelance writer specializing in travel and food writing. For more information, visit globaldish.ca. CCM

calgaryschild.com • 15

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16 • YYCFamilies 2022

Digital eye strain, blue light, & children’s vision By Dr. Alisha Adatia, OD Now, more than ever, children are spending more time on computers, tablets, smartphones, and in front of the TV. All those hours spent scrolling or staring at a screen can have a negative impact on your child’s visual, mental, and physical health. Here is what you need to know. The Alberta Association of Optometrists reports that 28 percent of parents say their child experiences symptoms during or after using digital devices. However, some children don’t complain or show signs of discomfort, so digital eye strain can be difficult to detect. Too much screen time can lead to digital eye strain. Digital eye strain describes a group of symptoms that result from prolonged use of a digital screen. Symptoms include headaches, blurred vision, light sensitivity, eye irritation, double vision, excessive tearing, burning eyes, excessive blinking or squinting, and dry eyes. Too much screen time can negatively affect a child’s overall well-being. Studies have shown that moderate to high use of screen time can lead to a variety of physical and psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, poor posture, sleep issues, weight gain, reduced attention span, poor behavior, and vision problems. Prolonged blue light exposure can have adverse effects. Blue light is a part of the color spectrum. When you combine all colors of the spectrum, you get ‘white light’ or sunlight. Sources of white light include the sun (primary source), LED and fluorescent lighting, and electronic and digital devices. However, the blue light is of more concern because it has higher energy compared to the other colors, and our eyes are poor blue light blockers. Almost all blue light passes through the front of the eyes and reaches the retina. Blue light exposure increases alertness by suppressing the

release of melatonin, making it harder for you to fall asleep. This can disrupt the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm). Excessive use of digital screens increases blue light exposure because they are in close proximity to the eyes and used for long periods of time. How can you protect your child from digital eye strain? • Limit the amount of total screen time, especially for younger children. • Stop using digital devices and TV screens two to three hours before bed. • Follow the ‘20-20-20’ rule. View the screen for 20 minutes, stop and take a 20 second or more break, and look at something at least 20 feet away. • Lubricate eyes with artificial tears three to four times per day and practice proper blinking. Pause and take full blinks often while using your device. • Use a warm to hot compress for 20 minutes daily to help alleviate symptoms. • Maintain proper posture with screen use. Ideally, the screen should be an arm’s length away and slightly below eye level. • Get proper fitting, good quality blue light blocking eye glasses, which block the harmful blue light from sunlight and digital devices. These filters can be added to prescription and nonprescription glasses. • Have your child’s eyes checked regularly by an optometrist. Alberta Health Care covers yearly eye exams for children up to 18 years of age.

Dr. Alisha Adatia is the lead optometrist and CEO of Blink Eyewear. Blink Eyewear’s highly-trained team of optometrists and opticians are ready to serve every member of your family using the most advanced technologies and latest products. For more information, visit blinkeyewear.ca. Feeling Social? Follow on Facebook @blinkeyewearoptometry and Instagram @blinkeyewearyyc. CCM

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Language in the first year A road map for speech development By Laura Lane There are few things more exciting as a parent than watching your child’s ability to communicate with you grow and blossom. Between birth and age three, children’s language skills develop dramatically, and there is often a wide range of normal when it comes to children saying their first words. “The typical benchmark for a child saying their first word is 12-months-old, but it’s often analogous to when children take their first steps. There can be wide age variations as to when children say their first words,” says Ellen Meyer Gregg, a professor of Audiology and Speech-Language Sciences. Here’s a road map to help guide you through the early years of speech-language development. Language in the first year A newborn’s cries are the earliest form of communication. When you respond appropriately to your infant’s cries, your child learns to expect a response. From birth through 12 months, reciprocal communication patterns develop between you and your baby. For example, your baby might coo or babble, you respond back and your baby coos again. Breastfeeding also establishes a conversational pattern between mother and baby. “The baby is sucking, while you are quiet. If the baby stops sucking, you might try to rouse the baby. There’s a turntaking happening that is like a conversational pattern,” says Gregg. During the first year, your baby might play a game with you where they drop something, you pick it up, and then they drop it again. This type of game playing also lays a solid foundation for communication because it’s reciprocal, says Gregg. If your baby doesn’t seem to be hearing well or responding to sounds, especially loud sounds, you may want to consult your paediatrician. Children who have had multiple ear infections may have difficulty acquiring speech-language skills, although this isn’t always the case. Another cause for concern is if your child is averse to social interactions and doesn’t want to make eye contact or be touched. 18 • YYCFamilies 2022

“Usually, the best place to start is with your paediatrician. If you’re not comfortable with the doctor’s response, then it’s time to consult a speech-language pathologist who holds a certificate of clinical competence,” says Gregg. Visit the Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists & Audiologists website, caslpa.ca, for more information on how to find a certified speech-language pathologist in your area.

"The typical benchmark for a child saying their first word is 12-monthsold, but it’s often analogous to when children take their first steps. There can be wide age variations as to when children say their first words." A vocabulary explosion in year two Although most children say their first word around their first birthday, there can be a huge age span with some children saying their first word as early as eight months and others not until 15 months. From one year to 18 months, a child’s vocabulary usually increases from one word to around 50 words. Most children have a core group of words they like to use, such as “no” and “more.” By age two, there’s usually a vocabulary explosion with most children being able to say 200 to 250 words, although two-yearolds understand many more words than they can say. At around two years, children also start putting two words together, such as

“more cookie” or “baby, up.” Between 27 to 30 months, children put together early sentences with a subject, verb, and object. “The period between two- and threeyears-old is amazing. It’s like your child acquires a new word every day. The difference between a two-, two-and-ahalf, and a three-year-old in language development is dramatic,” says Gregg. “By age three, a child usually has pretty good conversation skills, a good vocabulary, and is saying sentences with a lot of information packed in them.” At around age two, some children are language late bloomers; they understand most of what’s being said to them and interact appropriately with the world around them, but they’re not talking a lot. If you are concerned about your toddler’s language skills, a speech-language pathologist can evaluate your child’s social interaction skills and hearing status. Often a child who is a language late bloomer will be communicating effectively by age three.

Reading builds language skills The two most important things you can do to encourage your children’s speech-language development are read to them and play with them. “You don’t want to read to your child in a drill-and-practice kind of way or put any kind of performance pressure on your child,” says Gregg. “A natural, enjoyable interaction between parent and child is what facilitates development in social interaction, cognitive development, and language development.” Your child might like to read the same book over and over again - and with good reason. Children learn how stories are structured and pick up on new things each time a familiar story is read and re-read to them. The key is to let your child take the lead in deciding what activities they want to do. “Follow the child’s lead. Go where they want to go,” says Gregg. Laura and her husband have two children. Her husband was especially pleased when both their children said “DaDa” first. CCM

calgaryschild.com • 19

What’s Calgary’s best park?

We Asked YOU

“We love Confederation Park. It is gorgeous, yearround! A beautiful pathway with beautiful, mature trees. The playground is unique and fun for the kids. You can also snowshoe or cross-country ski through the park in the winter. There is a nice little creek and duck pond, as well. You can have a picnic at their many picnic tables and it even has a little BBQ at the one end of the park with small cooking fire pits. The park is a real gem!” - Vanessa T. “Visit South Glenmore Park. There is so much to do: splash park, playground, musical playground, pump track, and it doesn’t seem overwhelmingly busy. And it’s all free!” - Janelle P. “A picnic in Fish Creek Park always gets my kids out of a funk. Sometimes we bring nail polish and do our nails, too!” - Nicole A. “[We] enjoy the river pathway system, at least from the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary and northwest. So many family-friendly pit stops to be made along the way.” - Sandy R.

20 • YYCFamilies 2022

What should you do on a crummy day? “The Little Red Reading House in Inglewood is one of Calgary’s best-kept secrets.” - Michelle D. “The Calgary Tower is cool. Another fun thing to do on a crummy day is go downtown and walk through all the Plus 15s, shop, and get a bite to eat at Devonian Gardens [in The CORE Shopping Centre].” - Vanessa T. “Bake, play games, go swimming in an indoor pool, or bundle up and tough it out. It’s never that crummy!” - Leanne H. “The Downtown Central Library has beautiful architecture, a fun play place, excellent customer service, and friendly vibes. Easy to reach by CTrain.” - Carmen S. “Visit a little library box in your community for a new book. Cuddle up with something hot to drink and enjoy story time together.” - Pam B. “Stay in bed.” - Lisa M.

24 Birthday Traditions

28 Top Four Family Walks

SUMMER Summertime is here at last! Now that the kids are out of school, it can be a

little daunting to come up with ways to fill the summer months. There are hundreds of great neighborhood playgrounds to explore, pools and splash parks to enjoy, and a massive network of hiking, biking, and walking pathways to conquer!

CITY OF CALGARY SERVICES (THE)

Phone: 311 (for easy, 24/7 access to municipal programs, information, and City services) Outside Calgary city limits: 1-403-268-CITY (2489) TTY Services: 403-268-4TTY (4889) 311 Online Services: calgary.ca/311

OUTDOOR POOLS

Bowview: 1910, 6 Avenue NW Forest Lawn: 1706, 39 Street SE Highwood: 25 Holmwood Avenue NW Millican-Ogden: 69 Avenue & 20A Street SE Mount Pleasant: 2310, 6 Street NW Silver Springs: Silverridge Close & Silverridge Drive NW South Calgary: 3130, 16 Street SW Stanley Park: 4011, 1A Street SW

SPRAY PARKS

Eau Claire Plaza/Barclay Mall: 105 Barclay Parade SW Prairie Winds Park: 223 Castleridge Boulevard NE Rotary Park: 617, 1 Street NE Somerset Park: 999 Somerset Drive SW South Glenmore Park (Variety Park): 90 Avenue & 24 Street SW Valleyview Park: 28 Street & 30 Avenue SE West Confederation Park: 2020 Chicoutimi Drive NW

WADING POOLS

Aquatic wheelchairs pilot project Aquatic wheelchairs are now available in spray parks at Prairie Winds Park, Riley Park, Bowness Park and Variety Park in South Glenmore Park. These wheelchairs will be available until the spray park closes in Fall (weather dependent). Visitors can sign out the wheelchair, upon availability, by approaching the attendant on site at the park. Visitors are welcome to use the wheelchair for as long as they require; no deposit is required. Please be respectful if there are others waiting to use the wheelchair. While visitors are using aquatic wheelchairs, they can choose to keep their personal chair in the spray park storage area or keep their chair with them.

Stay safe in the sun this summer By Alberta Health Services •

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

Here are three important tips for sun safety: Check the UV Index before leaving home. The UV Index indicates the strength of the sun’s daily UV rays and can help inform the steps you take to protect yourself. The higher the UV index number, the stronger the sun’s rays are and the more important it is to stay out of the sun. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, any time the index is at a three or above, you must take extra precautions to protect your skin.

•

Use sunscreen and reapply often. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Remember to apply generously and protect the skin that’s not covered by clothing. You’ll also want to reapply as needed. Most sunscreens should be reapplied every two hours, especially if you’ve been swimming or sweating.

•

Throw on some shades. Designer or drugstore, sunglasses don’t have to be expensive to be effective. The key is to choose shades that are sized to fully cover your eyes and offer 100 percent UVA and UVB protection. calgaryschild.com • 23

Birthday traditions 10 ways to create magical moments By Kara Ferraro

For your child, their birthday celebration is the most anticipated day of the year! And as soon as the party is over, they are talking about what they want to do or get for their next birthday - 364 days away! You want your child’s birthday to be spectacular and each year, as your child gets older and their wants become greater, it’s easy to get caught up in the hype of trying to outdo last year’s celebration. Growing up with three siblings, one whose birthday is two days after mine, my parents tried their best to make each of our birthdays special. My siblings and I would come home from school and there would be balloons, gifts, and handmade cards around the ‘birthday chair.’ As soon as the birthday kid finished dinner, the birthday child was directed to sit in the birthday chair and would proceed to open up their gifts; it was a magical moment I waited for all year. On my 10th birthday, I received a blue three-speed bike. Aside from the speed bike, the only gift I remember receiving is a small wooden trinket box my mother had polyurethaned with random magazine pictures and a groovy picture of me with a ‘shag’ haircut and the date ‘1976’ on the inside. That was many years ago, but I still have my trinket box today. As a mother of two children, I look at birthdays in a new light. I think back on my own childhood memories and realize that now I have the control to create family birthday traditions for my kids. Finding simple, inexpensive ways to turn an ordinary day into an extraordinary birthday celebration may take a little time and creativity, but it can be done. What your child wants more than anything on their birthday is to feel like it is their special day, so find ways to help celebrate it with them! Here are 10 ways you can start your own birthday traditions to create magical moments that your child will remember for years to come: 1. The night before your child’s birthday, decorate the house or their bedroom with balloons, confetti, flowers, or a homemade birthday banner.

Birthdays on the Farm

2. 3.

Wake up your child by singing “Happy Birthday.” Start the day off by making your child a special birthday breakfast. 4. Pull out their baby pictures or other birthday pictures and decorate the house. 5. Stick a special birthday snack or note in your child’s lunchbox. 6. Have lunch with your child at school and bring cupcakes. (Okay, they may not like this when they get older, but during the elementary-school years that box of cupcakes will be hard to resist!) 7. Have your child help you make their birthday cake. It’s more fun for them to decorate the cake and get sugared up on eating the extra batter, frosting, and sprinkles than it is for them to eat the cake - regardless of their age. 8. Plan a special birthday family outing each year: a trip to the lake or the beach, a picnic in the park, or a trip to your favorite pizza joint or movie theatre. 9. Start a scrapbook each year on your child’s birthday and decorate the cover with a picture that was taken on their birthday. 10. Each birthday, take a picture of your child at the exact time they were born (perhaps when they are sleeping if they were born at 3am!). Regardless of your child’s age or interests, birthdays are a special day for them. The key to making them feel special is that you remember the whole day is their birthday - so celebrate and let them enjoy it! By taking some time out to create your own family birthday traditions, you will be giving your child something to look forward to throughout the year - and for a lifetime. Kara is a publisher and mother of two. She is always looking for clever and inexpensive ways to start new traditions with her family, as well as carry on traditions from her childhood. CCM

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24 • YYCFamilies 2022

Find the perfect camp for each child in the family By Christina Katz A mistake you can make when choosing a camp is confusing your child’s needs with your needs. If you want your child to be happy at camp, focus on who they are rather than on who you were as a camper. Your goal is to create a harmonious relationship between each of your children and the camp experience, not for your child to follow in your well-worn hiking boots. Going to camp should be a choice for every child. Don’t force camp on a child who is terrified by the idea. At the same time, feel free to plant the seed in your children’s minds from an early age that camp is a fun, life-enhancing adventure for those willing to try it. If older siblings have gone to camp and liked it, then younger siblings may already be eager to go themselves. But if your child is not enthusiastic about the idea, don’t push camp on them without learning more first.

A range of choices Sending your kids to camp may have been your idea, but in order for your kids to feel good about the adventure, they need to buy into the idea, too. The first question to ask yourself is: ‘Which types of camp are best suited to my child’s physical, emotional, and mental needs?’ Would day camp or overnight camp be the better choice at this developmental stage? If choosing overnight camp, would my child prefer to be close or far from home? Also consider the mission and style of the camp. Would your child prefer to rough it for a week in the mountains or stay in a cozy, family-style camp with modern amenities closer to home?

"The first question to ask yourself is: ‘Which types of camp are best suited to my child’s physical, emotional, and mental needs?’"

Camp considerations Feel free to present your camp experiences and what you got out of them to your kids, and invite others in the family to do the same. At the same time, communicate clearly your understanding that your child is not you or anyone else, and you like and respect the person your child is already. Sending a child to camp to ‘correct’ or ‘fix things’ about them is backward. The person who needs to change their attitude in this scenario is you, not your child. If you have worries or concerns about your children, don’t send them to camp to address those feelings. Find someone you can talk to so you can learn to accept your children for who they are and meet their range of individual needs. Kids who are secure and comfortable in their own skin thrive at camp, whereas kids who are insecure and anxious may flounder.

You may need to let go of the idea that what was good for you as a child is good for your kids. What was good for you as a child may traumatize your sensitive child or your child with special needs. Strive to meet your kids where they are. You may experience some grieving in letting go of preconceived notions of sharing childhood experiences with your children, but try to leave the past in the past, so you can make the healthiest choices for your family in the present. For example, if you were a rugged and athletic child, these traits may have been widely admired in your family growing up. If your family of origin had a (unconscious) bias against others who weren’t athletic, you will want to be aware of that possible unconscious tendency in yourself. You may also need to steel your mind against what others think about who your child is. You are not taking a poll. This is not the 1950s or even the 1980s. Try to view the camp landscape through the eyes of each of your children instead of through the eyes of others. What if you are different from your child in more profound ways than personality? What if the two of you have little in common? Would you both crave the same types of camp experiences? Are you likely to choose the same camps? Find the perfect camp – Continued on next page

calgaryschild.com • 25

Find the perfect camp – Continued from previous page

Be respectful Children know intuitively when they are liked and accepted. They also know when parts of them are disliked and rejected. To look at your child and compare them to your childhood self or to siblings or peers is disrespectful and hurtful. To see your child and accept them for who they are means loving and respecting your child as is. Each child is an individual with much to offer the world, whether you can see and accept this or not. If you choose the best camp for your child, you can relax knowing the folks in charge will see the value in your child. When you can see the value in your child, others see it, too. Trying to force a child to be more like you, when the child is not like you, may seem harmless and common in our society, but there is a cost. A child can feel when they are being criticized. If you are trying to bring the two of you closer together by putting your child through the paces you were put through as a kid, your child may feel unseen and unknown. You can’t send a child who is not like you to camp and get a version of yourself back. Not only does camp not work this way, life doesn’t work this way. Take a good look at each of your children. Resist the urge to see them as a version of you. None of them are you. Once you see, understand, and accept each of your children, then you can work together to choose the perfect camp for each of them. TYPES OF CAMPS This list breaks types of camps down to the most basic types. Camps can become specialized as you explore within categories. This list is to help you get started considering all your options (information provided by the Alberta Camping Association): • Day camps - Day camps operate for periods of a few days to several weeks, providing opportunities for children to enjoy a camping experience during the day while sleeping at home. This type of camp may be viewed as an introductory stage to camping at a high comfort level. Sleep-away camps - Sometimes called “overnight” or • “residential” camps, these operate for periods of a few days to several weeks, offering many different landscapes and experiences. The activities offered, the style of

accommodations, and the camp’s philosophy vary with each camp. Religiously affiliated camps - These camps operate programs as an extension of their community work. In some cases, religious studies form a portion of the program. In other cases, it may represent the source of staff commitment and the philosophy of the programs. Agency sponsored camps - A wide variety of social service and publicly-funded organizations maintain a camping program as an extension of the service they offer the community. Special needs camps - While most camps can accommodate certain special needs, if your camper has specific physical, mental, developmental, or emotional needs, investigate camps which are designated to serve those particular needs. City of Calgary camps - The City of Calgary provides day camps as part of The City of Calgary Recreation division. Typically, these programs are of a day camp nature on sites in the community. Private camps - The term ‘private’ refers to the ownership of the camp rather than the clientele. The philosophy, staffing, program decisions, and the site development are often closely associated with the owner/operator’s leadership style.

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Author, journalist, and writing coach Christina has learned that seeing kids as the individuals they truly are always pays off in the long run. She also knows it’s always a mistake to do what everyone else is doing, even if that’s what the child thinks is best in the short run. CCM

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Considering your camp budget By Allison Percival

In the Calgary area, we’re fortunate to have a huge variety of summer camp options covering a wide range of ages, interests, skill levels, and budgets. Booking camps can sometimes be overwhelming, and it isn’t always clear what they offer that’s above and beyond what your regular child care might provide potentially at a lower price. When you’re making your selections for the summer and weighing your options, it’s important to look at what each camp experience is worth based on their venue, programming, and instruction. Some families will find that several weeks of lower cost, more generalized programming fits the bill perfectly, especially at younger ages. Other families will make arrangements for more affordable child care for most of the summer, saving their budgets for camps with specialist teachers or unique settings, which further skill development in areas that can’t be replicated at home. Some families have started pioneering 'stay-at-home camps,’ developing programming themselves or with a small group of other families. We asked our readers and summer camp providers around the city to tell us what they felt went into a great camp experience. We’ve collected their thoughts and used them to create some questions to guide you while you consider your summer programming options. What’s your goal? • Will my child develop a new skill or interest, or improve on a skill? • Will this camp expose my child to social situations, environments, experiences, or equipment I don’t have access to at home? How many other children will there be in the camp? Are • there structured activities to guide socialization? • Will my child be able to make or do something that requires a special setting? (For example, a full theatrical performance with costumes, lighting, sets, and a cast of actors; a glazed and kiln-fired piece of pottery; trail riding on horseback?) • Is my child developmentally ready to enjoy all this camp has to offer? Evaluate the cost • Is this camp led and/or developed by a specialist instructor who will have the knowledge and the experience to help my child grow? • Does this camp feature direct instruction and interaction, or supervised ‘free play’ only? • Does this camp give my child the opportunity to see something working ‘behind the scenes’ or give them special access to a facility, attraction, or occupation they might not otherwise get to experience? • What kinds of materials, supplies, and equipment will be made available to my child as part of this camp?

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Is there any performance or project-creation component to this camp? Will my child have something to display or take home? Is the camp venue specialized or otherwise unique to the program? How was the camp program developed and why?

If considering residential camps, consider the added cost of 24-hour supervision, food and lodging. Consider the alternative • Do I have the time and the mental/emotional energy to plan and supervise a full summer of activities for my child? • Is my child likely to be bored or unproductive at home or in their regular child care setting? • Will my regular child care arrangements for my child provide opportunities for skills and interests development over the summer months? • Am I willing to provide full-time child care and activity planning/supervision for other children as part of a babysitting share or camp share arrangement? Do I know other parents who might be interested in this? • What are the potential financial costs of art supplies, attractions, and activities to keep my child busy all summer? If I want my child to meet new friends or gain more social • confidence, how will I facilitate this? No matter what your time and budget allows, the best summer programming options will be the ones which work for you! Every family, every child, and every situation is different. Have a great summer! Allison Percival, BA, B.Ed., is the assistant publisher of Calgary’s Child Magazine. CCM

calgaryschild.com • 27

Jackrabbit Trail

Top four family walks By Lori Beattie; Photos: Courtesy of Lori Beattie Walkabouts in Calgary host awe-inspiring river valleys, an extensive trail network through urban wilds, serenading birdsong, and those trademark big Alberta skies. But there’s more - much more! Waterfalls, wildlife, musical gardens, garage art and murals, chickadees that land on your hand, and cafés where hot chocolate and tasty treats await. Let’s walk! WALK 1: The Wandering Island and Roxboro Natural Park, SW Elbow Island Park, Roxboro, and Erlton Walk the quiet side streets of Roxboro to the entrance to The Wandering Island, wanderingisland.ca, off Mission Bridge. In late 2020, this collaborative art park opened with a mandate to create slow art for the audience of birds, bats, beaver, fish, and the occasional curious wanderer. Ideal for little ones, the single-track trail skirts the periphery and ends in the perfect picnic spot. There’s lots of seating along the trail and ample opportunity for kids to explore urban nature, throw a few rocks, and maybe see a beaver! Once off the Island, continue north across the Mission Bridge and then east on the Elbow River pathway along 26 Avenue. Cross the Elbow River at 25 Avenue and take your next right onto Erlton Street. Walk north and watch for the pathway turnoff at 27 Avenue that leads back to Roxboro Park, or climb to the top of the hill and enter St. Mary’s Cemetery. Keep your eyes open for rabbits as they are everywhere in Erlton! Follow the cemetery road to the large cross and a path that leads to the escarpment trail in Roxboro/ Erlton Natural Park. Enjoy spectacular downtown views as you follow the trail north and then downhill into the trees and back to your starting point. Starting point: Roxboro Park Off-Leash at Roxboro Road and Roxboro Glen Road SW. Tasty pit stop: Stop at one of these 4 Street SW spots: Yann Haute Patisserie, Phil & Sebastian Coffee, La Boulangerie Bakery Café. 28 • YYCFamilies 2022

WALK 2: Cheeky chickadees and musical gardens Jackrabbit Trail, Glenmore Reservoir, SW There is no Wi-Fi in the forest but trust me, you’ll find a better connection. This secret single-track wilderness gem is hidden below the popular paved Glenmore Pathway. From South Glenmore Park playground, walk east along the paved Glenmore pathway. The kids will want to make some music at the Quinterra Legacy Garden, an interactive musical park, before dropping down to the treed singletrack Jackrabbit Trail. Chickadees are your constant companions

"Waterfalls, wildlife, musical gardens, garage art and murals, chickadees that land on your hand, and cafés where hot chocolate and tasty treats await. Let’s walk!"

on this wilderness trail that dips and climbs through the forest just below the popular paved Glenmore Pathway. Along the way, enjoy intermittent views of the Glenmore Reservoir. Bring birdseed, stand still, and wait for the chickadees to land on your hands. Continue all the way to the Beaver Pond at the end for a 7-kilometre round trip walk or drop down to the reservoir at any time to skip rocks or have a snack while soaking up big nature.

Starting point: South Glenmore Park, 24 Street and 90 Avenue SW. Tasty pit stop: Stop at Good Earth Café at Glenmore Landing for snacks and drinks! Grab a dozen of the best bagels in Calgary at Montreal Bagels (cash only) on Heritage Drive and Elbow Drive.

Bowmont Park WALK 3: Murals and folk art! Riley Park to Sunnyside, NW Start at Riley Park and walk east into Sunnyside, a community with character. Older, renovated homes painted in primary colors line the side streets. Zigzag Sunnyside’s streets and back lanes and watch for gargoyles, a bike on a roof, little libraries, and more than 20 colorful garage door murals. This outdoor art gallery is the perfect treasure hunt walk. Travel along Kensington Road, and pick your hot chocolate pit stop. Grab a mid-walk treat and then walk to the impressive Poppy Plaza war memorial at the intersection of 10 Street

and Memorial Drive. A dynamic public space, the plaza is the perfect place to sit, reflect, and watch the river flow by. Loop back through side streets to Riley Park. Starting point: Riley Park official parking lot at the end of 8 Avenue, just east of 12 Street. Tasty pit stop: Vendome Café in Sunnyside is a favorite with its outdoor patio and tasty food. There are also many tasty spots along Kensington Road and 10 Street. WALK 4: Waterfalls and boardwalks! Bowmont Park and Waterfall Valley, NW Little rockhounds will love racing down the boardwalk trail into Waterfall Valley where a 3-metre cascading fall flows over a spongy-looking deposit of tufa. Geologistsin-training will be excited to learn that the tufa is composed of mineral deposits that result when spring water precipitates calcium carbonate over algae-covered rocks. On a cold winter day, when the falls are frozen and the spring water is warmer than the air, you are immersed in a glacial steam bath. Climb out of the valley and walk east or west following single-track trails to the perfect picnic spot with a view. Starting point: Parking lot at Silver Springs Boulevard NW and 54 Avenue NW. Tasty pit stop: Café Matin is around the corner from the starting point. Lori’s new guidebook, Calgary’s Best Walks Expanded, has 45 walks with maps and 40 suggested detours (all perfect for families!). She leads walks, hikes, and snowshoe days with her company, Fit Frog. Connect with her on Instagram and Facebook @lorifitfrog, and on her website, fitfrog.ca. CCM

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BEST LIVE THEATRE GROUP FOR FAMILIES calgaryschild.com • 29

Family hikes less travelled By Tanya Koob; Photo: Courtesy of Tanya Koob With warm lakes not being plentiful in Alberta, my family does what we can to escape the hustle and bustle of Calgary, and we head to the Rockies. Our favorite thing to do as a family is hiking, and I’ve been exploring the local trails since I moved to Calgary many years ago. There are few popular trails I haven’t done, and I always offer the same advice to anybody who asks: Stay clear of the ‘tourist’ trails if you want any solitude or quality family time. In my opinion, there’s nothing worse than watching a bus of hikers get out at your trail head, knowing that you’ll be following on their heels the whole way up the trail. I get cranky when my hiking trail is too busy and find great satisfaction in finding secret gems that are less known to the masses. When it comes to choosing a hiking trail in summer, the best piece of advice I can give you is to avoid the National Parks on weekends. The scenery in Banff is unparalleled and I support our parks 100 percent, but you won’t find solitude on any of the popular trails in the middle of summer. Go on a weekend and you will most definitely be joining a parade of other hikers from the parking lot. If you want to do the popular park trails, my suggestion is to start early (camping nearby helps). Go during the week when

CAMPS

4–14 Years

Cat Creek Waterfall it’s slightly less busy, or go in the pre/post summer months. September is a gorgeous month for hiking and most trails will see significant reductions in traffic. And avoid going to Larch Valley on the third weekend of September when the trees are at their most golden.

Here are my top most popular trails in Banff due to their beauty, easy access, and family-friendly hiking: • Johnston Canyon, Highway 1A • The Lake Agnes Tea House, Lake Louise • The Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House and Shoreline Trail, Lake Louise

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Butterfield Acres is the perfect venue for this memory-making, activity-packed camp! Different animal highlights each day provide a framework for the max in age-appropriate fun, participation, intrigue, adventure and dare-we-say... learning!

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

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

• •

Larch Valley to Sentinel Pass, Moraine Lake Sulphur Mountain Trail, Banff town site

Each of these hiking trails is stunning with awe-inspiring scenery. Two of them take you to remote tea houses and one takes you to the top of a mountain where you can take a gondola down after your hike up. Waterfalls, majestic mountains, glaciers, and alpine lakes - it’s no surprise that every guide book lists these hikes on their ‘do not miss’ list of things to do when on vacation in the Rockies. Since we, as Albertans, are not included in the ‘once-in-a-lifetime vacation’ category, we can spread these popular hikes out over the years and choose less busy times to do them. Why not choose a hike in Kananaskis country next weekend instead? Kananaskis has its share of beauty, and you’re more likely to find solitude on the hiking trails. You won’t be alone on the popular trails, but you will

have many moments where there is no other person as far as the eye can see. You’ll be able to take family photos without cropping strangers out of them. Most importantly, the trails will be relatively quiet; there will be no tour buses and no crowds. Here are my five favorite hikes in Kananaskis for families: 1. Grassi Lakes, Canmore. 4-kilometre return, waterfalls, two picturesque lakes, and a small beach area. Stop by Quarry Lake on your way home for some beach time and a picnic. 2. Heart Creek, Highway 1. 4-kilometre return, interesting canyon following a creek with many bridge crossings. Lots of rocks to scramble over for young children. 3. Rawson Lake, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. 8-kilometre return, waterfall, lovely walk along Upper

Kananaskis Lake to reach the Rawson Lake cirque. Picnic day-use area at the trail head with fire pits. 4. Cat Creek, Highway 40. 4-kilometre return through a canyon to a lovely pool containing a waterfall. Picnic dayuse area at the trail head with fire pits and river access. 5. Nihahi Ridge, Elbow Valley. 6-kilometre return to the viewpoint at the end of the official hiking trail. Competent hikers can go farther, but expect a scramble to the ridge top. A great resource is the Tourism Canmore and Kananaskis website: tourismcanmore.com. 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

calgaryschild.com • 31

34 After-School Activities

37 Education Options

FALL Autumn is the perfect time for all things cozy! Whether you're

snuggling into a sweater, raking up piles of leaves to jump in or taking a sip of the first spiced latte of the season, Fall has something for everyone to enjoy. It's usually considered Calgary's shortest season, but that doesn't mean it can't be full of fun! Get outside before the snow flies!

SKATEBOARDING AND SKATEPARKS

Wheeled-sports, like bike riding and skateboarding, are ‘unstructured’ recreation activities that are affordable, accessible, and naturally encourage free play and physical activity. Our city has several permanent skateparks to encourage active, healthy, and creative living.

PERMANENT SKATEPARKS

The City of Calgary permanent skateparks are open to a variety of wheeled-sports. This includes sports that use in-line skates, BMX, scooters, and skateboards. Vehicles with motors are not permitted. Shaw Millennium Park - Canada’s largest outdoor skatepark is centrally located at 1220, 9 Avenue SW. Open 24 hours. CKE Skate Spot - This skate spot offers flow and street style skate features and is located in Chinook Park, Kelvin Grove, and Eagle Ridge (or CKE) at 1015, 73 Avenue SW. Open 5am to 11pm. Deer Run - Primarily a street style skate spot located at 2223, 146 Avenue SE. Open 5am to 11 pm. Huntington Hills Skatepark - This skatepark will appeal to both bowl riders and technical street style users and is located at Centre Street and 64 Avenue NW. Open 5am to 11pm. Mid-Sun - This is a flow-style skate spot with some transition elements and is located at 50 Midpark Rise SE. Open 5am to 11pm. New Brighton Skatepark - Street style elements and bowl encompass approximately 9,950 square feet of this neighborhood skatepark and is located at 5801, 130 Avenue SE. Open 5am to 11pm. Southwood Skatepark - This community skatepark features flow and street style skating and is located at 11 Sackville Drive SW. Open 5am to 11pm. Bowness Skatepark - Bowness Skatepark is located at 4324, 77 Street NW. NE Community Skatepark - The NE Community Skatepark is located at 7555 Falconridge Boulevard NE. Carrington Skate Spot - The Carrington Skate Spot is located at Carrington Boulevard and 140 Avenue NW.

VOLUNTEER WITH THE CITY OF CALGARY Why volunteer?

Want to meet new people, gain new skills, and spend time getting active? Volunteering with our community programs will provide all these benefits and more. You’ll have fun while feeling good about giving back to the community. We offer full training for all of our volunteer positions and there’s always the potential to turn a volunteer opportunity into a career path. We frequently recruit volunteers for a wide range of positions. You could be doing anything from assisting with programs and lessons to supporting community festivals and events. Volunteer opportunities change each summer and different programs are added, so if you don’t find an opportunity that interests you today, check back later.

Summer volunteer opportunities (12 to 17 years)

Assist staff in delivering exciting programs to children in our Park n’ Play programs and special events throughout the summer. Play while you build on your experiences, develop your leadership skills, and make a real difference in the life of a child. Programs run weekdays, typically Monday to Friday, between 9am to 4pm. An Expression of Interest is accepted January to April. Information packages will be sent out March/April. Mandatory training takes place in June. To learn more, contact 311.

calgaryschild.com • 33

Choosing after-school activities By Karissa Tunis As your child continues to grow and develop, you will find they often enjoy exploring more of their own personal interests. School offers opportunities for children to get involved with different types of educational and social activities but most of the time, these options are general in nature. After-school programs are excellent because they tend to offer specific classes that focus on a particular topic. These programs are often led or taught by experts in that particular field, which allows your student to dive deeper and to improve upon their skills. I am a firm believer in allowing children to explore a variety of sports and activities before selecting one or two that will fill up their evenings. Not only does this open their eyes to many wonderful possibilities,

but they might surprise themselves and discover they have a hidden talent. They might realize they like running around outside with a team or getting creative in the art studio. By participating in an after-school activity, not only will they meet more people, they will be exposed to different environments, too (outside, inside, in a classroom, on a field, in the woods, etc.). They will learn new things, like teamwork, survival skills, new terminology, new technology, and different skill sets. They will become more rounded and better educated within their community. In order to reap the rewards, consider looking for programs that are two- to three-month commitments as opposed to programs that run the full length of the

school year. This should give your child enough time to dive into an activity and realize if they like it or not. And if they don’t like that activity, then at least they are not obligated to finish out the rest of the year. If your child isn’t a fan of soccer, you will most likely sign them up for something very different the next time registration rolls around. But if they really enjoyed gymnastics, for example, consider signing them up for something similar, like cheerleading. And don’t just think about the common sports. There are dozens of other options: music classes, art courses, STEM sessions, archery, fishing, bird-watching, Scouts, knitting, crafting, cooking, horseback riding, photography, drama, and more!

TODAY

Calgary Catholic proudly offers quality Catholic education in supportive, safe and inclusive communities to meet each child’s unique needs. Our schools provide students a diverse range of educational programs, specialized support services and exciting opportunities to enhance their learning experience, knowledge and talents.

Visit ccsdinfo.ca/registration for more information. To register, contact your local Calgary Catholic school.

ALL FAMILIES ARE ENCOURAGED TO INQUIRE. Students born outside of Canada will need to first schedule an appointment at the St. John Reception Centre by calling 403-500-2007. 34 • YYCFamilies 2022

Here are a few things to consider when deciding what after-school activity is right for you, your child, and your family: Explore your options. While some schools offer separate after-school programs, there are also a lot of other options. Before you decide, take the time and do your research. Then, as a family, sit down and discuss all the possibilities before deciding which one to commit to. Also, many programs offer a free trial class. When calling around, ask if that company offers a free trial class. It’s always a great idea to try before you buy! Find out what classes/courses your local school, recreation centre, youth association, indoor sports complex, local club, etc., offers. Once you narrow that down, look at which facilities offer what it is that you and your child are looking for in an afterschool activity. Consider the timing of the class. What time/day is the program offered? Do you need to stay with your child at the class, or can you drop off your child? If you can drop off your child, will there always be someone available to provide transportation? Cost. Keep in mind that some activities may require additional funds beyond the program itself. Do you need to purchase special equipment, a uniform, etc.? Once you have taken all this information into consideration, hopefully the right decision will be clearer for you and your family. And if you are only committing to a few weeks rather than a full year, that should hopefully take some of the pressure off of making the perfect choice and give you the flexibility to be more daring with your selection of after-school activities. After all, it’s fun to try new things. A little challenge can be good at times. If it’s not working out as expected, the flexibility to move onto something else is wonderful. Evaluate as you go. While after-school activities do have their benefits, they can also take away quality time that could be spent with family, on homework, etc. We all strive to find the perfect balance in life, but it can be tough to obtain.

•

When trying new activities or when trying to decide if you should register again and keep moving up/forward through the program, I encourage you to pause and ask yourself these questions: • Is my child really enjoying or benefiting from this activity? • Is it worth the time that we are missing from being at home as a family?

Is my child handling the demands of their schedule both mentally and physically?

If the answer is ‘yes’ to all these questions, then keep going and exploring! If you see any stress or difficulty, consider taking a break. There is no harm in waiting another month or another year before jumping back in. After-school programs are meant to be fun, but they are not required. What is most important is to give your children fun experiences - and that can happen anywhere - even at home! Karissa is the co-owner of the parenting website, adorethem.com. Adore Them strives to share positive, practical advice and resources to help you find joy in your parenting journey! CCM

Bright futures sta at Calgary Academy. Now accepting applications for Kinderga en – Grade 4. fall2022.calgaryacademy.com

calgaryschild.com • 35

From pool time to school time: easing the back-to-school transition By Sarah Lyons As kids pack up their new backpacks, sharpen their pencils, and try on their new Fall clothes, most start to get excited about the first day of school. While the beginning of the school year is an exciting time and represents a new start, some kids may feel anxious about the unknown; a new teacher, new classmates, or a new school can cause a lot of stress and anxiety for them. But by using some of these simple strategies, you can help better prepare your kids for their first day of school and ease their concerns. Start with the basics - When kids are well-rested and have full tummies, they are better prepared for a busy day. Start adjusting their bedtimes and wake-up times a week or more in advance of the beginning of the new school year so everyone has time to adjust to a new routine. And feeding your kids a healthy and filling breakfast each day starts them off on the right foot. When these basic needs are met, you and your kids can work together better to tackle any school anxiety. Talk it through - Allow each child to talk about their feelings about the first day of school. Help them list the specific things they are worrying about. Instead of brushing aside their worry, let each of your kids know that it is natural to be nervous, and if they are attending a new school this year, you will help them adjust. Try reading some age-appropriate children’s books about the first-day-of-school jitters. Discuss the plan - Walk each child through what they can expect on the first day of school. Discuss their transportation and daily schedule. If a child has specific worries about something in their schedule, address it and come up with a solution with their input. For some young kids, role-playing can help them feel more comfortable. Begin the day as you would a typical school morning: Prepare breakfast, get dressed, and pack bags as if you are going to school. Act out the child’s day and play ‘school.’ Take turns being the teacher. Making it a game can help your child feel more comfortable when the real day approaches.

Focus on the positive - Often parents are just as anxious about their children going off to school as the students. When you talk to each child about going to school, focus on the positive. Make it exciting by having your kids pick out new backpacks, school supplies, and outfits for their first day. Encourage older siblings to help the younger sibling by talking about the fun things they will experience at school. Ask your kids what they are excited about. Watch your own anxiety on the first day, and try to behave in a calm and positive way. Take a tour - If the school has a ‘Meet the Teacher’ night, take advantage of this time to show your kids their classrooms, become familiar with the surroundings, and introduce them to their teachers. This will allow your kids to feel more comfortable in their surroundings on the first day of school. Encourage friendships - When a child recognizes a friendly face in their classroom, it can make them feel much more at ease. Encourage your children to meet other children in the neighborhood that will be in the same class as them. You might even want to host a playdate or a class picnic for the kids. Discuss with the teacher - If your child’s anxiety persists after the first few days of school, contact their teacher and share your concerns. The teacher may be aware of the situation and have some suggestions on how to deal with your student’s anxiety. Oftentimes, a teacher who knows a child is dealing with anxiety will give them extra support in the classroom. Reward for bravery - The first day of school can be a stressful time; reward your child for their bravery with a small toy, a special dessert, or a trip to their favorite park. It takes a lot of courage to try something new, and this accomplishment should be recognized. Sarah, mom to six children, loves all that goes along with a new school year. This year, she will be sending her daughter off to Kindergarten and is experiencing a little anxiety, but mostly a lot of excitement! CCM

Does your child have a Learning Disability or ADHD? Foothills Academy has programs & services for the whole family! Community Services for children and teens with a Learning Disability & ADHD, parents and educators Find Understanding www.foothillsacademy.org 36 • YYCFamilies 2022

Full-time School program for students with a Learning Disability in grades 3 - 12

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Alternative education options in Calgary By Calgary's Child Magazine Although you may know that a mainstream public program isn’t right for your child, it can be difficult to know where to turn to in order to find the perfect fit. Whether you’re looking for something for your theatre kid, want a more faith-based learning community, or need a school which will keep your gifted child interested, Calgary has options for every child and for every family. Bilingual, immersion, and language minority programs Calgary is home to a wide variety of program options if you wish to expose your children to one or more non-English languages during the regular school day. Bilingual programs offer approximately 50 percent instructional time between English and the second language; immersion programs offer between 50 percent and 100 percent instruction in the second language. Language and culture programs offer both language and cultural instruction. Offered through the Calgary Board of Education: • Chinese (Mandarin) Bilingual Program (kindergarten to Grade 9) • Early French Immersion Program (kindergarten to Grade 12) • Late French Immersion Program (Grades 7 to 12) • German Bilingual Program (kindergarten to Grade 6) • Spanish Bilingual Program (kindergarten to Grade 12)

Offered privately/charter: • Calgary French & International School (kindergarten to Grade 12). French immersion program. • Lycée Louis Pasteur (kindergarten to Grade 12). French/English bilingual program including both Alberta Education and French Ministry of Education curricula. • Almadina Language Charter Alternative education – Continued on page 39

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PRESCHOOL

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Offered through the Calgary Catholic School District: Filipino Language and Culture • (Grades 10 to 12) • Italian Language and Culture (kindergarten to Grade 12) • French Immersion (kindergarten to Grade 9) • Extended French (Grades 10 to 12). Continuing French classes for students who have completed French Immersion. • Spanish Bilingual (kindergarten to Grade 12)

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KIDS U_Newspaper Ad_9.5 X12.65_Final_V2_OL.pdf

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5:06 PM

Alternative education – Continued from page 37

Academy (kindergarten to Grade 9). Offers French, Arabic, and Urdu instruction. Fine arts programs Many schools in Calgary offer additional resources, school time, and programming to suit students with an exceptional interest in the fine arts (music, dance, drama, etc.) or offer unique courses or extracurriculars. More of the school’s budget may be devoted to workshops, school trips, and/or school-wide artistic projects, or extra fees may be required from you, the parent, to allow for this. Offered through the Calgary Board of Education: • Arts-Centered Learning Program (Grades 5 to 12) • Offered at selected schools Offered through the Calgary Catholic School District: • Bishop Grandin Marching Band (Grades 10 to 12) • Fine Arts Program (kindergarten to Grade 9) • Offered at selected schools Offered privately/charter: • Calgary Arts Academy (kindergarten to Grade 9) Gender-segregated programs If you feel a single-gender environment is right for your child, there are several gender-segregated program choices available in Calgary. Boys-only programs often employ a more active, hands-on learning approach with added emphasis on personal responsibility; girls-only programs tend to focus on community and group-based learning, with an emphasis on women’s studies, female achievement, and leadership. Offered through the Calgary Board of Education: • Alice Jamieson Girls’ Academy (Grades 4 to 9) • Sir James Lougheed All Boys Program (kindergarten to Grade 6) Offered through the Calgary Catholic School District: • Sacred Heart Single Gender Program (kindergarten to Grade 6). Boys and girls are

segregated during classes; recess, lunch hour, etc., are integrated. Offered privately/charter: • Calgary Girls’ School (Grades 4 to 9) • North Point School for Boys (kindergarten to Grade 9) • North Point School for Girls (Grade 4 to Grade 9, starting September 2022) Gifted programs Gifted programs are specifically designed to assist children with exceptional academic performance, learning rate, depth of knowledge and reasoning compared with other children their age. This is usually determined by a psychological assessment. Gifted programs are tailored to provide challenging, open-ended learning experiences which allow gifted children to explore their potential. Offered through the Calgary Board of Education: • GATE Program (Grades 4 to 12)

A Comprehensive early learning program combining Montessori, Reggio & the Arts across the curriculum for children ages 2-5!

Offered through the Calgary Catholic School District: • Congregated Gifted Program (Grades 7 to 9) Offered privately/charter: • Westmount Charter School (kindergarten to Grade 12) Montessori programs The Montessori Method is a childcentered educational approach, which employs mixed-age classrooms, student choice of activity, uninterrupted blocks of focused work time, ‘discovery-based’ education (rather than direct instruction), freedom of movement, and exploratory learning. Montessori is a popular style of education for younger children, but requires a great deal of self-motivation at higher grade levels. Due to the unique nature of Montessori education, it can be difficult for children to transition from or to regular programming. Offered through the Calgary Board of Education: • Montessori Program (kindergarten to Grade 6). Kindergarten and Grade 1 entry only. • Offered at select schools Offered privately/charter:

Harvest Hills NE Royal Vista NW Chestermere Springbank, Aspen SW Inglewood, Ramsay SE

Full & Half Day Options

mykinderhouse.org

Alternative education – Continued on next page

calgaryschild.com • 39

Alternative education – Continued from previous page

• • • • • •

Grey Matter Montessori (kindergarten) Montessori School of Calgary (kindergarten to Grade 6) Maria Montessori Education Centre (kindergarten to Grade 9) River Valley School (kindergarten to Grade 6) Montessori Alberta (kindergarten) Calgary Montessori School (kindergarten to Grade 6)

Religious programs Calgary has many schools that offer religious education and observance as an integral part of their programming. Often, these schools will have academic time set aside for formal religious instruction. They may have additional codes of student conduct in accordance with their religious affiliation. Many religious schools offer tours, Open Houses, and meetings with faculty so you can be sure their outlook and philosophy matches your family’s faith tradition.

Offered through the Calgary Board of Education: • No formal religious education offered Offered through the Calgary Catholic School District: All students are educated in the Catholic faith and religious traditions from kindergarten to Grade 12, including school celebrations and participation in Catholic Church services. Offered privately/charter: Calgary Jewish Academy • (kindergarten to Grade 9) • Calgary Islamic School (kindergarten to Grade 12) • Glenmore Christian Academy (kindergarten to Grade 9) • Heritage Christian Academy (kindergarten to Grade 12) • Bearspaw Christian School (kindergarten to Grade 12)

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

Our Network has launched a new website so you can find the support you need. Find free resources for families, teens, adults and educators Guidance from our Network Navigator A professional community dedicated to the success fo those living with LD and/or ADHD

• •

Calgary Christian School (kindergarten to Grade 12) Clear Water Academy (kindergarten to Grade 12)

Science and STEM-focused programs Some schools in Calgary offer additional resources, school time, and programming to suit students with an exceptional interest in the STEM field (science, technology, engineering, and math) or offer unique courses or extracurriculars. More of the school’s budget may be devoted to field studies, school trips, and/ or school-wide inquiry projects, or extra fees may be required from you, the parent, to allow for this. Offered through the Calgary Board of Education: • Science Program (kindergarten to Grade 9) Offered privately/charter: • Connect Charter School (Grades 4 to 9) Self-directed learning Self-directed learning is a broad category featuring learner-focused, individualized programs, which meet each student at their own level. Often, selfdirected programs take place in a multi-age setting. They require self-motivation and discipline, but also allow for open-ended projects and student-led exploration, which can result in a much greater depth of understanding. Offered through the Calgary Catholic School District: • Bishop Carroll High School (Grades 10 to 12) Offered privately/charter: • Summit West Independent School (kindergarten to Grade 12) • Banbury Crossroads School (kindergarten to Grade 12) Sports programs Sports programs are designed specifically to support high-level athletes who would not otherwise be successful in their academic endeavours due to insufficient time for school or who wish to devote a greater percentage of their time to the development of skills in their chosen sport.

40 • YYCFamilies 2022

Many sports programs provide one-onone mentorship, sports psychologists, and other adaptations to ensure academic and professional success for young athletes. Offered through the Calgary Board of Education: • National Sport School (Grades 9 to 12) Offered through the Calgary Catholic School District: • Hockey Canada Skills Academy (Grades 4 to 12) Offered privately/charter: • Edge School for Athletes (kindergarten to Grade 12) • Traditional and preparatory education programs There are several school options in Calgary, which focus on sequential, wholegroup instruction with traditional and rigorous approaches to math and literacy

instruction. Academic achievement and university preparation is emphasized. Traditional programs often feature uniforms, a focus on discipline and structure, community involvement and volunteerism, and sometimes allow for students to be grouped by achievement rather than age. Offered through the Calgary Board of Education: • TLC Program (Traditional Learning Centre) (kindergarten to Grade 9) Offered privately/charter: • Foundations for the Future Charter Academy (kindergarten to Grade 9) • Rundle College (kindergarten to Grade 12) • Delta West Academy (kindergarten to Grade 12) • West Island College (Grades 7 to 12) • Strathcona-Tweedsmuir (kindergarten to Grade 12) • Webber Academy (kindergarten to Grade 12)

• •

Clear Water Academy (kindergarten to Grade 12) Master’s Academy & College

Waldorf/Steiner programs Waldorf education focuses on imaginative and holistic instruction, which emphasizes age-appropriate learning. Some unique features of Waldorf education include a lack of technology in the classroom, frequent celebrations of traditional Germanic folklore, storytelling, artistic and creativity-focused classroom learning, and a strong connection to the natural world. Offered privately/charter: • Calgary Waldorf School (kindergarten to Grade 9)

This is a non-exhaustive list of program options in Calgary. Thoroughly research your options before making a final decision. CCM

calgaryschild.com • 41

Awesome autumn walks, hikes, and bike rides in Calgary & area By Karen Ung Whether you’re into pumpkin spice lattes or not, you have to admit that autumn is awesome around here! Groves of Aspens, Balsam Poplars, and Larches glow with golden foliage. Sweaty weather is replaced with sweater weather, and the bugs have all but disappeared. It’s the perfect time of year to explore a new trail! Here are my family’s favorite fall walks, hikes, and bike rides in and around Calgary. AWESOME AUTUMN WALKS Douglas Fir Trail - The Douglas Fir Trail in Edworthy Park is one of my favorite nature escapes in the city. While this trail is known for its namesake, Mountain Ash and Balsam Poplars steal the show each fall. Enjoy colorful foliage on the lower slopes and a grand view from the escarpment lookout. After your walk, visit one of the park’s four playgrounds, skip stones on the river, and have an après-hike treat at Angel’s Cappuccino and Ice Cream. Getting here - Park near Angel’s Cappuccino and Ice Cream, cross the bridge, and follow the paved path through the park and across the railway tracks. Turn left. After 250 metres, you will see the trailhead sign on your right. Take the trail over bridges and up the stairs to the lookout. Return the way you came for a total distance of 2.2 kilometres. Fun fact: Some of these Douglas Fir trees are over 500 years old! Bow Valley Ranch, Fish Creek Provincial Park - The ultimate natural playground. Kids will love crawling in small caves, climbing over logs, frolicking amongst towering poplars, and splashing in the creek near the falls. Be sure to check out the exhibits at the Visitor Centre and the sculptures in the Artisan Gardens. After working up an appetite, enjoy delectable Afternoon Tea at Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant. Return in late autumn to see beautiful ice falls near Bridge 11.

42 • YYCFamilies 2022

Getting here - From Bow Valley Ranch parking lot, cross Bridge 11 and turn right. At the next turnoff, turn right to make a small detour to a cave. Return to the main trail and keep right to continue going around the loop. Look for small caves set in the hillside on your right. Jackrabbit Trail - Take a walk on the wild side! The forested Jackrabbit Trail hugs the southern shoreline of Glenmore Reservoir and offers splendid views of the water. As you travel through mixed forest on a rolling single track, enjoy spectacular fall colors, cheerful chickadee songs, and the occasional glimpse of wildlife. With playgrounds at the trailhead and pretty picnic spots, this trail will soon become a family favorite! Afterward, indulge in a treat at the Good Earth Café or McDonald’s at Glenmore Landing. Getting here - To access the Jackrabbit Trail from South Glenmore Park, cross the paved bike path, and go left on the lakeshore trail. The trail is about 3.5 kilometres one way with several opportunities for extension. Tiger Lily Loop, Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park - One of the best places to see beautiful autumn leaves. The trail weaves through aspen forest and climbs to a spectacular mountain-view lookout. At only 1.4 kilometres, it’s the perfect autumn walk for all ages. Afterward, treat yourself to MacKay’s Ice Cream. LURING LARCH HIKES Larches are the stars of the mountains in the fall with their soft, amber needles. Larch hikes suitable for families include: Kicking Horse Viewpoint Trail - This trail is only a 1.7-kilometre return from the top of the Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola and is incredible. Take in views of Mount Temple and Victoria Glacier, then hike through larches to a stunning and peaceful lookout (few visitors venture beyond the gondola). Bring a tripod for family photos and allow time to dine at Whitehorn Bistro; the charcuterie platter and

Nose Hill Park - This park isn’t known for its trees, but has several mini forests to explore! From the Edgemont Boulevard Northwest entrance, ride the paved trail near the washrooms. Continue on single track to a picnic table and double back to find stick tipis (1.1-kilometre return). If the kids still have energy, descend into the ravine north of the forest. Refuel at Friends Cappuccino Bar and Bake Shop. To see fall colors, an intermittent pond, and the Siksikaitsitapi Medicine Wheel, start at the Nose Hill Park parking lot off 14 Street NW (second entrance north of the Winter Club) and bike on the old road to the old quarry. Continue straight to the pond at the northeastern end of the quarry, then return via single track southwest of the old radio tower to see the Medicine Wheel. For extra fun, do some geocaching! 1.6-kilometre return. Note: This route has a big hill.

fondue are out of this world! Longer hikes from the top of the gondola include Pika Trail (2.5 kilometres) and Ptarmigan Valley Viewpoint (3.4 kilometres). Ptarmigan Cirque, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park - Gets you high into the alpine quickly as it starts from the highest paved pass in Canada, and is fairly steep. The sculpted cirque is dramatic on its own, but larches, falls, and fossils make the interpretive trail even more amazing. Approximately a 6-kilometre return. Lake Agnes Teahouse - This teahouse is a favorite with tourists and locals for its splendid scenery. Start at world famous Lake Louise, ascend to Mirror Lake, then continue onward and upward to jewel-like Lake Agnes. 7 kilometres. Enjoy hot cocoa and cookies at the teahouse or save your appetite for a bite at Laggan’s Mountain Bakery & Delicatessen in the Village. FAVORITE FALL BIKE RIDES Baker Park to Bowness Park - A fantastic bike ride any time of year, but is best in early fall with flowers in the Sun Bowl and yellow poplars along the river. Play disc golf at Baker Park, then cross the Bow River to play at two great playgrounds in Bowness Park. Seasons of Bowness, near the lagoon, will tempt your tummy with freshbaked goods. A 5.6-kilometre return.

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

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calgaryschild.com • 43

Is it time for a tutor? By Jennifer Lacey As a parent, it is frustrating to see your child struggle academically and lose their self-confidence. Maybe a tutor is the answer - someone suited to help your child achieve better grades and assist in rebuilding their self-esteem. Once you decide to seek help, finding the tutor and/or tutoring facility with the right qualifications to fit your child’s exact needs may prove to be a challenge. But with some practical advice and tips, you will be able to help your child overcome their struggles with a successful tutoring experience. Signs of trouble - Families should be on the lookout for some specific, telltale signs of academic trouble with their child. For instance, is your child reluctant to go to school? Is your child exhibiting newfound

44 • YYCFamilies 2022

fears of failure? Has their behavior become the exact opposite of their personality? Or has your child lost interest in learning? Additionally, it may be as painfully obvious from a single report card or a parent/ teacher evaluation meeting that your child may need assistance. First and foremost, parents are the most important teacher a child can have, and it is vital that when you see your child growing frustrated or overwhelmed by their classwork or homework, you should talk with them and discuss their fears. How a tutor can help - A tutor needs to be someone that your child will feel comfortable with and who is welleducated in the subject matter that your child is struggling with. Tutors can provide your child with not only a new sense of

reassurance and confidence building, but they can show your child how to apply new learning techniques to the subject(s) that are troublesome. A good tutor has the potential to become a critical part of your child’s academic support. After you have determined that your child requires the assistance of a tutor, one of the best places to turn to first is your child’s teacher/guidance office. Inquire if they have a list of available tutors/tutoring facilities in your area. But remember, the cost for tutoring can vary - although many schools may be able to assist you with finding someone within your budget or help in other ways if the tutoring need for your child is clear and you need help affording it. Some schools offer peertutoring programs where your child

will be placed with an older student for a period of time either before or after school. Most importantly, if your child’s academic struggles are related to a developmental issue, your paediatrician/primary care physician should also be consulted. Start your research - One of the next factors to take into consideration during your research is the frequency, length, and type of tutoring session. Would your child benefit more from an individualized approach that addresses their needs, or would your child gravitate toward and thrive in a group setting that allows your child to see that there are other students who have the same challenges? One-on-one tutoring allows the time to focus on the individual student and determine what the learning gap is and directs attention to ways of helping the student, while a group setting may be more effective as students see that others can overcome challenges, too, and it will give your child the confidence they need to succeed. However, there are some possible drawbacks to each that you need to consider during your initial research. Private tutors can be pricey, depending on the type of tutor. Additionally, you may also have to pay for your tutor’s travel expenses. Most importantly, one-on-one tutoring has the potential to become a temporary solution to your child’s learning difficulties at hand as the tutor does not necessarily work on developing the student’s independent thinking skills and good work habits. The tutor is only present for a short amount of time, and if your child becomes too reliant on the tutor, learning opportunities can be overlooked and a pattern of dependence is developed. Although there are benefits of students being able to share knowledge and concepts that they come to understand

with other group members, a child may get discouraged if other students learn faster. Once you have settled on the type of tutor that specifically addresses your child’s needs, there are several questions you should ask the prospective tutor/ tutoring facility: • Does the program or person focus on developing learning skills? • Is the program designed or will the person help with specific concepts? • And most importantly, what are the long-term goals of the program/tutor and will they have the same goals in mind for your child? Some tutors, particularly tutoring facilities, give children a complete skills evaluation to identify precisely where they struggle. Family involvement is key - Continue to evaluate your child’s tutor, even after the tutoring sessions begin. It is important for you to ask your child if they are comfortable with

their new instructor and whether or not they understand the lessons clearly. Monitor your child’s grades. Encouraging and praising your child throughout this process will go a long way as the changes in their grades and their attitude may become immediately apparent. Notice their successes, even the small ones, and speak to them in a positive and a matterof-fact way. Ask your child to teach you what they have learned, role model a positive attitude toward learning by studying and reading yourself and discussing ideas with the family. Seasoned teachers and educational specialists will agree that once a child has been working with a tutor for a while, the changes are visible, and your child will become more confident as they master their subject material. Jennifer has specialized in covering pregnancy/family health and lifestyle issues for well over a decade. Her award-winning work has been featured in numerous publications. CCM

Banbury

Crossroads School

EST. 1979

www.banburycrossroads.com

#201, 2451 Dieppe Ave SW, Building B1, Calgary, (403) 270-7787 calgaryschild.com • 45

Good things grow here. Preschool + Kindergarten Nature. Mindfulness. Creativity wymbinyoga.com (403) 452 2549 hello@wymbinyoga.com 919 - 9th Ave SE Calgary T2G 0S5

Once upon a story 50 great reads for kids By Calgary Reads Reading aloud to your child is one of the most important things you can do to help build their brain and your family bond. Reading aloud books that are above your child’s own reading level provides new experiences and helps expand their vocabulary. So, cuddle up together with some great books!

Find us at calgaryschild.com

3) 605-298 (40

• Pre-Kindergarten Ages 3-5 • Kindergarten Enhancement 1/2 day program • Out of School Care: Grades K-6

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 46 • YYCFamilies 2022

1. AGAIN! 2. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day 3. Alligator Pie 4. Bob and Otto 5. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? 6. Cat in the Hat 7. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom 8. Chrysanthemum 9. Corduroy 10. Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late 11. Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed 12. Goodnight Moon 13. Harold and the Purple Crayon 14. How to Catch a Star 15. If You Give a Mouse a Cookie 16. I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly 17. Imagine a Day 18. Interrupting Chicken 19. It’s a Book 20. Jillian Jiggs 21. Knuffle Bunny 22. Mortimer 23. No, David! 24. Not a Box 25. Pat the Bunny 26. Pete the Cat 27. Purple, Green and Yellow

28. Scaredy Squirrel 29. Stellaluna 30. Stone Soup 31. Sylvester and the Magic Pebble 32. The Giving Tree 33. The Grouchy Ladybug 34. The Kissing Hand 35. The Little Engine That Could 36. The Little Red Hen 37. The Napping House 38. The Rainbow Fish 39. The Runaway Bunny 40. The Snowy Day 41. The Three Questions 42. The True Story of The 3 Little Pigs 43. The Very Hungry Caterpillar 44. The Wheels on the Bus 45. Today I Feel Silly 46. We’re Going on a Bear Hunt 47. Where’s My Teddy? 48. Where the Sidewalk Ends 49. Where the Wild Things Are 50. Tale of Peter Rabbit Calgary Reads is an early literacy organization changing the lives of children and their families. Calgary Reads believes reading can change the world, and the world can be changed by readers. The Little Red Reading House in Inglewood is an entire home dedicated to inspiring family reading. Visit littleredreading.house for a host of book picks categorized by experiences and feelings, as well as great resources to guide family reading fun! CCM

What do you do to recharge?

We Asked YOU

Do you have any advice for other parents struggling with finding time for themselves?

“Yoga and meditation, walks with friends.” - Gabrielle C.

“Reach out to one another! Coming from Ontario, I haven’t met too many people.” - Leanne G. “Don’t be afraid to look in your community for support. I found it and it has been amazing!” - Sandy R.

“Read fun stuff, crafts by myself. Volunteer for things I like with others or hang out with friends and catch up.” - Karen M.

“Swap with another family. You watch the kids one afternoon and they watch the kids the next afternoon.” - Chantalle W.

“Thrift store shopping, reading, coffee dates with friends/family.” - Jessica P.

“There will always be another mess to clean up. Take the time you need for yourself and your kids.” - Gabrielle C.

“Take a longer car ride while listening to podcasts.” - Aaron L.

“10 minutes here and there is how you start. You deserve it, no matter what your brain is trying to convince you of otherwise.” - Karen M.

“I go for a bike/walk around the neighborhood or with friends to downtown, unwind in parks alone while breathing fresh air, or have a really good sleep/nap with no interruptions/kids.” - Shannalene

Calgary ’s

NEWESCTATION

U ANIMAL eErDience! E xp

“Don’t feel guilty accepting help or having child care to have a break. It’s okay to use a movie or a TV show sometimes for a break.” - Jennifer F.

ENIX FOUNDATION

Where Homeschooling Takes Flight! Custom Learning

Safe & Caring Community

Kindergarten

Online

BlendEd

HomeEd 403-457-2202 gmail.com yycnaturecentre@

y yc

naturecentre.com

Thematic Classes

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

Garden

Music

Bee Hives

Gym

Small Classes

Call to book a tour! Phoenix Education

403-265-7701

Foundation 320-19th Street SE Calgary, AB

w w w. p h o e n i x fo u n d at i o n . c a calgaryschild.com • 47

56 Budget Friendly Winter Fun

58 Should You Coach?

WINTER BRRRR! Winter can sure feel like it lasts forever here - but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do! Winter has a special beauty in the Foothills, and there are a ton of fun activities to try before coming back in for a cup of cocoa. Wrap up warm and go out and explore!

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING & SNOWSHOEING GROOMED IN CALGARY Bowness Park: 8900, 48 Avenue NW Canmore Park: 2020 Chicoutimi Drive NW Confederation Golf Course: 3204 Collingwood Drive NW Maple Ridge Golf Course: 1240 Mapleglade Drive SE Shaganappi Point Golf Course: 1200, 26 Street SW South Glenmore Park: 90 Avenue & 24 Street SW

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING & SNOWSHOEING OUTSIDE OF CALGARY Bearberry Nordic Centre (near Sundre) Canmore Nordic Centre Emerald Lake/Field Trails Fairmont Château Lake Louise Mt. Shark Trails Peter Lougheed Park Ribbon Creek Sandy McNabb (west of Turner Valley) Smith Dorrien West Bragg Creek

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING & SNOWSHOEING UNGROOMED IN CALGARY

Edworthy Park: 5050 Spruce Drive SW Fish Creek Provincial Park: 15979 Bow Bottom Trail SE Lakeview Golf Course: 5840, 19 Street NW North Glenmore Park: 7305 Crowchild Trail SW Weaselhead Natural Environment Park: 66 Avenue & 37 Street SW

OUTDOOR SKATING RINKS

Big Marlborough Park: 6033 Madigan Drive NE Bowness Park Lagoon (rentals available): 8900, 48 Avenue NW Carburn Park: 67 Riverview Drive SE Olympic Plaza (rentals available): 228, 8 Avenue SE Prairie Winds Park: 223 Castleridge Boulevard NE Prince’s Island Lagoon: 4 Street & 1 Avenue SW Thomson Family Park: 1236, 16 Avenue SW

While winter may not scream picnic season, it’s a wonderful time of year to dine al fresco if you dress warm and have a fire. There are no bugs or crowds, and you can get gorgeous goldenhour photos in that magical time before sunset. Here’s how to plan the perfect winter picnic in (and around) Calgary! These beautiful picnic areas with fire pits have walking trails and outhouses nearby: Edworthy Park has spacious picnic sites (including two with picnic shelters), walking trails, and four playgrounds. The new playground on the south side has some unique features, like a four-person teeter totter! Before you settle in for dinner, walk the Christmas Tree Trail and look for chickadees in the trees. 5050 Spruce Drive SW Bowness Park, another riverside park in northwest Calgary, has picnic sites (many with large picnic shelters), two playgrounds, ice skating on the lagoon, and a 1.6-kilometre skating track (usually opens in time for Christmas), cross-country ski trails, and walking trails. You can walk across the 85 Street Bridge to Baker Park, too. Note: This popular park fills up fast on weekends. 8900, 48 Avenue NW Fish Creek Provincial Park, Calgary’s largest park, has picnic areas at Glennfield, Shannon Terrace, and Votier’s Flats Day-Use Areas. Glennfield has large group sites, while the sites at Shannon Terrace and Votier’s Flats are suitable for smaller gatherings. Enjoy a nature escape in the city as you hike the forested trails along the creek. With ongoing construction in the park, check the Alberta Parks’ website for advisories to confirm day-use areas are open. Bebo Grove and Hull’s Wood are not recommended at this time due to partial trail closures. North Glenmore Park has sunny picnic sites near the Glenmore Reservoir. With playgrounds, an ice rink, cross-country ski trails, and pathways you could explore for hours. 7305 Crowchild Trail SW Prairie Winds Park has two picnic areas with fire pits, a toboggan hill, skating rink, playgrounds, and fitness stations. 223 Castleridge Boulevard NE Sandy Beach Park has pretty picnic sites along the Elbow River. Visit the playground and walk across the suspension bridge while you’re there. 4500, 14A Street SW In Kananaskis, try Mount Lorette Ponds (wheelchair accessible picnic sites and 700 metre loop around the ponds) or Wedge Pond (1-kilometre loop with lovely views of Mount Kidd).

calgaryschild.com • 49

Baby, it's cold outside! Protecting your kids from the chill this winter By Matthew Hayes Calgary’s ability to host -40°C weather is dangerous, especially for young children. Avoiding winter-related health problems, such as frostbite, pneumonia, and hypothermia, play a vital role in Calgary living. One of the simplest ways to protect your children from the extreme cold is to dress them appropriately. As per Parachute’s recommendations (Parachute is Canada’s national charity dedicated to injury prevention) all winter activities your children partake in outside require warm and dry clothing, and should include:

50 • YYCFamilies 2022

• •

•

a thick hat that covers the ears. loose layers (An absorbent, synthetic fabric next to the skin, a warmer/ heavier middle layer, and a water resistant outer layer.) socks (A single pair of socks, either wool or wool blend with silk or polypropylene. Cotton offers no insulation when wet. Avoid extra thick socks as they can cause cold feet by restricting blood flow and air circulation.) boots (Dry, water resistant, and not too tight.)

Preventing winter injury goes beyond clothing. Your kids should drink plenty of warm fluids to help their body maintain its temperature; water also goes a long way.

Closely tied to hypothermia is frostbite. Frostbite can affect anyone who lives in a climate like Calgary’s where skin can freeze in minutes. Initially, signs of redness or pain will occur. Here are a few tips from Parachute for recognizing frostbite symptoms on your infant or child: • A white or greyish-yellow skin area • Skin that feels unusually firm or waxy • Numbness You may be the first person to notice frostbite on your child as young victims are often unaware due to the numbness. If you suspect your child may have frostbite, seek medical assistance. Frostbite and hypothermia both result from exposure to cold. First, determine whether your child has hypothermia, which is the more serious condition and requires emergency medical attention.

O PE N

N O TI A TR IS G RE

N O W

When playing outdoors in the cold, your kids should take breaks to let their body warm up. Their jackets should be zipped all the way up (using a neck tube or a warm buff may make this more comfortable). However, they shouldn’t play outdoors when the temperature falls below -25°C. Your kids should also wear sunscreen when playing outdoors in the cold, even on cloudy days. Dangerous illnesses can result from prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. “Prolonged” means the body is losing heat faster than it can be produced, which leads to hypothermia, an abnormally low body temperature. Body temperature that is too low eventually affects the brain, making the victim unable to think clearly or move well. This is especially dangerous because the victim may not be able to acknowledge the problem. Here are some tips from Parachute for recognizing symptoms of hypothermia. Infants: • Bright red, cold skin • Very low energy Youth/adults: • Shivering and exhaustion Confusion, slurred speech, or • fumbling hands • Memory loss • Drowsiness If any of the above is apparent, take your child’s temperature. If it reads below 35°C (95°F), the severity of the situation requires emergency care. If medical care is not available, begin warming your child as follows: • Bring your child into a warm room. • Remove any wet clothing. • Warm the centre of their body first: chest, neck, head, and groin. (A heated blanket is ideal. If you don’t have a heated blanket, use skin-to-skin contact under loose, dry layers of blankets.) • Warm beverages can help raise the body temperature. (Do not give alcoholic beverages.) • After the body temperature has increased, keep your child dry and wrapped in a warm blanket (including the head and neck). • Seek medical attention as soon as possible.

If only frostbite is present and immediate medical care is not available, following these steps will make the best use of time: • Get into a warm room as soon as possible. • Unless necessary, your child should not walk on frostbitten toes or feet. • Immerse the affected area of skin in warm water. (Do not use hot water. The water should be comfortable to the touch.) Do not rub or massage the • affected area. • Do not use a heating pad, heat lamp, or the heat of a stove, fireplace, or radiator for warming. (Affected areas are numb and can be easily burned.) Here’s to enjoying a happy yet safe winter in the outdoors! Matthew was born and raised in Calgary. Parachute provides a wealth of injury prevention tips at parachute.ca. CCM

ALBERTA BALLET SCHOOL

SUMMER CAMPS

Ages 4 and up. Half day and full day camps available. Visit albertaballetschool.com for program details. calgaryschild.com • 51

Hit the trails with these 10 family friendly winter hikes By Tanya Koob; Photos: Courtesy of Tanya Koob Winter recreation doesn’t have to be expensive, and you don’t have to invest in skis or snowshoes to get out for an easy family-friendly hike. Many trails are well packed down and straightforward to follow during winter. Bring a sled (bring the helmets, too), stop to build a snowman, and don’t forget to make at least a few snow angels along the way. You just might find that your kids prefer hiking during the winter! 1. Paddy’s Flat Interpretive Trail, Kananaskis. You’ll begin by hiking through the Paddy’s Flat Campground in the Elbow Valley off of Highway 66. Park at the closed campground gate, and hike down the road to the C loop. You’ll find the entrance to the hiking trail near the playground (which is fun, even in winter) and from there, it’s straightforward hiking along the river. The interpretive trail is 2.2 kilometres, but allows for another 2 kilometres of hiking through the campground. 2. Beaver Flats Interpretive Trail, Kananaskis. This is another winter gem in the Elbow Valley off of Highway 66. To access the trail in winter, you must park at the winter highway gate at the entrance to Elbow Falls. Park alongside the highway and walk around the gate to start your hike. Hike along the highway for 400 metres until you see the sign for the Beaver Lodge pullout. An arrow directs you down off the highway and onto the trail. Total hiking distance is roughly a 4-kilometre return, including the portion on the closed highway. The trail is straightforward to follow and passes by several beaver ponds as you hike toward the Beaver Flats Campground. 3. Troll Falls and Hay Meadows, Kananaskis. This hike is conveniently located below Kananaskis Village for families spending the weekend at the Delta Lodge. The 4-kilometre loop hike follows the Troll Falls and Hay Meadows Trails. These multi-use winter trails permit cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and 52 • YYCFamilies 2022

Snowshoeing in Kananaskis

hiking. Please be respectful of the ski tracks and do not walk on top of them. It’s also expected you get over to the side of the trail when skiers are coming down a hill toward you. Access to the trails is from the Ribbon Creek parking lot or from the Stoney parking lot (the first parking lot on your right-hand side as you head up to Nakiska from Highway 40). 4. Fenland Loop, Banff. This short 2.1-kilometre loop trail starts from the Fenland Trail parking lot on Mt. Norquay Road at the edge of Banff town site. It’s a great hike with toddlers and preschoolers, always well packed down, and wide enough for sleds. 5. Johnson Lake, Banff. This hike is accessed via the Lake Minnewanka loop road just outside of Banff. When frozen, you can hike across the middle of the lake or you can follow the trail that circles the lake through the trees. The loop is 2.8 kilometres in distance and great for small children.

6. Stewart Canyon and Lake Minnewanka, Banff. This is another great hike when in the Lake Minnewanka area. The hike is a 3-kilometre round trip to the canyon and the trail follows the lake shoreline to an old wooden bridge over Stewart Canyon. (Note: Watch small children on narrow spots, and sleds might not be appropriate for the entire distance along the lakeshore.) 7. Tunnel Mountain Summit, Banff. This is a more advanced winter hike, but a lot of fun for families with school-aged kids looking for a winter adventure. You’ll gain approximately 300 metres of height as you climb to the top of Tunnel Mountain in the Banff town site. The hike is 4.8 kilometres round trip, and ice cleats are highly recommended for all members in your group. (Ice cleats can be purchased from most outdoor stores, and most children should fit a pair of small cleats if their feet are at least size 12 to 1.)

Keep a close eye on small children so they don’t fall over the low railings into the canyon below. This is one of my family’s favorite winter hikes, and with proper caution will be a highlight for your family this winter, too! 10. Lake Louise Shoreline Trail, Lake Louise. This 4-kilometre return trail starts in front of Fairmont Château Lake Louise and takes you to the back of the lake where you can see a 100 metre tall frozen waterfall. You can either follow the trail through the trees or hike on the lake when frozen. If hiking on the lake, stay off of the cross-country ski tracks. (Note: There is an avalanche hazard if you hike past the end of the lake, so stop when you reach the waterfall.) For more information on winter hiking in Banff and Kananaskis, consult a local visitor centre or check the appropriate website for trail reports. For more information on snowshoeing and hiking in Banff, visit pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/ ab/banff/activ/raquette-snowshoeing.aspx. Cross-Country Skiing in Kananaskis Village

8. Sundance Trail to Sundance Canyon, Banff. This is another multi-use trail for cross-country skiing and hiking. The wide width of the trail makes it ideal for sleds, and it is a great choice for young kids needing a trail that is well packed down. The trail starts from the Cave and Basin National Historic Site in the Banff town site and is a 6.4 kilometre round trip. Again, stay off the ski tracks and give priority to skiers coming down the hills toward you. (Note:

If you want to continue into Sundance Canyon, you will need ice cleats, and it is not highly recommended to access the canyon in winter due to slippery stairs and steep climbs.) 9. Johnston Canyon, Banff. This trail is located 22 kilometres west of Banff on The Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A). It is a 2.2-kilometre return hike to the Lower Falls and a 5.4-kilometre return hike to the Upper Falls. Ice cleats are highly recommended.

For more information on trail condition reports, visit pc.gc.ca/apps/tcond/cond_e. asp?opark=100092. For Kananaskis trail condition reports, visit albertaparks.ca/kananaskis-country/ advisories-public-safety/trail-reports.aspx. 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

calgaryschild.com • 53

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Things to know about living in Calgary “There are so many [extracurricular programs] and quite affordable. Pedalheads and Glenmore Sailing school are our favorites. There is something for every interest out there! Start with your neighborhood community association. If there isn’t anything specific offered through them, in all likelihood they will have recommendations in a close neighborhood.” - Sandy R. “We love the pathways and how beautiful the city looks from Nose Hill Park. The people are friendly and there's lots to do.” - Vanessa T. “Great access to cultural activities like bhangra dancing.” - Reena S. “We live in Okotoks, but enjoy the close proximity to Calgary. It’s a young vibrant city perfect for families and all ages; fun family activities such as the Calgary Zoo, Heritage Park, beautiful parks.” - Carmen S. “The weather! It’s unpredictable but we get a bit of everything - even though it could all occur in a day!” REg - Tayo A.

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Budget friendly winter fun Get out of the house! By Dana Wheatley Sometimes it feels like the only way to have fun with your kids in the winter is by spending a lot of money. My kids and I start to get cabin fever if we don’t get out of the house, so I am always trying to find inexpensive activities we can enjoy together. Here are my suggestions for fun things to do with your kids in the winter that are easy on your pocketbook: Go to the park. Parks and hot weather go hand in hand, but there are many free activities you can do in Calgary parks in the winter, too: • Take your toboggan to one of The City’s 22 official toboggan hills. • Grab your skates and go to one of the numerous outdoor community rinks, or lace up for some old-fashioned pond skating at the rinks maintained at Bowness Park and Prince’s Island Park. • Go for a walk in the park and look for animals and/or their tracks in the snow. • Play on the playground! The snow can make playing on a playground a whole new experience. Play in your yard. You don’t have to leave your house to have a new outdoor adventure in the snow. Bundle the kids up (you, too!) and get ready to create: • Tired of making snowmen or a snow family? Try making a snow caterpillar and a snow spider instead!

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Keep the mess outside and paint the snow. Fill up some spray bottles with water, food coloring, and get ready to create a masterpiece! Pull out the sand toys and build snow castles. Fill up old milk cartons with water and make an igloo out of snow bricks. Take some baking tins outside and make snow cakes and snow pies. Yum!

A day or weekend trip downtown Taking the CTrain is relatively inexpensive, and there is a good chance the train ride to downtown Calgary will be the highlight of the trip for your kids! Being amongst the skyscrapers can seem like a whole new world and there’s budget-friendly options for this destination to boot! Street parking downtown is free on Sundays and you can get three hours for free at The CORE Shopping Centre Parkade on weekends and after 3pm on weekdays. Calgary Public Library cards are free for everyone to enjoy, and 13 of the libraries have free play areas called Early Learning Centres. The Central Library’s is called ‘Full Body Play.’ Playing at the library is a great way to beat cabin fever, get the wiggles out, and then end the visit with a new kid’s book to enjoy together in a comfy corner of this one-of-a-kind building downtown.

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When the weather isn’t frightful, pack your ice skates, a picnic lunch, hot chocolate or apple cider, and skate the day away at Olympic Plaza (228, 8 Avenue SE). If you don’t own skates, rentals are available. Located in The CORE Shopping Centre, along the CTrain line, the Devonian Gardens is a little oasis of green to enjoy year-round, but a great oasis to escape to with the kids during the white winter. In addition to the gardens, there is a playground (best for kids ages five and up) and koi fish. So go on, get out of the house during winter without breaking the bank! Dana searches out the best places to play, eat, and learn with her kids in Calgary, across Alberta, and beyond. Her three kids also contribute their unfiltered opinions to her reviews. To explore more, visit calgaryplaygroundreview. com and follow on Instagram @yycdana. CCM

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Academics + Art = Balance By Dr. Harriet N. Johnston, R. Psych., and Dr. R. Coranne Johnson, R. Psych. Sometimes we put so much emphasis on our children’s achievement and progress in one or another core academic subject (language arts, maths, science, social studies) that the importance of participation and achievement in complementary subjects (art, music, languages, physical education) may be undervalued. In an effort to give your children an edge, you may encourage early specialization in some areas of learning. But when you put so much focus on core academics, there is a trade-off: increased time focusing on core academic subjects rather than spending time on complementary subjects and interests. Psychologist, professor, and researcher Howard Gardner, known for his theory of Multiple Intelligences, has identified five minds students will need to cultivate to thrive in the future world of work and personal development. Gardner’s view emphasizes that to prepare for the future, a student will not only need to develop a mastery and depth of knowledge (disciplined mind), but also be exposed to a breadth of knowledge and opportunities for integration (synthesizing mind), develop the flexibility and stretch to solve new problems (creative mind), gain an awareness and appreciation of differences (respectful mind), and to serve a purpose beyond yourself (ethical mind). Putting emphasis and importance on a subject like science will cultivate the disciplined mind, but on its own falls short of tending to the four other minds important for your child’s future in their work and personal life. Education and opportunities that strengthen these ‘minds’ will also strengthen your child’s brain. Music, physical exercise, language learning, engaging artistic creativity, and play have been associated with healthy brain development and brain health. These subjects also tend to be cooperative in nature, promoting social skills and leadership skills. These subjects focus more on relationship or life skills than core academics, which can impact a child’s opportunity to live a balanced lifestyle.

What can you do to promote balance in your child’s education? At every stage, you can help by exposing your child to activities that complement and add balance to their education through: • school clubs • sports lessons and teams • leadership groups (e.g., Guides, Scouts, music lessons and bands) • art activities Expanding your family activities is also a good way to promote this balance through: • attending cultural events • playing games together • taking part in family sport activities • visiting historic sites volunteering • Take the time to think about ways your child is cultivating these different minds and seek ways to balance the scales in the choices you help your child make in and outside of school. Summer is a great time to expand your child’s activities into areas they don’t often experience at school. Take the opportunity to encourage your child to try something new. We are fortunate that Calgary has a wide array of summer camp and program options that focus on a variety of experiences. Dr. Harriet N. Johnston, R. Psych., has been working in the education field for many years as a school psychologist. She has taught university courses on educational psychology topics for teachers and psychologists in training. Dr. Johnston completed additional academic degrees in neuropsychology and neuroscience with experience in brain imaging. Dr. R. Coranne Johnson, R. Psych., has also been working in the education field for many years as a teacher, administrator, and school psychologist. CCM

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7 signs you probably shouldn't coach your kid at sports By Shannon Cleary You signed your child up for soccer or hockey, and then the league sent you an email: ‘We need coaches!’ Maybe you had never coached kids’ sports before, and you thought it might be fun to coach. Maybe your coaching credentials are as long as your arm, and you counted down the days to when you’d be able to take to the ice and coach your Timbit. Either way, you were excited to help out and have been coaching ever since. But coaching your child’s sport of choice isn’t always the best dynamic for parent and child. How do you know if

your coaching days are over? Here are seven signs that it’s time to hand over the whiteboard and the whistle. 1. Car rides home from games have become critique sessions. Most sports leagues have a ‘24-Hour Rule’ where parents are expected to wait 24 hours before approaching their child’s coach with an issue. Your child deserves the same courtesy. If your car ride home or dinner table conversation has become an intense play-by-play of the highlights and lowlights of your child’s performance at the game, you may be struggling to separate your coaching

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role from your parenting role. Outside of the hockey rink or soccer pitch, your child should see you as parent first, coach second (it should be parent first, then perhaps chef and chauffeur, several other roles and responsibilities, and then somewhere near the bottom of the list: coach). 2. Car rides home after the game have become a dome of silence. There are many perks to becoming involved in your child’s sport. Research shows that children are more likely to stick with an activity when a parent is supportive, and your involvement provides an incredible bonding

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opportunity for you and your child… until it doesn’t. It’s important for your child to know there are many important facets of their day, their abilities, their personality, and that you support and are interested in all these facets. If your bond has become game talk and nothing else, maybe it’s time for a timeout.

"If their love of the game has been eroded by angry car rides home, criticisms, and the tense dynamic... help them thrive again." 3. Your child is distracted by your presence on the ice, field, or pitch. Some kids are undeterred by their parent’s presence, and others feel a constant gravitational pull toward their parent. Tying a cleat and adjusting an elbow pad are normal parts of coaching young kids, but if your child struggles to engage with anyone other than you, or if your relationship becomes a disruption to the rest of the team, you may want to make yourself scarce. Skip a practice or two and see how your child fares on their own. Developing a respectful relationship with a non-family member, like a coach, is a skill they will learn easier without you there. 4. You’re harder on your kid because hey, that’s your kid! We all do it. It’s hard to look past your child’s mistakes and missteps and think about what needs to improve in their performance because part of parenting is helping your kid become better because when you look at them, you see their enormous potential. But give praise where praise is due. And if you’re uncomfortable acknowledging your child’s game-winning goal in the dressing room or if you’re pushing them harder than their peers because you know they can handle it, think to yourself, Would I treat anyone else’s child this way? Your child deserves the room to grow - and oodles of encouragement - just like everyone else on the roster. 5. You’re easier on your kid because, hey, again, that’s your kid! As a coach, it’s

tempting, and often unintentional, to give your kid a slight advantage - your child doesn’t want to take their turn in net or struggles in a particular drill or is a standout in centre and weaker on defense and this is an important game! We all want to see our kids shine, and it’s hard to see them struggle on the big stage. But kids’ sports are about development, not winning. Robbing your kid of the ups and downs isn’t advantageous to them. Not to mention, you might have some agitated parents in the dressing room when they see that every child is expected to rotate positions, except yours (don’t forget the 24-hour rule!). 6. Your child wants to quit. Last season, your child slept clutching their mini stick and bounded out of bed for their excruciatingly early ice practices. This season, you have to coax them into the car, into their gear, and onto the ice. Even then, their spark is gone. Kids move on from activities, and that’s normal. Sometimes, we’re also guilty of pushing them too hard and too young by asking them to specialize in one sport at an early age. If their love of the game has been eroded by angry car rides home, criticisms, and the tense dynamic of you as their coach, find a way to help them thrive again. It’s about them, not you. 7. You want to quit. A lot is asked of volunteer coaches, even in the youngest age divisions. And sometimes, too much is asked of them. If you’re looking longingly into the stands at all the other parents who are having fun at the game and you aren’t, maybe it’s time to move on from coaching. If your league requires parents to volunteer, try an assisting role instead of head coach. Work the score clock, fundraise, bookkeep, or wash the jerseys every week (maybe every day - have you smelled the dressing rooms lately?). In the end, there are many ways to support your kid from the sidelines and still foster their love of sports. They won’t love sports any less if you trade your whistle in for a cowbell. Sure, your kid might be embarrassed, but they’ll certainly hear you cheering them on! Shannon is a freelance writer living in Calgary with her husband and three daughters. She is a proud hockey mom and is forbidden from owning a cowbell. CCM

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Tobogganing hills in Calgary By Dana Wheatley When I was looking for great places to toboggan with my kids, I was surprised to find out that downhill tobogganing and sledding in The City of Calgary’s parks are only allowed on 22 designated toboggan hills (this does not cover private, provincial, or federal land - they are free to make their own rules regarding sledding). It’s not as bad as it seems, though (at one point in time, there were only four approved hills in Calgary). The designation means that The City has the power to deal with unsafe sledding if it does occur and the hills on this list are safe and maintained. These 22 hills are large enough to be tons of fun, and are in safe locations free of trees and other obstacles. SAFETY FIRST! The City of Calgary has important safety guidelines to follow when enjoying these safe and exciting hills: • Wear a helmet. • Don’t start down the hill until the path in front of you is clear of people and obstacles. • When walking back up the hill, avoid areas where others are sledding. • Avoid wearing dangling clothing, like mittens on strings and scarves. • Don’t sled at night. • Don’t go down the hill head first. Sit up or kneel instead. • Get out of the way quickly when your sled stops.

• Make sure the hill you are tobogganing on is clear of obstacles, has a long runoff at the bottom, and sled on! Here is the official list of The City of Calgary’s maintained hills: Q NORTHWEST QUADRANT Confederation Park - 2807, 10 Street NW Hidden Valley - 10504 Hidden Valley Drive NW Royal Oak - 9100 Royal Birch Boulevard NW St. Andrew’s Heights - 2504, 13 Avenue NW Q NORTHEAST QUADRANT Big Marlborough Park - dry pond - 755 Madeira Drive NE Deerfoot Athletic Park - 1503, 16 Avenue NE Marlborough Community Association - 636 Marlborough Way NE Monterey Park - 2707 Catalina Boulevard NE Prairie Winds Park - 223 Castleridge Boulevard NE Rundle - dry pond - 4120 Rundlehorn Drive NE St. Patrick’s Island Hill - 1300 Zoo Road NE (not under The City’s jurisdiction - sledding is at your own risk) Thorncliffe/Greenview - 5600 Centre Street NE Q SOUTHEAST QUADRANT Maple Ridge - dry pond - 1127 Mapleglade Drive SE McKenzie Towne - 160 McKenzie Towne Drive SE New Brighton - 1750 New Brighton Drive SE

Q SOUTHWEST QUADRANT Bridlewood - 26 Bridleglen Road SW Glendale Park - 2225, 45 Street SW Kingsland - dry pond - 505, 78 Avenue SW (behind the Rose Kohn/Jimmie Condon Arenas) Richmond Green - 2539, 33 Avenue SW Sacramento - dry pond - 10404 Sacramento Drive SW Scarboro - 1737, 14 Avenue SW Signal Hill - 2063 Sirocco Drive SW Stanley Park - 330, 42 Avenue SW Top-notch for tobogganing? If you want a hill to be considered for tobogganing, contact 311. A site assessment will be conducted and a public engagement process will determine the site’s suitability. Now, let’s all head to the hills for some classic Canadian winter fun! Dana searches out the best places to play, eat, and learn with her kids in Calgary, across Alberta, and beyond. Her three kids also contribute their unfiltered opinions to her reviews. To explore more, visit calgaryplaygroundreview. com and follow her on Instagram @yycdana. CCM

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Extracurricular activities: what to do when your child wants to quit By Natacha Beim You spent three years driving your greatly promising son to hockey at 5am three times a week, and now he wants to quit playing hockey. Your daughter is an amazing tennis player, has been chosen to play pro, but would rather stay home and update her TikTok. You know that if your children applied themselves in what they are good at, they would go far, but how do you convince them of that? The truth is, often your own children are the ones who ‘know what’s best’ and the best thing to do is listen to your kids. But don’t despair because there may be justified reasons for their decision.

To find out if quitting is the best option, ask yourself these five questions: 1. Have they grown out of the activity? Often, you choose an activity for your child when they are too little to know what inspires them. They may have mentioned to you that they liked playing the violin when they were three but now at age nine, it is normal for your child to feel differently about playing the violin. Ultimately, if your child chooses never to play an instrument again, the time you invested won’t be lost. It was a great opportunity for them to learn

something new, and learning how to play an instrument challenged their brain. It helped build their self-esteem and better understand what inspires them. In addition, the knowledge through playing an instrument can be applied to a new situation. Research shows the more variety children are exposed to while learning, the more they increase their capacity to learn. 2. Is the teacher to blame? Don’t jump to conclusions. More often than not, the teacher has nothing to do with your child’s disinterest. If your child Extracurricular activities – Continued on next page

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Extracurricular activities – Continued from previous page

tells you they no longer like their lessons, it wouldn’t hurt to sit in on a class and watch the dynamics between your child and their teacher. Ask your child what they like or dislike about the lessons. Your child needs someone who believes in them and understands their interests and learning

style. Extracurricular activities are different from school where your child is expected to ‘fit the model.’ Think back to when you were a student and what a difference a good teacher made in your life. Sometimes trying a different teacher or coach might reignite your child’s passion for the activity.

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3. Is the timing right? Your child might love playing hockey, but 10 hours of practice a week on top of a full class schedule might leave them too exhausted to realize it. Sometimes there is no flexibility with an activity, especially if your child is at an advanced level. Trying an earlier class, or on a Monday instead of a Friday, may help your child regain their love for the game. Make sure their

extracurricular activities are scheduled at times when your child is not tired, hungry, or when they need a break from school. Activities right after school are tricky because there’s no time for your child to come home and relax; often, a little downtime and a good healthy snack after school are needed. Friday nights might be when your child and their friends get together, and going somewhere after school becomes a chore. If your child wants to quit an activity, discuss it with your child to find out whether it is the activity that has lost its appeal or it’s bad timing. Be aware of your children’s needs. In the past, my children wanted to quit an activity they loved and when they did, me and the kids realized that all that was needed was one or two low-key semesters where they got the chance to do other things at home or take some time to rest. After a good break, they were the ones who asked me if they could go back to their activities. Kids are not always aware of their needs, and might confuse the need for a break to disliking an activity. And don’t let instructors tell you that your children will ‘fall behind’ if they stop coming to an activity - most of us aren’t training a potential Olympic athlete. Enjoy the journey together!

5. Are they simply too busy? Children today lead a far busier life than any of us did in our youth. In the name of being great parents, we provide our children with so many great opportunities that often it doesn’t leave them with enough time to just play or relax. If your child wants to quit an activity (or all of them), listen carefully to what they are saying. Take a break for a while. Before starting again, make sure that you include your child when deciding on their schedule. Decide together on one or two activities they really like. Then leave enough free time during the week and on weekends. If your life after 3pm revolves around co-curriculars, it is a clear sign that you’ve overdone it, no matter how talented your child is.

4. Is it their passion or yours? Your father played soccer. Your father’s father played soccer. His father’s father and grandfather played soccer. You had dreams of becoming the next soccer star, and now your kid is the greatest soccer player on their team. There’s just one problem: your child wants to quit playing soccer. You know they have great talent, but how do you make them understand that? Well, you don’t. Your child has to decide what sport they want to play. They might not be into sports, and as

much as that might break your heart and go against all of your family traditions, you must respect your child and seek to understand what things they like to do. Once you know, do your best to support your child and encourage them to pursue their interests. You never know, maybe all they needed was to try something new for a while - or maybe it wasn’t their ‘thing.’ In any case, supporting your child’s decision is the best thing you can do. (In my opinion, no great soccer player achieves success without passion.)

Chances are, a child’s decision to quit an extracurricular activity will revolve around one of these five points. Once you have had the chance to make the necessary changes, you may find their interest will reignite. In any case, the best thing to do is to openly talk with your child. No matter how young they are, involve them in the decisionmaking. Don’t worry about how many times your child wants to change and try something new. As long as they are inspired and physically active, how they achieve that goal should always be their decision. In this case, ‘sticking with it’ is definitely not the best approach.

Natacha is a writer, speaker, teacher, and founder of Core Education & Fine Arts Junior Kindergarten schools at cefa, cefa.ca. For great parenting insight, visit her blog, parentingwithnatacha.com. CCM

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What you need to know about your kids, sports, and mental health By Susan Scandiffio As the mom of three kids who have been involved in multiple sports over the years, ranging from hockey to soccer to basketball to dance to baseball to rugby to running to swimming (and I’m sure I’ve missed some), I’ve witnessed a huge range of emotions on and off the field. My kids have been: happy, exhausted, elated, angry, excited, deflated, proud, embarrassed, and giddy. These are all normal and natural responses to participating in sports. And for the most part, the benefits to their mood when they’re active are vast. Studies have shown that moving relieves stress, improves memory, helps with sleep, and makes you generally happy overall.

But sometimes athletes experience issues with their mental health. Recently, professional athletes such as Carey Price, Naomi Osaka, and DeMar DeRozan have gone public to speak about their battles with mental health issues. And it’s important to remember that not only professional athletes can face issues with their mental health. There are many kids who also struggle with issues related to their own involvement in sports. POTENTIAL CAUSES OF MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES FOR KIDS IN SPORT Here are some things to be aware of and watch out for in your children:

An expectation to win. Kids sometimes feel that there’s a massive expectation for them to win or deliver results. It might be that your child puts pressure on themself to win. Or maybe they feel that their coach or parent(s) will be disappointed in them if they don’t win. Kids can feel overly anxious leading up to an event or overly disappointed after it if they don’t win. Injuries. For some children, an injury can result in distress at the thought of not being able to participate in their sport. Some kids fear that their injury will lead to something more serious, and some feel stressed when they return to play, worried that they might re-injure themself or that

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they’ve fallen behind in their performance or development. Time commitments. There are occasions when kids will feel overwhelmed trying to balance a heavy training schedule with school and a social life. As kids grow into their tween years, in particular, the thought of spending four or five evenings at a training facility while their friends are hanging out together without them can produce feelings of sadness and of missing out. Enjoyment. There comes a time for many kids when they decide that they’re not enjoying the sport anymore. Some may feel that they’re being pressured into continuing the sport or that they’d be letting you down or their coach(es) down if they stopped playing. SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS TO WATCH FOR There may be signs that could indicate that the mental health benefits of being active are being replaced with mental health issues. Symptoms to watch out for include: Sleep disturbances. A child experiencing mental health issues may have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or may sleep more or less than usual. Changes in mood and/or behavior. Often a child who’s in distress can be very sad and/or irritable. There can be unexplained bouts of crying or periods of crankiness or outbursts. Changes in eating habits. A child who is feeling depressed or anxious will often eat more than often as a way to self-comfort or will eat far less as they don’t feel up to it. Stomachaches and/or headaches. It’s very common for sadness or anxiety to lead to upset stomachs or headaches. HOW TO HELP Seeing your child suffering is difficult! It’s natural that you want to do all that you can to help your kid work through their distress. Having tools to address their feelings is crucial: Identify the issue(s) through conversation. Sometimes your child may not be able to pinpoint the source of their upset. Or perhaps they know the issue but haven’t felt comfortable expressing it to you. It’s important that your child be given an outlet to express their feelings.

Whether your child chooses to speak with you, their coach, their teacher, or anyone else they feel comfortable with, having someone they can talk to and who will listen to them is crucial. Through open and nonjudgmental discussion, your child will help lead the conversation on how to find a resolution to their issues. Write or draw. For some kids, writing or drawing their issues is a comfortable way for them to express their emotions. As they work through the process, kids will often reflect on why they’re writing or drawing in the way that they are. Reassurance. It’s important your kid knows it’s perfectly natural to feel this way and there are ways to deal with their feelings. Provide them with examples of athletes, such as DeMar DeRozan, who dealt with upset but came back as strong or stronger than ever. The phrase “It’s okay not to be okay” is helpful in reassuring your child that many people experience similar issues. It won’t necessarily make them feel instantly better, but it gives them the knowledge that they’re not alone in their unhappiness. Reassure them that they are loved. Always. Analayze commitments. If your child communicates to you that they feel they’re spending too much time on their sport, let them know that there are options. Discuss whether or not your child is still enjoying their sport. Discuss solutions. Would they like to devote less time to their sport? Would they like to withdraw from their sport with the option of returning to it if they feel later that they just needed a break or are missing it?

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Injury discussion. If your child is worried they might get re-injured, speak with them and their coach about ways of avoiding future injuries. Point out examples of athletes who have been injured and have gone on to recover and participate in their sport again. Discuss expectations. Let your child know that you don’t expect them to be the perfect athlete or for them to always win. When the focus of participating in sports is centred on fun and skill development over winning, your kid may feel less stressed. Seek professional help. If your child is continuing to exhibit feelings of unhappiness or irritability, contact your paediatrician. They can offer you referrals to specialists who can work with your child. KEY TAKEAWAYS At the end of the day, don’t beat yourself up or blame yourself for your child’s feelings. There can be many sources of their issues. I’m not a mental health expert, but I am a parent, and I know that being present and open is one of the greatest gifts you can give your kids. This advice alone will provide kids with the assurance that they are loved for who they are, not for what they achieve.

As seen on Active for Life. 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

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