urbanbaby & toddler - winter 2011

Celebrity Daddy

JORDAN KNIGHT NURSING STRIKE:

When Baby Refuses to Breastfeed

DRAGONS’ DEN:

Local Mom Enterpreneur, Elaine Tan Comeau

TANTRUMS AT ALL AGES Interconception Health: A New Focus on Health

BETWEEN PREGNANCIES: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Sign up for special offers at WWW.URBANBABY.CA

BC’S RESOURCE FOR YOUNG FAMILIES

WINTER 2011 • PRICELESS

1-888-676-0182 www.SongsWithMyName.com

• Personalized Childrens‛ Cds • Helps kids learn • Improves social skills • Inspires imagination • Disney • Sesame Street • Nursery Rhymes and more • Makes a great Christmas gift!

Featuring your child’s name in every song!

Visit www.SongsWithMyName.com to hear your child’s name in their very own song!

Order by January 31, 2012 to SAVE 15% with coupon code URBAN15 2 | urbanbaby & toddler | www.urbanbaby.ca | winter 11

by Lara Leontowich

EDITOR’S LETTER

Our first magazine is finally here! I must confess I love this issue and I hope you love it too. Thanks to all the support from our advertisers, our fantastic writers and all the readers who provided feedback for this issue.

Having the magazine finally completed I realized how much this new venture is similar to a new baby joining a family. While nothing can compare to the first weeks with a new baby (I’ve done

that too!), I realized I faced some of the similar stages that many new parents face. I’m up late every night (feedings), checking emails and phone calls (bonding with baby) and taking care of the suppliers, writers and advertisers who really, really need to reach me (listening to baby cries, giggles and laughter).

I waited with excitement for the impending deadline to approach (due date), when I can finally see and hold (cuddling baby), my first magazine issue completed (baby sleeping), I can look back and smile with pride (and take a million pictures) knowing that I get to share the results of my hard labour (no pun intend) with all of you!

Editor

on the cover This adorable bundle on our winter cover is Cole, 18 mths.

Photo credit: Veridamo Photography

in this issue

WINTER 2011

volume 9 n issue 2

FAMILY: Blended Family: How to Bond With Your Stepchildren........................... 4 PARENTING: Tantrums at All Ages..................................................................... 6 CELEBRITY DADDY: Jordan Knight – Heartthrob Now Devoted Dad................. 8 MOMMY FITNESS: Postpartum Exercise Tips for New Moms.......................... 10 NUTRITION: Healthier Junk Food Choices........................................................ 12 FEATURE: Dragons’ Den: Local Mom Enterpreneur, Elaine Tan Comeau.......... 14 HEALTH: Interconception Health: A New Focus on Health Between Pregnancies: What You Need to Know................................................ 16 REAL ESTATE: Offering On A Home: Negotiating Tips That Bring People To The Table.............................................................................. 18 EDUCATION: Making Sense of Your Child’s Learning Style............................... 22 RELATIONSHIPS: How Siblings Affect Each Other, Why They Fight and How Parents Can Help............................................................................. 24 CEO MOM: Networking - The Why and The How............................................. 30 POSTPARTUM: Invest In Kids Survey............................................................... 32 POSTPARTUM: Nursing Strike: When Baby Refuses to Breastfeed.................. 34 Resource Directory....................................................................................... 36-39 EDITOR/AD SALES Lara Leontowich DESIGN/PRODUCTION Shannon Brownlee CONTRIBUTORS Christy Laverty, Felicia Lee, Natacha V. Beim, Chelene Knight, Kristy Hill, Ann Douglas, Particia Cheuy, Daniela Ginta, Marilee Peters, Leanne Davis, Barry Berg, Dr. Michal Regev

urbanbaby & toddler magazine is published four times per year by Local Kids Media, printing 40,000 copies per issue.

SUBSCRIPTION urbanbaby & toddler magazine available for $20.00* per year (4 issues). *Price includes HST

Material appearing herein may not be reproduced in print or electronically without written permission of the publisher, and without proper credit. Editorial opinions and viewpoints may not necessarily reflect those of the publisher.

t he web. www.urbanbaby.ca facebook. www.facebook.com/ urbanbabyandtoddler twitter. @urbanbabymag

our contact info (mailing only).

Suite 378 - 255 Newport Dr., Port Moody, BC V3H 5H1 Canada Tel. 604.908.8835 Email. sales@urbanbaby.ca

urbanbaby & toddler | www.urbanbaby.ca | winter 11 | 3

by Chelene Knight

FAMILY

BLENDED FAMILY:

How To Bond With Your Stepchildren

C

reating a happy and healthy stepfamily takes precision, time and a lot of love. A stepfamily, also known as a blended family or reconstituted family, is a family in which one or both members of the couple have children from a previous relationship. More recently, the definition is often expanded to include all cohabiting couples, whether married or not. A stepfamily can be “simple,” in which only one member of the couple has a prior child or children, or it can be “complex” or “blended.” In a blended stepfamily, both members of the couple may have had pre-existing children.

Establishing a successful blended family doesn’t come without challenge. Things rarely progress smoothly and young children may resist change. According to helpguide.org, blended families are more of a norm now than ever. Sixty-five percent of remarriages come with children from previous relationships. Building and establishing realistic timelines and boundaries is the best way to start bringing two families together. Full time working mom Serah Ferguson says about her blended family, “My initial concern was knowing when it was the right time to tell my daughter that my new friend was actually a new relationship. I knew it would be okay for him to move in when I

aquaventures

Where every lesson is an aqua-adventure!!

• Award-winning program • Tropical warm water • Talented, caring instructors • lessons of value and success !

604-736-swim www.aquaventuresswim.com

1630 West 5th Avenue, Vancouver (5th & Fir) 4 | urbanbaby & toddler | www.urbanbaby.ca | winter 11

felt that we had developed a solid relationship, and my daughter felt comfortable with having him around. She started asking where he was, and when he would be coming back, “I could tell it was time.”

It is important for parents in a blended family to understand that the age of the children will have an effect upon their understanding and acceptance of a new blended family environment. The baby and toddler age group of children is the easiest to merge. At these tender ages, (1-4) children tend to be comfortable with people who show them affection, and there will be fewer traumas because at this age children don’t fully comprehend what is truly taking place. Explain situations to them as soon as they are able to understand, so that they can adjust to what has happened in their life and to avoid resentment.

Serah Ferguson also states that the transition happened in phases.

“Start with the other person sleeping over here and there. Then try a week, two weeks, and then a month, as a trial run. And make sure to share some of the parenting roles as well.” It is recommended by experts that parents in blended families also make a conscious effort to spend one-on-one time with each other’s children, as well as all together, to really make that solid foundation. By taking your time and laying this solid foundation, you give everyone a chance to get used to each other and the idea of marriage.

Although you may begin the transition into a blended family with the best of intentions, be ready to tackle some obstacles along the way.

Alison Bell, (M.A. RCC) of Alison Bell Counseling and Psychotherapy, states, “Young children can go through a wide range of different emotions and behaviours when they enter a stepfamily with other children. It is important to remember that young children’s behaviour will often be communicating what they may not be consciously aware of, or capable of expressing. Some children may be excited to invite others into their inner world. Some may be extremely resistant, afraid or angry. Children are often confused about what the new family dynamic will mean to them and their relationship with their parents.

Children may feel torn about attaching and loving another parent figure or sibling and may also feel that step siblings will be a threat to their relationship with their parents. Any relationship which may be perceived as a threat to a secure attachment with their own parent, can be upsetting and can result in challenging behaviour or feelings.”

Some great tips to keep in mind while going through the blended family transition: Find ways to experience “real life” together: Eat dinner together and talk about your days. Rent some movies and laugh! This is a great way to really break the ice and get to know one another.

Set realistic time lines: Don’t expect to fall in love with your partner’s children overnight. Love and affection takes time.

Be on the same page with your partner when it comes to parenting decisions: Agree with your new partner on how you plan to parent together, and then make any necessary adjustments to your parenting styles before you marry. You need to make sure you are both in unison as you do not want the kids to be angry for your partner initiating changes in rules etc.

Demand respect: You can’t insist that people like each other but you insist that they treat one another with respect.

Limit your expectations: You may give a lot of time, energy, love and affection to your new partner’s kids that may not be returned immediately. Think of it as making small investments that may one day yield a lot of interest.

Compassion for different stages of development: Members of your blended family may be at various life stages and have different needs (teens vs toddlers for example). They may also be at different stages in accepting this new family. Family members need to understand and honour these differences.

Research: A couple of great blogs on blended families are www. blendedfamilyadvice.blogspot.com or www.myfunctionalfamily.com At the end of the day, your goal is simple: To make everyone happy, and to live together in a peaceful environment.

So what does a successful blended family look like? Don’t try to make your new blended family a replica of your first family. Instead embrace the differences and consider the basic elements that make a successful blended family. Open communication, a positive attitude, and mutual respect will always give a positive result. Love and patience equals a happy blended family. ]

Subscribe to our e-newsletter at

WWW.URBANBABY.CA

urbanbaby & toddler | www.urbanbaby.ca | winter 11 | 5

by Daniela Ginta

PARENTING

W

TANTRUMS at All Ages

e’ve all seen it: the screaming kid, the redcheeked self-conscious parent and of course, our set-in-stone conviction that nothing like that could happen to us. Unless you’re a parent in which case you can only mumble “I know this story” and send an understanding smile to the parent.

The mighty tantrum is the beast all parents fear. Yet it is not apprehension that should be our guide in understanding tantrums but simply understanding that anger and frustration are normal feelings in all of us and that includes children. Children express frustrations and anger through tantrums, says Christine Kutzner, MEd, child and family therapist in Vancouver. The onset age varies from child to child but they all go through it at some point.

One of the most important things to remember is to not take it personally. These powerful emotional outbursts are not at all a reflection of your parenting, they are expressions of your child’s temperament and her struggles to make sense of the world around.

During a tantrum, children are flooded with feelings and they feel out of control, says Lawrence Cohen, PhD, child psychologist and author of Playful Parenting (Ballantine Books, 2001). He cautions parents that caving in to a tantrum or completely separating themselves from the angry child does not solve the issue at all. So what’s a parent to do?

Here’s help for both child and parent.

Tantrums in toddlers. If you’re among the lucky parents who have never experienced a “terrible twos” display, count your lucky stars and move on to the next paragraph.

“The phrase [terrible twos] was coined because that’s the age when kids cognitively realize they are separate from their moms so they become very egocentric in their exploring,” Kutzner says. And that’s the time when we start saying no more often. Be aware of how often you say no to your child and why. If you notice your toddler’s

frustration increasing with too many things and activities become off-limits then it’s maybe time to review the no policy.

Sometimes parents say no but they mean later, yet the lack of proper explanation can throw the child down the tantrum chute. If your child asks for a cookie and you say no, hell breaks loose. Caving in is not the answer, but if you tell your child that she can have it later, after her meal - and you actually remember to offer it later - she may still be upset but at least she’ll learn something valuable. First she’ll learn that you don’t just say no and second, that she is heard.

What about the times when a firm, non-negotiable no is needed?

Those are the times when your child will get angry and scream and kick, but she’ll learn to cope with it. And then there are those times when your child has a full-blown tantrum during what looked like calm playing. “A lot of the two-year-old tantrums are just the frustration that they can’t get what they want,” explains Kutzner. That something may as well be the frustration of fixing a toy or getting it to work. And if you resist the temptation to get her out of every sticky situation you’ll soon discover that she has developed coping skills as she sailed through solvable and unsolvable conundrums. “Do not try to please your child at all costs, because the child needs to know that the parent is in charge,” advises Kutzner. By next time your child wants something that she can’t have you will have an opportunity to learn about boundaries, which is why it is important to mean it when you say yes or no.

Most toddlers miss the necessary verbal skills to express themselves, so they cannot let you know beforehand that a storm is brewing but knowing the possible triggers (See 5 Tantrum Triggers listed below) can make everybody’s life a lot easier.

Preschool Woes. By now your child is old enough to have mastered good verbal skills and he should have no problem communicating his worries and frustrations, right? Yes and no. Verbal skills are there and regular no-triggered tantrums are still present but there is another level of frustration as well. By now most children start noticing differences between themselves and others. This is the age when they realize they cannot perform certain tasks as well as their older siblings and if your first thought is to say “Oh but you can,” here’s what Kutzner has to say about it. Explain to your child why she can’t draw or paint as well as her sibling, show her how her hands are still small and she cannot yet hold the crayons or paint brushes like her sibling. It will not solve the problem, Kutzner says, and while your child is still frustrated, you are widening her ability to understand.

5TANTRUM TRIGGERS COMMON IN TODDLERS

• LACK OF SLEEP • OVERSTIMULATION kiaporter.com

• HUNGER • PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS • DEALING WITH “NO”

6 | urbanbaby & toddler | www.urbanbaby.ca | winter 11

CREATING BOUNDARIES Children have to learn from an early age that no matter how angry they are, they cannot destroy objects, nor can they hit people or hurt themselves. Getting active or simply going outside for a bit of fresh air can help them change perspective.

The level of understanding will grow as she grows, and at the same time she’ll develop skills to deal with frustrations before they become full-blown anger. But, Kutzner cautions, do not try to put the crying out. Children have to process their frustrations both physically and emotionally or else they’ll come out bigger the next time. Hard as it may be to listen to your child’s cries sometimes, it is very important for them to know you are there and supportive of their feelings. Often times all they need to feel is our empathy. A broken stick is nothing to be upset over when you’re an adult but to a child is could mean a lot. Not for long, because young children live in the moment so skies brighten soon after a powerful storm, but waiting it out with them will boost their confidence and help them build the necessary skills to deal with their next outbursts.

Older Children. Tantrums, still? Yes, and that’s all normal behavior, according to Kutzner. They experience frustration with everyday life on a different level. “Sometimes school-aged children are intellectually the right age but not emotionally,” she explains. They are dealing not only with their own limitations but also with a lot of the challenges of the outside world. Peer pressure, changes at school, whether a missing teacher or a new activity that makes your child apprehensive, sibling rivalry you may not be aware off, any of these can throw off even the most emotionally-balanced child. Older children can still be affected by lack of proper sleep or other schedule disruptions. According to Cohen, a child is always trying to say something with a tantrum. If for toddlers physical

limitations as a source of frustration can be easy to spot, we expect older children to be more able to do things hence be less frustrated.

But if your son who’s six or seven was doing just fine with his motor skills, things can turn suddenly when he is trying to keep up with his older siblings or understand the dynamics of classroom relationships.

What gives? Try as you may, you cannot keep your child shielded from frustration and anger. Nor can you build a perfect world for him. You have to let children be exposed to real life and become aware of their feelings, most parent educators suggest. Help them identify them and see what’s healthy in terms of anger management.

Bottom line. Just like with many other challenging aspects of parenting, tantrums teach us to say yet again “This too shall pass.”

And they will. In the big picture of your child’s childhood, tantrums are but a shade that will matter a bit but not enough for us to remember every stroke that left it on the canvas. Seeing children overcome frustrations, learn resilience and empathy as they grow – tantrums included – is one of the best reminders that all feelings are real and have to be accepted and dealt with in a healthy way. Returning to the drawing board over and over again is also part of it. We all agree that parenting is challenging, but it is also the most rewarding job of all. ] Daniela Ginta, MSc, is a freelance writer living in Vancouver, BC. Her work has been published in various local and national magazines.

Her sons, age 9 and 5, are her greatest source of inspiration and SLEEP_UrbanB_NovADOut_CA.pdf 11/7/11 10:47:29 AM amazement. Daniela also teaches science topics at the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition in Vancouver.

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

urbanbaby & toddler | www.urbanbaby.ca | winter 11 | 7

by Christy Laverty

WIN a copy of Jordan’s new CD Unfinished.

Enter online at WWW.URBANBABY.CA

CELEBRITY DADDY

JORDAN KNIGHT - HEARTTHROB NOW DEVOTED DAD

I

f you were a teenage girl in the 80’s and 90’s then you don’t need me to tell you who Jordan Knight is. He is one of the heartthrobs of New Kids On The Block. To be more exact, he is best known as the lead singer of the insanely popular boy band. He was nearly 14 when he joined the band in 1984 and from then on his life was never the same. The band sold over 70 million albums worldwide and performed to sold-out stadiums and arenas of screaming young girls.

After NKOTB disbanded in 1994, Jordan launched a solo career.

His first solo album was released in 1999 and his latest album, his third solo album, Unfinished, was released earlier this year and has reached the Top 50 on the U.S. Billboard 200.

Jordan is married (yes, that is right ladies, he is taken) with two boys. The couple’s first son, Dante, was born in August of 1999 and eight years later their second son Eric was born in February 2007 Recently urbanbaby & toddler had a chance to chat with Jordan about his life in New Kids On The Block and about being a Dad. UBT: How has having children changed you and your perspective?

JK: Because I have kids it has made me more sensitive.

I am more sensitive to what people go through. It is very challenging. I think it is like any other professional out there, you have to set priorities and you have to really manage your time.

When I am out on the road it is all business, when I am working I try to have fun in my work but there is no time for play or going out. It is a lot of time management. My career requires being away from home and that is tough. I have to say no to a lot of things. I have to set limits on myself and on the offers I get. I have to consider if it is really worth it - worth the time away from my kids and my wife.

UBT: How does it feel to be touring again, especially with the Backstreet Boys?

How does it feel to be singing those songs again to sold-out stadiums again?

JK: We let them forget about life and go back to a time when there were no bills, no kids, no husbands and all that stuff. It was a very free time for all of us.

When we go on stage we get to relive that. I think it is a really cool thing. We all have that inside of us, when we get a certain age we think that we all need to be serious and not laugh and not let that child out of us, I think that is one of the beauties of music and of what we do. We are able let people go to that time in their lives when everything was free. Touring is a lot of fun. It is a fast-paced thing. You know you are in one city one night; another city the next and that is what makes it exciting - meeting people. It is fun to go to each

8 | urbanbaby & toddler | www.urbanbaby.ca | winter 11

Something many people might not know about Jordan Knight is that he has strong Canadian roots. His parents are Canadian. They are from Ontario. They met at University, married and the rest is history. Jordan grew up in Boston but still has family in Canada and often visits (but admittedly not as much as he would like). This September Jordan joined the panel of judges on CBC’s show Cover Me Canada, entering the hearts and living rooms of women all across the country every week. city and the response we get is amazing. We joined up with the Backstreet Boys for this tour and it is just amazing how so many more people are continuing to experience all those good songs.

It is like being at the disco and dancing every night. It is like we get to let loose every night.

UBT: Does your family tour with you?

JK: They don’t travel with me on tour but they might come with me to Australia. We are going on tour there which will be amazing. Australia is one of those places you see only on Discovery Channel and now we have a chance to get there as a family.

UBT: What has it been like to be a judge on CBC’s Cover Me Canada?

JK: It is fun and tough. It is draining and exciting. It is so many things. The best part about being a judge is that I get to shape and model different artists who haven’t made it yet. I get to

offer my experience and see how they improve. I can help lift them and help them out in that way. It is cool to see artists who really want it and who listen to you and take your advice and use it. I am kind of living vicariously through their growth and success. It is really exciting and heartwarming to see. It is really up to CBC if there is a second season but I hope there is a second. I think it is a great vehicle for all of these bands. It is a great vehicle for them to launch into stardom.

Even if they lose they have been exposed to a broader audience and through social media they can hold on to a new audience.

UBT: How does it feel to be back in Canada?

JK: It felt like I never left. The offer came for me to do the show when I was in London, Ontario.

We were on stage and I got a call from my manager. The NKOTB and the Backstreet Boys had just finished a tour in Canada

in the summer and it feels like I never left. Toronto is pretty close to Boston and I commute every weekend when I am doing Cover Me Canada. It is only a one-hour commute for me. It feels like a second home.

UBT: What do you have planned for the future?

JK: I have an album out right now called Unfinished. It is getting a lot of airplay in Canada.

One More Night is the single that is getting a lot of play in Canada right now. I will probably do some dates in Canada in January or February. Some solo shows. Then we go to Europe with the Backstreet Boys in April and later on we will do some North American dates. After that, hopefully, I will be back in Canada (Toronto) doing the second season of Cover Me Canada.

UBT: Do you ever feel that it is hard to manage family and a demanding entertaining career?

JK: For me, when I am home I am home for 24 hours a day so I get to soak up everything. I don’t have that steady 9-to-5 job where I am away; it is more like a feast and famine situation. I am on the road for three months and then I come home for two or three months. I try to soak up every moment. To have a good steady family life and raise your kids you have to have them on a schedule and provide stability. Being on the road and having them on the road - it is too spontaneous. You are moving from place to place.

It is chaotic sometimes. I don’t want my kids growing up like that; I would rather have them in a stable home environment.

UBT: Do you see your children ever following in your footsteps?

JK: My son Dante is 12. He likes music and he has a musical ear but I don’t really see him as a

performer. I don’t push it. I want him to do whatever he wants to do and support that. I don’t want to be a stage dad. I think a lot of parents try to resolve their own personal issues through their kids; they push their kids, and want their kids to be what they would have liked to be. I am just not into that. I see that as a trap people get stuck in and I am just not going down that road. I just want my kids to be what they want to be. ] For more on Jordan Knight check his website www.JordanKnight.com and check out his new album Unfinished in stores now.

urbanbaby & toddler | www.urbanbaby.ca | winter 11 | 9

POSTPARTUM

by Lara Leontowich

MOMMY FITNESS

Exercise Tips for New Moms

H

aving a baby has its challenges: coping with less sleep, learning how to nurse and feed baby correctly as well as managing weight gained during your pregnancy. As you adapt to baby’s new routine, exercising may seem like a daunting task. However postpartum exercising has excellent benefits. Besides the obvious goal of gaining back a pre-pregnancy weight, new moms often feel better both mentally and physically which in turn aids them in meeting all the demands of motherhood.

For new moms staring down at the jelly belly that was once a lean stomach or looking longingly at a favorite pair of jeans there can be a sense of urgency. Consult your doctor or health care provider before you begin any exercising. Medical experts generally agree you will need to wait about six weeks or more to heal before you begin.

When you’re ready, start slowly with light forms of exercise such as walking or dancing. Walking allows you to activate your muscles gradually and getting some fresh air has superb benefits for both mom and baby. A good weight-bearing exercise is dancing with your baby.

It can uplift your spirits and the movement and music can be soothing.

CLASSES WEEKDAY MORNINGS

9:30AM

Shop’n Stroll is a workout that turns your stroller into a portable fitness machine and takes baby along for the ride.

VANCOUVER Oakridge Centre COQUITLAM Coquitlam Centre BURNABY Lougheed Town Centre

FREE TO ATTEND

LANGLEY Willowbrook Shopping Centre SURREY Guildford Town Centre NANAMIO Woodgrove Centre ABBOTSFORD Sevenoaks Shopping Centre

For more info call 778.285.6265

WWW.SHOPNSTROLL.CA 10 | urbanbaby & toddler | www.urbanbaby.ca | winter 11

Easy Tips to Get You Started: • Try walking 20-30 minutes three to four times a week and gradually work up to 45 minutes. To tell if you’re working out at a proper intensity, use the Talk Test while you exercise. Your workout should be intense enough to make you breathe deeply and to make you feel a little winded. Just remember you should still be able to carry on a conversation while you exercise.

• You need not stick to just three meals a day anymore. Many health professionals recommend eating five to six small meals a day.

Eating more often can prevent hunger pangs and curb over-eating.

Typically by keeping your metabolism working quickly you can burn more calories efficiently throughout your day.

• Maintain a healthy diet as part of your weight loss goals. Indulge in fruits and vegetables and have some protein at every meal such as fish, chicken and lean meats. Grill, bake or broil your food rather than frying. Avoid empty calories, such as high sugary snack, soda and chips. A healthy diet includes milk and yogurt two or three times a day.

• Consider partnering with another new mom who is also motivated to get back to her pre-pregnancy weight. Chances are you will get better results if you exercise together and keep each other motivated especially on those days when you are feeling rather sleep deprived.

• And remember: According to Health Canada, women need about 350 to 400 extra calories each day for the first year of breastfeeding.

For More information: Heath Canada www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/pubs/ nutrition/guide-prenatal-eng.php ] Lara Leontowich is a BCRPA Certified Group Fitness Instuctor and Pre & Post Natal Fitness Specialist.

urbanbaby & toddler | www.urbanbaby.ca | winter 11 | 11

by Patricia Chuey, registered dietitian

NUTRITION

HEALTHIER

Junk Food Choices This is the third in a 4-part series on Kids and “Junk Food”

I

n our series on kids and junk food, I included a few recipes for easy homemade versions of commercial foods that are often very high in salt, may contain more artificial ingredients than needed and almost always lack fruits and vegetables.

And, even without cooking, there are many fun, healthier versions of common junk foods. (See chart below).

Spending time with children in the kitchen achieves many goals. It builds awareness of what is involved in food preparation, expands interest in a wider variety of foods, teaches cooking skills and enhances self-esteem. If a child made the food themselves (or helped) they are more likely to eat it.

Instead Of...

Try...

Potato chips

Popcorn

Cheezies

Real cheese with whole grain crackers

French Fries

Homemade Baked Fries / recipe on pg. 13

Commercial Chicken

Fingers

Homemade / Use whole grain cereal or bread crumbs for breading

Commercial Cookies

Homemade Cookies / Chocolate Chip, Carrot, Pumpkin or Oatmeal-Raisin

Snack Crackers

Whole Grain, Lower Salt Versions

Tortilla Chips

Whole Grain, Lower Salt Versions

Sugary Cereals

Whole Cereals with less than 8 grams of sugar and more than 2 grams fiber/serving

Pop

Real fruit juice with a little soda water / keep portions small

Candy

Trail Mix of mixed dried fruit and nuts

Pure Chocolate Candy

Chocolate combined with nuts / e.g. chocolate peanuts vs. raisins

So-Called Real Fruit

Real Fruit / Grapes, Blueberries, Dried Fruit

Gummies

Jello & Pudding Cups

100% real fruit cups or unsweetened applesauce cups

Ice Cream

Smaller portions, those with less sugar, or frozen yogurt

Popsicles

Freeze homemade smoothies in popsicle molds / recipe on pg. 13

Nutrition help for your child • food allergies or intolerances • gastrointestinal problems (diarrhea, constipation) • infants or children with eczema • food refusal or mealtime battles • overweight or underweight • vegetarianism

Recipes To The Rescue NEWSLETTER

Stirring some fun into your routine A free publication for the everyday cook • Simple recipes • Food information • Inspiration

To sample a FREE copy, email recipestotherescue@shaw.ca

www.recipestotherescue.ca 12 | urbanbaby & toddler | www.urbanbaby.ca | winter 11

Workshops for Parents

604-738-4344

www.eislerforkids.com #400-1338 W. Broadway Vancouver

Feeding Your Baby - What's New? Toddlers & Picky Eating - Why and How to Manage For dates/locations: info@eislerforkids.com

Corinne Eisler, RD

Registered Dietitian & Pediatric Nutrition Expert

Find More Nutrition Articles at

WWW.URBANBABY.CA

Homemade French Fries

Makes 4 kid-sized servings

These are a great accompaniment to baked fish, mini-burgers or homemade chicken fingers.

Round off the meal with raw veggie sticks and dip.

2 large baking potatoes, sweet potatoes or yams

2 tsp. olive oil (10 ml) salt, pepper or seasonings to taste 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Scrub potatoes, peel if necessary and cut into ½ inch thick j ulienne slices or chunks. Place in large bowl.

Add oil and seasonings, if using, and toss to coat.

Arrange potatoes on a non-stick pan or pan lined with parchment paper.

Bake in 425°F (225° C) oven for 20-25 minutes or until tender and golden brown.

Turn at least once during baking.

Thin Crust Pizza with Variations Makes 2, 9-inch crusts

Homemade pizza allows for endless creativity.

Prepare a variety of toppings and allow kids to make their own custom pizza.

Tbsp. dry active yeast (15 ml) cup warm water (60 ml) Tbsp. granulated sugar (15 ml) Tbsp. butter or non-hydrogenated margarine (15 ml) tsp. salt (5 ml) cup hot water (250 ml) cups whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour (750 ml)

1 ¼ 1 1 1 1 2½-3

1.

In a small bowl, mix sugar and warm water.

Sprinkle yeast on top. Stir. Let stand for 10 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine butter, salt and hot water.

Stir until butter is melted.

Add half the flour and all of the yeast mixture and whisk well.

Add enough flour to make a soft dough that leaves sides of the bowl.

Round into a ball and knead lightly for 3 minutes. Divide dough in half. Roll dough to cover a non-stick pizza pan.

Cover with tomato sauce and your favourite toppings and cook at 425° F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Your Child’s Care is Our Focus

Committed to...

• Building relationships with families • Promoting good oral health and well being • Providing quality preventative and restorative services • Creating a caring environment and a positive experience Dr. Anita Gartner, Certified Specialist in Pediatric Dentistry #219 - 179 Davie Street, Vancouver 604-569-3669 | info@tot2teendental.com

www.tot2teendental.com

Suggested toppings: Red, yellow or green peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms, pineapple chunks, kidney beans, ham or chicken chunks, cheese, broccoli, artichoke hearts, grated carrot….and more.

Chocolate, Peanut Butter and Banana Smoothie

akes 2-4 kid-sized servings M

1 cup chocolate milk or chocolate soy beverage (250 ml)

1 cup plain low fat milk or soy beverage (250 ml)

1 banana, ideally frozen banana chunks

2 Tbsp natural peanut butter (30 ml) 1.

2.

Blend all together until smooth. If desired, for added protein, add plain, soft tofu.

Pour and serve with colourful straws or freeze to make popsicles.

Patricia Chuey is a registered dietitian, media consultant and Mom. She can be reached through www.patriciachuey.com or @patriciachuey on Twitter. urbanbaby & toddler | www.urbanbaby.ca | winter 11 | 13

by Kristy Hill

FEATURE

DR AGONS’ DEN:

Local Mom Enterpreneur, Elaine Tan Comeau

F

rom the Kitchen Table to the Dragons’ Den Elaine Tan Comeau, of Easy Daysies, braved the dragons and fired up her business.

As a working-at-home Mom, I loathe the word balance. It’s a myth, not a goal. As Mom Entrepreneurs we are often working late hours and sacrificing a lot to grow our businesses, hoping for the success that helps justifies our sacrifices. Elaine Tan Comeau, founder of Easy Daysies, was doing just that - running her business at her kitchen table, alongside her husband and three children, often working until 3 a.m or 4 a.m. The next day she was on CBC’s Dragons’ Den, pitching her business to five of the most successful Canadian entrepreneurs, so they would invest in her products.

Elaine has a line of visual, daily schedules and labels. Her magnetic schedules and re-stickable labels help children, adults with Alzheimer’s, and children with special needs, follow and know their personalized routine providing organization, independence and a sense of security and pride. I sat down with Elaine to talk about Easy Daysies, being a Mom entrepreneur and her experience on Dragons’ Den.

Elaine and her husband with Dragons’ Den’s, Jim Treliving

14 | urbanbaby & toddler | www.urbanbaby.ca | winter 11

UBT: How did you come up with Easy Daysies?

Elaine: During the first eight years of my career, as an elementary school teacher, I had parents constantly asking me to make a visual daily routine for their children to have at home similar to the one I had in my classroom. So I made paper schedules that included morning, afterschool, get ready-for-soccer, and bedtime routines. After doing that for eight years, I realized, there must be a market for this product. I did a lot of research to ensure there wasn’t a visual routine product out there already.

When I didn’t find another one, I decided to make it into a product and launched it two days after my third child was born. It is now in 140 stores across Canada and in a handful in the United States.

UBT: Do you miss teaching?

Elaine: I absolutely miss teaching. I fell in love with the children and their families every year. I loved building a relationship with the families. I remember when I was on my first maternity leave, the backto-school flyers came out and I cried. How sad am I? UBT: Did you ever imagine you would become a Mom Entrepreneur?

Elaine: I never say never— but I didn’t imagine being on Dragons’ Den. I do love trying new things and being creative. I never thought I would be a Mom Entrepreneur, but I do love it.

Yet I miss my family sometimes.

I am working from home and it saddens me when I say, “Just give mommy a moment,” and that

moment turns into a few of days.

UBT: Do you think you’ll ever go back to teaching?

Elaine: I had a principal call me recently to see if I would come back. But now that I have investors, [Kevin O’Leary and Jim Treliving, from the Dragons’ Den], my focus needs to be on building the business. I won’t say that I will never go back to teaching — probably not for a while as I focus on Easy Daysies.

UBT: How did you decide to go on Dragons’ Den? Elaine: Right after I launched Easy Daysies, a friend told me I should go on Dragons’ Den. But it wasn’t until I was in the inventors’ corner at the Canadian Toy Tradeshow this year, when I seriously considered it. I gained 20 new retailers and many of them told me I needed to get bigger. One woman took my hand and said, “Can you make 8,000 units for me?” I said, absolutely, but it can’t be ready for next week. And she said, “You should go on something like Dragons’ Den.” When I returned home, my husband Googled Dragons’ Den, turned and looked at me and said, “They are here on Saturday!”

So it was now or never.

UBT: Tell me about being on Dragons’ Den? Elaine: I thought it was going to be like American Idol where everyone would be lined up around the block, but no, I was number seven! I auditioned to producers first and I thought it had gone horribly. I was able to answer every question yet I left feeling that it did not go well.

After waiting for six weeks, a

producer called and told me I had been chosen to be a part of the taping in Toronto for season six of Dragons’ Den. She told me, it’s a TV show, not a boardroom and if you are part of a taping, it didn’t guarantee that we would air. We did the taping on April 26 at 6:30 a.m., which was actually 3:30 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time.

My children and I had bronchitis.

When we arrived at the studio, my two-year old threw up in front of the elevators, and every time I spoke, I coughed. Amazingly, I didn’t cough once during the 48 minutes standing in front of the Dragons.

UBT: What was the best part of being on Dragons’ Den? Elaine: The best part was having all five of them make an offer; I did not expect that at all.

It was very humbling and totally surreal. I was also so proud of my kids — they did so well!

UBT: How did you choose Kevin and Jim’s offer?

Elaine: My husband and I did a lot of research on each Dragon and what each person could bring to the table. I didn’t go asking for a lot of money, I could’ve gone to a bank for that.

I was there for their expertise and ability to take it to the next level.

I knew Kevin O’Leary was Mr. Toy-Man and is Mr. EducationalProducts. He also created educational software out of his basement and sold it for almost four million dollars. He knows how to take it to the next level.

And Mr. Treliving is the branding king; he is Mr. Lube, and Mr. Boston Pizza.

UBT: What happened during the first 24 hours after the episode aired.

Elaine: Our producers called and told us to monitor our website traffic as soon as it started airing. We watched our website activity starting at 4 p.m.

Elaine and her family at the Dragons’ Den pitch in Toronto when it aired in the Maritimes, and as soon as it aired, it spiked!

We had eight new visitors per second, 100 times more than our average website traffic. By midnight we had over 12,000 hits on our website. We also started seeing orders come in provinceby-province. The phone started ringing before I even saw it air in B.C. and our sales reached over $5,000 in the first 24 hours. It was incredible.

UBT: What are your future plans for Easy Daysies?

Elaine: My first plan is to get manufacturing and packaging off my kitchen table, so our home is not a box and envelope factory anymore. As a Mom I want to get a better balance in my life again.

We will be launching a new line to come out in the New Year. All I can say is that it will be “stinking cute”!

UBT: What keeps you going when you are up late and exhausted?

Elaine: The emails I get from families, parents of children with special needs, foster parents, occupational therapists, and child psychologists. Foster parents tell me how it helps children feel safe

and stable when their life is not.

Moms of children with Autism tell me it helps with routine and makes their days easier. These emails make me cry and keep me going.

UBT: Are the Dragons the same in person, as they appear on TV? Elaine: I’ve never seen the Dragons so nice. When we got home after the taping of the show and watched past episodes of Dragons’ Den, we look at each other and said, “We didn’t meet

those Dragons!” ] Kristy Hill is a freelance writer and graphic designer. She works out of her home office in the Lower Mainland with a happy, enthusiastic boy by her side.

Visit www.easydaysies.com to view her products and her successful pitch to the Dragons.

urbanbaby & toddler | www.urbanbaby.ca | winter 11 | 15

by Ann Douglas

HEALTH

Interconception Health:

A New Focus on Health

BETWEEN PREGNANCIES: What You Need to Know

Y

ou just gave birth to your baby. Thinking ahead to your next pregnancy might be the last thing on your mind while you’re busy caring for your newborn. In fact, there may be days when you wonder if you have what it takes to sign up for pregnancy, birth, and early motherhood again.

Still, pondering your reproductive future while you’re still in new mom mode actually makes a lot of sense. Your healthcare provider will want to touch base with you about birth control options anyway (to make sure you aren’t counting on breastfeeding to keep the stork away). And there’s a growing body of research to show that it makes sense to encourage new mothers to use the period between pregnancies (the interconception period) to try to maximize their health so they’re as healthy as possible when they embark on any subsequent pregnancy.

So what does this mean for you as a new mom? Your healthcare provider is likely to talk to you about your reproductive plans (do you see yourself having another baby within the next few years or do you

think your family is finished?) and to help you to set some health goals, based on your current health status.

ISSUES TO ADDRESS WITH YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER BETWEEN PREGNANCIES ARE: Nutrition: How to rebuild your stores of important nutrients, particularly iron, post-pregnancy; the importance of taking folic acid throughout your childbearing years; and the importance of eating well while you’re breastfeeding.

Active living: How to make physical activity part of your daily routine as a new mom.

Weight: How to achieve and maintain a healthy weight (so you can deal with any extra weight you gained during pregnancy before you embark on a subsequent pregnancy).

Mental health: How to spot the signs of perinatal mood disorders—both depression and anxiety. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider if you think you might be experiencing some of the symptoms of a perinatal mood disorder. A variety of treatment options are available.

Healthy relationships: Why it is key to create a network of support for yourself (healthy relationships with family members and friends) and to ensure that your relationship with your partner is based on mutual respect.

Alcohol consumption: The importance of limiting your alcohol consumption while you’re breastfeeding and avoiding alcohol entirely once you start trying to conceive again.

Chronic or pregnancy-related health conditions: How to manage any chronic or pregnancy-related health conditions in order to maximize your chances of experiencing a healthy pregnancy the next time around.

16 | urbanbaby & toddler | www.urbanbaby.ca | winter 11

Don’t be surprised if your healthcare provider flags a few health issues for your partner to think about as well. Exposure to secondhand smoke isn’t healthy for you or your baby or any future children you hope to conceive, so if your partner smokes, he might want to think about quitting or limiting his smoking to somewhere other than home. Similarly, you’ll find it easier to cut back on your alcohol consumption if your partner does likewise.

Adopting the lifestyle of a pregnant or soon-to-be pregnant woman while you’re in-between pregnancies is a new way of thinking. But it can reap tremendous dividends for your future baby-to-be. Talk to your healthcare provider about your plans for the family you hope to create so that you can tap into the best possible health advice for your growing family. ] Ann Douglas is the author of the second edition of The Mother of All Pregnancy Books (Wiley Canada, 2011). You can read more of her articles on her website at www.having-a-baby.com.

WIN a copy of Ann Douglas’ Book, The Mother of All Pregnancy Books Enter online at WWW.URBANBABY.CA

ba b y

ON B OA R D

(Coquitlam) Sunwood Square Mall (Richmond) Richmond Centre Mall 2218-6060 Minoru Boulevard 790-3025 Lougheed Hwy Richmond, BC Coquitlam, BC Tel: 604-273-0884 Tel: 778-285-8282 Please visit us at www.babyonboard.ca urbanbaby & toddler | www.urbanbaby.ca | winter 11 | 17

by Barry Berg, realtor

REAL ESTATE

Offering On a HOME: Negotiating Tips That Bring People To The Table

A

fter months of searching MLS listings and countless open houses, you’ve finally found the one. You’ve fallen in love with the home in which you want to raise your kids, but you want to ensure you pay a price that makes you feel like you got good value. What’s the best way to approach the seller and start negotiating a price that doesn’t have you offering to overpay, but at the same time doesn’t insult the seller into not negotiating with you at all?

When I work for clients—from couples to families—as a “buyer’s agent,” it means I assist them in coming up with the right price to offer on a property. To do this, I show them the recent sales of comparable properties. This helps us establish the range of market value for the subject property. With this range of market value in mind, we then need to come up with our opening offer—but everybody has his or her own ideas about the best way to achieve this. Of course, as a buyer’s agent, I work for the buyer, which means that, while I advise, I will present whatever the buyer wishes to offer. But, my negotiating philosophy is to get people to the table.

There is always the “low-baller,” who feels that almost no offer is too low. But, I feel a key to negotiation is to try to get a feel for what the seller might be thinking when presented with a low-ball offer.

Try this. Put yourself in the seller’s shoes and pretend you are selling a home for $100. And let’s assume that while $100 is in the range of fair market value, you might consider taking somewhere in the $90 range. Now, let’s say you get a low-ball offer coming in at $50. In my experience, many sellers in this situation don’t even want to counteroffer. In fact, they often feel offended, which does not bode well for coming to agreeable terms.

The additional challenge here is that the seller does not feel that an agreement can be reached (even though the buyer with the low-ball offer might have ended up in the $90 range) and therefore does not want to counter-offer as he feels it is hopeless. At this point, if the buyer comes back with an offer that is close to what the seller might accept, the seller still may not consider it because the original offer

GREAT SELECTION of NEW & QUALITY CONSIGNMENT ... because they grow up so fast!

Everything for baby & mom YOUR TRUE ONE-STOP MOM SHOP Come check us out!

Serving growing families for over 28 years

Boomers & Echoes Kids & Maternity

1985 Lonsdale Ave, North Van (corner of 20th & Lonsdale) Free Parking in back

TEL: 604-984-6163 www.boomersandechoes.com NURSING PILLOWS • DIAPER BAGS 18 | urbanbaby & toddler | www.urbanbaby.ca | winter 11

CRIBS • CARSEATS • STROLLERS

TOYS • UV SUITS • CLOTH DIAPERS

SLEEP SACKS • SLINGS • CARRIERS

has left a bad taste in his mouth. Some may say, “It’s just business. No one should be offended.” But the fact of the matter is that it isn’t just business—it is someone’s home.

Let’s say another offer comes in at $87. The offer is still a fair bit lower than the asking price but it’s close enough that the seller can see that agreement might be possible. So the seller counters in the mid $90s. Now the buyer and seller are at the table, which is really the only way to come to terms and get a deal done.

If a buyer or a seller feels that there is no chance for success in a negotiation, he or she will not even try. However, as a buyer’s agent, I am tasked with not only getting my clients to offer low enough so that they “don’t leave money on the table” (meaning it’s unlikely there is any chance that the seller would have taken anything lower), but also encouraging them to offer high enough so that the seller feels there is hope that a deal can be reached and thereby comes to the table.

You’ve done the hard part, and found your ultimate family home.

The next step is to start a reasonable conversation with the seller that will hopefully get you closer to owning that home. Once people are talking you might be surprised at what can be done—but it’s hard to negotiate with yourself! ] Barry Berg is a Vancouver realtor with RE/MAX Real Estate Services.

He is married and has two children. www.barryberg.ca info@barryberg.ca

fresh

fun modern studio photography

bopomo bopomo.ca

Irresistible. Inspired. Affordable.

Kitsilano 2631 West Broadway Vancouver, BC V6K 2G2 604.678.1411 urbanbaby & toddler | www.urbanbaby.ca | winter 11 | 19

20 | urbanbaby & toddler | www.urbanbaby.ca | winter 11

urbanbaby & toddler | www.urbanbaby.ca | winter 11 | 21

by Natacha V. Beim

EDUCATION

Making Sense of Your

Child’s Learning Style

I

f you’re a parent, chances are you’ve encountered a child who attempts to talk at an impressively young age. Similarly, some children seem to have an uncanny eye for reading and identifying facial expressions. How children choose to explore the world, is indicative of what their preferred learning style is.

A great body of research has been dedicated to understanding different learning styles. Although most children learn by doing, in general children tend to also gravitate more towards one of three learning styles: visual, auditory or kinesthetic. Understanding your child’s preferred learning style will give you insight into how you can best nurture her educational and social curiosities.

A great way to determine your child’s preferred learning style is to observe him while he is playing with others.

Children who have an auditory learning style often begin talking at an early age, have a wide vocabulary, and are quite talkative. During the early years, they delight in hearing songs and singing. They have a wonderful imagination and love dramatic play, both at home and at school. They make friends with children who share similar interests, and prefer to play with one friend at a time. Their interactions are

rich in content, and they often make deep friendships, taking time to share stories about themselves and listening to others. They are not necessarily as active as kinesthetic learners.

Auditory babies love to be talked to, and often babble constantly.

When reading books, they follow the story more so than the illustrations, and they have great comprehension skills. They love music, although it can bother them when it is constant or too loud.

To get an auditory child’s attention, it is really effective to ask her to “put on her listening ears.” She will enjoy pretending to put on her imaginary super ears and carefully listen to what you tell them.

Kinesthetic children love to touch and be touched. They like playing in groups, and tend to hug and express feelings physically. If your child has a more kinesthetic learning style, he will enjoy active and social 2176_Artspace_QuartPg_UBaby_Ad.pdf 1 11-07-11 12:53 PM settings like school and playgroups, and will also prefer activities

register now for classes starting january 2012.

young nurturing minds

Exceptional

Infant & Toddler Daycare Program

artspace is a brand new centre in Burnaby Heights for children ages 6 months to 12 years.

Our prepared natural environment will allow your child to reach his or her full potential.

kinderheart@telus.net

www.kinderheart.ca

• Visual Arts: Art Exploration, Clay Creations, Architecture, Cartooning, Mixed Media Creations

• Dance: Dance Expression, Exploring Movement, Boys Only • Theatre: Drama Adventures, Theatre Exploration, Musical Theatre • Music: Musical Adventures, Songs & Movement, Music Exploration, Singing Adventures

Visit us today!

604.460.8558

[ colour your child’s world and shape their future ]

[Learn more and register at artspaceforchildren.com]

KinderHeart Petite Osprey Village 10957 Barnston View Rd Pitt Meadows

22 | urbanbaby & toddler | www.urbanbaby.ca | winter 11

4588 Hastings St, Burnaby | 778.989.9051 | info@artspaceforchildren.com

where he gets to use his body, like dance or sports.

For kinesthetic babies, it is important to let them touch and mouth objects. This is how babies learn in general, but it is especially important for kinesthetic babies. They will also like to be held more, and require extra hugs and rough and tumble play. They like soft and comfortable clothing, and may be particularily bothered by tags on clothing, or anything itchy or tight.

To get your kinesthetic child’s attention, bring yourself to your child’s eye level and either affectionately touch her arm or lightly hold her hand while speaking. That physical contact will grab and retain her attention.

Children with visual learning styles tend to be quite meticulous about their belongings. They spend hours arranging their toys, or choosing their clothes. They do not like it when others “mess up” their toys, or use them in different ways. Visual children can easily entertain themselves. They sometimes can seem bothered by friends, but it is because they are a little more peculiar about how things should look.

They are often very strong readers, excellent with visual arts, and quite detail-oriented.

Visual babies like toys that are visually stimulating, like mirrors, patterns, and colours. As infants, they will enjoy looking at you and exploring your features, as well as their own.

Visual children love books, especially ones with beautiful or complex illustrations. They will often diverge from the story to talk about the image, which is something parents should encourage.

For visual learners, it is best when parents talk to them at their eye level, and look at them as they speak.

Although learning styles are good to keep in mind when choosing toys and activities for your child, it is important to provide sensorial stimulation of every type to your little one. This ensures essential connections in the brain are made and reinforced in more than one way. Only focusing on one type of learning would be equal to teaching a child math, but not reading because he is strongest at it.

Children form their strongest connections when an experience calls for all of their senses. ] Natacha V. Beim is a writer, speaker, teacher, and the founder of Core Education & Fine Arts Junior Kindergarten schools (www.cefa.ca). You can reach her at www.natachabeim.com

urbanbaby & toddler | www.urbanbaby.ca | winter 11 | 23

by Dr. Michal Regev

RELATIONSHIPS

MY BROTHER’S KEEPER: How Siblings Affect Each Other, Why They Fight and How Parents Can Help Ryan, 2.5: (crying) “Mommy, Aiden hit me!”

Aiden, 4: (crying) “He started it! He pushed me first!”

Mom: (yelling) “Stop it, both of you, or we’re not going to the park!”

IS THERE AN IDEAL AGE GAP BETWEEN SIBLINGS?

Many people believe that the closer siblings are to each other in age the more likely they are to be good friends.

Research, however , does not support this notion. In reality, what predict good sibling relationships are the quality of relationships in the family in general, including the parents relationship and siblings personally traits.

Sounds familiar? If you have two or more children, especially if they are close in age, this is likely familiar. In fact, over 80% of surveyed parents say their kids fight, scream or cry almost every day.

Parents often intervene and manage to restore calm only to be faced with a similar scenario an hour or a day later. Siblings also show deep affection for each other quite often. They may hug and kiss, play and laugh together, miss each other when they’re apart and come to each other’s help when they are hurt.

Many adults say that they have had “love-hate” relationships with their siblings. While “hate” may be a strong word, research into sibling relations has shown that these are highly complex, often ambivalent relationships, which start when a second child is born into the family, evolve through the years and significantly shape us for the rest of our lives.

It is a well-documented fact that the closer siblings are in age the more they tend to fight; they may fight over toys, they may fight over who gets to use a device first, who gets served first, their seating arrangement or for no apparent reason at all. The truth is that the immediate cause of the fight does not really matter because the real reason that siblings fight is because they are competing for their parents’ love and attention. If you think for a moment of the issues of survival and evolution, then these fights make a lot of sense; after all, when resources are sparse, the child who receives more nurturing, care and food has a greater chance of survival. Thus, love, attention and survival are inter-connected because a parent is likely to pay more attention to a loved child which, in turn, increases the child’s chances of survival. In the most simplistic terms, love=attention=survival.

You may ask then, why, in an affluent society where resources are in abundance, siblings still fight. The answer is that it is not that kids or even parents consciously think about survival but many of our behaviours today have evolved in our brain over the ages. This is also the reason that, in most cases, first-born misbehaviour starts when a sibling is born; before that, the need may not have been there to fight

Tania Zulkoskey Counselling

r

Relationships • Fertility • Parenting LGBTQ • Trauma • Stress

24 | urbanbaby & toddler | www.urbanbaby.ca | winter 11

r

604-771-8647 (East Vancouver) www.tzcounselling.ca tzcounselling@yahoo.ca

over love or resources. Many of us witnessed a toddler going back to baby-like behaviours following the birth of a new sibling; toddlers often become clingier, cry more, wet themselves after having been toilet-trained, demand to nurse after having been weaned or go back to disrupted sleep patterns.

It may be interesting to note that a recent study out of the U.S. found that, following the birth of a new baby, if an older sibling is younger than three years old, the older sibling’s level of growth hormone decreases and is low in comparison with the average level in a child who does not have a younger sibling. As you may know, the major role of the growth hormone is stimulating body growth. This, of course, is an involuntary process that occurs in the body of the older child, which, scientists hypothesize, is meant to slow down the physical growth of the older child. It is as if the older child is trying to remain as small as possible in order to increase the likelihood of receiving care and nourishment when a strong competitor—their baby sibling—is likely to be cared for first.

If, indeed, these behaviours are driven by survival instincts, why do siblings keep fighting beyond the first few years of life when they are no longer fully dependent on their parents for survival? The answer, simply put, is love. Specifically, it has to do with the fact that, as human beings, we all need to feel loved in order to thrive. Whereas food and shelter are essential for our physical survival, feeling loved is associated with emotional well-being. In turn, emotional well-being is associated with personal thriving and longevity. Thus, when kids fight over who got a bigger gift, who is going to use the Wii first or who is going to sit next to mommy, they are fighting over who is loved more.

“But”, you may ask, “can’t a fight over a toy be just that? A fight over a toy?” or “sometimes siblings fight because they are just bored or tired, don’t they?” The answer is that human behaviour is driven by fundamental forces or needs. Sibling rivalry is driven by kids’ need for reassurance of the love their parents have for them.

Reading this, you may start to figure out the answer to the question why parents’ success in resolving the issue of sibling rivalry is only minimal. The answer is that when parents respond to the explicit reason for a fight, for example, a snatched toy, they are addressing only the surface issue, the tip of the iceberg, leaving the underlying issues unresolved. When parents realize that the deeper reason for fighting is the yearning for attention and love, they will understand why the fights are recurring; moreover, they will understand that their children are not having many fights. Rather, they are having the same fight over and over again, each time disguised differently.

Sibling relationships are extremely important. Many times, they are the longest relationships a person will have in his or her life.

These relationships can be a source of love, support and strength or they can be a source of pain and disappointment. When siblings are emotionally distant from one another they are missing out on an enormous source of nurturing emotional energy. As parents, we have an excellent opportunity to facilitate and enhance these relationships. ]

How to facilitate positive relationships among siblings:

7 Golden Tips for Parents 1. Remember that your kids are not fighting over a

toy or over who is going to be first in line; they are fighting for your love!

2. Be generous with both verbal and physical affection to each child.

3. Spend as much quality time with each child separately.

4. Encourage activities where all of the kids belong to the same team and have to collaborate to achieve a goal.

5. Avoid favouring one child over another; their fighting will only intensify if you do.

6. Encourage and praise each child as much as you can but be genuine; kids can easily pick up on fake communication.

7. Take good care of yourself and take steps to

manage your stress level so you are able to do all of the above!

Dr. Michal Regev is a registered psychologist and marriage and family therapist practicing in Vancouver. She can be contacted through her website at www.drregev.com urbanbaby & toddler | www.urbanbaby.ca | winter 11 | 25

Great goods brush buddies Gentle on children’s gums! Brush Buddies™ Poppin’ are made of safe, lead-free ABS material and non-toxic paint that will not flake off with regular use, because your child’s health is important to us.

Made of only soft nylon bristles for child comfort and safety.

Easy to use for kids to use - simply remove the toothbrush cap (character’s head), press the belly button, and the brush will pop up!

FIND IT: www.kippokids.com

oops! sheet Night time potty training can be stress free thanks to Oops! Sheet™. The award-winning fitted bed sheet is both discreet and machine washable.

It features plush cotton on one side and a waterproof, breathable barrier on the other.

Perfect for night time potty training wee folks as well as for older kids that still have the occasional oopsie.

Available in Twin, Double, Queen, and the new Crib/Toddler size.

FIND IT: www.oopssheet.com

taslie skin care A great product for cold and flu season!

NEW Ollie’s Happy Hand Sudz by Taslie Skin Care is specially formulated to gently cleanse, moisturize and kill harmful bacteria, naturally on your little one’s hands. Mild enough for frequent use, it will leave your hands super soft and smooth. Fresh fruity scent of pink grapefruit essential oil. 295/10 floz. PET recyclable “Octopus” bottle.

FIND IT: www.taslie.com

Bamboo & Organic Cotton

thermal, fleece and interlock garments thermal knit - soft, warm lightweight layering sets fleece dresses and shirts - cosy winter outerwear underwear sets suitable for all seasons

littleMoSo for little people and their followers ...

26 | urbanbaby & toddler | www.urbanbaby.ca | winter 11

made locally in North Vancouver BC

modern-twist placemat This meal-time placemats are doodle-friendly, presented in a “Kidz Box” complete with a set of 6, non-toxic dry-erase markers for drawing.

Every silicone placemat features a non-porous and germ-free surface, free of BPA, lead, latex, phthalates and other harsh chemicals.

Promoting the idea to save paper/ save trees, the placemat can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth or rinsed with water, allowing your child to color again and again.

FIND IT: Saf & Benjamin, Vancouver jack & lola, North Vancouver

gro-clock The Gro-clock sleep clock uses fun images of the stars and sun to communicate when to go back to sleep and when it’s time to get up. Parents set the clock to display a cheerful smiley sun at progressively later times of morning, training the child to get up only once they “see the sun”.

The clock, which functions as a sleep trainer, comes with a beautifully illustrated book, which helps to encourage children to stay in bed longer. The clock also features an optional digital clock display to accompany the stars to sun countdown.

FIND IT: Saf & Benjamin, Vancouver jack & lola, North Vancouver Active Baby, West Vancouver, Baby On Board, Richmond & Coquitlam

Your Pre & Post Birth Resource We specialize in nuRsing bras, clothing and accessories.

Breast pump sales and rentals.

Best baby carriers on the planet

Visit us at www.roomfor2.ca to view our amazing products.

Room For 2 Maternity & Baby

baby trekker • glaMoUrMoM

Maya wrap slings • balboa slings

ergo baby carriers • bravado

604-255-0508 • 1409 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, B. C. Open 7 Days a Week – Free Parking in Rear kUshies • bUMMis urbanbaby & toddler | www.urbanbaby.ca | winter 11 | 27

Great goods zoli baby Buzz B is a battery operated nail trimmer safe & gentle for newborns to toddlers 0-2 years of age. It safely trims nails with a gentle yet effective oscillating action. The cushioned pads are specially designed for baby’s nails so it won’t harm surrounding skin. With two different power settings, parents can control the speed. Buzz B includes 1 AA battery, 4 different pads of varying textures (2 infant / 2 toddler) and a compact case for easy portability or storage.

Gummy Sticks have ergonomic handles so it’s easy for baby’s to hold and textured nubs to gently massage gums and teeth. Easy to grasp handle is reminiscent of toothbrushes helping to establish early dental hygiene. The anti-choke prevents over-insertion. BPA & Phthalate free.

FIND IT: My Little Green Shop, Vancouver Lusso Baby, North Vancouver Active Baby, West Vancouver Baby On Board, Richmond & Coquitlam

28 | urbanbaby & toddler | www.urbanbaby.ca | winter 11

babycakes The Babycakes cake pop maker brings the family fun and delicious cake pops trend into your own kitchen. Bake 12 cake pops or donut holes in just minutes. Add sticks and a touch of creative decorating for perfect cake pops in no time! The non-stick coating makes baking and clean up fun and easy. The manual includes a variety of tips and recipes that will help you get the most out of this great product.

FIND IT: www.thebabycakesshop.com Bed, Bath & Beyond Canadian Tire

my carry potty

kula klips

My carry potty was invented by a mother for parents to help with the challenges of potty training. It is made from high quality, durable plastic. Clip shut lid, completely leak and odor-proof, for when there is no way to empty right away.

No disposable bags, which is better for the environment.

Not only is ideal for home, but is also perfect for when you are out and about, on holidays or long journeys.

Exclusive strong hold clips will not damage clothing and will stay attached ensuring you will never lose another mitten again! Available for both boys and girls, in over a hundred of designs and colors to match any jacket.

FIND IT: www.kulaklips.com

FIND IT: www.mycarrypotty.com jack & lola, North Vancouver

songs with my name SongsWithMyName.com’s ever-growing collection of personalized children’s music is designed to help kids learn, gain self-confidence, improve social skills and inspire imagination...all while singing and dancing along with their favourite characters. Choose from Disney to Sesame Street to nursery rhymes, lullabies and more. Visit our website at www.SongsWithMyName.com to hear your child’s name in their very own song!

FIND IT: www.SongsWithMyName.com

WIN a customizable CD collection value at $200.00 Enter online at WWW.URBANBABY.CA

urbanbaby & toddler | www.urbanbaby.ca | winter 11 | 29

by Felicia Lee

CEO MOM

NETWORKING –

The Why and The How

W

e moms are a social bunch. We excel in hosting social events, dinner gettogethers, and know what it takes to organize on a talk-of-the-town birthday party for our children. However, when it comes to networking for business purposes, I find a whole different story. Many moms who are social butterflies in their circle of friends tend to shy away, feel awkward, or become tongue-tied when it comes to talking about their business. While leading a seminar on “Networking Best Practices” for a group of business owners, less than 10% of the room put up their hands when asked “How many feel comfortable networking and talking about their business?”

Networking is an essential part of business and can be both productive and pleasurable when done properly.

Networking isn’t about collecting business cards, hunting down a potential client and pestering them until they buy from you. It is not about passively displaying your products or business cards while standing in the corner hoping that someone will take notice and ask what you do.

The key to business success is having sufficient people knowing about your products and services, liking who you are and what you do, and trusting you to be a credible person to do business with.

People do business with those that they know, like, and trust. It is all about building relationships.

People have to get to know you before they can determine if they like or trust you. If you have a very small network of people to sell to, you’ll run out of prospective customers quickly. One of the very first things I look at with my clients is how visible they are in their current marketplace. Networking is a great method, to build visibility for your company.

There are several things that need to be in place for networking to be done correctly. Check out business events happening in your region. During a networking event take the time to speak to people and learn about what they do, Think about how you can help them in their business and others you can introduce them to.

When someone asks you about your business, educate them on what you do. Notice I didn’t say “sell them”? People don’t typically buy from you the first time they meet you. The first time someone meets

Expecting A Baby?

Are you a new Mom or Dad?

JOIN TODAY AND RECEIVE FREE STUFF. the best services for you!

Go to www.newmom.ca and enter code- 153-7861-1

You will receive free gifts, money saving coupons, special offers and much more.

30 | urbanbaby & toddler | www.urbanbaby.ca | winter 11

you, they first want to find out a little more about you. If you are clear about what you offer and know what type of clients or customers you’re looking for, your new contact may put you in touch with someone they know. Mingle and converse with people throughout networking events, A crucial part of networking is following up. If someone you met is interesting or seems interested in learning more about what you do, set time for following up with them regarding any information gathered while networking. Sharing information is a splendid way to build connections with people.

Networking is a great method, to build visibility for your company.

Another significant reason to participate in networking is learning about helpful information. In many networking events there are typically speakers sharing relevant business topics that might interest you. You might meet that accountant who can help you with your tax question, or find an Internet Marketer who knows how to raise your page rank on Google.

Networking has enabled me to build a support system for running my own business. I have met many strategic alliances, referral

partners, and service providers through networking events.

Some have even become good friends and are part of my mastermind. If you don’t have a strong team of people with complementary skills to support you or mentor you, network so you can find them.

While it may seem energy and time consuming to go to events and talk to people that you don’t know, the strong alliances you build with people will likely help you grow your business through referrals.

If you are new in business and uncomfortable with sales, networking is a great way to learn and practice the ability to talk about what you do. (Hint: If you are unfamiliar with selling skills and how to hold great conversations, there is nothing like observing more experienced business owners in action here). You’ll find that as you practice more, your confidence will build, and confidence is a key factor in obtaining new clients. ] Felicia Lee is a business coach with GhostCEO (ghostceo.com). Get business tips on how to build a successful business as a mom entrepreneur; subscribe to her newsletter at vancouvermombusinesscoach.com.

Photo Courtesy of Vairdy Photography www.vairdy.com

LOCAL NETWORK ORGANIZATIONS Entrepreneurial Moms www.entrepreneurialmoms.com Momcafe www.momcafenetwork.com BNI Canada www.bnicanada.ca EWomenNetwork www.new.ewomennetwork.com

SOCIAL MOMMY GROUPS Shop ‘n Stroll Fitness www.shopnstroll.com Mommy Connections www.mommyconnections.ca Mommy Meetup Groups www.meetup.com Modern Mama www.modernmama.ca urbanbaby & toddler | www.urbanbaby.ca | winter 11 | 31

INVEST IN KIDS SURVEY: How Well Do Canada’s Communities Support Parents of Young Children?

by Marilee Peters

POSTPARTUM

S

nap quiz! Quick, without reaching for any of the parenting books on your shelf, googling, or asking your Mom for her opinion, what would you say are the correct responses to the following statements?

1. Babies are learning from the moment they are born.

2. The influence of parents is absolutely critical to the way a child turns out as an adult.

3. Parent’s emotional closeness with their baby can strongly 4.

influence a child’s intellectual development.

If a baby does not receive stimulation his/her brain will not develop as well as a baby who does receive stimulation.

So what do you think? True or False?

I’ll cut the suspense: all of the above statements are true, and the good news is, lots of parents in Canada today know that they’re true.

In fact, Invest in Kids, a national organization that supports healthy parenting in Canada (or did, until last fall when they were forced to close their doors for lack of funding – but that’s another story) found that when they asked parents across Canada these four questions in an online survey, people got the answers right, fairly consistently.

The results of that survey showed that, based on these questions, parents’ level of awareness about the importance of the early years was encouragingly high: 94% of moms agreed that babies learn from the moment they’re born, and 86% of dads thought that too. 82% of mothers and 79% of fathers agreed that as parents they are absolutely critical to their child’s future development, and 79% of mothers thought that their emotional closeness to their baby influences his or her intellectual development. 74% of mothers agreed that stimulation was important to developing their baby’s brain, and 65% of fathers were on board with that statement as well.

Oh, if only they had stopped there, we could all feel good about ourselves.

Doctor Recommended Taslie Skin Care Ltd. takes great care to create products that are gentle on the most sensitive skin. All our products are packaged in cute, fun, recyclable & biodegradable packaging.

NEW PRODUCT! ORDER NOW! Head to Toe Wash 210ml is a 3 in 1 product and can be used on the hair, body or as a natural bubble bath. This product is also available in our convenient “Grande” 16 oz refill size.

Taslie Skin Care Ltd. is accredited by Choose Cruelty Free and is a part of Living Safe

www.taslie.com

32 | urbanbaby & toddler | www.urbanbaby.ca | winter 11

But the Invest in Kids study continued on, asking parents a total of 10 more true/false questions to gauge their knowledge of early child development, probing to find out what parents thought children should be able to do at six months, a year and two years. Turns out parents got a lot fewer answers right to those questions. Here’s an example: “Infants as young as six months consciously know how to manipulate parents”. True or False?

Well, that’d be false – there are no Machiavelli’s in diapers and onesies out there, scheming on how to get us up out of bed for just one more night-time feeding. Yet only 38% of mothers were able to answer that question correctly, and just 24% of fathers. That leaves 3 out of every 4 dads who suspect their babies might be trying to pull one over on them, and nearly two-thirds of moms.

Overall, what did the researchers conclude about parents? Well, they summed it up with the kind of one-liner that as a kid, you never, ever wanted to have to bring home on your report card: “Parents’ knowledge about child development is substantially lacking.” Ouch.

We got an “F”. And let’s not even get into how parents did on the “Parenting Behaviour” and “Parenting Confidence” sections of the study (suffice it to say – not good).

“But how can this be?” I found myself wondering for days after I read the report. We’re all living in the midst of the greatest information explosion ever – shouldn’t that make us better informed? Sure, the sheer volume of information that’s out there can make picking out the truth from the midst of the gone-viral urban myths and celebrity parent gossip occasionally challenging, but parenting and child development experts since at least the time of Dr. Spock have been pretty much unanimous that babies cry because they need something, not because they want to control us, and that babies cannot be “spoiled” by too much attention. So how is it that this message, and other basics of child development, aren’t getting through?

Here’s the thing: I clearly remember when my daughter was very young, my elderly relatives and neighbours would scold me for holding her too much, telling me, “you’re spoiling that baby!” Now, possibly she was spoiling me, because as an enraptured new mom, I was spending most of the day on the couch staring at this wonderful, perfect new person. However, occasionally in response to this hectoring I would put the baby down or hand her over to someone else and go off and take a shower, make a meal, brush my teeth, or do some other basic life-sustaining task that I had completely forgotten about and which no longer seemed very important at all. And then I’d come back to her, refreshed and ready to resume my enchanted gazing and the marathon breastfeeding sessions that my baby seemed to relish so completely.

Those ladies – my aunts, my parents’ friends – were all experienced parents and grandparents who I love and respect. I’m pretty sure they raised their own children in loving homes with plenty of attention and care. What they were trying to tell me, out of their own experience as parents, was: “Don’t wear yourself out. Remember to take care of yourself. Don’t try to give your baby so much love and attention you’ve got nothing left for yourself.” And they backed up that advice by being there to make sure I got to take some occasional time-outs.

In other words, they were trying to support me as a new mom, by giving me a) some advice they thought I needed to hear, and b) some concrete help (by watching the baby so that I could have an hour or so to myself). It’s that combination of information and help that is so powerful, especially for overwhelmed new parents. It’s called support, and it’s a key part of what helps us to translate information into knowledge that we can use. It’s also, unfortunately, a missing element in the lives of many of the parents I know these days.

We can read every book by every parenting expert, follow every blog, and it still won’t necessarily make us better parents. I know that sometimes I’ve done so much research on an issue that my kids are having -- clinginess at the daycare door, bedwetting, nightmares, you name it – I end up feeling like I’m inside The Far Side cartoon where the student raises his hand and says, “Mr. Osborne, may I be excused? My brain is full.” While my brain is full, I may still be unable to deal with the troubling child behaviour that drove me to the computer screen in the first place.

Support, whether that means offering some respite time as my aunties did, or simply a receptive ear and an opportunity to

discuss and think through our latest parenting dilemma to find the best solution for our own family situation, is what keeps us going as parents. But when Grandma lives across the country, or works 9-5, and there isn’t a readily identifiable substitute within your circle of friends or co-workers, what do you do? Use your community resources – the drop-ins, the parent circles, the library storytimes, to help find and build a network of support, is one suggestion.

And here is another suggestion. Be the support you need, for someone else. Let it start with you: the listening, the sharing of information and resources and experiences, the friendship that sustains us all through our parenting adventures and occasional misadventures.

Invest in Kids may be right, we may have a lot still to learn, but we can help each other along the way. Because after all, it takes a village to raise a parent, right?

The parent survey from Invest in Kids, Vital Communities, Vital Support: How well do Canada’s communities support parents of young children? is available online at www.beststart.org. ] Marilee Peters is the Acting Executive Director of the BC Council for Families, a provincial non-profit organization dedicated to informing, supporting and advocating for parents, kids and families and the people who work with families in communities across BC. With two tweens, she’s no longer getting up for night-time feedings, but she still appreciates getting support as a parent.

urbanbaby & toddler | www.urbanbaby.ca | winter 11 | 33

by Leanne Davis

POSTPARTUM

NURSING STRIKE:

When Baby Refuses to Breastfeed

E

ight-month-old to the day and my baby girl stopped nursing. Not a peaceful stop, an all of a sudden, scream-hysterically-near-my-breasts kind of a stop. Is this it? Was she suddenly weaning herself?

Talk about emotional with a capital E. Giving my baby breast milk was important to me. We had worked so hard on our breastfeeding relationship.

While weaning technically begins with the very first bite of solid food and is a gradual process, a sudden stop usually means a nursing strike. Most strikes last between 2-4 days. Strike theories abound: teething, change in routine, distracted or stressed Mom, ear infection, thrush, Mom’s reaction to a bite, change in the taste of Mom’s milk, a new deodorant, soap, perfume, lotion or my favourite; for no reason at all. Sadly, the cause is often only revealed in hindsight and I can now see my daughter was having a rough time.

My mind was everywhere. Worry. How will I feed her? Guilt. What did I do? Rejection. She doesn’t need me. I panicked. She’s going to starve. I pumped and fed her a bottle. Wrong, apparently if I want her to nurse again. My Internet hunt for advice revealed vague recommendations including this helpful tip: It was “time to reaffirm my commitment to breastfeeding.” Ummmm, I have always been committed. Should I walk in a circle, Shaman-like, casting boobfeeding spells over my daughter? Reaffirm my commitment? What the heck does that mean?

Thank goodness for the La Leche league website offering some calming and rational advice, namely to relax and refocus. Mama, forget about all the boxes that need packing and take time to reconnect with your baby. Close the drapes and cuddle up, skin to skin. Your baby will likely still refuse to nurse but at least you are not taking it personally (anymore!). If mayhem ensues in your usual nursing position, try your feeding attempts while standing or rocking or while lying down. Wait to nurse until just after the baby falls asleep as some seemingly forget they are on strike and just cannot resist! Yes, you’ll need to keep pumping to maintain your milk supply and avoid blocked

ducts, especially if the strike-action carries on for a couple of days.

On day two of the strike the best thing I did was go to my family doctor. Not only was this doctor a father of four, he also delivered my brother thirty years ago. He had truly seen it all and I was counting on his experience. I now know “time to reaffirm your commitment to breastfeeding” means: You better be committed because you will need to starve her until she gets back to norm. After eliminating a physical cause like an earache or infection the doctor declared my daughter, “one healthy girl.” He then asked me if I wanted to keep giving her breast milk? Answering yes, my options were to pump and feed with a bottle, or to wait until she was hungry enough to nurse.

Wanting to keep nursing the old-fashioned way, I went with option two.

Ok baby, buckle up! Four hours, a few failed nursing attempts and many tears later (hers and mine), I got creative with another La Leche League recommendation. Picture me on hands and knees, boob hanging over my daughter, who is lying on the floor, dripping milk into her mouth. Then scoop, pop, she’s on! Deep breaths. Calm thoughts.

Admittedly, it took a couple of the drip, scoop, pop methods but then we were back on track.

I didn’t realize how much my self-esteem, as Mom and as a woman, was linked to nursing my baby until it stopped suddenly. I certainly didn’t anticipate how devastated I would feel. I am comforted knowing a strike is normal, surmountable and can happen for even the most ‘perfect’ of mothers. My baby is now 20 months old and even if I wanted her to stop nursing, she’s not done yet! ] Leanne Davis lives in Richmond with her hubby and 20 month old daughter Freya. In addition to being a Mom, Leanne works part-time as a personal trainer and fancying herself a writer, has just submitted a children’s book manuscript.

BREASTFEEDING RESOURCES For Additional Breastfeeding Info & Support refer to Page 36 of the Winter 2011 urbanbaby & toddler magazine.

La Leche League Canada • www.lllc.ca

Provides breastfeeding information, support from a trained LLLC Leader by phone, email or at a local group

Vancouver Breastfeeding Centre www.breastfeedingclinic.com

Support breastfeeding and to help mothers and babies overcome their problems so that they can breastfeed successfully

RECOMMENDED READING The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding The Nursing Mother’s Companion: Revised Edition The Complete Book of Breastfeeding 34 | urbanbaby & toddler | www.urbanbaby.ca | winter 11

ON THE TOWN December 2011 Nov 14 - Dec 2: Festival of Trees Four Season Hotel, Van Live entertainment, holiday treats and children’s activities www.viu.ca/festival

Nov 26 - Jan 1: Heritage Christmas Burnaby Village Museum, 6501 Deer Lake Ave, Bby. An old-fashioned holiday with entertainment. www.burnabyvillagemusemum.ca

Dec 3 - 24 11-3:30pm: Holiday Traditions at Kids Market Santa, holiday sing-a-long, magic shows on select days www.kidsmarket.ca

Dec 1 - 23: Carol Ships Parade of Lights Vancouver Harbour decorated boats and 100,000 lights www.carolships.org

Dec 2 - Jan 1: Canyon Lights Capilano Suspension Bridge 3735 Capilano Rd. N.Van. Sparkling lights through the park, gingerbread cookie decorating, music.

Admission charged www.capbridge.com

Dec 2 - Jan 2, 3-10pm: Bright Nights Stanley Park, Van. Train ride through twinkling forest,animated displays, hot chocolate.

Admission applies www.vancouver.ca/parks/events/ brightnights

WINTER FUN Dec 3, 4pm: Christmas Parade of Lights, Downtown N.West Music, floats, toys, lights www.hyack.bc.ca

Dec 3, 6pm: Magic of Christmas Parade, East down Fraser Hwy from 204 to 207 St, Langley www.downtownlangley.com

www.bakersmarket.com

Jan 21, 9-5pm: Royal City Kids Fair, N West. Bobs & Lolo, activities for kids Free event www.royalcitykids.com

February 2012

Dec 4, 4-8pm: Christmas in the Maple Ridge Memorial Peace Park Hot chocolate, photos with Santa, arts & crafts, music. www.mapleridge.ca

www.urbanbaby.ca

Dec 6, 1pm: Rogers Santa Claus Parade, Van. Downtown W Georgia St at Howe. Dazzling floats, Santa, treats & music

Ongoing Events

Dec 10- Jan 2, 4:30-9pm: Festival of Lights, Van Dusen Botanical Garden, 5251 Oak St Van. Highlights include Santa’s livingroom, dancing, lights, choirs www.vandusen.org

Dec 17 - 18, 9-11:30am: Breakfast with Santa Vancouver Convention Centre Ballrooms, 999 Cambie St. Van Buffet style breakfast, Santa, family entertainment.

Buy tickets in advance www.christmas.canadaplace.ca

Dec 24: The Peak of Christmas Grouse Mountain N.Van. Sleigh rides, choirs, ice skating, Santa’s reindeer. www.grousemountain.com

Dec 3 - 10, 11-3pm: Bakers Market Holiday cookies, cakes, pies, cupcakes and much more

January 2012

Feb 10, 1-4pm: urbanbaby & toddler magazine Appreciation Day. Enjoy snacks, swag bag, giveaways, prizes and meet our writers and advertisers

www.rogerssantaclausparade.com

SPOTLIGHT

URBANMOM

Shop ‘n Stroll Fitness Various Weekdays Mom & Baby Fitness Class Sponsored by your local Shopping Centre.

Free to Attend.

Registration required www.shopnstroll.ca

Salsa Babies & Salsa Tots Every Wednesday 9:30am & 11:00am.

Dance Class for Mom & Baby/ Toddler. Sponsored by Brentwood Town Centre.

Free to Attend.

Registration required runnersandbootiesfitness.com

Movies For Mommies Weekly Shows of New Releases. Grab bags and special guests. Stroller friendly, diaper change area. www.moviesformommies.com

Contact event organizers with info provided to confirm details

Want to be in our UrbanMom Spotlight?

Heather • Burnaby, BC Jayden 3 years and Maya 17 months 1. What’s the best

part about being a mom? Seeing them grow, learning new things and being able to experience all the stages with them.

2. What’s is your

favorite activity to do with your kids?

I love going out to the park or trying different seasonal activities.

3. What is your favorite

television show?

I love watching Glee, but started watching the New Girl.

4. What is the last

book you’ve read?

Water for Elephants

5. What is one product

or service you can’t live without?

I need to have my Starbucks breaks, which has turned into a kid’s event. It’s something I can share with Jayden and Maya outside of the house.

6. How do you find

“Mommy Time”?

Girls movie night every couple of months.

I’m lucky to have the grandparents close by so I’m able to do chores or run errands for myself while they look after the Jayden and Maya.

email us at urbanmom@urbanbaby.ca urbanbaby & toddler | www.urbanbaby.ca | winter 11 | 35

resource directory

• breastfeeding clinics and/or support............................. 36 • child care resource & referral....... 36 • children’s programs..................... 36 • circumcision................................. 36 • counselling................................... 36 • dental........................................... 36 • doulas.......................................... 36 • education..................................... 36 • fitness.......................................... 36 • food - nutrition............................. 36 • parent-and-tot programs.............. 37 • parent-and-tot storytimes............... 38 • photography................................ 38 • prenatal classes........................... 38 • public health services/nurses...... 38 • retailers - clothing, equipment, accessories & gifts....................... 39 • sleep consultants......................... 39 • support services.......................... 39 Breastfeeding Clinics and/or Support Abbotsford Health Unit 104–34194 Marshall Rd, Abbotsford 604-864-3400 Drop-in breastfeeding clinics & breast milk depot for breast milk bank

Breastfeeding Clinics and/or Support cont’d Newborn Hotline 604-737-3737 Telephone info & referral service for questions about babies birth to age 2. Open 24 hours. Serves Richmond & Vancouver.

North Shore Health Region 604-983-6700 Serving North & West Vancouver North Surrey Public Health Unit 220–10362 King George Hwy, Surrey 604-587-7900 Breastfeeding clinics by appt only Pacific Spirit Community Health Centre 2110 West 43rd Ave, Vancouver 604-261-6366 Breastfeeding clinics by appt only; avail Wed am Richmond Health Department 7000 Westminster Hwy, Richmond 604-233-3150 By appointment only, Weds, 1-3pm South Delta-Ladner Public Health Unit 4470 Clarence Taylor Way, Ladner 604-952-3550 Breastfeeding clinics by appt only

BC Women’s Hospital Breastfeeding Classes 4500 Oak St, Vancouver, 604-875-2282 Breastfeeding clinics by appt only

Tommy Douglas Library Drop-in Breastfeeding services 7311 Kingsway Burnaby, 604-522-3971 Classes on Thursdays from 1:00pm-3:00pm

Bloom Breastfeeding Centre 408-1033 David street Vancouver 604-609-3550 Breastfeeding by appt

Vancouver Breastfeeding Clinic 340–943 W Broadway, Vancouver 604-738-1912 www.breastfeedingclinic.com

Burnaby Hospital 3935 Kincaid St, Bby; 604-434-4211 Breastfeeding clinics by appt only

White Rock Public Health Unit 1185 Centre St, White Rock 604-542-4000 Breastfeeding clinics by appt only

Burnaby Region–Fraser Health Authority 604-918-7605 Drop-in breastfeeding services at two locations: • McGill Library, Program Room: Wed, 1–3 pm 4595 Albert St, Burnaby • Eastburn Community Centre: Thurs, 1–3 pm 7435 Edmonds, Burnaby

Child Care Resource & Referral Abbotsford Child Care Resource & Referral 105- 32885 Ventura Ave, Abbotsford 604-850-7934, www.childcarechoices.ca

Cloverdale Public Health Unit 17700 56 Avenue Surrey 604-575-5100

Child Care Options Resource & Referral 6878 King George Highway, Surrey 604-572-8032 childcareoptions@options.bc.ca www.childcareoptions.ca Serving Surrey, White Rock & Delta

Coquitlam Preventative Health Services 200–205 Newport Dr, Port Moody 604-049-7200 Breastfeeding clinics by appt only, There are nurses available to help with assistance

Eastside Family Place Licensed Occasional Childcare Mon-Fri 9:00 - 11:45am Child ages 18mos - 6years old 604-251-1018 www.eastsidefamilyplace.org

Guildford Public Health Unit 10233–153rd St, Surrey 604-587-4750 Breastfeeding clinics by appt only (available Tues afternoons & Fri mornings)

Langley Child Care Resource & Referral 20577 Fraser Hwy, Langley, 604-533-4425

La Leche League 604-520-4623 Serving the Lower Mainland www.lllc.ca Langley Public Health Unit 20389 Fraser Highway Langley 604-539-2900 Breastfeeding clinics by appt only Milk Bank at BC’s Children’s Hospital 4480 Oak St, Vancouver, 604-875-2282 Donate or receive breast milk

Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows CCRR Unit B 20758 Lougheed Highway Maple Ridge, 604-467-CARE (2273) www.childcarechoices.ca North Shore Child Care Resource & Ref 201–935 Marine Dr, N Van, 604-985-7138 Richmond Child Care Resource & Referral 190-7000 Minoru Blvd, Richmond 604-279-7020 Sea to Sky Child Care Resource & Referral • 38370 Buckley Ave, Squamish 604-815-4144 • Pemberton 1-877-894-6106 (Grace)

36 | urbanbaby & toddler | www.urbanbaby.ca | winter 11

Child Care Resource & Referral cont’d

Dental

Sunshine Coast Child Care Resource & Referral • 5520 Trail Ave, Sechelt; 604-885-5657 • 659 North Road, Gibsons; 604-886-3103 • Pender Harbour; 604-883-2827

Tot 2 Teen Dental Care* Dr. Anita B. Gartner Inc. #219-179 Davie Street, Van, 604-569-3669 www.tot2teendental.com admin@tot2teendental.com “Your child’s care is our focus.”

See ad on page 13

Vancouver Child Care Resource Centre 2772 E. Broadway, 604-709-5661 www.childcareresource.ca Westcoast Child Care Resource Centre 2772 East Broadway, Vancouver 604-709-5661 www.wstcoast.org Westcoast Family Info & Referral 2772 East Broadway, Vancouver 604-709-5699 www.wstcoast.org YMCA Child Care Resource & Referral Serving Burnaby, New Westminster, and the Tri-Cities (Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore and Belcarra) • Tri-Cities: 1130 C Austin Ave, Coquitlam 604-931-3400; triccrr@vanymca.org • Burnaby/New Westminster: 161-5172 Kingsway Burnaby 604-294-1109; www.vanymca.org Children’s Programs Aquaventures Swim Centre* “A Vancouver swimstation since 1984!”

Tropical warm water and excellent teachers make every lesson an aqua-adventure!

604-736-7946 www.aquaventuresswim.com See our ad on page 4 Jump Gymnastics Inc* Provides children the opportunities to become active for life. They oiffer a unique physical activity program for 6 month to 6 year olds in our child-inspired facility.

604-568-9690 www.jumpgymnastics.ca See our ad on Page 5 Kids Physio Group* The Kids Physio Group provides children with effective and fun treatments using specialized gross motor and sensory equipment.

604-730-6966 www.kidsphysio.ca See our ad on Page 5 Circumcision Pollock Clinics* Dr. Pollock is a pioneer in North America in developing a safe and virtually painless 30-second circumcision technique. Dr. Pollock has safely performed over 30,000 circumcisions (from newborn to six months) with an extremely low complication rate.

604-717-6200 www.circumcisionvancouver.com See ad on page 16

Doulas Doulas of North America (DONA) 1-888-788-DONA; www.DONA.org Doula Services Association, BC 604-515-5588; www.bcdoulas.org Education ArtSpace Children’s Arts Centre* A brand-new facility in Burnaby that delivers inspiring dance, music, theatre and visual arts classes for children ages 6 mos - 12 years. www.artspaceforchildren.com See our ad on page 22 Core Education & Fine Arts* Canada’s first Junior Kindergarten School cefa™ provides the child with all types of learning experiences, including teacher-led activities, as well as child-led activities.

11 Locations 604-708-2332 www.cefa.ca See our ad on Page 40 KinderHeart Montessori* KinderHeart Montessori Petite offers a new & exceptional infant & toddler daycare program. Our prepared natural environment will allow your child to reach their full potential. Visit us today!

10957 Barnston View Rd, Pitt Meadows 604-460-8558 www.kinderheart.ca See our ad on page 22 Fitness Runners and Booties* Runners and Booties Fitness offers specially designed fitness classes for mom and baby since 2005. Come try our new program Salsa Babies and Salsa Tots.

For information call 778-285-6265.

See our ad on page 10 Food–Nutrition BC Women’s Hospital Nutrition counselling for pregnant women.

Free service/no referral nec. 604-875-2330

Counselling

Corinne Eisler, Registered Dietitian, Pediatric Nutrition Expert* Corinne is a registered dietitian and pediatric nutrition expert that can help you with your child’s nutrition or feeding issues, and she will help you and your child to be a confident happy eater!

Visit www.eislerforkids.ca for more info.

See our ad on page 12

Tania Zulkoskey Counselling* Counselling can help strengthen relationshipos, sort out mixed feelings and process trauma. LGBTQ welcomed.

Your family story begins with you.

604-771-8647 tzcounselling@yahoo.ca See ad on page 24

Recipes to the Rescue* Recipes to the Rescue is a free newsletter for the everyday cook adding inspiration to the routine of daily cooking. Simple recipes full of fresh seasonal foods.

To receive the free seasonal newsletter, go to www.recipestotherescue.ca.

See our ad on page 12

*Denotes advertiser

Parent & Tot Programs

Parent & Tot Programs cont’d

Parent & Tot Programs cont’d

Parent & Tot Programs cont’d

BURNABY

FRASER VALLEY cont’d

PORT MOODY cont’d

VANCOUVER cont’d

Bonsor Recreation Centre 6550 Bonsor Ave, Burnaby, 604-439-1860

Newton Family Place, 604-572-8032

Port Moody Recreation Complex 300 Ioco Rd, P Moody, 604-469-4556 www.cityofportmoody.com

Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House 2131 Renfrew St, Vanc, 604-251-1225 Every Fri, 1–3:30 pm. Cantonese Family Drop-in free for parents with kids 6 & under.

Burnaby Family Place Drop-in for parents and their kids 0-6 yrs 410 Clare Ave, Burnaby, 604-299-5112

South Delta Family Place, 604-946-6622 Semiahmoo Family Place, 604-535-6263 Whalley Family Place, 604-580-2344

RICHMOND

LANGLEY

Cambie Centre 4111 Jacombs, Richmond, 604-233-8399

Douglas Recreation Centre 20550 Douglas Crescent, 604-514-2865

City Centre/Lang Centre 140–8279 Saba, Richmond, 604-233-8910

Langley Civic Centre 20699–29th Ave, Langley, 604-530-1323

Hamilton Centre 5140 Smith Dr, Richmond, 604-718-8055

Confederation Comm Centre 4585 Albert St, Burnaby, 604-294-1936

WC Blair Recreation Centre 2220 Fraser Hwy, Langley, 604-533-6170

Minoru Aquatic Centre 7560 Minoru Gate, Rmd, 604-718-8020

Eastburn Community Centre 7435 Edmonds St, Burnaby, 604-525-5361

Walnut Grove Comm Ctr & Aquatic Ctr 8889 Walnut Grove Drive, 604-882-0408

Richmond Family Place 8660 Ash St, 604-278-4336

NEW WESTMINSTER

Edmonds Community Centre 7282 Kingsway, Burnaby, 604-525-1671

Canada Games Pool & Fitness Centre 65 E 6th Ave, New West, 604-526-4281

Sea Island Centre 7140 Miller, Richmond, 604-718-8000

Eileen Dailly Leisure Pool & Fitness Centre 240 Willingdon Ave, Burnaby, 604-298-SWIM

Centennial Community Centre & Fitness 65 E. 6th Ave, New West, 604-777-5100

CG Brown Memorial Pool 3702 Kensington Ave, Burnaby, 604-299-9374 Cameron Recreation Centre 2523 Cameron St, Burnaby, 604-297-4456 www.parks@burnaby.ca

Movies for Mommies* Wednesdays, 12:30 pm Dolphin Theatre, 4555 E Hastings, Bby www.moviesformommies.com See ad on page 18 Willingdon Heights Community Centre 1491 Carleton Ave, Burnaby, 604-299-1446

Century House-Moody Park recCentre 620–8th St, New West, 604-519-1066 New Westminster Family Place #101-93 Sixth St, New West, 604-520-3666 Songs, crafts, parent education classes. All programs free, Mon - Sat, 9:30 - 11:30 am; Mon & Tues 1 - 3 pm.

Hastings Community Centre 3096 E Hastings, Vanc, 604-718-6200 Kensington Community Centre 5175 Dumfries, Vanc, 604-718-6200 Kerrisdale Community Centre 5851 W Boulevard, Vanc, 604-257-8100 Killarney Community Centre 6260 Killarney, Vanc, 604-718-8200 Kitsilano Community Centre 2690 Larch St, Vancouver, 604-257-6976

South Arm Centre 8880 Williams, Richmond, 604-718-8060 Steveston Centre 4111 Moncton, Richmond, 604-718-8080 Thompson Centre 5151 Granville Ave, Rmd, 604-718-8422 West Richmond Centre 9180 No 1 Rd, Rmd, 604-718-8400

Kitsilano Neighbourhood House Drop-in for paprents and their children 0-6 yrs. M-F, 9:30 - 11:30 am.

2325 W 7th Ave ,Vanc, 604-736-3588 Kitsilano Neighbourhood House @ Acadia Pk Multicultural drop-in for parents and their children 0-4 yrs. M, W, F, 10 - 11:30 am.

Acadia Park & Apartments, 2707 Tennis Crescent, UBC Campus, Vanc 604-736-3588

SURREY

Marpole Family Place 1305 W 70th Ave, Vanc, 604-263-1405

Cloverdale Recreation Center 6188 - 176th Street Surrey, 604-598-7960

Marpole–Oakridge Community Centre 990 W 59th Ave, Vanc, 604-257-8180

CLOVERDALE

Queensborough Community Centre 920 Ewen, New West, 604-525-7388

CloverValley Family Resource Place 604-671-9079

MAPLE RIDGE

Don Christian Recreation Centre 6220- 184 St, Surrey, 604-401-5003

Mount Pleasant Community Centre 1 Kingsway in Vancouver, 604-713-1888

Maple Ridge Public Library 130 - 22470 Dewdney Trunk Rd 604-467-7417

Fleetwood Community Centre 15996 - 84 Avenue Surrey, 604-501-5030

Mount Pleasant Family Centre 2910 St George St, Vanc, 604-872-5213

Guildford Recreation Centre 15105-105 Ave, Surrey, 604-502-6360

South Surrey Recreation Center 14601 - 20 Avenue Surrey, 604-592-6970

Movies for Mommies* Wednesdays, 12:30 pm The Rio Theatre, 1660 East Broadway (at the Commercial Skytrain station), Vancouver www.moviesformommies.com See ad on page 18

Surrey Sport & Leisure Co 16555 Fraser Hwy, Surrey, 604-501-5950

Renfrew Park Community Centre 2929 E 22nd Ave, Vanc, 604-257-8388

North Surrey Recreation Centre 10275–135 Street, Surrey, 604-502-6300

Riley Park Community Centre 50 E 30th Ave, Vancouver, 604-257-8545

VANCOUVER

Roundhouse Community Centre 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vanc, 604-713-1800

COQUITLAM Chimo Indoor Swimming Pool 620 Poirier, Coquitlam, 604-933-6027

NORTH VANCOUVER

City Centre Aquatic Complex 1210 Pinetree, Coquitlam, 604-927-6999

Delbrook recCentre 600 Queens Rd, North Vanc, 604-987-7529

Pinetree Community Centre 1260 Pinetree Way Coquitlam, 604-927-6960

Karen Magnusson recCentre 2300 Kirkstone Pl, N Vanc, 604-987-7529

Poirier Community Centre 630 Poirier, Coquitlam, 604-927-6010

Lynn Valley recCentre 3590 Mountain Hwy, N Vanc,604-987-7529

DELTA

Parkgate recCentre 3625 Banff Crt, N Vanc, 604-987-7529

Ladner Leisure Centre 4600 Clarence Taylor Crescent, Delta, 604-946-3310

Ron Andrews recCentre 931 Lytton, North Vanc, 604-987-7529

Sungod Recreation Centre 7815–112th St, Delta, 604-952-3075 Winskill Aquatic & Fitness Centre 5575 9th Avenue, Delta, 604-952-3005 FRASER VALLEY The Family Resource Program Network of the Lower Fraser Valley offers toy libraries, drop-in programs, support, art activities.

Alexandra Family Place, 604-535-0015 Bridgeview Family Place ,604-580-2344 Delta Family Place, 604-591-9262 Guildford Family Place, 604-583-3844 Kla-how-eya Aboriginal Centre of SACS 13629 – 108th Avenue, Surrey, 604-584-2008 Ladner Family Place, 604-946-0324 Langley Family Place, 604-534-7921

Seylynn recCentre 605 Mountain Hwy, N Vanc, 604-987-7529 William Griffith recCentre 851 W Queens Rd, N Vanc, 604-987-7529 W.V. Family Place Adventure Playground Bldg, Ambleside Park, 604-925-7172 PORT COQUITLAM Hyde Creek Recreation Centre 1379 Laurier, Port Coquitlam, 604-927-7946 www.portcoquitlam.ca Port Coquitlam Recreation Ctr 2150 Wilson, P Coquitlam, 604-927-7970 www.portcoquitlam.ca PORT MOODY Kyle Recreation Centre 125 Kyle St, P Moody, 604-469-4561 ww.cityofportmoody.com

Newton Recreation Centre 7120-136B St, Surrey, 604-501-5040

Britannia Community Centre 1661 Napier St, Vanc, 604-718-5800 Britannia Pool 1661 Napier St, Vanc, 604-718-5800 Champlain Heights 3350 Maquinna Dr, Vanc, 604-718-6575 Coal Harbour Comm Centre 480 Broughton, Vanc, 604-718-8222 Douglas Park Comm Centre 801 W 22nd Ave, Vanc, 604-257-8130 Dunbar Community Centre 4747 Dunbar, Vancouver, 604-222-6060 Eastside Family Place 1655 William St, Vanc, 604-255-9841 False Creek Community Centre 1318 Cartwright, Vanc, 604-257-8195

South Vancouver Family Place 7710 Nanaimo St, Vanc, 604-325-5213 Strathcona Community Centre 601 Keefer St, Vancouver, 604-713-1838 Sunset Pool 404 E 51st Ave, Vanc, 604-718-6505 Trout Lake Community Centre 3350 Victoria Dr, Vanc, 604-257-6955 Vancouver Aquatic Centre 1050 Beach Ave, Vanc, 604-665-3424 West End Community Centre 870 Denman St, Vanc, 604-257-8333 West Point Grey Community Centre 4397 W 2nd Ave, Vancouver, 604-257-8140 West Side Family Place 2819 W 11th Ave, 604-738-2819 WEST VANCOUVER West Vancouver Community Centre

urbanbaby & toddler | www.urbanbaby.ca | winter 11 | 37

Parent & Tot Programs cont’d

Parent & Tot Storytimes (FREE) cont’d

Parent & Tot Storytimes (FREE) cont’d

Prenatal Classes

WEST VANCOUVER cont’d

RICHMOND

VANCOUVER cont’d

780–22nd, West Vancouver, 604-925-7270

Brighouse–Main Branch 100–7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond, 604-231-6401

Renfrew VPL 2969 E 22nd Ave, Vanc, 604-257-8705

BC Women’s Hospital 604-875-2169

West Vancouver Family Place 750 - 17 Street, West Vancouver, 604-925-7000 Drop-in for parents/caregivers & preschool children (infant to 6 yrs)

Cambie Branch Cambie Shopping Plaza (SW corner) 150–11590 Cambie Road, Richmond 604-273-ABCD (2223)

Gleneagles Community Center 6262 Marine Drive West Vancouver, 604-921-2100

Ironwood Branch 8200–11688 Steveston Hwy, Richmond 604-231-6468

Parent & Tot Storytimes (FREE)

Steveston Branch 4111 Moncton, Richmond, 604-274-2012

Call or visit each branch for details.

ABBOTSFORD Clearbrook Library 32320 George Ferguson Way 604-859-7814, ext 229 MSA Centennial Library 33660 South Fraser Way 604-853-1753 Mount Lehman Library 5875 Mount Lehman Road 604-856-4988 BURNABY Bob Prittle Metrotown Branch 6100 Willingdon Ave, Burnaby, 604-436-5420 Cameron Branch 9523 Cameron, Burnaby, 604-421-5454 McGill Branch 4595 Albert, Burnaby, 604-299-8955 COQUITLAM Poirier St Branch 575 Poirier, Coquitlam, 604-937-4144 City Centre Branch 3001 Burlington Dr, Coquitlam, 604-927-3561 DELTA George Mackie Library 8440 112 St, Delta, 604-594-8155 Ladner Pioneer Library 4683 - 51 Street, Delta, 604-946-6215

SURREY Cloverdale Branch 5642–176A St, Surrey, 604-598-7320 Fleetwood Branch 15996–84 Ave, Surrey, 604-598-7340 Guildford Branch 15105–105 Ave, Surrey, 604-598-7360 Newton Branch 13795–70 Ave, Surrey, 604- 598-7400 Ocean Park Branch 12854–17 Ave, Surrey, 604-502-6304 Port Kells Branch 18885–88 Ave, Surrey, 604-598-7440 Strawberry Hill Branch 7399–122 St, Surrey, 604-501-5836 Whalley Branch 10347–135 St, Surrey, 604-588-5951 VANCOUVER Britannia VPL Branch 1661 Napier, Vancouver, 604-665-2222 Central Library VPL 350 W Georgia St, Vanc, 604-331-3663 Champlain Heights VPL 7110 Kerr St, Vancouver, 604-665-3955 Collingwood VPL Branch 2985 Kingsway, Vanc, 604-665-3953 Dunbar VPL Branch 4515 Dunbar, Vanc, 604-665-3968 Firehall Library 1455 W 10th Ave, Vanc, 604-665-3970

Tsawwassen Library 1321A - 56 Street, Delta, 604-943-2271

Fraserview VPL 1950 Argyle Dr, Vanc, 604-665-3957

MAPLE RIDGE

Hastings VPL 2674 E Hastings, Vanc, 604-665-3959

Maple Ridge Public Library 130 - 22470 Dewdney Trunk Rd., Mpl Ridge 604-467-7417 NEW WESTMINSTER New Westminster Public Library 716–6th Ave, New West, 604-527-4660 NORTH VANCOUVER Lynn Valley Main Library 1277 Lynn Valley Rd, N Vanc, 604-984-0286 Capilano Branch 3045 Highland Blvd, N Vanc, 604-987-4471 Parkgate Branch 3675 Banff Crt, N Vanc, 604-929-3727 PORT COQUITLAM Terry Fox Library 2470 Mary Hill Rd, Port Coq, 604-927-7999

Joe Fortes VPL 870 Denman, Vanc, 604-665-3972 Kerrisdale VPL 2112 W 42nd Ave, Vanc, 604-665-3974 Kensington VPL 1428 Cedar Cottage Mews, Vancouver, 604-665-3961 Kitsilano VPL 2425 MacDonald, Vanc, 604-665-3976 Marpole VPL 8386 Granville St, Vanc, 604-665-3978 Mount Pleasant VPL 370 E Broadway, Vanc, 604-665-3962 Oakridge VPL 101–650 W 41st Ave, Vanc, 604-665-3980

38 | urbanbaby & toddler | www.urbanbaby.ca | winter 11

Riley Park VPL 3981 Main St, Vancouver, 604-665-3964 South Hill VPL 6076 Fraser, Vancouver, 604-665-3965 Strathcona Community Library 592 Pender St, Vancouver, 604-665-3967 West Point Grey VPL 4480 W 10th Ave, Vanc, 604-665-3982

Douglas College 604-527-5476 Serving Rmd, N Delta, Sry, & Langley Lower Mainland Childbearing Society 604-878-1031/registrar@childbearing.org North Vancouver Health Department 604-983-6863 St. Paul’s Hospital 604-806-8298

WEST VANCOUVER

Public Health Services/Nurses

West Vancouver Memorial Library 1950 Marine, West Vanc, 604-925-7400

Burnaby Preventive Health Services 300–4946 Canada Way, Burnaby 604-918-7605

Photography Ashleigh Wells Photography* 778-228-7387 info@ashleighwellsphotography.com www.ashleighwellsphotography.com See our ad on page 34 Bopomo Pictures* Bopomo offers a modern and fresh approach to studio photography combining convenience, fun and affordability with high-quality photography.

Session fees only $29.95!

2631 W Broadway, Vanc; 604-678-1411 www.bopomo.ca See our ad on page 19 Jillian Kirby Baby* Trust those first moments of your baby’s life to newborn and baby specialist photographer Jillian Kirby. Discover the comfort, quality and attention to detail of working with a boutique baby photographer. www.jilliankirbybaby.com 604-807-6687 See our ad on page 17 Kia Porter Photography* Capturing fun, capturing chaos... capturing life! Candid portraiture in colour or black & white. On location or in the comfort of your own home.

Digital negatives always included! www.kiaporter.com 604-787-4236 See our ad on page 6 Leina Wade Photography* Enjoy custom photography by newborn and baby photo specialist Leina Wade.

You will love the comfort and quality that every session provides. www.leinawadephotography.com 604-341-1510 info@leinawadephotography.com See our ad on page 10 Plus One Photography* My aim is to capture a moment of your child and preserve it in a story. www.plusonephotography.com zeynep@plusonephotography.com See our ad on page 30 Studio 32 Photography* Photography for your tragically hip toddlers.

Libby loves being behind the camera to give you art from the heart. So go ahead and be silly, cool, naughty or shy! www.studio32photography.com See ad on page 24

Cloverdale Public Health Unit 17536–58th Ave, Sry, 604-575-5100 Coquitlam Preventive Health Srv 200–205 Newport, Pt Mdy, 604-949-7200 Guildford Public Health Unit 100–10233-153 St, Sry, 604-587-4750 Langley Public Health Unit 20389 Fraser Hwy, Lang, 604-539-2900 Maple Ridge Preventive Health Services 400-22470 Dewdney Trunk, Maple Ridge 604-476-7000 West Vancouver Community Health Centre New Westminster Preventive Health Services 537 Carnarvon, New West, 604-777-6740 Newton Public Health Unit 200–7337–137 St, Sry, 604-592-2000 North Delta Public Health Unit 11245–84 Ave, Delta, 604-507-5400 North Shore Community Health Services Central Community Health Centre 5th floor, 132 W Esplanade, North Vancouver, 604-983-6700 North Surrey Public Health Unit 220–10362 King George Hwy, Sry 604-587-7900 Pac Spirit Community Health Centre 2110 W 43rd Ave, Vanc; 604-261-6366 Parkgate Community Health Centre 2 Fl, 3625 Banff Crt, N Vanc,604-904-6450 Port Coq Preventive Health Services 2266 Wilson, Pt Moody, 604-777-8700 Port Moody Preventive Health Services 200-205 Newport, Pt Moody, 604-949-7200 Raven Song Community Health Centre 2450 Ontario St, Vanc, 604-709-6400 Richmond Health Department 8100 Granville Avenue, Richmond, 604-233-3150 Robert and Lily Lee Family Community Health Centre 1669 E Broadway, Van, 604-675-3980 S. Delta-Ladner Publ Health Unit 4470 Clarence Taylor, Ldner, 604-952-3550 South Community Health Office 6405 Knight St, Vanc; 604-321-6151 Three Bridges Community Health Centre 1292 Hornby St, Vanc; 604-736-9844

*Denotes advertiser

Public Health Services/Nurses cont’d Vancouver Community Health Services Evergreen Community Health Centre 3425 Crowley Dr, Vanc; 604-872-2511 2121 Marine Drive West Vancouver; 604-904-6200 White Rock Public Health Unit 15476 Vine Ave, Wh Rock, 604-542-4000 Retailers–Clothing, Equipment, Accessories & Gifts Active Baby* With the largest selection of active, outdoor and green products for newborn to 4, ACTIVE BABY is a destination of active families at its Capilano Mall location on the North Shore, and online at: www.activebaby.ca 604-986-8977 info@activebaby.ca See our ad on page 4 Along Comes a Baby* Along Come as Baby is 6000 sq ft of moms’ paradise. We have what moms what! Bum Genius, Phil & Ted’s, Graco, Peg Perego, Ergo, Peanut Shell, Medela, Avent & More.

Take exit 258 go east 1-1/2 blocks on L behind I-Hop. 436 W. Bakerview St., 104, Bellingham, WA www.alongcomesababy.com 360-671-5523 See our ad on Page 23 Baby On Board* Baby On Board sells strollers by Peg Perego, BOB, Maclaren, Mountain Buggy, Bugaboo, Baby Jogger, Valco Baby and Britax. We carry a carefully selected assortment of the finest baby products plus a complete assortment of care products.

Two locations: • Richmond Ctr Mall (Rmd), 604-273-0884 • Sunwood Square Mall (Coq), 778-285-8282 www.babyonboard.ca See our ad on page 17

Retailers–Clothing, Equipment, Accessories & Gifts cont’d

Retailers–Clothing, Equipment, Accessories & Gifts cont’d

Kids Market* Endlessly fun and fascinating stores! 30 unique shops and services for kids and kidsat-heart. Fashion, toys, games, costumes and more. Kids’ hair salon, play area and arcade. Open daily, 10 am - 6 pm.

1496 Cartwright, Granv Is, 604-689-8447 www.kidsmarket.ca See our ad on page 27

The Party Monkey Your online party supplies store* Western Canada’s new store. Carrying supplies for birthdays, baby showers, bridal, themes & other special occasions. www.thepartymonkey.ca or call 778-298-1777 or email info@thepartymonkey.ca See our ad on page 29

littleMoSo* Welcome to littleMoSo....Timeless bamboo/organic cotton designed for babies, children, women and the home.

Proudly handmade and sewn locally in Vancouver, B.C,. Canada Wrap your family in some of the softest and most practical fabics around! www.littleMoSo.com See our ad on 26

Taslie Skin Care Ltd* Natural organic skincare for babies and children. Mom created and trusted! Doctor recommended! taslieskincare@gmail.com www.taslie.com See our ad on Page 32

Lussobaby* Where discerning parents discover modern nursery furniture, stylish clothing for little ones, locally-made organic gifts. Plus essentials for meal time, bath time and play time.

1037 Marine Drive, North Vancouver 778-340-0648; www.lussobaby.ca See our ad on page 3 My Little Green Shop* An affordable eco-friendly lifestyle boutique.

Clothing, rainwear, accessories, diapers, nursery furniture, toys, gifts and more. www.mylittlegreenshop.com See our ad on page 7 New Mom Registry* Join this unique program today and receive free samples, money saving coupons, special offers and other gifts along with pregnancy and parenting tips and information.Enter Code 153-7861-1 www.newmom.ca See our ad on Page 30

Baby Bellhop* We offer a huge selection of cloth diapers and accessories to suit every budget.

Feeling overwhelmed ? We’re here to help.

Gives our program a whirl before you buy. bumGenius, GroVia, FuzziBunz, Thirsties, Flip, Rockin’ Green and more! www.babybellhop.com See ad on page 33

Oops! Sheet Inc. Night-time potty training just got easier!

Boost your child’s confidence with awardwinning Oops! Sheet. A waterproof, breathable fitted bedsheet. Ditch the night diaper and get yours today! Free shipping with code Urbanbaby and Toddler www.oopssheet.com See our ad on Page 23

Boomers and Echoes Kids & Maternity* The North Shore’s largest selection of new and quality consigned, newborn to size 8 and maternity and nursing wear. Furniture, carseats and strollers.

Serving families for over 28 years.

1985 Lonsdale, North Vancouver 604-984-6163 www.boomersandechoes.com See our ad on page 18

Oyaco Products Inc.* Oyaco Products is a distributor of innovative, safe and high-quality baby, maternity and children’s products. Visit our website to find a retailer near you. www.oyaco.com See our ad on page 2

Coco & Tini* Naturally pure hair and bath care for little ones info@cocoandtini.com www.cocoandtini.com See our ad on page 25

Room for Two* Room for Two is your best pre and post birth resource centre. Along with maternity and nursing wear, breastfeeding items such as bras and pumps are our specialty. Owner, Lorena, is a 20-year experienced doula and childbirth educator.

1409 Commercial Dr, Vancouver 604-255-0508 See our ad on page 27

Tomatoes Children’s Footwear* 102 - 1926 W 4th Ave, Vancouver 604-433-6448 www.tomatoesshoes.com See ad on page 28 Slimband* Say good-bye to dieting forever! Slimband offers a long-term weight loss solution that you can control. Call 1-800-7373 for details www.slimband.com See our ad on Page 13 Song With My Name* SongsWithMyName.com’s ever-growing collection of personalized children’s music is designed to help kids learn, gain self-confidence, improve social skills and inspire imagination!

604-676-0182 or Toll Free 1-888-676-0182 www.SongsWithMyName.com See our ad on Page 2 Sleep Consultants

Support Services cont’d Healthiest Babies Possible Free outreach programs for pregnant moms.

• Bby/New West: 604-659-2225 • Abbotsford/Langley: 604-859-7681 • Coq/Mp Rdg/Pt Coq/Pt Mdy: 604-777-8718 • Sry/Delta/White Rock: 604-583-1017 • Vancouver: 604-877-4672 Kla-how-eya Aboriginal Centre of SACS 13629 - 108th Avenue, Sry 604-584-2008 Maple Ridge Family Education & Support Ctr 604-467-6055 Pacific Post Partum Support Society 104–1416 Commercial Dr, Vanc 604-255-7999 Parent Support Services Parent Support Circles Prog throughout BC. FREE service.

604-669-1616; 1-877-345-9777 www.parentsupportbc.ca South Community Birth Program #201 - 5838 Fraser Street Vancouver, 604-324-2201 Surrey-Delta Parents of Multiples 604-626-4550 twinmom@shaw.ca Woman Care, BC Family Care 31-22374 Lougheed Hwy, Maple Ridge 604-463-5513 YWCA Single Mothers’ Support Services 604-895-5789 www.ywsinglemoms.org

Sleep Dreams* We are health professionals providing families with sleep solutions. Many extended health care benefit plans offer full or partial coverage for our services.

604-985-2991 or info@sleepdreams.ca www.sleepdreams.ca See ad on page 7 Support Services BC Women’s Hospital Nutrition counselling for pregnant women.

Free service/no referral necessary 604-875-2330 Best Babies of the Langleys Supporting at-risk pregnant & postnatal women. 100–20689 Fraser Hwy, Langley 604-530-2772 Best Start Parenting Centre Parenting groups, seminars, tel counselling.

604-925-0831 (fees & registration) Cherish Childbirth Care (formerly Vancouver Childbirth Services) www.CherishChildbirth.com 604-626-1079 Coquitlam Pregnancy Concern Ctr 2512 Arundel Lane, Coq 604-939-2633 Health Link BC 811 or www.healthlinkbc.ca

urbanbaby & toddler magazine prints four issues a year.

Have them delivered right to your door for only $20* per year. *Price includes HST

To advertise in urbanbaby & toddler magazine email us at info@urbanbaby.ca or call 604.908.8835 urbanbaby & toddler | www.urbanbaby.ca | winter 11 | 39