Urbanbaby & Toddler Magazine -Summer 2015 by Urbanbaby & Toddler Magazine

Celebrity Mom: Bobs & Lolo’s

Robyn Hardy Disneyland:

Your Guide to Having Fun & Saving Money!

Preparing for Baby

Step-by-Step

Fear of the Dark: Helping Your Child Feel Safe

UrbanGuide:

Bra Basics for New Moms CONNECT WITH UBT

URBANBABY.CA

CONNECTING YOUNG FAMILIES IN BRITISH COLUMBIA

SUMMER 2015 • PRICELESS

SUMMER 2015

i n t h i s i ssue

E dit or’s L e t t e r It was another highly-anticipated birth Royal watchers were gushing with joy about the birth of a little princess. As photos of William and Kate with their second child circulated, we experienced a modern fairy-tale with a digital twist (social media buzz). For those parents in BC who are looking to experience a fairy-tale family vacation to see castles and much more, there is always Disneyland, California, celebrating 60 years of Disney-magic this year. Our article on pages 4-5 will help you get the maximum fun for minimum cost at the Happiest Place on Earth. Are you losing sleep because your toddler is now “afraid of the dark”? Find helpful tips on how to manage this phase in our informative article on page 18. Salads are synonymous with summer. And yet, many parents struggle to get their children to eat them. Check our article on page 13 to learn how to get creative with salad ideas the whole family will enjoy. Concerned about your children getting bored and restless during the summer months? Read our article on page 10 for a list of no-cost/low-cost activities to keep them busy. As always we value your feedback. Send your emails to the editor at editor@urbanbaby.ca

volume 13 • issue 2

Editor

feature: Disneyland: Your Guide to Having Fun and Saving Money!.. 4 prenatal: Preparing for Baby Step-by-Step...................................... 6 celebrity mom: Robyn Hardy........................................................... 8 family: Keep Them Busy: Seven Inexpensive Summer Activities..... 10 parenting: Q&A: Summertime Behaviour Tips & Techniques........... 12 nutrition: Get Creative: Your Children Can Learn to Love Salads.... 13 Great Goods: Summer Finds & Backyard Fun............................... 14 UrbanGuide: Bra Basics for New Moms....................................... 16 education: Fear of The Dark: Helping Your Child Feel Safe............ 18 UrbanMarket: Products & Promotions.......................................... 20 UrbanKid: Parent’s Guide: Entitlement Busting 101....................... 22 on the town: Summer Family Fun................................................... 23 spotlight: UrbanMom: Jenny and Nicole........................................ 23

Summer Magazine Facebook Party July 2nd, 2015 at 7pm • Stay tuned for details!

EDITOR/AD SALES Lara Leontowich

DESIGN/PRODUCTION Shannon Brownlee

CONTRIBUTORS Melissa Collins, Julie Romanowski, Angela Fennelow, Natacha V. Beim, Kristen Yarker, Kimmie Chang, Dr. Carla Fry, Dr. Lisa Ferrari SUBSCRIPTION urbanbaby & toddler magazine is available for $25.00 per year (includes GST). Published four times per year by Local Kids Media, reaching 68,000 readers per issue. 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.

On the cover: Robyn & Aria, 10 months old Location: Boulevard Park, North Vancouver

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Photo credit: Mario Vaira www.fivefathomphotography.com Clothing: Twigg & Hottie

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Family

fe a t u re

| by Melissa Collins

Disneyland: Your Guide to

Having Fun and Saving Money! So you’re thinking of travelling to the Disneyland Resort in California this summer. And the children are super-excited! Whether you’re a seasoned “Disney” expert, or if it’s you’re very first time at the Happiest Place on Earth, we can help you make the most out of your family vacation. Our Mommy Ambassador Melissa recently took her family to Disneyland and shares her valuable tips for parents:

Timing is Everything Let’s face it: Disneyland is extremely popular. Approximately 40,000 people visit the park DAILY every year, which calculates to around 14 million people per year. Even though certain months are slower than others, you’ll likely be waiting in some sort of lineup at some time. However, there are some tips to making the most of when you go: Travel during off-peak times, such as February through June (excluding Spring break) or anytime that doesn’t intercept a statutory holiday or major event. The crowds will be smaller and the lineups shorter. Unfortunately, the slow season will have more ride closures and shorter park hours, so be prepared to miss out on a few attractions. Avoid visiting the park on July 4th or Christmas Day (unless you’ve got no choice or you’re a daredevil), which are historically the busiest days of the year at the park. In fact, there have been instances where the park has hit its capacity and visitors were turned away. Prepare for a huge amount of walking even if you are staying right near the park or shuttled to the park entrance. Make sure the whole family has comfortable shoes and you have a stroller for your baby or toddler(s). If you prefer not to bring your own stroller to the park, you can rent one for $15USD or two for $25USD. A great website, Touring Plans, is a cool and cost-effective way to see real data and statistics on the best months to visit the park, as well as the best time of day to go on certain rides.

Enjoying the Rides Bear in mind that there are height requirements for certain rides. If your child is too short he or she won’t be able to experience some of the most popular ones. With some advance planning, you can ensure your younger child will still have a fun time on other rides. You can check height requirements for rides at www.disneyland.disney.go.com/attractions

4 | www.urbanbaby.ca | summer 2015

Take advantage of popular rides that offer a FastPass+, such as Radiator Springs Racers in California Adventure. The Disney FastPass+ service saves your place in line for some of your favourite attractions while you enjoy the rest of the park. TIP: head to the FastPass+ booth for the Radiator Springs ride as soon as you enter the park in the morning, because it often sells out. Be sure to download their smartphone app that provides wait times for Disneyland rides.

Checkout the

FastPass+ service www.disneyland.disney.go.com/guest-services/fastpass

Choosing Accommodations There are only two hotels directly across from the park entrance – The Park Vue Inn and the Best Western Park Place. Hotels in the surrounding area require much more walking. So, consider all hotel options, and if you select one further out, just be sure to look for one that will shuttle you directly to the park gates. The Embassy Suites offers a shuttle and free made-toorder breakfast plus other great perks.

Obtaining Park Tickets Avoid buying your tickets at the park gates. You can save money purchasing them through alternate sources in advance of your vacation.

• Sign up for Ebates and purchase your park tickets through Orbitz via Ebates. Not only will you get a discount, but you’ll get up to 13% cash back in the mail for shopping with them.

• If you’re a planner and your trip isn’t for a few months, shop at participating Canadian retailers offering air miles, such as Safeway and Staples. Then cash in your air miles for park hopper tickets.

Saving Money on Food Three meals out a day for a family of four can add up really quickly, if you’re eating in the theme parks. I received a valuable tip from a friend who suggested that I pre-order groceries from VONS. I set up an account and pre-ordered all the snacks, water, fruit and other items before our flights. The best part was that the groceries were all waiting for us when we arrived at the hotel. This was just delightful, because honestly, who wants to go grocery shopping as soon as you arrive at your destination? Having handy snacks ready as soon as you arrive keeps the whole family content! For younger children pack a small, foldable cooler to carry formula, snacks, water and fresh fruit to store at the bottom of the stroller during your visits to the park. Experiencing Disneyland as a family is sure to have your children smiling with delight and gives them memories that can last a lifetime. By following the tips in this article, you can make your family’s visit to the “Happiest Place on Earth” the best ever. And keep your wallet happy too! •

Going to

Disneyland

with Baby!

Baby Care Centres are fully-staffed and offer helpful amenities for parents with babies. These centres are open during regular park hours. Each full-service facility is free to use and includes:

• Nursing room with chairs • Changing room with tables • Feeding area with highchairs • Kitchen with microwave and sink • Main room with television, table and chairs • On-site shop offering formula, baby food, juice, diapers, wipes, sunscreen, over-the-counter medications and pacifiers for purchase

Melissa resides in Cloverdale and is a coffee-loving, lipglosscollecting, mommy-blogger and mother of two little girls. When

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she’s not busy cleaning up Cheerios and writing about the honest humour in parenting, she can most likely be found curled up in her hammock with a good book.

summer 2015 | www.urbanbaby.ca | 5

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p re n a t a l

| by Angela Fennelow

Preparing for Baby Step-by-Step Expecting a baby is an exciting and nerve-racking experience. Each month serves as an opportunity to make preparations and review your progress. By making sure you accomplish certain goals each month you and your partner will be well-prepared for the new addition to your family. After baby arrives, life gets really busy and you will be thankful you took care of things well in advance. Month One: Test is positive!! Woohoo! Now is the time to discuss how you and your partner plan to announce your happy news. Who do you want to tell, when and how? Talk about the details so that when you finally spill the beans, you are both on the same page. Month Two: What kind of help do you want during delivery? Talk it over with your partner. Who will you include on your birth support team? If you would like to work with a Doula, you will want to book early, so this would be a good time to interview and find that perfect fit.

retirement and education savings goals. Some advisors offer home visits which makes the financial planning process very convenient for you.

Month Seven: Pack your suitcase for the hospital including all the essentials for you and baby. Check out our article on What to Pack for the Hospital on the UBT website.

Month Three: First Ultrasound: Could there be twins? If you

Month Eight: This month you will probably be the guest of honour at one or more baby showers. Take some time to register for any baby essentials you need. Many stores offer an online registry you can access from the comforts of home. Let the organizer of your baby shower know where you have registered.

are expecting more than one baby, finding out early definitely has its advantages. You will want to stock up on extra baby essentials.

Month Nine: Work with your partner and labour team to finalize

Month Four: Waiting to purchase maternity wear until you are showing will ensure you find better fitting clothes. Before you buy, think about seasonal changes during your pregnancy.

Month Five: Now is a great time to design and decorate the nursery. Even though you may not know the gender of your baby you can still pick a decorating theme and start setting up the nursery. This accomplishment is sure to make you and your partner feel great about this very joyful time in your life.

any priorities on your birth plan. No matter what you expect your labour experience to be like, it can turn out quite different for various reasons. Writing down your wishes for the experience will help your team take care of things while you are in the delivery room. In your final few weeks of pregnancy, put your feet up and get as much sleep as you can. Be well-prepared with your suitcase ready because you just never know when (day or night) you will be delivering your baby! •

Month Six: Meet with a professional financial advisor to

Angela lives in Maple Ridge with their three children, two and a half

prepare for your new responsibilities. An advisor can work with you and your partner to plan your family budget and determine changing insurance needs. You will also get guidance in reaching

year old twin boys and their six-month old daughter. Angela enjoys

MAKE THE MOST OF TODAY. AND START THINKING ABOUT TOMORROW.

keeping fit, spending time with her children outdoors and helping others through her work.

Money for Life Real life means real goals. Talk with me today about Sun Life Financial’s customized approach to your financial and retirement planning.1 Angela Fennelow, BBA, CFP® Tel: 604-380-4019 Cell: 604-345-4019 angela.fennelow@sunlife.com www.sunlife.ca/angela.fennelow 23748 - 132 Avenue Maple Ridge, BC V4R 2S5 1 Only advisors who hold CFP (Certified Financial Planner), CH.F.C (Chartered Financial Consultant), F.Pl. (Financial Planner in Quebec), or equivalent designations are certified as financial planners. Mutual funds offered by Sun Life Financial Investment Services (Canada) Inc. Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada is a member of the Sun Life Financial group of companies. © Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2015.

6 | www.urbanbaby.ca | summer 2015

Life’s brighter under the sun

Calling All Pre and Postnatal Moms:

Tone Up the BRAY WAY with Pilates! Whether you are a Mom to be, a new Mom or the Mom of a toddler, Pilates can be highly effective in supporting postural changes to your body which will help you meet the daily demands of Motherhood with energy and well-being. Because pregnancy and delivery can put stress on your abdomen, spine and pelvis, you may be experiencing pain in your low back or pelvic area. Repetitive actions such as bending over to pick up your baby etc. also contribute to the stress on your back, shoulders and neck. Many clients come to a Pilates studio because a doctor or therapist has recommended “strengthening their core,” but what does this actually mean? The core: the pelvis, spine and shoulder girdle enables us to function by connecting our arms to our legs. Core stabilizers need to be active all the time to perform every day movements and activities. When your core is functioning well, you experience ease of movement and your body feels balanced and pain free. Through an integration of body, mind and spirit, Pilates is an effective way to keep your body toned, improve posture and help you prevent injuries. Each session helps you to strengthen your core and gain mobility and flexibility. Through precise movements, Pilates with a Pilates Specialist offers a safe and efficient way to gain stability, improve flexibility and coordination pre and postnatal and throughout the various stages of Motherhood. By improving stability and flexibility, new moms have more energy and confidence through a balanced body, mind and spirit to keep up with all the daily demands of Motherhood. Yvonne Bray, owner and director of Pacific Spirit Pilates Inc., located in South Granville, is a clinical Pilates Specialist certified with Body Harmonics Pilates. Pacific Spirit Pilates specializes in: • Classical Pilates Mat and Equipment classes with up-to-date musculoskeletal knowledge • Custom-designed Pilates programs for all ages and levels of fitness • Posture and Gait Analysis and Rehabilitation • Correction of the cause of physical discomfort • Safe and Corrective Exercises postpartum and for conditions such as Diastasis Recti, postural deviations and painful physical issues Clinical Pilates is based on the most up-to-date musculoskeletal knowledge and dramatically improves the results of physiotherapy and other treatment modalities. We support an integrated approach with our client’s personal medical specialists.

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summer 2015 | www.urbanbaby.ca | 7

ce l e b r i t y m o m

| by Urbanbaby & Toddler

Robyn Hardy, Bobs & Lolo The multi-talented Robyn Hardy, otherwise known as Bobs, is part of Canada’s very popular, familyoriented singing duo, Bobs & Lolo. She and singing partner Lorraine Pond (Lolo), write and perform songs like Recycle With Me and Cindy Seahorse at festivals, concerts and on Treehouse TV. Together the Vancouver area, Juno-nominated duo released five albums with the sixth one, Dirty Feet soon to be released. Robyn is now a mom to daughter Aria, soon to be one-year old. Urbanbaby and Toddler Magazine recently had a chance to interview Robyn about Motherhood and music. UBT: Now that you are a mom how has your approach to performing changed? RH: Our pre-show routine is definitely a little more hectic. Now there’s much more to prepping including remembering the car seat for the rental van. Plus, we tend to travel in greater numbers now with all the children (Lorraine has two children). We also have helpers in tow. That being said, our entourage is a pretty special team – usually made up of our husbands and always eager, baby-holding grandparents, aunties and friends. Lorraine had a

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couple more years practicing the extra organizational skills, but I’m starting to get a handle on it! UBT: Does your daughter tour with you? RH: Aria has been on the road with us since she was sevenweeks old. She has since travelled with us extensively around the Lower Mainland; to Vancouver Island and to the Okanagan as well. We also made a few trips to Alberta. She came along to this year’s JUNO Awards in Hamilton where she was my date at industry parties, including Red Carpet festivities before the broadcast event. Aria has a big summer ahead of her with trips planned to Ontario, Northern BC, Iqaluit and more. I think her life as a “mini- roadie” will definitely give her many unique and memorable childhood experiences! UBT: How challenging do you think it will be when the children are older? RH: I’m not sure we really know what our touring life is going to look like in the future. We joke about homeschooling on a big bus, but the reality is that we will likely just be more selective about when we are on the road and for how long. We have recently made some changes to help support our long-term career and family goals. After a decade of being self-managed, we signed with Nettwerk Music Group at the end of 2014. Growing our team has been very exciting for us. We’re also exploring different ways to interact with fans and grow as artists, and we’re learning every day how to balance life at home with life at “work”. Touring is a big part of what we do, and we both agree that it is something we want to continue. We are hopeful that our families and careers will continue to grow together in this next phase of our lives. UBT: What is the best part of being a mom? RH: Every day is incredible. Even the hard days are precious. I feel very fortunate to be able to spend my days with Aria. My husband and I went through a long and emotional journey to become parents. She is so special and cherished.

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UBT: What is the biggest challenge being a mom? RH: Right now I would have to say lack of sleep. My daughter is a real snuggle bug, and she’s quick to let me know she’s not impressed if I’m not around or caught trying to sneak away. It can be quite challenging, but I know it won’t be like this forever,

8 | www.urbanbaby.ca | summer 2015

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and I know I’m not the only one. Still, I am very much looking forward to some longer snoozes soon! UBT: What is the best part of performing for children? RH: I would definitely say watching them dance and really get into the music. Families will come out to one of our performances expecting a sit-down concert and suddenly they are in the midst of the kiddie mosh pit. Everyone loves it! We enjoy seeing entire families on their feet, singing and dancing along. UBT: Did you ever imagine you would be where you are now? RH: Not at all! Song-writing and performing honestly started out as a side project for us as a fun way to create some support materials for our separate jobs working with children. We never dreamed it would lead to cross-country tours and running our own small business – plus a national television show! Now after nearly a decade and a half, we can’t imagine doing anything else! •

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family

| by Kimmie Chang

Keep Them Busy: Seven Inexpensive Summer Activities for Children

Weeks before summer arrives, the countdown begins. Parents all over the province are asking the same question: How on earth do I keep my children busy during the summer—without breaking the bank? They know that vacations and overnight summer camps can be expensive. For those parents eager for some new ideas, here are seven money-saving summer activities to consider:

1. Free Bowling Yes, that’s right! Your children can bowl FREE throughout the summer (two games per child per day). That’s over $200 in savings per child. Kids Bowl Free is a program offered by community bowling centers during the summer months as a way to give back to their communities and provide a safe and fun environment for local children. Sign up your family at www. kidsbowlfree.com and bring on the free strikes!

2. Summer Fun Crafts Follow our UBT board on Pinterest (www.pinterest.com/ urbanbabyandtot) this summer for fun and easy craft ideas. Create a craft jar and put the name of each craft on a slip of

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paper. Let your children pick a craft from the jar and spend the day letting the creativity flow.

3. Grocery Shopping Adventure Save newspaper flyers from your local grocery stores and clip coupons to take along on your next grocery shopping trip. Take your children with you and instruct them to find those products shown on the coupons. This is a super way to keep them occupied while in the grocery store.

4. Cheap Summer Movies Many movie theaters offer a summer movie lineup that is child and wallet-friendly. Cineplex is hosting a Cineplex Family Favourites every Saturday morning at 11am. Your child can watch classic family movies for just $2.99. Stroller and Stars offers baby mammas, a guilt-free way to catch the newest movie release at select theaters.

5. Community Parks and Playgrounds Nothing beats being outside in the summertime. Your children are probably familiar with your community playground in your neighbourhood, so how about checking out different playgrounds in other cities? It’s great way to see what other communities have to offer and if you have close friends or family in the area, it will give you an opportunity to connect with them.

6. Local Deals and Activities If your city has a parks and recreation program, look for activities in your child’s age group. Many cities offer affordably-priced activities such as dancing, swimming and basket weaving. Subscribe to group-buying sites like Living Social, Groupon and Social Shopper so you can take advantage of deeply-discounted activities for children.

Free admission! Open Tuesdays-Sundays & holiday Mondays until September 7 Costumed townsfolk welcome you and give demonstrations at the homes and shops of a traditional village. Explore the restored Interurban Tram and take a whirl on the historic 1912 CW Parker Carousel—rides are just $2.55 each! Discover the treats in the ice cream parlour and treasures in the gift shop. We also offer weekly-themed heritage summer camps for those 5-12 years old. Find out more and register today at burnaby.ca/webreg

7. Volunteer This summer, teach your children that it’s better to give than to receive. Spend some time volunteering together. Visit your local soup kitchen to find out how your family might be able to help out. Check visiting hours at your neighbourhood nursing homes or senior centers. There’s nothing better than watching your children engaged in an activity that puts a smile on someone’s face. •

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p a re n t i n g

| by Julie Romanowski

Have a Question for Julie? Submit your questions at

missbehaviour.ca/ask-us.html

Q&A:Summer time Behaviour: Tips & Techniques

Ask Our Expert: Certified Early Childhood Consultant, Julie Romanowski. As a children’s behaviour and discipline specialist, she works in areas of anxiety, child development and communication through an approach that is positive and respectful.

Q: Dear Julie, I want to put my six-year old son in sports camp this summer but last year he freaked out on the first day and didn’t want to go. I tried forcing him and bribing him but it didn’t work. I don’t want to waste money again this year. Please help!! Carrie J, Surrey JR: Children often have anxiety around new things or the unknown. Summer camps and summer activities are different from the predictable school year routine that they had been part of for the last 10 months. Ease them into the new summer routine and activities with these helpful tips: • Ask the child for input on what activities they may be interested in or would like to try. • Explain to your child prior to the start date, what it is, how long it will be and what is expected during this time. • Offer the child options if they do not feeling like participating that day or for the full day. • Include the activity on the calendar and let them know what days/times that they are going.

with their children, plans and scheduling should be made in advance so that everyone knows what is going on and what is expected. Other tips to try: • Designate a specific time, room or activity that is special for one-on-one bonding. • Take the child’s lead, most kids love to ‘be in charge’ and have the feeling of more independence. • Ask open-ended questions to encourage more language and a deeper connection.

Q: Hi Julie! How can I have structure with my two school-age kids during summertime? I like things to be relaxed and fun but don’t want my children to be indoors on the computer or watching TV all day. Any suggestions? Suki C, Richmond JR: It’s nice to break away from the structured routine of school

Q: I’m a dad who works 60+ hours a week (sometimes on weekends). I want to bond more with my three-year old daughter when I’m at home but she acts out a lot and we never seem to do anything productive. Scott & Andrea M, Langley

and extra-curricular activities that take place during the school year however, children thrive with structure so taking away a schedule all together may cause more issues. You can still provide structure throughout the day during the summer. Try to include things that are fun; special activities; get-togethers; quiet time and limited screen time. Talk to your children about what they would like to see happen this summer. With their input, put together a “summertime schedule” that includes their ideas and suggestions. •

JR: This is a very common issue for working parents. Building a

Julie is a mom, an Early Childhood Consultant and owner of Miss

stronger connection is more about ‘quality of time’ than ‘quantity of time’. When parents know they will have extra time at home

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nutrition

| by Kristen Yanker

Get Creative:

Your Children Can Learn to Love Salads! During those long summer days when temperatures keep rising, and fruits and veggies are at their peak, many of us enjoy eating salads. For many children, not so much! For some, it is the very idea that the food is touching which makes salads less appealing. For others, lettuce is simply not that yummy. Let’s face it: On those super-hot days, who wants to turn on the oven? Besides it is the ideal time to savour an abundance of fresh, local produce. Salads make the perfect summer meal. The dilemma for many parents is getting their young children to eat salads. I can’t tell you how many times over the years I’ve heard parents complain that they can’t wait until their children get old enough to eat salads with the rest of the family. If this sounds like you, I have good news. Your children will eat salad. Yes, even picky eaters and babies (still in the finger-food stage) can learn to love them.

Chopped Salads I have met very, very few kids who enjoy lettuce. And yet a great many kids love the crunch of raw veggies. So use this revelation to your advantage. Serve chopped salads. Include your favourite salad ingredients minus the lettuce. If you really miss your lettuce, try including the centre ribs from romaine lettuce. Your children may enjoy that extra crunchiness.

Make Your Own Salad Bar Some children dislike salads because in the salad bowl, “everything is touching”. The make-your-own salad bar gets around this problem. It also engages children by letting them have the power to choose what they want to eat (and how much) from the options. Children love wielding this power! The third bonus of the make-your-own concept is that you can serve the dressing on the side. Dressing served this way, magically transforms from a “yucky sauce” to a dip. Seems odd doesn’t it? The very same children who don’t want their foods to touch usually love to dip (which last time I checked, involved foods touching each other). But don’t tell your children that (wink, wink).

leaves. When children have the power to choose, I’ve seen a great many become open to trying new things. Appeal to their sense of adventure. Go beyond serving your child’s favourite veggies. For example, fresh and dried fruit make fantastic additions to salads. The make-your-own salad bar can even include full-meal salads – not just salad as a side dish. To make your salad a full meal, include protein-rich foods and starches/grains along with your produce. Mix and match them to determine your family favourites. Use your imagination! Get the children involved. Let everyone choose one item to be in the salad bar. Protein Foods: • Beans and lentils, canned or cooked from dry • Edamame • Tofu cut into cubes or fingers • Grated or cubed cheese • Chopped or slivered nuts

Starch Foods: • Cooked and cooled pasta (try child’s favourite shape) • Buckwheat (soba) noodles • Rice • Wild rice • Quinoa

• Seeds, e.g. pumpkin seeds, hemp hearts

• Hard boiled eggs • Leftover meat and poultry, e.g. shredded chicken, sliced steak

• Couscous • Farro • Pot barley • Cooked and cubed sweet potatoes

In the heat of summer, salads make a nutritious and quick meal. By getting creative in the kitchen, you can soon become a saladloving family. • Kristen, MSc, RD is a child-feeding expert that helps parents support their picky eaters to try new foods on their own. Since 2008, she has been working with families to provide good nutrition

Include your child’s favourite ingredients in the salad bar and some unfamiliar foods too that you enjoy – yes, even limp lettuce

for their kids today and instill a love of food that lasts a lifetime. www.kristenyarker.com

summer 2015 | www.urbanbaby.ca | 13

GREAT GOODS: SUMMER FINDS

Beco Baby Carrier Konfidence Babywarma Designed for babies and toddlers newborn to 24 months. The Babywarma opens flat making it easy to get on and off. Keeps baby warm and makes holding onto them in the pool much easier.

IN-STORE:

Active Baby, North Vancouver Crocodile Baby, Vancouver

ONLINE:

www.activebaby.ca

The ultra-versatile Beco Baby Carrier Gemini can be used from newborn to toddler and is adaptable for front or back carrying. Made from top-quality designer fabrics. Heavy duty webbing and buckles. Check out the new colours for the season.

IN-STORE:

Active Baby, North Vancouver Lussobaby, Vancouver

ONLINE:

Mustela Suncare Products To protect your baby effectively against the dangers of UV rays, it is essential to use sun protection. Mustela products are non-allergenic, nanoparticle-free, water-resistant and suitable for the delicate skin of babies and toddlers.

IN-STORE:

Tj’s The Kiddie Store, Vancouver & Victoria

ONLINE:

www.lussobaby.ca

www.snugglebugz.ca

Minimoc Moccasins Locally-designed and made in BC, these moccasins have an elastic opening that allows for an easy, slip-on fit, yet they stay on the feet of even the most enthusiastic ‘kicker’. The soft-soled bottoms of the shoes are suede making them ideal non-slip, indoor (and dry-weather outdoor) footwear.

IN-STORE:

Pebble Baby, Vancouver Hip Baby, Vancouver & Victoria

ONLINE:

www.minimoc.ca

Boogie Mist This gentle, non-medicated saline mist helps soothe, and clear your child’s nasal congestion associated with seasonal allergies and colds. Choose from fun scents like Grape and Fresh. Safe for all ages. In no time, your child will be breathing easily.

IN-STORE:

Toys “R” Us, Various locations

ONLINE:

www.toysrus.ca 14 | www.urbanbaby.ca | summer 2015

GREAT GOODS: BACKYARD FUN

Green Toys Watering Can and Dig & Discover Set Your toddler will love this combination! This Dig & Discover Set is made from 100% recycled milk jugs and comes with a bucket, shovel, and rake. Watering Can features an easy-to-pour spout and cotton-rope carrying handle making this set, frustration-free for aspiring little gardeners.

150+ Screen-Free Activities for Kids

Spot It! Splash Make a splash wherever your adventures take you this summer with the durable, waterproof version of Spot it! Surf and sand are no match for these waterproof playing cards, providing five game variations anytime and anywhere.

IN-STORE:

The Granville Island Toy Company, Vancouver

IN-STORE:

The Granville Island Toy Company, Vancouver The Village Toy Shop, Port Moody

With these one-of-a-kind projects, your family will rediscover the spirit of imaginative play all summer long. Features step-by-step instructions, beautiful photographs, and budgetfriendly activities. The huge selection will help develop your child’s creativity and skills – “all without a screen in sight”.

ONLINE:

www.hipbaby.com

IN-STORE:

Chapters, Various Locations

ONLINE:

www.toycompany.com

www.chapters.ca

DR. NANCY VERTEL

Certified Specialist in Pediatric Dentistry Dr. Nancy Vertel and her staff practice holistic patient care to provide dental treatment tailored to your child's unique needs.

REMEMBER TO BOOK YOUR CHILD’S FIRST DENTAL APPOINTMENT BY AGE ONE!

Little Tikes Treasure Hunt Sand & Water Table Young treasure seekers are sure to enjoy searching for hidden gems. Sift sand to find buried treasures, and then transport them via train and ship. The sandbox cover also doubles as a water basin for all kinds of underwater treasure-hunting.

IN-STORE:

Toys “R” Us, Walmart.ca and Sears

ONLINE:

www.toyrus.ca

ENTER TO WIN AT www.urbanbaby.ca

Half Moon Dentistry

604-536-7697

summer 2015 | www.urbanbaby.ca | 15

halfmoondentistry.com

Maple Ridge Dentistry 4 Kids

604-349-5430

mapleridgedentistry4kids.com

UrbanGuide: BRA BASICS for New Moms SPONSORED BY

As moms, we rarely have time to shop for ourselves, let alone take the 15 minutes needed for a proper bra-fitting. And yet, a well-fitted bra is the foundation for the rest of your clothes and can do wonders for your confidence and self-esteem as a new mom. Once you’ve had your first bra-fitting (with an expert bra-fitter), you’ll understand why— simply guessing your size doesn’t work—you need to be measured. Your breasts are always changing throughout pregnancy; postpartum recovery; breastfeeding; weaning and weight loss. A poorly-fitting bra can result in bad posture that can cause back problems as well as shoulder and neck pain. A poorly-fitted underwire bra can harm breast tissue. Meeting with a bra-fitting expert can help you eliminate and avoid posture and balance problems; strained shoulders, sagging breasts and a sore back. With the right bra, you will also be amazed how much better all your clothes will look on you and how much more confident you feel wearing them.

Proper Bra-Fitting Guidelines

band

The bra at the back should sit parallel to the front or lower so that it acts as an anchor for the bra. 80% of the support from a bra comes from the band.

The placement of the

underwires should include all of the breast tissue. The center gore sits flat against the chest.

cups

The should hold all the breast tissue with no gaps or spillage.

shoulder straps

The have the proper tension and stay in place on the shoulders. The issue of narrow shoulders can be addressed with proper fitting bra and a bra with set in shoulder straps.

Find the perfect bra at Diane’s Lingerie. Expert staff can assist you in finding the proper fit and support. Book a consultation at your convenience.

16 | www.urbanbaby.ca | summer 2015

Nursing Bra Basics

A minimum of three nursing bras is needed, one to wear, one to wash and one to rest. Consider leaking of breasts, which requires bras to be washed frequently.

ROSE MOUSSE BRA

C A K E

L I N G E R I E

32 - 40 BAND / B to M CUP

...

During pregnancy as your rib cage expands, it is important to purchase a new bra that has a bigger band size (that will be fit to the tightest hook) in order to fit properly and be comfortable up until you need a nursing bra.

...

It is recommended to be fitted for a nursing bra two weeks before your due date or one to two weeks after your baby is born.

...

Underwire nursing bras are fine for breastfeeding provided you are wearing the correct size. Consult with a bra-fitting expert who has the experience and a proper selection of sizes and styles available.

summer 2015 | www.urbanbaby.ca | 17

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e d uca t i o n

| by Natacha V. Beim

Fear of the Dark: Helping Your Child Feel Safe

Is your little one suddenly afraid of the dark? One night, she peacefully falls asleep on her own. The next night she is very afraid. Why the change? Being scared of the dark is very common in young children. Fear is a normal part of development, and almost every child goes through that phase. Usually it happens at around age two, coinciding with when children develop a very rich fantasy life and a strong imagination. They also become more aware of their surroundings, and remember things (especially things that evoke strong emotions, like being scared of a large dog at the park). Any negative experience can trigger a long-lasting fear. It is their wonderful imagination that makes the books you read

fascinating. On the other hand, it is also their imagination that keeps them up at night. They may lay awake thinking of that big bad wolf or howling wind. To make matters worse, young children sometimes have difficulty distinguishing fantasy from reality, so no matter how much you tell them that monsters aren’t “real”, it is a concept they can’t comprehend. To them, everything is very real.

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At night, when everything is calm and there is nothing else to stimulate them, their imagination becomes particularly active. Be mindful of what you watch on television when your child is around, even if they are just in the same room and not actively engaged.

WORLD LEADERS IN EDUCATION AGES 1-5

If your child sees that their sibling is afraid of the dark, he will most likely begin feeling afraid as well. If one of your children is scared at night, the best option is to ensure your other children are not sharing the same bedroom. If your child or your family is going through a stressful situation such as a relocation, take time to talk about his or her feelings. Leave a night light on in their bedroom. Consider leaving a light on in the hallway with their bedroom door slightly ajar. Dim lights and the sounds of the house can greatly comfort your child, and do wonders to alleviate fears. Ask your child what makes them feel safer. Sometimes a favourite blanket, stuffed animal, or “magic dust” (from the craft store) can be comforting and make all the difference. Make sure your child’s bedtime routine is calm and set aside a few minutes to ask your child what they liked about their day including favourite moments, or something he or she is looking forward to such as a trip to the zoo or a friend coming to play. Help them focus on positive thoughts before bedtime. You can always offer to stay by their bed until they fall asleep or for a few minutes. Do not try to convince them that what they heard or saw was not real, because your child might think you can’t see the danger, and therefore can’t help. The things they fear might not be real, but their fear certainly is. When you entering your child’s room avoid turning on a bright light, so he or she will learn to stay calm in the darkness. As frustrating as it is to have to come back numerous times to offer reassurances, resist scolding and do your best to demonstrate patience. With your understanding and support, your child will eventually feel safe at night and the fear of the dark will pass. •

Apply now for our 2015 Summer program What is CEFA? Core Education & Fine Arts (CEFA) is a private school that offers an early learning program which features a unique partnership of core subjects: reading, writing, math and science together with fine arts such as music and drama. The program is designed to specifically stimulate children during the brain's most formative years, increasing your child's emotional and intellectual capacity for life.

Natacha is a world-renowed Early Years and Parenting Expert. She is an award-winning writer, speaker, teacher, and the Founder of the renowned CEFA Early Learning Schools. www.cefa.ca

Book your tour today! 13 schools throughout Greater Vancouver For more information & inquiries visit us at www.cefa.ca

summer 2015 | www.urbanbaby.ca | 19

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children’s education

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UrbanMarket | products & promotions children’s education cont...

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summer 2015 | www.urbanbaby.ca | 21

UrbanKid

| by Dr. Carla Fry & Dr. Lisa Ferrari

Parent’s Guide:

Entitlement Busting 101 To the modern parent, entitled behaviour causes endless worries, not to mention the dreaded parental guilt: “Did I spoil my child?” “Where did I go wrong?” “It is all my fault...” An entitled child is a child crying out for help—but that might not be obvious to them or their parents. A child who acts entitled is seeking stuff or special privileges as a means of distracting or deflecting from uncomfortable feelings. Giving them the things they are demanding is not truly what they are looking for from their parents. It’s what it sounds like, but that’s not what it is. Our new book, Gratitude & Kindness: A Modern Parents Guide to Raising Children in an Era of Entitlement is, at its core a parenting book that presents material based on psychological science blended with our clinical experience and research. The book provides solutions for dealing with entitle-mania for all ages of children, including every economic background giving power to parents, grandparents and caregivers as they both prevent and remedy entitlement-enhancing behaviors. As Western culture spreads globally, it supports children and youth in always wanting more, and children will come to expect that from everyone if nothing changes. If your children are turning into these not-so-grateful members of society, you can still do something about it. Entitled children grow up to have a hard time at work, in social situations, and in life in general. You can prevent that by learning how to implement gratitude and kindness now.

What is Entitlement? Let’s take a look at how entitlement is defined in modern culture: • The belief that one inherently deserves of privileges or special treatment. • A belief a person is owed certain rights and benefits without further justification. • The right to receive something or to do something.

Enter to WIN at

The good thing is that feeling like you have a “right” to something is a learned behaviour—which means it can be unlearned. It is never too late to stop, learn, and try something different.

urbanbaby.ca

Our book Gratitude and Kindness: A Modern Parents Guide to Raising Children in an Era of Entitlement draws a roadmap for families to use that encourages connected relationships, happiness and contentment for children complete with hands-on activities and worksheets to pave the way toward building grateful and kind children. •

22 | www.urbanbaby.ca | summer 2015

o n t h e t ow n

Summer Family Fun!

June 2015

Jun 21, 9am – 2pm: Father’s Day Walk/Run for Prostate Cancer, Bby Celebrating men and their families 2K,5K, 10K & Tot Run to raise funds for prostate research thefathersdayrun.ca

Jun 1 – 31: Summer Night Market 12631 Vulcan Way Richmond St, Rmd Food, shopping, mini-festivals summernightmarket.com Jun 6, 9am – 3pm: Hats Day Off Day Hastings St, Bby A parade, vintage car Show & Shine street festival with music, food & prizes

July 2015 Jul 1, 10am – 10:30pm: Canada Day Celebrations Cloverdale Amphitheatre fun-filled day with live music, exhibitors, and entertainment surrey.ca/canadaday

burnabyheights.com/events/ hats-off-day/

Jun 6, 7am – 10pm: Pitt Meadows Days Heritage Hall, Pitt Meadows pancake breakfast, parade street festival with music, kids activities pittmeadows.bc.ca

Jul 4, 11am – 3pm: Pioneer Fair Historic Stewart Fair oldfashion fair, homemade treats, live music, sports and games surrey.ca/heritage

Jun 7 & 14, 11am – 3pm: Baker’s Market, Van Yummy treats for purchase, free samples, live demonstrations bakersmarket.com

Jul 19 – 20, 11am – 10pm: Surrey Fusion Festival music, food & culture, pavilions, live music tourismsurrey.com Jul 25 – 26, 10am – 7pm: Caribbean Summer Festival Waterfront Park, N.Van Outdoor music festival parade, food, dancing caribbeandays.ca

Jun 8, 11am – 4pm: Teddy Bear Family Picnic Town Centre Park, Coq live entertainment, crafts for children Admission $3 festivalcoquitlam.ca

August 2015

Jun 19 – 23: Point Grey Fiesta 4300 – 4600 W 10th Ave, Van Enjoy a pancake breakfast, decorated bike contest, parade, live music and carnival games. pointgreyfiesta.org

Aug 8 – 9, 11am – 6pm: Maritime Festival Britannia Shipyard, Rmd maritime exhibits, live music richmond.ca/britannia

Aug 22 – Sept 7: The Fair at the PNE Pacific National Exhibition kiddy rides, live entertainment, food and musical guests pne.ca/thefair

Ongoing Events Zumba for Mom & Baby Every Friday, 10:00am Dance Class for Mom & Baby/ Toddler. Sponsored by Lougheed Town Centre Free to Attend Registration required runnersandbootiesfitness.com

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

Please check websites to confirm event details

Celebrations Jul 1, 11am – 4:30pm: Canada Day Celebrations Burnaby Village Museum 1920 backdrop for family children’s entertainment demos, parade and birthday cake burnabyvillagemuseum.ca

UrbanMom

Aug 15, 10am – 4pm: Family Farm Fair London Heritage Farm Petting zoo, pony rides, bouncy castle, face painting entertainment and bake sale londonfarm.ca/familyfarmfair

Canada Day Jul 1, 10am – 10:30pm: Canada Day Celebrations Canada Place, Van stage performance, workshops, circus performers, giant board games, face painting, water park & fireworks canadaday.canadaplace.ca

SPOTLIGHT

Jul 1, 10am – 4:00pm: Canada Day Celebrations McLeod Athletic Park, Langley Family-oriented event to Celebrate Canada Day langleycanadaday.ca

Jenny C • Burnaby, BC Nicole, 2.5 years old

1. What is the best part about being a mom? Every moment with my daughter is amazing. The best part is that she is my best friend and we love spending time together. 2. What is your favourite activity to do with your daughter? We both love singing and dancing. We turn on the music loudly and dance. It gives us hours of bonding time. 3. What is your favourite television show? I’m not a big fan of television shows, but I just started watching Modern Family. 4. What was the last book you’ve read? I read books from the Pete The Cat series with my daughter. For myself, I am currently reading How to be Happy. The book inspired me to find happiness in everyday life. 5. What is one product or service you can’t live without? My Stokke Xplory Stroller rocks! It changes from a bassinet to a highchair. My daughter really loves to go on outings with me in the stroller. 6. How do you find some “Mommy Time”? It’s really hard to find time for myself, but thankfully my husband takes her outside for a few hours after work. I take a bath; catch a quick nap; or take a coffee break. It’s wonderful!