WestCoast Families Aug-Sept 2022

Celebrating the modern family lifestyle on the West Coast

Vol 30, Ed 1

Free!

AUG/SEPT 2022

Get Set for Back-to-School Success Dealing with a Diagnosis Inside!

GRAND

A Special Feature for Grandparents

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Beach

Blanket

Bucket List

IS THIS YOU? 2

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WestCoast Families is always looking for people who want to tell their stories and join our team.

publisher@westcoastfamilies.com

Aug/Sept 2022

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IN THIS ISSUE

AUG/SEPT 2022 Vol 30, Ed 1

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WHAT’S NEW? Jim Schneider Publisher publisher@westcoastfamilies.com Sue Fast Editor editor@westcoastfamilies.com

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FRESH FINDS

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BEACH BLANKET BUCKET LIST

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RaeLeigh Buchanan Account Manager raeleigh@islandparent.ca

DEALING WITH A DIAGNOSIS

Kristine Wickheim Account Manager kristine@islandparent.ca

For distribution inquiries, please email publisher@westcoastfamilies.com

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BACK-TO-SCHOOL SUCCESS

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GET TO KNOW NATURE

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TIPS TO SLASH SPENDING

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FOSTER SELF-ESTEEM

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SCHOOL PHOTOS

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WestCoast Families, published by Island Parent Group Enterprises Ltd., is a bimonthly publication that honours and supports parents by providing information on resources and businesses for west coast families. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher.

No material herein may be reproduced without the permission of the publisher.

Mailing Address 518 Caselton Place Victoria, BC V8Z 7Y5 250 388 6905 A proud member of

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DAY TRIP: LANGLEY

GRAND A SPECIAL FEATURE FOR GRANDPARENTS WestCoastFamilies.com

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SUMMER READING

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FAMILY REUNIONS

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SIMPLE SNACKS

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Building Support & Community

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n empathetic smile. A listening ear. An offer to babysit.

These gestures, no matter how seemingly small, can make a world of difference.

We’ve all been there: the only parent to forget Pajama Day (on Pajama Day). Or searching for lost car keys the morning you’ve volunteered to drive a carful of kids on a school field trip. Or in the grocery store (insert alternate locale here) when our toddler has a spectacular meltdown, lobbing items from the cart onto the floor of aisle 3.

It’s times like these when those small gestures can mean so much: the passerby in aisle 3, stopping to pick up the box of goldfish crackers. Or another parent volunteering to be the back-up driver and saving the field trip. Or the parent who convinces her kindergartener to share a pair of slippers, salvaging Pajama Day. Support and community matter, especially when it comes to raising kids.

With the end of summer on its way and the new school year approaching, building a support system and connection with other parents is more important than ever.

So why not start now?

Exchange babysitting hours, host a back-to-school get-together, take turns shuttling the neighbourhood kids to school or soccer practice. Offer to grab groceries—or even cook a meal—for a parent who’s having a particularly tough day.

To help support you in getting the most out of what’s left of summer, and set your family up for back-to-school success, this issue features articles ranging from a beach-blanket bucket list, and tips to slash back-to-school spending to dealing with a diagnosis and what to wear to school photos.

Check out GRAND, a special section for grandparents, featuring articles on family reunions—near and far—simple snacks to pack for picnics and hikes and the value of stretching out in the shade and reading together with kids.

Here’s to enjoying the long, lazy days while they last and being ready for the start of fall.

FROM OUR TO YOURS

SPARK CREATIVITY Art, Design, Dance, Theatre, Music, and Film programs for ages 2-22 Our Fall Session starts on September 12, so sign up today.

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Aug/Sept 2022

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WHAT’S NEW?

Theatre Under the Stars So much more than just a night at the theatre, Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) interweaves a kaleidoscope of elements—setting, scenery, concessions, and quality art—into a fun, encompassing experience much greater than the sum of its parts. Audiences will indulge in a hilarious love letter to Broadway and revel in a worldwide sensation of Queen’s most beloved rock-and-roll hits when TUTS presents Something Rotten! and We Will Rock You, running alternate evenings until August 27 at Stanley Park’s scenic Malkin Bowl. A beloved Vancouver tradition since 1940, TUTS’ tickets are on sale now at tuts.ca or 1-800-514-3849.

Enter to Win an eBike British Columbians can enter to win an E-bike through GoBlueBC.ca. Electric bikes are the perfect way to travel around BC Blueberry country. A Feel Vog City E-bike (valued at $3,700) provided by Zygg, a Canadian-owned and operated fully serviceable electric bicycle subscription company, will be given away in August. Contest closes Aug 7. To enter and read the full contest rules, head to GoBlueBC.ca.

Parents, Kids & Chores According to a recent survey of 2,000 parents, parents can expect an average of 4,200 arguments with each child by the time that child reaches 18, with 69 percent of these parent/ child disputes being about household chores.

Choreful, the household chores app, aims to turn all of that tedium into a fun and competitive game that both parents and kids can enjoy, using a points and rewards system for each family members’ daily, weekly and monthly household contributions. The app is designed to instill a sense of responsibility and accountability in kids, track their chores for weekly allowance and use points accrued for certain privileges. Choreful is available at the Apple App Store.

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Window & Balcony Safety Summer has arrived and BC Children’s Hospital is encouraging parents and caregivers to keep children safe near windows and on balconies. So far this year, three children have been treated at BC Children’s after falling from a window.

Safety tips • Move furniture and planters—or anything that can be climbed on—away from windows.

• Install window guards on windows above the ground floor. Fasten windows so that they cannot open more than 10 centimetres wide. Ensure there’s a safety release in case of fire.

• Talk to your children about the dangers of opening or playing near windows, particularly on upper floors of the home or in a high-rise dwelling.

• Remember that screens keep bugs out, not children in! Screens are easily pushed out.

• Don’t underestimate a child’s mobility; children begin climbing before they can walk.

Cooks Who Feed Cooks Who Feed offers a line of celebrity-chef aprons, aprons for kids, gift boxes, tea towels, linen napkins and more that will provide meals to those in need. Cooks Who Feed has teamed up with three charity partners: Leftover Cuisine in the U.S., Second Harvest in Canada and Zomato Feeding India. The food is all surplus that would otherwise go to waste and instead ends up providing immediate relief to some of the most vulnerable populations in need of food assistance. With each apron sold, 100 meals are provided to those in need, around a third of the organization’s profits. The rest covers the program’s costs, including having the aprons made. Plus, the environment is kept in mind, as each apron is made from environmentally friendly, sustainable, natural fibres. To get more information or support the mission, visit cookswhofeed.com.

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SHOP

Fresh Finds

Sure you’ll need pencils, paper and felt pens for the start of a new school year, but this back-to-school shopping list is about the fun stuff! From fall fashion to arriving in style, these items—like a new pair of back-to-school shoes—will help start the new year off on the right foot!

Fall Fashion Canadian clothing brand Hatley has launched its fall collection just in time for back-to-school. Born of a quest to find the perfect clothes for today’s active kids, Hatley’s new back-to-school collection will take kids from the classroom to the park to bed in total comfort and style. From pyjamas to outerwear to day wear, the collection is vibrant, whimsical and distinctive. Designed in Montreal and produced using ethically sourced materials the collection is available in stores now, with prices ranging from $22 to $175.

Back-to-School Bars Canadian plant-based food innovators Yoso has just launched their Immuno10 Probiotic Bar. As the first Keto-friendly probiotic bar, Yoso features 10 billion stable, clinically-proven probiotics, helping to support better gut health in four delicious flavours. It’s the perfect on-the-go food with only 3 grams of sugar, 15 grams of fibre, 7 grams of fat. Yoso is 100 percent plant-based, Non-GMO-Certified and EcoCert Organic. Available at yoso.ca.

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Globber Big Wheel Scooter Get to school in style on this big wheel scooter, now for kids.

The NL 205 series delivers 2-wheel scooters with big wheels (205mm) for kids to get to their destination faster.

Built-in front suspension for maximum shock absorption and smooth rides; a patented folding system to easily store and carry the scooter; a robust aluminum deck. Perfect for kids 8+, teens and adults, holding up to 100kg.

Available on Amazon.

Skip Hop Back-to-School Back Packs Zoo Big Kid and Little Kid back packs easily hold all the supplies your preschooler might need for a busy day of work and play, and the mesh side pocket adjusts to fit a juice box, sippy cup or water bottle. Features: signature Skip Hop Zoo characters, crafted details and fun matching zipper pulls, roomy bottle pocket, padded, adjustable comfy straps, write-on name tag inside, easy-to-clean lining, BPA-Free, Phthalate-free. skiphop.com

Stay Hydrated Nalgene Outdoor, the OG-resusable water bottle, a favourite on back-to-school lists for decades, relied on by parents, students of all ages and teachers for environmentally-friendly, easy-to-clean hydration.

Extra credit? Nalgene bottles are still under $20 for a durable, leak-proof and long-lasting product, so a formidable budget-friendly option for families.

Nalgene Outdoor offers a wide variety of storage containers in 4-, 8-, 16- and 32-ounce sizes.

Simplicity Hack: stock containers with bulk healthy snacks to grab and go from the pantry or fridge for the school day!

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EXPLORE

Beach Blanket W

Bucket List

ith more than a month of summer to go, there’s still plenty of time to tackle this Beach Blanket Bucket List. Think you’ve seen and done it all? This list might surprise you! Read on for an assortment of things to see and do this summer. Now there’s no excuse for lazing around as the balmy days pass idly by—unless, of course, that’s your idea of perfect summer fun!

Ride the rails aboard the Stanley Park Train along the 2km track that winds its way through the forest. vancouver.ca

Drop by a fair or festival. Possible options: Abbotsford International Airshow (Aug 5- 7) Bard on the Beach (until Sept 24) PNE (Aug 20-Sept 5) and Vancouver International Fringe Festival (Sept 8-18).

Read aloud under a tree (for reading recommendations, see page 28).

Check out the Gulf of Georgia Cannery in Steveston. gulfofgeorgiacannery.org

Get artsy at the Vancouver Mural Festival from Aug 4-14 to see 30+ new murals in 8 neighbourhoods. View all events and download a mural map at vanmuralfest.ca/map.

Soar with the eagles on Cypress Mountain’s Eagle Coaster, Canada’s longest mountain coaster, reaching speeds of up to 40km/hr. cypressmountain.com Make—and sell!—lemonade. Set up a stand and help quench your community’s thirst.

Shop at a Farmer’s Market for picnic ingredients then pack your basket and dine al fresco in your favourite summer spot. bcfarmersmarket.org

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Meet rescued seals and sea lions at Vancouver Aquarium’s new Marine Mammal Rescue Exhibit. vanaqua.org Go garage sale-ing.

Feast at a food truck. streetfoodapp.com

Explore False Creek—and all the stops along the way—on the Aquabus, stopping every 15 minutes at locations including Granville Island and Yaletown. theaquabus.com Take in the sights and sounds at this year’s PNE, running Aug 20-Sept 5. From midway games, death-defying rides and SuperDogs to mini donuts, and the prize home, there’s something for everyone. pne.ca

Chase an ice cream truck and cool off with an icy treat.

Go on a road trip.

Cool off at a splash park.

Beat the heat inside The World of Kidtropolis, 18,000 square feet of indoor playground fun. kidtropolis.ca Hit the road. Pack up the car or hop on your bikes and explore a neighbouring community.

Host a neighbourhood water fight.

Go to a drive-in movie. twilightdrivein.net Go fishing.

Set your sights on Science World. If you haven’t seen the T:Rex Exhibit yet, now’s your chance! Open daily until 8pm all summer long. Discounted admission after 5pm. scienceworld.ca

Get wet at Cultus Lake Water & Theme Parks, two great parks, one destination. The Water Park is BC’s largest waterpark; the Theme Park boast 18 rides and attractions. cultus.com Visit your local library. If you haven’t joined the BC Summer Reading Club, it’s not too late. bcsrc.ca Go camping. If campsites are full, don’t let that stop you: set up a tent on your porch or in your backyard.

Pick berries. Bake a pie.

Roast marshmallows.

Walk your neighbourhood at dusk.

Organize a backyard movie night.

Kick it old school: run through a sprinkler, play kick the can, organize a bike parade and decorate your bikes.

No matter how you decide to spend the last month of summer, enjoy the sunshine, each other and the last embrace of the season. Be as light as the days, have fun, let go and play.

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HEALTH

Dealing with a Diagnosis

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hen it comes to big, bad news and kids, it’s all scary. A newborn with something visibly wrong at birth. A baby who won’t latch on and begins to lose weight. A school-aged child who struggles to read. A pre-teen with strange health issues that are tough to diagnose. A teen who breaks an arm and that break leads to a cancer diagnosis.

My son’s latest complex health issue is severe scoliosis. When one of these medical or developmental things falls into a parent’s lap, the world stops spinning and the search for resources—external and internal—begins.

You can’t possibly prepare for all things or always know who to turn to when you are sliding down the mountain grasping for some strong hold. All we can do as parents is, well I

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hate to quote Disney, but as Anna says in Frozen II, “Just do the next right thing.”

To do that, though, we may need ideas and resources. Here are a few to keep in mind when big and small things go bad: Draw from experience. Remember all the things you have done so far in your life and use the knowledge that you have from doing those things to give you courage now. I know, that sounds a bit airy-fairy but trust me, in your core there are strong roots.

expertise of parents. If they don’t, make sure to tell them—you can even say, “My son or daughter is unique in these ways, and so even though you may not pick up on X, I certainly do.” A friend recently suggested these two questions: What have I not asked that I should have? and What have you not told me that you should? I used these at a recent consult with the anesthesiologist for my sons’ surgery and she was impressed by the question, paused to really think, and then gave me some important insights.

Ask a lot of questions. You may be facing a teacher or medical specialists. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and make sure they know that you know you are your kid’s expert.

Many understand this and appreciate the

Try to give yourself a break. Obviously as the mom or dad, you may carry a bit of self-blame when things go bad. Trust me, you can’t know everything. My son was born with a rare genetic syndrome called Prader-Willi, I

had never heard of it, and while I had a complex pregnancy, there is no way I could have known and knowing wouldn’t have changed a thing or helped me prepare.

Don’t use google search as the answer.

I go online to do background research and to inform questions for specialists. I rarely make decision based on online research, but I do sometimes get myself tangled up in knots so maybe limit the online research.

Trust your instincts even if they feel a bit wobbly and inform them by asking questions. There were so many decisions to make in the first days of my son’s life—even during his birth. My husband and I moved from one to the next slowly, we asked a lot of questions, we quietly freaked out, we held him, we asked more questions. We said no to a feeding tube and worked hard to get him to suck from a bottle. We kept negotiating each thing as it came up. And we still do.

Find resources. If you have a new diagnosis, do a search in your area for the name of the diagnosis to find the groups nearby. I am not a good joiner but see if you can attend a meeting rather than a party—maybe not the Autism Families Christmas Party but a picnic or sports event that is outdoors and less hectic.

Investigate school resources, too. Who is your district’s Special Education principal? Go and meet them, and meet the teachers and principals in your child’s school. If your child has complex needs, physical or developmental, take handouts for them. For my own part, I have type 1 diabetes and, as a kid, always took a long handout on diabetes to all my new schools, and my mom came along to explain what it meant and that I’d need to have snacks during class time.

Advocate for your child. This can be frustrating, believe me, but there are also parent groups for special needs families to help with advocacy. As I got older, I could advocate for myself at school, but this is not true for my

son. I am prepared to keep visiting my son’s school, even into high school and college.

Keep reminding the teaching or camp staff what your child needs and that you are part of his or her success.

Listen to your child. My son is relatively non-verbal and so sometimes it takes me a while to catch on to what he is saying because of communication struggles (remember that point on giving yourself a break). But when I do catch on, I immediately let him know, and take required action. This also lets him know that as slow as mom is, his words and communication are important and have meaning.

Pay attention to your own mind. How is the internal conversation going? During the last few months, getting ready for my son’s spinal surgery, my inner voice has been hard on me. If you have this too, can I suggest breathing, letting those thoughts pass through, and speaking with a counsellor to give you some tools to reframe the internal conversation relating to your child’s diagnosis?

Talk to friends about how you are doing.

Perhaps you are worried they won’t understand or that you will be a burden but believe me friends are amazing and resourceful and helpful. They will ask you questions and enable the scary thoughts held within to escape.

Essential service is what friends provide. Let them provide it.

Try not to isolate yourself within the worry and the care of your child. Keep in the world. Covid-19 has led to families with diverse and neurodiverse children being more isolated due to the fear of children catching the disease. Use all the technology available to connect with people.

Recognize that things are always changing: your kids as they develop, yourself as you get older, the systems in place shift due to funding, it is all slightly annoying, exhausting and some of it also exhilarating

RESOURCES autism.bc Facebook groups: Vancouver Island Service Providers, Respite Care in Victoria BC actcommunity.ca Search “special needs bc” and a lot of info will come up; and The Ministry of Children and Family Development has a lot of info too. For Prader-Willi Syndrome, for example, there is a BC organization, a Canadian one, a US one that has a lot of good info (don’t be afraid to cross the border for info), FB groups and other resources. I go to these for everything to gain insight on what may be happening for my son in comparison to other families and for facts and resources. Better than a general google search.

Ask at your place of employment about counselling if you decide to do that and also if your son or daughter is on the Autism Spectrum know that funding can be applied to this kind of self-care for parents.

One of the best places in the world is the Queen Alexandra Centre for Children’s Health. Check out their website, there are resources there you may not have ever heard of. School specialists are based there. With scoliosis surgery I recently learned my son will have a PT and OT team for post-op care. Amazing. islandhealth. ca/our-locations/hospitals-health-centrelocations/queen-alexandra-centre-childrens-health

Yvonne Blomer is a Victoria writer and the past Poet Laureate of Victoria. Her most recent books are Sugar Ride: Cycling from Hanoi to Kuala Lumpur and Refugium: Poems for the Pacific.

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LEARN

Get Set for Back-to-School Success L

earning is primarily a visual task and knowledge will be shared in varied forms this year. When your child is doing school work at home, make sure that they are set up for success. Just like the proper ergonomics for lifting a box, our visual system performs optimally and is less likely to experience stress under the right conditions.

imagine that you’ve picked up a book to skim the cover in a bookstore—how you are holding the book is likely very close to 22 degrees naturally as this is the most comfortable for our visual system.

DISTANCE

Let’s start with the hardware. When seated at a desk, the feet should be able to rest flat on the floor when the back is pushed to the back of the seat. This will create three 90-degree angles in the ankles, knees and hips. If your child’s feet do not touch the floor, use books under their feet to achieve a 90-degree angle.

The optimal viewing distance for reading and near work is called Harmon’s Distance. This is the distance between a closed fist resting just under the chin and the elbow. The distance will be slightly different person-to-person depending on size. This allows the eye focusing mechanism to perform optimally. Even a few centimetres closer will start to ramp up the demand on the system and increase eye strain and fatigue.

POSTURE

LIGHTING

DESK & CHAIR

Using a slant board will move materials in line with the face to improve reading. Research has found this angle to be 22 degrees. I imagine that you rarely carry a protractor so instead

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In my 10 years in optometry, I have often heard the question: “Will reading in the dark hurt my eyes?” The answer is no…but yes. Although it will not structurally hurt an eye, it

certainly will cause your child to bring the pages closer to see, and in turn, increase eyestrain. A directional light, for example a desk lamp, will allow your child to evenly light the page.

BREAKS

Our visual system was not designed for long periods of near work. Taking frequent breaks will prevent it from getting “locked” on the near task. The 20/20/20 rule works well: every 20 minutes, take 20 seconds to look 20 feet away. These short breaks reduce the tendency of the focusing muscles to become cramped.

GLASSES

Of course, all these efficiency factors are not terribly important if your child cannot see well. An eye examination looks at not just the sharpness of letters, but at overall eye health. Glasses can help visual systems for reading or to improve sleep cycles by blocking blue light from screens. Keep in mind that although vision screenings are useful, they are not a replacement for an assessment with your optometrist.

So good luck to us all in the new school year!

OUTDOORS

Even though the weather is about to change, active outdoor play is still an important part of visual development. An hour of distance play outside has been shown to be protective against the development of near-sightedness.

Dr. Amber Vinge (OD, FCOVD) is a full-scope optometrist in the Comox Valley with a specialty in child development and visual rehabilitation.

She has three lovely children.

New location at Garden City in Richmond is NOW OPEN! Spots are filling up quickly. Register Today!

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HEAD. HANDS. HEART. Aug/Sept 2022

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SHOP

Slash

Tips to Back-to-School Spending E

very September parents reach into their wallets to pay for all the costs associated with this time of year. It starts with school supplies, then indoor shoes, then a new lunch kit and backpack. But it doesn’t stop there; quickly we move on to soccer registration, swimming lessons, dance classes and the gear that goes along with each of those activities.

When the kids are young we look forward to the years beyond expensive childcare fees.

Then when they graduate to elementary school, we learn that the costs don’t stop there. This is an expensive time of year, no question about it. While many of the costs cannot be avoided, some of them can be minimized.

School supplies

Check the inventory of what came home with your student(s) in June and only pur-

chase the items that are missing or broken.

Most PACs have an online list you can order as a package or individually.

Clothes

Stock the closet by shopping at local consignment sales and stores. While you’re at it, sell the outgrown items to help pay the bill.

Sports equipment

Look online or with the sports association for used equipment. Kids grow fast and switch sports often, so you’ll likely find something that is nearly brand new.

Extra-curricular activities

Consider registering at the rec centre instead of a studio. The instructors are often the same, the commitment is less and fees are lower—win, win, win.

Lindsay Plumb is an Accredited Financial Counsellor (Canada) and the founder of the Pretty Money Club, Black Is The New Red, and MOOLA Financial Coaches & Advisors. Download her free budget template at prettymoneyclub.com.

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There are some costs that simply cannot be avoided. For those ones, I have these tips to help you reduce the seasonal bleeding. These options are not immediate so you’ll be planning ahead for next year, and “Future You” will be thankful that you did.

Include it in your monthly budget

Add 1/12 of the cost to your monthly budget and begin to save each month. Open a free savings account to keep this money separate and ready for next year.

Ask grandparents to help

Many family members prefer to give experiential gifts over material ones. Christmas is right around the corner so talk to them now.

Food

I would be mistaken to leave out the biggest expense in your household after housing, food! Did you know that most local families spend well over $1,000 each month on groceries alone? That’s $10,000–$20,000 per year!

If we can reduce our spending at the grocery store, we’ll have more money to use on all those expensive activities for the kids. The

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2 FREE Quad Tournament Coupons for New Students! rule that my clients use as a guide for their grocery budget is $50 per week per person, with some exceptions for teenage appetites and dietary restrictions.

Ditch the individual packages. Buying the big bag of chips and packing a portion in a reusable container can reduce your costs by 50% (and it save our landfills too) Plan your meals. Write down your meals before you go shopping, then stick to the plan.

Shop less. Hitting the grocery store just once per week will avoid picking up just a “few things” each time you run, which can add up to hundreds of dollars a month.

Know your numbers. Pay attention to the sale prices so you know when something is truly a good deal. My clients do their best to stick to $1.99 per pound for produce whenever possible.

When you live in a high-cost-of-living area, taking steps to reduce your spending is a must for most families. By spending a small amount of time this year, you’ll not only see some instant results, you’ll also be able to enjoy the next back-to-school season with a little less financial stress.

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Join the conversation!

Aug/Sept 2022

17

LEARN

What to Wear for School Photos SIMPLE IS BEST

The best thing to wear is a simple, one- or two-coloured shirt/dress. This kind of clothing will be timeless and look good even when you look back at these photos 30 years from now.

AVOID WRITING, CHARACTERS & LARGE LOGOS

Sure, it can be tough when all your kid wants to wear is that one Paw Patrol shirt five days in a row, but as soon as there is text or pictures on the shirt, your eye will just naturally go to that, instead of to your child’s beautiful face.

WANT TO ADD SOME VISUAL INTEREST?

Textures like knits, lace or denim photograph well in photos, and patterns like plaid, stripes or floral can spice up a simple portrait. For more flair, consider accessories like a stylish fedora, a jacket or vest, a bowtie or a special hair accessory.

I

f you’re anything like me, you will wake up the morning of your child’s school photo session and realize that the only clean thing in their closet is the Halloween costume from last year, and the neon orange rec centre t-shirt. Furious laundry basket diving will ensue to find the “cleanest of the dirty”—right?

But, it doesn’t have to be that way. Family and school photographer Rochelle Hepworth provides some guidelines and examples so you can get an idea of what to expect and how to prepare.

Check with the photographer whether full length photos are included so you know whether to consider pants and shoes. Most school photos are taken from the waist up, so focus on choosing a suitable shirt/dress. Don’t spend long on the lower half—although I won’t stop anyone from wearing fabulous shoes!

AVOID BLENDING INTO THE BACKGROUND

If you know the colour of the background screen, avoid dressing your child in the same colour.

For example, if the screen is black, a black sweater can blend into the background and create a “floating head” effect. If photos are taken against a green screen, wearing green will cause problems when the background is changed in post-processing. At the very least, add a scarf or some other colourful piece of clothing to distinguish the subject’s upper body from the background.

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SIBLINGS

For siblings, stay away from exact matches, but feel free to coordinate colours and patterns that go well together. Don’t let both kids wear patterns—if one wears a pattern, choose a colour from that pattern and let the other one wear a solid in that colour.

If all fails, any clothing that isn’t crusty or too wrinkled will do just fine. And if it ever comes down to a choice between your child’s favourite Frozen dress or a meltdown…choose that favourite every time!

Rochelle Hepworth is a lifestyle, family and newborn photographer specializing in capturing authentic and candid moments that make up every family’s unique story. She also creates modern, timeless school portraits overflowing with personality for preschools and daycares in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley. rochellehepworth.com

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The ultimate in diversified learning Aug/Sept 2022

19

EXPLORE

Get to Know Nature

K

ids who experience nature’s mystery and beauty will grow up caring about protecting it. Being attentive to life helps us better understand and act on the understanding that we are all interconnected and embedded in and indebted to the Earth. Most children are curious explorers, so you don’t need to do much to cultivate their nature connection—just take them outside (rain or shine) and get out of their way!

1. ROLL OVER A LOG OR ROCK

Find a salamander, centipede, millipede or beetle!

2. WATCH FOR BUTTERFLIES

Watch butterflies basking in the sun on gravel roads, atop a pile of dung or near a puddle. To get a closer look, approach from behind, don’t make sudden movements and avoid casting a shadow. Plant a butterfly garden and watch them come to you. davidsuzuki. org/living-green/how-to-create-abutterfly-garden

3. CATCH & RELEASE A DRAGONFLY

Dragonflies perch near wetlands or meadows and need to warm up in the sun.

4. FIND A SIT SPOT

Find a place to sit quietly and return

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to again and again, use all your senses and watch natural wonders reveal themselves.

5. STAR GAZE OR WATCH CLOUDS

Light pollution is a side effect of cities glowing at night. Find a dark sky pot, stay up and look up! Watch for bats, too (Don’t want to blow bedtime? Watch clouds in daylight.)

6. MAKE A MUD PIE

Digging in dirt can be a natural antidepressant. Mycobacterium vaccae, a microbe found in mud and wet soils, influences neurotransmitters that improve mood, reduce anxiety and facilitate learning.

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7. TAKE A WALK IN THE WOODS

Go on a scavenger hunt or forage for wild berries. Shinrin yoku—Japanese for “forest bathing”— boosts immune function, reduces blood pressure and stress and improves mood. The scents of trees (breathing in phytoncides, antimicrobial volatile organic compounds), the sounds of moving water and the feel of sunshine are calming.

8. LEARN TO READ ANIMAL SIGNS

Look for tracks, scratch marks and poop (aka “scat”). Moose scat looks like chocolate almonds, elk scat resembles chocolate kisses and deer scat looks like chocolate covered raisins.

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Register now for Summer Break Fashion Camp & 2-Week Intensives Does your child love fashion?

Perhaps they’re thinking of pursuing a career as a designer?

9. START A NATURE JOURNAL Draw or write your experiences.

10. JOIN A FAMILY NATURE CLUB

Or, launch one of your own.

From David Suzuki Foundation. For more ideas, visit davidsuzuki.org.

2-Week Intensives April, May, July & August

Create your own designs, learn about sewing and illustration, and have the chance to speak with industry experts about careers in fashion. Use code WCF for $35 off any class

604 736 0897

thecutfashionacademy.com

1888 West 1st Ave, Vancouver Aug/Sept 2022

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2

PARENTING

How to Foster Your Child’s Self-Esteem

S

elf-esteem is how people feel about themselves, both inside and out. People with good self-esteem generally have a positive outlook, accept themselves and feel confident.

Having good self-esteem doesn’t mean a person is arrogant or self-centered. It means appreciating your own selfworth and importance, taking responsibility for your actions, and showing respect and care for others.

• be unwilling to try new things • have trouble following rules or behaving well • be withdrawn or depressed • say “I can’t” a lot If your child doesn’t always want to be with others, it doesn’t mean they have low self-esteem. Spending time alone is a good skill and important to mental health. However, if you child always wants to be alone, you should discuss with your doctor.

WHY IS SELF-ESTEEM IMPORTANT?

Your child’s self-esteem affects how well they do day-today. It affects their relationship with you and with others, and has an impact on how they do at school and in social situations. Later in life, it will affect how they do in the workplace.

Positive self-esteem helps children: • have the courage to be their own person • believe in their own values • make the right decisions under pressure • interact with others • handle stress and life’s challenges • make healthier choices • feel confident saying “no” to dangerous activities

HOW DOES SELF-ESTEEM DEVELOP?

Most of the time, children with positive self-esteem: • are happy • make friends easily • enjoy social activities • are enthusiastic about new activities • can play on their own and with other children • like to be creative and have their own ideas • talk comfortably with others without much encouragement Children with low self-esteem may: • have few friends • be easily frustrated or discouraged

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Positive self-esteem starts with your child’s healthy attachment to their parents—and to you. It begins as early as birth, and continues as your child grows and develops.

Children need to feel loved and accepted to build selfesteem. When you take good care of your baby, it helps them feel loved and valued. When you play with your child and help them learn, they become more self-confident and willing to try new things. When your child goes to school and does well on a test, or while playing a sport, your praise and encouragement will help them feel proud of what they’ve done.

As your child gets older, providing rules and structure will help them feel confident that they are cared for. Gradually give them opportunities to make choices for themselves and feel more independent.

WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP FOSTER MY CHILD’S SELF-ESTEEM?

The most important thing is to show your child lots of love and acceptance. Spend time with them and give them lots of hugs and affection.

Focus on your child by playing with them and listening when they talk. Show interest in your child’s activities, projects, or problems. Let them guide play, and be willing to do the things they want to do.

Provide structure and rules. Be consistent. Decide on and

enforce clear rules and limits that are right for your child’s age and developmental stage. Tell them what you expect, and what the consequences will be if the rules aren’t followed.

This helps your child feel safe and secure. They will gradually grow more confident about making their own decisions.

Tell your child you are happy when they cooperate or help you, follow rules, or do other positive things. Explain what you like about their behaviour.

Help your child find something they are good at and enjoy. Understand and respect that they will be good at some activities and not good at others. Never humiliate or put down your child for not succeeding.

Support your child and offer genuine praise. Encourage them to try new things, and tell them you are proud. Praise efforts and skills, but be specific in what you say. Don’t overpraise every accomplishment, because it will only take away from the things they succeed at and that took real effort.

Remind your child that learning new skills takes time and practice, and that no one can master everything. You can also talk about your own successes and failures and what you’ve learned.

Help your child learn from their mistakes. Talk about what can be done differently next time, and how they can control their own behaviour.

Provide your child with responsibilities and opportunities to contribute in the home. For example, assign family chores, or ask for help preparing dinner. This teaches your child that they are important.

Be a role model. Show your child what it means to love yourself, be willing to do and try new things, and model how you cope with set-backs or challenges. Show your child the rewards of patience, persistence and doing things as well as you can.

Offer choices and the chance to problem-solve, appropriate to your child’s age and developmental stage, so that your child learns that they have control over their life.

Create a safe, loving home environment where your child can feel comfortable, secure and happy. Avoid fighting or arguing with your partner in front of your child.

For more information, visit Canadian Paediatric Society’s Caring for Kids at caringforkids.cps.ca.

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imaxvictoria.com Aug/Sept 2022

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EXPLORE

Day Trip:

LANGLEY

T

here’s so much to do when you visit the Township of Langley in the summertime. But did you know that there are options from scrumptious eats and treats, history galore, cultural events to cute animals? Here are some great summer activities: 1. Visit the Twilight Drive-In, Metro Vancouver’s only Drive-In Movie Theatre. Watch movies under the stars in the comfort of your own car and be sure to visit the concession stand. twilightdrivein.net 2. Eat all the ribs August 12–14 at Langley Ribfest. The

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event features world renowned ribbers and a great entertainment lineup.

3. Discover the Wonderful World of Animals Explore at the Greater Vancouver Zoo. Be sure to take in the dinosaur exhibit and a ride on the Safari Miniature Train.

4. Don’t miss Langley’s Sun & Soil Concert August 27th at Sage & Solace Farm. This concert celebrates the Fraser Valley’s welcoming natural beauty and highlights all the talents found within the valley by featuring local musicians, local farms and local food for an intimate and flavourful concert experience.

5. Pick up local fresh produce and treats at a Farmers Market (Langley Community Farmers Market and Fort Langley Village Farmers Market). lcfm.ca, fortlangleyvillagefarmersmarket.org 6. Book a trail ride at Glen Valley Stables or Langley 204 Horseback Riding and enjoy the beautiful parks and views in South Langley. glenvalleystables.com, langley204.com 7. Explore the Circle Farm Tour. Sample award-winning wines, enjoy French cuisine, fill your picnic basket with

fresh pies, juicy berries, local cheeses and specialty turkey, take in an equestrian event and see where the HBC first farmed. thefraservalley.ca 8. Cool down from the summer heat at the Otter Co-Op Outdoor Experience. The lazy river, wave pool and waterslides provide fun for all ages. tol.ca

This is just a small sample of the many activities available in Langley, for more information, visit tourism-langley.ca.

Join us for all kinds of family fun at evergreen!

From our Family Theatre Series to activities at the Art Gallery like our take-home creative kits, we are the Tri-Cities venue for live arts experiences!

@evergreenarts www.evergreenculturalcentre.ca Aug/Sept 2022

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PLAY Round out the summer and picnic for a cause at Picnic and Bubbles in August. Or check out the changes at Playland then take in the sights, sounds and performances at this year’s Pacific National Exhibition—a fun way to send off summer and welcome the fall.

Playland & the PNE August 20 – September 5 pne.ca Guests will notice significant changes at Playland this summer. Music Express and Crazy Beach Party have been retired to make way for Skybender, a new thrill ride that features dynamic action sequences, with a combination of gravity drops and accelerations. The Wooden Roller Coaster re-opened in July following a $1 million retrofit with over 12,000 feet of new lumber. The PNE Fair will be in full swing Aug 20 – Sept 5. Prepare to be entertained by Stars of the Peking Acrobats, SuperDogs, Flying Fools High Dive Show, BCAA ToonCity shows, Dueling Pianos, Electric Fire, For the Love of Drag tribute show, Coca-Cola Stage bands and the return of Summer Night Concerts on the GMC Stage at the PNE Amphitheatre.

Picnics & Bubbles August 21 | lesdames.ca/picnic-and-bubbles Les Dames d’Escoffier BC is hosting its summer fundraiser “Picnic and Bubbles,” a fun experience on August 21, in collaboration with restaurants across BC. Support women in hospitality and Food Banks BC by picking up a picnic for two from participating restaurants in Vancouver and the Okanagan. Each unique picnic for two includes a main dish created by your chosen restaurant, two side dishes, dessert and “bubbles”—wine, beer, cider, etc. depending on the venue, in a ready to go package. The menu for each picnic will be laid out in the tickets, which are $150 per picnic for two. Simply choose a participating restaurant and place your order. On August 21, arrive at the scheduled pick-up time between 3 and 5pm and enjoy the picnic at any of your favourite outdoor or indoor locations. Support women in hospitality and Food Banks BC by picnicking for a cause. Picnics must be purchased online in advance.

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Childcare Learning Centre for ages 2–12

Our learning centre is Reggio-Emilia inspired and incorporates best practices in education while highly valuing the arts. Our School of Arts includes educational development in the areas of music, art, character and psychological development.

We specialize in providing fun, engaging, and educational piano lessons for all ages.

Wonder of Learning Organization 1346 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC

604-829-1346 wonderoflearning.ca

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GRAND Vol. V, Ed. II

Family Reunions Near & Far

grandmag.ca

Simple Snacks

For Picnics & Hikes

Stretch Out in the Shade & Read

Aug/Sept 2022

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Mind

Stretch Out in the Shade & Read

W

hen my husband is deployed, my parents like to step in and help.

However, since they live in Ontario, we have to be creative on what that help looks like. One thing that works for us is to have them read my boys bedtime stories over the internet. My children love snuggling up on the couch and listening to my mom read to them. If you love reading with your grandchildren, here are a few new books you can try.

A current favourite for my boys is Linty: A Pocketful of Adventure, a graphic novel by

Penny and Pizza. I was not expecting a book about lint to be exciting, but after reading it 100 times in two days, I can assure you, it’s hilarious. My boys laugh from page one until the very end. The pictures and text are great. For ages 5 to 9.

Another story you might enjoy is Itzel and the Ocelot by Rachel Katstaller (Kids Can Press, 2022). In this story Itzel and her Nana are desperately waiting for rain.

To pass the time, Nana tells Itzel stories, including one about the Giant Snake who brings the rain. But still no rain falls. When

of days, if you’re going to read it with your grandchildren. The story starts with Louisiana’s Granny waking her up in the middle of the night and telling her they have to leave. When Louisiana wakes up in the car hours later she learns that Granny has no intention of ever going back to their home, because it is time for them to face the curse of sundering that has plagued their family for generations. DiCamillo does an amazing job of getting into the mind of a twelveyear-old girl, and leaving us with a beautiful and sad story about love, abandonment,

Mike Shiell (Kids Can Press, 2022), which is about a little piece of lint who lives in the pocket of a pair of blue jeans. Linty enjoys cardio, sightseeing (the blue is lovely) and playing Solo Marco Polo. But one day something changes and Linty’s world is filled up with many new friends like Shelly, Sandy,

they’ve almost run out of food, Itzel decides to sneak off into the jungle to find a snake so it will rain. On her way she is joined by an Ocelot who guides her to the river. This is a sweet story with delightful images about the love shared between a grandmother and granddaughter. For ages 4 to 8.

Franz’s Phantasmagorical Machine by Beth Anderson and illustrated by Caroline Hamel (Kids Can Press, 2022), explores the true-story of Franz Gsellmann. Franz wants to create something, but his family needs him to work on the farm so he isn’t able to go to school. Still, he collects items that others might see as trash and works to turn them into something magical. What?

He’ll figure that out when he’s finished. Let this story inspire you to tinker and build your own phantasmagorical machine with your grandchildren. For ages 5 to 9.

The next book is Louisiana’s Way Home by Kate DiCamillo (Candlewick Press, 2018).

You might have to break this novel down into smaller pieces and read it over a series

learning who you want to be and finding your home. For ages 8 to 12.

The final story is I, Cosmo by Carlie Sorosiak (Walker Books, 2019), which is told from the perspective of an arthritic golden retriever who wants nothing more than to help his human brother Max. Max’s parents are fighting a lot and Max is worried that if they get divorced, he and Cosmo will be separated. So he decides to enter into a dance competition with Cosmo: the grand prize is a movie role. Max believes that if his parents see how perfect he and Cosmo are together in the film, they will have to let them stay together always. For ages 8 to 12.

Whether or not you’re able to read these books with your grandchildren or you simply gift them, I hope you are able to enjoy their company this summer. Perhaps you’ll even get to go to the beach with them, because one of the best places to read a book is lounging on the sand, listening to the sound of the ocean.

Christina Van Starkenburg lives in Victoria with her husband, children and cat. She is the author of One Tiny Turtle: A Story You Can Colour and many articles. To read more of her work and learn about her upcoming books visit christinavanstarkenburg.com, facebook.com/christinavanstarkenburg and @Christina_VanS on Twitter.

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Travel

Family Reunions, Near & Far

R

eunion travel has become a necessity rather than an indulgence in these post-pandemic times. It is a refreshing step back in time, as multi-generational families yearn to spend offline time together once again! After a year or more of lockdowns and Zoom calls, families finally have the chance to reconnect, and what better way than to combine it with a much-needed vacation.

Imagine lounging by the pool on the grounds of your own private villa overlooking the white sand beach and sapphire blue sea. Embedded in lush tropical gardens, your villa has lots of beautifully appointed bedrooms for everyone, and an open, airy great room with spacious seating for visiting. A well-equipped, modern galley style kitchen opens to the great room and the views. If you wish, your private chef could be creating a wonderful family meal while everyone relaxes.

Deep covered verandahs with outdoor seating and dining spaces extend from the great room.

Not in the budget? You would be surprised! Destinations that provide for large, or small, multi-generational families are available close to home and around the world. Whether it is the local ski resort, dude ranch, a faraway tropical island or a rustic, centuries-old Tuscan villa in the Italian countryside. You can bring your kids, their kids and more for an unforgettable experience and new memories for the same cost as multiple hotel rooms and the time and cost in hosting a gathering.

Guided tours are also becoming more and more popular with families looking to reunite. Perhaps you want to discover more of Eastern Canada’s fall foliage, the northern lights in Yellowknife or the magnificent Rockies; explore your family heritage in Ireland, Scotland or Wales; or cross off that bucket list item like an African safari! Guided tours allow you the time to enjoy being together, while someone else does the driving, deals with the luggage and coordinates accommodations, sightseeing and meals. Guided tours can save you time, money and a lot of stress, giving you the time to create more unforgettable experiences and new memories.

Cruising is returning and offers something for everyone. Family reunion cruises are a terrific option, reducing the amount of planning time, and allowing you to easily round up loved ones for a seamless, value-packed vacation that includes accommodations, meals, entertainment and activities all in one confirmed upfront cost. Cruise vacations can be anything from a rented barge on the St. Lawrence, a larger river cruise on one of the many rivers around the world, to the new hybrid powered cruise ships.

Accommodations vary from economical inside staterooms to ocean view verandas and family suites. Each family member can choose the accommodation to fit their budget and enjoy the many onboard amenities with the entire family, enjoy an educational excursion or find a nice quiet spot to unwind and share a conversation.

With many itineraries, ships—large and small—there is a wide range of choices.

All you need to decide is when to meet for dinner! How great is that?

Coordinating a trip with family near and far requires some advanced planning and lots of coordination, which is resulting in a renewed demand for travel advisors. Professional planners can help travelers navigate any travel restrictions, changes in entry requirements, visas, flights, accommodation, activities and backup plans. If you enjoy the planning process yourself, the most important objective is to just do it! Start the conversation with your family to reconnect and make new memories.

As co-owner of Departures Travel Sidney, Cathy Larsen is passionate about sharing her love of travel—even after 35 years of experience in the industry. She enjoys life and sees travel as more than a stamp in their passport! departurestravel.com, facebook.com/DeparturesTravelSidney, linkedin.com/in/cathylarsen Aug/Sept 2022

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Food

Simple Snacks for Picnics & Hikes

I

t’s handy to have a few snacks that are quick to prepare and easy to take along to picnics at the beach or hikes in the woods.

Here are a few healthy go-to snacks to have on hand in your fridge or pantry.

• Snacking vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, peppers • Fruit • Nuts and seeds • Pretzels and crackers Quick snacks are great, depending on how long you’re heading out for; it’s also nice to bring along more substantial fare.

So whatever your adventure, here are a few hearty snacks to sustain you.

Emillie Parrish loves having adventures with her two busy children. You can find more of her recipes in her recently released cookbook Fermenting Made Simple. fermentingforfoodies.com

Egg & Cheese Bites

Pizza Puffs

These two-bite egg and cheese quiches can be served hot or cold.

Perfect for a simple snack, breakfast-on-the-go, or serve them as part of a larger meal. Fill them with your favourite vegetables: broccoli, mushrooms, coloured pepper or tomatoes. Don’t have time to prep vegetables? Use mixed frozen vegetables instead!

These tiny pizzas are made from puff pastry. They are super simple to put together and are delicious both hot and cold. Best of all, everyone loves them! This recipe includes olives, however, feel free to swap the olives for your favourite pizza topping. Finely diced bell pepper or a slice of pepperoni both work well, too.

12 eggs 1⁄2 tsp salt, to taste 1⁄4 onion 1 cup of finely chopped vegetables 3⁄4 cup of grated cheese

1 package of puff pastry 1 can of pizza sauce 4 cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced 20 black olives, thinly sliced 8 oz of pizza cheese, grated

1. Preheat the oven to 350˚F. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin.

2. Whisk together the eggs, salt and onion in a large bowl.

3. Divide the egg mixture between the 12 muffin cups, roughly 1⁄2 way up.

4. Divide the vegetables between the muffin cups then top with grated cheese.

5. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the eggs are firmly set.

6. Allow the eggs to cool slightly before transferring them to an air-tight storage container. Store in the fridge and enjoy within 4 days.

1. Defrost the puff pastry ahead of time following the directions on the package.

2. Preheat the oven to 425˚F. 3. Roll out the puff pastry until it is 3mm thick. Cut the pastry into roughly 20 squares.

4. Place the puff pastry squares on a baking sheet before assembling the pizzas.

5. Using the back of a spoon, spread 1 tsp of pizza sauce on each square of pastry.

6. Decorate the pizza puff with slices of tomato and olives. Then top with cheese.

7. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the puff pastry is browning.

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Create a Legacy & Let Your Love Live On

You have the power to make a lasting difference and help children and adults with disabilities through some of life’s most difficult challenges.

After you’ve provided for your loved ones, please consider a gift in your Will for Easter Seals BC & Yukon. No matter the size, every gift helps.

Please call or email Emma at 604-873-1865 ext. 423 or eliffen@eastersealsbcy.ca to learn how your gift can make a difference.

Create your legacy now, and change lives in years to come.

Aug/Sept 2022

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BURNABY ONLINE Learn where you want, when you want

Ministry approved BC curriculum Kindergarten to Grade 12 program Full time studies for K to Grade 9 Full time or part time available Grade 10 to 12 Adult Learning options Grade 8 to 12: over 50 course options Innovative Learning Management system Experienced Online learning teachers Opportunities for self-paced, flexible, convenient learning Direct teacher support available

BURNABY SCHOOL DISTRICT ONLINE PROGRAM Open to all residents of British Columbia

online.burnabyschools.ca Registration: online.burnabyschools.ca/registration

Develop communication and technical online skills registering full-time or for a single course