February 26, 2015

FamilyFamilyFamilyFamilyFamilymagazine

Activities issueTheatre ✲ Art ✲ Sports

Programs for children to explore and

discover

Programs for children Programs for children Programs for children Programs for children Play and learn

Creating early literacy skillsCreating earlyCreating earlyCreating earlyCreating early

Bookworms

SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT

Spring 2015

2 FAMILY MAGAZINE Spring 2015 Nanaimo News Bulletin

HIPY

Are you a Newcomer to Canada? Do you have a 3 or 4 year old child?

Do you want your child to succeed in school?

Are you willing to spend 15 minutes a day

with your child?

If yes, HIPPY is just for you!

To learn more, contact: Central Vancouver Island Mul�cultural Society 101 ‐ 319 Selby Street, Nanaimo BC (250) 753‐6911 ext 121 [email protected]

cvims.org

Funding by:

Program

Nanaimo News Bulletin FAMILY MAGAZINE Spring 2015 3

Family magazine is published by Nanaimo News Bulletin and Black Press.

PUBLISHER MAURICE DONNMANAGING EDITOR MELISSA FRYERSALES MANAGER SEAN MCCUEPRODUCTION DARRELL SUMMERFELT

CONTRIBUTOR

Mitch Wright won numerous provincial and national journalism awards during 15-plus years as a full-time newspaper reporter and editor. He now does freelance writing, photography and media relations in his free time.

He is an avid mountain biker, aspiring gardener and active volunteer with Cowichan Search and Rescue. He lives in Ladysmith with his partner and young daughter.

Familymagazine

Activities issue:Benefits of play 4Sports support 6Theatre skills 8Art workshops 10

Editorial contributions were also made by Black Press staff, members of the Early Years Partnership for Nanaimo and Ladysmith, as well as organizations involved in child development and early learning. For information on contributing or advertising in Family magazine, please contact the Nanaimo News Bulletin at 250-753-3707 or e-mail [email protected].

Creating bookworms16

Play and Learn18

When to wean20

Songs, rhymes, games and talking all help develop early literacy skills.

Parks and rec program helps children explore and discover world around them.

Social and cultural norms influence babies’ transition from breastfeeding.

Step-parentingCommunication key for new step-parents to develop relationship with children.

Diaper dilemma22Cloth diapers are making a comeback, thanks to new technology.

21

DID WE MISS YOU?

To ensure your ad is published in our next issue, please give us a call 250-753-3707 www.nanaimobulletin.com

777 Poplar Street

FamilyFamilyFamilyFamilyFamilymagazineActivities issueTheatre ✲ Art ✲ Sports

Programs for children

to explore and discover


Creating early

literacy skillsCreating earlyCreating earlyCreating earlyCreating earlyBookworms

SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT

Spring 2015


3.5” x 4.5” Family magConnected

2015 Spring Break

SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 7:30 PMROMPER ROOM CLIMBING CENTRE

Tickets: crimsoncoastdance.org or climbromperroom.com

PERFORMANCE by participants

Body Talk Dance Workshops

March 23 – 27ROMPER ROOM CLIMBING CENTRE

JOIN THE FLYING CIRCUS!

crimsoncoastdance.org or climbromperroom.com

Kids just wanna have fun. Through play, children of all

ages also learn, explore and experience new things. Everything they do, see and touch is another burst of stimulation for their rapidly developing brains.

“Play allows youth of all ages to try new things, test boundaries and use their imaginations,” the iconic Canadian physical health organiza-tion Participaction advises on its website. “In addition to the physical health benefits, active play offers cognitive, emotional and social development benefits. It has been shown to improve and foster motor function, creativity, decision-mak-ing, problem-solving and social skills, the ability to control emo-tions and preschoolers’ speech.”

For kids under six, parents might feel an urge to give their children a ‘head start’ on becoming compet-

itive, but kids need to master the basic skills and fundamentals first before exposure to the more com-plex rules and organization of struc-tured games.

For a four- or five-year-old, even the simplest rules might not make sense, which explains the mobs of mini-humans chasing a soccer ball or hockey puck, or a child trotting down the third-base line after drib-bling a ball off a tee.

Ideally, early exposure to sports

and activities emphasizes fun, play-ful ways to learn a few fundamental skills.

For infants and toddlers, there are numerous options available through municipal parks, recreation and culture programs. There are also countless private businesses and non-profit clubs dedicated to vari-ous sports and activities, many of which partner with the local parks and rec departments to list their programs in the municipal activity guides.

Beyond the physical benefits of such group activities, they are also great opportunities to get out of the house and socialize, both for chil-dren and parents.

Activities available range from hockey and soccer to ballet and gymnastics, all focused on offering fun, silly and energetic introduc-tions to the games or activities.

Play allows children to try new things

Early exposure to sports and activities emphasizes fun, playful ways to learn a few fundamental skills.“

Call PacificCARE for more information at:1-888-480-CARE (2273) or visit www.pacific-care.bc.ca

2 th52 th5

Funded by the Government of BC

Chi ld Care Resource and Referra l

Providing support to Child Care Providers and the families they serve.For Parents and Child Care Providers we offer:• Support and Training to child care providers.• Drop-in programs for both Child Care providers and

parents.• Access to Resources, Toys, Equipment and Theme

Packs.• Access and assistance with Child Care Subsidy

forms for parents.• Access to low-cost business liability Insurance for

child care providers.• Referrals to parents who are looking for child care.• On-site computer access for child care searches.

2 th52 th5

Funded by the Government of BC

Chi ld Care Resource and Referra l

Enhancing Quality Child Care


For activities like swimming, parents are encouraged to take advantage of parent-and-tot programs that get infants in the water as early as four-months-old, with parents right there to help their babies get comfortable in the water.

Parents don’t have to limit themselves to the ‘tradi-tional’ sports and acitvities for kids – there are a number of Mom and baby (one to eight months) or parents and toddler (one to three years) yoga classes offered at stu-dios throughout the region and through parks and rec. Such classes offer moms a chance to return to a yoga practice after delivery, while babies also benefit from the poses and the social contact stimulating social and emotional development.

Getting active doesn’t even have to involve specific sports, with early years nature programs growing in popularity and availability. While ‘nature kindergartens’ are available in select communities, Nanaimo parks and rec has programs for kids as young as three at several outdoor locations, encouraging them to learn about the environment and the creatures that live in it.

Growing a sedentary generation

The 2012 Active Healthy Kids Canada Report Card from Participaction indicates that only seven per cent of Canadian children and youth meet the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines for at least 60 minutes of daily moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity.

Most Canadian children and youth are at least getting some physical activity – 44 per cent get 60 minutes of physical activity three days a week.

Boys also continue to be more active than girls in every age group – 28 per cent of 10- to 16-year-old boys reported getting at least 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity a day, compared to only 17 per cent of girls.

For more information, please visit www.participaction.com.


The benefits of having children participate in sports, arts and other group activities is well

documented. So too are the challenges many

families face in accessing those pro-grams due to cost.

A 2014 poll conducted for the national organization KidSport found the two major barriers to participation are enrollment fees (61 per cent) and equipment costs (52 per cent).

KidSport is just one of many orga-nizations at the local, provincial and national levels working to help families overcome such barriers.

In Nanaimo, the city’s Leisure Eco-nomic Access Policy (LEAP) aims to help ensure everyone can partic-ipate in its programs.

A LEAP card entitles an individual and qualified family members to a 50-per cent course fee discount (to a maximum of $40) for four courses per year. All participants are also issued a Swim/Skate/Gym Pass for 50 free admissions throughout the year.

The LEAP card is available to City of Nanaimo residents and those living in Electoral A (Cranberry, Cedar, South Wellington), B (Gab-riola Island), and C (Extension, East Wellington, Lantzville, Snuney-muxw) who meet certain criteria – essentially proof of income or income assistance.

For more information on eligibil-ity, check the city’s Activity Guide, which offers specific gross income

guidelines depending on family size.

At the national level, KidSport (www.kidsportcanada.ca) helps remove financial barriers that pre-vent kids from playing sport by pro-viding assistance for registration fees to children aged 18 and under. Through a confidential application process, grants are given so they can play a season of sport.

The two major barriers to participation are

enrollment fees (61 per cent) and equipment costs

(52 per cent).

“Programs help with sports cost

Charities aim to ensure all kids can participate in

sporting activities

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PROGRAMS:CHILDREN WITH EXCEPTIONALITIES: 16 MONTHSINFANT / TODDLER: 16 MONTHSEARLY CHILDHOOD ASSISTANT: 3 MONTHSBENEFITS OF TRAINING WITH SPROTT SHAW:• Ministry of Children & Family Development approved• Based on BC’s Early Learning Framework• Responsive & emergent curriculum• Qualified employees can obtain their ECE Assistant Certificate by taking only one course

FIND YOUR PASSION.FIND YOUR PURPOSE.NANAIMO CAMPUS: 250.754.9600OR VISIT: SPROTTSHAW.COM


Across the country, KidSport comprises a network of 11 provincial/territorial KidSport chapters and 178 community KidSport chapters. Since its creation in 1993, more than 450,000 kids across the country were assisted through KidSport grants and sport introduction pro-gramming.

In 2013 alone, KidSport distributed $6 million in grants to its community chapters, enabling more than 57,000 kids to participate in sport.

JumpStart (http://jumpstart.canadiantire.ca) is another national charity with a commitment to local communi-ties, established with major support from the Canadian Tire Corporation, which pays for all the general adminis-trative expenses, meaning every cent of customer dona-tions go directly to help kids in need.

Community partners, like Motivate Canada, Boys and Girls Clubs, Canadian Paralympic Committee and numerous others work with local Jumpstart Chapters to identify the kids whose families are in need. Assistance is available for for kids aged 4 to 18, whose families can receive funding to help with registration fees, equipment and/or transportation.

Families can also get a federal tax break to help enroll children in programs that keep them active. Canadians can claim to a maximum of $1,000 per child for fees paid in 2014 relating to the cost of registration or membership for a child under the age of 16.

There are a number of eligibility conditions on pro-grams that qualify.

More information is available at www.cra-arc.gc.ca/fitness.


Theatre doesn’t have to be a per-formance kids

just enjoy from the audience – they benefit from fully participating in the cultural experi-ence.

Programs like those offered by Nanaimo’s Headliners Production and Rehearsal Studio and Kismet Theatre Academy, which get kids as young as 4.5 involved, aim to teach young children not just appreciation and understanding of the arts, but also build self-esteem and confi-dence.

Theatre builds self-esteem, confidenceChildren as young as four can get involved in acting with age-appropriate activities

Kids stimulate imagina-tions with Take a Bow

acting for beginners program at Headliners

Studio.

22 CHILDREN FIRST / SUCCESS BY 6 Greater Nanaimo/Ladysmith Family



22 CHILDREN FIRST / SUCCESS BY 6 Greater Nanaimo/Ladysmith Family22 CHILDREN FIRST / SUCCESS BY 6 Greater Nanaimo/Ladysmith Family



22 CHILDREN FIRST / SUCCESS BY 6 Greater Nanaimo/Ladysmith Family22 CHILDREN FIRST / SUCCESS BY 6 Greater Nanaimo/Ladysmith Family


EZRA SOCCEREZRA SOCCER

SUMMERSOCCER CAMPS

“A place for every player!”

July 6-10 (barcode 138260)August 10-14 (barcode 138262)August 24-28 (barcode 139399)★ 9 am-4 pm, Caledonia Field

★ Aft ernoon swimming★ $200 (t-shirt included)

July 6-10 (barcode 138264)August 10-14 (barcode 138266)August 24-28 (barcode 139400)

★ 9 am-12 pm, Caledonia Field★ $120 (t-shirt included)

Ezra Soccer SchoolFull Day Camps (6-13 yrs)

Ezra Soccer SchoolHalf Day Camps (6-8 & 9-13 yrs)

July 6-10 (barcode 138272)August 10-14 (barcode 138275)August 24-28 (barcode 139401)

★ 10-11 am, Caledonia Field★ $65 (t-shirt included)

Ezra Soccer Soccer Tots (3-5 yrs)

ONLINE: ireg.nanaimo.ca 250.756.5200

www.ezrasoccer.com

Monthly Early Years Programs

www.nanaimo.ca • ireg.nanaimo.ca250.756.5200

Headliners’ Take a Bow acting for beginners class for kids ages 4.5-6.5 is a six-week program involving dress-up, games, singing and acting, with a big emphasis on fun. Although the class is struc-tured, it’s not rigid and allows children the freedom to follow their impulses, says Manda Chel-mak, Headliners owner and artistic director.

“It’s about being a free-thinking, fast thinker. There’s no wrong choices in here, and that’s also kind of liberating for the kids,” she says, adding that the environment is conducive for both introverted and extroverted children to build self-confidence, since it’s a safe place for boisterous kids to be loud and silly without consequences, while quieter kids are often drawn into participating by their more active peers.

“Confidence can translate into many different life skills,” Chelmak says, of the far-reaching benefits that often endure into teenage

years and adulthood.Bonnie Catterson, owner of Kis-

met Theatre Academy, also offers programs for young children, in which they dream up characters, write scripts, rehearse and then perform.

“It’s about finding ways to express themselves, and I really see what a positive effect it has on kids, especially their confidence levels,” says Catterson. “So much else in our society is encouraging inhibitions, and we want to avoid that. It’s important for them to know they can be silly or whatever

it is they’re feeling.”While parents don’t participate

in the classes, younger students do benefit from the presence and mentorship of older students help-ing out and volunteering with the younger classes.

“It’s huge for the little ones, watching the older kids participate and performing,” says Catterson. “That leadership aspect is a big part the classes, too.”

Aside from theatre classes, municipal parks and rec programs also offer a number of early child-hood dance classes with various instructors and local dance studios (which also offer a number of pre-school and toddler classes in-stu-dio), covering a range of styles including: introductory dance, bal-let, jazz and hip-hop, and highland dancing.

While often more structured, dance classes are another fun way to expose young kids to a cultural experience, while also giving them the physical activity they need.

It’s important for them to know they can be silly or whatever it is they’re

feeling.“


Currently accepting applications for

September 2015in all grades. (k-12)

What if....? • What if we designed our high school with a student � rst

mentality, rather than � tting it into a schedule or time structure, or based on teacher or Admin?

• What if we respond to current best-practice in education and rethink how we educate?

• What if we were to be a leader in Nanaimo in creating student-� rst learning opportunities?

School. Learning. Redesigned.

We have spent the past several months asking signi� cant questions that have challenged us to examine our high school. That process has led us to a redesigned high school program for September 2015 which aligns to best-practice research and to the draft BC Ed Plan (view-able online) which is scheduled for implementation in 2017.Come have a look at what we are excited about and we believe you will become as excited as we are.

For more information contact:DAWNA FERRIS

250-754-4512 ext. [email protected]

Tillicum Lelum Aboriginal Friendship Centre

o� ers a holistic approach to programming and

services which nurtures the various potentials of

familiesand young children.

For more information about our programs please contact:

250-753-6578

Cowichan & NanaimoAges: 7-11

For more information & to register:spca.bc.ca/camp

Summer camps filled with animal-themed games, guest speakers, activities,

crafts, and some hands-ontime with animals.

BC SPCA Summer Camps

Cowichan & Nanaimo For more information & to register: For more information & to register: For more information & to register:

Art is often an exercise in imag-ination and impulse, neither of which is typically lacking in

children of any age. Opportunities for young children

to channel their active imaginations are also not lacking around the Nanaimo region.

Beyond offering the exploration of artistic techniques, participating in art classes from a young age brings benefits such as increased coordi-nation and colour recognition as a result of the opportunity for cre-ative play, says Robyn Foster, who facilitates some of the programs offered through the city as well as through her own business, Creative Escape Art Programs.

“The creative process is just as important as the finished product,” says Foster. “Toddlers love the artis-tic freedom from activities that may be too messy to do at home, and the projects themselves aren’t limited

to finger painting.”Children explore clay sculpting,

painting, printmaking, messy paint-ing and more while also learning from watching their parents, who take part alongside their child, says Foster, adding that the kids are given a general project concept and then encouraged to use their imagi-nations.

“Activities such as this provide children with new social experi-ences as they interact with other children, while enjoying the secu-rity of having their caregiver close by,” says Foster, an award-winning artist who holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Western Ontario and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Victoria.

“Parents benefit from these pro-grams through learning new tech-niques themselves to inspire and share with their child.”

At the Nanaimo Art Gallery’s downtown Art Lab, 90-minute work-shops offered on select Saturdays, children ages 5-11 can participate in unique themed classes and activ-ities.

Chosen themes expose budding artists to various creative styles and colours, with activities kept playful and fun to feed those young imagi-nations.

Other studios around the region, such as 4Cats Studio in Lantzville, also offer a variety of classes, work-shops, art camps and art parties.

A number of workshops are offered through Nanaimo’s Parks, Recreation and Environment depart-ment, providing fun, educational artistic experiences for a variety of young ages from two years and up.

Check the Activity Guide online thorugh www.nanaimo.ca for a full listing of courses hosted at a variety of locations.

Children build skills through art


* LRCA Family & Youth Support Services. Please call 250-245-3079 for more information or to book an appointment.

* Please also check with Ladysmith Parks & Recreation & Culture for additional recreational programs & events for parents and preschoolers. 250-245-6424

* Please also check with Ladysmith Regional Library for additional programs for parents and preschoolers. (250) 245-2322

Ladysmith Primary StrongStart Centre (birth - 5 years)

9:00 am - 12:00 pmLadysmith Primary School

250.245.3912Ladysmith Family and Friends (LaFF)

Family Resource ProgramSuggested donation $2/family9:30 am - 12:00 pm (drop-in)

Aggie Hall250.210.0870

Born Healthy Prenatal/Postnatal Individual Program

10:00 am - 1:30 pmLadysmith Resources Centre

250.245.3079

Ladysmith Primary StrongStart Centre (birth – 5 years)



Family Resource ProgramSuggested donation $2/family9:30 am – 12:00 pm (drop-in)


Born Healthy Prenatal/ Postnatal Group Program


250.245.3079

Ladysmith Dads’ Group(Drop-in breakfast for dads & their children)

10:00 am - 12:00 pmLadysmith Resources Centre Assoc.

250.245.3079






Adventures in Early Literacy * (3 – 5 years)Call for times

Ladysmith Resources Centre250.245.3079

Born Healthy Prenatal/Postnatal Individual Program


250.245.3079Infant to School Age Immunization Clinic by

Appointment*Island Health

1:00 pm - 3:30 pmLadysmith Community Health Centre

250.755.3342 LaFF’s Family Frolic Drop-in Gym Time

(walking – 6 years) Suggested donation $2/family5:45 pm - 6:45 pm Oct - May

Frank Jameson Community Centre250.245.6424

FR

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OR

LO

W C

OS

T






Healthy Beginnings (prenatal to 12 months)Island Health

10:00 am – 11:30 amLadysmith Community Health Centre

250.739.5777Public Health Nurse On Site For Drop-In

Island Health1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Ladysmith Community Health Centre250.739.5777

Ladysmith Primary StrongStart Centre (birth - 5 years)





Parent Child Mother Goose * (crawling - 30 months)9:45 am - 10:45 am

Ladysmith Resources Centre 250.245.3079

LaFFternoon (LaFF) (0-6 year olds)Family Resource Program

Suggested donation $2/family12:15 pm – 1:45 pm (drop-in)


Parent-Child Mother Goose * (birth – crawling)12:45 pm - 1:45 pm

Ladysmith Resources Centre250.245.3079

Infant to School Age Immunization Clinic by Appointment*

Island Health1:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Ladysmith Community Health Centre250.739.5777


* Parent Child Mother Goose® Program. This group experience for parents and their babies and young children focuses on the pleasure and power of using rhymes, songs and stories together.

* Infant Massage Classes (Gabriola). These free classes are offered by a Certified Infant Massage Instructor at the Gabriola Island HOPE Centre for parents and babies up to crawling age. Please call 250-247-8730 for information and to register.

* Please also check with Nanaimo Parks, Recreation & Culture for additional recreational programs for parents and preschoolers. 250-756-5200

Creating Healthy Families(birth-6 years)

11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.Tillicum Lelum Health Centre

250-753-6578

Family Place(parent and tot drop-in)9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Lantzville Boys and Girls Club250-390-4001

Perinatal Drop-in(Breastfeeding support and baby

weights)9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Nanaimo Health Centre250-755-3388

Infant to School Age Immunization Clinic

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (by appointment)Nanaimo Health Centre

250-755-3342

Fairview Strong Start(birth-5 years)

8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.Fairview Community School

250-754-5521

McGirr Strong Start(birth-5 years)

8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.McGirr Elementary School

250-754-5521

Rutherford Strong Start(birth-5 years)

8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.Rutherford Elementary School

250-754-5521

Georgia Avenue Strong Start(birth-5 years)9 a.m. to noon

Georgia Avenue Community School

250-754-5521

Bayview Strong Start(birth-5 years)9 a.m. to noon

Bayview Elementary School250-754-5521

Woodbank Strong Start(birth-5 years)

9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.Woodbank Primary School

250-754-5521

Quarterway Strong Start(birth-5 years)

12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.Quarterway Elementary School

250-754-5521

Building Better Babies(drop-in prenatal class)


250-753-6578

Nobody’s Perfect Parenting GroupLittle Ferns Early Learning Centre

3:30 p.m. Begins March 10 (10 weeks)John Barsby Community School Rm.

300250-753-1783


Chase River Boys and Girls Club250-753-2464




PacificCARE Drop-in Playgroup(birth-5 years)

10 a.m. to 11 a.m.Woodgrove Centre (near food court)

250-756-2022No drop-in June 30-Sept. 8

Parent-Child Mother Goose(birth-4 years)

10:30 a.m. to noonGabriola Island HOPE Centre

Call to register250-247-8730



250-754-5521



250-754-5521



250-754-5521


Georgia Avenue Community School250-754-5521





250-754-5521



250-754-5521

Infant to School Age Immunization Clinic3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (by appointment)


Moms, Dads and Babes Drop-in(prenatal and postpartum)


250-753-6578

Babytime11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

April 1 to May 27Wellington Library

250-758-5544







10 a.m. to 11 a.m.Country Club Centre (near Coles

bookstore)250-756-2022

No drop-in June 24-Sept. 9

Family Storytime drop-in(birth-5 years)

10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.Gabriola Island Library

250-247-7878



250-754-5521



250-754-5521



250-754-5521







250-754-5521



250-754-5521

Infant to School Age Immunization Clinic1 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (by appointment)


Building Better Babies Drop in(birth to 6 months)


250-753-6578

Toddler Time10:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.


250-758-5544

Preschool Storytime11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.


250-758-5544




Rug Huggers Parent-Tot drop-in(birth-4 years)

10 a.m. to noonGabriola Island HOPE Centre

250-247-8730



250-754-5521



250-754-5521



250-754-5521







250-754-5521



250-754-5521

Connections: Young Parent Support Group(Island Health)

12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.Princess Royal Family Centre

250-739-5845


9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (by appointment)


Perinatal and Breastfeeding SupportBy appointment


Father Circle of Friends8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Tillicum Lelum Health Centre250-753-6578

FREE

FREE

Walking with Elders(birth to 6 years)

10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.Tillicum Lelum Health Centre

250-753-6578






Family FUNdamentals10:30 a.m. to noon

Gabriola Island HOPE CentreCall to register250-247-8730



250-754-5521



250-754-5521



250-754-5521







250-754-5521



250-754-5521


* Parent Child Mother Goose® Program. This group experience for parents and their babies and young children focuses on the pleasure and power of using rhymes, songs and stories together.

* Infant Massage Classes (Gabriola). These free classes are offered by a Certified Infant Massage Instructor at the Gabriola Island HOPE Centre for parents and babies up to crawling age. Please call 250-247-8730 for information and to register.

* Please also check with Nanaimo Parks, Recreation & Culture for additional recreational programs for parents and preschoolers. 250-756-5200

Creating Healthy Families(birth-6 years)


250-753-6578







9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (by appointment)Nanaimo Health Centre

250-755-3342



250-754-5521



250-754-5521



250-754-5521


Georgia Avenue Community School

250-754-5521





250-754-5521



250-754-5521

Building Better Babies(drop-in prenatal class)


250-753-6578

Nobody’s Perfect Parenting GroupLittle Ferns Early Learning Centre

3:30 p.m. Begins March 10 (10 weeks)John Barsby Community School Rm.

300250-753-1783


Chase River Boys and Girls Club250-753-2464





10 a.m. to 11 a.m.Woodgrove Centre (near food court)

250-756-2022No drop-in June 30-Sept. 8

Parent-Child Mother Goose(birth-4 years)

10:30 a.m. to noonGabriola Island HOPE Centre

Call to register250-247-8730



250-754-5521



250-754-5521



250-754-5521







250-754-5521



250-754-5521

Infant to School Age Immunization Clinic3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (by appointment)


Moms, Dads and Babes Drop-in(prenatal and postpartum)


250-753-6578

Babytime11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.


250-758-5544







10 a.m. to 11 a.m.Country Club Centre (near Coles

bookstore)250-756-2022

No drop-in June 24-Sept. 9

Family Storytime drop-in(birth-5 years)

10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.Gabriola Island Library

250-247-7878



250-754-5521



250-754-5521



250-754-5521







250-754-5521



250-754-5521

Infant to School Age Immunization Clinic1 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (by appointment)


Building Better Babies Drop in(birth to 6 months)


250-753-6578

Toddler Time10:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.


250-758-5544

Preschool Storytime11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.


250-758-5544




Rug Huggers Parent-Tot drop-in(birth-4 years)

10 a.m. to noonGabriola Island HOPE Centre

250-247-8730



250-754-5521



250-754-5521



250-754-5521







250-754-5521



250-754-5521

Connections: Young Parent Support Group(Island Health)

12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.Princess Royal Family Centre

250-739-5845


9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (by appointment)


Perinatal and Breastfeeding SupportBy appointment


Father Circle of Friends8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Tillicum Lelum Health Centre250-753-6578

FREE

FREE

Walking with Elders(birth to 6 years)

10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.Tillicum Lelum Health Centre

250-753-6578






Family FUNdamentals10:30 a.m. to noon

Gabriola Island HOPE CentreCall to register250-247-8730



250-754-5521



250-754-5521



250-754-5521







250-754-5521



250-754-5521


Greater Nanaimo/Ladysmith Early Years Resources & ServicesBreast Feeding Gabriola Island HOPE Centre �� 250-247-8730 www�gabriolahopecentre�comHealthlink BC (24hr Nurse Line) ��811 www�healthlinkbc�caLadysmith Community Health Centre - Switchboard �� 250-739-5777 www�viha�caLa Leche League Breastfeeding Support ��250-754-5853 www�lllc�caPublic Health Nursing ��www�viha�caNanaimo Health Centre�� 250-755-3342 www�viha�caNanaimo/Ladysmith Nursing Intake Line �� 250-755-3388 www�viha�caPrincess Royal Family Centre �� 250-739-5845 www�viha�caSnuneymuxw First Nation Health Centre ��250-740-2337 www�snuneymuxw�caStz’uminus First Nation Health Centre ��250-245-8551 www�cfnation�comTillicum Lelum Health Centre �� 250-753-6578 www�tillicumhaus�ca

Child CareChild Care Subsidy Program ��1-888-338-6622 www�mcf�gov�bc�caCommunity Care Facility Licensing Program ��250-739-5800 www�viha�ca/mho/licensingMinistry of Children and Family Development ��250-741-5444 www�gov�bc�ca/mcfMinistry of Education ��1-800-663-7867 www�bced�gov�bc�ca/ged/gedwhere�htmPacificCARE Child Care Resource and Referral �� 250-756-2022 www�pacific-care�bc�caSupported Child Development ��250-753-0251 www�nanaimocdc�comCommunity Early Years Initiatives/PartnershipsChildren First Initiative �� 250-816-1699 www�bcchildrenfirst�caGreater Nanaimo Early Years Partnership ��250-816-1699 www�sd68�bc�caLadysmith Early Years Partnership ��250-245-6427 www�sd68�bc�caSuccess By Six® Initiative �� 250-591-8731 www�successby6bc�caVancouver Island Early Years Network ��250-741-5247

Early Learning and DevelopmentAdventures in Early Literacy - Ladysmith Resources Centre Association �� 250-245-3079 www�lrca�bc�caBoys and Girls Clubs of Central Vancouver Island - Family Resource Programs �� 250-754-3215 www�bgccvi�comEarly Years Program, School District #68 /StrongStart Centres��250-754-5521 www�sd68�bc�ca- Bayview Strong Start ��250-754-5521 www�sd68�bc�ca- Fairview Strong Start ��250-754-5521 www�sd68�bc�ca- Georgia Avenue Strong Start��250-754-5521 www�sd68�bc�ca- Ladysmith Primary Strong Start ��250-754-5521 www�sd68�bc�ca- McGirr Strong Start ��250-754-5521 www�sd68�bc�ca- Quarterway Strong Start ��250-754-5521 www�sd68�bc�ca- Rutherford Strong Start ��250-754-5521 www�sd68�bc�ca- Woodbank Strong Start ��250-754-5521 www�sd68�bc�caIsland Family Information �� 250-756-2022 www�islandfamilyinfo�caLadysmith Resources Centre Association �� 250-245-3079 www�lrca�bc�ca- Adventures in Early Literacy �� 250-245-3079 www�lrca�bc�ca- Dads Group �� 250-245-3079 www�lrca�bc�caLaFF Ladysmith Family Resource Program �� 250-210-0870 www�familyandfriends�caLiteracy Central Vancouver Island �� 250-754-8988 www�literacycentralvi�orgNanaimo Child Development Centre ��250-753-0251 www�nanaimocdc�comParent - Child Mother Goose Program �� www�nald�ca/mothergooseprogram- Gabriola �� 250-247-8730 www�gabriolahopecentre�com- Ladysmith Resources Centre Association �� 250-245-3079 www�lrca�bc�ca- Nanaimo ��250-756-2022 Snuneymuxw First Nation Administration ��250-740-2300 www�snuneymuxw�caSpeech and Language Pathology/Nanaimo Health Centre�� 250-739-6827 www�viha�ca Stz’uminus First Nation ��250-245-7155 www�cfnation�comTillicum Lelum Health Centre �� 250-753-6578 www�tillicumhaus�caVancouver Island Regional Libraries: ��www�virl�bc�ca

- Gabriola Island Library �� 250-247-7878 www�virl�bc�ca- Ladysmith Library �� 250-245-2322 www�virl�bc�ca- Nanaimo Harbourfront Library �� 250-753-1154 www�virl�bc�ca- Nanaimo Wellington Library �� 250-758-5544 www�virl�bc�ca- Nanaimo North Library �� 250-758-4697 www�virl�bc�ca

Food and NutritionHealthlink BC - Dietitian Services��811 www�healthlinkbc�caLadysmith Community Gardens Society��www�ladysmithcommunitygardensociety�weebly�com Ladysmith Resources Centre Association �� 250-245-3079 www�lrca�bc�ca- Community Food Bank �� 250-245-3079 www�lrca�bc�ca- Good Food Box �� 250-245-3079 www�lrca�bc�ca- Born Healthy Prenatal Nutrition Program �� 250-245-3079 www�lrca�bc�caLaFF Ladysmith Family and Friends Food Programs�� 250-210-0870 www�familyandfriends�caLoaves and Fishes Community Food Bank ��250-754-8347 www�nanaimoloavesandfishes�orgMeals on Wheels ��250- 753-1300 www�mealcall�orgNanaimo Community Gardens Society ��250-816-4769 www�nanaimocommunitygardens�caNanaimo Community Kitchens Society 250-753-7470 www�nanaimocommunitykitchens�orgNanaimo Food Share Society ��250-753-9393 www�nanaimofoodshare�caSalvation Army Meal Program/Community Services��250-754-2621 www�salvationarmy�caTillicum Lelum Health Centre �� 250-753-6578 www�tillicumhaus�caVIHA Community Nutrition Program – Nanaimo Health Centre � 250-739-5845 www�viha�ca7-10 Club Society – The Family Soup Kitchen �� 250-714-0917 www�nanaimo710club�com

HealthBC Poison Control �� 1-800-567-8911 www�dpic�orgChild and Youth Mental Health ��250-741-5444 www�gov�bc�ca/mcfAboriginal ��250-741-3600 www�gov�bc�ca/mcfGeneral ��250-741-5444 www�gov�bc�ca/mcfHealthlink BC (24hr Nurse Line) ��811 www�healthlinkbc�caNanoose First Nation Head Start Program �� 250-390-0003 www�bcfnhs�orgSnuneymuxw First Nation Health Centre ��250-740-2337 www�snuneymuxw�caStz’uminus First Nation Health Centre ��250-245-8551 www�cfnation�comTillicum Lelum Health Centre �� 250-753-6578 www�tillicumhaus�caVancouver Island Health Authority ��www�viha�ca Ladysmith Community Health Centre �� 250-739-5777 www�viha�ca Nanaimo Health Centre�� 250-755-3342 www�viha�ca Nanaimo/Ladysmith Nursing Intake Line �� 250-755-3388 www�viha�ca Nanaimo Regional General Hospital �� 250-754-2141 www�viha�ca Princess Royal Family Centre �� 250-739-5845 www�viha�ca Public Health Nursing Appointments �� 250-755-3342 www�viha�ca

Family ServicesAdoptive Families Association of BC �� 1-800-ADOPT-07 www�bcadopt�comAutism Society of BC ��250-714-0801 www�autismbc�caBC Centre for Safe School & Communities �� 1-888-224-7233 www�ufv�caBig Brothers and Big Sisters �� 250-756-2447 www�bigscvi�caBoys and Girls Clubs of Central Vancouver Island- Family Resource Programs �� 250-754-3215 www�bgccvi�com- Family Place ��www�bgccvi�com- Chase River �� 250-753-2464 www�bgccvi�com- Lantzville �� 250-390-4001 www�bgccvi�com- Parent-Child Mother Goose Program ��www�bgccvi�com- Chase River �� 250-753-2464 www�bgccvi�com- Lantzville �� 250-390-4001 www�bgccvi�comCrisis Society for Central Vancouver Island ��1-888-494-3888 www�cvics�ca


Greater Nanaimo/Ladysmith Early Years Resources & ServicesFamily & Youth Support Services– Ladysmith Resources Centre Association �� 250-245-3079 www�lrca�bc�caFoster Parent Support Services Society �� 250-390-9686 www�fpsss�comGabriola Island HOPE Centre �� 250-247-8730 www�gabriolahopecentre�comHaven Society and Transition House ��250-756-2452 www�havensociety�comHelp Line for Children �� 250-310-1234 www�mcf�gov�bc�caImmigrant Welcome Centre �� 250-753-6911 www�cvims�orgKids Help Phone ��1-800-668-6868 www�kidshelpphone�caKw’umut Lelum Child & Family Services ��250-591-0933 www�kwumut�orgLadysmith Resources Centre Association �� 250-245-3079 www�lrca�bc�ca- Adventures in Early Literacy �� 250-245-3079 www�lrca�bc�ca- Born Healthy Prenatal Nutrition Program �� 250-245-3079 www�lrca�bc�ca- Dads Group �� 250-245-3079 www�lrca�bc�ca- Family & Youth Support Services �� 250-245-3079 www�lrca�bc�ca- Parent-Child Mother Goose Program �� 250-245-3079 www�lrca�bc�ca- Volunteer Counselling Program �� 250-245-3079 www�lrca�bc�caLaFF Ladysmith Family Resource Program �� 250-210-0870 www�familyandfriends�caLittle Ferns �� 250-753-1783 www�littleferns�caParent-Child Mother Goose Program �� 250-753-1783 www�littleferns�caYoung Parent Program �� 250-753-1783 www�littleferns�caMinistry of Children and Family Development ��250-741-5444 www�gov�bc�ca/mcfNanaimo Child Development Centre ��250-753-0251 www�nanaimocdc�comNanaimo Community Hospice Society �� 250-758-8857 www�nanaimohospice�comNanaimo Family Justice Access Centre ��250-741-5447 www�ag�gov�bc�ca/justice-access-centre/nanaimoNanaimo Family Life Association�� 250-754-3331 www�nflabc�orgGrandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Circle �� 1�877�345�9777 www�parentsupportbc�ca/grandparents�htmlNanaimo Family Resource Programs � 250-753-2177 http://clbc�cioc�ca/record/CLB8004Nanaimo Men’s Resource Centre �� 250-716-1551 www�nanaimomen�comNanaimo Women’s Centre �� 250-753-0633 www�nanaimowomen�comNanaimo Youth Services ��250-754-1989 www�nysa�bc�caNARSF Programs Ltd� (Nanaimo and Area Resource Services for Families) �� 250-754-2773 www�narsf�orgPacificCARE Child Care Resource and Referral � 250-756-2022 www�pacific-care�bc�caParent Support Services of BC �� 1-877-345-9777 www�parentsuportbc�caPeople for a Healthy Community (Gabriola) �� 250-247-7311 www�phc-gabriola�orgRainbows Children’s Grief and Loss Support Group �� 250-751-7888 www�rainbowsnanaimo�blogspot�com- Nanaimo �� 250-751-7888 www�rainbowsnanaimo�blogspot�com- Ladysmith �� 250-245-8921 www�rainbowsnanaimo�blogspot�comSnuneymuxw First Nation Health Centre ��250-740-2337 www�snuneymuxw�caSOAR Mentoring Program for women – Intertribal Health Authority ��250-753-3990 www�intertribalhealth�caStz’uminus First Nation Health Centre ��250-245-8551 www�cfnation�comTillicum Lelum Health Centre �� 250-753-6578 www�tillicumhaus�caTriple P Positive Parenting Program �� www�triplepvip�caVancouver Island Crisis Line �� 1-888-494-3888 www�vicrisis�caIsland Heath ��www�viha�ca Brooks Landing – Crisis Counselling Clinic �� 250-739-5710 www�viha�ca Vancouver Island Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect (VI SCAN) program �� 250-755-7945 www�viha�caWelcome Wagon �� 250-756-9794 www�welcomewagon�ca

Pregnancy (Pre to Post)Birthright Information Help Line ��1-800-550-4900 www�birthright�orgCross Roads Crisis Pregnancy Centre of Nanaimo (faith based) ��250-716-1633 www�pregnancynanaimo�com- (24 hour Helpline / Appointment line) ��250-714-2191 or 1-866-714-2191 Gabriola Island HOPE Centre �� 250-247-8730 www�gabriolahopecentre�comHealthlink BC (24 hour Nurse Line) ��811 www�healthlinkbc�ca

Ladysmith Community Health Centre �� 250-739-5777 www�viha�caLadysmith Resources Centre Association �� 250-245-3079 www�lrca�bc�ca- Adventures in Early Literacy �� 250-245-3079 www�lrca�bc�ca- Born Healthy Prenatal Nutrition Program �� 250-245-3079 www�lrca�bc�ca- Dads Group �� 250-245-3079 www�lrca�bc�ca- Parent-Child Mother Goose �� 250-245-3079 www�lrca�bc�caMaternal Health Program –Inter Tribal Health Services �� 250-753-3990 or 1�877�777�4842 www�intertribalhealth�caMidwives ��www�bcmidwives�comNanoose First Nation Head Start Program ��250-390-0003 www�bcfnhs�orgOptions for Sexual Health ��250-753-9511 www�optionsforsexualhealth�orgPublic Health Nursing ��www�viha�caNanaimo Health Centre�� 250-755-3342 www�viha�caNanaimo/Ladysmith Nursing Intake Line �� 250-755-3388 www�viha�caPrincess Royal Family Centre �� 250-739-5845 www�viha�caSnuneymuxw First Nation Health Centre ��250-740-2337 www�snuneymuxw�caStz’uminus First Nation Health Centre ��250-245-8551 www�cfnation�comTillicum Lelum Health Centre �� 250-753-6578 www�tillicumhaus�ca

RecreationBeban Park Recreation Centre �� 250-756-5200 www�nanaimo�caBowen Park Complex �� 250-756-5200 www�nanaimo�caLadysmith Parks, Recreation & Culture��250-245-6424 www�ladysmith�caNanaimo Aquatic Centre �� 250-756-5200 www�nanaimo�caNanaimo Ice Centre �� 250-756-5200 www�nanaimo�caOliver Woods Community Centre �� 250-756-5200 www�nanaimo�ca

Services Available for “Fee for Service”(Some services may be covered by the Ministry of Children & Family Development funding)Dianne Martin & Associates – Stepfamily Support �� 250-591-8184 www�DianneMartinAndAssociates�comGo Between Consulting ��250-714-8754 www�gobetweenconsulting�comNanaimo Family Life Association�� 250-754-3331 www�nflabc�org

Additional Resources for Families(Many organizations and agencies publish newsletters and a calendar of events� Please visit the websites for more information�)BC Association of Family Resource Programs ��604-738-0068 www�frpbc�caCrisis Society Resource Book ��250-753-2495 www�cvics�caSurviving in Nanaimo ��250-754-4251The Community Dental Clinic (CODE) �� 250-591-0771 www�codeclinic�org


Support Our Children

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A FREE program for kids (aged 6-17) and their families SHAPEDOWN BC helps children, teens and their families achieve a healthier lifestyle through aged-based group programs and individualized support. Families make positive changes in eating habits, activity level, parenting skills and self-esteem.

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Books are great, but they aren’t the be-all and end-all for early literacy. Songs,

rhymes, games and simply talking to your baby all play an important role.

Such activities build crucial pre-literacy skills, but they also strengthen the child-parent bond and can help calm children when they’re upset or anxious, says Tanya Reid, program facilitator for Ladysmith Resources Centre’s Par-ent-Child & Mother Goose program as well as the Adventures in Early Literacy Program.

“Mother Goose is about parents finding new ways to bond with their children,” Reid says.

Mother Goose is an eight-week program for parents, grandpar-ents and their babies or toddlers. Sessions are split, one for infants (newborn to crawling) and one for

toddlers (walking to 30 months), and are built around the notion that a playful, fun and imaginative envi-ronment with rhymes, songs and stories is an important part of a child’s life and contributes a strong base for pre-literacy skills.

“Early literacy looks like all sorts of things,” says Reid. “Chewing on books and flipping pages – it’s all early literacy.”

Those songs and rhymes can also come in handy when kids want to do anything but still, such as in a shopping cart at the grocery store or in a carseat, Reid says, suggest-ing that having special songs and books for those specific times can often be just what’s needed.

“It’s a powerful tool, and it’s not a toy or something that had to be packed or that we have to worry about chemical contaminants,” she says. “We’re distracting them and shifting their focus, but we are also teaching them about language, their bodies, their enviroment, counting, numbers and letters.”

Early exposure to language is also capitalizing on an infant’s incredi-bly rapid early brain development, when it is producing billions of cells and hundreds of trillions of connections, or synapses, between those cells.

Early literacy means more than books

Early literacy looks like all sorts of things. Chewing

on books and flipping pages – it’s all early

literacy.

“

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While the programs reinforce those skills, they also discourage use of technology, which more and more studies are showing to have serious negative effects on developing brains and behaviours.

The eight-week Adventures in Early Literacy program follows a similar philosophy, showing parents and caregivers new ways to interact with their kids, with each session includ-ing various pre-literacy activities – math, classification, sorting, letters, numbers, fine-motor skills – that cor-respond to a specific book.

Most communities offer similar free programs emphasizing pre-literacy skills and parent-child bonds through municipal Parks, Rec and Culture departments, as well as the Vancou-ver Island Regional Library.

The library also offers regular drop-in Storytime sessions at loca-tions around the Island and for a vari-ety of ages.

Libraries are also rich with addi-tional resources, such as special literacy kits for babies, toddlers and

preschoolers, and a wealth of online resources (http://virl.bc.ca/kids). The theme-based kits contain 10-15 items including books, multi-media items,

toys, puzzles and games. Each also contains an early literacy binder with ideas and activities to encourage pre-reading and early literacy skills.

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By Tammy Toor

When four-year-old Maisy Burns wakes up each morning, one of the first

questions she often asks is, “Is it school today?”

If the answer is “yes” then a big smile comes across her face as she hurriedly decides what to wear and what she wants to take in her back-pack to show her friends.

Maisy has been attending Parks, Recreation and Environment’s “Play and Learn” programs for almost two years now.

She started attending Animal Crackers at Beban Park with instructor, Julie Miller, when she turned three and immediately loved it.

Maisy is the third child in the fam-ily that has participated in these Beban Park programs following in the footsteps of her older brother,

Cohen, and older sister, Maddisyn. Since she is starting kindergarten

in September, she is now attending “KinderPrep” as a way to practice her skills for attending school in a fun and supported environment.

The City of Nanaimo’s “Play and Learn” monthly programs help children to engage, explore and dis-cover the world around them.

Led by experienced and dedicated staff, children learn how enjoyable

learning can be through interactive play, songs, stories, crafts and exer-cise that aids them in developing a wide range of skills, including emo-tional, social and cognitive abilities, problem-solving, interpersonal play, language proficiency and fun-damental movement skills through play-based recreation activities.

Tracy Stuart, recreation coordi-nator for the Play and Learn pro-grams says, “We often forget how important play is to our children’s healthy brain development, but time and time again, studies have shown that play helps children with speech and language abilities, social interaction and boosts cogni-tive development.

“With all of these benefits, it makes sense to emphasize play in our programs.”

Julie Miller, ECE, has been teach-ing at Beban Park since 1992.

Program sees children engage with world

We often forget how important play is to our children’s healthy brain

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She loves watching children come to the classroom on their first day hardly able to leave their mother or father’s side to the time that they run through the door ahead of their parents so excited to participate in the day’s activities with their friends.

Angela Vipond, ECE, the instructor for the programs at Bowen Park and Kin Hut since 2001 says, “I have one of the best jobs in the world. I get to help create a positive learning envi-ronment that creates unforgettable memories for these children. I can’t think of anything better than spend-ing time with these kids and really getting to know them. Each child is so unique and special.”

Play and Learn programs, for children three to five years old, are registered by the month and occur at Beban Park, Bowen Park, Kin Hut Activity Centre and Oliver Woods Community Centre. Most run two times a week for two hours each day. Spots can be reserved for the whole year (September to June).

For more information on these programs or other programs for the preschool aged child, please visit www.nanaimo.ca or call 250.756.5200. Take a moment this

year and encourage your child to “Play”!

uTammy Toor is a communications

specialist with the City of Nanaimo.

Maisy Burns, 4, left, Rhilynne Bates, 3, and Sofia Christie, 4, work out a puzzle during morning playtime at their preschool class in Beban Park social centre.


Most infants start getting intro-duced to solid foods around six months, as their digestive

systems become sufficiently devel-oped to process it, so the weaning process is already underway. When to fully wean an infant or toddler off breast milk or bottles really depends on the child and the parents.

There is no universal ‘right time’ for weaning – it’s typically dependent on each family and child’s specific needs, situation and comfort level. But those circumstances are (or can be) greatly influenced by social and cultural expectations, which often bias toward earlier weaning.

That may not be what’s best for baby or mom, says Bridget Deighton, a group leader with La Leche League Canada’s Nanaimo group, who adds there is plenty of scientific evidence for later weaning – between 2.5-3 years old is closer to the biological norm. The World Health Organization recommends exclusive nursing for the first six months and then nursing for up to two years and beyond for the optimal health of the child, while research by anthropologist Katherine Dettwyler demonstrated that nursing up to age seven is what children are biologically designed to expect.

“It’s interesting to note that antibodies in breast milk actually increase after the baby is 12 months old, providing added protection for toddlers who have more opportuni-ties to pick up germs,” Deighton says.

Founded in 1956 in Illinois when few women were nursing, La Leche League now has more than 3,000 groups meeting around the world. The charitable, volunteer organi-

zation aims to provide information and encouragement to women who want to breastfeed their babies. Dis-cussions often revolve around the numerous benefits of extended nurs-ing to both mother and baby.

While breastfeeding is known to be a key aspect in strengthening the emotional mother-child bond, some other benefits for mom include: reduces risk of breast, ovarian, uter-ine and endometrial cancers; protec-tion against osteoporosis; reduced risk of rheumatoid arthritis; and eas-ier post-partum weight loss.

La Leche League’s philosophy is that “ideally, the breastfeeding relationship will continue until the baby outgrows the need.” The group avoids suggesting or recommending a certain age for weaning, but if a mother needs help with weaning,

group leaders are there to support mothers through the transition so they can avoid abrupt endings that can cause more medical/emotional issues for mothers and babies.

“More often than not, mothers feel pressured to wean much ear-lier because of cultural and societal expectations,” Deighton says. “When they discover the biological norm is much higher and that their child can continue to benefit emotionally and physically from the breastfeed-ing relationship, we usually can find ways to mitigate the lack of support.”

“We will meet them wherever they are in their breastfeeding journey and try to help,” she says. “It’s not that there’s just one way or a right way or a wrong way; there are all different ways and it’s different for every par-ent and child.”

La Leche League meetings are held once a month, and leaders will also offer information or answer ques-tions through phone calls, e-mails or its Facebook page.

More information about the organi-zation or contact details are available at www.LLLC.ca.

Other valuable, evidence-based information is available through the local Public Health Unit www.viha.ca/locations/health_units.htm.

Weaning dependent on childSocial and cultural norms

influence when babies transition from breast or

bottle to solid food

Ideally, the breastfeeding relationship will continue

until the baby outgrows the need.“


By Dianne MartinFive-year-old Susan was getting

very angry at her new stepdad, Ryan. He kept telling her to pick up her toys. Susan ignored him and went on colouring. Ryan asked her again to pick up her toys. Finally, an outraged Susan screamed at Ryan, “You’re not the boss of me! You can’t tell me what to do!”

Kids and step-parents often have a different view of their relation-ship with each other. The children get upset and confused when their step-parent begins to enforce the family rules. In contrast, the step-par-ent becomes frustrated when their stepchild becomes defiant and refuses to co-operate.

The first step in effective steppar-enting begins with talking with your partner about your roles and respon-sibilities regarding their children.

When a step-parent enters the fam-

ily, it is important that the child’s parent remains the only one who dis-ciplines the child.

The child’s mom or dad is respon-sible for explaining the house rules and expectations to their child.

The step-parent remains in the background and does not assume a parenting role. Ideally the step-par-ent acts as a friendly interested adult.

Step-parents should never set up their own rules without first talking it over with their partner.

As the child begins to form a trusting relationship with them, the step-parent gradually moves into a more direct parenting role.

Common stepfamily situations crop up. Here are some ideas for how to respond.

Your stepchild might say: “You can’t tell me what to do – you are not my dad!”

It is important that step-parents do not over react or get angry. Using a calm, respectful and firm voice, respond with: “You are right, I’m not your dad but I’m the one in charge right now. I need to keep you safe and make sure you follow your mom’s rules.” Follow up by remind-ing the child what Mom expected. Do not nag the child – if he or she con-tinues to refuse to co-operate simply remind them of the consequences.

The best parenting strategy for step-parents is to remain calm, firm and respectful with your stepchild. Let the child become comfortable with you. Remember it takes time to build a trusting relationship with youngsters so don’t jump in too quickly.

uDianne Martin is a step-mom, birth

mom and certified stepfamily counsel-lor.

Communication key to step-parenting

THE BUILDING BLOCKSOF LEARNING

Give your child a solid foundation in

learning and life by focusing on physical,

social, emotional and intellectual

development.


While disposables remain the dom-inant player in the diaper market, more parents are choosing cloth, reusable options.

Cloth diapers are no longer simply pieces of folded material wrapped onto baby and held with safety pins – that is of a bygone era. Today’s reusable diapers come in a number of style options, and the industry has advanced leaps and bounds over the past decade, says Cristi Lundman, owner of Huckleberry Baby Shop in Nanaimo.

“There’s been a real difference in the last 10 to 15 years, the last 10 years definitely,” says Lundman, who previously worked as a registered nurse in labour and delivery as well as public health. “There’s been so many options coming on the mar-ket.”

A fall 2014 study by Allied Mar-ket Research (www.alliedmarket-

research.com/baby-diapers-market) indicates disposables hold a 66-per cent market share, but Lundman says the cloth diaper market is grow-ing, with more money being spent on them and manufacturers investing more in their products.

“It’s becoming a lot more main-stream,” says Lundman, mother of four daughters. “When I was first cloth diapering 14 years ago, it was

hard to find anyone else who was. That’s just not the case anymore.”

Primary motivations for choosing cloth are that parents want lower chemical exposure (disposables rely on chemical content for absorbency) and concerns about the amount of waste produced.

Environment Canada says Cana-dians discard four million diapers every day, while www.babycentre.ca suggests the average infant goes through 8,000 diaper changes before toilet training.

Cost is also a factor in the choice, Lundman says, suggesting families can save roughly $1,000 by choosing cloth.

And if they re-use the diapers for a second or third child, savings multi-ply.

Many parents also enjoy that cloth diapers offer dozens of options for colours and patterns.

Cloth diapers are making a comebackMore parents chosing fabric over disposables and saving money in the process

When I was first cloth diapering 14 years ago, it

was hard to find anyone else who was. That’s just

not the case anymore.

“


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For details, contact Jacqueline NeliganLadysmith Children First Coordinator

[email protected]

And although cloth diapers aren’t completely free of environmental impact, as the regular washing requires using more detergent, water and elec-tricity, the impact is far less than the alternatives, Lundman says.

While the prospect of washing dozens of messy diapers day in and day out is too daunting for some, the idea that it’s an onerous task is actually a misunderstanding. There’s no arguing disposables are less work for parents, though they may have to pay to have extra full garbage cans carried away, but neither is washing cloth diapers a major exer-cise, which many parents find out with two-week ‘trial kits.’

“It’s not rocket science to wash your own diapers, it’s not a ton of extra work,” Lundman says.

Diaper services are also available for parents who prefer to have diapers washed by someone else, although that typically negates any cost savings.

For conscious consumers, there are a number of well-established Canadian manufacturers in the market, such as Bummis out of Montreal and AMP out of Winnipeg, both of which work closely with their retails and emphasize North American materi-als and manufacturing in their products.

For more information, please visit www.babycen-ter.ca/a25006071/cloth-versus-disposable-the-dia-per-facts.


Ready, Set, LearnFun activities for 3 and 4 year olds to introduce

them to their neighbourhood school.

For more information, please call your school or visit WWW.SD68.BC.CA - Programs - Early Years

Healthy Start to LearningInformation to ensure your child is ready to learn.

Beban Park, Saturday, April 11: 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools offer a wide-range of programs for the early years providing

support for families and young learners.

Welcome to KindergartenEvery school hosts a special event for soon-to-be

Kindergarteners to meet staff and tour their school.

Early Years!StrongStart Centres

Daily drop-in play centres for parents with children under 5 at eight locations across the district.

Check us out!

February 26, 2015

Documents

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family magconnected

early learning

early years partnership

spring breaksaturday

art workshops

benefits of play