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Greater Nanaimo/Ladysmith

Family

– Triple P Parenting - Disciplines is not a dirty word - page 18 – Steps for Happy Stepfamilies - page 6 & 7 – What is “play” & where can we find it? - page 10

CHILDREN FIRST / SUCCESS BY 6

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Greater Nanaimo/Ladysmith Family

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Greater Nanaimo/Ladysmith

Family

Table of Contents 4 5 6-7 8 9

Greater Nanaimo/Ladysmith / y

Family

The Greater er Nanaimo and Lad Ladysmith smit Early Years Partnerships are pleased to present the 14th edition of the Greater Nanaimo Ladysmith Family. The magazine is a collaborative effort of both communities who have come together to create an awareness of the importance of the early years. It is with great appreciation that the partnerships acknowledge the funding and support provided by Success by 6, Children First and the Nanaimo Bulletin/ Black Press. A total of 40,000 copies of the Greater Nanaimo & Ladysmith Family Magazine will be distributed in Ladysmith and Nanaimo through the Ladysmith Chronicle and Nanaimo News Bulletin. Copies are also available at parks and recreation, health units, libraries, participating businesses and family agencies. The views expressed by the advertisers do not necessarily represent the opinions of the editorial committee of this magazine.

Early Years Partnerships Virtual Shopping Tour Stepfamilies and Traditional Families Does Your Toddler Need Formula? School District Offers Strong Start Central Island Multicultural Society What Is Play and Where Can We Find It? 10 Boys and Girls Club of Central Island 11-14 Drop-in Activity Calendars 16 Help Children Grow 17 Choosing Dental Products for Kids 18 Discipline is Not a Dirty Word What is Triple P? 19 Little Ferns Offers Variety/Children First Initiative Resource Centre Supports Families Parent Child Mother Goose Family Activities at Ladysmith Centre 21 The Town of Ladysmith Development Centre Offers Help 22 VIHA Speech & Language

Cover and inside photography by

CHILDREN FIRST / SUCCESS BY 6

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Greater Nanaimo/Ladysmith Family

Early Years Partnerships:

Who we are and how we can help BY SHELLEY ANDERSON

We know that it takes a village to raise a child. The healthy development of our children is strongly influenced by the fact that we all live in such a caring community, one that has many service providers and partners who truly care about the health and well being of our young children. We know the experiences we have in our early years in life influence how are brains become “wired” and this can last through our entire lives. As partners, we know how important the first six years of a young child’s life are and that a supportive, caring environment rich in stimulation promotes the healthy development of our young children. The dictionary definition of partnership refers to “one who joins in

activity with another or others,” or “a player on the same team.” The service providers and partners who put this magazine together are all members of the Greater Nanaimo and Ladysmith Early Years Partnerships. It is with pleasure that we include articles about the service providers and partners who offer enriching programs and resources for our community. We hope that these informational articles help you, the reader, understand the advantages and opportunities that the service providers and partners offer to families and young children. The hope is to communicate the best and most current information to the most important partner of all – the parents, grandparents, caregivers and extended family of our young children.

If you would like additional information about the Early Years Partnerships, please contact:

Greater Nanaimo Early Years Partnership Elizabeth Pennell, Early Years Learning Coordinator, School District 68, epennell@ sd68.bc.ca Ladysmith Early Years Partnership Anita Mcleod, Town of Ladysmith Community Services Coordinator, amcleod@ladysmith.ca Success By 6, Central Vancouver Island Shelley Anderson, Success By 6 Coordinator, www.successby6.bc.ca or shelleyanderson@ shaw.ca Children First, Nanaimo & Ladysmith Amber Bruner, Children First Community Coordinator, mthrgoos@telus.net

Registration now on! Nanaimo Parks, Recreation & Culture Spring & Summer Activity Guide is now available at the following locations:

Tillicum Lelum Aboriginal Friendship Centre offers a holistic approach to programming and services which nurtures the various potentials of families and young children. We have a variety of Early Childhood Programming including Building Better Babies, Prenatal support, Creating Healthy Families, Island Treasure Boxes & Walking with Elders, Language and Literacy Programs wit a Mom’s Mom’s, Dad’s and Babes Group Group, Children’s Wellness Program and much more!

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For more information about our programs, please contact the ECD Team at our Health Centre:

250-753-6578

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250-756-5200

Greater Nanaimo/Ladysmith Family

SPRING 2013

CHILDREN FIRST / SUCCESS BY 6 5

The virtual shopping tour

BY EILEEN BENNEWITH

Planning trips to the grocery store gets more complicated every day. There are just too many different foods to choose from. Have you ever wished that you could hire a dietitian to walk you through the grocery store and answer your nutrition questions? Healthy Families BC’s “Shopping Sense” is a web resource designed to take you through a virtual grocery store and help you to sort out your shopping questions. The program begins with preparation by helping you to plan weekly meals and shows you how to make up a shopping list. There are tips on how to use Canada’s Food Guide to plan menus and of course a suggestion to eat before you head to the store. Shopping on an empty stomach can lead to impulse purchases of less healthy foods. Once you have prepared a list, you move on to the virtual grocery store. Using videos, graphics and pop up messages, a registered dietitian then takes you through the various sections of the

store including the produce, dairy, bakery, meat and alternatives, and fats and oils sections. At each section, there are helpful tips on making healthy choices, nutrient content of the foods, reading

labels, and answering common questions. At the end of the shopping session you return to the kitchen where helpful tips on food storage and food safety will help you to keep foods at their best. There is information on where to put foods in the refrigerator, how to rotate foods to the front for first use and how to repackage and label foods for freshness. There are also good tips on thawing meats; hand washing and washing produce before use. The website can be accessed at www. healthyfamiliesbc.ca Just click on the green button called “Shopping Sense”. While at this website, check out the many other tips and ideas about healthy eating. Many grocery chains offer supermarket tours led by registered dietitians. They are all excellent ways to have your nutrition questions answered right at the point of purchase. The great part about a virtual tour is that you can do it from the comfort of your own home.

CHILDREN FIRST / SUCCESS BY 6

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Greater Nanaimo/Ladysmith Family

Stepfamilies and traditional families: Is there a difference? BY DIANNE MARTIN

Television, movies, and fairy tales create confusion about stepfamilies. It is time to set the record straight: stepfamilies are very different from traditional families. On the surface, both the step and the traditional family look much the same: both have a mom, dad, and kids but that is all they have in common. In traditional families, everyone is related by blood. Babies join the family one at a time and live with their parents in one home. Everybody understands the house rules, routines, and schedules. Disagreements regarding parenting, finances, and other issues are quickly resolved. In stepfamilies, children have a much different situation. They are members of two separate families: their birth mother’s and

their birth father’s. Only some people in the stepfamily are related by blood. Not everyone lives in the same home. If both birthparents have entered into new relationships, the children will have two different sets of stepsiblings. Children may become confused about who is a member of their family. Children often find the move into a stepfamily confusing. There are many changes and new house rules to learn. Stepchildren who need to switch schools leave important friends, teachers, and neighbours behind. In the traditional family, the couple has time to work out their parenting style over a time. In contrast, the stepparents become an ‘instant family’ and must quickly tackle differences in their

approaches. A stepparent may think, “I raised my children with no problem, so it should be easy to raise stepchildren.” They may become puzzled and discouraged when they run into difficulties. Stepparents who move too quickly into the parenting role may create unnecessary conflict with their stepchildren. Stepparents who take a slower approach are on the right track. Birthparents who have one set of rules for their children and another for their stepchildren are on a path to disaster. Treat all the children, including visiting children, fairly and equally. Insist that all the youngsters follow the house rules. Showing favouritism will quickly breed resentment. Finances are simple in traditional families.

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CURRENTLY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS Kingdom Kids Preschool Is Offering the FOR 2013 -On 2014 SCHOOL YEAR Ready, Set, Learn Program April 10th 1-2:30 pm For more information or to arrange a tour of the school contact Dawna Ferris at 250-754-4512 ext. 3 or email inquiries@ncsnanaimo.com

EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION u GROUNDED IN FAITH Pre-School 30 months - 5 years

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High School Grade 9 - 12

Greater Nanaimo/Ladysmith Family

However, managing money in stepfamilies is not so easy. Each adult will have their own ideas about handling money. Finances often become a problem area. Stepparents may find it easier to set up a joint household account, while maintaining separate bank accounts to pay their individual bills. The first five years of living in a stepfamily are the most challenging. There are many issues to be resolved. Merging two single parent families is a lot like merging two businesses. You need action plans, job descriptions, guidelines, and lots of discussions. So, it is important that couple work as a team. With so much happening in the early years, the couple often find they have little private time together. It is very important to have regular date nights. These precious moments will build a strong and enduring couple relationship. So take a walk, go for coffee, or take in a movie. There is just one rule â€“ do not talk about the children. The intent of having a date is to keep the love strong and vibrant.

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Programs and Services Complimentary 30-minute telephone consultation

Counselling: Individual, couple, and family counselling; Cyber counselling (telephone, e-mail, or video calls) available for those who are unable to attend traditional counselling sessions. Childrenâ€™s programs: Stepfamily Transitions, Adjustments, and Grief Counselling; Pre-Remarriage Preparation Program ; Co-Parenting Coaching; Empowerment and Support Groups.

Successful stepfamilies that are open to making changes, have a good sense of humor, are willing to listen and compromise, will grow and thrive. â—† Dianne Martin is a stepmom, birth mom, registered social worker and

Educational Programs: Workshops & Training Events Professional Development Workshops Community Presentation and Speaking Engagements: Call to book Dianne Martin Telephone: 250-591-8184 E-mail: dianne@ diannemartinandassociates.com 353 Maple St., Nanaimo, B.C., V9S 2J3

Social Media: Website and blog: www. DianneMartinAndAssociates.com Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/ stepfamilyof7 Twitter: @stepfamilyof7

Certified Stepfamily Counsellor. Combining her intimate knowledge of stepfamily dynamics with her professional experience, Martin offers a dynamic array of specialized counselling and educational programs for stepfamilies and single parents planning to remarry.

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CHILDREN FIRST / SUCCESS BY 6

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Greater Nanaimo/Ladysmith Family

Does your toddler need formula?

Toddlers are notoriously picky eaters. It comes with their age. They are challenging authority and trying to find out where their limits are. What a toddler doesn’t eat at ten o’clock they will eat again at three o’clock. Parents who are unaware of this fact may fret that their toddler is not eating enough. In an attempt to make toddlers eat all of the foods that they need for good health, caregivers will cater to toddlers, offering them an assortment of foods which they know they will eat. When this happens, toddlers respond by eating even less. The object of the game is to see how many hoops they can get their personal chef to jump through. After trying a vast assortment of meal items, all rejected by the toddler, parents will give up in frustration. The food industry who understands toddler behavior has come to the rescue with formula designed for fussy toddlers. Parents are convinced that all they have to do is give unlimited bottles of this formula and they won’t have to worry if their toddler does not

eat the family foods. If only it was that simple. Toddlers need food, not formula in order to learn to eat well. Teaching toddlers to have a good relationship with food can only happen if they come to the table hungry. A toddler who is full of formula, milk or juice will have no appetite for

healthy foods. The formula alone will not provide all of the nutrients found in a variety of healthy foods. Toddlers eat better if they are offered family foods served at the family table. Do not cater to them if they say they don’t like it. If they do not eat, assume that they are not hungry and take the food away. The next time food is offered, they will be hungry and they will probably eat what is offered. When introducing foods, children need to try a food at least ten times before they know whether they like it or not. If a food has been rejected, do not avoid that food. Keep offering it whenever it comes up on the family menu so your child will have the opportunity to learn to like it. Toddlers should drink water for thirst and homo milk at mealtimes. Limit milk to two cups per day because more than that will fill them up. Keep between meal snacks very small and offer only water to drink so toddlers will come to the table hungry and ready to eat real food.

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School district offers Strong Start programs Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools are pleased to offer families accessibility to eight StrongStart programs situated across the district. The programs are supported and funded by the Ministry of Education. They are free to families of children aged 0 – 5. The programs are accessible to all families based on a drop in model. You cannot drop your child off at this program. The program is planned with the understanding that children learn through play. Carefully selected materials and activities will promote the social, emotional, physical, cognitive and early literacy development in each child. Families will: Explore with sand and water; Build with blocks; Climb and slide; Learn songs, enjoy music; Read and listen to stories; And access many other developmentally appropriate resources and activities.

The Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society in Nanaimo has been providing services to immigrants and the community in the central Vancouver Island region since 1979. Moving to a new country is a huge and stressful undertaking and it takes time to learn how things are done in your new home. Our vision is to ensure that immigrants and diverse peoples flourish in this community. At the Immigrant Welcome Centre, settlement workers provide information Parents, grandparents and caregivers are welcome to attend any program according to their schedule. Each program is open daily Monday to Friday for three hours. Healthy snacks are provided daily. If you are a paid child care provider you are welcome to attend but we ask that you bring not more than two children. Your child’s birth certificate is required in order to register which you

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We provide a safe, supportive place where children, youth, and families can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, build positive relationships, and develop the confidence and skills for life.

Member of Parliament for Nanaimo-Cowichan

Proud to support opportunities for early childhood development! Fun for the Fu

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do when you first visit the program. Upon a first visit please go to the school office and you will be directed to the program room. Check School District 68’s website for center addresses and times at www. sd68.bc.ca/ parents/programs/ early learning. For questions and more information, please contact Elizabeth Pennell, coordinator of early learning, at epennell@ sd68.bc.ca or phone 250-740-3516.

Croowder Crowder www.jeancrowder.ca jean@jeancrowder.ca Tollfree: 1-866-609-9998

and support services that ease a newcomer’s settlement process. For parents with babies and preschool children, we have a licensed childcare in which they can register their children while they attend English classes or workshops and appointments. We also have parenting groups and workshops to assist with the cultural differences parents may encounter. For more information, please visit www. cvims.org or drop in at 101–319 Selby St; next door to the train station.

Services Include: Early Learning Programs: * Child Care (2 monthsͲ5 years) * Preschool Family Resource Programs: * Family Place Drop in * ParentͲChild Mother Goose * Parent Education and Support Middle Years Programs: * Child Care (5Ͳ12 years) * DropͲin Recreation Nights * Girls Group Youth Programs: * Full Throttle Dragon Boat Team * South Side Teen Centre

For More Information Please Contact Us: Phone: 250Ͳ754Ͳ3215 Fax: 250Ͳ754Ͳ4771 Email: reception@bgccvi.com Website: www.bgccvi.com

CHILDREN FIRST / SUCCESS BY 6

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Greater Nanaimo/Ladysmith Family

What is play and where can we find it? BY CHRIS BARFOOT

The concept of play can mean many different things to many different people. According to Google it can be defined as activity engaged in for enjoyment and recreation. Can you remember when you were a child? What did you do for fun? Many of the parents we interact with on a regular basis say that times are different now, with the freedoms we grew up with may no longer be available to our children. We hear things like “it was safer to go out and play back when we were younger than it is today.” Is it really much worse today? Not according to the 2006 Crime Statistics in Canada that have crime rates in Canada close to the same level to what they were in the 1970s. What could it be then that gives this impression that unstructured free play is so dangerous? Maybe it is an increase in news coverage of crime or the bad stories we read in social media that are creating this parental fear and the need to shelter our children in a controlled and safe environment in order to keep them safe. Can it be just that children today simply do not have as much downtime to just play as in previous generations? By downtime we don’t mean sitting quietly playing videos games, we mean good old fashion fun, the kind that lets you be you without a care in the world. The Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Island provides a safe, supportive place where children and youth and families can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, build positive relationships and develop the confidence and skills for life. Our programs run in Chemainus, Ladysmith, Nanaimo, Lantzville and the Comox Valley. Our Early Years programs and services in the Nanaimo-Ladysmith area include: Family Resource Programs Our Family Resource Programs provide a place for Children and Parents/Caregivers to interact in a warm, safe and nurturing environment. We provide support and information in five core areas of service: family support; play-based learning; early learning and literacy; parent education and support; information and referrals.

Why is it so important that today’s children have free play? There are the many obvious physical, social and emotional reasons. Some of the physical benefits are that activity can build healthy hearts, muscles, bones, and of course to battle childhood obesity which is increasing at alarming rates. There are also the social and emotional benefits. Play can make your child feel better about them and build self confidence. Unstructured active play assists in the learning of social skills such as Services include: Chase River Club ◆ Family Place Drop-in Sessions ◆ Parent-Child Mother Goose Program Lantzville Club ◆ Parent-Child Mother Goose GroupsLantzville and Chase River Clubs ◆ Parent Educational Workshops, Triple P and guest speakers ◆ Family Place Drop-in Sessions

Early Child Development Programs Our early learning programs focus on age appropriate hands on learning by using a variety of materials. Early Childhood Educators ensure children’s growth and development through exploring in played-based learning activities such as blocks, puzzles, house centre, dress up, art, stories, music, drama, science and outdoor activities. These opportunities

sharing, taking turns and in some cases resolving conflicts amongst peers. There are many statistics and studies that show how children see playing with friends as being one of the most popular past times they wish to engage in. What can we do as parents to turn the tables and bring active play back? Here are some suggestions from Active Healthy Kids Canada who strive to be a trusted source for “powering the movement to get kids moving.” Have “no screen time zones” scheduled each day to encourage active rather than sedentary free play. Perhaps it is as simple as creating access to safe, open areas, either indoors or out, where children can move about freely. Why not try one of the many City of Nanaimo Parks and Playgrounds. Why not add balls and toys to encourage more vigorous play at home, and in childcare and community settings? If it is because your child has no free time, consider reducing the number of scheduled activities. Taking time to support and encourage opportunities for safe, free play could be one of the most accessible and cost effective solutions to increasing your child’s level of physical activity and emotional growth. For a list of parks and playgrounds within the City of Nanaimo please call 250-756-5200 or visit www.nanaimo.ca.

help children create friendships, and learn independence as well as ensure each child’s individual needs are met in a safe environment. Services include: Ladysmith Child and Family Centre offers the following Early Childhood Programs: ◆ Group Child Care under 36 months; ◆ Group Child Care 30 months to School Aged; Chase River Club offers: ◆ Station 4 Daycare-Group Child Care 30 months to School Aged; ◆ Preschool – 30 months to School Aged; Nanaimo Club offers: ◆ Bright Adventures– Group Child Care 30 months to School Aged; ◆ Seeds of Empathy. For more, please visit www.bgccvi.com.

FREE OR LOW COST

Greater Nanaimo/Ladysmith Family

*Items marked with an asterisk (*) require pre-registration. Please telephone ﬁrst to conﬁrm times and locations of all drop-in events or to register for those requiring pre-registration.

(free or low-cost)

Ladysmith Primary StrongStart Centre (birth - 5 years) 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Ladysmith Primary School 250-740-3516 Ladysmith Family and Friends (LaFF) Family Resource Program Suggested donation $2/family 9:30 am – 12:00 pm (drop-in) Aggie Hall 250-210-0870 Parent Child Mother Goose * (crawling 30 months) 9:45 am - 10:45 am Ladysmith Resources Centre Association 250-245-3079 LaFFternoon (LaFF) (0-6 year olds) Family Resource Program Suggested donation $2/family 12:15 pm – 1:45 pm (drop-in) Aggie Hall 250-210-0870 Parent-Child Mother Goose * (birth – crawling) 12:45 pm - 1:45 pm Ladysmith Resources Centre Association 250-245-3079 Infant to School Age Immunization Clinic by Appointment* (Vancouver Island Health Authority) 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm Ladysmith Community Health Centre 250-755-3342

SPRING 2013

Ladysmith Primary StrongStart Centre (birth – 5 years) 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Ladysmith Primary School 250-740-3516 Ladysmith Family and Friends (LaFF) Family Resource Program Suggested donation $2/family 9:30 am – 12:00 pm (drop-in) Aggie Hall 250-210-0870 Adventures in Early Literacy * (3 – 5 years) 9:45 am – 12:00 pm Ladysmith Resources Centre Association 250-245-3079 Born Healthy Prenatal/Postnatal Individual Program 10:00 am - 1:30 pm Ladysmith Resources Centre Association 250-245-3079 Infant to School Age Immunization Clinic by Appointment* (Vancouver Island Health Authority) 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm Ladysmith Community Health Centre 250-755-3342 LaFF’s Family Frolic Drop-in Gym Time (walking – 6 years) Suggested donation $2/family 5:45 pm - 6:45 pm Frank Jameson Community Centre 250-245-6424

Ladysmith Dads’ Group (Drop-in breakfast for dads & their children) 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Ladysmith Resources Centre Association 250-245-3079

CHILDREN FIRST / SUCCESS BY 6 11

* 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. * LRCA Volunteer Counselling Program. Please call 250-245-3079 for more information or to schedule an appointment. * 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 for parents and preschoolers. 250-245-6424 * Please also check with Ladysmith Regional Library for additional programs for parents and preschoolers. (250) 245-2322

CHILDREN FIRST / SUCCESS BY 6

FREE

SPRING 2013

Island Treasure Box Family Literacy Program* (birth – 6 years) (Tillicum Lelum Health Centre) As per the participating families request. At the participating families home. 250.753.6578 Fairview StrongStart (birth - 5 years) 8:45 am - 11:45 am Fairview Community School 250.740.3516 McGirr StrongStart (birth - 5 years) 8:45 am - 11:45 am McGirr Elementary School 250.740.3516 Rutherford StrongStart (birth - 5 years) 8:45 am - 11:45 am Rutherford Elementary School 250.740.3516 Georgia Ave. StrongStart (birth - 5 years) 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Georgia Avenue Community School 250.740.3516 Bayview StrongStart (birth - 5 years) 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Bayview Elementary School 250.740.3516 Infant to School Age Immunization Clinic Drop-In (Vancouver Island Health Authority) 9:00 am - 11:30 am Nanaimo Health Centre 250.755.3342 Parent-Child Mother Goose * (6 – 12 months) 9:30 am – 10:30 am Lantzville Boys and Girls Club 250.390.4001 Infant to School Age Immunizations Drop-In (Vancouver Island Health Authority) 9:30 am - 4:30 pm Tillicum Lelum Health Centre 250.753.6578 Family Place (parent and tot (birth-6years) drop-in) 9:30 am - 11:00 am Chase River Boys and Girls Club 250.753.2464 PaciﬁcCARE Drop - In Playgroup (birth - 5 years) 9:30 am - 10:30 am Woodgrove Centre (near food court) 250.756.2022 Woodbank StrongStart (birth - 5 years) 9:30 am - 12:30 pm Woodbank Primary School 250.740.3516 Baby Rhyme Time Drop - In (birth - 17 months) 10:30 am - 11:00 am Harbourfront Library 250.753.1154 Parent-Child Mother Goose * (birth – 4 years) 10:30 am - 12:00 pm Gabriola Island HOPE Centre 250.247.8730 Building Better Babies (drop-in pre-natal class) 11:00 am - 12:30 pm Tillicum Lelum Health Centre 250.753.6578 Cooking Out of the Box (one Tuesday per month) 11:00 am - 1:00 pm Nanaimo Women’s Centre 250.753.0633 Quarterway StrongStart (birth - 5 years) 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm Quarterway Elementary School 250.740.3516 Infant to School Age Immunization Clinic by Appointment * (Vancouver Island Health Authority) 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Princess Royal Family Centre 250.739.5845 Preschool Storytime * (3 - 5 years) 1:30 pm - 2:00 pm Wellington Library 250.758.5544 Healthy Beginnings (prenatal - 12 months) (Vancouver Island Health Authority) 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm Nanaimo Health Centre 250.755.3388 Young Moms Group * 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm Tillicum Lelum Health Centre 250.753.6578 Family Storytime * (all ages welcome) 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm Wellington Library 250.758.5544 Dads Make a Difference 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Nanaimo Men’s Resource Centre 250.716.1551

Greater Nanaimo/Ladysmith Family

Island Treasure Box Family Literacy Program* (birth – 6 years) (Tillicum Lelum Health Centre) As per the participating families request. At the participating families home. 250.753.6578 Fairview StrongStart (birth - 5 years) 8:45 am - 11:45 am Fairview Community School 250.740.3516 McGirr StrongStart (birth - 5 years) 8:45 am - 11:45 am McGirr Elementary School 250.740.3516 Rutherford StrongStart (birth - 5 years) 8:45 am - 11:45 am Rutherford Elementary School 250.740.3516 Georgia Ave. StrongStart (birth - 5 years) 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Georgia Avenue Community School 250.740.3516 Bayview StrongStart (birth - 5 years) 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Bayview Elementary School 250.740.3516 Woodbank StrongStart (birth - 5 years) 9:30 am - 12:30 pm Woodbank Primary School 250.740.3516 Infant to School Age Immunization Clinic Drop-In (Vancouver Island Health Authority) 9:30 am - 4:30 pm Tillicum Lelum Health Centre 250.753.6578 Family Place (parent and tot drop-in) 9:30 am - 11:30 am Lantzville Boys and Girls Club 250.390.4001 PaciﬁcCARE Drop - In Playgroup (birth - 5 years) 10:00 am - 11:00 am Country Club Centre (near Sport Mart) 250.756.2022 Tiny Tots Storytime * (birth - 5 years) 10:30 am - 11:00 am Country Club Centre (near Coles) 250.758.5544 Toddler Storytime Drop-In (18 - 35 months) 10:30 am - 11:00 am Harbourfront Library 250.753.1154 Moms, Dads and Babies Drop-In (pre-natal & postpartum) 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Tillicum Lelum Health Centre 250.753.6578 Baby Rhyme Time Drop - In (birth - 17 months) 11:15 am - 11:45 am Harbourfront Library 250.753.1154 Prenatal Lunch Bunch (Vancouver Island Health Authority) 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm Princess Royal Family Centre 250.739.5845 Quarterway StrongStart (birth - 5 years) 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm Quarterway Elementary School 250.740.3516 Breastfeeding Centre Drop-In (Vancouver Island Health Authority) 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Nanaimo Health Centre 250.755.3388 Infant to School Age Immunization Clinic by Appointment * (Vancouver Island Health Authority) 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm Nanaimo Health Centre 250.755.3342

Island Treasure Box Family Literacy Program* (birth – 6 years) (Tillicum Lelum Health Centre) As per the participating families request. At the participating families home. 250.753.6578 Fairview StrongStart (birth - 5 years) 8:45 am - 11:45 am Fairview Community School 250.740.3516 McGirr StrongStart (birth - 5 years) 8:45 am - 11:45 am McGirr Elementary School 250.740.3516 Rutherford StrongStart (birth – 5 years) 8:45 am - 11:45 am Rutherford Elementary School 250.740.3516 Georgia Ave. StrongStart (birth - 5 years) 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Georgia Avenue Community School 250.740.3516 Bayview StrongStart (birth - 5 years) 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Bayview Elementary School 250.740.3516 Infant to School Age Immunization Clinic by Appointment * (Vancouver Island Health Authority) 9:00 am - 11:30 am Princess Royal Family Centre 250.739.5845 Infant to School Age Immunization Clinic Drop-In (Vancouver Island Health Authority) 9:30 am - 4:30 pm Tillicum Lelum Health Centre 250.753.6578 Woodbank StrongStart (birth – 5 years) 9:30 am - 12:30 pm Woodbank Primary School 250.740.3516 Rug Huggers (parent and tot drop-in, birth - 4 years old) 10:00 am - 11:45 am Gabriola Island HOPE Centre 250.247.8730 Healthy Beginnings (prenatal - 12 months) (Vancouver Island Health Authority) 10:00 am - 11:30 am Nanaimo Health Centre 250.755.3388 Toddler Storytime* (18 - 36 months) 10:15 am – 10:45 am Wellington Library 250.758.5544 Preschool Storytime Drop-In (3 - 5 years) 10:30 am - 11:15 am Harbourfront Library 250.753.1154 Parent-Child Mother Goose * (6 – 12 months) 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Chase River Boys and Girls Club 250.753.2464 Building Better Babies (birth - 6 months) 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Tillicum Lelum Health Centre 250.753.6578 Baby Storytime* (birth - 18 months) 11:15 am - 11:45am Wellington Library 250.758.5544 Cooking Out of the Box (one Thursday per month) 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm Nanaimo Food Share Centre 250.753.7470 Quarterway StrongStart (birth - 5 years) 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm Quarterway Elementary School 250.740.3516 Infant to School Age Immunization Clinic Drop-In (Vancouver Island Health Authority) 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm Nanaimo Health Centre 250.755.3342 Connections: Young Parents Support Group (Vancouver Island Health Authority) 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm Princess Royal Family Centre 250.739.5845 Infant to School Age Immunization Clinic by Appointment * (Vancouver Island Health Authority) 3:30m – 7:00 pm Nanaimo Health Centre 250.755.3342

SPRING 2013

Fairview StrongStart (birth - 5 years) 8:45am - 11:45 am Fairview Community School 250.740.3516 McGirr StrongStart (birth - 5 years) 8:45 am - 11:45 am McGirr Elementary School 250.740.3516 Rutherford StrongStart (birth - 5 years) 8:45 am - 11:45 am Rutherford Elementary School 250.740.3516 Georgia Ave. StrongStart (birth - 5 years) 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Georgia Avenue Community School 250.740.3516 Bayview StrongStart (birth - 5 years) 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Bayview Elementary School 250.740.3516 Building Better Babies (home visits and drop-in) 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Tillicum Lelum Health Centre 250.753.6578 Breastfeeding Centre Drop-In (Vancouver Island Health Authority) 9:30 am - 11:30 am Nanaimo Health Unit 250.755.3388 Infant to School Age Immunization Clinic Drop-In (Vancouver Island Health Authority) 9:30 am - 4:30 pm Tillicum Lelum Health Centre 250.753.6578 Family Place (parent and tot drop-in) 9:30 am - 11:30 am Lantzville Boys and Girls Club 250.390.4001 Woodbank StrongStart (birth - 5 years) 9:30 am - 12:30 pm Woodbank Primary School 250.740.3516 Gabriola Island Monthly Infant to School Age Immunization Clinics by Appointment* (Vancouver Island Health Authority) 10:00 am – 11:30 am (last Friday of the month) Gabriola Island HOPE Centre 250.755.3342 Walking With The Elders * (birth – 6 years) 10:30 am – 1:00pm Tillicum Lelum Health Centre 250.753.6578 Parent-Child Mother Goose * (12 – 18 months) 11:45 am – 12:45 pm Lantzville Boys and Girls Club 250.390.4001 Quarterway StrongStart (birth - 5 years) 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm Quarterway Elementary School 250.740.3516 Kindergarten to Grade 12 Immunization Clinic by Appointment * (Vancouver Island Health Authority) 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm Nanaimo Health Centre 250.755.3342

CHILDREN FIRST / SUCCESS BY 6 13

Infant to School Age Immunization Clinic by Appointment * (Vancouver Island Health Authority) 9:00 am - 3:30 pm (every other Saturday) Nanaimo Health Centre 250.755.3342 Family Storytime Drop-In 10:00 am - 12:00 pm (last Saturday of the month) Harbourfront Library 250.753.1154

* Items marked with an asterisk (*) require pre-registration. Please telephone ﬁrst to conﬁrm times and locations of all drop-in programs or to register for those requiring pre-registration. * 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. * Prenatal Classes. Free classes are offered at the Nanaimo Health Centre (VIHA) throughout the year. Please call 250-755-3342 for information and to register. * Infant to School Age Immunization Clinics are offered at the Nanaimo Health Centre (VIHA) throughout the week. Please call 250-755-3342 to make an appointment or for drop in times. * Gabriola Island Monthly Infant to School Age Immunization Clinics by appointment. Call 250-755-3342 for an appointment. * Please also check with Nanaimo Parks, Recreation & Culture for additional recreational programs for parents and preschoolers. 250-756-5200

FREE

Greater Nanaimo/Ladysmith Family

CHILDREN FIRST / SUCCESS BY 6

SPRING 2013

Greater Nanaimo/Ladysmith Family

Greater Nanaimo/Ladysmith Early Years Resources Pregnancy g y ((Pre to Post)) Birthright Information Help Line 1-800-550-4900 www.birthright.org Cross 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.com Healthlink BC (24 hour Nurse Line) 811 www.healthlinkbc.ca 250-739-5777 www.viha.ca Ladysmith Community Health Centre Ladysmith 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.ca Maternal Health Program –Inter Tribal Health Services 250-753-3990 or 1.877.777.4842 www.intertribalhealth.ca Midwives www.bcmidwives.com Nanoose First Nation Head Start Program 250-390-0003 www.bcfnhs.org Options for Sexual Health 250-753-9511 www.optionsforsexualhealth.org Public Health Nursing www.viha.ca 250-755-3342 www.viha.ca Nanaimo Health Centre Nanaimo/Ladysmith Nursing Intake Line 250-755-3388 www.viha.ca Princess Royal Family Centre 250-739-5845 www.viha.ca Snuneymuxw First Nation Health Centre 250-740-2337 www.snuneymuxw.ca Stz’uminus First Nation Health Centre 250-245-8551 www.cfnation.com Tillicum Lelum Health Centre 250-753-6578 www.tillicumhaus.ca Breast Feeding g Gabriola Island Hope Centre Healthlink BC (24hr Nurse Line) Ladysmith Community Health Centre - Switchboard La Leche League Breastfeeding Support Public Health Nursing Nanaimo Health Centre Nanaimo/Ladysmith Nursing Intake Line Princess Royal Family Centre Snuneymuxw First Nation Health Centre Stz’uminus First Nation Health Centre Tillicum Lelum Health Centre

250-247-8730 www.gabriolahopecentre.com 811 www.healthlinkbc.ca 250-739-5777 www.viha.ca 250-754-5853 www.lllc.ca www.viha.ca 250-755-3342 www.viha.ca 250-755-3388 www.viha.ca 250-739-5845 www.viha.ca 250-740-2337 www.snuneymuxw.ca 250-245-8551 www.cfnation.com 250-753-6578 www.tillicumhaus.ca

Food and Nutrition Healthlink BC - Dietitian Services 811 www.healthlinkbc.ca Ladysmith Community Gardens Society 250-245-5772 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.ca LaFF Ladysmith Family and Friends Food Programs 250-210-0870 www.familyandfriends.ca Loaves and Fishes Community Food Bank 250-754-8347 www.loavesandfishes.org Meals on Wheels 250-753-1300 www.mealcall.org Nanaimo Community Gardens Society 250-816-4769 www.nanaimocommunitygardens.ca Nanaimo Community Kitchens Society 250-753-7470 www.nanaimocommunitykitchens.org Nanaimo Food Share Society 250-753-9393 www.nanaimofoodshare.ca Salvation Army Meal Program / Community Services 250-754-2621 www.salvationarmy.ca Tillicum Lelum Health Centre 250-753-6578 www.tillicumhaus.ca VIHA Community Nutrition Program – Nanaimo Health Centre 250-739-5845 www.viha.ca 7-10 Club Society – The Family Soup Kitchen 250-714-0917 www.nanaimo710club.com Health BC Poison Control Child and Youth Mental Health Aboriginal General Healthlink BC (24hr Nurse Line) Nanoose First Nation Head Start Program Snuneymuxw First Nation Health Centre Stz’uminus First Nation Health Centre Tillicum Lelum Health Centre Vancouver Island Health Authority Ladysmith Community Health Centre Nanaimo Health Centre Nanaimo/Ladysmith Nursing Intake Line Nanaimo Regional General Hospital Princess Royal Family Centre Public Health Nursing Appointments

1-800-567-8911 www.dpic.org 250-741-5444 www.gov.bc.ca/mcf 250-741-3600 www.gov.bc.ca/mcf 250-741-5444 www.gov.bc.ca/mcf 811 www.healthlinkbc.ca 250-390-0003 www.bcfnhs.org 250-740-2337 www.snuneymuxw.ca 250-245-8551 www.cfnation.com 250-753-6578 www.tillicumhaus.ca www.viha.ca 250-739-5777 www.viha.ca 250-755-3342 www.viha.ca 250-755-3388 www.viha.ca 250-754-2141 www.viha.ca 250-739-5845 www.viha.ca 250-755-3342 www.viha.ca

- Gabriola Island Library - Ladysmith Library - Nanaimo Harbourfront Library - Nanaimo Wellington Library

250-247-7878 www.virl.bc.ca 250-245-2322 www.virl.bc.ca 250-753-1154 www.virl.bc.ca 250-758-5544 www.virl.bc.ca

Child Care Child Care Subsidy Program Community Care Facility Licensing Program Ministry of Children and Family Development Ministry of Education PacificCARE Child Care Resource and Referral Supported Child Development - Nanaimo (Child Development Centre) - Ladysmith

1-888-338-6622 www.mcf.gov.bc.ca 250-739-5800 www.viha.ca/mho/licensing 250-741-5444 www.gov.bc.ca/mcf 1-800-663-7867 www.bced.gov.bc.ca/ged/gedwhere.htm 250-756-2022 www.pacific-care.bc.ca 250-753-0251 www.nanaimocdc.com 250-245-3466 www.scdp.bc.ca

Familyy Services Adoptive Families Association of BC 1-800-ADOPT-07 www.bcadopt.com Autism Society of BC 250-714-0801 www.autismbc.ca BC Centre for Safe School & Communities 1-888-224-7233 www.ufv.ca Big Brothers and Big Sisters 250-756-2447 www.bigscvi.ca Boys 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.com Crisis Society for Central Vancouver Island 1-888-494-3888 www.cvics.ca 250-245-3079 www.lrca.bc.ca Family & Youth Support Services – Ladysmith Resources Centre Association Foster Parent Support Services Society 250-390-9686 www.fpsss.com Gabriola Island Hope Centre 250-247-8730 www.gabriolahopecentre.com Haven Society and Transition House 250-756-2452 www.havensociety.com Help Line for Children 250-310-1234 www.mcf.gov.bc.ca Immigrant Welcome Centre 250-753-6911 www.cvims.org Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868 www.kidshelpphone.ca Kw’umut Lelum Child & Family Services 250-591-0933 www.kwumut.org Ladysmith 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 250-245-3079 www.lrca.bc.ca Family & Youth Support Services Parent-Child Mother Goose Program 250-245-3079 www.lrca.bc.ca Volunteer Counselling Program 250-245-3079 www.lrca.bc.ca LaFF Ladysmith Family Resource Program 250-210-0870 www.familyandfriends.ca Little Ferns 250-753-1783 www.littleferns.ca Parent-Child Mother Goose Program 250-753-1783 www.littleferns.ca Young Parent Program 250-753-1783 www.littleferns.ca Ministry of Children and Family Development 250-741-5444 www.gov.bc.ca/mcf Nanaimo Child Development Centre 250-753-0251 www.nanaimocdc.com Nanaimo Community Hospice Society 250-758-8857 www.nanaimohospice.com Nanaimo Family Justice Access Centre 250-741-5447 www.ag.gov.bc.ca/justice-access-centre/nanaimo Nanaimo Family Life Association 250-754-3331 www.nflabc.org Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Circle 1.877.345.9777 www.parentsupportbc.ca/grandparents.html Nanaimo Family Resource Programs 250-753-2177 http://clbc.cioc.ca/record/CLB8004 Nanaimo Men’s Resource Centre 250-716-1551 www.nanaimomen.com 250-753-0633 www.nanaimowomen.com Nanaimo Women’s Centre Nanaimo Youth Services 250-754-1989 www.nysa.bc.ca NARSF Programs Ltd. (Nanaimo and Area Resource Services for Families) 250-754-2773 www.narsf.org PacificCARE Child Care Resource and Referral 250-756-2022 www.pacific-care.bc.ca Parent Support Services of BC 1-877-345-9777 www.parentsuportbc.ca People for a Healthy Community (Gabriola) 250-247-7311 www.phc-gabriola.org Rainbows 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.com Snuneymuxw First Nation Health Centre 250-740-2337 www.snuneymuxw.ca SOAR Mentoring Program for women – Intertribal Health Authority 250-753-3990 www.intertribalhealth.ca Stz’uminus First Nation Health Centre 250-245-8551 www.cfnation.com 250-753-6578 www.tillicumhaus.ca Tillicum Lelum Health Centre Triple P Positive Parenting Program www.triplepvip.ca Vancouver Island Crisis Line 1-888-494-3888 www.vicrisis.ca Vancouver Island Heath Authority www.viha.ca - Brooks Landing – Crisis Counselling Clinic 250-739-5710 www.viha.ca Welcome Wagon 250-756-9794 www.welcomewagon.ca

Earlyy Learningg and Development p

Recreation

Adventures in Early Literacy – Ladysmith Resources Centre Association 250-245-3079 www.lrca.bc.ca Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Vancouver Island- Family Resource Programs 250-754-3215 www.bgccvi.com Early Years Program, School District #68 / StrongStart Centre’s 250-740-3516 www.sd68.bc.ca - Bayview Strong Start 250-740-3516 www.sd68.bc.ca - Fairview Strong Start 250-740-3516 www.sd68.bc.ca - Georgia Avenue Strong Start 250-740-3516 www.sd68.bc.ca - Ladysmith Primary Strong Start 250-740-3516 www.sd68.bc.ca - McGirr Strong Start 250-740-3516 www.sd68.bc.ca - Quarterway Strong Start 250-740-3516 www.sd68.bc.ca 250-740-3516 www.sd68.bc.ca - Rutherford Strong Start - Woodbank Strong Start 250-740-3516 www.sd68.bc.ca Island Family Information 250-756-2022 www.islandfamilyinfo.ca Ladysmith 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.ca LaFF Ladysmith Family Resource Program 250-210-0870 www.familyandfriends.ca Literacy Central Vancouver Island 250-754-8988 www.literacycentralvi.org My Reading Tree www.myreadingtree.com Nanaimo Child Development Centre 250-753-0251 www.nanaimocdc.com Parent -Child Mother Goose Program www.nald.ca/mothergooseprogram 250-247-8730 www.gabriolahopecentre.com - Gabriola Ladysmith Resources Centre Association 250-245-3079 www.lrca.bc.ca - Nanaimo 250-816-1699 www.sd68.bc.ca / www.myreadingtree.com Snuneymuxw First Nation Administration 250-740-2300 www.snuneymuxw.ca Speech and Language Pathology/Nanaimo Health Centre 250-739-6827 www.viha.ca Stz’uminus First Nation 250-245-7155 www.cfnation.com Tillicum Lelum Health Centre 250-753-6578 www.tillicumhaus.ca Vancouver Island Regional Libraries: www.virl.bc.ca

Beban Park Recreation Centre Bowen Park Complex Ladysmith Parks, Recreation & Culture Nanaimo Aquatic Centre Nanaimo Ice Centre Oliver Woods Community Centre Community Early Years Initiatives/Partnerships - Children First Initiative - Greater Nanaimo Early Years Partnership - Ladysmith Early Years Partnership - Success By Six® Initiative - Vancouver Island Early Years Network

250-756-5200 www.nanaimo.ca 250-756-5200 www.nanaimo.ca 250-245-6424 www.ladysmith.ca 250-756-5200 www.nanaimo.ca 250-756-5200 www.nanaimo.ca 250-756-5200 www.nanaimo.ca 250-816-1699 www.bcchildrenfirst.ca 250-740-3516 www.sd68.bc.ca 250-245-6427 www.sd68.bc.ca 250-616-5820 www.successby6bc.ca 250-740-3516

Services Available for “Fee for Service” (Some services may be covered by the Ministry of Children & Family Development funding) Dianne Martin & Associates – Stepfamily Support Go Between Consulting Nanaimo Family Life Association

250-591-8184 www.DianneMartinAndAssociates.com 250- 714-8754 www.gobetweenconsulting.com 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 Crisis Society Resource Book Surviving in Nanaimo The Community Dental Clinic (CODE)

604-738-0068 www.frpbc.ca 250-753-2495 www.cvics.ca 250-754-4251 250-591-0771 www.codeclinic.org

Greater Nanaimo/Ladysmith Family

SPRING 2013

CHILDREN FIRST / SUCCESS BY 6 15

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SPRING 2013

Greater Nanaimo/Ladysmith Family

Help children grow in a way that is right for them BY EILEEN BENNEWITH

The way a baby eats from birth onward, may impact how they grow and whether they are gaining weight in a way that is right for them. If parents know a few simple tips about infant feeding, they can offer food to babies so they grow to their genetic potential. Breastfeeding promotes healthy weight. Health Canada recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and continued breastfeeding along with solid foods until baby is two years or more. Feeding cues are behaviors that will tell you that a baby wants to eat. If the baby puts their hands to their mouth and moves the head to look for the nipple, this is an early sign of hunger. Mouth opening, lip licking or sucking, clenching fingers over tummy and bending arms and legs are further signs of hunger. Fussing and crying are late cues. It is important to respond to your baby as soon as you see the first signs of hunger. Responding appropriately to their cues helps your child learn to trust you. The other part of this relationship is that you must learn to trust your child. Only your child knows whether they are hungry or not. This trust is the foundation for a healthy relationship with food. From the first feeding, right through life, your child’s job is to decide whether to eat and how much to eat of the food that is offered. This rule

applies whether it is breastmilk, formula or solid foods. When you trust your child to follow internal hunger and fullness cues, they will grow in a way that is right for them. Your baby will tell you when they have had enough. Do not force a baby to eat or finish food or bottles. This can lead to overeating and los-

DOUG ROUTLEY, MLA NANAIMO~NORTH COWICHAN

ing the ability to recognize fullness. A baby that eats to appetite will grow in a way that is right for them. Babies are not developmentally ready to eat solid foods until they are around six month old. Offering solid foods too early can lead to obesity, allergies, choking or constipation in babies. Six month old babies are ready to eat mashed table foods and do not need pureed foods. Eating meals as a family will teach children to eat family foods. They will get a variety of textures and flavours by eating the same food as the rest of the family. Serve meals and snacks at regular times. Toddlers that are allowed to graze on food, juice or milk all day may be too full to eat at mealtimes. Leave time between meals and snacks so they will get hungry enough to eat again. From six months onward, encourage toddlers to feed themselves. Spoon fed toddlers may ignore hunger cues and eat to please the parent. This can lead to overeating or picky eating. If food is withheld for punishment or given as a reward, children learn to eat for reasons other than hunger. Pushing children to eat more than they want can lead to a poor relationship with food. Restricting food can lead to overeating. For more information about building a healthy relationship with food, contact a public health nurse or community nutritionists at your local health unit.

Support Our Children - Support

Community Offices

524 1st Avenue | Box 269 Ladysmith, BC V9G 1A2 Phone 250.245.9375 | Fax 250.245.8164

Unit 112 50 Tenth Street Nanaimo, BC V9R 6L1 Phone 250.716.5221 | Fax 250.716.5222

Email: douglas.routley.mla@leg.bc.ca Website: www.dougroutley.ca

“SUCCESS BY SIX – AN ESSENTIAL COMMITMENT TO THE FUTURE OF OUR PROVINCE”

Helping all children succeed

for life.

Helping All Children Succeed for Life.

Leonard Krog M.L.A. (Nanaimo)

Ofﬁ ﬁcial Opposition 4-77 Victoria Cres. Nanaimo, BC V9R 5B9 Phone: 250-714-0630 Fax: 250-714-0859 leonard.krog.mla@leg.bc.ca www.leonardkrog-mla.ca

Greater Nanaimo/Ladysmith Family

SPRING 2013

CHILDREN FIRST / SUCCESS BY 6 17

Choosing dental products for kids BY HEATHER BUCHANEN There’s a lot of discussion about how to prevent cavities in children’s teeth. Basic care includes a parent or caregiver brushing children’s teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily once their teeth touch. However, it can be confusing to choose between the many oral care products on the market today. Following are some simple guidelines around appropriate dental care products to use for kids. Toothbrushes Gently brushing teeth helps remove plaque and food that is stuck to the teeth. Use a toothbrush with a small head to fit a child’s mouth. Ultra soft or soft bristles are gentle on the gums but still able to remove plaque and food. Power toothbrushes may motivate some children to brush but they aren’t necessary. Recently, some power toothbrushes have been recalled by Health Canada because they came apart in the mouth or shorted out. Before your child uses a power toothbrush, check that the head is securely attached and there are no loose pieces. Fluoride toothpaste Fluoride helps protect teeth from cavities and is a recommended ingredient in toothpaste. Fluoride isn’t added to our water supply so using toothpaste containing fluoride to strengthen and protect teeth is recommended for all ages. If you use well water, it can be tested for fluoride. Parents need to be aware that many “baby” toothpastes do not offer the protection of fluoride and often cost more than regular toothpaste. As soon as teeth appear, the Canadian and BC Dental Associations, as well as the World Health Organization, advise that it is safe for children to use fluoride toothpaste as long as it’s the correct amount. Fluoride toothpaste for children contains the same concentration of fluoride as adult toothpaste. According to the Canadian Dental Association, the safe, appropriate amount of fluoride toothpaste is: For children under 3 years: an amount the size of a grain of rice. For children over 3 years or those

who do not swallow toothpaste: an amount the size of a green pea The Canadian Dental Association’s seal of approval should be on the tube of toothpaste used. Children often prefer toothpaste that is mild or sweet. Toothpaste does not contain decay-causing sugar but does have other sweeteners to make it more palatable and prevent it from drying out and hardening. The most common sweeteners are xylitol, sorbitol or glycerin. Xylitol is a natural sweetener that helps prevent tooth decay. Toothpastes may also have added whitening, desensitizing, tartar-control, breath freshening or anti-bacterial ingredients. When you see the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) seal of approval on a tube of toothpaste check to see what it is approving. It may be approving the fluoride in the toothpaste – not the added ingredients. Some of these additional ingredients have not been tested for safety or effectiveness on children and are not recommended for youngsters. For safety, store all toothpaste out of reach of children and monitor how much toothpaste is being used. Floss When children’s teeth start touching side-by-side, toothbrush bristles can’t reach in between them anymore. Floss is needed to clear food and plaque from between teeth once per day. Before bed is the best time. String-type floss or floss sticks can be used. Try a see-saw motion with the floss to ease it between the teeth and avoid damaging the gums. Parents

often find it easiest to floss their child’s teeth when the child’s head is supported and they are lying down. Waxed floss usually slides between the teeth more easily than un-waxed floss. Mouth rinse Mouthwash is used by adults for different reasons but children don’t need mouthwash for good oral health. Basic brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing will protect their teeth. When children can spit, you may choose to purchase mouthwash for your children. Only alcohol-free mouth rinse should be considered. Mouth rinses that show where plaque is on the teeth can be used by children who are able to spit the rinse out completely. These may help motivate older children to brush but are not necessary. Other basic tips for keeping children’s teeth cavity free: ◆ Children need parent’s help to brush their teeth properly until they are 8 years old. ◆ Make brushing fun to encourage good oral care. ◆ Offer tooth healthy snacks like fresh fruit and vegetables, cheese, nuts and foods that are not sweet or sticky. ◆ Give water for thirst between meals. Juice, even diluted juice, can cause cavities. ◆ Regular visits to the dentist should start around 1 year of age. If you have any questions or need help finding a dentist, please call your local Health Unit, Dental Programs at 250-739-5845, ext. 57562

CHILDREN FIRST / SUCCESS BY 6

SPRING 2013

Greater Nanaimo/Ladysmith Family

co Va n u v e r I s l a n d

Discipline is not a dirty word

BY MATT SANDERS

Many parents today are confused about how to discipline their children. Good discipline is simply about helping children learn that their behaviour leads to consistent consequences that are always enforced within a predictable, loving environment. As a clinical psychologist specialising in family concerns, and as a parent to my own two children, the best advice I can give is to always try and remain calm in the line of fire. Don’t let a single disobedient act escalate into a full scale battle of wills between child and parent. Discipline for children must involve clear, fair, age-appropriate rules and consequences carried out in a predictable family environment. It’s no good changing tactics one day because you don’t feel up to the challenge. When your child breaks a rule they

know about, have an effective consequence. Removing a favourite toy, banning the use of a bike, or turning off the television are all viable consequences of misbehaviour. Being “pro social” with your children involves changing the ratio of negative and positive attention to shift the balance toward more positives. For example, if your children are fighting over a toy, you might tell them to stop fighting, teach them about the importance of sharing and then show them how to go about sharing. If your child is being loud and interrupting, explain the importance of politeness and teach them how to gain mum or dad’s attention in a more acceptable fashion. The way you discipline your children will vary with the age and personality of that child. For instance you can’t negotiate bed-

time with a three year old, although you can with your teenager. And discipline for disobedience should always teach two things. Firstly, that “no” means to stop the behaviour that is not allowed and secondly, it should make clear the appropriate behaviour that should be seen instead. The trap that many parents fall into when dealing with misbehaviour is to unwittingly feed negative behaviour by nagging and criticising, often inconsistently, and by failing to praise and encourage children when they behave well. It isn’t magic that brings about these results, just effort, and an understanding that we all need a little help sometimes. ◆ Professor Matt Sanders is founder of the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program. For more information about Triple P in your community, please go to http://triplepvip.ca.

What is Triple P – Positive Parenting Program? Triple P provides simple solutions to make parenting easier. Triple P aims to build positive behaviours in children by enhancing the knowledge, skills and confidence of parents. The program offers strategies and ideas to help parents build positive relationships with their children and respond to misbehaviours, immediately, consistently and decisively. The program aims to teach parents the importance of self-care. Triple P offers parents several program options to choose from: Seminars A series of three presentations pro-

vides an introduction and overview on the basics of Positive Parenting. Each presentation is 1.5-hours long and includes some time for discussion. Parents learn how to use positive parenting to encourage their children to learn the skills and competencies they need for health, development and well being. Tip Sheets Provide information and assistance for common, specific parenting concerns such as tantrums, tidying up, adjusting to a new baby, resistance to homework or chores, teen challenges and others.

All tip sheets help parents to understand why the behaviour occurs, how to prevent it and if we cannot prevent it, suggestions on how to manage it. Groups (for parents of 2-12 years or parents of 11-14 years) Provide parents the opportunity to learn and practice all 17 Triple P strategies over eight weeks. Parents learn to identify why their children misbehave, how to promote the behaviours they would like to see, and how to manage those they have been challenged by. For more information, please visit www.triplepvip.ca.

Greater Nanaimo/Ladysmith Family

Children First is a province wide initiative established and funded by the Ministry of Children and Family Development. It is designed to support communities in identifying and promoting the healthy growth and development of young children, birth to six years old. The initiative is not a program that delivers a service directly to children; rather it is a powerful and accessible catalyst to change, at the community level. There are 45 initiatives throughout B.C. that have been in practice for approximately 10 years through publicly funded, research based, early years community collaboratives. In the Nanaimo/Ladysmith region, the Children First Coordinator position is used to increase capacity at the Greater Nanaimo and Ladysmith Early Years Partnerships and their working teams, who are funded by Success By 6. The partnership’s vision is that children thrive within healthy families and supportive communities, and their mission is to create a community that supports the optimal development of young children and their families. For more information, please contact Amber Bruner, Children First Early Years Community Coordinator at mthrgoos@ telus.net or 250-816-1699.

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Little Ferns offers variety Little Ferns is an early learning centre offering a variety of programs. At its core, is childcare for children ages birth to 5 years, offered Monday to Fridays, year round. Within the childcare program is the Young Parent program, one of 38 in B.C. Young parent programs offer a combination of childcare with other support and resources for young/ teen parents up to age 24 who had a child(ren) without completing their grade 12 requirements and not graduating. Little Ferns childcare staff offer exceptional care for the babies, toddlers and preschoolers while the parent, young moms and dads return to secondary school, or adult basic education and get their grade 12 diploma. Depending on income at the time, there is a full subsidy for childcare fees for this program. As well, at Little Ferns we offer Parent Child Mother Goose for children ages birth to 2.5 years, the Grandmas and Grandpas club for senior class-

Your source for active living in the early years! L 250.245.6424 | www.ladysmith.ca

room volunteers, Nobody’s Perfect Parenting Group, Junior Leadership Program for students in grades 9-12, Pivot- girls program, and Seeds of Empathy. All this and daily snacks and a hot lunch program. Drop by – we are located on the grounds of John Barsby Secondary School, or call executive director Amy Collum at 250753-1783. Enjoy a tour around our centre or our friendly website at www.little ferns.ca

CHILDREN FIRST / SUCCESS BY 6

SPRING 2013

Greater Nanaimo/Ladysmith Family

Resource centre aims to support families BY KAREN FEDIUK

The mission of the Ladysmith Resources Centre Association, at 630 Second Ave., is to co-ordinate and provide services and information to enhance the quality of life in Ladysmith and surrounding community. As part of that mission to support families, the LRCA offers the following programs for families with children aged 0-6. Offered weekly Ladysmith Dadsâ€™ Group. Led by 2 dads, this Saturday morning (10 a.m. to noon) drop-in breakfast and discussion group for dads and their kids offers dads a chance to practice new ways of relating to their children, to meet other new dads, and to share information about fathering and parenting in a very low-pressure format. Born Healthy. Led by a nutritionist, this free program is available to pregnant women and parents of new babies and offers nutrition, breastfeeding, nursing and environmental support. Group drop-ins run Wednesday (10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.). Individual appointments are also available. Family and Youth Support Services Program. This intervention program is designed to assist families with children aged 6-12 who are experiencing difficulties at home, school, with peers, or in the community and are at risk of violence, family breakdown, or having a child removed. Potential clients can be referred to the program by MCFD, CYMH, SD68 staff, LRCA and other community agencies as well as families themselves. Offered in the fall, winter and spring, the following programs require preregistration: Mother Goose, Infant and Toddler. Led by 2 facilitators, parents and young children learn rhymes and songs that can help make parenting an easier task. Join in this group to learn some ways to comfort a tired baby, distracting a fussy or mischievous one, getting through necessary chores such as diaper changing and face washing. Adventures in Early Literacy. Designed to assist the development of self-esteem, social and literacy skills of preschoolers (3 to 5 years old), classes are held Tuesday mornings. Parents

Parent-Child Mother Goose Parent-Child Mother Goose is a free program that has been running since the mid â€™80s. The main goal of this one-onone program is to build and support the connection between a parent and child. Through the use of songs, rhymes, and stories, the program gives parents tools to help with the joyful and challenging times of parenting. The program is delivered orally without the use of books, toys or objects in a relaxed environment. The benefits of Parent-Child Mother Goose are apparent after only a few classes. Benefits of song: can gain language and literacy experiences through songs, stories, reading, games, crafts and circle time that can be used at home. Offered in the fall and spring Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) for Caregivers of Children 2-12 years. Designed to improve behaviour and encourage positive relationships between parents and children, Triple

Calms a child and parent in a stressful situation; Helps create smooth transitions throughout the day; Inspires creativity; Fosters attachment, language and brain development; Creates cooperation and social skills; Supports early literacy and cognitive skills; Gives confidence. For more information, please contact Amber Bruner, Children First Early Years Community Coordinator at mthrgoos@ telus.net or 250-816-1699.

P suggests simple routines and small changes that can make a big difference to your family. Parents learn about effective parenting strategies that help promote both child and teen development and promote positive behaviours. For more information about any of these programs or to speak to a program coordinator, please call 250-2453079.

Greater Nanaimo/Ladysmith Family

SPRING 2013

Family activities offered at Ladysmith program BY JACQUIE NELLIGAN

Ladysmith Family and Friends, fondly known as LaFF, is a family resource program and non-profit society serving families with children ages 0-6. We offer 21 hours of programming with daytime and evening activities held at multiple locations throughout Ladysmith. Mornings with LaFF, SEWcial Night, LaFFternoons, and special events are held at Aggie Hall (1110 First Ave). The space is transformed into a “community living room” allowing families to connect with service providers, gain tips on parenting issues from our professional staff, participate

in cooking and gardening opportunities, strengthen ties to the community, share skills and interests, and connect with other families. Family Frolics is held at Frank Jamieson Community Center (810 – 6th Ave). The program allows opportunity for families to burn off energy before bedtime. LaFF Outside and Community Garden events are offered seasonally within the community. These allow families meaningful outdoor experiences and enhance the mental and physical health creating a healthier and happier community. LaFF is community driven and our Volunteer

CHILDREN FIRST / SUCCESS BY 6 21

The Town of Ladysmith is committed to enhancing the health & quality of life of the Ladysmith area community through accessible programs, services, facilities and open spaces. The Ladysmith Department of Parks, Recreation & Culture works in collaboration with other community organizations to facilitate an age-friendly community, and Ladysmith facilities such as the Aggie Hall, the Frank Jameson Community Centre pool and fitness centre are bursting with recreational activities and funfilled events. For more information about Ladysmith active living opportunities for all ages, go to www.ladysmith.ca or call 250-245-6424. Program provides opportunities for growth and a sense of belonging to individuals in the community. There are opportunities for youth, adult and seniors to become a part of the everyday activities at LaFF. LaFF ensures an inclusive environment and welcomes all families in the surrounding area to join us in creating a happy, healthy and nurturing place to grow. A $2 donation per family is suggested. The coffee is always

fresh and regularly there are extra bowls of soup or slices of French toast to enjoy. Come and see why we were awarded the 2012 Distinguished Service Award for commitment to Quality from the B.C. Association of Family Resource Programs. Please visit us at www. familyandfriends.ca or at Facebook.com/LadysmithFamilyandFriends or watch us in action at www. vimeo.com/43137493 and www.vimeo.com/54163295.

ACTIVITI ES

Jump into the adventure and let friendship fill each day. Experience a world off discovery, all with an amazing staff.

O THE BEST OF A CANADIAN ENJOY WEST-COAST SUMMER!

SUMMER CAMPS FOR ALL AGES!

www.qwanoes.ca 1-888-997-9266

LIFE LIIK LI KE NO O OTH THER ER E R!

CHILDREN FIRST / SUCCESS BY 6

SPRING 2013

Greater Nanaimo/Ladysmith Family

Development centre offers helping hand BY PAM MCADAM

The Nanaimo Child Development Centre brochure states it is the place to go when your family needs a helping hand. Started by a small group of parents in 1967, the centre has a long history with our community, providing service to families from Lantzville to Ladysmith, Gabriola to Cedar. Our mission is to promote child development by serving children with developmental needs and their families. Do you have a question regarding your baby’s development? A concern about your daughter’s speech? Do you worry your son will not be ready for kindergarten? Are you having difficulty with your child’s behaviour? For children age five and under, we have someone who can help. The Child Development Centre: ◆ Provides specialized services for children from birth to 19 years of age. ◆ Believes every child has the right to become the best they can be. ◆ Honours families as the most important part of a child’s life. ◆ Supports inclusive community programs. ◆ Meets international accreditation standards for service excellence You can refer your child by dropping in or calling the Child Development Centre. We encourage parent referrals but

with your permission, any professional involved with your child may make a referral. There is no cost for the services. Funding comes from a number of government sources, along with generous community support through fundraising and donations. Services may be provided in your home, in a childcare setting, in the community, or at the Child Development Centre, based on parent choice. Emphasizing the importance of early identification of developmental needs, the Early Intervention Program includes: ◆ Speech Language Therapy, Physiotherapy, and Occupational Therapy

◆Infant Development; ◆Family Development; ◆Supported Child Development; ◆Inclusive Preschool (fees apply). We also have some programs for school aged children, based on specific need and with a referral. Our vision is a community where children and youth with developmental needs and their families are able to achieve their potential without experiencing barriers. Children are happy, successful, and contribute to their community and are accepted by their peers. For more information, please check us out at www.nanaimocdc.com.

Health authority provides speech language services The Vancouver Island Health Authority in the greater Nanaimo area provides speech-language services to children and their families from birth to kindergarten entry. Two full time speech-language pathologists at the Nanaimo Health Centre provide a variety of services to the community. Parents with concerns can self-refer their young child for a speech and/ or language assessment by calling the speech department directly at 250-7396827. Families can also informally connect with a speech-language pathologist on specifically scheduled days at any of

the school district Strongstart Centres or LAFF. Questions and consultations are always welcome. Health centre speech-language pathologists work with people and agencies in the larger community to create language-rich environments for toddlers and preschoolers. They provide educational opportunities and information for people who work with families and young children. For example, childcare providers can request a consultation to work with a speech-language pathologist to create richer communication opportunities for all the young children within their

facility. Communication skills begin at birth with the fastest stage of language development occurring within the first three years of life. Language continues to develop well beyond kindergarten entry, but the first three years lay a critical foundation for social and academic success. All young children need support to build strong communication skills and the health centre speech-language pathologists are actively engaging with the community to make that happen. To contact a health centre speech language pathologist, please call 250739-6827.

Greater Nanaimo/Ladysmith Family

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CHILDREN FIRST / SUCCESS BY 6 23

Fuel learning with delicious, healthy food. If you like choices, check out our huge h selection of natural and organic items. Your destination for grocery shopping.

LEARNING is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere. â€“ Chinese Proverb

Port Place 650 South Terminal Ave. 250.729.2937

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Brooks Landing 2000 Island Highway 250.729.2933

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2013-02-19 1:45 2 5 PM

CHILDREN FIRST / SUCCESS BY 6

SPRING 2013

Greater Nanaimo/Ladysmith Family

trongStart Early Learning Centres provide a free drop-in program for newborn children to age 5 and their parent, grandparent or caregiver. The program is planned with the understanding that children learn through PLAY! Carefully selected materials and activities will promote the social, emotional, physical, cognitive and early literacy development in each child.

Locations: Bayview Elementary 754-3231 Georgia Avenue Community 753-1044 McGirr Elementary 758-8946

Fairview Community 753-3418 Ladysmith Primary 245-3912 Quarterway Elementary 754-6845

Rutherford Elementary 758-5331

Woodbank Primary 722-3644

Thanks to the financial assistance of the Ministry of Education, Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools are supporting families to become involved in early learning opportunities. For more information visit www.sd68.bc.ca/EarlyYears or contact the Early Years Coordinator at 250 740-3516.