Family Resource
FOUNDATIONS ENGLISH PROGRAM
• Designed for adult learners who want to strengthen their academic English skills in preparation for further studies & employment
• Oral & listening skills are integrated with discussions, presentations & collaborative work
• Develop advanced reading & writing skills
• Flexible in-person schedules: choose classes that fit your life, & enter at the correct level following an assessment
• FREE classes for all BC residents who are Canadian citizens, per manent residents, refugees, or hold work permits (some exceptions may apply)
• New students must complete an English Language Assessment prior to registering for courses
HIGH SCHOOL COURSES – COMPLETION & UPGRADING
• Develop study, writing, & research skills
• Choose in-person, day or evening courses tailored to fit your work, family & life schedule
• Use this as a stepping stone into college, university, trades or better employment
• Gain recognized credentials, stronger marks & the confidence to move forward
• 18 years of age or older
• Tuition-free for eligible students
• BC Ministry approved courses
LINC: LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION FOR NEWCOMERS TO CANADA
• English classes for Permanent Residents, Protected Persons & Convention
• Courses focus on listening, speaking, reading & writing
• Settlement English
CERTIFICATE & DIPLOMA PROGRAMS
Child & Family Studies
• Early Childhood Education Basic Certificate
• Early Childhood Education Post Basic Diploma
• Good Beginnings: Responsible Adult Training
*Qualify for an exciting career working with children 3-5 years of age; students are eligible for ECEBC Bursary funding
Work Toward New Career Opportunities
Education
• Education Assistant Diploma
*An opportunity to qualify to work in Burnaby or another school district & make a difference in the lives of students
GENERAL & SPECIAL INTEREST
COURSES
• Floristry Design (Courses & Diploma)
• Languages (French, Spanish, Mandarin, Japanese & Korean)
• Photography
• Tai Chi & Qi Gong
• Personal Care
• And more!
Industry Certifications
• Building Caretaker Certificate
• Building Service Worker Certificate
Horticulture Programs
• Landscape, hardscape, arborist, pruning, design, permaculture, pesticide, soil health & more
Health Care
• Dental Receptionist Certificate
• Reiki Practitioner & Teacher Certificate
Business & Computers
• Accounting & Payroll Administration Diploma
• Business Training
• Computer Skills (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Accounting, Bookkeeping, Payroll
Jim Schneider Publisher publisher@westcoastfamilies.com
Stacie Gaetz Editor editor@westcoastfamilies.com
Kristine Wickheim Account Manager kristine@westcoastfamilies.com
WestCoast Families, published by Island Parent Group Enterprises Ltd., is a bimonthly publication that honours and supports parents by providing information on resources and businesses for west coast families. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher. No material herein may be reproduced without the permission of the publisher.
For distribution inquiries, please email publisher@westcoastfamilies.com
Families.com
Your Local Map to Navigating Parenthood
Welcome to your essential, year-round companion for navigating parenthood on the Lower Mainland.
We know that raising a family in British Columbia is an incredible adventure, but it also comes with a never-ending “to-do” list. Between managing school schedules and finding the best weekend activities, the mental load can feel heavy. That is why we have designed this guide to be your ultimate onestop resource, curated specifically to help you “quiet the overwhelm” and reclaim more time for what truly matters: making memories with your kids.
Our editorial content dives deep into the issues facing today’s families. We offer practical strategies for setting family goals and share a curated list of teen-friendly podcasts to bridge the communication gap with your older kids.
And for those sunny afternoons with your younger ones? Don’t miss our legendary
countdown of the top playgrounds across the Lower Mainland—guaranteed to keep the kiddos burning off energy all year long.
Beyond the articles, our comprehensive listings provide instant access to the best services in our community. Whether you are planning for next week or next year, you’ll find everything you need in one place:
• Education: From preschools to tutoring services.
• Classes & Programs: Dance, martial arts, music and more.
• Overnight Camps: Creating independence and lifelong friendships.
• Family Support: Healthcare, counselling and essential community services.
• Entertainment: Local attractions and hidden gems for all ages.
From the North Shore to the Fraser Valley, we are proud to support the vibrant, diverse community of parents who call this region home. Keep this guide on your counter or in
your car—we’re here to help your family thrive all year long.
Did we miss a local gem or a vital resource?
Let us know what else you want to learn about to help your family thrive. Email your ideas to editor@westcoastfamilies.com.
– Stacie Gaetz
Step into the future of wildlife through our immersive worlds at Hologram Zoo Vancouver.
Travel the world from Africa to Australia and beyond, brought to life through our award-winning technology.
This cruelty-free, sustainable zoo experience, both educates and entertains, sparking curiosity about wildlife and conservation. Perfect for visitors of all ages. Hologram Zoo Vancouver is a truly one-of-a-kind journey.
Your Experience NOW!
50 Smithe St, Vancouver hologramzoovancouver.com @hologramzoovancouver info@hologramzoovancouver.ca
Child Care
123 ABC Montessori Childcare FV 123abcmontessori.com
3 Corners Child Care Centre V mountpleasantcc.ca/3-corners-child-carecentre
A Place to Grow DS aplacetogrow.ca
A to Z Childcare Centres M a2zchildcare.ca
ABC University Daycare V abcdaycarevancouver.com
Acorn Early Education Centre NS acornearlyed.com
Alexandrea Neighbourhood House DS alexhouse.net
Apple Tree Family Daycare BN 604-515-7503
Aubrey Daycare Centres BN aubreydaycare.com
Aves Early Education Centre R aveseducation.com
Bluebird Group Daycare Centre NS bluebirddaycare.ca
Bonny Castle Daycare DS Bonnycastledaycare.com
Bright Eyes Academy M brighteyesacademy.ca
Burnaby Association BN for Community Inclusion gobaci.com
Burnaby Family Life BN burnabyfamilylife.org
Caterpillar Family Daycare FV facebook.com/thelittlecaterpillars
Child Care Resource M & Referral Programs childcareresource.ca
City of Surrey DS surrey.ca
Conscious Kids Care FV consciouskidscare.com
Curious Minds Learning Centre FV curiousmindslearningcentre.com
Dinosaur Daycare NS dinosaurdaycare.com
Discovery Childcare Centre BN burnabychildcare.ca
Dreamkids Childcare Centre TC dream-kids.ca
Early Learning Childcare Centre TC earlylearningpoco.ca
Evergreen Early Childhood Daycare DS evergreenchildcarecentre.ca
Friendship Corner Daycare TC friendshipdaycare.com
Fun Farm Child Care FV funfarmchildcare.ca
Gatehouse Montessori NS gatehousemontessori.com
Goodwin Academy Daycare Centre DS goodwinacademy.ca
Green Apple Daycare M greenappledaycare.ca
Happy May Childcare Centre M happymay.ca
Harbourside Children’s Centre NS harboursidechildren.ca
Head Start Pre-Kinder NW headstartpre-k.com
Kids Only Daycare D kidsonlydaykidsdaycare.weebly.com
Kidzville Learning Centers DS kidzvillelearningcenters.com
Ladybird Daycare D facebook.com/Ladybird-Group-ChildcareCentre-Delta-168101456553522
Learn ‘n Play Childcare Centre M learnplaychildcare.com
Les Moussaillons R moussaillons.ca
Little Rascals Daycare NS littlerascals.ca
Little Wings Daycare Society R littlewingsdaycare.ca
Lonsdale Creek Daycare Centre NS lonsdalecreekdaycare.ca
Meadow Ridge Centre FV for Childcare mrccdaycare.com
My First Step Child Centre NS myfirststep.ca
Olio Childcare DS oliochildcare.ca
Olive Grove Childcare Ltd. NS olivegrovechildcare.ca
One Two Buckle My Shoe DS facebook.com/bucklemyshoe.ca
OneSpace Childcare V onespaceforall.ca/childcare
V Vancouver
R Richmond
DS Delta/Surrey
TC Tri-Cities
FV Fraser Valley BN Burnaby/New West NS North Shore SW Squamish/Whistler M Multiple O Online
WestCoast Families .com
Honey Tree DS The Children’s Learning Centre honeytree.ca
Imagination Station M imaginationstationchildcarecentre.com
Our childcare service allows you the freedom and flexibility to drop off your child at our Children’s Atelier in our second floor play space while you make use of all the services OneSpace has to offer. By providing flexible workspace, child care, wellness services and affordable business consulting, we aim to remove many of the traditional barriers that exist for parents, entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Park Place Daycare & Montessori NS parkplacedaycareltd.com
Parkland Players TC parklandplayers.com
Pear Tree V pear-tree.ca
PJ Kids Club NS pjkidsclub.com
Port Coquitlam Daycare Society TC pocodaycare.com
Rise N Shine Childcare Centres R rnschildcare.vpweb.ca
Robyn’s Nest Daycare DS robynnest.weebly.com
Rothewood Academy M rothewood.com
Rothewood Academy offers nature-inspired learning at all our schools. Sunlit classrooms and natural playgrounds provide an inspiring calming space for children to learn and grow.
Sandcastles Park Children’s Centre R sandcastlepark.ca
SFU Childcare Society BN sfu.ca/childcare.html
Shining Star Daycare TC shiningstardaycare.ca
Small Steps Childcare FV smallstepschildcare.com
Smiling Stars Daycare Centre NS smilingstarsdaycare.com
Society of Richmond R Childrens Centres richmondchildcare.org
Sophia’s Family Child Care BN facebook.com/sophiachildcare
Starlight Child Care Centre BN starlightchildcarecentre.com
Start Smart Childcare Centre FV start-smart.ca
Stay N Play Daycare TC staynplaydaycare.com
Sunshine Children’s Centre M ridgemeadowschildcare.com
Sweet Peas Cottage NS sweetpeascottage.ca
UBC Childcare Services V childcare.ubc.ca
West Point Grey Community Centre V westpointgrey.org
West Vancouver NS Child Development Centre westvandaycare.org
Wise Owl Montessori Childcare FV wiseowlchildcare.com
Wonder of Learning V wonderoflearning.ca
Childcare Learning Centre for ages two–12. Our learning centre is Reggio-Emilia inspired and incorporates best practices in education while highly valuing the arts. Our School of Arts includes educational development in the areas of music, art, character and psychological development. We specialize in providing fun, engaging and educational piano lessons for all ages.
Education
INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS
Al-Hidayah School BN 604-524-2752 | alhidayahschool.ca
Al-Mustafa School DS 604-900-2773 | amschool.ca
Alexander Academy V 604-687-8832 | alexanderacademy.ca
Archbishop Carney TC Regional Secondary 604-942-7465 | acrss.org
Ark Elementary R 778-990-3520 | noahsarkschool.ca
Az-Zahraa Islamic Academy R 604-274-7861 | azia.ca
BC Muslim School R 604-270-2511 | bcmaschools.ca
Bibleway Christian Academy DS 604-576-8188 | biblewayacademy.org
Blessed Sacrament School V 604-876-7211 | vancouver.bc.ca
Bodwell High School NS
604-998-1000
Bodwell is a BC independent High School for university preparation, offering day and boarding options for local and international students. IB-MYP, BC curriculum and AP courses..
British Columbia Christian TC Academy 604-941-8426 | bcchristianacademy.ca
Brockton Preparatory School NS 604-929-9201 | brocktonschool.com
Burnaby Continuing Education BN/O burnabycce.ca
Burnaby Continuing Education offers flexible courses, career training, high school completion, language programs, personal enrichment, online and evening classes for youth, adults, and newcomers.
Canada Royal Arts High School V 604-354-1194 | ciraschool.com
Canada Star Secondary School R 604-285-7766 | canadastarsecondary.ca
Century High School V 604-730-8138 | centuryhighschool.ca
Choice School for Gifted Children R 604-273-2418 | choiceschool.org
City Vancouver Academy R 604-278-6811 | cityvanacademy.ca
Cloverdale Catholic School DS 604-773-9743 | cisva.bc.ca
Collingwood School NS 604-925-3331 | collingwood.org
Columbia Academy V 778-379-6811 | columbiaacademy.ca
Coquitlam College TC Brookmere Secondary 604-939-6633 | coquitlamcollege.com
Cornerstone Christian Academy R 604-303-9181 | cebccanada.com
Corpus Christi School V 604-321-1117 | cchristi.ca
Cousteau L’Ecole Francaise NS Interna’le 604-924-2457 | cousteauschool.org
Fawkes Academy BN 604-299-4144 | abacentre.ca
Fawkes Academy (DL) R 604-261-8782 | abacentre.ca
Franklin School V 604-876-8812 | franklinschool.ca
Fraser Academy V 604-736-5575 | fraseracademy.ca
G.A.D. Elementary School DS 604-595-0888 | gadschool.com
Gobind Sarvar School DS 604-930-2122 | gobindsarvar.ca
Greater Heights Learning Academy TC 604-937-3641 | ghla.ca
Holy Cross Elementary School BN 604-299-3530 | cisva.bc.ca
Holy Cross Regional High School DS 604-581-3023 | holycross.bc.ca
Holy Trinity School NS 604-987-4454 | holytrinityschool.ca
Honour Secondary School DS 604-992-3982 | pcrs.ca
Hope Lutheran Christian School TC 604-942-5322 | hopelcs.ca
iLearn Secondary School Society DS 604-590-5504 | ilearnhighschool.com
Crescent Heights Academy DS 604-427-2282 | crescentheightsacademy.ca Crescent Heights Academy offers a rigorous academic curriculum that integrates arts, sciences and athletics, preparing students for success in post-secondary education.
Crofton House V 604-263-3255| croftonhouse.ca
Deer Lake SDA School BN 604-434-5844 | deerlakeschool.ca
Delta Christian School DS 604-946-2514 | deltachristianschool.org
Eaton Arrowsmith School V 604-264-8327 | eatonarrowsmith.com
Immaculate Conception School V 604-224-5012 | cisva.bc.ca
Immaculate Conception School DS 604-596-6116 | cisva.bc.ca
Iqra School DS 604-583-7530 | iqraschool.com
John Knox Christian BN Elementary Campus 604-522-1410 | johnknoxbc.org
John Knox Christian BN Secondary Campus 604-523-1580 | johnknoxbc.org
Johnathan Academy V 604-971-6888 | johnathana.ca
Khalsa School Newton DS 604-591-2248 | khalsaschool.ca
Khalsa School Old Yale Road DS 604-951-2333 | khalsaschool.ca
Khalsa Secondary School DS 604-585-8200 | khalsaschool.ca
Kenneth Gordon NS 604-985-5224 | kgms.ca
King David High School V 604-263-9700 | kdhs.org
Lions Gate Christian Academy NS 604-984-8226 | lgca.ca
Little Flower Academy V 604-738-9016 | lfabc.org
Lowell High School V 604-336-0456 | lowellhighschool.ca
Madrona School V 604-499-7303 | madronaschool.com
Maple Hill School R 604-285-9665 | maplehilledu.com
Maple Leaf School, KPU R 604-599-2639 | mapleleafworldschool.com
Mulgrave School NS apply.mulgrave.com
Mulgrave’s IB programme goes beyond academics, offering arts, sports, outdoor education and leadership opportunities to help students explore their interests and thrive.
Navigate NIDES O navigatenides.com
Navigate is an award winning school, recognized nationally and internationally for our innovative approach to blended learning. We’ve taken the lead in implementing the BC curriculum, building unique and flexible learning options for every student that focus on each student’s unique interests and abilities.
Newbridge Academy DS 778-291-0110 | newbridge-academy.ca
Notre Dame Regional Secondary V 604-255-5454 | ndrs.org
Our Lady of Fatima TC 604-936-4228 | fatimaschool.ca
Our Lady of Good Counsel DS 604-581-3154 | olgcschool.ca
Our Lady of Mercy BN 604-526-7121 | ourladyofmercy.ca
Our Lady of Perpetual Help V 604-228-8811 | olphbc.ca
Our Lady of Sorrows V 604-253-2434 | cisva.bc.ca
Our Lady of the Assumption TC 604-942-5522 | cisva.bc.ca
Pacific Academy DS 604-581-5353 | pacificacademy.net
Pacific Spirit School V 604-222-1900 | pacificspiritschool.org
PALS Autism Society BN (School Program) 604-251-7257 | palsautismschool.ca
Pattison High School V 604-608-8788 | pattisonhighschool.ca
Pear Tree Elementary V 604-355-2155 | peartree.school
Purpose Independent BN Secondary School 604-512-6888 | purposesociety.org
Pythagoras Academy R 604-370-0199 | pythagorasacademy.ca
Qawsain Knowledge House V 604-783-9011 | qawsain.ca
Queen of All Saints Elementary TC 604-931-9071 | qasbc.ca
Regent Christian Academy DS 604-599-8171 | regent.bc.ca
Richmond Christian School R 604-272-8238 | myrcs.ca
Richmond Jewish Day School R 604-275-3393 | rjds.ca
Rothewood Academy DS 604-279-1818 | rothewood.com
Royal Bridge High School TC 604-474-3718 | royalbridge.ca
Royal Canadian College V 604-738-2221 | royalcanadiancollege.com
Sacred Heart School DS 604-946-2611 | shsdelta.org
St Alcuin College for the NS Liberal Arts 604-360-8656 | alcuin.ca
St Andrew’s V 604-325-6317 | cisva.bc.ca
St Anthony of Padua V 604-261-4043 | sapadua.ca
St Anthony’s NS 604-922-0011 | saswv.ca
St Augustine’s V 604-731-8024 | cisva.bc.ca
St Bernadette DS 604-596-1101 | cisva.bc.ca
St Edmund’s NS 604-988-7364 | stedmunds.ca
St Francis de Sales BN 604-435-5311 | sfdsschool.ca
St Francis of Assisi V 604-253-7311 | sfaschool.ca
St Francis Xavier V 604-254-2714 | sfxschool.ca
St George’s School V 604-221-3608 | stgeorges.bc.ca
St Helen’s BN 604-299-2234 | cisva.bc.ca
St John Paul II Academy DS 604-560-8210 | sjp2academy.com
St John’s Academy V 604-683-4572 | sjavan.ca
St John’s School V 604-732-4434 | stjohns.bc.ca
St Joseph the Worker R 604-277-1115 | stjosephtheworker.ca
St Joseph’s V 604-872-5715 | saintjosephschool.ca
St Jude’s V 604-434-1633 | stjude.ca
St Margaret’s School
stmarg.ca
Since 1908, St. Margaret’s School has been the spark to cultivate a spirit of independence, self-reliance, and confidence in all of our students. SMS provides personalized learning designed to enable the girls who want to change the world in becoming the leaders who do.
St Mary’s V 604-437-1312 | cisva.bc.ca
St Matthew’s Elementary DS 604-589-7545 | stmatthewselementary.ca
St Michaels BN 604-526-9768 | cisva.bc.ca
Sikh Academy DS 604-599-3828 | sikhacademy.ca
Southpointe Academy DS 604-948-8826 | southpointe.ca
Southridge School DS 604-535-5056 | southridge.ca
Star of the Sea DS 604-531-6316 | sosschool.ca
Stratford Hall V 604-436-0608 | stratfordhall.ca
Surrey Christian School DS 604-498-3233 | surreychristian.com
Surrey Muslim School DS 604-599-6608 | bcmaschools.ca
Traditional Learning Academy TC 604-931-7265 | traditionallearning.com
Traditional Learning Academy DS Online 604-575-8596 | schoolathome.ca
Families .com
St. Michaels University School 3400 Richmond Rd | 250-592-2411 | smus.ca Jr School | 820 Victoria Ave | 250-598-3922 St. Michaels University School is a co-educational, independent JK–Grade 12 school, offering boarding in Grades 9–12, known for academic excellence and rich programs.
Urban Academy BN 604-524-2211 | urbanacademy.ca
St Patrick Regional Secondary V 604-874-6422 | stpats.bc.ca
St Patrick’s Elementary V 604-879-4411 | spev.ca
St Paul School R 604-277-4487 | stpaulschool.ca
St Pius X Elementary School NS 604-929-0345 | saintpius.ca
St Thomas Aquinas NS 604-987-4431 | aquinas.org
St Thomas More Collegiate BN 604-521-1801 | stmc.bc.ca
Saplings Nature School NS 778-838-0335 | saplingsoutdoorprogram.ca
Vancouver Christian V 604-435-3113 | vancs.org
Vancouver College V 604-833-7769 | vancouvercollege.ca
Vancouver Formosa Academy V 604-436-2332 | vfa.bc.ca
Vancouver Hebrew Academy V 604-266-1245 | vhebrewacademy.com
Vancouver Talmud Torah Elementary V 604-736-7307 | talmudtorah.com
Vancouver Waldorf School NS 604-985-7534 | vws.ca
VISST V 604-566-7836 | visst.ca
West Coast Christian School V 604-255-2990 | westcoastchristianschool.ca
West Point Grey Academy V 604-222-8750 | wpga.ca
Westside Montessori School V westsidemontessori.ca
The WMS engaging, mixed-age Toddler, Preschool and Elementary Montessori Programs nurture independence, confidence and a lifelong love of learning in your child.
White Rock Christian Academy DS 604-531-9186 | wrca.ca
Whytecliff Agile Learning Centre BN 604-438-4451 | walc.ca
Windsor Hall R 604-285-7766 | windsorhall.ca
York House School V 604-736-6551 | yorkhouse.ca
LEARNING CENTRES & TUTORS
Abby Tutors M abbytutors.com
Active Learning M beyondlearning.com
Amazing Tutors Inc. M amazingtutors.ca
Higher Grade Learning Centre M highergrade.ca
Asland Learning Academy V 604-968-4501 or 604-812-2020 aslandacademy.ca Asland Learning Academy offers tutoring and afterschool programs with school pick-up, STEM, Math, Phonics, languages, 3D printing and coding. Flexible day camps provide engaging, hands-on learning, ensuring academic growth and personal development in a nurturing environment.
BrainBoost Education V brainboosteducation.com
Edify Learning Spaces O edifylearningspaces.com | 604-368-3554
HomeLearners Network O homelearnersnetwork.com
Ho Math and Chess Learning Centre V vancouvermath.com
JEI Learning Centre M jeilearning.com
Kumon Math & Reading M kumon.com
LDS – Learn. Develop. Succeed. ldsociety.ca
Little Mountain Learning Academy V lmacademics.com
Edify Learning Spaces is a oneon-one online tutoring agency. Quality tutors work with your child’s unique strengths to increase academic scores but also provide social emotional learning support to help increase focus and confidence! BC-based, neurodivergent affirming agency. Book a free consultation.
Mathnasium
mathnasium.ca
Millennium Learning
millenniumlearningadvantage.com
Oxford Learning
oxfordlearning.com
BUILDING FUTURE READY CITIZENS
KINDERGARTEN TO GRADE 12 A Community Where Learners are Seen, Valued, Known and Cared For
New State of the Art Facility Opening in Fall 2028 Before & After School Care | Outdoor Education International Baccalaureate World School Advanced Placement | Duke of Edinburgh Cloverdale, BC
Enrolling for fall 2027 Apply at crescentheightsacademy.ca
Power of Words Academy M powerofwordsacademy.ca
Power of Words Academy is pleased to offer an enriching program focused on reading comprehension, writing and public speaking for students in Grades 2–8. This comprehensive program is available both online and in-person at our Markham, Mississauga and North York campuses.
Reading and Learning Pathways NS rlpathways.com
Spirit of Math M spiritofmath.com
Sylvan M sylvanlearning.com
Tutor Doctor M tutordoctor.com
Tutors in Vancouver V tutorsinvancouver.ca
Vancouver Learning Centre V vancouverlearningcentre.com
PRESCHOOL
Aboriginal Head Start Association M ahsabc.com
Association of Neighbourhood M Houses anhbc.org
BC Aboriginal Child Care Society NS acc-society.bc.ca
Bee Haven Kids NS beehavenkids.com
BrightStart Children’s Academy M kidsandcompany.com
Burnaby French Language BN Preschool bflp.org
Burnaby Neighbourhood House BN burnabynh.ca
CEFA Core Education & Fine Arts V cefa.ca
Child Care Options M childcareoptions.ca
City Hall Child Care Society V cityhallchildcare.org
Collingwood Neighbourhood House V cnh.bc.ca
Council of Parent Participation M Preschools cpppreschools.bc.ca
Creative Kids Learning Centres DS creativekidslearningcenters.ca
Developmental Disabilities Assoc. R develop.bc.ca
Elite Montessori Academy V elitemontessori.ca
Fraser Montessori Daycare NW edithsmontessori.com
Garderie et Prematernelle R les Moussaillons moussaillons.ca
Global West Montessori FV Preschool and Daycare globalwestmontessori.ca
Granville House Montessori V granvillehousemontessori.com
Highlands Preschool NS highlandspreschool.ca
Jellybean Park M jellybeanpark.com
Jewish Community Centre V of Greater Vancouver jccgv.com
Kerrisdale Little Owls Preschool V kerrisdalelittleowls.com
Kids and Company M kidsandcompany.com
Kinderheart Montessori TC kinderheart.ca
Kiwassa Neighbourhood House V kiwassa.ca
Little Koala Montessori M littlekoalamontessori.com
Little Rainbow House TC Preschool & Daycare littlerainbowhouse.com
Montessori Daycare Society V mdcsvancouver.com
Montessori Mes Petits NS mespetits.ca
Mount Pleasant V Community Centre mountpleasantcc.ca
My Whole Earth Academy V 778-379-1858 mywholeearth.ca
Unlock your child’s full potential at My Whole Earth Academy! Our programs integrate multiple intelligences, while nurturing curious minds through hands-on experiences in an encouraging environment. Enroll now and watch them thrive!
North Shore Child Care NS Resource and Referral northshorechildcare.ca
North Star Montessori NS northstarmontessori.ca
Pomme d’Api V pommedapi.org
Purpose Society NW purposesociety.org
Reach Developmental Preschools DS reachchild.org
Reach for the Stars Montessori BN reachforthestarsmontessori.com
Roots & Wings Montessori DS rootsandwingsbc.com
Saplings Outdoor Programs M saplingsoutdoorprogram.ca
Smilestones M smilestones.ca
Spare Time Child Care Society V sparetimesociety.org
UBC Childcare Services V childcare.ubc.ca
Vancouver Montessori V vancouvermontessorischool.com
Vancouver Society V of Childrens Centres vsocc.org
Westcoast Child Care M Resource Centre wstcoast.org
Westside Montessori V westsidemontessori.ca
Write Choice Early Learning TC Centre writechoicelearning.com
YMCA of Greater Vancouver V gv.ymca.ca
YWCA V gv.ymca.ca
Boost Your Child’s Brainpower With Executive Function Games
Board and card games aren’t just a fun way to pass the time with family and friends; they teach essential executive function skills. Whether you’re looking to boost planning, organization or decisionmaking abilities, these games offer fun ways to strengthen these crucial cognitive abilities while enjoying time with your loved ones.
What Are Executive Function Skills?
Executive function skills are mental processes that help children manage their behaviour, emotions and thoughts to achieve goals. Key skills include:
• Working memory
• Cognitive flexibility
• Self-control
• Response inhibition
• Sustained attention
• Task initiation
• Planning and prioritizing
• Organization
• Time management
• Metacognition
Why Executive Function Skills Are Important
Developing these skills is crucial for several reasons:
• Academic Success: Helps with organizing tasks, following instructions and problemsolving, essential for school performance.
• Social Skills: Improves interactions with peers and adults by managing emotions and handling conflicts effectively.
• Life Skills: Essential for daily life management, long-term goal achievement and professional success.
• Behavioural Regulation: Enhances resilience and reduces the likelihood of behavioural issues by promoting emotional regulation and perseverance.
By fostering executive function skills, parents and guardians can help their children build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success.
Games to Develop Executive Function Skills
Here are 11 board games that develop executive function skills in children ages five and up, along with the specific skills each game targets:
1. Ticket to Ride. Skills: Planning, strategic thinking, working memory. Players collect train cards to claim railway routes across a map. It requires planning and foresight to block opponents and complete the longest routes.
2. Magic Labyrinth. Skills: Spatial memory, planning, cognitive flexibility. Players navigate an invisible maze to collect treasures, demanding recall of obstacle locations and strategy adjustment as the maze changes.
3. Jump In’. Skills: Problem-solving, planning. A single-player game where players must navigate rabbits to their homes while avoiding foxes, enhancing planning and logical thinking skills.
4. Max (the Cat). Skills: Emotional control, planning, flexible thinking. A cooperative game where players help critters evade a cat, requiring team-based strategy and adaptability.
5. Jenga. Skills: Self-monitoring, impulse
control, flexible thinking. Players take turns removing blocks from a tower and balancing them on top, demanding careful planning and control over actions.
6. Distraction. Skills: Working memory, cognitive flexibility. Players memorize a sequence of numbers and face interruptions that test their ability to recall the sequence under pressure.
7. MindTrap. Skills: Critical thinking, flexible thinking. This game presents riddles and puzzles that require creative and logical problem-solving skills.
8. AnimaLogic. Skills: Planning, organization, cognitive flexibility. Players solve pattern puzzles to help animals cross a river, enhancing sequencing and logical thinking skills.
9. Snake Oil. Skills: Task initiation, flexible thinking, organization. Players create and pitch products to different characters, promoting creativity and quick thinking.
10. Quiddler. Skills: Organization, planning, prioritizing, flexible thinking. A word game where players use letter cards to form words, requiring strategic use of resources and adaptive thinking
11. Monopoly Deal. Skills: Planning, prioritizing, flexible thinking, task initiation. A card game adaptation of Monopoly where players collect property sets and money and use action cards to sabotage opponents, aiming to be the first to complete three property sets to win. It’s quick-paced and mixes strategy with a bit of luck.
These games are fun and help children practice and enhance executive function skills essential for their cognitive development and daily life management.
Sofia Lopez-Nakashima is a Psychopedagogy Specialist who holds a master’s degree in neuropsychology and education. She is the senior manager of assessments at LDS, a BC-based non-profit charity that offers accessible, innovative learning support to individuals with learning differences, like dyslexia.
“Brentwood
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Family Fun & Entertainment
6pack Indoor Beach V 6packbeach.com
Adventure Zone + Toddler Zone V theadventurezone.ca
Britannia Mine Museum SW britanniaminemuseum.ca
Discover adventure at Britannia Mine Museum, an awardwinning National Historic Site. Rumble aboard an underground train, pan for gold and immerse yourself in the multi-sensory BOOM! experience. Located along the scenic Sea to Sky Highway (Hwy 99) between Vancouver and Squamish.
Burnaby Village Museum BN burnabyvillagemuseum.ca
Captain Kid’s Fun Centre FV sportsplexbc.com
Castle Royale NS castleroyale.ca
Circuit Circus Arcade V granvilleisland.com/directory/circuit-circus
Crash Crawly’s TC crash-crawlys.com
Destination Cultus FV Water and Theme Parks cultus.com
EcoDairy FV ecodairy.ca
Evergreen Cultural Centre TC evergreenculturalcentre.ca Located beside Lafarge Lake in Coquitlam, enjoy free family activities, live performances and arts education programs for youth and adults at Evergreen Cultural Centre.
Extreme Air Park M richmond.extremeairpark.com
FlyOver Canada V flyovercanada.com
Fort Langley National Historic Site FV pc.gc.ca/fortlangley
Go Bananas M gobananaslangley.com
Granville Island V granvilleisland.com
Greater Vancouver Zoo FV gvzoo.com
Grouse Mountain NS grousemountain.com/camps
Gulf of Georgia Cannery R National Historic Site gulfofgeorgiacannery.org
Hazelmere Pumpkin Patch DS hazelmerepumpkinpatch.ca
Historic Stewart Farm DS discoversurreybc.com
Hive Climbing NS hiveclimbing.com
Hologram Zoo Vancouver V hologramzoovancouver.com
Step into the future of wildlife at Hologram Zoo Vancouver, an immersive, one-of-a-kind experience where holographic animals surround you, inspiring curiosity, conservation and unforgettable family fun for all ages.
Honeybee Centre DS honeybeecentre.com
H.R. MacMillan Space Centre V spacecentre.ca
Visit the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, home to Vancouver’s Planetarium Star Theatre. Catch a live science demonstration and explore the wonders of the night sky in the Observatory. Open seven days a week.
Jungle Jacs Play Centre TC junglejacs.com
Kids Market V kidsmarket.ca
Kidsworld V kidsworldprogram.com
Kidtropolis R kidtropolis.ca
Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre NS ecologycentre.ca
Maplewood Farm NS maplewoodfarm.bc.ca
Metro Vancouver Regional Parks V metrovancouver.org/events/calendar
Museum of North Vancouver NS 604-990-3700 monova.ca
Explore the past, present and future of North Vancouver at MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver (115 West Esp). MONOVA is transforming the way people experience North Vancouver’s stories through interactive exhibits and innovative programming.
Pacific Museum of Earth V pme.ubc.ca
Parksville Beach Festival parksvillebeachfest.ca
Known to locals as Beachfest, this 5½ week long family-oriented festival runs from mid July to the third week in August and includes the Quality Foods Sand Sculpting Competition & Exhibition, weekend concerts, daily buskers, a family event and a special weekend evening light up of the sculptures.
Place des Arts TC 604-664-1636 placedesarts.ca
Place des Arts is a not-forprofit arts education centre in Coquitlam, BC, with a mission to inspire the artist in everyone. Place des Arts offer quality instruction for all ages and skill levels in music, dance, theatre, visual and literary arts.
Playland at the PNE V pne.ca
Railway Museum of BC SW wcra.org
Royal BC Museum M royalbcmuseum.bc.ca
Science World V scienceworld.ca/summercamp
SkyZone Trampoline Park DS skyzone.com
Stanley Park Miniature Railway V vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture
Taves Family Farm FV tavesfamilyfarms.com
UBC Botanical Gardens V botanicalgarden.ubc.ca
Vancouver Maritime Museum V vanmaritime.com
Vancouver Symphony Orchestra V vancouversymphony.ca
VanDusen Botanical Gardens V vandusengarden.org
Victoria Bug Zoo M 631 Courtney St, Victoria 250-384-2847 | victoriabugzoo.ca The Victoria Bug Zoo is an incredible mini-zoo dedicated to educating people about the wonders of some of this world’s most misunderstood inhabitants. Come see giant walking sticks, fuzzy tarantulas, glowing scorpions, enormous beetles and so much more!
VR Funtastic World vrfuntasticworld.com
WildPlay Elements Park wildplay.com/maple-ridge
Beyond the Backyard
Your Ultimate Guide to the Lower Mainland’s Best Playgrounds
The Lower Mainland is one of the most playgroundrich regions in Canada. Thanks to our mild West Coast climate, families can get outside and play almost year-round. Whether it’s oceanfront slides, forest-framed climbers, splash pads in summer or lakeside picnics, we’re incredibly lucky to have such diverse, creative and accessible playgrounds all within a relatively short drive.
Here’s a regional guide to some of the very best.
SEA-TO-SKY & NORTH SHORE
Meadow Park Sports Centre Playground – Whistler. A modern playground with climbing structures and swings beside Meadow Park Sports Centre, with washrooms available during facility hours and easy access to the Valley Trail.
Alice Lake Provincial Park – Squamish. A scenic destination playground near the beach and swimming area, with climbing structures, open lawn space, washrooms and large picnic areas.
Panorama Park – North Vancouver (Deep Cove). This park features a giant tube slide, climbing structures, musical play elements, washrooms and picnic tables just steps from
the beach. It’s great for combining playground time with waterfront exploring with young kids.
Little Cates Park – North Vancouver. A relaxed seaside playground with swings and slides, grassy picnic areas and a rocky shoreline for exploring, it’s especially well suited for toddlers and early-elementary-aged kids.
John Lawson Park – West Vancouver. An oceanfront playground with whimsical equipment, a summer splash pad, washrooms, picnic shelters and direct beach access.
VANCOUVER & BURNABY
Stanley Park (Second Beach & Ceperley Playgrounds) –Vancouver. With classic playground structures near beaches and the seawall, seasonal washrooms and picnic areas, this spot is perfect for combining biking, beach time and play time.
Connaught Park – Vancouver. A modern, inclusive playground with creative climbers, swings, accessible surfacing, a popular summer splash pad, washrooms and shaded picnic tables.
Empire Fields Playground – Vancouver. A spacious, accessible playground with rubber surfacing, climbing towers, open sightlines, nearby washrooms and large grassy areas. This place is ideal for group playdates of all ages.
Confederation Park – Burnaby. A large community hub featuring an engaging playground, summer splash pad, washrooms, sports fields and shaded picnic tables. This is a great park for mixed-age families.
Central Park – Burnaby. A forest-surrounded playground near the duck pond with accessible features, walking trails, washrooms and picnic space, Central Park is perfect for pairing nature walks with play.
Redwood Park
TRI-CITIES
Town Centre Park – Coquitlam. A large lakeside destination at Lafarge Lake featuring an expansive playground with climbing towers, swings, accessible surfacing, nearby washrooms, picnic areas and walking paths.
Rocky Point Park – Port Moody. A waterfront playground with unique climbing features, a summer spray park, washrooms, picnic tables and scenic Burrard Inlet views. This park is perfect for pairing play with ice cream and a shoreline stroll.
Gates Park – Port Coquitlam. A spacious riverside park along the Coquitlam River featuring a large playground with climbing structures and swings, wide accessible pathways, washrooms, picnic tables, sports fields and plenty of open green space.
RIDGE MEADOWS
Harris Road Park – Pitt Meadows. A colourful community playground with climbing structures, swings, open grassy areas, washrooms and picnic tables.
Maple Ridge Park – Maple Ridge. A beloved family destination with a large playground, summer spray park, picnic shelters, washrooms and river access. This spot is great for warm weather play.
RICHMOND & DELTA
Terra Nova Adventure Play Environment – Richmond. One of the region’s most imaginative playgrounds for toddlers right up to middle school age. It features rope climbers, ziplines, natural wood elements, sand and water play, accessible pathways, washrooms and expansive lawns.
Centennial Beach (Boundary Bay Regional Park) – Delta. A beachside playground with slides, swings, modern washrooms and wide picnic areas, it’s ideal for combining playground fun with a seaside stroll with young kids.
SURREY
Redwood Park – Surrey. An inclusive playground with accessible equipment and picnic tables, surrounded by forest trails and the beloved “fairy forest.”
Unwin Park – Surrey. A universally accessible playground with rubber surfacing, a summer spray park, picnic shelters, washrooms and sports fields, it’s a true all-day recreation spot.
FRASER VALLEY
Mill Lake Park – Abbotsford. Multiple playground zones, a summer splash park, lakefront boardwalk, duck-watching, washrooms and picnic spaces make this a full-day family favourite for toddlers right up to middle school age kids.
Heritage Park – Mission. A riverside playground with climbing structures, swings, washrooms, picnic areas and scenic Fraser River views—ideal for relaxed family outings.
Chilliwack Landing Playground – Chilliwack. A fully accessible playground with inclusive swings and sensory panels, plus a popular summer spray park, washrooms, green space, a skate park and pump track nearby.
Kawkawa Lake Park – Hope. A scenic lakeside park with a playground, swimming beach, picnic areas and mountain views, it’s especially lovely in summer but peaceful yearround for families of all ages.
Erika Palmer is a writer living with her husband and son. She believes most problems can be solved with a good cup of tea and a huge piece of chocolate.
Mill Lake Park John Lawson Park
Central Park
Classes & Programs
ART PROGRAMS
4Cats Arts Studio M 4cats.com
ACT Arts Centre FV theactmapleridge.org
Art Materials O artmaterials.ca
Artmania NS artmaniabc.ca
The Arts Centre TC pomoarts.ca
Camp MAC, FV Spring Break Art Lessons missionartscouncil.ca
The Centre for Digital Media V thecdm.ca
Creative Edge FV creativeedgebc.com
Danzmode Productions BN danzmodeproductions.com
Green Apple Art Centre V greenappleartcenter.com
Leigh Square Community TC Arts Village portcoquitlam.ca/leighsquare
McTavish Academy of Art O 1720 McTavish Rd 778-351-0088
McTavishAcademy.ca Creativity for all ages. Classes, workshops and camps. Art kits to create at home. Venue rentals and birthday parties..
North Van Arts V northvanarts.ca
Place des Arts TC placedesarts.ca
Port Moody Arts Centre TC pomoarts.ca
Stream of Dreams Murals Society BN streamofdreams.org
COMMUNITY CENTRES
Burnaby/New West BN burnaby.ca
Delta/Surrey DS delta.ca | surrey.ca
Evergreen Cultural Centre TC evergreenculturalcentre.ca Evergreen Cultural Centre is the Tri-Cities home for professional live events and arts experiences. Join us for a show, explore the Art Gallery at Evergreen or get creative at one of our free public programs.
Fraser Valley FV fvrd.ca
Richmond R richmond.ca
Squamish/Whistler SW squamish.ca | whistler.ca
Tri-Cities TC coquitlam.ca | portcoquitlam.ca portmoody.ca
Vancouver Community Centres V vancouver.ca
DANCE
Ache Brasil V achebrasil.ca
Arts Umbrella V artsumbrella.com
Arts Umbrella is where young artists ages two–22 cultivate their creativity through Art & Design, Dance and Theatre, Music & Film programs.
Circus West V circuswest.com
Driftwood Dance NS driftwooddance.com
Gabriela’s Movement Studio R movementstudio.ca
Pacific Dance Arts V pacificdancearts.ca
Royal City Youth Ballet NW royalcityyouthballet.org
DAY PROGRAMS
Eagles in the Sky V eaglesinthesky.ca
Saplings Outdoor Program NS saplingsoutdoorprogram.ca
Summer at Southridge Day Camps DS southridgesummer.ca
MUSIC
Ava Music and Arts Centre NS avamusic.ca
H.O.W. Music and Arts Academy FV howmusic.ca
Langley Community Music School FV langleymusic.com
Life Musique Academy R lifemusique.com
Long & McQuade M long-mcquade.com
Long & McQuade is the largest chain of musical instrument retailers in Canada, with over 100 locations from British Columbia to Newfoundland. This means that if you’re a touring musician, you’ll have the benefit of dealing with a familiar store with consistent sales, supplies and service, no matter where your homebase is.
Modern Music School V modernmusicschool.com/en/vancouver
Music for Young Children M myc.com
School of Groove V schoolofgroovevancouver.com
Staccato BN staccatostudios.com
Tom Lee Music V tomleemusic.ca
Tom Lee Music M tomleemusic.ca/learningcentre
Tri-City School of Music TC tricityschoolofmusic.com
Vancouver Bach Choir V vancouverbachchoir.com
Vancouver Youth Choir V vancouveryouthchoir.com
Founded in 2013 by Artistic Director Carrie Tennant, the award-winning Vancouver Youth Choir provides a space for promising young singers to develop their artistry in a creative and supportive environment.
VSO School of Music V vsoschoolofmusic.ca
NATURE
Burns Bog Conservation Society D burnsbog.org/summer-day-camps
Soaring Eagle Nature School BN soaringeaglenatureschool.org
Stanley Park Ecology Society V stanleyparkecology.ca
Surrey Nature Centre DS surrey.ca
VanDusen Botanical Garden V vandusengarden.org
SCIENCE
Daedalos Enrichment M daedalosacademy.com
GEERing Up! V geeringup.apsc.ubc.ca
Genome Geneskool Camp V genomebc.ca
High Touch Science Made Fun V sciencemadefunbc.net
Vancouver Aquarium Kids Camps V vanaqua.org/learn/camps
SPORTS
Abbotsford Minor Hockey FV abbotsfordminorhockey.ca
Abbotsford Soccer Association FV abbotsfordsoccer.com
Aldergrove Minor Hockey FV aldergroveminorhockey.com
Aldergrove Youth Soccer Club FV aldergrovesoccer.com
Aquaventures Swim Centre V 101-5550 Fraser St | 604-736-SWIM (7946) aquaventuresswim.com Aquaventures features an exceptional learn-to-swim experience with tropical warm water and excellent instructors in our brand new state-of-the-art facility! Our students truly love the water for a lifetime!
Burnaby Girls Soccer BN burnabygirlssoccer.com
Burnaby Minor Hockey BN burnabyminor.com
Canlan Ice Sports M icesports.com
Cliff Avenue United FC BN cliffavenuesoccer.com
Cloverdale Minor Hockey DS cloverdaleminorhockey.com
Cloverdale Youth Soccer DS cloverdaleyouthsoccer.com
Coastal Football Club DS coastalfc.ca
Coquitlam Metro-Ford Soccer Club TC cmfsc.ca
Coquitlam Minor Hockey TC coquitlamminorhockey.org
Deep Cove Canoe & Kayak NS deepcovekayak.com
Dragon Zone Paddling Club V dragonzone.ca
Endless Biking NS endlessbiking.com
Evolve Skateboard Camp M evolvecamps.com/skateboarding
First Steps Archery NW boormanarchery.com
Flicka Gymnastics NS flickagymclub.com
Guildford Athletic Club DS guildfordac.com
Jericho Sailing Centre V macsailing.com
Jump Gymnastics SW jumpgymnastics.ca
Langley United Youth Soccer FV luysa.com
My Gym Children Centre FV mygym.com/langley/camp
New Westminster Minor Hockey NW nwmha.ca
North Delta Minor Hockey D ndhockey.com
North Shore Equestrian Centre NS wecreateriders.com
North Vancouver Brazilian Jiu Jitsu NS northvanbjj.com
North Vancouver FC NS nvfc.ca
Origami Rhythmics TC origamirhythmics.ca Pedalheads M pedalheads.com
Phoenix Gymnastics V phoenixgymnastics.com
Port Coquitlam Euro-Rite FC TC pocosoccer.com
Port Coquitlam Minor Hockey TC pocominorhockey.com
Propel Swimming Lessons M propelhq.com
Richmond Aquatics R richmond.ca
Royal Soccer M royalsoccer.com
Sportball V sportball.ca/vancouver
Tumbletown Movement M Education Centre tumbletown.ca
UBC Phenomenal Physics V Summer Camps ubccamps.ca
UBC Sports Camps V camps.ubc.ca
Ultimate Soccer School BN ultimatesoccerschool.com
Vancouver All Star Cheer V vancouverallstarcheer.com
Vancouver All Stars V Summer Baseball Camp vancouverallstars.ca
Vancouver Hockey School V vancouverhockeyschool.com
Vancouver Phoenix Gymnastics V phoenixgymnastics.com
West Van Soccer NS westvansoccer.com
Windsure Adventure Watersports V windsure.com
TECHNOLOGY
Digital Media Academy M digitalmediaacademy.org
UME Academy M ume.academy
Under the GUI V underthegui.com
THEATRE
Bard on the Beach V bardonthebeach.org/young-shakespeareanworkshops
The Drama Class M thedramaclass.com
Gateway Theatre Academy R for the Performing Arts gatewaytheatre.com
Vancouver Film School V vfs.edu
OTHER
Aspire Learning Academy NS Educational Camps aspiremathacademy.com
BC SPCA Kids Camp M spca.bc.ca/kids
Build a Biz Kids M buildabizkids.com
Chess2Inspire Association M chess2inspire.org
Cousteau French M International School cousteauschool.org
The Cut Design Academy V thecutfashionacademy.com
The Cut Design Academy is committed to inspiring, educating and creating
true fashion and business professionals by promoting academic excellence through our rigorous programs and distinctive learnercentered environment.
Europa Language School M europals.ca
FDT Academy Inc V fdtacademy.com
Fraser Academy V fraseracademy.ca
JCC Camps V jccgv.com
Kids Zone Camp FV kidszonecamp.ca
La Movida Fashion Design Academy V lamovida.ca
Langara College Camp V langara.ca
Metro Vancouver V metrovancouver.org
Resort Municipality of Whistler SW whistler.ca
Robotics Building Camp M bricks4kidz.com
Sasamat Outdoor Centre FV loftcountry.ca
Seabreeze Community Centre V coalharbourcc.ca
SFU Camps BN sfu.ca/camps
UBC FarmWonders V farmwonders.ca
Urban Safari DS urbansafari.ca
Vancouver Chess School V/O vanchess.ca
YMCA Youth Leadership V vanymca.org
Young Entrepreneur Learning Labs M yelearninglabs.com
50% OFF TICKETS FOR AGES 6-18!
JUNE 9 to SEPTEMBER 19, 2026
Family Days July 11, August 16, September 6 Save with our family-friendly ticket offer!
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR
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DOUGLAS CAMPBELL THEATRE
One Mom’s Quest to Quiet the Overwhelm
Sometimes, when I look at my beautiful daughter, running ahead with her friends on the way to school, I think to myself, “Have I arranged care for the next Pro-D Day?”
Sometimes, when I pick her up from school and she gives me a giant running hug, I think to myself “Oh God, my meeting is in 15 minutes, we’d better hustle back.”
are things I keep falling behind on? I love her. Just as she is. So why am I treating parenting like a grading rubric where I’m scoring poorly in each section? And finally, why do I keep thinking about all the things I need to do instead of just being?”
I don’t think of myself as a perfectionist. I think of myself as a “good enough” person.
Sometimes, when we’re having dinner, I suddenly remember I haven’t signed up to bring a snack for soccer. Sometimes, when we’re getting ready for bed I think, “We should really be flossing but we’re already running late. Is that why she’s getting cavities? We’ve got to get on top of this!” Or I think, “Wow! It’s hard to close the drawers, I should go through them and make a Goodwill pile of the stuff she’s grown out of.”
Sometimes, dozens of other thoughts cross my mind: “Shouldn’t I be savouring my daughter’s childhood? Why aren’t I enjoying it more? Why do I keep thinking about all these mundane logistics instead of being in the moment? Why am I looking at my kid like she’s one big, long to-do list? Why do I feel like her health and athleticism, and academics
I’ve accepted that life doesn’t always work out as planned. That you need to allow room for error. I don’t expect my daughter to be an Olympian or go to Harvard. I just want her to be happy and healthy. Isn’t that what I want for myself too? For my family? So why does trying to achieve such a humble goal feel so utterly exhausting? Why does raising a kid make my head hurt?
Perhaps the better question is when does my head not hurt and how can I get more of that feeling? How can I get away from that feeling of never being caught up? Of being a slave to a never-ending to-do list?
My head doesn’t hurt when we do our family gratitude practice before bed and my daughter says, “Thank you for an amazing mama and an amazing dada and an amazing me.” My mind isn’t scattered when I think
about my day and say, “Thank you for a cozy home, for nice coworkers and a great family.”
My head doesn’t hurt on summer evenings at the beach, when we’re sitting on a picnic blanket eating pizza. At times like that, I’m just happy waving the crows away from the pizza box and feeling the sand between my toes. I’m not thinking of to-do lists when I’m bobbing along on my paddle board.
My head doesn’t hurt whenever we have a dance party in the living room and blast some “Raining Tacos” or “Golden” or “Legally Blonde.” It doesn’t hurt when we’re having dinner with the neighbourhood families after soccer and the kids are running around in their shin guards, bellies full of chicken wings.
Modern parenting shouldn’t be such a hustle. It shouldn’t make my head hurt. But for many of us, it is and it does. It is genuinely hard to keep your head above water while keeping up with work and fielding sick kids and planning summer camp coverage and registering for swimming lessons at 6 am. My head often hurts simply because there are too many inputs. Too much work stuff and parenting stuff and house stuff and car stuff. The dizzying effect of parenting is understandable, but the antidote can be found in mindfulness and gratitude.
Sometimes, I think, “How will I look back at this time?” And often the answer isn’t that I’ll look back on the to-do lists or the moments of magic; but I’ll remember both. Soon, things will change and my daughter won’t need Pro-D Day camp coverage anymore and she’ll be making her own snacks for soccer, and she won’t be growing out of clothes on a weekly basis. At that time, I’ll probably find new things to worry about and new ways to enjoy the moment. I hope that when that day comes, sitting on the beach will still be just as relaxing. And if she grows out of our living room dance parties, I’ll just have to make my own.
Julia Mais is a policy and communications professional. She looks for beauty in the every day through writing, photography and the outdoors. She lives in a messy, cheese-filled home with her husband and young child.
CREATE MORE THIS YEAR
Spring Break Camps – Make the most of your break by exploring a variety of programming with your peers Summer Camps – Spark creativity all summer long with inspiring instructors and unforgettable experiences Year-Round Programs – Programs for every age and every stage, to help build your skills throughout the year
Register now at artsumbrella.com
Credit: Devan Francis
Family Support
FAMILY SUPPORT
ARTivity Finder Counselling Inc. TC 604-710-8616 | artivityfinder.com
ARTivity Finder
Counselling serves children under 14 years old and adults by integrating art therapy and counselling. In-person and virtual sessions are available. Accepting autism funding, ICBC, CVAP and most extended health insurance carriers.
Eastside Family Place V eastsidefamilyplace.org
Family Services M of Greater Vancouver fsgv.ca
Family Services of Greater Vancouver is a non-profit that offers more than 50 free programs, services and workshops across the Lower Mainland—from parenting support groups to cooking classes to 1:1 financial coaching.
Foundry M foundrybc.ca
Kids Help Phone O Text 686868 | kidshelpphone.ca
Learning Disabilities Society M ldsociety.ca
Reach Child and Youth DS Development Society reachchild.org
Recreational Respite M recrespite.com
Vancouver & Lower Mainland M Multicultural Family Support vlmfss.ca/community-resources
HEALTH & WELLNESS
AARM Dental Group V aarm-dental.com
We’re in your neighbourhoods— new patients and emergency patients always welcome. We accept most major dental insurance
CDCP patients welcome. Locations: Coal Harbour, Yaletown.
EZbrace Dental V ezbrace.ca
Family Wellness Chiropractor V familywellnesschiro.ca
PDG Pediatric Dentistry M & Orthodontics pdgdental.com
MENTORING
Big Brothers of M Greater Vancouver bigbrothersvancouver.com
Our vision is that all children and youth are empowered to reach their full potential through mentorship. We proudly serve the Lower Mainland from West Vancouver to White Rock, BC. Visit our website to learn more about enrolling a child or becoming a volunteer.
SPECIAL NEEDS
SPACE Treatment for V Parenting Anxious Children bcacc.ca/counsellors/paula-foran SPACE stands for Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions and is a parent-based treatment program for children and adolescents with anxiety, OCD and related problems. Parents (and other caregivers) participate in SPACE treatment sessions. In most cases the child or adolescent does not need to attend the treatment sessions.
WeeSleep Certified Sleep M Consultant wee-sleep.com
MENTAL HEALTH
Children’s Foundation of BC childrens-foundation.org
Infant Mental Health Promotion ruralmentalhealth.ca
Kelty Mental Health keltymentalhealth.ca
CP Support Canada cpsupportcanada.ca
CP Support Canada supports families caring for a child with cerebral palsy by providing monthly bursaries (#CPSmileProject), reliable medical and legal information to help empower parents and community support.
Developmental Disabilities
Association Inclusive Childcare M develop.bc.ca
PossAbilities BN posabilities.ca
V Vancouver
R Richmond
DS Delta/Surrey
TC Tri-Cities
FV Fraser Valley BN Burnaby/New West NS North Shore
SW Squamish/Whistler
M Multiple
O Online
plans.
Family Business
BABY FURNITURE
TJ’s The Kiddies Store V tjskids.com
CLOTHING
Isola Bella V isolabellakids.com
Little Earth V littleearthvancouver.com
Monkey Business Kids Boutique FV monkeybusinesskidsboutique.ca
Zapped Outfitters M zappedoutfitters.com
FOOD
Grandpa J’s Seasonings M grandpajs.com
Home Restaurant M homerestaurants.ca
Lunch Lady Restaurant V thelunchlady.com
Pizza Rubato Napoletana V pizzarubato.com
Popina Canteen V popinacanteen.com
Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co V rockymountainflatbread.ca
PHOTOGRAPHY
Hudson Wren Portraits
hudsonwren.com
Julie Doro Photography
juliedoro.com
Klutch Photography DS klutchphotography.com
Tosha Lobsinger Is My NS Photographer toshalobsingerismyphotographer.com
TRAVEL
Manning Park
manningpark.com
Tourism Harrison
tourismharrison.com
Travel Best Bets
travelbestbets.com
Overnight Camps
Camp Ecolart SW campecolart.com
Camp Fircom
fircom.ca
Camp Luther
campluther.ca
Camp Pringle
camppringle.com
Camp Qwanoes
qwanoes.ca Situated on 55 acres of magnificent scenic waterfront property on Vancouver Island between Victoria and Nanaimo, Qwanoes is a fully accredited member of the BC Camping Association and Christian Camping International-Canada. Founded in 1966, Qwanoes is an ideal place for high adventure, fun-filled, life-changing experiences. We make it easy for mainland campers to get to camp—just meet us at the Tsawwassen ferry terminal!
Camp Squeah
squeah.com
Camp Summit
campsummit.ca
Fireside Adventures
firesideadventures.ca Stillwood Camps
YMCA Camps of
Greater Vancouver vanymca.org/camps
The Family Reset An AI-guided ritual for a calmer, more connected year
Every family has moments when life finally slows down enough to hear each other again. For us, that moment arrived this year when relatives from three countries gathered around the same table: grandparents on Vancouver Island, young adults studying and working in Vancouver and Spain, and parents visiting from Ecuador. We all came with different schedules, life stages and responsibilities, yet we shared one simple desire: to be more intentional about the year ahead.
Instead of making a list of rigid resolutions, we tried something different. We created a family ritual: part reflection, part creativity, part conversation, supported by simple AI tools. What emerged was not a checklist, but something far more powerful—clarity about who we are, what we need and how we can support one another even when we live far apart.
That experience inspired this guide, which any family can use, any time of the year, to enjoy the rest of 2026 with curiosity and confidence.
Why a Family Ritual Works
Most goal setting happens in isolation. Parents make plans. Kids are told what to do. Teens resist.
A family ritual changes that dynamic. It creates space for listening instead of lecturing, curiosity instead of pressure and creativity instead of perfection. When every family member is invited to reflect and
dream, children feel seen, teens feel respected and adults feel supported instead of responsible for carrying everything alone.
AI doesn’t replace those conversations; it simply makes them easier to start.
Step 1: Discover the Past
Before looking forward, take a gentle look back. Gather your family and ask three simple questions:
• What was one good thing from the past year?
• What was one hard thing?
• What did you learn about yourself?
Younger kids might draw their answers. Teens might give a single word. Adults may share a story. All of it counts.
If your family gets stuck, AI can help. A simple prompt like, “Give me reflection questions for a family with kids aged six to 18” can generate ideas that keep everyone engaged.
Step 2: Discover How You Want the Year to Feel
Instead of asking what you want to achieve, ask something more powerful: How do you want this year to feel?
Invite everyone to choose three words, such as calm, curious, brave, playful, connected or healthy. These words become your emotional compass. They guide daily choices far more effectively than a long list of goals.
Step 3: Create Personal Vision Boards
Give each family member paper, markers, magazines or a tablet. Ask them to create a simple vision board around four themes:
1. Who I want to be
2. What my days look like
3. People I care about
4. Places or experiences I want
This works beautifully at any age. Stick figures, doodles, photos and digital images are all welcome. If someone needs ideas, AI can offer gentle inspiration: “Create image ideas for a 10-year-old’s vision board about friendship and creativity.”
Step 4: Share What You Need and What You Give
This was the most meaningful part of our family experience. Each person completed two sentences:
• This year, I need my family to…
• This year, I commit to bringing…
No one interrupted. No one fixed anything. We just listened. Some answers were small, others deeply emotional, but every one of them built understanding and trust.
Step 5: A Light Family Focus
Rather than setting a rigid family goal, choose a shared intention. Finish this sentence together: “This year, our family chooses to be…”
Pick three to five words: supportive, flexible, joyful, present, and let them guide how you show up for one another.
Step 6: Keep It Going
You don’t need a complicated system. A monthly check-in works wonders. Ask:
• What felt good this month?
• What do we want to adjust?
Or invite AI into the ritual: “Give our family three reflection questions for this month based on connection and curiosity.”
If You Haven’t Started Yet
Start with one conversation. Tonight, or this weekend, ask everyone: “How do you want this year to feel?” Write down the answers. That’s it, you’ve already begun.
After a bit of discussion and deciding on your collective goals, ask AI: “Based on our family goals, what is one small action we can take this week?”
Discovery doesn’t begin with a big plan. It begins the moment a family pauses long enough to ask, “What do we need right now?”
Alexis Santacruz is a lifelong learner and father who believes in the power of resilience, curiosity and purpose. Guided by a deep commitment to help others grow, he shares his experiences to inspire and empower people to reach their full potential, creating meaningful connections and opening doors to opportunity, one story and one step at a time.
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Surviving the Tween & Teen Years? These Parenting Podcasts Have Your Back
Parenting tweens and teens can feel a bit like living with a moody roommate who eats all your snacks, communicates exclusively in grunts and has strong opinions about your clothing choices. Just when you think you may have cracked their code, they shift into a whole new phase overnight.
Parenting podcasts are a game changer for this stage of life. They offer expert advice, real-life stories and practical strategies you can soak in while commuting or making dinner. Think of them as supportive sidekicks for the roller coaster years—part wisdom and part reassurance.
Here are a few popular podcasts you should check out:
relationships intact while still setting limits. Great for parents who crave a compassionate and non-shaming approach.
Parenting Teenagers Untangled. Parenting Teenagers Untangled really is your weekly hug! It offers a calm, reflective style that helps parents reframe old patterns and find small, sustainable shifts. The show mixes expert interviews with gentle pep talks. It’s especially helpful for caregivers who feel overwhelmed and want to replace their reactive habits with steadier responses.
Care and Feeding (Slate’s Parenting Show). Care and Feeding brings journalismgrade reporting, expert guests and real-life conversations about modern parenting
Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens. Hosted by clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour, this show blends brain-based explanations with straight-up useful scripts and strategies to use with your kids. Episodes tackle common hotspots like communication breakdowns, emotional dysregulation and social media in a way parents can use. If you want evidence-informed guidance from a respected teen psychologist, start here.
Good Inside with Dr. Becky. Dr. Becky Kennedy focuses on building connections and reducing power struggles with your kids. Her short, practical episodes help parents understand what’s going on with their teen’s behaviour and how to respond in ways that keep
challenges. With topics unique to teens such as mental health, online life and school pressures, it’s a good pick for parents who like a mix of research, cultural context and practical tips.
Moms of Tweens & Teens. This podcast centres directly on the lived experience of parenting between the ages of nine and 16, featuring everyday issues, expert interviews and the messy realities of sibling rivalry, friendships and school. It’s both reassuring and tactical so it’s good for parents who want peer-to-peer talk with actionable advice.
Feeding the Mouth that Bites You: Parenting Teens into Adulthood. This weekly show hosted by Cynthia Yanof and psychologist/author Dr. Ken Wilgus provides guidance
for raising teens and launching them into adulthood. They cover practical topics like boundaries, respect, social pressures, dating, independence and modern challenges such as technology and AI. If you want a variety of topics that are faith-informed, this is your podcast.
Parenting Today’s Teens. Hosted by veteran parenting mentor Mark Gregston, this podcast offers mini episodes every day on practical teen issues including defiance, emotional struggles, peer pressure and communication breakdowns. If you like frequent, bite-sized doses of advice that reflect real-life teenage challenges, this is a great pick.
Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam. Hosted by adolescent psychologist Dr. Cam Caswell, this podcast is like having a teen translator. Caswell breaks down what’s going on in your teen’s head and offers clear, practical strategies for improving communication and reducing daily battles. Her episodes are upbeat, relatable and perfect for parents who want expert advice without feeling lectured.
Let’s Talk Teens with Cheree Murdock and Abbi Winslow. Hosted by educatormom duo Cheree Murdock and Abbi Winslow, this podcast feels like sitting down with two friends who understand teens. They break down the big issues like motivation, confidence, emotional regulation and social drama in a way that’s practical, positive and refreshingly non-judgmental. If you want uplifting guidance with a side of real talk, this is your show.
We encourage you to listen to a few episodes of each and save the ones that speak to you. And remember that even on the days when your teen grunts instead of speaks, rolls their eyes back into their head yet again or sighs and claims they’re “fine” for the 15th time, you’re doing better than you think.
Erika Palmer is a writer living with her husband and son. She believes most problems can be solved with a good cup of tea and a huge piece of chocolate.
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inish high school or upgrade your marks – Tuition-free for eligible students.
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We o er High School Completion Courses to suit your lifestyle. Take them day or night.
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Talk to one of our advisors. It’s never too late to graduate.
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Improve your reading, writing, speaking and listening skills, and meet new friends while taking Literacy Foundations Courses in English.
speaking and listening skills, and meet new friends while taking English.
Improve your reading, writing, speaking and listening skills, and meet new friends while taking Literacy Foundations Courses in English.
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listening, reading, and writing English for day-to-day living, into the community. Childminding is available. opportunities
LINC Classes focus on speaking, listening, reading, and writing English for day-to-day living, to help you integrate more easily into the community. Childminding is available.
Work toward new career opportunities
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Choose from a long list of General Interest Courses including: French, Spanish, Mandarin, Japanese, Reiki, Photography, and Soap Making & Self Care.
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