6 Ways to Create a Cozy and Safe Home for Your Child
Parents want to make sure that their homes are both useful and safe for their kids. It takes morethan babyproofing to make a home child-friendly. Every part of the home needs to be carefullyplanned and designed to be safe, comfy, and good for a child's growth. It can be challenging forparents to find the right…
The importance of attending cultural arts events with your children
6 min readHow young is too young to bring your child to a formal cultural event? This is a question I often…
Sweet Success: Teaching Children a Healthy Relationship with Halloween Candy
7 min readHalloween is a holiday full of excitement, costumes, and of course, candy. For many parents, the abundance of sugary treats…
SAFE KIDS OFFERS TOP TIPS FOR A FESTIVE—AND INJURY-FREE—HALLOWEEN
4 min readChildren are 3.5 timesmore likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than an average day WASHINGTON DC — With all the…
Spooky Halloween Events Near You 2024
5 min readWhether you're a fan of frightful fun or prefer a more family-friendly experience, there’s something for everyone. Halloween is not…
Latest Issues
September 16, 2024
School’s back and so are we! Education issue 2024
The Summer is over and school bells are ringing again. A new school year can be exciting, but with a new school year comes additional stress for some. In this issue, we share tips on visualization techniques, getting your children invested in their education and ways to help them through academic anxiety. To help you…
Read NowHelpful Annual Family Resource Guide 2024
Check out the 2024 Family Resource Guide
Education Issue is here!
In this issue, we have provided more information about what these report cards will look like. The BC government has made some changes and the new format has been updated to better encourage our children’s learning. We have also included information about various learning approaches—critical thinking, project-based learning, music, and of course play and its…
Exciting Back to School is coming!
It’s been a great summer filled with quality moments with our families at exciting locations around the city. There are a few weeks left, but now it is time to start preparing for the school year. In this issue, we have an article to help you choose a location for a new early learner. It’s a tough…
BC Parent Newsmagazine
Family Directory
In its 33rd year of publication, parents and caregivers have come to rely on BC Parent for relevant, up-to-date information they can trust. Going beyond recipes and crafts (although we have included our favourites in the past), BC Parent Magazine gives parents the information they want on healthcare, education, birthing, the arts, community events and so much more. From pregnancy through teens, BC Parent provides up-to-date, in-depth articles and information for all families.
We now want to extend our reach and provide even more information to our readers by giving it to them online and at their fingertips. Please add your business listing so our readers can easily find you, learn about you and connect with you!
Parenting
Keep children and youth sun safe now to help give
4 min readThe thought of skin cancer for our children may seem remote and not a priority at first thought. However, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer. And the rates are rising. In fact, one in every five individuals in British Columbia will acquire skin cancer during their lifetime.
The Modern Dad: Juggling Sippy Cups, Wisdom, and Wi-Fi
4 min readWelcome to modern parenting, where being a dad is a tiring, wonderful, endless ride. Gone are the days when fatherhood meant just bringing home the bacon and occasionally doling out sage advice. Today, the role of a father is a full-time gig, complete with the joys of bedtime stories, the challenges of deciphering teenage slang,…
What Is Parent-Child Play And Why Is It So Important
7 min readWe are learning from the fields of neuroscience and child-development that children need many positive, face-to-face interactions with attentive, sensitive, and responsive parents or caregivers for healthy brain and nervous system development. Play activities between parent and child are excellent ways to provide these necessary interactions to children. Parent-child play offers unique benefits to children…
7 helpful tips to Manage Screen Use
5 min readParents need to take an active role when it comes to helping their child manage his/her online life. Here are 7 practical tips to help your child on their screen journey:
‘Disconnect to Reconnect’ at Dinnertime with These 6 fun Ideas!
5 min readEmbracing togetherness with family at dinnertime is a worldwide tradition spanning generations and a multitude of cultures. Sharing a meal with good conversation is a valued part of our social wellbeing, yet a recent survey1 by Maple Leaf Foods shows that this coveted time of togetherness is another aspect of our lives negatively impacted by…
More Families Seeking Help for Children with Support Needs –
4 min readAs a BC nonprofit organization working closely with children with special needs (support needs), and their families, leaders from our family programs at Options Community Services are observing how important inclusion, and adequate resources, are for both the increase in children with support needs, and their families. A 2022 Inclusion BC study examined how families…
Education
Why Attending an Open House at a Prospective School is
7 min readChoosing a school is one of the most significant decisions you or your child will make. It’s not just about the academic programs or the school’s reputation; it’s about finding a place that feels right, offers the right environment, and aligns with your values and expectations.
Discover the Best Schools for Your Child at the Vancouver
3 min readAre you ready to take your child’s education to the next level? The Vancouver Private School Expo & Information Day is the must-attend event for parents who are eager to find the right school environment that will inspire, challenge, and support their child’s growth. Whether you're just beginning your search or already deep in the…
Understanding Dyslexia: An Interview with Neil Johnston
5 min readDyslexia is a prevalent learning difference that affects 80-90% of individuals with learning challenges. Often genetic, it can run through generations, yet it is frequently misdiagnosed and misunderstood. We spoke with Neil Johnston, CEO for the Centre for Dyslexia, about exciting new developments aimed at supporting the dyslexic community. In British Columbia and across Canada, students with…
12 Tips From a Teacher to Prepare Your Child for
10 min readAs a new school year approaches, parents naturally want to ensure their children are set up for success. This process involves more than just buying school supplies; it requires thoughtful preparation, both academically and emotionally. Whether your child is entering elementary school, high school, or transitioning between the two, these steps will help them start…
Benefits of Joining Extracurricular Activities for Students
7 min readThere are seemingly endless options for after-school activities that your children can get involved in, from soccer to swimming to piano lessons. But what do your children really get out of these activities? Here are some reasons why your kids should participate in extracurricular activities, beyond the standard ‘it looks good on a resume.' Joining…
Visit the Britannia Mine Museum This Summer: It’s Time
5 min readAs summer unfolds, it's the perfect season to embark on new adventures and discover or re-discover the fascinating history hidden within the Britannia Mine Museum. Located in Britannia Beach, 45 minutes North of Vancouver this historical gem invites visitors to step back in time and explore the rich mining heritage that shaped the region. Rumble…
Health
Prioritizing Mental Health for Parents and Children: A Balanced Approach
4 min readIn today's fast-paced world, parents often feel the pressure to excel in every aspect of their lives—whether at work, in their relationships, or especially in raising their children. For many, especially new moms, this overwhelming responsibility can lead to stress, burnout, and mental health challenges. Amid the whirlwind of parenting, it's crucial to prioritize both…
Understanding Dyslexia: An Interview with Neil Johnston
5 min readDyslexia is a prevalent learning difference that affects 80-90% of individuals with learning challenges. Often genetic, it can run through generations, yet it is frequently misdiagnosed and misunderstood. We spoke with Neil Johnston, CEO for the Centre for Dyslexia, about exciting new developments aimed at supporting the dyslexic community. In British Columbia and across Canada, students with…
The Best Ways to Ensure Your Kids Eat Less Sugar
5 min readAs parents, we all want what’s best for our kids—especially when it comes to their health. Butwith sugary snacks and processed foods lurking at every turn, keeping their sugar intake incheck can feel like a full-time job. As a dad of two and a food entrepreneur, I totally get it. Not only am I focused…
How can you protect your children during heat waves?
4 min readIt's official, we are in another heat wave. Temperatures expected to reach the low 40s C in some areas. Year over year, we are seeing extreme heat events become more common and severe in British Columbia and across Canada. In fact, the record-breaking heatwave British Columbians experienced in 2021 was among the most extreme since…
Men’s Mental Health Month: It’s Okay to Not Be Okay,
5 min readJune is Men's Mental Health Month, a crucial time to acknowledge the unique challenges men face when it comes to mental well-being. While conversations about mental health have become more commonplace in recent years, a persistent stigma still surrounds men seeking help. This silence can have serious consequences, as men are far less likely than…
Is Outdoor Risky Play The Secret to Healthier Kids?
7 min readThink back to a favourite childhood play memory. Chances are, it took place outdoors and involved a small element of risk—whether playing near a stream, climbing trees or enjoying a game of street hockey. Little did you realize it at the time, but this very activity played a crucial role in supporting your development. In…
Activites
Sweet Success: Teaching Children a Healthy Relationship with Halloween Candy
7 min readHalloween is a holiday full of excitement, costumes, and of course, candy. For many parents, the abundance of sugary treats can bring concerns about their children’s health and eating habits. Yet, this season offers an incredible opportunity to help children develop a healthy relationship with food. By modelling mindful eating and trusting the body’s natural…
SAFE KIDS OFFERS TOP TIPS FOR A FESTIVE—AND INJURY-FREE—HALLOWEEN
4 min readChildren are 3.5 timesmore likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than an average day WASHINGTON DC — With all the fun and festivities of trick-or-treating, it can be easy to forget a frightening reality: Halloween continues to be the most dangerous day for child pedestrians. An analysis of the ten most recent years of federal…
Not Your Average Family Road Trip: RVing With Our Baby
8 min readWhen our newborn arrived, we thought our summer camping plans were off the table. Could we really go camping with a newborn? The idea seemed daunting at first—packing up our little one and hitting the road in an RV wasn’t going to be easy. But camping has always been a huge part of our lives,…
What is a great age to start learning a Musical
8 min readMusic teacher’s get asked this question a lot! The answer is not necessarily a specific age but more about whether YOUR child is developmentally and musically ready. Playing an instrument requires reading, listening, movement, memory, even emotion, all of the areas of the brain responsible for those processes spring into action - “your brain is…
Benefits of Joining Extracurricular Activities for Students
7 min readThere are seemingly endless options for after-school activities that your children can get involved in, from soccer to swimming to piano lessons. But what do your children really get out of these activities? Here are some reasons why your kids should participate in extracurricular activities, beyond the standard ‘it looks good on a resume.' Joining…
Curious about Composting? Here’s how to make healthy soil at
5 min readBy: Joe McMahan, Vice President of Sustainability & Shared Value, Maple Leaf Foods Canadians across all coasts are on a mission to champion sustainability, with an incredible 90 per cent of parents feeling they have a responsibility to teach their kids how to be eco-friendly according to a recent survey1. Setting an intention is great,…
