Choosing the Right Daycare: Prioritizing Safety Over Availability
By: Carlene Forde, Manager, Care and Non-profit Sector, Markel Canada Planning to start or grow your family is a decision that comes with a number of considerations. As the cost of living continues to rise, return to office policies surge, and major cities across Canada become more densely populated, many families have had to adapt…
Childcare Choices – What Parents Need to Consider
5 min readChoosing childcare be whether a daycare or full-day preschool, is a major decision for parents to thoughtfully and thoroughly consider.…
United Way BC Urges Donations to Tackle Rising Food Insecurity
3 min readFunds to support Regional Community Food Hubs in Burnaby, Delta, Fraser Valley, Pemberton, Surrey, Tri-Cities, Vancouver British Columbians are struggling…
Top 10 helpful things to encourage your child to do this Summer that prepare them for next school year!
7 min readThe summer should be used to relax and recharge, but it is also one of the most vital times of…
Summer Camps: Unlocking Confidence, Creativity, and Character
10 min readSummer camps and day camps offer far more than a fun way to spend school-free weeksโthey give kids the chance…
Latest Issues
April 22, 2025
Yay – Release of the Annual Resource Guide!
In this issue, we've gone beyond the directory listings. You can expect to find great Summer Camp ideas, Outdoor Mountain Fun ideas, and updates on digital devices in schools. Please let us know which is your favorite article. Enjoy and Happy Summer! Read the issue here.
Read NowSchool’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…
Helpful 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 childrenโs learning. We have also included information about various learning approachesโcritical thinking, project-based learning, music, and of course play and its…
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
Choosing the Right Daycare: Prioritizing Safety Over Availability
5 min readBy: Carlene Forde, Manager, Care and Non-profit Sector, Markel Canada Planning to start or grow your family is a decision that comes with a number of considerations. As the cost of living continues to rise, return to office policies surge, and major cities across Canada become more densely populated, many families have had to adapt…
Babyhood โ the real salad daysย
5 min readBabies donโt know how good they have it. Especially when their parents inviteย guests over for dinner. Babies get to suck their toes at the dinner table. No oneย else gets to suck their toes at the dinner table. Babies get to stare at people.
The Power of Friendship: Helping Kids Navigate Social Challenges
5 min readFriendship is one of the most vital aspects of childhood, influencing how children connect, communicate, and navigate social situations. However, building and maintaining friendships can be challengingโmany children experience loneliness, exclusion, or conflict with their peers. This struggle lies at the heart of Pink Shirt Day. Each year, on the last Wednesday of February, children…
Pink Shirt Day: Spreading Kindness and Standing Against Bullying
5 min readItโs that day again. Every year, on the last Wednesday of February we wear our Pink Shirts for Pink Shirt Day! Who would have thought that two teenage boys from Nova Scotia could start such a profound movement?! How did Pink Shirt Day begin? In 2007, David Shepherd and Travis Price witnessed a bullying incident…
The Sound of a Hug: A Motherโs Perspective on Huggiesโ
4 min readInspired by momโs hug, Huggies Sound of a Hug is a new, FREE online tool where moms can input their heart rate to create a custom sleep track for baby โ and there are over 50,000 outputs available! The maternal sounds aim to calm baby and aid in development.
Showing Your Child How to Make and Keep Friendsย
7 min readPreschool and kindergarten years are when children begin to make connections outside of their immediate family, taking small steps towards independence. It is also when they learn to make and keep friends.
Education
Childcare Choices – What Parents Need to Consider
5 min readChoosing childcare be whether a daycare or full-day preschool, is a major decision for parents to thoughtfully and thoroughly consider. Whether you're returning to work, looking for social opportunities for your little one, or preparing for kindergarten readiness, the right environment can make all the difference. With so many options available, the process can feel…
Top 10 helpful things to encourage your child to do
7 min readThe summer should be used to relax and recharge, but it is also one of the most vital times of the year for students. It is an opportunity to reflect on the past year and look forward to the next school year. There is ample time to dive into something brand new and uncover a…
Help Your Child Connect with the WorldโLearn Mandarin with MLENA!
2 min readMaple Leaf Education North America (MLENA) helps children build language skills, cultural awareness, and confidence through high-quality Mandarin classes designed for real growth and lasting impact. Whether your child is learning Chinese for the first time or preparing for official exams, they provide the support and structure families need, all in one place. As an authorized Chinese Proficiency…
Dealing With IEPs: How To Fight For Your Child During
7 min readIn 7th grade, I was doing extremely well academically in my classes, having made the honor roll five consecutive times. The school I went to at the time saw this academic progress and completely cut my Individualized Education Plan, or IEP, without my parentsโ consent. When my parents found out about this, naturally, they asked…
Supporting Neurodivergent Children: Helpful Services and Resources
7 min readNeurodivergent childrenโthose with conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other cognitive differencesโoften face unique challenges in education, social interactions, and daily life. However, with the right support, these children can thrive and reach their full potential. Understanding the available services and resources in British Columbia is essential for parents, caregivers, and educators who want…
International Day of Education: Celebrating the Power of Learning
4 min readEducation is one of the most powerful tools for social change, personal empowerment, and global development. On January 24th, the world comes together to celebrate the International Day of Education.
Health
Understanding Cesarean Section Awareness: Empowering Parents Through Education and Choice
4 min readEvery April, International Cesarean Awareness Month (ICAM) shines a vital spotlight on cesarean sections (C-sections), aiming to inform, support, and empower parents with knowledge about this common but often misunderstood surgical birth procedure. With C-sections accounting for a significant percentage of births worldwide, it's crucial that families understand when they are necessary, the potential risks…
National Oral Health Month: A Smile Worth Celebrating
5 min readEach year, National Oral Health Month provides an essential reminder of the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene and the impact it has on our overall health. Celebrated in various countries around the world at different times of the year, this month-long observance aims to promote better oral care practices and create awareness about oral…
Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month: A Guide for Parents
4 min readCerebral Palsy (CP) is one of the most common motor disabilities in childhood, yet many parents are unaware of what it entails and how to provide the best care for a child with CP. As we observe Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month, it is essential to educate and empower parents with knowledge about the condition, its…
8 Valentineโs Gifts That Wonโt Give Your Child a Sugar
4 min readUse Valentineโs Day, the day of love, to get creative, focus on your childโs interests, and discover ways to step away from devices and have fun.
Supporting Neurodivergent Children: Helpful Services and Resources
7 min readNeurodivergent childrenโthose with conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other cognitive differencesโoften face unique challenges in education, social interactions, and daily life. However, with the right support, these children can thrive and reach their full potential. Understanding the available services and resources in British Columbia is essential for parents, caregivers, and educators who want…
National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month: Promoting Prevention and Empowering Lives
4 min readCervical cancer remains a significant global health concern, yet it is one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer when detected early.
Activites
The inspiring story of Jump Gymnastics
4 min readJump Gymnastics is more than a businessโitโs a mission rooted in community and inclusivity. As a proudly Canadian, female-owned, and female-led company, they understand the joys and challenges of parenting.
How to Keep Your Home Tidy With Kids
5 min readA clean home filled with a loving family is a dream. Unfortunately, itโs challenging to maintain the household at times, especially when your little ones tend to run around and cause a little mischief at every corner Your first course of action is to get the whole family on the same page about having a…
Discover 15 fun family literacy tips for learning together this
4 min readABC Life Literacy Canada is sharing ideas for families to make sure everyone will keep their literacy skills sharp this Spring Break. These include the following:ย 1. Sing it to Me: Play a song and then pause it. Ask your family to sing the next line โ do theyย know it?ย 2. Pop-up Kitchen: Follow a…
Youth Concert Series Debuts with 14 Young Bands in 9-week
3 min readThe 1st Annual Youth RockโNโBowl Concert Series is set to electrify Port Coquitlam withย nine unforgettable nights of cosmic bowling, pizza, community, and performances from 14 of theย cityโs most promising youth bands. Featuring 49 musicians from eight high schools, two middleย schools, two Universities, and five Elementary schools.ย ย
Chandra Donelsonโs Childrenโs Book, Penned with Her 7-Year-Old Son, Sparks
3 min readIn just two months, "The Data Detective at the Carnival" has captured hearts and imaginations around the world, transforming how children learn about data. With over 50 reviews and an impressive 4.9-star rating, this book is proving that data literacy can be engaging, relatable, and fun for kids of all ages.
8 Reasons Why Spring Break Camps Are a Great Idea
5 min readKeeping children entertained, engaged, and supervised while balancing work and other responsibilities isn't always easy. This is where Spring Break camps come in as a fantastic solution. Here are 8 reasons why Spring Break camp is important
