We have all heard about being mindful but if we are honest with ourselves we do not practice it enough. Mindfulness is very simple, we set aside time to sit and do nothing for several minutes. That's it! It's so simple, so why do we not do it? We know it's good for us, we…
For many parents, concern over kids being glued to screens is not a new phenomenon. However, with the pandemic causing a 500% spike of digital media usage amongst younger generations, the issue has become a new kind of monster. Our current reality is forcing families to rethink screen time limits and come up with solutions…
Here we are again, planning another 8 weeks of Summer vacation! Fortunately, even with COVID-19 persisting, we have Summer Camp options. Summer Day Camps and extracurricular activities are great opportunities for your children to take part in something outside of their usual routine. Summer Camps help children to foster an open mind, build new relationships,…
A model for arts education across North America, the new facility significantly expands Arts Umbrella’s capacity to provide transformative experiences for young people in Metro Vancouver, across Canada, and around the world. Arts Umbrella serves 24,000 young people annually, and, within the next three to five years, the new building is expected to support 15,000…
We just learned about an incredible extracurricular program for high school students and wanted to share it with parents in Vancouver. The Knowledge Society (TKS) is a 10-month innovation program for students ages 13-17 who want to solve the world’s biggest problems. The program is modeled after curriculums from Harvard, Stanford, and MIT, and designed…
We are now just over 5 weeks from Spring Break 2021. The usual routines have probably changed for you, I know they have for me, but there is a glimpse of normalcy on the horizon. How we all dream of days without masks, time with friends, trips to the movie theatres. With the vaccines on…
Spring Break is creeping up, for me, it feels faster than expected. What have you got planned for Spring Break this year? With most people working from home, having the kids at home all day is an option many would like to avoid. It's either book some holiday time off or find a camp. My…
Children are experiencing lower physical activity levels, less outside time, and higher sedentary behaviour, including screen time, during the outbreak. Kids need to move more, now more than ever.
Music education has numerous benefits for students, including establishing stronger social skills, increased confidence, and improved academics due to involved brain function. With all of these benefits and more stemming from music, there is no doubt that you should include music education within your child’s online studies. Here are some easy ways to be sure…
With Back-to-School comes Fall activities. What will those look like this year? Who is offering programs? Extracurricular activities are proven to provide a lot of benefits to children. They get: An opportunity to explore new interests. Whether a new sport, art, or academia there are resources for after-school learning. Kids gain confidence as they learn…
Only a few steps into my hike up to Quarry Rock I began to notice the intense heat of the midday summer sun radiating down on me. The heat was stifling, even when standing in the shade provided by the thick canopy of trees above me. My body, under the strain of the heat and…
Most parents want their children to get outside away from phones, TV, and video games, and gardening is a great way to achieve this goal. However, recent research shows that there are several other reasons to start a garden with kids. The benefits range from making kids smarter to making them healthier. Here are 10…
If you are a new mom or have a new baby, how can you ensure you and your baby are more prepared for time in the water? Karina Renaud has the answer. As the instructor and owner of The Swim for Life program, Karina created an online course to help save lives by teaching young…
Many of us here at The Yoga Buggy are Christmas lovers and celebrators, and together we’re brainstorming ways to keep ourselves and our kiddos peaceful during the holiday season. Here are some of our favourite suggestions. 1. Use mindfulness to keep things simple and observe our motivations. One of our holiday challenges is that we…
If you ask your children what they want to be when they grow up, there is a good chance that the answer will be “an influencer.”
Summer is over, but that doesn’t mean outdoor time has to end. Riding bikes is a great activity and fun for everyone. The idea of riding safely with kids is another story. I’ve always been unsure of how to do it so I reached out to PedalHeads for an expert opinion. Here is what they…
Most of us underestimate the learning potential of games. Games don’t just promote curiosity and active problem-solving, they encourage deeper learning and high engagement. They create safe places for kids to take risks and learn to manage the emotions that come with failure. Just think, kids, replay games not just for fun, but for the…
The comment from a young mom, Amy, about middle school football tryouts prompted a lengthy conversation with her neighbor. "No, my son isn't trying out. He prefers to watch TV, play video games, or sleep every day after school." Amy's neighbor, the grandmotherly type, didn't agree. She insisted the student should engage in sports tryouts.…
Camping is an activity that many families enjoy every time. This is the time when children and teenagers are without their electronic devices and get to actually spend some quality time with their parents. Making camping fun for kids. Try including the following 7 fun games to play to keep everyone entertained. Not only will…
27℃. That’s the perfect temperature for summer camping according to Scouts – Canada’s youngest outdoor experts. So, go check the thermometer. It’s time to answer the call of the wilderness! https://new.bcparent.ca/2018/11/14/take-winter-adventures-to-the-next-level-with-scouts-canadas-ultimate-camping-hacks/ Scouts learn essential outdoor skills and how to prioritize safety in all activities from day hikes or week-long portage tours. Prepare for your next…
Not many children have the privilege to live in such a beautiful place. British Columbia is a mecca of natural experiences and cultural history. To help children explore the wonders BC has to offer, the Wild Bird Trust of British Columbia, in the conservation area at Maplewood Flats, is happy to present the Kingfisher Summer Camp…
Looking for ways to encourage artistic creativity at home? These five ideas will help light that spark. Get Moving: Movement will get you and your kid warmed up and ready to tackle any challenge. Make a story out of it to really get the creative juices flowing. Maybe you move from room to room, traveling…
Every Summer, we deliberate what activities will fill our children's day. Will the activities be the usual playtime, snack time, etc. or will they be learning something new? How about something new like a skateboard and scooter camp? If you haven't heard of it yet, BC has a new addition to Summer Camp options with…
As the break quickly approaches, many parents become concerned that they have missed the boat for getting a spot in Spring Break Camps. Luckily that is not the case. Here is a list of fantastic Spring Break Camps that still have spaces and will both entertain and educate your child over the two-week school hiatus.…
