When 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,…
In the tapestry of family life, grandparents often hold a cherished and vital role. Their presence can deeply shape the lives of their grandchildren, providing a unique blend of wisdom, love, and support that transcends generations. While many families might focus on the bond between parents and children, the influence of grandparents can be just…
Where do you go for support if you suspect your 3-5-year-old child has learning challenges? How do you know when your child might need some extra learning support?
Much like any other curriculum or discipline, the arts offer so much opportunity for inner growth in our children and youth. Linda Shirley has created a legacy in Arts Education by providing every kind of imaginable opportunity a child or youth in these interconnected disciplines. Both the Renaissance Academy and The Arts Conservatory in Steveston…
We have recently spoken with three child development experts about this question, beginning with renowned counsellor, scientist and storyteller, Dr. Deborah MacNamara, along with early childhood education college instructors, Candiss Brown and Nika Jibrael. According to all three, play is where it all begins.
This year on Valentine’s Day, we decided to focus on the gift of FRIENDSHIP and are so excited to be featuring this dynamic duo – Bobs & Lolo. Their partnership did not begin as a business arrangement but rather, blossomed from a lifelong friendship that started at the tender age of eight, when these two…
Internationally renowned for it's groundbreaking stranded marine mammal response program, the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society (VAMMR) responds to over 300 marine mammal emergencies annually and runs Canada's only dedicated marine mammal hospital facility. Over the 60 years in operation, VAMMR has successfully rescued and rehabilitated over 3000 marine mammals. It's estimated that more…
The journey into motherhood is one of the most transformative experiences a woman can embark upon.
On June 27, Canadian Multiculturalism Day honours the many cultural communities that help build a strong and vibrant Canadian society. Take this opportunity to celebrate the cultural diversity that enriches us collectively and reaffirm your commitment to equity, inclusion, and mutual respect. Here are some resources to introduce your children to this concept.
Kids often like to play in an environment that feels open and allows them to wander. With parent supervision, the outdoors can be a great place for safe and mindful play. Join them in exploring nature.Â
It wouldn’t be summer without a chance to hike through BC's most beautiful trails. The WILD Outside team hikes throughout the year, whether that’s under Douglas Firs at Lighthouse Park or climbing Mt. Seymour for a breathtaking view of Vancouver.
Learning can and should be fun. Just look for creative ways to infuse a little playful learning into the everyday routines you are already doing, and watch your child flourish.
Fishing is a fantastic way to get out into nature and enjoy some fresh air and exercise. It's a low-impact activity that is suitable for all ages and abilities, making it a great choice for families looking for a fun and accessible way to stay active and outside. Fishing allows children to disconnect from technology…
Finding, securing and keeping childcare is a challenge all working parents understand. Many of us have tapped away at our laptops distracted by snack-hungry kids or multi-tasked deadlines with a baby on our lap. With the rise of parents working from home during the pandemic, the challenge got easier in some ways, but harder in…
The ancestral knowledge and traditions of the Indigenous peoples in this part of the world are as rich and diverse as the landscape itself. Thanks to the imagination and generosity of writers and artists working in these communities, kids from all cultural backgrounds can discover this fact for themselves, even in their very first try…
Here are five elements to help parents choose and use books to successfully to support communication development in infancy and toddlerhood (or at any point in early language learning):
Children everywhere love traditions (parents, too), and traditions make memories. Celebrating Giving Tuesday (November 29) is a tradition in our family, too. It marks the largest global movement of generosity and signals the start of the holiday season. This year, while writing up your family’s wish list, consider including some unique ‘gifts for good’ that…
Playing video games is a mentally engaging task. Depending on the game, it requires fast decision making, real-time problem solving, coordination of fine motor skills and more.
Reptiles are a valuable addition to a family setting because they like being handled, they are docile, and they enjoy our company. But! Are they completely safe around kids? Children can accidentally hurt a reptile (such as a crested gecko or a bearded dragon) by letting it fall or holding it by the tail. In…
We’re sharing 5 earth-friendly tips for little changes you can make while grocery shopping that can have a big impact on the environment.Â
To truly level the playing field, we must move away from supporting women through a lens of equality and shift to one of equity that is inclusive of supporting them professionally and domestically – not one or the other. Women must be given the capacity - at home and at work - to support their families…
As we have been spending more time cooped up inside lately, many of us are finding ourselves in front of screens to pass the time. Whether it’s the computer, smart-phone or television, this increase in screen time means an increase in our exposure to advertisements.
As our children’s school shut down due to the Covid-19, and our work schedule changed to zoom meetings, we’re left with the reality of working from home while balancing homeschooling our three children for the remainder of the school year. As the world, and our family’s world, turned upside down, I knew I had to…
Some people think of pen-pals as an expired tradition, like black-and-white movies and 8-track tapes, but a lot of Circle of Moms members say writing and corresponding by hand via snail mail is still a necessary life skill. They're searching every day for old-fashioned pen-pals for their kids, and the surprising part is that the majority are searching…
