We've all seen the happy child who leans into life, smiling all the way, seemingly without a care in the world. How does this happen? Are they born this way, or can we teach kids ways to optimize their emotional well being? Indeed, some children are born happier. Temperament, driven partially by genetic makeup, can…
Lunar New Year 2023 falls on Sunday, January 22nd, 2023, and celebrations continue the weeks following.
The holidays are known as a time to indulge. But what if you or a family member need to follow a specific diet for health reasons? What do you do to still share in the holiday treats without breaking your recommended diet restrictions? Here are a few healthy alternatives to fill the sweet-tooth craving while…
This was our second annual toy drive. We partnered with the Capilano Rugby Club and helped build this amazing pile of gifts for the children and teenagers that receive support from North Shore Christmas Bureau run by North Shore Family Services, North Shore Neighbourhood House, North Shore Salvation Army, North Shore Food Bank
This is the biggest gifting age. It's the time when your kids start telling you which gifts they want, but a little gentle persuasion doesn't hurt. We've pulled together some gift ideas that will make your kids smile on Christmas morning! From the creative story-teller to the more mature photographer, we've got you covered.
Winter Holidays are in less than 2 weeks! Luckily there are some Winter Camps that are a great opportunity for kids to learn a new skill and have some fun. Here are a couple opportunities for kids to get excited about. There are also some great Winter activities that start in January.
It's December 1st and now is the time to start getting gifts for your loved ones, unless you're organized and have already started getting them. Here are a few ideas to get you started when shopping for baby!
Starting Dec. 1, 2022, parents in British Columbia will save as much as $550 more per month for each child they have in participating licensed child care facilities. This funding will lower fees for children kindergarten age and younger by up to $900 per month.
'Tis the season for family traditions. Whether your family enjoys baking together, decorating the house and Christmas tree, or just snuggling in with a few favourite seasonal movies - the time to do it is coming up. We're very fortunate in British Columbia to have so many options to help us enjoy the season. You…
The Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) is thrilled to announce the most unique winter celebration in BC, the brand new PNE Winter Fair. The ten-day event features guest favourites from the PNE Summer Fair and the PNE has translated them into a unique winter holiday experience including nightly indoor concerts by your favourite artists, holiday themed…
It made me wonder if cursive was a thing of the past or something worth reviving. It’s certainly a highly debated topic in educational settings. The role of cursive is ambiguous at best and there are no clear answers. One thing we can all agree on is that the role of cursive in modern education…
Tricks and Treats, a brand-new experience ideal for kids and scaredy-cat adults. It takes place October 29th and 30th from 12pm to 4pm at Playland and includes rides, games, a candy scavenger hunt, and other surprises along the way! Costumes are welcomed and encouraged.
If you’re looking for a helpful app to get started check out Mydoh, powered by RBC. It is a helpful tool to educate and show your children the comings and goings of their money while learning how to make smart money choices. It’s a money management app and Smart Cash Card (which includes a digital…
We had the pleasure of interviewing Daniel Ingram, an award-winning, five-time Emmy nominated songwriter and composer whose distinctive musical style has earned him recognition as one of the top song-writers working in Children’s and Family entertainment. He lives in Vancouver with his wife and son. Why is kids' music controversial? Kids' music, for many, is…
We had the privilege of interviewing Megan Lammam and adding her to our Parent Profiles. Megan is an author, poet, and energy guide who explores the healing energy of nature and connection. She is the creator and guide of 'On The Path To Authenticity', a journey of self-exploration and healing offered in her monthly newsletter.…
While you may think eye exams are unnecessary if your child sees clearly (or isn’t complaining about their vision), it may be more helpful than meets the eye. The importance of these exams is much more than just finding out if your child’s vision is blurry and updating their prescription.
Does your child love to sing? Love plunking on the piano or pounding on the drum? Do you think you might have a future musician in your home? Let’s look at some short and long term benefits of music lessons.
Back-to-school is around the corner and that means back to packing lunches (sigh). With many schools increasingly adopting “Litterless Lunch” policies, the pressure is on parents to pack more eco-friendly lunchboxes. However, while research* shows that 76% of Canadians would like tips for little changes they can make in everyday life that would benefit the…
Make the PNE Fair your End-of-Summer Tradition with *can’t miss* attractions and entertainment including the SuperDogs, Chinese Acrobats, High Dive Show, Dueling Pianos, Agriculture Displays, Drag Shows, Cooking Demonstrations, Pyro Musical, Exhibits, Home Showcase, and the return of Summer Night Concerts!
Humans are born curious. Our curiosity helps us make sense of the world and encourages us to learn through observation, play, and exploration AKA STEM activities. As we continue to grow, our curiosity and thirst for knowledge contribute to our ability to learn, build foundational skills and cultivate a love of learning that translates into…
onsidering the available options for tents, sleeping bags, and other camping essentials, choosing the right gear for a camping trip can be overwhelming. We got some advice from the BBB to help you purchase the camping gear that best suits your personal needs.
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…
One of my favourite rides at Playland has always been the Wooden Coaster. I'm sure many of you noticed, the Coaster was out of commission last year. Luckily it was a temporary closure and it is now open!
I remember going to the Vancouver International Children’s Festival when I was a child. It was an amazing visit to see talented, creative performers and be swept up in the creativity with hands-on crafts. Now, after a two year in-person hiatus, the 45th annual Vancouver International Children’s Festival returns In-person from May 31 – June…
