Is Outdoor Risky Play The Secret to Healthier Kids?
From boosting confidence to improving mental health, outdoor risky play offers vast benefits. Think 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. “When people reflect on their most cherished childhood…
6 THOUGHTFUL GIFT IDEAS TO SHOW MOM YOU LOVE HER
6 min readMotherhood is a journey of love, sacrifice, and boundless support. As Mother's Day approaches or any occasion where you want…
CODE NINJAS IS LEADING THE WAY IN OFFERING FUN AND
9 min readAfter spending a morning visiting one of these classes, it's no surprise to me that Code Ninjas is leading the…
PARENT’S PERSPECTIVE: WHY PERFORMING ARTS ENSURES YOUR CHILD HAS A
9 min readEducation, arts, sports, playdates...the list goes on. The never-ending juggle of parenting, it can sometimes be challenging to build a…
LINDA SHIRLEY IS CREATING A LEGACY IN ARTS EDUCATION IN
11 min readMuch like any other curriculum or discipline, the arts offer so much opportunity for inner growth in our children and…
Latest Issues
April 10, 2024
Helpful Annual Family Resource Guide 2024
Check out the 2024 Family Resource Guide
Read NowEducation 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…
Yay Summer 2023 is almost here!!!
Summer holidays can be fun and exciting - or long and boring. Luckily this summer there are amazing events to go to. There are also a lot of exciting camps that your kids could attend. They can sing and dance, learn STEM with LEGO, be around horses, and do many other great activities. Read our…
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
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…
Effective Parenting Techniques – Encouraging Growth Mindset
4 min readAre you going to be parents? Most likely, you are feeling nervous and happy at the same time. It won't be wrong to say that this is quite obvious. Parenting can be considered one of the most difficult jobs in the world. It's kind of a race that starts after a certain period, but there…
How to Survive a Family Home Renovation With Kids Around
5 min readRenovating a family home can be challenging enough without children present - let alone when doing it on your own! Renovation projects can be noisy, chaotic and disruptive - not to mention dangerous! When combined with power tools and workstations that look like play areas for small children, a disaster could easily ensue. 1. Establish…
Education
Is Outdoor Risky Play The Secret to Healthier Kids?
7 min readFrom boosting confidence to improving mental health, outdoor risky play offers vast benefits. Think 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. “When people reflect on their most cherished childhood…
CODE NINJAS IS LEADING THE WAY IN OFFERING FUN AND
9 min readAfter spending a morning visiting one of these classes, it's no surprise to me that Code Ninjas is leading the way as the top franchise - globally - in offering coding programs for kids that are fun and educational. Across Metro Vancouver, there are 14 locations to choose from, and you can also book this…
LINDA SHIRLEY IS CREATING A LEGACY IN ARTS EDUCATION IN
11 min readMuch 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…
The 3 Main Benefits To A Music Education For Kids
7 min readHarmonizing Home and School: The Impact of Music Education on Children's Holistic Development Music education has long been a staple in education because it provides so many benefits for children. Educators and parents aren’t aware of the helpful cognitive, social, and emotional advantages that a study of music offers. We are all born with the…
Boom in Kids Hair Care Provides Economic Opportunity to Canadian
4 min readThe global kid's haircare market is anticipated to rise at a considerable rate during the forecast period, between 2023 and 2030. In particular, specialty services and natural products geared toward children and their families living with autism or dealing with head lice have proven a successful business investment. Franchises, Lice Squad.com and Superhero Kids Hair…
What Is The Progression Of Writing In The Montessori Classroom?
6 min readDid you know that in Montessori classrooms the preparation for writing starts long before we ask the child to hold a pencil? Learning to write in a Montessori Preschool & Kindergarten (Casa) classroom offers an important and enriching experience that lays a solid foundation for a child’s educational journey. The Montessori Method of education, developed…
Health
Is Outdoor Risky Play The Secret to Healthier Kids?
7 min readFrom boosting confidence to improving mental health, outdoor risky play offers vast benefits. Think 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. “When people reflect on their most cherished childhood…
Breathe easy: doctors share tips to protect your family’s health
5 min readTaking steps to protect your family’s health at home is a natural instinct. If there’s mold, you clean it. If you have a pest infestation, you remove them. But, there's a major pollutant commonly used in homes across Canada that increases risks to health that not enough people are aware of: gas. Across North America,…
3 Important Head Lice Care and Prevention Tips
6 min readSo many kids get lice in January and it has nothing to do with their hair type, colour, gender or household income – it happens just after certain times of year when they gather in larger groups – like during the holidays. DAWN MUCCI, FOUNDER OF LICE SQUAD The fact is that head lice are an…
Overwhelmed and receiving little support? Have you considered applying for
5 min readAs parents, it is our innate nature to do all we can to support and nurture our children’s development. There are so many stresses, hurdles, and concerns. Parents with children with disabilities or medical conditions have overwhelming pressure both emotionally and financially as they struggle to find support and put in place early interventions. Getting access to testing,…
Children’s Grief and Awareness Day
11 min readAs hard as it is, it is important for children and youth to have their grief witnessed and supported. The Children’s Grief Foundation of Canada confirms that 1 in 5 children experience the death of a family member before they turn 18, so we can’t afford to maintain the cultural taboo. With truthful information, comfort,…
When Does “Clean Eating” Go Too Far? with Dr. Edward
4 min readEating disorders and disordered eating thrive in secrecy, so detecting them in your children and teens can often be difficult. However, there are signs and clues to be on the lookout for as a parent.Â
Activites
PARENT’S PERSPECTIVE: WHY PERFORMING ARTS ENSURES YOUR CHILD HAS A
9 min readEducation, arts, sports, playdates...the list goes on. The never-ending juggle of parenting, it can sometimes be challenging to build a schedule that works for everyone. Why performing arts is a key part of that juggle.
The 3 Main Benefits To A Music Education For Kids
7 min readHarmonizing Home and School: The Impact of Music Education on Children's Holistic Development Music education has long been a staple in education because it provides so many benefits for children. Educators and parents aren’t aware of the helpful cognitive, social, and emotional advantages that a study of music offers. We are all born with the…
10 REASONS WHY WE SHOULD ALL DANCE!
8 min readDance is a win-win, low-stakes, social activity with positive brain, body, and social-emotional outcomes. Here’s why we should all dance, and how to get started. As a dance educator, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing thousands of children embracing expression and movement, improving their coordination, and breaking out of their shells. As a parent, I’ve…
REEL 2 REAL FILM FESTIVAL PRESENTS
5 min readTHREE CANADIAN PREMIERES and FOUR CANADIAN FEATURE FILMS April 7 - 16 at the VIFF Centre and Roundhouse Community Centre This year R2R is all about cultivating cultural appreciation. Three remarkable international films make their Canadian premieres at this year’s Reel 2 Real. Filled with playful songs and a deep respect for the tradition of…
6 Family Fun Activity Picks In Vancouver And Surrounding Communities
5 min readSpring Break is here once again, and the sun is shining just in time to get started! There are so many family fun opportunities going on in our local communities, both indoors and outdoors. From visiting local parks and trails, to taking up some arts and crafts, and of course, enjoying kids camps! We hope…
3 TYPES OF SPRING BREAK CAMPS THAT APPEAL TO KIDS
4 min readIt's that time of year again when we are gearing up for Spring Break. Today we are highlighting three very different types of camps that offer the opportunity for kids to socialize, play games, and be introduced to experiences that might ignite a passion or new interest.
