urbanbaby & toddler

� | urbanbaby & toddler | winter 2009-10

Starting solids, pain relief during pregnancy, & plagiocephalyQA&ask Patricia Chuey, nutritionist

Q: My four-month-old baby is about to start eating solids. But how much, and what, do I start with?

A: At the four-to-six month point, once you’ve established that baby is developmentally ready for solids, in addition to breast milk or formula, you can introduce infant rice cereal, followed by oat, barley and wheat infant cereals. A safe puréed texture with food is key. A two-to-three tablespoon serving of infant cereal, twice daily, is a good amount for most babies.

Soon after cereal, a variety of puréed vegetables and fruits can be introduced (one to two

tablespoons, twice daily). It is not necessary to wait until the seven-to-eight month point for vegetables and fruit.

ask Dr. Lynn Simpson, obstetrician/gynecologist

Q: What pain-relief medications are safe for me to take while pregnant? I suffer from migraines and usually take ibuprofen.

A: The good news is that most women with migraines have fewer headaches when they are pregnant. Ibuprofen should be avoided in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy (its safety at this time is still under review) and after 32 weeks. Beyond 32 weeks, it can cause premature closure of

a channel in the baby’s heart, which can harm the baby.

Acetaminophen or Tylenol has not been shown to have any harmful effects on the baby or the pregnancy. At doses of 650 to 1,000 mg, (two regular or two extra-strength tablets), it has been shown to be effective for migraines in many cases.

For severe migraines that are unresponsive to acetaminophen, codeine can be added (Tylenol #3 has 30 mg of codeine and 15 mg of caffeine—there is however a form without caffeine), but should be used only in the short term. There has been no association with congenital abnormalities, but long-term use, especially near term, can cause withdrawal symptoms in the baby.

If your migraine is still unresponsive, then opiods

such as oxycodone, morphine, meperidine, etc., can be used on a one-time basis.

A headache after 20 weeks of pregnancy, should not be assumed to be a migraine especially if it does not respond to acetaminophen. It can be a symptom of a much more serious condition: preeclampsia.

Talk to your doctor or midwife about your options.

ask Dr. Cheryl Mutch, pediatrician

Q: My baby is five weeks old and seems to have a flat spot on the back of his head. Should I be concerned?

A: This is a very common issue that seemed to stem out

urbanbaby & toddler | winter 2009-10 | �

Starting solids, pain relief during pregnancy, & plagiocephalyof the “Back to Sleep” campaign back in the early ‘90s. We know that the safest sleep position for healthy full-term babies is on their backs—it lowers the risk of SIDS, or crib death. Some babies started to develop flat spots on the back of their heads as a result of spending long periods of time on their backs. Add that to sleep time, the time spent in car seats, carriers and bouncy seats, and many babies were spending the majority of their time on their backs.

A baby’s skull is quite soft and is made up of many bones that are joined together by connective tissue. Over time, if the baby spends a great deal of time in the same position, he is likely to develop a flat spot, often on one side of the back of the head. This is called positional plagiocephaly, which is more common in

premature babies, babies with larger-than-average head sizes, as well as babies that have low muscle tone.

The best treatment, as is the case with most things in life, is prevention. Alternate your baby’s position in the crib each night. For instance, on one night, place him with his head at the head of the crib, and on the next night, place him with his head at the foot of the crib. Continue alternating his position like this. This helps, as babies tend to like to look out toward the room or in the direction from which their parents approach them rather than at a wall. So each night, he will be turning his head a different way to see the “view.”

Supervised “tummy time” is also very important. Several times each day, while he is awake and supervised, place

him on his tummy so that he will develop the muscles in the back of his neck. Start with brief periods—he may like it better if you place him on your chest for this so he can try to look up into your face.

Try to avoid long periods of time in the car seat, or stroller. Try using an infant carrier or sling. Mix it up a bit so he is not always in the same position. These preventative measures will also help to prevent further flattening of your baby’s head. As your baby’s head grows, the shape will gradually improve.

Some babies will develop positional plagiocephaly as a result of torticollis. This is a long-winded medical term for “head tilt” or “wry neck.” Torticollis is a relatively common condition resulting from either the baby not having enough room to move

around inside the uterus, or from developing a hematoma, scar, and subsequent shortening in one of the neck muscles after delivery. These babies will usually respond nicely to gentle neck stretching exercises. If you notice that your baby has a head tilt or a flat spot at the back of the head, it is important to see your doctor in order to determine if any other intervention is necessary. Occasionally, if there is some facial asymmetry, a special helmet or banding can help reshape the baby’s head if the plagiocephaly is picked up in the first few months.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that positional plagiocephaly is a cosmetic issue. Placing your baby to sleep on his back is still the safest position in order to prevent SIDS. ]


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To take the full year’s maternity leave or not to take it? It’s not a simple question to answer.

When I had my son and working for another company, I decided to take a six-week maternity leave instead of the 12-month leave I was eligible to take. I didn’t have to but I chose to because it was what I thought my employer at the time wanted, and I couldn’t imagine having to live on Employment Insurance, which is only a percentage of your normal income. After the birth of my daughter, I had expected to take the full year and be the best Leave It to Beaver mom, EVER. I ended up taking just eight months because I missed working with rational, predictable adults on projects that did not involve spit-up or poop.

I realized that I am not the natural-born stay-at-home mother I thought I would be. I tried, but guess what? Being at home 24/7 with my two small children, taking care of them (in spite of their determination to not let Mommy sleep), was a challenge that bested me. I admit it.

So I gladly and guiltily hung up my Mommy hat for a few hours every day so that I could get a break from the babies, at work.

Many young mothers are finding themselves foregoing the 12-month maternity leave. Read Jennifer Lee’s article, “Back so soon? New moms return to work sooner than expected” on page 18, for more on this growing trend.

I’m not sorry that I went back to work early. It was what I needed to do. And my children still seem to love me. Phew!

I have to give a shout-out to all those mothers who do stay at home full-time. You have the hardest job in the world. Kudos to you.

Enjoy this issue of urbanbaby & toddler magazine over the holiday season. There’s a lot to check out, including cool gifts in the Great Goods column (page 26), a frank interview with mother and career woman Mary Jo Eustace (page 30), a list of fun family events (page 8) for the weeks to come. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

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pregnancy

by Emilie Salomons

Inducing labour naturallyBy 40 weeks of pregnancy,

most women are more than ready for the grand

entrance of their little miracle. Thoughts of “getting things going” or inducing labour may cross their minds.

Remember that 40 weeks is only an estimate. Although you have reached your 40-week mark, your baby may still have some growing and maturing to do in the womb. So, it is important that you never try to induce labour before your due date. Once you have the green light from your doctor or midwife to naturally help things along, here are ways to help start your uterine contractions or increase their speed and regularity:

Walking. Whether your first few contractions have begun or

you are just ready to help get things rolling, walking is one of the easiest and safest methods to naturally induce. Walking increases circulation throughout the body, which helps promote contractions; gravity and the rocking of your hips help bring baby’s head down into position.

Going for a walk can also be a nice change of venue, saving you from playing the waiting game. Remember to bring a cell phone and a friend or partner with you—you never know how effective walking may be.

Sex. You’ve heard the rumours, and they’re true! Sex helps increase contractions. The prostaglandins in your partnerís semen actually help stimulate the uterus to contract. And when you orgasm your uterus

contracts while your brain sends out a wave of relaxing “pleasure hormones,” reducing stress and calming your nerves.

Acupuncture. No longer limited to the East, midwives, doctors and acupuncturists around the world are using acupuncture to help cervical ripening and to induce labour. With studies from China, Austria, Sweden and the US showing shortened first stages, increased speed of contraction intervals and even reduced need for epidural analgesia in some cases, acupuncture is quickly becoming a standard practice in a lot of major cities. If you choose to get acupuncture, look for a licensed acupuncturist or doctor of Chinese medicine with labour and delivery experience.

Massage. This is a favourite option of pregnant women everywhere. Get your partner, doula, or friend to massage your neck, shoulders and lower back. It can improve circulation and help begin contractions, and it feels great and helps keep you calm and relaxed.

Castor oil. Castor oil can increase your intestinal contractions, which because of the proximity of the intestines to the uterus, also increases your uterine contractions. The suggested amount differs depending on whom you talk to, ranging from 1 to 3 ounces. Check online for castor oil recipes. ]

Dr. Emilie Salomons practices traditional Chinese medicine at Harmony Wellness Centre in Vancouver.


on thetownDEC 1 - 23: Carol Ships Parade of Lights, Vancouver Harbour, Vancouver. Boat owners deck out their boats with ornaments and lights. Info: carolships.org

DEC 4 - 30: Christmas at Canada Place, 999 Canada Place, Vancouver. Lights, children’s performers, and St. Nick. Info: canadaplace.ca/christmas

DEC 4 - JAN 2: Canyon Lights, Capilano Suspension Bridge, 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver. Celebration of winter lights on the bridge, Christmas band, ornament making. Admission applies. Info: capbridge.com

DEC 5, 4 pm: Hyack Christmas Parade, Columbia Street, between 4th & 8th Streets, New Westminster. Christmas floats and music. Info: hyack.bc.ca

DEC 5, 5:30 pm: Magic of Christmas Parade and Country Christmas, West on Fraser Highway from 207 Street, Langley. Floats galore, and then at 6:30 pm, a Country Christmas at Douglas Rec Centre for an evening with Santa, entertainment, carolling, treats. Info: downtownlangley.com

DEC 5: Christmas in the Park & the Santa Claus Parade, Memorial Peace Park, 11900 - 224 Street, Maple Ridge. Lights, music, carols, photos with Santa. Info: mapleridge.ca

DEC 6, 2 pm: Festive Frivolity, Orpheum Theatre, Seymour and Smithe Street, Vancouver. Non-stop holiday gags, jokes, fun and audience interaction with kids’ entertainer Al Simmons. Info/tickets: vancouversymphony.ca

DEC 6, 1 pm: Rogers Santa Claus Parade, Broughton & Georgia Streets, downtown Vancouver. Holiday parade. Info: rogerssantaclausparade.com

DEC 11 - JAN 3: Festival of Lights, VanDusen Botanical Garden, 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver. Santa Claus, Christmas lights displays, kids’ entertainment. Admission applies. Info: vandusen.org or 604.878.9274

DEC 11, 6 - 8:30 pm: Richmond Winter Hayride, Steveston Community Centre, 4111 Moncton Street, Richmond. Admission applies. Includes mug of hot cocoa. Info: richmond.ca

DEC 12, 9 am - 9 pm: White Rock Horse & Carriage Rides, various locations in White Rock. Free cariage rides at 4 locations throughout the day. Starting at Uptown & ending at West Beach. Entertainment, Santa hats and song books will be given away. Info: whiterockbia.com

DEC 18 - 24: Breakfast with Santa, Grouse Mountain, North Vancouver. Buffet brunch with Santa and kids’ entertainment. Admission applies. Info/tickets: grousemountain.com or 604.980.9311.

Holiday festivities for the family

urbanbaby & toddler | winter 2009-10 | 9

To DEC 24: The Peak of Christmas, Grouse Mountain, North Vancouver. Sleigh rides, reindeer, music and ice skating. Info: grousemountain.com

To DEC 31: 13th Annual Seasonal Celebration, Deer Lake Park, 6450 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby. Family event includes music, dance, theatre, hands-on family activities, family magic show, wreath-making. Info: deerlakepark.org

To DEC 31: Park & Tilford’s Christmas Festival of Lights, Park & Tilford Gardens, 333 Brooksbank Avenue, North Vancouver. Christmas lights. Lights come on at 4:30 pm. Admission by donation. Info: parkandtilford.ca

To JAN 2: Bright Nights, Stanley Park, Vancouver. More than a million twinkling lights, Children’s Farmyard, holiday displays. Cost: $8/adult; $5/child or senior. Info/tickets: vancouver.ca/parks/events/brightnights or ticketmaster.ca

To JAN 3: Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum, 6501 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby. A old-fashioned Christmas with entertainment, demos, hands-on activities and Father Christmas. Admission applies. Info: burnabyvillagemuseum.ca

To JAN 3: Festival of Trees, Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver and upper lobby of Pacific Centre, Vancouver. Beautifully decorated Christmas trees, all to raise funds for BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. Admission free; suggested minimum of $2 to vote on your favourite tree. Info: bcchf.ca/main/?festivalofTrees

To MAR 21: Public Ice Skating at Robson Square, 800 Robson Street, Vancouver. Public free skating from 12 noon to 9 pm every day. Rentals are $3 and include helmets for those 12 and under. Info: 604.646.3568 ]

Details are correct at time of printing. Contact event organizers to confirm details.

Find more events or submit your event at

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When rain, snow and sleet are falling from the sky, it’s tempting to curl

up and play indoors, preferably with a big mug of hot chocolate. Yes, I love snuggling indoors in the dark, dark days of winter. I also love going outside, even when it’s raining.

In January of 2006, it rained for nearly 30 days straight in Vancouver. Every day, I took a walk outside with my daughter, rain, sleet, or snow. Why? Fresh air, exercise, and a token amount of sunshine: three reasons to take a hike. Even when it’s raining, the light soaking through the clouds revives sleepy winter brains just a little. Getting outdoors is also a meditation: you can focus on the here and now. There’s nothing like rain, snow, mist and mud to engage the senses.

Winter hiking is different from summer hiking. In the summer, it’s busy on the trails and streets. On a slushy day in November, you might be the only one outside. Before you say, “Yes, and there’s a reason for that,” let’s explore some ways to make winter hiking grand! What do you need to stay warm and enjoy a wet, cold day? A sturdy rain jacket is a must, with a layer of fleece or even wool if it’s really cold. A good pair of nylon pants will see you through more than

a year of puddle jumping. Use a rain hat with a wide brim to allow your child to look in all directions. Add a pair of lined rain boots to keep your toddler’s feet warm as she runs through the puddles.

For babies and tired toddlers, carriers like the Ergo pack snugly into your backpack. They’re a good back-up plan for lengthy winter hikes. Use baby leggings to stop your child’s legs from getting cold. If you’re walking in areas that could harbour black ice, invest in pair of ice grippers like Yaktrax to prevent yourself from slipping while baby wearing.

Now that you’re dressed to the nines Vancouver style, how can you enjoy a winter hike with your baby or toddler?

Instead of dreading the rain, practise rain appreciation. Close your eyes and listen to the rain falling. Use containers to catch the rain—do they make different sounds when the rain hits them? Catch raindrops on your tongue, or sit under a giant umbrella and watch the rain come down.

You can play with the water too. Look for giant puddles and jump in them! Bring your muddy clothes and wallow in the squishy parts. Put a big rock in the middle and watch the water splash. Follow the water as it moves towards storm drains and ditches, tracing its path it makes as it runs back to the ocean.

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In Vancouver, winter snow can be a passing fancy, although sometimes it can hit us hard. How can you enjoy a snowy day hike with your baby or toddler? Play in the snow! Make a snow angel while your baby sits on your chest. Build a snow chair or a fort and sit and watch the snow fall. Make a path of giant footprints in the snow. The texture of snow is an intriguing sensation for small babies. Make a snowball and let your baby touch it, feel it with her cheek, and taste it with her tongue.

Bring in treasures from the winter streets and explore them indoors as well. Add fallen branches and tiny cones to a crown shape cut out of stiff card. Complement these with snowflakes made out of wrapping paper and flowers made of reused tissue paper, and you have a crown fit for a winter prince or princess!

Discover the textures of different cones by rolling them in paint, then rolling them over pieces of paper. Use them as stamps as well.

Pine cones also make excellent animals: set a cone large side down, glue eyes on the top and feet at the bottom.

Winter is a quiet time for animals, but there is still a lot to see in our forests. It’s the perfect

time for a hike. In a local park, explore the ways that trees move in the snow. Look at the shapes of snowy trees and watch the branches move as snow drops onto the ground. On top of the snow, find cones, lichen and branches. Feel them and talk about their textures.

Watch winter wildlife with your baby. Look for signs of animals as you walk through the forest. Are those tracks? Who could have made them? Listen for the noises of branches cracking and animals calling. Talk about what you hear. When you get home, put out seed for winter birds and watch them arrive at the feeder.

When it snows, the din of the city subsides and all sounds are new again. When it rains, puddles fill the streets. Enjoy winter hikes with your child and use your parental license: as a parent, you now have an excuse to jump in giant puddles and build snow forts. What are you waiting for? ]

Tricia Edgar is a nature educator and writer who lives in North Vancouver. She loves spending jumping in puddles with her daughter and particularly enjoys the muddy bits.

Go hiking with baby or tot


finance

by Linh Tsiu

The financial business of hiring a nannyIf you’re like many

professional couples struggling to balance the

demands of caring for children with the obligations of a busy career, hiring a nanny may sound like a dream come true.

When Jessica and Adam Bramwell engaged the services of a live-in nanny to care for their two small boys, the couple anticipated respite from a hectic lifestyle that involved arranging day care to accommodate their fluctuating work schedules.

However, Jessica, in her role as family bookkeeper, soon faced a new challenge—that of familiarizing herself with the various legal requirements associated with hiring a nanny

and ensuring compliance with all reporting and taxation obligations that the Canadian government requires. Jessica added “accountant” to her list of roles, along with cook, nurse, mom, housekeeper and career woman.

As Jessica and Adam discovered, when you hire a nanny, whether full-time or part-time, whether live-in or live-out, you become an employer. You approach this employer/employee relationship as if you were operating a small business.

As an employer, you are legally obligated to do the following:

1. Register for a business number with Canada

Revenue Agency (CRA).2. Remit payroll

withholding taxes to CRA. This includes the nanny’s income tax, CPP (Canada Pension Plan), EI (Employment Insurance) and the employer’s portion of CPP and EI.

3. Provide an accurate T4 to your nanny at the end of each fiscal year and file your T4 summary to the CRA by deadline. If you file late, you will be penalized a late fee of $25 per day.

4. Follow all provincial labour standards to avoid liability under the Employment Standards Act (ESA). The ESA sets out minimum requirements for payment of annual vacation pay and statutory holidays. Failure to comply may warrant you an administrative penalty of $500 per ESA violation.

5. Register for Workers’ Compensation coverage for the nanny.

Should you inadvertently fail to comply with these requirements, you could

be facing a world of legal trouble. When the nanny’s contract ends, she may file a lawsuit against you for non-compliance.

The Canadian legal system protects the rights of the employee. The employer is expected to know the standards. A lack of understanding is rarely accepted as a valid excuse. Many nanny employers, including Adam and Jessica, simplify their lives by using a nanny payroll and accounting service.

Parenthood is an expensive proposition whether you hire a nanny or not. The Canada Income Tax Act provides a wide range of tax credits to offset the high cost of raising a child. According to statistics published by MSNMoney.ca, middle-income parents in the US will spend approximately $221,000 to raise a child from birth to age 18. The Canadian figures are somewhat lower—a mere $193,000, as reported by Manitoba Agriculture’s

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The financial business of hiring a nanny

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economics department—and this figure covers the necessities. Skating lessons, birthday parties and Cub Scout dues are extra.

With numbers like this, it’s smart to ensure that you claim every possible tax credit when you file your annual taxes. For example:

1. Children under the age of 18 and born after 1991 receive a tax credit in the amount of $2,038.

2. If your children are under the age of 16, you can claim childcare expenses (day care, nanny, nanny agency fee, overnight camps, boarding school, etc.) against your earned employment income.

3. The Income Tax Act offers the Child Fitness Tax Credit, which provides up to $500 per year per child. Claims must be for eligible expenses in a fitness program.

4. You may be eligible for tax-free monthly payments for childcare expenses through the Canada Child Tax Benefit. This is based on your household income.

5. Parents with children under the age of six receive a monthly, taxable payment of $100 per month per child

through the Universal Child Benefit.

6. If your child has a documented disability, you may be eligible to receive child disability benefit.

7. You may be able to claim medical expenses for your child. You must provide receipts for expenses including medical costs and prescriptions.

8. You may be able to claim a tax credit for transit passes for your children.

9. Parents of college-attending children may be able to transfer the tuition to their tax return.

These and other tax credits may apply, depending on your individual circumstance. It is never too soon or too late to begin tax planning. To be sure you are claiming everything possible, discuss your situation with your accountant. ]

For more info on CRA policies and guidelines, visit the CRA's website at cra-arc.gc.ca.

Linh Tsiu is a CGA (Certified General Accountant) specializing in payroll and taxation to employers of nannies and caregivers. caregivertax.ca

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With the birth of her second child, Naomi Clauss was

unprepared for the balancing act required to keep both children safe and happy. She figured that since she was an experienced parent, she wouldn’t have any trouble coping with a new baby in the house, but in many ways she found it harder the second time around.

“I knew something had to give the day my toddler pitched a complete fit when I wouldn’t let him watch any more TV,” says Clauss. “The poor kid was addicted to television because every time I needed to feed the baby I’d throw the TV on to distract him.”

Clauss is not alone in feeling overwhelmed by the addition of another child. Kathy Eugster, a Vancouver-based child and family counselor, who is qualified as a registered clinical counsellor as well as a registered play therapist, says, “It is extremely common for parents to feel a certain amount of stress when another child is added to a family. Parents can

easily become overwhelmed.” She adds that the stress can be greater if an older sibling is not adjusting to the transition well or if new baby is more difficult than those that have come before.

Eugster’s best advice in all situations is to “think ahead.” To help an older child with the new addition, she suggests reading lots of books on the subject, attending sibling preparation classes and leaving plenty of time to discuss all the feelings that the older child may have. She cautions to not expect a child to accept a new baby: “The goal in preparing an older child for a new sibling is simply providing information and making sure the child understands that a baby is coming and what some of that entails.” Remember that no matter what emotions your older child is feeling those emotions are totally normal. She also suggests making all physical changes, such as moving rooms or beds, well ahead of time. The more prepared your child is before baby, the easier the transition.

Melinda Jeffrey, a mom of

Juggling two or more kids


four in Vancouver, remembers the rude awakening she received when her third child was a terrible sleeper. “My first two babies slept through the night at six weeks. When my third wouldn’t sleep at all—ever—I didn’t know how to deal with it. Our family just about disintegrated from the stress and lack of sleep.”

When it comes to dealing with a difficult child Eugster again recommends thinking ahead. If a family prepares for the worst, parents won’t be thrown for a loop if a baby is a bit more difficult that the previous children. Run through scenarios in your mind and come up with options to solve any problems.

Another recommendation is to ask for help. A common reason for feeling overwhelmed is that you may be doing more with less help. Not as many family and friends offer to help because the feeling is often that an experienced parent can handle it.

Sue Browner a mom of four from Richmond recalls the help she received with her first child: “My fridge was stocked. My freezer was overflowing. We ate like kings for weeks thanks to all our friends and neighbours dropping by with goodies. But when Jeremy (her fourth child) came along, our friends were too busy with their own expanding families to worry about what mine was eating.”

Eugster, who is a mother of three grown children, suggests building your support system before your baby is born. Ask for family or friends to take older children out for a couple of hours or stay home with the baby so you can get out with your older kids. Ask them to pitch in by taking your child for a few hours when they can.

Promise them you’ll swap their kids once your family is settled again.

The bottom line is that, with each additional person you add to a family, the work is going to increase and preparation only goes so far.

Here are some tips and tricks to help you deal with the demands from parents who have been there:

A mom of four hid toys and books in the couch cushions so that when she sat to feed baby she could easily find a distraction for her older kids.

A mom of three from Vancouver says, “Lower your standards. I decided I could live with a little dirt here and there but I still couldn’t live with mess so now my home is always tidy but not necessarily clean. I’ve got more time for my kids and my husband.”

“Prioritize, prioritize, prioritize,” says a mom of three in Burnaby. “If losing the baby weight is number one, then that’s number one. If arts and crafts with your kids is number one, then that’s number one. Pick one thing and keep it in focus. And remember, no one has ever died because the laundry didn’t get finished.”

“Buy a slow cooker and use it,” says a dad of two boys from Burnaby.

As for Clauss, she still lets her son watch TV in moderation. She allows her son to watch one program while she is prepping dinner but while she feeds the baby she keeps the TV off. Instead she offers up his favourite toy—PlayDoh. “I use a big nursing pillow and sit at the table with my two-year-old while he moulds and shapes and squishes instead of sitting idly staring at a screen. He’s much happier—we all are.” ]

Juggling two or more kids

nutrition

by Patricia Chuey, MSc., RD

In the early 1900s, the average family spent approximately 44 hours

per week making meals. By 1950, the time had been cut in half. Today, although great taste and good-for-you meals remain important, the average household invests about 15 minutes preparing any given meal. And the time available in the morning is often even shorter than that. Yet, breakfast remains the most important meal of the day. Here is a review of breakfasts’ many benefits and some deliciously healthy options for the whole family, no matter how much or little time you have.

Breakfast benefitsEven when a bedtime

snack is eaten, it’s normal to wake up in a fasting state —blood sugar level (energy in the bloodstream) is low. To prevent the light-headedness, fatigue and grouchies that can be associated with skipping breakfast or not eating soon enough, eating something within the first two hours of waking is recommended. Kids who eat breakfast perform better in school. Children and adults who eat a balanced breakfast have an easier time staying at a healthy weight. Eating breakfast sets the tone for healthy eating for the remainder of the day. Breakfast is also

an important opportunity to consume as much as one third of the nutrients needed for good health each day. Eating a balanced breakfast consisting of at least three of the four food groups, provides carbohydrates for mental and physical stamina along with protein for staying power. For busy families who won’t connect again for several hours, sitting down together over breakfast can be an important time to discuss the day’s activities.

Breakfast in a hurryWhen you have just 10

minutes, or less, try these breakfasts that kids and adults will love. They can be consumed at home wholly, but are also highly portable when you need to eat them on the go.

- Cereal trail mix (made in advance) made of a favourite dry cereal, nuts and dried fruit. Try oat squares or granola with dried cranberries and pumpkin seeds.

- A muffin “sandwich” made of a whole-grain muffin topped with a slice of cheese and a thin slice of apple or mango.

- A travel-mug smoothie. The flavour combinations

are endless. Try frozen strawberries with orange juice and yogurt, a banana with vanilla yogurt or frozen blueberries with milk or soy milk. Portions can be kept to 1/2 to 1 cup for small children.

- A toasted whole-grain mini bagel topped with cream cheese and accompanied by a piece of fruit.

- For grown-ups, a latte (the milk provides some protein), a handful of toasted almonds and a banana.

Super kid-friendly breakfasts

In addition to good-old cold cereal* that the kids may already be helping themselves to, offer a variety of breakfast choices like these.

- Kids’ version of cereal trail mix. Use a mixture of a healthy dry cereal and a handful of a fun, kids’ cereal along with dried fruit and nuts. Kids like raisins, dried blueberries, sunflower and pumpkin seeds.

- Pancakes. Involve the kids in cooking. If you’re short on time in the morning, make pancakes the night before and simply reheat. Make mini-pancakes for fun. Top with fresh fruit and yogurt.

- Peachy french toast. Dip

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Make breakfast count: easy & delicious food to fuel your familybread in an egg-milk mixture and pan fry. Serve with French vanilla yogurt and fresh or canned peaches.

- Breakfast-on-a-stick: Skewer cubes of melon, strawberries, cheese and turkey breakfast sausage.

- Breakfast parfaits. In a fun, tall glass, serve layers of yogurt, fruit and cereal. A fruit salsa of diced kiwi, strawberry and banana for the fruit layer is always a hit.

- Breakfast popsicles. Make a smoothie of peanut butter, frozen banana and milk or frozen strawberries and milk. Freeze in popsicle molds and serve as a novel way to start the day.

Leisurely breakfastsWhen time allows, a relaxed

breakfast or brunch while still wearing PJs, is a satisfying way to start the day. Consider these ideas.

- Poached eggs, a slice of Swiss cheese, a couple of steamed asparagus spears and fresh tomato slices on a

toasted croissant.- Crêpes. So sophisticated,

yet simple to make. The crêpes can even be made ahead of time. Fill with peaches (or strawberries) and creamy vanilla yogurt. A plain leftover crêpe, wrapped in a log and served cold is a hit with preschoolers.

- Omelet bar. Chop up a variety of fillings such as ham, cheddar, bell peppers, mushrooms, onions and more. Everyone can customize his omelet.

- Fresh, home-baked muffins, a selection of cheese and a fresh fruit platter. In season, try rhubarb, blueberry or pumpkin muffins.

- Slow-cooked, steel-cut oats, quinoa or other whole-grain porridge. Cook in milk instead of water for extra creaminess and top with tropical fruit salsa made of pineapple, papaya and mango.

To meet basic nutrient requirements, preschoolers need the following servings per

day. One serving is roughly the size of a tennis ball.

- Vegetables and fruit: 4-5- Grain products: 3-4- Milk and alternatives: 2- Meat and alternatives: 1-2It is helpful when at least one

third of these requirements are met at breakfast. ]

*Note: the best cold cereals are those that meet the “2-8-2 Rule”: less than 2 grams of fat per serving, less than 8 grams of sugar per serving and more than 2 grams of fibre per serving. Some so-called “kids’ cereals” provide the same amount of sugar and fat as a chocolate bar!



feature

by Jennifer Lee

It was only nine years ago that parental benefits in Canada were extended from 25 weeks

to 50, and it was news that was enthusiastically embraced by mothers and fathers across the country.

For a while, it seemed that every woman with a newborn took her year of paid leave, and these women, who, up until recently, were speed walking in skirt suits to and from their offices, were soon seen pushing strollers down the street in the middle of the workday instead. Critics hailed the extended benefit as a social breakthrough, a policy that would positively impact the development of a brand-new generation of children.

Since then, a different group of women have reached their

30s—women who, like me, have spent the bulk of their adult lives studying, working and then working some more. As children of the baby-boomer generation, we have been taught to pursue our career goals first, build a solid financial base on which to have children, and then consider starting families. According to recent data released by Statistics Canada, women in their 30s are driving the current spike in the birth of babies across the country. This is no coincidence; after all, as perhaps the very first generation to be born post-feminism, we watched our mothers and aunts struggle with the dream of having it all: children, partners, careers and social lives. Instead of repeating the pattern, women are now carefully planning their lives to

avoid that same struggle.But what happens when a

33-year-old woman decides she wants to start a family? Does she put her career on hold for a

year just because she can? Or does she return to work sooner and risk feeling guilty because financial and professional considerations are bleeding into

When new moms return to work sooner than expected

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time that we often believe should be focused solely on the welfare of our children? These are questions that I, and many of my friends, debate in our heads on a regular basis. A lot can happen in a full year: the company you work for could be sold, the business you spent years building could suffer without you. But at the same time, you could miss your baby’s first steps, or, after dropping off your six-month-old at daycare for the first time, you could run back to your car and, overwhelmed with the anxiety of separation, cry into the steering wheel.

Tara, a 36-year-old self-employed massage therapist, describes her decision to return to work two months after giving birth to her son, Zev, “I am a

small business owner and had to hire a locum to look after my clients. I am not entitled to employment benefits and my husband is. So after my baby turned four months old, my husband took a parental leave to look after my son. We don’t have family capable of taking on child care, and we were unable to get our son into a daycare that early.”

Angie, a 32-year-old Canadian doctor who works and lives in the United States and who is expecting her second child this fall, adds, “I don’t wish I could have stayed at home for a whole year, but I do wish I had more than four weeks off. I think I would have gone crazy at home with my son for a whole year! I’m thankful my husband could do it instead.”

This is a common concern for women considering having children. As individuals who are used to troubleshooting, mediating or developing new initiatives in the workplace, women in their 30s are often worried that being a stay-at-home mom, albeit temporarily, is a role that might soon become mundane. This doesn’t mean, of course, that spending time with their children is something that they dread or are ambivalent about; it simply means that these women also value the skills they acquired pre-baby, skills that they want to maintain and continue improving.

However, as Tara explained, the most compelling reason to return to work sooner than expected is because your

financial situation demands it. According to the mommy blog, Strocel.com, about one third of Canadian mothers are ineligible for parental benefits, either because they are self-employed, or they are part-time or seasonal workers who will not accumulate enough hours to qualify. Employed, ineligible women take an average unpaid leave of four months. For many, it’s simply not an option to take a whole year off work with no income, or it’s impossible to make ends meet with only 55 percent of your regular salary (the rate of parental benefits paid by Service Canada).

As Tara says, “If we had no financial barriers, I would have

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It sits there in the living room. It’s just an innocent screen. What’s the fuss? Is there

a problem with preschoolers watching television? Well, the simple answer is, it depends. It depends on how much, what programs and whether they are alone when they are watching.

The question I most often hear from parents in my workshops concerns violence on TV (and movies and video games). Does media violence contribute to the likelihood of committing violent acts? In the research, the question is not whether viewing violence causes it but whether

it contributes to the chance that someone will become violent or increase the severity when it does happen.

Children learn by imitating. Watch toddlers and preschoolers play dress-up and you will get an uncanny picture of life in your home this morning. Therefore, when they are watching violence on TV they are much more likely to mimic what they see. They aren’t trying to be nasty; they are just trying to do what their media heroes do and may be the most surprised person in the room when they hurt another child at daycare. After all, the cartoon

character just jumps back up after being bonked and goes on his way.

When children are watching a lot of violence, it can lead to desensitization. They just become used to seeing it and aren’t bothered or upset, at least on the surface. In some cases, this can lead to kids taking longer to react when they see one child hurt another. They may not call for adult help as quickly as they should. Taking this to its conclusion, they may become adults with limited understanding about domestic violence and show little sympathy to the

victims.There are those who believe

that watching violence on TV can be a catharsis for children. They can release their anger and frustration in a safe and passive way. However, the research shows that it can cause hostile feelings. People who choose to watch a violent program are more likely to have hostile feelings from the start and these do not diminish after watching the show. There is no catharsis. Those who display no hostility in advance, have increased hostile feelings after watching violence.

For our youngsters the

by Kathy Lynn

TV & preschoolers: what’s too much?

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TV & preschoolers: what’s too much?concerns are even more prevalent. They cannot process what they are watching. Patt Uren, preschool teacher with Seymour Heights Parent Participation Preschool puts it this way: “Preschoolers can’t fully process the violent images they see on TV but those images stay in their heads. It’s like putting material in the “hard drive” of their brain and some day, the stuff that made no sense before, will bubble up and no one will know where it came from.”

In other words, the impact is there—it’s just on hold. It’s like kids who eat lots of sugar. The day after eating sweets their teeth will be just fine. But if they continue on the road of consistently eating a lot of candy, one day they will find themselves in the dentist’s chair having a

cavity or two filled.Preschoolers are amazing

little mimickers. They work to understand the world by watching what’s happening and then trying it out. Fantasy play is a huge part of their day-to-day activity. Play is the essence of childhood and the way they learn about the world around them and try to make sense of everything they see and experience. So, it’s important that we monitor what they are seeing.

TV is not all bad and a limited amount of TV watching can be educational and entertaining. Choose shows that teach good social values and skills, don’t promote racial or sexual stereotypes, are stimulating, verbally interactive and repetitive. These will appeal to children and

bring positive value.Today’s kids often

demonstrate a sort of pseudo-sophistication. Because of the prevalence of TV in their lives, they see and hear more than any previous generation of kids. Then

they use the language they hear and we think they understand what they are saying. During the Gulf War, which was broadcast constantly, children were heard

cont’d on page 34


Helping your tots mind their mannersfeature

by Daniela Ginta

If you are holding your precious bundle of joy in your arms thinking that she has a long

way to go until you’ll talk about manners, think again. Teaching your child to talk and behave politely starts early. Or so it should, says Judi Vankevich, best known as “Judi The Manners Lady,” an award-winning family entertainer, and president and founder of The Manners Club based in Vancouver.

“Babies and young toddlers who are not yet talking can be taught manners through sign language,” says Vankevich. “Their little hands can be encouraged to learn the proper signing for ‘more’ or ‘please’,” Vankevich says. But, she explains, don’t forget to

acknowledge your children’s polite behaviour. Praising them for using their nice words and for being polite will reinforce good behaviour and boost their self-confidence.

Where do you start?We want our children to be

polite, well-mannered, and pleasant to be around from an early age. Having just dealt with a tantrum your three-year-old threw for the second time in one afternoon, you may feel that you are fighting a losing battle. “Polite” may not describe a toddler during her wildest moments, but there is hope, according to parenting experts. If you start early, that is.

Kathy Lynn, parent educator, emphasizes that teaching manners should start early in life.

“Ideally, children should be introduced to manners as soon as they start talking, but parents have to be aware of their children’s abilities and level of understanding,” Lynn says. While a two-year-old may not be expected to say ‘thank you’ and ‘please’ every time, a preschooler should remember to say it most times, she adds.

Where do I start? you may ask. According to both Lynn and Vankevich, one of the most important steps in teaching manners to your child is to lead by example. “Children notice things right away,” says Lynn. “You cannot forget your manners and expect your child to remember hers,” she points out.

As soon as your children start interacting with others, she must be introduced to “The Golden Rule,” as Vankevich calls it, which is “treat others the way she would like be treated.” The Manners Lady, who has recorded it as the “Golden Rule Rap!” emphasizes that parents should remind their children that our good manners help other people feel special and appreciated.

Nice to meet you, tooMost of us have no problem

meeting new people or greeting people we know. Things are different for toddlers and preschoolers. “Two-year-olds may not be remembering to say ‘hello’ or they are simply too shy, but by the time they are three or four, they should be able to greet people properly,” Lynn says. Both experts agree that role playing is a very important tool in teaching young children how to greet people.

“Parents can have fun teaching their children how to introduce themselves properly, by looking into that person’s eyes, smiling, shaking hands and saying hello in a nice and clear voice,” explains Vankevich. “Remember, shyness is not an excuse for rudeness,” Vankevich says. A helpful trick, she adds, is to play a little game called, “What colour are their eyes?” Ask your young children to look into the person’s eyes in order to tell you later what colour they are! Suddenly, your child is looking into people’s eyes. Play pretend with your child often so she will feel comfortable when Special thanks to

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Helping your tots mind their mannersmeeting someone. “Preschoolers three and older should be able to say ‘hello’ and answer a few questions if necessary, but don’t overdo it,” advises Lynn. Treating people with respect should never become a boring chore.

Meal-time mannersMost people think table

manners apply to the way we sit around the table to have our meals. And that is by all means an important part of it. But there is more to it than just eating nicely. Children should also help setting and cleaning up the table. Even young children can be given age-appropriate chores such as setting the table, minus the knives, of course, and taking their plates to the kitchen after they are done eating, as soon as they are able to hold a plate in their hands. Waiting patiently for a meal to be served, whether at home or in a restaurant, may not seem realistic for a two-year-old but should be expected from three-year-old and older children, says Lynn. Carry a few crayons and a piece of paper with you when dining out, or opt for taking your young children for a short walk while waiting for food to be served.

Few parents have been spared the embarrassment that followed their children’s rude comments about someone’s cooking. Role playing is once again an important teaching tool. The first rule is that all food that is served to them should be tasted and

they should also know that not all food will be their favourite. If they dislike the food, children should tell you that in privacy. And if they say it out loud, treat it as a mistake, rather than rudeness, advises Lynn.

Preschoolers are still learning about the world around them and just because they know their nice words it doesn’t mean they have mastered all the skills of civilized social interaction. Saying “thank you” after being served a meal should become a habit as early as possible in life. The same goes for “May I be please be excused?” But don’t just teach it to your child, explain to her that people feel respected when she is respectful and grateful. Remember to do the same if you have to leave the table.

Bottom lineRaising a polite child, and

a polite young child at that, is possible. Model the kind of behaviour you want to see in your child and be consistent with the rules whether at home or somewhere else.

Make it fun, advises Vankevich, if you want children to be responsive and learn manners the fun way. Whether you invent your own games and songs or you listen to already recorded CDs the most important thing is to show your child that being polite is a privilege and makes one pleasant to be around and fun to play with. More, please? ]

My turn! Most parents teach their children to ask nicely for a turn to speak or play or share a toy, just to have them ask, beg, and ultimately scream for that turn when they are not granted one right away. What should parents do? “Allow them a turn when they ask nicely, but don’t give in to whining and screaming,” says Lynn. It is alright to ignore them when they scream or whine, Lynn adds. Giving in, she warns, only teaches them that asking nicely is not the only way to get what you want.

It’s my turn!


Gift ideas for everyone in the familygreatgoodsby Emma Lee

We love Plan Toys! Two of our favourite items, the Parking Garage (above left) and Green Dollhouse with Furniture (above right) are fantastic play stations that are made with natural rubberwood that has been recycled from rubber trees that are no longer able to produce latex. Non-formaldehyde glue is used instead of traditional toxic wood glue, and non-toxic water-based dyes provide the colours. The Parking Garage has three floors of parking space, a working elevator tower, attendant’s booth, helipad, and includes a figure, car, gas station and car wash—all retailing for $109.99. And how about the eco-friendly dollhouse featuring a wind turbine, a solar cell panel with electrical inverter for generating electricity, a rain barrel, a green wall, a shade canopy, and recycle bins? It’s a dollhouse that also encourages sustainability. Retails for $319.99. Both are available at raspberrykids.com.

sustainable play stations

Protect baby from the winter elements with Tsitah Threads’ new winter baby blanket. Made with cozy fleece and a water-repellant ripstop nylon for the outer shell, this cover-up is great for the wet season that is now upon us. At 32” x 27,” it is a good size to cover all body parts. Available in six fabric patterns. Retails for $59.95. Available at Lower Mainland retailers including Jack & Lola, North Vancouver. tsitah.com

wrap me up!We love the jaunty style of escargot kids wear. You won’t see doubles of these unique and

fashionable clothes at the playground. We especially love the Colt shirt (pictured above, left) onesie with a straight collar, plain pattern, pearl snap closures and elasticized leg openings. It’s made of 100% pimo cotton and retails for $68. The girl version of this onesie has got ruffles on the front placket and is called Elsie. Pair the onesie with a pair of jodhpurs featuring French terry contrasting topstitching and goat suede leather knee patch (see photo, above, left). Retails for $58. And how about Mabel, a beautiful A-line hoodie dress in French terry with antique silver button closures, puff sleeves and lace detail on the skirt, hood, and cuffs? The Mabel retails for $72. Check out the entire escargot kids collection at escargotkids.com.

fashion-forward kidswear

Now there’s an eco-friendly nursing pillow for the eco-conscious. The Eco-YOU Pillow consists of an inner pillow made from 100 percent natural kapok (a hypoallergenic silky fibre that is a sustainable rainforest crop) and an outer cover that is made of 100 percent organic cotton. Available in different fabric patterns. Retails for $139.95. Find it at Lower Mainland retailers including Room for Two, Vancouver. youpillows.com.

eco-nursing


Gift ideas for everyone in the family

Fathers love their babies too, so why shouldn’t he have some man-bling? The military-style Daddy Tags by Baby Tags (designer, Desiree Stevens) fit the bill. Personalize with baby’s name, birthdate or even the latitude and longitude of where baby was born. Retails for $45. Or how about a tan leather cuff personalized with the name of baby? This one is $25. Find them both at baby-tags.com.

flash for daddyThese handmade one-of-a-kind pieces by Odette Alfaro

are gorgeous. From the Gold Setting Graffiti Ring, retailing for $260, stamped with a personalized message, to the Mama Donut pendant, for $50, these works of art are as unique as your journey through motherhood. For a list of retailers, visit odettealfaro.com.

sparkle for mommy

In Vancouver, every child needs a raincoat or two. This one from Agoo is perfect for the wet windy days of a westcoast winter. We like it because it features a water/moisture repellant finish, is 3/4 length (to cover bums and upper legs), sports an ample hood and zippered pockets, and has reflective trim for dark days. Toggles at the waist help keep warmth in too. Comes in black or pink. Retails for $69.99. Available at Lower Mainland stores including Jack & Lola, North Vancouver. Find a list of retailers or buy online at agoo4u.com.

wet wear

Keep your little girl mess-free with the Messy Dress, shown here in Bird Cage fabric. It’s stylish full-body protection that features a water-resistant lining. It fits easily over clothes and criss-crosses at the back, closing with Velcro at the shoulders. Also available in other patterns. In 5 mos to 4T. Retails for $24.95. Purchase at messedupbibs.com.

make a mess


Wendy Epp has discovered a sure-fire way

to get her son to spill his secrets. You’ll be surprised what it is because she’s not a psychologist; she’s a physiotherapist. We’ll get back to her special trick a bit later. For now, let’s investigate why parents are hell-bent on finding out what’s going on in their kids’ heads.

As parents, we all want to “get” our children. We strive to raise children who look up to us, behave for us, and share their secrets with us so that we can help them to be happy and successful (and eventually save the world). So from the moment a mother feels that flutter in her belly, she starts communicating. “I’m a chatterer,” says Cynthia Van Ginkel, mother of four, “so I find myself talking to the kids in utero.” Indeed, we talk, we hum, we sing. And when our babies arrive, every instinct tells us to connect with them, hold them close, and make them smile.

And then they start to walk and talk.

In his 2004 book, Hold on to Your Kids: Why Parents Matter, Dr. Gordon Neufeld, a Vancouver-based clinical and developmental psychologist and father of five, talks about a shift that takes place just after our babies reach the toddler stage. We move away from affection, play and caregiving toward correcting and directing them in order to keep them safe.

No kidding. When your toddler is no longer cooing at you—instead, heading for the nearest intersection or small, sharp object, many of your waking hours are devoted to keeping them on track to make it to their next birthday. Suddenly, parent/child communication turns into a battle of wills, bargaining and standoffs, and you’re using adjectives like ‘Alpha,’ and ‘spirited’ to describe your once innocent infant.

In search of the perfect science

The gradual emergence

of little personalities can be both thrilling and challenging. It’s no wonder we look to the experts to help us understand and cultivate them. While parenting is never a perfect science, there is no lack of resources that try to demystify and categorize your kids.

Acknowledging feelings is key to much of today’s—and yesterday’s—more popular parenting literature. Penelope Leach has been a favourite source for over 30 years. In the introduction to her best-known book, Your Baby and Child: From Birth to Age Five, published in 1977, she notes, “Whatever you are doing, however you are coping, if you listen to your child and to your own feelings, there will be something you can actually do to put things right or make the best of those that are wrong.”

In 1980, Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish, the dynamic authors of How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk, took that idea

a step further. If you’re lost in the proverbial wilderness of parenting, this is your ultimate illustrated survival guide to navigating yourself back to civilization (or a civilized relationship with your kids). Through a series of simple cartoons and exercises, these authors give some useful tools and teach you the skills to empathize with your children and get them talking to you about their feelings.

Back to basicsDr. Neufeld has a

somewhat different take on the parent/child relationship. In his book and his popular “Power to Parent” presentations, he asks whether parenting is actually a skill. His answer: yes and no. What works with one of your children doesn’t necessarily work with the other. “It is estimated that 95 percent of the parenting literature today assumes that the key to parenting is in what you do, and that parenting can be learnt as a skill,” writes Neufeld. He suggests

Communicating with your kids: tips for now & the years aheadparenting

by Christina Shorthouse

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we’ve taken a wrong turn and that it’s not a result of skill or how responsible you are, or how much you love your child. “The key to the ease of parenting,” he says, “is the love of a child for the parent. A child must be in right relationship with the parent for the parent to be able to do the job and to provide a context to parent.”

What does this mean exactly? “If your child isn’t listening to you, then there is something going on in the relationship,” explains Dr. Deborah MacNamara, parent consultant and educator. She’s been helping parents get back into step with their children for 15 years. “Parenting is not about a skill as all children are different. It’s a function of the relationship with your child and their attachment to you.”

Collecting our childrenParenting can be a loose

term, often meaning simply navigating our family through a hectic day. As a result, we can forget to check in with our kids to make sure they are ‘with us.’ Neufeld wants us to revisit the way we connected with our children when they were infants. “The objective is to collect the child’s eyes, to evoke a smile and, if possible, elicit a nod.” With some children, this can take seconds, in others, much longer. But by taking the time to do so, we put ourselves in “right relationship” with our children, and it is only then that they are ready to listen to us and follow our lead.

Simply put, if you “collect before you direct,” you’ll have a much better chance of getting your kids to do what you want.

Neufeld started his own “collecting” routine with his two youngest children. He found that if he and his wife set aside some time in the mornings before the day began—a 10-minute snuggle in the “warm-up” chair—it made all the difference to getting everyone out the door on time.

If it sounds familiar, it’s because most parents are already collecting in some form. And that’s where Epp’s special trick comes in. “Our oldest son Zachary is five, but very early on, I discovered that his feet held the key to his mouth: if I started to massage his feet he could lay on his stomach and talk to his heart’s content. It starts out simple enough, but it always ends in things

he wished we did more of or less of. Very constructive,” says Epp. Partly because she is a physiotherapist, but mostly because she is Zachary’s mom, Epp has found the secret to connecting with her child. “The first step in creating this kind of closeness is to draw the child out,” says Neufeld. “Although many children need an invitation, asking them what they think and feel seldom works. Sometimes the trick is in finding the right kind of structure.”

Because your child is different, so is your trick. In early September, a Facebook friend posted this status update: “That 10-minute walk home from school —pure gold.” For some, it’s the time right after school pick-up. For many, bedtime is the hour when we connect with our children, when they are least distracted. Emily Dwosh describes how her

husband “warms-up” their two-and-a-half year-old son: “He’ll sit with our son before bedtime—son on lap, facing towards him—and the two of them can talk for 15 to 20 minutes straight.”

There’s no question it can be challenging to find the time to collect, especially on busy days. “I think I try to be mindful of being ‘present’ for my son,” says Dwosh. “This can be difficult because some days it seems like he’s just giving a running commentary on everything he sees or everything he’s doing, and it can be tempting after a long day to tune out.”

Trust your instinctsThe experts say if you

make the best of the time you have, your efforts will bear fruit. “It’s that contact and closeness that matters,” says MacNamara. “It can be a ritual or a time of day that is preserved.” Whether it’s a foot rub, a rocking chair, or a game of “I Spy,” the trick to drawing out our children and connecting with them is as unique as the children themselves. And because we know our children better than anyone, the best answers to our parenting challenges are most likely to come from within. “We can take heart from the knowledge that we have our instincts and intuitions on our side,” says Neufeld. And that is good to hear, as there are many years of figuring out our kids to go, and it’s good to know that the tricks we need are most likely right up our sleeves. ]

Communicating with your kids: tips for now & the years ahead

celebritymommy

by Christy Laverty

Mary Jo Eustace is a Canadian actor, singing, celebrity chef and

mother. She is also someone who has gone through a very

public break-up. Her divorce from fellow Canadian actor Dean

McDermott was tabloid fodder for weeks. He left Eustace for 90210 star

Tori Spelling after the pair met while filming a movie together. News of the

divorce made headlines everywhere.

McDermott and Spelling are now married with two children and have

their own reality show. Eustace now lives in California with her 11-year-old

son Jack and four-year-old daughter Lola. She has written a book about

her divorce called Divorce Sucks - My husband left me for Tori Spelling

and you thought your divorce sucked!

oh, mary jo...

ubt: You’re busy...how do you manage to be a mom without pulling your hair out?

mj: I do pull my hair out, like all mothers, working or otherwise. I am fortunate that I have a wonderful nanny, because I work. I call her my husband—she’s the best marriage I have ever had: she is totally reliable, she’s never missed a day of work and she’s wonderful with the children. If I travel, which I have to do a lot for work, I know that I can depend on her. And that’s key. My mother will come to California to help me out as well. I have a friend and buddy system here so it really is a great support system because there is no way I could do it if I didn’t have that.

It’s also serious time management to get everything in, trying to get in work and the kids. I try to spend as much time as I can with the children because I

can work at home with the writing, which is really great. So when I do go and film, it’s in blocks of time and I get it over with and then they have me back. I want to take them to school every day, have dinner with them at night and hang with them. It’s a good schedule in that way because it allows me flexibility

ubt: How does being a celebrity affect/impact being a mom to your two children?

mj: It doesn’t impact me because in a sense it is my job. They are two different hats. I do what I do for my professional life and they are totally unimpressed—they couldn’t care less, let’s be honest. They see me on television the odd time, hear me on the radio or listen to a CD that I did but they couldn’t care less. They are the least impressed by any of it. They are two different worlds so actually the work part is easier.

urbanbaby & toddler recently chatted with Eustace about

being a mom, living life as a single working mom, divorce,

and her new book.


I have so much respect for women who raise families because it’s relentless 24-7 work. At least at work I feel like I am getting a vacation.

ubt: What is the biggest challenge about being a mom? Now that you are a single mom, it comes with a whole list of new challenges.

mj: I think that all women have the issue of juggling everything and not feeling guilty. You try and cover all your bases all the time and for me I am dying to get away to work and when I am gone for a day or two, I want to be home. When I get home I’m thinking I kinda liked working. It’s always that eternal struggle that women have, whether they are married or not. You want to keep a good balance.

For being a single mother you just don’t have a hand-off. It’s a different dynamic and so that is the most challenging thing. When everything is melting down and going badly there is nobody in the room to do a hand-off to.

ubt: What is the motivation for your book?

mj: I never said much about my divorce at all. A lot of other people said a lot about it but I never did. I have been offered reality show after reality show, book deal after book deal to spill the beans and everything…I just never had any interest in it. I have always been a creative

person. During my divorce I wrote a short story and a screenplay. It was an outlet for me. When this opportunity came along with this book, it was the perfect combination for me. I could share my personal stories on my terms. When you go through something like this, whether it’s public like mine or not, it’s a life-altering experience, especially if you are blindsided by divorce. Even if you chose it, it is a long, tough road. Going through it, I really felt I had something to share with other women. Especially in Canada, I am stopped by women all the time, they’ll cry, they’ll laugh, they’ll give me money; seriously, they are so into it. I really believe strongly in the message of the book. It’s [divorce] not a death sentence, the second act of your life can be better and happier and it’s all in how you handle it.

A lot of people don’t talk about it and don’t have the support system to help them get through it. It is really essential to know that you are not alone; 50 percent of the population gets divorced. Some of your friends are going to dump you for sure; your ex-husband could turn out to be a nightmare; and the people you thought would stand by you, don’t, and the people you thought wouldn’t, do. It’s a whole new universe but the commiseration aspect is really important.

ubt: Me time. What do you

do for yourself?mj: I love writing, I love

hanging out with friends. I have a great group of friends and I just bought a house down here [California] so I love entertaining and having people over. We go hiking. I don’t have much down time. That’s a good question because I have to start finding more time. I have started playing a little tennis lately. I like socializing, preferably with some adults.

ubt: You are blogging. Is that new for you?

mj: I started doing it in the summer and I have gone from just a couple of followers to lots of women writing in. I’ve got my Twitter and my Facebook. I didn’t even know what Facebook was. I love the blogging (maryjoeustace.wordpress.com) because lots of women respond and I am starting to get a lot of women writing in about relationships.

ubt: What is an average day for you?

mj: This morning I was up at 7:05 because the kids start school here at 7:50 am. So getting them out the door and in the car, [and add] traffic, and I am a mad woman by the time we get there. Lola and I run Jack to his locker, but he has forgotten his combination, spills his lunch all over the floor, and he has forgotten his homework, all that stuff. It’s crazy. There is no difference. The truth is I will

do Good Morning America and Dr. Phil and I’ll feel great about it but they don’t care. If I’m on a call for work or I’m working, they’re just unimpressed; I have no power. What I do is work and sometimes you have these great moments where you feel totally in control and fabulous and then the next minute it’s gone because it’s two very different worlds. I just want them to be happy and healthy and not kill each and enjoy our life together. I wrote a blog about this cosmic joke about parenting because you think you are having this great Leave It To Beaver day and then in a heartbeat, it’s over and all hell breaks loose. How do any of us know what is normal?

There is that whole thing of people not being honest because they want to look like they’re on top of it and doing it perfectly. I hate those people. I love when my best friend calls me and says, “OK, I want to kill all of them. They’re all driving me crazy.” [Kids will] drive you crazy. They will suck your life-blood but it’s true. It is the most complicated of relationships. [Being a] mother is a huge sacrifice but it also has huge rewards. It is a very complicated relationship. The emotions surrounding it wouldn’t make sense if it were simple. ]

Check out Mary Jo’s blog at maryjoeustace.wordpress.com

Mary Jo Eustace reveals the best marriage she’s ever had, and talks frankly about divorce and her life as a single working mom.


by Michele Borba

Caring counts. Most parents instinctively want their children

to develop a strong moral character and to care about others. In fact, according to a recent survey that I conducted in conjunction with Parents Magazine, caring comes in high on the list of traits today’s moms want their kids to possess.

Caring is the trait that helps sensitize our children to different points of view, and it increases their awareness of others’ ideas and opinions. It also enhances empathy, which is the foundation of moral behaviour. Kids who care will grow into adults who have the skills they need to live successfully in our diverse, multicultural, 21st century world.

The good news is there’s plenty parents can do to bring out and encourage the natural empathy that exists in our kids. Ready to get started? Read on for tips from my new book that will boost your children’s caring hearts and curb their selfish behaviour before it’s too late.

Strike the right balance of love and limits. Parenting is a constant balancing act, and raising kids to be caring, kind, and considerate adults is no exception. Research shows that the best formula for raising kids who are less selfish and more considerate has two equal parts: unconditional love and firm limits. So ask yourself, Is my parenting evenly balanced between the two parts? As a parent, your unconditional love sets the

example for forgiveness and what it means to truly care about another human being. The firm limits that you set for your children teach them how to behave within boundaries and set them up to maintain positive behaviours. When balanced together, they create a formula for behavioural and emotional success for your kids.

Be the change you want to see. You know what makes kind and considerate kids? Kind and considerate parents! The simplest and most powerful way kids learn behaviours like kindness and consideration is by seeing them in action. Make sure you are the model you want your child to copy. Be aware that kids are watching you—whether you realize it or not—and they will mimic your own behaviours as they interact with others in their world.

Introduce them to their feelings. Before your kids can become sensitive to the feelings of others, they have to be able to correctly identify emotional states in themselves. Developing emotional intelligence in your child can be as simple as regularly posing the question, How do you feel? Pay attention to your child’s emotions so that you can use them as cues to explain to them what those different feelings mean, why they occur, and how to deal with them. Once they have a grasp of their own emotions, they’ll begin to recognize them in others, too.

Make caring mandatory.

Caring kids: 12 tips to nurturing the traitfeature“I started advertising

in urbanbaby & toddler last September and I’m impressed with the diversity of articles in the magazine and the important knowledge it passes along to new parents. All my new clients have mentioned seeing my advertisement in the publication. It’s great targeted marketing for my personal training business.”

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“As a mum, I always enjoy reading urbanbaby & toddler. As a first time advertiser, I was thrilled to receive an order as a result of the ad the same day the magazine hit the streets! Since then, we’ve had a continuous stream of enquiries and requests for samples of our ECO diapers. Thanks, urbanbaby & toddler!”

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“I have been advertising in urbanbaby & toddler for a couple of years and have had great success. I receive a lot of response from my ad.”

Barb Kemp, Recipes to the Rescue

“Your magazine has done wonders for my advertising. I get so many hits! Thanks!”

Lara Hildebrandt, greysquare photographics

“Thanks Emma for the opportunity to advertise in the urbanbaby & toddler magazine! I believe my ads were targeted to the right audience and they attracted a lot of business for me. Your magazine has sure helped me launch my baby photography business! Thanks very much for all your help!”

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- Carla Shore, Movies for Mommies BC

tongues are wagging!

604.420.8760 or [email protected]

next issue: spring 2010 • book by feb. 1

What advertisers say abour urbanaby & toddler


Your children are desperate for your approval, and they want to please you by meeting your expectations of them. Kids tend to work only as hard as they have to in order to meet the standards that are set for them, so it’s important to set the bar high from the get-go. If you want your child to care, don’t just hope that he will; expect it. And once he begins to display the caring behaviours that you expect of him, reinforce it through praise and encouragement. Once he knows you’re noticing, and are pleased, he’ll be more likely to keep up the good work.

Don’t miss the teachable moments. The best moments to teach your kids about caring are usually not planned—they just happen. When you see someone doing a good deed, acting selflessly, or showing compassion, point it out to your child. Explain to him what the person is doing and how that is an example of the behaviour you expect from her. Be sure to pay attention and don’t let those moments pass you by. Instead, capitalize on those teachable moments to help your child understand the power those simple acts of good behavior can have.

Manage their mainstream media exposure. Thanks to technology, kids are exposed to more while parents struggle to keep up with what’s being streamed into their homes and their kids’ psyches each day. Know what your kids are watching and listening to: protecting them from cruel and degrading images should

be a top priority. The more they see and hear, the more desensitized they become to hurtful language and harmful behaviours that the media may portray as funny or cool. Protect their empathetic development by limiting television viewing, monitoring online browsing, and policing their iPods.

Take them for a walk on the other side. Feelings and emotions are abstract concepts that can be hard for children to understand. Try framing scenarios that will help them to see another point of view. This will help them to understand how someone else may feel or to realize that their own feelings aren’t the only ones involved when they interact with others. For example, ask your child to imagine being the new student in school who didn’t know anyone. And then ask her to imagine how she might feel in that situation. Once she begins to grasp the idea, you can begin to brainstorm ways that she could show kindness to someone who might be in that position.

Pause before you praise. It’s natural to be proud of your kids and even more natural to want to shower them with accolades and affection. However, constantly praising and rewarding your child can make him think life revolves around him and can actually increase self-centeredness. There’s a fine line between confident and cocky, so be careful that you aren’t encouraging him to become an

ego-maniac. It’s okay to praise him; just be sure it’s when he has truly earned it.

Perfect their patience. One of the warning signs for selfish behaviour is a child who is impatient. Not only does he want his way, he wants it now—and he doesn’t consider whether or not anyone else is being inconvenienced as a result. Nip this behaviour before it goes too far by stretching your child’s waiting quotient: If he asks to go to the park, it’s okay to say yes; just don’t jump in the car right away. Teaching your child to be patient will also teach him how not to put his own needs in front of those of other people.

Enforce a zero-tolerance ban on cruelty. Cruelty doesnít just happen in the classroom or on the playground. Pay close attention to how your child acts in every situation in order to take a proactive stand against cruelty. Teach her to treat all living beings—her neighbourhood friends, the family pet, even the roses in your garden—with care and respect. No matter how minor or harmless you may think an incident tinged with cruelty may be, squelch it immediately. Those behaviours can manifest themselves in negative and harmful ways if they are allowed. Raising a cruelty-free child is the best way to make the world a better place.

Shift their focus to putting others first. Selfish children have a tendency to put themselves first. They are the first in line for a piece of cake at

the birthday party, the only one (according to them) allowed to play with the new video game, or the sibling who gets to sit in the front seat of the car every single time. To combat this behaviour, give your child gentle reminders about those around him, and help him step aside and start putting others first. You may say: No, let Rob have a turn. He’s been waiting just as long as you. Or I know you wanted to use the Wii, but let’s think of your brother also. But make sure that he still gets to be first every once in a while. Forcing him to constantly give up his place may breed resentment and an unwillingness to cooperate.

Get your kids to give back. Children learn habits at an early age, and the best way to teach them behavioural life skills is to get them involved in a hands-on way. Kids won’t learn how to be caring from reading about the concept in a textbook, but from doing caring deeds. Encourage your child to lend a hand to make the world a better place. Help her choose a charity or organization she is interested in and then get her involved. It can be as simple as visiting with an elderly neighbour or helping to prepare a meal for a sick relative. If you start these habits early, while your children are young, their caring ways will stick with them long into adulthood. ]

Michele Borba, Ed.D., is an educational psychologist, former teacher, and mom. She is author of The Big Book of Parenting Solutions: 101 Answers to Your Everyday Challenges and Wildest Worries.

Caring kids: 12 tips to nurturing the trait


likely stayed off work for a touch longer.” Like many couples, Tara and her husband had a frank discussion about what made the most financial sense. “He was involved in the decision and feels good about me returning to work. He is also very excited about being the primary caregiver and homemaker.”

But what emotional impact does all this have on the mom returning to work? We all know how hard it can be dropping off your five-year-old at his first day of kindergarten. How much harder is it to leave a five-month-old at daycare, or to leave the house for the first time as your partner or a grandparent holds a crying baby? Angie summarizes it this way, “I often feel guilty and get guilt trips from others that I didn’t breastfeed for longer, but I also realize I didn’t have the maternity leave opportunity that other women did.”

Andrea, a 33-year-old first-time mom with a newborn, reflects on how she’ll feel the first time she returns to work, something she plans to do when her daughter is four months old. “I’m sure it will be difficult and emotional, but I am thankful to be able to leave her with loving grandparents. It would be a different story entirely if we needed alternate childcare.”

New moms returning to work as soon as one or two months after their baby’s arrival find themselves making heart-wrenching decisions about the duration of their breastfeeding, as Angie did, and also find themselves re-imagining what their motherhood journey is going to look like. After all, when we first begin planning our families, most of us envision watching our child’s first steps, or being the one to teach him his first word. Few of us think that it will be our own mothers, nannies or childcare workers who will be the ones

to witness or guide these early milestones. And taking that whole year off is something we have always believed to be good for our children and for our relationships to them. Those women who choose or are compelled to return to work sooner are often burdened with the guilt that they are not doing what’s best for their families, and this can weigh heavily on new mothers who are already struggling with the organizational chaos that ensues after a baby joins the household. As Andrea says, “Many people judge mothers who do not take the year leave, without considering their need to provide for their families.”

However, it’s important to remember that the decisions you’re making are the best that can be made for your family with the resources you have. In an ideal world, we could take as much time as we want when our children are born and then return to our fulfilling jobs without having lost a step. But the reality is that many of us must, or want, to continue pursuing our professional goals while building the family we’ve always dreamed of. After all, the well-being of our children and ourselves is a complicated blend of finances, time, hard work and love, and every single household requires a different combination to make our lives hum along as smoothly as possible.

Angie, despite wishing her parental leave situation had been different, continually reminds herself to be thankful. “Things worked out wonderfully for us,” she says. “We were a lot more fortunate than other families.” Words for new moms to live by. ]

speaking of stealth bombers as if they were completely aware of what they were saying, but when researchers asked them to define the words they were using, they didn’t have a clue.

The same is true when children say they know what they are watching on TV isn’t real. They say the words and parents believe them. They say it because their parents check it out with them and they know that’s what Mom and Dad want to hear. They are not developmentally ready to process what they are seeing and dismiss it as unreal. They cannot tell the difference. For them, it’s the image that penetrates.

For example, preschoolers are frightened by things that look scary but are actually harmless. So if they see the funny-looking alien ET as strange, it will frighten them. It’s only older elementary school-aged children who can discriminate between what something looks like and whether it’s dangerous. When the images from 9/11 were on the screen, preschoolers responded only to the to pictures of bloody bodies and scared faces, and the elementary school-aged kids were worried about the vulnerability of their families. Teens, like adults, could see the larger picture of the impact of this action on society.

So what do we do?Watch TV with your kids

so you know what they are watching and you can comment on what you are seeing. I know you can’t be with them the whole time but watch any new show to ensure that it’s good value for your child. Then you can pop in and out while you cook dinner.

Choose the shows they will watch. Don’t set them down and give them the remote. Plan their TV watching with the use of a PVR, a planned schedule or

specific DVDs.While a certain amount of

TV watching is appropriate and even healthy, too much is, well, too much. For children under two a half-hour is plenty and for preschoolers two hours should be the absolute limit. If your little one is sick, allowing more TV will not be a problem. After all, the odd sick day lazing on the couch with some favourite entertainment is not a bad thing.

Preschoolers are growing and need lots of large muscle exercise. Sitting and passively watching TV is not helping them to develop physically. Instead of TV, take them to the park or let them out in the back yard. Get them jumping and running and playing.

Choose commercial-free programs. Advertisers are absolutely aware that preschoolers cannot distinguish between a program and a sales pitch and the ads will easily convince your children that they can’t live without the latest toy, gimmick or cereal.

Now is the time you are helping them develop their media habits for a lifetime. Don’t just make the rules; choose the programming and set the amount of time spent in front of the TV; talk to them. Explain why this matters. As they get older, explain why some programs are fine and others are not. Show them the fallacy of believing the commercials. If they see a toy advertised, take them to the store to see that it’s not that big, doesn’t do everything promised and may get boring in a big hurry.

TV is not the enemy and is part of our children’s lives. Just make sure it works for you and them, and not against you. ]

Kathy Lynn, is a professional speaker, broadcaster, columnist and author of Who’s In Charge Anyway? and But Nobody Told Me I’d Ever Have to Leave Home.

When new moms return to work sooner than expectedcont’d from page 19

TV and preschoolerscont’d from page 23


Breastfeeding Clinics and/or Support

Abbotsford Health Unit 104–34194 Marshall Rd, Abbotsford 604-864-3400 Drop-in breastfeeding clinics & breast milk depot for breast milk bank

BC Women’s Hospital Breastfeeding Classes 4500 Oak St, Vancouver 604-875-2282 Breastfeeding clinics by appt only

Burnaby Hospital 3935 Kincaid St, Bury; 604-434-4211 Breastfeeding clinics by appt only

Burnaby Region–Fraser Health Authority 604-918-7605 Drop-in breastfeeding services at two locations: • McGill Library, Program Room: Wed, 1–3 pm 4595 Albert St, Burnaby • Eastburn Community Centre: Thurs, 1–3 pm 7435 Edmonds, Burnaby

Cloverdale Public Health Unit 17536–58th Ave, Surrey 604-575-5100

Coquitlam Preventative Health Services 200–205 Newport Dr, Port Moody 604-949-7200 Breastfeeding clinics by appt only

Breastfeeding Clinics and/or Support cont’d

Guildford Public Health Unit 10233–153rd St, Surrey 604-587-4750 Breastfeeding clinics by appt only (available Tues afternoons & Fri mornings)

La Leche League 604-520-4623 Serving the Lower Mainland www.lalecheleaguecanada.ca

Langley Public Health Unit 22033 Fraser Hwy, Langley 604-532-2300 Breastfeeding clinics by appt only

Milk Bank at BC’s Children’s Hospital 4480 Oak St, Vancouver 604-875-2282 Donate or receive breast milk

Newborn Hotline 604-737-3737 Telephone info & referral service for questions about babies birth to age 2. Open 24 hours. Serves Richmond & Vancouver.

North Shore Health Region 604-983-6700 Serving North & West Vancouver

North Surrey Public Health Unit 220–10362 King George Hwy, Surrey 604-587-7900 Breastfeeding clinics by appt only

Pacific Spirit Community Health Centre 2110 West 43rd Ave, Vancouver 604-261-6366 Breastfeeding clinics by appt only; avail Wed am

Richmond Health Department 7000 Westminster Hwy, Richmond 604-233-3150 By appointment only, Weds, 1-3pm

South Delta-Ladner Public Health Unit 4470 Clarence Taylor Way, Ladner 604-952-3550 Breastfeeding clinics by appt only

Vancouver Breastfeeding Clinic 340–943 W Broadway, Vancouver 604-738-1912 www.breastfeedingclinic.com

White Rock Public Health Unit 1185 Centre St, White Rock 604-542-4000 Breastfeeding clinics by appt only

Child Care - Nannies

The Australian Nanny Co* The Australian Nanny Co. specializes in providing families with qualified, experienced and reliable au pairs and nannies from all around the world. No long waits or sponsorships involved. www.theaustraliannannyco.com 604-220-2104 See ad on page 13

Child Care Resource & Referral

Abbotsford Child Care Resource & Referral 100 - 32475 Simon Ave, Abbtfd 604-850-7934 www.childcarechoices.ca

Child Care Resource & Referral (CCRR)* Your community’s best source of child care information & resources. Supporting families and child care providers in BC. Toll-free: 1-888-338-6622 www.ccrr.bc.ca See ad on page 21

Child Care Options Resource & Referral 6878 King George Highway, Surrey 604-572-8032 [email protected] www.childcareoptions.ca Serving Surrey, White Rock & Delta

Langley Child Care Resource & Referral 20577 Fraser Hwy, Langley 604-533-4425

North Shore Child Care Resource & Ref 201–935 Marine Dr, North Van 604-985-7138

Richmond Child Care Resource & Referral 190–700 Minoru Blvd, Rmd 604-279-7020

Sea to Sky Child Care Resource & Referral 38370 Buckley Ave, Squamish 604-815-4144

Sunshine Coast Child Care Resource & Referral 5520 Trail Ave, Sechelt 604-885-5657

Westcoast Child Care Resource Centre 3rd Fl, 210 W Broadway, Vancouver 604-709-5661 www.wstcoast.org

Westcoast Family Info & Referral 3rd Fl, 210 W Broadway, Vancouver 604-709-5699; www.wstcoast.org

YMCA Child Care Resource & Referral Serving Burnaby, New Westminster, and the Tri-Cities (Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore and Belcarra) • Tri-Cities: 1130 C Austin Ave, Coquitlam 604-931-3400; [email protected] • Burnaby/New Westminster: 33–250 Willingdon Ave, Bby 604-294-1109; vanymca.org

Children’s Programs

Aquaventures Swim Centre* “A Vancouver swimstation since 1984!” Tropical warm water and excellent teachers make every lesson an aqua-adventure! 604-736-7946 www.aquaventuresswim.com See our ad on page 12

Children’s Programs cont’d

BrightStars Program* Enrich your life with the BrightStars Program and let your child blossom. Learn dance, music and movement in this highly energetic and caring program. Classes held in Kitsilano, Yaletown & Dunbar from 1 - 13 years old. Please call Miss Jordan at 604-662-8554 or email [email protected] www.brightstars.ca See ad on page 12

Gymboree Play & Music* www.gymboreeclasses.com Our locations: Vanc & North Shore: 604-739-1190 Email: [email protected] Coquitlam/Tri-Cities: 604-945-4967 Email: [email protected] Surrey: 604-590-5511 Email: [email protected] Award-winning play, music, arts and baby signs classes for newborns to 5-year-olds. See ad on page 6

Music Together Phoenix Song* Fun-filled classes develop music competence through songs, chants, fingerplays, creative movement, dance, instrument play. Research-based curriculum with playful activities. 604-327-5165 www.mtphoenixsong.com See ad on page 20

Staccato Studios* We offer inspiring and creative music programs for all ages! Classes include piano, voice, guitar and drums. For children ages infant to 4 yrs. We offer Music Together. For a free demo, call 604-421-3753. www.staccatostudios.com See ad on page 19

Twinkling Stars Music Center* Twinkling Stars Music Center offers research-based Music Together® program for children 0 - 5 and adults who love them. Make a lifetime bond with your child, by exploring the world of music through songs, chants, dance, instrument play. Come and join us! www.twinklingstars.ca 604-838-7645 [email protected] See ad on page 22

Circumcision

Pollock Clinics* Dr. Pollock is a pioneer in North America in developing a virtually bloodless and painless 40-second procedure for infant circumcision. Dr. Pollock has safely performed over 28,000 circumcisions (from newborn to six months) with an extremely low complication rate. 604-717-6200 www.circumcisionvancouver.com See ad on page 18

resource directory

• breastfeeding clinics and/or support ........................... 35

• child care - nannies ......... 35• child care resource &

referral ............................. 35• children’s programs......... 35• circumcision .................... 35• coaching ......................... 36• décor ............................... 36• doulas ............................. 36• finance ............................ 36• food - nutrition................. 36• midwives ......................... 36• parent-and-tot programs.. 36• parent-and-tot storytimes .. 37• photography .................... 38• prenatal classes .............. 38• preschools ...................... 38• public health services/

nurses ............................. 38• realtors ............................ 38• retailers - clothing, equipment,

accessories & gifts .......... 38• sleep consultants ............ 39• support services ............. 39• ultrasounds - 3D/4D ........ 39• vasectomy ....................... 39

*Denotes advertiser


Coaching

MOMCOACH* Love yourself as a mom. Supporting new moms in the transition to motherhood. One-on-one phone coaching. Momcoach Renewal Groups. Indoor and outdoor personal training. Andrea Welling, BA, MA www.momcoach.ca [email protected]; 604-513-8976 See ad on page 23

Décor

Felt Fantasia* Felt Fantasia’s online store is offering a nature-inspired child’s wall decorations. The collection features designs for nursery, girl’s room, boy’s room an baby’s shower gift. Visit us at: www.feltfantasia.com 604-595-6627 See ad on page 25

Doulas

Doulas of North America (DONA) 1-888-788-DONA; www.DONA.org

Doula Services Association, BC 604-515-5588; www.bcdoulas.org

Finance

Caregiver Tax Services* Caregiver Tax Services provides accounting, income tax and payroll services to families employing a live-in or live-out nanny. We identify all possible tax savings, ensuring you never pay more taxes than necessary. Call Linh Tsiu, CGA at 604-786-2566 www.caregivertax.ca See ad on page 13

Food–Nutrition

BC Women’s Hospital Nutrition counselling for pregnant women. Free service/no referral necessary. 604-875-2330

Corinne Eisler, Registered Dietitian, Pediatric Nutrition Expert* Corinne is a registered dietitian and pediatric nutrition expert that can help you with your child’s nutrition or feeding issues, and she will help you and your child to be a confident happy eater! Visit www.eislerforkids.ca for more info. See ad on page 20

Recipes to the Rescue* Recipes to the Rescue is a free newsletter for the everyday cook adding inspiration to the routine of daily cooking. Simple recipes full of fresh seasonal foods. To receive the free seasonal newsletter, go to www.recipestotherescue.ca. See ad on page 21

Vitamin K Nutrition Consulting* Helping parents have it all: fast, easy, healthy meals that both you and your kids will love! Introducing solids, picky eaters, meal planning, grocery store tours & kitchen essentials. 604-506-0399 vitaminKconsulting.com See ad on page 23

Midwives

Bloom Community Midwives* Complete and personalized maternity care-experience, pregnancy, birth and the newborn stage with knowledge, confidence and joy. #408-1033 Davie St, Vancouver 604-609-3550 www.bloomcommunitymidwives.com See ad on page 9

Department of Midwives at BC Women’s & St. Paul’s Hospitals* Learn more about the supportive and comprehensive care offered by the midwives of BC Women’s and St. Paul’s Hospitals at www.midwivesinvancouver.ca. Our services are covered by your Care Card, and we are pleased to deliver in either hospital or in your own home. www.midwivesinvancouver.ca See ad on page 14.

The Midwifery Group* Registered midwives providing comprehensive maternity care covered by your Care Card, with delivery at BC Women’s, St Paul’s and homebirth. 3980 Main St, at King Edward, Vancouver 604-877-7766 www.midwiferygroup.ca See ad on page 22

Midwives Association of BC 336–5740 Cambie St, Vancouver 604-736-5976

Parent & Tot Programs

BURNABY

Bonsor Recreation Centre 6550 Bonsor Ave, Burnaby, 604-439-1860

Burnaby Family Place Drop-in for parents and their kids 0-6 yrs 410 Clare Ave, Burnaby, 604-299-5112

CG Brown Memorial Pool 3702 Kensington Ave, Burnaby, 604-299-9374

Cameron Recreation Centre 9523 Cameron St, Burnaby, 604-421-5225

Confederation Comm Centre 4585 Albert St, Burnaby, 604-294-1936

Eastburn Community Centre 7435 Edmonds St, Burnaby, 604-525-5361

Edmonds Community Centre 7282 Kingsway, Burnaby, 604-525-1671

Eileen Dailly Leisure Pool & Fitness Centre 240 Willingdon Ave, Burnaby, 604-298-SWIM

Willingdon Heights Community Centre 1491 Carleton Ave, Burnaby, 604-299-1446

CLOVERDALE

CloverValley Family Resource Place 604-671-9079

COQUITLAM

Chimo Indoor Swimming Pool 620 Poirier, Coquitlam, 604-933-6027

Parent & Tot Programs cont’d

COQUITLAM cont’d

City Centre Aquatic Complex 1210 Pinetree, Coquitlam, 604-927-6999

Pinetree Community Centre 1260 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam, 604-927-6960

Poirier Community Centre 630 Poirier, Coquitlam, 604-933-6010

DELTA

Ladner Leisure Centre 4600 Clarence Taylor Crescent, Delta, 604-946-3310

Sungod Recreation Centre 7815–112th St, Delta, 604-952-3075

Winskill Aquatic & Fitness Centre 5575 9th Avenue, Delta, 604-952-3005

FRASER VALLEY

The Family Resource Program Network of the Lower Fraser Valley offers toy libraries, drop-in programs, support, art activities.

Alexandra Family Place, 604-535-0015

Bridgeview Family Place ,604-580-2344

Delta Family Place, 604-591-9262

Guildford Family Place, 604-583-3844

Kla-how-eya Aboriginal Centre of SACS 13629 – 108th Avenue, Surrey, 604-584-2008

Ladner Family Place, 604-946-0324

Langley Family Place, 604-534-7921

Newton Family Place, 604-572-8032

South Delta Family Place, 604-946-6622

Semiahmoo Family Place, 604-535-6263

Whalley Family Place, 604-580-2344

LANGLEY

Douglas Recreation Centre 20550 Douglas Crescent, 604-514-2865

Langley Civic Centre 20699–29th Ave, Langley, 604-530-1323

WC Blair Recreation Centre 2220 Fraser Hwy, Langley, 604-533-6170

Walnut Grove Comm Ctr & Aquatic Ctr 8889 Walnut Grove Drive, 604-882-0408

NEW WESTMINSTER

Canada Games Pool & Fitness Centre 65 E 6th Ave, New Westminster, 604-526-4281

Centennial Community Centre & Fitness 65 E. 6th Ave, New Westminster 604-777-5100

Century House-Moody Park recCentre 620–8th St, New Westminster, 604-519-1066

Queensborough Community Centre 920 Ewen, New Westminster, 604-525-7388


NORTH VANCOUVER

Delbrook recCentre 600 Queens Rd, North Vancouver, 604-987-7529

Karen Magnusson recCentre 2300 Kirkstone Pl, North Vancouver 604-987-7529

Lynn Valley recCentre 3590 Mountain Hwy, North Vancouver 604-987-7529

Parkgate recCentre 3625 Banff Crt, North Vancouver, 604-987-7529

Ron Andrews recCentre 931 Lytton, North Vancouver, 604-987-7529

Seylynn recCentre 605 Mountain Hwy, North Vancouver 604-987-7529

William Griffith recCentre 851 W Queens Rd, North Vancouver 604-987-7529

W.V. Family Place Adventure Playground Bldg, Ambleside Park 604-925-7172

PORT COQUITLAM

Hyde Creek Recreation Centre 1379 Laurier, Port Coquitlam, 604-927-7946 www.portcoquitlam.ca

Port Coquitlam Recreation Ctr 2150 Wilson, P Coquitlam, 604-927-7970 www.portcoquitlam.ca

PORT MOODY

Kyle Recreation Centre 125 Kyle St, P Moody, 604-469-4561 ww.cityofportmoody.com

Port Moody Recreation Complex 300 Ioco Rd, P Moody, 604-469-4556 www.cityofportmoody.com

RICHMOND

Cambie Centre 4111 Jacombs, Richmond, 604-233-8399

City Centre/Lang Centre 140–8279 Saba, Richmond, 604-233-8910

Hamilton Centre 5140 Smith Dr, Richmond, 604-718-8055

Minoru Aquatic Centre 7560 Minoru Gate, Richmond, 604-718-8020

Richmond Family Place 8660 Ash St, 604-278-4336

Sea Island Centre 7140 Miller, Richmond, 604-718-8000

South Arm Centre 8880 Williams, Richmond, 604-718-8060

Steveston Centre 4111 Moncton, Richmond, 604-718-8080

*Denotes advertiser


*Denotes advertiser


RICHMOND cont’d

Thompson Centre 5151 Granville Ave, Richmond, 604-718-8422

West Richmond Centre 9180 No 1 Rd, Richmond, 604-718-8400

SURREY

Cloverdale Recreation Centre 6220–184 St, Surrery 604-502-6400

Fleetwood Recreation Centre 15996–84 Ave, Surrey, 604-401-5003

Guildford Recreation Centre 15105-105 Ave, Surrey, 604-502-6360

Newton Recreation Centre 7120-136B St, Surrey, 604-501-5040

South Surrey Recreation Centre 2199–148 St, Surrey, 604-502-6200

Surrey Sport & Leisure Co 16555 Fraser Hwy, Surrey, 604-501-5950

North Surrey Recreation Centre 10275–135 Street, Surrey, 604-502-6300

VANCOUVER

Britannia Community Centre 1661 Napier St, Vancouver, 604-718-5800

Britannia Pool 1661 Napier St, Vancouver, 604-718-5800

Champlain Heights 3350 Maquinna Dr, Vancouver, 604-718-6575

Coal Harbour Comm Centre 480 Broughton, Vancouver, 604-718-8222

Douglas Park Comm Centre 801 W 22nd Ave, Vancouver, 604-257-8130

Dunbar Community Centre 4747 Dunbar, Vancouver, 604-222-6060

False Creek Community Centre 1318 Cartwright, Vancouver, 604-257-8195

Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House 2131 Renfrew St, Vancouver 604-251-1225 Every Fri, 1–3:30 pm. Cantonese Family Drop-in free for parents with kids 6 & under.

Hastings Community Centre 3096 E Hastings, Vancouver, 604-718-6200

Kensington Community Centre 5175 Dumfries, Vancouver, 604-718-6200

Kerrisdale Community Centre 5851 W Boulevard, Vancouver, 604-257-8100

Killarney Community Centre 6260 Killarney, Vancouver, 604-718-8200


VANCOUVER cont’d

Kitsilano Community Centre 2690 Larch St, Vancouver, 604-257-6976

Kitsilano Neighbourhood House Drop-in for paprents and their children 0-6 yrs. M-F, 9:30 - 11:30 am. 2325 W 7th Ave, ,Vanc 604-736-3588

Kitsilano Neighbourhood House @ Acadia Pk Multicultural drop-in for parents and their children 0-4 yrs. M, W, F, 10 - 11:30 am. Acadia Park & Apartments, 2707 Tennis Crescent, UBC Campus, Vanc 604-736-3588

Marpole–Oakridge Community Centre 990 W 59th Ave, Vancouver, 604-257-8180

Mount Pleasant Community Centre 3160 Ontario St, Vancouver, 604-713-1888

Movies for Mommies* Wednesdays, 12:30 pm The Rio Theatre, 1660 East Broadway (at the Commercial Skytrain station), Vancouver www.moviesformommies.com See ad on page 25

Renfrew Park Community Centre 2929 E 22nd Ave, Vancouver, 604-257-8388

Riley Park Community Centre 50 E 30th Ave, Vancouver, 604-257-8545

Roundhouse Community Centre 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver, 604-713-1800

Strathcona Community Centre 601 Keefer St, Vancouver, 604-713-1838

Sunset Pool 404 E 51st Ave, Vancouver, 604-718-6505

Trout Lake Community Centre 3350 Victoria Dr, Vancouver, 604-257-6955

Vancouver Aquatic Centre 1050 Beach Ave, Vancouver, 604-665-3424

West End Community Centre 870 Denman St, Vancouver, 604-257-8333

West Point Grey Community Centre 4397 W 2nd Ave, Vancouver, 604-257-8140

WEST VANCOUVER

West Vancouver Community Centre 780–22nd, West Vancouver, 604-925-7270

West Vancouver Family Place Drop-in for parents/caregivers & preschool children (infant to 6 yrs), 604-925-7172

Gleneagles Community Centre 5575 Marine, West Vancouver, 604-921-2100

Parent & Tot Storytimes (FREE)

Call or visit each branch for details.

BURNABY

Bob Prittle Metrotown Branch 6100 Willingdon Ave, Burnaby, 604-436-5420

Cameron Branch 9523 Cameron, Burnaby, 604-421-5454

McGill Branch 4595 Albert, Burnaby, 604-299-8955

COQUITLAM

Poirier St Branch 575 Poirier, Coquitlam, 604-937-4144

City Centre Branch 3001 Burlington Dr, Coquitlam, 604-927-3561

NEW WESTMINSTER

New Westminster Public Library 716–6th Ave, New West, 604-527-4660

NORTH VANCOUVER

Lynn Valley Main Library 1280 E 27th St, North Vanc, 604-984-0286

Capilano Branch 3045 Highland Blvd, North Vancouver 604-987-4471

Parkgate Branch 3675 Banff Crt, North Vancouver, 604-929-3727

RICHMOND

Brighouse–Main Branch 100–7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond, 604-231-6401

Cambie Branch Cambie Shopping Plaza (SW corner) 150–11590 Cambie Road, Richmond 604-273-ABCD (2223)

Ironwood Branch 8200–11688 Steveston Hwy, Richmond 604-231-6468

Steveston Branch 4111 Moncton, Richmond, 604-274-2012

SURREY

Cloverdale Branch 5642–176A St, Surrey, 604-576-1384

Fleetwood Branch 15996–84 Ave, Surrey, 604-572-5922

Guildford Branch 15105–105 Ave, Surrey, 604-588-5015

Newton Branch 13795–70 Ave, Surrey, 604-596-7401

Ocean Park Branch 12854–17 Ave, Surrey, 604-502-6304

Port Kells Branch 18885–88 Ave, Surrey, 604-882-0733

Strawberry Hill Branch 7399–122 St, Surrey, 604-501-5836

Whalley Branch 10347–135 St, Surrey, 604-588-5951

Parent & Tot Storytimes (FREE) cont’d

VANCOUVER

Britannia VPL Branch 1661 Napier, Vancouver, 604-665-2222

Central Library VPL 350 W Georgia St, Vancouver, 604-331-3663

Champlain Heights VPL 7110 Kerr St, Vancouver, 604-665-3955

Collingwood VPL Branch 2985 Kingsway, Vancouver, 604-665-3953

Dunbar VPL Branch 4515 Dunbar, Vancouver, 604-665-3968

Firehall Library 1455 W 10th Ave, Vancouver, 604-665-3970

Fraserview VPL 1950 Argyle Dr, Vancouver, 604-665-3957

Hastings VPL 2674 E Hastings, Vancouver, 604-665-3959

Joe Fortes VPL 870 Denman, Vancouver, 604-665-3972

Kerridale VPL 2112 W 42nd Ave, Vancouver, 604-665-3974

Kensington VPL 1428 Cedar Cottage Mews, Vancouver, 604-665-3961

Kitsilano VPL 2425 MacDonald, Vancouver, 604-665-3976

Marpole VPL 8386 Granville St, Vancouver, 604-665-3978

Mount Pleasant VPL 370 E Broadway, Vancouver, 604-665-3962

Oakridge VPL 101–650 W 41st Ave, Vancouver, 604-665-3980

Renfrew VPL 2969 E 22nd Ave, Vancouver, 604-257-8705

Riley Park VPL 3981 Main St, Vancouver, 604-665-3964

South Hill VPL 6076 Fraser, Vancouver, 604-665-3965

Strathcona Community Library 592 Pender St, Vancouver, 604-665-3967

West Point Grey VPL 4480 W 10th Ave, Vancouver, 604-665-3982

WEST VANCOUVER

West Vancouver Memorial Library 1950 Marine, West Vancouver, 604-925-7400


Photography

Bopomo Pictures* Bopomo offers a modern and fresh approach to studio photography combining convenience, fun and affordability with high-quality photography. Session fees only $29.95! 2631 W Broadway, Vanc; 604-678-1411 www.bopomo.ca See ad on page 5

Eclipse Photography* Award-winning and experienced photographer Kimberly Mara, owner of Eclipse Photography, specializes in maternity, newborns & family portraiture. B/W and colour. Open 6 days a week. In studio or on location. Studio is 600 sq ft with all amenities including makeup, change room /baby room & washroom. 604-984-7427; [email protected]. Online gallery: www.eclipsephotography.ca See ad on page 6

Jane Photo* The hottest photo studio in Vancouver! When parents want maternity and newborn art, they turn to Jane Photo. Find out why everyone is talking. In-studio, on-location, or at your home. Fresh, fun, fabulous. www.janephoto.ca See ad on page 21

Kia Porter Photography* Capturing fun, capturing chaos...capturing life! Candid portraiture in colour or black & white. On location or in the comfort of your own home. Digital negatives always included! www.kiaporter.com 604-787-4236 See ad on page 14

Klik Photographic* Specializing in children’s portraiture, Klik Photographic strives to capture and immortalize the personality of your little ones. 604-808-6642 www.klikphotographic.com See ad on page 8

Twist Photography* Photography with a modern twist! Natural light photographer in the Fraser Valley specializing in maternity, baby, child and family photography. Jessica Cochrane 604-790-8416 See ad on page 20

Prenatal Classes

BC Women’s Hospital 604-875-2169

Belly to Baby Prenatal Education* Sarah Alexander, RN; 604-469-2698 www.bellytobaby.ca; [email protected] A comprehensive course that empowers and equips women and their birth partners with knowledge and confidence for their birth. Weekend and private courses avail. Canada’s 1st retailer for the Dunstan Baby Language. Obstetrical TENS machine rentals (decrease labour pain without medication). See ad on page 25

Prenatal Classes cont’d

Douglas College 604-527-5476 Serving Rmd, N Delta, Sry, & Langley

Little Buds Prenatals* Our team of RNs provide private and group classes designed to empower you and your partner to have an informed choice in your birth and postpartum period. Obstetric TENS machine rentals. 604-767-7121 www.littlebudsprenatals.com See ad on page 23

Lower Mainland Childbearing Society 604-878-1031/[email protected]

North Vancouver Health Department 604-983-6863

St. Paul’s Hospital 604-806-8298

Preschools

Pomme d’Api Preschool Open House & Registration Sat. Jan. 16, 10-12 Visit the school, meet the teachers and join in some fun activities. Come prepared to register your child for 2010/2011. 2551 East 49th Ave., Vancouver [email protected] 604-877-1122 See ad on page 10

Public Health Services/Nurses

Burnaby Preventive Health Services 300–4946 Canada Way, Burnaby 604-918-7605

Cloverdale Public Health Unit 17536–58th Ave, Surrey 604-575-5100

Coquitlam Preventive Health Srv 200–205 Newport, Port Moody 604-949-7200

Guildford Public Health Unit 100–10233-153 St, Surrey 604-587-4750

Langley Public Health Unit 20389 Fraser Hwy, Langley 604-539-2900

Maple Ridge Preventive Health Services 400-22470 Dewdney Trunk, Maple Ridge 604-476-7000

New Westminster Preventive Health Services 537 Carnarvon, New Westminster 604-777-6740

Newton Public Health Unit 200–7337–137 St, Surrey 604-592-2000

North Delta Public Health Unit 11245–84 Ave, Delta 604-507-5400

North Surrey Public Health Unit 220–10362 King George Hwy, Surrey 604-587-7900

Public Health Services/Nurses cont’d

Port Coq Preventive Health Services 2266 Wilson, Port Moody 604-777-8700

Port Moody Preventive Health Services 200–205 Newport, Port Moody 604-949-7200

North Shore Community Health Services Central Community Health Centre 5th floor, 132 W Esplanade, North Vancouver, 604-983-6700

Parkgate Community Health Centre 2 Fl, 3625 Banff Crt, North Vancouver 604-904-6450

West Comm Health Centre 990–22nd St, West Vanc; 604-904-6200

Richmond Health Department 7000 Westminster Hwy, Richmond 604-233-3150

S. Delta-Ladner Publ Health Unit 4470 Clarence Taylor Cr, Ladner 604-952-3550

Vancouver Community Health Services Evergreen Community Health Centre 3425 Crowley Dr, Vanc; 604-872-2511

North Community Health Office 200–1651 Commercial Dr, Vanc; 604-253-3575

Pac Spirit Community Health Centre 2110 W 43rd Ave, Vanc; 604-261-6366

Raven Song Community Health Centre 2450 Ontario St, Vancouver 604-709-6400

South Community Health Office 6405 Knight St, Vanc; 604-321-6151

Three Bridges Community Health Centre 1292 Hornby St, Vanc; 604-736-9844

White Rock Public Health Unit 1185 Centre St, White Rock 604-542-4000

Realtor

Barry Berg, RE/MAX Real Estate Services* Vancouver’s family homes expert. Whether you’re thinking of buying or selling, Barry’s more than 15 years of experience in the real estate industry can help. Contact Barry for a free home evaluation or to get a free market snapshot. www.barryberg.ca [email protected] or 604-263-2823 See page on page 3

Retailers–Clothing, Equipment, Accessories & Gifts (maternity & baby)

Along Comes A Baby* Along Comes A Baby is 6000 sq ft of moms’ paradise. We have what moms want! Bum Genius, Phil & Ted’s, Graco, Peg Perego, Ergo, Peanut Shell, Medela, Avent & more. Take exit 258 go east 1-1/2 blocks on L behind I-Hop. 436 W. Bakerview St., 104, Bellingham, WA www.alongcomesababy.com 360-671-5523 See ad on page 22

Retailers–Clothing, Equipment, Accessories & Gifts (maternity & baby) cont’d

Baby On Board* Baby On Board sells strollers by Peg Perego, BOB, Maclaren, Mountain Buggy, Bugaboo, Baby Jogger, Valco Baby and Britax. We carry a carefully selected assortment of the finest baby products plus a complete assortment of care products. At Richmond Ctr Mall nr The Bay. 604-273-0884 or visit www.babyonboard.ca See ad on page 19

Boomers and Echoes Kids & Maternity* The North Shore’s largest selection of new and quality consigned, newborn to size 8 and maternity and nursing wear. Furniture, carseats and strollers. Now renting breast pumps. Carseat technicians on staff. Organic mattresses in! 1985 Lonsdale, North Vancouver 604-984-6163 www.boomersandechoes.com See ad on page 13.

EIO! - A Kid’s Store* 3404 Cambie Street, Vancouver 604-873-4543 See ad on page 11

Jack & Lola* Top brands, inspired products, locally made goods and an extensive selection of items from companies who are doing their part to protect babies’ futures. A natural modern baby destination. 135 West 1st St, North Vancouver 778-340-5225 www.jackandlola.ca See ad on page 8

Lovey’s Body Products Inc.* At Lovey’s Body Products Inc., we want to rid the world of nasty chemicals, so we produced Lovey’s Tushi Wash, the natural alternative to baby wipes. No parabens, sulfates, zinc or petroleum—only naturally sourced ingredients. Loveys.ca or 604-762-7425 See ad on page 18

Odette Alfaro Handcrafted Jewelry* Unique hand-stamped jewelry tags. Personalized pendants, rings and bracelets. Celebrate your love with one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry. For pricing and designs, visit www.odettealfaro.com See ad on page 11

Po Po’s Ponchos* Po Po’s Ponchos are made with high-quality non-pill fleece. Easy to put on no-fuss ponchos your kids will love. Fits ages 0-6. New colours every month. Snaps at the arms for sleeves. Rain ponchos coming soon. Shop online at www.poposponchos.com 604-512-8886 See ad on page 10

*Denotes advertiser


Retailers–Clothing, Equipment, Accessories & Gifts (maternity & baby) cont’d

Room for Two* Room for Two is your best pre and post birth resource centre. Along with maternity and nursing wear, breastfeeding items such as bras and pumps are our specialty. Owner, Lorena, is a 20-year experienced doula and childbirth educator. 1409 Commercial Dr, Vancouver 604-255-0508 See ad on page 9

Snug as a Bug Organic Baby Bedding* Snug as a Bug combines modern graphic prints with vibrant colours. Our new exclusive prints are designed, printed and more locally. For the well-being of your baby and the planet, go organic! www.snugasabug-organic.com [email protected] See ad on page 18

Stonz Wear* Stonz, a Canadian company with made in Canada products. The original fleece-lined Booties & Linerz for inside them. And now introducing our own Hatz & Mitz. And XL sizes! From 0 - 4 years of age. All Stonz gear goes on easily, stays on & lasts for a long time. www.stonz.ca See ad on back cover

Tsitah Threads* Baby bandanas for any season and new winter blankets. www.tsitah.com See ad on page 23

Wee Piggies & Paws* Specializes in capturing all those adorable wrinkles and dimples of your child’s precious hands and feet. We create beautiful one-of-a-kind highly detailed lifecasts mounted or framed for you to cherish forever!www.weepiggies.com See ad on page 7.

Sleep Consultants

Hushababy Consulting* Teach your baby/child to sleep through the night and take great naps! Professional and dedicated to providing the best, prompt service to your family. Baby sleeping manuals also available for your convenience. www.hushababy.com See ad on page 19

Support Services

BC Nurseline - 24 hours 1-866-215-4700 or 604-215-4700 www.bchealthguide.org

BC Women’s Hospital Nutrition counselling for pregnant women. Free service/no referral necessary 604-875-2330

Support Services cont’d

Best Babies of the Langleys Supporting at-risk pregnant & postnatal women. 100–20689 Fraser Hwy, Langley 604-530-2772

Best Start Parenting Centre Parenting groups, seminars, tel counselling. 604-925-0831 (fees & registration)

Cherish Childbirth Care (formerly Vancouver Childbirth Services) Prenatal classes, birth and postpartum doula services. www.CherishChildbirth.com 604-626-1079

Coquitlam Pregnancy Concern Ctr 2512 Arundel Lane, Coquitlam 604-939-2633

Healthiest Babies Possible Free outreach programs for pregnant moms. Bby/New West: 604-659-2225 Abbotsford/Langley: 604-859-7681 Coq/Mpl Rdg/Pt Coq/Port Mdy: 604-777-8718 Sry/Delta/White Rock: 604-583-1017 Vancouver: 604-877-4672

Kla-how-eya Aboriginal Centre of SACS 13629 - 108th Avenue, Surrey 604-584-2008

Maple Ridge Family Education & Support Ctr 604-467-6055

Monarch House Autism Centre* Monarch House Autism Centre is a unique centre that offers an interdisciplinary approach to treating children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other developmental disabilities.604-205-9204www.monarchhouse.ca3185 Willingdon Green, Burnaby See ad on page 7.

Multiple Births Canada www.multiplebirthscanada.org

New Westminster Family Place 101 - 93 Sixth St, New Westminster 604-520-3666

Newborn Hotline Open 24 hours. Serving Rmd & Vanc only. 604-737-3737

Pacific Post Partum Support Society 104–1416 Commercial Dr, Vanc 604-255-7999

Parent Support Services Parent Support Circles Program throughout BC. FREE service. 604-669-1616; 1-800-665-6880 www.parentssupportbc.ca

South Community Birth Program 6405 Knight St, Vancouver; 604-321-6151

Surrey-Delta Parents of Multiples 604-626-4550 [email protected]

Support Services cont’d

Vancouver Twins Club A family-focused group that provides practical, emotional and social support to multiple birth parents and their children. Meets monthly on the first Sunday of the month, 10am-12pm. Topics vary. Drop-in fees apply. www.vancouvertwins.ca

Vietnamese Baby Clinic Evergreen Community Health Centre 2:30-5:30 pm, Mons, by appt 3425 Crowley Dr, Vancouver 604-872-2511

Woman Care, BC Family Care 31-22374 Lougheed Hwy, Maple Ridge 604-463-5513

YWCA Single Mothers’ Support Services 604-895-5789; www.ywsinglemoms.org

Ultrasounds–3D & 4D

3D BabyVision* Watch your unborn baby sucking its thumb, making faces and even hiccupping in the womb! Enjoy bonding with your precious one in our state-of-the-art 3D/4D spa-like studio. Share baby’s 1st video and pictures with family and friends. #205-1545 W 8th Ave, Vancouver www.3Dbaby.ca See ad on page 4

3D Miracles* 3D Miracles has been providing the highest quality 3D/4D elective ultrasound services since 2005. Western Canada’s first state-of-the-art 3D/4D ultrasound facility has a warm and friendly family-oriented environment. Share your session with our Live Broadcast with family and friends anywhere in the world. Share baby’s heartbeat with a loved one with our Keepsake Teddy Bears’s recorded heartbeat. www.3dmiracles.com 604-882-1515 See ad on page 15

My 3D Ultrasound* (in association with Greig Associates) The ultrasound specialists at Greig Associates are proud to offer their expertise and care to the exciting field of 3D/4D ultrasound. Giving the opportunity to see your unborn baby the very first time. Visit www.my3dultrasound.com 604-267-3DUS (3387). See ad on page 9

Som Visao Spa* Som Visao Spa is Vancouver’s premier destination for 3D/4D ultrasound and post-partum body restoration, offering a wide range of prenatal and postpartum treatments to balance your body and mind. 8 - 3195 Granville St, Vancouver 604-732-9901 www.mynewspa.ca See ad on page 11

Vasectomy

Pollock Clinics* No-Scalpel/No-Needle Vasectomy. A simple and virtually painless, bloodless 7 minute procedure done through a tiny 2mm opening requiring no stitches to close, with a better than 99.9% success rate. The procedure is performed by Dr. Neil Pollock, M.D., a well-known expert on men’s contraceptive health. 604-717-6200 www.pollockclinics.com or call See ad on page 10. ]

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