BC Parent holiday winter 2015

holiday issue 2015www.bcparent.ca

Posing withSanta

Indoor Winter Fun

Winter ActivityGuide

2 bcparent.ca • holiday issue 2015

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bcparent.ca • holiday issue 2015 3

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4 bcparent.ca • holiday issue 20154 bcparent.ca • holiday issue 2015

Holiday Issue 2015Volume 24, Number 4

Mail Address: P.O.Box 30020, North Vancouver, BCV7H 2Y8

email: [email protected]

Inside ...11 Winter Activity Guide

16 Parenting Resolutions for theNot-So-Perfect Parent

18 Brown Paper Packages & Other Earth Friendly GiftWrap Alternatives

5 Posing for Santa: Tips on Howto Get a Good Photo

6 Indoor Winter Fun: 25 Ways ForKids To Get Their Ya-Ya’s Out

8 Holiday Event Guide

9 Contests

10 Playing Nice in the Snow andIce: Stopping Winter SportsInjuries in Their Tracks

Publisher/Executive Editor: Carlie Parkinson

Editor: Geoffrey Legh

Advertising Design & Layout: Julie Cochrane

Editorial Design & Layout:www.retrometrodesign.ca

Advertising Sales: [email protected]

Circulation: Gold Distribution

Contributors: Christina Katz, Malia Jacobson,Gayla Grace, Lara Krupicka, Pam Molnar, Dr. Beth Taylor MD FRCSCBC Parent is published 8 times per year. The Publisher reserves the right to omit advertisingwhich is judged to be in poor taste or which doesnot conform to the concept of this publication. Canadian Publications Mail Registration No.251836

Follow us on

http://twitter.com/bcparentmag

BC Parent Newsmagazine

Letter from the Editor

T he winter months can be hard with the shorter days and cooler weather, but the spirit of theholidays always brings cheer to brighten the month of December. Once we’ve passed December21st and the shortest day of the year, it’s hard not to feel positive about getting outside and

enjoying winter activities. In this issue, we’ve provided you with some tips on how to entertain your children on days you just

can’t face the outdoors, and ways to make sure they are safe when they are taking part in winter activities.Refer to the Winter Activity Guide to make sure you’ve got ways to keep your kids busy and burning offsome of their endless energy.

For the holidays, we’ve provided you with some great, earth friendly gift wrap ideas and tips on howto get a great photo when your little one is posing with Santa.

Don’t miss the Holiday Event Guide for a reminder of some of the great places to visit this holidayseason, and be sure to enter to win tickets to a few of them!

Happy Holidays and Enjoy the Snow!Carlie Parkinson

20 12 Fertility Tips to IncreaseYour Odds of Getting Pregnant

22 Dear Santa


T o most adults, Santa is someone whobrings cheer and happiness at Christ -mas. For our little ones, this is not

always the case. To them, he is that large,strange man with a long white bearddressed in red. Surrounded by huge crowds,most Santa visits happen in malls or atevents and make the experience even moreoverwhelming for children. Add in longline-ups and kids are exhausted before theyeven get close enough for a photo.

We asked, Saif Yousif, owner of bopomo,to give us some tips on how to get a smilefrom your little one when visiting withSanta.

1. Bring a Special Toy: Bring along yourchild’s favourite toy, stuffed animal or amusical instrument. This will help set theright mood and make them feel at home.They can tell Santa about who they broughtor just share this special event with theirfavourite friend.

2. Use Distraction: Wave your child’s favour -ite toy, play an iPhone movie/game, or singa recognizable tune to your child whilehe/she sits on Santa’s lap. This may just do

the trick and make them forget who is sit-ting beside them.

3. Bring a Wishlist: Write a Christmas listthat your child can bring and give to Santa.They'll be so excited to tell Santa all about it.

4. Avoid Making Santa Scary: Keep yourcomments neutral and encouraging. AroundSanta, avoid using phrases that create fear,such as “you will be ok, Santa won’t hurtyou!” Instead, let your child know that“Santa is waiting to meet them and mayberead their wish list.”

5. Tell Stories: Talk about Santa photos inadvance and tell them how much fun it isgoing to be. If they have not seen Santabefore, introduce him slowly at home. Forthe older children, let them know thatGrandma and Grandpa will love to have anice photo of them with Santa.

6. Bring a Helping Hand: If possible, bringalong your spouse or friend, ideally some-one that can make your child laugh or helpyou make them feel comfortable.

7. Bring Snacks: Having a snack (or milkbottle) with you can help—hungry childrenare not happy ones.

8. Go to a Studio Session: Book a scheduledmini session with Santa to make sure every-one is happy, and the timing fits your babyor child’s schedule. Consider Santa days at alocal studio. The professional studio staffknow how to get the best shots and do mostof the work for you.

9. Personality is Everything: Don’t worry ifthe kids aren’t fully cooperating. Sometimesa shot of a frowning, crying or even sleepingbaby/child can make a great portrait withSanta. Don’t shy away from capturing avariety of expressions that capture yourchild’s personality.

10. If all else fails—bribe: Yes bribes work!Plan a special outing or treat in exchangefor your child’s cooperation.

bopomo is an award-winning Vancouver photography stu-dio that creates timeless memories with maternity, baby andfamily pictures and helps professionals and businesses make alasting impact through headshots and commercial photogra-phy, www.bopomo.ca.

Posing withSantaBopomo Studio’s

tips & tricks forhelping your

child relax and smile


W hen the weather outside is fright-ful and you are fresh out of funways to keep kids entertained,

turn to this list of ideas. The key is to stopthinking like an adult and to rememberhow to think like a kid. Once you accom-plish this, who knows what kind of mischiefyou will help your kids dream up!

And while we are on the subject, whynot forget your grown-up responsibilitiesfor a little while and join the kids in somefun indoor activities? Your cabin fever willmelt away like snow on a sunny day onceyou dive into one of these fun pastimes withyour kids. Come on, parents. They will onlybe kids once.1. Become a builder. Make a fort afterlunch and then live in it until dinner.2. Ready, set, duck! Ball up some cleansocks, turn some furniture sideways, andhave a sock-ball fight.3. Fun with flour. Make something thatinvolves kneading, like bread, rolls or pizzadough.4. One-legged kangaroo. Spend an hourhopping on only one foot every time you

have to move around the house.5. Soften their falls. Put on layers of soft,stretchy clothes and play Twister in thekitchen.6. Set a world’s record. See how long youcan toss a soft ball back and forth withoutdropping it even once.7. Stretch for it. Have a headstand or ahandstand contest. Who is the straightest,who can last the longest, and who is themost poised?8. Colourful awe. Look up group gamesthat can be played with a silk parachute(note: also helpful in fort construction).9. Strike a laugh. Take turns playing yogateacher and making up silly yoga poses. Notlaughing yet? Add in funny breathing exer-cises.10. Let alter egos act out. Make sock or bagpuppets, give them your quirkiest qualities,and then put on a puppet show.11. Have a competition. Make a foursquarecourt in the basement or garage usingpainter’s tape and then take turns playing.12. Find your inner Picasso. Tape largepieces of drawing paper up on the walls of

the basement or garage, spread newspaperson the floor, and create self-portraits withchalk pastels.13. Play charades. Make sure the clues areappropriate for all ages. Or, if you prefer, tryPictionary instead.14. Take that, Villan! Act out a scene from afamily-favourite book. Look up some fightchoreography online and stage a mock-fight.15. Climb, jump, and hop. Create an obsta-cle course in the basement or garage. Timeeveryone’s results. Then try to beat yourbest time. (See sidebar for more ideas.)16. Mess around with beauty. Make facialmasks out of bananas or avocado and taketurns giving them to each other.17. Get inspired. Watch The Lion, TheWitch, And The Wardrobe and then drawwhat you imagine you would find on theother side of your hidden doorway.18. Bonsoir, Madame. Create a simple mealfrom a foreign culture like France, India orAfrica with ingredients you have on hand.19. Start a band. Make some music witheither real instruments or whatever you can

By Christina Katz

Indoor Winter Fun 25 Ways for Kids to Get their Ya-Ya’s Out

Fort-building kit (check Amazon)Parachute (double duty in making forts)Nerf products (for throwing in the

house)Nutella (for crepe-making)Instant snow (for creating your home in

miniature)Glitter (for adding to playdough and

making sculptures sparkle)iTunes card (for lip syncing and finger

painting to music)TwisterPictionaryFoursquare ballHacky sackPainter’s tapeChalk pastelsFinger paints and coated paperBananasAvocadosBag of russet potatoes

Stash These Supplies When Snow DaysAre Imminent

Throw a sheet over a string to create acrawl tunnel

Over and under: string or masking tapestretched between walls or objects

Pogo stick jumpingHula HoopingStilt walkingBalance beamThrow beanbags into buckets or potsWalk a lap while balancing large book

on headSlalom on a too-small bike or scooterJump ropeJumping jacks or push-upsBounce a ball off a wallSpin around ten timesJuggle a soccer ball or hacky sack with

your feet or legsBalance something on a serving spoonStep from stool to chair to stepladder, etc.Putt a golf ball into a plastic cup

Indoor Obstacle Course Ideas:


art supply cabinets and drawers and pull outeverything you can bear to part with. Be sureto include sticks, wire or string. Then seewho can create the most original sculptureusing supplies on hand.

Author, journalist, and writing coach Christina Katz has fondmemories of getting snowed in for days when she was a kid. Herfavourite activity was making obstacle courses in the basement.

create out of what you have on hand. Foreven more fun, try a marching band.20. Musical fingers. Fingerpaint to differentkinds of music. Let everyone choose a songand then compare the resulting images.Which music helped to create the mostinspired paintings?21. Instant nostalgia. Make sparkly whiteplay dough and then recreate the scene ofyour home in a snowstorm in miniature.(Keep a can of instant snow on hand forjust such an occasion, see sidebar.)22. I say potato, you say potahto. Takepotatoes, cut them in half and carve the cutends into stamps. Then transform leftoverbrown bags into recycled wrapping paper.23. Trashion passion. What’s in your recyclebins? Divide it up into two teams, mix insome plastic and paper bags, set a timer forone hour and see who can whip up some run-way magic for a quick trashion runway show.24. Lip-sync battle. Everyone picks theirfavourite tunes and then battles it out onwhatever kind of “stage” you can create. Forextra fun, video the numbers and cut someshort clips together into a compilation.25. Sculpture magic. Go through all of your

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special eventsFestival of Trees in VancouverNov 13–Jan 5www.bcchf.ca/fot Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver (791 W. Georgia St, Vancouver) & CF Pacific Centre (701 W. Georgia St)All ages welcome. Come browsethrough the holiday display and cast aballot for your favourite tree.

Heritage Christmas at BurnabyVillage MuseumNov 21–Jan 1www.burnabyvillagemuseum.caFestive lighting and decorations greetyou at the entrance of the Village togive you a small glimpse of the spectac-ular display of history and lights await-ing inside. Special entertainment isscheduled throughout the seasonincluding theatre performances, com-munity choirs, street characters andmusicians. Enjoy family favourite activ-ities including a craft for children, bak-ing in the Farmhouse and, of course,visits with Father Christmas!

Vancouver Christmas MarketNov 21–Dec 24www.vancouverchristmasmarket.comQueen Elizabeth Theatre PlazaAll ages welcome, children under 6 arefree.

Bright Nights in Stanley Park,VancouverNov 26–Jan 2www.vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/bright-nights-train

Canyon Lights at CapilanoSuspension Bridge ParkNov 27 –Jan 3www.capbridge.com/explore/canyon-lightsRe-capture the feeling of wonder andexcitement of the holiday season andbe amazed by the hundreds of thou-sands of lights throughout the park.The suspension bridge, TreetopsAdventure, Cliffwalk, the rainforestand canyon are transformed into aworld of festive lights and visualenchantment.

Peak of Christmas at GrouseMountainNov 27–Jan 4www.grousemountain.com/ChristmasAll ages welcome!

Christmas at FlyOver CanadaNov 27–Jan 5www.flyovercanada.com604-620-8455Children must be at least 102cm (40")tall to enter FlyOver Canada. Children(12 and under) must be accompaniedby an adult or guardian (14 years orolder). FlyOver Canada will transforminto a magical winter wonderland thisChristmas season. Join Santa on a mag-ical flight across Canada and then endwith a sneak peak of Santa’s magicalNorth Pole!

Hi-Light FestivalNov 27–Dec 31 www.parkandtilford.comPark and Tilford, North Vancouver

Polar Express – West Coast RailwayNov 28–Dec 20www.wcra.orgHeritage Park, Squamish

Festival of Trees in StevestonNov 29–Dec 31www.exploresteveston.comGulf of Georgia Cannery NationalHistoric Site, Steveston Village

A Dickens Christmas – Britannia MineDec 1–Jan 3www.britanniaminemuseum.ca

VanDusen Garden Festival of LightsDec 1–31www.vandusengarden.orgVancouver

Hansel and Gretal: An East VanPanto–presented by The CultchDec 2–Jan 3York Theatre, 639 Commercial Dr.tickets.thecultch.com or 604/251-1363Ages 5+. An East Van Panto is back forits third year! Theatre Replacement stepsway off the beaten path for this year’sedition with the weird and wonderfulHansel and Gretel. This production luresyou deep into the East Van wildernessto deliver a fantastic holiday treat.

Hyatt Gingerbread LaneDec 4–27www.vancouver.hyatt.comHyatt Regency VancouverFun for all ages.

Tiny Tots – Holiday Hooray,Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Dec 4 and 5www.vancouversymphony.ca/concert/15TOTS02/Vancouver and New Westminster

James and the Giant Peach presentedby Carousel Theatre for Young PeopleDec 5–Jan 3The Waterfront Theatre on GranvilleIsland, tickets.carouseltheatre.ca or604/685-6217Ages 6+. The hit family musical Jamesand the Giant Peach is back by populardemand! Together with Grasshopper,Ladybug, Centipede, Spider andEarthworm, James embarks onan extraordinary adventure. CarouselTheatre for Young People’s heartwarm-ing musical celebrates what it means tofind a home.

Christmas Finds at Kids Market,Granville IslandDec 5–24 www.kidsmarket.caFind unique gifts, get everything gift-wrapped and visit Santa! Or come onSunday December 20th to visit Santa’shelpers Jack and Rusty.

St. Nick’s Day of Family Fun Sunday, Dec 6, 1–4 pmwww.roeddehouse.orgRoedde House Museum, VancouverRecommended for ages 6 and up.

Roger’s Santa Claus ParadeSunday, Dec 6www.rogerssantaclausparade.comDowntown Vancouver

Chanukah in the CitySunday, Dec 6, 4 pmOutside Vancouver Art Gallery

Christmas in Steveston VillageSunday, Dec 6www.exploresteveston.comSanta arrives off the boat on Steveston

Public Wharf at 1pm. Free Santa hats.Bring your camera and take a photowith Santa inside the Gulf of GeorgiaCannery from 2–4 pm.

The Wizard of Oz at GatewayTheatre, RichmondDec 10–Jan 3www.gatewaytheatre.com It’s the fantastic journey you know andlove brought to you by the award-winning team who created last season’sholiday hit Crazy for You! Delight yourlittle munchkins (and your munchkin-at-heart!) with a trip “Over theRainbow” at Gateway Theatre this holiday season, and rediscover thiswonderful all-ages story.

A Traditional Christmas – VancouverSymphony Orchestra Dec 10–20www.vancouversymphony.ca/concert/15SPEC05/Various venues throughout the LowerMainland.

Vancouver Winter WonderlandDec 11–20www.vancouverwinterwonderland.comPNE Forum

Goh Ballet’s The NutcrackerDec 17–22www.gohnutcracker.comAll ages welcome.

Heritage Holiday – Fort LangleyHistoric SiteDec 19–Jan 3www.parkscanada.gc.ca/fortlangleyEscape the holiday bustle and makememories with your family and friendsat the fort! Enjoy a traditional holiday at -mosphere, crafts, and children’s activities.

22nd Annual Winter SolsticeLantern Festival at Dr. Sun Yat-SenClassical Chinese GardenDec 21, 6–10 pmwww.vancouverchinesegarden.comAges 3 and up.

Ballet BC presents the Alberta BalletThe NutcrackerDec 29 (eve.), 30 (mat. & eve.), 31 (mat.)www.balletbc.com/performance/the-nutcracker

Holiday Events Guide

The holidays turn the Lower Mainland into a magical site. Look through the listings below to find some new eventsto attend or just be reminded of some classics. Use it as a checklist and see how many you can cross off this year!


Classical Kids Live! Gershwin’s Magic Key –Vancouver Symphony OrchestraJan 10 (matinee)www.vancouversymphony.ca/concert/15KIDS03/

vacationsBig White Ski Resort, Kelownawww.bigwhite.comSnow covered trees with twinkling lights, the soundof sleigh bells and the magical winter wonderland ofBig White creates the perfect setting for an unforget-table Christmas vacation.

Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge, Grand MoundWashingtonNov 28–Jan 3www.greatwolf.com/snowlandAll ages welcome. Family-friendly event taking placethroughout the entire resort. Great Wolf Lodge trans-forms into a magical winter wonderland, completewith spectacular decorations, visits with Santa, NorthPole University activities and a life-size gingerbreadhouse you can dine in!

A Night at Canyon LightsWin a Canyon Lights family pass, hot

chocolate vouchers for 4 and a holidaydecoration for the tree.

Value: $150Deadline to Enter: December 10th

Enter at www.bcparent.ca

Contests

Win a family pack (2 Child &2 Adult tickets) to any per-

formance of Hansel andGretel: An East Van Panto.

Hansel and Gretel lures you deep intothe East Van wilderness to deliver a

fantastic holiday treat. Performancesrun from December 2–January 3

Value: $115Deadline to Enter: December 10th

Enter at www.bcparent.ca

Win 4 seats to the hit familymusical, James and theGiant Peach performance at 7pm on Saturday, Dec 12 at TheWaterfront Theatre on Granville Island.Tickets are not confirmed until bookedthrough the CTYP box office. Value: $96Deadline to Enter: December 5thEnter at www.bcparent.ca Like BC Parent on Facebook for

parenting tips, fun family events,useful resources and relevant

deals for families in BC.

BC Parent Newsmagazine


C risp winter air, brisk exercise, and rosycheeks; cold-weather activities like ski - ing, sledding, snowboarding, and ice

hockey seem to epitomize wholesome win-ter fun. It’s true; these activities do promotefitness and allow kids to burn off pent-upwinter energy. But according to Kevin D.Walter, M.D., Sports Medicine, parents areoften shocked to learn about the dangersinvolved.

Why are winter sports so potentiallydangerous? “Any time you have kids travel-ing down slick snow and ice at high speeds,there’s a risk of injury,” says Joe Guettler,M.D., orthopedic surgeon. Children are moresusceptible to falls than adults, because theirheads are relatively large in proportion totheir bodies, and their center of gravity ishigher, he says. And young bones havegrowth plates—areas of fibrous materialwhere new bone is generated—that makethem more prone to break than adult bones.

Don’t let fear of injury keep your familyinside this winter. Some general safety pre-cautions can help prevent injuries for allwinter athletes, from casual sledders to dare -devil snowboarders. To stay safe, all kidsshould wear proper protective gear—espe-cially a well-fitted helmet—and play by therules of their respective sport. Warming upfor 10 to 15 minutes also reduces the likeli-hood of injury by preparing muscles, ten-dons, and ligaments for work.

To further protect your children fromwinter sports injuries, follow these sport-specific strategies.

Skiing According to Walter, skiing-related injuriesoften involve the anterior cruciate ligament(ACL). Tears or injuries to this ligament areoften painful and can put kids out of com-

mission for the season. “I’m seeing moreACL injuries in young skiers these days,”says Walter. “Children are being pushed toplay and train more aggressively at a youngerage in all sports.” Play it Safe: All equipment, including skis,boots, and bindings, should be properly fit-ted. Kids should avoid walking around toomuch in ski boots, as this can compromisetheir snug kit, and be extra attentive whengetting on and off the ski lift, a time whenmany injuries happen. It’s also a good ideato end the day on an easier run to avoid ski-ing fatigued.

Sledding Collision is the biggest injury risk for sled-ders, says Guettler. And collisions can leadto catastrophic head injuries. “Parents thinkof sledding as a relatively benign activity,”he says. “But there are real risks. Bones andligaments—we can put those back together.But a head injury can cause lifelong damage.” Play it Safe: Because most collisions occurwhen sledders lose control of their sled,always choose a sled with a steering mecha-nism. Never allow sledding in wooded areasor near streets, and don’t allow children towalk across the sledding path. And helmetsare a must.

Snowboarding Because of the way snowboarders fall, kneeinjuries are seen less frequently with snow-boarders than with skiers, says Guettler.Upper body injuries are a bigger concern,particularly wrist fractures, he says. And, aswith other downhill sports, head and neckinjuries like concussion are a possibility. Play it Safe: Along with a protective helmet,snowboarders should wear wristguards toprotect against fractures. Kids shouldn’t

attempt tricks or runs that exceed their abil-ity level—particularly late in the day whenfatigue sets in. All gear, especially bindings,should be checked regularly.

Ice Hockey With more than 500,000 young partici-pants nationwide, hockey is one of coun-try’s fastest-growing youth sports. Hockeyhelps develop hand-eye coordination andpacks a vigorous cardiovascular workout,but its fast pace can set the stage for injuriesto the head, mouth, limbs, and groin. Play it Safe: Skating proficiency is vital tohockey safety. Young players should be ableto confidently skate both forward and back-ward before suiting up to play. Protectivegear is particularly important in this quick-moving contact sport. Never let your childplay without a protective helmet, hockey-specific shoulder, elbow, knee and shin pads,hockey pants with built-in padding (alsocalled “breezers”), gloves, an athletic sup-porter or cup, and a mouthguard.

Taking a few extra minutes to stay safe isworthwhile, because winter sports are fit-ness boons for kids and families. Just askGuettler, who skis regularly with his fouryoung children. “Unlike other sports likefootball and gymnastics that relegate par-ents to the sidelines, winter sports allowfamilies to have fun and stay fit together,”he says. “The positive family time and thefitness benefits certainly outweigh the po -tential risk for injuries.” And fewer wintersports injuries mean more winter fun forthe entire family.

Malia Jacobson is an award-winning health and parentingjournalist and mom of three. Her latest book is Sleep Tight, EveryNight: Helping Toddlers and Preschoolers Sleep Well WithoutTears, Tricks, or Tirades.

Playing nice in thesnow and ice:

Stopping winter sportsInjuries in their tracks

By Malia Jacobson


danceBoogaboo604/266-3053, Vancouverwww.Boogaboo.com

Al Mozaico Flamenco DanceAcademy604/671-9182, Vancouverwww.mozaicoflamenco.com

Anna Wyman School of Dance Arts,West Vancouver604/[email protected]

The Arts Connection604/241-0141, Richmondwww.theartsconnection.orgAges infant to 16yrs

Arts Umbrella604/681-5268www.artsumbrella.com

AUUC School of Dance604/254-3436danceschool@auucvancouver.cawww.auucvancouver.caExperience for yourself the joy andartistry of Ukrainian dance! Quality &

creative instruction in Folk-Stage,Ballet & Contemporary Dance. 85years of arts programs reflecting amodern multicultural experience. Ages3 to adult.

Dance Co604/736-3394, [email protected] Co provides unparalleled dancetraining for all ages and levels. Provid -ing technique and performance whiledeveloping confidence and creativity.Programs start throughout the year, formore information visit our website.

Dance Expressions604/574-2277, [email protected]

Douglas Ballet Academy - DanceCollective604/420-0204, Vancouverwww.douglasballet.homestead.com

Gabriela’s Movement Studio604/272-0607www.movementstudio.caWinner of the 2015 Richmond

Review’s Best of Richmond. Gabriela’sMovement Studio specializes in Balletand Creative Movement and art classesfor toddlers, preschoolers and theyoung child. Groups are small, allow-ing for more personal attention. Ages 2-1/2 to 9.

Goh Ballet Academy604/[email protected] institute of provincial champi-ons in the Junior, Intermediate &Senior levels as well as InternationalGold Medal Award Recipients. Wellbalanced curriculum, RAD examina-tions & extensive performance oppor-tunities.

hz Ballet Classique604/299-9698, Burnabywww.balletclassique.com

Just for Kicks School of Dance604/596-4161, Surrey

North Shore Academy of Dance604/[email protected] 3–18.

Northwest Academy of Performing Arts604/306-7390; www.NAPAdance.com

Pacific Dance Arts604/738-8575; www.pacificdancearts.ca

Place des Arts Art Centre & MusicSchool604/664-1636, Coquitlamwww.placedesarts.caPlace des Arts provides a warm, friend-ly learning environment where experi-enced, caring teachers offer instructionin the visual, performing and literaryarts for all ages and abilities. Sept-Juneand fall, winter and spring sessiondance classes in ballet, jazz, hip hop,tap, dance sampler, contemporary andlyrical dance are offered for children,starting at age 3, teens and adults.

Port Moody School of Dance604/936-0966www.portmoodydance.com

The Landing Dance Centre604/325-8653www.TheLandingDance.com270 SW Marine Drive, Vancouver Ages 8 to adult

winter activity guide


Tri-City Dance Centre604/523-6868, Coquitlamwww.tricitydance.com

Vancouver Tap Dance Society604/253-0293www.vantapdance.bc.ca

Vancouver Academy of Dance604/231-8293www.vancouverdance.com Vancouver Academy of Dance offerssummer dance camps in ballet,jazz/lyrical, tap, hip hop, acrobatics,ballroom and Chinese Dance at theirmain location in Richmond.

Westside Dance Centre Ltd604/736-1000www.westsidedance.caWe offer great classes in Tap, Jazz,Ballet and Hip hop for kids as youngas 3 years old, right up to adults.

musicAllegro Music School604/327-7765, VancouverAllegromusicschool.comAll ages. We provide studio or in-homelessons (no extra charge) in piano,voice and other instruments. Universitygraduates. $23.50 and up. Classical orpopular styles.

Arbutus Music Academy604/736-8767www.arbutusmusicacademy.com

The Arts Connection604/241-0141, Richmondwww.theartsconnection.ca

BC Conservatory of Music604/299-2984, Burnabywww.bcmusic.ca

BC Registered Music Teachers Assoc.604/733-5531; www.bcrmta.bc.ca Visit our website to find a qualifiedregistered music teacher. Be assured ofknowledgeable, competent and quali-fied instruction.

Campos Music604/325-0480; camposmusic.caAges 4+.

Carillon Music 604/591-1161www.carillonmusicacademy.com

Colourstrings Music & MovementGroup Classeswww.colourstringsvan.com129 East 8th Ave, VancouverAges 3 months to 6 years. In age spe-cific groupings children enjoy songsand games that develop a solid musicalfoundation. The more advanced classesintroduce music reading and writing.Classes now available French!Instrumental Lessons for children, 5

years and upwards. Violin, Viola,Piano, Percussion, Flute, Cello andAcoustic Guitar

Delta Community Music School604/946-1280, Delta

Dominanta Music School604/767-0949, Burnabywww.dominanta.ca

Jean Lyons School of Music604/734-4019www.jeanlyonsmusic.com

Jumpstart Music & Movement604/[email protected] to 5 years

Langley Community Music School604/534-2848www.langleymusic.com

Long & McQuade Music LessonCentreswww.long-mcquade.com

Music for Young Children800/828-4334www.myc.comAges 3 to 9 yrs.

Music Teachers on the Go778/882-7603www.musicteachersonthego.cominfo@musicteachersonthego.com

North Shore Music Academy604/925-3403, North Van

Oakridge Music Studio604/321-1551www.omusicstudios.com

Pacific Academy for Music604/944-0336, Port Coquitlamwww.musicinstructor.net

Place des Arts Art Centre & MusicSchool604/664-1636www.placedesarts.caPlace des Arts provides a warm, friend-ly learning environment where experi-enced, caring teachers offer instructionin the visual, performing and literaryarts for all ages and abilities. Privatemusic lessons run Sep. to June, andregistration is open throughout theyear. Fall, winter and spring sessiongroup classes are also available in avariety of instruments for children,teens and adults.

Prussin Music604/736-3036www.prussinmusic.comPrussin Music has been serving familiessince 1985. We offer instrument sales,rentals, repairs & lessons. Our teachersare enthusiastic and active in Vancou -ver’s musical community. We have les-sons for all levels and all ages includingsummer camps and Suzuki classes.


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Richmond Community Music School604/272-5227www.richmondmusicschool.caSuitable for all ages, children andadults.

School of Music and Dance604/951-3725, Surreywww.musicanddance.org

Staccato Music Studios604/421-3753www.staccatostudios.com

Steveston Music Centre604/271-3545, Steveston

Tom Lee Music604/685-8471, Vancouverwww.tomleemusic.caAt Tom Lee Music Learning Centre,you can enjoy excellent music educa-tion in a fun community atmosphere.Students of all ages come together for apositive music making experience atour 7 key and satellite locations inVancouver, plus 2 on Vancouver Island.To register, please call 604/688-8929.

Vancouver Academy of Music604/734-2301www.vam.bc.ca Kodaly and Orff musicianship classes.Suzuki violin, viola, piano, cello, andflute. Piano group class (ages 4–9).Ballet (ages 31/2–18). RCM music his-tory and theory. Private instruction in


piano, classical guitar, band and orchestralinstruments.

Vancouver Children’s Choir604/682-6363www.vancouverchildrenschoir.caLove to sing? Vancouver Children’s Choirauditioning now! Girls 8–16, Boys 8–12.Call for an appointment.

VSO School of Music604/915-9300www.vsoschoolofmusic.caThe VSO School of Music offers:Joyful music learning and playingfor all ages and abilities; Early yearsprograms starting from 3 monthsold; Private lessons in classical, jazzand world music; Ensembles, masterclassesand performance opportunities; Exclusiveassociation with the Vancouver SymphonyOrchestra; and flexible payment options.

The Violin ABC’s778/896-5729www.violin-abc.com

Western Conservatory of Music604/530-0317, White Rock

performing & visual artsThe Arts Connection604/241-0141, Richmondwww.theartsconnection.ca

MAKE CREATIVITY YOUR SUPERHERO Inspiring classes for kids and teens VISUAL ARTS | DANCE | THEATRE REGISTER TODAY!

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school network, with weekend schoolsacross the Lower Mainland. We offerclasses in Singing, Dancing and Dramaevery weekend alongside the schoolterm as well as week long summercamps. Building confidence in youngpeople since 1988! Come join the fun!Schools are located in VancouverEastside/Westside, North Vancouver,Coquitlam, Langley.

Surrey Art Gallery604-501-5566www.surrey.ca/artgalleryPreschool and up. Let out your creativeside and fight the winter blues! SurreyArt Gallery offers over 25 classes thisseason. From preschool to adults, we’vegot something for you: painting, draw-ing, pottery, mixed media, pastels, andmore. See you in the studio!

Surrey Civic TheatresBox Office: 604/501-5566 (press 1)www.surrey.ca/theatre

Vancouver Youth Theatre604/877-0678; www.vyt.ca

specialtyBricks 4 Kidz778/822-5672www.bricks4kidz.com/vancouverBricks 4 Kidz® provides programs thatinspire kids to learn about architecture,

engineering and design concepts whilehaving fun building with LEGO®

bricks. Now offering After SchoolEnrichment Classes, Camps andBirthday Parties. Ages 5–12.

Christianne’s Lyceum of Literature and Art604/733-1356www.christiannehayward.comThe Lyceum encourages young peopleto see themselves as readers, writersand artists as they engage with abstractideas and reflect on their own place insociety. Programs include: bookclubs,writers’ workshops, literature and artclasses and holiday and summer camps.

The Dizzy Whisk – Cooking Classesfor Kids778/998-3530; www.dizzywhisk.com

Kimiko’s Japanese Kitchen –Cooking Parties for Kids, Familiesand Adults604/727-5331www.kimikoskitchen.wordpress.com Kids, ages 8–12.

MENDwww.bchealthykids.caMEND is a fun, FREE, 10-week pro-gram that supports children and theirfamilies in becoming more active andhealthier through interactive group ses-sions. Please visit www.bchealthykids.cafor a location near you.


Arts Umbrella604/681-5268www.artsumbrella.comFor more than 35 years, Arts Umbrellahas proudly provided high quality edu-cation in visual, media and performingarts to children and youth throughoutMetro Vancouver. Classes available forages 2–19. Join our community whereart comes alive!

Artspace Children’s Arts Centrewww.artspaceforchildren.com

Carousel Theatre for Young People604/669-3410www.carouseltheatre.ca

CircusWest604/252-3679www.circuswest.com

E.J.S. School of Fine Arts604/596-4883

Gateway Academy for PerformingArts604/247-4975gatewaytheatre.com/[email protected] Gateway Academy for PerformingArts, we believe in Creativity, Courage,and Connection! Established in 1991,our year-round acting, musical theatre,and performance training classes are foryouth 6–18. Professional actors, direc-tors, playwrights and choreographers

are engaged as instructors, teachingskills that enrich students in both per-formance and life.

In-Studio Art Classes – MartaRoberson Smythwww.martademaria.tumblr.com www.martademaria.comMentoring children from six to sixteenwith personalised instruction in smallgroups.

JCC Performing Arts School604/257-5111, Vancouver

Place des Arts Art Centre & MusicSchool604/664-1636, Coquitlamwww.placedesarts.caPlace des Arts offers a wide range ofskill building classes in the visual artsfor all ages and in a wide range ofmedia, including pottery and fibre arts.The centre also offers classes in the theatre and film arts for children andteens, including teen Theatre and Musi -cal Theatre performance companies.

Rainbow Art School Ltd.778-317-8000Classes available for ages 3–19.

StageCoach Theatre Arts Schools1-877-787-8243www.stagecoachschools.caSing, Dance, Act! For 4–18 yr olds.The world’s largest part-time theatre

atlantisprograms.com 604-874-6464From bubbles to butterfly

Atlantis Swim Programs

Swimming lessons for kids 4 months and up

Locations:Vancouver (Arbutus Village)Vancouver (Jericho Hill Centre)Burnaby (Greentree Village)

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Sewing with Frances604/433-1030www.francessewingschool.com

Vancouver Aquarium604/659-FISHwww.vanaqua.org

sportsAquaventures Swim Centre604/736-SWIMwww.aquaventuresswim.comAward-winning program in tropicalwarm water.

Atlantis Swim Programs604/874-6464, Vancouverwww.atlantisprograms.com Swimming lessons for kids 4 monthsand up. Since 1986, Atlantis has beenoffering swim lessons to kids 4 monthsand up. Specializing in small class sizes(generally 4:1), warm water and excep-tional instructors, they have helpedthousands of children to be safe andcompetent in the water, so they canenjoy a lifetime of aquatic activities.

Club Aviva604/526-4464, Coquitlamwww.clubaviva.citysoup.ca

Dynamo Swim Club778/866-6604www.dynamoswimclub.net

The Edge Climbing Centre604/984-9080www.edgeclimbing.com

Grandview Skating Clubwww.grandviewskatingclub.com/3 and up. Grandview Skating Club isyour one-stop “learn to skate” club! Forbeginners, Grandview offers CAN-SKATE, Skate Canada’s flagship learn-to-skate program (all ages). For advanc - ed skaters, Grandview offers STARSkate,Competitive, Test programs, off-icetraining and hockey skills classes.Fall/Winter sessions are at Trout LakeCommunity Centre, Spring/Summersessions are at Sunset Arena.

Jump! GymnasticsNorth Vancouver: 604/971-0513 andYaletown: 604/568-9690www.jumpgymnastics.ca

Langley Gymnastics Foundation604/532-1022www.langleygymnastics.com

The Little Gym of Langley604/539-2543www.thelittlegym.com

Marina’s Swim School604/818-4650www.marinaswimschool.com

North Shore Equestrian Centre604/988-5131; www.wecreateriders.comAges 4+.

Pedalheads Bike Camps1-888-886-6464www.pedalheads.comPedalheads® is a learn to ride bike pro-gram for kids 2–12. Located acrossCanada and specifically in the GreaterVancouver area, they have helped over200,000 kids learn to ride. Offering avariety of levels from training wheels totrails, Pedalheads® offers half-day, allday and private lesson options.

Quantum Gymnastics Centre604/465-9293, Maple Ridgewww.quantumgym.com

RBL Basketball604/269-0221www.RBLBasketball.caSkill development, leagues, holidaycamps for boys and girls from 5–15.Programs in Vancouver.

Richmond Gymnastics Association604/278-3614www.richmondgymnastics.com

Richmond Olympic Oval778/296-1400www.richmondoval.ca

Sportball604/688-3157www.sportball.ca Sportball is a non-competitive sportsprogram for children 16 months to 12years. Children are introduced to eight

popular sports: soccer, hockey, football,basketball, baseball, volleyball, tennisand golf. Sportball offers weekly pro-grams, outdoor soccer, camps duringschool holidays, and birthday parties.Come try a free trial class! See ourwebsite for a location near you.

UBC Active Kids Gymnastics604/822-2027www.outreach.kin.educ.ubc.ca/active-kids18 months–18 years. Run by the UBCSchool of Kinesiology, Active Kids pro-vides developmentally appropriaterecreational gymnastics, soccer, basket-ball, multi-sport, and physical literacyclasses to participants of all ages andabilities.

Vancouver Phoenix Gymnastics604/737-7693www.phoenixgymnastics.com

White Rock Gymnastics604/542-0386www.whiterockgymnastics.com


604-272-0607www.movementstudio.ca

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C onsidering the innumerable parent-ing books I’ve read and parentingworkshops I’ve attended, I should be

a perfect parent. I’m not. I’ve been a parentlong enough, however, to realize that if I keeppressing forward and do the best job I canwith a loving and sincere heart, my kids won’tbe eternally scarred by my imperfections.

This year, instead of making resolutionsabout being a better parent, I decided toponder a few resolutions on how to movepast my imperfections and keep going ondays I want to quit as a not-so-perfect par-ent. So, this year I commit to ...

1. Let go of the Mommy guilt. We all expe-rience it from time to time. We do toomuch for our kids one day and the next daywe do too little. One day we give them toomuch slack and the next day we nag themincessantly. Our parenting choices never seemright. Or maybe our thinking isn’t right.Mommy guilt comes from the expectationthat we need to be perfect. But... a perfectmom doesn’t exist. We can choose to let goof unrealistic expectations that keep usbound to guilt when we don’t measure up.

2. Forgive myself when I fail. A defeatedparent doesn’t parent effectively. When webarrage ourselves with negative self-talk

over a poor parenting choice, we continuedown a negative path. Forgiving ourselvesfor less-than-stellar parenting momentsallows us to begin again with a renewedmind and fresh perspective for our parent-ing challenges.

3. Seek out support from other moms onhard days. My neighbor is a single parentwith two school-aged children. She recog-nizes her need for help in juggling herresponsibilities and seeks out other momsto assist with car pool or after-school carewhen the demands of her work schedulebecome overwhelming. Fellow moms under-stand the struggles of busy moms and areusually happy to help when asked.

4. Listen to my heart on how to parent mychild, instead of others’ opinions. It’s easyto run to the phone and ask our best friendwhat to do when we’re facing a difficult par-enting moment, but if we step back and lis-ten to our heart while considering our op -tions, we make better decisions. Taking intoaccount our child’s personality (which weknow better than anyone) will allow us to tai-lor parenting advice to our unique situations.

5. Take time to run, or quilt, or whateveractivity works for me to re-group when

ParentingResolutions

the parenting strain takes over. It’s impor-tant to re-group and make time for self-carewhen we’re about to go off the parentingcliff. Balancing parenting demands withactivities we can look forward to and enjoyalone or with others, creates a well-roundedparent who can more effectively handle thestrains of parenting.

6. Remember that my kids love me, evenon days I’m a not-so-perfect parent. Ourkids don’t expect us to be perfect parents. Ifthey know we are doing our best to care forthem, emotionally and physically, they loveus on our good days and our days that aren’tso good. I heard the reply of a young childrecently when asked what he thought abouthis mom’s significant weight loss. “I don’tsee her any different—I love her either way‘cuz she’s my mom.”

As you start a new year, do you have resolu-tions to consider as a not-so-perfect parent?Do you need a mindset do-over that in -cludes room for imperfection and secondchances as a parent? Perhaps that’s the ticketto success this year on your not-so-perfectparenting journey.

As a freelance journalist, Gayla Grace loves sharing experi-ences to encourage other parents. She is thankful for her five chil-dren, who love her despite her not-so-perfect parenting.

by Gayla Grace

for the Not-So-Perfect Parent

I’ve been a parent long enough to realize that if I keep pressing forward and do the bestjob I can, my kids won’t be eternally scarred by my imperfections.


THE WIZARD OF OZ “...A classic musical celebration of color and spectacle.” BROADWAY WORLD

DECEMBER 10, 2015–JANUARY 3, 2016 • MainStage

By L. Frank Baum • With Music & Lyrics by Harold Arlen & E.Y. Harburg Background Music by Herbert Stothart • Dance and Vocal Arrangements by Peter Howard Orchestration by Larry Wilcox • Adapted by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare CompanyBASED UPON THE CLASSIC MOTION PICTURE OWNED BY TURNER ENTERTAINMENT CO. & DISTRIBUTED IN ALL MEDIA BY WARNER BROS.

Bring your Munchkins!

604.270.1812gatewaytheatre.com

Accepting Wait List Applications for SY 2015 and beyond

VANCOUVER BILINGUAL PRESCHOOL949 West 49th Avenue (at Oak St.)Vancouver, BC V5Z 2T1Phone/Fax: 604.261.1221

GIVE YOUR CHILD THE GIFT OF A SECOND LANGUAGE

The ability to learn languages is highest between birth and age 6. Our French-English preschool program maximizes a child’s natural curiosity and ability to learn a second language during this important window of opportunity.

• Established in 1962 • Caring, experienced & highly qualified bilingual teachers • Bright, extra-spacious classrooms • Private indoor & outdoor play areas • Introduction to French, reading, math, science and nature, music, crafts • Educational field trips

[email protected] • www.vancouverbilingual.com

CELEBRATING OVER 50 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

Open HouseSaturday, Jan. 23

10am–2pm


here’s nothing like the fun of tearingat colourfully wrapped gifts to make acelebration exciting for a kid. The

mere sight of a bow-bedecked box can elicitshrieks of delight.

And no wonder—a study by DanielHoward of Southern Methodist Universityfound that, due to positive association, reci -pients automatically feel more favourablyabout owning a gift when it has beenwrapped. Which may also explain why thetradition of disguising gifts is such a long-standing one. Some date it back to 105 ADin China.

But for the environmentally conscious,this practice can be cringe inducing. Howto please the birthday boy or girl and stillcare for the earth? Try one of the followingoptions:

The Sunday FunniesFor years thrifty folks have used full-colourSunday comics pages for wrapping gifts.The large newsprint pages fit most smallerpackages, or you can use multiple spreadsfor a larger box. Save each week’s funnies tobuild up your wrapping stash. Or simplygrab the current Sunday comics from yourrecycling bin.

Outdated MapsDid you know that your car’s door pocketsand glove box can be sources of giftwrap?Cull any outdated maps and move them toyour giftwrap bin. After a road trip, insteadof discarding any maps collected, keepthem to have on hand for the next celebra-tion. The bright colour and larger size pagesmake for great gift coverings, especially for

guys. Or add a decorative touch to any pres-ent by cutting maps into strips and windingthem around a pen or pencil to create curls.Then tape a group of curls to the top of awrapped package.

Retail Shopping BagsEver since Hallmark introduced the firsthandled paper gift bag in 1987, Americanshave favoured presenting gifts in decorativebags. Instead of buying bags specifically forgifts, why not use the cute shopping bagsfrom retail chains you frequent? AmericanGirl and Vera Bradley’s shoppers with theirvibrant glossy colours and braided handlesmake alternatives as nice (and oftenstronger) than the “real thing”. Be selectiveabout which shopping bags you recycle andsave the best for wrapping gifts. When a

by Lara Krupicka


gift-giving occasion arises, take a few min-utes to cover the company logo or name onthe bag with stickers or decorative paperscraps. Add tissue, or for an even greenerfiller use shredded paper, such as the shinypages of last month’s magazine. Tie on a tagor add a card, and you’re set.

Empty Altoids® TinCare for a mint? If you have an Altoids®

lover in your household, you have on handthe perfect gift card container. Simply wipeout the powdery residue from an emptyAltoids® tin. Then paint the top and sideswith a layer of acrylic craft paint, glue onsome cardstock, write your greeting andinsert the gift card. For a two-in-one gift,decorate the top with a refrigerator magnet in -stead—it will stick readily to the metal tin.

FabricThink outside of the box by using fabric tocover a gift. The Japanese originated the useof a fabric wrap during the Edo period(1608–1868). Furoshiki, as the colourfulreusable cloth wrappers are called, began asa means for carrying personal items to thepublic baths, before being adopted as an all-purpose wrap. Create your own furoshikiout of any available cloth. Wrap a handtowel around bath toys. Buy a bandana inthe recipient’s favourite colour. If you sew,pull scraps from your fabric bin and securewith a long fabric strip tied in a bow.

Paper Grocery BagsNext time you buy groceries, ask the baggerto use one or two paper bags in place ofplastic or your reusable cloth bags. Kraftpaper grocery bags can be cut open andturned inside out. Then have your children

colour a design on it, or stamp images todecorate before taping around a gift.

Treasure HuntInstead of wrapping your gift, tuck a cluewritten on paper in a small bow-topped boxinstead. Create a series of clues, each onehidden in a location prompted by the previ-ous clue. At the final location, hide the gift.This works especially well for large andoddly-shaped gifts that are difficult to wrapor consume large amounts of paper.

Keep your eyes open for other alternativesto traditional paper giftwrap. After all, evensheets and rolls of giftwrap originated as analternative to customary wrappings. In1917 the Hall Brothers’ stationery store ran

out of tissue sheets commonly used forwrapping gifts. As a quick solution, theybrought out decorative French envelope lin-ing papers from their manufacturing plantand offered them for 10 cents a sheet.Customers loved them and bought out thesupply, both that year and the next. ThusHallmark started the business of giftwrap,which has expanded now to a nearly $3 bil-lion dollar industry.

Have fun trying new earth-friendly meth-ods for packaging your gifts. You may sur-prise and amuse yourself as much as yourrecipient.

Lara Krupicka is a parenting journalist and mom of three whokeeps plenty of old maps and Altoids® tins on hand for gift wrap-ping.

It's a Calendar. No, it's Gift Wrap AccessoriesIf you appreciate artistic recycled gift packaging, tags, and cards, check out thePaper Source Wall Art Calendar. Enjoy twelve months of beautiful calendar spreads.Then when the year ends, flip the pages over and cut out the templates for note-cards, pillow boxes, and other gift wrappings. Purchase at your local Paper Sourcestore or online at http://www.papersource.com/.


A re you are currently trying to getpregnant or thinking of trying in2016? Here are some easy lifestyle

changes you can make to give yourself thebest chance of having a baby.

For Women 1. Take a prenatal supplement with at least1 mg of folic acid. Folic acid helps to preventneural tube defects such as spina bifida.2. Don’t smoke: Smoking can lead to miscar-riage, premature birth, and low-birth weightbabies, as well as negatively affect your fertility.3. Cut back on alcohol: Alcohol is harmfulto the fetus. So cut back when you start try-ing to get pregnant and stop from drinkingas soon as you know you are pregnant. 4. Eat a healthy diet: Studies has shownthat a Mediterranean style diet may increasethe chances of getting pregnant—especiallywith women who have problems with ovu-lation or a condition called polycystic ovarysyndrome (PCOS).Try to have at least 5–10

servings of fruits and veggies every day.Choose whole grains and good fats likeolive oil. Eat a variety of protein sources,such as beans, nuts, seeds, lentils, poultry,and meats.5. Watch your weight: Women with a bodymass index (BMI) of under 19 or over 32have a lower chance of getting pregnant andan increased risk of miscarriage. If you areoverweight, just losing 5–10 pounds cansignificantly improve your fertility.6. Know when you are ovulating: Ovula -tion problems are one of the most commonreasons for women having trouble conceiv-ing. If your menstrual cycle is irregular orvery far apart (a regular cycle is between 26and 34 days) then you may not be ovulatingregularly.

The easiest way to find out if you areovulating, and the one I recommend to mypatients at Olive, is to use an OvulationPredictor Kit (OPK) where you pee on astick and it measures a surge in the luteiniz-

ing hormone (LH) in your urine. The 12 to36 hours from the time you test positive forovulation is the best time to conceive. Ovu -lation predictor kits are useful be cause theytell you when you are about to ovulate soyou can have intercourse before you ovulate.The sperm will live in the body for approxi-mately 3 days but the egg only lives for24–48 hours, so it is important to have inter -course before you ovulate rather than after.

For Men Men are constantly producing sperm andsperm production is very sensitive to envi-ronmental factors. 7. Don’t expose testicles to excessiveheat: This includes hot baths, hot tubs, orsaunas. Also avoid tight clothing or workingwith a laptop on your lap. Continuousexposure to excessive heat can lower yoursperm count. 8. Quit smoking: Smoking decreases spermproduction.

Dr Beth Taylor MD, FRCSC Medical Director Olive Fertility Centre

12 FERTILITY TIPS to Increase your Odds of Getting Pregnant

Are you are currently trying toget pregnant or thinking oftrying in 2016?


9. Use prescription drugs with caution andstop using recreational drugs: Anabolicsteroids, marijuana, and some prescriptionmedications may reduce sperm production. 10. Take your vitamins: Antioxidants suchas vitamin C and E and coenzyme Q 10 canhelp improve sperm quality. 11. Watch your weight: You should aim fora healthy body weight as being either over-weight or underweight can contribute todecreased sperm count and sexual function.12. Use a sperm friendly lubricant: Artifi -cial lubricants, oils, petroleum jelly, or glyc-erine can all reduce sperm function. “Spermfriendly” lubricants, such as Pre-Seed®, arethe least likely to decrease your fertility.

What if my partner and I are followingthese tips and we still can’t get pregnant? Even if you had no difficulty getting preg-nant previously it might not be so easy thistime for a number of reasons: • Your eggs, and to a lesser extent sperm,

decrease in number and quality as you age• There could be some scarring from your

previous delivery, especially if you had aC-section

• You may not be ovulating regularlyThe good news is that most fertility

issues can be treated, and the majority ofcouples will go on to achieve their dream ofhaving a baby. But how do you know whenit’s time to get medical advice?

Talk to your doctor • If you are under the age of 35 and have

been trying to get pregnant for at least 12months, or if you are over 35 and havebeen trying to conceive for more than 6months, you should see a physician. Awoman’s chance of getting pregnant de -creases after 32, and the chances decreasesignificantly after age 37.

• If you have been diagnosed with a condi-tion known as endometriosis, or have hada previous pelvic infection or sexuallytransmitted infection you are at increasedrisk of infertility.

• If your partner has a history of infection(e.g. mumps), injury or surgery on his tes-ticles, difficulty with erection or ejacula-tion, or if he has been diagnosed with asperm problem.

• If you have irregular menstrual cycles,

especially when they occur infrequently(every 2, 3 or more months apart) orthose which occur less than 25 days apart.

• If you or your partner has a known healthproblem such as diabetes, high bloodpressure, or a history of cancer treatedwith radiation or chemotherapy.

• If you have a family history of earlymenopause among the women in yourimmediate family (mother, sister), youtoo may be at risk of the same problem.

Remember that for the majority of coupleswho have difficulty conceiving, advances inmedical treatment have made it possible forthem to have a baby. In BC your consulta-tions with a fertility specialist, as well asinitial investigations for infertility, are cov-ered by MSP.

Dr Taylor is co-founder and co-director of Olive Fertility Centre.olivefertility.com. She is a Clinical Associate Professor at UBC, astaff member at BC Women’s Hospital and Vancouver GeneralHospital. Dr Taylor has expertise in all areas of reproductiveendocrinology and infertility care.

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I can’t believe another year has gone by. Isit just me or are the years passing faster?I think I have been a pretty good mom

this year. I have driven my kids to everysocial event, practice and friend’s house. Mywallet has been an endless fountain ofmoney for movies, frozen yogurt and sense-less mall trips. I have clocked countlesshours at soccer fields, basketball courts,softball diamonds and music auditoriums.With a little help from our friend, Google, Icontinue to help with homework in sub-

jects I have long forgotten. Sure, I mighthave lost it a few times, but I live withteenagers, Santa. They are God’s version ofthe Elf on the Shelf—sent down to keep usin check, but if left without supervision,they get into mischief.

I know you are busy, so I will be brief.To start, I need a few things for the

bathroom—a sink that repels toothpaste, asplash free mirror and a never ending roll oftoilet paper. Changing the roll is just toocomplicated for my family.

I’d like a copy of “The Busy Mom’sExercise-Free Weight Loss Plan”. I heard itis hard to find, but hey, you are Santa. As abackup, I would be happy with a copy of“The Wine Diet” instead. Unlike other pro-grams, I think I could really stick to this one.

Remember those electric bug zappersfrom years ago? If they make one for doghair, I will take two! The dogs are older nowso I can no longer claim the pile of hair is alitter of newborn puppies.

If you have a time machine in storage atthe North Pole, I would love the ability tosend a letter to my younger self. I could saveher hours of unnecessary worry about careerchoices, raising children and neighborhooddrama. I think that is what caused these“blond” highlights I keep finding in my hair.

If it isn’t too much trouble, I would liketo have a whole week free of argumentsabout who rides in the front seat, whodrank the last Gatorade and whose turn it isto do the dishes. This is the season of mira-cles, right?

Lastly, I would be thrilled to serve a mealthat no one complains about. I’ve given upasking for a meal that everyone eats togeth-er before 9:00 pm. Our crazy schedule issomething even Santa can’t fix.

Well Santa, I can hear my daughterbeeping the car horn in the driveway. I haveto start round two of my carpool. Travelsafe. I’m sorry if the cookies are gone whenyou get here. The dogs eat anything left onthe coffee table. Since I made them, it’s prob-ably better that the dogs ate them anyway.

Love, MomP.S. All I really want is to see the magic ofChristmas morning in my teenagers’ eyes.

Pam Molnar is a freelance writer and the mother of three teens.This is the actual letter she sent to Santa this year.

By Pam Molnar

Dear Santa,


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