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Baking made fun with your toddler
by Christina Shorthouse
As printed in the Fall 2008 issue of Urbanbaby & Toddler magazine
The calendar says summer, but the fall rain has turned the local park into abandoned real estate. What happened to water of the clear-blue, no-diving-in-the-shallow-end variety? Because wishful thinking won’t keep your bored toddlers entertained, you’ve done your best transforming popsicle sticks into Noah’s Ark, and as a last resort, you’re about to fire up the DVD player. Why not fire up the oven instead? Your kitchen offers between 30 and 120 minutes of wholesome, G-rated, even enjoyable family activity. Wash those hands, tie on those aprons and get baking.
To those of you that are followers of Julia and Martha, we know your cupboards are stocked with sprinkles and zesters, and your yeast is proofing as we speak. Maybe someday we’ll bake with Julia, too. The good news for novice bakers is that kids do best with the most basic of recipes that call for ingredients you probably have on hand. And bet you your first pan of brownies that the heavenly smell and the big smiles will give even you a reason to giggle on the most challenging of soggy days.
Whatever your baking experience, the experts agree that a few simple things can maximize your fun and ensure a safe time for all. Lidia Kemeny of the Safety Station at BC Children’s Hospital talks a lot about the kitchen with new parents. “I encourage families to involve children so they learn by repetition,” says Kemeny. She suggests that a little preparation can go a long way. “If you’re well set up, you can involve children, and with every involvement they learn.” Start with a really good step stool for each child so that they can handle things comfortably at counter height. And remember, most injuries in the kitchen happen close to the supper hour when the kids are tired and cranky, and you are rushing to get food on the table. “There is a direct relationship between supervision and safety,” Kemeny says. So, choose a quieter time of day to start your Rocky Road macaroons.
Have faith that your kids will get it eventually. “When they see you with an oven mitt on, they’ll learn to understand that a hot pan is coming out,” says Kemeny. But if the thought of exposing your stir-crazy toddlers to sharp knives and whirring appliances still makes you shudder, then Jennifer Low’s cookbook Kitchen for Kids is for you. The food editor with House & Home Media designed the book with her own kids in mind when she found she was adapting recipes for them on the fly. The result is the first book of its kind to give kids the freedom to create in the kitchen with nary a blade or mixer in sight.
Caren McSherry, local food guru and owner of Gourmet Warehouse, also gained valuable wisdom from baking with her own kids and has much to offer the little baker. Starting with lots of little baking tools. “If everything is big, then it’s not their world,” says McSherry. Indeed, mini mashers, flippers, whisks, spatulas, and rolling pins will bring back memories of your Easy-Bake Oven and keep your kids from feeling clumsy.
To avoid disappointments (and a mad splash to the store), read your recipe through and get out all of your ingredients before you begin. Because baking is a precision sport, measuring is important to a tasty result. Get your kids to measure out each ingredient into a separate bowl (or give them their own bowl of “ingredients”). This helps keep spills under control and your other ingredients safe. Once your batch is ready for stirring, put your bowl on top of a damp cloth to avoid slips and let them loose.
In the search for good recipes to bake with your kids, the Internet is fertile ground. But take heed as some may not be properly tested. Likewise, there are many cookbooks written for kids, but silliness can get in the way of clarity. Look for simple recipes with few ingredients and lots of great pictures. In Kitchen for Kids, every single recipe was thoroughly kid-tested and beautifully photographed, “and if your kids can read, they can understand the instructions,” says Low. Leslie Buffam of KidsBooks recommends Kids’ Baking by Sara Lewis. She’s tried it out successfully with her own family, and in keeping with your rainy-day theme, it even has a recipe for Noah’s Ark cookies.
The thought of a freezer full of sugary treats might deter some parents, so Jennifer Low has tailored her recipes to yield small batches. McSherry suggests giving away baking as gifts or skipping sweets altogether and making pizza instead. “All that snacking on batter and sprinkles makes them wired-for-sound before the cookies are even out of the oven,” she says. “With pizza, they’ll be snacking on good things.” While any ready-made bread product can serve as a pizza crust, homemade dough has its rewards. Your kids will be amazed to see and smell their yeasty creation as it doubles in size—and then regard you with confusion and wonder when you ask them to give it a punch.
Few activities so wonderfully (and economically) engage your children’s senses and give them a sense of accomplishment like baking. So, flex those kneading hands (or dust off your dough hook), and enjoy the smell of rising dough and the sound of your kids having fun. Besides, food tastes better when you make it from scratch. While there may be a few more treats in the house, they’ll be free of ingredients like ‘polysorbate 60’ and ‘propylene glycol’. Low’s final advice to parents is to “read the instructions, prepare, and then let go.” Your Valentine cookies can turn out like shamrocks and you’ll still have had a great time. “Don’t stress, because your kids will pick up on it and you’ll lose the vibe,” says Low. There are lots of ways and so many reasons to get your kids feeling comfortable in the kitchen. One day, they might even bake for you. But for today, there’s nothing like a freshly-baked batch of cookies to make your kids cheer for rain.
10 Kid-Friendly Baking Jobs
1. Choosing a recipe
2. Getting out the ingredients and the equipment
3. Cracking eggs
4. Putting the muffin liners in the tins
5. Turning on the mixer
6. Licking the spoon
7. “Checking” ingredients (like chocolate chips) to make sure they are “okay”
8. Shaking out spices
9. Forming dough into balls (or globs, or blobs)
10. Cutting out shapes
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Family-friendly summer trips in British Columbia
by Daniela Ginta
As printed in the Summer 2008 issue of Urbanbaby & Toddler magazine
Every family has stories about the holidays they take before and after baby. Some give up traveling for a while and hit the playgrounds instead. But traveling with young children doesn’t have to be difficult. Sure, you need to plan for the trip rather meticulously, but the rewards are plenty. Think lazy mornings, breakfast in bed, and late night walks under the stars (with a stroller or a sling). Yes, this is all possible and for people in Vancouver, there are plenty of great destinations within driving distance. And if you just take day trips, there are lots of places to have fun. Here are some great BC destinations for the whole family.
Whistler
Driving distance from Vancouver: approx 3 hrs
Consider this great mountain resort for an overnight trip, since even with the best of planning, a day trip would be overwhelming for your little traveler. Recent developments put Whistler high on the list of great mountain destinations. But worry not if it is the middle of summer; snow is not the only attractive feature of Whistler. If hiking is not your thing, head to the two farmers’ markets, one running every Sunday from Father’s Day to Thanksgiving weekend (Farmers’ Market), and the other running every Saturday (Franz’s Trail Outdoor Market). There is something for everybody, including crafts, organic and local produce, artisan foods, and of course, lots of fun activities for families. Even if you just go out for walks with your little one in a stroller or sling, your body and mind will both thank you for the treat. As for your baby, he will probably sleep better with all the fresh air, which makes it a win-win situation for everybody.
Squamish
Driving distance from Vancouver: approx 1.5 hrs
Squamish is the perfect destination for a day trip. When people say Squamish, they think rock climbing, mountain biking, wind and kite surfing, and skiing in the winter. None of the above is a baby-friendly activity, obviously. But if you are not yet at the age when you can take them hiking, you can check out one of the best kept secrets of Squamish: the West Coast Railway Heritage Park. Yes, lots of trains, beloved trains, big ones and small ones, which will most likely make your toddler very happy. And you, too, guaranteed. If you happen to visit Squamish in September, you’ll have a chance to dip your art-thirsty eyes into the art walk and studio gallery tour event.
Harrison Hot Springs
Driving distance from Vancouver: approx 2 hrs
Although it is only a couple of hours from Vancouver, this destination qualifies for an overnight trip. Plan your trip so you won’t miss Bridal Veil Falls on your way to Harrison. You’ll see water coming down the side of Mount Cheam, a spectacular mountain almost 7,000 feet tall. The waterfall, which is surrounded by a beautiful rainforest, will make your heart sing. Negative ions from the waterfall and the lush green forest are guaranteed to keep your baby calm and serene.
Once you get to Harrison, you can head over to the lake or just stroll around the resort. If you thought building sand castles for your toddler was difficult and frustrating, check out the World Championship Sand Sculpture Competition (September 2 to 9). It’s where serious jaw-dropping happens. Also, on July 9, it’s Children’s Day in Harrison, during the Harrison Festival of Arts (July 5 to 13). If camping is your thing, head over to one of the beautiful lakes (camping sites are available at Deer Lake and Hicks Lake) located in the Sasquatch Provincial Park, approximately 11 km from Harrison Hot Springs.
Caution: Be aware of warning signs for swimmer’s itch in most of British Columbia’s lakes. Small parasitic larvae that cause swimmer’s itch are found on water foul but they can sometimes make people their hosts. Although not life threatening, the itch lasts for approximately a week until the larvae that were burrowed in the skin die.
Sunshine Coast
Distance from Vancouver: 40 min ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay plus the time it takes you to reach Horseshoe Bay
You want close, you want wilderness and you want child-friendly. Whether a day trip or an extended holiday, the Lower Sunshine Coast can make your family getaway memorable. One of the best things a young family can do in the summer is play on the beach, and the Sunshine Coast offers just that. There are sandy beaches, great for kids and safe too, such as the ones at Davis Bay and the one at Porpoise Bay Park on the Inlet in Sechelt.
Be wise: In the summer, you’ll be well advised to make ferry reservations for most of your trips as the ferry destinations are quite popular. There is nothing worse than driving to the ferry dock and waiting in line for nothing. Even more so when you have young children with you.
Gulf Islands
There are many of them, and they each have their own beauty to amaze you. That is, if you don’t mind a ferry ride. The closest islands, which are preferred by people with young and very young children, are Bowen, Mayne, Pender, Galiano, and Salt Spring Island, with the latter two being probably the most popular.
Galiano Island:
Driving distance from Vancouver: approx 2 hrs to Galiano Island (including ferry ride)
Affectionately named “the gem of the gulf islands,” Galiano is a great place to visit when you have young children. You’ll find white-shell-and-pebble beaches, lots of wildlife to watch, and many tidal pools with warm water for your children to play in. Galiano is also home to many artists who are selling their arts through galleries on the island.
Salt Spring Island:
Driving distance from Vancouver: approx 3 to 4 hrs to Salt Spring Island (including ferry ride–most ferry rides to Salt Spring also stop by Mayne & Pender Island)
Salt Spring Island is probably the best known family-friendly destination among the Gulf Islands. Things to do include the famous farmer’s market on Saturdays, beach-combing and visiting the many farms where you can see cows, sheep and llamas. There are places to rent right on a farm, so you’ll have the option of getting an organic freshly cooked breakfast in bed. Too good to miss!
Note: Ferry reservations are highly recommended during summer!
Tofino:
Driving distance from Vancouver: approx 6 to 7 hrs, including ferry ride
This is the farthest of all our family-friendly destinations suggestions, but if you dare make the trip, obviously a longer family vacation, it will be well worth it. Aside from the obvious, which is surfing, there are lots of little secrets you’ll discover on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Long Beach, the longest sand beach on the western coast of the island, is great for surfing or just strolling. You can find great bed-and-breakfast places in Tofino, as well as many charming cottages and cabins to rent, some of them within a few steps from the beach. Or, if your baby is older, you can put up the tent or park the RV in one of the campgrounds, some of which are private and offer various services. Have a picnic on the beach, whether lunch or dinner, or both, and soak up all the ocean beauty. Star gazing at Long Beach will most likely top the list of wonders you’ll see during your vacation.
Note: Whether you want to rent a place or go camping, make reservations early, as Tofino is quite popular during summer months.
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Bring nature to the city
by Tricia Edgar
As printed in the Spring 2008 issue of Urbanbaby & Toddler magazine
Look mom, I’ve got worms!” As a parent, this is not really what you want to hear. But when it’s said by a grinning toddler who is poking through the soil in a community garden, it’s not such a frightening prospect.
Natural places and creatures can be a delight for babies and toddlers. But when you live in the urban jungle, it’s sometimes hard to think about ways to connect with nature. After all, it’s quite a commute to get to there, isn’t it?
Nature is not something that is far, far away. It’s all around you, in the tiny plants that grow in cracks in the sidewalk, in the crows that make their raucous noises in the trees outside your apartment, and in a planter full of ripe cherry tomatoes.
Recently, there has been a lot of press about the increasing divide between children and natural places. Concerns about safety and just plain lack of natural spaces to play are some of the culprits. In his book Last Child in the Woods, author Richard Louv talks about nature-deficit disorder. It’s his term for the disconnect that we suffer when we grow up connected only to the digital world, without the opportunity to sit by a stream, watch the sun rise, or look for worms.
As city dwellers, how do we connect our young children with nature?
Yes, we can venture out on day trips into the mountains, backpacks in hand. As wonderful as that sounds, it’s also fairly time-consuming, so we probably won’t do it every day. But what about our everyday connections with nature? Even if you live in a city, you can connect with nature in so many ways, and you can do it close to home.
Go for a walk
Shortly after my daughter was born, I started taking her for a walk every day. At first, she would look out of her sling at the world around her. As she grew into a toddler, our walks changed. Now we splash in puddles, pick up leaves, squish in mud, and find woodpecker holes in trees. We do all of this within the three blocks around our house. We don’t need to go far.
Make new friends
Make friends with your local animals. Raccoon-watching is one of our favourite activities. We also enjoy listening to crows and making bird-seed balls with suet and seed to attract jays. Around our townhouse, we’ve planted flowers that bloom pink in the spring time—perfect for hummingbirds.
Mom, can I keep it?
Pets help children learn about what animals need to grow. When babies and toddlers are involved, it’s best to start with low-maintenance pets. Think fish and worms.
When our daughter turned two, we started up our fish tank again, much to the delight of both her and our cats. They all enjoy watching the fish. Looking for an even smaller pet? If you’re thinking about composting, an indoor worm bin provides hundreds of interesting critters to look at every time the compost goes in.
Grow your food
While you may not have room to grow all of your food on your apartment balcony, tomatoes and potatoes grow nicely in pots, and herbs can grow on a windowsill. Toddlers love poking seeds into the soil, digging up potatoes, and helping with the tomato “harvest.” If there is a community garden nearby, you can grow even more produce.
Play with nature
When my daughter was a year old, her grandparents got her a tray of large, smooth stones that fit in the hand but not in the mouth. She spent all summer hiding them in boxes and finding them again. Go for a walk and invite a few rocks and sticks into your home. They could become a new favourite toy. The best part? Once you’re finished with them, they can go back outside!
Make an enchanted place
You might not have everyday access to forests and streams, but why not make an enchanted place in your yard or on your neighborhood walks? Find an interesting stump, a tree with an exotic hole, or a strange-looking rock. Come back to this place over time, and see how it changes.
Connecting with nature doesn’t need to be difficult, expensive, or intimidating. Learning about the ways in which we share the world with other creatures is a source of wonder for children, and their excitement over the smallest of tomatoes and the squishiest of worms can reconnect us with the natural world as well.
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Secret Vancouver: little-known places to go with toddler
by Erin Davis
As printed in the Summer 2007 issue of Urbanbaby & Toddler magazine
Every really good secret needs to be told, and this collection of secrets started when I told a friend about the ‘best’ playground in Vancouver on a rainy day. It’s the playground under the north side of the Cambie Street Bridge. There’s a basketball court, skateboard area, swings and slides, and it’s all under cover. It’s always quiet and perfect for those rainy days when I just have to get my nearly four-year-old daughter, Ainsley Rose, out of the house. My friend responded that when she’s having one of those crazy days, she takes her kids to the maze at VanDusen Garden: the kids are outdoors, busy and contained!
This exchange of ‘secret’ locations got me thinking. We can’t be the only two parents in Vancouver looking to expand their adventures beyond Science World and the Vancouver Aquarium. So I threw out a question to family, friends and neighbours: Will you tell me something you do with your kids, or a place you visit, that’s a little ‘off the radar’ – a ‘secret’?
And tell they did. Here’s a list of their secret spots:
Be Conductor for a Day
Secret revealer: Elliott’s and Oliver’s mom, Natalie Clease
All aboard Vancouver’s Downtown Historic Railway. From May to October, weekends and holidays, two beautifully restored streetcars run every 30 minutes from Science World to Granville Island. The train schedule and routes will change this summer (in preparation for the Olympic Village) but the trains will still be chugging along. Kids are allowed to press buttons and pull levers so they are convinced that they are actually controlling the train! www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/engsvcs/transport/railway
Plane-spot at YVR
Secret revealer: Ainsley Rose’s and Charlotte’s Gramma Dunbar
Look up, look wa-ay up! You may be skeptical about this one, but the kids who enjoy this secret spot are mesmerized by this ‘uplifting’ activity. Gramma really does know best! Pack a lunch, and head to Airport Park on Sea Island’s Russ Baker Way.
Yacht on False Creek
Secret revealer: Elliot’s and Ben’s mom, Leslie Hurtig
Float your kids’ boat by getting on one. Leslie Hurtig says she takes her boys ‘yachting’ (it’s really a mini-cruise around False Creek) several times a year. For a really big day, they also visit the Vancouver Maritime Museum at Vanier Park. The museum features the Children’s Discovery Centre where kids can steer full-size replica tug boats and go to Pirate School on selected weekends. Hurtig suggests grabbing free parking under the south side of the Cambie Street Bridge, and starting the cruise on the Spyglass ferry from there. www.theaquabus.com
See Mighty Machines in Action
Secret revealer: William’s and Katherine’s mom, Ellen Wallace
Build on your children’s interest in construction. Visit Vancouver’s Maple Grove Park – the southwest corner has a bench overlooking the Fraser River and Marine Drive, making this a great vantage point from which to watch trucks at a safe distance and in comfort. With all the construction at UBC, heavy-duty equipment is constantly rumbling by.
Stroll along the pedestrian overpasses along Cambie Street between 16th and 25th Avenues in Vancouver for a closer look at The Canada Line construction. And take a break for a drink and a snack at one of the coffee shops along the way.
Escape to a Tropical Paradise
Secret revealer: Aidan’s and Chloe’s mom, Karen Marshall
Looking for a hot spot in cool Vancouver? Check out The Bloedel Conservatory at Queen Elizabeth Park. It’s a huge, domed conservatory that features three simulated climates: tropical rainforest, sub-tropical, and desert. You’ll love the warm, covered, relatively safe environment; your child will love the flowers, trees and talking parrots. My daughter Ainsley always claims to see monkeys and tigers. They are not however, mentioned in the Self-Guided Tour Pamphlet! Admission for grown-ups is $4.50; kids under 6 are free. www.vancouverparks.ca
See Spot Run
Secret revealer: Samuel’s, Anna’s and Emma the dog’s mom, Julie Watanabe
It’s doggy heaven at Fraser River Park, at Southwest Marine Drive and Angus Drive in Vancouver. The dogs can fetch sticks in the water, and the kids can build sandcastles. The park features a huge grassy area, a boardwalk, a duck pond, and blackberry brambles full of fruit in August. (Watanabe recommends eating only the ones that are higher up – dog owners, you know why!)
Roost with the Birds
Secret revealer: Connor’s, Fraser’s and Tia’s mom, Anna Gilmour
This one is for the birds…and the kids who love them! The Reifel Bird Sanctuary in Ladner, while a bit of a drive from Vancouver, is worth bringing the kids to. Children love the trails and feeding all of the birds (you buy seed at the entrance). Pack a picnic lunch – there’s even an enclosed warming hut in which to eat on chilly days. www.reifelbirdsanctuary.com
Stroll & Stroll Some More
Secret revealer: Jack’s and Charlie’s mom, Andrea Cassels
Let your feet do the walking around The Crescent in Shaughnessy in Vancouver. The Crescent is a wonderful place to stroll babies (and dream about living in a mansion). And in the middle is Shaughnessy Park, a fun place to play hide-and-go-seek, and meet friendly dogs. You can easily access The Crescent by turning east on Angus Drive (off of Granville Street), or turn north off of King Edward on to Osler or Hudson Street.
Sleeping Baby Alert: A number of homes around The Crescent are getting major renovations, and it can be loud. Lawn mowers and weed eaters are often abuzz in this area.
Shop ‘til You Drop
Secret revealer: Leo’s and Koa’s mom, Lori Gillis
Shop ‘til you drop, without your kid. Metrotown Centre in Burnaby offers Jelly Bean Playcare (near Zellers at Metropolis) that takes kids who are potty-trained and charges $8 an hour. Gillis says it’s great when you really want to get a few things done fast at the mall.
Play, Play, Play
Secret revealers: Andrea, and Lori again!
Here, the play really is the thing. The extraordinary Play Palace at Kerrisdale Arena is open every day this summer and ready to entertain your little ones. With a giant indoor playground that includes two inflatable bouncy castles, an obstacle course, a giant slide, rides on cars and toys, ping pong, foosball, basketball shooting, and a toddler area. Need we say more? Admission: toddlers, $2.60; preschoolers, $3.65; kids (6 to 12 years), $5.20. www.vancouver.ca/parks
Quick Quests in Vancouver
• For a little bit of county in the city, take a wander through the Southlands, and make sure to check out the ponies at Maynard’s Pony Meadows, 3095 West 51st Avenue in Vancouver.
• You’ll be very surprised at what an amazing job they’re doing with Hastings Park at the PNE. Lots of green space, and a perfect spot to let the kids slosh around in the water fountains this summer.
• Grandview Lanes on Commercial Drive is a great place for little people. The lanes have bumpers if you want and the kids can actually challenge you!
• A great coffee shop for moms and kids is Kokopelli in Dunbar. It has a big, clean play area and delicious food. www.kokopellicafe.ca
• Check out family nights at Rocky Mountain Flatbread in Kitsilano. www.rockymountain flatbread.ca/restaurant/index.html
Thank you for your contribution: Liz Bergey, Heather Bray, Ide Foyle, Stu Grills, Jennifer Hamilton, Julie Hamilton, Sarah Hamilton, Tara McGuire, Hilary Walle-Jensen, Abby Moretto Kris Morse, Chantal Oxley, Anne Marie Platt, Elisabet Stowe.
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Things to do with your baby – Summer 2007
by Daniela Ginta
As printed in the Summer 2007 issue of Urbanbaby & Toddler magazine
0–3 months
Activity: Bonding with baby
What you need: Baby and you, and some quiet time
What it does for your child: Everything, from soothing her to helping her bond with the people that love her the most. Most first-time parents have a hard time remembering the first couple of months after baby was born. Everybody wants to meet the new addition, and almost everyone has advice for the new mom and dad. Worries pile up – dishes too – and something just doesn’t feel right. Stop. What you need to do is, well, nothing. That’s right. Visits can wait and the phone can be off the hook. Just lie down with your new babe and marvel at her. Nurse her until she drifts off to sleep and try to sleep, too. The mystery of bonding with your little baby is yours to discover. Babies thrive when they are held close by their parents and there is no better way of remembering the first magical days but by tracing with your eyes, once again, the contour of that little face, and look into the eyes that have yet to discover the world. So just lie there and enjoy!
3–6 months
Activity: Go for a walk
What you need: A baby carrier and your baby
What it does for your child: Your baby loves to be out and about and to see the world from the comfort of the baby carrier. Whether you stop by to chat with a neighbour or to smell a flower, your baby will be part of it and he’ll find it extremely enjoyable. Signs of excitement include leg kicking and little shrieks of joy. Talk to your bundle and you’ll notice that people you talk to will do the same. Socializing is a big step for babies and they learn from the parents how to do it. There is a plethora of baby carriers on the market: from slings, which are extremely versatile and ‘grow’ with your baby, to front and backpack carriers. Pick your favourite and start carrying your baby with pride. He’ll reward you by being less fussy. Babies who are carried more, cry less and are more attentive to their surroundings, which encourages them to learn more as they, and you, move along.
6–12 months
Activity: Swing a little
What you need: A swing, at playground or in your own yard (Note: Don’t put your baby in the swing unless she holds her head up and can sit unassisted.)
What it does for your child: If your baby likes swinging, then you are in for some fun hours at the playground. Your baby will find the swinging motion very calming. Unless she’s close to bedtime and needs to unwind, you can also add some fun by playing peek-a-boo (hide your face and peek when she gets close to you).
If your baby doesn’t like swinging, you can swing together or just visit the playground and let her watch other children swinging so she’ll get used to it.
1–2 years
Activity: Water play
What you need: A large bowl or a sink half-full with water and many differently sized containers to play with
What it does for your child: Water play has long been touted as a great tool in child development. Water is fascinating to children, young and older ones alike. By playing with different sized and shaped containers, your little scientist will learn, with your help, how water stays in every one of them. Explain to him that pouring water from one small container to a large one makes no spills, and let him try the other way around, too. Having fun with water can keep your child interested for quite a while. Just make sure there is no drinking from the play area. Note: Be sure to supervise your child whenever he/she is playing near or with water!
2–3 years
Activity: Play with colours
What you need: Finger paints (commercial or homemade), paper and a pail to rinse messy hands
What it does for your child: Whether or not your child already knows her colours, she will still have lots of fun. Unroll a big sheet of paper and put it on the floor in an area of your home that you don’t mind getting messy. Pour the finger paints into trays, and show your child how to make beautiful handprints by mixing primary colours such as blue and yellow to make green. Your child will not only enjoy seeing her little handprints, but she will learn colours and what happens when you mix them. Join in and enjoy the messy adventure. In the end, you can cut out a piece and frame it. Use the rest as a cute wrapping paper.
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Things to do with your baby—Spring 2007
by Daniela Ginta
As printed in the Spring 2007 issue of Urbanbaby & Toddler magazine
0–3 months
activity: Discovering hands
what you need: Your baby and a soft rattle
what it does for your child: Around one to two months, most babies start discovering their hands. And that’s no easy feat, since hands move without much coordination at first. And young babies are not exactly sure whether their hands are part of their body or not. But as your baby discovers them, he is simply fascinated. If you put a soft rattle in his hand, he will gradually make the connection between sound and his hand. And for a two-month-old that’s a major accomplishment. Feel free to entertain your baby by showing him your hands, opening your fist and closing it. It’s the simplest toy ever, readily available and providing your baby with great discovery tools. As your baby will grow older, he will start holding things in his hand and that’s when he’ll move to the next important step, which is hand-eye coordination.
3–6 months
activity: Splashing fun
what you need: Baby, you, and a warm bath
what it does for your child: Babies flourish when they have skin-to-skin contact with their parents. Being naked makes a baby happy because of that light feeling she has when she wears no clothes and no diapers. Add water to the mix, plus close contact with Mom in the bathtub, and you have the perfect recipe for great active fun. Let her splash left and right, and don’t mind the water on the floor. Help her lie on her back so she can kick with her legs. Since some of your baby’s weight is supported by the water, she will feel light and secure, ready to kick the water. And she’ll kick – hard. It’s great exercise for her and will help develop her gross motor skills, much needed for crawling and walking later on.
Word of caution: If your baby is too frightened to be in the big tub, try it with shallow water and make sure you get in first. If she is still tense, leave it for later and use the familiar baby bathtub in the meantime.
6–12 months
activity: Play ball
what you need: Your baby and a soft ball, small enough for your little one to hold
what it does for your child: Your baby will not only develop better hand-eye coordination, but he will also have loads of fun. Make sure you place him sitting two or three feet away from you so you can easily give him the ball. Engage your baby with lots of smiles and words; he will be delighted to participate in a game that makes everyone laugh. Expect him to try to crawl in order to get the ball, since babies do put 100 percent of their energy into what they do. Playing is just another way of communicating with young children, so try and encourage all your family members to play ball with the baby. Before your baby will learn to talk, he will most likely ask you, your husband or his siblings, in his own way, to play ball with him. Like always, be prepared to spot signs of tiredness. Word of caution: This activity is highly addictive, like most activities that make babies laugh.
1–2 years
activity: Blow bubbles
what you need: Some baby shampoo, maybe food colouring to make it more fun, some wands made of pipe cleaners and time to enjoy it
what it does for your child: First of all, you are teaching your child that having fun doesn’t have to be complicated. No fancy utensils, no trips to the mall or to the toy store. Your backyard, or a walk to the nearest park will do. Opt for indoors if it’s raining hard, unless you really want to kick it up a notch!
Find a good spot for your can of bubble material, set your wands, and go. Your child will learn to coordinate her movements to catch bubbles and by popping them she will understand cause and effect – and the concept of objects disappearing, in this case, the bubbles. You don’t need any complicated physics to explain why bubbles disappear – simply say that they are so fragile that they pop easily, so your little one will have to be as gentle as possible if she wants to look at them up close. And while you are at it, you can explain to your child what gentleness means;s it will come in handy during the tumultuous toddler years.
2–3 years
activity: Knead some dough
what you need: A fool-proof playdough recipe, your toddler and plenty of kitchen tools (ror recipes, visit www.kinderplanet.com/playdo.htm, or search for your own favourite)
what it does for your child: Playing with a soft, moulding material has always been a hit with toddlers. If you throw in some tools, the game is endless. Your little one can be a chef and prepare some meals with his kitchen tools, or he can have a farm or a zoo, should you use animal-shaped cookie cutters. Playing with playdough will enhance your child’s fine grasp of objects, and will greatly help his imagination. Your child will find that playing with a soft material such as play dough, and modeling it into the silliest of shapes is great fun. Add the benefit of introducing your child to chemistry, since you will both work at transforming flour, water, salt, oil and food coloring into amazing playdough.
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Things to do with your baby from 0 to 3 years
by Daniela Ginta
As printed in the Fall 2006 issue of Urbanbaby & Toddler magazine
Age: 0 – 3 months
Activity: Looking at black-and-white patterns
What you need: Several pieces of white cardboard, black crayons and imagination (Note: An older sibling will be delighted to help create the patterns with you.) Draw checkerboards, spirals, faces, dots, but make sure you avoid overcrowding.
What baby gets out of it: It is believed that this exercise will enhance your baby’s concentration and attention skills and it might increase her attention span. A newborn’s sense of vision is not completely developed. A newborn cannot distinguish colours very well but is fascinated by black-and-white patterns which he can easily spot. This activity will stimulate baby’s brain activity by increasing their focus. Be prepared to spot signs of tiredness – like fussiness or looking away from the patterns, which can happen very quickly at this age.
Age: 3 – 6 months
Activity: Playing on the floor
What you need: A quilt, your baby, and a whole range of clean objects, such as toys or anything safe for him to put in her mouth
What baby gets out of it: It helps your baby develop sensory integration. If your baby is already sitting for a short period of time, surround him with objects of different textures and colours. He will grab them, study them and then he put them in his mouth. Rattling toys or other objects that you move around will help your baby associate sound with texture and colour in the objects he sees, which is what sensory integration really means. By four months of age, a baby’s vision is almost as good as an adult’s, so he will delight in observing bright colours. If your baby is not sitting yet, put him on his back or on his tummy and let him explore! Talk to your baby all this time and point to objects. He will not say anything yet, but his little brain is busily storing loads of information, including words!
Age: 6 – 12 months
Activity: Peek-a-boo
What you need: A baby blanket and/or some furniture to hide behind
What baby gets out of it: Peek-a-boo helps your baby with two important developmental tasks such as separation (understanding that he and Mommy are two different people) and understanding object constancy, which means that your baby will learn to know you are close even when he cannot see you. Peek-a-boo is not just an exercise to boost your baby’s intellect. It is a game that all children find extremely entertaining. You can let him take turns and be the one who “leaves” underneath the blanket and you get to be the one asking “Where are you? Where have you gone? There you are!” You can also try hiding a toy under the blanket and letting him find it. The surprised look on your baby’s face when he finds the toy may be worth keeping the camera close by.
Age: 1 – 2 years
Activity: Unpack groceries
What you need: A bag full of groceries, your baby and your words
What tot gets out of it: Language development (not to mention the fact that your baby learns about helping with household stuff!). You think unpacking, your babe thinks discovery. The more you talk to him, the better he’ll be at sounding out words when the time comes. As you unpack groceries, and after you have removed the fragile, soft or breakable items, let your toddler take everything out of the bags, from fresh produce to shiny, boxed foods. Different textures and colours need to be explained and while you have to give him enough details, don’t overwhelm him. “Is that an apple? Can you give me that apple? Look, it’s all yellow!” Don’t use baby talk, though. It may actually slow your child’s language development progress since it doesn’t provide him with the right pronunciation.
Age: 2 – 3 y ears
Activity: Sing/play a song (or more)
What you need: Tapes or CDs, but don’t limit yourself to kids’ music. Keep their music buds interested with all kinds of music – jazz, blues, anything that you find and believe is appropriate for your babe. Also, don’t be shy, sing and dance with your child. He’ll love it, and you will too!
What tot gets out of it: Music helps your toddler by introducing him to different speech patterns. It will also encourage toddler to express himself by singing and moving freely, which develops coordination and body awareness. Logic and rhythmic skills, which develop as your toddler learns to keep the beat, researchers say, are two important benefits of music for your child. Many child psychologists recommend music for babies and toddlers because it involves them completely. Last but not least, music helps toddlers learn to listen by making them focus on the music source. Music, especially classic pieces, is calming and soothing for your toddler, and might serve as one of the best tools for dealing with the emotions of the toddler years.
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Things to do with baby from 0 to 3 years
by Daniela Ginta
As printed in the Summer 2006 issue of Urbanbaby & Toddler magazine
Age: 0 –3 months
Activity: Looking at black-and-white patterns
What you need: Several pieces of white cardboard, black crayons and imagination
(Note: An older sibling will be delighted to help create the patterns with you.) Draw checkerboards, spirals, faces, dots, but make sure you avoid overcrowding.
What baby gets out of it: It is believed that this exercise will enhance your baby’s concentration and attention skills and it might increase her attention span. A newborn’s sense of vision is not completely developed. A newborn cannot distinguish colours very well but is fascinated by black-and-white patterns which he can easily spot. This activity will stimulate baby’s brain activity by increasing their focus. Be prepared to spot signs of tiredness – fussiness, looking away from the patterns, which can happen very quickly at this age.
Age: 3 – 6 months
Activity: Playing on the floor
What you need: A quilt, your baby, and a whole range of clean objects, such as toys or anything safe for her to put in her mouth
What baby gets out of it: It helps your baby develop sensory integration. If your baby is already sitting for a short period of time, surround him with objects of different textures and colors. He will grab them, study them and then she put them in her mouth. Rattling toys or other objects that you move around will help your baby associate sound with texture and colour in the objects he sees, which is what sensory integration really means. By four months of age, baby’s vision is almost as good as an adult’s, so he will delight in observing bright colours. If your baby is not sitting yet, put him on his back or on his tummy and let him explore! Talk to your baby all this time and point to objects. He will not say anything yet, but his little brain is busily storing loads of information, including words.
Age: 6 – 12 months
Activity: Peek-a-boo
What you need: A baby blanket and/or some furniture to hide behind
What baby gets out of it: Peek-a-boo helps your baby with two important developmental tasks such as separation (understanding that he and Mommy are two different people) and understanding object constancy, which means that the baby will learn to know you are close even when he cannot see you. No, it is not just an exercise to boost your baby’s intellect. Peek-a-boo is a game that all children find extremely entertaining. You can let him take turns and be the one who “leaves” underneath the blanket and you get to be the one asking “Where are you? Where have you gone? There you are!” You can also try hiding a toy under the blanket and letting him find it. The surprised look on your baby’s face when he finds the toy may be worth keeping the camera close by.
Age: 1 – 2 years
Activity: Unpack groceries
What you need: A bag full of groceries, your babe and your words
What baby gets out of it: Language development (not to mention the fact that baby learns about helping with household stuff!). You think unpacking, your babe thinks discovery. The more you talk to him, the better he’ll be at sounding out words when the time comes. As you unpack groceries, and after you have removed the fragile, soft or breakable items, let your toddler take everything out of the bags, from fresh produce to shiny, boxed foods. Different textures and colours need to be explained and while you have to give him enough details, don’t overwhelm him. “Is that an apple? Can you give me that apple? Look, it’s all yellow!” Don’t use baby talk, though. It may actually slow your child’s language development progress since it doesn’t provide him with the right pronunciation.
Age: 2 – 3 years
Activity: Sing/play a song (or more)
What you need: Tapes or CDs, but don’t limit yourself to kids’ music. Keep their music buds interested with all kinds of music – jazz, blues, anything that you find and believe is appropriate for your babe. Also, don’t be shy, sing and dance with your child. He’ll love it, and you will too!
What baby gets out of it: Music helps your toddler by introducing him to different speech patterns. It will also encourage toddler to express himself by singing and moving freely, which develops coordination and body awareness. Logic and rhythmic skills, which develop as your toddler learns to keep the beat, researchers say, are two important benefits of music for your child. Many child psychologists recommend music for babies and toddlers because it involves them completely. Last but not least, music helps toddlers learn to listen by making them focus on the music source. Music, especially classic pieces, is calming and soothing for your toddler, and might serve as one of the best tools for dealing with the emotions of the toddler years. ]
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Things to do with your baby---Winter 2006
by Daniela Ginta
As printed in the Winter 2006 issue of Urbanbaby & Toddler magazine
0–3 months
Activity: Raise the head
what you need: Your baby, Mom or Dad lying down with baby on top of their chest and well, patience.
what it does for your child: Around 1 to 2 months, most babies reach an important milestone: raising the head when they are placed on their tummies. Wait for the proper time to do it, when they are most open to interact, preferably after a nap, making sure they are fed and changed so nothing will ruin the experience. By doing this, your baby will develop her neck muscles and that is no small deed, since their heads are heavy at this age. The baby will get his head and chest up while supporting his weight on the elbows and forearms. As your baby masters the technique, watch for her elbows moving from behind the shoulder girdle (needed to maintain balance) to a position where elbows are in line with the shoulders.
3–6 months
Activity: Chatting (young and old, we all love that)
what you need: Baby and you
what it does for your child: Talking helps your baby develop her communication skills. But the way most of us talk to babies and young toddlers who cannot yet pronounce any words leaves little, if any, room for conversation. Penelope Leach in her book Your Baby and Child From Birth to 5 Years Old (Alfred A. Knopf Inc., New York 2000), advises parents to stop and let their babies join in the conversation. Baby may take a while to respond, but when she does, make sure you show your enthusiasm. Hearing your own voice and participating in a conversation with Mommy the most wonderful person in the world is a big thing for baby. She will start with gurgles, then move on to cooing and before you know it, she’ll say her first words. So go ahead, grab a chair and chat a while.
6–12 months
activity: Train a chef!
what you need: Your baby, some cooked food (cubed potatoes, peas, carrots, rice pasta), a working area for your little chef
what it does for your child: As your baby is introduced to solid food, her curiosity grows accordingly. She is attracted by the different colours and as she’ll taste each item, she will begin to associate texture with color and taste. If you let her feel (read: squish) food in her hands, she might even be interested in eating. By letting your baby play with his food first, you encourage self-feeding and chewing, as he is eager to taste his playing ‘objects.’ Your baby will also develop better hand-eye coordination and will have a chance to learn new words, by having you talk to her while she’s playing and studying various foods. As you move along into the food adventure, add a spoon and watch your baby feed herself. Little cups and bowls will also add pizzazz to the food game!
Word of caution: Make sure all foods are cooked thoroughly to prevent choking. Start with purées and make the transition to cubed soft foods as your baby learns to chew and swallow.
1–2 years
Activity: Building games
what you need: Wooden blocks
what it does for your child: Building different structures using wooden blocks is one of the most complex forms of play for a young child. It increases eye-hand coordination and helps them build strength in their fingers and hands. By talking to your child while building structures (they might not look anything like castles at the beginning), you will help her develop social skills such as cooperation, which will come in handy during the preschool and school years. Let your child imagination roam free, and you’ll help her develop into an independent thinker. She will be as excited about putting three blocks together just as adults are about building a sophisticated castle. Her vocabulary will also improve as you point out to all the different shapes and colours. Worry not if the building blocks are just plain wood, you can either use them like that or buy some water-based nontoxic paint and color them. Finger paints might work too, and you can count on your child to lend a hand in the process. Make that two.
2–3 years
Activity: Walk, stop and smell the roses
what you need: Not much really, just get dressed and go for a walk in your neighbourhood. Encourage your little one to observe and share what she sees along the way, from the truck delivering food to the store, to a nutshell left behind by a squirrel. Point out colours in flowers, sounds made by insects and birds and people tending to their gardens. Let him get down and dirty if he wants too. Observing ants and other little insects requires a close look. Make sure you take along a small bucket for depositing treasures along the way so you can talk about your trip later on when you get home.
what it does for your child: What for us is just another walk, for them is a discovery adventure. They can walk the same street 100 times and see it differently every time. She will not learn about insects and flowers alone; with your help, your child will learn that insects like flowers and help them produce seeds by taking the pollen from one flower to the next. Your child can learn that the bread truck delivers bread and people buy it and eat it. Understanding where things are coming from and going to helps children this age not only develop their language faster but it also feeds their budding curiosity. You’ll see that reflected in the games they play and drawings/art projects they make.
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Enjoy the great outdoors this winter
by Denise O’Connell
As printed in the Winter 2006 issue of Urbanbaby & Toddler magazine
Corinna Warburton has never loved winter more than when her twin girls Joy and Willow came along.
“Our girls sleep well in general, but rain and darkness help convince them that it’s bedtime, so of course we like the winter,” she says with a laugh.
Not that winter in her household means a long winter’s nap. Corinna, her husband Tony, and the girls have always made a point of being outdoors.
“Joy and Willow are outdoor girls,” relays Corinna. “They like to be outside every day, and they can’t understand why the other kids are not there in a downpour that creates the most wonderful puddles and waterfalls.”
With preparations for Vancouver 2010 in full gear, you’d think that everyone would have winter fever. However, not everyone shares the Warburton’s sense of outdoorsmanship. In fact, According to the Canadian Ski Council, Canadian participation in skiing and snowboarding reached an all-time low in 2004.
Heather MacLeod Williams, the WinterActive co-ordinator for the British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association, says that when the weather cools down, people tend to use their leisure time to sit and vegetate on the couch.
“Getting outdoors in the winter is good for your physical well-being and your mental well-being and it also opens up new opportunities for social interaction,” she says.
MacLeod Williams says winter in BC, especially the Lower Mainland, is unique.
“In the city, it’s mild enough that you can continue do almost anything year round, except swim in the ocean. You can bike, jog, walk, hike … you name it,” she declares. “And, if you want snow, within 20 minutes you can be in a winter wonderland.”
If you are one of those families who is on the inside looking out on a beautiful January day, here are some tips to get you and yours active during the colder months.
What to wear
“Winter gear doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive,” says MacLeod Williams. “It just has to keep you dry and warm.” She recommends dressing in layers. Start with a lightweight breathable layer that will wick away perspiration from the skin. A polyester t-shirt and long johns work well. Add a sweater or fleece for warmth. Top with a layer of water resistance, like a nylon shell and pant. Make sure extremities like heads, hands and feet are warm and water resistant as well.
“Forget the woollen mittens that Grandma knitted and go for the waterproof kind. Footwear should be waterproof and leak proof,” recommends MacLeod Williams.
What to bring
For spending the day outdoors bring a thermos with hot chocolate for the kids, and energy snacks like granola. Pack a waterproof camera, and maybe some nature guides with pictures of animal footprints and other things to see. A pair of binoculars could also come in handy.
“Joy and Willow usually get pretty wet anyway, so we take a change of clothes with us so they’ll have a dry journey home,” discloses Corinna.
Where to go
Some traditional winter activities like skiing can cost a fortune when you factor in gear and lift tickets. MacLeod Williams recommends cheaper alternatives like renting ice skates and hitting the rink on top of Grouse Mountain. In the city, she recommends walking along the sea wall in the rain and jumping in puddles.
Corinna recalls one of her fondest winter memories. “Last year one winter excursion took us to Harrison Hot Springs. Tony and I had hot chocolate on a park bench under a tree, while the girls sat in a puddle for about an hour having a great time.”
When to quit
Even the most die-hard of winter explorers knows when to quit or when it’s not a good idea to expose little noses to the cold. At temperatures with a wind chill of –25 degrees Celsius, there is a risk of frostbite. However, children have a harder time regulating body temperature and can get frostbite or hypothermia at less severe temperatures. When little ones complain that they are too cold, head home.
If you find yourself outdoors on a cold blustery day, she recommends hitting the trails. “Trees provide natural shelter from cold and wind,” MacLeod Williams says.
She also points out that winter activities don’t have to cost an arm and a leg. “The point is to get outdoors, and enjoy some hot chocolate when it’s all over, maybe with some new friends.”
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