Calgary's Child Magazine

Our new issue is here!! Brrrr! Spring is coming (we promise) but first we have to get through a few more weeks of winter! With so many activities still off the table, what is there to do to keep everyone happy and entertained? We have dozens and dozens of easy, cheap (or free) activity ideas both inside and out in our Mid-Winter At Home Edition, plus contests, recipes, mental health and relationship advice and much more! We're proud to bring you local content that's just for you - no 'doomscrolling' through social media required! Please support the local businesses you’ll find throughout our pages - they support us to we can bring this parenting resource to you! To read our Mid-Winter at Home issue at calgaryschild.com

Do you remember playing hand clapping games as a child? These games are great for teaching rhythm, counting, rhyming and hand-eye coordination. Best of all they don't require ANY equipment!! Check out this great list of hand-clapping games, complete with videos and printable lyrics from Simply Well Balanced ... https://simply-well-balanced.com/hand-clapping-games/

We’ll be firing up the grill for dinner tonight! Thanks to Calgary Co-op for all the delicious Cal&Gary and Founders&Farmers BBQ bounty! They’ve got everything we need from sirloin burgers, buns and thick cut bacon to the mustard and BBQ sauce! Now we just have to dig out the grill! #FireuptheGrill

Friendly reminder to CBE families to remember to empty backpacks and lunch boxes :) We've all been there and forgotten during a school break or long weekend.

If you are on Spring Break this week, here's a fun little bucket list! Let us know what ideas your family has on its bucket list for Spring in the comments.

Are you already dreading the inevitable "I'm BORED" complaints over Spring Break? Family Fun Canada has this cute boredom bingo printable freely available on their website. Best of all it is customizable for your family! Get your free copy... https://www.familyfuncanada.com/calgary/boredom-bingo/ See more

With the return of warmer weather, The City of Calgary Emergency Medical Services would like to remind parents of an often overlooked hazard in the home. Open windows can present a serious safety hazard for young children. Every year, Calgary paramedics respond to emergencies in the home where a child has fallen from an open window often from the second floor. Get advice from Calgary EMS on our blog on how to assess your home for window and balcony hazards and eliminate th...e risks before a preventable fall occurs. http://blog.calgaryschild.com//03/22/window-balcony-safety/

We’re so excited to share our winter issue with you! Here’s a sneak peek at the first few pages. You’ll find lots of ways to make the winter special - how to adapt traditions to new circumstances, ways to look after your health and wellness, winter class and program options plus fall education choices and lots of ways to enjoy time together safely. Please support the advertisers in this issue. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to bring you this free local resource. You’ll find the link to the digital issue online at calgaryschild.com and print copies on stands everywhere.

Anger is a typical, healthy, emotional response to the stress that teens experience in their lives. But how do you help teach your teen how to manage their anger? Get some advice from psychologist Dana E. Baker in our Winter edition on how to acknowledge and work through big, scary feelings with your teen. Remember that at any age, anger and acting our are a way of expressing or dealing with a more complex issue. For an easy to read, text only version of this article, foll...ow our link and click on the article headline https://www.bluetoad.com/publication/ See more

Update #5: Calgary police officer killed in the line of duty We would like to start off by thanking everyone for the tremendous outpouring of support we’ve rec...eived during these difficult times. Calgary police Chief Constable Mark Neufeld says, "As a Service, we cannot fully express how immensely grateful we are for the outpouring of community support we have received following the tragic loss of Sgt. Andrew Harnett. There is no doubt we are all feeling this loss, but please know this community support is helping us all navigate this difficult time. Knowing you are thinking of Andy, his family and our policing family, when you yourselves are dealing with all of the uncertainty and challenges of the past year, is comforting to say the least. We are proud to serve you and I am proud to lead our officers and support staff. Over the past 24 hours they have done a tremendous job in not only locating and charging those believed to be responsible for this senseless act, but have also continued to serve our community attending calls for help for those that are in need." Family Statement As you can imagine, the Harnett family has been overwhelmed with the events of the last few days. When the family is ready, we will be sharing a statement from them, along with any additional photos they wish to share. In the meantime, we must ask everyone to please respect their privacy during this difficult time. Blue Campaign Many people have reached out to ask how they can help the family, and how they can show support during unusual times when we cannot gather. Several have begun a blue campaign in which blue ribbons are tied on homes and throughout communities, as well as displaying blue porch lights. It means the world to our officers to see these displays while they continue in their duties during this difficult time. Thank you to those who begun this campaign, and to those who have taken part. Messages of Condolence An email address has been established for those wishing to send messages of condolence to Sgt. Harnett’s family [email protected]. Investigative Update The two accused have appeared before the Justice of the Peace, who has issued they remain in custody pending their next court appearance on Monday, Jan. 4, 2021, for a bail hearing. Now that this matter is before the courts, we will have no further information to provide publicly. Investigators are working hard behind the scenes to gather all available evidence about the events that transpired on the evening of Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020. Anyone who has information about this case is encouraged to call the call Homicide Tip Line at 403-428-8877, or through Crime Stoppers anonymously through any of the following methods: TALK: 1-800-222-8477 TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org APP: "P3 Tips" Case # 20516426/3828

Are you ready to ring in the New Year? Here's a fun craft using supplies you may have around the house to invite the kids to make a mess and celebrate the coming of the New Year. Using empty paper tube rolls (toilet paper, paper towel, gift wrap, etc.), a balloon, and some confetti make your very own confetti popper! Don't have confetti on hand? Try some shredded paper, or snip up left over bows or ribbons.... Find the full tutorial from Little Bins for Little Hands: https://littlebinsforlittlehands.com/confetti-poppers-for-/

Join the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra for an online Orchestra Adventure (with Maestro Karl and friends) This four-part online series takes kids on a musical journey through the four sections that make up a symphony orchestra. Each episode is 15 minutes and allow children to encounter different instruments and some of the musicians who play them! Find all the episode on the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra's website as well as some printable activities. ... https://calgaryphil.com/kids-project/ See more

Active for Life is a national initiative created to help parents raise physically literate children. In our Winter edition they shared some advice on how to to be a great sports parent (that won't cost you a penny). These tips will also help to increase the chance that your child will find success and fufillment in their sports journey. Remember that like so many parts of childhood, sports go by quickly so enjoy every moment and take joy in watching your child play. For an ...easy to read, text only version of this article, follow our link and click on the article headline. https://www.bluetoad.com/publication/ See more

MARKT. by Spruce Meadows https://markt.sprucemeadows.com/ Spruce Meadows has reimagined the local shopping experience with this virtual market, and has moved the renowned International Christmas Market, sponsored by TELUS, online into MARKT. Featuring thousands of curated products from local businesses the virtual market has hassle free returns and delivery across Canada. A special feature for the holiday season is the TELUS Virtual Photo Booth! Create a greeting to share ...with family and friends from the comfort of your own home. https://telusphotbooth.myboothpic.co/virtual/capture/xWRYv This new online shopping portal is planned to continue year-round with vendors, products, and inventory being updated regularly! You can even purchase a MARKT gift card if you're uncertain what to give! #SupportLocalYYC

Today launches the Mayor's Annual Christmas Food Drive! #MayorsFoodDrive Join virtually for 12 Days of Giving, focusing on some of our most needed food items. Each day from November 25 to December 9, a different Mayor’s Food Drive community partner will highlight one of these wish list items to the tune of The 12 Days of Christmas on social media.

An innovative new program is launching from Variety - the Children's Charity of Alberta! Sensory backpacks that can be borrowed for FREE when visiting participating locations. Currently these backpacks will be available to borrow while visiting Telus Spark and the Marda Loop location of Blush Lane Organics. The program will be expanding in 2021 to more Alberta communities and locations!

New Years' Eve is almost here! Whether you're hoping to include the kids in the festivities or are opting for a non-alcoholic evening, here are some great ideas mocktail recipes. Does your family have a favorite festive mocktail? Share with us in the comments, and have a Happy New Year! ... https://www.theeverydaymomlife.com//kid-friendly-mocktail/

Our Winter edition features many great contests and the deadline to enter is coming up soon! One of the prizes you can enter to win is the Happy PLANNER Teachers Influence Box Kit! This kit includes everything needed to welcome the 2021 school year planned and organized. Including a large planner with 12 undated months, 1 folder, 1 bookmark, 2 rolls of washi tape, 3 punch cards, and 3 sticker sheets. Visit thehappyplanner.com to check out their full range of organization... products and for your chance to win this great prize visit our blog to find the contest code and entry forms! http://blog.calgaryschild.com///30/winter-edition-contests See more

The Fall Calgary Baby and Tot Show is coming up soon. We'll be there and can't wait to see you. Tag a friend you'd love to bring with you to explore and enjo...y the event for your chance to win 2 FREE Tickets! Names will be selected on Monday September 28th and winners will be contacted directly.

How much fun is this? Calgary Co-op and one of our besties, Dinner with Julie, have teamed up for some holiday baking. They’re uniting our community through the power of our kitchens - and you can join in. Let’s get baking together. Registration is open to the public but numbers are limited so hurry! All you have to do is donate at least $5 to the Calgary Co-op Foundation in support of the Calgary Food Bank. You’ll receive a $5 Calgary Co-op coupon, recipes and a zoom event link. See you there! #togetherfortheholidays

THE SEASON OF LIGHT DISPLAY CONTEST Let's embrace the season of light this year. Remember when we all covered our windows and sidewalks with encouraging messages and artwork back in the springtime? I want to challenge everyone reading this to bring some sparkle to the neighborhood! Light up the night with your very best holiday light displays to cheer up our community and remind one another we are all in this together, even though we're tired and frustrated and scared. If you...'ve never put up lights before, consider buying a few strings for your window, balcony or front yard! Submit a photo of your holiday display to us ([email protected]) for your chance to win a family cozy box full of games, books, and everything you'll need for a family night in this winter! (Winner will be randomly drawn; all displays are welcome, no matter how small!) Share this post so we can work together to make this winter the brightest the city has ever seen!

Is your child a ball of energy? Do you dread days stuck inside because it means they are bouncing off the wall? Try this fun and simple activity to direct your child's energy! Balloon Taps: Hang a balloon by a string from your doorway so it is a few inches higher than your child’s arm reach. Then challenge them to try and tap it with their hand. Count how many they can do in a row without missing (this gets tiring very quickly!). ... Up the ante by seeing if they can jump and touch the balloon with the top of their head! Check out idea and other energy busting activities for kids from What Moms Love https://bit.ly/3fggG2E

In our Winter edition we have so many great contests for you to enter! The BABY Born Surprise Mermaid Surprise features 20+ surprises. Use water to wipe away baby’s sleepy eyes, then unwrap her cute mermaid towel to reveal her hairstyle. Give baby a bath in her sparkly seashell bathtub cold water reveals her color change hair. Feed baby water from her bottle for a diaper surprise a cute charm. Dissolve the starfish in water to reveal baby’s shimmering swimsuit. For your ...chance to win this great prize visit our blog to find the contest code and entry forms! http://blog.calgaryschild.com//11/30/winter-edition-conte/

This year has been a struggle for many Calgarians and their families. While managing stress and anxiety can be difficult, there are many resources in our wonderful city to help. Calgary Public Library has FREE online programming available to help you practice mindfulness. Mindfulness can help reduce stress, manage your thoughts, and boost focus.... Learn more about the range program offerings on the Calgary Public Library website. calgarylibrary.ca/events-and-programs/programs https://www.facebook.com/calgarylibrary/posts/10157679904086526

Put a safe, family fun, outdoor experience under the Christmas tree this holiday season with Calaway Park 2021 Season Passes and support a local business. Available at your local Calgary Co-op from November 8th, 2020 until January 1st, 2021. For more information visit calawaypark.com

NEW ice trail! Now open for the season. A 1.6 km track for skating next to the Bow River. They’ve expanded the skating at Bowness Park. Now you can skate between the lagoon and a loop around the park. Helmets are strongly encouraged. Skating hours: 5 a.m. - 11 p.m. daily Skate rentals: Rentals provided by the University of Calgary Outdoor Centre (rental availability may differ from skating hours)... Hockey sticks and nets, toboggans and sleds are not allowed on the ice. Make sure you do what you can to stay safe and reduce the spread of COVID-19 while enjoying Bowness Park: * Lagoon: Limit of 600 skaters at a time. * Ice Trail: limit of 100 skaters at a time. * Face coverings are recommended in seating areas, around firepits and in high-traffic areas. * Maintain 2 metres from anyone outside of your household and wear a face covering if you can't distance. * When at capacity, skaters must wait in line. Skating times may be limited.

Quest Theatre is offering a specialized online drama class especially designed for youth who are new to Canada. This course will be offered virtually on Saturday mornings and uses the magic of theatre to playfully build self-esteem, encourage relationships, and expand imaginations. The course runs from January 9 - March 13, and is for youth ages 10-12. The course does carry a $100 fee per student, but Quest encourages interested parties with financial barriers to apply fo...r one of their many bursaries. Find out more online: https://fb.watch/2IlXketoLh/

Put outdoor adventure under your tree this holiday season. The Wild Life Outdoor Adventures is releasing a limited number of Holiday Camp Kits containing over $135 of outdoor gear and tools PLUS 30+ hours of adventure ideas, skill building lessons, crafts, and fun facts aligned to Canadian curriculum outcomes. This year support Canadian businesses, buy local and give the gift of outdoor fun and adventures with jointhewildlife.ca. For your chance to WIN A HOLIDAY CAMP KIT, vis...it our contest page. Entry deadline is November 30, 2020. https://bit.ly/3lHjgkq

For advertising inquiries, please visit: http://www.calgaryschild.com/advertise-with-us

If you have younger children at home and are looking for an activity to honor Remembrance Day this week, here is a simple but beautiful idea. Using cupcake liners and craft sticks you can create poppies. - Using two red cupcake liners (or white ones that you've colored red), cut a scalloped edge to create petals. Cut one liner smaller than the other so that all the petals will be visible. - Layer the two liners, and use tape to hold them together. - Draw a star shape in the... center of the smaller liner to create the middle of the flower. - Tape the liners onto a green craft stick (or a plain one you've colored green). If you don't have these exact supplies at home, get creative and involve the kids in adapting the activity to what you have! Alternative stems could be straws or pipe cleaners. For a larger poppy try coffee filters, or cut blossom shapes from construction or printer paper. Original idea and tutorial available from Laughing Kids Learn https://bit.ly/2InryQ1

Getting ready to take down your real Christmas Tree? Cut your tree into pieces to go in your green cart for pickup. Or you can take your whole tree to a Christmas tree drop off until January 31. Check out the list of locations: calgary.ca/christmastree

It's not too late to enter our Season of Light contest! We want to see your very best displays to cheer up our community and remind one another we are all in this together, even though we're tired and frustrated and scared. Submit a photo of your holiday display to us ([email protected]) for your chance to win a family cozy box full of games, books, and everything you'll need for a family night in this winter! (Winner will be randomly drawn; all displays are ...welcome, no matter how small!) Share this post to encourage others to participate! Here's some more of the great photos our readers have sent in so far! Thank you to Charlene for sharing your display of inflatables!

With Remembrance Day approaching this week, here is a free printable activity. This coloring page features a portion of John McCrae's poem "In Flanders Fields" Visit the original source to print a high resolution copy: https://bit.ly/2U9HHLk

This time of year can be hard - the short days, cold temperatures and snow days all tend to drive kids indoors, and it can be a struggle to keep our kids happy, healthy and active during these long, cold weeks. So if you’re looking for great kids’ games or need some cold weather boredom busters, we’ve got solutions! Indoor fun On a chilly afternoon, spread a blanket out on the floor and enjoy an indoor picnic. Eat the same kinds of picnic foods you would in the summer. (Bo...nus: There will be no pesky ants this time of year to steal your food!) Help the kids make up skits or act out stories to perform. Enjoy indoor camping. Pitch a tent in the living room and let the kids pretend they are on a fun-filled camping trip. Pull out the sleeping bags, and the kids can take naps in the tent or even sleep the whole night inside their cozy and warm tent. Get the whole family together and work on a giant jigsaw puzzle. Make sure you have plenty of popcorn on hand for snacking. Almost all kids enjoy playing dress-up. Gather up all your outdated clothes, gaudy jewelry, weird hats, sunglasses and bright makeup you can find and let the kids go for it! Be sure to snap some pics. (Value Village is a great place to replenish your tickle trunk.) Turn off the TV and enjoy some family time and friendly competition. Pull out those board and/or card games. When’s the last time your family enjoyed a friendly game of Scrabble or Monopoly? No two snowflakes are alike. Try making giant snowflakes by cutting large strips of paper and join them with glue or just make traditional snowflakes. Waddle, waddle. Partake in penguin races. Using a ball in between your legs, see how fast you can navigate a course. Snowball science. Time how long it takes for a snowball to melt on the counter, in the fridge and when blasted with a hairdryer. The Memory Game is always a hit with kids. Winterize this classic game by cutting out mitten shapes from wallpaper samples (or use real mittens). Make a snow-day survival kit. Pack a pretty bag with treats, hot chocolate and cookie mix; then pick a movie you’ve never seen as a family and wait for the fun to begin.

When the cold weather blows in we love comfort food recipes that use the classic crockpot to make dinner easier! Try out this recipe for a pizza inspired casserole! Layer meat sauce with pasta and cheese and top with pepperoni to create a family friendly meal. Original recipe:... https://bit.ly/32d5FJR See more

@YourAlberta (Government of Alberta) has announced that all Diploma exams for the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year will be optional, with a few exceptions. Find the most current information on all restrictions and changes relating to COVID-19 on the official Government of Alberta website: https://www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx

Christmas light displays are starting to show up all over town. For a fun, free, activity with the family why not try a Christmas light scavenger hunt? Here's one idea or create your own list of decorations to find! You can walk around your own neighborhood, or go for a drive. We've even got a listing of some great places to take in light displays in Calgary on our blog - https://bit.ly/364QjK1... Remember to follow all social distancing protocols and have a great time! Original idea: https://thesavvysparrow.com/christmas-light-scavenger-hunt/

In honor of Canada's veterans, the Field of Crosses is once again on display this year. The public is welcome to wander amongst the crosses between November 1 - 10, but please remember to remain within your own cohort and respect physical distancing. Sunrise and Sunset ceremonies will be held leading up to Remembrance Day, but the area around the Cenotaph will be restricted to invited attendees. There will be no Sunrise or Sunset ceremonies on Remembrance Day (November 11th).... Instead the Remembrance Day Ceremony will be a virtual event broadcast live by Global Calgary. Access to the park will be restricted to ceremony participants. Access to the park will be opened on 2 pm but numbers will be limited. https://www.fieldofcrosses.com/eleven-days-of-remembrance/

Looking for ways to get your kids more active at home? Whether you're currently enrolled in home-school, distance education, or are just looking for a fun, motor skills activity these FREE videos from Canada's National Ballet School are sure to get bodies moving. The videos are grouped by age/skill level. There are even videos available for the adults and seniors in your home. https://bit.ly/2Jr6RTt

Enjoying an indulgence now and then, even if it makes you feel a tad guilty, can help you relax and add a little sweetness to life. So go ahead and take some time out for yourself!

While we've been enjoying the warmer temperatures and sunshine this week, snowy winter weather is just around the corner. Tanya Kobb, author of the blog Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies, shares 10 family-friendly winter hikes in our YYCFamilies edition. Hit the trails with your family and enjoy Alberta's beautiful landscape. There is so much to enjoy even when the weather turns cold and adding movement into your week is always a great idea. For an easy to read, text only version of this article, follow our link and click on the https://www.bluetoad.com/publication/?m=3530&i=674935&p=56

Ready or not, here comes the snow and winter is close behind! Our upcoming Winter Edition is all about making the winter special - adapting traditions to new circumstances, looking after health and wellness, keeping the kiddos busy with winter class and program options, fall education, planning for the future and finding ways to enjoy time together safely. We can't wait to share this issue with our readers! We're working on a ton of local editorial, gathering fabulous local ...event information and getting ready to provide the great family fun ideas and advice we're known for. Directories coming up in this issue: Calgary's Child's Guide to the Holidays Winter Fun & Getaways Education Preschool Private & Alternative Schools Special Needs New Year's Resolutions Winter/Spring Classes & Programs We're just missing one thing - you! Get in touch with us today to save your spot or to learn more about everything we have to offer! For a full list of rates and sizes, check out our rate kit online. We're excited to offer this upcoming issue both in print on stands across the city and online at calgaryschild.com! Join us! Email us at [email protected] or call Calgary's Child at 403-241-6066 for more information.

Our friends at the Glenbow Museum will be beginning renovation work that will close some classic exhibitions as of November 22nd. All Calgarians are invited to say farewell to these exhibitions with FREE admission during All Access Week, November 14th-22nd. The tickets are free, but timed tickets must be reserved online ahead of time to maintain safe physical distancing. Visit their webpage to book your tickets today!... https://www.glenbow.org/exhibitions/all-access-week/ See more

The Military Museums will be changing how their annual Remembrance Day service will be delivered. This year the service will be closed to the public. Only those participating in the service will be permitted on site. In following their mission of preservation of the memories and traditions of military heroes, they will be instead hosting a virtual event which will be live-streamed on their Facebook page. The service will begin at 10:20 AM MT on November 11th. The public i...s welcome to visit The Military Museums during Veterans Week (Nov 1 - 10) to view the current exhibit "Untold Stories: They Never Talked About it". This exhibit will also be open from 1 - 6 pm on November 11th, but timed tickets to attend must be pre-ordered. For full details and to reserve tickets to visit the museum, visit their web page: https://themilitarymuseums.ca//events-and-/remembrance-day

A worthy repost... When you have a "regular" child, you feel reasonably assured that class participation and decent study habits will result in good grades. These kids have close friends. They get invited to participate in social things like dances and weekend gatherings. They make the teams, auditioned organizations and clubs. And you give little thought to them remaining academically eligible for UIL participation. But when you have a child with certain differences, this is... often not the case. Learning may take longer, both academically and socially. Despite their tremendous efforts, results are often a fraction of their peers and social acceptance is fleeting, setting them up for painful comparisons and bitter frustration. Instead of a fun and fulfilling experience, school can become a breeding ground for depression and anxiety, and assignments a battle ground at home. It is exhausting for parent and child alike. October was ADHD Awareness Month and Learning Disabilities Awareness Month but this is an important reminder anytime. For all the children who struggle every day to succeed in a world that does not recognize their gifts and talents, and for those who are walking beside them, please let this be a gentle reminder to BE KIND and accepting of ALL people. Recognize that the "playing field" is not always a level surface. Children who learn differently are not weird. They are merely gifted in ways that our society does not value or immediately see. Yet they want what everyone else wants: To be accepted. If you choose, please copy and paste this in honor of all children who are deemed "different". Our world would be far less beautiful without them. All they want is to have a friend...let that sink in...they JUST. WANT. A. FRIEND.