GRAND Spring 2021 Vol. IV Ed. I
Victoria Vancouver Island Grandparenting Magazine Spring 2021 10 Ways to Be a Fabulous Grandparent Rock the Podcast: How to create—and launch—an engaging and entertaining podcast Running Your First 10k Close to Home: Comox Valley
Victoria Vancouver Island Grandparenting Magazine Spring 2021
10 Ways to Be a Fabulous Grandparent
Rock the Podcast: How to create—and launch—an engaging and entertaining podcast
Running Your First 10k
Close to Home: Comox Valley
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<strong>Vol</strong>. <strong>IV</strong>, <strong>Ed</strong>. I<br />
<strong>GRAND</strong><br />
grandmag.ca<br />
10<br />
Ways to Be<br />
a Fabulous<br />
Grandparent<br />
Rock the<br />
Podcast<br />
How to create<br />
—and launch—<br />
an engaging<br />
and entertaining<br />
podcast<br />
Running<br />
Your First 10k<br />
Close to Home<br />
Comox Valley
Your donations help Family Services of Greater Victoria<br />
provide the following professional programs<br />
and services to families in the region.<br />
FAMILY SERVICES<br />
OF GREATER VICTORIA<br />
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES<br />
Caught in the Middle<br />
Mediation for Couples<br />
Counselling/Therapy Services<br />
New Ways for Families ®<br />
Art/Play Therapy Techniques<br />
Parent Support & Resources<br />
Facilitated Parent–Child Connection Separation Resource Services<br />
In-Person & Telehealth Services<br />
Support for Grandparents<br />
Learn more about our services and how to donate<br />
250-386-4331 www.fsgv.org<br />
2 <strong>GRAND</strong> grandmag.ca
KEEPING YOU AT HOME<br />
SAFELY & COMFORTABLY<br />
FREE IN-HOME & VIRTUAL<br />
ASSESSMENTS<br />
Locally owned and operated for over 30<br />
years, HME has grown to become one of the<br />
largest independent dealers of Mobility and<br />
Home Medical Equipment in BC, serving<br />
British Columbians every day.<br />
CALL HME VICTORIA TODAY!<br />
(250) 386-0075<br />
101-2657 Wilfert Road<br />
Victoria, BC V9B 5Z3<br />
AUTHORIZED DEALER<br />
www.HMEStairlifts.com<br />
grandmag.ca<br />
<strong>Vol</strong>. <strong>IV</strong>, <strong>Ed</strong>. I 3
Build a<br />
legacy<br />
and Help<br />
Transform lives<br />
Consider giving a lasting gift to help<br />
local families build a strong foundation<br />
for a brighter future.<br />
For more information, contact<br />
giving@habitatvictoria.com<br />
250.480.7688 ext.103<br />
habitatvictoria.com<br />
4 <strong>GRAND</strong> grandmag.ca
Having Fun &<br />
Staying Silly<br />
CONTENTS<br />
5<br />
6<br />
8<br />
12<br />
14<br />
18<br />
20<br />
22<br />
24<br />
28<br />
Having Fun & Staying Silly<br />
7 Grand: Ideas + Inspiration<br />
Rock the Podcast:<br />
From Creation to Launch<br />
A Grandmother’s Guide to<br />
Bonding with Grandsons<br />
Running Your First 10k<br />
Dinner & Dessert<br />
Close to Home: Comox Valley<br />
Developing Digital Literacy<br />
10 Ways to Be a<br />
Fabulous Grandparent<br />
The Gift of Giving<br />
ON THE COVER<br />
Mike Priestly &<br />
William (4)<br />
Photo by Chelsea<br />
Warren Photography,<br />
chelseawarren<br />
photography.com<br />
<strong>Vol</strong>. <strong>IV</strong>, <strong>Ed</strong>. I<br />
<strong>GRAND</strong><br />
grandmag.ca<br />
Rock the<br />
Podcast<br />
How to create<br />
—and launch—<br />
an engaging<br />
and entertaining<br />
podcast<br />
Ways to Be<br />
a Fabulous<br />
10Grandparent<br />
Running<br />
Your First 10k<br />
Close to Home<br />
Comox Valley<br />
“We don’t stop playing because we<br />
grow old. We grow old because we stop<br />
playing.” – George Bernard Shaw<br />
Keep playing.<br />
What better advice is there as<br />
we get older than to stay joyful, be<br />
silly, have fun and keep playing? And<br />
who benefits more from that advice,<br />
if you’re a grandparent, than your<br />
grandchildren?<br />
Sure it’s wise to get a good night’s<br />
sleep, eat more leafy greens and walk<br />
at least 10,000 steps every day, but<br />
how much fun is that compared to,<br />
say, riding a rollercoaster, starting a<br />
water fight, or playing a practical joke.<br />
“The most important advice we offer<br />
people about longevity is, ‘Throw<br />
away your lists,’” says Howard Friedman,<br />
professor of psychology at the<br />
University of California, Riverside,<br />
and co-author of The Longevity Project.<br />
“We live in a self-help society full of<br />
lists: ‘lose weight, hit the gym.’ So why<br />
aren’t we all healthy? People who live<br />
a long time can work hard and play<br />
hard.”<br />
To help you put more fun into your<br />
role supporting your family, and to<br />
emphasize play, this issue of Grand<br />
features articles on topics ranging<br />
from 10 ways to be a fabulous grandparent,<br />
cooking with your grandkids,<br />
and creating and launching a podcast,<br />
Jim Schneider Publisher<br />
publisher@islandparent.ca<br />
Sue Fast <strong>Ed</strong>itor<br />
editor@islandparent.ca<br />
Kristine Wickheim Account Manager<br />
kristine@islandparent.ca<br />
RaeLeigh Buchanan Account Manager<br />
raeleigh@islandparent.ca<br />
<strong>GRAND</strong>, published by Island Parent Group Enterprises Ltd., is a quarterly<br />
publication that honours and supports grandparents by providing<br />
information on resources and businesses for families and a forum for<br />
the exchange of ideas and opinions. Views expressed are not necessarily<br />
those of the publisher. No material herein may be reproduced without<br />
the permission of the publisher. <strong>GRAND</strong> is distributed digitally and also<br />
a free special edition throughout Vancouver Island. ISSN 0838-5505.<br />
to running your first 10k, the gift of<br />
giving, and developing digital literacy.<br />
There’s 7 Grand, a compilation<br />
of ideas and inspiration to help keep<br />
you in-the-know and connected to<br />
community, there’s a grandmother’s<br />
guide to bonding with grandsons,<br />
and there’s an article to help get you<br />
out and about while still staying close<br />
to home. Have fun, and remember:<br />
you’re as young as you feel!<br />
<strong>GRAND</strong> is as diverse and engaged<br />
as you are. Together, we’re a powerful<br />
and positive force—in our grandchildren’s<br />
lives and in our communities.<br />
250-388-6905 grandmag.ca<br />
518 Caselton Place, Victoria BC V8Z 7Y5<br />
A proud member of<br />
BC<br />
grandmag.ca<br />
<strong>Vol</strong>. <strong>IV</strong>, <strong>Ed</strong>. I 5
Ideas + Inspiration<br />
7Grand<br />
A Culinary<br />
Adventure<br />
Before catching Disney’s Raya<br />
and the Last Dragon, families<br />
can take a culinary adventure to<br />
Raya’s homeland Kumandra—a<br />
magical land inspired by Southeast<br />
Asia—with kids leading the<br />
recipe creation.<br />
Disney has collaborated with<br />
Raddish Kids to help families<br />
create their own “Dinner & a<br />
Movie” night with a free printable<br />
digital Raddish cooking kit<br />
created in celebration of the<br />
film that includes three recipes:<br />
Shrimp Noodles, Pork Lettuce<br />
Cups and Mango Sticky Rice,<br />
inspired by the cuisine of Southeast<br />
Asia.<br />
Kids can take charge in the<br />
kitchen—with help from their<br />
grandparents—with the easyto-follow<br />
recipe guides, and a<br />
step-by-step cook-along video<br />
with an appearance from a Disney<br />
chef. The free, flavour-filled<br />
kit created in celebration of Disney’s<br />
Raya and the Last Dragon<br />
can be found at raddishkids.<br />
com/pages/disneyraya.<br />
New Field<br />
Guide<br />
Saanich Parks released a new<br />
field guide to inspire a passion<br />
for nature discoveries in parks<br />
close to home. This illustrated<br />
field guide highlights some of<br />
the plants and animals found<br />
in Saanich parks and the different<br />
types of ecosystems where<br />
they live. It is a visual learning<br />
tool aimed at youth, but the<br />
intent is to encourage learning<br />
and enjoyment for all park visitors.<br />
Illustrated by local artist<br />
Kristi Bridgman, the field guide<br />
captures the spirit and beauty<br />
of the unique nature that exists<br />
around us. Saanich Parks will<br />
develop resources for families<br />
and educators to use with the<br />
field guide so they can broaden<br />
their learning while experiencing<br />
these lovely places. The field<br />
guide is available at saanich.ca.<br />
What the F*ck<br />
Is My Password?<br />
How often have you uttered a<br />
variation of those words? What<br />
the flip is my password? Here’s<br />
a simple no frills journal to keep<br />
track of important information<br />
for online accounts and websites.<br />
Keep track of your sh*t<br />
at last. Forgotten your internet<br />
password again? This logbook<br />
has enough space to store<br />
the website name, username,<br />
password, and notes for 1,000 of<br />
your internet passwords.<br />
And here’s a bonus: according<br />
to Amazon “The print is quite<br />
large so is suitable for seniors<br />
and people with bad eye sight.”<br />
6 <strong>GRAND</strong> grandmag.ca
Tools to Connect<br />
Online<br />
Grandma/<br />
Grandpa & Me<br />
Grandparents’ Class<br />
at Mothering Touch<br />
A is for<br />
Anemone<br />
These apps offer some other<br />
worthwhile activities for grandparents<br />
and grandkids:<br />
Ancestry.com and MyHeritage.com.<br />
Ancestry websites<br />
are a great way for grandparents<br />
and older grandchildren<br />
to explore their family’s history<br />
together.<br />
Keepy. Share artwork, school<br />
projects and photos grandparents<br />
love to put on their fridge<br />
but might not have room for.<br />
Hoot. Draw, play, or read together<br />
in real time.<br />
Redeo. Read together while<br />
your young grandchild turns the<br />
pages.<br />
ooVoo and Voxer. These<br />
apps allow you to send photos<br />
and videos or to talk and text—<br />
all in real time.<br />
Wheel of Fortune. This app<br />
version of the popular TV show<br />
allows grandparents and grandchildren<br />
to spin the wheel together,<br />
no matter the distance.<br />
From aplaceformom.com<br />
Pinhole Press’s Grandma & Me<br />
and Grandpa & Me Board Book<br />
is perfectly sized for little hands,<br />
with thick, rigid pages and a<br />
glossy finish. Use the starting<br />
template or any available<br />
templates to personalize the<br />
perfect keepsake. Each book<br />
can hold 20–40 pages featuring<br />
11–21 photos. A Grandma &<br />
Me or a Grandpa & Me Board<br />
Book is a great way to foster<br />
relationships with long-distance<br />
Grandmas and Grandpas, and to<br />
celebrate Mother’s Day, Father’s<br />
Day, Grandparent’s Day, or the<br />
holidays. pinholepress.com<br />
This class teaches the latest on<br />
newborn care, and now includes<br />
infant first aid. Learn up-to-date<br />
information on breastfeeding,<br />
safe sleeping practices, car-seat<br />
regulations, and how to play<br />
with baby. Grandparents will<br />
also have a chance to explore<br />
new ideas about parenting and<br />
how they can support their<br />
adult children in their new role<br />
as parents.<br />
For information and class<br />
times, visit motheringtouch.ca.<br />
With crisp, luminous illustrations<br />
by celebrated Indigenous artist<br />
Roy Henry Vickers and a simple<br />
rythmic text, this sturdy board<br />
book introduces the alphabet<br />
using iconic imagery of the West<br />
Coast, creating a book that will<br />
be cherished by young readers<br />
and their families. Starting with<br />
colourful sea anemones waving<br />
in the ocean current and closing<br />
with a snoozing grizzly bear<br />
(Zzz), this board book supports<br />
both early literacy and children’s<br />
awareness of the natural world.<br />
Release date: June 19, <strong>2021</strong>. By<br />
Roy Henry Vickers and Robert<br />
Budd. harbourpublishing.com<br />
grandmag.ca<br />
<strong>Vol</strong>. <strong>IV</strong>, <strong>Ed</strong>. I 7
Media &<br />
Technology<br />
Rock the Podcast<br />
How to create—and launch—an engaging<br />
and entertaining podcast<br />
Like other grandmothers everywhere, I grieved not being<br />
able to be with my grandchildren over this last holiday season.<br />
I needed a project to distract me, so I took the plunge<br />
into podcasting—with not one podcast, but two. I figured if I<br />
was going to take on such a daunting project, I might as well<br />
make it worthwhile. And it has been worthwhile, providing me<br />
with a limitless outlet for my creativity. I am my own producer<br />
and publisher, and my stories and ideas can now travel the<br />
world.<br />
If you’re interested in podcasting yourself, be warned: the<br />
learning curve is steep. But don’t be overwhelmed; if you take<br />
it one step at a time and access the right resources, it is doable.<br />
And it gets significantly easier with practice.<br />
Rachel Dunstan Muller is a children’s<br />
author, storyteller, podcaster, and<br />
grandmother. You can find her two podcasts<br />
Hintertales: Stories from the Margins<br />
of History and Sticks and Stones<br />
and Stories through her website at<br />
racheldunstanmuller.com, or wherever<br />
you normally get your podcasts.<br />
1. Choose a theme.<br />
What will your podcast be about?<br />
Who is your target audience? My first<br />
podcast, Hintertales: Stories from<br />
the Margins of History, tells true stories<br />
of ordinary people caught up in<br />
extraordinary events, and is aimed<br />
at adults who love good storytelling.<br />
Sticks and Stones and Stories is more<br />
personal, consisting of fun, original<br />
tales told initially to my three young<br />
grandchildren. Your podcast might be<br />
about cooking, or poetry, or the interesting<br />
places you’ve travelled. If you<br />
aren’t already listening to podcasts in<br />
your chosen genre, start listening now<br />
for ideas and inspiration.<br />
2. Give it a name.<br />
A good title should capture the<br />
theme of your podcast, be simple to<br />
remember, and be easily searchable.<br />
The word Hintertales was my own<br />
invention and is therefore easy to find<br />
via Google. In contrast, the combination<br />
of words in my children’s title<br />
proved to be too generic for good<br />
search results.<br />
3. Create podcast artwork.<br />
You will need a square image to<br />
accompany your podcast when it’s<br />
uploaded to sites like Apple Podcasts.<br />
I used the tools at Canva.com to create<br />
my own artwork, but if that feels<br />
daunting, you can hire someone affordably<br />
at Fiverr.com or 99Designs.<br />
com. The finished image should be<br />
3000 x 3000 pixels, 72 dpi, and saved<br />
as a PNG.<br />
4. Decide on a format.<br />
My episodes are scripted stories<br />
(non-fiction and fiction respectively),<br />
8 <strong>GRAND</strong> grandmag.ca
Perfect<br />
Podcasts<br />
from local to far-flung<br />
but you may choose to go with an interview<br />
format or solo commentary.<br />
As your own producer, you also get to<br />
choose the length of your podcasts,<br />
and how frequently you upload new<br />
episodes. Having a consistent publishing<br />
schedule is ideal, whether it’s daily,<br />
weekly, bi-weekly, or even monthly.<br />
5. Choose a microphone.<br />
You could start by recording with<br />
your smartphone, but for the best<br />
audio quality you’ll want to invest<br />
in a microphone that plugs directly<br />
into your laptop or recording device.<br />
Search online for reviews of the most<br />
popular podcast mics. This will likely<br />
be your biggest initial investment,<br />
with a good mic costing between $60<br />
and $180.<br />
6. Download editing software.<br />
This is a must for podcasters. GarageBand<br />
is free for Mac users, while<br />
Audacity is free for Mac, PC and Linux<br />
users. Learning to use this software<br />
was my biggest hurdle, but I found<br />
helpful tutorials on YouTube and other<br />
sites. I highly recommend the indepth<br />
video tutorials on Lynda.com,<br />
which are accessible for free for both<br />
VIRL and GVLP library users.<br />
7. Record your first episode.<br />
Prepare either a bulleted outline or<br />
a full script, practice until the material<br />
flows easily, then choose a quiet<br />
place to record. A basement storage<br />
room has been an ideal space for me,<br />
but for you it may be a walk-in closet,<br />
or even your car parked somewhere<br />
quiet. It should have few reflective<br />
Hintertales: Stories from the Margins<br />
of History. Author and storyteller Rachel<br />
Dunstan Muller combs the dusty<br />
corners of history in pursuit of some<br />
of the world’s most fascinating true<br />
stories. Check back every second<br />
Friday for stories of ordinary people<br />
caught up in extraordinary circumstances.<br />
hintertales.buzzsprout.com<br />
Sticks and Stones and Stories. Add<br />
a little wonder to bed time, car time,<br />
or anytime with these fun original<br />
stories. Sticks and Stones and Stories<br />
features engaging tales written and<br />
narrated by children’s author Rachel<br />
Dunstan Muller. sticksandstonesandstories.buzzsprout.com<br />
grandmag.ca<br />
<strong>Vol</strong>. <strong>IV</strong>, <strong>Ed</strong>. I 9
surfaces (bare walls or floors), and/<br />
or lots of soft materials like furnishings,<br />
carpets, or clothes to absorb and<br />
diffuse sound. Temporarily turn off<br />
any background noise like heaters or<br />
humming appliances. Use headphones<br />
to hear yourself clearly as you record,<br />
and experiment with different distances<br />
from your microphone to find<br />
the “sweet spot”—often about 2 to 4<br />
inches from the mic. I invested in a<br />
microphone pop filter (about $18) to<br />
take some of the “hiss” out of my s’s.<br />
Don’t worry about mistakes or interruptions<br />
as you’re recording, since<br />
you’ll be editing those out in the next<br />
step. Just pause for a few seconds, then<br />
repeat the botched sentence and carry<br />
on.<br />
8. <strong>Ed</strong>it and optimize your episode.<br />
This is by far the most technical<br />
step of podcasting, but if you follow<br />
the step-by-step tutorials mentioned<br />
in Step 7 you’ll find your way—including<br />
mixing in music or sound effects if<br />
you choose. Most podcasts include an<br />
intro, the body of the episode, and an<br />
outro. Refer to other podcasts for examples.<br />
For royalty-free theme music,<br />
look to Audio Jungle or other similar<br />
websites. Be sure the music is available<br />
for commercial use, and credit<br />
the artist as required. Once your episode<br />
is edited, upload it to Auphonic.<br />
com for optimization. (Free for the<br />
first 2 hours of processed material per<br />
month.)<br />
9. Upload your episode to a podcast<br />
host.<br />
To “publish” your podcast, you’ll<br />
need an RSS feed or podcast host like<br />
Buzzsprout, Podbean or Libsyn—all<br />
user-friendly and affordable (from<br />
free versions, to $15 US a month).<br />
Once you’ve uploaded your first episode,<br />
a show description, and your<br />
podcast artwork, you’ll use your<br />
account to submit your podcast to<br />
the most popular podcast apps. At a<br />
minimum you’ll want to link to Apple<br />
Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify,<br />
and Stitcher. It may take from a day to<br />
a few weeks for your podcast to be approved<br />
and go live on individual apps.<br />
10. Let the world know!<br />
Once your new creation is out there,<br />
it’s time to spread the word. Use email,<br />
social media, or even press releases to<br />
let your prospective audience know<br />
your first podcast is live. Tap into all<br />
your connections, especially those<br />
with an interest in your podcast subject.<br />
It’s a lot of work, but it does get easier<br />
with each episode. And if nothing<br />
else, it gives you bragging rights—this<br />
grandparent is a podcaster!<br />
10 <strong>GRAND</strong> grandmag.ca
This podcast entertains, educates, and<br />
enlightens grandparents who want to<br />
become the best they can be. Author Emily<br />
Morgan hosts an exploration of grandparenting.<br />
thegrandlife.libsyn.com<br />
Non-fiction Podcast. A conversation between<br />
University of Victoria writing professors<br />
David Leach and Deborah Campbell<br />
(plus guest authors and experts) about the<br />
art, craft and ethics of researching, writing<br />
and revising creative nonfiction, literary<br />
journalism and other forms of nonfiction<br />
prose. Fresh episodes (almost) every Monday<br />
morning. anchor.fm/uvicwriting<br />
Being Grandparents. Deanne and Stevie<br />
Fernandez are on a mission to learn how<br />
to become the best grandparents they can<br />
for today’s generation by working with all<br />
who listen and participate to join generations<br />
through family fun, stories of grandparents<br />
before us and plenty of laughter.<br />
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beinggrandparents<br />
Stuff You Should Know. If you’ve ever<br />
wanted to know about champagne, satanism,<br />
the Stonewall Uprising, chaos<br />
theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa<br />
Parks, then look no further. Hosts Josh<br />
and Chuck have you covered. podcasts.<br />
apple.com/us/podcast/stuff-you-shouldknow/id278981407<br />
Check the Program. Arts and culture in<br />
Victoria. Hosted by Sarah Petrescu, John<br />
Threlfall, Melanie Tromp Hoover, Amanda<br />
Farrell-Low, Brianna Bock and Tim Ford.<br />
anchor.fm/check-the-program<br />
The Grand Life. Grandparenting with our<br />
whole hearts takes time and intention.<br />
TheDaily Pep. For inspiration, The Daily<br />
Pep! podcast provides short (four minutes<br />
or under) bursts of support from host Meg<br />
Kissack. All of her mini-casts are supportive.<br />
Take a listen and feel better in four<br />
minutes or less. therebelrousers.com/<br />
dailypep<br />
Born & Raised. “Where are you really<br />
from?” is a loaded question for children of<br />
immigrants. Part reflection, part storytelling,<br />
“Born & Raised” digs into our experiences<br />
and connections with identity,<br />
family, and culture. podcasts.apple.com/<br />
ca/podcast/born-and-raised<br />
The Afterglow. This podcast gives you<br />
the permission and tools to create your<br />
courageous second act. It’s for you who<br />
has spent your past, living life according<br />
to the historic societal expectations of<br />
women. And it’s for you if you’re committed<br />
to a future, beyond limits, of passion,<br />
self-expression and fulfilment. theafterglowpodcast.ca<br />
grandmag.ca<br />
<strong>Vol</strong>. <strong>IV</strong>, <strong>Ed</strong>. I 11
Relationships<br />
A Grandmother’s Guide to<br />
Bonding with Grandsons<br />
Jacqui Graham has six grown kids and<br />
eight delightful grandkids. If she had<br />
known how much fun grandkids would<br />
be, she would have had them first!<br />
It’s easy to bond with granddaughters.<br />
You bake cookies together, and then<br />
you have a tea party. You read Harry<br />
Potter or Alice, I Think. You let them<br />
style your hair until it’s dripping with<br />
barrettes and scrunchies. You make<br />
crafts with beads and sequins and<br />
smelly felts and the glitter glue that<br />
will NEVER come out of the carpet. On<br />
a sunny day, you might play hopscotch<br />
in the driveway. On a rainy day, you<br />
might explore the contents of your<br />
jewel box.<br />
Bonding with grandsons can be a<br />
harder proposition for a grandma.<br />
Raising four boys, however, has given<br />
me useful insights into the psyche of<br />
the young human male. They like food.<br />
They need to move. They love showing<br />
off to an appreciative audience. (Did I<br />
mention food?)<br />
One rainy afternoon my 11-yearold<br />
grandson Levi came to my house<br />
for a couple of hours while his dad<br />
attended a meeting. Rainy weather<br />
ruled out yard chores or a visit to the<br />
playground, so we decided to watch a<br />
movie.<br />
Popcorn was duly popped and soft<br />
drinks selected. We were browsing<br />
through Netflix offerings when Levi<br />
cried: “Wait! I watched this movie at<br />
my friend Zach’s house and it’s sooooo<br />
good but I didn’t get to see the ending.<br />
Can we watch it, Grandma? Please?<br />
Please? Please?”<br />
What had caught his eye was “Journey<br />
2: The Mysterious Island,” a 2012<br />
followup to the 2008 film version of<br />
Jules Verne’s “Journey to the Centre of<br />
the Earth.” The more recent movie is<br />
based loosely on another Verne classic,<br />
“The Mysterious Island.” It soon<br />
became apparent that the only resemblance<br />
to the original story was the title<br />
and the fact that it did, indeed, take<br />
place on an island.<br />
The mysterious aspect was how this<br />
stinker ever got made.<br />
But who cares? It had everything an<br />
11-year-old boy could possibly want:<br />
the lost island of Atlantis and huge<br />
lizards and Dwayne Johnson (aka “The<br />
Rock”) and miniature elephants and<br />
Vanessa Hudgens and the mummified<br />
body of Captain Nemo and generational<br />
angst and a volcano that spit<br />
out boulders of solid gold. (And, for<br />
Grandma, an aging but still foxy Michael<br />
Caine, camping it up in his final<br />
movie role.)<br />
Our brave adventurers got lost in<br />
the jungle, were swept over waterfalls,<br />
rode on giant bees, discovered ancient<br />
12 <strong>GRAND</strong> grandmag.ca
uins, and (in a nod to the original<br />
story) realized that the island would<br />
be sinking back into the sea in JUST!!!<br />
THREE!!! HOURS!!!<br />
A frantic search ensued for the<br />
Nautilus, Captain Nemo’s 120-year-old<br />
submarine, duly located in a skeletonfilled<br />
cave. Not surprisingly, the ancient<br />
batteries were out of juice. But no<br />
worries, folks! The Rock, resplendent<br />
in a 120-year-old diving suit, lured<br />
a supersized electric eel to the sub.<br />
An epic underwater wrestling match<br />
ensued. Guess who won? After using<br />
the energy of the subdued beast to recharge<br />
the batteries, our valiant heroes<br />
emerged from the sea as the island<br />
slowly disappeared under the waves.<br />
Levi’s dad arrived during this final<br />
scene, impatient to get home. His<br />
suggestion that we finish the movie<br />
another time was greeted by general<br />
hysteria, whereupon he retreated to<br />
his van, leaving us to wallow in the 11<br />
remaining minutes of angst.<br />
After they left, Grandma spent<br />
considerably more than 11 minutes<br />
vacuuming bits of popcorn from the<br />
floor on Levi’s side of the couch. She<br />
then brewed a pot of strong coffee,<br />
raided her secret stash of chocolate,<br />
chose a nice romantic comedy from her<br />
DVD collection, and spent two blissful,<br />
angst-free hours recovering from<br />
bonding with an 11-year-old boy.<br />
flexibility<br />
for<br />
different<br />
learning<br />
styles<br />
optional<br />
hands-on<br />
learning<br />
activities<br />
support<br />
from a<br />
certified<br />
teacher<br />
gentle and<br />
constructive<br />
feedback<br />
grandmag.ca<br />
<strong>Vol</strong>. <strong>IV</strong>, <strong>Ed</strong>. I 13
Health &<br />
Wellness<br />
Running Your First 10k<br />
Starting to run can be daunting,<br />
but it’s one of the most rewarding<br />
activities you can do. Not<br />
only that, but it’s low cost and easy to<br />
do anywhere you are. Just lace up your<br />
shoes and head out the door!<br />
When starting any rigorous exercise<br />
its important to consult with your<br />
adapt to the impact of running. One<br />
of the limitations to running is being<br />
prone to injuries or stress on knees and<br />
back, but if a plan is built and followed<br />
correctly, you can alleviate many of<br />
these misconceptions that running is<br />
too hard on the body.<br />
As you start your running journey,<br />
For information and training clinics,<br />
visit frontrunners.ca.<br />
health care provider to ensure you are<br />
clear for exercise.<br />
When taking the next steps to progress<br />
from a walking regime to running,<br />
it’s always best to consult with a coach<br />
or personal trainer to build a program<br />
that suits you. This will help ensure<br />
you follow a program that builds up<br />
slowly and allows the body time to<br />
it’s a good idea to start and finish each<br />
session with a 10-minute brisk walk to<br />
warm up (or cool down) the muscles.<br />
It’s also recommended to do light<br />
stretches after each session to flush<br />
out the muscles and keep them moving<br />
freely. These two simple tasks can<br />
greatly reduce your chance of injury.<br />
As you look to build your running<br />
14 <strong>GRAND</strong> grandmag.ca
program, some things to consider are<br />
starting with a walk and run program.<br />
You should follow a timed walk/run<br />
interval, which allows the body to<br />
build up the strength and adapt to the<br />
muscle strain caused by the increased<br />
impact from running.<br />
The walk portion allows the muscles<br />
to have a short break and recovery<br />
before the next run interval. It is also<br />
a good idea to space out your exercise<br />
days out throughout the week to ensure<br />
you give your body time to rest<br />
and recover before the next session<br />
and to follow a three week build program,<br />
followed by one-week recovery<br />
session.<br />
Starting your journey to running<br />
should be pain free and fun. By following<br />
a few of these suggestions you<br />
should be able develop a passion for<br />
running.<br />
Some other helpful tips are finding<br />
a friend or a group to run with to help<br />
keep you honest and motivated. We<br />
all know how hard it is to get out the<br />
door some days, so having a support<br />
network can really help.<br />
There are many helpful resources<br />
online or with your local specialty<br />
running retailers.<br />
In-Person &<br />
On-Line Options<br />
STAGES<br />
Performing Arts School<br />
since 1980<br />
Come Dance With Us<br />
• Offering classes for Teens & Pre-Teens in Jazz,<br />
Ballet, Lyrical, Tap. Musical Theatre, Acrobatics &<br />
Hip Hop, in a non-competitive atmosphere.<br />
• Not sure which class to take?<br />
- Try a Drop-In: No hassle, No Obligation.<br />
Daytime Pre-School Classes<br />
for the little angels...<br />
STAGES Performing Arts School<br />
#301 1551 Cedar Hill X Rd<br />
Call 250-384-3267 Email us at: stagesdance@shaw.ca<br />
Or visit our website: www.stagesdance.com<br />
grandmag.ca<br />
<strong>Vol</strong>. <strong>IV</strong>, <strong>Ed</strong>. I 15
Join us for our<br />
Caregivers Out Loud<br />
podcast!<br />
A space to connect, listen and learn<br />
with other caregivers. You won’t want<br />
to miss these insightful, authentic and<br />
heart-centred conversations with caregivers<br />
that highlight the joys, trials and<br />
self-discoveries that come along with<br />
this rewarding and taxing role.<br />
familycaregiversbc.ca/podcast
Open a door…<br />
to a brighter<br />
future<br />
Online<br />
Art<br />
Auction<br />
May 28 to<br />
June 13,<br />
<strong>2021</strong><br />
A unique opportunity to own an original<br />
artwork and help Habitat for Humanity Victoria<br />
to Open a Door for families, as local artists<br />
imagine a brighter future for us all.<br />
habitatvictoria.com<br />
In support of Habitat Humanity Victoria, presented by Pemberton Holmes
Cooking with<br />
Grandkids<br />
Dinner & Dessert<br />
Most children love helping out in the kitchen, particularly if it involves the<br />
devoted attention of a grandparent. Asking your grandchildren to help<br />
cook a meal not only teaches them lifelong cooking skills, it is a perfect<br />
way to bond and share. Food has always been a source of connection. A way to<br />
share your culture and heritage. And children enjoy the sense of responsibility,<br />
confidence and self-reliance that comes with serving a dinner they helped to<br />
prepare.<br />
When getting children to help with meal prep, figure out a few age-appropriate<br />
tasks:<br />
• Young children can help with measuring and stirring. They like to wash<br />
vegetables and can use a butter knife to slice soft foods like mushrooms.<br />
• Older children are ready to learn new skills. They can slice with small paring<br />
knives, grate cheese, read and follow simple recipes.<br />
Here are two simple recipes that are perfect for children of all ages to help out<br />
with. Older children, ’tweens and teens can even take the lead, with you helping<br />
them instead!<br />
Emillie Parrish writes from Victoria<br />
and Saturna Island. She is the author<br />
of the Pacific Northwest lifestyle blog:<br />
BerriesAndBarnacles.com.<br />
Cinnamon<br />
Cookies<br />
Making cut-out cookies is probably one of<br />
my daughter’s favourite activities. While eating<br />
cookies is nice, she really likes looking<br />
through our collection of cookie cutters and<br />
choosing which shapes to make. After we’ve<br />
rolled out the dough twice, she gets to make<br />
a few free-formed cookie shapes. It’s like<br />
edible playdough.<br />
This cookie dough is strong and reliable.<br />
I’ve added a bit of cinnamon for flavour, but<br />
you could leave them plain and decorate afterwards<br />
instead.<br />
½ cup of white or brown sugar<br />
½ cup of butter, softened<br />
2 eggs<br />
1 tsp vanilla extract<br />
2½ cups of flour<br />
2 tsp ground cinnamon<br />
2 tsp baking powder<br />
¼ tsp salt<br />
1. Cream the butter and sugar together in<br />
a large bowl.<br />
2. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract,<br />
until smooth.<br />
3. Add the flour, cinnamon, baking powder<br />
and salt. Stir to combine. The dough will be a<br />
bit stiff, so knead gently to bring everything<br />
together.<br />
4. Place the dough in a plastic bag and<br />
refrigerate for at least 2 hours before baking.<br />
5. When ready to bake, start by preheating<br />
the oven to 375˚F and grease two cookie<br />
sheets.<br />
6. Divide the dough in half and only work<br />
with half at a time, leaving the other half in<br />
the fridge.<br />
7. Lightly dust the counter and rolling pin<br />
with flour, then roll out the dough until it’s ½<br />
cm thick.<br />
8. Cut out as many cookies as possible and<br />
transfer to the cookie sheets. Place the remaining<br />
dough back in the fridge, then work<br />
with the second ball of dough.<br />
9. After both balls have finished a first<br />
round of cookie cutting, roll both balls out<br />
together for a final round of cookie cutting.<br />
The remaining scraps can be turned into<br />
hand-formed “playdough” cookies. They won’t<br />
be as soft as the cut cookies, but they’ll still<br />
taste good.<br />
10. Bake the cookies for 7 to 9 minutes.<br />
Cool slightly before removing from the cookie<br />
sheets. Store in an air-tight container for up<br />
to a week.<br />
18 <strong>GRAND</strong> grandmag.ca
Stuffed<br />
Quesadillas<br />
Quesadillas are a fun and easy dinner. And<br />
a perfect way to get children helping out in<br />
the kitchen. They can chop vegetables, grate<br />
cheese and put together their own quesadillas.<br />
If you’re only going to make 2 or 3 quesadillas,<br />
then it’s probably easiest to cook them<br />
in a frying pan. Whereas baking quesadillas<br />
allows you to make a whole bunch at once.<br />
If you want to fry the quesadillas instead<br />
of baking, heat a pan on medium, then toast<br />
the quesadillas for 3 to 5 minutes on each<br />
side.<br />
8 large flour tortillas or 16 small corn tortillas<br />
1 can refried beans<br />
1 tin of sliced black olives<br />
1 large red bell pepper<br />
6 spring onions<br />
4 Roma tomatoes<br />
2 avocados<br />
¼ cup cilantro<br />
1 cup grated cheese<br />
Salsa, sour cream and hot sauce for serving.<br />
1. Each quesadilla is prepared individually,<br />
allowing everyone to pick their favourite<br />
ingredients. Start by preheating the oven to<br />
400˚F. Lightly grease two baking sheets with<br />
vegetable oil.<br />
2. Next prepare all of the fillings. Drain the<br />
olives. Chop the red pepper, spring onions<br />
and tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Slice the<br />
avocado. Wash and chop the cilantro. Grate<br />
the cheese.<br />
3. To put together a quesadilla, start by<br />
spreading a layer of refried beans over one<br />
tortilla. Have each person decorate the tortilla<br />
with their choice of fillings. Top with a ¼ cup<br />
of grated cheese, then put a second tortilla<br />
on top.<br />
4. Place the quesadillas on the baking<br />
sheets. Bake for 8 minutes. Remove from the<br />
oven. Press down on each quesadilla with<br />
a spatula to stick the layers together, then<br />
carefully flip the quesadilla over. Bake for<br />
another 8 minutes, until the cheese is melted<br />
and the tortillas have started to brown.<br />
5. Slice into quarters and serve with salsa<br />
and sour cream.<br />
Calling all nature lovers!<br />
Join the CRD’s<br />
Biodiversity Challenge!<br />
Friday, May 21 - 24, <strong>2021</strong><br />
How many plants, animals and fungi can you find? Join us on May<br />
long weekend and get outside with your family to explore the diversity<br />
of life around us! Enter your observations into the free and simple<br />
iNaturalist app and check out what other people have found too!<br />
Learn more at www.crd.bc.ca/biodiversity<br />
grandmag.ca<br />
<strong>Vol</strong>. <strong>IV</strong>, <strong>Ed</strong>. I 19
Road Trip<br />
Close to Home: Comox Valley<br />
The Comox Valley is Vancouver<br />
Island’s adventure destination.<br />
Where else can you ski, scuba<br />
dive, mountain bike and kayak all<br />
in the same day? If festivals are the<br />
kind of fun you are looking for, the<br />
local Comox Valley festivals take<br />
place throughout the year (check for<br />
Nymph Falls Nature Park<br />
(comoxvalleyrd.ca)<br />
Wildwood Interpretive Forest<br />
(comoxvalleyrd.ca)<br />
Royston Seaside Trail<br />
(comoxvalleyrd.ca)<br />
Comox Marina Park<br />
(comox.ca)<br />
For more information on things to<br />
do, what’s happenning, and where<br />
to stay in the Comox Valley, visit<br />
discovercomoxvalley.com.<br />
COVID-19 health order updates), and<br />
celebrate everything from music and<br />
shellfish, to fine art and aviation. The<br />
Comox Valley offers four seasons of<br />
experiences for visitors to enjoy—<br />
when it’s safe to do so. Here is just a<br />
sampling...<br />
Hiking Trails & Parks<br />
Strathcona Provincial Park<br />
(bcparks.ca)<br />
Seal Bay Nature Park<br />
(comoxvalleyrd.ca)<br />
Beaches & Outdoor<br />
Water Activities<br />
Goose Spit Beach<br />
Kye Bay Beach<br />
Saratoga Beach<br />
Miracle Beach Provincial Park<br />
Tours & Activities<br />
• Charter a fishing or sightseeing tour<br />
• Tour local art studios and galleries<br />
• Take a Mount Washington ZipTour<br />
and see 2.3 km of stunning alpineocean<br />
scenery<br />
• Travel 80 million years back in time<br />
by taking fossil tours with the Courtenay<br />
Museum<br />
• Taste your way through the Comox<br />
Valley by taking culinary tours<br />
• Discover Aboriginal heritage and<br />
learn about the K’òmoks First Nation<br />
(komoks.ca)<br />
• Go golfing. Comox Valley has nine<br />
golf courses that is suitable for golfers<br />
of all skill levels.<br />
Local Farmers’ Market,<br />
Food Producers<br />
• Enjoy local produce at the year round<br />
Comox Valley Farmers’ Market<br />
• Buy off-the-boat salmon, tuna, and<br />
halibut at the Fisherman’s Wharf<br />
• Buy fresh food from various food<br />
trucks at Comox Marina Park<br />
• Download the Taste Comox Valley<br />
App for a full list of Farm Stands,<br />
20 <strong>GRAND</strong> grandmag.ca
Food and Beverage Producers and<br />
then you can make your own farm<br />
tour to taste the best of the Comox<br />
Valley<br />
Other Outdoor Highlights<br />
of the Comox Valley:<br />
Comox Valley Disc Golf<br />
Village Park Disc Golf Course. This<br />
is the place to start if you are just beginning<br />
your journey into disc golf.<br />
Completing the vision of the original<br />
builders of this course, the long version<br />
of the tee pads are now available<br />
to play.<br />
Lake Trail Disc Golf Course. This<br />
collaboration between the Lake Trail<br />
School and the CVDGC is still a work<br />
in progress with some additions and<br />
adjustments to come. This course has<br />
been designed as beginner friendly<br />
but accomodates all levels.<br />
Coal Creek Disc Golf Course and Coal<br />
Shoots Disc Golf Course are in Cumberland.<br />
Miracle Beach Mini Golf<br />
Enjoy 18 holes of exciting Mini Golf.<br />
A hole-in-one at the 18th hole wins<br />
you a free Mini-GolfPass. Located just<br />
north of Hamm Rd on the Old Island<br />
Highway, roughly 25 kilometres north<br />
of Courtney.<br />
Quad Bungee Trampoline<br />
Mount Washington High Flying<br />
Adventure<br />
Bounce high into the air with little<br />
effort while you flip in complete safety.<br />
Quad Bungee Trampoline may not<br />
be in operation during the summer<br />
of <strong>2021</strong>, depending upon COVID-19<br />
restrictions.<br />
Rotary Water Park at Lewis Park<br />
The water park is located at Lewis<br />
Park, next to the Lewis Centre parking<br />
lot at 489 Old Island Highway. Other<br />
nearby features include the outdoor<br />
pool, wading pool, and playground<br />
area at Lewis Park. Rotary Water Park<br />
<strong>2021</strong>, may not be in operation depending<br />
upon COVID-19 restrictions.<br />
Outdoor Skateboard Park<br />
The Comox-Courtenay Outdoor<br />
Skateboard Park measures approximately<br />
24,000 square feet, making it<br />
one of the biggest skate parks in B.C.<br />
The bowl is the biggest on Vancouver<br />
Island, varying from 5 to 11 feet in<br />
height with a large hip in the shallow<br />
end, a vert wall and an over-vert<br />
capsule. The site also includes a huge<br />
street area and flow area. Other features<br />
include brick and rock gaps and<br />
various sized ledges, rails and stairs.<br />
Riverside Fit Park<br />
Riverside Fit Park features 16 pieces<br />
of outdoor fitness equipment with 32<br />
individual stations that include equipment<br />
for cardio, upper body and lower<br />
body workouts. This durable equipment<br />
is available year-round for both<br />
informal drop-in use as well as scheduled<br />
classes.<br />
Bear Creek Ranch<br />
Set in the heart of the Black Creek<br />
countryside, Bear Creek Ranch is one<br />
of the best-loved training and trail<br />
riding centres on Vancouver Island.<br />
Whether you’re a casual trail rider or a<br />
professional horse person, Bear Creek<br />
Ranch has something to offer everyone.<br />
Healthy Families, Happy Families<br />
Child, Youth<br />
& Family<br />
Public Health<br />
South Island Health Units<br />
Esquimalt 250-519-5311<br />
Gulf Islands 250-539-3099<br />
(toll-free number for office in Saanichton)<br />
Peninsula 250-544-2400<br />
Saanich 250-519-5100<br />
Saltspring Island 250-538-4880<br />
Sooke 250-519-3487<br />
Victoria 250-388-2200<br />
West Shore 250-519-3490<br />
Central Island Health Units<br />
Duncan 250-709-3050<br />
Ladysmith 250-755-3342<br />
Lake Cowichan 250-749-6878<br />
Nanaimo 250-755-3342<br />
Nanaimo 250-739-5845<br />
Princess Royal<br />
Parksville/Qualicum 250-947-8242<br />
Port Alberni 250-731-1315<br />
Tofino 250-725-4020<br />
North Island Health Units<br />
Campbell River 250-850-2110<br />
Courtenay 250-331-8520<br />
Kyuquot Health Ctr 250-332-5289<br />
‘Namgis Health Ctr 250-974-5522<br />
Port Hardy 250-902-6071<br />
islandhealth.ca/our-locations/<br />
health-unit-locations<br />
Changes with BC Medical Services Plan<br />
premiums mean that families eligible for partial<br />
payment of some medical services and access<br />
to some income-based programs now must<br />
apply for Supplementary Benefits through the<br />
Government of BC. Applications can be done<br />
online and take approximately 15 minutes.<br />
Families who previously qualified for MSP<br />
Premium Assistance should not need to re-apply<br />
if taxes are completed yearly. It is advised to<br />
confirm coverage before proceeding with<br />
treatment to avoid paying out of pocket.<br />
For more information, visit gov.bc.ca/gov/<br />
content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp/<br />
bc-residents/benefits/services-covered-bymsp/supplementary-benefits<br />
grandmag.ca<br />
<strong>Vol</strong>. <strong>IV</strong>, <strong>Ed</strong>. I 21
Media &<br />
Technology<br />
Developing Digital Literacy<br />
To access the free resources, visit<br />
YouthTeachingAdults.ca/resources.<br />
Youth Teaching Adults is a collaboration<br />
between ABC Life Literacy Canada<br />
and Youth Empowering Parents and<br />
is partly funded by the Government<br />
of Canada through the Digital Literacy<br />
Exchange Program.<br />
With an end date to the pandemic<br />
still not clear, Canadians<br />
are struggling to cope<br />
with physical distancing after a long<br />
winter. With seniors being the most<br />
vulnerable to COVID-19, they are<br />
likely to spend more time distancing<br />
for longer than the rest of the general<br />
population. Sadly, this isolation can<br />
have major repercussions.<br />
A recent study showed that social<br />
disconnection puts older adults at<br />
greater risk of depression and anxiety,<br />
and can even lead to health problems<br />
such as cognitive decline and heart<br />
disease. People with strong social<br />
bonds are 50 per cent less likely to<br />
suffer negative effects from isolation<br />
than those who have fewer social connections.<br />
While technology can be effective<br />
in connecting isolated seniors<br />
with friends and family, access to<br />
technology is still an issue.<br />
According to Stats Canada, in 2016,<br />
68.2 per cent of seniors had access<br />
to the internet, up from just 32.2 per<br />
cent in 2007. While this growth is positive,<br />
30 per cent of the ageing population<br />
still has no access to the internet.<br />
And of those who do have internet,<br />
many don’t have strong enough digital<br />
literacy skills to use videoconferencing<br />
tools that may help to improve<br />
their mental health.<br />
22 <strong>GRAND</strong> grandmag.ca
A national literacy organization is<br />
hoping to change this by improving<br />
the digital literacy skills of adult Canadians.<br />
Through ABC Life Literacy<br />
Canada’s Youth Teaching Adults<br />
program, seniors can access free<br />
downloadable resources on tools that<br />
help people virtually connect with<br />
friends and family. These “lesson<br />
plans” are written in clear language<br />
and formatted as step-by-step guides<br />
for at-home learning, showing adults<br />
how to use Skype, Zoom, Google Duo<br />
and FaceTime in a way that’s easy to<br />
understand.<br />
These lesson plans come at a<br />
much-needed time as many adults,<br />
particularly those in disadvantaged<br />
communities, face isolation.<br />
Video calling platforms can help<br />
support the development of a stronger<br />
sense of connection and maintain<br />
already existing relationships. In one<br />
study, older adults who used video<br />
chat technology such as Skype had<br />
significantly lower risks of depression<br />
than those who did not video chat.<br />
“We know that digital literacy is an<br />
important skill that Canadians need,<br />
especially with 84 per cent of jobs<br />
currently requiring computer and<br />
technical skills,” says Mack Rogers,<br />
executive director of ABC Life Literacy<br />
Canada. “We are pleased to offer<br />
programming to help our Canadian<br />
seniors, who need these skills now<br />
more than ever. Digital literacy plays<br />
a huge role in maintaining social relationships,<br />
and our hope is that seniors<br />
will access these free lesson plans on<br />
our website and equip themselves<br />
with the know-how to use these important<br />
tools.”<br />
While accessing technology can<br />
seem overwhelming, Rogers advises<br />
seniors start out with a small goal to<br />
set themselves up for success.<br />
“Don’t set yourself up for failure<br />
and frustration by wanting to do it<br />
all at once. If you’re just starting out,<br />
set yourself a small achievable goal,<br />
like sending your kids or grandkids<br />
an email,” he says. “If you’re more advanced,<br />
aim to master a new software<br />
program or platform, like InDesign or<br />
WordPress. Depending on your goal<br />
and level of expertise, you can find<br />
resources online or among friends and<br />
family.”<br />
For more advanced users, he cautions<br />
them to not skip over learning<br />
the basics, as it’s important to make<br />
sure you have a solid foundation on<br />
which to build. For example, learning<br />
best practices for staying safe online,<br />
such as never opening an email from<br />
an unknown sender and looking for<br />
secure “https” sites when entering<br />
personal or financial information,<br />
are important for those who will be<br />
spending a lot of time online.<br />
grandmag.ca<br />
<strong>Vol</strong>. <strong>IV</strong>, <strong>Ed</strong>. I 23
<strong>GRAND</strong>parenting<br />
10 Ways to Be a<br />
Fabulous Grandparent<br />
Being a knock-your-socks-off<br />
grandma or grandpa is fun,<br />
sure—but it also takes time<br />
and effort. Here’s how to be the best<br />
grandparent you can be.<br />
Instead, turn the equation around and<br />
let your curiosity lead the way.<br />
Ask them about your grandchild’s<br />
likes and dislikes, latest accomplishments,<br />
and funny tricks. Tread lightly<br />
when asking about feeding, health<br />
issues, or sleep habits—you don’t want<br />
to be intrusive. Gentle, nonjudgmental<br />
inquiries show you care and allow<br />
you to support your child through any<br />
challenges.<br />
Melanie Haiken is an award-winning<br />
health and wellness writer and editor.<br />
Reprinted with permission from<br />
babycenter.com. © BabyCenter LLC<br />
Ask rather than answer<br />
As a grandparent, you have years of<br />
parenting experience. You may feel<br />
like an expert and see your child—the<br />
new parent—as needing your guidance.<br />
But in that direction lies disaster.<br />
“Hard as it is, you have to realize<br />
it’s their turn to make parenting decisions.<br />
Grandparents shouldn’t get in<br />
the way,” says family therapist Sharon<br />
O’Neill.<br />
When you offer advice and opinions,<br />
no matter how well-meaning, you<br />
risk making already nervous new parents<br />
feel like you don’t trust them or<br />
respect their judgment, says O’Neill.<br />
Get silly<br />
Grandparenting can mean all the<br />
fun of kids without all the responsibility.<br />
So enjoy it! Get down on the floor<br />
and play with your new grandbaby.<br />
Act out silly scenes with finger puppets,<br />
invent stories, and make faces.<br />
Save up jokes to tell older kids and<br />
watch funny movies together.<br />
Grandmother Sarah Williams made<br />
up a special language with her granddaughters<br />
when they were young,<br />
substituting words so no one else<br />
could understand what they were<br />
talking about. Now that the girls are<br />
older, they’ve started sharing funny<br />
video clips with her on Facebook.<br />
“It’s a hoot. My friends see these<br />
crazy things that Amelia and Lily post<br />
on my page and just laugh,” says Williams.<br />
Beware grandparent rivalry<br />
Avoid the trap of keeping up with<br />
Grandpa Joe and Grandma Josie—this<br />
will only lead to hard feelings.<br />
“It’s inevitable that one set of grandparents<br />
is going to spend more time<br />
with the child than the others, but that<br />
doesn’t mean anything in terms of the<br />
closeness of the relationships,” says<br />
Amy Goyer, multigenerational fam-<br />
24 <strong>GRAND</strong> grandmag.ca
ily expert and author of Things to Do<br />
Now That You’re a Grandparent.<br />
Keep your grandchild’s needs at<br />
the top of your mind. There’s no such<br />
thing as too much love, after all, and<br />
a close relationship with one set of<br />
grandparents doesn’t detract from<br />
your importance—unless you let it.<br />
Be mellow about mess<br />
Let’s face it, kids are messy. You<br />
may have forgotten just how messy!<br />
Your best bet is to plan ahead so you’re<br />
not dismayed by a piece of toast landing<br />
jam-side-down on your white<br />
couch.<br />
It’s fine to designate some areas<br />
as off-limits and make others childfriendly.<br />
Since you don’t want to have<br />
to follow your grandchildren around<br />
with a sponge, set up a kid eating area<br />
where crumbs can fall as they may.<br />
You can use a wipe-clean tablecloth<br />
and even protect rugs with a floor mat.<br />
You’ll want to keep young grandchildren<br />
safe by blocking off dangerous<br />
areas and moving valuables and<br />
potential poisons out of reach.<br />
Do things, don’t just give things<br />
It’s tempting to buy the latest toy or<br />
game and see your grandchild’s face<br />
light up, and that’s fine. But experiences<br />
you share are often far more<br />
meaningful—and will create memories<br />
that last a lifetime.<br />
Document these experiences so they<br />
stay in your grandchildren’s memories.<br />
Even a day of babysitting is worth<br />
commemorating.<br />
Don’t be a burden<br />
Be careful of the common pitfall of<br />
overenthusiastic grandparents: Making<br />
more work for the new parents<br />
rather than less.<br />
Amy Goyer of the American Association<br />
of Retired Persons (AARP) says<br />
she hears from many disappointed<br />
grandparents who wonder why they<br />
don’t receive more invitations to visit<br />
their adult children and grandchildren,<br />
seemingly unaware of how high<br />
their expectations are and how much<br />
effort and work they’re making for<br />
others.<br />
As your grandchildren get older,<br />
think of ways to spend quality time<br />
with them that are helpful to the parents,<br />
not intrusive or requiring a lot<br />
of organization and planning on their<br />
part.<br />
Avoid playing favorites<br />
Fawning over the dimpled baby<br />
while ignoring—or worse, snapping<br />
at—the rambunctious 3-year-old sibling<br />
is a classic grandparent faux pas.<br />
It’s near impossible not to be struck<br />
by the adorableness of whichever<br />
grandchild happens to be in the cutest<br />
stage. But every child will go through<br />
difficult and angelic times, and your<br />
job is to love them either way.<br />
The best way to combat favouritism<br />
is to make sure your visits include<br />
one-on-one time with each grandchild.<br />
Kids tend to be at their best<br />
when removed from sibling competition,<br />
and it’s much easier to get to<br />
grandmag.ca<br />
<strong>Vol</strong>. <strong>IV</strong>, <strong>Ed</strong>. I 25
know a shy child if you’re the only one<br />
to talk to.<br />
To make the most of your time<br />
together, tailor your activities to<br />
your grandchild’s interests. Bring a<br />
truck-crazed 4-year-old to a nearby<br />
construction site; take a princessy<br />
6-year-old to tea.<br />
Take the lead<br />
It’s your job to stay in touch with<br />
your grandchild or grandchildren. If<br />
you expect them to do it, you’ll be disappointed<br />
and frustrated.<br />
“It’s age-appropriate for kids to be<br />
thoughtless about staying in touch. If<br />
you want the relationship, you have<br />
to be willing to do the work,” says<br />
O’Neill.<br />
Remember birthdays, of course, but<br />
celebrate other special occasions as<br />
well. Send Valentine’s and Halloween<br />
cards, or host a valentine-making or<br />
costume craft day if you live nearby.<br />
parents. Listen and encourage them<br />
to open up to you as much as possible.<br />
Don’t limit telephone calls to specific<br />
events like birthdays and holidays.<br />
Instead, call throughout the year and<br />
keep it light and fun.<br />
The first day of school, a tryout, a<br />
big game, or a playdate with a new<br />
friend are all reason enough to get on<br />
the phone. Use video calling if you<br />
can—it can be more fun when you can<br />
see each other.<br />
Keep track of your grandchild’s interests,<br />
the names they give new dolls<br />
or stuffed animals, books they’ve been<br />
reading—anything you can ask about<br />
in the next conversation so they know<br />
you’ve been paying attention.<br />
Store and share family memories<br />
The stereotype of the boring grandpa<br />
who’s constantly talking about the<br />
good old days has unfairly made many<br />
older folks afraid to talk about family<br />
Document these and other experiences<br />
with photos and videos so your<br />
grandchild remembers them.<br />
Follow your grandchild’s milestones<br />
closely and ask to be included if possible.<br />
(“He just walked? Can I come<br />
over and see?”) Acknowledge achievements,<br />
from learning to ride a tricycle<br />
to the fifth-grade science fair, and<br />
request demonstrations.<br />
Ask if you can bring artwork home<br />
to put on the fridge. Attend sports<br />
games, plays, and dance performances.<br />
Cheer loudly, bring flowers,<br />
and take everyone out for ice cream<br />
afterward.<br />
“As your grandchild grows up, she<br />
will remember you as the grandparent<br />
who was always there to cheer her on,<br />
and that’s priceless,” says O’Neill. Remember,<br />
this is your chance to do it all<br />
over with just the fun parts.<br />
Be your grandchild’s confidante<br />
You’re an important outlet for your<br />
grandchildren because you offer an<br />
alternative perspective from their<br />
26 <strong>GRAND</strong> grandmag.ca
history, and that’s a loss for everyone.<br />
Instead, be proud of your role as<br />
family historian—you’re providing<br />
important continuity between the<br />
past, present, and the future. Pepper<br />
your stories with humor and adventure<br />
and keep them short and to the<br />
point and the grandchildren will be<br />
hooked.<br />
Talk about your own life but talk<br />
about your adult child’s early years as<br />
well. As your grandchild gets older,<br />
he’ll love hearing funny stories about<br />
his mother or father as a kid – including<br />
scrapes, exploits, and what life<br />
was like back then.<br />
“Think about what you can contribute<br />
from your own culture, history,<br />
and personality—what can you pass<br />
along to the next generation?” says<br />
family therapist Christine Lawlor.<br />
And once the grandkids are doing<br />
history projects for school, watch<br />
out— they’ll want to hear all about<br />
your life “way back when” and what it<br />
was like to live through events they’ve<br />
only read about in books.<br />
Sign up for a<br />
<strong>GRAND</strong> Digital<br />
Subscription<br />
and you could win a selection of children’s books sent to<br />
your grandchild every month (3-month subscription)<br />
courtesy of Marmalade Books.<br />
Every month they will receive recently<br />
published books appropriate to their<br />
age. These books have been curated<br />
by a trusted children’s bookseller.<br />
Marmalade Books is a monthly book<br />
subscription company located in<br />
Victoria for children aged 0–12.<br />
Subscribe now at<br />
grandmag.ca<br />
grandmag.ca<br />
<strong>Vol</strong>. <strong>IV</strong>, <strong>Ed</strong>. I 27
Money &<br />
Finances<br />
The Gift of Giving<br />
Why Give?<br />
There are many reasons.<br />
Yours are unique to you.<br />
Some people view it as an opportunity<br />
to give back in return for a<br />
good life. To thank a community that<br />
helped them succeed.<br />
lives, connects family generations, or<br />
memorializes a loved one.<br />
Whatever your reason, a community<br />
foundation can provide convenient,<br />
cost-effective and impactful giving<br />
options that support your specific values,<br />
interests and intentions.<br />
For more information on how<br />
to build your legacy, visit<br />
victoriafoundation.bc.ca.<br />
Others give to ensure that the<br />
things that they care about are looked<br />
after. To support interests that have<br />
meaning to them such as the arts, the<br />
environment, social programs or education.<br />
Still others give to have an impact<br />
that lasts beyond their lifetime. A<br />
legacy that adds meaning to their<br />
Getting Started<br />
Your gift is as individual as you are.<br />
It reflects your values and hopes for<br />
the community. Community foundations<br />
offer a range of giving options<br />
to help you give with confidence. You<br />
can start your own fund dedicated to<br />
a cause of your choice—or you may<br />
choose to give where the needs are<br />
28 <strong>GRAND</strong> grandmag.ca
greatest. You can give now or give<br />
later through your estate plan. It’s all<br />
about making the most of your wishes<br />
while making our community a better<br />
place. Whether you want to support<br />
an organization in your neighbourhood<br />
or a registered charity anywhere<br />
in Canada, a community foundation<br />
can help you.<br />
Here are some questions to consider<br />
to help get you started.<br />
• Do you want to give now, or do<br />
you want to make a gift later, through<br />
your estate?<br />
• If you prefer to give now, would<br />
you like to be involved in granting<br />
decisions, or would you prefer to have<br />
others decide based on your wishes?<br />
• Would you prefer to give to a specific<br />
charity or charities, or would you<br />
rather have your gift used for the most<br />
pressing needs in the community?<br />
• If you prefer to give to specific<br />
charities, do you know the organizations<br />
and causes you want to give to,<br />
or do you need more information to<br />
help you decide?<br />
Growing Your Fund<br />
Your initial gift does not necessarily<br />
mark the end of the endowment<br />
building process. Many fundholders<br />
continue to contribute to their fund on<br />
a regular basis. Your endowment can<br />
provide a simple way to carry out your<br />
annual charitable donations.<br />
• Contribute to the fund at any time<br />
with gifts of cash or publicly listed<br />
securities.<br />
• Contribute later with a gift by a<br />
Will, a life insurance policy, retirement<br />
plan accumulations, tax free<br />
savings accounts or other property.<br />
• Support the causes that are important<br />
to you through the annual<br />
grants from the fund.<br />
• Create a succession plan to ensure<br />
your wishes continue or rely on<br />
the knowledge and experience of the<br />
Victoria Foundation for future discretionary<br />
grants within specific areas of<br />
interest.<br />
F A M I L Y F U N P E R F O R M E R S<br />
UPSTREAM!<br />
with The Kerplunks<br />
Saturday, May 15, <strong>2021</strong> @ 2:30 pm<br />
Virtual Livestream Performance<br />
$11.50 per household<br />
BUY TICKETS ONLINE<br />
www.porttheatre.com<br />
OR CALL 250-754-8550<br />
Upstream! with The Kerplunks is a high-energy,<br />
colourful livestream performance guaranteed<br />
to provide children and families with 45<br />
minutes of musical joy.<br />
The Kerplunks’ success has garnered the group<br />
three Canadian Folk Music Awards and three<br />
consecutive JUNO Award nominations.<br />
www.thekerplunks.com<br />
If you can’t tune into the livestream event,<br />
the performance is available online for 48 hrs<br />
immediately following the performance.<br />
PRESENTED BY<br />
Rick Scott<br />
Family Concert<br />
Sunday, April 18, <strong>2021</strong> @ 2:30 pm<br />
Virtual Livestream Performance<br />
$11.50 per household<br />
BUY TICKETS ONLINE<br />
www.porttheatre.com<br />
OR CALL 250-754-8550<br />
Music and laughter for all ages! Rick Scott and<br />
his dulcimer combine songs, storytelling and<br />
humour in warm-hearted concerts for the whole<br />
family. One of Canada’s most beloved children’s<br />
performers. www.rickscott.ca<br />
If you can’t tune into the livestream event,<br />
the performance is available online for 48 hrs<br />
immediately following the performance.<br />
TheatreOne is generously supported by<br />
grandmag.ca<br />
<strong>Vol</strong>. <strong>IV</strong>, <strong>Ed</strong>. I 29