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In This Issue
EVENT CALENDAR
WELCOME!
ON STANDS NOW
HOME SWEET HOME KIDS!
TOP AUTUMN HIKES
DRESS CODE DISTRESS
#BTSReady WITH STAPLES® CONTEST!
FALL CLASS & PROGRAM GUIDE
MAKE MEALTIMES MEANINGFUL
GROW WITH ABIIE CONTEST!
BACK TO SCHOOL SAFETY
ENTER TO WIN A FAMILY PACK OF 4 TICKETS TO BUBBLE GUPPIES LIVE!
BANNOCK & SASKATOON JAM
DEBUNKING THE TOP 5 MYTHS ABOUT PRIVATE SCHOOLS
THE FLOATING MOUSE!
DISCIPLINE WITHOUT DISTRESS
LOVE OUR CONTESTS?
Fall Fun in Calgary!

Find out What's Up! Click on the icons below to check out our Events Calendar.
  Events 
 
  
  
  
Events  with * are free to the public. 
 
September 5; Calgary Highland Games. To purchase tickets: web.

September 5 & 6; 2 3rd Annual BBQ on the Bow. Web.

September 5 to 7; Cornucopia! Cobb's Corn Maze & Family Fun Farm Park. Web.

*September 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20; Jumpstart - I Love to Skate, Southland Leisure Centre and Village Square Leisure Centre. A skating program for kids ages 5 to 14. For low-income Calgarians with little or no on-ice experience. The goal is to begin working on skills like balance and forward movement and/or to build on introductory skills. Snack/group games included. Equipment provided. Fee assistance customers only. For more info: 403-648-6592.

Saturdays, Sundays & Holiday Mondays, September 5 to October 12, 11am to 6pm; Halloweekends, Calaway Park. Join the Boo Crew for a spooktacular good time. Take a stroll down Hall-Street, if you dare! Web.

September 7, 9:30am to 5pm; Labour Day, Heritage Park Historical Village. Kick up your heels with the Chinook Country Line Dancers, and don't miss the Strathcona Mounted Troop's legendary musical ride. Web.

September 8, 9:30 to 10:15am; P enguin Preschool Program, Calgary Zoo. Enjoy a story, costumes, activities, and then head over to the Penguin Plunge! For ages 3 to 5. Must purchase advance tickets; kids must be accompanied by an adult. To book: 403-232-9300. For more info: calgaryzoo.com

September 10, 6 to 10pm; TELUS Spark Adults Only Night: Hack It. You may have hacked electronics or toys, but what about hacking your life or mood? Join for a night of making things better by making them do the unexpected. Included with admission/membership. Advance tickets: sparkscience.ca

Until September 12; StoryBook Theatre Presents, RENT - School Edition. Rent is about falling in love, finding your voice and living for today. How these young bohemians negotiate their dreams, loves and conflicts provide the narrative thread to this groundbreaking musical. Recommended for ages 8 and up. For more info and to purchase tickets: storybooktheatre.org

September 12, 11am to 2pm; Kidbid.ca Mom to Mom Sale + Swap. A combination of a free sale and clothing swap. Families will be selling their used clothing, toys, maternity clothes and baby gear. There will also be a children's clothing swap (admission fee) for those wanting to trade in up to 50 pieces of clothing. Takes place at Bowness Community Association: 7904, 43 Avenue NW. Web.

September 12, 11am to 6pm; Boo Crew Costume Party, Calaway Park. Come dressed to impress in a family-friendly costume! Activities and prizes all day long. calawaypark.com

September 12 & 13, 9:30am to 5pm; Calgary Produce Marketing Association Harvest Sale, Heritage Park Historical Village. Stock up on fresh fruits and veggies at rock-bottom prices benefiting local charities. Come for great deals, then stay and enjoy activities throughout the Park. heritagepark.ca

Saturdays, 1pm & Sundays, 1 and 3pm; September 12 to October 4; Loose Moose Theatre For Kids Presents, The Emperor's New Clothes. For more info and to purchase tickets: 403-265-5682; loosemoose.com

September 13, 9am to 12Noon; Children's Wish Foundation of Canada Enchanted Race. You are invited to an enchanted race at Eau Claire Festival Market. Join in a day of fun for a great cause. Dress like a prince or princess! To register: childrenswish.ca; runningroom.com

September 16 to 20; 3rd Annual Beakerhead. Where engineers show their creative sides, artists get technical, where science hits the street and everyone gets ingenious! beakerhead.com

*September 17, 8 to 9pm MDT; Free Live Webinar, "Discipline Without Distress: Respectful Tools for all Ages." Brought to you by Professional Parenting Canada and Calgary's Child Magazine. Register today!

September 17, 4 to 9pm; September 18, 12Noon to 9pm; September 19, 10am to 9pm; September 20, 10am to 6pm; Calgary Home + Design Show. With big names plus over 350 exhibitors and new features, there's expert insight, innovation and inspiration for stylish living at every turn! For more info and to purchase tickets: Web.

Thursdays to Saturdays, 7 to 10pm & Sundays, 6 to 9pm, September 17 to November 1; Illuminasia Lantern & Garden Festival, Calgary Zoo. This culturally vibrant event is the only one of its kind in Western Canada! For more info and to purchase tickets: Web.

September 20; Private School Calgary Expo, Hosted by Our Kids. Considering private schools? Speak with education experts, learn about affording tuition and meet with top schools. Takes place at the Hyatt Regency. RSVP at ourkids.net/expo for 50% off tickets.

September 25, 7:15 to 10pm; Friday Night Dance Party, Southland Leisure Centre. Admission includes a dance lesson (primary movements, rhythmic structure, posture, leading, following), social dance, refreshments. For ages 18+.

*September 25, 5 to 10pm; Culture Days Block Party. Come down to Stephen Avenue Walk and Olympic Plaza for a celebration to kick off Alberta Culture Days, September 26 and 27. Web.

*September 26, 11am to 12Noon; Yoga at Village Square Leisure Centre Library. September is National Yoga Month! Take advantage of this gentle class. For ages 16+. Pre-registration required: 403-260-2620; calgarypubliclibrary.com

September 26, 10am to 5pm & September 27, 11am to 4pm; Calgary Reptile Expo. Takes place at the Midsun Community Centre: 50 Midpark Rise SE. albertareptilesociety.org

September 26 & 27, 9:30am to 5pm; 29th Annual Railway Days, Heritage Park Historical Village. The trains take centre stage with demonstrations, hands-on activities, exciting exhibits. Singing boxcar hobos, turntable demonstrations, caboose rides, model train displays and more. heritagepark.ca

September 26 & 27, 10am to 5pm; Autumn Pumpkin Festival, Calgary Corn Maze & Fun Farm. Celebrate Fall and take part in great attractions! An array of pumpkins will be available for purchase. Web

September 26, 9:30am to 5:30pm & September 27, 11am to 5pm; Calgary Baby & Tot Show. This show focuses on all stages of parenthood from bump, baby and beyond! Features play and fun zones, educational seminars, live entertainment, shopping, parenting experts. Don't miss special guests, The Equestria Girls with My Little Pony! Takes place at BMO Centre, Hall B, Stampede Park. For more info and to purchase tickets: calgarybabyshow.com
 
 
Global

CALGARY'S CHILD MAGAZINE & GLOBAL MORNING NEWS - WHAT'S COMING UP? 
  
Saturday, September 5
Guest: Heather Cowie, The City of Calgary Recreation
Topic: It's time to lace up those skates!  Jumpstart - I Love to Skate is a partnership program with Jumpstart and The City of Calgary Recreation. It's for kids ages 5 to 14 and will be running at both the Southland and Village Square Leisure Centres on weekends throughout September. It's geared toward low-income Calgarians with little or no on-ice experience, and the goal is to begin working on skills like balance and forward movement and/or to build on introductory skills. Tune in for all the details!
 
Monday, September 7
Guest: Rep, Calgary Zoo
Topic: The Calgary Zoo is proud to present ILLUMINASIA, Lantern & Garden Festival. Authentic Chinese lanterns will light up the Zoo from Sept. 17 to Nov. 1 and set the stage for a unique experience like no other! The festival lanterns will highlight some of the Zoo's animals while showcasing culturally symbolic animals. Visitors will also experience authentic Chinese, Japanese and Indian entertainment and programs that spotlight food, garden, art and culture. Tune in for all the details!
 
Saturday, September 12
Guest: Judy Arnall, Professional Parenting Canada
Topic: Calgary Homeschooling ABCs for Beginners. Are you considering homeschooling your kids but have no idea where to start? Tune in for expert advice from Judy and get schooled on homeschooling.
 
Monday, September 14 
Guest: Rep, Calgary Public Library
Topic: The Calgary Public Library has an exciting new program for babies: Baby Rhyme Time. Share rhymes, songs and stories you and your baby will love! This fun-filled, 6-week series is available at all 18 Library locations. Tune in for all the details!
 
Saturday, September 19
Guest: Adam Johnson, Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra
Topic: Got the music in you? Exposing your child to live music has many benefits - and there's no better place to do so than at the CPO! Tune in for expert advice on how the musical arts enhances your child's development, and get the scoop on the CPO's spectacular concerts just for kids!
 
Monday, September 21
Guest: Kourtney Branagan, The Chipper Nest
Topic: Looking for easy and fun ways to update your home décor this Fall? Kourtney will her provide top picks of what's en pointe; think warmth, comfort and a little bit of luxury!
 
Saturday, September 26
Guest: Amoriza Gunnink, Kinderhouse of Springbank Hill
Topic: Lacking a bit of culture? Aligning with Alberta Culture Days, Amoriza will highlight the importance of creativity and artistry for fostering citizenship, cultural participation and aesthetic expression in young kids, and provide suggestions for activities that can widen your child's eyes to the diversity and uniqueness of Alberta!
 
Monday, September 28
Guest: Kendice Limoges,
R. Psych., Hull Services
Topic: Sick with worry? Tune in for expert advice on understanding your child's anxiety, what are potential triggers or causes, healthy ways your child can manage their anxiety and when it's time to seek professional help.
 
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Welcom e
 
School Girl
Well, here we are again - it's September 1st and school is back in session! It's always bittersweet sending the kids back to the classroom after a summer of fun, but we have lots of ideas to keep your family connected through the school year. 

For hundreds of program ideas, contests, articles, meal ideas, advice and sanity savers, visit  calgaryschild.com - your 24/7 resource for all things parenting!
 
Happy Reading! 
ON STANDS NOW

Calgary's Child Magazine's September-October 2015 Issue!

Our Fall issue is all about autumn fun and focuses on getting the kids back to school and into Fall classes and programs! 

Featuring hundreds of extracurricular choices for children, our Back-to-School issue has all the gear, gadgets and services they'll need to send them back to class - with class! 

This issue also includes our  Home Central Feature. Once Fall arrives  and the kids are back in school, parents can begin focusing on  getting their homes back in tip-top style and function before the  snow flies. 

On stands and online right now! To check it out online, visit calgaryschild.com and click on the issue cover on the lower left-hand side of the home page. 

HOME SWEET HOME KIDS! 

Pottery Barn Kids recently opened its first store in Calgary! As a premier retailer for children's furniture and decorative accessories, Pottery Barn Kids' new Chinook Centre store features Design Studio®, potterybarnkids.com/design-studio, a resource for parents and parents-to-be looking for advice and inspiration to create their dream nursery, bedroom or playroom. 

For more information about PBK, visit potterybarnkids.com, follow them on Facebook, facebook.com/potterybarnkids and Instagram, instagram.com/potterybarnkids.

For your chance to win a $250 gift card to Pottery Barn Kids, enter here (contest code: Pottery Barn). Entry deadline is Friday, October 2, 2015.

TOP AUTUMN HIKES FOR YOUR FAMILY
By Tanya Koob; Photo: Courtesy of Tanya Koob

Autumn is here, the kids are back in school, extracurricular classes are starting up again and families are busy. Camping, hiking and traveling seem like distant memories as we pack the tent away for another year and store the beach gear in the basement. Don't put your hiking boots away just yet, though. I have three trips for you to do this fall that should be done at least once in your lifetime, if not every year.

Read more...
DRESS CODE DISTRESS
by Allie Percival-Wightman, BA, B.Ed.; Photo: Fotolia.com 

Every school year, we are bombarded with stories (often from south of the border) of girls being sent home from school for showing their legs or shoulders , or even their collar bones .

More and more, young women and their parents are pushing back against this pressure from schools. School dress codes target girls unfairly, they claim, and force young women to miss instructional time so they don't 'distract' their male counterparts (or, more disturbingly, the male staff.) At the same time, many parents are uncomfortable with sending their teens to school in stiletto heels and tiny skirts. 

How do you balance your desire to be a progressive and egalitarian parent with your desire to make sure that your teen is being seen for who she is, not what she wears? 

1.  Focus on helping your teen choose clothing that will be comfortable and practical (and safe in cold weather!). She may like her short skirt, but sitting in a desk in it all day is probably a lot less glamorous than she thought it would be. Similarly, shivering in -10C at the bus stop without a proper coat or boots is downright unsafe.  

2. Help your teen understand that different kinds of clothing are appropriate for different situations. Show her that you wear different clothing depending on what you're doing. One wouldn't wear PJs to a business meeting; wearing a dress appropriate for a nightclub looks pretty silly in band class. You might decide to let her get an outfit she likes, but agree that it's suitable for the weekend and not for school. 


#BTSReady WITH STAPLES® CONTEST!

Staples® Canada wants to help you be 100 per cent ready for the back-to-school season this year with a chance to win a Staples® Gift Card worth $250! 

For a variety of resources, featured products, top trends and even shopping lists by Grade, visit staples.ca/backtoschool, follow them on Facebook, Staples Canada, and Twitter @StaplesCanada; #BTSReady.

For your chance to win a $250 gift card for all of your back-to-school staples from Staples®, enter here (contest code: Staples.) Entry deadline is Friday, September 25, 2015.

FALL CLASS & PROGRAM GUIDE
photo: Fotolia.com

Ballet, basketball or badminton? Help your kids get in the game with the most comprehensive class & program guide in Alberta! 

MAKE MEALTIMES MEANINGFUL
by Dr. Susan Bartell; photo: Fotolia.com

After the novelty of back-to- school has worn off, the challenge of fitting in car-pools, homework, activities and your own  obligations leaves little time for anything-including breathing! You might not realize it, but  your child likely feels exactly the same way. In particular, once the hectic school year ensues,  many kids feel that they don't get enough time with their parents. They miss the later bedtimes  and slow days at the pool and their free time to read with you or play outside has been replaced  with homework. 

There are many reasons that eating meals with your kids is important, but for  me, spending a slice or your busy days together is one of the most important. Of course, it can be  difficult to find the time-especially if you have more than one child whose schedules conflict,  or if you work. So, here are FOUR tips to help you find those valuable nuggets of meal time and  capture them. 

1. Relinquish the rules. It might not be possible to eat dinner together every night, include every member of your family at every meal, or sit for longer than fifteen minutes, but that doesn't mean you should throw in the towel! Simply do your best. Round up as many family members as you can, or have two meal times-you can eat the main course with one child and dessert with the other. Breakfast, brunch and lunch count too, so on the weekend, pancakes in the kitchen is perfect. Also give yourself a point for five minutes with your child eating frozen yogurt after school, before soccer.

Read more...

GROW WITH ABIIE CONTEST!

Let Your Baby Grow with the Eco-Friendly Beyond Junior Y Chair! The Beyond Junior Y high chair is designed to grow with your child from baby to adulthood. 

Its revolutionary EZ-Seat technology makes the sitting area easy for cleaning, and enables quick adjustment of the seat in less than 20 seconds. This eco-friendly high chair, made from top-quality European cultivated beech wood, will last for years. 

For more information, visit abiie.com, follow them on Facebook, facebook.com/AbiieFan and Twitter @myabiie.

For your chance to win the eco-friendly Beyond Junior Y high chair from Abiie, enter here (contest code: High Chair.) Entry deadline is Friday, October 2, 2015.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL SAFETY
Provided by Alberta Health Services EMS

Alberta Health Services EMS would like to remind parents and students about some road safety tips, as streets become more congested with the return of the school year. 

Pedestrians and motorists both have an important role to play - road safety is a shared responsibility.

Motorists
  • Avoid talking on cell phones, texting or any other behavior that diverts your attention away from driving. (Editor's note: distracted driving is illegal in Calgary. If you are caught, there are severe consequences.) 
  • Give right-of-way to pedestrians who have activated overhead crossing lights, or who are waiting to cross from a street 
  • Remember, it is illegal to pass vehicles - other than those that are parked - in school zones or playground zones, during posted hours.
Around school buses
  • Flashing amber lights mean a bus is slowing down to stop - motorists should do likewise. 
  • No matter which direction you are coming from, STOP when approaching a school bus with activated flashing red lights - unless the bus is on the opposite side of a divided highway from you.
  • Driver courtesy goes a long way. By simply being alert and cautious when approaching a school bus, you are contributing to school bus safety.
Pedestrians
  • Cross only at marked crosswalks, or street corners that have clear visibility from all directions. 
  • Make eye contact with all drivers before crossing the street.
  • When activating overhead crossing lights, pause before stepping off the curb to ensure motorists in both directions have come to a complete stop.
  • Stay within the crosswalk lines until fully clear of the roadway.
  • Obey pedestrian lights at intersections. Cross the street only when you see the 'walk' sign and only when all cars have come to a complete stop.
  • If you are with young children or pets, hold your child's hand firmly and keep a solid grip on leashes when crossing. 
  • Remember: children learn by observing. By demonstrating safe crossing habits, you can reduce the chances of your child being involved in a preventable auto/pedestrian collision.
ENTER TO WIN A FAMILY PACK OF 4 TICKETS TO BUBBLE GUPPIES LIVE! READY TO ROCK

Put on your water wings and dive into a fun musical underwater adventure! Koba Entertainment and Nickelodeon present their first ever theatrical production: Bubble Guppies Live! Ready to Rock. 


 
Join Mr. Grouper, giggly little fish, Molly, Gil and the whole gang at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium on Saturday, October 3. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit BubbleGuppiesOnTour.com

 

For your chance to win a Family Pack of 4 Tickets to Bubble Guppies Live! Ready to Rock on October 3, 1pm show at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, enter here (contest code: Bubble Guppies). Entry deadline is Monday, September 28, 2015.

 

BANNOCK & SASKATOON JAM
by Julie Van Rosendaal; photo: Courtesy of Julie Van Rosendaal
 
Bannock

There are so many versions of this recipe - this is a version of a traditional Métis recipe, and came from the Parks Canada website.

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1/4 cup canola or other vegetable oil

Mix the flour, baking powder and salt; rub in the oil until well blended and pack in a zip-lock bag. When you're camping, add 1 cup water and mix to a soft dough. Pat or roll balls of dough to cook over the campfire, or twist ropes around sticks to roast. Serve warm, with jam.

Saskatoon Jam

Adapted from Bernardin.

5 cups lightly crushed Saskatoon berries
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 pkg. pectin
5 to 6 cups of sugar

In a large, deep pot, bring the Saskatoon berries, lemon juice and pectin to a boil. Measure out the sugar and set aside.
Once the berry mixture is at a full rolling boil, add all of the sugar. Return to a full, hard boil (one that can't be stirred down) and boil hard for 1 full minute, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat and skim off any foam that rises to the surface.

Ladle the jam into hot, freshly washed jars. Seal with lids and cool completely; store in the fridge or see the Bernardin website for instructions on how to further process for longer-term shelf storage. (It also keeps well in the freezer - use plastic or zip-lock freezer bags.)

Makes about 6 cups.

Editor's note: Bannock is a super traditional Canadian food, loved for generations by First Nations peoples, Inuit, Métis and settlers. It's fun to wrap the dough around sticks and bake it over the fire, and if you've never tried it before, we highly recommend it. (It's also great sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar.) It's not too late to go camping or have an outdoor picnic! Don't shut yourself indoors just because school is back in session! 

For more great recipes from Julie van Rosendaal, visit dinnerwithjulie.com.

Written by Our Kids Guide to Private Schools; Photo: Fotolia.com
Myth or fact? Private schools are insular places only for the privileged. 

With help from education experts and industry leaders, we debunk the misconceptions about independent schools.

Myth #1: Private schools are only for the wealthy.

Fact: Not just for the elite, a growing number of Canadian independent schools are trying to attract the best and brightest by beefing up their financial aid and scholarship programs.

"One of the top myths right now is that independent schools are not as accessible as they actually are," says Anne-Marie Kee, Executive Director of the Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS), noting that millions of dollars in financial aid are distributed to families each year. 

"I think it's worthwhile for parents to take time to inquire about really understanding what the value is for the tuition and what kind of financial assistance is available to families each year."

Read more...

GREEN FOOLS THEATRE PRESENTS A NEW FAMILY PUPPET MUSICAL, THE FLOATING MOUSE!

The Floating Mouse is inspired by the Calgary flood. This heartwarming fable is the story of a little mouse and a big mess, featuring larger than life size hand crafted puppets, stirring songs, adventure and bubbles. Suitable for all ages.

This puppet musical takes place October 15 to 25 at the West Village Theatre (Tuesday to Saturday at 7pm; Saturday and Sunday at 2pm). Tickets are $12 to $20. Pay what you can Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. For more information, contact 403-237-9010, email jennie@greenfools.com or visit greenfools.com.

For your chance to win 4 tickets to The Floating Mouse, enter here (contest code: Mouse). Entry deadline is Thursday, October 1, 2015.
DISCIPLINE WITHOUT DISTRESS: RESPECTFUL TOOLS FOR ALL AGES
Photo: fotolia.com
 
laptop-glasses-girl.jpg
September 17, 8 to 9pm MDT; Free Live Webinar, "Discipline Without Distress: Respectful Tools for all Ages." Brought to you by Professional Parenting Canada and Calgary's Child Magazine
 
Brought to you by Professional Parenting Canada and Calgary's Child Magazine.
 

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