Time to pull up their socks!

My niece mentioned the other day that she only had a week before the marks cutoff in Grade 8... and that meant she had to buckle down in a few classes to get some stuff done and bring home the good report card.  Now, not all kids are quite so attentive to this detail, but as a parent you know whether your child is keeping up or finding it difficult and falling behind the class.  

One learning centre that we've taken note of is Millenium Kids Learning Centre in Port Coquitlam.  They specialize in programs for kids who have learning challenges and find it hard to keep up.  They also have programs for kids who are not challenged in their classes and want to push ahead - often a group that gets left behind because they're doing well but bored and not at their true potential!  Each student is treated individually to maximize their learning abilities.   Learning is the key here - every kid can do it, no matter what their level. The trick is to find the perfect spot for them.  If you're interested in learning more, talk to Gillian at Millenium.  info@milleniumkidscentres.com or 604-461-3330

Want to clear out the closet?

Kids' Swap Meets are becoming big business in the Lower Mainland!  No, it's not exchanging kids... it's buying & selling kids' STUFF.  and we all know they have a lot of stuff.  Here's one that's in a new location we haven't seen before:  Sunday March 1st, Tsawwassen at the Kinsmen Recreation Centre.  5440 10th Avenue.  doors open at 8am, and you can shop (or sell) until noon. Admission only $2 for charity.  If you're interested in getting a table, please contact Izabel or Janet at 778-895-4050 or by email: izabel@dccnet.com .  If you haven't got the latest already, you'll also be able to pick up WestCoast Families and the Baby Guide there =)

The power of PINK

Wednesday February 25 is PINK SHIRT DAY!  Wear something... anything pink to show that you are taking a stand against bullying.  Boys, girls, dogs & cats.  If you're 19 or older, head to the Roxy on Wednesday night for the big Pink Shirt Day Wrap party, with proceeds going to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Vancouver.  Want to know how it all started?  Ideas to stop bullying at your school and in your community?  Inspiring stories from other kids & parents?  Go to www.pinkshirtday.ca for a wealth of information.  

Head for the barn! Pottery Barn Kids has arrived...

It's their first store in Western Canada, and one of the largest yet.  With over 10,000 square feet of Children's furniture, bedding, bath, rugs, decorative accessories, window treatments, ledges, lighting, and toys (oh, the toys) - all designed for the birth-8 yr old set - it looks like we'll have one more excuse for that redesign of the kiddies' rooms.  The store has a registry service (with complimentary gift wrap) and will be offering complimentary story hours, sing-alongs, and decorating classes.  There is an in-store washroom, lots of room for strollers, and FANTASTIC gift ideas for kids & babies. The toys are safety-tested, and non-toxic, and inspired from classic designs - think building blocks, toy phones, wooden cars - and much of the bedding is organic.  There's just too much to write here.  We were very impressed with our sneak preview, and looking forward to heading back for a little shopping of our own!

Head to 2935 Granville Street, Vancouver.  See you there!

2009 Skate for the Cure

Sharpen those skates, and head to GM Place this Sunday, Feb 8th for the 9th annual Skate for the Cure!  This event raises awareness and funds for childhood cancer research.  As a participant who raises $150 you get a chance to skate on the same ice as the Canucks.  Raise $300 and you'll get an autograph and photo session too!  If you just want to come out & take it all in, $25 gets you in the door.  There's a family fun-zone with games, contests, and more.  A great family day out.  Happy Skating!

Welcome to Our New Blog!

We've tweaked and twiddled, and we're not done yet! Stay tuned for regular updates on events, cool finds, contests and special offers!

Our February/March issue hits the stands today, so be sure to pick up your copy. This issue, it's all about education! Plus articles on fashion, health, travel and much more!

Our next issue, April, is all about being "green," whether you're at home, school, work or play. Don't miss this great collection of articles, on stands on March 20!

Happy Reading!

Keeping Teens out of trouble... and in the studio

It's a fact that's been proven time & time again... If you want to keep your teen, tween, or pre-teen OUT of trouble when they hit high school, keep them interested in something great! Green Apple Arts Centre is one of the few places that focuses on Visual arts for kids & teens, aged 6 & up. Drawing, sculpting, painting, and digital art too. Children not only experiment with art & learning technical skills, but enjoy related activities at the same time. This all makes the experience a bit more fun and a little less like "school". The Green Apple Art Centre also incorporates the art of many different cultures, and looks to the natural world for inspiration. Sounds like a great way to spend the day for a kid of any age! In addition to regular classes, Green Apple also has camps, workshops, and parties too. Check it out soon - in Vancouver and North Vancouver. Oh, and look at the Dec/Jan issue of WestCoast Families for a special offer from Green Apple that's valid until Feb 28/09. You can download the magazine at www.westcoastfamilies.com Contact: info@greenappleartcentre.ca