Vancouver Mom » Play

Jump Around With Jump Gymnastics

Christine — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 15:30:02 +0000

“We want children to reach two life goals,” says Jump Gymnastics owner and director Jennifer Hood. “One: to reach their highest athletic potential… and two: to have the skills and motivation to stay active for life.” For Jennifer and Jump Gymnastics, a child’s highest athletic potential doesn’t necessarily involve gymnastics at all. “For some kids, this will be a school softball team and for others it will be world championships.”

In her over 15 years working with children, Jennifer realized that as the “first touch” a child would have with any formalized sport system, she was in a unique position. “If I made the experience positive and challenging- and if I focused on broad movement skills instead of specific sport skills – kids started excelling very quickly and were motivated to continue.” She also found that if she made the experience dull and negative, children became unmotivated. Some of the kids would stay in gymnastics – even reach nation team levels – but most would go on to explore other sports. But Jennifer also saw that even kids who didn’t go into competitive sports continued to think of themselves as “athletes”: “Parents reported that they were happy and confident to try new sport programs, climb at the playground and hike with their family.”

Jump Gymnastics’ approach to gymnastics is simple: teach physical literacy rather than gymnastics. “We use developmental gymnastics to teach children physical literacy,” says Jennifer, who believes that Jump’s innovative program gives children ages six months to eight years old the tools they need to be active for their whole lives – regardless of what sports interest them as they get older.

That’s a relief for parents like me who would rather focus on exposing my young daughters to the fun of physical activity rather than trying to make them the next Nadia Komaneci.

And it seems I’m not the only one who likes this philosophy. Opened for business in September 2008, today Jump Gymnastics has 425 children enrolled in its weekly classes and about 500 children go through its facility each week. The gym is so popular that Jennifer plans on opening a second facility before the end of next year.

Although Jump’s focus might not immediately sound like it’s right for “serious” gymnasts, Jennifer and her staff have a gold medal approach when it comes to Jump Gymnastics’s program. All of its teachers exceed industry certification standards and have the knowledge to address your child’s individual development needs. Jump Gymnastics is also the first facility to design its whole curriculum based on Canadian Sport for Life’s Long Term Athlete Development program, designed to support children in being active their whole life.

Looking at trying to register my own kids, I will say that I’m challenged by the schedule organization. Having a two-year-old and five-year-old mean that I can’t have them in a time slot where they can both go at the same time – or at even one right after each other. Oh well, a schedule can’t please everyone. So registration in a Jump Gymnastics program for my kids may need to wait until after Christmas.

Being a busy mom, Jennifer has also designed Jump Gymnastics to be a welcoming spot for families – especially kids. The best parts of the facility are designed for people under four feet tall. But even if you’re part of the adult set, you’ll still be able to enjoy Jump Gymnastic’s parents lounge and have peace of mind that any days you miss can be made up at another time. But most comforting is that she also knows to trust a parent’s instinct, who know their kids’ interests, fears and strengths.

In addition to the Jump Gymnastics’ core program, the facility offers special services, like a Friday night date night where parents can drop of their kids for three hours as well as birthday party services.

Be sure to register your kids early – especially if you need to coordinate the schedules of more than one child of different ages. Prime spots fill fast.

Jump Gymnastics

101-837 Beatty St., Vancouver, BC | 604.568.9690
www.jumpgymnastics.ca | Twitter: @JumpGym | Facebook

Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre

Christine — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 15:30:13 +0000

A few weeks ago, we packed up our kids and stayed at the Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre for a last minute two-night retreat. We were just dying to get out of the city and we hadn’t been to Whistler in about 15 years.

Our Requirements

Although Whistler is known for its lakes, trails and outdoor beauty, being 36 weeks pregnant left me a bit limited. Knowing that we’d be calling in early nights to put our kids down for bed, our hotel and specifically our room were the most important things since we’d be spending lots of time there. We opted for one of the Pan Pacific locations since we’d stayed at the Vancouver location a few years ago when our second daughter was a baby and enjoyed it.

Tips for Booking

When booking, I recommend calling the hotel directly. Reservations was able to give us some inside information on both of the Whistler Pan Pacific hotels- the pool at Pan Pacific Mountainside was not open and Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre was nearby, plus a continental breakfast and valet parking would be included. The price given to us was also better than anything we had searched online.

Kid-Friendly Amenities

By far the most exciting part of the hotel for my kids was the pool, although not the most ideal space for young children who can’t swim. Intended for adults wanting to get in a few laps, the pool is small and there was no spot for wee ones to just wade in. Be sure to bring water gear.

The hotel doesn’t provide room service (not sure if this is common at Whistler); guests instead can order from a list of take-out or delivery restaurants – not the most convenient option when you’ve got two kids in your room.

Hotel Amenities

We had a terrific northern view of the mountains, along with a perfect line-of-sight for watching some of the village activity.

Our room came with a fabulous, well appointed in-suite kitchen that had basically everything that any chef would want. The room even came with a table that doubled as a desk and dining table, where you could add a leaf and comfortably seat four.

For parents, the spa is a bit on the smaller size and offers just the classic services. Unlike the spectacular Spa Utopia at Vancouver Pan Pacific, this spa has only a few treatment rooms. My pedicure was terrific, but missing the foot soak tubs that you would expect at this price point.

The continental breakfast is as expected: hard-boiled eggs, toast, danishes, cold cuts. They did have cool cups with lids and straws for the kids. Get there early as it gets busy mid-morning.

Around the Hotel

Be sure to take a stroll through the villages while you visit. There seemed to be lots happening between live shows and street performers. The North Village has a really neat playground near the Starbucks, complete with a mountain-inspired climbing structure.

Within a five-minute walk is a recently built Blackcomb Base Adventure Zone. My four-year-old was able to go on three rides, including the Kiss the Sky Bungy Trampoline; my younger one had some fun in the bouncy castle. All in all, I recommend avoiding this section unless you have older kids or want to splurge big on something to kill a couple hours of time.

Bottom Line

Cost is a bit steep but comparable for a hotel of this level: Two nights’ stay in a one-bedroom with kitchen suite, including parking, breakfast and WiFi, costs around $700, plus tax. We probably could have done better in the family-friendly department with more planning and research.

Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre

4299 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, B.C.
www.panpacific.com | (604) 966-5500

Images provided courtesy of Pan Pacific.

Breakfast Television Segment: Dressing Your Active Child for Summer!

Christine — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 04:44:35 +0000

Today we were on Breakfast Television talking about how to dress your active child for the summer, including how to keep them protected from the sun. The kids in this fashion segment did just great!

Watch this clip now.

Brands shown in this segment:

Agoo Apparel (Find out how you can win a $500 shopping spree from Agoo.)
Pediped Footwear
Baby Banz bucket hats
Kushies sunglasses

All products are available in-store or online at Lusso Baby.

Balance Bikes: Some Popular Brands

Christine — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 15:00:48 +0000

This week, we’ve been talking all about balance bikes and teaching your child how to ride a bike. We’re even giving away a Strider balance bike to one lucky reader. Here are some popular balance bike brands that you might want to consider.

Kettler Balance Bike

The metal Sprint balance bike comes in a few different colors, so your child can have fun choosing her bike. It has hand brakes and a seat that adjusts. Available in Vancouver at Chapters Indigo.

LikeABike Balance Bike

The company offers various different models, with the most popular being the “Mountain.” This is a wooden bike with pneumatic tires and a seat that varies in height from 12.5 to 16.1 inches. Many accessories are available, including a kickstand, a basket, and even a little trailer.

Skuut Balance Bike

This is a cute wooden bike with pneumatic rubber tires. Steering radius is limited to avoid jackknifing. The seat adjusts from 13.5 to 16.5 inches.

Strider Balance Bike

Distributed by WheeBikes, Strider bikes are metal and have an integrated footrest and a low center of gravity, as well as EVA polymer (non-inflatable) tires. The seat can be adjusted between 11 and 16 inches. Want to win this bike? Scroll down to find out how!

Wishbone Balance Bike

This wooden bike can be used three ways—as a trike, a small balance bike, and a large balance bike. The frame can be flipped around when your child outgrows the small balance bike, so the seat can be anywhere from 11 to 18 inches, a large range for a balance bike.

Convertible Balance Bike Options

Two other bikes to consider, especially for slightly older children, are the Trek Float and the Hobby Bike, both of which convert from a learning (pedal-less) bike to a regular bike. The seats on these models are likely too high for the youngest riders.

Want to win a balance bike for your child?

Our friends at WheeBikes are giving away a Strider balance bike to a lucky VancouverMom.ca reader!

To enter, simply visit WheeBikes.ca and tell us what your favourite colour is on the VancouverMom.ca Facebook page. For an extra entry, comment on the WheeBikes facebook page that you saw this contest on VancouverMom.ca. Winner will be randomly selected using Random.org on July 16. Giveaway only open to Canadian residents.

How to Teach Your Child to Ride a Bike

Christine — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 15:00:51 +0000

There is surprisingly passionate debate about the Right Way to teach your child to ride a bike. If you remember learning how to ride, chances are you also remember getting a few bumps and bruises. (Am I the only one who crashed into a lamp post?) A few scrapes are practically unavoidable, which brings us to step one:

Start with a Helmet

You know how little kids love playing dress-up? Use that to your advantage. A helmet is still Really Cool to little kids. Your child may even want to wear a helmet when he is not actually riding the bike. Even if your child is simply riding a trike or a push bike, have him wear a helmet. That way, a helmet will just become an expected part of cycling rather than something you have to nag him to do later on. You can help by always wearing a helmet while biking yourself—your child is sure to notice.

Find a Place to Practice

You’ll need a large flat area, such as an empty parking lot away from traffic or a field with short grass (a slight downward grade can be useful in a field.)

Try Different Bikes

Depending on your child’s age, motivation, and comfort level, she will have her own preferences regarding a bike. The youngest riders do well with a trike or a balance bike (a pedal-less bike where their feet can touch the ground—this allows them to gain a sense of balance before they learn to pedal). If you can, spend a few weekends with borrowed bikes to see what your child prefers.

Decide How To Teach

Now, the tricky part: which teaching method do you use? With one method, you can use a bike with training wheels, which teaches your child about pedaling before balance. With a training wheel bike, you can raise up the wheels over time so that they still provide some stability, but begin to show your child about balance.

When you remove the training wheels, you may still be compelled to use the second method: holding your child’s shoulders and running alongside while she learns to bike. Make sure she knows how to brake first and never let go unless she says it’s ok.

An alternative to these two methods involves the use of a balance bike (or any bike where her feet can touch the ground easily—you can simply remove the pedals). This helps her gain a sense of balance, and can be a good choice for kids who have already learned to pedal on a trike.

Chances are, you may end up using a combination of these three methods. Regardless of your choice, your child will soon be cruising happily along and waiting for you to catch up!

Want to be active with your kids in tow?

Download our Active Baby and Mom Fitness Guide, a beautifully laid out 14-page guide that gives you ideas on how to be fit with your baby. Find out more.

About Our Sponsor

Are you a mom who thinks “active, outdoor and green”? Then think Active Baby! Opened in 2009, Active Baby offers only hand-selective products. Located in Capilano Mall, North Vancouver, Active baby guarantees your better quality and the best service. Growing Active and Living Green at Active Baby.

Active Baby: Destination baby store on the North Shore

Capilano Mall, North Vancouver
www.activebaby.ca | Facebook | (604) 986-8977

FUN Camps Bring Children Closer To Nature

Diane Wild — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 15:35:47 +0000

Vancouver has a reputation for environmental awareness, so it’s not surprising it’s the locale for summer camps full of building and racing mini solar powered cars, baking brownies in solar ovens, creating a mini eco-city using recycled materials, and planning social and environmental change projects.

The Friends Uniting for Nature (FUN) Society was created to promote environmental education, leadership and collaborative skills to young Canadians. Their FUN Camps are summer day camps for 6 to 16 year olds, taking place this year from July 5 to August 27.

Camp themes include energy conservation, eco-footprint, water conservation, food, sustainable transportation, nature and community. Other activities include gardening, exploring nature, outdoor games, sports, swimming, art, drama and hiking, and bike maintenance workshops.

“We are at a time of crisis when it comes to the environment and I believe that education plays a huge role as part of the solution,” said FUN Society founder Maia Green, who holds a Bachelors degree in Environmental Studies and worked as an environmental consultant and an after-school leader for elementary school children. “Summer camps are a great way for kids to not only spend more time outside in nature, but also to learn how to be more sustainable in a fun, interactive and experiential way.”

“Our programs also provide leadership training, as it is important to empower the next generation, not simply educate them,” she continued. “At a time when kids are spending less time outside, becoming more sedentary and losing their connection to nature and our relationship to it, it seemed absolutely necessary to start a fun summer camp that could address some of these issues.”

The award-winning FUN Society also conducts a peer leader program, scholarship program, social change projects, and the FUN Ambassadors Youth Board. The Society hopes to inspire young Canadians into action by:

Focusing on sustainable and healthy living through a re-connection to nature that is fun, educational, experiential and hands-on.
Using a collaborative approach, fostering cooperation between camp participants.
Nurturing leadership by providing skills and resources as well as mentorship opportunities.

“We hire leaders who are very passionate about working with young people and who have experience in this field as well as the field of sustainability,” said Green. “The people who work for us do so because they believe in our mission and are dedicated to our values and vision.”

The FUN details

What: FUN Camps run by Friends Uniting for Nature (FUN) Society, a charitable non-profit organization

When: July 5 to August 27, Monday to Friday, 9 am – 4 pm

How much: $195 per week (except Aug 3-6 — a 4 day week — for $160). The schedule and fees can be found on their website.

For more information:

www.funcamps.ca
info@funcamps.ca
Twitter @FUNSocietyBC
Facebook FUN Society

Balance Bikes for Kids: A Buying Guide

Christine — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 15:30:22 +0000

You may have wondered what the fuss is all about with kids balance bikes (otherwise known as pedal-less bikes, walking bikes, prebikes, or push bikes). “Children as young as two years old can learn the skills of balancing, steering and coordination in a progressive and natural way,” says WheeBikes owner Rob Heinrichs, who claims these skills are essential for riding a “bike kid” bike.

It makes sense. A balance bike is both a teaching tool and a fun riding toy since kids can not only learn the fundamentals of balance but can enjoy the bike at a very young age. Since kids can reach the ground with their feet while riding a balance bike, they are much less likely to wipe out while learning to balance on two wheels. Kids start out walking, but soon graduate to running and gliding. Rob also adds that many children go straight from a balance bike to a pedal bike without training wheels because they gain so much confidence and practice from their pedal-less bike.

“Balance bikes are not meant to replace traditional bikes,” says Rob, who suggests them as an alternative to a tricycle, which can’t teach balance and control of a two-wheeler, or a bike with training wheels.

What To Look For In Your Balance Bike

Factors to consider when shopping for a balance bike include:

Weight. The weight of the bike should be light enough for the rider to control it. Says Rob: “The lighter the bike, the easier it will be for young children to maneuver it.“

Adjustability. “Many of the bikes have adjustable handle bars and seats,” says Rob, who suggests that you have your child sit on the bike or, even better, test it out before you purchase it. “Many of the bikes do not adjust very low and you may end up with a bike that is sitting and waiting for your child to grow a few inches so that they are able to stand over the seat.”

Style. Typical options are wooden balance bikes or ones styled more like pedal-bikes and made of metal.

Extras. Some balance bikes have hand brakes and foot rests. Some bikes for older kids can convert to regular pedal bikes (see below for some model options).

Most balance bikes are designed for children from 2-6, depending on the height of the bike. A child’s feet should be able to fully touch the ground on both sides comfortably (and the child should obviously be a confident walker already). While learning to ride a balance bike, children should wear helmets, both for safety reasons and to develop good habits for later on. Also, avoid steep hills and areas with traffic. Most balance bikes perform well on a variety of surfaces—not only sidewalks, but also grass, dirt, and gravel, just like a “real” bike. Rob adds: “Balance bikes allow children to be creative and ride their bikes off road in ways that tricycles and bikes with training wheels don’t.”

A balance bike can help you and your child enjoy many adventures together—in your neighborhood, at the park, or on the bike trail.

Want to win a balance bike for your child?

Our friends at WheeBikes are giving away a Strider balance bike to a lucky VancouverMom.ca reader!

Win a Strider Balance Bike!

Christine — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 15:00:33 +0000

Scroll down to find out how to win a Strider Balance Bike!

A few weeks ago, we asked VancouverMom.ca readers if they used a balance bike to help train their kids on how to ride a bike. Here is what some of you said on our Facebook page:

“My son started riding a bike when he was 4. My grandkids were 5 and 6. The other day I saw a 3 year old on the balance bike. I was so amazed. I highly recommend them. They help kids with coordination.” – Iris

“We have a balance bike and love it!” – Felicia

“The best investment for young children! Really, don’t waste money on tricycles – invest in a run bike and avoid that ‘tippy’ adjustment period of training wheels, etc.” – Suzanne

“We have the wishbone bikes and they are awesome.” – Kyrani

“The balance bikes are hugely popular and come in both wood and metal versions. Have to say we skipped them in our family as the boys went from training wheels to regular bikes at 2 and 3. Now they are 3 and 4 and are enjoying the skate board bowls without training wheels to mom’s horror! Good thing for elbow pads – need full body pads though lol! – ” Kirsten

Want to win a balance bike for your child? Our friends at WheeBikes are giving away a Strider balance bike to a lucky VancouverMom.ca reader!

World Cup Fever: Vancouver Family Style

Christine — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 15:30:02 +0000

Guest post by Cathy Collis.

“How come you’re allowed to watch TV before school?”

This, from my ten year old daughter to me last Wednesday morning. You see, I never let the kids watch TV before school, but here I am in my bathrobe, watching the World Cup at 8am. I might have made a tiny bet that Spain would win the whole tournament, so I have a vested interest in seeing this game. Hannah’s comments aren’t helping. She watches a bit more with me.

After a minute she asks, “Is this just for boys?”

“No, of course not!” I say, very indignantly. “We’re watching it aren’t we? Shhhh…”

“No, playing” she insists. “Is it just boys playing? That’s not fair. How come you’re not playing Mom?”

Awww. She knows I’m a soccer player, but mercifully she hasn’t yet reached the stage where she realizes I am not World Class good at everything. I want her to stay like this forever. “Because, sweetie, I’m at least 15 years older than most of those guys. And I’m not nearly as fast.”

She watches for a few minutes more. “Bah, they’re not that fast. I’ve seen faster.” It is all I can do not to snort coffee through my nose. “You could do it Mom.” What a proud mama moment. My daughter is watching soccer with me! My daughter is a tiny little feminist!

But then my younger daughter Sophie walks in and bursts my bubble. She watches for a minute with us and then says to her sister– wait for it – “Can we go back to playing our princess game?” Sigh.

So I have a new plan: We are going to watch World Cup games as a family and we are going to like it.

Want to join us? Here are my suggestions:

Commercial Drive

It doesn’t matter if you’re watching Italy play or not, this is a great place to go if your kids are a little older and already into soccer. Many cafes on the street are open every morning early, flying the flags of all the World Cup countries, and patrons are wearing jerseys and face paint, and wearing flags like capes. They show the games live and later in the day, and the atmosphere is great. If Italy is playing, though, you might want to get there early and leave the younger kids at home. Be warned: when I went with my husband, and Italy only managed a tie against a much lower ranked New Zealand, I heard the F-bomb a few times. (To be fair, some of them may have come from me.)

International Cuisine

My girls are a little younger and not really into soccer yet, but food proved to be a great way to get them into it. We googled cuisine from Portugal and North Korea, and dined on rudimentary Paella and Kimchi noodles while we watched the game together as a family. (Portugal won 7 – 0, but my kids voted the Kimchi noodles a winner.) They decided they did not like olives (an export of Chile) or corn tortillas (Honduras) but that their favourite team to win the tournament is now Switzerland (based on the amazing Swiss chocolate I bought for dessert).

Flags and other Online Activities

All the colourful flags are also of interest to the younger kids. We got out our globe and pointed out where several countries were, and then went online and found some great activities surrounding the World Cup flags and soccer in general. Try the website www.activityvillage.co.uk. For the more studious kids, they have worksheets on the game and scores, but they also have soccer jerseys you can colour in (or blank ones you can design yourself), World cup colouring pages, printable flags and bookmarks and lots of other good stuff. Even if you can’t get your kids to watch the World Cup with you, you can at least keep them quiet for a while with this website so you can watch it in peace.

And my final suggestion: do not buy your kids a vuvuzela, one of those noisy horns you hear in the stands of the South African World Cup – the ones that sound like a swarm of bees. You can thank me later.

Enjoy! The World Cup goes until July 11.

Cathy Collis is a soccer-playing mom (not a soccer mom) who writes a blog called Kick.

June is Get Active Month!

Christine — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 15:30:00 +0000

This June, we’re putting together a series of guides and articles to help you and your baby and kids get active in Vancouver. We’ll also be showcasing some local entrepreneurs, businesses and groups that are all about being fit and fun with your children. We’ll be updating this list as we publish more and more articles throughout the coming weeks.

Guides

Active Baby and Mom Fitness Guide: This 14-page guide will give you some ideas on how to get fit with your baby in tow.
Vancouver Gymnastics Classes for Preschoolers: Gymnastics options for your kids.

Articles

Stay tuned for more articles!