It’s not too late for kids to join the summer reading club! The Vancouver Island Regional Library Summer Reading Club keeps kids engaged with reading all season long! Join for free to earn stickers, win prizes and enjoy fun events at your local branch before August 20. virl.bc.ca

Imagine taking your child to the beach, not just to play in the sand, but to be part of something bigger—restoring an ancient practice that has sustained families for generations.

Along the West Coast, Indigenous communities have long cared for clam gardens—rock-walled terraces built along shorelines to create the ideal habitat for shellfish. These gardens didn’t just grow food; they nurtured ecosystems, traditions, and community ties.

However, colonization disrupted these practices, leading to environmental decline and a disconnect between people and their traditional food sources. Now, thanks to a partnership between the Hul’q’umi’num’ and WSÁNEC´ First Nations and Parks Canada, families have the chance to be part of restoring these vital ecosystems in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve.

Growing healthy ecosystems: together!

Just like a backyard garden at home, clam gardens require care and attention. Over the last decade, much of the beach habitat has been restored. Indigenous Knowledge working groups led the effort, guiding traditional practices like:

• Rebuilding rock walls to raise the tidal elevation and create prime clam habitat.

• Tending the beach by clearing debris, aerating sediment, and removing predators.

• Monitoring clam populations to track the health of these ecosystems over time.

And the results? Native clam populations began to grow again. Young clams—critical for the future of these habitats—became more abundant, showing that these ancient techniques still work today.

Growing cultural connections

For Indigenous communities, clam gardens are about more than just food. They are places of learning, storytelling, and connection.

Similar to how families pass down recipes, traditions, and values, this project created opportunities for Elders to teach youth, reinforcing cultural identity and strengthening intergenerational bonds.

Coast Salish leaders share teachings on sustainable harvesting, traditional stewardship, and respect for the environment.

Caring for beaches so they can care for us

Beaches, like gardens, need care to remain healthy. When we look after them, they provide for us—offering food, clean water, and safe places for recreation. But when they’re neglected, pollution and habitat destruction can make shellfish unsafe to eat and damage the ecosystem.

For parents, this project is a reminder of how essential it is to teach our children to care for the world around them. Just as we nurture our families, Indigenous knowledge reminds us that when we care for nature, nature provides for us in return.

Many beaches across Canada face threats from:

• Runoff from cities and farms, carrying contaminants that can make shellfish toxic.

• Plastics and waste, which damage ecosystems and harm marine life.

• Climate change, leading to rising sea levels and ocean acidification that affect shellfish growth.

• Invasive species, which disrupt native populations to thrive in their home environment.

Parents can play a key role in protecting local beaches by learning about water quality, supporting conservation efforts, and teaching children how to keep shorelines clean. A simple family trip to the beach can spark conversations about where water flows from our homes, how pollution impacts marine life, and why caring for nature ensures a better future.

By helping kids connect with the land and water, we can inspire the next generation of stewards who will care for these places long after we’re gone. Together, we can care for this place that has been called home by some for many millennia.

Growing a shared future

This work has planted the seeds for lasting change. The success of the project has inspired other communities to explore clam garden restoration to combat climate change, enhance food security, and reconnect with cultural heritage.

By restoring clam gardens, we aren’t just growing shellfish—we’re growing a healthier environment, stronger communities, and a future where past traditions continue to thrive.

If you’d like to learn more or connect about possible volunteer opportunities, reach out to Erich Kelch at erich.kelch@pc.gc.ca or by phone at 250-986-1128.

Farmers’ markets aren’t just about fresh veggies and homemade jam, they’re bustling hubs of creativity, learning and opportunity—especially for kids with big ideas and families looking for fun ways to connect!

Here on Vancouver Island, these markets are more than a place to shop—they’re spaces where young entrepreneurs can test out business ideas and families can enjoy a day of exploring, tasting and supporting local businesses. Whether it’s a budding artist selling handcrafted jewelry or a young baker offering cookies fresh from the oven, farmers’ markets provide real-world lessons in business, creativity and community.

So, let’s dive into why these markets are a great experience for young entrepreneurs and a fantastic way for families to spend time together.

Get creative. Whether it’s painted driftwood, homemade beeswax candles or fresh-baked dog treats, kids can see how they can turn their hobbies into a business.

Get money smart. Encourage kids to ask how makers set their prices and help them figure out profit margins. Then give your kids a specific amount of money to spend and help them with the budget so they can buy what they truly want.

Support local and sustainable business. Buying and selling handmade, homegrown or eco-friendly goods teaches kids about ethical entrepreneurship and the importance of shopping locally.

Meet the growers and makers. Kids can ask farmers how carrots grow, learn where their honey comes from or chat with an artisan about soap-making.

Taste the many flavours of the island. From fresh-picked berries to warm, flaky pastries and fresh pressed juice, local markets offer incredible food that kids (and parents) will love.

Vancouver Island is home to some of the best farmers’ markets in BC, and many of them are perfect for families and young business minds. Here are a few of our favourites from all over the island.

Moss Street Market (Victoria)

This large market carries almost everything you can dream of! It runs year-round and even features a Young Entrepreneurs Market, where kids can sell their own products and gain real business experience. mossstreetmarket.com

Duncan Farmers’ Market

This is one of the biggest markets on the island—and it’s open 50 weeks of the year (closed for two weeks at Christmas). With over 150 vendors, it’s the perfect place for families to explore and for young business owners to see how local entrepreneurs thrive. duncanfarmersmarket.ca

Qualicum Beach Farmers’ Market

Here’s another market that’s open year-round and one people travel from all over the island to visit. This market is strictly “Make it, Bake it, Grow it,” meaning everything is locally made or grown—a great place for kids to learn about ethical business practices. qbfarmersmarket.com

Errington Farmers’ Market

This charming market may only be open from May to September every year, but it’s been going strong for over 50 years! Located in a beautiful, shady forest setting, it’s a favourite for families and often features local youth selling their crafts, baked goods and homegrown produce. erringtonfarmersmarket.ca

Comox Valley Farmers’ Market

The Comox Valley Farmers’ Market holds a year-round market every Saturday in Courtenay and a seasonal market in Cumberland, as well as various vendor and special events across the Comox Valley. This market is a must-visit for food lovers and a fantastic place for kids to get inspired by local vendors. cvfm.ca

Sidney Street Market

Probably the ultimate summer market! Every Thursday evening from June until September, the Sidney Street Market transforms Sidney into a lively street festival, with vendors, live music, delicious food and a ton of fun for everyone. sidney.ca

Salt Spring Saturday Market

From April to October, head to Ganges on a Saturday morning to pick up your local produce and freshly baked goods. Check out the handmade clothes and all the arts and crafts from talented locals of all ages. saltspringmarket.com

Cedar Farmers’ Market (Nanaimo)

Located just outside of Nanaimo, the Cedar Farmers’ Market runs from May until October every year. Featuring special programs to benefit local agriculture and nutrition programs that support youth and local families, it’s the perfect place to explore food, crafts and beauty products. cedarfarmersmarket.org

Farmers’ markets on Vancouver Island are so much more than a place to shop. They’re places where families connect, kids learn valuable skills and young entrepreneurs take their first steps into the world of business. So, whether your child dreams of selling their own handmade goodies, or you’re just looking for a fun weekend activity, grab a tote bag and head to your nearest farmers’ market.

This is a BC-government program that benefits kids from infancy until they start school. Strong Start BC is in many schools around BC (including a number on Vancouver Island). Start your child off on their learning and development journey with qualified early-learning instructors through play, language and social activities. These programs are free and offered on a drop-in basis, but you must register. Check out the website to find a program near you.

gov.bc.ca

As the seasons change, it can be tempting to curl up in front of a glorious fireplace with a marshmallow-filled cup of hot chocolate and a lot of books—not that I have a fireplace, but I can dream. However, even in colder and wetter weather, it’s healthy for us to spend time outside. If you need a bit of extra motivation, here are four books that celebrate the fantastic things you can learn while you are out there (and one that helps teach your kids to enjoy the free fun they can find).

Growing up, I loved watching the wildlife that scurried or flew by my window, and I had lots of questions about them. Now, my children are equally inquisitive. I will be the first to admit that I did not retain all the answers I learned in my youth. Fortunately, there are books like Hiders Seekers Finders Keepers: How Animals Adapt in Winter by Jessica Kulekjian and illustrated by Salini Perera (Kids Can Press, 2022) to help with that. This book is jampacked with information about how different animals prepare for and survive the winter. If you enjoy hiking, this book also includes a small collection of animal tracks, so you can turn your next adventure into an animal track scavenger hunt. For ages 4 to 7.

Animals need to prepare for the cold weather, and humans used to do that as well. As Grandfather teaches us in Grandfather’s Reminder by Alberta-Rose Bear and Kathleen O’Reilly and illustrated by Lindsey Bear (Your Nickle’s Worth Publishing, 2022), one way to know the seasons are changing, and different plants are ready to be harvested, is by looking for signs in nature. In this story, Grandfather is trying to encourage his grandchild to be patient and to read nature’s signs. For example, the foxtail, which told him the chokecherries were ready to be harvested. If you’re looking for an activity to try once you’ve read the book, you and your kids can research local natural signs, go for a walk and see if you can spot any. For ages 4 to 7.

If you prefer your plants more manicured than a wild chokecherry bush, you and your kids could read Jennie Butchart: Gardener of Dreams by Haley Healey and illustrated by Kimiko Fraser (Heritage House, 2024) before you go and visit the Butchart Gardens. This non-fiction piece will bring life to the history of the Butchart Gardens, teaching you how Jennie turned the old limestone quarry into a thing of beauty for countless people to enjoy. For ages 4 to 7.

While you are at the Butchart Gardens, why not go skating? If your child hasn’t tried skating before, or if they’re nervous about it, you could read Gordie’s Skate by Bill Waiser and illustrated by Leanne Franson (Thistledown Press, 2023). This delightfully illustrated book is about how the hockey player, Gordie Howe, learned to skate. Something you might not know about him is that Gordie and his sister shared a pair of skates. He was determined to play hockey, so he practiced all the time, and grew up to be a legend. For ages 4 to 7.

Some of the activities above are free and others cost money. If you find yourself deciding which to take part in based on cost, you might want to pick up a copy of A Kids Book About Money by Adam Stramwasser (DK, 2024). This basic finance book for young children teaches them what money is, what it looks like, how you get it and what you can use it for in an age-appropriate manner. While I hope you never find yourself in the same situation as Gordie’s mother (where you can only buy one pair of skates for your children to share), if you want to help your kids make wise financial choices as they grow up, A Kids Book About Money is a good place to start. For ages 5 to 8.

Winter days can seem dreary and cold, but there are ways for us to encourage our children to get out in our communities so they can learn, grow and discover new things. I hope these stories inspire you to do just that.

Whether your child aspires to one day become a doctor, teacher, mechanic or CPA, their post-secondary education will cost money, and it is important to help set your child up for success.

Investing in a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) is a great step to support your child’s post-secondary aspirations.

What are the different types of RESPs?

There are three different types of RESPs you can purchase: Individual, family and group.

1. Individual RESPs. This is a great option for single-child families, or if you are sponsoring a non-relative such as a godchild.

2. Family RESPs. For families with more than one child, this could be an ideal option as the funds can be shared amongst the children. In a family plan, all beneficiaries must be related to you—either by blood or adoption. Beneficiaries can be added or changed over time, which is great if you have more children in the future or have children who choose to not attend post-secondary.

When the RESPs are paid out, the funds do not have to be split equally, which is useful in situations where post-secondary education costs between children differ. However, since the Canadian Education Savings Grant (CESG) contributes a lifetime maximum of $7,200 per beneficiary, this allocation must be respected when dividing RESP funds among beneficiaries.

3. Group RESPs. In a group RESP program, your funds are pooled with several other RESP accounts in a group investment plan. The benefit of this, is that your investment has the potential to grow larger than it would in an individual or family plan.

When you join a group plan, you agree to purchase a set number of plan units, which represents your shares. Your child’s birth date determines the maturity date of your plan, and you commit to making regular contributions according to a pre-determined schedule.

It’s important to note that group plans come with many risks that are not associated with individual and family RESPs. We recommend carefully considering your risk tolerance before investing in a group plan.

How do RESPs grow?

Starting early and making regular contributions can help your RESPs grow significantly through compounded return. Funds in your RESP account can be invested in mutual funds, ETFs, GICs, stocks, bonds, etc, much like how you’d invest with your RRSP or TFSA accounts. In addition, there are many federal and provincial grants available that will add to RESPs over the years.

These include the following:

• The Canadian Education Savings Grant (CESG): The CESG contributes $7,200 over an RESP’s lifetime. It does this through matching 20 percent of your contributions each year (up to $500).

• Additional Canada Education Savings Grant (A-CESG): Depending on your income, you may receive 10 to 20 percent more on the first $500 you contribute each year (up to $100 annually).

• Canada Learning Bond (CLB): To help low-income families get started with education savings, the Government of Canada will make an initial deposit of $500, and top this up with annual deposits of $100 until the plan’s beneficiary turns 15 years old.

• British Columbia Training and Education Savings Grant (BCTESG): This one-time grant of $1,200 can be received if you apply when your child is between the ages of six and nine years old.

Is there a contribution limit?

Your contribution room is accrued each year beginning the year your child was born, until they turn 17. You can contribute a lifetime maximum of $50,000 per beneficiary to an RESP. Note that the amount of annual contribution room that is eligible for the CESG is $2,500. While you can contribute more than $2,500 a year, the 20 percent grant is only matched by the government up to $2,500 per year.

To maximize the CESG, consider contributing $2,500 a year for 14 continuous years per beneficiary, and then top it off with an extra $1,000 in the 15th year. Note that if you have missed a year or started late, you can always contribute more than $2,500 to retroactively claim grants. These contributions would be eligible to receive an additional $500 per year in CESG (for a total annual maximum CESG of $1,000 per year) if you missed contributions in a previous year.

Contribute by December 31, 2024 to get the CESG’s 20 percent matching (up to $500) for the calendar year. Regularly review your funds to ensure you can make your desired contribution.

Talk to a financial advisor or a Chartered Professional Accountant for further guidance on RESPs and other ways to save for your child’s future.

*Originally published at CPABC Newsroom. Tax rules can be complex. This article is not intended as tax advice, and you should not make tax decisions based solely on the information presented. You should seek the advice of a chartered professional accountant before implementing a tax plan or taking a tax filing position.

The Christmas season incites excitement and anticipation, but it can also bring on nervousness and reticence if your child is not doing well in school. The holidays can be the perfect time to determine if your kid needs some extra support when they go back to class in the New Year.

Is it Time for a Tutor?

Deciding to get a tutor can be challenging for families. The first question parents often ask me is: “How do I know if I should get a tutor for my child?”

Begin by reflecting on the previous year(s) and consider your answers to the following questions:

1. Has your child had difficulties in only the past year or multiple years?

2. Was most of the curriculum challenging?

3. Did your child seek extra help from their teacher, but it didn’t seem effective?

4. Did the school provide any extra resources (either after school or from online programs) but it didn’t help?

5. Does your child do better in a one-on-one environment?

6. Is your child open to having a tutor?

If you answered “yes” to most of these questions, it might be time to consider looking for a tutor.

The Right Fit

The next question is: “How do you choose the right tutor for your child?”

Here are some things to look for and ask:

1. Does the tutor’s academic background meet my child’s needs?

2. How long has the tutor been tutoring?

3. What resources does the tutor provide?

4. How will the tutor assess my child’s needs?

5. Do they offer online and/or in-person tutoring? Some children do much better with in-person tutoring, though due to the pandemic, children are familiar with online learning.

6. Do they offer flexible contracts, or is it “pay per session?” Some tutors require a minimum number of hours and weeks. Can you cancel without penalty, if a problem arises (ie. your child becomes ill or there is a family situation that prohibits further sessions), or if you feel the tutoring is not effective for your child?

7. Can you have an initial trial session (possibly free) to make sure the tutor is a good fit for your child?

8. How much does the tutor charge?

9. How and with what frequency will the tutor communicate with you?

Remember, tutoring is not a quick fix, especially if your child has struggled academically for several years. If you choose a tutor, you need to make a plan regarding money and time and then commit to it.

The Benefits

Beyond improving grades, tutoring offers numerous benefits that can positively impact your child’s overall development. A good tutor can help your child develop effective study habits and time-management skills. Tutoring can also boost your child’s motivation and enthusiasm for learning by providing personalized attention and encouragement. By addressing individual needs and learning styles, a tutor can help your child overcome challenges and discover their strengths, fostering a positive attitude towards education and building resilience.

An experienced tutor can also provide invaluable support during key educational transitions, such as moving from elementary to high school or from high school to post-secondary. They can offer guidance on choosing appropriate courses and help your child navigate these changes smoothly, so your child is well-prepared and confident in their decisions.

Tutoring can prevent small issues from becoming big problems and help establish a strong foundation for learning. Additionally, while parents often have the knowledge to help their children, maintaining a healthy parent-child relationship is crucial, especially in a child’s formative years.

With an experienced and knowledgeable tutor who communicates well and supports your family, tutoring can help your child achieve academic success and build their confidence.

Now that the first month of school is over, the glow of the new school year might have burned off for your children and they might be counting down the days to the holidays. They might be telling you which subjects are their favourites, and which ones drag by.

If that’s the case for you, and you are looking for ways to remind them that learning can be fun and a great way to be creative, here are five books about art, animals, science, engineering and entrepreneurship that might inspire them all over again.

In What’s the Point of Art? (2024), the editors over at DK highlight the history of art from cave drawings all the way up to contemporary art. The different sections will teach your children about the cultural significance of the art styles, the historical importance of art and what it can teach us about the past. The book also explores how your children can recreate the styles for themselves. For ages 9 to 12.

If your children like art, but they are a bit too young to enjoy What’s the Point of Art?, you should check out Canadian Wildlife Activity Book by Tom Hunter (Heritage, 2024). This book, which is filled with animal-themed puzzles, games and art projects, literally did not make it out of the box I received it in before my daughter grabbed it. So, judging a book solely by the cover, she can assure you this is a good one. And, having flipped through it myself (after bedtime), I agree. The different activities appeal to a wide range of ages and abilities. They are fun and informative. And, once your children learn some of the art techniques in it, they can apply them to other art projects too. For ages 5 to 9.

If your children prefer the S in STEAM, they may enjoy The Simple Science Activity Book: 20 Things to Make and Do at Home to Learn about Science by Jane Bull (DK, 2023). As the name suggests, this book has 20 different science experiments you can conduct at home with things you probably already have in the house. From making invisible ink to creating unpoppable balloons, this book will not only give your children step-by-step directions, it will also explain to them why the experiment works the way it does. For ages 5 to 9.

Or maybe, instead of following an experiment that someone else has already created, your child has aspirations to be an inventor or engineer and create something that will help others. In that case, they might feel inspired by reading Birth of the Bicycle by Sarah Nelson and illustrated by Iacopo Bruno (Candlewick, 2024). As your child reads this book and marvels over the gorgeously intricate illustrations, they will experience the bumps and smooth passages that the different inventors and engineers encounters as they created and transformed the velocipede to the bicycle we know and use today. For ages 5 to 9.

Once your child has a plan for a product to change the world, they’re going to need some help setting up a business to showcase and sell their idea to others. In that case (or if they just want to up their lemonade stand game), they should check out Money Matters: A Guide to Saving, Spending and Everything in Between by Alexa von Tobel and illustrated by Morgan Goble (Rebel Girls, 2024). This book isn’t just about entrepreneurship, it also covers the importance of responsible spending, stock market strategies and savings. But it does have an entire chapter about starting a business. And, as the book points out “There’s no cookie-cutter entrepreneur,” so this is a very creative (and potentially lucrative) endeavour for your children to try out. For ages 9 to 12.

I know you all live very busy lives, and it is hard to keep up with our children’s ever-changing interests. But I hope these books help you and your children learn something new that you can talk about and try. Who knows, maybe you’ll love the science behind cupcakes, enjoy creating a cubist collage or discover something new about the stock market as you read, discuss and enjoy these books with your children.

Once upon a time, play was just a built-in part of childhood. More recently, there has been some serious competition introduced that has slowly eroded the kind of play our children have access to.

Research shows that over the past several decades, there has been a significant decline in our children’s access to “free play”—the kind of play that is not scripted or governed but is just allowed to unfold. Not surprisingly, as free play has decreased, mental health and related challenges have skyrocketed.

The reduction in access to free play has likely come about from a variety of forces including a problematic focus on rote learning in the early years, “safety-ism” whereby adult fears have eroded the creative space that children need to extend into for the full benefits of play to be realized, and the intrusion of screens and social media.

The result of all of this is that children are no longer getting the glorious experience of immersion in a play-based developmental experience. And because of that, they are struggling with mental health, stress management, learning, social skills and resilience. Play is nature’s answer to all these woes. Which means, that as adults, it is on us to get fierce about protecting childhood so that play lives on in unbounded ways. Here are some practical ways to do that:

1. Think about what it means to disconnect from technology. The national guidelines around this suggest no screen exposure for children younger than two years of age, limits of one-hour per day for children three to six years and two hours per day for children six to 12 years. When your children are on screens, be very savvy about what they are being exposed to. Delay multi-player gaming until your child is older and able to engage safely in online platforms. Don’t allow your children on social media until at least age 14 years. Be aware of exposure to violence, sexual content and other concepts not suitable to the developing mind by implementing parental controls.

2. Plan for a return to nature. Think about making sure your child is out in nature every day. One idea is to match “screen time for green time” so whatever amount of time your child has been on a screen, ensure they have the same amount or more out in nature. When outdoors, think about the idea of unstructured play for your child where they can explore risk, engage physically and experience the emotional benefits of simply being outdoors.

3. Think about play as an essential component for healthy development. In holding this as an ultimate priority, think about the idea that play is not simply for filling time. Rather, it is an essential ingredient in your child’s development. In fact, whether a child is “playing as they normally would” is often an indicator of health and well-being. As a start, plan for 30-minute stretches of time two or more times each day of uninterrupted, “child-lead” play.

4. Create an environment that facilitates exploratory play. Exploratory play is about pushing boundaries, trying new things out, being brave and getting creative. Think about the kinds of materials that you might want to make available for this. It doesn’t need to be anything fancy or expensive. In fact, the very best play spaces are usually full of natural materials like rocks, tree trunks and discarded bits of whatever you have laying around. Of course, be aware of safety, and try to remember that development always moves at the speed of trust. Your child will have some intuitive sense of what to avoid and what to lean into. Observe and step in where appropriate, but also embrace the wisdom that children have on board naturally. And remember, mess is part of it all, so get comfortable with and welcome it!

5. Connect to each other. One of the most wonderful things about play is that it creates abundant opportunities for the experience of shared joy. And what a wonderful thing for children to know the joy of connecting with their special big people—their parents, caregivers and educators—in the world of play. If you are a parent, think about planning for a minimum of 15 minutes a day of playtime with your child where your focus is them—and only them.

6. Allow your children to be bored. Being held in the experience of boredom allows the world to become quiet enough so that the child can hear himself. In a world that is so busy and so noisy and altogether too much, we need to take the volume button and turn it way down. When a child can hear their own inner voice, they become truly alive. Creativity, problem-solving, exploration and heaps of other processes are simultaneously ignited.

When we can think of play as essential, play as medicine, play as a healer and play as the ultimate fodder for growth and development, we can begin to clear the path for championing play in the everyday lives of our children. And, when we have a world where children get to have this kind of childhood, we can trust that the kids will indeed be okay.