Grey Bruce Kids Fall 2021
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A FREE MAGAZINE FOR<br />
PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS<br />
FALL <strong>2021</strong> • Volume 11 Issue 3 • greybrucekids.com<br />
Girls<br />
in STEM<br />
Encourage pursuit of<br />
non-traditional roles<br />
LOVE<br />
LANGUAGES<br />
Connect with your<br />
child’s personality<br />
DEALING WITH<br />
TRAUMA<br />
Help kids process<br />
the pandemic<br />
FREE!
Get help paying for Child Care<br />
Child care costs add up. Fortunately, families in <strong>Grey</strong> County may<br />
be eligible for a fee subsidy for children in licensed child care.<br />
Net Family Income<br />
Monthly Cost for<br />
Families*<br />
$20,000 $0.00<br />
$30,000 $83<br />
$40,000 $167<br />
$50,000 $417<br />
$60,000 $667<br />
$70,000 $917<br />
You may be eligible if:<br />
• You are a <strong>Grey</strong> County resident<br />
• You are are working, attending school or training<br />
• You have a referral from another agency<br />
• You are the child’s legal guardian<br />
• Your child is living with you<br />
• You have filed your taxes<br />
• You are a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident<br />
*Monthly Costs are on a per-family basis and not per child. Families may have multiple children<br />
in licensed care. The above table is only an estimate. An income test will be completed upon<br />
application to confirm eligibility.<br />
Learn more and apply at www.<strong>Grey</strong>.ca/Childrens-Services<br />
PLAY • LEARN • GROW<br />
Find program calendars for<br />
EarlyON locations across <strong>Grey</strong> County at:<br />
<strong>Grey</strong>.ca/Childrens-Services
FROM THE PUBLISHER<br />
Weathering the storm<br />
Who would have predicted that I would be penning yet another pandemic Publisher’s<br />
Note, 18 months after the world first shut down “for two weeks.” The year-and-a-half<br />
since has been challenging on so many fronts for many people – everyone has been<br />
affected in some way.<br />
A quote I heard that resonated with me is, “We are not all in the same boat, but we are<br />
all in the same storm.” I hope that your boat is keeping afloat and this storm will soon<br />
pass!<br />
A bright light (besides the fact school is back for in-person learning!) is that we are<br />
back in print! We transitioned to publishing exclusively online last summer, and<br />
though I was hopeful it would just be for an issue or two, it has been five since<br />
we’ve been able to hold the magazine in our hands. Thank you to our loyal readers<br />
and advertisers who kept us going – it was our honour to continue to provide our<br />
demographic with relevant, meaningful and local content during such trying times.<br />
Be sure to check out all our past issues online if you missed them at greybrucekids.<br />
com.<br />
In this issue we are proud to feature some awesome articles. Sarah Irwin explains ‘Love<br />
Languages’ and how to use them with family. Sarah Foster talks to local women with<br />
careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) about how to recognize<br />
and encourage your daughter’s interest in these non-traditional roles.<br />
Getting back on track with healthy eating and making good choices after a busy<br />
summer is always a challenge – especially during COVID – and Jennifer MacTavish<br />
educates us on a some great tips to keep kids healthy.<br />
Local finance expert Michele Mannerow helps us to plan our savings, while Rebekkah<br />
Williams writes about how to help our kids process disruptions and potential traumas<br />
associated with the ongoing pandemic.<br />
Once again, I thank you for your continued<br />
support of <strong>Grey</strong>-<strong>Bruce</strong> <strong>Kids</strong> magazine, and I<br />
wish you and your family a safe and healthy<br />
fall!<br />
CONTENTS<br />
4 Family bonding<br />
10 Girls in STEM<br />
14 Nutrition<br />
18 Plan your savings<br />
22 Dealing with trauma<br />
26 Resources<br />
30 Recipes<br />
Amy Irwin, Publisher<br />
FALL <strong>2021</strong><br />
Publisher<br />
Amy Irwin<br />
amy@greybrucekids.com<br />
Magazine Design<br />
Becky Grebenjak<br />
Advertising inquiries<br />
amy@greybrucekids.com<br />
<strong>Grey</strong>-<strong>Bruce</strong> <strong>Kids</strong> welcomes your feedback.<br />
EMAIL amy@greybrucekids.com<br />
PHONE 519-524-0101<br />
MAIL P.O. Box 287, Ripley, ON N0G 2R0<br />
<strong>Grey</strong>-<strong>Bruce</strong> <strong>Kids</strong> is distributed for free in <strong>Grey</strong> and<br />
<strong>Bruce</strong> counties, and is published each March, June,<br />
September and December. Distribution of this<br />
publication does not constitute endorsement of<br />
information, products or services by <strong>Grey</strong>-<strong>Bruce</strong> <strong>Kids</strong>,<br />
its writers or advertisers. Viewpoints of contributors<br />
and advertisers are not necessarily those of the<br />
Publisher. <strong>Grey</strong>-<strong>Bruce</strong> <strong>Kids</strong> reserves the right to edit,<br />
reject or comment on all material and advertising<br />
contributed. No portion of <strong>Grey</strong>-<strong>Bruce</strong> <strong>Kids</strong> may be<br />
reproduced without the written permission of the<br />
Publisher.
FAMILY<br />
CREATING<br />
that bond<br />
LET YOUR PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIP THRIVE<br />
BY SARAH IRWIN<br />
4 GREY-BRUCE KIDS • FALL <strong>2021</strong>
The parent-child relationship is a complex and unique bond<br />
which every child and parent will experience.<br />
For some, this bond forms instantaneously, while for others it<br />
takes time to flourish. Regardless, its influence on the child’s<br />
personality, life choices, and behaviour create the foundation for<br />
which the child develops emotionally, physically, and socially.<br />
Much like adults, children express and experience love in<br />
different ways. This can bring an additional layer of strain and<br />
challenge into the already difficult responsibility of parenting.<br />
Speaking our child’s ‘love language’ helps them to understand<br />
what it means to be loved unconditionally. Until we take a<br />
moment to pause, to begin to truly understand our children’s<br />
individual love languages, we are only speaking our love to our<br />
child, and they won’t be able to feel it.<br />
Gary Chapman and Dr. Ross Campbell introduced the concept<br />
of love languages in the book The Five Love Languages of<br />
Children. They explain that, like adults, children feel love<br />
through physical touch, words of affirmation, acts of service,<br />
gifts, and quality time.<br />
Love language combinations are individual to each child. And<br />
yes, when navigating love languages within a family unit may<br />
be challenging; however, if you focus on the five basic love<br />
languages, it will make an enormous difference in your child’s<br />
sense of being loved.<br />
Five love<br />
languages<br />
PHYSICAL TOUCH<br />
For a child who craves the love language of physical touch, you<br />
may notice them constantly climbing on your lap, asking for<br />
tickle fights or wanting to roughhouse. For most children this<br />
is their primary love language. The presence of physical touch<br />
communicates love to them, even more than praise or gifts.<br />
The key to the language of physical touch is touch beyond the<br />
necessary. Without little pats on the back, a ruffling of their<br />
hair, hugs or kisses, their “love tank” will remain less than full.<br />
The gift of physical touch may become more difficult to give<br />
as children grow into tweens and teens. Depending on their<br />
emotional security, parents may hold back from giving this out<br />
of fear of lashback. Many teens may be resistant to affectionate<br />
touch; however, they still require physical touch as an<br />
affirmation of love. Teen boys are more accepting of a rougher,<br />
more abrasive touch such as wrestling, playfulness, bear hugs,<br />
or high fives. Girls too are open to this type of touch but also<br />
respond to a gentler, more compassionate touch such as a longer<br />
hug.<br />
Expressions of physical touch to<br />
express love include:<br />
• Giving lots of hugs and kisses, letting a smaller child sit on<br />
your lap<br />
• Snuggles<br />
• Spinning round and round<br />
• Reading a book together<br />
• Wrestling, tickle fights<br />
• A playful elbow and smile as you walk by<br />
• Creating a spa night and giving pedicures and manicures to<br />
each other<br />
• High fives or affectionate pats on the back<br />
• Tousling their hair<br />
greybrucekids.com • 5
WORDS OF AFFIRMATION<br />
A child whose love language is words of affirmation longs to be verbally supported,<br />
praised, guided, and encouraged. They crave statements that aren’t necessarily “I love<br />
you,” but rather, “I care about you, you are my focus.” They show this by asking for<br />
validation, checking to see if you saw what they just did or handing you their finished<br />
work.<br />
When giving words of affirmation, keep them short and sweet; focus on declarations<br />
that nurture your child’s inner sense of worthiness or security rather than a longwinded<br />
talk.<br />
How to tell a child they are special and<br />
appreciated:<br />
• Affirming their efforts and achievements<br />
• Cheering them on at sports<br />
• Saying, “I love to watch you…” or “I’m so proud of you for…”<br />
• Writing love notes to them<br />
• Giving them a loving nickname<br />
6 GREY-BRUCE KIDS • FALL <strong>2021</strong>
QUALITY TIME<br />
When a child has a love language of quality time they will constantly be requesting<br />
your attention. They’ll interrupt you to constantly, which is a good indicator their<br />
tank is empty. Children will go to great lengths, even acting out, just to receive the<br />
tiniest bit of quality time. Quality time tells the child they are important. It is not<br />
the event that matters, but rather the time together which counts.<br />
Ways to create quality time:<br />
• Play in the sandbox together<br />
• Create a 1:1 parent-child date<br />
• Bring your child along during errands<br />
• Create art together<br />
• Throw a ball together<br />
• Lay on the ground looking at clouds together<br />
• Stop what you’re doing and make positive, loving eye contact<br />
• Take a walk together<br />
greybrucekids.com • 7
GIFTS<br />
You’ve likely witnessed a child who jumped up and down in<br />
excitement as they received a present. Or the child who’s so<br />
excited they tell everyone who will listen about their special<br />
gift. These kids are showing us that their love language is that of<br />
receiving gifts.<br />
The giving and receiving of gifts is complex. As a love language,<br />
its focused intention is that of thoughtfulness – gifts as symbols<br />
of true love.<br />
The thought and intention is what matters most and it’s critical<br />
to those with this love language to feel as though they’re being<br />
heard and seen. For those with gift giving as their love language,<br />
in order for their love tank to remain full, the gift must be<br />
combined with their other love languages.<br />
Here are ways to provide a<br />
successful gift:<br />
• Snuggle on the couch explain why you’re giving them the<br />
gift and then exploring it together<br />
• Choose small tokens or homemade thoughtful presents<br />
• Add to a coveted collection<br />
• Create a special book of memories for them<br />
A true gift is an expression of love by the individual and is<br />
freely given by the parent, not a bribe or to benefit the parent<br />
in any way. The present must be genuine and not a payment for<br />
cleaning their room or being quiet during a work meeting. The<br />
child must deeply feel that their parents genuinely care.<br />
ACTS OF SERVICE<br />
If a child is naturally wanting to help or seeks ways to assist<br />
others, their main love language may be acts of service. The<br />
primary motivation of being a parent isn’t to continuously<br />
please our children, but rather to do what is best. To please<br />
them in the moment isn’t necessarily going to give them the<br />
best example of love. Acts of service are focused on doing things<br />
which they cannot do for themselves. Then, once they are able<br />
to do these services themselves, it becomes about taking the<br />
time to teach them these skills or services.<br />
Be mindful. These services mustn’t be focused on your child<br />
fulfilling a dream you have for them, but rather supporting<br />
them in working towards their dreams and curiosities.<br />
Acts of service:<br />
• Mend a broken toy together<br />
• For younger kids, instead of sending them to bed, carry<br />
them to bed and do a special tuck in<br />
• Organize and clean out their closet or dresser<br />
8 GREY-BRUCE KIDS • FALL <strong>2021</strong>
• Sit and calmly help them do homework<br />
• Lovingly brush their hair as you catch up on the day<br />
• Make a bucket list of one-on-one activities to do when they<br />
least expect it<br />
• Not assuming your child can ‘handle it,’ but rather offering<br />
support or showing up to help<br />
To discover and understand your child’s love language gives you<br />
both the gift of deepening your parent-child connection. The<br />
key is to strengthen their sense of self-worth, which is key for<br />
long lasting self-love and confidence.<br />
As you continue fulfilling your child and family’s love language<br />
needs, it is equally important to ensure your own tank is being<br />
refilled. Your mental, emotional and physical health is just as<br />
important as theirs. Asking for your own love languages to be<br />
met is equally important.<br />
As you and your family continue to grow, both as an individual<br />
and a unit, continue to observe your family’s unique and<br />
individual love languages. Although it can be hard, it will help<br />
you deepen your family’s bond based on unconditional love. GBK<br />
SARAH IRWIN is a Mom and owner of Alternative Wellness, in<br />
Kincardine. Her focus is empowering individuals and assisting children,<br />
youth and adults in regulating their Central Nervous System through a<br />
holistic approach to health. Learn more at myalternativewellness.com.<br />
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greybrucekids.com • 9
FEATURE<br />
SEEKING<br />
HELP GIRLS PURSUE SCIENCE, TECH, ENGINEERING, MATH.<br />
BY SARAH FOSTER<br />
10 GREY-BRUCE KIDS • FALL <strong>2021</strong>
Weina Chong was around 10 years old when she<br />
remembers first being exposed to what is commonly<br />
referred to as STEM — science, technology, engineering and<br />
math.<br />
It wasn’t from a book — it was from a toy.<br />
“My parents got me a construction and assembly-type toy that<br />
allowed you to build your own motorized vehicle,” Chong<br />
explained, nearly 25 years after first laying hands on the toy. “My<br />
dad and I would spend hours building and taking apart the cars.”<br />
Chong’s interest in STEM stayed with her as she discovered<br />
more about what it included, and she began taking courses in<br />
machine shop, drafting and computer-aided-design. Through<br />
these courses, she recognized a passion she never knew she had,<br />
which was working with her hands. She also discovered she<br />
was quite good at drawing and visualizing things. She began to<br />
research what university program would best suit her skills, and<br />
she found one in engineering.<br />
Around the same time, Sarah Patterson was also trying to<br />
discover what best suited her when it came to post-secondary<br />
studies and deciding on a career. As a kid, she loved learning<br />
everything, not just STEM-related courses. Her love of learning<br />
is something she still has today.<br />
“I used to spend time helping my dad with construction projects<br />
around the house,” Patterson said. “But I also enjoyed sports,<br />
reading, listening to music, playing video games, and hanging<br />
out with my friends. I definitely did not fit the stereotype of<br />
someone who would go into engineering or another STEM<br />
field, but I’ve found that most people don’t.”<br />
While Chong was building cars with her dad with that<br />
motorized toy, and Patterson was helping her dad with<br />
construction projects around the house, across the province<br />
a woman Chong and Patterson didn’t yet know was blazing a<br />
trail for women – not just in STEM, but in Canada’s nuclear<br />
industry. Tracy Primeau was always good at math and science,<br />
but decided she wanted to be a teacher — at least until she was<br />
attending the University of Waterloo and learned two things.<br />
The first was that she didn’t think she wanted to spend the rest<br />
of her life around high schoolers after all. The second was that<br />
she was really good at working with computers.<br />
“Remember, this was 1986, so programming was a pretty new<br />
item to major in and I was fortunate enough to get a job as a<br />
Teaching Assistant (TA) in that department,” she said.<br />
While Primeau considered her options with her major, her dad,<br />
who had worked in the nuclear industry since his daughter was<br />
three, told her about an opportunity in Operations at Ontario<br />
Hydro. Primeau’s youngest sister also followed their dad’s<br />
footsteps into the energy industry.<br />
“(She) is an electrical engineer and, like me, Indigenous,”<br />
Primeau said. “She has gone from working in the energy<br />
industry at the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO)<br />
to becoming the President and CEO of the Canadian Council<br />
of Aboriginal Business (CCAB).”<br />
While women in Operations roles in nuclear are more common<br />
today, in the late-80s there were no role models for Primeau to<br />
look up to. Going into Operations meant she would be forging<br />
her own path.<br />
“There were not a lot of women on my shift, (just) one other<br />
female operator, a control tech, and a woman in the lab,” said<br />
Primeau, who recently retired after 31 years in the industry. “No<br />
one in the control room or in leadership positions at all. The<br />
construction office we took breaks in was covered in pin-ups.”<br />
Physical strength and height were the two biggest differences<br />
often pointed out between her and her male colleagues. Instead<br />
of focusing on how she didn’t literally measure up in those areas,<br />
Primeau decided to make it an advantage. She could operate<br />
valves using her bodyweight as a lever and fit into equipment<br />
others couldn’t.<br />
“As time went on it became clear that my gender and size was a<br />
win when someone needed to go into a condenser water box or a<br />
steam drum or boiler, and I could fit in and stand up once inside.”<br />
In <strong>2021</strong>, it may surprise you to learn that the number of women<br />
in STEM-related fields remains very low, even while women make<br />
greybrucekids.com • 11
“We should be encouraging<br />
kids to find the types<br />
of work that they will<br />
find interesting and<br />
helpful for them.”<br />
up almost half of first-year students in an undergraduate STEM<br />
program. According to Statistics Canada, in 2016 just 23 per cent<br />
of science and technology workers were women, even though<br />
women in a STEM-related university program graduate before<br />
men typically do (27 per cent of women completed their degree<br />
in four years compared to 16 per cent of men).<br />
That disparity of women in the workforce is more than just<br />
numbers. It means women may not have role models of other<br />
women in leadership positions to look up to, and also means<br />
that women tend to face challenges in an industry where they<br />
do not see themselves represented.<br />
“It was important I be better than the guys to get the same<br />
amount of respect,” Primeau said, recalling early in her career it<br />
was OK for men to go unchallenged when they said they didn’t<br />
want a woman on their crew or working in one of their units.<br />
“I was challenged that I was taking a ‘man’s’ job and not looking<br />
after my husband,” Primeau said.<br />
Phew, you may be thinking. I’m so glad that women in STEM no<br />
longer have to deal with things like that. Sadly, you’d be wrong.<br />
Chong says people often underestimated her capabilities and<br />
dismissed her accomplishments throughout high school,<br />
university and even in the workforce. When she was interviewing<br />
for co-op positions as part of her engineering degree, she found<br />
interviewers were surprised to learn she was female.<br />
“I found myself working harder than my peers to prove my<br />
worth,” she said, adding when she entered the workforce it<br />
wasn’t just about proving herself anymore. “You’d be surprised<br />
how many times I was mistaken to be an admin or an assistant<br />
during work meetings and even walkdowns (in the field).”<br />
INTEREST IN STEM<br />
So what can parents do if their child begins showing an interest<br />
in STEM-related activities? Chong says introducing STEM toys<br />
and activities early on can be a great way to explore it in a fun<br />
way, but just as importantly, parents should introduce them to<br />
role models in STEM whether through books, websites, video,<br />
or, if possible, in person.<br />
Primeau agreed.<br />
“Start talking about it early. It’s never too young to talk to your<br />
kids about STEM careers. Introduce them to others in the field<br />
– friends and family who can talk about how much they love<br />
their jobs.”<br />
For girls or non-male identifying children, it’s important<br />
parents be supportive of their kids’ interest in STEM.<br />
“Have an unbiased and open dialogue about their interests and<br />
avoid discriminating a (career) field due to your child’s gender,”<br />
Chong said. “Parents of girls or non-male identifying children<br />
can be supportive of their children’s passion and interests.<br />
(More) often than not, their children can face many oppositions<br />
from their peers to their teachers, etc. The last place they want<br />
to be second-guessed or doubted is at home.”<br />
Looking back, Patterson recognizes today she and her brother<br />
were treated differently when it came to their STEM-related<br />
interest as kids. Growing up, both were interested in the<br />
skilled trades.<br />
“I was actively pushed away from pursuing a job in the trades<br />
— my brother wasn’t,” she said. “We’re both happy in our<br />
STEM careers, but I am sometimes jealous that he gets to wear<br />
coveralls and fix things at work every day.”<br />
12 GREY-BRUCE KIDS • FALL <strong>2021</strong>
When it comes to nurturing a child’s interest in STEM,<br />
particularly for girls, Patterson said it’s important to nurture the<br />
interest, but not to put too much pressure on it.<br />
“A lot of times when a child identifies that they’re interested<br />
in STEM, the first thought is to get them into the most<br />
prestigious academic institution – especially if they don’t fit the<br />
stereotype for what we think the STEM field is looking for,”<br />
Patterson said. “We push these kids to do the best to prove they<br />
really belong. That’s a lot of unhelpful pressure.<br />
“We should be encouraging kids to find the types of work that<br />
they will find interesting and helpful for them.”<br />
Primeau advises parents to contact groups in the industry,<br />
which will often have programs supporting diversity in STEM.<br />
Specifically, Primeau recommends Skills Ontario as a resource.<br />
As well, research STEM camps in your areas, high school clubs<br />
(like robotics) and what scholarship opportunities exist.<br />
“If you’re not getting the support you need from the guidance<br />
department in your school, look elsewhere.”<br />
Chong said parents who work in a STEM-related field have an<br />
extra responsibility for the women and non-male identifying<br />
employees who are already there.<br />
“For those parents that work in the STEM field, think about<br />
your own actions and mindset, and make sure you are not<br />
unintentionally creating a sexist culture at your own workplace.”<br />
Patterson has advice for kids, too.<br />
“Don’t choose a career or direct your life into something that<br />
you think will be needed just because people tell you to,”<br />
Patterson said. “Choose something that you’re interested in, and<br />
if you don’t know what that is, that’s totally OK.<br />
“There will probably be a lot of opportunities out there that<br />
you haven’t even considered,” she added. “To take advantage<br />
of them you’ll need to make sure you spend your time on<br />
something that you don’t hate, and be flexible… The world is<br />
full of great opportunities – STEM-related and otherwise!”<br />
Primeau can attest to that.<br />
“I am a Bachelor of Arts university graduate who started in the<br />
field operating valves and checking gauges, and ended up leading<br />
an entire crew of operators running four reactors and producing<br />
thousands of megawatts all because I got into STEM.” GBK<br />
SARAH FOSTER has been telling stories throughout her 20-year career,<br />
beginning in 1999 as a journalist at The Hamilton Spectator. Since then,<br />
she has written for numerous publications including the National Post,<br />
The Toronto Star, The Kincardine News, and CBC Parents. While not<br />
in a STEM-related field, she works in the nuclear industry, where she<br />
participates in Women in Nuclear to advocate for diversity and equity.<br />
She lives in Huron-Kinloss with her husband, five-year-old son and their<br />
cat. You can find her out in the community on a run, enjoying a beer on<br />
the patio at <strong>Grey</strong> Matter or volunteering with the Kincardine Theatre<br />
Guild. She can be reached by email at sarmillar@gmail.com.<br />
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greybrucekids.com • 13
HEALTH<br />
FAMILY NUTRITION<br />
GETTING BACK ON TRACK AFTER A SUMMER OF FUN<br />
BY JENNIFER MACTAVISH<br />
GBK<br />
14 GREY-BRUCE KIDS • FALL <strong>2021</strong>
As fall approaches, and with it the hope of life returning<br />
to some sort of pre-pandemic normalcy, many people are<br />
wondering how to get their families back on track with their<br />
eating habits.<br />
Since March 2020 many people have been working or schooling<br />
from home, with constant access to the kitchen. While some<br />
people took the opportunity to learn a new skill (sourdough<br />
bread anyone?), others found themselves or their families<br />
constantly snacking to help pass the time or for comfort during<br />
the dark days of various lockdowns. For some families, the<br />
pandemic provided an opportunity to slow things down and<br />
reconnect over family meals more often. For others, a tighter<br />
food budget may have left them more stressed, trying to stretch<br />
every dollar to fill the stomachs of their growing children.<br />
Whatever your experience has been over the past year-anda-half,<br />
the fall marks a great opportunity to get re-organized<br />
in the kitchen and to take some time to reflect on what has<br />
changed in your family that you’d like to keep and what habits<br />
have crept in that you’d like to move away from.<br />
While many folks were working on their dining room tables<br />
or in very close proximity to the kitchen anyway, we’ve gotten<br />
used to the idea of food constantly being at our sides. Now<br />
might be a good time to work your way back to a more regular<br />
eating pattern that allows time in between regular meals and<br />
snacks to take a break from eating, let digestion happen, and<br />
permit appetites to build. Grazing patterns, or even filling up<br />
on liquids like milk and juice between meals, leave children<br />
without much of an appetite. This means there is very low<br />
desire or motivation to try new foods or even eat at all during<br />
meals. It is one of the most common concerns parents have<br />
about their children’s eating.<br />
Hunger really is the secret ingredient to building a child’s dietary<br />
variety. Every family will find their own rhythm with this, and<br />
often the pattern that works the best for children (and adults<br />
alike) is one that includes three meals, with one-to-three small,<br />
balanced snacks built in between. Allowing for two to three hours<br />
between meals and snacks, in which only water is offered, lets<br />
children’s tummies digest the food they’ve consumed, and come<br />
to the table hungry for their next meal or snack.<br />
Similarly, skipping meals, or going for prolonged periods<br />
without eating during the day, leaves people cranky, lacking the<br />
fuel supply required for their brains to think and concentrate<br />
at school and work, and causes people to become over-hungry,<br />
which can lead to more snacking or over-eating later in the day.<br />
Family routines, including regular meal times, help maintain a<br />
sense of normalcy even in difficult times. If you are wondering<br />
where to get started with your family’s nutrition, getting back to<br />
a routine with your meals and snacks is a great first step.<br />
COOK TOGETHER<br />
Perhaps your family picked up some traditions during the<br />
pandemic that are worth keeping, such as cooking together or<br />
experimenting with new recipes.<br />
Cooking together is a great way to reconnect with your family,<br />
to expose kids to new foods, and, of course, teach an important<br />
life skill. Getting kids involved in planning meals, shopping,<br />
gardening, and helping in the kitchen is a wonderful way to<br />
increase their exposure to food. <strong>Kids</strong> often need repeated but<br />
neutral (no pressure) exposure to new foods before they will<br />
School lunch ideas<br />
Muffin tin frittatas. Add a salad and finish with a<br />
yogurt and chopped-up fruit.<br />
California quinoa salad. make a big batch to serve<br />
up for lunches. Try this recipe at yumyummer.com/<br />
california-quinoa-salad.<br />
Taco salad. Use leftover ground beef from tacos to<br />
serve on top of mixed greens or romaine lettuce,<br />
topped with their favourite additions like red peppers,<br />
black beans, green onions, grated cheese, and tortilla<br />
strip salad toppers.<br />
Chicken wraps. Grill extra chicken breasts for<br />
supper to use in wraps for lunches. Use whole-grain<br />
wraps, add their favourite dressing (try mayonnaise,<br />
southwest chipotle dressing or ranch), and their<br />
favourite veggies (chopped peppers, cucumbers,<br />
grated carrots or shredded cabbage).<br />
greybrucekids.com • 15
come to enjoy them as part of their normal dietary variety, so<br />
avoid the dreaded “just try a bite.”<br />
These experiences allow children to see, touch, and smell foods<br />
they might not yet be ready to put in their mouths. Simple acts<br />
like having your kids help you unload the groceries, wash the<br />
lettuce, cut the peppers, assemble a salad, or grate carrots for<br />
muffins helps your child learn important information about<br />
foods – how they look, feel and smell. This helps to build their<br />
comfort (and curiosity) for tasting, and eventually eating those<br />
foods. They’re also more likely to try new foods if they have a<br />
hand in preparing them.<br />
Many parents worry about their children’s limited dietary<br />
variety, and start to get sneaky, hiding foods in other foods<br />
(pureeing vegetables to add to muffins or sauces, adding feared<br />
foods into smoothies, etc.). While the intention may be good,<br />
the consequences can be quite negative. Hiding or sneaking<br />
foods into other parts of children’s meals leaves them with<br />
feelings of mistrust. Allowing children to come to new or feared<br />
foods themselves, through repeated neutral exposures, puts your<br />
child in the driver’s seat of becoming an adventurous eater and<br />
helps you avoid food battles at the table.<br />
For more ideas on how to involve your children in the kitchen<br />
at different ages, check out the resources section at the bottom<br />
of this article.<br />
EAT TOGETHER<br />
In addition to cooking together, the benefits of eating together<br />
are well known, and go beyond nutrition. Children feel a<br />
stronger sense of connection with their families when they take<br />
time to eat together. When extracurricular activities start to<br />
increase, it can be tricky to protect that time, yet we can find<br />
creative ways to keep this tradition going. Any meal or snack<br />
can be an opportunity to eat together. Taking a little more time<br />
in the morning to eat breakfast before hustling everyone off<br />
to work and school, having a picnic lunch on a weekend, or<br />
planning a family dinner the few nights a week when everyone<br />
will be home is worth the effort.<br />
Having screens or other distractions on during mealtimes can<br />
take away from that feeling of connectedness. With so much<br />
time at home, it’s been easy to eat meals with the TV on or with<br />
people on their devices at the table. Eating with distractions<br />
takes away from our ability to listen to our internal hunger<br />
and satiety cues. Sometimes parents feel that their children will<br />
eat better or eat more if they have a device in front of them,<br />
however, distractions at the table may actually take away from<br />
children’s ability to become competent eaters because they’re<br />
disengaged from the process of learning to eat and the benefits<br />
of using all of their senses to explore and enjoy foods.<br />
Consider implementing a “no screens at the table” plan, and<br />
be sure to be a good role model yourself by putting your own<br />
phone away during family meals.<br />
BUILD YOUR FOOD RELATIONSHIP<br />
When working on family eating habits, consider Ellyn<br />
Satter’s ‘Division of Responsibility in Feeding’ (www.<br />
ellynsatterinstitute.org), which provides a framework for<br />
fostering a healthy feeding relationship. When it comes to<br />
feeding your family, it is important to stick to your job, and<br />
allow children to do their part in eating.<br />
16 GREY-BRUCE KIDS • FALL <strong>2021</strong>
As parents, we can choose what, when and<br />
where we are offering food. By establishing<br />
a reliable meal and snack structure, offering<br />
a variety of foods in a balanced way, and<br />
determining where our family will eat, we<br />
can set the stage for our children to then do<br />
their part in eating.<br />
Children get to decide how much they will<br />
eat (if any) of what we have offered. When<br />
parents pressure their children to “eat one<br />
more bite” or “just try a bite,” children will<br />
often resist. Food battles generally don’t end<br />
well, and take away from children’s natural<br />
curiosity and desire to try new food.<br />
As you start to steer your family’s eating<br />
habits back to normal, remember to go<br />
slow and be patient with yourself and your<br />
family. With time and consistency, we can<br />
get our whole family back on track. Being<br />
organized in the kitchen can help things to<br />
go smoothly and save money. Try stocking<br />
your kitchen with healthy foods that are<br />
visible and easy to grab, keep fresh fruit<br />
in a bowl on the counter, and cut up fruit<br />
or vegetables in a clear container that is<br />
noticeable when you open the fridge door.<br />
Making a flexible meal plan that is<br />
based on your family’s upcoming weekly<br />
schedule, and purchasing groceries<br />
according to the plan can go a long way in<br />
creating a healthy eating pattern. Involving<br />
the whole family in meal planning,<br />
preparing food, and packing lunches and<br />
snacks helps reduce the workload on any<br />
one person, and provides the support kids<br />
need to do well with their eating.<br />
Finally, keeping a non-dieting approach in<br />
your house is critical to helping children<br />
develop a positive relationship with food<br />
and their bodies. Avoid diet, calorie, and<br />
weight talk, and the negative messaging that<br />
comes with it. Even very small children pick<br />
up on adult’s comments about their bodies.<br />
Remember that just like the fruits and<br />
vegetables created by nature, we too come<br />
in all shapes and sizes. Recognize that all<br />
foods fit, and that children and adults alike<br />
flourish when they enjoy a variety of foods<br />
together. GBK<br />
JENNIFER MacTAVISH is a Registered Dietician<br />
with the Brockton & Area Family Health Team.<br />
Learn more about the Family Health Team<br />
at www.bafht.com or call to speak to one of the<br />
dietitians today.<br />
Resources<br />
For more ideas on<br />
helping your children<br />
become adventurous<br />
eaters, and developing a<br />
positive relationship with<br />
food, visit:<br />
kidseatincolor.com<br />
kidfoodexplorers.com<br />
mymunchbug.com<br />
www.ellynsatterinstitute.org<br />
www.pbs.org/parents/<br />
thrive/three-steps-toparenting-in-the-kitchen<br />
Please keep pets on a leash, on the<br />
trail, and under control at all times.<br />
Always clean up after yourselves.<br />
Pack out what you bring in, including<br />
pet waste.<br />
Keep dogs on leash.<br />
Rediscover Responsibly<br />
Visit<strong>Grey</strong>.ca | @visitgrey<br />
greybrucekids.com • 17
FINANCE<br />
Plan your savings<br />
MILLENNIALS FACE A HARDER ROAD TO<br />
FINANCIAL SECURITY THAN PREVIOUS GENERATIONS<br />
BY MICHELE MANNEROW<br />
18 GREY-BRUCE KIDS • FALL <strong>2021</strong>
Happy 40th! Where<br />
did the time go?<br />
You grew up so fast!<br />
The first Millennials (born 1981-96) are turning 40 this year. They represent 27 per cent of the<br />
Canadian population.<br />
They have been shaped by the Great Recession (2008-09), as they began to graduate and look<br />
for employment in a very tough economy. Home ownership rates for Millennials aged 30-34<br />
are 51 per cent, similar to Gen-X and Boomers. The Millennials have, however, taken on more<br />
mortgage debt relative to their income. Millennials are also the most educated generation with<br />
70 per cent holding a post-secondary certificate, diploma or degree. With this higher education<br />
comes higher student debt as well.<br />
Is it any wonder that Millennials may be feeling a bit squeezed? What I can say from personal,<br />
as well as 30 years of client experience, is that the years when you are just starting to work,<br />
buying a house, and starting a family are stressful! There are so many things to do, yet never<br />
enough money or time to do them all.<br />
What if I told you that if you concentrate on only three things, you will feel a whole lot less<br />
stress in your life? Would it be worth a couple of hours a month? Either on your own or with<br />
an advisor, if you are able to identify your short- and long-term goals, build your balance sheet,<br />
and set up your income/expenses to almost run themselves, you will have more time and have a<br />
better idea of the progress you are making.<br />
I often find that Millennial clients are running so quickly that they really have no idea where<br />
they’re going! A little bit of upfront work and time, followed by a once- or twice-a-year update,<br />
will save you hours of frustration and stress down the road.<br />
greybrucekids.com • 19
THE PLAN<br />
Goal setting. Have an honest conversation with yourself and<br />
your partner about short-term (one to five years) and long-term<br />
goals (5+), and always write them down.<br />
Build a balance sheet. Create a spreadsheet to outline<br />
everything you own and everything you owe.<br />
Organize. Automating your income and expenses will save you<br />
hours down the road.<br />
Sound terrifying? It doesn’t have to be. Let’s take a closer look<br />
and see if we can slay that finance monster.<br />
Goal setting: Studies have shown that what gets written down,<br />
gets done. Grab a glass of wine and do some blue-sky thinking<br />
about the future. Start a binder (or electronic folder, but I think<br />
paper is better) listing your short- and long-term goals.<br />
For example:<br />
• Pay off and cancel credit cards within the next three years.<br />
• Start regular, monthly retirement savings of $500 per<br />
month on Sept. 1.<br />
• By the end of next week, call to make an appointment<br />
with your lawyer to start drafting the will and powers of<br />
attorney you have been avoiding.<br />
• Open a separate account to save for vacations once every<br />
two years.<br />
• Have $50,000 in savings for each of the kids by the time<br />
they are 18.<br />
Goals need to be clear and concise, with defined timelines<br />
attached. You will likely also have to prioritize these goals. Is a<br />
vacation every two years possible while building your retirement<br />
nest egg? What are you willing to give up for that vacation? It<br />
can be tough to commit to long-term goals like retirement at<br />
the expense of short-term goals like a holiday. It is important to<br />
find a balance so you can enjoy life now, but also enjoy life later!<br />
Balance sheet. Also known as a net-worth statement, the<br />
balance sheet helps to clarify where you are in your financial<br />
life right now. Some items will be ballpark figures (the value<br />
of your house). Others, like your bank balance, mortgage, and<br />
credit card debt, can be more precise. If you are in a private<br />
pension plan through work, determine your total deposits plus<br />
interest online or on your most recent statement and add it to<br />
the balance sheet. Once every year or so, this can be updated to<br />
see actual progress in your finances! Sometimes it is tough to see<br />
the forest for the trees, but if the bottom line is increasing from<br />
year to year, then you are going in the right direction. If not,<br />
speak to a professional to see where you are going wrong and<br />
what your options are to fix it.<br />
Income and expenses. The good news is there’s an app for that!<br />
Taking a monthly or annual look at your income and expenses<br />
is critical to controlling your finances. Better the devil you<br />
know than the devil you don’t. There are budgeting apps such<br />
as ‘Mint’ or ‘You Need a Budget’ that allow you to link to your<br />
bank accounts, credit cards, etc., and help to categorize and<br />
notify you if you are going off the rails. If you don’t want to be<br />
that committed, almost all online banking systems allow you to<br />
download your bank account and credit card transactions into a<br />
workable format. Once your information is there, you can sort<br />
20 GREY-BRUCE KIDS • FALL <strong>2021</strong>
through and see where your money is being saved or spent.<br />
Remember your goals from above? Why do we always leave<br />
them to the bottom of our expense lists? Should we pay<br />
everything and then maybe save something if we’re lucky? I<br />
recommend Millennials consider first the money that hits their<br />
bank account (after taxes), then set aside the savings that are<br />
required to meet the goals as listed. Only then can you see<br />
how much money is left to pay the fixed (needs) and variable/<br />
discretionary (wants) expenses. If you have too much money<br />
left at the end of the month, start from the top and re-crunch<br />
the figures until they work.<br />
Putting this all on paper or into an app is fine, but how can you<br />
really bring this income/expense structure to life? I find that<br />
creating one bank account for fixed savings and expenses, and a<br />
second bank account for discretionary spending, can really help.<br />
First, have all of your income deposited into one bank account<br />
(let’s call it the saving/fixed payment account), then deduct your<br />
savings, mortgage, car payments, utilities, phone, child care,<br />
insurance, and all other fixed expenses. You will be left with<br />
how much you actually have to spend on variable/discretionary<br />
expenses like groceries, gas for the car, dining out, clothes, etc.<br />
I think this is where people get into trouble. With so many easy<br />
ways to spend our money (debit, credit, line of credit, don’t<br />
pay for 18 months, etc.) it feels like we have more discretionary<br />
income than we really do. We then end up robbing Peter to<br />
pay Paul to make sure there is money in the account to make<br />
the car payment. That’s where the stress comes in, resulting in<br />
creative household accounting. What if you took your “leftover”<br />
or discretionary spending money figure and divvied it up into<br />
an automatic weekly transfer to your “discretionary” spending<br />
account? Sort of like paying yourself a weekly allowance. Back<br />
in the bad old days, people used to set up different envelopes for<br />
different expenses. With so little cash in use these days, separate<br />
bank accounts is the best strategy.<br />
If you can do this, you should always have enough money left in<br />
your fixed savings and expense account to pay the bills that never<br />
change. So much less stress! Only using the second discretionary<br />
spending account for the variable expenses puts a limit on your<br />
spending and allows you to meet your savings goals.<br />
It will take some time and commitment, but know that it<br />
will be worth it when you start to achieve your goals, not to<br />
mention being able to sleep at night. GBK<br />
MICHELE MANNEROW, CFP, RFP, CIM, FCSI, FMA, is a financial advisor,<br />
Manulife Securities Incorporated and Life Insurance Advisor, Manulife<br />
Securities Insurance Inc., based in Owen Sound. Visit her online at<br />
mannerow.ca Stocks, bonds, and mutual funds are offered through<br />
Manulife Securities Incorporated. Insurance products and services are<br />
sold through Manulife Securities Insurance Inc. Please confirm with your<br />
Advisor which company you are dealing with for each of your products<br />
and services. The opinions expressed are those of the author and may<br />
not necessarily reflect those of Manulife Securities Incorporated or<br />
Manulife Securities Insurance Inc.<br />
We’re scientists,<br />
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PROUD CANADIANS.<br />
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Dig deeper, learn more<br />
by visiting nwmo.ca<br />
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greybrucekids.com • 21
HEALTH<br />
DEALING WITH<br />
TRAUMA<br />
HELPING KIDS PROCESS HARDSHIP CAUSED BY COVID-19<br />
BY REBEKKAH WILLIAMS<br />
22 GREY-BRUCE KIDS • FALL <strong>2021</strong>
Over this past year-and-a-half, our world has faced<br />
unprecedented hardship. COVID-19 changed everything;<br />
the very nature of how we behave as social creatures has been<br />
indelibly affected. The pandemic continues to cause additional<br />
stressors, and it is imperative that we adapt to this new reality<br />
with flexible thinking patterns. It is an evolving global world.<br />
The pandemic has caused a crisis of physical, public and mental<br />
health, including rising addiction and personal hardships of<br />
many types. There has been unprecedented stress put upon our<br />
children, from shifting formats of learning, to unprecedented<br />
amounts of screen time, and the removal of friends, school and<br />
social supports.<br />
Anxiety in families and individuals is at an all-time crisis point.<br />
For some kids school, socialization and extra-curriculars are a<br />
relief from the stressors at home. Some kids have had to deal<br />
with chronic adult issues and domestic crisis, while others have<br />
had to navigate increased substance use at home and intensified<br />
abuses.<br />
COVID-19 forced us to make sudden and dramatic changes to<br />
our lives, which has seen us pivot quickly, with no certainty for<br />
how long or to what end. So now what? How do we ‘get back<br />
to normal’ when no one knows what that will look like? When<br />
transitioning back to ‘normal’ life after such a traumatic event<br />
we need to redefine what ‘normal’ even is. And what can we do<br />
to help support our children?<br />
Trauma is a fact of life. However, so is resilience.<br />
RESILIENCE<br />
Resilience is the capacity that we all possess to rebound from<br />
stress, feelings of fear, helplessness and being overwhelmed.<br />
We actually build the capacity and increase our resilience as we<br />
encounter the stressors and traumas of life.<br />
Trauma can result from many extraordinary events such as<br />
violence or child abuse, and also from everyday events like<br />
medical procedures and accidents. Changes in family structure<br />
can cause children to develop negative feelings, withdraw, and<br />
develop anxiety or behavioural problems such as aggression.<br />
The way trauma is responded to is either by building increased<br />
capacity and resilience or being traumatized and displaying<br />
negative psychological, emotional and physical behaviours. By<br />
the nature of trauma, it tends to be an intense experience which<br />
overwhelms the child, often coming out of nowhere, leaving<br />
them altered and disconnected, perhaps from their body, mind<br />
and spirit. Trauma can also be the result of ongoing fear, tension,<br />
and anxiety.<br />
It is the opposite of empowerment. Vulnerability to trauma<br />
differs from child to child depending on a variety of factors,<br />
including age, quality of early bonding and attachment, trauma<br />
history, and genetic pre-disposition. Often, the younger the<br />
child, the more likely they will be overwhelmed by an experience<br />
that might not overwhelm an older child.<br />
The child’s capacity for resilience is a paramount factor in<br />
determining severity symptoms.<br />
TRAUMA AND THE BODY<br />
The physiological connection to trauma – rather than<br />
psychological – is grounded in the fact that, at the base of our<br />
brains, the limbic system is hard-wired for survival. The limbic<br />
system controls our basic survival instincts, which means our<br />
primary responses are instinctual.<br />
When faced with something fearful, there is redirection of blood<br />
flow away from the digestive and skin organs and into the large<br />
motor muscles for flight. There is fast and shallow respiration<br />
and a decrease in the normal output of saliva. Pupils dilate to<br />
increase the ability of the eyes to take in more information.<br />
Blood clotting increases, while verbal ability decreases. Muscles<br />
often become excited, causing the child trouble.<br />
Alternatively, when faced with mortal threat or prolonged stress,<br />
certain muscles may collapse in fear as the body shuts down<br />
in an overwhelmed state. In fact, as trauma also diverts muscle<br />
responsiveness away from certain areas (such as the bladder) to<br />
more necessary areas (legs), this is the reason we pee our pants if<br />
faced with sudden fear.<br />
It’s important to remember we’re all animals. Pay attention to<br />
self-care. Respond to your body through trauma first aid – pay<br />
attention to eating high-quality whole foods and drinking lots of<br />
water. Rest. Sleep. Go outside and breathe in the air. Lie on your<br />
back and look at the stars. Walk. Run. Scream. Connect with<br />
nature and animals.<br />
TRAUMA AND REGRESSION<br />
When traumatized, children are in a state of alarm, or – and<br />
this important to remember – even if they are reminded of the<br />
trauma, they will be less capable of concentrating, will be more<br />
anxious, and will pay more attention to non-verbal cues such as<br />
tone of voice, body posture and facial expressions.<br />
Trauma can cause regression and a loss of learned skills and<br />
information. During COVID-19, children have not had access<br />
to learning on an even scale. The fluctuation between online and<br />
in-person learning, as well as differing levels of parental oversight<br />
for home-schooling, has created an uneven landscape of learning<br />
and social skills.<br />
Teachers and schools need to be mindful of the fact that<br />
the content is of far less importance than the return to a<br />
safe, socialized environment. Children are experiencing<br />
unprecedented amounts of anxiety, and the school environment<br />
needs to help children acclimate by establishing safety and<br />
positive non-anxiety provoking environments and routines.<br />
Children will need more coaching on how to resolve<br />
interpersonal issues and cope with separation anxiety.<br />
Children at school would benefit from increased physical<br />
education, yoga, and exercises involving self-awareness,<br />
emotional intelligence and healthy social relationship activities,<br />
including role-playing.<br />
TRAUMA AND KIDS’ BRAINS<br />
It is crucial to understand that a child’s brain is different from<br />
that of an adult because it is still developing. Children gradually<br />
greybrucekids.com • 23
develop a sense of time. When discussing time they usually link it<br />
to an event. Children also do not understand language as well as<br />
adults, so they don’t process information in the same manner as<br />
adults as their brains are still growing. They need more time and<br />
space. They also have shorter attention spans and more concrete<br />
thinking caused by not being able to think abstractly until about<br />
age 12.<br />
Research has shown that toxic stress and trauma can alter a<br />
child’s brain chemistry. Chronic stress and trauma may shrink<br />
the hippocampus, and actually kill neurons, as well as drastically<br />
slow down the growth of new neurons. In addition to this, the<br />
wiring of the brains neurochemical systems becomes oversensitized,<br />
and this results in the symptoms commonly seen as<br />
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The complex chemical<br />
neurological reactivity affects parts of the brain that are all<br />
about learning, memory, and fear conditioning. This is why<br />
traumatized children may have difficulty with learning.<br />
On a positive note, a child’s brain is far more elastic than<br />
an adult, which has positive implications for both trauma<br />
resolution and resiliency.<br />
If the essence of trauma is the loss of the self then this is the<br />
time to begin self-esteem and self-awareness activities, including<br />
beginning a new hobby.<br />
Parents should also avoid declaring things as ‘over.’ This leaves<br />
nowhere for residual feelings to live or be expressed. We are<br />
creating flexible thinking about this ever evolving new global<br />
world.<br />
GROUNDING EXERCISES<br />
Children will benefit from getting offline and slowing their<br />
world down by completing grounding exercises on a regular<br />
basis. Some ideas include:<br />
• Tense and release. Focus on a certain part of the body, such<br />
as the fists, and clench them as hard as you can. Count to<br />
10 and release.<br />
• Socks and shoes off, and place your bare feet on the<br />
ground. Feel the connection to the physical earth.<br />
• Mountain, tree and child’s poses in yoga.<br />
Anti-anxiety techniques such as blowing bubbles with a wand,<br />
which helps to replicate that beautiful deep inwards breath and<br />
concentrated outwards breath from the diaphragm and out<br />
through the mouth. This is an anti-anxiety breathing technique.<br />
Plus, it’s fun to have bubbles blowing around you. Keep one in<br />
your glovebox for driving stress.<br />
Breathe deeply and slowly from the diaphragm. Sit in a chair<br />
with one hand on your chest and one hand on your stomach<br />
and listen to your breathing. Slowly breathing in and out your<br />
nose 10 times creates calm.<br />
MINDFULNESS EXERCISES<br />
Participate in ceremony and personal cultural events and<br />
activities. Mindful, earth-focused activities such as collecting<br />
stones, including a cool activity such as leaving the stone behind<br />
that represents a certain pain or suffering. Build a bonfire.<br />
Primal basic earth response to fire is deeply grounding.<br />
Run warm water across your hands. Swim. Go in the bush.<br />
Express gratitude. There are many online resources for daily<br />
affirmations, and apps for meditation, yoga and mindfulness.<br />
Collage to help articulate feelings or images. Draw in the sand.<br />
Smell pleasant things that have pleasant associations. Make<br />
sure there are several wonderful smelling things in your child’s<br />
backpack when they return to school, including the T-shirt of a<br />
parent, or a marker that smells like tangerine or sage.<br />
Keep a dream journal. Anxious thinkers should keep paper and<br />
a pen beside the bed to make a list of anxious feelings so they<br />
can catalogue their thoughts for the next day.<br />
Garden. Get your hands dirty and grow something in a pot.<br />
Communicate with family and community elders. Meditate.<br />
Seek activities in which the child can use his voice. Singing and<br />
screaming are both affective at dispensing both positive and<br />
negative feelings and encourage the child to vocalize.<br />
TURN OFF THE NOISE<br />
Look at the influence of media and turn off the news.<br />
<strong>Kids</strong> have had unprecedented amounts of online time and<br />
have likely experienced some frightening messages on social<br />
media platforms. Parents must be informed about the media<br />
availability to your child and ‘leaked’ to your child via other<br />
children during online platforms.<br />
Remember what was good from the early days of the pandemic<br />
and foster creativity. Puzzle, play board and card games, and get<br />
out the paint and the paper maché, blank paper and pencils,<br />
metal and wood and remind them of the no-limitations, handson,<br />
messy creativity of the pandemic’s early days when families<br />
were forced to reconnect when on lockdown.<br />
Go outside! <strong>Kids</strong> have been sitting sedentary for abnormal<br />
amounts. Get out and run, or jump rope, or walk in the bush.<br />
Seek fun ways to reconnect in a non-structured way. Free<br />
your brain of schedules if you can, even for small amounts of<br />
unplanned time.<br />
Above all talk and communicate. Listen to what they’re<br />
saying. Children are more informed than ever and often have<br />
information they do not understand. Their fears mirror the<br />
climate in which our media reflects negativity.<br />
Your kids might have very strong opinions and these need<br />
to be respected. Do not dismiss their fears even if they seem<br />
unrealistic to you. Find out where these fears have originated<br />
and help them develop plans to ensure their safety and wellbeing.<br />
Give them facts. Use simple and clear language to explain<br />
things like vaccination and herd immunity. Use language that<br />
speaks about the trauma. Create a clear system that works for<br />
24 GREY-BRUCE KIDS • FALL <strong>2021</strong>
your family, and explain why this might not be the same for all<br />
families.<br />
Model your behaviour. Watch your own fear-based behaviours<br />
and intolerances. Respect others even in today’s climate of<br />
negativity. Model the routines and procedures that you want<br />
your child to adopt. All kids learn by copying.<br />
START SMILING<br />
Practice socialization. The lockdown caused a stunting of our<br />
basic human social skills. We haven’t seen people’s mouths<br />
in public in a very long time. Practice smiling and be aware<br />
of how we can use body language and eye contact to help<br />
communicate positivity and to express ourselves. In fact there<br />
is an Instagram page dedicated to posting photos of smiles (@<br />
smileyouhappy)!<br />
Try role-playing to address social fears. Say hello to random<br />
people on purpose. Reconnect with family and elders. We all<br />
may have degrees of separation anxiety after lockdown.<br />
Expect a fear of germs and of getting sick. These anxious and<br />
catastrophic thinking patterns could be socially restricting,<br />
so face them head on! Focus on hope, looking forward and<br />
filling your environment with positivity. Establish new<br />
routines that deliberately seek joy. Ensure humour is part of<br />
your day-to-day life.<br />
We can create resiliency by practicing many fun and useful<br />
skills that simply keep us well as people and give us strength to<br />
face any traumatic event. Most importantly, be aware of feelings<br />
of negativity that don’t lift or change, and seek help if required.<br />
The importance of good mental health is and there is no longer<br />
a place for shame or silence. Ask for help and never stop asking<br />
until you get the help and support you need.<br />
SAFETY FOR TRAUMATIZED KIDS<br />
Do not be afraid to talk about the traumatic event. Provide<br />
a consistent, predictable pattern for the day. Be nurturing,<br />
comforting and affectionate, but be sure this is in an<br />
appropriate context. Discuss your expectations for behaviour.<br />
Talk with the child. Watch closely for signs of reenactment,<br />
and protect the child. Give them tools to talk and express<br />
themselves. And don’t be afraid to ask others for help. GBK<br />
REBEKKAH WILLIAMS, RP, Ex.A.T, TIR, is a Registered Psychotherapist<br />
and Expressive Arts Therapist specializing in the treatment of trauma<br />
for over thirty four years. Currently in private practice, she is the<br />
co-founder and Director of Nemesis Group. Rebekkah contracts with<br />
Health Canada Indigenous Services, NIHB/IDS, Indian Residential<br />
Schools Resolution HSP, MMIWG, Internet Child Exploitation and<br />
Canadian Armed Forces/Veteran’s Affairs. Rebekkah specializes in<br />
training on trauma and is registered with the College of Registered<br />
Psychotherapists of Ontario, Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy<br />
Association, and has recently trained in Trauma Informed Yoga. In<br />
addition to her psychotherapy practice, Rebekkah is the author of<br />
several fiction and non fiction books, curriculum, and numerous articles.<br />
Live the<br />
skilled life.<br />
OYAP is a School to Work program that opens the door<br />
for students to explore and work in apprenticeship<br />
occupations starting in Grade 11 or Grade 12 through the<br />
Cooperative Education program.<br />
The goals of OYAP are:<br />
• To provide students with the opportunity to<br />
start training in a skilled trade while completing<br />
the requirements for an Ontario Secondary<br />
School Diploma.<br />
• To enable students to make the school to work<br />
transition by direct entry into apprenticeship<br />
training.<br />
• To provide employers with the opportunity to<br />
train the skilled workers they require.<br />
• To provide a viable solution to address the<br />
problem of skilled tradespeople shortages in<br />
general, and specifically the lack of young people<br />
joining the trades.<br />
Contact Dave Barrett at Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program<br />
Bluewater District School Board and <strong>Bruce</strong> <strong>Grey</strong> Catholic District School Board<br />
351 1 st Avenue North Chesley, Ontario N0G 1L0<br />
519-363-2014 | 1-800-661-7509<br />
The program is funded by the Government of Ontario<br />
oyap.com<br />
greybrucekids.com • 25
RESOURCES<br />
ABUSE<br />
Assaulted Women’s Helpline<br />
Crisis line: 1-866-863-0511<br />
www.awhl.org<br />
<strong>Bruce</strong> <strong>Grey</strong> Child and Family Services<br />
(<strong>Bruce</strong> and <strong>Grey</strong> Children’s Aid Societies<br />
amalgamated April 1, 2012)<br />
1-855-322-4453<br />
Keystone Child, Youth & Family Services<br />
1-800-567-2384; 519-371-4773<br />
kcyfs@bmts.com or keystonebrucegrey.org<br />
Owen Sound<br />
Saugeen First Nation - Kabaeshiwim<br />
Respite Women’s Shelter<br />
519-797-2521<br />
cgeorge@saugeenfirstnation.ca<br />
www.saugeenfirstnation.ca<br />
Sexual Assault and Partner<br />
Abuse Care Centre<br />
<strong>Grey</strong> <strong>Bruce</strong> Health Services<br />
1-888-525-0552 or www.gbhs.on.ca<br />
Owen Sound<br />
Victim Services <strong>Bruce</strong> <strong>Grey</strong><br />
Perth<br />
Crisis: 1-866-376-9852<br />
Administration: 1-888-577-3111<br />
info@victim-services.com<br />
www.victim-services.com<br />
Victim/Witness Assistance Program<br />
Owen Sound - 1-866-259-4823<br />
Walkerton - 1-866-994-9904<br />
attorneygeneral@ontario.ca<br />
http://bit.ly/ujKyeE<br />
Women’s Centre (<strong>Grey</strong> and <strong>Bruce</strong>)<br />
Administration: 519-376-0755<br />
Crisis: 1-800-265-3722<br />
womenscentre@bmts.com<br />
www.bmts.com/~womenscentre<br />
Owen Sound<br />
Women’s House Serving <strong>Bruce</strong> and <strong>Grey</strong><br />
Sexual assault crisis: 1-866-578-5566<br />
Crisis line: 1-800-265-3026<br />
Administration: (519) 396-9814<br />
crisis@whsbg.on.ca<br />
www.whsbg.on.ca<br />
Kincardine<br />
BREASTFEEDING<br />
Brockton and Area Family Health Team<br />
1-866-507-<strong>2021</strong> or 519-881-1920<br />
RN/certified Lactation Consultant available<br />
www.bafht.com<br />
Walkerton<br />
<strong>Grey</strong> <strong>Bruce</strong> Health Unit<br />
1-800-263-3456<br />
publichealth@publichealthgreybruce.on.ca<br />
www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca<br />
Owen Sound<br />
Hanover Family Health Team<br />
RN/Certified Lactation Consultant<br />
519-506-4348<br />
www.hanoverfht.ca<br />
La Leche League Canada<br />
Owen Sound; 519-376-5916; www.lllc.ca<br />
Moms Walkerton<br />
New Mom support<br />
320 Durham St.., Walkerton; 519-379-6769<br />
Support groups<br />
Southampton, Port Elgin, Paisley, and Tara -<br />
519-797-2010<br />
Kincardine, Ripley, Tiverton, and Lucknow -<br />
519-368-4847<br />
South-<strong>Bruce</strong> Breastfeeding Buddies -<br />
519-881-1920<br />
Wiarton and <strong>Bruce</strong> Peninsula - 519-534-0912<br />
Markdale - 519-369-3381<br />
Owen Sound - 519-372-1330<br />
The Mama Nurse<br />
www.themamanurse.com<br />
CHILDBIRTH<br />
Glamma Doula<br />
Christine Piotrowski, Postpartum Doula<br />
www.glammadoula.com; 519-477-9985<br />
Hanover and District Hospital Obstetrics/<br />
Family Centred Care Birthing Centre<br />
519-364-2340<br />
admin@hanoverhospital.on.ca<br />
www.hanoverhospital.on.ca<br />
Midwives <strong>Grey</strong> <strong>Bruce</strong><br />
519-371-2886<br />
www.midwivesgreybruce.com<br />
Owen Sound<br />
Owen Sound Hospital Labour and Delivery<br />
519-376-2121<br />
www.gbhs.on.ca/owensound.php<br />
Walkerton Hospital Family Birthing Centre<br />
519-881-1220<br />
www.sbghc.on.ca<br />
CHILD CARE<br />
Acorn Montessori<br />
705-606-1642<br />
Thornbury<br />
Amabel-Sauble Child Care Centre<br />
519-422-3611<br />
Sauble Beach<br />
Beaver Valley Outreach<br />
519-599-2577<br />
Bobi’s Playschool<br />
519-538-5483<br />
Meaford<br />
Brockton Child Care Centre<br />
sbross@brockton.ca<br />
Brooke Montessori Toddler Program<br />
519-376-3447<br />
Owen Sound<br />
<strong>Bruce</strong> County Childcare Services<br />
519-881-0431 or www.brucecounty.on.ca<br />
Walkerton<br />
<strong>Bruce</strong> Peninsula Family Centre<br />
519-793-4100<br />
Lion’s Head<br />
Chesley Nursery School<br />
519-363-9544<br />
Durham Nursery School<br />
519-369-6973<br />
<strong>Grey</strong> County Childcare Services<br />
519-376-7324<br />
www.greycounty.ca/childcare<br />
Hanover Montessori Children's House<br />
1-800-906-7036 or 519-364-6455<br />
Happy Hearts Day Care Centre<br />
519-376-1284<br />
Owen Sound<br />
Inglenook Creche Day Care<br />
519-371-9471; Owen Sound<br />
<strong>Kids</strong> & Us Community Childcare<br />
and Family Education Centres<br />
Ayton - 519-665-2022<br />
Dundalk - 519-923-2182<br />
Durham - 519-369-9911<br />
Holstein - 519-334-3132<br />
Markdale - 519-986-3692<br />
Osprey - 519-922-2333<br />
Paisley - 519-353-7220<br />
www.kidsandus.ca<br />
<strong>Kids</strong> Street Nursery School - Port Elgin<br />
519-389-9050<br />
Kinhuron Integrated Day Nursery School<br />
Co-op<br />
519-396-4532<br />
Kincardine<br />
Le Jardin des decouvertes - Owen Sound<br />
519-371-4411<br />
Military Family Resource Centre - Meaford<br />
519-538-1371 x6753<br />
mfrc.meaford@sympatico.ca<br />
www.mfrcmeaford.com<br />
Meaford Co-operative Nursery School<br />
519-538-3854<br />
Nawash N'Shiime Day Care Centre<br />
519-534-3909<br />
Neyaashiinigmiing (Cape Croker)<br />
OneList – Find and apply for child care<br />
brucecountychildcare.ca<br />
greycountychildcare.ca<br />
Queen of Hearts Nursery School<br />
109 Balmy Beach Rd., Owen Sound<br />
www.queenofheartsnurseryschool.com<br />
Sandbox Daycare - Hanover<br />
519-506-7263<br />
Saugeen First Nation G’Shaw-da-Gawin<br />
Day Care Centre<br />
519-797-2419<br />
gshawdagawin@bmts.com<br />
www.saugeenfirstnation.ca<br />
Tobermory Primary Place<br />
519-596-2606<br />
Unity House - Owen Sound<br />
519-371-8686<br />
Viola Jean’s Garden Daycare - Owen Sound<br />
519-416-5633 or 519-371-2362<br />
26 GREY-BRUCE KIDS • FALL <strong>2021</strong>
Wiarton <strong>Kids</strong> Den Day Care/<strong>Kids</strong> Club<br />
School age Program<br />
519-534-4434<br />
Wiarton Nursery School<br />
519-534-2121<br />
Wooden Hill Child Care Centre (La Colline<br />
De Bois) at Notre Dame School<br />
519-376-6952<br />
Owen Sound<br />
YMCA Childcare<br />
Arran Tara - 519-376-0484<br />
Hanover - 519-364-4938<br />
Kincardine - 519-396-9622<br />
Owen Sound - 519-376-0484<br />
Port Elgin - 519-832-6225<br />
Ripley - 519-395-5570<br />
ymcaowensound.on.ca<br />
DIET/NUTRITION<br />
EatRight Ontario<br />
Ministry of Health Promotion and Sport<br />
1-877-510-5102; www.eatrightontario.ca<br />
Foodlink <strong>Grey</strong> <strong>Bruce</strong><br />
Find locally grown meat, fruit and produce<br />
www.foodlinkgreybruce.com<br />
Good Food Box<br />
<strong>Grey</strong> <strong>Bruce</strong> Health Unit<br />
519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456<br />
publichealth@publichealthgreybruce.on.ca<br />
<strong>Grey</strong> <strong>Bruce</strong> Health Unit<br />
1-800-263-3456<br />
publichealth@publichealthgreybruce.on.ca<br />
www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca<br />
Owen Sound<br />
Hanover Family Health Team<br />
519-506-4348; www.hanoverfht.ca<br />
Keystone Child, Youth & Family Services<br />
1-800-567-2384, 519-371-4773<br />
kcyfs@bmts.com or keystonebrucegrey.org<br />
Ontario Student Nutrition Program <strong>Grey</strong><br />
<strong>Bruce</strong><br />
www.osnp.ca<br />
EDUCATION<br />
Academy of Learning - Owen Sound<br />
1077 2nd Ave. E., Suite B (2nd floor)<br />
519-371-6188 or www.academytraining.ca<br />
Adult Learning Centres<br />
Collingwood, Port Elgin, Markdale, Owen<br />
Sound, Walkerton, Wiarton<br />
www.adultlearningcentres.com<br />
Bluewater District School Board<br />
1-800-661-7509 or www.bwdsb.on.ca<br />
<strong>Bruce</strong>-<strong>Grey</strong> Catholic District School Board<br />
519-364-5820 or www.bgcdsb.org<br />
Conseil Scolaire Catholique Providence<br />
(French Catholic School Board)<br />
1-888-768-2219; www.cscprovidence.ca<br />
Edgehill Country School, Durham<br />
www.edgehillschool.org<br />
Georgian Tutors<br />
www.georgiantutors.com<br />
EMPLOYMENT SERVICES<br />
JobsWork<br />
Aimee Kim, Job Developer, akim@clkd.ca<br />
519-396-9434 x223<br />
Leads Employment Services<br />
1051 2nd Ave. E Owen Sound<br />
1-866-955-3237<br />
www.leadsservices.com<br />
Live<strong>Grey</strong><strong>Bruce</strong><br />
www.livegreybruce.ca<br />
VPI Employment Strategies (Walkerton)<br />
519-881-4900 or 1-855-260-4900<br />
jobswalkerton@vpi-inc.com<br />
www.vpi-inc.com<br />
YMCA Employment Services<br />
1450 1st Ave. W., Suite 4A, Owen Sound<br />
519-371-9222<br />
employmentservices@ymcaowensound.on.ca<br />
FAMILY SUPPORT<br />
211 Ontario<br />
Online database of services in your area<br />
www.211ontario.ca<br />
Aspire Youth Services Inc.<br />
Ryan McLeod, CPT, RSW, MSW, CYC (BA)<br />
ryanmcleodplaytherapy@gmail.com<br />
aspireyouth.ca; 416-417-7098<br />
Big Brothers Big Sisters<br />
Owen Sound - 519-376-4449<br />
www.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/bbowensound<br />
Kincardine - 519-396-3565<br />
www.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/kincardine<br />
<strong>Bruce</strong> <strong>Grey</strong> Child and Family Services<br />
1-855-322-4453<br />
www.bgcfs.ca<br />
<strong>Bruce</strong> <strong>Grey</strong> Mentorship<br />
504 10th St., Suite 2, Hanover<br />
519-506-5065<br />
www.brucegreymentorship.ca<br />
Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation<br />
- Native Child Welfare - Cape Croker<br />
519-534-3818<br />
supervisor.ncw@gbtel.ca<br />
www.nawash.ca<br />
EarlyON Child and Family Centres<br />
Chesley, Hanover, Kincardine, Markdale,<br />
Meaford, M’Wikwedong (Owen Sound), Owen<br />
Sound (East Ridge), Port Elgin, Thornbury,<br />
Wiarton<br />
1-800-616-8116<br />
Family Support Initiative<br />
Peer support for family of those with mental<br />
health issues<br />
519-371-4802; fsi@hopegb.org<br />
mhagb.ca<br />
Grandparent Network<br />
For grandparents raising grandchildren<br />
Meets first Monday of month at 9:30 a.m.<br />
Owen Sound<br />
Call Mary Nuckowski at 519-371-2498<br />
<strong>Grey</strong> <strong>Bruce</strong> Supervised Access Program<br />
519-371-5991; pc-superacc@bmts.com<br />
www.supervisedaccess.ca<br />
Owen Sound<br />
<strong>Kids</strong> Help Phone<br />
1-800-668-6868 (24 hours)<br />
www.kidshelpphone.ca<br />
Multiples in <strong>Bruce</strong><br />
For families with or expecting multiples<br />
http://multiplesinbrucecounty.webs.com<br />
Nemesis Group Services<br />
Owen Sound; 519-372-2425<br />
www.nemesisgroupservices.com<br />
Parent Help Line<br />
1-888-603-9100<br />
Penetangore Wellness<br />
Art and family therapy<br />
www.penetangorewellness.com<br />
Salvation Army<br />
Hanover - 519-364-3450<br />
Owen Sound - 519-371-0957<br />
Port Elgin - 519-389-3942<br />
Wiarton - 519-534-0353<br />
Victim Services <strong>Bruce</strong> <strong>Grey</strong><br />
Perth<br />
Crisis: 1-866-376-9852; Admin: 1-888-577-3111<br />
info@victim-services.com;<br />
www.victim-services.com<br />
Victim/Witness Assistance Program<br />
1-866-259-4823 - Owen Sound<br />
1-866-994-9904 - Walkerton<br />
attorneygeneral@ontario.ca<br />
http://bit.ly/ujKyeE<br />
FINANCIAL SUPPORT<br />
Beaver Valley Outreach (Thornbury)<br />
519-599-2577; info@bvo.ca; www.bvo.ca<br />
<strong>Bruce</strong> Children are Special Foundation<br />
Directs donations to the children programs<br />
provided by <strong>Bruce</strong> <strong>Grey</strong> Child and Family<br />
Services (formerly Children’s Aid)<br />
1-855-322-4453 ext 4133<br />
Social Services<br />
<strong>Grey</strong> County - 1-800-265-3119<br />
www.grey.ca/health-social-services/<br />
Owen Sound<br />
<strong>Bruce</strong> County - 1-800-265-3005<br />
www.brucecounty.on.ca/ontworks.php<br />
Walkerton<br />
United Way of <strong>Bruce</strong> <strong>Grey</strong><br />
519-376-1560 or manager@unitedwaybg.com<br />
www.unitedwayofbrucegrey.com<br />
YMCA of Owen Sound and <strong>Grey</strong>/<strong>Bruce</strong><br />
519-376-0484 or ymcaowensound.on.ca<br />
FOOD BANKS/HOUSING<br />
Beaver Valley Outreach - Thornbury<br />
519-599-2577<br />
info@bvo.ca or www.bvo.ca<br />
Durham District Food Bank<br />
Monday and Friday, 9 a.m.-noon<br />
greybrucekids.com • 27
RESOURCES<br />
Flesherton and Area Food Bank<br />
Marian Doyle, 519-599-3576<br />
Kincardine Ministerial Food Bank<br />
519-396-2185 or circlek@bmts.com<br />
Lion’s Head and District Food Bank<br />
519-793-3860 or helen.rick@amtelecom.net<br />
Markdale and District Food Bank<br />
519-986-3094<br />
Meaford Food Bank<br />
519-538-4550<br />
Paisley Food Bank<br />
Immanuel Evangelical Mission Church<br />
307 Balaclava St.; 519-353-5270 (Carol)<br />
Salvation Army<br />
Hanover - 519-364-3450<br />
Owen Sound - 519-371-0957<br />
Port Elgin - 519-389-3942<br />
Tobermory Food Bank<br />
519-596-1501<br />
Walkerton and District Food Bank<br />
519-881-0168<br />
Wiarton Food Bank<br />
519-534-0353<br />
Habitat for Humanity <strong>Grey</strong> <strong>Bruce</strong><br />
1-866-771-6776 or habitatos@bmts.com<br />
www.habitatgreybruce.com<br />
Ontario Tenants Rights<br />
ontariotenants@hotmail.com<br />
www.ontariotenants.ca<br />
Safe ‘n Sound Homelessness Initiative<br />
519-470-7233; www.safensoundgreybruce.com<br />
Subsidized housing<br />
<strong>Bruce</strong> County - 1-800-265-3022<br />
www.brucecounty.on.ca/socialhousing.php<br />
<strong>Grey</strong> County - 376-5744<br />
Online: http://bit.ly/vVG1k0<br />
HEALTH CARE<br />
Auditory Health Care<br />
202 Cayley St., Walkerton<br />
519-881-4994 or info@auditoryhealthcare.com<br />
Brockton and Area Family Health Team<br />
1-866-507-<strong>2021</strong> or www.bafht.com<br />
Walkerton<br />
Canadian Mental Health Association<br />
<strong>Grey</strong>-<strong>Bruce</strong> Branch<br />
Administration - 519-371-3642<br />
Crisis: 1-877-470-5200<br />
jralph@cmhagb.org; www.cmhagb.org<br />
Collingwood General and Marine Hospital<br />
705-445-2550<br />
www.cgmh.on.ca<br />
Connect Rehabilitation, Yoga and Fitness<br />
1100 16th Ave. E., Owen Sound<br />
admin@connectrehab.com; 519-372-2121<br />
www.connectrehab.com<br />
ConnexOntario Help Lines<br />
Drug and alcohol - 1-800-565-8603<br />
Gambling - 1-888-230-3505<br />
Mental health - 1-866-531-2600<br />
www.connexontario.ca<br />
<strong>Grey</strong> <strong>Bruce</strong> Health Services (hospitals)<br />
Lion’s Head - 519-793-3424<br />
Markdale - 519-986-3040<br />
Meaford - 519-538-1311<br />
Owen Sound - 519-376-2121<br />
Southampton - 797-3230<br />
Wiarton - 534-1260<br />
www.gbhs.on.ca<br />
<strong>Grey</strong> <strong>Bruce</strong> Health Unit - Owen Sound<br />
1-800-263-3456<br />
publichealth@publichealthgreybruce.on.ca<br />
www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca<br />
Hanover and District Hospital<br />
519-364-2340/info@hdhospital.ca<br />
www.hdhospital.ca<br />
Healthy Babies, Healthy Children<br />
<strong>Grey</strong> <strong>Bruce</strong> Health Unit<br />
519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456<br />
www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca<br />
Hanover Family Health Team<br />
519-506-4348 or dford@hanoverfht.ca<br />
www.hanoverfht.ca<br />
Healthy Smiles Ontario<br />
Dental for families making under $20,000/yr<br />
Register through the health unit<br />
Online: http://bit.ly/JAqJbY<br />
Honouring Life Network<br />
Indigenous youth suicide prevention<br />
www.honouringlife.ca<br />
Hope<strong>Grey</strong><strong>Bruce</strong> - Owen Sound<br />
Mental Health and Addiction Services<br />
519-371-4120 or www.mhagb.ca/gbchc/<br />
Keystone Child, Youth & Family Services<br />
1-800-567-2384 or 519-371-4773<br />
kcyfs@bmts.com or keystonebrucegrey.org<br />
<strong>Kids</strong> Help Phone (24 hours)<br />
1-800-668-6868 or www.kidshelpphone.ca<br />
Kincardine Family Health Team<br />
Kincardine - 519-396-2700<br />
Ripley - 519-395-2601<br />
www.kincardinefht.ca<br />
Mino Bimadsawin Health Centre<br />
57 Mason Dr., Saugeen First Nation<br />
519-797-3336<br />
M’Wikwedong Native Cultural Resource<br />
Centre - Owen Sound<br />
1-866-202-2068 or admin@mwikwedong.com<br />
www.mwikwedong.com<br />
Owen Sound Crisis Pregnancy Centre<br />
1-888-371-2004<br />
oscpc@wightman.ca<br />
Pediatric clinics<br />
Hanover - 519-364-2340<br />
Kincardine - 519-396-3331<br />
Markdale - 519-986-3040<br />
Owen Sound - 519-376-2121<br />
Walkerton - 519-881-1220<br />
Penetangore Wellness<br />
Art and family therapy<br />
www.penetangorewellness.com<br />
Poison Control Centre<br />
1-800-268-9017<br />
Postpartum depression<br />
<strong>Grey</strong> <strong>Bruce</strong> Health Unit - 1-800-263-3456<br />
Keystone Child, Youth and Family Services -<br />
1-800-567-2384<br />
Sandra Hall Physiotherapy<br />
519-270-6528; shallphysio12@gmail.com<br />
www.sandrahallphysiotherapy.com<br />
South <strong>Bruce</strong> <strong>Grey</strong> Health Centre (hospitals)<br />
Chesley - 519-363-2340<br />
Kincardine - 519-396-3331<br />
Durham - 519-369-2340<br />
Walkerton - 519-881-1220<br />
www.sbghc.on.ca<br />
South East <strong>Grey</strong> Community Health Centre<br />
55 Victoria St., Markdale<br />
519-986-2222 or 1-855-519-2220<br />
info@segchc.ca or www.segchc.ca<br />
St. John Ambulance First Aid training<br />
519-364-7004 or grey.bruce@on.sja.ca<br />
Online: http://bit.ly/t3Ye8g<br />
TeleHealth Ontario<br />
1-866-797-0007<br />
Thames Valley Children’s Centre<br />
519-396-3360 or 1-866-590-8822<br />
www.tvcc.on.ca<br />
LIBRARIES<br />
Blue Mountains Public Library/<br />
L.E. Shore Memorial Library<br />
Thornbury<br />
519-599-3681 or thebluemountainslibrary.ca<br />
<strong>Bruce</strong> County Public Library<br />
opac.brucecounty.on.ca; 519-832-6935;<br />
libraryinfo@brucecounty.on.ca<br />
Cargill - 519-366-9990<br />
Chesley - 519-363-2239<br />
Kincardine - 519-396-3289<br />
Lion’s Head - 519-793-3844<br />
Lucknow - 519-528-3011<br />
Mildmay - 519-367-2814<br />
Paisley - 519-353-7225<br />
Port Elgin - 519-832-2201<br />
Ripley - 519-395-5919<br />
Sauble Beach - 519-422-1283<br />
Southampton - 519-797-3586<br />
Tara - 519-934-2626<br />
Teeswater - 519-392-6801<br />
Tiverton - 519-368-5655<br />
Tobermory - 519-596-2446<br />
Walkerton - 519-881-3240<br />
Wiarton - 519-534-2602<br />
Collingwood Public Library<br />
519-445-1571; www.collingwoodpubliclibrary.ca<br />
Dundalk/Southgate Public Library<br />
519-923-3248; http://southgate-library.com/<br />
<strong>Grey</strong> Highlands Public Library<br />
Flesherton - 519-924-2241<br />
Kimberley - 519-599-6990<br />
Walter Harris Memorial Library (Markdale) -<br />
519-986-3436; greyhighlandspubliclibrary.com<br />
28 GREY-BRUCE KIDS • FALL <strong>2021</strong>
Hanover Public Library<br />
519-364-1420 or www.hanoverlibrary.ca<br />
Meaford Public Library<br />
519-538-1060<br />
www.meaford.ca/meaford-library-home.html<br />
Owen Sound and North <strong>Grey</strong><br />
Union Public Library<br />
519-376-6623; www.owensound.library.on.ca<br />
West <strong>Grey</strong> Public Library system<br />
www.westgreylibrary.com<br />
Durham (main) branch - 519-369-2107<br />
Elmwood and area - 519-363-3321<br />
Neustadt - 519-799-5830<br />
Ayton/Normanby - 519-799-3242<br />
MUSEUMS<br />
Billy Bishop Heritage Museum - Owen Sound<br />
519-371-0031 or www.billybishop.org<br />
<strong>Bruce</strong> County Lighthouse Museums<br />
Cabot (Lion’s) Head - 519-795-7780<br />
Chantry Island (Southampton) - 866-318-8889<br />
Kincardine - 519-396-3468<br />
Point Clark - 519-395-2494<br />
<strong>Bruce</strong> County Museum, Cultural Centre &<br />
Archives - Southampton<br />
519-797-2080 or www.brucemuseum.ca<br />
<strong>Bruce</strong> Peninsula Visitors Centre<br />
519-596-2233 or http://bit.ly/rQQFf6<br />
Tobermory<br />
<strong>Bruce</strong> Power Visitors’ Centre<br />
519-361-7777; www.brucepower.com<br />
Chesley Heritage & Woodworking Museum<br />
519-363-9837<br />
Craigleith Heritage Depot - Thornbury<br />
519-599-3131<br />
www.thebluemountains.ca/Craigleith-<br />
Heritage-Depot.cfm<br />
<strong>Grey</strong> Roots Museum & Archives<br />
Includes county’s archives<br />
1-877-GREY ROOTS; www.greyroots.com<br />
RR4 Owen Sound<br />
Meaford Museum<br />
519-538-5974<br />
www.visitmeaford.com/meaford-museum.html<br />
Owen Sound Marine and Rail Museum<br />
519-371-3333<br />
www.marinerail.com<br />
Paddy Walker Heritage Society - Kincardine<br />
519-396-1850<br />
www.walkerhousekincardine.com<br />
South <strong>Grey</strong> Museum - Flesherton<br />
519-924-2843 or museum@greyhighlands.ca<br />
www.southgreymuseum.ca<br />
St. Edmunds Township Museum - Tobermory<br />
519-596-2479 or online http://bit.ly/vEdicK<br />
Tobermory Maritime Association<br />
519-596-2700; www.tobermorymaritime.ca<br />
Treasure Chest Museum - Paisley<br />
519-353-7176 or http://bit.ly/1PjTS1D<br />
ONLINE SUPPORT<br />
www.211.ca<br />
www.pathwaysawareness.org<br />
www.mentallyfit.ca<br />
www.shelternet.ca<br />
www.targetyouth.ca<br />
www.thehealthline.ca<br />
www.wesforyouthonline.ca<br />
PLAYGROUPS<br />
Kincardine Toy Library and Playgroup<br />
249 <strong>Bruce</strong> Ave.; Wednesday, 9:30-11:30 a.m.<br />
Pine River Moms<br />
519-389-7136; jill.ricica@gmail.com.<br />
Thursdays during school year, info on FB<br />
EarlyON Child and Family Centres<br />
Chesley, Hanover, Kincardine, Markdale,<br />
Meaford, M’Wikwedong (Owen Sound), Owen<br />
Sound (East Ridge), Port Elgin, Thornbury,<br />
Wiarton; 1-800-616-8116<br />
SPECIAL NEEDS<br />
Autism Ontario <strong>Grey</strong> <strong>Bruce</strong> Chapter<br />
226-787-0333 or marti@autismontario.com<br />
http://bit.ly/tO6kam; Owen Sound<br />
Autism Parent Support Group<br />
Community Living Kincardine & District<br />
519-396-9434 or www.clkd.ca<br />
<strong>Bruce</strong> County Childcare Services<br />
1-800-265-3005 or www.brucecounty.on.ca<br />
Walkerton<br />
<strong>Bruce</strong> Peninsula (Wiarton) Association<br />
for Community Living<br />
519-534-0553<br />
Community Living Kincardine & District<br />
519-396-9434; www.clkd.ca<br />
Community Living Meaford<br />
519-538-4165<br />
Community Living Owen Sound<br />
and District<br />
519-371-9251 or communitylivingowensound.ca<br />
Community Living Walkerton & District<br />
519-881-3713 or www.clwalkerton.org<br />
Georgian Riding Association<br />
for Challenged Equestrians<br />
519-372-2721; grace@log.on.ca<br />
Wicklen Stables, RR5 Owen Sound<br />
Hope Haven Therapeutic Riding Centre<br />
519-986-1247<br />
www.hopehavencentre.org<br />
Keystone Child, Youth & Family Services<br />
Owen Sound; 1-800-567-2384<br />
kcyfs@bmts.com or keystonebrucegrey.org<br />
PRANCE Therapeutic Riding Centre<br />
519-832-2522 or prance@bmts.com<br />
Miramichi Farms, Hwy. 21 Port Elgin<br />
Reading Rescue Ontario<br />
519-794-4745 or soehner@bmts.com<br />
www.readingrescueontario.ca<br />
Holland Centre<br />
South <strong>Grey</strong> <strong>Bruce</strong> Youth Literacy Council<br />
519-364-0008 or info@sgbyouthliteracy.org<br />
www.sgbyouthliteracy.org<br />
Hanover<br />
Special Therapy and Education<br />
Program of Saugeen (STEPS)<br />
519-797-1935<br />
info@stepsahead.ca; www.stepsahead.ca<br />
Southampton<br />
Thames Valley Children’s Centre<br />
519-396-3360, 1-866-590-8822<br />
Paula.Holla@tvcc.on.ca or<br />
Clare.Matthews@tvcc.on.ca<br />
www.tvcc.on.ca<br />
United Way of <strong>Bruce</strong> <strong>Grey</strong><br />
519-376-1560; unitedwaybg@bmts.com<br />
www.unitedwayofbrucegrey.com/<br />
Owen Sound<br />
SPEECH/LANGUAGE<br />
<strong>Bruce</strong> County Childcare Services<br />
1-800-265-3005; www.brucecounty.on.ca<br />
Walkerton<br />
Closing the Gap Healthcare Group<br />
Rehab Express <strong>Grey</strong> <strong>Bruce</strong><br />
1-866-990-9901 or www.closingthegap.ca<br />
Owen Sound<br />
<strong>Grey</strong> <strong>Bruce</strong> Health Unit - Owen Sound<br />
1-800-263-3456<br />
publichealth@publichealthgreybruce.on.ca<br />
www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca<br />
South West Community Care Access Centre<br />
In-Home Services<br />
Owen Sound - 519-371-2112<br />
Walkerton - 519-881-1181<br />
www.sw.ccac-ont.ca<br />
VOICE for Hearing Impaired Children<br />
Support, speech and language therapy<br />
<strong>Grey</strong>/<strong>Bruce</strong> chapter is free to families<br />
www.voicefordeafkids.com<br />
WISH PROGRAMS<br />
Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada<br />
1-800-267-9474<br />
on@childrenswish.ca or www.childrenswish.ca<br />
Ajax, ON<br />
Make-A-Wish - Southwestern Ontario Chapter<br />
519-471-4900 or www.makeawishswo.org<br />
London, ON GBK<br />
greybrucekids.com • 29
RECIPES<br />
Start your day<br />
the delicious way<br />
OVERNIGHT OATS<br />
INGREDIENTS<br />
½ cup old fashioned oats<br />
½ cup milk<br />
¼ cup Greek yogurt<br />
1 tbsp chia seeds<br />
1 tbsp maple syrup<br />
INSTRUCTIONS:<br />
Add all ingredients into individual bowl or Mason jar.<br />
Stir to combine.<br />
Place in a container and refrigerate for eight hours.<br />
Add preferred toppings in the morning.<br />
TOPPING IDEAS:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Chopped banana, chopped walnuts, ½ tsp vanilla and ½<br />
tsp cinnamon.<br />
Sliced pear or apple, chopped pecans, ½ tsp cinnamon<br />
and a pinch of nutmeg.<br />
Diced pineapple, shredded coconut, ¼ tsp vanilla – you<br />
can replace cow’s milk with coconut milk in the base<br />
recipe.<br />
Add your own ideas/favourite nuts, seeds or nut butters,<br />
favourite fruit and spices.<br />
In a large bowl, combine:<br />
½ cup yogurt (vanilla goes well)<br />
1 cup apple sauce (unsweetened)<br />
1 tsp vanilla extract<br />
½ cup honey<br />
1 egg<br />
½ cup skim milk<br />
BREAKFAST COOKIES<br />
Preheat oven to 350 F. Line two large baking sheets with<br />
parchment paper and set aside. In a medium bowl, combine:<br />
3 cups bran flakes – crushed (less than 2 cups crushed)<br />
2 cups oatmeal<br />
2 tbsp wheat germ<br />
2 tsp cinnamon (can use a little less)<br />
Mix well and set aside.<br />
Mix well and then add:<br />
1 tsp baking soda<br />
1 tsp baking powder<br />
Mix well. Gradually add the cereal/oatmeal mixture and stir<br />
after each addition. Add ¾ cup raisins if preferred and stir in.<br />
Roll heaping tablespoons into balls with your hands and set<br />
on parchment lined baking sheets. Lightly flatten the top of<br />
each cookie with your fingers. Bake 15-18 mins in preheated<br />
oven.<br />
Makes ~36 cookies. Can modify by adding mashed bananas or<br />
shredded carrots.<br />
Recipes courtesy of Brockton & Area Family Health Team<br />
30 GREY-BRUCE KIDS • FALL <strong>2021</strong>
SCHOOL STARTS<br />
SEPTEMBER 7 TH<br />
ÉCOLE CATHOLIQUE<br />
SAINT-DOMINIQUE-SAVIO<br />
800 23 rd Street East, Owen Sound<br />
519-371-0627<br />
REGISTER ONLINE AT ALL TIMES<br />
MyFrenchSchool.ca<br />
BY PLAYING A CRITICAL ROLE IN<br />
CANADA’S CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE.<br />
brucepower.com<br />
greybrucekids.com • 31
Thank you!<br />
Every issue of <strong>Grey</strong>-<strong>Bruce</strong> <strong>Kids</strong> is<br />
always available online at<br />
www.greybrucekids.com<br />
Your support during these difficult times<br />
has meant the world to us and other<br />
businesses in <strong>Grey</strong>/<strong>Bruce</strong>.<br />
To advertise or write for our Winter <strong>2021</strong>/22 issue, contact<br />
Amy at 519-524-0101 or amy@greybrucekids.com<br />
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