Are you a parent facing the challenges of raising a teen?
(Don't tell me about it, I just don't want to think about it for another 11 years or so.)
In any case, the New Westminster Public Library can help.
The library is hosting a workshop called Getting From No to Yes: Creating Strong Decisions with Youth. It's set for Tuesday, Oct. 7 at 7 p.m.
"This workshop is designed to help parents or anyone involved with youth understand the dynamic process of strong decision-making using arguments as a method for truth finding," a press release says.
It will cover issues such as health, computer use, employment and risk reduction, and it will look at how to develop "open-mindedness, intellectual maturity and thoughtfulness" in youth.
The workshop is led by David Rossi, an author, producer and mentor.
The library is at 716 Sixth Ave.
Space is limited, so you're asked to register in advance - call 604-527-4667 or email [email protected].
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I am often in denial about how fast time flies, but now that it's October - and given that I just got handed a free decorative pumpkin in the Sapperton Save-On-Foods! - I guess I have to admit that Halloween is indeed coming up.
So far I've learned of a couple of Halloween-related events for families.
Of course, it wouldn't be Halloween without the Queen's Park Pumpkin Patch.
Realtor Derrick Thornhill is back to host the pumpkin patch in support of Monarch Place, which helps women and children fleeing domestic violence.
It's on Saturday, Oct. 18 from noon to 3 p.m. at the Queen's Park picnic shelter.
You can pick up a pumpkin, enjoy coffee, hot chocolate and Timbits (compliments of the Tim Hortons community cruiser), take part in pumpkin carving, enjoy a colouring contest and munch on some popcorn.
Kids are encouraged to come dressed in costume, with prizes awarded and free photos on site.
On Thursday, Oct. 30, the library's main branch is hosting a Halloween Hullabaloo, with spooky tales, a Halloween craft and goodies aimed at the six- to 10-year-old set. It runs from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Do you know of other Halloween fun happening around town? Is your group or organization arranging an event? Send me an email, [email protected].
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Rain, rain, go away, come again another day ...
Well, we might be chanting that for the next six months, so that means it's time to start thinking about indoor play options.
Fortunately for New West parents, the City of New Westminster has thought of the need to let kids burn off their energy, regardless of the weather.
The Queen's Park Arenex plays host to regular Motoring Munchkins drop-in sessions, aimed at kids aged one to six (babies are also welcome). Recreation staff are on hand, and the gym is filled with toys, climbers, slides, ride-on vehicles and more to keep the kids going. Kids can even try out the trampoline.
The sessions are on Mondays from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesdays from 9 to 11:45 a.m. and Fridays from 9 to 11:45 a.m. and again from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Each session costs $3.25 for parents and one kid, and each additional sibling is $1. You can also buy a 10-session pass for $26 or a 20-session pass for $48.80.
There's also a regular drop-in Parent and Tot Gymnastics program at the Arenex, also for the one- to six-year-old crowd. It runs Mondays and Tuesdays from 9:30 to 10:25 a.m., Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:25 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:30 to 9:25 a.m.
There's also drop-in Gymnastics and Trampoline sessions for three- to 14-year-olds - Saturdays from noon to 12:55 p.m. and again from 2 to 2:55 p.m.
For those in Queensborough, the Queensborough Community Centre offers an Indoor Playland (also aimed at one- to six-year-olds) runs from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Mondays and Thursdays, and it costs $3.55 for a parent and one child. Each additional child is $1.05.
And don't forget, the city also hosts its regular Westminster Savings Free Swim and Gym session at the Canada Games Pool on the first Wednesday of each month, running from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Of course, the city has plenty of registered courses available as well, covering every conceivable interest and activity for all ages. Check out the Active Living Guide at www.newwestpcr.ca or pick up a copy of the guide at any city facility for all the details.
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Is your child at a healthy weight?
With one in three kids now reported to be above their healthy weight, there's now help for local families.
New West kids are being given a chance to take part in the MEND program. MEND - for Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do It! - is a program of the Childhood Obesity Foundation in partnership with the province of B.C.
It offers families with children aged seven to 13 a chance to take part in a 10-week program designed to help create a healthier lifestyle.
Parents and/or caregivers join their children to learn how to choose healthier foods and spend more time being active. They get practical demonstrations, games and tips about healthy foods, label reading and portion sizes, and there are physical activity sessions for the kids while parents have discussion time with trained leaders.
In New West, the City of New Westminster is partnering on the program, which runs Oct. 5 to Dec. 7 at Centennial Community Centre and Olivet Baptist Church. It's on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 3 p.m.
The organizers stress that it's not a diet or weight loss program, but rather a place for the whole family to make new friends and get support to make healthier choices.
Check out www.bchealthykids.ca for information about the program, or call 604-777-5100 or email [email protected] for local details.
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Do you have an item for Family Ties? Send family- and parenting-related ideas to Julie, [email protected], or find her on Twitter, @juliemaclellan.
