Timeout is a temporary, artificial, and inadequate solution to a real problem. Worse, it actually prevents us from seeing the real problem, because when kids feel judged and rejected, they tend to clam up (as we all do). In truth, timeout is the exact opposite of what our children need when their behavior hits the skids. Defiance, aggression and other limit pushing behavior are our children’s way of letting us know their impulses have taken hold. We successfully handle challenging behavior by following these steps:*Focus on helping our children when they can’t help themselves, *Set limits calmly and early, expect impulsivity, *Be ready to physically follow through with limits by preventing unsafe or inappropriate behavior, *Accept and acknowledge feelings without judgment, so that children can trust us as their empathic leaders and themselves as good people.

The cookies, dessert bars and meat pies at The Mindful Mouthful have a delicious twist! They are hand-made locally by uniquely abled adults from the Clements Centre for Community Living. These talented individuals are on a mission to promote consciousness and celebrate their ability to work and earn a living. Before becoming The Mindful Mouthful, the project was known as Lunch on Clements, a volunteer program where people learned new skills in a teaching kitchen. In 2016, with the support of Enterprising Non-Profits, Restauranteur Andrew Moyer from Ottavio Italian Bakery & Delicatessen, and a three-year grant from the Vancouver Foundation, the dream became a reality. Now in its fourth year, the program continues with 19 paid employees. The next time you want a fresh batch of sensational sweets and savoury delights contact The Mindful Mouthful to place an order. Their products are available at their kitchen on 5856 Clements Street.

For more than 15 years, the Sundrops afterschool program has relied on an aging, 11-seat van to transport kids to and from community activities. The van can no longer accommodate the growing number of children served as well as wheelchair access required. Variety, the Children’s Charity has agreed to cover half the cost of a new, 24-passenger bus equipped with TWO wheelchair lifts! This new bus allows more children and their program facilitators to maintain physical distancing, and will mean that no child is left behind and no activity is off limits. Ford Island Superstore has agreed to match community donations up to $10,000 to help raise the other 50% for the new bus! You can help to Kick Start the Bus with this incredible opportunity to double your donation and double your impact! Every dollar you donate will directly touch the life of a child by providing barrier-free access to community activities.