Welcome to your PWI newsletter! Each issue will bring you articles, advice, and resources to assist you in your quest to reduce your stress and maximize your happiness. Together we can practice the art of staying mindful amid the chaos and trivia of our daily lives, and parent with intention.
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Hi everyone ... :)
Happy Summer! I am sure many of you are enjoying time off work to spend the first few weeks of summer vacation with your kids (or will be able to do so later on). This month I am sharing an article about something MY kids and I have enjoyed doing since they were small--canoeing! (And something I enjoyed with my Mom and Step-Dad when I was a kid.) It may be something you've tried before, or perhaps thought about but have never taken the plunge (perhaps a poor choice of words <grin>.) Canoeing is a great way to get outdoors and help out kids experience nature--especially if you follow a few simple tips to help ensure a positive experience for all.
Which also makes me curious ... how DO you and your family enjoy spending time together in the summer? I'd love to hear YOUR favourite family activities and would be happy to publish a collection in next month's newsletter. Simply click on my email address (Rob@ParentingWithIntention.ca) right now and fire off an idea of two--and help other families better enjoy their summer by reading about (and trying?) your ideas. Don't put it off--otherwise you likely won't do it ... :)
Until we talk again next month, I remain yours in support & success ...
Rob Stringer, BA, BEd, CPC
Parenting & Youth Coach
"Helping Kids, Teens, and Parents Live Lives They LOVE!"
www.ParentingWithIntention.ca
www.YouthCoachCanada.com
Rob@ParentingWithIntention.ca
Tel: 1.888.443.7977
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Looking for a way to get more access to ideas and resources? Then join me on Facebook! Simply visit the following URL and click on the "ADD AS FRIEND" link near the top:
http://www.facebook.com/people/Rob-Stringer/747315139
You can also join the Youth Coach Canada group:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=62796364941
Not on Facebook yet yourself? Then I'd like to invite you to try it out. To do so, click on the SIGN UP button at the top of the screen.
Hope to see you all online soon ...
Rob
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~ PADDLE POWER: Canoeing with your family ~
As the weather begins to warm, it’s only natural to want to spend more time outdoors. While your family has likely explored our local waterfront parks, trails and conservation areas on foot, have you ever taken to the water? This year, why not add a little paddle-power to your family outings … and try canoeing!
How do we start?
In their extremely informative book, Cradle to Canoe: Camping and Canoeing with Children, authors Rolf and Debra Kraiker suggest beginning with easy outings, close to home. Afternoon paddles at Conservation areas—featuring calm lakes, beaches, picnic areas, boat rentals, and GREAT scenery—are great ways to begin.
"There’s lots of places in the Hamilton/Toronto area and up North where you can rent a canoe ... it’s a good way to start" says Roy Vallinga, owner of Canadian Outback in Hamilton. Local outfitters and on-water rental shops will rent either by the day or hour. Rates are very affordable, starting as low as $25 for a full day. Renting also lets you try out the many different sizes and styles of canoes before committing any serious money.
At what age are kids old enough? Experienced paddlers agree, once children can fit into life jackets or PFD’s, they are ready to go. Starting at an early age is often easier, as younger children have less reservations or fears about trying new things.
What do we need?
Rolf and Debra Kraiker offer this advice, “Children’s needs are not that hard to meet in the outdoors. They need to feel safe, they need to be well fed, they need to be warm and dry, and they need to be entertained by what they are doing.” Success lies in anticipating their needs, and making those early experiences positive. Here are a few tips:
- Get kids used to wearing a PFD’s in swimming pools. As well, leaving them on all the time not only protects against water accidents but also provides an extra level of protection from falls on land.
- Keep the canoe balanced. Distributing weight evenly makes it easier to steer. Try turning the canoe around—using the rear seat as the front seat. Heavier adults now sit closer to center of canoe and kids sitting at the new “front” find it easier to reach over and paddle the canoe.
- Bring a small first aid kit (a fanny pack works well). Consider bringing: bandages, allergy medication, Epi-pens, Tylenol, and tweezers.
- Dress in layers, and be prepared for changes in weather. Avoid 100% cotton. Go for blends with high percentages of polyester or nylon. They tend to be breathable, strong, and wind/water resistant.
- Your feet may get wet. Consider bringing a change of shoes/socks, wearing old sandals or water shoes.
Any final tips for success?
In order to make the experience the best it can be for both you AND your kids, here are a few final thoughts ...
- Talk to local staff. They might have tips or advice on where to spot wildlife or information on local plant and animal life.
- Make sure everyone has a paddle—even if they don’t use it. Trust me.
- Bring along any or all of the following: camera, sketchbook, binoculars, minnow nets, field guides, LOTS of tasty snacks, and HAVE FUN!
Additional resources:
Cradle to Canoe: Camping and Canoeing with Children, Rolf & Debra Kraiker, The Boston Mills Press, 1999 ISBN 1-55046-294-6 ($19.95 CAN)
An online Guide to Conservation Areas in Ontario
http://conservation-ontario.on.ca/about/CAs.html
Transport Canada: Office of Boating Safety web site
http://www.tc.gc.ca/BoatingSafety/menu.htm
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Have an experience around this you'd like to share? Or looking for some additional support? Send me an email or give me a call: rob@Parentingwithintention.ca or 905.515.9822.
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~ PARENTING WITH INTENTION E-BOOK ~
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Learn ways to define your parenting & family goals, identify & overcome roadblocks, strengthen your "inner expert", and discover solutions that are right for you as you author a personalized success plan for you and your children. (163 pages) $24 Canadian
Get your copy by visiting http://www.parentingwithintention.ca/parentcoach/products.htm.
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You enjoyed the benefits of regular coaching. You saw the improvements in your relationships and life, but felt that regular weekly or bi-weekly coaching sessions were no longer needed. Then take advantage of monthly check-in calls ... a chance to still access the support of a professional coach each month.
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Copyright ©2009 Rob Stringer
For permission to re-print any content
contained within this newsletter,
please email me at Rob@ParentingWithIntention.ca.