When is an appropriate age to start introducing reconciliation to children?

Children can be trusted with the truth, so share reliable age-appropriate information. Spirit Bear, our reconciliation Am’bear’rister, has lots of free resources on our website including a child-friendly version of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. Also, check out the Project of Heart which won the Governor General’s Award for teaching about reconciliation.

How can parents start the conversation about reconciliation with their children?

Learning together by reading a book (Spirit Bear has four of them), watch Indigenous media like APTN or CBC Indigenous, or a documentary by Indigenous filmmakers like Alanis Obomsawin, or participate in local Indigenous activities that welcome the public. I am a big believer in change making. You can use Spirit Bear’s calendar to find a free activity that you can do as a family to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. Coming up in May is Bear Witness Day which honours Jordan River Anderson, founder of Jordan’s Principle and Honouring Memories; Planting Dreams which invites people to plant gardens to honour children who went to residential schools.

What is appropriate language to use when describing Canada’s colonial history?
What is not appropriate?

Colonialism is still going on so avoid the past tense. Learn how colonialism has shape shifted over time and now takes the form of governments and others not acting on solutions to address ongoing inequalities. For example, in 1996 the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples set out a 20-year plan to get rid of the Indian Act, but governments did not implement it, so it is still on the books. Another language tip is to learn the name of the First Nation, Metis, or Inuit Nation in your territory and avoid using the possessive tense when describing the relationship between non-Indigenous peoples/governments and Indigenous peoples. For example, use First Nations in Canada versus Canada’s First Nations.

Are there key details or moments that parents should touch on?

One of the key elements of colonialism is dehumanizing First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples, so it is important that all children learn about the rich diversity and their past and present contributions of Indigenous peoples to Canada. Learning about treaties, Metis scrip, the Indian Act and residential schools are essential, but the key is to draw lessons from the past, so people can recognize current injustices and take peaceful action to address them.

What resources would you recommend for parents wanting to talk to their kids about reconciliation? Resources for kids?

Every parent should read the Executive Summary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report and historian John Milloy’s book A National Crime, that tells the truth about residential schools based on Canada’s own documents. Watch films like We Were Children and tune into APTN National News to learn more about what is happening today. For children, the Spirit Bear resources, and Project of Heart are great places to start and look for learning resources made by the First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples in your area. For youth and adults, we have a Reconciling History knowledge portal.

What if parents don’t know how to answer their child’s questions?

We are all learning together, so don’t worry if you don’t know the answer – make it a family project to find the answer. There are lots of free online resources produced by Indigenous peoples to guide you.

What next steps should families take to further their own personal reconciliation efforts?

Learning is a start but not enough. Do you know that research has shown that just 3.5% of citizens need to press for active change for governments to act on long standing injustices? Be part of that 3.5% and send a copy of the TRC Calls to Action to all elected officials and those asking for your votes. You can also find all kinds of actions you can take on our website that are
free and don’t take a lot of time.

Anything else to consider when it comes to explaining reconciliation to children?

Embrace the rich diversity of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples in Canada. Learn about the territory that you live on and take their lead on how you can most meaningfully support them. Every election, one thing I do is keep a copy of the TRC Calls to Action near my door and when a candidate asks for my vote, I ask them what they have personally done to implement them.

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Plus! Check out below for tips on how to ensure you’re picking the right backpack for your child, and that it fits properly.

Best Kids Backpacks for Back to School

Pottery Barn Kids

Pottery Barn Kids backpacks are available on their own, or in coordinating sets with matching lunch boxes and water bottles. They can hold everything from a change of clothes to notebooks, pencil cases, and more. They’re available in a choice of sizes for kids of all ages, and can be customized with your child’s name. Pockets, straps, and gear loops help to keep everything in place. Shoulder straps are both contoured and padded for added comfort. A fellow parent told me they’ve never had one rip or wear out, and that their son has had the same backpack for years and it still looks perfect.

MSRP: $59+

Eddie Bauer

Another parent told me that they love the Stowaway backpacks from Eddie Bauer. They’re super light weight, while still being impressively well built, and have the EB lifetime warranty on them. They are available in a 20, 25, or 30L size, and come in a variety of colour options. It features a water-resistant finish to help keep their gear dry, and includes two external zip pockets for securing water bottles. The lightly padded adjustable shoulder straps come with breathable mesh lining.

MSRP: $50+

Lands’ End

Lands’ End offers some really cute, spacious, and comfortable backpacks for kids. They come in a choice of sizes for learners of all stripes, and all feature side mesh pockets to securely hold water bottles. You can add personalization with monogram or embroidery, and the available matching lunch boxes clip on front leaving more room inside. The adjustable chest strap helps to keep pack weight balanced and shoulders strong. Probably the best feature about these backpacks, however, is that they’re machine washable!

MSRP: $60+

Herschel

Perfect for all your child’s school essentials, from kindergarten to post-secondary, Herschel backpacks are built with style and functionality top of mind. There are different styles of backpacks to choose from, along with more than 30 (!) different colours, and a variety of sizes. Some features unique to different bags include a shoe compartment, packable design, water resistance, and padded laptop sleeve. We love that they offer free ground shipping, and a limited lifetime warranty.

MSRP: $55+

L.L.Bean Original Book Pack

This L.L. Bean backpack has been one of the most popular kids backpacks for both parents and kids since its debut in 1982, and for good reason. It’s been built to the highest standards with strong stitching and weatherproof fabrics designed to stand up to even the most active kids. It features a padded back panel and padded, reinforced shoulder straps for comfortable carrying and easy adjustments. Reflective material on the straps and front offer increased visibility. The Original is suitable for ages 6+, but there’s also a Junior version for the kindergarten set, and a Deluxe version for those 10+. It’s also machine washable for convenient cleaning.

MSRP: $65

Skip Hop

Skip Hop’s backpacks are perfectly sized for the littlest of learners, and while you won’t get more than a couple of years of use out of the Little Kid size, it’s worth the investment to have something specific to your child’s smaller frame. They are available in a choice of 6-12 different cute animal prints, depending on the style you choose, and there’s coordinating lunch bags, too! Padded straps are comfy for tiny shoulders, and there’s a write-on name tag inside.

MSRP: $30+

JanSport Right Pack

The Right Pack is the iconic JanSport backpack parents are no doubt familiar with (maybe you had one yourself – they’ve been around since 1967!) It features the brand’s signature suede leather bottom, and is available in colours and prints that suit any vibe. Designed with an internal 15 inch laptop sleeve and front organizer pocket to carry all your child’s stuff. Oh, and did we mention that it’s guaranteed for life?!

MSRP: $40+

High Sierra Swoop SG Backpack

For the child that needs to keep their stuff organized, the Swoop SG from High Sierra has a tower of external pockets to give everything the perfect home. The laptop pocket with padded tablet sleeve fits most laptops up to 17 inches, while the padded shoulder straps are adjustable to get just the right fit. It features reflective accents to help wearers be seen, along with a padded back panel with air mesh and foam for all-day comfort.

MSRP: $50+

Wonder Co. by Crocodile Creek

Wonder Co. by Crocodile Creek says their mission is, “creating thoughtful, beautifully designed, high quality products for the children in our world,” and you can see that in their kids’ backpacks. Whimsical prints with highly durable designs mean these bags will last from pre-school to big kid school. There are adjustable padded straps and a reinforced side water bottle pocket, as well as a generous carrying capacity for all of their essentials. Matching lunch products are available so you can make a complete, stylish set.

MSRP: $45+

Tips for Choosing the Best Backpack for Kids

While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to choosing the best backpack for your child, there are some things to keep in mind when shopping for a backpack to suit your kid’s needs. (Hint, grade and size play a major role).

Size

Always check the listing to ensure a bag is the right size for your child. Listings will often include either recommended age or measurements to help you decide. Some brands have different sizes of the same style. If your child is between sizes, decide if you want to opt for a smaller pack to limit their load, or opt for something larger that they can grow into. One tip is that when your child sits down with their backpack on, it should not extend higher than their shoulders.

Materials

Nylon is the strongest material for backpacks, but polyester also holds up well. Look for bags with reinforced bottoms or seams if your child is especially tough on their bag.

Shoulder straps

Look for shoulder straps that are curved and/or padded for the most comfortable fit, and to reduce stress on their upper body. Straps should be adjusted tight enough that the backpack does not sit below your child’s lower back.

Chest and/or waist strap

Some bags will have both these additional straps, while others will have only one, or none. A chest and waist strap can help take stress off the upper body, so consider a backpack with one or both if your child will be wearing their pack for extended periods of time.

Zippers

Zippers with attached pulls are easier to open and close – especially for younger kiddos.

Care

Backpacks go through a lot of abuse. If you can find one that is machine washable rather than hand wash or spot treat only, that will save you a lot of hassle in the inevitable event of a mess.

Weight

Children should carry less than 10 percent of their body weight in their backpack. For example, a young person weighing 45 kg (about 100 pounds) should not carry more than 4.5 kg (about 10 pounds) in their backpack.

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How to Teach a Kid to Ride a Bike:
The First Step

The first step is to ensure they’re ready to take on the task of learning to ride a bike. Have they shown interest in riding? Have they asked to ride a “big kid” bike? Follow your child’s lead with regards to readiness, because if you push them before they’re ready they may not have a good experience. If they seem confident on a tricycle or bike with training wheels, consider making the transition to a proper two-wheeler. Generally speaking, children around the age of four have the balance and dexterity required to manage a bicycle.

How to Teach a Kid to Ride a Bike:
What Kind of Bicycle is Best?

Next, be sure their bike is sized properly for them. A quick trip to the local bike shop should take care of this, but most youngsters are around 14 or 16 inches bike size-wise. You want the seat low enough that they can comfortably touch the ground with their feet and legs straight while sitting on the seat.

If possible, opt for a bike that brakes by pedalling backwards, as young riders can have difficulty managing hand brakes. A balance bike comes without pedals and can help kids get the hang of balancing before adding in pedalling, if you desire. And remember, safety first! Ensure your little one has a properly fitted helmet before heading out on the pavement.

How to Teach a Kid to Ride a Bike:
Getting Started

Once you’re confident that your child is ready and has the right gear, it’s time to hit the trails — or, parking lot. Find a spot that isn’t too busy, where the terrain is relatively flat. An empty parking lot, a paved school playground, or a flat, well-trimmed field are all good options. While you’re holding the bike, have your little one practice pushing the pedals backwards to stop, and placing their feet on the ground.

Once your child is comfortable standing with their bike, continue holding it (the back of the seat is a good spot) and have them pedal forwards. Ask your child to look ahead where they want to go, rather than down at the ground in front of them. This helps ensure they steer as straight as possible. Run alongside holding the bike as your child pedals until they’re balanced and at a good pace. Then, let go! Allow them to stop when ready, or, if (when) they take a tumble. Repeat the process until your child gets the hang of it.

Part of learning how to teach a kid to ride a bike is figuring out how to keep them motivated when they struggle and fall.

When your little one takes a tumble, try not to get too upset, but offer reassurance and encouragement to get back on the bike and try again. If your child just isn’t ready to try again, that’s OK! End the lesson and try again another time. Some kids pick the skill up in just an afternoon, while others require a week or even longer to get the hang of it.

Riding should be a fun experience, so if it’s not or it becomes too stressful, end the lesson or consider hiring a professional for some help. (Here’s a Calgary-specific place!) If your child really isn’t interested, don’t sweat it — simply try again when they’re a little bit older. With a bit of persistence and a lot of practice, your child will be riding a bike in no time!

Can Bike Canada has a list of resources online for provincial laws, as well as places for kids to learn if they seem to need extra assistance. And once your littles are comfortable and confident on their own two wheels, check out our lists of bike paths for families in Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary, and Vancouver.

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But just what do you need to know when it comes to being one with nature when you have kids in tow? While I was a heavy backcountry camper before having kids, our family has been camping since my oldest was four and my youngest was one. Here are the things we’ve found key to successfully camping with kids.

Tips for Successfully Camping with Kids

Pick a destination

Perhaps the most important factor when it comes to camping with kids is choosing the right destination. If your kids are little or get car sick easily, a spot within a couple of hours of home is probably the best. If your kids are older or don’t mind spending time on the road, you can choose a destination a little further afield. Wherever you land, be prepared to take plenty of breaks for when nature calls or people are hungrier for more than their car snacks. (Side note: pack car snacks.)

When picking a camping spot, consider how remote you want to go and what sort of experience you’re looking for. There are plenty of provincial parks and crown land that offer a rugged, disconnected camping experience. There are also those with electric sites, flush toilets, and showers, that are close to major centres. You can backpack or canoe your gear into a remote site, or simply drive up and set up in a campground. The options are endless, though I must say Ontario has some phenomenal provincial parks.

If you’re new to the idea of camping with kids, a backyard vacation is a great place to start.

Make a list

Just like Santa, when camping with kids you should be making a list and checking it twice (or even three times!) to make sure you have everything you need before heading out. There’s no worse feeling than getting to your site and realizing you’ve left something important – potentially hours away – at home. (This happened to us one year when we got to our site and realized we’d left our youngest’s walking cast for his broken leg at home and had to make the two-hour drive home. Don’t be like us, make a list!)

Start with the big stuff – your tent, sleeping bags, and stove with fuel. But don’t forget the little things either – like bandages in case of scrapes and falls, or dish soap for cleaning up after meals. With Care has an excellent and very thorough essential family camping packing list on their website, for free download.

Pack the night before

Pack as much of your gear the night before, so that you can hit the road early and aren’t dealing with any unexpected fit problems with impatient little travellers hounding you about when you’re leaving. Make sure to pack in-car entertainment for the kiddos, as well as snacks. An iPad comes in handy for longer trips, and magnetic board games offer plenty of fun. You can always stick to the classics like red car blue car, or I-Spy if that’s more your style. Snacks such as granola bars and fresh fruit are perfect for on the road, and a refillable water bottle is great for in the car and at the campsite.

Meal planning when camping with kids

I cannot stress enough how important meal planning is when camping with kids. It can take longer to cook things on a camp stove or over a campfire than at home, and kids (at least mine) have no patience. You can’t go wrong with basics like cereal for breakfast and sandwiches for lunch. Lots of snacks (chips, cookies, fruit, veggies) will fill in the gaps until dinner. Getting the kids involved in coming up with some meal ideas ahead of time will also get them excited for the adventure.

Some pro camp food tips I’ve picked up over the years include:

• Cook dinners at home before you go and freeze them in containers/storage bags. Once you’re at your site, you only have to heat and eat, and they double as an ice block in your cooler.
• Do not plan to cook dinner your first night. You’re going to be worn out from the trip and setting up your gear, and the last thing you’ll want to do is cook dinner as the sun is setting. Stick with something easy the first night.
• Costco sells huge packages of precooked bacon. Take the precooked bacon. You won’t be dealing with grease in potential bear country, and you can scramble up your eggs that much quicker in the morning.
• Use blocks of ice instead of cubes. When packing your cooler, put a layer of blocked ice on the bottom. This will stay colder and last much longer than cubes.
• Skip the bottled water. If you’re camping at a provincial park, you’re mostly safe to drink the water. There may be a water advisory where you’re heading, so it’s always best to check before heading out. If you’re heading backcountry camping, a water filtration system is worth the investment so you’ve always got safe drinking water without the weight (and waste) of packing in your own water.
• Don’t be afraid of disposable. If you don’t want to mess about with dishes while camping, there’s no shame in taking along disposable plates and cutlery. (Plus, you can burn paper plates in your campfire.)
• Camp food doesn’t have to be boring. Finally, there are so many delicious recipes available online for camp food – whether you’re cooking foil packets on the fire or want something you can walk about with – don’t be afraid to settle for boring food just because you’re camping.

Plan activities

If your kids think they’re “bored” at home, just wait until they’re out in nature, with nary a Netflix show in sight. This is why it’s important to plan activities to keep them busy. Card and board games are always a favourite, as are things like lawn darts or croquet. Check out maps ahead of time to see if there are any hiking trails around.

Provincial parks often run daily visitors programming geared towards families that is informative and fun. At some places you can rent canoes, kayaks, paddle boats, or even bicycles. Some parks have playgrounds (always a must, for our family) where kids can play and make new friends. One thing we’ve found helpful as our kids have gotten older is a good set of walkie talkies. They can have a bit of freedom around the park, and we can check in regularly.

You don’t have to plan every minute – otherwise it won’t be a relaxing vacation – but make sure you have a few fun activities in your back pocket to keep them entertained should boredom set in.

More tips for camping with kids

This certainly isn’t an exhaustive list, but is what our family (and friends) has found helpful while camping with kids. (And camping with a baby is a whole other ballgame.) Some other tips to consider for a smooth experience camping with kids include:

• Pack a favourite toy
• Practice camping in the backyard at home
• Get kids involved in packing, setup, and tear down
• Dress in layers
• Anticipate (and prepare for) potential challenges
• Don’t forget safety
• Keep a positive attitude
• Be flexible
• Embrace the dirt!

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No matter what kind of watch you’re looking for (or your budget) from this list of watches for kids there’s one to suit your kiddo. Here are a few of the best options.

Best Watches for Kids

Flik Flak Watches

Flik Flak watches are designed to help kids learn how to tell time, and offer some really child-friendly designs. They also offer customization for a unique and one-of-a-kind timepiece. Chosen text and graphic elements are individually embroidered onto the strap of the watch in a colour to stylishly complement the overall design. The company also partnered with education specialists to create a fun (free!) app that helps little ones learn to tell time.

Priced from $50 and up

Timex Watches

Timex offers a line of trendy kid’s watches ranging in sizes and styles that are sure to please youngsters of all ages. Choose from both analog and digital options, with features such as alarms, chronograph, countdown timer, and the brand’s proprietary Indiglo backlight feature. Watches feature an easy-to-read time-teaching dial to help them get the hang of telling time. Best of all, every Timex Kids watch is covered by the company’s worry-free replacement plan – if their new watch gets lost or broken, they’ll replace it!

Priced from $39.99

Spacetalk Adventurer

Quite possibly one of the most advanced smartwatches for kids, the Spacetalk Adventurer includes many of the features of adult smartwatches, such as voice calling, secure text and picture messaging, location and parental controls, plus so much more. It is compatible with North American wireless carriers (except Sprint) and requires a regular cell phone plan with talk, text, and data.

Priced from $279

Fitbit Ace 3

The Fitbit Ace 3 is primarily an activity tracker, but still has the digital time available on the front display. Unlike trackers for adults, this model does not keep track of calories burned, heart rate, or anything related to weight loss. Rather, it keeps kids motivated to stay active throughout the day by encouraging them to periodically move and stretch. There are also daily activity challenges, bedtime reminders and sleep tracking, and a variety of animated watch faces. Priced from $99.99.

Lorus Watches

Lorus kid watches feature a rugged yet stylish design, and come in both analog and digital options for time tellers of all ages. Kids can easily view the time, full calendar display, and chronograph on an easy-to-read LCD display with a flick of the wrist. They are water-resistant to 100m, making them ideal for active water pursuits such as surfing, swimming, and more. Buckle-closure straps provide an adjustable fit as kids grow.

Priced from $35.95

Blok Watches

Blok Watches are Swiss-made, virtually indestructible, and sustainable watches for kids. The Blok 33 features a unique rotating bezel broken into 4 “bloks” so kids can set 5-, 10-, 20- and 30-minute intervals and learn time in a fun and colourful way. Created by parents, this perfect screen-free entertainment item for kiddos will last for years to come. It features a ​​sapphire crystal lens, boasts a 10-year battery life, ships in recycled packaging, and comes with a 2-year warranty.

Priced from USD $179

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