Homework For Parents: Book Your Child's Eye Exam

Back-to-school has become very commercialized over the years, so it's easy to forget the things that really matter when it comes to preparing our kids for a new school year - like an eye exam!

It is recommended that all children get an eye exam from a Doctor of Optometry before starting school for the first time, and every year after that, as kids’ eyes continue to develop and change as they grow. But, if you're a bit behind schedule, don't worry - better late than never, so make that appointment now.

Knowing my own (pre-LASIK) eyesight, I took my daughter for her first eye exam at three years old, and we've continued every year since. The funny thing is, she would go every summer *hoping* to be prescribed glasses, and actually enjoyed wearing fashion glasses until last year, when at the age of seven, her turn for real specs finally arrived. (Oh, how I wish glasses were cool when I was little!)

As a teacher, I clearly see (no pun intended) the importance of eye exams for young children. Did you know that one in four school-age children has a vision problem, and that 80% of a child’s learning and development is done visually? Vision is about much more than how clearly a child sees, and many visual impediments show no overt signs. A child won’t tell you they have a visual impediment because to them their vision is normal. Since we are visual beings, problems with vision can appear in many forms other than learning problems and squinty eyes: Vision affects speech, coordination, attention and emotions.

According to Doctors of Optometry Canada, many children are misdiagnosed with learning or behavioural problems (like ADHD) when in reality they have vision problems. As well, one in six school-age children who experiences reading difficulties actually has a correctable vision problem. So much stress and worry could be avoided by a visit to a Doctor of Optometry.

Sometimes, of course, kids have true academic problems like dyslexia, but I've found that when the parent or teacher feels there may be a learning or attention issue, one of the first things the school will suggest is to get an eye exam. It's best to be up-to-date so that the assessment process isn't delayed.  

In my grade 2/3 classroom, I find parents are usually on top of eye exams (and/or my amazing colleagues in Kindergarten and Grade 1 have caught issues before they get to me) but I do notice a huge difference when kids don't wear their glasses! Making sure they wear or bring them to school (and know when they should put them on) is also very important.

This video, What are the signs my child may need glasses?, shares some warning signs, but please remember that most serious vision problems are invisible to the untrained eye, and children will nearly never report trouble with vision. For this reason, all children need comprehensive eye exams. 

If finances are a worry for you, it's important to know that the majority of provinces cover the cost of children's eye exams. Click here to learn more about coverage in your province. If your child is in JK (year one of kindergarten) several provinces run the Eye See Eye Learn program, which offers an eye exam and a free pair of glasses, if needed.  

Provinces offering the Eye See Eye Learn program include:

British Columbia

Alberta

Saskatchewan

Ontario

PEI

Disclosure: This post has been brought to you by Doctors of Optometry, but the images and opinions are my own. For more information, please visit http://www.doctorsofoptometry.ca.

Adventures in Freelance Writing Volume VI: From Print to Television - and Exciting News!

I became a talk show junkie at an early age, something I blame firmly on my mother. Kathie Lee, Dini, Marilyn...if we were at home on a weekday, they were chatting in the living room.

As an adult, I'd be happy with the TV on all day long, whether I'm actually sitting and staring or (far more often) going about my business with background conversation, and my first choice is always a talk (or talk/news/entertainment) show.

In addition to interviewing several hosts for this blog, I've gone behind-the-scenes at many of my favourite shows: Regis and Kelly (yes, I said Regis - this was a long time ago, and by "behind-the-scenes" I mean I was generously invited backstage for a photo op), Cityline, The Marilyn Denis Show, Canada AM, ET Canada and The Social.

I love the talk show format of delivering information, and after I got my writing career rolling, I wondered how I could parlay that into opportunities to share helpful educational information for parents on screen as well as in print.

The first thing I did was invite our beloved first babysitters (who are sisters) to come over and help me with a mock segment - which took a ton of work and preparation. With one lovely young woman beside me reading the questions and the other behind the flipcam, we put together a demo video...but what to do with it? Well, why not start with a huge national show? I tried...and was very politely turned down.

I knew from the progress of my magazine writing that starting local is a much better bet, so I contacted an acquaintance who was on leave from Peterborough's CHEX Daily (she now runs her own fantastic website, MichelleFerreri.com). She enthusiastically encouraged me to share my idea for an education segment for parents, so I emailed the show, and then waited. And then followed up...and received a phone call from cohost and coproducer Teresa Kaszuba. We had a great conversation, and I made my first appearance on July 31, 2014.

All day long, I felt sick to my stomach. I grossly overprepared (with pages of typed points for a three minute segment) and overanalyzed every aspect of my appearance (I shouldn't have worried so much - they're not HD yet).

The chat (on keeping learning going over the summer) went really well, and I was invited to return biweekly for a segment Teresa named "Teacher, Teacher!" Over the past year, I've been back 24 times, covering topics like navigating the report card, parent/teacher interviews, what teachers really want for Christmas, helping kids get organized, and getting involved at your child's school (you can find links to every segment in the sidebar of my blog).

Teresa is a mom (and cohost Mike Judson is both a new dad and husband to a teacher) so they have great ideas to offer, but most often give me creative control to choose a timely/seasonal topic and prepare my points. Sometimes their questions throw me, but I've definitely learned how to think on my feet! While I love the experience, and I have learned SO much, I swear it's not just about me - I truly to hope that I can help empower parents to support their children's educations.

Also important: TV style! Here are some of my CHEX Daily looks (I haven't repeated many outfits, but my hairstyles don't change too much):

(I had recently done my hair donation when I made my CHEX debut - it won't be this short again!)

I made it onto the chalk wall!

Once I had several months of TV experience under my belt, I pitched a segment idea to Canada AM. I was then invited to come in April and get my feet wet as part of a parenting panel (with Maureen Denis and Chris Boddy) sharing ideas and opinions about babysitters (funny to think that two of our babysitters actually helped launch me on the TV track!)

You can read all the early-morning details of my Canada AM segment here.

Yes, yes, but what's the exciting news, you ask? Okay, here goes! You may have already seen this announcement on social media, but...I am going to be making my debut appearance on The Social on Friday, September 4th!

My dream used to be to host a Canadian incarnation of The View, and while I may be several slightly giant steps away from hosting, I have been invited to come on this show that I love so much and chat about how parents can support their children's education now that the new school year is upon us.

Of course I'll be posting about the whole experience right here afterwards, but if you want up-to-the-minute info be sure to follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram - I'd love your support there too! The Social airs live on CTV at 1 p.m.

Here's a photo of me on set of The Social and with the hosts from when I went behind-the-scenes a year ago. Can't wait to share updated pics soon!

Niagara Fun Day 3: Lunch Cruise with Niagara Sunset Cruises

On the third and final day of our Niagara adventure, we enjoyed a beautiful half hour drive from our Niagara Falls hotel to Niagara-on-the-Lake, where we hopped on a lunch cruise on the Niagara Belle (from Niagara Sunset Cruises). We boarded at the Navy Hall, right near Fort George National Historic Site, and set sail.

This just may have been the highlight of our trip. The cruise itself, two hours on the Niagara River, was incredibly relaxing, and a knowledgeable tour guide filled us in on the history and geography of the area. While there was definitely some admirable waterfront property to check out (one of my favourite things about boat cruises), much of the shoreline is treed, so the view was primarily natural. We were invited to enjoy the upper deck while our meal was being prepared, and we took advantage of the deck chairs and the scenery.

See, I told you - relaxing!

The four of us agreed that the meal was amazing. We were served fresh rolls (baked on the Belle); chef's salad; rotisserie chicken with fresh herbs, lemon and garlic and homemade four cheese macaroni. For dessert: they call it a "double chocolate chip cookie" (also baked on board during the cruise) but that doesn't do it justice - it was designed with a gooey lava centre and served with whipped cream. One of the best desserts I think I've ever had - and you know I've had a LOT of desserts!

A happy customer!

Towards the end of the cruise, the girls were surprised and delighted to be invited to help steer the ship! Captain Roger allowed them to come in and take turns at the wheel, which they thoroughly enjoyed. (According to my seven-year-old, it was the "best day ever!", as evidenced by her smile in the bottom photo. Can you see why she won "Best Smile" in the Grade 1/2 class last year?)

What an incredible way to end our Niagara getaway! The girls are so excited to tell everyone they know that they helped "drive" the ship...and I can't stop talking about the dessert.

Disclosure: We were treated to a free lunch cruise for review purposes. Opinions are, as always, our own. For more information visit Niagara Sunset Cruises.

How To *Really* Have Kids Ready For Back-to-School - TV segment

Last night on CHEX Daily I chatted with hosts Teresa Kaszuba and Mike Judson about three non-academic areas you can focus on to make sure your child is really ready to head back to school (or head to school for the very first time): prioritizing sleep, building independence and easing jitters - theirs and maybe yours!



Here are the websites I mentioned:

www.sleepforkids.org
www.stsco.ca (for the info on the First Riders bus events next weekend)

My girls have never had a chance to visit the studio until now, and they were excited to check it out!

Bonus money-saving back-to-school tip: 

Make your list of necessary supplies, and then shop your house before spending a cent! Here's a pic of my girls going through all their school items and packing their pencil cases. When they were finished, all we needed to buy was one clue stick and one pencil sharpener!

Niagara Fun Day 2: Oh Canada, Eh? Dinner Theatre and Clifton Hill

On our second day in Niagara Falls, we enjoyed a leisurely buffet breakfast at our hotel, Courtyard Marriott, and then took a short walk to Clifton Hill, the hub of cheesy tourist action!

The girls were very excited about their first visit to a wax museum, which was Louis Tussaud's Waxworks. (The kind lady working at the counter asked Maggie her age. When she replied, honestly, that she is seven, the lady said "No...I think you look five!" and let her in for free!) Both girls loved seeing some of their favourite stars, and really got into posing for photos!

With Lady Gaga

With The Scarecrow, The Tin Man and The Lion

Being blessed by Pope Francis

Don't judge, but my nine year old daughter plays a mean "Folsom Prison Blues" on her guitar!

The photo above - with their idol Taylor Swift - was actually taken in front of Movieland Wax Museum, a different option on Clifton Hill

We had to visit the Hershey's Chocolate World, where the girls used more of their spending money from Grandma and Grandpa to buy some flavoured lip balms. No more chapped lips this year!

We also took a "wish you were here" pic for their Coca-Cola loving Grandpa outside the soda shop/collectors' boutique.

Oh yes - and we saw the Falls!

After a refreshing afternoon swim back at the hotel, we were off to the main event of the day - the Oh Canada Eh? Dinner Show (about a five minute drive from downtown). This award-winning musical show, which is held in a rustic log cabin theatre, is celebrating 20 years of entertaining all ages.

The performers - who also serve as the waitstaff! - are absolutely fantastic. In addition to their vocal talents, their enthusiasm and energy are contagious. The Oh Canada Eh? show (seven-time winner of Niagara Falls Tourism's Attraction of the Year) features all-Canadian music, from maritime folk songs to modern pop, and includes favourite Canadian characters like Anne of Green Gables and a hockey player.

During the show, the performers serve their famous all-Canadian family-style (on platters shared at the table) meal of French Canadian Pea Soup, Garden Salad, Fresh Bread, Alberta Grade Eh? roast Beef, Lightly Battered and Fried Atlantic Haddock (probably my favourite), Manitoba Roast Chicken, New Brunswick Vegetable Medley, PEI Potatoes (also delicious) and Maple Chocolate Cake for dessert. Okay, maybe that was my favourite part! 

Our girls were captivated by the musical performances, but I should be clear that they are very used to musical theatre and to sitting for shows like this one. Though they're too young to recognize a lot of the music (it's important that Oh Canada keeps updating their show to incorporate new songs; you can find the song list here), they still really enjoyed the experience. Not all kids would be as enthusiastic though, so keep that in mind if your kids are not music-lovers...or wouldn't be happy at a table for two hours!

Children are welcome (there are some kids-are-free deals), and as promised the show was "squeaky clean" (which is not just for the kids, but for visitors of all ages who are looking for clean content). They even offer a free side of macaroni and cheese for kids under 12 to go along with the rest of the family meal, which is nice, though even my "discerning" daughters managed to find several items on the menu to enjoy as well.

I can see why this is an award-winner and a must-see, especially for tourists from outside of Canada who want to experience our history and culture through a fun - and tasty - musical experience.

Disclosure: We were provided with free admission to the Oh Canada Eh? Dinner Show. Opinions are, as always, our own.

Niagara Fun Day 1: Everyone Loves Marineland

Our very first stop on Day 1 in Niagara Falls was Marineland! It was the girls' first time there, and they had been excited about for months.

We grabbed a bite to eat when we arrived (as you would expect, the food wasn't cheap, however Marineland does allow you to bring in your own food, which is a great perk). Here you see the girls analyzing the park map and coming up with a plan!

The path around Marineland is pretty much one large loop (with a clear map to follow), making it easy to ensure that you're not missing anything as you take in the attractions and enjoy the rides. 

At Friendship Cove we watched the beluga whales (Marineland boasts the largest collection in the world) and killer whale, and enjoyed underwater viewing from the lower level as well. Everywhere we went in the park was clean and well-maintained, which definitely impressed me.

Marineland has a great variety of rides, and the girls found several they could enjoy together, without an adult. Their absolute favourite was "Wave Swinger", where the kids sit in swings and the ride takes them up and around - partly because they saw a similar ride in "Ever After High"! 

When you bring a motion-sickness prone family to an amusement park, the rides may not be the biggest draw - but they loved the ones they went on, and the day we were there (a warm, sunny Tuesday) there were hardly any lines to wait in. (Unfortunately I couldn't convince anyone to go on Dragon Mountain - the world's largest steel coaster - with me!) 

When we arrived at Arctic Cove, we were treated to an interactive session with the belugas, where we had the opportunity to pet and feed them, under the direction and supervision of an employee. While the girls think nothing of seeing cows in our backyard, marine mammals are very new to them, and they had tons of questions which were answered by the helpful staff at every stop.

Of course we had to purchase the souvenir photo ($15).

We also made a stop at Bear Country, where you can observe (at a very close distance) and feed the black bears hanging out at the park. (You can feed deer at Deer Park, too!)

When the girls had taken in all of the attractions, we headed to King Waldorf's Stadium Show, which stars dolphins, belugas, sea lions and walruses. This was a lot of fun, as the trainers put on a great show, even calling up a few volunteers. (We had a good laugh when one little girl was asked "Where are you from?" and she replied "Canada!" "Wow, all the way from Canada!" the host exclaimed.)

Of course we couldn't leave without a visit to the gift shop. My parents had given the girls $25 spending money for our trip, and they decided to spend part of it, and save the rest for later. They found these cute little dolphin and whale stuffies (because of course they NEED more stuffies) for ten bucks, and I actually thought they were an appropriate choice to commemorate our great day at Marineland!

We found that a full afternoon was enough time to see everything we wanted to at Marineland, but if you have kids (or adults) who want to ride every ride, you may want to make a whole day of it. (Admission gates are open from 9:30 - 6 and the park closes just before dark.)

As we were leaving, one of my daughters asked me, "Are you going to write bad things in your blog post too?"

"Of course, if there's anything my readers need to know. Why, did you think of something?"

"Well, the 'Park at your own risk' signs freaked me out."

I explained to her that in a large - free! - parking lot such as the one at Marineland, owners don't want to be legally responsible if anyone hits your car or makes a poor choice to break into it. If that was the worst thing about the day, I think we did pretty well!

Top 3 Things About Marineland from Frannie (9 years old):

1. Wave Swinger ride
2. Feeding and petting the belugas
3. Ocean Odyssey ride

Top 3 Things About Marineland from Maggie (7 years old);

1. Feeding and petting the belugas
2. Wave Swinger ride
3. King Waldorf's Stadium Show

It was time to head to our hotel, the Courtyard Marriott. I've reviewed this hotel in the past, and they were kind enough to offer us a great rate for this stay. We love the central location, spacious rooms and free WiFi, plus and they have a great pool and hot tub. Last time we were there it was April, and we only used the indoor pool (which was warm enough this time that even I could swim in it!) On this stay, we took advantage of the beautiful weather and tried the outdoor pool too. I also love that there's a Keg right in the hotel lobby (where a complete buffet breakfast is served in the mornings, too).

Coming up: Niagara Fun Day 2 - exploring Clifton Hill and the Oh Canada Eh? Dinner Show (Niagara's Must-See Musical)!

Disclosure: We were provided with free admission to Marineland, as well as an interactive beluga session. Opinions are, as always, our own.

Kate's Favourite Things - August 2015

I have a jam-packed edition of Kate's Favourite Things for you this month, because when I'm on holidays I have the time to soak a lot up - especially books! To save time and space, I'll spare you a personal review of each book (I'm linking to Chapters so you can find them), but rest assured that if it's on this list, I recommend it! (I read - and abandoned - a few which didn't make the list, so believe me: I am discerning!)

FICTION

The Vacationers - Emma Straub (I didn't like the characters at the beginning but ended up enjoying the book)

At the Water's Edge - Sara Gruen (author of Water For Elephants)

The Good Girl - Mary Kubica (a great thriller - see how long it takes you to figure out the ending!)

In the Unlikely Event - Judy Blume (though I wasn't as crazy about it - or her - as some readers are)

We Are Not Ourselves - Matthew Thomas (long, but so worth it)

Where They Found Her - Kimberly McCreight (twisting and turning suspense)

The Hand That Feeds You - A.J. Rich (another fantastic suspense story)

NONFICTION

Up Ghost River - Edmund Metatawabin (memoir which includes native residential school horror - not easy to read, but important)

Leave Your Mark: Land Your Dream Job, Kill It In Your Career, Rock Social Media  - Aliza Licht (DKNY PR Girl)

I Know How She Does It: How Successful Women Make the Most of Their Time - Laura Vanderkam

A few of points I loved from that one:

• When looking at life balance, think 168 hours, not 24 (i.e. how does your whole week look, not just one day?)
• Data shows that people claim to work more hours than they do (honest overestimation or exaggeration?), which does no favour to women eyeing their fields, being given the impression that there's truly not enough time to work and have a family
• Vanderkam makes a great point about being "strategically seen". With home obligations you may not be able to go to every happy hour or conference, but it's an investment in your career, especially personal relationships, to make yourself available occasionally - even if it requires a babysitter or juggling of other commitments
• "Whatever you do, make time for people, and the investment will come back to reward you down the line."
• We live in "a world that views sleep deprivation as a sign of importance". Not me. If you are not ill or responsible for the personal nighttime care of another human being, get your sleep. It's more important than anything else.

MOVIES

Inside Out (in theatres, family - you've probably already seen it)

Minions (in theatres, family - I was surprised how much I enjoyed this. Entertaining and lots of historical references for the adults to pick up on)

Trainwreck (in theatres, DO NOT take the kids)

Woman In Gold (pay per view - this one was very moving)

MISCELLANEOUS

Fitbit bracelets

While the students who gave me Chapters gift cards at the end of the year were probably envisioning that I would use them for books, I actually picked up some brightly-coloured Fitbit bracelets so I could take off the blah-looking standard bracelet and give my fitness some punch! ($34.95 for set of three, shown above)

Super Genius Reading 1 (Game)

This is the only freebie I'm recommending this month. One of a line of educational card games made by Blue Orange, Super Genius Reading 1 is a learning tool for parents and teachers to use. This one (in a durable little box) focuses on Dolch sight words, and comes with instructions for four different variations of the game, which can be also be adapted for different numbers of players. My girls absolutely LOVED it (I think the fact that I sat down and played it with them for review purposes may have increased their motivation) and my seven year old asks for it often. I will definitely be using it as a fun way for kids in my class to practice their sight words this year, and in fact I wish I had enough for multiple groups to play at the same time. (You can also get other reading games, as well as addition and multiplication - perfect if your child's teacher has suggested they work on any of these skills.)

I hope there was something here to interest you this month! Now I have to get back to my reading and movie-watching!

Disclosure: Super Genius Reading 1 was sent to me for review purposes. Opinions are, as always, my own.