Play is the work of children and that's what this year's Make Children First Family Calendar is all about. Local kids & local talent bring this year's theme to life. If you don't already have a copy visit the library or the Health Unit to pick up your free copy.

Don't forget to play in the puddles and leaves!!

Asset builders are people who believe in providing children and youth with many “assets”. Assets are building blocks that help children grow up to be healthy, happy, productive human beings. When children are young they get these assets through their parents and their parent’s interactions with the people around the family and in the community.
Many asset builders believe that every child should have at least five people in their life who think that he or she is fabulous – “better than sliced bread”. These five people believe in that child, support that child and strive to make a difference in that child’s life.
For many of us, our “five” includes our family members – aunts, uncles, grandparents, or parents. For some, the “five” are others – mom, gramma, social worker, daycare provider, neighbour or bus driver. For older children the “five” could include a parent, a teacher, a janitor, the school principal or a coach. The “five” is made up of people who connect with a child on some level that makes a difference to that child.
Everyone’s “five” is different. As we move through stages of our life our “five” change. This makes sense – we need different supports in different stages of our development.
Who the “five” are for your child may be very surprising to you. Think about those people who are important to your child. Is there someone who makes your child’s face light up just by walking in the room? Do you notice someone who has a connection with your child? These people could be the beginning of your child’s “five”. If your child is old enough talk to them about the people they think are special in their lives.
What can you do give children a start on their “five”?
· Ask them their name and then use it when you talk to them. There is nothing more powerful than being called by your name.
· Talk to them. Make eye contact and talk to them, not over their heads to their parents.
· Laugh with them. Laugh at their jokes.
· Be silly together.
· Ask them to help you and let them help.
· Let them act their age. Maybe they can help you remember being three.
Think about your interaction with children. Are you part of someone’s “five”?

written by Cathy Cross - Alberni Valley Community School

Tantrums (in adults or children) are an expression of over-the-top anger or frustration. The angrier we get, the harder it is to think. Kristen Hilmoe, Child and Family Therapist with the Early Intervention Team, describes it as “flipping your lid”: all reason disconnects from emotion and emotion takes over.

Parents often share worries about their two-year-old who seems aggressive. The worry is that the aggression will become a pattern. Kristen Hilmoe, Child and Family Therapist with the Early Intervention Team, would say that it is normal for most children to be aggressive.