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Find out What's Up! Click on the icons below to check out our Events Calendar.
January 2 to 4, 9:30am to 4pm; Winter CARnival, Heritage Park Historical Village. Enjoy this fun-filled indoor event that has everyone in the family playing along! Winter-themed games and activities take place throughout Heritage Park's Gasoline Alley Museum. Web.
Until January 3; Zoolights, Calgary Zoo. See over 1.5 million lights twisting around trees, tracing animal and dinosaur shapes and flashing to music! Along the way, stop to warm up by the fire pits and have some fun in the Kids Zone. For more information and to purchase tickets: Web.
*Until January 4, 5 to 10pm; Christmas Lights at Spruce Meadows. Come enjoy nearly 50 kilometres of lights on a nightly basis with your family. You are welcome to drive through the grounds throughout the holiday season!
*January 10, 10 to 11am and 2 to 3pm; Come and Try Fencing at the EPIC Fencing Club Open House! Kids ages 8+ can try the sport of real fencing in a fun but serious environment led by experienced, certified coaches. Bring your enthusiasm and a water bottle. Everything else is provided. Web.
January 10 to February 8; 4th Annual SnowDays, Banff National Park. With heaps of snow and fun-filled activities, Banff National Park knows how to do winter best! Celebrate this season with this month-long festival jam-packed with mid-week events and weekend festivals that celebrate Banff's historic love for winter. Website.
January 15, 8pm MST;
Free Live Webinar, "Bully Busters." Brought to you by Professional Parenting Canada and Calgary's Child Magazine. Register today.
*January 19, 7 to 8pm; Step-Parenting Support Group: From Confusion to Compassion, Cobb & Associates Inc. Come for a presentation to help you improve and enrich your relationships with your step-children and create a stronger step-family. Learn and share with other step-parents about best practices as a step-family. Presented by Diane M. Gibson, Registered Prov. Psychologist. To register: 403-255-8577; Web.
January 23 to 25; Western Canadian Fly Fishing Exposition. You will find some of the finest fly fishing retailers, manufacturers, guides, lodges and artists. Bring the kids down to try out the fishing machine, get their faces painted and take part in a fish race, tie a fly and more! Free for kids 12 and under. Web.
January 30, 7:15 to 10pm;
Friday Night Dance Party, Southland Leisure Centre. Admission to the Party includes a dance lesson (primary movements, rhythmic structure, posture, leading and following), social dance, as well as refreshments. No partner required! For ages 18+.
January 30, 7pm; January 31, 12:30 & 3pm; February 1, 12:30 & 3pm; Y Stage Theatre Presents, Dreaming Now. Forge into a new reality where dreams and technology merge. For more information and to purchase tickets: Web.
January 31 to February 22, Saturdays, 1pm & Sundays, 1 and 3pm; Loose Moose Theatre for Kids Presents, Treasure Island. The classic adventure story performed in the entertaining Loose Moose style! For more information and to purchase tickets: 403-265-5682; Web.
Opening January 31; The Travelling Exhibition: Dinosaurs in Motion, TELUS Spark. An amazing blend of science, art and innovation. Experience 14 fully interactive life-size metal dinosaur sculptures, and explore the mechanics and movement behind each of these magnificent creations made out of recycled material. Included with admission/membership. Web.
CALGARY'S CHILD MAGAZINE & GLOBAL MORNING NEWS - WHAT'S COMING UP?
Saturday, January 3
Guest: Jennifer Eriksson, TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly)
Topic: For many, the New Year's Resolution of losing weight falls by the 'waistside' after a short while. TOPS, a weight loss support organization with a network of thousands of chapters, focuses on making small, steady lifestyle changes. Tune in for Jennifer's tips on how you can lose weight by setting sensible, realistic goals and avoid strict diets for a happier, healthier you.
Monday, January 5
Guest: Judy Arnall, Author, Professional Parenting Canada
Topic: Resolving for more peace and calm in your home in 2015? Judy will provide a simple yet effective 3-step method from her new book, Parenting with Patience, you can use to stop yelling at your kids and help your kids deal effectively with their anger too.
Saturday, January 10
Guest: Maria Doll, Style & Etiquette Consultant
Topic: In our society, many kids are taught not to be a tattle tale. But is tattling all that bad? When can it benefit or harm a situation? Tune in for help on how to address tattling with your kids using Maria's 4 Simple Rules.
Monday, January 12
Guest: Sharon Loose, Calgary Birth Essentials
Topic: Looking to hire a doula to assist you in birth but don't know where to start? Here's help! What is a doula? What services do they provide? What qualifications should a doula have and what questions should you ask before hiring a doula? Sharon will provide expert advice.
Saturday, January 17
Guest: Vicki McLaughlin, Cinderella Gown Project
Topic: For many female students, a graduation celebration is something that seems out of reach for financial or social reasons. The Cinderella Project helps ensure each graduate has a chance to take part in the "Ball" with peers and create memories that last a lifetime! The Cinderella Project is a Calgary-based organization run over 400 volunteers who believe in the beauty of success; it's about women helping Calgary's younger generation of women feel honored and pampered. Tune in to find out how you can make graduation dreams come true!
Monday, January 19
Guest: Nicole Brouwer, Alberta Health Services
Topic: If you have a toddler at home, Alberta Health Services is here to help with this important age and stage! Tune in to learn more about their "Toddler to Two" class and helpful tips to calm your toddler's temper tantrums.
Saturday, January 24
Guest: Annamaria Bliss, Pacekids Programs
Topic: Do you have a special needs child entering Preschool or Kindergarten? Tune in for Annamaria's top tips on how to choose the best school that fits your child's unique needs.
Monday, January 26
Guest: Tanya Koob, Writer/Blogger - Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies
Topic: Looking for some cool things to do this winter in Kananaskis and Banff? Tanya will provide some great festivals and activities for the whole family close to Calgary!
Saturday, January 31
Guest: Rachel Martin, Glenbow Museum
Topic: Silly Parents, the Glenbow is for Kids too! Tune in for upcoming family-friendly happenings: Discovery Room Art Activities for Families; Art Exploration Guide for Oh, Canada Exhibition; and the upcoming Weekend at the Museum for Families in March! Get out and about with your family and explore the Arts!
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Calgary's Child is Everywhere!
Join our Calgary's Child Magazine Page on Facebook & Twitter, we'd love to have you as part of our busy social network!
calgaryschild.com
Everything You Love About the Magazine and So Much More!
At calgaryschild.com
you'll find articles designed to help you navigate every age and stage, our fabulous calendar of events, information on products, programs and local services, websites and more, plus exclusive contests and much, much more!
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Calgary's Child Quick Links...
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We wish you a year that is Merry & Bright! The snow is back in town and it's time to get outside and enjoy it!
To help you get it off to a great start, this edition features fabulous contests, amazing events and suggestions for post-Holiday Fun!
It also includes news of our newly redesigned website ( check it out here!) and articles to help keep your family safe and sound.
Happy New Year!
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On Stands Now
Calgary's Child Magazine's Jan-Feb 2015 Issue
 Our Winter Issue has help for Calgary families to ward off the winter brrr's and find cool things to do, inside and out!
This issue features the Education Guide (including: Preschools, Jr. Kindergartens & Private Schools), our Winter-Spring Birthday Guide, and our Winter-Spring Class & Program Feature! It's an all-in-one resource for making the most of the cold weather and planning
for the new year!
Click here to read our Calgary's Child Magazine January-February 2015 digital e-Edition.
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Jump, Run, Move and Play with the Kurio Xtreme Contest!
Kurio Xtreme
7" Wi-Fi-Enabled Android 4.4 Kids Tablet: This tablet delivers ultimate fun with ultimate safety. Preloaded with $300+ of kid-safe content - including 10 exclusive Kurio Motion games, the first body motion games on a tablet - the Kurio Extreme gets kids moving as they play sports and includes learning games.
Features an Intel processor, access to Google Play, 24/7 (remote customer care), plus everything parents expect and trust from Kurio. Find them on Facebook and Twitter. Available to purchase in-store at Toys "R" us or online at toysrus.ca.
For your chance to win the Kurio Xtreme 7" Wi-Fi-Enabled Android 4.4 Kids Tablet, enter here (contest code: Kurio.) Entry deadline is Monday, February 9, 2015.
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 We've had a growth-spurt! Parenting is 24/7, and you have a million questions; our newly designed, interactive website includes all the answers and information busy parents need around the clock.
You loved the articles by trusted experts navigating every age and stage, the comprehensive programs and local services listings and exclusive contests, now check out our blog, new searchable calendar of events and activities, quick clicks to information on products and much more!
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How to Build a Mezze Platter
by Julie Van Rosendaal
 Cheese and charcuterie boards have become all the rage in recent years, but a simple mezze platter (mezze refers to middle Eastern small plates) is just as easy to put together, involving no more than the haphazard arrangement of cured meats, cheese, olives, nuts, dips and other nibbles on a board or platter. The combination of savoury nibbles acts as a perfect starter to a meal, but can be substantial enough to be the main event no matter what the occasion.
Much of what you'd find on a mezze platter can be picked up at the deli; olives, marinated calamari, stuffed peppers and grape leaves, cured sausages and salamis, chunks of p�t�, sundried tomatoes, blocks of feta and tubs of hummus. As with a cheese board, place the large items first, then add smaller nibbles, folding slices of meat in half or tucking them into little bundles, and arranging crackers, breadsticks and fresh or toasted pita wedges in the gaps between. Don't worry about not having a flair for food arranging - the more rustic it looks, the better. At the end, tuck dried apricots or figs and pistachios into nooks and crannies, keeping extra ingredients in the kitchen for easy replenishing.
To make pita chips, cut pitas into wedges, pull apart the two layers, brush the rough side with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper or a pinch of dry oregano. Bake at 350 ̊F for 10 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Julie is a best-selling cookbook author, food writer, cooking instructor and the food and nutrition columnist on the Calgary Eyeopener on CBC Radio. She lives in Calgary with her husband and son, Wilem. For more information, visit dinnerwithjulie.com.
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Play the Day Away Contest!
 The City of Calgary Recreation wants to help you and your family create, play and be active together. The City is giving one lucky winner a $100 Recreation gift card that can be used toward any registered or drop-in programs! For more information about the abundance of programs offered, visit calgary.ca.
For your chance to win the $100 gift card from The City of Calgary Recreation, enter here (contest code: Play.) Entry deadline is Monday, February 9, 2015.
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by Stephanie Arsenault
 There's something kind of lovely about this time of year. The holidays are past us, and a new year is upon us - it's the perfect time to relax, spend some quality time with the family and make plans for the year to come.
Make the most of the season and keep your bank account intact with these budget-friendly family fun tips:
Take to the hills. The hills are alive... with t he sounds of sledding! Calgary's many hills and parks are perfect for winter fun, and it's easy to spend nearly an entire day slipping, sliding and swooshing around on a sled. Not sure where to go? The City of Calgary's website (calgary.ca) has a great list of tobogganing and sledding hills all around the city, but word on the street is that St. Andrew's (2504, 13 Avenue NW) can't be beat. And remember: helmets on heads!
Calgary Winter Festival. Head down to Fort Calgary on February 16 for the Calgary Winter Festival! This free event is filled with fun activities like face painting, crafts, games and, of course, yummy food! For more information, visit fortcalgary.com. For more wintry fun and a complete listing of festivals, visit the online calendar of events on this website.
Enjoy a staycation. Like clockwork, that itch for a vacation  perks up around this time of year. After the holidays, however, an impromptu trip to somewhere exotic is often not in the budget. Satisfy that need for a vacation without breaking the bank by planning a weekend getaway in your own city! Here in Calgary, we have a ton of gorgeous hotels; whether you're looking to take the whole family along (look for ones with great pools and water slides!) or make it a weekend vacation just for two, there's something for everyone. Even if you end up splurging a bit on the hotel or a few goodies along the way, it'll be a heck of a lot cheaper than a trip to a tropical locale, and you'll have the opportunity to make the most of our beautiful city.
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Oh, Barnacles! SpongeBob is Back! Enter to Win 4 Tickets toThe SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water Advance 3D Screening!
 SpongeBob SquarePants, the world's favorite sea dwelling invertebrate, comes ashore to our world for his most super-heroic adventure yet. For more information and to view the trailer, visit the official website. Opens in theatres February 6.
For your chance to sponge up all the fun and win 4 tickets to the advance 3D screening on Saturday, January 31 at 10:30am at Scotiabank Theatre Chinook, enter here (contest code: spongebob).
Entry deadline is Wednesday, January 14, 2015.
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Provided by Calgary EMS
Alberta Health Services, EMS would like to remind parents and children of some basic sledding safety tips as the winter season continues. Sledding injuries can result from collisions with stationary objects such as trees and rocks or with other people on the hill. Unprotected falls can result in injury if you lose control at high speeds. Everyone is at risk - especially children. Educate your family how to stay safe by following these simple reminders and have a fun day on the toboggan hill.
Equipment
Ensure your sled is in good condition. Do not use sleds with broken parts, sharp edges, or splits in the material.
Currently, there are no helmets designed specifically for sledding. However children should wear a properly fitted helmet designed for high impact collisions, such as hockey, cycling, or climbing helmets.
Hazards
Avoid hills that are too steep, or too icy - you can lose control very quickly.
Choose hills free of obstacles such as trees, rocks, utility poles, or fences.
Be mindful of clothing that contains drawstrings, or loose clothing, such as scarves, which can present a choking hazard if they become caught or snagged.
Plan ahead
- Dress warmly in layers and anticipate weather changes.
- Consider bringing extra sets of gloves and toques to exchange wet garments for dry ones.
- Take breaks to warm up out of the cold.
- Ensure frostbite hasn't affected any exposed skin.
- Even when properly protected from the elements, the finger tips, toes, ears, the tip of the nose, and other high points on the face such as the forehead and cheek bones can be affected by frostbite.
- If frost bite has occurred, treat it by first removing the individual out of the cold environment. Gently warm the affected skin by placing a warm hand over it or by placing the affected part in warm water (not hot; ~41�C max.) until re-warmed.
Have a fun and safe winter!
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Enter to Win a Family Pack of 4 Tickets to Mike the Knight in the Great Scavenger Hunt!
Set in an enchanting world filled with medieval castles, plucky trolls and flying dragons, Koba Entertainment sets out on their bravest mission to date starring the cheerful yet bountiful Mike the Knight in his first ever theatrical production: Mike the Knight in the Great Scavenger Hunt!
See Mike the Knight live at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium on Sunday, February 8 at 1pm.
For more information, visit miketheknightontour.com.
For your chance to win a family pack of 4 tickets to Mike the Knight in the Great Scavenger Hunter, enter here (contest code: Knight).
Entry deadline is Wednesday, January 14.
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Bully Busters - Free Webinar with Judy Arnall
January 15, 8pm MST; Free Live Webinar, "Bully Busters." Brought to you by Professional Parenting Canada and Calgary's Child Magazine.
Brought to you by Professional Parenting Canada and Calgary's Child Magazine. Register today!
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by Dr. Susan Bartell
 For a great many people, post holiday-season winter can be an emotional let-down, and the beginning of three long, cold months that seem to go on forever. In fact, cold, snowy weather and short, dark days can bring out the worst in parents who feel cooped up with bored, whining children...sound familiar? Being stuck indoors makes everyone cranky! Winter can make parents less patient, less understanding and more frustrated with kids who are bickering with siblings, making endless messes and watching hours of mindless TV.
As bleak as this picture may seem, creative planning can help you and your kids dig out of the winter doldrums. In order to do this, you first need to change your mindset-instead of seeing the next few months as long, cold and depressing, view them as an exciting challenge. Your goal with this challenge is that when spring arrives you will be able to look back at this winter with a great big smile. Here is a simple 4-point plan to Take Back Winter!  #1 Be sure you have a complete and easily accessible supply of outerwear for yourself and your child. Always keep coats, gloves, hats and boots in a central location so that they are easily found whenever you need them. A plastic bucket near the door works well for hats and gloves. The easier it is to get dressed for the cold weather, the more likely you will be to go outside. Also, when everything is always in the same place it won't feel like a stressful task to get everyone ready.
Read more...
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Play the Day Away with The City of Calgary Recreation Contest!
The City of Calgary Recreation wants to help you and your family create, play and be active together.
The City is giving one lucky winner a $100 Recreation gift card that can be used toward any registered or drop-in programs! For more information about the abundance of programs offered, visit calgary.ca.For your chance to win the $100 gift card from The City of Calgary Recreation, enter here (contest code: Play).
Entry deadline is Monday, February 9, 2015.
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Does it still Take a Village to Raise a Child?
by Parenting Power
 In many communities, the children have gone inside. The adults have gone inside as well. Even so, there are many situations (online and off) in which adults observe children misbehaving and say nothing. Why might we say nothing? Perhaps we don't want to interfere. Perhaps we don't want to offend another parent. On the other hand, we frequently hear about situations in which children get into disagreements and parents end up fighting with the other parents about whose child was right rather than teaching their children strategies to manage the situation. Read more...
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Love our Contests? We Have Even More Ways to Win!
Our Facebook and Twitter followers look to us for details on upcoming events, information about the latest issue, see what's new & notable; they connect with parents around Calgary and even get help with dinner! Check out our "Enter to Win" Facebook Tab and our wall posts and tweets every day for new contests and giveaways. Join us!
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