Additional Resources
Helpful Websites
The websites below provide screen smart information, tips for parents and how to connect locally with nature.
You'll find excellent tips, facts and screen-free activities on this link. The tip sheets -- "Healthy Kids in a Digital World" -- are available in electronic versions (if you need just a few copies) or you can order printed copies for a cost. Teacher, childcare provider, librarian or health professional will find this a very useful; resource.
This site is also presented by Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood. Screen-Free Week is an annual, international celebration when families, schools, and communities swap digital entertainment for the joys of life beyond the screen. Instead of watching TV, surfing the web, or playing with apps and video games, they read, play, think, create, get active, and spend more time with family and friends.
On the site, you'll find information on: organizing a screen-free week; hosting a screen-free event: finding a screen-free event; and how to spread the word about screen-free week.
The Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS) has updated its guidelines on screen time for children under 5. Some key points from the CPS guidelines:
The evidence suggests that there are no proven benefits of media exposure for children under 2. Like the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends, high-quality educational programming may be beneficial for children 2-5, when co-viewed with parents and limited to 1 hour per day.
Burke Mountain Naturalists produced a delightful illustrated guide for young explorers. The Discover Nature in the Tri-Cities booklet introduces children to the habitat, flora, and fauna of eight of our local parks. It is available in PDF format or in print.
Strategies
7 Real-Life Strategies For Reducing Children's Screen Time provided by the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood.
Turn your living room into a place for family interaction and play by arranging the furniture so the TV is not the focus of the room.
Did You Know?
Young children who watch more television show increased aggression, but kids who spend less time with screens spend more time with their families, fall asleep faster, sleep longer and have more time for creative play.
Create a morning routine that doesn't involve screens.
Did You Know?
Screen time has been linked to attention problems in children, but kids who spend less time with screens do better in school and have more time for interacting with caring adults.
Make meals a time for your family to talk about the day without distraction from TV, smartphones and other screens.
Did You Know?
Screen-free family meals encourage healthy eating and children who spend less time with screens eat healthier.
Provide easy play options, like sensory play - which gives children the change to explore using their sight, touch, and other senses - to engage kids while you get things done around the house.
Did You Know?
Young Children learn through exploring with their whole bodies including all of their senses.
Make memories by planning outdoor activities that the whole family can enjoy together.
Did You Know?
Spending time in nature is important for healthy child development. Research even finds that green outdoor settings seem to reduce ADHD symptoms in children.
Make activity kits using supplies you already have to keep children busy during transitions (the time between one activity and the next) and other tricky times of the day.
Did You Know?
Toys like puzzles, blocks, and shape games - great items for an activity kit - help children develop spatial skills which are linked to success in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).
Take a break from your smartphone and other screens during periods of the day to give your child your uninterrupted attention.
Did You Know?
Research shows that mothers have higher quality communication with their children when doing non-screen activities together, like reading and playing with toys. Research also finds that kids learn screen-time habits from their parents and caregivers.
Unplug & Connect in the Tri-Cities Area
Coquitlam
City of Coquitlam
Coquitlam has programs, events and activities for residents of all ages and abilities. Take your dog for a run in an off-leash park, catch a tournament at Town Centre Park or enjoy the fresh air on a hike through one of our many trails. Whether you're into yoga, swimming, arts or hiking, there is always something new to learn or a new friend to meet through Coquitlam recreation. Now is the time to try it, learn it, live it!
Coquitlam is a Live 5-2-1-0 community and a HIGH FIVE registered City. HIGH FIVE® is a quality standard for recreation and sport programs for children between the ages of 6 to 12 years old. Check out the City's featured programs for children or visit the Sport & Recreation Registration page to view the main program guides.
Port Coquitlam
City of Port Coquitlam
Recreation contributes to the quality of life and personal wellness of the community by providing a variety of programs, services and facilities. It also oversees the Terry Fox Library. Programs include children and youth services such as Beyond the Bell, sports such as swimming, and events such as the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train. The City of Port Coquitlam makes every effort to make our programs accessible and inclusive for the whole community.
For more information, visit the Port Coquitlam Recreation page. To view and register for programs, check out Port Coquitlam's Leisure Guide.
Port Moody
City of Port Moody
Each season Port Moody offers a variety of children's programs for kids ages 5-12, including drop-in activities, Pro-D Day camps and recreation programs such as fencing. With registered programs, drop-in and camps, we can keep your children active and having fun. Be sure to check out the Happening Guide for a complete listing of all our programs.
The City of Port Moody believes that participation in parks, recreation and cultural activities benefits all individuals in the community. They have a Leisure Access Program that provides subsidized access for residents and a Recreation Access Program for individuals with special needs to access all of the Community Services programs in the Happening Guide.
Special Thanks
MoreSports in Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam
MoreSports is an evolving partnership between the school district and the municipality that you live in. It works at the neighbourhood level and shapes after school sports programs to suit the needs of children and families. These programs, which are offered directly after school at participating schools, help to reduce the stress and time crunch of pick up and drop off.
Soccer, tennis, hockey, multi-sports or anything you want are available once a week for 6 to 8 week sessions. All programs are $5 or less per session, making them one of the most affordable after school programs around.
If there isn’t a program running at your school, you can spearhead the effort to get it going! Contact Program Coordinator, Jeff Stromgren, at jstromgren@sd43.bc.ca to discuss getting one started in your school.