From March 2012

Father’s Depession Impacts Children’s Behavior

In a nationally representative study on depression in fathers, new findings indicate that dads who experience unemployment, poor health of themselves or their child, or those who live with a depressed partner are at higher risk of developing their own depression. Overall, 6% of all fathers in the study had scores suggesting that they were suffering from depressive symptoms.

The study also looked at the effects of parental depression on children, and found that fathers’ mental health has a greater impact on kids than was previously thought.

  • 15% of children with a depressed father show signs emotional and behavioral problems
  • 20% of children with a depressed mother showed signs of behavioral issues
  • 25% of children whose mother and father had depressive symptoms had behavioral issues
  • Only 6% of children with no depressed parents had problems
  • Unemployed fathers are 6.5 times more likely to show signs of depression than employed fathers  Read More…

(Source: www.bccf.ca)

 

Multicultural Children’s Songs and Rhymes Workshops for ECE and Community Workers

 **Note: New West workers are encouraged to attend**

One year ago the Burnaby Intercultural Planning Table launched Embracing Diversity: Sharing Our Songs and Rhymes, an online community resource to inspire learning across cultures. The project features children’s songs and rhymes in 15 community languages, with resources to support their use in programs for families. Burnaby Public Library hosts the project website: www.embracingdiversity.bpl.bc.ca.

 This April, we are again offering free workshops for community workers — to introduce the resources, share songs, discuss the value of including community languages in programs, and exchange program ideas.

 Please forward the attached workshop description to those in your organization who serve children and families. Pre-registration is required: the Burnaby Public Library number to call is 604.436.5400.

Family Connections Magazine: First Nations Focus

We have some exciting news for you, Family Connections has gone paperless! That is right, we are now only available online. Think of all the happy trees still standing in the forest because of us! And with the winter issue of Family Connections just released, what better time to check out all the great content and the new format.

Here is a sneak peek at what we have in store for you this issue. In October, at our annual conference for professionals working with families we had the pleasure of first meeting Lynda Gray, Executive Director of Vancouver’s Urban Native Youth Association and author of the recent book First Nations 101. We were so intrigued by Lynda’s workshop that we wanted to talk with her more. In this issue’s Connections profile Lynda shares with us her inspiration for writing her book and insights into why it is so important for all those working with Aboriginal families to have a basic understanding of the realities that Canada’s First Nations people are facing (pg 6).

Also in this issue, one of our board members, Kathy Kendall, takes an extensive look into BC’s Legal Aid (pg 8). With years of experience working as a family law practitioner, Kathy walks us through the changes to service that have been caused by years of cuts.

After traveling to Winnipeg to attend the workshop First Nations Family Attachment Program: Issues and Relevance, our very own certificated Canadian Family Educator David Sheftel sat down with Mary Courchene, Dawn Isaac and Elaine Isaac to talk about the issue of attachment in First Nations families (pg 12).

You will find these and much more in this issue which can be downloaded as a PDF or viewed online at www.bccf.ca. We would love to hear from you. Write and tell us your thoughts and reactions to what you read in this issue. We’ll reprint your letters sent to editor@bccf.ca in our upcoming issue.

Download Family Connections Winter 2012

(Source: www.bccf.ca)

Ready, Set, Learn! April 26th

All New Westminster 3 year olds and their families and/or caregivers are invited to the Ready, Set, Learn event on April 26th!

Location:Lord Kelvin Elementary School Gym;  1010 Hamilton Street (10th St. & 7th Ave.)

Date: Thursday April 26, 2012

Time: 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm

Flyer: Ready Set Learn District Poster 2012

  • Learn how to support your child’s early learning
  • Participate with your child in play based learning activities
  • Meet District principals and staff
  • Learn about school and community resources
  • Connect with other local families
  • Help prepare your child for Kindergarten