Yoga for Young Families

So if you live in any part of this neighbourhood you can't help noticing that there are yoga studios EVERYWHERE.  So maybe you want your child to take yoga...

Little Feet Yoga / Elation Centre

Once a month, starting February 12 (and then on March 11, April 22 and May 6 and June 3) - Catherine Lesage of Little Feet Yoga will be offering Creative Family Yoga at the Elation Centre, 360 Kirkwood Avenue North (essentially across from the Richmond Road Superstore).

A class for 3-6 year olds from 11 to 12;00. The class costs $20 for 1 parent / 1 child and $10 for each additional child.

Pre-registration is recommended and you can do so through http://www.littlefeetyoga.com/.  Catherine has been doing yoga in the neighbourhood at various locations for many years.  To see pictures of her classes and read more about her approach, visit her website.

Prana Shanti Yoga, 52 Armstrong St., near the Parkdale market

Prana Shanti offers

• prenatal yoga on Thursdays from 4:30 to 5:30, taught by Naomi Poole
• parent and baby yoga on Tuesdays from 11:00-12:00, taught by Naomi Poole
• children's yoga class for those aged 3 to 8 years old on Saturdays from 9:30 to 10:30 and taught by Jamie Reardon.

They also seem to have a child-minding service available on Thursdays from 9:30-1:00 for $7 per child (why do I feel like that should be in bright lights! Parents, do take some time for yourselves.).

Santosha Yoga

Santosha is unique in offering a pre-registered class for children with special needs.  Although the class has already started, check the website for more information and to find out future dates: http://www.santoshayoga.com/archives/7965. 

Classes are taught by Dianne Macdonald and are for ages 5-6, 7-8 and 9-10 year olds. For more information about Dianne, see http://www.communication-works.ca/ and for more information about the yoga program see http://www.everykidsyoga.com/

Go Local Birthday Parties

It's not just produce that can be bought local.  Consider having your child's next birthday at one of these neighbourhood venues.  You'll save gas, you'll save time and you'll support these local businesses.  Please let me know if I've missed any!

• Baobab Tree Drumming http://www.baobabtree.org/
• Capital City Dance http://www.capitalcitydance.ca/
• Carlingwood Y http://www.ymcaywca.ca/locations/Carlingwood+Y/
• Dovercourt Recreation Centre http://www.dovercourt.org/
• 4CatsArt http://www.4cats.com/
• Fisher Park Community Centre, 250 Holland Ave., hosts birthdays on Saturday from 1 to 4.  Call the Centre for more information and reservations (613) 798-8945
• Gotta Paint http://www.gottapaint.com/
• J.A. Dulude Arena http://www.rinktime.com/skating_rinks/on/j_a_dulude_arena_skating_rink_arena_ottawa_on.cfm but to book the time and room you actually have to call the City Recreation Dept.
• Little Feet Yoga (at Elation Centre, 360 Kirkwood Ave. N. or a location of your choice) http://www.littlefeetyoga.com/
• Ottawa Family Cinema http://www.familycinema.ca/
• Ottawa Gymnastics Centre http://www.ottawagymnasticscentre.ca/
• Ottawa Music Vocal and Dance Performance Academy http://www.ottawaconservatory.com/
• Ottawa School of Speech and Drama http://www.ossd.com/
• PC Cooking School http://www.pccookingschool.ca/LCLOnline/cookingSchool_home.jsp?province=ON&city=Ottawa
• Soloway Jewish Community Centre http://www.jccottawa.com/pages/birthdayparties.html
• West Park Bowling http://www.filsdiner.ca/westpark/index.asp

February 7 Open House: Westboro Nursery School

The Westboro Nursery School is hosting an Open House on Tuesday, February 7 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at 411 Dovercourt Ave. (in the Dovercourt Recreation Centre). Bring your children to visit the classroom and meet the teachers. Registration for September 2012 opens on February 14 and registration packages will be posted on the school's web site http://www.westboronurseryschool.ca/ on February 7.

The school is a parent co-operative preschool for 2 1/2 to 5 year-olds staffed by registered Early Childhood Educators. The hands on, play-based curriculum includes an introduction to French, sign language, school readiness, music, daily outdoor play and more.