Family Times - Auckland - Spring 2014

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Comforters

When it’s time for kids to let go

9

ADHD

Is the answer in our food?

10

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Competitions, giveaways

and more

A news magazine and online resource for families

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ISSN 2324-4488 (Print) ISSN 2324-4496 (Online)

AUCKLAND / ISSUE 40 / Spring 2014

Crissi Blair lives with her family in west Auckland and spends her time reading and writing, mostly about children’s books. Crissi organised the Storylines Festival of New Zealand Children’s Writers and Illustrators for three years and publishes the useful guide New Zealand Children’s Books in Print which is updated every year. Visit www.silvertone.co.nz for more information.

TOP S READ

Junior Fiction

Picture Books Let’s Play

Alborozo Allen & Unwin hardback $28.99 A very proper gentleman in tails offers to show some small children the orchestra. We begin with white pages and black line drawings but as each new instrument is introduced their music is depicted in colours and shapes to reflect the sound - a magnificent spree of colour and form as the orchestra plays together in the finale. Ages 3 to 10-years.

The Boring Book

Vasanti Unka Puffin hardback $25 This beauty is anything but boring as words rebel against their constraints and head out to have fun instead, changing the street signs and causing chaos until people learn to find words inside their heads. There are little books attached to pages, colour running rampant and a playground of typography of every kind. Fun, food for thought, and great design in one package. Ages 4 to 12-years.

Battle Bunny

Jon Scieszka & Mac Barnett Illustrations by Matthew Myers Simon & Schuster hardback $21 What looks like a cutesy book called Birthday Bunny is hijacked by Alex (whose birthday it is) who uses a marker to totally change the story and illustrations to tell a fearsome story about Battle Bunny, full of weaponry, fighting, and plans to rule the forest. Visit www. mybirthdaybunny.com and print out the original book to alter in your own way.

Ages 7 to 12-years.

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Childhood trauma

Competitions, giveaways and vouchers

Helping kids bounce back

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Win s, Win hers Win petition vouc give

The Big Book of Old Tom

Leigh Hobbs Allen & Unwin paperback $24.99 Five stories in one fat book: Old Tom is a very dilapidated cat, taken in by Angela Throgmorton - rather unpleasant herself, apart from adoring Old Tom. In Old Tom at the Beach, Angela sleeps while Tom digs for treasure, tries every flavour of ice cream, then floats out to sea, is rescued by pirates then has an extraordinary journey back to the beach. Hilarious.

Annie’s Snails

Dianne Wolfer & Gabriel Evans Walker Books, paperback $13.99 A perfect beginner chapter book with three stories about Annie. She goes searching the garden for snails.

Her new pets escape but she tracks them down and keeps them in an ice-cream container, but it’s not good for them and she realises they need to live out in the garden.

Gentle, friendly stories for ages 5 to 7-years, with pen and ink drawings.

John McNally HarperCollins paperback $24.99 Infinity Drake (aka Finn, 12) is an insect-mad orphan who lives with his gran. She’s going on holiday so Uncle Al, a renegade scientist, is taking care of him, until Al is summoned to help save the world from a deadly super-wasp – the Scarlatti. High tech, complex characters with non-stop action and humour too, all at a furious pace. Ages 9-plus.

Ruby Redfort: Catch Your Death Lauren Child Illustrations - David Macintosh HarperCollins hardback $24.99 Ruby (13) is in training to be an undercover agent, but also has to go to school and keep her training a secret.

She’s no perfect heroine though; she’s constantly messing up and needing to be rescued, but is determined to solve her case. Book three in the series but fine to read on its own too. Ages 9 to 12-years.

Night of the Perigee Moon

Juliet Jacka Scholastic paperback $19.50 Storylines Tom Fitzgibbon Award 2013 winner. An intriguing fantasy about Tilly, who is about to turn 13, when she will find out what her talent (everyone in her family has one) is going to be. She’d rather be an ordinary school girl but has to accept her new skill and find out what trouble her sneaky uncle is planning. Ages 9 to 12-years.

Firefly July: A Year of Very Short Poems

Paul B Janeczko (Ed) & Melissa Sweet Candlewick Press hardback $29.99 A collection of quite perfect tiny poems embedded in richly creative, collaged illustrations. They progress through the four seasons, from spring through to winter, encompassing all the seasons bring to the great outdoors and cityscapes.

These little stories are reflected in the often child-like drawings with something new for each poem. A treasure to return to often. Ages 4 to 12-years.

Matariki

Sharon Holt & Deborah Hinde The Writing Bug paperback plus CD $24.99 Another in the awardwinning series of Te Reo Singalong books, this time celebrating Matariki - the Maori New Year, which happens in May/June each year. A family wakes up early to see the Matariki stars then have a big celebration with food, family and remembrance of those who have died. There’s a CD included so you can learn the song in te reo, with an English translation, guitar chords, and some facts about Matariki.

All ages.

Steppin’ with Benji Marshall

David Riley Reading Warrior paperback $20 Benji Marshall is a hero to many for his great sporting achievements. Read here about his smalltown childhood with a young single mother, how he stayed out of trouble and did well at school, faced his own challenges and temptations, developing his own unique style in the sport he loved, becoming one of the best rugby league players in the world! Ages 7 plus.

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it ing agin g we im or... growin Are ds as well ers as ts ious on Partn paren harm

Simon Mayles Harper Collins Harry (10) tells his story in emails and texts plus the letters he writes to anyone who might be able to help - the Queen, a movie director, a pop star... some even write back!

He’s full of bright ideas, including making a zombie movie to help his dad’s ailing scriptwriting career. Plenty of illustrations make this an easy, entertaining read. Ages 8 to 12-years.

Infinity Drake: The Sons of Scarlatti

Knowledge books

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inside this issue

From the editor Contents Think for a minute about how hard it is to give up the things that you like.

4 Comforters

M

aybe it’s chocolate, sleep, exercise, or a glass of wine. Maybe it’s time to yourself, that holiday you’ve been planning, or a game of golf on a Saturday morning.

As human beings, we reward ourselves with something that brings us comfort in some way. But when you become a parent, you inevitably sacrifice many of life’s comforts for the sake of your children. But then, you find a way to replace those things with something else that you can have. You can’t drop everything and go shopping with the girls, so instead, you buy a few delicious things that you love to eat at the supermarket. Instant comfort.

Believe it or not, as adults, we still have our “comforters.” Just imagine yourself at a large, formal social gathering with a lot of people you don’t know. Do you hold on to a glass or cell phone? Would you feel confident meeting people without those things?

It’s similar for kids. When they drag their familiar blanket around everywhere with them and scream blue murder if you try to take it away, what they’re afraid of is losing that buffer zone that they have with an uncertain world. It’s no wonder then that some kids take a long time before they are ready to part with an object that they associate with comfort and protection – essentially a “stand-in” for their parent/s.

For example, registered psychologist Prue Urlwin says that kids in Canterbury may be more reluctant to let go of their comforters

W

Maria Pine-Mariu

My 16 and 13-year-olds make their lunch.

They started when they were all kindy age: four onwards. I wanted them to know at a young age that they were one of seven children that I had, so I got seven children and they all made their own lunches.

Sally Eyre

My 8-year-old does: as if she makes it, she eats it (mostly)!

Katie Morgan-Lumber

It’s a mix between myself (mum) and my eldest son who’s 10, and youngest at age 7.

Depends on how late the boys are for school, so generally me.

Sam Bone

I don’t have a child I am just pointing out that my age is 14 and I make my own lunch.

Gina Possibly

Pffft, hubby still makes our son’s and he’s 16!!! Spoilt much I say! Dannie is the last of four kids at home so he’s the baby. We talked about why he doesn’t make his lunch and his reasoning was very simple: you show me you love me when you make my lunch.

Jane Hunter

I still make the sandwiches every day but they

Snugly blanket, dummy, or a pet toy – when is it time to let go?

4 threats.

16 Birthdays

Birthday party etiquette for adults.

Stay water safe this warm season.

Teach stranger-danger without fear.

17 Water safety

18 Keeping kids safe

due to the trauma that they have endured over the past few years through the earthquakes. They feel a strong need to have an item of comfort with them just in case of the worst.

This issue we talk about comforters in our main editorial feature. Are they good or bad, at what age should a child be ready to forsake their comforter and embrace the world without it, and do pacifiers have a negative effect on development?

Of course we’ve got all of our regular features too, as well as competitions and giveaways galore. Happy springtime everybody.

Enjoy!

What works for my family e asked you - our Family Times Facebook family - who makes the children’s lunch in your house. Here’s what you said:

6

Features

do everything else – ages 14 and 12. I should probably let go!!

Arna Kamariera

7

6 Kids and chores

7 Choosing a school

Kirsten Leitch

Lisa Vujcich

My 10-year-old makes her lunch every night.

She has done since she was six. Teaches them responsibility. If she doesn’t make a good lunch she goes hungry. She has come home hungry a couple times. But not lately...

Emily Brunt

My 2 and 4-year-olds help make their lunches... they have almost mastered buttering bread for sandwich making too.

Arna Kamariera

I find if they make their own they appreciate their own choices more than what they would if I make it... and some days they may want a banana instead of an apple for example. So as long as they have yoghurt, sandwich and three pieces of fruit, they can choose which “goodies” they want to add.

Visit us Family Times New Zealand on Facebook to have your say!

Public, private, integrated or charter – which school is right for your child?

8 The terrible twos

My kids are 5, 6 and 7. They make their own lunches. I just check at the end to make sure they have enough for the day.

I make our girls' age 5 and 6-years, and the 38-year-olds. But he works full time, so I am happy to make it; my choice.

Getting kids involved in family responsibilities.

What’s going on with your two-year-old terror?

13 Online bullying

How to protect your kids from cyber

Kids Corner 10 Kids’ corner

Competitions, games and reviews.

Resource information 6 School term dates 14 Calendar of events 15 Entertainment

About Us Publisher Robyn Willis Design & Production Moody Shokry Advert Production Target Press Production Office Editor Vanessa O’Brien Digital editor Rochelle Savage

Media Executives Shona Robb, Nicky Barnett, Katie Morgan, Naomh Cusin, Penny Leary , Olwyn Knowler Office Manager Raelyn Hay Office Assistant Jackie Pithie

Reach us at: Family Publishers (NZ) P.O. Box 36-004, Christchurch 8146, NZ Ph. 03-355-9186 0800285 510 Fax: 03 3559 183 Mobile. 0274-359-414 admin@familytimes.co.nz www.familytimes.co.nz

Distribution Printed and distributed quarterly approximately two weeks before each major school holiday.

59,089 distributed through early childhood centres, primary, intermediate schools and city council libraries. The opinions expressed in this publication are not those of the publisher unless indicated otherwise. No part of this publication may be reprinted without the expressed written permission of the publisher. Family Times is not responsible for unsolicited material. Family Times is funded and published solely through the support of its advertisers. They support us, please support them.

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feature story

Why kids love comforters Snugly blanket, dummy or soft-toy – when does a comforter become a crutch?

I

t’s cute when your two-year-old carries around a fluffy blanket and holds the silky edge close to their face. But what about five years later when that blanket looks more grey than pink no matter how many times you wash it, it’s patchy with a few holes, but your child refuses to go to sleep without it?

Why a comforter?

Lots of children use comforters. The object is a reminder of the special close times that infants have with their parents and becomes a stand-in for that closeness. They are a kind of bridge to help children move from the safety of being with their family to the big world around them, according to registered psychologist Prue Urlwin.

“If a child has a comforter it is probably a reminder of sucking, which is calming. Sucking or holding comforters can help young children to feel safe when they are not with parents or family members, until they are old enough to feel okay by themselves.”

Children usually have a strong need for the object at times of stress, change or separation, such as bedtime or when in child care, and studies have found that comforters help children to deal better with times of stress or anxiety.

Are comforters safe?

Parents can encourage a child to use a particular comforter (such as a teddy or soft toy) by leaving it with the child at bedtime,

4

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but it is not possible to make a child choose what parents want. It has to be something that is special for the child.

Plunket national child safety advisor Sue Campbell says that if your child had become attached to a particular blanket or toy, it’s important to be alert and check regularly that their favourite toy or blanket hasn’t become a danger, and it’s still safe for them to handle.

“Take the age of the child into consideration when deciding whether a toy or blanket is safe in the first place. Favourite toys and blankets that are well-loved by children do wear away. Be aware of threads coming loose as they could come off and become a choking hazard.”

“As the child develops, their need for the comforter will lessen.”

Self-settling

Not all children have comforters. Research shows that children who sleep near their parents or a sibling at night, and who are cared for during the day by a parent or other close family member, seem less likely to need a comforter. But as any parent will know, comforters are very important for the children who do use them.

Some parents chose not to give their child a comforter in fear that it will inhibit their ability to self-settle. In short, without their security blanket, or dummy, their child will

refuse to go to sleep on their own.

However, research does show that the majority of children give up their comforter at an age when they feel safe and ready to undertake the growing challenges of life more independently – things like going to preschool, staying overnight with a relative other than their parents, or even sleeping in their own bed.

What age is normal?

Many babies get attached to a special toy or other comforter by the age of 6-months.

From 8 to 9-months onwards, their need for the comforter can be very strong, especially at times when the child is not with a parent, and particularly at sleep time. For a child less than one-year-old, researchers say it’s a good idea to remove the comforter from the child’s cot once the child is asleep.

As the child develops, their need for the comforter will lessen. Children are usually ready to give up their comforter by 3 to 4-years of age, once they feel safer in the absence of a parent – at least in the day time. However, when it comes to dummies (pacifiers) medical experts say that children need to be encouraged to stop sucking on a dummy ideally by the time they are two.

There seems to be relatively little harm if the child continues until about three, but for normal development of their teeth and jaw, earlier is better. If your child does use a pacifier beyond the age of three, it’s important to make sure that they stop before their adult, permanent teeth come through at age 5 to 6-years.

feature story

Pacifiers – good or bad?

There are claims that pacifiers have bad effects on the health and development of children.

However, claims that children who use dummies are likely to be less intelligent than other children is untrue – in fact, some researchers claim that tiny, premature babies who are given a dummy do better developmentally than those who aren’t, and using a dummy appears to lower the risk of SIDS. Children who use dummies are no more likely to get ear infections than those who don’t.

But when it comes to breastfeeding and pacifiers, there are some things for parents to keep in mind. For example, if dummies are used with very young babies before breastfeeding really gets going well, the babies may not suck on the nipple as well as is needed to keep up the milk supply.

Also, dummies should not be used to make breast-fed babies wait for a feed when they are hungry unless your doctor or child health nurse suggests it to make the time between feeds longer.

Giving up

For the most part, as kids develop more independence, their need for their comforter will lessen. They may still feel that they need it when they start preschool, but they usually become quickly aware that other kids don’t have them, and may become embarrassed about it. If this is the case, you can perhaps pin a dummy, or a small piece of their special blanket, on the inside of their pocket so that they can touch it when they need to, until they are ready to give it up. Gradually, their need for it will lessen until they forget about it altogether.

A slightly tougher habit to give up, although it’s also a form of comforter, is thumb or

finger-sucking. It’s harder to give up simply because thumbs and fingers are always there.

It is important to try to curb the habit by the age of three though, as ongoing thumb or finger sucking can result in dental problems.

“Children usually have a strong need for the object at times of stress, change or separation, such as bedtime or when in child care.”

If a child still needs a comforter a great deal after 5 or 6 years of age, or if a younger child is unable to enjoy play without the comforter

Comforters – safety and other tips •

They won’t give it up

It’s best for children if they can give up their comforter when they are ready, not when others think they should, says registered psychologist Prue Urlwin.

“If a child still needs a comforter/thumb a lot after 5 or 6, or if they can’t play without it, it would be important to try to find out if there are any underlying stresses in their life.”

Sometimes 1 or 2-year-olds will give up their comforter, but they don’t always understand that they can’t have it back when they need it and may become quite distraught. So it’s better to let nature take its course: nagging about it will make the child more worried and need the comforter more. When you can see your child needs it less, put their comforter on a shelf when they are happily playing. You can tell your child where the comforter is so that they can get it when they need to, but it won’t just naturally follow everywhere they go. Try to engage more with your child during the day so that they think about it less.

Delicious filling for homemade dumplings or wontons. Great served with savoury pancakes. Homemade sushi or rice-balls.

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Stuffed into a roll with creamy coleslaw is a classic. Wonderful soft shell tacos. Hot Asian noodle salad. Homemade pulled pork pizza. A delicious pie filler. Chinese style fried rice with pulled pork. Delicious filling for homemade dumplings or wontons. Great served with savoury pancakes. Homemade sushi or rice-balls. Added to spicy beans and Nachos. Pulled pork hotdog. Rolled into a crepe with smoked cheese and onion. Pulled pork Filo triangles served with dipping sauces.

Baked potato with lashing of sour cream. Chinese style omelette filled with pulled pork. Pulled pork chilli con carne.

Ultimate pork potato hash cake. Stuffed into a roll with creamy coleslaw is a classic. Wonderful soft shell tacos. Hot Asian noodle salad. Homemade pulled pork pizza. A delicious pie filler. Chinese style fried rice with pulled pork. Delicious filling for homemade dumplings or wontons. Great served with savoury pancakes. Homemade sushi or rice-balls. Added to spicy beans and Nachos. Pulled pork hotdog. Rolled into a crepe with smoked cheese and onion. Pulled pork Filo triangles served with dipping sauces. Baked potato with lashing of sour cream. Chinese style omelette filled with pulled pork. Pulled pork chilli con carne. Ultimate pork potato hash cake. Stuffed into a roll with creamy coleslaw is a classic. Wonderful soft shell tacos. Hot Asian noodle salad. Homemade pulled pork pizza. A delicious pie filler. Chinese style fried rice with pulled pork. Delicious filling for homemade dumplings or wontons.

Great served with savoury pancakes. Homemade sushi or riceballs. Added to spicy beans and Nachos. Pulled pork hotdog.

Rolled into a crepe with smoked cheese and onion. Pulled pork Filo triangles served with dipping sauces. Baked potato with lashing of sour cream. Chinese style omelette filled with pulled pork. Pulled pork chilli con carne. Ultimate pork potato hash cake. Stuffed into a roll with creamy coleslaw is a classic. Wonderful soft shell tacos. Hot Asian noodle salad.

Homemade pulled pork pizza. A delicious pie filler. Delicious filling for homemade dumplings or wontons. Great served with savoury pancakes. Homemade sushi or rice-balls. Added to spicy beans and Nachos. Pulled pork hotdog. Rolled into a crepe with smoked cheese and onion. Pulled pork Filo triangles served with dipping sauces. Baked potato with lashing of sour cream. Chinese style omelette filled with pulled pork. Pulled porkAvailable chilli con carne. Ultimate pork potato hash cake. Stuffed all with good intoin a roll creamy coleslaw is a classic. Wonderful soft supermarkets shell tacos. Hot Asian noodle salad. Homemade pulled pork pizza. Afrom delicious pie filler. Chinese style fried rice with pulled 18th August pork.

Delicious filling for homemade dumplings or wontons.

Great served with savoury pancakes. Homemade sushi or riceballs. Added to spicy beans and Nachos. Pulled pork hotdog.

Rolled into a crepe with smoked cheese and onion. Pulled pork Filo triangles served with dipping sauces. Baked potato with lashing of sour cream. Chinese style omelette filled with pulled pork. Pulled pork chilli con carne.

being there, it is important to try to find out what is happening in his life and to deal with any underlying stresses.

Practice safe sleeping. It is important for babies to have their faces clear at all times. Remove anything from your child’s bed that could prevent them from breathing while sleeping, such as blankets they could pull over their face.

•

Avoid buttons. Don’t give a child anything that has buttons or sewnon small attachments that could find their way into a child’s mouth. They could fall off and become a choking hazard.

•

Protect fingers and toes: steer clear of loops and holes. Children can get their fingers/toes caught in the holes in blankets, or in loops stitched on.

Check the size of holes in blankets to make sure your child can’t get their fingers or toes caught.

•

Be alert to dangers. Loose threads can become a choking hazard.

•

If you see that your child is choosing a blanket or soft toy to be special, you could buy another one like it, so that they can both wear out at the same pace and can be changed when one needs washing.

•

If a baby chooses the bottle as a comforter, make sure that there is only water in the bottle between feeds. Continually sucking milk or juice can damage teeth.

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W E N Hellers Pulled Pork.

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5

Is getting your kids to do chores a chore?

Most of us grew up with responsibilities in the family.

Maybe it was doing dishes, doing the ironing, mowing the lawns or feeding the family pet.

might jump in and do it for them, which would undermine the whole point.

2 Don’t delay. You might think your child is too young. But your kids may be more capable than you think. Kids can do a lot of chores at an early stage, for example, getting clothes to the laundry or cleaning up after dinner. Rather than taking the approach of waiting until they’re “ready”, take the approach that they will learn by doing. oday, with the busy lives and schedules that parents and kids have, some parents 3 Don’t be stingy with praise. Don’t wait until the chore is done: praise and find it easier to just do the chores themselves: encourage your child while the chore is in it avoids a confrontation with the kids at progress. You want to build positive mothe end of a long day, and after all, you can mentum, especially with young kids. probably do the job faster and better yourself.

4 Don’t be inconsistent. Elizabeth Pantley, For those parents who do try, it can be a author of parenting books including Kid struggle to get children to do the basics such Cooperation: How to Stop Yelling, Nagas making their bed, putting their toys away, ging, and Pleading and Get Kids to Coopor setting the table for dinner. erate, says if your kids aren’t expected to However, parenting experts agree that deregularly follow through, they might start spite the meltdowns, the arguments, and even putting chores off in the hope that somehostility at times over chores, if you don’t give one else will do them for them. your kids responsibility, you are making a rod for your own back and depriving your kids Start kids young. Young children have a desire from making a valuable contribution to the to help, even as young as age two. Although it family: learning responsibility in the family is a can be more work for parents at first, giving way to help children discover their meaningful young children simple tasks like putting their role in the family, and to develop a sense of toys away is training them for the future. purpose and significance.

Remember to be careful with rewards. If you want your kids to develop an intrinsic sense of Pitfalls to avoid when it responsibility, they need to learn to not focus comes to chores on what they get, but what they contribute.

1 Don’t insist on perfection. No one is Also, don’t shelter them from the natural perfect, and it’s better to have a more consequences of their mistakes. If they fail to relaxed approach to how well your kids put their favourite clothes in the washing, let do their chores. Otherwise, you might them learn that they won’t have their favouhave a struggle on your hands. Or you rite clothes for their weekend party.

T

Age appropriate chores Chores for children ages 2 to 3 • Put toys away • Fill pet’s food dish • Put clothes in hamper • Wipe up spills Chores for children ages 4 to 5 Any of the above chores, plus: • Make their bed • Empty wastebaskets • Bring in mail or newspaper • Clear table Chores for children ages 6 to 7 Any of the above chores, plus: • Sweep floors • Set and clear table

• Help make and pack lunch • Keep bedroom tidy Chores for children ages 8 to 9 Any of the above chores, plus: • Load dishwasher • Put away groceries • Vacuum • Help make dinner Chores for children ages 10 and older.

Any of the above chores, plus: • Unload dishwasher • Fold laundry • Clean bathroom • Change their bed sheets We’ve got parenting covered. For more parenting features, visit us at www. familytimes.co.nz.

ISSN 1178

2011

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2014/2015 primary and intermediate school term dates

SCHOOL TERM DATES

2014/2015 secondary and composite school term dates Term 4, 2014

Monday 13 October to Tuesday 16 December

Term 4, 2014

Term 1, 2015

Monday 13 October to no later than Friday 19 December

Between Monday 2 February and Thursday 5 February to Thursday 2 April

Term 1, 2015

Term 2, 2015

Between Monday 2 February and Thursday 5 February to Thursday 2 April

Monday 20 April to Friday 3 July

Term 2, 2015

Monday 20 July to Friday 25 September

Monday 20 April to Friday 3 July

Term 3, 2015

Monday 20 July to Friday 25 September

Term 3, 2015

Remaining public holidays 2013 27 October 25 December 26 December

Labour Day Christmas Day Boxing Day

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Times have changed and YHAs aren’t just for backpackers anymore. We offer dedicated private rooms with bunks for the little ones and double beds for the grown-ups. Many of these rooms have ensuites so when your kids need to make that night time pit stop, they won’t have to leave the room.

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need to bring the groceries and the kids will still get their 5+ a day.

Make yourselves at home in our comfortable lounges, gardens, barbecue areas and hang out rooms with games and DVDs. And sleep easy knowing YHA takes our guests’ safety seriously. YHA have thorough security and staff are contactable 24/7. You’re also guaranteed that we have no bars on site.

So pack up your whanau, hit the road and stay at any of our 45-plus YHAs in the best spots around New Zealand. Check into your private room, make yourself at home and go do what you actually set out to do. You’re not staying in a hotel - you’re staying at our place.

Choosing the right school for your child Are you confused about your • Special needs or regular school?

3. Contact your favoured options when it comes to schools choosing the right school for At this point, contact selected schools to learn more about what they offer. your Kiwi kids?

4. Consider the quality of aybe your chid is starting school for the education at the school first time, transferring due to a shift, or • Read the school’s ERO report (this report simply isn’t finding their current school to be from the Education Review Office outlines a good fit. Whatever the reason, choosing a a school’s achievements and standards in school used to be a relatively simple choice a wide range of areas, and is carried out between state or private school, co-ed or every three years. Reports are available at single-sex. But these days there are a plethora no cost from schools and ERO offices) of choices available. Here are some hints on • Talk to members of the Board of finding the right school for your child: Trustees, the principal and the teachers 1. Compile a list of possible • Find out how teaching and learning are schools managed at the school Make a list of local schools, considering: 5. Visit the school • How close the school is to your home As a parent of a prospective pupil, you have the • How your child will travel to school each day right to visit a school and meet with the principal • Schooling arrangements for other children and/or staff before enrolment. Make appointDesignated character school in your family ments to visit the schools you are considering.

This is a state school that teaches the New 2. Narrow down your options Remember too, that depending on the age Zealand curriculum but has developed its of your child, it isn’t just your decision as a Think through your options, bearing in mind own sets of aims, purposes and objectives to parent – take your child along to school visits, reflect its own particular values. For example, the differences between schools. Sometimes ask what their preferences are and include it helps to make a list of pros and cons when religious beliefs or culture. them in the decision making process. making your decision. Some of the choices Independent (or private) Here are some options of different school you might have to consider are: types available in New Zealand: schools • Co-educational or single sex?

These schools charge fees, but also receive • Integrated (religious) or nonBilingual school some funding from the government. They denominational?

At a bilingual school, teachers and children are governed by their own independent • Private or state-funded? teach and learn in both English and another boards and must meet certain standards to • Boarding school, correspondence or day language for up to 20 hours a week (most school? often English and Maori). be registered with the Ministry of Education.

M

Te kura kaupapa Maori

These are state schools where the teaching is in te reo Maori and is based on Maori culture and values.

State schools

Most New Zealand schools are state schools that receive government funding. Lessons are based on the New Zealand curriculum.

We’ve got education covered: visit us @ www. familytimes.co.nz.

ENTERTAINMENT

ALBANY

GLENFIELD

MANUKAU

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WEEK TWO

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KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR MONTY AT YOUR LOCAL CENTRE

MONDAY 29 SEPTEMBER – FRIDAY 3 OCTOBER 10.30AM – 2.30PM

WEEK TWO

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VISIT MONTY’S CUPCAKE KITCHEN

MONDAY 6 – FRIDAY 10 OCTOBER 10.30AM – 2.30PM

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WEEK TWO

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MONDAY 29 SEPTEMBER – FRIDAY 3 OCTOBER 10.30AM – 2.30PM

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Y&R_WES1001

FREE

SCHOOL HOLIDAY

They don’t have to follow the New Zealand curriculum but must follow a learning programme of at least the same quality.

7

Terrible twos – myth or reality?

It can happen anytime in a child’s second year, long before their second birthday or even closer to their third.

B

ut for almost all children, there is a space in time when they morph from the angelic baby stage to toddlerhood, and a phase commonly lamented by parents as “the terrible twos.”

Maybe it starts at the lolly aisle at the supermarket; complete breakdown, a screaming tantrum that won’t be calmed. Or if you’re lucky, maybe it’s at home when your child doesn’t get to eat what they want for breakfast. Food finds its way to the floor, the walls, into your child’s hair, and there’s more inconsolable crying, yelling and screaming.

Either way, there are few parents who get to dodge the bullet of the terrible twos, as the vast majority of children go through this stage says registered psychologist Prue Urlwin.

“It’s all part of natural development.

However, every child and parent is different in many ways, depending on resources, family support, how they were parented, if a child is at preschool, unwell, different temperaments and personalities, first child or following child. There is no one way to parent and even within a family different children may need differing strategies.”

The main thing to remember is that the terrible twos are a stage: a developmental stage, that is, and it will end. It’s also important to remember that your child isn’t necessarily trying to be defiant or rebellious on purpose. They are expressing their growing independence and they don’t necessarily have the language skills to easily express their needs. That can be why the word “no” becomes their favourite word and why they frequently resort to hitting, biting and temper tantrums when they don’t get their way, says Urlwin.

“Two-year-olds can become frustrated quickly because they have not yet learned to manage their emotions. They have mastered walking, running and are starting to talk but they are still learning social skills.

Hitting and biting can be partly experimental and exploration or finding it hard to communicate.”

It can be easier to get through the terrible twos if you arm yourself with knowledge about your child’s development in advance.

For example, tantrums can occur for a host of reasons. In your mind, as a parent, the colour spoon you eat your breakfast with is hardly due the effort of an all-out tantrum. But in the mind of two-year-old, it can seem wholly

justified, and very important.

It’s at this age that children have an enormous explosion of brain development, and with it comes increased independence and personal preferences. However, young children still have a limited understanding of what is going on the world around them, and are challenged and confused by the emotions that they feel. They look to their parents or caregivers to be an anchor in the exciting but ever-changing world that they are growing into.

Here are some tips to help you manage the terrible twos: • Provide your child with stability. Have a regular routine for meals, naps, bedtime etc, and try to stick to it.

• Give your child some choices, but limited ones. Ask if they would prefer an apple or an orange, rather than what they want for a snack. This makes them feel like they have some decision-making power, but not open-rein.

• Set limits, and stick to them, even when your child tests them. They want to see what they can get away with.

• Don’t give in to tantrums.

• Introduce time-out and confiscation of toys as discipline techniques.

For more helpful hints with babies and toddlers, check out www.familytimes.co.nz.

Breastfeeding support in many ways Meet breastfeeding mothers ContaCt a trained breastfeeding counsellor Read a book from our library BRowse our website Join and receive aroha magazine Buy books and leaflets donate to help La Leche League help more mums like you.

CONTACT US: (09) 846 0752 EMAIL: help@lalecheleague.org.nz facebook.com/LLLNZ lalecheleague.org.nz 8

www.familytimes.co.nz

La Leche League

The birth of Jessica’s first baby was eagerly anticipated. She read all the books and went to parenting classes.

Despite this Jessica couldn’t believe how hard it was being a mum and how lonely she was. She was breastfeeding but didn’t know if she was doing it right.

This all changed when Jessica went along to her local La Leche League meeting.

Jessica met other mums just like her, who had sorted out their breastfeeding issues and had plenty of tips to share. La Leche League groups meet all around New Zealand. Find where at lalecheleague. org.nz or facebook.com/LLLNZ.

ADHD – is the answer in our food?

It’s no easy feat raising a child who has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Rucklidge. “That’s one of the reasons that parents do give their kids these drugs: they think that it makes a difference to education.

But parents are becoming more aware of the long term impacts and the outcomes ost kids with ADHD have the social and for children, and in terms of education it is emotional maturity of a child two thirds certainly no better and some statistics show their age, up to half of them also have specific that outcomes are actually worse.”

Rucklidge’s clinical trial at the University learning difficulties such as dyslexia, and 40 of Canterbury, funded by the Vic Davis – 60% exhibit behavioural difficulties such as Memorial Trust, is the first of its kind. defiance.

Participants are given a cocktail of vitamins and The ADHD Association of New Zealand minerals daily, containing 46 micronutrients estimates that between 2 – 5 per cent of in 15 pills. They’re generally in higher doses Kiwi kids have ADHD, and up to three times than the recommended daily intake , and as many boys are diagnosed with ADHD not specifically tailored to individual nutrient than girls. As many as 50 – 80% of children deficiencies. As Rucklidge says, people’s bodies with ADHD will continue to meet diagnostic are very good at expelling any nutrients that criteria in adolescence and up to 70% they don’t need, so there is no harm in the continue to have impairment as adults. broad spectrum approach.

So when clinical psychologist Dr Julia The pilot has shown some impressive Rucklidge says the answers to ADHD may be results: publically released case studies show in our food, there are eager parents signing up complete remission of ADHD symptoms and their kids for her three-year clinical trial at the other symptoms too. “When they get better, University of Canterbury. the entire body gets better,” said Rucklidge.

Rucklidge became interested in the “Anxiety, behaviour problems – you get relationship between nutrients and ADHD changes in all areas.” after studying research about the relationship “We don’t cure everyone this way, because between nutrients and mental illness over the there are various reasons why people suffer from past decade. psychological illness, but in our trials, we see a “In the late 1990s, it was generally believed good response in 60-80% of people we see.” that diet had no or little impact on ADHD Rucklidge is now running a clinical trial with behaviours. But in the last 10 years, scientists the nutrients for children with ADHD aged have started to rethink this perspective and 8 to 12-years-old, who are medication free. pay more attention to this,” said Rucklidge.

Sixteen children have already started the trial, The stimulants Ritalin and Dexamphetamine with none dropping out, which Rucklidge have been used for more than 40 years, and believes is a good sign. international studies show that between 80“There’s a lot of public interest. This is the 90% of children with significant ADHD are first clinical trial of this kind, and I think it’s helped by those drugs in the short term. very exciting and cutting edge. People are “In the short term, they do have that effect interested in diet now, because it is – I think – – kids calm down and concentrate,” said the way forward.

M

Free goat milk trial with Fresco Nutrition

Auckland-based Fresco Nutrition is giving local families the chance to try a goat milk drink without the risk of losing their money if the taste is not to their toddler’s liking.

The risk-free trial offer is running now at Countdown, New World and Pak’n’Save supermarkets, and the company pledges to refund the purchase cost on return of unused product.

Managing director Gregg Wycherley says goat milk may have some advantages over cow milk, especially for those with allergies or milk sensitivity, but there is always a risk fussy feeders may not want to change to a new product. He says breast feeding should always be first choice, but when that’s not possible a goat milk product may be the

next best option, although the cost is a bit higher.

The goat milk used in Fresco Nutrition’s product is pasteurised and homogenised, which means the taste is very mild and creamy so toddlers can convert from cow milk without a problem. Mothers are often surprised at how good the taste and smell is; Fresco’s milk comes from specially bred dairy goats, says Wycherley.

“We get such great feedback from parents about the taste of our product, and we’re told that even fussy feeders take to it.”

For more detailed information on nutritional benefits, ingredients and feeding advice, see Fresco Nutrition’s website www.fresconutrition.co.nz.

Trust NZ-made baby formula Not all infant formula products manufactured and marketed in New Zealand must adhere to the strict code of conduct enforced by the Infant Nutrition Council (INC). Companies that are not members of this regulating body are not required to provide the consumer with adequate information relating to ingredients of milk formula products, or comply with any ethical or professional practices and principles.

For those mothers who are unable to breastfeed and seek breast milk alternatives, they can now rest assured they are

TRUST ONLY NZ MADE BABY FORMULA

buying a product that must abide by stringent guidelines set out by the INC. NUZTRI Premium Formula is an associated member of the INC, placing NUZTRI at the top of the list as a healthy and safe alternative for babies of mothers who are unable to breastfeed.

Available in over 81 supermarkets nationwide, NUZTRI can be found throughout New Zealand at Pak’n’Save and New World branches, as well as some Fresh Choice stores and selected Kosco stores.

GOAT GOLD PLUS While “Breast is Best”, when your little one is ready to move on to a toddler milk drink, have you considered goat milk?

Fresco Nutrition Goat Gold Plus Toddler Milk Drink has a delicious mild creamy flavor – we're so sure your child will love the taste we're offering you a RISK-FREE TRIAL. If your child does not like the taste, or you are unhappy with this product for ANY reason, return it to us for a FULL REFUND!

Made with 100% Pure New Zealand origin milk ingredients.

For more details:

www.fresconutrition.co.nz Email: info@fresconutrition.co.nz

®

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Freephone 0508 437 372 Available at Countdown supermarkets nationwide, selected Pak-n-Save and New World stores.

www.familytimes.co.nz

9

Kids Time

Win LEGO® Friends First Aid Ju ng le Bike RRP $2 9.99

win win win

Speed to the rescue on the LEGO® Friends First Aid Jungle Bike. There’s a monkey in distress trapped in a cave and it’s up to Emma to save him. Help Emma to shovel the fallen rocks and then check the monkey with Emma’s medic bag.

Give the monkey a banana to eat and use the walkie-talkie to radio home. Set includes Emma mini-doll figure, monkey, First Aid Jungle Bike with detachable side-car and other accessories. Ages 6 – 12.

We have 20 x LEGO® Friends First Aid Jungle Bike sets to give away.

Welcome to Kids’ Time at Family Times. Enjoy the fun activities and competitions. For competitions, just fill in the entry form and post it to us by the due date or enter online by visiting www.familytimes.co.nz and click on the competitions link.

Looking for some rainy day activities for your children? Click on the For Kids section on our website for answers and for further activities your children can print out and complete.

Maze

Spell bou nd

Find your way through the maze to find the yellow musical note

Hint: Where there is a.... in a clue you need to fill in the missing word

Kids Maze

Can you find your way to the basket of the hot-air balloon?

1

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Win a Te enag e M utant Ninja Tu rtl es movie prize pack – in cinemas 1 8 Se ptem b er.

win win win

Darkness has settled over New York City as Shredder and his evil Foot Clan have an iron grip on everything from the police to the politicians. The future is grim until four unlikely outcast brothers rise from the sewers and discover their destiny as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is released 18 September 2014. To celebrate we have 5 prize packs to give away.

- 1 x In-season double pass - 1 x Longboard - 1 x Pizza cutter - 1 x Toy This competition ends 30 September.

win win win

ISSue

2010

T

I M

E

Tips

for

Winter issue 2011

our quick Are too up

a home

Win Win Win

Childhood trauma

Competitions, giveaways and

Helping kids bounce back

vouchers as ristm y Ch h Yumm treatsing wit bak Optimum sleep ve fun kids

Win

Win ns, Winmpetitiovouchers Co and ays giveaw

Maximise yourHa child’s learning potential

the

15

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16

spot the difference Can you spot 8 differences between Spot the Difference these 2 pictures

KM023_Balloon_PUZSOL.eps Can you spot the eight differences between these two pictures? © Lovatts Puzzles

© Lovatts Puzzles

win win win

Across 1. Crosswords have ... and white squares (5) 3. A tube you suck a drink through (5) 6. A vegetable that might make your eyes sting when you peel and cut it (5) 8. Quacking bird (4) 10. Slightly open (4) 13. Colourful arc seen in the sky after it rains (7) 14. Leather strap held by a horse rider (4) 16. Stick used to hit a ball in golf (4) 18. Winged heavenly messenger (5) 19. Stared (up at the stars) (5) 20. Marshy land (5) Down 1. Rock group (4) 2. Person who prepares meals (4) 4. Fish you can buy in a tin (4) 5. Tusked Arctic mammal (6) 7. Pressing clothes after they are washed (7) 9. Short-legged dog (5) 11. Gemstone (5) 12. The season when flowers bloom (6) 15. What you are called (you have a first one and last one and maybe a middle one) (4) 16. A spike on a cat’s paw (4) 17. Collide with, ... into (4) Chase more puzzles visit our website www.lovattspuzzles.com

Spot The Difference - Cartoon spotDiff007_Wild_West.eps © Lovatts Puzzles

Win a Box trolls movie prize pack – in cinemas 25 Se ptem b er

Solution: 1. Light in saloon window, 2. Hole in barrel, 3. Chimney, 4. Extra arrow, 5. Mountain range on right of picture, 6. Dollar sign on money bag, 7. Native American’s knife, 8. Extra sun.

win win win

The Boxtrolls is a comedic fable that unfolds in Cheesebridge, a posh Victorianera town obsessed with wealth, class and the stinkiest of fine cheeses.

To celebrate we have 5 prize packs to give away.

- 1 x In-season double pass - 1 x Ruck sack - 1 x Stationary pack This competition ends 30 September.

NZ’s No.1 parenting publication

Subscribe to our email newsletter today to receive updates and information from us, as well as subscriber only competition information delivered directly to your inbox!

Check out our Competitions online and win!

supplement on “the new normal”

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To subscribe, simply email: newsletters@familytimes.co.nz with SUBSCRIBE in the subject line, or sign up at www.familytimes.co.nz.

www.familytimes.co.nz

17

20

Quarterly e-newsletter

Kia Kaha Christchurch Eight-page

IN CINEM AS

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ng it agini g we im or...s growin Are ly? kid as well ers as ts nious Partn paren harmo

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LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics are giving away this beautiful gift pack of warmth, comfort and Mediterranean citrus jubilation. It contains four products that will help you look on the bright side of life! LUSH is known for its strong ethical stance against animal testing, support for grassroots organisations, environmental stewardship and stunning products for the skin and hair. Everything is freshly handmade with high-quality fruits, vegetables and essential oils to make you feel like a ray of sunshine when you use them!

Contains: Sugar Scrub, Each Peach (And Two’s a Pair) Massage Bar, Olive Branch shower gel, and a wedge of Bohemian soap.

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Keeping well in winter needn’t be hard work – Natural Meds has a range of quality vitamins and supplements for the whole family. Family Times has eight prize packs to give away, including Nordic Naturals Children’s DHA , strawberry flavoured omega-3 soft gels made from 100% wild Arctic cod, and Children’s Oxylent, a delicious Berry Punch multi vitamin drink that supports your child’s health and wellbeing.

For stockists, visit www.naturalmeds.co.nz.

Summe

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Win Natu r al M eds prize packs

Win a LUSH prize pack – 25 to b e won

8

3

Family times: Design competition Design a spring outfit made out of flowers and vegetables. It could be for you, your mum, your dad or anyone else. Please describe what it is made out of. Send us your picture and be in to win an amazing $50 prize pack from Crayola!

Three entry age groups: preschool (age 1-4), 5-8, 9-12.

Create your design on an A5 sheet or download the template and entry form from www.familytimes.co.nz. Post in to PO Box 36 004, Christchurch 8146.

Entries close on 11 October 2014.

Congratulations to our competition winners from our last issue Design your very own New Zealand superhero. Thank you also to kidsonscreen for the idea, DVD prizes; and also to our judge: Felicity Milburn of the Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna O Waiwhetu. They are:

Win Shout y Kid

win win win Luke Harrison, (1-4 years old) This is Nightman. He has the power to put people to sleep and change the shape of the moon.

James Yang, (5-8 years old) Spider James is saving the people.

“My name is Harriet Manners, and I’ll always be a geek.” It’s the hilarious third book in the Geek Girl series!

Harriet Manners knows more facts than most. She knows that New York is the most populous city in the United States.

But she knows nothing whatsoever about modelling in the Big Apple and how her family will cope with life stateside. And even more importantly, what to do when the big romantic gestures coming your way aren’t from your boyfriend...

We have 10 books to give away.

win win win

Win Speed of Lig ht

An extraordinary story of a boy who protects a baby orca that locals believe is threatening their livelihood. Will Jackson is hiding out: a city boy reluctantly staying with his uncle in small town New Zealand while he struggles to recover from a brutal attack and the aftermath of a humiliating YouTube clip gone viral. After he discovers a young abandoned orca, his life is further thrown into chaos when he rallies to help protect it. This is a beautifully touching, rich and layered story by an award-winning writer for young adults.

We have 10 books to give away.

win win win

With a father more interested in money than family, a brother in prison, a sister with a secret, and a mother in denial, it’s no wonder Jeff buries himself in the safe world of mathematics. Written by one of New Zealand’s most beloved and awardwinning authors of children’s books, for ages 12-plus.

We have 5 books to give away.

Win B l ack peak Vines

Win Sing ing Hom e The Whale

Win 1 00 B est Native Pl ants For New Zeal and Gardens If you have ever wandered through the gorgeous grounds of Larnach Castle, you probably won’t have realised that the care and maintenance of the garden at Larnach Castle has been Fiona Eadie’s responsibility for the past 12 years. This outstanding title has been highly regarded since its first publication in 2001, and its revised edition and numerous reprints are a clear indication that it’s an indispensable gardeners’ companion.

We have 10 books to give away.

Wairaamia Taratoa-Bannister , (9-12 years old) Kia Ora my name is Junior Platnium. I work 24/7 until my enemies are in heaven. My powers are kiwifruits that fly and my back up is Pav who is very sly.

win win win

Win G eek G irl: Pictu r e Perfect

win win win

Meet the funniest kid in fiction!

“Hi there, my name is Harry Riddles and I am 10-years-old, which my mum says is too young to have problems but she is wrong. My dad just lost his job, which means we might have to move house and I need money to make my mega-amazing zombie movie but there is no way I will sell my X-box.”

Follow Harry’s hilarious ups and downs told through laugh-out-loud letters, emails, texts and more!

We have 10 books to give away.

A mother and daughter arrive at Blackpeak Vineyard in search of a new life and new love in this sizzling romance. Longing for a new life in the country, former television executive Lizzie Harrington settles on the vineyard south of Blackpeak Station, bringing with her some glamorous guests – none more so than the dazzling actor Richard Bourne, with whom Lizzie has had a secret love affair for years. Grab a checked shirt and hold on – in Holly Ford’s new high-country adventure, the course of true love is about to get bumpy.

We have 5 books to give away.

win win win

Just tick the thing s you want to win         

 

LEGO® Mutant Ninja Turtles Children’s vitamins LUSH products Box Trolls Geek Girl Singing Home The Whale Shouty Kid 100 Native plants

Speed of Light Black Peak Vines (book)

Name Address Post Code City Phone

To be in the draw to win, enter online at www.familytimes.co.nz or write your name and address on the back of an envelope or postcard and send to: Christchurch Competition, PO Box 36 004, Christchurch 8146 to reach us by October 11th, 2014, unless stated otherwise.

Only one entry per household.

www.tepapa.govt.nz/TePapaPress

Written and developed by Te Papa senior education programmer Helen Lloyd, in consultation with senior art curator Sarah Farrar, the book is a treasure-chest of drawing activities, many of them inspired by paintings, photographs and prints from the national art collection.

RRP:

$29.99

www.familytimes.co.nz

11

General election – what’s in it for your family?

New Zealand’s general election is coming up 20 September 2014. Family Times asked political parties registered before 20 July to tell us about their best family-related policy, to help you make your decision.

Here’s what they said: The Green Party The Green Party’s key social platform is to tackle child poverty and inequality by ensuring every child has enough to thrive. We have a series of policies to address this and the first is a package to support families: extending access to the 20 hours ECE subsidy to two-year-olds and improving the quality of ECE. Parents of twoyear-olds could be up to $95 a week better off and it will give parents more choice - e.g. for couples working full-time, just to make ends meet, it may mean that one can go part-time to spend more time with the kids.

Democrats for Social Democrats for Social Credit (DSC) will direct the

Reserve Bank to create our money supply for the public good, rather than relying on the monopoly of profit-making private banks. From that public money will come a guaranteed basic income for Kiwis of all ages, and full funding for health and education. We will provide affordable loans and terms for first home buyers and replace GST with a broader and much lower financial transactions tax (FTT). With DSC policies, NZ families can afford to raise healthy children who are welleducated, debt-free and ready to contribute.

Vote DSC and make history!

The National Party

Free Doctors Visits for all New Zealanders.

Focus New Zealand believes that while free and easily accessible healthcare for children is very important, when care givers are ill, the entire family network is affected. This is true for children cared for by stay-athome parents, those in paid childcare and extended family (grandparents etc) childcare.

Therefore, if elected, Focus New Zealand would advocate for free primary healthcare doctors visits for all New Zealanders so that everyone has the benefit of early detection and preventative medicine.

New Zealand First

New Zealand First considers the family the cornerstone of society. For that reason, we have a comprehensive set of policies covering areas such as health, welfare, tax, and housing, all of which are designed to make family life more affordable and less stressful.

Rising food prices over many years have been a major contributor to family stress, child poverty and health issues in New Zealand.

Our policy is to exempt household food and rates from GST. The benefit for families will be significant.

National is investing $500 million in a package of practical support for families and vulnerable children to: • Extend paid parental leave by four weeks.

• Increase the parental tax credit by $70 a week to $220 a week, and extend it by two weeks to 10 weeks.

• Invest $90 million to extend free doctors’ visits and prescriptions to all children under 13.

• Invest an additional $155.7 million in early childhood education.

• Roll out eight new children’s teams to identify and work with at-risk children and New Zealand First introduced the zero fees their families, to screen people who work for under sixes scheme in 1997, and our policy with children, and to support children in is to extend this scheme to all primary school care. children.

ERO seeks feedback on popular parent booklets ERO has published a series of five booklets for parents and caregivers. The booklets are part of an ongoing commitment to support parents wanting to know about their child’s progress at school.

The booklets also cover useful information for boards of trustees, give parents an insight into effective teaching, and cover the importance of career pathways and parents’ involvement in their child’s journey from education to employment.

The latest booklet, “Your child’s education: Learning opportunities in New Zealand,” is an overview of education in New Zealand,

Focus New Zealand

from early childhood education through to secondary school.

We want to make sure parents find the information in these booklets useful. That’s why ERO is seeking feedback about the first booklet in the series, “How is my child doing? Questions to ask at school.”

Parent feedback will help us improve our publications and the way we communicate our information.

Go to the “featured publications” section of our website – www.ero.govt.nz – to have your say.

The Maori Party We want whanau to be the best that they can be, supported by an equitable and sustainable health system with access to affordable, quality education and gainfully employed. Building on the success of Whanau Ora, restoring the essence of who we are, we will: • Strengthen whanau capacity to respond to, and address homelessness, overcrowding and substandard housing.

• Support community action to prevent bullying of children and young people (Te Punanga Haumaru).

• Extend initiatives from the Ministerial

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK OF OUR BOOKLETS

ACT ACT policy is designed to encourage positive behaviour and to reduce negative behaviour. ACT would assist families by incentivising work over welfare with tax cuts to make sure that work pays, incentivise employment by extending the 90-day probation period, allow choice in education for parents and students with Partnership Schools, protect homes and families by extending our successful 3-strikes policy for repeat violent offenders to include burglary, slash expensive and wasteful regulation that destroys jobs and prosperity and eliminate race-based laws that don’t treat all New Zealanders equally.

Please note:

Family Times also asked the Labour Party, Alliance, Conservative Party and United Future about their family-related policy, but no response was received.

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A priority for Internet Mana is creating a future of hope for New Zealand families.

Families are best supported when parents have jobs that are paid at least a living wage, they have a decent house, and when quality healthcare and education for their children is free. Internet Mana will set a goal of 0% unemployment through direct government investment and intervention to create jobs for all those able to work, including innovative business start-ups.

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How to beat cyber bullying • Assuming someone else’s identity online in We may say that sticks and order to upset them. stone may break our bones • Setting up a hate site or a hate group on a social network site. but names will never hurt us, • Prank calling, prank texts and messages. but the vicious nature of cyber to prevent cyber bullying tells a different story. How bullying

S

ure – bullying has always existed – but the • Make sure that your child only has access anonymity of the internet enables kids to a mobile phone and social networking who would not normally be up-front enough only at an age that you consider them to to harass, to say unimaginably cruel things be responsible. again, and again and again.

• Make sure that if your child has a mobile For parents, this is a relatively new challenge. phone, tablet or computer, that they are only It’s one thing to say, “Just shut off social used in the main living area of your home and media,” but it’s not as easy to avoid social that you have all of their passwords. media as you think – especially for kids and • Enable the highest security settings. particularly preteens.

• Educate your child to not give out their moCyber bullying and trolling is on the rise. Cyber bile number to anyone who is not a close bullying is when someone uses digital means friend, and to never disclose details about like the internet (say, email or social networkthemselves online – age, address, gender ing sites) or a mobile phone to deliberately etc – nor “friend” anybody that they don’t harass, threaten or humiliate someone else. consider a good friend in real life.

Cyber bullies and trolls harass their victims If your child is being cybereven when they’re not in the same physical space. While someone might escape normal bullied, what can you do? bullying by walking away, cyber bullying allows Talk to your children and understand the ways the bully to hound their victim wherever they in which they are using the internet and their go. It is a sad reality that if left unchecked this mobile phone. Make sure they know how to form of mental abuse can result in tragedy. use this technology safely and responsibly.

Bullying tactics include, but • Firstly, it’s important that you have an open relationship with your child, so that are not limited to: they feel that they can come to you with an unwitting accessory to cyber bullying • Sending nasty or threatening texts or their problem. as the actual target - by forwarding on emails.

• Make sure that your child does not emails, videos and images.

• Posting abusive messages online - on a retaliate or reply in anger - bullies are • Block the bully’s texts, messages and social networking site, in a chat room, or looking for a reaction and will soon get emails using the settings on your child’s using instant messaging. bored if they don’t get what they want. phone, social networking profile and email • Posting humiliating videos or pictures • Be aware that your child is as likely to be account. online, or sending them to other people.

• Adjust your child’s social networking privacy settings to high and keep them there.

• Keep the evidence - learn how to keep records of offending messages, pictures or online conversations.

• Protect your child’s online accounts and make sure that only you and your child know the passwords.

For more on kids and technology, visit us at www.familytimes.co.nz.

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13

cool activities

Calendar of Events

grandparents, teachers, caregivers, social It’s time to put away the workers, and counsellors. From 9am-5pm, winter woollies and get Waiheke Primary School, $20. excited about all that the new 20 September season has to offer. For more Ramarama School Calf Club Day. Come to Ramarama School to see all the lambs, calves, event and entertainment kid goats and chickens on display alongside a ideas, visit www.familytimes. brilliant gala day. From 8.40am – 1.40pm. co.nz and enjoy our large, 21 September family-friendly resource.

Agriculture Day. Meet hand reared lambs,

From 1 September 2014 Olafur Eliasson – The cubic structural evolution project. This hands-on artwork comprising thousands of white LEGO bricks scattered on a 12-metre-long table, invites gallery goers to build structures limited only by the imagination. Auckland Art Gallery.

13 September

goats, calves and chickens. Keep the kids entertained with lots of fun activities and enjoy some home-cooked food. At Brookby School, 359 Brookby Road, Auckland, 10am – 2pm.

21 September MOTAT Live. See MOTAT come to life on the third Sunday of every month. MOTAT has some great things to see and do, including steam train and Armoured Personnel Carrier rides. Visit www.motat.org.nz for prices.

The Enormously Silly North Wharf Fishing Competition. Grab an enormous fishing rod and try your luck in the “oceans” 26 September along North Wharf to take home great prizes. SKIP Single Mums Coffee Group/ At 1-17 Jellicoe Street, Auckland, 10am – 1pm. Play Group. Coffee, tea, morning tea provided, and comfy couches! At Auckland 14 September Women’s Centre, 4 Warnock Street, Auckland.

Ellerslie Spring Fairy Festival. The Ellerslie Bookings essential, phone Rochelle on 09-376Spring Fairy Festival is a free, fun community 3227 ext 203, 021 0293 7195, or email skip@ event held every year in Ellerslie, Auckland to womenz.org.nz. celebrate the start of spring. From 10.30am – From 11 October 12pm, Ellerslie Town Centre.

Light Show. Light Show is the first 14 September international light-based art exhibition to be Peaceful Family Communication seen in New Zealand. From atmospheric Workshop. This fun and friendly workshop installations to intangible sculptures, Light provides a set of easy-to-use and practical Show is an unforgettable multi-sensory experience. Auckland Art Gallery. skills to all adults including- parents,

DISCOVER THE DANGERS OF THE SEA! NEW TRAIL FOR YOUNG EXPLORERS AT THE MARITIME MUSEUM From stormy seas to getting shipwrecked, the ocean can be a risky place.

Follow the Maritime Museum’s trail to discover the dangers of being lost, drowned or even caught in a war, and find out how people survived.

Olafur Eliasson, The cubic structural evolution project (installation view) 2010. Queensland Art Gallery.

4 October

mosaics, garden furniture, gourmet food, craft supplies, paper craft demonstrations, Blast to the Past Fireworks Display. Fresh collectables, Christmas decorations and entertainment, live music, market stalls, street- more. From 10am – 4pm, West Wave side hospitality and an impressive fireworks Recreation Centre. display. Waiuku Town Centre, 40 Queen 13-16 November Street, Waiuku, Auckland, from 6-9pm.

8 October Rutherford Primary School Gala. A great family day out at Rutherford Primary to raise funds for a new playground. There will be fun and games for everyone. Rutherford Primary School, Kotuku Street, Auckland, 10am – 3pm.

1 November Maungawhau School Fair. Highlights include The Terminator inflatable obstacle course, Zorb Balls, craft market, home-made preserves, White Elephant clothing, books and toys! At 43 Ellerton Road, Auckland, 11am – 3pm.

8 November Craft Out West. More than 70 stalls including children’s toys, clothing and art; needlework, knitting, crochet, jewellery,

Art in the Dark. Art in the Dark 2014 returns to illuminate every nook and cranny of Ponsonby’s Western Park from 8pm – midnight. Free.

15-16 November Ice Skate Tour. Come enjoy ice skating at Takapuna Primary School. Entry fee is $7 for kids (under 16) and $13 for adults (ice skates included). Takapuna Primary School, 31 Anzac Street, Auckland, 10am-5pm.

16 November Mangere Bridge Trolley Derby 2014.

Racing kicks off from 10am, running through to around 3pm (depending on final entry numbers), taking place on Taylor Road, Mangere Bridge, 9.30am – 3pm.

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cool activities

Entertainment Peaches and Pickles Performing Spring is in the air, and it’s Arts a fantastic time to head out Unique tailor-made parties to suit any theme and make the most of the with lively and experienced entertainers! We rising temperatures. Indoors also provide fabulous performing arts classes Contact us now: Visit www. or out, there’s plenty to keep Auckland-wide. peachesandpickles.net or email melissa@ your family entertained this peachesandpickles.net. season. Here are a few ideas to get you started, and we’ve Holiday specials got heaps more at www.

Here are some great holiday familytimes.co.nz. ideas designed to keep you Armageddon and your little ones entertained #AwesomeNessNess is upon us! The during the school break.

Auckland Armageddon expo is bigger and better than ever this Labour weekend with gaming, comics, collectibles, cartoon voices, TV and movie stars, amusements and so much more! Visit www.armageddonexpo. com.

Kumgang Taekwondo Do you want to get fit, lose weight, get stronger and more flexible, increase coordination, learn to defend yourself and become bully safe? Or learn selfcontrol, respect, get confidence and find new friends? At Kumgang Taekwondo you can get it all and much more.

Kumgang Taekwondo has classes for five to seven-year-olds, children, teens, adults, ladies only, families, beginners and advanced. Check out www.kumgang. co.nz for more information or phone 09-479-9180.

Northern Arena The Northern Arena intensive learn-to-swim holiday programme teaches all aspects of swimming in order to enhance enjoyment and confidence, as well as survival skills. Phone 09-421-9700 or visit www.northernarena. co.nz.

Bubbledome workshops Educational workshops for children aged 5 to16-years-old. Explore Minecraft, app development, programming and so much more at Bubble Dome. Visit www. bubbledome.co.nz for full details.

Spookers Haunted House Terror Tours and Disturbia are family-friendly (8-years and up). Tour the Spookers Haunted House with one in-character tour guide for some scares and behind-the-scenes insight.

Saturday 11am – 4pm and school holidays.

Light Show: Image © Luciano Romano - Galeria Alfonso Artiaco.

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15

parties

Etiquette guide to kids’ birthday parties Kids’ parties are simple affairs, right? A few balloons, a cake, presents, and done!

But what about the adults?

O

nce your kids are old enough to spend time around other kids—whether it’s at preschool or school—you can expect one thing to pop up like clockwork: birthday party invitations. They just keep coming and coming and coming.

They’re a great fun, interactive and social time for kids, but often adults aren’t too sure of what is appropriate for them at the party – should they stay or should they go? How much should they spend on a present? And if you’re hosting, then there are a raft of other questions too.

So here are a few dos and don’ts on birthday party etiquette to help you enjoy the day too:

When is it appropriate for a parent to stay or leave a child’s party?

If you’re the host

or a large group of kids. To make this request clear, you can add wording on the invitations asking that the invited child come with one parent. A good time to confirm this request is when the other parents call you to respond.

If your child is the guest

If there is nothing to indicate that your presence is requested on the birthday invitation, you can assume that you do not need to attend with your child. However, if you would prefer to stay with your child for the party, you can raise this with the host parent when you RSVP.

At what age can children attend parties without a parent?

When your child is a guest, plan to stay at each party he attends through the age of four.

Kids this age really do need a parent nearby at social events like birthday parties, no matter how independent they are at home.

Many children become overwhelmed by the excitement and the crowd at a party, and you can’t be sure that your little darling won’t have a breakdown.

Sometimes you may want other parents on hand to help you supervise the children during the party. This is often helpful when you’re hosting a group of kids five or younger,

Amazing Kids Parties At Amazing Kids Parties we provide amazing entertainers to make every child’s party super special and super fun!

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16

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By age five and up, most kids are ready to go it alone at a party, provided they know a few of the guests. The best way to decide is to simply ask your child if he wants you to stay for a while. Your child will let you know if he is ready for you to drop him off and leave.

“Kids this age really do need a parent nearby at social events like birthday parties, no matter how independent they are at home.”

Food for adults?

The general rule of thumb is that if you request that a parent stay, you should provide something for them to eat. You can either provide enough kids’ party food for everyone, including adults, or something more suitable

for adults, e.g. a cheese platter.

If you are just dropping off your child, and then picking them up, it’s not good etiquette to help yourself to the party food, unless it is offered.

What about drinks?

As per above – if you invite adults, then provide them with something to drink. Not every parent is okay with adults drinking alcohol at a child’s party though, even if it’s just one glass of wine. So if you are not sure if the parents attending your child’s party are okay with it, gauge their response casually when you RSVP, and if anybody is against, serve a delicious alternative like sparkling grape juice.

If you are taking your child to a birthday party, check with the hosting parent about any potential alcoholic drinks for parents when you RSVP. This way, if you are uncomfortable with the alcohol situation, you can politely decline the invitation before you turn up and have to pull away a disappointed child from the party they were looking forward to.

We’ve got birthdays covered – visit us at www.familytimes.co.nz for more ideas.

Words of Wisdom with Diane Levy Exuberant five-year-old How is it possible to get a loud, overly excitable five-year-old child to keep his voice down and use it at appropriate times? He’s a “life-of-the-party” personality and gets carried away when there are people around. People = audience in his books!

It is certainly possible to teach your excitable five-year-old to exercise appropriate selfrestraint, but it will require you to give up on growling, explaining, nagging and reprimanding.

The words “appropriate” and “inappropriate” are useful. They help make any call for his self-restraint particular to the situation rather than attacking his “life-of-the-party” personality. It is also important that we keep our children’s dignity intact.

Be determined that each time, as he begins to move into inappropriately over-excitable, noisy behaviour, you go over, put a hand on his arm or shoulder and quietly and firmly say, “You are getting too noisy. Can you stop?”

Wait with your hand on his arm or shoulder until he acknowledges you and agrees that he can quieten down.

If he declines to quieten down or if he starts up again, take him to a private spot, away from everyone, sit him down and say firmly, “We are waiting here until you are sure that

you can quieten down to suitable (or appropriate) behaviour. I’ll check with you in five minutes.” Spend the five minutes silently looking at your watch.

If you do this every time his behaviour or noise level is over the top, he will begin to learn appropriate self-restraint while still keeping the joyful part of his nature.

Submit your parenting questions and concerns to family therapist, counsellor, parenting coach and speaker Diane Levy. This is a regular column, so get those questions flowing! Email us at editor@familytimes. co.nz. Get an order form for Diane’s popular books via www.familytimes.co.nz.

For more advice from Diane Levy, check out www.familytimes.co.nz.

water safety

Stay water-safe this summer Kiwis love the water: most of us grow up around the country’s lakes, rivers and oceans, and spend our summers making the most of our beautiful natural environment.

B

ut what can be a fun summertime amusement can quickly turn to tragedy.

That’s why Water Safety New Zealand CEO Matt Claridge is urging parent to be extra vigilant this coming warm season to minimise the risk of their kids drowning. “We need New Zealanders to take the initiative and up-skill themselves when it comes to water safety. Always keep small children within arm’s reach around water, make sure your children are learning to swim, and if you’re the skipper of a boat - get yourself educated on safe boating.”

Drowning statistics are actually down for the six months January – June 2014. Thirty-five people drowned in that period: a 35 per cent reduction on the five-year mid-average of 43 deaths and New Zealand’s lowest drowning toll since 1980, when records began. However, swim training for kids is also plunging.

Swim training in schools

The difference between today and 20-years ago is that most local schools used to have their own school pool, and every summer

school pupils would benefit from a schoolbased swim programme.

Schools that still have school pools today are battling to keep them open, but in Wellington alone, 26 out of 48 school pools have closed over the past two decades. That means, according to Claridge, that at least two out of every three schools have to travel to use a swimming pool, often with an additional cost to parents. As such, 40% of primary school pupils left school without basic confidence needed to survive in the water. That essentially puts the onus on parents to swimeducate their kids.

“In an ideal world, every school would have its own pool, because the swimming pool is a classroom,” said Claridge. “We don’t have to teach 5-year-olds how to do the butterfly stroke; we just want them learning how to float and tread water, and that way they will be safer.”

Adult supervision

Even when kids do know the swimming basics, the underlying reason behind almost all drownings of small children is a lack of adequate or appropriate supervision from parents and caregivers. The window for tragedy is small, and the time it takes for young children to get into trouble is remarkably short; a matter of seconds.

Proper supervision in and around water means a responsible adult keeping young children in their care both within sight and within reach, according to Water Safety NZ. We’ve got some tips on keeping your kids

safe at New Zealand’s beaches and rivers this coming season:

Beach safety

New Zealand’s beaches are admired the world over for their beauty, but they can also be dangerous and deadly.

Lifeguards or lifesavers patrol many beaches in New Zealand. These beaches usually have red and yellow flags that mark the safest place to swim on the beach and the area where lifesavers and lifeguards patrol. Swim between the flags!

Rip currents

Rip currents are powerful, channelled currents of water flowing away from shore. They can occur at any beach with breaking waves.

• If you get caught in a rip, do not panic: paddle and swim parallel to the shore toward the breaking waves, which should help you get back to the beach.

• Do not attempt to swim against the rip, as even the strongest swimmer will quickly become tired

• If you do tire or become frightened, stay calm, raise your arm, call for help and wait for assistance from www.surflifesaving. org.nz.

River safety

More people drown in rivers than in any other New Zealand water environment. Rivers present a completely different range of potential dangers compared to the ocean and swimming pools. When you combine this with the fact that, unlike surf beaches and off-shore waters, there are no agencies responsible for rescues in rivers, you can easily understand why the need for river safety education is vital.

• Pick your spot carefully and check it out each time you swim there, then you can keep yourself and your friends safe.

• The pressure of moving water is constant and can be powerful even if the river looks slow-moving and calm. Swimmers can be pulled under the water by the current. Don’t underestimate the power of the river or overestimate your own ability.

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17

How to talk with your kids about strangers Every parent wants to protect their child from the world’s dangers. But how do you do it without scaring them? We’ve got some tips.

K

ids start to really want to explore the world around them by ages four or five, when their social skills and independence blossom. This is the prime time to begin to talk with them about safety.

Experts say it’s all about how you word it.

You can easily frighten your child if you don’t choose your words carefully. Here are a few ideas on how you can broach the topic of stranger danger with your kids:

“Kids take things very literally, and may be confused about what constitutes a “stranger.””

Instead of: Don’t talk to strangers

Rather than saying “Don’t talk to strangers,” try saying, “Check with me or your dad or babysitter before talking to another grownup.”

Kids take things very literally, and may be confused about what constitutes a “stranger.”

Rather than create a fear of every adult that they don’t know, ask them instead to check

with you before they strike up a conversation.

You could instruct your child just to look at you, and you’ll nod or shake your head.

Instead of: If you get lost in a store, ask a trusted adult to help you find me

Perhaps a better way to word this one is, “If you get lost in a store, stay in the building and find someone with a name tag to help you.”

A child who is scared at being alone in a store is unlikely to be able to make a judgement call about whom they can trust. Some will even leave the store looking for their parents.

Prepare them in advance, and be very clear that if this happens, it’s going to be okay, but you want them to stay in the building and ask someone who works at the store to help them find you – someone with a name tag, preferable at a cash register.

Instead of: Don’t take sweets from a stranger

Once again, kids may be confused about what constitutes a stranger. Try saying instead, “Don’t take anything from anyone except your parents, babysitter, teacher, or friend’s mom or dad on a play date.”

If you just limit it to just sweets, kids might be lured by other goodies such as soft drinks, balloons or crayons. It’s safer to ask your child to check with you before accepting anything.

Instead of: Don’t keep secrets

Let your kids know instead that a surprise is the only secret that’s okay to keep.

Some parents use the two terms interchange-

ably, and that confuses kids. If you tell your child to keep a secret about Daddy’s birthday gift or Grandma’s party, you are undermining the rule that no grown-up should ever tell you to keep a secret from your mom or dad.

and last names.

For more safety ideas, check out our safety section @ www.familytimes.co.nz.

Other safety tips:

1 Create a codeword, and advise your

2 3

child’s teacher of it also. Anybody who is collecting your child from school needs to use the codeword.

Teach your kids about dialling 111 in case of an emergency.

Make sure your kids know their home address, phone number, and parents’ first

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Drafting a will Nobody wants to think about the worst happening, which is why many people never prepare a will.

We don’t have statistics in New Zealand, but in the UK it’s estimated that 50 per cent of people don’t have a will, and in the United States that figure is as high as 60%.

It’s one thing to be financially prepared and covered by insurance in case of sudden death, but a will can protect and provide for your family and ensure that your best wishes for their future are enacted, no matter your current age and expectations for a long life. Key considerations include how your dependent children will be provided for, and what happens to any property and treasured possessions that you may own.

It’s not as difficult – or as expensive – as you may think to draft a will.

According to information provided by Citizens’ Advice Bureau, your will you should include the following kinds of information: • The name of the person or people you have appointed to manage the distribution of your belongings (your estate) i.e. the executor of your will.

• Whether you want to be buried or cremated, whether you want to donate parts of your body for medical or scientific research, and how you would

like your funeral to be carried out (but tell your family about these plans as they may not see the will until after the funeral!).

• The name of the person or people you have appointed as guardians for your children.

• Instructions for how you want your money and other assets to be distributed to your partner, children, grandchildren, other family members, friends and charities etc.

• The names of the people you would like to receive specific items in your possession, such as family heirlooms, mementoes, artworks, or other precious items.

• It should state that it revokes any other wills (in case you’ve made one previously).

To be legally valid, your will needs to be: • In writing.

• Witnessed by two people who are not beneficiaries of the will.

• Signed by the witnesses, in your presence.

• Signed by you.

A will can be drawn up by a Trustee Corporation, your lawyer, a commercial online will service, or by yourself. Some banks offer a free online will service.

Remember to update your will if your circumstances change.

T T U U O O

H H CC T T AA W W

s. n i ra t

ic r t ec l e

w e n

nd u ro a

fe a s

Be

New electric trains are being tested around Auckland 24/7.

They’re fastER and quiEtER, so watch out.

• Always cross at a proper crossing.

• Always look both ways.

• Stay off the tracks.

• Stay behind the yellow lines at platforms.

ISSN 1178

2011

5268

ISSue Summer

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den gar ing es mer s grow Jon sum vege Ala n The you r from Get help ys with Wins, give awa Win Win peti tionrs Com vou che and

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18

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Optimum man sleep Maximise your child’s learning potential

Childhoo d trauma

Helping kids bounce back

Kia Kaha Christch

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ine and

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IN CINE MAS

issue 2011

ISSN 1176 7944

Win Win

Competit Win giveawaysions, t and vouchers e fron ully

Check out our Competitions online and win! www.familytimes.com.nz

www.familytimes.co.nz

AT.govt.nz/watchout

market place

Discover the world Business Directory where you live Arts and Instruction

Family Getaway

www.tlc.ac .nz

www.yha.co.nz

Attractions

Fashion

www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

www.futurefeet.co.nz

Baby & Toddler

Food & Beverages

www.babyonthemove.co.nz www.babytrenz.co.nz www.comvita.co.nz www.earlylearning.ac.nz www.ennobaby.com www.fresconutrition.co.nz www.kimberly-clark.com www.kindercare.co.nz www.kiwiherb.co.nz www.kiwiliving.co.nz www.kiwiozchildcare.co.nz www.lalecheleague.org.nz www.littlestarsstudios.co.nz www.mrssmithmaternity.co.nz www.mummabubbajewellery.co.nz www.nappyneedz.com www.nurturedathome.co.nz www.thewoodentoybox.co.nz

www.thecrueltyfreeshop.co.nz www.hellers.co.nz www.wendysicecreamcakes.co.nz

Education

C

onservation Week gives you the opportunity to celebrate the natural environment and make a connection with your local special places. There are heaps of special places in New Zealand that you can visit all year round with your family, including walking and biking tracks, local parks and reserves and camp grounds.

This year, Conservation Week is all about getting out and about to explore your local treasures and special places. These might be tracks, forests, marine reserves, parks and camp grounds that can often be found right on your doorstep.

The Department Of Conservation (DOC) is encouraging all New Zealanders to get involved and participate in wide range of local activities and events during Conservation

Holiday Programme www.artzonshow.co.nz www.bubbledome.co.nz www.psyv.org.nz

Parties www.amazingkidsparties.co.nz www.caitscorner.co.nz www.pixiepartysupplies.co.nz

www.hyundai.co.nz

Entertainment

Exploring the outdoors is fun and easy, and with Conservation Week coming up (1-9 November), it’s a great time to get out and discover the world where you live with your family!

www.at.govt.nz www.nuztri.co.nz www.harbrowfamilychiropractic.co.nz www.sleepdrops.co.nz

Retail

www.ero.govt.nz www.nzca.ac.nz Week. Visit the Conservation Week website (www.conservationweek.org.nz) for more information about events in your region and ideas of fun things to do with your family.

School holidays are the perfect time to take your children outdoors and let them discover what’s in their backyard. Take a photo or video of your family enjoying the great outdoors and share it using the hash tag #ConservationWeek to show the “world where you live” to the world.

DOC is also running a competition for children, which has some great spot prizes: draw a picture of your local treasure or special place. Send the drawing to DOC: mail it to Conservation Week, PO Box 10420 Wellington 6143, email it to conservationweek@doc.govt.nz, or use #ConservationWeek to share it online.

The competition is for children aged 5 to 12-years and entries close 11.59pm Sunday 9 November 2014.

For more information visit www. conservationweek.org.nz

Health & Safety

Sport and Recreation

www.armageddon.co.nz www.parliament.nz www.peachesandpickles.net www.royaloakmall.co.nz www.spookers.co.nz www.voyagermaritimemuseum.co.nz

Parties

www.girlsbrigade.org.nz www.kumgang.co.nz www.northenarena.co.nz www.soccer4tots.co.nz www.sportsupport.co.nz www.swimgym.org.nz

Dairy-Free

s Fabuloull a n u f !! around

Dairy-Free, Ethical Animal Friendly Fair Trade, Vegan

Awesome Accessories, Cute Party Packs & Party Goods

www.caitscorner.co.nz

Every Order Supports Animal Welfare!

TheCrueltyFreeShop.co.nz

For more on the great outdoors, visit our travel section @ www.familytimes.co.nz.

Sports wear

www.royaloakmall.co.nz

LETS GO LEGO

BE PART OF THE LEGO BUILDING BUZZ IN THE CENTRE COURT

MONDAY 29TH – FRIDAY 3RD OCTOBER 4 X LEGO SESSIONS PER DAY

10.00am - 10.45am, 11.00am - 11.45am, 1.00pm - 1.45pm and 2.00pm - 2.45pm.

Please note this activity is first in first served and limited to 15 x children per session.

691 Manukau Rd, Royal Oak, Auckland • Tel: 09 625 4239 • Fax 09 625 8617 • Email: royaloak.mall@xtra.co.nz www.familytimes.co.nz

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