Family Times - Christchurch - Autumn 2012 by Twenty Seven Publishers

Autumn Issue 2012

ISSN 1176 7944

CHRISTCHURCH

Getting guys into the classroom

Why NZ needs more male teachers

Family history

Discover your heritage

Preteen self-esteem

Protect your kids with healthy self-worth

Win Win Win!

Competitions, giveaways and vouchers

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inside this issue

Contents Features

4 You’re not listening!

Are you inadvertently teaching your child to ignore you?

Check out the latest and greatest children’s books recently released.

Comment 20 Kids’ View

5 Kids and stress

Learn how to help your kids through stressful situations.

We ask children all about how they manage stress.

Special features

12 Help is at hand

and early childhood education?

8 Homework battle

Win the homework war for good.

Help your wee one feel safe in their “grownup” bed.

9 Spatial awareness for kids 10 The joy of being a mum

Life coach Karyn Riley looks at the upside of parenting.

11 When parents disagree

What to do when you and your partner disagree over parenting methods.

12 In search of dry nights

Tips on toilet training your child.

Dr Jeremy Hornibrook talks about glue ear signs, symptoms and treatment.

13 Glue ear 6 Getting guys into the classroom

Why are men underrepresented in primary

14 The vege patch

About Us Publisher

Robyn Willis

Design & Production

Moody Shokry

Advert Production

Target Press Production Office Editor

Vanessa O’Brien Website editor

Fiona Smith

Contributing Writers

Karen Theobald Eva Maria

Alan Jones Julie Wylie

Advertising Sales

Caren Constable Nicky Barnett Tina Barriball

Shona Robb Jane Hunter Rachel Taniwha

Office Manager

Raelyn hay

Office Assistant

Jackie Pithie

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New Zealand Gardener of the Year Alan Jones gives seasonal gardening advice.

16 Birthday snaps

Create a record of your heritage for your children to treasure.

15 Explore your family history

26 Fit families

Get involved in your child’s sport.

Invest into the self-esteem of your preteen.

28 Preteen corner

30 Family finances

Teach your kids about the benefits of saving.

34 Think globally

Whatever issue or dilemma you are facing, there are excellent support agencies just waiting to help. Check out our special listing of help agencies in your area.

Raise your kids with an understanding of the world around them.

Quick tips on snagging party pics you’ll want to keep for years to come.

32 Destination West Coast

Explore all that the Wild West has to offer this winter.

Resource information 22 Calendar of events 23 Holiday programmes 24 Entertainment 28 After school 31 School term dates 36 Marketplace

35 Top reads

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. 43,423 distributed through early childhood centres, primary and intermediate schools, Christchurch City Council offices, recreational facilities, libraries and service centres, selected medical and midwifery premises and McDonalds restaurants.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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From the editor

Are you teaching your children NOT to listen to you?

I was in the car with my sister when we picked up my niece and nephew on their last day of school for the year.

Do you have to repeat yourself before your child responds? Does your child suddenly become hearing impaired when you’re around? Ever find yourself asking, “Did you hear me?”

They had the characteristic glow of those released from the tyranny of learning for the summer; a mixed air of relief and exhaustion, capped with the giddy excitement of Christmas just around the corner.

Reminders are given regularly by most parents. In fact, most children only respond to an exasperated, “If I have to tell you one more time...!”

After they threw their bags in the car with great gusto and shouted farewells to their friends I turned to my eight-year-old niece and asked her, “So, who did you get?” There had been much anticipation about who her teacher would be in the coming year. Throughout her kindergarten years and her primary years to date, she had been taught by some wonderful female teachers, but she couldn’t hide her enthusiasm when she announced: “I got Mr...” Some children in New Zealand today make it all the way to high school before they encounter their first male teacher. And while the argument that what children learn is more important than who they learn it from holds some water, there is strong evidence to suggest that a positive male role model in a teaching capacity can be very beneficial for both girls and boys. Yet only 18 % of primary teachers in New Zealand today are male, and just 2% of early childhood education teachers are male. That makes teaching quite possible the most segregated profession in the country. So what holds back our men from moulding the minds of the future? Is it left-over stigma from 1990s New Zealand; Is it a gradual feminisation of the education system and a public perception that it’s a women’s job now; is it pay-related, or is there something else that we’re just not aware of yet?

Parents are usually surprised to find that reminding children actually (gulp!) teaches kids to not listen to us and robs children of the opportunity to become responsible.

This issue our main feature investigates the importance of male teachers and what is being done to encourage a resurgence of masculine input into children’s education. Another hot topic this issue is family history. I was lucky enough last year to travel to Scotland and start to unearth one side of my family’s history, and found the research aspect surprisingly enjoyable. Trawling through archives and discovering who my family were, what they did, and where they lived truly left me with a sense of where I came from. But you don’t have to travel to the other side of the world to make a start on your family tree. We’ve put together some tips to get you started in little old New Zealand. Of course we’ve got all the regular features and competitions too, so start turning the pages for our exciting first edition of 2012. Enjoy!

If your child won’t do anything without your constant reminders and nagging then you have trained your child well. Fortunately, you can motivate your child to step-up to the “responsibility plate” and I suggest sooner, rather than later.

Three steps to training your child to hear you the first time: Say it once and once only. Make a commitment to bite

your tongue in order to retrain your child to hear you the first time.

for your 2Bechildprepared to test you.

I guarantee that your child is going to “forget” or not come when you call. The good news is that this suggests that you’re on the right track. You and your child are stuck in a negative pattern and it won’t change overnight. Thus, stick with it. Your child is going to test you to make certain you mean business. So be consistent and

follow through.

Use commonsense 3 consequences to follow through. Commonsense consequences guide your child to learn from their actions. In order to be effective the consequence needs to be related to their behaviour. For example if your child should forget her lunch, let her figure out the solution on her own. Yes, she may go hungry or she will likely decide to ask for handouts from friends. Even if she were to go without lunch (one skipped meal is not going to starve her), this lesson will provide motivation to remember the next time (much more than any amount of reminders you can give). The above suggestions are simple but it doesn’t mean that they are easy. Be gentle with yourself while going through the growing pains of change. With consistency, you’ll be amazed at how eliminating reminders can quickly heal your child’s selective deafness. By Kelly Nault, MA, author of award winning parenting book When You’re About to Go off the Deep End, Don’t Take Your Kids With You, inspires mothers to put themselves first—for the sake of their children. She shares time-tested tools that motivate children to want to be well behaved, responsible and happy!

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What kids say about handling stress Compared with what adults face, it might seem like kids don’t have that much to stress about.

• • • • •

Put a label on it. Many kids do not yet have words for their feelings. If your child seems angry or frustrated, use those feeling words to help your child learn to identify the emotions by name.

ut kids have their own concerns — and sometimes feel stress, just as adults do. And kids’ stresses can be just as overwhelming, particularly if they don’t have effective coping strategies. A KidsHealth® KidsPoll explored what kids stress about the most, how they cope with these feelings, and what they want their parents to do about it. The poll showed that kids deal with their stresses in both healthy and unhealthy ways, and while they may not say so, they do want their parents to reach out and help them cope with their feelings. The poll underscored how important it is for parents to teach kids to recognise and express their emotions, and to use healthy ways to cope with the stress they experience. By guiding them to healthy coping skills, parents can help prepare kids to tackle whatever stresses they meet throughout their lives.

28% try to work things out 26% eat something 23% lose their temper 22% talk to a parent 11% cry The poll also revealed important news for parents. Though talking to parents ranked eighth on the list of most popular coping methods, 75% of the kids surveyed said they want and need their parents’ help in times of trouble. When they’re stressed, they’d like their parents to talk with them, help them solve the problem, try to cheer them up, or just spend time together.

We asked kids to tell us what things cause them the most stress. Kids said that they were stressed out the most by: grades, school, and homework (36%); family (32%); and friends, peers, gossip, and teasing (21%). These are the coping strategies kids said they use the most (they could give more than one response): • 52% play or do something active • 44% listen to music • 42% watch TV or play a video game • 30% talk to a friend • 29% try not to think about it

2Listen to your kids. Be patient. 7 Comment briefly on the 3 feelings you think your child was experiencing as

Results of the poll

What parents can do Notice out loud. Tell kids

when you notice something they might be feeling (“It seems like you might still feel mad about what happened at the playground”). This shouldn’t sound like an accusation. It’s just a casual observation that you’re interested in hearing more about your child’s concern. Ask them to tell you what’s wrong. Listen attentively and calmly — with interest, patience, openness, and caring.

you listen.

For example, you might say something like: “No wonder you felt mad when they wouldn’t let you in the game.” Feeling understood and listened to helps kids feel connected to you.

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Suggest activities kids can do to feel better now and to solve the problem at hand. Encourage them to think of a couple of ideas.

be 6Just there.

Sometimes kids don’t feel like talking about what’s bothering them. Try to respect that, give them space, and still make it clear that you’ll be there when they do feel like talking.

It hurts to see your kids unhappy or worried. But try to resist the urge to fix every problem. Instead, focus on helping them grow into good problem-solvers — kids who know how to roll with life’s ups and downs, put feelings into words, calm down when needed, and bounce back to try again.

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feature story

Getting guys back into education If you live in New Zealand, there is every chance that your child will not have a male teacher until they reach high school.

tartling. But is it important? Education Minister Hon Hekia Parata argues that it is the effectiveness of the teacher, rather than the gender of the teacher, that makes a difference to a child’s learning. A fair claim, perhaps. After all, New Zealand has a stellar reputation for promoting equality between the sexes, particularly as it relates to the workplace. We have women CEOs, women prime ministers, and of course, women principals. We are fairly agreed that there’s no difference in the capabilities of the sexes, so is it really important if only 18 % of primary school teachers, and just 2% of early childhood education teachers, are male? These statistics make teaching one of the most gender-segregated professions in the country, and Early Childhood Council chief executive Peter Reynolds says such segregation “would not be tolerated in law or medicine.” He contends that teaching is more than just an ability to impart a knowledge of the ABCs, and that teachers also play a crucial role in the social development of children. Hence, a positive male influence in the lives of the 31% of New Zealand families that are single parented would be beneficial. “Even a small increase in numbers of male teachers would benefit thousands of children

and families,” Mr Reynolds says. “It would, for example, impact the many children who lack a reliable male figure in their lives, and especially those who have little but bad experiences of men.” United Future education spokesperson Judy Turner says the education system needs more of a gender balance that reflects society. “The debate is not whether men or women are better teachers – that is not the point. It is that we have a huge shortage of men in the education system, and boys are suffering academically and socially because of it.” Before we beat ourselves up though, it’s important to note that this underrepresentation of masculine influence in early education is not just a New Zealand trend. It’s widespread across the OECD, with New Zealand sitting slightly above the OECD average for the proportion of women in the teaching workforce – right between Finland, where the proportion is higher, and the US, where the proportion is lower. The question is, why? Ministry of Education research shows that perceptions of the career and of teachers themselves have a powerful negative impact on teaching as a career of choice. There are many misconceptions about teaching, particularly about the salary and working

“For the majority of people, teaching is seen as a fall-back or second option, something to be considered if other opportunities fail,” says Education Minister Parata.

Now, it’s a career he says he would “totally recommend to other guys.” Although he believes women have an advantage in teaching because they are “natural multitaskers”, it’s a career he finds fulfilling.

That’s basically how primary teacher P Moon says he became a teacher. “My friends were going through teachers college. I had no real direction career wise and I had no job at the time, so it seemed like a good idea.”

“I like the reward that you get from building relationships not only with staff but young people and parents. No two days are the same and the school holidays are great. The teaching lifestyle is very family-friendly:

conditions for teachers.

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whenever you’re on holiday, so are your own kids. Also, salary means you get paid whether you’re on holiday or not, and there are management opportunities if you are ambitious.” The Ministry of Education is working on a new promotion strategy for teacher recruitment that focuses on lifting the status of teaching and increasing the diversity of the teaching workforce, including the proportion of men. Nelson Tasman Kindergartens CEO Wendy Logan says it can’t come soon enough. In the absence of a centralised male recruitment push, they have been making an effort to make kindergartens “bloke friendly” through dad and daughter nights, bloke-only groups, and by encouraging dads with food and coffee. “Positive male role models in the lives of young children, boys in particular, are essential for the development of ongoing social competency and a sense of collective identity,” she says. “We are making a concerted effort to attract males to the early childhood sector.” Wellington Kindergarten Association general manager Amanda Coulston says it is the social aspect that has really made a difference in the lives of kids in Wellington kindergartens. The association ran a pilot programme that saw young men employed in untrained positions alongside current centre staff. Coulston says the difference was phenomenal, especially for the boys. “One of the really powerful things for the boys is that they see themselves reflected in the young men. The families of the kids have been really positive about it too, and we’ve noticed now that the young fathers spend more time in the kindergarten engaging with the young men rather than just dropping the kids off.” One unexpected outcome of the pilot is that six out of the eight young men who participated have decided to enter early childhood education teacher training.

That in itself was completely unexpected, says Coulston. But what was even more unexpected was that a few fathers of kindergarten children decided to pursue teacher training also. “It’s breaking down barriers so that people actually see that early childhood is a valued option and an important place to be. We are doing our children an injustice by not encouraging men to be involved.” Early Childhood Council CEO Reynolds says a recent early childhood conference highlighted that many families would like more men teaching their under fives, and a lack of male teachers in the primary sector too often “quarantined children from all but the most destructive of males.” He believes, and is backed up by Ministry of Education research, that young men are discouraged from teaching in early childhood and primary school roles because they are vulnerable to false accusations of improper practice or abuse in teaching situations. “But the worst of that nonsense is over,” he says, “and there is now a renewed desire from both families and centres for there to be many more men working in the early childhood sector.” ChildForum early childhood expert Dr Sarah Farquhar says it’s “unhelpful” to revisit thoughts of 1990s paedophile hysteria that have been put to rest within the sector a long time ago. Instead, she says, it’s important to focus on creative ways of attracting men back to teaching. “There are many men who might consider a job in childcare given the right encouragement, particularly fathers and older men who might be thinking about a career change but who may not be able to spend three or four years obtaining a qualification without work.”

By Vanessa O’Brien

Interested in teaching? Here is some information from www. teachnz.govt.nz to get you on track.

Essential skills In order to be an effective teacher in New Zealand, you must have a commitment to, and understanding of, the importance of Māori and Pasifika language, culture and identity. As a teacher you will be involved in creating an education system that supports all young people to excel, whatever education pathway they choose. You will recognise their aspirations, nurture their talents, and share in their expectations of success. You will appreciate their differences, and seek ways to create a culture of respect and understanding in your classroom. Teachers and whanau believe, and research tells us, that young people do best when their families and whanau are actively involved in their schools. So as a teacher you will come into daily contact with people from a range of cultures and all walks of life. That is the beauty of teaching. It is an opportunity to learn as much as to teach, and to give something back to the community you live in. In doing so, you will demonstrate that educational success is real and achievable for everybody.

What will you be paid? The starting salary for a primary school teacher with a Bachelor’s teaching degree is $45,568. In order to progress up the salary scale the teacher must demonstrate that they have met the applicable professional standard. Each school’s board of trustees (most often delegated to the school principal)

must attest that the teacher has met this standard. Teachers can progress up to a maximum rate of $67,413 after seven years’ service. Schools can also allocate one or more “units” to teachers in management positions or to those with extra responsibilities. Each unit is worth $4000 and is paid on top of a teacher’s base salary. Higher qualifications, such as a subject or specialist degree held in addition to a teaching qualification, lead to higher starting levels and enable progression to the top of the primary teachers’ salary scale, being $70,877. The current starting salary for a secondary school teacher with a NQF level 7 subject or specialist qualification (the qualification must have at least 72 credits at level 7) and a teacher education qualification is $47,023. In order to progress up the salary scale the teacher must demonstrate that they have met the applicable professional standard. Each school’s board of trustees (most often delegated to the school principal) must attest that the teacher has met this standard. Teachers can progress up to a top rate of $71,000 after seven years’ service. Secondary schools can also allocate “units” to teachers in management positions or to those with extra responsibilities. Each unit is worth $4000 and is paid on top of a teacher’s base salary. Higher subject or specialist qualifications lead to higher starting salary enabling progression to the top of the scale sooner.

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Winning the homework battle The evening homework ritual can lead to a lot of stomping, screaming and pouting from children and parents alike.

ome children will do anything do get out of homework. A homework assignment that might take 15 minutes turns into a two-hour battle. If you want to put a stop to homework battles, then do your homework on how to stop them for good!

Here are some tips:

• Homework can’t be completed if assignments and books are not brought home. Work with your child to develop a good system for making sure homework assignments get home. A daily assignment sheet or an assignment notebook works well to enable your child to keep track of all assignments.

• Set up a regular time and place to do homework. Find out which time works best for your child. It may be right after school, an hour after, or after dinner. Pick a place to do homework that is not isolated in case your child needs help, but that is also not overly noisy. Sometimes the dining room table works well.

• Get rid of the distractions. Turn off the television, turndown the music, and restrict any phone calls.

• Help your child decide which homework to do first. They may want to start with the hardest and move to the easiest or start with the easiest and move to the harder assignments. Or, perhaps they want to attack the subjects in a certain order, such as reading, math, or writing.

Offer suggestions, but let your child decide.

• Make sure that your child understands

the assignment and has all the materials needed to complete it.

• Don’t sit with your child; let them

independently do their homework. Be close by in case they need help. If it is a tough math assignment maybe check the first few problems to make sure they have gotten the concepts.

• Avoid giving away the answer. Ask

questions to help your child begin to think through the problem.

• Encourage your child to take a break if

the going gets tough. They can have a snack, put on some music, or shoot a few baskets. Don’t let them linger too long. Then, after 15 minutes, try again.

• Check finished homework. Look for

accuracy, completeness, and neatness.

• After homework is complete, make sure

your child puts finished homework away immediately in their backpack.

It’s also important to:

• Go through your child’s homework folder together each day.

• Ask questions about what your child enjoys learning at school.

• Praise your child for good homework

habits such as completing a difficult assignment, or completing homework without a battle!

• Ask to see graded and returned

homework papers. Discuss mistakes and check for understanding.

• Make contact with the teacher if your child is making consistent errors in one subject area. They may need additional tutoring.

child is proud of in your home. Be firm, patient and consistent and homework battles will soon be a thing of the past.

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Learning to sense space – why kids may fall out of bed With Caitlin’s new baby brother arriving in just a few months, her parents were getting the baby’s room ready.

hile I was admiring his new room, we talked about moving Caitlin into her first “big girl bed.” Of course, they were worried that she may fall out a few times before she got used to her new space. So the question came up, “Is there a “right” time - developmentally speaking - to move children out of the crib and into a bed of their own?” Now, of course, the answer depends on the child as it always does, but it also has to do with their relationship with space, which is managed by the proprioceptive sense.

Learning about space Firstly, a child’s spatial awareness is acquired through lots of trial and error with the wideawake world around her. As she moves through different size spaces and learns to negotiate objects and obstacles around her, she is learning to map her own body - to know her own size and shape. With enough practice, that “body map” will become intuitive, even to the point of “knowing” where she is while she’s sleeping.

Sensing space intuitively The human body has sensory touch receptors, known as proprioceptive receptors, in every muscle, tendon and ligament. They provide the brain with important information about the dynamics

of the world around us, including where the body or parts of the body are in space at any given time. Now, for adults, a familiar space such as your own bed has been carefully mapped by your proprioceptive sensors, so you are able to sleep without having to worry about falling out. You “know” how wide your bed is, how much space you have in your bed and how much space your body takes up, which allows you to toss, turn, and roll over while staying within the edges of the bed - even in a new bed. But children’s proprioceptive senses are still immature. And that’s not only because of their age. Remember, they are always growing and changing shape too. So mapping their body and refining their understanding of space is a constant, daily developmental need.

Ready for bed? Here are a few ideas that can help prepare your little one for whenever the big bed day comes:

Body mapping To help children build their own conscious and intuitive body map, encourage little ones to try to fit in, around, between, through, over and under things they come across. Chances are, they’re doing this naturally all the time.

Take a “big bed” safari

R T A E S MOVI

A I N MA

2 Play some more, having her wiggle and then roll around, again, both on top of and under the covers. 3 Have her crawl around the perimeter of the bed so she gets a feel for the size and scope how the bed changes the dimensions of her room. And don’t forget to explore under the bed too! 4 After you’ve explored for a while, have her close her eyes and roll towards you, being sure to be there if she rolls too far.

Create soft landings And of course, it’s always a good idea to put some soft pillows on the floor around the bed until she gets used to it. Soon you’ll see that her proprioceptive senses will adjust and her big girl bed will fit her to a tee, no matter how much she tosses and turns!

By Gill Connell Christchurch-based Gill Connell

is founder of Moving Smart Ltd. She helps parents and teachers understand the vital link between young children’s physical development and readiness for school and life. For more information, visit www.movingsmart.co.nz or visit Gill’s blog at movingsmartblog. blogspot.com.

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The joy of motherhood

Much is said about the challenges and stress of parenthood. However, there is little emphasis placed on the joy of being a mother, celebrating who you are as a woman and including fun in our daily lives.

n an abridged excerpt from her book How to Keep the YOU in Mum, author Karyn Riley highlights the importance of acknowledging joy and gratitude and celebrating the small stuff, too.

“Whether you’re a mother, sister, daughter or friend you are you first and foremost – a unique, individual, wonderful woman and person. Becoming a mother is an amazing, incredible experience and taking on the role of parent in addition to our many other roles, responsibilities and demands is something we need to acknowledge, celebrate and congratulate ourselves on. “Yet all too often women don’t celebrate their achievements enough, whether it’s securing a well-paid job, staying home to raise a family, overcoming adversity or simply getting through a difficult day.

Gratitude “Whether celebrating something big or small, it’s important to create time and space to reflect on and celebrate you, your family, and your life as it is right now. Write down, acknowledge and think about what you’re grateful for, becoming consciously aware of the positive aspects of daily life.

Attitude and action “Your attitude is everything. Having a positive outlook on life not only makes a good day great, it can help you get through any difficult or challenging times. Even if you can’t immediately see anything positive

from a situation or event, try to consider what you’ve learnt to apply or do differently in future. Simply deciding to let go of something rather than bearing a grudge or carrying emotional baggage allows you closure and the ability to move forward in life. “A positive attitude and action helps build up your confidence, self-belief and ability to cope with life’s many challenges. Each day decide to take one small step, make one simple change or do one thing differently that will bring you closer to who and where you want to be in life. Apply a simple, stepby-step strategy to accomplish your goals and aspirations. Take action daily, persevere and keep the end in mind – you will achieve more by focusing on less.

Have fun “Sometimes the burden of responsibility and seemingly never-ending demands of parenting means there is little time or energy left for fun. However, kids young and old need to have fun. As parenting author Nigel Latta says: “Fun is the glue that holds families together.” “When was the last time you had fun? Consider simple ways to include fun in your daily life and celebrate the small stuff, such as “me” time, catching up with friends, spending special time with your children (together and separately), partner and loved ones, and creating family traditions. Brainstorm ideas for “fun-spiration” and keep them handy for everyday use.

The benefits of celebrating “Celebrating ourselves and our successes (whether big or small) is often overlooked or put off due to our busy, demanding, sometimes stressful lives. Celebrating who you are and acknowledging the positive keeps you focused on the present, while motivating you towards future success in life. “Celebrating allows you to simply enjoy the moment and see the “big picture”; your overall vision for life. It can also help minimise stress and feeling overwhelmed by

focusing on what you’ve achieved, rather than beating yourself up with negative selftalk or striving for unattainable “perfection”. “Celebrating is good for us: it improves our overall health and well-being, encourages self-acceptance and self-love, and helps us live and enjoy a well-balanced life.”

By Karyn Riley How to Keep the YOU in Mum is available from www.rileylife.co.nz and all New Zealand bookstores.

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When parents disagree Mums and dads, are there times you think that parenting would be easier if you didn’t have to make family decisions?

aving a partner that is not in agreement with your parenting ideas or discipline approach is more than just frustrating. It can cause division in even the best of relationships. Furthermore, how you handle your disagreements will have a direct impact on your relationship with your partner and with your children. It would be great if every couple agreed on everything but that is an unlikely event. One partner may have been raised in a relaxed environment; another may have been raised in a very strict home. Hence, what is acceptable to one partner may be appalling to another. Here are some steps you can take to work towards resolving parenting disagreements:

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Discuss your parenting objectives. What is important to both of you? Sit down with your partner and decide which values are most important. Talk about where your children are developmentally and what they are capable of understanding. Sometimes the reason for a parenting dispute is that one partner thinks their child is capable of understanding something and the other disagrees. Knowing your child’s cognitive level will help you to make better decisions.

Find out what both of your parenting strengths and weaknesses are. Many times both parents want the same things for their kids. Compliment your partner on his/her strengths. Don’t just point

out their flaws.

The majority of parenting disagreements are over discipline methods and when it is appropriate to discipline. One of the most effective ways to resolve this issue is to talk about it. Find out the reasons why your partner feels the way he/she does. There are pros and cons to every form of discipline. Talk about why your partner thinks his/her discipline style is the better method.

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If the discussion gets heated, agree to disagree. Fighting about how to parent is only going to make the situation worse. Walk away, take a break and discuss it when you are not angry. Plan ahead. Discuss problem situations you are having with your children. For instance, if you are having a problem with your child having temper tantrums, discuss how you think this should be handled. If you have a plan in action, it will be easier for both of you to follow each other’s wishes.

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Pick your battles. Some things you may never agree on. You don’t have to agree on everything. Find the issues that are most important to you and work on resolving those first. Do not argue about parenting in front of your children. This is easier said than done. The best way to handle a situation you don’t agree with is not to interrupt but to wait until later and then discuss how you think it could have been handled differently.

Work on role modelling communication. If your children see that you communicate and problem solve together, they will grow up to do the same. Children often repeat patterns of their own parents. Look at your relationship and evaluate how you communicate. Is this the way you would like your child to communicate with their future partner?

Parenting and relationships are a growing process. The more you communicate the better parent/partner you will be. Learn from each other and listen to each other. Build on your parenting strengths and tackle your parenting weaknesses a little at a time. It won’t happen overnight but if you continue to discuss things with your partner calmly and positively you will become better parenting partners.

By Patty Hone, owner of online parenting community justmommies.com. Article source: ezinearticles.com.

Windmill Kids Furniture

Windmill Kids Furniture offers a wide range of beds and bedroom furniture especially for kids - from babies to teens. The unique one-stop-shop stocks beautifully designed furniture from the very fantasy princess carriage bed, fire truck bed, pirate castle bed or formula racing car bed to mature teen’s bedroom furniture provided by quality local supplier Touchwood. Cleverly designed storage solution bedroom furniture is also a main theme of Windmill collections.

The furniture signifies the store’s exclusive and unique style with bright colours. The store offers fantastic package deals that can be tailored to meet each customer’s needs and budget. With an affordable price and qualitymade furniture for children, Windmill Kids Furniture is a great place to shop. There’s outstanding personal customer service to ensure all customers are satisfied with their goods and the service provided. Windmill Kids Furniture looks forward to seeing its colourful windmill flying in your home. Visit 145 Blenheim Road, Christchurch, 03-348-8358, visit www. windmillkidsfurniture.co.nz

WHERE: Quail Island, 15 mins by ferry from Lyttelton

QUAIL ISLAND

Hagley Junior College Open Day

Years 9-10

17 May, 4-6pm Hagley Student Centre Cafe

Join us to get all the information you need to make the right choice for next year. To find out more call

EASTER

EGG HUNT Take the family or gather up some friends this Easter for a fun filled day on Quail Island. Search the island for coloured tokens and exchange for scrumptious Easter Eggs. On your journey, you may also discover ship wrecks, native birds, volcanic cliffs and caves!

WHEN: Friday 6 - Sunday 8 April Hunt for the GOLDEN STONE to win a GIANT Easter Egg.

TIME: Lyttelton to Quail Island 10.30am - 1pm, 11.30am - 2pm or 12.30pm - 3pm

kids

$10

(5 - 15 years)

adults $25

Maximum number of 3 Easter Eggs per person applies

Bookings Essential

0800 436 574 or 03-304 7641 www.blackcat.co.nz

Shannon on 379 3090 ext 884, email: hr@hagley.school.nz or visit our website www.hagley.school.nz

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support services

Help is @ hand Sometimes you need some information or an answer to a curly question. Why not pick up the phone and call the relative support agency? You’ll find professional caring people ready to assist you.

Catholic Social Services Parenting and family support programmes open to all, free of charge. Usual office hours with late night on Tuesdays ‘till 6.30pm by appointment. 336 Cashel Street, P O Box 4237, Christchurch. Phone: 03-379 0012

Angel Fund Wahine Putea A Women’s Savings and Loan Fund. Phone: 03-366 9978 (city office), 358 8495 (home office) or 022-412 6435

www.angelfund.org.nz Don’t let money hold you back. Save with the Angel Fund and build a nest egg – no fees. Wanting to step ahead in small or home business, education or training? No interest loans of up to $500 available to women on low incomes. Start with $5 or $10 a week.

Help with teens available

Raising teenagers is difficult. Whether you just want some help to deal with a disrespectful, defiant teenager or have more serious issues, TOUGHLOVE can help. The TOUGHLOVE programme offers parents the tools and support to make positive changes when their young person’s behaviour is unacceptable and disruptive. The aim of TOUGHLOVE is not to punish young people, but to support parents to come up with loving solutions to help their teenager take responsibility for their actions. The parent support group meets weekly and parents can join anytime. Contact TOUGHLOVE on 03-337-9452, email toughloveusi@xtra.co.nz or check out the website at www.toughlove.org.nz.

In search of dry nights If your four-year old is wetting the bed, try not to worry about it too much. Bedwetting is not considered a problem until seven years. Luckily, this is a good age to talk it over with your little one and start trying the bedwetting solutions below.

Practical bedwetting Solutions for Children

and free of obstacles.

• Ideally, their room should be close to a toilet.

Try these tested and proven solutions to stop bedwetting in young children:

• If it’s a bit of a trek to the bathroom,

• Offer plenty of fluids during the day,

• A bedwetting alarm may work for your

aiming for six – seven water-based drinks at regular intervals.

• Establish a good daytime routine for going to the bathroom, say every three – four hours.

• Don’t let them have caffeinated drinks such as chocolate and fizzy drinks before bedtime as these can speed up the rate at which urine is produced.

• Sticking to a regular bedtime can help with training a child to empty their bladder at an appropriate time each evening.

• Encourage him or her to have a wee just before bed. If they have trouble going, turn on the tap for an inspiring tinkling of water, or give them a small ice-cube or a sip or two of iced water.

• Cuddle, praise and reward them when they go to the bathroom and also when they have a dry night.

• Use an alarm clock to wake your child at a set time during the night so they can get up and go to the toilet. Place their dressing gown within easy reach on cold nights.

• Make sure the path to the toilet is light

they could have a potty in their room. child.

• Some people suggest restricting fluids at night time but this isn’t proven to work.

Love and laughter go a long way Did you or someone in your family wet the bed as a child? If so, make your bedwetting incidents into funny stories to tell your child. Having a giggle about Mummy or Daddy or a glamorous Auntie or a blokey Uncle wetting the bed could help prevent your little one from feeling bad about their bedwetting. Also, remember to be patient and loving when there’s an accident. Your child can’t help it. This could be a difficult time for them and they need you to help and reassure them until the bedwetting solutions work.

Article courtesy of www.drynites. co.nz. DryNites website specialises in bedwetting and understands how difficult this time can be for both parents and children. Check out the website for more information on enuresis, self-esteem in children and read others bedwetting stories. Visit www.drynites.co.nz.

Are your kids in safe seats? Just because they’re buckled , in doesn’t mean they re safe! Find out if your kids are safe Visit Canterbury Plunket Car Seats: • Child and infant restraints for sale & hire • Excellent range at very affordable prices • Short and long term hire • FREE restraint checks by qualified technicians

Visit us at 5 Twigger Street, Addington, Christchurch or War Memorial Building, Albert Street, Rangiora. Phone 0508 CAR SEAT or (03) 379 9266

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Glue ear and grommets (ventilation tubes) Middle ear infections (acute otitis media) in children are common. They often begin in the first year, and most children have had one before the age of five.

he main symptom is ear pain, with a bulging red eardrum. The treatment is pain relief and usually a course of an antibiotic. It is important that the whole course is completed, even though the pain has subsided.

weeks for the infection to completely clear. However, children’s Eustachian tubes are not fully mature and this may be delayed, leading to changes in the middle ear which can result in the persistence of fluid or thicker “glue”then called otitis media with effusion (OME) or “glue ear”.

Some children get many infections in a year, which is distressing for the child and disruptive for the family. It can take

Fluid or glue in both ears can result in hearing loss as long as it persists.

Parenting education No-one gives you a guide to raising children when you leave the maternity ward, but enlisting the help of some quality parenting classes is a great way for all parents to take a step back and try some new ideas.

Moving Smart parent courses

Learn about the vital link between young children’s physical development and readiness for school and life. Gain new ideas to enhance this important part of your child’s development. For more information search www.movingsmart. co.nz and visit Moving Smart’s popular blog at www.movingsmartblog.blogspot. com.

Compiled by Karen Theobald

Hearing loss can go unnoticed for months or years, but is often detected on a screening test at day care or school. When OME with hearing loss persists in both ears, after three months the child has a significant disability in regards to hearing at school, and it may account for “naughty” or frustrated behaviour. At this point, ventilation tubes (grommets) are usually recommended. The operation of inserting tubes or grommets is done under a brief general anaesthetic, usually in day surgery centre. Some children also require removal of the adenoids. The fluid or glue is suctioned out of the middle ear through a small incision in the eardrum. The tubes are a small device inserted into the incision. Quite simply, they take over the function of the Eustachian tube, and the ventilation from the tubes makes the middle ear dry. The most commonly used tubes are a “collar

journey where the

becomes a destination

button” shape, with an inner diameter of about 1mm. The tube is usually placed at the front of the eardrum, and it slowly moves around to the back when it becomes surrounded by a crust and then leaves the drum, which heals behind it. This takes about a year. About 70 per cent of children requiring tubes have a normal middle ear afterwards. In 30%, a further set is required, and in about 15%, three or more times. This does not mean the first tubes were ineffective, but that the child has been slower to outgrow the problem. There are common misconceptions about ventilation tubes. It was initially feared that swimming would allow water and infection to enter the middle ear through the tubes, but trials have

shown that most children can swim in a clean pool and sea water without a problem. Therefore the ear plugs and bathing caps for swimming that were routine for so long are not required. However, soapy bathwater can pass through the tubes. Therefore, putting the head under the bathwater is inadvisable. For hair-washing, use the child’s fingers to block the ears – it’s as effective as ear plugs.

By Jeremy Hornibrook, ear, nose and throat specialist at Christchurch Hospital and in private practice at St. George’s Hospital and Southern Cross Hospital, Christchurch. This article is a short version of “Otitis Media and Ventilation Tubes” published in New Zealand Practice Nurse, August 1995.

Families are well catered for on every Interislander voyage.Nurseries provide cot and baby-changing facilities. Playgrounds of varying sizes, for a range of ages ensure that our youngest passengers can play and meet new friends. If they can be convinced to leave the playground, magicians and clowns perform on many school holiday sailings. And, of course Interislander looks after families with a range of great value fare options

Make your booking today

www.interislander.co.nz

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healthy living

The vege patch with Jonesy Winter has us in its grip now, so your winter veggie patch should be all sorted.

As your garden becomes empty after the summer harvest, it is time to dig in the compost that you have made from garden waste and lawn clippings. Once dug in, you can sow some oat seed or lupin seed and leave for winter. This is a good way to fix nitrogen in the soil for next season.

The Brussels sprouts will have small sprouts on them. Keep on top of the aphids by washing them off with the hose. The leeks need to have the soil pushed up around them (moulded up) to make nice, long, white leeks and they love some liquid fertiliser.

Any farm or stable manure must be well rotted before you apply it. These manures are rich in nitrogen and other much needed trace elements. Chook and pigeon manure is

It’s not too late to plant silver beet, spinach, kale and also broccoli and cauliflower plants to keep that great supply of winter veges going for your family or for other families that might enjoy any surplus. If you have pumpkins, leave to grow as long as possible: pick after the first frost, and remember to cut them with a good stem still on and put them in a nice warm place with plenty of air around them to dry. Parsnips can be dug after tops have dried off. They have their best flavour after one or two frosts. Prepare them and freeze them for use later. It saves digging in the cold winter mud when you want a parsnip for dinner. Yams form when tops die off so better left in the garden and dig them as required. Potatoes that you planted in January will be ready to eat as new potatoes. It’s a good time now to plant celery for those veggie

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Alan Jones (Jonesy) is the 2010 New Zealand Gardener of the Year. He looks after Leeston Consolidated School’s veggie gardens and keeps school parents up-to-date with tips for home gardens.

Canterbury-based Airborne Honey, the country’s oldest honey company, says questions about the pollen count of some New Zealand honey need to be asked.

soups in the cold of winter. Pick a nice, sunny spot under the eaves of the house where frosts can’t get them and you will have celery all winter. Whatever you cook, all stocks are made of celery, carrot and onion, to which you add more vege, cereal or meat.

Winter is a great time to get your kids in the kitchen and encourage them to cook snacks, baking and meals. Oats make a simple and quick hot and tasty porridge and you can have fun adding spices, fruit and yoghurt. Scotch Oat Hotcakes or Harraways Oat Waffles are fun to make and eat; these foods keep well and are great in lunch boxes or as an afterschool snack. Oats can be used in many dishes: consider oats the healthy alternative to breadcrumbs and check out the Harraways meatballs recipe at www. harraways.co.nz. In fact, oats can be used in many dishes - such as stews and

These are a few jobs to do to keep the soil in good health so your veggie plot is ready for you to enjoy next spring.

Quality counts, says New Zealand’s oldest honey company

Harraways oats – the perfect winter treat

Encouraging children to explore fun natural breakfast foods is an easy way to start.

also rich in potash and potassium, which is vital for good fruiting and flowers.

casseroles - to make expensive ingredients go further. Increasing the use of oats in daily meals and baking is also an easy way to increase dietary fibre levels for your family. School students, watch out for the New Zealand Food Week 7-13 May. You can win great prizes like an iPod touch by sending in your favourite family meal recipe. Visit http://www.justcook.co.nz/ Don’t forget to check out www. harraways.co.nz for more exciting recipes and ideas on how to add more fibre into your diet, and connect with Harraways on Facebook.

A recent US survey found that 75 per cent of American honey was processed to the point that it lost its health benefits and traceability. Airborne Honey chief executive Peter Bray says the problem isn’t just limited to that part of the world. “Honey that’s been ultra filtered to remove impurities and keep it from crystallising quickly leads to other problems. There are other ways to keep honey pure, that also retain its natural properties and the ability to know where it came from. Those two things are so very important to New Zealand’s image as a supplier of fresh, untouched food.” Mr Bray says most New Zealand consumers are probably unaware that some honey is processed in this way. “The reality is that so much natural food is significantly altered today. We’d like to see tougher regulations around labelling.” Airborne Honey has brought together a century of honey

making experience with sophisticated processing and testing facilities to offer a consistently high quality, traceable product. Its unique “Honest, Undamaged and Traceable” labelling tells the customer exactly which variety of honey is in each jar and precisely where it came from, right back to the drum of honey in an apiary. “We’re a family owned business still going strong after more than a century because we’re able to guarantee what’s in each jar we sell,” says Mr Bray. “We’re simply calling for the enforcement of these same standards industry wide.”

Battlefield Wisdom by Nigel Latta WIN,WIN,

Somehow, somewhere parenting has become far too complicated and serious. Battlefield Wisdom is the perfect antidote. From Nigel Latta, respected clinical psychologist, media commentator, parenting expert, bestselling author and father of two, comes a brand new book that will help all New Zealand parents. Family Times has five copies of Battlefield Wisdom to give away. Enter online at www. familytimes.co.nz or write your name and address on the back of an envelope or postcard and send to: Battlefield Wisdom, PO Box 36 004, Christchurch, to reach us by 22 April 2012. Check out our website for more fantastic competitions.

WIN!

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Exploring your family history Most kids come home from school with a family tree assignment at some point because a knowledge of where one fit’s in one’s family is a crucial part of forming identity.

hat about as an adult though? Have you ever thought about exploring past your own generation to find out more about your family? One of the greatest gifts you can pass on to your children is your family history – where they came from, what they did, interesting characters and important life events. Admittedly, the task can seem overwhelming at first. You have two parents, four grandparents, eight great grandparents and 16 great grandparents, not to mention all their brothers and sisters. Here are some keys to successfully – and enjoyably – put together your family history for posterity.

Start with what you know Begin by writing down the details you already know or can easily access: parents’ birth dates and places, marriage date and place, death and burial if they have died. Additional details might be: occupation, education, military service (including where, when, and if medals), travel, country of origin or known heritage, residences, land ownership, religion, memberships in organisations and societies, and much more. Family stories are another way to add quality and richness to your tree, so do make notes of stories. You could also interview older relatives about these family members and their history.

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Cite your sources. Write down the details of the actual document or item you read that provides proof about your parents’ birth dates and places etc. All those details you found - are there any sources, any documents, any photographic evidence, any family stories about them?

Save all details of (online) information. As you search through online censuses, military service sites, and more, you will be happy to put down the information you find into your family tree. But always remember to cite your source, including the web site address and the date you accessed that web site. This is incredibly important; as information is uploaded daily to the web and corrections are done as well.

Keep your documents and records organised and labelled It is very important to keep your copies of documents, photographs and other items carefully labelled and dated. If you copy a letter, note who “owns” the original letter, and the date on which you made a photocopy. This way, you have excellent sources at hand to confirm the family tree details if anyone questions your results. For the same reason, keep your information filed

in an organised way. There are many options for organising and labelling your genealogy research and you will come across excellent suggestions in family tree magazines, genealogy sites and in classes.

Make no assumptions Never assume that what you think you know is true. Your grandparents may not have married until after the first child was born, and so the marriage year may be wrong. Whoops. Your father may believe that he lived in one residence ever since he was born - but a census shows him as having been born somewhere else. Some people have found that their grandfather or great grandfather changed his birth year on a military attestation form because he wanted

to be old enough to go to Europe and fight in the Great War (WW1). Names, dates, places - all these may be different from what you “know.”

Share what you find Once you have begun to fill in further and further back in your family tree, remember to share your information with your relatives and ask them to pass the information on. These days it is quite easy to upload a family tree to an online site and protect it by only allowing specific people to see it. Search for a site that will allow you to work on your tree online, do corrections, add source details, and download your tree to your own computer at any time without charge.

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parties

Take great pics of your child’s birthday I’ve been asked by parents of children to photograph their birthday parties on numerous occasions and each time it has been a lot of fun.

hotographing children isn’t always easy – and photographing “the birthday party” presents its own unique opportunities and challenges as a photographer. Birthday parties have a lot of emotion, interaction, colour and energy – the highs and a few lows of life are all present. On the challenging side of things, children’s parties can be chaotic places with moving subjects, lots of clutter and often little time for those organising them to pick up a camera and take a shot. Here are a few tips on photographing

children’s parties that come to mind:

Designate a party photographer

There’s nothing worse than getting to the end of a party and realising that while the camera was out that no one bothered (or had time) to pick it up and take some shots. Give someone the job and release that person from other party duties to just take photos. This way you’re guaranteed to get some shots and will have something to remember the day with.

Get a child’s perspective

One of the most important tips I can share is to get down low when taking photos of children. The biggest mistake I

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see in party photos is adults taking shots from a standing position looking down onto a scene. While you might take a few shots from this perspective the majority of your photos should be taken at eye level of the subjects you’re shooting.

Mix it up

Having said this – it can inject a lot of life into party shots if you do mix up your shooting angles and focal lengths at a party. Try some shots from standing up high (get on a chair even to accentuate it – this can be great for group shots) but also get down really low and shoot looking up at kids. Also try a range of focal lengths ranging from wide angle shots that take in the whole party scene through to zoomed shots of kids and party elements. Mixing it up like this will mean you end up with a more dynamic and playful series of shots at the end of the day.

Look for the party details

Another way to add interest to the shots is to focus in on the details of the party. I find that many of these shots are best taken before the guests arrive and might include shots of the cake, photos of balloons and other decorations, photos of presents stacked, shots of a set party table. Often it’s good to get in nice and close to these elements – fill the frame with them

The Music Fairy

The Music Fairy will come and provide an hour of exciting musical entertainment to make your child’s birthday even more special! The Music Fairy (or The Music Wizard) arrives at your house dressed in costume and ready to entertain. The action packed show is one-hour long and consists of songs from the Music Fairy & Friends CD and Stage Show, dancing, musical games, fairy dust and fairy bubbles and even some facepainting. Bookings can be made at www. musicfairy.co.nz or phone The Music Fairy (Nicky) on 03-328-7022.

Pony Parties

Pony Parties and their Farmyard Friends is a children’s indoor party venue. Located 10 minutes from Halswell, your child’s private party includes warm cosy indoor activities such as pony riding and interaction, a wonderful variety of farmyard animals to cuddle, fabulous farmyard games and arty activities, catered food with a difference and free tea and coffee for the adults. Visit www. ponyparties.co.nz. Girls, come ride our pink unicorn pony! Limited bookings are available so make sure you book in advance. Phone 03329-7266 or 027-424-7768.

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parties (to the point where they even become a little abstract). You’ll find that these types of shots look great scattered through an album between shots of people.

Know the party plan

In order to capture all of the important moments in the party you should know how it is planned to run. Know when everyone will be sitting down, when the blowing out of candles will happen, when presents will be opened etc. This will

Have a Divine birthday

Divine Cakes & Desserts is a Christchurch owned and operated business specialising in special occasions. It is most famous for its delicious Happy Birthday mud cakes and wide range of birthday novelty cakes. But it doesn’t stop there! If you are a home decorator, Divine Cakes & Desserts hires out novelty cake tins and has everything you need to decorate your own birthday cake. More recently Divine started cupcake and novelty cake decorating classes for parents wanting to learn how to decorate their children’s birthday cakes. These are hands-on classes and you get to take your own creation home. Visit www.divine.co.nz for locations and contact details.

mean you can be well positioned for each event just ahead of it happening.

Shoot candidly

Most of your party photos will end up being candid ones of children and adults interacting with one another around the different party activities. I tend to take quite a few shots from the edge of the party using a longer zoom lens. The other thing to do as the party “warms up” is to actually get into the party and shoot from within it with a wide-angle lens.

Planned shots

Think ahead about what type of “must have” sort of shots you want from the party. These might include

Birthday fun with Funky Glass Art

Looking for something unique this birthday party? Funky Glass Art has a fantastic range of embellished birthday party kits all designed to be done within the hour and in the comfort of your own home. The kits are ready to go - no need for extra preparation, glue etc – it’s all included with step by step instructions. This is a great way for kids to get together and have fun, then take home their unique creation as a memento of your child’s special day.

All things sweet at The Gingerbread House The Gingerbread House in Rangiora is full to bursting with all things sweet. An amazing array of confectionery is on show including Kiwi favourites, popular British sweets and tasty American candy, which can all be purchased in bulk or made into loot bags. Famous goodies exclusive to the Gingerbread House include Russian fudge, peanut brittle and coconut ice, and they also hand-make a range of delicious fresh chocolates. With a comprehensive

selection of sugar craft equipment, as well as candy, party ware, cake tin hire and ribbons, it is the place to visit if you are planning a celebration - and they make fabulous cakes and cookies for any occasion. Take a break from shopping in The Gingerbread Houses’ cosy tea room and enjoy a hot drink, milkshake, gourmet ice cream or light snack, or take home a pork pie, Cornish pasty, Eccles cake or other homemade treat.

MAKE YOUR OWN PIZZA KID’S BIRTHDAY PARTY A1 Mini Chef logo - Rocky chef BLACK

A1 Mini Chef logo - Rocky chef BLACK

INCLUDES • Small pizza • Drink • Birthday cake • Invitations • Mini Chef apron & hat for the birthday child B1 Mini Chef logo - Plain BLACK

B1 Mini Chef logo - Plain BLACK

child

Approx 1.5 hours & min. 10 kids Conditions apply. Booking & deposit required. Subject to availability

BIRTHDAY CAKE SPECIALISTS NORTHLANDS l WESTFIELD l BLENHEIM RD l THE PALMS

LA PORCHETTA PAPANUI 484 Cranford St, PH: 352 2094

WWW.DIVINE.CO.NZ l FOR ALL YOUR SPECIAL OCCASIONS

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parties shots at the end of the party – they could make a humorous comparison series with your before shots.

Include adults in your photos

The focus of children’s parties is generally the children – but the adults attending the party can present you with some fascinating shots. Sometimes their reactions to what the children are doing can

be quite fascinating and it’s worth including photographing them.

By Darren Rowse Darren Rowse is the editor and founder of Digital Photography School. He lives in Melbourne Australia and is also the editor of the ProBlogger Blog Tips and TwiTip Twitter Tips blogs.

Pocahontas and Pocahontas II on DVD

some group shots, cake shots, blowing out candles, opening presents, party games etc.

Take before and after shots

It’s amazing to see how a room (and people) can be transformed in just an hour or two when you have a group of children

Get up close with farm animals

Arion Farm Education Park, a new facility run by the National Trade Academy at McLeans Island, Christchurch, allows children to see, touch and hand-feed a variety of farm animals. Children can learn about the animals in a natural environment, enjoy pony rides, and have fun in the picnic and play area. For only $5 per person entry, the facility is an affordable, fun and educational holiday option. The farm is one of the few facilities in the country that focuses solely on New

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Zealand farm animals and farming heritage. Children can learn about farm animals, their history and contribution to the New Zealand economy. Arion Farm Education Park is an ideal venue for hosting children’s parties, and school holiday programmes are available for parents wanting to give their children an invaluable experience.

Have a colourful, fun party at Beadz Unlimited

Arion Farm Education Park is open Monday to Thursday, and Sundays, 10 am – 3pm. For information visit www.arionfarmpark.co.nz or to book phone 03-360-2192 or 021881-279.

Imagine a stress free birthday party … no housework, no party bags, no clean up afterwards. Bring them into Beadz Unlimited, at 242 Cranford Street, for an exciting birthday treat. Beadz birthday parties are fun, colourful, inspiring and designed to suit a wide range of ages. Children will treasure their creation for years to come and learn

April 2012. Check out our website for more fantastic competitions.

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lifelong skills. Beadz Unlimited has a party to suit all budgets, with fantastic designs from the simple treasure box and bracelet to the more complex funky friendship bracelet. With seven popular parties to choose from, Beadz Unlimited knows your child will have a birthday to remember. Not just for the girls either – using wood and bone beads, boys can create the surfie look they love. The party room is available for a small fee so you can enjoy your birthday cake after the workshop. Phone 03-379-5126 to make a booking and then sit back and relax.

‘Come Grow With Us’

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in it. For this reason you might want to consider what type of shots you’ll want to take before the party actually starts. This might include some of those shots that focus in on different elements of the party (see above) but also shots of the birthday boy or girl when they are dressed up and looking (and behaving) at their best. Also take a few

Pocahontas: Journey to a New World is a magnificent, fun-filled adventure that finds Pocahontas setting sail for an exciting new world; England. With her trusted companions, Flit, Meeko and Percy along for the ride, this spectacular film promises plenty of fun, thrills and laughter for everyone. Family Times has five copies of Pocahontas and Pocahontas II on DVD to give away. Enter online at www. familytimes.co.nz or write your name and address on the back of an envelope or postcard and send to: Pocahontas, PO Box 36 004, Christchurch, to reach us by 22

• NZ owned & operated state-of-the-art learning centres. • Qualified, professional educators. • Individual documented programmes to enhance your child’s learning. • School Readiness Programme. • Nutritional meals. • Amazing, comforting nurseries.

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40-42 Blighs Road, Strowan Christchurch 8052, Ph 351 1030 blighs@lollipopseducare.co.nz www.lollipopseducare.co.nz

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Tips for selecTing Top qUaliTy Honey. Honest

Verifies the honey hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been ultra filtered removing the goodness. the total pollen count should EXcEED 100,000.

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Our batch number identifies the lOcatiOn in new Zealand the honey originates from.

Like Us to WiN Join us on Facebook to be in the DRaW tO Win one of 5 Honey tasting Packs. www.facebook.com/airborneHoney

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Karen Theobald visited Opawa School to talk with kids about how they manage stress.

Te Hinenga Te Hemi, age 9

In class, if I don’t understand how to do something I can get confused and stressed. When I feel this way I try to calm down, have a drink of water and sometimes read a book. I don’t really talk to my parents about feeling stressed because I usually have it sorted by the end of the day. If I needed my parents to help me with stress, I would like them to listen and talk the problem over with me.

Daniel Nieuwenhuize, age 8

I don’t get stressed very often- it is only when I am not going to get to school on time or forget things like my clarinet. I try not to think about feeling upset and stressed though- it’s not a big deal. After school I talk with my Dad about our days. He helps me get rid of the stressed feeling and thoughts by sharing them. He tells me how I could do things differently.

Riccarton Park Racecourse Christchurch

Emily Blennerhassett, age 9

T RY N E E FRE DAY H C A E

I sometimes get stressed. Rushing out the door to get to school on time and doing tests can make me feel that way, or when I need to do something (usually at school) that I don’t feel comfortable doing. I like to calm down by being quiet and reading a book. Thinking about something else that I enjoy (like maths) is good. Because I have my own way of dealing with stress, I don’t usually talk to my parents about it.

Autumn Racing Carnival CULMINATING WITH THE SOUTH ISLAND’S ONLY AUTUMN PREMIER RACEDAY Saturday, 24 March, Saturday, 14 April and 21 April, and 5 May 2012

Loads of picnic spots and family activities each day!

School holiday fun

11-21 April 2012

Elliott Croft, age 8

Sometimes if I can’t figure out a maths problem in class, I feel stressed. To feel better I go away to a different space to take a few minutes out. With hard maths problems or other school work, I skip that question and ask the teacher later. My Mum and Dad talk to me about my day but we discuss the good things. I can talk to them if I want about what’s bothering me. They would help me come up with ideas.

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Munchkin Nappy Disposal System The Munchkin nappy disposal system uses innovative technology, including a unique hygiene vent that dispenses baking soda, to neutralise odours before a self-sealing system tightly locks away bad smells. The automated system can be operated with one hand – leaving your other hand free to look after your bub! The system is available at all Baby City stores. Family Times has four Munchkin Nappy Systems - including a refill bag pack - to give away.

By Brendon Bennetts Directed bY Dan Bain

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Tekapo Springs Alpine Springs is changing its name to Tekapo Springs on 1 April and is giving you the opportunity to come and see what makes it a great family attraction! It’s open from 10am-9pm 364 days a year and offers the choice of soaking in one of three outdoor hot pools overlooking the lake, skating on a full sized rink (roller until the end of March and ice from early April) or letting gravity take you down New Zealand’s first summer tube ride! The winter snow tube will open mid-June. Enter now for a pass for two adults and three children (up to 18 years) to spend a whole day trying out all of these activities! With a licensed café on site, you won’t even have to pack lunch! www.tekaposprings.co.nz

11AM & 1PM Mon-FrI 11AM SAT All tickets $9 Book now: 03 963 0870 Or www.courttheatre.org.nz

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The Family Times design Competition It’s Autumn! Leaves are turning golden and falling, the mornings are chilly, it’s getting darker and firewood is being stacked ready for winter. This issue we would love to see a drawing of your favourite things about Autumn. Draw it for us, and be in to win a $30 prize pack from Crayola!

Tell our advertiser you saw it in...

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 22 April 2012. ------------------------------------------------------------------Congratulations to our Jandal design poster competition winners from our last issue and thanks to the Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna O Waiwhetu for their help with judging. Winners are: Lorenzo Tetley from Te Titahi Bay, one – four years(right) Theodore hua from Christchurch, five – eight years (left) Umain ahmed from Orewa, nine – 12 years (middle)

Just tick the things you want to win

Autumn 2012 Tekapo Springs Munchkin nappy disposal dr Seuss The Lorax Brita Water Filter

Name Address 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, P O Box 36 004, Christchurch to reach us by 22nd April 2012, unless stated otherwise. Only one entry per household. It’s easy to win fantastic prizes with Family Times. Just fill in the entry form and post it to us by the due date, or enter online at www.familytimes.co.nz. This month we have a fantastic line up of prizes… Good luck!. Check out last issue’s lucky winners online.

Brita Water Filter

dr Seuss The Lorax

Win one of 10 Brita Water filter jugs A great way for your family to enjoy clean, great tasting water is with a Brita water filter jug. Simply fill the jug straight from the tap and the jug’s clever Maxtra filter is highly effective in removing impurities – including chlorine, sediment, lead, copper and pesticide residues – that can affect the taste. The BRITA Water Filter Jug is designed to fit in the fridge for your family to enjoy chilled, great tasting water all year round. Family Times has 10 Brita water filter jugs to giveaway. RRP $45.99. Visit www.brita.co.nz.

From the creators of Despicable Me and the imagination of Dr. Seuss comes the 3D-CG feature Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax. The animated adventure opens on 29 March and follows the journey of a 12-year-old as he searches for the one thing that will enable him to win the affection of the girl of his dreams. To find it he must discover the story of the Lorax, the grumpy yet charming creature who fights to protect his world. Family Times has 10 double passes to Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax and 10 activity books courtesy of Harper Collins to give away.

10 – 20 April 2012 Meet outside Discovery Have you ever wondered how photographers get those interesting nature scenes? These holidays, come to Canterbury Museum where we will check out the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition. We will look at what makes an interesting photograph then, armed with one of Canterbury Museum’s digital cameras, you will become a Nature Photographer for the session. Bookings essential; phone 366 9429 ext 817 email education@canterburymuseum.com Cost: Discovery Club members $4 and non-members $6 per child.

Juniors: 10.00 am – 11.30 am (3 - 7 years) Seniors: 1.00 pm – 3.00 pm (8 - 13 years) www.canterburymuseum.com

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cool activities

Calendar of Events Christchurch’s family-friendly events continue through the change of seasons. Don’t forget to spoil Mum on 13 May and enjoy Easter egg hunting on Sunday 8 April. Fitness type events are now listed on our family fitness page. 24 March- 30 April Scary Slippery Mud Slides. Experience the mud slides on the slopes of the Okuti Valley. Bring a picnic and explore the native bush including a 450 year old tree. Visit www. littlerivercampground.co.nz or phone 03325-1014 for details.

21-31 March Outer Spaces Family Fun Trail. A free self-guided tour of Outer Spaces’ works around the Christchurch Art Gallery. Fun questions and activities for children. Pick up a guide from the gallery shop or visit www. christchurchartgallery.org.nz/calendar.

22-30 March NZ Book Month - The Great NZ Preschool Story Time. Enjoy stories, songs and rhymes from Aotearoa. Free 30 minutes sessions at various Christchurch City Libraries. Suitable for over two years. Visit www. christchurchcitylibraries.com.

26 March Science Alive presents a free after school science programme, 3.30-4.30pm Mondays, during term time at New Brighton Library. Each week there’s a different topic and a number of related fun activities. No bookings required.

31 March

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Mairehau Community Day. Find out what’s happening in the Mairehau Community. Free activities and entertainment for children. From 11 am-3pm at Mairehau High School. Visit www.nht.org.nz for more details.

31 March Selwyn House School Fair. Fun and entertainment for all ages. Listen to a fortune teller, enjoy the pamper room and indulge in a barista coffee chocolate wheel disco! From 3pm to 7pm at 122 Merivale Lane.

31 March Oxford A and P Show. Fun for the whole family with animals, displays, food and entertainment. Don’t miss the grand parade at 2.30 pm. From 8am - 5pm at the Oxford Showgrounds, Bay Road. Visit www. oxfordapshow.co.nz for details.

7-22 April Cushion Theatre at The Malthouse. Come and watch Billy Goats Gruff these school holidays and find out what the troll really likes to eat! Visit www.malthouse.co.nz for details.

11-22 April

The Court Theatre presents Rapunzel. Come to the new Addington theatre to watch this classic fairytale come to life. For tickets book

Black Cat Cruises are giving away thousands of Easter Eggs on Quail Island this Easter

at www.courttheatre.org.nz.

12-15 April

Kowhai Riding School

Have you ever wanted to learn to ride a horse? Enjoy riding a well-schooled horse in the country at Kowhai Riding School, which has run horse riding courses for more than 40 years. It offers options for adults and unaccompanied children from age eight. You can learn everything from the correct

Rotary Bookarama. Delight in the pre loved books, records, jigsaws, CDs and much more - all on sale. Burnside High School way to catch the horse to grooming, saddling up, control and position, as well as enjoying scenic farm trekking under the supervision of a helpful instructor. The school can take up to 30 riders on each course and offers full accommodation and meals. Bookings and course dates are available at www.kowhai.co.nz.

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cool activities

-3pm. Performances, entertainment and activities. Visit www.myevent.co.nz for more information.

28–29 April The Meridian Season of Angelina Ballerina’s Big Audition. A ballet perfect for children aged two plus. Ashburton Trust Event Centre, visit www. nzballet.org.nz for details.

13 May Air Force Museum Mothers’ Day Devonshire Teas. Gather mum and grandma for an afternoon tea with a difference featuring music by the Addington Brass Band. Phone 03-343-9504 or visit www. airforcemuseum.co.nz.

Compiled by Karen Theobald

The International School of Music Jumping for joy from an Andover aircraft as part of the Air Force Museum adventure tour.

Hall, Greers Road. Search www.bishopdaleburnside-rotary.com/Projects for opening times.

12-22 April The Princess and the Frog at Hagley Open Stage Theatre from 12-22 April. Book now on 03-338-4699 or visit www. riccartonplayers.co.nz.

14 April Woolston Gala. Free, family event at Woolston Park, Ferry Road from 11am

The International School of Music has just opened its second group teaching studio upstairs in Barrington Mall. The school teaches more than 300 students every week with its popular preschool and group piano classes. Students are aged from two years up to beginners of nine to 10 years of age. There are limited places for beginning students available in terms two and three. The new students’ timetable is available at www.ismchristchurch.co.nz. Make an enrolment enquiry online or contact director Nicky Fryer on 03-377-3778.

Holiday programmes

Whether it is full time care you require or an opportunity for your child to try something new, holiday programmes can be lots of fun. Here are some top picks for these Christchurch holidays. Kendal OSCAR programmes

Enrolments in Kendal OSCAR programmes are open to all Christchurch families during the school holidays. Email oscar@kendal. school.nz or phone 03-358-4140 for information.

Beadz Unlimited

Fun holiday workshops for children and creative time for mums with our fabulous adult workshops. Visit www.beadzunlimited. com for details.

Arion Riding Centre

Arion Riding Centre, McLeans Island Road, April holiday programme runs 10am3pm daily. All levels of riding catered for. Contact Lee on 021- 770-264 or arion@nta. co.nz.

Arion Farm Education Park Arion Farm Education Park, McLeans Island Road, April holiday programme runs 10am-3pm daily. Feed, care and play with farm animals. Contact Suzie 021-881-279 or admin@nta.co.nz.

Made by Me!

Made by Me introduces new resin designs, bottle top designs and new workshops. Call 03-347-3570 to book your workshop.

Nature Photography

Become a nature photographer at this holiday programme from 10-20 April. Visit www.canterburymuseum.com for details and to book.

Air Force Museum

Take part in the Ultimate Challenge Holiday Programme or enquire about special group programmes and activities. Phone 03- 3439504 or visit www.airforcemuseum.co.nz.

Busy Bumbles

Quality holiday programmes are available at various venues around the Selwyn District. Visit www.busybumbles.co.nz for more information.

CASPA holiday programmes

Let CASPA make your school holiday care easier. Programmes operate from 8am-6pm. Phone 03-349-9260 or visit www.caspa.org.nz.

Christchurch Circus Centre Learn circus skills like acrobatics, unicycle and more. For ages seven to 13-years at an Opawa-based venue. April school holiday classes run from 10-14 April. For further information phone 0274-365-384 or email circustrust@gmail.com.

CanTeRbuRy ChiLdren‘s TheAtre PreSents

BilLy GoaTs GruFf

by ScoTt KooRey & DirEcted by Matt PowEll

cuShion theaTre aT the maltHouse

7, 9, 14, 15, 21, 22 apriL 2012 X 11aM & 2pM

tiCkets $7 W phonE 0800 bookIngs

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cool activities Chocolate school and bus for kids

She Chocolat is offering chocolate cooking classes these holidays and also a family experience on the double decker chocolate bus. Visit www.shechocolat.com for details.

YMCA’s new look holiday programmes

The YMCA believes that school holidays should be about children experimenting more with activities that interest them, so its new look holiday programmes have been designed to give you choice. Choose from an exciting new range of two-day themes, with up to six choices per week. Fridays are a combined fun day to give everybody a chance to mix and get together. Week long programmes, Wainui camps and OSC AR and YMCA subsidies are still available. Visit www.ymcachch.org.nz for more information.

Compiled by Karen Theobald

Explore the arts with Mebeme

Mebeme Academy is a brand new performing arts school that inspires and educates children in the wonderful world of performing arts. The academy offers general performing arts classes that focus on the three disciplines of singing, dance and drama. These classes not only teach children valuable performance skills, but also encourage children to engage in the creative process and use their imagination.

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Entertainment As the first term of the year comes to an end, it’s time to think about autumn holiday entertainment ideas. We’ve put together some fun indoor options to get you started. Dudley Park Aquatic Centre

Dudley Park Aquatic Centre offers indoor heated pools for recreational swimming, a spa pool, WaiSwim swimming lessons and aquarobics. Phone 03-311-8905 for more information.

PHATSK8 Roller Discos

Hit the roller disco at Prebbleton or Rolleston these holidays. Great value at $6 each including skate hire. Phone 03-349-9924 or visit www.phatsk8.co.nz to book.

Air Force Museum

A journey of discovery and adventure with 29 fully restored aircraft and interactive entertainment. Free admission to main museum. Phone 03-343-9504.

HOYTS Riccarton

After all, children are full of great ideas! The academy also offers specialised dance classes: American jazz dance syllabus (AJDA), ballet syllabus (BBO), musical theatre and preschool dance classes. There is also a specific performance class in which children can work towards showcasing their talents at events around Christchurch, including regular appearances on What Now! Mebeme’s aim is to encourage confidence and creativity in young performers and inspire the future stars of tomorrow.

Get more from your movies with HOYTS Rewards. Free ticket on sign up, join for only $10 at Hoyts Riccarton.

Reading Cinemas

Reading Cinemas, The Palms is Christchurch city’s first class, eight-screen cinema complex featuring wall-to-wall screens, digital sound, stadium seating, luxury armchair comfort and value-packed candy bar deals! www. readingcinemas.co.nz.

Timezone Games

Transport yourself to another world at Timezone Games. For great games, awesome prizes and serious fun visit Timezone Westfield Riccarton, www.timezonegames. co.nz.

Angelina Ballerina

Royal New Zealand Ballet’s much anticipated Meridian Season of Angelina Ballerina’s Big Audition is about to begin. Auckland 11-13 April, Takapuna 15 April, Ashburton 28-29 April, Wellington 19-21 April, Dunedin 4

May. For booking details visit www.nzballet. org.nz.

The Princess and The Frog

Riccarton Players presentsThe Princess and The Frog at Hagley Open Stage Theatre from 12-22 April. Book on 03-338-4699 or visit www.riccartonplayers.co.nz.

Top tuition at specialist riding centre The goal of the Arion Riding Centre in Christchurch is to provide a comprehensive foundation that leads to higher equestrian skills. The impressive new centre, conveniently located at McLeans Island, offers excellent facilities that include allweather dressage and show jumping arenas, a cross country schooling area and access to trail rides. Arion Riding School offers individual or group lessons, theory and practical sessions, progressive riding courses, adopt-a-pony days, holiday programme

courses, fun competitions and seminars on a range of equine topics. Arion Riding Centre’s aim is to always provide a pleasurable, practical and professional learning environment in quality facilities. With its affiliation to the National Trade Academy, Arion Riding School can prepare you for NZQA qualifications and assist you in working towards NZ Pony Club certificates. The Arion Riding Centre is open seven days a week from 8.30am to 5pm. www.arionridingcentre.co.nz

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cool activities Rock climbing for kids at The Roxx

You’ve tried Clip’N Climb, now climb on the Roxx side! Introductory belay briefing, harness and shoe hire for only $15 during the holidays. Kids must be 13-years-old to belay or an adult can be taught to belay for those under 13. Phone 03-377-3000 or visit www. theroxx.co.nz for more information.

Christchurch Airport Marathon

Whether taking on the full marathon, half marathon, 10km or kids’ Mara’Fun, your challenge is made manageable by scenic surroundings and residents cheering from their front gates. The Christchurch Airport Marathon offers something for everyone. www.sbsmarathon.co.nz/

Autumn Racing Carnival

Free entry and family on-course activities at the Autumn Racing Carnival, Riccarton Park. Visit www.riccartonpark.co.nz for dates.

El Gregoe The Magician at Barrington Watch one of 16 magic shows these school holidays at Barrington Shopping Centre. Tuesdays to Fridays, 11.30am and 1.30pm. Phone 03-332-4221.

The Court Theatre presents Rapunzel The new Court Theatre in Addington brings the classic fairytale Rapunzel to life from 11-21 April. For tickets book at www. courttheatre.org.nz.

Cushion Theatre at The Malthouse

Come and watch Billy Goats Gruff these school holidays and find out what the troll really likes to eat! Visit www.malthouse. co.nz for details.

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Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

Visit Willowbank’s big five: the tuataracousin to the dinosaur; our national symbolthe kiwi; the cheeky kea; the mighty takahe and the very rare kaka. Visit www. willowbank.co.nz.

The Plains RailwayAshburton

Take a steam train ride and explore the museum and play area. Open 7, 8 and 22nd April. Phone 03-308-9600 or visit www. plainsrailway.co.nz.

Orana Wildlife Park

Experience unique animal encounters only 15 minutes from Christchurch Airport. Hand feed giraffe, view rhino and see the mighty lions. Open 10am-5pm. Visit www. oranawildlifepark.co.nz.

The Lorax

Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax is an adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ classic tale about the enduring power

Absolute Rhythmic Gymnastics At Absolute we emphasise fun and fitness. Many skills are learned that are fun and challenging and also help children in other areas – such as concentration, discipline and coordination that can be applied to school work and other sports. Being part of a group outside of school is a great way for children to create new friendships with like-minded girls. Rhythmic gymnastics is a balanced combination of gracefulness and athleticism. Give it a go! Please see our advertisement below for contact details.

Indoor family fun at Timezone Games, Westfield.

of hope. In Cinemas from 29 March, starring the voice talents of Zach Efron and Taylor Swift. A must see! Compiled by Karen Theobald

Holiday chocolate fun

The Kids’ Chocolate Journey is a learning and discovery journey for all the family. Packed with fun, mystery and movies onboard She’s amazing double decker chocolate bus, the tours will run daily over the holidays. If your child is between eight and 12 and would like some hands on experience, then book at She Chocolat’s chocolate or culinary school in Governors Bay. Learn from two leading experts. Parents can relax in She’s beautiful cafe and restaurant. Visit www. shechocolat.com or visit chocolatebus or shechocolat on facebook.

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let’s get physical

Get involved in your kid’s sport The start of a new school year can be a challenging time for kids and parents – new teachers, new subjects and classroom priorities, new friends – and sometimes even a new school.

ome kids understandably feel nervous about this time and the experiences of these first few months can shape their impressions of school, and themselves, well into the school year. Sport and recreation can be a great vehicle to overcome these challenges and help your child make friends, stay active, and have fun. Not only does involvement in sport help kids establish social connections, enhance their self-esteem and sense of selfworth, but involvement in physical activity also enhances their performance inside the classroom. But it’s not just about dropping the kids off at the school gate and leaving it to the school to provide an environment that will develop happy and active kids. Sport is a family affair and a child’s experience of it is enhanced by the active involvement of parents and caregivers. Sport NZ’s community sport and recreation manager Roger Wood says people don’t often appreciate the role that parents and caregivers have in creating a positive sporting experience for kids. “Parents are an integral part of sport and school life. Parents can be involved in school sport in many ways, from coaching teams, organising sports days and lunchtime games and fundraising for teams through to supporting their children to just have a go.”It’s more

than just about being a volunteer to do a job, says Roger. “Often parents experience as much enjoyment as the kids, as it can bring families/whanau together, parents can get to know their children’s friends, their friends’ parents, and build relationships with the teachers and the principal of the school. Principals often tell us that the best place to meet parents to discuss their kids’ academic progress is on the side-line of sports activities”. Sport can also provide parents with an opportunity to learn new skills, increase their own self-esteem and confidence and gain an understanding of how different sports and activities operate. The enthusiasm and involvement of parents has a significant impact on a child’s on-going involvement in sport. Their opinions and actions play a large part in determining:

•

Which sport/s their child will be involved in.

How much time will be devoted to sport.

•

Whether their child continues their sport participation.

Sometimes becoming involved in sport and recreation at school is as easy as simply asking to play. This means adults at times joining in the activity themselves, understanding movement skill components, offering feedback and encouragement, instruction (at times) and support in the provision of activities.

As a parent you could also assist in: •

Lunchtime/after school games or activities.

• • •

Coaching, managing or refereeing. Transport. Helping with equipment and new ground markings.

•

Assisting the management of interschool competitions.

•

Walking to school buses.

Ask yourself, could you help to make one or more of these things happen? What other ideas or skills do you have? Give it a try

By Roger Wood, Sport NZ

Martial Arts Supplies www.sevensamurai.biz o Phone: 0800 726 876 o Mobile: 027 403 2674 o Email: info@sportshop.co.nz o Trademe: DIB16

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Family physical activity Keep family-fit this autumn with these fun events and activities. A number of these challenges allow you to participate as part of a family team. 25 March City 2 Surf. Run or walk 14km from

Centennial Park or 6km from Opawa School. Prizes and live entertainment at the finish, Ferrymead Park. Under five years free, includes free entry to Ferrymead Heritage Park. To enter, visit www.city2surf.co.nz.

29 March Weekly Sprint Orienteering Series. Give orienteering a go with the

Peninsula and Plains Orienteering Club. Families can walk, run and sometimes bike in safe yet interesting city and rural locations. Courses for all levels. Visit www.papo.org.nz for details.

31 March PT in the Park. Fit for Free, group

exercise session taken by personal trainers. North Hagley Park, corner Harper Avenue/ Bealey Avenue. At 12 noon every Saturday, rain or shine until 30 June. Children eight years plus welcome. Email dandjscott@xtra. co.nz for more details.

1 April McDonalds Youth Duathlon. Open

to seven-15 years. Run, cycle and run some more from South Hagley Park. Enter online at www.mcdonaldsduathlon.co.nz.

1 April The Big Walk 2012. Lace up your

let’s get physical

walking shoes and be part of this fun family event taking place throughout New Zealand. Choose from a 2, 5 or 10 km walk around South Hagley Park. Visit www.fyd.org.nz or phone 0800-435-775 for more details.

29 April Rise Up Team Challenge.

A fun, team-based, running and cycling event to get Christchurch active again. Various categories for children eight-13 years and families. Based at Ruapuna Speedway. Visit www. riseupchallenge.co.nz for details.

3 June Christchurch Airport Marathon.

The South Island’s favourite festival of fitness. There’s something for runners and walkers of all ages, ability and aspiration. Children can try the 2.5 km Mara’Fun. Visit www. christchurchmarathon.co.nz to register.

Compiled by Karen Theobald

Christchurch marathon back to stay It is official. The new-look Christchurch Airport Marathon is under starter’s orders for Sunday 3 June on a new course back in Christchurch. On February 22 2011, the traditional Town Hall venue and Avon River route became no more. But like the city itself, the marathon organisers rallied around and pulled together an alternative event at Lincoln University. More than 3000 people lined up; an incredible display of the region’s determination to get back on its feet. But, says race director Chris Cox, “Since the 2011 event we’ve been working with our new principal sponsor, Christchurch Airport, to get the event back to

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Christchurch where it belongs.” This year’s new-look and newly-named Christchurch Airport Marathon will be based at Christchurch Airport, with a safe, scenic, flat, fast and spectator-friendly route around surrounding roads. The format for the annual Queens Birthday weekend event remains exactly the same, featuring the classic 42.2k marathon distance, the 21.1k half marathon, as well as the 10k and the Kids’ Mara’Fun. “We’ve always felt that the success of the Christchurch Marathon was a reflection of the wider community,” says Cox. Entries for the 2012 Christchurch Airport Marathon are now open. Visit www.christchurchmarathon.co.nz.

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Weighing in on preteen self-esteem Preteen years are arguably one of the most difficult times in a child’s life. Their age says they are expected to start acting like adults, but they still have many child-like restrictions. Although a lot of my work is based on the teen years, over the last decade, we’ve seen a great rise in preteens trying to copy-cat teenage behaviour. Revealing clothing, experimental phases, and conflicts with parents are all teenage-inspired actions that pre-teens are starting to mimic. Let’s dissect what healthy self-esteem looks like. Healthy self-esteem shows a person is in their comfort zone as a human being. It means they take care of themselves – whether through clothing choices, a healthy diet, or how they compare themselves to their peers. The obvious self-esteem issue for girls - and one that is starting to affect boys too - is their weight. This issue often progresses in teenage years and into adult life. Looking at

the glass half-empty, I must mention things like obesity, bulimia and anorexia. These are common household terms these days, which shows the crucial need to teach girls about the value of their body. Here are a couple of approaches that I practice when speaking to girls about weight issues. Firstly, help your preteen by exposing what models in magazines really look like. Pamela Marker was the New Zealand Girlfriend magazine editor a few years back. I was never fond of girly magazines growing up, because just like any other girl, I would fall into depression after seeing the skinny models showing off what I didn’t have (i.e. a stick figure), which would motivate me

After school

Christchurch has a variety of after school programmes on offer. From school-based care to special interest activities, there’s sure to be one to suit your child. Kendal OSCAR Programmes Enrolments in Kendal OSCAR after school programmes are open to all Christchurch families. Email oscar@kendal.school.nz or phone 03-358-4140 for information.

Rock Stars course Is your child not a team player but needs a challenge? Clip ‘N Climb’s Rock Stars after school climbing programme at the Roxx Climbing Centre is the answer. It is a safe, fun introduction to basic climbing technique and incorporates yoga stretching, goal setting and communication skills. Book for term two now. Visit www. theroxx.co.nz, phone 03-377-3000 or

28 www.familytimes.co.nz

email climb@theroxx.co.nz.

Christchurch Circus Centre

Learn circus skills like trapeze, juggling and more. For ages seven to 13-years at an Opawa-based venue. Classes run on Mondays and Tuesdays from 3.30-5pm. For further information phone 0274-365384 or email circustrust@gmail.com.

Busy Bumbles Quality before and after school care is available at various venues around the Selwyn District. Visit www.busybumbles. co.nz for more information.

Compiled by Karen Theobald

enough to do a massive two hour workout, after which celebratory pizza was always in order. Obviously it was not a healthy option. What made me look twice at Girlfriend magazine after Pamela came onto the team was her effort to help girls gain better self esteem – not destroy it. They would have the occasional model in there, but always tried to keep Photoshop to a minimum. The technique Pamela often used when speaking to girls was showing them the “before” and “after” Photoshop photos. No girl could feel bad after seeing how much graphic design work goes into making one photo of a model. Do you remember the famous Dove video that went viral, which showed how a normal-looking woman was transformed into an intensified photo, to the point where if you saw her on the street, you wouldn’t recognise her in a million years? Secondly, Paula Abdul, who admits to bulimia issues in her youth, suggests that every girl should lie down on a large piece of paper and have a friend outline her. When you stand up, basically, you see that you’re actually not fat like you think you are; in fact, it gives you a new-found confidence. Having a healthy self-esteem is not just about weight, but it’s definitely a starting point. Have a think about some ways to help your pre-teen to see their physical beauty. About Eva-Maria Twenty-one-year-old bestselling author

of the book You Shut Up!, international speaker and certified coach Eva-Maria is living her dream: she is on a mission to help improve 10,000,000 relationships between adults and teenagers around the world. Join Eva-Maria on her journey to bridge the gap of misunderstanding between teenagers and adults around the globe! www.eva-maria.co.nz

Explore the Air Force Museum Whether you live locally or are visiting Christchurch for the first time and want a great day out for the whole family, The Air Force Museum has something for you. You are welcome to explore the Air Force Museum by yourself, but the best way to make the most of your visit is to take one of the guided tours or enjoy one of the children’s activities. The family Air Force Adventure Tour is perfect if you’re aged between three and 12. Complete this 60 minute tour in areas of the museum not normally open to the general public, “graduate” with your own set of Air Force Museum pilot’s wings and see if you have what it takes to be an Air Force Museum pilot! The tour runs on weekends at

11.15am. The Behind the Scenes Tour runs three times daily and is a great way to see the restoration projects as well as the reserve collection of aircraft. A range of scavenger hunt activities are offered for children to keep them entertained while exploring the museum. These come with a great prize once completed and there are options for all ages. For the pilot-in-training, fly the Mosquito flight simulator - complete with a real WW2 bomber cockpit. Both activities are available from 10am5pm daily. For more information phone 03-343-9504, email programmes@ airforcemuseum.co.nz or visit www. airforcemuseum.co.nz.

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Get musical with an autumn “sound hunt” Autumn is the perfect time to go on a sound hunt together with your kids. Make up a “sound hunt” song:

e’re going on sound hunt, we’re going to find some treasure, We’ll listen to the sounds. I wonder what we’ll hear?

What will we see? Come with me, We are going on a sound hunt today.” Visit the local park or an interesting natural setting. Listen to the sounds as you walk through autumn leaves, and look at all the rich autumn colours. Watch as the wind blows the leaves in the trees and see them flutter to the ground. Collect interesting autumn treasures such as acorns, chestnuts, and the dry flower sticks from a flax bush (harakeke). These can be cut into lengths suitable for musical instruments. Collect a variety of interesting sound-making objects and make music with them. Make sure that the activities are appropriate for your child’s age and stage of development. Pine cones make a pleasing knobbly sound when scraped. Leaves make a gentle rustling noise. Make up a dance to go with your found sounds. Use the sticks to tap different surfaces such as tree trunks, branches, paths, fences and railings. Listen to all the different noises. Can you hear rough or smooth, high or low, or loud and soft sounds? Have a quiet listening time. What sound is the wind making? Can you hear the birds singing? Are there one or two birds, or many? Where is the sound coming from? What is making the sound? What kind of noise is it? Can we copy that sound? Creative musical activities stimulate the

young child’s imagination and listening skills, especially if parents or teachers join in. After the sound hunt, talk about the sounds you heard. This is a good way to develop vocabulary and memory. Make decorated shakers using some of the found sounds for listening games and dancing. Play listening games. Play sound matching games. Put equal and unequal numbers of objects in different containers. Find the one that sounds the same. Music and movement provide the perfect opportunity to explore physically what it means to go in and out, over and under, behind, beside and between. Using the shakers you have made together sing: “shake up high, shake down low, shaking in the middle and down to the ground.” Use

Cornerstone Christian Early Learning Centre

Cornerstone Christian Early Learning Centre now has two preschools operating, one in Papanui and one in Aidanfield. Each centre is dedicated to creating a loving Christian, stimulating environment, which is open and caring towards children and their families. Personal virtues such as patience, kindness, love and respect are developed. The curriculum offers age-appropriate programmes that cater for individual and group learning. Biblical truths permeate all learning experiences. For further information or to plan a visit, please refer to the advertisement on this page.

Friendly Christian Preschool We provide a warm, caring environment with structured morning and afternoon sessions. We run a Christian curriculum and we extend children’s learning through positive teaching and fun filled activities. If you would like to come and visit please feel free to phone us to make a time.

Cornerstone Papanui 77 Windermere Road Papanui, Christchurch

P: 03 352 7899 E: cornerstone.celc @vodafone.co.nz

Cornerstone Aidanfield P: 03 338 9948 2 Nash Road E: cornerstone@ Aidanfield, Christchurch aidanfield.school.nz

Ages 2½-5 years M-F: 8.30am-3pm

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leaves in each hand for dancing as you sing: “Twirl like a leaf up in the sky, down, down, down, down, down, to the ground.” Explore putting found objects or bean bags on heads, shoulders, beside, behind, in front of you, or between feet. Activities such as these reinforce an understanding of the meanings of these words and help your child develop a sense of themselves in relation to the space around them. When you listen, move, sing and play with your child you are laying a loving foundation of music for life.

By Julie Wylie, photos by Carolyn Jensen www.juliewyliemusic.com

Canterbury Home Educators Inc

Home education is a world where your children learn with confidence and flourish. You can tailor your children’s learning to their individual needs, abilities and preferences - and you won’t be alone. Canterbury Home Educators Inc provides access to a wide network of resources and a full calendar of activities and learning opportunities such as camps, sports, life skills, arts, languages, tutorials etc. Parents enjoy contact with parents and children make firm friendships for life. For information email CHEInc@ free.net.nz and ring your Ministry of Education office for a free homeschooling information pack.

NEED

SUPPORT

Optimum Learning

Optimum Learning provides highly effective solutions for anyone struggling with learning. Through the use of the Davis Correction® Programmes, Optimum Learning enables individuals to enhance their gifts and overcome the challenges associated with dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADD/ADHD, math challenges, reading/writing difficulties, or specific subject difficulties. Melanie Curry is a highly experienced teacher and licensed Davis facilitator who is dedicated to empowering you to achieve your goals, through providing either the Davis programmes, individualised tutoring or homeschooling support. To learn more, visit www. optimumlearning.co.nz or contact Melanie Curry at melanie@ optimumlearning.co.nz.

I’m smart so why do I have such trouble with learning? Finally there is an answer...

can unlock the key to your learning.

Canterbury Home Educators Inc (CHE) is a large and well established support network for families who choose to home educate. To help you find out more about home education and the network and resources available to you CHE runs regular information meetings. Please contact CHE at: PO Box 8544, Riccarton, Christchurch. CHEInc@free.net.nz

www.che.org.nz Information packs about home education are available from Ministry of Education.

Removing limitations for Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, ADD and other challenges.

www.optimumlearning.co.nz Melanie Curry

Dip.Teach, B. Ed, Licensed Davis™ Facilitator

p. 03 322 1726 m. 021 367 669 melanie@optimumlearning.co.nz

www.cornerstone.school.nz

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Set your children on a positive financial path We teach our children to ride bikes and write the alphabet, but lessons about money are just as important.

ntroducing the idea of saving early might just arm them with good money sense for life.

It’s never too early to start a savings account for your child; in fact many parents set one up for their baby soon after its birth. Piggy banks were traditionally seen as a way to teach children about saving but they do have their limitations when it comes to learning money lessons. One of the major drawbacks is that children literally can’t see how much money they have in their piggy bank. Therefore, they miss out seeing the idea of accumulation. Nor can their piggy bank reward their savings habit by dishing out interest. But a savings account at a bank can do both. Many banks now offer children’s savings accounts so ask if your bank if they have the option. If they don’t, then find a bank that does. A savings account will give your child a real life example of how money grows and allows you to teach them the concepts of interest and compound interest. Your child will receive a monthly statement, which is a great teaching tool and clearly shows them where their money is and how much they have saved.

When they decide they want the latest Lego or are keen to see a movie, show them how much they have in their savings account and calculate how their savings will be affected by spending the money. Allow them to spend some of their savings at times so they see their savings go up and down and learn about the concepts of wants versus needs. Help them set savings goals so they feel a sense of achievement when they reach their goal and are rewarded with the item they saved to buy. These real life experiences will provide them with examples to discuss with you and they will experience the associated consequences when they are faced with decisions about savings versus spending. Teach them positive money habits now and help them set them up for a financially savvy future.

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If you give them pocket money, encourage them to save a certain percentage of their “wages” every week. That way, the idea of saving a portion of their income becomes an everyday habit and hopefully one that they will continue throughout their life.

Savvy kids don’t catch scams This week take some time to talk to the family about scams. These are being tramped into homes like muddy footprints. It’s time for some internet hygiene. Start by checking the expiry date on your internet security. If it’s beyond its useby date then it’s time to upgrade. Good security can stop malware and spyware from breeding in your computer. Malware and spyware are used by scammers and hackers to access your information and to use your computer as a zombie to hide their activities and to send out more scams and spam. Don’t let in creepy crawly virus technicians. Make sure everyone in the house knows that a phone call telling you that you have a virus on the computer is a scam. These people have

been calling everyone, even people who don’t have computers. Don’t share drinks or passwords or credit card numbers. Talk about why it’s important not to share passwords, even with best friends. Be careful of letting your kids play with your smart phone or iPad since some of the payment systems don’t need any extra confirmation. Teach your kids how to check out deals online. Show your kids how to check that the payment system is safe and how to spot offers that look too good to be true.

Fraud Awareness Week runs from 19-26 March. For more information on how to spot scams visit www. scamwatch.govt.nz.

every child is born brilliant

Education can fuel that natural brilliance, but all too often dims it down to a mere flicker.

Seven Oaks goes beyond traditional education to grow and use whole brains and hearts.

Growing the brilliance native to every child is our purpose and our expertise.

call 377 8603 or visit www.sevenoaks.school.nz

30 www.familytimes.co.nz

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Love of learning Birthd ays W begins hereIN!

Term 2, 2012

WIN,WIN,

Parents, take heart. That’s the message from Ivan Leary of NumberWorks’nWords’ Cashmere centre. Ivan says there are many ways parents can make learning enjoyable for their children, without resorting to bribery or force. “Start by building a positive family culture toward learning. Show interest in school, take family visits to museums and get involved with your children’s homework.” Research shows that reading for pleasure is a major predictor of success in school. Ivan recommends that children read daily. “Designating a family reading time – 2030 minutes a day with no TV – shows that the whole family values reading.” Maths can also be fun, and surprisingly easy to practise every day. Board games and card games are obvious ways to engage children in mathematical thinking. Many everyday activities are fun too; like counting items, adding up costs and working out change when you’re shopping, and measuring and fractions when you’re baking. By being involved in your children’s

ol Scho Terms Date

From The EcoShop to the long drop

Calend ar

Holiday programmes

EcoShop bargains make mums so happy Almost as much as disposable nappies Monday 23 Quick and convenient, and easy to use They soak up the tinkles and number April to Friday twos 29 June The challenge comes when you need to Term 3, dispose And decide in which of the bins they 2012 should go Monday 16 July to Friday 28 September Not in the green with the food scraps and weeds Term 4, 2012 There’s just too much plastic for Monday 15 October to no later than composting needs Thursday 20 December And not in the yellow with paper and glass Term 1, 2013 We can’t deal with disposable nappies en Between Monday 28 January and mass Thursday 7 February to 19 April When it comes to disposal, the thought in your head 2012/2013 secondary and Should be putting the nappies in the bin composite school term that is red Entertainment They’ll be taken away and buried quite dates deep Term 2, 2012 Not clog our machines in a stinking heap If you’re keen on keeping our planet alive Monday 23 April to Friday 29 June You could do something more to help Term 3, 2012 veggies to thrive Envirocomp have a clever machine Monday 16 July to Friday 28 September Aximusam qui bearum That makes compost from nappies – it’s quod excepta ecabor pta ce ex od Aximusam qui Term 4, 2012 bearum qu notmos just a dream Aximusam qui molor apictusdae us nti mi e da bearum quod exs apictus So why does the EcoShop care about Tuesday 15 October to no later than ecabor molor mo mintius erum nobis dorat i i rer cepta ecabor molor lorero eum sund poo? erum nobis doFriday lorero eum sundi reri rat 14 December tiorrum mos apictusdae enducid molup od , um rei Our shop is just part of all that we do llo pe pelloreium mintius erum nobis dolorero eum . IpsumExerit, tem ua atq nis Term 1, 2013 EcoSort cousins takesundi yourreri yellow bin aci velig enducid Our moluptiorrum aci volupta learning you may spot a weakness and rat pelloreium, od enducid , tem qui sunte inimus ad quam sort allinimus your recycling wins from aci velignis atquatem. velignis atquatem. And IpsumExerit, dem pidi28 Between Monday January and as qu et moluptiorrum ed ns co be able to take action before problems verunt expercia your sins quo cus et to 19 Aprilad quam, tem qui sunte diFebruary IpsumExerit, inimus ad quam, tem Thursday lessimen7 take hold. Ivan says that’s where vernatur sint pe is volupta verunt expercia We keep finding nappies, it’s a volupta verunt expercia qui sunte quia nat ulliqu m ru pa e bit no quame NumberWorks’nWords, specialist maths consed et quaspidi troublesome dem vernatur sint 2012 public holidays matter consed et quaspidi dem vernatur s idu ui isq nd pelessimendi quo cus et quame nobite They clog our machines sint andpelessimendi sometimes quo cus et quame tuition and English tuition, comes in. dolores su remaining parum quia nat ulliquis they dolores spattersundisnobite parum quia nat ulliquis doCentres offer tuition to all school-aged qui idus Good Friday - 6 April Our hard working staff with students, with unique programmes unmentionable stuff Easter Monday - 9 April individualised for each student and his So please help us to make their jobs less Day after Easter Monday 10 April or her goals. And it’s “So much fun it rough (Tuesday) doesn’t feel like learning.” When the time comes for those nappies Anzac Day - 25 April to throw For a free assessment and introductory Into that lovely red bin they must go Queen’s Birthday - 4 June (Monday) lesson call Ivan at the Cashmere branch Thanks for your help, our team will be Labour Day 22 October (Monday) on 03-332-2033 or Fraser at the happy Christmas Day - 25 December Burnside branch on 03-358-7917. To not have to face yet another soiled nappy Boxing Day - 26 December

Calendar

ol o h c S Terms Date

Entertainment

Holiday es programm

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School Term Dates

YOUR CHILDREN ARE AMAZING ALREADY. WE JUST HELP THEM PROVE IT.

lish Maths & Eng NT ME FREE ASSESS

! BOOK NOW

Find out why mums love the Ecoshop!

numberworksnwords.com b k d From Year 1 to Year 11, NumberWorks’nWords after-school tuition brings out the best in Kiwi students by:

Burnside Cashmere

Ph 358 7917 Ph 332 2033

• tailoring lessons according to each individual’s needs • setting achievable goals and monitoring their progress • developing our own programmes using only qualiﬁed Maths and English experts

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Open 7 days / 191 Blenheim Rd www.familytimes.co.nz

destination west coast

Create great family memories at New Zealand’s happiest place It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

nd, with life not so every-day in Christchurch and the greater Canterbury region right now, there’s even more reason for you and your family to getaway on a family adventure. Create some great family memories this Easter and school holiday break in New Zealand’s “happiest place.” The West Coast of the Southern Alps was voted “New Zealand’s happiest place” in the recent New Zealand Happiness Report produced by UMR Research, and it’s just a four-and-a-half hour relaxing, world class train journey away or a beautiful, scenic three-hour drive west of Christchurch. Whether you board the train or pack up the car, a family-friendly adventure hub awaits you in your get-away base of Greymouth. You can break up the journey, relax and have some fun. Stop at Arthur’s Pass to watch the playful Kea; show the kids the amazing Otira viaduct from the Devil’s staircase lookout, and spot waterfalls as you meander through the Southern Alps. Before you know it, you’ll be in the heart of the West Coast, the Grey District. Stop for lunch at Moana’s Stationhouse Café or pull out a picnic on the banks of Lake Brunner, a beautiful spot for a swim

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and one of the warmest lakes in the South Island. Set between the Tasman Sea and the Southern Alps, Greymouth is central to Moana (30 minutes), Punakaiki (45 minutes) and Hokitika (30 minutes). It’s easy to fill your days with a variety of fun and inexpensive family activities. Here are a few suggestions we’re sure you’ll love:

• Ride the steam train, pan for gold

and visit the holographic theatre at Shantytown Heritage Park.

• Spot the seals at Greymouth’s

breakwater or the Point Elizabeth walkway.

• Drop in your fishing line while the kids cool off with a swim at beautiful Lake Brunner.

• Have an amazing off road quad bike,

haaglund or go kart adventure with On Yer Bike!

• Head out for a family movie in one of the new 3D theatres at Greymouth’s Regent Theatre.

• Take your family into the Castles of the Underworld, on a Captain Hook Jungle Boat Mystery trip or along to meet the Raiders of the Lost Ark with Wild West

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destination west coast Adventure Company.

• Visit the Brunner mine site memorial to explore and hear the amazing tales of these coal miners.

Nimmo galleries. They are all central and located within Greymouth’s town centre which also has a selection of cafés, restaurants and boutique shopping, perfect for a coffee or retail fix.

• Stroll or cycle the new Greymouth Cycle The Historic Greymouth Railway station, Trail - just perfect for families.

• Surprise the kids with a hydroslide and

pool pass from the Greymouth Aquatic Centre.

• Visit the Pancake Rocks, just 45 minutes from Greymouth.

With a great range of accommodation, from seaside holiday parks to modern, well equipped motels, no matter the budget, you’ll find an easy accommodation match. Don’t forget to experience a visual feast of jade carving, art work and photography at the Jade Boulder, Left Bank Art and Stewart

home to the Greymouth i-SITE and disembarking point for the TranzAlpine train, is a great starting point for planning your family adventure and for any queries while you’re in Greymouth. The friendly staff will get you organised and make your planning as stress free as your get-away itself. Create great family memories in New Zealand’s happiest place! Visit www.westcoasttravel.co.nz or phone i-site on 0800 Greymouth or 0800 473 966 to plan your next family adventure.

Advertising

KiwiRail - Tranzalpine The Tranzalpine is truly one of the world’s great scenic train trips through the dramatic contrast of dry beech forests and tussock land on one side of the Alps and lush green landscapes on the other and is a fantastic way to travel for the whole family. Family Times and KiwiRail have 2 Family Passes (2 adults and 2 children) on the Tranzalpine to giveaway! Enter online at www.familytimes.co.nz or write your name and address on the back of an envelope or postcard and send to: Tranzalpine, PO Box 36 004, Christchurch, to reach us by 22 April 2012. Check out our website for more fantastic competitions.

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FROM Get away from it all with a picture perfect trip on the TranzAlpine. Take the kids on a journey across patchwork fields, over the soaring Southern Alps and down through ancient beech forests to Greymouth. Enjoy lunch in the historic seaside town, and soak in all the scenery again on the relaxing ride home. Trips start from only $399 return for the whole family, so BOOK NOW at tranzscenic.co.nz or call 0800 TRAINS (872 467).

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Valid for travel up to 30 April 2012. Limited seats available. Terms and conditions apply. See our website for details. TRS 1718

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Seven ways to raise a global kid Today’s kids are growing up in a globalised world. But how do you teach them to embrace and thrive among the planet’s many cultures — from Boston to Bangkok?

ravel is an obvious answer, but far-flung trips may not figure into your vacation budget. Raising global kids doesn’t have to break the bank or feel like another task for your to-do list. Instead, make it a fun exploration and a unique opportunity to learn, enjoy, explore, and grow. Here are seven ways to get started:

the world — at 1“See” home

Hang a world map in a high-traffic spot so kids get familiar with (and curious about) country and city names, locations, cultures, and languages. Place a globe where they can reach it and they’re sure to spin it and imagine far-off places. Consider other decorative items that have a global connection. Some items will come with a story, like a rug woven by women working to improve their lives. Look for picture books that feature houses, gardens, recipes, or sports in far-off places. Do you have examples of foreign currency?

Frame them and hang them on the wall as conversation pieces.

2Talk it up

International news reports are full of difficult subjects, but you can find gentler ways to start a conversation. Perhaps a friend has an ethnic celebration coming up or kids from another country have just enrolled at your child’s school. Check your clothing labels. Was your T-shirt made in Peru, Bangladesh, or China? Find those places on your map and talk about what life might be like there. You don’t have to be an expert. Just your sincere interest serves as a powerful example that you care about the larger world.

Let music send a message

You don’t need to stop what you’re doing to declare “Now we’re going to listen to world music!” Just slip it into your music rotation. Dance to it while making dinner, listen while driving, or turn on a soothing selection at bedtime. You and your kids will hear lyrics

in foreign languages and you’ll also hear English sung with varied accents.

Spice up family movie night

Try a family-friendly foreign film, especially those told from a child’s point of view. Where would you like to go tonight — Mongolia, Ireland, or India? Make it a global snacking experience, too. Find an ethnic grocery store near you and ask the storekeeper to recommend bestselling snacks to pair with your movie.

5Give gifts of the world

Handmade art and crafts make terrific gifts. It’s even better when you know the artisan benefited directly from the sale. Consider buying teacher, holiday, and birthday presents from a fair-trade store in your town or online. Kids can find meaning and pride in a purchase that connects them to the bigger world.

into a foreign 6Dip language

Find out if your child’s school teaches any foreign languages. Can you support the effort or help get a programme started? At home, try online learning programmes and language software. Play games with your kids to practice their skills or help with an after-school foreign language club. Do you know a friend or neighbour who speaks a foreign language you and your kids would like to learn? Maybe you can arrange

for informal tutoring.

7Set out to serve

Offer your time and resources to make a difference. It cultivates empowerment, motivation, and a sense of global connection. Serving helps make it real for both you and your kids. A global perspective can begin a family adventure that connects us with diverse communities and helps us see beyond our immediate circumstances. It also prepares kids to succeed in an interconnected economy and society. Locally and globally, it’s a win-win-win.

Article courtesy of Kids Health, kidshealth.org.

The New Zealand Alpine and Agriculture Encounter

Looking for a great day out for Canterburyʼs the whole family? The New Zealand Alpine and Agriculture Encounter is now open in Methven at the Heritage Centre. The encounter tells the stories of the mountains, the plains and their people. Climb into a combine harvester, see the inside of a beehive, crawl in a snow cave or drive a digger. Try a smoothie or a coffee at the Heritage Café, and browse the art gallery. Open 10am-5pm daily: family pass $48, adults $17.50, children $10, preschoolers free.

Canterbury’s newest visitor attraction!

f slice o “a real iana” kiw

Don’t miss our new visitor attraction in Methven! Take the family for a day trip to Methven - just one hour from Christchurch! Open daily 10 - 5pm.

interact - learn - explore. . .

160 Main Street, Methven. P:(03)302-9666 E: info@methvenheritagecentre.co.nz W: methvenheritagecentre.co.nz

34 www.familytimes.co.nz

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newe

top reads 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.

Picture Books

Junior Fiction Losing Turtle

Two Little Bugs

By Mark Sommerset Illustrated by Rowan Sommerset Dreamboat Books, 2011 ISBN 9780986466830 Hardback $29.99 Little Bug Red is on top of the leaf in the sunshine, while Little Bug Blue is underneath in the dark, too nervous to come out. But Red gets hungry and starts munching on their leaf...Children will love to turn the cut-out pages and peer through the holes as Red eats his way through the leaf. Ages three – eight.

Hank the Wrestling Shark

Words and music by Gerry Paul Illustrated by Tom Armstrong Wacky Tales Publications, 2012 ISBN 9780473201302 Paperback and CD $24.99 The young hero of the story is swimming at Bondi Beach in Australia when he meets Hank the Wrestling Shark, a fearsome creature with rows of ghastly teeth and an anchor around his neck. Listen to song on the CD (it won The John Lennon Songwriting Contest in 2010) which captures all the whoops and cries of their battle. Ages four – eight.

Goldilocks on CCTV

By John Agard Illustrated by Satoshi Kitamura Frances Lincoln, 2011 ISBN 9781847801838 Hardback $31.99 A modern collection of poetry that brings fairytale characters right up to the minute – try Pumpkin Biker Cinderella and The Cloning of Red Riding Hoodie (where the text is cloned too). Illustrations in watercolours and black ink capture the characters in their punky garb and contemporary environment. Ages seven plus.

By Adrienne Frater Illustrated by Cat Chapman Walker Books Australia ISBN 9781921529108 Paperback $13.99 There are three stories in this little chapter book perfect for a beginning reader: Sam loves his grandmother but wishes she would stop knitting him jumpers; Sam tries to make a bird scarer for his father’s birthday but ends up causing a cat fight; and Sam has to take over in the kitchen. Ages five – eight.

Ophelia Wild, Secret Spy

By Elena de Roo Illustrations by Tracy Duncan Walker Books Australia, 2012 ISBN 9781921529672 Paperback $16.99 This chapter book for new readers is written in rhyme and stars Ophelia Wild, who sets herself up in a tree house as a secret spy, with her assistant Albert. The illustrations throughout add to the humour. I hope we’ll be seeing more of Ophelia and Albert. Ages six to nine.

The Truth about Verity Sparks

Intermediate Fiction Far Rockaway

By Charlie Fletcher Hodder Children’s Books, 2011 ISBN 9780340997321 Hardback $34.99 Cat and her grandfather have a great relationship, largely based on books. They have a terrible accident which leaves Cat unconscious, but in her mind she is on a journey populated with characters from the books they’ve shared. Full of adventure, pirates and ghosts, mixed with family drama. An intense and worthwhile read for ages 12 plus.

Recon Team Angel: Assault

By Brian Falkner Walker Books Australia, 2011 ISBN 9781921720543 Paperback $21.99 In the year 2030, the world has been invaded by aliens the Bzadians, who are trying to take over Earth. But a special force of humans has been secretly trained to infiltrate the Bzadians - Recon Team Angel, teenagers who have been training for years to be able to speak, work, eat and think like the enemy. Ages 12 plus.

Scent of Apples

By Susan Green Walker Books Australia, 2011 ISBN 9781921720277 Paperback $18.99 Set in London in 1878, Verity (13) is an orphan working as a milliner but loses her job after being wrongly accused of theft. This leads to her going to live with the Plush family and becoming an assistant detective in their Confidential Inquiry Agency. A mystery with intriguing characters and a touch of the supernatural. Ages eight - 12.

By Jacqui McRae Huia Publishers, 2011 ISBN 9781869694777 Paperback $20 Libby (13) lives on her grandparents’ apple orchard. When her grandfather dies she can’t seem to deal with her loss. Her mother sends Libby to boarding school where she meets Charlie, a Maori girl with a warm and welcoming whanau who provide Libby, and eventually her mother too, with a way of dealing with their pain. Ages 11 – 15.

Information books Storm: A High Country Mustering Horse

Words & photographs by Hayley Pitts Tucker Media, 2012 ISBN 9780473194178 Paperback $18 Storm is a handsome black horse running free on a high country station. She has to be trained to be useful on the farm. Follow Storm as she is transformed from a gangly young filly to a reliable working horse taking part in the muster. Told in rhyme with photographs capturing the ruggedly beautiful country and animals. Ages five plus.

101 Things to Do to Become a Superhero … or Evil Genius

By Helen Szirtes and Richard Horne Bloomsbury, 2010 ISBN 9781408802571 Paperback $20 Fun and information combine in a factpacked handbook with all you need to know to identify your talents as a superhero or evil genius. Ages 10-14.

Greek Myths

By Ann Turnbull Illustrated by Sarah Young Walker Books, 2012 ISBN 9781406339383 Paperback $24.99 This is a collection of 17 Greek myths including stories about King Midas, Orpheus and Eurydice, Persophone, the Minotaur and many more. The author has gone back to the early versions of these stories to provide the most authentic tales. Each story is accompanied by lustrous full-page illustrations. Ages nine plus.

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David Mackintosh He looks diﬀerent to me. His laces are straight, not criss-crossed like mine, And his eyes are always looking at the blackboard. Marshall Armstrong doesn't ﬁt into our school. Not one bit! !but it doesn't take long for Marshall to prove that you don't have to follow the crowd to be the most popular kid in the playground.

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l o o h c S y a d i l ho fun BE ENTERTAINED AT NORTHLANDS THESE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS Week One:

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