ISSN 2324-4518 ISSN 2324-450X
CHRISTCHURCH / ISSUE 72 / Summer 2013
Join the Tick Club for FREE recipes and great prizes! Visit: www.heartfoundation.org.nz/tick
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Blended families and Christmas Keeping the peace and building bridges
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Stay-at-home dads Growing trend or media hype?
A news magazine and online resource for families
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Raising bilingual kids Benefits of learning languages as a child
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Summer of animal magic • Donkey Rides • Lemur Encounter • Tuatara Encounter • Eel Feeding • Guided Tours • Picnic Areas
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inside this issue
Contents Features
How to make the most of the season’s festivities.
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7 Blended families and Christmas 8 Stay-at-home dads
Growing trend or media hype?
Just get over it – I like my friends!
10 Preteens
7 16 Game on
Christmas gift guide for tech-crazy kids.
Family-friendly recommended destinations.
18 Camping
11 Words of wisdom
Question and answers with Diane Levy.
Sanity saving ideas.
Tips for travelling in comfort.
Reaching milestones.
12 Flying with children 13 Car sickness in kids 15 Baby and toddler
19 Kiwi coastlines
Get involved - how kids are helping clean up our shores.
27 Fit families
Sustainable physical activity.
29 Catching the reading bug
Tips to help children enjoy reading.
33 Preserving native languages Tips to help your bilingual kids.
34 The Vege Patch Summer gardening.
About Us
Publisher Robyn Willis Design & Production Moody Shokry Advert Production Target Press Production Office Editor Vanessa O’Brien Assistant editor Rachel Taniwha Digital editor Rochelle Savage Contributing Writers Karen Theobald, Eva-Maria, Diane Levy, Wayne Webb, Jackie Cowan, Nick Draper, Cathy Robson, Fiona Oliphant, Crissi Blair, Alan Jones Distribution Printed and distributed quarterly approximately two weeks before each major school holiday. 44,499 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
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Media Executives Shona Robb, Nicky Barnett, Jane Hunter, Naomh Cusin, Penny Leary, Linda Radovancich Office Manager Raelyn hay Office Assistant Jackie Pithie Reach us at: Family Publishers (NZ) P.O. Box 36-004, Christchurch 8146, NZ Ph. 03 355 9186 0800 285 510 Fax: 03 3559 183 Mobile. 0274 359 414 admin@familytimes.co.nz www.familytimes.co.nz 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.
Comment 20 Kids’ view
We ask kids about their dad’s role at home.
Resource information 6 14 14 22 23 24 35
Spirit of Christmas Help is at Hand After School Calendar of events Holiday programmes Entertainment Top Reads
From the editor Filling the gap T
here’s a lot of trending about stay-athome dads these days. From reading media reports, you’d almost imagine that every second home has one. That’s not quite the case, although Statistics New Zealand doesn’t have information available about exactly how many dads are fulltime caregivers in their families. What we can gather though, from statistics overseas, is that there are more households in Western countries who have the father as a fulltime caregiver than there were 20 or 30 years ago. So we at Family Times thought we’d better investigate and find out about stay-at-home dads in New Zealand. Regardless of the reasons why men become full-time care-givers to their children, which you can read more about in our main feature on page 8, the overwhelming comment from stay-at-home dads that Family Times talked with was something that women have been saying for generations – being a stay-at-home parent is by far the hardest job you can take on. The biggest challenge, said the dads, was the isolation and lack of adult interaction – again, something that stay-at-home mums know all about. But for dads that’s often compounded by lack of support groups or parenting networks for dads. And they feel a bit weird about joining women’s groups. Experts that Family Times spoke with also said that there are a lot more expectations on all dads these days, not just those who are full-time care-givers of their children. More and more dads are becoming involved in day-to-day engagement with their children; simple things like making school lunches, transporting their kids to and from school, and being a more active participator in their
“I’m bored!” No parent likes to hear this from their children, and in Christchurch these summer holidays - with the abundance of activities available - this timeless adage should be put to rest. Little River Rail Trail
children’s hobbies and sports. At one school I know of, there is a “dad’s club” that hangs around for the 3pm bell to collect their children, indicating that either their jobs are super flexible or parents today are sharing both work and home responsibilities to a greater degree. Whatever the situation, with the holiday season just around the corner it’s a great time of year for parents to consider how they share the parenting load and ensure that they are both making the most of the precious growing up years with their kids. And while you are thinking about all the fun of the silly season ahead, check out all the fantastic events that are coming up in your area in this edition of Family Times, and be in to win our exciting competitions. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all of the Family Times team.
Need an energy burn after the culinary excesses of the holiday season? Try the Little River Rail Trail. Use your own bikes or hire – the entire one-way distance is approximately 49km, but there are smaller return journeys with car-parking available on the way, plus off-road sections for safer riding with younger children. The Rail Trail will take you through a changing landscape that has seen a thousand years of human history - rural areas and settlements on the Canterbury Plans, lakes, rivers and wetlands, and skirts past the flanks of ancient volcanoes that make up Banks Peninsula. Visit www.littleriverrailtrail.co.nz.
Recycle a Dunger If you’re not feeling particularly energetic but you’re a DIYer, share your gifts and head down to 165 Gloucester Street to the community bike shed, where you can build or repair bicycles and/or help restore bikes for ICEcycles (Inner City East Cycles) to give away. The shed will be open a few times each week with a volunteer on duty to lend advice where required. People are asked to leave a koha (donation) to use the workshop, which will go towards keeping the bike shed running. The shed will operate for six months as a trial/experiment with the hope that it will
be adopted by the community after that. Appropriately titled RAD (Recycle a Dunger) Bikes, it’s another creative initiative of Gap Filler – the organisation that started up after the earthquakes to help brighten up the city with temporary projects such as the Pallet Pavilion and Gap Golf. The gift of giving doesn’t have to stop at Christmas – visit www.gapfiller.org.nz for information on upcoming events, or if you have any project ideas, vacant space, materials or assistance you could offer towards keeping our city vibrant.
Sound Garden Feeling musical and creative? Take the family down to Sound Garden on the corner of Colombo and Gloucester Streets and have a go at making some sweet sounds with the hand-made instruments created with recovered and recycled materials. They’re inspired by a video clip of Brazilian street musicians who installed musical instruments on lamp posts and road signs for discovery by pedestrians. Free of charge, this Gap Filler project offers locals and visitors a more melodic experience to the demolition/ construction noise-scape.
Pallet Pavilion Just feel like chillaxing? Good news - the Pallet Pavilion, corner of Durham and Kilmore Streets, is around for another summer! There will be events every week and a small bar Thursday to Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons. It is also available for hire. Visit www.palletpavilion.com These are just a few activities about these summer holidays. Check out our calendar of events for more information.
The Great Museum Santa Search is on! 30 November – 5 January
Where have our santas decided to hide this year? Bring your family and join in the fun searching high and low for our hidden santas. You could go into the draw to win a great prize. Visit www.canterburymuseum.com to find out more. Canterbury Museum Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch Open seven days 9.00 am – 5.30 pm (closed Christmas Day) General admission to the museum is free; Donations are appreciated.
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OOTBALL
FOOTBALL
Spirit of Christmas It’s that time of year to deck the halls and get into all the wonderful festivities that the Christmas season has to offer. Looking for some Christmas activities and events? Here are a few in your area to get you started:
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Ballantynes Christmas windows The mystery and delight of Ballantynes Christmas window displays continue this year with the unveiling on 22 November. Phone 03-3797-400 to check time.
Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park On 30 November from 7.30pm, North Hagley Park. Bring along a picnic tea, rug and your best singing voice. Visit www. christmasinthepark.co.nz.
Square. From 9-10pm, carol books and candles on sale. Visit www.ymcachch.org.nz.
Christmas lights
FOOTBALL
Explore and admire the areas where Christmas lights twinkle the brightest. Visit www.lightupchristmas.co.nz for the latest locations.
Christchurch City Mission
Christchurch Santa Parade Watch the spectacular floats and entertainers as everyone waits for the arrival of Santa. .co.nz From 2pm, 8 December starting from Riccarton Road. Visit www.christchurchsantaparade.co.nz.
Christmas Grotto Take the magical journey through the animated and static Christmas displays. Open 14-24 December, 9.30am-9.30pm at South West Baptist Church, corner Lyttelton and Cobham Streets. Entry fee. Visit www.swbc. org.nz for more information.
New Brighton Santa Parade
Make a difference to someone else’s life this festive season. Christchurch City Mission is grateful for donations of food, clothing, bedding and household items. Phone 03-3650635 or visit www.citymission.org.nz.
Family Christmas worship services
Experience .co.nz all aspects of Christmas at Ashgrove School’s Santa Grotto.
Anglican churches throughout Canterbury offer a variety of family-oriented worship services leading up to Christmas and through the season. Visit www.anglicanlife.org.nz/ Coming-Events for service details from early December.
Santa’s Grotto -Ashgrove School, Rangiora
Watch Santa arrive on the beach by the Pier and ride around New Brighton in his surf boat. On 14 December from 10.15am. Phone 03-388-9920 for further details.
Santa decks out Ashgrove School hall with fairy lights, a Christmas tree forest and his workshop. Enjoy the wonder from 30 November-2 December. Small entry fee, visit facebook.com/AshgroveSchoolSantasGrotto.
Traditional carols showcase this magical event, on Christmas Eve, 24 December at Latimer
Join Father Christmas on 15 December as he takes the 13km ride on the Weka Pass Railway
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Weka Pass Railway YMCA Carols by Candlelight TBALL FOOTBALL
Crowds enjoying the YMCA Carols by Candlelight at Latimer Square last Christmas. Be a part of the action this year! Photo credit: Aaron Campbell
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from Waipara. Visit www.wekapassrailway.co.nz.
Kmart Wishing Tree
Give the gift of generosity this Christmas.
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Place a present under a Kmart Wishing Tree from 13 November. Gifts do not have to be purchased at Kmart. Details at www. wishingtree.kmart.co.nz.
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Blended families and Christmas
Blended families are a challenge at the best of times, but Christmas and the summer holidays can accentuate small issues and blow them up into big ones.
bikes, because you’ve bikes at both houses. You’ve got two beds, so you’ve got more than some kids. And yeah, it is a hassle having to move between your mum’s and your dad’s, but you get two Christmases, which is good.”
Gift giving
It’s common for ex partners to try to “out give” their ex, or to have different standards about what kind of gifts are appropriate. Making an agreement Wilson says that she is likely to spend more Child psychologist Rose Blackett recommends on the children than her husband’s ex wife, that ex-partners sit down and come to an but buy more practical, boring gifts. Her agreement about Christmas arrangements, husband’s ex tended to spend less but on but says that it’s a best case scenario, and more fun and frivolous things. Also, the kids many parents simply can’t do that without the often told both parents what they wanted and help of mediation or the court system. it ended up with double-ups. Sue Wilson* from Christchurch says that her “We have challenges about buying gifts and husband’s ex-wife has had her husband’s two we’ve got to the stage where I’ve said to my boys, aged 10 and 12, for Christmas night husband, “you must check what she is buying every year since the separation seven years because we don’t want double ups”,” said ago, and it breaks her heart. Wilson. “It’s based on precedent – the days that we Blackett said it was also common for one have the boys every week - and it never partner to feel anxious about how much they changes. could spend on their children, particularly if "She tends to get her own way because she they were not in the same financial position as is the mother. But we always tried to keep their ex partner. difficult parenting conversations away from “If you can’t influence how much your partner the kids, no matter how young they were.” is spending on the children, you just have to Wilson's husband and ex-wife had a let that go, otherwise you just spend years reasonably amicable split, says Wilson, and and it’s very bitter and people carry around a made their own childcare agreement rather lot of anger. Only look at things that you can than go through mediation and the court have an influence on.” system. They have the boys one night a week, Getting the kids involved every second weekend, and for extra time It’s important for blended families not to during the Christmas holidays. “What we’ve said to the boys is “you get two focus not on gift-giving or big Christmas dinners, but to relax and get used to each Christmas’s – it’s pretty cool. You’ve two
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other’s company and their new situation; particularly for kids spending their first Christmas together in new blended family situation, says Blackett. “For children, if it’s a new relationship, or you have just moved in together, things like team building are quite fun; things like a treasure hunt so you get into teams and you have to work together to find the treasure. It doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. It beats the boredom and helps build bridges in the relationships. “A child that is not getting on with a new partner, who is like, “you took away my mum’s place or my dad’s place,” they have to work together to find the treasure. The focus becomes the treasure, and it takes the emotion out of it.”
breakfast one day a year is not going to kill you. “If children have ownership of it, they enjoy it. Otherwise, kids can feel quite powerless in the situation. Letting them be a part of the planning is going to be huge.” Empower your children Wilson agrees. She and her husband give It’s also vital for kids to be a part of the decision making about Christmas and summer the two boys plenty of notice about what is planned, and for when, so that they feel secure holiday events says Blackett, especially if it is and in control and know what to expect over the first holiday season as a blended family. “They need to be involved with what happens Christmas and the summer holidays. * Real name withheld to protect children's on a day-to-day basis; like a breakfast table at privacy Christmas time – let them choose a favourite food. Having Tim Tams on the table for
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feature story
Stay-at-home dads Are more guys giving up the daily grind to stay at home and nurture their little ones? Vanessa O’Brien investigates.
B
rian Sorell was a computer programmer in California, in a former life. Nowadays, you are more likely to see him pushing a pram through the Auckland suburb of Devonport with his three-year-old son Charlie. It’s a choice that he and his wife Tanya made for practical reasons, Sorell said. “We did talk a lot about it and we decided that financially it was better off that she work. I was pretty burned out in the computer programming world and I didn’t really want to do that anymore, and I wanted to make this transition to New Zealand, so we felt it was the ideal time - while everything was up in the air.” Sorell took over the full-time care of Charlie when Charlie was four-months-old. He finished his philosophy degree and taught part time at university for a while, but he’s been strictly a full-time dad since immigrating to New Zealand 18 months ago - with a little parenting blogging and marketing writing on the side.
New routines The hardest thing was adjusting to a new routine – one that revolved solely around Charlie, said Sorell. “It was strange to not get up and go to work every day when you’ve been in a routine for a long time and suddenly it’s completely
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changed. That was a bit awkward and disorientating, but I got used to that very quickly. As a parent you find routines. I love it now.” That’s something that stay-at-home dad Andrew Snell, former manager of Burger King in Hamilton, can relate to. “The most difficult thing I think would be adjusting to different routines, because I had been doing shift work. So some mornings I would be up at five o’clock to start at seven, and other times I would be working until two in the mornings on the weekends. Then everything changed.” Snell’s wife, Marie, was diagnosed with single level degenerative disc disease in the spine when she was pregnant with the couple’s second child, Amber, eight years ago. Since then, Snell has been the full-time care giver of their three children; Bethany, 10, Amber, 7, and Thane, 4. Snell says that he still misses work at times. “Working for Burger King is quite interesting and you get to meet a lot of people. That’s something that I’m looking forward to getting into it again in a few months once Thane’s off to school.” Sorell agreed that isolation was the toughest battle he faced. “It can be very, very isolating and super lonely. And I really felt that when we emigrated I didn’t know anybody and my whole network was gone. “It was hard; I’ll freely admit the first few months were very hard. Day to day, it was just tough because there wasn’t anyone to chat with. I think absolutely it gave me a tremendous appreciation for stay-at-home
Brian and Tanya Sorell with their son Charlie. mums. It’s much harder to stay home than to work. It’s really hard.”
Stay-at-home dads – trend or hype? Being a stay-at-home dad is still nontraditional, said Sorell. He and his wife Tanya didn’t know any other stay-at-home dads when they decided to structure their child care that way, and because it was non-
conventional it was hard to meet other stayat-home parents. “You go to the local playground and all of the mums are sitting around chit chatting, and you try to get involved but it’s always kind of awkward and it’s hard to even put your finger on why.” To his surprise though, once he became more integrated in the community – something he says he had to make a concerted effort at – he
feature story
discovered that there were quite a few other stay-at-home dads in the Devonport area. “We see each other at the parks all the time and we’ve all kind of struck up a good relationship I think.” Statistics New Zealand does not have readily available data on whether more fathers are taking the role as primary care giver of their children or not. However, data from the United States’ 2011 census suggests that the number of stay-at-home dads there has more than doubled over the last decade and a half from about 76,000 in 1994 to 189,000 in 2011. Yet among all U.S. married couples with
children under 15, only 0.8 percent include a stay-at-home dad— up from about 0.3% in 1994—compared to 23% that include a stay-athome mum. Analysts conclude that for the most part, this is a result of single-parent families, and shared-care arrangements of children. Senior lecturer in sociology at University of Auckland Vivienne Elizabeth says that in heterosexual families, the definition of fathering is broadening to include emotional ties with children in addition to breadwinning, and stay-at-home fathering is becoming more socially acceptable. However, it is not a typical practice, and she says that in most cases it’s because fathers wish to reconsider their careers, retrain for a different careers, or have lost their jobs, and most view it as temporary. “The role of fathers is changing and they are expected and expecting to becoming more involved in their children’s everyday lives, and undertaking more of the care work. But the extent of that change shouldn’t be exaggerated. Very few men withdraw from the labour market either partially or in totality following the birth of a child, even though this remains a common practice amongst mothers.” Mothers, she said, continue to spend twice as much time looking after their children than fathers. Most of the time fathers are involved in caring work when mothers are also present, a pattern that suggests that fathers remain secondary carers in many heterosexual households.
Dads building closer relationships with their kids Sorell says he believes that dads should be more closely involved in the day-to-day care of their children – not necessarily fulltime, but
Tips for stay-at-home dads Whatever your reasons for deciding to be a stay-at-home dad, there are some things you can do to ease into it and make your new a role a success from the beginning.
1 Discuss your duties together with your partner
Before you officially become “stay-athome dad,” you and your partner should sit down to discuss exactly what that title entails. Obviously, you will be taking care of the kids. But does it include cooking dinner every night, doing the laundry and running all the errands? Create a list beforehand so they’ll be no arguments later on.
2 Figure out what works for you
Working out a new routine will be a challenge. Establish a daily routine that works for you and the kids - and don’t worry if mum lets you know that isn’t the way she would do it. Include her in the process, but don’t be afraid to do things at home your way.
3 Build a support system
Isolation is the number one complaint for many stay-at-home mums, and it’s no certainly more engaged. “The good point about being a stay-at-home dad is absolutely my relationship with my little boy. “The mum always has this super-tight relationship I think traditionally, and biologically, and I think it’s a lot of work for the dad to establish that same thing. But it’s
different for stay-at-home dads. There’s only so much kids’ television a person can stand. So seek out other stay-athome-dads through support networks, or create your own group.
4 Make time for yourself
It’s easy to think your whole world needs to revolve around the kids, but that can lead to some serious burnout. Make time for “guy stuff” and make sure your prioritise it. Work out at the gym, play golf, go fishing – do childcare swaps if you need to, and return the favour later.
5 Don’t be Superman
Stay-at-home-dads need help sometimes, just like stay-at-home-mums. Don’t be afraid to ask for it, otherwise the stress of doing it all on your own will get to you. Your sanity should be a top priority!
6 Take advantage of your status Being a dad with a baby in a stroller is a ticket to VIP status. Accept offers to cut into lines, get faster to the cashier at a grocery store, and if you are flying alone with the baby, you will be treated like royalty. Take advantage of it.
given me the opportunity to do so and it’s really, really awesome.” “Sometimes it is really rewarding,” added Snell. “The good thing is definitely being able to go on field trips with the kindergarten, or going to awards ceremonies for end-of-year, and school things that otherwise I wouldn’t be able to. But I am looking forward to working again.”
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9
“Just get over it – I LIKE my friends!” Peer pressure has been the subject of many debates, research pieces and parents’ headaches since…forever.
T
he reality is that peer pressure only becomes an issue when preteens and teens themselves willingly choose to hang out with specific “friends”. And by now, your preteen would have already found their own ways to make friends; whether it’s a compliment about what they’re wearing, common distain for a classmate (trust me, it doesn’t end at primary school) or a common interest, friendships during this age start very quickly. So here are a few ways that you as a parent can mitigate possible friendship disasters before they start:
Revise who they hang out with now Be open to invite your preteen’s friends over to your place. What happens is, once a preteen is given that option, they will subconsciously reassess how comfortable
they are with having these friends come home. If they are not comfortable with the idea, this should be a warning sign for you and may come as a warning sign for them. If they flat-out refuse, it’s worth having a chat about why, which can trigger them to re-think their friendships.
Online friends
Always be careful with this – if they have a friend they met online that they are meeting, go along with them, even if you’re just dropping them off to make sure they are safe. Always suggest that they meet in a public place.
Teach
The best thing you can do is talk with your preteen about what actually makes a good friendship. Take examples out of your own
life, and explain what constitutes a good friendship for you. It will start to get them thinking about what exactly they may want in a friendship and what they should be looking for in friends.
Be observant
The biggest tell-tale sign of bad friends is a change of attitude in your preteen. While not to be confused with the rocky teen years, preteens are vulnerable to having their friends’ attitudes shape their personality. This is a big warning sign, so be observant and talk with them about any sudden changes.
If you don’t like their friends
Don’t be too quick to judge, but offer some insights or observations about why you don’t
Opportunities to succeed and plenty of fun at Marian Two aspects of life at Marian College have really stood out for Year 9 students Grace Bannon and Clara Harrison - the range of opportunities on offer and the friendliness of the girls at the school. “All the Year 9 girls are really friendly and the older girls are so helpful,” says Clara.
Grace adds that the peer support programme at Marian is “an awesome way to make heaps of new friends.” The girls mention sports, cultural and leadership opportunities and say it’s impossible not to be caught up in the Marian spirit at events like Feast Day.
think their friends are good for them. It may be a misjudgement on your part so be aware of that. But if it’s not, they will remember what you said later down the track, and that will hopefully lay a foundation for them to listen to your judgment in future. Don’t stay silent, but don’t keep digging at it either. By Eva Maria Eva-Maria is a 23-year-old on a mission to help improve 10,000,000 adult-teenager relationships around the world. She is the author of the bestselling You Shut Up! and sequel Shush, You!. She travels throughout New Zealand, Australia and Russia coaching families, running workshops and speaking at conferences and events about the importance of intergenerational relationships and youth in the workforce, offering understanding from “the other side.” www.eva-maria.co.nz.
?
NEED
SUPPORT
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.
St Margaret's College Year 1 - 6 Open Morning We warmly invite you to visit Thursday 28 November 9.00 - 10.30am 12 Winchester Street, Merivale Come and view our primary classes in action For further information please phone (03) 353 2563 or email tina.c@stmargarets.school.nz
JUNIOR, MIDDLE & SENIOR SCHOOL 12 Winchester St | Merivale | Christchurch 8014 | www.stmargarets.school.nz
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Words of wisdom with Diane Levy Single mother, angry daughter I am a single mother and have been noticing for years that my daughter has inherited her father’s anger and temper issues. Any tips on handling a stroppy preteen?
First tip
Think of her chronological age, which doesn’t vary, and her emotional age, which is variable depending on her stress level and tiredness. Although this is true of all our children, when they are preteen it becomes accentuated. So, even though you might have a 12-yearold body in front of you, her emotional age may be four or even younger. A simple task is suddenly insurmountable and she descends
into a toddler rage. Make sure that you don’t descend with her.
Second tip
When it comes to anger and temper, a “wobbly” of despair and a “wobbly” of control look identical if we were to video them. We can only tell which one they are if we take notice of the context. The wobbly of control indicates “I am going to scream till you do it my way.” The wobbly of despair indicates “My life is over and I have no idea how I can cope.” (This may be over a mislaid hair-tie, but it is still a wobbly of despair). A wobbly of despair needs you to support her feelings and understand how awful it is for her. A wobbly of control needs you to disengage, get out of the way, avoid reasoning with her or arguing with her and to keep your
Nuztri helps schools buy iPads Best Health Products, the maker of Nuztri branded formula milk and fortified milk powder, has announced a new initiative to support schools, kindergartens and early childhood centres. For every can of Nuztri formula milk or vitamin A+D/iron-enriched full cream or skim milk powder, Nuztri will donate $2 or $1 to buy iPads or laptops, respectively. Participating schools, centres or PTAs simply collect supermarket dockets and redeem iPads or laptops. For years, imported formula or formula
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distance until she is prepared to treat you well. I call it “The GST approach.” You do not need to offer goods and services to someone who is being abusive to you.
Pocket money problems My 10 year old son often talks about and complains that his friends get more pocket money than him and get to stay up later etc. How can I handle this? I suggest that you both do your research and then compare notes. He should ask his friends what amount of pocket money they get and then present you with a written list. In the meantime, you check in with parents of similar-age children and make your own list. While you both are doing your research, don’t forget to ask what the child has to do to get the pocket money and what they are allowed/expected to do with it. Some parents tie pocket money to chores and some parents give children pocket money as of right because they are family members and expect chores also just because they are family members. As well as researching what happens in other families, consider your own situation. As far as bedtimes are concerned, the most important consideration is whether or not your son can wake up easily at an appropriate time to get ready for school without a rush. In other words, is he getting the right amount of sleep to enable him to function well during the day? The amount of pocket money he gets and what he may do with it also depends on
your family finances, your family values, his readiness to cope with the responsibility of handling money and his willingness to learn.
Submit your parenting questions and concerns to family therapist, counsellor, parenting coach
and speaker and writer Diane Levy. This is a regular column, so get those questions flowing! Email us at admin@familytimes.co.nz. Check out www.familytimes.co.nz for information on how to order her popular books.
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Flying with children With the long school holidays • ahead, many families will be travelling overseas and domestically.
W
hen flying with children, preparing in advance is the key for a happy flight
for all. Here are some tips to help with the adventure. • When flying with small children, the best seats to reserve are the first row of seats in the plane (in economy). You will be facing a wall, however, there is more legroom here and most airlines will provide a basinet that hooks on to the wall. If you have flight time options, choose night flights. The children are more likely to fall asleep.
• •
• • •
Consider two backpacks if two adults are travelling – one with practical items such as nappies, wipes, clothing and food, the other with entertainment such as puzzles, toys, books, colouring books and crayons. Pack plastic bags for wet or dirty clothes. Take plenty of nappies. Perfumed plastic bags are brilliant for smelly dirty nappies. Out of consideration to other travellers, don’t put dirty nappies in the rubbish bins in the toilet. Cabin crew will dispose of them if they are wrapped up in a sealed bag. Pre-flight – any vaccinations needed for the countries you intend to visit? At the airport, walk around as much as you can. Think about buying a small stroller that
• • • • • •
The 24 Hour Surgery The 24 Hour Surgery will be open throughout the Christmas and New Year period to care for you and your family when your usual doctor is unavailable. Demands for our services are very high during this holiday period, and waiting times often increase. As patient safety is our priority, we will always attend to more unwell patients first. Also, as we are restricted by space, we do ask that you only bring with you the people that you need to.
To make your visit more comfortable, we have free wifi available in the waiting room, children’s activity packs and DVDs, and also offer a Text to Return service. If a patient is deemed well enough after their initial nurse assessment, they can choose to wait for their consultation elsewhere, for example, at home. We then send a text to the patient letting them know when it is time to return.
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folds down – this allows you to wheel your child around in it at the airport and right onto the plane if you get one small enough to fit down the aisle. Children’s ears sometimes hurt on takeoff and landing. Get them to practice holding their noses and blowing gently to relieve air pressure. If your child uses a dummy, give it to them during take-off and landing. Keep sugar drinks and sweet food to a minimum – they keep children awake and active. Flight entertainment – magnetic games, reading and activity books, wrap small parcels of toys, games, or snacks separately – children love unwrapping things. Take a map and ask older children to plot the trip on the map. Night flights – change your toddler into sleep wear to help them with their normal routine and signify to them that it’s time for sleeping. Pack your child’s favourite blanket and/or pillow – familiarity helps them sleep. At your destination – if your child is old enough, give them their own backpack to carry a drink, some food and anything else they might need. Attach a whistle to the backpack, only to be used if they get lost. Get your children to wear distinctive or colourful hats as it makes it easier to keep an eye on them.
•
Depending on the time zone, you may need to allow for power naps for your child so they can keep going and adjust to the new time zone quickly. Safe and happy travels! For more information on travelling with children, visit www.houseoftravel.co.nz.
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Car sickness in kids Ever felt sick to your stomach while riding in a car, train, airplane, or boat? If you have, you can relate to a plethora of 2 to 12-year-olds who struggle with motion sickness, and you know that it’s definitely not fun. The good news is that car sickness usually passes after childhood years. But in the meantime, getting through those long drives to holiday destinations can be trying. We’ve got some tips to help you out.
What is car sickness?
Car sickness is a type of motion sickness. Motion sickness occurs when the brain receives conflicting information from the motion-sensing parts of the body — the inner ears, eyes, skin receptors, and muscle and joint sensory receptors. For example, if your child is riding in a car and reading a book, their inner ears and skin receptors detect that they are moving forward, but their eyes are looking at a book that isn’t moving, so their muscle receptors tell the brain that the body is sitting still. It’s a scrambled message, and littlies can quickly begin to feel tired, dizzy, or sick to the point of vomiting. Doctors don’t know why car sickness affects some children and not others, but there are some things you can do to help and treat it: 1 Reduce sensory input: Encourage your child to look at things outside the car rather than toys, books, games or movies. 2 Sleep it off: Try and schedule your trip so that your child will take a nap during travel time. Consider driving in the early hours of the morning.
3 Plan your snacks: Avoid overly spicy or sugary foods, and opt for dry crackers and water to fight hunger pangs and settle the stomach. 4 Air and temperature: Make sure there is plenty of airflow in the car, and the temperature isn’t too hot. 5 Distraction: Try to focus your child’s attention away from their queasy feeling by turning up the radio, singing songs, or talking. 6 Regular stops: If none of the above works, stop the car at regular intervals and allow your child to either lie on their back with a cool cloth on their forehead, or take a brief walk.
When to see a doctor about car sickness
There are over-the-counter medicines for motion sickness: ask your GP what they recommend. If your child’s symptoms persist, particularly at times when they are not involved with a movement activity, talk with your GP. Your doctor will want to check that there is nothing wrong with your child’s inner ears or any of the other body parts that sense movement.
Join the best – Cathedral Grammar School With a history of more than 130 years, Cathedral Grammar School offers the best mix of co-educational and single sex education, from preschool to Year 8. It is committed to providing the ideal preparation for children to embrace the opportunities and challenges of the future. Cathedral Grammar School is located on Park Terrace, a prime central city location close to Hagley Park, the museum and the Botanical Gardens. The benefits gained by being physically close to these excellent resources are huge in terms of educational outcomes for pupils. For further information, please contact Linda Marsh, phone 03-365-0385 or visit www.cathedralgrammar.school.nz.
Win: Rosie to the Rescue
Rosie to the Rescue is a feel-good, WIN, WIN, rhyming book that follows the journey of Rosie the cow as she finds a way to transport all the fresh milk to town after the bridge is destroyed. Rosie is the New Zealand dairy industry’s Cowbassador, whose job is to educate kids all about dairy farming and the story of milk. We have 10 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: Rosie to the Rescue, PO Box 36 004, Christchurch, to reach us by 5 February, 2014. Check out our website for more fantastic competitions.
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support services 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
Christchurch Resettlement Services. Free social services for people from refugee and migrant backgrounds. Interpreters are provided. Phone: 03-335 0311
Help is @ hand Alcohol and Drug Helpline Concerned about your own or someone else’s problems with alcohol or other drugs? Call the Alcohol Drug Helpline today for free, confidential, friendly professional advice. 0800 787 797 www.alcoholdrughelp.org.nz
After school care Christchurch offers a range of after-school care programmes and activities to make sure that your kids are well catered for in a fun and supportive environment until pickup time; from school-based care to special interest activities. There’s sure to be a programme that suits your child.
Bishopdale YMCA
Enrol now for term basketball, gymnastics and dance classes at Bishopdale YMCA. Suitable for pre-schoolers to 16-year-olds. Phone 03-359-8320 for details.
Rock Stars climbing 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 now for next term. Visit www.theroxx. co.nz, phone 03-377-3000 or email climb@ theroxx.co.nz.
Ready to listen – The Alcohol Drug Helpline For parents with concerns about their own, their partner’s or their children’s alcohol or other drug use, the Alcohol Drug Helpline is the ideal place to start. It is a free, confidential phone service available 10am - 10pm every day and the online counsellors are happy to listen to any concerns. The aim is to help callers to clarify their concerns and then to help them decide the best next steps to take: free information (dvd/booklets), contacting a local community service or continuing contact with the Helpline by phone or text. Many parents ring with concerns about their children’s exploration or use of alcohol or cannabis – particularly the newer synthetic cannabis products. The counsellors are happy discuss ways to talk to young children, or to teens about any of these issues – from how to confront a son or daughter about suspected drug use to organising a teenage party. And of course young people themselves are welcome
I’m smart so why do I have such trouble with learning? Finally there is an answer...
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A Creative Refresher “The Learning Connexion is like a breath of fresh air - an oasis in the desert. I feel like I spent so many years missing out on what I am learning now.” Krzysztof Zajaczkowski was looking for some positive creative fuel and discovered Wellington-based art school The Learning Connexion. He chose to do the programme part-time, whilst studying from home. The Learning Connexion provided Krzysztof with the pathway to follow his creativity in a free yet focused environment, perfect for any artist looking to push their style further. Krzysztof has been investigating the uses
of a set of old wood block letters he found over 30 years ago. He tried rolling them unconventionally on a printing press, which created all sorts of original imprints and abstract shapes. The results are a delicate introspection of positive and negative forms. Constant contact with mentors is integral to the success of any student at The Learning Connexion, particularly one who is studying from home like Krzysztof. “My mentor helps me stay focused, because creativity is such a huge labyrinth to get lost in.” To find out more about The Learning Connexion and how to enrol please phone 0800-278-769 or check out www.tlc.ac.nz.
to call. As well as being able to call any day, callers can arrange to receive regular support calls from the Helpline. Students can ring for information for their school project, or concerns about their friend who is getting into party pills. Helpline staff promise to listen, and to help in any way they can. Phone 0800-787-797 or text “adh” to 234.
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 your local Plunket Car Seat Service: • Child and infant restraints for sale & hire • Excellent range at very affordable prices
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m Maxi
baby & toddler
Milestone manic or go with the flow? From the moment a baby is born, parents consult books and are given advice about which milestones are important for their child.
T
hey’re things like when their baby should first smile, clap their hands, roll over, sleep through the night, crawl and start speaking, right through to toilet training, writing their name, counting and learning their ABCs. For many parents, these milestones are a joy – from the first smile, every little development is a treasure. But as Dr Victoria Metcalf, a biologist and lecturer in genetics at Lincoln University says, it can also become a competition. “I think that milestones in themselves feed back into this pressure that mothers feel to do certain things by a certain stage. It adds to stress levels that we feel in a busy world. If your child is not walking by two years, maybe worry then… it’s not a “mumpetition”.” Metcalf is not alone. Some parenting experts question whether milestones are really helpful, or whether parents put too much pressure on their kids to fit the “norm”, when in reality every child is different. Plunket clinical advisor Allison Jamieson says there needs to be a safe middle ground. “Milestones are really important. Evidence for them is given by paediatricians and international as well as national organisations – The World Health Organisation and the Paediatrics Society - so that while they’re not set in concrete in as much as they don’t have to happen at the same time for every child, you do want them to happen, because if there’s a delay in them happening, maybe there’s something else that the child is not
developing to their potential that we need to look at and assess.” Jamieson says that milestones exist to give parents an indication of what should be happening and when – not to create fear, but so that parents are aware if anything is potentially wrong. If a baby is not smiling and interacting with its parents at six weeks, can it see? Can it hear? If a parent is aware of a potential problem, early intervention can lessen the impact of that delay on development. “They can let them do their own thing as long as they actually achieve it,” said Jamieson. “There’s nothing wrong with that. If your little Johnny walked at 12 months and my child didn’t walk until 14 months, that’s not to say that mine is slow. It’s just what’s within normal for that child. But if that child is not walking at age two years, I would be very, very concerned.” There are, however, some milestones that both Jamieson and Metcalf agree need to be more flexible for parents – things such as
First Learners Preschools
First Learners Preschools are privately owned places where families/whanau are welcome at any time to be a part of their child’s home away from home. First Learners provides all day education and care for children aged 0-6 years, and a special and unique learning environment for your child. Each First Learners centre has an environment resourced to stimulate and challenge children “to grow up as competent and confident learners and communicators.” Rangiora, Mairehau and Shirley. www.firstlearners.co.nz.
Breastfeeding help by mothers for mothers
“There’s a bit of difference between developmental-related milestones and sleeping through the night and toilet training, which are more related to how we parent, what’s important to us and when our child is ready.” If you have any concerns about your child’s development, contact your primary health care giver.
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sleep training and toilet training. Metcalf says that there is a lot of “real or perceived” pressure on parents to have their children sleep through the night and toilet train from an early age – pressure from friends, their own parents, and even grandparents, who create expectations by talking about their own experiences of parenting. “It’s not fair to the mother or the child. What we have to remember is that every child is different and they work to their own rhythm. When you work into “what is my child ready for,” the better the relationship will be between you and your child. “Most children have their own system and do things in their own time. Read the parenting books but don’t use them as law. Breathe into it a bit more and being a human being, not a human doing. And remember that one mother’s definition of sleeping through the night might not be the same as another’s.” Jamieson agreed that it was not helpful to have too much pressure around expecting babies to sleep through the night too soon. “We don’t expect babies to sleep through the night at a young age, because if they are it means that they’re not getting enough food,” she said.
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y Child + Time = Happ Spend quality time with your children
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15
Christmas gift guide for tech-crazy kids It’s that time of year when you need to start thinking - if you have not already - about what technology or gaming gifts are on the market for this year’s Christmas season. As always, gaming is an expensive and difficult market for the uninitiated, so here’s a preview of the big and new things that will be out this year for your potential gift dollars.
Consoles
There are a few consoles to choose from this year, but you may not be able to choose the one you want in time for Christmas.
PS4
The PS4 is undoubtedly the console that most people want to have (currently). It has the best hardware and is winning the PR war against rival consoles. Available about a week after the Xbox One, it is accompanied by mostly the same titles as the Microsoft console but has a few exclusives only available on this machine. However, it is also the one that will be the hardest to find as a number of suppliers have already sold out their allotment and the next shipment will be out in early 2014. Cost $650 (approximately).
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF MUSIC
Xbox One
The Xbox One is the closest contender to the PS4, and arguably only a hair’s breadth behind the Sony product. This is available from November onwards, is accompanied by mostly the same titles as the PS4, and has a few exclusives only available on this machine. I have played on both machines, and find very little between them. Simply put, don’t believe the hype and make your own informed choice. Cost $750 (approximately).
Nintendo 2DS
This is a surprisingly good option for some players. The 3DS has been out for a while but not everyone got one due to the price and the limited range of titles. However, if you are a Pokemon fan for example, then this may be the option you are looking for. It’s a much cheaper 2D version of the 3DS (minus the 3D elements) that will play all 3DS games, old and new, at a much better price. A good option for Nintendo fans on a budget. Cost $170 (approximately).
Existing consoles
The PS3, the Xbox 360 and the Wii U are all
Quality music education for children
International School of Music
All our music classes include singing, percussion, rhythm and note-reading, music appreciation, musical games and much more.
Exciting news – the International School of Music’s after school classes are almost completely full with returning students! They have squeezed in some beginners’ piano and preschool classes for 2014, so early enrolment for the New Year is advisable. Students can start from age two years, right up to beginners of any age. The school has two group studios and a private tuition studio for graduates and older beginners/adults, all upstairs in Barrington Mall. Learn music the fun way! A new students’ timetable is available online at www.ismchristchurch.co.nz or phone 03-377-3778.
In our group piano lessons, students are taught initially by ear through a listen/sing/play approach to music. Learn music through having fun! Jitterbugs: Ages 2-3yrs Little Beebopper Music: Ages 3-4 yrs Pianorama Junior Course: Ages 4-6 yrs Pianorama Primary Course: 7-10 yrs & 11-13 yrs Register now for beginners classes starting in 2014. Timetable, costs and course info at:
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Level 1, Barrington Mall, Barrington Street Ph: 03-377-3778 nicky@ismchristchurch.co.nz
Awesome gifts! Real science! Great fun! quality educational toys, science kits, games and puzzles
46 Coleridge St • Sydenham Open Mon - Fri 9 am to 4 pm offstreet parking available
p • 353 4572 e • retail@sciencealive.co.nz 16
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on the market already and the games will be around for these platforms for a long while yet. Expect to see huge discounts in the prices of the older generation boxes and their games in the run up to Christmas. There will be some bargains and bundles to choose from for the canny consumer.
Coming before Christmas:
Warfare games: Call of Duty Ghosts (all platforms), Battlefield 5 (all platforms). Driving games: Gran Tourismo 6 (PS3) and Forza 5 (Xbox One). Adventures: Assassins Creed IV: Black Flag (all platforms), Batman: Arkham Origins (Xbox 360, Ps3 and Wii U), Watchdogs (PS4 Games and Xbox One). This year there will be a bumper crop of not And these are just the highlights; there will only good new games but also the bigger, be so many to choose from, and if you don’t better and beautiful games on the enhanced know what you are looking for it’s best not consoles. to guess. If you are buying for someone else Out Now then the best strategy is to avoid surprise and Grand Theft Auto V: A stunning and simply ask him or her specifically what he or immersive experience, but definitely for much she wants to avoid buying the wrong thing. older kids; late teens and up. If you are unsure if the content is appropriate Beyond Two Souls: The latest in interactive for your child, check the rating on the bottom storytelling and game/movie hybrid, also for left of the game’s cover, which is the same as late teens and up. movie ratings. Disney Infinity: For all ages and all platforms.
FUNdamentals Phenomenon FUNdamentals has two new locations at Merivale and Marshland for outstanding, fun preschool education with fully built-in gyms. The best has been taken from many sources of learning to develop the inspiring FUNdamentals nurturing programme for infants (5 Innes Road only) to school age children. It includes music, art, gym activities, numeracy, literacy and free
choice times in fantastic open indoor and outdoor spaces. FUNdamentals is proud of the quality of its programme, teaching ratios and the extras provided. Come and have a look at our two new preschools at Merivale and Marshland and see the Fundamentals difference for yourself. Visit www.fundamentals.co.nz or phone 03-355-1522.
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun! Girls Brigade groups right across New Zealand provide friendship and fun that builds healthy girls with strong life skills Contact Us today to find out where your nearest group is. Join for fun, friends and leadership.
Mel Radford Brown Director of Portfolio
Kids and Teens Modelling Workshops
Build confidence / self esteem, makeup, grooming, hair, deportment, health / nutrition, fashion styling, goodie bags, catwalk, photo-shoot etc.
January school holidays BOOKINGS: PH 03-379 9011 E-mail: info@portfoliomodels.co.nz
www.portfoliomodels.co.nz
Phone (09) 442 5055 Email info@girlsbrigade.org.nz
www.girlsbrigade.org.nz
Co see mee & se Com w hatt aall ll th wha e fu the fuss ss is out! about! is ab • Perceptual motor activities in our on-site gym • Numeracy & literacy extension class • Music and dance • Children’s yoga • Language classes – Spanish, Teo Reo, French • Low ratios
MERIVALE 5 Innes Road – 03-3551522 MARSHLANDS 435 Marshlands Raod – 03-385 5252 www.fundamentals.co.nz
A gift that lasts a lifetime By Grahame Dutton BDS I can’t count the number of times in my career I’ve heard from my adult patients “If only I’d had braces as a teenager”. Either orthodontics wasn’t available to them , or they and/or their parents decided against braces, or the cost was prohibitive. But as they have gone into adulthood they have regretted the decision and they have had to live with the consequences to their oral health, their chewing function and the appearance of their smile.
After more than twenty years of looking at adult’s teeth I can see the end results of not getting teeth lined up well in their youth. Dentists can now predict reasonably well what the teeth of our young patients will look like in 20 or 30 years. With uncorrected alignment of teeth we see needless wear to the teeth, gum disease and decay from difficult-to-clean areas and
uncomfortable bites with muscle and joint discomfort . I have also seen more evidence of traumatic injuries to teeth that stick out and the biggest complaint – they don’t like the way their teeth look. With this knowledge I would like to share this foresight through five cases and offer an opinion on what might have happened if we had let the damaging results of their existing conditions go untreated.
Case 1
Case 3
Case 5
Left untreated these teeth are likely to have become very crooked and therefore difficult to clean. The teeth in 20 or 30 years could become very worn and misshapen. These crowded cases dentists can find difficult to restore well as adults.
These crowded teeth would become very difficult to clean and at risk from wear and trauma .
This young lady would have experienced a lot of wear to her teeth long term and the teeth would have become increasingly crooked and difficult to clean well. With life expectancy increasing to over 80 years old the impact of crooked teeth has consequences for a long time.
In this case I am using partial braces to position the permanent teeth in the best position for lifelong success.
I used full braces over 16 months and now she has straight white teeth and a comfortable bite and is well prepared for the rest of her dental life.
After braces the patient has teeth that look lovely and have a comfortable bite and has a great chance for lifelong dental health .
Case 4 Case 2 This situation is a high risk for dental trauma. I have treated countless broken teeth in this scenario because the front teeth are in crossbite. These people are often highly self conscious because they look different and this can affect confidence and lessen their smiling. I see adults like this who will talk or laugh with their hand over their mouths. Using a cemented appliance I have corrected the crossbite and put the teeth back to equal standing with respect to trauma and appearance.
These protuding teeth are at a much higher risk of trauma, Teeth that poke out are more likely to be damaged due to an accident, in fact a recent study showed that 75% of all teeth that protrude more than 6mm (like these) will be fractured by twelve years of age if they go uncorrected. As we all know, even in our young children, selfimage is important and school playground teasing can have a devastating long term effect on confidence. Here I have used a removable plate and in five months of treatment we have greatly lessened their risk of trauma and they have nice straight teeth and a lovely smile to be proud of.
A healthy mouth is a great asset not just medically but also socially and professionally. If your child needs braces you could be giving them a gift that lasts a lifetime and they will keep on thanking you.
For our help, contact Duxton Dental: Phone 03-348 5488 Email info@duxtondental.co.nz Visit www.duxtondental.co.nz
TEENAGE AND CHILD ORTHODONTIC SCREENING Initial consultation ($78) ? Orthodontic assessment ? Jaw scan (if indicated) ? Digital photos If treatment is thought necessary further records will be required to formulate a treatment plan.
Records appointment ($175) ? Jaw Scan ? Lateral Ceph xray ? Study models ? Photo series Once all the information has been analyzed the treatment options can be discussed.
info@duxtondental.co.nz
Treatment planning appointment (no fee) ? ? ? ? ?
Treatment options Costs Timeframes Retention Expectations
Orthodontic treatment is performed by Grahame Dutton who is a General Dentist with a special interest in Orthodontics. A specialist referral maybe required.
Phone: 03-348 5488 22 Bartlett Street, Riccarton. (Hagley Park end of Riccarton Road)
www.duxtondental.co.nz
Camping holidays that don’t cost the earth Camping is a Kiwi tradition and an affordable family holiday option.
There are many Department of Conservation campsites by the sea, a high-country lake or native forest where you can pitch your tent for the cost of a cup of cafe coffee (and perhaps a fluffy). This is not “glamping.” The facilities are basic—toilets, water and perhaps a picnic table or cold shower. But the beautiful settings and access to activities such as bush walking, biking, swimming, boating and fishing more than make up for the limited services. You can’t book these campsites—it’s first come, first served—but they are not often full. Visit www.doc.govt.nz for more information.
Lake Taylor campsite, North Canterbury Arriving at this beautiful highcountry lake makes the long drive over the rough gravel road worth the effort. When it’s calm, the bush-clad hill on the lake edge reflects perfectly in the glassy water. The lake is popular for swimming, kayaking and trout fishing. Lake Sumner Forest Park is a great area to explore on foot, horseback or mountain bike. You can ride or walk to Loch Katrine (also a four-wheel drive) and Lake Sumner. The facilities are basic but in good weather it’s a tranquil spot, says DOC ranger Sarah Ensor. “Just be aware that the campsite is exposed to the nor’westerly winds, which can whip up whitecaps on the lake and knock your
tent around.” Facilities: 15 tent sites, toilet, picnic table, water from lake. Dogs are welcome on leashes only. Fee: $6 per night adult, $3 per night child, under four free.
Kohaihai campsite, West Coast
This sheltered campsite between the Kohaihai River and the sea is literally “at the end of the road,” north of Karamea on the West Coast. It’s on the doorstep of Kahurangi National Park and the Heaphy Track and surrounded by beautiful nikau forest. You may see New Zealand falcon/karearea, kea and kaka or hear kiwi at night in the neighbouring national park. If you’re lucky, you may also see the rare blue duck/whio, that lives in the fast-flowing waters of the Kohaihai River and sometimes visit the campsite. There are day or overnight walks from here such as the short Nikau Walk, which takes you over the Kohaihai suspension bridge and back through the nikau forest. The walk to Scotts Beach gives you a taste of the coastal section of the Heaphy. Other acitivies are white-water kayaking, windsurfing, fishing and swimming in the river or at Scotts Beach. This is a quiet campsite but is also popular so make sure you get in early, advises DOC Westport-based ranger Suvi van Smit. “Take insect repellent as the sandflies can be fierce and make sure the local weka don’t steal your gear—they love shiny objects like keys.” Facilities: tap water, toilets, picnic tables, barbeque and on-site phone. Dogs are allowed on a leash but can’t be taken into the national park. Fee: $6 per night adult, $3 per night child, under four free.
DECEMBER Clothing and accessories
SALE
Clearance store One month only Up to
28 November to 24 December
70% OFF
Eastgate Mall www.familytimes.co.nz
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Kids keeping Kiwi
coastlines clean A volunteer trip to the Galapagos Islands national park in 2009 inspired Sam Judd to help clean up New Zealand’s coastlines. “We saw all these dead animals wrapped up in rubbish in the Galapagos, and we ran a big cleanup out there. It was really satisfying so we brought the concept back here.” The result was the establishment of the Sustainable Coastlines Charitable Trust in 2009. Four years later, the Sustainable Coastlines team has motivated more than 26,000 people across New Zealand to keep New Zealand beautiful by cleaning up the beach, resulting in the removal of a whopping
123 tonnes of rubbish – mostly plastics. Sustainable Coastlines has educated more than 75,000 kids in schools about New Zealand’s coastline, and what they can do to preserve it says co-founder Judd. “We’ve been measuring behavioural changes and surveys and working with psychologists and that’s been very successful. We’re starting to see some numbers that show that yeah, kids are responding really well to the programme.” The education programme was developed to run in conjunction with large-scale beach clean-up events, to ensure that beaches didn’t just keep filling up with rubbish again. Sustainable Coastlines ran extensive data analysis on the rubbish that they collected, and what they discovered surprised them; about 85% of the rubbish removed came from the
Citizen scientists wanted! S ummer is the perfect time to head down to your local beach and start discovering the plethora of plant and animal species that dwell there. Sound intriguing but a bit overwhelming? Well… how about mapping out just 1 metre at a time? The Marine Metre Squared (MM2) project is an easy way for anyone to survey the plants and animals living on their local seashore. The NZ Marine Studies Centre, University of Otago, is encouraging everyone to participate in long term monitoring of their marine environment – the Marine Metre Squared. Anyone can take part – individuals, families, schools and community groups. The Marine Metre Squared website (www. mm2.net.nz) is where you can find everything you need to get involved in this new
and exciting nationwide, citizen science project, get the tools to start surveying your local seashore, and find out where plants and animals that live between the tides are found around New Zealand. When you join the Marine Meter Squared project (it’s free), you can share your stories about your local seashore, suggest an idea for a mini project, describe the beauties and the beasts that dwell in your m2, and get and give help identifying animal and plant species. As a registered member, you can get full access to the online MM2 database where you can add your own survey data to show others what’s living between the tides on your local shore, and compare your shore with rest of New Zealand to find out which species live where using simple mapping and analysis tools.
stormwater system. In other words, people littering on the beach wasn’t a huge problem. People littering on their own streets was. “There is a real disconnect in our community between litter on our streets, the stormwater drains and their route to the waterways and ocean,” says Judd. “If people knew what really happens when they drop plastic and the havoc it causes when it inevitably washes into the ocean, they wouldn’t do it in the first place.” Plastics are perhaps the biggest problem, as they entangle and are consumed by wildlife – around the world, and locally - often causing death. One of Judd’s colleagues, Camden Howitt, ran a presentation at Colville School in the Coromandel where he showed them pictures of dead birds with guts full of plastic in the North Pacific, then when the kids went out cleaning up they found a Pied Oyster Catcher – native to New Zealand – dead with plastic in its stomach. Judd also says that there is a growing amount of evidence to show that plastic rubbish – which can contain poisonous chemicals and
essentially act like a sponge for pollutants in the ocean – is being eaten by fish.
What can we do?
Visit loveyourcoast.org and check out different community events in your area to support cleaning up New Zealand’s coastline. No events in your area? Why not plan your own community event? “Kids can do it themselves using the eventplanning tool on loveyourcoast.org; we’ve had several groups of kids that have done it themselves like that. You can then upload the data online,” says Judd. For a small donation (to cover administration and cleaning costs) Sustainable Coastlines can also provide reusable rubbish sacks and gloves. Alternatively, schools can plan mufti days and sausage sizzles to help raise money to clean up New Zealand’s coastline, book a school or community visit with the Sustainable Coastlines team, or anyone can make a donation online by visiting www. sustainablecoastlines.org.
Love New Zealand
12 days to a greener summer Day 1 Day 2
Recycling collection times may be different so make a note of the new time. You can recycle: • Paper, glass, metals (food tins, drink cans, jar lids, wine bottle screw tops) • Plastics 1 and 2 (and in some places 1-7)
Day 3
Look for the Love NZ recycling bins in your area
Day 4
Recycle more packaging more often.
Day 5
Reuse. Use a reusable shopping bag when you go out shopping.
Day 6
Recycling reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Day 7
Be clean and conserve space. Rinse out bottles and cans.
Day 8
Reuse or recycle your Christmas cards. Around 60 million Christmas cards will be sent to New Zealanders this year.
Day 9
Be a recycling champion at events Many sports stadia, concert venues and festivals now have Love NZ recycling bins.
Day 10
It’s not just packaging that can be recycled – there are collection points for TVs, print cartridges and old mobiles.
Day 11
Separate your glass by colour in a glass bottle bank.
Day 12
Make it your New Year’s Resolution to reduce, reuse and recycle even more in 2014. If we all do our bit New Zealand WILL remain clean and green.
Use the right bin www.familytimes.co.nz
19
Karen Theobald from Family Times visited South New Brighton and Heathcote Valley Schools to talk with children about the practical things their dads do in a care-giving role.
Cheyne Milligan, age 10
My dad works from home, so he helps out a lot looking after my sister and I, as Mum works longer hours. Dad sometimes makes the lunches and usually makes dinner. Being part Mexican, he makes great burritos. He also does the dishes and cleaning during the week. He walks me home from school and will take me to sports practice. I can ask him to help me with my homework too.
Saige Denovan-Stroud, age 8
My dad works shifts but still helps a lot with our big family. He makes my bed and tidies the couches. Sometimes he cooks bacon and eggs for us. He does the grocery shopping and walks me to school. We have lots of pet animals and Dad feeds them all. We have a big section so he mows the lawns and helps mum in the garden. He also fixes my bike and takes me on lots of bike rides.
Eva Burgess, age 10
My dad’s job is based at home. He packs our lunches and walks us to school. At night he cooks dinner. His spaghetti bolognese is pretty good. He does our clothes washing and the dishes too. It’s nice to have him at home after school so he can help us with our homework and play games.
Maddie Sharpe, age 8
My dad goes to work before I get up in the morning. Sometimes he is home after school; other times for dinner. Dad cooks food on the barbeque some nights and at the weekends. He has just finished tidying and painting inside the garage. He comes to my school sports days and coaches our touch rugby team. He does lots of fun things with us like bike riding and go karts too.
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.
WIN, WIN,
WIN!
Win Frozen – in cinemas 26 December - prize packs When a prophecy traps a kingdom in eternal winter, Anna (voice of Kristen Bell), a fearless optimist, teams up with extreme mountain man Kristoff and his sidekick reindeer Sven on an epic journey to find Anna’s sister Elsa (voice of Idina Menzel), the Snow Queen, and put an end to her icy spell. 5 prize packs, each consisting of: A kids’ watch A girls’ T-shirt A boys’ T-shirt A double pass to the movie DISNEY’S FROZEN IN CINEMAS DECEMBER 26 WWW.DISNEYMOVIES.CO.NZ Competition closes 9 December, 2013. 20
www.familytimes.co.nz
Win Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2 – in cinemas 5 December - prize packs Inventor Flint Lockwood thought he saved the world when he destroyed his most infamous invention - a machine that turned water into food causing cheeseburger rain and spaghetti tornadoes. But Flint soon learns that his invention survived and is now creating food-animals – “foodimals!” 5 prize packs, each consisting of: A Scratch n Sniff sticker set A T-shirt A notebook A double pass to the movie Cloudy with a chance of meatballs 2 In cinemas December 5 Cloudy2-movie. Net Rating: tbc ©2013 Columbia pictures industries inc. All rights reserved Competition closes 9 December, 2013.
TIMEZONE ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE
What is your favourite activity to do with your family in summer? Send us your picture and a brief description about the activity and be in to win an amazing $50 prize pack from Crayola! Three entry age groups: preschool (age 1-4), 5-8, 9-12. Create your design on an A5 sheet or download the template and entry form from www.familytimes.co.nz. Post in to PO Box 36 004, Christchurch 8146. Entries close 5 February 2014.
Congratulations to our drink bottle competition winners from our last issue. They are:
FAMILY FUN Rediscover the joy of
1-4 -James Yang – 4-years-old
‘family games time’ & ask about
5-8 - John Yang – 8-years-old 9-12 - Tilly Sheers, Age 9 - “I was sitting on the edge of my
seat, cheering and booing the tele, watching the Americas Cup and I thought, MAN! Those guys must get so thirsty! I also thought how desperate they want the trophy, so I combined the two together.”
WIN, WIN,
Bag yourself a Madpax!
Life is too short to wear a bland backpack so MadPax New Zealand has six Full Packs valued at $89.95 to give away. MadPax are 3D-inspired backpacks and power pack-cessories that are the perfect fusion of fashion and funk-tionality. These unique packs allow kids of all ages to express themselves and their inner creature. You will definitely stand out with a MadPax back pack. What is your style? Choose from the original Spiketus Rex, primal skinned Later Gator, Bubble or the most recent addition to the range, Blok. See the range at www.madpax.co.nz.
Just tick the things you want to win Summer 2013
Cloudy 2 Frozen
WWW.TIMEZONEGAMES.CO.NZ
by Greg Cooper
The yonanas machine quickly turns frozen bananas and other frozen fruits into a variety of guilt-free treats that look and taste like soft-serve ice cream. You choose the flavour by adding your favourite ingredients – why not try strawberry, pineapple or mango? yonanas offers great value for money, especially because you can use fruit that you might otherwise throw away. Kids will love the bright colours and parents will love the healthy desserts that are dairy-free, fat-free and with no added sugar. Visit www.yonanas.co.nz for colour availability and stockists. RRP: $129.99. We have 4 to give away.
Yonanas
Westfield Riccarton 343 3385 www.facebook.com/TimezoneNZ
WIN!
Win a delicious healthy treat the whole family will enjoy
Bag yourself a Madpax!
plus - check out the special days & offers in-store
WIN, WIN,
WIN!
Birthday Parties! Easy Fundraising!
Name Address City Phone
15-25 january 2014 All tickets $9 from www.courttheatre.org.nz or phone 963 0870
To be in the draw to win, enter online at www.familytimes.co.nz or write your name and address on the back of an envelope or postcard and send to: Christchurch Competition, PO Box 36 004, Christchurch to reach us by February 5th 2014, unless stated otherwise. Only one entry per household. www.familytimes.co.nz
21
cool activities
Calendar of Events Summer is a great time to 31 December New Year’s Eve. Welcome in the New Year leave the couch behind and a bang at North Hagley Park, Triangle get out and about with your with Event area, beside Lake Victoria. From family to enjoy all the fantastic 6.30pm. Check www.summertimes.co.nz for events available in your area; more details. fairs, festivals, concerts and 5 January-23 February shows, to name a few! Ingham Lazy Sundays. Every Sunday from 3-4.30pm listen to free, live music on the 7 December Archery Lawn, Botanic Gardens. Check out AFFIRM. A free community celebration based at Wainoni Park, Hampshire Street. Family-focused performances, activities and information stalls. From 10am, visit Facebook Aranui-Affirm.
19-21 December Southern Ballet Theatre presents Christmas Gala Season The Nutcracker and Scrooge. Two productions in one show, featuring ballet, jazz and contemporary students. At Middleton Grange School Theatre on 19 and 20 December at 7pm and 21 December at 2pm and 6pm. Bookings at Southern Ballet Theatre office, 108 Carlyle Street, Sydenham or email southernballet@xtra. co.nz and phone 03-379-7219.
From 20 December RISE. Enjoy a celebration of street art, featuring local and international street artists including Banksy. Check out www.canterburymuseum.com for details.
www.summertimes.co.nz for band details.
The Plains Vintage Railway in Ashburton The Plains Vintage Railway museum site is on Maronan Road, Tinwald, Ashburton, just an hour’s drive from Christchurch. Spend time browsing the pioneer museum village; view the locomotive collection that includes K88, JA1260, A64 and a Vulcan Railcar along with a variety of vintage machinery. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in the domain adjacent to the site, complete with playground and heated swimming pool for the children to enjoy. Visit www. plainsrailway.co.nz for an open day list and further information.
OPEN DAYS: November 24, January 5, 12 & February 2, 16 11am–4pm
MARONAN RD, TINWALD, ASHBURTON Phone: 03-308 9600 www.plainsrailway.co.nz
The SCIRT World Buskers Festival returns to North Hagley Park with some of the best street, circus and theatre talent in the world.
Help your child overcome shyness life skills programme for children Do your children lack self-confidence? Development through drama is a fun approach to teaching confidence while building self-esteem. The Helen O’Grady Drama Academy, which has operated in New Zealand for more than 20 years, is a worldwide programme helping students age 5 to 17 fulfil their potential. The unique, self-development programme helps each child achieve invaluable life skills. The confident, articulate child makes friends, accepts challenges and explores life. Confident children are well-rounded children.
MORE THAN S! JUST COMIC Latest board g am from ar es oun the wor d ld!
Ph: 03-354 1285 58 Main North Road (opp. Northlands Mall) comics@xtra.co.nz
Our teachers are trained in the Helen O’Grady Drama system. Each child is encouraged and valued in a positive learning environment. Each class includes speech training, creative movement and improvisation. Three terms are a selfdevelopment programme. The final term, the students perform a production for parents and friends. We value each student in a safe environment. Most importantly, it’s great fun too! Enrol now for Term 1. Phone 0800-161-131 or visit www.helenogrady.co.nz.
Rhythmic gymnastics classes Great for co-ordination, fitness, flexibility, confidence and recreation.
• From 3 years up • We offer recreational and competitive classes • Venue: NZ Institute of Sport, Riccarton
CONTACT BIANCA 027 5217220 | divargc@gmail.com
VISIT NOW OPEN 10.00 AM – 6.00 PM SEVEN DAYS
Admission charges apply: adults $10
www.quakecity.co.nz
Amberley Avonhead Bishopdale Fendalton Lincoln | Oaklands Paparoa St | Queenspark Rangiora | St Martins
Bringing out the BEST in everyone 0800 161 131 www.helenogrady.co.nz 22
www.familytimes.co.nz
11 January
2 March
Duvauchelle A and P Show. A great family day of history, shows, food and fun from 8.30am. Check the schedule at www.showdayonline.com and enter the competitions.
Children’s Day. A day of celebration for children and families. Loads of activities and entertainment in Ferrymead Heritage Park from 9am. Bring your teddy. Visit www.summertimes.co.nz for details.
16-26 January SCRIT World Buskers Festival. The craziest acts of daring, comedy, acrobatics, juggling and beauty that you will ever see! North Hagley Park. Visit www.worldbuskersfestival. com for details.
2 March Swannanoa Country Fair. Over 130 craft and trade stalls, rides and games, petting zoo and much more. At Swannanoa Domain, Tram Road. Visit www.swannanoacountryfair.co.nz.
18 January-5 April
8 March
Skate Jams. Cheapskates Skate Skool encourages children to learn to skate with free gear hire and coaching. Visit www.skateskool. co.nz to find venues and dates.
Culture Galore. Experience the world with more than 50 performances and demonstrations, ethnic foods and stalls. From 12-4pm at Ray Blank Park, Maidstone Road. Visit www. bethere.co.nz.
25 January Streets Kite Day. Bring your kite and let it soar amongst the hundreds of other kites colouring the sky. At New Brighton Beach, South of the Pier from 3-6pm. Visit www. summertimes.co.nz for details.
1 February ASB Classical Sparks. Watch amazing fireworks set to live classical music and be entertained by The Topp Twins. From 7.30pm at North Hagley Park. Visit www.summertimes. co.nz for full details.
8 February New Zealand Sandcastle Competition. Head to New Brighton Beach to watch amazing sand creations take shape. Children’s and family team competitions also, details at www. newzealandsandcastlecompetition.co.nz.
Canterbury United home games ASB Football Premiership.
At ASB Football Park, Cranford Street. Kick off 2pm. Gate sales. Adults $10, students, seniors $5 and U16 free with a ticketed adult. Visit www. canterburyunited.co.nz. 24 November vs. Auckland City 8 December vs. Team Wellington 22 December vs. Waitakere 12 January vs. WaiBOP 19 January vs. Wanderers SC 2 February vs. Southern United 16 February vs. Hawke’s Bay
9 March Weetbix Tryathlon. Based at Jellie Park, Burnside. Swim, bike and run as an individual or part of a team. Open to ages 7 to 15-years, visit www.tryathlon.weetbix.co.nz.
9 March
cool activities
Holiday programmes There’s plenty of holiday fun to be had over the summer at a variety of holiday and care programmes that cater to your kids’ interests. Here are a few on offer: Technotutorz
Technotutorz Provide tuition for robotics, electronics and programming in school, after school and at school holiday workshops. Check out www.technotutorz.co.nz for details.
Museum art programme
An art-based programme for 4 to 13 yearolds staged around the street art exhibition RISE! From 20-24 January, bookings essential. Visit www.canterburymuseum. com or phone 03-366-5000.
YMCA programmes
SPCA Paws in the Park. A fun, family day out with your beloved pooch. From 11am-3pm at the Groynes. Visit www. spcacanterbury.org.nz for details.
YMCA holiday programmes run from 6-25 January. Book now so your children can be part of all the fun! For more details phone 03-366-0689.
7-13 March
Y-CAMP runs from 12-18 and 19-25 January.
Paul Kelly Motor Company Under 5 Fest, by Science Alive! A fun event for young children. Visit www.sciencealive.co.nz for more details.
Interislander Summer Festival Free entry and family on-course activities at the Summer Festival Races; venues around Canterbury/Westland. Visit www. the races.co.nz/summerfestival for details. 26 December Westport Trots 29 December Motukarara Trots 30 December Kurow Races 30 December Reefton Trots 4 January Greymouth Races 25 January Ashburton Races 26 January Motukarara Trots 1 February Geraldine Trots 6 February Rangiora Harness Races
Y-CAMP
Spaces are limited and will fill up fast. Book now by phoning 03-366-0689.
South West Christchurch programmes
SHARP Trust provides quality, Christian outof-school care for children aged 5 to 14-years in the South West of Christchurch. The afterschool, holiday and music programmes are high quality, low cost and heaps of fun. Enrol now at www.sharp.org.nz or phone 03-3380673.
Made by Me Feel the need to bead at Made by Me! Made by Me has all the latest beading supplies, heaps of new Bezel settings and Cabochons(domes), beading technique workshops, bead parties, birthday parties, giftware and repair services. All ages are welcome, from age five to 90-plus. Visit madebyme.co.nz for more information, and to join Made by Me’s mailing list for monthly newsletters on the latest beading news, free projects and giveaways. Happy beading!
MADE BY ME
Feel the need to bead Beading supplies New workshops (see our website for details)
Birthday parties
Birt Par hday tie Fre e and invitat s i F
o
ns R for the EE gif Phone: 03-347 3570 t birt info@madebyme.co.nz perso hday n. www.madebyme.co.nz
ristchurch!
Ch New shop in
We offer products that are antique, retro, quality second hand, shabby chic, handmade soaps, new items, handmade, plus much more... Pay us a visit... let us know what you think!
495 Papanui Road, Papanui Phone: 03-352 4050 E-mail: ginny@ginnys.co.nz
Nicky Falloon R.A.D
• Ballet – Royal Academy of Dance Syllabus
• Contemporary Dance – NZAMD Syllabus
• Grades and Vocational
• Qualified and professional dance teaching.
• Jazz Dance – NZAMD Syllabus
R.T.S
• Ages three upwards. • Performance and exam opportunities. • Merivale and Beckenham area.
TERM ONE COMMENCING MONDAY 10 FEB 2014
For all enquiries, phone: 03-359 6909 E-mail: evolutionschoolofdance@xtra.co.nz www.familytimes.co.nz
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cool activities Horse riding camps at Kowhai
ASB holiday fun football
Enrol for a multiple day camp with accommodation and meals included. Suitable for 8 to 18-year- olds, all riding levels catered for. Phone 03-312-4309 or email info@ kowhai.co.nz.
Busy Bumbles programmes
Busy Bumbles run exciting and stimulating holiday programmes all across Selwyn. Visit www.busybumbles.co.nz or phone 03-3473031 to find out more.
Patricia Paul School of Dance
RAD ballet from three years to advanced levels. NZAMD jazz, contemporary and hip hop. Phone 03-372-9191 or email info@ studioone.co.nz.
Made by Me!
Made by me! for all your beading needs from supplies to creative workshops. Visit our Rolleston shop or www.madebyme.co.nz for more information. studioone.co.nz.
Immerse your child in football fun these holidays. Programmes run from various venues and cater for 5 to 14-year-olds. Girls only sessions also. Visit www. mainlandfootball.co.nz.
Entertainment
walls. Kids must be 13-years-old to belay The lazy, hazy days of or an adult can be taught to assist younger summer are upon us, and children. Phone 03-377-3000 or visit www. there are plenty of fun, family theroxx.co.nz for more information. Mandarin language lessons Christchurch Tramway activities to keep everyone Mandarin Stars offers modern, fun and trams have returned to the streets of engaging Mandarin Chinese lessons for entertained over the longer The Christchurch. Ride the heritage trams and children aged 1 to 12-years in Christchurch. see the changing face of our city. Visit www. days and Christmas holidays. Visit www.mandarinstars.co.nz or phone welcomeaboard.co.nz. 0800-688-668. Here are a few ideas to get Discovery at Canterbury Antarctic Centre you started: Museum programmes One to three-day programmes from 19 December to 23 January for children 6 to 12-years. Details and bookings at www. iceberg.co.nz
Rock climbing
You’ve tried Clip ’N Climb; now climb on the Roxx side! Further challenge your kids in The Roxx with a variety of climbs on indoor
Children can experience the wonders of the natural world at Canterbury Museum. Open daily 9am -5pm. Admission $2 each; under 3s free. Visit www.canterburymuseum.com.
Original Scripts Theatre School.
Number one in all aspects of theatre training and performance. Classes available from six years through to adults. Enrol now for 2014, visit www.oscripts.co.nz.
Patricia Paul (A.R.A.D) School of Dance The Patricia Paul School of Dance has provided excellence in dance education in Christchurch for more than 20 years, and has venues in Cashmere, Upper Riccarton, Fendalton, Thorrington, Harewood, Rolleston, Sumner and North New Brighton. The school offers classes in classical ballet, contemporary, jazz and hip hop with tuition starting from three-years-old with preschool ballet. The school has had many students who have gone on to successful careers in dance
and theatre such as Sacha Copeland, a contemporary dancer and choreographer; Kase Craig, who is a professional dancer in the Ballet de L’Opera National de Bordeaux in France, and international singing star Hayley Westenra. The school’s goal is to educate their students mentally as well as physically and to build self-esteem and confidence. For enrolments and tickets to the school’s 2013 production of Cinderella, please phone 03-372-9191 or email info@ studioone.co.nz
Patricia Paul School of Dance
At Quake City, children of all ages can get creative rebuilding Christchurch. Photo credit: Richard Linton
endorsed visitor activity
Horse Riding Courses
Director: Patricia Paul ARAD (London) BALLET
Quality instruction on excellent horses and ponies in a safe, country environment. Suitable for complete beginners to advanced riders. 8~18 years.
JAZZ & HIP HOP
Royal Academy of Dancing Syllabus Classes 3 years to Vocational Private Coaching
Performance & Syllabus Classes N.Z.A.M.D.
Five day camps $320.00 Seven day camps $460.00
CONTEMPORARY
PIANO
Excellent facilities for Dressage, Show Jumping and Cross Country
Senior Levels
Weekend: $140.00 includes 2 nights’ accommodation, all meals, horse riding, trekking and instruction.
Private Lessons
C A S H M E R E | U P P E R R I C C A R TO N | H A R E W O O D | N. N. B R I G H TO N | F E N DA LTO N | R O L L E S TO N
Island Road, View Hill, OXFORD Phone: 03-312 4309 www.kowhai.co.nz
Ph: 03-372-9191 | Email: info@studioone.co.nz | www.studioone.co.nz
NEW! Indoor Party Venue Children’s Private
+ travel-to-you options
Kids’ menu TAKING BOOKINGS NOW! www.ponyparties.co.nz
Ph 03-329 7266 or 027-424 7768 24
www.familytimes.co.nz
cool activities
Ferrymead Heritage Park
Step back in time at Ferrymead Heritage Park with hands-on children’s activities these holidays. Visit www.ferrymead.org.nz or phone 03-384-1970 for more information.
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 Plains Railway, Ashburton
Reading Cinemas The Palms
Pioneer Village museum buildings, steam trains, vintage tractors and more. Open September - May at Maronan Road, Tinwald, Ashburton. Visit www.plainsrailway.co.nz or Facebook. Phone 03-308-9600.
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
Christchurch’s first class 8 screen cinema complex featuring wall to wall screens, Dolby Digital 3D and luxury armchair comfort. Visit www.readingcinemas.co.nz for details.
Visit Willowbank’s Big 5; the tuatara - cousin to the dinosaur, our national symbol-the kiwi, Rediscover family games time, the joy of the cheeky kea, the mighty takahe and the competition and playing together at Timezone very rare kaka. Visit www.willowbank.co.nz. Westfield Riccarton. Visit Facebook or www. Hoyts Cinemas timezonegames.co.nz. The No.1 entertainment destination in Quake City Christchurch. For session times phone 0508Experience Christchurch’s earthquake 446-321 or visit www.hoyts.co.nz. Check out attraction at 99 Cashel Street in the the great coupons in this issue. Re:START Mall. Open seven days, admission The Bush Inn Centre charges apply. Visit www.quakecity.co.nz for Always offers something new. Located at the details. corner of Riccarton and Waimairi Roads, check out its summer holidays’ entertainment. Visit Black Cat Cruises- Akaroa Do something exciting with the kids; jump on www.bushinncentre.co.nz. an Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise packed Christchurch Gondola with stunning scenery and wildlife. Phone Bring the family and experience the new-look 0800-436-574 or visit www.blackcat.co.nz. cable cars, café and time tunnel. Visit www. welcomeaboard.co.nz for details. Oxford Community Aquatic
Time Zone Games
Centre
Oxford Community Aquatic Centre opens 30 November, offering lane swimming, aquarobics and swimming lessons throughout summer. Phone 03-311-9019 for details.
Orana Wildlife Park
holiday specials The Seven Ravens
A tale of enchantment from IMAGINE Youth Theatre. Showing at the NASDA Theatre,
Clip ‘N Climb
PLAN YOUR BIRTHDAY with a real difference! Book your OWN TRAM for 2 ½ hours! Have a birthday party on a tram or a train... KIDS, OLDIES, ANYONE!
Cnr Waltham Road and Byron St Telephone 377 3000
www.clipnclimb.co.nz
Ph: 03 384-1970 • info@ferrymead.org.nz www.ferrymead.org.nz
The Seven Ravens by IMAGINE Youth Theatre A farmer with seven sons, a terrible enchantment, a girl on a quest and an incredible adventure! Professional actors work with talented children and teenagers to bring this colourful Grimm’s tale to life. Full of song, dance, action and humour, The Seven Ravens plays at NASDA Theatre at CPIT 16 – 25 January at 11am and 1 pm every day except Sunday. Tickets $9.50, bookings 03-3655227. Suitable for audiences age 4 – 14; running time 55 minutes. Parking onsite at the CPIT Barbadoes Street car park.
Devine Equine Training Centre Devine Equine Training Centre is a beautifully established facility in Templeton that offers children’s pony parties. The party includes pony rides, cart rides, fun with miniature horses, a treasure hunt and a room for party celebrations. Our farm visits for adult groups have proven very popular. They include an enjoyable cart ride, an introduction to our miniature horses and you can also learn the famous racing history of the property. Phone 03-349-5893 or 021-924-499 www. devineridingcentre.co.nz, www. claremontstud.co.nz.
Pony Parties & Farm Visits
Awesome new challenges are here for you ! Brand New Climbs All new Leap of Faith
8 Metre High Vertical Drop Slide 50 Ferrymead Park Drive
Trams make a welcome return to Christchurch tracks from November.
Become a Clip ‘N Climb FUNADDICT to receive exclusive discounts
Email : funaddicts@clipnclimb.co.nz with [I’m hooked] in the subject line
Children’s play area
Birthday parties – cart rides, pony rides, mini horse fun and treasure hunt. Farm visits – large adult groups. Contact Debbie Devine – 03-349 5893 904 Waterholes Road, Templeton E-mail: claremont.stud@ihug.co.nz www.devineridingcentre.co.nz
Devine Equine Training Centre
$10 lunch menu or $15 Grill on the Rocks Lunch Daily*
Children’s menu Special Xmas Functions Crazy Wed 2nd Main & Xmas Day HALF PRICE Menus Kids dine FREE or $15 Grill on Mon & Thurs*
* Conditions apply.
the Rocks*
Main North Rd, Northwood Supa Centre | Ph: 03-323 5420 | www.caesars.co.nz www.familytimes.co.nz
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cool activities
CPIT from 16-25 January. For bookings phone 03-365-5227.
Rumplelstiltskin
Mr Miller needs Rumplelstiltskin to come to the rescue after he gets caught telling fibs about his daughter, Mary. From 5-15 January, bookings at www.courttheatre.org.nz.
Antarctic Centre
Two children get in free with a full paying adult Canterbury resident (proof required). A unique Antarctic experience with snow, ice and penguins. Visit www.iceberg.co.nz.
Tell our advertiser you saw it in...
Clip ‘N Climb has recently unveiled an 8m high vertical drop slide (pictured). Once you have been elevated to your preferred height you simply let go and gravity provides you with the ride of your life! The slide is one of a host of exciting new changes at Clip ‘N Climb.
Race along for family fun A day at the races is a quintessential Kiwi summertime tradition and Interislander Summer Festival events provide the perfect day out for the whole family. From Boxing Day through to mid-February, 40 Interislander Summer Festival events will take place at some of New Zealand’s most picturesque racecourses and hottest holiday spots. All kids’ entertainment is free and includes the popular horse-themed More FM Kids Go Racing events and a range of under-12 activities such as pin-the-tail-on-the-horse
and the horseshoe toss. Kids also get to meet much-loved horse mascots, Hopples or Stirrup. From Ruakaka to Gore - and everywhere in between - Interislander Summer Festival brings a celebration of summer to town, providing the perfect opportunity to catch up with friends and family in a fun and relaxed environment. Family picnics, deck chairs, shorts and jandals – it’s a classic Kiwi summer’s day out! For more information about an event near you, visit www.theraces.co.nz.
Visitors can hand feed majestic giraffe at 12pm and 3pm daily. Visit oranawildlifepark.co.nz for details.
The Bush Inn Centre The Bush Inn Centre offers something for everyone. By day, our friendly retailers and easy layout make shopping a relaxing experience. Meet your friends for a coffee and sample our growing variety of lunch menus available after shopping at our unique range of businesses within the centre. At night, the Bush Inn remains a hive of activity, providing many dining options either at the centre or to take home. On Saturday nights, Bush Inn hosts
Circus Classes
to the only night market in Christchurch in the basement car park. There is always something new popping up at the Bush Inn Centre, so it pays to keep an eye on our website for current competitions especially during the school holidays - or like us on Facebook for up-to-date news and events. Make the Bush Inn Centre your destination for all things unique in shopping and dining.
80
$
Free postage within NZ
for kids ay Holid ops sh work 3-17 1 Jan 14 20
New range of quality leather school shoes. • Velcro straps • Toe protectors
w w w. 2 f e e t t a l l . c o m
For workshop and class details
Visit: www.chchcircus.com Email: circustrust@gmail.com or call: 027-436 5384
o fr
t t gh ke s Ni ar ay 0pm mSaturmd 5.3
For more information about an event near you, visit theraces.co.nz Come on in and www.familytimes.co.nz
Remember if you can’t decide why not a voucher for Christmas.
Something for everyone, everday
40 events nationwide from 26 Dec - 8 Feb
26
Speciality retail, amazing food and holiday competitions.
Corner Riccarton and Waimairi Roads bushinncentre.co.nz
Fit Families
The FUNdamentals of sustainable family physical activity I
n a special series of articles for Family Times, Jackie Cowan and Nick Draper primary school and physical activity specialists from the University of Canterbury - will highlight some activities, games and resources that can help families add more fun physical activity into their lives. First come the FUNdamentals –activities that can easily be added into your lifestyle to increase both yourselves and your children’s physical activity levels in a way that’s sustainable. Recent physical activity research tells us two important things that identify that change is not as difficult as you first might think. Firstly, little bursts of physical activity throughout the day are better than one big bout of exercise at the start or end of the day. Secondly, short, sharp physical activity bursts can be just as good for you as jogging on a treadmill for an hour. To this research evidence we can add two more anecdotal facts; firstly it is much easier to exercise when you don’t realise you are doing it. For example, going for a 40 minute run is often more daunting than going out to play a game of touch, yet both increase our physical activity levels. Then secondly, recently published data from surveys suggests that we spend as little as seven minutes a day of quality time with our children. Combining the two – fun physical activities and family time – genius! Here are a few ways to get you going: Joining in children’s games –Children have loads of energy and always seem to be on the go. When we watch them play, their games are full of short bursts of activity – a
burst to catch someone in a game of tag or a run down the wing to score a try or goal. This is really close to the type of short burst activity that the research suggests – short bursts that leave you slightly breathless as you chase your son or daughter in a game of tag, a short recovery and then go again, or chasing them as they dribble to score a goal. When playing a game, if you are fully engaged with your son or daughter, you forget about the exercise and just play. We can learn loads from children about that – exercising without thinking about it. Walking/scootering to and from school – Walking is an oldie but a goodie and similarly combines family time with exercise. Research tells us that fewer children walk to and from school for a number of reasons. It is, however, a great activity where you have time to talk to your children about their day with no television or computers as a distraction. It’s a time where you can model being physically active and can be active together. Alternatively, nowadays it is not uncommon to see parent’s scootering home on their children’s scooters after dropping them at school. Why not purchase a family collection of scooters and travel together? It’s a fast mode of transport and a little novel. If we do walk or scooter to drop off and pick up children from school, not only are we increasing quality time spent together, but we are also spreading our physical activity throughout the day, which is valuable for general health and overall wellbeing.
What’s on at Canterbury Museum this summer Kiwiana Month, celebrated in November at The Paua Shell House at Canterbury Museum, will be a fascinating experience for the whole family. Fred and Myrtle Flutey’s Paua House collection arrived on long-term loan at Canterbury Museum in July 2007, and it is an exhibition that preserves and displays this iconic collection of kiwiana in its near original state for everyone to enjoy. From 30 November to 5 January children will once again be able to enjoy the Great Santa Search. Finding them and counting them has become a tradition for many families and there is always a great prize to be won. Canterbury Museum has also announced its summer blockbuster exhibition, which will be the largest, and possibly most controversial ever held. Rise, presented in collaboration
with Oi YOU! is a celebration of street art from New Zealand and all around the world and will open on Friday 20 December just in time for the summer tourist season. Discovery is open daily and provides children with a chance to touch, see and learn about our natural world. Entry to Discovery is $2 per person and children under 3-years-old are free. Also, explore the Maori exhibits, the Victorian Christchurch Street and the Antarctic collection. Browse the museum store for Christmas gifts or relax in the café, with tree-top views of the beautiful Christchurch Botanic Gardens. General admission is free; donations are appreciated. Open every day except Christmas Day, Rolleston Avenue, phone 03366-5000, www.canterburymuseum.com.
Cycling to and from work – If we chose to cycle to and from work, while this might not seem like a whole family activity, it can have a whole family pay-off by giving us more energy and helping us to be fitter for family cycling activities during the weekends. If you live too far from work to cycle the whole way, or don’t feel fit enough yet to cycle the whole way, you could put the bike in the back of the car, drive part of the way, park up and cycle to and from work from there. If you set a goal of increasing this a bit each month, you could add greatly to your level
of physical activity. Being active throughout the day is particularly important for those of us who work in a sedentary job sitting at a desk or in meetings most of the time. This form of activity also fulfils the physical activity guidelines for adults, outlined by Sport New Zealand (in consultation with the Ministry of Health Manatu Hauroa), of 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity a day. By Jackie Cowan and Nick Draper Primary school and physical activity specialists from the University of Canterbury.
Summer of fun with YMCA The Christchurch YMCA has a range of different programmes running this summer. We have holiday programmes for all age groups with a great range of activities. All of our programmes are CYF approved so subsidies are available. We will also have holiday programmes available the week before Christmas for those who finish school early. Our incredibly popular Y-Camp will run for two weeks in January (12-18 and 1925). This always fills up fast, so be sure to book in ASAP! We will also run the sand hoppers camp from 8-11 January. We have term programmes at both the city and Bishopdale YMCAs, which will run in term 1 2014. Bishopdale
has gymnastics, basketball and dance programmes for a range of abilities and ages. The city YMCA runs archery and climbing academy programmes. For information on these sport programmes please call the city YMCA on 03-366-0689 or the Bishopdale YMCA on 03-359-8320. The city YMCA will also be home to new youth leadership term programmes in term 1, 2014. These programmes are aimed at students aged 15 to 20-yearsold who are interested in learning new leadership skills, being involved in their local communities and making new friends. For more information on the YMCA’s youth development programmes call Cass at the City YCMA on 03-366-0689.
HOLIDAY PROGRAMMES
Y-CAMP
BISHOPDALE YMCA
Come along and have some fun at the YMCA these holidays. We run programmes from 6 great locations around Christchurch. These holidays we are introducing a new performing arts programme and our other programmes are packed full of exciting activities! We have extended our hours from 9am til 5pm. All of our programmes are CYF approved and subsidies are available. For more information see our new website or contact holprog@ymcachch.org.nz, phone 366 0689
This is an action packed 7 day residential camp held in beautiful Wainui. Participants get to be involved in exciting outdoor activities designed to provide challenges and build confidence. All activities are run by a team of talented instructors. So come join them and your new friends for a week of Y-Camp fun! For more information please see our website or contact camp directly on 304 8460.
Enrol now for term basketball, gymnastics & dance classes at Bishopdale YMCA. Gymnastics is a recreational, fun programme for available for pre-schoolers - 14 years. Basketball is available for 5-16 years and is a skills based class, whilst in terms 2 & 3 we offer competition basketball for years 5-8 at school. We offer a variety of fun dance classes including hip hop / jazz for 9-14 year olds, and Irish dancing, groovy movers and cheerleading for 5-9 years. Contact us for information & timetables ph 359 8320 or email recreation@ymcachch.org.nz
www.ymcachch.org.nz | PH: 03-366 0689
Serving our community for 150 years www.familytimes.co.nz
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Catching the reading bug In the words of Dr Seuss: “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
B
ooks have the power to inform, educate and entertain, and reading should be an enjoyable experience shared with family and friends. For kids, a fun, supportive environment for learning to read is essential, and can be accomplished by providing ample opportunities to read, practice and experience the written word in a relaxed setting. Teaching children early reading skills through sharing books, storytelling, singing songs and playing games helps to develop basic knowledge and preparation for formal school instruction. It is never too early to read to children. There is a huge range of books available for babies in varying sizes and materials (fabric, cardboard, plastics) with bright colourful pictures, and babies love to hear the voice of their mother and father. It’s easy to develop a habit of regularly reading stories to your child; any time is a good time for books. Remember too, reading yourself provides a positive role model for children to encourage them to read, so even if it is just the daily newspaper or a magazine, make an effort to read around your child. Going to the local library is like a wonderland
for children, with its rows and boxes of books. Make an effort to go to the library on a regular basis, as borrowing new books keeps the excitement of reading alive at home. Let toddlers select books themselves, and spend time at the local library reading books together. Many libraries run story time sessions that are free to attend; these involve group stories, songs, rhymes and plays suitable for a range of ages. This also provides a great chance to meet up with other parents who live in the local area. Many toddlers develop an interest in certain subject areas such as trains, dinosaurs, fairies, policemen or dogs. Encourage and motivate your child to read by selecting books related to their interests. When children reach school age, make sure positive experiences continue and homework reading does not become a chore. Choose a time when your child is not too tired, hungry or distracted by their favourite television programme. Give your child lots of positive behaviour-specific praise – this helps them to recognise what they are doing well, which in turn boosts their self-confidence and fosters enjoyment in reading. Encourage your child to talk about what they have read. Asking them questions about how the characters might be feeling or what they would they do in that situation helps the child to relate the story to themselves and gain a deeper understanding. At school, children are required to be able to comprehend what they read, so practising these skills will support their learning and achievement. Reading does not have to be just for homework; there are
Tips for parents
• Search YouTube for stories with sub-
• Write words on ice-cream sticks and
• Skype a family member or friend and
• Make your own giant story book us-
titles and read along with them. read them a story.
• Listen to a CD recording of a book on the way to preschool/school.
• Read a bedtime story under the covers with a torch.
• Write a script and perform a play or song. • Bake a cake together and have the child read the recipe.
80
$
Free postage within NZ
pick some out to create a story.
ing A3 paper and cut-up cardboard boxes for the cover. Have your child decorate them. You could even use photographs and make the story about your child. Free online books can be read at www. wegivebooks.org/books.ed like royalty. Take advantage of it.
New range of quality leather school shoes. • Velcro straps • Toe protectors
lots of ways in which literacy practice can be fun and squeezed into everyday life.
By Cathy Robson, Massey University educational psychology student.
Worried about your child’s reading and spelling? If homework time is met with tantrums or tears of frustration and you are desperate to see the joy of learning back in your child’s eyes, help is at hand. Try Easyread’s simple, 15 minute daily computer lessons and see massive improvement in their abilities and confidence.
Easyread provides you with full support so you know how to reinforce their learning. Results are guaranteed or your money back. Get started now to ensure your child begins the New Year with confidence. Call 0800-777-225 or email hello@ easyread.co.nz for more information. www.easyread.co.nz.
Worried about your child’s reading and spelling?
Accelerate their reading age by up to 12 months within 7 weeks
We’re open over the holidays so you can get started now!
Guaranteed results or your money back. 0800 777 225 | hello@easyread.co.nz www.easyread.co.nz
Don’t have time for the hair salon? You can have your hair done in the comfort of your own home. Perfect for working families and busy mums!
Salon-2-you Nina 021-109 9637 www.mobilesalon.co.nz
w w w. 2 f e e t t a l l . c o m
• Ladies & gents cuts • Childs cuts • Highlighting • Full head colour • Regrowth www.familytimes.co.nz
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Family Times in the
Waimakariri
North Canterbury
Waimakariri District represents the best of both worlds; only 15 minutes drive from Christchurch, with miles of unspoiled landscape punctuated by thriving town centres.
TOP WAIMAKARIRI FAMILY ADVENTURES
A gateway to the viticultural haven of Waipara Valley vineyards, the Waimakariri District is only an hour’s drive to Hanmer Springs Thermal Resort.
• Catch all the action at the Woodford Glen Speedway
Towns The districts town centres nestled in the heart of
• Icecream from Woodend Beach Store
• Bike the Ashley Rakahuri River Trail • Learn all about Tuhaitara Coastal Park • Sailing on the MV Tuhoe • Community picnic at Matawai Park
Rangiora, Kaiapoi, Oxford and Woodend/Pegasus have personality plus with cultural and recreational offerings, including but not limited to boutique shopping, unique cafes, breath-taking art galleries and popular swimming centres.
• Waikuku Beach Sand Building Castle
Markets Farmers and craft markets offering innovative gifts,
EVENTS CALENDAR: DECEMBER - MARCH
trinkets and the freshest local produce are held every week with the world famous Royal Ohoka Market along with very popular markets in Oxford, Kaiapoi and Cust and monthly in Rangiora.
Outdoors With a district full of trail adventures thanks to
Mt Thomas, Ashley Gorge, Tutaepatu, Oxford Forest and Kaiapoi Island you will find many walking and biking trails to suit all of the family but if you are after beach fun, look no further. The costal beaches of Woodend, Pegasus and Waikuku are family magnets all year round. The lake at Pegasus is also a great playground for sailing, kayaking, and swimming or you can explore the nearby wetlands with access to beach. Dads and Mums can enjoy a round of golf at the International Golf Course in the Pegasus Township.
Kaiapoi i-SITE The knowledgable team at the Kaiapoi
i-SITE are there to help you and they also hire fishing rods and bikes. Call them on 03 327 3134 or visit our website for more information on what to do, see and events to enjoy in the district.
www.visitwaimakariri.co.nz
• Walk the Glentui Waterfall Track • Take a kid fishing on Kaiapoi Lakes
Dec 1 Dec 8
Mandeville Craft Festival Kaiapoi Carnival and Santa Parade Dec 9 Rangiora Toyota Santa Parade & Party in the Park Dec 15 Oxford Christmas Parade Dec 26 Woodford Glen Ramp Race Derby Jan 2-4 Woodford Glen NZ Champs Jan 4 Canterbury Rodeo Jan 25-26 Muscle Car Madness Feb 2 A Day in the Country Oxford Feb 6 Waitangi Day Celebration Kaiapoi Mar 1 Woodford Glen Demo Derby Mar 2 Swannanoa Country Fair Mar 9 Kaiapoi to Rangiora Fun Run Walk
EXPERT LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
and bookings throughout New Zealand
www.visitwaimakariri.co.nz
Follow us on Facebook
Visit: Kaiapoi i-SITE. 57 Charles Street Phone: 03 327 3134 Email: info@kaiapoivistorcentre.co.nz
, MUSCLE CAR MADNESS Santa s Grotto TRILLO METALS
Ashgrove School PTA presents:
FUN FAMILY SHOW 1,000’s of custom cars
Refreshments Kids Fun Zone Burnouts Live Bands
10-5pm, Sat Jan 25th and Sun Jan 26th Adults: $15, Kids $2 (Accompanied children under 15yrs free). Rangiora Showgrounds, Ashley Street, Rangiora.
www.musclecarmadness.co.nz
Grand Opening & Gala Fri 29 Nov – 4-8pm With arrival of Santa at 4pm. Enjoy a bouncy obstacle course, Wee Dram Farm - pony rides and petting area, fire engine, food: burgers, sausages, nachos, icecream and drinks. (Eftpos available).
Then 10am-8pm Sat 30 Nov & Sun 1 Dec Entry: $2pp.
Photos with Santa $10 for the first, $5 each thereafter (cash only please)
Ashgrove School, 48 Seddon Street, Rangiora
11am-4pm December 1st
Something for everyone... Affordable gifts, local food, live music & fun! Experience the colour and excitement of a country fete just minutes from the city in the Mandeville Sports Centre. Featuring a food marquee, live music, loads of parking and of course a wide range of top quality arts and crafts stalls - fresh baking, organic garden produce, plants, unique clothing, jewellery, artworks, demos, workshops, plus much more.
fUn!
for the whole family! for this seasons race dates visit www.woodfordglen.co.nz
NTA 1246A
Tired drivers leave one tell-tale sign. No skid marks. Drive Fresh.
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12/11/13 10:43 AM
Preserving native languages As the population of New Zealand grows, so too does the abundance of cultures. Immersing children in their native tongue is one way the diversity of these cultures can be preserved. Being bi-cultural in New Zealand
Christchurch mother Melissa Heyrick was born and raised in New Zealand, and moved back home from Australia in July of last year. She is learning to speak Mandarin, as her son Jacob Yang (age seven) is half Chinese/ half Kiwi, and bilingual in both English and Mandarin. His father Jeremy Yang was born in China and then raised in Australia from the age of five-years-old, and speaks English as his main language. Jacob was immersed in Mandarin naturally since birth – with Chinese classical music and children’s music playing in the background, and tape recordings of his grandmother reading children’s stories in Mandarin. “I always try to ensure he is learning Mandarin in a fun, engaging and creative way,” says Heyrick. Jacob goes to China every two years for a minimum of one month to give him the opportunity to be fully immersed in his culture, to learn more about his heritage and to speak Mandarin naturally. Heyrick says that preserving a language is more than
Is your School looking for a supplier of Drawstring Library Bags? Bag size: 375 x 500mm Contact us: bags@shirleytoylibrary.co.nz Or visit our website: www.shirleytoylibrary.co.nz and download a order form Ask for a free sample! Order before the end of Term 4 and we’ll have the bags delivered to your school before start of Term 1 2014! Shirley Toy Library is a non profit organisation and ALL Money raised is re-invested into the toy library
just speaking and understanding the language. “You need to learn the culture and you need to feel comfortable in the culture.” Wellington mother Kaye-Maree Dunn says that her whanau actively try to maintain a bilingual household as they feel it is important for her eight-year-old son Te Rangiahuta to get a good foundation in his learning of and identification with Te Reo Maori. Te Rangiahuta attended Kohanga Reo, then kindergarten, and now attends a mainstream school. Dunn says he still understands some reo but “we still need to work hard as a collective to korero Maori, not just in the home.” Her key tips are to make Te Reo fun and engaging by learning new words together, pointing out things in Te Reo, practicing a small karakia (prayer) at eating times, watching Maori TV, engaging in Kapa Haka and continuing to go to the marae, and for kids in the family to carry around a notebook and write down any Maori words they hear and use them in a sentence. She considers Te Reo “a living language,” that needs to be spoken and heard daily.
Language learning starts at home
Dame Iritana Te Rangi Tāwhiwhirangi, an advocate of Maori language education and the Kohanga Reo movement, says the Maori language is the life blood of Maori culture and therefore the native/fluent speakers are critically important in the transmission of it (and
Learn Mandarin with Mandarin Stars
Mandarin Stars offers an established and professional programme that inspires a love for learning Chinese for native and non-native Mandarin speaking children age 1 to 12-years. It’s engaging, modern, fun and creative programme is recommended by educators, trusted by parents and loved by children. All classes are immersion-based with a strong focus on developing listening and speaking skills through games, singing, dancing, drama, story time and craft. Plus, children learn more about Chinese culture! New in 2014 - bilingual play groups during the weekdays for children aged 1 to 5-years-old. Book your child a free trial today. Visit www.mandarinstars.co.nz, 0800-688-668, enrol.christchurch@ mandarinstars.co.nz.
Come and be a Mandarin Star! Fun & creative Mandarin classes for children age 1-12 years
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tikanga) to the mokopuna (young people) and their whanau (family) in order to ensure its preservation. She says that Te Reo must begin in the home if it is to be valued and appreciated by mokopuna from the very early stages of their lives. “This early embedding of it will fortify them for their educational journey and their place in both their cultural space and ultimately the wider world.”
Create opportunities to learn, and prepare your kids for the future
When Heyrick’s family moved to Christchurch, they missed the bigger Chinese community and the culture that went with it. That’s why Heyrick started up Mandarin Stars, a Mandarin language programme for
Educational and Therapeutic Resources • Stimulation • Challenge • Early learning skills • Language development • Co-ordination • Sight and hearing
OPEN Tues,Thurs 10am~4.30pm Sat 10.00am Christchurch ~Noon
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Speak Spanish Children (ages two to five) and parents courses For the whole family. Children learn though games and songs and can pronounce the language with a nativelike accent. The first class is free; discounts for siblings.
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children. She wanted to help Jacob preserve his native language and immerse him in a fun, high quality environment where he could naturally move between his two cultures and languages, and feel proud of his identity. Jacob’s parents also feel they are preparing him for a predicted “Asian Century.” Earlier this year Prime Minister John Key urged more children to learn to speak Mandarin, reflecting the future importance of New Zealand’s business relationship with China. Heyrick says they consider it a blessing that Jacob can speak two languages, and feel it helps him grow as a person who has respect, understanding and an awareness of how different people live within different cultures in the world. “We openly discuss both his New Zealand and his Chinese culture. In doing so, I hope we can help instil in him a curiosity for his two cultures, and an acceptance of cultural and linguistic differences amongst his peers and the communities in New Zealand.” By Rachel Taniwha
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(ages six to 11) in Salsa Latina, at Beckenham and Ladbrooks Schools. Courses are design to suit children’s ages and abilities. Email us for a quote to teach at your school after school hours or during lunchtime. Discounts for sixplus students.
Summer holiday Women take the next step to full potential gardening
CPIT’s Next Step Centre for Women (NSCW) helps women set their career and life goals with courses focusing on self-development, communication and employment options. The centre was established 25 years ago and has since helped thousands of women to transform their lives. “It is amazing to think of all the women who have made the decision to improve their lives and have walked through our door – from all sorts of backgrounds. Though we give them the tools, a supportive community and the space to explore options, they do the work to get where they want to go. That is the inspiring part,” NSCW director Gillian Rose says. The centre’s supportive, practical and free programmes make the NSCW very accessible. It not only changes the lives of women that come here, it changes the people around them, their families and CPIT offers more than 30 tertiary programmes their community,” former student Lynda for young school leavers and those still at school Clegg says. in years 11 to 13.
With school holidays upon us, it is a good time to catch up in the garden. What a great time of year it is with lettuce, new potatoes and strawberries all coming up for Christmas.
Summer
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broccoli and kale. Brussels sprouts, cabbage and broccoli can be attacked by aphids: an organic treatment such as soapy water, neem oil and garlic sprays are very effective. Liquid fish fertiliser sprayed on every three weeks is great as aphids are more likely to attack weak plants. Not only does it improve productivity and condition of plants, but it is also nontoxic. Continue planting lettuce varieties and radish for those barbecue nights. Come February, plant some frost-tender celery against the house and under the eaves to get a supply of celery in the colder months. Happy gardening!
ISSN
If you harvested broad beans in your garden, pull out the old stalks and it will make an ideal patch to put in leak plants. December/ January is the right time to plant leeks and this method works well: Make a hole with a stick – there is an old-fashioned planting tool called a “dibble” for this, but a stick will do just as well. Make the hole as deep as the leek plant is long, put a little fertiliser in the hole, drop the leek plant in, then put a little water in the hole but don’t fill it in. The hole will fill up as you mound the soil up while they grow to keep good white leeks. As you start harvesting your new potatoes (as soon as the plants are in full flower), have some seed potatoes ready and plant them where you have dug the new potatoes out; this gives you new potatoes for Easter. Winter is a time of year we don’t want to think about, but if you want veges during those months, January is the right time to sow seeds of carrot, beetroot, butter beans and peas. Preserve or freeze what you can’t eat fresh for winter meals later. Put in plants of silver beet, cabbage, Brussels sprout, sprouting
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Take the Next Step Getting back into the workplace isn’t mission impossible when you take the Next Step at CPIT. Our flexible courses are designed to enhance your skills and confidence and prepare you for employment. You could start with a Next Step course like Self Development for Women or Updating Skills, or follow Leisha’s example and study the Bachelor of Social Work.
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Crissi Blair lives with her family in west Auckland and spends her time reading and writing, mostly about children’s books. Crissi organised the Storylines Festival of New Zealand Children’s Writers and Illustrators for three years and publishes the useful guide New Zealand Children’s Books in Print which is updated every year. Visit www.silvertone.co.nz for more information.
TOP S READ
Junior Fiction
Picture Books Winnie-the-Pooh and the Grand Christmas Surprise
Don’t Look Now 1
By Alice Corrie Illustrated by Andrew Grey Egmont Hardback $25 This book is based on the original, with the novel device of letters in envelopes built into the pages. Pooh has a Christmas idea and soon all his friends receive rather misspelt anonymous letters inviting them to the North Pole for luncheon. This will be a special Christmas book to add to the library. Age 3 to 8-years.
By Paul Jennings Allen & Unwin Paperback $15.99 Ricky longs to be famous, and when he discovers that he can fly, he’s sure that it will be his path to fame. Unfortunately he can only fly when no-one (person or animal) is looking at him, and if anyone looks he drops to the ground. Two stories in one, with more to follow in the series. Ages 6 to 10-years.
While You Are Sleeping
Spooky House
By Melinda Szymanik Illustrated by Greg Straight Duck Creek Press Hardback $29.99 Paperback $19.99 The world is a busy place, even while you are asleep. Find out who is awake on the other side of the world, what nocturnal animals are up to, and the occupations of people who work in the dark like bakers and farmers. The illustrations create clever connections between the pages, and the poetic text is perfect for reading aloud at bedtime. Ages 2 to 8-years.
Ted
By Leila Rudge Walker Books Hardback $30 Ted is a cute little dog with a green jumper but no-one seems to notice him in the pet shop. Then one day he spies a sign: “Wanted. Furry friend for Dot. Enjoys long walks and ball games.” Could he at last have found his niche? Just perfect with sweet pencil and ink illustrations. Ages 2 to 8-years.
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Childhood trauma
Competitions, giveaways and vouchers
Helping kids bounce back
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By Stephen Axelsen Walker Books Paperback $25 This story is set in the goldfields of Australia in 1859. Young Nelly races out of school when she hears her Pa strike gold. But bushrangers pounce, steal their gold and abduct Pa. Nelly’s not one to give up though. This adventurous story is told in comic format with lots of funny details for the eagle-eyed. Ages 8 to 12-years.
KL Armstrong & MA Maar Little Brown Paperback $19.99 Matt Thorsen (13) knows his Norse myths well, as does everyone in Blackwell; descendents of either Thor, or Loki. Ragnarök (the apocalypse) is coming and Matt must find and lead the other descendants against the monsters. He’ll need a good team if he’s to change the path of destiny. Full of dramatic action with a cliff-hanger ending, ready for the next book in the Blackwell Pages trilogy. Ages 8 to 12-years.
Rooftoppers
Katherine Rundell Faber & Faber Paperback $17 Sophie was found as a baby, floating in a cello case after a shipwreck. Fostered by Charles who found her, the authorities disapprove of the bohemian way he is bringing her up and threaten to put her in an orphanage. They flee to Paris where Sophie begins her mother search in the shadowy night world. Ages 8 to 12-years.
Demon Dentist
By David Walliams HarperCollins Paperback $25 Alfie (12) hasn’t been to the dentist for years, but now the scary Miss Root has some very unpleasant treatment planned for him. There are strange toothrelated happenings in town - teeth left under pillows hoping for a reward from the tooth fairy are being replaced with gruesome things, and Alfie and his notgirlfriend Gabz are determined to find out what’s happening. Ages 9 to 13-years.
The New Zealand Wildlife Activity Book By Dave Gunson New Holland Paperback $24.99 There are lots of opportunities here for kids to get practically involved with wildlife and the environment. There are activities suitable for preschoolers and older children, such as making a flying dragonfly or a pudding for the birds, getting out and about with the species spotter or collecting seashells to make a crafty critter or necklace. Ages 6 to 10-years.
Tui: A Nest in the Bush By Meg Lipscombe Craig Potton Publishing Hardback $30 This book is an intimate view of a tui’s nest through the lens of the author’s camera. See two eggs laid there, hatched and the day-by-day development of the chicks to fledgling stage. There’s a brief text for each of the 37 days as the chicks change until final pictures of them standing independently.
The Hobbit, An Unexpected Journey: Chronicles - Art & Design By Daniel Falconer HarperCollins Hardback $59.99 This is the first of a delectable collection of luxuriously bound books about how Peter Jackson’s movies of The Hobbit were made. This volume, packed with photographs, drawings and interviews, focuses on the art and design of the first movie. Written by a Weta Workshop designer. Foldout map of Middle Earth at front. Ages 9-years to adult.
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The Nelly Gang
Loki’s Wolves
Knowledge books
Quarterly e-newsletter
2010
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By Sally Rippin Illustrated by Aki Fukuoka Hardie Grant Egmont Paperback $12 First in the Billie B Mystery series. Billie starts a Secret Mystery Club with three friends and decides that for their first mystery they should find out what’s going on in the derelict house on the corner. In Billie’s enthusiasm, she frightens her friends away, and then gets a good scare herself. Ages 6 to 10-years.
Intermediate Fiction
ba Optimum sleepave fun e kids th Maximise yourH child’s learning potential
parenting publication
Kia Kaha Christchurch
Eight-page supple ment on “the new norma l”
IN CIN EM AS
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Family Getaways
Gold rush family fun at Shantytown Step back in time and discover a recreated gold rush village. Visitors of all ages enjoy steam train rides, live sluice gun demonstrations, gold panning for real gold and watching Shantytown’s holographic show based on a real West Coast story. The Shantytown village has more than 30 shops and buildings to explore as well as an onsite café with delicious coffee, and a children’s playground equipped with a flying fox. An old-time photo fits the bill as a lovely memento of your visit. Nothing beats Shantytown Heritage Park for fantastic family holiday fun. Visit www.shantytown.co.nz to purchase your online discounted entry tickets.
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Airpark Canterbury Ltd is the only privately owned 24hr off-site airport car park in Christchurch
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Explore our mazes or relax with a fine coffee & picnic.
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• A unique experience for all visitors. • An extremely extraordinary fun-filled adventure holiday park. • Adults – you relax while the kids enjoy the ultimate farm adventure!
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Come and have great family fun at Tothill’s Mazes this summer!
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Christchurch’s only Wooden Maze!
Corn Maze opens on Boxing day
Open Sat & Sun 10am to 5.45pm. Open on week days by appointment. Open every day during school holidays. Ph Sally on 03-344 3253 or 027-470 9864 493 Shands Road,Hornby www.tothills.com
IN, WIN,
W North Canterbury’s heritage Weka Pass Railway is launching a new children’s book about the railway’s loved steam locomotive A428. The new book titled, Trouble on the Track, has a text written by well-know Amberley chidren’s author Jane Buxton and illustrated with watercolour paintings by Sefton artist Lynnley Driver. Copies can be ordered from the Weka Pass Railway’s web site www. wekapassrailway.co.nz or from the railway’s shop at Glenmark station on train running days. We have 2 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: Trouble on the track, PO Box 36 004, Christchurch, to reach us by 5 February, 2014. Check out our website for more fantastic competitions.
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NZ MODERN SCHOOL OF MUSIC
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We welcome beginners to intermediate on piano/keyboard or guitar.
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In some areas we also offer ukulele, woodwind or singing. All lessons private with the teacher. Please contact the Manager Margaret, Phone: 03-359 7500 or visit our website: www.modernschoolofmusic.org.nz
Birthdays
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Ph: 0508 FAIRY 4 U (0508 32479 4 8)
Stuart North: 021-828 453 • Richard North: 021-728 453 E-mail: northconstruction@ihug.co.nz
READING CINEMAS THE PALMS CHRISTCHURCH’S BEST VALUE MOVIE EXPERIENCE! PH: (03) 375 7080 • CNR New Brighton & Marshland RD
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Extra kids ticket just 2D $8.00 or 3D $9.50 each
ONLY VALID FOR MOVIE RATED G AND PG. NOT AVAILABLE WITH ANY OTHER PROMOTIONAL OR DISCOUNTED TICKET. ORIGINAL VOUCHER MUST BE PRESENTED AT THE BOX OFFICE. ONLY VALID AT READING CINEMAS THE PALMS FROM 05/12/13 TO 29/01/14. EXCLUDES SPECIAL EVENT SCREENINGS.
2D or 3D CHILD HOLIDAY PASS
Present this coupon at the Box Office and receive unlimited 2D tickets for $8.00 per ticket or 3D tickets for $9.50 per ticket ONLY VALID AT READING CINEMAS THE PALMS FROM 05/12/13 TO 29/01/14 Only valid for movie rated G and PG. Not available with any other promotional or discounted ticket. Original voucher must be presented at the Box Office. Excludes Special Event Screenings.
JANUARY 9
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