Family Times - Christchurch - Summer 2015

ISSN 2324-450X (Print) ISSN 2324-4518 (Online)

CHRISTCHURCH / ISSUE 80 / Summer 2015

Touring January !

See P 33 for dates and ticket giveaways

9

Open-plan classrooms

11

What you need to know about

the learning revolution.

Sizzling summer

16

BBQ recipes, camp ground

activities and more.

New Zealand's leading parenting resource

'Tis the season

18

Family Christmas events

and home-made gift ideas.

www.familytimes.co.nz

Win Win Win

Competitions, giveaways and kids’ games Win with Us on Facebook

Willowbank’s

Summer of Fun • • • • • •

Donkey Rides Lemur Encounter Tuatara Encounter Eel Feeding Guided Tours Picnic Areas

• • • • • •

Animal Feeding Great Lunches Kiwi Viewing Baby Animals Monkey Island The Rare Takahe

www.willowbank.co.nz

Willowbank

Telephone 359 6226 Email info@willowbank.co.nz

Akaroa Harbour

nature cruise Main Wharf Akaroa Just a 90 min scenic drive from Christchurch

CRUISES LYTTELTON & AKAROA

2

www.familytimes.co.nz

ADULTS

$74 kids $30

your kiwi guar antee

Swim with the

dolphins

Cruising Since 1 5 98

Main Wharf Akaroa Just a 90 min scenic drive from Christchurch

ADULTS

$155 kids $120

Call today 0800 436 574 Or book online at www.blackcat.co.nz

VOTED #1 WILDLIFE SPOTTING ACTIVITY IN NZ

Contents 6

inside this issue

4 Kids say the darndest things

14 Breast milk banks

31 Preteen corner

5 Over-praising kids

15 Too posh to push?

32 Let’s go camping

6 Parenting separated

16 Sustainable Christmas gifts

Special features

8 Talking depression with kids

25 Mums in business

26 Family dining

We’ve got a few funnies from your littlies to tickle your sense of humour.

Positivity gone too P.C backfires, experts say.

The good, the bad and the ugly of parenting alone.

How to make mental wellbeing a natural conversation.

9 Open-plan classrooms

More vulnerable babies are getting nature’s best.

Why more Kiwi women are choosing elective caesareans.

Make fun, cute and useful home-made notebooks with your kids.

Pineapple Heads founder Megan Sanders talks about being a working mum.

14

What the learning revolution means for your kids.

5

Eva-Maria talks through managing divorce/separation with preteens.

Check out these fun camping activities to keep littlies occupied.

We’ve got the top spots for a childfriendly dining experience.

29 Alps to ocean

Plan a stunning family cycling holiday from Mt Cook to Oamaru.

Kids’ Time 18 Puzzles and competitions

10 Summer safety

Everything you need for your summer first-aid kit.

11 Mexican summer BBQ salad

Quick, tasty, healthy and a hit with the kids.

12 Minding manners

The most important niceties your kids should know.

13 Desperately seeking Zzzzzzzz’s

What to do when your child won’t sleep.

Resource information 14 Help is at Hand 17 Spirit of Christmas 20 Calendar of events 22 Holiday programmes 24 Going places 31 Before & after school care 23 Entertainment 30 Top reads 31 School term dates

Touch, See & Learn

DISCOVERY

About Us Publisher Robyn Willis Design & Production Moody Shokry Advert Production Target Press Production Office Editor Vanessa O’Brien Contributing writers Craft Lisa McKenzie Food Michelle Kitney, Munch Parenting Marcia Johnson

Parenting Sadie Beckman Parenting Alexandra Constantine Pre-teen Eva-Maria Digital Manager Kate Gorman Media Executives Sonia McManus, Nicky Barnett, Olwyn Knowler, Wendy Thomson.

Office Manager Raelyn Hay Executive Assistant Jackie Pithie Reach us at:

Family Publishers (NZ) P.O. Box 36-004, Christchurch 8146.

Ph 03 355 9186 Freephone 0800 285 510 Mobile 0274 359 414 admin@familytimes.co.nz www.familytimes.co.nz Distribution: Printed and distributed quarterly approximately two weeks before each major school holiday.

41,547 are distributed through early childhood centres, primary and intermediate schools, Christchurch City Council offices, recreational facilities, libraries and service centres, selected medical and midwifery premises and McDonalds restaurants.The opinions expressed in this publication are not those of the publisher unless indicated otherwise. No part of this publication may be reprinted without the expressed written permission of the publisher. Family Times is not responsible for unsolicited material. Family Times is funded and published solely through the support of its advertisers. They support us, please support them.

Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch General admission free; donations appreciated Discovery entry: $2 for over 3 year olds. www.canterburymuseum.com

Just for Kids!

www.familytimes.co.nz

3

From the editor Kids say the

darndest things

It seems almost incongruous to be thinking about the joyful Christmas season and the challenges of parenting alone at the same time.

Just when you’re not expecting dropped her fork full down her front. Before anyone could react, Master 3 yells “What the it, kids say the funniest things! F$&@?” We all stopped in our tracks unsure of how or if we should react, to then get this We asked our Family Times response from Miss 7: “It’s okay, he said “What Facebook members what the fox.” So hard keeping a straight face!” their kids have cracked them Ina Murphy “My daughter watched me working on my up with. We’re still laughing. laptop and she got a little impatient when Here’s a snapshot: things didn’t pop up as fast as she would have liked. I explained how the machine worked.

Brookey Robertson-Cox

Y

et that’s what many New Zealand families are doing at this exact moment and that’s the reason why we’ve chosen to focus on both of these topics in our summer edition of Family Times.

Christmas can be a particular emotive time for families; whether it’s enjoying the company of visiting relatives or keenly feeling the absence of others, perhaps a parent or grandparent who has passed on. But few things are more contentious for separated parents or blended families than making care arrangements for children over Christmas and the following holidays.

In fact, making any kind of care arrangement can be a nightmare of epic proportions in some situations. So this issue we decided to talk with one of New Zealand’s top mediators and resolution specialists, Timothy McMichael.

Timothy exclusively gives Family Times readers his advice on how to manage some of the more challenging situations of family break-ups – how to communicate, what to do when one parent is not living up to their child care responsibilities, how to negotiate solutions, and most importantly, how to put your children first and protect them as much as possible.

One of the points that Timothy argues that is probably un-PC (and therefore I immediately loved it) and seldom mentioned is that kids are affected by divorce and separation, and

much more so than what society would have us think. I’ll never forget how incensed a relative of mine was after coming home from a Parenting Through Separation course and being told that divorce had no long-term effects on children. “They obviously have never met my children,” she said.

It seems to me that the Kiwi attitude of calling a spade a spade would be more useful here than a head-in-the-sand attitude – certainly for our kids. Timothy says that learning to put aside adult problems in order to get the best resolution for children in separation is one of the hardest things to accomplish – but the most important to do.

For the full story, check out our main feature on parenting alone this issue.

Then for a more festive flavour, check out our calendar of Christmas events in your area and get some ideas on home-made gifts that you can create with your kids. Plus, we’ve got a full calendar of events and entertainment, competitions, giveaways and much more.

Merry Christmas everyone!

“My eldest - then 5 - asked me if Santa was deaf. When I asked what on earth made him think that he replied, “Because he never bought me the transformer toy I asked for!”

Whoops..”

Karen Walker

“My 4-year-old nephew told me his teeth were only sharp enough for chocolate, not for carrots.”

Joe-Ann Day

That evening she went to the toilet by herself (she was 3). She was doing a number 2 and took forever. When I asked her what was taking her so long, she replied: “ Muuum, I have to download it first!”

Kelly Lopas

“My 6-year-old is often telling adults, “Listen here young man!””

Sarah Stephenson

“I got my first ever full fake tan as a trial for My daughter saw a double-decker bus for the my wedding and my 6-year-old brother asked first time and goes, “Look mum, a bunk bus!”- “is that your Halloween costume?” followed closely by “You’re not wearing that to your why not?” wedding are you?” Thanks little bro...”

Mel Halliday

My 4-year-old son found a bangle in my jewellery box and asked me to close my eyes.

“Open your eyes Mum. Will you marry me?”

I said “Yes, I’d love to!” He calls out “Sorry Dad! I’m gonna marry this girl one day!”

Jodie Cross

A few weeks ago at dinner, Miss 6 and 7 were mucking around trying to distract Master 8.

In doing so, Miss 6 missed her mouth and

Laura Neilson

“Miss 4 was making rock creations at kindy with some rocks that she found at home. She made them with a lot of effort and time. She said to one of her teachers, “These are for the old people. Here, you have one.””

If you’d like to share the funny things your child says, email editor@ familytimes.co.nz.

Recreation & Sport Centres

Learn to Swim

at your local Recreation and Sport Centre

Winner Quality Swim School of the Year 2014

State Insurance Swimming New Zealand Awards

4

www.familytimes.co.nz

Give your child a skill for life Term 1 registrations open 15 December • Call 377 7690 ccc.govt.nz

Healthy self-esteem or narcissist?

Every parent wants their child to grow into a confident and self-assured adult – but not a narcissist.

The difference may be as simple as why – and how – we praise them, according to research.

Lots of parents believe that praise is going to make kids better – more motivated, confident and inclined to tackle challenges.

In some cases that may be true: for example, studies by Garner and Hastings in 2006/2007 concluded that mothers who praise their preschoolers’ good manners have children with better social skills. But in many cases, the opposite may in fact be true.

“Telling kids how exceptional they are doesn’t produce kids with good, healthy selfesteem..”

In an effort to ensure children don’t doubt their approval, some parents may actually undermine their kids’ motivation with praise.

And motivation isn’t the only issue: A new study from The Ohio State University suggests that constant – and perhaps undue – praise for our kids’ tiniest accomplishments, or nonaccomplishments, may have the unintended side-effect of creating an over-inflated ego.

And this can have serious consequences both in childhood and later on in life.

intelligence or talent is something that people either have or don’t have. This leaves kids feeling helpless when they make mistakes.

What’s the point of trying to improve if your mistakes indicate that you lack intelligence?

Over-valuing kids and resulting narcissism is an escalating problem in Western countries.

“Research shows that narcissism is higher in Western than non-Western countries, and suggests that narcissism levels have been steadily increasing among Western youth over the past few decades,” the authors write in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The study from Ohio State University concluded that parental overvaluation was the largest predictor of a child’s narcissism over time, but interestingly, it did not predict self-esteem. In other words, telling kids how exceptional they are doesn’t produce kids with good, healthy self-esteem – it just makes them more narcissistic.

3 Be careful about praising kids for achievements that come easily If you praise kids for easy tasks, kids may conclude there is something wrong: Either you’re too dumb to realise how easy the task is, or you think the kids are dumb. Such interpretations are unlikely to occur to younger children. But as kids mature, they become more sophisticated about the social meaning of praise.

What’s the right way to praise kids?

Psychologists Jennifer Henderlong Corpus and Mark Lepper have analysed more than praise, you don’t just tell him he’s doing well.

30 years of studies on the effects of praise and determined that praise can be a powerful You give him specific feedback, and you tell motivating force if you follow these guidelines: him something about your standards. Just make sure that your standards are reasonable 1 Be sincere and specific

with your praise

Some praise is merely about making a judgment: “Good job!” Other praise provides information about what the recipient did right: “I like the way you began your essay by describing the problem and explaining why it’s important.”

The latter is called descriptive praise, and it is thought to be more helpful than general praise. When you give a child descriptive

4 Be careful about praising kids for doing what they already love to do

This doesn’t mean we can’t—or shouldn’t— praise our children for good behaviour or a job well done. We should, however, be cautious about overriding our kids’ natural sources of motivation and replacing it with praise.

5 Encourage kids to focus 2 Praise kids only for traits on mastering skills—not they have the power to on comparing themselves change to others

and not unrealistic.

When we praise kids for their ability, kids become more cautious. They avoid challenges. It’s as if they are afraid to do anything that might make them fail and lose your high appraisal.

Kids might also get the message that

There are two problems with this: Firstly, social-comparison praise is only motivating as long as kids continue to finish first. Secondly, social-comparison praise teaches kids that competitive standing, not mastery, is the goal.

COME MEET SANTA Santa is taking a break from the workshop to come and hear some last minute Christmas wishes at westfield riccarton.

10am – 4pm daily until 24 December Until 7pm on late nights

WESTFIELD.CO.NZ/RICCARTON www.familytimes.co.nz

5

feature story

The challenges of parenting separated can thrive, even when Mum and Dad have Parenting alone may be an separated, or about to separate, the children almost common reality for will be okay.” many people in New Zealand Keep grown-up problems today, but that doesn’t mean between grown-ups One of the hardest – but most important – it’s easy.

T

he fact is, even a destructive relationship has some benefits. You may not miss the drama or the arguments, but you’ll almost certainly miss an extra pair of hands to look after the house and the kids. It’s not easy to wake the children and pile them into the car for a late-night supermarket trip when you realise you don’t have anything for school lunches the next day.

But even more significant than the challenges of everyday practicalities is the underlying emotional current that can ignite a seemingly miniscule problem into a monster of behemoth proportions. Every challenge that you face can seemingly be linked to the failure of the relationship and the subsequent situation you find yourself in, and that charged emotion can have a real effect on kids.

Children are affected by separation more than many parents realise, says Timothy McMichael who heads the family dispute resolution service provided by Family Works Northern.

“When parents separate, children suffer, although they might not show it outwardly.

Separation is a stressful time for the whole family and, no matter how young they are, children see, hear and sense everything.”

However, separation doesn’t have to be as difficult as some parents might imagine, he adds. “If both separated parents are committed to ensuring their children really

6

www.familytimes.co.nz

things to do, according to Timothy, is to not talk about grown-up issues in front of your children.

“Children hear and see everything. Unless they are specially told that adult decisions are not about them, children are likely to assume they are the cause of their parents’ problems, and unless this misinterpretation of facts is promptly addressed by parents, the misinterpretation can quickly become catastrophic. Do reassure your children that it’s not their fault that you are separating and make sure the information you convey is age-appropriate.”

That includes not putting your former partner down or speaking negatively about them. The fact is, your child’s other parent - father or mother - may be a deadbeat, lying, cheating scumbag. But they are still your child’s parent, and your child loves them unconditionally.

That doesn’t mean that you have to defend their behaviour or pretend that everything is okay with the situation. Your child will work out the other parent’s flaws for themselves eventually, especially if they keep cancelling or changing visits. However, if you are the one to constantly point out their faults, you won’t come off well in the long-run. Additionally, your child shouldn’t have to shoulder your issues, and enormous emotional damage can be caused that way. McMichael says that in the worst cases, some parents go a step further and try to poison the child’s

feature story relationship with the other parent and purposely turn them against them.

“Sadly when parents separate, no matter how much they try to keep their adult-to-adult feelings separate from their responsibilities as parents, sometimes this is really difficult.

A good example, and seen all too often, is where parents engage - consciously or unconsciously - in what is called “parental alienation.” This means sometimes parents comment negatively about the other or cast them in a bad light. Sometimes parents force their children to take sides.

“Comments about one parent not really loving the child, or being a bad parent, are a common type of parental alienation. More subtle examples of parental alienation may include one parent deliberately setting up an agreement to fail and causing a child upset or distress, and then being seen to rescue that child by the parent “who won’t let anyone down.””

Keeping communication open

Even a hardened hostage negotiator would struggle to mediate with the tangled emotions of some relationship breakdowns. And few things are as emotive as deciding care arrangements for children.

“It’s surprising how many disputes are not about practicalities, but where communication between partners has become the stumbling block. Care arrangements are not that difficult – it’s the anxiety about the contact itself that can sometimes be the problem,” McMichael said.

At such times, McMichael says, it’s easy for children to fall between the cracks.

“It doesn’t take a major fault or high level of abuse for children to be harmed. All it takes is parents who can’t manage the conflicts they already have. The kids feel the effects when they are overlooked or there’s a lack of attention to their needs.”

When you really have to parent alone

Both parents want to take an active role in the care of their children in a perfect world. But many parents’ experience is quite different.

Often one parent ends up shouldering the burden while the other fails to take responsibility, both practically and financially.

In these cases, Timothy says that it’s not possible to make up for the absence of a parent, and the best advice is to not overcompensate. “Many parents think they need to make things “better” by offering trips, gifts or other treats. Whether this is done with the best of intentions - or sometimes to make one parent appear better in the eyes of the child - in reality, what’s really needed is for business to be as normal as possible at a time of change. Children will be able to adapt far more quickly, and with greater ease, if other aspects of their lives remain as unchanged as possible.”

Just as difficult is the scenario in which your child eventually does go for a parental visit and returns home distressed.

“Listen to whatever the child has to say without offering an opinion as to the conduct of the absent parent,” McMichael said. “If your relationship with the absent parent is healthy, arrange to talk with that parent using open language, talking about “our” child rather than “my” child, and “our” roles as parents, rather than “my” role as the Mum or Dad.” In each case, McMichael says that mediation is the best option for trying to negotiate a solution that is in the best interests of the children, and the costly (and stressful) option of going through the court system should be a last resort.

“Firstly, mediation really does put the parents and the children at the centre of the family justice process. Rather than having lawyers,

or ultimately a judge make decision, with the help of a skilled Family Court mediator, separated parents are able to make decisions not just about the needs for today, but develop skills for being able to make decisions about tomorrow without necessarily the help of a family court mediator. The very best

family mediators provide Mums and Dads with solutions not only for today, but with enhanced communication skills and with the capacity to be able to talk about future needs of their children without recourse to the Family Court.

“Secondly, it’s significantly cheaper.”

What to do when separating

Parents separating is a stressful time for all involved. Family Works Northern has some tips to help navigate the difficult first weeks and months: 1 Reassure your children that you love them, and demonstrate it often by paying attention to their needs.

2 Try to keep life as normal as possible.

Routines help create a sense of security, especially for young children.

3 Reassure your children that it’s not their fault that you are separating.

4 Agree on when and how you will communicate any changes to your children. Make sure the information you convey is age-appropriate. How you explain to a 6-year-old will be very different from what you discuss with a teenager.

5 Model healthy ways to resolve conflict, solve problems and express emotions.

6 Plan some fun times with the family – it’s a great way to reduce stress.

7 Be kind to yourself and your children.

Everyone is hurting in this situation.

8 Come to terms with your own emotional responses to your separation, and don’t take out your pain on the kids. Seek help from other adults if you need support.

9 Avoid making your child your confidante, or speaking negatively

about your partner.

10 Make sure you know what your children want and give them some choice when it comes to the details of day-to-day care, again within ageappropriate limits. A young child should never have to decide between two people they love.

What not to do when separating 1 Don’t act in an abusive, manipulative or controlling manner.

2 Don’t overlook or neglect your children’s needs because you’re preoccupied with your own concerns.

3 Don’t overcompensate for the separation with gifts or rewards. They want you, not your stuff.

4 Don’t take out your own emotional pain and anxiety on the children.

5 Don’t avoid communicating clearly with your former partner/spouse.

6 Don’t speak negatively about your partner or the other household in front of the children.

7 Don’t force your children to “take sides.”

8 Don’t expect your child to act as a gobetween or tell you about life in the other household.

9 Don’t treat your children like chattels.

10 Don’t refuse to take time to explain in appropriate ways what’s going on.

Plus FR 19th EE Gif t Betw – 24th wrapp in een 11amDecem g fro ber! m – 3p m daily .

There was a time when dinosaurs walked Aotearoa… and we’ve got the footprints to prove it!

FREE

Santa Photos!

Snap a selfie at the ex upload hibition and to with #d social media and be inosinchch in t dinosau o win cool r LEGO !

Image courtesy of GNS Science

19th - 24th December, 11am - 3pm Daily

14 Nov - 6 Dec 2015 Fendalton Library Free entry, gold coin koha welcome

christchurchcitylibraries.com

VISIT AVONHEAD SHOPPING CENTRE

to have your FREE* Santa photo taken by award-winning Tandem Photography.

Brought to you by:

*One FREE 6x4 photo per family For Terms and Conditions please go to facebook.com/AvonheadShoppingCentre

www.familytimes.co.nz

7

How to talk to your kids about depression Parents are often preoccupied in the door and seems down, say “hey, it looks like you’ve had a rough day.” If they don’t want with concern about their to talk then, that’s fine, but at least you’ve children’s physical well-being. given them permission to come back to it.”

We worry if they are active Connecting with your kids enough, if they eat good food. “Be somebody that your kids would be able to talk to. Think of all the attributes of the But how often do we think people you confide in – usually they are nonabout their mental well-being? judgemental and have the ability to just be

W

e should consider our mental health in the same way we think about physical health. So how do we help steer our kids towards a healthy state of mind, and how do we know if they are okay?

“We should consider our mental health in the same way we think about physical health.”

How to ask your child if they’re okay

“It’s about taking notice,” says Anna Mowat, family advisor for the All Right? campaign, a Healthy Christchurch initiative led by the Canterbury District Health Board and the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand, which promotes mental health awareness and wellbeing.

“The hardest thing for parents is we are so busy and preoccupied. Often we are dealing with our own parent stuff. If your child walks

8

www.familytimes.co.nz

there,” Anna says.

“Don’t necessarily give advice; just listen. Don’t try to fix it. Often as parents we do want to fix it because when they hurt, we hurt.”

Sometimes parents aren’t the right people to talk to their kids. For example, Anna says she plays a very different role to her nieces than their mum does.

“Have those people be available as well. It doesn’t mean you’re not doing a good job as a parent. It means you are doing a great job by creating a community for your child.”

“Be somebody that your kids would be able to talk to.”

Be a role model

Adults get sad too – how we display and discuss our emotions helps kids learn how to handle their own feelings. There are days when even adults will stomp in the door, which is okay, but have a conversation about it afterwards.

Anna says children are never too young to

begin learning the language to express their emotions.

“As adults we are the greatest role models for our kids. Even with very young children you can say “Look, I know it’s a bit frustrating or disappointing.” Know those feelings and describe them.”

The five ways to wellbeing

could give your time or donations. A child may simply give a flower or a cool stone they found.

4 Learn – keep learning, stay curious.

Children are always curious!

5 Be active – every day.

Seeking further help

Parents know their kids well. Anna says to International research has shown that the five seek professional help if there is real concern. ways to wellbeing can make a real difference to Your family GP is a great place to start. “It’s the way we feel, even when times are tough. ok to be sad, frustrated or anxious. These are 1 Connect with others – have friends natural realms. It’s just not okay to get stuck that you talk and chat to. there.”

If you are finding it hard to cope and need 2 Take notice – look at the small things; support you can also ring the Canterbury the bird in the tree or a beautiful sunset.

Support Line for advice on 0800-777-846.

3 Give – giving makes us feel good. You

The must-knows of collaborative education Open-plan spaces, collaborative teaching models, child-driven learning: an entire education revolution wrapped up in jargon.

B

ut what does New Zealand’s push towards a new education model mean for your child? Family Times asks CORE Education Ltd senior consultant Mark Osborne to shed some light.

Why is there a push toward open-plan classrooms?

We use research into the most effective ways to teach and learn, but what’s happened is that 60 per cent of the buildings we have in New Zealand schools are more than 40-years-old, so they were designed for a very different education paradigm with a teacher up the front controlling the learning.

And that doesn’t match up with the research that we now have about kids needing to be in control of their learning. So a lot of people are looking very hard at their teaching and learning spaces up and down the country and asking whether they’ve got the right buildings or the right sort of physical environment for the kind of learning environment that they want to create.

Are there academic benefits to open plan classrooms?

There’s certainly research that shows that schools that have changed their spaces and their teaching and learning have experienced significant gains in achievement for kids.

Alongside black-and-white achievement data - test scores - there’s a bunch of research that suggests a lot of key competencies, interpersonal things – pro-social behaviour etc - that come with a more collaborative learning environment.

What does it mean for traditional teaching?

If a teacher is on their own in the classroom, how do they become a better teacher? One of the big shifts that is happening in learning environments is about creating teams of teachers who engage in shared problem solving together and improve each other’s skills. So it is about the quality of teaching.

What about the child-teacher connection?

You’re talking about attachment theory, and it’s particularly important for kids who

haven’t had strong attachment figures in their lives before coming to school. It’s really important for those kids to have a strong single attachment to an adult. So what a lot of schools do is to try to preserve the advantages of having a collaborative space but have a nest group – a small group, say 10-15 – and a teacher particularly responsibility for those kids. The pastoral care has to be really carefully wrapped around those kids.

Relive precious family moments with Brother Are all your favourite family photos and memories stuck on your smart device? Proving that Brother is “At Your Side” in more ways than one, its colour inkjet all-in-one prints photos straight from your phone or tablet using its iPrint&Scan app and NFC technology – no computer needed! Use these innovative features on a range of Brother printers to create a stunning photo wall, or play with A3 and A4 printing to immortalise kids’ artwork. Discover more at www.atyourside. co.nz. Family Times have one Brother MFCJ4620DW colour inkjet printer to give away, worth $249.95. To enter, visit www.familytimes.co.nz. Competition closes 31 January 2016.

win win win

“The onus is on the school to be ready for the child, not the child for the school.”

How long has the model been working in New Zealand?

In the 1970s and 80s there was a move toward collaborative spaces. But from the mid 1990s on there was a renewed interest, right up to what we’re seeing today.

Won’t shy kids struggle with this model?

I’d ask those questions of the school because I’d want to hear what the school is going to do to ensure that my kid doesn’t get lost.

The onus is on the school to be ready for the child, not the child for the school. The interesting thing is, if we talk about new entrants, is that most early childhood centres operate as modern learning environments, and that’s actually really important for minimising the disruption of that transition.

Should parents be concerned about the changes?

The changes that have taken place in society in those 20 to 30-years since parents were in a new entrants’ class are quite profound. It’s about helping parents to see that if they saw something today similar to their education experience, they should be quite concerned for their child because even just technology – the access that we have to information – those are significant changes that have impacted on learning.

So this is really fast-paced change, and it’s understandable if parents struggle to keep up with it. But it’s beholden on the school to ensure that they help them understand what’s going on and why it’s happening.

We’ve got education covered Our latest articles include Reengaging Kids in Maths and The Cost of a Free Education. Just search the titles at www.familytimes.co.nz.

www.familytimes.co.nz

9

The essential summer first aid kit Ahhh, summer. Along with long sun-drenched days and outdoor adventures come cuts, bruises, bug bites and sunburns.

A

store-bought first aid kit is a great start, but they typically lack many items that Dr Mum and Dr Dad will need over the lazy, hazy days of summer.

Here’s our shopping list for summer first aid safety:

1 Store-bought kit This should have different kinds of gauze, tape, band-aids and antibiotic ointment and steroid ointment. Find a large kit with plenty of space to add extras.

severe allergic reactions, ask your GP for a prescription for EpiPen or its equivalent.

5 Numbing spray Great for burns, sunburn, or painful cuts and scrapes – can be purchased over-the-counter at the pharmacy.

6 Prescription medications Ask your physician for an extra prescription for any medication you or a family member uses regularly and keep the extra supply in your car first-aid kit. It’s a great back-up if you’re caught short out and about.

7 Pain relief Keep Ibuprofen and Paracetamol on hand at all times. The liquid version is ideal for kids.

8 Anti-nausea medication

Don’t leave home without some great 2 Water bottle anti-nausea medication. Whether you are The first step when your child comes to travelling by car, boat, train or plane, there’s you with a boo boo is to clean the wound. If nothing worse than a long journey with vomityou’re away camping or out in the car, a water covered clothing. bottle is a must. It’s also perfect for treating 9 Sunblock dehydration.

Enough said. The worst sunburns occur when 3 Antihistamines you least expect it – at sports events or while Antihistamines are great for seasonal allergies playing in the back yard. Make sure that you and treatment of insect bites, hives and other have at least 30+ sun block in addition to allergic reactions. Make sure you have a childyour other sun-smart coverings. Include some specific antihistamine to ensure the correct SPF lip balm too. dosage.

4 EpiPen or alternative If you have a family member with a history of

10 Bug spray

The best protection against mosquitoes and the like comes from a repellent that contains

30% DEET. Insect bites are annoying at best, but at worst they get scratched and infected, so the best defence is prior protection.

11 Hydrocortisone cream This is a relatively inexpensive, over-thecounter medication that will treat almost anything that itches – insect bites, poison ivy etc.

If you stop the itch, the kids won’t scratch and you reduce the risk of secondary infection.

12 Premade finger splint Not sure if that finger is broken or not? Just put it in a pre-made finger splint until you get your child to the doctor. You can buy premade finger splints at any pharmacy.

13 Alcohol wipes It’s a good idea to use these to sterilise any first aid instruments before you use them, such as tweezers and scissors. They are also useful for cleaning skin before trying to remove splinters.

14 A bottle of Gatorade Very useful for hypoglycemia, dehydration, etc. Also useful as an occasional bribe for an over-tired, hungry child.

Read more health articles online ADHD – is the answer in our food?

Clinical psychologist Dr Julie Rucklidge says the answers to ADHD may be in our food, after studying research about the relationship between nutrients and mental illness.

Let’s learn

When you want to succeed, it makes all the difference if you’re enjoying yourself. At Marley Perkins, our colourful, inspiring programmes encourage kids aged 5 to 14-years to fully engage with maths, reading and writing. Our qualified teachers and carefully structured lessons ensure that students explore the concepts expected at school, and more.

Whether your child needs to catch up, gain confidence or develop advanced skills, we can help. Contact us at www. marleyperkins.co.nz or 03-351-3000.

Smile with confidence

Expert tutors Years 0–9, ages 5–14

351-3000

marleyperkins.co.nz

Christchurch Orthodontics pride themselves on providing excellence in service and innovation.

They utilise the best current orthodontic techniques and materials including clear braces and Invisalign options, digital photos and x-rays, and a 3D intra-oral scanner.

They offer free wifi access, iPad, magazines, puzzles, TV and even PSP and Xbox games during visits.

Christchurch Orthodontics was one of the first practices in New Zealand to introduce Suresmile®. This allows the orthodontist to create customised, robotic-pre-bent orthodontic wires. This lends itself to more accurate treatment results in a shorter time.

The ability to take full-mouth intra-oral scans reduces the need for impressions and allows them to work in partnership with the likes of Suresmile® and Invisalign (a clear aligner alternative to braces) to offer technologically advanced orthodontic treatment options.

All new patients go away with customcreated booklets that include photos, x-rays and detailed information of the various orthodontic options available to them.

The team is very excited to now have Dr

Christine (Chrissy) Bailey working alongside Dr Russell Lovatt. This allows them to offer a full Monday-Friday service at their Christchurch practice, while growing their North Canterbury practice based at Rangiora Dental Centre. This expansion also means they can offer many more new patient consultations and increased flexibility in appointments, with a choice of female or male experienced orthodontists to meet more needs.

Christchurch born and bred, Chrissy has extensive experience in orthodontics.

After graduating from the University of Otago in 2003, she received a doctorate in orthodontics from the University of Melbourne. She worked in private practice as well as the dental hospital in Melbourne, where she also taught.

With all these ongoing advancements and new technologies in orthodontics, the team at Christchurch Orthodontics have not lost sight of their main priority, which is creating smiles that inspire confidence.

Christchurch Orthodontics welcomes your inquiry on 03-962-0334, or visit www. chchortho.co.nz for more information.

New Orthodontist for Chch Christchurch Orthodontics are proud Pegasus Health’s Partnership Community Workers work in collaboration with general practices with the goal of ensuring identified target populations, specifically Maori, Pacific, and low income people in Canterbury are accessing the primary health care that they need. They are based in community locations. PCWS focus on assisting people to enrol with a general practice, or who are enrolled but are not attending health care visits as often as they need to.

For more information visit www.pegasus.org.nz Contacts: Joy Olson 022 657 3258 or Melissa McCreanor P: 021 868-491 or 353-9924

10

www.familytimes.co.nz

PCWs...

> Assist people to attend appointments > Support people with other needs that impact on their health > Help people navigate and link with the supports and resources they need > Provide cultural support and interpreter services

Dr Christine Bailey

to welcome Orthodontist Dr Christine Bailey to the practice. Chrissy, is excited to be back in her home town, and invites your inquiry.

Providing treatment options for all ages including Invisalign clear aligners and clear braces to fit your individual needs and desired results.

Our vision is to provide excellence in both orthodontic treatment and service Branch practice in Rangiora.

Christchurch Orthodontics Ltd Dr Russell Lovatt & Dr Christine Bailey 157 Fendalton Road, Christchurch Ph: 962 0334 Email: info@chchortho.co.nz

Quick vegetable and salad fixes for family BBQs It such a simple pleasure to Lime, corn, black bean and tomato salad dine alfresco, even if New marinade: Zealand’s inclement weather Dressing/vegetable  3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil doesn’t always oblige.  1/3 cup freshly squeezed lime juice

S

o when an unexpected pocket of lovely weather arrives, we often have to throw together a family barbecue at short notice.

That’s why it’s handy to have some familyfavourite, go-to salad and vegetable recipes that work well with a barbecue.

Chargrilled vegetables and a quick black bean, corn and tomato salad are both easy to pull together at the last minute.

Most vegetables take less than 10 minutes to cook on a barbecue, and corn, capsicums, asparagus, eggplant and mushrooms are definite favourites. Most vegetables cook better and are less likely to stick if they are brushed lightly with cooking oil. For extra flavour, sprinkle grilled vegetables with your favourite seasonings, fresh herbs or lemon zest.

If you want to be adventurous, then marinade your vegetables for at least half-an-hour before you grill them. The dressing below makes a great vegetable marinade. Or you could simply baste the vegetables with a marinade as they cook.

A great accompaniment to steak and sausages is black bean, corn and tomato salad; a zingy, colourful, tasty option.

Hopefully your little ones will enjoy this salad as much as you do. Most kids seem to like corn, and you can tell them that the beans are just like baked beans. If your kids don’t like tomatoes, you could either leave them out or chop them to a size that’s easy to fish out.

 1.5 tablespoons red wine vinegar  2 tsp garlic, finely minced  1.5 teaspoons salt  1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Salad:  1 can black beans  2 cups of corn kernels  250 g cherry tomatoes  ½ cup of chopped coriander (optional) Combine all the dressing ingredients in a small jar with a tightly fitted lid. Shake thoroughly until the ingredients are completely combined.

Set aside. This could be prepared ahead.

Drain and rinse the black beans, then transfer to a large bowl.

“Most vegetables take less than 10 minutes to cook on a barbecue...”

If you have fresh, young corn, you could simply add uncooked corn kernels. If your corn is more mature, or if you are using frozen corn then you might like to cook the corn before adding it to the salad. Add the corn to a small pot of boiling water for 3

to 5-minutes, drain and refresh under cold water to stop the cooking process. Add to the beans when cool.

Chop the tomatoes into small pieces, depending on your preference. Add to the beans and corn. You could use normal tomatoes, but you would need to remove the seeds before you chop them up.

Pour about half the dressing onto the salad mixture and gently mix all ingredients with a large spoon until well combined. You can use the rest of the dressing on your chargrilled vegetables.

If you have time, refrigerate before serving to allow the flavours to blend.

By Michelle Kitney, Munch Images: Michelle Kitney, Munch

Check out more Munch recipes Visit www.familytimes.co.nz and search our food section for delicious and healthy food ideas.

Kings Swim School Did you know that seven out of 10 Kiwi kids cannot swim? We are an island nation and learning to swim should be considered an essential life skill for all New Zealanders.

Learning to swim at SwimKings is for 3-month-old babies through to adults. Class sizes are small to enable more swimming time and individual tuition. Lessons are by ability rather than age.

All lessons at SwimKings are taught by highly-trained and accomplished swimming teachers. The teaching methods we use have been continuously fine-tuned since our owners - Todd Mason and Pam BerryMason - transferred from the world of

international competitive swim coaching and educational management to further develop their swim school.

Swimkings has a progressive swimming model called “Swimolution” that allows your child to move to the next level as soon as they have attained the required criteria.

Swimkings swimming classes run continuously throughout the year, and a holiday programme runs throughout each block of the school holidays.

Before you or your child becomes a SwimKings member, they require a 5 to 10-minute swim assessment to ensure they begin swimming at the correct level.

KINGS SWIM SCHOOL

Swimming is a skill for life!

• • • • •

Servicing Christchurch families for 21 years Owned and operated by Olympic Swim Coach Todd Mason Babies to Adults Our lessons run all year Start anytime, no need to wait until the beginning of a new term • New reduced class sizes** “the school in the pool”

109 main sth rd, sockburn, christchurch ph: 03 341 7579 www.swimkings.co.nz www.facebook/swimkings www.familytimes.co.nz

11

Minding manners – are your kids rude?

Seventy-five per cent of parents say that kids today are ruder than previous generations, according to one author’s survey.

N

ot as many kids today would give up their seat on public transport, resist the urge to queue jump or refer to their friends’ parents as Mr or Mrs (surname).

But while parents are bemoaning the loss of etiquette, Alex J. Packer, Ph.D and author of the book How Rude! The Teen Guide to Good Manners, Proper Behaviour, and Not Grossing People Out, says that kids mirror what they see at home and learn from the world around them.

“A lot of parents would rather be their child’s friend than their parent,” he says. “So kids get mixed messages and etiquette instruction falls by the wayside.”

Yet manners still top the list of the most important lessons that children need to assimilate, according to another recent survey.

Some forms of etiquette may seem antiquated

outside of British gentry, such as ladies crossing ankles not knees. But there are still plenty of manners that will help your littlies grow up into polite ladies and gents that you would be proud of.

The list of manners and common courtesies can run into the hundreds, so we’ve handpicked just a few important ones to get your kids started:

“Kids get mixed messages and etiquette instruction falls by the wayside.”

1 Wait your turn and don’t interrupt

No one can be heard if there are too many voices at once. Gently tell your child to wait until someone is done speaking, and then to ask their question.

12

www.familytimes.co.nz

It shows respect and appreciation. In addition, if they are thanked, teach them to say “You’re welcome.”

don’t let the door slam in the face of those behind, but hold the door until the person behind can grab it.

5 Clean up after yourself.

Whether they’re at home or at a friend’s house, they should always pick up after themselves.

9 Exiting/entering etiquette.

6 Good sportsmanship.

Even if it’s in “fun,” name calling hurts.

the children and ensures the programme meets the learning interests of all tamariki.

We believe our small group sizes really promote the children’s wellbeing. It also allows the teachers to develop stronger relationships with the children and to develop authentic partnerships with families/whanau based on relationships that foster honest communication, trust and respect.

Call Jo or Kathryn today on 03-322-8727 or come and visit us at 31 Halswell Junction Road.

Depending on your level of formality, you can teach your child to shake hands with adults who come over, but that it’s not necessary to shake hands with other children. But, your child should always say “hello” or “hi” when someone visits so that the guest feels welcome.

4 Say, “please” and “thankyou” often.

2 No name calling.

Experience the difference at Halswell Preschool At Halswell Preschool, we see the role of the teacher as someone who actively plays with the children; a person who expands children’s thinking skills and genuinely engages with each child. With this support from kaiako, the children are able to develop the ability to learn for themselves.

With 18 children per day in the over twos area and just eight in the under twos, our conscious decision to keep group sizes small allows teachers to have more one-on-one time with

3 Always greet guests

After playing a game (sports, cards, board game,) no matter the outcome, be pleasant. If your child wins, tell them to not gloat or show off, but be kind. If they lose, don’t sulk or get mad, but be a good sport and tell the other child(ren) “good game.”

7 Take compliments courteously.

If someone praises your children, teach them to be gracious and say, “thank you,” and avoid putting themselves down or pointing out flaws.

8 Opening doors for others.

When going into buildings, allow elders to go first and open the door for them.

When preceding others into a building,

Elevators: allow those in the elevator to exit first before entering the elevator. Same with buildings or rooms - if someone is exiting the building or room through the same door you are entering, let them exit first.

10 Respect differences.

When people do things differently from your family because of diversity in culture, race, or religion, then teach your child respect.

11 Don’t intentionally embarrass people

This includes pointing at people, staring, asking intrusive personal questions and prying.

We’ve got parenting covered For more, search parenting under our feature articles tab online at www.familytimes.co.nz.

When your child won’t sleep...

Ahh, sleep. That tantalisingly elusive, wondrous anomaly that parents value above all things.

I

t doesn’t even cost a cent. Yet the demands of life - and in particular those beloved sleep-robbers we call children - means we never seem to get enough.

Sleep is so important to a child’s developing brain, but children put much less value on getting their 40 winks than their poor, sleepdeprived parents. How can we help our kids drift off peacefully to the land of nod? Figuring out the reason your child is struggling is the first step to finding a solution.

Is bed time the right time?

Children should have a regular bed time and a routine that helps them settle. This might include a warm drink, a bath, or reading a book. If your child is lying awake in bed for a long time after lights out, their bed time could be too late or too early. Children who stay up too late might reach the over-tired phase where they just can’t drift off, then becoming grumpy and unreasonable. On the other hand, putting your child to bed too early will make them feel frustrated as they lie in bed, not yet ready to sleep. Try to recognise your child’s tired signs and adjust bed time accordingly. Re-evaluate bed time every so often and adapt as your child grows older.

“Children put much less value on getting their 40 winks than their poor, sleep-deprived parents.”

Turn off technology Experts recommend turning off technology at least an hour before bedtime to help our brains settle and relax in preparation for sleep. This applies to both the young and old! Make technology-free time part of your child’s bedtime routine. Avoiding scary TV shows, movies and books right before bed will also help deter nightmares.

Get comfy If your child is comfortable, they will be much more likely to stay asleep through the night. Ensure bedding, bed clothes and room temperature is not too hot or cold.

Make sure there is room in the bed for your child! Too many pillows and soft toys can get in the way of a good night’s sleep. Don’t sleep with a pet either - smooching and snuggling from a furry friend could be waking your child.

Sleep in a dark, comfortable room. Light tells

School holiday childcare with Busy Bumbles Busy Bumbles is an award-winning Oscar programme that prides itself on offering a stimulating, quality programme for children aged 4 to 15-years in the Selwyn area. Great feedback from parents includes -“Just to let you know that we were going to take time off for the holidays, but Alex requested that he come to Busy Bumbles instead. Goes to show how good your staff is!” Check out Busy Bumbles website for more information: www.busybumbles.co.nz.

the body that it’s time to be awake, so you want to avoid it at night. If your child is really afraid of the dark try a dim night light.

Read more online Taking play seriously Consider it a child’s work. Because it’s in times of wild imagination, creativity and fun that kids can learn the most.

Search the title online at www. familytimes.co.nz.

Subscribe to our e-newsletter www.familytimes.co.nz

Nova Montessori Nova Montessori Children’s House (ages 3 to 6-years) and primary school (ages 6 to 12-years) actively promote wellbeing and positive learning outcomes for all children.

The classrooms are designed and prepared beautifully to promote children’s interests and understandings in all areas of the curriculum as they focus joyfully on their learning.

The prepared environments, Montessori curriculum and trained and qualified teachers support children’s physical, emotional and intellectual needs between the ages of 3-6, 6-9 and 9-12.

The Montessori approach to life and

learning includes: • Personal freedom incorporating personal responsibility.

• The active participation of children in their own learning.

• Learning that reflects the realisation of each person’s potential.

• An integration of social awareness and moral development.

• A strong awareness of the relationship between humanity and earth systems.

Parents are kept well-informed about their children’s learning and have the opportunity to partake in regular parent meetings.

Bed time fears We can all remember the terror of experiencing a scary dream as a kid. While childhood nightmares are common, there are things you can do to minimise the frequency. A bedroom should feel relaxing and peaceful. See what is visible from your child’s bed. Remove anything they find frightening. Children have vivid imaginations; even a perfectly ordinary doll or teddy could seem scary when the lights go out. Surround the sleep environment with things that make your child feel happy and relaxed. This could be family photos, posters or a mobile. Encourage them to think of happy things before lights-out.

www.familytimes.co.nz

13

support services

Breast milk sharing grows in New Zealand Breast milk sharing is slowly increasing in popularity, according to a survey done by a Christchurch donor breast milk bank.

H

owever, the survey also revealed that while most women were happy to share their breast milk if they had enough to spare, many were less keen to accept the breast milk of another for their own babies.

The topic of breastfeeding always seems to spark controversy, whether it’s breastfeeding in public or shaming mums who opt to bottle feed. However, what has been established is that there is a need for breast milk sharing for vulnerable kiwi infants.

Breast milk sharing has experienced a revival since the opening of Christchurch Hospital Neo Natal Breast Milk Bank in 2014. Prior to the opening, many ICU babies received formula feeding via syringe. Now, with plenty of donated breastmilk available, ICU babies can be fed nutrient-rich breast milk when they are not able to receive it from their mothers.

There is plenty of documentation of wet nursing and cross nursing throughout history; it was common in Ancient Greek civilisations and in Renaissance times being a wet nurse was a very well paid position, with wealthy women opting for wet nurses over nursing their babies themselves so as to not interrupt

their social lives or ruin their figures.

These days, breast milk sharing is less of an occupation and more altruistic. For many, the decision to donate breast milk is the result of oversupply and a desire to help those in need.

Those seeking breast milk do so for varying reasons and circumstances, from low supply to adoption.

“What has been established is that there is a need for breast milk sharing for vulnerable kiwi infants.”

Sharing breast milk is gaining popularity. Since the opening of the Christchurch Hospital Breast-milk Bank, more informal communities like humanmilk4humanbabies and Mothers Milk NZ Charitable trust have been formed, putting those in need of breastmilk in touch with mothers who have some to spare.

Mostly the communities communicate via Facebook pages where mothers in need can post a request and mothers with excess can offer their milk.

It is important for mothers to be aware of not only the benefits, but also the risks involved

0800 568 856 Available from 9am-11pm 7 days a week

We listen!

For all parenting issues from those everyday situations to the most serious issue of child abuse.

Professional and skilled Telephone Support Workers are there to help you and offer:

   

A listening ear Immediate support Practical strategies Referral to other services in your area

E-mail: parenthelp@xtra.co.nz www.parenthelp.org.nz

14

www.familytimes.co.nz

Read more online: search the title at www.familytimes.co.nz.

Tuesdays ‘till 6.30pm by Sometimes you need some appointment. information or an answer to 336 Cashel Street, P O Help is @ hand Box 4237, Christchurch. a curly question. Why not Phone: 03-379 0012 pick up the phone and call the relative support agency? Christchurch You’ll find professional caring Resettlement Services. people ready to assist you.

Free social services for people from refugee

Angel Fund Wahine Putea

Parent Helpline

with ad-hoc groups. While the groups may intend the best outcome for babies, the rigorous testing of breast milk required by hospitals cannot be enforced. While all milk for babies in hospital breast milk banks is screened and pasteurised, it is up to those participating in private breastmilk sharing arrangements to ensure the safety of the milk. Requesting blood tests from donors is recommended as is requesting full disclosure of dietary and lifestyle habits that may affect breastmilk.

If you would like to find out more about breastmilk sharing in New Zealand visit: Human Milk for Human Babies NZ www. facebook.com/hm4hbnz Piropiro Aotearoa www.facebook.com/ milksharingnz These sites help connect donors and recipients and give guidelines and advice about best practice with milk sharing.

By Alexandra Constantine Related article that you may be interested in It’s time to wean However you look at it, weaning is a new and different stage of your relationship with your baby.

A Women’s Savings and Loan Fund.

Don’t let money hold you back. Save with the Angel Fund and build a nest egg.

Wanting to step ahead in small business, education or training? No interest loans to $500 available to women on low incomes. Text or phone 022 412 6435, email angelfund@gmail.com

Catholic Social Services

Parenting and family support programmes open to all, free of charge.

Usual office hours with late night on

and migrant backgrounds. Interpreters are provided. Phone: 03-335 0311

Sudden Infant Death Support

Phone: 0800 164 455 www.sids.org.nz

New Zealand Speak Easy Association Inc.

Canterbury has a stuttering support group. We meet at the University Speech Disorders Unit every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at 7.30pm. For more information phone Barry Hay on 03-981 8593. New Zealand Speak Easy Association Inc, PO Box 16554, Hornby, Christchurch.

First Learners First Learners childcare centres, located in Rangiora, Mairehau and Shirley, are privately owned and managed by a qualified early childhood teacher who is passionate about providing the very best in child education and care for children aged 0 to 6-years. The centres provide a free play environment alongside structured play, which is planned around the individual child’s areas of interest, including a four-year-old extension programme. All the centres offer spacious and well-equipped indoor and outdoor play environments with low child-to-staff ratios and qualified and experienced staff..

baby & toddler

Too posh to push?

Caesarean births are on the rise in New Zealand, now accounting for about a quarter of all births.

S

ome of these are emergency procedures, but increasingly women are booking to have elective caesareans prior to their due dates in order to avoid natural labour.

Ministry of Health statistics report an increase in elective caesarean sections in the last decade, while the number of emergency caesareans has remained steady. Elective procedures have been glamorised in the media with celebrities such as Victoria Beckham who famously delivered her children by elective caesarean, sparking the phrase “too posh to push.”

But why are more New Zealand women opting to take the “easy way out?”

Obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Richard Dover from Oxford Women’s Health says increasing maternal age is a factor.

“Some women are in their 30s and only plan to have one or two children, so they want to do everything they can to maximise safety for the baby. If you don’t have a labour, then you can’t have a problem in your labour.”

Other women opt for an elective procedure because of a previous traumatic birth experience.

“We see a number of people who have had such a horrific experience with their first pregnancy – they’ve had awful tears or bleeding, and have found the whole process quite disturbing. I think for those people, to make them go through a further natural delivery is quite inhumane.”

Some first-time mothers are frightened of natural delivery because of horror stories they’ve heard about stitches, tears and “downstairs damage.”

Others enjoy the convenience of being able to plan their baby’s arrival around work and travel commitments, and making arrangements for extra support like a relative coming to stay.

Then there are the women who say they just want one, thank you very much.

“There are genuinely some people who can’t be bothered with the whole thing. I think it is true that there is a group of those people.

They’re a small group,” said Dr Dover.

Caesarean sections account for about 20-30% of births in New Zealand, similar to rates in Australia and the UK said Dr Dover. He believes elective caesareans reduce the risk of still birth and are the safest option for delivery.

“You’re going to bypass the whole labour business so that’s got to take some risk out.

Some people would argue you might transfer some of that risk from the baby to the mother, because she’s having a surgical procedure.

“Women usually feel a sense of accomplishment and empowerment following a natural birth.”

There is some validity in that statement.”

Conversely, proponents of natural labour argue that the body is best equipped to give birth naturally. Women usually feel a sense of accomplishment and empowerment following a natural birth. Hospital stays are shorter and recovery times quicker. Mothers can breastfeed immediately and enjoy skin-toskin bonding time with their infant. Babies born naturally are less likely to suffer certain respiratory problems following the birth, and are less likely to develop asthma, food allergies, and lactose intolerance later in life. This may be due to being exposed to beneficial bacteria in the birth canal.

Dr Dover said the topic was complex but ultimately he believed in supporting

women’s choice.

“There is certainly a perception that caesarean section is the way of the devil.

There are an awful lot of people who view natural delivery as the gold standard and if you’ve not had that, you’ve sort of failed,” he said. “I think you should be doing what’s best and safest and there’s certainly a healthy debate about that. The whole thing is about the woman leaving hospital with a smile on her face and a healthy baby in her arms.

That’s the big outcome. How you achieve that, I view as a secondary outcome.”

More baby and toddler reading: The challenge of multiple births – twice the fun or double the trouble?

Search the title @ www.familytimes.co.nz.

Pre-implantation genetic screening (PGS) now available at Fertility Associates Christchurch Fertility Associates Christchurch is pleased to introduce a more affordable service for people experiencing recurrent miscarriages and implantation failure, says Fertility Associates Christchurch medical director Dr Sarah Wakeman. “Until now, embryos were sent to Australia and the US for screening at considerable cost.”

“By partnering with locally-based Canterbury Health Laboratories, we can provide world-leading genetic screening at a much more affordable rate for our patients.”

What is pre-implantation genetic screening (PGS)?

PGS offers a powerful way to select embryos during an IVF cycle, with a normal

number of chromosomes and therefore a better chance of progressing to a successful pregnancy.

Who can benefit from PGS? • Women who have experienced recurrent miscarriages, or • Have had implantation failure during IVF or • For women aged over 38-years, as there is an increased risk of miscarriage.

For more information on PGS call Fertility Associates’ Christchurch clinic on 03-375-4000 or visit www. fertilityassociates.co.nz.

Fertility Associates also offer free nurse consultations for all your fertility questions.

Lindisfarne nursery school

Lindisfarne is an independent nursery school, founded in 1987.

The teachers provide a programme that promotes independent thinking, social competence and skill development. The aim is to have happy, settled children who enjoy an environment that fosters a love of learning, a respect for all people, and a sense of confidence and self-worth.

Lindisfarne encourages you to visit the nursery school and collect a full information booklet. The teachers will be delighted to meet you and your child, and welcome you to Lindisfarne.

Further information is available at www. lindisfarnenursery.school.nz.

Fertility Associates Christchurch This November we are proudly celebrating “When young bears go to bed, a few SleepDrops before the story is read”

25 years of making beautiful babies

Fo r a Fr e e n u r s e c o n s u lt, v i s i t o u r w e b s i t e o r ph o n e u s

fertilityassociates.co.nz | 0800 684 596

Always read the label and take as directed.

CALL NOW to talk to our Naturopaths about helping your child get a great nights sleep and receive a free information booklet.

0800 345 999

www.sleepdrops.co.nz www.familytimes.co.nz

15

Sustainable gift giving Sustainable living becomes more attractive when we develop an awareness of the environmental impact that our excessive waste causes. But it’s not just about good conscience – sustainable living (and giving) can be a lot of fun too, especially when it comes to making Christmas gifts.

Creating and giving sustainable gifts is a joyful thing to consider, particularly at this time of year. And spending time with your children making sustainable gifts has many benefits: As you spend quality time with your littlies

HOME-MADE NOTEBOOKS Another great idea is personalised, cute and useful, home-made notebooks.

Equipment required Scrapbook paper, A4 white paper, paper cutter or scissors, sewing machine and thread, decorations such as washi tape and stickers, glue stick.

Fold your scrapbook paper in half.

you are nurturing your relationship, teaching new skills, passing on your beliefs through role-modelling, and making sweet memories together.

You are also showing your children the value that a created gift can bring to both the person giving the gift, and to the one receiving it.

Certainly a gift can be thoughtfully chosen for a friend or a relative, but you cannot purchase the time, love and energy that go into personally making a gift for someone special to you.

Boxes, packaging, bags and bank balances – Christmas is fun, but it can be expensive and taxing on the environment.

The practical advantages of sustainable gift giving are also worth noting. The convenience of having items on hand, the reduction in waste from packaging and plastic bags, and the savings you can make financially all are wonderful benefits.

Ideas for gifts that you can make with your children are readily available on the internet, and a quick Google search will bring up thousands of options with full instructions.

Here are a few of our favourite sustainable gift ideas: ✔ Garden markers ✔ DIY crayons ✔ Chalk paint ✔ Salt dough paperweights ✔ Decorative pen jars ✔ Hand-printed kitchen towels.

By Lisa McKenzie

Measure your white paper against the scrapbook paper and decide the size it needs to be. It will sit inside the scrapbook paper, and needs to have an allowance of approximately 2mm from the edge of the scrapbook paper.

Cut several sheets of white paper to size.

Talk to the ‘Good Sports’ for your family fun this Summer...

Fold the pieces of white paper in half and rest in the middle of the scrapbook paper cover. Sew a line down the centre of the paper, joining it to the cover.

Personalise the cover with decorations of your choice. Washi tape is very versatile and comes in many different styles.

Other things you could use include stamps, stickers, sticky-backed jewels, die-cut pictures, and personally drawn pictures and lettering.

0508 588 522

‘Jack’ up your loan today!

APPLYE ONLIN 16

www.familytimes.co.nz

Final product!

www.stadiumf inance.co.nz

Spirit of Christmas It’s that time of year to deck more. From 5 – 8pm, West Eyreton Domain.

Visit www.facebook.com/West-Eyrethe halls and get into all the ton-School-Christmas-Twilight-Fetewonderful festivities that the 2015-210396419141197/?ref=hl.

Christmas season has to offer. 5 December City Chorus of Sweet Looking for some Christmas Christchurch Adelines. Christmas is in the air with an afternoon performance by Christchurch activities and events? Here Chorus of Sweet Adelines. At Nutpoint are a few in your area to get City Centre, 2-5pm, cost $25. Phone 03-342-1033 you started: for ticketing information.

5 December November 16 – Kaiapoi Carnival and Santa Parade. A December 24 relaxed carnival with free entertainment, Kmart Wishing Tree. Place a gift under the Wishing Tree at your local Kmart store. The Salvation Army distributes them, together making a difference to 68,000 kids. Visit www.kmart.co.nz.

27 November 6 December

Ashgrove School Santa’s Grotto. A true Christmas experience complete with nativity and an interactive play zone while you wait for your photo to be taken. At the A&P Showgrounds, Ashley Street, Rangiora. Cost $3 per person.

roving clowns, community group stalls and market stalls. Santa Parade starts at 1pm.

From 9am – 3pm. Kaiapoi Town Centre, Williams Street, Kaiapoi.

6 December

Christchurch Santa Parade. Celebrities, spectacular floats, marching girls, music and of course Santa! Starts 2pm sharp at the corner of Wharenui and Riccarton Roads.

Visit www.christchurchsantaparade.co.nz.

12 December

Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park. This is one of the happiest and most magical, musical extravaganzas on the Kiwi Christmas calendar! Hagley Park North, Christchurch.

Visit www.coke.co.nz for more details.

New Brighton Christmas Parade. New Brighton Seaside Market’s annual Christmas parade and concert is a fantastic day of Christmas fun and entertainment, great stalls and delicious food. Meet Santa as he arrives by boat on New Brighton Beach at 10.15am. Visit www.facebook.com/ events/946008158798358/.

29 November

12 December

Christmas Encraftment Market. Join thousands of others in shopping for quality, local, handmade items while sampling delicious food and refreshments. From 11am – 4pm, The Foundry, 90 Ilam Road. Christchurch. Visit www.encraftmentmarket.com.

12 December

28 November

Carols in the Square. Join us for a free family event, live music, bouncy castles, face painting and carol singing! From 4-7pm in Cathedral Square, BYO picnic or purchase from on-site food vendors.

Lincoln Christmas Parade and Market.

3 December Enjoy the market, bands, Santa’s grotto, Handel’s Messiah. No Christmas season is complete until Christchurch City Choir presents buskers’ competition, clowns, parade and a “dress up your bike” competition. From 9am its annual performance of Handel’s great oratorio, Messiah. Isaac Theatre Royal, 7.30pm, – 1pm, 12 Gerald Street, Lincoln. Visit www. visit www.citychoir.co.nz for ticket information. facebook.com/lincoln.christmas.parade.

13 December

4 December

West Eyreton School Twilight Christmas Fete. A variety of stalls including jewellery, plants, gifts, books, toys, tasty treats and

science

SHOP

quality educational toys

games and puzzles

Rangiora Toyota Santa Parade. The parade starts at 2pm, then Party in the Park from 12noon - 6pm: live bands, pony rides,

Mini elves and angels support the Kmart Wishing Tree appeal. face painting, stalls, food, bouncy castles and much more! Visit www.rangiorapromotions. co.nz.

15-24 December

The Christmas Grotto. Create great Christmas memories! Visit The Christmas Grotto where you will journey through a series of Christmas-themed displays: a funfilled experience for all ages. At 244 Lyttelton Street. Family passes available. Visit www. christmasgrotto.org.nz for details.

20 December

Oxford Christmas Parade and Picnic Enjoy the parade of floats from the Oxford Town Hall to the A&P Showgrounds where

there is more fun to be enjoyed. Bring a picnic lunch, sit back and enjoy. Main Street parade at 12.30pm.

24 December

Sefton Christmas Harvest Market. Dig your own new potatoes and pick your own peas fresh for Christmas dinner. Forty-plus stallholders. From 9am - 1pm, Grown, 818 Marshmans Road, Sefton. Gold coin donation.

24 December YMCA Carols by Candlelight. A fun way to enjoy the magic of Christmas Eve. Bring along your picnic and chairs and enjoy a wonderful evening of carol singing. Visit www.ymcachch.org.nz.

i me t r e m Su m i n g c l ub Reado pukapuka

r K or e aāo Ra umat i w a te

Keep track of how many minutes you read each day and be in to win!

Prizes include iPads, books, pool passes and movie vouchers!*

science kits

Science Shop • 46 Coleridge Street • Sydenham Mon-Fri 8.30 am to 4.30 pm. Offstreet parking available. p • 353 4572 e • retail@sciencealive.co.nz online shop • sciencealive.co.nz/scienceshop

Awesome gifts • Real science • Great fun!

Summertime Reading Club runs from 18 December 2015 - 18 January 2016.

Ask library staff for a special Challenge Card or visit christchurchcitylibraries.com * Open to all Christchurch City Libraries members aged between 0-16 years www.familytimes.co.nz

17

kids' time Welcome to Kids’ Time at Family Times. Enjoy the fun activities and competitions. For competitions, enter online by visiting www.familytimes.co.nz and click on the competitions link.

KI DS ' S POT THE DI FFERENCE THE G OOD DI NOSAU R Can you spot

10

differences?

Looking for some rainy day activities for your children?

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

DESIG N COM PE TI TION This edition, we want to know if you can handle the jandal. Design and colour for us your perfect pair of summer jandals, send us your picture and be in to win an amazing $50 prize pack from Crayola!

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

Create your design on an A5 sheet or download the template and entry form from www.familytimes.co.nz. Post in to PO Box 36 004, Christchurch 8146. Entries close 31 January 2016.

Congratulations to our competition winners from our last issue.

They are:

IN CINEMAS DECEMBER 31

18

www.familytimes.co.nz

0 to 4-years: Liam Opthoog “Liam told me it gets hot in spring. He’s wearing shorts and a t-shirt in his picture. There is a buzzy fly, flower and happy face on the rainbow.”

CONNEC T THE DOTS

IN CINEMAS DECEMBER 31

The Good Dinosaur

To celebrate the upcoming release of Disney•Pixar’s The Good Dinosaur on 31 December, Walt Disney Studios have 5 x prize packs to give away.

Each prize pack contains the following items: A double pass to Disney•Pixar’s The Good Dinosaur valid from 31 December 2015 at any participating cinema; a watch; bookmark; notebook and sticker set.

Enter online at www.familytimes. co.nz. Competition closes 14 December 2015.

SodaStream giveaway!

5 to 8 -years: Jesse Easterbrook “In spring, I love to hear the birds tweeting in the sky. I also like the smell of sweet flowers and baby animals like lambs.”

9 to 12-years: Alyssa Bartlett “I have drawn the nature of spring with a blossom tree and spring flowers in my backyard.”

SodaStream has released a refreshingly fruity range that’s 100% natural and makes for a delicious (and better-for-you) sparkling drink!

The new SodaStream Waters Fruits range is naturally sweetened and contains all natural colours and flavours. Simply add to sparkling water made with your SodaStream machine, and you’ll have turned plain tap water into a delightfully fruity sparkling drink. To celebrate we have a SodaStream Play machine in yellow and a full range of the new Waters Fruit range to give away valued at $180. To enter, visit www.familytimes.co.nz. Competition closes 31 January 2016.

Hi-5 tickets!

Family Times has two family passes of four tickets to the Hi-5 House of Dreams Show on Tuesday 26 and Wednesday 27 January at the Isaac Theatre Royal, Christchurch, to give away.

Hi-5 House of Dreams is a whimsical trip into a fantasy adventure where you can catch your favourite Hi-5 songs.

To enter, visit www.familytimes.co.nz.

Competition closes 9 December 2016.

Bud-e Reading

Bud-e Reading is a ground-breaking new programme developed in New Zealand, designed to motivate beginner readers and build their confidence as they take those precious first steps in their literacy journey. Bud-e prepares children for school and makes learning to read fun, inspiring and rewarding.

Family Times have two prize packs to give away each valued at $275. Pack contains 1 x Bud-e Starter Kit and 3 x JillE book titles.

To enter visit www.familytimes.co.nz.

Competition closes 31 January 2016.

www.familytimes.co.nz

19

cool activities

Calendar of Events Mall, 10am-2pm. Visit www.facebook.com/ Finally – the premiere season Events NBCommunityMarket. for fun family events is upon 21 November - 23 January Every Saturday us. So check out these great Mary Poppins. Mary Poppins brings her Lincoln Farmers’ and Craft Market. trusty umbrella to The Court Theatre stage. family entertainment ideas as Genuine farmers' and craft market selling Suitable for ages 7-plus. At 7.30pm, price $39 locally grown fruit/veggies, artisan baking and you soak up those summer - $69, The Court Theatre, Addington. Visit hand-crafted gifts. On green beside Hillyers courttheatre.org.nz. days, and for more event and Café, Gerald Street, Lincoln. From 10amentertainment ideas, visit www. 1pm. Visit www.facebook.com/lincolnmarket. 22 November - 4 April Cheapskates Skate Skool Skate Jams. familytimes.co.nz and enjoy our Every Saturday Over the summer, Cheapskates Skate Skool Kaiapoi Farmers’ Market.

Kaiapoi Farmers’ large, family-friendly resource. Market has fresh vegetables, fruit, freewill run a series of family events offering

Markets

Every Saturday

Christchurch Farmers’ Market.

Christchurch’s premiere farmers’ market set in the stunning grounds of Riccarton House and Bush, 16 Kahu Road, Christchurch, from 9am – 1pm. Visit www. christchurchfarmersmarket.co.nz.

Every Saturday

Lyttleton Farmers’ Market. A fun and vibrant market focused on local produce.

London Street, Lyttleton, from 10am – 1pm.

Visit www.lyttelton.net.nz.

Every Saturday

Arts Central Craft and Food Market. A new arts/craft and ethnic food market, 100 Peterborough Street, 10am-4pm. Visit www. facebook.com/artscentralchristchurch.

Every Saturday

New Brighton Seaside Market.

Come down to the seaside and enjoy live entertainment and great stalls. New Brighton

20

www.familytimes.co.nz

range eggs and crafts on offer. At Morgan Williams Reserve, 9am-12pm. Visit www. kaiapoifarmersmarket.co.nz.

free gear hire, a chance to learn trick tips, barbecues, giveaways and competitions. Visit wwww.skateskool.co.nz.

Every Sunday

29 November

Opawa Farmers’ Market. The best selection of local produce in Christchurch. At 275 Fifield Terrace, 9am-12pm. Visit www. facebook.com/pages/OpawaSt-MartinsFarmers-Market.

House of Travel triathlon. This event truly has something for everyone. For kids there are separate events for ages 5-years to 14-years.

Pegasus. Visit www.triathlonfestival.co.nz.

Every Sunday

Crusaders Charity 20/20 Cricket Match.

Come on down and watch the Crusaders take on the invitational team featuring past Crusaders in a 20/20 cricket battle! From 11am – 3pm, Christchurch Boys’ High School.

Downtown Farmers Market. A new and dynamic weekend farmers’ market established in central Christchurch at The Commons, 70 Kilmore Street, 9.30am2.30pm. Visit www.facebook.com/ downtownfarmersmarketnz.

1st Sunday of every month

Shabby Chic Market Day. Stalls of vintage items, books, toys, bric a brac. Devonshire Teas, sweet sounds, bubbles and much more.

From 11am – 3pm, The Rochester Villa, 21 Connal Street, Woolston.

6 December

10 December

Oxford Big Night Out. Experience the 8th annual Big Night Out in Oxford. Shops, cafes and bars will be open until late and Santa will stroll the streets. Enjoy markets, street entertainment, children’s face painting and more. From 6pm. Free entry.

Let’s go fly a kite – get into the fun at New Brighton’s Streets’ Kite Day.

The Music Fairy

Is there a birthday coming up at your house? Are you in a bit of a panic about how to entertain a houseful of 5-yearolds? The Music Fairy can come and solve all your problems with a 1-hour show including singing, dancing, musical games, fairy dust and even some face-painting.

Bookings can be made at www.musicfairy. co.nz or phone The Music Fairy (Nicky) on 0508 FAIRY 4 U.

cool activities 12 December - 17 April

Spectrum Street Art Festival. Seven exhibition spaces, 10 big-city centre walls, 15 of the world’s best street artists: Spectrum promises to take street art in Christchurch to the next level. Visit www.streetart.co.nz.

18-19 December

Southern Ballet Theatre presents Cinderella. Come for the Christmas Gala Season and 40th anniversary. A spectacular production of ballet, contemporary and jazz dance. Isaac Theatre Royal, 7pm 18 December; 2pm and 7pm 19 December.

Bookings www.ticketek.co.nz

17 January

Wings and Wheels open day. Lots of free kids’ entertainment, more than 600 historic vehicles and planes, market stalls, live music and more. Taieri Airfield, Dukes Road, Mosgiel. Visit https://www.facebook.com/ events/1682789098606496/.

9 - 16 January

School, $8 per person, children under 3 free, family concession $25. Saturday and Sunday 11am and 2pm; Monday to Friday at 6.30pm.

Brighton Beach on Streets’ Kite Day. From 1 – 4pm, New Brighton Beach, Marine Parade, New Brighton.

14 – 24 January

30 January

World Buskers’ Festival. One of the biggest and best street performance festivals on earth returns to Christchurch for its 23rd year. Juggling, comedy, stunts and fringe-style shows. Visit www.worldbuskersfestival.com.

20 - 30 January

Badjelly the Witch. Tim and Rose are looking for Lucy the Cow in the big, black forest when 13 February Sparks in the Park. Movie themes they are captured by Badjelly the Witch. At the Court Theatre, Addington, 1pm. Cost $10. from Harry Potter to the Godfather will reverberate around North Hagley Park Visit www.courttheatre.org.nz. at this year’s Sparks. Bring a picnic, family and friends. From 6 – 10pm, pre–show 23 January Little River A&P Show. The Banks Peninsula entertainment from 6:30pm. Hagley Park A&P Show at Awa-iti domain in Little River is North. Visit www.summertimes.co.nz. the highlight of the year for many. Gates open at 8am. Adults: $10, children under 12 free.

Visit: www.littlerivershow.org.nz.

30 January

101 Dalmatians. Enjoy this wonderful outdoor production at Merrin Primary

Streets’ Kite Day. Spectacular kites of all varieties will again flutter and soar over New

Air Force Museum

Let the Air Force Museum take care of your child’s next birthday party! With three fully-hosted options to choose from, there is something that every child will love.

With the “Trent” party, kids have the option to get dressed up as aviators and climb aboard a real aircraft for an imaginary flight and parachute jump. The “Pearce” party adds the option of grenade-throwing (water balloons) and exploring the museum on a scavenger hunt, while the “Checketts”

Canterbury Children’s Theatre To celebrate the re-opening of the Malthouse, we are staging a very special show, Aladdin, opening 30 January. Cushion Theatre is back at last and Canterbury Children’s Theatre would love to see you there – weekends 11am and 1pm and don’t forget your cushion!

party gives children the experience of stepping back in time to experience a World War Two bombing raid in the Pacific!

All parties include dressing up in flight suits, making dog tags, learning how to march and goodie bags for each child.

Both catered and non-catered options are available. Charges apply. Visit our website: www.airforcemuseum.co.nz or contact the public programmes team on 03-343-9504.

Christchurch Circus Charitable Trust

The Christchurch Circus Charitable Trust has run circus workshops and classes for more than 10 years. Kids learn trapeze, acrobatics, balancing on equipment and different kinds of juggling. Circus is physically versatile and builds dexterity, strength, fitness and balance. Circus training promotes social and cooperative skills with children often helping each other with their new found expertise. It fosters life skills such as perseverance. Most importantly, circus is fun. For more information, check out www.chchcircus.com or call 027-436-5384.

There’s plenty to keep everyone entertained at the Wings and Wheels open day.

www.historicmotoring.co.nz

S S L L E E E E H H W && W

Y SS A G G N D N I I W W N E P O l

ie g s o

, M 4pm d a Ro m -

es16 10a k u , D 20

ld uary e fi n i Air h Ja

r t Taineday 17

talls s S e t n e Pla • Mark ts More S U t L o les P tainmen ides & L c i FREE h 6 e r r R V e e er ic nd nt ren u stor E kids e elicopt i d l i H h 0 ,C &H FRE r 60 $5 ) $25 n e -16 Ove Music • d • Plane r 6 d l i n re Ch o e Child ts, 2 l • • Liv ious fo u 0 d 1 A ts $ lic ily (2 Adul • De Fam

Su

www.familytimes.co.nz

21

cool activities

Holiday programmes Looking for something fun, Antarctic Centre educational or adventurous for Fun holiday programme for children 5 to 12-years, from 11-22 January. Limited spaces. your kids during these school Details and bookings at www.iceberg.co.nz. holidays? Check out some of Phone 03-357-0519. the great programmes available Kings Swim School in the following listings: Learn to swim with the experts at Kings Swim School: book now for school holiday SHARP Trust programmes and enjoy new, reduced class SHARP Trust provides quality, low cost, fun, Christian programmes for children aged 5 to 14-years. Enrol now at www.sharp.org.nz or phone 03-338-0673.

HeavenLea Touch Craft Studio

Providing interactive, fun and quality art and craft workshops for all ages.

Children’s school holiday programme: • Art course- 18 – 21 January, 10am 12.30pm • Craft workshops– 12 – 15 January Bookings essential. Email heavenleatouchcrafts@xtra.co.nz. Visit www. heavenlea-touch.weebly.com.

Original Scripts Theatre School

Drama workshop 13/15 January, 62 Ferry Road, for ages 6 to 9-years and 10 to 15-years.

Acting, voice, movement and devising. $130.

Limited spaces. Phone 021-213-8504.

sizes. Phone 03-341-7579 or visit www. swimkings.co.nz.

Mainland Football

Have a ball… join in one of Mainland Football’s action-packed holiday programmes for some outdoor or indoor fun.

School holiday child care

Busy Bumbles is an award-winning Oscar programme and prides itself in offering a stimulating, quality programme for children.

Canterbury Swim School

Holiday programmes available for all ages, weekdays from 11-29 January. Classes 30 to 60-minutes depending on ability, prices $70-$90.

Details at www.canterburyswimschool.co.nz.

Olympia Gymnastic Sports Olympia’s qualified coaches deliver a skillbased programme and much more in a fun, safe and engaging environment. Visit www. olympia.org.nz.

Southern Ballet summer school

Ballet, jazz and contemporary for dancers from level 3 to advanced. International and Southern Ballet tutors. For details and enrolment visit www.southernballet.co.nz. Phone 03-379-7219, email southernballet@xtra.co.nz.

Play Football

See New Zealand’s only gorillas at Orana Wildlife Park.

CASPA

our three popular Oscar, WINZ and MSDapproved programmes, visit www.yat.org.nz or phone 03-388-1001.

CASPA offers a holiday programme experience that your five to 14-year-olds will enjoy; our programmes are designed to be fun and educational. For peace of mind, call CASPA on 03-349-9260.

Portfolio Modelling

M*A*S*H

Various programmes around Christchurch, Timaru/Temuka and North Canterbury.

WINZ subsidy available. “The best fun your kids can have.” Phone 0800-420-520, admin@ mashkids.co.nz, www.mashkids.co.nz.

Youth Alive Trust

With an emphasis on confidence, Portfolio Modelling workshops also cover presentation, makeup/skincare, photo shoot, deportment and more! Call now to make a booking.

Canterbury Swim School Casual swimming available in two state-ofthe-art pools - 25m and 10m. Weekdays during January. For prices and hours visit www.canterburyswimschool.co.nz.

New Brighton-based holiday programmes for ages 5 to 17-years. For more information on

Christmas at Canterbury Museum From early December to 10 January 2016, Canterbury Museum will bring to life the magic of the festive season in A Victorian Christmas at Canterbury Museum.

The much-loved Christchurch Heritage Street will be adorned with festive decorations and a decorated tree will set the scene in the museum foyer.

The Great Museum Santa Search is on again this year. Santas will hide all over the museum and children are invited to enter the competition to find them. The winner

will receive a fabulous prize from the museum store.

Christmas entertainment will take place from 19 December, including Victorian music and carols from The Plainsmen, as well as a daily appearance by a very special guest.

A Victorian Christmas at Canterbury Museum - including The Great Museum Santa Search 7 December 2015 - 10 January 2016 (specific activity dates online at www. canterburymuseum.com.

Do you want a Fun, Safe and Caring environment for your child?

Before School

After School

School Holidays

Enrol Now

these holidays.

Every day from 9am to 3pm. Outdoor and indoor locations available. Online registration.

FOR MORE INFO VISIT

mainlandfootball.co.nz 22

www.familytimes.co.nz

TEXT YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO 027 239 7690 FOR MORE INFO

ENROLMENTS OPEN NOW, SPACES AVAILABLE IN ALL PROGRAMMES

CYF’S ACCREDITED

Ph: 354 2906

LOTS OF FUN ACTIVITIES AND GREAT LEARNING EXPERIENCES MSD APPROVED

LOCATIONS AROUND CHRISTCHURCH AND RANGIORA WINZ SUBSIDIES AVAILABLE

www.kidsbase.co.nz

cool activities

Entertainment Summer is here, and it’s a great time to get out and explore the plethora of exciting events and entertainment destinations around the city. Here are a few ideas to get you started, and we’ve got heaps more at www.familytimes.co.nz.

Black Cat Cruises

Make it a memorable summer with Black Cat Cruises and the Hector’s dolphins. Just 90 minutes from Christchurch and best of all, under 5’s cruise for free!

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

Visit Willowbank’s Big 5; the tuatara, the kiwi, the cheeky kea, the mighty takahe and the very rare kaka. Visit www.willowbank.co.nz.

Weka Pass Railway

Enjoy a fun day out or a picnic at Weka Pass Railway. All-weather entertainment. Visit www.wekapassrailway.co.nz for details.

Christchurch Circus Trust

Learn exciting circus skills; trapeze, juggling, unicycle, tumbling, balancing and more.

Have fun leaning amazing new stuff. Email circustrust@gmail.com for details.

Orana Wildlife Park

Experience up-close animal encounters at Orana Wildlife Park. See New Zealand’s only gorillas, hand feed giraffe, see kiwi, lions, and more.

Visit Waimakariri

More than 650 events annually, walking

and cycling tracks, beaches, parks and rivers. Family fun for everyone. Visit www. visitwaimakariri.co.nz for more information.

Antarctic Centre

A unique Antarctic experience for all, with snow and ice, an Antarctic storm, exciting Hagglund ride, 4D Extreme simulated cruise and the penguin encounter. Visit www. iceberg.co.nz.

Little Monkeys

Try and conquer our crazy and unique funfilled challenges at Clip ‘n’ Climb. Visit www. ymcachch.org.nz/adventurecentre. Safe and exciting adventures! Phone 03-377-3000.

Geraldine Vintage Car and Tractor Museum

One of the finest collections of vintage vehicles in the Southern Hemisphere. Visit 178 Talbot Street, Geraldine. Phone 03-693-8756.

Airforce Museum Airforcemuseum.co.nz

Laser Strike

www.laserstrike.co.nz

Velocity Karts www.velocitykarts.nz

Science Alive

www.sciencealive.co.nz

Holiday specials Here are some great holiday ideas designed to keep you and your little ones entertained during the school break.

Canterbury Museum

A Victorian Christmas at Canterbury Museum

Get outdoors and explore Mt Thomas Conservation Area in the Waimakariri District. and The Great Museum Santa Search 7 December 2015 - 10 January 2016. Visit www. canterburymuseum.com.

Court Theatre presents: Badjelly the Witch

Tim and Rose are captured by Badjelly the Witch. Help rescue them before they are turned into sausages! From 20-30 January, bookings at www.courttheatre.org.nz.

Summertime Reading Club Keep track of how many minutes you read between 18 December - 18 January and

be in to win fantastic prizes! Pick up your Challenge Card at any Christchurch City Library or visit christchurchcitylibraries.com.

Feel the magic at Northlands

Have fun with the mischievous penguins and play with the cheeky reindeer. See for yourself and all will be clear. Visit northlands.co.nz.

Westfield Riccarton

Santa is at Westfield Riccarton to hear your Christmas wishes: 10am – 4pm daily and until 7pm on late nights.

Fostering a lifelong love of music The Christchurch School of Music (CSM) is a fun, family-oriented society aimed at providing quality music education in and around Christchurch. CSM is celebrating 60 years of teaching children to love and appreciate music in 2015, so why not join us and become a part of the next 60 years?

CSM is a not-for-profit organisation with a strong focus on community. On a Saturday morning the whole family can find something to suit: preschool children can

start their musical journey by joining in our experiential “Take Orff with Music” while older children and adults may opt for group or individual lessons on a specific instrument (including voice). Those who already play are welcome to join in one of the fabulous groups. If Saturday isn’t an option, CSM also offers a range of weekday opportunities for learning and playing music. Visit www.csm. org.nz or phone the office on 03-366-1711 to find out what we can offer you.

www.familytimes.co.nz

23

cool activities

Going places You might be surprised by all Description: Pick up the Godley Head Walkway that leads towards Godley Head the free (or low-cost,) family from the Taylors Mistake car park, past a row of baches. The track skirts Harris Bay fun there is to be had in and and continues past the top end of a whitearound Christchurch. From flippered penguin colony. walks and parks to museums At Boulder Bay it is worthwhile detouring to the baches that line the rocky beach and galleries, there’s plenty to down (note: no toilets here). The track then climbs do in the Garden City. We’re away from the coastline and meets Godley Head Road opposite the Godley Head car featuring a few ideas each park. Return the same way. issue to get you going places Taylors Mistake to Breeze in Christchurch.

Col circuit

Recreation

Start: Taylors Mistake car park.

Finish: Same as starting point.

Distance: 7km.

Godley Head short walks Time: 3 hours.

Summer is the perfect time to explore Godley Toilets: Located at Taylors Mistake car park Head with its wide, sweeping vistas, sea and Godley Head car park. breezes and old bunkers.

Dogs: Must be kept on a leash.

Description: Carry on from the first walk Godley Head walkway detail, following the Crater Rim Walkway There are two walking tracks through Godeast for about half an hour through dramatic ley Head walkway. Both tracks are suitable rocky scenery in the direction of Evans Pass. for buggies.

At Breezes Col, cross the road and take the shared use track back to Taylors Mistake.

Taylors Mistake to Godley Head car park (one way) Start: Taylors Mistake car park.

Finish: Godley Head car park.

Distance: 3.5km.

Time: 1.5 hours.

Toilets: Located at Taylors Mistake car park and Godley Head car park.

Dogs: Must be kept on a leash.

Bottle Lake Forest cycle track Looking for a family cycle adventure? The mountain bike tracks at Bottle Lake Forest wind through the 1000-hectare pine forest. The terrain is mostly flat but towards the coast, planted sand hills provide some challenge.

The two easiest tracks are the family loop

ride (approx 7km) and the coastal ride to Spencer Park (10km round trip.)

Family Loop ride Start: Bottle Lake Forest entrance car park, Waitikiri Drive, Parklands.

Finish: Same as the starting point.

Description: Follow the blue markers towards the coast and return.

Coastal ride to Spencer Park Start: There are two starting points: 1 Spencer Park, Spencerville.

2 Bower Avenue, Parklands.

Finish: Same as the starting point.

Picnic spots, reserves, play areas There are more than 280 parks with playgrounds in Christchurch – it’s not called the Garden City for no reason! Here are a few to check out:

Abberley Park Playground A community playground with block wall, multi-play structure, paddling pool (fenced), roundabout, see-saw, stand alone slides/ swings and toilet. Abberley Crescent, St Albans.

Christchurch Football Academy The Christchurch Football Academy (CFA) is fast becoming the hottest sports ticket in town for the upcoming school holidays.

The CFA delivers professional football programmes with qualified, international coaches on a world-class facility for its academy members, but also for social players, schools and players of all abilities.

In its first two years, the rapidly-growing number of players at the academy has dramatically improved their skill base and is building a reputation for their technical, possession-based game that is claiming trophies at home and abroad. Most importantly, CFA players are having fun and developing a life-long love for the game.

The CFA was created to provide football programmes – 12-months a year - on the best facilities in the country, in order to develop New Zealand’s best possible

footballers.

The academy runs a football school, tournaments and holiday programmes for all primary and intermediate school agegroups of all levels, and aims to expand its programme to include junior high school teams.

If you are considering signing up for the CFA, the 2-day holiday programmes are the perfect way to get a taste of the CFA and its fantastic facility.

The CFA was set up by Christchurch businessman and philanthropist Slava Meys, and is run by a non-for-profit, charitable trust that uses its income to provide its services at an affordable rate for all families in Christchurch.

Visit www.cfa.org.nz to learn more about its programmes and to enrol.

HOLIDAY FOOTBALL CAMPS

GUEST COACH:

FERNANDO LAMBERT BRAZILIAN LICENSE

AGE: U6  U 16

CAMP 1  21ST, 22ND & 23RD DECEMBER 2015 CAMP 2  18TH & 19TH JANUARY 2016 CAMP 3  21ST & 22ND JANUARY 2016 CAMP 4  25TH & 26TH JANUARY 2016 CAMP 5  28TH & 29TH JANUARY 2016

TO REGISTER VISIT WWW.CFA.ORG.NZ 24

www.familytimes.co.nz

Burwood Park Playground A sports park with a maze, climbing equipment, multi-play structure, flying fox, hoop, stand alone slide/ swings. Also has a BMX track, basketball half court and public toilet. New Brighton Road, Burwood.

ocean-front from Cave Rock to Scarborough and its paddling pool/playground.

Taylor’s Mistake Very popular with surfers, and a departure point for walks and mountain-bike trails to Godley Head.

Beaches

Swimming pools

Finally, beach season is upon us! Make the most of sunny days, pack up the family and head to the beach for some sand and surf therapy.

It’s true: we’ve lost a few pools in Christchurch since the earthquakes. But we’ve still got some great facilities to enjoy.

Here are a few indoor pools to check out:

Corsair Bay

Jellie Park

Head through the tunnel to Lyttelton, turn right and keep going until you reach this gorgeous little beach. Calm, sheltered and with good visibility, it’s the perfect spot for a family picnic and swimming.

Jellie Park is one of Christchurch’s biggest and best sporting and recreation facilities. Indoor facilities include an eight-lane, 25m recreation pool, an eight-lane, 25m sport pool, a teaching pool, toddler pool and spa. Outdoor pool in summer. Phone 03-941-6888 for bookings or enquiries.

Southshore Spit

If you haven’t been to Southshore Spit, it is a must to check out the important roosting grounds of many wading birds. You can look out over to Sumner and the wide Pacific Ocean, and build a sandcastle. Rocking Horse Road, Christchurch.

Sumner Sumner is a great swimming beach and also a great place for ice-cream shops, cafes, and restaurants close to the beach. Go for a stroll

Pioneer Indoor pools include a five-lane, 25m pool, a four lane, 16m teaching pool, a 20m x 20m wave pool, lazy river, bubble pit and fountains, spa, sauna and steam room. At 75 Lyttelton Street, Spreydon, phone 03-9416888 for bookings or enquiries.

Graham Condon Indoor facilities include eight-lane, 25m pool, toddler pool with fountains, spa, and 4m teaching pool. At 3 Sisson Drive, Papanui.

Phone 03-941-6888 for bookings or enquiries.

Mums in business We talk with founder and CEO of Pineapple Heads Ltd, Megan Sanders, about being a working parent.

How did you get started?

When my son Jimmy started to morph into a toddler, I started looking around for a natural children’s hair and bath range and couldn’t find anything super fun made purely for children in New Zealand.

What do you love about your business?

Everything! I have spent many years working in advertising, which is an incredibly creative industry, and even though some days I miss the craziness of that environment I love that I still get to be creative, crazy and make all the decisions. Ironically, sometimes that freedom also keeps me up at night!

What does a day look like for you as a working mum?

Wow. Wee. Its starts pretty early; I try and get up most days at 5.30am – I am a sucker for a beautiful sunrise and the added bonus is I can get organised before Jimmy gets up.

From mid morning until early afternoon it’s in the car zooming from meeting to meeting. I try and pick-up Jimmy by 5pm from daycare then head home to the country for time with our dogs. Once Jimmy is in bed – normally around 7.30pm – it’s back to work until around midnight.

Best advice you were given about parenting?

Children are a joy not a chore.

What has your child taught you?

Unconditional love and patience. Two incredible things that have made me a much better person.

Most embarrassing motherhood moment?

Thinking that my beautiful new baby would only need one outfit per day!

What would you tell yourself in retrospect?

Don’t take it all so seriously. Have fun. Love the ride.

How do you make time for yourself ?

Surfing. There is nothing like being out in the water – it’s where I get inspired!

Do you have a “mum uniform?”

Jeans and a T-shirt on the weekend, but in summer I wear lovely dresses everyday.

Nothing like slipping on something pretty to put a spring in your step! Beauty secret: probably not a secret but I can’t live without mascara and lip gloss.

Words you live by?

Life is short: make it count.

Best advice you were given about business?

It’s not a cure for cancer.

www.familytimes.co.nz

25

Dining out CHRISTCHURCH

FAMILY FRIENDLY

Christchurch’s dining scene is an ever changing, ever developing landscape, with so many new places popping up to replace those that have gone. We have compiled a list of some of our favourite, family-friendly places.

WINNIE BAGOES FERRYMEAD

THE BREWERY

Your local family-friendly pizza restaurant.

There’s a great kids’ menu, a popular Kids’ Pizza School (which is great for birthdays at only $10 per child). You need look no further when thinking of a fantastic friendly restaurant that you can take the whole family to.

2 Waterman Place, Ferrymead phone: 03 376 4900 www.winniebagoes.co.nz

Cassels & Sons' The Brewery café restaurant at The Tannery is famed for its relaxed family friendly atmosphere, extensive menu choice and medal winning craft beers. Just off the main routes to Lyttelton and Sumner, it is the perfect stop for a gourmet wood-fired pizza.

The Tannery, 3 Garlands Road Phone: 03 389 5359 www.casselsbrewery.co.nz

ART METRO ART SCHOOL VELVET BURGER AND CAFE

WILLOWBANK RESTAURANT

To secure enjoyment your gourmet Here at Artthe Metro we offerofan oasis away burger experience, we at Velvet Burger from the everyday hustle and bustle. We commit to providing youthe with therequired best believe anyone can learn skills burgers pieces we canof possibly make, togourmet create fabulous artwork - no using the ingredients that thishave. matter howfreshest much or little talent they beautiful country of ours has to offer.

Come and have a coffee and see for yourself.

11 Riccarton Rd 465 Papanui Road Phone 03 343 5924 Phone: 03 354 4438 www.velvetburger.co.nz www.artmetro.co.nz

Willowbank provides a unique restaurant dining experience, with wonderful ambience and the unique surroundings of the reserve.

You and your family can enjoy sitting in front of the fire in winter while watching deer grazing outside the windows. Our chefs focus on bringing you the very best of New Zealand cuisine.

60 Hussey Road, Harewood Phone: 03 359 6226 www.willowbank.co.nz/restaurant

LONE STAR At the Lone Star Papanui restaurant, we can seat about 110 guests, mainly in our upstairs area, but there is room on the ground floor for another 25 people plus a fully enclosed and heated outdoor area – ideal for that group outing. Simply call us and we’ll sort out the details for you and give you a wonderful night.

116 Northlands Mall, Papanui Phone: 03 352 6653 www.lonestar.co.nz

ILEX CAFE The cafe offers a delicious selection of dining options ranging from scones, slices and cakes baked daily to sumptuous salads and a la carte option. The emphasis is on using locally sourced ingredients and the herbs come directly from the Botanical Gardens Christchurch Botanical Gardens Phone: 03 941 7590 www.rebuildchristchurch.co.nz

CAESARS FAMILY RESTAURANT & BAR

GOVERNORS BAY HOTEL

Caesars is a spacious restaurant and bar with a special emphasis on fresh homestyle food. The restaurant caters for and welcomes families with children of all ages whilst realistically offering quality food and beverages for all ages and budgets, including a seniors and smaller appetite menu and children’s menu.

1 Radcliffe Road, Northwood Supa Centa Phone: 03 323 5420 www.caesars.co.nz

The Governors Bay Hotel is one of the oldest, if not one of the most beautiful hotels in New Zealand with spectacular views over Lyttelton harbour. Just a short 20 minute drive from central Christchurch.

We're open 7 days and 7 nights for highly recommended gastro pub fare.

52 Main Road, Governors Bay, Lyttelton Phone: 03 329 9433 www.governorsbayhotel.co.nz

THE ROCK ROLLESTON IS A RESTAURANT AND BAR You’ll find us in the town of Rolleston in the Selwyn District of Canterbury. We offer amazing service, loads of entertainment and incredible facilities. Over the years we’ve served hundreds of Rolleston locals and visitors who have had a great time.

82 Rolleston Drive, Rolleston Phone: 03 347 4190 facebook.com/pages/The-Rock-Rolleston

FREE FREE KIDS KIDS MEAL MEAL

Kids Dine Free Kids Free MonDine & Tues* Mon & Tues*

548 Main Road, Dinner Northwood Open Daily North from 11am, fromSupa 4pm Centa, Belfast, 548 Main North Road,Christchurch Northwood Supa Phone 323 5420 | www.caesars.co.nz Centa, Belfast, Christchurch Phone 323 5420 | www.caesars.co.nz 26 www.familytimes.co.nz 26 www.familytimes.co.nz

The Cup is a popular café with a truly enviable location, and a long-time favourite of discerning Cashmere locals. It’s situated on the Cashmere hills with wide-ranging views across the city and, on a clear day, right through to the Southern Alps. The Cup’s kerb-side tables are a great spot to enjoy a spot of breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner.

127 Hackthorne Road, Cashmere. 03 322 1270

Dine with us at the Papanui Lone Star mention this Dine with us at the Papanui Lone Star mention this Family Times ad and 1 child on your table will receive a Family Times ad and 1 child on your table will receive a FREE Kiwi Kids meal incl dessert & drink (conditions apply) FREE Kiwi Kids meal incl dessert & drink (conditions apply)

$10Lunch LunchMenu MenuDaily* Daily* $10

gluten, diary and sugar gluten, diary and sugar free desserts available free desserts available Open Daily from 11am, Dinner from 4pm

Dining

Kids Kids Group Group DEal DEal

Wed Wed $20 Grill on$20 theGrill Rocks on all theday* Rocks all day* * Conditions Apply * Conditions Apply

Celebrate that special birthday or sports team breakup with us.

Celebrate thatfeed special team We’ll the birthday wee onesor forsports $1 per yearbreakup of age. with us.

We’ll feed ones eg 10the x 9wee year old for kids$1=per onlyyear $90of age. eg 10 x 9 year old kids = only $90

116 Northlands Mall , Papanui | ph 03 352 6653 116 Northlands Mall , Papanui | ph 03 352 6653 www.lonestar.co.nz www.lonestar.co.nz

Visit www.bethere.co.nz or the Summer of Fun Neighbourhood Project Facebook page for more details.

www.familytimes.co.nz

27

28

www.familytimes.co.nz

Alps 2 Ocean There’s nothing better than a relaxing family holiday in the calming beauty of nature.

But if you crave a bit of exhilaration too, the Alps 2 Ocean cycle trail is for you.

your support vehicle, or you can choose to eat out along the way. It’s entirely up to you how much to spend.

There are several ways to experience the trail.

The A2O has a number of official partner tour companies that offer supported tours. These tours can be customised to a client’s particular needs, or simply joined as they are. Some of the companies also offer luggage transfer and pick up/drop off services, allowing you he Alps 2 Ocean cycle trail (A2O) is the to cycle the trail without joining a tour. For longest cycle trail in New Zealand, at a those wishing to tackle the trail themselves total length of just over 300km. It runs from without engaging the services of a tour Aoraki Mt Cook all the way to the ocean, company, a handy option is to bring along your finishing up at the seaside town of Oamaru. own support vehicle. There are businesses The trail is an easy to intermediate grade along the trail that hire out vans, bike trailers, that’s suitable for everyone – grandparents child trailers and such. Simply find a family to grandchildren. To cycle the full trail takes member or friend who’s keen for a holiday, an average of 4-6 days. However, with so but doesn’t want to be on a bike, and make much to experience along the way, there is them the default driver. That way all your no rush. The A2O is more than a cycle trail luggage and supplies can be easily driven to – it’s 300km of attractions, dining, shopping each section. This situation is perfect for those and activities. The A20 is not a race, but a who would like to spend some time fishing, leisurely journey with plenty of opportunities reading, walking the trail, or even cycling back to get off the bike and discover the region: to meet the cyclists. When you’ve conquered hot springs, giant waterslides, wine tastings, the trail, an exciting detour on your way back boutique shops, penguin tours, stargazing, and to Christchurch is Tekapo Springs. Situated at music concerts are just some of the enjoyable the base of Mt John in Lake Tekapo, Tekapo diversions along the trail. A great stop about Springs is a year-round destination for the 150km into the ride is Hot Tubs Omarama; whole family. Whether it’s a relaxing soak in a unique, environmentally-conscious hot the hot pools, an indulgent treatment at the tub complex that has earned a 5-star Trip day spa or an adrenaline filled ride down the Advisor rating each year since 2012. Immerse tubing park, Tekapo Springs has something yourself in pure mountain water on a for every member of the family. Should you private, landscaped site while surrounded by decide to stay at Lake Tekapo, Lake Tekapo beautiful upper Waitaki/Mackenze Country Motels and Holiday Park offers free on-site scenery. Each tub is heated by a firebox that parking, gardens and barbecue facilities - all is submersed in the water, and each tub is overlooking the beautiful blue lake. cleaned and refilled with fresh mountain water Enjoy your family sojourn into nature this after each use – perfect for soaking travelsummer! weary muscles. One of the positive aspects of the cycle trail is that it can be enjoyed on Advertorial almost any budget: from basic backpacker level through to five-star luxury lodges. You’ll be cycling to Twizel early on in the ride, and the nearby Lake Ohau Lodge is the perfect place for the whole family to enjoy a break.

With dinner, bed-and-breakfast packages and four standards of accommodation, there’s something to suit all budgets. Plus there are DVDs and ping pong for the kids, and a spa for the adults.

On arrival in Oamaru, the Kingsgate Hotel Brydone offers convenience and affordable rates. It’s a short walking distance to town and the historic district, the Little Blue Penguin colony, Oamaru Public Gardens and local food establishments. Groceries can be purchased in bulk at the start of the trip and carried along in

T

Enjoy Summer at Tekapo Springs Ø New Aqua Play Area and Cold Pools opening 26th December 2015 Ø Hot Pools with stunning views of Lake Tekapo Ø Trippo Waterslide and Summer Tube are back in late December Ø Glacial Day Spa for complete relaxation Ø Fully licensed Tahr Bar & Cafe no surcharge on public holidays!

Bring this advert or mention FAMTEK to receive a complimentary upgrade to our steam & sauna (offer valid until 31st March 2016) Web: www.tekaposprings.co.nz Ph: 0800 2 353 8283

www.familytimes.co.nz

29

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 Changing Times: The Story of a New Zealand Town and its Newspaper

By Bob Kerr Potton & Burton Hardback $29.99 Paperback $19.99 In comic-style picture-book format, 11-yearold Matt tells the story of New Zealand through a town newspaper. From its beginnings in 1840 when Mary and James McPherson bring their printing press from Scotland to start the paper, through the Maori Land Wars, gold rush, the World Wars, all the way to present day and an online format that you can look at on the web.

Shhh! I’m Sleeping

By Dorothée de Monfreid Gecko Press Board $20 The tall shape of this book matches the stack of bunk beds, which hold eight dogs. It’s night time; they should be sleeping, and one of them is - very loudly. Others begin to whisper – then one by one they move until seven are sharing a bunk and a book then finally sleep. A delightful bedtime story with lovely humour.

Counting Lions: Portraits from the Wild

Words by Katie Cotton Illustrated by Stephen Walton Introduction by Virginia McKenna (Born Free) Frances Lincoln Hardback $30 In this magnificent large format book, counting is perhaps the least important aspect, filled as it is with meticulously executed charcoal portraits of endangered creatures including lions, elephants, gorillas, wolves and turtles.

The artwork stuns, but the words are also beautiful - brief, poetic text (in luminous orange) accompanies each captivating illustration. Further information is found at the back including protection status and other facts. Irresistible.

e

r

me

ISSu

I M

E

Tips

for

Are

Winter issue 2011

y? ki our o quickl up to

a e hom

Win Win Win

Childhood trauma

Competitions, giveaways and vouchers

Helping kids bounce back

as stm Chri my ts ith Yum trea king w

Win s, Win hers Win petition vouc

gi

What Ever Happened to Milo?

By Claire Bunt Illustrated by Philip Webb Arthur Publishing House Hardback $29.95 Milo the cat tells a young kitten about the days of his youth, when he went on a yachting holiday with his family and met his seagull friend Solly. The pampered cat has to learn to fend for himself when he’s separated from his family, but Solly is always there to help out through all his adventures. The stories have an oldfashioned air, suitable for reading aloud or alone for confident readers.

Lily the Elf: The Wishing Seed

By Anna Branford Illustrated by Lisa Coutts Walker Books Paperback $10 Lily the elf lives with Dad and Granny under a bridge in the city. She has broken her dressup crown and wishes on a dandelion seed for a princess crown, then waits, not very patiently. Granny advises “fixing things works better than wishing,” and lends a helping hand so Lily can finally get her wish. This great new series for beginner readers has large text and fun illustrations.

By Katherine Rundell Illustrated by Gelrev Ongbico Bloomsbury Paperback $18 This book is a wild adventure set in the icy Russian woods.

Feo and her mother teach wolves to survive in the wild.

When the brutal Russian Army puts her mother in gaol and burns their home, Feo must take the wolves and find a way to fight back and execute a daring rescue plan. Illustrations capture the raw beauty of the landscape.

Ages 9-plus.

The Prankster and the Ghost

By R L Stedman Waverley Productions Paperback $21.99 If you like practical jokes, you will probably enjoy this story. There is sadness too - Tayla’s family is in an accident: his father is killed, and mother unconscious.

Tayla finds himself looking down on his damaged body and goes on a journey where he makes friends with Scottish immigrant Jamie, a great practical joker, and several ghosts. They get up to some clever tricks. Ages 9-plus.

From the Cutting Room of Barney Kettle

By Kate De Goldi Longacre Paperback $30 Barney (13) and his younger sister Ren love to make movies. Barney is the creative genius and Ren the organising list-maker. Their new project tells the story of the street where they live, documentary style. The cast are their quirky assortment of neighbours and friends. When they find a zine addressed to “YOU,” a new puzzle diverts them who are the creators of Crimson Girl and Orange Boy?

See What I Can See: New Zealand Photography for the Young and Curious

By Gregory O’Brien Auckland University Press Hardback $34.99 This marvellous book explains photography’s many facets and shows the work of New Zealand photographic artists from the very early days to the digital present, providing explanations of methods and meaning behind the diverse range of images. It’s an excellent read, full of fascinating details that are easy to understand and will develop the reader’s understanding and enthusiasm for this versatile art.

Exploring Nature’s Pattern Magic

Dee & Mike Pignéguy Mary Egan Publishing Paperback $24.99 This fact-packed book full of vibrant colour photographs, graphics and lively text, introduces the reader to the amazing variety of patterns found in the natural world. Find out how nature’s patterns relate to mathematics and how life on the planet is connected and organised. You’ll soon be seeing the world through different eyes and spotting the many patterns that surround us. Fascinating!

In the Bush: Explore & Discover New Zealand’s Native Forests

By Ned Barraud & Gillian Candler Potton & Burton Paperback $19.99 Hardback $29.99 Another in the excellent “Explore and Discover” series, now venturing into the bush. First see the bush in daylight and dark; identify what lives on the forest floor, the understory, the canopy and other special places. Fully illustrated rather than photographed, the succinct text includes pronunciation, Maori names and fact boxes, with a glossary, index and a handy bird identification card. Both beautiful and useful.

S

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

By Gillian Mears Illustrated by Dinalie Dabarera Walker Books Hardback $24.99 The cat with the coloured tail travels with Mr Hooper in his moonlike ice-cream truck selling magical moon creams that change colour according to who the recipient is, specialising in bringing joy to those who are sad. Their favourite pastime is looking for heart shapes around them, but there is a dark heart drawing them into danger.

Wolf Wilder

Knowledge books

Quarterly e-newsletter

2010

Sum

T

The Cat with the Coloured Tail

Intermediate Fiction

ba Optimum sleepave fun e kids th Maximise yourH child’s learning potential

Com s and ay veaw

parenting publication

Kia Kaha Christchurch

Eight-page supple ment on “the new norma l”

IN CIN EM AS

Subscribe to our email newsletter today to receive updates and information from us, as well as subscriber only competition information NZ’s No.1 delivered directly to your inbox!

Check out our Competitions online and win!

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

www.familytimes.co.nz 30

www.familytimes.co.nz

When parents split Ahh, the tough topic. Look, I won’t bother you with theory or lectures –parents splitting is the worst, but the decision has been made. So now what?

Think of the children!

Your preteens are going through a tough time as it is. Parents splitting up adds to the pressure so with any anger that comes out of them, just remember it has (almost) nothing to do with you as a parent. It’s their accumulated life situations and trust me, you would have had to deal with this anyway. It may seem magnified just because of what’s going on with you, but it’s completely normal – you still have to look forward to the time when they become teenagers, so don’t take out all your energy on them just yet.

Don’t give in

I had this friend when I was a teen…her parents were going through a messy divorce, and she was absolutely loving it! The divorce gave her the power to demand and actually get a brand new car, a tattoo, piercings in obscene places, and too many clothes I bet she never wore. Any mention of the word “no” was followed by water works from her and she ended up getting anything she wanted. I mean come on, preteens and teens are not stupid – they will find a way to make this benefit them. But guess what? You don’t have to do what they tell you. News flash: you’re the parent – you make the rules, so don’t give in to ridiculous wants and wishes.

Saying “no” is actually okay. I’ve written consistently throughout my books and articles

about the lost art of parents saying “no” to their teens and preteens – if you don’t say it enough right now, start. Your preteens will actually grow up to value many things as a result, none-the-least a respect for elders (who have the power to say no!).

“News flash: you’re the parent – you make the rules...”

Talk it out

Preteens have the right to know what’s going on. There’s no use hiding behind rosecoloured glasses and telling them everything will be normal, fine and okay. They get it – nothing will be the same again, but in order to move on into a direction that they (and perhaps you) will perceive as a better outcome, you must be honest with them. Tell them what’s going on. Tell them how you’re going to deal with it, and what you expect will happen from here. Failing to plan is the same as planning to fail so give them some feedback about what is going to happen and create a new, positive future plan within the circumstances for moving forward. Maybe while you are arguing with your ex-partner about who gets the kids for the weekend, your preteen may have their own opinion about what should happen – they can be a great asset to help you achieve not just balance, but a positive outcome first and foremost for them.

By Eva Maria Eva-Maria is an inter-generational relationships expert and author of bestselling book You Shut Up! and sequel Shush, You!. Visit www.evamaria.co.nz.

2016 primary and intermediate school term dates

SCHOOL TERM DATES

Term 1, 2016

Between Monday 1 February and Friday 5 February to Friday 15 April

2016 secondary and composite school term dates Term 1, 2016

Between Monday 1 February and Friday 5 February to Friday 15 April

Term 2, 2016

Monday 2 May to Friday 8 July

Term 2, 2016

Term 3, 2016

Term 3, 2016

Term 4, 2015

Monday 2 May to Friday 8 July Monday 25 July to Friday 23 September

Term 4, 2015

Monday 10 October to no later than Tuesday 20 December

Monday 25 July to Friday 23 September Monday 10 October to no later than Friday 16 December

Remaining public holidays 2015 25 December 26 December

Christmas Day Boxing Day

Before & after school care

Looking for a great programme heavenleatouchcrafts@xtra.co.nz.

Visit www.heavenlea-touch.weebly.com. or activity to keep your kids SHARP Trust SHARP Trust provides quality, low cost, fun, occupied after school hours?

Christian out-of-school care for children Look no further – we’ve got aged 5 to 14-years. Enrol now at www. some great options for you here, sharp.org.nz or phone 03-338-0673. and at www.familytimes.co.nz.

CASPA CASPA offers a before and after-school

HeavenLea Touch Craft Studio programme experience that your five to Providing interactive, fun and quality art and craft workshops for all ages.

After school children’s programmes 2016: • Art course - 9 February – 29 March, 3.30-5.30pm.

• Craft workshops - 15 February – 21 March.

Bookings essential. Email

13-year-olds will enjoy. Our programmes are designed to be fun and educational. For peace of mind, call CASPA on 03-349-9260.

Busy Bumbles

Busy Bumbles is an award winning Oscar programme that prides itself on offering a stimulating, quality programme for children.

KWR0012

Find time

www.familytimes.co.nz

31

Top kids’ camping activities The family camping holiday is a staple of Kiwi life. Packing up everything but the kitchen sink and heading off to the beach, river or countryside has created memories for many of us over the years.

W

hile taking kids camping can be a lot of work, the rich experiences are worth it. Finding fun activities for them outside of their usual comfort zone and environment is part of the enjoyment. But if you’re running short on ideas, check out our picks for top kids’ camping activities:

manageable level. If you want to cook on it, you need to let the flames die down and allow hot ash and embers to build at the bottom, as this is where the best cooking happens. Don’t forget to fully extinguish your fire before leaving the area or going to bed.

“Don’t forget to fully extinguish your fire before leaving the area or going to bed.”

2 Cooking

Of course toasting marshmallows is a given if you have a campfire, but there are other ideas kids can make themselves or get involved in.

1 Learn how to build a Campfire calzone is a great camping meal that campfire kids can make themselves. Take two slices of Obviously there are safety aspects around bread and add favourite savoury fillings, such this. Close adult supervision is needed, as well as salami, ham, pineapple and cheese. Wrap as a prior check to make sure your planned it all tightly in foil and cook in the embers campfire is permitted and in a good spot, of the fire. You could also try making baked taking into account proximity to objects such potatoes. as tents, availability of water or a fire extinAnts-on-a-stick doesn’t involve cooking and guisher, and the wind direction. However, it is is a fun snack younger children might like to a great skill for children to learn. make while camping. Spread celery sticks First, collect materials. River stones make a with peanut butter and dot raisins along the great border around a fire-pit, or find other top to be the “ants.” They could also make rocks. Dry moss and leaves can be used to their own customised scroggin for taking on start the fire, then add small twigs as it catch- day trips or walks. Help them choose seeds, es (but not snapped off a tree, or “green” as nuts, raisins and chocolate chips and mix to they’ll be wet inside.) You always want air to their liking. be able to travel up through the fire, so place 3 Crafts sticks in a criss-cross shape leaving gaps, and A scavenger hunt is a great way to collect natudon’t be tempted to build a great big pile. ral treasures such as leaves, petals and feathKeeping your wood to one side and adding ers, which can then be used for camp crafts. it gradually ensures you’ll keep the fire at a Press flowers in a book to take home, or make

32

www.familytimes.co.nz

a vase to put wildflowers in by standing twigs around the outside of a jam jar, fixing in place with a couple of elastic bands and decorate with a ribbon tied around. Perfect rustic charm for your camp al fresco dining area! Other ideas can be found at websites like www. freekidscrafts.com and on Pinterest.

Geocaching

For a more high-tech activity, you could try geocaching. It’s a kind of treasure hunt using the GPS on a smart-phone to navigate and find “caches” hidden by others. Amazingly, they seem to be all over the place, so log onto a geocaching website before you leave home and see if there is one near your camping spot: www.geocaching.com explains it all.

Whatever you decide to do on your camping

trip, remember to make it relaxed and fun after all, this is the stuff memories are made of.

By Sadie Beckman For more on family camping holidays, search “camping” at www.familytimes.co.nz.

More articles online www.familytimes.co.nz

Family Getaways Soak in the view...

Private Hot Tubs | Private Wellness Pods | Sauna

Come and unwind in private peaceful surroundings. The rejuvenating properties of fresh mountain water will deeply cleanse and revitalise.

Your tub is cleaned and re-filled just for you - no chemicals are added.

Adjust the temperature & unwind... 03 438 9703 www.hottubsomarama.co.nz

market place Hi-5 House of Dreams Join Hi-5 for their Hi-5 House of Dreams stage show as they travel across New Zealand these summer school holidays.

The Hi-5 House of Dreams tour gives audiences an invitation to the most exciting “slumber party” ever! There’s not much sleeping but lots of singing, dancing and adventure when our favourite puppet, Chats, takes control of the Hi-5 team’s dreams and makes them come true.

Using Chats’ magic dream catcher, audiences will travel through jungles, fairy grottos, underwater coral gardens, the Wild West and even outer space. This interactive and energetic show will have audiences totally immersed in the world of dreams.

Camps

OFF-SITE CHRISTCHURCH

AIRPORT CAR PARK

Hi-5 House of Dreams is a whimsical trip into a fantasy adventure where you can catch your favourite Hi-5 songs Underwater Discovery, Move your Body, It’s a Party, Living in a Rainbow and plenty of new songs with the Hi-5 gang - Stevie, Mary, Tanika, Ainsley and Dayen.

At Isaac Theatre Royal, Christchurch, Tuesday 26 and Wednesday 27 January.

For complete tour and ticket information, visit: www.livenation.co.nz.

Take a look at Family Times’ competition page to win your very own family pass of four tickets to see Hi-5 House of Dreams New Zealand tour!

Education

Entertainment

PRIVATELY OWNED & OPERATED — OPEN 24/7

SAME DAY PARKING 1-3 NIGHTS per night EXTRA NIGHTS per night

$

15 21 $ 7

$

MINUTES TO FREE TRANSFERS ONLY CHRISTCHURCH AIRPORT

FREE-PHONE: 0800-247-727 OR BOOK ONLINE:

www.airparkcanterbury.co.nz

VISIT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR OUR LATEST DEALS & REVIEWS

Official Sponsors of the Canterbury Rugby Union

H E R I TAG E PA R K  WEST COAST  NEW ZEALAND

Ride the Steam Train, Pan for Gold, watch the Holographic Show and get an Old Time Costume Photo. Try the Flying Fox and 30 buildings to explore!

FER!!

AMILY OF SPECIAL F T IS AD - GE SHOW TH CE! NTRY PRI 15% OFF E

www.familytimes.co.nz

33

market place Entertainment

School Lunches

Kindergarten

Retail

Country Kitchen Bakery

Stockists of Great Kid’s Shoes

Kids Pack Ham Roll, Raspberry Bun or Muffin, Chocolate Biscuit, Drink - Juice or Water

only $5.50

Now available through

47 Garlands Rd

• Redwood primary • Northcote primary • Belfast Primary • Papanui Primary • Catering for all occasions • Homemade food

Woolston Christchurch 8081 Phone 03 389 3431

356B Main North Road • Redwood • Phone 352 8111

www.thefootwearfactory.co.nz

Drycleaning

Hire Mention this advert to recieve first week RENT FREE*

Mr Rental Fitness Solutions

Support

Cross Trainer

Exercise Bike

Treadmill

Rower COMPUTING

Spin Cycle

ENTERTAINMENT

WHITEGOODS

FURNITURE

+ MORE!!

Mr Rental Christchurch 123 Blenhiem Road, Riccarton

For our latest offers call 0800 111 313 or visit mrrental.co.nz *Based on Mr Flex with weekly/fortnightly/monthly payment period. Full terms and conditions available on application.

Visit our website or ask in store for details. Credit check criteria apply. Brands and models may vary.

Childcare Front Panel

Sewing Needs

High Tea

Prebbleton Childcare 'the next best place to home'

Prebbleton Nursery, Prebbleton Preschool and Prebbleton Kindergarten are located in the heart of the Prebbleton community, only a 7 minute drive from the communities of Halswell, Hornby, Wigram, Lincoln & Templeton.

We offer afforable and flexible quality care & education to children ages zero to five.

six weeks FREE care & education

Up to 50 hours per week on the presentation of this voucher. Saving you up to $1620 on a full time enrolment.

20 Hours FREE

for all children ages 3, 4 & 5 (ongoing)

Phone 349 9970 prebbletonchildcare@xtra.co.nz www.prebbletonchildcare.co.nz

Cleaning

ADHD Support

Subscribe to our e-newsletter

www.familytimes.co.nz

Come and view our range of popular English Vacuum Cleaners and Ettore window cleaning equipment in Christchurch together with a selection of other well known brands.

Come and see us at 63 Disraeli Street, Christchurch. Visit our website at www.christchurchcleaningsupplies.co.nz or phone (03) 366 7288 and ask to speak to one of our sales representatives and arrange a time, suitable to you, for them to visit.

Email sales@chchcs.co.nz

34

www.familytimes.co.nz

Tuition

Family Times in the

Waimakariri

North Canterbury

Waimakariri District represents the best of both worlds; only 15minutes from Christchurch, with miles of unspoiled landscape punctuated by thriving town centres with great eateries and unique boutique shopping. Enjoy sandy coastlines, forested foothills with walking and cycling tracks, six weekly markets and over 650 events annually.

XMAS AND SUMMER EVENTS

ACTIVITIES

The Waimakariri is all about summer with a host of activities to enjoy.

A favourite for families is the Wee Dram Farm Park.

An actual hands on working farm where you can feed the animals, watch demonstrations and learn all about farm life. While not much further up the Inland Scenic Route 72 is Kowhai Residential School of Riding. Great for beginners to experienced horse riders of all ages with beautiful views of the Canterbury plains all the way to Christchurch.

The towns all host Santa parades, carols singers and family Christmas fun but the Ashgrove School Santa’s Grotto really showcases the Christmas experience and is worth the visit.

Boxing Day is covered with a trip to the Woodford Glen – one of the biggest days on the calendar for them.

In the new year we have sand castle competitions, art festivals and of course Muscle Car Madness in late January. New for the district is the World Buskers Festival coming to Rangiora and Kaiapoi for two evenings of entertainment.

KORE at Lake Pegasus are now offering stand up paddle boards along with sailing and kayaking. Hire them or take a class but make sure you stop in at the Flat White Café for a gelato.

ASHLEY GORGE

EVENTS CALENDAR

27 Nov Ashgrove Twilight Gala 27 Nov-6 Dec Santa’s Grotto 29 Nov House of Travel Triathlon Festival Mandeville Craft Festival 5 Dec Kaiapoi Santa Parade 13 Dec Rangiora Santa Parade 20 Dec Oxford Santa Parade 26 Dec Woodford Glen 16 Jan Canterbury Rodeo 21 & 22 Jan World Buskers Festival 23 & 24 Jan Muscle Car Madness 12 Feb WAI Exhibition

Nestled at the base of Mt Thomas Forest, and easily accessible from Oxford, the Ashley Gorge is every camper, trampers and nature lovers dream with its striking beauty.

From the pure running river water ebbing through the gorge with swimming spots and fishing holes a plenty, to the handsome bush and plants gracing the walking tracks – there is something new to discover every time.

A unique farmers market held on a farm, where you can get your hands dirty digging your own new potatoes and picking your own peas (BYO forks and buckets).

Avoid the supermarket chaos and buy fresh from the farm gate!

Also in attendance will be 40 plus food producers featuring the best of Canterbury’s farmers markets offerings.

SANTA will also be paying a visit!

Kaiapoi Night Market Every Thursday, 5pm – 8pm Rangiora Twilight Market Every Friday, 4.30pm – 7.30pm Ohoka Farmers Market Every Friday, 9am - 12.30pm Kaiapoi Farmers Market Every Saturday, 9am - 12pm Oxford Farmers & Village Market Every Sunday, 9am - 12pm Oxford Craft Market First Sunday of the month, 10am - 3pm Cust Village Market Last Sunday of the month, 10am – 2pm

Follow us on Facebook

Ashley Gorge

Holiday Park Paradise Found at Ashley Gorge!

Camping as it should be. Only 45 minutes from Christchurch enjoy 12 acres of lush native camp ground beside 13 acres of picnic area alongside the clean, clear Ashley Gorge River.

With no annoying Easterly wind we enjoy our own micro climate. Clean facilities, camp shop, powered/ unpowered sites, 2 playgrounds, river tube hire, space for children to run, ride bikes, play games, pets by arrangement, free use of BBQ’s, cabins & group function/accommodation available.

Sunday 31st January 2016

10.30am – 2.30pm. Victoria Park, Rangiora (Postponement date Sunday 7 February)

Entry is FREE. Face painting, bouncy castle, craft stalls, Carrot & Pickle - children’s entertainers, enchanting fairies and Adam Allsorts the clown.

HEALTHY food stalls!

Presented by Ideal Events belindat23@gmail.com.

Supported by: Michelle Nelson at Bayleys

Oxford Township is just down the road for your cafe fix or visit to the local Farmers market.

Whether you are young and wanting adventure or young at heart looking for relaxation you will find the perfect spot at Ashley Gorge Holiday Park. a: 697 Ashley Gorge Road, Oxford p: 03 312 4099 e: info@ashleygorgeholidaypark.co.nz w: www.ashleygorgeholidaypark.co.nz

SIGN UP TO RECEIVE OUR MONTHLY

EVENTS CALENDAR www.seftonchristmasharvestmarket.co.nz www.facebook.com/GrownFamily/events Or Contact Cam 027 445 7876 / 03 312 9045

COUNTRY MARKETS

TODDLERS’ BIG DAY OUT!

Sefton Christmas Harvest Market

818 Marshmans Rd, Sefton.

P: 03 327 3134

The Ashley Gorge campground facilities are for everyone to enjoy and feature toilets, changing rooms, playground equipment and picnic tables.

www.visitwaimakariri.co.nz

9am–1pm, Thursday 24th December.

Kaiapoi i-SITE Visitor Centre 57 Charles Street, Kaiapoi

www.visitwaimakariri.co.nz/events

fUn!

for the whole family! for this seasons race dates visit www.woodfordglen.co.nz

www.familytimes.co.nz

35

Your Winter Wonderland is real and it’s here!

Have fun with the mischievous penguins and play with the cheeky reindeer.

See for yourself and all will be clear.

Play Times: 1-13 December 14-23 December

Normal centre hours 9am-10pm

northlands.co.nz | #feelthemagicnz | @northlandsnz 55 Main North Road, Papanui Ph 03 352 6535

northlands.co.nz 36

www.familytimes.co.nz

37

www.familytimes.co.nz

38

www.familytimes.co.nz

Summer holiday safety tips Kiwi families enjoy nothing better than the great Kiwi road trip. In New Zealand we are spoilt for choice of holiday destinations, with an array of sparkling waterways, lush forests, and sandy beaches at our doorstep. herever you and your family choose to go adventuring this summer, read these simple tips for keeping safe:

for watching them.  Always keep your child within arm’s

reach when they are in water.  Don’t give older children the

responsibility of watching younger children.  Children must wear a well-fitted child-

sized life jacket on boats.  Empty paddling pools immediately after use.  Swim between the flags at the beach.  More people drown in rivers than any

other water environment. Be cautious

and don’t underestimate the power of the current.

Sun safety

Food safety

W

Summer brings w arm, moist conditions - the ideal situation for pathogens to multiply fast and cause food-borne illness. Take special care when preparing, cooking and storing food.  Make sure you have enough cooler bags,

chilly bins and ice packs.  Make sure all food is thoroughly sealed

before travelling. You don’t want raw and

ready-to-eat food mixing.  If you’re travelling by car in hot weather,

put the food in the coolest place in the

car and if you have it, put the air

conditioning on.  If you’re travelling long distances, it may Water safety

be safer to visit a supermarket nearer your destination to buy perishable items.

Swimming is great summer fun but care must be taken. It only takes 60 seconds and as little  Precook chicken, meat patties and sau

sages before barbecuing. as five centimetres of water for a child to  Use separate utensils for raw and cooked drown.  Actively supervise children in and around food.

water. Be clear about who is responsible  Always wait until the existing food on  Slip into loose fitting, light-weight and

long-sleeved clothing.  Slop on plenty of broad-spectrum sun

screen of at least SPF 30. Apply sun

screen at least 20 minutes before go

ing outside and reapply every two hours,

or more often when swimming.  Slap on a wide-brimmed hat, or cap with flaps.  Wrap on a pair of sunglasses that have

good UV protection.  Seek shade during the hottest hours of

the day and drink plenty of water to keep hydrated.

the barbeque has been cooked through and removed before adding any more raw meat.

Road safety



offer safety checks.

Make sure everything in your vehicle is securely stowed. Even small objects can become dangerous missiles in the event of a sudden stop or crash.

 Take time to make sure that you and your Related articles you may be interested in

vehicle are safe before starting your Teaching the safe use of objects Search journey. the title online at www.familytimes.co.nz.  Plan to avoid the worst peak traffic

periods when many highways become congested.  Allow plenty of time – make the journey

part of the holiday.  Long trips are tiring and fatigue can be

deadly. Be well-rested before you leave

and schedule regular rest stops.  Have your vehicle checked. Most garages

www.familytimes.co.nz

39

Science at home – ocean zones in a jar  Trench zone: Corn Syrup or molasses Did you know that two thirds (tinted black) of the earth is ocean and that all  Abyss zone: Blue dishwashing liquid life originated there? The ocean  Midnight zone: Water (tinted blue)  Twilight zone: Oil is an incredible place, filled with  Sunlight zone: Rubbing Alcohol huge ecosystems and a plethora 1 Add some black food colouring to 3/4 cup of different species – many of corn syrup (or just plain molasses) and of which haven’t even been pour into the bottom of your glass jar. discovered yet!

2 Then slowly add blue dishwashing liquid to

T

he evolution of many species has a lot to do with the environment in which they live. In the ocean there are different layers, called “zones,” which are home to all sorts of animals. Up at the top is the sunlight zone, where animals that need to come up to the surface to breath tend to live. Whales, dolphins and turtles all live there happily.

The twilight zone is home to crabs and other crustaceans, dragonfish, fangtooth, gulper eel and mid-water jellyfish. They need much less sun and gather oxygen in other ways so they don’t have to live near the surface. And then there is the midnight zone, where the really crazy looking creatures live! The anemones, anglerfish, arrow worm, cookie-cutter shark and vampire squid have all evolved to live in the dark, cold depths of the sea.

There are more zones to learn about too, but for the younger children it’s easier to stick to those three.

How to make your own ocean in a jar:

What you will need:

 A mason jar (make sure it won’t leak!)  A funnel

40

www.familytimes.co.nz

the jar using the funnel.

3

Put blue food colouring in 3/4 cup of water and use a funnel to slowly and carefully layer it on top of the soap.

4

Next, add your oil. Be very careful with this step – although the layers will generally separate on their own, make sure you mix them as little as possible.

5

Finally, you will add 3/4 cup of rubbing alcohol. You’ll want to do this really slowly making sure not to break the barrier between the oil and water.

All five zones are done! You can label them with cardboard, just like ours or leave them unlabelled.

We’ve popped a video up on our Science Alive YouTube channel to show you the instructions and results step-by-step. Visit https:/youtu.be/EQsn237FAAQ. Science Alive are exclusively providing at-home science experiments to Family Times. For more info, visit www.

ScienceAlive.co.nz

www.familytimes.co.nz

41

ISSN 1178

2011

5268

ISSue Summer

AU

CK

L AN

D

CHR

ISTC

HUR

CH Winter

ISSN 1176 7944

issue 2011

Check out our Competitions online and win!

Win Win

Compet Win itions, giveaways nt and fro lly voucher ho mes sfu t

A news

maga

Childhood trauma

the suc ces flic r on ys to ily con Ke fam ing Optimum ma nag sleep

Helping kids bounce back

Wa

den g r gar gro winJon es me sum veg es Ala n Th et you r fro m Ge h hel p ays wit Wi n giv eaw Wi n ion s, Wi nmp etit rs Co vou che and

Maximise your child’s learning potentia l

Kia Kaha Christc

hurch Eight-pa ge on “the supplement new normal”

zine

and

onlin

e resou

rce for

famil

ies

www

.fami

lytim

es.co

.nz

IN CIN EMA

S

www.familytimes.conz

ISSN 1178

2011

5268

ISSue Summer

AU

CK

L AN

D

CHR

ISTC

HUR

CH Winter

hom essf ully flict the on s to succ con War Key g fam ily agin

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

A news

magaz

Optimum man sleep Maximise your child’s learning potential

Childhoo d trauma

Helping kids bounce back

Kia Kaha Christch

urch Eight-pag on “the e supplement new normal”

ine and

online

resour

ce for

famili

es

www

.family

times.

co.nz

IN CINE MAS

issue 2011

ISSN 1176 7944

Win Win

Competit Win giveawaysions, t and vouchers e fron

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

ISSN 1178

2011

5268

ISSue Summer

AU

CK

LA

ND

CHR

ISTC

HUR

CH Winter

issue 2011

ISSN 1176 7944

Win Win

Competit Win giveawaysions, t and vouchers e fron

hom essf ully flict the on s to succ con War Key g fam ily agin

den gar ing s mer s grow Jone sum vege Alan The you r from Get help ys with Wins, give awa Win Win peti tion s Com vou cher and

A news

magaz

Optimum man sleep Maximise your child’s learning potential

Childhoo d trauma

Helping kids bounce back

Kia Kaha Christch

urch Eight-pag on “the e supplement new normal”

ine and

online

resour

ce for

familie

s

www.

family

times.

co.nz

IN CINE MAS

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

ISSN 1178

2011

5268

ISSue Summer

AU

CK

L AN

D

CHR

ISTC

HUR

CH Winter

ISSN 1176 7944

issue 2011

Check out our Competitions online and win!

Win Win

Compet Win itions, giveaways nt and fro lly voucher ho mes sfu t

A news

maga

Childhood trauma

the suc ces flic r on ys to ily con Ke fam ing Optimum ma nag sleep

Helping kids bounce back

Wa

den g r gar gro winJon es me sum veg es Ala n Th et you r fro m Ge h hel p ays wit Wi n giv eaw Wi n ion s, Wi nmp etit rs Co vou che and

Maximise your child’s learning potentia l

Kia Kaha Christc

hurch Eight-pa ge on “the supplement new normal”

zine

and

onlin

e resou

rce for

famil

www

ies

.fami

lytim

es.co

.nz

IN CIN EMA

S

www.familytimes.co.nz

n!

ISSN 1178

2011

5268

ISSue Summer

AU

CK

L AN

D

CHR

ISTC

HUR

CH Winter

Win Competitions,

giveaways nt and fro vouche rs sfu lly t ho me the suc ces flic r on ys to ily con Ke fam ing Optimum ma nag sleep

Wa

n rde g er gagro winJon es n su mm veg es Ala Th et you r fro m Ge h hel p ays wit Wi n giv eaw Wi n ion s, Wi nmp etit rs Co vou che and

A news

maga

Maximise your child’s learning potential

Childhood traum

Helping a kids bounce back

Kia Kaha Christc

Eight-page hurch on “the supplement new normal ”

zine

and

onlin

e resou

rce for

famil

ies

www

.fami

lytim

es.co

.nz

IN CIN EMA S

issue 2011

ISSN 1176 7944

Win Win

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

NZ’s No.1 parenting publication

Find Family Times New Zealand on Facebook and Like Us today! or visit us on the web

www.familytimes.co.nz

42

www.familytimes.co.nz

...

and make our day!

A comment on Family Times, opinion on... a parenting subject, a birthday party game or recipe, a great place to visit with your family, information to share - whatever -

we’d love to hear from you to spread the fun around.

PO Box 36004 Christchurch Email: admin@familytimes.co.nz or find us on facebook

Your business could been seen in this space ISSN 1178

2011

5268

ISSue Summer

AU

CK

L AN

D

CHR

ISTC

HUR

CH Winter

Win Win

Compet Win itions, giveaways nt and fro lly voucher ho mes sfu t

admin@ familytimes.co.nz

A news

maga

Childhood trauma

the suc ces flic r on ys to ily con Ke fam ing Optimum ma nag sleep

Helping kids bounce back

Wa

den g r gar gro winJon es me sum veg es Ala n Th et you r fro m Ge h hel p ays wit Wi n giv eaw Wi n ion s, Wi nmp etit rs Co vou che and

Maximise your child’s learning potentia l

Kia Kaha Christc

hurch Eight-pa ge on “the supplement new normal”

zine

and

onlin

e resou

rce

for famil

ies

www

.fami

lytim

es.co

issue 2011

ISSN 1176 7944

Please contact us to discuss 0800 28 5510

Check out our Competitions online and win!

.nz

IN CIN EMA

S

www.familytimes.conz

NZ’s No.1 parenting publication

Find Family Times New Zealand on Facebook and Like Us today! or visit us on the web

www.familytimes.co.nz Tell our advertiser you saw it in...

ISSN 1178

2011

5268

ISSue Summer

AU

CK

LA

ND

CHR

ISTC

HUR

CH Winter

issue 2011

ISSN 1176 7944

Win Win

Win Competitio giveaways ns, t and vouchers e fronlly

hom essfu lict the on s to succ ly conf War Key g fami agin

en gard ing s mer s grow Jone sum vege Alan The your from s Get help with Wins, give away Win Win peti tion Com vouc hers and

A news

magaz

Optimum man Maximise sleep your child’s learning potential

Childhoo d trauma

Helping kids bounce back

Kia Kaha Christchu

rch Eight-page supplemen on “the new normal” t

ine and

online

resourc

e for

familie

s

www.f

amilyti

mes.co

.nz

IN CINE MAS

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

www.familytimes.co.nz

43

NZ’s No.1 parenting publication

Find Family Times New Zealand on Facebook and Like Us today! or visit us on the web

www.familytimes.co.nz

Tell our advertiser you saw it in...

Tell our advertiser you saw it in...

... ...

and make our day!

A comment on Family Times, opinion on... a parenting subject, a birthday party game or recipe, a great place to visit with your family, information to share - whatever -

we’d love to hear from you to spread the fun around.

PO Box 36004 Christchurch Email: admin@familytimes.co.nz or find us on facebook

44

www.familytimes.co.nz

and make our day!

A comment on Family Times, opinion on... a parenting subject, a birthday party game or recipe, a great place to visit with your family, information to share - whatever -

we’d love to hear from you to spread the fun around.

PO Box 36004 Christchurch Email: admin@familytimes.co.nz or find us on facebook

www.familytimes.co.nz

45

Have you seen?

Have a three-day plan RRP $:

NZ’s No.1 parenting publication

Dipsum aut restibeatur aut odicatem reperum et di bea quas corepta tiorest ibustiamt aut odi dolesequis porehentio tem fuga. Ante samusdaepudi to dolendam re ea que que molent faccatu repres corporerum erehenimo ea consers perfero molorenis et aut odi dolesequis porehentio tem fuga. Ante samusdaepudi to dolendam re ea que que molent faccatu repres corporerum erehenimo ea consers perfero molorenis WWW.PPPPPPPP.PP.PP

10 to win

Cost: Auckland. $300 Wellington. $200 Christchurch. $200 Dunedin. $100 National: $700 GST exclusive

(includes print & online)

Have a threeday plan RRP $:

4 to win

Dipsum aut restibeatur aut odicatem reperum et di bea quas corepta tiorest ibustiam et aut odi dolesequis porehentio tem fuga.

Ante samusdaepudi to dolendam re ea que que molent faccatu repres corporerum erehenimo ea tiorest ibustiam et aut odi dolesequis porehentio tem fuga. Ante samusdaepudi to consers perfero molorenis

Distributing from middle of June

Have a threeday plan

Have a threeday plan

RRP $:

RRP $:

2 to win

Dipsum aut restibeatur aut odicatem reperum et di bea quas corepta tiorest ibustiam et aut odi dolesequis porehentio tem fuga. Ante samusdaepudi to dolendam re ea que que molent faccatu repres corporerum erehenimo ea consers perfero molorenis tiorest ibustiam et aut odi dolesequis porehentio tem fuga. Ante samusdaepudi to

Dipsum aut restibeatur aut odicatem reperum et di bea quas corepta tiorest ibustiam et aut odi dolesequis porehentio tem fuga. Ante samusdaepudi to dolendam re ea que que molent faccatu repres tiorest ibustiam et aut odi dolesequis porehentio tem fuga.

Ante samusdaepudi to corporerum erehenimo ea consers perfero molorenis

www.fvbnfsojnolko.df.pp

www.fvbnfsojnolko. df.pp

Have a three-day plan RRP $: Dipsum aut restibeatur aut odicatem reperum et di bea quas corepta tiorest ibustiam et aut odi dolesequis porehentio tem fuga. Ante samusdaepudi to dolendam re ea que que molent faccatu repres corporerum tiorest ibustiam et aut odi dolesequis porehentio tem fuga. Ante samusdaepudi to erehenimo ea consers perfero molorenis www.fvbnfsojnolko.df.pp

Copy required……

Name of product RRP $ Text: approx 50 words Image (one only) Website address

www.fvbnfsojnolko.df.pp

Regional Distribution Auckland: 58,308 Wellington: 35,062 Christchurch: 41,947 Dunedin: 12,688 National: 148,005

Have a three-day plan RRP $: Dipsum aut restibeatur aut odicatem reperum et di bea quas corepta tiorest ibustiam et aut odi dolesequis porehentio tem fuga.

Ante samusdaepudi to dolendam re ea que que molent faccatu repres corporerum erehenimo ea consers tiorest ibustiam et aut odi dolesequis porehentio tem fuga. Ante samusdaepudi to perfero molorenis www.fvbnfsojnolko.df.pp

6 to win

Have a threeday plan

RRP $: Dipsum aut restibeatur aut odicatem reperum et di bea quas corepta tiorest ibustiam et aut odi dolesequis porehentio tem fuga. Ante samusdaepudi to dolendam re ea que que molent faccatu repres corporerum erehenimo ea consers perfero molorenis tiorest ibustiam et aut odi dolesequis porehentio tem fuga.

Ante samusdaepudi to www.fvbnfsojnolko.df.pp

How to enter.... To win any of these giveaways enter via our website www.familytimes.co.nz/competitions 46

www.familytimes.co.nz

47

www.familytimes.co.nz