Family Times - Christchurch - Spring 2016

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I.T and science Why HTML is as important as English

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Reclaiming fatherhood “Dadding” is the new cool

New Zealand's leading parenting resource

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Beating bullies How to talk about bullying with your child

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Win Win Win Competitions, giveaways and kids’ games

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

CHRISTCHURCH / ISSUE 83 / Spring 2016

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Contents

Spring 2016

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4 When it comes to 11 Science at home parenting...

Learn all about the magic of science with at-home science fun.

Pearls of wisdom from famous parents.

5 Dadding 12 Mum guilt

Guys are reclaiming fatherhood with bloke-ish hilarity.

How to talk with your child about bullying.

6 Beat bullying

Kick mum guilt to the kerb with these tips.

13 Supermarket buying tips

Stretch your grocery-buying dollar further with these handy hints.

8 Teaching kids self-control

15 Doolah or midwife?

9 Allergies

24 Science and IT – education’s future

It’s the single most important skill for growing successful adults.

Is it a cold, hay fever, or a more severe allergy?

10 Preteen corner

Eva-Maria talks about overcoming her own bullying experience.

PUBLISHER Robyn Willis DESIGN & PRODUCTION Sally Travis ADVERT PRODUCTION Target Press Production Office EDITOR Vanessa O’Brien CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Food Michelle Kitney, Munch Pre-teen Eva-Maria

How to make the right choice for your birthing team.

Future proof your child’s job opportunities with an I.T and science education.

26 The science of cooking

Delicious banana choc-nut cookies that rise a little differently.

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15 Kids’ Corner

Resource information

Special features

14 Help is at hand 18 Calendar of events 19 School term dates

Kids’ Time 16 Puzzles and competitions 25 Birthdays

Fun, outdoor kids’ party ideas for sizzling spring and summer.

27 Family dining

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

20 Holiday programmes 20 After school care 21 Entertainment

Tell us on Facebook facebook.com/familytimesnewzealand

DIGITAL TEAM Diane George, Ann Gillies & Jane Madison-Jones MEDIA EXECUTIVES Nicky Barnett, Amy Pawson, Lynda Strowger, Gail Cropp OFFICE MANAGER Raelyn Hay EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Corrin Prebble

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.

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FROM THE EDITOR

When it comes to

Welcome! y first thought when the Family Times team asked me to cover bullying – again – was, “yawn.”

I wasn’t going to do it. We’ve been there, we’ve done that. We’ve written about cyber bullying, when your child is a bully, how to overcome bullying and any other angle that you can think of.

I’ve talked to child psychologists about bullying, asked teachers about bullying and parents who tear-up talking about their child’s bullying experience. So what changed my mind?

It’s simple and devastating all at once: a 13-year-old American boy called Daniel Fitzpatrick took his own life after he “gave up” trying to beat bullying in August. His story went world-wide and tore to the heart of the issue: what should schools do in bullying cases and how can parents stop a bullying situation from spiralling?

Research shows that in the majority of bullying cases, parents simply don’t know because their kids aren’t telling them. They’re ashamed, afraid, and don’t believe that their parents will act. The same goes for other authority figures such as school teachers. That’s a real concern for a country like New Zealand, which has some of the worst bullying statistics in the world – just check out our main feature article on bullying for the figures.

parenting...

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It’s devastating for parents to hear that their kids don’t believe they’ve got their back. Most parents would go to hell and back for their kids, so what’s going wrong? We talk to some of the country’s top anti-bullying campaigners to try and get some insight to help parents learn how to tackle bullying with their kids.

Also in this issue we look at the jobs of the future and how the education sector is adapting to train Kiwi kids for them. To give you a hint, we’re talking about information technology and science. These disciplines are more about teaching kids how to think rather than what to think, as opposed to traditional reading, writing and arithmetic. Schools are implementing lots of exciting initiatives in these fields and that’s only going to grow.

Of course we’ve got all of our regular features too including games, competitions and giveaways. Relish the spring season and start turning pages.

Enjoy!

vanessa

Parenthood can have you hiding in the closet with a jar of Nutella one moment and boasting about how your child came first in the cross country the next. The day-to-day grind can easily make you forget the bigger picture of parenting, so we’ve put together some pearls of wisdom from famous parents to inspire you.

“Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them.” ― James Baldwin

“(24/7) once you sign on to be a mother, that’s the only shift they offer.” ― Jodi Picoult, My Sister’s Keeper “Trust yourself. You know more than you think you do.” ― Benjamin Spock “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” ― Benjamin Franklin “Parents can only give good advice or put them on the right paths, but the final forming of a person’s character lies in their own hands.” ― Anne Frank

“We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.” ― Franklin D. Roosevelt, Great Speeches

“Your kids require you most of all to love them for who they are, not to spend your whole time trying to correct them.” ― Bill Ayers

“The best way to make children good is to make them happy.” ― Oscar Wilde “One reason we have children, I think, is to learn that parts of ourselves we had given up for dead are merely dormant and that the old joys can re-emerge fresh and new and in a completely different form.” ― Anne Fadiman

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Make your GP team your first call 24/7 Even after hours a nurse is available to give free health advice.

Phone your usual General Practice number 24/7.

cdhb.health.nz/carearoundtheclock

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“Dadding” - THE NEW COOL ad’s have taken a bit of a bad rap in the parenting stakes – absent dads, non-involved dads and dads who just don’t fit the modern “sensitive new-age guy (snag)” expectations of today’s society.

To be fair, it’s pretty tough for dads today to know how they are supposed to dad. But somewhere between the macho, authoritarian figures of the past and the super emotionally connected snags of today, a new breed of post-modern dad is emerging.

These dads are celebrating “dadding” big time: you can even buy “Dadding it” sweatshirts.

The dadding craze seems to give guys an opportunity to be involved in taking care of their kids but in a wholly masculine way.

Gone is the feminisation of fathering – there are no expectations to bake cookies and sing lullabies. Instead, guys are posting blogs and videos online with their most recent dadding accomplishments.

These include the delicate art of holding a sleeping baby while playing Xbox, seeing how many Cheerios (a round ring breakfast cereal) they can balance on their sleeping baby’s face, and innovative uses of duct tape to restrict the geographical area of their baby’s travel.

If you’re still not quite sure what dadding is, the online urban dictionary has got it sorted for you: “To care for offspring in a very male

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“A new breed of postmodern dad is emerging.” way. Often, but not always, accomplished with beer, TV and half-truths. Successful dadding involves the child being whole and unmarked, clean, fed, in diapers and PJs, and napping/asleep by the time the partner returns from whatever they were doing.”

It offers these examples: “I didn’t get the chance to clean up the apartment, repair the front porch, or wash the cars. I was dadding.”

“Our child is fed, bathed, and asleep.

Nice dadding!” (Alternate usage: “Our child is still alive and in one piece. Nice dadding!”)

The internet is where dadding has truly gone viral. We’ve even got our own Kiwi dadding expert Jordan Watson, whose first

video, How to Hold a Baby, has had more than 2 million views on YouTube.

Along with baby daughter Alba, he’s gone on to make a slew of video hits including How to Travel With a Baby, How to Get Ready in the Morning and How to Build a Castle for Your Kids.

His videos encapsulate the heart of dadding: he washes his daughter in the kitchen sink with the dishes and pretends to hypnotise her to sleep, all the while taking a laid-back, Kiwi bloke-ish approach to the role of fathering.

Watson has been contacted by media across the globe, appearing on the Huffington Post and Daily Mail, and he’s just one of hundreds of dads out their proudly displaying their dadding nous.

More than just humour though, dadding has opened up a whole online world in which dads can find and relate to other dads who go through the same dadding challenges as them. It’s like the equivalent of a mother’s Plunket group without the emotions.

So if your other half is looking for dad hacks, shortcuts, gimmicks and workarounds, along with a healthy dose of connecting with other dads just like them, a quick online search for dadding will get them on the right track.

WE’VE GOT PARENTING COVERED. VISIT US AT WWW.FAMILYTIMES.CO.NZ FOR MORE PARENTING TIPS AND TRICKS.

Touch, See & Learn

DISCOVERY

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

Just for Kids!

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FEATURE STORY

Tackling bullying head-on he clean-cut and smiling image of 13-year-old Daniel Fitzpatrick is haunting now.

The New York teenager’s photo was spread across newspapers and websites world-wide last month after he took his own life. He had been mercilessly bullied over a period of months.

Worse still, his suicide note claimed that he tried to reach out for help to his school, but Holy Angels Catholic Academy did nothing to stop the bullying.

A senseless and preventable death serves no purpose, but if there is a lesson to be learned, it’s this: bullying needs to be taken seriously.

That’s something that a group of Lyttelton Primary School parents pushed in July after several of their kids were physically attacked in the school’s playground over the period of a year, taking their cause to the media when they felt the school hadn’t taken them seriously.

So when should a school step in?

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Schools’ responsibilities

The Ministry of Education released a Bullying Prevention and Response guide for schools in 2015. To meet the national

administration guideline requirements for a safe physical and emotional school environment, all schools should have a policy that defines bullying and sets out how the school community will address it.

In short, the school needs to let parents know if their child is being bullied.

The grey area is around the definition of bullying.

What is bullying

Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behaviour among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behaviour is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Bullying includes actions such as making threats, spreading rumours, attacking someone physically or verbally, and excluding someone from a group on purpose.

However, we have to get beyond definitions and to the heart of the issue according to former teacher and studentled anti cyber bullying Sticks ‘n Stones project facilitator Karla Sanders.

“The terminology becomes the focus, which means that we are not focusing on the hurt that has been caused. That’s something that we need to address. If

GONDOLA

the child is being harmed, let’s deal with that first before we define exactly which category the behaviour falls into.”

through. Bullying can impact people for the rest of their lives.”

She’ll be right

Karla says solving bullying requires schools and parents to work together rather than feeling like they are on opposing sides. “Some parents connect with other parents first without addressing the issue with the school. I think that they genuinely believe that they’re doing the right thing for a quick resolution. But in our experience, that normally escalates

Part of the issue, according to Karla, is New Zealand’s culture.

“One of the things that concerns us is there’s a “she’ll be right,” a “tough it out,” and “it’s part of growing up” attitude, and that’s really not helpful. It’s not like puberty or first love. It’s not something that we should expect kids have to go

Working together

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FEATURE STORY the situation and makes it worse, especially for the child.”

It was complicated for schools, Karla said. Teachers were being asked to deal with a lot in regards to bullying disclosures and did not necessarily have the skills to do it effectively.

“They need support and training for how they can positively deal with bullying or harassment disclosures. I mean, if you have a class of 32 nine-year-olds and one boy doesn’t want to come into the class because of bullying, you need the skills to know how to gather the information and provide the support before you make decisions and take action.”

New Zealand’s track record

In the 2012 world-wide survey The Trends in Mathematics & Science Study, only two countries scored higher than New Zealand for bullying among year five students.

NetSafe statistics indicate that up to one in five people have been cyberbullied, but Sticks ‘n Stones’ own survey of more than 1400 youth revealed a much more interesting picture: cyber bullying was the least common form of bullying in the data that they calculated for 11 to 16-year-olds: between 6 and 12 per cent of individual cases, compared to 32-60% experiencing verbal bullying. However, that figure grew when it was combined with verbal bullying: 14-21%. That was concerning said Karla, because of the speed, anonymity and audience reach that digital communication afforded.

While bullying was once contained in the playground, it was now sprawled across

social media for all to see, with seeming impunity.

SIGNS A CHILD IS BEING BULLIED

Not every child will exhibit warning signs that they are being bullied: that’s why learning to talk with your child about bullying is so important. However, in many cases there are tell-tale signs.

Some signs that may point to a bullying problem are:

How to talk with your child about bullying

When a parent learns that their child is being bullied, the response is often, “Why didn’t they tell me?”

There are several reasons for this according to the U.S Committee for Children. The first is that children don’t believe that adults will act. In fact, research shows that adults rarely intervene. Many adults believe that young people need to “work out” bullying problems on their own.

Blenheim-based life coach Erena Oliver said that kids she had counselled often expressed that they didn’t believe their parents would listen to them.

“When you have a busy lifestyle, kids sometimes have the belief system that “Mum and Dad don’t have time for me.”

I even had one boy whose mum was at home full time and he honestly believed that she didn’t care or listen to him. So it’s about communication and feeling connected with each other.”

Other reasons that kids don’t speak up are fear of retaliation, getting a reputation as a tattle-tale, not being aware of subtle forms of bullying such as spreading rumours, as well as feeling ashamed, afraid or powerless.

The Office of the Children’s Commissioner recommends that if parents learn that their child is target of bullying, they should: • Stay calm.

• Unexplainable injuries.

• Withdrawing.

• Makes negative statements about themselves.

• Lost or destroyed clothing, books, electronics, or jewellery.

• Frequent headaches or stomach aches, feeling sick or faking illness.

• Changes in eating habits, like suddenly skipping meals or binge eating.

Kids may come home from school hungry because they did not eat lunch.

• Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares.

• Declining grades, loss of interest in schoolwork, or not wanting to go to school.

• Sudden loss of friends or avoidance of social situations.

• Feelings of helplessness or decreased self-esteem.

• Self-destructive behaviours such as running away from home, harming themselves, or talking about suicide.

If your child is displaying one or more of these behaviours, there is a real risk that they are in a bullying situation.

• •

• •

Work out how to deal with the situation together.

Reassure your child that they have done the right thing in talking about it, that the bullying is not their fault, and that you will work with the school to make things better.

Agree on a plan of support for your child.

Regularly check with your child to see how they are doing.

Prevention – the best cure The best possible way to protect your

child from bullying is to prepare them for how to deal with it before it happens.

Education is key, experts say. Talk about what bullying is, why it happens, how to recognise it and ways that you will deal with it together. Your child will come to you if you have regular, open communication with them and they know in advance that they can talk about bullying with you.

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FEATURE STORY

WHY SELF-CONTROL

is so important

he Dunedin study is a long-running cohort study of 1037 people born over the course of a year between 1972 and 1973 in Dunedin. Its researchers found that young children’s self-control skills — such as conscientiousness, selfdiscipline and perseverance — predict their health, wealth and criminal history in later life regardless of IQ or social background.

The research provides the first hard evidence that childhood self-control does influence adult outcomes in the general population. The findings suggest that even small improvements in selfcontrol for children and adolescents could yield important reductions in costs of healthcare, welfare dependency, and crime to a nation.

The researchers assessed the selfcontrol of the study’s participants during the first decade of their life and then examined their health outcomes, wealth outcomes and criminal conviction history at age 32.

Research Professor Moffitt says that even after accounting for study members’ differences in social status and IQ, children as young as three who scored lower on measures of self-control were more likely than children with higher self-control to have the following outcomes as adults:

The good news is that the researchers also discovered that self-control can be improved in childhood and also adolescence.

By learning self-control, kids can make appropriate decisions and respond to stressful situations in ways that can yield positive outcomes.

Here are a few suggestions on how to help kids learn to control their behaviour:

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“By learning self-control, kids can make appropriate decisions and respond to stressful situations...”

• • • • • •

Physical health problems Substance dependence Difficulty with financial planning Difficulty with credit and money management Rearing a child in a single-parent household A criminal conviction record

Up to age 2 Infants and toddlers get frustrated by the large gap between the things they want to do and what they’re able to do. They often respond with temper tantrums.

For kids reaching the 2-year-old mark, try a brief timeout in a designated area — like a kitchen chair or bottom stair — to show the consequences for outbursts and teach that it’s better to take some time alone instead of throwing a tantrum.

Ages 3 to 5 You can continue to use timeouts, but rather than setting a specific time limit, end timeouts once your child has calmed down. This helps kids improve their sense of self-control. And praise your child for not losing control in frustrating or difficult situations.

A recently-aired documentary on New Zealand’s Dunedin study highlights the importance of teaching self-control to children.

Ages 6 to 9 As kids enter school, they’re better able to understand the idea of consequences and that they can choose good or bad behaviour. Encourage your child to walk away from a frustrating situation for a few minutes to cool off instead of having an outburst. Praise kids when they do this.

Ages 10 to 12 Older kids usually better understand their feelings. Encourage them to think about what’s causing them to lose control and then analyze it. Urge kids to take time to think before responding to a situation.

Compliment them as they use their selfcontrol skills.

Ages 13 to 17 Remind teens to think about long-term consequences. If necessary, discipline your teen by taking away certain privileges to reinforce the message that self-control is an important skill. Allow him or her to earn the privileges back by demonstrating self-control.

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Dealing with

seasonal allergies How do you know if your child has mild hay fever or a more serious allergic reaction that may require medical help?

What is hay fever?

Hay fever is one of the most common allergic reactions, particularly in the spring. Sometimes it’s just a sniffle here and there, but other times it can become more serious, resulting in days off school.

Seasonal allergies, sometimes called “hay fever” or seasonal allergic rhinitis, are allergy symptoms that occur during certain times of the year, usually when outdoor moulds release their spores or trees, grasses, and weeds release tiny pollen particles into the air to fertilise other plants.

The immune systems of people who are allergic to mould spores or pollen treat these particles (called allergens) as invaders and release chemicals, including histamine, into the bloodstream to defend against them. It’s the release of these chemicals that causes allergy symptoms.

Seasonal allergies can start at almost any time, but they usually develop by 10 years of age and reach their peak in the early twenties, with symptoms often disappearing later in adulthood.

These symptoms are often accompanied by itchy, watery, and/ or red eyes, which is called allergic conjunctivitis. If your child develops wheezing and shortness of breath in addition to these symptoms, the allergy may have progressed into asthma.

Medical treatment

There is no real cure for seasonal allergies, but it is possible to relieve

“Seasonal allergies can start at almost any time, but they usually develop by 10 years of age and reach their peak in the early twenties, with symptoms often disappearing later in adulthood.”

Signs and symptoms

Allergy symptoms, which usually come on suddenly and last as long as a person is exposed to a particular allergen, can include: • Sneezing • itchy nose and/or throat • nasal congestion • clear, runny nose • coughing

symptoms. Start by reducing or eliminating exposure to allergens. During allergy season, keep windows closed, use air conditioning if possible, and stay indoors when pollen counts are high.

Have your child wash hands or shower and change clothing after playing outside. And don’t allow a child with seasonal allergies to mow the lawn (this tends to kick up pollen and mould spores).

If reducing exposure isn’t possible or is ineffective, medicines can help ease allergy symptoms. They may include decongestants, antihistamines, and nasal spray steroids. If symptoms cannot be managed with medicines, the doctor may recommend taking your child to an allergist or immunologist for regular allergy shots (immunotherapy), which can help desensitise kids to allergens.

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SAY NO TO BEING A

PRETEEN CORNER

BULLYING VICTIM ack in the 90s, when PE consisted of a heated bullrush game and the only offence that was frowned upon by teachers was bringing a knife into school, my days as the new, quiet foreign girl were filled with hiding from bullies during lunchtime.

I’d come home with the odd black eye and know that the gossip and laughter from the girls behind me had something to do with the weird food I brought in for lunch. We never had anti-bullying

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speakers come in, and the playground was literally survival of the fittest where you’d have to outrun your bullies otherwise, well…hello, black eye!

“The playground was literally survival of the fittest...”

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Family Times and Black Cat Cruises have two family passes to give away to celebrate the arrival of spring. The first pass is for Black Cat’s award-winning Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise, where you can see the world’s smallest and rarest dolphin, the Hectors dolphin. The second pass is for a Quail Island Adventure, which is just a short 15-minute ferry ride from Lyttleton.

To enter, visit our competitions page at www.familytimes.co.nz and complete an entry form. Competition closes 10 October 2016.

The greatest thing I learned through this is that just like bullies have strength in numbers, those who may be “victims” can also use this tactic against them both online and offline. For example, a boy in our class was always being bullied in every aspect imaginable for being fat. He would try to fight classmates, which only fuelled the fire, so I just started being nice to him and we became friends. Of course we both knew the other person was being bullied and we didn’t want to join forces only to be bullied together two-fold, but somehow it worked; after initial romance rumours, the bullying stopped because we simply ignored it and carried on with our friendship.

Fast forward almost 13 years on: he got his weight under control and now works as a police officer with strong connections to schools with anti-bullying talks. From my experience, 95 per cent of bullying cases go away in minimal time if the one being bullied simply rejects the idea of being put into the “victim” spot.

A good thing to ask your preteen if they come to you with a bullying problem is: “how did you handle the situation?” Turn the tables to illustrate to them that they hold power in how the situation plays

out. Analyse with them: talk to them about what they can do differently next time. Is there an opportunity to ignore it? Befriend someone? Or maybe it’s just about understanding that the bully themselves may be going through a rough time and just being nice to them (weird, but it works!).

These days, the word “victim” is widely used, and I hate that this is the word used to describe the person being on the receiving end of a bully. The word “victim” almost puts the assumption that this person has no control or power to change the situation, which I believe is not the case. The greatest asset you can give your preteen is the strength and problem-solving skills to assure them that if they ever get bullied, they do not fall “victim” to it, but instead take control of the situation and take the high road to get out of it without any damage to their self-esteem.

EVA-MARIA IS AN INTERGENERATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS EXPERT AND AUTHOR OF BESTSELLING BOOK YOU SHUT UP! AND SEQUEL SHUSH, YOU!. VISIT WWW.EVA-MARIA.CO.NZ.

Petrina, Avonside

“My son loves his kai so meals are a great time to catch up.”

UNLOCKING EVERY BOY’S POTENTIAL

ENROL NOW FOR 2017

Real families aren’t picture perfect.

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Choosing the right school for your son is an important decision. We invite you to have a personalised tour with the Headmaster to see for yourself our wonderful learning facilities, and to observe our personalised learning programmes, both inside and outside of the classroom.

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THE SCIENCE OF

MAGIC

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MAGIC AND SCIENCE?

Not much! In fact, all magic tricks are based on scientific principles. Scientists aren’t very good at keeping secrets though - the processes of what they’ve done are often just as important as the answers they discover.

Here are a few magic tricks that we can explain to kids with some basic science.

ILLUSIONS

The human brain is very complicated and clever, but it can also be tricked quite easily. An illusion is an image that fools

our brains into thinking one thing instead of another thing. Magicians often use distractions (like waving their hands about) to make us focus on that one thing, whilst they trick us by doing another.

Here is a great example of an illusion that you can show your kids: your brain will understand and process it is a picture of a duck, until you turn it to the side and then you will see a rabbit. Once you’ve seen both animals, you can only focus on one at a time. It will always look like either a rabbit or a duck, but not both – it’s an illusion that has confused your brain!

INVISIBLE INK Chemistry is full of surprises and always a great way for kids to explore basic ideas with hands-on activities. Invisible inks have been used for hundreds of years, with people using sweat and even spit to write secret messages to each other. There are many types of invisible ink but a great one to use at home is milk and heat.

Invisible milk message Supplies: A small cup of milk A paintbrush or cotton-bud A piece of paper An iron An ironing board or towel and flat space Instructions: Milk ink effectively weakens parts of the paper. Those parts are then quicker to burn than the paper itself so the message in ink turns brown and the rest of the paper remains white. The milk message will dry almost completely invisible until you burn it with the iron to reveal the secrets!

1.

Take your paintbrush or cotton bud and dip it into the milk.

2. Write a message or draw a picture onto your paper.

3. Wait for the paper to dry – the message should be invisible.

4. Then turn your iron on, making sure you’ve turned it to dry mode – we don’t want any steam.

5. Once it is hot enough, place the piece of paper message side down on the ironing board or towel, and place the iron on the paper for about 10 seconds.

6. You’ll begin to smell the milk burning: you can check the bottom of the paper to see if it has browned enough. If not, place the iron back down on the paper for another 10 seconds.

7. Be careful not to heat the paper for too long, or you’ll ignite it.

8. Always make sure you supervise iron use around children; they can take a while to cool after turning them off so make sure they’re out of reach.

9. Your secret message will be revealed and will cool very quickly.

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TACKLING“Mum

guilt”

Mum guilt – it’s a relatively recent phrase but not necessarily a new phenomenon. ou are not alone if you suffer from the occasional dose of mum guilt. A recent BabyCenter survey revealed that 94 per cent of mothers feel a degree of shame or guilt over a range of issues from the amount of time they spend with their kids to the kind of nappies they use and the meals they cook. Those issues are inflated today with a large proportion of mothers working as well as being home-makers.

It doesn’t seem to matter whether you are a CEO or at-home mum, a teen mother or a 40-year-old who put off parenting until post career: most mums today experience mum guilt at some time.

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4 KEY MUM GUILT SITUATIONS

Here are 4 key mum guilt situations for new mums and how to deal with them:

1Not feeling it

Although most women do feel a bond with their baby after giving birth, there are many who don’t. This can be due to a number of factors including a traumatic birth, caesarean section, emotional stress and sleepless nights, to name a few. The key here is to accept that bonding often takes time.

As you care for and nurture your baby, that bond will grow.

2Not breastfeeding

Where does it come from?

Mum guilt usually has to do with expectations – society’s expectations, the expectations of friends and family, and the expectations that mums put on themselves.

The key to beating mum guilt is working out where the expectation comes from and getting a little perspective.

At its best, psychologists say that mum guilt can be a motivator to pay better attention to how we parent, but at worst it’s a way to punish ourselves for not measuring up.

“94 per cent of mothers feel a degree of shame or guilt over a range of issues.”

LOVE THIS ARTICLE? THERE’S PLENTY MORE WHERE THAT CAME FROM: VISIT US AT WWW.FAMILYTIMES.CO.NZ.

There. We said it. We all know that breast is best and that there’s a lot of pressure for new mums to breastfeed.

This can leave new mothers feeling horrible about the health benefits they feel they are denying their new bundle of joy if they choose not to breastfeed.

The worst thing is that other mothers are often the ones to point this out.

Mothers – be kind to one another.

We’re all on the same team. Being an unhappy breastfeeding mother is not better than being a happy mother feeding your baby with formula.

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3Returning to work

This is perhaps the biggest guilt trip of all. The first day that you drop your littlie to an early childcare centre and head into work often ends in tears – for both you and your child. The good news is that experts say children are remarkably resilient and can adapt and thrive in many different types of childcare arrangements. For many women, having an outlet and sense of purpose both inside and outside of the home helps them to feel whole – and sane. That makes for a better parent.

time for yourself 4Taking

With the day-to-day juggling act of motherhood, making time for yourself can seem selfish. It’s anything but.

If you feel guilty making time to exercise, spend time with friends or going for a date night with your partner, check yourself. A more relaxed, refreshed and energised you is a better, more patient mother.

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Fly into HOYTS these school holidays and check out our new family movies

BUY NOW AT HOYTS.CO.NZ *Online booking fee of $1.20 applies. Price listed is for family of 3 – one adult and two children.

12 www.familytimes.co.nz

How to outsmart

YOUR GROCERY STORE A supermarket trip as a parent can be akin to running the gauntlet – perilously teetering between obstacles and aiming to get back to the car before either you or one of the kids has an emotional breakdown. t’s even tougher when you have a budget to consider. Getting home intact and on point budget-wise is a serious parenting win.

Luckily, Family Times has some tips for supermarket success:

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Plan out a weekly menu Before you even start your grocery list, plan a weekly menu. This will save you on two fronts – you can write an effective shopping list to stick to and cut down extra supermarket trips for the few items you forgot for each meal. We all know these extra trips can end up costing $80 when you only meant to spend $10.

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Always go with a list Once you’ve planned your menu, checked your fridge and pantry, write a list. If you go supermarket shopping without a list, you may as well just throw your money away.

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Have a budget Know exactly how much you have to spend before you pull into the

supermarket car park. If you don’t set a limit, you can’t stick to it.

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the same thing. If it’s chopped tomatoes going into a casserole, nobody will notice.

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Do a rough running tally Use your head, or a phone calculator, to do a rough running tally as you go. That way you can decide whether or not you really need that 1kg block of chocolate.

Choose your time It’s best to visit the supermarket at a non-peak time, especially if you’ve got kids in tow. Avoid the 5pm rush, pay days and major holidays.

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If at all possible, fly solo Shop when the kids are at school, or another great time is late at night (if you have a partner who can stay home with the kids.) That way there’s less drama and it becomes a quicker, more targeted shop.

Buy in bulk when it makes sense Buy jumbo boxes of imperishables if you know that you will use them over time – i.e. nappies, toilet paper etc. But watch out for bulk buys on fruits and vegetables – you may get more produce for your dollar, but will you use it all before it goes bad?

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Look for specials Do buy specials, but only if they’re items that are on your list.

Try store brands It’s all in the advertising – but once you take the label of a can, it’s often

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Don’t grocery shop when you’re hungry This is an age-old truth, but still relevant today. You will buy extra stuff you don’t need if you shop when you’re hungry.

Have a decent meal before you go.

you need to compare the overall cost of a shop between supermarkets (accounting for those savings) and go where the buying is best.

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WEAR headphones and listen to upbeat music Supermarkets intentionally play music with a slower beat to encourage shoppers to move more slowly through the aisles – and buy 29 per cent more. Put on your favourite workout mix and get moving – and saving – while you shop.

“Branding: if it’s chopped tomatoes going into a casserole, nobody will notice.”

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Don’t be afraid to change supermarkets Store savings cards are great, but

www.familytimes.co.nz 13

SUPPORT SERVICES

Feeling unwell? Call your general practice team 24/7 We’ve all been there: it’s the middle of the night, your child is sick and you’re not sure whether to go to after-hours or not.

If you’re lucky enough to live in Canterbury, the answer to what to do just got a lot easier. Even in the wee small hours you can call your usual general practice number and when they’re closed, a team of nurses is available to answer your call. The nurses provide free health advice, and if you need to be seen urgently by a doctor, they can tell you what to do and where to go.

HELP IS @ HAND

➜ Catholic Social Services No-cost parenting support programmes and family/individual counselling open to all.

Usual office hours with late night on Tuesdays to 6.30pm, only by appointment.

Parent Helpline 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

When a child is unwell, it’s always good to seek medical attention sooner rather than later. It’s best to phone your own general practice team any time of the day or night. If a child does need to have an appointment, most practices in Canterbury have free consultations for those under 13.

This service isn’t just for children. It’s for everyone in Canterbury who wants to get well sooner. It’s always important that people access the most appropriate health care, and in most cases this is provided by general practice teams, even after-hours.

If you save your general practice phone number to your mobile phone, that’s the only number you need to access health advice 24/7.

After hours your general practice team’s answerphone will provide an option to press “x” to speak with a nurse.

When you press that option you will be transferred to a nurse who can provide free health advice over the phone. If you need to be seen urgently by a doctor, they will tell you where to go and what to do.

More information is available at www. cdhb.health.nz/carearoundtheclock.

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

336 Cashel Street, P O Box 4237, Christchurch. Phone: 03-379 0012 www.cathsocservs.nzl.org

refugee 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 is 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 03-338 8628. New Zealand Speak Easy Association Inc, PO Box 16554, Hornby, Christchurch.

➜ Autism Associates NZ, provider of ABA services. Phone: 027-910 4020 ➜ Christchurch Resettlement Services.

Free social services for people from

Disconnect to reconnect New Zealanders can’t get enough of being online, but have we got the balance right?

According to research company Nielsen, 3.1 million New Zealanders spend 16 hours online every week, and 70 per cent of us now own a mobile device.

For most of us, unplugging completely is unrealistic. Sometimes there are simply calls to take, texts to answer and moments we want to capture.

How can we switch off and recharge?

Small breaks away from technology can have big benefits. Being away from your screen allows you to slow down and focus on the things that matter most. Digital downtime frees you up to read, walk, sing, dance, get outdoors, spend time with the whanau, enjoy your favourite hobbies and do whatever it is you’d like more time for.

To encourage people to think about how we’re using technology, All Right? is inviting Cantabrians to join a citywide Digital Detox on 2 October between 10am and 2pm. It’s not about throwing your phone away or swearing off technology for good. It’s simply a chance to take a break, do something fun and find the balance that feels just right.

To sign up for the All Right? Digital Detox, visit www.allright.org.nz.

BABY AND TODDLER

Doula vs. midwife ong gone are the days when your GP looked after your health and that of your baby from your first pregnancy test through to post-natal care.

Today, there are many choices when it comes to pregnancy, birth and post-natal care. One of the big decisions expectant mothers have to make is whether they choose a midwife, a doula, or both.

If you’re wondering what a doula is, the name is derived from Greek and literally means “a woman who serves.” She doesn’t replace a registered healthcare professional but will encourage, soothe, nurture and educate you through your pregnancy, birth and early mothering days. She adds an extra service, such as helping with techniques to manage pain during labour and providing help and support during baby’s early days. The role of a doula is to ensure the mother and her partner feel safe and confident before, during, and after birth.

Palmerston North-based Baby Beginnings owner Carolyn Tranter, who has been a doula for 26-years, says a doula can be an essential addition to a mother-to-be’s team.

“It’s definitely become more popular.

I think it’s because people are aware that the emotional and physical support

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that family used to offer previously, that disappeared when birthing went to hospitals. It’s filling a gap that mum and auntie and grandma used to fill to make sure that she feels supported.”

Carolyn added that a doula’s role was not to replace family, but to help family learn how to support a pregnant/birthing woman and new mother as much as possible. “It’s that emotional and physical support that she needs.” She says that although a midwife does offer support, their role was primarily as a registered medical professional.

That doesn’t mean that doulas are unqualified: Carolyn trained in America to become DONA certified.

While certification is not required to work as a doula in New Zealand, Carolyn recommends it. “Those who are certified have a very clear and strict scope of practice and code of ethics. It’s always important to know the boundaries.” She started the Doula Academy to facilitate DONA certification for New Zealand doulas.

Science backs up the practice of doulas. The Cochrane Library 2011 research paper Continuous Support for Women During Childbirth says that the services of a doula – a continuous

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“The role of a doula is to ensure the mother and her partner feel safe and confident before, during, and after birth.”

support person during birth who is not there as family/friend/medical staff – is associated with improved maternal and foetal health. There’s a lower risk of induction and interventions and less need for pain relief.

Additionally, a doula is sometimes hired to work with families beyond the postpartum stages, providing continued physical and emotional support for as long as needed.

As doulas are not registered health professionals, their services are not funded through New Zealand’s healthcare system. But the cost isn’t as prohibitive as you may imagine. For an average of between $500 - $1000 a doula will visit you 4-5 times during pregnancy, support you through the birth and for two or three hours post birth, and then 4-5 more visits

post-natal. That’s a cost of about $20 a week over a pregnancy.

Mothers find it an invaluable service, Carolyn said, and it was equally as rewarding for her. “If I could, I would do it for free. It’s absolutely amazing. I feel very privileged when I’m invited to share that experience with someone.”

GOT MORE QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR LITTLIES? VISIT OUR “BABY & TODDLER” SECTION UNDER FEATURE ARTICLES AT WWW.FAMILYTIMES.CO.NZ.

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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.

PUZZLE TYPE: MATCHING

WALKIES

TITLE: Walkies!

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.

TEXT: Follow the tangled leads to match each Now it’s time for walkies!

ANSWER: TEXT INMel-d, CINEMAS 2016 Buddy-c Duke-a, Max-b.

Buddy

Mel

Follow the tangled leads to match each pet with its collar, pet collar, then write onforit’s tag. thenwith writeit’s their name on its tag.their Now name it’s time walkies!

Buddy=C, Mel=D, Duke=A, Max=B.

KIDS' TIME

Duke

Max

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c THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS © 2016 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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Design competition This edition, we want you to share your favourite spring flower designs with us. Design, draw, paint or collage a piece of paper with everything that means spring and happiness for you and your family. When you’re done, send us your picture and be in to win an amazing $50 prize pack from Crayola! Three entry age groups: preschool (ages 1-4), 5-8, 9-12. Create your design on an A5 sheet. Post in to PO Box 36 004, Christchurch 8146. Entries close 21 October 2016.

The Secret Life of Pets

Ever wonder what your pets think about and what they do, when you’re not home?

Come 15 September all your questions will be answered on the big screen with this new Paramount Pictures movie. Taking place in a Manhattan apartment building, Max’s life as a favourite pet is turned upside down when his owner brings home a sloppy mongrel named Duke.

They have to put their quarrels behind them when they find out that an adorable white bunny named Snowball is building an army of abandoned pets determined to take revenge on all happy-owned pets and their owners.

To celebrate, Family Times is giving away five fantastic prize packs courtesy of Paramount.

Visit the competitions page at www.familytimes. co.nz to enter and for prize pack details.

Competition closes 18 September 2016.

Hi-5 House Hits tour

Hi-5 House Hits bring you all of your favourite Hi-5 songs this October school holidays to sing and dance to.

You will learn how to do the coolest Hi-5 dance moves and feel like a Hi-5 star with classic hits like L.O.V.E and Making Music with the whole Hi-5 gang, to sweet solos, duets and trios from your favourite Hi-5 friends.

Of course Chats and Jup Jup will be joining in on the fun!

Family Times has 3 family passes for Christchurch and Dunedin, and then 1 family pass each for Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton and Napier. A family pass: 4 tickets: 2 adults, 2 children or 1 adult, 3 children. Visit our competitions page at www.familytimes.co.nz to enter and for tour dates. Competition closes 22 September 2016.

Looking for a great family friendly summer sport, accessible to all ages and abilities? With Term 4 and Term 1 options available as well as full season memberships!

13 Clubs throughout Christchurch and Selwyn Districts are holding registration days throughout August & September so head to our website or contact the Canterbury Softball Office for further info.

AND BE IN TO WIN!!! Text or email “PLAYBALL” to us to enter the draw for $100.00 worth of brand new Softball gear!!!

W: www.csa.org.nz E: admin@csa.org.nz P: 389 9167 or 027 289 3801

Cooking 4 Change

The Cooking 4 Change cookbook, launched 26 August, is a collection of tantalising recipes shared by 101 of New Zealand’s most loved celebrities. It’s the brainchild of artist Dick Frizzell, his business partner Christian Kasper and TV presenter Erin Simpson. All profits from this beautifully designed, hard-covered book will go to the Cooking 4 Change Foundation and be distributed to the Auckland City Mission, Leukaemia & Blood Cancer NZ, Paw Justice and the Starship Foundation.

To enter to win one of 5 copies, check out our competitions page at www.familytimes.co.nz. Competition closes 10 October 2016.

Disney Tsum Tsum fun fun competition

All your favourite Disney friends just got cuter with the Tsum Tsum Squishies collection.

There are more than 50 adorable, squishy, stackable characters to collect! Swap with your friends to complete your Tsum Tsum family - don’t forget to look out for the ultra-rare gold Mickey, Elsa, Olaf and Alice. Take them with you everywhere in their exclusive carry case!

To celebrate, Family Times and Disney are giving away 5 x prize packs to our lovely fans.

To be in with a chance to win, visit our competitions page on our website: www.familytimes.co.nz.

Competition closes 10 October 2016.

www.familytimes.co.nz 17

COOL ACTIVITIES

Calendar of Events

It’s time to put away the winter woollies and get excited about all that the new season has to offer. For more event and entertainment ideas, visit www.familytimes.co.nz and enjoy our large, family-friendly resource.

17 September

● Treehouse Tales with Andy Griffiths.

The most popular treehouse in children’s fiction is back, now with 78 storeys! Tickets $15, 10am, The Library at Te Hapua, Halswell Centre, 341 Halswell Road.

Visit www.wordchristchurch.co.nz.

17 September–26 March

● Air New Zealand 75 Years. Come on a journey through the decades with our national airline. Free exhibition. From 9am–5.30pm, Canterbury Museum, Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch. Visit www.canterburymuseum.com.

18 September 20 November

● Stop Motion Animation Sundays.

Learn to make LEGO stop-motion animated movies at a 90-minute session.

Cost $15 or $25 to share computer. At 1pm, Imagination Station, 113 Worcester Street, Christchurch. Visit www.imagination-station.org.nz.

18 September

● Public Spring Planting Day. Be part of Conservation Week at Charlesworth

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Reserve, a restoration project of tidal wetland and surrounding coastal shrub land and forest. From 10am–12pm, Charlesworth Reserve, Charlesworth Street, Brookhaven. Email: Matt.Rose@ccc.govt.nz.

2 October

23 September

● Steam Sundays at Ferrymead.

Enjoy a fun-filled day in an early 1900s township and take a ride on the steam train and trams. From 10am to 4.30pm, 50 Ferrymead Park Drive. Visit www.ferrymead.org.nz.

● Astronomy public open night. Explore the wonders of the southern night sky with local amateur astronomers. Adults $10, children $7. From 7.30–9pm, Canterbury Astronomical Society, 218 Bells Road, Christchurch. Visit www.cas.org.nz.

2 October

24–25 September

● The Extravaganza (Gypsy). A unique style of market stalls, arts and craft, food and musical entertainment. From 9am, Richmond Village Green, Stanmore Road.

Email gypsyextravaganza@gmail.com for more information.

25 September

● JD Duathlon Series Race 3. Fun duathlon (run/bike/run) for all ages and abilities. A course for kids from 5-years up (run only). Starts 9am, Corsair Bay. Entry fees $10–$49. Visit www.jdevents.co.nz.

For more event and entertainment ideas, visit www.familytimes.co.nz and enjoy our large, familyfriendly resource.

HEAD ALONG TO TREEHOUSE TALES WITH ANDY GRIFFITHS.

30 September–2 October

● Eukanuba National Dog Show. Dog lovers are out in full force for this obedience, working trial and agility event.

Cost $5 or family $10. Riding for the Disabled Events Centre, 102 Curletts Road, Christchurch. Visit www.nds.nzkc.org.nz.

● Spring into Oxford. A family fun day with classic and vintage car displays, children’s entertainment, music and market stalls. Pearson Park Oval, Main Street, Oxford, 10am-2pm.

Contact admin@oxfordnewzealand.co.nz.

5 October

● Hi-5 House Hits Tour. A big Hi-5 singand-dance-a-long concert for the whole family with all your favourite songs. At 10am and 1pm, Isaac Theatre Royal.

Tickets priced from $33.90. Visit www.livenation.co.nz.

COOL ACTIVITIES

9–11 November

6 November

10–12 November

20 November

● Canterbury A&P Show. Country comes to town! Livestock, entertainment and attractions, indoor and outdoor exhibits, feature marquees and pavilions. From 8am to 5.30pm daily at ASB Agricultural Park.

Visit www.theshow.co.nz.

● The Gruffalo. This charming tale returns to the theatre with a cast of three bringing the story to wonderful life and getting rave reviews. Isaac Theatre Royal, tickets $22–$28. Visit www.isaactheatreroyal.co.nz.

● Mothers on a Mission - For a Real Food Revolution. Tools, tips and tricks to help mums transition their families to more real food with minimal stress. From 7–9pm, Peppers Clearwater Resort, Clearwater Avenue, Harewood. Phone: 0800-289-849.

● O’Neill School of Irish Dance Fete.

Stalls, food vendors, entertainment, live music and Irish dancing. Gold coin donation on entry. From 10am–3pm, Edendale Café, 898 Sandy Knolls Road, West Melton. Visit www.oneillschoolfete. weebly.com.

SEE HI-5 IN CONCERT WITH ALL OF YOUR FAVOURITE SONGS!

SCHOOL TERM DATES

23 October

2016 - 2017 primary and intermediate school term dates

2016 - 2017 secondary and composite school term dates

Term 1, 2017 Between Monday 30 January and Tuesday 7 February to Thursday 13 April

Term 1, 2017 Between Monday 30 January and Tuesday 7 February to Thursday 13 April

Term 2, 2017 Monday 1 May to Friday 7 July

Term 2, 2017 Monday 1 May to Friday 7 July

Term 3, 2017 Monday 24 July to Friday 29 September

Term 3, 2017 Monday 24 July to Friday 29 September

● Orton Bradley Park Spring Fair. Live music, coffee, food, stalls, kids’ activities, adventure playground, walking and mountain biking tracks. Adults $5, children free. From 10am, Orton Bradley Park. Visit www.ortonbradley.co.nz.

31 October–1 November

● Shu’s Song. Step inside the imaginary world of Shu: this show uses movement, puppetry and light to create a non-verbal, visual theatre experience. Shows at 9.30am and 11am each day. Isaac Theatre Royal.

Visit www.capitale.org.nz.

2 November

● 2016 National Secondary Schools’ Brass Band. Thirty-nine talented young musicians come together for a one-off concert. Admission is $10/$5 at the door.

From 2.30–4pm, The Piano, 156 Armagh Street. Visit www.thepiano.nz.

5 November

● Hororata Highland Games. Scottish dance, music, spinning, shooting and athletics. Have a go or simply enjoy the fairground atmosphere and Scottishthemed food and wine. From 9am– 4.30pm, Hororata Domain, 69 Hororata Road. Visit www.hororatahighlandgames. org.nz for ticket prices.

Term 4, 2016 Monday 10 October to no later than Tuesday 20 December

Term 4, 2016 Monday 10 October to no later than Friday 16 December

Remaining public holidays 2016 24 October Labour Day 25 December Christmas Day 26 December Boxing Day

Something for the whole family Whether it’s for fun with the family, swimming lessons or relaxation, come in and make the most of our heated pools and enjoy the warm indoor environment. ∙ Pre School, After School and Adult swimming lessons ∙ Aquafit Classes for all ages and abilities ∙ 25m Lane Pool for training ∙ Leisure Pool with Lazy River and Toddlers Pool for fun with the kids ∙ Hydrotherapy Pool and Spa Pool for relaxing and recovering ∙ Retail store for swimwear and accessories Come and try the paddle boats on Saturdays and inflatables on Sunday from 2-4pm.

Selwyn Aquatic Centre 71 Broadlands Drive, Rolleston 7643 Contact (03) 347 2734 www.selwyn.govt.nz/sac

LARNACH CASTLE

New Zealand’s Castle

Email: info@larnachcastle.co.nz Ph: 0800 527 6224 www.larnachcastle.co.nz

Term & Conditions apply Valid for New Zealand school holidays Children must be accompanied by 1 paying adult Term & Conditions apply • Valid for New Zealand School Holidays only • Children must be accompanied by one paying adult

www.familytimes.co.nz 19

COOL ACTIVITIES

Holiday

PROGRAMMES

Before and after school

Looking for something fun, educational or adventurous for Looking for a great programme or activity to keep your your kids during these school holidays? Check out some of kids occupied outside of school hours? Look no further – the great programmes available in the following listings: we’ve got some great options for you here, and at www.familytimes.co.nz. ● M*A*S*H Various programmes around Christchurch, Timaru/Temuka and North Canterbury. WINZ subsidy available. “The best fun your kids can have.” Phone 0800420-520, admin@mashkids.co.nz, www.mashkids.co.nz. ● SHARP Trust 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. ● Kaiapoi Aquatic Centre Bumper boats every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, 1-3pm during the school holidays. Cost is $5 plus pool admission. Kaiapoi Aquatic Centre, 9 Cass Street, Kaiapoi. Phone 03-375-5041. ● Kidsbase A fun, safe and caring environment for all kids. Visit www.kidsbase.co.nz or text 027239-7690 for a programme near you.

● Living Springs Kids’ camp - Monday 26 September to Friday 30 September. Check the website for details: www.livingsprings.co.nz or email info@livingsprings.co.nz.

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

● Sport Canterbury Sport Canterbury active kids’ holiday programmes promote fun, participation and sporting experiences for 5 to 13-yearolds. Visit www.sportcanterbury.org.nz.

● 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.

● CASPA CASPA offers a holiday programme that your five to 13-year-olds will enjoy. For peace of mind, call CASPA on 03-3499260. ● SwimKings Learn to swim with the experts at SwimKings: book now for school holiday programmes and enjoy small class sizes.

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

A world away right at your doorstep Living Springs Kids Camp A place where memories are made Sept 26-30 www.livingsprings.co.nz 218 Bamfords Road (03) 329 9788 info@livingsprings.co.nz

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● Kidsbase A fun, safe and caring environment for all kids. Visit www.kidsbase.co.nz or text 027239-7690 for a programme near you. ● CASPA CASPA offers an after-school programme that your five to 13-year-olds will enjoy.

For peace of mind, call CASPA on 03-3499260.

COOL ACTIVITIES

ENTERTAINMENT Spring 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. ● Naval Point Club Attention water sports enthusiasts: anything you can do on or in the water, you can do at Naval Point Club. Great kids’ learn-to-sail programmes. Visit www.navalpoint.co.nz.

● Black Cat Cruises Make it a memorable autumn with Black Cat Cruises and the Hector’s dolphins.

Just 90 minutes from Christchurch and best of all, under 5s cruise for free! Visit www.blackcat.co.nz.

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

● Canterbury Museum Hands on fun at Discovery for children! See, touch and learn about our natural world. Just $2 for over 3s. Visit www.canterburymuseum.com.

● Air Force Museum The Air Force Museum is the perfect place to explore as a family. Open every day except Christmas Day, 10am-5pm.

Free admission. Visit www.airforcemuseum.co.nz. ● Orana Wildlife Park Experience up-close animal encounters at Orana Wildlife Park. See New Zealand’s only gorillas, hand feed giraffe, view kiwi, lions and much more. Visit www.oranawildlifepark.co.nz. ● 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.

● Christchurch Gondola Perfect family entertainment at the Christchurch Gondola: great views, Red Rock Café, Time Tunnel and walking trails. Visit www.welcomeaboard.co.nz. ● Christchurch Tramway Welcome aboard the Christchurch Tram!

Travel on our newly extended track and enjoy this unique and historic way to view the inner city. ● Imagination Station This is a charity run, not-for-profit play and education centre with a whole lot of LEGO! Visit www.imagination-station.org. nz.

GET OUT ONTO THE WATER WITH NAVAL POINT CLUB.

● Little Monkeys A fun and interactive weekly climbing session designed for preschoolers to help develop co-ordination, confidence and balance at the YMCA Adventure Centre.

Cost $5 per session, 12pm Thursday (term time only). ● Laser Strike Come play an indoor, family-friendly, exciting game of laser tag. We also do birthdays and large groups. Phone 03-366-7595.

● Arion Farm Education Park There’s a lot going on: pony rides, new baby animals, holiday programmes, free lucky dip, or be a farmer for a day. Visit Facebook for details, www.facebook.com/ ArionFarmEducationPark. ● Wee Dram Farm Park Wee Dram Farm Park reopens on 11 September. Hands-on farm experience in a safe environment; pony rides, feed and hold baby animals.

SHINRYUKAN phone

Training 7 days a week Classes for Kids aged 5–12 yrs at Burnside & Linwood

383-4843

www.christchurchaikido.co.nz

www.familytimes.co.nz 21

COOL ACTIVITIES

Holiday specials

Here are some great holiday ideas designed to keep you and your little ones entertained during the school break. ● Orana Wildlife Park These holidays (24 September – 9 October), up to four children (5 to 14-years) can enter at half price ($4.75) with each paying adult. Please present our ad to gain the discount. ● Hi-5 House Hits See the biggest Hi-5 concert yet these school holidays, featuring all of Hi-5’s best loved songs for you to sing and dance to. Visit www.ticketek.co.nz or phone 0800-842-538.

● Puss in Boots A crafty cat promises to make their owner’s dreams come true in this fun musical adventure filled with toetapping tunes. From 28 September – 8 October at the Court Theatre. Visit www. courttheatre.org.nz. ● Willowbank Wildlife Reserve It’s spring festival at Willowbank – lamb feeding, sheep shearing, baby animals and lots of games. Come and join the fun. ● The Make Company Get creative these holidays: drop-in crafts from 10am - 2pm, Monday - Friday from $3. At 232d Main South Road, Hornby, phone 03-348-6187. ● Kowhai Residential School of Riding Kowhai runs horse riding courses most weekends and all school holidays throughout the year: fully supervised, fun and educational. Visit www.kowhai.co.nz, phone 03-312-4309. ● Little Arpeggios Little Arpeggios Musicplay is offering free music classes over the school holidays for under fives. Unique interactive fun

22 www.familytimes.co.nz

MARGARET MAHY FAMILY PLAYGROUND – GET OUTDOORS AND PLAY THIS SPRING! learning! Phone 021-767-967, visit www.littlemusicplay.com. ● Southern Ballet Southern Ballet presents Revival, a jazz dance journey through the 60’s and 70’s.

From 28 September - 1 October, 3pm and 6pm. Bookings 03-379-7219.

● Christchurch Football Academy The academy runs a football school, tournaments and holiday programmes for all primary and intermediate school age-groups of all levels on a worldclass facility. Visit www.cfa.org.nz for information and enrolments.

COOL ACTIVITIES

Create for

Conservation Week I

f you missed conservation week (10-18 September 2016), there’s still time to join activities around the country and enjoy our natural world.

Why not take time out from technology and swap your screens for green by bringing wildlife to your garden to celebrate?

Here is a backyard activity from the Department of Conservation:

Pine cone bird feeder Level: easy peasy Silvereyes, sparrows and starlings will love this simple bird feeder.

Collect the items you’ll need • Pine cone • Plate • Butter knife • Smooth peanut butter and lard • Birdseed • String • Scissors Make your bird feeder 1. Use scissors to cut a long piece of string to hang the bird feeder. Take the string and tie a knot around the pine cone near the top (at the stalk end). Tie a knot in the other end of the string so you can hang your bird feeder.

2. Use the butter knife to get equal parts peanut butter and lard on the plate. Use the butter knife to spread the peanut butter and lard mixture inside the pine cone and around the edges.

3. Hold the pine cone over the plate and sprinkle birdseed over it. Roll the pine cone in any birdseed that has fallen on the plate.

4. Pick a place in your backyard that’s safe from predators – at least 3m off the ground and at the end of a tree branch. Hang your bird feeder and wait for the birds.

5. Take your bird feeder down at night so rats or mice don’t get to it.

You won’t get as many birds using the feeder as spring progresses, as natural food sources will be readily available again.

KEEN FOR MORE? For more cool ideas to connect with nature, head to www.conservationweek.org.nz.

for the love of learning

We currently have spaces available for children aged 2.3 years up to 6 years.

We welcome you to make an appointment to come along and see our beautiful garden setting and learning environment.

99a Somerfield Street, Somerfield, Christchurch Phone: 332 1444 Email: info@courtyardpreschool.org.nz www.courtyardpreschool.org.nz

Ao Tawhiti Unlimited Discovery to move back to CBD The Ministry of Education has announced a new site and a $30 million investment to relocate our school back into brand-new, purpose-built facilities in 2019.

Ao Tawhiti Unlimited Discovery is a special character school where students are central in directing their own learning so that the enthusiasm and love of learning is retained.

It was formed in 2014 as a result of the merger of Discovery 1 and Unlimited Paenga Tawhiti. Following the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes both schools were forced to relocate and are currently located on two campuses.

The new, innovative campus at 177 St Asaph Street will provide us with spaces specifically designed for how we deliver personalised student-driven learning and will enable us to once again be a truly city-based school that can easily access all of the amenities, resources, and learning opportunities that Christchurch has to offer.

The core aim of our school is for our students to play an active role in the design of their learning programmes.

When children explore the world through their passions and are challenged at the right pace, learning becomes engaging and fun. Students can work at whichever level of the curriculum that best serves their needs, on areas that meet their passions and

interests. Our approach to learning accommodates New Zealand’s national curriculum but gives students the freedom to forge their own paths through it.

All of our students, from new entrants to Year 13s, are able to plan their learning around their personal interests, needs and passions. If students are passionate about something, willing to make a plan and have the persistence to follow wherever their learning will take them, then they can make it happen.

In the past, students have created their own learning opportunities by developing their own businesses, building a personal inquiry, teaching other students a skill, or doing what they love every day.

Teachers are called learning advisors at Ao Tawhiti Unlimited Discovery. This term deliberately emphasises a role comprised of facilitation, mentorship and coaching. Learning advisors function both as curriculum experts and as advisors who support each student’s goals and needs, help them grow and assess student progress on an ongoing basis. There are no school uniforms, school bells or detentions, and learning advisors are on a first-name basis with their learners. Trustful relationships and a strong sense of community are fundamental to the spirit of Ao Tawhiti Unlimited Discovery.

SwimKings Swim School Book now for the School Holiday Programme and ensure your children are safer around water.

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

casa dei bambini foundation school

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Servicing Christchurch families for 21 years Owned and operated by Olympic Swim Coach Todd Mason Babies to Adults Our lessons run all year

“the school in the pool”

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333 River Road, Richmond Phone: 3857312 | 027 3632833 casadeibambini.school.nz www.familytimes.co.nz 23

Why I.T and science are king We’ve all been taught that reading, writing and arithmetic are the foundation of education. But in today’s world it’s more like HTML, JavaScript and Python. or the non-tech parents out there, these are web coding languages, and they’re languages that your digital native child is likely more fluent in than you are. If they aren’t, there are plenty of good reasons to get them into it, none-the-least that tech is one of the fastest growing sectors and a key employer of the future. What’s more, Business Insider claims that several wellpaying jobs in tech are primed to expand dramatically in the next decade.

In New Zealand, www.careers.gov.nz suggests that occupations such as web developer, social media manager, 3-D

F

animator, sustainability manager, carbon emissions trader and mobile phone applications developer are the jobs of the future, and that New Zealand’s fastest growing export sector is information technology. Biotechnology is also a key emerging industry.

That makes science and information technology super important for kids’ education today according to New Zealand Education Institute executive member and May Road School principal Lynda Stuart.

“The world that our children are going to be in is a different world to the

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world that we have known. Science and technology needs to be an integral part of the day-to-day teaching and learning programme.”

Lynda said that New Zealand schools were on track with science and IT curriculum. Kids started with iPADbased learning from new entrant age, and May Road had four fully integrated digital immersion classrooms. The thought behind that was to prepare kids for a digital world not only in terms of technology skills, but in creative problem solving, being risk takers and being able to work collaboratively. “That’s what employers are telling us that they want.”

Getting girls on board What employers also want is women in tech and IT. They’ve long been the primary domain of males, but that’s something that Girl Code is trying to change.

Girl Code runs coding courses for girls in schools and as evening courses. Girl Code co-founder Alice Gatland says that women are underrepresented in the IT sector, to the detriment of innovation.

“If you want to have good problem solving, we need a diverse workforce for a diverse series of thought. If we want good technology solutions for women, we need women to work on them.”

Part of that is breaking the mentality of

IT as an isolationist career.

“It all comes down to how it is portrayed,” said Gatland. “We focus on the more collaborative aspects; it’s helping people, you don’t do it alone, you work in teams. It’s creative.”

Gatland said that coding was a core literacy in today’s world, and important for kids to know whether they go into an IT career or not; in the workforce they will be working with techies, and it’s helpful to speak their language. But given the opportunities to travel, work great hours and earn a high-paying wage, it was a career well worth considering.

Girl Code has recently received additional government funding to roll out their programme in more schools.

Gatland said it often made sense to run IT training outside of the regular school structure.

“Teachers find it really difficult because technology changes frequently but it’s difficult to change a curriculum to keep up with it. In saying that though, some schools are doing some really, really amazing programmes – things like robotics and other projects. If you do have one keen teacher, that’s all it takes.”

GOT QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR CHILD’S EDUCATION? CHECK OUT OUR WEALTH OF EDUCATION RESOURCE ARTICLES AT WWW.FAMILYTIMES.CO.NZ.

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

24 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

BIRTHDAYS

Movie under the stars

Colour run Colour runs are all the rage right now, so why not bring that neon fun to your backyard?

Yes, it’s a hot rainbow mess, but your kids will have the party of a lifetime.

Things to remember: • Specify on invitations that you will be using colour powder.

• Ask kids to come wearing white t-shirts and any shorts that they don’t mind getting colour on. The colours show best on white t-shirts, and although it should come out in the wash, it’s best not to take chances on new clothes and shoes.

• Make sure parents know that when they collect their kids in the car that they will need an old sheet for them to sit on. Rainbows are cool, but not on your car’s interior.

• Go for a colourful theme with your decorations and food. A variety of colourful balloons and a rainbow cake should do the trick.

• Make your own colour powder: it’s essentially just corn starch and food dye. A quick online search will give you the recipe and instructions.

• When it’s time for the party to start, give each child a bag of colour and let the games begin!

Ice cream parlour Setting up your own ice-cream bar is a novel summer kids’ party, and another great outdoors adventure.

Sprinkles, toppings and a myriad of flavours will make this party a big success. It’s up to you how far you take the theme: you can create your own old

There’s something special about movie drive-ins or movies playing in the park for all the public. Why not bring that magic to your backyard?

A movie party, coupled with an outdoor picnic, is a fun, cost-effective and easily organised birthday treat with a touch of old-fashioned nostalgia. You can play that up by hanging up some bunting and string lights, placing candleholders with tealight

candles around the picnic area and your choice of birthday snacks.

• •

•

Make sure that you have blankets on hand for the kids to rug up if it gets a bit cold.

Safety first – whether you are setting up your own television or a projector outside, ensure that you check off any cabling dangers.

Watch the weather: bring the party inside at the first sign of rain.

Summer party ideas

Spring and summer are great times to have a child’s birthday party. With all that sunshine, keeping kids (and party mess) outdoors is a no-brainer. Outdoor parties offer a raft of new possibilities. We’ve put together a few summer sizzling kids’ party ideas to get the creative ball rolling. fashioned ice-cream booth, hang up bunting and other outdoors decorations, and even make your own ice-cream if you are so inclined. Ask the kids to RSVP with an ice-cream flavour of their choice, then let them go wild mixing and matching.

“It’s a hot rainbow mess, but your kids will have the party of a lifetime.”

ALL NEW!

Bir thday Par ties

For Under 5s

Celebrate with an Air & Sea Adventure!

| Fully-hosted activities | Multi-sensory and immersive | Catered and non-catered options | Specially-designed invitations | Suitable for ages 3-4 BOOK TODAY p 03 343 9504 e programmes@airforcemuseum.co.nz www.airforcemuseum.co.nz

#airforcemuseumnz 45 Harvard Ave, Wigram, Christchurch

Ages 3 - 10 Here at Let's Go Party we are all about bringing the fun to your door step. We know how stressful it can be gathering up all the children, working out a venue and then entertaining them. We are here to make your birthday boy or girl's party as easy as possible for you - so you can sit back and enjoy it with your children. So we come to you!

We are a family owned business with the overseer being an experienced, fully trained Primary Teacher We are new and modern and always on the lookout for more ideas (listening closely to the children!)

P 027 345 6855 E info@letsgoparty.co.nz www.letsgoparty.co.nz

Little Monkeys

Interactive Climbing Sessions Thursday 12pm-1pm (term time only) $6 per child No bookings required

If you book before 31st of November, you will receive $30 off the party so book now!

www.ymcachch.org.nz

239 Waltham Road Phone 03 377 3000 www.familytimes.co.nz 25

COOKING WITH

Check out more Munch recipes

YOUR LITTLE SCIENTISTS Cooking with your kids is great family fun, but it also offers valuable learning opportunities. etting kids into the kitchen is also one of the best ways to get them engaged in cooking and food preparation. Often kids may be more open to trying something they had a hand in making.

Baking, cooking or getting experimental in the kitchen is also a great way to encourage your child’s interests in science. It is an opportunity to explore a very wide range of science concepts like

G

transformation, state change, conduction, density and more.

Baking is an experimental process that is often guided by trial and error. A good cook needs to be able to make predictions, make and record observations, and then draw conclusions … just like any good scientist.

These banana cookies are a great thing to make with the kids because you can talk to them about the science involved in

The Christchurch Music Academy

Give your child the gift of music! Win a musical prize pack from The Christchurch Music Academy valued at more than $500!

The Christchurch Music Academy specialises in preschool music and group piano tuition based on the revolutionary pedagogy of listen|sing|play|read. It takes a unique holistic and aural approach to teaching music, honing in on a child’s capacity to learn.

For details on how to enter, visit the competitions page at www.familytimes.co.nz.

Visit www.familytimes.co.nz and search our food section for delicious and healthy food ideas.

WRITTEN BY MICHELLE KITNEY

the rising process, which is a little different to other cookies. In this recipe, the baking soda reacts with the acid in the bananas to make the cookies rise — exciting for little scientists! Be sure to let the baking soda and banana sit for at least two minutes though.

WWW.MUNCHNZ.CO.NZ MUNCH IS AN ECO-FRIENDLY NEW ZEALAND COMPANY THAT MAKES AND MARKETS KITCHEN PRODUCTS AND OFFERS IDEAS AND RECIPES TO FEED THE FAMILY. “USEFUL, BEAUTIFUL AND GREEN.”

Banana choc-nut cookies • • • • • • • • • • 1.

½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature 1 cup sugar 1 egg, at room temperature 1 cup mashed bananas (about 2½ large bananas) 1 tsp baking soda 2 cups plain flour pinch of salt ½ tsp ground cinnamon ½ cup walnuts, optional ½ cup chocolate chips, optional

Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.

2. Cream the butter and sugar

together until light and fluffy. Add the egg and continue to beat until the mixture is again light and fluffy.

3. In a bowl, mix the mashed bananas and baking soda together. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir into the butter mixture.

4. Mix together the flour, salt and cinnamon, then sift into the banana mixture. Mix until just combined.

Fold in the nuts and/or chocolate chips, if using.

5. Drop in dollops onto the prepared trays. Bake for 11–13 minutes or until golden brown.

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MONDAY OCTOBER 3 11am NAPIER MUNICPAL THEATRE TICKETEK.CO.NZ or 0800 842 538

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 5 10am & 12.30pm CHRISTCHURCH ISAAC THEATRE ROYAL TICKETEK.CO.NZ or 0800 842 538

THURSDAY OCTOBER 6 11am DUNEDIN REGENT THEATRE TICKETDIRECT.CO.NZ or 0800 224 224

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OR GO TO LIVENATION.CO.NZ

26 www.familytimes.co.nz

FOOD

Family-friendly

cafe and restaurant dining Dining out as a family is a fantastic opportunity to treat the kids to new culinary experiences and take a night off from cooking. We have compiled a list of some of our favourite, family-friendly places to go.

MILIEU CAFE

Milieu Cafe is a warm and welcoming cafe located in the heart of Addington.

Great for meeting people for a full meal, coffee and cake or even afterwork drinks and nibbles. We offer all kinds of kids’ drinks and meals; it’s a great place for kids and family meals on the weekend.

112 Wrights Road, Addington 03-962-9629 www.milieu.net.nz

SPECTATORS 7 DAY BAR & BISTRO

Located at Addington Raceway, Spectators is open all day, has ample free parking at the door, a “minor” menu and kids eat free on Sunday. It opens out onto the Lindauer Lawn – the perfect garden spot for kids to run and play while you enjoy the food, views and brews.

65 Jack Hinton Drive, Addington, Christchurch 03 339 7915 www.spectators.co.nz

BEACH CAFE

CAESARS FAMILY RESTAURANT & BAR

With a shaded play area and secure fencing, there’s peace of mind for mum and dad and fun for the kids.

Relax and enjoy our top-notch coffee or a cold drink while the little ones entertain themselves.

Special offer: coffee, muffin, scone or chocolate brownie $7.50 with a free fluffy. Weekdays only. You must prebook.

16A Beach Rd, Waimairi 03-382-8599 www.beachcafe.co.nz

Caesars is a spacious restaurant and bar with fresh, home-style Kiwi food and a section for Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant offers quality food and beverages for all ages and budgets, including a children’s menu and play area. It’s ideal for birthdays and functions. Promotions throughout the week and Kids Dine Free Mondays (conditions apply).

Northwood Supa Centa Phone: 03-323-5420 www.caesars.co.nz

WINNIE BAGOES

Here at Winnies, it is our aim to offer you the best family pizza dining experience in New Zealand. Winnies Ferrymead is the perfect spot to bring the family for lunch or dinner 7 days a week: a great kids’ menu, the awesome Winnies Kids’ Pizza school and a family-friendly environment. The best pizza in town!

Unit 3, 2 Waterman Place, Ferrymead 03-376-4900 www.winniebagoes.co.nz

Orana Park Experience the ultimate animal adventure at Orana Wildlife Park. Orana is just a 15-minute drive from Christchurch airport and is New Zealand’s only open range zoo. A brand new Great Ape Centre has recently been completed to enable visitors to see New Zealand’s only gorillas!

We have 4 family passes to give away. To be in to win, visit our competitions page at www.familytimes.co.nz.

CARLTON BAR & EATERY

Dine at Carlton Bar & Eatery, say you saw this ad in Family Times, and kids get a free dessert and kids’ drink after ordering a kids’ meal. Kids must have a minimum two adults dine with them.

(T&Cs apply).

1 Papanui Road, Merivale Phone 03-355-9543 www.carltonbar.co.nz

LONE STAR PAPANUI

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

FREE KIDS MEAL

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

Kids Group DEal

Celebrate that special birthday or sports team breakup with us.

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

116 Northlands Mall , Papanui | ph 03 352 6653 www.lonestar.co.nz www.familytimes.co.nz 27

Get out on the water with Naval Point Club Naval Point Club is Canterbury’s leading water sports’ club right on Lyttelton Harbour in Magazine Bay. The club has excellent facilities, is an alltide venue and offers many services to its members.

If your kids are inspired by New Zealand’s Olympic water-sports team, Naval Point Club is the place for them. It caters for sailors, stand-up paddle boarders, waka ama crews, windsurfers, water skiers, power boaters, jet skiers and even openwater swimmers. In fact, anything you can do on or in the water, you can do at Naval Point Club.

Naval Point Club has a great atmosphere for kids and several learn-to-sail

programmes for all ages. Kids can learn to sail on the smaller yachts – the optimists – while more experienced sailors can race them. The larger dinghies will have young sailors hoping to become the next batch of Kiwi Olympic sailing heroes, while they hone their skills and develop other lifelong skills and qualities that sailing teaches: resilience, individuality, judgement and perseverance.

The summer season is from late September through to mid April with activity on Saturdays and a very popular twilight racing series during the week.

The club hosts many national and local regattas throughout the season and has an excellent race management team, well equipped with race technology and specialist knowledge.

There are also regular social activities for members including raft ups, picnics, cruises and guest speakers.

Harbour events are supported by the club’s fleet of rescue boats and team of volunteers.

So if your child has a love of water and water sports, but doesn’t know where to start getting some valuable experience, take them down to Naval Point Club. The team there provides a safe, informative,

exciting and most importantly, fun, experience for little water sports enthusiasts. They would love to see you and are happy to talk about courses, events and anything else nautical that’s on your mind.

Naval Point Club

Win a one-year membership to Naval Point Club, valued at $450! A family membership means that a family has access to Naval Point’s all-tide ramp by way of a key card and the comfort of knowing that their vehicle and boat trailer are parked safely in Naval Point’s yard. To find out more details on how to be in to win, visit our competitions page at www.familytimes.co.nz.

Massive Watersports Range!

Christchurch Store 75 Blenheim Road Riccarton, Christchurch

28 www.familytimes.co.nz

OPEN 7 DAYS! 03 343 6485 www.burnsco.co.nz

Family adventure in the

Mackenzie Country An easy 150-minute drive from Christchurch.

he Mackenzie District has some of the best scenery in New Zealand with snowy mountains, golden tussock-lands and turquoise-coloured lakes. You’ll be captivated by the stunning scenery and exhilarated by the range of outdoor adventures.

There’s something to suit every member of the family.

• Boating, fishing and golfing.

• Walking tracks weave their way throughout the Mackenzie.

From gentle lakeshore walks to challenging multi-day hikes over

T

•

• •

•

alpine passes, there’s something for every fitness level.

Get on your bike and view fantastic scenery cycling along the Alps 2 Ocean (From Aoraki Mt Cook to Omarama). It is a suitable grade for grandparents and grandchildren alike.

Relaxing soak in the hot pools.

Maybe some spring skiing (check with the local ski fields to see if they are still open).

Stargazing – one of the best stargazing sites on Earth.

OLYMPIC WINNING CYCLIST SARAH ULMER OUT ON THE PUKAKI FLATS WITH HER FAMILY.

TEKAPO SPRINGS

Tekapo Springs is the place to be these school holidays! Soar down the slope at the snow tube park: try it on your own or go down with friends (weather dependant). Warm yourself in the pools, enjoy the kids’ specialised aqua play area and don’t forget to grab a bite to eat from the Café & Thar Bar.

www.familytimes.co.nz 29

MARKETPLACE

Cleaning

Entertainment

Hire

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

Tuition

Specialty Cakes Entertainment

Support Services

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

Family Getaways

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FAMILY TIMES IN THE

NORTH CANTERBURY

Waimakariri District represents the best of both worlds; only 15 minutes from Christchurch, with miles of unspoiled landscape punctuated by growing town centres with great eateries and unique boutique shopping.

Enjoy sandy coastlines, forested foothills with walking and cycling tracks, six farmers and craft markets each week and over 750 events annually.

FAMILY ACTIVITIES

EVENTS CALENDAR

The kids will not get bored in the Waimakariri, this spring features a hive of activities and events offering fun for the whole family.

10-18 Sep 11 Sep 17 Sep 17 Sep 24 Sep 27 Sep 2 Oct 9 Oct 18 Oct 21 Oct 29 Oct 30 Oct 31 Oct

A favourite for families is the Wee Dram Farm Park. A hands on working farm where you can feed the animals, watch demonstrations and learn all about farm life. Continue along the Inland Scenic Route 72 and explore the picturesque towns of Cust and Oxford.

EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS Whether you prefer to explore by foot or bike the Waimakariri district is bursting with trail adventures, there is plenty of fresh air and scenic outlooks to be enjoyed by the whole family. From Mt Thomas, Ashley Gorge, Tutaepatu, to Oxford Forest and Kaiapoi Island you will find a range of trails to suit the whole family.

TOP FAMILY ADVENTURES

Conservation Week Wee Dram Farm Park Reopening Day KORE Sailing Open Day Ashley Forest Rallysprint Jack and the Beanstalk Production The Breeze Walking Festival Starts Spring in to Oxford Hellers Pegasus Fun Run & Walk Soroptimists Craft Fair & Market Day Rangiora 150th A&P Show Woodford Glen Fireworks Extravaganza Oxford Garden Fete Waimakariri Light Party

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Fish on the banks of the Kaiapoi River Experience thrills and spills at the local speedway Take a walk at Northbrook or Pegasus Wetlands Eat, shop and walk your way around our towns Picnic at Ashley Gorge River

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Waimakariri Events

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OUR REGULAR EVENTS CALENDAR www.visitwaimakariri.co.nz/signup

During September and October, join the Breeze Walking Festival at a range of Waimakariri locations.

Pegasus Town

If it is beach fun you enjoy, look no further. The coastal beaches of Woodend, Pegasus and Waikuku are seaside havens for the family.

www.visitwaimakariri.co.nz Wishing you were

fishing?

FEATURING THE

Antiques Road Tour SUNDAY 30 OCTOBER 2016

10AM - 4PM RIBBLESDALE GARDENS Wander through a stunning garden setting with over 80 quality stalls, children’s entertainment including a farm park and pony rides, delicious food and beverages.

Either be an observer or you can bring along your treasurers for a free appraisal by Steve Purcell of Antiques International Ltd. Featuring Music by:

Assembly Required

www.oxfordnewzealand.co.nz

www.weedramfarm.co.nz

Kaiapoi i-SITE Visitor Centre. 143 Williams Street, Kaiapoi. Phone: 03 327 3134 Email: info@kaiapoivisitorcentre.co.nz

PEGASUS

FUN RUN

Wee Dram Farm Park Hands-on farmyard experiences; pony rides, be a milkmaid, feed baby animals. Birthday and group bookings welcome. Open mid-Sept to mid-May. Thurs-Fri & Sun 10-4pm.

P: 03 310 6443 E: info@weedramfarm.co.nz

Visit the Kaiapoi i-SITE for fishing licenses and fishing rod hire.

Sunday INE 9 Oct NOW Make it your

REG ONLISTER

www.OxfordFete.co.nz Adults $18 through www.eventfinder.co.nz.

Gate entry, cash only $20. Children 14 and under free.

No Dogs (except Guide Dogs). The Fete is on rain or shine.

Sponsored by:

1st event of Spring!

11km and 6km options plus a 2.5km lakeside loop!

www.pegasusfunrun.co.nz

fUn!

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

KAIAPOI I-SITE VISITOR CENTRE 143 WILLIAMS STREET, KAIAPOI, 03 327 3134, INFO@KAIAPOIVISITORCENTRE.CO.NZ

32 www.familytimes.co.nz