Family Times - Dunedin - Winter 2012

Dunedin, Regent Theatre 18-19 August www.ticketdirect.co.nz

Winter Issue 2012

Doing the best you can Should kids be pushed to be the best or to have fun? ..................................................

Getting the best out of boys Handy hints for parenting sons ..................................................

Energise kids with a healthy breakfast Create lifelong habits ..................................................

Win Win Win • Competitions • Giveaways • Vouchers

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DUNEDIN

support services

Help is @ hand

How to say “No” without guilt or explanation

Find information and support with helpful services in the community.

Stop, pause and think before responding, giving you time and space to consider your response. If you’d like more time before answering, say you’ll need to get back to them at an agreed time.

Disability Information Service

Citizens Advice Bureau Phone: 0800 367 222 or 03-471 6166 For free information advice and support that is confidential and impartial.

Free disability and health related information.

Now sell daily living aids and incontinence products. Phone: 03-471 6152 or 0800-693 342 E-mail:dis.dn@xtra.co.nz www.disabilityinfo.co.nz

Dunedin Budget Advisory Service

Phone: 03-471 6158 Free confidential advice on personal budgets.

How to manage your money, options and plans for debt repayment.

Fathers Who Dare Win

WIN,WIN,

WIN!

Ian Grant’s new book, Fathers Who Dare Win, is very different to many of the parenting manuals you see today. For a start it’s aimed at men!

In Ian’s characteristic straight-talking way he offers lots of advice, tips and strategies so that any man can be the best father possible. Laid our in a straight forward way, Fathers Who Dare Win includes clear strategies on everything from being a hero to your kids to communication, and of course the modern day nightmare of parenting – social media. We have five copies of Fathers Who Dare Win to give away. Enter online at www.familytimes.co.nz or write your name and address on the back of an envelope or postcard and send to: Fathers Who Dare Win giveaway, PO Box 36 004, Christchurch, to reach us by 13 July 2012. Check out our website for more fantastic competitions.

The childcare decision Deciding to enrol your child in an early childhood service is a big decision that involves careful consideration. aving choice that meets your family’s requirements – either in centres or home-based - where your child thrives, is very important to the Dunedin Community Childcare Association (DCCA). They recognise parents are experts of their own child, that children benefit from a caring partnership with an educator or teacher and that outcomes for children who experience high ERO voucher – Family Times Free Parenting Publication quality childcare and education May 2012 will be lifelong. DCCA provides excellent education and care for your child. www.dcca.org.nz

Remember less is more – respond with a succinct statement, then stop talking. We’re often uncomfortable with silence and it’s common to feel the need to fill silence with explanations justifying our decisions. Offer an explanation only if necessary.

If you are worried about hurting someone’s feelings or letting them down, say “no” with empathy and understanding, acknowledging your regret at being unable to say “yes” this time. Let them down gently, but remain firm in your decision.

If someone won’t take “no” for an answer or pressures you to change your decision, use the broken record technique. This simply involves repeating your statement or response until the other person accepts your decision.

If they persist, try distracting them by changing the topic of conversation. Ask open questions, turning the focus back on them or perhaps end the conversation by saying you have to go.

If speaking on the telephone, try holding your hand up when saying “no”. This action is a powerful visual aid. It helps you feel strong and assertive, even though you may feel nervous or anxious on the inside.

Practise saying “no” at home or in front of a mirror.

Use visual reminders and positive affirmations, such as “I say “no” without guilt

The Lowdown on Scooting Scooting doesn’t cost much and you can: • chat to your friends • move independently • be fast • have fun • be more active

People usually ride scooters either on the footpath (‘on-road’) or in a playground (‘off-road’). There are different ways for you to stay safe in these different places.

Playgrounds

Footpath

1. Make sure your scooter is put together properly – read the instructions and tighten the bolts, nuts and screws

1. Stay on the footpath – cars and scooters don’t mix! If you need to cross the road, do it safely – use your eyes, use your ears, before you use your feet. When it’s safe, push your scooter across quickly

2. Wear a helmet – it helps protect your head if you fall off 3. Other safety gear is a good idea too – wrist, elbow and knee pads are good protection 4. Make sure the scooter fits you – little children can get scooters with two wheels at the back for more balance 5. Look after your friends – encourage them to take things slowly while they’re learning

ERO guides for parents

Early Childhood Education: A Guide for Parents

Choosing a School for a Five Year Old

Going to Secondary School

New National Reports

Improving Education Outcomes for Pacific Learners

Science in The New Zealand Curriculum: Years 5 to 8

Download copies of these reports, other publications and individual school reports:

www.ero.govt.nz Ph: 04 499 2489 Email: info@ero.govt.nz

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or explanation” or “I have strong boundaries between work and family life”. Write these down and display in your diary, personal organiser, calendar or fridge.

Remember it’s okay to say “no”. If helpful, write down and acknowledge any feelings of guilt, then take action, let them go and move on.

When making a decision, trust your intuition and common sense.

By Karyn Riley Karyn Riley is a Christchurch-based women’s wellbeing specialist and author of “How to Keep the YOU in Mum”, inspirational speaker, writer and mother of two. For more information visit www.rileylife.co.nz.

6. Wear sturdy shoes – sandals and flip-flops can get caught up and you can stub your toes 7. Learn on the flat before you tackle hills – speed wobbles are hard to control 8. Keep an eye out for bumpy or sandy ground and puddles - even little bumps can stop your front wheel. Scope out your ride before you start and keep looking ahead

2. Be visible – A high visibility vest means drivers can see you more easily 3. Stay away from the traffic – scooter on the side of the footpath away from the cars and watch out for sneaky driveways 4. Slow down – don’t go as fast as you can because people can change direction suddenly and cars can pull out of driveways so you need to be able to stop 5. Get your parents to talk about safety concerns and explain why you must follow the rules. If you know the hazards and what could happen, the rules will make more sense

Why the focus on scooting?

School students want to scooter! School travel planning work shows scooting is growing rapidly in popularity in the region and nationally. Dunedin City Council and Sport Otago surveys also show that nearly half of students want to cycle or scooter to school and that parents want their children to have cycle training.

The DCC and Police are piloting a cycle skills training programme with East Taieri School in terms one and two this year to give the students better road safety awareness and increase their skills.

The instructors are teaching off-and on-road skills, including hand signals and stopping.

East Taieri students have also been looking at road safety as they travel to and from school.

In this picture Strider, the road safety mascot, and a group of East Taieri students are at the junction of Gladstone Road South and Gordon Road. The New Zealand Transport Agency has installed partial pedestrian protection at the crossing so pedestrians can start crossing before vehicles get the green light to turn. Pedestrians are safer because they are in the line of vision for drivers.

Contact Charlotte Flaherty, DCC Safe and Sustainable Travel Co-ordinator for more information about the cycle skills training on 03 477 4000 or charlotte.flaherty@dcc.govt.nz.

www.dunedin.govt.nz

Contents

From the editor

Winter 2012 Features

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4 Doing the best you can 6 Getting the best out of boys Handy hints for parenting sons from education consultant Joseph Driessen.

I hear you all gasping a resounding and shocked “no”!

7 The importance of breakfast Create healthy habits with a delicious – and healthy – start to the day.

Yet, that’s the message we get so many times from society. We heap accolades on people who reach their goals of fame or fortune, but forget – or even ridicule - those who may have tried equally as hard and failed.

12 Baby & Toddler Winter home heating tips to keep baby safe and warm.

So, in the quest to ensure their children keep mediocrity at bay, some parents push their kids to extremes. Busy time tables, high pressure, rewards for achievement. Some may try to live vicariously through their children, and others may subscribe to Amy Chua’s Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother philosophy of not accepting anything less than the best from their children.

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

Comment

Resource information

8 Kids’ View We ask children if they do things to be the best or for fun.

2 School Term Dates 10 Calendar of events 11 Entertainment 11 Winter activities 14 Marketplace

Special features 13 Let’s go North Otago!

Marvel at the landscape and natural attractions of North Otago

About Us

Fiona Smith

Contributing Writers

Rosanna Lister, Alan Jones, Joseph Driessen Crissi Blair Advertising Sales

Caren Constable, Shona Robb, Nicky Barnett Jane Hunter, Tina Barriball, Katrina Wright Office Manager

Raelyn hay

Office Administrator

Jackie Pithie

B

ut in a society that applauds achievement rather than effort, I have to wonder if our measure of success has become just a little tainted. Is every little ripper rugby player only a hero if he grows up to be an All Black? Is every book-weary student only as good as her last class-topping test?

Should kids be pushed to be the best or to have fun?

Publisher Robyn Willis Design & Production Moody Shokry Advert Production Target Press Production Office Editor Vanessa O’Brien Assistant Editor Rachel Taniwha Website editor

Nobody dreams of growing up and being average. At least not anybody I know.

On the other hand, do overly libertarian parents disadvantage their children by not instilling a need to succeed? A focus on fun is great to a point, but how effective is it when kids grow up and embark on their corporate ladder climb? I recently read this in a newsletter printed out for teenage school kids: “Your school may be “outcome-based,” but life isn’t. In some schools, you’re given as many tries as you want to get the answer right.

Standards are set low enough so everyone can meet them. This, of course, bears no

resemblance to anything in real life - as you will soon find out.”

I agree completely.

So, is there a happy equilibrium? This edition Family Times’ assistant editor Rachel Taniwha talks with the experts about the effects that both these parenting strategies have on children, and how to best put your kids on the path to success in life. Check out our main feature on “doing the best you can” for some great insight into raising healthy and thriving kids.

Also in this issue, John Cowan from The Parenting Place looks at how to encourage responsibility in kids and what discipline is really about. Of course we also have all our regular features, competitions and giveaways, so start turning the pages and most of all: Enjoy!

Reach us at: Family Publishers (NZ)

P.O. Box 36-004, Christchurch NZ Free phone 0800 28 55 10 Fax 03 355 9183 Mobile 0274-359-414 Email: admin@familytimes.co.nz www.familytimes.co.nz ------------------------------------

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

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Family Times is not responsible for unsolicited material. Family Times is funded and published solely through the support of its advertisers.

They support us, so please support them.

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feature story

Doing the best you can We’ve all come across it at some stage – the proud parent with the academically gifted child or the sporting protégé.

I

t’s often the result of many hours of hard work, dedication and encouragement from their parents.

But what about the children who do not win or get the top marks in school? Perhaps they tried just as hard, and their parents are just as proud.

The question is, should results be measured in terms of a grade, a win or loss, or by whether children are having fun? Should parents applaud their children’s efforts no matter how well they perform or push their children hard to excel and to be the best at what they do?

We’re well aware of the pressure to excel in sport as New Zealanders. Take the All Blacks for example: they won the Rugby World Cup, but the public pressure to succeed was so intense that there was even a Facebook page dedicated to a riot on the streets if they lost.

What message does this give children? Is it that losing is to be avoided at all costs, or else they face losing the love of their parents - or on a larger scale - the wrath of a nation?

On the other hand though, if children aren’t encouraged to try to be the best, does it result in an underachiever, someone who never really gets ahead in life?

Sport NZ community sport and recreation general manager John Reid says research shows that for young children in particular, winning ranks below many other aspects of the sport experience. “Aspects like having fun, being with and making friends and getting better (skills) rank ahead of winning in terms of outcomes

desired by children.”

He says that children’s sport needs to be structured around these needs rather than to stress winning as the most critical factor.

“Parents need to realise that sports are good for kids even if they do not win. This is not to say that children should not be encouraged to win or be the best that they can be in any particular game. After all, a sporting contest is always about winning and losing – even those played in the back-yard. But the emphasis of coaches and parents should be about giving the kids the things they both need and desire from sport: fun, social contact, skills. In this way they will be encouraged to stay in sport and for some, develop an aspiration and determination to become very good. The key is that this aspiration is the child’s not his or her parents’ aspiration for them.”

Reid says that parents’ greatest gift to children who aspire to be good is to encourage and support them playing informally with other kids and by themselves. Many worldwide examples exist of elite athletes being produced almost entirely through informal play without formal coaching or competition structures – they tend to be highly skilled, highly motivated, and highly spontaneous and creative in their sport and with appropriate formal tuition and support later in their youth years, they become some of the best performing elite athletes in the world.

“In an overall sense we are encouraging parents to just let the kids play – play at home, play at school, play at practice and play in competition.”

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feature story “If children catch our passion for a sport, a career or a cause, then we don’t have to push them so hard – their own passion will do all the pushing.” John Cowan, creative producer, The Parenting Place.”

The Parenting Place creative producer John Cowan says he remembers parents on the sideline as he watched his son play sport.

Most just loved the idea that their boys were out there having some fun, but some parents withdrew their kids from the team to find another club that would give their son a better chance of winning trophies. “Maybe without parents like that, we probably wouldn’t have the All Blacks, or many top level athletes at all.

But I also know that some of those parents had kids who resented the pressure and dropped out of the sport as soon as they could.”

He says he winces when he sees parents push children too hard, “But in saying that, I grieve when I see kids wasting their potential because parents failed to give them selfdiscipline and motivation.” He says finding a reasonable middle ground is a bit harder than it seems, and in any group of parents you will find a range of practices.

Cowan refers to Amy Chua, an American woman raised by Philippine-born Chinese parents. Chua’s bestselling book, Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother, created a huge stir when it was published in 2011. She treated her girls as her own parents had treated her: “They demanded total respect and were very tough with my three younger sisters and me. We got in trouble for A minuses, had to drill math and piano every day, no sleepovers, no boyfriends.”

She threatened to destroy her daughters’ toys if they underperformed, she did not accept her

four-year-old daughter’s handmade birthday card because it wasn’t good enough and she made them work very, very hard.

While Cowan is appalled by her harsh, supertough methods, he cannot deny that she gets results. Chua herself is a law professor at Yale, and her daughters’ are turning out as spectacular achievers. But at what cost?

“I don’t believe you need to drive children super hard to get top results,” says Cowan.

Each week he interviews top achievers in sports, politics, business or entertainment on the radio (Newstalk ZB, 8-9pm Sundays) about their lives. “Invariably, they credit their parents with having a powerful influence on the course of their lives but, as far as I can recall, only one of the 350-odd guests I’ve interviewed had what you could call a “tiger mother”. These leaders weren’t driven to success, but inspired by their parents’ example and heart.

“I think this model is a far more natural way of boosting our children to success. If children catch our passion for a sport, a career or a cause, then we don’t have to push them so hard – their own passion will do all the pushing.”

New Zealand Association of Gifted Children president and educational psychologist Rose Blackett says parents should celebrate and reward effort and task commitment over achievement. “Effort is what is likely to set us up to positively face later challenges in life -academic and personal.”

be reading Lord of the Rings for example, and another struggling to sound out and recognise letters. The effort a child puts into a task, at their individual level, needs to be considered not the achievement.”

“Parents’ greatest gift to children who aspire to be good is to encourage and support them playing informally with other kids and by themselves.” John Reid, Sport NZ sport and recreation general manager.”

She says parents need to celebrate the journey (effort) not the destination (achievement). “Some children measure themselves on their achievements and if they get it wrong, view themselves as a failure.”

She refers to a child who got the top mark in New Zealand on a music exam when they were quite young. As a teen they viewed themselves a failure as they were never able to obtain the top mark in New Zealand again.

“These children can set unrealistically high expectations for themselves.”

“A six-year-old who gets frustrated because their writing is not as neat as the teacher’s for example... often does not consider the years of writing practice the teacher has had, or

that their fine motor skills are still developing.

Frustration can then show itself in many forms such as outward negative behaviours or inward withdrawal.”

Blackett says children are individuals; there is no one right formula. Children will react and interact with the environment they are in and the people within that environment.

“We cannot change the child, merely the environment we set up for our children.”

By Rachel Taniwha

Tips for parents – gaining the best from your child •

•

She says we need to strive to achieve, however individuals have variable levels of achievement. A task that requires great effort for one child may be simplistic for another.

•

• •

“An issue I have faced when working with children is that within our school system we chronologically group children. However within a class of six-year-olds you are likely to have a heterogeneous group. One child may

•

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Realise that if a child undertakes an activity and is having fun and makes friends, they are more likely to stick to it and want to try harder.

Pressure and focus on winning or being the best can lead to the child giving up, or developing negative behaviours, low selfesteem or inward withdrawal.

Remember that many elite athletes have been produced almost entirely through informal play without formal coaching or competition in their younger years.

Many top achievers say they weren’t “driven” to succeed, but were inspired by their parents’ example – be a positive influence.

Allow children to catch your passion.

Celebrate and reward effort over achievement. Ensure children have a realistic view of their achievements. Adjust their perceptions of success if their goals are set so high that they could be unobtainable.

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Realise you cannot change the child, only the environment we as parents set.

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www.wildthings.org.nz 0800 44 44 70 where children can be children www.familytimes.co.nz

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t is worthwhile however to reflect about To subscribe, They are moresimply inclinedemail: to want to take what research has to tell us about effective action rather than to speak and they prefer newsletters@familytimes.co.nz with IN CIN EMA S to go away and think about something rather parenting for boys.

SUBSCRIBE in the subject line, or sign up at than engage in a big verbal battle about it.

Being authoritative www.familytimes.co.nz.

When parents use emotions and words to try An authoritative parent is one who provides and prevail upon their sons often their boys clear positive leadership and who commands shut down or their aggression is activated. respect from their son.

Instead, parents should stay very calm and Authoritative parenting involves setting clear use brief language and allow their sons time goals for your family; involving your children and space to process the message. and listening to their point of view, providing Using consequences for help and guidance so that the children can Providing male role models meet their obligations, and loving them not as a accountability Many boys live in a very unbalanced and friend but as a parent.

Boys need to learn to become accountable unnatural world without the guidance Boys thrive when they feel their parents for their actions and they need to be taught and example of adult men. Men do things are positive leaders who help them and guide to keep their word and agreements and to differently and have a different take on life, them but expect them to be accountable. follow the rules of the household. When they and boys desperately need their guidance, Authoritative parental leadership promotes try and test the boundaries and prevail against loyalty and cooperation in boys. the parent they should be held to account with love and support. When this is lacking, many consequences rather than words and emotions. boys become highly insecure, oppositional Providing structure and frantically macho. These boys need male Boys respect fairness but despise adults who Many boys thrive when they live in a mentors, and the best parents go out of their do not follow through. structured household. This means the Quarterly e-newsletter household is well organised and predictable, Channelling physical energy way to provide for this. They enlist the help of the boys’ father, grandfathers and uncles. They with clear routines and rules that all and risk taking to our email newsletter today to enrol boys into sports with male coaches. They members abide by. Basically it’s running a Subscribe Many boys have physical energy updates andvery information from levels us, as tell stories about male heroes and make boys tight ship while still allowing the children receive as the need to take risks, and information the well as aswell subscriber only competition feel good about being a man. Boys with male freedom within structure. Boys thrive when traditional way to to channel this energy is delivered directly your inbox! role models become centred and secure. they know what to expect and where they through sport, outdoor adventures and the stand. It gives a strong sense of security, To subscribe, Linking school with the martial arts.simply Some parents have lost sight of email: which makes them cooperative. world of work this, and allow their son to become newsletters@familytimes.co.nz withaddicted Staying calm and using Part of the unnatural environment of many SUBSCRIBE in games the subject or parents sign up at to computer instead.line, These www.familytimes.co.nz. fewer words need to realise that for many boys activities like boys is that they don’t see adult men working.

Boys are surrounded by working women both Boys have just as many emotions as girls, play-wrestling, games and sport are essential ingredients for growing up into fine young men. at home and at school, but deep down they are but they process them in a different way.

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searching for their own place in society.

Many boys rebel against school because they do not see the link between school and the work they will do is adult men. Wise parents go out of their way to explain to their sons how school might lead into possible areas of work, and take their son to building sites, universities, workshops and polytechnics to show them the pathways that are available to them. Once boys see the learning pathway, they feel school is relevant and their resistance to school disappears.

We all want to be the best parents we can be.

For many of us, however it pays to think more deeply about what kind of parents our children actually need us to be. This applies very much to boys who live in a modern society that does not cater for many of their deepest needs and who need parents who will provide a more balanced environment for them.

By Joseph Driessen, education consultant Driessen speaks to parent and teacher groups about boys’ education. Email j.o.d@xtra.co.nz.

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Energise kids with a healthy breakfast Children who eat breakfast each day may have an advantage when it comes to learning. So why not go beyond sharpening their pencils to sharpening their minds by making a balanced breakfast a habit in your home?

Studies show that children can concentrate much better after they have had a good breakfast, thus maximising their chances of achieving well at school.

Childhood and teenage years are years of growth and development, in which they need the best of nutrients in order that maximum bone strength is achieved, teeth are formed, and growth is realised.

Breakfast should lay the cornerstone of the daily food intake during this time. You can teach your children how to build a balanced breakfast, and set them up with a good habit for life.

Breakfast should consist of: Something filling e.g.

breakfast cereal – porridge, grain-based products, muesli or wholegrain, high fibre breads

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Something lasting e.g. milk,

yoghurt, eggs, baked beans

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Some common reasons for skipping breakfast in children and teens are:

Some colour e.g. fruit, chopped raw apple or canned peaches, banana, soaked prunes, dried sultanas, raisins, avocado, tomatoes

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with a little brown sugar or honey?

Poached eggs on toast are a cheap and tasty breakfast cooked in less than five minutes.

Try making the morning breakfast meal a family affair with everyone eating together, and be sure to set a good example by starting your day with a balanced breakfast too. Your children will be much more likely to make breakfast a healthy habit if you sit down to enjoy breakfast with them as often as possible.

By Janne Pasco, Community & Public Health community nutrition advisor, Christchurch.

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Not having enough time.

Being too tired to bother.

Wanting to spend the extra time dozing in bed.

A drink water or milk • Not having readily available breakfast foods in the house.

At a household level, being well-organised can milk and fruit are available knock most of these excuses on the head. in the kitchen every morning.

A little planning the night before can go a long way when you’re in a rush to get out the door • Breakfast can be semi-prepared the night in the morning. before (bowls laid out for children, etc).

• Quick-oats can be used to make porridge Parents can try to ensure in as little time as possible. that breakfast cereals, fresh • Smoothies can be prepared the evening

before and kept in the fridge overnight.

Of course, some kids simply don’t have an appetite first thing in the morning. In cases like this, focus on a mid-morning snack providing the nutrition they’ve missed out on at breakfast time. A sandwich, fruit bread, bun, fruit or yoghurt at break time in school can help make up for a missed breakfast.

Preparing colourful, interesting breakfasts can help inspire little tummies. Try Weetbix with sliced peaches, yoghurt and milk - it looks good and tastes yummy. How about a bowl of warm porridge with raisins and nuts sprinkled on top

CMYK 100% 155 x 275mm

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This issue, students from Abbotsford School shared their opinions on out-of-school activities and what involvement parents should have in their children’s activities.

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Jayden Cramond, age 12 I was playing rugby but I dropped it because I wasn’t enjoying it and now I play mini-ball. My parents were happy for me to change sports; they don’t have any rules about what activities I do. Mum wants me to play a sport; it doesn’t matter what just that I am being active. Parents should let kids make their own choices and not force them to do activities they don’t like.

Jumping Beans Otago – new in Dunedin Dunedin children can now join Jumping Beans, an exciting programme designed especially for Kiwi kids to aid physical, social and intellectual development.

Sally Warlow is the local owner and operator of the Dunedin franchise. As a primary school teacher for 10 years she taught many children who struggled with learning. “Often learning and behaviour difficulties can be traced back to simple but overlooked physical development� said Sally.

Jumping Beans classes use exercise to develop physical skills such as balance, co-

ordination and concentration. They help children to learn problem solving skills while enhancing confidence, physical well-being and teaching safety and social skills. “Physical activity, especially in the formative years of childhood, is shown to stimulate neural pathways in the brain that are important for later learning. In fact research shows that 80% of a child’s ability to learn is developed in the first 5 years.�

Jumping Beans Otago is taking enrolments for classes in Roslyn, Mornington and St Clair.

Full details are available on the website.

Teigan Tarapi, age 13 I choose what I want to do; I swim most mornings from 4.507.30am so I have to get to bed early. I want to do big national competitions but if I wasn’t enjoying it then my parents wouldn’t be disappointed if I wanted to stop. It can be good for parents to push their kids if it is something the child really wants to do, and then parents can give a lot of support and motivation.

Ashleigh Taylor, age 12 I enjoy my activities; I play netball, do American jazz and go to Scouts. I would love to be a netball player when I’m older. You have to have fun; my parents want me to have fun and to try my best.

I’ve been an umpire for sports games where parents are shouting at their kids and being really competitive. It’s annoying because you need to concentrate and so do the kids playing the game.

Lucy Matthews, age 12 I do hip-hop and jazz, swimming and netball. I think you should have fun and take all the opportunities to try everything because you never know if you will like something until you try it. The only limits my parents have on the activities I do are if something is really expensive, and that I do my best. They want me to have fun and not to go to games and then walk around doing nothing.

Create, record, play Blue Line Music Studio is dedicated to using music to bring out the best in young people.

The talented and experienced staff encourage creativity through mastery of instruments and music composition. Blue Line also offers opportunities and training in recording to give your child a knowledge of the music industry and to gain confidence through publishing their compositions. First and foremost however, Blue Line teaches kids to play and to love music. Whether it be voice, piano, guitar, bass, drums (or ukulele!), Blue Line works to inspire a passion for the

“universal language�.

Lessons, holiday programmes and recording take place at Blue Line’s new music studio at 42 Filleul Street, opposite the Wall Street Mall. The studio features recording suites, band practice spaces, quality gear and much more. Make sure to come along to the free weekly workshops, sign up for a holiday programme, or just use the studio to practice and record.

Visit www.bluelinemusicstudio.co.nz or email info@bluelinemusicstudio.co.nz for more information.

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BRAVE E Since ancient times, stories of epic battles and mystical legends have been passed through the generations across the rugged and mysterious Highlands of Scotland. In BRAVE, a new tale joins the lore when the courageous Merida (voice of Kelly Macdonald) confronts tradition, destiny and the fiercest of beasts. The film takes aim at cinemas on June 21, 2012, and will be presented in Disney Digital 3D™ in select theatres. We have five prize packs, each consisting of a double in-season pass to the movie, a watch, stationary set and t-shirt to give away. Entries close 27 June 2012.

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Tekapo Springs Family Pass Why not take the family to Lake Tekapo this winter? Tekapo Springs is open 10am9pm daily and there is an activity to suit every member of the family. Enjoy soaking in one of the three outdoor hot pools that overlook the lake, iceskate on a full-sized outdoor rink or let gravity take you down the 150m snow tube park! The Tahr Bar & CafĂŠ are at the heart of the facility and offer a warm and cosy place to enjoy great food, a coffee or even something a little stronger. We have a family pass for two adults and up to three children (18 years) to give away.

The Family Times Design Competition The London 2012 Olympics start on 27 July and will involve more than 200 countries in 302 events across 26 different sports. To celebrate, we would love our readers to design a commemorative t-shirt. Draw it for us, and be in to win a $50 prize pack from Crayola! Three entry age groups: preschool (age 1-4), 5-8, 9-12.

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

Entries close on 13 July 2012. __________________________________ Congratulations to our autumn design poster competition winners from our last issue and thanks to the Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna O Waiwhetu for their help with judging.

Winners are:

Karamu Taratoa-Bannister Dunedin, Nine – 12 years.

Jordan Doonerwind Christchurch, One – four years.

Erin Thomas-Riley Lower Hutt, Five – eight years.

Just tick the things you want to win

Winter 2012

Tekapo Springs BRAVE Ice Age 4: Continental Drift Jet Park Hotel

Name Address City Phone

To be in the draw to win, enter online at www.familytimes.co.nz or write your name and address on the back of an envelope or postcard and send to: Dunedin Competition, P O Box 36 004, Christchurch to reach us by 13th July 2012, unless stated otherwise. Only one entry per household.

It’s easy to win fantastic prizes with Family Times. Just fill in the entry form and post it to us by the due date, or enter online at www.familytimes.co.nz. This month we have a fantastic line up of prizes with more great giveaways online‌ Good luck!. Check out last issue’s lucky winners online.

Ice Age 4: Continental Drift Scrat’s nutty pursuit of the cursed acorn, which he’s been after since the dawn of time, has world-changing consequences – a continental cataclysm that triggers the greatest adventure of all for Manny, Diego and Sid. In cinemas 28 June 2012, we have five family passes and merchandise to Ice Age 4: Continental Drift to give away. Entries close 27 June 2012.

Jet Park Hotel – it’s a family affair Avoid the rush for the airport with Jet Park Hotel’s new family suites that cater for mum, dad and up to four kids in a tworoom interconnecting suite. Situated by Auckland Airport, everyone can be ready on time – and entertained at the hotel. The suites feature kids’ TV, music, and bed linen, baby bath, toys and cots. There’s a lounge and kitchenette in the parents’ room, and a separate TV in the kids’ room. Factor in Jet Park’s two weeks free car storage, and it’s an excellent-value option. We have a night’s accommodation in a family suite to give away plus a $100 voucher to be used on any goods or services at Jet Park Hotel.

Dunedin Chinese Gardens With its treasure hidden behind its 4 metre perimeter, the Dunedin Chinese Garden holds an enticing sense of mystery for the whole family.

There is something to interest everyone, with plenty of nooks and crannies to explore, stories, and culture to soak in as you wander around.

There are all the usual activities, such as playing traditional games and puzzles as well as the chance to try on authentic period costumes from Shanghai – but the

fish may find it too cold and be hibernating in the winter.

Over the winter Dunedin Chinese Gardens will celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival on the 23– 24 June with a range of activities and food. In July it’s the school holidays and the gardens will again run a programme – this time including the opportunity to try (for one week only) chocolate steamed buns to celebrate the Cadbury Chocolate Carnival.

For further details visit www. dunedinchinesegarden.com.

A DEPARTMENT OF THE DUNEDIN CITY COUNCIL

Our own oasis in the city A celebration of our Chinese culture and heritage, it is the only

authentic scholar’s garden in the southern hemisphere Visit the teahouse for coffee, traditional tea and snacks

A range of family

friendly activities available Explore a garden full of culture that tells a story at every corner

A range of unique

gifts to purchase at the Tea Shop

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Ph 03 477 3248 www.familytimes.co.nz www.familytimes.co.nz

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cool activities

Calendar of Events It might be cold but Dunedin has the best winter line-up of events in the country. With Scifest 2012 and the Cadbury Chocolate Carnival competing for the kids’ attention there is something for everyone to enjoy.

30 June Science Demo with Chris K-P. Watch science explode on stage with fun close-up demonstrations of science and technology.

From 12pm-1pm at Wall Street Mall.

1 July Scifest 2012 Family Fun Quiz night. Join special festival guests for a fantastic family night out with great prizes on offer. From 6pm8pm at Castle lecture theatre 2, University of Otago, gold coin donation.

2-13 July Oamaru Public Library holiday fun. Meet in the library on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 10.30am. Week one features The Making of the Word Witch at Forrester Gallery and week two involves Digging up the Past at North Otago Museum. Toddler Time, stories and music runs on Thursdays at 10.30am.

Phone 03- 433-0850 for details.

3 July Fear Factor Foods. Explore some offal offerings at this fun demonstration- do you have the guts to try them? 12pm-1pm at Wall Street Mall.

Space Survival. Join a real NASA astronaut to discover what it takes to be an ultimate space survivor. Make your own mission patch, try space ice-cream and help build a replica space shuttle. From 1.30pm –3pm at Otago Museum, free, but bookings essential. To book phone 03-474-7474 or visit www.scifest.org.nz for the full festival programme.

7 July Cadbury Chocolate Fun Day. Celebrate the opening of the Cadbury Chocolate Carnival with a choc-full day of fun family activities.

From 10am-3pm at Wall Street Mall. Visit

www.chocolatecarnival.co.nz for the full festival programme.

8 July Great Glenfalloch Dog Show. Bring the family dog along (with a leash!) and enter to win some chocolate treats for owners.

Some categories include; cutest, naughtiest, biggest, and most friendly dog. From 11.30am at Glenfalloch Woodland Garden, gold coin donation. For more details phone 03-476-1775.

9 July Blue Light Cadbury Disco. Dance the night away at this fun disco for children aged five to 10-years organised by Dunedin Police Blue Light Ventures. From 6pm-8pm at the Dunedin Police gymnasium, Great King Street, $2 on the door. For enquiries phone 03-464-3750.

9 and 12 July Cadbury Crunchie Train. Come dressed for a day in the wild-west and hunt for Cadbury treasure on the Taieri Gorge Railway. Enjoy treats and stories for everyone on board. From 10.45am-1.30pm, charge applies and bookings are essential. To book phone 03-477-4449.

9-12 July Choc-art of creativity classes. Get creative painting and decorating with chocolate at the Dunedin City Library.

Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Visit www.chocolatecarnival. co.nz for session times and activity details or phone 03-477-8597 for tickets.

Cadbury Dairy Milk Magic Show. Free 30 minute magic shows guaranteed to entertain.

At 11am and 1pm daily at Wall Street Mall.

12 July Teddy Bear’s Picnic. Enjoy a magical day out with Teddy in the grounds at Larnach

The Edgar Centre is a busy and popular destination for many Dunedin families.

It offers a range of sporting opportunities and events, and it really is “all going on at the Edgar Centre!” Even the New Zealand Breakers basketball team are heading there in September to play a pre-season match against the Wollongong Hawkes.

The centre’s ever popular children’s birthday parties are guaranteed to be a hit with the kids, and there is a range of birthday activities to suit any budget: fully hosted and catered,

or do it yourself. Whatever your preference, give Sarah a ring to discuss the options.

From a casual game of tennis to getting a team practice in, the opportunities are endless at The Edgar Centre. Pre-school groups are becoming frequent users during the day, given the Edgar Centre’s handy location, good parking and ample space. Did you know that the Edgar Centre is also a convenient Ticket Direct outlet?

Spend a day at the grandest teddy bears’ picnic in the land!

Castle. Transport options are available. For full details visit www.larnachcastle.co.nz, www. chocolatecarnival.co.nz or phone 03-476-1616.

13 July Cadbury Jaffa Race. Put together the world’s steepest street and tens of thousands of Jaffas and you have a recipe for a great event! Street party starts from 11am and races at 12.30pm.

All proceeds go to Cure Kids and the Parents Centre. Visit www.taieriparentscentre. co.nz, www.curekids.org.nz or www. chocolatecarnival.co.nz for information on where to buy tickets.

18 and 19 August The Tower Season of Cinderella.

Enchant the family with the magical tale of Cinderella, presented by the New Zealand Royal Ballet. For show times and bookings phone 0800-4-TICKET. Compiled by Rosanna Lister

Meet NASA astronaut Stephanie Wilson at the Otago Museum.

Otago Museum – holiday hot-spot!

A visit to the Tropical Forest is Dunedin’s hot pick for school holiday fun this winter.

Tempt your taste buds with a tropical taste sensation – fruits of the forest fondue.

Discover the fruits that are abundant in the tropics and try some tropical treats, dipped in chocolate!

In Discovery World, there’s even more on offer with daring demos and interactive experiments. Delve into the incredible insides of everyday devices with the daily

science show - Techno Tricks.

Then, search high and low around the galleries to solve the cryptic clues in the heroic holiday trail, take a lunar leap and explore the moon with the Moon Marvels Freaky Science show, and meet a real life astronaut!

The holidays are action-packed at the museum, and guaranteed to be warm and dry.

Otago Museum, open daily, 10am – 5pm.

Admission charge applies for Discovery World Tropical Forest.

LIVE BUTTERFLY EXPERIENCE...

INSIDE THE OTAGO MUSEUM! 419 Great King Street, Dunedin 10 www.familytimes.co.nz

OPEN 7 DAYS 10am – 5pm

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Entertainment There is plenty going on in Dunedin these school holidays to keep the family warm and entertained. Make the most of these great local attractions.

Otago Museum With tasty treats in the Tropical Forest, daring demos in Discovery World, lunar lunatics and cryptic challenges, the school holidays are action-packed this winter at Otago Museum!

Dunedin Chinese Garden

Holiday Specials Learn a new skill or just have fun with these exciting holiday activities in Dunedin.

Basketball Otago

Join us at the Dunedin Chinese Garden in June and July as we celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival and the school holidays with a range of fun activities for the whole family!

OceanaGold Nuggets and GoldRush Camp: ages 8-13. Come and see if you like basketball or hone your skills if you’re already into the game with some of our elite players! For bookings and information phone 03- 456-4063.

Rialto Cinemas

Blue Line Studio

As the weather gets colder and wetter, bring the kids to see the best movies at the best cinema in town! Rialto Cinemas offers great value 2D family passes, starting from just $29.

For movie and session information visit www. rialto.co.nz or call 03-474-2200.

Music holiday programmes: Learn how to write, record and perform contemporary music with experienced tutors. Year five-13.

Visit www.bluelinemusicstudio.co.nz/holidayprogrammes for more information.

Fortune Theatre A Paintbox of Clowns. Watch clowns, Red, Blue and Green as they enthral audiences in this silent clown show for loud children. For tickets and session details visit www.fortunetheatre. co.nz or phone 03-477-8323.

Chipmunks indoor playground Relax in Chipmunks’ cafe with good food and coffee while the children burn off all their energy. Open Monday - Friday 9.30am until 6pm, Saturday and Sunday 9.30am until 5pm.

cool activities

Winter activities for kids Just because it may be cold, raining and miserable outside does not mean kids can’t have fun during winter.

Here are some activities that are simple, will inspire their minds (and get them away from the TV, computer and video games), and will provide hours of entertainment during the colder season.

1. Make a hut – all that’s required are chairs, tables, old blankets, sheets.

2. Put on a show – have the children choose a book to act out, rehearse, and then perform.

A magic show is also another fun idea.

3. Play shop – make some play money and price tags and some items to “sell” and have a shopkeeper.

4. Have an indoor picnic – why should picnics be for the outdoors? Lay down a blanket, and eat the same types of foods you would have in summer.

5. Indoor treasure hunt – write up clues around the houses directing kids to hunt for a hidden prize.

6. Dance – keep warm by staying active. Make a CD of your kids’ favourite songs and if you have access to a camera, film it and maybe even create a home fitness video!

7. Board games – stick with the classics – Scrabble, Monopoly, or get creative and have the children make their own game with their rules and play them together.

A sheet of cardboard, felts, glitter, paint,

glue, dice – let their imaginations run wild.

Also puzzles can provide hours of fun, and kids can design their own too.

8. Create an obstacle course – use the whole house or a few rooms. Make sure it is safe.

9. Baking – choose a few recipes, bake, decorate and eat.

10. Charades – a classic guessing game – choose a theme or a TV show, song etc and each person has to act it out while everyone else has to guess. Prize for the winner.

11. Play outside – it may be raining and miserable but there is still a lot of fun to be had jumping in puddles, walking with umbrella, breaking ice and freezing water in buckets.

Great value at Rialto Cinemas

As the weather gets colder and wetter, bring the kids to see the best movies at the best cinema in town! Rialto Cinemas offers great value 2D family passes, starting from just $29 for three people (one adult and two children), $39 for four people (two adults and two children) or you can even try the ultimate family pass, which is just $58 for four movie tickets plus six candy bar items! For movie and session information visit www. rialto.co.nz or call 03-474-2200.

Students performing at the annual RASA show “For the Love of It” at the Regent Theatre.

All ages, all abilities, exam classes available.

AND BESTVALUE DIGITAL

3D PRICES!

2 SMALL POPCORNS FOR $5 ANYTIME! Present this voucher at Rialto Cinemas to purchase two small popcorns for only $5 - save $4!

Limit one per customer. Valid until 31 July 2012.

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11

baby & toddler

Keeping young children safe this winter Most of us find that we tend to spend more time indoors in winter. Fires are being lit and the heaters cranked up to keep everyone warm.

A

flickering flame or the glow from a heater can be fascinating to children, who are too young to understand how dangerous they can be.

Babies about four - nine months are particularly active and can cover more floor than you might expect. Keep a close eye on them as they may get themselves too close to the heater and be unable to get away again.

Here are some things you can do to help keep your family safe and warm this winter:

Keeping safe with fires and heaters The NZ Fire Service has a very simple rule; “Keep a metre from the heater”. This means people and furniture should be at least a metre from a heater or fire to reduce the risk of being burned, or causing a fire.

Having a safety guard around all heaters and fires will help prevent children getting burned.

Look for a guard that:

• •

• Rooms should usually be between 1620°C for babies to be comfortable and safe, and 15-17°C is a good overnight temperature.

• Gas heaters can give off dangerous fumes and fan heaters can overheat the room.

Using an electric heater (convection or oil filled) with a thermostat is best.

• Babies usually need one more layer of clothing or bedding than adults. Natural fabrics that breathe – such as such as wool and cotton – are best.

• Bassinets or cots should be kept away from windows, where rooms are coldest.

• Keep your baby’s room well ventilated with doors open - especially if you use a heater.

• To check if your baby is too hot or cold, touch the back of their neck underneath clothing. If they feel warm, they are fine, even if their hands and feet are cold. If they feel cold, pop another layer on them.

What to look for when choosing safe nightwear

can be securely attached to the wall has bars or mesh to stop children putting • Close fitting clothing reduces the risk of catching fire. Buy pyjamas that fit your child their arms or other objects through • is high enough that a child can’t climb over rather than buying a size too big to make them last. the top • Check the label on nightwear for a “low Making your baby’s fire danger” label. This means the design of bedroom safe and the right the garment is close-fitting to reduce the risk of it catching fire. It does not mean temperature that the fabric is fire proof – it can still burn A warm, dry home is really important for your if exposed to a heat source. child’s health and safety. Insulation is a proven way to achieve this. Overheated rooms though For more information, support or advice, PlunketLine (0800-933-922) is available 24/7. are not safe for babies so it’s important to strike a balance: • The best temperature for babies is one in which adults could comfortably wear light clothing, such as a single cotton layer.

La Leche League New Zealand Sally had trouble latching her baby and phoned her nearest La Leche League leader for help. Now Sally says that “Breastfeeding is pain free and my baby is content and settled.” Mothers who want to breastfeed need accurate information and support. If you need help with breastfeeding, contact La Leche League. Your leader will listen and offer practical suggestions.

La Leche League leaders are breastfeeding mothers who are trained to give up-to-date breastfeeding information. Dunedin La Leche League 03-467-5599 or 03-476-1339.

12 www.familytimes.co.nz

Toolbox parenting groups Vision: “To encourage and inspire parents and equip them with the skills and resources needed to grow great kids.”

Toolbox groups are relaxed, informal parenting sessions run over six weeks in a home or community venue. Each session leaves participants with a range of activities and strategies to try at home, and are filled with expert advice, humour and empowering strategies. The focus is on making your parenting experience a really positive one.

Toolbox groups are available throughout the country and are delivered in three age

SIDS

Sudden Infant Death Support

HELP LINE 0800 164 455 24 Hour

Information & Support

groups – early years (0-6), middle years (6-12) and teenage years (12+). The cost of the course is $67.50 per person or $90 per couple (including GST). The course is facilitated by trained local volunteers who are friendly and supportive.

Whatever stage you are at, a Toolbox group will give you the confidence to be the best parent that you can be and have fun on the way. To find out more information about our courses and to find a group in your area visit www.theparentingplace.com or call 0800-53-56-59.

destination Waitaki

Let’s go North Otago We all deserve a break away once in a while: the hard part is often deciding where.

W

ell, the perfect family-friendly destination has been found, so load up the car and the kids and head to the stunning Waitaki District in North Otago, a three hour drive south of Christchurch and just 45 minutes north of Dunedin.

Oamaru, the main town in North Otago, is nestled between rolling hills and looks out across a picturesque harbour. Don’t forget to pack the fishing rods. It is full of character and southern charm, friendly locals and great food, stunning buildings and unique activities. Where else can you witness the dirt, dust and noise of the Mud Plug on 30 June, and then hop on a Penny farthing, if you dare?

There is plenty to keep the family entertained, and much of it is free.

A must-see is the Victorian Precinct in Oamaru; it’s a world-class example of wellpreserved Victorian architecture. Wander the streets and browse among the stores and stalls then take a journey back in time and enjoy train travel the way it used to be with Oamaru Steam and Rail, guaranteed to make the kids’ day.

world, along with the Christchurch Youth Orchestra, will perform in the stunning Oamaru Opera House on 7 July.

Those wanting a little more adventure can make the most of the natural beauty and surrounds of the Waitaki district with a walk or bike around the un-crowded coastline, or boating and fishing at Kurow, Otematata or Omarama near the impressive hydro-dam lakes. There are also some of New Zealand’s most interesting land formations at Clay Cliffs, Elephant Rocks, Maori Rock Art and Moeraki Boulders.

Want more? Other suggestions for a great family getaway are:

• • • • •

• • •

Visit Anatini and Elephant Rocks – the main setting for Chronicles of Narnia – the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

Ohau snowfield – this is a family-friendly commercial snowfield. Perfect for skiing and snowboarding families. They also have the Ohau Lodge.

Take a history lesson with a tour of the North Otago Museum, then check out the holiday activities at the Forrester Gallery and the Oamaru Library.

The Waitaki District has it all for your family these school holidays. For more information on events and places to eat and sleep visit www.visitoamaru.co.nz.

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Visit the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony, and go to Shag Point and see the fur seal and yellow eyed penguin colonies before dusk.

Go to the Vanished World centre in Duntroon and follow the trail through the valley, then visit some key fossil sites.

Visit Steampunk HQ – and the Steampunk playground at Oamaru Harbour.

Take a swim at the Aquatic Centre.

Take the family challenge at the bowling alley.

The Oamaru Public Gardens offer a 13ha picnic spot, complete with playground- a great place to catch your breath while you prepare for the next item on your list.

Oamaru also has a reputation for attracting the world’s best to its shores. The New Zealand Offshore Boating Series arrives 30 June, the first time it has been held here in 30 years. And the California Youth Symphony, one of the finest youth orchestras in the

60 Thames Street, Oamaru 03 433 0852 museum@waitaki.govt.nz www.northotagomuseum.co.nz

School Holiday Spells!

Mon 2nd July, Wed 4th July and Fri 6th July.

Meet at the Librar y 10.30am and then visit the magical world of The Word Witch at the Forrester Galler y. Ar t, books, poetr y, imagination, activities and fun for ever yone!

OAMARU

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Come ride our bike

Open 7-days

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Cnr Thames & Itchen Streets, Oamaru. Ph 03 434 1656

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Monday 16 July to Friday 28 September

4, 2012 BirtTerm hda15yOctober Tuesday s to no later than Friday 14 December

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Term 1, 2013

Monday 15 October to no later than Thursday 20 December

Between Monday 28 January and Thursday 7 February to 19 April

Term 1, 2013

Between Monday 28 January and Thursday 7 February to 19 April Monday 6 May to Friday hoo12lJuly c S 2012/2013 secondary m and compositeTer Term 3, 2012 ates Monday 16 July toD Friday 28 September

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worth of accommodation at one of our amazing holiday houses.

Entertainment

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www.holidayhouses.co.nz/win Thousands of amazing holiday houses are available right now, but they fill up fast so don’t delay in booking a winter getaway for your family. *Terms and conditions available online at www.holidayhouses.co.nz/win

Enjoy some Family Time

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

And, of course Interislander looks after families with a range of great value fare options.

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

Picture Books

Junior Fiction

Harry’s Hair

By Jane Buxton Illustrated by Jenny Cooper Puffin 2011 ISBN 9780143306160 Paperback $19.99 Harry’s wild hair is in quite a state because he won’t brush it and then, as his mother predicted, creatures start living in it. Harry is quite proud of his menagerie until he discovers that they’re going to the toilet down his neck and he has to get hairdresser help before he gets horribly stinky!

Gloriously zany illustrations capture the action and might encourage readers to get their own hair brushed. Ages three to eight.

Demolition

By Sally Sutton Illustrated by Brian Lovelock Walker Books 2012 ISBN 9781921529269 Hardback $31.99 Follow up to Roadworks, with more noisy machines, this time deconstructing a building. All the workers wear their safety equipment then the machines get into action. It’s not all about breaking everything into pieces though – everything is sorted so it can be used again if possible – wood into mulch, metal to be recycled, and finally restoring the land to create a playground. Fabulously noisy text perfect for reading aloud. Ages three plus.

By Melanie Drewery Illustrated by John Bennett Scholastic, 2012 ISBN 9781775430391 Paperback $16.50 Max and Dan aspire to have their photos on the Fishing Fame Board down at the wharf, but all they ever catch are undersize spotties until they come up with an incredible plan to catch a big one, using a paddle boat to go out beyond the shark net. You just know it’s going to be trouble. Great dynamic text and illustrations help tell this hilarious adventure story. Ages six-10.

Violet Mackerel’s Personal Space

By Anna Branford Illustrated by Sarah Davis Walker Books, 2012 ISBN 9781921529207 Hardback, $24.99 There is good and bad news in Violet’s household. Mum and boyfriend Vincent decide to get married, but they have to move to a bigger house even though everyone loves where they live at the moment. Violet’s brother Dylan is particularly upset and moves into a tent in the garden.

Violet learns about personal space, and develops a new Theory of Leaving Small Things Behind. Warm illustrations complement the family story. Ages five to eight.

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By Kathy Taylor Scholastic, 2012 ISBN 9781775430544 Paperback $19.50 Ukulele-playing Iris and her best friend, the flamboyant Sidney, are masters of the musical universe, and are writing a vampire rap musical. When a talent contest is announced things start to go wrong; Sidney wants to write his own song and Iris makes some bad decisions and begins doubting herself until she sorts out what’s really important.

Everything comes together for a climactic ending and some thoughtful final decisions. 2011 Storylines Tom Fitzgibbon Award. Ages 10 plus.

Small and Tall Tales of Extinct Animals

Helene Rajcak & Damien Laverdunt Gecko Press, 2012 ISBN 9781877467905 Hardback $36.99 A large illustrated book about extinct animals from around the world – including New Zealand’s moa and Haast eagle, with illustrations, cartoons and facts aplenty. Each animal’s page contains a visual depiction of the size of the animal compared to a human being or a hand, followed by size, weight, location and date of extinction, making for quick comparisons with other animals. A book the whole family will enjoy digging into.

Moon Over Manifest

By Clare Vanderpool Yearling Newbury 2010 ISBN 9780375858291 Paperback $17 With a fistful of awards this book is a great read; it’s got clever, sensitive characters, a multi-layered plot and surprises along the way. Abilene’s father has sent her to live with a friend in the town of Manifest while he works on the railroad over the summer.

While she’s there she learns about the history of the town through old letters from a young boy. Stories of past and present evolve together to a satisfying conclusion. Ages 10 plus.

All About New Zealand Garden Wildlife

By Dave Gunson New Holland, 2012 ISBN 9781869662967 Paperback $24.99 You don’t need to travel far afield to find interesting wildlife – there’s plenty in your own back yard. The latest in this series introduces more than 60 garden creatures and plants. There are large coloured illustrations of each plant and creature along with diagrams of things like an ants’ nest, beehive and tree trunk, with simply written text giving clear explanations about behaviour and life cycles. Ages six to 11.

Steel Pelicans

By Des Hunt HarperCollins 2012 ISBN 9781869509538 Paperback $19.99 Pete Kelly - Pelly (13) has to move to New Zealand with his family, leaving his trouble-making friend Dean Steele behind. After facing some bullying problems Pete makes friends with a Samoan boy, Afi, and goes to stay at their family bach at Port Waikato where they uncover smuggling and illegal drugs. When Dean comes over for the holidays they end up in an explosive situation where everyone is in danger.

Exciting reading for ages 11 to 15.

Turning Trash Into Treasure For Young Children

By Adam Buckingham Kiwi As, 2011 ISBN 9780473187149 Paperback $30 A book busting with clever things to make and do with young children using materials you find at home or recycling waste materials. Particularly aimed at early childhood centres (and written by a kindergarten teacher) but with ideas that could be put to use at home too, and with extra encouragement for men to be involved with this age group.

Packed with colour photographs for added inspiration.

Quarterly e-newsletter

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By Jack Lasenby Gecko Press, 2012 ISBN 9780877467158 Paperback with flaps, $19.99 Set in small-town New Zealand in the 1950s. A young boy sick in bed hears outrageous stories from Uncle Trev who pops in to visit whenever he can, bringing his dog, Old Tip. Mum disapproves of Uncle Trev and can always tell when he’s been into the biscuit tin. Brilliant characters and hilarious stories you won’t know whether to believe or not. A great read aloud or solo for eight to 12-years and adults.

Knowledge books

Iris’s Ukulele

Fishing Fame

The Coat

By Julie Hunt Illustrated by Ron Brooks Allen & Unwin 2012 ISBN 9781741144059 Hardback $36.99 A magical tale of transformation.

A young man takes a coat (with a personality and a voice all of its own), from a scarecrow and it takes him on an incredible adventure revealing unforeseen talents. The inky illustrations change from sepia tones to colour as the story evolves. Loopy handwritten text might prove a challenge for young readers, but this also makes a lovely read-aloud experience. Ages four plus.

Intermediate Fiction

Maximise yourH child’s learning potential

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