Family Times - Wellington - Spring 2013

ISSN 2324 4542 ISSN 2324 4550

WELLINGTON / ISSUE 55 / Spring 2013

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Grandparenting from afar Tips on preserving this important relationship

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Words of wisdom Your parenting questions answered

A news magazine and online resource for families

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

Junior Fiction

Picture Books Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs

By Mo Willems Walker Books Hardback $28 Three dinosaurs make some tempting chocolate pudding and loudly proclaim that they are going out and hope a succulent young girl doesn’t come to visit.

Sure enough Goldilocks arrives and gobbles up the pudding, but eventually pays heed to the signs that this is not the abode of a bear family and she’d better vamoose. The illustrations are rich with clues and kids will love spotting the warning signs in this ironic take on the traditional tale.

The Day the Crayons Quit

By Drew Daywalt Illustrated by Oliver Jeffers HarperCollins Hardback $29.99 Duncan opens his crayon box to find letters from the crayons who have gone on strike, unhappy at being misused or ignored in preference for other colours – only green is happy. Each crayon has its own distinct personality conveyed in their letter (written in crayon of course) and accompanying drawing in Jeffers’ distinctive style. Duncan resolves things with a picture at the end that keeps everyone happy. Ages 4 plus.

Ben and the Icky-OokySticky-Smick

By Sally Sutton Walker Books Hardback $30 Ben loves bugs, particularly his favourite icky-ooky-sticky-smick, but there is chaos in the house when it goes missing! Family members’ screams come from all around the house as they find a variety of bugs - all with fabulous names like the lurky-murky-dottle-spot - all of which are identified by Ben for their different characteristics. The tongue twisting names, rich language and imagination are well matched with Venn’s contemporary stylish illustrations and varied typography.

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Dinosaur Rescue: Scutostickysaurus

By Kyle Mewburn Illustrated by Donovan Bixley Scholastic Paperback $12 Arg, an unusually intelligent cave boy, discovers a noisy scutosaurus with branches and leaves attached by a sticky vine. Arg tries to save the scut from being killed but gets stuck himself. Thank goodness for his best mate Skeet the T-Rex who helps get them to Big Bone Lake where Arg has a clever idea to get them both unstuck. Giant helpings of gross humour, with hilarious illustrations to keep the reader laughing until the end.

Ages 7 to 10-years.

Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures

By Kate DiCamillo Illustrated by K G Campbell Candlewick Press Paperback $25 Flora (10) is a young cynic who loves comics.

When a squirrel is nearly killed by a vacuum cleaner but emerges with superstrength and the ability to write poetry and fly, Flora has to protect this unusual superhero from his arch-nemesis, aided by a cast of eccentric characters who each provide their own flavour of good advice. The rich, classic, comic-influenced language is interspersed with soft pencil panels of illustrations. Ages 8 plus.

By David Hill Scholastic Paperback $19.50 A frightening old man stumbles out of the bushes one day when Conrad is on his way from swimming training. He’s the grandfather of the strange new girl at school, Bex. At first they don’t get on but she needs a friend – her grandfather is behaving strangely and there are rumours he is linked to a historic tragedy at the river. A dramatic story with friendship at its heart. Ages 10 to 15-years.

The Thing about Luck

By Cynthia Kadohata Simon & Schuster Paperback $21.00 One thing after another goes wrong for Summer’s family.

Her parents have to go to Japan, just before wheat harvest when they earn the mortgage money. This leaves Summer (12) and her brother to go to harvest with their ailing grandparents: Jiichan driving the combine and Summer helping the demanding Obaachan cook the meals. Summer is growing up and taking on responsibility as she works out what makes everyone tick, and we also learn about Japanese and harvest cultures.

View from the 32nd Floor

By Emma Cameron Walker Books Paperback $19 William spies on the neighbouring high-rise apartments from his room on the 32nd floor. He sees a new girl there and finds a way to meet her. When they become friends they reach out to the other apartment dwellers, helping the lonely and frail ones to make friends and discover a more enjoyable life, culminating in a rooftop party for everyone. There is much list-making, planning and delicious food involved as they draw their diverse community together.

Running the Country: A Look Inside New Zealand’s Government

By Maria Gill New Holland Paperback $24.99 This informative guide reveals how our government works, who is part of it, what they do and what the rules are. This is a system with a lot of history and tradition behind it, explained as simply as possible, with photographs and diagrams to help, and caricatures of some of the people involved (by a political cartoonist Malcolm Evans). There are handy internet links provided and a useful glossary and index. Ages 8 plus.

Wearable Wonders

By Fifi Colston Scholastic Paperback $21 If you like to make stuff from whatever you have around the house, this book has an abundance of projects for you to try. Fifi has been a long-time World of Wearable Arts competitor and is master of crafts - making useful things out of materials like egg cartons, tin foil and bubble wrap. Includes information about what sort of glue to use, and how to hold things together. Ages 9 plus.

Recipes for Play: Fun ideas for small hands and big imaginations Recipes by Rachel Sumner Photographs

by Ruth Mitchener Penguin Paperback $30 A book brim-full of things to make and do with a little one.

Vivid photographs capture the crafts, toys, activities and games that can be made mostly with things you will already have around the house or in the garden: simple ideas rich in colour and texture that are both easy to make and to clean up. A great resource for any parent of a young child.

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By Deborah Burnside Puffin Paperback $15 Take a trip back into our history with Rebecca (10) who travels by ship from Ireland to New Zealand.

She finds her older brother, a sailor on the Queen of Nations, who finds her a job as servant to a family on the ship. The details of ship life, including storms and a difficult birth, are simply yet vividly written and will captivate a young reader from 8 to 12-years.

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Contents Features

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2 Top reads

Recommended reading these school holidays

inside this issue

4 Positive parenting

Tips on regaining confidence

Your parenting questions answered

How to preserve these relationships from afar

5 Words of wisdom

6 The importance of grandparents

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6 8 Fit families

Take the Family Times’ family fitness challenge

Tips for parents of preteen social networkers

16 Birthday parties

Car games to keep the kids entertained

Resource information

19 Road trips

14 Safety

Comment

Breastfeeding in public – the great debate

How changes to child restraint laws may affect your family

15 Camping tips

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17 Spying on your kids online

9 Baby and toddler

10 Kids’ view

We ask kids about their use of technology and rules around it

Get outdoors and enjoy the sun!

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Special features

Low-cost tips

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School Term Dates Calendar of events Entertainment Marketplace

Your Place for School Holiday Fun Science Road Show

Mon 30th Sept to Fri 4th Oct 10am to 4pm daily

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

Media Executives Shona Robb, Nicky Barnett, Jane Hunter, Tina Barriball, Katrina Wright, Naomh Cusin, Penny Leary , Linda Radovancich Office Manager Raelyn hay Office Assistant Jackie Pithie

Contributing Writers Tracey-Ann Abery, Maureen Crisp, Karen Theobald, Karyn Riley, Diane Levy, Sally Kabak, Jennifer Beck, Dr Victoria Metcalf, Sophie Gray, Eva-Maria, Crissi Blair Reach us at: Family Publishers (NZ), P.O. Box 36-004, Christchurch 8146, NZ Ph. 03-355-9186 0800285 510 Fax: 03 3559 183 Mobile. 0274-359-414 admin@familytimes.co.nz www.familytimes.co.nz

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From the editor Confident parenting M

ost grandparents play a leading role in the lives of their grandkids.

If you were as lucky as me, a trip to visit your grandparents was always a treat.

My mother’s parents didn’t always live in the same city as me – at one point they were missionaries in the Philippines, and eventually they retired in sunny Waikanae. But of those times when we were together, I remember them making me feel like the most special grandchild on earth.

Nana would secretly buy me ice-creams, and let me help her bake. She would let me sleep in on Saturday mornings when I stayed over, and watch cartoons in bed while she bought me lavish amounts of overly-buttered Marmite toast. Pops would take me for a ride on his motorbike, often bring me little knick-knacks and jewellery items, and give us grandkids change to go to the dairy for a 50 cent mixture – and now I’m showing my age!

I always felt that there was some kind of conspiracy between us – they would let me do things that Mum wouldn’t, and I wouldn’t tell.

Later on, once Pops passed away, Nana still readily welcomed me and three of my giggling teenage friends to her home in Waikanae after our first girls’ road trip. She heard once that my kitten was sick, and she paid for his little operation. And before she passed away last year, she shared with me a secret: she prayed for me and all her grandchildren every day.

I was lucky. But in some cases, grandparents today have a bit more of a challenge; many of them are not just grandparents, but caregivers – either full-time or while parents work. On one hand this gives them a unique opportunity to be involved hands-on in the lives of their grandchildren. On the other hand, it can diminish the magic of this special relationship

Whether you’re a stay-athome or working mum, chances are you’ll experience a loss of confidence and selfbelief at some point during parenthood.

B by making it ordinary and every day.

Then there are those grandparents whose grandchildren live overseas, or grandchildren whose grandparents live overseas. Globalisation means that there are more occurrences of this today than say, 20 years ago. But it also means that international communication has improved: with the advent of the Internet, a video chat between grandparents and grandchildren is just a click away.

In this edition we investigate how grandparents and grandchildren relate today, with special tips on how to keep in touch, and how to nurture these precious relationships.

In Kids’ View, we ask kids about their relationship with their grandparents.

Of course we have all the other regular features, handy hints and giveaways. Happy springtime everyone – enjoy!

ecoming a parent is one of the toughest roles in life, often with little thanks, recognition or acknowledgement. This can result in loss of identity and feeling under-valued and worthless as a person.

However, the more you undertake or achieve something, the better you become at it and the more positive and confident you will feel. Recognising your accomplishments, and realising that you’re not alone in experiencing setbacks, self-doubt, guilt or negative thoughts, provides you with a sense of relief, achievement and empowerment.

Achieving and acknowledging success, whether large or small, improves your confidence, self-esteem and self-belief.

Here are some ways to feel confident and incontrol of your life: • Establish a strong personal foundation, vision and goals.

• Think and act positively – avoid or overcome any negative self-talk, limiting beliefs or unsupportive habits.

• Acknowledge any feelings of guilt by writing them down then decide to let them go or do something about them.

• Acquire skills that support your personal and professional growth.

• Gain through giving – get involved in community groups, volunteer work or

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

physical activity.

Spend time with positive, supportive and inspirational people.

Set yourself small, simple, achievable goals every day.

Overcome any fear of failure (and success).

Fake it until you make it – practice and take one step at a time.

Be true to yourself – live and act according to your personal values.

Focus on your strengths, passions, natural talents and abilities.

Live in the present and be grateful for what you have in life right now.

Be kind to yourself and others.

Take daily action or do something differently – one small, simple change has the power to transform your life.

Focus on and acknowledge your accomplishments, achievements and success.

Avoid negative and unsupportive people and activities that drain your time or energy.

“Feel the fear and do it anyway.”

Support your confidence with positive thoughts, visualisations and affirmations.

Learn from positive role models and inspirational people you admire or aspire to be like.

Never compare yourself to others – do what works for you and your family.

Remember, you are not alone.

By Karyn Riley Karyn Riley is a Christchurch-based time management and life balance specialist, author, inspirational speaker, writer and mother of two.

Her book, How to Keep the YOU in Mum, is available in bookstores and at rileylife.co.nz

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Parenting advice with Diane Levy In our winter issue, we asked readers to submit their parenting questions and concerns to family therapist, counsellor, parenting coach and speaker Diane Levy. Here are two of the questions with Diane’s helpful advice. This will be a regular column, so get those questions flowing!

Email your questions to admin@familytimes.co.nz.

My house, my rules

Q

I have a shared-care relationship of my 8-year-old son. His father has him four days out of seven, so he seems to think his rules are what should be followed. This leads to arguments with my son re bed time, what to eat, time on computer, etc. Any advice?

A

Which rules should operate in a household is a difficult issue for parents who see eye-to-eye to sor t out, let alone parents who have needed to separate and live apar t. So let’s sor t two options – ideal and real.

The ideal option would be for you and your son’s father to sit down together and sort out the rules that should apply in both households. Your son has more than enough to deal with shifting households so frequently and he doesn’t need to live in two different cultures and time zones. I imagine that this is never going to happen though – so let’s look at a more manageable option.

The reality is that most parents have very little – if any – ability to influence the household of their “ex” and have even less inclination to change the rules of their own household, so the option is to have your own

Teenage angst

Q

My preteen daughter is struggling with girls at her school. How can I help when she seems upset and will hardly speak?

A

Let’s split this situation into two issues – the timing of getting our children to speak, and responding so that they will feel supported. rules and to make them stick even when your Some children want to blurt out everything child insists that he has a better time at his the moment they come home from school dad’s home. and others are not ready to talk until much Consult friends (whose parenting you admire) later. I have found that the best time, with a as to which rules they use and open a dialogue child who is reluctant to speak after school, is with your 8-year-old. Rather than presenting at bed-time. him with bald rules for him to resist, discuss When you tuck her in, be prepared for a chat. with him what are reasonable limits in terms A good opening is “What was the hardest of his health, wellbeing and capacity, to learn thing for you today?” This gives your child the following day. permission to talk about bad stuff and also implies that bad stuff is a normal part of the day and therefore can be spoken about Which rules should operate without feeling different or ashamed. in a household is a difficult Once she does speak, your job is to listen issue for parents who see eye- actively in a way that allows her to keep sharing her woes. Avoid the temptation to to-eye to sort out, let alone rush to solutions – particularly the useless parents who have needed to advice “just walk away.” Useful phrases are “that’s horrible for you,” “that sounds awful,” separate and live apart. “how mean is that!” or “how unkind is that?”

I always work on the basis that you need to do this for a fortnight (10 school days). By the end Whatever you two decide, write down the of this time, one of two things may happen: agreements and, most importantly, write down in being able to talk things through with you, a review date for three weeks away with the you may have given your child the support and undertaking that you will trial them and then strength to handle the situation differently – or check how it is working for the two of you.

– you have a lot of factual information to go to This respectful approach should place the two the school and seek their help. of you (you and your son) on the same side.

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feature story

Grandparenting from a distance We’ve heard the stories: grandparents who spoil their grandchildren rotten with guilty pleasures that they perhaps denied to their own children when they were growing up – sweets, treats, presents and all sorts of fun activities.

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randparenting certainly offers a second chance at parenting and enjoying children, with the added bonus of extra time available as family and work demands lessen.

But how can this important relationship be preserved if tens, hundreds or thousands of kilometres separate the families?

Assistant editor Rachel Taniwha investigates.

Families and patterns of ageing in New Zealand are changing, but grandparents continue to have a vital role in today’s families says Age Concern New Zealand chief executive Ann Martin.

“We cannot underestimate the beneficial role of a grandparent in the life of their grandchild. The reward goes both ways and the bonds between grandparent and grandchild can be priceless.”

The Parenting Place creative producer John Cowan says that many - although not all grandparents have the “wonderful luxury of time to give to their grandchildren; time for stories, chats, listening, going for walks, doing activities and chores together.”

Grandparents can also provide a living link to history, heritage and the wider family. Cowan says he used to say he couldn’t wait until his

own kids provided him with grandchildren, “Then I could play with them and fill them up with Coca Cola, food colouring and sugar and send them home as high as kites for their parents to try to settle down!” He believed that grandparents got to have the fun of being involved with kids without having any responsibility.

“I think I was mistaken – grandparents do enjoy the fun of being involved with their mokopuna, but I have never met any who didn’t also shoulder a great sense responsibility for their welfare and safety.”

Relationships are two-way Family Times regional writer Rosie Hill and husband Nathan live in Brighton, Dunedin, with their two children; four-year-old Leo and 11-month-old Zoey. Nathan’s parents live locally, while Rosie’s parents are based in Ross on the West Coast of the South Island.

Rosie describes her mother-in-law as a “fantastically brilliant woman who often looks after the kids for us. She and my son have a particularly close relationship; they have been great mates since day one and my son loves going to “Nanny’s” to stay.”

Rosie says she knows her parents would

Bruiser and the Big Snow by Gavin Bishop Bruiser and the Big Snow features the big noisy digger Bruiser dealing with a major snow fall in a city. He works hard, clearing roads and paths and motorways, making the town safe for all. When he settles down to rest at the end, he hears a tiny sound and discovers a trike buried under the snow. Visit www.randomhouse.co.nz. We have 10 of these 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: Bruiser and the Big Snow by Joy Cowley, PO Box 36 004, Christchurch, to reach us by 13 October 2013. Check out our website for more fantastic competitions.

22 Donald Street, Karori Phone 476 5400 Wellington.govt.nz 6

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things he has made. “This works really well most of the time but being four sometimes he doesn’t want to talk or is embarrassed and I worry about hurting their feelings!”

Rosie’s parents agree that the role of grandparents is vitally important and a

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love to be able to spend more time in person with the kids and to have a closer relationship. They visit once or twice a year, and when they come they make a big effort to have quality time with the kids - particularly Leo. Because he is older they can go on outings and adventures together. “He loves hanging out with them.

My dad just does everything at his pace and follows his lead so a simple walk can take quite a long time.

It is always so great to have them to stay as it really reaffirms those relationships.”

Rosie says they keep in contact in numerous ways, including sending Leo letters with photos of themselves and things around their house and garden so he knows what they get up to. “This is really cool and we often send back photos and drawings that Leo has done.”

They use Skype and talk on the phone as well; this way Leo can show them new toys or

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feature story

grandparents an update on the week’s sporting highs and lows, a piano recital and a rundown on what’s going on at school.

Although the children are too young to be active on Facebook the family regularly post photos and videos of them and sends quick updates on their New Zealand lives. “It is not an easy situation but the technology that is available enables our children not only to maintain their relationship with their grandparents but to allow that relationship to continue to grow. “

huge honour for those people lucky enough to experience this. “Grandparents and grandchildren can each learn heaps from each other. While grandparents have a large amount of life experience to share with the children, they in turn enable us to return to a world of wonderment and fun. The great thing is we both have time when we are together to enjoy it all.”

Thousands of kilometres apart Family Times media executive Naomh Cusin is based in Christchurch, New Zealand, with her Kiwi husband Chris. She was, however, born in Ireland. The couple have two children; 10-year-old Naomi and 7-year-old Joshua.

The Cusin’s lived just out of Dublin until last year, with Naomh’s parents very much a part of their daily lives, caring for and supporting the children. When Chris was offered a role in IT in Christchurch the family decided to give the children the opportunity to try a different lifestyle.

“The hardest part of the move is the gap that used to be filled by friends and family and particularly my parents,” says Naomh. Naomi and Joshua missed them a lot in the beginning.

“The gap for my parents is also huge. When I asked them how important they thought the role of a grandparent was they said it was hugely important as the children are an extension of their family and they have been involved with them since they were born.”

Naomh says it is hard to maintain the relationship, but thankfully Skype and Facebook are a great help. A weekly Skype call allows the children to give their

The importance of communication Social media consultant Eva Maria says social media has a huge influence on keeping communication alive, and currently the largest growing demographic on Facebook is grandparents. She says most grandparents opt to not put anything up on their social media networks, but rather use the network to see their children and grandchildren.

She suggests using common-sense when joining the ranks on the online world – not making the account publicly accessible, sharing information only with friends, and taking care with what personal information is shared, such as date of birth and location.

“When you get the hang of social media over time, do post up your own thoughts and photos for your family members to see too: what you’re doing, what you look like; this is a very personal process that helps family members keep the communication going.”

Tips on grandparenting from afar Grandchildren bring so much joy and happiness to the lives of grandparents.

Some grandparents are fortunate enough to live in the same city as their grandchildren, but others may live in a different country or miles away.

Grandparents play an important role in the lives of their grandchildren. Let them know that you love them dearly and that you will be there for them.

They may open up to you and feel more comfortable talking to you about their problems. Offer advice and guidance; let them know that the conversation is between you and them. Grandchildren need to know that they can trust their grandparents.

Grandchildren can teach us many things. Perhaps you have purchased a new cell phone or computer and are struggling with it. Children these days are technology savvy; let them show you how to use it. They will be so very proud that they have taught you something useful.

Being a long distant grandparent will never be easy. These days, computers and cell phones bring grandchildren closer to you. Snail mail does still have its place. Emails, texts, and being able to

Skype or Google Talk are the next best thing to actually being in the same city.

• Parents: make a particular time each day when the children can contact their grandparents via Skype.

• Have the grandparents read them a story while you are busy getting dinner or preparing for a new day.

• Once a week, at dinner time, bring your computer to the dining table.

Skype or Google Talk the grandparents and have a meal with them. Not only are you bringing joy to the grandparents; it also creates a very special bond for all. The grandparents will be able to take part in family discussions.

• Make a video at least once a month for the grandparents. Put it on You Tube for the grandparents to view.

• Grandparents - make up little care packages to send to the grandchildren. It doesn’t have to be large; just nice little things that you see along the way.

By Sally Kabak Sally Kabak is the author of Raising Grandchildren. Visit www.raisinggrandchildren.net.nz for more information and to view her blog.

Thank You!

Family Times would like to thank all people arenting from who responded via a Facebook post regarding tips about grandp our website afar. We had a huge response, and all stories will be featured on www.familytimes.co.nz.

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Take the fitness challenge Health, fitness and exercise are key words sitting in the recesses of every parent’s mind; especially Kiwi parents since the Ministry of Health released the following stats:  The child obesity rate in New Zealand children has increased from 8% in 2006/07, to 10% in 2011/12 (in children aged 2 to 14-years).

 A further 21% of children were overweight (but not obese).

The obvious conclusion is that children who are consistently more active are likely to be healthier adults. And we all know, people who don’t exercise are at risk of developing high blood pressure, osteoporosis, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses. Sounds like a prescription to get moving — now!

The Family Times’ team is dedicated to offering you simple, fun, free ways to help your family start and retain exercise habits.

As spring and summer are just around the corner, we want to challenge you - our avid readers - and your children, to participate in the KiDSMARATHON programme and report back to us. KiDSMARATON was created by New Zealand Olympian Rod Dixon. He developed this unique programme to encourage children and their parents to run a full marathon (42.2 kilometres total) kilometre by kilometre over an 8 to 10-week

Recipes for Play

time frame. The programme is being started in a few schools around the country, but is focused on families and their participation.

It’s very simple to start. Go online to www. kidsmarathonfoundation.co.nz/teachers/ training-guide/ to read about the specific details of the programme. Under the menu bars you’ll find support materials, a training programme guide and a sheet you can print off to keep track of your family’s progress.

Creating family activity time is all about scheduling it together and then following through with the activities.

The training guide is the core resource for the Rod Dixon KiDSMARATHON programme.

In the guide you’ll find general knowledge, nutritional information, warm-up routines and of course a log book for kids and teachers Tell our advertiser to follow and complete. The objective is you saw it in... simple. Get up and get moving! support services This programme is fun, inexpensive and fitness oriented to help you and your children accomplish a health goal together. Creating family activity time is all about scheduling it • Don’t ever allow children to play with hey power our watches, hearing aids, together and then following through with singing greeting cards, keys and lots of button batteries.

Tthe other gadgets we enjoy using. But button • Store button batteries like you would activities. So, let us know how it goes. batteries can be deadly if swallowed. So keep medication or matches – out of reach of

Watch those batteries!

them away from children and be aware that the elderly have mistaken them for pills.

By Jennifer Beck

What are button batteries?

Jennifer Beck is a writer and business Button batteries are coin-sized batteries used to power strategist. She has six children and starts each daycalculators, hearing aids, watches, singing greeting cards, bathroom scales, and lots of off with a morning walk to balance the insanity. other devices we use every day.

They are often sold cheaply in plastic packs that contain a large number of batteries, which leave plenty of spares in the opened pack if you only need one.

Why can they be dangerous?

children. This means either in a cabinet out of a child’s reach or in a childproofed locked area.

• Keep spare or used batteries away from tablets and pills that elderly people may be taking. For example, make sure they change hearing aid batteries in an area completely separate from where they keep their medication.

• Change button batteries on a surface out of children’s reach. Immediately place the dead battery out of their reach.

• Make sure the battery cover on devices that use button batteries is secure so a child can’t remove it. Use duct tape if necessary.

• Seek medical attention immediately if you think someone has swallowed a button battery or a child may have placed one in their nose or ear. Do not let the person eat or drink anything and do not induce vomiting.

For more information about button batteries and general product safety, visit the product safety section of the Consumer Affairs website www. consumeraffairs.govt.nz.

Help is hand Help is @@hand

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

S

pick up the phone and call ● Alcohol Drug Abuse ometimes you need some information the relative support agency?

Concerned about your own or someone Christchurch area - Te Pou or Citizens Advice Bureau else’s problems alcohol or othercaring drugs?

Whakawhirinaki o Aotearoa You’ll find with professional Christchurch area - Te Pou an answer to a curly question.

Why not Call the Alcohol Drug Helpline today for free, As we progress through the year, many Whakawhirinaki o Aotearoa people readypick to assist you. phone confidential, friendly professional families are dealing increased financial upadvice. the and callwiththe relative

Recipes for Play contains easy ideas for engaging children’s senses. Playtime doesn’t have to be expensive and playing with paint and playdough doesn’t have to be toxic. Many wonderful activities are possible with ingredients found in kitchen cupboards or the back garden, as shown in this gorgeous collection by sisters Rachel Sumner and Ruth Mitchener. Visit www.penguin. co.nz. We have 3 of these 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: Recipes for Play, PO Box 36 004, Christchurch, to reach us by 13 October 2013. Check out our website for more fantastic competitions.

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Concerned about your own or someone ● Catholic Social Services else’s problems with alcohol or other drugs?

Parenting and family support programmes Call the Alcohol Drug Helpline today for free, open to all, free of charge.

Usual office hours confidential, friendly professional advice. with late on Tuesdays ‘till 6.30pm by 0800 787night 797 www.alcoholdrughelp.org.nz appointment. 336 Cashel Street, P O Box Catholic Social Services 4237, Christchurch.

Phone: 03-379 0012 Parenting and family support programmes open to all, free of charge. ● Christchurch Resettlement Usual office hours with late night on Tuesdays Services. ‘till by appointment.

Free6.30pm social services for people from refugee 336 Cashel Street, P O Box 4237, and migrant backgrounds. Interpreters are Christchurch.

Phone: 03-379 0012 provided. Phone: 03-335 0311

to agree on your children’s day-to-day care counselling through thecan Family (a parentingsession agreement).

You get aCourt free to help, if you can’t come to an agreement.

If this doesn’t work, one of you can apply for order, which going to for Ifa parenting this doesn’t work, one involves of you can apply athe parenting order,and which involves going to a Family Court asking them to make the Family and 0800-367-222 asking them to to make decision forCourt you. Call talka decision for you. to our knowledgeable, caring team.

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to enhanceLearning their giftsenables and overcome the wantmigrant some help to deal withInterpreters a disrespectful Optimum individuals and backgrounds. are challenges learning differences or defiant teenager, or more serious issues, to enhanceassociated their gifts with and overcome provided.

Phone: 03-335 0311 the associated learning suchchallenges as dyslexia, dyspraxia,with ADD/ADHD, TOUGHLOVE can help. TOUGHLOVE’s aim ToUGHLoVE differences such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, maths, and reading/writing difficulties.

Melanie is to enable parents and their young people to Raising teenagers is difficult. you just ADD/ADHD, maths, and reading/writing Curry is a highly experienced teacher and rebuild their relationships.

TheWhether TOUGHLOVE want some help deal with a disrespectful difficulties. licensed Davis facilitator who is dedicated programme offerstoongoing support, education, or teenager, or moresupport serious group issues, Melanie Curry isyou a highly experienced teacher to empowering to achieve your goals. anddefiant techniques via structured TOUGHLOVE can help. TOUGHLOVE’s and licensed Davis facilitator who is dedicated “Dyslexia isn’t a big problem for me now. meetings to help parents and caregivers gain aim is to enable parents and their young to empowering you to achieve your goals.

When I was doing the course suddenly things the skills and strategies to deal with a wide people to rebuild their relationships. The “Dyslexia isn’t a big problem for me now. made sense to me.”the (Feedback from a Davis® range of problems associated offers unacceptable TOUGHLOVE programme onWhen I wasand doing course suddenly things We would with welcome grandparents home-based parents student) Visit or challenging Parent going support,adolescent education,behaviour. and techniques made sense towww.optimumlearning.co.nz me.” (Feedback from a Davis® as volunteer drivers, visitors or hospital volunteers to make or contact Melanie Curry at melanie@ Support Groups meet weekly with parents able via structured support group meetings to student) optimumlearning.co.nz. to join anytime.

Contact on someone help parents and caregivers gain the skills Visit www.optimumlearning.co.nz aTOUGHLOVE difference for experiencing cancer. or 03-337-9452, and strategies email to dealtoughloveusi@xtra. with a wide range of contact Melanie Curry at melanie@ problems associated with unacceptable or optimumlearning.co.nz. co.nz or check out www. toughlove.org.nz. ● We Conductive will provideEducation an orientation,

Cancer Society Wellington

p: 09-441 2271 E: support@bedwet.net.nz

Canterbury free training,Education free parking, and a Conductive Conductive Education Canterbury is an early Canterbury contribution to your expenses. intervention provider catering for children

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Conductive Education Canterbury is an early from birth to six years.

Its specialist staff Ann Hodson – Phone: 04-389 0050 intervention provider catering for children provide programmes group settings that aim from birth to six years.inIts specialist staff Email: annh@cancersoc.org.nz to improve all areas; physical motor provide programmes in group(gross settings thatand aim fine motor), cognitive, communication and to improve all areas; physical (gross motor and selfhelp/life Conductive Educationand selffine motor), skills. cognitive, communication help/life skills.

Education focuses focuses on theConductive holistic needs of each child, on theallholistic needs of areas each child, allat with developmental being with taught developmental areas being taught at the same the same time rather than focusing on one time rather than focusing on one particular particular area. For further information, area. For further information, Conductive Conductive Education Canterbury Education Canterbury welcomes your call; welcomes your call; please phone 03please phone 03-372-1399.

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

October: Thursday 3 - Big Annual Buggy m Maxi www.optimumlearning.co.nz Walk @ the Botanic Gardens, Wellington Melanie Curry Conductive Education Canterbury Dip.Teach, B. Ed, Licensed Davis™ Facilitator

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Dr. Tim Halpine Caring for your feet

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to separate. If you separate, you’ll need to try pressures. In some cases parents may decide

to agree on your children’s day-to-day care to separate. people ready to assist you. If you separate, you’ll need to try (a parenting agreement). You can get a free

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8

As we progress through the year, many

0800 787 797 www.alcoholdrughelp.org.nz pressures. In some cases parents may decide Alcohol Drug Abuse families are dealing with increased financial support agency? You’ll find professional caring

Concerned about your own or someone else’s problems with alcohol or other drugs?

We hire and sell bedwetting alarms and Call the Alcohol Drug Helpline today for free, other continence products across NZ. confidential, friendlyoptimum professional advice.

Optimum Learning provides highly effective Learning Tailored professional drug-free programs Christchurch solutions for anyoneprovides strugglinghighly with learning.

Resettlement Optimum Learning effective 0800 787 797 Using the for Davis Correction® Programmes, ● TOUGHLOVE How to use button batteries Services. solutions anyone struggling with learning. to achieve dry nights.

Optimum Learning enables individuals Raising teenagers is difficult.

Whether you just www.alcoholdrughelp.org.nz safely Using the Davis Correction® Programmes, Free social services for people from refugee When a button battery comes into contact with bodily fluids, it creates an electrical current. This even happens with flat or dead batteries. The current burns surrounding body tissue and can quickly and seriously damage internal organs in as little as two hours’ time.

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challenging adolescent behaviour.

Parent Support Groups meet weekly with parents able to join anytime. Contact TOUGHLOVE on 03-337-9452, email toughloveusi@xtra.co.nz or check out www. toughlove.org.nz. ● Citizens Advice Bureau

12

22 Brougham Street, Addington Christchurch

03 3721399 www.cecanterbury.org November: Thursday 7th - OtaihangaPh:Domain, www.familytimes.co.nz Kapiti Coast

Bring to the October or November Buggy Walk to go into the draw to win a spot prize on the day.

Name: Phone number:

Breastfeeding in public B

ritish poet Hollie McNish’s provocative, raw poem, Embarrassed, on breastfeeding in public toilets (http:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiS8q_fifa0) has spurred international discussion.

Hollie felt forced into toilets, following negative reactions after finding courage to publicly feed her newborn.

safe havens is common, but what have breastfeeding mothers got to hide and who exactly are we hiding from? I’m unaware of other mammals making mammary use a “not in public” exercise.

The best role modelling a breastfeeding mother can do is feed her child in public, age regardless, easing the path for those following.

In New Zealand we are perhaps more accepting, but for most new mothers public “exposure” is still daunting. Elaborate wrapping ensues, lest we offend. With one or even two baby’s heads over breast(s) and mouth covering nipple there is actually little to see, except for ample-bosomed mothers who can’t be so discrete and predominantly opt - like one friend - for their car.

Feeding in public could be defined as “in the presence of others,” as criticism may come from close quarters. One mother got asked by a relative to take her baby to the toilet to feed in her own house! That alone damages

Use of cars and toilets as breastfeeding

Win one of 10 AVEENO® baby packs We have 10 delicious AVEENO® baby packs worth $52 each to give away.

Specially formulated with ACTIVE NATURALS® ingredients and paediatrician recommended, AVEENO baby products help nourish, soothe and protect baby’s sensitive skin. Each pack contains: baby soothing relief creamy wash, baby wash and shampoo, baby soothing relief moisture cream and baby daily lotion. Enter online at www.familytimes.co.nz or write your name and address on the back of an envelope or postcard and send to: AVEENO baby pack, PO Box 36004, Christchurch, to reach us by 13 October 2013. Check out our website for more fantastic competitions.

Pregnant?

Care and Education for children 0-5 years Monday to Friday 7.15am~6.00pm

Open 52 weeks

~ First week fee free ~ Childhood Concepts centres are well resourced with quality equipment. Children learn alongside qualified and experienced caring teachers within a nurturing environment in partnership with parents.

• Mother-to-mother support • Telephone help • Trained breastfeeding counsellors • Regular meetings • Books and leaflets for sale • Lending libraries

Twenty years ago before breasts became market property, mothers it seemed, felt more freedom to feed where they wanted.

Now, mothers who breastfeed beyond a year, two or three, often retreat into privacy beyond certain ages for fear that their continued feeding is inappropriate. The best role modelling a breastfeeding mother can do is feed her child in public, age regardless, easing the path for those following.

Regardless of the feeding choices we make, how we feel when feeding our children provides a powerful insight into our beliefs.

Gauging levels of (dis)comfort can, if examined, let us unravel how we really feel, peel off societal filters and just be. Is that person staring or do I feel self-conscious because of body image, because I am unsure of my mothering, because I had difficulty breastfeeding and instead bottle-feed etc?

Watching a mother connect with her baby/toddler/preschooler and nurture them, particularly through the intimacy of breastfeeding, is one of the most beautiful vistas on earth. It symbolises love, hope and the future. A friend with grown up kids sums up the best approach no matter how you feed: “When I fed there was no one else in the world but me and my baby.” Public space is our space too.

Sarah says, “The best thing I did to get breastfeeding off to a good start was go along to La Leche League meetings when I was pregnant. After my baby was born, my friendly La Leche League leader was available to answer my questions and give support.” La Leche League meetings are available at 50 groups throughout New Zealand. 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 accurate, up-to-date breastfeeding information. Wellington La Leche League 04-471-0690.

By Dr Victoria Metcalf Dr Victoria Metcalf is a biologist and lecturer in genetics at Lincoln University, and also a mum to a busy preschooler.

Visit Rangimarie Montessori Children’s House

Why Montessori preschool education?

Visit Rangimarie Montessori Children’s House to see the Montessori philosophy in action. The children learn in a beautiful indoor and outdoor setting, immersing themselves in an environment that enables them to learn when they are ready. They experience activities holistically through specially designed Montessori materials. Language, reading, maths, science, art, music and physical development are offered to children who are ready to begin them. The staff aim to provide a peaceful and calm space for children to develop their own interests. Give your child this exceptional opportunity to achieve their potential.

Visit www.rmch.co.nz for more information.

J01501 W

Go Nappies

CONTACT US: (04) 471 0690 EMAIL: help@lalecheleague.org.nz www.facebook.com/LLLNZ www.lalecheleague.org.nz

Need to talk?

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For parenting support please call

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breastfeeding relationships.

La Leche League

LA LECHE LEAGUE OFFERS:

The focus for our first year Wellington-based midwifery students is to ‘follow through’ pregnancy, birth and the early weeks at home, with women and their families – the role being that of a companion/support person.

Our students enjoy these experiences which provide their best learning opportunities.

If your baby is due in early November and you think you might enjoy sharing your childbirth experience with one of our students, please contact:

0800 762 786 www.op.ac.nz

WIN!

Breastfeeding help by mothers for mothers

Have you thought of sharing this special time with a student midwife?

Melanie Piri, School of Midwifery 0800 762 786, melanie.piri@op.ac.nz

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baby & toddler

order online or

www.parenthelp.org.nz

Phone: 0800-466 277 www.familytimes.co.nz

9

Maureen Crisp visited Randwick School in Lower Hutt to talk about the role grandparents play in families today.

Jasmin Roberts, age 7

I see my grandparents in the holidays. They live in Nelson and my other grandparents live in Waikanae. We go to Nelson most holidays. The last holidays I went down to Nelson on my own on the plane as an unaccompanied minor. Granny and Gramps who live in Waikanae come and stay the night quite often - three times this week - to go to their church here.

They often babysit us.

Tori Marshall, age 9

My grandparents have always been around. I’ve been living with them about five years. My nan’s mum is still around and she lives in Palmerston North. I get to see her often in the holidays. She lives with my aunty and uncle. We get together in the holidays sometimes with my uncles. I write messages to my other grandparents on Facebook.

My grandparents buy me clothes. My cousin comes to stay with us sometimes.

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

AT ZEALANDIA

Euriemae Espartero, age 10

I live with my grandparents too. They live with my family and they cook my breakfast for me every morning. They came to live with us to look after me.

My grandfather eats and my grandmother cooks. We are all going back to my country and visiting my dad’s parents at Christmas time. We talk to them mostly every day by Skype.

When we come back we will bring my aunty and little cousin to live with us too.

BOOK NOW: Creepy crawly KIDS’ NIGHT ADVENTURES Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 7.30pm and try our FREE CLUE TRAILS.

FREE CHILD ENTRY! With each main menu item purchased at Rata Café

For all conditions, times and details go to www.visitzealandia.com/events or phone 04 920 9200

Photo:Tom Lynch

BRINGING BIRDSONG BACK TO WELLINGTON

A new Hellers CoCktAil sAusAge rAnge for tHe wHole fAmily.

Xavier Tariwhiti, age 8

I’ve been living with my grandparents for five years since my mum died. I go and stay with Dad in the weekends. He lives with my other grandparents. Mostly we spend time with my grandparents every weekend but not if my cousin is there.

They mostly give me clothes and they cook chicken chow mein. Sometimes they give me toys.

It’s easy to win fantastic prizes with Family Times. Just fill in the entry form and post it to us by the due date, or enter online at www. familytimes.co.nz.

WIN, WIN,

WIN!

WIN, WIN,

WIN!

Hellers new Gluten free Cocktail Sausages are perfect for any fun occasion, as a treat or even as a handy and simple meal idea for kids that they’ll be sure to love. They come in 3 great varieties - Skinless, Cheese and Original. These tasty original kiwi classics recapture the fun of yesteryear, and with the great new flavours there’s a Cocktail Sausage to suit everyone. They’re also gluten free and with Hellers renowned quality, they will as sure as Hellers be a huge hit with the whole family. Available in all good stores now!

Wellington Zoo: ultimate birthday party!

Win a birthday party for 10 children (plus up to 20 adults). The party will include a safari tour of the zoo and catering for the children – all you need to supply is the cake.

To make your day more memorable, you will take part in a birthday safari in which you will find out about the animals at the zoo.

Equipped for safari, you will head into the zoo for a range of adventures with our visitor rangers! During the Safari, you will also meet some of our amazing contact animals up close. Suitable for ages 4 to 10-years.

Visit www.wellingtonzoo.com.

10

www.familytimes.co.nz

Win LEGO® Friends Emma’s Sports Car RRP $24.99 Take a road trip to the Clearspring Mountains! Emma has a brand-new Sports car and it’s ready to roll through Heartlake City on a scenic drive with her cat, camera and a picnic lunch! Check the road signs as you cruise the winding roads on the way to your favourite picnic spot.

We have 20 x LEGO® Friends Emma’s Sports Car RRP $24.99, to give away.

What would your dream drink bottle look like? Send us your drawing and be in to win an amazing $50 prize pack from Crayola!

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

Create your design on an A5 sheet or download the template and entry form from www.familytimes.co.nz. Post in to PO Box 36 004, Christchurch 8146. Entries close on 13 October 2013.

Congratulations to our dream job design competition winners from our last issue. They are:

1-4 - Liam MacDonald, Age 3 - “Liam and his magic monster scaring slippers.

These are Liam’s furry green slippers.

They are big furry slippers that look like monsters. They are magic slippers.

When he wears them they make him big, strong and scary. Liam then frightens the monsters away turning his nightmares in to happy dreams”

5-8 - Joseph Knopp, Age 7 - “This is a pieman and Hobbit slipper and it can fly because it has springs and jet packs.

On the Hobbit’s door is Gandalf’s sign.

Bilbo Baggins is standing outside his hobbit hole and pieman is flying in the sky. These are MY dream slippers.

WIN, WIN,

WIN!

Wellington Zoo Mortal Fire LEGO Dunger by Joy Cowley

STEP INTO AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND’S UNIQUE SKIES

WIN, WIN,

WIN! Dunger by Joy Cowley

Dunger is a new pre-teen novel; perfect holiday reading for boys and girls.

William and Melissa have been roped into helping their old hippie grandparents fix up their bach in the middle of the Sounds.

They’ll have no electricity, no cellphone reception, and only each other for company. As far as they’re concerned, this is not a holiday. Ages 10+ Gecko Press http://www.geckopress. co.nz/ Paperback RRP $19.99 We have 10 of these to give away.

Just tick the things you want to win Spring 2013

   

Children can see zoo critters, ride the Cable Car with Zappo the magician or become a junior apprentice gardener.

WCE0853

“Rocket slippers with i-pad charger”

This book is finely wrought magic from start to finish. It has brains; it has heart; it has people to fear and to fall in love with, and it all takes place in a totally beguiling world full of natural beauties, glittering puzzles and earthy problems. It’s a rich and satisfying read. Margo Lanagan, author of Tender Morsels. When 16-year-old Canny of the Pacific Island, Southland, sets out on a trip with her stepbrother and his girlfriend, she finds herself drawn into enchanting Zarene Valley where the mysterious but dark 17-year-old Ghislain helps her to figure out her origins.

Ages 15+, Gecko Press, http://www. geckopress.co.nz paperback with flaps RRP$29.99 .

We have 10 of these to give away.

Spring Festival also features guided walks, talks, workshops and a buggy walk.

For more information: Wellington.govt.nz facebook.com/botanicgardensofwellington Phone 499 4444

9-12 - Cameron Galbraith, Age 9 -

Mortal Fire by Elizabeth Knox

Say goodbye to winter and enjoy the spectacular spring tulip and flower displays.

Name Address City Phone

Carter Observatory’s planetarium and interactive exhibition offers a fun and inspirational experience for kids of all ages.

Play among the stars this spring!

OPEN FROM 10AM DAILY carterobservatory.org

To be in the draw to win, enter online at www.familytimes.co.nz or write your name and address on the back of an envelope or postcard and send to: Christchurch Competition, PO Box 36 004, Christchurch to reach us by October 13th 2013, unless stated otherwise. Only one entry per household. www.familytimes.co.nz

11

cool activities

Calendar of Events Spring is a great time of year to get out and about and enjoy the improving weather. There’s plenty going on in our beautiful city whether you want to try something new or simply be entertained.

On now: Museum of Wellington City & Sea. Welcome to Wellington follows A day in the Life of our city from sunrise to sunset, told through the eyes of the people of Wellington.

It draws on archival material from different periods of Wellington’s history. Screens every 40 minutes.

KidzStuff Theatre presents: The Emperor’s New Clothes Written and directed by Sarah Delahunty The vain old emperor will stop at nothing for the best clothes possible. Will “nothing” be what he gets? Come and find out!

Venue: 4 Moncrieff Street, Mt Victoria, 28 September – 13 October, Monday – Friday, 11am and 1pm, Saturday 11am. Tickets $10, groups of 10plus $9.

Bookings: 04-385-0292.

14 September Otari-Wilton’s Bush Open Day. Celebrate Conservation Week open day and plant sale.

The day features forest and garden guided walks, a photography workshop and more.

The plant sale starts at 10am. From 9am3pm. Free admission. Visit www.wellington. govt.nz.

14 September Johnsonville Plunket Second Hand Sale.

Stop by to pick up some great bargains from the range of quality second hand baby and children’s clothes, toys, books and homemade baking. Entry is by gold coin donation at the door. Johnsonville Community Centre, Frankmoore Avenue.

21 September Crafternoon Delight. Plimmerton Kindergarten is hosting a Crafternoon Delight, which will showcase fine crafts and high tea. Free admission, from 12pm-3pm, Plimmerton Hall, Sunset Parade.

21-22 September Outdoors Expo. Expect an outdoor expo with everything – fishing, kayaking, tramping, 4WDs and much more. Cost $10 entry for adults. Accompanied under 15s are free. At Cossie Club, 11 Logan Street, Upper Hutt. Tickets from reception or www.eventfinder.co.nz.

26 September – 6 October Spring Festival at Wellington Botanic Gardens. Enjoy the spectacular spring tulip and flower displays and the many fun children’s activities on offer. For more information visit Wellington.govt.nz, facebook.com/ botanicgardensofwellington or phone 04499-4444.

28 September St George’s Seatoun Spring Gala. All the fun of the fair: live music, dancing and tea on the vicarage lawn, white elephant, crafts and baking. Face painting, cupcake icing, bouncy castle and fire engine rides will keep the children happy. From 11am-2pm, 40 Ferry Street.

28 September -13 October The Emperor’s New Clothes. The vain old Emperor will stop at nothing for the best clothes possible. Showing at 4 Moncrieff Street, Mt. Victoria. Bookings on 04-3850292.

Discover what’s new at

te PaPa

KiDs’

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we’ve hand-picked a great new range of educational books, games and toys to feed your child’s mind and imagination.

Join our database and receive 15% off your next purchase. terms and conditions apply see in-store for more details.

THE MUSEUM OF NEW ZEALAND TE PAPA TONGAREWA LEVEL 2, CABLE STREET, WELLINGTON 12

www.familytimes.co.nz

PHONE: 04 381 7464 www.tepapastore.co.nz

Join Zealandia’s Kids’ Night Adventures by torch-light these holidays.

30 September – 7 October

Wellington SPCA young animal lovers (age 6 to 15-years) can come learn about pets Wellington Ocean Sports school holiday in a hands-on safe environment. Cost $15, programme. The programme is open to all 12-2pm, Newlands Community Centre, 9 children aged 10-years-old and up, and will Batchelor Street. Visit www.wellingtonspca. see them experience a variety of ocean sports org.nz to see the other programmes on offer. over a five day period. Sailing, canoeing, kayaking, waka ama, windsurfing and stand up 19 October paddleboard are all on the agenda. Visit www.

Houghton Valley School Fair. Stalls and rpnyc.org.nz. activities for all ages. You’ll find books, white elephant, cakes, sweets, gourmet foods, 1-12 October clothes, arts and crafts plus much more. From Kapitall Kids Theatre presents I Believe 10am-2pm. in Monsters. A play for children and their adults, from Monday to Saturday, 11am and 20 October 1pm. Saturday the 12th at 11am. Gryphon St Benedict’s School Fair. There is someTheatre, 22 Ghuznee Street. Tickets $10, groups of 10-plus $9. Bookings 04-934-4068. thing for everyone at this fair. Books, cakes, games, crafts, clothes, cafe, great food, kids’ Visit www.kapitallkidstheatre.co.nz. games and much more. Rain or shine, 11am3 October 2pm, 50 Nicholson Road, Khandallah.

Sport Wellington Buggy Walk. The big October annual buggy walk at the Botanic Gardens is free for all. Starts at 10am. Visit www.buggywalk.co.nz for more information.

9 October Wellington Foodies Kids – “Pasta from scratch.” Make tortellini, pasta sauce and cupcakes. A fun Italian adventure for your child, age 10 to 14-years-old. Elements Cooking School, 144 Onepu Road, Lyall Bay. Visit www.wellingtonfoodies.co.nz.

18-20 October Seatoun Arts and Crafts Exhibition. This year the theme is “Christmas is Coming.”

There will be hundreds of arts and craft items for sale in a wide range of prices. At St Christopher’s Presbyterian Church, 20 Ventnor Street.

19 October Furry Friends Animal Afternoon. At

27 October Wellington Diwali Festival of Lights.

Diwali symbolises the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and the renewal of life. Bring along the whole family to sample the colours, sounds, tastes and spicy aromas of India. Highlights include delicious food stalls, traditional and contemporary dance and music, and beautiful displays. From 1-10pm, TSB Arena, Queens Wharf.

3 November Gully Gutbuster is a 5km/10km Fun Run/ Walk and Kids’ Challenge. A fun day out for the whole family with food, entertainment and free bouncy castle on the school grounds.

Visit www.paparangi.school.nz.

7 November Sport Wellington Buggy Walk. A great opportunity to meet other local mums. Starts at 10am, Otaihanga Domain, Kapiti Coast. Visit www.buggywalk.co.nz to learn more.

cool activities

Entertainment

9 November

10 November

Nappy Lady Workshop. Come along to the Nappy Lady workshops and learn all about your nappy options. You will get to take home a free cloth nappy trial pack valued at $30 $40. Cost $20 per couple or parent attending on their own. Email: thenappylady@me.com.

From 3pm-5pm, Southern Cross Garden Bar Restaurant, 39 Abel Smith Street.

St Brigid’s School Fair. Lots of fun for the kids with a bouncy castle, trampolines, plate decorating, games and face painting. You’ll also find food, silent auctions, books, toys, clothes and bric-a-brac. From 10.30am-1pm, 9-11 Phillip Street, Johnsonville.

9 November fun day. Rapid raffles, tombola, silent auctions, bouncy castle, toys, books, food, entertainment, and much more. From 10am to 2pm, 1 Morgan Street.

Wadestown House & Garden Walk. Held every three years, this popular event covers a tour of 20 Wadestown homes and gardens. Tickets are $35 with proceeds going to Wadestown School. From 10am-4pm, 8 Rankin Street. Visit www.wadestownschoolpta.co.nz.

10 November

25-29 November

Wonderland – the 2013 Worser Bay School Fair. The fair is back with a great range of stalls and activities for all ages, from the white elephant to the ever popular clothes shop, gourmet food and deli treats, bric-a-brac and books. From 11am-2pm, 168 Seatoun Heights Road.

Nurturing the Seed of Change workshop.

Created for family and support persons of those with ASD; based on the 30 Life Concepts outlined in the book; ‘Autism & the Seeds of Change.” Arrowtown. Visit www. davisautism.com for details.

Johnsonville School Gala. A great family

2013 and 2014 primary and intermediate school term dates

SCHOOL TERM DATES

Term 4, 2013

Monday 14 October to no later than Friday 20 December

Term 1, 2014

10 November

Compiled by Tracey-Ann Abery

2013 and 2014 secondary and composite school term dates Term 4, 2013

Monday 14 October to Friday 20 December

Term 1, 2014

Between Monday 27 January (at the earliest); and Friday 7 February (at the latest) to Thursday 17 April

Between Monday 27 January (at the earliest); and Friday 7 February (at the latest) to Thursday 17 April

Term 2, 2014

Term 2, 2014

Monday 21 July to Friday 26 September

Monday 5 May to Friday 4 July

Term 3, 2014

Monday 21 July to Friday 26 September

KIDSCO

Your children experience a good deal of their social development from age five to 11-years in their after school or holiday programme. Meeting your children’s developmental needs and working with you as a family is important to us here at KIDSCO. As parents, we want our kids cared for by people who are trained and qualified, and we want them to have fun with people who understand their needs.

That’s why KIDSCO is “the next best place to home.”

Zealandia The ultimate eco-sanctuary experience. See and hear rare, native wildlife in their natural environment, and much more. Visit www. visitzealandia.com for full details.

Wellington Zoo Visit Wellington Zoo and join the daily animal talks and demonstrations to make your visit more fun. Visit www.wellingtonzoo.com for information.

Staglands

Term 3, 2014

Staglands Wildlife Reserve offers visitors the unique opportunity to feed and freely interact with wildlife in a natural environment. Open daily, visit www.staglands.co.nz.

Remaining public holidays 2013 27 October 25 December

Labour Day Christmas Day

Holiday fun with About Kidz Oscar

Welcome to another holiday programme.

About Kidz Oscar plans to take advantage of the increasing fine weather with action packed planned activities outdoors. Come and join us!

The About Kidz Oscar team is here to provide your children with another fun and enjoyable experience these holidays.

Avoid disappointment and book today.

Phone Sarah on 027-616-0235 or email aboutkidzoscar@xtra.co.nz for more information.

Hutt Indoor Sports In the heart of Hutt Park, you’ll find Junglerama, Larf’n Tiger Cafe and Sports Courts. A fun day out for the kids, with great cafe food and coffee.

Visit www.junglerama.co.nz.

holiday specials Coco Pops Activity Spot Come to North City Shopping Centre and be part of the Coco Pops Activity Spot arts and craft programme. From 8-10 October, 11am3pm daily. Visit www.northcityshopping. co.nz.

Zealandia Kids’ Night Adventures A unique 90-minute torch-light expedition

Spring Festival 29 September - 6 October Wellington Botanic Gardens. For more information visit Wellington.govt.nz phone 03-499-4444. with plenty to see and hear. From 7.30-9pm on selected nights. Visit www.visitzelandia. com for dates.

Wellington Indoor Sports In Newtown, you’ll find Junglerama, 10 pin bowling at Bowlarama, Laser Warfare and Sports Court. A fun day out for the whole family. Visit www.junglerama.co.nz; www. bowlarama.co.nz and www.laserwarfare. co.nz for holiday hours and specials.

Staglands Staglands fantastic spring holiday special is back. All children are half price entry every week day of the October school holidays.

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

Compiled by Karen Theobald

I Believe In

Monsters

…. when you can‛t be there for primary school kids during the school holidays!

A PLAY FOR CHILDREN AND THEIR ADULTS WRITTEN & DIRECTED BY TABITHA ARTHUR

We‛re introducing a SPARKS programme to encourage you child‛s special talents to “light up”!

www.kidsco.co.nz

There are plenty of attractions open and special activities to enjoy these holidays. Here are a few options to get you started.

Monday 5 May to Friday 4 July

It’s time for fun at your best out-of-school care under the rainbow!

No fuss/no charge late pickup for emergencies Qualified & Trained staff OSCAR & WINZ registered See web site for details

Meet the chimpanzees daily from noon at Wellington Zoo these holidays.

1–12 OCTOBER 2013 GRYPHON THEATRE Come join us an see... it’s always ‘About Kidz!’

WINZ Registered

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13

safety

Changes to child restraint laws may affect your family C

hildren aged seven will continue to be required to be secured in an approved child restraint if one is available in the vehicle, and if not, in any child restraint or safety belt

•

infant restraints for young babies (baby capsules).

• restraints for older babies, toddlers and preschool children (car seats or car restraints).

• booster seats for preschool and schoolaged children (boosters). These position children in the seat so they can safely use that is available. the adult safety belt.

The law changes will help reduce preventable • child safety harnesses (used with or deaths and serious injuries to children without a booster seat) for preschool and travelling in vehicles. school-aged children.

Seats and safety belts installed in vehicles Using a booster seat lifts a child to the correct are designed and manufactured to most height/dimensions to best fit the adult seat belt, effectively protect an average-sized adult in which in turn reduces the potential trauma the event of a crash. Children, because they are smaller and have a different body shape to suffered by a child in the event of a crash.

Child restraints used in New Zealand must adults, need additional seating equipment to be approved and must display standards keep them as safe as adults in a car. markings to show they are approved and Types of child restraints include: safe to be used. Children must be seated in

From 1 November the mandatory use of child restraints in vehicles will be extended by two years, with all children required to be correctly secured in an approved restraint until their seventh birthday (this includes booster seats).

The law says you must:

Until 31 October 2013

Correctly secure your child in Until their 5th birthday an approved child restraint The law also says you must:

Until 31 October 2013

From 1 November 2013 Until their 7th birthday

From 1 November 2013

From their 5th birthday until From their 7th birthday until Correctly secure your child their 8th birthday in an approved child restraint their 8th birthday if one is available in the vehicle (and if not, in any child restraint or safety belt that is available)

a restraint that provides a suitable fit that is appropriate for their age and size.

It’s a driver’s responsibility to make sure any child, under the age of 15, travelling in their vehicle is correctly secured. So parents and caregivers should start thinking now about how they’ll meet the new requirements from 1 November.

For information on approved child restraint standards and where to find expert advice from a certified child restraint technician, visit www.nzta.govt.nz/childrestraints.

Advertorial

ICE V R SE S!

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As a driver you must make sure any child travelling in your vehicle is correctly secured.

The lAw sAYs You musT:

unTil 31 oCTobeR 2013

From 1 November 2013

Correctly secure your child in an approved child restraint

Until their 5th birthday

until their 7th birthday

The lAw sAYs You musT:

unTil 31 oCTobeR 2013

From 1 November 2013

Correctly secure your child in an approved child restraint if one is available in the vehicle (and if not, in any child restraint or safety belt that is available)

From their 5th birthday until their 8th birthday

From their 7th birthday until their 8th birthday

These changes will help reduce Your child restraint must be fitted preventable deaths and serious injuries correctly. For expert advice contact a to children travelling in vehicles. certified Child Restraint Technician via www.nzta.govt.nz/childrestraints

PLU SELLIN OW N

• We sell a range of Booster Seats.

• We hire Infant Capsules, Child Seats and Booster Seats– long or short term hire.

• Free installation for seats bought or hired from Plunket.

• Free checks for your existing car seats to ensure they are installed 100% correctly.

• Free advice on car seats All Plunket Car Seat Staff are fully qualified Child Restraint Technicians Plunket Car Seat Service – helping you keep your child safe For your nearest Plunket Car Seat Service visit www.plunket.org.nz

Support Plunket 14

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NZTA CR FamilyTimes PRINT.indd 1

7/08/13 2:42 PM

Here comes the sun…

let’s go camping!

As the cold and wet days lessen, and the sun makes its appearance more often, many families opt for the outdoors for a kiwiana holiday classic – camping.

(olive oil is also good for this), eye drops, small scissors, tweezers (for those inevitable prickles) as well as bandages and antiseptic cream or lotion.

Involve the whole family in deciding which food to take. If possible, delegate a family member to draw up a list of proposed menus that can be created from the basics but are still nutritious and appealing. Include high irstly, once the location has been chosen, energy food such as nuts, dried fruit and energy chocolate, which can be packed into decide on and list your equipment. Is it jacket or backpack pockets for tramps and essential, desirable or luxury? Essential may include your four-year-old’s special “blankey” day trips. Drinking chocolate, packet soups and instant noodles also work well. Don’t or soft toy. If you’re using specialised forget water and drink bottles. equipment with all the latest gizmos, check Family appetites can be enormous on camp that all the bits are there and that it all works after all that fresh air and exercise. Encourage properly before you set out. your children to help with the camp cooking Essential items include: so that everyone is involved, even if it’s only • A good knife - such as a Swiss Army to help wash the potatoes or put plates out knife.

• Reliable torches for every family member on the barbecue table. You may need to remind them about those all important, basic (plus spare batteries). food preparation and hygiene rules that are • Compass. vital when things like hot water taps aren’t • Maps. readily available.

• Matches or a disposable lighter kept inside a plastic bag.

The family campfire • Supermarket plastic bags (handy for a There’s something about campfires that makes huge range of things!). them appealing to all the family and they • A first aid kit. provide the opportunity to create special, • Food. lasting memories for your children. At the • Water.

It’s worth buying a complete, family-sized first end of a long day, sitting around the campfire aid kit, otherwise make up your own and pack together is a great night cap option. You can sing songs with the kids – you could be it inside a clear plastic bag. Essential items surprised by which songs your children know. include sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellent

F

Damper ising flour • 2 cups of self-ra • Pinch of salt of milk • About ¾ cuepcentre of the dry

Make well in th Wrap mix in the milk. ingredients and around the end of a h portions of doug stick and cook over d) oo w en re (g , ng d fruit lo e campfire. Drie fore th of als co be the hot d de ad rbs can be or cheese and he for a variation. Do d in the mix is mixe l council k with your loca fice ec ch to re su be of n io at rv se on of C or Department fire bans. If you by ed ct fe af s regarding area ng tips, are some campi would like to sh @familytimes.co.nz. min please email ad

Or make up songs together. A family member who plays the guitar or another portable instrument is invaluable, but even home-made instruments will suffice!

If you have older family members present such as grandparents, perhaps they could tell a special story about a camp or picnic they recall from their schooldays. Scary(ish!) ghost stories are huge favourites. Try an imaginative continuation version of this with everyone making up a small section before “passing” it on to the next person in the circle to continue.

Don’t forget the camera to capture some of the more magical campfire moments!

Eating by the campfire can create many memories to cherish together: there’s nothing like the soft glow of the burning embers and the warmth of a natural fire set in the scenic outdoors. Make the most of Mother Nature’s native oven – toasted marshmallows over the campfire are a popular treat, complete with hot chocolate.

Damper is another favourite, but exercise extreme caution with cooking over the fire.

www.familytimes.co.nz

15

parties

Budget-friendly birthday parties If you are smarter than a 10year-old you can host a fun kid’s party without blowing the budget.

I really had parties sorted when our kids were little. We packed a mean party bag, and even nailed that tricky shade of blue for the “Thomas” cake. Give us a weepy, non joiner-inner and we’d have them passing the parcel like there was no tomorrow. We coped with vomiters, non-eaters, over-eaters and allergies. And we only had to call an ambulance that one time (silly boy shouldn’t have been jumping anyway).

Many kids worry that their party will “tank” or no one will show up, and parents don’t want to host a lame party. But neither do you want to go overboard.

Party tricks: For the under 10s, presentation is as important as the food itself - so decorate. It’s cheap and fun. Balloons, plates and cups at each place setting is a good start. You could add place cards, twinkle lights or named party bags if using.

Expect them to sit at the table or on a rug to eat or you’ll be vacuuming sprinkles out of the carpet long after the kids have moved out. To avoid lolly overload, substitute a party bag with a single special treat like decorated cookies. Bake them on popsicle sticks. Ice and decorate, wrap in cellophane with twirly ribbons and maybe a tiny toy and

let each child select one from the “bouquet” to take home. Set a specific time for food so they don’t drift back and forward eating just the treats. Plan to serve savoury food first – sausage rolls, homemade sushi and mini pizzas or quiche are firm favourites – small food appeals to kids and you are less likely to be tossing out loads of things with one bite out of them if the portions are small. Kids will expect some treats but you can include them as prizes for games if you prefer not to have them on the table. Alternate fruit with marshmallows on skewers, make popcorn, and make mini cupcakes or jellies for something sweet.

It’s a good idea to save birthday cake until just before leaving time as many kids prefer to take it home to enjoy after all the excitement.

Many party games also focus on food. We changed the famous “chocolate game” from rolling a six on the dice, putting on the costume and scoffing as much chocolate with the knife and fork before the next six is rolled, into an archaeological dig, filling the sandpit with buried plastic dinosaurs. The costume was an action man flak jacket, boots and hat and each six allowed you to dig up dinosaurs to take home until someone else in the circle rolled a six. Try an egg and spoon race with filled water balloons, and encourage any grownups to play too; the kids love it!

By Sophie Gray, Destitute Gourmet Limited, www.destitutegourmet.com.

Tell our advertiser you saw it in...

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16

www.familytimes.co.nz

Spying online Okay, so social media lets us kind of “spy” on each other.

I’m not saying that’s the goal, but it’s definitely a tool that allows for this. Follow these tips to make sure you’re not borderline intrusive, but are able to keep your finger on the pulse in your children’s social media use

Wellington Kindergartens - meeting the changing needs of New Zealand families

1

Sit down and talk them about why they want a social media account, and which networks they want to be on so you’re aware.

2

Talk to them about privacy issues; children do not realise the potential danger they may be exposing themselves to when putting up something as simple as their street address or phone number.

Talk to them about the online dangers of strangers getting a hold of their profile, and monitor if they are going online to talk to friends. If they want to go online to play games, make it a rule that they are not to get into conversations with strangers.

Do not use social media as a mere spying tool – respect their privacy, but keep an eye on their activity from time to time.

5

Do not use social media as a mere spying tool – respect their privacy, but keep an eye on their activity from time to time.

6

Put the computer they use in a public place such as the living room, or a study room in your house that faces the entrance to the living room.

Encourage your kids to communicate with other family members online – this will give you extra people to keep an eye on them.

8

3

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Make it a clear rule that they are not to become friends or meet any strangers requesting a meeting.

Pasifika home-based educator Tina Metuariki. several young children in one family.

Essentially, family needs have changed,” Coulston said. Now, the majority of their kindergartens have a six-hour per day model. “We also had pockets around the region where a high-quality full-day service was needed. As a result, we have full day services in the suburbs of Owhiro Bay, the CBD, Johnsonville, Porirua city and Levin.

And because we offer 20 hours free to 0 to 5-year-old children, cost doesn’t become a barrier to whanau wanting or needing a high-quality service.”

7

Most of all, don’t get too bogged down with worry – you can always check your computer history if in doubt, but remember this is the new way of socialising so let them enjoy the time, with your careful watch of course.

Set their social media profiles with them, and make sure you are on them too – it will give you peace of mind that they have not put up any confidential information during the set-up process, and enable you to make sure they have set appropriate privacy settings on their profiles.

At Wellington Kindergartens, supporting whanau and making high quality early education available to all children is a priority. Over the last 10 years, collaborating closely with their communities, leaders, academics and government, Wellington Kindergartens has seen a notable diversification in its services according to general manager Amanda Coulston. “While the majority of our 9400 children attend our 63 kindergartens, we now have 118 enrolled in a Pasifika homebased service and more than 60 whanau registered in a support programme to help families access a high quality early education service for their children. We are also involved in setting up a service with a local college designed to support young mothers wanting to complete their education.”

The traditional kindergarten model at the Wellington Association has also changed.

“While Government funding cuts were also a factor, we were getting a lot of feedback from families that morning and afternoon sessions were difficult to manage, particularly where there were

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Karori Recreation Centre Preschool programmes Experience school holiday in Wellingon like never before!

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Keeping the family entertained when driving New Zealand is a veritable 20 Questions paradise to explore on a road What would a road trip be without an old fashioned game of 20 Questions? One player trip: the stunning scenery in thinks of an animal, plant or object and the Godzone makes the journey other players are given a total of 20 “yes” or “no” questions to guess the player’s item. The every bit as delightful as the game usually begins by narrowing down whether the item is an animal, vegetable or mineral; destination.

I

t takes a little bit more planning if you’re taking the whole family along, but the journey can be just as much fun with just a little forethought into keeping them occupied, and you can create family memories that will last for a lifetime.

Children generally have less patience for the journey than adults, so if you want to avoid the inevitable, “are we there yet,” remember, with littlies you will need to prepare for regular snacks, and provide regular stops to stretch and make use of bathroom facilities.

Then there’s entertainment.

Lots of kids today take along modern technology such as iPads, portable gaming consoles or DVDs, but if you want to make the most of the time together and build family bonds, how about some good old-fashioned car games? Not only can family car games help pass the time and fill in the gaps between break stops, it can further your children’s education.

Check out these fun family favourites.

Chances are, your children will pass these games on to their children, and so on. Of course, the driver’s prime concern should be safe driving!

for instance, you could ask “Is it an animal?”

Other good questions can relate to size, such as whether the item is larger than a breadbox, or location (e.g., “Would you find it in a kitchen?”).

Any of your 20 questions can be a guess. If you do not correctly identify the item after 20 questions, streets, you might like to try car cricket. One one free bonus guess is permitted. person is “in” until they get either “run out” (by being passed by another car) or “caught Word Scramble out” (by someone seeing a Ford) or bowled (if To play Scramble, think of a five or six letter a motorcycle is seen). word, such as “punch,” and say the letters aloud in a random order, such as C-H-P-N-U. While that person is in they score a single run each time they see a car, two runs if they It’s fun to see how quickly–or long–it takes see a four-wheel-drive, a boundary if they for your opponent to guess your word. see a truck and a six for any vehicle carrying Spot a mini livestock.

Possible variations on car cricket are endless, To play this game, you get five points each and if the children are young you can use time you spot a mini (or choose a different colours rather than makes of car. It is usually type of car) while travelling. Points are accrued over any journey, but start afresh played as two teams so that individual players once you’ve achieved your destination. who may be a bit weaker with their maths are The sighting has to be confirmed by supported by stronger team members. another person in the car, and incorrect or Not a Word unconfirmed sightings mean you have to Not a word must pass your lips as you take turns deduct that number of points off your score. telling a story using facial expression, gestures Car cricket and self-made sound effects. Choose a wellknown, easy story such as Snow White. The first If you’re travelling long distance off the city

person to guess the story takes the next turn.

True or False Everyone closes their eyes except for the designated “looker” (and the driver of course!) While the looker describes what she sees i.e. passing scenery, animals, vehicles, the rest have to decide if it’s true or false.

She might say “I see two cows.” There might be two cows or no cows or four cows. Every wrong guess gains one point and the player with the lowest score wins the game. *Time each turn perhaps 5 minutes each.

Eye Spy This all-time classic is good for littlies who are just learning their letters and the sounds they make, right up to adults. One player sees an object either inside or outside of the car, and says, “I spy with my little eye, something beginning with …” and states the letter that the object begins with. Other players have to guess the object.

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