Family Times Spring 2019

We’ve Got Parenting Covered

S pr i n g I s sue 2 019

FREE! =take me home

Fun and vibrant ways to learn Te Reo Māori

Teaching kids that kindness COUNTS

BE A HEALTHY ROLE MODEL TO YOUR

little ones

Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruises When did you last see a dolphin?

UNDER

Grab some family fun and inspiration by reaquainting yourself with these delightful Hector’s Dolphins, in beautiful Akaroa Harbour.

5s Quail Island FREE Adventures Explore nature, discover shipwrecks and uncover the fascinating history of Quail Island on a day trip from Lyttelton.

The island is located in the heart of Lyttelton Harbour, just 15 minutes by ferry.

BOOK NOW

0800 436 574 (+64 3 304 7641) CRUISES LYTTELTON & AKAROA www.blackcat.co.nz

k n a b w o l Wilr kiwi guarantee you

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

Spring Festival

It’s Spring in the Farmyard at Willowbank and there’s lots to see and do: • • • • • •

2

Lamb Feeding, 10.45am & 2.45pm daily Sheep Shearing, 11am daily Calf Feeding, 2.30pm Animal Petting Area Farmyard Fun For kids Junior Keeper 10–14 years (bookings essential)

Spring / 2019

! w o n N U Join the F

www.willowbank.co.nz

Telephone 359 6226 Email info@willowbank.co.nz

EDITOR’S NOTE

Welcome Aren’t kids amazing? I mean, this generation is next level.

A lovely colleague offered me her tickets to hear The Rt Hon Helen Clark in her recent Christchurch Conversations chat. As usual, my first thought was to decline, as it’s not easy to find a babysitter, and my son prefers his parents over anyone else to look after him. But he’s been wanting his Granny to teach him to knit (so he can make a blanket for his bed), so he was pretty keen on having her over.

And I’m so glad I went. It wasn’t only what Clark had to say about the climate crisis, but she had a panel of young people who were asking her questions, too. One of those was 12-year-old Lucy Gray from Beckenham School, a School Strike 4 Climate campaigner who, I believe, asked the best question of the night: “Do you think there are one or two powerful actions that people can do when they go home, rather than going home and doing nothing?”

Lucy is right! How often do we hear a powerful podcast or TED Talk, or read an inspiring article, and do nothing?

If you’re interested, Clark said we all need to drive less. I’m fairly sure she was looking directly at me when she said it, too.

From an influential 12-year-old, to a motivated five-year-old…

For regular readers of Family Times, you’ll know that my son has just started school, and although he’s been there just a few weeks, he’s already proud of his new environment. And rubbish is on his agenda.

As we walked away from his classroom a mere few days after he’d started, he said, “Mum, wait there,” as he chased a piece of rubbish that was whirling around in front of the other classes. He caught it, popped it in his pocket, took my hand and kept walking. I was a little bewildered, but praised him and asked him why he did it.

“Because it was blowing away in the wind, and I thought it was a good idea to pick it up.”

Like any parent in that situation, I thought what a cool kid he was, and carried on walking.

But, now he comes home with pockets full of rubbish that he’s picked up in the playground, and sorts them out into the red and yellow bins when he gets home. What?! When I was five, I was probably only interested in where I could source 25c to buy a packet of Juicy Fruit.

But, this kid! It makes my heart thump with pride, and my mind race with how I can support him in his passion for his community.

As Clark said, "Don't hang back, it's your future. Be concerned about it, be inspired by [teenage climate change advocate] Greta [Thunberg] and all those out there leading. Be leaders yourself, don't wait for others to inspire you."

"There are many ways of taking these big agendas and boiling them down to 'what can I do in my community, what can I do in my city or district', and keeping civil society engaged. Youth is a very important part of that."

Let’s support our youth to do just that!

Kineta

Kineta Booker / Editor kineta@27publishers.co.nz

@familytimesnewzealand

Unlimited rides for a year

great value

Spring / 2019

3

Contents

21

FEATURES 6

Co-parenting: keep the children central

11​

On tour: Hansel & Gretel

12​

Invisalign at Duxton Dental

14​

Secondary infertility

15

Tips for moving

16

Nathan Wallis: baby brain

18

One-on-one child-led play

19

Social development in toddlers

20

Kindness for the new kid

21

Encouraging chapter books

22

School holiday fun

23

Screen time coaching

26

Managing teen conflict

31

Easing the transition to assisted living

32

Addiction and the adolescent brain

34​

On the move with baby

36

To poo or not to poo

38

The ride to resilience

3​

Welcome Note

39

Flower power

5​

Help is at hand

39

Resene: think bright!

8​

Books and Beats

40

Be water safe

10​

We love...

40

Surfing with confidence

24​

What’s On Christchurch

41

Healthy role models

27

What’s On Dunedin

46

In the spotlight: Diana Patchett

35​

Exterior Trends

42

ADULT EDUCATION

Fun Zone

43

Giveaways

28

Time for you

44

Christchurch Marketplace

29

Why adults should learn te reo Māori

30

Support for adult students

REGULARS

PLUS, make sure you LIKE our Facebook page to stay up-to-date with happenings and advice, and for plenty of chances to WIN! familytimesnewzealand

l thepalms.co.nz

4

Spring / 2019

CONTENTS

familytimes.co.nz is delighted to be a long-term sponsor of The Canterbury Special Children’s Christmas Party, an event that has been giving underprivileged and special needs children the opportunity to celebrate Christmas.

PUBLISHER Twenty Seven Publishers Ltd Lisa Phelan lisa@27publishers.co.nz 021 782 228 EDITOR Kineta Booker kineta@27publishers.co.nz SUBEDITORS Melissa Reimer melissa@27publishers.co.nz Kathy Catton kathy@27publishers.co.nz DESIGN & PRODUCTION Rachel Brodrick designer@27publishers.co.nz

ADVERTISING Shelley Eccleton shelley@27publishers.co.nz 027 631 3288 GENERAL ENQUIRIES hello@27publishers.co.nz CONTRIBUTORS Austen Booker, Ayla Ryan, Ben Christie, Craig Fortune, Crissi Blair, Diana Patchett Emma Crequer, Grahame Dutton, Jeremy Brick, Kate Barber, Kelly Eden, Nathan Wallis, Rachel Cone, Rachel McFedries Dr Sarah Wakeman, Tom Hart Wonita Woolhouse PRINT Blueprint, Christchurch

Family Times is published quarterly and is a registered trademark. While all attempts have been made to verify information provided in this publication, the publisher assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions or contrary interpretations of the subject matter contained herein. The reader of this publication assumes all responsibility for the use of these materials and information. Any perceived slight of any person or organisation is completely unintentional. Family Times asserts copyright on all material published within Family Times and none of it shall be reproduced, wholly or in part, without the prior written consent of this publisher. Family Times reserves the right to edit or abridge all letters or other material, whether solicited or otherwise, prior to publication.

familytimesnewzealand

@familytimesnewzealand

Help is at hand

Sometimes you need some information or an answer to a curly question – all you need to do is pick up the phone and ask for help.

After Hours Counselling Services

Seabrook McKenzie Centre Ideally, students with

Providing counselling and relationship services.

thrive in their regular school. If

027 694 5275 afterhours-counselling services.co.nz

Canterbury Speakeasy A stuttering support group who meets at the University Speech Disorders Unit every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at 7.30pm.

Specific Learning Disabilities would not, Jean Seabrook Memorial School provides an alternative

03 381 5383 seabrookmckenzie.net

Christchurch Resettlement Services Free social services for people from refugee and migrant backgrounds. Interpreters are provided.

03 338 8628

03 335 0311 | crs.org.nz

SIDS and Kids

Parent Helpline

Dedicated to saving the lives of babies and children; and supporting bereaved families.

0800 164 455 sidsandkids.org.nz

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

0800 568 856 parenthelp.org.nz

ISSN NO. 2324-450X

Spring / 2019

5

POSITIVE PARENTING

Co- parenting: keep the children central !

Many of us struggle when communicating with an ex-partner about our children.

Here are some helpful tips to ease the journey.

6

Spring / 2019

I

f you’ve gone through a breakup and have children, you may now be co-parenting. This may not always be possible or easy if there are parenting orders or protection orders in place, which in themselves may bring conflict. Parallel parenting may work better for your situation. It is important to get advice to help keep everyone involved safe.

Always consider calling police on 111 if there is a risk to anyone’s safety.

If you’ll continue to be involved at some level with the other parent until your children are able to make their own choices, it’s worthwhile making it as smooth as possible.

The challenge with co-parenting is that you need to communicate with someone who you've likely been (or still are) in conflict with. We can’t always change our ex-partner’s behaviour, but we can choose our own. Negotiating within a difficult relationship can be very stressful. Parents often consider managing these conversations and arrangements themselves, but it can bring a sense of relief, direction and strong, appropriate support if others are engaged in the process of making family court arrangements.

Connecting to agencies, such as Aviva, who can support you through times involving family violence, can be incredibly worthwhile.

POSITIVE PARENTING

Cooperation, kindness and generosity are three qualities that parents may use to engage with a child who may be experiencing separation within a family.

+ Offer options. Avoid telling the other what to do (because that might seem controlling).

Instead try to come to the conversation with potential ways to solve issues.

Here are some ways of communicating within a positive co-parenting relationship while remaining safe:

+ De-escalate if it turns negative. If the conversation turns combative, try to reassure them of your goal or remove yourself from the situation/environment. Say something like: “I want to work out a solution with you.” Take a moment to ensure you are calm and try to get them back on track. Ignore the unrelated comments and state the issue again: “What I’m really asking today is, how we can sort out pick up on Sunday? Do the times I suggested suit you? 3pm or 5pm?” Sometimes you just have to end the conversation and try again another day.

+ No matter how cooperative and calm the co-parenting scenario might be, there should be awareness around self-care; each person should have a support person; at all times, children should feel safe; emotions need to be managed throughout a potentially stressful and challenging time; and there needs to be clear boundaries for all involved. + Get started on a friendly note. Use a soft start up: smile, act friendly, and be optimistic that the discussion will be a win-win situation.

If it’s through text you could use emojis or a light conversation starter. John Gottman from The Gottman Institute says, “Ninetyfour per cent of the time, the way a discussion starts determines the way it will end.” + Be patient. You may have been thinking about this issue for a while, but it might be new to them. If they have a strong reaction at first, give them more time to think about it.

Continue to keep yourself safe.

For co-parenting inspiration read (Step)Mom: A Dual Memoir written by a birth mum and stepmum about how they negotiate co-parenting for the benefit of their kids. gipfordmoms.com For support regarding family or sexual violence contact Aviva: 0800 2848 2669 / avivafamilies.org.nz

There should always be a focus on what is best for the child. As adults navigate the potential minefield of co-parenting, parallel parenting or single parenting, the needs and safety of the child should remain paramount. This can challenge decisions being made, but may also bring formal direction and safe, strong management of the situation. Separation of any kind can cause a child more stress than is evident, so supports for the child are critical, especially if there has been trauma or family violence.

+ Use ‘I’ statements that also acknowledge your feelings, because these are authentic. Other people’s feelings need to be acknowledged.

And others cannot, nor should attempt to, challenge another’s feelings. For example: “I realise I was late yesterday picking up the kids. I feel it’s important that we set times so it’s less stressful.”

Co-parenting after abuse brings its own challenges but can be managed. Agencies can help during this stressful time by supporting you to make safety plans, consider custody arrangements and contact agreements, often using the family court process, self-care plan, longer-term professional supports, such as counselling, GP, or family violence supports.

+ Use cooperative language. Use ‘we’ instead of ‘you’, if appropriate. Because ‘you’ can sometimes feel challenging or accusatory. Try being a team. What do you agree on? What are your common goals? As an example: “We both want the kids to do well at sport. I’m wondering how we can both be more involved with their practices?”

If you are not able to co-parent then ensure you are aware of any abuse to the children – e.g. power and control situations; threats to leave with the children – and focus positively on the children and yourself. Understand that the child might find things more difficult at this time and need supports, but may not be able to put their feelings into words.

A Violence-Free Future Can’t Wait Can you imagine a New Zealand, Aotearoa free from family and sexual violence? We can.

With your help, we can make this future possible.

Let’s make sure support is there, when it’s needed.

Let’s start now.

Support violence-free futures at

appeal.avivafamilies.org.nz Spring / 2019

7

BOOKS AND BEATS

Written and sung

by Chris Sanders Illustrated by Natalie Conaty angelstar.co.nz

The Brilliant Ideas of Lily Green

By Lisa Silberry

Hardie Grant Egmont $19.99

Never judge a book solely by its cover because you may discover hidden treasures inside! If you’ve ever been teased or felt a little left out, then you will relate to The Lonely Book.

Lily loves coming up with great ideas for natural beauty products, writing the recipes in her dead father’s notebook. The family beauty parlour is failing, but there is hope when Lily comes up with a hair product containing a magical (and stolen) ingredient. There are friendship problems leading to feelings of jealousy and some desperate measures, until some good advice leads to inventive solutions.

Knock Knock (Book and song) Deano Yipadee yipadee.com Gerri was a happy giraffe.

She dreamed of trying to make folk laugh. She thought, “I'll give my neighbours a treat. I will knock on every door in the street!” A heart-warming story featuring kid-friendly knock-knock jokes.

Suitable for ages 8-12

By Jörg Mühle

Gecko Press, $19.99

Ready Set Go! Little Love/Mary Egan Publishing, $20

I have an uncle who’s so avuncular He lets me polish his precious motorcar He gives me relish from an Australian jar I have an uncle who’s avuncular

1. I Have A Cousin Who Is Only One (Hamish’s Song)

Matching shoes, matching shoes Why did we all choose?

Matching shoes, matching shoes Don’t know whose are whose

T-t-t-t-t- tardigrade, oh-oh Yes I’m tough enough to freeze From the ponds of Nova Scotia To the snowy Pyrenees

When times get rough I’m the hardiest of creatures ‘Cause I just go to sleep for years and years T-t-t-t-t- tardigrade, oh-oh Yes, I’m tiny but I’m spry From the bottom of the ocean To a river running dry T-t-t-t-t- tardigrade, oh-oh Have you heard my name before?

I could be living in your garden If you’re willing to explore

(I’m tiny but I’m Spry)

3. Tardigrade

Matching shoes, matching shoes We’ve got matching shoes Ones and twos, ones and twos Don’t know whose are whose

L-I-B-R-A-R-Y, that’s the place I like to be L-I-B-R-A-R-Y, at the library

When you’re peelin’ your potaters Or you’re choppin’ your tomaters When you’re dicin’ up your beans Or when you’re slicin’ up your greens So they resemble alligators You’ve got to hold on to the pieces That didn’t make it to the stew ‘Cause your ordinary peelin’ is incredibly appealin’ To the creepy crawly crew To the wormies and the little beetles too You can be a superhero And the keeper of a zoo ‘Cause your ordinary peelin’ is incredibly appealin’ To the creepy crawly crew

4. The Creepy Crawly Crew

2. Matching Shoes

2. Matching Shoes

3. Tardigrade (I’m Tiny but I’m Spry)

House on Wheels

4. The Creepy Crawly Crew 5. L-I-B-R-A-R-Y

6. A Goat Called Ken

7. Doctor, Doctor (The Cowboy Song) 8. Ballerina One

9. The Yurt Song (House on Wheels) 10. Spiders and Dragons

House on Wheels 2019 Mr Roberelli mrroberelli.co.nz

11. Flap, Flap

12. Never Lie on a Ukulele 13. Sally and Michael 14. Rosenblitz

15. Mr. Roberelli (Crime Fighter) All songs - Rob Wigley, 2009.

Artwork courtesy of Sophie Wolff-Wigley.

Recorded & produced in New Zealand at Thinkt Studios over Easter 2009. © Copyright [2007-2009] Mr Roberelli Ltd. No part of this copyright work may be reproduced or performed in public without the consent of the owner. Any queries should be directed to Mr Roberelli Ltd.

L-I-B-R-A-R-Y, that’s the place I like to be L-I-B-R-A-R-Y, at the library

Oh yes I gasped as I hid When I saw what she did with the books she had And I understood then Why she always went home the long way As she unloaded her books And a wheelbarrow took all the weight of them I could see she was ashamed And so I vowed to do the same tomorrow And now the whole street wheels along And we sing our library song Da da da dee dum …

L-I-B-R-A-R-Y, that’s the place I like to be L-I-B-R-A-R-Y, at the library

There was a girl from my street I’d occasionally meet at the library And it always left me puzzled How she carried all the books she borrowed She always went by herself And she emptied the shelf at the library Then she staggered out the door And it wasn’t long before I followed And I hid behind a tree So that she wouldn’t notice me Da da da dee dum …

(Sophie’s Song)

5. L-I-B-R-A-R-Y

Groovy Fish

Gottfried goes with his father to visit Grandpa at the rest home. Grandpa is grumpy, he complains and swears and his son really doesn’t enjoy the visits. Gottfried likes the old man, and wants to make Grandpa happy so they plan to run away to the place where Grandpa lived happily with his wife. It’s quite a journey, but brings Grandpa some peace. Humour and melancholy in equal measure.

A fun collection of poems with titles given to Paula by fans on her poetry tours around the country and through her children’s poetry blog. Accompanied by Paula’s own drawings, these little delights dance on the page and on your tongue. Sure to fire creativity in young minds.

Suitable for ages 7-12

Suitable for ages 6-10

By Paula Green

AHOY!/Cuba Press, $25

KIDS REVIEW

Reviewed by

Joy Cowley’s Building Bridges is a series of five illustrated books based on the interest of children reading at an eight-year-old level. In each book, there

are three short stories involving the same characters.

All five books have been carefully crafted, embracing the multi-cultural aspects of New Zealand.

Spring / 2019

Join Lucy and Hugo at the seashore exploring all kinds of weird and wonderful sea creatures. This interactive iBook is filled with singalongs, sound effects, videos and activities to engage children in reading.

Mr Roberelli

1. I Have A Cousin Who Is Only One

To buy a copy of this CD go to www.MrRoberelli.co.nz

Gecko Press, $19.99

8

Thanks Kari Hammond for the drums on “Goat” and “Cowboy.”

Adam Rotgans owned the pony.

When you’re boilin’ up the berries Or you’re makin’ cherry pie Well you’re really not a baker but you want banana cake And so you’re givin’ it a try You’ve gotta hold on to the pieces That didn’t make it to the lunch ‘Cause your ordinary peelin’ is incredibly appealin’ To the creepy crawly bunch To the wormies and the little beetles too You can be a superhero And the keeper of a zoo ‘Cause your ordinary peelin’ is incredibly appealin’ To the creepy crawly crew Yes your ordinary peelin’ is incredibly appealin’ To the creepy crawly crew You can be a superhero

Suitable for ages 4-10

Playing instruments, singing and dancing were Paul and Rochelle Depledge, Jennifer Gorbey, Gilbert Lawrence, Joshua Lynn, Rob Wigley and his daughters Sophie and Jessica.

Thanks to Katrina for her loving lunches, her fine ear and her matching shoes. Special appreciation and much love to Paul and Rochelle, who for all intents and purposes made this whole thing happen.

T-t-t-t-t- tardigrade, oh-oh I’m a very special case You can boil me, you can bake me You can send me into space

By Ulf Stark, Illustrated

by Kitty Crowther

Mr Roberelli never talks down to children. He’ll sometimes use tricky words and he doesn’t always explain everything. These are gifts that children can carry with them for a while until one day things become clearer. As long as these moments in the songs spark more thoughts, images and curiosity, they belong right where they are, on a CD of music for children and grown ups too.

Jim Cullinane kahunakidsongs.com

I have an aunty who keeps an anteater She never meant to have it live with her It is so big now that she must call it “Sir” I have an aunt who keeps an anteater

Created in conjunction with MOTAT (Auckland’s Museum of Transport and Technology) and featuring real machines from their collection, from the Trekka to trains, trams, planes and more, each a quirky individual. There is a read-aloud rhyming story plus detailed information about each special vehicle. Photos and illustrations and lively design combine with cartoon characters, telling you all about these mechanical beauties.

The songs of Mr Roberelli tend to come from everyday happenings and the interesting and unpredictable things children do and say. With a body and mind as bendy as spaghetti, Mr Roberelli has turned simple situations into musical treats. None of these day-to-day situations are extraordinary, but for Mr Roberelli they are the perfect ingredients for songs!! What’s more, these little moments contain stories. Before long, each story takes on a life of its own and then the song belongs to everyone’s imagination.

The Runaways

(Interactive iBook for iPads)

When times get rough I’m the hardiest of creatures ‘Cause I just go to sleep for years and years

Suitable for ages 2-7

Rock Pool Rock

By Beck Wheeler

Repeat first verse

Bear picks three delicious mushrooms and invites Weasel to dine. In a beautiful woodland kitchen, Weasel cooks them up, but they cannot agree on how to divide the three mushrooms between two, each is sure they deserve the extra one. But there’s a surprise visitor who is going to solve the problem for them. The quirky characters are full of personality, and their homely domesticity is delightful.

Everybody in your street And everybody in my street Has to think about more feet Than the average caterpillar

Two For Me, One For You

(Book and CD)

Matching shoes, matching shoes Why did we all choose?

Matching shoes, matching shoes Don’t know whose are whose

Suitable for ages 3-8

TOP PICK

My uncle likes to tell me tales Like the time he was devoured by a whale But I’ve been reading very widely So I know he stole his story from the Bible

Polly is a parrot in the zoo.

All day long people ask, “Polly Want a Cracker?” and it’s making her very grumpy. She can think of any number of things that they might offer – an ice cream sundae perhaps. Her angry responses result in her being sent to a pet shop where she squawks at the customers and frightens the guinea pigs, until a little girl comes along, and asks just the right question.

The Lonely Book

Everybody in your street And everybody in my street Has to think about more feet Than the average caterpillar

Upstart, $19.99

KIWI KIDS MUSIC

I hope my cousin turns out to be such fun He likes to tango though he is only one I feed him mango and guard him from the sun I have a cousin who is only one I have a cousin who is only one I have a cousin who is only one

By Stephanie Thatcher

By

Matching shoes, matching shoes Why did we all choose?

Matching shoes, matching shoes Don’t know whose are whose

Polly Does NOT Want a Cracker!

Music for little ears

Repeat

Books

Books, books, wonderful books!

CRISSI BLAIR picks out the best pages for all ages.

AYLA RYAN, AGE 13

Mr Roberelli has just released a new recording of their first album, with some new twists on old favourites. A classic.

Kākāriki: Simply Us Loopy Tunes loopytunespreschool music.com Kākāriki: Simply Us is the debut album of Loopy Tunes Preschool Music. This Christchurch-based duo run preschool music sessions and are excited to share their multi-lingual music with the tamariki of Aotearoa.

Building Bridges is a good series for the given age level because each story has relatable text involving everyday life. Cowley has written about regular families sharing everyday fun and adventures. Cowley has been able to link her words beautifully to the spectacular illustrations.

make your own

bird feeder Free workshops these school holidays 30 September – 13 October, 10am-4pm daily.

Located near Muffin Break.

See northlands.co.nz for terms and conditions. While stocks last.

Spring / 2019

9

WE LOVE...

Things we’re

buzzing about Parlez-vous français?

Akaroa FrenchFest from 11-13 October!

Escape to picturesque Akaroa and immerse yourself for a full weekend in French culture, entertainment and fun activities for the whole family as you celebrate Akaroa’s unique history. frenchfest.co.nz

Bottle Lake Forest

Christchurch’s best free adventure playground!

Wander through the forests, mountain bike the tracks, take your puppy for a run, or picnic on the grass! Absolute fun for the whole family.

Waitikiri Drive, Bottle Lake, Christchurch

Sugar, spice and sparkle The Royal New Zealand Ballet is taking Hansel & Gretel on a national tour this Christmas, and we couldn’t be more excited! Special prices are available for children. rnzb.org.nz

THE WORLD’S OLDEST FRUITCAKE AT CANTERBURY MUSEUM

A fruitcake frozen in Antarctica for more than a century is on display at Canterbury Museum. It’s part of the exhibition Breaking the Ice, which tells the story of the first exhibition to winter over in Antarctica. See it before it’s returned to the icy continent forever!

Make your own bird feeder at Northlands

canterburymuseum.com

Arts, crafts and recycling

The ever-popular Ballantynes School Holiday Programme runs again from 30 September through to 13 October. From Arts & Crafts sessions to Recycling Workshops this holiday programme promises to keep the family entertained.

Free workshops these school holidays! 30 September– 13 October, 10am–4pm daily.

Located near Muffin Break. northlands.co.nz

ballantynes.co.nz/events

'Ringlet and the Day the Oceans Stopped'

Ringlet, our young mergirl, isn’t particularly interested in saving the oceans from deadly stagnation – she’s got better things to do. However, there’s no one else up to the job. To top it all off, she’s got to deal with something ancient and dangerous in order to reach her goal. It’s Ringlet against time and tides, and there’s not much left of either. thecubapress.nz

10 Spring / 2019

STUCK ON YOU

Unleash your inner wordsmith or designer with our Personalise My Bento Pack. Get creative with placement, nicknames, or snappy inspirational quotes. Brand your own Bento! stuckonyou.nz/personalise-my-bento

ON TOUR

is bringing sugar, spice and sparkle to theatres around New Zealand this Christmas with a brand new telling of Hansel & Gretel. Perfect for festive family outings or a special night out.

THE ROYAL NEW ZEALAND BALLET

Sugar, spice & sparkle T

he classic fairytale is being whisked into an original ballet by young Kiwi/ Aussie choreographer Loughlan Prior, Choreographer in Residence with the Royal New Zealand Ballet and a dancer with the company since 2010.

Making their own creative contributions are Auckland-based composer Claire Cowan, who is writing the original score which will be performed live in Wellington, Christchurch and Auckland by Orchestra Wellington, the CSO and the APO respectively, and designer Kate Hawley, who has worked on international film projects including The Hobbit, Mortal Engines and Crimson Peak, and who has a definite flair for fantasy.

Alongside the full Royal New Zealand Ballet company of almost 40 dancers, local children will

appear onstage in each venue, adding to a magical array of forest creatures as Hansel and Gretel find themselves lost in the moonlit forest en route to the Witch’s gingerbread house.

“We are creating a dark, witty and enchanting realm that audiences can escape into and get lost in for the evening,” says Loughlan.

“Every character in our story has something to say and there will be some beautiful moments for the dancers of the Royal New Zealand Ballet to perform,” he says.

Alongside Hansel and Gretel, the ballet will feature a gorgeous cast of memorable characters, including the Sand Man, the magical Dew Fairies, sinister dancing Gingerbread Men, and of course, the Witch.

“Hansel & Gretel is a show for everyone,” says Loughlan. “Ballet lovers, kids, families and anyone who wants to be thoroughly entertained.

We want to have our audience pirouetting out of theatres with stunning visuals emblazoned in their minds and humming tunes which they won’t be able to get out of their heads for weeks!”

The Ryman Healthcare Season of Hansel & Gretel opens at The Opera House, Wellington, on 6 November and tours to Palmerston North, Napier, Christchurch, Invercargill, Dunedin and Auckland (both the Aotea Centre and the Bruce Mason Centre, Takapuna). Special prices are available for children; seniors and groups of six or more. rnzb.org.nz

6 NOV - 14 DEC

Touring nationally SEASON SPONSOR

SUPPORTED BY

NATIONAL TOURING PARTNER

A TA S T Y T R E AT O F A B A L L E T

BO O K N OW | rnzb.org.nz

Spring / 2019

11

POSITIVE PARENTING

Move over ‘brace face’ Near invisible braces are putting smiles on the faces of children and adults at Duxton Dental. And with treatment often quicker and less painful, Invisalign is making taunts like ‘brace face’ a thing of the past.

T

he question Grahame Dutton from Duxton Dental hears most often is "can I have Invisalign?" In fact, from the mouths of our millennials, it's more like "I'm not having braces. I want Invisalign." And, generally, the answer is YES, says Grahame. In most cases Invisalign can be used to move the teeth and develop the smile. For some mouths a fixed appliance may still be more appropriate, but the Duxton Dental team is finding traditional braces are becoming less necessary.

GRAHAME OUTLINES THE PROS OF INVISALIGN

+ Obviously, they look a lot better. In most cases, you can’t even tell that Invisalign-wearers (adults and kids) are having their teeth moved and smile enhanced. And kids don’t have to go through the ‘brace face’ or ‘railway tracks’ stage to get straight teeth like their parents might have done. School photos certainly look better. + No metal brackets or braces, which means no cheek trauma or cut up tongues and it’s so much easier for people to clean their teeth. Therefore Invisalign-wearers seem to have much better gum health during treatment and there’s less chance of white marks (caused by demineralisation where plaque has sat on the teeth too long) after treatment.

+ From an orthodontics perspective the real benefit is you can visualise the end point of the treatment before you even start.

Using a short video we can show the kids and their parents how the teeth are now, what the straightening process looks like and the finished result they can expect. + The ability to use a 3D scan and move through custom aligners I find is more accurate than braces where you use factory-made wires which may not totally suit the individual's arch shapes. + At Duxton Dental we’re finding that our patients’ treatment appears to be less painful – in some cases, it’s pain-free. This is because each aligner is moving the teeth only a quarter of a millimetre then it becomes passive until the next aligner goes in (usually in a week). In many cases treatment times may also be shorter because, right from the start, we’re able to move the teeth in all three dimensions. + The aligners can be removed for special occasions and contact sports, so that’s also a bonus. You would imagine that being removable could also a downside but we haven't found compliance to be a major issue, at all.

03 348 5488 / duxtondental.co.nz

FREE ORTHODONTIC CONSULT COME SEE US SO WE CAN START DEVELOPING YOUR CHILD'S BEAUTIFUL SMILE

“The aligners are wonderful and have helped me so much.

I wonder what I would have looked like in the future if I hadn’t had them.

Everyone at Duxton Dental is so friendly and it’s a fun place to visit.”

12 Spring / 2019

Orthodontic treatment is performed by Grahame Dutton who is a General Dentist with a special interest in Orthodontics.

PAGE HEADER

The best place

to be

ROWDY!

0800 4 HANMER hanmersprings.co.nz Open seven days

Spring / 2019

13

BUMP TO BUNDLE

TAKE TWO:

Secondary infertility Difficulties getting pregnant a second or third time are common. KELLY EDEN talks with DR SARAH WAKEMAN about secondary infertility and what we can do about it.

Y

ou’re ready to add a second child to your family and because there was no problem having your first, you assume everything will go to plan. But six months go by, a year, and still no baby. This is the situation many New Zealand parents find themselves in – they know they can have children, so what’s going on? ”This is very common,” Dr. Sarah Wakeman explains. “When a couple are not able to become pregnant or are experiencing a delay in conceiving, but have conceived in the past, we call that secondary infertility.”

Secondary infertility can occur for a number of reasons. Couples often wait a few years after their first child to try again and this means they are now a bit older. As we know, fertility drops as we age: for example, sperm counts decrease in men. A small percentage of women also enter menopause earlier than average, at around age 35–40 instead of the usual 50. Other health reasons can also be to blame. The woman may have developed a new problem that’s affecting

her fertility, such as a pelvic infection, or complications from her first child’s birth may be preventing pregnancy.

fertility can be assessed and women can consider freezing eggs and men banking sperm. You can make small lifestyle changes, too.”

Other lifestyle and health changes can affect our fertility too – weight gain in women can lead to irregular ovulation, smoking affects the fertility of both men and women, some medications and possibly even too much caffeine are also factors.

IVF is the most commonly known fertility treatment but there are often simpler and less expensive options for couples to try first.

Ovulation induction is one of these – a tablet medication which makes the women produce eggs more regularly. Intrauterine insemination cycles are another lower cost option: the man’s sperm is prepared and introduced into the woman’s uterus at the time of ovulation. The least invasive and cheapest option is getting advice about lifestyle and health changes that can help increase fertility without medical intervention.

Dr Wakeman suggests coming in early if you think secondary fertility could be an issue. “After 6–12 months of trying, or sooner if you know you have had a problem or conception has taken a long time in the past,” she says. She recommends couples increase their chances of pregnancy by timing intercourse and being aware of the right time to try. “Have sex everyday or every second day leading up to ovulation,” she says.

If couples are concerned about future pregnancies, because of their age for example, she recommends planning ahead. “You can come for advice before even trying to conceive, your

“Secondary infertility is common and help is available,” says Dr Wakeman. “Having been pregnant in the past is a positive sign for future pregnancy. Also, if couples have one child they may still be eligible for government-funded fertility treatment.” fertilityassociates.co.nz

Over 20,000 babies have been born with our help – so if you’ve been trying and have questions or concerns about your fertility, talk to one of our all-women team of specialist fertility trained doctors.

Book your free nurse phone consultation at 0800 255 522 or fertilityassociates.co.nz

14 Spring / 2019

MOVING HOUSE

On the move?

Moving can be stressful with children of any age, from a bouncing baby to a trending teenager.

Discussing the move with your children, finding the right house, dealing with paperwork, signing on the dotted line... and then there's moving day!

W

e spoke with Rachael Cone, the managing director of Total Realty, and put together some helpful tips for navigating the process when you're buying your new home: + Pre-approval: Talk to your bank or a mortgage broker as soon as possible – know what you can borrow! This can help immensely with decision-making when you do find that “dream home”. It also takes the stress out of trying to jump through hoops to obtain finance when you have a property under offer and the clock is ticking. + KiwiSaver: If you’re a First Home Buyer and planning to use your KiwiSaver funds you’ll need extra time for your contract clauses.

Your real estate agent will be able to factor this in to the Sale and Purchase Agreement, if you make them aware of your situation. + Find a solicitor: Ask family, friends and work colleagues for recommendations. Choosing a solicitor before entering into a contract will

speed up the process and allow you to seek legal advice beforehand. + Clauses: You might have additional clauses in your contract. For example, you may require a building inspection report, a valuation, an electrical report etc. It's important to understand that your solicitor will not organise these reports for you. These are up to you to arrange and the real estate agent will help by providing access to the property for the purpose of carrying out the reports.

Also please make sure you contact an insurer as early as possible, especially for properties located in Christchurch. + Deposit: This is due when your offer is accepted or alternatively when the conditions in your offer have been confirmed. The timing of the deposit depends on what is written into the contract. Your real estate agent will confirm exactly when the deposit is due and it is important that you make arrangements to have the deposit ready by the due date.

+ Pre-settlement inspection: You are legally entitled to a pre-settlement inspection and this will normally be arranged through your real estate agent. If there is anything amiss at the property you will need to inform your lawyer at least one working day before settlement in accordance with Clause 8 of the agreement. For this reason at Total Realty we do not recommend holding inspections the day before settlement. + Settlement: Don’t get caught out on the day! Ideally, if you can move the following day it makes it a much easier transition. If not, just be aware that the keys cannot be passed to you until the seller’s solicitor gives approval for “key release” in writing. So often buyers have a removal company booked and the truck ready to go early in the morning.

But solicitors may still be working on the settlement until later in the day. To avoid disappointment and unnecessary costs discuss this early on with your solicitor or real estate agent before making any arrangements.

*

totalrealty.co.nz

Spring / 2019

15

TEN TINY TOES

Baby brain “If you want to make them ‘brainy’, then focus on your attachment”, says neuroscience educator, NATHAN WALLIS. By KATE BARBER.

A

baby’s brain is genetically and biologically designed to gather data as it wires up for life, says Nathan, and the complexity of this data is determined largely by the quality of their primary relationship in the first 1000 days, from conception until they are about two and a half years old.

In his presentations, Nathan provides a crash course on the neurosequential model of the brain: how it is built from the bottom up, with the development of different “brains” taking centre stage at different times. The frontal cortex (Brain 4 in this model) is what distinguishes the human brain from that of other animals. As Nathan says, “Everything that makes you brainy plus everything that makes you a nice person happens in Brain 4”. The same “brain” you use for processing language also allows you to regulate your emotions, to see another person’s point of view and to have resilience, he says.

Nathan’s core message is that a baby’s interactions in the first 1000 days, within what the literature refers to as the “dyad” relationship (that is, their primary relationship with the person who’s most responsive to them), are critical in terms of building their brains – in particular their frontal cortex. “If you want to make them ‘brainy’, then focus on your attachment”, he says.

16 Spring / 2019

We are told that “it takes a village to raise a child” – and Nathan says that surrounding yourself and your baby in rich, caring relationships is incredibly valuable, and necessary – but, while a baby might have other close relationships, Nathan explains that they are biologically programmed to “attach to the most responsive person”, which is usually (but not always) Mum. Nathan is quick to debunk the notion that we need to “socialise” our babies through putting them with other babies. “Any social skills a baby develops come from the quality of the dyad relationship they develop in their first two and a half years”, he says – not by putting them alongside other babies.

“We can statistically predict your kid’s outcomes when they are 32 [how highly qualified they are and how much they earn] with a really high degree of accuracy, based on the data [gathered] by the time they are three years old,” he says. What’s important to understand is the complexity of this data comes primarily from the quality of this dyad relationship: “the more emotionally connected you are, the more complex the data that your baby is processing,” says Nathan.

TEN TINY TOES

Only 30 per cent of our genes are set at birth – like our eye colour; over 70 per cent are determined through our interactions with our environment, says Nathan.

The amount of time you spend “in your baby’s face”, making eye contact and talking with them the better (the subject doesn't matter), he says.

But, it is not just the number of words they hear that matters: they need to be “emotionally connected” in order to “tune in”.

We know that reading to our babies and children is important, not least because it requires us to sit down and spend intimate time with them. As Nathan says, “using the book as a tool to facilitate interactions with your baby” is where the benefits really lie. Noticing what your baby is looking at or doing, and responding to that – rather than simply reading the words on each page – exemplifies the sort of responsive relationship that lights up a baby’s brain.

The more you can interact with your baby the better. “The thing to look for is your baby pulling away, which can mean that they are overstimulated,” he says. “If your baby is loving it, that’s great!”

In an earnest attempt to seize every opportunity to make them brainy, you don’t need to (nor

should you) be “teaching” them, says Nathan.

“Stop teaching your kids, and just be with them.”

He adds that teaching them can cause you and your baby to “detach” emotionally.

It all comes down to the everyday, ordinary interactions you have with your baby: noticing what they are noticing and sharing this attention, recognising their attempts at communication (eye contact, babbling, gesturing…), and responding to their emotions and needs. “Enjoy being with your baby,” he says – “and follow his lead”. He reminds parents that “a baby will learn language quicker if, when they poke out their tongue, you poke out yours, rather than say ‘Mum, Mum, Mum’”. The “golden word”, says Nathan, is being “responsive”.

Neuroscience presenter and director of X-Factor Education, Nathan Wallis provides an informative narrative on the different stages of children’s neurological development. facebook.com/ nathanwallisxfactoreducation

As Nathan says, “interaction is so much more complex than input [teaching them]”. Not only does it build their brain architecture, it also helps develop a secure attachment where they are nurtured and affirmed.

Your child may see well – we assess HOW they see ®

Written by Brendon Bennetts +

CHILDREN’S

THEATRE BE PART OF THE

ACTION

ONLY

PER TICKET

LIVE

10

$

Kathleen Burns

Directed by Dan Bain

®

2 - 12 OCTOBER BOOK NOW!

courttheatre.org.nz ®

®

Spring / 2019

17

P IATGTEL EH W L E AODNED RE R S

LET'S PLAY!

KINETA BOOKER

shares how her relationship with her child has changed through one-on-one play.

W

e all know the importance of just letting our children play. It’s great for their imaginations, it’s amazing for their development, and great for their brains. But, really, how often do we really play with our children?

I thought I was doing a great job: setting up an activity for my son to do on the kitchen bench, while I peeled and prepped veges for dinner on the other side; ensuring he had all the craft supplies he needed to do some creating while I wrote letters to people beside him; reading him awesome stories with silly voices; or I lay out on the swing seat and chatted to him about his day while he bounced on the trampoline beside me.

I was doing a great job! Right?

Of course I was.

But what about the times when his behaviour was a little challenging? When he wanted to chat with me when I was on another task? When he needed my attention, but I was a bit too distracted with mundane things like vacuuming or organising the container cupboard?

I knew there were areas I could improve upon, and I felt I needed more skills.

Then, I saw a thread on a local Facebook group about The Incredible Years course, run through Family Works.

Parent with

T

Having to commit to the once-a-week, 14-week course, initially seemed quite overwhelming, but it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made as a parent.

The facilitators have given me skills to parent with more confidence, and so much of it is about the incredibly important 10–15 minutes each day of one-on-one, child-led play. By letting him decide what we do, giving him my full attention, listening to his ideas, praising him, and not taking over with a stream of questioning, like I often do.

The first time I lay down on the carpet to colour in with him, he looked at me with a massive smile on his face: “Mum! Are you going to play with me?”

Yes, it broke my heart. What have I been doing these past five years?

The skills I’ve now learnt have certainly helped build a stronger bond between my son and me, a bond I thought we already had. Sure, we spent hours together each day, doing fun things and going on awesome adventures, but he now knows that for at least 10–15 minutes every single day, he gets to lead the fun, rather than me instigating what we do.

Happy son? Happy mum!

more confidence

he Incredible Years programme will help you nurture your child’s social, emotional and academic wellbeing. In a group setting, you’ll learn how to identify and manage potentially problematic behaviours more confidently.

Incredible Years is supported by over 30 years’ of research and is used worldwide in schools and mental health centres.

18 Spring / 2019

Feedback from other parents was overwhelmingly positive, saying how much they learnt from the group. So I did a quick google and emailed them within minutes.

WHO IS IT FOR?

The primary Incredible Years programme is designed for parents of children aged 3–5.

They also offer Incredible Years school age programmes for children aged 6–8 and 9–12.

These latter programmes will help you to encourage your child’s sense of responsibility and support their school learning.

HOW WE HELP:

The Incredible Years programme is designed for parents with children aged 3–8. You’ll learn how to: + Better understand how your child is developing + Build a healthy relationship with your child + Encourage positive behaviour + Address challenging behaviour Incredible Years is available through Family Works, a Presbyterian Support service. Call 0800 477 874 or visit familyworksuppersouth. org.nz/incredibleyears

LITTLE WONDERS

SOCIAL

DEVELOPMENT

I

in toddlers

n their relentless drive to explore the world, toddlers gradually acquire social skills that enable them to get on successfully with other people. Many of these skills are acquired through observation and imitation of the adults closest to them, writes Dr Lin Day, founder of the Toddler Sense Programme.

The development of social skills also depends on interaction and activity with other children. Even though toddlers do not cooperate, share or make friends until their fourth year, if they have been given plenty of opportunities to play with other children, they will be at an advantage when they go to toddler group or preschool.

TIME FOR

Toddler Sense!

a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment, maturation of the nervous system.

Social development is a dynamic and interactive process in which temperament, personality, experiences with parents and carers, cognitive abilities, language and communication skills influence the outcomes.

SOCIAL PLAY

Play is an important part of social development.

It provides the opportunity for toddlers to imitate the actions of others, to rehearse future roles, to coordinate their feelings and ideas and make sense of their experiences.

Parents and practitioners can assess social skills by observing how toddlers play and interact with other children. If there are any delays, activitybased strategies can be developed to ensure optimal social development.

Play can be divided into a number of different types from free-flow play to structured and group play. These divisions enable parents and practitioners to plan activities and resources.

INFLUENCES ON SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Toddlers initiate free-flow play. They decide what toys interest them the most, how they will explore them, how long the play will last and when they need support or help. The adult provides the materials and equipment, a safe and secure environment, reassurance, praise and encouragement.

Social development depends on a large number of variables. Some of these include: genetic predisposition, psychological and health factors, cultural values and beliefs, attitudes and aspirations, positive role models, play opportunities, interaction with other children,

FREE-FLOW PLAY

toddlersense.co.nz

A place where structured play goes hand in hand with imagination, the freedom to explore and adventure!

Each week our multisensory sessions have a unique theme, creating a whole new world of magical delights – imagine zooming through space, partying like pirates, or scuba diving into a magical sea!

Our programme is founded on decades of scientific research and the structure will help prepare your child for school. A fantastic opportunity to have fun, go on an adventure and bond with your child. All the while helping them develop their brain and physical abilities, as well as their social and emotional development!

Sessions are suitable for toddlers aged from 13 months to 4 years. We run classes for babies, too. toddlersense.co.nz/christchurch

SCOU TS present a fun world of experiences and chances to learn new skills for all ages.

Visit scoutgroupdirectory.co.nz for the contact details of a group near you!

KEAS

Girls and Boys 5 - 8 YEARS

CUBS

Girls and Boys 8 - 11 YEARS

scouts.org.nz SCOUTS

younG PeoPle 11 - 14 YEARS

VENTURERS

younG PeoPle 14 - 18 YEARS Spring / 2019

19

STARTING SCHOOL

Kindness

FOR THE NEW KID

C

By

KINETA BOOKER

an you remember your first day of school?

I can. It was the 1980s, at Geraldine Primary, and I was showing the girls in my class how I could swing upside down on the jungle gym.

The only problem was, despite my eagerness to quickly impress these people I didn’t know, I’d never been on bars before, and fell almost instantly onto my back, painfully winding myself.

I haven’t been on the bars since.

I’m sure there are better ways for children to introduce themselves to others at school, perhaps with a bit more grace. But what about those children who lack the confidence to venture out and make friends?

It seems that no matter how many children they may know already at school, having been to kindy with them, or recognising them from down the street, it really means nothing to a little five-year-old.

they’re super confident, or have older siblings at the school to care for them.

But for those little ones who are super shy, and are afraid to play with kids they do know because they don’t know their new friends, here are some ideas: + Be there for your child. If you can literally be there for a couple of playtimes or lunchtimes, during your child’s school visits, then do so! Give them ideas about where it’s safe for them to play (especially if their school goes up to Year 8).

after by a buddy in the class. Keep asking the teacher how they’re going socially. + Don’t make a big deal about it if they say they didn’t play with anyone. Remind your child that it’s OK to just stand back and watch until they’re comfortable to play. This is a brand new environment for them, and they’re still trying to feel part of it.

When they first start school, their classroom is their sanctuary, and if the classroom has been locked for playtime, then outside the classroom is their safe spot.

+ Chat with them. Ask them, at playtimes, where would you like to play? The sandpit looks like a great spot for five-year-olds to hang out. Did you see the basketball hoop outside your area – that looks like a fun thing to do at lunchtime, etc.

And for those parents who already have schoolaged children, why not teach your child to be who they needed when they started school? Instead of asking your child: what did you do today? Ask them, what difference did you make to someone else’s day? Encourage them to befriend the new kid; invite him to play with you; is she too shy to play with your group? Invite her to the sandpit – just the two of you.

We can’t expect our children to know exactly what to do and fend for themselves – except if

+ Ask the teacher. Good teachers will ensure their shy new entrants are being looked

There is so much to be said about a parent who encourages their kid to be kind.

20 Spring / 2019

A CLASS OF THEIR OWN

Encouraging chapter books Each child’s reading journey is unique, but in a world where screens compete fiercely with books, KELLY EDEN outlines ways we can ensure our children catch the chapter book bug.

INSPIRING THE LEAP

The leap from the colourful world of picture books to the imagination-stirring realm of novels usually occurs sometime between ages six and nine.

To inspire our kids to make the shift from picture books to chapter books, we need to sell it to them. Reading aloud to them regularly has a big impact.

When children are read aloud to at least three times a week and we discuss stories with them, they read more often themselves and are better at it than peers who are not being read to. (When I was teaching I even read aloud to my teenage students.)

Why not start with a book you loved as a child?

Try Charlotte’s Web, Dick King-Smith books, or Little Women (illustrated abridged classics make nice read alouds) and of course Roald Dahl and David Walliams books are always a hit with kids of any age.

WHICH CHAPTER BOOK?

To succeed with chapter books, it’s important to help our children choose well. Most kids left alone to choose will pick based on the cover and early readers can easily get turned off if what they choose ends up being too hard.

It has to be at the right level or the flow of the story gets lost and your child will understand very little of what they read.

Ask your child to read a full page out loud to you, and silently count how many words they get wrong.

If they make more than four or five errors per page, suggest kindly that the book is a little too hard right now, but that it won’t be long before they will be able to manage it. Or you could read it with them, quickly filling in incorrect words so they don’t lose the flow of the story.

Easy beginner chapter book series: Billy B Brown, Little Animal Ark, Zac Power, Rainbow Fairies.

Slightly harder chapter book series: Judy Moody, Geronimo Stilton, Wild Rescue, New Zealand Girl, Secret Seven, The Templeton Twins.

BOOKS ESPECIALLY FOR BOYS

Boys can be harder to convince when it comes to reading novels, but there are some great books to inspire even the most reluctant male reader.

Try reading some of the following to or alongside your boy: Holes by Louis Sachar, Hatchet by Gary Paulsen, Zac Power by H. I. Larry, Willard Price’s classic adventure books, or the modern equivalent such as Leopard Adventure by Anthony McGowan, James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl, Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown, Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney, or Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey.

Research has shown that light reading leads to more in-depth reading, so if your child is struggling to be interested in reading at all, try introducing comics.

Comic books help reluctant readers gain confidence and learn to enjoy reading. Often they even introduce sophisticated new vocabulary.

Kelly Eden and her daughter have published Help! I'm Moving to Mars specifically for early chapter book readers.

It has been recommended by the author of EJ Girl Hero and Spy School series, Susannah McFarlane and New Zealand author, Sarah Johnson. facebook.com/ Lula-Green-Books

Spring / 2019

21

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

Fun

Holiday

Boost your children's academic, artistic and physical skills through fun programmes in the school holidays.

I

t’s that time of year – when you look at how much annual leave you have left and wonder how it’s going to stretch over the Christmas school holidays. And are you even able to take time off for these school holidays, too?

But what a great feeling when you discover awesome school holiday programmes.

After 10 long weeks in the classroom, every child deserves a cool holiday experience, such as the programmes offered by MASH. Movies, baking, climbing, dancing, jumping, sport – they have it all.

“MASH Programmes are not babysitting services. We provide professional, well-planned and value-added childcare environments where tamariki are safe, have great fun and have the opportunity to engage in new and varied experiences. All our staff are well trained, police checked, have experience with children in a professional capacity, and make sure your children are their absolute priority,” says MASH founder and director Craig Fortune.

Every child needs a superhero in their lives and, let’s be honest, the best superheroes are us: their mums, dads and caregivers.

Unfortunately, though, superheroes can’t be there all the time, so let MASH superheroes take over when you can’t be there.

“The superheroes at MASH are passionate about making a positive difference in your children’s lives and pride themselves on providing the best possible environments for our tamariki. As a parent myself I understand there can be some stress and even guilt for putting your children in Out of School Programmes, so it’s hugely important to us to provide programmes that children love attending,” says Craig.

“We also help our tamariki with their homework, if they have any.

We feel this is super important, not only in terms of supporting their academic development but also because it’s one more way we can help out. We can’t cook dinner or fold the washing at home but if we can help children with their homework it might free up some

time so parents can just hang out or play with their children at home,” he says.

MASH holiday programmes are a time to recognise that kids need a break away from the structure of school, and it’s a great chance for them to be exposed to new and exciting experiences.

The programmes offer three structured activities per day (morning, early afternoon and 3–6pm) as well as opportunities for supervised free play, so there’s plenty to keep your child busy, stimulated and smiling. And all MASH programmes have at least one off-site excursion each week. mashkids.co.nz

WITH THE FULL WINZ SUBSIDY, OUR AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMME COULD COST YOU AS LITTLE AS $2.04 PER DAY.

AND OUR HOLIDAY PROGRAMME COULD BE ABSOLUTELY FREE! WE HAVE PROGRAMMES ACROSS THE SOUTH ISLAND, CHECK OUR WEBSITE

FOR YOUR NEAREST MASH!

22 Spring / 2019

TECHNOLOGY

Screentime coaching Stuck in a rut of daily screen time?

That was us in 2017.

By

RACHEL MCFEDRIES

A

s a SAHM with two little boys and a newborn, most afternoons involved Netflix for a couple of hours, while I rested. Before I knew it, screen time was creeping into our morning routine; and into our kindy drop off, as I allowed Mr 2 to watch videos while running in his older brother.

And I knew this had to change. I was constantly seeing articles about screen time. They seem to pop up everywhere, don’t they?! But I didn’t have the energy to cut down, at that stage.

Yet our little newborn was becoming more alert and interested in her surroundings. I became aware of the NZ Government screen time guidelines, which specifically state that children under two years old should not be exposed to screens. Yet here I was, with a newborn and two other preschoolers, just trying to survive each day. I had to face facts. The best start in life for my kids meant cutting back their screen time.

So I bit the bullet and cut down, significantly.

We went from about two hours a day to about two hours a week, on a Saturday morning watching Red Bull TV with Dad. It was extremely challenging for me as a Mum and for my children. There were tears and tantrums.

And there were most certainly moments of wondering, “why on earth am I bothering?”

But there were also really positive results. The children started playing together better, their

Claim your discount!

relationships improved, we saw more creative play and, believe it or not, less fighting. Research shows that children who have lower screen time have better developed social skills, show less aggressive behaviour, and are less likely to bully others.

Detoxing our kids from screen time was a journey, and I felt very alone. I didn’t talk about it much as I didn’t want others to realise what a problem it had been in our household. The stigma of screen time is real and although it’s a problem that most parents face, it can be a difficult conversation to have without evoking guilt and shame.

When I thought about all of the changes I had put in place to successfully reduce our screen use, I realised that I wanted to share this in a supportive way with other parents.

My training as an Occupational Therapist and Play Educator (through Playcentre Aotearoa) equipped me to navigate this difficult change at a time when I was limited in energy and headspace. Occupational therapists enable people to overcome barriers and make change, even when the situation seems complex (such as when parents are tired and children are very attached to their screen time!).

Having succeeded I wanted to empower other parents to make the same change. I learnt firsthand that it was possible, even as a busy mum. I wanted to be able to offer practical, meaningful support to other parents to make this change in their family life.

Family Times readers, use the code FAMILYTIMES at checkout for a $50 discount on the No More Square Eyes course rachmcf.com (valid until 30 September 2019).

It needed to be accessible, so an online format proved most helpful for parents. And so I developed No More Square Eyes: a series of short videos to show the benefits of less screen time, provide support through the process of change, demonstrate ways to engage children in more free play, and ways to look after yourself in this process.

It is empowering, practical, and most of all nonjudgmental of each family’s choices. The goal is that you can make informed, intentional choices about screen time for your family, and get out of that screen time rut.

This is a programme for parents of preschoolers, based on the research that the early years shape the rest of our lives. Parenting preschoolers is a challenging and isolating time for many parents, and we all need more support.

The No More Square Eyes online course launched in July 2019 and the first parents through it are saying that it’s enabling them to make positive changes in their household.

"This is a fantastic, user-friendly course. It has highlighted the importance of reducing screen time for my children and has provided practical ideas on how to achieve this. I am now adhering more to the recommended guidelines."

Rachel Galloway - Mum of Two, Qld, Australia.

Rachel McFedries lives in Christchurch, with her husband and three (soon-to-be four) children.

She is a registered Occupational Therapist and a passionate play advocate. rachmcf.com

Spring / 2019

23

christchurchartgallery.org.nz

A contemporary art experience for all ages, with sculptures, photography, videos and more. Be dazzled as acclaimed artists play with shadows, throw glittering shards of colour and transform the familiar into the extraordinary.

Wheriko! Brilliant, Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū

Until 16 February 2020

doc.govt.nz

With more than 4000 species threatened or at risk, nature needs us to take action now.

You can take part by doing a conservation activity or attending an event.

Conservation Week

4-22 September

CHRISTCHURCH

Mud pits, slippery slides, cars to climb over

courttheatre.org.nz

The Early Early Late Show is unmissable comedy for tweenagers – and their grown-ups.

29 September

Muddy Good Run, Mandeville Sports Centre, 431 Mandeville Rd, Swannanoa

The Early Early Late Show, Court Theatre

6 October, 4pm

internationalnetballfestivals.com

International, national and local teams take part in the International Netball Festival, being held in Christchurch for the first time.

facebook.com/ferrymeadnightmarket

Join the evening of fun at the Ferrymead Night Market. Grab dinner from the food vendors, browse the stalls and enjoy live music. Gold coin entry per person.

28 & 29 September

International Netball Festival, Hagley Park Netball Courts, Hagley Avenue

Ferrymead Night Market, Ferrymead Heritage Park

5 October, 4-8pm

courttheatre.org.nz

extravaganza.co.nz

Roll up. Roll up. Roll up! The Extravaganza Fair is a family affair. A free entry, fun day out with something for everyone.

The Extravaganza Fair, Gloucester Green, cnr Gloucester and Madras Streets

28 & 29 September, 9am

southernballet.co.nz

Hansel & Gretel, Isaac Theatre Royal, 145 Gloucester St Faint starlight peeps through the dark forest canopy. It is midnight:

Join the evening of fun at the Ferrymead Night Market. Grab dinner from the food

21-23 November

christchurchattractions.nz

Enjoy a journey in style through the changing face of Christchurch’s city centre on board these beautifully restored heritage trams, one of Christchurch’s leading attractions. Great for the family to enjoy!

Christchurch Trams

extravaganza.co.nz

Welcome to Season 5 of New Zealand’s largest and newest travelling event, The Extravaganza Fair!

The Extravaganza Fair, Gloucester Green, cnr Gloucester and Madras Streets

15-17 November, 9am-5pm

gboceaniatour.com

International Rugby League returns to the South Island with a double header at Christchurch’s Orangetheory Stadium.

The New Zealand Kiwis, the Great Britain Rugby League Lions, Papua New Guinea Kumuls and Fiji Bati will be in action.

GB Rugby League Lions v NZ / Fiji v PNG, Orangetheory Stadium, Addington

9 November, 4.30-10pm

Ferrymead Night Market, Ferrymead Heritage Park

2 November, 4-8pm

pinkstarwalk.co.nz

Pink Star Walk events celebrate survivors, remember those we have lost, and raise awareness and much needed funds to work towards our vision of zero deaths from breast cancer.

Pink Star Walk, North Hagley Park, 14 Riccarton Ave, Christchurch

19 October, 4.15-8.30pm

grow.co.nz/page/lego-therapy

LEGO-based Therapy is an evidencebased, social skills programme for individuals on the autism spectrum. The programme was originally developed by clinical psychologist Daniel Le Goff (2004) in the United States.

LEGO-based Therapy: Social Skills Training, Ibis Hotel Christchurch, 107 Hereford St

16 October, 9am-3.30pm

mitre10cup.co.nz

A great early time for the family to be out supporting our local rugby talent!

In this innovative, interactive kids show, the audience must help Veronica the vampire and Frank, a friendly Frankenstein’s monster, Escape from Haunted House.

A dance extravaganza showcasing Southern Ballet’s dancers, with performances by the Ballet and Jazz Companies. Get along to their boutique theatre and enjoy!

Canterbury v North Harbour, Orangetheory Stadium, Addington

Escape from Haunted House, The Court Theatre

Showcase 2019, Southern Ballet Theatre, 108 Carlyle Street, Sydenham

13 October, 4.35pm

If you have an event you’d like to add to our summer calendar, email kineta@27publishers.co.nz.

2-12 October

this spring

28 & 29 September

What’s on

It’s time to spring into the new season and enjoy all the activities, shows, venues and attractions that our amazing city has to offer, some of which are free!

Pull me out and pin me up

CHRISTCHURCH EVENT CALENDAR

29

southernballet.co.nz

Join the magical Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise. Spot a Hector’s dolphin or cruise again for free.

blackcat.co.nz

Rhythm Nation, Southern Ballet Theatre, 108 Carlyle Street, Sydenham

2-5 October

northlands.co.nz

Make your own Birdfeeder at Northlands.

Free workshops, located near Muffin Break.

Northlands

October school holidays, 10am-4pm

drbugs.co.nz/tour

Learn what makes popcorn ‘pop’ at Christchurch’s own popcorn factory. In this 30-minute tour, your kids will watch, taste and learn as hot caramel popcorn is made. Bookings essential.

Dr Bugs Popcorn Factory Tours, 89 Sturrocks Road, Casebrook

October school holidays

September

Explore this stimulating global culture in the exciting jazz and contemporary show Rhythm Nation. Come along to Southern Ballet’s boutique theatre and enjoy this colourful entertaining production.

Black Cat Cruises, Akaroa Harbour Wharf

mitre10cup.co.nz

Get down to Addington and support the boys in red and black! Always a great time out for the family.

Canterbury v Counties Manukau, Orangetheory Stadium, Addington

28 September, 7.35pm

facebook.com/thenappyladynz

Attend Kate Mead’s popular workshop to become inspired and entertained about ways you can minimise waste in your home while babies are around!

Waste Free Parenting Workshop – with Kate Meads, Harvard Community Lounge, 31 Corsair Dr, Wigram

24 September, 6-8.30pm

arcadia.net.nz

It’s Kidzone at the arcade. Bring the kids down and challenge them to the games you used to play at Wizards, Pennys and The Dog House. $1 per token, one token per game, come push play!

Kidzone at The Arcade, Arcadia Retro Arcade and Pinball Emporia, 206 Barbadoes St

21 September, 12-6pm

mitre10cup.co.nz

Soak up the atmosphere as Canterbury takes on Manawatu, here at home.

Canterbury v Manawatu, Orangetheory Stadium, Addington

19 September, 7.35pm

muddygoodrun.co.nz

and crawl under, containers to scale, hay bales to get over, camo net crawls, cargo net climbs and a run and crawl in between.

So much fun for the family!

frenchfest.co.nz

Escape to picturesque Akaroa and immerse yourself in French culture for a full weekend, with entertainment and fun activities for all the family.

Come on down to the twilight event of the year being held at Heathcote Valley School.

It’s a great evening for the whole family.

New additions this year include a white elephant stall, and a huge range of books, clothes and toys.

Heathcote Valley Gala, Heathcote Valley School, 61 Bridle Path Road

christmasinthepark.co.nz

Be there for the magic of Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park at North Hagley Park. The country’s top singers, dancers and musicians ignite the big stage, performing your all-time Christmas favourites and hottest hits! Gather your family and friends and celebrate the nation’s biggest free outdoor Christmas party!

Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park, North Hagley Park, 14 Riccarton Ave

Akaroa FrenchFest, Akaroa Recreation Ground, Rue Lavaud, Akaroa

colourzonerun.co.nz

This is a 5km run/walk … or crawl – just however you want to get around the course, in what was called the Burwood Residential Red Zone, but being totally renamed ‘”Colour Zone”. Just come dressed in white and end up in so much colour.

Colour Zone Run, Donnell Sports Park, Brooker Avenue, Burwood

24 November, 10am-1pm

30 November, 7.30-10.05pm

8 November, 4.30-8pm

nanogirllive.co.nz

Nanogirl, Boris (her trusty lab assistant), and CLAIR (Constantly Learning Artificial Intelligence Repository) are back for a brand new action-packed adventure, bringing you science and engineering like you have never seen before. In this interactive show filled with experiments, explosions and music, Nanogirl Live! brings science and engineering to life in the coolest ways possible, right before your eyes.

Nanogirl Live! - Bring On the Noise, Isaac Theatre Royal, 145 Gloucester St

3 November, 3-4pm

03

November

November

21-23

rnzb.org.nz

the witching hour. Alone and lost, two hungry children stumble towards a glowing vision of warmth and comfort, heaven for any child with an empty belly and an aching heart. But all is not as it seems.

11-13 October

TOP PICK

willowbank.co.nz

Willowbank is great fun for the entire family, with lots of animals to hand feed, and a great cafe. Grab an annual pass and visit as many times as you like!

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, 60 Hussey Road

itsshowtime.co.nz

Come along to witness an unforgettable show with one of New Zealand’s leading magicians, Mike Lindsay, assisted by his sidekicks, Jazz the Dove, Nugget the Chicken and his lovely assistant.

It’s Showtime: Family Friendly Magic and Illusion Show, Villa Maria College, 21 Peer St, Upper Riccarton

10 October, 7-8.30pm

courttheatre.org.nz

writelikeanauthor.com

The Early Early Late Show, Court Theatre The Early Early Late Show is unmissable comedy for tweenagers – and their grown-ups.

3 November, 4pm

facebook.com/ferrymeadnightmarket

vendors, browse the stalls and enjoy live music. Gold coin entry per person.

Learn to write stories like a published author! Held in a fun and supportive setting at St Margaret’s College, this camp will see children aged 10–14 years create, develop and write awesome stories with help from award-winning author and writing coach Brian Falkner.

Holiday Creative Writing Camp, St Margaret’s College, 12 Winchester St, Merivale

7-9 October

TWEENS AND TEENS

MANAGING

teen conflict

Often, the way we parented when our children were young no longer works for the teenage years. KELLY EDEN discusses the latest research-based ideas for parents of teens.

I

“If parents and teenagers are to communicate well, then there has to be as much listening as talking,” states Dr John Coleman, author of Why Won't My Teenager Talk to Me?

Because of the huge changes happening in their brains, managing emotions is difficult for teenagers and they are more vulnerable to feeling overwhelmed emotionally. So, for serious talks, use a soft start up.

As the parent of a teen you will want to offer more freedom and responsibility but that doesn’t mean not setting limits.

Teenagers still need a certain amount of structure, rules, limits and boundaries for healthy development.

f you’ve found yourself struggling to handle conflict well with your teen, try these five steps to help your child through this new development stage.

1. SOFT START UP

3. SAYING NO

Good start ups have four things:

When saying no, be prepared for an emotional outburst or push back. Remain calm and hold your position. Listen to their concerns. Respond and negotiate if you think it’s fair, but don’t rush: if your teen complains that you’re unfair or wants a limit changed, tell them you’ll consider it and get back to them.

1 Taking some responsibility for the problem.

Acknowledge your part.

2 Talking about how you feel.

3 The specific situation.

4 What you need (stated positively, not what you don’t need).

Example: “I probably wasn’t clear enough about when I wanted the chores done by. Still it wasn’t nice [how you feel] waking up to a pile of dirty dishes [the specific situation].

I’d like it if you did the dishes before 8pm next time, okay? [what you’d like].”

2. LISTENING

It’s very tempting to lecture or talk at our teens. But taking the time to listen, even if you don’t agree with them, is incredibly valuable.

Count to ten in your head before you talk. Teens can take longer than adults to formulate ideas or think of the right words to describe how they feel. They might try out an idea by saying something out loud, then change it because it didn’t come out right. Give them time. Pause before you speak to give them a chance to communicate with you more clearly.

26 Spring / 2019

4. REPAIR ATTEMPTS

Repair attempts are little things we say or do in conflict situations to keep things calm and light. Using gentle humour (never sarcasm), softening a comment, saying sorry, telling them what you appreciate or love about them, and agreeing with your teen, are all repair attempts.

For example: “Yeah, I totally agree with you. Doing the dishes is a terrible job. Wouldn’t it be great if we just used paper plates!" A light comment will diffuse the tension and keep the relationship positive.

5. MOVING ON

Sometimes conflict just goes badly. This is when it’s important to take a decent break. It takes around twenty minutes for our bodies to calm down, sometimes longer. Do something soothing like taking a walk, listening to music, or focusing on your breathing. Try to avoid thinking negative or ‘victim’ thoughts, or going back over your argument.

For more on this topic, read Dr John Coleman's Why Won't My Teenager Talk to Me? And The Gottman Institute is a great resource for parents wanting more info, gottman.com

DUNEDIN CALENDAR

What’s on

this spring

It’s time to spring into the new season and enjoy all the activities, shows and attractions that our amazing city has to offer, some of which are free!

DUNEDIN

Until 29 September

5 & 6 October, 10am

5 October, 7.35pm

In Motion: The Moving Parts of Contemporary Art, Dunedin Public Art Gallery

Dunedin Brick Show 2019, More FM Arena, Portsmouth Drive

Otago v Canterbury, Forsyth Barr

LEGO activities for the whole family including LEGO car racing, LEGO tile making, Robotic classes, LEGO and DUPLO play pits and lots of amazing LEGO displays to look at.

Watch two mighty South Island teams battle it out in this Mitre 10 Cup game.

With more than 4000 species threatened or at risk, nature needs us to take action now. Take part by doing a conservation activity or attending an event.

This family-friendly, hands-on exhibition invites audiences to explore kinetic sculpture, including two recent acquisitions that use movement and automation as a means of experiencing colour, light and space.

doc.govt.nz

dunedin.art.museum

Conservation Week

22 & 29 September Locals Special Albatross Tiki, Royal Albatross Centre, Harington Point Rd

22 September, 9.30am-3pm The Baby & Child Show 2019, More FM Arena, Portsmouth Drive You will find more than 100 local and national exhibitors offering parenting support, products from leading brands and services to help guide you through your pregnancy, your new baby and parenting in the first few years. babyandchildshow.co.nz

See what visitors rave about and visit the world’s only mainland Royal Albatross breeding colony. Three of the 29 chicks are on view from our observatory, with the chance of sightings of the other species that breed here. albatross.org.nz

Rialto Cinemas, 11 Moray Place Join Rialto Cinemas during the school holidays for the cheapest family passes in town – no limit on the number of kids you bring! rialto.co.nz

orfu.co.nz

facebook.com/ events/366421227347536

24 October, 7-8pm It's Showtime: Family Friendly Magic and Illusion Show, Mayfair Theatre, 100 King Edward St Come along to witness an unforgettable show with one of New Zealand's leading magicians, Mike Lindsay, assisted by his sidekicks, Jazz the Dove and Nugget the Chicken. itsshowtime.co.nz

26-28 October, 9am-5pm The Extravaganza Fair, The Oval, Princes St Roll up. Roll up. Roll up! The Extravaganza Fair is a fun family day out with something for everyone.

TOP PICK 30 November Hansel & Gretel, Regent Theatre Faint starlight peeps through the dark forest canopy. It is midnight: the witching hour. Alone and lost, two hungry children stumble towards a glowing vision of warmth and comfort, heaven for any child with an empty belly and an aching heart. But all is not as it seems. rnzb.org.nz

extravaganza.co.nz

LARNACH CASTLE New Zealand’s Castle

Regular Private Clinics held in Dunedin and Cromwell

Email: info@larnachcastle.co.nz Ph: 0800 527 6224 www.larnachcastle.co.nz Term & Conditions apply Valid for New Zealand School Holidays only Children must be accompanied by one paying adult

mhc.co.nz/Services/Paediatrician

BEST VALUE FAMILY PASSES AT THE BEST CINEMA IN TOWN!

2D FAMILY PASSES* $29 1 ADULT, 2 KIDS $39 2 ADULTS, 2 KIDS *CONDITIONS APPLY

#

4-22 September

If you have an event you’d like to add to our summer calendar, email kineta@27publishers.co.nz.

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 15 December 2019.

Spring / 2019

27

ADULT EDUCATION

Time for you

All your kids are now at school, so you’ve decided it’s finally time for you?

KINETA BOOKER looks at ways to fill the empty 9-3 gap (if there is such a thing).

B

ack from your leisurely stroll to drop the kids at school, puppy in tow and coffee in hand. Now you ponder what to do until the 3pm bell. Just kidding. I know you’re a bit more driven than that.

We all want to succeed at life and be great role models to those who look up to us. And right now is the best time to act – a nice spring clean, even if you’re just actively planning for next year.

HERE ARE SOME IDEAS:

+ Have a brainstorm: what are you good at? What do you want to be good at? How are you going to get there?

Is there something you’ve studied in the past that you could make into a new career by complementing the past study with a post-grad course? + Chat to your family/closest friends. Get their feedback on your ideas. Remember, you want a positive cheersquad around you! Ensure you have their support, both in what you’re doing and if you need help to get started.

28 Spring / 2019

+ Enrol in a computer class. Most jobs and courses require a basic knowledge of operating systems. Visit your local library for information, or do a quick Google search. + Consider online courses. These are a great way to learn, if you can’t travel easily. Learning at your own pace, in your own place is often a great way to upskill youself. + Start up a business at home. Maybe you’re really good at finding great things cheaply in op shops. You could then on-sell them in online marketplaces. Have another idea? business.govt.nz is a great resource, and supportive of small businesses. + Get fit! There’s nothing better than feeling fit and healthy while studying or working from home. There are some excellent fitness apps you can get on your phone. Why not have a quick search now? + Source an awesome planner. Not only will you need to be well planned with your children’s schedules, you’ll soon have your own classes and courses to pop into your planner, too.

Whatever you choose to do, opt for something that will bring you joy.

Joy comes in all forms: through friendships you make through study or at work, through the skills that you’re learning, and in the knowledge that you’re being a role model to your children.

ADULT EDUCATION

Join the korero WHY ADULTS SHOULD LEARN TE REO

explains why it’s important for adults to learn te reo Māori.

KINETA BOOKER

I

t seems like it’s second nature to my child to incorporate te reo Māori in his everyday chat. It’s what he hears and learns at school, and at daycare before that.

But for me, growing up in South Canterbury in the 1980s, and moving to Christchurch in the 90s, there wasn’t a great deal of te reo at my primary schools, if at all?

Māori Language Week, Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori, has just finished for another year, and with its theme: Kia Kaha te Reo Māori – Let's make the Māori language strong, it’s really inspired me to make a commitment to learn. I want to be a role model for my son, showing him that even though I finished my five years of tertiary education years ago, it doesn’t make me want to stop learning.

WHERE TO START?

My son’s school has a te reo Māori word of the week, te kupu o te wiki. It’s sent each Monday on the school app, and we’re encouraged to use it in conversation at home.

If you don’t speak any te reo at home, it’s such a great way to introduce it into your family. You can sign up for your own word of the week, kupu o te wiki, or word of the day, kupu o te rā, by registering at: kupu.maori.nz

There are some great online resources for those who can’t get into a night school or classroom, to learn.

Te Whanake is a great free online resource

Reobot is a fun way to learn

Te Wānanga o Raukawa has a free

conversational reo. Why not send Reobot

20-week online course. wananga.com

a Facebook message and see what happens! facebook.com/tereobot Māori Language Net has a series of podcasts which teach grammar, as well as colloquialisms to use in everyday conversations. maorilanguage.net/ speak-maori

New career combines

MANAGEMENT SKILLS PLUS TECH

C

hemical Engineering graduate and mum of two, Julia Pye worked in the food and beverage manufacturing industry for over twenty years, from product development to packaging design, process optimisation and operations management.

for independent learning and interaction. tewhanake.maori.nz

Some other great resources are tetaurawhiri.govt.nz and tewikiotereomaori.co.nz, and of course your local library hub, such as christchurchcitylibraries.com Good luck, kia waimarie!

SHIFT to a career

in tech

When Julia found out about SHIFT she realised her substantial management skills could be enhanced by adding tech knowledge. The practical project-based aspects of the programme also appealed. As an active volunteer and board member, Julia was interested in exploring work in the tech side of a social enterprise – a big change from the corporate world.

Julia and fellow students developed a conference website for Rotary, as part of the SHIFT studio projects. Then an opportunity came up to complete her 200 hour SHIFT industry placement with the Methodist Mission Southern (MMS), an innovative charitable enterprise with several educational technology projects on the go. She worked with the research team from the famous Dunedin Study, to help develop an app that ECE teachers use to help preschoolers develop self-regulation skills.

Julia was offered a contract role with MMS after her industry placement and really enjoyed being part of an organisation that "does great things for community sectors, that really benefit from the opportunities tech products offer."

Julia is now an IT Business Analyst at Silver Fern Farms, utilising both her operational management experience and her new tech skills to develop tech-based business solutions.

SHIFT is offered in Christchurch and Dunedin, and has very high employment rates for graduates. Pop along to our next Tech Careers & Pizza Night to find out more. Register through signal.ac.nz/shift

“

Shift allowed me to change the course of my career, to move into the exciting and dynamic world of tech, in just a year!

”

- Julia, SHIFT Graduate

Not all tech careers are about coding Tech jobs exist in every industry and the tech sector is NZ’s third largest export earner.

Combine ANY DEGREE with the innovative SHIFT programme and kickstart your new career today.

Christchurch and Dunedin

Talk to us today

0800 990 024 signal.ac.nz/shift

Part-time and full-time options.

Next intake: Feb 2020 In conjunction with:

Spring / 2019

29

ADULT EDUCATION

Support for

adult students

L

ooking to upskill, make a career change, or study for the first time since high school? With a broad range of professional development courses, flexible study options and excellent support services, the University of Canterbury is a great choice for adult students – whether it’s your first time at university or you’re seeking a postgraduate qualification.

PREPARATORY COURSES

If it’s been a while since you last studied, you may need to polish up some of those writing and study skills. The Certificate in University Preparation (CUP) is a 13-week course specifically designed to help you gain the skills needed to succeed at university.

CUP is a proven path back into education as it meets the requirements for University Entrance and is recommended for people who have been out of study for a substantial period and want to refresh their study skills.

FUNDING

If you haven’t studied at tertiary level before, you may be eligible for the government Fees-Free scheme in your first year of study.

ADULT STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

Once you’re enrolled, stepping into university life as an adult might seem daunting, but UC makes the transition to adult study easy and enjoyable. You may have conflicting priorities to juggle, such as family and work, so knowing what support is available can help ensure your success.

WANTING TO CHANGE CAREER?

As an adult student, you can access all the support services available to all new students, such as health services, the UC RecCentre, student advisors, academic skills workshops and Student Care to help you stay on track.

UC offers undergraduate bachelor degrees across a large range of disciplines.

Graduate certificates and diplomas can enable people with a bachelor's degree to change subject focus and be a first step to a new career.

canterbury.ac.nz/support/get-support/adult

Become a teacher.

Gain a globally recognised qualification from the University of Canterbury.

Are you searching for a rewarding career; something you can get passionate about? Do you want to make a difference in young people’s lives?

CEDU7486-FT

30 Spring / 2019

Teaching could be the profession for you. Better yet, you can study towards becoming a primary or early childhood teacher via distance study through the University of Canterbury.

www.canterbury.ac.nz/education 0800 VARSITY (827 748)

Applications are open now.

EDUCATION

GREAT GRANDS

EASING THE TRANSITION to

G

assisted living

rowing up is exciting. Starting a family is incredible. Having grandchildren is a blessing. But getting older when you need help can be difficult.

communities that bring together the very latest thinking, facilities and best people, in terms of: design, healthcare, wellness, hospitality, and technology.

It can be especially hard when a family member needs to move to assisted living or a care facility. It’s a difficult conversation to have and a complicated move to make.

“As well as a whole new social network, Ryman Healthcare retirement villages provide the perfect environment for our residents to try new opportunities and take on new challenges, whether they be sporting, creative or social activities,” says Ryman Healthcare Chief Operations Officer Barbara Reynen-Rose.

“The beauty of it is, age is no barrier.”

Fortunately, there are a range of living and care options now available to suit the needs of your loved one, including standalone townhouses, apartments, serviced apartments, resthome, hospital and specialist dementia care.

When it comes to choosing the right living option for your loved one, there are many things to consider. What’s the environment like? Is it close enough for other family members to visit?

What meals are on offer? What’s the care like? Is there a great schedule of activities to keep your parent or grandparent entertained?

Ryman Healthcare is on a quest to help New Zealand retirees achieve both good health and happiness, by creating new generation retirement

Where community shapes the heart of your retirement

There are many facets that make the Ryman model work – their fair and transparent terms, range of care options and resident-focused innovations. Most of all, they drive to put residents first. It’s a simple formula, and it’s been a winning one for 35 years.

“Having something to look forward to and doing things you enjoy, that’s what life is all about. It's those moments of shared joy and laughter that make the difference," says Barbara.

By

KINETA BOOKER

The in-house exercise programme – Triple A (Ageless, Active and Aware) – delicious menus and the myRyman electronic care app, are perfect examples of how Ryman is looking to constantly improve the resident experience.

Barbara says residents often tell her they’ve become more active since moving in. “I love it when people say to me ‘I wish I’d done this sooner’ because what that actually means is it’s opened up a new world for them. It really does change people’s experience of living.”

At the heart of Ryman villages are vibrant communities. Much like the neighbourhoods that residents grew up in, where neighbours had time to chat, cared for each other, and waved a friendly hello.

“Being in one of our village communities, you’ve got the natural opportunity to strike up conversations, so you’ve got an immediate chance to be social. As those relationships develop, both with fellow residents and village staff, residents know they have support to fall back on should they need it,” says Barbara. rymanhealthcare.co.nz

R Y M A N H E A LT H C A R E

Where community shapes the heart of your retirement Explore our community today 0800 779 626 | rymanhealthcare.co.nz Spring / 2019

31

TECHNOLOGY

DAVID GILLESPIE explains

that, due to major changes in their brains, adolescents are particularly susceptible to addiction, and yet they have 24/7 access to highly addictive software that exploits this vulnerability. By KATE BARBER.

Addiction

AND THE ADOLESCENT BRAIN

S

ince the arrival of the iPhone in 2007, our kids have been able to move through cyberspace with little restriction and with next-to-no effort, says David.

Gen Z (born from the late 1990s until about now) is the first generation to have portable digital devices with them at all times, and these devices, says David, are “carriers” for “a subclass of software designed specifically to exploit teenagers’ susceptibility to addiction”.

THE TEENAGE BRAIN

The human brain goes through a period of major construction during the teenage years, as adolescents experiment and explore and “learn to be adults”, explains David. Integral to this phase of neurodevelopment is a delicate reward system, which “reinforces behaviours that promote the survival of our species,” but which so easily gets “out of whack” during adolescence.

Two key players in this system are the chemical messengers dopamine and serotonin. Dopamine is what David calls our “go-juice” or “motivation drug”, because it converts sensory input into desire for something. Serotonin is our “reward”, 32 Spring / 2019

our “chill pill” – we get it once the desire is satisfied. He explains that, “once we start consuming the thing we were chasing, our serotonin levels go up. This, in turn, increases the levels of a dopamine suppressor called GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid)…. GABA dials down the stimulating effect of the dopamine and allows serotonin to make us feel calm and connected.”

Bring on adolescence. For puberty to start, GABA (which suppresses dopamine) is significantly reduced. “On low GABA, as in puberty, we act on impulse, make poor decisions and overreact,” says David. Driven by desires, teens aren’t exercising self-restraint or weighing up consequences.

Both girls and boys are operating in a state of reduced impulse control, but this is “massively magnified” for boys when you consider the huge increases in their testosterone, he says. At the same time, oxytocin (the chemical released when people bond with others) is at play. Big time. As David explains, “adolescence is a phase when the addictive power of oxytocin is magnified enormously” and girls are “extremely sensitive” to its charms.

David Gillespie – former corporate lawyer, cofounder of a successful software company and father of six.

TECHNOLOGY

Teen Brain: why screens are making your teenager depressed, anxious and prone to lifelong addictive illnesses – and how to stop it now, by David Gillespie, published by Macmillan Australia, RRP $32.99

As David says, whereas people wouldn’t have a problem if we were talking about limiting kids’ access to drugs, we are resistant to the idea of denying our kids access to devices. Not only are they not illicit (like drugs), most schools actually insist on all kids having them.

Girls, on the other hand, are more likely to fall prey to what David calls “Approval Porn”: their “sensitivity [to oxytocin] is dialled up to the ‘maximum’, making them desperate for the approval of others and extraordinarily vulnerable to technologies that exploit that need.” It’s so easy to “farm the likes” on Facebook and Instagram, he says: with each new “like” – to a story or photo – your social-interaction system starts salivating in anticipation of the oxytocin reward.

WHAT PARENTS CAN (AND MUST) DO

Having discussed the neurological changes going on for teenagers, and exposed the “malicious code” of software exploiting their vulnerability to addiction, David talks about what parents can and must do to protect their kids from addiction, especially to electronic devices. “Because addiction significantly increases the likelihood that a child will be anxious and depressed, it’s vital to manage access to substances and behaviours that are potentially addictive during this phase.” David is emphatic on this point.

ADDICTION

“I am not offering a complete solution,” he says, “but, however you do it, you must minimise the harm”. This starts by managing Addiction occurs when this delicate reward system malfunctions: access to devices in the home, which has implications for the whole “when there is no energy cost but a strong desire for something – so family (not just your teens). Limiting or denying kids access to we keep stimulating dopamine with no effort”. Effectively we flood their screens is a massive challenge, and David warns parents that our system with dopamine and are less able to satisfy this with this “won’t be pretty. Expect a lot of serotonin, and we become addicted to teenage sneakiness, tantruming and whatever is producing the dopamine outright deception.”

“Teens are wired, biochemically, hit, he explains.

to seek out new, rewarding He says there need to be “clear, David emphasises that “we don’t reasonable and unambiguous” rules experiences,” says David.

The actually need to consume something (and consequences) regarding device to begin desiring it. We receive a problem is that “their sensitivity usage: these may be used for homework dopamine surge from simulations of to rewards has been massively only, in a public place where parents rewarding behaviour.” He explains can see the screen at all times, for amplified and their impulse that, just as porn is a dopamineexample. Along with rules covering inducing simulation of sex, computer control has been turned off”. other addictive substances and games and gambling simulate danger, behaviours, dangerous activities, and shopping and social media relationships and sleep (it’s all in his book). simulate being liked by others. Yes, your teen can become addicted to being “liked”, says David – in fact they may be already.

One solution he offers is “ye olde flip phone”, which cannot connect with the Internet, and isn’t addictive. This is what his kids have, Gender plays a critical part in determining what your child might get and they are not missing out, he says. “They miss this second’s addicted to, he says. Teenage boys – who have reduced self-control meme, and the next one. But if it’s really important, someone tells and whose testosterone levels are at an all-time high – are particularly them. Social status doesn’t depend on someone being on Snapchat.” susceptible to what David calls “Danger Porn”, in the form of computer games like Fortnite. While players aren’t really shooting As David says, “dopamine buttons [devices] are massive time sinks,” others, their brains respond as if they are, David explains, and their and kids (and parents!) find themselves with so much time for other things when the temptation is eliminated. dopamine levels rise along with their adrenaline and cortisol.

Spring / 2019

33

ON HOLIDAY

FIVE REASONS YHA IS OUR TOP ACCOMMODATION PICK FOR YOUR NEXT FAMILY HOLIDAY 1. Amazing locations

Getting on the move

with baby

One of the best things about holiday times are the visitors who come with it.

W

hen family are coming from out of town and bringing infants or young children, those hosting them often feel obliged to buy items their young guests need, like portacots, highchairs and baby baths.

For families contemplating travelling with babies, the thought of having to juggle car seats, buggies and other infant paraphernalia, as well as the children themselves, often seems daunting and may well influence their decision to travel.

However, there’s no need to bring all that baby gear, nor to feel under pressure to purchase. You can simply hire it.

Baby On The Move specialise in the hire and sale of baby products. Their hire range is extensive and includes infant capsules, toddler seats and boosters, buggies, bassinets, cots, exersaucers, monitors, safety gates for doorways, and more.

They stock well-known brands and ensure every item is well maintained and clean.

Two conveniently located and owner operated Christchurch stores offer an efficient customerfocused hire service. And regardless of whether you’re hiring for a few days or on a monthly basis, it can be arranged over the phone, by email or online.

“We want to make it as easy and painless as possible for those wanting to hire short or long term,” says Baby On The Move Christchurch Central owner, Fiona Paskell. “We have many repeat customers who use our service every time they have young family members visiting. We pride ourselves on our ability to accommodate last minute hires; however, we definitely recommend booking well in advance for peak periods like Christmas, Easter and school holidays.”

Baby On The Move is committed to best practice standards with regards to child safety and the products they hire and sell. All staff have in-depth product knowledge and are happy to advise customers on their hire choice or on items purchased.

Staff at both stores are certified NZ Transport Agency child restraint technicians. If you hire products, including car seats, they will be correctly chosen by an in-store technician to comply with the child’s age, weight or height requirements and will then be installed by the technician.

With 35 destinations across the country, chances are high there’s a YHA where you’re heading! Whether it’s the heart of Queenstown, Tekapo’s lakefront, or on the beach in Whitianga, they’ve got you covered.

2. Don’t break the bank

YHA are serious about putting the ‘budget’ in “quality budget accommodation”.

Between affordable private rooms and membership discounts on food and activities across NZ, they’re about paying less, so you can do more.

3. Family-friendly facilities

Private rooms? Check. Ensuites?

Check. Bunks for the little ones with a double bed for mum and dad? Check.

Most destinations have rooms to suit you, plus fully-equipped kitchens, comfy lounges, laundries, and WiFi. Just bring the groceries – you’ll feel right at home!

4. It’s easy

With bed linen, towels, boardgames, and breakfast packs available on-site, all you have to do is get the kids into the car!

5. Explore Aotearoa without imposing on the rellies

Don’t crash on Uncle Pete’s pull-out couch for your next getaway. Instead, sleep easy with YHA. You'll be supporting a Kiwi not-for-profit dedicated to helping people explore our great outdoors. Sweet!

yha.co.nz

If you are collecting hirers from the airport, you can arrange to pick up the hire items in advance and have seats installed in your vehicle ready for the airport run. babyonthemove.co.nz

Littlies coming for Christmas?

Book now for your Christmas visitors!

Baby On The Move Christchurch has an extensive range of carseats, buggies, portacots, highchairs and more, available for hire.

www.babyonthemove.co.nz

%

100 ealand New Zed and own rated ope

CENTRAL / 03 421 3243 87a Gasson Street, Sydenham. central.christchurch@babyonthemove.co.nz NORTH / 03 960 9752 Unit 3 & 4, 515 Wairakei Road, Burnside. north.christchurch@babyonthemove.co.nz

34 Spring / 2019

Christchurch

EXTERIOR TRENDS

Play the Kiwi way

Kiwiplay loves to encourage children to get outside and play.

We specialise in wooden playground kit sets, playhouses, swings and slides that offer a great way to let the kids burn energy every day. All while having fun in the safety of your backyard. kiwiplay.co.nz

Outdoor L AWN ROBOT Thanks to Gardena, it’s now possible to imagine a world where you never have to mow the lawn yourself! This innovative and highly intelligent Robotic Lawnmower quietly circumnavigates the lawn while working around obstacles in its path, cutting every blade of grass.

Robots can vacuum your carpet.

Now, they can also mow your lawn. gardena.com

living

Bring the inside 'out'! Here are some of our favourite outdoor living ideas.

PIZZA OVEN MADE EASY

Us Kiwis love a bit of 'do it yourself' and these DIY pizza oven kits from Aztec Fires take the hassle out of building a wood fired pizza oven from scratch. Extend the outdoor fun and entertaining space. Think pizzas and so much more! You can cook anything that you cook in your indoor oven in these Aztec DIY pizza ovens. And it just tastes better. aztecfires.co.nz

OIL THAT DECK Get your timber deck and furniture ready for a summer of entertaining guests and lazing in the sunshine. Resene Furniture and Decking Oil is designed for direct application to timber decks and furniture to enhance and restore the timber colour and provide protection against water, mould and UV light. Or for a range of colour options, use Resene Woodsman Decking Oil Stain for your deck and Resene Woodsman for your furniture.

Available from Resene ColorShops resene.co.nz/colorshops

Spring / 2019

35

HEALTH & WELLBEING

To poo, or not to poo...

When toilet-training turns into serious toilet traumas, it is hard to know which way to turn. One reader shares her heart-wrenching story of her daughter’s medical misadventures into constipation, a distended bowel and a whole lot in between.

W

e all have to poo. And when you are not able to poo, the results are pretty uncomfortable on your overall wellbeing and energy levels. We all understand that. However, when my daughter began soiling and having serious constipation issues before she was two years old, the situation actually felt shameful. I recall having to hold my baby girl’s legs and push her knees into her tummy to assist her to pass a poo. The numerous visits to the doctor, the ridiculous amounts of lactulose my daughter was expected to ingest and the subtle, insulting questioning regarding the adequacy of her diet and water intake made me want to have a tantrum.

While my daughter was still in nappies we worked hard to convey the relaxed message that ‘pooing is a good thing’ and allowed her the time she needed, in the hope that things would resolve. Upon advice and following numerous visits to the doctor, we tried prune juice, Kiwi Crush, hospital strength powder sachets,, a gluten free diet; she had blood tests for celiac disease; we tried the cognitive behavioural ‘sneaky-poo programme’; there were endless suggestions from friends, and well-meaning loved ones proposing “tough-love”; reward charts, sugar-free sweets (too many make you poop, apparently) and psychotherapy on a weekly (costly) basis.

We worked through this list of strategies over a period of years! We were constantly and condescendingly told that this is “very common” and that “most families” encounter this problem with their children. Who are they? I asked.

Where are these families? I wanted to talk to someone who was going through what we were going through.

Our daughter got older and the issue remained.

When she started school, I felt like such a failure as our daughter continued to soil and need changes of clothes during the day. I can still remember being called in to change her one day, as she had soiled and the school policy dictated they weren’t allowed to touch her. When I arrived, my 6-year-old daughter was standing in the bathroom with nothing on below her waist and watery poo seemingly everywhere. My heart

36 Spring / 2019

"I want to share our story in the hope of normalising the issue and also raising awareness." broke for her. She continued to soil throughout the days and would complain of sore tummies and low energy. She had little appetite and a protruding stomach that simply looked wrong on a child.

Referrals by our GP to the paediatrics department at the hospital were all initially declined with our presentation not being “severe enough”. Finally, a chance email conversation led to us being given an appointment at the hospital. Once my daughter was seen, our case was validated and investigations began. A biopsy was negative for Hirschsprung’s disease. She spent six days in hospital, each day receiving a litre of Klean-Prep via a nasogastric tube into her stomach, to clear the faecal loading. She was discharged on Dulcolax Drops, which we had to source from Australia. The prescribed dosage was 20 drops, morning and night. We increased to 40 drops when they seemed to stop working and there hadn’t been a bowel motion for 14 days. Cramping pains were medicated for but my daughter wasn’t going to take any more medication. Poise incontinence pads (“poo pads” for adults), from the supermarket, came to our rescue. They were a little too big for her wee bottom but they saved my sanity and my daughter could change them herself at school. My husband and I were so conscious of her soiling and being smelt at school and being a target for bullying.

We were doing everything possible to prevent this. Our very full, personal journey went from blaming and getting angry at our daughter to blaming and getting angry at ourselves, and then at the system, like a washing cycle on repeat! We fought tirelessly for a better solution and some answers for her, and us.

To the credit of the specialist who oversees my daughter’s care, he has now looked at all underlying causes. An MRI and ultrasound revealed no answers other than to show a distended bowel that doesn’t appear to work.

In the hope of it ever functioning normally, we were told she would need an ACE procedure (‘antegrade continent enema’) – effectively a tube in her tummy and into her bowel connected to a bag of saline to flush out the bowel each night.

It’s a last resort option in the hope that her bowel will start to work again and the procedure can be reversed when she is a teenager. It was a considerable wait, but hoping that we were making the right decision, her surgery and hospital stay went well.

So in recent weeks, at home each night we make up a saline solution that passes through the ACE and removes the contents of her bowel. She routinely spends up to 90 minutes on the toilet every night. It is still early days and my daughter protests at times and understandably questions “why me?”; however, this is now our new normal.

I wanted to share our story in the hope of normalising the issue and also raising awareness.

There will be other parents and children facing similar issues. We will slowly battle the selfconsciousness and the embarrassment and work to accept what is now our everyday evening routine. I wish to give a big shout out to another awesome 8-year-old girl and her family who have experienced a similar journey. Thank you for your support, advice and kindness. It has been such a rubbish time and I’m glad we connected.

For others who would like support for something similar, please feel free to obtain my contact details from the Editor at Family Times.

Enrolling now for 2021, limited places available for 2020

Spring / 2019

37

HEALTH & WELLBEING

The ride to resilience

T

he journey towards resilience is just as important as achieving resilience. The definition of resilience is “the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.”

All I take from that definition is ‘suck it up’ or ‘harden up’ but these familiar messages don’t allow space for one’s authentic feelings and response to the impact of significant events. This is especially important for our children who are being exposed to earthquake trauma and terror.

By

WONITA WOOLHOUSE

and influence one’s behavioural response. Sensory Integration, a specialisation within occupational therapy (Ayres 1972, 2004), considers the sensory motor systems and strategies for sensory modulation that address arousal and emotional regulation. Emotional regulation also requires an available parent/caregiver/adult who encourages and validates a child’s experience of their emotion to a situation at the time, and offers safety. Sensory modulation strategies that allow for the emotional experience and management of overwhelm, include the act of hugging, rocking, soothing and nourishing your child – calming sensory stimuli. Other techniques include tucking in tight with blankets, using a heavy duvet, blowing bubbles, dim lighting, massage, bear hugs, warm baths, cosy pjs and trampoline jumping or gentle swinging. These interactions with your child allow sensory input to the brain that has an overarching, organising impact, effectively allowing your child to hear your words, to settle within themselves and dampen down their arousal system that is screaming ‘fight, flight or freeze’.

A child shouldn’t be expected to show they’re stoic in the face of trauma and natural disaster if that’s not their authentic feeling. Because, denied emotion is stored elsewhere in the body, and can then manifest in other ways, such as anxiety, headaches and tummy pains. Bessel van der Kolk offers brilliant insights into this concept – the imprint of trauma on the body – in The Body Keeps The Score (2014).

Resilience doesn’t come in an animal-shaped gummy supplement.

The emphasis needs to be on the experiencing, and the expression and validation of the various emotions one feels in childhood.

Their only task is to make sense of and accept these emotions, as they experience them. Only then does resilience develop. We don’t achieve resilience without acknowledging the impact – this applies to children and adults. This often occurs in a safe, attuned relationship with a parent, caregiver or partner.

Researchers have noted that among the most important resiliency factors are emotion regulation skills. This ability to sufficiently regulate one’s emotions and arousal, allows access to the higher cortical regions of the brain that will initiate problem-solving skills

SleepDrops for Kids

100% natural remedy to support sleep Suitable for 3-12 years

$5.00 OFF Enter KIDS at checkout

One coupon code is valid per user Offer ends 2nd December 2019

www.sleepdrops.co.nz 38 Spring / 2019

The brain grows with experience – repressing emotions so one can ‘keep calm and carry on’ doesn’t allow for this process. As a result, children don’t understand, validate or process their own emotions in response to situations. They develop injunctions or unspoken rules so they can “be strong”. These injunctions or messages shape and influence their sense of self and all interpersonal relationships.

Resilience may be the destination, but there is so much more involved on the journey. chatroomtherapy.org.nz

ter dreams e e n a t urally Sw

GET CRAFTY

Flower power T

he call is out to New Zealanders to bring back flowers and create a riot of colour in gardens this October for National Gardening Week.

Flowers are not just decorative. They provide food for the bees and butterflies. They taste good in salads and teas, and for centuries flowers have been used to heal.

To get you started with flower bombing your garden – or an area in your local neighbourhood that needs a splash of colour – Yates is lending a helping hand. Just register online at yates.co.nz/nationalgardeningweek from 1–14 October to receive a free packet of seeds from Yates flower range, including flowers for colour, flowers for the bees and butterflies and flowers that are perfect for picking. And the free seed offer is timed perfectly for the October school holidays to get kids into the garden for hours of flower fun.

NATIONAL GARDENING WEEK

21–28 OCTOBER

National Gardening Week aims to foster a love of gardening with a focus on growing not only plants but friendships, good health, strong communities and closer connections with nature. Whether it’s a few pots on the balcony, a small patch or an extensive garden, everyone can experience the joy of gardening.

Think bright!

D

uring the July school holidays, Austen attended a class at Paint ‘n’ Sip where he was taught how to bring characters to life with fluoro paints and stencils. With Resene’s range of neon paints, you can create this too.

There’s no excuse not to add splashes of colour to your life, and even put a blacklight to good use!

MATERIALS Any of the following Resene FX Fluoro paints: Resene FX Fluoro Green Resene FX Fluoro Yellow Resene FX Fluoro Pink Resene FX Fluoro Blue Resene FX Fluoro Orange Resene White paint Resene All Black Resene Alabaster Resene paintbrushes Canvas Pencil Stencil Blacklight (if you have one)

Win! Celebrate National Gardening Week with a Yates hamper containing everything you need to flower bomb your garden. A selection of Yates flower seeds in pretty pastels will deliver a delightful colour wave throughout your garden. Nature’s Way Organic seed raising mix will supercharge your seeds; Yates Thrive Rose & Flower Liquid Plant Food and Yates Thrive Roses & Flowers Natural Fish & Seaweed which have a dual action, feeding through both leaves and roots for fast results.

To enter, visit familytimes.co.nz

Add some bright, playful colours to your life, like this piece made by AUSTEN BOOKER , with help from his mum.

INSTRUCTIONS 1. For the best fluoro effect, paint the whole canvas in Resene White first.

2. Think of the canvas as in three sections. Start from the bottom, painting one of your Resene FX Fluoro colours over it. Then do that two more times, over the other two thirds.

3. If you’re in a rush to finish your masterpiece, use a hairdryer to dry the base.

If you have a blacklight, turn off all other lights and watch your masterpiece shine.

4. Repeat Step 2 to get a nice, bold base. (And repeat Step 3 if you want to dry it faster.)

5. Take your pencil and trace around your stencil. Do this freehand if you want to.

6. Take a fine paintbrush and trace over the pencil line with Resene All Black.

7. Next, fill in the character with a thicker paintbrush, once again using Resene All Black.

8. Like Austen’s, you might like your character to stand on a hill, or something similar, so it’s not just sitting there in the middle of the picture.

9. Finish off by flicking Resene Alabaster onto the top of the canvas to look like it’s a night full of stars.

For all your DIY projects, big or small, visit your nearest Resene ColorShop. resene.co.nz/colorshops

Spring / 2019

39

WATER FUN

Surfing with

CONFIDENCE

A

s one of New Zealand’s most experienced surfing instructors and owner of Learn to Surf, Aaron Lock’s passion is to encourage others to love and embrace the ocean without fear.

Be water safe

Part of our role as parents is to ensure our children have the tools they need to succeed in life. BEN CHRISTIE looks at how we can teach our kids to be safe in and around water.

P

arents must take the lead when it comes to their children’s aquatic education – from the first bath onwards. It is crucial we give our children early positive and fun experiences in water, and as soon as they can take instruction, deliver water safety messages such as “never go near the water unless you’re with a grown up”.

To keep our little ones safe there is no replacement for active adult supervision at all times. Never leave a toddler unsupervised in a bath – it takes less than a minute for a child to drown. Avoid distractions like mobile phones when at the beach, river, lake or pool. Always swim between the flags – life guards are not babysitters and your child’s safety is your responsibility.

To help Kiwi kids understand the dangers presented by our waterways, how to assess risk and enjoy themselves safely, Water Safety New Zealand is rolling out Water Skills for Life, to be taught in every primary school. This is a national aquatic education initiative for 5–13 year olds and gives them the knowledge and tools to stay safe in, on and around water. It is easier to teach than technical swimming and fun to learn. Encourage your child’s school to get involved today!

watersafety.org.nz

40 Spring / 2019

“It’s easy to get started with surfing, a series of lessons will give your child all the basic skills. All equipment is provided and we try to keep the cost to a minimum. We have one instructor for every six students so each child is safe and getting plenty of individual attention. Our instructors are great at encouraging everyone to progress at their own rate and enjoy their time in the water,” says Aaron.

Aaron and his large team of coaches dedicate their skills and time to share their ocean knowledge and educate families – both in and out of the water. Group lessons are split into kids (age 8-14), teenagers (13-18) and adults.

“The ocean can be a scary place but with a few basic skills it can be the world’s best playground. Every lesson begins with a bit of land time, checking the surf, looking for any hazards and talking about how to deal with rips and currents, and how to wipeout safely [when the nose of the surfboard digs into the sea, causing the rider to tip off]. We then do a few drills and skills on the beach before we hit the water for the rest of the session. Students are gaining confidence in every lesson, developing new skills, while at the same time having a heap of fun,” he says. surfcoach.co.nz

ACTIVE KIDS

Healthy By

TOM HART

A

role models

s a parent, you should have no doubt that you are the most influential person in your children’s lives.

Through direct interaction, or by setting an example, the parent’s own healthy or unhealthy habits will be followed by their children.

Most of our clients come to us with the goal of becoming better role models for their children.

They want to be around to play with their children, to keep up with them and not feel exhausted all the time. They want to show their kids that taking care of their health, and keeping fit is important. And they want to do something for themselves, and to feel inspired to finally take care of their bodies!

When you balance family, work and other stresses, finding time for self-care can feel impossible.

One of the best self-care strategies is getting regular exercise and healthier eating. Exercising regularly is a guaranteed way to boost your confidence and mental wellbeing, as well as helping you develop a stronger, leaner body. And it’s enjoyable! Finding a routine and programme you enjoy and a community you want to be part

of are key factors. These are two reasons our clients end up falling in love with fitness.

As a society we know that our kids need to move more and sit less from an early age to develop lifelong healthy habits. What better way to inspire your children to push play, than by setting that example?

IDEAS FOR GETTING ACTIVE

+ Inflatable World! When was the last time you went down an inflatable slide, or jumped off a big inflatable ledge? SO much indoor fun for both you and your kids! + Join your Christchurch community by exploring the walks around the city.

+ Always wanted to try Zumba, Yoga or Pilates but never had the time? Give it a go, get that time back for yourself and your kids will be inspired to do the same. + Sign up for that 8-week fitness challenge at your local gym for a fitness kick-start! + Do you reminisce about that time you made that winning goal for your school netball team? There are tons of indoor and outdoor team sports that you can sign up for.

When you embark on a journey of health and fitness, you teach your children to have fun with exercise and how to fit it into their day-to-day lives. huddlegroupfitness.com

BIRTHDAY IES N! PART E IN TOW

U BEST VAL

Download our free Inflatable World App to WIN PRIZES

CENTRAL CITY - HORNBY - REDWOOD We are open Saturday, Sunday & School holidays

Spring / 2019

41

FUN ZONE

KIDS’ time ACTIVITIES AND COLOURING IN FOR ALL AGES

Touring nationally. Check out our event calendars for more details.

6 NOV - 14 DEC A TASTY TREAT OF A BALLET

WORD SEARCH Find the characters from the film

RO BA U L RA NC I A S L HA AM AV EA QA

N D P D P J G A E D I S

A Y E P A F A R F A U A

I A N A Q A E C A J H V

N P G S A S A E N I A A

A A A K T A G T A N R M

I N H A R A D A F A A A

A E A U B C T Y J G J X

X C I K A Z A R A B A L

O A B H C O A G Y I R A

A Z A L M N S Y A K A P

WORD LIST EVEREST YI PENG JIN BURNISH NAINAI ZARA

RATING TO BE CONFIRMED

42 Spring / 2019

RATING TO BE CONFIRMED

IN CINEMAS SEPTEMBER 19

IN CINEMAS SEPTEMBER 19

GIVEAWAYS

Paw Patrol Ultimate Rescue Fire Truck An ultimate rescue needs an ultimate vehicle! Save the day with the Paw Patrol Ultimate Rescue Fire Truck!

2

Family Pass to Hansel & Gretel

Dr Bugs popcorn prize packs

Family pass plus a programme and four refreshment vouchers to see this extra special, new production of Hansel & Gretel by the Royal New Zealand Ballet.

Repeat first verse

I have an aunty who keeps an anteater She never meant to have it live with her It is so big now that she must call it “Sir” I have an aunt who keeps an anteater I have an uncle who’s so avuncular He lets me polish his precious motorcar He gives me relish from an Australian jar I have an uncle who’s avuncular

1. I Have A Cousin Who Is Only One (Hamish’s Song)

Matching shoes, matching shoes Why did we all choose?

Matching shoes, matching shoes Don’t know whose are whose Everybody in your street And everybody in my street Has to think about more feet Than the average caterpillar

Matching shoes, matching shoes Why did we all choose?

Matching shoes, matching shoes Don’t know whose are whose

T-t-t-t-t- tardigrade, oh-oh Yes, I’m tiny but I’m spry From the bottom of the ocean To a river running dry

T-t-t-t-t- tardigrade, oh-oh Have you heard my name before?

I could be living in your garden If you’re willing to explore

(I’m tiny but I’m Spry)

3. Tardigrade

Matching shoes, matching shoes We’ve got matching shoes Ones and twos, ones and twos Don’t know whose are whose

Oh yes I gasped as I hid When I saw what she did with the books she had And I understood then Why she always went home the long way As she unloaded her books And a wheelbarrow took all the weight of them I could see she was ashamed And so I vowed to do the same tomorrow And now the whole street wheels along And we sing our library song Da da da dee dum …

L-I-B-R-A-R-Y, that’s the place I like to be L-I-B-R-A-R-Y, at the library

When you’re peelin’ your potaters Or you’re choppin’ your tomaters When you’re dicin’ up your beans Or when you’re slicin’ up your greens So they resemble alligators You’ve got to hold on to the pieces That didn’t make it to the stew ‘Cause your ordinary peelin’ is incredibly appealin’ To the creepy crawly crew To the wormies and the little beetles too You can be a superhero And the keeper of a zoo ‘Cause your ordinary peelin’ is incredibly appealin’ To the creepy crawly crew

There was a girl from my street I’d occasionally meet at the library And it always left me puzzled How she carried all the books she borrowed She always went by herself And she emptied the shelf at the library Then she staggered out the door And it wasn’t long before I followed And I hid behind a tree So that she wouldn’t notice me Da da da dee dum …

(Sophie’s Song)

4. The Creepy Crawly Crew

2. Matching Shoes

5. L-I-B-R-A-R-Y

Mr Roberelli House on Wheels

6. A Goat Called Ken

7. Doctor, Doctor (The Cowboy Song) 8. Ballerina One

9. The Yurt Song (House on Wheels) 10. Spiders and Dragons 11. Flap, Flap

12. Never Lie on a Ukulele

Playing instruments, singing and dancing were Paul and Rochelle Depledge, Jennifer Gorbey, Gilbert Lawrence, Joshua Lynn, Rob Wigley and his daughters Sophie and Jessica.

Thanks to Katrina for her loving lunches, her fine ear and her matching shoes. Special appreciation and much love to Paul and Rochelle, who for all intents and purposes made this whole thing happen.

13. Sally and Michael 14. Rosenblitz

15. Mr. Roberelli (Crime Fighter) All songs - Rob Wigley, 2009.

Artwork courtesy of Sophie Wolff-Wigley.

Thanks Kari Hammond for the drums on “Goat” and “Cowboy.”

Adam Rotgans owned the pony.

Recorded & produced in New Zealand at Thinkt Studios over Easter 2009. © Copyright [2007-2009] Mr Roberelli Ltd. No part of this copyright work may be reproduced or performed in public without the consent of the owner. Any queries should be directed to Mr Roberelli Ltd.

To buy a copy of this CD go to www.MrRoberelli.co.nz

Be in to

Win!

Kiwi Kids Music prize pack A fantastic music prize pack from the Family Times Books and Beats page. The Lonely Book, Knock Knock book, free download of Rock Pool Rock for iPad, House on Wheels 2019, Mr Roberelli T-shirt (design, size, colour to be chosen from their site), Simply Us CD.

Simply head to our website: familytimes.co.nz Osmo Little Genius Starter Kit The new innovation of the Osmo Little Genius learning system combines proven hands-on play. It’s best suited to ages 3–5 and helps nurture core developmental skills including vocabulary, letters, emotions, problem-solving and creative confidence.

5

Zuru Bunch O Balloons Save time and your breath with ZURU Bunch O Balloons self-sealing party balloons! Fill, tie and string up to 40 party balloons in just 40 seconds!

Packs include balloons and pump.

3

Peppa’s Big Red Car Take Peppa and Mummy Pig on a picnic trip in Peppa's Big Red Car! Press the steering wheel to hear music and sound effects! Includes Picnic hamper, blanket, food, BBQ, Peppa and Mummy Pig figures.

Book pack Win this awesome pack of books from the Family Times Books and Beats page.

Polly Does NOT Want a Cracker, Two For Me, One For You, The Runaways, Brilliant Ideas, Ready Set Go! and Groovy Fish.

Spring / 2019

Terms and conditions can be found at familytimes.co.nz

Stuck on You lets you unleash your inner wordsmith or designer with a Personalise My Bento pack. Get creative with placement, nicknames, or snappy inspirational quotes.

5. L-I-B-R-A-R-Y

My uncle likes to tell me tales Like the time he was devoured by a whale But I’ve been reading very widely So I know he stole his story from the Bible

L-I-B-R-A-R-Y, that’s the place I like to be L-I-B-R-A-R-Y, at the library

Brand your own Bento!

When times get rough I’m the hardiest of creatures ‘Cause I just go to sleep for years and years

L-I-B-R-A-R-Y, that’s the place I like to be L-I-B-R-A-R-Y, at the library

When you’re boilin’ up the berries Or you’re makin’ cherry pie Well you’re really not a baker but you want banana cake And so you’re givin’ it a try You’ve gotta hold on to the pieces That didn’t make it to the lunch ‘Cause your ordinary peelin’ is incredibly appealin’ To the creepy crawly bunch To the wormies and the little beetles too You can be a superhero And the keeper of a zoo ‘Cause your ordinary peelin’ is incredibly appealin’ To the creepy crawly crew Yes your ordinary peelin’ is incredibly appealin’ To the creepy crawly crew You can be a superhero

Just launched! Connect 4 Shots is a variation on the old classic Connect 4 game.

It’s so much fun and highly addictive!

T-t-t-t-t- tardigrade, oh-oh Yes I’m tough enough to freeze From the ponds of Nova Scotia To the snowy Pyrenees

Connect 4 Shots

T-t-t-t-t- tardigrade, oh-oh I’m a very special case You can boil me, you can bake me You can send me into space

3

When times get rough I’m the hardiest of creatures ‘Cause I just go to sleep for years and years

AGE 8+ RRP: NZD $29.99

3. Tardigrade (I’m Tiny but I’m Spry) 4. The Creepy Crawly Crew

Mr Roberelli never talks down to children. He’ll sometimes use tricky words and he doesn’t always explain everything. These are gifts that children can carry with them for a while until one day things become clearer. As long as these moments in the songs spark more thoughts, images and curiosity, they belong right where they are, on a CD of music for children and grown ups too.

Visit New Zealand’s only open-range zoo.

win! The Bounce 'em in for the is fastConnect 4 Shots game in a race to paced, rapid-fire fun Count down get 4 shots in a row! ! Two to start: 1-2-3…bounce ght, lightwei players bounce the grid at the colorful balls into the ber, the balls same time. Remem going in. must hit the table before trying to fill Keep bouncing balls, vertically, the holes in the grid lly. Once horizontally, or diagona row of their a player gets 4 in a color they win the game!

Everybody in your street And everybody in my street Has to think about more feet Than the average caterpillar

Family passes to Orana Wildlife Park

2. Matching Shoes

I hope my cousin turns out to be such fun He likes to tango though he is only one I feed him mango and guard him from the sun I have a cousin who is only one I have a cousin who is only one I have a cousin who is only one

3

Matching shoes, matching shoes Why did we all choose?

Matching shoes, matching shoes Don’t know whose are whose

Explore the emotional lives of pets – the deep bond between them and the families that love them – and find out what your pets are really doing when you're not home!

1. I Have A Cousin Who Is Only One

The songs of Mr Roberelli tend to come from everyday happenings and the interesting and unpredictable things children do and say. With a body and mind as bendy as spaghetti, Mr Roberelli has turned simple situations into musical treats. None of these day-to-day situations are extraordinary, but for Mr Roberelli they are the perfect ingredients for songs!! What’s more, these little moments contain stories. Before long, each story takes on a life of its own and then the song belongs to everyone’s imagination.

Repeat

5

The Secret Life of Pets 2 on DVD!

2

To celebrate opening their factory for the school holiday tours, Dr Bugs is giving away tickets and popcorn! Each prize pack has 25 packets of popcorn and a family pass to the factory tour!

43

CHRISTCHURCH M A RK ETPL ACE

Parenting Helpline

FUN

ACTIVITY

support, advice and practical strategies anonymous, non-judgemental, confidential

Call 0800 568 856 9am - 11pm Monday to Sunday

WaiSwim is an award winning quality swim school. Lessons are available for children aged 6 months through to adults.

FREE HOUR S

Dudley Park Aquatic Centre 47 Church Street, Rangiora Kaiapoi Aquatic Centre 9 Cass Street, Kaiapoi

0800 WaiSwim

Living Springs October holiday Monday 7- Friday 11 Oscar accredited

WINNIE BAGOES

Canvas Bag Drama School Merivale • South Brighton • Halswell info@canvasbag.nz • 021 222 7273 • canvasbag.nz

in a fun supportive environment

C l a s s e s ava i l a b l e at :

Papanui | Sumner/Ferrymead | Halswell/Selwyn

44 Spring / 2019

Ph 385 6319 CALL AND SEE US TO ENROL

Winnies Ferrymead is your local family friendly restaurant. The perfect place for family dinners, birthday parties and functions. With a great kids’ menu, amazing pizzas, bar and friendly staff, it is the place to bring your family.

Christchurch’s favourite

2 Waterman Place Ferrymead

family restaurant

03 376 4900

winniebagoes.co.nz

contemporary, ballet, jazz, hip hop, preschool Preschool through to advanced Annual recitals and performances Optional exams and medal tests Enhance your confidence and co-ordination Make life long friendships anna lee Registered teacher (RAD, NZAMD, JDNZ)

03 354 6228

annaleeschoolofdance.co.nz

Early Childhood Educational Centre

45 Randall St, Richmond (Close to The Palms)

Term 4 starts 14 October Free trial class!

find your groove

that stimulate ACCEPT • Activities • Exciting & LEARN • educational Highly professional teachers PLAY • Assists individual development Childcare subsidy HAPPY • may be available 20 ECE hours ACHIEVE • available

0274 836 265 office@annaleeschoolofdance.co.nz

CHRISTCHURCH M A RK ETPL ACE

Fairytale Magic and

The Golden Think

Written and Directed by Chris Finnie

28th September till 13th October 2019 Cushion Theatre at the Malthouse Bookings at www.malthouse.co.nz

Rangiora New Life School A Christian Integrated Area School for New Entrants to Year 13 www.rnls.school.nz

Canterbury

Speakeasy

is a stuttering support group We meet at the University Speech Disorders Unit every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at 7.30pm

40th Jubilee - Labour Weekend 2019 www.rnls.school.nz/jubilee

Enrolment applications for 2021 and beyond are welcome.

Barry Hay For More InForMatIon P: 03 338 8628 E: bazzah1918@xtra.co.nz

admin@rnls.school.nz Stephen Walters, Principal

Presents

New Zealand

An invitation

Extravaganza Our Biggest Annual Event

to all girls aged 5 to 18

Labour Weekend 27th and 28th October

Come join the fun and friendship at any of our nationwide locations

Sunday and Monday 10:00 am - 4:30 pm

Early bird tickets coming soon on EventBrite

girlsbrigade.nz E-mail: info@girlsbrigade.org.nz

Check our website www.ferrymead.org.nz

50 Ferrymead Park Drive, Heatchote, Chch

Stimulation Challenge Early Learning Skills Language Development Co-ordination Sight & Hearing

HOURS Tues & Thur 10am - 4.30pm Sat 10am - 2pm 109 Huxley Street Christchurch Tel: 03 332 0733

specialneedslibrary.co.nz

R E G I S T R AT I O N I S O P E N F O R 2 0 2 0 C L A S S E S

C L A S S E S F R O M 3 Y E A R S T O A D U LT - O P E N A N D E X A M I N AT I O N C L A S S E S FULL TIME COURSE - BBO AND RAD BALLET - NZAMD JAZZ & CONTEMPORARY P U R P O S E - B U I LT D A N C E S T U D I O S 108 Ca rlyle St, Christchurch www.sout hernba l let.co.nz

Spring / 2019

45

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

8

questions with

As a mum of four sons, and "mother" to 850 girls aged 2-18, St Margaret’s College executive principal, DIANA PATCHETT, shares her experiences of parenting.

What is life like being “mother” to 850 girls?

My parenting life was happily dominated by boys, so I am so grateful to be the leader of a girls’ school. It offers me a tremendous opportunity to provide an environment free from gender expectations, enabling ‘my’ girls to step into any space to which they aspire and allowing them to admire the incredible diversity of talents among their female peers. Here we celebrate girls who are good with technology, girls who write poetry, girls who are fierce on the sports field, girls who bring you to tears with their musical prowess and girls who are a lovely mix of everything!

What’s one of the biggest lessons you’ve learnt as a parent?

Don’t sweat the small stuff, pick your battles, and amplify the positive messages you share whenever you can. It can be too easy for our young people to feel overwhelmed by the challenges and the issues of global concern.

Encouraging our children to know and play to their strengths, be open-minded and flexible thinkers, have confidence in their own skills and abilities, practise well-developed interpersonal and collaborative skills to be able to work well with others, and perhaps most importantly, demonstrate the resilience to embrace failure as a necessary means to realising a solution to new challenges – these are invaluable life skills for all ages and ones that we can assist with developing at home.

In this way, any concerns for the unknown aspects of their future can become a tailwind that propels them forward and not a headwind to hold them back.

46 Spring / 2019

Diana Patchett

What sort of things do you enjoy doing with your own family?

We are a close family, and stay in touch with each other regularly. However, with our boys now spread around the world, getting together is more often done via a group FaceTime chat, having fun with added comic filters, comparing time zones and current scenery.

Our family will never suffer from ‘nature deficit disorder’, so when we are together we take every opportunity to enjoy time outdoors. The boys’ preferred habitat involves saltwater – surfing on it, sailing over it or diving under it! So, setting up camp at the beach is high on our list of family adventures.

Best advice you would give to any parent, through your own experiences?

Look for the win-win in parenting. Empower your children to develop skills that will help set them up for success in the long term, and make family life easier in the short term. From when our sons were in Middle School, they were expected to cook a meal a week and each boy had one household job that they were ‘trained up’ to do well. While it certainly eased the load on their working parents, it also set them up with valuable flatmate skills as they stepped out of the family home with a few easy recipes under their belt and the ability to clean a bathroom properly.

What was the thing that surprised you most about parenting when you first became a mum?

It is said that when you choose to have a child,

you choose to have your heart walk around outside of your body for the rest of your life. The unconditional love that ties you to another little human right from the start took me by surprise.

And following the birth of each of my children, it amazed me that I had the capacity to love even more. Perhaps that is why the left lung of mothers is smaller than our right lung. It has to make room for our heart.

What is your favourite family tradition?

With four boys, our special holiday times were spent camping at the beach, so we modified my traditional Canadian Christmas traditions to suit our Antipodean family life. A mango replaced a mandarin in the bottom of stockings and cold prawns replaced hot ham for lunch.

Even under canvas though, Christmas still involved singalong carols on Christmas Eve, and it remains the youngest’s job to pass out the presents in the morning.

What are you reading at the moment?

I Am An Emotional Creature - the secret life of girls around the world, by Eve Ensler. It is a collection of fictional monologues and stories inspired by girls and an inspiring call to action for girls everywhere to speak up, follow their dreams, and become the women there were always meant to be.

What is your favourite quote?

What inspires me at the moment are the words of Coco Chanel, “A girl should be two things: who and what she wants.” stmargarets.school.nz

Creating Balanced Face Shapes Attractive Smiles Everyday!

Before

Many adults, teenagers, and children experience malocclusion/ misalignment in their lifetime which can be corrected by both a preventative approach and a reactive approach.

After

An early intervention ( preventative approach) allows to focus on the growth, development and wellbeing of our younger patients along with straightening teeth thereby bringing Facial Balance & Symmetry. “By way of this early approach, starting as early as 6 years old our goal is to provide and maintain space for permanent teeth so they naturally fall into their allocated space in a “nonsurgical, non-extraction way.” This minimises the need for more extensive and painful intervention later, at the same time brings facial balance and symmetry to the child’s face and smile helping them look and feel their best. As a child grows, their smile grows with them. And even with baby teeth, it may be the perfect time for children to start treatment as early as possible commonly referred to as Phase 1 treatment.

Face & smile improvement of a Smilesville patient

Before

After

Dr. Ruchika Sachdev of Smilesville Dental says - “If the muscles are out of balance the teeth, jaws, face and smile will be affected. This in turn affects breathing, facial appearance, teeth and it’s function, gum health, confidence to Smile / self esteem and overall well being. ” Dr. Sachdev and her team at Smilesville Dental are known for providing a unique type of treatment with Braces, Invisalign or a combination that not only works to give you straight teeth but also corrects the underlying causes of abnormal development creating well balanced faces and attractive smiles.

Face & smile improvement of a Smilesville patient

Smilesville Dental has been providing treatment to Tweens and Teens with Invisalign Teen since 2009 and much earlier with adults, being the first Invisalign platinum provider from Christchurch (and the whole of the South Island) having 10+years Invisalign Experience.

What Smilesville patients are saying Ruth: “Very happy with the good care taken of my children during their orthodontics. Some nervous moments as the treatment involved an ‘ugly duckling’ phase but as a result they have fabulous smiles and we are all very pleased. Rusheka is very patient with people and accommodating and I recommend coming when your children are as young as 8 to be able to take advantage of the most options for their treatment.”

The new Invisalign for kids technique is designed to treat a broad range of teeth straightening issues in growing children, from simple to complex, including crowding, spacing, narrow dental arches and many more issues. They are removable for easy hygiene, making it easier for growing children to brush and floss easily and maintain their teeth and are designed for comfort.

Rachele: “I have been with Smilesville Dental for the last 10 years. We are now

Smilesville Dental exclusively offers expert advise and treatments in Advanced cosmetic dentistry, Smile design, Full mouth reconstruction, Implants, Invisalign and Orthodontics to give you an amazing Smile.

up to child number 4 for orthodontic treatment. Ruchika and Sam have been amazing over this time. My husband and I also attend the clinic. Dentists are not my favourite place but this is the best pain free, friendly and quick service. I highly recommend Ruchika and her team.”

Not only to smile... but to Smile with Confidence.

GET A FREE CONSULTATION NOW Talk to the friendly staff at Smilesville Dental to transform your child’s face, jaws, teeth and life!

Call 0800 INVISIBLE (0800 468 474) Smilesville Patient underwent Invisalign Teen

Young patients undergoing treatment at Smilesville

Leaders in Appearance dentistry • Orthodontics for adults, youth and children • Invisalign – The Invisible way to straighten teeth - First Ever Platinum Provider of the South Island treating with Invisalign for 10 years + • Free dental treatment for 13-18yr olds (OHSA conditions apply)

• Extreme Dental makeovers • Whitening • General Dental and complete Hygiene services • Implants • A specialist referral might be required in some cases • Best price Guaranteed

CALL NOW 0800 INVISIBLE (0800 468 474)

Shop 201, Westfield Riccarton Mall 131 Riccarton Road, Riccarton, Christchurch

Located above ASB bank (best access via Lift in Farmers store)

0800 INVISIBLE (0800 468 474)

smilesville.co.nz Spring / 2019

47

Kids Designer Brands INSTORE & ONLINE NOW CW Radicool, Dude The Mash Tee, 3–8 $45 CW Radicool, Dude Rd1211 Space Pant, 3–8 $55

CW Hello Stranger Roses Scoop Dress, Pink, 3–10 $50

CW Fox & Finch, Painter Stripe Tee, Navy Stripe, 000–2 $34.95 CW Fox & Finch, Painter Pull On Short, Golden, 000–2 $44.95

CW Huxbaby, Banana T-Shirt, White, 1–5Y $55 CW Huxbaby, Star Frill Skirt, Deep Blue, 2–5Y $60

Shop online | www.ballantynes.co.nz | Ballantynes, City Mall, Christchurch | OPEN 7 DAYS

48 Spring / 2019